Efecto del momento de cosecha sobre la calidad de semilla en dos cultivares de pimiento (Capsicum annuum) tipo cuatro cascos

The maturation status of seeds is fundamental at the harvest time to get high rates of germination and vigor. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of harvest time on the quality of pepper seeds. The trial was conducted in two bell type cultivars: Fyuco INTA and Lungo INTA. Fruits were harvested at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 weeks after anthesis. Starting from the eighth week the average seed weight stabilized, coincidently with the change in the fruit colour to red. Germination percentage increased linearly as it increased the age of the seed. The electrical conductivity of the leachate was also stabilized in seeds got from fruit harvested from 8 weeks after anthesis, showing that they had reached physiological maturity. The results demonstrate to harvest the fruits of pepper cv Fyuco INTA and Lungo INTA with over 8 weeks of age after anthesis to reach high quality seeds.El nivel de maduración de la semilla es fundamental al momento de cosecha para obtener elevadas tasas de germinación y buen vigor. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el efecto del momento de cosecha sobre la calidad de semillas de pimiento. El ensayo se realizó en dos cultivares tipo cuatro cascos: Fyuco INTA y Lungo INTA. Se cosecharon frutos a las 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 y 9 semanas después de la antesis. A partir de la octava semana el peso promedio de las semillas se estabilizó, coincidiendo con el cambio de coloración del fruto a rojo. La germinación se incrementó linealmente conforme aumentó la edad de la semilla. La conductividad eléctrica del sobrenadante se estabilizó también, en las semillas obtenidas de los frutos cosechados a partir de las 8 semanas después de la antesis, indicando que estas habían alcanzado la madurez fisiológica. Los resultados demuestran la importancia de cosechar los frutos de pimiento de estas cultivares con más de 8 semanas de edad para lograr semillas de calidad.Fil: Ruiz, Mónica B.. Universidad Nacional de San JuanFil: Parera, Carlos A.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (Argentina). Centro Regional Mendoza-San Juan

Quantitative analysis of Tr1 lymphocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is usually accompanied by a low-grade inflammatory phenomenon, which participates in the pathogenesis of different complications of this condition. The inflammatory response is under the regulation of different mechanisms, including T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes. However, the possible role of type 1 T regulatory (Tr1) cells in T2DM has not been explored so far. Aim: To carry out a quantitative analysis of Tr1 lymphocytes and other immune cell subsets in patients with T2DM and correlate these results with clinical findings and treatments. Materials and methods: Sixty patients with T2DM and twenty-three healthy controls were included in the study. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were evaluated, and Tr1 lymphocytes (CD4+CD49+LAG-3+IL-10+) and other cell subsets (Th17, Th22 and Foxp3 + Treg cells) were analyzed in peripheral blood samples by multiparametric flow cytometry. Results: Significant increased levels of Tr1 cells were detected in patients with severe and mild disease, compared to healthy controls. In addition, CD4+IL-10+ lymphocytes were also increased in patients with T2DM. In contrast, similar levels of Foxp3+ Treg cells, Th17 and Th22 lymphocytes were observed in patients and controls. Likewise, no significant associations were detected between Tr1 cell levels and different clinical and laboratory parameters. However, those patients receiving glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA) showed similar levels of Tr1 cells than healthy controls, and significant lower numbers than untreated patients. Conclusion: We observed an increase in Tr1 and CD4+IL10+ lymphocyte levels in T2DM. Moreover, GLP1-RA treatment was significantly associated with normalization of the Tr1 levels. This highlights another potential immune dysfunction in patients with T2DM, which could participate in the pathogenesis of this conditionProyectos de Investigacion en Salud (FIS) PI19-00584 and PI22/01404, ACROMICS project PMP22/00021 (funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III), iTIRONET (P2022/BMD7379 funded by Comunidad de Madrid

Influence of IFN-gamma and its receptors in human breast cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Interferons are a group of proteins that trigger multiple responses including prevention of viral replication, inhibition of cell growth, and modulation of cell differentiation. In different mammary carcinoma cell lines IFNγ induces growth arrest at mid-G1. At the present there are no <it>in vivo </it>studies in human breast. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of IFNγ and its two receptors (IFNγ-Rα and IFNγ-Rβ) by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, in order to elucidate its role in the different types of human breast cancer (<it>in situ </it>and infiltrative).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Immunohistochemical and semiquantitative study of IFNγ, its receptors types (IFNγ-Rα and IFNγ-Rβ), cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, also named PCNA), and apoptosis (TUNEL method) was carried between the three breast groups (fibrocystic lesions, <it>in situ</it> tumors and infiltrating tumors).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the three groups of patients, IFNγ and IFNγ-Rα immunoreactions appeared in the cytoplasm while IFNγ-Rβ also was found in the nucleus. The optical density to IFNγ was higher in <it>in situ </it>carcinoma than in benign and infiltrating tumors. When we observed IFNγ-Rα, the optical density was lower in infiltrating carcinoma than in benign and <it>in situ </it>tumors (the higher density). To IFNγ-Rβ, the optical density was similar in the three group samples. In tumor samples PCNA and TUNEL index was significantly higher; than in benign diseases. PCNA index increased with the malignance. No significant differences were found between cancer types to TUNEL. IFNγ could be a potential therapeutic tool in breast cancer. However, tumor cells are able to escape from the control of this cytokine in the early tumor stages; this is probably due to a decreased expression of IFNγ, or also to an alteration of either its receptors or some transduction elements.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that the decrease in the % positive samples that expressed IFNγ and IFNγ-Rα together with the nuclear localization of IFNγ-Rβ, could be a tumoral cell response, although perhaps insufficient to inhibit the uncontrolled cell proliferation. Perhaps, IFNγ might be unable to activate p21 to stop the cell cycle, suggesting a possible participation in breast cancer development.</p

Advances in morphometrics in archaeobotany

Morphometric analysis offers an alternative or augmentation to traditional archaeobotanical methods to address differences within and between plant species and their remains, refining and enhancing taxonomic resolution. Morphometrics, the measurement of size and shape, and the multivariate statistical analysis of generated quantitative variables, have long played a major role in biological research, including plant taxonomy and systematics, although its application in archaeobotany is relatively recent. Over the last few decades there has been an increasing interest in the use of morphometrics for analysing a varied range of archaeological plant materials (mainly seeds, pollen, phytoliths, and starch grains). In particular, morphometrics have contributed to the study of the domestication and spread of many cereals world-wide, as well as that of other taxa including legumes, underground storage organs (USO), and fruits (such as olives, grapes, and dates). This paper reviews current methodologies, recent applications, and advances in the use of morphometrics in archaeobotanical research, discusses its role in exploring major research questions, and suggests possible future directions for its use

Influence of obstructive sleep apnea on systemic inflammation in pregnancy

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in pregnancy and it is associated with adverse pregnancy-related outcomes such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight. Maternal systemic inflammation is proposed to be one of the main intermediate mechanisms. However, the effects of OSA on systemic inflammation are unknown in normal pregnancy. Methods: Women in the 3rd trimester underwent hospital polysomnography to evaluate whether OSA increases systemic inflammation in normal pregnancy and its potential association with adverse fetal outcomes. OSA was defined as an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) of = 5 h-1. Plasma cytokines levels (TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) were determined by multiple immunoassays. Results: We included 11 patients with OSA and 22 women with AHI &lt; 5 h-1, who were homogeneous in age, and body mass index (BMI). Women with OSA had significant higher levels of TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10. We found significant correlations between AHI during REM and TNF-a (r = 0.40), IL-1ß (r = 0.36), IL-6 (r = 0.52), IL-8 (r = 0.43), between obstructive apnea index and TNF-a (r = 0.46) and between AHI and IL-1ß (r = 0.43). We also found that CT90% was related to IL-8 (r = 0.37). There were no significant differences in neonatal characteristics; however, we found inverse correlations between TNF-a and IL-8 with birth weight (both r = -0.48), while IL-8 showed a significant inverse relationship with neonatal gestational age (r = -0.48). Conclusions: OSA in our normal pregnancy population was associated with higher systemic inflammation, which was related to obstructive events, especially during REM sleep. Moreover, systemic inflammation was inversely correlated with neonatal birth weight and age

SpadaHC: a database to improve the classification of variants in hereditary cancer genes in the Spanish population

Accurate classification of genetic variants is crucial for clinical decision-making in hereditary cancer. In Spain, genetic diagnostic laboratories have traditionally approached this task independently due to the lack of a dedicated resource. Here we present SpadaHC, a web-based database for sharing variants in hereditary cancer genes in the Spanish population. SpadaHC is implemented using a three-tier architecture consisting of a relational database, a web tool and a bioinformatics pipeline. Contributing laboratories can share variant classifications and variants from individuals in Variant Calling Format (VCF) format. The platform supports open and restricted access, flexible dataset submissions, automatic pseudo-anonymization, VCF quality control, variant normalization and liftover between genome builds. Users can flexibly explore and search data, receive automatic discrepancy notifications and access SpadaHC population frequencies based on many criteria. In February 2024, SpadaHC included 18 laboratory members, storing 1.17 million variants from 4306 patients and 16 343 laboratory classifications. In the first analysis of the shared data, we identified 84 genetic variants with clinically relevant discrepancies in their classifications and addressed them through a three-phase resolution strategy. This work highlights the importance of data sharing to promote consistency in variant classifications among laboratories, so patients and family members can benefit from more accurate clinical management.Database URL: https://spadahc.ciberisciii.es/ Overview of SpadaHC and its main views. (A) List of existing variants in SpadaHC (in the image, search for the ATM gene). The 'Expert Cl.' column shows the classification made by a group of experts; the 'Lab Cl.' column shows a summary of the classifications made by the laboratories. (B) Allele frequency of a variant in the SpadaHC population according to clinical suspicion and sex. (C) Classifications provided by the laboratories for a variant. (D) List of patients carrying a variant. (E) Histogram showing the coverage and frequency (allele balance) with which the variant was detected in carrier patients. Alt text: SpadaHC overview; laboratories can share datasets of variant classifications (Excel) and variants from individuals (VCFs + Excel). The datasets undergo quality control, bioinformatics pipeline annotation and database integration before being displayed in SpadaHC. The graphical abstract also shows five views of SpadaHC

Effectiveness of a psycho-educational program for improving quality of life of fibromyalgia patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Most fibromyalgia patients are seen in primary care (PC). However, the effectiveness of the treatments prescribed by general practitioners is usually minimal. The main objective of the present research is to assess the efficacy of structured psycho-educational intervention, combined with relaxation, developed to improve the quality of life of patients suffering fibromyalgia (FM). The second objective is to assess the cost-effectiveness of this multimodal intervention.</p> <p>Method/Design</p> <p><it>Design</it>. Randomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up involving two groups, one of which is the intervention group that includes patients receiving a psychoeducational program and the other the control group consisting of patients treated for FM in the usual way.</p> <p><it>Setting</it>. Three urban PC centers in the province of Barcelona (Spain).</p> <p><it>Sample</it>. The total sample comprises 218 patients (over 18 years of age) suffering FM, selected from a database (Rheumatology service-Viladecans Hospital) of patients with this illness. Only those patients introduced in the database between the years 2005 and 2007 were included in the selection. Selected patients will be asked for written informed consent to participate in the study.</p> <p><it>Intervention</it>. Multi-component program including information about the illness, counselling about physical exercise and training in autogenic relaxation. The intervention consists of nine 2-hour sessions delivered during a two-month period. The pharmacological treatment prescribed by the physician was maintained in both groups.</p> <p><it>Main variables</it>. Sociodemographic characteristics, quality of life, use and cost of healthcare and social services.</p> <p><it>Measures</it>. Quality of life is to be measured with the FIQ and the EuroQol-5D, and the use of healthcare services with an adapted version of the Client Service Receipt Inventory (CSRI). These variables will be measured before the beginning of the program (baseline) and 1, 2, 6 and 12 months later.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This research project is an attempt to demonstrate that a psycho-educational program implemented in the context of PC can produce a significant increase in the quality of life for patients with FM, as well as a decrease in the use of healthcare and social services, compared with usual care.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>NCT00550966</p

Investigaciones en ciencias humanas y sociales : del ABC disciplinar a la reflexión metodológica

Diversidad de objetos, variedad de enfoques, prácticas disciplinares y multidisciplinares, y ejemplos de ejecución de proyectos de investigación y desarrollo son los rasgos distintivos de los siete capítulos que integran esta obra. En ellos se recoge el material desplegado en los Seminarios-Talleres de Metodología de la Investigación en Humanidades que se realizaron en el marco de las V Jornadas de Investigación de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad Nacional de Cuyo en setiembre de 2004: estudios sobre procesos sociales, cuestiones educativas, geográficas, históricas, lingüísticas y literarias. Algunos capítulos han mantenido el estilo y formato característicos del contexto de los seminarios-talleres, a veces con ligeras modificaciones; otros han sido enteramente reescritos para la convocatoria de esta publicación. Este libro refleja entonces abordajes disciplinares y pluridisciplinares diversos a problemáticas igualmente variadas. Por tratarse de propuestas orientadas a y/o basadas en seminarios-talleres, está claro que los autores involucrados no pueden abarcar todos los aspectos de los objetos de estudio respectivos. Sin embargo, la idea es al menos brindar algún punto de vista sobre el estadio de desarrollo de algunas de las investigaciones actualmente en ejecución en nuestra Facultad

A polymeric nanomedicine diminishes inflammatory events in renal tubular cells

The polyglutamic acid/peptoid 1 (QM56) nanoconjugate inhibits apoptosis by interfering with Apaf-1 binding to procaspase-9. We now describe anti-inflammatory properties of QM56 in mouse kidney and renal cell models. In cultured murine tubular cells, QM56 inhibited the inflammatory response to Tweak, a non-apoptotic stimulus. Tweak induced MCP-1 and Rantes synthesis through JAK2 kinase and NF-kB activation. Similar to JAK2 kinase inhibitors, QM56 inhibited Tweak-induced NF-kB transcriptional activity and chemokine expression, despite failing to inhibit NF-kB-p65 nuclear translocation and NF-kB DNA binding. QM56 prevented JAK2 activation and NF-kB-p65(Ser536) phosphorylation. The anti-inflammatory effect and JAK2 inhibition by QM56 were observed in Apaf-12/2 cells. In murine acute kidney injury, QM56 decreased tubular cell apoptosis and kidney inflammation as measured by downmodulations of MCP-1 and Rantes mRNA expression, immune cell infiltration and activation of the JAK2-dependent inflammatory pathway. In conclusion, QM56 has an anti-inflammatory activity which is independent from its role as inhibitor of Apaf-1 and apoptosis and may have potential therapeutic relevance.This work was supported by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (www.isciii.es), FIS: PI07/0020, CP08/1083, PS09/00447 and ISCIII-RETICS REDINREN RD 06/0016; Sociedad Española de Nefrología (www.senefro.org). Álvaro Ucero, Sergio Berzal and Carlos Ocaña supported by Fundacion Conchita Rabago (www.fundacionconchitarabago.net), Alberto Ortiz by the Programa de Intensificación de la Actividad Investigadora in the Sistema Nacional de Salud of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the Agencia ‘‘Pedro Lain Entralgo’’ of the Comunidad de Madrid and CIFRA S-BIO 0283/2006 www.madrid.org/lainentralgo) and Adrián Ramos, by FIS (Programa Miguel Servet)