Use of non-intrusive laser exfoliation to improve substance uptake into citrus leaves [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: Despite the presence of stomata in leaves, foliar application of agrochemicals can be extremely inefficient due to the low permeability of leaf cuticular surfaces to polar compounds. Methods: This study introduced a laser-based “wax exfoliation” method to facilitate the penetration of substances into the leaf and, together with enhancing their uptake into the phloem and subsequent transport across tissue. This investigation demonstrated the effectiveness and non-invasive properties of laser exfoliation to improve the penetration of foliar-applied substances into citrus leaves. Results: This work presents the use of laser energy to exfoliate the cuticle of a leaf, with the highest energy density of 0.76 J/ cm2 resulting in 85-90% exfoliation across the entire laser-spot area. The infrared wavelength of the erbium laser is specifically chosen to target the wax cuticle without causing damage to the underlying epidermal cells. This selective ablation allows for increased penetration of therapeutic compounds into the leaf and transportation throughout the plant's vasculature. This is demonstrated using a fluorescent glucose analog applied to the laser treated leaves, showing increased penetration and transport throughout the leaf. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the use of laser technology for the foliar application of agrochemicals provides significant advantages, including improved foliage uptake of therapeutic compounds. The method of cuticle exfoliation presented in this study is highly effective and non-intrusive, limiting its effects to the cuticle only. Future work should focus on the development of prototypes for in-field applications, including testing at longer distances as the Er:YAG laser does not require a lens for this application

Incremento de la tolerancia a sequía mediante la acumulación de trealosa por inhibición de RNAas en arroz (Oryza sativa L.)

La sequía es el principal factor limitante para el incremento de la productividad agrícola mundial, y el mejoramiento de variedades resistentes a sequía es una necesidad latente. Estudios del metabolismo de la trealosa han puesto en evidencia la capacidad generalizada de las plantas de sintetizarla y el importante papel que tiene en la resistencia a estrés hídrico. Este trabajo parte de la hipótesis de que la inhibición por RNA antisentido del gen de la trealasa incrementa los niveles de trealosa y confiere tolerancia al estrés abiótico. Inicialmente, se obtuvo un cultivo de callo embriogénico de arroz para su transformación por el método de biobalística con vectores de expresión de RNA antisentido dirigidos a la trealasa. En las líneas de arroz obtenidas, los niveles de trealosa alcanzados fueron de 780 mgr/gr PS como valor máximo. Esta acumulación de trealosa condujo a un incremento significativo en la capacidad fotosintética de las líneas transgénicas en condiciones de riego que aumenta en condiciones de sequía. De esta manera, fue posible concluir que la inhibición de la trealasa conduce a un incremento de trealosa en condiciones de sequía. La tolerancia de la planta a las condiciones de estrés se ve incrementada manteniendo altos nivel de fotosíntesis

Agronomical Evaluation of Four Varieties of Pastures

A five-year study was carried out in the municipality of Jimaguayú, province of Camagüey, Cuba, to evaluate the agro productive performance  of four grassy pastures (Cynodon dactylon cv. Tifton 85, Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú, and Brachiaria hibrido cv. Mulato) without soil irrigation or fertilization. An experimental randomized block design with three replicas was used in 20 m2  areas of brown soil without typical carbonates.  Agamic  propagation  seeds were sown at a distance  of 0.70 m between  furrows  while gamic propagation seeds were sown at a distance of 0.50 m. Dry matter yielding was determined for every cutting period (every 60 days during the rainy season and every 90 days during the dry season). Plant height was measured from the stem base to the highest foliage. A volume of 200 g of pastures was sampled twice a year to determine their bromatological composition according to AOAC (1997). Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú showed the best agro productive performance, with yieldings reaching 6.20 t/ha and 14.90 t/ha of dry matter during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively; and 12.26 % of dry protein

An alternative pathway for plant in vitro regeneration of chinaberry -tree Melia azedarach L. derived from the induction of somatic embryogenesis

A highly efficient somatic embryogenesis system and subsequent plant regeneration of chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.) was developed. Plants were regenerated from indirect somatic embryogenesis induction. Novel features of this improved protocol, include: a) Embryogenic callus induction with no addition of 2, 4-D in the culture media; b) Somatic embryos differentiation was achieved by using high concentration of cytokinins (BAP 10 mg/L) and adenine; c) 100% conversion of somatic embryos to plants was practically obtained and 100% of plants survived under greenhouse conditions; d) Addition of putrescine improved somatic embryos germination. The amount of somatic embryos produced by the pathway of indirect somatic embryogenesis was 447 per gram of fresh weight callus. Regenerated plants were phenotypically normal. The developed protocol established the potential to produce plantlets from cotyledon explants through somatic embryogenesis. It also presents itself as a highly efficient method for mass clonal propagation and conservation of Melia azedarach.Centro Experimental de Propagación Vegetativ

An alternative pathway for plant in vitro regeneration of chinaberry -tree Melia azedarach L. derived from the induction of somatic embryogenesis

A highly efficient somatic embryogenesis system and subsequent plant regeneration of chinaberry ( Melia azedarach L.) was developed. Plants were regenerated from indirect somatic embryogenesis induction. Novel features of this improved protocol, include: a) Embryogenic callus induction with no addition of 2, 4-D in the culture media; b) Somatic embryos differentiation was achieved by using high concentration of cytokinins (BAP 10 mg/L) and adenine; c) 100% conversion of somatic embryos to plants was practically obtained and 100% of plants survived under greenhouse conditions; d) Addition of putrescine improved somatic embryos germination. The amount of somatic embryos produced by the pathway of indirect somatic embryogenesis was 447 per gram of fresh weight callus. Regenerated plants were phenotypically normal. The developed protocol established the potential to produce plantlets from cotyledon explants through somatic embryogenesis. It also presents itself as a highly efficient method for mass clonal propagation and conservation of Melia azedarach

The sick adipose tissue : new insights into defective signaling and crosstalk with the myocardium

Adipose tissue (AT) biology is linked to cardiovascular health since obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and positively correlated with excessive visceral fat accumulation. AT signaling to myocardial cells through soluble factors known as adipokines, cardiokines, branched-chain amino acids and small molecules like microRNAs, undoubtedly influence myocardial cells and AT function via the endocrine-paracrine mechanisms of action. Unfortunately, abnormal total and visceral adiposity can alter this harmonious signaling network, resulting in tissue hypoxia and monocyte/macrophage adipose infiltration occurring alongside expanded intra-abdominal and epicardial fat depots seen in the human obese phenotype. These processes promote an abnormal adipocyte proteomic reprogramming, whereby these cells become a source of abnormal signals, affecting vascular and myocardial tissues, leading to meta-inflammation, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart hypertrophy, heart failure and myocardial infarction. This review first discusses the pathophysiology and consequences of adipose tissue expansion, particularly their association with meta-inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis. We also explore the precise mechanisms involved in metabolic reprogramming in AT that represent plausible causative factors for CVD. Finally, we clarify how lifestyle changes could promote improvement in myocardiocyte function in the context of changes in AT proteomics and a better gut microbiome profile to develop effective, non-pharmacologic approaches to CVD

An alternative pathway for plant in vitro regeneration of chinaberry -tree Melia azedarach L. derived from the induction of somatic embryogenesis

A highly efficient somatic embryogenesis system and subsequent plant regeneration of chinaberry ( Melia azedarach L.) was developed. Plants were regenerated from indirect somatic embryogenesis induction. Novel features of this improved protocol, include: a) Embryogenic callus induction with no addition of 2, 4-D in the culture media; b) Somatic embryos differentiation was achieved by using high concentration of cytokinins (BAP 10 mg/L) and adenine; c) 100% conversion of somatic embryos to plants was practically obtained and 100% of plants survived under greenhouse conditions; d) Addition of putrescine improved somatic embryos germination. The amount of somatic embryos produced by the pathway of indirect somatic embryogenesis was 447 per gram of fresh weight callus. Regenerated plants were phenotypically normal. The developed protocol established the potential to produce plantlets from cotyledon explants through somatic embryogenesis. It also presents itself as a highly efficient method for mass clonal propagation and conservation of Melia azedarach

Mejora del crecimiento de plantas de tabaco mediante la inhibición del gen de la trehalasa

La sÌntesis de trehalosa es un mecanismo natural de tolerancia a sequÌa, aunque en plantas no se acumula debido a la presencia de la enzima trehalasa. En este trabajo inicialmente clonamos el cDNA de la trehalasa de alfalfa para desarrollar un modelo de inhibiciÛn por antisentido de la misma. Este modelo se evaluó en tabaco con el fin de conferir tolerancia a sequÌa. Las plantas obtenidas tienen menor actividad trehalasa que los controles, adem·s de presentar una completa independencia de sacarosa como fuente de carbono. Esto nos indica que la expresión del antisentido de trehalasa induce en las plantas una mejor capacidad fotosintética, lo cual puede utilizarse para obtener cultivos de importancia agronómica con un mejor crecimiento y desarrollo. Con base en la respuesta de las plantas con el antisentido pudimos utilizar este sistema como un marcador de selección y obtuvimos brotes transgénicos seleccionados en medio sin sacarosa, sin necesidad de utilizar un marcador de selección por antibióticos, o herbicidas

Extending Graph (Discrete) Derivative Descriptors to N-Tuple Atom-Relations

In the present manuscript, an extension of the previously defined Graph Derivative Indices (GDIs) is discussed. To achieve this objective, the concept of a hypermatrix, conceived from the calculation of the frequencies of triple and quadruple atom relations in a set of connected sub-graphs, is introduced. This set of subgraphs is generated following a predefined criterion, known as the event (S), being in this particular case the connectivity among atoms. The triple and quadruple relations frequency matrices serve as a basis for the computation of triple and quadruple discrete derivative indices, respectively. The GDIs are implemented in a computational program denominated DIVATI (acronym for DIscrete DeriVAtive Type Indices), a module of TOMOCOMD-CARDD program. Shannon‟s entropy-based variability analysis demonstrates that the GDIs show major variability than others indices used in QSAR/QSPR researches. In addition, it can be appreciated when the indices are extended over n-elements from the graph, its quality increases, principally when they are used in a combined way. QSPR modeling of the physicochemical properties Log P and Log K of the 2-furylethylenes derivatives reveals that the GDIs obtained using the tripleand quadruple matrix approaches yield superior performance to the duplex matrix approach. Moreover, the statistical parameters for models obtained with the GDI method are superior to those reported in the literature by using other methods. It can therefore be suggested that the GDI method, seem to be a promissory tool to reckon on in QSAR/QSPR studies, virtual screening of compound datasets and similarity/dissimilarity evaluations

La negociación colectiva y el bienestar laboral en los gobiernos locales

Para lograr bienestar laboral en el área administrativa de los gobiernos locales, la negociación colectiva tiene gran relevancia jurídica y social porque permite que a través de este medio alternativo se pueda prevenir y también resolver conflictos entre la Institución Edil y los trabajadores de este sector. Si bien es cierto la negociación colectiva no aparece contemplada en los Principios   Universales de los Derechos de las Personas (DUDH), ni tampoco en el Acuerdo  Internacional de derechos concernientes a los aspectos socio-económicos y culturales (PIDESC); sin embargo, desde la perspectiva de la OIT como ente  especializado de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, éste mecanismo de negociación discurre como un elemento  importante y  fundamental  para  que  los trabajadores, empleadores y sus diversas organizaciones sindicales y confederaciones de  las instituciones municipales, dialoguen y encuentren puntos de coincidencias con el objeto de proteger los beneficios que corresponden a los trabajadores;  asimismo, impulsar las promociones laborales, convocatorias y oportunidades de empleo decente, conducentes a fortalecer la unidad de criterios sobre temas relacionados con el derecho al  trabajo en general,  a través de la búsqueda de alternativas y soluciones que conlleven a la consolidación de pactos colectivos laborales consensuados y  armoniosos. Así, este mecanismo alternativo materia de nuestro enfoque, resulta siendo el meollo que fomenta confiabilidad para toda relación tripartita (Empleador-Trabajador-Estado), porque permite el diálogo directo para fijar aquellos puntos coincidentes y controversiales a partir de un pliego de peticiones y/o reclamos por parte de la representación sindical mayoritaria de los trabajadores, en concreto de los Gobiernos Municipales. Por otro lado, nuestra Carta Magna de 1993, en el Art. 28  preceptúa  el derecho a los pactos colectivos a través de la negociación con los Sindicatos de Trabajadores, promoviendo diversas formas de solución pacífica a los posibles problemas laborales;  sumándose a esta forma,  las normas de protección legal al trabajador en general a nivel internacional en los que el Perú es signatario y que por lo tanto se encuentra en la obligación, aunque no coercitiva, de acatar las Recomendaciones correspondientes de la OIT, al amparo de los siguientes Acuerdos: Acuerdo Nº 29 (1930), sobre el Trabajo forzoso; Acuerdo Nº 87 (1948), relacionado con la libertad sindical y la protección del derecho de sindicación; Acuerdo Nº 97 (1949), trabajadores migrantes; Acuerdo Nº 98 (1949), derecho de sindicación y negociación colectiva; Acuerdo Nº 100 (1951), igualdad de remuneraciones; Acuerdo Nº 105 (1957), la abolición del trabajo forzoso; Acuerdo Nº 111 (1958), la discriminación; Acuerdo Nº 138 (1973), edad mínima para el trabajo; Acuerdo Nº 141 (1975), organizaciones de trabajadores rurales, Acuerdo Nº 143 (1975), condiciones abusivas al trabajador migrante; Acuerdo Nº 151, protección al derecho de sindicación; Acuerdo Nº 155 (1981), sobre la seguridad y salud de los trabajadores; Acuerdo Nº 169 (1989), pueblos indígenas y tribales; Acuerdo Nº 182 (1999), las peores formas de trabajo infantil; Acuerdo Nº 183 (2000), protección de la maternidad; Acuerdo Nº 187 (2006), marco promocional para la seguridad y salud en el trabajo; Acuerdo Nº 189 (2011), trabajadores domésticos; Disposiciones legales en el ámbito nacional expedidas por el Ministerio de Trabajo; Entre otros