Impact of polyploidy on plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses.

Polyploidy, defined as the coexistence of three or more complete sets of chromosomes in an organism's cells, is considered as a pivotal moving force in the evolutionary history of vascular plants and has played a major role in the domestication of several crops. In the last decades, improved cultivars of economically important species have been developed artificially by inducing autopolyploidy with chemical agents. Studies on diverse species have shown that the anatomical and physiological changes generated by either natural or artificial polyploidization can increase tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses as well as disease resistance, which may positively impact on plant growth and net production. The aim of this work is to review the current literature regarding the link between plant ploidy level and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stressors, with an emphasis on the physiological and molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects, as well as their impact on the growth and development of both natural and artificially generated polyploids, during exposure to adverse environmental conditions. We focused on the analysis of those types of stressors in which more progress has been made in the knowledge of the putative morpho-physiological and/or molecular mechanisms involved, revealing both the factors in common, as well as those that need to be addressed in future research.

Long-Term Experience with Hyperthermic Chemotherapy (HIVEC) Using Mitomycin-C in Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in Spain.

(1) Background: Intravesical mitomycin-C (MMC) combined with hyperthermia is increasingly used in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), especially in the context of a relative BCG shortage. We aim to determine real-world data on the long-term treatment outcomes of adjunct hyperthermic intravesical chemotherapy (HIVEC) with MMC and a COMBAT® bladder recirculation system (BRS); (2) Methods: A prospective observational trial was performed on patients with NMIBC treated with HIVEC using BRS in nine academic institutions in Spain between 2012-2020 (HIVEC-E). Treatment effectiveness (recurrence, progression and overall mortality) was evaluated in patients treated with HIVEC MMC 40mg in the adjuvant setting, with baseline data and a clinical follow-up, that comprise the Full Analysis Set (FAS). Safety, according to the number and severity of adverse effects (AEs), was evaluated in the safety (SAF) population, composed by patients with at least one adjunct HIVEC MMC instillation; (3) Results: The FAS population (n = 502) received a median number of 8.78 ± 3.28 (range 1-20) HIVEC MMC instillations. The median follow-up duration was 24.5 ± 16.5 (range 1-81) months. Its distribution, based on EAU risk stratification, was 297 (59.2%) for intermediate and 205 (40.8%) for high-risk. The figures for five-year recurrence-free and progression-free survival were 50.37% (53.3% for intermediate and 47.14% for high-risk) and 89.83% (94.02% for intermediate and 84.23% for high-risk), respectively. A multivariate analysis identified recurrent tumors (HR 1.83), the duration of adjuvant HIVEC therapy <4 months (HR 1.72) and that high-risk group (HR 1.47) were at an increased risk of recurrence. Independent factors of progression were high-risk (HR 3.89), recurrent tumors (HR 3.32) and the induction of HIVEC therapy without maintenance (HR 2.37). The overall survival was determined by patient age at diagnosis (HR 3.36) and the treatment duration (HR 1.82). The SAF population (n = 592) revealed 406 (68.58%) patients without AEs and 186 (31.42%) with at least one AE: 170 (28.72%) of grade 1-2 and 16 (2.7%) of grade 3-4. The most frequent AEs were dysuria (10%), pain (7.1%), urgency (5.7%), skin rash (4.9%), spasms (3.7%) and hematuria (3.6%); (4) Conclusions: HIVEC using BRS is efficacious and well tolerated. A longer treatment duration, its use in naïve patients and the intermediate-risk disease are independent determinants of success. Furthermore, a monthly maintenance of adjunct MMC HIVEC diminishes the progression rate of NMIBC.

Review of the situation of Hedeoma multiflora Benth: (Peperina de las Lomas): an aromatic-medicinal argentine species at risk / Revisión de la situación de Hedeoma multiflora Benth: (Peperina de las Lomas): especie aromática medicinal argentina en riesgo

Aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) have great potential for the synthesis of secondary metabolites, which are used by the pharmaceutical and food industry. In addition, they are part of ancestral medicine and the livelihood of many families in regional economies. Argentina has a high number of AMPs. However, the intensive extraction system (overexploitation), together with other anthropic actions, puts them at risk. The "peperina de las lomas" (Hedeoma multiflora Benth. (Lamiaceae)) is within this problem. This native species, xerophyte, is distributed in central Argentina, in stony mountain areas, forming small bushes. In this work, the existing information of the species was collected, covering from its environmental problems to the most recent investigations, oriented towards its conservation and the development of its germplasm. These data will serve to promote activities aimed at preventing the degradation of this resource and promoting its sustainable use.

Las plantas aromáticas y medicinales (PAMs) tienen un gran potencial para la síntesis de metabolitos secundarios, los cuales son utilizados por la industria farmacéutica y alimentaria. Además, son parte de la medicina ancestral y el sustento de muchas familias de las economías regionales. Argentina posee un alto número de PAMs. Sin embargo, el sistema de extracción intensivo (sobreexplotación), junto a otras acciones antrópicas, las coloca en riesgo. La "peperina de las lomas" (Hedeoma multiflora Benth. (Lamiaceae)) se encuentra dentro de esta problemática. Esta especie nativa, xerófita, se distribuye en el centro de Argentina, en zonas pedregosas serranas, formando pequeñas matas. En este trabajo se recopiló la información existente de la especie abarcando, desde su problemática ambiental hasta las investigaciones más recientes, orientadas a su conservación y al desarrollo de su germoplasma. Estos datos servirán para promover actividades destinadas a evitar la degradación de este recurso y propiciar su aprovechamiento sustentable.

Beyond Arabidopsis: Differential UV-B Response Mediated by UVR8 in Diverse Species.

Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 280-315 nm) is an important environmental signal that regulates growth and development in plants. Two dose-dependent UV-B response pathways were described in plants: a specific one, mediated by UVR8 (the specific UV-B receptor) and an unspecific one, activated by the oxidative damage produced by radiation. The constitutively expressed receptor appears inactive as a dimer, with the two monomers dissociating upon UV-B irradiation. The monomer then interacts with COP1, an ubiquitin ligase, hindering its ability to poly-ubiquitinate transcriptional factor HY5, thus averting its degradation and activating the photomorphogenic response. HY5 induces the synthesis of proteins RUP1 and RUP2, which interact with UVR8, releasing COP1, and inducing the re-dimerization of UVR8. This mechanism has been thoroughly characterized in Arabidopsis, where studies have demonstrated that the UVR8 receptor is key in UV-B response. Although Arabidopsis importance as a model plant many mechanisms described in this specie differ in other plants. In this paper, we review the latest information regarding UV-B response mediated by UVR8 in different species, focusing on the differences reported compared to Arabidopsis. For instance, UVR8 is not only induced by UV-B but also by other agents that are expressed differentially in diverse tissues. Also, in some of the species analyzed, proteins with low homology to RUP1 and RUP2 were detected. We also discuss how UVR8 is involved in other developmental and stress processes unrelated to UV-B. We conclude that the receptor is highly versatile, showing differences among species.

Traditional uses, conservation status and biotechnological advances for a group of aromatic / medicinal native plants from America / Usos tradicionales, estado de conservación y avances biotecnológicos para un grupo de plantas aromáticas / medicinales nativas de América

Medicinal and aromatic plants are biologically and economically valuable species because of their intrinsic value as plants, ability to produce secondary metabolites, possible use in the pharmaceutical and food industries, germplasm availability and applications in traditional medicine. In addition, they hold social and economic importance due to the ancestral knowledge they represent and because they are part of the livelihood of many families. Most of them are collected from the wild and are in serious danger of extinction. Through biotechnological tools it is possible to develop their germplasm and obtain new and improved varieties from wild material, while advocating the alternative of production by cultivation instead of extracting it from nature. The objective of this review is to provide an updated perspective on the traditional uses, conservation status and biotechnological advances in a group of 30 plant species native to the American continent.

Las plantas medicinales y aromáticas deben ser valoradas tanto por su valor intrínseco como tales, por su capacidad de producir metabolitos secundarios, su posible uso en las industrias farmacéutica y alimentaria y por sus aplicaciones en medicina tradicional. Además, tienen importancia social y económica debido al conocimiento ancestral que representan y porque son parte del sustento de muchas familias. La mayoría de estas especies son recolectadas de la naturaleza y están en grave peligro de extinción. A través de herramientas biotecnológicas es posible desarrollar su germoplasma y obtener variedades nuevas y mejoradas a partir de material silvestre; esta estrategia propicia la alternativa de producción por cultivo en lugar de extraerla de la naturaleza. El objetivo de esta revisión es proporcionar una perspectiva actualizada de los usos tradicionales, el estado de conservación y los avances biotecnológicos en un grupo de 30 especies de plantas nativas del continente americano.

Neoadjuvant chemohyperthermia: Our experience after 10 years. / Quimiohipertermia neoadyuvante: nuestra experiencia después de 10 años.

Neoadjuvant chemohyperthermia (QHT) with MMC has demonstrated its efficacy in NMIBC both in the level of complete response at the time of TURBT and reduction of recurrences after several years of follow up. We present our experience with this treatment. METHODS: We performed a case control study in a group of 104 patients with middle-high risk NMIBC. 43 of them received neoadjuvant recirculated intravesical QHT and 61 passively administered standard adjuvant MMC. Patient follow up was 43 months (3 - 108) evaluating their clinical efficacy and adverse effects in both groups. RESULTS: After neoadjuvant QHT, 27 patients showed CR (63%), 13 PR (30.2%) and 3 NR (6.9%). 5 year recurrence rate after QHT passive MMC were 16.2% and 26.2% respectively. No patient in the QHT group presented tumor progression compared to 5% progressions in the group treated with MMC at room temperature and 1.6% deaths due to metastatic disease. 94% QHT programmed doses were administered in comparison to 97%in the group of standard MMC. In the QHT group there were 60.5% grade 1-2 AEs in comparison with 49% in the standard MMC group (p<0.4). Likewise, 9.3% cases in the QHT group presented Grade 3 AEs versus 6.5% in the standard MMC (p<0,06). CONCLUSIONS: Recirculating neoadjuvant QHT achieves a reduction in tumor recurrence after 4 years with a similar AE rate in comparison with passive instillation of MMC.

Analysis of tolerance and security of chemo hyperthermia with Mitomycin C for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. / Aálisis de tolerancia y seguridad de la quimiohipertermia con Mitomicina C en el tratamiento del cúncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo.

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) continues to be a challenge. Hyperthermia (HT) combined with intravesical chemotherapy is used to enhance the effects of chemotherapy. METHODS: A review of the publications was carried out to synthesize the adverse effects (AE) reported by the use of chemohyperthermia (QHT) with Mitomycin-C (MMC). The most relevant data are exposed for each of the devices currently used in the QHT. RESULTS: SYNERGO®: The dropout rate varied between 3-40%, and the AE rate is up to 88%. The most common AEs were pain (2-40%), thermal reaction of the posterior wall (13-100%), bladder spasms (2-32%), dysuria (3-60%) and hematuria (2-62%). COMBAT BRS®: The dropout rate is 3-11%. The AEs reported were CTCAE Grade 1-2: Pain 13-27%, bladder spasms 6-27%and hematuria 3-20% are the most relevant. In general, CTCAE grade 3-4 toxicity is not reported. UNITHERMIA®: The dropout rate is 7-12%. The AEs described are: Pain 6-23%, bladder spasms 6-23%, hematuria 9-11, frequency 15-25% and allergy 6-11%. The majority of toxicities are CTCAE grade 1-2 (17-53%), with grade 3-4 in 9-15% and Grade 5 in 0-2%. QHT adds little to the AEs of the treatment with MMC. It neither adds severe effects, nor increases dropouts significantly, and does not increase the incidence of allergic reactions. The comparative study between BCG and QHT-MMC, is less likely to present urinary frequency, nocturia, incontinence, hematuria, fever, fatigue and arthralgia in patients in the QHT group. CONCLUSIONS: QHT has proven to be a safe alternative for the treatment of intermediate and high risk NMIBC, with AE mainly grade 1-2. The AEs reported have little variation with respect to the dose of MMC used, presenting different "profiles" related to the device used for its administration. The treatments with QHTMMC are well tolerated, without adding significantly more AE than the instillations of MMC alone and presenting a better toxicity profile than those reflected in the literature with respect to the treatment with BCG.

Algo está cambiando en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los cánceres vesicales no músculo invasivo (CVNMI) / Something is changing in the diagnosis and treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC)

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Análisis de tolerancia y seguridad de la quimiohipertermia con Mitomicina C en el tratamiento del cáncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo / Analysis of tolerance and security of chemo hyperthermia with Mitomycin C for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

OBJETIVO: El tratamiento del cáncer de vejiga no músculo invasivo (CVNMI) continúa siendo un reto. La hipertermia (HT) combinada con la quimioterapia intravesical se usa para mejorar los efectos de la quimioterapia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión de las publicaciones para sintetizar los efectos adversos (EA) reportados por el uso de la quimiohipertermia (QHT) con Mitomicina- C (MMC). Se exponen los datos más relevantes para cada uno de los dispositivos empleados actualmente en la QHT. RESULTADOS: SYNERGO(R): La tasa de abandono varió entre 3-40%, y la tasa de EA es de hasta el 88%. Los EA con mayor frecuencia fueron dolor (2-40%), reacción térmica de la pared posterior (13-100%), espasmos vesicales (2-32%), disuria (3-60%) y hematuria (2-62%).COMBAT BRS®: La tasa de abandono de tratamiento es del 3-11%. Los EA reportados fueron CTCAE Grado 1-2: Dolor 13-27%, espasmos vesicales 6-27% y hematuria 3-20% son los más relevantes. En general, no se informan de toxicidad CTCAE grado 3-4. UNITHERMIA(R): La tasa de abandono de tratamiento es del 7-12%. Los EA descritos son: Dolor 6-23%, espasmos vesicales 6-23%, hematuria 9-11%, frecuencia 15-25% y alergia 6-11. La mayoría de las toxicidades son CTCAE grado 1-2 (17-53%), siendo grado 3-4 en 9-15% y Grado 5 en 0-2%. La QHT añade poco a los EA del tratamiento con MMC. No agrega efectos severos, no incrementa de forma significativa los abandonos al tratamiento, y no aumenta la incidencia de reacciones alérgicas. El estudio comparativo entre BCG y QHT-MMC encuentra menor probabilidad de presentar frecuencia miccional, nicturia, incontinencia, hematuria, fiebre, fatiga y artralgia, en los pacientes del grupo de QHT. CONCLUSIONES: La QHT ha demostrado ser una alternativa segura para el tratamiento de los CVNMI de riesgo intermedio y alto, con EA principalmente grado 1-2. Los EA reportados tienen poca variación con respecto a la dosis de MMC empleada, presentando diferentes "perfiles" relacionados con el dispositivo usado para su administración. Los tratamientos con QHT-MMC son bien tolerados, sin añadir significativamente más EA que las instilaciones de MMC sola y presentando mejor perfil de toxicidad que los reflejados en la literatura con respecto al tratamiento con BCG

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) continues to be a challenge. Hyperthermia(HT) combined with intravesical chemotherapy is used to enhance the effects of chemotherapy. METHODS: A review of the publications was carried out to synthesize the adverse effects (AE) reported by the use of chemohyperthermia (QHT) with Mitomycin-C (MMC). The most relevant data are exposed for each of the devices currently used in the QHT. RESULTS: SYNERGO(R): The dropout rate varied between 3-40%, and the AE rate is up to 88%. The most common AEs were pain (2-40%), thermal reaction of the posterior wall (13-100%), bladder spasms (2-32%), dysuria (3-60%) and hematuria (2-62%). COMBAT BRS(R): The dropout rate is 3-11%. The AEs reported were CTCAE Grade 1-2: Pain 13-27%, bladder spasms 6-27% and hematuria 3-20% are the most relevant. In general, CTCAE grade 3-4 toxicity is not reported. UNITHERMIA(R): The dropout rate is 7-12%. The AEs described are: Pain 6-23%, bladder spasms 6-23%, hematuria 9-11%, frequency 15-25% and allergy 6-11%. The majority of toxicities are CTCAE grade 1-2 (17-53%), with grade 3-4 in 9-15% and Grade 5 in 0-2%. QHT adds little to the AEs of the treatment with MMC. It neither adds severe effects, nor increases dropouts significantly, and does not increase the incidence of allergic reactions. The comparative study between BCG and QHT-MMC, is less likely to present urinary frequency, nocturia, incontinence, hematuria, fever, fatigue and arthralgia in patients in the QHT group. CONCLUSIONS: QHT has proven to be a safe alternative for the treatment of intermediate and high risk NMIBC, with AE mainly grade 1-2. The AEs reported have little variation with respect to the dose of MMC used, presenting different "profiles" related to the device used for its administration. The treatments with QHTMMC are well tolerated, without adding significantly more AE than the instillations of MMC alone and presenting a better toxicity profile than those reflected in the literature with respect to the treatment with BCG

Quimiohipertermia neoadyuvante: nuestra experiencia después de 10 años / Neoadjuvant chemohyperthermia: Our experience after 10 years

La quimiohipertermia (QHT) neoadyuvante con MMC ha demostrado su eficacia en el CVNMI tanto a nivel de respuestas completas en el momento de la RTU vesical como en la reducción de recidivas tras varios años de seguimiento. Presentamos nuestra experiencia con este tratamiento. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio de casos y controles de un grupo de 104 pacientes con CVNMI de riesgo medio-alto. De ellos, 43 recibieron QHT intravesical neoadyuvante recirculante y 61 recibieron MMC adyuvante estándar instilada de forma pasiva. Los pacientes fueron seguidos 43 meses (3 - 108) evaluándose su eficacia clínica y efectos adversos en ambos grupos. Resultados: Tras la QHT neoadyuvante, 27 pacientes mostraron RC (63%), 13 mostraron RP (30,2%) y los 3 mostraron NR (6,9%). La recurrencia a 5 años tras QHT fue del 16,2% y del 26,2% tras la MMC pasiva. Ningún paciente del grupo de QHT presentó progresión tumoral frente a un 5% de progresiones en el grupo tratado con MMC a temperatura ambiente y un 1,6% de exitus por enfermedad metastásica. Un 94% de las dosis de QHT pudieron ser administradas frente a un 97 en el grupo de MMC pasiva. En el grupo de QHT aparecieron un 60,5% de EA grado 1-2 frente al 49% en el en el grupo de MMC pasiva (p<0,4). Igualmente, un 9,3% del grupo de QHT presentaron EA grado 3 frente a un 6,5% en la MMC pasiva (p<0,6). Conclusiones: La QHT neoadyuvante recirculante consigue una reducción de las recidivas tumorales tras 4 años de tratamiento con un nivel de EA similar al de la instilación pasiva de MMC

Neoadjuvant chemohyperthermia (QHT) with MMC has demonstrated its efficacy in NMIBC both in the level of complete response at the time of TURBT and reduction of recurrences after several years of follow up. We present our experience with this treatment. METHODS: We performed a case control study in a group of 104 patients with middle-high risk NMIBC. 43 of them received neoadjuvant recirculated intravesical QHT and 61 passively administered standard adjuvant MMC. Patient follow up was 43 months (3 - 108) evaluating their clinical efficacy and adverse effects in both groups. Results: After neoadjuvant QHT, 27 atients showed CR (63%), 13 PR (30.2%) and 3 NR (6.9%). 5 year recurrence rate after QHT passive MMC were 16.2% and 26.2% respectively. No patient in the QHT group presented tumor progression compared to 5% progressions in the group treated with MMC at room temperature and 1.6% deaths due to metastatic disease. 94% QHT programmed doses were administered in comparison to 97% in the group of standard MMC. In the QHT group there were 60.5% grade 1-2 AEs in comparison with 49% in the standard MMC group (p<0.4). Likewise, 9.3% cases in the QHT group presented Grade 3 AEs versus 6.5% in the standard MMC (p<0,06). Conclusions: Recirculating neoadjuvant QHT achieves a reduction in tumor recurrence after 4 years with a similar AE rate in comparison with passive instillation of MMC

Thermal dosimetry for bladder hyperthermia treatment. An overview.

The urinary bladder is a fluid-filled organ. This makes, on the one hand, the internal surface of the bladder wall relatively easy to heat and ensures in most cases a relatively homogeneous temperature distribution; on the other hand the variable volume, organ motion, and moving fluid cause artefacts for most non-invasive thermometry methods, and require additional efforts in planning accurate thermal treatment of bladder cancer. We give an overview of the thermometry methods currently used and investigated for hyperthermia treatments of bladder cancer, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages within the context of the specific disease (muscle-invasive or non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer) and the heating technique used. The role of treatment simulation to determine the thermal dose delivered is also discussed. Generally speaking, invasive measurement methods are more accurate than non-invasive methods, but provide more limited spatial information; therefore, a combination of both is desirable, preferably supplemented by simulations. Current efforts at research and clinical centres continue to improve non-invasive thermometry methods and the reliability of treatment planning and control software. Due to the challenges in measuring temperature across the non-stationary bladder wall and surrounding tissues, more research is needed to increase our knowledge about the penetration depth and typical heating pattern of the various hyperthermia devices, in order to further improve treatments. The ability to better determine the delivered thermal dose will enable clinicians to investigate the optimal treatment parameters, and consequentially, to give better controlled, thus even more reliable and effective, thermal treatments.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is still considered as a recalcitrant species to in vitro culture and transformation in spite of the publication of different protocols. Here we describe a routine transformation system of this crop which requires mature HA89 genotype seeds and Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105 strain for gene delivery, being both easily available. Selection of transformed shoots depends on root development in kanamycin-selective media, instead of shoot color, avoiding selection of escapes. The establishment of this protocol proved successful for the incorporation of both reporter and agronomic important genes and also for the evaluation of the specific expression patterns of different promoters in transgenic sunflower plants. Stable expression of the incorporated transgenes was confirmed by RT-PCR and GUS reporter gene visualization. Stable inheritance of transgenes was successfully followed until T2 generation in several independent lines.

Analysis of genetic variability by ISSR markers in Calibrachoa caesia

Background: Calibrachoa Cerv. (ex La Llave & Lexarza) is a genus of the Solanaceae family (La Llave and Lexarza, 1825). This genus has a high ornamental and economic value due to its intrinsic variability and multiplicity of flower colours. In Argentina there are eight native species, and one of them is Calibrachoa caesia. The genetic diversity among 35 accessions of C. caesia, from five departments in the province of Misiones, was analyzed using ISSR markers. Results: Thirteen ISSR primers yielded a reproducible banding pattern, with 701 amplified loci and 98 percent of polymorphism. The ISSR primers 5’CT, 5’CA, 5’GA, 5’GACA, 3’CAC, 3’TG and 3’TC generated 100% polymorphic patterns. The Rp values ranged from 23.20 to 10.29 for 5’GACA and 3’AG primers, respectively, while the average values for MI and PIC were 0.367 and 0.231, respectively. The more informative primers were 5’GACA and 5’GA, and the less informative was 3’AC. Simple matching coefficient of similarity varied from 0.8875 to 0.6659, indicating high levels of genetic similarity among the genotypes studied. The UPGMA cluster analysis indicated three distinct clusters; one comprised genotypes of the five departments, while the second included individuals from Guaraní and Oberá regions and the third cluster included the San Pedro individuals. The overall grouping pattern is in agreement with principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). Conclusions: The Bayesian cluster analysis revealed structuring of the C. caesia population and two clusters were identified, which correspond to UPGMA major clades. The AMOVA test for all populations showed highest genetic variation within populations (90 percent), meanwhile the Fst coefficient was 0.098, indicating a medium differentiation between populations. These results showed a great intrapopulation genetic diversity but no significant difference was detected among populations...

Adjustable suburethral sling (male remeex system) in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence: a multicentric European study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a readjustable sling for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2002 and August 2005, 51 male patients with mild to severe SUI were prospectively operated with the use of a readjustable sling (MRS) at seven different European hospitals: Spain (2), Italy (2), Greece (1), Germany (1), and Portugal (1). The origin of incontinence was radical prostatectomy in 43 cases, TUR in 4, and open prostatectomy in another 4. Duration of incontinence ranged from 1 to 10 yr with an average of 3.5 yr. RESULTS: All patients but 5 were regulated during the early postoperative period; 44 patients (including all 5 not regulated during the early period) required a second regulation under local anaesthesia between 1 to 4 mo after surgery, and 17 other patients required more than one delayed regulation. After that, 33 patients (64.7%) were considered cured (25 of them wore no pads at all, and 8 used small pads or sanitary napkins for security but normally remained dry); another 10 cases showed important improvement (19.6%); and only 8 patients remain unchanged (15.7%). The average follow-up time was 32 mo (range: 16-50). The mesh was removed in 1 case owing to urethral erosion and the varitensor in 2 cases owing to infection. There were five (9.8%) uneventful intraoperative bladder perforations at the postoperative period, and there were three mild perineal haematomas (5.9%). Most patients felt perineal discomfort or pain, which was easily treated with oral medications. CONCLUSIONS: The MRS((R)) allowed postoperative readjustment of the suburethral sling pressure at the immediate or midterm postoperative period, which allowed the achievement of good midterm results in almost 85% of patients without significant postoperative complications.

Molecular identification of new varieties of Nierembergia linariaefolia (Graham), a native Argentinean ornamental plant.

Six Nierembergia linariaefolia clones were selected for ornamental traits during a native germplasm development program. For fingerprinting diagnosis, 13 anchored inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers and 6 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer-enzyme combinations were used. Both markers revealed high levels of polymorphism, enabling genetic discrimination of the accessions analyzed by using 443 informative ISSRs and 541 AFLP markers. Both molecular techniques are suitable for monitoring genetic diversity in Nierembergia linariaefolia and, under our experimental conditions, they showed correlation coefficients of 0.629 for similarity matrices and of 0.649 in the cophenetic matrices. These results suggest that ISSRs are a good choice for DNA analysis in N. linariaefolia when simple manipulation and a low budget are required.

Evitemos la degradación progresiva de nuestro idioma / Let's avoid the progressive degradation of our language

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Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.).

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is considered one of the recalcitrant species in terms of transformation and regeneration. A routine transformation system of this crop requires competent cell cultures for efficient plant regeneration as well as an effective method for gene delivery. A transformation system was developed by an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method using split mature embryonic axis explants from the Ha89 genotype. Mean transformation efficiency obtained (measured as PCR+ plants/treated explants) varied from 1 to 5.2% depending on the use of the EHA105 or the C58 strain containing a plasmid with a gene of agronomic interest. The system developed has applicability to several Agrobacterium strains and plasmids with both reporter genes or genes of agronomic interest. Plants obtained with this protocol were confirmed by PCR and Southern blot. Stable inheritance of transgenes was successfully followed until generation T4 in several independent lines.