Presencia de genes (WRKY) asociados a la respuesta al estrés biótico en cacao de Nicaragua

El presente estudio se desarrolló en el periodo octubre 2007-enero del 2008, con el objetivo de evaluar la presencia de genes WRKY en genotipos de cacao de la colección del germoplasma del Centro Experimental El Recreo perteneciente al Instituto Nicaragüense de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Managua, Nicaragua. Se logró detectar en cinco genotipos de cacao, la presencia de los locus WRKY vinculados a la resistencia al estrés biótico

An Anatomical Study of the Genus Psephellus (Asteraceae) from Flora of Iran

Abstract The present study deals with leaf and stem anatomical survey of 10 species of the genus Psephellus (Asteraceae) from flora of Iran. After collecting and identifying the specimens, leaf and stem cross sections were prepared by hand and best sections were taken for staining and light microscope studies. In this survey, various anatomical traits such as the number of vascular bundles of stem, the number of chlorenchyma and collenchyma bundles of stem, the shape of the cross section of stem, the shape of epidermal cells, the type of stomata, the type of trichomes of stem and leaf and the presence or absence of cuticle or cortex were carefully examined. It is found that the number of vascular bundles and the type of trichomes are the most outstanding anatomical evidences. The current results revealed that leaf and stem anatomical traits in the genus Psephellus were taxonomically informative criteria and confirmed the previous classification of genus. Finally, the key for species and sections of the studied genus from flora of Iran were prepared based on anatomical characters

Polimorfismos genéticos CYP2C9 y VKORC1-1639 implicados en la farmacocinética y farmacodinámica de warfarina en población latinoamericana

La warfarina es un anticoagulante ampliamente usado a nivel mundial para la prevención y tratamiento de eventos tromboembólicos. Los polimorfismos en los genes CYP2C9 y VKORC1 -1639 se han asociado con la variabilidad de respuesta a la warfarina en diversas poblaciones. La identificación de la presencia de polimorfismos puede garantizar el uso más seguro y efectivo de warfarina al estimar la dosis adecuada para cada paciente. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la frecuencia de estos polimorfismos genéticos en la población latinoamericana. De los 402 artículos revisados, se incluyeron 11 estudios con datos de frecuencia de polimorfismos genéticos de 2,830 pacientes latinoamericanos. Las variantes alélicas CYP2C9 *1/*2 y CYP2C9 *1/*3 fueron más frecuentes en la población estudiada con un 13.15 % y 6.93%, respectivamente. La variante alélica *3/*3 se presentó con una frecuencia de 0.17 %. En cuanto a los polimorfismos del gen VKORC1 -1639 se reportaron frecuencias de 49.11 %, 33 % y 17 % para las variantes GA, GG y AA, respectivamente. La frecuencia de polimorfismos en los genes CYP2C9 y VKORC1 -1639 en la población latinoamericana varía en dependencia del origen étnico de la población. En comparación con otras poblaciones se muestra un comportamiento similar al reportado en poblaciones de origen caucásico

Geodiversity and Geomorphodiversity Differences in the Coastal of Sea of Oman and Makran Zone from Cape Jask to Gwadar Bay

The need for management of the coastal of the Oman Sea and the Makran as a vast stretch of the Iranian territory with great development potentials in various areas. One of the most important areas for progress in this region is the enhancement of the tourism industry. One of the effective and potential capabilities that can be utilized for enhancing tourism is the geodiversity and the geomorphodiversity in the region. These diversities have been emphasized as the main bases for tourism in the region and steps have been taken to analyze and evaluate them. The study area, extends from the shorelines of Jask Bay to those of the Gwadar Bay and its land area stretches for approximately 120 kilometers from the coastline to the conical fold in the Makran zone. This research used quantitative, statistical and remote sensing methods to study the roles of active geological and tectonic factors, climate and proximity to the sea as the main parameters in the formation and expansion of geomorphological relief. It also evaluated the capability of each one, based on priorities, in the development of tourism in the area covered by the main drainage basins. The results show that geomorphodiversity with PRD of 0.0009, SHDI of 3.3529, SHEI of 0.9329, SIDI of 0.9578, and SIEI of 0.9774, is more importance and valuable than the geodiversity. Therefore, it is essential that the responsible authorities build the infrastructures required for the development of the Geomorpho-tourism industry in order to develop the coastal in southeastern Iran

Effects of different dosages of caffeine administration on wrestling performance during a simulated tournament

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different forms of caffeine administration on physical performance during a simulated wrestling tournament. In a double-blind and randomized experiment, twelve male freestyle wrestlers competed in a simulated wrestling tournament (5 wrestling matches consisting of 2×3-min wrestling rounds) following the ingestion of: a placebo, a high-dose of caffeine (10 mg/kg), a moderate-dose caffeine (4 mg/kg), a repeated-dose caffeine (2 mg/kg before each match to a total of 10 mg/kg) or a selective caffeine administration based on performance decrement previously measured (6.16±1.58 mg/kg). The Pittsburgh Wrestling Performance Test (PWPT) was measured before each match to assess physical performance. In comparison to the placebo, the high dose of caffeine only reduced PWPT time before the first match (56.8±2.0 vs. 52.9±1.8 s; p < 0.05). The moderate dose of caffeine did not affect PWPT performance during the tournament. Both, the repeated dose and the selective administration of caffeine reduced PWPT time with respect to the placebo in the third (66.7±1.8 vs. ~63.1±1.4 s; p < 0.05) and fourth matches (72.3±2.4 vs. ~65.9±1.3 s; p < 0.05). However, only the selective dose of caffeine reduced PWPT time before the fifth match (62.7±3.0 vs. 56.3±2.0; p < 0.05). The dosage and administration of caffeine affect the ergogenic effects obtained following the ingestion of this substance. An individualized protocol to provide caffeine when physical performance is expected to be reduced might improve wrestling performance during the latter stages of a tournament

Nanofiltration as Pretreatment to Reverse Osmosis for Paper and Pulp Mill Effluent

The paper and pulp industry produces effluent which is high in organic content and salinity, typically making is difficult to treat. For reclamation of this wastewater, the process should be designed such that the water is ‘fit for purpose’. Agricultural reuse of this waste stream is a potential option as the treatment requirements are less intense than for other reuse opportunities. This papers forms part of a larger project for developing an integrated UF-NF-RO system for reclaiming the biologically treated effluent from a thermo-mechanical pulp and paper mill in rural Australia. The current work has characterised the waste water and investigated a suite of commercially available NF membranes as a pre-treatment method for RO. Dead-end stirred cell filtration has been used to evaluate the selective removal of multivalent ions and low molecular weight organics in the NF stage. The result demonstrate the importance of the NF stage to the reclaimed water and show a SAR reduction of between 30-60% is achievable in this system. Of the commercially available membranes tested the membrane which performed the best was the NTR-7450 membrane from Hydranautics

Reliability and validity of a novel futsal special performance test designed to measure skills and anaerobic performance

Purpose: This study examined the validity and reliability of a novel futsal special performance test (FSPT) as a measure of futsal performance and skills. Methods: Thirty six futsal players with different levels of experience were recruited and divided into two groups (elite and non-elite). Players participated in four sessions (at least 7 days apart); a) familiarization session, b) anaerobic power (Wingate test), c) FSPT trial 1, and d) FSPT trial 2. The FSPT was carried out on a futsal court (wooden sprung floor) and examined skills such as dribbling, rotation, long and short passing and shooting. Content validity was assessed using 6 experienced futsal coaches and instructors. Results: There was a significant correlation between FSPT and various aspects of anaerobic power (r=0.5 to 0.91, p≤0.001). Moreover, significant large correlations were observed between test and re-test of FSPT (r= 0.77; 95% confidence intervals (CI)= 0.56 to 0.98; p≤0.001). All instructors and coaches confirmed the content validity. There was high inter-rater reliability of the FSPT (r=0.89; 95% CI= 0.85 to 0.93; p&lt;0.001). FSPT total (p=0.001), penalty (p=0.022) and performance (p=0.001) time was superior in elite relative to non-elite players. Anaerobic power was greater in elite players (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Our results support the use of the FSPT to assess futsal players’ performance in conjunction with skill and anaerobic fitness

Exercise-induced changes in neurotrophic factors and markers of blood-brain barrier permeability are moderated by weight status in multiple sclerosis

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurotrophic factors seemingly have an important role in multiple sclerosis pathology. Physical activity may influence blood-brain barrier function and levels of neurotrophic factors, and such effects might be moderated by body weight status. This study investigated the effect of exercise training on markers of blood-brain barrier permeability and neurotrophic factors as a function of weight status in multiple sclerosis patients. Sixty three persons with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis who were normal weight (n: 33) or overweight (n: 33) were randomly assigned into groups of exercise (normal weight training, n: 18; overweight training group, n: 18) or no exercise (normal weight control, n: 15; overweight control group, n: 15). The intervention consisted of 8 weeks (3 days per week) of cycling undertaken at 60–70% peak power. Resting blood concentrations of s100 calcium-binding protein B (s100b) and neuron-specific enolase as BBB permeability markers, neurotrophic factors and cytokines (Interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were evaluated before and after the intervention. There were significant weight, training, and interaction effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and platelet-derived growth factor; however, ciliary neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor did not demonstrate any effect. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and platelet-derived growth factor were significantly increased from pre-post in normal weight exercise. Significant weight, training, and interaction effects were found for s100b. In detail, s100b was significantly increased from pre-post in normal weight exercise. In contrast, neuron-specific enolase and cytokines did not demonstrate any effect. Generally, Exercise training may alter markers of BBB permeability and neurotrophic factor status in normal weight persons with multiple sclerosis; however, overweight participants may be more resistant to these effects of exercise.<br/

Effect of short-term interval exercise training on fatigue, depression, and fitness in normal weight vs. overweight person with multiple sclerosis

Context: Excessive weight is a health problem that can exacerbate multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and its associated comorbidities such as depression and fatigue. In addition, weight may be a moderator of exercise effects on depression and fatigue symptoms.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise training on fatigue and depression in normal and overweight individuals with MS. Methods: Sixty-six persons with MS were randomly assigned into an exercise or control condition based on body weight status (overweight vs. normal-weight). The exercise conditions involved 8-weeks of interval exercise at 60-75% Wattpeak, while the control condition did not involve any exercise. Fatigue, depression, aerobic capacity, time up and go (TUG) and body mass index were measured before and following the 8-week period. Results: There were no significant relationship’s revealed for weight status interactions for any of the variables examined. There were significant condition main effects for fatigue, depression, aerobic capacity and TUG, and significant improvements were noted for the exercise conditions, but not in the non-exercising control group. Conclusion: The results from this study confirm that exercise is an effective therapeutic intervention for improving fatigue, depression and functional parameters, independent of initial weight status, in persons with MS. <br/