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Brassinosteroids (BRs) are widely used to promote plant growth/development and alleviate environmental stresses’ adverse effects. However, its low stability in the field precludes large-scale application, challenging research, and more stable and cost-effective analogues. The most commonly used is 24-Epibrassinolide (EBL), yet, due to its high production cost, the study of cheaper molecules with similar/higher activity constitutes a priority. In this study, we analyzed, under drought, the effects of EBL and DI-31, a synthetic functional analogue, through a physiological and biochemical approach in Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type plants. Additionally, differential BRs/ABA interactions were detected and further analyzed in abscisic acid (ABA) mutants, assays in stomata with ABA-closure inhibitors, and analysis of ABA-stress-responsive genes expression via qRT-PCR. Similar to EBL, DI-31 induced dose-responsive growth and stomatal closure curve. Compared to EBL, DI-31 induced oxidative burst in a stronger but delayed manner; and increased biomass and foliar area under drought, preventing more effectively the relative water content fall under stress. Although both, EBL and DI-31, enhanced drought-response, the DI-31 action was more effective, durable, and differed in regulating several ABA/stress-response indicators. DI-31/ABA interactions under drought were confirmed in ABA-mutants, where the analogue compromised the activation of ABA-regulated proteins. Moreover, the analogue mediates stomatal closure through paths partially alternative to the ABA-controlled and specifically repressed stress-responsive genes regulated by AREB/ABF transcriptional factors. These findings confirm the DI-31 practical value as growth-promoter and defence-enhancer, with stronger and longer-term activity than EBL, constituting an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative to increase plant fitness under drought, precluding large biomass penalty.

El diseño de parques solares fotovoltaicos presenta una incertidumbre técnica en la búsqueda de una solución óptima (beneficio/costo) para implementar en un determinado proyecto. Los beneficios en la selección de un sistema de inversores centralizados o distribuidos varían según la disposición tecnológica de cada país. Adicionalmente, los recientes desarrollos tecnológicos pueden presentar incompatibilidad con tecnologías tradicionales, es decir, la elección de una tecnología de inversores exigiría utilizar toda la gama de productos de determinada compañía. Por lo tanto, seleccionar unas características para el diseño (tecnología en inversores centralizados o distribuidos, capacidad de cada panel solar de 330 Wp o 390 Wp) debe considerar una solución integral que incluya entre otros los impactos: técnicos (confiabilidad, pérdidas eléctricas, regulación, nivel de tensión, etc); económicos (precio de equipos, costos nivelados - LCOE, venta de energía, contratos de compra de energía, mantenimiento); logísticos (tiempos de importación, transporte de equipos, necesidad de infraestructura de telecomunicaciones y eléctrica, precio de importación de equipos, precio de tecnologías seleccionadas); regulatorios (requerimientos técnicos de cada país). En el presente paper se presentan las lecciones aprendidas durante la realización del diseño de un parque solar de 20 MW ubicado en Panamá.

Biojas® is a fermented broth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, a jasmonic acid–producing fungus characterized as a plant growth regulator and as biological control of phytopathogenic microorganisms and pests. The present work describes the use of Biojas® in in vitro culture of pineapple. On the other hand, plant scientists usually record multiple indicators in their experiments. The common statistical data evaluations involve univariate analyses such as t test, Mann-Whitney, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s HSD. Such analyses do not evaluate integrally the effects of the experimental treatments because each indicator is analyzed independently. For this reason, we explored in this study the Euclidean distance combined with the data of the Biojas® treatment (0–2 mg l−1) on pineapple in vitro plantlets as an integrating indicator. Plant height; number of leaves; D leaf length, width, and area; diameter of the plant base; fresh and dry weights of the plant; levels of chlorophylls; transpiration rate; CO2 assimilation; and water use efficiency were recorded. Several statistically significant differences among Biojas® treatments were recorded. However, the most significant effects of Biojas® treatments were only noted in the plant height, length and area of D leaf, and water use efficiency. Variables mentioned above increased until 1.0 mg l−1 Biojas® and decreased with high levels of Biojas®. Calculation of the Euclidean distance from each Biojas® level to the ideal physiological status of the pineapple plantlets revealed that 1.0 mg l−1 Biojas® produced the pineapple plantlets with the best physiological status.

Is entrepreneurship a good work alternative in terms of individual well-being? How is the well- being of entrepreneurs compared to that of employees? Does individual well-being determine the prolongation of the entrepreneur’s working life? Despite the increasing international attention that the issue of individual well-being is receiving in both the political and academic arenas, these and other questions still lack an answer. Choosing Europe as the research scenario, this thesis aims to solve these questions to offer more arguments that enrich the current literature on well-being and entrepreneurship, while being useful both for individuals who are or want to become entrepreneurs and for future political reforms of entrepreneurship. The first essay uses data from the European Community Household Panel to examine the change in satisfaction with the main activity of inactive individuals who transition to self-employment compared to those who become paid employees and those who remain inactive. Incorporating inactive individuals into the workforce could generate significant economic and social benefits. Despite the fact that inactivity is made up of very heterogeneous individuals, self-employment could be a very attractive occupational alternative for them, thanks to the nonpecuniary benefits it offers. The estimates point to a positive association between satisfaction with the main activity of inactive individuals and entry into self-employment. In addition, specific analyses are performed for the different profiles of inactive people in order to draw more exhaustive and detailed conclusions. This work may be relevant to policies that seek employment opportunities for inactive individuals, while improving their welfare. The second study echoes government programs focused on reducing the widespread problems of mental health and considers the workplace as the main context to analyze. Therefore, the objective of this work is to make an in-depth comparison of the mental health of self-employed and paid workers, distinguishing between two main types of self-employment (necessity and opportunity self- employment). Using the European Working Conditions Survey, results from the analysis confirm the existence of differences between the two groups of workers. Additionally, moderation-based analyses are used to find out the influence of nonpecuniary benefits from self-employment on the main results. The findings of this study contribute to the literature on entrepreneurship and mental health, while also being of particular relevance for policy makers in these areas. The last chapter studies an issue of great concern in Europe: retirement. In recent years, the debate has focused mainly on raising the mandatory age of retirement. However, a widespread trend has recently arisen among Western governments aimed at encouraging individuals to voluntarily discard early retirement. In this context, although many academics have studied paid employees in terms of their retirement behavior, little is known as to the retirement behavior of the self-employed. The goal of this chapter is to shed light on this research gap. Thus, using the Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe, it analyzes and compares the probability of early retirement for both paid employees and self-employed workers. In addition, it tests the moderating effect of well-being on that probability. The results indicate that the self-employed are less likely to retire early as compared to paid employees. These findings, besides contributing to the extant literature, have meaningful implications for designing policy-makers aimed at extending working life., ¿Es el emprendimiento una buena alternativa laboral en términos de bienestar individual? ¿Cómo es el bienestar de los emprendedores en comparación con el de los asalariados? ¿Determina el bienestar individual la prolongación de la vida laboral de los emprendedores? Pese a la creciente atención internacional que está recibiendo el concepto de bienestar individual, tanto en el panorama político como en el académico, éstas y otras cuestiones aún carecen de respuesta. Eligiendo Europa como escenario de investigación, esta tesis tiene como propósito resolver estas preguntas para ofrecer más argumentos que enriquezcan la literatura actual de bienestar y emprendimiento, al tiempo que resulten útiles tanto para los individuos que son o quieren llegar a ser emprendedores como para futuras reformas políticas de emprendimiento. El primer ensayo de esta tesis utiliza datos del Panel de Hogares de la Unión Europea para examinar el cambio en la satisfacción con la actividad principal de los individuos inactivos que transitan al autoempleo en comparación con los que se convierten en empleados asalariados y los que permanecen inactivos. La incorporación de los individuos inactivos a la fuerza laboral podría generar beneficios económicos y sociales significativos. A pesar de que la inactividad está compuesta de individuos muy heterogéneos, el autoempleo podría ser una alternativa ocupacional muy atractiva para sus integrantes, gracias a los beneficios no pecuniarios que ofrece. Las estimaciones apuntan a una asociación positiva entre la satisfacción con la actividad principal de los individuos inactivos y la entrada al autoempleo. Además, se efectúa un análisis específico para distintos perfiles de inactivos con el objetivo de extraer conclusiones más exhaustivas y detalladas. Este trabajo puede ser relevante para las políticas que buscan una salida laboral para los individuos inactivos que ayude a mejoran su bienestar. El segundo estudio se hace eco de los programas gubernamentales centrados en reducir el impacto negativo de la salud mental y considera el puesto de trabajo como contexto principal a analizar. Por tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo es comparar en profundidad la salud mental de autoempleados y asalariados, distinguiendo entre los dos principales tipos de autoempleo (autoempleo por necesidad y por oportunidad). Utilizando datos de la Encuesta Europea sobre Condiciones de Trabajo, el análisis confirma la existencia de diferencias entre los dos colectivos analizados. Adicionalmente, se hace uso de análisis basados en moderaciones para averiguar la influencia de los beneficios no pecuniarios del autoempleo en los resultados principales. Los hallazgos obtenidos contribuyen a la literatura sobre emprendimiento y la salud mental, a la vez que resultan de relevancia para la formulación de políticas en estas materias. El último capítulo se centra en uno de los fenómenos que más preocupación está generando en el ámbito europeo: la jubilación. En los últimos años, el debate se ha centrado en retrasar la edad de jubilación. Sin embargo, recientemente, existe una tendencia generalizada por parte de los gobiernos occidentales centrada en alentar a los individuos a descartar la salida anticipada de sus vidas laborales de manera voluntaria. En este contexto, aunque muchos académicos han estudiado la jubilación de los empleados asalariados, los estudios acerca del comportamiento de los autoempleados en relación a la jubilación son más escasos. El objetivo de este capítulo es arrojar luz en esta brecha de investigación. Así, empleando datos de la Encuesta de Salud, Envejecimiento y Jubilación en Europa, se compara la probabilidad de jubilación anticipada de los asalariados y los autoempleados. Además, se analiza el efecto moderador del bienestar en dicha probabilidad. Los resultados obtenidos indican que los autoempleados son menos propensos a prejubilarse y menos sensibles al bienestar laboral en comparación con los asalariados. Estos hallazgos, además de contribuir a la literatura previa, tienen implicaciones significativas para los responsables de las políticas orientadas a extender la vida laboral.

Recent agriculture is characterized by intensive and cleaning productions, which need seeds with high quality in large quantities bonded by in vitro culture labs. Nevertheless, in vitro ex vitro transition and during acclimatization losses occur due to the death of plantlets unable to survive this abiotic stress. Reactive oxygen species production during jasmonic acid-induced changes of previous transition was demonstrated. The role of superoxide dismutase in regulation of oxidative metabolism signaling in response to environmental stress is analyzed. Pineapple plantlets treated with jasmonic acid showed higher protein biosynthesis, which can be associated with a better regulated metabolic predisposition to face this phase, when superoxide dismutase activity showed adequate control against this stress in relation to superior water-use efficiency and survival. Key words: Environmental stress, water-use efficiency, survival.

Pineapple mealybug wilt (PMW) was first described in Hawaii in 1910 and has since spread wherever pineapple is cultivated. PMW is currently one of the most important field diseases of pineapple in Cuba, causing up to 40% crop loss. Leaves of plants affected with PMW turn bronze-red and lose turgidity, and the tips curve down. Root system size is decreased and fruits are unmarketable because the flesh is fibrous and sour. Leaves from wilt-affected pineapple plants were selected from the Experimental Station “Tomás Roig” at Ciego de Avila, Cuba. Asymptomatic plants derived from meristem tissue and cultivated under greenhouse conditions were also collected. Both samples were analyzed by several virus purification procedures and finally purified with a protocol modified from Gunashinge and German (1). Partially purified samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were negatively stained and examined by a JEOL (JEM-2000 EX) transmission electron microscope at a magnification of ×30,000. Sixteen, long, flexuous, rod-shaped, viruslike particles (estimated length 1,200 to 1,450 nm; width about 12 nm) were observed in symptomatic leaves, using electron microscope micrographs. These particles were similar to those of the pineapple clostero-like virus found in Hawaii (1) and Australia (2). Particles were observed from symptomatic plants but not from plants propagated by primary meristem culture. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of viral proteins indicated that the coat protein has a molecular mass of approximately 23 kDa. This is the first report of closterovirus-like particles associated with pineapple plants (Ananas comosus cv. Smooth Cayenne) affected with PMW in Cuba. References: (1) U. B. Gunasinge and T. L. German. Phytopathology 79:1337, 1989. (2) W. Wakman et al. Aust. J. Agric. Res. 46:947, 1995.

Natural flowering can cause serious scheduling problems in the pineapple (Ananas comosus) industry and increase harvest costs. Pineapple flowering is thought to be triggered by increased ethylene levels and artificial forcing of pineapple flowering is a common practice to promote flowering synchronisation. However, little is known about the early hormonal and molecular changes of pineapple flowering induction and development. Here, we aimed to analyse the molecular, hormonal, and histological changes during artificial pineapple flowering by Ethrel®48 treatment. Histological analyses of the shoot apical meristem, leaf gibberellic acid (GA3), and ethylene quantification were carried out during the first 72h after Ethrel®48 treatment. Expression profiles from ethylene biosynthesis (AcACS2 and AcACO1), gibberellin metabolism (AcGA2-ox1 and AcDELLA1), and flower development (FT-like gene (AcFT), LFY-like gene (AcLFY), and a PISTILLATA-like gene (AcPI)) genes were analysed during the first 24h after Ethrel®48 treatment. Differentiation processes of the shoot apical meristem into flower buds were already present in the first 72h after Ethrel®48 treatment. Ethrel®48 lead to a reduction in GA3 levels, probably triggered by elevated ethylene levels and the positive regulation AcGA2-ox1. AcLFY activation upon Ethrel®48 may also have contributed to the reduction of GA3 levels and, along with the up-regulation of AcPI, are probably associated with the flower induction activation. AcFT and AcDELLA1 do not seem to be regulated by GA3 and ethylene. Decreased GA3 and increased ethylene levels suggest an accumulation of AcDELLA1, which may display an important role in pineapple flowering induction. Thus, this study shows that molecular, hormonal, and histological changes are present right after Ethrel®48 treatment, providing new insights into how pineapple flowering occurs under natural conditions.

Globally, production of pineapple fruits reached more than 25 million tons in 2013. Therefore, many scientists are searching for new varieties and ways for the conservation of pineapple genetic resources. Cryoconservation in liquid nitrogen has been described as a suitable technology in many plant species. However, its potential effects in the subsequent plant growth in the field should be studied before large-scale implementation of cryopreserved germplasm banks. This short communication describes the field performance of cryopreserved shoot tip-derived pineapple adult plants grown in the field for 14 months. Three genetic materials [cv. MD-2; cv. Red Spanish Florencia; Hybrid 54 (Smooth Cayenne/Red Spanish)] were compared. The following treatments were established in the field: (1) conventional micropropagation-derived plants; (2) plants from shoot tips never exposed to liquid nitrogen but submitted to pre-cryostorage conditioning treatments; and (3) plants from shoot tips exposed to liquid nitrogen. Results indicated that shoot tip exposure to liquid nitrogen did not alter pineapple field performance which supports cryopreservation as an important tool for conservation of pineapple germplasm. As far as we know, this is the first publication of a detailed study of pineapple agricultural traits after cryopreservation.

This work describes the evaluation of morpho-physiological and biochemical changes in “MD-2” micro-propagated pineapple plants (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) grown after 30 days under low light intensity (LL, greenhouse light conditions at 250 μmol·m-2·s-1) or high light intensity (HL, field light conditions at 800 μmol·m-2·s-1). Gas exchange, leaf pH, protein content and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) (EC 1.15.1.1) were measured every 3 h during one day. Chlorophylls content and succulence index (SI) were determined at 9 h. Results showed significant differences in CO2 exchange rates, with a maximum occurring at 6 h (3.00 and 8.25 μmol CO2 m-2·s-1 for leaves under LL and HL conditions respectively). Plants under HL conditions had higher CO2 uptake and lower pH values between 0 h and 6 h respective to LL plants. The maximum pH value was attained 3 h before in HL plants. Leaf SI was increased and chlorophyll content decreased by HL conditions. SOD activity was higher in plants under HL conditions, near doubling those of LL plants at 18 h (2.8 versus 1.5 U·mg-1 Protein respectively). Both groups showed a typical CAM phenotype, but it was stronger in HL conditions, which may confer these plants with a better acclimation to transfer to the field.

The influence of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on net photosynthesis, transpiration, photosynthetic pigment concentration, and gene expression of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit (RBCS1), during in vitro establishment, in vitro multiplication and acclimatization phases of coffee seedlings were investigated. Untreated coffee plants were considered as control, whereas treated plants were exposed to a 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field of 2 mT of magnetic induction during 3 min. This magnetic field was generated by an electromagnet, connected to a wave generator. The results revealed that magnetically treated plants showed a significant increase in net photosynthesis (85.4% and 117.9%, in multiplication and acclimatization phases, respectively), and in photosynthetic pigment concentration (66.6% for establishment phase, 79.9% for multiplication phase, and 43.8% for acclimatization phase). They also showed a differential RBCS1 gene expression (approximately twofold) and a decrease of transpiration rates in regard to their control plants. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the application of 60 Hz magnetic field to in vitro coffee plants may improve the seedlings quality by modifying some photosynthetic physiological and molecular processes, increasing their vigor, and ensuring better plant development in later stages. Bioelectromagnetics. 35:414–425, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hohenbergia penduliflora (A. Rich.) Mez. inhabits the protected ecological area of Cunagua Highland, Ciego de Avila, Cuba. The availability of this plant for experimental purposes is exceedingly limited. Tissue cultured plants of this specie, would be useful for propagation purposes. Experiments were carried out to optimize the micropropagation process from the disinfection of fruits to ex vitro hardening of regenerated plantlets. The best results were obtained when seeds were disinfected with 2 % (v:v) sodium hypochlorite for 20 min and placed in vitro for 45 days for seed germination. Tissue cultured shoots (1 cm) with vertical wounds in the basal region (5 mm long) were placed in a medium containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts, 100 mg l−1 myo-inositol, 0.1 mg l−1 thiamine-HCl, 30 g l−1 sucrose, 8.8 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 1.6 μM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Shoots were proliferated for 45 days to obtain 8.21 new shoots per explant; they were subsequently divided and rooted on a medium containing 1.6 μM NAA for 30 days. For ex vitro hardening, plastic trays containing 82 cm3 of filter-cake-sugarcane ashes were used; 100 % survival rate was recorded. After 6 months of hardening, plants were established ex vitro and ready for protease extraction. Comparisons between protein contents, proteolytic activities and specific proteolytic activities of extracts from stems of macro- and micropropagated plants were acquired. Tissue cultured stems showed statistically lower figures which is why Ethrel was tested here to increase proteolytic activity in micropropagated plant stems. After Ethrel applications, protein contents, proteolytic activities and specific proteolytic activities of extracts from stems were the three main indicators recorded. However, other biochemical effects of Ethrel were also evaluated, such as, levels of chlorophyll pigments, malondialdehyde and other aldehydes; and superoxide dismutase, and guaiacol peroxidase activities. Rising concentrations of Ethrel (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 mg l−1) decreased protein contents at 72 h but increased proteolytic and specific proteolytic activities of stem extracts. Ethrel was effective in increasing proteolytic activity in in vitro culture-derived plant stems, at a level higher than in field-grown plant stems. Moreover, Ethrel increased superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase-specific activities in leaves; and decreased chlorophyll pigments. Ethrel did not affect levels of malondialdehyde and other aldehydes.

Genetic diagnostics of phenylketonuria (PKU) and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficient hyperphenylalaninemia (BH4DH) rely on methods that scan for known mutations or on laborious molecular tools that use Sanger sequencing. We have implemented a novel and much more efficient strategy based on high-throughput multiplex-targeted resequencing of four genes (PAH, GCH1, PTS, and QDPR) that, when affected by loss-of-function mutations, cause PKU and BH4DH. We have validated this approach in a cohort of 95 samples with the previously known PAH, GCH1, PTS, and QDPR mutations and one control sample. Pooled barcoded DNA libraries were enriched using a custom NimbleGen SeqCap EZ Choice array and sequenced using a HiSeq2000 sequencer. The combination of several robust bioinformatics tools allowed us to detect all known pathogenic mutations (point mutations, short insertions/deletions, and large genomic rearrangements) in the 95 samples, without detecting spurious calls in these genes in the control sample. We then used the same capture assay in a discovery cohort of 11 uncharacterized HPA patients using a MiSeq sequencer. In addition, we report the precise characterization of the breakpoints of four genomic rearrangements in PAH, including a novel deletion of 899 bp in intron 3. Our study is a proof-of-principle that high-throughput-targeted resequencing is ready to substitute classical molecular methods to perform differential genetic diagnosis of hyperphenylalaninemias, allowing the establishment of specifically tailored treatments a few days after birth.

We previously reported a partial agricultural and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) characterization of two new pineapple somaclones (P3R5 and Dwarf) derived from in vitro culture of the donor cv. Red Spanish Pinar. Both somaclonal variants showed different AFLP banding patterns compared to the donor cultivar, although they were separated by less than 0.09 U of genetic distance. The present report shows data of various indicators of morphology and physiology of P3R5 and Dwarf D leaves. The stoma diameter, number of stomata per square millimiter, diameter of leaf vascular tissue, thickness of the leaf aquiferous parenchyma, and thickness of the leaf photosynthetic parenchyma were measured. The photosynthetic rate, the transpiration rate, the water use efficiency, the internal leaf CO2 concentration, and the chlorophyll pigment contents were recorded as well. Between the somaclonal variant P3R5 and the donor genotype, statistically significant differences were recorded in all indicators with the exception of the stoma diameter and the photosynthetic rate. Comparing the somaclonal variant Dwarf and the cv. Red Spanish Pinar (donor), statistically significant differences were also recorded in all parameters except in the stoma diameter and in the transpiration rate. This investigation was performed to demonstrate that small changes in the pineapple DNA may result in relevant phenotypic modifications.

In vitro physiology and carbon metabolism can be affected by the sink–source relationship. The effect of different sucrose concentrations (10, 30, and 50 g L−1), light intensities (80 and 150 μmol m−2 s−1), and CO2 levels (375 and 1,200 μmol mol−1) were tested during plantain micropropagation in temporary immersion bioreactors. Activities of pyruvate kinase, phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase, and the photosynthesis rate were recorded. From the morphological and practical point of view, the best results were obtained when plants were cultured with 30 g L−1 sucrose, 80 μmol m−2 s−1 light intensity, and 1,200 μmol mol−1 CO2 concentration. This treatment improved leaf and root development, reduced respiration during in vitro culture, and increased starch level at the end of the hardening phase. In addition to that, the number of competent plants was increased from 80.0% to 91.0% at the end of the in vitro phase and the survival percentage from 95.71% to 99.80% during ex vitro hardening.

We previously introduced the bar gene, along with chitinase and AP24 genes, into the pineapple genome. The present report focuses on the evaluation of the first vegetative generation of a transgenic clone containing these genes. Three materials were compared: macropropagated controls (non-transformed), micropropagated controls (non-transformed), and micropropagated transformed plants. From each group, 50% of the plants were sprayed with FINALE® 3 mo after the experiment initiation. The characterization was performed after 1 yr of field growth. FINALE® killed all non-transgenic plants. Plants that survived the herbicide application showed 2n = 50 chromosomes in their roots after 1 yr in the field. Micropropagated transformed plants sprayed with FINALE® did not show phenotype differences from micropropagated transformed plants not sprayed with the herbicide. Between the micropropagated transformed plants sprayed with FINALE® and the micropropagated control plants, the following differences were observed: modifications in levels of cell wall-linked, free and total phenolics, and total proteins. Moreover, changes of the fruit mass without crown were also recorded. Between the micropropagated transformed plants sprayed with FINALE® and the macropropagated control plants, levels of chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll pigments, and proteins were different. Furthermore, activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, superoxide dismutase, and glutamine synthetase were dissimilar. The plant height and diameter, and the crown height were also different. Until now, we have evaluated transformed pineapple plants during hardening and field growth. Although some unexpected variations were recorded, we believe they are not relevant enough to justify rejection of transgenesis as an important tool for pineapple genetic improvement.

A fundamental difficulty in human genetics research is the identification of the spectrum of genetic variants that contribute to the susceptibility to common/complex disorders. We tested here the hypothesis that functional genetic variants may confer susceptibility to several related common disorders. We analyzed five main psychiatric diagnostic categories (substance-abuse, anxiety, eating, psychotic, and mood disorders) and two different control groups, representing a total of 3,214 samples, for 748 promoter and non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 306 genes involved in neurotransmission and/or neurodevelopment. We identified strong associations to individual disorders, such as growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) with anxiety disorders, prolactin regulatory element (PREB) with eating disorders, ionotropic kainate glutamate receptor 5 (GRIK5) with bipolar disorder and several SNPs associated to several disorders, that may represent individual and related disease susceptibility factors. Remarkably, a functional SNP, rs945032, located in the promoter region of the bradykinin receptor B2 gene (BDKRB2) was associated to three disorders (panic disorder, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder), and two additional BDKRB2 SNPs to obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depression, providing evidence for common variants of susceptibility to several related psychiatric disorders. The association of BDKRB2 (odd ratios between 1.65 and 3.06) to several psychiatric disorders supports the view that a common genetic variant could confer susceptibility to clinically related phenotypes, and defines a new functional hint in the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases.

Las bromelias son plantas ornamentales muy atractivas por la coloración de sus hojas y la belleza de sus inflorescencias. Dentro de ellas las Vrieseas es uno de los géneros de mayor interés comercial. Cuando se desean introducir nuevos híbridos en el mercado, las técnicas de propagación tradicional son insuficientes, por lo que resultan de gran interés las técnicas de propagación in vitro. Con el objetivo de establecer un protocolo para la aclimatización de brotes de Vriesea propagados in vitro en Sistemas de Inmersión Temporal se evaluó el efecto de la aplicación del brasinoesteroide MH5 en la supervivencia y calidad de los brotes. La integración de los resultados constituyen los procedimientos elementales para un protocolo de aclimatización de brotes de Vriesea propagados con el empleo de la técnica de inmersión temporal.

Las bromelias son plantas ornamentales muy atractivas por la coloración de sus hojas y la belleza de sus inflorescencias. Dentro de ellas las Vrieseas es uno de los géneros de mayor interés comercial. Cuando se desean introducir nuevos híbridos en el mercado, las técnicas de propagación tradicional son insuficientes, por lo que resultan de gran interés las técnicas de propagación in vitro. Con el objetivo de establecer un protocolo para la aclimatización de brotes de Vriesea propagados in vitro en Sistemas de Inmersión Temporal se evaluó el efecto de la aplicación del brasinoesteroide MH5 en la supervivencia y calidad de los brotes. La integración de los resultados constituyen los procedimientos elementales para un protocolo de aclimatización de brotes de Vriesea propagados con el empleo de la técnica de inmersión temporal.

The activity of the main enzymes related to the sucrose metabolism, photosynthesis, and sucrose concentration were studied in sugarcane (Saccharum spp hybrid) plantlets. Acclimatization was developed in two steps. (1) Light intensity of 1,000 μmol m−2 s−1 and 90% relative humidity during the first 21 d; followed by 2,000 μmol m−2 s−1 and approximately 80% of relative humidity. All measurements were carried out at the end of rooting phase concomitant with day 0 of acclimatization and at 7-d intervals thereafter (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 d). As the in vitro plantlets were transferred to the acclimatization phase, photosynthesis increased significantly during the first 7 d. After this period, the increase was constant with only a small but nonsignificant decline after being transferred to the uncontrolled external conditions. The activity of the sucrose synthase began to show a decrease, starting from day 7, and was related to the changes that began to happen in these plants from its adaptation to new ex vitro conditions. Due to the increase of fresh weight favored by the high light intensity and lower relative humidity, an increase of the sucrose phosphate synthase activity was observed. The maximum activity of the acid and neutral invertases was reached at 14 and 21 d, respectively, after 21 d of acclimatization period. There was a marked tendency for the activity of both enzymes to decrease. The sucrose content was decreased only in the first 7 d. The metabolism of sugarcane plantlets seemed to be susceptible to the environmental changes during the acclimatization phase but did not contribute to inhibitory factors for normal development.

The photosynthetic capacity changes and the main enzymatic systems related to carbon metabolism were investigated during the in vitro culture of plantain shoots (Musa AAB cv. CEMSA 3/4) in temporary immersion bioreactors (TIB) and their subsequent acclimatization. The maximal rate of photosynthesis (Pn), transpiration, and the activity of the carbon metabolism enzymes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), acid invertase (AI), pyruvate kinase (PK) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) were measured every 7 d during the 21 d of elongation in TIB, and the following 42 d of acclimatization. Sucrose content in the liquid medium and in the leaves was also determined. The most significant changes in plant growth were observed during acclimatization. During the in vitro stage photosynthesis was limited (4–6 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1); the photosynthetic rate however increases rapidly and significantly as soon as in vitro culture is over during acclimatization. PEPC activity increased during the whole evaluation ...

Proteomic and transcriptomic profiles of key enzymes were monitored in pineapple plants propagated under C3 and CAM-inducing metabolisms to obtain insight into the CAM-facultative metabolism and the relationship of CAM plants with oxidative stress. Pineapple is one of the most important tropical crops worldwide. The use of temporary immersion bioreactors for the first stages of pineapple propagation enables precise control of plant growth, increases the rate of plant multiplication, decreases space, energy and labor requirements for pineapple plants in commercial micropropagation. Once the plantlets are ready to be taken from the reactors, they are carefully acclimatized to natural environmental conditions, and a facultative C3/CAM metabolism in the first 2 months of growth is the characteristic of pineapple plants, depending on environmental conditions. We subjected two sets of micropropagated pineapple plants to C3 and CAM-inducing environmental conditions, determined by light intensity/relative humidity (respectively 40 μmol m−2 s−1/85 % and 260 μmol m−2 s−1/50 %). Leaves of pineapple plants grown under CAM-inducing conditions showed higher leaf thickness and more developed cuticles and hypodermic tissue. Proteomic profiles of several proteins, isoenzyme patterns and transcriptomic profiles were also measured. Five major spots were isolated and identified, two of them for the first time in Ananas comosus (OEE 1; OEE 2) and the other three corresponding to small fragments of the large subunit of Rubisco (LSU). PEPC and PEPCK were also detected by immunobloting of 2DE at the end of both ex vitro treatments (C3/CAM) during the dark period. Isoenzymes of SOD and CAT were identified by electrophoresis and the transcript levels of OEE 1 and CAT were associated with CAM metabolism in pineapple plants.

Different approaches to the skull base have been developed through the sphenoidal sinus. Traditional boundaries of the trans-sphenoidal approach can be extended in antero-posterior and lateral plane. We review our experience with extended endoscopic endonasal approach in 127 cases.We used the extended endoscopic endonasal approach in 127 patients with different lesions of the skull base. This study specifically focuses on: type of lesions, surgical approach, outcome and surgical complications.Extended endoscopic endonasal approach was used in 127 patients with following lesions: 61 invasive adenomas to cavernous sinus, 10 clival chordomas, 21 craniopharyngiomas, 26 meningiomas, 4 cerebrospinal fluid leakages, one meningoencephalocele, 2 malignan lesions and 2 thyroid ophthalmopathy. In tumoral lesions gross total resection was achieved in 82.5%, with better results in craniopharyngiomas 90.5%, followed by invasive adenomas with 85.2%, and meningiomas with 84.6%. The most frequent complications were the insipid (8.6%) diabetes, meningoencefalitis (3.9%) and the hydrocephalic (3.9%). Mortality was 3.9%.The extended endoscopic endonasal approach is a promising minimally invasive alternative for selective cases with skull base lesions. As techniques and technology advance this approach may become the procedure of choice for most lesions and should be considered an option in the management of the patients with these complex pathologies by skull base surgeon.

In this work, we studied the effects of cryopreservation on various parameters of early stages of germination of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds (0, 7 and 14 days). Percentages of germination, fresh mass of different plant parts, levels of chlorophyll pigments (a, b, total), malondialdehyde, other aldehydes, phenolics (cell wall-linked, free, and total) and protein were determined. No phenotypic changes were observed visually in seedlings recovered from cryopreserved seeds. However, several significant effects of seed liquid nitrogen exposure were recorded at the biochemical level. There was a significant negative effect of cryopreservation on shoot protein content, which decreased from 3.11 mg g(-1) fresh weight for non-cryopreserved controls to 0.44 mg g(-1) fresh shoot weight for cryopreserved seeds. On the other hand, cryopreservation significantly increased levels of other aldehydes than malondialdehyde in shoots at day 7, from 56.47 mu mol g(-1) for non-cryopreserved controls to 253.19 mu mol g(-1) fresh shoot weight for cryopreserved samples. Liquid nitrogen exposure significantly reduced phenolics contents (free, cell-wall linked, total) in roots at day 7 after onset of germination. In general, roots were more affected by cryostorage compared with other plant parts, while leaves were the least affected. The effects of seed cryopreservation seem to decline progressively along with seedling growth.

En el presente artículo se detallan algunos de los fallos del sistema que han sido aprovechados por parte de los máximos responsables del orden mundial para proseguir de manera irresponsable e inconsciente con sus ambiciosos objetivos de riqueza y poder, sin atender a las posibles consecuencias de las que ya muchos expertos habían avisado sin ser escuchados. La crisis financiera y económica global en la que nos encontramos en la actualidad ha sido originada por una serie de diversos factores y situaciones que quedan lejos del conocimiento y del alcance de las personas normales. Hay un aspecto que destaca entre todos esos factores: las acciones irregulares e incluso negligentes de personas que ocupan altos cargos en grandes empresas, en el sistema bancario y también en la política. Las consecuencias de tales actos ya son conocidas por todos y las repercusiones finales corren a cuenta de los ciudadanos de a pie, que aguantan resignados toda clase de injusticias y abusos por parte de los mandatarios, quienes, amparados en una Ley muy favorable a sus intereses, no dudan en exprimir al máximo la paciencia y la vida de sus propios paisanos. Actualmente estamos viviendo un momento de máxima tensión en nuestro país. La prima de riesgo alcanza cotas de récord histórico, el cuarto banco más importante de España, Bankia, está al borde del abismo, mientras el Gobierno, que sigue repercutiendo todas las consecuencias hacia las personas, pretende salvar dicha entidad bancaria inyectando miles de millones de Euros salidos de las arcas públicas. Por su parte, la Unión Europea no hace más que ejercer presión para que los ciudadanos "nos apretemos el cinturón" sin darse cuenta de que prácticamente nos están cortando la circulación sanguínea a la altura de la cintura. ¿Hasta cuándo durará esto? ¿Reaccionará el pueblo o seguirá aguantando esta situación opresiva y abusiva? This article details some of the system failures that have been exploited by the heads of the world order to continue with their ambitious targets of power and richness in an irresponsible and unconscious way, not considering the possible consequences which many experts had already warned about. The financial and economic global crisis in which we are currently has been originated by some diverse factors and situations that are far from people�s knowledge. There's one aspect that stands out among all those factors: the irregular and negligent actions made by bank managers, by important businessmen and by political leaders. The consequences of such acts are known by everyone and the repercussions are taken by the resigned citizens, who endure all kinds of injustices and abuses committed by those leaders, which are protected by a very favorable Law and which don't hesitate to exploit to the maximum the lifes of their own compatriots. We are now living some pretty tense moments in our country. The risk premium has reached a historical record, the fourth largest bank in Spain, Bankia, is on the brink of ruin, while the Government is intending to save that entity with public money. Meanwhile, the European Union does nothing but pressurize us into tightening our belts, not realizing that they're cutting us off the circulation in our waists. Until when is this situation going to last? Will we react or will we keep enduring this aggressive and abusive situation?

En el presente artículo se detallan algunos de los fallos del sistema que han sido aprovechados por parte de los máximos responsables del orden mundial para proseguir de manera irresponsable e inconsciente con sus ambiciosos objetivos de riqueza y poder, sin atender a las posibles consecuencias de las que ya muchos expertos habían avisado sin ser escuchados. La crisis financiera y económica global en la que nos encontramos en la actualidad ha sido originada por una serie de diversos factores y situaciones que quedan lejos del conocimiento y del alcance de las personas normales. Hay un aspecto que destaca entre todos esos factores: las acciones irregulares e incluso negligentes de personas que ocupan altos cargos en grandes empresas, en el sistema bancario y también en la política. Las consecuencias de tales actos ya son conocidas por todos y las repercusiones finales corren a cuenta de los ciudadanos de a pie, que aguantan resignados toda clase de injusticias y abusos por parte de los mandatarios, quienes, amparados en una Ley muy favorable a sus intereses, no dudan en exprimir al máximo la paciencia y la vida de sus propios paisanos. Actualmente estamos viviendo un momento de máxima tensión en nuestro país. La prima de riesgo alcanza cotas de récord histórico, el cuarto banco más importante de España, Bankia, está al borde del abismo, mientras el Gobierno, que sigue repercutiendo todas las consecuencias hacia las personas, pretende salvar dicha entidad bancaria inyectando miles de millones de Euros salidos de las arcas públicas. Por su parte, la Unión Europea no hace más que ejercer presión para que los ciudadanos "nos apretemos el cinturón" sin darse cuenta de que prácticamente nos están cortando la circulación sanguínea a la altura de la cintura. ¿Hasta cuándo durará esto? ¿Reaccionará el pueblo o seguirá aguantando esta situación opresiva y abusiva?, This article details some of the system failures that have been exploited by the heads of the world order to continue with their ambitious targets of power and richness in an irresponsible and unconscious way, not considering the possible consequences which many experts had already warned about. The financial and economic global crisis in which we are currently has been originated by some diverse factors and situations that are far from people�s knowledge. There's one aspect that stands out among all those factors: the irregular and negligent actions made by bank managers, by important businessmen and by political leaders. The consequences of such acts are known by everyone and the repercussions are taken by the resigned citizens, who endure all kinds of injustices and abuses committed by those leaders, which are protected by a very favorable Law and which don't hesitate to exploit to the maximum the lifes of their own compatriots. We are now living some pretty tense moments in our country. The risk premium has reached a historical record, the fourth largest bank in Spain, Bankia, is on the brink of ruin, while the Government is intending to save that entity with public money. Meanwhile, the European Union does nothing but pressurize us into tightening our belts, not realizing that they're cutting us off the circulation in our waists. Until when is this situation going to last? Will we react or will we keep enduring this aggressive and abusive situation?