Metabiotic effects of Fusarium spp. on Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on raw portioned tomatoes.

The metabiotic effects of Fusarium proliferatum, F. avenaceum, and F. oxysporum on Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in fresh tomatoes were investigated. Tomatoes were preinoculated with the molds and incubated at 15 degrees C for 7 days; then they were inoculated separately with the pathogens, packaged in air and modified atmosphere (5% O2, 30% CO2, and 65% N2), and stored at 4, 8, and 12 degrees C for 9 days. The cell loads of pathogens and lactic acid bacteria and the pH were evaluated periodically. The data were modeled through some different mathematical models to assess the shoulder length, i.e., the time before the beginning of the exponential death phase, the 1-log reduction time (s), and the pathogen death time (deltastand). The preinoculation of tomatoes with the molds enhanced the survival of E. coli O157:H7 by prolonging shoulder length and 8 parameters; this effect, however, was not observed for L. monocytogenes. pH values did not undergo significant changes within the storage time, and the lactic acid bacteria increased from 5 to 7 log CFU/g, without significant differences among the storage temperatures or the packaging atmospheres. The results of this research showed that the use of fresh tomatoes colonized by fusaria (even if the contamination is not visible) could increase significantly the risk of outbreaks due to some pathogens that could be on the surface of fruits and vegetables as a result of cross-contamination at home or incorrect postharvest operations

Modelling the Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Raw Portioned Tomatoes, Inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus and Emericella nidulans

The metabiotic interactions occurring among two fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus and Emericella nidulans) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on raw portioned tomatoes were studied. Tomatoes, preinoculated with the moulds and inoculated with the pathogen, were packaged in air and stored at 4, 8 and 12∘C for 9 days; pathogen cell number and pH were monitored throughout the storage and the data were modeled using three different equations (Geeraerd, Weibull, and modified Weibull), to assess the shoulder length, the 1-log reduction time, and the death time. Both A. fumigatus and E. nidulans increased the survival of E. coli O157:H7 through the prolongation of the shoulder length; in contrast, the death time was significantly increased. The results of this paper suggested that the metabiotic interactions aspergilli/E. coli O 157:H7 could be of public concern, as the consumption of tomatoes (or other fruits and vegetables) contaminated both by the moulds and the pathogen is a possible scenario

A hidden echocardiographic pitfall: the Gerbode defect

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Synergistic effect of gefitinib and rofecoxib in mesothelioma cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive tumor that is resistant to conventional modes of treatment with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Research into the molecular pathways involved in the development of MM should yield information that will guide therapeutic decisions. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are involved in the carcinogenesis of MM. Combination of COX-2 and EGFR inhibitors, therefore, could be an effective strategy for reducing cell growth in those lines expressing the two molecular markers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In order to verify the effect of COX-2 and EGFR inhibitors, five MM cell lines NCI-2452, MPP89, Ist-Mes-1, Ist-Mes-2 and MSTO-211 were characterized for COX-2 and EGFR and then treated with respective inhibitors (rofecoxib and gefitinib) alone and in combination. Only MPP89, Ist-Mes-1 and Ist-Mes-2 were sensitive to rofecoxib and showed growth-inhibition upon gefitinib treatment. The combination of two drugs demonstrated synergistic effects on cell killing only in Ist-Mes-2, the cell line that was more sensitive to gefitinib and rofecoxib alone. Down-regulation of COX-2, EGFR, p-EGFR and up-regulation of p21 and p27 were found in Ist-Mes-2, after treatment with single agents and in combination. In contrast, association of two drugs resulted in antagonistic effect in Ist-Mes-1 and MPP89. In these cell lines after rofecoxib exposition, only an evident reduction of p-AKT was observed. No change in p-AKT in Ist-Mes-1 and MPP89 was observed after treatment with gefitinib alone and in combination with rofecoxib.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Gefitinib and rofecoxib exert cell type-specific effects that vary between different MM cells. Total EGFR expression and downstream signalling does not correlate with gefitinib sensitivity. These data suggest that the effect of gefitinib can be potentiated by rofecoxib in MM cell lines where AKT is not activated.</p

Farms’ structural adjustment to the increasing competitive pressure: specialization vs. de-specialization in Italian agriculture

The paper provides an application of micro-data statistical analysis for agricultural economics studies. We use data from the 2000 and 2010 Censuses to build a short, two-year panel of 823.771 farms and we used the panel to describe specialization in Italian agriculture. We classified Italian farms into four groups according to their adoption of specialized Type of Farming (TOF) in 2000 and 2010 or de-specialized TOF in both surveys, or the change from a specialized to a de-specialized TOF or vice versa. The degree of specialization in Italian agriculture increased over the decade and the result was driven mostly by a relevant shift toward specialization of farms located in the mountain areas of central and southern Italy. We also found an association between the age structure of the family workforce and the choice of adopting a specialized TOF

Posibilidades de reproducción de Schinus johnstonii (Anacardiaceae), una especie nativa del Monte argentino

Schinus johnstonii F. A. Barkley (Anacardiaceae) es un arbusto nativo de la ProvinciaFitogeográfica del Monte, donde representa un importante componente del pastizal natural. Su tolerancia a la sequía, junto a la presencia de una floración abundante,la convierten en una buena opción para proyectos paisajísticos y de restauración de ambientes degradados y deforestados. Para tales fines es necesario contar con informaciónacerca de sus posibilidades de reproducción. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron determinar los requerimientos básicos para la germinación de sus semillas(reproducción sexual), en condiciones de laboratorio, la viabilidad de las mismas y analizar la supervivencia de estacas (reproducción vegetativa), en condiciones controladasy bajo distintos tratamientos. Las semillas recolectadas se sometieron a seis tratamientos pre-germinativos: exocarpo intacto (control), remoción de exocarpo(desnudas), semillas desnudas con escarificación mecánica, semillas desnudas con escarificación química, semillas desnudas en remojo y semillas desnudas con exposicióna humo. Sólo se observó germinación en semillas sin exocarpo. Las semillas desnudas germinaron a partir de los 10 días, con un valor máximo del 38%, sinencontrarse diferencias entre los tratamientos. Se observó, además, una importanteproporción de semillas no viables o vacías (30-40%). El estudio de reproducciónvegetativa, con estacas recolectadas durante los estadios fenológicos vegetativo yreproductivo, con y sin hormona de enraizamiento, dio como resultado un porcentajebajo de rebrote (20%), sin diferencias entre tratamientos. Según los resultados,las semillas de S. johnstonii presentarían dormición física impuesta por la cubierta(superada por remoción del exocarpo). La reproducción de este arbusto no seríarecomendable por medio de estacas, aunque se sugiere realizar más estudios.Schinus johnstonii F. A. Barkley (Anacardiaceae) is a native shrub to the Monte Phytogeographic Province, where it represents an important component of rangelands. Its tolerance to drought and abundant flowering, render it a good option for landscaping and land restoration projects on degraded and deforested areas. For such purposes, information about its reproductive possibilities is needed. The objectives of this work were to determine the basic requirements for seed germination (sexual reproduction) under laboratory conditions, viability and to analyze the survival of cuttings (vegetative reproduction), under controlled conditions and different treatments. The collected seeds were subjected to six pre-germination treatments: intact exocarp (control), exocarp removal (bare), bare seeds with mechanical scarification, bare seeds with chemical scarification, bare seeds with soaking and bare seeds with exposure to smoke. Germination was only observed in seeds without exocarp. Bare seeds germinated after 10 days, with a maximum value of 38%, with no differences between treatments. In addition, a significant proportion of non-viable or empty seeds (30-40%) was observed. The vegetative reproductive study, with cuttings collected during the vegetative and reproductive phenological stages, with and without rooting hormone, resulted in a low percentage of regrowth (20%), with no differences between treatments. According to these results, seeds of S. johnstonii would present physical dormancy imposed by the seed coat (overcome by the removal of the exocarp). The reproduction of this shrub by cuttings is not recommended, although further studies are suggested

Awarded innovative and educational good practices against chronic pain across Europe

In continuation with the second edition of the research project "European Civic Prize on Chronic Pain – Collecting Good Practices", the third edition of the initiative led by Active Citizenship Network, whose term has spanned from 2020-2021, has recently selected several good practices in the fight against chronic pain in the European Union. This year's edition of the Prize has been extremely significant, as it has taken place in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a diverse approach has been taken in the collection and implementation of good practices. The project has included practices stemming from healthcare professionals, institutions, civic and patient organizations, and other advocative entities for patients in Europe. This article will focus on two of the winning good practices that have been selected by the Jury of experts and will examine initiatives related to Professional Education and Innovation

Grasses (Poaceae) of the District of Coronel Rosales (Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Las gramíneas (Poáceas) conforman una de las familias más numerosas, con más de 670 géneros y cerca de 11.000 especies descriptas. Se (1) efectuó un inventario de las gramíneas del Partido de Coronel Rosales, Buenos Aires, Argentina, y (2) ofreció una síntesis considerando sus usos etnobotánicos y características ecológicas. Durante 2006, 2007 y 2008 el material recolectado se identificó mediante el uso de claves taxonómicas. La familia Poaceae representó el 25% de las especies del Partido. Se confirmó la presencia de 95 especies de Poaceae distribuidas en 17 tribus y 47 géneros. De éstas, las especies autóctonas constituyeron cerca del 45% de la flora espontánea. El 36 ó 26% de las especies halladas fueron gramíneas perennes de estación cálida o fría, respectivamente. El porcentaje restante lo constituyeron las especies anuales. Un 46,3% y un 53,7% de las especies de gramíneas estudiadas tuvieron la senda fotosintética C3 y C4, respectivamente. Se destacaron varios usos: (1) producción de forraje para el ganado doméstico, (2) medicinales, (3) fijadoras de médanos y de terrenos con suelos sueltos (es decir de textura gruesa), (4) ornamentales, (5) utilización como césped, (6) alimenticios, y (7) varios usos industriales: fabricación de conglomerados, pasta de papel y canastas.Grasses (i.e., Poaceae) are one of the more numerous, described families with more than 670 genera and about 11,000 species. This work includes (1) a plant record of the grasses of the District of Coronel Rosales, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and (2) a synthesis of their ethnobotanical uses and ecological characteristics. During 2006, 2007 and 2008, we identified the sampled material using taxonomical keys. Twenty five percent of the species of the District was represented by the Poaceae family. Ninety five Poaceae species were distributed in 17 tribes and 47 genera. Native species were approximately 45% of the wild flora. Warm- or cool-season perennial grasses were 36 or 26%, respectively, of the found species; annual species constituted the remaining percentage. A 46.3% or 53.7% of the study grass species showed the C3 or C4, photosynthetic pathway, respectively. The study species can be used as: (1) forage for domestic livestock, (2) medicinal plants, (3) dune and sandy, loose land fixers, (4) ornamentals, (5) lawn, (6) food, and (7) a source for building woody, housing materials; paper pasta and canastas.Fil: Cardillo, Daniela Solange. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); ArgentinaFil: Busso, Carlos Alberto. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); ArgentinaFil: Ambrosino, Mariela Lis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Yanina Alejandra. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ithurrart, Leticia Soledad. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida(i); ArgentinaFil: Montenegro, Oscar Alberto. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Asuntos Agrarios. Chacra Experimental de Patagones; Argentin

Plant species identity and richness influence microbial respiration of soil microorganisms on various functional groups in northeastern Patagonia, Argentina

Studies on basal soil respiration (i.e., under undisturbed conditions) are very important because they can be used as indirect indicators of the biological activity in those soils; this ecological process is recognized as the major source of carbon flux from the soil surface, and one of the crucial components of the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to determine the microbial respiration of soil microorganisms at various levels of plant species richness and developmental morphology stages in various perennial grass (Nassella longiglumis, N. tenuis, Amelichloa ambigua), and herbaceous (Atriplex semibaccata) and woody (Larrea divaricata, Schinus fasciculatus) dicots grown in experimental plots during 2013 and 2014. There were 54 experimental plots. On each of 6 blocks, there was a plot (1.25x1.25m) for each of the 6 species (monocultures) and one plot each having combinations of 2, 4 or 6 species. Six hundred and twenty nine plants were reserved to replace dead plants in the plots [629+1944 plants from the plots (54 plots x 36 plants per plot)=2573 plants in total]. An auger (3 cm diameter, 20 cm length), was used to obtain six replicate root + soil samples at each of four sampling times during those years. Basal soil respiration was similar (p>0.05) or greater (p<0.05), but ever lower, as plant species richness increased. Our results demonstrated that the plant species differences in microbial respiration in the experimental plots were species richness-, developmental morphology stage-, and sampling-time dependents.Fil: Cardillo, Daniela Solange. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; ArgentinaFil: Busso, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Ambrosino, Mariela Lis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales Unlpamp;Fil: Torres, Yanina Alejandra. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; Argentina. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Ithurrart, Leticia Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Palomo, Iris Rosana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; Argentin