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Proteins with glycine-rich signatures have been reported in a wide variety of organisms including plants, mammalians, fungi, and bacteria. Plant glycine-rich protein genes exhibit developmental and tissue-specific expression patterns. Herein, we present the characterization of the AtGRDP2 gene using Arabidopsis null and knockdown mutants and, Arabidopsis and lettuce over-expression lines. AtGRDP2 encodes a short glycine-rich domain protein, containing a DUF1399 domain and a putative RNA recognition motif (RRM). AtGRDP2 transcript is mainly expressed in Arabidopsis floral organs, and its deregulation in Arabidopsis Atgrdp2 mutants and 35S::AtGRDP2 over-expression lines produces alterations in development. The 35S::AtGRDP2 over-expression lines grow faster than the WT, while the Atgrdp2 mutants have a delay in growth and development. The over-expression lines accumulate higher levels of indole-3-acetic acid and, have alterations in the expression pattern of ARF6, ARF8, and miR167 regulators of floral development and auxin signaling. Under salt stress conditions, 35S::AtGRDP2 over-expression lines displayed higher tolerance and increased expression of stress marker genes. Likewise, transgenic lettuce plants over-expressing the AtGRDP2 gene manifest increased growth rate and early flowering time. Our data reveal an important role for AtGRDP2 in Arabidopsis development and stress response, and suggest a connection between AtGRDP2 and auxin signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of eHumanista is the property of Professor Antonio Cortijo-Ocana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Gait and dynamic balance are two main goals in neurorehabilitation that mHealth systems could address. To analyze the impact of using mHealth systems on gait and dynamic balance outcomes in subjects with neurological disorders. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro databases were searched up to April 2023. Studies including adults with neurological disorders, analyzing the effectiveness of mHealth systems on gait and dynamic balance compared with conventional therapy and/or not intervention, were included. The PEDro scale and the Cochrane Collaboration's 2.0 tool were used for the methodological quality and risk of bias assessment. The Review Manager 5.4 software was used to obtain meta-analyses. 13 RCT were included in the systematic review and 11 in the meta-analyses, involving 528 subjects. A total of 21 mobile applications were identified for gait and balance training, and to enhance physical activity behaviors. There were significant differences in gait parameters, speed by 0.10 s/m (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.07,0.13;p<0.001), cadence by 8.01 steps/min (95%CI=3.30,12.72;p<0.001), affected step length by 8.89 cm (95%CI=4.88,12.90;p<0.001), non-affected step length by 8.08 cm (5%CI=2.64,13.51;p=0.004), and in dynamic balance, Timed Up and Go by -7.15 s (95%CI=-9.30,-4.99;p<0.001), and mobility subscale of Posture Assessment Scale for Stroke by 1.71 points (95%CI=1.38,2.04;p<0.001). Our findings suggested the use of mHealth systems for improving gait in subjects with neurological disorders, but controversial results on dynamics balance recovery were obtained. However, the quality of evidence is insufficient to strongly recommend them, so further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relation between cities and rural spaces is currently increasing. This study analyzes and relates the distribution of population density, socio-professional population groups, and rural and periurban poverty in terms of accessibility (travel time) to the urban centers in the region of Bío-Bío, Chile. The results show that the presence of farmers, workers, and unskilled agricultural laborers is the most representative of rural and peri-urban zones. Findings also identify a significant concentration of poor households in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to traditional pharmacological treatments for hypertension, immunotherapies serve as promising alternatives as they are low-cost and afford better patient compliance. In this study, a chimeric protein targeting Angiotensin II via genetic fusion to a nucleocapsid antigen from Hepatitis B virus (HBcAg), serving as a carrier, is designed. This candidate immunogen designated as HBcAgII has been expressed in the alga specie Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, serving as an attractive vaccine expression system and delivery host. This alga can be grown on minimal media under controlled environmental conditions, and can serve as a safe oral delivery vehicle. Transgenic C. reinhardtii lines have been developed, and the expected recombinant protein has been detected by Western blot and ELISA analyses. Levels of expression of this recombinant protein in some transgenic lines have reached 0.05 % of total soluble protein. The immunogenic properties of the HBcAgII algae-derived antigen will be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some reflections are presented on the Research and Technological Development process in the Universidad del Valle, and in particular in the area of Engineering. These arise after decanting a difficult, long and complex road, which has been traveled and is traveled today by many professors that dream of making a real contribution to the solution of felt problems of the society. Also in this article is presented the influence that in the slow advance of the process of R&D have the policies and the procedures had in the evaluation of the intellectual production that govern the credentials in the Colombian University. A caea of R&D ia analyzed and some appeared difficulties are presented looking for transforming it into an applicable solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent rise in desert rose production, the expanded cultivation of this species may promote infestation by certain insects and mites. One such insect, the fungus gnats (Bradysia sp), also known as fungus flies, have been damaging numerous ornamental plant species. This study reported the incidence of fungus gnats infesting desert rose plants in the municipality of Jataí - GO, Brazil. Throughout 2022, we evaluated 48 desert rose plants for parasitic occurrences through direct observation. Sticky traps were used to record adult insects. Damage to plant organs has been documented and the presence of parasites at various stages of development with digital photographs. The incidence of fungal gnats is confirmed by observing adult insects and larvae in the plant substrate and roots. Of the 48 plants evaluated, 39 showed signs of infestation. Symptoms of a fungus gnat attack on desert rose include small necrotic lesions on new roots, progressive root rot, and a withered caudex resembling dehydration. The fungus gnats attack can cause the desert rose caudex to wilt, reducing its size and losing part of its shape, fact that can compromise the commercialization of this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS disease is perturbed energy metabolism particularly glucose metabolism. Given the substantial difference in the severity and the prognosis of the disease, depending on whether it has a bulbar or spinal onset, the aim of the study was to determine metabolic differences between both types of ALS, as well as the possible relationship with muscle function. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, analytical, quantitative, and transversal study was carried out in hospitals and Primary Care centers in the region of Valencia, Spain. Fasting glucose and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels in venous blood, muscle percentage, fat percentage, muscle strength (MRC scale), and functional capacity (Barthel Index) were measured in 31 patients diagnosed with ALS (20 with spinal onset ALS and 11 with bulbar onset ALS). A healthy control of 29 people was included. Results: No significant differences were observed in blood AP and glucose levels between spinal onset and bulbar onset ALS patients. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between the mean values of both substances in patients with spinal onset ALS. Moreover, a lower percentage of muscle mass and a higher percentage of fat mass were also seen in spinal ALS patients, who also presented lower muscle strength and lower functional capacity. Conclusion: The results of this study seem to point to a possible difference in the peripheral use of glucose between patients with bulbar onset ALS and spinal onset ALS, who appear to have possible insulin resistance. These metabolic differences could explain the lower muscle percentage and lower muscular function in spinal onset ALS patients, although further studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia-oxidation is the first rate-limiting step of the nitrification process performed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA). The response of ammonia oxidizers to agricultural management determines the forms of nitrogen available for plant nutrition and the potential for nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide emissions, and soil acidification. We investigated the potential nitrification rates (PNR) of AOA and AOB through the use of a specific inhibitor of bacterial nitrification, and the amoA gene abundance of AOB and AOA under potato, fallow and eucalyptus land uses in an agricultural system in the Central Andes of Bolivia. AOA dominated PNR and amoA gene abundance under all land uses. The ratio of AOA to AOB abundance decreased with soil pH, due to higher AOB abundances under the less acid soils of potato crops. Eucalyptus led to reduced AOB amoA abundances and PNR of both AOA and AOB, while PNR were highest under potato soils, and the contribution of AOB to total PNR increased. Specific PNR, as expressed per amoA gene copy numbers, was 12, 14 and 62 times higher for AOB than for AOA in potato, fallow and eucalyptus soils, respectively. AOB and AOA PNR were positively related to their respective amoA gene copy numbers, but for AOA the relationship depended on land use. This study demonstrates the interest for measuring separately nitrification rates of AOA and AOB for a mechanistic understanding of nitrification in different environments, as well as the importance of measuring process rates for assessing the environmental consequences of land use management. • AOA dominated potential nitrification rates and amoA gene copy numbers. • The AOA-to-AOB amoA gene abundance ratio decreased with increasing soil pH. • Nitrification rates and amoA gene abundance of AOB decreased under eucalyptus. • Nitrification rates and amoA gene abundance of AOB increased under potato crops. • The relation of AOA amoA gene copy numbers and nitrification rates depended on land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, tomato is one of the most cultivated crops worldwide, with the highest economic value, increasing its demand and, thus, its expansion, production, and trade. The tomato crop is susceptible to attack of pathogens with devastating consequences on the decline in yields from 50 to 100%. For this reason, new production methods are proposed such as grafting in wild rootstocks, which have high genetic variability and genes responsible for resistance to fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of grafting commercial tomato cultivars onto cherry tomato genotypes on yield and fruit quality. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. The experimental unit consisted of four plants. spaced at 0.9 m between rows (channels), 0.30 m between double rows, and 0.4 m between plants. The treatments consisted of the combination of the following factors: three promising rootstocks (IAC391, IAC426, and LA2076), two commercial scions (Calima and Torrano), two grafting methods (cleft and splice), and two ungrafted commercial controls. Yield components, soluble solids content, percentage of fruit quality, and average fruit weight were evaluated. IAC391 was the most promising rootstock, reaching productions similar to those of the controls. The cleft grafting method, reached a success rate of 98.3%. The commercial scion Torrano stood out for achieving the highest yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Temas Agrarios is the property of Universidad de Cordoba and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Warming can alter the biogeochemistry and ecology of soils. These alterations can be particularly large in high northern latitude ecosystems, which are experiencing the most intense warming globally. In this meta‐analysis, we investigated global trends in how experimental warming is altering the biogeochemistry of the most common limiting nutrient for biological processes in cold ecosystems of high northern latitudes (>50°): nitrogen (N). For comparison, we also analyzed cold ecosystems at intermediate and high southern latitudes. In addition, we examined N‐relevant genes and enzymes, and the abundance of belowground organisms. Together, our findings suggest that warming in cold ecosystems increases N mineralization rates and N2O emissions and does not affect N fixation, at least not in a consistent way across biomes and conditions. Changes in belowground N fluxes caused by warming lead to an accumulation of N in the forms of dissolved organic and root N. These changes seem to be more closely linked to increases in enzyme activity that target relatively labile N sources, than to changes in the abundance of N‐relevant genes (e.g., amoA and nosZ). Finally, our analysis suggests that warming in cold ecosystems leads to an increase in plant roots, fungi, and (likely in an indirect way) fungivores, and does not affect the abundance of archaea, bacteria, or bacterivores. In summary, our findings highlight global trends in the ways warming is altering the biogeochemistry and ecology of soils in cold ecosystems, and provide information that can be valuable for prediction of changes and for management of such ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Several vascular surgical procedures, including repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), show poorer outcomes for women than for men. We evaluated the impact of sex-based demographic differences on survival after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods We reviewed EVARs performed at our institution between 2003 and 2009 and assessed aortic neck variables (length, diameter, angulation, and calcification), iliac artery variables (length, tortuosity, angulation, and calcification), and AAA diameter. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between sex and 5-year mortality while adjusting for patients' demographics, comorbidities, anatomic variables, and AAA parameters. The final model adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, hypertension, iliac artery length, and aortic neck length. Results Of 336 patients, 278 were male (mean age, 73 years) and 58 were female (mean age, 77 years; P =.0005). Men had more coronary artery bypass grafts (79 vs 8; P =.02) and percutaneous coronary interventions (52 vs 4; P =.03) than women did. Significant differences between the sexes was seen for aortic neck angle, diameter, and length and for iliac artery diameter and length. Men (44%) were more likely than women (22%; P =.0002) to have EVAR performed within the device guidelines. Five-year survival was 73% in men and 49% in women. Multivariable analysis showed that female sex, increase in age, low body mass index (<25 kg/m2), and aortic neck length were significantly associated with risk of 5-year mortality. Conclusions Women presented at an older age and with a more hostile anatomy. They had reduced survival compared with men after EVAR. After controlling for comorbidities and aortic neck and iliac artery anatomy, sex remained an independent predictor for survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warming can alter the biogeochemistry and ecology of soils. These alterations could be particularly large in ecosystems experiencing the most intense warming globally i.e. cold ecosystems such as tundra and boreal forests. In this meta-analysis, we investigated global trends in the ways experimental warming, within ranges projected for the following decades, is altering the cycling of nitrogen (N) – arguably the most common limiting nutrient for life on Earth – across cold ecosystems. We also analyzed the effects of warming on N-relevant genes and enzymes, as well as on the abundance of below-ground organisms. Together, our findings suggest that warming in cold ecosystems accelerates N mineralization and denitrification and does not affect, at least not in a consistent way across biomes and conditions, N fixation. Warming-caused changes in below-ground N fluxes lead to an accumulation of N in the forms of organic and root N. These changes seem to be more closely linked to increases in the activity of some enzymes, particularly those that target relatively labile N sources, than to changes in the abundance of N-relevant genes. Finally, our analysis suggests that warming in cold ecosystems favors plant roots, fungi and (likely in an indirect way) fungivores, and does not affect archaea, bacteria or bacterivores. In summary, our findings highlight global trends in the ways warming is altering the biogeochemistry and ecology of soils in cold ecosystems, and provide information that can be valuable for the predicting and managing of such ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pain is a major health issue requiring an approach that not only considers medication, but also many other factors included in the biopsychosocial model of pain. New technologies, such as mobile apps, are tools to address these factors, although in many cases they lack proven quality or are not based on scientific evidence, so it is necessary to review and measure their quality. Objective: The aim is to evaluate and measure the quality of mobile apps for the management of pain using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Methods: This study included 18 pain-related mobile apps from the App Store and Play Store. The MARS was administered to measure their quality. We list the scores (of each section and the final score) of every app and we report the mean score (and standard deviation) for an overall vision of the quality of the pain-related apps. We compare the section scores between the groups defined according to the tertiles via analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis test, depending on the normality of the distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test). Results: The global quality ranged from 1.74 (worst app) to 4.35 (best app). Overall, the 18 apps obtained a mean score of 3.17 (SD 0.75). The best-rated sections were functionality (mean 3.92, SD 0.72), esthetics (mean 3.29, SD 1.05), and engagement (mean 2.87, SD 1.14), whereas the worst rated were app specific (mean 2.48, SD 1.00), information (mean 2.52, SD 0.82), and app subjective quality (mean 2.68, SD 1.22). The main differences between tertiles were found on app subjective quality, engagement, esthetics, and app specific. Conclusions: Current pain-related apps are of a certain quality mainly regarding their technical aspects, although they fail to offer information and have an impact on the user. Most apps are not based on scientific evidence, have not been rigorously tested, and the confidentiality of the information collected is not guaranteed. Future apps would need to improve these aspects and exploit the capabilities of current devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research shows the importance of training as a strategy to strengthen the skills of teachers, instructors or trainers, this in order to obtain a more professional, qualified and updated staff. Currently, in any professional field it is necessary and it is essential that the staff is trained, so the field of teaching does not come to make an exception since it is required that these professionals are at the height of such a competitive working world every time more demanding in training strategies, for this reason the importance of organizations becoming aware of this issue of valuing the talent, managing and leveraging the skills and abilities of each of them, managing the teaching talent through the training will achieve a substantial role in professional development in teaching and at the same time will have a positive impact on the people they are training. This study demonstrates the importance and awareness that more research is needed that addresses the issue and contributes to the growth and development of professional trainers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between physical and chemical attributes of fruits can serve as indicators for the ideal harvest time and function as selection criteria to enhance the management and productivity of crops. This study aimed to investigate the correlations among physical and chemical properties of Cortibel guava fruits grown in the Brazilian Cerrado. Parameters assessed included skin and pulp color, weight, diameter, length, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and the ratio of these characteristics. Data were analyzed using Pearson's linear correlation with a significance level of P < 0.05. Several physical and chemical properties of the fruits exhibited significant correlations. The highest correlation coefficients were observed between weight and fruit diameter, as well as between hue angle of the skin and skin lightness. The properties of Cortibel guava fruits cultivated in the Brazilian Cerrado exhibit significant correlations. These findings enable the utilization of straightforward parameters in the selection processes of Cortibel guava for breeding objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare cognitive function in patients with diabetes mellitus type-2 (T2DM) both with and without diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). To analyse the relationship between mood and sleep disorders, quality of life and cognitive function in patients with DNP. Cross-sectional study conducted in patients with T2DM and neuropathy. The presence of DNP, cognitive function, mood status, sleep quality, health-related quality of life, pain intensity and phenotype of pain were measured. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A total of 149 patients (71 with DNP) were included. Patients with and without DNP presented similar scores on the TYM (41.46; SD = 6.70 vs. 41.97; SD = 5.50) and those with DNP had a slightly higher frequency of cognitive impairment (TYM score ≤ 41: 40.8% vs. 43.6%). The patients without DNP performed better in the verbal fluency dimension (mean = 3.53; SD = 0.98 vs. mean = 3.82; SD = 0.66). Being older (B = − 0.258) and under treatment with insulin (B = − 2.919) were related with greater cognitive impairment. Obesity (OR = 17.277) and a longer duration of diabetes (OR = 1.317) were also related to greater risk of cognitive impairment. Impaired cognitive function in patients with DNP is more related to T2DM factors than pain factors. The presence of depression and a worse quality of life were related to a greater risk of cognitive impairment. Identifying and controlling these factors should be an essential intervention for maintaining the cognitive function in patients with T2DM and DNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria are specialized metabolic and immune organelles that have important roles in tumor progression, metastasis, and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Mitochondrial biogenesis and functions are under the control of the peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PGC-1) transcriptional coactivators. Recent research unveiled the role of PGC-1α in bolstering mitochondrial oxidative functions and in the suppression of metastasis in melanoma, but the role of PGC-1s in tumor immunology remains elusive. Herein, we show that low PGC-1s expression in human melanoma tumors is associated with increased expression of a repertoire of immunosuppressive (CD73, PD-L2, Galectin-9) and pro-inflammatory (IL-8, TNF, IL-1β) transcripts, and that experimental depletion of PGC-1β recapitulates this signature in human melanoma cell lines. The depletion of PGC-1β reduces the expression of HSPA9, impairs mitochondrial activity, and leads to cell cycle arrest. Using pharmacological and gene silencing approaches, we further show that MEK1/2 and IRF-1 mediate the observed immune transcriptional response. Overall, this research suggests that mitochondrial biogenesis modulators can modulate tumor progression, immune evasion, and response to therapeutics through transcriptional control of immune pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of employability skills is a concern of educational institutions, which must introduce experiential learning scenarios for undergraduate students. Purpose: This study is aimed at testing the relationship between emotional intelligence and individual task performance in teams, during a recruiting activity for an experiential learning program. Methodology/Approach: Self-reported and third rater's measures were used to assess both variables as part of the selection process of participants on an experiential learning program focused on engineering competitions. Exploratory structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. Findings/Conclusions: Results show partial support of the hypothesis by revealing a significant but apparently counterintuitive relationship. Implications: The study reveals the measurement of employability skills as a challenge and a necessity. For employers, it reinforces that teamwork, socialization, and daily organizational endeavors require the appropriate soft skills to obtain good performance levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed chronic low back pain (CLBP-D and CLBP-UD, respectively) in the general adult population in Spain and to compare the characteristics of these two groups with subjects without CLBP symptoms (No-CLBP). To establish CLBP-D patient sub-groups according to their self-perceived health status, mental health, level of pain and the impact of their pain on daily activities. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health Survey of Spain 2017 with a sample of 23,089 adults. Three groups were defined: CLBP-D, CLBP-UD and No-CLBP. In the CLBP-D group, a cluster analysis was performed to identify sub-groups. A multinomial regression model was constructed to determine the factors associated with each of the sub-groups identified. Results: The prevalence of CLBP-D was 22% (95% CI 21.5–22.5) and that of CLBP-UD was 1.4% (95% CI 1.2–1.5). CLBP-D was more common in middle-aged females with a low educational level. They have a worse perceived health status, report more comorbidities, have worse mental health and more limitations in comparison with the populations without CLBP and with CLBP-UD. Three sub-groups of CLBP-D subjects were identified. Women and older subjects with a lower educational level, more occupational stress, less social support and with more physical limitations were the most likely subjects to be included in the group worst-affected. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of CLBP among the adult population in Spain. Occupational stress and a lack of social support are common factors among subjects' worst-affected of CLBP-D and identifying the subjects with these risks is therefore a recommended strategy for improving the healthcare provided to CLBP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence among peach populations and quantify the relative contribution of thirteen diversity characteristics using multivariate procedures. It was analyzed 179 individuals from 15 populations, number of individuals ranging from 3 to 64 plants. The characteristics evaluated were: plant (node density per meter mixed branches, density of vegetative buds sprouted per meter of branch, plant height and trunk diameter), fruit (length, diameter, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, percentage of coverage area with red pigment of the epidermis, coordinated 'b' obtained from epidermis and hue angle of the epidermis). The genetic diversity of populations was evaluated by cluster Tocher and nearest neighbor using the Mahalanobis distance as the dissimilarity measure. It was also obtained the coefficient of relatedness among populations and the relative contribution of the characters in the total variability. The realization of grouping by the Tocher method and by the Nearest Neighbor using as dissimilarity measure the Mahalanobis distances promoted the formation of four groups. Among populations studied, it was observed certain relatedness degree between most possible combinations with coefficients of small magnitude (less than 0.2). The characteristics that contributed most to the discrimination of genotypes were the percentage of red in the epidermis, titratable acidity and plant height. The smaller contributions to diversity of characters were obtained by BRIX, number of nodes / linear meter of branch and vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]