Use of ultrasonication to increase germination rates of Arabidopsis seeds

Background: Arabidopsis thaliana is widely used as model organism in plant biology. Although not of agronomic significance, it offers important advantages for basic research in genetics and molecular biology including the availability of a large number of mutants and genetically modified lines. However, Arabidopsis seed longevity is limited and seeds stored for more than 10 years usually show a very low capacity for germination. - Results: the influence of ultrasonic stimulation was investigated on the germination of A. thaliana L. seeds. All experiments have been performed using a frequency of 45 kHz at constant temperature (24 °C). No germination rate differences were observed when using freshly collected seeds. However, using artificially deteriorated seeds, our results show that short ultrasonic stimulation (<1 min) significantly increased germination. Ultrasonic stimulation application of 30 s is the optimal treatment. A significant increase in the germination rate was also verified in naturally aged seeds after ultrasonic stimulation. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed an increase in the presence of pores in the seed coat after sonication that may be the cause, at least in part, of the increase in germination. The ultrasound treated seeds developed normally to mature fertile plants. - Conclusions: ultrasound technology can be used to enhance the germination process of old Arabidopsis seeds without negatively affecting seedling development. This effect seems to be, at least in part, due to the opening of pores in the seed coat. The use of ultrasonic stimulation in Arabidopsis seeds may contribute to the recovering of long time stored lines

First data of Iberian Nematomorpha, with redescription of <i>Gordius aquaticus</i> Linnaeus, <i>G. plicatulus</i> Heinze, <i>Gordionus wolterstorffii</i> (Camerano) and <i>Paragordius tricuspidatus</i> (Dufour)

Four species of Nematomorpha are recorded from NE Spain, representing the first reliable data on the group in the Iberian peninsula. Gordius aquaticits Linnaeus, 1758, G. plicatulus Heinze, 1937, Gordionus wolterstorffii (Camerano, 1888) and Paragordius tricuspidatus (Dufour, 1828) are redescribed based on scanning electron microscope observations. Notes on intraspecific morphological variation and ecology of the species are given.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

First data of Iberian Nematomorpha, with redescription of <i>Gordius aquaticus</i> Linnaeus, <i>G. plicatulus</i> Heinze, <i>Gordionus wolterstorffii</i> (Camerano) and <i>Paragordius tricuspidatus</i> (Dufour)

Four species of Nematomorpha are recorded from NE Spain, representing the first reliable data on the group in the Iberian peninsula. Gordius aquaticits Linnaeus, 1758, G. plicatulus Heinze, 1937, Gordionus wolterstorffii (Camerano, 1888) and Paragordius tricuspidatus (Dufour, 1828) are redescribed based on scanning electron microscope observations. Notes on intraspecific morphological variation and ecology of the species are given.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Drought tolerance induced by sound in Arabidopsis plants

We examined the responses of sound-treated arabidopsis adult plants to water deprivation and the associated changes on gene expression. The survival of drought-induced plants was significantly higher in the sound treated plants (24,8%) compared with plants kept in silence (13,3%). RNA-seq revealed significant upregulation of 87 genes including 32 genes involved in abiotic stress responses, 31 involved in pathogen responses, 11 involved in oxidation-reduction processes, 5 involved in the regulation of transcription, 2 genes involved in protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and 13 involved in jasmonic acid or ethylene synthesis or responses. In addition, 2 genes involved in the responses to mechanical stimulus were also induced by sound, suggesting that touch and sound have at least partially common perception and signaling events

First data of Iberian Nematomorpha, with redescription of <i>Gordius aquaticus</i> Linnaeus, <i>G. plicatulus</i> Heinze, <i>Gordionus wolterstorffii</i> (Camerano) and <i>Paragordius tricuspidatus</i> (Dufour)

Four species of Nematomorpha are recorded from NE Spain, representing the first reliable data on the group in the Iberian peninsula. Gordius aquaticits Linnaeus, 1758, G. plicatulus Heinze, 1937, Gordionus wolterstorffii (Camerano, 1888) and Paragordius tricuspidatus (Dufour, 1828) are redescribed based on scanning electron microscope observations. Notes on intraspecific morphological variation and ecology of the species are given.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Materiality analysis in sustainability reporting: Insights from large Spanish companies

Despite the significance of materiality, its implementation has been perceived as ambiguous, opaque, and heterogeneous. This study focuses on analyzing materiality reporting among companies that utilize GRI and are listed on the Spanish stock exchange between 2018 and 2021. First, it examines the disclosure of materiality analysis by introducing a materiality disclosure assessment index (MDA) and exploring its determinants. Additionally, it investigates the alignment of material topics with GRI Topic Standards, analyzing the cross-cutting nature of material topics. Our results indicate that MDA reached slightly over half of its maximum value. We found evidence that MDA is positively associated with membership in the IBEX 35, as well as with five out of the seven industries comprising the stock index. Furthermore, the years of disclosure experience in two industries significantly influenced MDA. Companies considered 20% of material topics as cross-cutting, while another 20% had no direct correspondence with GRI standards. This study builds upon previous empirical findings on GRI materiality disclosure and provides valuable insights for research, practice, and standard setting.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva/CBUADepartamento de Economía Financiera, Contabilidad y Dirección de Operacione

Genetic, molecular and cellular approaches to the analysis of maize embryo development

The development of embryo structures in plants is essential for the formation of the adult plant organs. In cereals, this process has distinct features which have attracted attention from different points of view. Differential gene expression analyses have been used in order to identify genes useful as molecular markers of certain physiological, molecular or developmental processes. Several maize mutants affected in embryo development have been isolated, but only a fraction of them have been characterized at the molecular level. Molecular markers can be useful in the characterization of embryo defective mutants. Here, we describe the different techniques used in the identification of molecular marker genes for embryo development. We describe in more detail some groups of genes coding for cell wall proteins. We also describe the application of these molecular markers in the characterization of some embryo mutants

Cambio climático y lucha contra la pobreza

Este libro es el resultado de la VI edición de los cursos de verano que la Fundación Carolina organiza anualmente en colaboración con la Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo. El cambio climático global representa uno de los mayores retos a los cuales deben enfrentarse todos los países y en particular los menos desarrollados. No solamente está amenazado nuestro modelo productivo y de utilización de los recursos del planeta, sino también la propia sostenibilidad de la vida humana. Fenómenos adversos como las inundaciones, intensas y prolongadas sequías, la escasez de agua potable, y la disminución de la productividad agrícola entre otros nos obligan a incluir el cambio climático como una variable central de nuestras estrategias de desarrollo. Mientras los Estados más adelantados están mejor preparados para paliar los efectos de estos cambios y catástrofes, los países en desarrollo y su población adolecen de elevados niveles de vulnerabilidad susceptibles de socavar sus esfuerzos de desarrollo. Este libro pretende ofrecer una reflexión desde disciplinas muy diferentes como la sociología, la economía, la agronomía y la ecología sobre la estrecha relación e interrelación entre pobreza y cambio climáticoPresentación / Rosa Conde (VII-X). -- Introducción / Mercedes Pardo y Maribel Rodríguez (XI-XVI). -- Cambio climático y pobreza: una mala combinación / Mercedes Pardo Buendía (pp.1-23). -- Desarrollo sostenible: sostenibilidad débil y fuerte y los objetivos de desarrollo del milenio / Iván López Pardo (pp. 25-53). -- Cambio climático, agua y producción de alimentos / Ana Iglesias y Sonia Quiroga (pp. 55-76). -- Cambio climático y desarrollo en la agenda de Copenhague / Mª Teresa Ribera (pp. 77-82). -- El fin de la diversión tras Copenhague. Las políticas de mitigación del cambio climático: una revisión crítica desde la cooperación / Jordi Ortega (pp. 83-124). -- Acceso a servicios energéticos: elemento clave en el desarrollo de los objetivos del milenio y la adaptación al cambio climático / Leida Mercado (pp. 125-148). -- La cooperación para el desarrollo: situación y oportunidades / Ignacio Santos Molina (pp. 149-176). -- Medidas para la recuperación económica / José Luis Samaniego y Luis Miguel Galindo (pp. 177-211)

Elucidating compositional factors of maize cell walls contributing to stalk strength and lodging resistance

Lodging is one of the causes of maize (Zea mays L.) production losses worldwide and, at least, the resistance to stalk lodging has been positively correlated with stalk strength. In order to elucidate the putative relationship between cell wall, stalk strength and lodging resistance, twelve maize inbreds varying in rind penetration strength and lodging resistance were characterized for cell wall composition and structure. Stepwise multiple regression indicates that H lignin subunits confer a greater rind penetration strength. Besides, the predictive model for lodging showed that a high ferulic acid content increases the resistance to lodging, whereas those of diferulates decrease it. These outcomes highlight that the strength and lodging susceptibility of maize stems may be conditioned by structural features of cell wall rather than by the net amount of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. The results presented here provide biotechnological targets in breeding programs aimed at improving lodging in maize.This work was funded by Projects AGL2014−58126-R and RTC-2016−5816-2 from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. This work was also supported by the CERCA Program and the SGR program (SGR-710) from the Generalitat de Catalunya. We acknowledge financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, through the “Severo Ochoa Program for Centres of Excellence in R&D” 2016–2019 (SEV‐2015‐0533)”. Alba Manga-Robles’s contract was granted by the Junta de Castilla y León and the Fondo Social Europeo through “Sistema Nacional de Garantía Juvenil” Program, Universidad de León and Junta de Castilla y León predoctoral Programs. Rogelio Santiago acknowledges a postdoctoral contract “Ramón y Cajal” financed by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain (RYC-2012-10603).Peer reviewe

Multiple health behaviour change primary care intervention for smoking cessation, physical activity and healthy diet in adults 45 to 75 years old (EIRA study): a hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster randomised trial

Methods: A cluster randomised effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial-type 2 with two parallel groups was conducted in 25 Spanish Primary Health Care (PHC) centres (3062 participants): 12 centres (1481 participants) were randomised to the intervention and 13 (1581 participants) to the control group (usual care). The intervention was based on the Transtheoretical Model and focused on all target behaviours using individual, group and community approaches. PHC professionals made it during routine care. The implementation strategy was based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data were analysed using generalised linear mixed models, accounting for clustering. A mixed-methods data analysis was used to evaluate implementation outcomes (adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and fidelity) and determinants of implementation success. Results: 14.5% of participants in the intervention group and 8.9% in the usual care group showed a positive change in two or all the target behaviours. Intervention was more effective in promoting dietary behaviour change (31.9% vs 21.4%). The overall adoption rate by professionals was 48.7%. Early and final appropriateness were perceived by professionals as moderate. Early acceptability was high, whereas final acceptability was only moderate. Initial and final acceptability as perceived by the participants was high, and appropriateness moderate. Consent and recruitment rates were 82.0% and 65.5%, respectively, intervention uptake was 89.5% and completion rate 74.7%. The global value of the percentage of approaches with fidelity ≥50% was 16.7%. Eight CFIR constructs distinguished between high and low implementation, five corresponding to the Inner Setting domain. Conclusions: Compared to usual care, the EIRA intervention was more effective in promoting MHBC and dietary behaviour change. Implementation outcomes were satisfactory except for the fidelity to the planned intervention, which was low. The organisational and structural contexts of the centres proved to be significant determinants of implementation effectiveness