New Perspectives on the Application of Chito-Oligosaccharides Derived from Chitin and Chitosan: A Review

The study of chitin and chitosan has stood out for many years due to their potential application in various areas such as the food industry, where they are either used as additives, prebiotics, or bio-conservatives; as to biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, where they function to treat diseases. Besides, in the agriculture field, it is known that they can cause a positive effect on the development of plants and optimize nitrogen fixation. In recent years, attention has been paid to their derivatives, chito-oligosaccharides which, unlike chitin and chitosan, they have different chemical characteristics, like their solubility, a characteristic that facilitates their use, contrary to chitin and chitosan. Moreover, the small size of chito-oligosaccharides can facilitate their entry into the cell. This review covers recent studies on the biological functions of chito-oligosaccharides and their impact on a priority area such as agriculture, where these compounds could be used to substitute the demand for chemical compounds that, until now, have generated serious health issues as well as environmental pollution

Tricholiperus lipeurides (Mégnin 1884) in Mazama temama (Kerr 1792): first case report in Mexico

Objective: To identify the taxonomy of the lice of the family Trichodectidae present in a captive population of M. temama. Methodology: Lice were collected from 15 red brocket deer (M. temama) in captivity at the Unit for the Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use of Wildlife (UMA) El Pochote, Ixtaczoquitlán, Veracruz, Mexico. The deer were sedated and inspected in the ventral, inguinal, ears and tail areas to collect the lice, which were observed with bright field microscopy and electron microscopy and using taxonomic keys they were identified at the species level. Results: A total of 155 lice identified as Tricholiperus lipeuroides were collected from 8 females and 7 males of M. temama. The prevalence was 60% (9 of 15 deer had lice) and the mean abundance of 10 lice per deer. The inguinal and ventral areas were the areas of the body where the presence of lice accumulated the most. Implications: This study expands the knowledge about ectoparasites in M. temama in captivity and how the chewing louse T. lipeuroides adapts to new hosts. Although M. temama acts as an incidental host for T. lipeuroides, the deer did not show clinical signs such as hair loss. This information had not been reported in other studies and there are no previous case reports for Mexico. Conclusions: The presence of T. lipeuroides in M. temama is reported for the first time in the UMA El Pochote, Ixtaczoquitlán, Veracruz, Mexico, since by sharing some areas of the UMA enclosures with O. virginianus; red brocket deer became a host of T. lipeuroides.Objective: To identify the taxonomy of lice of the family Trichodectidae present in a captive population of M. temama.Methodology: Lice were collected from 15 red brocket (Temazate) deer (M. temama) in captivity at the Unit for the Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use of Wildlife El Pochote, Ixtaczoquiltan, Veracruz, Mexico. The deer were sedated and inspected in the ventral and inguinal zone, ears and tail to collect the lice, which were observed with bright field microscopy and electron microscopy. Then, with the use of taxonomic keys, lice were identified up to species.Results: A total of 155 lice identified as Tricholiperus lipeuroides were collected in 8 females and 7 males of M. temama. The prevalence was 60% (9 out of 15 deer had lice) at an average abundance of 10 lice per deer. The inguinal and ventral zone were the areas of the body where most of the collected lice were detected. Implications: This study expands the knowledge about ectoparasites in M. temama incaptivity, recording for the first time the association of the chewing louse T. lipeuroideswith this species of deer. The deer analyzed did not present clinical signs such as hairloss. This information is not yet reported in other studies; there are no previous casereports for Mexico.Conclusions: The presence of T. lipeuroides in M. temama is reported for the first timein the UMA El Pochote, Ixtaczoquitlán, Veracruz, Mexico. Since M. temama sharessome areas of the enclosures in the UMA with O. virginianus, the Temazate became ahost of T. lipeuroides

“Influencia de partículas hidrofóbicas e hidrofílicas en las propiedades físicas y estructurales de películas de almidón de maíz”

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto de micropartículas hidrofóbicas (OC-CPC), e hidrofílicas (Bentonita), en las propiedades físicas y estructurales de películas de almidón de maíz elaboradas por el método de extrusión. Para la elaboración de las películas se utilizó almidón de maíz nativo de una marca comercial, glicerina y agua destilada se utilizaron como plastificantes. Como material reforzante se usó una nanoarcilla (bentonita) obtenida de una marca comercial, así como una arcilla orgánica (partículas hidrofóbicas), elaborada realizando una modificación química a la nanoarcilla, misma que se evidenció mediante una difracción de rayos X. Para las películas control se utilizó 60 % almidón, 30 % glicerina y 10 % agua destilada. Mientras que las películas hidrofílicas e hidrofóbicas contenían 56 % almidón, 4 % partículas hidrofílicas ó 4 % partículas hidrofóbicas respectivamente, 30 % glicerina y 10 % agua destilada. Las formulaciones obtenidas se mezclaron y fueron procesadas utilizando un extrusor de doble husillo (C. W. Brabender) con tres zonas de calentamiento (T1= 80 OC, T2=90 OC, T3= 98 OC) y un dado para placa con un espesor de 0.6 mm (grosor de las películas) que cuenta con una zona de calentamiento (T4=95 OC). Se evidenció la dispersión homogénea y el tamaño promedio de las partículas en las películas a partir de micrografías obtenidas en un microscopio electrónico de barrido. Se determinó la permeabilidad al vapor de agua de las películas y se obtuvo que aquellas adicionadas con partículas hidrofóbicas fueron menos permeables, comparadas con las películas con partículas hidrofílicas y las control. Por otra parte, la solubilidad de las películas control fue mayor con respecto a las películas reforzadas con las partículas. De los estudios de las propiedades mecánicas, se observó que las peliculas adicionadas con particulas hidrofóbicas (OC-CPC) obtuvieron mayor porcentaje de elasticidad y punto de ruptura. Las películas hidrofóbicas fueron 31.41 % menos permeables respecto a las películas control

Reproductive Apparatus, Gonadic Maturation, and Allometry of <i>Cyclocephala barrerai</i> Martínez (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Dynastinae)

The Order Coleoptera provides good examples of morphological specializations in the reproductive apparatus, gonadic maturation, and allometry differing between the sexes. The female and male reproductive apparatus has been modified to ensure reproduction between individuals of the same species. The genus Cyclocephala has more than 500 species distributed in America, and Cyclocephala barrerai Martínez is an economically important species in the central part of Mexico. The objective of this work was to study the reproductive system, gonadic maturation, and allometry of C. barrerai. We used light, scanning electron, and laser scanning confocal microscopy to describe the reproductive apparatus and gonadic maturation of females and males. The relationship between adult weight and different parts of the body was established by linear regression. Regardless, the reproductive apparatuses of C. barrerai are like those of other Melolonthidae: the genital chamber, the type II accessory glands, and the ventral plaques of the female and the ejaculator bulb and genital capsule of the males are specific to C. barrerai. The gonads are fully developed when 18 d old. The weight of adult C. barrerai has a positive linear relationship with distinct parts of its body, while the antennae of males are larger than those of the females

First report on Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in stored Amaranth grains (Amaranthus spp.)

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was the identification and description of a lepidopterous species that damages amaranth grains stored in Morelos, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: During six months, we collected commercial amaranth bars with larvae, the insects were fed with amaranth grains in laboratory conditions to obtain genitalia and we took photographs in confocal laser scanning microscopy. We also took photographs in environmental scanning electron microscopy of the abdominal end of the adults, as well as of the eggs and the first stage larvae. Results: We present the first report of the appearance of the flour moth Plodia interpunctella in stored amaranth grains in Mexico. This is the first known record of damage to amaranth grains by this pest in the world. Limitations on study/implications: In the amaranth-producing region of Morelos, Mexico, there is no information on stored amaranth grain pests; this highlights the need of delving in the study of its reproductive biology and ecology upon this new host. &nbsp; Findings/conclusions: The identification of Plodia interpunctella in amaranth grains will allow the development of a management strategy to prevent the spread of this new pest in the amaranth-producing region.Objective: To identify and describe the species of lepidopteran that causes damage to amaranth grains.Design/Methodology/Approach: During six months, amaranth cereal bars were obtained to collect the larvae of the lepidopteran, a pest that consumes the grains. Larvae were kept under laboratory conditions until adults emerged. For the identification of the adults, the genitalia were extracted and photographs were taken by confocal laser scanningmicroscopy; and those of abdominal termination, egg and larvae of the first stage, by scanning electron microscopy.Results: The first report on the appearance of the flour moth Plodia interpunctella in stored amaranth grains in Mexico is presented. This is the first known record of damage to amaranth grains by this pest in the world.Study limitations/implications: In the Amaranth-producing region of Morelos, Mexico, there is no information on the  pests of stored amaranth grains. Therefore, the need arises to deepen the study of the reproductive biology and ecology of Plodia interpunctella on this new host.Findings/Conclusions: The identification of Plodia interpunctella in amaranth grains will allow the development of a management strategy to prevent the spread of this new pest in the Amaranth-producing region

Tara gum–bovine sodium caseinate acid gels: Stabilisation of W/W emulsions

Microstructural, rheological, and textural behaviour of tara gum–bovine sodium caseinate aqueous mixtures and their acid gels were evaluated. Acid gels with different microstructures and texture were obtained. These results can be related to a competition between the protein acid gelation process and the segregative phase separation. Depending on the concentration ratio of both biopolymers, a continuous protein gel network or a water-in-water emulsion stabilised by acid gelation was observed. These findings may be used to address the development of new food-grade gels with different textures and also for the obtention of protein microgels to encapsulate hydrophilic compounds.Fil: Hidalgo, María Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; ArgentinaFil: Ingrassia, Romina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; ArgentinaFil: Nielsen, Nadia Sol. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; ArgentinaFil: Porfiri, María Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología. Laboratorio de Investigación en Funcionalidad y Tecnología de Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Tapia Maruri, Daniel. Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos. Departamento de Biotecnología; MéxicoFil: Risso, Patricia Hilda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; Argentin

Tara gum–bovine sodium caseinate acid gels: Stabilisation of W/W emulsions

Microstructural, rheological, and textural behaviour of tara gum–bovine sodium caseinate aqueous mixtures and their acid gels were evaluated. Acid gels with different microstructures and texture were obtained. These results can be related to a competition between the protein acid gelation process and the segregative phase separation. Depending on the concentration ratio of both biopolymers, a continuous protein gel network or a water-in-water emulsion stabilised by acid gelation was observed. These findings may be used to address the development of new food-grade gels with different textures and also for the obtention of protein microgels to encapsulate hydrophilic compounds.Fil: Hidalgo, María Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Química Física. Instituto de Física Rosario (IFIR-CONICET); Argentina.Fil: Ingrassia, Romina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Química Física. Instituto de Física Rosario (IFIR-CONICET); Argentina.Fil: Ingrassia, Romina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina.Fil: Nielsen, Nadia Sol. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; Argentina.Fil: Porfiri, María Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET); Argentina.Fil: Porfiri, María Cecilia. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes. Laboratorio de Investigación en Funcionalidad y Tecnología de Alimentos (LIFTA); Argentina.Fil: Tapia-Maruri, Daniel. Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Departamento de Biotecnología. Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos; México.Fil: Risso, Patricia Hilda. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Química Física. Instituto de Física Rosario (IFIR-CONICET); Argentina.Fil: Risso, Patricia Hilda. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina

Selection of Salinity-Adapted Endorhizal Fungal Consortia from Two Inoculum Sources and Six Halophyte Plants

Soil salinity is a limiting factor in crop productivity. Inoculating crops with microorganisms adapted to salt stress is an alternative to increasing plant salinity tolerance. Few studies have simultaneously propagated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate fungi (DSF) using different sources of native inoculum from halophyte plants and evaluated their effectiveness. In alfalfa plants as trap culture, this study assessed the infectivity of 38 microbial consortia native from rhizosphere soil (19) or roots (19) from six halophyte plants, as well as their effectiveness in mitigating salinity stress. Inoculation with soil resulted in 26–56% colonization by AMF and 12–32% by DSF. Root inoculation produced 10–56% and 8–24% colonization by AMF and DSF, respectively. There was no difference in the number of spores of AMF produced with both inoculum types. The effective consortia were selected based on low Na but high P and K shoot concentrations that are variable and are relevant for plant nutrition and salt stress mitigation. This microbial consortia selection may be a novel and applicable model, which would allow the production of native microbial inoculants adapted to salinity to diminish the harmful effects of salinity stress in glycophyte plants in the context of sustainable agriculture

A Mixture of Kaempferol-3-O-sambubioside and Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside from Malvaviscus arboreus Prevents Ethanol-Induced Gastric Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Histologic Changes

Malvaviscus arboreus is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, a mixture of Kaempferol-O-sambubioside and Kaempferol-O-sophoroside (MaSS) isolated from flowers of this species was tested as a preventive treatment on gastric lesions induced with ethanol in rats. MaSS was obtained by chromatographic methods and administered by oral pathway to male Sprague Dawley rats with ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Pretreatment with MaSS at doses of 30, 90, 120, and 180 mg/kg significantly prevents gastric lesions, inhibits the increment in relative stomach weight (%) in gastric IL-6, and also provokes an increment of IL-10 concentration and catalase activity. Finally, MaSS prevented edema in the mucosa and submucosa and diminished microscopic gastric lesions provoked by ethanol