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Aquaculture is becoming a strategic sector for many national economies to supply the increasing demand for fish from consumers. Fish culture conditions and processing operations can lead to an increase in microbial contamination of farmed fish that may shorten the shelf-life of fish products and byproducts, and ready-to-eat fishery products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary status of water, environment, and processing of fresh-farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets produced in a local fish farm in Andalusia, Spain. To achieve this, a longitudinal study was carried out by collecting environmental (air and food-contact surfaces), water from fish ponds, and rainbow trout samples. Thereby, seven sampling visits were performed between February 2021 and July 2022, where foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms, together with physicochemical parameters, were analysed in the collected samples. Further, microbial identification of microbiota was achieved through a culture-dependent technique using blast analysis of 16S RNA gene sequencing. The results showed that Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella were not detected in the analysed samples. Regarding the hygienic-sanitary status of the fish farm, the slaughtering bath, the eviscerating machine and the outlet water from fish ponds presented the highest counts of coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, and Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus and sulphite-reducing Clostridium were identified in the conveyor belts, fish flesh, and viscera. The 16S RNA identification confirmed the presence of viable spoilage bacteria such as Citrobacter gillenii, Macrococcus caseolyticus, Hafnia paralvei, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus cremoris, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, and Shewanella. Three of these genera (Citrobacter, Hafnia, and Pseudomonas) were present in all types of samples analysed. The results evidenced potential transmission of microbial contamination from contaminated packaging belts and boxes, evisceration and filleting machines to flesh and viscera samples, thus the establishment of control measures should be implemented in fish farm facilities to extend the shelf-life of farmed fishery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is an urgent need for novel biomarkers to improve the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (ERA). Current serum biomarkers used in the management of ERA, including rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACPA), show limited specificity and sensitivity. Here, we used metabolomics to uncover new serum biomarkers of ERA. Methods: We applied an untargeted metabolomics approach including gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry in serum samples from an ERA cohort (n=32) and healthy controls (n=19). Metabolite set enrichment analysis was performed to explore potentially important biological pathways. Partial least squares discriminant analysis and variable importance in projection analysis were performed to construct an ERA biomarker panel. Results: Significant differences in the content of 11/81 serum metabolites were identified in patients with ERA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that a panel of only three metabolites (glyceric acid, lactic acid, and 3-hydroxisovaleric acid) could correctly classify 96.7% of patients with ERA, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.963 and with 94.4% specificity and 93.5% sensitivity, outperforming ACPA-based diagnosis by 2.9% and, thus, improving the preclinical detection of ERA. Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and serine, glycine, and phenylalanine metabolism were the most significant dysregulated pathways in patients with ERA. Conclusion: A metabolomics serum-based biomarker panel composed of glyceric acid, lactic acid, and 3-hydroxisovaleric acid offers potential for the early clinical diagnosis of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal rhythms are emerging as a key factor influencing gut microbiota and bioactive compounds functionality as well as several physiological processes such as inflammation. In this regard, their impact on the modulation of oxylipins (OXLs), which are important lipid mediators of inflammatory processes, has not been investigated yet. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effects of photoperiods on OXLs metabolites in healthy and obesogenic conditions. Moreover, we evaluated if the impact of proanthocyanidins and gut microbiota on OXLs metabolism is influenced by photoperiod in obesity. To this purpose, Fischer 344 rats were housed under different photoperiod conditions (L6: 6 h light, L12: 12 h light or L18:18 h light) and fed either a standard chow diet (STD) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 9 weeks. During the last 4 weeks, obese rats were daily administered with an antibiotic cocktail (ABX), an oral dose of a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), or with their combination. CAF feeding and ABX treatment affected OXLs in a photoperiod dependent-manner. GSPE significantly altered prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, only under L6 and mitigated ABX-mediated effects only under L18. In conclusion, photoperiods affect OXLs levels influenced by gut microbiota. This is the first time that the effects of photoperiod on OXLs metabolites have been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluvial system can be characterized from the application of geomorphological indicators. These allow understanding the dynamics of the system as well as carrying out a status diagnosis for good management. The aim of this work was to apply a group of geoindicators to diagnose and monitor the environmental status of the Oro basin (38° 4' 56.9"S 61°56' 24.17"W), Argentina. The geoindicators were grouped according to the application objective (diagnosis and monitoring) and the time scale (long, medium and short term). The field work was carried out during the period 2019 - 2021, which was the main input of information. The application of geoindicators in the medium and long term allowed the environmental characterization of the basin and recognition of the most important characteristics in terms of its fluvial dynamics, highlighting the variability of rainfall, which when it occurs in an extreme way, due to the morphometric characteristics of the basin, favors the occurrence of stream flooding events. In the short term, they allowed the identification of those indicators to be monitored to ensure optimal hydrogeomorphological quality, mainly in the riparian areas, which resulted in the highest degree of transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Biomedica is the property of Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi; Facultad de Medicina, UADY and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cuadernos Geograficos is the property of Cuadernos Geograficos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Anuario do Instituto de Geociencias is the property of Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Geociencias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Reticular hybrid meshes represent an alternative material for intraperitoneal repair of abdominal hernias. These consist of a reticular mesh coated or interwoven/knitted with inert materials. This study assesses the performance of two reticular polypropylene-containing hybrid meshes, TiMESH (coated with titanium) and DynaMesh (interwoven with polyvinylidene fluoride), in vitro, as well as their efficiency in adhesion prevention and tissue incorporation in an intraperitoneal model. Methods: The mesothelialization capacity of TiMESH and DynaMesh was evaluated in vitro and compared to that of Surgipro (reticular bare polypropylene) and Preclude (laminar expanded polytetrafluoroethylene). Mesh fragments were placed on the intact parietal peritoneum of New Zealand white rabbits (n = 24), and laparoscopy performed 7 days post-surgery. Fourteen days post-implantation, adhesions were evaluated and host tissue incorporation, macrophage response, collagen expression (immunohistochemistry/RT-PCR) and neoperitoneum formation assessed. Adhesions and omental tissue were also examined. Results: Mesh pores in reticular meshes were devoid of cells in the in vitro study. TiMESH, DynaMesh and Surgipro showed similar adhesion rates at 7/14 days and optimal tissue integration, with significant differences in comparison to Preclude. The greatest presence of macrophages was observed for TiMESH and was significant versus that for Preclude. Hybrid meshes revealed significantly higher collagen 1 mRNA expression in implants, with no differences in the levels of collagen 3. Omental samples from animals with a reticular mesh showed significantly greater collagen 1 mRNA levels. Conclusions: The reticular structure of a mesh limits the formation of a continuous mesothelial monolayer in vitro, regardless of its composition. The presence of titanium as a coating or polyvinylidene fluoride interwoven with polypropylene in a reticular structure did not prevent adhesions. The hybrid meshes showed proper integration and an increase in the mRNA Col 1 levels in the implant area compared to Surgipro or Preclude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of historical hydrogeomorphology in areas lacking hydrographic information or reliable geomorphological studies represents an interesting complementary tool to delimit potentially floodable spaces. This work aims at determining floodable areas through the historical hydrogeomorphological approach. The unit of analysis taken is the San Bernardo stream basin which is located in the mountain range system of Ventania, Buenos Aires (Argentina). The methodology used is based on different methods and techniques (hydrographic, geomorphologic, biogeographic) which, by complementing one another, allow for the zoning of the flood plain. The flooding events occurring in this area are linked to torrential rainfall events. The consequences range from material damage, to loss of infrastructure and even fatalities, in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lightweight (LW) polypropylene (PP) meshes better adapt to host tissue, causing less fibrosis and inflammatory responses than high-density meshes. Mesh fixation using tissue adhesives (TA) that replace conventional sutures may improve the process of hernia repair and tissue trauma. This preclinical study compares the behavior of different cyanoacrylate-based adhesives in the fixation of LW-PP meshes for hernia repair. Methods: Partial abdominal wall defects were repaired using LW-PP Optilene meshes in New Zealand rabbits. The following groups were established according to the mesh fixation method: Suture (control), Glubran 2 (n-butyl), Ifabond (n-hexyl), SafetySeal (n-butyl) and Evobond (n-octyl). At 14, 90 and 180 days after surgery, the recovered implants were examined to assess the host tissue integration, the macrophage response and the biomechanical strength. Results: All the groups showed optimal host tissue incorporation regardless of the fixation procedure. Significantly increased levels of collagen 1 and collagen 3 gene expression (p<0.001) were observed at 14 days compared to the medium- and long-term durations, where the Suture and Glubran groups showed the highest expression of collagen 1. All the adhesives increased the macrophage reaction (p<0.001) compared to sutures at all implant times. Maximal macrophage response was observed in the short-term Glubran group (p<0.01) compared to the rest of the groups. Although SafetySeal and Evobond did not reach the biomechanical resistance of sutures at 14 days, all the adhesives did reach this level in the medium- to long-term periods, providing significantly higher resistance (p<0.05). Conclusions: All the cyanoacrylates, despite inducing a significantly increased macrophage response versus sutures, showed optimal host tissue integration and long-term mechanical behavior; thus, they might be good choices for LW-PP mesh hernia repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an approach to determine the survival of diverse foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes , and Salmonella enterica) in three Aloreña de Málaga table olive commercial presentations (fresh green, traditional, and cured olives). The microbial survival in this green natural table olive speciality was fit using a log-linear regression model implemented in GInaFIT. The contents of sugars, phenolic compounds, additives, salt, pH, and levels of autochthonous microorganisms differed among presentations and affected the survival of microorganisms. The inoculated initial populations of pathogens (7–8 log10 CFU/mL brine) decreased rapidly and, 48 h after inoculation, their counts were always below the detection limit (<1.3 log10 CFU/mL), except for S. aureus in the fresh green presentation which was ∼ 5.0 log10 CFU/mL. The highest maximum death rates (kmax) and lowest periods for 4 log10 reductions (4Dr) were observed in cured olives but decreased and increased, respectively, from the traditional to the fresh green presentations. L. monocytogenes and S. aureus were the most resistant species. The multivariate analysis showed that high concentrations of compounds released from the olives (sugars and phenols) were positively associated to 4Dr and negatively to kmax. Conversely, the presence of preservatives reduced 4Dr. This study, executed in commercial products, pointed out that packaged table olives are adverse habitats for foodborne pathogens with their effects being presentation dependent. The survival of S. aureus was particularly long in green fresh Aloreña de Málaga table olives packaged without preservatives; therefore, its changes in this presentation still requires further in-deep research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urban growth of Bahía Blanca city has intervened the northern periurban area with the consequent modification of the natural landscape, in particular the drainage network. Geo-morphological maps are instruments that make possible a temporal analysis and facilitate the visualization of processes and forms of the surface. The GIS software facilitates the analysis of the changes produced in the natural environment due to urban development. The aim of this work is to study the mutual implications between the geo-morphological dynamics and the urbanization process in the northern periurban area of Bahía Blanca city. The identification of geoforms and processes was carried out on the basis of geological documents of the area, visual analysis of high resolution satellite images (2009 and 2015) and field control. A geographic database was implemented using Arc- GIS 10® that enables temporal analysis and the development of thematic cartography. Natural areas modified by urbanization and new periurban areas affected by hydro-geo-morphological dynamics were identified from a quantitative and qualitative cartographic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserving the highly appreciated natural freshness of Aloreña de Málaga table olives and preventing their progressive darkening during processing is a major challenge. In this work, heat-shocked (60°C, 5 min) fruits were processed according to the three denominations referred to in the Protected Designation of Origen (cured, fresh green, and traditional) and their characteristics compared with those that followed the habitual industrial process (controls). The results revealed that the effects of the heat treatment on the evolution of pH, titratable acidity, salt, sugar, organic acid, ethanol content, texture, and color of fruits as well as on microbial populations (yeasts and lactic acid bacteria) were slight in the case of the fresh green and cured presentations. However, the differences between heat-shocked and its control were remarkable in the traditional process. Notably, the heat treatment favored lactic acid fermentation, retention of the green appearance of the fruits, stability during packaging, and led to the highest sensory evaluation. The metagenomic analysis carried out at the end of the fermentation revealed the presence in all samples of three genera (Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Celerinatantimonas) which encompassed most of the sequences. The number of Lactobacillus sequences was statistically higher (p ≥ 0.05) in the case of traditional heat-shocked fruits than in its control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studies the inoculation conditions for allowing the survival/predominance of a potential probiotic strain (Lactobacillus pentosus TOMC-LAB2) when used as a starter culture in large-scale fermentations of green Spanish-style olives. The study was performed in two successive seasons (2011/2012 and 2012/2013), using about 150 tons of olives. Inoculation immediately after brining (to prevent wild initial microbiota growth) followed by re-inoculation 24 h later (to improve competitiveness) was essential for inoculum predominance. Processing early in the season (September) showed a favorable effect on fermentation and strain predominance on olives (particularly when using acidified brines containing 25 L HCl/vessel) but caused the disappearance of the target strain from both brines and olives during the storage phase. On the contrary, processing in October slightly reduced the target strain predominance on olives (70-90%) but allowed longer survival. The type of inoculum used (laboratory vs. industry pre-adapted) never had significant effects. Thus, this investigation discloses key issues for the survival and predominance of starter cultures in large-scale industrial fermentations of green Spanish-style olives. Results can be of interest for producing probiotic table olives and open new research challenges on the causes of inoculum vanishing during the storage phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, our knowledge of the fungal biodiversity in fermented vegetables is limited although these microorganisms could have a great influence on the quality and safety of this kind of food. This work uses a metagenetic approach to obtain basic knowledge of the fungal community ecology during the course of fermentation of natural Aloreña de Málaga table olives, from reception of raw material to edible fruits. For this purpose, samples of brines and fruits were collected from two industries in Guadalhorce Valley (Málaga, Spain) at different moments of fermentation (0, 7, 30 and 120 days). The physicochemical and microbial counts performed during fermentation showed the typical evolution of this type of processes, mainly dominated by yeasts in apparent absence of Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae. High-throughput barcoded pyrosequencing analysis of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region showed a low biodiversity of the fungal community, with the presence at 97% identity of 29 different fungal genera included in 105 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The most important genera in the raw material at the moment of reception in the industry were Penicillium, Cladosporium, Malassezia, and Candida, whilst after 4 months of fermentation in brines Zygotorulaspora and Pichia were predominant, whereas in fruits were Candida, Penicillium, Debaryomyces and Saccharomyces. The fungal genera Penicillium, Pichia, and Zygotorulaspora were shared among the three types of substrates during all the course of fermentation, representing the core fungal population for this table olive specialty. A phylogenetic analysis of the ITS sequences allowed a more accurate assignment of diverse OTUs to Pichia manshurica, Candida parapsilosis/C. tropicalis, Candida diddensiae, and Citeromyces nyonensis clades. This study highlights the existence of a complex fungal consortium in olive fermentations including phytopathogenic, saprofitic, spoilage and fermentative genera. Insights into the ecology, identification and quantification of fungi species in olive fermentation will facilitate the design of new strategies to improve the quality and safety of this fermented vegetable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A probabilistic/logistic model, based on binary data (growth/no growth), was used to assess the effects of sodium metabisulphite (SM) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN; 0-1000 mg/L) against the main microbial groups found in table olive environment [lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts, and Enterobacteriaceae], according to pH (range 3.5-5.0), and type of acidifying agent (HCl or pyruvic acid). The inhibitory effect of SM depended on the pH while that of CIN was scarcely influenced by it (except for LAB). LAB were more sensitive to SM, while yeasts were to CIN. The use of pyruvic acid for correction of pH always produced a reduction (compared to HCl) of the inhibitory power of both preservatives. The in silico models for HCl showed that, at pH 4.0, and growth probability 0.01, the LAB population might be inhibited by the presence in the medium of 150 mg/L SM or 1000 mg/L CIN, while in the case of yeasts, 450 mg/L SM, or 150 mg/L CIN are required. No growth of Enterobacteriaceae was observed at this (or lower) pH level. The results obtained may contribute to the stabilization of non-thermally treated table olive packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the persistence of the putative probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus pentosus TOMC- LAB2 on green Spanish-style Manzanilla olives according to different packaging conditions and storage temperatures. The lactic acid bacteria population decreased with time but the highest survival counts (and lowest yeasts) at the end of storage (8 months) were observed in plastic pouches under nitrogen atmosphere and glass jars with brine stored at 20°C. Molecular techniques showed a 100% presence of the putative probiotic bacteria in biofilms adhered to olive epidermis, while it was absent in PPB (plastic pouches with brine) and in olives stored at 7°C. No changes in NaCl, pH or combined acidity were observed during the storage except for a slight increase in titratable acidity at 20°C. The color of the fruits was stable but degraded at 20°C for olives in plastic pouches with brine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present survey uses a dynamic gastric and small intestinal model to assess the survival of one pathogenic (Escherichia coli O157:H7 EDL 933) and three lactobacilli bacteria with probiotic potential (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. pentosus TOMC-LAB2, and L. pentosusTOMC-LAB4) during their passage through the human gastrointestinal tract using fermented olives as the food matrix. The data showed that the survival of the E. coli strain in the stomach and duodenum was very low, while its transit through the distal parts (jejunum and ileum) resulted in an increase in the pathogen population. The production of Shiga toxins by this enterohemorrhagic microorganism in the ileal effluents of the in vitro system was too low to be detected by ELISA assays. On the contrary, the three lactobacilli species assayed showed a considerable resistance to the gastric digestion, but not to the intestinal one, which affected their survival, and was especially evident in the case of both L. pentosus strains. In spite of this, high population levels for all assayed microorganisms were recovered at the end of the gastrointestinal passage. The results obtained in the present study show the potential use of table olives as a vehicle of beneficial microorganisms to the human body, as well as the need for good hygienic practices on the part of olive manufacturers in order to avoid the possibility of contamination by food-borne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota and biological rhythms are emerging as key factors in the modulation of several physiological and metabolic processes. However, little is known about their interaction and how this may affect host physiology and metabolism. Several studies have shown oscillations of gut microbiota that follows a circadian rhythmicity, but, in contrast, variations due to seasonal rhythms have not been sufficiently investigated yet. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the impact of different photoperiods, which mimic seasonal changes, on fecal microbiota composition and how this interaction affects diet-induced obesity development. To this aim, Fisher 344 male rats were housed under three photoperiods (L6, L12 and L18) and fed with standard chow diet or cafeteria diet (CAF) for 9 weeks. The 16S ribosomal sequencing of collected fecal samples was performed. The photoperiod exposure significantly altered the fecal microbiota composition under L18, especially in CAF-fed rats. Moreover, these alterations were associated with changes in body weight gain and different fat parameters. These findings suggest a clear impact of seasonal rhythms on gut microbiota, which ultimately translates into different susceptibilities to diet-induced obesity development. This is the first time to our knowledge that the photoperiod impact on gut microbiota composition has been described in an obesity context although further studies are needed in order to elucidate the mechanisms involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthetic mesh infection is a devastating complication of abdominal hernia repair which impairs natural healing in the implant area, leading to increased rates of patient morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization. This preclinical study was designed to assess the effects on abdominal wall tissue repair of coating meshes with a chlorhexidine or rifampicin-carboxymethylcellulose biopolymer gel in a Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection model. Partial abdominal wall defects were created in New Zealand white rabbits (n = 20). Four study groups were established according to whether the meshes were coated or not with each of the antibacterial gels. Three groups were inoculated with S. aureus and finally repaired with lightweight polypropylene mesh. Fourteen days after surgery, implanted meshes were recovered for analysis of the gene and protein expression of collagens, macrophage phenotypes, and mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Compared to uncoated meshes, those coated with either biopolymer gel showed higher collagen 1/3 messenger RNA and collagen I protein expression, relatively increased VEGF mRNA expression, a significantly reduced macrophage response, and lower relative amounts of MMPs mRNAs. Our findings suggest that following mesh implant these coatings may help improving abdominal wall tissue repair in the presence of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterials and their applications are perhaps among the most dynamic areas of research within the field of biomedicine. Any advance in this topic translates to an improved quality of life for recipient patients. One application of a biomaterial is the repair of an abdominal wall defect whether congenital or acquired. In the great majority of cases requiring surgery, the defect takes the form of a hernia. Over the past few years, biomaterials designed with this purpose in mind have been gradually evolving in parallel with new developments in the different surgical techniques. In consequence, the classic polymer prosthetic materials have been the starting point for structural modifications or new prototypes that have always strived to accommodate patients' needs. This evolving process has pursued both improvements in the wound repair process depending on the implant interface in the host and in the material's mechanical properties at the repair site. This last factor is important considering that this site—the abdominal wall—is a dynamic structure subjected to considerable mechanical demands. This review aims to provide a narrative overview of the different biomaterials that have been gradually introduced over the years, along with their modifications as new surgical techniques have unfolded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biological approaches to intervertebral disc (IVD) restoration and/or regeneration have become of increasing interest. However, the IVD comprises a viscoelastic system whose biological replacement remains challenging. The present study sought to design load-sharing two-component model systems of circular, nested, concentric elements reflecting the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. Specifically, we wanted to investigate the effect of architectural design variations on (1) model system failure loads when testing the individual materials either separately or homogeneously mixed, and (2) also evaluate the potential of modulating other mechanical properties of the model systems. Methods: Two sets of softer and harder biomaterials, 0.5% and 5% agarose vs. 0.5% agarose and gelatin, were used for fabrication. Architectural design variations were realized by varying ring geometries and amounts while keeping the material composition across designs comparable. Results: Variations in the architectural design, such as lamellar width, number, and order, combined with choosing specific biomaterial properties, strongly influenced the biomechanical performance of IVD constructs. Biomechanical characterization revealed that the single most important parameter, in which the model systems vastly exceeded those of the individual materials, was failure load. The model system failure loads were 32.21- and 84.11-fold higher than those of the agarose materials and 55.03- and 2.14-fold higher than those of the agarose and gelatin materials used for system fabrication. The compressive strength, dynamic stiffness, and viscoelasticity of the model systems were always in the range of the individual materials. Conclusions: Relevant architecture-promoted biomechanical performance-tuning of tissue-engineered constructs for biological IVD replacement can be realized by slight modifications in the design of constructs while preserving the materials' compositions. Minimal variations in the architectural design can be used to precisely control structure–function relations for IVD constructs rather than choosing different materials. These fundamental findings have important implications for efficient tissue-engineering of IVDs and other load-bearing tissues, as potential implants need to withstand high in situ loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloreña de Málaga is a table olive especially characterised by its natural freshness and short shelf-life. In this work, we applied a metataxonomic approach to unravel the microbial diversity of bacterial and fungi populations through the shelf-life of traditionally packed Aloreña de Málaga. A significant increase in lactic acid bacteria and mesophilic aerobic populations was observed during shelf-life, reaching the maximum population levels (4–5 log10 CFU) at the end of the study (260 days). On the contrary, a rapid reduction in yeast and mould populations was reported. The use of a metataxonomic analysis based on the amplification of 16S (bacteria) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (fungi) regions revealed a low diversity for both microbial groups. Lactiplantibacillus (65.05 ± 8.65% in brine vs. 58.70 ± 15.70% in fruit), Pediococcus (28.17 ± 7.36% in brine vs. 27.20 ± 15.95% in fruit), and Celerinatantimonas (4.64 ± 1.08% in brine vs. 11.82 ± 18.17% in fruit) were the main genera found among bacteria, and an increase in Lactiplantibacillus and a reduction in Celerinatantimonas populations during the shelf-life were observed. On the other hand, Citeromyces was the dominant fungi genus (54.11 ± 2.00% in brine vs. 50.91 ± 16.14% in fruit), followed by Candida (8.80 ± 2.57% in brine vs. 12.32 ± 8.61% in fruit) and Penicillium (6.48 ± 1.87% vs. 8.48 ± 4.43% in fruit). No food-borne pathogen genera were detected in any of the samples analysed, indicating the high level of food safety found in this ready-to-eat fermented vegetable. Data obtained in this work will help in the design of new strategies for the control of microbial populations during the shelf-life of Aloreña de Málaga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: While the importance of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in cancer development and progression has long been recognized, a successful therapy targeting this cytokine has not been developed yet. The difficulty in blocking the tumor-promoting activity of this factor while maintaining the tumor suppressor effects can compromise the expected outcomes. This systematic review summarizes and discusses the different strategies being tested to regulate TGFβ expression in cancer treatment, as well as their associated side effects. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that participates in a wide range of biological functions. The alterations in the expression levels of this factor, or the deregulation of its signaling cascade, can lead to different pathologies, including cancer. A great variety of therapeutic strategies targeting TGFβ, or the members included in its signaling pathway, are currently being researched in cancer treatment. However, the dual role of TGFβ, as a tumor suppressor or a tumor-promoter, together with its crosstalk with other signaling pathways, has hampered the development of safe and effective treatments aimed at halting the cancer progression. This systematic literature review aims to provide insight into the different approaches available to regulate TGFβ and/or the molecules involved in its synthesis, activation, or signaling, as a cancer treatment. The therapeutic strategies most commonly investigated include antisense oligonucleotides, which prevent TGFβ synthesis, to molecules that block the interaction between TGFβ and its signaling receptors, together with inhibitors of the TGFβ signaling cascade-effectors. The effectiveness and possible complications of the different potential therapies available are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Clostridium sp. is a large group of spore-forming, facultative or strictly anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria that can produce food poisoning. The table olive industry is demanding alternative formulations to respond to market demand for the reduction of acidity and salt contents in final products. while maintaining the appearance of freshness of fruits. In this work, logistic regression models for non-adapted and acid-adapted Clostridium sp. strains were developed in laboratory medium to study the influence of pH, NaCl (%) and time on the probability of germination of their spores. A Clostridiumsporogenes cocktail was not able to germinate at pH < 5.0, although the adaptation of the strains produced an increase in the probability of germination at 5.0–5.5 pH levels and 6% NaCl concentration. At acidic pH values (5.0), the adapted strains germinated after 10 days of incubation, while those which were non-adapted required 15 days. At pH 5.75 and with 4% NaCl, germination of the adapted strains took place before 7 days, while several replicates of the non-adapted strains did not germinate after 42 days of storage. The model was validated in natural green olive brines with good results (>81.7% correct prediction cases). The information will be useful for the industry and administration to assess the safety risk in the formulation of new processing conditions in table olives and other fermented vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterials have long been used to repair defects in the clinical setting, which has led to the development of a wide variety of new materials tailored to specific therapeutic purposes. The efficiency in the repair of the defect and the safety of the different materials employed are determined not only by the nature and structure of their components, but also by the anatomical site where they will be located. Biomaterial implantation into the abdominal cavity in the form of a surgical mesh, such as in the case of abdominal hernia repair, involves the contact between the foreign material and the peritoneum. This review summarizes the different biomaterials currently available in hernia mesh repair and provides insights into a series of peculiarities that must be addressed when designing the optimal mesh to be used in this interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building risk spaces differ according to the history of the urban development and the environmental context of each city. The aim of this work is to analyze historical-territorial periods that generated the construction of flood risk areas in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina. The Dagwood Sandwich methodology was applied to analyze the urbanization and its transformations over time and the role played by the environment and the impacts caused by society. Correlations were observed within six historical-territorial crosscutting moments at different scales (local, provincial, national and international) and the development of exposed spaces to different dangers. This methodology allows identifying and acknowledging the current and historical environmental situation, in order to forecast possible trends of urban expansion and the generation of new flood-risk territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]