Characterization of the apical ear mutant of maize: preliminary steps toward an ideotype

The present study was conducted in the context of ideotype breeding, and was pan of a major project which has as a main objective the development of a maize ideotype adapted to conditions of high temperature and low moisture. A previous research culminated in the description of the plant model; it called for important morphological modifications, but the most prominent involved the transfer of the site of grain production from a lateral position to the apex of the plant, associated with the complete suppression of the tassel. A mutant was also identified as a potential source to develop the ideotype. To decide on the suitability of this genetic material, several experiments were designed to characterize its morphology and to obtain information on the genetic nature of the different plant attributes associated with it;In average, the typical mutant plant was 85 cm tall, with 27 to 30 leaves from which 18 to 20 remained functional at maturity. It developed one or more apical female inflorescences; a tassel was usually present although suppressed at variable degrees. Ears were small, with few rows and gram. Gram yield per plain was low (+/-30 g). Lateral ear shoots frequently appeared. Little improvement in the level of expression of these plant attributes was accomplished after backcrossing, possibly because of an undesirable linkage between the presence of apical ears and a short, leafy plant;Preliminary evidence suggested that the apical ear characteristic may be a threshold trait. Generation mean analysis indicated that penetrance of the trait was controlled by additive, dominance, additive x additive and additive x dominance gene effects. Models including one to three digenic epistatic effects explained the inheritance of other plant attributes. Information from a biparental progenies experiment revealed that in the population derived from the maintenance of the mutant, genetic variation existed for most traits, although its magnitude was small;It is concluded that some selection could be practiced in the mutant population, but that the most recommendable course of action is to continue with the backcross process and to explore new germplasm sources

Sistemas de acceso e intercambio local de semillas en el altiplano central de México

In the case of maize farmers, access to seeds for planting is essential. We describe access to and exchange of maize seed in three sub-regions (central, eastern and western) in the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala, in order to analyze the use of maize seed in a rain-fed plateau region, based on local diversity. In 2013, 86 local maize producers were interviewed, 43 of whom participated in the Custodian program for the National System of Plant Genetic Resources (Sistema Nacional de Recursos Fitogenéticos), and 43 others, who did not participate, but were chosen by non-probabilistic sampling. The 86 farmers maintain 193 lots of seeds, differentiated according to grain color (white, red, blue, yellow, pinto and moradillo) and the Cacahuacintle type. There were significant differences between sub-regions in terms of access, exchange and loss of seed lots. 92.7% of the seed used in the area is native maize derived from self-sufficiency within the community or family (81.9%), with a low replacement rate (79.8%) and when a new batch of seeds is required, this is acquired within the community itself (86.0%); there is limited exchange (55.9%), between family members or close social networks. A community seed supply system prevails, due to being very accessible and people’s confidence in the adaptability of the acquired genetic material, promoting in situ conservation of native maize; even though farmers do have access to improved varieties.El acceso a semillas para siembra es indispensable para agricultores de maíz. Con el objetivo de analizar el uso del insumo semilla de maíz en una región temporalera de valles altos, en los estados de Puebla y Tlaxcala, se describe el acceso e intercambio de semilla de maíz en tres subregiones (centro, oriente y poniente), con base en la diversidad local. En 2013, se entrevistó a 86 pequeños productores de maíz, 43 de ellos participaban en el programa de custodios, del Sistema Nacional de Recursos Fitogenéticos, y otros 43 no participaban y fueron elegidos mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. Los 86 agricultores conservan 193 lotes de semillas, diferenciados en base al color de grano (blanco, rojo, azul, amarillo, pinto y moradillo) y el tipo Cacahuacintle. Hubo diferencias significativas entre subregiones en mecanismos de acceso, intercambio y pérdida de lotes de semilla. De la semilla utilizada en la zona, 92.7% es de maíces nativos y proviene del autoabastecimiento dentro de la comunidad o de la familia (81.9%), con baja tasa de reemplazo (79.8%) y cuando se requiere un nuevo lote de semillas, éste se adquiere en la misma comunidad (86.0%); existe intercambio bajo (55.9%), entre miembros de la familia o redes sociales cercanas. Prevalece un sistema comunitario de abasto de semillas, por el fácil acceso a la misma y la confianza en la adaptación del material genético adquirido, promoviendo la conservación in situ de los maíces nativos, aunque los agricultores tengan acceso a variedades mejoradas

Intra-racial variation of maize landraces from the highlands of Puebla, Mexico

En el altiplano del estado de Puebla, México, se ha estudiado la diversidad existente en poblaciones nativas de maíz a través de la asociación de éstas con alguna de las razas reportadas para valles altos; sin embargo, la variación de las poblaciones dentro de esas razas ha sido poco estudiada. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar morfológicamente a poblaciones de maíces nativos del altiplano del estado de Puebla y definir las relaciones existentes entre y dentro de las razas a las que pertenecen. En 2012 se evaluaron 41 poblaciones nativas de maíz procedentes de las regiones de los valles de Serdán, Libres-Huamantla y Puebla; se incluyeron 19 testigos raciales, dos testigos comerciales y dos variedades experimentales. Se registraron 40 variables morfológicas y se aplicó un análisis de varianza, además de técnicas multivariadas como el análisis discriminante stepwise, componentes principales y de conglomerados. Se detectaron diferencias estadísticas entre poblaciones para la mayoría de las variables, lo que se considera un indicador de diversidad. Las poblaciones nativas se asociaron con las razas Chalqueño, Cónico, Elotes Cónicos y con la sub-raza Elotes Chalqueños. Se identificó variación dentro de los grupos resultantes, lo que sugiere que el ambiente y el proceso dinámico de selección de los agricultores sobre las poblaciones nativas de maíz en el altiplano del estado de Puebla, favorecen una variación entre y dentro de grupos representativos de las razas en esta zona. La variación identificada puede ser la base para el mejoramiento y conservación in situ de razas de maíz.Diversity among native maize populations in the highlands of the state of Puebla, Mexico has been studied through the association of those populations with some of the reported maize races; however, population variation within races has been little studied. The aim of the study was to characterize morphologically populations of native maize from the highlands of the state of Puebla and to define relationships among and within races to which they belong. In 2012, 41 native maize populations from the valleys of Serdan, Libres-Huamantla and Puebla were evaluated; 19 representative-race popula- tions, two commercial and two experimental populations were included as controls in the trials. Forty morphological variables were recorded and an analysis of variance was applied, as well as multivariate techniques such as discriminant stepwise, principal component and cluster analyses. Statistical differences among populations for most of the variables were detected and it is considered as an indicator of diversity. Native populations were associated with Chalqueño, Conico, and Elotes Conicos races and with sub-race Elotes Chalqueños. Variation among and within groups was identified, suggesting that the environment and the dynamic process of selection from the farmers on native maize populations in the highlands of the state of Puebla, support an important variation among and within groups representative of the maize races in this area. On the basis of the identified variation, breeding and conservation in situ of maize races can be carried out.Fil: Flores-Pérez, Luis. Colegio de Postgraduados. Campus Puebla (México)Fil: López, Pedro Antonio. Colegio de Postgraduados. Campus Puebla (México)Fil: Gil-Muñoz, Abel. Colegio de Postgraduados. Campus Puebla (México)Fil: Santacruz-Varela, Amalio. Colegio de Postgraduados. Campus Montecillo (México)Fil: Chávez-Servia, José Luis. Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Oaxaca, México

Plantas silvestres útiles y prioritarias identificadas en la Mixteca Poblana, México

Achieving a sustainable production in tropical forests depends, among other factors, upon the conservation of their useful wild plant species. A key element for such conservation is traditional local knowledge, since it allows a preliminary evaluation of the current situation of those species. With the purpose of contributing to the elaboration of an inventory of useful plants and to define some management and conservation priorities in two communities from la Mixteca Poblana in Mexico, 14 interviews and a participatory workshop were carried out at two communities in the municipality of Chietla, Puebla, Mexico. Uses, socioeconomic importance, and ecological potential for recognized plant species identified as relevant by local people were recorded; a principal factor analysis was carried out. At both communities, nine use categories were recognized; four of them (fuel, medicinal, food, and construction) were the most valued. At Huajotitlán, 139 useful species were reported. Palo dulce (Eysenhardtia polystachya), pitaya (Stenocereus stellatus), and palma (Brahea dulcis), were considered the most relevant for management proposals; cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens), cuatomate (Solanum glaucescens), nanche (Byrsonima crassifolia), quina (Hintonia latiflora), and rabo de iguana (Havardia acatlensis) were priority species for reforestation. At Buenavista, 126 useful species were recognized; of these, only pitaya and palma were considered suitable for management and utilization strategies; ciruela (Spondias purpurea), palo dulce, and arnica (Colubrina triflora) were deemed convenient for reforestation purposes. The principal factor analysis ratified the importance of species at each community.Uno de los factores de la producción sostenible de los bosques tropicales es la conservación de sus especies vegetales silvestres útiles, cuyo estado puede ser evaluado inicialmente a través del conocimiento tradicional local. El objetivo de este trabajo fue contribuir a la elaboración de un inventario de plantas útiles y, mediante valoración socioeconómica y ecológica, determinar prioridades de conservación en la Mixteca Poblana, México. Se realizaron 14 entrevistas y un taller participativo en dos comunidades del municipio de Chietla, Puebla, México. Se registraron los usos de las especies reconocidas, la importancia socioeconómica y el potencial ecológico de cada planta considerada relevante y se aplicó un análisis de factores principales. En ambas comunidades se reconocieron nueve categorías de uso, destacando las combustibles, las medicinales, las alimenticias y las de construcción. En Huajotitlán se reportaron 139 especies útiles, ubicando a palo dulce (Eysenhardtia polystachya), pitaya (Stenocereus stellatus) y palma (Brahea dulcis) como adecuadas para planes de manejo y aprovechamiento; las especies prioritarias para reforestación fueron cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens), cuatomate (Solanum glaucescens), nanche (Byrsonima crassifolia), quina (Hintonia latiflora) y rabo de iguana (Havardia acatlensis). En Buenavista se reportaron 126 especies útiles, de las cuales pitaya y palma fueron percibidas como importantes para su manejo y aprovechamiento; ciruela (Spondias purpurea), palo dulce y árnica (Colubrina triflora) fueron identificadas como apropiadas para reforestación. El análisis de factores principales confirmó la importancia de las especies en cada comunidad

Variación intra-racial de maíces nativos del altiplano de Puebla, México

Diversity among native maize populations in the highlands of the state of Puebla, Mexico has been studied through the association of those populations with some of the reported maize races; however, population variation within races has been little studied. The aim of the study was to characterize morphologically  populations of native maize from the highlands of the state of Puebla and to define relationships among and within races to which they belong. In 2012, 41 native  maize populations from the valleys of Serdan, Libres-Huamantla and Puebla were evaluated; 19 representative-race populations,  two commercial and  two experimental populations were included as controls in the trials. Forty morphological variables were recorded and an analysis of variance was applied, as  ell as multivariate techniques such as discriminant stepwise, principal  component and cluster analyses. Statistical differences among populations for most of  he variables were detected and it is considered as an indicator of diversity. Native populations were associated with Chalqueño, Conico, and Elotes Conicos  aces and with sub-race Elotes Chalqueños. Variation among and within groups was identified, suggesting that the environment and the dynamic process of  selection from the farmers on native maize populations in the highlands of the state of Puebla, support an important variation among and within groups  representative of the maize races in this area. On the basis of the identified variation, breeding and conservation in situ of maize races can be carried out.En el altiplano del estado de Puebla, México, se ha estudiado la diversidad existente en poblaciones nativas de maíz a través de la asociación de éstas con alguna de las razas reportadas para valles altos; sin embargo, la variación de las poblaciones dentro de esas razas ha sido poco estudiada. El objetivo del  estudio fue caracterizar morfológicamente a poblaciones de maíces nativos del altiplano del estado de Puebla y definir las relaciones existentes entre y dentro  de las razas a las que pertenecen. En 2012 se evaluaron 41 poblaciones nativas de maíz procedentes de las regiones de los valles de Serdán, Libres- Huamantla y Puebla; se incluyeron 19 testigos raciales, dos testigos comerciales y dos variedades experimentales. Se registraron 40 variables morfológicas y   e aplicó un análisis de varianza, además de técnicas multivariadas como el análisis discriminante stepwise, componentes principales y de conglomerados.  Se detectaron  diferencias estadísticas entre poblaciones para la mayoría de las variables, lo que se considera un indicador de diversidad. Las poblaciones  ativas se asociaron con las razas  Chalqueño, Cónico, Elotes Cónicos y con la sub-raza Elotes Chalqueños. Se identificó variación dentro de los grupos  esultantes, lo que sugiere que el ambiente y el proceso  dinámico de selección de los agricultores sobre las poblaciones nativas de maíz en el altiplano del  stado de Puebla, favorecen una variación entre y dentro de grupos representativos  de las razas en esta zona. La variación identificada puede ser la base para  el mejoramiento y conservación in situ de razas de maíz

Propuesta de prevención de riesgos psicosociales para Bancolombia

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar si en la sede de la carrera 18 N 35-02 Bancolombia Bucaramanga viene cumpliendo con el factor psicosocial, este factor se relaciona con algunas condiciones que se presenta en una situación laboral que directamente se relaciona con la organización de trabajo, como realiza sus funciones, así como su entorno social. Para analizar si en la sede de Bancolombia están cumpliendo con el factor psicosocial, realizamos una encuesta por conveniencia a 28 de los 40 trabajadores, la finalidad de dicha encuesta fue identificar sus conocimientos generales sobre temas de salud ocupacional y factor psicosocial, la forma de su trabajo y desarrollo de habilidades, calidad de liderazgo y trabajo en equipo, compensaciones, exigencias psicológicas, apoyo social y compensaciones. Los resultados obtenidos nos arrojaron que la empresa viene cumpliendo en un nivel medio con el factor psicosocial por lo cual diseñamos una propuesta de mejoramiento basada en el modelo Nonaka Takeuchi que permitan a la empresa a un mediano o largo plazo contar con empleados capacitados, seguros, satisfechos, autónomos, innovadores, dispuestos al cambio, pero sobre todo productivos, y que no se vuelva a presentar dificultades de ansiedad y preocupación por los despidos.The present work has as objective to identify if in the seat of race 18 N 35-02 Bancolombia Bucaramanga has been fulfilling with the psychosocial factor, this factor is related to some conditions that appear in a labor situation that is directly related to the organization of work, how it performs its functions, as well as its social environment. To analyze if in the headquarters of Bancolombia are fulfilling the psychosocial factor, we conducted a survey for convenience to 28 of the 40 workers, the purpose of this survey was to identify their general knowledge on occupational health issues and psychosocial factor, the form of their work and development of skills, quality of leadership and teamwork, compensation, psychological demands, social support and compensation. The results obtained showed us that the company has been fulfilling at a medium level the psychosocial factor, so we designed a proposal for improvement based on the Nonaka Takeuchi model that allows the company to have trained, safe employees in the medium or long term. satisfied, autonomous, innovative, willing to change, but above all productive, and that there are no difficulties of anxiety and concern about dismissals

Morphological variability of native maize (Zea mays L.) of the west highland of Puebla and east highland of Tlaxcala, Mexico

The objective of this research was to assess the morphological variability of maize landraces native of the west highland of Puebla and east highland of Tlaxcala, México, in order to, besides define it, related it to races, commercial varieties and with the altitude of the localities of seed collection. The genetic resources evaluated were 134 accessions collected in 34 localities, along with 10 controls. Experiments were established on three localities using a Lattice 12 x 12. Thirty-two morphological traits were analyzed, 27 of them resulting with highly significant differences, reflecting the high variability at the level of morphological characters, many of them of agronomic interest. From variance analysis 16 traits were selected for use in a cluster analysis through the Modified Localization Method, which joint the populations in six groups, most of them in the group 1, with morphological traits of long cycle varieties: high plants, with greater primary branches of the tassel, greater ear diameter and length, and greater grain length and width. The conclusions indicate that the morphological variability of Landraces is not associated with the altitude of localities of seed collection and that these have more relation with Chalqueño race, small with Conico race, absent with Conico Norteño and Palomero Toluqueño races and almost absent with commercial varieties.The objective of this research was to assess the morphological variability of maize landraces native of the west highland of Puebla and east highland of Tlaxcala, México, in order to, besides define it, related it to races, commercial varieties and with the altitude of the localities of seed collection. The genetic resources evaluated were 134 accessions collected in 34 localities, along with 10 controls. Experiments were established on three localities using a Lattice 12 x 12. Thirty-two morphological traits were analyzed, 27 of them resulting with highly significant differences, reflecting the high variability at the level of morphological characters, many of them of agronomic interest. From variance analysis 16 traits were selected for use in a cluster analysis through the Modified Localization Method, which joint the populations in six groups, most of them in the group 1, with morphological traits of long cycle varieties: high plants, with greater primary branches of the tassel, greater ear diameter and length, and greater grain length and width. The conclusions indicate that the morphological variability of Landraces is not associated with the altitude of localities of seed collection and that these have more relation with Chalqueño race, small with Conico race, absent with Conico Norteño and Palomero Toluqueño races and almost absent with commercial varieties

Autoantibodies against type I IFNs in patients with life-threatening COVID-19

Interindividual clinical variability in the course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is vast. We report that at least 101 of 987 patients with life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia had neutralizing immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies (auto-Abs) against interferon-w (IFN-w) (13 patients), against the 13 types of IFN-a (36), or against both (52) at the onset of critical disease; a few also had auto-Abs against the other three type I IFNs. The auto-Abs neutralize the ability of the corresponding type I IFNs to block SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. These auto-Abs were not found in 663 individuals with asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and were present in only 4 of 1227 healthy individuals. Patients with auto-Abs were aged 25 to 87 years and 95 of the 101 were men. A B cell autoimmune phenocopy of inborn errors of type I IFN immunity accounts for life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia in at least 2.6% of women and 12.5% of men

Circulating microRNAs in sera correlate with soluble biomarkers of immune activation but do not predict mortality in ART treated individuals with HIV-1 infection: A case control study

Introduction: The use of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically reduced HIV-1 associated morbidity and mortality. However, HIV-1 infected individuals have increased rates of morbidity and mortality compared to the non-HIV-1 infected population and this appears to be related to end-organ diseases collectively referred to as Serious Non-AIDS Events (SNAEs). Circulating miRNAs are reported as promising biomarkers for a number of human disease conditions including those that constitute SNAEs. Our study sought to investigate the potential of selected miRNAs in predicting mortality in HIV-1 infected ART treated individuals. Materials and Methods: A set of miRNAs was chosen based on published associations with human disease conditions that constitute SNAEs. This case: control study compared 126 cases (individuals who died whilst on therapy), and 247 matched controls (individuals who remained alive). Cases and controls were ART treated participants of two pivotal HIV-1 trials. The relative abundance of each miRNA in serum was measured, by RTqPCR. Associations with mortality (all-cause, cardiovascular and malignancy) were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Correlations between miRNAs and CD4+ T cell count, hs-CRP, IL-6 and D-dimer were also assessed. Results: None of the selected miRNAs was associated with all-cause, cardiovascular or malignancy mortality. The levels of three miRNAs (miRs -21, -122 and -200a) correlated with IL-6 while miR-21 also correlated with D-dimer. Additionally, the abundance of miRs -31, -150 and -223, correlated with baseline CD4+ T cell count while the same three miRNAs plus miR- 145 correlated with nadir CD4+ T cell count. Discussion: No associations with mortality were found with any circulating miRNA studied. These results cast doubt onto the effectiveness of circulating miRNA as early predictors of mortality or the major underlying diseases that contribute to mortality in participants treated for HIV-1 infection

Geodivulgar: Geología y Sociedad

Con el lema “Geología para todos” el proyecto Geodivulgar: Geología y Sociedad apuesta por la divulgación de la Geología a todo tipo de público, incidiendo en la importancia de realizar simultáneamente una acción de integración social entre estudiantes y profesores de centros universitarios, de enseñanza infantil, primaria, de educación especial y un acercamiento con público con diversidad funcional