Search Results (134)

This study explored the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs using Prosopis laevigata seed mucilage and assessed their antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and biocompatibility effects against foodborne pathogens. The AgNPs were mostly spherical, with sizes ranging from 2.5 to 56 nm (average: 14.69 nm), as confirmed by XRD and DLS analysis. They showed consistent antimicrobial activity, with MICs at 0.5 mg/mL and MBCs at 1.0 mg/mL across all tested strains, and inhibited bacterial growth by over 75% at 0.5–5 mg/mL, similar to or better than gentamicin. The antibiofilm performance was notable, with inhibitions of 76–84% against E. coli (1–10 mg/mL), 96–98% against S. aureus (0.5–10 mg/mL), 76–82% against Salmonella Typhimurium (0.5–10 mg/mL), and 70–84% against P. aeruginosa (1–10 mg/mL), surpassing gentamicin against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Cell viability remained 100% at 0.25 mg/mL, and no significant changes in immunological parameters were observed, suggesting good biocompatibility at therapeutic doses. This research shows, for the first time, that P. laevigata mucilage is an effective bioreducing agent for green synthesis of AgNPs with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive foodborne pathogens. Its superior ability to inhibit biofilms compared to traditional antibiotics, along with its safety profile at therapeutic levels, makes these nanoparticles promising for food safety applications, antimicrobial coatings, and topical treatments. Overall, the findings support the use of native plant resources in green nanotechnology to address global challenges of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

The pursuit of thermal comfort in buildings is one of the main sources of energy consumption worldwide. To mitigate this expenditure, thermal insulation is required in construction. However, most conventional insulation materials come from non-renewable resources. Recently, different alternatives for generating more environmentally friendly insulation from biomass have been studied. However, when using biomass, care must be taken to avoid negatively impacting the food industry. One way to address this is to use biomass waste from previous manufacturing processes. The use of waste from the production of biofuel derived from castor beans (Ricinus communis) for the manufacture of thermal insulation was successfully implemented. Castor beans were collected and used to obtain biofuel. The waste was mixed with construction materials (lime, marble dust, and cement) in different concentrations. A device for measuring thermal conductivity was built and validated. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) are presented to characterize the material. A decrease in thermal conductivity was found in the construction material depending on the presence of micelle remnants left after oil extraction. Full article

Bacteria represent promising tools for reducing the use of synthetic inputs in crop production. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two bacterial strains isolated from chicken compost tea—Bacillus licheniformis and Pseudomonas mendocina—on the yield and quality of strawberry. Experimental assays were conducted in two seasons (2023 and 2024) under macro-tunnel conditions, with the following treatments: control without applications (Con); commercial NPK fertilizer (FerC); application of B. licheniformis (BL) and P. mendocina (PM) solution in soil once a month. Both bacterial treatments enhanced soil properties. Fruit individual weight significantly increased in BL treatment compared to the control. Similar trends were observed for anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content (increases > 25%), as well as for antioxidant activity (increases of more than 20% and 13% for BL and PM, respectively). The differences were more significant in 2023. In addition, both strains showed positive in vitro results for phytase, siderophore, and IAA production (5.8–8.8 and 9.3–13 µg IAA/mL for BL and PM after 15 days). Although further field validation is required, these results indicate that bacteria (particularly B. licheniformis) show strong potential as bioinoculants to enhance the productivity and quality of strawberry. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections (UTIs) poses a critical public health challenge, yet comparative data between outpatient and inpatient settings remain limited, particularly in Latin America. This study characterized the epidemiology, microbiology, and resistance patterns of UTIs in northwestern Mexico. A retrospective analysis of 1041 patients with UTI (May–November 2024) was conducted. Microorganism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were determined using the MicroScan WalkAway system in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Results: Outpatients accounted for 80.5% of cases and inpatients for 19.4%, with a 3.1% mortality rate. Escherichia coli predominated (62.9%), with a significant association with outpatients (p = 0.02), whereas Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter spp., Candida tropicalis, and C. albicans were associated with inpatients (p < 0.05). Pediatric patients exhibited distinctive microbiological profiles: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.7% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.032), Enterococcus faecalis (33.3% vs. 16.2%, p = 0.001), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (26.6% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.027) were significantly more prevalent than in adults. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 27.1% of isolates, and extensive drug resistance (XDR) in 3.2%. XDR was associated with Gram-positive bacteria (12.2% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001). Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) were identified in 0.9% (7/772) of cases, with 42.9% occurring in outpatients. Hospitalization (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.43–2.83), surgical services (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.02–1.97), and recent surgery (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.04–5.39) were independent predictors of MDR/XDR infections. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the emergence of CRE within the community and distinctive pediatric resistance patterns, underscoring the need for tailored antimicrobial stewardship strategies in this region. Full article

pH-thermo-responsive polymeric nanoparticles (P-Nps) functionalized with carboxylic (–COOH) and amide (–NH₂) groups were synthesized by emulsion polymerization to obtain two series with varying functional group ratios and morphologies: core–shell and core–concentration gradient. P-Np dispersions were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoresis (zeta potential, ζ), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheology (viscosity, η) in a temperature range of 25 °C to 60 °C. In general, the results show that P-Nps exhibit average particle diameters ranging from 250 ≤ Dz/nm ≤ 1200, and exhibit high colloidal stability (−46 ≤ ζ/mV ≤ −22) as temperature rises. SEM analysis revealed irregular and different structures as the proportion of functional groups varied, while rheological measurements demonstrated non-Newtonian behavior as the average shear rate increased (0.01 ≤ γ ˙ /s⁻¹ ≤ 100). Their size, stability, and rheological properties depend on the temperature and location of the functional groups. These properties suggest potential applications such as in stimulating fluids in the oil industry. Full article

Up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are materials that convert near-infrared (NIR) photons into ultraviolet (UV) or visible emissions. To enhance their optical properties, UCNPs are often synthesized with oxide (Y₂O₃) or fluoride (NaYF₄) support matrices, useful for energy storage applications. In this study, NaYF₄-UCNPs were synthesized via coprecipitation and heat-treated at 400 °C. Then, a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) film was synthesized by the sol–gel technique at varying pH and temperatures from 25 °C to 80 °C. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and confocal microscopy (CM) confirmed the up-conversion properties. These materials show promise for enhancing solar radiation density in polymer degradation. Full article

Siderophores are low-molecular-weight chelating agents secreted by microorganisms under iron-limiting conditions, playing a crucial role in metal bioavailability and microbial survival. In this study, siderophores produced by Glutamicibacter sp. strain Al-Teq-24-F2, isolated from plant-associated samples, were characterized through a combination of spectroscopic and analytical methods. ESI-MS analysis of the crude extract revealed several abundant ions between 175 and 800 m/z, suggesting a mixture of secondary metabolites. After chromatographic purification, FT-IR and NMR analyses indicated the presence of amide, hydroxyl, and carboxylate functional groups. Integrating these data allowed for the proposal of a siderophore structure with a molecular weight of 438.25 Da. Thermogravimetric analysis showed thermal stability below 115 °C. During Fe (III) complexation, the zeta potential shifted from −21.15 mV to +42 mV, confirming strong interaction between the ligand and the metal. UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy displayed characteristic bathochromic and hypochromic shifts, together with pronounced fluorescence quenching upon iron binding. These findings provide new insight into the structural and physicochemical properties of siderophores produced by Glutamicibacter sp. and highlight their potential applications in biosensing and metal chelation processes. Full article

This study assessed the economic and financial viability of representative smallholder dairy farms (RSDFs) by analyzing two farm types: (1) RSDFs that rely exclusively on family labor and milk receipts, and (2) RSDFs that employ hired labor and obtain income from milk in addition to sales of crops and agricultural by-products. A stochastic simulation based on empirical distributions derived from 44 years of historical data was used to project a 10-year horizon. Results indicate a low-to-minimal probability of decapitalization, an overall outlook of economic and financial viability, and a return on assets between 12% and 22%. Net present value (NPV) was positive for all RSDFs except one; however, in every case, NPV was lower than the opening asset value. Under current economic and policy conditions, RSDFs in the highlands of Mexico appear economically and financially viable through 2033. Family labor was associated with stronger economic and financial outcomes among the small-scale dairy farms evaluated. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the associations between the Lifestyle Inflammation Score (LIS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and glucose metabolism alterations (GMA) postpartum. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted on 378 pregnant women at the end of pregnancy. Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and dietary parameters were evaluated. Postpartum reclassification was based on fasting serum glucose (>100 mg/dL), HbA1c (>5.7%), and/or a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (>140 mg/dL). The LIS was calculated using a proxy index including smoking status, physical activity, and pregestational BMI, applying the beta coefficient from the original LIS model. Tertiles were created, with T3 indicating the highest level of proinflammatory exposure. Statistical analyses included Kruskal–Wallis, one-way ANOVA, linear-by-linear association, and multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for family history, gestational weight gain, carbonylated proteins, and adiponectin to evaluate associations between LIS and GDM, and adjusted for pharmacological treatment, gestational weight gain, and breastfeeding for LIS and GMA. Results: Higher LIS values were more common among women with GDM (T1 = 45.9%, T2 = 62.2%, T3 = 74.8%, p < 0.001) and among those with GMA (T1 = 34.4%, T2 = 45.6%, T3 = 53.7%, p = 0.019). Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of LIS was associated with greater odds of GDM (OR 3.72; 95% CI: 1.19–11.64, p = 0.024) and GMA (OR 2.69; 95% CI: 1.25–5.76, p = 0.011). Conclusions: A more proinflammatory lifestyle, as reflected by a higher LIS, increases the risk of progression to GDM and later to GMA. Full article

Background: Headache is a common symptom during acute viral infections, and its pathophysiology has been linked with the immune response to the virus. Headache is one of the most frequent symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and it has been associated with a more efficient immune response and a better prognosis. The aim of this article is to evaluate whether vaccination could modify the clinical phenotype and the probability of developing persistent headache after acute COVID-19. Methods: A case–control study comparing the duration of the headache and the clinical phenotype between fully vaccinated individuals and non-vaccinated controls was conducted. Each case was matched with two controls that were paired by age, sex, and prior history of headache. Patients were evaluated by a physician that administered a structured questionnaire and were followed up for at least three months. Results: The sample included 103 cases and 206 controls, with a median age of 42 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 33–51); 68% were female; and 26% had a prior history of headache. Headache had a shorter duration for vaccinated patients (4 (IQR 2–8) vs. 8 (IQR 4–16.5) days, p < 0.001). Vaccinated patients had a higher frequency of holocranial topography, pressing quality, phonophobia, and cranial autonomic symptoms. Conclusions: Our results suggest that full vaccination modifies the clinical phenotype of COVID-19 onset-associated headache and might lead to a shorter duration. These findings could represent an additional benefit of COVID-19 vaccines, which could extend to the post-COVID-19 phase and decrease the probability of a persistent disabling symptom such as headache. Full article

Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing polymer nanofibers whose morphology strongly influences their properties. This work developed predictive and inferential models for fiber diameter based on solution and process parameters. Polymer–solvent compatibility was described through cohesive energy-based solubility parameters such as Hansen and Flory–Huggins ( χ ). Twenty Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were trained using both the raw response (Y) and its natural logarithm (ln Y) under Gaussian, Gamma, and Inverse Gaussian distributions with different link functions. Models using ln Y showed better goodness-of-fit, with the Gamma distribution and identity link performing best. The final model, optimized via AIC-forward selection, achieved RMSE = 0.5862, Corr² = 0.7803, and MAPE = 0.0775. The Flory–Huggins parameter and solution concentration were identified as the most influential predictors, providing a reliable framework for controlling nanofiber diameter in electrospinning processes. Full article

Aedes aegypti is the primary urban vector for several important arboviruses, including dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. Traditional dengue virus (DENV) surveillance relies on passive reporting of human cases, which often underestimates transmission due to asymptomatic or unreported infections. This study evaluated the utility of monitoring DENV in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to improve detection of local dengue transmission and inform vector control strategies during the 2024 dengue epidemic in Puerto Rico. Mosquito surveillance was conducted in 15 neighborhoods within the San Juan metropolitan area where confirmed dengue cases had been recently reported. Adult female Ae. aegypti were collected weekly using Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps (AGO traps) placed within a 200 m radius of index cases. Pools of 1–20 mosquitoes were tested for DENV RNA and serotype using RT-PCR. Surveillance continued for up to 91 days in study areas, depending on virus detection. A total of 29,354 female Ae. aegypti were collected, of which 29,211 females were pooled (1–20 specimens per pool) into 3878 pools and analyzed. DENV was detected in 49 pools across 11 neighborhoods, with serotypes DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-3 identified. Multiple serotypes were sometimes detected in mosquitoes from the same neighborhood. Minimum infection rates and vector indices were higher during the epidemic than in previous inter-epidemic periods, and mosquito densities exceeded thresholds considered protective against outbreaks. Entomo-virological surveillance detected a greater variety and evenness of serotypes than passive human surveillance. These findings suggest that entomo-virological surveillance can complement passive case surveillance, providing a more comprehensive detection of DENV circulation. Integrating mosquito-based and human surveillance can improve outbreak detection, guide vector control, and aid in reducing dengue burden in affected communities. Full article

Background: Cancer therapeutics development has been a challenge in medical and scientific areas due to their toxicity, limited biocompatibility, and unfortunate side effects. However, despite advances in early detection and the study of novel treatments, the mortality rate for breast cancer remains high, making it a significant global health concern. Objectives: In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles functionalized with acrylic acid (AA), fumaramide (FA), and curcumin (CUR) as chelating and inhibitor agents were synthesized by emulsion polymerization techniques. Methods and Results: Comprehensive physiochemical characterization studies based on gravimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a pH dependence of nanoparticles that exhibit structural changes upon interaction with calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions. Calorimetric thermodynamic properties measured by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) confirmed chelating coordination and positive cooperativity between the nanoparticles and metal ions. In vitro studies showed the low cytotoxicity of nanoparticles by fibroblast proliferation, and their chelation process was observed by fluorescence microscopy, with the loss of interaction between cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that the functionalized nanoparticles have potential in drug delivery systems (DDS) for targeted breast cancer therapies, providing a promising polymer material for more efficient and less toxic treatments. Full article

Food insecurity (FI) is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects women, especially if they are migrants. In Chile, there is limited data on how gender and migration status intersect to explain vulnerability to FI. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 2124 women of childbearing age (1062 Chilean and 1062 immigrants) residing in south-central Chile. Biosociodemographic variables were collected through a structured questionnaire, and FI was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to estimate risk factors using odds ratios (OR). Overall, 39.2% of women experienced some degree of FI, with prevalence significantly higher among immigrants (49%) compared to Chileans (29%). Severe FI was twice as frequent in immigrant women (18.1% vs. 9.2%). The risk factor of FI in the total sample included immigrant status (OR = 2.61; 95% CI: 2.15–3.17), low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.25; 1.77–2.87), having children (OR = 1.82; 1.49–2.23), being head of household (OR = 1.53; 1.25–1.87), not having a job (OR = 1.27; 1.02–1.58), and suffering from depression (OR = 2.11; 1.66–2.67). Subgroup analyses confirmed similar determinants in both groups, with not having a job being relevant mainly for immigrants and age acting as a protective factor among Chileans. FI is highly prevalent among women in south-central Chile, particularly among immigrants. Structural determinants such as socioeconomic status, having children, being the head of the household, and depression increase vulnerability. Policies must integrate gender and migration perspectives, promoting access to adequate food, employment, childcare, and mental health support. Full article