Antimicrobial activity of quality brands Spanish honeys

80-90% of patients with head and neck cancer who receives radiation and/or chemotherapy have oral mucositis. Oral mucositis is a complex process involving oxidative damage of oral mucosal, inflammation, mucosal colonization by pathogenic microorganisms and direct damage to DNA. The development of oral mucositis led to the interruption of the treatments, periods of hospitalization, dysphagia with malnutrition in patients and increased healthcare costs in treatments which have isolated mechanisms of action and are not fully satisfactory. As honey has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and healing properties, it can be used effectively in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis by acting simultaneously on different pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of honeys from different floral sources and to evaluate the possible differences that may happen in such capacity between similar honeys of different years of production. We selected six types of Spanish honey from quality brands avocado honey (Persea sp.) and chestnut honey (Castanea sp.) from DOP Miel de Granada; lavender honey (Lavandula sp.) and rosemary honey (Rosmarinus officinalis) from DOP Miel de La Alcarria; blackberry honey (Rubus sp.) and eucalyptus honey (Eucalyptus sp) from PGI Miel de Galicia and two organic honey, thyme honey (Thymus sp.) and heather honey (Erica sp.), collected during two consecutive harvests (2010 and 2011). We studied antimicrobial activity against microorganisms isolated from oropharyngeal mucosa of patients who suffer oral mucositis, Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and yeasts (Candida albicans and Candida glabrata). These assays gave us accurate information about what would be expected from the application of honey in those patients. Antimicrobial test were carried out according to Silva et al. (2012) using Nutrient Broth or Brain Heart Infusion to bacterias or Yeasts Peptone Dextrose to yeasts on microplates (96 wells). Honey was diluted in water and transferred into the first well. Serial dilutions were performed. 20 μl of a solution of 1% TTC was used for detect antimicrobial activity Candida albicans and Candida glabrata showed higher resistance and their growth was not inhibited at the honey concentrations used. Further studies using higher concentrations of honey are required. Among bacteria all the tested honeys were able to inhibit their growth but showed different antimicrobial activity depending on the microorganism tested. Minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 3.9 to 250 mg/ml. Generally gram-negative bacteria were less resistant, something that can be explained by the variability that exists in the resistance in bacterial strains within a specie. Differences were also observed in the antimicrobial activity of similar honeys from different years of production. Being a natural product, honey’s composition is in a constant state of change, depending on factors such as climatology which affect plant species available

Actividad antimicrobiana de mieles españolas acogidas a marcas de calidad

El objetivo del estudio fue valorar la capacidad antimicrobiana frente a diferentes cepas de referencia (Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Candida albicans), de mieles de diferentes orígenes florales y geográficos y valorar las posibles diferencias en dicha capacidad entre mieles similares de diferentes cosechas. Se seleccionaron seis mieles españolas acogidas a marcas de calidad, así como dos mieles ecológicas recogidas durante dos cosechas consecutivas. Los tests antimicrobianos fueron llevados a cabo en microplacas de 96 pocillos utilizando caldo nutritivo o medio BHI para las bacterias y medio YPD para la levadura. El inóculo fue añadido a todas los pocillos y las microplacas fueron incubadas a 37ºC durante 24 horas en el caso de las bacterias y a 25ºC durante 48 horas en el caso de las levaduras. La actividad antimicrobiana fue detectada adicionando 20 Al de una solución de TTC (cloruro de 2,3,5- trifeniltetrazoilo) al 1%. La concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) fue definida como la concentración de miel más baja capaz de inhibir el crecimiento microbiano. Según los resultados observados podemos concluir que las mieles estudiadas presentan principalmente actividad antibacteriana a unas CMI en torno al 20%

Music therapy assessment with the IMCAP-ND: a pilot study

Background: Music therapy (MT) appears to be a valuable complementary intervention for children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions, namely, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), who often present cognitive, academic, communicative, and social difficulties. Music therapy has been increasingly recommended as a standard support service for communication and social interaction in this specific neuropediatric setting. Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the recruitment and protocol feasibility of music therapy for autistic children and explore trends towards the clinical utility of the IMCAP-ND[i] quantitative measure on assessing the focus on sound receptions, joint attention, turn-taking, auditory perception, sensory integration, social interaction, entrainment, and empathy, as a preparation for a future study wherein we will pursue with an MT intervention assessment. Furthermore, here we use the European Portuguese translated version of the IMCAP-NDPT scales to contribute to its validation and adaptation. Methods: Five autistic children received a weekly music therapy session of approximately 45 minutes for six months, totaling a minimum of 20 and maximum of 24 completed sessions per child. The IMCAP-NDPT and the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS) scales were applied pre- and post-test. Results: We tested the research design and the session’s protocol. All participants completed MT intervention and showed increase in social-emotional capacities, cognitive and perception skills, and overall responsiveness. However, our results indicate a need to review the inclusion criteria concerning participants with a single diagnosis (ASD), previous contacts with musical instruments, and the application of standardized music therapy settings. Conclusions: The design and protocol were perceived as acceptable and feasible, though some improvements were suggested for subsequent original research, and the IMCAP-NDPT version was considered usable. Our initial findings suggest the potential of music therapy for autistic children. Further intervention with efficacy assessment through a larger-scale randomized trial is needed, considering the content based on pilot findings.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bioactive components and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of different varieties of honey: a screening prior to clinical application

This study assessed 16 different honey samples in order to select the best one for therapeutic purposes. First, a study of honey's main bioactive compounds was carried out. Then phenolic profiles were determined and specific compounds quantified using a HPLC system coupled to a mass spectrometer. Then, antioxidant activity, by three in vitro methods, and antibacterial activity against reference strains and clinical isolates were evaluated. Great variability among samples was observed regarding ascorbic acid (between 0.34 ± 0.00 and 75.8 ± 0.41 mg/100 g honey; p < 0.001), total phenolic compounds (between 23.1 ± 0.83 and 158 ± 5.37 mg/100 g honey; p < 0.001), and total flavonoid contents (between 1.65 ± 0.11 and 5.93 ± 0.21 mg/100 g honey; p < 0.001). Forty-nine different phenolic compounds were detected, but only 46 of them were quantified by HPLC. The concentration of phenolic compounds and the phenolic profiles varied widely among samples (between 1.06 ± 0.04 and 18.6 ± 0.73 mg/100 g honey; p < 0.001). Antioxidant activity also varied significantly among the samples. All honey varieties exhibited antibacterial activity against both reference and clinical strains (effective concentrations ranged between 0.05 and 0.40 g/mL depending on the honey sample and bacteria tested). Overall, samples with better combinations of bioactive properties were avocado and chestnut honeys.This work was supported by the ConsejeriaFundinǵ de Sanidad of Junta de Castilla y Leoń (Spain); under grant GRS 551/A/10. P.C.-F. was funded by the Consejeriá de Educacioń of Junta de Castilla y Leoń and European Social Fund. Notes The authors declare no competing financial interest.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mieles españolas con marca de calidad: un enfoque multivariado de parámetros fisicoquímicos, calidad microbiológica y origen floral

This study consisted of a palynological, microbiological, and physicochemical characterization of fifteen samples of Spanish honey sold under quality brands with different botanical and geographical origins from two consecutive harvest years (2010 and 2011). Eight of the fifteen honey samples were classified as monofloral honey from botanical origins Persea americana, Castanea sativa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Eucalyptus sp., and Thymus sp. With regard to microbiological analyses, mold, and yeast counting, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, sulfite-reducing clostridia, and Escherichia coli were not detected in any of the samples. Aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were detected only in some samples and the counts in these cases were low. Despite the great variability between samples, the results obtained in the physicochemical analysis were consistent with the limits set by the Council Directive 2001/100. Honey samples showed high variability between two consecutive harvests, since, even if they had similar geographical origins they showed different nectar floral origins. Mieles españolas con marca de calidad: un enfoque multivariado de parámetros fisicoquímicos, calidad microbiológica y origen floral Este estudio consistió en la caracterización botánica, microbiológica y fisicoquímica de quince muestras de miel españolas acogidas a marcas de calidad diferenciada de diferentes orígenes botánicos y geográficos y procedentes de dos cosechas consecutivas (años 2010 y 2011). Ocho de las quince muestras de miel estudiadas fueron clasificadas como mieles monoflorales de Persea americana, Castanea sativa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Eucalyptus sp. y Thymus sp. En relación a los análisis microbiológicos los recuentos de mohos y levaduras, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, clostridios sulfito reductores y Escherichia coli no fueron detectados en ninguna de las muestras. Se detectaron microorganismos aerobios mesófilos solo en algunas muestras y en este caso los recuentos fueron bajos. Aunque se detectaron coliformes, estos podrían estar asociados a un origen ambiental. A pesar de la gran variabilidad entre las muestras, los resultados obtenidos en el análisis fisicoquímico se encontraron dentro de los límites establecidos por la Directiva del Consejo 2001/100. Las muestras de miel mostraron una gran variabilidad entre cosechas porque aunque tuvieron un mismo origen geográfico, hubo diferencias en su origen floral.Este estudio consistió en la caracterización botánica, microbiológica y fisicoquímica de quince muestras de miel españolas acogidas a marcas de calidad diferenciada de diferentes orígenes botánicos y geográficos y procedentes de dos cosechas consecutivas (años 2010 y 2011). Ocho de las quince muestras de miel estudiadas fueron clasificadas como mieles monoflorales de Persea americana, Castanea sativa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Eucalyptus sp. y Thymus sp. En relación a los análisis microbiológicos los recuentos de mohos y levaduras, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, clostridios sulfito reductores y Escherichia coli no fueron detectados en ninguna de las muestras. Se detectaron microorganismos aerobios mesófilos solo en algunas muestras y en este caso los recuentos fueron bajos. Aunque se detectaron coliformes, estos podrían estar asociados a un origen ambiental. A pesar de la gran variabilidad entre las muestras, los resultados obtenidos en el análisis fisicoquímico se encontraron dentro de los l ımites establecidos por la Directiva del Consejo 2001/100. Las muestras de miel mostraron una gran variabilidad entre cosechas porque aunque tuvieron un mismo origen geográfico, hubo diferencias en su origen floral.This work was supported by the Consejería de Sanidad. Junta de Castilla y León [GRS 551/A/10]; Patricia Combarros- Fuertes PhD Research was funded by Consejería de Educación. Junta de Castilla y León and Fondo Social Europeo.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

VARIABILIDAD DEL GEN NUCLEAR G3PDH EN JATROPHA CURCAS L.

Jatrophacurcas L.es una especie nativa de América tropical; en nuestro país se ha venido utilizando principalmente como medicinal y alimenticia desde la época prehispánica. Actualmente el aceite extraído de sus semillas ha adquirido importancia internacional ya que puede ser transformado a biodiesel. El conocimiento que existe sobre la variabilidad genética de la especie es escaso. Un gen utilizado con éxito para el estudio de patrones de variación y origen de la yuca (ManihotesculentaL.) y del caco (Theobromacacao L.) es el gen nuclearG3pdh(Gliceraldehído3 fosfato deshidrogenasa) involucrado en la fotosíntesis. Con base en ello, en este trabajo se exploró la variabilidad del gen G3pdh en individuos deJ. curcasprovenientes de 15 poblaciones de los estados de Veracruz, Campeche, Yucatán y Quintana Roo. Para obtener el gen G3pdh completo de alrededor de 1000 pares de bases, se amplificó utilizando losprimersdiseñados porStrandet al. (1997) y los dosprimersinternos reverse diseñados porOlsenySchaal(1999) para obtener segmentos más cortos, de 600 y 800 pares de bases aproximadamente. Por primera vez se amplificaron aproximadamente 500pby los resultados demuestran que el gen G3pdh es útil para analizar la variabilidad deJ. curcas, y con un importante potencial para evaluar la distribución y evolución de sus poblaciones en México, conocer las relaciones ancestro descendiente a nivel poblacional y explicar las causas de la distribución de los distintoshaplotipos

Bioactive Components and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Different Varieties of Honey: A Screening Prior to Clinical Application

[EN]This study assessed 16 different honey samples in order to select the best one for therapeutic purposes. First, a study of honey's main bioactive compounds was carried out. Then phenolic profiles were determined and specific compounds quantified using a HPLC system coupled to a mass spectrometer. Then, antioxidant activity, by three in vitro methods, and antibacterial activity against reference strains and clinical isolates were evaluated. Great variability among samples was observed regarding ascorbic acid (between 0.34 ± 0.00 and 75.8 ± 0.41 mg/100 g honey; p < 0.001), total phenolic compounds (between 23.1 ± 0.83 and 158 ± 5.37 mg/100 g honey; p < 0.001), and total flavonoid contents (between 1.65 ± 0.11 and 5.93 ± 0.21 mg/100 g honey; p < 0.001). Forty-nine different phenolic compounds were detected, but only 46 of them were quantified by HPLC. The concentration of phenolic compounds and the phenolic profiles varied widely among samples (between 1.06 ± 0.04 and 18.6 ± 0.73 mg/100 g honey; p < 0.001). Antioxidant activity also varied significantly among the samples. All honey varieties exhibited antibacterial activity against both reference and clinical strains (effective concentrations ranged between 0.05 and 0.40 g/mL depending on the honey sample and bacteria tested). Overall, samples with better combinations of bioactive properties were avocado and chestnut honeys.SIThis work was supported by the Consejería de Sanidad of Junta de Castilla y Leon (Spain); under grant GRS 551/A/10. P.C.-F. was funded by the Consejería de Educacion of Junta de Castilla y Leon and European Social Fund.The authors are grateful to Isabel Fernandez Natal (Chief of the Clinical Microbiology Service in the University Assistance Complex of Leon, Spain) for providing us the clinical strains used in this work and drug susceptibility information

Evaluation of honey cell-induced effects on bacteria

Although there exist numerous studies to establish antimicrobial activity of different types of honey, few studies describe the mechanism of their antimicrobial action. Flow cytometry is an analytical method which allows to characterize cell populations at single cell level.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estudio microbiológico de mieles españolas acogidas a marcas de calidad

Actualmente la legislación europea no incluye especificaciones sobre higiene o conta-minación microbiana de la miel y la mayoría de los estudios microbiológicos se centran en la detección de Clostridium botulinum. Teniendo en cuenta que existen numerosas fuentes de con-taminación de la miel, desde los granos de polen, pasando por el intestino de las abejas, hasta los manipuladores, resulta importante evaluar su calidad higiénica y seguridad microbiológica.Se seleccionaron seis tipos de miel de diferentes orígenes florales y geográficos acogidas a marcas de calidad y dos muestras de miel ecológica durante dos cosechas consecutivas 2010 y 2011. En total fueron analizadas 15 muestras de miel. 10 g de cada una de las muestras fueron pesados asépticamente y homogeneizados en 90 mL de agua peptonada estéril (dilución 10-1) en un homogeneizado haciendo diluciones seriadas con el mismo diluente. Se realizaron recuentos de microorganismos aerobios mesófilos en PCA (30ºC, 48 h); mohos y levaduras siguiendo el proto-colo de ISO 21527-2:2008; Staphylococcus aureus en Baird-Parker agar con yema de huevo, telurito y una solución de sulfadimidina (37ºC, 24 h); esporas de clostridios sulfito reductores para lo cual se tomaron alícuotas de 10, 5, 1 y 0,1 mL de la suspension inicial, se trataron térmicamente en tubos de ensayo a 80ºC durante 5 minutos y se cubrieron con agar SPS (37ºC,5 días); coliformes totales y Escherichia coli mediante el uso de la técnica del número más probable según el método oficial de la AOAC 2005.03 y detección de Salmonella sp. según el método Oficial AOAC 989.13. Las determinaciones fueron realizadas por triplicadoOcho de las muestras estudiadas no llegaron al límite de detección para microrganismos aerobios mesófilos y para aquellas en las que se observó crecimiento microbiano, los recuentos fueron bajos, oscilarando entre 13,35± 5,8 y 339,4 ± 67,0. En el caso de mohos y levaduras ninguna de las muestras llegó al límite de detección. Los bajos recuentos observados son indicativos de un adecuado manejo apícola y unas buenas prácticas de extracción y procesado de la miel. En ningu-na de las muestras se llegó al límite de detección para Staphylococcus aureus y fueron negativas para clostridios sulfito reductores y Salmonella spp. Los recuentos estimados para coliformes totales oscilaron entre 33,3 ± 23,1 y 140 ± 20 ufc /g sin llegar a encontrar E.coli en ninguna de ellas con lo que los coliformes detectados en las muestras de miel se pueden asociar a especies cuyo origen en la miel es ambiental.En base a los resultados obtenidos podemos concluir que todas las muestras estudiadas fueron manipuladas bajo óptimas condiciones higiénicas y resultan microbiológicamente seguras para el consumidor.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Creating, moving and merging Dirac points with a Fermi gas in a tunable honeycomb lattice

Dirac points lie at the heart of many fascinating phenomena in condensed matter physics, from massless electrons in graphene to the emergence of conducting edge states in topological insulators [1, 2]. At a Dirac point, two energy bands intersect linearly and the particles behave as relativistic Dirac fermions. In solids, the rigid structure of the material sets the mass and velocity of the particles, as well as their interactions. A different, highly flexible approach is to create model systems using fermionic atoms trapped in the periodic potential of interfering laser beams, a method which so far has only been applied to explore simple lattice structures [3, 4]. Here we report on the creation of Dirac points with adjustable properties in a tunable honeycomb optical lattice. Using momentum-resolved interband transitions, we observe a minimum band gap inside the Brillouin zone at the position of the Dirac points. We exploit the unique tunability of our lattice potential to adjust the effective mass of the Dirac fermions by breaking inversion symmetry. Moreover, changing the lattice anisotropy allows us to move the position of the Dirac points inside the Brillouin zone. When increasing the anisotropy beyond a critical limit, the two Dirac points merge and annihilate each other - a situation which has recently attracted considerable theoretical interest [5-9], but seems extremely challenging to observe in solids [10]. We map out this topological transition in lattice parameter space and find excellent agreement with ab initio calculations. Our results not only pave the way to model materials where the topology of the band structure plays a crucial role, but also provide an avenue to explore many-body phases resulting from the interplay of complex lattice geometries with interactions [11, 12]