Oxyfertigation and Transplanting Conditions of Strawberries

Soilless growing systems can improve water-use efficiency, especially in closed soilless growing systems. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different transplanting conditions, and determine how supplying H2O2 as an oxygen source to the rhizosphere of strawberry plants in a soilless growing system affects plant growth, fruit yield and fruit quality. Strawberry plants (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. ‘Fortuna’ were cultivated in 12 L pots filled with peat substrate, and maintained under conditions of natural light and temperature. Treated plants were supplied with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (H1) and control plants did not receive H2O2 (H0). In terms of the transplanting conditions, the plants were transplanted in October (T1), and either maintained in a culture chamber (T2), or refrigerated (T3), for one month, before being transplanted. A completely randomized block design with two treatment factors (transplanting conditions, and H2O2 treatment) and five replications was established. Then, we determined the fruit per plant, yield per plant (g plant−1), fruit weight (g fruit−1), fruit size (mm), SPAD values, crown number, crown diameter (mm), flower number, firmness (g cm−1), pH, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and TSS/TA. During the early crop cycle, there were not significant differences between treatment and the transplanting conditions that significantly affected the fruit weight and fruit size, although T3 produced the highest values. During the late crop cycle, the H2O2 treatment affected fruit per plant, yield per plant (g plant−1), and crown diameter, with H1 producing the highest values. Furthermore, the transplanting conditions affected yield per plant (g plant−1), old SPAD values, crown diameter, firmness, TSS, TA and TSS/TAThis work was supported by Banco Santander within the framework of economic mobility grants of excellence for teachers and researchers at the University of Oviedo We are grateful to the people who helped with field and laboratory work. We acknowledge the technical assistance provided by Laura Vidal Gam

Antioxidant Profile of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Fruits Containing Diverse Levels of Capsaicinoids

Capsicum is the genus where a number of species and varieties have pungent features due to the exclusive content of capsaicinoids such as capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. In this work, the main enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems in pepper fruits from four varieties with different pungent capacity have been investigated at two ripening stages. Thus, a sweet pepper variety (Melchor) from California-type fruits and three autochthonous Spanish varieties which have different pungency levels were used, including Piquillo, Padrón and Alegría riojana. The capsaicinoids contents were determined in the pericarp and placenta from fruits, showing that these phenyl-propanoids were mainly localized in placenta. The activity profiles of catalase, total and isoenzymatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzymes of the ascorbate–glutathione cycle (AGC) and four NADP-dehydrogenases indicate that some interaction with capsaicinoid metabolism seems to occur. Among the results obtained on enzymatic antioxidants, the role of Fe-SOD and the glutathione reductase from the AGC is highlighted. Additionally, it was found that ascorbate and glutathione contents were higher in those pepper fruits which displayed the greater contents of capsaicinoids. Taken together, all these data indicate that antioxidants may contribute to preserve capsaicinoids metabolism to maintain their functionality in a framework where NADPH is perhaps playing an essential role

Effect of soilless growing systems on the spread of Verticillium dahliae and the severity of the Verticillium wilt in strawberry

The dispersion of soilborne plant pathogens could be greater in closed soilless growing systems than in open ones. The effect of three soilless growing systems (open, closed and closed with slow sand filtration) on the dispersion of Verticillium dahliae propagules and the severity of the disease in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) has been analysed. V. dahliae dispersion in a closed system with slow sand filtration was studied by measuring propagules in the recirculating nutrient solution and in the growth medium. The growth medium used was coconut fiber. V. dahliae propagules were not removed by slow sand filtration. In the first crop cycle, an increase in the severity of Verticillium wilt was detected in the closed soilless growing system with slow sand filtration in comparison with the other two systems. This increase may be due to the non-elimination of V. dahliae propagules by filtration and to the lower microbial biomass in the filtered solution storage tank than in the drained solution storage tank. The decline in microbial biomass by filtration may improve the viability of the dispersed conidia, thus increasing the severity of the disease. This decline in microbial biomass by filtration may be compensated in the second crop cycle by the root debris from the first crop cycle. This debris may have provided nutrient sources to the microbes and increased the associated microbial biomass.La dispersión de los patógenos de suelo podría ser mayor en los sistemas de cultivo sin suelo cerrados que en los sistemas abiertos. Se estudió el efecto de tres sistemas de cultivo (abierto, cerrado y cerrado con filtración lenta en lecho de arena) sobre la dispersión de los propágulos de Verticillium dahliae y sobre la severidad de la enfermedad en fresa (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). Se analizó la dispersión de V. dahliae en el sistema cerrado con filtración lenta mediante la medida de los propágulos en la solución nutritiva recirculante y en el sustrato empleado, que fue fibra de coco. Los propágulos de V. dahliae no fueron eliminados por la filtración lenta. En el primer ciclo de cultivo, se detectó un incremento en la severidad de verticilosis en el sistema cerrado con filtración lenta en comparación con los otros dos sistemas. Este incremento puede ser debido a que el filtro no elimina los propágulos de V. dahliae y a que la biomasa microbiana en la solución filtrada es más baja que en la solución drenada. Este descenso que se produce en la biomasa microbiana debido a la filtración podría mejorar la viabilidad de las conidias dispersadas y por lo tanto incrementar la severidad de la enfermedad. El descenso de la biomasa microbiana por la filtración parece estar compensado en el segundo ciclo de cultivo por la activación de la misma debido a los nutrientes proveídos por los restos de raíces procedentes del primer ciclo de cultivo

Decellularized Extracellular Matrix-Based Bioinks for Tendon Regeneration in Three-Dimensional Bioprinting

In the last few years, attempts to improve the regeneration of damaged tendons have been rising due to the growing demand. However, current treatments to restore the original performance of the tissue focus on the usage of grafts; although, actual grafts are deficient because they often cannot provide enough support for tissue regeneration, leading to additional complications. The beneficial effect of combining 3D bioprinting and dECM as a novel bioink biomaterial has recently been described. Tendon dECMs have been obtained by using either chemical, biological, or/and physical treatments. Although decellularization protocols are not yet standardized, recently, different protocols have been published. New therapeutic approaches embrace the use of dECM in bioinks for 3D bioprinting, as it has shown promising results in mimicking the composition and the structure of the tissue. However, major obstacles include the poor structural integrity and slow gelation properties of dECM bioinks. Moreover, printing parameters such as speed and temperature have to be optimized for each dECM bioink. Here, we show that dECM bioink for 3D bioprinting provides a promising approach for tendon regeneration for future clinical applications.This work was funded by the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and the Basque Country Government (IT1448-22). Supported by the fellowships granted to Fouad Al-Hakim Khalak (PRE_2021_2_0181) and Sandra Ruiz-Alonso (PRE_2021_2_0153). Likewise, the authors thank ICTS “NANBIOSIS”, in particular the Drug Formulation Unit (U10) of the CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Mirador basado en la tecnología Realidad Aumentada para su ubicación en yacimientos arqueológicos

[ES] La finalidad de esta comunicación es la introducción al mundo de la realidad aumentada para su utilización de forma práctica en el ámbito de la puesta en valor de los conjuntos arqueológicos. De esta forma, se hace un recorrido por los estudios más significativos que se han realizado en este campo. A continuación, se propone el Mirador basado en la tecnología Realidad Mezclada o Aumentada como una solución concreta y factible para su ubicación en determinados puntos estratégicos de yacimientos arqueológicos. Finalmente se concluye indicando las ventajas y el valor añadido que aporta dicho sistema al campo de la arqueología.[EN] The purpose of this communication is the introduction to the world of the augmented reality for its use in a practical way for conferring value to archaeological sites. In this way, we make a revision of the most significant researches that have been done in this field. Then, we propose the ViewPoint based on the Augmented or Mixed Reality technology: a specific solution for its location in strategic places on archaeological sites. Finally, we conclude showing the added value and advantages that this system provides to the field of archaeology.Acién Martínez, F.; Barrios Aragón, E.; Ruiz Aguilar, A.; Vázquez Fernández-Baca, JL. (2010). Mirador basado en la tecnología Realidad Aumentada para su ubicación en yacimientos arqueológicos. Virtual Archaeology Review. 1(2):47-49. https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2010.4685OJS474912ALONSO, N., BALAGUER, A., BORI, S., FERRÉ, G., JUNYENT, E., LAFUENTE, A., LÓPEZ, J.B., LORÉS, J., MUÑOZ, D., SENDÍN, M. Y TARTERA, E. (2001): "Análisis de escenarios de futuro en realidad aumentada. Aplicación al yacimiento arqueológico de Els Vilars", Actas Interacción Persona-Ordenador (INTERACCIÓN'2001), Salamanca, 2001.DÄHNE, P., KARIGIANNIS, J., (2002) "Archeoguide: System Architecture of a Mobile Outdoor Augmented Reality System," ismar,pp.263, International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR'02), 2002 http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ismar.2002.111510

Progress in 3D Bioprinting Technology for Osteochondral Regeneration

Osteochondral injuries can lead to osteoarthritis (OA). OA is characterized by the progressive degradation of the cartilage tissue together with bone tissue turnover. Consequently, joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness are common, with joint immobility and dysfunction being the most severe symptoms. The increase in the age of the population, along with the increase in risk factors such as obesity, has led OA to the forefront of disabling diseases. In addition, it not only has an increasing prevalence, but is also an economic burden for health systems. Current treatments are focused on relieving pain and inflammation, but they become ineffective as the disease progresses. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches, such as tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting, have emerged. In this review, the advantages of using 3D bioprinting techniques for osteochondral regeneration are described. Furthermore, the biomaterials, cell types, and active molecules that are commonly used for these purposes are indicated. Finally, the most recent promising results for the regeneration of cartilage, bone, and/or the osteochondral unit through 3D bioprinting technologies are considered, as this could be a feasible therapeutic approach to the treatment of OA.This research was funded by the BASQUE COUNTRY GOVERNMENT/EUSKO JAURLARITZA (Department of Education, University and Research, Consolidated Groups IT907- 16). Author S.R.-A. thank the BASQUE COUNTRY GOVERNMENT for the granted fellowship (PRE_2021_2_0153)

Clay Minerals as Bioink Ingredients for 3D Printing and 3D Bioprinting: Application in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

The adaptation and progress of 3D printing technology toward 3D bioprinting (specifically adapted to biomedical purposes) has opened the door to a world of new opportunities and possibilities in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this regard, 3D bioprinting allows for the production of tailor-made constructs and organs as well as the production of custom implants and medical devices. As it is a growing field of study, currently, the attention is heeded on the optimization and improvement of the mechanical and biological properties of the so-called bioinks/biomaterial inks. One of the strategies proposed is the use of inorganic ingredients (clays, hydroxyapatite, graphene, carbon nanotubes and other silicate nanoparticles). Clays have proven to be useful as rheological and mechanical reinforcement in a wide range of fields, from the building industry to pharmacy. Moreover, they are naturally occurring materials with recognized biocompatibility and bioactivity, revealing them as optimal candidates for this cutting-edge technology. This review deals with the use of clays (both natural and synthetic) for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine through 3D printing and bioprinting. Despite the limited number of studies, it is possible to conclude that clays play a fundamental role in the formulation and optimization of bioinks and biomaterial inks since they are able to improve their rheology and mechanical properties, thus improving printability and construct resistance. Additionally, they have also proven to be exceptionally functional ingredients (enhancing cellular proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and alignment), controlling biodegradation and carrying/releasing actives with tissue regeneration therapeutic activities.This research was funded by the BASQUE COUNTRY GOVERNMENT/EUSKO JAURLARITZA (Department of Education, University and Research, Consolidated Groups IT907-16). Authors S.R.-A. and M.S.-R. thank the BASQUE COUNTRY GOVERNMENT for the granted fellowship (PRE_2020_2_0143) and the UNIVERSITY OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY/EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEA (UPV/EHU) for the granted pre-doctoral fellowship (PIF17/79), respectively

Parental Educational Practices and Life Satisfaction: The Role of Positive Affect and Agreeableness in Adolescents

Introduction: Researchers have investigated the external elements that can condition a person’s satisfaction with life, although it has been proven that they do not explain a large part of the phenomenon. For this reason, other variables such as perceived competence, personality styles and personal autonomy are being investigated more successfully. The main objective of this paper is to study the influence of parental educational practices on adolescent life satisfaction considering the role played by adolescent’s positive affect and the agreeableness personality trait by implementing a statistical Mediation Model that explains such relationship. Methods: The population sample is a total of 742 Spanish adolescents, of which 45.1% were boys and 51.5% were girls. The age ranged between 13 and 19 years (15.63, SD = 1.24). Results: The results revealed that the relationship between parental educational practices and life satisfaction in adolescence was mediated by positive affect and the personality trait of agreeableness. Both variables did act as serial mediators in this relationship. On the other hand, the serial multiple mediation structural model explained 31.72% of the variability in life satisfaction for the dimension of affection and communication and promotion of autonomy, 29.70% for the psychological control dimension, 26.58% for selfdisclosure and 28.21% for the humor dimension of parental educational practices. Conclusion: These findings have important implications to understand the relationship between parental educational practices and the adolescent life satisfaction, indicating that different parental educational practices will have a positive or negative effect on adolescent positive affect, which will lead to increased or decreased agreeableness influencing the adolescent life satisfaction

The hidden microbial ecosystem in the perennial ice from a Pyrenean ice cave.

Over the last years, perennial ice deposits located within caves have awakened interest as places to study microbial communities since they represent unique cryospheric archives of climate change. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the temperature has gradually increased, and it is estimated that by the end of this century the increase in average temperature could be around 4.0°C. In this context of global warming the ice deposits of the Pyrenean caves are undergoing a significant regression. Among this type of caves, that on the Cotiella Massif in the Southern Pyrenees is one of the southernmost studied in Europe. These types of caves house microbial communities which have so far been barely explored, and therefore their study is necessary. In this work, the microbial communities of the Pyrenean ice cave A294 were identified using metabarcoding techniques. In addition, research work was carried out to analyze how the age and composition of the ice affect the composition of the bacterial and microeukaryotic populations. Finally, the in vivo effect of climate change on the cellular machinery that allow microorganisms to live with increasing temperatures has been studied using proteomic techniques