Biochemical differences in the skin of two blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) varieties with contrasting firmness: Implication of ions, metabolites and cell wall related proteins in two developmental stages

The pursuit of firmer and better-quality blueberries is a continuous task that aims at a more profitable production. To this end it is essential to understand the biological processes linked to fruit firmness, which may diverge among tissues. By contrasting varieties with opposing firmness, we were able to elucidate events that, taking place at immature stage, lay the foundation to produce a firmer ripe fruit. A deep analysis of blueberry skin was carried out, involving diverse comparative approaches including proteomics and metabolomics coupled to immunolocalization assays. In'O'Neal' (low firmness) enhanced levels of aquaporins, expansins and pectin esterases at the green stage were found to be critical in distinguishing it from 'Emerald' (high firmness). The latter featured higher levels of ABA, low methyl esterified pectins in tricellular junctions and high levels of catechin at this stage. Meanwhile, in 'Emerald' 's ripe fruit epicarp, several mechanisms of cell wall reinforcement such as calcium and probably boron bridges, appear to be more prominent than in 'O'Neal'. This study highlights the importance of cell wall reorganization and structure, abundance of specific metabolites, water status, and hormonal signalling in connection to fruit firmness. These findings result particularly valuable in order to improve the fertilization procedures or in the search of molecular markers related with firmness.

Validation of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Spanish of the Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Intensity Scale

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common problem in patients undergoing surgical procedures, generating patient dissatisfaction and increasing hospital costs. The Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Intensity Scale identifies clinically significant cases; however, it has not been validated in Spanish.

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a cross-cultural adaptation of the PONV Intensity Scale into Spanish and validate it for use in the postoperative period of patients undergoing elective non-cardiac and non-intracranial surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional validation study of a diagnostic test. The NVPO Intensity Scale was culturally adapted to Spanish and administered to 393 adult hospitalized patients at 6 postoperative hours. The data were compared with the Apfel Scale and nausea measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Internal consistency and inter-observer concordance were calculated.

RESULTS

59.8% of patients presented NVPO, of which 14.5% were clinically significant. An acceptable internal consistency was obtained for the NVPO Intensity Scale (Cronbach's alpha 0.7) and a high inter-observer correlation (Kappa 0.9, 95% CI 0.86-0.92), statistically significant, for the overall scale. The correlation with VAS was high (Rho Spearman 0.9). The mean VAS and Apfel scale score was significantly higher in patients with clinically significant PONV.

CONCLUSIONS

The PONV Intensity Scale adapted to Spanish is a valid and reliable instrument for monitoring and evaluating postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Proteomic and metabolomic approaches unveil relevant biochemical changes in carbohydrate and cell wall metabolisms of two blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) varieties with different quality attributes

Quality maintenance in rapidly decaying fruit such as blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) is of essential importance to guarantee the economic success of the crop. Fruit quality is a multifaceted subject that encompasses flavor, aroma, visual and physical issues as main factors. In this paper we report an ample characterization of different biochemical and physical aspects in two varieties (O'Neal and Emerald) of blueberries that differ in firmness, aspect, flavor and harvesting times, at two different phenological stages (fruit set vs. ripe), with the intention of unveiling how the metabolic signature of each contributes to their contrasting quality. To this effect a metabolomic, ionomic and proteomic approach was selected. The results presented here show marked differences in several variables at the two stages and between varieties. Emerald is an early variety with a large, good taste and firm fruit, while O'Neal is soft, medium sized and very sweet. Proteomic data comparison between both cultivars showed that, at fruit set, processes related with the response to inorganic compounds and small molecule metabolisms are relevant in both varieties. However, solute accumulation (mainly amino acids and organic acids), enzymes related with C: N balance, water transport and cell wall recycling are enhanced in Emerald. In ripe fruit, Emerald showed an enrichment of proteins associated with TCA, nitrogen, small molecules and cell wall in muro recycling processes, while mannitol and fatty acid metabolism were enhanced in the soft variety. The measured variation in metabolite levels gave strong support to the precedent results. This study suggests that at fruit set, a composite scenario of active metabolic recycling of the cell wall, improved C: N balance and solute accumulation give place to a more efficient carbon and water resource management. During the ripe stage, an increased and efficient in muro and metabolic recycling of the cell wall, added to enhanced inositol and secondary metabolism may be responsible for a best turgor conservation in Emerald. These findings may yield clues for improvements in fertilization practices, as well as to assist the guided development of new varieties based on biochemical quality.