New insights into Escherichia coli metabolism: carbon scavenging, acetate metabolism and carbon recycling responses during growth on glycerol

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Glycerol has enhanced its biotechnological importance since it is a byproduct of biodiesel synthesis. A study of <it>Escherichia coli</it> physiology during growth on glycerol was performed combining transcriptional-proteomic analysis as well as kinetic and stoichiometric evaluations in the strain JM101 and certain derivatives with important inactivated genes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Transcriptional and proteomic analysis of metabolic central genes of strain JM101 growing on glycerol, revealed important changes not only in the synthesis of MglB, LamB and MalE proteins, but also in the overexpression of carbon scavenging genes: <it>lamB</it>, <it>malE</it>, <it>mglB</it>, <it>mglC</it>, <it>galP</it> and <it>glk</it> and some members of the RpoS regulon (<it>pfkA</it>, <it>pfkB</it>, <it>fbaA</it>, <it>fbaB</it>, <it>pgi, poxB</it>, <it>acs</it>, <it>actP</it> and <it>acnA</it>). Inactivation of <it>rpoS</it> had an important effect on stoichiometric parameters and growth adaptation on glycerol. The observed overexpression of <it>poxB</it>, <it>pta</it>, <it>acs</it> genes, glyoxylate shunt genes (<it>aceA, aceB</it>, <it>glcB</it> and <it>glcC</it>) and <it>actP</it>, suggested a possible carbon flux deviation into the PoxB, Acs and glyoxylate shunt. In this scenario acetate synthesized from pyruvate with PoxB was apparently reutilized via Acs and the glyoxylate shunt enzymes. In agreement, no acetate was detected when growing on glycerol, this strain was also capable of glycerol and acetate coutilization when growing in mineral media and derivatives carrying inactivated <it>poxB</it> or <it>pckA</it> genes, accumulated acetate. Tryptophanase A (TnaA) was synthesized at high levels and indole was produced by this enzyme, in strain JM101 growing on glycerol. Additionally, in the isogenic derivative with the inactivated <it>tnaA</it> gene, no indole was detected and acetate and lactate were accumulated. A high efficiency aromatic compounds production capability was detected in JM101 carrying pJLB<it>aroG</it>^<it>fbr</it><it>tktA</it>, when growing on glycerol, as compared to glucose.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The overexpression of several carbon scavenging, acetate metabolism genes and the absence of acetate accumulation occurred in JM101 cultures growing on glycerol. To explain these results it is proposed that in addition to the glycolytic metabolism, a gluconeogenic carbon recycling process that involves acetate is occurring simultaneously in this strain when growing on glycerol. Carbon flux from glycerol can be efficiently redirected in JM101 strain into the aromatic pathway using appropriate tools.</p

Advances in the selection program of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) varieties in the Colegio de Postgraduados

Objective: To describe the advances in the sugarcane variety selection program that is carried out by the Campus Córdoba of the College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences located in Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: For the selection of sugarcane varieties, the methodology developed by the Institute for the Improvement of Sugar Production (IMPA) was used, and for the varietal description, the protocol of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) was implemented. Results: In 2009, the Campus Córdoba started the varietal selection program with more than 6 thousand hybrids from 40 crosses, of which 4422 materials were selected after showing resistance to the sugarcane mosaic virus. From the 4422 materials of the seedling phase, 352 clones were selected and evaluated in the Furrow Phase, selecting 57 varieties for the Plot Phase. Of these 57 varieties, 36 were selected in the Adaptability Test Phase, and 27 in the following Agroindustrial Evaluation Phase. Of these last 27 varieties, estimated yields are greater than 100 t ha-1, with good quality of juices and agronomic characteristics. Study limitations/implications: The program has faced climate and budget challenges, delaying progress. Currently, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically affected our research. Findings/conclusions: This breeding and variety selection program started with 6,000 crosses, of which to date there are 27 in advanced stages of selection, with the possibility of adaptation and good yields for the area of influence of the Campus Córdoba.Objective: To describe the advances in the sugarcane variety selection program that is carried out by the Campus Córdoba of the College of Postgraduates in Agricultural Sciences located in Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: For the selection of sugarcane varieties, the methodology developed by the Institute for the Improvement of Sugar Production (IMPA) was used, and for the varietal description, the protocol of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) was implemented. Results: In 2009, the Campus Córdoba started the varietal selection program with more than 6 thousand hybrids from 40 crosses, of which 4422 materials were selected after showing resistance to the sugarcane mosaic virus. From the 4422 materials of the seedling phase, 352 clones were selected and evaluated in the Furrow Phase, selecting 57 varieties for the Plot Phase. Of these 57 varieties, 36 were selected in the Adaptability Test Phase, and 27 in the following Agroindustrial Evaluation Phase. Of these last 27 varieties, estimated yields are greater than 100 t ha-1, with good quality of juices and agronomic characteristics. Study limitations/implications: The program has faced climate and budget challenges, delaying progress. Currently, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically affected our research. Findings/conclusions: This breeding and variety selection program started with 6,000 crosses, of which to date there are 27 in advanced stages of selection, with the possibility of adaptation and good yields for the area of influence of the Campus Córdoba

The OTELO survey. A case study of [O III]4959,5007 emitters at <z> = 0.83

The OTELO survey is a very deep, blind exploration of a selected region of the Extended Groth Strip and is designed for finding emission-line sources (ELSs). The survey design, observations, data reduction, astrometry, and photometry, as well as the correlation with ancillary data used to obtain a final catalogue, including photo-z estimates and a preliminary selection of ELS, were described in a previous contribution. Here, we aim to determine the main properties and luminosity function (LF) of the [O III] ELS sample of OTELO as a scientific demonstration of its capabilities, advantages, and complementarity with respect to other surveys. The selection and analysis procedures of ELS candidates obtained using tunable filter (TF) pseudo-spectra are described. We performed simulations in the parameter space of the survey to obtain emission-line detection probabilities. Relevant characteristics of [O III] emitters and the LF([O III]), including the main selection biases and uncertainties, are presented. A total of 184 sources were confirmed as [O III] emitters at a mean redshift z=0.83. The minimum detectable line flux and equivalent width (EW) in this ELS sample are $\sim$5 $\times$ 10$^{-19}$ erg s$^{-1}$ cm$^{2}$ and $\sim$6 \AA, respectively. We are able to constrain the faint-end slope ($\alpha = -1.03\pm0.08$) of the observed LF([O III]) at z=0.83. This LF reaches values that are approximately ten times lower than those from other surveys. The vast majority (84\%) of the morphologically classified [O III] ELSs are disc-like sources, and 87\% of this sample is comprised of galaxies with stellar masses of M$_\star$ $<$ 10$^{10}$ M$_{\odot}$.Comment: v1: 16 pages, 6 figures. Accepted in Astronomy \& Astrophysics. v2: Author added in metadat

Estado inmunonutricional en niños con diarrea crónica inespecífica

Introducción : la ruptura del equilibrio inmunonutricional en los pacientes con diarrea crónica inespecífica (DCI) entorpece la evolución clínica y favorece la aparición de complicaciones. Objetivo: caracterizar el estado inmunonutricional de niños con Diarrea Crónica Inespecífica. Materiales y Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal a 44 niños menores de 6 años con diagnóstico de diarrea crónica inespecífica, atendidos en el Instituto de Gastroenterología en el período comprendido de marzo del 2012 a mayo 2014. A todos se les aplicó cuestionario, previo consentimiento informado y se les realizó mensuraciones antropométricas, exámenes parasitológicos y bacteriológicos en heces, hemograma completo, determinación de hierro sérico, dosificación de inmunoglobulinas totales y ultrasonido de timo. Para el análisis estadístico se emplearon distribuciones de frecuencia y para la comparación entre los grupos se utilizó la prueba del X2. Se consideró significativo una p &lt; 0,05. Resultados: la población objeto de estudio no superó los 4 años de edad, con un predominio del sexo masculino sin asociación entre edad y sexo. El 43.2% de los pacientes presentó algún grado de malnutrición con un comportamiento similar entre los malnutridos por defecto y por exceso. Poco menos de la mitad de los pacientes tuvo anemia. La hipoplasia tímica y los niveles séricos bajos de IgA fueron condiciones frecuentes en la población estudiada. Conclusiones: el compromiso del estado inmunonutricional de los niños con diarrea crónica inespecífica no es infrecuente. Se manifiesta en elevada frecuencia de malnutrición, anemia, hipoplasia tímica y niveles séricos bajos de IgA. Palabras clave: Diarrea crónica inespecífica, equilibrio inmunonutricional hipoplasia tímica. ABSTRACT  Introduction: breaking down the immune nutritional balance in patients with chronic nonspecific diarrhea (ICD) hinders the clinical course and promotes complications. Objective: to characterize the immune nutritional state of children with ICD. Material and Methods: a cross-sectional study in 44 children younger than 6 years prior consent was performed with a diagnosis of chronic nonspecific diarrhea treated at the Institute of Gastroenterology from March 2012 to May 2014. Aconsent informed questionnaire was applied previously to all patients, who underwent anthropometric assessment, bacteriological and parasitological stool examinations, complete blood count, determination of serum iron, determination of total immunoglobulin and ultrasound thymus. Statistical analysis included, frequency distributions, to comparison among the test groups, Chi-square test was done (considering significant; p&lt;0.05). Results: the population did not exceed 4 years old, with a male predominance and no association between age and sex. 43.2% of patients had some grade of malnutrition without differences between calorie and protein malnutrition and overweight. Just under half of the patients had anemia. Thymic hypoplasia and low serum IgA levels were more common conditions. Conclusions: the commitment of immune nutritional status of children with chronic nonspecific diarrhea is not uncommon. It manifests itself in high frequency of malnutrition, anemia, thymic hypoplasia, and low serum IgA.  Keywords: Chronic nonspecific diarrhea, immune nutritional state, thymic hypoplasia.</p

The OTELO survey III. Demography, morphology, IR luminosity and environment of AGN hosts

ABSTRACT: Aims. We take advantage of the capabilities of the OSIRIS Tunable Emission Line Object (OTELO) survey to select and study the AGN population in the field. In particular, we aim to perform an analysis of the properties of these objects, including their demography, morphology, and IR luminosity. Focusing on the population of Hα emitters at z∼0.4, we also aim to study the environments of AGN and non-AGN galaxies at that redshift. methods. We make use of the multiwavelength catalogue of objects in the field compiled by the OTELO survey, unique in terms of minimum flux and equivalent width. We also take advantage of the pseudo-spectra built for each source, which allow the identification of emission lines and the discrimination of different types of objects. Results. We obtained a sample of 72 AGNs in the field of OTELO, selected with four different methods in the optical, X-rays, and mid-infrared bands. We find that using X-rays is the most efficient way to select AGNs. An analysis was performed on the AGN population of OTELO in order to characterise its members. At z∼0.4, we find that up to 26% of our Hα emitters are AGNs. At that redshift, AGNs are found in identical environments to non-AGNs, although they represent the most clustered group when compared to passive and star-forming galaxies. The majority of our AGNs at any redshift were classified as late-type galaxies, including a 16% proportion of irregulars. Another 16% of AGNs show signs of interactions or mergers. Regarding the infrared luminosity, we are able to recover all the luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) in the field of OTELO up to z∼1.6. We find that the proportion of LIRGs and ultra-luminous infraed galaxies (ULIRGs) is higher among the AGN population, and that ULIRGs show a higher fraction of AGNs than LIRGs.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) under the grants AYA2013-46724 P, AYA2013-42227-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-1-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-2-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-3-P, AYA2016-75808-R, AYA2016-75931-C2-1-P, AYA2016-75931-C2-2-P, AYA2016-76682C3-1-P, AYA2017-88007-C3-1-P and AYA2017-88007-C3-2-P

Identifying non-destructive growth and maturity indexes of Prickly pear (Opuntia albicarpa S. Var. Burrona) and evaluation of freeze-drying conditions

Around the world, prickly pear fruits are valued as a source of dietary functional compounds and ingredients for innovative foods. Growth and physicochemical changes of Opuntia albicarpa S. fruits were recorded from 0 to 132 days-after-flowering (DAF) to identify non-destructive maturity-indices. Optimum-ripened fruits were freeze-dried to study physicochemical and functional characteristics of dried and rehydrated pulp. Principal component analysis confirmed growth turned into fruit ripening in DAF 99, and it lasted until DAF 132. Changes in color parameters of the peel correlated with fruit texture and pulp sugar content and taste index (P < 0.01). During freeze-drying, plate temperature had more significant effects than the thickness (P < 0.05). At 30°C, color ΔE between dried and fresh slices augmented, but, texture Δ´s (medium force) between rehydrated and fresh pulp was lower. Color tests could be used to harvest commercially-ripened fruits. Freeze-drying at 30°C improves the rehydrated slices texture regarding thickness maintaining rehydration coefficients.Las tunas son apreciadas en todo el mundo como fuente de compuestos funcionales dietarios e ingredientes para alimentos innovadores. Para identificar índices de maduración no destructivos, se registraron cambios en el crecimiento y en los parámetros fisicoquímicos de frutos de Opuntia albicarpa S. entre los días después de la floración (DAF) 0 al 132. Frutos con maduración óptima fueron liofilizados para evaluar características fisicoquímicas y funcionales de pulpa seca y rehidratada. El análisis de componentes principales confirmo que el crecimiento dio lugar a la maduración en el DAF 99 y ésta prosiguió hasta el DAF 132. Los cambios en parámetros de color en cáscara correlacionaron con la textura del fruto, y en pulpa, con el contenido de azúcares y el índice de sabor (P< 0.01). Durante la liofilización, la temperatura de placa tiene más efectos significativos que el espesor (P≤ 0.05). A 30°C, el ΔE de color entre la pulpa seca y fresca aumentó, pero, el Δ de textura (fuerza media) fue menor entre la rehidratada y la fresca. Se pueden emplear evaluaciones de color para cosechar frutos en su madurez comercial, y liofilizar estos frutos a 30°C mejora la textura sin importar el espesor, manteniendo los coeficientes de rehidratación.This work was supported by the SIMORELOS program of CONACyT

The OTELO survey II. The faint-end of the Hα luminosity function at z ∼ 0.40

ABSTRACT: Aims. We take advantage of the capability of the OTELO survey to obtain the Hα luminosity function (LF) at z∼0.40. Because of the deepest coverage of OTELO, we are able to determine the faint end of the LF, and thus better constrain the star formation rate and the number of galaxies at low luminosities. The AGN contribution to this LF is estimated as well. Methods. We make use of the multiwavelength catalogue of objects in the field compiled by the OTELO survey, which is unique in terms of minimum flux and equivalent width. We also take advantage of the pseudo-spectra built for each source, which allow the identification of emission lines and the discrimination of different types of objects. Results. The Hα luminosity function at z∼0.40 is obtained, which extends the current faint end by almost 1 dex, reaching minimal luminosities of log10 Llim=38.5 erg s−1 (or ∼0.002 M yr−1). The AGN contribution to the total Hα luminosity is estimated. We find that no AGN should be expected below a luminosity of log10 L=38.6 erg s−1. From the sample of non-AGN (presumably, pure SFG) at z∼0.40 we estimated a star formation rate density of ρSFR = 0.012 ± 0.005 M yr−1 Mpc−3This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) under the grants AYA2013-46724-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-1-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-2-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-3-P, AYA2016-75808-R, AYA2016-75931-C2-2-P, AYA2017-88007-C3-1-P, and AYA2017-88007-C3-2-

II. The faint-end of the Hα luminosity function at z ∼ 0.40

[Aims] We take advantage of the capability of the OTELO survey to obtain the H alpha luminosity function (LF) at z similar to 0.40. Because of the deepest coverage of OTELO, we are able to determine the faint end of the LF, and thus better constrain the star formation rate and the number of galaxies at low luminosities. The AGN contribution to this LF is estimated as well. [Methods] We make use of the multiwavelength catalogue of objects in the field compiled by the OTELO survey, which is unique in terms of minimum flux and equivalent width. We also take advantage of the pseudo-spectra built for each source, which allow the identification of emission lines and the discrimination of different types of objects. [Results] The H alpha luminosity function at z similar to 0.40 is obtained, which extends the current faint end by almost 1 dex, reaching minimal luminosities of log(10) L-lim = 38.5 erg s(-1) (or similar to 0.002 M-circle dot yr(-1)). The AGN contribution to the total H alpha luminosity is estimated. We find that no AGN should be expected below a luminosity of log(10) L = 38.6 erg s(-1). From the sample of non-AGN (presumably, pure SFG) at z similar to 0.40 we estimated a star formation rate density of rho(SFR) = 0.012 +/- 0.005 M-circle dot yr(-1) Mpc(-3).This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) under the grants AYA2013- 46724- P, AYA2014 58861-C3-1- P, AYA2014-58861-C3-2-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-3- P, AYA2016 -75808-R, AYA2016-75931-C2-2-P, AYA2017-88007-C3-1-P, and AYA2017 -88007-C3-2- P. Based on observations made with the Gran Telescopio Canarias installed in the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, in the island of La Palma. The authors thanks the anonymous referee for her/his feedback and suggestions

Aproximações desde a vivência, a experiência e as teorias pedagógicas e musicais do século XX.

This paper presents the first part of a study on the main exponents of music pedagogy of the 20th century undertaken by the group.  It is widely axed around the chief figures of Carl Orff and Émile Dalcroze, who based their work on the principles of the Active School, anticipating thus the constructivist trends originated in the first decades of the century. Taking emotion into account, the Active School has overtaken traditional approaches of 19th century, with proposals built not only on the basis of reason, but also on creativity and experiential processes, in an effort to understand the human being in a more integral way, as someone provided of physiological, sensitive, intellectual and social dimensions. In the realm of music, their views show up in the importance given to the body and its relationship with rhythm and voice, therefore proposing a process that goes from the starting point of integral experiences to the interiorization and acquisition of musical knowledgeEste escrito es la primera parte del estudio sobre los pedagogos musicales del siglo XX que está realizando el grupo. Se va a centrar exclusivamente en: Carl Orff y Émile Jacques Dalcroze, quienes se fundamentan en los principios de la Escuela Activa y se anticipan a las corrientes constructivistas que se originan en las primeras décadas del siglo XX. La escuela activa avanza sobre los enfoques tradicionales del siglo XIX, dado que, al involucrar la emoción, sus presupuestos no solo se basan en la razón, sino además, en la creatividad y la experiencia, esto es, entienden al individuo de manera integral, como ser fisiológico, sensible, intelectual y social; que en lo musical se va a expresar en la importancia que le dan al cuerpo, en relación con el ritmo y la voz, y cómo a partir de vivencias integrales se llega a la interiorización y adquisición del conocimiento musical. Este escrito é a primeira parte doestudo sobre os pedagogos musicais do séculoXX que esta realizando o grupo. Vai-se centrarexclusivamente em: Carl Orff e Émile JacquesDalcroze, fundamentando-se eles nos princípiosda Escola Ativa e se antecipam as correntesconstrutivistas que se originam nas primeirasdécadas do século XX. A Escola Ativa avançasobre os enfoques tradicionais do séculoXIX, dado que, ao abranger a emoção, seuspressupostos no somente se baseiam na ração,mas também, na criatividade e na experiência,isto é, compreendem o individuo de umjeito integral, como ser fisiológico, sensível,intelectual e social; que no musical vai seexpressar na importância que dão ao corpo, emrelação com o ritmo e a voz, e como, partindode vivências integrais chega-se a interiorizaçãoe aquisição do conhecimento musical

The OTELO survey I. Description, data reduction, and multi-wavelength catalogue

ABSTRACT: Context. The evolution of galaxies through cosmic time is studied observationally by means of extragalactic surveys. The usefulness of these surveys is greatly improved by increasing the cosmological volume, in either depth or area, and by observing the same targets in different wavelength ranges. A multi-wavelength approach using different observational techniques can compensate for observational biases. Aims. The OTELO survey aims to provide the deepest narrow-band survey to date in terms of minimum detectable flux and emission line equivalent width in order to detect the faintest extragalactic emission line systems. In this way, OTELO data will c omplements other broad-band, narrow-band, and spectroscopic surveys. Methods. The red tunable filter of the OSIRIS instrument on the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) is used to scan a spectral window centred at 9175 Å, which is free from strong sky emission lines, with a sampling interval of 6 Å and a bandwidth of 12 Å in the most deeply explored EGS region. Careful data reduction using improved techniques for sky ring subtraction, accurate astrometry, photometric calibration, and source extraction enables us to compile the OTELO catalogue. This catalogue is complemented with ancillary data ranging from deep X-ray to far-infrared, including high resolution HST images, which allow us to segregate the different types of targets, derive precise photometric redshifts, and obtain the morphological classification of the extragalactic objects detected. Results. The OTELO multi-wavelength catalogue contains 11 237 entries and is 50% complete at AB magnitude 26.38. Of these sources, 6600 have photometric redshifts with an uncertainty δ z phot better than 0.2 (1+z phot). A total of 4336 of these sources correspond to preliminary emission line candidates, which are complemented by 81 candidate stars and 483 sources that qualify as absorption line systems. The OTELO survey results will be released to the public on the second half of 2019.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) under the grants AYA2013-46724-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-1-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-2-P, AYA2014-58861-C3-3-P, AYA2016-75808-R, AYA2016-75931-C2-2-P, AYA2017-88007-C3-1-P and AYA2017-88007-C3-2-P