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Abstract Background Fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora, is the most destructive bacterial disease affecting plants in the Rosaceae family, leading to significant economic losses. In Algeria, this disease has been reported since 2010. This study aimed to investigate the origin of fire blight in Algeria, in order to increase knowledge of the epidemiology of this serious disease and contribute to its management. A comprehensive characterization of 18 E. amylovora isolates recovered from northern Algeria between 2016 and 2021 to evaluate their phenotypical and genotypical diversity was conducted. Results Phenotypic differences, particularly in growth kinetics, virulence, and fatty acid profiles, allowed differentiation of strains into five groups, possibly indicating distinct introduction events. Genetic characterization revealed that only one strain lacked the ubiquitous plasmid pEA29, which is correlated with reduced virulence, while none harbored the pEI70 plasmid. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated sequences of the recA, groEL, rpoS, ams, and hrpN genes grouped Algerian strains with those from a broadly prevalent clade. CRISPR genotyping identified a novel CR1 pattern and three genotypes, two of them previously unreported. Conclusions This study represents the first phenotypic, genetic, and phylogenetic investigation of E. amylovora strains in the region, and provides valuable information on the possible pathways of the introduction of this fire blight pathogen in northern Africa. The findings suggest one or more introduction events from a common ancestor, likely originating in northern Italy, followed by dispersal in various regions of Algeria.

Las directrices europeas, entre las que se encuentra la Agenda 2030, están enfocadas al cambio en la educación con la necesidad de un aprendizaje continuo, la asunción de la responsabilidad personal del propio aprendizaje y la adopción de nuevos enfoques de aprendizaje que preparen a las personas con las competencias pertinentes. Los modelos educativos deben ir encaminados al desarrollo de habilidades blandas como la creatividad. Para el desarrollo de la capacidad creativa se han sugerido diversas estrategias en campos como la ingeniería o la medicina, pero son escasos los estudios centrados en la formación de docentes. El diseño metodológico es cualitativo a través de la búsqueda bibliográfica de artículos relevantes. Este artículo ofrece estrategias [uso de herramientas de pensamiento, aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP) y creación de un entorno de aprendizaje propicio a la creatividad] que pueden aplicarse para la potenciación de la creatividad en la formación de maestros. Además, analiza las características del ABP, su ciclo de aprendizaje y los métodos para mejorar su dinámica de grupo. El contenido de los programas de formación de maestros debe estar acorde a las competencias que se espera que, posteriormente, los niños de educación primaria obtengan en los centros educativos.

Abstract Purpose/Objective Definitive radiotherapy (RT) is an alternative to radical cystectomy for select patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC); however, there is limited data on dose-painted RT approaches. We report the clinical and dosimetric outcomes of a cohort of MIBC patients treated with dose-painted RT. Material/Methods This was a single institution retrospective study of cT2-4N0M0 MIBC patients treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to the bladder, and sequential or concomitant boost to the tumor bed. The target delineation was guided by either intravesical injection of Lipiodol or through fusion of the pre-treatment imaging. The majority were treated with daily image-guidance. Kaplan-Meier was used to characterize overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Cumulative incidence function (CIF) was used to estimate local (intravesical) recurrence (LR), regional recurrence (RR) and distant metastasis (DM). Univariable and multivariable cause-specific hazard model was used to assess factors associated with LR and OS. Results 117 patients were analyzed. The median age was 73 years (range 43, 95). The median EQD2 to the boost volume was 66 Gy (range 52.1, 70). Lipiodol injection was used in 64 patients (55%), all treated with IMRT/VMAT. 95 (81%) received concurrent chemotherapy, of whom, 44 (38%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 37 months (IQR 16.2, 83.3). At 5-year, OS and PFS were 79% (95% CI 70.5–89.2) and 46% (95% CI 36.5–57.5). Forty-five patients had bladder relapse, of which 30 patients (67%) were at site of the tumor bed. Nine patients underwent salvage-cystectomy. Late high-grade (G3-G4) genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity were 3% and 1%. Conclusion Partial boost RT in MIBC is associated with good local disease control and high rates of cystectomy free survival. We observed a pattern of predominantly LR in the tumor bed, supporting the use of a dose-painted approach/de-escalation strategy to the uninvolved bladder. Prospective trials are required to compare oncological and toxicity outcomes between dose-painted and homogeneous bladder RT techniques.

Este artículo ofrece una visión global sobre cómo se desarrolla la educación infantil en los países nórdicos y describe experiencias innovadoras de esta etapa educativa en cada uno de ellos. Como países nórdicos están incluidos Dinamarca, Suecia, Noruega, Finlandia e Islandia, junto con los territorios dependientes de estos, es decir, Groenlandia y las islas Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Feroe y Åland. Las innovaciones educativas descritas en cada uno de los países no son exclusivas de ese país, pero todas ellas configuran un marco de desarrollo de las consideradas habilidades del siglo XXI. Todas las iniciativas se desarrollan en torno al niño como protagonista del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje; la participación activa, la reflexión, la comunicación, la capacidad de resolver problemas de forma creativa y el uso de herramientas de pensamiento son algunas de las habilidades desarrolladas por estas iniciativas en pro del concepto de educación como capital humano, donde los niños son vistos como recursos fundamentales para la formación de una sociedad igualitaria, autónoma, proactiva y parte de un conjunto sistémico.

Purpose: To develop a practice-based training strategy to transition from radiation oncologist to therapist-driven prostate MR-Linac adaptive radiotherapy. Methods and materials: In phase 1, 7 therapists independently contoured the prostate and organs-at-risk on T2-weighted MR images from 11 previously treated MR-Linac prostate patients. Contours were evaluated quantitatively (i.e. Dice similarity coefficient [DSC] calculated against oncologist generated online contours) and qualitatively (i.e. oncologist using a 5-point Likert scale; a score ≥ 4 was deemed a pass, a 90% pass rate was required to proceed to the next phase). Phase 2 consisted of supervised online workflow with therapists required no intervention from the oncologist on 10 total cases to advance. Phase 3 involved unsupervised therapist-driven workflow, with offline support from oncologists prior to the next fraction. Results: In phase 1, the mean DSC was 0.92 (range 0.85–0.97), and mean Likert score was 3.7 for the prostate. Five therapists did not attain a pass rate (3–5 cases with prostate contour score

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of intrafraction pelvic motion by comparing the adapted plan dose (APD) and the computed delivered dose of the day (DDOTD) for patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with SBRT on the MR-Linac. Methods: Twenty patients with PCa treated with MR-guided adaptive SBRT were included. A 9-field IMRT distribution was adapted based on the anatomy of the day to deliver a total prescription dose of 3000 cGy in 5 fractions to the prostate plus a 5 mm isotropic margin. Prostate, bladder, and rectum were re-contoured on the MR-image acquired during treatment delivery (MRBO). DDOTD was computed by propagating the dose from the daily adapted plan generated during treatment onto the MRBO. Results: Target coverage was met for all fractions, however, computed DDOTD was significantly less than the APD (p

The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is an endangered species with a specialist osteophagous (bone) diet. We estimated the survival and productivity of this vulture in the Aragonese Pyrenees, where the main population of the species in Europe is found. We used a database covering a period of 33 years (1987–2020). To estimate the probability of survival, we used Cormack–Jolly–Seber models with a Bayesian approach. Our models estimated a survival rate of 0.90 ± 0.08 in juveniles, 0.95 ± 0.04 in subadults and 0.92 ± 0.05 in adults. The survival probability increased over the study period in adults and subadults but not in juveniles. By contrast, productivity decreased over the same period. Our study provides updated information on the status of two demographic parameters of great importance to the species and allows us to identify the most vulnerable age classes and to plan conservation actions to improve the situation of the species in a territory that is a donor of specimens for reintroduction projects. The estimated survival values suggest that more caution should be exercised when planning these feeding points according to the use the species makes of them.

Introduction: To compare the dosimetry of prostate stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) delivered by adaptive intensity modulated radiotherapy (A-IMRT) and 3 degree of freedom volumetric modulated arc therapy (3DOF-VMAT). Methods & Materials: Twenty-five prostate patients treated with High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy followed by SBRT were included (fifteen with hydrogel spacer in place for treatment). Interfraction changes in the volume of prostate, rectum and bladder were measured. Fractional dose to these structures was estimated for A-IMRT and 3DOF-VMAT for comparison against the corresponding reference dose and between each other. Results: Clinically acceptable dose was delivered to prostate in all 125 fractions through A-IMRT and 3DOF-VMAT. A-IMRT was better than 3DOF-VMAT in reducing dose to 1 cm3 of rectum. Conversely, 3DOF-VMAT was superior in sparing 50% and 20% of rectum. When comparing the reference and delivered dose, there was no significant difference for Bladder D5cm3 for either technique. However, rectum in the high dose region benefited more from A-IMRT by being irradiated to a lower than reference dose in more fractions than 3DOF-VMAT. Hydrogel spacer reduced the rectal dose and was associated with a smaller deviation from reference dose for rectum D50% for A-IMRT. Conclusions: Despite the presence of large interfraction organ volumes changes, clinically acceptable dose was delivered to the prostate by both systems. A-IMRT facilitated a greater rectal sparing from the high dose region than 3DOF-VMAT. Further reduction in rectal dose could be achieved by hydrogel spacer to displace the rectum, or by adaptation delivered by VMAT.

Background and purposeLocally recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy merits an effective salvage strategy that mitigates the risk of adverse events. We report outcomes of a cohort enrolled across two institutions investigating MRI-guided tumor-targeted salvage high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT).Materials and methodsAnalysis of a prospective cohort of 88 patients treated across two institutions with MRI-guided salvage HDR-BT to visible local recurrence after radiotherapy (RT). Tumor target dose ranged from 22-26 Gy, using either an integrated boost (ibBT) or focal technique (fBT), delivered in two implants over a median of 7 days. Outcome metrics included cancer control and toxicity (CTCAE). Quality of life (QoL-EPIC) was analyzed in a subset.ResultsAt a median follow-up of 35 months (6 -134), 3 and 5-year failure-free survival (FFS) outcomes were 67% and 49%, respectively. At 5 years, fBT was associated with a 17% cumulative incidence of local failure (LF) outside the GTV (vs. 7.8% ibBT, p=0.14), while LF within the GTV occurred in 13% (vs. 16% ibBT, p=0.81). Predictors of LF outside fBT volumes included pre-salvage PSA>7 ng/mL (p=0.03) and interval since RT less than 5 years (p=0.04). No attributable grade 3 events occurred, and ibBT was associated with a higher rate of grade 2 toxicity (p

El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) engloba a un conjunto de trastornos del neurodesarrollo que se caracterizan por una interacción social deficiente, comunicación restringida y comportamientos repetitivos y estereotipados. La etiología del TEA es desconocida a día de hoy, por lo que diversos equipos de investigación multidisciplinares están realizando grandes esfuerzos para intentar dilucidar los factores y mecanismos que intervienen en su aparición. En este sentido, existe un creciente interés en el estudio de factores ambientales como la exposición a residuos de plaguicidas ya que se dispone de suficiente evidencia científica sobre los efectos neurotóxicos que éstos pueden provocar. Por lo tanto, pueden ser formuladas hipótesis de asociaciones específicas entre el TEA y los residuos de plaguicidas. Este trabajo realiza una revisión sistemática sobre la influencia de la exposición a residuos de plaguicidas y la aparición del TEA. La metodología para llevar a cabo este trabajo de revisión sistemática siguió las directrices marcadas por el método PRISMA, encontrándose un total de siete artículos elegibles para su discusión. Los residuos de plaguicidas estudiados por los artículos seleccionados fueron los organofosforados y sus metabolitos; los organoclorados, incluidos el endosulfán y los bifenilos policlorados junto a sus metabolitos; los carbamatos; los piretroides, incluida la cipermetrina; y el glufosinato de amonio. El estudio de la acción de estos plaguicidas se centró en el periodo prenatal, investigándose su exposición en madres gestantes que vivían en zonas próximas a campos de cultivo donde se aplican pesticidas, en modelos animales de ratón y en cultivos de células cerebrales. Se encontró que existe relación entre la exposición a plaguicidas en el periodo prenatal y el riesgo de aparición de TEA en la descendencia junto a una disbiosis en la microbiota intestinal en ratones. Por lo tanto, es importante evaluar el factor de riesgo de exposición a residuos de plaguicidas en la aparición del TEA con más datos, para lo cual se requieren más estudios tanto in vitro como in vivo con el fin de dilucidar los mecanismos bioquímicos precisos involucrados.

Este trabajo realiza una revisión sistemática sobre la relación existente entre la exposición a residuos de pesticidas y la presencia de enfermedades o trastornos mentales. Los pesticidas son sustancias químicas utilizadas en la inmensa mayoría de los campos agrícolas para prevenir o eliminar las plagas que amenazan a los cultivos. Sin embargo, su uso puede implicar serios problemas para la salud de las personas como enfermedades pulmonares, cáncer, enfermedades metabólicas, problemas de infertilidad e incluso trastornos psicopatológicos. La metodología para realizar este estudio de revisión siguió las indicaciones marcadas por el protocolo PRISMA, encontrándose un total de cuatro artículos originales tras aplicar los criterios de exclusión e inclusión establecidos. Tres artículos estudiaron la relación exposición a residuos pesticidas - enfermedades mentales en sujetos con características diferentes y con niveles de exposición variables. Única-mente un artículo empleó ratones sometidos a diferentes dosis de pesticidas como modelo para evaluar su efecto sobre el comportamiento de estos animales. De los resultados encontrados por los diferentes artículos se puede deducir que la exposición a residuos de pesticidas tiene claros efectos sobre la salud mental de individuos altamente susceptibles a la presencia de contaminantes como mujeres lactantes y recién nacidos; así como personas sometidas a elevados niveles de pesticidas como formuladores y aplicadores agrícolas o personas residentes en las cercanías de campos agrícolas. Por otro lado, futuras investigaciones sobre este tema, basadas en modelos animales y estudios poblacionales, son necesarias para establecer conexiones realistas entre los trastornos mentales y los diferentes tipos de pesticidas usados actualmente en los campos agrícolas.

Este trabajo realiza una revisión sistemática sobre las implicaciones de la ingesta de ajo negro en el cerebro. El ajo negro es un alimento consumido en Asia durante siglos, introduciéndose recientemente en otros países como alimento funcional o nutraceútico. Este alimento se obtiene mediante la fermentación del ajo fresco a una temperatura y una humedad controladas durante un periodo de tiempo superior a diez días. El ajo negro contiene gran cantidad de compuestos fenólicos, que le confieren una alta capacidad antioxidante, y compuestos azufrados como la S-alil-L-cisteína que son los principales responsables de la gran variedad de funciones biológicas beneficiosas que presenta frente a diferentes patologías. En este sentido, los polifenoles pueden reducir el estrés oxidativo celular y la S-alil-L-cisteína puede cruzar la barrera hematoencefálica y ejercer un efecto protector frente a la neurotoxicidad. La metodología para realizar este estudio de revisión siguió las indicaciones marcadas por el protocolo PRISMA, encontrándose un total de cinco artículos originales tras aplicar los criterios de exclusión e inclusión establecidos. Todos los artículos encontrados utilizaron un modelo animal y estudiaron el efecto de la ingesta de ajo negro en el cerebro tras consumir glutamato monosódico, plomo y escopolamina. De los resultados encontrados por los diferentes artículos se puede deducir que el ajo negro se postula como un potente alimento funcional que puede proteger del daño neuronal, la disminución de la memoria de trabajo y la memoria espacial inducida por glutamato monosódico, y prevenir el daño oxidativo inducido por la escopolamina y el plomo. Por otro lado, debido al reducido número de artículos encontrados, se trata de una línea de investigación por explotar donde queda aún por dilucidar los mecanismos bioquímicos implicados en la acción protectora que ejerce el ajo negro sobre el cerebro, tanto en estudios en modelo animal como humano.

La enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa irreversible, acompañada de pérdida de memoria y de déficit neurocognitivo progresivo. Los cambios fisiopatológicos asociados a esta enfermedad son la formación extracelular de depósitos de placas del péptido insoluble ß-amiloide, la hiperfosforilación de la proteína tau formando ovillos neurofibrilares, además de neuroinflamación, estrés oxidativo, alteración del metabolismo energético, pérdida de neuronas y sinapsis en el cerebro. La patogénesis de la EA no es conocida en su totalidad porque es multifactorial. Por lo tanto, no existe un tratamiento preventivo exitoso. En este sentido, existe un reciente interés sobre los compuestos bioactivos presentes en productos naturales y hierbas medicinales para el tratamiento de la EA por sus efectos beneficiosos. El mangostán, Garcinia mangostana L (familia de Guttifereae), es un árbol tropical que produce una fruta comestible con un sabor dulce y picante; cuyo pericarpio es una fuente de compuestos bioactivos, que han mostrado una excelente actividad farmacológica. El pericarpio del mangostán se ha utilizado en la medicina tradicional contra varias enfermedades como úlceras, infecciones de la piel, diarrea o heridas. Muchos estudios han reportado que el pericarpio del mangostán contiene compuestos fenólicos, vitaminas (B1, B2, C) y otras sustancias bioactivas. Las xantonas y sus derivados pertenecen a la familia de los polifenoles, y están muy presentes en el mangostán. Se ha demostrado que poseen una amplia actividad biológica como antioxidantes, antiinflamatorios, anticancerígenos, antimicrobianos y actividades neuroprotectoras tanto en estudios in vitro como in vivo. La evidencia científica sugiere que las xantonas (obtenidas de pericarpio del mangostán) pueden atenuar la neurotoxicidad y algunos de los cambios fisiopatológicos asociados con la EA en modelos celulares y animales. En la presente revisión, se describe el estado actual del potencial efecto terapéutico del extracto del mangostán y las xantonas en modelos celulares y animales en la EA, describiendo también los efectos observados y las vías moleculares propuestas.

During the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, new waves have been associated with new variants and have the potential to escape vaccinations. Therefore, it is useful to conduct retrospective genomic surveillance research. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of 88 SARS-CoV-2 genomes belonging to samples taken from COVID-19 patients from October 2020 to April 2021 at the “Reina Sofía” Hospital (Murcia, Spain) focused to variant appeared later. The results at the mentioned stage show the turning point since the 20E (EU1) variant was still prevalent (71.6%), but Alpha was bursting to 14.8%. Concern mutations have been found in 5 genomes classified as 20E (EU1), which were not characteristic of this still little evolved variant. Most of those mutations are found in the spike protein, namely Δ69–70, E484K, Q675H and P681H. However, a relevant deletion in ORF1a at positions 3675–3677 was also identified. These mutations have been reported in many later SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including Omicron. Taken together, our data suggest that preferential emergence mutations could already be present in the early converging evolution. Aside from this, the molecular information has been contrasted with clinical data. Statistical analyses suggest that the correlation between age and severity criteria is significantly higher in the viral samples with more accumulated changes.

The rhizomes of Acanthus mollis have traditionally been used for the treatment of several ailments involving inflammation. However, to the best of our knowledge, their chemical composition and pharmacological properties have not been studied until now. As a first approach, this study analyses the A. mollis rhizome hexane extract phytochemistry and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities in HepG2 and RAW 264.7 cell culture assays. Chemical profiling was performed with gas chromatography mass spectrometry without the modification of native molecules. Free phytosterols (such as β-sitosterol) account for 70% of detected compounds. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the rhizome extract of A. mollis is mediated by the decrease in the NO production in RAW 264.7 that has previously been stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HepG2 pre-treatment with the rhizome extract prevents any damage being caused by oxidative stress, both through ROS scavenge and through the antioxidant cellular enzyme system. In this respect, the extract reduced the activity of glutathione peroxidase and reductase, which were stimulated under oxidative stress conditions. Our results suggest that the extract from the rhizomes of A. mollis may constitute a potential source of natural products with anti-inflammatory activity and could validate the traditional use of A. mollis.

All processes in human physiology relies on homeostatic mechanisms which require the activation of specific control circuits to adapt the changes imposed by external stimuli. One of the critical modulators of homeostatic balance is autophagy, a catabolic process that is responsible of the destruction of long-lived proteins and organelles through a lysosome degradative pathway. Identification of the mechanism underlying autophagic flux is considered of great importance as both protective and detrimental functions are linked with deregulated autophagy. At the mechanistic and regulatory levels, autophagy is activated in response to diverse stress conditions (food deprivation, hyperthermia and hypoxia), even a novel perspective highlight the potential role of physical forces in autophagy modulation. To understand the crosstalk between all these controlling mechanisms could give us new clues about the specific contribution of autophagy in a wide range of diseases including vascular disorders, inflammation and cancer. Of note, any homeostatic control critically depends in at least two additional and poorly studied interdependent components: a receptor and its downstream effectors. Addressing the selective receptors involved in autophagy regulation is an open question and represents a new area of research in this field. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest and druggable targets membrane receptor protein superfamily. By exerting their action through G proteins, GPCRs play fundamental roles in the control of cellular homeostasis. Novel studies have shown Gαq, a subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, as a core modulator of mTORC1 and autophagy, suggesting a fundamental contribution of Gαq-coupled GPCRs mechanisms in the control of this homeostatic feedback loop. To address how GPCR-G proteins machinery integrates the response to different stresses including oxidative conditions and mechanical stimuli, could provide deeper insight into new signaling pathways and open potential and novel therapeutic strategies in the modulation of different pathological conditions.

The mechanisms of the effects of tomato extracts (containing lycopene and phenolic compounds) and these pure bioactive compounds on the viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, and the scavenging of ROS of HepG2 cells were investigated. Simultaneously, a transcriptomic analysis in human hepatocytes from obese patients, after the intake of tomato juice, was carried out using Human Gene Expression Array (Affymetrix). The viability of HepG2 decreased after exposure to tomato extracts and pure compounds, but none showed apoptotic activity; however, lycopene was able to inhibit cell cycle progression in phase S. Tomato extracts and pure compounds were able to decrease the ROS generation, the phenolic compounds being more effective than lycopene. Transcriptomic analysis suggested a involvement in the regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis pathways after the intake of tomato juice, through the lycopene accumulation. These results showed that tomato juice have potential as functional foods for maintenance of liver health.

Cells and tissues are continuously exposed to both chemical and physical stimuli and dynamically adapt and respond to this variety of external cues to ensure cellular homeostasis, regulated development and tissue-specific differentiation. Alterations of these pathways promote disease progression—a prominent example being cancer. Rho GTPases are key regulators of the remodeling of cytoskeleton and cell membranes and their coordination and integration with different biological processes, including cell polarization and motility, as well as other signaling networks such as growth signaling and proliferation. Apart from the control of GTP–GDP cycling, Rho GTPase activity is spatially and temporally regulated by post-translation modifications (PTMs) and their assembly onto specific protein complexes, which determine their controlled activity at distinct cellular compartments. Although Rho GTPases were traditionally conceived as targeted from the cytosol to the plasma membrane to exert their activity, recent research demonstrates that active pools of different Rho GTPases also localize to endomembranes and the nucleus. In this review, we discuss how PTM-driven modulation of Rho GTPases provides a versatile mechanism for their compartmentalization and functional regulation. Understanding how the subcellular sorting of active small GTPase pools occurs and what its functional significance is could reveal novel therapeutic opportunities.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most devastating citrus disease and is associated with three bacterial species of the genus ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ transmitted by insect vectors. The early detection of HLB is based on PCR methods, and it is one of the cornerstones for preventing incursion into disease-free countries. However, the detection of phytopathogenic bacteria with PCR-based methods is problematic in surveys that include a variety of samples of different origins. Here, we first report the proportion of amplifications obtained by two standardized real-time PCR methods for the diagnosis of HLB in various environmental samples that include plants, psyllid vectors, and parasitic wasps of the psyllids. The results of 4915 samples showed that 9.3% of them were amplified by the first rapid screening test and only 0.3% by the more specific tests. Most of the amplifications were associated with parasitic wasps. We designed the primers external to the target regions of both real-time PCR protocols to determine if amplifications belonged to one of three ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ species associated with HLB. The bioinformatic analysis of the sequences obtained with these primers revealed that all these amplifications came from the presence of other prokaryotic organisms in the samples. The primers developed in this study overcome the problem of undesired amplification in environmental samples. Thus, they could be used in future survey protocols to prevent the eradication of negative trees and the generation of unjustified alarms.

The phenomenon of today’s ageing population has increased interest in the search for new active substances that delay the onset and development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this respect, the search for natural compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, with neuroprotective activity has become the focus of growing interest. Verbascoside is a phenylethanoid that has already presented several pharmacological activities. The purpose of this study is to isolate and identify verbascoside from Acanthus mollis leaves. Consequently, its neuroprotective ability through enzymatic inhibition and free radical scavenging ability has been analyzed both in vitro and in cell culture assays. The antioxidant capacity of verbascoside was evaluated in vitro through total antioxidant capacity, DPPH•, •OH, and O2•—scavenging activity assays. The effect of verbascoside on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cell lines was studied in normal culture and under induced oxidative stress. The inhibitory ability of the phenylethanoid against several enzymes implied in neurodegenerative diseases (tyrosinase, MAO-A, and AChE) was analyzed in vitro. Verbascoside neuroprotective activity is at least in part related to its free radical scavenging ability. The effect of verbascoside on ROS production suggests its potential in the prevention of harmful cell redox changes and in boosting neuroprotection.

Introduction: The Mediterranean diet is recognized as one with the healthiest dietary patterns; however, this diet is deteriorating and being abandoned even in the Mediterranean countries themselves. Generally speaking, dietary habits get fixed during adolescence although during the college phase, students may experience important changes in their lifestyles. The KIDMED index is recognized as a good tool to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess AMD in college students and to evidence possible variations throughout the college period assessing differences between the college years. Method: A cross-sectional study with 213 alumni in first grade and 105 in fourth grade was carried out. The students were classified by gender, type of residence (parents' home or out of the parents' house) and body mass index (BMI) (< 25 or > 25). Results: The BMI for the whole sample was 24.35 ± 2.71 in men and 22.54 ± 3.25 in women (p < 0.001). The mean score in AMD was 7.0 ± 1.9, with 43% of the students showing good adherence. In general, a low intake of fruits, vegetables, rice or pasta was observed, foods that are included in the base of the dietary pyramid. Consumption of olive oil and legumes was very high and a direct relationship was observed between overweighed people (BMI > 25) and the habit of not having breakfast usually. No significant differences were observed between the student of first and fourth grades although those students in the fourth grade living away from the parental house had higher AMD level than the other students (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Educational programs promoting the intake of the different groups of food are recommended, was well as strategies promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables within the university area and the healthy habit of having breakfast.

Este trabajo es una revisión bibliográfica científica sobre la presencia de compuestos bioactivos en tomate y derivados y la función de estos compuestos para promover la salud del organismo humano. Diferentes estudios científicos muestran que el tomate o sus derivados tienen diferentes tipos de moléculas, algunas con actividad antioxidante, que actúan protegiendo a lípidos, lipoproteínas, ADN, etc. de los radicales libres generados por el organismo. Esta función podría ser una de las causantes de la aparente relación entre su consumo y la protección de enfermedades degenerativas y crónicas como el cáncer, enfermedades cardiovasculares, enfermedad de Parkinson, etc. Estudios más recientes han propuesto otros mecanismos bioquímicos por los cuales los componentes del tomate pueden ejercer esa función beneficiosa sobre la salud. Pero además de intentar conocer los efectos beneficiosos de los compuestos presentes en el tomate de forma aislada, algunos estudios científicos parecen indicar que el mayor beneficio de este alimento se debe al efecto sinérgico que existe entre todos sus compuestos. Y algunos estudios epidemiológicos asocian que su consumo asiduo tiene diferentes efectos beneficiosos sobre la salud. Debido a la relación existente entre los compuestos bioactivos del tomate, su consumo cotidiano y su efecto sobre la salud humana, el objetivo de la presente revisión bibliográfica es dar a conocer los compuestos presentes en este alimento y sus posibles acciones sobre la salud.

To evaluate the changes in glycemia, insulinemia, and oxidative stress markers during an oral fat load test in nondiabetic subjects with abdominal obesity and to analyze the association between postprandial oxidative stress markers and postprandial glucose and insulin responses.We included 20 subjects with abdominal obesity (waist circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women) and 20 healthy lean controls (waist circumference < 102 cm for men and < 88 cm for women). After 12 hours of fasting we performed a standardized fat load test (0-8 hours) with supracal® (50 g/m2). We determined metabolic parameters, oxidized and reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde.In both groups, insulin, HOMA, oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio, and malondialdehyde significantly decreased in the postprandial state after the OFLT. All these parameters were significantly higher in the abdominal obesity group at baseline and during all the postprandial points, but the reduction from the baseline levels was significantly higher in the abdominal obesity group.Unsaturated fat improves insulin resistance and oxidative stress status. It is possible that a consumption of unsaturated fat could be beneficial even in subjects with abdominal obesity in postprandial state.

The hypocholesterolemic effect of tomato juice has been investigated in an intervention study with rats, along with the possible inhibition effect of bioactive tomato compounds binding to the HMGCR enzyme. Two experimental groups (n = 8 Sprague-Dawley rats) were fed ad libitum for five weeks, with water or tomato juice provided to the control and intervention groups, respectively. Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and total triglycerides were analysed in plasma, and the lycopene content and the expression and activity of the enzyme HMGCR were determined in liver samples. A computational molecular modelling was carried out to determine the interactions between HMGCR and lycopene, chlorogenic acid and naringenin. Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol were significantly lower in the intervention group after the intake of tomato juice. In addition, a significant reduction in HMGCR activity was observed, although this was not accompanied by changes in gene expression. The molecular modelling showed that components of tomato can bind to the active site of the enzyme and compete with the ligand HMGCoA. Lycopene, from tomato juice, accumulates in the liver and can inhibit the activity of the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis, HMGCR.

Introducción y objetivos: la evolución que ha experimentado en los últimos años la sociedad española ha originado una serie de cambios sociológicos y/o culturales que afectan claramente a los hábitos y preferencias alimentarias. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido evaluar la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (DM) de la población universitaria en la ciudad de Murcia y la calidad de su desayuno, estableciendo la relación existente entre estas dos variables entre sí, y otras variables sociológicas analizadas. Métodos: se evaluó la adherencia a la DM en una muestra de 312 estudiantes mediante el test KIDMED, cuestionario de 16 preguntas. La calidad del desayuno fue determinada en función de la ingesta de los distintos grupos de alimentos (lácteos, cereales y frutas), de forma que se establecieron las siguientes categorías de calidad: pésima, mala, regular y buena. De cada encuestado se registraron los datos personales, lugar de origen, zona geográfica y tipo de residencia, sexo, edad, titulación universitaria, curso y las variables antropométricas (peso, altura, perímetro de cintura y cadera). Resultados: la muestra estuvo formada por 238 mujeres y 74 hombres todos ellos estudiantes universitarios de distintos títulos de grado. El 7,85% de los universitarios mostró una baja adherencia a la DM, el 48,4% media y el 43,8% alta. Los estudiantes de grado en Educación Primaria mostraron una mayor adherencia media a la DM; los estudiantes de grado en Enfermería tomaron más de una ración de verdura al día; y los de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos consumían una pieza de fruta al día. Teniendo en cuenta el sexo de los participantes, el 37,8% de las mujeres tomaban más de una verdura diaria y el 91,5% desayunaba bollería industrial; mientras que el 54,1% de los hombres tomaban frutos secos (al menos 2 o 3 veces por semana) y el 74,5% desayunaba todos los días. El 1,15% de los estudiantes mostró una calidad del desayuno pésima, el 17,65% mala, el 60,65% regular y el 20,45% buena, coincidiendo la buena calidad con el consumo de fruta en esta comida. Además, se observó una asociación significativa entre el tiempo y la calidad del desayuno, ya que aquellos estudiantes que dedicaban más de diez minutos a desayunar tomaban un desayuno de buena calidad. Conclusión: en este estudio se ha visto que la calidad del desayuno está estrechamente relacionada con el grado de adherencia al patrón dietético mediterráneo.