Artificial light impacts the physical and nutritional quality of lettuce plants

Daymi Camejo,Antonio Frutos,Teresa C. Mestre,María del Carmen Piñero,Rosa M. Rivero,Vicente Martínez 한국원예학회 2020 Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology Vol.61 No.1

Leafy vegetables, including lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), are considered to be healthy due to their high content of fiber, folate, carotenoids, phenolic and antioxidant compounds, minerals, and vitamins A, C, and K. Recently, LEDs are being used extensively as a supplementary light source in indoor agriculture due to the economical and physiological advantages that this artificial illumination offers compared to traditional fluorescence illumination. In this work, two commercially important lettuce varieties, Batavia Lettony (green leaves) and Batavia Diablotin (red leaves), were used to study the impact of LEDs (white and red–blue lights) and fluorescent illumination on their quality and health properties. Changes in the photosynthetic photon flux density from 250 to 400 µmol m−2 s−1 of fluorescent light increased growth parameters (leaf number, fresh and dry weight, and percentage of dry matter) of B. Lettony plants. We observed a positive impact of red–blue LED illumination on growth parameters analyzed in B. Diablotin plants compared to plants grown under fluorescent light at 250 µmol m−2 s−1. Leaf texture significantly increased in B. Lettony plants grown under 400 µmol m−2 s−1 fluorescent and LED illumination compared to that of plants grown under 250 µmol m−2 s−1 fluorescent light. This variable was only increased under red–blue LED illumination in B. Diablotin plants. Accumulation of bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and vitamin C, was higher in B. Diablotin plants grown under 250 µmol m−2 s−1 fluorescent light. Nutrient content in the foliar part was not modified under the light conditions used, except the Ca2+ content of B. Lettony plants grown under PPFD 400 µmol m−2 s−1 fluorescent light. Catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) activities were differentially modified by light conditions in B. Lettony plants. However, POX activity was only modified in response to light conditions in B. Diablotin plants. Thus, this study demonstrates that LEDs could be used as an alternative to produce food under sustainable conditions. In this sense, although several horticultural studies have been conducted to establish the effectiveness of LEDs in lettuce growth, additional investigations are necessary to determine the optimal conditions for the use of LEDs to promote lettuce production and the accumulation of beneficial components, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidant compounds.

Obesity-Induced Peritoneal Dissemination of Ovarian Cancer and Dominant Recruitment of Macrophages in Ascites

Rosa Mistica C. Ignacio,이은숙,Andrew J. Wilson,Alicia Beeghly-Fadiel,Margaret M. Whalen,손덕수 대한면역학회 2018 Immune Network Vol.18 No.6

One-fifth of cancer deaths are associated with obesity. Because the molecular mechanisms by which obesity affects the progression of ovarian cancer (OC) are poorly understood, we investigated if obesity could promote the progression of OC cells using the postmenopausal ob/ob mouse model and peritoneal dissemination of mouse ID8 OC cells. Compared to lean mice, obese mice had earlier OC occurrence, greater metastasis throughout the peritoneal cavity, a trend toward shorter survival, and higher circulating glucose and proinflammatory chemokine CXCL1 levels. Ascites in obese mice had higher levels of macrophages (Mφ) and chemokines including CCL2, CXCL12, CXCL13, G-CSF and M-CSF. Omental tumor tissues in obese mice had more adipocytes than lean mice. Our data suggest that obesity may accelerate the peritoneal dissemination of OC through higher production of pro-inflammatory chemokines and Mφ recruitment.

Correlation between pr1 and pr2 Gene Content and Virulence in Metarhizium anisopliae Strains

( Ninfa M Rosas Garcia ),( Osvaldo Avalos De Leon ),( Jesus M Villegas Mendoza ),( Maribel Mireles Martinez ),( J E Barboza Corona ),( J C Castaneda Ramirez ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.11

Metarhizium anisopliae is a widely studied model to understand the virulence factors that participate in pathogenicity. Proteases such as subtilisin-like enzymes (Pr1) and trypsin-like enzymes (Pr2) are considered important factors for insect cuticle degradation. In four M. anisopliae strains (798, 6342, 6345, and 6347), the presence of pr1 and pr2 genes, as well as the enzymatic activity of these genes, was correlated with their virulence against two different insect pests. The 11 pr1 genes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K) and pr2 gene were found in all strains. The activity of individual Pr1 and Pr2 proteases exhibited variation in time (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) and in the presence or absence of chitin as the inductor. The highest Pr1 enzymatic activity was shown by strain 798 at 48 h with chitin. The highest Pr2 enzymatic activity was exhibited by the 6342 and 6347 strains, both grown with chitin at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Highest mortality on S. exigua was caused by strain 6342 at 48 h, and strains 6342, 6345, and 6347 caused the highest mortality 7 days later. Mortality on Prosapia reached 30% without variation. The presence of subtilisin and trypsin genes and the activity of these proteases in M. anisopliae strains cannot be associated with the virulence against the two insect pests. Probably, subtilisin and trypsin enzyme production is not a vital factor for pathogenicity, but its contribution is important to the pathogenicity process.

Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) Prevents Oxidative and DNA Damage to Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells

Beatriz da Silva Rosa Bonadiman,Cláudia Chaves,Charles Elias Assmann,Grazielle Castagna Cezimbra Weis,Audrei de Oliveira Alves,Amanda Leitão Gindri,Cláudio Chaves,Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz,Ariane 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Journal of medicinal food Vol.24 No.10

Eye diseases have a negative impact on the eyesight quality of the world population. The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) draws special attention since it is a chronic disorder characterized by oxidative and inflammatory damage to the retinal epithelial pigment, which triggers progressive vision loss. In the Brazilian Amazon, Astrocaryum aculeatum is an Amazonian fruit (Tucumã) used by riverside communities in traditional medicine to treat a number of ailments. These communities have recently shown to have increased longevity and reduced prevalence of age-related morbidity. Thus, the aim of this research was to chemically characterize and analyze the in vitro antioxidant effect and molecular damage prevention of the Tucumã ethanolic extract in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in a model for AMD. The extract was chemically characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with diode-array detection and mass spectrophotometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). In vitro protocols were performed, and the cytopreventive effect of Tucumã on RPE cells exposed to high concentrations of superoxide anion, an oxidant and genotoxic molecule, as well as the effect of Tucumã extract on oxidative and molecular makers were assessed. Biochemical and flow cytometry analyses were conducted in these protocols. The extract presents high concentrations of caffeic acid, gallic acid, catechin, luteolin, quercetin, and rutin. Treatment did not show cytotoxic effects in cells treated only with extract at 50 μg/mL. In fact, it improved cell viability and was able to prevent necrosis and apoptosis, and oxidative and molecular damage was significantly reduced. In summary, Tucumã is an important Amazon fruit, which seems to contribute significantly to improve human health conditions, as our findings suggest that its extract has a relevant chemical matrix rich in antioxidant molecules, and its consumption could improve eye health and contribute to prevention against oxidative stress through cytoprevention, reactive oxygen species reduction, and maintenance of DNA integrity in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.

Long-term evolution of continence and quality of life after sphincteroplasty for obstetric fecal incontinence

Vicente Pla-Martí,Jose Martín-Arévalo,Rosa Martí-Fernández,David Moro-Valdezate,Stephanie García-Botello,Alejandro Espí-Macías,Miguel Mínguez-Pérez,Maria Dolores Ruiz-Carmona,Jose Vicente Roig-Vila 대한대장항문학회 2022 Annals of Coloproctolgy Vol.38 No.1

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the long-term evolution of continence and patient’s quality of life after surgical treatment for obstetric fecal incontinence. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted including consecutive patients who underwent sphincteroplasty for severe obstetric fecal incontinence. The first phase analyzed changes in continence and impact on quality of life. The second phase studied the long-term evolution reevaluating the same group of patients 6 years later. Degree of fecal incontinence was calculated using the Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS). Quality of life assessment was carried out with the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale. Results: Thirty-five patients with median age of 55 years (range, 28 to 73 years) completed the study. Phase 1 results: after a postoperative follow-up of 30 months (4 to 132 months), CCS had improved significantly from a preoperative of 15.7±3.1 to 6.1±5.0 (P<0.001). Phase 2 results: median follow-up in phase 2 was 110 months (76 to 204 months). The CCS lowered to 8.4±4.9 (P=0.04). There were no significant differences between phases 1 and 2 in terms of quality of life; lifestyle (3.47± 0.75 vs. 3.16±1.04), coping/behavior (3.13±0.83 vs. 2.80±1.09), depression/self-perception (3.65±0.80 vs. 3.32± 0.98), and embarrassment (3.32±0.90 vs. 3.12±1.00). Conclusion: Sphincteroplasty offers good short-medium term outcomes in continence and quality of life for obstetric fecal incontinence treatment. Functional clinical results deteriorate over time but did not impact on patients’ quality of life.

Correlation between Topographic Parameters Obtained by Back Surface Topography Based on Structured Light and Radiographic Variables in the Assessment of Back Morphology in Young Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis

Laura Pino-Almero,María Fe Mínguez-Rey,Rosa María Cibrián-Ortiz de Anda,María Rosario Salvador-Palmer,Salvador Sentamans-Segarra 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.2

Study Design: Optical cross-sectional study. Purpose: To study the correlation between asymmetry of the back (measured by means of surface topography) and deformity of the spine (quantified by the Cobb angle). Overview of Literature: The Cobb angle is considered the gold standard in diagnosis and follow-up of scoliosis but does not correctly characterize the three-dimensional deformity of scoliosis. Furthermore, the exposure to ionizing radiation may cause harmful effects particularly during the growth stage, including breast cancer and other tumors. Methods: Patients aged 13.15±1.96 years (range, 7–17 years; n=88) with Cobb angle greater than 10° were evaluated with X-rays and our back surface topography method through three variables: axial plane (DHOPI), coronal plane (POTSI), and profile plane (PC). Pearson’s correlation was applied to determine the correlation between topographic and radiographic variables. One-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni correction were used to compare groups with different grades of scoliosis. Significance was set at p <0.01 and, in some cases, at p <0.05. Results: We detected a positive, statistically significant correlation between Cobb angle with DHOPI (r =0.810) and POTSI (r =0.629) and between PC variables with thoracic kyphosis angle (r =0.453) and lordosis lumbar angle (r =0.275). In addition, we found statistically significant differences for DHOPI and POTSI variables according to the grade of scoliosis. Conclusions: Although the back surface topography method cannot substitute for radiographs in the diagnosis of scoliosis, correlations between radiographic and topographic parameters suggest that it offers additional quantitative data that may complement radiologic study.

Quality of biosafety guidelines for dental clinical practice throughout the world in the early COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

Soares Renata Cristina,Rocha Juliana Schaia,da Rosa Saulo Vinicius,Gonçalves Jéssica Rodrigues da Silva Noll,Perlas Condori Priscilla Lesly,Ribeiro Ana Elisa,Moysés Samuel Jorge,Baldani Márcia 한국역학회 2021 Epidemiology and Health Vol.43 No.-

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related biosafety guidelines for dental clinical practice in the early stage of the pandemic, focusing on quality assessment. METHODS: Electronic (via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database, Brazilian Library in Dentistry, and Cochrane Library) and gray literature searches were performed for documents published up to May 12, 2020. Guidelines updated until April 17, 2021 were identified. Documents were included as guidelines if they (1) consisted of a set of statements, directions, or principles presenting current or future rules or policy; (2) were developed by government agencies, institutions, organizations, or expert panels; and (3) were related to the general conduct of health care activities rather a particular condition. Two researchers, using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II, independently extracted the recommendations and evaluated the quality of the guidelines. RESULTS: Twenty-seven documents from 19 countries were included in the review. These documents presented 122 recommendations related to (1) professional biosafety; (2) patients’/companions’ safety; (3) the organization and biosafety of the physical dental facility environment; and (4) the work process in dental care. Overall, the scientific quality of the guidelines was considered low. Some recommendations presented in these guidelines would require further research to establish their effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: We found a wide variety of biosafety guidelines for dental practice regarding COVID-19

Copper nanoparticles supported on biocarbon film from Sargassum spp. and its electrochemical activity in reducing CO2

Velueta D. A. Pantoja,Ramírez S. J. Figueroa,Sierra J. M.,Escobar B.,Ucán C. A. Aguilar,Rosas G. 한국탄소학회 2022 Carbon Letters Vol.32 No.6

The biocarbon (SKPH) was obtained from Sargassum spp., and it was evaluated electrochemically as support for the CO2 reduction. The biocarbon was synthesized and activated with KOH, obtaining a high surface area (1600 m2 g−1) due to the activation process. Graphitic carbon formation after pyrolysis was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The XRD results show that SKPH has an amorphous structure with peaks corresponding to typical amorphous carbonaceous materials. FTIR was used to determine the chemical structure of SKPH. The bands at 3426, 2981, 2851, and 1604 cm−1 correspond to O–H, C-H, and C-O stretching vibrations, respectively. Then, it compares SKPH films with different carbon films using two electrolytic systems with and without charge transfer. The SKPH film showed a capacitive behavior in the KOH, H2SO4, and, KCl systems; in the acid medium, the presence of a redox couple associated with carbon functional groups was shown. Likewise, in the [Fe(CN)6]−3 and Cu(II) systems, the charge transfer process coupled with a capacitive behavior was described, and this effect is more noticeable in the [Fe(CN)6]−3 system. Electrodeposition of copper on SKPH film showed two stages Cu(NH3)2+4 /Cu(NH3)+2 and Cu(NH3)+2/Cu in ammonia media. Hydrogen formation and the activity of CO2 are observed on SKPH film and are favored by the carbon’s surface chemistry. Cu/SKPH electrocatalyst has a catalytic effect on electrochemical reduction of CO2 and inhibition of hydrogen formation. This study showed that the SKPH film electrode responds as a capacitive material that can be used as an electrode for energy storage or as metal support.

Isolation of IgG Antibodies to Toxocara in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients with Acute Anterior Uveitis

Francisco-Javier Jiménez-Balderas,Janete García-Jaimes,Rita Ríos,Abraham Zonana-Nacach,Raquel Tapia-,Nayeli Villanueva,Patricia Méndez-Samperio,Jorge-Luis de-la-Rosa-Arana 대한안과학회 2014 Korean Journal of Ophthalmology Vol.28 No.3

Purpose: Since few reports had been published on the prevalence of toxocariasis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS)patients with acute non-granulomatous anterior uveitis (ANGAU), the aim of this work was to determine thepresence of antibodies against Toxocara canis in AS patients with ANGAU. Methods: Thirty-six patients (14 female and 22 male) with AS were enrolled in the study. The history of ANGAUwas accepted only if diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. The detection of IgG antibodies to T. canis was determinedby enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, antibodies to Ascaris lumbricoides were alsotested to verify non-specific reactions. Results: The prevalence of ANGAU in the AS patients was 58% (21 / 36), and 38% (8 / 21) of the patients withANGAU were positive for antibodies to Toxocara, while 7% (1 / 15) of AS patients without ANGAU were positivefor T. canis (p = 0.038, two tails; mid-p exact). No antibodies were detected to A. lumbricoides antigens inthe serum samples of patients with AS. Conclusions: These data suggest that the seroprevalence of antibodies to T. canis is high in Mexican patientswith AS-associated uveitis, suggesting a chronic asymptomatic toxocariosis, which could be associated withthe pathogenesis of ANGAU; however, further larger-scale studies are needed to confirm this observation.

Chemokine Network and Overall Survival in TP53 Wild-Type and Mutant Ovarian Cancer

Rosa Mistica C. Ignacio,이은숙,Andrew J. Wilson,Alicia Beeghly-Fadiel,Margaret M. Whalen,손덕수 대한면역학회 2018 Immune Network Vol.18 No.4

Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate among gynecological malignancies. Because chemokine network is involved in OC progression, we evaluated associations between chemokine expression and survival in tumor suppressor protein p53 (TP53) wild-type (TP53WT) and mutant (TP53m) OC datasets. TP53 was highly mutated in OC compared to other cancer types. Among OC subtypes, CXCL14 was predominantly expressed in clear cell OC, and CCL15 and CCL20 in mucinous OC. TP53WT endometrioid OC highly expressed CXCL14 compared to TP53m, showing better progression-free survival but no difference in overall survival (OS). TP53m serous OC highly expressed CCL8, CCL20, CXCL10 and CXCL11 compared to TP53WT. CXCL12 and CCL21 were associated with poor OS in TP53WT serous OC. CXCR2 was associated with poor OS in TP53m serous OC, while CXCL9, CCL5, CXCR4, CXCL11, and CXCL13 were associated with better OS. Taken together, specific chemokine signatures may differentially influence OS in TP53WT and TP53m OC.