Genetic and biochemical strategies for regulation of L-ascorbic acid biosynthesis in plants through the L-galactose pathway.

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, AsA) is an essential compound with pleiotropic functions in many organisms. Since its isolation in the last century, AsA has attracted the attention of the scientific community, allowing the discovery of the L-galactose pathway, which is the main pathway for AsA biosynthesis in plants. Thus, the aim of this review is to analyze the genetic and biochemical strategies employed by plant cells for regulating AsA biosynthesis through the L-galactose pathway. In this pathway, participates eight enzymes encoded by the genes PMI, PMM, GMP, GME, GGP, GPP, GDH, and GLDH. All these genes and their encoded enzymes have been well characterized, demonstrating their participation in AsA biosynthesis. Also, have described some genetic and biochemical strategies that allow its regulation. The genetic strategy includes regulation at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In the first one, it was demonstrated that the expression levels of the genes correlate directly with AsA content in the tissues/organs of the plants. Also, it was proved that these genes are light-induced because they have light-responsive promoter motifs (e.g., ATC, I-box, GT1 motif, etc.). In addition, were identified some transcription factors that function as activators (e.g., SlICE1, AtERF98, SlHZ24, etc.) or inactivators (e.g., SlL1L4, ABI4, SlNYYA10) regulate the transcription of these genes. In the second one, it was proved that some genes have alternative splicing events and could be a mechanism to control AsA biosynthesis. Also, it was demonstrated that a conserved cis-acting upstream open reading frame (5'-uORF) located in the 5'-untranslated region of the GGP gene induces its post-transcriptional repression. Among the biochemical strategies discovered is the control of the enzyme levels (usually by decreasing their quantities), control of the enzyme catalytic activity (by increasing or decreasing its activity), feedback inhibition of some enzymes (GME and GGP), subcellular compartmentation of AsA, the metabolon assembly of the enzymes, and control of AsA biosynthesis by electron flow. Together, the construction of this basic knowledge has been establishing the foundations for generating genetically improved varieties of fruits and vegetables enriched with AsA, commonly used in animal and human feed.

Meaningful Work, Happiness at Work, and Turnover Intentions.

It has been documented that there is a positive relationship between a worker's subjective well-being and productivity, and individuals who are happy in their work have a better attitude when performing activities: happier employees are more productive. Turnover intention, on the other hand, may arise from various factors rather than merely the need to increase a salary, as the traditional economic theory states. The fact that the work performed does not contribute to the worker's life purpose, that there might be a bad relationship with colleagues, or else might play a role in the search for a new job. This study aims to show the relevance of meaningful work in happiness at work and turnover intention. Data from 937 professionals, in 2019, in Mexico were analyzed. Regression analyses were used to assess the impact of meaningful work on happiness at work and turnover intention. Results show that meaningful work, feeling appreciated by coworkers, and enjoyment of daily tasks significantly predict happiness at work. A logit model showed that having a job that contributes to people's life purpose, feeling appreciated, and enjoyment of daily tasks reduces turnover intention. The main contribution of the study is to identify the importance of elements of purpose and meaning in the work context, contributing to economic theory. Limitations include the use of single items from a more extensive survey, which might diminish the validity and reliability of the constructs under scrutiny. Future directions point towards the need for more robust indicators of the variables of interest, but the findings emphasize the importance of research focused on the meaning workers attribute to their own work and the effects this attribution might have on their own wellbeing, organizational results, and productivity, including a return of investment (ROI) indicators.

Características de la calidad de vida en enfermos crónicos y agudos / Quality of life characteristics in chronic and acute patients

La calidad de vida ha sido objeto de investigación en padecimientos crónicos, sin embargo no se considera porsí mismo el efecto de perder la salud, especialmente en el contexto de los padecimientos agudos. En Latinoamérica continúan siendo frecuentes, recurrentes y contribuyen de manera importante a las tasas de mortalidad. En el presente estudio se abordaron las diferencias en calidad de vida a partir de la condición crónica o aguda del padecimiento. Se utilizó el Inventario de Calidad de Vida y Salud (InCaViSa) que incluye áreas poco consideradas en la literatura como la interacción médico-paciente. Respondieron el inventario un total de 449 participantes divididos en tres grupos: enfermos crónicos, agudos y aparentemente sanos, como grupo de contraste. Los resultados revelaron propiedades psicométricas sólidas en el inventario y diferencias en Calidad de Vida entre los tres grupos, destacando las áreas relativas a la interacción con el médico, y preocupaciones. Se concluye que hay un efecto diferencial por la condición, en el que los padecimientos curables también impactan la calidad de vida.

Quality of Life (QOL) has been a research subject in chronic diseases mainly. However, research on health lossis relatively scarce, especially in the realm of acute diseases, those in Latin American are frequent, recurrent, and increases notably the mortality burden. The present study evaluated the QOL differences by disease duration. Health Inventory (INCAVISA for its initials in Spanish) was used, including some variables unattended at literature as patient physician interaction. A total of 449 participants separated in three groups defined by their type of health condition or status: chronic, acute or apparently healthy. Results revealed solid psychometrical properties of the Inventory as well as QOL differences among the three groups, specially patient-physician relationship related and concerns. Conclusions point out that exist a differential effect by condition and recoverable diseases also has an impact on QOL.