Fundamentals of Edible Coatings and Combination with Biocontrol Agents: A Strategy to Improve Postharvest Fruit Preservation.

Challenges in global food supply chains include preserving postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The utilization of edible coatings (ECs) combined with biocontrol agents (BCAs) represents a promising strategy to enhance the postharvest quality and shelf life of these commodities. This review analyzes the most recent developments in EC technologies and their combination with BCAs, highlighting their synergistic effects on postharvest pathogen control and quality maintenance.

The epsilon toxin from Clostridium perfringens stimulates calcium-activated chloride channels, generating extracellular vesicles in Xenopus oocytes.

The epsilon toxin (Etx) from Clostridium perfringens has been identified as a potential trigger of multiple sclerosis, functioning as a pore-forming toxin that selectively targets cells expressing the plasma membrane (PM) myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL). Previously, we observed that Etx induces the release of intracellular ATP in sensitive cell lines. Here, we aimed to re-examine the mechanism of action of the toxin and investigate the connection between pore formation and ATP release.

Simultaneous Positron Emission Tomography and Molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cardiopulmonary Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

Background: Aging-associated left ventricular dysfunction promotes cardiopulmonary fibrogenic remodeling, Group 2 pulmonary hypertension (PH), and right ventricular failure. At the time of diagnosis, cardiac function has declined, and cardiopulmonary fibrosis has often developed. Here, we sought to develop a molecular positron emission tomography (PET)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol to detect both cardiopulmonary fibrosis and fibrotic disease activity in a left ventricular dysfunction model.

Susceptibility Evaluation to Fire Blight and Genome-Wide Associations within a Collection of Asturian Apple Accessions.

Fire blight, caused by , is one of the most devastating apple diseases. The selection of cultivars of low susceptibility and the study of the genetic mechanisms of the disease play important roles in fire blight management. The susceptibility level to fire blight was evaluated in 102 accessions originating from Asturias, a cider-producing region located in the north of Spain with a wide apple germplasm.

Optimization of a food industry-waste-based medium for the production of the plant growth promoting microorganism PGP01 based on agro-food industries by-products.

In this study, three wastes based on potato peels and pulps, tomato seeds and wheat bran were used as basis for the preparation of a cheap medium to produce the bacterium PGP01. In flasks experiments, PGP01 growth at 25 °C in a medium based on frozen potato peels and pulp (FPP) with tryptone as a nitrogen source resulted in the maximum production compared to the commercial TSB medium. In the scale-up to 2 L bioreactors, FPP supplemented with tryptone, molasses, NaCl and KHPO allowed to reach similar biomass production than in the TSB medium.

Enhanced shelf-life of the formulated biocontrol agent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CPA-8 combining diverse packaging strategies and storage conditions.

Two effective biocontrol products (named as BA3 and BA4) based on Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CPA-8 have been reported as a potential alternative to chemical applications against brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. on stone fruit. To have practical use, this study aimed to describe the best packaging strategies (bags or flasks, atmosphere, and temperature of storage) to not only guarantee efficacy but also stability and ease of application of the products to be handled through the normal channels of distribution and storage.

The Cytotoxicity of Epsilon Toxin from Clostridium perfringens on Lymphocytes Is Mediated by MAL Protein Expression.

Epsilon toxin (Etx) from is a pore-forming protein that crosses the blood-brain barrier, binds to myelin, and, hence, has been suggested to be a putative agent for the onset of multiple sclerosis, a demyelinating neuroinflammatory disease. Recently, myelin and lymphocyte (MAL) protein has been identified to be a key protein in the cytotoxic effect of Etx; however, the association of Etx with the immune system remains a central question. Here, we show that Etx selectively recognizes and kills only human cell lines expressing MAL protein through a direct Etx-MAL protein interaction.

DNA Binding Induces a Nanomechanical Switch in the RRM1 Domain of TDP-43.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing protein-nucleic acid interactions is fundamental to many nuclear processes. However, how nucleic acid binding affects the conformation and dynamics of the substrate protein remains poorly understood. Here we use a combination of single molecule force spectroscopy AFM and biochemical assays to show that the binding of TG-rich ssDNA triggers a mechanical switch in the RRM1 domain of TDP-43, toggling between an entropic spring devoid of mechanical stability and a shock absorber bound-form that resists unfolding forces of ∼40 pN.

Fluidised-bed spray-drying formulations of Candida sake CPA-1 by adding biodegradable coatings to enhance their survival under stress conditions.

The biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA-1 has demonstrated to be effective against several diseases on fruit. However, for application of CPA-1 under field conditions, it was necessary to mix it with a food coating to improve survival under stress conditions, as well as adherence and distribution on fruit surfaces. The objective of this study was to obtain a more competitive formulation under field conditions to be applied independently of any product.

Investigation of LRRC8-Mediated Volume-Regulated Anion Currents in Xenopus Oocytes.

Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) play an important role in controlling cell volume by opening upon cell swelling. Recent work has shown that heteromers of LRRC8A with other LRRC8 members (B, C, D, and E) form the VRAC. Here, we used Xenopus oocytes as a simple system to study LRRC8 proteins.

Cellular Redox Systems Impact the Aggregation of Cu,Zn Superoxide Dismutase Linked to Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Protein misfolding is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, where mutations of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) account for about 20% of the inherited mutations. Human SOD1 (hSOD1) contains four cysteines, including Cys(57) and Cys(146), which have been linked to protein stability and folding via forming a disulfide bond, and Cys(6) and Cys(111) as free thiols. But the roles of the cellular oxidation-reduction (redox) environment in SOD1 folding and aggregation are not well understood.

Presynaptic P2X1-3 and α3-containing nicotinic receptors assemble into functionally interacting ion channels in the rat hippocampus.

Previous studies documented a cross-talk between purinergic P2X (P2XR) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in heterologous expression systems and peripheral preparations. We now investigated if this occurred in native brain preparations and probed its physiological function. We found that P2XR and nAChR were enriched in hippocampal terminals, where both P2X1-3R and α3, but not α4, nAChR subunits were located in the active zone and in dopamine-β-hydroxylase-positive hippocampal terminals.

DNA-based methodologies for the quantification of live and dead cells in formulated biocontrol products based on Pantoea agglomerans CPA-2.

Pantoea agglomerans strain CPA-2 is an effective biocontrol agent (BCA) against the major postharvest pathogens present on pome and citrus fruits. Dehydration, such as freeze-drying, spray-drying and fluidized bed drying is one of the best ways to formulate BCAs. In this work, the survival of CPA-2 cells after formulation was determined by dilution plating and molecular methods as qPCR alone and combined with a sample pretreatment with a propidium monoazide dye (PMA-qPCR) and they were used to calculate treatment concentrations in efficacy trials on postharvest oranges.

Altered thiol chemistry in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked mutants of superoxide dismutase 1.

Neurodegenerative diseases share a common characteristic, the presence of intracellular or extracellular deposits of protein aggregates in nervous tissues. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a severe and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, which affects preferentially motoneurons. Changes in the redox state of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are associated with the onset and development of familial forms of ALS.

Inhibition of connexin 36 hemichannels by glucose contributes to the stimulation of insulin secretion.

The existence of functional connexin36 (Cx36) hemichannels in β-cells was investigated in pancreatic islets of rat and wild-type (Cx36(+/+)), monoallelic (Cx36(+/-)), and biallelic (Cx36(-/-)) knockout mice. Hemichannel opening by KCl depolarization was studied by measuring ATP release and changes of intracellular ATP (ADP). Cx36(+/+) islets lost ATP after depolarization with 70 mM KCl at 5 mM glucose; ATP loss was prevented by 8 and 20 mM glucose or 50 μM mefloquine (connexin inhibitor).

Optimization of packaging and storage conditions of a freeze-dried Pantoea agglomerans formulation for controlling postharvest diseases in fruit.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate different packaging strategies to extend the shelf life of a freeze-dried formulation of the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans strain CPA-2.

Methods And Results: Different materials and atmosphere packaging conditions (vacuum and air) were analysed on formulated P. agglomerans cells stored at 25, 5 and -20°C.

Role of connexin 32 hemichannels in the release of ATP from peripheral nerves.

Extracellular purines elicit strong signals in the nervous system. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) does not spontaneously cross the plasma membrane, and nervous cells secrete ATP by exocytosis or through plasma membrane proteins such as connexin hemichannels. Using a combination of imaging, luminescence and electrophysiological techniques, we explored the possibility that Connexin 32 (Cx32), expressed in Schwann cells (SCs) myelinating the peripheral nervous system could be an important source of ATP in peripheral nerves.

Formulation development of the biocontrol agent Bacillus subtilis strain CPA-8 by spray-drying.

Aims: To prepare commercially acceptable formulations of Bacillus subtilis CPA-8 by spray-drying with long storage life and retained efficacy to control peach and nectarine brown rot caused by Monilinia spp.

Methods And Results: CPA-8 24-h- and 72-h-old cultures were spray dried using 10% skimmed milk, 10% skimmed milk plus 10% MgSO(4) , 10% MgSO(4) and 20% MgSO(4) as carriers/protectants. All carriers/protectants gave good percentages of powder recovery (28-38%) and moisture content (7-13%).

Gap junction communication in myelinating glia.

Gap junction communication is crucial for myelination and axonal survival in both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). This review examines the different types of gap junctions in myelinating glia of the PNS and CNS (Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes respectively), including their functions and involvement in neurological disorders. Gap junctions mediate intercellular communication among Schwann cells in the PNS, and among oligodendrocytes and between oligodendrocytes and astrocytes in the CNS.

SPARC prevents maturation of cholinergic presynaptic terminals.

Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein produced by glial cells. Although it is highly expressed in synaptogenic areas in the developing nervous system, it is still unclear whether this molecule displays an action on synaptic activity. We show that nanomolar concentrations of SPARC favour a more efficient synapse formation and increase short term depression in single cell cholinergic microcultures.

Sera from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients induce the non-canonical activation of NMDA receptors "in vitro".

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by the selective loss of both upper and lower motoneurons (MNs). The familial form of the illness is associated with mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) enzyme, but it accounts for fewer than 10% of cases; the rest, more than 90%, correspond to the sporadic form of ALS. Although many proposals have been suggested over the years, the mechanisms underlying the characteristic selective killing of MN in ALS remain unknown.

Transfer of Listeria innocua from contaminated compost and irrigation water to lettuce leaves.

Many foodborne outbreaks of some pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella or Listeria have been associated with the consumption of contaminated vegetables. Contaminated manure and polluted irrigation water are probable vehicles for the pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the potential transfer of Listeria innocua from soil fertilized with contaminated compost or irrigated with contaminated water to the edible parts of lettuce grown on these soils together with its survival in lettuce and in soil under field conditions during two different seasons.

Amyloid β peptide oligomers directly activate NMDA receptors.

Amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers accumulate in the brain tissue of Alzheimer disease patients and are related to disease pathogenesis. The precise mechanisms by which Aβ oligomers cause neurotoxicity remain unknown. We recently reported that Aβ oligomers cause intracellular Ca(2+) overload and neuronal death that can be prevented by NMDA receptor antagonists.