Agrobacterium tumefaciens-transient genetic transformation of Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) leaf explants

Most of the pepper species of the genus Capsicum have been recalcitrant to efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated stable or transient, genetic transformation. In the present work, we optimized a protocol for transient transformation of the Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) through the standardization of several experimental factors. These included the age of the plants, the temperature, the length of co-cultivation, the application of a negative (vacuum) and/or a positive (infiltration) pressure, along with micro injection, the use of acetosyringone during the bacterial culturing, and modification of the pH during the GUS assay to eliminate the endogenous \u3b2-glucuronidase activity. The standardized protocol, which yielded nearly 55% fully transformed leaf explants, was used to successfully mobilize two empty binary vectors (pCAMBIA2301 and pCAMex), as well as the C. chinense cDNAs encoding the pathogenesis-related protein 10 and esterase, respectively

Two super-Earths at the edge of the habitable zone of the nearby M dwarf TOI-2095

The main scientific goal of TESS is to find planets smaller than Neptune around stars bright enough to allow further characterization studies. Given our current instrumentation and detection biases, M dwarfs are prime targets to search for small planets that are in (or nearby) the habitable zone of their host star. Here we use photometric observations and CARMENES radial velocity measurements to validate a pair of transiting planet candidates found by TESS. The data was fitted simultaneously using a Bayesian MCMC procedure taking into account the stellar variability present in the photometric and spectroscopic time series. We confirm the planetary origin of the two transiting candidates orbiting around TOI-2095 (TIC 235678745). The star is a nearby M dwarf ($d = 41.90 \pm 0.03$ pc, $T_{\rm eff} = 3759 \pm 87$ K, $V = 12.6$ mag) with a stellar mass and radius of $M_\star = 0.44 \pm 0.02 \; M_\odot$ and $R_\star = 0.44 \pm 0.02 \; R_\odot$, respectively. The planetary system is composed of two transiting planets: TOI-2095b with an orbital period of $P_b = 17.66484 \pm (7\times 10^{-5})$ days and TOI-2095c with $P_c = 28.17232 \pm (14\times 10^{-5})$ days. Both planets have similar sizes with $R_b = 1.25 \pm 0.07 \; R_\oplus$ and $R_c = 1.33 \pm 0.08 \; R_\oplus$ for planet b and c, respectively. We put upper limits on the masses of these objects with $M_b < 4.1 \; M_\oplus$ for the inner and $M_c < 7.4 \; M_\oplus$ for the outer planet (95\% confidence level). These two planets present equilibrium temperatures in the range of 300 - 350 K and are close to the inner edge of the habitable zone of their star.Comment: Submitted to Astronomy & Astrophysic

Geographical variation in therapy for bloodstream infections due to multidrug-resistant enterobacteriaceae: a post hoc analysis of the INCREMENT study

We aimed to describe regional differences in therapy for bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by extended-spectrum ?-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). 1,482 patients in 12 countries were included from an observational study of BSI caused by ESBL-E or CPE. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the influence of country of recruitment on empirical use of ?-lactam/?-lactamase inhibitors (BLBLI) or carbapenems, targeted use of BLBLI for ESBL-E and use of targeted combination therapy for CPE. The use of BLBLI for empirical therapy was least likely in sites from Israel (aOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.81), Greece (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.94) and Canada (aOR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11-0.88) but more likely in Italy (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.11-2.2) and Turkey (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.14-3.81), compared to Spain as a reference. Empirical carbapenems were more likely to be used in sites from Taiwan (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.03-2.92) and USA (aOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.05-3.39), and less likely in Italy (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.69) and Canada (aOR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.74). Targeted BLBLI for ESBL-E was more likely in sites from Italy. Treatment at sites within Israel, Taiwan, Turkey and Brazil was associated with less combination therapy for CPE. Although this study does not provide precise data on the relative prevalence of ESBL-E or CPE, significant variation in therapy exists across countries even after adjustment for patient factors. A better understanding of what influences therapeutic choices for these infections will aid antimicrobial stewardship efforts.PH is supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award from the University of Queensland. The study was funded by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III - co-financed by European Development Regional Fund "A way to achieve Europe" ERDF, Spanish Network for the Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD12/0015). BGG, JRB, APH and YC also received funds from the COMBACTE-CARE project (grant agreement 115620), Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) and in-kind contributions from EFPIA companies

Design and baseline characteristics of the finerenone in reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in diabetic kidney disease trial

Background: Among people with diabetes, those with kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality and progression of their underlying kidney disease. Finerenone is a novel, nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that has shown to reduce albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) while revealing only a low risk of hyperkalemia. However, the effect of finerenone on CV and renal outcomes has not yet been investigated in long-term trials. Patients and Methods: The Finerenone in Reducing CV Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease (FIGARO-DKD) trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of finerenone compared to placebo at reducing clinically important CV and renal outcomes in T2D patients with CKD. FIGARO-DKD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, event-driven trial running in 47 countries with an expected duration of approximately 6 years. FIGARO-DKD randomized 7,437 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >= 25 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio >= 30 to <= 5,000 mg/g). The study has at least 90% power to detect a 20% reduction in the risk of the primary outcome (overall two-sided significance level alpha = 0.05), the composite of time to first occurrence of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. Conclusions: FIGARO-DKD will determine whether an optimally treated cohort of T2D patients with CKD at high risk of CV and renal events will experience cardiorenal benefits with the addition of finerenone to their treatment regimen. Trial Registration: EudraCT number: 2015-000950-39; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02545049

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

MOLLUSCS IN THE DIET OF THE CARIBBEAN LOBSTER PANULIRUS-ARGUS CRUSTACEA DECAPODA

Volume: 9Start Page: 127End Page: 14

Anatomy of Futalognkosaurus dukei Calvo, Porfiri, Gonz\ue1lez Riga & Kellner, 2007 (Dinosauria, Titanosauridae) from the Neuqu\ue9n Group (Late Cretaceous), Patagonia, Argentina

Volume: 65Start Page: 511End Page: 52

Cubiertas vegetales en producci\uf3n org\uc1nica de frambuesa: efectos sobre el contenido de nutrientes del suelo y en el crecimiento y producci\uf3n de las plantas

A study of the evaluation and selection of cover crops to improve soil management in an organic orchard of raspberry ( Rubus idaeus L.) was carried out. The evaluated cover crops were: a mixture of subterranean clover ( Trifolium subterraneum L.) and balansa clover (T. michelianum Savi), birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.), white clover (T. repens L.), fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), a mixture of white clover and fescue, and a control without vegetation. The trial was conducted in Chill\ue1n, Chile (36\ub037' S, 72\ub000' W), during two seasons. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replicates. Planting distance between raspberry rows was 3 m, and each experimental plot was 60 m2. Covers that included white clover as a single species and white clover in mixture with tall fescue had the highest plant density (828 and 1788 plant m-2, in the second year, respectively), biomass (9.3 and 10.4 t DM ha-1 yr-1, in the second year, respectively) and specific contribution of the sown species (more than 90% contribution of sown species). Mixture of annual species did not have a good performance, particularly during the second season. A clear effect of the covers on soil content of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) was found; however, soil organic matter content and pH were not affected. Weed growth was best controlled by the cover crops that included fescue and/or white clover.Se realiz\uf3 un estudio de evaluaci\uf3n y selecci\uf3n de cubiertas vegetales para mejora el manejo de suelos entre las hileras de un huerto org\ue1nico de frambuesa ( Rubus idaeus L.). Las cubiertas evaluadas fueron: mezcla de tr\ue9bol subterr\ue1neo ( Trifolium subterraneum L.) con tr\ue9bol balansa (T. michelianum Savi), lotera ( Lotus corniculatus L.), tr\ue9bol blanco (T. repens L.), festuca ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), mezcla de tr\ue9bol blanco y festuca, y un testigo sin cubierta vegetal. El ensayo se realiz\uf3 en Chill\ue1n, Chile (36\ub037' lat. Sur, 72\ub000' long. Oeste), durante dos temporadas. El dise\uf1o experimental fue de bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones. La distancia de plantaci\uf3n entre hileras de frambuesa fue de 3 m y cada parcela experimental ten\ueda una superficie de 60 m2. Las cubiertas que incluyeron tr\ue9bol blanco solo o en mezcla con festuca presentaron la mayor densidad de plantas (828 y 1788 plantas m-2 en el segundo a\uf1o, respectivamente,) producci\uf3n de biomasa (9,3 and10,4 t MS ha-1 a\uf1o-1 en el segundo a\uf1o, respectivamente) y contribuci\uf3n espec\uedfica de las especies sembradas (sobre 90 % de contribuci\uf3n de las especies sembradas). La mezcla de especies anuales no tuvo un buen comportamiento, particularmente durante la segunda temporada. Se encontr\uf3 un claro efecto de las cubiertas sobre el contenido de N y K del suelo; sin embargo, no modificaron el contenido de materia org\ue1nica ni pH del suelo. Las cubiertas que controlaron en mejor forma el crecimiento de las malezas fueron aquellas que inclu\uedan festuca y/o tr\ue9bol blanco