Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as early biomarker for renal disease in dogs with leishmaniosis.

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by Leishmania sp., presents a wide array of symptoms; renal dysfunction is frequently observed in these dogs and is associated with a poor prognosis and increased mortality. The traditional biomarkers namely urea and creatinine can detect renal damage but only in advanced stages of the disease. However, it has been shown that the symmetric dimethylarginine assay (SDMA) or the protein/creatinine ratio (UPC) and are early biomarkers of renal dysfunction. Their elevation occurs earlier than that of creatinine, but other novel biomarkers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are currently under investigation. Our objective was to determine whether the urine NGAL-creatinine ratio (uNGAL/c) can provide very early diagnosis of kidney disease in CanL. In total, 68 dogs were included in the study: 15 healthy dogs and 53 dogs with CanL who were classified according to International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) classification: IRIS 1 (N= 34), IRIS 2 (N= 9) and IRIS 3/4 (N= 10). IRIS 1 was subdivided according to proteinuria in IRIS 1NP (13 dogs with UPC < 0.2), IRIS 1BL (8 dogs with UPC = 0.2-0.5) and IRIS 1 P (13 dogs with UPC > 0.5). Blood samples were collected for complete hematological and biochemistry analysis including plasma NGAL. Urinalysis included specific gravity, UPC, CysC and NGAL expressed as a ratio with creatinine. The mean concentrations of pCysC and SDMA in CanL, show a statistically significant increase from IRIS 1NP, not being statistically significant for pCysC in the IRIS 1BL group. The UPC show a statistically significant increase from IRIS 1NP. In all groups with CanL for uCysC/c and uNGAL/c was observed a statistically significant increase. The uNGAL/c in the group proteinuric animals, presents a positive correlation with all renal biomarkers studied. In the group of non-proteinuric animals, the uNGAL/c presents a positive correlation with SDMA and UPC. The uNGAL/c can be considered a reliable indicator of renal disease in dogs diagnosed with CanL who are non-azotemic and non-proteinuric.

Dissecting the Role of the Hole-Transport Layer in Cu2 AgBiI6 Solar Cells: An Integrated Experimental and Theoretical Study.

Perovskite-inspired materials (PIMs) provide low-toxicity and air-stable photo-absorbers for several possible optoelectronic devices. In this context, the pnictogen-based halides Cu2AgBiI6 (CABI) are receiving increasing attention in photovoltaics. Despite extensive studies on power conversion efficiency and shelf-life stability, nearly no attention has been given to the physicochemical properties of the interface between CABI and the hole transport layer (HTL), which can strongly impact overall cell operations. Here, we address this specific interface with three polymeric HTLs: poly(N,N'-bis(4-butylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)benzidine) (poly-TPD), thiophene-(poly(3-hexylthiophene)) (P3HT), and poly(bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine) (PTAA). Our findings reveal that devices fabricated with poly-TPD and P3HT outperform the commonly used Spiro-OMeTAD in terms of device operational stability, while PTAA exhibits worse performances. Density functional theory calculations unveil the electronic and chemical interactions at the CABI-HTL interfaces, providing new insights into observed experimental behaviors. Our study highlights the importance of addressing the buried interfaces in PIM-based devices to enhance their overall performance and stability.

Effective prediction of SnO2 conduction band edge potential: The key role of surface oxygen vacancies.

Several theoretical studies at different levels of theory have attempted to calculate the absolute position of the SnO2 conduction band, whose knowledge is key for its effective application in optoelectronic devices such us, for example, perovskite solar cells. However, the predicted band edges fall outside the experimentally measured range. In this work, we introduce a computational scheme designed to calculate the conduction band minimum values of SnO2, yielding results aligned with experiments. Our analysis points out the fundamental role of encompassing surface oxygen vacancies to properly describe the electronic profile of this material. We explore the impact of both bridge and in-plane oxygen vacancy defects on the structural and electronic properties of SnO2, explaining from an atomistic perspective the experimental observables. The results underscore the importance of simulating both types of defects to accurately predict SnO2 features and provide new fundamental insights that can guide future studies concerning design and optimization of SnO2-based materials and functional interfaces.

Halide Engineering in Mixed Halide Perovskite-Inspired Cu2AgBiI6 for Solar Cells with Enhanced Performance.

Cu2AgBiI6 (CABI) is a promising perovskite-inspired absorber for solar cells due to its direct band gap and high absorption coefficient. However, the nonradiative recombination caused by the high extrinsic trap density limits the performance of CABI-based solar cells. In this work, we employ halide engineering by doping bromide anions (Br-) in CABI thin films, in turn significantly improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE). By introducing Br- in the synthetic route of CABI thin films, we identify the optimum composition as CABI-10Br (with 10% Br at the halide site). The tailored composition appears to reduce the deep trap density as shown by time-resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy characterizations. This leads to a dramatic increase in the lifetime of charge carriers, which therefore improves both the external quantum efficiency and the integrated short-circuit current. The photovoltaic performance shows a significant boost since the PCE under standard 1 sun illumination increases from 1.32 to 1.69% (∼30% relative enhancement). Systematic theoretical and experimental characterizations were employed to investigate the effect of Br- incorporation on the optoelectronic properties of CABI. Our results highlight the importance of mitigating trap states in lead-free perovskite-inspired materials and that Br- incorporation at the halide site is an effective strategy for improving the device performance.

Comparative life cycle analysis between commercial porcelain stoneware and new ones designed by using volcanic scraps.

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, many companies have started implementing sustainability policies. The aim of this work, as result of collaboration between Universities and companies, is to assess the environmental impacts associated with the production of alternative formulations of porcelain stoneware. The proposed formulations contain extraction scraps and chamotte and have promising technological properties. A comparative analysis of the life cycle in three different scenarios was carried out to assess the environmental footprint of the final products. The analyzed scenarios were a glazed porcelain stoneware (which was taken as a reference and is commercially available), a porcelain stoneware containing pumice scraps, and one containing volcanic lapillus scraps. It was observed that the transportation of raw materials has the largest environmental impact, followed by the production and extraction of the raw materials themselves. From the performed analysis, it was possible to observe that by replacing the currently used materials by the ones hereby studied, environmental benefits can be obtained. In particular, depending on the considered pollutant, the environmental impact can be reduced between a minimum of about 8 % (Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity category) to a maximum of 48 % (Acidification category). In a time when raw materials supply is difficult, the use of scraps, which would otherwise be disposed of, is particularly interesting and can lead to the production of an environmentally friendly product.

Impact of hospitalization on nutritional status in persons aged 65 years and over (NUTRIFRAG Study): Protocol for a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a recurring problem that has become more relevant in recent years. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of malnutrition and nutritional status on admission and its evolution until discharge in patients aged 65 and over admitted to medical and surgical hospitalization units in hospitals of the Spanish National Health System. METHODS: Prospective observational study to be carried out in the medical-surgical hospitalization units of 9 public hospitals between 01/09/2022 and 31/12/2024. Using consecutive sampling, a total of 4077 patients will be included (453 in each hospital). Variables included are related to the care process, functionality, cognition and comorbidity, risk profile, nutritional status and dysphagia; as well as frailty, dietary quality and contextual variables. The incidence of risk of malnutrition, undernutrition and dysphagia during the care process and at discharge will be calculated. The association with risk factors will be studied with logistic regression models and multivariate Cox regression models. In addition, an analysis of participants' satisfaction with food services will be carried out. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee on 30/09/2020, approved for funding on 02/12/2021 and with registration number RBR-5jnbyhk in the Brazilian clinical trials database (ReBEC) for observational studies. DISCUSSION: Some studies address nutritional status or dysphagia in older people in various care settings. However, there is a lack of large sample studies including both processes of the impact of hospitalization. The results of the project will provide information on the incidence and prevalence of both pathologies in the study subjects, their associated factors and their relationship with the average length of stay, mortality and early readmission. In addition, early detection of a problem such as malnutrition related to the disease and/or dysphagia during a hospital stay will favor the action of professionals to resolve both pathologies and improve the health status of patients.

Structural Evolution of Air-Exposed Layered Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries: An Example of Ni-doped NaxMnO2.

Sodium-ion batteries have recently aroused the interest of industries as possible replacements for lithium-ion batteries in some areas. With their high theoretical capacities and competitive prices, P2-type layered oxides (NaxTMO2) are among the obvious choices in terms of cathode materials. On the other hand, many of these materials are unstable in air due to their reactivity toward water and carbon dioxide. Here, Na0.67Mn0.9Ni0.1O2 (NMNO), one of such materials, has been synthesized by a classic sol-gel method and then exposed to air for several weeks as a way to allow a simple and reproducible transition toward a Na-rich birnessite phase. The transition between the anhydrous P2 to the hydrated birnessite structure has been followed via periodic XRD analyses, as well as neutron diffraction ones. Extensive electrochemical characterizations of both pristine NMNO and the air-exposed one vs sodium in organic medium showed comparable performances, with capacities fading from 140 to 60 mAh g-1 in around 100 cycles. Structural evolution of the air-exposed NMNO has been investigated both with ex situ synchrotron XRD and Raman. Finally, DFT analyses showed similar charge compensation mechanisms between P2 and birnessite phases, providing a reason for the similarities between the electrochemical properties of both materials.

Interface Modification for Energy Level Alignment and Charge Extraction in CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells.

In perovskite solar cells (PSCs) energy level alignment and charge extraction at the interfaces are the essential factors directly affecting the device performance. In this work, we present a modified interface between all-inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite and its hole-selective contact (spiro-OMeTAD), realized by the dipole molecule trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), to align the energy levels. On a passivated perovskite film, with n-octylammonium iodide (OAI), we created an upward surface band-bending at the interface by TOPO treatment. This improved interface by the dipole molecule induces a better energy level alignment and enhances the charge extraction of holes from the perovskite layer to the hole transport material. Consequently, a Voc of 1.2 V and a high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 19% were achieved for inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells. Further, to demonstrate the effect of the TOPO dipole molecule, we present a layer-by-layer charge extraction study by a transient surface photovoltage (trSPV) technique accomplished by a charge transport simulation.

Complete Genome Characterization of Penicillimonavirus gammaplasmoparae, a Bipartite Member of the Family Mymonaviridae.

In this study, we identified Plasmopara-viticola-lesion-associated mononegaambi virus 3 (recently classified as Penicillimonavirus gammaplasmoparae), a fungi-associated mymonavirus, in grapevine plants showing an unusual upward curling symptomatology on the leaves and premature decline. Mymonaviridae is a family comprising nine genera of negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses infecting filamentous fungi, although few of them have been associated with oomycetes, plants, and insects. Although the first mymonavirus genome description was reported a decade ago, the genome organization of several genera in the family, including the genus Penicillimonavirus, has remained unclear to date. We have determined the complete genome of P. gammaplasmoparae, which represents the first complete genomic sequence for this genus. Moreover, we provide strong evidence that P. gammaplasmoparae genome is bipartite and comprises two RNA molecules of around 6150 and 4560 nt. Our results indicate that the grapevine powdery mildew pathogen, Erysiphe necator, was also present in the analyzed plants and suggest P. gammaplasmoparae could be infecting this fungus. However, whether the fungus and/or the mycovirus are associated with the symptomatology that initially prompted these efforts remains to be determined.

Processing and Bread-Making Quality Profile of Spanish Spelt Wheat.

Spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. spelta Thell.) is an ancient wheat that has been widely cultivated for hundreds of years. Recently, this species has been neglected in most of Europe; however, the desire for more natural and traditional foods has driven a revival of the crop. In the current study, eighty-eight traditional spelt genotypes from Spain, together with nine common wheat cultivars and one modern spelt (cv. Anna Maria) were grown during a period of two years in Andalucia (southern Spain). In each, several traits were measured in to evaluate their milling, processing, and end-use quality (bread-making). The comparison between species suggested that, in general, spelt and common wheat showed differences for most of the measured traits; on average, spelt genotypes had softer grains, higher protein content (14.3 vs. 11.9%) and gluten extensibility (alveograph P/L 0.5 vs. 1.8), and lower gluten strength (alveograph W 187 vs. 438 × 10-4 J). In the baking test, both species showed similar values. Nevertheless, the analysis of this set of spelt genotypes showed a wide range for all measured traits, with higher values than common wheat in some spelt genotypes for some traits. This opens up the possibility of using these materials in future breeding programs, to develop either new spelt or common wheat cultivars.

Genetic Variability for Grain Components Related to Nutritional Quality in Spelt and Common Wheat.

Spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) is part of the so-called ancient wheats. These types of wheats are experiencing a revival as they have been proposed to be healthier than conventional wheat. However, the given healthier condition of spelt is not substantiated by solid scientific evidence. The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic variability for several grain components, related to nutritional quality (arabinoxylans, micronutrients, phytic acid) in a set of spelt and common wheat genotypes to determinate if spelt is potentially healthier than common wheat. The results obtained indicated that within the compared species, there is a significant variation in the nutritional compounds, and it is not truthful and accurate to state that one species is healthier than the other. Within both groups, genotypes showing outstanding values for some traits were detected, which could be used in breeding programs to develop new wheat cultivars with good agronomic performance and nutritional quality.

Antimony-Bismuth Alloying: The Key to a Major Boost in the Efficiency of Lead-Free Perovskite-Inspired Photovoltaics.

The perovskite-inspired Cu2 AgBiI6 (CABI) material has been gaining increasing momentum as photovoltaic (PV) absorber due to its low toxicity, intrinsic air stability, direct bandgap, and a high absorption coefficient in the range of 105  cm-1 . However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of existing CABI-based PVs is still seriously constrained by the presence of both intrinsic and surface defects. Herein, antimony (III) (Sb3+ ) is introduced into the octahedral lattice sites of the CABI structure, leading to CABI-Sb with larger crystalline domains than CABI. The alloying of Sb3+ with bismuth (III) (Bi3+ ) induces changes in the local structural symmetry that dramatically increase the formation energy of intrinsic defects. Light-intensity dependence and electron impedance spectroscopic studies show reduced trap-assisted recombination in the CABI-Sb PV devices. CABI-Sb solar cells feature a nearly 40% PCE enhancement (from 1.31% to 1.82%) with respect to the CABI devices mainly due to improvement in short-circuit current density. This work will promote future compositional design studies to enhance the intrinsic defect tolerance of next-generation wide-bandgap absorbers for high-performance and stable PVs.

Perspectiva bioética de la adecuación del esfuerzo terapéutico en pacientes adultos terminales. Revisión sistemática / Bioethical perspective of the limitation of therapeutic effort in adult terminal patients. Systematic review

Introducción: Ante la capacidad de mantenimiento de las funciones vitales de forma artificial, surgen nuevas preocupaciones éticas en los profesionales sanitarios en relación con la muerte. Se cuestiona desde la ética si el equipo asistencial debe hacer siempre todo lo necesario y posible para impedir la muerte de un paciente. Objetivo: Analizar los aspectos bioéticos de la limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico en pacientes en el final de la vida, fomentar la reflexión y contribuir a mejorar los cuidados en el final de la vida. Método: Se realizó una revisión narrativa e integradora de la literatura científica mediante la búsqueda de publicaciones en metabuscadores y bases de datos de PubMed, SciELO y la revista de Nursing Ethics. Se identificaron 6.325 estudios publicados a partir de 2018 y se incluyeron un total de 9 artículos. Resultados/Discusión: Se describen las dificultades que presentan los profesionales en relación a la toma de decisiones en el final de la vida, la necesidad de mejorar la formación en ética y en aspectos relacionados con pacientes que se encuentran en sus últimos días, los cuidados paliativos y la limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico. Solo una minoría de los estudios están enfocados en enfermería. Conclusiones: Las decisiones del profesional están influenciadas por valores, emociones, creencias y experiencias, que unidas a la dificultad que existe en ocasiones para establecer un diagnóstico clínico certero, dificulta las decisiones de limitación de esfuerzo terapéutico. Se hace necesario mejorar la formación en ética y conocimiento de los procesos de final de la vida por parte de los profesionales. (AU)

Introduction: Faced with the ability to maintenance vital functions artificially, new ethical concerns arise among health professionals regarding death. It is been questioned from ethics if the care team should always do everything necessary and possible to prevent the death of a patient. Objective: to analyze the bioethical aspects of limiting therapeutic effort in end-of-life patients, encourage reflection and contribute to improving end-of-life care. Method: a narrative and integrative review of the scientific literature was performed by searching for publications in meta-search engines and databases of PubMed, SciELO and the journal of Nursing Ethics. A total of 6,325 studies published since 2018 were identified and a total of 9 articles were included. Results/Discussion: Issues presented by professionals regarding making-decisions at the end of life, the need to improve training in ethics and aspects related to patients in their last days, palliative care and the limitation of therapeutic effort are described. Only a minority of studies are focused on nursing. Conclusions: professional's decisions are influenced by values, emotions, beliefs and experiences, which, together with the difficulty that sometimes exists to establish an accurate clinical diagnosis, makes it difficult to limit therapeutic effort. It is therefore necessary to improve training in ethics and knowledge about end-of-life processes from professionals. (AU)

Peptide-based metalloporphyrin catalysts: unveiling the role of the metal ion in indole oxidation.

Over the last decades, much effort has been devoted to the construction of protein and peptide-based metalloporphyrin catalysts capable of promoting difficult transformations with high selectivity. In this context, mechanistic studies are fundamental to elucidate all the factors that contribute to catalytic performances and product selectivity. In our previous work, we selected the synthetic peptide-porphyrin conjugate MnMC6*a as a proficient catalyst for indole oxidation, promoting the formation of a 3-oxindole derivative with unprecedented selectivity. In this work, we have evaluated the role of the metal ion in affecting reaction outcome, by replacing manganese with iron in the MC6*a scaffold. Even though product selectivity is not altered upon metal substitution, FeMC6*a shows a lower substrate conversion and prolonged reaction times with respect to its manganese analogue. Experimental and theoretical studies have enabled us to delineate the reaction free energy profiles for both catalysts, indicating different thermodynamic limiting steps, depending on the nature of the metal ion.

Conductivity in Thin Films of Transition Metal Coordination Complexes.

Two coordination complexes have been made by combining the dithiolene complexes [M(mnt)2]2- (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate; M = Ni2+ or Cu2+) as anion, with the copper(II) coordination complex [Cu(Stetra)] (Stetra = 6,6'-bis(4,5-dihydrothiazol-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyri-dine) as cation. The variation of the metal centers leads to a dramatic change in the conductivity of the materials, with the M = Cu2+ variant (Cu-Cu) displaying semiconductor behavior with a conductivity of approximately 2.5 × 10-8 S cm-1, while the M = Ni2+ variant (Ni-Cu) displayed no observable conductivity. Computational studies found Cu-Cu enables a minimization of reorganization energy losses and, as a result, a lower barrier to the charge transfer process, resulting in the reported higher conductivity.

A One Health approach revealed the long-term role of Mycobacterium caprae as the hidden cause of human tuberculosis in a region of Spain, 2003 to 2022.

IntroductionMycobacterium caprae is a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) not routinely identified to species level. It lacks specific clinical features of presentation and may therefore not be identified as the causative agent of tuberculosis. Use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in the investigation of a family microepidemic of tuberculosis in Almería, Spain, unexpectedly identified the involvement of M. caprae.AimWe aimed to evaluate the presence of additional unidentified M. caprae cases and to determine the magnitude of this occurrence.MethodsFirst-line characterisation of the MTBC isolates was done by MIRU-VNTR, followed by WGS. Human and animal M. caprae isolates were integrated in the analysis.ResultsA comprehensive One Health strategy allowed us to (i) detect other 11 M. caprae infections in humans in a period of 18 years, (ii) systematically analyse M. caprae infections on an epidemiologically related goat farm and (iii) geographically expand the study by including 16 M. caprae isolates from other provinces. Integrative genomic analysis of 41 human and animal M. caprae isolates showed a high diversity of strains. The animal isolates' diversity was compatible with long-term infection, and close genomic relationships existed between isolates from goats on the farm and recent cases of M. caprae infection in humans.DiscussionZoonotic circulation of M. caprae strains had gone unnoticed for 18 years. Systematic characterisation of MTBC at species level and/or extended investigation of the possible sources of exposure in all tuberculosis cases would minimise the risk of overlooking similar zoonotic events.

Epilepsias generalizadas idiopáticas: análisis de 101 pacientes / Idiopathic generalized epilepsies: Analysis of 101 patients

Introducción: Las epilepsias generalizadas idiopáticas (EGI) son un síndrome electroclínico que comprende 4 subsíndromes según la clasificación de la ILAE 2017. El pronóstico a largo plazo de estos síndromes es incierto debido a la escasez y a la heterogeneidad de los estudios. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el pronóstico a largo plazo de estos síndromes, el tratamiento farmacológico y la recurrencia de crisis.MétodosEstudio observacional y retrospectivo de una serie de pacientes diagnosticados de EGI. Se recogieron variables demográficas, tratamiento farmacológico, libertad de crisis y recurrencia tras su retirada.ResultadosIncluimos 101 pacientes, la mayoría mujeres (56,4%), con una mediana de evolución de la epilepsia de 17 años (rango intercuartílico: 7-31). El síndrome más frecuente fue la epilepsia mioclónica juvenil (46,5%), seguido de la epilepsia con solo crisis tónico-clónicas generalizadas (25,7%), la epilepsia de ausencia juvenil (13,9%) y la epilepsia de ausencia infantil (13,9%). Un 71,29% estaba en monoterapia y un 20,79% en politerapia, con diferencias entre los diferentes síndromes (p=0,001). El fármaco más utilizado fue el ácido valproico. El 39,6% presentaba remisión de crisis a los 5 años, pero no observamos diferencias significativas entre los diferentes síndromes (p=0,982). La tasa de recurrencia fue del 71,4% tras retirada de tratamiento.ConclusionesLa epilepsia mioclónica juvenil fue el subtipo de EGI más frecuente. Observamos diferencias significativas en cuanto a politerapia entre los diferentes síndromes, aunque no en las tasas de remisión al año y a los 5 años. La mayoría de pacientes a los que se retiró la medicación antiepiléptica recidivaron. (AU)

Introduction: Idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGI) are an electroclinical syndrome that includes four subsyndromes according to the ILAE 2017 classification. The long-term prognosis of these syndromes is uncertain due to the scarcity and heterogeneity of the studies. The objective of this study is to analyze the long-term prognosis of these syndromes, pharmacological treatment and the seizure recurrence.MethodObservational and retrospective study of a serie of patients diagnosed with EGI. Epidemiological variables, pharmacological treatment, freedom of seizures and recurrence after withdrawal of treatment were collected.ResultsWe included 101 patients, the majority women (56.4%), with a median evolution of epilepsy of 17 years (interquartile range: 7–31). The most frequent syndrome was juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (46.5%), followed by epilepsy with generalized tonic–clonic seizures alone (25.7%), juvenile absence epilepsy (13.9%) and childhood absence epilepsy (13.9%). The 71.29% were on monotherapy and 20.79% on polytherapy, with significant differences between the different syndromes (P=.001). The most widely used drug was valproic acid. 39.6% presented seizure remission at 5 years, but we did not observe significant differences between the different syndromes (P=.982). The recurrence rate was 71.4% after withdrawal of treatment.ConclusionJuvenile myoclonic epilepsy was the most frequent subtype of IGE. We observed significant differences in terms of polytherapy in the different syndromes, although not in the rates of remission of seizures at one year and at five years. The majority of patients with treatment withdrawal relapsed. (AU)

A Novel and Highly Inclusive Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR Method for the Broad and Efficient Detection of Grapevine Leafroll-Associated Virus 1.

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important crops in the world due to its economic and social impact. Like many other crops, grapevine is susceptible to different types of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1 (GLRaV-1) is a virus associated with grapevine leafroll disease and it is considered at the national and European level as a pathogen that must be absent in propagative plant material. For this reason, the availability of specific, sensitive and reliable detection techniques to ascertain the sanitary status of the plants is of great importance. The objective of this research was the development of a new GLRaV-1 detection method based on a TaqMan quantitative real-time RT-PCR targeted to the coat protein genomic region and including a host internal control in a duplex reaction. To this end, three new GLRaV-1 full genomes were recovered by HTS and aligned with all sequences available in the databases. The method has been validated following EPPO standards and applied for the diagnosis of field plant material and transmission vectors. The new protocol designed has turned out to be highly sensitive as well as much more specific than the current available methods for the detection and absolute quantitation of GLRaV-1 viral titer.

Impact of a DANA Event on the Thermal Response of Nectarine Trees.

This field experiment focuses on the effects of a heavy rainfall event (DANA, depresión aislada en niveles altos) that occurred on 12-14 September 2019 (DOY, Day of the year, 255-257), in southern Spain on plant water status and the thermal response of nectarine trees. Two irrigation treatments were applied during the summer-autumn postharvest period (DOY 158-329): full-irrigated (CTL) and non-irrigated (DRY). Volumetric soil water content (θv), air temperature (Ta) and canopy temperature (Tc) were monitored in real-time and the crop water stress index (CWSI) was calculated. The difference in Tc between the DRY and CTL treatments (Tc' - Tc) is proposed as a new thermal indicator. Stem water potential (Ψstem) and leaf gas exchange measurements were recorded on representative days. During the DANA event, only the Tc measured by the infrared radiometer sensors could be monitored. Therefore, the effects of the DANA forced the soil water content sensors to be switched off, which prevented Ψstem and leaf gas exchange determinations from DOY 255 to 275. Before the DANA event, withholding irrigation caused a gradual decrease in the soil and plant water status in the DRY treatment. Significant differences appeared between treatments in the studied thermal indexes. Moreover, Tc' - Tc was more sensitive than Tc - Ta in assessing nectarine water stress. The effects of the DANA reduced these differences, suggesting different baselines for the calculation of CWSI. In this respect, the relationship Tc - Ta vs. VPD improved the coefficient of determination after the DANA event in full-irrigated trees. Similar values of Ψstem and leaf gas exchange were found in both treatments after the DANA event, even though thermal indexes showed some significant differences. In addition, the strong relationship found between Tc - Ta and CWSI vs. Ψstem worsened after DANA occurred, revealing a lower sensitivity of Ψstem compared to canopy temperature to accurately assess nectarine water status in these saturated soil conditions. This research underlined the robustness of infrared thermography to continuously monitor plant water status under these extreme weather conditions.

Effect of Water Stress and Shading on Lime Yield and Quality.

The aim of this study was to test the combined effect of water stress and cropping system on yield and fruit quality in Bearss lime trees. For this purpose, two irrigation treatments were applied during stage II of fruit growth: control (well irrigated, automatically managed by soil water content sensors) and stress (non-irrigated), both under open-field and shaded conditions. Soil water status was assessed by determining soil water content and plant water status by measuring stem water potential (Ψstem), stomatal conductance (gs), and net photosynthesis (Pn). Yield parameters (kg and the number of fruits per tree and fresh mass per fruit) and fruit quality were assessed on two harvest dates. In addition, on the second harvest date, the content of metabolites and nutrients in the lime juice was analyzed. The results showed that soil water deficit induced 35% lower gs values in open-field than in shaded conditions. The highest kg and the number of fruits per tree were observed in the shaded system, especially on the first harvest date. The lowest yield was observed in stressed trees grown without netting. Slightly higher fresh mass and equatorial diameter were observed in shaded fruits than in open-field fruit. Soil water deficit increased fruit total soluble solids and decreased juice content, especially in open-field trees. Shaded conditions made the lime trees more resilient to soil water deficit, which led to higher yields and better external fruit quality traits. In addition, fruit precocity was significantly higher in the shaded system.