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Zika fever is commonly perceived as a mild illness; however, often is linked to congenital Zika syndrome in newborns and Guillain–Barré syndrome in adults. The etiological agent, Zika virus, is a globally distributed arbovirus, frequently prevalent in tropical and humid climates. Conventional laboratory identification relies on real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a standard method requiring specialized infrastructure and technical training. To address these challenges, this research introduces the development of a nano immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), for Zika virus biorecognition, assessed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The study further identifies signals associated with specific functional groups of viral envelopes. Ultra-high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrates the biorecognition of viral particles. Given the morphological, biochemical, and immunogenic resemblance between Zika and dengue viruses, this nano immunosensor is proficient in detecting dengue virus as well. Moving to the analysis phase, FTIR signals obtained after nano immunosensor–virus interaction were processed by principal component analysis (PCA). This achieved adequate discrimination between both viruses in key spectral regions: phospholipids, esters, and glycerides (1755–1726 cm−1), proteins (1683–1500 cm−1, 1328–1275 cm−1), and carbohydrates (1134–993 cm−1). These results underscore the utility of the AuNP-based nano immunosensor for identifying and discriminating between Zika and dengue viruses, offering a viable alternative in the diagnosis of these pathogenic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour seeds produce films with good barrier properties against water vapor and could be used as food packaging; however, their mechanical properties are poor, which limits their application. The incorporation of nanoparticles into natural polymers is a strategy used to improve the properties of films to increase their applications. Furthermore, nanoparticles can encapsulate antioxidant agents and generate active films. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of chia flour (4%-7%), glycerol (15%-25%), and chia extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ChCNp) (0%-0.75%) on the physical, mechanical, barrier, structural and antioxidant properties of chia flour nanocomposite films. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with antioxidant chia extract were synthesized by ionic gelation and incorporated into the films. The thickness, water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and antioxidant properties of the films were evaluated using a Box-Behnken experimental design. Structural analysis was conducted using the FTIR technique. The results of the ANOVA of the responses were adjusted to second and third order polynomial models obtaining determination coefficients of 0.96-0.99. The water vapor permeability of the films was 3.89 × 10-8-1.68 × 10-7 g mm/Pa s m2, tensile strength was 0.67-3.59 MPa and antioxidant activity was 57.12%- 67.84%. The variables presented different effects on the films. Increasing the chia seed flour concentration negatively affected the water vapor permeability but improved the tensile strength and the antioxidant capacity of the films. The increase in glycerol concentration caused the films to become brittle. The nanoparticles had a significant effect on the thickness of the films and improved their mechanical and antioxidant properties. However, they did not show an effect on barrier properties. The results demonstrate that it is possible to obtain nanocomposite films with antioxidant capacity from chia seed flour and with the incorporation of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: During the last few years, the production of honey from stingless bees has become significant, as a result of its therapeutic properties. However, its production and commercialization are limited by the low yield per colony and its high sale price. This study seeks to recover the lore and actions that a group of producers from Cuetzálan, Puebla, Mexico has about the production of honey from the Scaptotrigona mexicana species of stingless bees. The objective was to collect information about the handling, production, and commercialization of tis bee species, as well as the challenges that producers face in the Cuetzálan region. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research was carried out using a qualitative approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted to gather the information. The participants were chosen using the snowball sampling technique, contacting stingless bee honey producers in Cuetzálan, Puebla, Mexico. Results: The lore about the handling of the stingless bees is passed on from generation to generation. This traditional handling is understood as a cultural symbol. This type of honey is renowned for its medicinal properties; however, its production is scarce, and the resulting product is very expensive. Consequently, the theft and adulteration of honey has become a major problem, creating mistrust among consumers. Study Limitations/Implications: More producers should be interviewed, and additional proof of the handling processes used to identify adulteration should be gathered. This information would be used to develop recommendations that could be applied in other producing regions of the country. Findings/Conclusions: The social and scientific recognition of the properties of stingless bee honey shows the importance of adopting innovations; however, including organizational processes to improve the commercialization channels and to minimize unfair honey production practices is also very important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water vapor permeability (WVP) and hardness of biodegradable nanocomposite films based on glutelin from Jatropha curcas L. were determined and the results were analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of independent variables constituted by the plasticizer (glycerol), nanofiller (cloisite), and pH on the physical parameters were evaluated. The regression models obtained for each physical property adequately described the measurements used in the experimental design, with regression coefficients of 0.9513 and 0.9421 for WVP and hardness. The regression coefficients show that pH has the most significant effect on the WVP, whereas the cloisite content has the largest influence on the hardness of the nanocomposite film. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided confirmation of the results obtained by RSM. Corroboration that the gluteline structure is in a similar form as the WVP and primarily influenced by pH was obtained using conventional and second derivative infrared spectra. However, the hardness of the film primarily depends on the cloisite content. This methodology may be useful for the design and elaboration of nanocomposite films based on J. curcas L. with specific barrier and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physalis ixocarpa Brot. ex Hornem. and Physalis angulata L. are two edible species of the family Solanaceae, which have an important variety of antioxidant compounds present in their roots, stems, leaves, calyces, and fruits. This work reports the development of multivariate models based on the use of partial least square (PLS) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for the quantitative determination of total phenolics, total flavonoids, free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity, and reducing power in the extracts of roots, stems, and leaves of both P. ixocarpa and P. angulata. Standard chromatographic and colorimetric techniques were used to determine the quantitative actual values (references) in the extracts, which served as input data to develop the multivariate PLS models. Optimized FTIR-PLS models were realized by cross-validation procedures, obtaining the determination coefficients for prediction between 0.792 and 0.905 for P. ixocarpa, and between 0.756 and 0.893 for P. angulata. In this form, FTIR spectroscopy with multivariate analysis could represent a versatile tool to evaluate quantitatively concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties in the extracts of both species, requiring a very short time at low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP) and decolorization of Remazol brilliant blue R dye (RBB), added to culture media of Pleurotus ostreatus developed in submerged fermentation, and the laccase, manganese peroxidase and veratryl alcohol oxidase activities produced in these systems were evaluated. Both compounds were removed from the culture medium mainly by enzymatic action. These compounds decreased the specific growth rate and the effect on the maximal biomass values was not important. The enzymatic activities were increased by DMP and/or RBB; however, the DMP showed a higher inducer effect on all enzymes than RBB. On the other hand, the RBB showed a larger inducer effect on manganese peroxidase activity than on the laccases and veratryl alcohol oxidase activities. These results show that DMP was a better inducer of ligninolytic enzymes than dye, and the process of dye decolorization and degradation of DMP requires the action of all enzymes of the ligninolytic complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Capsicum provides antioxidant compounds, such as phenolics and carotenoids, into the diet. In Mexico, there is a wide diversity of species and varieties of chilli peppers, a fruit which has local cultural and gastronomic importance. In the present study, the relationship of the carotenoid and phenolic profiles with the RAPD fingerprint of three different commercial cultivars of chilli peppers of seven regions of Mexico was investigated. Through RAPD, the species of chilli were differentiated by means of different primers (OPE-18, MFG-17, MFG-18, C51, and C52). The genetic distance found with OPE 18 was in the order of 2.6. The observed differences were maintained when the chromatographic profile of carotenoids, and the molecular markers were analyzed, which suggest a close relationship between carotenoids and the genetic profile. While the chromatographic profile of phenols and the molecular markers were unable to differentiate between genotypes of chilli peppers. In addition, by using infrared spectroscopy and statistical PCA, differences explained by geographic origin were found. Thus, this method could be an alternative for identification of chilli species with respect to their geographic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe Flaviviridae family includes many medically relevant members, such as dengue, Zika, West Nile, and hepatitis C viruses, that produce hundreds of millions of infections annually. There is a close relationship between these infections and inflammation triggering as an important part of the host’s immune response and of pathogenesis. These inflammatory processes are mediated by the activation of multiprotein complexes known as inflammasomes. Several inflammasomes have been described which differ in their composition and their activating stimuli. The NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied. Its activation begins by the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns such as viral RNA, potassium efflux, calcium flux, increased reactive oxygen species; and culminates in the maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18, and cell death by pyroptosis. This review summarizes the most relevant aspects of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in relevant flavivirus infections from clinical and laboratory studies in biological models. Understanding the activation, mounting, and regulation of the inflammatory response during viral infections is a poorly exploited area of opportunity for the development of efficient and safe treatment strategies, which could include NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Background: Amaranth ( Amaranthus hypochondriacus ) flour produces films with excellent barrier properties against water vapor, allowing food preservation, but the mechanical properties are poor compared to synthetic films. One strategy to improve these properties is the incorporation of nanoparticles. The particles can also serve as a vehicle for the addition of antioxidant agents into the films. The objective of this work is to optimize the formulation for the preparation of amaranth flour films treated with antioxidant chia ( Salvia hispanica L.) extract-loaded chitosan particles using response surface methodology (RSM)., Experimental Approach: Chitosan nanoparticles with the extract were synthesized by ionic gelation, and the films were made by the casting method. Three independent variables were assigned: amaranth flour (4-6%), glycerol (25-35%) and chitosan nanoparticles loaded with the chia extract (0-0.75%). We then evaluated the physical (thickness), mechanical (tensile strength, Young´s modulus and elongation), barrier (water vapor permeability, moisture and water solubility) and antioxidant properties of the films. The experimental results of the properties were analyzed using a Box-Behnken experimental design generating 15 runs with three replicates at the central point., Results and Conclusions: Second and third order polynomial models were obtained from the ANOVA analysis of the evaluated responses, and high coefficients of determination were found (0.91-1.0). The water vapor permeability of the films was 0.82-2.39·10 -7 (g·mm)/(Pa·s·m 2 ), tensile strength was 0.33-1.63 MPa and antioxidant activity 2.24-5.65%. The variables had different effects on the films: glycerol negatively affected their properties, and the permeability values increased with increased amaranth flour content. The nanoparticles improved the mechanical, barrier and antioxidant properties of the films compared to the films without nanosystems. The optimal formulation was 4% amaranth flour, 25% glycerol and 0.36% chitosan nanoparticles. The optimized films had better mechanical (1.62 MPa) properties, a low water vapor permeability value (0.91·10 -7 (g·mm)/(Pa·s·m 2 )) and moderate antioxidant activity (6.43%)., Novelty and Scientific Contribution: The results show the effect of chitosan nanoparticles on the properties of amaranth flour films for the first time. The resulting equations are useful in the design of food packaging., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflict of interest with respect to authorship, research and/or publication of this paper.