Identifying the genetic determinants of barley colonisation by the growth-promoting bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens

The global population will increase dramatically during this century which, together with the climate crisis, will pose an enormous challenge for food security. We will need to balance boosting food production with reducing agrochemical use in order to preserve natural ecosystems. To do this, exploiting the benefits that the rhizosphere microbiome has on plant health, growth and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses has been proposed as a feasible strategy. In my project, I examined the interaction between barley, the fourth most important cereal crop, and the widespread beneficial bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens. Plants can actively shape their rhizosphere microbiomes mainly through the secretion of root exudates whose composition depends greatly on host genotype. The ability of different microbes to utilise these exudates determines their success in the rhizosphere, which results in a shift in the rhizobiome composition. In my PhD, I first investigated the effect that barley genotype exerts on the overall rhizosphere microbiome and on the soil Pseudomonas population. I next examined the genetic features of the Pseudomonas populations linked to two particular barley cultivars, Chevallier and Tipple, and identified a set of cultivar-specific genes among the rhizosphere Pseudomonas isolates. These genes fell mainly into two categories: substrate transport and central metabolism, supporting the role of root exudates as the primary drivers of rhizosphere microbiome assembly. Next, I analysed the exudates composition of Chevallier and Tipple, and observed that the secretion of sugars and organic acids were the major differences between them. Finally, I screened a Chevallier x Tipple population for the secretion of fructose as a potential determinant of Pseudomonas recruitment, highlighting two large QTL in the barley genome. Overall, the ultimate objective of this project is to provide a basis to select more efficient biocontrol strains, and breed plants with an improved ability to recruit beneficial Pseudomona

Expression, Function and Targeting of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor in epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common and disabling neurologic disease characterized by the occurrence of recurrent, unprovoked seizures, which affects about 1 % of the population. Seizures are the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can be profoundly disabling, affecting work, social activity and increasing risk of harm. In at least 30 - 40 % of patients, treatment is inadequate, with patients continuing to experience seizures; therefore, there is an important need to develop new anti-epileptogenic drugs. To this end, the application of animal models of evoked seizure, such as focal-onset status epilepticus models, allows for researchers to characterize the early molecular events associated with seizure associated-pathology and the onset of epilepsy. ATP is an essential transmitter/co-transmitter in neuron function and pathophysiology and has recently emerged as a potential contributor to prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) through the activation of the purinergic ionotropic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). Prolonged and excessive temporal lobe seizures following experimental focal-onset status epilepticus are associated with seizure-induced neuronal cell death and sclerosis of the hippocampus, and herald the emergence of spontaneous seizures. Increased P2X7 receptor expression has been reported in the hippocampus and cortex after prolonged seizures in animal models and P2X7 receptor antagonists reduced seizure-induced damage to these brain regions. The body of work presented here in this thesis arose from the presumption that P2X7R is expressed and functional in epilepsy and its activation contributes to the development of seizures in status epilepticus and spontaneous seizures during epilepsy. The P2X7R inhibition was explored for its possible contribution in the development of spontaneous seizures and its potential disease-modifying effects in epilepsy. First, increased P2X7R expression has been reported in the hippocampus after status epilepticus, and P2X7R antagonists reduced seizure-induced damage to this brain region (Engel et al., 2012b). However, status epilepticus also produces damage to the neocortex. The present study was designed to characterize P2X7R in the neocortex and assess effects of P2X7R antagonists on cortical injury after status epilepticus. Status epilepticus resulted in increased P2X7R protein levels in the neocortex of mice and also neocortical P2X7R levels were observed elevated in epilepsy. Immunohistochemistry determined that neurons were the major cell population transcribing the P2X7R in the neocortex within the first 8 h after status epilepticus. In epileptic mice, P2X7R up-regulation occurred in microglia as well as in neurons. Pretreatment of mice with the specific P2X7R inhibitor A-438079 reduced electrographic and clinical seizure severity during status epilepticus and reduced seizure-induced neuronal death in the neocortex. Second, P2X7R expression and transcriptional control was assessed in the hippocampus in epilepsy, including functional evidence of the receptor. Using GFPexpressing P2X7R reporter mice we localized the increased expression mainly to neuron and microglia in epileptic animals. Isolated synaptosomes were also analysed and an increased presence of the P2X7R was also observed in the hippocampus in epilepsy. Moreover, functional studies including patch clamp technique and microfluorometric Ca2+ measurements showed increased functional activation of P2X7R in epileptic mice. These findings support a role for P2X7R in the pathophysiology of chronic epilepsy and suggest P2X7 receptor antagonists may have therapeutic effects against recurrent seizures or progression of disease pathology. Third, the contribution of brain inflammation in the development of spontaneous seizures has gained support over the years, with P2X7R being a potential target due to its contribution to the processing and release of IL-1β (Vezzani et al., 2011). This study assessed the effect of a novel P2X7R antagonist, JNJ-47965567, on the number of spontaneous seizures in epilepsy, which was unexplored until now, in the kainic acid-induced status epilepticus model. The P2X7R antagonist succeeded 12 to reduce the number of spontaneous seizures in epileptic mice. Additionally, microglia and astrocytes reactivity was observed to be reduced in the hippocampus of mice treated with the P2X7R antagonist. These results suggest possible diseasemodifying effects through the P2X7R inhibition. Continuous administration of P2X7 receptor antagonists to epileptic mice will validate the effectiveness of P2X7 receptor inhibitors in stopping seizure occurrence and the progression of disease pathology. In summary, this thesis shows evidence of the involvement of the P2X7R activation in the recurrence of spontaneous seizures in epilepsy and supports the development of new P2X7R inhibitors as a novel therapeutic target with diseasemodifying effects to treat and prevent epilepsy

La protección de la víctima en el ordenamiento jurídico español.

Máster Universitario en Abogacía Por la Universidad de la LagunaEl objeto de este trabajo de investigación es el análisis de la protección que el ordenamiento jurídico español otorga a la víctima en el proceso penal que constituye una de las funciones propias del mismo. Se estructura el trabajo analizando en primer lugar el papel de la víctima en la Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal, concretamente las figuras del ofendido y perjudicado, seguidamente se lleva a cabo un análisis de los antecedentes normativos, normas de la Unión Europea y de normas de derecho interno, hasta llegar a la promulgación de la Ley 4/2015, de 27 de abril, del Estatuto de la Víctima del Delito que constituye el objeto de la segunda parte. Se trata de conferir a la víctima un estatuto integral de protección que opera desde el momento en que se comunique la comisión de un hecho delictivo e incluso una vez finalizado el procedimiento penal. A su vez se ponen a su disposición distintos servicios de apoyo para minimizar los efectos de la victimización secundaria y procurar su reinserciónThe object of this research work is the analysis of the protection that the Spanish legal system grants to the victim in the criminal process that constitutes one of the functions of the same. The work is structured by first analyzing the role of the victim in the Criminal Procedure Law, specifically the figures of the offended and injured party, then an analysis of the normative background, European Union laws and laws internals, until reaching the promulgation of Law 4/2015, of April 27, of the Statute of the Victim of Crime that constitutes the object of the second part. It’s about conferring the victim a comprehensive protection statute that operates from the moment that the commission of a criminal act is communicated and even after the criminal procedure is over. In turn, various support services are available to minimize the effects of secondary victimization and procure their reintegratio

Long-Term Stability of Thin-Film Pd-Based Supported Membranes

Membrane reactors have demonstrated a large potential for the production of hydrogen via reforming of different feedstocks in comparison with other reactor types. However, the long-term performance and stability of the applied membranes are extremely important for the possible industrial exploitation of these reactors. This study investigates the long-term stability of thin-film Pd-Ag membranes supported on porous Al2O3 supports. The stability of five similarly prepared membranes have been investigated for 2650 h, up to 600 °C and in fluidized bed conditions. Results show the importance and the contribution of the sealing of the membranes at temperatures up to 500 °C. At higher temperatures the membranes surface deformation results in pinhole formation and a consequent decrease in selectivity. Stable operation of the membranes in a fluidized bed is observed up to 450 °C, however, at higher temperatures the scouring action of the particles under fluidization causes significant deformation of the palladium surface resulting in a decreased selectivity.The presented work is funded within BIONICO. This project has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 671459. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, Hydrogen Europe and N.ERGHY

Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conducting Membranes (MIEC) for Their Application in Membrane Reactors: A Review

Mixed ionic-electronic conducting membranes have seen significant progress over the last 25 years as efficient ways to obtain oxygen separation from air and for their integration in chemical production systems where pure oxygen in small amounts is needed. Perovskite materials are the most employed materials for membrane preparation. However, they have poor phase stability and are prone to poisoning when subjected to CO2 and SO2, which limits their industrial application. To solve this, the so-called dual-phase membranes are attracting greater attention. In this review, recent advances on self-supported and supported oxygen membranes and factors that affect the oxygen permeation and membrane stability are presented. Possible ways for further improvements that can be pursued to increase the oxygen permeation rate are also indicated. Lastly, an overview of the most relevant examples of membrane reactors in which oxygen membranes have been integrated are provided.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 679933. The present publication reflects only the author’s views and the European Union is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein

Indicadores de impacto en la investigación científica

Dada la importancia del componente investigación para dar respuesta a fenómenos y problemas que demanda la sociedad, en la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI) dentro de las formas de culminación de estudios a nivel de pregrado y posgrado, se encuentra el trabajo monográfico para la obtención del título profesional de Ingeniero o Arquitecto. Por lo antes expuesto es necesario evaluar la pertinencia y aporte de la UNI a la sociedad a través del impacto de las investigaciones desarrolladas. En vista que, la investigación es una estrategia de búsqueda del conocimiento, así como fuente de innovación y aprendizaje constante de la realidad, se constituye en factor clave para la transformación tecnológica y educativa de la sociedad. Es propósito de este ensayo, es explorar los términos conceptuales relacionados con los indicadores de impacto y la investigación, que permitan evaluar su eficacia

Algunos rizobios van armados para luchar contra otras bacterias y para interaccionar con leguminosas

Los rizobios son bacterias del suelo que pueden interaccionar con leguminosas específicas y multiplicarse en estructuras radiculares especializadas llamadas nódulos. En los nódulos las bacterias realizan la fijación biológica de nitrógeno proporcionando una ventaja a estas plantas para crecer en medios pobres en nitrógeno. La relación entre los rizobios y las leguminosas es específica y está mediada por diferentes señales químicas intercambiadas entre los actores. Una de esas señales son proteínas llamadas efectores, que secretan las bacterias al citoplasma vegetal. Se han descritos diferentes sistemas de secreción y uno de ellos se denomina sistema de secreción tipo VI (T6SS). Los T6SS actúan como nanopistolas y pueden disparar efectores que pueden matar a otras bacterias. Este trabajo presenta la importancia del T6SS de Rhizobiumetli Mim1, en la simbiosis con judías, leucenas y mimosas y frente a otras bacterias

Caracterización de sistemas de secreción tipo VI en la simbiosis Rhizobium-Leguminosa

El análisis de los genomas de cepas de Bradyrhizobium sp. aisladas de Lupinus mariaejosephae, L. angustifolius y Retama sphaerocarpa, así como de cepas de Rhizobium aisladas de Mimosa affinis y Phaseolus vulgaris, ha permitido identificar la presencia de sistemas de secreción tipo VI de proteínas (T6SS). Los T6SS están implicados en la interacción planta-bacteria mediante el transporte de proteínas efectoras al citoplasma de células vegetales a través de una estructura similar a una nanojeringa de bacteriófago. El análisis se centra en las cepas Bradyrhizobium sp. ISLU101, aislada de L. angustifolius y Rhizobium etli Mim1 aislada de M. affinis, capaz de nodular judías. Mim1 e ISLU101 contienen uno y dos T6SS, respectivamente. Una característica distintiva de los T6SS activos es que las proteínas Hcp y VgrG, que forman parte de la nanojeringa, pueden secretarse al medio extracelular; así para determinar cuando son activos los T6SS identificados, se están realizando inmunoensayos

De la prensa a la web: evolución y desarrollo en la última década de cinco medios locales de Colombia. Un estudio sobre migración de la prensa escrita a digital

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo primordial, registrar los resultados de un estudio de corte cualitativo centrado en narrar el transito que en la última década han trasegado cinco medios informativos locales que migraron de lo tradicional (prensa escrita) a lo digital. El artículo aporta elementos a la discusión sobre el aprovechamiento de las plataformas digitales, y al mismo tiempo muestra, al menos en el grupo de estudio, el peligro de su supervivencia como medio al tener que asumir y enfrentar los cambios de la globalización informativa y económica. El proyecto se desarrolló a través de fases de indagación, clasificación, ubicación y contacto a partir de lo planteado por Rey y Novoa (2012). Mediante fichas de caracterización se establecieron como criterios para la selección de los medios a estudiar: antigüedad, vigencia y periodicidad. Se realizaron contactos con los directores y administradores de dichos medios periodísticos y a través de entrevistas directas se consultó sobre las dinámicas de sus audiencias, equipos de trabajo, contenido multimedia, interactividad y las redes sociales que emplean al momento de difundir. Los análisis realizados indican que los dos periódicos (Vanguardia Liberal y El Frente) y las tres revistas (Plataforma, La Ponzoña y El Crisol) muestran un avance en la interacción con el usuario, pero no es contundente. Las redes sociales son visibles en los cinco medios, sin embargo, no son potencializadas y se limitan a replicar contenidos de su propia página. Por otra parte, su equipo de trabajo para el ámbito tradicional no es equivalente al número de personas encargadas de lo digital, y su contenido multimedia permite saber que si bien éstos medios han migrado hacia lo digital, no se realiza un aprovechamiento de las herramientas