Cross-compatibility of the Parents as the Main Factor for Successful Olive Breeding Crosses

Previous analyses of olive (Olea europaea L.) crosses have revealed an important degree of pollen contamination. For this reason, the authors tested the paternity of a set of progenies coming from crosses among different cultivars within the olive breeding program of Cordoba, Spain, using four polymorphic microsatellites. They found that the expected pollen sired 141 (83.4%) of the 169 samples analyzed. The contamination rate was either almost total or almost null within each particular cross considered, not being comparable between different crosses. In a second experiment the authors evaluated the influence of several factors on the success of olive crosses, the type of isolation bag, the timing and number of pollinations, and the cross-compatibility of the parents in a multifactorial assay in 2003. They observed no differences in the type of pollination bag used or the number and timing of pollen additions when they analyzed 145 seeds. The main factor affecting the success of the crosses seems to be the intercompatibility among cultivars, because it had a significant influence on the rate of contamination. In the failed crosses, the authors clearly detected the contribution of more than one cultivar to the paternity. The results obtained here indicate that some knowledge of cross-compatibility relationships in olive is required to design crosses in olive breeding programs effectively. To achieve this objective, the progeny parentage analysis could be of great help because of the high level of pollen contamination found among those studied here

Molecular characterization of autophagic and apoptotic signaling induced by sorafenib in liver cancer cells

Sorafenib is the unique accepted molecular targeted drug for the treatment of patients in advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma. The current study evaluated cell signaling regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), Akt, and 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) leading to autophagy and apoptosis induced by sorafenib. Sorafenib induced early (3–12 hr) ER stress characterized by an increase of Ser51P-eIF2α/eIF2α, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), IRE1α, and sXBP1, but a decrease of activating transcription factor 6 expression, overall temporally associated with the increase of Thr183,Tyr185P-JNK1/2/JNK1/2, Thr172P-AMPKα, Ser413P-Foxo3a, Thr308P-AKt/AKt and Thr32P-Foxo3a/Foxo3a ratios, and reduction of Ser2481P-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mTOR and protein translation. This pattern was related to a transient increase of tBid, Bim EL, Beclin-1, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, autophagy markers, and reduction of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) expression. The progressive increase of CHOP expression, and reduction of Thr308P-AKt/AKt and Ser473P-AKt/AKt ratios were associated with the reduction of autophagic flux and an additional upregulation of Bim EL expression and caspase-3 activity (24 hr). Small interfering-RNA (si-RNA) assays showed that Bim, but not Bak and Bax, was involved in the induction of caspase-3 in sorafenib-treated HepG2 cells. Sorafenib increased autophagic and apoptotic markers in tumor-derived xenograft model. In conclusion, the early sorafenib-induced ER stress and regulation of JNK and AMPK-dependent signaling were related to the induction of survival autophagic process. The sustained drug treatment induced a progressive increase of ER stress and PERK-CHOP-dependent rise of Bim EL, which was associated with the shift from autophagy to apoptosis. The kinetic of Bim EL expression profile might also be related to the tight balance between AKt- and AMPK-related signaling leading to Foxo3a-dependent BIM EL upregulation.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad BFU2016‐75352‐PInstituto de Salud Carlos III PI15/00034, PI13/ 00021, PI16/00090, PI14/01349Ministerio de Educación FPU16/05127, FPU12/01433, FPU13/01237Junta de Andalucía CTS-6264, PI-00025-2013, PI-0127-2013, PI-0198-201

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown measures in Southern Spain on PM10 trace element and gaseous pollutant concentrations

Trace element concentrations within PM10, gaseous pollutants (NO2 and SO2), and PM10 levels were studied during the Covid-19 lockdown at a regional level in Southern Spain (Andalusia). Pollutant concentrations were compared considering different mobility periods (pre-lockdown, lockdown, and relaxation) in 2020 and previous years (2013–2016). An acute decrease in NO2 levels (<50%) was observed as a consequence of traffic diminution during the confinement period. Moreover, a lower reduction in PM10 levels and a non-clear pattern for SO2 levels were observed. During the lockdown period, PM10 elements released from traffic emissions (Sn and Sb) showed the highest concentration diminution in the study area. Regarding the primary industrial sites, there were no significant differences in V, Ni, La, and Cr concentration reduction during 2020 associated with industrial activity (stainless steel and oil refinery) in Algeciras Bay. Similarly, concentrations of Zn showed the same behaviour at Cordoba, indicating that the Zn-smelter activity was not affected by the lockdown. Nevertheless, stronger reductions of Cu, Zn, and As in Huelva during the confinement period indicated a decrease in the nearby Cu-smelter emissions. Brick factories in Bailen were also influenced by the confinement measures, as corroborated by the marked decrease in concentrations of Ni, V, Cu, and Zn during the lockdown compared to that from previous years. This work has shown the baseline concentrations of trace elements of PM10, which is of great value to air quality managers in order to minimise pollution levels by applying the confinement of the population, affecting both traffic and industrial anthropogenic activities.We would like to acknowledge the project of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain (Project RTI2018-095937-B-I00), the co-financed project by the Andalusian Government and the EU (PY18-2332), and the Environmental Agency of Andalusia for financial and technical support. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva / CBUA

Contribution of anthropogenic and natural sources in PM10 during North African dust events in Southern Europe

The influence of North African (NAF) dust events on the air quality at the regional level (12 representative monitoring stations) in Southern Europe during a long time series (2007–2014) was studied. PM10 levels and chemical composition were separated by Atlantic (ATL) and NAF air masses. An increase in the average PM10 concentrations was observed on sampling days with NAF dust influence (42 µg m- 3 ) when compared to ATL air masses (29 µg m- 3 ). Major compounds such as crustal components and secondary inorganic compounds (SIC), as well as toxic trace elements derived from industrial emissions, also showed higher concentrations of NAF events. A source contribution analysis using positive matrix factorisation (PMF) 5.0 of the PM10 chemical data, discriminating ATL and NAF air mass origins, allowed the identification of five sources: crustal, sea salt, traffic, regional, and industrial. A higher contribution (74%) of the natural sources to PM10 concentrations was confirmed under NAF episodes compared with ATL. Furthermore, there was an increase in anthropogenic sources during these events (51%), indicating the important influence of the NAF air masses on these sources. The results of this study highlight that environmental managers should take appropriate actions to reduce local emissions during NAF events to ensure good air quality

Education strategy for the involvement of parents in school commitments

El artículo presenta los resultados más relevantes del trabajo de investigación de maestría en educación, la cual tuvo como objetivo diseñar una estrategia educativa para la participación de padres de familia en los compromisos escolares de los estudiantes de la I.E.D. Rural de Palmira, Pueblo-Viejo, Magdalena”. El universo de estudio estuvo conformado por 522 estudiantes, 420 padres de familia y 10 docentes, para un total de 1190 personas, de la cual se tomó como muestra al grado quinto, conformado por 22 padres de familia, 22 estudiantes con edades entre 10 y 13 años y 10 docentes de la Institución para una muestra total de 54 personas a las cuales se les aplicaron los instrumentos de recolección de información. Se construyó un cuadro matriz de análisis, que cruza cada una de las categorías con lo que dice cada actor social sobre ellas.. La participación de docentes, padres y estudiantes, con enfoque constructivista, fue vital para el diseño de la propuesta, centrada en un plan de acción, como estrategia educativa, a través de cuatro ejes temáticos a saber: cualificación a padres de familia, fortalecimiento de niveles de participación, fortalecimiento de canales de comunicación, normatividad sobre participación. La propuesta fue originada en el diagnóstico y la necesidad de búsqueda participativa de contribuir al mejoramiento de la participación de los padres en los compromisos escolares.Abstract. This article presents the most relevant results of the research of master’s degree in education, which aimed to design an education strategy for the participation of parents in the school of students from the Rural European Institute of Palmira, Pueblo-Viejo, Magdalena commitments”. The universe of study was formed by 522 students, 420 parents and 10 teachers, for a total of 1190 people, which was taken as a sign to the fifth grade, consisting of 22 parent, 22 students aged between 10 and 13 years and 10 teachers of the institution for a total sample of 54 people which we applied the instruments for collecting information. Built a matrix table of analysis, which crosses each of the categories with what each social actor on them.. The participation of teachers, parents and students, with constructivist approach, was vital for the design of the proposal, focusing on a plan of action, as educational strategy, through four themes namely: qualification to parents, strengthening levels of participation, strengthening of channels of communication, regulations on participation. The proposal originated in the diagnosis and the participatory search, whit need to contribute to the improvement of the participation of parents in school commitment

Site-directed Mutagenesis of Cytochromec 6 from Anabaena Species PCC 7119

A number of surface residues of cytochromec 6 from the cyanobacterium Anabaenasp. PCC 7119 have been modified by site-directed mutagenesis. Changes were made in six amino acids, two near the heme group (Val-25 and Lys-29) and four in the positively charged patch (Lys-62, Arg-64, Lys-66, and Asp-72). The reactivity of mutants toward the membrane-anchored complex photosystem I was analyzed by laser flash absorption spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate that cytochrome c 6 possesses two areas involved in the redox interaction with photosystem I: 1) a positively charged patch that may drive its electrostatic attractive movement toward photosystem I to form a transient complex and 2) a hydrophobic region at the edge of the heme pocket that may provide the contact surface for the transfer of electrons to P700. The isofunctionality of these two areas with those found in plastocyanin (which acts as an alternative electron carrier playing the same role as cytochromec 6) are evident

Site-directed Mutagenesis of Cytochromec 6 from Synechocystissp. PCC 6803

This paper reports the first site-directed mutagenesis analysis of any cytochrome c 6, a heme protein that performs the same function as the copper-protein plastocyanin in the electron transport chain of photosynthetic organisms. Photosystem I reduction by the mutants of cytochromec 6 from the cyanobacteriumSynechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has been studied by laser flash absorption spectroscopy. Their kinetic efficiency and thermodynamic properties have been compared with those of plastocyanin mutants from the same organism. Such a comparative study reveals that aspartates at positions 70 and 72 in cytochrome c 6 are located in an acidic patch that may be isofunctional with the well known “south-east” patch of plastocyanin. Calculations of surface electrostatic potential distribution in the mutants of cytochromec 6 and plastocyanin indicate that the changes in protein reactivity depend on the surface electrostatic potential pattern rather than on the net charge modification induced by mutagenesis. Phe-64, which is close to the heme group and may be the counterpart of Tyr-83 in plastocyanin, does not appear to be involved in the electron transfer to photosystem I. In contrast, Arg-67, which is at the edge of the cytochrome c 6 acidic area, seems to be crucial for the interaction with the reaction center.Dirección General de Investigación Científica y Técnica (DGICYT, Grant PB96-1381)European Union (EU, CHRX-CT94-0540 and ERB-FMRX-CT98-0218)Junta de Andalucía (PAI, CVI-0198

Overexpression of the X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP) in Neurons Improves Cell Survival and the Functional Outcome after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Mechanical trauma to the spinal cord causes extensive neuronal death, contributing to the loss of sensory-motor and autonomic functions below the injury location. Apoptosis affects neurons after spinal cord injury (SCI) and is associated with increased caspase activity. Cleavage of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) after SCI may contribute to this rise in caspase activity. Accordingly, we have shown that the elevation of XIAP resulted in increased neuronal survival after SCI and improved functional recovery. Therefore, we hypothesise that neuronal overexpression of XIAP can be neuroprotective after SCI with improved functional recovery. In line with this, studies of a transgenic mice with overexpression of XIAP in neurons revealed that higher levels of XIAP after spinal cord trauma favours neuronal survival, tissue preservation, and motor recovery after the spinal cord trauma. Using human SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing XIAP, we further showed that XIAP reduced caspase activity and apoptotic cell death after pro-apoptotic stimuli. In conclusion, this study shows that the levels of XIAP expression are an important factor for the outcome of spinal cord trauma and identifies XIAP as an important therapeutic target for alleviating the deleterious effects of SCI

Adipose Tissue in Health and Disease

Obesity, being an epidemy these days, is the trigger of metabolic disturbances such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. Defined as an increase in fat storage, adipose tissue has been put under the spotlight as the culprit of these conditions, as it is composed not only by adipocytes but of any immune system cell and a singular extracellular matrix. Its behavior under acute and chronic hypercaloric states is quite different; persistent hypertrophy in the latter creates hypoxia, resulting in the release of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines that impact on the immune response type of the resident leucocytes, mainly macrophages. Hypertrophy over hyperplasia, adipose tissue macrophages-M1 phenotype polarization, and the adipokines/myokines profile are thought to be regulated by foreign microRNAs, delivered from surrounding or distant cells by exosomes through the bloodstream. In this chapter, we focus on adipose tissue immunometabolism and how obesity causes the chronic inflammatory state, and, subsequently, this stablishes a pathologic adiposity, characterized by dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR)

Parental practices and problematic internet use in aclinical sample of adolescents

Introducción: Estudios previos han demostrado el papel determinante de las prácticas parentales sobre el uso problemático de Internet (UPI) pero se desconoce qué variables familiares específicas están asociadas al UPI en muestras clínicas. Además, existe poca concordancia entre la percepción de padres e hijos sobre las variables de crianza familiar y de uso de Internet. Por este motivo, en este estudio se analiza la relación entre el UPI y las prácticas parentales en una muestra clínica, controlando los problemas de conducta y la personalidad de los adolescentes, y se examina la concordancia a través de correlación intraclase entre las percepciones de padres e hijos en estas variables. Método: Se cuenta con una muestra de 92 adolescentes de dos centros de salud mental infanto-juvenil. Resultados: Se encuentra que las prácticas de disciplina inconsistente y baja implicación parental son predictoras de UPI. Además, la concordancia encontrada entre padres e hijos es moderada-baja, tanto en las prácticas parentales percibidas como en el UPI. Discusión: Este estudio permite determinar la importancia de las prácticas parentales en el UPI de los adolescentes que acuden a centros de salud mental, así como la necesidad de realizar una evaluación exhaustiva más allá de los autoinformes, dada la baja concordancia entre padres e hijosIntroduction: Previous studies have shown the determining role of parenting practices on problematic Internet use (PIU), but it is unknown which specific family variables are associated with UPI in clinical samples. In addition, there is often little concordance through intraclass correlation between the perception of parents and children on the variables of family rearing and Internet use. For this reason, the objectives of this study are to analyze the relationship between UPI and parental practices in a clinical sample, controlling for behavior problems and adolescents› personality, and to examine the concordance between the perceptions of parents and children. Method: Data was collected from a sample of 92 adolescents in two mental health centers for children and adolescents. Results: The results indicate that inconsistent discipline practices and low parental involvement are predictors of UPI. In addition, the concordance between parents and children is moderate-to -low both in parenting practices and in the UPI. Discussion: This study makes it possible to determine the importance of parenting practices in the UPI of adolescents who attend mental health care; additionally, the need for an exhaustive evaluation beyond self-reports is detected, given the low concor- dance between parents and childre