Evaluation of biocides in oilfield environments using fluorescent <i>in-situ</i> hybridization

Microbiologically influenced corrosion and souring of oilfield reservoirs are process frequently provoked by the sulphate-reducing bacteria. The most common method applied in the industry for preventing or controlling the deleterious effect caused by the presence of microorganisms is the addition of chemical agents (biocides) aimed at killing the microorganisms or inhibiting the microbial growth. Traditionally, biocide selection and testing are based on NACE standard TM0194 which implies the use of culturing for enumerating the bacteria surviving the treatment. To overcome culturing limitations, we used Fluorescent in-situ Hybridization to assist in the evaluation of biocides applied in water production treatment plants. Biocides were based on THPS (40% (B1); 75% (B2)) and 40% of a mixture (1/1, v/v) of THPS and benzalkonium chloride (B3) applied at two concentrations: 50 and 400 mg/L. The relation between the number of cells visualized with the fluorescent probes Eub338 and SRB385 (for eubacteria and SRB populations respectively) and the DAPI-stained cells (PR%) was used as an indication of the biocide efficiency. B1 and B3 gave a high PR% indicating that the chemical induced the metabolic cell activity. Only the highest B2 concentration showed effectiveness on eubacteria and SRB populations. Thus, through the application of FISH we were able to distinguish concentration effects of the THPS, discriminating sublethal from net inhibitory effects. The possibility of including FISH into the protocols for the control of the biocides in water treatment plants could improve the biocide selection and the adjustment of their concentration in order to maintain the water system with a low density of metabolically active cells. This would avoid the misuse of chemicals with their consequent economic and ecological impacts.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones IndustrialesCentro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología de Pintura

Evaluation of biocides in oilfield environments using fluorescent <i>in-situ</i> hybridization

Microbiologically influenced corrosion and souring of oilfield reservoirs are process frequently provoked by the sulphate-reducing bacteria. The most common method applied in the industry for preventing or controlling the deleterious effect caused by the presence of microorganisms is the addition of chemical agents (biocides) aimed at killing the microorganisms or inhibiting the microbial growth. Traditionally, biocide selection and testing are based on NACE standard TM0194 which implies the use of culturing for enumerating the bacteria surviving the treatment. To overcome culturing limitations, we used Fluorescent in-situ Hybridization to assist in the evaluation of biocides applied in water production treatment plants. Biocides were based on THPS (40% (B1); 75% (B2)) and 40% of a mixture (1/1, v/v) of THPS and benzalkonium chloride (B3) applied at two concentrations: 50 and 400 mg/L. The relation between the number of cells visualized with the fluorescent probes Eub338 and SRB385 (for eubacteria and SRB populations respectively) and the DAPI-stained cells (PR%) was used as an indication of the biocide efficiency. B1 and B3 gave a high PR% indicating that the chemical induced the metabolic cell activity. Only the highest B2 concentration showed effectiveness on eubacteria and SRB populations. Thus, through the application of FISH we were able to distinguish concentration effects of the THPS, discriminating sublethal from net inhibitory effects. The possibility of including FISH into the protocols for the control of the biocides in water treatment plants could improve the biocide selection and the adjustment of their concentration in order to maintain the water system with a low density of metabolically active cells. This would avoid the misuse of chemicals with their consequent economic and ecological impacts.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones IndustrialesCentro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología de Pintura

Light-induced rhythmic changes in thermotolerance in stationary-phase cells of Candida utilis

In synchronized light-dark cycles, stationary-phase cultures of the budding yeast Candida utilis were able to survive heat treatment at 50ºC with an apparent circadian-like rhythm related to the onset of light. However, in continuous darkness this pattern did not run freely and was markedly dampened. We discuss these findings in terms of the potential circadian control of heat tolerance, which has been described in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Our results suggest that the resistance pattern observed in C. utilis is most likely an adaptive response to the light-induced generation of reactive oxygen species rather than the occurrence of a truly endogenous circadian rhythm. [Int Microbiol 2006; 9(1):61-64

Organizations should know their people: a behavioral economics approach

Public and private organizations are increasingly applying behavioral economics methods to a variety of issues such as mechanism design and incentive architecture. However, there has been little focus on how experimental tools used in behavioral economics can help companies learn more about their (current or prospective) workforce and, more specifically, about their employees’ tastes and inclinations. This has important implications for broader organizational performance since some designs/incentives are likely to affect only individuals with a particular disposition (e.g. risk averse or fairness oriented) but not others, or can even have opposite effects on individuals with different sets of preferences. In this commentary, we point out a number of promising avenues for the application of a behavioral economics lens to understand and manage people within organizations. A comprehensive case study is also provided

Bebidas funcionales de arándanos con agregado de Goma Arábiga

Introduction: This study aimed to add value to Arabic Gum (AG) and the blueberry discarded harvest from Northwest of Argentina, developing functional dietary beverages with AG at three concentrations of 0; 5; 10 and 15 g/100 mL, and to assess the sensory acceptability, physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties. Material and methods: Blueberries (BB) at 30 g/100 mL and steviol glycosides (0.03 g/100 mL) were used. Results: The beverage with 10 g/100 mL of AG had the best scores for sensory acceptability and was preferred by consumers. It has a pH of 3.88, soluble solid content of 14.97 °Brix, density of 1.05 g/cm3 and a colour which showed a tendency from red to blue. The Total Caloric Value (per 100 mL of beverage) was 53.4 Kcal, 13.53 g of carbohydrates, 8.80 g of total dietary fibre, and a sodium content of 12.26 mg. The total polyphenol content was 214.23 mg GAE /100 g. Conclusions: The serving size of functional beverage covers 70% of the daily dietary fibre recommendation.  Introducción: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo agregar valor a la goma arábiga (AG) y la cosecha de arándanos descartados del noroeste de Argentina, desarrollando bebidas dietéticas funcionales con AG en tres concentraciones de 0; 5; 10 y 15 g / 100 mL, y evaluar la aceptabilidad sensorial, las características fisicoquímicas y las propiedades antioxidantes. Material y métodos: Se utilizaron arándanos (BB) a 30 g / 100 mL y glucósidos de esteviol (0,03 g / 100 mL). Resultados: La bebida con 10 g / 100 mL de AG tuvo las mejores puntuaciones de aceptabilidad sensorial y fue la preferida por los consumidores. Tiene un pH de 3,88, contenido de sólidos solubles de 14,97 ° Brix, densidad de 1,05 g / cm3 y un color que mostró una tendencia del rojo al azul. El Valor Calórico Total (por 100 mL de bebida) fue de 53,4 Kcal, 13,53 g de carbohidratos, 8,80 g de fibra dietética total y un contenido de sodio de 12,26 mg. El contenido total de polifenoles fue de 214,23 mg GAE / 100 g. Resultados: Una porción de bebida funcional cubre el 70% de la recomendación diaria de fibra dietética

Adelante / Endavant

Séptimo desafío por la erradicación de la violencia contra las mujeres del Institut Universitari d’Estudis Feministes i de Gènere "Purificación Escribano" de la Universitat Jaume

A conserved non-canonical docking mechanism regulates the binding of dual specificity phosphatases to cell integrity mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in budding and fission yeasts.

Dual-specificity MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) are essential for the negative regulation of MAPK pathways. Similar to other MAPK-interacting proteins, most MKPs bind MAPKs through specific docking domains known as D-motifs. However, we found that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MKP Msg5 binds the MAPK Slt2 within the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway through a distinct motif (IYT). Here, we demonstrate that the IYT motif mediates binding of the Msg5 paralogue Sdp1 to Slt2 as well as of the MKP Pmp1 to its CWI MAPK counterpart Pmk1 in the evolutionarily distant yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. As a consequence, removal of the IYT site in Msg5, Sdp1 and Pmp1 reduces MAPK trapping caused by the overexpression of catalytically inactive versions of these phosphatases. Accordingly, an intact IYT site is necessary for inactive Sdp1 to prevent nuclear accumulation of Slt2. We also show that both Ile and Tyr but not Thr are essential for the functionality of the IYT motif. These results provide mechanistic insight into MKP-MAPK interplay and stress the relevance of this conserved non-canonical docking site in the regulation of the CWI pathway in fungi

Efecto de biofilms bacterianos sobre recubrimientos de conversión de fosfatos

A pesar de su baja resistencia a la corrosión, el acero al carbono es una aleaciónutilizada en múltiples ámbitos. El fosfatizado (phosphate conversion coating) es una delas técnicas más efectivas para aumentar la resistencia a la corrosión de este material,en especial en situaciones de transporte o almacenaje. Por otro lado, existen numerosasbacterias presentes en ambientes naturales e industriales capaces de solubilizarfosfatos, entre ellas, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Serratia, etc. El objetivo del trabajo fueevaluar el impacto producido por biofilms de bacterias solubilizadoras de fosfatos(Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, PSB) en la estabilidad e integridad de recubrimientosde conversión de fosfatos de hierro y de manganeso desarrollados sobre la superficiede acero al carbono. Con este propósito, probetas de acero SAE 1010, previamenterecubiertas con películas de fosfato de hierro o manganeso, fueron expuestas a dosmedios de cultivos, uno de Pseudomonas aeruginosa y otro de Paenebacillus sp. Elefecto de estas bacterias sobre los recubrimientos fue estudiado utilizando técnicaselectroquímicas de Polarización Potenciodinámica complementadas con técnicas deanálisis de superficie, Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido (MEB). A pesar de la altaresistencia a la corrosión que le otorgan ambos recubrimientos al acero, el deterioro enla integridad y estabilidad que los biofilms provocan en ellos hacen a la aleación mássusceptible a sufrir corrosión localizada. La magnitud de este deterioro depende del tipode fosfatizado y del cultivo bacteriano, siendo el de Pseudomonas aeruginosa el másnocivo para ambos tipos de recubrimientos.Fil: Viera, Marisa Rosana. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas; ArgentinaFil: Madrid, Santiago. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas; Argentina5° Congreso Argentino de Ingeniería; 11° Congreso Argentino de Enseñanza de la Ingeniería y 3° Congreso Latinoamericano de IngenieríaCiudad Autónoma de Buenos AiresArgentinaConsejo Federal de Decanos de Ingenierí

Bacterial biofilms formed on phosphate conversion coatings: effect on the corrosion protection of the coating.

Phosphating is the formation of a phosphate layer (phosphate conversion coating) on a metal surface, with the aim of increasing the corrosion resistance of the metal and the adhesion strength of organic coatings. Phosphate Conversion coatings are widely used to improve carbon steel corrosion resistance particularly during transport and storage.On the other hand, it is well known that different species of environmental bacteria are able to develop biofilms on metal surfaces. Besides, some of those bacteria are capable of solubilizing phosphate. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Paenebacillus sp. on the stability of iron and manganese phosphate conversion coatings applied on SAE 1010 carbon steel. Both bacterial species are known for their biofilm-forming and phosphate-solubilizing capacities. The corrosion protection provided by the phosphate coatings in the presence and in the absence of bacterial biofilms was evaluated through electrochemical techniques complemented with surface observation by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the development of P. aeruginosa and Paenebacillus biofilms on the surface of SAE 1010 carbon steel coated with iron or manganese phosphate conversion coating provoked a shift towards more negative values of the pitting potentials. The decrease in the passive state stability of both coatings in the presence of bacterial biofilms made the materials more susceptible to localized corrosion. The degree of the compromise of passivity was dependent on the coating and the bacterial strain. P. aeruginosa biofilms were more detrimental for both coatings than Paenabacillus sp. biofilms.Fil: Madrid, Santiago. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas; ArgentinaFil: Francetic, Mara. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas; ArgentinaFil: Viera, Marisa Rosana. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigaciones en Tecnología de Pinturas; Argentina18 International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation SymposiumEstados UnidosInternational Biodeterioration Societ

Autophagy Modulation as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Osteosarcoma: Current Insights and Future Perspectives

Autophagy, the process that enables the recycling and degradation of cellular components, is essential for homeostasis, which occurs in response to various types of stress. Autophagy plays an important role in the genesis and evolution of osteosarcoma (OS). The conventional treatment of OS has limitations and is not always effective at controlling the disease. Therefore, numerous researchers have analyzed how controlling autophagy could be used as a treatment or strategy to reverse resistance to therapy in OS. They highlight how the inhibition of autophagy improves the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments and how the promotion of autophagy could prove positive in OS therapy. The modulation of autophagy can also be directed against OS stem cells, improving treatment efficacy and preventing cancer recurrence. Despite promising findings, future studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and its relationship to OS, as well as the mechanisms underlying the functioning of autophagic modulators. Careful evaluation is required as autophagy modulation may have adverse effects on normal cells, and the optimization of autophagic modulators for use as drugs in OS is imperative