Tratamientos para reducir los daños por látex en mango (Mangifera indica)

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar tratamientos alternativos para reducir las manchas de látex en mango. Se utilizaron frutos del cultivar Amarilla y soluciones (1% en agua) de eter lauril sulfonato de sodio (ELSS), ácido sulfónico (AS), amida de coco (AC) y nonil fenol etoxilado (NFE); hipoclorito de sodio (100 y 200 mg l-1 en agua); agua; con 3 tratamientos testigo (deslechado en seco y manchado intencional con limpieza posterior y sin ella). Se midió la incidencia y severidad de las manchas sobre la cáscara y en las lenticelas. Los residuos de látex y las manchas sobre la cáscara generalmente cubrieron menos de 5% del área total; sin embargo, cuando los frutos se deslecharon en agua, en las soluciones con los tensoactivos, o al mancharlos intencionalmente, las manchas fueron severas. Los tensoactivos AS, AC y NFE provocaron oscurecimiento de las lenticelas en el 60-100% de la superficie, con grado de severidad alto (3,8-4,0), sin estar asociados a residuos de látex sobre la cáscara. La severidad de la mancha de látex resultó leve cuando la fruta se deslechó en seco (0,8) y fue moderada cuando se hizo en agua y en las soluciones de cloro con 100 y 200 mg l-1 (1,7, 1,6 y 1,3, respectivamente). El tratamiento posterior con fungicida y agua caliente hizo más visibles las manchas. Los 3 mejores tratamientos fueron el deslechado en ELSS al 1%, en la solución de hipoclorito de sodio (100 mg l-1) y en seco

Efecto de cambios en manejo poscosecha sobre la calidad y vida útil del culantro coyote para exportación (Eryngium foedium L.)

Se determinó el efecto de varias modificaciones en prácticas poscosecha del culantro coyote para exportación: sacudido manual de los rollos de culantro; sustitución de bandas de hule por gazas plásticas; uso del tensoactivo (TA, Vega-A-Kleen, 15 g.l-1); centrifugado a 3 velocidades; 2 materiales de empaque; y 3 temperaturas de almacenamiento, sobre la mejora de los procesos y la calidad del culantro. El sacudido manual de rollos amarrados con ligas provocó más daños mecánicos (87%) que sin amarre (63%). El uso del TA permitió hasta 30% más eliminación de agua durante 5 minutos de escurrido pasivo y facilitó la recuperación de insectos respecto al lavado con agua (37 vs 19 /rollo) y este efecto fue mayor al combinarlo con el sacudido (56 y 48 /rollo, resp.). El escurrido con centrífuga manual aceleró el drenaje del exceso de agua, de 33 ml/100 g a 25 rpm, a 84 ml/100 g 50 y 75 rpm durante el primer minuto, con escasa remoción adicional de agua a tiempos mayores (2-5 min). Los daños mecánicos fueron 15 y 20% menores a 25 y 50 rpm, en contraste con 30% a 75 rpm. La sustitución de ligas por gazas plásticas para amarrar los rollos redujo los daños mecánicos de hojas en 11%. El almacenamiento a 10°C permitió conservar la calidad del producto por 15 días, con menos de 5% de amarillamiento y de 1% de daños por necrosis y Cercospora para los 2 tipos de empaque.The effect several of changes in post-harvest practices of coyote coriander for export was determined: hand shaking of coriander tied and loose bunches; plastic loops instead of rubber bands to hold bunches together; a commercial surfactant (TA, Vega-AKleen, 15 g.l-1) incorporated in washing solution; 3 speeds of centrifugation; 2 packaging materials and 3 storage temperatures. Hand shaking of tied bunches increased mechanical damage to 87%, in contrast with 63% for untied bunches. The use of the surfactant increased up to 30% excess water elimination during the first 5 minutes of passive drainage, as compared with produce washed with pure water, and also lead to larger insect recovery (37/bunch with surfactant, and 19/ bunch without). When hand shaking was used after washing, insect extraction was larger (56 and 48/ bunch, respectively). Water drainage increased from 33 to 84 ml/100 g when centrifugation speed increased from 25 to 50 and 75 rpm in the first minute, but no further changes were observed after additional timing (2-5 minutes) for 75 rpm; however, mechanical damages were 15 and 20% less at 25 and 50 rpm, in contrast with 30% at 75 rpm. As for substitution of rubber bands with plastic loops, the latter allowed 11% of mechanical damage reduction. Storage temperature at 10°C best preserved product quality, regardless of the packaging material, showing less than 5% of yellow leaves and less than 1% of necrosis and Cercospora damage symptoms after 15 days of storage.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Centro de Investigaciones Agronómicas (CIA

Verificación del contenido de materia seca como indicador de cosecha para aguacate (Persea americana) Cultivar Hass en zona intermedia de producción de Los Santos, Costa Rica

The objective of this research was to study whether avocado dry matter content (DMC) could be used as an appropriate harvest index in substitution of fruit oil content (OC), for Hass avocados grown in intermediate elevation areas (1750 masl) at Los Santos geographical region, Costa Rica. A total of 2000 pollinated flowers were tagged in 100 trees after fruit set. Thirty five fruits were evaluated each week, from week 31 to 44. It was found that both, OC and DMC, showed a rapid and significant increase after week 39 (p≥0.05), with a correlation coefficient between them of 0.92. Other observed simultaneous changes, related to fruit ripening, were the development of skin purple color (covering 74% of the surface area), the reduction of the adherence of the seed coat to the fruit pulp, and of the skin and seed to the pulp, as well as the decrease of the fruit firmness, from 118 N during the 31st week down to 57 N at week 40 and beyond. The use of 23% DMC in fruits is recommended as a harvest index for Hass avocado in Los Santos growing area, as an alternative to fruit oil content (OC).El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar si el contenido de materia seca (CMS) de aguacate podría ser utilizado como un índice de cosecha adecuado en sustitución del contenido de aceite (CA) en aguacate Hass, cultivado en una zona de altitud intermedia (1750 msnm), en Los Santos, Costa Rica. Se marcaron 100 árboles y un total de 2000 flores polinizadas; se evaluaron 35 frutos cada semana, de la semana 31 a la 44. Se encontró que ambos, CA y CMS, mostraron un aumento rápido y significativo después de la semana 39 (p≥0,05), con un coeficiente de correlación entre ellos de 0,92. Otros cambios observados simultáneamente, y relacionados con la maduración de la fruta, fueron el desarrollo del color morado en la cáscara (74% de la superficie), la reducción de la adherencia de la cubierta de la semilla a la pulpa de la fruta, y de ésta a la cáscara y a la semilla, así como la disminución de la firmeza del fruto, de 118 N durante la semana 31 hasta 57 N en la semana 40 y después de ésta. Se recomienda usar el 23% de CMS en el fruto de aguacate Hass como un índice de cosecha para el aguacate cultivado a 1750 msnm en la zona de Los Santos, como una alternativa al contenido de aceite de la fruta (CA)

DataSheet_2_IP-10 and MIG are sensitive markers of early virological response to HIV-1 integrase inhibitors.docx

Supplementary Data Sheet 2 | Centres and investigators involved in CoRIS.[Background] Interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) are chemokines recognized as inflammatory biomarkers during HIV-1 infection. We assessed their early and long-term dynamics after initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART).[Methods] Persons with HIV-1 (PWH) aged>18 years starting their first ART in 2015-2021 in a prospective cohort (n=73) were included. IP-10 and MIG plasma levels were quantified using a multiplexed bead-based assay.[Results] IP-10 and MIG plasma levels showed a significant and consistent reduction following ART (80% integrase inhibitor [INSTI]-based) initiation, starting at day 20 and maintained throughout the study period (48 months), paralleling the HIV-1 RNA decay and CD4+ count recovery (p<0·001). At baseline, PWH≥ 50 years, CDC stage C and CD4+ count<350cells/mm3 had higher levels of IP-10 (p=0·022, p=0·001 and p=0·002, respectively) and MIG (p<0·001, p=0·024 and p=0·069, respectively). All of them matched their counterparts several months following ART initiation. MIG levels showed a greater decrease at day 10 in those treated with INSTI (p=0·038). Low-level HIV-1 viremia did not impact MIG or IP-10 levels.[Conclusion] Plasma IP-10 and MIG showed an early significant decline following ART initiation, with greater early declines in MIG levels in INSTI-based regimens. These findings suggest a strong impact of HIV-1 viremia on IP-10 and MIG levels.Peer reviewe

IP-10 and MIG are sensitive markers of early virological response to HIV-1 integrase inhibitors

© 2023 Álvarez, Gutiérrez-Valencia, Mariño, Saborido-Alconchel, Calderón-Cruz, Pérez-González, Alonso-Domínguez, Martínez-Barros, Gallego-Rodríguez, Moreno, Aldamiz, Montero-Alonso, Bernal, Galera, Llibre and Poveda. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.Background: Interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) are chemokines recognized as inflammatory biomarkers during HIV-1 infection. We assessed their early and long-term dynamics after initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART).Methods: Persons with HIV-1 (PWH) aged>18 years starting their first ART in 2015-2021 in a prospective cohort (n=73) were included. IP-10 and MIG plasma levels were quantified using a multiplexed bead-based assay.Results: IP-10 and MIG plasma levels showed a significant and consistent reduction following ART (80% integrase inhibitor [INSTI]-based) initiation, starting at day 20 and maintained throughout the study period (48 months), paralleling the HIV-1 RNA decay and CD4+ count recovery (p<0·001). At baseline, PWH≥ 50 years, CDC stage C and CD4+ count<350cells/mm3 had higher levels of IP-10 (p=0·022, p=0·001 and p=0·002, respectively) and MIG (p<0·001, p=0·024 and p=0·069, respectively). All of them matched their counterparts several months following ART initiation. MIG levels showed a greater decrease at day 10 in those treated with INSTI (p=0·038). Low-level HIV-1 viremia did not impact MIG or IP-10 levels.Conclusion: Plasma IP-10 and MIG showed an early significant decline following ART initiation, with greater early declines in MIG levels in INSTI-based regimens. These findings suggest a strong impact of HIV-1 viremia on IP-10 and MIG levels.The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III [PI16/02159, BA18/00034, PI19/00747, PI22/01341, CM20/00243] and cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund, “A way to make Europe”; Red Española de Investigación en SIDA; Xunta de Galicia-Axencia Galega de Innovación (IN606A-2022/019); INVESTIGO Next GenerationEU Program TR349V-2022-10000052-00; Intramural Grant Program Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (CI22-A-2).Peer reviewe

Healthcare workers hospitalized due to COVID-19 have no higher risk of death than general population. Data from the Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry

Aim To determine whether healthcare workers (HCW) hospitalized in Spain due to COVID-19 have a worse prognosis than non-healthcare workers (NHCW). Methods Observational cohort study based on the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, a nationwide registry that collects sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data on patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Spain. Patients aged 20-65 years were selected. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with mortality. Results As of 22 May 2020, 4393 patients were included, of whom 419 (9.5%) were HCW. Median (interquartile range) age of HCW was 52 (15) years and 62.4% were women. Prevalence of comorbidities and severe radiological findings upon admission were less frequent in HCW. There were no difference in need of respiratory support and admission to intensive care unit, but occurrence of sepsis and in-hospital mortality was lower in HCW (1.7% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.024 and 0.7% vs. 4.8%; p<0.001 respectively). Age, male sex and comorbidity, were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality and healthcare working with lower mortality (OR 0.211, 95%CI 0.067-0.667, p = 0.008). 30-days survival was higher in HCW (0.968 vs. 0.851 p<0.001). Conclusions Hospitalized COVID-19 HCW had fewer comorbidities and a better prognosis than NHCW. Our results suggest that professional exposure to COVID-19 in HCW does not carry more clinical severity nor mortality

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

Repensar els estudis catalans des de la teoria queer

Catalan Studies are basically focused on national/linguistic identity, but recent debate on Catalan identity triggered by the current pro-independent process in Catalonia, may help reshape this academic field. A more diverse approach to Catalan culture should consider sexuality, which has traditionally been banished from literary analysis as a ‘private’ matter. Here, we discussed how queer theory can reframe Catalan Studies mainly by building a specific LGBT literary tradition, identifying queer episodes and characters in the canon, questioning received meanings, promoting interdisciplinary analysis of Catalan culture and exploring the role of queer subjectivity in history

PhDAY 2020 -FOO (Facultad de Óptica y Optometría)

Por cuarto año consecutivo los doctorandos de la Facultad de Óptica y Optometría de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid cuentan con un congreso propio organizado por y para ellos, el 4º PhDAY- FOO. Se trata de un congreso gratuito abierto en la que estos jóvenes científicos podrán presentar sus investigaciones al resto de sus compañeros predoctorales y a toda la comunidad universitaria que quiera disfrutar de este evento. Apunta en tu agenda: el 15 de octubre de 2020. En esta ocasión será un Congreso On-line para evitar que la incertidumbre asociada a la pandemia Covid-19 pudiera condicionar su celebración