In-the-field authentication of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv: Albariño using chlorotype discrimination and a single SNP interrogation by LAMP

Authentication of grapevine cultivars, Vitis vinifera L., is difficult, especially when analytical specimens lack diagnostic ampelographic characters, which prevents the verification of traceability systems aimed at guaranteeing varietal integrity. This issue is problematic when viticultural strategies and regulations associated with high-value wine-producing geographical areas rely on extensive control and monitoring of valuable cultivars. Varietal identification based on grapevine molecular markers is a standardized methodology that requires a specialised laboratory for its application. In contrast, the use of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) allows DNA markers to be characterized quickly and easily, without the need for skilled personnel, allowing implementation in-situ or in-the-field. Simultaneous identification of the chlorotype and the interrogation of a single SNP using a portable device have allowed the first discrimination in-the-field of grafted grapevines, without appreciable ampelographic characters, as belonging to the valuable “Albariño” cultivar. This methodology constitutes a valuable tool for cultivar discrimination and can be efficiently implemented in the traceability of valuable grapevine genetic resources.Xunta de GaliciaMinisterio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio AmbienteAgencia Estatal de InvestigaciónMinisterio de Ciencia e InnovaciónFEADER | Ref. 12/32/408/310322/11FEDE

Phylogeography of the insular populations of common octopus, Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797, in the Atlantic Macaronesia

Exploited, understudied populations of the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797, occur in the northeastern Atlantic (NEA) throughout Macaronesia, comprising the Azores, Madeira and Canaries, and also the Cabo Verde archipelago. This octopus species, found from the intertidal to shallow continental-shelf waters, is largely sedentary, and the subject of intense, frequently unregulated fishing effort. We infer connectivity among insular populations of this octopus. Mitochondrial control region and COX1 sequence datasets reveal two highly divergent haplogroups (α and β) at similar frequencies, with opposing clinal distributions along the sampled latitudinal range. Haplogroups have different demographic and phylogeographic patterns, with origins related to the two last glacial maxima. FST values suggest a significant differentiation for most pairwise comparisons, including insular and continental samples, from the Galicia and Morocco coasts, with the exception of pairwise comparisons for samples from Madeira and the Canaries populations. Results indicate the existence of genetically differentiated octopus populations throughout the NEA. This emphasizes the importance of regulations by autonomous regional governments of the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries, for appropriate management of insular octopus stocksThis work was supported by the BANCOMAC (European Community Initiative INTERREG IIIB) and BANGEN projects (MAC Interreg Territorial Cooperation Programme “Madeira, Azores and Canary Islands”)S

Activities between grandfathers and grandchildren before and during Covid-19. Analysis of the level of satisfaction and perception of the intergenerational role.

Given the lack of knowledge around the family role of grandfatherhood, a study was conducted about the activities shared between a group of grandparents with their grandchildren, before and during the Covid-19 lockdown. This study of 110 grandfathers (mean age 73.6) included participants’ sociodemographic profile; their satisfaction with five different types of activities shared with their grandchildren, both on their own and with their spouses; and their general views of the grandparenting role. Data were analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric inferential methods (Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, chi square, and correlations). Data showed that participants, who were mostly married and retired, showed three satisfaction levels with their grandchildren: high for family celebrations, average for activities involving play and sociocultural transmission, and low for housework and academic/intellectual activities. Participants’ age, marital status, health status, and education, as well as the age and number of grandchildren, were associated with these satisfaction levels. Most participants favored the formal grandparenting role, and marital status, health status, education, and grandchildren’s age and sex were associated with their views of grandparenting roles. Physical contact during the Covid-19 lockdown dropped by 72.7%. We concluded that activities shared between grandfathers and grandchildren and views on the grandparenting role are influenced by the sociodemographic variables of both. These results need to be expanded with more research.Dado el escaso conocimiento del rol familiar de abuelidad masculina se estudia las actividades compartidas entre un grupo de abuelos y sus nietos, antes y durante el confinamiento por la Covid-19. Participaron 110 voluntarios (media 73.6 años), para analizar su perfil sociodemográfico; la satisfacción en cinco tipos de actividades con sus nietos, solos y con cónyuge; y su opinión general del rol de abuelidad. Se analizaron los datos con pruebas descriptivas e inferenciales no paramétricas (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, chi cuadrado, y correlaciones). Los datos mostraron un perfil de grandfathers casados y jubilados, con tres niveles de satisfacción con sus nietos: alta en actividades sobre celebraciones en familia, media en lúdicas y de transmisión sociocultural, y baja en las de tipo doméstico instrumental y académico-intelectual. Su edad, estado civil, salud, nivel educativo y el número y edad de sus grandchildren aparecieron relacionadas con esa satisfacción. Se mostraron mayoritariamente a favor del rol formal de abuelidad y su estado civil, salud, nivel educativo, la edad y el sexo de sus nietos aparecieron relacionadas con esos roles de abuelidad. El contacto físico durante la Covid-19 disminuyó un 72,7%. Se concluye que las actividades compartidas por los abuelos varones con sus nietos y la opinión sobre este rol están influidas por las variables sociodemográficas de ambos. Se necesita ampliar con más investigación estos resultados

Invasion of the dark false mussel in shrimp farms in Venezuela: species identification and genetic analysis

An inspection was carried out at shrimp farms located South West of Lake Maracaibo (Zulia State, Venezuela), with high incidences of mussel bivalve. Morphological and genetic analysis helped to identify the species as the dark false mussel Mytilopsis leucophaeata Conrad, 1831, and this is the first record of the species from tropical waters of northern South America. The highest incidences of mussels were detected in ponds and channels but no live mussels were observed in the coastal intertidal area surrounding the entrances of the farms, although empty shells were detected there, suggesting their former presence. The environmental conditions of the artificial system of shrimp culture, is a niche suitable for the proliferation of the bivalve. The consequences of the presence of this bivalve in the production of shrimp are discussed.S

San Blas project (San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife): revalue of archaeological heritage

En este trabajo se expone la experiencia en torno al Proyecto "Modelos de Gestión del Patrimonio Natural y Cultural de San Blas (San Miguel, Tenerife)", como un ejemplo de revalorización del Patrimonio Arqueológico y, en consecuencia, de un nuevo modelo de gestión de este tipo de bienes, motivado por el auge de la Puesta en Valor del Patrimonio Cultural. Para ello se muestra la caracterización del espacio analizado a través de los principales datos científicos obtenidos de la intervención, así como el consenso alcanzado entre los intereses empresariales y de investigación.This paper describes the experience about the project "Management Models for Natural and Cultural Heritage of San Blas (San Miguel, Tenerife)" as an example of appreciation of the Archeological and hence, a new management model of this type of goods, motivated by the rise of the value of Cultural Heritage. This characterization shows the analyzed site through main scientific data of the intervention as well as the agreement between business interests and research

El Barranco de San Blas (San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife): Breve secuencia de un modelo por definir

A partir de la intervención realizada en el Barranco de San Blas (San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife), se hace una reflexión sobre los modelos de poblamiento aborigen propuestos para el sur de la isla de Tenerife. Se argumenta la inviabilidad actual de dichos modelos, proponiendo la necesidad de un replanteamiento a la luz de los nuevos datos. Finalmente, con el análisis de la secuencia del Barranco de San Blas, se pretende contribuir en la definición de un nuevo modelo territorial para esta parte de la isla.Since archaeological works on «Barranco de San Blas (San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife)» we have revised the Pre-Hispanic people settlement models for the south of Tenerife Island. It is shown the actual impossibility from these models in some of its basis, so it is needed to revise it from the new data and evidences. At the same time it is shown a brief sequence for the Barranco de San Blas that tries to contribute to its definition

Influencia de los teléfonos móviles sobre la actividad cerebral

Because of their bioelectric sensitivity, persons suffering from epilepsy may be especially susceptible to radiofrequency radiation emitted by mobile telephones. In this study we recorded electroencephalograms (EEGs) from epileptic human patients after exposure to radiation from a commercial GSM mobile telephone, and from epileptic rats exposed to controlled radiation of similar characteristics in an experimental chamber. Following exposure and EEG-recording, the rats were killed and their brains examined using immunohistochemical markers for glial activity and neuronal activation (proto-oncogene c-Fos

Materiales docentes en formato audio. Podcasts de Historia Contemporánea

Memoria ID-0310. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2014-2015

Conservation of the S10-spc-α Locus within Otherwise Highly Plastic Genomes Provides Phylogenetic Insight into the Genus Leptospira

S10-spc-α is a 17.5 kb cluster of 32 genes encoding ribosomal proteins. This locus has an unusual composition and organization in Leptospira interrogans. We demonstrate the highly conserved nature of this region among diverse Leptospira and show its utility as a phylogenetically informative region. Comparative analyses were performed by PCR using primer sets covering the whole locus. Correctly sized fragments were obtained by PCR from all L. interrogans strains tested for each primer set indicating that this locus is well conserved in this species. Few differences were detected in amplification profiles between different pathogenic species, indicating that the S10-spc-α locus is conserved among pathogenic Leptospira. In contrast, PCR analysis of this locus using DNA from saprophytic Leptospira species and species with an intermediate pathogenic capacity generated varied results. Sequence alignment of the S10-spc-α locus from two pathogenic species, L. interrogans and L. borgpetersenii, with the corresponding locus from the saprophyte L. biflexa serovar Patoc showed that genetic organization of this locus is well conserved within Leptospira. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of four conserved regions resulted in the construction of well-defined phylogenetic trees that help resolve questions about the interrelationships of pathogenic Leptospira. Based on the results of secY sequence analysis, we found that reliable species identification of pathogenic Leptospira is possible by comparative analysis of a 245 bp region commonly used as a target for diagnostic PCR for leptospirosis. Comparative analysis of Leptospira strains revealed that strain H6 previously classified as L. inadai actually belongs to the pathogenic species L. interrogans and that L. meyeri strain ICF phylogenetically co-localized with the pathogenic clusters. These findings demonstrate that the S10-spc-α locus is highly conserved throughout the genus and may be more useful in comparing evolution of the genus than loci studied previously