Search

Trichomes are epidermal outgrowths on plant shoots. Their roles in protecting plants against herbivores and in the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites have long been recognized. Recently, studies are increasingly showing that trichomes also play important roles in water absorption and metal detoxication, with these roles having important implications for ecology, the environment, and agriculture. However, these two functions of trichomes have been largely overlooked and much remains unknown. In this review, we show that the trichomes of 37 plant species belonging to 14 plant families are involved in water absorption, while the trichomes of 33 species from 13 families are capable of sequestering metals within their trichomes. The ability of trichomes to absorb water results from their decreased hydrophobicity compared to the remainder of the leaf surface as well as the presence of special structures for collecting and absorbing water. In contrast, the metal detoxication function of trichomes results not only from the good connection of their basal cells to the underlying vascular tissues, but also from the presence of metal-chelating ligands and transporters within the trichomes themselves. Knowledge gaps and critical future research questions regarding these two trichome functions are highlighted. This review improves our understanding on trichomes.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, far from being resolved. The need of new drugs against new targets is imminent. In this work, we present a family of aminoalkyl resveratrol derivatives with antibacterial activity inspired by the properties of cationic amphipathic antimicrobial peptides. Surprisingly, the newly designed molecules display modest activity against aerobically growing bacteria but show surprisingly good antimicrobial activity against anaerobic bacteria (Gram-negative and Gram-positive) suggesting specificity towards this bacterial group. Preliminary studies into the action mechanism suggest that activity takes place at the membrane level, while no cross-resistance with traditional antibiotics is observed. Actually, some good synergistic relations with existing antibiotics were found against Gram-negative pathogens. However, some cytotoxicity was observed, despite their low haemolytic activity. Our results show the importance of the balance between positively charged moieties and hydrophobicity to improve antimicrobial activity, setting the stage for the design of new drugs based on these molecules.

9 Pág., Increasing CO2 air concentration may affect wettability, anatomy and ultra-structure of leaves of Patagonian forest species, evergreen and deciduous plants potentially responding differently to such CO2 increases. In this study, we analysed the wettability, anatomy and ultra-structure of leaves of Nothofagus antarctica (deciduous) and N. betuloides (evergreen) grown under high CO2 concentrations. Leaf wettability was affected by increasing CO2, in different directions depending on species and leaf side. In both species, soluble cuticular lipid concentrations per unit leaf area raised with higher CO2 levels. Stomatal parameters (density, size of guard cells and pores) showed different responses to CO2 increasing depending on the species examined. In both species, leaf tissues showed a general trend to diminish with higher CO2 concentration. Cuticle thickness was modified with higher CO2 concentration in N. betuloides, but not in N. antarctica leaves. In both species, chloroplasts were often damaged with the increase in CO2 concentration. Our results show that several surface and internal leaf parameters can be modified in association with an increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration which may very among plant species., This work was supported by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina.

The digital educational breakout, as well as gamification, has become a methodological strategy that provides a multitude of benefits. The following study is presented, incorporating a gamified practice through the educational Breakout in the university context with the purpose of verifying the perception of this methodological strategy, as well as analyzing if it is perceived as useful for teachers in training, the degree of motivation and level of satisfaction experienced in participating in the training experience through the TAM model (Technology Acceptance Model) with 968 participants, teachers in training. The results show that the proposal is suitable for university teaching, and all study subjects perceived this strategy as valuable for their training, highlighting dimensions related to ease of use in the classroom, integration, or transformation of interest in learning as the variables more significant and, in addition, the TAM and its level of acceptance are high.

El presente texto se propone compartir la experiencia institucional del grupo INDEGEO (Investigación y Desarrollo en Enseñanza de la Geografía) radicado en el Instituto de Geografía FFyL UBA desde el año 2004. Se detallarán los principales aportes conceptuales, metodológicos y pedagógicos, derivados de los sucesivos proyectos de investigación UBACyT de los que el grupo participó. Dichos estudios se concentraron en las finalidades educativas de la geografía, la selección y organización de los contenidos curriculares, las estrategias de enseñanza y evaluación y la producción de materiales curriculares innovadores. Se explicitarán, también, los criterios sobre la relación teoría-práctica que fundamentan nuestra concepción didáctica, así como la articulación entre la tarea de docencia e investigación en el ámbito universitario y el sistema educativo del nivel secundario. Por último, deseamos señalar el desarrollo de distintas actividades de transferencia de conocimientos y elaboración de propuestas pedagógicas concretas con el fin de poner a disposición de los y las docentes distintos recursos y materiales que contribuyan a mejorar la calidad de la enseñanza de la geografía.

PDF file - 3 MB, Relative expression of DNA repair genes in cell lines

PDF file - 38 KB

PDF file - 2 MB, CUL4A mRNA and protein expression in cell lines

PDF file - 117 KB, Supplementary Table 1: Immunohistopathological characteristics of primary breast tumours; Supplementary Table 2: Characteristics of sarcoma patients; Supplementary Table 3: Sequence of qRT-PCR primers and probes and shRNAs used for CUL4A silencing

PDF file - 81 KB

PDF file - 6 MB, Trabectedin cell cycle effects

International audience; Potassium (K) is an essential element, which is often supplied to horticultural crops via foliar spraying. Some studies have investigated the effect of different foliar-applied K compounds; however, most studies have focussed on crop quality and yield parameters, or were performed with isolated leaf cuticles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of the foliar ion penetration and leaf surface deposition of 130 mM K sprays of compounds with markedly different point of deliquescence (POD) and efflorescence (POE) values, the rates having been previously estimated in climate chamber trials. Shoots of field-grown, commercial olive trees were sprayed with K-nitrate (KNO3), K-sulphate (K2SO4), K-chloride (KCl), K-phosphate (K3PO4), K-carbonate (K2CO3) and K-bicarbonate (KHCO3), and leaf samples were collected after 3 and 24 h. Cation and anion concentrations were determined in the leaf tissues, and in a preliminary leaf water wash for estimating surface-deposited ion concentrations. No significant leaf tissue K increments were recorded between the K sprays. Olive tissue anion concentrations showed different patterns, and a chloride (Cl−) increase was detected 3 h after the foliar KCl supply. On the other hand, the foliar K applications led to leaf nitrate changes regardless of the K source supplied. High amounts of K and accompanying ions were recovered in the washing liquid of the foliar K-supplied leaves. Some foliar K treatments increased the leaf surface concentration of sulphate and chloride, suggesting a potential effect on leaf cell anion extrusion. Hence, despite no evidence of foliar K uptake, an effect of leaf anion concentrations was observed, indicating that foliar nutrient sprays may influence leaf and leaf surface anion balance.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the importance of uptake and release of elements by leaves and other aerial parts and discusses the practical aspects of foliar fertilization and the ecological consequences of nutrient uptake and release. The surface of plants is covered by the cuticle, which is a bio-polymer synthesized by epidermal cells and primarily consists of cutin, a polyester matrix of polymerized long-chain fatty acids in which waxes are embedded. It protects the leaf from excessive water loss by transpiration and against excessive leaching of inorganic and organic solutes by rain. The hydrophobic nature of the cuticle makes it an effective barrier against the penetration by hydrophilic polar solutes, whereas lipophilic molecules may penetrate cuticles at much higher rates. Stomata act as adjustable apertures in the leaf surface, which optimize the trade-off between CO − uptake and water loss of plants. Various environmental conditions during plant growth, such as shading, high temperatures, and humidity, as well as nutrient deficiency, affect the structure and anatomy of the leaf surface, thereby affecting the uptake and release of elements by the leaves. Foliar sprays are widely used in agricultural production as an alternative or complementary strategy to soil fertilization, and the plant responses to elements supplied via foliar sprays are normally more rapid than to soil treatment. Thus it can help in preserving crop yields and quality, with low environmental impact.

La evolución de las Nuevas Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (NTIC) ha motivado cambios en la interacción del museo con sus visitantes, promoviendo una comunicación multidireccional entre usuario y museo a través del uso de las Redes Sociales (RRSS) que permite obviar la distancia física. La pandemia mundial ha acelerado todo este proceso, convirtiéndo los museos en una ventana a la sociedad durante los meses de confinamiento. A través de este estudio se pretende conocer cómo ha influido dicha pandemia en el uso de las RRSS (Facebook, Twitter e Instagram) por parte de los museos. El método seguido se ha basado en la observación y registro de las publicaciones de los museos de la muestra en las diferentes categorías diseñadas con anterioridad. Esta información ha sido ampliada y contrastada por medio de la realización de entrevistas a los gestores de los departamentos educativos de dichos museos. Los resultados reflejan un importante aumento de las publicaciones durante los meses de confinamiento, con un mayor interés en el público escolar, y una progresiva reducción en los meses siguientes, debido principalmente a la dificultad al tratar de compatibilizar estas tareas con las presenciales, desvelando así una nueva oportunidad de interacción.

Rose petals may involve high water contact angles together with drop adhesion which are antagonistic wetting properties. Petal surfaces have a cuticle which is generally considered a continuous, hydrophobic lipid coating. The peculiar properties of rose petals are not fully understood and have been associated with high surface roughness at different scales. Here, the chemical and structural features of natural upper and lower petal surfaces are analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both rose petal surfaces are statistically equivalent and have very high roughness at all scales from 5 nm to 10 μm. At the nanoscale, surfaces are fractal-like with an extreme fractal dimension close to df = 2.5. A major nanoscale variability is also observed which leads to large (nanoscale) wettability changes. To model the effect of roughness and chemical variability on wetting properties, a single wetting parameter is introduced. This approach enables to explain the Rose petal effect using a conceptually simple scheme. The described fundamental mechanisms leading to high contact angles together with drop adhesion can be applied to any natural and synthetic surface. Apart from introducing a new approach for characterizing a biological surface, these results can trigger new developments on nanoscale wetting and bio-inspired functional surfaces.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control approach that considers all available strategies and their subsequent integration for pest control. The Biological Control (BC) of pests through the use of natural enemies is an outstanding strategy. Biological control by generalist predators has had a highlighted relevance in the last decade. This strategy by augmentation demands mass rearing of these organisms. In the Neotropical Region Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is of great importance for its high voracity and its wide range of hosts. The aim of this study was to describe the external changes of the eggs, especially in colour and shape, associated with the intrachorionic development of C. externa embryos, to characterize them morpho-colorimetrically. A practical key from its embryonic development determination was constructed as a tool for mass rearing technique, providing valuable information that could facilitate BC implementation for IPM programs in developing regions.

La realidad actual y sus múltiples interacciones exigen de la bioética global una respuesta clara que establezca las bases para la guía y solución de los conflictos y dilemas bioéticos globales. A lo largo del presente texto se reflexionará acerca de los alcances de la bioética global, desde su nacimiento como disciplina hasta hoy, para concluir con una propuesta de metodología que contribuya al aporte de soluciones sencillas a problemas complejos desde una perspectiva interdisciplinaria.

Iron participates in myriad processes necessary to sustain life. During the past decades, great efforts have been made to understand iron regulation and function in health and disease. Indeed, iron is associated with both physiological (e.g., immune cell biology and function and hematopoiesis) and pathological (e.g., inflammatory and infectious diseases, ferroptosis and ferritinophagy) processes, yet few studies have addressed the potential functional link between iron, the aforementioned processes and extramedullary hematopoiesis, despite the obvious benefits that this could bring to clinical practice. Further investigation in this direction will shape the future development of individualized treatments for iron-linked diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders, including extramedullary hematopoiesis, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and cancer., Work in the authors laboratory is supported by: Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad/Agencia Estatal de Investigacion ´ 10.13039/501100011033 (PID2019-108977RB-I00 and PID2020- 113238RB-I00), Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CB16/11/00222), Consorcio de Investigacion en Red de la Comunidad de Madrid, S2017/BMD-3686 and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional

Increasing CO

Around 50% of the familial breast cancer (BC) cases are estimated to be caused by germline variants in known low-, moderate-, and high-risk susceptibility genes, while the other half is of unknown genetic origin. In the present study, we wanted to evaluate the role of the RECQ helicases, some of which have been studied in the past as candidates, with unclear results about their role in the disease. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, we analyzed the whole coding sequence of

Noticing the generally lower-than-desirable English language proficiency level with which Spanish students start university, I considered trying a different approach in which the use of a familiar application would be introduced in the classroom. The main objective of this work is to explore Primary Education degree programme students’ attitudes towards the integration of YouTube in the English language classroom. To this end, 46 third-year intermediate-level students participated in the study. It adopted a mixed-method approach, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The results show that, although participants mentioned some drawbacks, they reacted positively to the use of the platform. Given these results and the benefits offered, the integration of YouTube in the foreign language classroom is highly recommended.

En las últimas décadas, la interacción entre las neurociencias y las psicoterapias ha contribuido al avance de ambas: La visión objetiva y empírica de las primeras y la visión interpersonal y subjetiva de las segundas se complementan. De importancia primordial para ambas es el estudio de los procesos implícitos y afectivo-relacionales. Las memorias implícitas reflejan patrones inconscientes de aprendizaje situados en regiones subcorticales inaccesibles a la consciencia. Las investigaciones muestran que, cuando una memoria a largo plazo es evocada y reactivada, sus sinapsis entran en un estado lábil, donde puede ser modificadas a nivel molecular. Para que se produzca la reconsolidación es necesario que se yuxtaponga una experiencia vívida que sea discrepante respecto de la memoria desestabilizada. De esta forma, queda modificada de forma permanente en la misma red neuronal. Estos procesos están en la base de intervenciones de diversas psicoterapias. En ellas se reactiva la memoria implícita que subyace a la producción del síntoma y, a partir de allí, se genera el encuentro con una experiencia discrepante. Cuanto más consciente y explícita es la reactivación de la memoria implícita, mayor es la capacidad de modificarla en la reconsolidación. En este proceso, la persona experimenta directamente el sentido profundo subyacente y la verdad emocional del síntoma. En el contexto del vínculo seguro con el terapeuta, la reactivación emocional subjetiva y los correlatos neurológicos se conforman para promover experiencias nuevas y más adaptativas.

Background In fewer than 1% of patients, AD is caused by autosomal dominant mutations in either the presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), or amyloid precursor protein (APP) genes. The full extent of familial AD and frequency of these variants remains understudied in Latin American (LatAm) countries. Due to the rare nature of these variants, determining the pathogenicity of a novel variant in these genes can be challenging. Here, we use a systematic approach to assign the likelihood of pathogenicity in variants from densely affected families in Latin American populations. Methods Clinical data was collected from LatAm families at risk for DIAD. Symptomatic family members were identified and assessed by local clinicians and referred for genetic counseling and testing. To determine the likelihood of pathogenicity among variants of unknown significance from LatAm populations, we report pedigree information, frequency in control populations, in silico predictions, and cell-based models of amyloid-beta ratios. Results We identified five novel variants in the presenilin1 (PSEN1) gene from Brazilian and Mexican families. The mean age at onset in newly identified families was 43.5 years (range 36–54). PSEN1 p.Val103_Ser104delinsGly, p.Lys395Ile, p.Pro264Se, p.Ala275Thr, and p.Ile414Thr variants have not been reported in PubMed, ClinVar, and have not been reported in dominantly inherited AD (DIAD) families. We found that PSEN1 p.Val103_Ser104delinsGly, p.Lys395Ile, p.Pro264Se, and p.Ala275Thr produce Aβ profiles consistent with known AD pathogenic mutations. PSEN1 p.Ile414Thr did not alter Aβ in a manner consistent with a known pathogenic mutation. Conclusions Our study provides further insights into the genetics of AD in LatAm. Based on our findings, including clinical presentation, imaging, genetic, segregations studies, and cell-based analysis, we propose that PSEN1 p.Val103_Ser104delinsGly, p.Lys395Ile, p.Pro264Se, and p.Ala275Thr are likely pathogenic variants resulting in DIAD, whereas PSEN1 p.Ile414Thr is likely a risk factor. This report is a step forward to improving the inclusion/engagement of LatAm families in research. Family discovery is of great relevance for the region, as new initiatives are underway to extend clinical trials and observational studies to families living with DIAD.

The use of 11C-acetate as a PET/CT tracer for atherosclerotic lesions preferentially labels anti-inflammatory/pro-resolution intra-plaque macrophages. An overview of the mechanisms involved in the selective uptake.

Objective To estimate the SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in healthcare workers (HCWs) at a university hospital in Mallorca, Spain. Methods All HCWs received an e-mail inviting them to take part in the study. Participants had a nasopharyngeal swab test performed for reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and serological tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (primary study). Additionally, they were invited to complete a questionnaire on their exposure to COVID-19 individuals and their COVID-19-related symptoms (secondary study). Prevalence of antibodies (IgG, IgM, or both) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results Seventy-nine percent of the hospitalʼs HCWs (N = 2210) took part in the primary study. Antibodies were detected in 61 participants, a prevalence of 2.8% (95% CI: 2.5–3.1). The prevalence was slightly higher in nurses (3.4%), registrars (3.9%), and wardens (3.4%). Thirty-nine percent of the primary study participants completed the secondary study questionnaire. Those with positive antibody test results had closer contact with COVID-19 individuals (60% vs. 92%; p Conclusion After the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in our university hospital HCWs was around 2.8%, which is slightly higher than the seroprevalence in the general population in our region. We believe it would be advisable to perform additional seroprevalence studies during the second wave of the epidemic.

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the main causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. We developed a model that has diagnostic and prognostic value in predicting the neurodevelopmental outcomes in newborns with HIE. HIE staging allows us to start therapeutic interventions early in newborns with suspected encephalopathy. Methods: This was a retrospective study in a cohort of 58 full-term neonates with clinical suspicion of HIE. We assessed electroclinical variables at birth [etiology of hypoxia, neonatal seizures, HIE stages based on Sarnat criteria, use of therapeutic hypothermia, neuroimaging tests and electroencephalography (EEG) findings] and two years of follow up (EEG findings, development of epilepsy, the presence of cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, language problems, visual or hearing disturbances, and cerebral palsy). Results: There was a high electro-clinical correlation to severe HIE (88.8%) and moderate HIE (50%). There was a considerable proportion of patients affected by mild HIE, based on clinical examination, who presented with an abnormal EEG (32.3%). There is a relationship between the onset of neonatal seizures, epilepsy, and severe HIE diagnosed with EEG (88.9%). A higher percentage of patients with moderate and severe HIE, based on EEG findings, present abnormal results in cranial ultrasound and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (62.5%). At two years of age, functional neurodevelopment disturbances were observed most frequently in patients affected with severe and moderate HIE based on EEG. Conclusions: This study shows a model with diagnostic and prognostic value in predicting newborns' neurodevelopmental outcomes with suspected HIE. This knowledge allows us to assess the role of performing serial EEG in patients with suspected HIE and the relevance of EEG findings in the prognosis of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Asumir la democracia comunal como un proceso emergente de experimentación, lucha y construcción continua dirige la mirada hacia la valoración de los aportes que hacen aquellos movimientos políticos que se forjan en el calor de la resistencia a las relaciones e instituciones de la actual sociedad capitalista, patriarcal, racista y colonial. Este artículo tracciona la reflexión hacia una experiencia de activismo político que parte del movimiento feminista contemporáneo en Argentina. A partir de un abordaje cualitativo de caso, abordamos la siguiente pregunta: ¿cuáles son los aportes políticos emergentes que la experiencia de organización feminista Casa Comunidad, de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, hace a la democracia comunal? El principal resultado explica que las innovaciones políticas emergentes son dos: las autodefensas comunitarias y una reorganización del trabajo de cuidado como un trabajo comunitario. Pero la emergencia de estos sentidos y prácticas es inescindible de reclamos, demandas y necesidades no solo de sus protagonistas directas —mujeres de barrios populares de la ciudad de Córdoba—, sino también de otros sectores sociales organizados y en lucha, contemporáneos y pasados. Nuestros resultados pretenden aportar elementos teóricos y empíricos para, por un lado, precisar lo que significa el carácter emergente de las prácticas de democracia comunal; y, por otro, valorar los aportes del movimiento feminista en Argentina que, como parte de una experiencia latinoamericana más amplia, ofrece claves de “hacer democrático” que disputa los diagnósticos que asumen sin más el estancamiento, la baja calidad o la desafección política de nuestras sociedades respecto de la democracia.

The absorption of water and solutes by plant leaves has been recognised since more than two centuries. Given the polar nature of water and solutes, the mechanisms of foliar uptake have been proposed to be similar for water and electrolytes, including nutrient solutions. Research efforts since the XIX Century focussed on characterising the properties of cuticles and applying foliar sprays to crop plants as tool for improving crop nutrition. This was accompanied by the development of hundreds of studies aimed at characterising the chemical and structural nature of plant cuticles from different species and the mechanisms of cuticular and, to a lower extent, stomatal penetration of water and solutes. The processes involved are complex and will be affected by multiple environmental, physico-chemical and physiological factors which are only partially clear to date. During the last decades, there is growing evidence that water transport across leaf surfaces of native species may contribute to water balances (absorption and loss) at an ecosystem level. Given the potential importance of foliar water absorption for many plant species and ecosystems as shown in recent studies, the aim of this review is to first integrate current knowledge on plant surface composition, structure, wettability and physico-chemical interactions with surface-deposited matter. The different mechanisms of foliar absorption of water and electrolytes and experimental procedures for tracing the uptake process are discussed before posing several outstanding questions which should be tackled in future studies. Published

Background: The aim was to evaluate the reinforcement of the standard therapy with hyperimmune plasma (HP) in Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) patients. Methods: Open-label, multicenter, randomized clinical trial performed in three hospitals in the Balearic Islands. Non-severe COVID-19 hospitalized patients with clinical time evolution equal to/less than 7 days were included, and randomized in: plasma group (PG) (n = 37), receiving 600 mL divided into two doses from convalescent plasma donor, administered on days 1 and 2 after the enrollment; and control group (CG) (n = 17). Primary outcome was the time for clinical improvement within 21 days, defined as patient achievement of categories 8, 7, and 6 in the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial scale (ACTT). The trial was terminated early due to the impossibility of recruitment due to the pandemic. Results: PG presented better scores on the ACTT scale at 7 days after HP infusion, whereas CG was needed 14 days to achieve similar results. The plasma infusion was safe. Conclusions: Despite the tendency observed in the plasma group to achieve slightly earlier better physical condition compared with the standard treatment alone. The administration of HP has been shown to be a safe therapy. No robust evidence was found to affirm a therapeutic effect of the early administration of two infusions of HP for non-severe COVID-19 infected patients. The interpretation is limited by the early termination of the trial, which resulted in a small sample size.

The bioavailability and regulation of iron is essential for central biological functions in mammals. The role of this element in ferroptosis and the dysregulation of its metabolism contribute to diseases, ranging from anemia to infections, alterations in the immune system, inflammation and atherosclerosis. In this sense, monocytes and macrophages modulate iron metabolism and splenic function, while at the same time they can worsen the atherosclerotic process in pathological conditions. Since the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) has been linked to numerous disorders, including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, we investigated its role in iron homeostasis. The iron content was measured in various tissues of Apoe-/- and Apoe-/-Nod1-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, under normal or reduced splenic function after ligation of the splenic artery. In the absence of NOD1 the iron levels decreased in spleen, heart and liver regardless the splenic function. This iron decrease was accompanied by an increase in the recruitment of F4/80+-macrophages in the spleen through a CXCR2-dependent signaling, as deduced by the reduced recruitment after administration of a CXCR2 inhibitor. CXCR2 mediates monocyte/macrophage chemotaxis to areas of inflammation and accumulation of leukocytes in the atherosclerotic plaque. Moreover, in the absence of NOD1, inhibition of CXCR2 enhanced atheroma progression. NOD1 activation increased the levels of GPX4 and other iron and ferroptosis regulatory proteins in macrophages. Our findings highlight the preeminent role of NOD1 in iron homeostasis and ferroptosis. These results suggest promising avenues of investigation for the diagnosis and treatment of iron-related diseases directed by NOD1., The experiments were performed in a laboratory where projects are supported by: Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad/Agencia Estatal de Investigación and Next Generation EU funds 10.13039/501100011033 (BIO2016–77639-P, PID2019–108977RB-I00 and PID2020–113238RB-I00), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CB16/11/00222), Consorcio de Investigación en Red de la Comunidad de Madrid, S2017/BMD-3686 and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional and Fondo Solcial Europeo.

SUMMARY Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) can be used to assess the integrity of the descending corticospinal tract in the laboratory. Evoked potentials (EPs) have been widely used in the past for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they are now becoming more useful in assessing the prognosis of the disease. Motor-evoked potentials have been included in EP scales that have demonstrated good correlations with clinical disability. Soon after the onset of MS, it is possible to detect an ongoing process of neurodegeneration and axonal loss. Axonal loss is probably responsible for the disability and disease progression that occurs in MS. Given the good correlations of EPs in detecting disease progression in MS, they have been used to monitor the effects of drugs used to treat the disease. Several clinical trials used MEPs as part of their EP evaluation, but MEPs have never been used as a measure of efficacy in clinical trials testing neuroprotective agents, although MEPs could be a very promising tool to measure neuroprotection and remyelination resulting from these drugs. To be used in multicenter clinical trials, MEP readings should be comparable between centers. Standardized multicenter EP assessment with central reading has been demonstrated to be feasible and reliable. Although MEP measurements have been correlated with clinical scores and other measures of neurodegeneration, further validation of MEP amplitude measurements is needed regarding their validity, reliability, and sensitivity before they can be routinely used in clinical drug trials in MS.

Nuestro objetivo es estudiar las estrategias de uso del espacio por parte de sociedades humanas móviles en un paisaje andino de Patagonia caracterizado por una marcada heterogeneidad topográfica, climática y ecológica (localidad de Barrancas-Buta Ranquil, provincia del Neuquén, Argentina). Inicialmente, se analiza la estructura del paisaje desde una perspectiva biogeográfica, desarrollando un modelo de estacionalidad mediante sistemas de información geográfica. Nuestro enfoque distribucional combina una prospección sistemática para caracterizar la estructura espacial del registro en superficie y evidencias que han sido obtenidas bajo otras estrategias de muestreo. Sobre la base de la distribución de artefactos líticos y cerámicos y de motivos rupestres, se evalúan patrones de intensidad ocupacional, diversidad funcional y circulación de información en sectores del espacio con propiedades biogeográficas diferentes. Los resultados sugieren una delimitación funcional del espacio en escala temporal promediada, en la cual los espacios intermedios habrían funcionado como lugares centrales desde donde se articulan movimientos logísticos hacia otros sectores del paisaje. Dado que la unidad de muestreo captura variación biogeográfica que se expresa en forma regional más amplia, el modelo de uso del espacio propuesto es relevante para la comprensión de la arqueología del noroeste de Patagonia en general.

Resumen El objetivo de la monitorizacion neurofisiologica intraoperatoria es la deteccion de dano o alteracion funcional en el sistema nervioso lo mas precozmente posible, asegurando la funcionalidad medular, evitando las complicaciones neurologicas. Sin embargo, la falta de estandarizacion en la metodologia, junto con cierta inconsistencia en los estudios sobre su utilidad, limita el establecimiento de unas recomendaciones universales para su utilizacion. El presente trabajo pretende revisar los procedimientos de monitorizacion neurofisiologica, sus fortalezas y debilidades, asi como la conveniencia de su empleo en cirugia espinal. Concluimos que, con caracter general, su falta de uso en dicha cirugia no contraviene la «lex artis», pues no existe evidencia de que pueda ayudar en revertir el dano neurologico. Sin embargo, puede emplearse como elemento de prueba tanto para detectar el momento y el tipo de dano neurologico como para aumentar la defensibilidad. Se requieren protocolos de uso, bien por las sociedades cientificas o por los propios centros hospitalarios.

The purpose of neurophysiological monitoring during surgery is to identify damage or functional neurological disturbances as soon as possible, ensuring spinal cord functionality and avoiding neurological complications. However, the lack of standardisation of the methodology, together with some inconsistencies in the studies on its usefulness, limit the establishment of universal recommendations for its use. The present paper intends to review neurophysiological monitoring procedures during surgery, including their strength and weaknesses, as well as to assess the convenience of their use during spinal surgery. It is concluded that, in general, the lack of its use in this surgery does not legally contravene the standard of care, as there is no evidence it could result in reverting neurological damage. Nevertheless, it can be used as evidence both in detecting the time and kind of neurological injury, and for increasing the defensibility. Protocols of use, provided either by scientific societies or hospitals themselves, are required.

Aerosols can contribute to plant nutrition via foliar uptake. The conditions for this are best at night because the humidity is high and hygroscopic, saline deposits can deliquesce as a result. Still, stomata tend to be closed at night to avoid unproductive water loss. However, if needed, nutrients are on the leaf surface, and plants could benefit from nocturnal stomatal opening because it further increases humidity in the leaf boundary layer and allows for stomatal nutrient uptake. We tested this hypothesis on P-deficient soil by comparing the influence of ambient aerosols and additional foliar P application on nocturnal transpiration. We measured various related leaf parameters, such as the foliar water loss, minimum leaf conductance (gmin), turgor loss point, carbon isotope ratio, contact angle, specific leaf area (SLA), tissue element concentration, and stomatal and cuticular characteristics. For untreated leaves grown in filtered, aerosol-free air (FA), nocturnal transpiration consistently decreased overnight, which was not observed for leaves grown in unfiltered ambient air (AA). Foliar application of a soluble P salt increased nocturnal transpiration for AA and FA leaves. Crusts on stomatal rims were shown by scanning electron microscopy, supporting the idea of stomatal uptake of deliquescent salts. Turgor loss point and leaf moisture content indicated a higher accumulation of solutes, due to foliar uptake by AA plants than FA plants. The hypothesis that deliquescent leaf surface salts may play a role in triggering nocturnal transpiration was supported by the results. Still, further experiments are required to characterize this phenomenon better.

The cuticle is a lipid-rich layer that protects aerial plant organs against multiple stress factors such as dehydration. In this study, cuticle composition and structure in relation to water loss are examined in a broad ecophysiological context, taking into consideration leaf age and side from Ilex aquifolium (holly) in comparison with Eucalyptus globulus (eucalypt) and Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel). Enzymatically isolated cuticular membranes from holly leaves were studied under three treatment conditions: natural (no chemical treatment), after dewaxing, and after methanolysis, and the rate of water loss was assessed. Structural and chemical changes were evaluated using different microscopy techniques and by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The potential mechanisms of solute absorption by holly leaves were additionally evaluated, also testing if its prickly leaf margin may facilitate uptake. The results indicate that the treatment conditions led to structural changes, and that chemical composition was hardly affected because of the occurrence of cutan. Structural changes led to more hydrophilic adaxial surfaces, which retained more water and were more efficient than natural cuticles, while changes were not significant for abaxial surfaces. Across natural cuticles, age was a significant factor for eucalypt but not for holly. Young eucalypt cuticles were the group that absorbed more water and had the lowest water loss rate. When comparing older leaf cuticles of the three species, cherry laurel was found to absorb more water, which was, however, lost more slowly, compared with the other species. Evidence was gained that holly leaves can absorb foliar-applied solutes (traced after calcium chloride application) through the adaxial and abaxial surfaces, the adaxial mid veins, and to a lower extent, the spines. In conclusion, for the species examined, the results show variations in leaf cuticle composition and structure in relation to leaf ontogeny, and water sorption and desorption capacity.

Resprouting species, such as English holly (Ilex aquifolium L.), can be severely affected by long-lasting forest management. In the present study, the clonal and fine-scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS) of English holly are evaluated in a sub-Mediterranean mixed forest of Central Spain, where this species was subjected to different and intense human interventions for centuries, including coppicing in dense structures and in open woody pastures. Using seven microsatellite loci, we assessed the contribution of clonal and sexual reproduction to the diversity of holly in both areas and the fine-scale genetic structure was evaluated. For the dense coppiced area, the results showed high clonal diversity derived mainly from stem resprouting. Stems were separated an average of 3 m and up to 10 m, and dense aggregations of stems sometimes included various genotypes. The results also showed recent seed recruitment leading to small unique and isolated genotypes. Furthermore, FSGS was detected at close distances as being stronger in the coppiced area than in the open woody pasture area, especially for individuals of greater diameter at breast height. The results obtained suggest that current management strategies are not negatively affecting the genetic diversity of this species.

La etapa actual del debate sobre delimitación de áreas metropolitanas, aparece atravesado por la discusión epistemológica de lo urbano y la estandarización de definiciones operativas por los sistemas estadísticos. Tomando como base que las densidades de población y vivienda, ocupación del suelo predominantemente habitacional y movilidad, constituyen los ejes conceptuales más relevantes y de indagación al respecto, el articulo propone una metodología propia para la definición del área metropolitana de la capital de uruguaya, donde residen más de la mitad de los 3,5 millones de habitantes del país. Este Montevideo metropolitano planteado, surge del análisis territorial y combinado de movilidad, laboral, transporte público y flujos de transporte de vehículos, a partir de agrupamiento de localidades censales urbanas.

En el norte neuquino existen depósitos piroclásticos que contienen nódulos de obsidianas. Las investigaciones en la región dieron a conocer las principales fuentes utilizadas por las poblaciones que allí habitaron. Para profundizar el conocimiento de cada fuente de obsidiana se adoptó un programa de estudio geoarqueológico y geoquímico. Así, se han descubierto nuevas ocurrencias de obsidianas, la más destacable de las cuales es la obsidiana Varvarco que aquí se presenta. Se dan a conocer los muestreos realizados en el valle del río Varvarco, su contexto geológico y geomorfológico, la presencia de obsidiana, el tipo de yacimiento, forma de presentación, distribución y abundancia. Luego, se describen las principales características observadas bajo microscopio petrográfico. Por último, se presentan los resultados de análisis geoquímicos de fluorescencia de rayos X y activación neutrónica. A partir de los primeros la obsidiana Varvarco se diferencia de la de Cerro Huenul, pero no de la obsidiana Maule 1 y 2. Los segundos análisis discriminan bien esta nueva obsidiana de las ya conocidas para Neuquén. Los resultados obtenidos permiten reinterpretar la disponibilidad de recursos líticos de buena calidad para la talla y revisar las interpretaciones de movilidad e interacción de poblaciones en esta región. In northern Neuquén there are pyroclastic deposits containing obsidian nodules. The researches in the region revealed the main sources used by the people that lived there. A program of geoarchaeological and geochemical study was adopted to extend the knowledge of each source of obsidian. Thus, new occurrences of obsidian have been discovered, the most notable of which is the Varvarco obsidian presented here. We present the samples points conducted in the valley of Varvarco river, its geological and geomorphological context, the presence of obsidian, the type of deposit, presentation form, distribution and abundance. Then, we described the main characteristics observed under a petrographic microscope. Finally, we present the results of X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation geochemical analysis. The Varvarco obsidian differs from that of Cerro Huenul, but not from the obsidian Maule 1 and 2 from the XRF. NAA discriminates well this new obsidian from those already known in Neuquén. The results obtained allow to reinterpret the availability of good quality lithic resources and to revise the interpretations of mobility and interaction of populations in this region. Fil: Fernández, María Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Diversidad Cultural y Procesos de Cambio. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Instituto de Investigaciones en Diversidad Cultural y Procesos de Cambio; Argentina Fil: Leal, Pablo Rodrigo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Della Negra, Claudia. No especifíca; Fil: Klesner, Catherine. University of Arizona; Estados Unidos Fil: MacDonald, Brandi L.. University of Missouri; Estados Unidos Fil: Glascock, Michael D.. University of Missouri; Estados Unidos Fil: Barberena, Ramiro. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Laboratorio de Paleoecología Humana; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas. - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas; Argentina