Biometric assessment of early stem growth at a commercial stand of African mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola)

African mahogany species (Khaya spp.) have proven to be promising in the Brazilian forestry scenario, replacing native mahogany owing to their medium-fast growth and relevant timber value. This study aimed to carry out forest inventory and assessments of a Khaya grandifoliola plantation in the first years after planting, test hypsometric models to describe tree growth, and identify the maximum commercial stem yield (i.e., greater than 6 m in height). The stand was located in the municipality of Piracanjuba (GO), where seedlings of seed origin were used. Twenty random plots with a 15 m radius were allocated, and the total height (HT), stem height (HS), diameter at breast height (DBH), crown area, and forest canopy were measured. Four hypsometric models were employed in this study. The best equation was selected based on determination coefficients and standard errors. Further, the models were cross-validated to evaluate predictability and bias. At four years of planting, the largest class of HS was found to range from 3.1 to 4.1 m, and most trees had a DBH ranging from 0.084 to 0.126 m. The percentage of trees with stems > 6 m was 8.35%. The linear model ensured more consistent results for estimating HT, while the quadratic and Weibull models led to more consistent results for HS. By using models, stem measurements can be measured based on DBH, ultimately aiding the selection of stem management strategies for the growth of forests with greater commercial value.

A comprehensive overview of miRNA targeting drought stress resistance in plants / Uma visão geral abrangente do miRNA visando a resistência ao estresse hídrico em plantas

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential nonprotein-coding genes. In a range of organisms, miRNAs has been reported to play an essential role in regulating gene expressions at post-transcriptional level. They participate in most of the stress responsive processes in plants. Drought is an ultimate abiotic stress that affects the crop production. Therefore understanding drought stress responses are essential to improve the production of agricultural crops. Throughout evolution, plants have developed their own defense systems to cope with the adversities of environmental stresses. Among defensive mechanisms include the regulations of gene expression by miRNAs. Drought stress regulates the expression of some of the functionally conserved miRNAs in different plants. The given properties of miRNAs provide an insight to genetic alterations and enhancing drought resistance in cereal crops. The current review gives a summary to regulatory mechanisms in plants as well as miRNAs response to drought stresses in cereal crops. Some possible approaches and guidelines for the exploitation of drought stress miRNA responses to improve cereal crops are also described.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) são genes essenciais não codificadores de proteínas. Em uma variedade de organismos, foi relatado que miRNAs desempenham papel essencial na regulação da expressão gênica em nível pós-transcricional. Eles participam da maioria dos processos responsivos ao estresse nas plantas. A seca é um estresse abiótico final que afeta a produção agrícola. Portanto, compreender as respostas ao estresse da seca é essencial para melhorar a produção de safras agrícolas. Ao longo da evolução, as plantas desenvolveram seus próprios sistemas de defesa para lidar com as adversidades do estresse ambiental. Entre os mecanismos de defesa está a regulação da expressão gênica por miRNAs. O estresse hídrico regula a expressão de alguns dos miRNAs funcionalmente conservados em diferentes plantas. As propriedades dadas dos miRNAs fornecem uma visão das alterações genéticas e aumentam a resistência à seca nas safras de cereais. A revisão atual apresenta um resumo dos mecanismos regulatórios nas plantas, bem como a resposta dos miRNAs ao estresse hídrico nas plantações de cereais. Algumas abordagens e diretrizes possíveis para a exploração das respostas do miRNA ao estresse da seca para melhorar as safras de cereais também são descritas.

A comprehensive overview of miRNA targeting drought stress resistance in plants

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential nonprotein-coding genes. In a range of organisms, miRNAs has been reported to play an essential role in regulating gene expressions at post-transcriptional level. They participate in most of the stress responsive processes in plants. Drought is an ultimate abiotic stress that affects the crop production. Therefore understanding drought stress responses are essential to improve the production of agricultural crops. Throughout evolution, plants have developed their own defense systems to cope with the adversities of environmental stresses. Among defensive mechanisms include the regulations of gene expression by miRNAs. Drought stress regulates the expression of some of the functionally conserved miRNAs in different plants. The given properties of miRNAs provide an insight to genetic alterations and enhancing drought resistance in cereal crops. The current review gives a summary to regulatory mechanisms in plants as well as miRNAs response to drought stresses in cereal crops. Some possible approaches and guidelines for the exploitation of drought stress miRNA responses to improve cereal crops are also described.

Resumo MicroRNAs (miRNAs) são genes essenciais não codificadores de proteínas. Em uma variedade de organismos, foi relatado que miRNAs desempenham papel essencial na regulação da expressão gênica em nível pós-transcricional. Eles participam da maioria dos processos responsivos ao estresse nas plantas. A seca é um estresse abiótico final que afeta a produção agrícola. Portanto, compreender as respostas ao estresse da seca é essencial para melhorar a produção de safras agrícolas. Ao longo da evolução, as plantas desenvolveram seus próprios sistemas de defesa para lidar com as adversidades do estresse ambiental. Entre os mecanismos de defesa está a regulação da expressão gênica por miRNAs. O estresse hídrico regula a expressão de alguns dos miRNAs funcionalmente conservados em diferentes plantas. As propriedades dadas dos miRNAs fornecem uma visão das alterações genéticas e aumentam a resistência à seca nas safras de cereais. A revisão atual apresenta um resumo dos mecanismos regulatórios nas plantas, bem como a resposta dos miRNAs ao estresse hídrico nas plantações de cereais. Algumas abordagens e diretrizes possíveis para a exploração das respostas do miRNA ao estresse da seca para melhorar as safras de cereais também são descritas.

A comprehensive overview of miRNA targeting drought stress resistance in plants / Uma visão geral abrangente do miRNA visando a resistência ao estresse hídrico em plantas

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential nonprotein-coding genes. In a range of organisms, miRNAs has been reported to play an essential role in regulating gene expressions at post-transcriptional level. They participate in most of the stress responsive processes in plants. Drought is an ultimate abiotic stress that affects the crop production. Therefore understanding drought stress responses are essential to improve the production of agricultural crops. Throughout evolution, plants have developed their own defense systems to cope with the adversities of environmental stresses. Among defensive mechanisms include the regulations of gene expression by miRNAs. Drought stress regulates the expression of some of the functionally conserved miRNAs in different plants. The given properties of miRNAs provide an insight to genetic alterations and enhancing drought resistance in cereal crops. The current review gives a summary to regulatory mechanisms in plants as well as miRNAs response to drought stresses in cereal crops. Some possible approaches and guidelines for the exploitation of drought stress miRNA responses to improve cereal crops are also described.

Resumo MicroRNAs (miRNAs) são genes essenciais não codificadores de proteínas. Em uma variedade de organismos, foi relatado que miRNAs desempenham papel essencial na regulação da expressão gênica em nível pós-transcricional. Eles participam da maioria dos processos responsivos ao estresse nas plantas. A seca é um estresse abiótico final que afeta a produção agrícola. Portanto, compreender as respostas ao estresse da seca é essencial para melhorar a produção de safras agrícolas. Ao longo da evolução, as plantas desenvolveram seus próprios sistemas de defesa para lidar com as adversidades do estresse ambiental. Entre os mecanismos de defesa está a regulação da expressão gênica por miRNAs. O estresse hídrico regula a expressão de alguns dos miRNAs funcionalmente conservados em diferentes plantas. As propriedades dadas dos miRNAs fornecem uma visão das alterações genéticas e aumentam a resistência à seca nas safras de cereais. A revisão atual apresenta um resumo dos mecanismos regulatórios nas plantas, bem como a resposta dos miRNAs ao estresse hídrico nas plantações de cereais. Algumas abordagens e diretrizes possíveis para a exploração das respostas do miRNA ao estresse da seca para melhorar as safras de cereais também são descritas.

Nutrition in times of crisis: A qualitative study in Siargao Island, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives@#Despite the public-health significance of both malnutrition and crises, little has been done to explore the convergence of the two domains and develop ways to improve policies and practices, especially in rural communities. This article remedies that knowledge gap by focusing on nutrition-related changes, responses, and practices during crisis situations in Siargao Island, Philippines, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop.@*Methods@#Forty-six (46) semi-structured interviews were conducted among parents, caregivers, local health workers, and local officials of Del Carmen, Siargao Island. Principles of thematic analysis were applied to data analysis using NVivo 12. Afterwards, the preliminary data were presented in a virtual validation session with the local community and stakeholders.@*Results@#Despite the high prevalence of malnutrition amid a backdrop of economic and nutritional difficulties, the community members generally viewed their children as healthy. Rice remained (disproportionately) central to people’s diets; possible alternatives like root crops were considered emergency foods only and not culturally acceptable as staples, in spite of their cheap and ubiquitous nature. Lastly, the economic and financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have also negatively affected the community members’ overall nutrition and food sources.@*Conclusion@#More efforts should be directed toward encouraging the consumption of root vegetables and fruits as rice alternatives in everyday diet—a costeffective strategy that would also promote dietary diversification. More importantly, nutrition responses should consider local food systems in terms of specific local economies and geographies, while health promotion efforts should engage with local notions of ‘health’ and ‘nutrition’ and encourage community participation in (re)designing policy interventions.

Ajuste del coeficiente basal de cultivo (Kcb) de frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris) mediante teledetección

Para realizar un manejo eficiente del agua en la agricultura es necesario conocer los requerimientos hídricos del cultivo, lo cual, se puede realizar de manera sencilla y rápida, con la ayuda de cámaras convencionales. En este estudio, se determinaron los requerimientos hídricos de un cultivo de frijol (variedad DIACOL CALIMA G4494), sembrado en CIAT, Palmira - Valle del Cauca, Colombia, mediante la estimación de la curva del coeficiente basal de cultivo (Kcb), derivada de la curva de fracción de cobertura vegetal (Fcv). Para determinar la curva de fracción de cobertura vegetal, se emplearon imágenes tomadas con una cámara digital en el espectro visible (RGB), a baja altura (menos de 3 m). Las necesidades hídricas del cultivo de frijol, se calcularon empleando los valores del coeficiente basal de cultivo derivados junto con la modelación FAO-56. Los resultados indican que la curva de Kcb ajustada por fotografía fue diferente a la curva estándar presentada en la publicación FAO-56 para frijol, mostrando, principalmente, diferencia en la duración de las etapas y los valores de Kcb, en estas etapas. En cuanto a las necesidades hídricas, al emplear la curva de Kcb ajustada por fotografías, se evidencia que el cultivo requiere más agua en las etapas media y final, para evitar estrés hídrico en las plantas.

To carry out efficient water management in agriculture, it is necessary to know the water requirements of the crop, which can be done easily and quickly with the help of conventional cameras. In this study, the water requirements of a bean crop (DIACOL CALIMA G4494 variety) planted in CIAT, Palmira - Valle del Cauca, Colombia, were determined by estimating the curve of the basal crop coefficient (Kcb) derived from the vegetation cover fraction curve (Fcv). To determine the vegetation cover fraction curve, images taken with a digital camera in the visible spectrum (RGB) at low height (less than 3m) were used. The water needs of the bean crop were calculated using the basal crop coefficient values derived together with the FAO-56 modelling. The results indicate that the Kcb curve adjusted by photography was different from the standard curve presented in the publication FAO-56 for beans, mainly showing a difference in the duration of the stages and the Kcb values in these stages. Regarding water needs, when using the Kcb curve adjusted by photographs, it is evident that the crop requires more water in the middle and final stages, to avoid water stress in the plants.

Genetically Modified Crop vs Hybrid Crops and their Impact on Health and Environment

Genetically modified crop (GMC) is a technology which includes transferring Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in plant cells. On the other hand, Hybrid Crops are naturally occurring crops but it also involves manmade crosses to have at least 15-20% higher yield potential over high yielding inbred crop varieties using almost the same level of inputs and also can perform better even under unfavourable environments like drought and saline condition. These days, hybrid crops are one of the most commonly consumed foods for humans. In line with this GM crops have high yield potential and adaptive capability under wide range of environments even under fragile ecosystems. There are different aspects of both these types of crops. Human consumption of these crops has been a highly debatable topic in recent times. In this study, a brief discussion on GM crops and hybrid crops will be presented. Additionally, a comparison between them, in terms of health and productivity, will also be discussed.

Micosis sistémicas en pacientes con Sida: descripción y relación del diagnóstico clínico con estudios complementarios

Las micosis profundas sistémicas (MPS) en los pacientes con Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida (Sida) pueden manifestarse de forma severa y fatal, y se requiere de una alta precisión diagnóstica, para mejorar su sobrevida y pronóstico. Objetivo: Describir y analizar la relación entre el diagnóstico clínico de las MPS con los resultados de biopsias y de los estudios micológicos en los pacientes con Sida del Servicio de Infectología del Hospital Universitario de Caracas, entre 2010 al 2015. Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de casos, analítico, retrospectivo, descriptivo, no experimental. Se revisaron 195 historias clínicas y los resultados de biopsias, cultivos, inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD), criptolátex (CL)/Tinta china (TC). El análisis estadístico se realizó con medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: La edad media fue de 36,2 años; 65,2 % tenían menos de 5 años de diagnóstico de la infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH); 68,2 % no tenían tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA); los niveles de linfocitos TCD4 (LTCD4) estaban por debajo de 200 células (cels)/mm3 (49,2 %) y sus cargas virales mayores de 50 000 copias/mL (33,3 %). Las formas de presentación clínica más frecuentes fueron respiratorio febril con hepatomegalia (64,6 %), los diagnósticos clínicos predominantes fueron neumocistosis (34,9 %), neumocistosis/histoplasmosis (30,8 %) e histoplasmosis (16,4 %), no pudo establecerse la relación entre los diagnósticos clínicos y los resultados de cultivos/PCR ­ IFD, CL/TC y de biopsias por no disponer de resultados. Conclusión: El diagnóstico clínico más frecuente fue neumocistosis y las comparaciones no se pudieron realizarse por fallas en los reportes de paraclínicos imprescindibles.

Systemic deep mycoses (PSM) in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can manifest severely and fatally, and high diagnostic accuracy is required to improve survival and prognosis. Objective: To describe and analyze the relationship between the clinical diagnosis of MPS with the results of biopsies and mycological studies in AIDS patients of the Infectology Service of the University Hospital of Caracas, between 2010 and 2015. Methods: A study was designed of cases, analytical, retrospective, descriptive, non-experimental. 195 medical records and the results of biopsies, cultures, direct immunofluorescence (DIF), cryptolatex (CL)/Indian ink (CT) were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed with measures of central tendency. Results: The mean age was 36.2 years; 65.2 % had been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection less than 5 years ago; 68.2 % had not received highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART); the levels of TCD4 lymphocytes (LTCD4) were below 200 cells (cels)/mm3 (49.2 %) and their viral loads were greater than 50 000 copies/mL (33.3 %). The most frequent forms of clinical presentation were febrile respiratory with hepatomegaly (64.6 %), the predominant clinical diagnoses were pneumocystosis (34.9 %), pneumocystosis/histoplasmosis (30.8 %) and histoplasmosis (16.4 %), The relationship between the clinical diagnoses and the results of cultures/PCR ­ IFD, LC/CT and biopsies could not be established due to the lack of results. Conclusions: The most frequent clinical diagnosis was pneumocystosis and the comparisons could not be made due to failures in the essential paraclinical reports.

Efecto de los cultivos de cobertura invernales sobre el microbioma del suelo: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Effect of winter cover crops on the soil microbiome: a systematic literature review

Resumen La inclusión de cultivos de cobertura invernales (CCI) en un sistema de siembra directa (SD) en reemplazo del barbecho constituye una alternativa promisoria para mejorar la salud del suelo y contribuir a la sustentabilidad ambiental de los sistemas agrícolas. Esta revisión ofrece un panorama integral de los efectos sobre el microbioma del suelo que tiene la introducción de CCI en rotación con cultivos de verano en sistemas de SD vs. el barbecho desnudo. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura que reporta los efectos de los CCI sobre los parámetros de abundancia, actividad y diversidad microbiana del suelo. Combinando 7 criterios de búsqueda se seleccionaron y analizaron 22 trabajos. El conjunto de resultados de esos trabajos muestra que la actividad enzimática del suelo se ve favorecida con la inclusión de CCI en la rotación, principalmente si estos se componen de leguminosas y mezclas de especies. Más de la mitad de esos trabajos reportan una mayor biomasa microbiana con CCI que con barbecho. Además, se advierte que los efectos de los CCI sobre los parámetros microbianos son independientes de la duración de los ensayos. Sin embargo, aún se necesitan más investigaciones básicas que permitan reducir la heterogeneidad entre estudios y comprender las complejas interacciones que ocurren entre los CCI y el microbioma del suelo.

Abstract The inclusion of winter cover crops (WCC) in no-till (NT) systems in replacement of bare fallow is a promising alternative to improve soil health and consequently, contribute to environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of the use of WCC in rotation with summer cash crops under NT systems on the soil microbiome versus bare fallows. A systematic literature search was conducted to evaluate the impact of WCC on microbial parameters indicative of abundance, activity and diversity. Twenty-two papers were selected based on seven combined criteria. The results of this review show that enzyme activities in soil are enhanced with the inclusion of WCC in the rotation, particularly those that include legumes and mix of species. ln general, more than half of the analyzed papers report higher microbial biomass in soils with WCC than in bare fallow. Interestingly, the effects of WCC on microbial parameters are independent of the duration of the experiments. However, more basic research is necessary to reduce the heterogeneity of the studies and to better understand the complexity of the interactions between WCC and the soil microbiome.

Development of transgenic cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) resistant gerbera plants expressing CMV coat protein gene

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) has its immense importance to the floriculture industry worldwide. The gerbera flower production has been hampered by various viruses, among them cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has shown considerable damage.As natural resistance to CMV is absent in gerbera, here, we have made an attempt to develop transgenic gerbera plants expressing coat protein (CP) gene of CMV via Agrobacterium mediated transformation of base petiole explants for genetic resistance to CMV infection. Among the 44 putative transgenic gerbera plant acclimatized, 39 were found positive for integration of CP gene by polymerase chain reaction and southern hybridization assay using their specific primer and probe respectively. Northern hybridization assay using CP gene specific probe confirmed the transcription of transgene in all 39 transgenic plants. These plants showed translation of CP during DAS-ELISA when tested with antiserum specific to CP of CMV. These 39 plants when challenged by mechanical inoculations with CMV gerbera isolate showed virus resistance in 53% (21 out of 39) plants, virus tolerance (delayed mild symptom) in 33% (13/39) plants, while rest 12.8% (5/39) plants showed severe disease symptoms. The CP mediated resistance of CMV in transgenic gerbera is being reported for the first time from India.

Effect of organic fertilization and pruning on cacao yield in Cundinamarca, Colombia / Efecto de la fertilización orgánica y la poda sobre la producción de cacao en Cundinamarca, Colombia

ABSTRACT Cacao has high social importance in Colombia but requires cultivation techniques that improve its productivity, especially in the production of organic cacao. Pruning and organic fertilizers were assessed as treatments to increase the bean yield in an old cacao crop in Cundinamarca. The positive effects of organic fertilizer application and pruning on the pod morphometry and bean yield were established. The application of organic fertilizers with pruning, in general, increased the length and circumference of cacao pods. A negative correlation (R=-0.618) was found among the relative chlorophyll contents in leaves at the end of the harvest period and with the number of pods per tree. A positive correlation (R=0.748) was obtained between the fresh weight of pods and the dry weight of beans. No correlation was established between the relative chlorophyll contents in leaves and the bean dry weight. Pruning plus organic fertilization increased the total dry weight of beans per tree at almost 15 %, which makes pruning with organic fertilizer application the best tool for increasing yield in organic cacao production in old plantations in Cundinamarca.

RESUMEN El cultivo de cacao tiene una alta importancia social en Colombia, pero requiere la implementación de técnicas de cultivo que mejoren su productividad, principalmente, en la producción de cacao orgánico. La poda y los fertilizantes orgánicos fueron evaluados, como los tratamientos para incrementar el rendimiento de cacao, en una plantación antigua en el departamento Cundinamarca. La aplicación de fertilizantes orgánicos y la poda tuvieron efectos positivos sobre la morfometría del fruto y el rendimiento del cacao. La aplicación de fertilizantes orgánicos con poda, en general, aumentó la longitud y el diámetro de frutos de cacao. Se encontró una correlación negativa (R=-0,618) entre el contenido relativo de clorofila en hojas al final del período de cosecha y el número de frutos por árbol. Se obtuvo una correlación positiva (R=0,748) entre el peso fresco de frutos y el peso seco de semillas. No se estableció correlación entre el contenido relativo de clorofila en hojas y el peso seco de semillas. La poda más fertilización orgánica aumentó el peso seco total de semillas por árbol, en casi un 15 %, lo que convierte la poda con aplicación de fertilizante orgánicos en una herramienta para aumentar el rendimiento de cacao orgánico en antiguas plantaciones, en el departamento Cundinamarca.

Sistema de trazabilidad aplicado a la producción de semilla bajo el esquema de mínimos para cultivos semestrales en los valles interandinos / Traceability system applied to seed production under the minimum scheme for semi-annual crops in the inter-Andean valleys

RESUMEN La semilla es el insumo principal para el establecimiento de sistemas productivos agrícolas, por lo cual, durante la producción de semilla, una condición indispensable es que se mantenga la calidad del material en todo el proceso incremental. El Departamento de Semillas de la Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria-Agrosavia, comprometido con el cumplimiento de los requisitos establecidos en la Resolución ICA 3168 de 2015 y en el Decreto del MADR 931 de 2018, en todos sus procesos productivos, ha desarrollado e implementado un Sistema Interno de Trazabilidad (SIT) para la producción de semilla y, específicamente, en una de sus estrategias denominada Plan de Mínimos para cultivos semestrales soya, algodón, arroz, maíz y sorgo en los valles interandinos. Los resultados mostraron que esta herramienta tecnológica facilitó, en el proyecto, realizar el monitoreo y el seguimiento de las labores, el registro de eventos climáticos, el manejo eficiente de inventarios y el análisis de costos. Esta reflexión es un trabajo pionero en Colombia, que contribuye a la toma de decisiones, a mejorar la productividad y a fortalecer el Sistema Nacional de Semillas.

ABSTRACT Seed is the main input for the establishment of agricultural production systems, so during seed production an indispensable condition is that the quality of the material is maintained throughout the incremental process. The Seed Department of Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation- Agrosavia, committed to complying with the requirements established in Resolution ICA 3168 of 2015 and Decree MADR 931 of 2018in all its production processes, has developed and implemented an Internal Traceability System (SIT) for the production of seed and specifically in one of its strategies called Minimum Plan for semi-annual crops of soybean, cotton, rice, corn and sorghum in the inter-Andean valleys. The results show that this technological tool facilitated in the project carried out the monitoring and tracing of the crops work, the registry of climatic events, the efficient management of inventories and the analysis of costs. This is a pioneering work in Colombia, which contributes to decision making, improve productivity and strengthen the National Seed System.

Plastid transformation: advances and challenges for its implementation in agricultural crops

Chloroplast biotechnology has emerged as a promissory platform for the development of modified plants to express products aimed mainly at the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and energy industries. This technology's high value is due to its high capacity for the mass production of proteins. Moreover, the interest in chloroplasts has increased because of the possibility of expressing multiple genes in a single transformation event without the risk of epigenetic effects. Although this technology solves several problems caused by nuclear genetic engineering, such as turning plants into safe bio-factories, some issues must still be addressed in relation to the optimization of regulatory regions for efficient gene expression, cereal transformation, gene expression in non-green tissues, and low transformation efficiency. In this article, we provide information on the transformation of plastids and discuss the most recent achievements in chloroplast bioengineering and its impact on the biopharmaceutical and agricultural industries; we also discuss new tools that can be used to solve current challenges for their successful establishment in recalcitrant crops such as monocots.

Endocarditis infecciosa en hospital clínico Herminda Martín de Chillán: experiencia de los últimos cinco años / Infective endocarditis at Herminda Martin clinical hospital of Chillan: last five years experience

Introducción: la endocarditis infecciosa es una afección con elevada morbilidad y mortalidad, con una incidencia en Chile de 2-3 casos por 100.000 habitantes al año, con una edad de presentación en ascenso y una clínica diversa e inespecífica que requiere un manejo multidisciplinario para el manejo de estos pacientes. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, se consideró el número total de fichas clínicas del hospital clínico Herminda Martín de Chillán durante los años 2015 al 2019, con diagnóstico confirmado de endocarditis infecciosa. Los datos se registraron en la hoja de recolección de datos elaborada, realizándose los análisis estadísticos pertinentes. Resultados:la muestra (n=17) que pudo ser analizada tenía una edad promedio de 53,5 años; 70,5% (DE 14,50) fueron hombres y el agente más común identificado fue Staphylococcus aureus sensible a meticilina. En promedio los pacientes recibieron 28,8 días de antibióticos y la válvula más afectada fue la aórtica. Conclusiones: la endocarditis infecciosa es una patología con una gran morbimortalidad, que presenta un cuadro clínico inespecífico capaz de simular cualquier enfermedad. Se requieren aún de más estudios que reflejen la realidad nacional.

Introduction: Infective endocarditis is a condition with high morbidity and mortality, with an incidence in Chile of 2-3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year, with increasing age of presentation and a diverse and nonspecific clinic that requires multidisciplinary management for treatment of these patients. Materials and methods: Descriptive observational study, the total number of clinical records of the Herminda Martín de Chillán clinical hospital during the years 2015 to 2019, with a confirmed diagnosis of infective endocarditis, was considered. The data were recorded in the data collection sheet prepared, performing the relevant statistical analyses. Results: The sample (n = 17) that could be analysed had an average age of 53.5 years (DS 14.50), 70.5% were men, and the most common agent identified was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. On average, patients received 28.8 days of antibiotics, and the most affected valve was the aortic valve. Conclusions: Infective endocarditis is a pathology with high morbidity and mortality, which presents a nonspecific clinical spectrum, capable of simulating any disease. Still, more studies are required that reflect the national reality

Climate change impacts on agriculture sector: A case study of Pakistan / Impactos das mudanças climáticas no setor agrícola: um estudo de caso do Paquistão

ABSTRACT: The current article looks at the effects of climate change on agriculture, especially crop production, and influence factors of agricultural development in terms of their rational use in Pakistan. Due to the dependence of economic development, and agriculture in the South Asian region on access to renewable national resources and the associated vulnerability to climate change, the limited financial and professional resources of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan require a clear definition of national priorities in this area. In the preparation of this article, general scientific cognition methods, in particular, empirical-theoretical methods were used. Grouping and classification methods have been used to process and systematize the data. The ability to change productivity, depending on the variation of the average annual air temperature and the average annual precipitation rate, was considered using a two-factor regression model. The main finding of the study is that temperature and precipitation have a negative impact on agricultural production. This study can provide a scientific justification for the specialization of agricultural production in the regions of Pakistan as well as the execution of the necessary agricultural activities.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste artigo é examinar os efeitos das mudanças climáticas na agricultura, especialmente a produção agrícola e os fatores de influência do desenvolvimento agrícola em termos de uso racional no Paquistão. Devido à dependência do desenvolvimento econômico e da agricultura na região do sul da Ásia do acesso a recursos nacionais renováveis ​​e à vulnerabilidade associada às mudanças climáticas, os recursos financeiros e profissionais limitados da República Islâmica do Paquistão exigem uma definição clara das prioridades nacionais nessa área. Na preparação deste artigo, foram utilizados métodos gerais de cognição científica, em particular métodos teórico-empíricos. Os métodos de agrupamento e classificação foram utilizados para processar e sistematizar os dados. A capacidade de alterar a produtividade, dependendo da variação da temperatura média anual do ar e da taxa média anual de precipitação, foi considerada usando um modelo de regressão de dois fatores. A principal descoberta do estudo é que a temperatura e a precipitação têm um impacto negativo na produção agrícola. Este estudo pode fornecer uma justificativa científica para a especialização da produção agrícola nas regiões do Paquistão, bem como a execução das atividades agrícolas necessárias.

Plant density on yield of Husk tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) in field and greenhouse / Densidade vegetal no rendimento de tomate Husk (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) em campo e casa de vegetação

ABSTRACT: Physalis ixocarpa Brot. (tomatillo or Husk tomato) is one of the five major vegetables cultivated in Mexico, but its yield in the field is low. However, greenhouse crops and the enhancement in plant density can promote an increase in yield per area. The aim of this research was to evaluate: yield, water consumption and water use efficiency of variety husk tomato 'Diamante'. The experiment was conducted under field and greenhouse conditions, during the two crop cycles (autumn-winter and spring-summer), with different planting densities (1.5, 2 and 3 plants m-2), in complete random blocks and three replications. The yield was influenced by the planting density and environments. In both environments, the planting density, with 3 plants m-2 increased yield 32 %, and 25% in water use efficiency (WUE). In greenhouse increased 32% yield m-2 and the WUE it was 18.1 kg m-3 while in the field was 16.4 kg m-3. Crop cycle spring-summer produced differences of 27% in plant length and 15% in stem diameter, probably due to the temperature that was 4 ºC higher with respect to autumn-winter.

RESUMO: Physalis ixocarpa Brot. (tomatillo ou tomate de cáscara) é um dos cinco principais vegetais cultivados no México, mas seu rendimento no campo é baixo. No entanto, as culturas em estufa e o aumento da densidade das plantas podem promover um aumento no rendimento por área. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar: rendimento, consumo de água e eficiência no uso da água do tomate de casca de variedade 'Diamante'. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de campo e casa de vegetação, durante os dois ciclos de cultivo (outono-inverno e primavera-verão), com diferentes densidades de plantio (1,5, 2 e 3 plantas m-2), em blocos aleatórios completos e três replicações. O rendimento foi influenciado pela densidade e pelos ambientes de plantio. Nos dois ambientes, a densidade de plantio, com três plantas m-2, aumentou a produtividade em 32% e em 25% na eficiência no uso da água (WUE). Em casa de vegetação aumentou 32% do rendimento m-2 e o WUE foi de 18,1 kg m-3, enquanto no campo foi de 16,4 kg m-3. O ciclo da safra primavera-verão produziu diferenças de 27% no comprimento das plantas e 15% no diâmetro do caule, provavelmente devido à temperatura 4 ºC maior em relação ao outono-inverno.

Evaluation and application of an efficient plant DNA extraction protocol for laboratory and field testing / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Nucleic acids in plant tissue lysates can be captured quickly by a cellulose filter paper and prepared for amplification after a quick purification. In this study, a published filter paper strip method was modified by sticking the filter paper on a polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC) sheet. This modified method is named EZ-D, for EASY DNA extraction. Compared with the original cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method, DNA extracted by EZ-D is more efficient in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification due to the more stable performance of the EZ-D stick. The EZ-D method is also faster, easier, and cheaper. PCR analyses showed that DNA extracted from several types of plant tissues by EZ-D was appropriate for specific identification of biological samples. A regular PCR reaction can detect the EZ-D-extracted DNA template at concentration as low as 0.1 ng/μL. Evaluation of the EZ-D showed that DNA extracts could be successfully amplified by PCR reaction for DNA fragments up to 3000 bp in length and up to 80% in GC content. EZ-D was successfully used for DNA extraction from a variety of plant species and plant tissues. Moreover, when EZ-D was combined with the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, DNA identification of biological samples could be achieved without the need for specialized equipment. As an optimized DNA purification method, EZ-D shows great advantages in application and can be used widely in laboratories where equipment is limited and rapid results are required.

Soil phosphorus availability and uptake by mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants in an onion no-tillage system / Disponibilidade e absorção de fósforo no solo por plantas micorrízicas e não micorrízicas em sistema de plantio direto de cebola

ABSTRACT: Onion is an important vegetable crop, predominantly grown under conventional tillage system management. Alternatively, the vegetable no-tillage system uses cover crops to form a residue layer, which improves soil physical, chemical, and biological attributes. Aiming to understand the interaction of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal cover crops, phosphatase activity, and soil phosphorus availability and uptake by plants, a no-tillage vegetable production system experiment with onion was carried out in Ituporanga, Southern Brazil. The treatments were black oats (Avena strigosa); rye (Secale cereale); oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus); rye + oilseed radish; black oats + oilseed radish, and a control with spontaneous plants. Additionally, two plots, a conventional tillage system area and a forest, both adjacent to the experiment, were evaluated. We measured cover crop biomass, onion yield, acid phosphatase activity, and resin-extracted phosphorus in the soil, shoot and root phosphorus content, and root colonization in cover crops, spontaneous plants, and onions. The treatments with cover crops had the highest plant biomass in winter and onion yield. Available soil phosphorus and acid phosphatase activity were higher in no-tillage plots than in the conventional tillage system area. The presence of non-mycorrhizal oilseed radish was associated with decreased colonization of rye and onion roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. No-tillage areas with cover crops or spontaneous plants in winter accumulated more phosphorus than conventional tillage system areas. The conventional tillage system showed adverse effects on most soil attributes, as shown by a Principal Component Analysis.

RESUMO: A cebola é uma importante cultura vegetal, cultivada predominantemente sob sistema de preparo convencional. Como alternativa, o sistema de plantio direto de hortaliças utiliza culturas de cobertura para formar uma camada de biomassa, o que melhora os atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos do solo. Com o objetivo de entender a interação de culturas de cobertura micorrízicas e não-micorrízicas, atividade da fosfatase ácida e disponibilidade e absorção de fósforo do solo pelas plantas, foi realizado um experimento em sistema de plantio direto de hortaliças com a cultura da cebola em Ituporanga, sul do Brasil. Os tratamentos foram: aveia preta (Avena strigosa); centeio (Secale cereale); nabo forrageiro (Raphanus sativus); centeio + nabo forrageiro; aveia preta + nabo forrageiro e um controle com vegetação espontânea. Além disso, duas outras parcelas, uma área em sistema de preparo convencional e uma floresta, ambas adjacentes ao experimento, foram avaliadas. Medimos a biomassa da cultura de cobertura, o rendimento de cebola, a atividade de fosfatase ácida e o fósforo extraído por resina no solo, bem como o conteúdo de fósforo da parte aérea e da raiz e a colonização das raízes em plantas de cobertura, plantas espontâneas e cebolas. Os tratamentos com plantas de cobertura apresentaram a maior biomassa de culturas de cobertura e rendimento de cebola. A atividade de fosfatase ácida e fósforo disponível no solo foram maiores nas parcelas de plantio direto do que na área convencional. A presença de nabo forrageiro, uma planta não micorrízica, foi associada a reduções na colonização de raízes de centeio e cebola por fungos micorrízicos arbusculares. As áreas de plantio direto com plantas de cobertura ou plantas espontâneas no inverno acumularam mais fósforo do que as áreas com preparo convencional. O sistema convencional de lavoura mostrou efeitos adversos para a maioria dos atributos do solo, como mostra a Análise de Componentes Principais.

Feeding ecology of blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) in the three districts of Punjab, Pakistan / Ecologia de alimentação do pombo-da-rocha-azul (Columba livia) nos três distritos de Punjab, Paquistão

Abstract Present paper provides information on the feeding regimens of the two genders of the blue-rock pigeon (Columba livia Linn.) in the sampled habitats of the three districts viz. Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur of the Punjab province, Pakistan. This feral pigeon, considered ubiquitous species, inhabits both the grasslands and clumped environments to establish their roosts and nests. The study explored about comparable feeding proportions from three major habitats of the pigeons which were captured with medium sized mist-nets. For Rawalpindi in the winter season, the Zea mays was one of the predominant food item (30.6%) for males, and other ranked major food contents were (26.7%, 22.4% and 20.2%), and fairly similar feeding proportions were also recorded for the females (50.4%, 33.3%, 36.4% and 23.9%) for Carthamus oxyacantha, Hordeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum and Zea mays respectively. Evidently, no significant deviations in the existing food crops for the three sites for the feral pigeon were detected, which strongly suggested that the, modes of feeding habits among the sustainable roosts and nests which were closely located to food crops, exerted negligible impacts during intermittent pigeon foraging movements in the diurnal conditions.

Resumo O presente artigo fornece informações sobre os regimes de alimentação dos dois sexos do pombo-da-rocha-azul (Columba livia Linn.) nos habitats amostrados dos três distritos, a saber: Rawalpindi, Faisalabad e Bahawalpur, da província de Punjab, Paquistão. Este pombo-doméstico, considerado espécie onipresente, habita tanto as pastagens quanto os ambientes agrupados para estabelecer seus poleiros e ninhos. O estudo explorou proporções comparáveis ​​de alimentação de três grandes habitats dos pombos que foram capturados com redes de neblina de tamanho médio. Para Rawalpindi no inverno, Zea mays foi um dos itens alimentares predominantes (30,6%) para os machos, e outros alimentos classificados como principais foram (26,7%; 22,4% e 20,2%), e proporções bastante semelhantes foram registradas para as fêmeas (50,4%, 33,3%, 36,4% e 23,9%) para Carthamus oxyacantha, Hordeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum e Zea mays, respectivamente. Evidentemente, não foram detectados desvios significativos nas culturas alimentares existentes nos três locais para o pombo-doméstico, sugerindo fortemente que os modos de alimentação entre os poleiros e ninhos sustentáveis, que estavam estreitamente localizados em culturas alimentares, exerceram impactos não significativos durante os períodos intermitentes dos movimentos de forrageamento dos pombos-domésticos nas condições diurnas.

Orphan crops for future food security

Climate change, along with current agricultural practices, is going to pose a significant challenge for futurefood security, especially in developing countries. Orphan crops can help mitigate this threat due to theirinherent properties of stress tolerance and nutrition content. Industrialization of agriculture has left these minorcrops behind in terms of domestication. As a result, the potential of these crops is underutilized. These cropscan be a game-changer in the long term if necessary steps are taken to improve the quality as well as quantity ofyield. Concerted efforts by many groups around the world have been taken for research and development ofthese crops. Besides, the unique properties of these crops have caught the media attention, which hails thesecrops as superfoods. Favourable government policies to promote these crops can help in the large-scaleadoption of these crops by the farming community. Besides, the stress-resilience of these crops can help boostthe sustainability of agriculture and ensure food security for future generations.