YABBY transcription factor family in the octoploid Fragaria × ananassa and five diploid Fragaria species.

YABBY genes encode specific TFs of seed plants involved in development and formation of leaves, flowers, and fruit. In the present work, genome-wide and expression analyses of the YABBY gene family were performed in six species of the Fragaria genus: Fragaria × ananassa, F. daltoniana, F. nilgerrensis, F. pentaphylla, F. viridis, and F. vesca. The chromosomal location, synteny pattern, gene structure, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. By combining RNA-seq data and RT-qPCR analysis we explored specific expression of YABBYs in F. × ananassa and F. vesca. We also analysed the promoter regions of FaYABBYs and performed MeJA application to F. × ananassa fruit to observe effects on gene expression. We identified and characterized 25 YABBY genes in F. × ananassa and six in each of the other five species, which belong to FIL/YAB3 (YABBY1), YAB2 (YABBY2), YAB5 (YABBY5), CRC, and INO clades previously described. Division of the YABBY1 clade into YABBY1.1 and YABBY1.2 subclades is reported. We observed differential expression according to tissue, where some FaYABBYs are expressed mainly in leaves and flowers and to a minor extent during fruit development of F. × ananassa. Specifically, the FaINO genes contain jasmonate-responsive cis-acting elements in their promoters which may be functional since FaINOs are upregulated in F. × ananassa fruit under MeJA treatment. This study suggests that YABBY TFs play an important role in the development- and environment-associated responses of the Fragaria genus.

Polluted water from a storage dam (Villa Victoria, méxico) induces oxidative damage, AChE activity, embryotoxicity, and behavioral changes in Cyprinus carpio larvae.

The Villa Victoria dam is one of the most important storage reservoirs in Mexico since it distributes water to more than 20 million inhabitants in the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico City. In this dam, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an important food resource for the inhabitants, so the aim of this work was to evaluate the oxidative damage (lipoperoxidation, oxidized proteins, antioxidant enzymes activity and gene expression), AChE, embryotoxicity and behavioral changes in C. carpio embryos and larvae exposed to water from Villa Victoria dam for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The embryotoxicity was evaluated trough the General Morphology Score (GMS) and the teratogenic index. Behavioral changes in basal locomotor activity and thigmotaxis were evaluated in a DanioVision, Noldus ™. An increase in lipid and protein oxidation as well as modification of CAT, SOD and GPx enzymatic activity was observed during the exposure times. The GMS indicated a low development in the embryos, the teratogenic index was less than 1, however teratogenic effects as yolk edema, fin malformation, head malformation and scoliosis were observed. In parallel, an increase in AChE activity and gene expression was observed reflecting changes in distance traveled of the basal locomotor activity and thigmotaxis at the sampling points. In conclusion, pollutants in water from Villa Victoria dam caused oxidative damage, changes in SOD, CAT, GPx and AChE activity as well as embryotoxicity and modifications in the behavior of C. carpio larvae. This study demonstrates the need to implement restoration programs for this reservoir since, contamination in the Villa Victoria dam could eventually endanger aquatic life and human health.

Nonclinical Evaluation of Single-Mutant E. coli Asparaginases Obtained by Double-Mutant Deconvolution: Improving Toxicological, Immune and Inflammatory Responses.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is currently treated with bacterial L-asparaginase; however, its side effects raise the need for the development of improved and efficient novel enzymes. Previously, we obtained low anti-asparaginase antibody production and high serum enzyme half-life in mice treated with the P40S/S206C mutant; however, its specific activity was significantly reduced. Thus, our aim was to test single mutants, S206C and P40S, through in vitro and in vivo assays. Our results showed that the drop in specific activity was caused by P40S substitution. In addition, our single mutants were highly stable in biological environment simulation, unlike the double-mutant P40S/S206C. The in vitro cell viability assay demonstrated that mutant enzymes have a higher cytotoxic effect than WT on T-cell-derived ALL and on some solid cancer cell lines. The in vivo assays were performed in mice to identify toxicological effects, to evoke immunological responses and to study the enzymes' pharmacokinetics. From these tests, none of the enzymes was toxic; however, S206C elicited lower physiological changes and immune/allergenic responses. In relation to the pharmacokinetic profile, S206C exhibited twofold higher activity than WT and P40S two hours after injection. In conclusion, we present bioengineered E. coli asparaginases with high specific enzyme activity and fewer side effects.

Identification, Classification, and Transcriptional Analysis of Rab GTPase Genes from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Reveals Salt Stress Response Genes.

Salinity in plants generates an osmotic and ionic imbalance inside cells that compromises the viability of the plant. Rab GTPases, the largest family within the small GTPase superfamily, play pivotal roles as regulators of vesicular trafficking in plants, including the economically important and globally cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Despite their significance, the specific involvement of these small GTPases in tomato vesicular trafficking and their role under saline stress remains poorly understood. In this work, we identified and classified 54 genes encoding Rab GTPases in cultivated tomato, elucidating their genomic distribution and structural characteristics. We conducted an analysis of duplication events within the S. lycopersicum genome, as well as an examination of gene structure and conserved motifs. In addition, we investigated the transcriptional profiles for these Rab GTPases in various tissues of cultivated and wild tomato species using microarray-based analysis. The results showed predominantly low expression in most of the genes in both leaves and vegetative meristem, contrasting with notably high expression levels observed in seedling roots. Also, a greater increase in gene expression in shoots from salt-tolerant wild tomato species was observed under normal conditions when comparing Solanum habrochaites, Solanum pennellii, and Solanum pimpinellifolium with S. lycopersicum. Furthermore, an expression analysis of Rab GTPases from Solanum chilense in leaves and roots under salt stress treatment were also carried out for their characterization. These findings revealed that specific Rab GTPases from the endocytic pathway and the trans-Golgi network (TGN) showed higher induction in plants exposed to saline stress conditions. Likewise, disparities in gene expression were observed both among members of the same Rab GTPase subfamily and between different subfamilies. Overall, this work emphasizes the high degree of conservation of Rab GTPases, their high functional diversification in higher plants, and the essential role in mediating salt stress tolerance and suggests their potential for further exploration of vesicular trafficking mechanisms in response to abiotic stress conditions.

Stress salinity in plants: New strategies to cope with in the foreseeable scenario.

The excess of salts in soils causes stress in most plants, except for some halophytes that can tolerate higher levels of salinity. The excess of Na+ generates an ionic imbalance, reducing the K+ content and altering cellular metabolism, thus impacting in plant growth and development. Additionally, salinity in soil induces water stress due to osmotic effects and increments the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that affect the cellular structure, damaging membranes and proteins, and altering the electrochemical potential of H+, which directly affects nutrient absorption by membrane transporters. However, plants possess mechanisms to overcome the toxicity of the sodium ions, such as internalization into the vacuole or exclusion from the cell, synthesis of enzymes or protective compounds against ROS, and the synthesis of metabolites that help to regulate the osmotic potential of plants. Physiologic and molecular mechanisms of salinity tolerance in plants will be addressed in this review. Furthermore, a revision of strategies taken by researchers to confer salt stress tolerance on agriculturally important species are discussed. These strategies include conventional breeding and genetic engineering as transgenesis and genome editing by CRISPR/Cas9.

Clinical practice stressors and anxiety in nursing students during COVID-19 / Estresores de la práctica clínica y ansiedad en estudiantes de enfermería durante la COVID-19

Abstract Introduction The suspension of clinical practices in the nursing profession during COVID-19 generated a decrease in the students՚ abilities and skills which made them vulnerable to more frequent to clinical practice stressors and levels of anxiety. Objective To determine the relation between clinical practice stressors and anxiety levels in nursing students during COVID-19. Method A descriptive correlational study with convenience sampling was carried out in 169 students enrolled from third to eight semesters in a public university in the city of Saltillo, Coahuila. For the measurement of variables a sociodemographic data card, the KEZKAK Questionnaire in its Spanish version to measure the clinical practice stressors and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used. Data collection was through a digital link during August-December 2021. Descriptive and inferential statistics were sued through SPSS V.26. Results 57.4% reported a medium level of stress and 62.7% a low level of anxiety; however, there are stressors from clinical practice that lead to increased anxiety. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the study variables (r = .411, p<.001). Discussion and conclusion The challenges in clinical practice experienced during COVID-19 highlight that generations of future nursing professionals face a scenario that is the product of a post-pandemic era, so it is necessary to strengthen their knowledge and confidence to motivate them to feel safe within the hospital context.

Resumen Introducción La suspensión en las prácticas clínicas en la profesión de enfermería durante la COVID-19, generó en los estudiantes disminución de sus habilidades y destrezas que los hizo vulnerables a presentar con mayor frecuencia estresores de la práctica clínica y niveles de ansiedad. Objetivo Determinar la relación entre los estresores de la práctica clínica y los niveles de ansiedad en estudiantes de enfermería durante la COVID-19. Método Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo correlacional con muestreo por conveniencia en 169 estudiantes de tercero a octavo semestre matriculados en una universidad pública de la ciudad de Saltillo Coahuila. Para la medición de variables se utilizó la cédula de datos sociodemográficos, el Cuestionario KEZKAK para medir los estresores de la práctica clínica y el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck. La colecta de datos fue a través de un enlace digital durante agosto-diciembre 2021. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial a través del SPSS V.26. Resultados El 57.4% refiere un nivel medio de estrés y el 62.7% un bajo nivel de ansiedad; sin embargo, existen estresores provenientes de la práctica clínica que propician el aumento de ansiedad. Se encontró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre las variables de estudio (r = .411, p<.001). Discusión y conclusión Los retos en la práctica clínica experimentados durante la COVID-19, resaltan que las generaciones de futuros profesionistas en enfermería se enfrentan a un panorama producto de una época post-pandemia, por lo que es necesario afianzar sus conocimientos y su confianza para motivarlos a sentirse seguros dentro del contexto hospitalario.

Roman water management impacted the hydrological functioning of wetlands during drought periods.

During the Roman domain of the Iberian Peninsula (from 201 BCE to 460 CE) water management infrastructures were built to satisfy high water demand. However, whether the Roman activities affected the hydrological balance of Iberian wetlands remains unclear. Here, we investigate the paleo-hydrology of Lake Zóñar (southern Iberia) by using the stable isotopes (16O, 17O, 18O, 1H and 2H) of its gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) sediments and reconstruct the isotopic composition of the lake water during Roman times. A period of recurrent lake low stand occurred between 2120 and 1890 cal. yr BP (ca. 170 BCE to 60 CE), coinciding with a relatively dry climate stage recorded by most regional paleoclimate archives. The stable isotopes and hydrochemistry of the lake water during gypsum precipitation are consistent with a shallow saline lake that evaporated under relative humidity ~ 10% lower than the present annual mean and at least 20% less rainfall amount. Our analytical and archeological findings support lake level lowering during the Roman period was probably caused by combined arid climate conditions and diversion of the inlets feeding the lake. Spring capturing was likely necessary to satisfy the high water demand of nearby Roman settlements, in the framework of a period of persistent droughts.

Degree of Knowledge and Commitment of the Spanish Podiatry Community to Green Podiatry: A Preliminary Report.

Climate change is real and we are witnessing its consequences, such as rising temperatures, water scarcity, and sea-level rise, among other significant impacts. As healthcare professionals, podiatrists should be concerned about climate change; however, they still contribute to the damage caused. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness among podiatrists regarding this issue and determine their attitudes toward the climate change process. The study involved conducting a survey comprising a series of questions, including personal information, Likert-scale questions, and short questions to evaluate attitudes toward environmental sustainability in their workplace and how they contribute to the climate change process. The questions addressed their commuting habits to determine sustainability, the number of hours of physical exercise per week, and their clinical attitudes, such as prescribing unnecessary treatments or emphasizing sports as the primary treatment. The results revealed that nearly 89% of the respondents were unaware of ecological podiatry or shoe recycling. Regarding clinical attitudes, 31.1% of the respondents stated that they prescribe sports as the primary treatment for all their patients, while 37.9% do so in most cases. They also tend to avoid prescribing unnecessary treatments, with 44.9% stating that they never prescribe them unless absolutely necessary. In conclusion, based on this survey, Spanish podiatrists do not undertake favorable actions for climate change and lack knowledge of the concept of "ecological podiatry". To improve the situation, efforts should focus on waste reduction, eliminating unnecessary treatments, and promoting and practicing ecological podiatry.

A SNARE-like protein from Solanum lycopersicum increases salt tolerance by modulating vesicular trafficking in tomato.

Intracellular vesicular trafficking ensures the exchange of lipids and proteins between endomembrane compartments. This is relevant under high salinity conditions, since both the removal of transporters and ion channels from the plasma membrane and the compartmentalization of toxic ions require the formation of vesicles, which can be maintained as multivesicular bodies or be fused to the central vacuole. SNARE proteins (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor) participate in the vesicle fusion process and give specificity to their destination. Plant genome studies have revealed a superfamily of genes that encode for proteins called SNARE-like. These proteins appear to be participating in vesicular trafficking with similar functions to those of SNARE proteins. A SNARE-like, named SlSLSP6, in Solanum lycopersicum plants has been shown to be induced under high salinity conditions. A phylogenetic relationship of SlSLSP6 with SNARE-like proteins of salinity-tolerant plants, including Salicornia brachiata, Zostera marina and Solanum pennelli, was determined. Considering its amino acid sequence, a putative clathrin adapter complex domain and palmitoylation site was predicted. Subcellular localization analysis evidenced that SlSLSP6 is mostly localized in the plasma membrane. Using transgenic tomato plants, we identified that overexpression of SlSLSP6 increased tolerance to salt stress. This tolerance was evident when we quantified an improvement in physiological and biochemical parameters, such as higher chlorophyll content, performance index, efficiency of photosystem II and relative water content, and lower malondialdehyde content, compared to control plants. At the subcellular level, the overexpression of SlSLSP6 reduced the presence of H2O2 in roots and increased the compartmentalization of sodium in vacuoles during salt stress. These effects appear to be associated with the higher endocytic rate of FM4-64, determined in the plant root cells. Taken together, these results indicate that SlSLSP6 increases tolerance to salt stress by modulating vesicular trafficking through over-induction of the endocytic pathway. This work contributes to understanding the role of this type of SNARE-like protein during salt stress and could be a potential candidate in breeding programs for tolerance to salt stress in tomato plants.

Galaxies in voids assemble their stars slowly.

Galaxies in the Universe are distributed in a web-like structure characterized by different large-scale environments: dense clusters, elongated filaments, sheetlike walls and under-dense regions, called voids1-5. The low density in voids is expected to affect the properties of their galaxies. Indeed, previous studies6-14 have shown that galaxies in voids are, on average, bluer and less massive, and have later morphologies and higher current star formation rates than galaxies in denser large-scale environments. However, it has never been observationally proved that the star formation histories (SFHs) in voids are substantially different from those in filaments, walls and clusters. Here we show that void galaxies have had, on average, slower SFHs than galaxies in denser large-scale environments. We also find two main SFH types present in all the environments: 'short-timescale' galaxies are not affected by their large-scale environment at early times but only later in their lives; 'long-timescale' galaxies have been continuously affected by their environment and stellar mass. Both types have evolved more slowly in voids than in filaments, walls and clusters.

Fear and Coping with Death in Intensive Care Nurses: a Structural Model Predictor of Compassion Fatigue.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of fear and coping with death on compassion fatigue in nurses working in the intensive care unit. METHODS: Correlational-predictive design, applied in 245 nurses working in the intensive care unit through intentional sampling. The study applied a personal data card, the Collet-Lester Fear of Death Scale (α=0.72), the Bugen Fell of Death Scale (α=0.82), and the Empathy Exhaustion Scale (α=0.80). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, such as Spearman's test and a structural equation model. RESULTS: The work had 255 nurses who participated, finding a relationship among fear and coping toward death and compassion fatigue (p<0.01), together with the equation model showing that fear and coping toward death have a positive effect in 43.6% on compassion fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Fear and coping with death have an effect on compassion fatigue in nurses working in the intensive care unit, so that when working in a critical area it can cause health effects.

Fear and Coping with Death in Intensive Care Nurses: a Structural Model Predictor of Compassion Fatigue / Miedo y afrontamiento ante la muerte del usuario: un modelo estructural predictor de la fatiga por compasión en enfermeros de cuidados intensivos / Medo e enfrentamento da morte do usuário: um modelo estrutural preditivo da fadiga por compaixão em enfermeiros de terapia intensiva

Objective. To determine the effect of fear and coping with death on compassion fatigue in nurses working in the intensive care unit. Methods. Correlational-predictive design, applied in 245 nurses working in the intensive care unit through intentional sampling. The study applied a personal data card, the Collet-Lester Fear of Death Scale (α=0.72), the Bugen Fell of Death Scale (α=0.82), and the Empathy Exhaustion Scale (α=0.80). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, such as Spearman's test and a structural equation model. Results. The work had 255 nurses who participated, finding a relationship among fear and coping toward death and compassion fatigue (p<0.01), together with the equation model showing that fear and coping toward death have a positive effect in 43.6% on compassion fatigue. Conclusion. Fear and coping with death have an effect on compassion fatigue in nurses working in the intensive care unit, so that when working in a critical area it can cause health effects

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto del miedo y afrontamiento ante la muerte sobre la fatiga por compasión en enfermeros que laboran en la unidad cuidados intensivos. Método. Diseño correlacional-predictivo. A través de un muestreo intencional se seleccionaron 255 enfermeros que laboraban en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos de Adultos de hospitales de la Península de Yucatán (México). Se aplicó una cédula de datos personales, la escala de miedo a la muerte de Collet-Lester (α=0.72), la escala de Bugen de afrontamiento de la muerte (α=0.82) y la escala de agotamiento por empatía (α=0.80). Se realizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial como prueba de Spearman y un modelo de ecuación estructural. Resultados. Se encontró relación del miedo y el afrontamiento hacia la muerte con la fatiga por compasión (p<0.01). Adicionalmente, el modelo de ecuaciones muestra que el miedo y el afrontamiento hacia la muerte predice en un 43.6% sobre la fatiga por compasión. Conclusión. El miedo y el afrontamiento hacia la muerte tienen efecto sobre la fatiga por compasión en los enfermeros que laboran en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, por lo que al estar laborando en esta área crítica puede provocar afectaciones en su estado de salud.

Objetivo. Determinar o efeito do medo e enfrentamento da morte na fadiga por compaixão em enfermeiros que atuam em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Métodos. Desenho preditivo correlacional. Por meio de amostragem intencional, foram selecionados 255 enfermeiros que trabalhavam em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de Adultos de hospitais da Península de Yucatán (México). Foi aplicada uma ficha de dados pessoais, a escala de medo da morte de Collet -Lester (α=0.72), a escala de Bugen de enfrentamento da morte (α=0.82) e a escala de exaustão por empatia (α=0.80). Foram realizadas estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais como o teste de Spearman e um modelo de equação estrutural. Resultados. Encontrou-se relação entre medo e enfrentamento da morte e fadiga por compaixão (p<0.01). Além disso, o modelo de equação mostra que o medo e o enfrentamento da morte preveem 43.6% da fadiga por compaixão. Conclusão. O medo e o enfrentamento da morte afetam a fadiga por compaixão em enfermeiros que atuam em UTI, portanto, trabalhar nessa área crítica pode afetar seu estado de saúde.

The evaluation of liver dysfunction and oxidative stress due to urban environmental pollution in Mexican population related to Madin Dam, State of Mexico: a pilot study.

One of the most important causes of disease and premature death in the world is environmental pollution. The presence of pollutants in both water and air contributes to the deterioration of the health of human populations. The Mexico City Metropolitan Area is one of the most populous and affected by air pollution worldwide; in addition, in recent years there has been a growing demand for water, so urban reservoirs such as the Madin dam are vital to meet the demand. However, this reservoir is highly polluted due to the urban settlements around it. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate oxidative stress in clinically healthy subjects by means of the degree of lipoperoxidation, as well as the modification of serum enzyme levels, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase associated with air and drinking water pollutants from three zones of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, two of them related to Madin Dam. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2019 and September 2021 in 142 healthy participants (age range 18-65 years). Healthy subjects were confirmed by their medical history. The results showed that chronic exposure to air (SO2) and water pollutants (Al and Fe) was significantly associated with elevated levels of lipoperoxidation. There was evidence that contamination from the Madín dam can generate oxidative stress and affect the health status of people who receive water from this reservoir or who consume fish that inhabit it.

Effect of Reiki Therapy on Blood Pressure and Alcohol Consumption in Young Adults: A Clinical Trial.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Reiki therapy as a form of therapy within the classification of alternative therapies. Recently, a growing interest regarding the implementation of Reiki therapy in patient care relating to the field of nursing has been detected; however, there are few scientifically rigorous studies that support this. Objective: To determine the effect of Reiki therapy on blood pressure (BP) and alcohol consumption in young adults with hypertension, in two urban communities in northern of Mexico. Methodology: A randomized and controlled clinical trial, with an equivalent experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). Longitudinal design of repeated parallel measurements and triple-blind masking. Results: The averages of the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) of EG. vs. CG in the test vs. retest were: 109.91 ± 2.3 vs. 111.19 ± 3.3 (P = .140) and retest: 97.00 ± 4.9 vs. 110.94 ± 2.9 (P = .001). In alcohol consumption at test: 11.00 ± 2.9 vs. 11.54 ± 2.8 (P = .527) and at retest: 8.83 ± 1.02 vs. 11.83 ± 1.92 (P = .001). In the ANOVA analysis for the EG, the MAP decrease between measurements 1 and 2; and 1 and 3 (P = .001). Regarding alcohol consumption, there was no difference between measurements 1 and 2 nor in measurements 2 and 3. There was only a significant difference between measurements 1 and 3 (P = .015). Conclusion: The results obtained confirmed our hypothesis of the research, since the EG had a significant effect on the decrease of the MAP and alcohol consumption after 21 sessions of Reiki therapy intervention.

Challenges in estimating the encapsulation efficiency of proteins in polymersomes - Which is the best method?

Abstract Polymersomes are nanometric vesicles that can encapsulate large and hydrophilic biomolecules, such as proteins, in the aqueous core. Data in literature show large variation in encapsulation efficiency (%EE) values depending on the method used for calculation. We investigated different approaches (direct and indirect) to quantify the %EE of different proteins (catalase, bovine serum albumin-BSA, L-asparaginase and lysozyme) in Pluronic L-121 polymersomes. Direct methods allow quantification of the actual payload of the polymersomes and indirect methods are based on the quantification of the remaining non-encapsulated protein. The protein-loaded polymersomes produced presented approximately 152 nm of diameter (PDI ~ 0.4). Higher %EE values were obtained with the indirect method (up to 25%), attributed to partial entanglement of free protein in the polymersomes poly(Ethylene Glycol) corona. For the direct methods, vesicles were disrupted with chloroform or proteins precipitated with solvents. Reasonable agreement was found between the two protocols, with values up to 8%, 6%, 17.6% and 0.9% for catalase, BSA, L-asparaginase and lysozyme, respectively. We believe direct determination is the best alternative to quantify the %EE and the combination of both protocols would make results more reliable. Finally, no clear correlation was observed between protein size and encapsulation efficiency.

Cost Analysis of Surgical and Medical Uterine Evacuation Methods for First-Trimester Abortion Used in Public Hospitals in Mexico.

Background: Data on abortion procedures costs are scarce in low- and middle-income countries. In Mexico, the only known study was conducted more than a decade ago, with data from years before the abortion legislation. This study estimated the costs, from the health system's perspective, of surgical and medical abortion methods commonly used by women who undergo first-trimester abortion in Mexico. Methods: Data were collected on staff time, salaries, medications, consumables, equipment, imaging, and lab studies, at 5 public general hospitals. A bottom-up micro-costing approach was used. Results: Surgical abortion costs were US$201 for manual vacuum aspiration and US$298 for sharp curettage. The cost of medical abortion with misoprostol was US$85. The use of cervical ripening increases the costs by up to 18%. Staff comprised up to 72% of total costs in surgical abortions. Hospitalization was the area where most of the spending occurred, due to the staff and post-surgical surveillance required. Conclusions: Our estimates reflect the costs of "real-life" implementation and highlight the impact on costs of the overuse of resources not routinely recommended by clinical guidelines, such as cervical ripening for surgical abortion. This information will help decision-makers to generate policies that contribute to more efficient use of resources.

AtZAT4, a C2H2-Type Zinc Finger Transcription Factor from Arabidopsis thaliana, Is Involved in Pollen and Seed Development.

Pollen plays an essential role in plant fertility by delivering the male gametes to the embryo sac before double fertilization. In several plant species, including Arabidopsis, C2H2-type zinc-finger transcription factors (TFs) have been involved in different stages of pollen development and maturation. ZINC FINGER of Arabidopsis thaliana 4 (AtZAT4) is homologous to such TFs and subcellular localization analysis has revealed that AtZAT4 is located in the nucleus. Moreover, analysis of AtZAT4 expression revealed strong levels of it in flowers and siliques, suggesting a role of the encoded protein in the regulation of genes that are associated with reproductive development. We characterized a T-DNA insertional heterozygous mutant Atzat4 (+/−). The relative gene expression analysis of Atzat4 (+/−) showed significant transcript reductions in flowers and siliques. Furthermore, the Atzat4 (+/−) phenotypic characterization revealed defects in the male germline, showing a reduction in pollen tube germination and elongation. Atzat4 (+/−) presented reduced fertility, characterized by a smaller silique size compared to the wild type (WT), and a lower number of seeds per silique. Additionally, seeds displayed lower viability and germination. Altogether, our data suggest a role for AtZAT4 in fertilization and seed viability, through the regulation of gene expression associated with reproductive development.

Bioaccumulation and oxidative stress caused by aluminium nanoparticles and the integrated biomarker responses in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in various industries has experienced significant growth due to the advantages they offer, so the increase in their use has generated the continuous discharge of these products in numerous water bodies, which can affect the organisms that inhabit them. Previous studies have shown that Al is capable of producing oxidative stress in aquatic organisms; however, so far the impact of AlNP on hydrobionts is limited. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine the oxidative stress produced by AlNP in liver, gill and blood of Cyprinus carpio, as well as their bioconcentration factor (BCF) in various tissues. For this purpose, the organisms were exposed to 50 µg L-1 AlNP for 12-96 h. Subsequently, the tissues were obtained and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins were determined, and the BCF was calculated for liver, brain, gill and muscle. The results showed alterations in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased levels of lipoperoxidation, hydroperoxides and oxidized proteins. When establishing the integrated biomarker response, it was observed that the liver is the most affected organ and these effects are related to the Al content in the tissue. Finally, it was observed that muscle and gills presented a higher BCF, compared to brain and liver. These findings show that AlNP are capable of generating oxidative stress in carp, affecting tissue function and accumulating, which represents an important risk for the health of fish such as common carp.

The Exocytosis Associated SNAP25-Type Protein, SlSNAP33, Increases Salt Stress Tolerance by Modulating Endocytosis in Tomato.

In plants, vesicular trafficking is crucial for the response and survival to environmental challenges. The active trafficking of vesicles is essential to maintain cell homeostasis during salt stress. Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are regulatory proteins of vesicular trafficking. They mediate membrane fusion and guarantee cargo delivery to the correct cellular compartments. SNAREs from the Qbc subfamily are the best-characterized plasma membrane SNAREs, where they control exocytosis during cell division and defense response. The Solanum lycopersicum gene SlSNAP33.2 encodes a Qbc-SNARE protein and is induced under salt stress conditions. SlSNAP33.2 localizes on the plasma membrane of root cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. In order to study its role in endocytosis and salt stress response, we overexpressed the SlSNAP33.2 cDNA in a tomato cultivar. Constitutive overexpression promoted endocytosis along with the accumulation of sodium (Na+) in the vacuoles. It also protected the plant from cell damage by decreasing the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the cytoplasm of stressed root cells. Subsequently, the higher level of SlSNAP33.2 conferred tolerance to salt stress in tomato plants. The analysis of physiological and biochemical parameters such as relative water content, the efficiency of the photosystem II, performance index, chlorophyll, and MDA contents showed that tomato plants overexpressing SlSNAP33.2 displayed a better performance under salt stress than wild type plants. These results reveal a role for SlSNAP33.2 in the endocytosis pathway involved in plant response to salt stress. This research shows that SlSNAP33.2 can be an effective tool for the genetic improvement of crop plants.

Geno-cytotoxicity and congenital malformations produced by relevant environmental concentrations of aluminum, diclofenac and their mixture on Cyprinus carpio. An interactions study.

Several studies highlight the presence of aluminum and diclofenac in water bodies around the world and their ability to induce oxidative stress and a negative effect on biomolecules in several aquatic species. However, studies evaluating the toxic effect of mixtures of these contaminants are scarce. The objective of this work was to determine the genotoxic, cytotoxic and embryotoxic effect of the mixture of aluminum and diclofenac at environmentally relevant concentrations on Cyprinus carpio. Juveniles of Cyprinus carpio were exposed to 0.31 µg L-1 of diclofenac, 24.45 mg L-1 of aluminum, and a mixture of both contaminants at the same concentrations for 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. After the exposure time the liver, gills and blood were extracted and the following biomarkers were evaluated: micronucleus frequency, comet assay, caspase activity and TUNEL test. On the other hand, Cyprinus carpio embryos were exposed to diclofenac (0.31 µg L-1), aluminum (0.06 mg L-1) and their mixture at the same concentrations and exposure time. Microscopic observation was performed to evaluate embryonic development at 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Diclofenac (0.31 µg L-1) induces significant increases in micronucleus frequency with respect to control (p < 0.05), in all tissues. Aluminum (24.45 mg L-1) significantly increases DNA damage index in liver and blood cells with respect to control (p < 0.05). All treatments increase caspases activity in all tissues with respect to control (p < 0.05). Diclofenac increases the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in liver and blood; while aluminum and the mixture increases it significantly in gills and blood with respect to the control (p < 0.05). The mixture significantly delays embryonic development, while aluminum and the mixture significantly increase teratogenic index with respect to control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, exposure to environmental concentrations of aluminium, diclofenac and their mixture induces genotoxic damage, cell death by apoptosis and negative effects on the development of Cyprinus carpio and the toxic response is modified by the interaction of the xenobiotics.