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This study investigates the performance of different poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites incorporating agri-food waste additives and commercial lignin, comparing their properties with those of virgin PLA. The following composites were prepared using a single-screw extruder: PLA with 20% rice husk, PLA with 20% wheat straw and PLA with 20% olive pit. Additionally, PLA was blended with commercial lignin at the maximum feasible proportion using the same methodology. The resulting composites were injection-molded into specimens for analysis of their mechanical, thermal and morphological behavior. The primary objectives were to assess the dispersion of the additives within the PLA matrix and to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites. The results indicate that the addition of high percentages of agricultural residues does not significantly compromise the mechanical properties of the composites. Notably, in the case of the PLA with 20% rice husk composite, the elastic modulus surpassed that of virgin PLA, despite the evident heterogeneity in filler particle sizes. It was feasible to incorporate a higher percentage of agricultural residues compared to commercial lignin, attributed to the larger volume occupied by the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tools for measuring walking time make use of objective and subjective methods. One subjective approach is to administer physical activity questionnaires (PAQ), mainly because they are inexpensive and easy to give to large groups. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study has a brief PAQ (EPIC-PAQ) and includes one question referencing walking time. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of the question about time spent walking included in the EPIC-PAQ. The sample included 200 older adults (113 women). To assess daily walking time, participants responded to the EPIC-PAQ in an interview and wore a portable gait analysis system and physical activity monitor for 48 consecutive hours in free-living condition. Results indicated that the mean of bias between the EPIC-PAQ and objetive measurement was −64.6 min/day. Also, the correlation was low compared to an objective measurement (rho = 0.196) and was positively correlated with the time spent at speeds below 2.5 mph but the correlation was low (slow walking rho = 0.154 and pace walking rho = 0.163). The EPIC-PAQ shows low correlations with the objective measurement of walking time, that suggests it may be inaccurate and affecting the estimate of the EPIC-PAQ's PA energy expenditure in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usual gait speed has been shown to have very good reliability and convincing predictive validity for evaluating older adults’ gait skills, but its criterion validity is unknown. We examined the criterion validity of the 8-feet (i.e., 2.44 meters) test in a laboratory environment to assess usual gait speed by comparing its results with the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA) monitor. Participants were 200 well-functioning community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older (113 women; 87 men; mean [M] age = 71.8, standard deviation [SD] = 5.6 years). Participants wore the IDEEA monitor for 48 consecutive hours, and we used the participants’ average usual gait speed for the analysis. The Spearman correlation of usual gait speed using both the 8-feet test and IDEEA monitor was moderate and statistically significant (ρ = .364, p < .001). The mean difference between both methods was 0.20 (SD = 0.27) meters/second, and the corresponding limits of agreement were 0.73 and −0.33 meters/second. There was a small systematic bias when the difference between the two methods was correlated with usual gait speed as measured by the IDEEA (ρ = −.20, p = .011). The perfect agreement (weighted kappa) of both instruments for classifying usual gait speed into tertiles, quartiles, and quintiles was 48.3% (k = 0.17), 30.9% (k = 0.23), and 25.4% (k = 0.29), respectively. Our results indicate that the 8-feet test showed moderate criterion-related validity for evaluating and assessing usual gait speed test in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study the relation between the local spectrum of a vertex set C and the local spectra of its subconstituents. In particular, it is shown that, when C is a completely regular code, such spectra are uniquely determined by the local spectra of C. Moreover, we obtain a new characterization for completely pseudo-regular codes, and consequently for completely regular codes, in terms of the relation between the local spectrum of an extremal set of vertices and the local spectrum of its antipodal set. We also present a new proof of the version of the spectral excess theorem for extremal sets of vertices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A method for simultaneous determination of nine β-lactams in ewe milk using HPLC-DAD is described. [•] Sample treatment allowed extracts ready for fast identification and quantification. [•] Analyte recoveries ranged from 79% to 96% with relative standard deviations between 0.5% and 4.9%. [•] LOQs were 3.4–8.6μgkg−1, lower than MRLs established by the European Union. [•] A powerful and popular tool for confirmation of antibiotics in small milk industries is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many multiobjective optimization problems in the engineering field are required to be solved within more or less severe time restrictions. Because the optimization criteria, the parameters, and/or constraints might change with time, the optimization solutions must be recalculated when a change takes place. The time required by the optimization procedure to arrive at the new solutions should be bounded accordingly with the rate of change observed in these dynamic problems. This way, the faster the optimization algorithm is to obtain solutions, the wider is the set of dynamic problems to which that algorithm can be applied. Here, we analyze the performance of the nondominated sorting algorithm (NSGA-II), strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA2), and single front genetic algorithms (SFGA, and SFGA2) on two different multiobjective optimization problems, with two and three objectives, respectively. For these two studied problems, the single front genetic algorithms have obtained adequate quality in the solutions in very little time. Moreover, for the second and more complex problem approached, SFGA2 and NSGA-II obtain the besthypervolumein the found set of nondominated solutions, but SFGA2 employs much less time than NSGA-II. These results may suggest that single front genetic algorithms, especially SFGA2, could be appropiate to deal with optimization problems with high rates of change, and thus stronger time constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A graph is edge-distance-regular when it is distance-regular around each of its edges and it has the same intersection numbers for any edge taken as a root. In this paper we give some (combinatorial and algebraic) proofs of the fact that every edge-distance-regular graph Γ is distance-regular and homogeneous. More precisely, Γ is edge-distance-regular if and only if it is bipartite distance-regular or a generalized odd graph. Also, we obtain the relationships between some of their corresponding parameters, mainly, the distance polynomials and the intersection numbers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The feasibility of Near Infrared Spectroscopy to detect fungicide treatment on wheat samples was assessed. A total of 213 durum wheat samples from four different trial sites in Andalusia (southern Spain), with different agroclimatic conditions (soil, temperature, rainfall) were selected for been analyzed on VIS+NIR (400nm–2500nm) and NIR (1100nm–2500nm). Different mathematical pre-treatment on the signal (scatter correction and derivatives) were evaluated for their discrimination accuracies. Using MPLS, the selected models obtained 84% of well classified samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Edge-distance-regularity is a concept recently introduced by the authors which is similar to that of distance-regularity, but now the graph is seen from each of its edges instead of from its vertices. More precisely, a graph Γ with adjacency matrix A is edge-distance-regular when it is distance-regular around each of its edges and with the same intersection numbers for any edge taken as a root. In this paper we study this concept, give some of its properties, such as the regularity of Γ, and derive some characterizations. In particular, it is shown that a graph is edge-distance-regular if and only if its k-incidence matrix is a polynomial of degree k in A multiplied by the (standard) incidence matrix. Also, the analogue of the spectral excess theorem for distance-regular graphs is proved, so giving a quasi-spectral characterization of edge-distance-regularity. Finally, it is shown that every nonbipartite graph which is both distance-regular and edge-distance-regular is a generalized odd graph. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Removal of amitrole from water was studied by adsorption on an activated carbon cloth and by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide using the same activated carbon cloth as catalyst. Study variables included the solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature in the adsorption process and the solution pH and the surface chemistry of the activated carbon cloth in the oxidation process. Results showed that amitrole adsorption on activated carbon cloth was not adequate to remove amitrole from water due to the high solubility and low aromaticity of the herbicide, which reduced its adsorption on the carbon. A higher amitrole removal rate was obtained with the activated carbon/HO system. The best results were obtained on basic activated carbon surfaces at pH 7-10, when hydroxyl radical formation is favored, achieving the removal of 35-45% of the AMT, compared with 20-25% under the best adsorption conditions. Importantly, oxygen fixed on the carbon surface during AMT oxidation must be removed by heat treatment in order to regenerate the surface basicity of the carbon before its reutilization in another oxidation cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infection with bacteria such as Pseudomonas is common in lung allograft recipients, particularly during chronic rejection. Analysis of sputum samples from patients with cystic fibrosis infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Burkholderia cepacia has indicated the presence of bacterial N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) quorum sensing signalling molecules. AHLs not only control the expression of bacterial virulence genes but are also involved in stimulating the maturation of antibiotic resistant biofilms and host chemokine release. It was hypothesised that AHLs may be detected even in clinically stable lung transplant recipients free of clinical infection or rejection.Methods: Three 60 ml samples of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were taken from nine stable lung transplant recipients 3-12 months after transplantation. Detection of AHLs was carried out on dichloromethane extracted supernatants using the bioluminescence based AHL reporter plasmid pSB1075. This responds to the presence of AHLs with long acyl chains (C10-C14), generating light. Synthetic AHLs were included as positive controls.Results: Five of the nine BAL fluid supernatants exhibited AHL activity, suggesting the presence of AHLs with long N-acyl chains. There was no correlation between the levels of AHLs detected or their absence and BAL fluid microbiology or diagnosis before transplantation.Conclusions: This is the first evidence for the presence of AHL quorum sensing signals in human lung allograft recipients, even in subjects with no rejection or apparent infection. Further longitudinal follow up of these preliminary findings is required to elucidate potential links with infection, rejection, and allograft deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A conjecture of Graham and Häggkvist states that every tree with edges decomposes every -regular graph and every bipartite -regular graph. Let be a tree with a prime number of edges. We show that if the growth ratio of at some vertex satisfies , where is the golden ratio, then decomposes . We also prove that if has at least leaves then it decomposes . This improves previous results by Häggkvist and by Lladó and López. The results follow from an application of Alon’s Combinatorial Nullstellensatz to obtain bigraceful labelings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage has become a useful technique for extending vegetables shelf-life. The aim of this work is to select the most suitable conditions for green beans storage under CA, for the maintenance of micronutrients (vitamins and mineral content). Samples were stored at 8 °C, under different conditions (normal atmospheric air, 5%O2+3%CO2, 3%O2+3%CO2 and 1%O2+3%CO2), and analyzed periodically during 1 month for ash and individual mineral elements (atomic absorption spectroscopy), carotenoids (spectrophotometry), vitamins B1 and B2 (spectrofluorometry), vitamins B6 (colorimetry) and vitamin C (HPLC–UV). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) and Duncan''s tests were applied to the analytical data to evaluate the effects of the treatments applied. A weighted least squares polynomial plot was applied to vitamin C data to establish its degradation kinetics. The conditions 3% O2+3%CO2 at 8 °C was selected as the best one to extend shelf-life and preserve the nutritive value of this vegetable, with a 75% total vitamin C retention at 8 days storage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage has become a useful technique to extend vegetable shelf-life. The aim of this work is to select the most suitable conditions for green bean storage under CA, with the maintenance of macronutrients (proteins, total available carbohydrates, soluble sugars, neutral-detergent fibre and pectins). Samples were stored at 8°C, under different atmosphere conditions (normal atmospheric air, 5%O2+3%CO2, 3%O2+3%CO2 and 1%O2+3%CO2), and analyzed periodically during one month for dry matter (desiccation), proteins (Kjeldahl), total available carbohydrates (anthone), soluble sugars (HPLC), neutral-detergent fibre (gravimetry) and pectins (m-phenyphenol). Statistical analyses (ANOVA and Duncan tests) were applied to the analytical data to evaluate the effect of the treatments applied. The air composition 3% O2+3%CO2 at 8 °C was selected as the best one to extend shelf-life and preserve the nutritive value of this vegetable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper is based on our earlier paper (Ruiz-Lendínezet al., 2013) of this work and its new contribution is to develop a point-based methodology for the automatic assessment of positional and geometric components of spatial data. The starting point for our approach is the set of homologous polygons obtained according to the methodology developed in Ruiz-Lendínezet al.(2013). From these pairs of polygons, we first have identified and computed homologous points using a metric for comparing polygonal shapes defined by Arkinet al.(1991) and then we have applied a point-based standard developed for assessing the positional accuracy of spatial data. Specifically, we have employed the National Standard Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA) standard. The results obtained demonstrate the viability of this point-based evaluation and its potential compared to traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Wild edible species composition should be available in food nutrient databases. [•] Proximal composition and mineral elements of 6 wild Asteraceae investigated. [•] Chondrilla juncea leaves provide more fibre, Ca, Mn than most conventional vegetables. [•] Taraxacum obovatum and C. juncea may reach 300mg Ca/100g with good Ca/oxalate ratio. [•] Scolymus hispanicus mid-ribs may be good contributor to fibre, Mg, Ca human intakes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The evaluation of nutritional or functional components in grain products is an important feature for the industry, especially when recent regulations require a correct nutrition labelling, valid during all the shelf life of the product. For that reason, industry usually makes many efforts to develop simple and reliable analytical methods that can be easily applied in any quality control laboratories for routine analysis. Spectrofluorimetric analysis of thiamine and riboflavin are sensitive, but need specific equipment. A few HPLC-UV methods have been described but they are less sensitive, and present difficulties due to interfering compounds, particularly in complex food matrixes, as grains and derivatives. A combination of extraction and separation systems, that allows enough sensitivity, precision and accuracy for the analysis of vitamin B1 and B2 in complex cereal food products, by isocratic UV-HPLC, in a single wavelength simultaneous separation is presented, with the advantage of using low-cost equipment requirements, simple sample pre-treatment and short time. The achievement of this goal has involved the optimization of compatible extraction and measurement protocols for cereal matrices, comparing seven different separation conditions and six extraction/clarification matrices analysis. The selected method was comparatively validated and compared to reference AOAC spectrofluorimetric methods, providing comparable linearity and accuracy, with better specificity and precision parameters, as well as practical applicability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tomato by-product consists of peels and seeds, presenting peel high fiber content. In this work, “tomato fiber” (TF) samples, obtained from tomato peels (after tomato processing) by a patented process, were characterized in terms of fiber and macronutrients (proteins, ash, total available carbohydrates and soluble sugars). From our results, TF is mainly composed by carbohydrates, with an average value of 80% of total dietary fiber (much higher than other vegetable by-products), being insoluble fiber the major component. The results obtained in this study reveal the high interest of TF as a food ingredient to be used as a valuable ingredient of new functional foods, enhancing insoluble fiber intake in the population. Industrial Relevance: The use of tomato by-product reduces costs and justifies new investments in equipment, providing a correct solution for the pollution problem connected with tomato processing. The results obtained in this study reveal the high interest of TF as a food ingredient to be used as a valuable ingredient of new functional foods, enhancing insoluble fiber intake in the population. According to the Regulation 1924/2006, the product TF characterized in this study can be considered under the denomination of “Source of Fiber” (more than 3g/100g), and for that reason food products containing the above mentioned fiber in quantities equal or superior to 3.9%, could also include the same declaration of nutritional properties in their labeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Extrusion cooking technology is commercially used in the fabrication of a variety of snack-type and ready-to-eat foods made from cereal grains. However, with the exception of soybean, pulses such as lentil, dry pea and chickpea have not been used for the development of extruded food products. In this study, total carbohydrates, mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, and soluble and insoluble dietary fiber were determined before and after extrusion cooking under specific processing conditions. Concentrations of total available carbohydrates (TAC) in lentil, chickpea and dry pea flours ranged from 625g/kg to 657g/kg dry matter. Dry pea showed the highest concentration of TAC, followed by chickpea and lentil. Extrusion processing did not significantly (p <0.05) affect the TAC content of dry pea and lentil flours. However, extrusion processing decreased the concentration of the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (raffinose and stachyose) in pulse extrudates. Formulated pulse flours demonstrated a beneficial increase in dietary fiber. This research indicates that value-added, nutritious snacks with reduced levels of flatulence factors and higher contents of dietary fiber can be fabricated successfully by extrusion processing of formulations based on lentil, dry pea or chickpea, and represent good alternatives to traditional cereal-based snacks. Also, the commercialization of value-added, pulse-based snacks would increase pulse consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: The aim of this research was to analyse the quorum‐sensing (QS) and quorum‐quenching (QQ) mechanisms based on N‐acyl‐l‐homoserine lactones (AHLs) in Azospirillum brasilense Az39, a strain with remarkable capacity to benefit a wide range of crops under agronomic conditions. Methods and results: We performed an in silico and in vitro analysis of the quorum mechanisms in A. brasilense Az39. The results obtained in vitro using the reporter strains Chromobacterium violaceum and Agrobacterium tumefaciens and liquid chromatography coupled with mass‐mass spectrometry analysis showed that although Az39 does not produce AHL molecules, it is capable of degrading them by at least two hypothetical enzymes identified by bioinformatics approach, associated with the bacterial cell. In Az39 cultures supplemented with 500 nmol l−1 of the C3 unsubstituted AHLs (C4, C6, C8, C10, C12, C14), AHL levels were lower than in noninoculated LB media controls. Similar results were observed upon the addition of AHLs with hydroxy (OH‐) and keto (oxo‐) substitutions in C3. These results not only demonstrate the ability of Az39 to degrade AHLs. They also show the wide spectrum of molecules that can be degraded by this bacterium. Conclusions: Although A. brasilense Az39 is a silent bacterium unable to produce AHL signals, it is able to interrupt the communications between other bacteria and/or plants by a QQ activity. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report confirming by unequivocal methodology the ability of A. brasilense, one of the most agriculturally used benefic bacteria around the world, to degrade AHLs by a QQ mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the matrix and the concentration of the pesticides on the bioavailability of the dimethomorph, ametoctradin, boscalid, fenhexamid, mepanipyrim, cyazofamid, kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and metrofenone fungicides in grapes and red wine are studied. Bioavailability is calculated using an in vitro procedure and by simulating human gastric digestion by dialyzation of the fungicides at six concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 mg kg−1) in the semipermeable cellulose membrane. Analyses were carried out by QuEChERS extraction method and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry with a triple quadrupole analyzer detection (LC-MS/MS QqQ). The results indicated a clear effect of the concentration and matrix, with dialyzation in grapes and red wine beginning in some fungicides from just 2 mg kg1, and in water from 5 mg kg−1. The different matrices can also be ordered according to the matrix effect: water > red wine > grape. The fungicides which present greatest bioavailability are, in order: ametoctradin in grape and red wine, boscalid in red wine and water, dimethomorph in water, and fenhexamid in red wine and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on this work a model to accurately predict the electrical behavior of double-heterostructure GaN/SiC blue light-emitting diodes up to microwave frequencies. A procedure to extract the series resistance (Rs) from the reflection coefficient is suggested. This procedure offers the advantage of using measurements without any bias current and therefore the obtained values of Rs are influenced neither by the device heating nor by inaccuracies in the calculation of the ideality factor. The junction capacitance and conductance measured in the range 1 kHz–10 MHz shows two different relaxation mechanisms, and the total capacitance can be fitted very accurately to a double Lorentzian function. Blue light-emitting diodes and lasers based on gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor compounds represent one of the most important breakthroughs in electronics and optoelectronics of recent years. The combination of silicon carbide (SiC) and GaN has recently enabled low-cost blue-emitting diodes to be introduced in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a report related to stem rot disease caused by Fusarium solani on papaya plant in Brazil.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in patients with compromised immunity. Several previous studies are animal based, but we have established a human neutrophil/macrophage PA infection model to investigate phagocyte collaboration in PA control. Objective i. to investigate the ability of human macrophage-neutrophil co-cultures to control Pseudomonas growth, promote inflammation and cause tissue damage, and ii. to determine how the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-17A affect the outcome of the infection of macrophage-neutrophils co-cultures with PA. Methods A robust procedure has been established where, neutrophils or macrophages or both are infected with PA with or without cytokines under opsonic and or non-opsonic conditions, and the samples analysed for bacterial colony forming units (CFU) or Flow cytometry. Results The findings so far indicate: 1. macrophages have a minor effect on the control of PA but coordinate the immune response to PA infection; 2. phagocytosis of PA by neutrophils under non-opsonic conditions depends on cell density; 3. as expected, serum enhances neutrophil-mediated killing of PA; 4. IL-17A enhances neutrophil-mediated killing of PA under opsonic conditions and 5. neutrophils synergise with macrophages in clearing PA infection. Conclusion 1. Macrophages coordinate the immune response to PA by producing a number of cytokines. 2. Neutrophil control of PA infection is enhanced by human complement. 3. The cytokine IL-17A enhances the ability of human neutrophils to control PA infection. 4. Neutrophils and macrophages collaborate in clearing PA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of the presence of organic xerogels and aerogels on the degradation of herbicide amitrole (AMT) by UV radiation. Organic gels were prepared by polycondensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde in water, using Fe, Ni, and Co acetates as catalytic precursors. Materials were characterized by N 2 adsorption at −196 °C, pH at the point of zero charge (pH pzc ), X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The band-gap of these materials was calculated by diffuse reflectance spectra, applying the Kubelka–Munk theory. Results show that the porous texture of gels depends on the salt used, which affects the polymerization rate. Thus, nickel xerogel (X-Ni) has the highest surface area and mesopore volume values. The surface area of Ni aerogel (A-Ni) is four-fold higher than that of its corresponding xerogel, indicating that the drying process also plays a very important role in the textural properties of the material. According to the band-gap values obtained, the gels behave as semiconductor materials, because these values are < 4 eV, ranging between 3.81 eV for X-Na and 3.66 eV for X-Ni. Band-gap values are closely related to the presence of C O/ OH groups in the structure of the gels. X-Ni gel has the highest content of C O/ OH groups (24.2%). These groups introduce energy bands in the Fermi level, reducing the energy of LUMO–HOMO orbitals. Given the photoactivity of the study materials, AMT removal in the presence of organic xerogels can be attributed to the combination of three factors: direct photolysis, adsorption, and synergic effects. The synergic degradation rate constant ( k SE ) was found to decrease in the order X-Ni > X-Fe > X-Co > X-Na, passing from 18.7 × 10 −3 min −1 for X-Ni to 6.0 × 10 −3 min −1 for X-Na. Results obtained indicate that the positive holes generated in the valence band and electrons, which promote the conduction band, play an essential role in the mechanism by which xerogels enhance AMT photodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild Allium species with a long tradition of use, such as Allium ampeloprasum L. could provide interesting bioactive compounds to current diet. The nutrient and bioactive compound content of this wild vegetable has been scarcely known. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide a detailed chemical quantification of nutrients, hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the edible parts of wild leek, as well as data about plant production and availability of the species in their natural habitats. Wild leek can be considered as a low energy food, being a good source of fiber and zinc, compared to its cultivated relatives, and has revealed a predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid being the main fatty acid. Additionally, the natural yield of this species, although lower than other cultivated Allium species, was found to be stable and well-adapted to human-disturbed environments. For these reasons, this non-conventional wild bulb should be revalorized as a good alternative to increase the diversity of vegetables consumed and enhance the quality of current occidental diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The addition of trastuzumab (T) and lapatinib (L) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy increases the pathological complete response (pCR) rate in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive early breast cancer. We investigated the efficacy of T or L with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and specific efficacy biomarkers.Methods:Patients with stages I-III (including inflammatory) HER2-positive breast cancer were randomised to receive epirubicin (E) plus cyclophosphamide (C) × 4 cycles followed by docetaxel (D) plus either T (EC-DT) or L (EC-DL). End points included pCR (primary), clinical response, toxicity, and pCR-predictive biomarkers.Results:We randomised 102 patients to EC-DT (50) and EC-DL (52). Median age was 48, 56% were premenopausal and 58% had oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumours. Pathological complete response in breast was 52.1% (95% CI:38.0-66.2%) for EC-DT and 25.5% (95% CI:13.5-37.5%) for EC-DL (P=0.0065). Pathological complete response in breast and axilla was 47.9% for EC-DT and 23.5% for EC-DL (P=0.011). Grade 3-4 toxicity did not differ across treatments, except for diarrhoea (2% in EC-DT vs 13.5% in EC-DL, P=0.030). Multivariate analyses showed that treatment (P=0.036) and ER (P=0.014) were the only predictors of pCR in both groups.Conclusion:EC-DT exhibited higher efficacy and lower toxicity than EC-DL. Of the different biomarkers studied, only the absence of ER expression was associated with increased pCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on batch and column competitive adsorption of fluroxypyr (FLX) and tannic acid (TA) from distilled (DW) and tap water (TW) on activated carbon cloth (ACC) and granular activated carbon (GAC). Thermal desorption of the adsorbates from the spent ACC was also studied. FLX adsorption was higher from TW than from DW at low FLX equilibrium concentrations, and the inverse was observed at high FLX concentrations. The presence of TA diminished the amount of FLX adsorbed from both solvents due to partial blocking of the microporosity, but the same trends as before were observed at low and high FLX concentrations. Carbon consumption, obtained from the breakthrough curves, was lower as a function of superficial contact time with ACC than with GAC. The presence of TA increased carbon consumption, which was related to the microporosity of the adsorbents. Thermal desorption profiles of the spent ACC showed two peaks and one peak after adsorption from DW and TW, respectively. Desorption peaks shifted to higher temperatures with an increase in the heating rate, allowing the apparent activation energies and pre-exponential factors of the desorption processes to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyunsaturated fatty acids play an important role in human nutrition, being associated with several health benefits. The analyzed vegetables, in spite of its low fat content, lower than 2%, present a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3, n-6 and n-9 series, such as α-linolenic, linoleic and oleic acids, respectively. Wild edible plants contain in general a good balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The present study tries to contribute to the preservation and valorization of traditional food resources, studying the fatty acids profile of 20 wild vegetables by gas-liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection. Results show that species in which leaves are predominant in their edible parts have in general the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratios: Rumex pulcher (5.44), Cichorium intybus (5.14) and Papaver rhoeas (5.00). Due to the low n-6/n-3 ratios of the majority of the samples, they can be considered interesting sources of n-3 fatty acids, especially those with higher total fat amount, such as Bryonia dioica, Chondrilla juncea or Montia fontana, with the highest contents of α-linolenic acid (67.78, 56.27 and 47.65%, respectively). The wild asparaguses of Asparagus acutifolius and Tamus communis stand out for their linoleic acid content (42.29 and 42.45%, respectively). All these features reinforce the interest of including wild plants in diet, as an alternative to the variety of vegetables normally used. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: We previously reported a phase I trial of liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin citrate (LD), docetaxel and trastuzumab as neoadjuvant in stages II and IIIA human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressing breast cancer patients. This study evaluates the efficacy of this regimen in a phase II trial.Patients and methods: Patients were treated with LD 50 mg/m2 and docetaxel 60 mg/m2 every 21days associated with standard trastuzumab dose and pegfilgrastim support.Results: Fifty-nine patients were enrolled; median age: 48 years (range 24–71 years); premenopausal patients: 36 (61%); 19 patients (32%) presented stage IIIA disease and 40 patients (67%) stage II; histological grades 2–3 tumors: 50 patients (84%) and estrogen receptor–progesterone receptor negative: 28 patients (47%). In all, 27% achieved a pathological complete response in breast and axilla (grade 5—Miller and Payne classification); 15% of patients achieved grade 4. Clinical and radiological response rates were 86% and 81%, respectively. Forty-two patients (71%) underwent breast-conserving surgery. The main grades 3–4 toxic effects were non-febrile neutropenia (29%) and fatigue (8%). Grade 2 left ventricular ejection fraction decline was observed in nine patients. No congestive heart failure was observed.Conclusions: LD plus docetaxel combination associated with trastuzumab as neoadjuvant is active in breast cancer and entails a favorable cardiotoxicity profile. This regimen is a new treatment option in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological control is being considered as an alternative or a supplemental way of reducing the use of chemicals in agriculture. An endophytic strain G3 with potential as a biocontrol agent was isolated from the stems of Triticum aestivum L. It was classified by 16S rDNA sequencing as a member of Serratia. Strain G3 displayed a broad spectrum of antifungal activity in vitro against a number of phytopathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Cryphonectria parasitica, Rhizoctonia cerealis and Valsa sordida. Molecular mechanisms involved in biocontrol by Serratia sp. G3 was investigated for its potential application to plant health management. The results showed that G3 produces an array of antimicrobial exoproducts, including chitinase, protease, antibiotic pyrrolnitrin, and siderophores for iron competition. Moreover, it also produced the plant growth hormone indole-3-acetic acid, suggesting that multiple mechanisms and their synergistic effects may be involved in biocontrol of plant diseases. Additionally, strain G3 can produce at least ten N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) signal molecules for cell to cell communication, including unsubstituted, 3-oxo, and 3-hydroxy at the C3 position through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is different from the previously reported Serraia species. For the first time, N-3-oxo-heptanoyl-homoserine lactone, one of the main molecules was reported in the genus Serratia. The role of AHL-dependent quorum sensing system in the interactions between the endophytic strain G3 and host plants and its potential application in improving biocontrol efficacy will be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deregulation of gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is postulated to be important in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Data from animals suggest that bacteria or their products may play a rote in GALT deregulation. Quorum Sensing Molecules (QSM) are bacterial products, able to sense population density and switch on virulent genes in the gut. Their role in UC has not been documented. Researchers have demonstrated for the first time the presence of QSMs in blood; colonic washouts were negative, but faecal samples positive. QSMs significantly inhibit dendritic cells in vitro. They also skew the immunological reaction towards T helper 2. These findings suggest a possible role of these molecules in UC.

The viability of 1-year-old holm oak ( Quercus ilex) seedlings in a soil naturally infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi was studied during 2 consecutive years in a plot located in south-western Spain. In both years, total mortality during autumn and winter was not noticeable (<2.1%). In spring, mortality levels were higher (8.3–4.6%), especially the first year. A steep increase in total mortality occurred in summer, both in the first (11.4%) and second (24.2%) year, but mortality attributable to P. cinnamomi was 1.9 and 7.6%, respectively. Thus, 2 years after planting, total cumulative mortality was 43.4%, and that attributable to P. cinnamomi 9.6% (i.e. 22.1% of total mortality). Fungus-derived mortality followed a spatially aggregated pattern in the reforestation plot, suggesting a clustered distribution of the inoculum in the soil. Furthermore, mortality by P. cinnamomi was also associated with nearness of infected adult trees in the plot. Results obtained are discussed in the framework of seasonal water deficit, P. cinnamomi damage, weed competition and sanitation techniques to be used in declined holm oak stands in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can affect mental health in different ways. There is little research about psychiatric complications in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the psychiatric clinical profile and pharmacological interactions in COVID-19 inpatients referred to a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) unit. Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study, carried out at a tertiary hospital in Spain, in inpatients admitted because of COVID-19 and referred to our CLP Unit from March 17,2020 to April 28,2020. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The patients were divided in three groups depending on psychiatric diagnosis: delirium, severe mental illness (SMI) and non-severe mental illness (NSMI). Results: Of 71 patients included (median [ICR] age 64 [54-73] years; 70.4% male), 35.2% had a delirium, 18.3% had a SMI, and 46.5% had a NSMI. Compared to patients with delirium and NSMI, patients with SMI were younger, more likely to be institutionalized and were administered less anti-COVID19 drugs. Mortality was higher among patients with delirium (21.7%) than those with SMI (0%) or NSMI (9.45%). The rate of side effects due to interactions between anti-COVID19 and psychiatric drugs was low, mainly drowsiness (4.3%) and borderline QTc prolongation (1.5%). Conclusions: Patients affected by SMI were more often undertreated for COVID-19. However, the rate of interactions was very low, and avoidable with a proper evaluation and drug-dose adjustment. Half of the patients with SMI were institutionalized, suggesting that living conditions in residential facilities could make them more vulnerable to infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]