Search

Summary: Background: The identification of patients with an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia and eligible for the disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in the earliest stages is one of the greatest challenges in the clinical practice. Plasma biomarkers has the potential to predict these issues, but further research is still needed to translate them to clinical practice. Here we evaluated the clinical applicability of plasma pTau181 as a predictive marker of AD pathology in a large real-world cohort of a memory clinic. Methods: Three independent cohorts (modelling [n = 991, 59.7% female], testing [n = 642, 56.2% female] and validation [n = 441, 55.1% female]) of real-world patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD dementia, and other dementias were included. Paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples were used to measure AT(N) CSF biomarkers and plasma pTau181. Findings: CSF and plasma pTau181 showed correlation in all phenotypes except in SCD and other dementias. Age significantly influenced the biomarker's performance. The general Aβ(+) vs Aβ(−) ROC curve showed an AUC = 0.77 [0.74–0.80], whereas the specific ROC curve of MCI due to AD vs non-AD MCI showed an AUC = 0.89 [0.85–0.93]. A cut-off value of 1.30 pg/ml of plasma pTau181 exhibited a sensitivity of 93.57% [88.72–96.52], specificity of 72.38% [62.51–79.01], VPP of 77.85% [70.61–83.54], and 8.30% false negatives in the subjects with MCI of the testing cohort. The HR of cox regression showed that patients with MCI up to this cut-off value exhibited a HR = 1.84 [1.05–3.22] higher risk to convert to AD dementia than patients with MCI below the cut-off value. Interpretation: Plasma pTau181 has the potential to be used in the memory clinics as a screening biomarker of AD pathology in subjects with MCI, presenting a valuable prognostic utility in predicting the MCI conversion to AD dementia. In the context of a real-world population, a confirmatory test employing gold-standard procedures is still advisable. Funding: This study has been mainly funded by Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Fundación ADEY, Fundación Echevarne and Grífols S.A.

Abstract Many biological surfaces have hairs, known as trichomes in plants. Here, the wettability and macro- and micro-scale features of olive leaves are analyzed. The upper leaf side has few trichomes, while the lower side has a high trichome density. By combining different techniques including electron and atomic force microscopy, trichome surfaces are found to be chemically (hydrophilic-hydrophobic) heterogeneous at the nano-scale. Both olive leaf surfaces are wettable by water, having a high water contact angle hysteresis and great drop adhesion. The ultra-structural pattern observed for epidermal pavement cells differs from the reticulate cuticle structure of trichomes which shows that leaf surface areas may be substantially different despite being located nearby. Our study provides evidence for the nano-scale chemical heterogeneity of a trichome which may influence the functional properties of biological surfaces, such as water and solute permeability or water capture as discussed here for plants.

Abstract Grapevine is one of the most important perennial fruit crops worldwide. Historically, vineyards were compatible with soil conservation practices and multitrophic biodiversity, but vineyards are now generally eroded and biologically impoverished, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases. However, the idiosyncrasy of the wine sector places wine growers in a unique position to lead the adoption of a range of sustainable management strategies and, thus, to pioneer a wider transformation of the agricultural sector. In this article, we provide an overview of nature‐based management strategies that may be used for the regeneration of the functioning and biodiversity of vineyards and that may also lead to improved plant nutrition, grape berry quality and the suppression of pathogens and pests. These strategies include the use of microbial and nonmicrobial biostimulants, fertilization with organic amendments as well as foliar fertilization with nature‐based products, the use of cover crops and the reintegration of livestock in vineyards, especially sheep. We will also pay special attention to the implementation of circular economy in the vineyard in relation to the previously mentioned management strategies and will also discuss the importance of considering all these aspects from a holistic and integrative perspective, rather than taking them into account as single factors. Assuming the integral role of soils in the functioning of agroecosystems, soils will be considered transversally across all sections. Finally, we will argue that the time is now ripe for innovation from the public and private sectors to contribute to the sustainable management of vineyards while maintaining, or even improving, the profit margin for farmers and winemakers.

Objetivo. Este estudio busca relevar la composición, abundancia, gremios, variaciones estacionales y diversidad de arañas en cultivos de lechuga con cilantro como planta acompañante. Materiales y métodos. Realizado en invernaderos con cobertura plástica y riego por goteo, el cultivo de lechuga, con cilantro como acompañante, fue muestreado en las cuatro estaciones del año, cuando alcanzaba tamaño comercial y el cilantro estaba en floración. Se aplicaron análisis de diversidad basados en el índice de Shannon-Wiener (H) con pruebas estadísticas de t de Hutcheson, determinando la estructura de gremios presentes. Resultados. Se identificaron ocho familias de arañas, las Linyphiidae (41%) y Thomisidae (27%) fueron las más abundantes, con Araneidae (10%) y Anyphaenidae (10%) también presentes. Durante todo el año se recolectaron arañas en las parcelas tratamiento, con mayor riqueza de especies en invierno (H=0.36). En las parcelas control sólo se recolectaron ejemplares en otoño y verano, siendo Thomisidae las únicas recolectadas en primavera. Las arañas cazadoras predominaron (87%), con diversidad consistente en otoño y verano, independientemente de las plantas acompañantes. En estaciones frías, las arañas estuvieron sólo en parcelas con acompañantes, lo que destaca su potencial función en el control biológico. Conclusión. Los resultados obtenidos refuerzan la relevancia de adoptar estrategias de manejo integrado de plagas (MIP), impulsando la presencia de enemigos naturales como las arañas, lo que contribuye a prácticas agrícolas más sostenibles y respetuosas con el medioambiente.

La Ley de Identidad de Género sancionada en Argentina en el año 2012 y el Decreto n.º 476/21 del año 2021 implican el reconocimiento de parte del Estado de identidades de género por fuera de las categorías binarias: varón-mujer y de una serie de derechos que se desprenden de ello. Esto se traduce, además, en la obligación de adaptar las instituciones, los discursos y las lógicas construidas históricamente desde una matriz binaria, patriarcal y heteronormativa, con el fin de efectivizar estos derechos. En este marco, nos proponemos indagar acerca del lugar de alojamiento de las personas travestis, trans y no binarias privadas de libertad en la provincia de Córdoba. Esto, para plantear cuáles son las tensiones que surgen entre los discursos legales que reconocen derechos y la realidad efectiva de estas personas. Finalmente, intentaremos aproximar claves para pensar dos asuntos centrales: qué lugares deberían existir para alojar a personas trans, travestis o no binarias y cómo se debería acceder a esos lugares.

Agricultural management influences the soil ecosystem by affecting its physicochemical properties, residues of pesticides and microbiome. As vineyards grow crops with the highest incidence of pesticides, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of conventional and sustainable management systems of vineyards from DOP Ribeiro on the soil’s condition. Samples from soils under three different management systems were collected, and the main soil physicochemical properties were evaluated. A selection of 50 pesticides were investigated by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The bacterial and fungal microbiomes were characterized through amplicon sequencing. The results show that organic agriculture positively influences soil pH and the concentration of some nutrients compared to conventional management. Our microbiome analysis demonstrated that transitioning from conventional to organic management significantly improves several BeCrop® indexes related to key microbial metabolism and soil bio-sustainability. Such a transition does not affect soil alpha diversity, but leads to a higher interconnected microbial network structure. Moreover, differential core genera and species for each management system are observed. In addition, the correlation of the microbiome with geographical distance is evidence of the existence of different microbial terroirs within DOP Ribeiro. Indeed, sustainable management leads to higher nutrient availability and enhances soil health in the short term, while lowering pesticide usage.

Bee pollen is consumed as a dietary supplement. Its quality parameters are regulated by the Argentine Food Code (AFCode). The present study characterized 10 commercial dehydrated samples from five Argentine provinces to provide information on hygienic quality and health safety. We assessed their microbiological quality, including potential mycotoxins. We also determined their botanical origin and moisture. Results showed that seven out of ten samples presented lower counts of culturable heterotrophic mesophilic bacteria than those allowed by the AFCode. In contrast, all samples showed higher filamentous fungi and yeast counts than the level approved by the AFCode. No fumonisin or deoxynivalenol was detected; we observed only aflatoxin B2 in one sample and ochratoxin A in two. The results of the botanical origin of samples showed that all samples had a predominant pollen type, except one. The microbiological quality of all samples agreed with that required by the AFCode, except filamentous fungi and yeasts. In addition, we found variations among samples from the same province. Therefore, if pollen is intended for human consumption, appropriate hygiene standards must be applied to all bee pollen production operations. Highlights: • The microbiological quality of bee pollen samples, regardless of the province or botanical origin, agreed with the requirements of the AFCode, except for filamentous fungus and yeast. • All samples showed filamentous fungus and yeast counts higher than the permitted level in the AFCode. • Mycotoxin levels found in bee pollen were far from the limits allowed in humans (10 µg.kg-1) by regulations for other foods. • All samples analyzed were pollen mixes verified by identifying numerous botanical species. • The characterization of Argentinian commercial bee pollen showed that it was suitable for human consumption.

Global change is affecting the frequency and temporal distribution of frost events. We can expect damage caused by low temperatures to increase specially at the upper limit of a species’ elevation range. Here, we assessed how Pinus canariensis two-year old seedlings from different islands and elevations responded differently to chilling and freezing temperatures. Seedlings from six populations were grown either in a greenhouse (tmin = 5 ̊C, chilling conditions) or outdoors (tmin = −3.3 ̊C, freezing conditions) for 104 days in winter. Seedlings from one of these populations belonged to three half-sib families. Maximum quantum yield of Photosystem II and evapotranspiration (ETP) were determined four times throughout the study. All populations suffered photoinhibition under freezing but not under chilling conditions. We measured the lowest ETP in the population from the warmest and driest environment and lowest elevation (250 m) both under chilling and freezing conditions. The three populations from the higher elevations reached the highest ETP under chilling, a likely adaptation to the shortening of the vegetative period. The effect of elevation remained elusive for other parameters, which could be partly attributed to high intrapopulation variability. Epicuticular wax concentration increased and needle water content decreased in plants growing outdoors. All populations except the one most affected by cold dehydration showed osmotic adjustment and a simultaneous decrease in tissue elasticity under freezing. This response was stronger in the population from the highest elevation (2,241 m). Our results highlight the coexistence of adaptive processes, genetic variation and plasticity conditioning the response to low temperatures in this species.

Antecedentes: Según estudios a nivel internacional, los casos fatales de la COVID-19 están relacionados con edad avanzada, sexo masculino y presencia de enfermedades crónicas. Objetivo: Determinar factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad por COVID-19 en pacientes adultos ingresados en un hospital público de Honduras. Métodos: Estudio tipo casos y controles en pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de COVID-19; Casos: pacientes con diagnóstico de COVID-19 con condición de egreso fallecido, Controles: pacientes con diagnóstico de COVID-19 con condición de egreso alta médica. Se analizó una muestra de 100 casos y 200 controles. Se realizó análisis de características demográficas, clínicas y laboratoriales, posteriormente se estimaron OR y se construyó un modelo de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: Se encontró que 57.5% (171/300) tenía 60 años o más y 60.3% (181/300) era del sexo masculino. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron dificultad respiratoria 94%, fiebre 90.3% y tos 86%. Los factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad por COVID-19 fueron edad (OR 10.40 IC95% 3.96-27.30), sexo masculino (OR 3.25 IC95% 1.75-6.06), comorbilidades (OR 2.14 IC95% 1.03-4.45), niveles elevados de dímero D (OR 2.28 IC95% 1.20-4.32) y LDH (OR 5.65 IC95% 2.62-12.18). Discusión: Los factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad por COVID-19 encontrados en este estudio coinciden con los presentados en estudios internacionales. Es necesario identificar los pacientes con estos factores para ofrecer manejos oportunos según su condición clínica.

The application of foliar sprays of suspensions of relatively insoluble essential element salts is gradually becoming common, chiefly with the introduction of nano-technology approaches in agriculture. However, there is controversy about the effectiveness of such sparingly soluble nutrient sources as foliar fertilizers. In this work, we focussed on analysing the effect of adding Ca-carbonate (calcite, CaCO3) micro- and nano-particles as model sparingly soluble mineral compounds to foliar fertilizer formulations in terms of increasing the rate of foliar absorption. For these purposes, we carried out short-term foliar application experiments by treating leaves of species with variable surface features and wettability rates. The leaf absorption efficacy of foliar formulations containing a surfactant and model soluble nutrient sources, namely Ca-chloride (CaCl2), magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), potassium nitrate (KNO3), or zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), was evaluated alone or after addition of calcite particles. In general, the combination of the Ca-carbonate particles with an essential element salt had a synergistic effect and improved the absorption of Ca and the nutrient element provided. In light of the positive effects of using calcite particles as foliar formulation adjuvants, dolomite nano- and micro-particles were also tested as foliar formulation additives, and the results were also positive in terms of increasing foliar uptake. The observed nutrient element foliar absorption efficacy can be partially explained by geochemical modelling, which enabled us to predict how these formulations will perform at least in chemical terms. Our results show the major potential of adding mineral particles as foliar formulation additives, but the associated mechanisms of action and possible additional benefits to plants should be characterised in future investigations.

Antecedentes: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha provocado una crisis de salud pública mundial, creando incertidumbre sobre su tratamiento. El Tocilizumab (TCZ), un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado que actúa como antagonista del receptor de Interleucina 6 (IL-6), ha sido utilizado en enfermedades inmunológicas y en pacientes críticos por COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir el uso de TCZ en pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 en Hospital María Especialidades Pediátricas (HMEP), agosto 2020-marzo 2021. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. Fuente de datos: expedientes clínicos. Criterios de inclusión: Adulto mayor de 18 años, manejo hospitalario por COVID-19, con TCZ y expediente clínico completo. Criterios de exclusión: Haber recibido TCZ en otro hospital. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y se realizó análisis de sobrevida de Kaplan & Meier para comparar las probabilidades de sobrevida según edad, con un nivel se significancia p

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

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

Iron participates in myriad processes necessary to sustain life. During the past decades, great efforts have been made to understand iron regulation and function in health and disease. Indeed, iron is associated with both physiological (e.g., immune cell biology and function and hematopoiesis) and pathological (e.g., inflammatory and infectious diseases, ferroptosis and ferritinophagy) processes, yet few studies have addressed the potential functional link between iron, the aforementioned processes and extramedullary hematopoiesis, despite the obvious benefits that this could bring to clinical practice. Further investigation in this direction will shape the future development of individualized treatments for iron-linked diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders, including extramedullary hematopoiesis, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of foliar absorption of magnesium (Mg) salts with different deliquescence and efflorescence relative humidity values (DRH and ERH, also known as point of deliquescence (POD) and point of efflorescence (POE), respectively) when supplied to leaves of model plants with different wettability properties. For this purpose, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with lettuce (very wettable), broccoli (highly unwettable) and leek (highly unwettable). Foliar sprays contained 0.1% surfactant plus 100 mM Mg supplied as MgCl2·6H2O, Mg(NO3)2·6H2O or MgSO4·7H2O. Leaf Mg concentrations were determined 1 and 7 days after foliar application. Anion concentrations were also measured in lettuce where a significant foliar Mg absorption was detected. Leaf wettability, leaf surface free energy and fertilizer drop deposit appearance onto the foliage were assessed. It is concluded that despite including a surfactant in the spray formulation, leaf wettability plays a major role in foliar Mg absorption.

Foliar nutrient sprays are broadly used in commercial agriculture. To date, the application of Ca and Si has been little explored in vineyard production but may lead to positive responses at various levels. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of supplying single or combined calcium (Ca, 120 mM) and silicon (Si, 120 mM) sprays in Tempranillo grape composition. Foliar treatment with Ca + Si foliar enhanced all families of aromatic compounds, whereas single Ca and Si sprays induced lower effects. Regarding phenolic compounds, all foliar treatments led to minor effects. However, all three foliar Ca and Si treatments increased the total grape amino acid content. Consequently, the application of combined Ca and Si sprays to a vineyard is recommended as a tool for improving grape quality.

Foliar fertilisation is an application technique that is increasingly being used in agriculture and offers the possibility of providing nutrients directly to the site of highest demand. Especially for phosphorus (P), foliar application is an interesting alternative to soil fertilisation, but foliar uptake mechanisms are poorly understood. To gain a better understanding of the importance of leaf surface features for foliar P uptake, we conducted a study with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants, which have different leaf surface traits. For this purpose, drops of 200 mM KH2PO4 without surfactant were applied onto the adaxial or abaxial leaf side or to the leaf veins and the rate of foliar P absorption was evaluated after one day. Additionally, leaf surfaces were characterised in detail by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), estimating also leaf surface wettability and free energy, among other parameters. While the leaves of pepper hardly contained any trichomes, the abaxial side and the leaf veins of tomato leaves were densely covered with trichomes. The cuticle of tomato leaves was thin (approximately 50 nm), while that of pepper was thick (approximately 150–200 nm) and impregnated with lignin. Due to the fact that trichomes were most abundant in the leaf veins of tomato, dry foliar fertiliser drop residues were observed to be anchored there, and the highest P uptake occurred via tomato leaf veins, resulting in 62% increased P concentration. However, in pepper, the highest rate of P absorption was recorded after abaxial-side P treatment (+66% P). Our results provide evidence that different leaf parts contribute unequally to the absorption of foliar-applied agrochemicals, which could potentially be useful for optimising foliar spray treatments in different crops.

The bioavailability and regulation of iron is essential for central biological functions in mammals. The role of this element in ferroptosis and the dysregulation of its metabolism contribute to diseases, ranging from anemia to infections, alterations in the immune system, inflammation and atherosclerosis. In this sense, monocytes and macrophages modulate iron metabolism and splenic function, while at the same time they can worsen the atherosclerotic process in pathological conditions. Since the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) has been linked to numerous disorders, including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, we investigated its role in iron homeostasis. The iron content was measured in various tissues of Apoe-/- and Apoe-/-Nod1-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, under normal or reduced splenic function after ligation of the splenic artery. In the absence of NOD1 the iron levels decreased in spleen, heart and liver regardless the splenic function. This iron decrease was accompanied by an increase in the recruitment of F4/80+-macrophages in the spleen through a CXCR2-dependent signaling, as deduced by the reduced recruitment after administration of a CXCR2 inhibitor. CXCR2 mediates monocyte/macrophage chemotaxis to areas of inflammation and accumulation of leukocytes in the atherosclerotic plaque. Moreover, in the absence of NOD1, inhibition of CXCR2 enhanced atheroma progression. NOD1 activation increased the levels of GPX4 and other iron and ferroptosis regulatory proteins in macrophages. Our findings highlight the preeminent role of NOD1 in iron homeostasis and ferroptosis. These results suggest promising avenues of investigation for the diagnosis and treatment of iron-related diseases directed by NOD1.

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

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

The essential plant nutrient phosphorus (P) is key for numerous structures and processes in crops and its deficiency can severely restrict yield and quality. As soil P availability for plant uptake is often limited, foliar P application can be an alternative means of supplying P to the plants during the growth period. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of foliar P application on photosynthetic parameters, P nutritional status, and growth of P deficient maize over time. Plants of Zea mays L. cv. Keops were grown with deficient and sufficient amounts of P in hydroponics. Foliar P treatments were applied to P deficient plants and several physiological parameters were monitored for 21 days. The variables measured were leaf gas exchange parameters, SPAD values, foliar P absorption, re-translocation rates, and plant biomass production. Foliar P application significantly increased CO2-assimilation and SPAD values and additionally enhanced biomass production in all plant components. Elemental analysis revealed increased tissue P concentrations following foliar P application compared to P deficient plants. While increased growth of P-deficient plants was steadily promoted by foliar P spraying for the entire experimental period, the positive effect on CO2 assimilation and P concentration was transient and vanished some days after the foliar treatment. P deficiency markedly impaired the efficiency of physiological processes of maize plants. As a conclusion, foliar P fertilisation improved physiological and agronomical plant parameters over time, but failed to restore plant functionality of P deficient maize plants during a prolonged experimental period.

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

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

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA glycosylase genes involved in the base excision repair (BER) pathway can modify breast and ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. We previously found that SNP rs34259 in the uracil‐DNA glycosylase gene (UNG) might decrease ovarian cancer risk in BRCA2 mutation carriers. In the present study, we validated this finding in a larger series of familial breast and ovarian cancer patients to gain insights into how this UNG variant exerts its protective effect. We found that rs34259 is associated with significant UNG downregulation and with lower levels of DNA damage at telomeres. In addition, we found that this SNP is associated with significantly lower oxidative stress susceptibility and lower uracil accumulation at telomeres in BRCA2 mutation carriers. Our findings help to explain the association of this variant with a lower cancer risk in BRCA2 mutation carriers and highlight the importance of genetic changes in BER pathway genes as modifiers of cancer susceptibility for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) incidence is becoming higher. This fact is promoted by metabolic disorders such as obesity, and aging. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most of these pathologies. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that begins with the progressive accumulation of lipids and fibrotic materials in the blood-vessel wall, which leads to massive leukocyte recruitment. Rupture of the fibrous cap of the atherogenic cusps is responsible for tissue ischemic events, among them myocardial infarction. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH), or blood cell production outside the bone marrow (BM), occurs when the normal production of these cells is impaired (chronic hematological and genetic disorders, leukemia, etc.) or is altered by metabolic disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia, or after myocardial infarction. Recent studies indicate that the main EMH tissues (spleen, liver, adipose and lymph nodes) complement the hematopoietic function of the BM, producing circulating inflammatory cells that infiltrate into the atheroma. Indeed, the spleen, which is a secondary lymphopoietic organ with high metabolic activity, contains a reservoir of myeloid progenitors and monocytes, constituting an important source of inflammatory cells to the atherosclerotic lesion. Furthermore, the spleen also plays an important role in lipid homeostasis and immune-cell selection. Interestingly, clinical evidence from splenectomized subjects shows that they are more susceptible to developing pathologies, such as dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis due to the loss of immune selection. Although CVDs represent the leading cause of death worldwide, the mechanisms involving the spleen-atherosclerosis-heart axis cross-talk remain poorly characterized.

Humic substances (HS, fulvic and humic acids) are widely used as fertilizers or plant growth stimulants, although their mechanism of action still remains partially unknown. Humic substances may be applied either directly to the soil or as foliar sprays. Despite both kind of application are commonly used in agricultural practices, most of the studies regarding the elicited response in plants induced by HS are based on the root-application of these substances. The present work aimed at discriminating between the mechanisms of action of foliar application versus root application of a sedimentary humic acid (SHA) on plant development. For this purpose, six markers related to plant phenotype, plant morphology, hormonal balance and root-plasma membrane H+-ATPase were selected. Both application strategies improved the shoot and root growth. Foliar applied- and root applied-SHA shared the capacity to increase the concentration of indole-3-acetic acid in roots and cytokinins in shoots. However, foliar application did not lead to short-term increases in either abscisic acid root-concentration or root-plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity which are, however, two crucial effects triggered by SHA root-application. Both application modes increased the root concentrations of jasmonic acid and jasmonoyl-isoleucine. These hormonal changes caused by foliar application could be a stress-related symptom and connected to the loss of leaves trichomes and the diminution of chloroplasts size seen by scanning electron microscopy. These results support the hypothesis that the beneficial effects of SHA applied to roots or leaves may result from plant adaptation to a mild transient stress caused by SHA application.

The acquisition and evolution of speech production, discourse and communication can be negatively impacted by brain malformations. We describe, for the first time, a case of developmental dynamic dysphasia (DDD) in a right-handed adolescent boy (subject D) with cortical malformations involving language-eloquent regions (inferior frontal gyrus) in both the left and the right hemispheres. Language evaluation revealed a markedly reduced verbal output affecting phonemic and semantic fluency, phrase and sentence generation and verbal communication in everyday life. Auditory comprehension, repetition, naming, reading and spelling were relatively preserved, but executive function was impaired. Multimodal neuroimaging showed a malformed cerebral cortex with atypical configuration and placement of white matter tracts bilaterally and abnormal callosal fibers. Dichotic listening showed right hemisphere dominance for language, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) additionally revealed dissociated hemispheric language representation with right frontal activation for phonology and bilateral dominance for semantic processing. Moreover, subject D also had congenital mirror movements (CMM), defined as involuntary movements of one side of the body that mirror intentional movements of the other side. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and fMRI during voluntary unimanual (left and right) hand movements showed bilateral motor cortex recruitment and tractography revealed a lack of decussation of bilateral corticospinal tracts. Genetic testing aimed to detect mutations that disrupt the development of commissural tracts correlating with CMM (e.g., Germline DCC mutations) was negative. Overall, our findings suggest that DDD in subject D resulted from the underdevelopment of the left inferior frontal gyrus with limited capacity for plastic reorganization by its homologous counterpart in the right hemisphere. Corpus callosum anomalies probably contributed to hinder interhemispheric connectivity necessary to compensate language and communication deficits after left frontal involvement.

In this study, the rate of absorption and transport of calcium (Ca) in orange fruits (Citrus sinensis cv. Fukumoto) after surface treatment with 45Ca was evaluated by supplying treatments at different dates between fruit set and mid-phase II of growth (i.e., 30, 44, 66 and 99 days after full bloom, DAFB). 45Ca absorption was always detected, but 45Ca application at the fruit set was associated with the highest rates of Ca transport into the pulp (39%) compared to the other treatments (17–19%). Scanning electron microscopy SEM) images of the fruit surface showed the occurrence of stomata along with the entire rind at all the developmental stages evaluated. However, from the beginning of stage I, stomata began to collapse and develop plugs, and this became frequent as the fruit age increased. From 44 DAFB, oil gland density increased, and Ca oxalates (CaOx) were found in the fruit flavedo and albedo. Fruit Ca (not labeled) concentration increased from fruit set (30 DAFB) to 99 DAFB, although oil gland formation and rind growth and differentiation likely hindered Ca transport to internal fruit tissues (pulp). The total Ca concentration in the pedicel was always higher than that in the fruit, with no differences between the first three treatments. The information obtained in this study may be essential for improving Ca fertilizer efficacy in citrus by spray applications.

Nutrient resorption is crucial for mineral element conservation and efficiency of forest species, but knowledge on its significance and the mechanisms involved is still limited for most species and habitats. Focusing on the harsh conditions for plant growth and survival of southern Patagonia, a field study for comparing the rate of foliar resorption of macro-, micro-nutrients, and trace elements in coexisting Nothofagus pumilio and Nothofagus antarctica forests was performed. Forests located in three contrasting productivity sites (with different soil and climatic conditions) were selected, and mature, functional versus senescent leaves of both species were collected at two different dates of the growing season. Macro- (N, P, Ca, K, S, and Mg), micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ni), and trace elements (Al, Li, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, and Tl) were determined in foliar tissues. The mineral element concentrations of mature and senescent leaves were used for calculating the nutrient resorption efficiency (NuR). In general, and making an average of all sites and species, macro-nutrient resorption showed a decreasing trend for N > S = K > P > Mg, being Ca the only macro-nutrient with negative values (i.e., no resorption). Resorption of the majority of the elements did not vary between species in any of the evaluated sites. Variation across sites in nutrient resorption efficiency for most macronutrients, some micronutrients, and trace elements was observed for N. antarctica, whereas N. pumilio had a similar NuR for all experimental sites. On the other hand, regardless of the site or the species, some elements were not resorbed (e.g., B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Al, and Ti). It is concluded that both Nothofagus species performed similarly concerning their nutrient conservation strategy, when coexisting in the same mixed forest. However, no evidence was gained for an increased rate of foliar NuR in association with the sites subjected to more limiting soil and climatic conditions for plant growth.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is widely expressed in mammalian tissues, in particular in immune cells, and plays a pleiotropic role in dephosphorylating many substrates. Moreover, PTP1B expression is enhanced in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli and to different cell stressors. Taking advantage of the use of mice deficient in PTP1B we have investigated the effect of γ-radiation in these animals and found enhanced lethality and decreased respiratory exchange ratio vs. the corresponding wild type animals. Using bone-marrow derived macrophages and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from wild-type and PTP1B-deficient mice, we observed a differential response to various cell stressors. PTP1B-deficient macrophages exhibited an enhanced response to γ-radiation, UV-light, LPS and S-nitroso-glutathione. Macrophages exposed to γ-radiation show DNA damage and fragmentation, increased ROS production, a lack in GSH elevation and enhanced acidic β-galactosidase activity. Interestingly, these differences were not observed in MEFs. Differential gene expression analysis of WT and KO macrophages revealed that the main pathways affected after irradiation were an up-regulation of protein secretion, TGF-β signaling and angiogenesis among other, and downregulation of Myc targets and Hedgehog signaling. These results demonstrate a key role for PTP1B in the protection against the cytotoxicity of irradiation in intact animal and in macrophages, which might be therapeutically relevant. Keywords: Protein tyrosine phosphatase, Cell viability, Irradiation sensitivity, Lethality, p53

Recently, ferroelectric behavior was observed in compressed SrTaO2N thin films epitaxially grown on SrTiO3 substrates. Piezoresponse force microscopy measurements revealed small domains (101–102 nm) that exhibited classical ferroelectricity, a behavior not previously observed in perovskite oxynitrides. The surrounding matrix region exhibited relaxor ferroelectric-like behavior. Bulk SrTaO2N samples do not show ferroelectricity, thus suggesting that the origin of it may be related with the strain induced by the substrate. Ab-initio calculations reported that the small domains and the surrounding matrix had trans-type and a cis-type anion arrangements, respectively, but do not describe the experimentally observed equilibrium phase, nor the strain dependent polarization. In this work, we present high accurate all-electron first-principles calculations on the different possible local structures that can explain the ferroelectric-like properties of the strained material. The determined local structure and oxygen/nitrogen ordering has been related with polarization and epitaxial strain. The potential energies and polarization as functions of the in-plane lattice constant are reported.

Immunonutrition appears as a field with great potential in modern medicine. Since the immune system can trigger serious pathophysiological disorders, it is essential to study and implement a type of nutrition aimed at improving immune system functioning and reinforcing it individually for each patient. In this sense, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-1 (NOD1), one of the members of the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) family of innate immunity, has been related to numerous pathologies, such as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. NOD1, which is activated by bacterial-derived peptidoglycans, is known to be present in immune cells and to contribute to inflammation and other important pathways, such as fibrosis, upon recognition of its ligands. Since immunonutrition is a significant developing research area with much to discover, we propose NOD1 as a possible target to consider in this field. It is relevant to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that modulate the immune system and involve the activation of NOD1 in the context of immunonutrition and associated pathological conditions. Surgical or pharmacological treatments could clearly benefit from the synergy with specific and personalized nutrition that even considers the health status of each subject.

Aim: We examined ethnicity-related differences in the uptake of a temporary free-of-charge HPV vaccine (HPVV) catch-up programme offered in Denmark from August 2012 to December 2013 to women born from 1985–1992 and compared it with the previous self-payment system in place. Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study. We performed logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between ethnic background and HPV vaccine (HPVV) programme initiation. Results: The free programme increased the vaccination uptake from 16% to 75%. Descendants (Denmark-born women with both parents of foreign origin) and immigrants in Denmark for more than 5 years were less likely to initiate the free HPVV programme than Denmark-born women ((aOR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.54–0.59) and (aOR=0.39; 95% CI: 0.38–0.40), respectively). The likelihood of HPVV programme initiation among immigrants increased with time in Denmark ((aOR=2.28; 95% CI: 2.11–2.48) for immigrants living in Denmark for 16–20 years compared to 6–10 years)). Conclusion: The initiation of the free-of-charge HPVV programme was satisfactory. However, large differences in uptake were demonstrated, indicating that some target groups are harder to reach than others. The integration process (as related to use of health services) occurs over many years where differences between the different population groups seem to vanish. Keywords: HPV, Human papillomavirus, Vaccine, Uptake, Ethnic background, Initiation

A 90-d feeding trial was conducted in which five groups of gilthead seabream (11.96 g initial body weight) were fed with a microalgae-free diet (control group, C) or four diets containing the microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana at two inclusion levels (2.5% or 5%), either raw (R2.5 and R5 batches) or cellulose-hydrolyzed (H2.5 and H5 batches), to study their effect on the body and muscle growth. At 40 days, the highest values of body length and weight were reached in R5 group, but at 64 and 90 days, these were reached in R2.5. However, feed conversion rate, specific growth, daily intake, and survival (100%) were similar in all the groups. The acquisition of a discoid body shape was accelerated depending on the inclusion level of N. gaditana in the diets. Moreover, H5 diet affected the fish geometric morphology compared to R5 diet. The white muscle transverse area was similar in all groups at 40 days, with the exception of H2.5 group, which showed the lowest area. At day 90, C and R2.5 displayed the highest muscle growth, attributable to increased hyperplasia in C, and higher hypertrophy in R2.5. However, the highest proportion of small and medium fibers was observed in R5 and H5.

Antecedentes. La distrofia muscular cintura-cadera tipo 1B es una enfermedad con herencia autosómica dominante y secundaria a una mutación en el gen LMNA. Esta enfermedad se caracteriza por su afectación a nivel neuromuscular y cardiaco. Objetivo. Realizar diagnóstico clínico y confirmatorio molecular en una paciente con debilidad muscular proximal y sintomatología cardíaca a través de secuenciación exómica. Materiales y métodos. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 57 años de edad con cuadro de debilidad muscular proximal progresiva principalmente en extremidades y posterior afectación cardíaca; adicionalmente, la paciente tiene múltiples familiares con la misma sintomatología. Se realizó estudio de secuenciación exómica con confirmación, por método de Sanger, de la mutación hallada y posteriormente el análisis bioinformático de esta. Resultados. La detección de la mutación R377L en el gen LMNA por secuenciación exómica con confirmación por Sanger, junto con la sintomatología clínica de la paciente y el análisis bioinformático de la mutación hallada, permitió realizar diagnóstico confirmatorio de distrofia muscular cintura-cadera tipo 1B. Conclusión. Es difícil realizar un diagnóstico clínico debido a la heterogeneidad genética del fenotipo de distrofias musculares cintura-cadera. La aproximación diagnóstica es compleja y requiere clasificar las distrofias musculares según el patrón de afectación y el patrón de herencia de la enfermedad. Adicionalmente, debido a los múltiples genes que pueden generar clínica semejante a las diferentes distrofias musculares, se recomienda realizar secuenciación exómica solicitando especial énfasis en los genes candidatos de distrofias musculares cintura-cadera.

Atherothrombosis, the main cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), is characterized by the rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque followed by the formation of thrombi. Fatal plaque rupture sites show large necrotic cores combined with high levels of inflammation and thin layers of collagen. Plaque necrosis due to the death of macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) remains critical in the process. To determine the contribution of the innate immunity receptor NOD1 to the stability of atherosclerotic plaque, Apoe−/− and Apoe−/− Nod1−/− atherosclerosis prone mice were placed on a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to assess post-mortem advanced atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus. The proliferation and apoptosis activity were analyzed, as well as the foam cell formation capacity in these lesions and in primary cultures of macrophages and vascular SMCs obtained from both groups of mice. Our results reinforce the preeminent role for NOD1 in human atherosclerosis. Advanced plaque analysis in the Apoe−/− atherosclerosis model suggests that NOD1 deficiency may decrease the risk of atherothrombosis by decreasing leukocyte infiltration and reducing macrophage apoptosis. Furthermore, Nod1−/− SMCs exhibit higher proliferation rates and decreased apoptotic activity, contributing to thicker fibrous caps with reduced content of pro-thrombotic collagen. These findings demonstrate a direct link between NOD1 and plaque vulnerability through effects on both macrophages and SMCs, suggesting promising insights for early detection of biomarkers for treating patients before ACS occurs.

El presente artículo se propone analizar el lugar de Latinoamérica en la historiografía de la arquitectura moderna y su evolución a través del tiempo. Los pioneros historiadores que abordaron esta temática construyeron la idea de un movimiento de características universales, que partió en realidad de la consideración de un limitado sector geográfico. Pero progresivamente se hizo más difícil darle la espalda a esta región del mundo cuya arquitectura moderna comenzaba a destacar tanto cualitativa como cuantitativamente. De manera selectiva e inexacta comenzó a inmiscuirse esta región en una producción historiográfica cuyo origen era principalmente europeo y norteamericano. El lugar de América Latina en estas historias creció de manera relevante, después de evidenciada la crisis de la arquitectura moderna como la habían concebido los pioneros. Desde el propio ámbito latinoamericano comenzó a desarrollarse una historiografía que se propuso comprender su arquitectura a partir de la consideración de las particularidades locales y en el ámbito internacional se realizaron revisiones de las historias oficiales que progresivamente fueron mitigando la sesgada mirada centro- periferia bajo la que se había considerado hasta entonces la arquitectura de la región.

Melanomas are heterogeneous and aggressive tumors, and one of the worse in prognosis. Melanoma subtypes follow distinct pathways until terminal oncogenic transformation. Here, we have evaluated a series of molecules that exhibit potent cytotoxic effects over the murine and human melanoma cell lines B16F10 and MalMe-3M, respectively, both ex vivo and in animals carrying these melanoma cells. Ex vivo mechanistic studies on molecular targets involved in melanoma growth, migration and viability were evaluated in cultured cells treated with these drugs which exhibited potent proapoptotic and cytotoxic effects and reduced cell migration. These drugs altered the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is important for the oncogenic phenotype of melanoma cells. In in vivo experiments, male C57BL/6 or nude mice were injected with melanoma cells that rapidly expanded in these animals and, in some cases were able to form metastasis in lungs. Treatment with anti-tumor drugs derived from benzylamine and 2-thiophenemethylamine (F10503LO1 and related compounds) significantly attenuated tumor growth, impaired cell migration, and reduced the metastatic activity. Several protocols of administration were applied, all of them leading to significant reduction in the tumor size and enhanced animal survival. Tumor cells carrying a luciferase transgene allowed a time-dependent study on the progression of the tumor. Molecular analysis of the pathways modified by F10503LO1 and related compounds defined the main relevant targets for tumor regression: the activation of pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative routes. These data might provide the proof-of-principle and rationale for its further clinical evaluation.

Plant surfaces have a considerable degree of chemical and physical variability also in relation to different environmental conditions, organs and state of development. The potential changes on plant surface properties in association with environmental variations have been little explored so far. Using two model tree species (i.e., Quercus petraea, sessile oak and Fagus sylvatica, beech) growing in ‘Montejo de la Sierra Forest,’ we examined various traits of the abaxial and adaxial surface of leaves of both species collected at a height of approximately 15 m (top canopy), versus 3.5–5.5 m for beech and sessile oak, lower canopy leaves. Leaf surface ultra-structure was analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and the surface free energy and related parameter were estimated after measuring drops of 3 liquids with different degrees of polarity and apolarity. The permeability of the adaxial and abaxial surface of top and bottom canopy leaves to CaCl2 was estimated by depositing 2 drops of 3–4 μl per cm2 and comparing the concentration of Ca in leaf tissues 24 h after treatment, and also Ca and Cl concentrations in the washing liquid. Higher Ca concentrations were recorded after the application of CaCl2 drops onto the veins and adaxial blade of top canopy beech leaves, while no significant evidence for foliar Ca absorption was gained with sessile oak leaves. Surprisingly, high amounts of Cl were recovered after washing untreated, top canopy beach and sessile oak leaves with deionised water, a phenomenon which was not traced to occur on lower canopy leaves of both species. It is concluded that the surface of the two species analyzed is heterogeneous in nature and may have areas favoring the absorption of water and solutes as observed for the veins of beech leaves.

Currently available treatments for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis(SPMS) have limited efficacy and/or safety concerns. Adipose-mesenchymal derived stem cells(AdMSCs) represent a promising option and can be readily obtained using minimally invasive procedures.In this triple-blind, placebo-controlled study, cell samples were obtained from consenting patients by lipectomy and subsequently expanded. Patients were randomized to a single infusion of placebo, low-dose(1x106cells/kg) or high-dose(4x106cells/kg) autologous AdMSC product and followed for 12 months. Safety was monitored recording adverse events, laboratory parameters, vital signs and spirometry. Expanded disability status score (EDSS), magnetic-resonance-imaging, and other measures of possible treatment effects were also recorded.Thirty-four patients underwent lipectomy for AdMSCs collection, were randomized and thirty were infused (11 placebo, 10 low-dose and 9 high-dose); 4 randomized patients were not infused because of karyotype abnormalities in the cell product. Only one serious adverse event was observed in the treatment arms (urinary infection, considered not related to study treatment). No other safety parameters showed changes. Measures of treatment effect showed an inconclusive trend of efficacy.Infusion of autologous AdMSCs is safe and feasible in patients with SPMS. Larger studies and probably treatment at earlier phases would be needed to investigate the potential therapeutic benefit of this technique.

En la actualidad se conocen 8.000 enfermedades genéticas monogénicas. La mayoría de ellas son heterogéneas, por lo que el diagnóstico molecular por técnicas convencionales de secuenciación suele ser largo y costoso debido al gran número de genes implicados. El tiempo estimado para el diagnóstico molecular se encuentra entre 1 y 10 años, y este retraso impide que los pacientes reciban medidas terapéuticas y de rehabilitación específicas, que sus familiares entren en programas preventivos y que reciban asesoramiento genético. La secuenciación masiva está cambiando el modelo de diagnóstico molecular de los afectos, sin embargo, los médicos y profesionales de la salud se enfrentan al dilema de la selección del método más eficiente, con el menor coste sanitario y con la mayor precisión de sus resultados. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar la tecnología de secuenciación masiva y definir las ventajas y los problemas en su utilización.

Resumen Son poco frecuentes los estudios sobre evaluación del bienestar y de la salud de los docentes y esta evaluación requiere incluir las principales afectaciones derivadas de los riesgos específicos de la profesión docente así como los principales indicadores de bienestar en la docencia. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio es analizar el estado de salud de los docentes de centros concertados. Una muestra de 6208 docentes en activo de centros concertados de Cataluña contestaron el Cuestionario de Salud Docente, cuestionario específico que incluye seis factores: Agotamiento, Afectaciones de la Voz, Afectaciones Músculo-esqueléticas, Afectaciones Cognitivas, Satisfacción y Autoeficacia. Los resultados indican que un 20% de los docentes tienen una salud baja, siendo las Afectaciones Músculo-esqueléticas y las Afectaciones Cognitivas las que presentan mayor prevalencia, seguidas de Afectaciones de la Voz y Agotamiento. Un 80% de los docentes manifiestan sentirse satisfechos y competentes en su actividad docente. Se observan diferencias en función del género, nivel educativo, edad y años de docencia, siendo los docentes femeninos, de la ESO y con edades comprendidas entre 45 y 55 los que tienen un nivel de salud más bajo. De estos resultados se desprende la necesidad de mejorar las medidas preventivas organizacionales, profesionales y personales.

En los últimos años, la baja participación de la mujer y la tendencia al descenso de los porcentajes de alumnas matriculadas en los estudios universitarios de informática ha sido objeto de estudio para investigadoras/es en Estados Unidos, Europa y otros países. Habiendo constatado también en la Facultad de Informática de San Sebastián (FISS) de la Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) dicho descenso, nuestro objetivo ha sido recopilar información estadística para determinar si esta tendencia se ha producido también en otras universidades del Estado español. El estudio incluye, en primer lugar, porcentajes de mujeres inscritas en Ingeniería Informática comparados con los porcentajes en el área técnica en su conjunto. Por otra parte, recoge datos del tercer ciclo y porcentajes de profesoras de los departamentos que imparten docencia en la FISS, comparados con los porcentajes en los mismos departamentos en el conjunto del Estado. Por último, se presentan datos de inserción en el mundo laboral para las promociones 1998-2002 de egresadas/os en la UPV/EHU. Los datos revelan los bajos porcentajes de mujeres que se han matriculado en Ingeniería Informática los últimos años y la tendencia al descenso, las diferencias entre distintas universidades, y que apenas hay sesgo de género en los datos de inserción en el mundo laboral.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la antropometría y presión arterial de adultos del estado de Yucatán, México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron diferencias rural-urbanas por grupos sexo-edad en peso, talla, circunferencias de cintura y cadera, y presión arterial en 313 adultos de origen urbano y 271 del rural, de Yucatán. RESULTADOS: No hubo diferencias rural-urbanas en prevalencias de obesidad y sobrepeso, y en hipertensión los urbanos tuvieron valores marginalmente mayores. Se encontró mayor prevalencia rural de cintura anormal sólo en mujeres y hombres jóvenes. La comparación con dos encuestas nacionales y una regional (mixtecos rurales) mostró obesidad similar a la notificada en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2000 (ENSA) y mayor que mixtecos y la informada en la Encuesta Nacional de Enfermedades Crónicas 1993 (ENEC). La prevalencia de cintura anormal fue intermedia entre la indicada en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2006 (ENSANUT) y mixtecos, y la de hipertensión intermedia entre la notificada en la ENEC y mixtecos. CONCLUSIONES: Las poblaciones maya y mestiza de Yucatán presentaron alta prevalencia de obesidad y cintura anormal que no se acompañaron de prevalencia mayor de hipertensión. Esta observación requiere confirmación.OBJECTIVE: To characterize body morphology and blood pressure of adults of the Mexican state of Yucatan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rural-urban differences in weight, height, waist, and hip circumferences, and blood pressure were analyzed in 313 urban and 271 rural subjects. RESULTS: No rural-urban differences in prevalence of obesity and overweight were found. Hypertension was marginally higher in urban subjects. Rural abnormal waist circumference was higher in young men and young women. Comparison with two national surveys and a survey in the aboriginal population (rural mixtecos) showed similar prevalence of obesity as ENSA-2000 and higher than mixtecos and ENEC-1993. Abnormal waist circumference was intermediate between ENSANUT-2006 and mixtecos and hypertension was intermediate between ENEC and mixtecos. CONCLUSION: The Maya and mestizo population of Yucatan showed a high prevalence of obesity and abnormal waist circumference not accompanied by a comparable higher hypertension frequency. This finding requires further confirmation.

A continuación se presenta el noveno número de Territorios en Formación, revista científica promovida por la Asociación de Estudiantes de Posgrado Ne.Re.As. en coordinación con el Departamento de Urbanística y Ordenación del Territorio de la ETSAM-UPM. Esta publicación, incluida en índices internacionales de reconocido prestigio como DOAJ, Academic Journal Database y Avery Index; y recientemente valorada por la fundación MadrI+d, como una de las fortalezas del Máster Universitario en Planeamiento Urbano y Territorial (en la renovación de la acreditación de calidad en 2015), se afianza, cada vez más, como una referencia académica a tener en cuenta en el panorama de la investigación en el campo de los Estudios Urbanos. Fiel a su espíritu de inicio, se recogen en este número Trabajos Fin de Máster defendidos por los alumnos del Máster Universitario en Planeamiento Urbano y Territorial (itinerario Estudios Urbanos), en este caso, correspondientes a las convocatorias de junio y julio de 2015.

The leaf cuticular ultrastructure of some plant species has been examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in only few studies. Attending to the different cuticle layers and inner structure, plant cuticles have been grouped into six general morphological types. With the aim of critically examining the effect of cuticle isolation and preparation for TEM analysis on cuticular ultrastructure, adaxial leaf cuticles of blue-gum eucalypt, grey poplar, and European pear were assessed, following a membrane science approach. The embedding and staining protocols affected the ultrastructure of the cuticles analysed. The solubility parameter, surface tension, and contact angles with water of pure Spurr's and LR-White resins were within a similar range. Differences were however estimated for resin : solvent mixtures, since Spurr’s resin is combined with acetone and LR-White resin is mixed with ethanol. Given the composite hydrophilic and lipophilic nature of plant cuticles, the particular TEM tissue embedding and staining procedures employed may affect sample ultrastructure and the interpretation of the results in physicochemical and biological terms. It is concluded that tissue preparation procedures may be optimised to facilitate the observation of the micro- and nanostructure of cuticular layers and components with different degrees of polarity and hydrophobicity.