•Polysaccharidic coatings improve postharvest quality of zucchini fruit.•Dextrin enhances antioxidant defence diminishing chilling injury during storage.•Additives olive oil and oleuropein increase ...the ascorbate and phenolics content.•Dextrin-based coatings improve the nutraceutical properties of zucchini fruit.
The use of edible coatings has surged as a response to the ever-increasing demand for ecologically-friendly methods for maintaining fruit quality during storage. This study analyses the application of different polysaccharide-based coatings, carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan, dextrin and starch, and the use of a plasticizer agent, glycerol, with dextrin shown to be the most effective in maintaining the postharvest quality of zucchini fruit during cold storage. Subsequently, to improve these results, the nutraceutical additives oleuropein and olive oil, were tested in combination with dextrin. Results showed that dextrin coatings reduced weight loss, chilling injury, and oxidative stress in zucchini fruit at low temperature, maintaining fruit quality. The natural additives obtained from the olive tree showed a higher induction of antioxidant enzymes as well as a greater accumulation of ascorbate and total phenolics, with the dextrin coating with olive oil being even more effective in maintaining the chilling injury low until the end of storage, associated to phenolic metabolism. This type of preservation could be implemented for extending postharvest life and enhancing the overall quality of zucchini fruit.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Given that external treatments with ABA had been proved to alleviate chilling injury in the immature zucchini fruit, an RNAseq analysis was conducted to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms ...that are involved in ABA-induced postharvest cold tolerance. Fruit from the cold sensitive cultivar Sinatra were treated with ABA and then stored for 14 d at 4 ºC. Exocarp samples from control and ABA-treated fruit were taken at 1, 5 and 14 d of cold storage, assessing the transcriptional changes during postharvest storage relative to freshly harvested fruit. The RNAseq analysis produced 229 million high-quality reads from a total of about 23,000 unigenes. Pairwise comparisons of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in treated and untreated samples at each cold storage time resulted in 852, 793 and 1120 DEGs that were specifically found in the ABA-treated but not in the control fruit at either 1, 5 or 14 d of cold storage. This ABA-specific DEG list was subjected to a GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, as well as to a clusterization of gene expression profiles. This revealed the significance of certain metabolic and signaling pathways participating in ABA-induced postharvest cold tolerance, highlighting the relevance of the Ca2+ signaling pathway, as well as the positive regulation mediated by certain hormones such as ethylene and jasmonate, and the negative regulation mediated by others like auxins and brassinosteroids. A number of DEGs were also found in the ABA-treated fruit that code for transcription factors, as well as for genes involved in oxidative stress response and in membrane and cell wall metabolism. Data indicates that ABA-induced cold tolerance is not mediated by CBF-like genes but involve the up- and down-regulation of several transcription factors in the BZIP, GRAS, MYB, MYC, NAC and ZAT families that are known to participate as positive and negative regulators in the cold defensive response. Moreover, ABA regulates different genes responsible for reducing oxidative stress damage, inducing the biosynthesis of cuticular wax and repressing the biosynthesis of lignin, as well as protecting membrane and cell wall integrity in fruit cells during postharvest cold storage.
•ABA induces postharvest cold tolerance in zucchini fruit independently of CBF pathway.•Specific roles of TFs and membrane and cell wall enzymes in postharvest cold response.•Ethylene, jasmonate, auxin and brassinosteroid mediate the ABA-induced cold tolerance.•Signaling genes for Ca2+ and MAPK are regulating zucchini postharvest cold tolerance.•Revealed genes could improve postharvest cold tolerance in zucchini fruit.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
SUMMARY
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has become a popular model for genetic studies of fruit flavor in the last two decades. In this article we present a study of tomato fruit flavor, including ...an analysis of the genetic, metabolic and sensorial variation of a collection of contemporary commercial glasshouse tomato cultivars, followed by a validation of the associations found by quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of representative biparental segregating populations. This led to the identification of the major sensorial and chemical components determining fruit flavor variation and detection of the underlying QTLs. The high representation of QTL haplotypes in the breeders’ germplasm suggests that there is great potential for applying these QTLs in current breeding programs aimed at improving tomato flavor. A QTL on chromosome 4 was found to affect the levels of the phenylalanine‐derived volatiles (PHEVs) 2‐phenylethanol, phenylacetaldehyde and 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane. Fruits of near‐isogenic lines contrasting for this locus and in the composition of PHEVs significantly differed in the perception of fruity and rose‐hip‐like aroma. The PHEV locus was fine mapped, which allowed for the identification of FLORAL4 as a candidate gene for PHEV regulation. Using a gene‐editing‐based (CRISPR‐CAS9) reverse‐genetics approach, FLORAL4 was demonstrated to be the key factor in this QTL affecting PHEV accumulation in tomato fruit.
Significance Statement
In commercial tomato breeding, elite breeding lines remain the major source of new cultivars. We studied the sensorial, chemical and genetic components of fruit flavor in a collection of commercial glasshouse tomatoes. The haplotypes associated with the flavor QTLs characterized in this study were well represented in the current breeders’ germplasm. Fine mapping of the major QTLs for floral phenolic volatiles resulted in the identification and functional confirmation of the causal gene.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
•A high prevalence and wide distribution of WNV were evidenced in wild birds from Spain.•Flavivirus specific antibodies were detected in 19 different species.•WNV was reported for the first time in ...Europe in a black stork (Ciconia nigra).•USUV was reported for the first time in Europe in a great bustard (Otis tarda).
West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging flavivirus transmitted generally by mosquitoes of Culex genus. It is maintained in an enzootic life cycle where birds act as reservoir hosts. Humans and horses are also susceptible to infection, and occasionally, they suffer from neurological complications. However, they do not transmit the virus to other vectors, behaving as dead-end hosts. Sporadic WNV outbreaks observed in horses and wild birds from Extremadura (western Spain) during 2016 and 2017 seasons prompted to carry out this survey in wild birds, focused on specimens coming from two wildlife rehabilitation centres. Between October 2017 and December 2019, samples from 391 wild birds, belonging to 56 different species were collected and analysed in search of evidence of WNV infection. The analysis of serum samples for WNV-specific antibodies by ELISA, whose specificity was subsequently confirmed by virus-neutralisation test (VNT) showed positive results in 18.23 % birds belonging to 18 different species. Pelecaniformes (33.33 %), Accipitriformes (25.77 %) and Strigiformes (22.92 %) orders had the higher seroprevalences. Remarkably, WNV-specific antibodies were found in a black stork for the first time in Europe. Analysis by real time RT-PCR in symptomatic birds confirmed the presence of WNV lineage 1 RNA in griffon vulture and little owls. Specificity analysis of ELISA positive and doubtful sera was performed by differential VNT titration against WNV and two other cross-reacting avian flaviviruses found in Spain: Usutu virus (USUV) and Bagaza virus (BAGV). Only four samples showed USUV-specific antibodies (1.04 %) corresponding to three species: Eurasian eagle-owl, griffon vulture and great bustard (first detection in Europe) whereas no samples were found reactive to BAGV. Differential VNT yielded undetermined flavivirus result in 16 samples (4.17 %). This is the first study carried out on wild birds from Extremadura (western Spain). It highlights the widespread circulation of WNV in the region and its co-circulation with USUV.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
•Carbohydrate content was determined in zucchini fruits during postharvest storage.•The raffinose is more likely related to dehydration than to chilling susceptibility.•Glucose, fructose, and pinitol ...could be involved in the adaptation to cold storage.
The postharvest handling of zucchini fruit includes low-temperature storage, making cold stress unavoidable. We have investigated the changes of soluble carbohydrates under this stress and its relation with weight loss and chilling injury in zucchini fruit during postharvest storage at 4°C and 20°C for up to 14 days. Two varieties with different degrees of chilling tolerance were compared: Natura, the more tolerant variety, and Sinatra, the variety that suffered more severe chilling-injury symptoms and weight loss. In both varieties, total soluble carbohydrates, reducing soluble carbohydrates and polyols content was generally higher during storage at 4°C than at 20°C, thus these parameters are related to the physiological response of zucchini fruit to cold stress. However, the raffinose content increased in Natura and Sinatra fruits during storage at 4°C and 20°C, although at 20°C the increase in raffinose was more remarkable than at 4°C in both varieties, so that the role of raffinose could be more likely related to dehydration than to chilling susceptibility of zucchini fruit. Glucose, fructose, pinitol, and acid invertase activity registered opposite trends in both varieties against chilling, increasing in Natura and decreasing in Sinatra. The increase in acid invertase activity in Natura fruit during cold storage could contribute in part to the increase of these reducing sugars, whose metabolism could be involved in the adaptation to postharvest cold storage.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) pose a global health challenge, with rising incidence and distribution.
mosquitoes are crucial WNV vectors. Avian species composition and bird ...community diversity, along with vector communities, influence WNV transmission patterns. However, limited knowledge exists on their impact in southwestern Spain, an area with active WNV circulation in wild birds, mosquitoes, and humans.
To address this, we conducted a comprehensive study investigating the contributions of migratory and exotic bird species to WNV transmission and the influence of mosquito community composition.
Analysing 1194 serum samples from 44 avian species, we detected WNV antibodies in 32 samples from 11 species, four for the first time in Europe. Migratory birds had higher WNV exposure likelihood than native and exotic species, and higher phylogenetic diversity in bird communities correlated with lower exposure rates. Moreover, in 5859 female mosquitoes belonging to 12 species, we identified WNV competent vectors like
s.l. and the
subgroup. Birds with WNV antibodies were positively associated with competent vector abundance, but negatively with overall mosquito species richness.
These findings highlight the complex interactions between bird species, their phylogenetics, and mosquito vectors in WNV transmission. Understanding these dynamics will help to implement effective disease control strategies in southwestern Spain.
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus that has caused an increasing number of animal and human cases in Europe in recent years. Understanding the vector species and avian hosts ...involved in the USUV enzootic cycle in an area of active circulation is vital to anticipate potential outbreaks. Mosquitoes were captured in 2020, while wild birds were sampled in both 2020 and 2021 in Extremadura, southwestern Spain. The presence of USUV in the mosquito vectors was assessed by a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay and confirmed by sequencing amplicons from two generic RT-PCR sets for flaviviruses. Sequences were analysed phylogenetically. Bird sera were screened for flavivirus antibodies with a blocking ELISA kit and subsequently tested for virus-specific antibodies with a micro-virus-neutralization test. Overall, 6,004 mosquitoes belonging to 13 species were captured, including some well-known flavivirus vectors (Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, and Cx. univittatus). Of the 438 pools tested, USUV was detected in two pools of Cx. pipiens. Phylogenetic analysis using a fragment of the NS5 gene assigned the USUV detected the Africa 3 lineage. Out of 1,413 wild birds tested, USUV-specific antibodies were detected in 17 birds (1.2%, 10 males and 7 females) from eight species. The first detection of USUV Africa 3 lineage in mosquitoes from Spain, together with serologically positive resident wild birds in urban and rural areas, indicates active circulation and a possible risk of exposure for the human population, with necessity to establish specific surveillance plans.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of physicians in Tijuana based on Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Nonspecific Low Back ...Pain (NLBP). Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data were obtained from doctors who practice in clinics, private surgeries, and/or government institutions. Results: Of a total of 56 doctors surveyed, 37 were men and 19 women. None of the doctors said they had not seen a patient with Back Pain. 49% knew the GPC, and 51% did not know of its existence. Conclusions: Although some physicians reported knowledge of the GPC, according to the results, there was a lack of full knowledge of, and adherence to these guidelines. Not knowing the GPC did not make it impossible to complete the questionnaire. The doctors felt more connected to the health system, but with less confidence in the management of cases of NLBP.
Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de conocimientos y las actitudes de los médicos en Tijuana, con base en la Guía de Práctica Clínica (GPC) para la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento del Dolor Lumbar Inespecífico (DLI). Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, transversal y descriptivo. Los datos fueron obtenidos de los médicos que prestan sus servicios en clínicas, consultorios privados y/o instituciones de gobierno. Resultados: Se obtuvo un total de 56 médicos encuestados, 37 hombres y 19 mujeres. Ningún médico contestó que no atiende un paciente con dolor lumbar. El 49% conocen la GPC y el 51% no saben de su existencia. Conclusiones: A pesar de que algunos médicos refieren conocer la GPC, según los resultados obtenidos falta mayor dominio y apego de la misma. El no conocer la GPC no hace imposible contestar el cuestionario. Los médicos se sienten más conectados con el sistema de salud, pero con menor autoconfianza en el manejo del DLI.
Objetivo: Determinar o nível de conhecimentos e a conduta dos médicos de Tijuana, com base nas Diretivas de Prática Clínica (DPC) para prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento da dor lombar não específica (DLNE). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, transversal e descritivo. Os dados foram obtidos junto a médicos que prestam serviços em clínicas, consultórios particulares e/ou instituições governamentais. Resultados: Atingiu-se um total de 56 médicos entrevistados, dos quais 37 eram homens e 19 mulheres. Nenhum médico disse que não atende um paciente com dor lombar. Do total, 49% conhecem as DPC e 51% não sabiam da sua existência. Conclusões: Apesar de alguns médicos relatarem conhecer as DPC, de acordo com os resultados obtidos, falta-lhes maior domínio e conformidade com relação a essas diretivas. Não conhecer as DPC não impossibilita responder ao questionário. Os médicos sentem-se mais conectados ao sistema de saúde, mas com menos confiança na conduta em casos DLI.
Una de las causas principales de contaminación corresponde a la constante generación de desechos industriales, lo que repercute negativamente en la salud y bienestar de la población. En la industria ...farmacéutica, por la naturaleza de los desechos generados, se requiere un tratamiento y disposición acorde con las características de cada medicamento. Una parte importante de ellos se producen cuando las formas farmacéuticas provenientes de hogares y hospitales, expiran o se consideran no utilizables. Varios estudios demuestran cómo la disposición inapropiada de los desechos representa riesgos significativos para seres humanos y el medio ambiente. Por ello, se pretende explicar la problemática de una manipulación inadecuada de los medicamentos no utilizables y las acciones a seguir para su adecuado tratamiento. Con ello, se busca encontrar una alternativa más segura, simple, práctica y estandarizada para el bienestar de la Salud Pública.
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