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Multitarget ligands (MTLs) have emerged as an interesting alternative for addressing complex multifactorial pathologies such as neurodegenerative diseases. However, a common challenge associated with these compounds is often their high molecular weight and low solubility, which becomes a hurdle when trying to permeate over the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we have designed two new MTLs that modulate three pharmacological targets simultaneously (tau, beta-amyloid and TAR DNA-binding protein 43). To enhance their brain penetration, we have formulated organic polymeric nanoparticles using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid). The characterization of the formulations, evaluation of their permeability through an in vitro BBB model, and assessment of their activity on disease-representative cellular models, such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, have been conducted. The results demonstrate the potential of the new MTLs and their nanoparticle encapsulation for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. [Display omitted] • MTLs able to modulate several tau and TDP-43 kinases plus Aβ pathology may be effective drugs for AD and/or ALS. • Main limitation of MTLs is the poor CNS permeability because their high molecular weight and large polar surface areas. • PLGA nanoparticles represent a useful methodology to improve the brain penetration of MTLs. • PLGA nanoparticles loaded with MTLs demonstrate a superior neuroprotective effect compared to MTLs alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gerbode defect is an infrequent cardiac anomaly, with an incidence below 1 % in current worldwide literature. It consists of a communication between the left ventricle and right atrium in the membranous septum with consequential hemodynamical and structural heart changes and can present as either congenital or acquired. The concomitant affectation of the tricuspid valve poses its difficulty as a diagnostic and therapeutical challenge. This case report presents a 27-year-old patient with an incidental finding of congenital Gerbode defect with hemodynamical repercussion during surgical treatment for multidisciplinary management in the context of open thoracic trauma. This defect has been infrequently described in the literature, and although several classification methods have been proposed, its diagnosis is challenging and must be considered when faced with nonspecific cardiac systems. It reports an infrequent congenital heart defect posing as traumatic or postoperative, generating a challenging diagnosis and successful surgical treatment given to the patient using a multidisciplinary approach to further broaden scientific literature on such an underrepresented pathology. • Gerbode defect is a communication between the left ventricle and right atrium. • It occurs in less than 1 % of the population, 7 % of them being congenital. • We present the case of a man with a congenital defect admitted for thoracic trauma. • The patient was taken to successful defect correction through right atriotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choroidal osteoma is a rare condition, and its treatment is not well established, especially in the pediatric population, where use of antiangiogenics for choroidal neovascularization is poorly studied. Few studies have reported the long-term follow-up of pediatric patients with bilateral choroidal osteomas. We report the case of a girl who was diagnosed at the age of 3, with the appearance of bilateral secondary choroidal neovascularization, and has been under strict observation for 12 years. The effectiveness of antiangiogenic agents as a long-term therapeutic option for secondary choroidal neovascularization in pediatric patients with symptomatic choroidal osteomas is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the airborne dissemination of bacteria from the inside of two very different pork farms (an intensively confined farm and an open-range farm) to the immediate environment. Samples were taken from the slurry, from the air inside the farms (area 0), and from their immediate surroundings at a distance of 50, 100, and 150 m in four directions (north, south, east, and west). A control sample in the air of a zone far away from human or animal activity was also taken. Identification of isolates was made by means of the matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time of flight system. A total of 1,063 isolates were obtained, of which a mere 7 came from the air of the control area. Staphylococci, enterococci, and Enterobacteriaceae were selectively targeted for isolation and represented 48.6, 27.2, and 21.6% of the isolates, respectively. The species identified from the air of surrounding areas (Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus hirae, and Staphylococcus arlettae, mainly) were also present inside the farms studied. The results suggest that air is involved in bacterial dissemination, and pork farms should be considered a potential source of foodborne bacteria that might contaminate surrounding areas, including vegetable orchards. Wind direction appears as a factor involved in bacterial dispersion through the air, but its effect may be conditioned by existing vegetation and orographic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Computer systems for evaluating Parkinson's disease. • kinetic tremors of the hands. • MDS Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. • A fuzzy logic system that evaluates PD patients. Computer systems for evaluating Parkinson's disease (PD) have recently increased. Many existing methods allow the quantification of tremors and extraction of some characteristics of the acquired signals by analysing manoeuvres established in the MDS-UPDRS. Some of these current methods interpret the finger-to-nose test, which includes kinetic tremors of the hands; however, an evaluation strictly based on the guidelines of the MDS Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) is not performed, in addition to not using additional biomechanical indicators that make more robust and accurate monitoring of the patient's evolution. The proposed method consists of a fuzzy logic system that evaluates PD patients in a range based on the MDS-UPDRS. The system evaluates by taking biomechanical features extracted from signals recorded with inertial measurement units (IMUs), which were previously processed for obtaining meaningful characteristics according to the MDS-UPDRS and other additional ones. In addition to the characteristics established by the MDS-UPDRS for the classification, this method uses other procedures that were considered necessary for the achievement of an accurate evaluation, such as the amplitude of the tremors in the different stages of the finger-to-nose manoeuvre, the tremors frequency and the voluntary movement frequency. kinetic tremors were measured based on a sensor network formed by IMUs. A Fuzzy Logic system obtains an accurate and repeatable biomechanical assessment of PD patients. This system will permit physicians to follow up on each patient with objective assessments improving medical treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dirofilaria immitis is a mosquito-borne parasite that produces an inflammatory process in the wall of the blood vessels of its definitive host during cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis, known as proliferative endarteritis. Parasite antigens participate in the appearance of this inflammatory event, among other mechanisms through the over-activation of the host fibrinolytic system. Since Wolbachia , endosymbiont bacteria of filarial nematodes, is released into the vertebrate host when worms die, the aim of this work was to analyse the interaction between this bacteria and the host fibrinolytic system to complete the study of this part of the host-parasite relationships. For that purpose, the recombinant form of the major Wolbachia surface protein (rWSP) was cloned, sequenced and expressed and then, its ability to bind plasminogen and enhance the generation of plasmin was assessed. We demonstrated that rWSP is a conserved antigen within the family Onchocercidae with ability to bind plasminogen and stimulate plasmin generation in a tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) and lysine residues of the rWSP-dependent manner. These results indicate that the recruitment of plasminogen by Wolbachia and the possible excess of plasmin generated could contribute to exacerbate the pathological events occurred at the vascular level during cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis, as well as in other diseases caused by filarial nematodes that harbour Wolbachia , when the bacteria is released after the death of the worms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the anti-biofilm activity of a coating applied with an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet system on AISI 316 stainless steel (SS) against multispecies biofilms containing Listeria monocytogenes (using background microbiota from three different meat industries) using culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. Also, the disinfection effectiveness and biofilm evolution after sanitization with two food industry biocides were assessed. The anti-biofilm activity of the coating against L. monocytogenes , observed on mono-species biofilms (p < 0.05), was lost on the multispecies biofilms developed for 7 days at 12 °C (p > 0.05), with L. monocytogenes counts ranging from 5.5 ± 0.7 to 6.1 ± 0.5 CFU/cm2 on the uncoated SS and from 4.4 ± 0.2 to 6.4 ± 0.5 CFU/cm2 on the coated SS. The taxonomic composition of the formed biofilms was highly dependent on the industry but not affected by the artificial inoculation with L. monocytogenes and the nature of the surface (coated vs uncoated SS). When L. monocytogenes was artificially inoculated, its growth was partially controlled in the biofilms developed, with the magnitude of this effect being lower (p < 0.05 on coated SS) for the industry with the lowest taxonomy richness and diversity (3.8 ± 0.2 CFU/cm2), as compared the other two sampled industries (2.4 ± 0.4 and 1.6 ± 0.2 CFU/cm2). The 15-min disinfection treatments with either sodium hypochlorite or peracetic acid at 0.5 % resulted in total viable and L. monocytogenes counts below the limit of detection in most cases, immediately after treatment. The subsequent incubation of the sanitized plates for another 7 days at 12 °C in fresh BHI media led to the development of biofilms with lower bacterial richness and alpha diversity, and higher beta diversity. Even though sodium hypochlorite was in general slightly less effective than peracetic acid immediately after application, it caused a stronger growth control (p < 0.05) of the naturally present L. monocytogenes on the multispecies biofilms developed. This finding highlights the importance of understanding the interspecific competitive relationships between the members of the background microbiota and L. monocytogenes for the long-term control of this pathogen in food processing facilities. • A plasma-polymerized coating was assessed using multispecies biofilms. • The coating exhibited no anti- L. monocytogenes efficacy on the multispecies biofilms. • Biofilms' taxonomic profiles were significantly different among the tested industries. • Biofilms showed lower bacterial richness and alpha diversity after sanitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivariate analyses have been applied to the REE contents of three cores collected in the Tinto estuary, SW Spain, an extremely polluted area. Results indicate an extremely correlation between all REE, which behave as a single variable. A slight natural pollution peak and three anthropogenic pollution peaks are identified, related with the first mining activities, the Roman period and a recent intensive mining accompanied by a heavy industrial pollution. In all these peaks, the increase of Cu is parallel to that of MREE, which are configured as the best indicators of pollution among REE. Statistical analyses clearly differentiate four groups, each consisting of samples from different environments. Although grain size and this strong pollution alter the study of REE as environmental indicators, it is possible to recognise groups of samples with a common origin or to identify the surface extent of a given pollution peak. [Display omitted] • Four pollution peaks have been detected in the Holocene record of an ancient inlet. • REE Copper and MREE are the best indicators of these peaks in this area. • All REE behave as a single statistical variable in all statistical studies. • The palaeoenvironmental origin of some reworked Holocene sediments can be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus in urban wastewater treatment plants (UWTP) of La Rioja (Spain), and to characterize de obtained isolates. 16 wastewater samples (8 influent, 8 effluent) of six UWTPs were seeded on mannitol-salt-agar and oxacillin-resistance-screening-agar-base for staphylococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus recovery. Antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined for 16 antibiotics and the presence of 35 antimicrobial resistance genes and 14 virulence genes by PCR. S. aureus was typed by spa , agr , and multilocus-sequence-typing, and the presence of immune-evasion-genes cluster was analyzed. Staphylococcus spp. were detected in 13 of 16 tested wastewater samples (81%), although the number of CFU/mL decreased after treatment. 40 staphylococci were recovered (1–5/sample), and 8 of them were identified as S. aureus being typed as (number of strains): spa -t011/ agr -II/ST398 (1), spa -t002/ agr -II/ST5 (2), spa -t3262/ agr -II/ST5 (1), spa -t605/ agr -II/ST126 (3), and spa -t878/ agr -III/ST2849 (1). S. aureus ST398 strain was methicillin-resistant and showed a multidrug resistance phenotype. Virulence genes tst , etd , sea , sec , seg , sei , sem , sen , seo , and seu, were detected among S. aureus and only ST5 strains showed genes of immune evasion cluster. Thirty-two coagulase-negative Staphylococcus of 12 different species were recovered (number of strains): Staphylococcus equorum (7), Staphylococcus vitulinus (4), Staphylococcus lentus (4), Staphylococcus sciuri (4), Staphylococcus fleurettii (2), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (2), Staphylococcus hominis (2), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (2), Staphylococcus succinus (2), Staphylococcus capitis (1), Staphylococcus cohnii (1), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1). Five presented a multidrug resistance phenotype. The following resistance and virulence genes were found: mecA , lnu (A), vga (A), tet (K), erm (C), msr (A)/(B), mph (C), tst , and sem . We found that Staphylococcus spp. are normal contaminants of urban wastewater, including different lineages of S. aureus and a high diversity of coagulase-negative species. The presence of multiple resistance and virulence genes, including mecA , in staphylococci of wastewater can be a concern for the public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different pulsed light (PL) doses (2.4–47.8 J/cm 2 ) on water loss, fungal spoilage, mechanical properties and structure of strawberries stored for up to 8 days at 6 °C was studied. Incidence of postharvest molds on strawberry fruits was reduced by over 16–42% with PL application. There were no significant differences in maximal rupture force (F R ), mechanical work (W) and deformability modulus (E d ) values between treated and untreated fruits immediately after treatments. After 8 days storage at 6 °C, untreated strawberries showed a pronounced softening (≈ 48% reduction in F R ), but stored strawberries exposed for 10 s and 40 s to PL presented slight or not significant changes in the mechanical parameters regarding day 0, while F R and W values of 20 s-PL treated samples were increased by 35% and 88% compared to those at 0 day storage. Micro and ultrastructure changes evaluated by LM and TEM images demonstrated ITW cell wall strengthening and a major integrity of walls of hypodermis cells induced by PL stress, while cell wall disassembly and reduction of cell-to-cell contact were detected in stored untreated fruit. There were no significant differences in weight loss among untreated and PL treated fruits after storage, excepting at the highest PL dose. PL technique would be able to simultaneously provide disinfection and delete softening of the tissues along cold storage. Present results make this non-thermal, residue-free alternative promising for extending shelf-life of traditional and organic strawberry production. Industrial relevance The present results demonstrated that pulsed light (PL) treatment is a promising alternative for extending the shelf-life of strawberries. A decrease in fungal incidence and a depletion of softening, important factors which limit the strawberry postharvest storage life, were achieved by the application of PL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New insights into the current state-of-the-art of the applications of PAW. • Decontamination effects and other technological applications of PAW. • Overview on the critical factors determining PAW effectiveness. • A contribution on PAW feasibility and applicability in the food-processing industry. Innovation regarding food production and processing is required to meet the emerging challenges of ensuring worldwide food security and meeting consumer demands for high-quality, safe and nutritious food products. This review provides insights into the current state-of-the-art of the emerging applications of Plasma Activated Water (PAW) in the food industry. PAW antimicrobial properties, inactivation mechanisms and the critical factors determining the lethal effect, as well as the bases for other technological applications are discussed. Overall, this review article describes the degree of success achieved by PAW technology in different applications and illustrates its feasibility and applicability in the food-processing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Numerous studies around the world have reported the occurrence of patulin in commercialized apple products. The persistence of this mycotoxin in apple products indicates that current methods used to reduce it during the manufacturing process are not entirely successful and reflects the need to evaluate new detoxification methods. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of pulsed light (PL) dose on patulin degradation in McIlvaine buffer, apple juice and apple purée. The exposure of all samples to PL doses between 2.4 and 35.8 J/cm2 resulted in a significant decrease in patulin levels. Patulin reduction in McIlvaine buffer did not depend markedly on the initial concentration of the mycotoxin. At the maximum dose tested, the remaining average patulin level dissolved in McIlvaine buffer was approximately 5–15%, while in apple juice the values declined up to 22%. In apple purée naturally contaminated with 29 μg/kg of patulin, exposure to a PL dose of 12 J/cm2 provoked a 51% reduction in patulin concentration, while no residual contamination was detected for higher irradiation times. These results suggested that PL treatment would be a potential alternative method to reduce patulin contamination in apple products. However, further investigations need to be conducted to evaluate toxicological safety of patulin degradation product(s). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Anti-biofilm coatings were plasma-polymerized on stainless steel surfaces. • The best coatings combined two layers (2 precursors): a base and an upper functional. • The biofilm production by Listeria monocytogenes was reduced by 90%. • The best anti-biofilm effects were achieved at 12 °C (food processing conditions). • Low roughness and high hydrophilicity can reduce L. monocytogenes adhesion. Biofilm-mediated microbial persistence of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria is a serious problem in food industries. Due to the difficulty of removing mature biofilms, great efforts are being made to find new strategies to prevent bacterial adherence to surfaces, the first step for biofilm development. In this study, coatings of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and acrylic acid (AA) were applied by Non-Equilibrium Atmospheric Plasma on stainless steel (SS) AISI 316, the SS most commonly used in food industry equipment. Their anti-biofilm activity was assessed against Listeria monocytogenes CECT911 and Escherichia coli CECT515 after incubation at 37 °C. The best results were obtained for L. monocytogenes , with coatings consisting of a base coating of APTES and a functional coating of TEOS (AP10 + TE6) or AA (AP10 + AA6) that reduced biofilm production by 45% and 74%, respectively, when compared with the uncoated SS. These coatings were further characterized, together with a variation of the best one that replaced the acrylic acid with succinic acid (AP10 + SA6). Their anti-biofilm activity was assessed under different incubation conditions, including two strains of L. monocytogenes isolated from processing environments of a meat industry. The coating AP10 + AA6 reduced the biofilm formation by 90% after incubation at 12 °C, a temperature more representative of those commonly found in food processing environments. The morphological and physico-chemical characterization of the selected coatings showed that the coating with the highest anti-biofilm activity (i.e., AP10 + AA6) had lower surface roughness and higher hydrophilicity. This suggests that the formation of a hydration layer prevents the adherence of L. monocytogenes , an effect that seems to be enhanced by low temperature conditions, when the wettability of the strains is increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effect of acetaminophen (APAP), given as a single, 1 g/kg body weight dose, on expression and activity of rat liver multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), two major canalicular drug transporters. The studies were performed 24 h after administration of the drug. APAP induced an increase in plasma membrane content of Mrp2 detected by western blotting, consistent with increased detection of the protein at the canalicular level by immunoflourescence microscopy. In vivo biliary excretion of dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione, a well known Mrp2 substrate, was slightly but significantly increased by APAP, agreeing well with upregulation of the transporter. Basal biliary excretion of oxidized glutathione, an endogenous Mrp2 substrate, was also increased by APAP, likely indicating increased hepatic synthesis as a result of APAP-induced oxidative stress followed by accelerated canalicular secretion mediated by Mrp2. APAP also increased the expression of P-gp detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy as well as the in vivo biliary secretory rate of digoxin, a model P-gp substrate. Because specific APAP-conjugated metabolites are Mrp2 substrates, we postulate that induction of Mrp2 by APAP may represent an adaptive mechanism to accelerate liver disposition of the drug. In addition, increased Mrp2-mediated elimination of oxidized glutathione may be essential in maintaining the redox equilibrium in the hepatocyte under conditions of APAP-induced oxidative stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • 33 field Pseudomonas spp. isolates were phenotypically characterized. • Green-pigmented strains showed higher biofilm production. • Reduced iron availability decreased biofilm production in not pigmented strains. • Green colony pigmentation can be a biomarker of strong biofilm formation. The biofilm formation ability of a collection of thirty-three Pseudomonas spp. isolates from food processing facilities was investigated in order to find biomarkers of strong biofilm production, a characteristic that can determine persistence in food processing environments. The strains were classified according to the colony pigmentation on solid media as green, brown or not pigmented. The biofilm production on stainless steel and polystyrene was assessed by spectrometric determination of the fixed crystal violet, and the biofilm formed on glass, through confocal laser scanning microscopy. Besides, pyoverdine production, catalase activity, RpoS status and cellular hydrophobicity were also monitored. A significantly higher biofilm production level on stainless steel and polystyrene was observed for green-pigmented strains as compared to brown or not pigmented strains. The influence of iron availability on biofilm formation on stainless steel was studied through the addition of the iron scavenger 2,2-bipyridine resulting in a decrease of 40 % in biofilm formation for the not pigmented strains. For most of the potential biomarkers studied (i.e., pyoverdine production, catalase activity, cellular hydrophobicity), the phenotypic heterogeneity observed among strains was mainly dependent on the Pseudomona s species and no strong associations with the biofilm formation capacity were detected. However, the green colony pigmentation on solid media showed good potential as a biomarker of strong biofilm formation on stainless steel and polystyrene both in P. aeruginosa and Pseudomonas spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heterogeneity existed in biofilm formation ability among C. sakazakii field isolates. • Biofilm formation was higher in buffered minimum media and on stainless steel. • A strain impaired in the rpoS gene showed lower biofilm formation ability. • Loss of RpoS caused a delay in the development of mature biofilms in C. sakazakii. The relationship between biofilm formation and RpoS status was assessed in nine field isolates of C. sakazakii. Their ability to form biofilms was studied in BHI and minimum media with different pH values and supplemented or not with the amino acids arginine, lysine and glutamic acid. Biofilm formation, both on polystyrene and stainless steel, was measured by spectrometric determination of the fixed crystal violet and the biofilms were visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Despite the existing heterogeneity among the different strains, biofilm formation was generally higher in buffered minimum media (pH 7.0) supplemented with lysine than in other culture media and on stainless steel plates than on polystyrene. The results showed a lower ability to form biofilms for a strain with a loss-of-function mutation in the rpoS gene, the general stress response regulator of Gram-negative bacteria, when compared to the rest of the strains, which harboured a functional rpoS. The complementation of this strain with a functional rpoS gene resulted in an increase in its biofilm formation ability up to levels comparable to those observed for strains with a functional rpoS. However, the differences were markedly reduced when the incubation time was increased from 24 to 48 h, indicating that the loss of RpoS caused a delay in the development of mature biofilms, rather than a complete inhibition of biofilm production in C. sakazakii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are very sensitive ecosystems to human activities and the natural evolution of their drainage basins located upstream. Pollution derived from human activities, such as historical mining or recent industrial wastes, can significantly affect their environmental quality. This paper analyzes the silver and copper contents of four cores extracted in two estuaries of SW Spain. Its chronology and vertical evolution allow to differentiate the effects of several pollution episodes (natural, Roman, 19th-20th centuries) on its different sedimentary environments in the last 6 million years. Possible future applications are included in the fields of environmental management or even education. Image 1 • Silver and copper are tracers of natural acid rock drainage from the Tertiary in SW Spain. • The exploitation of these two metals began 5,000 years ago in this area. • Two periods of intense exploitation took place during the Roman period (2200-1600 yr BP) and the last two centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The malacological analysis of the Cañada Honda shell midden (Tinto-Odiel estuary, SW Spain) has allowed an approximation of the palaeo biodiversity of this sector during the Mesolithic. During this period, the progressive marine transgression caused the flooding of this estuary, coinciding with an initial intensive capture of the bivalves Lutraria and Ruditapes decussatus in the northern and southern sector of this site, respectively. In a second phase, Ruditapes decussatus was the main collected species in all sectors. This last period coincided with some diversification in catches, still dominated by Ruditapes decussatus but with significant proportions of Cerastoderma edule. This stage witnessed a progressive sedimentary filling of the estuary and the creation of marshes and barrier islands. The almost total fragmentation of the specimens would imply that the surface of this shell midden was exposed for a long time while in use. In addition, an occasional charring of some molluscs has been detected. The main molluscs of this site are also the most abundant in other later shell middens (∼cal 5.2–4 kyr BP), indicating an important perpetuation of the collecting and/or eating habits in this environment. All the species determined in them are also currently found in this estuary and its surroundings, where they are also captured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile bacterium, which can infect or colonize a variety of host species. The objective of this study was to characterize S. aureus isolates recovered from nasal swabs of 167 healthy ewes sampled from 12 farms in different areas of Tunisia during the period of 2014–2015. Genetic lineages, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance mechanisms were determined for recovered isolates. S. aureus was detected in 45 out of 167 tested samples (26.9%). All isolates were methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and the majority of them were susceptible to tested antibiotics with few exceptions (% of resistance): penicillin (8.8), ciprofloxacin (4.4), and tobramycin or tetracycline (2.2, each). Twelve different spa types were detected (t15098, t15099, t1773, t3576, t1534, t5428, t3750, t5970 t254, t2883, t127 and t933), two of them were new (t15098 and t15099). S. aureus isolates were ascribed to agr I (n = 23), agr II (n = 1) and agr III (n = 20), and one was non-typeable. According to the sequence-type (ST) determined and/or the spa- type detected, the 45 S. aureus isolates were assigned to six clonal complexes, with CC522 (44.4%) and CC130 (37.7%) being the most common lineages. Twenty-one (46.6%) and two (4.2%) isolates harbored the tst and eta genes encoding TSST-1 and ETA, respectively. In conclusion, nares of healthy ewes could be a reservoir of MSSA CC522 and CC130, lineages associated with TSST-1 and ETA that might represent a risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Holocene paleoenvironmental evolution of a coastal lagoon is recorded. • An open bay was progressively confined until forming a restricted lagoon. • The 1755 tsunami deposits are identified near the top of the succession. • This deposit constitutes the first faunal evidence of this event for the Mediterranean Sea. This paper analyzes the first systematic faunal record of the 1755 Lisbon tsunami in the Mediterranean. On the basis of sedimentological and paleontological features, the sedimentary record of a core collected in Gibraltar was divided into six sedimentary facies, with a paleoenvironmental evolution from a shallow marine paleoenviroment to an increasingly restricted lagoon. This record includes a bioclastic layer deposited by the 1755 Lisbon tsunami and characterized by an erosive base, presence of basal rip-up clasts and abundant shell debris composed by marine and brackish molluscs. The paleoenvironmental reconstruction derived from the foraminiferal analysis is congruent with that inferred from the sedimentary and the macrofaunal reconstructions, with the introduction of brackish species into the innermost, intertidal areas of a confined lagoon. This paleontological record is the first faunal evidence of the 1755 Lisbon tsunami in the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural biopolymers have extensively applications in intelligent food packaging due to their renewable nature, easy availability, environmental-friendly, low-cost and excellent processibility. Recently, the integration or embedding of nanocomposites on polymer substrates to improve the multi-faceted performance of packaging materials has attracted widespread attention. Herein, the irregular spherical Co-based metal-organic framework (Co-MOF) loaded with phenol red (PR) and bromothymol blue (BTB) were fabricated, resulting in absorbed nanocomposites Co-MOF/PR and Co-MOF/BTB. Afterward, the nanocomposites were integrated into a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) substrate to prepare a CO 2 -responsive packaging material (CMC-Na/PR/Co-MOF and CMC-Na/BTB/Co-MOF) for real-time and in-situ monitoring apple freshness. The synthesis of Co-MOF and the hydrogen-bonding interactions between MOF and pigments adsorption were confirmed. The advantages exhibited by the film with adding Co-MOF, including excellent hydrophobicity and water resistance, improved time-temperature stability and mechanical properties, were explored. Notably, the Co-MOF-based composite film exhibited enhanced UV–visible barrier, anti-migration performance of pigment, and thermal stability. Finally, a significant linear response (R2 = 0.9923 and 0.9781) between the total color difference values (ΔE) of Co-MOF-based film and hardness and total soluble solids (TSS) of fresh-cut Fuji apples at 4 °C was demonstrated, respectively. These findings indicate the significant potential of CMC-Na-based composite film containing multifunctional MOF nano-filler as a visual monitoring system, which will pave the way for fresh-cut fruit intelligent packaging. [Display omitted] • Co-BTC MOF was successfully synthesized by solvothermal and anion-exchange principle. • The unique color and adsorption properties of MOF improved color grading of pigments. • Multifunctional Co-MOF filler enhances physical performance of film. • The ΔE of CMC-Na-based film exhibited a stronger correlation with FH and TSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eupatorium aschenbornianum is considered useful in the treatment of gastric ulcer. In the current study the validity of this practice was tested by using the experimental model of an ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats. The results show that E. aschenbornianum had gastroprotective activity, that the hexane extract had the highest protective activity (85.65±4.76%), and that encecanescin isolated from this extract was the main active gastroprotective agent. The effect elicited by encecanescin was attenuated by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, N-ethylmaleimide and indomethacin, which suggests that NO, prostaglandins and sulfydryl groups are involved in the mechanisms of gastroprotective action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Increasing adoption of 3D printing in the daily life and, specifically, the food field (kitchen tools and food contact containers) is associated with potential health risks when printed tools are made by specialized centers and designed for disabled patients, who cannot re-print them with the necessary periodicity. The characteristic pattern of 3D printing promotes bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. In this work acrylic acid (AcAc) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) coatings applied by plasma-polymerization have been developed to reduce biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes on 3D printed PLA materials. Chemical (generation of a hydration layer) and morphological (a decrease in distance between peaks) modifications provoked by plasma-polymerized treatments could explain the reduction in bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. AcAc coatings were more effective than TEOS coatings, and showed up to a 47.7% (L. monocytogenes), 50.4% (P. aeruginosa) and 64.1% (E. coli) relative biofilm production, when compared with untreated samples. Nowadays, products manufactured by 3D printing technologies are constantly growing; resulting in a greater flexibility and customization in the designs and a reduction of production costs. One of the main applications of 3D printed tools is the food industry, specifically, kitchen tools and containers for disabled people. There are great difficulties when it comes to disinfecting these types of parts. So, the health risks associated with the use of 3D printed tools for food contact applications should be attended. Our study demonstrated that acrylic acid plasma coatings are suitable for decreasing the amount of biofilm generated by different bacteria over 3D printed poly-lactic acid (PLA) substrates. Plasma coatings make it possible to address food-related health issues through the generation of safe tools manufactured by 3D printing. The mitigation of those issues will allow the food industry to safely employ a technology as versatile as 3D printing. Unlabelled Image • 3D printed PLA Petri dishes were coated by APPJ using AcAc and TEOS. • Anti-biofilm activity was achieved through the formation of a hydration layer. • The hydration layer formation is related to the abundance of O C O groups. • Anti-biofilm activity depends on the particle size of the coatings. • Best coating shows a biofilm production of 48% (L. m.), 50% (P. a.) and 64% (E. c.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aeolian Pleistocene deposits recorded in the Rock of Gibraltar (S Iberian Peninsula) present a significant sedimentary thickness that fills the wide sea caves and covers its steep slopes. In Catalan Bay these deposits register the development of cliff-foot and rampant dunes that form a 35° sand ramp, 1 km long and up to 300 m in height formed by moderately to well-sorted sands, slightly carbonated and weakly cemented. This morphosedimentary evidence is associated with MIS 5−2 sea level fluctuations. Its internal structure shows lamination sets of 2–3 m in thickness and planar and trough cross-bedding. In these beds, five morphotypes of mammalian footprints have been recognized in vertical cross sections and convex hyporeliefs. Most of them present a moderate degree of conservation due to the poor cementation of the sands. These icnites are related to the activity of terrestrial mammals, possibly belonging to Homininae, Proboscidea, Artiodactila and Carnivora. The affinity between the footprints and their tracemakers has been established in the basis of their physical parameters, the shape of the footprints, their comparison with similar footprints and the correlation with the fossil fauna of vertebrates described for the Late Pleistocene in Gibraltar. These findings represent the first palaeoichnological record in the aeolian sediments of Gibraltar and indirectly corroborate the occupation of the coastal dune landscape by several terrestrial mammals during the Late Pleistocene. In addition, they help reconstructing the animal behaviour and interaction with the extensive dune systems that developed at the foot of the Rock slopes. The age of the tracks has been established within the MIS 2, during the probable Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition in the climate refuge of Gibraltar. • The Late Pleistocene aeolianites on Gibraltar contain abundant mammal tracks. • These deposits form a lower set of cliff-foot dunes and another of rampant sands. • The fossil tracks are concentrated in two units dated by OSL in 28 ± 3 ka (MIS 2). • The tracemakers identified are Homininae, Proboscidea, Artiodactila and Carnivora. • A footprint is assigned to Homo neanderthalensis by a photogrammetric analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Food-producing animals (lamb, veal and goat) are analysed for staphylococci nasal carriage. • S. aureus is detected in 29.7% of lamb, 12.5% of goat and 2.7% of veal animals tested. • MRSA of USA300 clone (ST8-PVL-positive) was detected in lamb and goat. • MSSA of lineages ST133 and ST522 carrying the virulence gene tst was found in lamb. • CoNS with relevant antibiotic resistance genes were detected in 28% of tested animals. This work aimed to determine the prevalence, diversity, antibiotic-resistance phenotype/genotype and virulence factors in staphylococci of farm-animals. Nasal samples of 117 farm-animals (calve: 72; lamb: 37; goat: 8) were collected from one slaughterhouse in La Rioja/Spain and cultured for staphylococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) recovery. Identification was performed by MALDI-TOF. Antimicrobial resistance phenotype/genotype was determined by susceptibility testing and specific PCRs. Molecular typing (spa -typing, multilocus-sequence-typing, agr -typing, SCC mec), and detection of 12 virulence genes and human Immune-evasive-cluster (IEC) genes were performed by PCR/sequencing in S. aureus. Two marker genes of arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) were determined by PCR (USA300-MRSA detection). Staphylococci were identified in 50%, 54% and 21% of goat, lamb and calve samples, respectively. Among the 13 S. aureus isolates recovered, 11 were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, and two were multidrug-resistant-MRSA [beta-lactams (blaZ , mecA), macrolides [(msr (A)/ msr (B)] and fluoroquinolones]. The MSSA harboured either tst or enterotoxin genes, while the MRSA harboured the lukF/lukS-PV genes. Five sequence-types were detected. The two MRSA strains (from lamb and goat) were typed as t5173/ST8/ agr -I/SCC mec -IVa/ACME-positive, corresponding to USA300 clone, and were IEC-B-positive. Among the 47 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), six species were identified, predominating S. simulans (n = 25) and S. sciuri (n = 11). Fifty-three percent of CoNS showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent (six multidrug-resistant strains), and the following resistance phenotypes/genotypes were detected: streptomycin [27.6%; ant(6)-Ia, str ], tetracycline [23.4%; tet (M), tet (L), tet (K)], clindamycin [19.1%; lnu (A), vgaA ], erythromycin [10.6%; erm (C), msr (A)/ msr (B)], chloramphenicol (8.5%; fexA), tobramycin (6.4%), penicillin-cefoxitin (4.3%; blaZ , mecA), and SXT (2.1%). The detection of the MRSA-USA300 lineage in food animals is worrisome and should be further monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian traces occurring in Pleistocene aeolianite and beach deposits are rare and relatively poorly known, despite being good paleoenvironmental indicators. Passeriform and raptorial birds are especially rare in the track fossil record. Exceptional tracksites were found in the Malhão formation, a Pleistocene coastal aeolianite unit from the SW mainland Portugal, with subunits in the interval ∼187 to ∼27 ka. Two new forms of avian traces were identified, Corvidichnus odemirensis and Buboichnus vicentinus - attributed to the locomotion of Western jackdaw and the locomotion and predation/feeding behaviour of a large Eagle-owl. The last trace fossil may correspond to the first evidence of a raptorial bird-prey interaction found in action in the fossil record. Typical shorebird tracks and trackways attributed to gulls (Laridae) and curlews, and others tentatively compared with Rallidae, such as Eurasian coot, are also discussed within the aeolianite ichnoassemblages. The tracks here described are the first avian ichnotaxa from the Pleistocene of Europe. • Two new bird tracksites are described from the Middle-to-Late Pleistocene coastal aeolianites of SW Portugal. • Corvidichnus and Buboichnus vicentinus igenn. nov. record behaviors of western jackdaw and a large eagle-owl. • Passeriform and raptorial birds are especially rare in the track fossil record. • A trace fossil of raptorial bird-prey interaction is described for the first time. • These tracks are the first avian ichnotaxa from the Pleistocene of Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Huelva Coast of SW Spain erosion by recent marine storms revealed the presence of a paleosol where an extensive tracksite known as "Matalascañas Trampled Surface" (MTS) has been documented. The MTS includes tracks and trackways of large species of mammals, along with bird trace fossils, invertebrate burrows and root traces. Within this record, the presence of several hominin footprints and trackways stands out. Despite previous uncertainties about the producer of these footprints, new OSL age of 151 ± 11 ka secures their attribution to Neanderthals, the only hominins known to have been present in the Iberian Peninsula during the MIS6-5 transition. Moreover, typical Mousterian lithic industry with Levallois knapping was found associated with the ichnological record. This lithic industry is characterized by the selection of raw materials from outcrops in a short-distance range to the tracksite. The general characteristics of the lithics are derived both from the nature of the raw material and from the nature of the site itself, which cannot be seen as a settlement, but rather as a place of passage for fauna, including Neanderthals, where a few human individuals performed short-term activities, such as food procurement and/or meat processing. • The Matalascañas Trampled Surface (MTS) include tracks and trackways of Neanderthals. • These tracks accompany others of mammals and birds from the MIS 6-5 transition. • The new OSL dating of MTS reports an age of 151.1 ± 11 ka. • At MTS a typical Mousterian lithic industry with Levallois carving has been recorded. • MTS is related to shallow water lakes developed in a coastal interdune position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium impregnation methods (at atmospheric pressure, AI, or under vacuum, VI) followed by air drying at 60 °C were used for producing healthy apple snacks. This study compared the effect of the impregnation method on the ultrastructure features and physicochemical properties (desorption isotherm, density, porosity and shrinkage, thermal transitions, rheological behaviour, colour) of fortified apples along convective drying. Calcium concentration in AI and VI dried apples were ≈ 3600 and ≈ 5200 ppm respectively, which implied, considering a portion of dried apple of 50 g, 18% and 26% of the recommended intake for adults. Calcium incorporation did not affect the desorption behaviour but induced browning of apple tissues. Drying resulted in a great increase in porosity of AI samples and a noticeable compaction of the VI tissues. Impregnated tissues at a w ≤ 0.47 exhibited distinctive mechanical properties: AI apples were characterized by very high stiffness and lower resistance to rupture, while VI apples appeared stronger and moderately stiff. This study will help to develop large-scale commercial production of calcium fortified apple snacks with distinctive characteristics. High quality and content of nutrients, easy industrialization and storage and a long shelf life are important aspects of these healthy snacks. They constitute a valuable functional shelf-stable product, that also can help feeding the population during natural disasters and wars, as well as reducing food insecurity in vulnerable groups as part of the diet. On the other hand, the use of apples not meeting the organoleptic requirements for direct consumption, or not processed into juice, drink, or cider as raw material, looks of particular interest for diversifying the production within the framework of sustainable production. • Healthy apple snacks can be formulated by calcium impregnation before drying step. • Calcium impregnation method affects apple structure and physicochemical properties. • Calcium incorporation induces browning of dried apple. • Calcium do not modify apple desorption isotherms but changes glass transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Late Pleistocene surface full of tracks and trackways (named 'Matalascañas Trampled Surface') has been exposed at the base of the 'El Asperillo' cliff (Doñana National Park, Matalascañas, Huelva, southwestern Spain) as a result of recent storms. This surface has been identified as the bottom of the unit AU1, according to the local stratigraphic section, and originated during the marine stage MIS-5 (∼106 ± 19 kyr). This trampled surface records exceptional tracks and trackways of different terrestrial vertebrates. In particular, three morphotypes of tracks ascribed to Artiodactyla (the auroch Bos primigenius ? the red deer Cervus elaphus and wild boar Sus scrofa), one to Elephantidae (Palaeoloxodon antiquus), one of Canidae (Canis lupus), and three to waterbirds (geese, Anserinae, and waders, Charadrii) have been identified. This ichnoassociation is characteristic of a shorebird ichnofacies. We interpret this trampled surface to have been related to puddled areas of shallow waters in an inter-dune position, similar to present day examples in the Doñana National Park. • The Late Pleistocene aeolian deposits on Matalascañas (SW Spain) contain abundant mammal and bird tracks and trackways. • These deposits form a lower set of cliff-foot dunes and another of rampant sands. • The fossil tracks and trackways are concentrated in two units dated by OSL in 106 ± 19 kyr (MIS 5). • The tracemakers identified are artiodactils, elephants, wolves, waterbirds and shorebirds. • The palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the surface is related to puddled areas of shallow waters in an interdune position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea causes postharvest spoilage in important crops such as strawberry and other berries. Pulsed light (PL) treatment could be an environmentally friendly postharvest alternative to synthetic fungicides in berries. Cultivability, physiological state, ultrastructure of Botrytis cinerea suspended in peptone water and irradiated with PL (fluence = 1.2 to 47.8 J/cm2) were investigated by using conventional plate count technique, flow cytometry analysis (FCM) and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, PL effect on B. cinerea development in artificially contaminated strawberries throughout storage at (5 ± 1) °C was evaluated. PL reduced fungus' ability to form colonies on agarized culture media. Survival curve fitted with the Weibullian model evidenced a wide distribution of conidia sensitivity to PL. FCM showed that most of irradiated conidia entered in a viable non-culturable state, although a subpopulation without esterase activity and compromised membranes and a subpopulation with active esterase and intact membranes were also detected. PL attacked multiple targets in B. cinerea. Ultrastructural changes varied with the dose and within the conidia population, supporting FCM results. Damage included plasmalemma detachment from cell wall, cytoplasm collapse, and vacuolization of cytoplasm, disruption of cell wall and plasmalemma with massive loss of cytoplasm and/or disruption of organelles. In strawberries artificially contaminated with B. cinerea , a 2-day delay on the onset of the infection and a lower incidence in PL-treated strawberries (11.9 and 23.9 J/cm2) compared to control (16–20%) up to 10 days of cold storage was observed. Results indicated that PL significantly reduces B. cinerea growth in peptone water and in inoculated strawberries. However, other preservation factor(s) in combination would be needed to increase PL action for a better control of this fungus. • Pulsed light (PL) application decreased B. cinerea 's ability to form colonies in agar. • Survival curves fitted with a Weibull model showed a widely conidia sensibility to PL. • PL caused different ultrastructure changes in conidia of B. cinerea. • Flow cytometry showed that many PL-treated conidia entered to a non-culturable state. • Strawberries exposed to PL showed a 2-day delay on the onset of the fungus growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]