Biology subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Redondo-Solano, M..
Genomic data on the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes from Central America are scarse. We analysed 92 isolates collected in Costa Rica over a decade from different regions, compared them to publicly available genomes and identified unnoticed outbreaks. This study calls for mandatory reporting of listeriosis to improve pathogen surveillance.
Over time, cultural heritage has become a key for comprehending and developing our society at an individual and group level, as it provides fundamental information about our origins, specific temporary space, materials availability using current technology, artists intention, and site weather conditions. Here, we investigated the physical characteristics of an Italian large-format artwork diptych, located on the ceiling of the National Theater of Costa Rica, to evaluate its pictorial palette as well as the tropical climatological conditions and the fungal aerial spore concentration. We characterized the role of two innovative software tools, as they have direct connection with an effective microbiological sampling and description of secrets encompassed in each pictorial layer during the process of creation and intention. We further found that eight genera of calcareous nannofossils could be associated with the optical properties of the artwork and the effects that the artist wanted to portray through his creative process.
Peptaibols (Paib), are a class of biologically active peptides isolated from soil, fungi and molds, which have interesting properties as antimicrobial agents. Paib production was optimized in flasks by adding sucrose as a carbon source, Aib as an additive amino acid, and F. oxysporum cell debris as an elicitor. Paib were purified, sequenced and identified by HPLC coupled to mass spectrometry. Afterward, a Paib prototype was prepared with the extracts obtained from the optimized fermentations. The biological activity of these prototypes was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo methods. The prototype inhibited the growth of specific plant pathogens, and it showed inhibition rates similar to those from commercially available fungicides. Growth inhibition rates were 92.2, 74.2, 58.4 and 36.2% against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum, respectively. Furthermore, the antifungal activity was tested in tomatoes inoculated with A. alternata, the incidence of the disease in tomatoes treated with the prototype was 0%, while the untreated fruit showed a 92.5% of infection. Scanning electron microscopy images showed structural differences between fungi treated with or without Paib. The most visual alterations were sunk and shriveled morphology in spores, while the hyphae appeared to be fractured, rough, and dehydrated.