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The CO2 methanation catalyzed by supported metals has been widely investigated. In spite of its apparent simplicity, there are still open questions regarding its mechanism, with apparently contradictory proposals that rely mainly on infrared (IR) spectra of functioning catalysts. Here we review the various mechanistic proposals for the reaction. Special focus is made on the following questions: (a) what is the actual physical evidence of adsorbed species present on the catalysts?, (b) how can reaction intermediates be distinguished from spectators?, (c) what is the identity of the active site(s) for the reaction, and (d) could multiple reaction routes occur simultaneously on the catalysts? Kinetic models of the reaction and a survey of the apparent contradictions in the interpretation of IR spectra characterizing functioning catalysts are also presented.

The discovery of novel biocontrol agents requires the continuous scrutiny of native microorganisms to ensure that they will be useful on a regional scale. The goal of the present work was to discover novel antagonistic bacteria against Fusarium oxysporum ff. spp. lycopersici race 3 (Fol R3) and radicis-lycopersici (Forl) causing Fusarium wilt disease and Fusarium crown and root rot of tomatoes, respectively. High-throughput liquid antagonism screening of 1,875 rhizospheric bacterial strains followed by dual confrontation assays in 96-well plates was used to select bacteria exhibiting > 50% fungal growth inhibition. In a second dual confrontation assay in 10-cm Petri dishes, bacteria showing > 20% Fol R3 or Forl growth inhibition were further screened using a blood hemolysis test. After discarding β-hemolytic bacteria, a seedling antagonistic assay was performed to select five potential antagonists. A phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA identified one strain as Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (AcDB3) and four strains as members of the genus Bacillus (B. amyloliquefaciens BaMA26, Bacillus siamensis BsiDA2, B. subtilis BsTA16 and B. thuringiensis BtMB9). Greenhouse assays demonstrated that BsTA16 and AcDB3 were the most promising antagonists against Fol R3 and Forl, respectively. Pathogen biocontrol and growth promotion mechanisms used by these bacteria include the production of siderophores, biofilm, proteases, endoglucanases and indole acetic acid, and phosphate solubilization. These five bacteria exerted differential responses on pathogen control depending on the tomato hybrid, and on the growth stage of tomatoes. We report for the first time the use of an Acinetobacter calcoaceticus isolate (AcDB3) to control Forl in tomato under greenhouse conditions.

Neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Parkinson’s disease, among others, are characterized by the pathological processing and accumulation of tau protein. AD is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by two lesions: neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neuritic plaques. The presence of NFTs in the hippocampus and neocortex in early and advanced stages, respectively, correlates with the patient’s cognitive deterioration. So far, no drugs can prevent, decrease, or limit neuronal death due to abnormal pathological tau accumulation. Among potential non-pharmacological treatments, physical exercise has been shown to stimulate the development of stem cells (SCs) and may be useful in early stages. However, this does not prevent neuronal death from the massive accumulation of NFTs. In recent years, SCs therapies have emerged as a promising tool to repopulate areas involved in cognition in neurodegenerative diseases. Unfortunately, protocols for SCs therapy are still being developed and the mechanism of action of such therapy remains unclear. In this review, we show the advances and limitations of SCs therapy. Finally, we provide a critical analysis of its clinical use for AD.

Ecological interactions among multiple invaders can aggravate their effects on invaded systems. Many salmonids including rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha have established naturalized populations and co-occur in rivers worldwide. Predation of eggs and juveniles has been well documented among salmonids in their native range in the Northern Hemisphere. It has been unclear to what extent these interactions exist in invaded rivers of the Patagonia. Here, we report and quantify rainbow trout predation of Chinook salmon eggs in the Cisnes River Basin, southern Chile. We used hook and line angling to sample rainbow trout (n = 80) around salmon spawning areas before, during, and after the spawning season of Chinook salmon. Stomach contents obtained during two consecutive years show consistent evidence that rainbow trout opportunistically prey on Chinook salmon eggs. Salmon eggs occurred in 75 and 50% of the trout stomachs analyzed in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The number of salmon eggs (mean ± SD) per trout stomach ranged between 17.95 ± 24.29 in 2019 and 7.45 ± 12.90 in 2020. We assumed that consumed eggs were primarily non-viable or would have had low probabilities of survival suggesting a synergistic interaction between rainbow trout and Chinook salmon. Our findings provide baseline information that contribute to demographic studies and the management of invasive salmonids in rivers of this region and elsewhere.

Senescent cells (SNCs) degenerate the fibrous cap that normally prevents atherogenic plaque rupture, a leading cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. Here we explore the underlying mechanism using pharmacological or transgenic approaches to clear SNCs in the Ldlr–/– mouse model of atherosclerosis. SNC clearance reinforced fully deteriorated fibrous caps in highly advanced lesions, as evidenced by restored vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) numbers, elastin content and overall cap thickness. We found that SNCs inhibit VSMC promigratory phenotype switching in the first interfiber space of the arterial wall directly beneath the atherosclerotic plaque, thereby limiting lesion entry of medial VSMCs for fibrous cap assembly or reinforcement. SNCs do so by antagonizing insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 through the secretion of IGF-binding protein-3. These data indicate that the intermittent use of senolytic agents or IGF-binding protein-3 inhibition in combination with lipid-lowering drugs may provide therapeutic benefit in atherosclerosis. In a mouse model of atherosclerosis, Childs and colleagues show that senescent cells inhibit the promigratory phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells by secreting IGFBP3 and that senolysis promotes the repair of fibrous caps in advanced lesions.

Background: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are rare neurodegenerative disorders that affect animals and humans. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, and Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans belong to this group. The causative agent of TSEs is called “prion”, which corresponds to a pathological form (PrPSc) of a normal cellular protein (PrPC) expressed in nerve cells. PrPSc is resistant to degradation and can induce abnormal folding of PrPC, and TSEs are characterized by extensive spongiosis and gliosis and the presence of PrPSc amyloid plaques. CJD presents initially with clinical symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In AD, tau aggregates and amyloid-β protein plaques are associated with memory loss and cognitive impairment in patients. Objective: In this work, we study the role of tau and its relationship with PrPSc plaques in CJD. Methods: Multiple immunostainings with specific antibodies were carried out and analyzed by confocal microscopy. Results: We found increased expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9), and an exacerbated apoptosis in the granular layer in cases with prion disease. In these cases, tau protein phosphorylated at Thr-231 was overexpressed in the axons and dendrites of Purkinje cells and the extensions of parallel fibers in the cerebellum. Conclusion: We conclude that phosphorylation of tau may be a response to a toxic and inflammatory environment generated by the pathological form of prion.

Links between ecosystem collapse and biological invasions have been scarcely documented with empirical field measurements. In Chile the recent collapse of Aculeo lake, which was the largest natural...

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) may cause severe congenital disease after maternal-fetal transmission. No vaccine is currently available. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and immunogenicity of Ad26.ZIKV.001, a prophylactic ZIKV vaccine candidate. DESIGN: Phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03356561). SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: 100 healthy adult volunteers. INTERVENTION: Ad26.ZIKV.001, an adenovirus serotype 26 vector encoding ZIKV M-Env, administered in 1- or 2-dose regimens of 5 × 1010 or 1 × 1011 viral particles (vp), or placebo. MEASUREMENTS: Local and systemic adverse events; neutralization titers by microneutralization assay (MN50) and T-cell responses by interferon-I³ enzyme-linked immunospot and intracellular cytokine staining; and protectivity of vaccine-induced antibodies in a subset of participants through transfer in an exploratory mouse ZIKV challenge model. RESULTS: All regimens were well tolerated, with no safety concerns identified. In both 2-dose regimens, ZIKV neutralizing titers peaked 14 days after the second vaccination, with geometric mean MN50 titers (GMTs) of 1065.6 (95% CI, 494.9 to 2294.5) for 5 × 1010 vp and 956.6 (595.8 to 1535.8) for 1 × 1011 vp. Titers persisted for at least 1 year at a GMT of 68.7 (CI, 26.4-178.9) for 5 × 1010 vp and 87.0 (CI, 29.3 to 258.6) for 1 × 1011 vp. A 1-dose regimen of 1 × 1011 vp Ad26.ZIKV.001 induced seroconversion in all participants 56 days after the first vaccination (GMT, 103.4 [CI, 52.7 to 202.9]), with titers persisting for at least 1 year (GMT, 90.2 [CI, 38.4 to 212.2]). Env-specific cellular responses were induced. Protection against ZIKV challenge was observed after antibody transfer from participants into mice, and MN50 titers correlated with protection in this model. LIMITATION: The study was conducted in a nonendemic area, so it did not assess safety and immunogenicity in a flavivirus-exposed population. CONCLUSION: The safety and immunogenicity profile makes Ad26.ZIKV.001 a promising candidate for further development if the need reemerges. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Janssen Vaccines and Infectious Diseases.

The toxic potential of Chattonella is associated with a high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chattonella species can tolerate high irradiance levels but seems not to be efficient in the induction of nonphotochemical chl a fluorescence (NPQ) under light stress conditions. Therefore, we postulated that high ROS production of this microalgal group is related to the lack of effective photoprotection mechanisms. We compared the NPQ induction, xanthophyll cycle interconversion (XC), and the production of the ion superoxide (O2 - ) in Chattonella marina var. antiqua, Chattonella sp., and C. marina acclimated to 43 (LL) and 300 µmol photons · m2 · s-1 (HL). We also evaluated the photosynthetic characteristics of the three strains. Photosynthesis saturated at relative high irradiances (above 500 µmol photons · m2 · s-1 ) in LL and HL Chattonella strains. For the first time, we documented the conversion of diadinoxanthin into diatoxanthin in microalgae that have violaxanthin as the major XC carotenoid. The slow NPQ induction indicated that qE (fast component of NPQ) was not present, and this process was related to the interconversion of XC pigments. However, the quenching efficiency (QE) of deepoxidated xanthophylls was low in the three Chattonella strains. The strain with the lowest QE produced the highest amount of a O2 - . Therefore, ROS production in Chattonella seems to be related to a low expression of XC-related thermal PSII dissipation.

Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) includes around 110 described species, 51 of which are distributed in Mexico. Recently, P. casperi was described and its authors observed that it has intermediate morphological characters between P. oblongiloba and P. parvifolia, its putative parents. The micromorphological study of seeds has previously defined the identity of some species, and this can provide evidence of hybridization. The objectives of the present study were 1) to describe the seed micromorphology of P. casperi, P. oblongiloba and P. parvifolia and 2) to provide an economical, easy, and practical method for observing seed micromorphology using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Seed micromorphology was considerably different between P. casperi, P. oblongiloba, and P. parvifolia. Therefore, no evidence of hybridization was found. The seeds of the three species were autofluorescent. The process of obtaining the images of the seeds with CLSM was harmless, low cost, and practical. Additionally, the images obtained were high quality and had a high resolution, making it possible to observe and compare the microstructures on the seed surfaces. CLSM is a useful, practical alternative for future taxonomic studies of the genus Pinguicula.

For over a decade, studies of messenger RNA regulation have revealed an unprecedented level of connectivity between the RNA pool and global gene expression. These connections are underpinned by a vast array of RNA elements that coordinate RNA-protein and RNA-RNA interactions, each directing mRNA fate from transcription to translation. Consequently, viruses have evolved an arsenal of strategies to target these RNA features and ultimately take control of the pathways they influence, and these strategies contribute to the global shutdown of the host gene expression machinery known as "Host Shutoff". This takeover of the host cell is mechanistically orchestrated by a number of non-homologous virally encoded endoribonucleases. Recent large-scale screens estimate that over 70 % of the host transcriptome is decimated by the expression of these viral nucleases. While this takeover strategy seems extraordinarily well conserved, each viral endonuclease has evolved to target distinct mRNA elements. Herein, we will explore each of these RNA structures/sequence features that render messenger RNA susceptible or resistant to viral endonuclease cleavage. By further understanding these targeting and escape mechanisms we will continue to unravel untold depths of cellular RNA regulation that further underscores the integral relationship between RNA fate and the fate of the cell.

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are examples of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by abnormal tau inclusions, that are called tauopathies. AD is characterized by highly insoluble paired helical filaments (PHFs) composed of tau with abnormal post-translational modifications. PSP is a neurodegenerative disease with pathological and clinical heterogeneity. There are six tau isoforms expressed in the adult human brain, with repeated microtubule-binding domains of three (3R) or four (4R) repeats. In AD, the 4R:3R ratio is 1:1. In PSP, the 4R isoform predominates. The lesions in PSP brains contain phosphorylated tau aggregates in both neurons and glial cells. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate and compare the processing of pathological tau in PSP and AD. Methods: Double and triple immunofluorescent labeling with antibodies to specific post-translational tau modifications (phosphorylation, truncation, and conformational changes) and thiazin red (TR) staining were carried out and analyzed by confocal microscopy. Results: Our results showed that PSP was characterized by phosphorylated tau in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and glial cells. Tau truncated at either Glu391 or Asp421 was not observed. Extracellular NFTs (eNFTs) and glial cells in PSP exhibited a strong affinity for TR in the absence of intact or phosphorylated tau. Conclusion: Phosphorylated tau was as abundant in PSP as in AD. The development of eNFTs from both glial cells and neuronal bodies suggests that truncated tau species, different from those observed in AD, could be present in PSP. Additional studies on truncated tau within PSP lesions could improve our understanding of the pathological processing of tau and help identify a discriminatory biomarker for AD and PSP.

The red-masked parakeet Psittacara erythrogenys was originally distributed in the forests of Ecuador and northwestern Peru, mainly below 1500 m of elevation. Due to pet trade, this parakeet has current stable breeding populations in the United States, Spain, Chile, and Puerto Rico. We describe the first record of the species in Colombia in March 2018, as well as other observations from the city of Santiago de Cali.

After the monographic revision of the genus Senecio Linnaeus (1753: 866) from Chile by Cabrera (1949), several nomenclatural adjustments were made (Jeffrey 1992, Soldano 1998, Calvo 2020, Wu et al. 2020). Herein, we point out the illegitimacy of two names that have widely been accepted in the literature dealing with Senecio in the Southern Cone of South America (Cabrera 1949, Cabrera 1971, Marticorena & Quezada 1985, Freire 2008, Freire et al. 2014, Rodríguez et al. 2018). The respective priority names are indicated. Moreover, the name S. crepidoides Philippi (1894: 252) is lectotypified.

Echinocereus pectinatus es una cactácea endémica de México, considerada como especie en peligro de extinción por su recolecta ilegal y dificultad de propagación y reproducción. Nuestro país, es uno de los que cuentan con una importante superficie en la cual la precipitación es menor de 300 mm en promedio anual, estimándose que la superficie supera el 40% del territorio Nacional. La presente investigación se realizó a partir de la conciencia ética de protección y multiplicación de especies de zonas áridas en riesgo con el propósito de proteger este material genético para continuar con la protección de la diversidad de la flora chihuahuense, teniendo como objetivo elevar el porciento de germinación de la semilla de Echinocereus pectinatus, utilizando procesos de escarificación a base de ácido sulfúrico (concentraciones del 10, 15, 20, 25, 30%). No se detectó diferencia estadística significativa entre tratamientos para la germinación de la semilla de esta especie de cactácea; sin embargo, se obtuvo información valiosa para explorar espacios en la concentración de ácido sulfúrico entre 10 y 20% en el rompimiento de la latencia, observándose una tendencia en la elevación del porcentaje de germinación en el rango de estos tratamientos referidos a la concentración de ácido sulfúrico. Se concluyó con base en los resultados y la literatura revisada en varias especies vegetales de zonas áridas, que los mejores resultados de germinación por escarificación ocurren en tratamientos menores a 20% de ácido sulfúrico.

Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) is a progressive motor and sensory polyneuropathy, it is characterized by a very heterogeneous molecular basis and phenotype. MFN2 and GDAP1 participate in mitochondrial energy metabolism and the rare coinheritance of its pathogenic variants has been associated with a cumulative effect in the observed phenotype. We describe a patient with a severe axonal CMT and inherited heterozygous MFN2 (p.Leu741Val) and GDAP1 (p.Gln163*) variants. In accordance with a possible digenic inheritance, none of the heterozygous carriers in his family were symptomatic or exhibited electrophysiological abnormalities. We also review all of the previously reported patients with coinheritance of variants in these two genes; similar to our patient, all exhibit a predominantly axonal severe CMT phenotype. Our findings expand the genotypic spectrum of CMT and further support that digenic inheritance should be considered for analyzing and counseling CMT patients.

SARS-CoV-2 infection carries high morbidity and mortality in individuals with chronic disorders. Its impact in rare disease populations such as Gaucher disease (GD) is unknown. In GD, decreased acid β-glucosidase activity leads to the accumulation of inflammatory glycosphingolipids and chronic myeloid cell immune activation which a priori could predispose to the most severe effects of SARS-CoV-2. To evaluate the determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection in GD, we conducted a cross-sectional study in a large cohort. 181 patients were enrolled, including 150 adults and 31 children, with a majority of patients on treatment (78%). Information on COVID-19 exposure, symptoms, and SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid and/or antibody testing was obtained during the peak of the pandemic in the New York City metropolitan area. Forty-five adults reported a primary exposure to someone with COVID-19 and 17 (38%) of these patients reported at least one COVID-19 symptom. A subset of adults was tested (n = 88) and in this group 18% (16/88) were positive. Patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 had significantly more symptoms (4.4 vs 0.3, p < 0.001) than patients testing negative. Among patients who were antibody-positive, quantitative titers indicated moderate to high antibody response. In GD adults, male gender, older age, increased BMI, comorbidities, GBA genotype, prior splenectomy and treatment status were not associated with the probability of reporting symptoms or testing positive. No patient required COVID-19-specific treatments and there were no deaths. Our data suggests that GD does not confer a heightened risk for severe effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection feared based on the known chronic inflammatory state in these patients.

Little information is available about human infections by the members of the genus Ehrlichia in Mexico. Only 2 species, Ehrlichia canis and E. chaffensis, are known to cause disease in this country. We report a fatal case of human monocytic ehrlichiosis in Mexico City in a man who was homeless.

Montezuma cypress (Taxodium. mucronatum) is an ecological, cultural and economically valuable riparian tree species. Two experiments evaluating the effectiveness of various seed treatments were con...

Horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) is a common weed in Mexico, where it competes with different agricultural crops and grows along watercourses, railways and roadsides, abandoned fields,...

Insectivorous birds are sensitive to forest disturbances that may limit the availability of food consisting mainly of invertebrates. However, birds and invertebrates may be differently affected by forest disturbances while invertebrates may interact with disturbances. We aim to determine: (i) the effects of forest degradation on invertebrates and insectivorous birds; (ii) the effect of the availability of invertebrates as a food source on birds; (iii) interactions between food availability and forest degradation. We selected 34 1-km radius landscape units, where the abundance of birds and invertebrates was sampled in the canopy and understory. Bird density as well as the abundance and richness of invertebrates were considered as dependent variables and analysed using Generalized Linear Mixed Model and Structural Equation Models. Remote-sensing indices of forest degradation were included as predictors. Eight indices of forest degradation affected canopy and understory invertebrates differently. Unlike invertebrates, bird abundance was affected by a smaller number of degradation indices, forest amounts as well as the cover of understory and canopy. Only two forest degradation indices had a comparable effect on bird abundance and invertebrates. We found causal relationships between understory invertebrates and the abundance of understory birds (all species and the small-sized ones), but also invertebrate abundance × forest cover interactions affected the abundance of a bird species. Our results indicate that birds and invertebrates respond differently to forest degradation, but also provide evidence for bottom-up control by forest degradation and suggest food limitation varies with forest amounts.

Immunoprophylactic alternatives are needed to fight against acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND). This study addressed the effects of different routes of Bacillus administration (via diet or culture water) on growth performance, survival, and immune parameters of Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus-AHPND. Bacillus mixture and Bacillus licheniformis BCR 4-3 were added to feed (1 × 106 CFU g−1) or rearing water (1 × 106, 2 × 106, 3 × 106 CFU L−1). Animals were challenged with a determined median lethal V. parahaemolyticus concentration. Survival, growth performance, and immune response were determined. The results showed that B. licheniformis BCR 4-3 (3 × 106 CFU L−1) administration via culture water significantly (P

We recently developed the National Dementia Biobank in México (BioBanco Nacional de Demencias, BND) as a unit for diagnosis, research, and tissue transfer for research purposes. BND is associated with the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico. The donation of fluids, brain, and other organs of deceased donors is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and for the development of successful treatment. Our laboratory research focuses on 1) analysis of the molecular processing of the proteins involved in those neurodegenerative diseases termed tauopathies and 2) the search for biomarkers for the non-invasive and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Agave bagasse is one of the most abundant lignocellulosic residues readily available for valorization. The agave bagasse was pretreated by applying high-pressure CO2–H2O mixture at temperatures ranging from 150 to 190 °C for a residence time varying from 10 to 50 min. Subsequently, solid phase obtained from pretreatment was subject to enzymatic hydrolysis at high solid loadings. Under optimal conditions, the process integrating pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis yielded 75.8 mol% of the polysaccharides present in the biomass converted into oligo- or monosaccharides, providing 110.5 g/L of reducing sugars. The monosaccharides present in the obtained hydrolysate were successfully fermented into ethanol, demonstrating the feasibility of performing its biological conversion to commercial biofuels or biochemicals. Thereby, the present study has demonstrated the proof of concept of use of more sustainable high-pressure CO2–H2O pretreatment in the context of lignocellulosic residual biomass valorization based on the biochemical sugar platform. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a toxic compound widely distributed in the environment. Rhizopus oryzae ENHE has been shown to possess PCP degradation capacities, peroxidases and phenoloxidases are expected to be involved in the degradation process but no studies have been performed that confirm this hypothesis. We have carried out a proteomic study aiming to understand the mechanisms by which R. oryze tolerates and degrades PCP. After culturing the fungus in media with and without PCP, the secretome and the intracellular proteome were analyzed by shotgun proteomics and 2D-Gel Electrophoresis, respectively. Proteins were identified by LC–MS/MS. In the intracellular proteome, 37 proteins were identified from the spots showing higher intensity or exclusive presence in cultures with PCP. Some redundant identifications of proteins appearing in more than one spot, like proteins belonging to energy metabolism, stress response and cell signaling. Proteins putatively involved in PCP degradation, like peroxidases and a methyltransferase, were also identified. In the secretome, 14 proteins were detected that showed at least 2-fold higher abundance in the broths from cultures with PCP. This work provides new information on the response of R. oryzae to the presence of PCP and allowed the identification of some proteins putatively involved in the degradation of the compound.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To perform a nonsystematic review of the literature on the microbiota in the different types of non-IgE-mediated food allergy. RECENT FINDINGS The commonest non-IgE-mediated disorders managed by allergists include: eosinophilic esophagitis, food protein-induced enteropathy, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, and food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis. The review of the literature describes how at phylum level we observe an increase of Proteobacteria in eosinophilic esophagitis esophageal microbiota and in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, and food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis gut microbiota, while we observe an increase of Bacteroidetes in healthy controls. Several studies endorse the concept that a bloom of Proteobacteria in the gut reflects dysbiosis or an unstable gut microbial community structure. In several studies, the type of diet, the use of probiotics and in a single experience the use of fecal microbiota transplantation has produced significant variations of the microbiota. SUMMARY Genetic factors alone cannot account for the rapid rise in food allergy prevalence and the microbiome might be contributing to allergy risk. Our review showed that common features of the pathological microbiota among different types of non-IgE-mediated food allergy can be identified. These evidences suggest a possible role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis and non-IgE-mediated food allergies and the need to understand the effects of its modulation on the disorders themselves.

SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. In this report, we describe the complete genome sequence of the first imported SARS-CoV-2, detected in a Mexican patient who had traveled to Bergamo, Italy. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this isolate belongs to subclade A2a (lineage G) and is closely related to isolates from Finland, Germany and Brazil, all of which were from patients with a history of travel to Italy. This is the first report of the complete genome sequence of this virus in Mexico.

Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) is a leading cause of multidrug-resistant human infections. To better understand the potential contribution of food as a vehicle of KpSC, we conducted a multicentric study to define an optimal culture method for its recovery from food matrices, and to characterize food isolates phenotypically and genotypically. Chicken meat (n=160) and salad (n=145) samples were collected in five European countries and screened for KpSC presence using culture-based and ZKIR qPCR methods. Enrichment using buffered peptone water followed by streaking on Simmons citrate agar with inositol (44°C/48h) was defined as the most suitable selective culture method for KpSC recovery. High prevalence of KpSC was found in chicken meat (60% and 52% by ZKIR qPCR and culture approach, respectively) and salad (30% and 21%, respectively) samples. Genomic analyses revealed high genetic diversity with the dominance of phylogroups Kp1 (91%) and Kp3 (6%). 82% of isolates presented a natural antimicrobial susceptibility phenotype and genotype, with only four CTX-M-15-producing isolates detected. Notably, identical genotypes were found across samples: same food type and same country (15 cases); different food types and same country (1); same food type and two countries (1), suggesting high rates of transmission of KpSC within the food sector. Our study provides a novel isolation strategy for KpSC from food matrices and reinforces the view of food as a potential source of KpSC colonization in humans.ImportanceBacteria of the Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) are ubiquitous and K. pneumoniae (Kp) is a leading cause of antibiotic-resistant infections in humans and animals. Despite the urgent public health threat represented by Kp, there is a lack of knowledge on the contribution of food sources to colonization and subsequent infection in humans. This is partly due to the absence of standardized methods for characterizing KpSC presence in food matrices. Our multicentric study provides and implements a novel isolation strategy for KpSC from food matrices and shows that KpSC members are highly prevalent in salads and chicken meat, reinforcing the view of food as a potential source of KpSC colonization in humans. Despite the large genetic diversity and the low-levels of resistance detected, the occurrence of identical genotypes across samples suggests high rates of transmission of KpSC within the food sector, which need to be further explored to define possible control strategies.

Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) is a pest of agricultural importance because of its ability to destroy crops of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Association with endosymbiotic bacteria affect aphid fitness and are influenced by such aspects as geography and association with the host plant. Composition of microbiota of M. sacchari was determined by extracting DNA from the gut of adult individuals (n = 60) and sequencing the 16s rRNA gene by next-generation sequencing (Ion Torrent™). The most abundant phylum was Proteobacteria (98.88%), and the dominant genera were Leclercia (25.28%), Pantoea (16.54%), Trabulsiella (9.06%), and Serratia (2.94%). These results can be use to study the importance of primary symbiotic bacteria of M. sacchari and their relationship with agricultural production.

Whether to commit limited cellular resources toward growth and proliferation, or toward survival and stress responses, is an essential determination made by Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) for a eukaryotic cell in response to favorable or adverse conditions. Loss of TORC1 function is lethal. The TORC1 inhibitor rapamycin that targets the highly conserved Tor kinase domain kills fungal pathogens like Candida albicans, but is also severely toxic to human cells. The least conserved region of fungal and human Tor kinases are the N-terminal HEAT domains. We examined the role of the 8 most N-terminal HEAT repeats of C. albicans Tor1. We compared nutritional- and stress responses of cells that express a message for N-terminally truncated Tor1 from repressible tetO, with cells expressing wild type TOR1 from tetO or from the native promoter. Some but not all stress responses were significantly impaired by loss of Tor1 N-terminal HEAT repeats, including those to oxidative-, cell wall-, and heat stress; in contrast, plasma membrane stress and antifungal agents that disrupt plasma membrane function were tolerated by cells lacking this Tor1 region. Translation was inappropriately upregulated during oxidative stress in cells lacking N-terminal Tor1 HEAT repeats despite simultaneously elevated Gcn2 activity, while activation of the oxidative stress response MAP kinase Hog1 was weak. Conversely, these cells were unable to take advantage of favorable nutritional conditions by accelerating their growth. Consuming oxygen more slowly than cells containing wild type TOR1 alleles during growth in glucose, cells lacking N-terminal Tor1 HEAT repeats additionally were incapable of utilizing non-fermentable carbon sources. They were also hypersensitive to inhibitors of specific complexes within the respiratory electron transport chain, suggesting that inefficient ATP generation and a resulting dearth of nucleotide sugar building blocks for cell wall polysaccharides causes cell wall integrity defects in these mutants. Genome-wide expression analysis of cells lacking N-terminal HEAT repeats showed dysregulation of carbon metabolism, cell wall biosynthetic enzymes, translational machinery biosynthesis, oxidative stress responses, and hyphal- as well as white-opaque cell type-associated genes. Targeting fungal-specific Tor1 N-terminal HEAT repeats with small molecules might selectively abrogate fungal viability, especially when during infection multiple stresses are imposed by the host immune system.

FoxM1 activates genes that regulate S-G2-M cell-cycle progression and, when overexpressed, is associated with poor clinical outcome in multiple cancers. Here we identify FoxM1 as a tumor suppressor in mice that, through its N-terminal domain, binds to and inhibits Ect2 to limit the activity of RhoA GTPase and its effector mDia1, a catalyst of cortical actin nucleation. FoxM1 insufficiency impedes centrosome movement through excessive cortical actin polymerization, thereby causing the formation of non-perpendicular mitotic spindles that missegregate chromosomes and drive tumorigenesis in mice. Importantly, low FOXM1 expression correlates with RhoA GTPase hyperactivity in multiple human cancer types, indicating that suppression of the newly discovered Ect2-RhoAmDia1 oncogenic axis by FoxM1 is clinically relevant. Furthermore, by dissecting the domain requirements through which FoxM1 inhibits Ect2 GEF activity, we provide mechanistic insight for the development of pharmacological approaches that target protumorigenic RhoA activity.

M2SR (M2-deficient single replication) is an investigational live intranasal vaccine that protects against multiple influenza A subtypes in influenza-naïve and previously infected ferrets. We conducted a phase 1, first-in-human, randomized, dose-escalation, placebo-controlled study of M2SR safety and immunogenicity. Adult subjects received a single intranasal administration with either placebo or one of three M2SR dose levels (106, 107 or 108 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50)) expressing hemagglutinin and neuraminidase from A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) (24 subjects per group). Subjects were evaluated for virus replication, local and systemic reactions, adverse events (AE), and immune responses post-vaccination. Infectious virus was not detected in nasal swabs from vaccinated subjects. At least one AE (most commonly mild nasal rhinorrhea/congestion) was reported among 29%, 58%, and 83% of M2SR subjects administered a low, medium or high dose, respectively, and among 46% of placebo subjects. No subject had fever or a severe reaction to the vaccine. Influenza-specific serum and mucosal antibody responses and B- and T-cell responses were significantly more frequent among vaccinated subjects vs. placebo recipients. The M2SR vaccine was safe and well tolerated and generated dose-dependent durable serum antibody responses against diverse H3N2 influenza strains. M2SR demonstrated a multi-faceted immune response in seronegative and seropositive subjects.

Colobanthus quitensis (Kunt) is one of the two vascular plant species present in Antarctica and develops under severe environmental conditions, being found in both pristine and human-threatened environments. We determined the Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn levels in C. quitensis roots, leaves, and soils of origin using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. In January 2017, we collected samples from four geographical zones on the longitudinal gradient along which C. quitensis is distributed, starting from Punta Arenas (PAR) at the extreme south of mainland Chile and moving southwards to the Antarctic territory from King George Island (KGI) to Hannah Point Peninsula (PHA) and finally Lagotellerie Island (LAT). We used certified reference material to validate the plant tissues and soil samples we collected. The highest concentrations of metals that we measured in the soils and in the C. quitensis roots and leaves were in samples we collected at the KGI station, the zone with the greatest human activity. The lowest concentrations we measured were at the LAT station, an island with little human intervention and scarce fauna. The mean concentrations of metals in the roots and leaves of C. quitensis followed a similar order at all sampling locations: Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd. In contrast, in soil, they followed the following order: Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. The concentration levels obtained for the different metals in the soil and plants tissue samples in this region of Antarctica indicated that the area was non-polluted. However, the metallic trace element (MTE) concentrations may be at an early stage of contamination, as described in other areas of the Antarctic, being a new threat to this continent.

Physiological mechanisms driving stress response in vertebrates are evolutionarily conserved. These mechanisms involve the activation of both the hypothalamic-sympathetic-chromaffin cell (HSC) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes. In fish, the reduction of food intake levels is a common feature of the behavioral response to stress but the central mechanisms coordinating the energetic response are not well understood yet. In this work, we explore the effects of acute stress on key central systems regulating food intake in fish as well as on total body cortisol and glucose levels. We show that acute stress induced a rapid increase in total body cortisol with no changes in body glucose, at the same time promoting a prompt central response by activating neuronal pathways. All three orexigenic peptides examined, i.e., neuropeptide y (npy), agouti-related protein (agrp), and ghrelin, increased their central expression level suggesting that these neuronal systems are not involved in the short-term feeding inhibitory effects of acute stress. By contrast, the anorexigenic precursors tested, i.e., cart peptides and pomc, exhibited increased expression after acute stress, suggesting their involvement in the anorexigenic effects., This research was supported by grants AGL2013-48835-C2-2-R to LT, AGL2013-46448-C3-3-R (MINECO, Spain), and AGL2016-74857-C3-3-R (MINECO, Spain) to JMC-R.

Proclotting enzymes (PCE) are a serine protease-containing CLIP domain and play roles in development of embryonic and innate immune response. Little is known about PCE in mosquitoes, but only three melanization regulatory modules that involve proteases with the CLIP domain have been reported. We cloned the PCE gene and reported the nucleotide sequence encoding a proclotting enzyme in Aedes aegypti L. We did in-silico protein translation, alignment with proclotting proteinase sequences of the other species of different taxonomic orders, and phylogenetic analysis where PCE in Ae. aegypti fit the hypotheses of positive or adaptive evolution. The fundamental information could be applied in strategies for biological control of medically important insects.

Xylella fastidiosa pauca ST53 is the bacterium responsible for the Olive Quick Decline Syndrome that has killed millions of olive trees in Southern Italy. A recent work demonstrates that a rational integration of vector and transmission control measures, into a strategy based on chemical and physical control means, can manage Xylella fastidiosa invasion and impact below an acceptable economic threshold. In the present study, we propose a biological alternative to the chemical control action, which involves the predetermined use of an available natural enemy of Philaenus spumarius, i.e., Zelus renardii, for adult vector population and infection biocontrol. The paper combines two different approaches: a laboratory experiment to test the predation dynamics of Zelus renardii on Philaenus spumarius and its attitude as candidate for an inundation strategy; a simulated experiment of inundation, to preliminary test the efficacy of such strategy, before eventually proceeding to an in-field experimentation. With this double-fold approach we show that an inundation strategy with Zelus renardii has the potential to furnish an efficient and “green” solution to Xylella fastidiosa invasion, with a reduction of the pathogen incidence below 10%. The biocontrol model presented here could be promising for containing the impact and spread of Xylella fastidiosa, after an in-field validation of the inundation technique. Saving the fruit orchard, the production and the industry in susceptible areas could thus become an attainable goal, within comfortable parameters for sustainability, environmental safety, and effective plant health protection in organic orchard management.

A cradle-to-wheel life cycle analysis evaluated the greenhouse gas (GHG) contribution and fossil energy consumption (FEC) of bio-ethanol (EtOH) from dedicated crops on marginal lands in Campania Region (Southern Italy). The analysis processed experimental agronomic data of giant reed cultivated on hilly areas at high erosion risk and industrial data of feedstock conversion to EtOH, through second generation innovative technologies. Two ethanol–gasoline mixes (E10 and E85) were considered and compared with gasoline vehicle (GV). The E10 GHG and FEC profiles were driven by the gasoline input in the blend and the linked CO2 tailpipe emissions. The EtOH supply chain, especially the crop phase, was the major contributor to E85 impacts. The higher amount of biogenic C in E85 determined a marked reduction over GV of both GHG emissions (−60%) and FEC (−65%). The soil carbon storage would save 25 g CO2 eq per MJ; however, the issue is controversial due to the spatial and temporal variability of the process. Based on land availability, E85 contribution to renewables in the regional transport sector would amount to 4% and the blend wall would be far from saturation. A possible mismatch between future flexi-fuel vehicles density and E85 availability should be considered. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd

The southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae), transmits pathogens and is one of the most important vectors of human disease. The carboxylesterase mosquito genes encoded esterase enzyme involved in the mechanism that provides resistance to insecticides. We amplified by RTPCR four alternative transcripts from the esterase gene not reported previously (A, B, C, and D) from Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae from Monterrey, N.L., northeastern Mexico. Through cDNA sequences, we predicted amino acid sequences used to model the three-dimensional structure of protein isoforms. We determined dN and dS ratios to identify evolutionary forces which lead the family. PCR products were obtained from 5A esterases (1839, 1898, 1894, and 1953 bp). The translation sequence of the PCR products showed polypeptides of 612, 473, 282, and 282 amino acids in length for isoforms A, B, C, and D, respectively. Three exons and two introns were obtained in the analyzed sequences. The study sequences were compared with those previously published showing 98.7, 98.5, 91.5, and 91.5% amino acid similarity for isoforms A, B, C, and D, respectively. The threedimensional models showed that only ORF-D had the three amino acids corresponding to the catalytic triad, while ORF-A and ORF-C lacked one or two of the three amino acids. Esterase genes are under purifying of selection; a clue the members are functional. The processes might be useful in monitoring evolutionary dynamics of known carboxylesterase genes and identifying new carboxylesterase splicing.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by venous, arterial, or small-vessel thrombosis and/or pregnancy-related morbidity, associated with persistent positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Pregnancy-related morbidity in APS patients is characterized by unexplained fetal deaths, premature birth of morphologically normal newborns, and/or consecutive pregnancy losses before the 10th week of gestation. Beta 2-glycoprotein 1 (s2GP1) is the main antigen recognized by aPL and plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of APS. Antibodies against s2GP1 (as2GP1) are involved in damage-generating mechanisms in APS due to their interaction with trophoblasts, decidua, and endothelial cells. as2GP1 might be used as a prognostic tool for obstetric risk stratification and s2GP1 could be a target for molecular-targeted treatment to prevent pregnancy morbidity in APS. This review describes these aspects of as2GP1, including effects on different cellular targets, its association with the severity of obstetric manifestations and the potential of s2GP1-targeted therapies for APS.

The Porifera are one of the best candidates as the sister group to all other metazoans. Studies on this phylum are therefore expected to shed light on the origin and early evolution of key animal features. Transcriptomic or genomic data acquired during the last 10 years have highlighted the conservation of most of the main genes and pathways involved in the development of the other metazoans. The next step is to determine how similar genetic tool boxes can result in widely dissimilar body plan organization, dynamics, and life histories. To answer these questions, three main axes of research are necessary: (1) conducting more gene expression studies; (2) developing knockdown protocols; and (3) reinterpreting sponge cell biology using modern tools. In this chapter we focus on the in situ hybridization (ISH) technique, needed to establish the spatiotemporal expression of genes, both on whole mount individuals and paraffin sections, and at different stages of development (adults, embryos, larvae, buds) of the homoscleromorph sponge Oscarella lobularis.

The comparative study of the four non-bilaterian phyla (Cnidaria, Placozoa, Ctenophora, Porifera) should provide insights into the origin of bilaterian traits. Except for Cnidaria, present knowledge on the cell biology and development of these animals is so far limited. Non-bilaterian models are needed to get further into cell architecture and molecular mechanisms.Given the developmental, histological, ecological and genomic differences between the four sponge classes, we develop a new sponge model: the buds of theOscarella lobularis(class Homoscleromorpha). This experimental model supplements the two other most famous sponge modelsAmphimedon queenslandicaandEphydatia muelleri, both belonging to the class Demospongiae.Budding is a natural and spontaneous asexual reproduction mean, but budding can be triggeredin vitroensuring availability of biological material all year long. We provide a full description of buds, from their formation to their development into juveniles. Their transparency enables fluorescent and live imaging, and their abundance allows for experimental replicates. Moreover, regeneration and cell reaggregation capabilities provide interesting experimental morphogenetic contexts. The numerous techniques now mastered on these buds make it a new suitable sponge model.Summary statementStudying sponge biology is needed to understand the evolution of metazoans. We developed a new model suitable for experimental biology that allows to study morphogenetic processes with modern tools.

Ubiquitination-mediated proteolysis or regulation of proteins, ultimately executed by E3 ubiquitin ligases, control a wide array of cellular processes, including transcription, cell cycle, autophagy and apoptotic cell death. HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases can be distinguished from other subfamilies of E3 ubiquitin ligases because they have a C-terminal HECT domain that directly catalyzes the covalent attachment of ubiquitin to their substrate proteins. Deregulation of HECT-type E3-mediated ubiquitination plays a prominent role in cancer development and chemoresistance. Several members of this subfamily are indeed frequently deregulated in human cancers as a result of genetic mutations and altered expression or activity. HECT-type E3s contribute to tumorigenesis by regulating the ubiquitination rate of substrates that function as either tumour suppressors or oncogenes. While the pathological roles of the HECT family members in solid tumors are quite well established, their contribution to the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies has only recently emerged. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the involvement of the HECT-type E3s in leukemogenesis.

Standing dead trees are known to house diverse assemblages of vertebrates in temperate forests worldwide. In temperate austral forests of South America, however, the functional role of dead trees has been mostly focused on cavity provision, but other functions remain poorly understood. Thus, we conducted a preliminary study examining the effect of dead trees on the taxonomic diversity of vertebrates in South American temperate forests. Diversity metrics estimated from rarefaction curves and community data augmentation showed that taxonomic diversity of vertebrate species was equal between dead and living trees. Habitat variables equally affected species diversity of vertebrates in dead and living trees. Tree height and elevation had a positive effect while forest cover negatively affected species diversity. The similar diversity and composition of vertebrates found in living and dead trees suggests dead trees are equally valuable for conservation. In austral forests dominated by long-living tree species, the death of a tree is a long process involving the retention of several microhabitats once the tree dies and the enrichment of deadwood structures attracting saproxylic organisms. These findings highlight the need of establishing minimum stocks of dying and senescent trees for achieving ecosystem integrity.

This paper focuses on the quality of lettuce var. longifolia grown with shrimp effluents from well water (WW), diluted seawater (DSW) and a hydroponic solution (HS). Results evidenced that WW and DSW effluents slightly decreased weight, foliage, and yield (5-9%) in plants compared to HS control. Furthermore, WW-lettuce showed a higher level of total phenolic compounds (~71%), flavonoids (~90%), and antioxidant capacity (0.7-3-folds) than HS-plants, mainly in the soluble fraction. WW-lettuce also showed a higher content of total soluble solids (~16%) and, a lower saturation of color, which correlated significantly (p

Parents transmit genetic and epigenetic information to their offspring. Maternal effect genes regulate the offspring epigenome to ensure normal development. Here we report that the epigenetic regulator SMCHD1 has a maternal effect on Hox gene expression and skeletal patterning. Maternal SMCHD1, present in the oocyte and preimplantation embryo, prevents precocious activation of Hox genes postimplantation. Without maternal SMCHD1, highly penetrant posterior homeotic transformations occur in the embryo. Hox genes are decorated with Polycomb marks H2AK119ub and H3K27me3 from the oocyte throughout early embryonic development; however, loss of maternal SMCHD1 does not alter these marks. Therefore, we propose maternal SMCHD1 acts downstream of Polycomb marks to establish a chromatin state necessary for persistent epigenetic silencing and appropriate Hox gene expression later in the developing embryo. This is a striking role for maternal SMCHD1 in long-lived epigenetic effects impacting offspring phenotype.

The role m6A modifications have increasingly been associated with diverse set of roles in modulating viruses and influencing the outcomes of viral infection. Here we report that the landscape of m6A deposition is drastically shifted during KSHV (Kaposi Sarcoma Associated herpesvirus) lytic infection for both viral and host transcripts. In line with previous reports, we also saw an overall decrease in host methylation in favor of viral mRNA along with 5’ hypomethylation and 3’ hypermethylation. During KSHV lytic infection, a major shift in overall mRNA abundance is driven by the viral endoribonuclease SOX, which induces the decay of greater than 70% of transcripts. Here, we reveal that Interlukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA, a well-characterized SOX-resistant transcript, is m6A modified during lytic infection. Furthermore, we show that this modification falls within the IL-6 SOX Resistance Element (SRE), an RNA element in IL-6 3’ UTR that was previously shown to be sufficient for protection from SOX cleavage. We show that the presence of this m6A modification is essential to confer SOX resistance to the IL-6 mRNA. We next show that this modification recruits the m6A reader YTHDC2 and found that YTHDC2 is necessary for the escape of the IL-6 transcript. These results shed light on how the host cell has evolved to use RNA modifications to circumvent viral manipulation of RNA fate during KSHV infection.

Background and Objectives. The importance of mitochondria in inflammatory pathologies, besides providing energy, is associated with the release of mitochondrial damage products, such as mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA), which may perpetuate inflammation. In this review, we aimed to show the importance of mitochondria, as organelles that produce energy and intervene in multiple pathologies, focusing mainly in COVID-19 and using multiple molecular mechanisms that allow for the replication and maintenance of the viral genome, leading to the exacerbation and spread of the inflammatory response. The evidence suggests that mitochondria are implicated in the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which forms double-membrane vesicles and evades detection by the cell defense system. These mitochondrion-hijacking vesicles damage the integrity of the mitochondrion’s membrane, releasing mt-DNA into circulation and triggering the activation of innate immunity, which may contribute to an exacerbation of the pro-inflammatory state. Conclusions. While mitochondrial dysfunction in COVID-19 continues to be studied, the use of mt-DNA as an indicator of prognosis and severity is a potential area yet to be explored.