113 research outputs found
Structural basis of complement membrane attack complex formation
In response to complement activation, the membrane attack complex (MAC) assembles from fluid-phase proteins to form pores in lipid bilayers. MAC directly lyses pathogens by a ‘multi-hit’ mechanism; however, sublytic MAC pores on host cells activate signalling pathways. Previous studies have described the structures of individual MAC components and subcomplexes; however, the molecular details of its assembly and mechanism of action remain unresolved. Here we report the electron cryo-microscopy structure of human MAC at subnanometre resolution. Structural analyses define the stoichiometry of the complete pore and identify a network of interaction interfaces that determine its assembly mechanism. MAC adopts a ‘split-washer’ configuration, in contrast to the predicted closed ring observed for perforin and cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. Assembly precursors partially penetrate the lipid bilayer, resulting in an irregular β-barrel pore. Our results demonstrate how differences in symmetric and asymmetric components of the MAC underpin a molecular basis for pore formation and suggest a mechanism of action that extends beyond membrane penetration
The effects of storage duration, temperature and cultivar on the severity of garlic clove rot caused by Fusarium proliferatum.
Diseases that affect garlic during storage can lead to severe economic losses for farmers worldwide. One causal agent of clove rot is Fusarium proliferatum. Here, the progress of clove rot caused by F. proliferatum and its dependence on different storage conditions and cultivar type were studied. The effect of temperature on mycelial
growth,
conidial
viability,
and
fungal
survival
during
garlic
commercial
storage
was
documented.
Samples
of
50
bulbs
from
a
randomized
field
trial
with
three
different
clonal
generations
for
purple
garlic
(F3,
F4
and
F5)
and
the
F4
clonal
generation
for
white
garlic
were
labeled
and
stored
for
two
months
(short-term
storage).
In
addition,
another
sample
of
the
F5
clonal
generation
of
purple
garlic
was
stored
for
6
months
after
harvest
(long-term
storage).
The
presence
of
the
pathogen
and
the
percentage
of
symptomatic
cloves
were
evaluated.
A
notable
difference
in
the
rot
severity
index
(RSI)
of
different
garlic
varieties
was
observed.
In
all
studied
cases,
clove
rot
increased
with
storage
time
at
20
◦
C,
and
the
white
garlic
variety
had
a
higher
index
of
rot
severity
after
two
months
of
storage.
Additionally,
there
were
clear
differences
between
the
growth
rates
of
F.
proliferatum
isolates.
Studies
conducted
on
the
temperature
responses
of
the
pathogen
propagules
showed
that
expo-
sure
for
at
least
20
min
at
50
◦
C
was
highly
effective
in
significantly
reducing
the
viability
of
fungal
conidia.
Pathogenicity
studies
showed
that
the
fungus
is
pathogenic
in
all
commercial
varieties.
However,
there
were
significant
differences
in
varietal
susceptibility
between
Chinese
and
white
garlic
type
cultivars
(81.84
±
16.44%
and
87.5
±
23.19%
symptomatic
cloves,
respectively)
and
purple
cultivars
(49.06
±
13.42%
symptomatic
cloves
Control and Guidance of Low-Cost Robots via Gesture Perception for Monitoring Activities in the Home
This paper describes the development of a low-cost mini-robot that is controlled by visual gestures. The prototype allows a person with disabilities to perform visual inspections indoors and in domestic spaces. Such a device could be used as the operator's eyes obviating the need for him to move about. The robot is equipped with a motorised webcam that is also controlled by visual gestures. This camera is used to monitor tasks in the home using the mini-robot while the operator remains quiet and motionless. The prototype was evaluated through several experiments testing the ability to use the mini-robot’s kinematics and communication systems to make it follow certain paths. The mini-robot can be programmed with specific orders and can be tele-operated by means of 3D hand gestures to enable the operator to perform movements and monitor tasks from a distance.The research that yielded these results has received funding from the projects DPI2012-32390 and PROMETEO/2013/085
Quantitative proteome and acidic subproteome profiling of candida albicans yeast-to-hypha transition
Comunicaciones a congreso
Biocontrol of mycotoxigenic fungi using bacteria isolated from ecological vineyard soils
The presence of mycotoxin-producing Aspergillus species in vineyards is a problem for food safety and the economy. In addition, rising temperatures due to climate change are modifying microbial communities, causing the replacement of some fungal species and the rise of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins. The use of microorganisms as biological control agents (BCAs) is one of the most promising strategies to prevent fungal growth and toxin production. In this study, 513 microor-ganisms were isolated from organic vineyard soils in different regions of Spain. The 480 bacteria and 33 yeasts isolated were sequentially screened to select those with the most suitable charac-teristics to be used as BCAs. After identifying 16 isolates meeting all requirements, six bacterial isolates were selected to test their potential to control three relevant toxigenic grape fungi in vitro: A. carbonarius, A. niger and A. flavus. Isolates of Arthrobacter sp., Rhodococcus sp. and Bacillus my-coides showed an excellent ability to reduce the growth and mycotoxin concentration of the above-mentioned fungi and represent potential candidates for further study regarding their possible industrial application as a BCA.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, grant num‐
ber RTI 2018‐097593‐B‐C21
Poly (lactic acid)/D-limonene/ZnO bio-nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties
Antimicrobial films of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/D-limonene/zinc oxide (ZnO)-based bio-nanocomposites were prepared via melt compounding and subsequent thermocompression. D-limonene was incorporated at concentrations of 10 or 20 wt%, and ZnO pure nanoparticles and those organically modified with oleic acid (O-ZnO), with an average diameter of 13.5 nm, were included at concentrations of 3, 5, and 8 wt%. The plasticizing effect of D-Limonene was corroborated by a decrease in the glass transition temperature compared to pure PLA. The presence of ZnO and O-ZnO in the PLA matrix promoted a slight increase in the degree of crystallinity due to its nucleant performance. Although ZnO and O-ZnO induced lower thermal stability and slightly decreased microhardness in the composites, excellent antimicrobial performance was demonstrated. Both ZnO and O-ZnO nanocomposites reached 99.9% of effectiveness for nanoparticles content above 5 wt%, regardless of the source of irradiation, D-limonene concentration, and nanoparticle modification. Therefore, these bio-nanocomposites will allow for future advances in sustainable antimicrobial materials for the medical or food packaging fields.DICYT, Grant/Award Number: Project 022041ZR_POSTDOCT; Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico,Grant/Award Numbers: 1170226, 320029
Characteristics and outcome of adult patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and increased body mass index treated with the PETHEMA Protocols
Objective The obesity/overweight may have an influence on APL outcomes. Methods This is the biggest multicentre analysis on 1320 APL patients treated with AIDA-induction and risk-adapted consolidation between 1996 and 2012. Patients body mass index (BMI) was classified as underweight (= 30 kg/m(2)) according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results and conclusions Relationship between male gender, older age, and other known laboratory abnormalities in overweight/obese patients was significant. The induction mortality rate was significantly higher in APL with BMI >= 25 vs BMI = 25 had a trend to lower OS (74% vs 80%; P = .06). However, in the multivariate analysis, BMI did not retain the independent predictive value (P = .46). There was no higher incidence of differentiation syndrome with BMI >= 25, but there was a trend in obese. There was no difference in relapse rate according to the BMI. In summary, overweight/obesity does not represent an independent risk factor for APL outcomes. The influence of obesity in APL patients treated with chemotherapy-free regimens remains to be established
PERIODO DE PUESTA DEL PULPO COMÚN(Octopus vulgaris) EN EL MAR DE ALBORÁN (MEDITERRÁNEO OCCIDENTAL).
Twitter as a Tool for Teaching and Communicating Microbiology: The #microMOOCSEM Initiative
Online social networks are increasingly used by the population on a daily basis. They are considered a powerful tool for science communication and their potential as educational tools is emerging. However, their usefulness in academic practice is still a matter of debate. Here, we present the results of our pioneering experience teaching a full Basic Microbiology course via Twitter (#microMOOCSEM), consisting of 28 lessons of 40-45 minutes duration each, at a tweet per minute rate during 10 weeks. Lessons were prepared by 30 different lecturers, covering most basic areas in Microbiology and some monographic topics of general interest (malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, etc.). Data analysis on the impact and acceptance of the course were largely affirmative, promoting a 330% enhancement in the followers and a >350-fold increase of the number of visits per month to the Twitter account of the host institution, the Spanish Society for Microbiology. Almost one third of the course followers were located overseas. Our study indicates that Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC) via Twitter are highly dynamic, interactive, and accessible to great audiences, providing a valuable tool for social learning and communicating science. This strategy attracts the interest of students towards particular topics in the field, efficiently complementing customary academic activities, especially in multidisciplinary areas like Microbiology.Versión del edito
- …