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ABSTRACT Lippia alba (Mill.), popularly known bushy matgrass, is considered an aromatic and medicinal plant with physiotherapeutic characteristics, leading to its use in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and yield of the essential oil of Lippia alba (Mill.) after the occurrence of frost in southern Brazil. The study was carried out in an experimental area located at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen Campus, in July 2014. The essential oil was extracted using the hydrodistillation technique for three hours after the start of boiling. The chemical composition of Lippia alba (Mill.) essential oil was identified through chromatographic analysis. The chemical composition of Lippia alba (Mill.) essential oil was not altered by frost. As for the yield, it was 0.311% before the frost and 0.363% after the frost.

Utilizing bioinformatics tools, this study expands our understanding of secondary metabolism in Botrytis cinerea, identifying novel genes within polyketide synthase (PKS), non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), sesquiterpene cyclase (STC), diterpene cyclase (DTC), and dimethylallyltryptophan synthase (DMATS) families. These findings enrich the genetic framework associated with B. cinerea’s pathogenicity and ecological adaptation, offering insights into uncharted metabolic pathways. Significantly, the discovery of previously unannotated genes provides new molecular targets for developing targeted antifungal strategies, promising to enhance crop protection and advance our understanding of fungal biochemistry. This research not only broadens the scope of known secondary metabolites but also opens avenues for future exploration into B. cinerea’s biosynthetic capabilities, potentially leading to novel antifungal compounds. Our work underscores the importance of integrating bioinformatics and genomics for fungal research, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices by pinpointing precise molecular interventions against B. cinerea. This study sets a foundation for further investigations into the fungus’s secondary metabolism, with implications for biotechnology and crop disease management.

The genome sequencing of Botrytis cinerea supplies a general overview of the map of genes involved in secondary metabolite synthesis. B. cinerea genomic data reveals that this phytopathogenic fungus has seven sesquiterpene cyclase (Bcstc) genes that encode proteins involved in the farnesyl diphosphate cyclization. Three sesquiterpene cyclases (BcStc1, BcStc5 and BcStc7) are characterized, related to the biosynthesis of botrydial, abscisic acid and (+)-4-epi-eremophilenol, respectively. However, the role of the other four sesquiterpene cyclases (BcStc2, BcStc3, BcStc4 and BcStc6) remains unknown. BcStc3 is a well-conserved protein with homologues in many fungal species, and here, we undertake its functional characterization in the lifecycle of the fungus. A null mutant ΔBcstc3 and an overexpressed–Bcstc3 transformant (OvBcstc3) are generated, and both strains show the deregulation of those other sesquiterpene cyclase-encoding genes (Bcstc1, Bcstc5 and Bcstc7). These results suggest a co-regulation of the expression of the sesquiterpene cyclase gene family in B. cinerea. The phenotypic characterization of both transformants reveals that BcStc3 is involved in oxidative stress tolerance, the production of reactive oxygen species and virulence. The metabolomic analysis allows the isolation of characteristic polyketides and eremophilenols from the secondary metabolism of B. cinerea, although no sesquiterpenes different from those already described are identified.

This work presents an analysis of the measures adopted by leading democratic countries in response to the COVID-19 emergency, and the compatibility issues that arose between these measures and the guarantees of the rule of law. The global and simultaneous scope of this serious emergency facilitates comparative analysis and reveals their advantages and their shortcomings. The aim of the article is to evaluate the various extra-constitutional methods employed in response to the exception as well as the state of exception model, based on the regulation of extraordinary situations and the measures to be adopted. Lastly, the analysis focuses on the contradictions that have arisen as a consequence of the use and non-use of the state of exception model in the response to COVID-19 in Europe.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing approaches in plant disease management and phytopathological research. This review analyzes current applications and future directions of AI in addressing evolving agricultural challenges. Plant diseases annually cause 10–16% yield losses in major crops, prompting urgent innovations. Artificial intelligence (AI) shows an aptitude for automated disease detection and diagnosis utilizing image recognition techniques, with reported accuracies exceeding 95% and surpassing human visual assessment. Forecasting models integrating weather, soil, and crop data enable preemptive interventions by predicting spatial-temporal outbreak risks weeks in advance at 81–95% precision, minimizing pesticide usage. Precision agriculture powered by AI optimizes data-driven, tailored crop protection strategies boosting resilience. Real-time monitoring leveraging AI discerns pre-symptomatic anomalies from plant and environmental data for early alerts. These applications highlight AI’s proficiency in illuminating opaque disease patterns within increasingly complex agricultural data. Machine learning techniques overcome human cognitive constraints by discovering multivariate correlations unnoticed before. AI is poised to transform in-field decision-making around disease prevention and precision management. Overall, AI constitutes a strategic innovation pathway to strengthen ecological plant health management amidst climate change, globalization, and agricultural intensification pressures. With prudent and ethical implementation, AI-enabled tools promise to enable next-generation phytopathology, enhancing crop resilience worldwide.

Plant pathogenic infections causing substantial global food losses are a persistent challenge. This study investigates a potential biocontrol strategy against the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea using the endophytic fungus Sordaria tomento-alba isolated from Gliricidia sepium in Colombia. Today, synthetic fungicides dominate B. cinerea control, raising environmental and health concerns. S. tomento-alba exhibits notable in vitro effects, inhibiting B. cinerea growth by approximately 60% during co-culture and 50% in double disc co-culture. Additionally, it suppresses botryanes production and produces the compound heptacyclosordariolone, which has proven effective in inhibiting B. cinerea mycelial growth and spore germination in vitro. This biocontrol agent could be a potential eco-friendly alternative to replace synthetic fungicides. Our study provides insights into the chemical and biological mechanisms underpinning the antagonistic activity of S. tomento-alba, emphasizing the need for further research to understand its biosynthesis pathways and optimize its biocontrol potential. It also contributes molecular evidence of fungal interactions with implications for advanced forums in molecular studies in biology and chemistry, particularly in addressing plant pathogenic infections and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Agriculture currently confronts a multitude of challenges arising from the excessive utilization of chemical pesticides and the proliferation of phytopathogenic fungi strains that exhibit resistance to commonly employed active compounds in the field. Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum are phytopathogenic fungi that inflict substantial economic losses within agriculture and food due to their high impacts on crops both pre- and post-harvest. Furthermore, the emergence of fungal strains that are resistant to commercial fungicides has exacerbated this problem. To explore more environmentally sustainable alternatives for the control of these pathogens, an investigation into the endophytic bacteria associated with ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) was conducted. The primary focus of this study involved evaluating their inhibitory efficacy against the fungi and assessing their potential for promoting plant growth. The endophytic bacteria genera Lelliottia, Lysinibacillus, Kocuria, Agrococcus, Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Zymobacter, and Mycolicibacterium were identified. All isolates showed remarkable in vitro antagonistic ability against B. cinerea (>94%) and C. acutatum (>74%). Notably, the Lelliottia amnigena J29 strain exhibited a notable proficiency in producing extracellular enzymes and indole compounds (IAA), solubilizing phosphate and potassium, and forming biofilm. Furthermore, the Lysinibacillus capsici J26, Agrococcus citreus J28, and Mycolicibacterium sp. J5 strains displayed the capacity for atmospheric nitrogen fixation and siderophore production. These findings underscore the agricultural and biotechnological potential of endophytic bacteria derived from ginger plants and suggest the feasibility of developing alternative approaches to manage these two phytopathogenic fungi.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the essential oil of Hesperozygisringens (EOHR) for anesthesia of Colossomamacropomum by documenting hematological and blood biochemical responses after biometric handling. In Experiment 1, juveniles (14.12 ± 3.53 g) were exposed to different concentrations of EOHR: 0 (control), 75, 150, 300 and 450 µL L-1 (n=10 fish for each concentration), to determine times for induction and recovery from anesthesia, as well as its effects on ventilatory frequency (VF). Based on these results, Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of 0 (control), 75 (with induction and recovery times outside that recommended for fish anesthesia) and 150 µL L-1 EOHR (within recommended times) on hematological and biochemical variables of juveniles (20.52 ± 3.47 g) after anesthesia and after 24 h of recovery (n = 6 fish for each concentration and collection time). Survival was 100%. Induction time showed a quadratic effect of EOHR concentration. Recovery time did not differ among EOHR concentrations. Concentrations between 150 and 450 µL L-1 EOHR caused rapid induction (< 3 min) and recovery (< 5 min). EOHR concentration affected VF. The concentration of 150 µL L-1 EOHR had little influence on hematological and biochemical parameters of C. macropomum of 20 g.

Este artículo analiza el potencial creativo y la dimensión experimental de la ficción literaria reciente centrada en el mundo del arte. En concreto, el ensayo reconoce en Muerte Súbita (2013) de Álvaro Enrigue un buen ejemplo de la capacidad de este tipo de novela de arte para generar maneras alternativas de entender el sistema-arte. Lejos de representar personajes históricos o de adaptarse a las reglas del campo artístico, la ficción contemporánea sobre arte funciona como un mod, como un sistema alterado que obedece a patrones parcialmente originales. Es, precisamente, esa dimensión la que hace que las novelas de arte contemporáneas puedan ser entendidas como un laboratorio donde se desarrollan nuevas maneras de entender la articulación entre producción artística, trabajo cultural y procesos socioeconómicos más amplios.

No presente trabalho foi avaliada a composição química e atividade alelopática do óleo essencial (OE) de folhas de Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Kunth) O. Berg sobre a germinação e crescimento inicial de plântulas de Lactuca sativa L. (dicotiledônea) e de Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (monocotiledônea). O OE foi obtido por meio de hidrodestilação por 3 h. A análise da composição do OE foi feita por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a um espectrômetro de massas (CG-EM). A atividade alelopática do extrativo foi avaliada nas concentrações de 2,5; 5,0 e 7,5%. As sementes foram imersas nas soluções por 2 min e então foram distribuídas em placas de Petri. As placas foram mantidas em câmara incubadora BOD. No sétimo dia, foram avaliadas as variáveis germinação (%) e comprimento de raízes (cm), da parte aérea (cm) e total da plântula (cm). Os constituintes majoritários identificados no OE foram eucaliptol (49,6%), limoneno (13,6%) e β-cariofileno (12,2%). O OE afetou negativamente a porcentagem de germinação das sementes de L. sativa e os parâmetros sistema radicular e plântula total de S. bicolor. A atividade alelopática do OE foi negativa para as duas espécies avaliadas.

Background: Persistent and relapsing prosthetic joint infection (PJI) due to Staphylococcus aureus presents a clinical challenge. This study aimed to provide an extensive description of phenotypic and genomic changes that could be related to persistence or relapse. Methods: Initial and second S. aureus isolates from 6 cases of persistent and relapsing PJI, along with clinical isolates from 8 cases, with favorable outcome were included. All isolates were studied by phenotypic and genotypic approaches. Results: Recurrent S. aureus isolates exhibited a significant increase in adhesive capacity, invasion and persistence compared to resolved isolates. No association was found for the presence or absence of certain genes with the persistence or relapse of PJI. All sequential isolates showed identical sequence type (ST). Resistance gene loss during the infection and a great diversity of variants in different virulence genes between the pair of strains, mainly in genes encoding adhesins such as fnbA, were observed. Conclusions: S. aureus-caused relapse and persistence PJI is associated with bacterial phenotypical and genotypical adaptation. The main paths of adaptation were persistence in the intracellular compartment, and the loss of antibiotic resistance genes and variant acquisition, especially in genes encoding adhesins.

ABSTRACT Ergosterol is responsible for important functions in the fungal plasma membrane. The influence of fungitoxic agents on membrane ergosterol content is one of the most important mechanisms of antifungal action and its knowledge allows the generation of products that associate active compounds of different mechanisms, consequently improving the effectiveness of wood preservatives. Therefore, this study optimized a method for quantifying ergosterol in wood-decay fungi. The white-rot species selected were Ganoderma applanatum and Trametes versicolor, while the brown-rot were Gloeophyllum trabeum and Lentinus lepideus. Mycelial discs of each species were transferred to Petri dishes containing a cellophane-covered potato-dextrose-agar medium. Mycelia of each fungus were collected, weighed, and transferred to test tubes with 5 mL of 25% alcoholic potassium hydroxide. The tubes were vortexed for 5 min, subjected to ultrasound for 5 min, incubated at 85 °C for 4 h, followed by the addition of 2 mL of sterile distilled water and 5 mL of n-heptane and subsequent ultrasound shaking for 2 min. The n-heptane layer was analyzed by UV spectrophotometry between 230 and 300 ηm. The blank sample only contained n-heptane. The mycelia wet weight of the fungi ranged from 0.061 to 0.296 g. Ergosterol content was 0.007% for Lentinus lepideus and 0.004% for the other species. The absorbance was higher than the ones observed in the blank for all samples. The adapted method was efficient for ergosterol extraction.

This paper analyzes the relation between the ideals of universality and globalization developed by the Biennials of Havana and Johannesburg, and the local contexts where those initiatives were put into practice. Both events are traditionally considered as the main antecedent of contemporary biennials. Furthermore, both enact a separation with Eurocentric ideas of modernity, generating a decentered and more critical artistic panorama. Without dismissing those elements, in this text I argue that the heritage of both biennials is expressed not just in the models of globalism they produced. The contradictions deriving from the complex articulation of those models and a local medium in transition, still bounded to national issues, constitute a central node to understand their evolution and to frame the coordinates of the present-day global art system.

During the infection of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, the concentration of polyamines, which are toxic substances for the phytopathogen, increases in the grape. Nine NRPS genes have been identified in the genome of B. cinerea, yet the function of five of them remains unknown. For this reason, we have studied the expression of the 9 NRPS genes by RT-qPCR in a medium supplemented with sublethal concentrations of three polyamines (1,3-diaminopropane (1,3-DAP), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM)). Our results show that the presence of polyamines in the culture medium triggered the overexpression of the Bcnrps1 gene in the pathogen. Deleting Bcnrps1 did not affect mycelial growth or adaptation to osmotic stress, and we show that its expression is not essential for the cycle of infection of the B. cinerea. However, mutating the Bcnrps1 gene resulted in overexpression of the Bcnrps6 gene, which encodes for the excretion of siderophores of the coprogen family. Moreover, gene deletion has reduced the tolerance of B. cinerea B05.10 to toxic substances such as the polyamine SPD and the fungicide pyrimethanil, and its virulence has increased. Our findings provide new insights into the function of the Bcnrps1 gene and its involvement in the tolerance of B. cinerea against exogenous toxic compounds.

Plant diseases are one of the main factors responsible for food loss in the world, and 20–40% of such loss is caused by pathogenic infections. Botrytis cinerea is the most widely studied necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus. It is responsible for incalculable economic losses due to the large number of host plants affected. Today, B. cinerea is controlled mainly by synthetic fungicides whose frequent application increases risk of resistance, thus making them unsustainable in terms of the environment and human health. In the search for new alternatives for the biocontrol of this pathogen, the use of endophytic microorganisms and their metabolites has gained momentum in recent years. In this work, we isolated endophytic bacteria from Zea mays cultivated in Colombia. Several strains of Bacillus subtilis, isolated and characterized in this work, exhibited growth inhibition against B. cinerea of more than 40% in in vitro cultures. These strains were characterized by studying several of their biochemical properties, such as production of lipopeptides, potassium solubilization, proteolytic and amylolytic capacity, production of siderophores, biofilm assays, and so on. We also analyzed: (i) its capacity to promote maize growth (Zea mays) in vivo, and (ii) its capacity to biocontrol B. cinerea during in vivo infection in plants (Phaseolus vulgaris).

Based on the cultural criticism elaborated in the second half of the 20th century, this article analyzes two of the major Latin American theoretical discussions on community and politics, namely decolonialism and posthegemony. The main argument of this paper is that both currents need to be examined without losing sight of the weight of the unknowable. By comparing those two currents with Ernesto Laclau’s definition of populism, we explain the possibilities and the limitations of the alternative political subjects sketched by both tendencies in order to replace the populist subject with a more democratic discourse practice.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the anesthetic effect of the essential oils (EOs) from the peel of Citrus x aurantium (EOCA) and Citrus x latifolia (EOCL) on silver catfish Rhamdia quelen. Fish were exposed to different concentrations of EOCA and EOCL to determine time of anesthesia induction and recovery. Induction of anesthesia was observed in all fish exposed to 400, 600 or 800 μL L−1 EOCA and 300, 400 or 500 μL L−1 EOCL. Another group of fish were exposed for 8 h to 50, 100, or 200 μL L−1 of either EOs. Overall, fish exposed to ethanol and both EOs presented higher ventilatory frequencies (VF) than the control group throughout the 8 h of exposure. Net ion (Na+, K+ and Cl−) effluxes and ammonia excretion were significantly lower in fish exposed to 50, 100 or 200 μL L−1 of either EOs compared to control fish. Mortality was 37% in fish exposed to 200 μL L−1 of either EOs after 8 h. These findings suggest that EOCA and EOCL are useful anesthetics and sedatives for Rhamdia quelen, but their usefulness as alternatives to reduce stress in fish transportation at the lower concentrations tested (50-100 µL L−1) deserves further study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil (EO) on productive performance, metabolic parameters and body and fillet composition of adult silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen. Total length, condition factor, weight gain, specific growth rate, hepatosomatic index, visceral fat content and fillet composition were not affected by EO supplementation. Plasma total protein, globulin and triglycerides were reduced by EO supplementation. Supplementation with 1 mL EO kg-1 diet increased carcass yield and protein deposition in the carcass, while reducing gonadosomatic index and fat deposition in the carcass when compared to control group. In addition, 1 mL EO kg-1 diet also improved feed intake when compared to 3 mL EO kg-1 diet. Our results suggest that EO up to 1 mL kg-1 diet can be used in fish feed to improve protein deposition and carcass yield of silver catfish.

This study evaluated the seasonal influence on the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) of Nectandra megapotamica. Fresh young (YL) and old leaves (OL) obtained from three trees in each season (Nov/2010 to Sep/2011) collected in Santa Maria-RS were hydrodistilled in triplicate. The chemical composition was determined by the gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the yield on dry basis was evaluated by two-way ANOVA (seasons, development stage). Spring (Sp) and summer (Su) showed higher average incomes (0.45 and 0.33%), which occurred when flowering, fruiting, and growth of YL and senescence of OL took place, while autumn (Au) presented the lowest yield (0.25%) during the rustification of OL. The highest yield was obtained for the YL in Sp (0.59%) and the lowest for the OL in Au (0.21%). The major constituents of the EO were independent from the season and were identified as α-pinene, bicyclogermacrene, β-pinene, germacrene D, and limonene. Seasonality and phenology influenced the production of EO probably due to morphological and metabolic alterations in the leaves as well as due to the needs of the tree, such as attraction and/or protection.

Introductory Note

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the potential relaxing and/or molluscicidal effects of eugenol and essential oils of Origanum majorana, Ocimum americanum, Hesperozygis ringens, and Piper gaudichaudianum in the gastropod Pomacea canaliculata. Compounds were tested at concentrations of 100, 250, 500, and 750µL L-1 to evaluate the relaxing effects. In the second experiment, animals were exposed to 10, 25, and 50µL L-1 of essential oils of H. ringens and P. gaudichaudianum for a period of 24h for the evaluation of molluscicidal effects. Eugenol and essential oils of O. majorana and O. americanum showed relaxing effects at ≥250µL L-1, but the essential oils of H. ringens and P. gaudichaudianum did not promote relaxing or molluscicidal effects within the times and concentrations studied. Therefore, only eugenol and the essential oils of O. majorana and O. americanum can be used for relaxation purposes in P. canaliculata.

Jatropha curcas L es una planta tropical y se utiliza, actualmente, como fuente de biodiesel. La torta, después de la extracción de aceite, es rica en proteínas y es una fuente potencial de alimento para el ganado; sin embargo, está compuesta por un grupo de sustancias tóxicas, incluyendo ésteres de forbol (PMA) y algunos otros antinutrientes. En esta investigación, se aplicaron diferentes métodos de desintoxicación en la torta desgrasada de J. curcas, para eliminar o reducir a un nivel aceptable o permitido, la concentración de PMA, taninos y saponinas. La metodología incluyó tres tratamientos químicos, etanol, metanol e hidróxido de sodio/ hipoclorito de sodio. Los dos primeros, con radiación térmica seca y, el tercero, con radiación térmica húmeda (agua). Se realizó un análisis físico-químico, para caracterizar el contenido de fibra, de proteínas solubles, de extracto etéreo, de nitrógeno y de carbohidratos solubles. Las desintoxicaciones actuaron, de tal manera, que los niveles de actividad de antinutrientes se vieron altamente afectados (p

Dentro del panorama crítico americano, la figura de Gerardo Mosquera ocupa una posición especial merced a su doble actuación en el ámbito cubano y continental. En la década de los ochenta contribuyó a la renovación del arte cubano y a la consolidación de la Bienal de La Habana, evento que se convertiría en la década siguiente en una referencia para la práctica artística iberoamericana y del Tercer Mundo; a partir de entonces, su nombre aparece asociado a la renovación de la mirada sobre el arte de América del Sur existente en Estados Unidos, hasta ese momento vinculada en gran medida a lo mágico-religioso. Ante América, exposición itinerante co-curada en 1992 por Mosquera en el Queens Museum of Arts de Nueva York, puede considerarse el punto de partida de una nueva visión de las culturas artísticas del continente americano; supuso, asimismo, la incorporación efectiva del arte caribeño, que hasta ese momento había ocupado un lugar secundario, a los ritmos expositivos americanos. Mosquera se ha convertido en la actualidad en un referente en la producción crítica de las regiones de la periferia.

O objetivo deste estudo foi testar tratamentos de assepsia e sua influência na germinação e sanidade de sementes de quatro espécies florestais: Bauhinia forficata, Cedrela fissilis, Parapiptadenia rigida e Senegalia bonariensis. As sementes foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: controle (T0); NaClO 1% por 3 min (T1); NaClO 2% por 1 min + 1 enxágue com água destilada (T2); álcool 70% por 1 min + triplo enxágue em água destilada + NaClO 0,5% por 1 min + triplo enxágue com água destilada (T3); Lysoform® por 1 min (T4); e álcool 70% por 1 min + NaClO 1% por 1 min + 1 enxágue com água destilada por 1 min (T5). Após, as sementes foram submetidas ao teste de germinação, sendo registrado comprimento, massa fresca e massa seca de plântulas, e teste de sanidade. Para B. forficata recomenda-se o tratamento T2, com aumento do potencial germinativo e comprimento de plântulas, sendo o mesmo recomendado para C. fissilis para aumento da germinação e redução da incidência de Fusarium sp.; todos os tratamentos de assepsia reduzem a incidência de fungos de armazenamento em P. rigida, porém não há influência sobre a germinação; e para S. bonariensis não há necessidade de assepsia. Os tratamentos de assepsia recomendados podem ser utilizados rotineiramente em sementes das espécies florestais estudadas.

This paper examines text-based artworks that employ symbolic translations as a way of analyzing the discursive constrains regulating the Cuban public sphere. Through a revision of artistic projects that turn to translation and intend to provoke the spectator’s active engagement, I seek to understand which possibilities are opened by translation in order to escape the burdens of representation and commoditization shaping contemporary Cuban art. I argue that the encouragement of direct experience could be framed as that possible alternative. The potential attributed to experience and practicality, nevertheless, cannot be directly deduced from the artist’s intentions, being contingent ultimately of how each project works.

Entrevista com Fausto Ortiz concedida a Carlos Garrido Castellano.

Sirenomelia, also known as sirenomelia sequence, is a severe malformation of the lower body characterized by fusion of the legs and a variable combination of visceral abnormalities. The causes of this malformation remain unknown, although the discovery that it can have a genetic basis in mice represents an important step towards the understanding of its pathogenesis. Sirenomelia occurs in mice lacking Cyp26a1, an enzyme that degrades retinoic acid (RA), and in mice that develop with reduced bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling in the caudal embryonic region. The phenotypes of these mutant mice suggest that sirenomelia in humans is associated with an excess of RA signaling and a deficit in Bmp signaling in the caudal body. Clinical studies of sirenomelia have given rise to two main pathogenic hypotheses. The first hypothesis, based on the aberrant abdominal and umbilical vascular pattern of affected individuals, postulates a primary vascular defect that leaves the caudal part of the embryo hypoperfused. The second hypothesis, based on the overall malformation of the caudal body, postulates a primary defect in the generation of the mesoderm. This review gathers experimental and clinical information on sirenomelia together with the necessary background to understand how deviations from normal development of the caudal part of the embryo might lead to this multisystemic malformation.

Proteomics has become one of the most relevant high-throughput technologies. Several approaches have been used for studying, for example, tumor development, biomarker discovery, or microbiology. In this “post-genomic” era, the relevance of these studies has been highlighted as the phenotypes determined by the proteins and not by the genotypes encoding them that is responsible for the final phenotypes. One of the most interesting outcomes of these technologies is the design of new drugs, due to the discovery of new disease factors that may be candidates for new therapeutic targets. To our knowledge, no commercial fungicides have been developed from targeted molecular research, this review will shed some light on future prospects. We will summarize previous research efforts and discuss future innovations, focused on the fight against one of the main agents causing a devastating crops disease, fungal phytopathogens.

The aim of this article is to analyze and explain attention to diversity measures for high ability (gifted and talented) students. The model, developed in the Spanish region of Murcia, is based on cognitive psychology and aims to encourage thinking skills. The program is developed as a curriculum extension and the interests, motivations and abilities of children have been considered once these were identified. The article offers a theoretical approach, a set of objectives, and some of the activities that have been done with students.

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar y explicar las medidas de atención a la diversidad para los alumnos de altas habilidades (superdotados y talentos). El modelo que desarrollamos en la Región de Murcia se fundamenta en la psicología cognitiva y se orienta a favorecer las habilidades del pensamiento. El programa se desarrolla como extensión curricular y se han considerado los intereses, motivaciones y habilidades de los niños una vez que han sido identificados. Se hace un planteamiento teórico y se especifican los objetivos, además hemos recogido alguna de las actividades que se han trabajado con los alumnos.

El artículo revisa los éxitos y fracasos de la reforma sueca de salud, así como las lecciones que dejó en su afán de alcanzar mejores resultados financieros y estándares de calidad.O artigo revisa os êxitos e fracassos da reforma do setor de saúde sueco, assim como as lições que deixou em sua proposta de alcançar melhores resultados financeiros e padrões de qualidade.The paper reviews the outcomes and failures of the Swedish health care reform, as well as the lessons learned for accomplishing better financial results and quality standards.

Este trabajo se centra en analizar las concepciones de la violencia presentes en el arte contemporáneo del Caribe a través de las representaciones del héroe asociado al combate. En especial, examinaremos aquellos casos en los que éste aparece derrotado, superado por el contexto, pese a su carácter de campeón. Las reflexiones de artistas como Marcos Lora Read (República Dominicana), Javier Castro (Cuba) o Ebony Patterson (Jamaica), mediante la utilización de diversos medios expresivos, han recurrido al héroe para deconstruir elementos de sus sociedades, proponiendo una mirada transgresiva que extrae valores subversivos de la tragedia heroica.

Este artigo analisa a produção artística da diáspora caribenha a partir da obra do artista Jean-François Boclé da Martinica. Em particular, examinaremos como Boclé alude a um presente pós-colonial a partir de um trabalho de recuperação do passado colonial caribenho, propondo ao mesmo tempo alternativas para o futuro. Além disso, coloca a necessidade de contextualizar a discursividade diaspórica no corpus geral da visualidade relacionada com a região caribenha, pois sua representação como um apêndice das tradições artísticas nacionais aparece como insuficiente para todos. Palavras-chave: Artes Visuais. Jean-François Boclé. Diáspora caribenha Resumen Este artículo analiza la producción artística de la diáspora caribeña a partir de la obra del artista de Martinica Jean-François Boclé. En particular, examinaremos cómo Boclé alude a un presente postcolonial a partir de una labor de recuperador del pasado colonial caribeño, planteando al mismo tiempo alternativas de futuro. Al mismo tiempo, se plantea la necesidad de contextualizar la discursividad diaspórica en el corpus general de la visualidad relacionada con la región caribeña, dado que su presentación como un apéndice de las tradiciones artísticas nacionales aparece a todas luces como insuficiente. Palabras clave: Artes visuales. Jean-François Boclé. Diáspora caribeña Abstract The aim of this paper is to analyze the artistic production of the Caribbean Diaspora from the work of the artist from Martinique, Jean-François Boclé. Specifically, we will focus on examining how Boclé alludes to a postcolonial present by recovering the Caribbean colonial past, posing at the same time alternatives for the future. Furthermore, we urge the necessity of contextualizing the diasporic discursiveness within the general visual corpus of the Caribbean region, since its presentation as an appendix of the national artistic traditions seems to be clearly insufficient. Keywords: Visual arts. Jean-François Boclé. Caribbean diaspora

El presente artículo se aproxima a la realidad del arte contemporáneo del Caribe a través de las exposiciones colectivas de arte caribeño que se generan en la década de los noventa y que constituyen uno de los elementos que con mayor fuerza vertebran la conexión entre los discursos de la región. Para ello, se atenderá a la problemática actual de la curaduría artística, entendida como una práctica cultural que se convierte en instrumento de mediación social. Asimismo, se analizarán las prácticas curatoriales que contribuyeron en la década de los noventa a definir una determinada imagen del Caribe y de su producción artística, estableciendo los vínculos entre dichas experiencias curatoriales y los escenarios locales e internacionales en los que se desarrollan. La exposición colectiva, fenómeno que prolifera a partir de los noventa en el Caribe, constituirá el principal difusor de la cultura caribeña fuera de su territorio, al tiempo que contribuirá a generar un sentimiento de cohesión dentro del archipiélago.

La expansión de la cultura caribeña en las últimas décadas ha llevado a replantear la definición y la naturaleza de las experiencias fronterizas que tienen lugar en la región. Este ensayo analiza las representaciones de la frontera propuestas por el arte contemporáneo del Caribe, así como el modo en que la producción artística de la región genera nuevas cartografías y replantea las imposiciones de la geografía oficial. Para ello, se examinarán ciertos debates relacionados con la práctica artística caribeña, atendiendo a continuación a cuatro propuestas procedentes del ámbito del arte actual producido en República Dominicana. Esas (anti)-cartografías servirán, en conclusión, como un primer acercamiento a la necesidad de revisar la certeza con que se construyen los mapas y las pertenencias, la estabilidad con que se representan las fronteras.

Este artículo pretende reconstruir lo que significó el proceso de expansión del arte jamaicano en la década de los noventa, en relación con la internacionalización de las culturas caribeñas. Para ello, se examinarán los principales elementos y problemas que gobernaron las políticas culturales jamaicanas posteriores a la Independencia, determinando el papel de los diferentes actores que intervinieron en las mismas, y poniéndolas en relación con el marco expositivo del arte caribeño contemporáneo tanto dentro como fuera de la región.

Sirenomelia is a severe congenital malformation of the lower body characterized by the fusion of the legs into a single lower limb. This striking external phenotype consistently associates severe visceral abnormalities, most commonly of the kidneys, intestine, and genitalia that generally make the condition lethal. Although the causes of sirenomelia remain unknown, clinical studies have yielded two major hypotheses: i) a primary defect in the generation of caudal mesoderm, ii) a primary vascular defect that leaves the caudal part of the embryo hypoperfused. Interestingly, Sirenomelia has been shown to have a genetic basis in mice, and although it has been considered a sporadic condition in humans, recently some possible familial cases have been reported. Here, we report that the removal of one or both functional alleles of Shh from the Bmp7-null background leads to a sirenomelia phenotype that faithfully replicates the constellation of external and internal malformations, typical of the human condition. These mutants represent an invaluable model in which we have analyzed the pathogenesis of sirenomelia. We show that the signaling defect predominantly impacts the morphogenesis of the hindgut and the development of the caudal end of the dorsal aortas. The deficient formation of ventral midline structures, including the interlimb mesoderm caudal to the umbilicus, leads to the approximation and merging of the hindlimb fields. Our study provides new insights for the understanding of the mechanisms resulting in caudal body malformations, including sirenomelia.

Entrevista com Fausto Ortiz concedida a Carlos Garrido Castellano

Partiendo del análisis de una obra del colectivo artístico Raqs Media Collective, este trabajo se plantea el problema de cómo conceptualizar la presencia del arte indio contemporáneo en el medio digital. Para ello, será necesario revisar tanto las propuestas de algunos creadores que recurren con frecuencia en su obra al universo visual vinculado a dicho medio, como los mecanismos que conforman el sistema arte. Así, se examinarán cuestiones como la posibilidad de hablar de una modificación en los términos que rigen lo creativo; la manera en que los artistas conciben la identidad a través del arte; y, finalmente, la posición que ocupan las fronteras en un país cada vez más abierto a lo global.

La excepción requiere la adopción de medidas excepcionales. Y cuando ésta pone en peligro, con amenazas o agresiones armadas, elementos básicos del Estado, como la soberanía, la integridad territorial o el ordenamiento constitucional, la respuesta excepcional del Estado ha de ser la más extrema e implicar el uso de la fuerza militar. En el Estado de Derecho, sin embargo, la reacción extraordinaria ante lo fáctico no puede ser incondicionada, ni invalidar sus fundamentos. De ahí que el estado de sitio previsto en el artículo 116 de la CE sea, pese a la gravedad que entraña su utilización, una garantía de la Constitución, no su desahucio. El estado de sitio habilita la concentración de poder y la gestión militar de la crisis; la supremacía del Derecho y del poder civil queda, con todo, garantizada. Al estudio de la naturaleza de esta institución excepcional, de su régimen jurídico y de su control jurisdiccional se dedica este trabajo, que parte de la constatación de las hondas diferencias que separan su actual función constitucional de la de sus precedentes. A efectos sistemáticos, el autor aborda en primer término la gestación normativa del instituto y los presupuestos que habilitan su declaración; y, seguidamente, distingue entre el estado de sitio, la declaración de guerra y los tiempos de guerra, expresiones utilizadas por el constituyente para aludir a situaciones distintas aunque eventualmente conexas. Por lo que respecta a su régimen jurídico, se analizan la función del bando militar bajo el principio de legalidad penal, el ámbito de la jurisdicción castrense, los posibles efectos sobre el régimen jurídico de las libertades, los supuestos de gestión militar de la emergencia y las resistencias que la Constitución impone al poder de excepción. Al término del trabajo se estudian los procedimientos de declaración, prórroga y cese de este estado crítico, así como las dificultades existentes para caracterizar jurídicamente las decisiones de declaración y prórroga como «actos del Estado con fuerza de ley» y, consecuentemente con ello, atribuir su control jurisdiccional al Tribunal Constitucional.