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SummaryDue to the enhanced labeling capability of maleimide-based fluorescent probes, lysine-cysteine-lysine (KCK) tags are frequently added to proteins for visualization. In this study, we employedin vitrosingle-molecule DNA flow-stretching assay as a sensitive way to assess the impact of the KCK-tag on the property of DNA-binding proteins. UsingBacillus subtilisParB as an example, we show that, although no noticeable changes were detected byin vivofluorescence imaging and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, the KCK-tag substantially altered ParB’s DNA compaction rates, its response to nucleotide binding and to the presence of the specific sequence (parS) on the DNA. While it is typically assumed that short peptide tags minimally perturb protein function, our results urge researchers to carefully validate the use of tags for protein labeling. Our comprehensive analysis can be expanded and used as a guide to assess the impacts of other tags on DNA-binding proteins in single-molecule assays.MotivationSingle-molecule fluorescence microscopy has been extensively used in modern biology to define the molecular action of proteins. Appending short peptide tags is a common strategy to enhance fluorescence labeling. In this Resources article, we evaluate the impact of a commonly used tag, the lysine-cysteine-lysine (KCK) tag, on protein behavior in single-molecule DNA flow-stretching assay, which is a sensitive and versatile method to understand the action of DNA-binding proteins. Our motivation is to provide researchers with an experimental framework to validate the fluorescently labeled DNA-binding proteins in single-molecule methods.

Background: Despite long-lasting efforts to disentangle the drivers of orchid pollination, pollination success in tropical dry forest orchids remains largely unknown. Questions and hypothesis: How successful are pollination in three tropical dry forest orchids? How is pollination influenced by floral display and floral rewards (as suggested by floral micromorphology)? We hypothesized a positive effect of floral display on pollinia removal and deposition rates. Studied species: Barkeria whartoniana (C. Schweinf.) Soto Arenas, Clowesia dodsoniana E. Aguirre, and Cyrtopodium macrobulbon (La Llave & Lex.) G.A. Romero & Carnevali. Study site and dates: Nizanda (Oaxaca), Mexico; flowering periods of 2013 and 2014. Methods: We calculated pollinia removal and deposition rates, identified floral visitors and analyzed flower microstructure to search for structures potentially producing rewards. Floral display was measured through number of open flowers, and number and length of inflorescences, and its effect on pollination success was assessed through linear modeling. Results: Pollinia removal rates were higher than deposition rates, and floral display was related to pollination success in C. dodsoniana only. Visitation rates were low for the three species and most visitors were not true pollinators. The three species possess potentially secreting structures, but for B. whartoniana and C. macrobulbon these rewards are likely part of the pollinator deception mechanism. Conclusions: The generalized low pollination success implies the need for high population densities of both interacting parts. We emphasize the need for integrated evaluations of different aspects of the plant-pollinator interaction.

Chloroperoxidase (CPO) is a haeme-thiolate enzyme able to catalyse the halogenation and oxidation of a wide range of organic substrates. In this work, the CPO-catalysed chlorination and bromination reaction of natural estrogens was characterised. Estradiol, estrone and equiline were efficiently converted to halogenated compounds in the presence of chloride or bromide and hydrogen peroxide. The catalytic efficiency of CPO in this reaction is similar to that measured for other aromatic substrates; as expected the bromination reaction proceeds more efficiently than the chlorination reaction. Three major products were detected for chlorination of estradiol; two of them were monohalogenated compounds while a third product was a dihalogenated compound at positions 2 and 4 of the aromatic ring A. Chlorinated compounds are not substrates for tyrosinase, suggesting that the halogenated form of estrogens is less susceptible to form

White mustard seeds is a rich source of the glucosinolate glucosinalbin, although these levels are reduced during seed germination. This study aimed to enrich glucosinolate contents of white mustard sprouts during 9 days of germination (22 ± 2ºC) using different elicitors. The effect of such elicitors on the carotenoid biosynthesis during germination was also studied. As chemical elicitors, methyljasmonate (MeJA-10–100 μM) and salicylic acid (SA-50–300 μM) were applied daily as a spray during germination (light/darkness photoperiod (16/8 h) or 24-h darkness). As an abiotic physical elicitor, UV-B radiation (52 kJ m-2) was applied on 8-days-old sprouts (photoperiod or darkness) followed by 24-h acclimatization. The cotyledon area/stem length was not affected by elicitor treatments. The highest glucosinalbin retention was achieved with MeJA-25 or SA-300 after 9 days under the photoperiod, and even enhanced up to 280% with UV-B. The highest carotenoid contents were achieved in MeJA-50 or SA-50 samples after 9 days under photoperiod. UV-B applied to MeJA-50 and SA-50 samples enhanced β-carotene/lutein contents by 560/280 and 620/350%, respectively, under the photoperiod. Glucosinolate and carotenoid enhancements with elicitors were lower during germination under darkness. Conclusively, germination with MeJA or SA enriched glucosinolate and carotenoid contents of white mustard and even increased after UV-B treatment. The authors express their gratitude to Conacyt (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Mexico) for a doctoral grant (521486/2018) made to Francisco Daniel Miranda. The authors express their gratitude to CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil) for a doctoral grant (232758/2014-0) made to Tâmmila Venzke Klug. The technical assistance of Francisca Andreo is also highly appreciated.

Este estudio busca profundizar en el conocimiento de la segregación escolar por nivel socioeconómico (NSE) en Lima Metropolitana. Para ello, se estimó la magnitud de la segregación socioeconómica en las escuelas de este ámbito considerando el nivel educativo (primaria / secundaria), tipo de gestión (pública / privada), costo de pensiones (escuelas privadas) y zonificación geográfica. Se utilizó el índice socioeconómico de los estudiantes recogido en la Evaluación Censal de Estudiantes 2018. La estimación de la segregación se realizó a través del Índice de Disimilitud, del Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase y del Índice de Aislamiento. También se categorizó a las escuelas por su condición de segregación socioeconómica. Aunque los resultados varían según el índice utilizado, en general se encontró que existe una mayor segregación socioeconómica en las escuelas primarias que en las secundarias. La segregación no es un fenómeno uniforme, pues se manifiesta de manera diferenciada según el tipo de gestión de la escuela. Si bien se registran fuertes indicios de segregación tanto en escuelas públicas como privadas, en estas últimas son mayores para ambos niveles educativos. Respecto a las zonas geográficas, los índices de segregación tienden a valores más elevados en aquellas que concentran una mayor proporción de estudiantes de NSE más alto. No obstante, los estudiantes con NSE más bajo tienen una mayor probabilidad de coincidir con pares de su mismo estatus socioeconómico que asisten a escuelas de los distritos periféricos de Lima Metropolitana. En todos los distritos analizados al menos la tercera parte de las escuelas primarias y la cuarta parte de las de secundaria se encuentran en condición de segregación.

Se presentan los resultados de un estudio documental que desde la sociología crítica dela política educativa investiga la relación entre la (in)equidad en el acceso y la permanencia. Apartir de una selección de 180 ponencias presentadas en la Conferencia Latinoamericana sobre elAbandono en la Educación Superior (CLABES) entre 2011 y 2019, que utilizan el término“nivela…”, se indaga sobre la construcción del problema de la “nivelación”. Como resultado sepresenta una descripción temática del problema representado, el que con una fuerte influencia dediscursos del déficit estudiantil se estructura en torno a metáforas de “brechas” y “desniveles” queubican al sujeto de nivelación en los niveles inferiores. Al describir a la educación secundaria comouna de baja calidad y a grupos históricamente marginados como académica y socialmentevulnerables, las nivelaciones se construyen con una racionalidad que externaliza del currículumformal y el aula regular los desafíos formativos de estudiantes de perfiles no tradicionales. Estosresultados se comparten en CLABES para motivar la reflexión sobre los discursos del déficit comouna barrera para la mejora educativa y un potencial mecanismo de reproducción de desigualdad.

Se presentan los resultados de un estudio documental sobre políticas Latinoamericanasde Educación Superior (ES) que prescriben alguna forma de “nivelación”, para describir el terrenoque enmarca la interpretación a nivel institucional de la articulación entre la admisión y laformación universitaria. Por medio de la sistematización de 41 documentos oficiales, asociados a 20políticas de 12 países, se identifican un conjunto de prescripciones que delimitan tres patrones denivelación: preuniversitarios, ciclos iniciales y apoyos suplementarios. A partir de estos resultadosse argumenta que las nivelaciones representan tres problemas diferentes: el problema de lapreparación necesaria para la admisión, el de la formación necesaria para la ES y el de lapreparación insuficiente para el currículum de entrada. Los últimos dos constituyen problemasincompatibles, en la medida que involucran hacer de la nivelación un asunto curricular, o bien,externalizarlo a dispositivos suplementarios. Con estos resultados se busca contribuir a mostrarcómo las políticas de ES prescriben distintas nivelaciones, pero también, son posibles de interpretarde distintas formas a nivel institucional.

The municipality of Ciénaga de Oro is located in the department of Córdoba-Colombia, it has a population of 63,031 inhabitants, known nationally as a land of charm thanks to its cultural and religious traditions. "The National Heritage Council declared the celebration of Holy Week in the municipality of Ciénaga de Oro, in Córdoba, as Intangible Cultural Heritage of all Colombians" (Oscar, 2019) The decision was made after several years of investigations that allowed the state recognition of this population located in the Metropolitan area of Monteria, this achievement is attributed in its vast majority to the people who transmit their knowledge and experiences to the youngest. The elderly represent a fairly broad population sector in the municipality, it is thanks to them that many of our traditions remain in force, for this reason, we seek to provide them with a health service as they deserve it. "Improving care in the health system benefits for the elderly in the municipality of Ciénaga de Oro" is the primary objective of this social project The grandparent's health care center will be in charge of prioritizing the care and care of the elderly, carrying out psycho-emotional accompaniment to their families, and managing the requests they present to their EPS in addition to monitoring them until they reach a happy term. In the same way, this center is in charge of requesting from the Ministry of Health, constant training in favor of the care and attention of the elderly population for the medical personnel present in the hospitals and health centers of Ciénaga de Oro. The municipal mayor of Ciénaga de Oro will allocate part of his resources to this sector of the population, framing it in his development plan to comply with SDG number 3 (Health and wellbeing); The same ODS that are aimed at this project, the idea is to achieve an alliance with this public entity that facilitates the execution of a schedule of activities where the grandparents are involved. Performing folkloric shows, sporting events, and mental agility competitions are some of the actions that are sought to be carried out throughout this social project. This to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and allow them to have healthy eating and recreation habits. Our beneficiary population will be contacted through advertising channels frequently used by them, such as the local radio station, newspaper articles, and advertising posts in places frequented by them. The center for the care of the health of the grandparents seeks to be perceived as "The friendliest and closest service for the elderly" Lista de figuras............................................................................................................................................... 7 Resumen........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Abstract....................................................................................................................................................... 10 Introducción ................................................................................................................................................ 12 Identificación y descripción del problema .................................................................................................. 13 Caso del señor Daniel Miranda ............................................................................................................... 13 Caso de la señora María Gómez.............................................................................................................. 14 Entrevista al señor Daniel y a la señora María........................................................................................ 14 Antecedentes de investigación ................................................................................................................... 15 Justificación ................................................................................................................................................. 20 Objetivo general.......................................................................................................................................... 22 Objetivo especifico...................................................................................................................................... 22 Geografía..................................................................................................................................................... 23 Población beneficiaria................................................................................................................................. 23 Árbol de problema ...................................................................................................................................... 24 Árbol de objetivos....................................................................................................................................... 27 Cuadro de involucrados............................................................................................................................... 30 Cooperación internacional .......................................................................................................................... 33 Cuadro de alternativas de solución............................................................................................................. 41 Cuadro de evaluación.................................................................................................................................. 43 Innovación organizacional........................................................................................................................... 45 Tácticas de comunicación............................................................................................................................ 46 Pirámide de propósito de marca................................................................................................................. 47 Post publicitario........................................................................................................................................... 48 Cronograma de implementación del proyecto ........................................................................................... 49 Cronograma de actividades del centro ...................................................................................................... 51 Conclusiones................................................................................................................................................ 54 Bibliografía................................................................................................................................................... 55 El municipio de ciénaga de oro está ubicado en el departamento de Córdoba-Colombia, cuenta con una población de 63.031 habitantes, conocido a nivel nacional como tierra de encanto gracias a sus tradiciones culturales y religiosas. “El Consejo Nacional de Patrimonio declaró la celebración de la Semana Santa en el municipio de Ciénaga de Oro, en Córdoba, como Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de todos los colombianos” (Oscar, 2019) La decisión fue tomada luego de varios años de investigaciones que le permitieron el reconocimiento estatal a esta población ubicada en el área Metropolitana de Montería, este logro se le atribuye en su gran mayoría a las personas que trasmiten sus conocimientos y vivencias a los más jóvenes. Los adultos mayores representan un sector poblacional bastante amplio en el municipio, es gracias a ellos que siguen vigentes muchas de nuestras tradiciones por esta razón se busca brindarles un servicio de salud como se lo merecen. “Mejorar la atención en las prestaciones del sistema de salud para las personas de la tercera edad del municipio de ciénaga de oro” es el objetivo primordial de este proyecto social El centro de cuidado para la salud de los abuelitos se encargara de priorizar la atención y cuidados de los adultos mayores, realizar acompañamiento psico-emocional para sus familias y gestionar las peticiones que ellos interponen ante sus EPS además de darles seguimiento hasta que estas lleguen a feliz término. De igual forma este centro se encarga de solicitar ante el ministerio de salud constates capacitaciones en pro del cuidado y atención de la población mayor para el personal médico presente en los hospitales y centros de salud de ciénaga de oro. Así mismo la alcaldía municipal de ciénaga de oro destinara parte de sus recursos a este sector de la población enmarcándolo en su plan de desarrollo con el fin de dar cumplimiento al ODS número3 (Salud y bienestar); el mismo ODS al que se apunta con este proyecto, la idea es lograr aun alianza con este ente público que nos facilite la ejecución de un cronograma de actividades donde se involucran a los abuelitos. Realizar muestras folclóricas, encuentros deportivos, y competencias de agilidad mental son algunas de las acciones que se buscan llevar a cabo a lo largo de este proyecto social. Esto con el fin de evitar el sedentarismo y brindarles la oportunidad de tener hábitos de recreación y alimentación saludables. Nuestra población beneficiaria será contactada por medio de canales de publicidad de uso frecuente para ellos como la emisora local, artículos de prensa y post publicitarios en lugares frecuentados por ellos. El centro para el cuidado de la salud de los abuelitos busca ser percibido como “El servicio más amigable y cercano para los adultos mayores” Pregrado Administrador(a) en Finanzas y Negocios Internacionales Monografías

Clenbuterol is present in animal tissues and organs and, therefore, potentially present in gelatin derived from animal sources. The objective of this study was to develop a method for identify an quantify traces of clenbuterol in gelatin and jellies. The clenbuterol calibration curve showed linearity in the range of 20–1000 pg mL−1. The detection and quantification limits were 5 pg g−1 and 10 pg g−1, respectively. The recovery of the analyte ranged from 93.4 to 98.7% with an intra-day RSD% (n = 4) of 1.25%-3.25%, and an inter-day RSD% (n = 12) of 0.5%-2.25%, with good linearity (R2 = 0.99). The method developed and validated was successfully applied in 54 gelatin samples, 57.4% of which showed clenbuterol. This UHPLC-MS/MS method combines high sensitivity with good selectivity and short chromatographic run time.

En una primera parte de la tesis se hace mención a algunos antecedentes que conforman la prehistoria de las ratificaciones, con relación a la Carta de 1920 sobre el control de la idoneidad y conducta de los jueces. Siempre con carácter histórico se analizará el nacimiento constitucional de las ratificaciones judiciales a partir de los debates de la Asamblea Constituyente de 1919. Antes de la promulgación de la Carta de 1920 se dio una situación muy especial porque la Corte Suprema se anticipó e inició las ratificaciones afines de 1919. Durante la vigencia de la Constitución de 1920 se dieron las ratificaciones de 1924, 1929 y las extraordinarias de 1930. En el mismo sentido se analizará la Constitución de 1933 y las ratificaciones de 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952 (por su importancia se hará mención especial a la no ratificación del doctor Pompeyo Osores), 1957, 1962, 1967, y la extraordinaria de 1970. Se hará un estudio en cuanto a las ratificaciones que ordenó la Constitución de 1979: las de los integrantes de la Corte Suprema por el Senado en 1980 y las de los demás jueces de la república por la Corte Suprema en 1982. Aquí propiamente concluye el estudio histórico de las ratificaciones. La Constitución de 1993 otorgó competencias para ratificar al Consejo Nacional de la Magistratura. Después de analizar el debate constitucional se procederá a estudiar la actuación de ese organismo y la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional y posteriormente la intervención de la Comisión interamericana de Derechos Humanos y los casos sometidos a la Corte Interamericana. El estudio sobre lo sucedido entonces carece de perspectiva histórica por lo reciente de los sucesos. Se analizará la opinión de la doctrina nacional y extranjera acerca de la inamovilidad judicial y su relación con las ratificaciones. A continuación, se hará un ejercicio de prospección a futuro sobre las funciones que cumplirá la Junta Nacional de Justicia y finalmente: Se hace un breve análisis de las ratificaciones judiciales en México, según reforma incorporada a su constitución y en República Dominicana conforme lo dispone su última constitución.

The design and simulation of a multifunctional system for the machining of mechanical parts and printing in 3D (x, y, z) using CAD software Solid works, was used to determine the static behavior of the system with the analysis of tension, deformation, displacement, safety factor, buckling, fatigue and frequency. For the above, it was determined that the lateral base supports a tension of 3.5x108 Pa, causing a displacement of 25 mm and an equivalent unit strain (ESTRN) of 0.0012. And the base guiding a cumulative damage of 300% of deterioration that reduces its useful life to a range between 1x106 and 1x1065 utility cycles and a safety factor (F S) between 104.632 to 7869.86. On the other hand, the transverse base has a maximum cumulative damage percentage of 4.10535 and a life cycle range ranging from 24358.5 to 1x106 with a minimum SF of 5974 El diseño y la simulación de un sistema multifuncional para el mecanizado de piezas mecánicas y la impresión en 3D (x, y, z) utilizando el software CAD Solid works, se utilizó para determinar el comportamiento estático del sistema con el análisis de tensión, deformación, desplazamiento, factor de seguridad, pandeo, fatiga y frecuencia. Para lo anterior, se determinó que la base lateral soporta una tensión de 3.5x108 Pa, causando un desplazamiento de 25 mm y una tensión unitaria equivalente (ESTRN) de 0.0012. La base guía un daño acumulado del 300% del deterioro, reduce su vida útil a un rango entre 1x106 y 1x1065 ciclos de utilidad y un factor de seguridad (F S) entre 104.632 a 7869.86. Por otro lado, la base transversal tiene un porcentaje de daño acumulado máximo de 4.10535 y un rango de ciclo de vida que varía de 24358.5 a 1x106 con un SF mínimo de 5974

[SPA] En los últimos años se ha experimentado un notable interés en los germinados de semillas por ser productos muy nutritivos y saludables, siendo incluso más ricos en compuestos beneficiosos para la salud que la planta desarrollada como es el caso de las crucíferas. El presente trabajo estudia el efecto del metil jasmonato (MJ), como elicitor químico, durante la germinación de brotes de mostaza en condiciones de ciclo de luz normal y oscuridad. Los germinados CTRL presentaron la mayor longitud de hipocótilo tanto bajo condiciones de luz (6,31 cm) como de oscuridad (9,51 cm), mientras que las diferentes concentraciones de MJ supusieron una disminución, siendo mayores bajo la condición de luz. El porcentaje de germinación en el CTRL fue del 97,3% tanto en condiciones de luz y oscuridad mientras que con MJ disminuyeron hasta valores de 93,5-95% en condición de oscuridad. Mientras, que en condiciones de luz se mantuvo constante. Según estos datos preliminares, el MJ no influyó significativamente en la productividad, siendo por tanto muy interesante su estudio como estrés abiótico para potenciar los compuestos bioactivos en futuros ensayos. [ENG] In recent years there has been a notable interest in sprouts for being very nutritious and healthy products. The sprouts are richer in bioactive compounds than the developed plant. The propose of this work was to study the effect of methyl jasmonate (MJ), as a chemical elicitor, during the germination of mustard seeds under the normal light and dark conditions. The CTRL sprouts had the longest hypocotyl length under both light (6.31) and dark (9.51 cm) conditions, while the different concentrations of MJ resulted in a decrease of the hypocotyl length, being greater under the light condition. The percentage of germination in the CTRL was 97.3% in both light and dark conditions while with MJ they tended to decrease to values of 93.5-95% in dark condition. However, the germination percentage remained constant in light conditions. According to these preliminary data, MJ did not significantly influence in the productivity, being therefore very interesting its study as abiotic stress to enhance bioactive compounds in future trials. Se agradece la financiación a la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia a través del Programa Regional de Fomento de la Investigación Científica y Técnica de la Fundación Séneca-Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Región de Murcia (Proyecto Ref 20849/PI/18). Se agradece igualmente al Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad la concesión de un contrato predoctoral a Noelia Castillejo (FPU/04763).

Blastose, a natural disaccharide found in honey, is usually found as a byproduct of fructo-oligosaccharide synthesis from sucrose with fructosyltransferases. In this study, we describe a novel two-step biosynthetic route to obtain blastose, designed from a detailed observation of B. subtilis levansucrase (SacB) acceptor structural requirements for fructosylation. The strategy consisted first in the synthesis of the trisaccharide O-β-d-Fruf-(2↔6)-O-α-d-Glcp-(1↔1)-α-d-Glcp, through a regioselective β-d-transfructosylation of trehalose (Tre) which acts as acceptor in a reaction catalyzed by SacB using sucrose or levan as fructosyl donor. In this reaction, levansucrase (LS) transfers regioselectively a fructosyl residue to either C6-OH group of the glucose residues in Tre. The resulting trisaccharide obtained in 23% molar yield based on trehalose, was purified and fully characterized by extensive NMR studies. In the second step, the trisaccharide is specifically hydrolyzed by trehalase, to obtain blastose in 43.2% molar yield based on the trisaccharide. This is the first report describing the formation of blastose through a sequential transfuctosylation-hydrolysis reaction.

BACKGROUND Cyclic aromatic disulfides (CAD) can be used as cross-linking agents or precursors for the synthesis of high temperature resistant polymers such as poly(phenylene disulfides) (PPD). Chemical synthesis of CAD relies on the use of corrosive agents, detrimental for the environment. This paper reports an environment friendly chemoenzymatic procedure to obtain PPD starting from simple aromatic dithiols. RESULTS The enzymatic reaction was carried out in an aqueous mixture with acetonitrile as co-solvent, using 1,4- and 1,3-benzenedithiol as monomers and a fungal laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) as catalyst. The products obtained were identified as mainly cyclic aromatic disulfides. Thermal analysis suggested that the enzymatically-synthesized CAD display thermal stability and are amenable precursors of high molecular weight sulfur-containing polymers through solvent-free, melt ring opening polymerization (mROP). After mROP, polymeric molecules around 12.8 kDa were obtained and identified as PPD. The resultant PPD shows uniform size, resistance to temperatures up to 400 °C and electrical insulating properties. CONCLUSION Laccase-catalyzed synthesis of CAD represents a novel reaction, not previously described elsewhere for oxidoreductases. A 100% substrate conversion was achieved under mild reaction conditions and no over-oxidation of CAD was observed, representing an advantage over chemical synthesis. The CAD products precipitated completely from the reaction medium, thus simplifying the purification process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) were investigated as new reaction media for the synthesis of alkyl glycosides catalyzed by the thermostable &alpha, amylase from Thermotoga maritima Amy A. The enzyme was almost completely deactivated when assayed in a series of pure DES, but as cosolvents, DES containing alcohols, sugars, and amides as hydrogen-bond donors (HBD) performed best. A choline chloride:urea based DES was further characterized for the alcoholysis reaction using methanol as a nucleophile. As a cosolvent, this DES increased the hydrolytic and alcoholytic activity of the enzyme at low methanol concentrations, even when both activities drastically dropped when methanol concentration was increased. To explain this phenomenon, variable-temperature, circular dichroism characterization of the protein was conducted, finding that above 60 &deg, C, Amy A underwent large conformational changes not observed in aqueous medium. Thus, 60 &deg, C was set as the temperature limit to carry out alcoholysis reactions. Higher DES contents at this temperature had a detrimental but differential effect on hydrolysis and alcoholysis reactions, thus increasing the alcoholyisis/hydrolysis ratio. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of DES and temperature on an enzyme in which structural studies made it possible to establish the temperature limit for a thermostable enzyme in DES.

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) were investigated as new reaction media for the synthesis of alkyl glycosides catalyzed by the thermostable α-amylase from Thermotoga maritima Amy A. The enzyme was almost completely deactivated when assayed in a series of pure DES, but as cosolvents, DES containing alcohols, sugars, and amides as hydrogen-bond donors (HBD) performed best. A choline chloride:urea based DES was further characterized for the alcoholysis reaction using methanol as a nucleophile. As a cosolvent, this DES increased the hydrolytic and alcoholytic activity of the enzyme at low methanol concentrations, even when both activities drastically dropped when methanol concentration was increased. To explain this phenomenon, variable-temperature, circular dichroism characterization of the protein was conducted, finding that above 60 °C, Amy A underwent large conformational changes not observed in aqueous medium. Thus, 60 °C was set as the temperature limit to carry out alcoholysis reactions. Higher DES contents at this temperature had a detrimental but differential effect on hydrolysis and alcoholysis reactions, thus increasing the alcoholyisis/hydrolysis ratio. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of DES and temperature on an enzyme in which structural studies made it possible to establish the temperature limit for a thermostable enzyme in DES.

A new potassium permanganate–based ethylene (C2H4) scavenger was developed using sepiolite as support material. The effects of the scavenger on the main quality attributes of ‘Mirlo naranja’ apricots were evaluated in combination with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 2 °C and under air packaging conditions at 15 °C. In–package gas composition, physicochemical traits (weight loss, fruit firmness, skin colour, pH, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solid content (SSC) and SSC/TA ratio, fungal incidence and sensory analysis), were monitored throughout storage. Results were compared with those obtained by using a commercial scavenger. As control, no scavengers were used. The results showed that both scavengers could achieve undetectable C2H4 concentrations within MAP packages at 2 °C. Overall, C2H4 removal resulted in a significant decrease in fruit weight loss, delayed TA decrease and led to lower SSC/TA ratio increase, while no effect was observed on fruit softening. In addition, the 15 °C–stored apricots also exhibited a lower pH increase, a decrease in C* colour parameter and less fungal incidence as a consequence of a C2H4–free environment. Furthermore, the developed scavenger reduced SSC changes of 15 °C–stored fruit, delayed fungal incidence at 2 °C, and maintained higher sensory quality during storage, maintaining good quality up to 36 d at 2 °C or 14 d at 15 °C. Accordingly, the developed C2H4 scavenger could be a good mean to delay ripening process of fresh apricots, and probably other C2H4 sensitive fruit, prolonging their postharvest storability and improving consumer acceptability.