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The adaptation and performance of CIMMYT's bread wheat germplasm (Triticum aestivum L.) under conditions of low N fertility have been questioned because they were developed under medium-high levels of N fertility. The objectives of this research were to (i) compare the performance of a set of tag vs. semidwarf cultivars developed by CIMMYT that were widely grown by farmers in the Yaqui Valley of Mexico at low and high N fertility, (ii) measure the genetic progress in grain yield and N use efficiency (NUE), and (iii) evaluate the contribution of N uptake efficiency (UPE) and utilization efficiency (UTE) to NUE. Ten wheat cultivars, two tall and eight semidwarf, produced by CIMMYT and released in the Yaqui Valley of Sonora, by the Mexican government from 1950 to 1985 were grown with 0, 75, 150, or 300 kg N [ha.sup.-1] in a 3-yr field study at Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. Genetic gains in both grain yield and NUE during 1950 to 1985 were 1.1, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.9% [yr.sup.-1] on a relative basis or 32, 43, 59, and 89 kg [ha.sup.-1] [yr.sup.-1] on an absolute basis, when provided 0, 75, 150, and 300 kg [ha.sup.-1] N, respectively. Progress in NUE resulted in an improvement of both UPE and UTE. However, the relative importance of these two components was affected by the level of applied N. These results contradict the belief that modern semidwarf cultivars require more N than older cultivars. Instead, they respond more to N, which translates into higher economic rates and how returns when N fertilizer is available., Cimmyt's bread wheat breeding program has selected and tested lines and cultivars under medium-high N fertilizer levels (120 to 200 kg [ha.sup.-1] N) since the 1960s, a practice that has [...]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeders often try to simultaneously improve grain yield and bread-making quality. This study examined changes in CIMMYT's wheat germplasm with respect to grain protein concentration (GPC)-and grain protein quality (GPQ)-related parameters and assessed the importance of these parameters in determining bread-making quality, when wheat cultivars were grown with 0, 75, 150, or 300 kg N [ha.sup.-1]. A 3-yr field study was established with 10 cultivars representing breeding progress from 1950 to 1985. Floor protein concentration (FPC), sodium dodecyl sulfatese-dimentation (SDS-S), alveogram W (ALVW), alveogram P/G (ALVPG), bread loaf volume (LV), and GPC were evaluated. At low N (0 and 75 kg [ha.sup.-1]), there was no difference in GPC among cultivars. In contrast, at higher N (150 and 300 kg [ha.sup.-1]), there was a linear reduction in GPC with respect to the year of release. However, when the two tall, older cultivars and cv. Siete Cerros 66, an outlier, were removed from the analysis, there was a negative trend between GPC and year of release but only at the 300 kg N [ha.sup.-1] level. There was no How trend in year of release for GPQ parameters or LV. Loaf volume was most consistently correlated with SDS-S across the different levels of N compared with GPC, FPC, ALVW, or ALVPG. However, GPC and LV showed a highly significant correlation only when the two soft wheat cultivars were removed from analysis. Use of semidwarf germplasm in CIMMYT's wheat breeding program initially resulted in increased grain yield and reduced GPC. However, during the period of semidwarf improvement, increasing grain yield was possible while maintaining GPC, except under high levels of N application., From 1950 to 1985, spring bread wheat breeders at CIMMYT considered grain yield as their primary objective. Bread-making quality received attention throughout this period, particularly in the 1960s. As a [...]

'Arauco' forms part of the over two thousand olives (Olea europaea L.) varieties identified worldwide with the peculiarity of being the only recognized variety from Argentina. In this work, the fruit and oil characteristics from the 'Arauco' variety cultivated in the three main olive growing zones of Mendoza province (Argentina) were evaluated over two harvests (2016 and 2017). The characteristics assessed were oil and water concentrations, pulp/pit ratio, industrial yield, oxidative stability, fatty acid profile, total phenols and total flavonoids, among others. The results showed relatively high oleic acid and phenolic contents, together with low acidity and extinction coefficients (K232 and K270), as well as a well-balanced fatty acid profile. In addition, three interesting relationships among oxidative stability and ratios of monounsaturated fatty acids/polyunsaturated fatty acids (R²=0.96), oleic/linoleic (R²=0.96) and stearic acid (R²=0.93) were observed. These results showed that the 'Arauco' variety cultivated in Mendoza provides excellent oil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avocado ripening entails intricate physicochemical transformations resulting in desirable characteristics for consumption; however, its impact on specific metabolites and its cultivar dependence remains largely unexplored. This study employed LC-MS to quantitatively monitor 30 avocado pulp metabolites, including phenolic compounds, amino acids, nucleosides, vitamins, phytohormones, and related compounds, from unripe to overripe stages, in three commercial varieties (Hass, Fuerte, and Bacon). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed significant metabolic variations between cultivars, leading to the identification of potential varietal markers. Most monitored metabolites exhibited dynamic quantitative changes. Although phenolic compounds generally increased during ripening, exceptions such as epicatechin and chlorogenic acid were noted. Amino acids and derivatives displayed a highly cultivar-dependent evolution, with Fuerte demonstrating the highest concentrations and most pronounced fluctuations. In contrast to penstemide, uridine and abscisic acid levels consistently increased during ripening. Several compounds characteristic of the Bacon variety were delineated but require further research for identification and role elucidation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Spain dominates avocado production in Europe, with the Hass variety being the most prominent. Despite this, Spanish production satisfies less than 10% of the overall avocado demand in Europe. Consequently, the European avocado market heavily relies on imports from overseas, primarily sourced from Peru and Chile. Herein, a comprehensive characterization of the metabolic profile of Hass avocado fruits from Spain, Peru, and Chile, available in the European market throughout the year, was carried out. The determination of relevant substances was performed using high- and low-resolution RP-LC-MS. Remarkable quantitative differences regarding phenolic compounds, amino acids, and nucleosides were observed. Principal component analysis revealed a natural clustering of avocados according to geographical origin. Moreover, a specific metabolic pattern was established for each avocado-producing country using supervised partial least squares discriminant analysis. Spanish fruits exhibited high levels of coumaric acid malonyl-hexose II, coumaric acid hexose II, and ferulic acid hexose II, together with considerably low levels of pantothenic acid and uridine. Chilean avocado fruits presented high concentrations of abscisic acid, uridine, ferulic acid, succinic acid, and tryptophan. Fruits from Peru showed high concentrations of dihydroxybenzoic acid hexose, alongside very low levels of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid malonyl-hexose I, and ferulic acid hexose II.

Background: Negative views of aging (NVOA), low self-efficacy beliefs, and poor goal planning skills represent risk factors that undermine adults' motivation to engage in physical activity (PA). Targeting these three risk factors may motivate adults to become physically active., Objective: To assess the efficacy of Aging PLUS , a 4-week educational program that explicitly targets NVOA, low self-efficacy beliefs, and poor goal planning skills compared to a 4-week health education program. The study also examines the role of NVOA, self-efficacy beliefs, and goal planning as the mechanisms underlying change in PA., Design: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) utilizes the experimental medicine approach to assess change in PA as a function of modifying three risk factors. The RCT recruitment target includes 288 mostly sedentary adults ranging in age from 45 to 75 years., Methods: Eligible middle-aged and older adults are recruited through community sources. Participants are randomized to either the Aging PLUS or the control group. Participants in both groups are enrolled in the trial for 8 months total, with four assessment points: Baseline (pre-test), Week 4 (immediate post-test), Week 8 (delayed post-test), and Month 6 (long-term follow-up). The intervention takes place over 4 consecutive weeks with 2-h sessions each week. PA engagement is the primary outcome variable. Positive changes in NVOA, self-efficacy beliefs, and goal planning are the intervention targets and hypothesized mediators of increases in PA., Summary: By utilizing a multi-component approach and targeting a cluster of psychological mechanisms, the Aging PLUS program implements the experimental medicine approach to health behavior change., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

An important portion of vitamins, minerals and polyphenols components in human diet are captured from fruit consumption. Argentinean Patagonia Berberis microphylla was characterized with the phenolic content, the proximate composition and the identification and quantification of anthocyanins, not-anthocyanins and proteins. The antioxidant capacity of berberis ethanolic extracts (EB) was determined by the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. EB was used to reduce production of reactive substances species (ROS) in zebrafish. EB presented a total polyphenols content of 1,035.03 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight (FW). EB presented an ABTS value of 116.25 ± 17 μmol TE/g FW. EB presented a DPPH value of 137.80 ± 1.90 μmol TE/g FW. EB was able of reducing the ROS in zebrafish. Berberies Protein Isolate (BPI) presented proteins with bands from 15 to 62 kDa. BPI presented an ABTS value of 593.11 ± 8.60 μmol TE/g. The BPI duodenal digest presented a value of 641.07 ± 12.60 μmol TE/g digests. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The practical applications of the present study are to increase scientific knowledge for consumers about the quality and benefits of the consumption of the native fruit (Berberis microphylla) from the Patagonia region of Argentine. This work describes the protein profile of berberies, their digestibility and their antioxidant activity. This study allows to better understand the phytonutrients that make up this fruit. Future studies may identify the peptides present in hydrolyzates. The bio-compounds of this fruit could be used as functional ingredients by the food industry for different purposes., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Context: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common neurobehavioral disorder in school-age population and is a major driver of mental health consultation. Diagnosis is hindered by the difficulty of objectively assessing subjective aspects such as inattention or impulsivity., Purpose: To briefly describe the most widely used rating scales as tools for the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, subtypes and comorbidities, based on a review of information available in MEDLINE, Medic America, Academic Search Complete and Mendeley databases., Analysis: This disorder is poorly understood in the family and school environment, which hampers detection and timely treatment. Rating scales have advantages and disadvantages, but they are undoubtedly important for an initial approach to the clinical manifestations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder., Conclusion: There is a need for better diagnostic tools or scales that take into account the stage of neurodevelopment, other developmental stages, gender differences, sociocultural aspects and diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition.

Background: The efficacy of a current program of positive cylinder treatment was evaluated and compared to a previous program of negative cylinder treatment., Methods: The authors performed a comparative analysis of 123 eyes (72 patients) who underwent LASIK using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser with the formula developed by Chayet and the positive cylinder (71 eyes of 52 patients) and negative cylinder programs (52 eyes of 31 patients)., Results: A faster stabilization of correction and a marked reduction of stromal tissue ablated were obtained with the positive cylinder program than with the negative cylinder program. This was directly related to the amount of preoperative ametropia., Conclusion: The spectrum of ametropias that can be treated with LASIK is increased with the positive cylinder program because less tissue is ablated.

Two strains of a hitherto undescribed Gram-positive catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic coccus isolated from human sources were characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies demonstrated the unknown strains were genealogically identical, and constitute a new line close to, but distinct from, the genera Facklamia and Globicatella. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from Facklamia species and Globicatella sanguinus by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Ignavigranum ruoffiae gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Ignavigranum ruoffiae is CCUG 37658T.

The records of 320 eyes without other ocular pathology undergoing pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy by ultrasonic fragmentation for routine cataract extraction without an implant were reviewed retrospectively. Three hundred two (302/320-94.4%) had vision between 20/20-20/40. Reasons for vision less than 20/40 in 18/320 (5.6%) eyes included 5/320 (1.5%) with retinal detachments, 11/320 (3.4%) with clinically apparent cystoid maculopathy, 1/320 (0.3%) with a macular hole, and 1/320 (0.3%) with retained lens material. Comparison was made between 184 lensectomies performed by the original technique and 136 pars plana lensectomies performed by the modified technique. Vision between 20/20-20/40 was achieved by 168/184 (91.3%) of the original technique group versus 134/136 (98.5%) of the modified technique group. In the latter group, there was one retinal detachment (0.7%), one macular hole (0.7%) and no clinical cystoid maculopathy. Fluorescein angiography performed three months postoperatively in eyes having vision of 20/20-20/40 of the modified lensectomy group showed cystoid maculopathy in one eye which had undergone trauma-induced wound dehiscence.

A preliminary study of the use of a Simcoe 101-J implant in the anterior chamber after pars plana lensectomy by ultrasonic fragmentation showed initially good results. Further observations of these and additional eyes showed 20/20-20/40 vision in 86.9%, retinal detachment in 3.5%, retinal hole in 1.5%, clinical cystoid maculopathy in 13%, and so-called UGH syndrome in 5%. Pars plana lensectomy alone in the last 136 eyes resulted in vision of 20/20-20/40 in 98.5%, a retinal detachment rate of 0.73%, retinal hole rate of 0.73%, no UGH syndrome, and no clinical cystoid maculopathy. Pars plana lensectomy alone appears to be a far safer procedure than pars plana lensectomy plus a Simcoe implant in the anterior chamber. Implantation of the Simcoe 101-J manufactured by IOLAB Corp. in the anterior chamber is not recommended.