Antifungal chemicals promising function in disease prevention, method of action and mechanism.

The increasing use of antimicrobial drugs has been linked to the rise of drug-resistant fungus in recent years. Antimicrobial resistance is being studied from a variety of perspectives due to the important clinical implication of resistance. The processes underlying this resistance, enhanced methods for identifying resistance when it emerges, alternate treatment options for infections caused by resistant organisms, and so on are reviewed, along with strategies to prevent and regulate the formation and spread of resistance. This overview will focus on the action mechanism of antifungals and the resistance mechanisms against them. The link between antibacterial and antifungal resistance is also briefly discussed. Based on their mechanism action, antifungals are divided into three distinct categories: azoles, which target the ergosterol synthesis; 5-fluorocytosine, which targets macromolecular synthesis and polyenes, which interact physiochemically with fungal membrane sterols. Antifungal resistance can arise through a wide variety of ways. Overexpression of the target of the antifungal drug, changes to the drug target, changes to sterol biosynthesis, decreased intercellular concentration of the target enzyme, and other processes. A correlation exists between the mechanisms of resistance to antibacterial and antifungals, despite the fact that the comparison between the two is inevitably constrained by various parameters mentioned in the review. Drug extrusion via membrane pumps has been thoroughly documented in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and development of new antifungal compounds and strategies has also been well characterized.

Coordination and Bioorganometallic Chemistry: Exploring the Potential Applications of Metal Coordination and Organometallic Complexes in Medical and Microbiological Advancements.

In the field of coordination and bioorganometallic chemistry, a notable shift is occurring. This mini-review explores a new generation of carefully 3D-crafted coordination and organometallic complexes that differ from conventional structures. Emphasizing disease intervention and microbial control, these compounds, incorporate noble and transition metals, and aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing potential health risks. The mini-review covers diverse applications, showcasing their effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and as potential tools in cancer treatment. Additionally, it sheds light on the inventive aspects of these complexes within biological systems. By highlighting advancements in bioorganometallic chemistry, the review offers insights and guidance for future developments in safer and more effective therapeutics.

Use of organic fertilizers with microbes for improving maize growth, physiology and soil properties.

Integrated nutrient management is a promising way to avoid plant nutrient shortages because of the positive relationship between the bioavailability of nutrients and greater economic interest in their application through organic amendments and microbial application. To examine how compost, charcoal, and rhizobium influence maize development, an experiment was set up in a container. In addition to the appropriate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, the soil in the allotted pots was treated with 50 ml of rhizobium, 5 tonnes of compost, and 2.5 tonnes of biochar before maize seeds were planted. A total of nine treatments (with three replicates each) were arranged in a completely randomized design for this experiment. Various agronomic, chemical, and physiological data were measured and recorded after the crop was harvested 110 days after sowing. The results showed that when biochar, compost, and rhizobium were applied together, the root fresh biomass rose by 43.4%, the root dry biomass increased by 38.3%, and the shoot length increased by 61.7%, compared to the control treatment. Chlorophyll content (41.3% higher), photosynthetic rate (58.5% higher), transpiration rate (64.4% higher), quantum yield (32.6% higher), and stomatal conductivity (25.3% higher) were all significantly improved compared to the control. Soil levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were also improved with this treatment compared to the control. The combined use of biochar, compost, and rhizobium was more successful than any of the components used individually in boosting maize yields. Based on the findings of our study, the integration of rhizobium, biochar, and compost within a unified treatment shown a substantial enhancement in both the growth and yield of maize.

Effect of different concentrations of stem juice of Oxalis tuberosa Mol. and juice of the fruit of Gaultheria glomerata (Cav.) Sleumer on the antioxidant activity of the heat-treated functional beverage.

Functional beverages with added health benefits are popular among peoples and athletes because they help them recover faster from intense workouts and perform better overall. This research set out to determine how well heat-treated stem juice from Oxalis tuberosa Mol. "oca" and fruit juice from Gaultheria glomerata (Cav.) Sleumer "laqa-laqa" performed as an antioxidant in a functional drink. The "oca" stems and the "laqa-laqa" fruit were collected to obtain the juice. For this study, 30 semi-trained panellists used sensory evaluation to rate four treatments (Bo, B1, B2, and B3) with varying quantities of "oca" and "laqa-laqa" juice. The results concluded that the treatment B2, which included 300 ml of "oca" stem juice, 800 ml of "laqa-laqa" juice, 1000 ml of treated water, and 220 g of refined sugar, was given the highest score after a physicochemical evaluation of its colour, smell, taste, and overall appearance. Similarly, the results showed that the protein content increased by 1.38%, the fat content by 1.08%, the moisture percentage by 99.5%, the ash content by 1.82%, and the carbohydrate content by 6.22% after B2 treatment. Similarly, results revealed significant enhancement in antioxidant profiling such as total polyphenols: 1825 mg of gallic acid/100 g and antioxidant Activity: 89.56% µmol of trolox /100 g. In conclusion, due to its high energy content and antioxidant activity, it may be a viable nutritional option for athletes who engage in rigorous, frequent physical exertion.

Possible effects of different types of agricultural wastes on food security and mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) production.

One of the new waters, and environmentally friendly agriculture initiatives in Peru is to encourage the utilization of agricultural waste, because low agricultural output is a threat to food security there. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of harvest residues on the basidiocarp production of the fungus Pleurotus Ostreatus, in Acobamba-Huancavelica. The trial had a completely randomized design, and the treatments included T1, barley stubbles; T2, wheat stubbles; T3, pea stubbles; T4, broad bean stubbles; and T5, quinoa stubbles. The research was quantitative in nature, taking the form of an experiment with an applied, explanatory level of design. The recorded data was tabulated and analyzed with analysis of variance, as well as Tukey's test (α:0.05), for which the statistical software Infostat was used. The results are presented in tables and graphs for a better interpretation. As main results, it was obtained that the time (colonization), diameter (stem, pileus), length (stem) and weight (basidiocarps), present statistical differences between treatments showing significant enhancement in all parameters. Despite a numerical difference, a Tukey average comparison test revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the averages for the variable time for fungus colonisation, suggesting that the treatment T5 in which quinoa substrate showed the greatest average. Treatment T4 in which broad bean stubbles were used gave the most low-average. In conclusion, increment in all parámeters were noted in all treatment of Pleurotus basidiocarps ostreatus under Acobamba conditions.

Photosynthetic modification of plants through recent technologies: a valuable way to ensure crop fortification.

The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations include a strong emphasis on ending hunger worldwide. According to the 2019 Global Food Security Index, while 88% of countries claim there is sufficient food supply in their country, the sad reality is that 1 in 3 countries is facing insufficient availability of food supply, which means that in those countries, more than 10% of the population is malnourished. Since nutrition is crucial to leading a healthy life and satisfying food security needs, several governments have turned to national nutrition surveys to gauge the extent of malnutrition in their populations. Plants are able to grow, develop, and store nutrients by photosynthesis, which convert light into chemical energy through cell redox regulatory networks. A photosynthesis system's electron flow may be adjusted to accommodate varying light and environmental circumstances. Many techniques exist for controlling the flow of electrons emitted during light processes in order to save or waste energy. The two protein molecules TROL and flavoenzyme ferredoxin (oxidoreductase+NADP) (FNR) interact dynamically to form an excellent molecular switch capable of splitting electrons from the photosystem. The TROL-FNR bifurcation may be limited by either generating NADPH or preventing reactive oxygen species from propagating. TROL-based genome editing is an experimental method for enhancing plant stress and defensive responses, efficiency, and ultimately agricultural production.

Gamma irradiation of adenine and guanine adsorbed into hectorite and attapulgite.

This study focuses on the radiolysis (up to 36 kGy) of guanine and adenine (nitrogenous bases) adsorbed in hectorite and attapulgite to highlight the potential role of clays as protective agents against ionizing radiation in prebiotic processes. In this framework, the study investigated the nitrogenous bases' behavior in two types of systems: a) aqueous suspension of adenine-clay systems and b) guanine-clay systems in the solid state. This research utilized spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for its analytical purposes. Regardless of the reaction medium conditions, the results reveal that nitrogenous bases are stable under ionizing irradiation when adsorbed on both clays.

Recent and historical developments in chelated fertilizers as plant nutritional sources, their usage efficiency, and application methods.

Chelates are nutrient-rich compounds that enhance the condition of plant tissues as micronutrients. Micronutrient deficiencies particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) leads to various problems for plant including chlorosis and necrosis etc. An adequate intake of Fe and Zn etc. is required by the human body. Biofortification of cereals with Fe and Zn is seen as a cost-effective solution to the problem of Fe and Zn deficiencies as well. In recent decades, many chelating compounds have been established and incorporated into agricultural systems. The most recent formulation involves the use of amino acids synthesized with one or more nutrient ions to improve fertilizer efficiency and better respond to environmental conservation. In addition to its primary function as a source of micronutrients, aminochelled are an active nitrogen (N) stimulant in plant nutrition, preventing the negative effects of basic N fertilizers like urea. The use of amino chelates, rather than just chemical fertilizers, has been shown to provide better production and quality as well as higher nutritional concentrations in several experiments. Furthermore, this review sheds light on various aspects of amino chelates fertilizers including types, history, and their effects on agricultural crops. In spite of amino chelates fast dominance in many countries' fertilizer countries, there is not enough scientific data and knowledge on the specific reactions of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses from amino fertilizers.

[Effect of tibial slope on functional recovery in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]. / Efecto del slope tibial en la recuperación funcional, en pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de ligamento cruzado anterior.

INTRODUCTION: the tibial slope has been identified as one of the factors associated with graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; however, its relationship with functional results has been little studied. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the tibial slope on functional recovery in patients undergoing reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we included patients with a diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament injury undergoing primary reconstruction, from May 2018 to May 2019, who had a complete radiographic and clinical record; also, the scores from questionnaires of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores were collected pre surgical procedures and throughout the one-year follow-up. The measurement of the tibial slope was performed in lateral knee X-rays from the electronic clinical record. A descriptive analysis of first intention was done, and to achieve the objectives, we compared 25 patients who had normal tibial slope that were selected randomly with 25 patients who had increased tibial slope. RESULTS: a total of 98 patients were included, 73 had a normal tibial slope (equal to or less than 12 degrees) and 25 with an increased tibial slope (greater than 12 degrees), the average age in both groups was 28.43 years for the group with normal tibial slope and 28.26 for patients with increased tibial slope. Regarding the functional assessment, the IKDC and Lysholm scores at the end of the follow-up were better for patients with normal tibial slope. Graft failure was only identified in the group with increased tibial slope. On the other hand, the comparative analysis with the control group randomly selected who had normal tibial slope, showed a better functional result assessed by IKDC score at the end of the follow-up for the group with normal tibial slope. CONCLUSION: patients undergoing ACL reconstruction and increased Tibial Slope have an inferior functional result at one year of follow-up assessed by IKDC, when compared with patients with normal tibial slope.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el slope tibial (inclinación) se ha identificado como uno de los factores asociados a la falla del injerto tras una reconstrucción de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA); sin embargo, su relación con los resultados funcionales ha sido poco estudiada. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el efecto del slope tibial en la recuperación funcional, en pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de LCA. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se incluyeron los pacientes con lesión de LCA sometidos a reconstrucción primaria, de Mayo de 2018 a Mayo de 2019, midiendo el slope tibial y recabando los puntajes de IKDC y Lysholm. Se elaboró un análisis descriptivo de primera intención y para alcanzar los objetivos se realizó una comparativa de 25 pacientes con slope tibial normal seleccionados aleatoriamente contra 25 pacientes con slope tibial aumentado. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 98 pacientes, 73 contaban con un slope tibial normal y 25 con un slope tibial aumentado. Los puntajes de IKDC y Lysholm al final del seguimiento fueron mejores en los pacientes con slope tibial normal. La falla del injerto sólo se identificó en el grupo con slope tibial aumentado. Por otro lado, al análisis comparativo con el grupo control demostró un mejor resultado funcional al final del seguimiento valorado por IKDC en el grupo con slope tibial normal. CONCLUSIÓN: los pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de LCA y slope tibial aumentado tienen un resultado funcional inferior al año de seguimiento evaluado por IKDC en comparación con pacientes con slope tibial dentro de parámetros normales.

Asthma-related hospitalizations after implementing SABA-free asthma management with a maintenance and anti-inflammatory reliever regimen.

Overreliance on short-acting ß2-agonists (SABA) has been a common feature of asthma management globally for at least 30 years. However, given the evidence against the long-term use of SABA, including potentially increased risk of exacerbations, emergency room visits, overall healthcare resource utilization, and mortality, the latest Global Initiative for Asthma report no longer recommends SABA only therapy. Since 2014, we implemented an ICS-containing reliever strategy at our asthma center at the G Baigorria Hospital in Argentina; we only administered budesonide/formoterol via a single inhaler device across the spectrum of asthma severity and completely eliminated the use of SABA therapy. In this article, we compare hospitalization data from our center, previously reported in the EAGLE study (when inhaled corticosteroids plus as-needed SABA was administered) for the years 1999 and 2004 with data from 2017 to 2018 (when budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler device was administered as maintenance and/or anti-inflammatory reliever therapy [MART/AIR] without any SABA) from our center, to assess the impact of two distinct asthma management strategies on asthma-related hospitalizations. MART/AIR regimens in our SABA-free center reduced asthma hospitalizations from 9 (1999 and 2004) to 1 (2017 and 2018) (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.031; odds ratio = 0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.013-0.98); the hospitalization rate was reduced by 92% (1.47% in 1999 and 2004 to 0.12% in 2017 and 2018). Our data provide preliminary real-world evidence that MART/AIR with budesonide/formoterol simultaneously with SABA elimination across asthma severities is an effective asthma management strategy for reducing asthma-related hospitalizations.

Efecto del slope tibial en la recuperación funcional, en pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de ligamento cruzado anterior / Effect of tibial slope on functional recovery in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Resumen: Introducción: El slope tibial (inclinación) se ha identificado como uno de los factores asociados a la falla del injerto tras una reconstrucción de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA); sin embargo, su relación con los resultados funcionales ha sido poco estudiada. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el efecto del slope tibial en la recuperación funcional, en pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de LCA. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron los pacientes con lesión de LCA sometidos a reconstrucción primaria, de Mayo de 2018 a Mayo de 2019, midiendo el slope tibial y recabando los puntajes de IKDC y Lysholm. Se elaboró un análisis descriptivo de primera intención y para alcanzar los objetivos se realizó una comparativa de 25 pacientes con slope tibial normal seleccionados aleatoriamente contra 25 pacientes con slope tibial aumentado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 98 pacientes, 73 contaban con un slope tibial normal y 25 con un slope tibial aumentado. Los puntajes de IKDC y Lysholm al final del seguimiento fueron mejores en los pacientes con slope tibial normal. La falla del injerto sólo se identificó en el grupo con slope tibial aumentado. Por otro lado, al análisis comparativo con el grupo control demostró un mejor resultado funcional al final del seguimiento valorado por IKDC en el grupo con slope tibial normal. Conclusión: Los pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción de LCA y slope tibial aumentado tienen un resultado funcional inferior al año de seguimiento evaluado por IKDC en comparación con pacientes con slope tibial dentro de parámetros normales.

Abstract: Introduction: The tibial slope has been identified as one of the factors associated with graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction; however, its relationship with functional results has been little studied. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the tibial slope on functional recovery in patients undergoing reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Material and methods: We included patients with a diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament injury undergoing primary reconstruction, from May 2018 to May 2019, who had a complete radiographic and clinical record; also, the scores from questionnaires of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores were collected pre surgical procedures and throughout the one-year follow-up. The measurement of the tibial slope was performed in lateral knee X-rays from the electronic clinical record. A descriptive analysis of first intention was done, and to achieve the objectives, we compared 25 patients who had normal tibial slope that were selected randomly with 25 patients who had increased tibial slope. Results: A total of 98 patients were included, 73 had a normal tibial slope (equal to or less than 12 degrees) and 25 with an increased tibial slope (greater than 12 degrees), the average age in both groups was 28.43 years for the group with normal tibial slope and 28.26 for patients with increased tibial slope. Regarding the functional assessment, the IKDC and Lysholm scores at the end of the follow-up were better for patients with normal tibial slope. Graft failure was only identified in the group with increased tibial slope. On the other hand, the comparative analysis with the control group randomly selected who had normal tibial slope, showed a better functional result assessed by IKDC score at the end of the follow-up for the group with normal tibial slope. Conclusion: Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction and increased Tibial Slope have an inferior functional result at one year of follow-up assessed by IKDC, when compared with patients with normal tibial slope.

[Effectiveness of peri-articular infiltration with local anesthetic and adjuvants for post-surgical pain control in total knee replacement]. / Eficacia de la infiltración periarticular con anestésico local y adyuvantes para control del dolor postquirúrgico en la artroplastía total de rodilla.

INTRODUCTION: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful orthopedic treatments, however, it has been associated with severe postsurgical pain in 30-60% of patients. We propose that infiltration of the articular capsule of the knee during surgery will decrease postsurgical pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental, randomized, double-blind study in patients undergoing unilateral TKA between April 2018 and January 2019. Patients were divided into two groups, the first infiltration with placebo and the second with anesthetic solution and adjuvants (fentanyl, epinephrine and ketorolac). Pain was measured with the visual analog scale (VAS) at 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 hours postsurgical, as well as the consumption of opioid analgesics and antiemetics. RESULTS: 20 patients in each group, with a follow-up of 4 weeks. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. Better control of postsurgical pain was observed in the group that received infiltration with anesthetic and adjuvant, as well as a decrease in the consumption of opioid analgesics and antiemetics. There was no difference in bleeding or in the incidence of infections between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Peri-capsular infiltration is a safe and effective method, as part of multimodal analgesia in total knee arthroplasty, as it decreases postsurgical pain, opioid and antiemetic use and does not increase postsurgical bleeding.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La artroplastía total de rodilla (ATR) es uno de los tratamientos ortopédicos más exitosos; sin embargo, se ha asociado a dolor postquirúrgico intenso en 30-60% de los pacientes. Nosotros planteamos que la infiltración de la cápsula articular de la rodilla durante la cirugía disminuirá el dolor postquirúrgico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio experimental, aleatorio, doble ciego, en pacientes sometidos a ATR unilateral entre Abril de 2018 a Enero de 2019. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos, el primero infiltración con placebo y el segundo con solución anestésica y adyuvantes (fentanilo, epinefrina y ketorolaco). Se cuantificó mediante escala visual análoga (EVA) del dolor a las cuatro, seis, ocho, 12, 18, 24, 36 y 48 horas postquirúrgicas, así como del consumo de analgésicos opioides y antieméticos. RESULTADOS: Veinte pacientes en cada grupo, con un seguimiento de cuatro semanas. No hubo diferencias significativas en las características demográficas entre ambos grupos. Se observó un mejor control del dolor postquirúrgico en el grupo que recibió infiltración con anestésico y adyuvante, además de una disminución en el consumo de analgésicos opioides y antieméticos. No hubo diferencia en sangrado ni en la incidencia de infecciones entre ambos grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: La infiltración pericapsular es un método seguro y eficaz, como parte de la analgesia multimodal en la artroplastía total de rodilla, ya que disminuye el dolor postquirúrgico, el consumo de opioides y antieméticos y no incrementa el sangrado postquirúrgico.

Eficacia de la infiltración periarticular con anestésico local y adyuvantes para control del dolor postquirúrgico en la artroplastía total de rodilla / Effectiveness of peri-articular infiltration with local anesthetic and adjuvants for post-surgical pain control in total knee replacement

Resumen: Introducción: La artroplastía total de rodilla (ATR) es uno de los tratamientos ortopédicos más exitosos; sin embargo, se ha asociado a dolor postquirúrgico intenso en 30-60% de los pacientes. Nosotros planteamos que la infiltración de la cápsula articular de la rodilla durante la cirugía disminuirá el dolor postquirúrgico. Material y métodos: Estudio experimental, aleatorio, doble ciego, en pacientes sometidos a ATR unilateral entre Abril de 2018 a Enero de 2019. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos, el primero infiltración con placebo y el segundo con solución anestésica y adyuvantes (fentanilo, epinefrina y ketorolaco). Se cuantificó mediante escala visual análoga (EVA) del dolor a las cuatro, seis, ocho, 12, 18, 24, 36 y 48 horas postquirúrgicas, así como del consumo de analgésicos opioides y antieméticos. Resultados: Veinte pacientes en cada grupo, con un seguimiento de cuatro semanas. No hubo diferencias significativas en las características demográficas entre ambos grupos. Se observó un mejor control del dolor postquirúrgico en el grupo que recibió infiltración con anestésico y adyuvante, además de una disminución en el consumo de analgésicos opioides y antieméticos. No hubo diferencia en sangrado ni en la incidencia de infecciones entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: La infiltración pericapsular es un método seguro y eficaz, como parte de la analgesia multimodal en la artroplastía total de rodilla, ya que disminuye el dolor postquirúrgico, el consumo de opioides y antieméticos y no incrementa el sangrado postquirúrgico.

Abstract: Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful orthopedic treatments, however, it has been associated with severe postsurgical pain in 30-60% of patients. We propose that infiltration of the articular capsule of the knee during surgery will decrease postsurgical pain. Material and methods: Experimental, randomized, double-blind study in patients undergoing unilateral TKA between April 2018 and January 2019. Patients were divided into two groups, the first infiltration with placebo and the second with anesthetic solution and adjuvants (fentanyl, epinephrine and ketorolac). Pain was measured with the visual analog scale (VAS) at 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 hours postsurgical, as well as the consumption of opioid analgesics and antiemetics. Results: 20 patients in each group, with a follow-up of 4 weeks. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups. Better control of postsurgical pain was observed in the group that received infiltration with anesthetic and adjuvant, as well as a decrease in the consumption of opioid analgesics and antiemetics. There was no difference in bleeding or in the incidence of infections between the two groups. Conclusion: Peri-capsular infiltration is a safe and effective method, as part of multimodal analgesia in total knee arthroplasty, as it decreases postsurgical pain, opioid and antiemetic use and does not increase postsurgical bleeding.

Real-time reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy of GaAs homoepitaxy.

Reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) is a highly sensitive optical probe for the real-time study of the epitaxial growth of zincblende semiconductors. Here we report on (1) non-equilibrium RAS spectra acquired in real time during the homoepitaxial growth of GaAs, and (2) RAS spectra for GaAs surfaces under equilibrium with several arsenic overpressures. We show that in both cases RAS spectra can be decomposed into two basic components, each with a characteristic line shape. We further show that both dynamic and equilibrium RAS spectra are described by the same pair of basic components. We conclude that the time evolution of non-equilibrium RAS spectra acquired during the epitaxial growth can be described in terms of RAS spectra for equilibrium surfaces. The results reported here should be useful for the interpretation of the physics underlying the rapid time evolution of dynamic RAS spectra during the first monolayer growth. Thus, we show that RAS constitutes a valuable tool for the study of epitaxial growth mechanisms.

Temperature-dependent infrared ellipsometry of Mo-doped VO2 thin films across the insulator to metal transition.

We present a spectroscopic ellipsometry study of Mo-doped VO2 thin films deposited on silicon substrates for the mid-infrared range. The dielectric functions and conductivity were extracted from analytical fittings of Ψ and Δ ellipsometric angles showing a strong dependence on the dopant concentration and the temperature. Insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) temperature is found to decrease linearly with increasing doping level. A correction to the classical Drude model (termed Drude-Smith) has been shown to provide excellent fits to the experimental measurements of dielectric constants of doped/undoped films and the extracted parameters offer an adequate explanation for the IMT based on the carriers backscattering across the percolation transition. The smoother IMT observed in the hysteresis loops as the doping concentration is increased, is explained by charge density accumulation, which we quantify through the integral of optical conductivity. In addition, we describe the physics behind a localized Fano resonance that has not yet been demonstrated and explained in the literature for doped/undoped VO2 films.

Thermosonication parameter effects on physicochemical changes, microbial and enzymatic inactivation of fruit smoothie.

With the aim of developing a fruit-based beverage in products which are severely damaged by heat, a high-intensity ultrasound treatment combined with moderate heat treatment (called thermosonication) was applied. A fruit smoothie (mango, jackfruit and rice milk) was thermosonicated applying a Box-Benhken model with amplitude (70, 77.5 or 85%), time (15, 20 or 25 min) and temperature (40, 47.5 or 55 °C) as independent variables. From the obtained samples, microbiological (aerobic mesophilic and Enterobacteriaceae), physicochemical (pH, soluble solids and cloud index) and enzymatic analysis (polyphenol oxidase and pectin methylesterase) were carried out. Aerobic mesophiles and Enterobacteria inactivation in thermosonicated samples were 4.55 Log CFU/mL and 3.85 Log CFU/mL, respectively in most of the treatments applied, being influenced by linear terms of amplitude and temperature (p < 0.001). The cloud index was influenced by time term (p < 0.0001); meanwhile, interaction of amplitude * temperature (p < 0.01) and quadratic of time presented significant effect (p < 0.001) on polyphenol oxidase activity. Further, amplitude term had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on the decrease on pectin methylesterase enzymatic activity. The optimal process condition was 77.5% amplitude, 20 min and 47.5 °C. Thermosonication probed to be effective to control both enzymatic activities in treatments with high amplitudes combined with moderated temperature treatments. Based on this, the use of thermosonication is a viable alternative for fruit-based beverage preservation, that may employ perishable regional natural products offering them an added value.

HIV and Sexuality Stigma Reduction Through Engagement in Online Forums: Results from the HealthMPowerment Intervention.

HIV and sexuality stigma impede HIV prevention and care efforts. HealthMpowerment.org (HMP) is an interactive mobile phone- and web-based HIV prevention and care intervention for young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM; ages 18-30) in the United States. HMP included three forums where participants could share their experiences. In this study, we explored whether engaging in stigma-related discussions was associated with changes in YBMSM's stigma-related scores throughout the trial. YBMSM (ages 18-30; N = 238) participating in HMP completed surveys at baseline, and 3 and 6 month follow-ups that included a series of scales focused on HIV and sexuality (internalized homophobia; sexual prejudice) stigma. Sixty-two participants contributed to the forums (1497 posts). We coded instances where YBMSM's conversations were stigma related (915 posts, 61.1%), including discussions of anticipated (74/915, 8.1%), experienced (125/915, 13.7%), internalized (410/915, 44.8%), and/or challenged (639/915, 69.8%) stigma regarding sexuality and HIV. Using a mixed methods approach, we examined whether changes in YBMSM's stigma scores were associated with stigma-related discussions within the forum. We controlled for age, HIV status, income, and educational attainment in these multivariable models. YBMSM who discussed experiencing HIV stigma in the forums reported decreases in perceived HIV stigma over time (b = - 0.37, p ≤ 0.05). YBMSM whose forum posts indicated anticipated HIV stigma reported increases in HIV stigma over time (b = 0.46, p ≤ 0.01). Participants who challenged sexuality-related stigma in forums had lower internalized homophobia (b = - 0.68, p ≤ 0.01) at baseline. YBMSM whose discussions focused on experiencing sexuality-related stigma reported increases in internalized homophobia (b = 0.39, p ≤ 0.01) and sexual prejudice (b = 0.87, p ≤ 0.05) over time. Developing strategies to combat stigma remains a key priority. HMP created an online space where YBMSM could discuss HIV and sexuality stigma. Although a limited number of HMP participants authored the majority of these forum discussions, the discussions were associated with changes in the sample's stigma scores over time. Online interventions (e.g., social media, apps) should consider the inclusion of forums to address stigma and test the efficacy of forums to improve YBMSM's HIV prevention and care continuum outcomes.

On the Discoloration of Methylene Blue by Visible Light.

The discoloration of methylene blue in aqueous solution was studied under illumination by a fluorescent lamp, LEDs of red, green, and blue light, and a UV-A black light bulb. Overall results showed that methylene blue was discolored with and without the presence of any photoactive semiconductor. Outcomes depended on the combination substrate-light source employed. Photosensitization was assumed as the discoloration mechanism followed upon visible light irradiation. Fluorescence spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to investigate the possible intermediates formed in the irradiated solutions. The detailed nature of formed species was not stablished, but it was proved that the dye molecule photo-bleached and partially defragmented in several intermediates including leuco dyes, demethylated phenothiazine dyes, and probably humic substances. Since the fluorescence intermediates found were similar for most of the irradiated solutions, it was assumed that comparable reactive species were responsible for the discoloration of the molecule in solution. Results proved the misconception of discoloration experiments found in the literature when employing visible light near the absorption region of the dye.

Comparison of Oil Content and Fatty Acids Profile of Western Schley, Wichita, and Native Pecan Nuts Cultured in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Two different extraction processes, Soxhlet and ultrasound, were used to obtain the oil extracts of Western Schley, Wichita, and Native pecan nuts cultured in Chihuahua, Mexico. The aspects evaluated in this study were the extraction yield of the processes and fatty acids' profile of the resulting extracts. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify and determine the composition percentage of fatty acids present in pecan nuts oils extracted. The results obtained show that higher oil extraction yields were obtained by Soxhlet method with hexane (69.90%) in Wichita varieties. Wichita, Western Schley, and Native pecan nuts from Chihuahua are rich in PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) and have low levels of SFA (saturated fatty acids). The predominant fatty acid present in all pecan nuts oils was linoleic acid followed by oleic acid. Myristic acid, palmitic acid, and linolenic acid were also identified in representative quantities. The results from this study suggest that there are statistically significant differences in the chemical composition of the pecan nuts oils extracted from the varieties cultured in Chihuahua, Mexico, and those cultivated in other regions of the world.

Atypical manifestations of hepatitis A virus infection. / Manifestaciones atípicas de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis A.

Acute hepatitis due to the hepatitis A virus usually has a short, benign and self-limited course, without causing chronic hepatitis. However, some cases have an atypical presentation, such as relapsing hepatitis, prolonged or persistent cholestasis, fulminant hepatic failure, or liver failure associated with autoimmune hepatitis. The typical clinical course of acute hepatitis A virus infection is spontaneous remission in 90% of the cases, but atypical cases have a prevalence that varies from less than 1 to 20%, depending on the manifestation (overall prevalence ∼7%). There is little information on the atypical clinical courses of hepatitis A virus infection and the lack of recognizing those presentations in clinical practice often results in carrying out numerous studies and treatments that not only are unnecessary, but can also be harmful. The aim of the present article was to describe 3 clinical cases of atypical hepatitis A infection and provide a literature review of such cases.