Implications of Domestication in Theobroma cacao L. Seed-Borne Microbial Endophytes Diversity.

The study of plant-microbe interactions is a rapidly growing research field, with increasing attention to the role of seed-borne microbial endophytes in protecting the plant during its development from abiotic and biotic stresses. Recent evidence suggests that seed microbiota is crucial in establishing the plant microbial community, affecting its composition and structure, and influencing plant physiology and ecology. For Theobroma cacao L., the diversity and composition of vertically transmitted microbes have yet to be addressed in detail. We explored the composition and diversity of seed-borne endophytes in cacao pods of commercial genotypes (ICS95, IMC67), recently liberated genotypes from AGROSAVIA (TCS01, TCS19), and landraces from Tumaco (Colombia) (AC9, ROS1, ROS2), to evaluate microbial vertical transmission and establishment in various tissues during plant development. We observed a higher abundance of Pseudomonas and Pantoea genera in the landraces and AGROSAVIA genotypes, while the commercial genotypes presented a higher number of bacteria species but in low abundance. In addition, all the genotypes and plant tissues showed a high percentage of fungi of the genus Penicillium. These results indicate that domestication in cacao has increased bacterial endophyte diversity but has reduced their abundance. We isolated some of these seed-borne endophytes to evaluate their potential as growth promoters and found that Bacillus, Pantoea, and Pseudomonas strains presented high production of indole acetic acid and ACC deaminase activity. Our results suggest that cacao domestication could lead to the loss of essential bacteria for seedling establishment and development. This study improves our understanding of the relationship and interaction between perennial plants and seed-borne microbiota.

Therapeutic role of interferon-γ in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is mediated through a tolerogenic subset of splenic CD11b+ myeloid cells.

Cumulative evidence has established that Interferon (IFN)-γ has both pathogenic and protective roles in Multiple Sclerosis and the animal model, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the underlying mechanisms to the beneficial effects of IFN-γ are not well understood. In this study, we found that IFN-γ exerts therapeutic effects on chronic, relapsing-remitting, and chronic progressive EAE models. The frequency of regulatory T (Treg) cells in spinal cords from chronic EAE mice treated with IFN-γ was significantly increased with no effect on Th1 and Th17 cells. Consistently, depletion of FOXP3-expressing cells blocked the protective effects of IFN-γ, indicating that the therapeutic effect of IFN-γ depends on the presence of Treg cells. However, IFN-γ did not trigger direct in vitro differentiation of Treg cells. In vivo administration of blocking antibodies against either interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß or program death (PD)-1, revealed that the protective effects of IFN-γ in EAE were also dependent on TGF-ß and PD-1, but not on IL-10, suggesting that IFN-γ might have an indirect role on Treg cells acting through antigen-presenting cells. Indeed, IFN-γ treatment increased the frequency of a subset of splenic CD11b+ myeloid cells expressing TGF-ß-Latency Associated Peptide (LAP) and program death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in a signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1-dependent manner. Furthermore, splenic CD11b+ cells from EAE mice preconditioned in vitro with IFN-γ and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide exhibited a tolerogenic phenotype with the capability to induce conversion of naïve CD4+ T cells mediated by secretion of TGF-ß. Remarkably, adoptive transfer of splenic CD11b+ cells from IFN-γ-treated EAE mice into untreated recipient mice ameliorated clinical symptoms of EAE and limited central nervous system infiltration of mononuclear cells and effector helper T cells. These results reveal a novel cellular and molecular mechanism whereby IFN-γ promotes beneficial effects in EAE by endowing splenic CD11b+ myeloid cells with tolerogenic and therapeutic activities.

Latin American Plants against Microorganisms.

The constant emergence of severe health threats, such as antibacterial resistance or highly transmissible viruses, necessitates the investigation of novel therapeutic approaches for discovering and developing new antimicrobials, which will be critical in combating resistance and ensuring available options. Due to the richness and structural variety of natural compounds, techniques centered on obtaining novel active principles from natural sources have yielded promising results. This review describes natural products and extracts from Latin America with antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant strains, as well as classes and subclasses of plant secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity and the structures of promising compounds for combating drug-resistant pathogenic microbes. The main mechanisms of action of the plant antimicrobial compounds found in medicinal plants are discussed, and extracts of plants with activity against pathogenic fungi and antiviral properties and their possible mechanisms of action are also summarized. For example, the secondary metabolites obtained from Isatis indigotica that show activity against SARS-CoV are aloe-emodin, ß-sitosterol, hesperetin, indigo, and sinigrin. The structures of the plant antimicrobial compounds found in medicinal plants from Latin America are discussed. Most relevant studies, reviewed in the present work, have focused on evaluating different types of extracts with several classes and subclasses of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity. More studies on structure-activity relationships are needed.

Seaweeds in Food: Current Trends.

Edible seaweeds are an excellent source of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds, and they can be consumed raw or used as ingredients in food products. However, seaweeds may also bioaccumulate potentially hazardous compounds for human health and animals, namely, heavy metals. Hence, the purpose of this review is to analyze the recent trends of edible seaweeds research: (i) nutritional composition and bioactive compounds, (ii) the use and acceptability of seaweeds in foodstuffs, (iii) the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and microbial pathogens, and (iv) current trends in Chile for using seaweeds in food. In summary, while it is evident that seaweeds are consumed widely worldwide, more research is needed to characterize new types of edible seaweeds as well as their use as ingredients in the development of new food products. Additionally, more research is needed to maintain control of the presence of heavy metals to assure a safe product for consumers. Finally, the need to keep promoting the benefits of seaweed consumption is emphasized, adding value in the algae-based production chain, and promoting a social algal culture.

¿Cuántos años tienes?, ¿estás casado?, ¿tienes hijos? preguntas irrelevantes y discriminación encubierta en la selección de personal / How old are you? are you married? do you have children? irrelevant questions and covert discrimination in personnel selection / Quantos anos você tem? você é casado? você tem filhos? perguntas irrelevantes e discriminação oculta na seleção de pessoal

La selección de personal ha demostrado ser un procedimiento de incalculable valor para las organizaciones. Sin embargo, en la práctica los empleadores suelen (y prefieren) utilizar los métodos de selección de escaza y cuestionable evidencia. En el contexto boliviano, el uso de preguntas personales relacionadas a la edad, estado civil, sexo, raza, embarazo, entre otros, parece estar bastante extendido. Aunque, la utilidad que justifique su inclusión sigue sin demostrarse. En el presente artículo, analizo la relevancia y el soporte de las preguntas personales en función de su contribución para tres propósitos de la selección de personal: validez para predecir el desempeño laboral, reclutamiento y discriminación. Finalmente, proporciono algunas sugerencias: (1) para mejorar la eficiencia de los procesos de selección, y (2) para enmendar y fortalecer las leyes contra la discriminación en la selección de la legislación laboral boliviana.

The selection of personnel has proven to be an invaluable procedure for organizations. However, in practice employers often (and prefer) to use the selection methods of scarce and questionable evidence. In the Bolivian context, the use of personal questions related to age, marital status, sex, race, pregnancy, among others, seems to be quite widespread. Although the usefulness that justifies its inclusion remains unproven. In this article, I analyze the relevance and support of personal questions based on their contribution to three purposes of personnel selection: validity to predict job performance, recruitment, and discrimination. Finally, I provide some suggestions: (1) to improve the efficiency of the selection processes, and (2) to amend and strengthen the laws against discrimination in the selection of Bolivian labor law.

A seleção de pessoal provou ser um procedimento inestimável para as organizações. No entanto, na prática, os empregadores costumam (e preferem) usar métodos de seleção de evidências escassas e questionáveis. No contexto boliviano, o uso de perguntas pessoais relacionadas à idade, estado civil, sexo, raça, gravidez, entre outros, parece ser bastante difundido. Embora a utilidade que justifique a sua inclusão permaneça não comprovada. Neste artigo, analiso a relevância e o suporte de perguntas pessoais com base em sua contribuição para três propósitos de seleção de pessoal: validade para prever o desempenho no trabalho, recrutamento e discriminação. Finalmente, apresento algumas sugestões: (1) melhorar a eficiência dos processos de seleção e (2) alterar e fortalecer as leis contra a discriminação na seleção da legislação trabalhista boliviana.

New Benzotrithiophene-Based Molecules as Organic P-Type Semiconductor for Small-Molecule Organic Solar Cells.

A new benzotrithiophene-based small molecule, namely 2,5,8-Tris[5-(2,2-dicyanovinyl)-2-thienyl]-benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b':6,5-b″]-trithiophene (DCVT-BTT), was successfully synthesized and subsequently characterized. This compound was found to present an intense absorption band at a wavelength position of ∼544 nm and displayed potentially relevant optoelectronic properties for photovoltaic devices. Theoretical studies demonstrated an interesting behavior of charge transport as electron donor (hole-transporting) active material for heterojunction cells. A preliminary study of small-molecule organic solar cells based on DCVT-BTT (as the P-type organic semiconductor) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (as the N-type organic semiconductor) exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 2.04% at a donor: acceptor weight ratio of 1:1.

Evaluation of Smart Sensors for Subway Electric Motor Escalators through AHP-Gaussian Method.

This paper proposes the use of the AHP-Gaussian method to support the selection of a smart sensor installation for an electric motor used in an escalator in a subway station. The AHP-Gaussian methodology utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework and is highlighted for its ability to save the decision maker's cognitive effort in assigning weights to criteria. Seven criteria were defined for the sensor selection: temperature range, vibration range, weight, communication distance, maximum electric power, data traffic speed, and acquisition cost. Four smart sensors were considered as alternatives. The results of the analysis showed that the most appropriate sensor was the ABB Ability smart sensor, which scored the highest in the AHP-Gaussian analysis. In addition, this sensor could detect any abnormalities in the equipment's operation, enabling timely maintenance and preventing potential failures. The proposed AHP-Gaussian method proved to be an effective approach for selecting a smart sensor for an electric motor used in an escalator in a subway station. The selected sensor was reliable, accurate, and cost-effective, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the equipment.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Edible Plants with Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Potential Use as Drugs.

Food is our daily companion, performing numerous beneficial functions for our bodies. Many of them can help to alleviate or prevent ailments and diseases. In this review, an extensive bibliographic search is conducted in various databases to update information on unprocessed foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid in treating diseases such as cancer. The current state of knowledge on inflammatory processes involving some interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is reviewed. As well as unprocessed foods, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are important factors in cancer development. Many studies are still needed to take full advantage of the food products we use daily.

Análisis de influencias de la perspectiva marxista en el paradigma social de la ocupación / Analysis of influences of the Marxist perspective on the social paradigm of occupation / Análise de influências da perspetiva marxista no paradigma social da ocupação

La investigación analizó la influencia de la perspectiva marxista en el paradigma social de la ocupación. Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica narrativa, empleando una metodología cualitativa e interpretativa para analizar los conceptos de sujeto y lo social en tres propuestas ubicadas dentro de dicho paradigma: la teoría de la naturaleza ocupacional del ser Humano de Ann Wilcock, el modelo Kawa de Michael Iwama y la denominada perspectiva político-social de Terapia Ocupacional de Kronenberg, Algado y Pollard, cotejándolas con las mismas concepciones en la perspectiva marxista. Se identifica una influencia de la perspectiva marxista en la construcción de los textos seleccionados y en las concepciones de sujeto y lo social, más clara ­y en ocasiones explícita­ en las propuestas de Ann Wilcock y Kronenberg, Algado y Pollard. En el caso del modelo Kawa, pudieron reconocerse menos puntos de encuentro, lo que puede atribuirse al influjo de una cosmovisión de Oriente.

The research analyzed the Marxist perspective influence on the social paradigm of occupation. Narrative bibliographic research was carried out, using a qualitative and interpretive methodology to analyze the concepts of the subject and the social in three proposals located within said paradigm: the theory of the occupational nature of the human being by Ann Wilcock, the Kawa model by Michael Iwama and the so called political-social perspective of Occupational Therapy by Kronenberg, Algado and Pollard, comparing them with the same conceptions in the Marxist perspective. An influence of the Marxist perspective is identified in the construction of the selected texts and the conceptions of the subject and the social, more clearly ­and sometimes explicitly­ in the proposals of Ann Wilcock and Kronenberg, Algado and Pollard. In the case of the Kawa model, fewer meeting points could be recognized, which can be attributed to the influence of a worldview from the East.

A pesquisa analisou a influência da perspectiva marxista no paradigma social da ocupação. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica narrativa, utilizando uma metodologia qualitativa e interpretativa para analisar os conceitos de sujeito e de social em três propostas situadas dentro do referido paradigma: a teoria da natureza ocupacional do ser humano, de Ann Wilcock, o modelo Kawa, de Michael Iwama e a chamada perspectiva político-social da Terapia Ocupacional, de Kronenberg, Algado e Pollard, comparando-as com as mesmas concepções na perspectiva marxista. Identifica-se uma influência da perspectiva marxista na construção dos textos selecionados e nas concepções do sujeito e do social, de forma mais clara ­ e às vezes explícita ­ nas propostas de Ann Wilcock e Kronenberg, Algado e Pollard. No caso do modelo Kawa, menos pontos de encontro puderam ser reconhecidos, o que pode ser atribuído à influência de uma cosmovisão oriental.

¿Cuántos años tienes?, ¿estás casado?, ¿tienes hijos? preguntas irrelevantes y discriminación encubierta en la selección de personal

La selección de personal ha demostrado ser un procedimiento de incalculable valor para las organizaciones. Sin embargo, en la práctica los empleadores suelen (y prefieren) utilizar los métodos de selección de escaza y cuestionable evidencia. En el contexto boliviano, el uso de preguntas personales relacionadas a la edad, estado civil, sexo, raza, embarazo, entre otros, parece estar bastante extendido. Aunque, la utilidad que justifique su inclusión sigue sin demostrarse. En el presente artículo, analizo la relevancia y el soporte de las preguntas personales en función de su contribución para tres propósitos de la selección de personal: validez para predecir el desempeño laboral, reclutamiento y discriminación. Finalmente, proporciono algunas sugerencias: (1) para mejorar la eficiencia de los procesos de selección, y (2) para enmendar y fortalecer las leyes contra la discriminación en la selección de la legislación laboral boliviana.

The selection of personnel has proven to be an invaluable procedure for organizations. However, in practice employers often (and prefer) to use the selection methods of scarce and questionable evidence. In the Bolivian context, the use of personal questions related to age, marital status, sex, race, pregnancy, among others, seems to be quite widespread. Although the usefulness that justifies its inclusion remains unproven. In this article, I analyze the relevance and support of personal questions based on their contribution to three purposes of personnel selection: validity to predict job performance, recruitment, and discrimination. Finally, I provide some suggestions: (1) to improve the efficiency of the selection processes, and (2) to amend and strengthen the laws against discrimination in the selection of Bolivian labor law.

A seleção de pessoal provou ser um procedimento inestimável para as organizações. No entanto, na prática, os empregadores costumam (e preferem) usar métodos de seleção de evidências escassas e questionáveis. No contexto boliviano, o uso de perguntas pessoais relacionadas à idade, estado civil, sexo, raça, gravidez, entre outros, parece ser bastante difundido. Embora a utilidade que justifique a sua inclusão permaneça não comprovada. Neste artigo, analiso a relevância e o suporte de perguntas pessoais com base em sua contribuição para três propósitos de seleção de pessoal: validade para prever o desempenho no trabalho, recrutamento e discriminação. Finalmente, apresento algumas sugestões: (1) melhorar a eficiência dos processos de seleção e (2) alterar e fortalecer as leis contra a discriminação na seleção da legislação trabalhista boliviana.

Incorporation of Limosilactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C with Anti-Helicobacter pylori and Immunomodulatory Activities in Various Ice Cream Bases.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C is a probiotic strain possessing anti-Helicobacter pylori and immunomodulatory activity. The aim of this work was to examine if this strain maintains its probiotic properties and its viability when added to dairy-based ice creams (cookies and cream, Greek yogurt, and chocolate with brownie) or to fruit-based ice creams (pineapple and raspberry) stored at -18 °C for 90 days. The probiotic anti-H. pylori activity using the well diffusion test, its immunomodulatory activity was measured using transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) cytokine production by human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells, and its viability was measured using the microdrop technique. Assays were performed in triplicate. The L. fermentum UCO-979C strain maintained strong anti-H. pylori activity in dairy-based ice creams and mild activity in fruit-based ice cream. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TGF-ß1 on AGS cells was higher in the probiotic recovered from Greek yogurt ice cream, maintaining a viability exceeding 107 colony-forming units/mL. The addition of the probiotic to ice creams did not significantly influence the physicochemical properties of the product. These data show the great potential of the L. fermentum UCO-979C strain in producing probiotic dairy-based and fruit-based ice creams.

Imaging the electrical activity of organelles in living cells.

Eukaryotic cells are complex systems compartmentalized in membrane-bound organelles. Visualization of organellar electrical activity in living cells requires both a suitable reporter and non-invasive imaging at high spatiotemporal resolution. Here we present hVoSorg, an optical method to monitor changes in the membrane potential of subcellular membranes. This method takes advantage of a FRET pair consisting of a membrane-bound voltage-insensitive fluorescent donor and a non-fluorescent voltage-dependent acceptor that rapidly moves across the membrane in response to changes in polarity. Compared to the currently available techniques, hVoSorg has advantages including simple and precise subcellular targeting, the ability to record from individual organelles, and the potential for optical multiplexing of organellar activity.

Psychometric properties and latent structure of the Portuguese version of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire.

Two studies evaluated the psychometric properties and the latent structure of the Portuguese version of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) in a large Brazilian college student sample. Results indicated that PSWQ had an adequate internal consistency. Exploratory factor analyses yielded a two-factor solution. One factor was related to the worry presence and incorporated all the non-reversed items. The other factor was associated to worry absence and incorporated all the reversed items. Confirmatory factor analysis leaded to a three-factor solution. One factor included all the PSWQ items whereas the two other factors were linked to the reversed and non-reversed worded items. Correlations coefficients of these two reversed and non-reversed factors with the total scores of the PSWQ and the trait form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory suggest that PSWQ has a single meaningful construct.

Escala de Edinburgh para depresión posparto: consistencia interna y estructura factorial en mujeres embarazadas de Cartagena, Colombia / Validating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale’s internal consistency and factor structure amongst pregnant women in Cartagena, Colombia

Objetivos: determinar la consistencia interna y la estructura de factores de la escala de Edinburgh para depresión posparto en mujeres embarazadas de Cartagena, Colombia. Materiales y método: se diseñó un estudio de validación de un instrumento de tamizaje sin patrón de oro (metodológico), de la escala de Edinburgh para depresión posparto con 200 mujeres gestantes letradas entre 18 y 42 años, con un promedio de 24,3 años (DE = 5,2), residentes de estrato económico bajo que asistían a consulta externa en una clínica pública de maternidad en Cartagena, Colombia. Se determinó consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach) y la estructura factorial de la escala (análisis factorial exploratorio). Resultados: la escala mostró una consistencia interna de 0,78, una estructura tridimensional (ánimo deprimido, anhedonía y desesperanza y culpa) que explicaba el 59,9 por ciento de la varianza. Conclusiones: el estudio muestra que la escala de Edinburgh para depresión posparto posee una alta consistencia interna y una estructura tridimensional para el concepto de depresión en mujeres embarazadas de Cartagena, Colombia.