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Maize comes in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, red, blue, and purple, which is due to the presence of phytochemicals such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, phytosterols, and some hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. In Mexico, maize is primarily grown for human consumption; however, maize residues comprise 51–58% of the total maize plant weight (stalks, leaves, ears, and husks) and are mainly used as livestock feed. These residues contain numerous bioactive compounds that interest the industry for their potential health benefits in preventing or treating degenerative diseases. This review explores the current knowledge and highlights key aspects related to the extraction methods and different techniques for identifying the bioactive compounds found in maize by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein hydrolysates containing bioactive peptides have emerged as therapeutic agents. However, these peptides may lose this bioactivity under gastrointestinal conditions. Encapsulation in edible biopolymers is a solution to this problem. Protein hydrolysates with ACE-I inhibitory activity, obtained previously, were encapsulated. A 1% solution of the biopolymers alginate (AG) and pectin (PC) in various ratios was prepared. The beads formed were evaluated in both wet and dry states for size, roundness, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), encapsulation efficiency, and ACE-I inhibitory activity. Selected samples underwent in vitro digestion, after which peptide release and ACE-I inhibitory activity were determined. Size analysis revealed that increasing the PC content increased the bead size, with 100% PC beads showing total deformation and reduced roundness. TGA indicated that wet beads had lower thermal stability compared to dry beads. The highest encapsulation efficiency (95.57% ± 0.49) was observed with 100% AG beads. The 75% AG 25% PC beads exhibited the highest ACE-I inhibitory activity (97.97% ± 1.01). Encapsulated protein hydrolysates retained their ACE-I inhibitory activity after simulated digestion, whereas non-encapsulated hydrolysates lost their bioactivity. Encapsulation of amaranth protein hydrolysates with AG and PC thus preserves antihypertensive activity even after in vitro digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The expression of the mechanosensory Piezo2 channel has already been described in different malignant tumors. There is discordance in the literature regarding breast carcinoma, with its expression described either as decreased or increased in neoplasms with respect to benign tissue. A retrospective cohort of 125 patients whose breasts were resected for carcinoma was chosen to determine the relationship between Piezo2 and different clinical and histological variables. A significant association was found with the Ki67 proliferation index, with a tendency for most proliferative tumors to be positive for Piezo2. In the last decade, a group of Ca2+ channels called Piezo were discovered, demonstrating a decisive role in the cellular response to mechanical stimuli and being essential in the biological behavior of cells regarding the extracellular compartment. Several investigations have suggested a potential role in carcinogenesis, with a tumor suppressor role in some cases but increased expression in several high-grade neoplasms. Regarding Piezo2 expression in mammary gland neoplasms, a protective role for Piezo2 was initially suggested, but a subsequent study demonstrated a relationship between Piezo2 expression and the highly aggressive triple-negative phenotype of breast carcinoma. A cohort of 125 patients with clinical follow-up was chosen to study Piezo2 expression and clarify its clinical implications using the same immunohistochemical evaluation performed for other breast carcinoma parameters. Fisher's exact test was chosen to identify potential relationships between the different variables. A significant association was found with the Ki67 proliferation index, but not with mitoses. The tendency of most proliferative tumors was to have an increased score for Piezo2. A similar association was found between Piezo2 expression and perineural invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-energy CT (DECT) imaging has broadened the potential of CT imaging by offering multiple postprocessing datasets with a single acquisition at more than one energy level. DECT shows profound capabilities to improve diagnosis based on its superior material differentiation and its quantitative value. However, the potential of dual-energy imaging remains relatively untapped, possibly due to its intricate workflow and the intrinsic technical limitations of DECT. Knowing the clinical advantages of dual-energy imaging and recognizing its limitations and pitfalls is necessary for an appropriate clinical use. The aims of this paper are to review the physical and technical bases of DECT acquisition and analysis, to discuss the advantages and limitations of DECT in different clinical scenarios, to review the technical constraints in material labeling and quantification, and to evaluate the cutting-edge applications of DECT imaging, including artificial intelligence, qualitative and quantitative imaging biomarkers, and DECT-derived radiomics and radiogenomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to assess the risk of developing general eating disorders (ED), anorexia nervosa (AN), and bulimia nervosa (BN), as well as to examine the effects of gender, academic year, place of residence, faculty, and diet quality on that risk. Over two academic years, 129 first- and fourth-year Uneatlántico students were included in an observational descriptive study. The self-administered tests SCOFF, EAT-26, and BITE were used to determine the participants' risk of developing ED. The degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was used to evaluate the quality of the diet. Data were collected at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the academic year. The main results were that at T1, 34.9% of participants were at risk of developing general ED, AN 3.9%, and BN 16.3%. At T2, these percentages were 37.2%, 14.7%, and 8.5%, respectively. At T2, the frequency of general ED in the female group was 2.5 times higher (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.22–5.32, p = 0.012). The low-moderate adherence to the MD students' group was 0.92 times less frequent than general ED at T2 (OR: 0.921, 95%CI: 0.385–2.20, p < 0.001). The most significant risk factor for developing ED is being a female in the first year of university. Moreover, it appears that the likelihood of developing ED generally increases during the academic year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of direct dimethyl ether (DME) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has several drawbacks, due to the low catalytic activity and carbon deposition of conventional Ni–zirconia-based anodes. In the present study, the insertion of 2.0 wt.% Ru-Ce0.7Zr0.3O2−δ (ruthenium–zirconium-doped ceria, Ru-CZO) as an anode catalyst layer (ACL) is proposed to be a promising solution. For this purpose, the CZO powder was prepared by the sol–gel synthesis method, and subsequently, nanoparticles of Ru (1.0–2.0 wt.%) were synthesized by the impregnation method and calcination. The catalyst powder was characterized by BET-specific surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive spectroscopy detector (FESEM-EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Afterward, the catalytic activity of Ru-CZO catalyst was studied using DME partial oxidation. Finally, button anode-supported SOFCs with Ru-CZO ACL were prepared, depositing Ru-CZO onto the anode support and using an annealing process. The effect of ACL on the electrochemical performance of cells was investigated under a DME and air mixture at 750 °C. The results showed a high dispersion of Ru in the CZO solid solution, which provided a complete DME conversion and high yields of H2 and CO at 750 °C. As a result, 2.0 wt.% Ru-CZO ACL enhanced the cell performance by more than 20% at 750 °C. The post-test analysis of cells with ACL proved a remarkable resistance of Ru-CZO ACL to carbon deposition compared to the reference cell, evidencing the potential application of Ru-CZO as a catalyst as well as an ACL for direct DME SOFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals on wet surfaces that have a mechanical function causes biofouling, which can result in structural or other functional deficiencies. The maritime shipping industry must constantly manage biofouling to optimize operational performance, which is a common and long-lasting problem. It can occur on any metal structure in contact with or submerged in ocean water, which represents additional costs in terms of repairs and maintenance. This study is focused on the production of antifouling coatings, made with nanoparticles of copper selenide (CuSe NPs) modified with gum arabic, within a water-base acrylic polymeric matrix. During the curing of the acrylic resin, the CuSe NPs remain embedded in the resin, but this does not prevent the release of ions. The coatings released copper and selenium ions for up to 80 days, and selenium was the element that was released the most. The adhesion of film coatings to metallic substrates showed good adhesion, scale 5B (ASTM D3359 standard). Antimicrobial activity tests show that the coatings have an inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The effect is more noticeable when the coating is detached from the substrate and placed on a growing medium, compared to the coating on a substrate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations show that nanostructured CuSe coatings are made up of rod-shaped and spherical particles with an average particle size of 101.6 nm and 50 nm, respectively. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) studies showed that the ratio of selenium nanoparticles is greater than that of copper and that their distribution is homogeneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different communities around the world traditionally use Bidens pilosa L. for medicinal purposes, mainly for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties; it is used as an ingredient in teas or herbal medicines for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and immunological disorders. Several studies have been conducted that prove the immunomodulatory properties of this plant; however, it is not known whether the immunomodulatory properties of B. pilosa are mediated by its ability to modulate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages (MØs) and dendritic cells (DCs) (through polarization or the maturation state, respectively). Different polar and non-polar extracts and fractions were prepared from the aerial part of B. pilosa. Their cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects were first tested on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated PBMCs, respectively, via an MTT assay. Then, the non-cytotoxic plant extracts and fractions that showed the highest immunomodulatory activity were selected to evaluate their effects on human MØ polarization and DC maturation (cell surface phenotype and cytokine secretion) through multiparametric flow cytometry. Finally, the chemical compounds of the B. pilosa extract that showed the most significant immunomodulatory effects on human APCs were identified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The petroleum ether extract and the ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic fractions obtained from B. pilosa showed low cytotoxicity and modulated the PHA-stimulated proliferation of PBMCs. Furthermore, the B. pilosa petroleum ether extract induced M2 polarization or a hybrid M1/M2 phenotype in MØs and a semi-mature status in DCs, regardless of exposure to a maturation stimulus. The immunomodulatory activity of the non-polar (petroleum ether) extract of B. pilosa on human PBMC proliferation, M2 polarization of MØs, and semi-mature status in DCs might be attributed to the low–medium polarity components in the extract, such as phytosterol terpenes and fatty acid esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. The KRAS mutation is present in 30–50% of CRC patients. This mutation confers resistance to treatment with anti-EGFR therapy. This article aims at proving that computer tomography (CT)-based radiomics can predict the KRAS mutation in CRC patients. The piece is a retrospective study with 56 CRC patients from the Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. All patients had a confirmatory pathological analysis of the KRAS status. Radiomics features were obtained using an abdominal contrast enhancement CT (CECT) before applying any treatments. We used several classifiers, including AdaBoost, neural network, decision tree, support vector machine, and random forest, to predict the presence or absence of KRAS mutation. The most reliable prediction was achieved using the AdaBoost ensemble on clinical patient data, with a kappa and accuracy of 53.7% and 76.8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 73.3% and 80.8%. Using texture descriptors, the best accuracy and kappa were 73.2% and 46%, respectively, with sensitivity and specificity of 76.7% and 69.2%, also showing a correlation between texture patterns on CT images and KRAS mutation. Radiomics could help manage CRC patients, and in the future, it could have a crucial role in diagnosing CRC patients ahead of invasive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser machining of the nickel oxide–yttria-stabilized zirconia (NiO–YSZ) composite in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) may be an effective approach to enlarge the electrode–electrolyte interface and improve the cell performance. However, laser energy can cause thermal damage to the composite surface during the machined operation. In this work, the microstructure changes and the collateral damage caused by pulsed laser machining on the sintered NiO–YSZ of the state-of-the-art SOFCs were evaluated using complementary analysis techniques. Laser patterns consisting of parallel tracks on sintered NiO–YSZ were processed, varying the laser parameters such as frequency and laser beam energy density. The analyses evidenced a heat-affected zone (HAZ) limited to around 2 µm with microcracking, porosity reduction, and recrystallization. The changes in chemical composition, phase transformation of YSZ and mechanical properties at the machined surface were quite limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of genomics techniques has revolutionized and impacted, greatly and positively, the knowledge of toxicology, ushering it into a "new era": the era of genomic technology (GT). This great advance permits us to analyze the whole genome, to know the gene response to toxicants and environmental stressors, and to determine the specific profiles of gene expression, among many other approaches. The aim of this work was to compile and narrate the recent research on GT during the last 2 years (2020–2022). A literature search was managed using the PubMed and Medscape interfaces on the Medline database. Relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals were retrieved and their main results and conclusions are mentioned briefly. It is quite important to form a multidisciplinary taskforce on GT with the aim of designing and implementing a comprehensive, collaborative, and a strategic work plan, prioritizing and assessing the most relevant diseases, so as to decrease human morbimortality due to exposure to environmental chemicals and stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The mealybugs are a large family of sap-sucking herbivore insects comprising more than 2000 species. They feed on many economically important agricultural and ornamental plants. During the cold periods of the winter, insects overwintering without migrating often require special habitats to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. In the case of mealybugs inhabiting fruit orchards, it was believed that the trunk and the branches were the main overwintering sites where individuals diapause. Here it is shown for the first time that, in temperate climates, mealybugs spend half of the year on the tree canopy and the large majority move to the rhizosphere of the fruit tree during the winter to feed on the roots and reproduce (complete at least one generation) under the new "belowground habitat." This unique adaptive strategy allows an aboveground herbivore to turn into a belowground root-feeding insect for part of the year. The preferred area to overwinter for the main female mealybug species is within 1 m in diameter around the fruit tree trunk, where more than 12,000 mealybug males per square meter can emerge every spring. These findings have implications at the ecological and agronomical levels since current treatments to control mealybug pests are based on the fruit trees' canopy. Insects have limited ability to regulate their body temperature and have thus required a range of strategies to withstand thermally stressful environments. Under unfavorable winter conditions, insects often take refuge under the soil surface to survive. Here, the mealybug insect family was selected for the study. Field experiments were performed in fruit orchards in eastern Spain. We used specifically designed floor sampling methods combined with fruit tree canopy pheromone traps. We found that in temperate climates, the large majority of the mealybugs move from the tree canopy to the roots during the winter, where they turn into belowground root-feeding herbivores to survive and continue underground the reproductive process. Within the rhizosphere, mealybugs complete at least one generation before emerging on the soil surface. The preferred area to overwinter is within 1 m in diameter around the fruit tree trunk, where more than 12,000 mealybug flying males per square meter can emerge every spring. This overwintering pattern has not previously been reported for any other group of insects showing cold avoidance behavior. These findings have implications at the winter ecology level but also at the agronomical level since treatments to control mealybug pests are, until now, only based on the fruit trees' canopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bidens pilosa L. has been used in different parts of the world mainly to treat diseases associated with immune response disorders, such as autoimmunity, cancer, allergies, and infectious diseases. The medicinal properties of this plant are attributed to its chemical components. Nevertheless, there is little conclusive evidence that describes the immunomodulatory activity of this plant. In this review, a systematic search was carried out in the PubMed-NLM, EBSCO Host and BVS databases focused on the pre-clinical scientific evidence of the immunomodulatory properties of B. pilosa. A total of 314 articles were found and only 23 were selected. The results show that the compounds or extracts of Bidens modulate the immune cells. This activity was associated with the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that control proliferation, oxidative stress, phagocytosis, and the production of cytokines of different cells. Most of the scientific information analyzed in this paper supports the potential use of B. pilosa mainly as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial immune response modulator. It is necessary that this biological activity be corroborated through the design of specialized clinical trials that demonstrate the effectiveness in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and infectious diseases. Until now there has only been one clinical trial in phase I and II associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of Bidens in mucositis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography (CT) introduced medicine to digital imaging. This occurred in the early 1970s and it was the start of the digital medical imaging revolution. The resulting changes and improvements in health care associated with digital imaging have been marked, are occurring now, and are likely to continue into the future. Before CT, medical images were acquired, stored, and displayed in analog form (i.e., on film). Now essentially all medical images are acquired and stored digitally. When they are not viewed by computer, they are converted to an analog image to be seen. The application of computer algorithms and the processing of digital medical images improves the visualization of diagnostically important details and aids diagnosis by extracting significant quantitative information. Examples of this can be seen with CAD and radiomics applications in the diagnosis of lung and colorectal cancer, respectively. The objectives of this article are to point out the key aspects of the digital medical imaging revolution, to review its current status, to discuss its clinical translation in two major areas: lung and colorectal cancer, and to provide future directions and challenges of these techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are a broad group of bioactive phytochemicals with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral activities. Numerous studies have demonstrated that polyphenol extracts obtained from natural sources can be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Pomegranate peel extract is an excellent source of polyphenols, such as punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid, among others. These phenolic compounds have antineoplastic activity in in vitro models of cervical cancer through the regulation of cellular redox balance, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and modulation of different signaling pathways. The current review summarizes recent data from scientific reports that address the anticancer activity of the predominant polyphenol compounds present in PPE and their different mechanisms of action in cervical cancer models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural Rubber Field Latex (NRFL) allergens restrict its use in some markets due to health-threatening allergic reactions. These molecules are proteins that are related to asymptomatic sensitization and hypersensitivity mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). Although NRFL allergens have been investigated since the 1980s, there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the development of deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR). Therefore, in this study, the deproteinization of NRFL from the lower basin of the Cauca River, Antioquia-Colombia was evaluated using eight systems. The highest removal value was 84.4% and was obtained from the treatment containing SDS (Sodium dodecyl sulfate), Urea, and Ethanol. It was also possible to determine that at high concentrations of SDS, removal percentages higher than 70% are reached. On the other hand, all deproteinizing systems decreased NRFL Zeta potentials without self-coagulation, suggesting enhanced colloidal stability in DPNR latex. On the other hand, the bibliometric analysis presented technological advances in DPRN through different parameters and bibliometric networks. The analysis presented makes an important contribution from the bibliometric approach that could be positive for the development of research on DPNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work studies the functional behavior of novel poly("-caprolactone) (PCL) membranes functionalized with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoplatelets under simulated in vitro culture conditions (phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at 37 °C) during 1 year, in order to elucidate their applicability as scaffolds for in vitro neural regeneration. The morphological, chemical, and DSC results demonstrated that high internal porosity of the membranes facilitated water permeation and procured an accelerated hydrolytic degradation throughout the bulk pathway. Therefore, similar molecular weight reduction, from 80 kDa to 33 kDa for the control PCL, and to 27 kDa for PCL/rGO membranes, at the end of the study, was observed. After 1 year of hydrolytic degradation, though monomers coming from the hydrolytic cleavage of PCL diffused towards the PBS medium, the pH was barely affected, and the rGO nanoplatelets mainly remained in the membranes which envisaged low cytotoxic effect. On the other hand, the presence of rGO nanomaterials accelerated the loss of mechanical stability of the membranes. However, it is envisioned that the gradual degradation of the PCL/rGO membranes could facilitate cells infiltration, interconnectivity, and tissue formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Serratia is widely distributed in soil, water, plants, animals, invertebrates, and humans. Some species of this genus have antifungal, antibacterial, and nematicidal activity. In this work, the nematicidal activity of the endophytic strain of Serratia sp. in chili, Capsicum annuum L., is reported, where at a bacterial concentration of 4 × 109 cel/mL, the penetration of nematodes into the roots significantly decreased by 91 and 55% at 7 and 21 days after inoculation. This bacterial concentration also significantly decreased the number of galls, eggs, egg masses and reproduction factor produced by Nacobbus aberrans in Chili plants, with respect to the control where this bacterial strain was not applied. In the analysis of the genome of the strain, based on average nucleotide identity (ANI), the isolate could be affiliated to the species Serratia ureilytica. The size of the genome is 5.4 Mb, with a 59.3% content of GC. Genes related to the synthesis of chitinases, siderophores, proteases C, serralisins, hemolysin, and serrawettin W2 that have been reported for biocontrol of nematodes were identified in the genome. It is the first report of Serratia ureilytica with nematicidal activity. Based on these results of nematicidal activity, this strain can be evaluated in the field as an alternative in the biocontrol of Nacobbus aberrans in chili cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mexico, mistletoes have several applications in traditional medicine due to the great variety of compounds with biological activities that have not been characterized to date. The goals of the present study are to analyze the composition of minerals and phytochemical compounds in Mexican mistletoes Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum qualitatively and quantitatively, identify the compounds using HPLC-MS, and assess the antimicrobial potential in phytopathogenic microorganism control. Mineral content was evaluated with X-ray fluorescence. Three types of extracts were prepared: ethanol, water, and aqueous 150 mM sodium chloride solution. Characterization was carried out using qualitative tests for phytochemical compound groups, analytical methods for proteins, reducing sugars, total phenol, flavonoids quantification, and HPLC-MS for compound identification. The antimicrobial activity of mistletoe's liquid extracts was evaluated by microplate assay. K and Ca minerals were observed in both mistletoes. A qualitative test demonstrated alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and quinones. Ethanolic extract showed flavonoids, 3845 ± 69 and 3067 ± 17.2 mg QE/g for Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively, while aqueous extracts showed a total phenol content of 65 ± 6.9 and 90 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively. HPLC-MS identified largely hydroxycinnamic acids and methoxycinnamic acids. Clavibacter michiganenses was successfully inhibited by aqueous extract of both mistletoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is one of the most important cereal crop species due to its uses for human and cattle nourishment, as well as its industrial use as a raw material. The yield and grain quality of maize depend on plant establishment, which starts with germination. Germination is dependent on embryo vigor and the stored reserves in the scutellum and endosperm. During germination, the scutellum epidermis changes and secretes enzymes and hormones into the endosperm. As a result, the hydrolysis products of the reserves and the different soluble nutrients are translocated to the scutellum through epithelial cells. Then, the reserves are directed to the embryo axis to sustain its growth. Therefore, the microenvironment surrounding the scutellum modulates its function. Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient stored in the maize scutellum and endosperm; during imbibition, Zn from the endosperm is solubilized and mobilized towards the scutellum. During this process, Zn first becomes concentrated and interacts with cell wall charges, after which excess Zn is internalized in the vacuole. Currently, the effect of high Zn concentrations on the scutellum function and germinative processes are not known. In this paper, we show that, as a function of the concentration and time of exposure, Zn causes decreases in the radicle and plumule lengths and promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and flavonoids as well as changes in the activity of the cell wall Class III peroxidase (POD), which was quantified with guaiacol or catechin in the presence of H2O2. The relationship between the activity index or proportion of POD activity in the scutellum and the changes in the flavonoid concentration is proposed as a marker of stress and the state of vigor of the embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salespeople turnover is a key issue that can threaten a company's survival, either by reducing its income or increasing its expenses. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices on the salespeople turnover. Drawing from social network theory, this research suggests that the perception of CSR practices influences salespeople turnover through their impact on the perception of the company's reputation and the organizational pride that sellers experience. Additionally, the moderating role of interpersonal justice in the CSR-organizational pride relationship is analyzed. The data was collected from a sample of 176 salespeople and their supervisors from 96 companies. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the psychometric properties of the measurement scales and to test the proposed direct hypotheses, and conditional process analysis was used to test the proposed mediation hypothesis. The results indicate that CSR is negatively related to salesperson turnover via the perceived salespeople's organizational pride and organizational reputation. Furthermore, this study's findings confirm the importance of a salesperson's interpersonal justice for these relationships. This study contributes to the existing sales and management literature by enhancing our understanding of how to reduce salespeople turnover intention. Specifically, it underlines the role of CSR practices in reducing those intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing rising global food demand in a sustainable way is a great challenge of modern agriculture. Thus, the increase of crop productivity and resilience in an adverse climate scenario is urgently needed. Fungal endophytes have been described as potential biological tools to improve plant yield and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses; however, their application in agriculture needs further research. The fungal endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae strain Ct0861 establishes a mutualistic interaction with Arabidopsis thaliana, promoting plant growth and silique production at low phosphate conditions. Until now, its ability to colonize and confer benefits to other plant species remained unexplored. Here, we show that Ct0861 colonizes and promotes growth in vitro of maize (Zea mays L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings, resulting in significantly larger shoot length and weight. Greenhouse and field experiments in optimal nutritional conditions showed an increase between 12% and 22% of yield in both tomato and maize. The inoculated plants were not suffering from phosphate starvation, which points at different modes of action not elucidated yet. These results indicate that the beneficial effect of Ct0861 may extend to other plant species of economic importance, making Ct0861 a potentially valuable inoculant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Netrin 1 (Ntn1) is a cell migration protein with an anti-inflammatory effect, which may play a key role in the pathological development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this study, we evaluate the relationships between the serum concentrations of Ntn1, glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hsCRP). We carried out a cross-sectional study including 90 individuals divided into three groups (n = 30): healthy subjects, individuals with obesity without glucose alterations, and individuals with newly diagnosed T2D. Serum concentrations of Ntn1 and hs-CRP were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum concentration of Ntn1 was higher in individuals with newly diagnosed T2D (0.33 ± 0.22 ng/mL), in comparison to healthy subjects and individuals with obesity (0.13 ± 0.06 and 0.15 ± 0.07 ng/mL, respectively). In addition, we observed a positive association between the levels of Ntn1 and hsCRP (rho = 0.443; p < 0.001) as well as with serum glucose (rho = −0.110; p = 0.05). The serum concentration of Ntn1 was higher in individuals with T2D, in comparison with the other groups in this study, and presented a positive correlation with hsCRP. Therefore, Ntn1 can be considered a promising risk biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for T2D.

The interest in multifunctional biomaterials to be implanted are also able to release drugs that reduce pain and inflammation or prevent a possible infection has increased. Bioactive materials such as silica (SiO 2 ) containing surface silanol groups contribute to the nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite (HAp) in a physiological environment. Regarding biocompatibility, the spherical shape of particles is the desirable one, since it does not cause mechanical damage to the cell membrane. In this work, the synthesis of SiO 2 microspheres was performed by the modified Stöber method and they were used for the biomimetic growth of HAp on their surface. The effect of the type of surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and polyethylene glycol (PEG)), and heat treatment on the morphology and size of SiO 2 particles was investigated. Monodisperse, spherical-shaped SiO 2 microparticles with an average particle size of 179 nm, were obtained when using PEG (SiO 2 -PEG). The biomimetic growth of HAp was performed on this sample to improve its biocompatibility and drug-loading capacity using gentamicin as a model drug. Biomimetic growth of HAp was confirmed by FTIR-ATR, SEM-EDX and TEM techniques. SiO 2 -PEG/HAp sample had a better biocompatibility in vitro and gentamicin loading capacity than SiO 2 -PEG sample.