•Capsicum oleoresin and purified extracts are rich in carotenoids and capsaicinoids.•Supercritical CO2 extraction is the most useful method to enrich Capsicum fractions.•Pepper derivatives enhance ...sensory properties and shelf-life of foods.•Pepper bioactive compounds, vitamins and minerals as health-promoters.
The recovery of pepper phytochemicals present an interesting strategy in pursuit of new bioactive compounds and natural ingredients for agro-food, cosmetic and pharma industry uses, as replacements for the synthetic compounds and also in the valorisation of plant’s by-products. Besides being used as a condiment, providing characteristic pungency, colour and flavour, the new pepper-derived ingredients could be used for the preservation and extension of industrial products’ lifespan, as well as additives or technological ingredients with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Moreover, the application of the new products in pharmaceutical formulas for the treatment of inflammatory and pain-related conditions is also a possibility, since peppers contain capsaicinoids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, vitamin C and A, and minerals, such as iron and calcium, which have a health-promoting potential. Further studies on appropriate extraction protocols, stability, safety and bioactivity are necessary to provide novel and promising pepper ingredients for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.
Abstract
In this paper, we report a new estimate of the absolute proper motion (PM) of the globular cluster NGC 5139 (
ω
Cen) as part of the
HST
large program GO-14118+14662. We analyzed a field 17 ...arcmin southwest of the center of
ω
Cen and computed PMs with epoch spans of ∼15.1 years. We employed 45 background galaxies to link our relative PMs to an absolute reference-frame system. The absolute PM of the cluster in our field is
mas yr
−1
. Upon correction for the effects of viewing perspective and the known cluster rotation, this implies that for the cluster center of mass
mas yr
−1
. This measurement is direct and independent, has the highest random and systematic accuracy to date, and will provide an external verification for the upcoming
Gaia
Data Release 2. It also differs from most reported PMs for
ω
Cen in the literature by more than 5
σ
, but consistency checks compared to other recent catalogs yield excellent agreement. We computed the corresponding Galactocentric velocity, calculated the implied orbit of
ω
Cen in two different Galactic potentials, and compared these orbits to the orbits implied by one of the PM measurements available in the literature. We find a larger (by about 500 pc) perigalactic distance for
ω
Cen with our new PM measurement, suggesting a larger survival expectancy for the cluster in the Galaxy.
The development of robust microorganisms that can efficiently ferment both glucose and xylose represents one of the major challenges in achieving a cost-effective lignocellulosic bioethanol ...production.
Candida intermedia
is a non-conventional, xylose-utilizing yeast species with a high-capacity xylose transport system. The natural ability of
C. intermedia
to produce ethanol from xylose makes it attractive as a non-GMO alternative for lignocellulosic biomass conversion in biorefineries. We have evaluated the fermentation capacity and the tolerance to lignocellulose-derived inhibitors and the end product, ethanol, of the
C. intermedia
strain CBS 141442 isolated from steam-exploded wheat straw hydrolysate. In a mixed sugar fermentation medium,
C. intermedia
CBS 141442 co-fermented glucose and xylose, although with a preference for glucose over xylose. The strain was clearly more sensitive to inhibitors and ethanol when consuming xylose than glucose.
C. intermedia
CBS 141442 was also subjected to evolutionary engineering with the aim of increasing its tolerance to inhibitors and ethanol, and thus improving its fermentation capacity under harsh conditions. The resulting evolved population was able to ferment a 50% (
v
/
v
) steam-exploded wheat straw hydrolysate (which was completely inhibitory to the parental strain), improving the sugar consumption and the final ethanol concentration. The evolved population also exhibited a better tolerance to ethanol when growing in a xylose medium supplemented with 35.5 g/L ethanol. These results highlight the potential of
C. intermedia
CBS 141442 to become a robust yeast for the conversion of lignocellulose to ethanol.
Summary
Background
Ex vivo confocal microscopy (CM) works under two modes, fluorescence and reflectance, allowing the visualization of different structures. Fluorescence CM (FCM) requires a contrast ...agent and has been used for the analysis of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) during Mohs surgery. Conversely, reflectance CM (RCM) is mostly used for in vivo diagnosis of equivocal skin tumours. Recently, a new, faster ex vivo confocal microscope has been developed which simultaneously uses both lasers (fusion mode).
Objectives
To describe the BCC features identified on reflectance, fluorescence and fusion modes using this novel device. To determine the best mode to identify characteristic BCC features. To develop a new staining protocol to improve the visualization of BCC under the different modes.
Methods
From September 2016 to June 2017, we prospectively included consecutive BCCs which were excised using Mohs surgery in our department. The lesions were evaluated using ex vivo CM after routine Mohs surgery. The specimens were first stained with acridine orange and then stained using both acetic acid and acridine orange.
Results
We included 78 BCCs (35 infiltrative, 25 nodular, 12 micronodular, 6 superficial). Most features were better visualized with the fusion mode using the double staining. We also identified new CM ex vivo features, dendritic and plump cells, which have not been reported previously.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that nuclei characteristics are better visualized in FCM but cytoplasm and surrounding stroma are better visualized in RCM. Thus, the simultaneous evaluation of reflectance and fluorescence seems to be beneficial due to its complementary effect.
What's already known about this topic?
Ex vivo fluorescent confocal microscopy (FCM) is an imaging technique that allows histopathological analysis of fresh tissue.
FCM is faster – at least one‐third of the time – than conventional methods.
FCM has a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 99% in detecting basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).
What does this study add?
Reflectance and fluorescence modes can be used simultaneously in a new ex vivo CM device.
Each mode complements the other, resulting in an increase in the detection of BCC features in fusion mode.
A combined staining using acetic acid and acridine orange enhances the visualization of tumour and stroma without damaging the tissue for further histopathological analysis.
Linked Editorial: Navarrete‐Dechent et al. Br J Dermatol 2020; 182:257–259.
Plain language summary available online
Germ cell apoptosis regulation is pivotal in order to maintain proper daily sperm production. Several reports have shown that endocrine disruptors such as Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Nonylphenol (NP) ...induce germ cell apoptosis along with a decrease in sperm production. Given their ubiquitous distribution in plastic products used by humans it is important to clarify their mechanism of action. TACE/ADAM17 is a widely distributed extracellular metalloprotease and participates in the physiological apoptosis of germ cells during spermatogenesis. The aims of this work were: 1) to determine whether BPA and NP induce ADAM17 activation; and 2) to study whether ADAM17 and/or ADAM10 are involved in germ cell apoptosis induced by BPA and NP in the pubertal rat testis. A single dose of BPA or NP (50 mg/kg) induces germ cell apoptosis in 21-day-old male rats, which was prevented by a pharmacological inhibitor of ADAM17, but not by an inhibitor of ADAM10. In vitro, we showed that BPA and NP, at similar concentrations to those found in human samples, induce the shedding of exogenous and endogenous (TNF-α) ADAM17 substrates in primary rat Sertoli cell cultures and TM4 cell line. In addition, pharmacological inhibitors of metalloproteases and genetic silencing of ADAM17 prevent the shedding induced in vitro by BPA and NP. Finally, we showed that in vivo BPA and NP induced early activation (phosphorylation) of p38 MAPK and translocation of ADAM17 to the cell surface. Interestingly, the inhibition of p38 MAPK prevents germ cell apoptosis and translocation of ADAM17 to the cell surface. These results show for the first time that xenoestrogens can induce activation of ADAM17 at concentrations similar to those found in human samples, suggesting a mechanism by which they could imbalance para/juxtacrine cell-to-cell-communication and induce germ cell apoptosis.
When addressing antisocial behaviour among adolescents, programs based on the paradigm of positive psychology through enhancing self-efficacy have demonstrated their effectiveness in furthering the ...positive development of young people with a history of antisocial behaviour. Nevertheless, there has been little research into the effectiveness of these type of programs in mitigating substance abuse among juvenile offenders. The aim of this paper is to analyse the effectiveness of a contingency management program in reducing the prevalence of relapses into drug consumption among adolescents who have committed serious crimes.
The study consisted of a sample of 91 male adolescents, between 15 and 19 years, in juvenile detention, who were divided into two treatment groups. For both groups, biological testing was used to detect drug consumption upon their re-turn from leave permits from the Centre.
The quasi-experimental group had significantly lower rates of relapse than the quasi-control group. Furthermore, being part of the quasi-experimental group was a significant predictor of reduced rates of relapses.
The results suggest that the incorporation of treatment strategies which reinforce feelings of self-efficacy and adequate orientation towards the future, as a complement to disciplinary sanctions, are effective in reducing relapses in drug use among adolescent offenders.
•We study the problem of sharing the revenues from broadcasting.•We consider several axioms based on the principle of monotonicity.•We provide axiomatic characterizations of rules with such ...axioms.•Our results highlight the normative appeal of the equal-split rule.
We explore the implications of the principle of monotonicity in the problem of sharing the revenues from broadcasting sports leagues. We formalize different forms of this principle as several axioms for sharing rules in this setting. We show that, combined with two other basic axioms (equal treatment of equals and additivity), they provide axiomatic characterizations of focal rules for this problem, as well as families of rules compromising among them. These results highlight the normative appeal of the (focal) equal-split rule.
The production of composites from recycled thermoplastic polymers and natural fibers has been an interesting alternative to generate polymeric materials of low cost, with sufficient properties for ...application and environmentally adequate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the accelerated photochemical aging on properties of a composite produced from recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with pine wood waste (PWW) in the presence of coupling agent. The oxidation, performance of mechanical properties and surface changes of the LDPE and LDPE/PWW composite were monitored at different times of aging. It was observed that LDPE/PWW composite presented a higher resistance to the accelerated photochemical aging than unfilled LDPE, mainly due to the better performance of the mechanical properties of elongation at break and tensile strength, showing that the presence of natural fibers from PWW lead to the stabilization of the polymeric matrix of LDPE.
•Natural fibers are extensively used in polymer composites.•Natural fibers reinforced polymer composites is an interesting alternative for polymer recycling.•Low-density polyethylene waste/pine wood waste composites can be used as plastic wood.•Composite presents better performance against accelerated photochemical aging than unfilled low-density polyethylene.
The human gut microbiota is composed of diverse microbes that not only compete but also rely on one another for resources and access to microhabitats in the intestine 1, 2. Indeed, recent efforts to ...map the microbial biogeography of the gastrointestinal tract have revealed positive and negative co-associations between bacterial taxa 3, 4. Here, we examine the spatial organization that the most prominent fungus of the human flora, Candida albicans, adopts in the gut of gnotobiotic mice either as the sole colonizer or in the presence of single bacterial species. We observe that, as a lone colonizer, C. albicans cells are distributed either adjacent to the inner mucus layer in the colon or throughout the intestinal lumen. In contrast to this pattern, in the presence of the saccharolytic Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, the fungal cells localize to the interior of a Bacteroides-promoted outer mucus layer in which fungal and bacterial cells are in close association. We show that, in vitro, although mucin provides minimal support to the proliferation of the fungus, barely altering its transcriptional landscape, Bacteroides- and glucanase-processed mucin can better fuel the growth of C. albicans. Our observations illustrate how a commensal fungus can settle in an intestinal microhabitat generated by the presence of a single gut bacterial taxon.
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•The yeast C. albicans and individual bacterial species co-colonize the murine gut•C. albicans cells are embedded in B. thetaiotaomicron-promoted outer mucus layer•Bacteroides- and glucanase-processed mucin can better fuel the growth of C. albicans
Imaging studies are revealing that the microbes that compose the gut microbiota do not randomly distribute across the intestine but rather display intriguing patterns of spatial structuring. Eckstein et al. describe how the spatial distribution of a human commensal fungus across the mammalian intestine is shaped by individual gut bacterial species.
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