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More than movements across space, journeys in the Hebrew Scriptures are a reflection of spiritual journeys; they are stories of personal or community transformation, which involve a process of purification and conversion, and in which the travelers acquire greater wisdom and profound freedom by following the ways of the Lord. In their itineraries, biblical men and women come to know themselves, strengthen their vocation-mission and recognize their vulnerability, learning to distinguish the paths of the Lord and to grow in maturity to the extent that they accept and commit themselves to God’s liberating project for them as individuals, as well as for his people. These journeys are experiences of revelation in which God’s people discover his love, his continuous and faithful itinerancy with those he has chosen and fallen in love with, and his encouragement in moments of difficulty and crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Determine the presence of Salmonella spp and the AMR in isolates of cloacal and muscle swabs in specimens of Caiman crocodilus fuscus and Crocodylus acutus in captivity, in Colombia. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional and descriptive sampling was carried out with a nonprobabilistic design for convenience, once, during the month of February 2021. 150 Caiman crocodilus fuscus and Crocodylus acutus animals were included, with a 50/50 distribution. Cloacal and muscle samples were taken with sterile swabs. These were planted on MacConkey agar, then on SS agar. These positive samples were then reconfirmed on TSI agar. Serotyping was performed with specific monovalent and polyvalent antisera. The diffusion test was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar. Results. There was no growth of colonies in any muscle sample. The presence of the bacteria in cloacal samples of Caiman crocodilus fuscus was 36% and for Crocodylus acutus 50.6%. The serotypes with the highest detection percentage in both groups were serogroup C1 and polyvalent serogroup B. Some colonies were resistant to tetracycline, while other colonies had intermediate resistance to ampicillin, cefoxitin, sulfa trimethoprim, and tetracycline. Conclusions. This is the first report related to the detection of Salmonella spp. in alligator carcasses in the country, without finding the presence of the agent in any sample evaluated, however, the importance of continuing its monitoring is emphasized to guarantee innocuous products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio cholerae is a potential human pathogen that inhabits aquatic environments, although its presence and abundance have been associated with increased water temperature, little research has been done on its ecology in tropical estuarine environments, where salinity changes tend to be more important. The present study evaluated the distribution of V. cholerae in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and its relationship with temperature and salinity; For this, between 2016 and 2018 this microorganism was quantified bimonthly in surface water samples, using TCBS agar and biochemical tests. V. cholerae was detected in 57 of 198 samples (28.8 %), varying in density between 5 CFU / 100 mL and 54,800 CFU / 100 mL. Between January and September 2016 there was a high average monthly salinity (= 28.7 °C) and a low detection of the bacteria (0.01 %). Average salinity dropped drastically in November 2016 (9.6), coinciding with a proliferation of V. cholerae (geometric average 36.4 CFU / 100 mL). During 2017 and 2018, the average salinity remained below 15.2 and the detection of V. cholerae was higher (39.4 %) than in 2016, with higher densities in the months with lower salinity. At the BVA and NVE stations, where palaphytic populations are located, the highest average (geometric) densities were recorded, 25.3 CFU / 100mL and 15.4 CFU / 100mL, respectively. The results of this study show that salinity plays a determining role in the occurrence and abundance of V. cholerae in this tropical lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the activity of the ethanolic extract of Punica granatum rind against biofilm formers Staphylococcus aureus. Materials and methods: Coloration and precipitation reactions: To determine secondary metabolites. Microbiological study: With 30 strains isolated from catheters and S. aureus ATCC® 25923 biofilm former as control strain. Congo red agar: To identify biofilm producers strains. Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): By the colorimetric microdilution with extract dilutions (2000-3.9 µg/mL). Results: Reducing sugars, flavonoids and phenolic compounds were identified. It was determined that 67% of the strains had the ability to form biofilms. The MICs of the extract showed weak, moderate and good activity against 40, 45 and 15% of the strains. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of the Punica granatum rind showed activity against strains of S. aureus biofilms producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the successive symbolic dimensions that the figure of Sarah, Abraham's wife, acquires, from its biblical origins in Genesis of LXX to the comments of the Fathers of the Church, focusing especially in the interpretations of Philo of Alexandria and Paul of Tarsus. Sarah symbolizes in Philo virtue -ἀρετή- and wisdom -σοφία- and, by means of a particular exegesis of Gn 18. 11, virginity in its pure state. Paul's version (Gal 4. 21-31) of the story of Sarah and Hagar displaces the Jews from the inheritance of the promise and places Christians on that pedestal, and Sarah as the mother of Christianity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the research was to evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of 3D carved gelatin, made from gelling agents such as agar and carrageenan. A 2 x 3 experimental design was used, where agar and carrageenan were used at three concentrations (0.2; 0.35 and 0.45% m/m). To select the best formulation, a sensory analysis was carried out, using a balanced incomplete block design, where transparency, flavor, texture and aroma were evaluated. It was obtained that the best results in terms of organoleptic properties was with a concentration of 0.35 m/m of agar in its formulation. The combination of agar and gelatin transferred properties such as flexibility and resistance to high temperatures to the product. The microbiological results of the best treatment were within the ranges established in the INEN 1521:2019 standard. The characteristics of this new innovative product in terms of taste, appearance, texture and appearance make it unique in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the air has a direct effect on human health. The objective of this research was to microbiologically characterize the air in the urban area of Calceta-Manabí at different times and days. 12 data collection points were established, the sampling was carried out during July 2019; The sedimentation method in Petri dishes was used to collect samples. Nutrient agar was used for bacteria and malt extract agar for fungi. The Petri dishes were placed open at a height of 1.50 m from the ground for 30 minutes. It was found that there is a high bacterial concentration in points close to the central market; and lower fungal concentration. There is a significant difference in the frequency of monitoring, where the average concentration of CFU / m3 and UPC / m3 is higher on weekends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-biodegradable waste such as plastic has been the subject of attention due to its excessive use and accumulation as waste in the last 20 years, for which reason, bioplastics are positioned as relevant alternative substitutes for their easy assimilation by micro-microorganisms. The objective of this study was to characterize the microorganisms that participated in the biodegradation of a bioplastic of ethyl acrylate (AE) and tamarind xyloglucan (XgT), during a biodegradability test carried out through composting bioreactors, in order to recognize the viability of microbial development in such degradation systems. For this, primary seeding was performed on blood agar and Sabouraud, secondary seeding in IHB, medium in which 16 colonial morphologies were differentiated, with a tendency to Gram (+) bacilli; The enzymatic profile was made on starch agar (AA), skim milk agar (LD) and Baird-Parker agar (BP) to show the participation of enzymes amylase, caseinase and lecithinase; Likewise, the qualitative analysis of degradation and the plate count were made, which showed an average of 2.15x1012 CFU / mL of sample, exhibiting conditions for microbial viability in composting bioreactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antifungal effectiveness of aqueous extracts of coconut mesocarp (Cocos nucifera L.) (AEC) and commercial chitosan (CQ) applied individually and in combination was evaluated against Rhizopus stolonifer in terms of mycelial growth, sporulation, spore germination, as well the primary growth models at two storage temperatures (15-25 oC) was obtained. The use of AEC applied individually, significantly reduced the mycelial growth of R. stolonifer (> 45 %); on the other hand, CQ (1.5 %) showed up to 87 % of control, however, the combination of AEC (10 %) with CQ (1.5 %) was more effective in reducing mycelial growth (> 93 %). All treatments were effective in inhibiting spore production (> 94 %) compared to control (agar). CQ combined with AEC was more effective by inhibiting the germ tube elongation (> 98 %) compared to the individual treatments (< 48 %). The modified Gompertz model showed an adequate fit for both temperature ranges (> 98-99 %), observing significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the variables maximum speed (Vmax) and latency period (ƛ), however all treatments showed a fungistatic effect on the mycelial development of R. stolonifer. The combination of AEC and CQ can be an eco-friendly alternative against soft rot in soursop fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial effect of Musa acuminata (Musaceae) "banana" against Enterococcus Faecalis ATCC 29212. E. Faecalis ATCC 29212 strains were obtained from the microbiology laboratory of the Antenor Orrego Private University and were grown in Müller Hilton agar and incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours in microanaerobiosis in a Gaspak jar. Taxonomic analysis was performed on the corresponding sample. Twelve repetitions were performed for each experimental concentration at 50%, 100%, and positive and negative controls; bacterial sensitivity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were subsequently determined. The results showed similarity when determining the susceptibility of E. Faecalis against the ethanolic extract of M. acuminata 100% with chlorhexidine 0.12% and, at 50%, the effect was less; the MIC was 50%. Concluding, Musa acuminata (banana) has an antibacterial effect in vitro against E. Facalis ATCC29212 in both concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the genera of anamorphic fungi that contaminate the books in the quarantine and cleaning area, within the Historical Area of the Central University of Ecuador (CUE). We performed a random swab on a representative sample of 50 of these books according to a standard militarized Table. We also swabbed as a preferential sample 21 books seriously contaminated with fungi. The swabs had a surface area of 5x5 cm, rubbing on the paste, the edge and the interior of these books. The 213 samples taken were inoculated in Agar Malta culture medium. The media were incubated at a temperature of 28 ° C for 7 days. We made observations by microscopy at 40 and 100x in addition to using specialized literature for the identification down to the genus level of anamorphic fungi. The most abundant genus in this study were Penicillium (80,2%) and Mucor (8,1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, the gelling effect of Gracilaria debilis agar was evaluated in the preparation of a tomato-based sauce, for which the algae after being collected, washed and dried, were applied alkaline treatment with NaOH 0,04 mol/L. The agar extracted from G. debilis had a yield of 2.,4±0,3%, the analysis: gelation point (37,3±0,6 °C), melting point (78,3±0,6 °C) and gel strength (256,8±3,5 g/cm2) are within the agar quality ranges reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). With the agar and a mother sauce prepared with onion, salt, vinegar, spices and tomatoes previously blanched and without seeds, three tomato-based sauces (S1, S2, and S3) were prepared with concentrations of 0,5; 1,0 and 1,5% w/w agar respectively. Sensory analysis indicated that S2 with 1,0% agar was the most acceptable. The viscosity index of S2 was -729,7±9,8 g.s, which is not significantly different from the value of a commercial sauce studied (-766,3±15,6 g·s). Agar concentrations influenced only the viscosity index parameter by adjusting to a linear equation with R² = 0,996. As the agar is a product of great utility at the industrial level, its use as a gelling agent in a tomato-based sauce is expected to promote its elaboration, encouraging national production and reducing the dependence on the importation of gelling agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The electrical impedance measurement and characterization of biological tissues allow to distinguish between a healthy and pathological tissues. The use of techniques such as electrical impedance tomography is widely used in clinical testing through various applications. In this work the Linear Back Projection (LBP) method is employed to reconstruct images from electrical impedance measurements in order to obtain the location of carcinoma emulator previously inserted within female-breast-shaped agar-agar models. Method: A ring arrangement of eight electrodes was used for measuring the impedance on the seven female-breast-shaped agar-agar models. A cross section of a healthy female breast (without emulators) corresponding to the measurement plane of the ring electrode arrangement was designed and simulated in the COMSOL software. The sensitivity maps of each pair of electrodes along the impedance measurement were computed using the conductivity distribution data obtained from the simulated model. Finally, the reconstruction of the electrical tomography images was achieved by applying the LBP algorithm to the electrical impedance values measured form the electrode ring arrangement. Results: The sensitivity maps were computed from the electrical impedance measurements for each defined experimental model. As a result, a sensitivity matrix characterizing the electrical potentials distribution within the simulated measurement plane in COMSOL was obtained. The zone locations for all the experimental models with carcinomas emulators inserted outside the center of the electrodes ring arrangement were correctly obtained. Discussion or Conclusion: According to the results obtained from the described project, the proposed methodology allows the generation of images to locate carcinoma emulators with approximate diameters of 1 cm through a non-iterative approach. Therefore, the location does not require a high computational complexity. The localization of a carcinoma emulator inserted on the central zone of the female breast model was not correctly obtained due to the low sensitivity of the electrode ring arrangement in such zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are a tool that helps to have clean and sustainable agriculture as well as in the reduction of agrochemicals. 35 Actinomycetes were isolated from soil samples from vine, Ica crops. These 35 strains were characterized by their enzymatic ability to degrade different substrates such as oats, lecithin, starch, casein, tween 81 and carboxymethylcellulose. 18 actinobacteria strains were selected that had the best antagonistic response against Aspergillus sp. after being evaluated by bilayer technique in different culture media such as nutrient agar, plate count agar, potato dextrose agar and a new culture medium called ASMICO. To verify the PGPB capacity, phosphates solubilization, nitrogen fixation, siderophore production and acetic indole acid (AIA) production were qualitatively evaluated. 4 actinomycetes were selected with the best antagonism and with at least one of the PGPB characteristics. They then clashed against the phytopathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi which reduced their growth to 10 mm compared to 49 mm of negative control. Using ANOVA with the Statistica 10 software it was confirmed that the new ASMICO culture medium has the greatest effect and is significantly (p <0.05) different compared to the 3 other media used. It is concluded that actinomycetes isolated from Vine crops soils are a potential source to be used as producers of antifungal metabolites as well as PGPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic variability of S. aureus strains isolated from some cases of bovine mastitis was determined. 335 cows from 27 stables were sampled in 10 municipalities in the state of Jalisco. S. aureus strains were identified from milk samples of each mammary gland of each cow, which were grown in blood agar and based on the characteristics of the culture, biochemical tests, and finally their molecular confirmation by PCR. The genetic variation in the strains was identified by pulsed-field electrophoresis technique. The images of the gels were analyzed using the Bionumerics® software. 2.26% of clinical mastitis and 40.45% of subclinical mastitis were diagnosed with the California test. A frequency of appearance of S. aureus of 9.8% of the total sampled glands was recorded. A genetic variation of 14.9% was observed. The 32 strains analyzed were grouped into pulsotypes with 95% or more of genetic similarity, resulting in 12 pulsotypes. It is concluded that there is great diversity in the genetic variability of S. aureus strains from different stables in the state of Jalisco and a great genetic similarity of strains within each stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the epistemological relationship between anthropology and ethnography with Husserlian philosophy, from a series of authors who articulate the ideas of phenomenology with the presuppositions of ethnography, especially as regards the development of the notion of intersubjectivity. The first generation of authors indirectly and partially incorporate the epistemological and ontological bases of Husserl's philosophical proposal. Thus, authors such as Clifford Geertz, Maurice Natanson, Thomas Luckmann, Harold Garfinkel, Michael Agar, and Thomas Csordas, built part of their thinking with the continuation of the Husserlian phenomenology performed by Merleau-Ponty and Alfred Schütz, using the operative concepts of both philosophers. Even so, the depth and rigor in the treatment of these phenomenological concepts by this first generation will lead to a handling of the notion of intersubjectivity in a more restricted and specific way than the approaches made by Husserl. In the 70s and 80s, the influential and debatable criticisms made by Bourdieu and Derrida to Husserlian philosophy, had an important echo in anthropology and ethnography, leading to the abandonment of the direct treatment of Husserl's ideas. Despite this, in the last two decades, authors such as Michael Agar, Michael Jackson, Vincent Crapanzano, Alessandro Duranti, Jason Throop, make up a third generation that takes up Husserlian ideas, managing to establish a series of dimensions and applications of the intersubjectivity concept introduced and developed by Husserl, which could serve as a possible basis for a study of the human condition and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and the presence of microorganisms in liquid silage of peach (Prunus pérsica) were evaluated. A completely randomized design with a 2 * 2 factorial arrangement, four treatments with two percentages of inclusion of molasses and ammonium sulfate was used: T1 (10% molasses - 1% SAM), T2 (10% molasses - 3% SAM), T3 (20% molasses - 1% SAM) and T4 (20% molasses - 2% SAM), with three replications, which were stored between 17 and 19 ° C. The physical-chemical composition of the fruit was determined, taking pH values and microbiological growth, bacterial morphology was characterized on blood agar and MacConkey agar. The organoleptic evaluation of the final silage is established as GOOD according to fermentation characteristics. The protein value increased in each of the treatments as the pH value decreased, associated with high microbial growths, improving the true protein of the food. There was growth of whitish and smooth colonies in blood agar with a predominance of Gram + and Gram - bacillary forms. Pink color - smooth surface colonies grew on MacConkey Agar only on day 0. Liquid peach silage with the addition of SAM increases protein values; and the addition of molasses improves the fermentative parameters such as pH stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelidium serrulatum is a Rhodophyta endemic to the east coast of the Caribbean Sea which, due to the quality of the agar, could be managed, hence its importance. The taxonomic knowledge of this species is based on external aspects, but its external morphology changes in the laboratory; therefore, it was proposed to study the characteristics of the cystocarp, which is one of the most stable structures of the agarophytes. Organisms were collected in Punta Guarapo of the Venezuelan Caribbean, with histological sections and cryofracture for scanning electron microscopy. The cystocarp is biconvex and bilocular, with symmetrical compartments. Its cortical region has a single layer of cells and the subcortical 5-6 rows, which project cortical filaments perpendicular to the carposporophyte. They are structures equipped with a cuticle and the ostioles are plugged. It presents intercalary carpogones in the subcortical region, fruiting several in the same cystocarp, and the carposporangia are individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the use of Apis mellifera (honey) on base agar as an oxidant-carbohydrate fermentor differentiator in strains of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 29212. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of honey was carried out. Using agar with bee honey as an oxidative-fermenter differentiator, use 96 culture tubes containing 10 ml of randomized base agar and divided into four groups of 24 tubes: group I base agar with honey and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, group II agar base with honey and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 29212, group III agar OF (basal medium according to Hugh and Leifson, Merck) with Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and group IV agar OF with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 29212; being the standard OF agar. Two evaluation criteria were considered: Oxidation and Fermentation of carbohydrates. Results: Bee honey has alkaloids, triterpenoids and phenolic compounds. The qualifier of Good (100%) was determined for the grip with honey and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and agar with honey and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 29212; compared with the agar OF. Conclusion: The use of agar with honey of Apis mellifera has been shown as good as an alternative to agar OF (Basal medium according to Hugh and Leifson) to differentiate Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 29212 as oxidants and carbohydrate fermentors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Within the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), the so called Taxon K, integrated by B. contaminans and B. lata, is frequently isolated from clinical and industrial samples. There is consensus in the use of culture media for the isolation of Bcc from clinical origin but not for industrial samples. By the other side there is no documented information about the performance of culture media recovering Taxon K species. Regarding the importance of the proper use of selective media in the recovery of microorganisms from clinical and industrial samples, the objective of this work was to compare Trypan Blue-Tetracycline agar (TB-T), Burkholderia cepacia selective agar (BCSA) and commercial modified Burkholderia cepacia selective agar (BCSAm) in the isolation of Taxon K strains. Methods: we employed the ecometric method for culture media quality control. Productivity, selectivity and specificity criteria were analyzed by testing Bcc reference strains, clinical and industrial Taxon K isolates and non Bcc strains. Results: no differences in terms of productivity and selectivity were observed between BCSA and BCSAm. Both medium, displayed adequate productivity and partial selectivity since the growth of non Bcc isolates was observed. Productivity (especially with B. contaminans isolates) and selectivity in TB-T was lower than BCSA medium. No differences were observed related to the clinical or industrial origin of isolates. Conclusion: results allow us to suggest BCSA or BCSAm selective media for the isolation of Taxon K strains in clinical or industrial samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research work was carried out with the purpose of characterizing the wild strain of Pleurotus sp. collected in the native community of Korimani, in order to assess its qualities, value and its introduction to the mushroom cultivation biotechnology, using local substrates as a nutritional and productive alternative. The strain was isolated from pseudo-tissue of the fruiting bodies in four solid culture media: Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Rice Agar (AA), Potato Carrot Agar (APZ) and Sweet potato Agar (AC). Statistically, the four culture media were optimal for the vegetative propagation of the mycelium at a temperature of 25 °C with a daily growth rate (DGR) of 1.1 cm / day coding as d027-CIPHAM. The basidiomas collected corresponded to the species of Pleurotus djamor (Rumph. ex Fr.) Boedijn. The culture was carried out in local lignocellulosic residues, banana leaves (Musa sp.) and wheat stubble (Triticum aestivum) incubated at 25ºC, obtaining fruit bodies at 7 days after induction under controlled laboratory conditions. According to the physical-chemical analysis carried out, P. djamor presents 19.46% of proteins and 57.31% of carbohydrates, becoming a promising fungal genetic resource for the Cusco region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of spices with antimicrobial properties has been very important in the food industry. The aim of this work was to study the antimicrobial effect of clove and cinnamon on the pathogens Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the agar diffusion method, and double dilutions in broth. The extracts of cinnamon and clove studied under the agar diffusion method, caused no antimicrobial effect on Salmonella spp, while in its highest concentrations (100 y 150 mg/mL) if they showed an antimicrobial effect on E. coli and S. aureus, classified as sensitive. In the methodology of double dilutions in broth, it was determined that for S. aureus ATCC ® 29213™ the CMI and CMB were 512 μg/mL and 4096 μg/mL respectively and E. coli O157:H7 the CMI and CMB were 2048 μg/mL and 4096 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic yield of blood agar with filter (BAF) compared to Karmali agar (KA) for the isolation of Campylobacter spp in stool culture. Material and methods: A prospective cross section experimental investigation was performed at "San Bartolome" Mother- Child Teaching National Hospital. Stool samples were evaluated with a reactive functional stool test for inflammation. Samples were inoculated in BAF and KA and incubated for up to 72 hours in microaerophilic conditions. Sample differentiation was performed by the Hippurate hydrolysis test. Results: A total of 287 positive samples were collected. The isolation of Campylobacter in BAF and KA were of the order of 78.3% and 21.7%, respectively. The sensitivity was 90.9% for BAF. The average growth time was 32.7 ± 11 hours (p <0.59) and the contamination of culture media from positive patients was of the order of 61.7% for KA. 74.8% of the isolated species were Campylobacter non-jejuni. Conclusions: BAF has a higher diagnostic yield than KA for the isolation of Campylobacter in a relatively shorter time providing to be more cost-effective than selective isolation. In addition, Campylobacter non-jejuni was mainly isolated in neonates and infants, where most infections occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to isolate and select bacteria with cellulolytic capacity, having future application as inoculum in the fibrous organic waste composting. Five sampling environments were considered: organic agriculture (AO), conventional agriculture (AQ), forest (BM); sugarcane area (RC) and compost piles (AC). For bacterial isolation the nutrient agar medium was used changing the carbon source by cellulose. The main selection criterion of the bacterial isolates was the growth on above medium and its positive reaction to congo red test, showing clear zones around the colonies. The 93 bacterial isolates obtained were subjected to Gram staining, catalase test, presence of endospores and aerobically growth; having 70 bacteria Bacillus spp. like characteristics. Their cellulolytic activities were determined and 30 bacteria produced hydrolysis halo. Eight of these bacterial isolates were selected according to the largest halo production (AO-19, AO-28, AO-29, AQ-2, BM-7, RC-2, RC-6, CR-18) and their growth at different pH (3, 5, 7, 9) and temperatures (50 and 70 °C) were evaluated. The bacteria AO-19 showed higher hydrolysis halo with 12,33 mm and growth stability at different pH and temperature levels, for which its growth dynamic and amylolytic and pectinolytic capacity was determined. According to results the bacteria AO-19 has potential to be used as inoculum in composting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different culture media on Phytophthora nicotianae growth, sporulation, and hydrolytic enzymes secretion was studied. The liquid and solid culture media used were potato dextrose agar (PDA), vegetable juice (V8), and tobacco extract. They were combined one another and supplemented with asparagine and calcium carbonate. Phytophthora nicotianae growing on solid media containing only tobacco extract reached the plate edge in the shortest time; however, the mycelium was little branched, unlike the mycelium in the media containing V8. A greater biomass production was observed in liquid culture with V8. The zoospore number was significantly higher in the treatment combining PDA only with V8; the lowest number was obtained with tobacco extract. Polygalacturonase and xylanase activities were the highest when the liquid media contained the combination of tobacco extract and V8 juice. The culture medium V8 was shown to be useful to determine the enzymatic activity of the hydrolytic enzymes and the parameters of growth and sporulation of P. nicotianae; itreduced the time required for the trials and, consequently, the risk of contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral vascular diseases are the third cause of death in Mexico and around the world; including focal cerebral ischemia (FCI) that leads to reduced blood supply in a specific zone of the brain, diminishing the glucose and oxygen. In early FCI stages there are molecular changes not well described in the cells of the affected and surrounding regions; these changes could be detected and used as biomarkers in easily accessed corporal fluids as blood serum (BS), in order to define biomarkers useful for disease advance diagnostic. Objective: analyze protein profile of rat sanguineous serum after 1h of FCI with or without 24h of sanguineous reperfusion (rpf), in order to identify possible early FCI biomarkers. Material and methods: cerebral focal ischemia was experimentally induced in brain rat, BS was obtained and serum albumin and immunoglobulin were depleted. Protein profile of serum samples were obtained by two dimensional gel electrophoresis, the images were analyzed using ImageMaster 2D Platinum software allowing to identify proteins present differentially in FCI. Results: under FCI and rpf, we observed up regulation of five proteins and down regulation of three proteins. To analyze their role as biomarkers in FCI, those proteins will be identified by mass spectrometry. Discussion and conclusion: protein analysis of corporal liquids is useful to find biomarkers to diagnostic and disease control. Proteins changes expression and localization with FCI aggrieving or dismissing injury, and BS could contain diagnostic markers to FCI useful to identify early changes in neurons and glial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal spores are considered environmental components of closed spaces and many of them are responsible of biodeterioration of books and audiovisual material. For Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC) is very important the conservation of its cultural assets of the historical archive. For this reason, in this work we identified even genres communities of fungi present in the environment and in documents. The methodology that we used to detect spores was the sedimentation in plaque with potato dextrose Agar, in order to obtain a qualitative estimation of the presence of fungi in environments. We also made the scraping of the affected books. Temperature and relative humidity were determined for each sample. The fungus Penicillium sp. (46.1%) was the most frequently isolated genus of sampling sites marked as A and B, and of the sampled books. Other isolated genera were Mucor sp. (16.9 %), Aspergillus sp. (10.8%) and Chaetomiun sp. (7.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of plant fibers is achieved through the implementation of a group of techniques widely used for the propagation of plants in vitro. However, one disadvantage of these techniques is the high cost of components used for the crop's medium, among these, the agar (primary gelling agent), has seen a price increase due to high demand. This article consults several studies regarding substances that have been utilized as alternative gelling agents, among which highlight starches (native or modified) and several plant gums and bacterial excretions that have been used in processes of organogenesis, embryogenesis and vegetative proliferation. The starches and gums studied showed favorable results in the in vitro cultivation of some plant species. The study demonstrates that both gums and starches may be potential substitutes (either partial or total) for agar, achieve a decrease in costs associated with starches, and have an ability to be chemically modified to improve gelling capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotype, type of explant and concentration of growth regulators have been studied to increase efficiency in plant regeneration of Phaseolus vulgaris L. However, studies on the effect of the gelling agent in shoots induction are not enough. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of gelling agent on organogenic calli proliferation and shoots regeneration of P. vulgaris cv. 'BAT-93', 'BAT-304', 'BAT-482', 'Ica Pijao' and 'CIAP 7247F'. Callus fresh weight (g) was determined. Number of calli with shoots, number of shoots per callus and number of hyperhydric shoots was measured in shoots regeneration. Results showed that gelling influenced the calli multiplication and shoot regeneration in the five cultivars. 'Ica Pijao', 'CIAP7247F' and 'BAT-93' showed the highest values in calli fresh weight (g) using microbiological agar E. Besides, 'BAT-482' reached the highest value of fresh weight of calli in culture medium hardened with gelrite. 'BAT-304' calli showed similar values of fresh weight in both treatments. During regeneration, cultivars 'BAT-93' and 'CIAP 7247F' showed the highest values in the number of callus with shoots and shoots per callus in culture medium solidified with gelrite. Nevertheless, in this treatment there were more hyperhydric shoots regardless the cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The national and international movement of seeds has increased in volume and diversity of species due to rapid development of new varieties and the need to exchange germplasm; seed production is not always subjected to quality parameters and before the harvest or during the stages of drying and storage, can be invaded by different microorganisms, a fact of concern because the contaminated seeds are likely to cause damage to agricultural production and epidemics under favorable conditions. The objective of this study was to identify the fungi and bacteria present in pea grains, Santa Isabel variety, obtained from pods, agricultural warehouses and marketplaces. Five grains per Petri dish were planted in agar water at 2%. A completely at random design was used with fi ve dishes per replication and fi ve replications, for a total of 125 grains per source. Grains were incubated at 20-25 °C for 8 days and observations were made every 24 h during 30 days. It was observed that grains from pods and from warehouse (certified), had the highest germination percentages and the lowest incidence of microorganisms; on the contrary, the grains obtained from the market place had the lowest germination and the highest incidence of both fungi and bacteria, being Aspergillus the most common genus with 56%, followed by Rhizopus sp. 13%, Penicillium sp.10%, Fusarium sp. 9%, Bacillus sp. Gram-positive 7% and Pseudomonas sp. Gram-negative 2%, which suggests that there should be a greater control of the grains obtained from market places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the more difficult problems in the standardization and improvement of the performance of the culture media is the optimization of the Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA). The actual requisites vary from one microorganism to another, due to their different resistance to antimicrobial substances, their genetic variability and the differences in nutrient's requirements. The aim of this work was the optimization of the BioCen Mueler Hinton Agar formulation in order to standardize the diameter of the inhibition halo according to the CLSI. Different nutritive bases and their concentration were tested inoculating a series of ATCC bacteria strains, in the first stage, in a liquid medium comparing the absorbance of the culture at 640 nm, and in the second stage, inoculating them in the solid medium and recording the diameter and transparency of the inhibition halos against most different antibiotics. The BioCen formulation was also compared with other commercially available products from Liofilchem and Biolife (Italy), Oxoid (United Kingdom) and Quelab (Canada). The best formulation was achieved with the inclusion of 4 g/L of BioCen yeast extract, 2 g/L of OXOID meat extract and 17.5 g/L of BioCen acid casein hydrolysate. The susceptibility of all strain tested comply with the CLSI requirements and the overall performance was similar to the commercially available MHA including the response of Enterococcus faecalis to trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol. The optimized formulation of the BioCen MHA complies with the quality and functional requirements for MHA and showed consistency between industrial batches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viability of an Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain in cottage-industry Guayanes cheese was determined by evaluating several isolation protocols based on immunomagnetic separation (IMS). Cheese units (25 g) were inoculated with 25 and 250 cel/g of this pathogen and stored at 4°C. The pieces were analized at 0, 2, 6, 8 and 10 days post-inoculation through several IMS protocols including two enrichment broths: buffered peptone water without inhibitors (BPW-WI) and buffered peptone water with vancomicyn, cefixime and telurite (BPW-VCT) and two immunoseparation isolation agars: MacConkey-sorbitol agar (MSA) and MacConkey-sorbitol agar with cefixime and telurite (MSA-CT). Results demonstrated the viability of the pathogen for up to 10 days post-inoculation, and during this time, for some of the schemes applied on the IMS base, an increase in recovery percentages was achieved, indicating that the number of inoculated cells increased with time. In terms of the utility of IMS for recovering the pathogen, variations in the isolation percentages were observed in terms of the enrichment broth and the level of inoculated cells. The biggest recovery percentages were obtained in pieces inoculated with 250 cel/g, with ranges between 35 and 85% (days 0 and 10 respectively) in the best IMS scheme (BPW-WI/IMS/MSA), while, at levels of 25 cel/g, in the best case (BPW-WI/IMS/MSA), 15% was not surpassed during the first six days. The best performing enrichment broth was BPW-WI (p<0.05) and differences in the recovery percentages (p>0.05) were not observed in relation to the agars (MSA and MSA-CT) used for sowing the immunoseparator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Characterization of antilisterial compounds produced by native lactic acid bacteria. Materials and methods. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from 42 samples collected from foods and food processing equipment. Identification of LAB species was assessed by biochemical reactions. The antilisterial activities of the isolates were tested against 17 L. monocytogenes strains belonging to 4b, 4e and 3b serotypes, by the agar differed spot on the lawn technique. Crude extracts were subjected to catalase, proteinase K, hydrochloric acid and high temperature (95°C and 121°C) treatments in order to characterize the antilisterial compounds. The molecular weights were estimated by SDS-PAGE and bioassays were performed. Results. Seventy five strains were identified out of 250 lactic acid bacteria isolates. The inhibitory compounds produced by LAB displayed dissimilar activities against the different L. monocytogenes strains. Furthermore, three native isolates identified as Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp. and Enterococcus spp. showed improved antilisterial effect due to the production of compounds with molecular weight below 7600 Da. Conclusions. We demonstrated the presence of native lactic acid bacteria with potential as biocontrolers in foods distributed in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The henequen (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) is a plant of a great economic and ecological value. The current technologies used for its micropropagation require a bigger efficiency, due to difficulties that take place, mainly during the multiplication phase. The objective of this work was to achieve the formation of axillary shoots with a reduction of the concentrations of growth regulators and a decrease in the number of hyperhydric shoots. Shoot tips of henequen established in vitro for 35 days were used to induce the formation of axillary shoots . The influence of different agar concentrations and the use of different combinations of plant growth regulators (IBA, TDZ and 6-BAP) were tested to 45 days. The highest efficient in the axillary shoot multiplication and minimal occurrence of hyperhydricity of the plants during the process were achieved in the culture medium with1.0 mg.l-1 of IBA, 1.0 mg.l-1 of 6-BAP, 0.5 mg.l-1 of TDZ and hardened with 8.0 g.l-1 of agar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides obtained from papaya in the states of Veracruz and Guerrero, Mexico, were characterized on five culture media: potato-dextrose-agar (PDA), Czapek (CZ), water-agar (AA), malt extract-agar (MEA), and V8 juice (V8), . The parameters evaluated were mycelial and growth rate, sporulation, germination, colony morphological characteristics (shape, texture, and color), and acervuli (development, color, and arrangement). The descriptive characterization of symptoms on papaya cv. Maradol was carried out during eight days of incubation. Significant differences on mycelial growth were observed between the isolates from Veracruz and Guerrero (5.1-7.8 and 3.4-6.2 cm of colony diameter, respectively), growth rate (0.5-0.9 and 0.3-0.7, respectively), and germination after 20 and 24 h of incubation (87 and 94, and 74 and 78%, respectively). Acervuli produced by the isolate from Veracruz were observed on PDA, MEA, and CZ media, and on PDA, MEA and V8 by the isolate from Guerrero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the characterization of a strain of Fusicoccum species, an anamorph of Botryosphaeria dothidea coming from pitahaya or the Hylocereus undatus. It is stated that a strain of Fusicoccum species was gathered from diseased stems of pitahaya also known as Cactaceae. An experiment involving factorial design was done after a pure culture of the strain was acquired. The experiment aimed to evaluate the mycelial growth and sporulation of the fungus under various regimes of temperature with or without conidia. Results show that the mycelia of the Fusicoccum grew best in potato-dextrose-agar and in pitahaya extract-agar.

The article reports on the bacterial blight of coriander Coriandrum sativum L. It states that isolates acquired from diseased tissue on nutrient agar persistently produced light yellow colonies. After four days of inoculation, typical symptoms were observed. Morphological and cultural characteristics were observed, and biochemical and physiological tests were done for bacterial identification. The results show that the causal agent of the symptoms observed is the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris.

The results of the chemical characterization of Gracilaria blodgettii in Cienfuegos Bay are discussed in this paper, with the purpose of contributing to the knowledge of this resource for its sustained exploitation. There were studied different variables in this species, such as yield and quality of agar, composition of metabolites and nutritional components, in the period from 1993 to 1999. The concentration of agar extracted shows a seasonal behavior, corresponding the highest values to the period from November to April; its quality can be classified like commercial agar "class B", which could be used in the food industry and in the production of in vitro plants. The results of the chemical screening of this algae show the presence of metabolites, such as: amino acids, triterpens and/or steroids, phenolic compounds and/or tannins, reducing sugar, lactons and saponins that, linked to the compounds identified in the bromatologic study (proteins, carbohydrates, fibers and minerals), confirm the nutritional, pharmacological and biomedical values of the components of this seaweed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the effect of dark and salinity treatment in the yield and quality of agar from Gracilaria cornea. Methodology used in the study; Discussion on the results of the study; Conclusions.

In order to evaluate the effect of different binders on the quality of artificial diets for abalone in terms of stability, nutrient leaching and toughness, three phycocolloids (agar, alginate and carrageenan) were used at different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5%), mixed with fish meal or abalone viscera silage as protein sources. Both stability and pellet toughness were influenced more by the protein source than by the type and concentration of the binder, as diets containing abalone viscera silage lost 20% dry matter, compared to the 10% lost in diets containing fish meal. However, nutrient leaching was not affected by the phycocolloid concentration. This result coincides with previous reports that leaching speed does not depend on stability. In general, all the binders used were effective at low concentrations (0.5%); therefore, the use of phycocolloids at low concentrations is recommended. Attention should also be given to the ingredients used, as these may have a greater influence on stability and toughness than the binders themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking into account that there are diverse methods for the antibodies serologic determination against Brucella canis, and that the majority of these methods are imprecise in terms of the detection of true positive, it is that we focus present work toward the evaluation of the rapid plate agglutination test (RSAT), in comparation with the agar gel inmunodiffusion test (AGID). Such studies were carried out with the aim of obtaining their sensibility, specificity and predictive value. We should keep in mind that although the sample animals are not a big amount, the results obtained comparing this test with the standard gold allowed us to obtain a relative sensibility of 100%, a relative specificity of 96.23% and a positive predictive value of 66.66%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mexico the species Dioscorea sparsiflora and D. mexicana are known as camote de cerro, there are not produced, and their populations have decreased due to the extraction of wild areas. The production of vegetative seed or microtuberization has been reported as an alternative to the conventional field production. The objective was obtained microtubers in MS medium with agar (8 g L-1) under different concentration of paclobutrazol (0.0 y 0.1 mg L-1), sucrose (30 y 90 g L-1) y photoperiod (8 h/16 h, 12 h /12 h y 16 h /8 h). The treatments were evaluated at 90 d, the ANVA analysis showed that microtuberization was promoted by high sucrose concentration and low PBZ concentration, further, combined with long photoperiods stimulated branched microtubers formation. In a complementary way histological analyzes in a confocal microscopy were realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]