Dynamic Trends in Surgical Oromaxillofacial Trauma Epidemiology: A Comparative Study of Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Periods in Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Madrid.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced profound societal and healthcare transformations globally. Material and methods: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to assess potential shifts in the epidemiology and management of oromaxillofacial trauma requiring surgical intervention over a 1-year period encompassing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to the preceding year. The parameters investigated included age, sex, injury mechanisms, fractured bones, and treatment modalities. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A notable 39.36% reduction in oromaxillofacial fractures was identified (p < 0.001), with no significant alterations in sex distribution, types of fractured bones, or treatment modalities. An appreciable increase in mean age was observed (35.92 vs. 40.26) (p = 0.006). Analysis of the causes of oromaxillofacial trauma revealed diminished incidents of interpersonal violence (41% vs. 35%) and sports-related injuries (14% vs. 8%), alongside an escalation in cases attributed to falls (27% vs. 35%), precipitation events (2% vs. 5%), and traffic accidents (12% vs. 13%). The mandible emerged as the most frequently fractured bone. Conclusion: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of maxillofacial fractures treated surgically and has changed the epidemiology and the etiology of facial traumas.

In-House 3D Printed Positioning and Cutting Guide System for Mandibular Reconstruction. Protocol and case report.

Maxillofacial surgery planning has been improved by technological advances in 3D printing. The use of customized cutting and positioning guides allows intraoperative reproduction of pre-planned osteotomy cuts, resulting in increased surgical accuracy, reduced surgical time and improved esthetic and functional outcomes. Our paper presents a new method for creating and printing in-house cutting and positioning guides. A computer program (Brainlab iPlan) was used to segment the mandible for three-dimensional planning from imported conventional computed tomography (CT) scans. The virtual model of the mandible was printed on a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer and a reconstruction plate was adapted to the printed model. The surface of the model and the screw-retained plate was scanned using a structured light surface 3D scanner (Artec Eva). The obtained scan of the jaw and plate in position was processed and transformed into an STL file. Free software (Autodesk Meshmixer) superimposes the initial jaw on the scanned jaw with the plate, designing a customized hybrid cutting guide that allows accurate intraoperative positioning, knowing the exact position of the reconstruction plate screws in the jaw. The total design, fabrication and 3D printing time for the in-house hybrid guide was 595 min. The average total printing cost was EUR 16. We found the technique to be simple and repeatable. We present and describe here a novel and simple technique for in-house 3D printed positioning and cutting guide system which can be applied to overall maxillofacial area. In cases of mandibular reconstruction, this protocol guarantees an adequate esthetic and functional result. Key words:Oral cancer, 3D surgery, CAD/CAM, personalized medicine, surgical guides, in house.

Temporary immersion systems induce photomixotrophism during in vitro propagation of agave Tobalá.

This study aimed to determine the photomixotrophic and physiological responses using different temporary immersion systems (TIS) during in vitro multiplication of agave Tobalá. The culture systems were SETIS™ bioreactor, Temporary Immersion Bioreactor (TIB), Monobloc Advance Temporary Immersion System, and semisolid culture medium as the control. At six weeks of culture, different physiological variables were evaluated: chlorophyll content, stomatal index, percentage of closed stomata, Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and Rubisco during the multiplication stage, and survival percentage in the acclimatization stage. TIS increased multiplication rate (41%), stomatal index (44%), percentage of closed stomata (11%) and chlorophyll content (45%) with respect to the semisolid culture medium system. The highest PEP content (> 35%) was observed in temporary immersion (TI), whereas, Rubisco content, showed no differences among the culture systems evaluated. Regarding survival percentage during acclimatization, the highest shoot survival was obtained in TI, and all regenerate shoots were rooted ex vitro. This study shows that in vitro photomixotrophism was induced in TIS during the multiplication stage. In conclusion, SETIS™ bioreactor and TIB systems are an alternative for mass multiplication of A. potatorum; however, all TIS evaluated guarantee a high survival rate during acclimatization.

Temporary Immersion Bioreactors for Sugarcane Multiplication and Rooting.

Sugarcane is used to produce sugar, ethanol, and other by-products, so it is considered one of the most important crops worldwide. Using temporary immersion systems for sugarcane micropropagation represents an alternative to reduce the labor force, increase plant development, and improve plant quality. Temporary immersion systems are semi-automated bioreactors designed for the large-scale propagation of tissues, embryos, and organs. These are temporarily exposed in a liquid culture medium under a specific time and immersion frequency. Using this protocol and a temporary immersion bioreactor, it is possible to achieve multiplication and rooting. The use of temporary immersion bioreactors improves the multiplication rate and the rooting of sugarcane, reducing the culture time, labor force, and reagents needed while maintaining high survival rates during acclimatization.

Flexural Properties of Lattices Fabricated with Planar and Curved Layered Fused Filament Fabrication.

The use of curved layers in fused filament fabrication could lead to various advantages in surface finishing and mechanical properties. Here, the influence of three different structural and manufacturing parameters (volume fraction, raster arrangement, and the use of curved or planar layers) on the mechanical properties of lattice structures under three-point bending is studied. Two different raster arrangements were considered, i.e., those with rasters at planes parallel to the principal axes of the samples and those diagonally arranged, all at four different volume fractions. All different samples were additively manufactured using planar and curved layers. Samples were further dimensionally inspected to refine the computational models before their analysis via finite element simulations. The linear elastic region of the load-displacement curves was further analyzed numerically via finite element models. Predictions with finite element models resulted in good agreement with errors below 10%. Samples with diagonal rasters were 70% softer than those parallel to the principal axes.

Plant Extracts Control In Vitro Growth of Disease-Causing Fungi in Chayote.

The use of agrochemicals has caused environmental problems and toxicity to humans, so natural alternatives for disease control during harvest and postharvest have been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate cinnamon essential oil, neem oil, and black sapote fruit extract for in vitro inhibition of fungi isolated from chayote fruit. The extracts were applied at 300, 350, and 400 ppm in Petri dishes and the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Goetrichum sp., and Phytophthora capsici was evaluated for 7 days, and the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition per day was calculated. Cinnamon oil showed a fungicidal effect at all concentrations. Neem oil at 400 ppm showed a 42.3% reduction in the growth of F. solani and 27.8% reduction in the growth of F. oxysporum, while at 350 ppm it inhibited the mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici by 53.3% and of Goetrichum sp. by 20.9%; finally, the black sapote extract at 400 ppm inhibited 21.9-28.6% of the growth of all fungi. The growth of postharvest fungi on chayote fruit could be prevented or reduced by applying the plant extracts evaluated at adequate concentrations.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Improves Ex Vitro Acclimatization of Sugarcane Plantlets (Saccharum spp.) under Drought Stress Conditions.

The symbiotic associations between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plants can induce drought stress tolerance. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Glomus intraradices, a mycorrhizal fungus, on the ex vitro development and survival of sugarcane plantlets subjected to drought stress during the acclimatization stage of micropropagation. In vitro obtained sugarcane plantlets (Saccharum spp. cv Mex 69-290) were inoculated with different doses of G. intraradices (0, 100, and 200 spores per plantlet) during greenhouse acclimatization. Sixty days after inoculation, plantlets were temporarily subjected to drought stress. We evaluated the survival rate, total chlorophyll, total protein, carotenoids, proline, betaine glycine, soluble phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity every 3 days for 12 days. Symbiotic interaction was characterized by microscopy. Our results showed that the survival rate of inoculated plants was higher in 45% than the treatment without mycorrhizae. Total chlorophyll, protein, proline, betaine glycine content, and antioxidant capacity were increased in AMF inoculated plants. The soluble phenolic content was higher in non-inoculated plants than the treatment with mycorrhizae during the drought stress period. Microscopy showed the symbiotic relationship between plant and AMF. The early inoculation of 100 spores of G. intraradices per sugarcane plantlet during the acclimatization stage could represent a preconditioning advantage before transplanting into the field and establishing basic seedbeds.

Diagnostic utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation for neurodegenerative disease: a critical review / Utilidade diagnóstica da estimulação magnética transcraniana para doenças neurodegenerativas: uma revisão crítica

ABSTRACT. Neurodegenerative diseases pose significant challenges due to their impact on brain structure, function, and cognition. As life expectancy rises, the prevalence of these disorders is rapidly increasing, resulting in substantial personal, familial, and societal burdens. Efforts have been made to optimize the diagnostic and therapeutic processes, primarily focusing on clinical, cognitive, and imaging characterization. However, the emergence of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, specifically transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), offers unique functional insights and diagnostic potential. TMS allows direct evaluation of brain function, providing valuable information inaccessible through other methods. This review aims to summarize the current and potential diagnostic utility of TMS in investigating neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its relevance to the field of cognitive neuroscience. The findings presented herein contribute to the growing body of research focused on improving our understanding and management of these debilitating conditions, particularly in regions with limited resources and a pressing need for innovative approaches.

RESUMO. As doenças neurodegenerativas representam desafio significativo por seu impacto na estrutura cerebral, função e cognição. À medida que a expectativa de vida aumenta, a prevalência dessas doenças cresce rapidamente, resultando em substanciais encargos pessoais, familiares e sociais. Esforços têm sido feitos para otimizar os processos diagnósticos e terapêuticos, com foco principal na caracterização clínica, cognitiva e de imagem. No entanto, o surgimento de técnicas de estimulação cerebral não invasivas, especificamente a estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT), oferece compreensão funcional e potencial diagnóstico únicos. A TMS permite a avaliação direta da função cerebral, fornecendo informações valiosas inacessíveis por outros métodos. Esta revisão teve como objetivo resumir a utilidade diagnóstica atual e potencial da EMT na investigação de doenças neurodegenerativas, destacando sua relevância para o campo da neurociência cognitiva. As conclusões aqui apresentadas contribuem para o crescente corpo de investigação centrado na melhoria da nossa compreensão e gestão dessas condições debilitantes, particularmente em regiões com recursos limitados e necessidade premente de abordagens inovadoras.

Diagnostic utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation for neurodegenerative disease: a critical review.

Neurodegenerative diseases pose significant challenges due to their impact on brain structure, function, and cognition. As life expectancy rises, the prevalence of these disorders is rapidly increasing, resulting in substantial personal, familial, and societal burdens. Efforts have been made to optimize the diagnostic and therapeutic processes, primarily focusing on clinical, cognitive, and imaging characterization. However, the emergence of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, specifically transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), offers unique functional insights and diagnostic potential. TMS allows direct evaluation of brain function, providing valuable information inaccessible through other methods. This review aims to summarize the current and potential diagnostic utility of TMS in investigating neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its relevance to the field of cognitive neuroscience. The findings presented herein contribute to the growing body of research focused on improving our understanding and management of these debilitating conditions, particularly in regions with limited resources and a pressing need for innovative approaches.

As doenças neurodegenerativas representam desafio significativo por seu impacto na estrutura cerebral, função e cognição. À medida que a expectativa de vida aumenta, a prevalência dessas doenças cresce rapidamente, resultando em substanciais encargos pessoais, familiares e sociais. Esforços têm sido feitos para otimizar os processos diagnósticos e terapêuticos, com foco principal na caracterização clínica, cognitiva e de imagem. No entanto, o surgimento de técnicas de estimulação cerebral não invasivas, especificamente a estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT), oferece compreensão funcional e potencial diagnóstico únicos. A TMS permite a avaliação direta da função cerebral, fornecendo informações valiosas inacessíveis por outros métodos. Esta revisão teve como objetivo resumir a utilidade diagnóstica atual e potencial da EMT na investigação de doenças neurodegenerativas, destacando sua relevância para o campo da neurociência cognitiva. As conclusões aqui apresentadas contribuem para o crescente corpo de investigação centrado na melhoria da nossa compreensão e gestão dessas condições debilitantes, particularmente em regiões com recursos limitados e necessidade premente de abordagens inovadoras.

In Vitro Stress-Mediated Somatic Embryogenesis in Plants.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) serves as a key biological model for studying cell totipotency and the ontogenic processes of zygotic embryogenesis in plants. The SE process, under in vitro conditions, can be induced from different sources of explant cultivated in a culture medium with plant growth regulators (PGR) or by subjecting tissues to abiotic stress treatments. Somatic embryogenesis, in plant tissue culture (PTC), is a multifactorial event. The use of PGR, particularly auxins, is an important factor during induction. However, in vitro abiotic stress treatments are physiologically, biochemically, and genetically relevant and should be further studied.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Induce Tolerance to Salinity Stress in Taro Plantlets (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) during Acclimatization.

Soil salinity is a problem that affects soil fertility and threatens agri-food crop production worldwide. Biotechnology, through plant micropropagation and the use of biofertilizers such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), is an alternative to increase productivity and induce tolerance to salinity stress in different crops. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of the fungus Glomus intraradices on the ex vitro development of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott cv. Criolla) plantlets under salinity stress during the acclimatization stage. In vitro-obtained C. esculenta plantlets were inoculated at different doses (0, 100, and 200 spores per plantlet) of G. intraradices during acclimatization. At 60 d of acclimatization in the greenhouse, plantlets were exposed to 100 mM NaCl salinity stress for 10 d. After the stress period, plantlet development, colonization percentage, and biomass were evaluated. In addition, the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, proteins, proline, glycine-betaine, soluble phenols, and antioxidant capacity were quantified. The results showed differences in the developmental, physiological, and biochemical variables evaluated; however, no changes in total protein content were observed. Spore colonization showed that the symbiotic association has positive effects on the development of plantlets with or without salinity stress. This symbiotic interaction contributes to salinity stress tolerance in C. esculenta plantlets. The early application of AMF in in vitro-obtained taro plantlets is an alternative to increase or maintain the productivity of this crop in saline soils.

Clinical Outcomes and Cost Analysis of Fibula Free Flaps: A Retrospective Comparison of CAD/CAM versus Conventional Technique.

(1) Background: A decrease in operative time can not only improve patient outcomes through a reduction in the risk of developing complications but can also result in cost savings. The aim of this study is to determine whether there an intraoperative time gain can be achieved by using the preoperative virtual planning of mandibular reconstruction using a free fibula flap compared with freehand plate bending and osteotomies. (2) Methods: A retrospective comparative study was carried out in the Oral and Maxillofacial Department of La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. The study compared 18 patients in the CAD/CAM group with 19 patients in the conventional freehand group. A comparison was made between the total surgical time, the comorbidities, and the hospital stay. The resource consumption was estimated using a cost analysis. (3) Results: Although CAD/CAM was a statistically more expensive procedure in the perioperative phase, no significant differences were observed in total health care costs between the two groups. There was a non-significant trend towards an increase in complications with conventional reconstruction plates compared to patient-specific plates (PSI). (4) Conclusions: CAD/CAM technology and a 3D printed cutting guide offer a significantly shorter surgical time, which is associated with a reduction in hospital days, PACU days, and complications. The cost of CAD/CAM technology is comparable to that of the conventional freehand technique.

The Basic Cycles of Vocational Training: Student Satisfaction and Perceived Benefit.

This study aims to better understand students who attend Basic Vocational Training Cycles (Basic Professional Training, BTP) by implementing measures that ensure diversity. This quantitative research project approximated students' perception of their passage through previous studies and their satisfaction and goals after finishing the school year. The sample consisted of 352 students from Cordoba (Spain). A questionnaire was used that follows the CIPP model. After exploratory factor analysis was completed with different groups of items and their descriptive analyses, various tests were carried out to consider the hypotheses (Pearson's correlation (r), one-factor analysis of variance, and repeated ANOVA measures). The results indicate that the educational interest of the students is academic and professional. Likewise, there is no relationship detected between socio-professional goals and average academic levels and attributions with respect to repetitions of previous courses, although these goals vary depending on students' satisfaction with the vocational cycles. We conclude that the course of the FPB influences decisions regarding academic-professional projects.

Evaluation of arsenic effects on Paracyclops novenarius Reid, 1987: a cyclopoid copepod in central-north of Mexico.

Description and morphological analysis of copepods inhabiting a water body with high arsenic concentrations (32.79 to 62.29 mg L-1) were performed to identify some effect on the development of individuals due to the arsenic concentrations. Detailed morphology of prosomal and urosomal appendages along the development of the specimens was considered. The results showed that the freshwater copepod Paracyclops novenarius Reid, 1987 inhabits this water body, and previously, it was recorded as Paracyclops chiltoni (Thomson GM, 1882) on this site. Moreover, this becomes the first record of P. novenarius in Mexico. Morphological analysis showed a normal and stable development along the different instars, different arsenic concentrations in the media, and different sampled dates between the analyzed specimens, suggesting that the high arsenic concentrations do not affect the morphology of P. novenarius, including all its development and adult instars, which differs from other copepods and other groups such as Cladocera and Rotifera, where morphological changes due to metals and metalloids have been observed but in low concentrations of these elements. The results of this study contribute to the existing reports of the genus Paracyclops (Claus 1893) in Mexico and could provide information for environmental impact assessments on aquatic systems.

Posibles Factores de Riesgo Asociados a Seropositividad y Seronegatividad de IgM para Toxoplasmosis en Tamaulipas / Possible Risk Factors Associated with Seropositivity and Seronegativity of IgM for Toxoplasmosis in Tamaulipas

Objetivos: Identificar la seropositividad y seronegatividad de IgM para Toxoplasmosis, así como los posibles factores de riesgo asociados a las mismas, en mujeres en edad reproductiva de Tampico, Madero y Altamira, con la finalidad de aportar nueva información contextualizada que permita llevar a cabo acciones de prevención. Material y Métodos: Se determinó la seropositividad y seronegatividad para IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii mediante muestras de punción dactilar en casetes de TORCH en 50 pacientes femeninas en edad reproductiva de 22 a 35 años de edad de Tampico, Madero y Altamira. Así como su relación con los posibles factores de riesgo asociados a Toxoplasmosis mediante un cuestionario elaborado por los investigadores. Resultados: La seronegatividad y seropositividad de tipo IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii en 50 mujeres en edad reproductiva de 22 a 35 años de edad en la zona conurbada fue de 100% y 0% respectivamente. Los factores de riesgo asociados a Toxoplasmosis que se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en la población seronegativa fueron el consumo de carne mal cocinada (36%) y la convivencia con gatos (26%).Discusión y Conclusiones: Se encontró una seropositividad nula a IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii, y una baja frecuencia de exposición y/o contacto con los posibles factores de riesgo asociados a Toxoplasmosis. Se sugiere estudiar poblaciones que acudan al sector público de salud y realizar la búsqueda de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii mediante la determinación de ambas pruebas: IgM e IgG.(AU)

Objectives: Identify the seropositivity and seronegativity of IgM for Toxoplasmosis, as well as the possible risk factors associated with them, in women of reproductive age from Tampico, Madero and Altamira, in order to provide new contextualized information that allows carrying out prevention actions. Material and Methods: The seropositivity and seronegativity for IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii were determined by the fingerprint puncture samples in TORCH cassettes in 50 female patients of reproductive age (22-35 years) from Tampico, Madero and Altamira. As well as its relationship with the possible risk factors associated with Toxoplasmosis through a questionnaire prepared by researchers. Results: Seronegativity and seropositivity of IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii in 50 women of reproductive age between 22 and 35 years old in the metropolitan area was 100% and 0% respectively. The risk factors associated to Toxoplasmosis with higher frequency in the seronegative population were the consumption of poorly cooked meat (36%) and the coexistence with cats (26%). Discussion and Conclusions: A nule seropositivity to anti-Toxoplasma Gondii IgM and a low frequency of exposure and/or contact with possible risk factors associated with Toxoplasmosis was found.(AU)

[Subacute encephalopathy associated with relapsing polychondritis. Report of one case]. / Encefalopatía subaguda en una paciente con policondritis recidivante. Caso clínico.

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare multisystemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the inflammation and destruction of cartilages, with preference for auricular, nasal and laryngotracheal cartilages. RP may also affect proteoglycan-rich structures, such as, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and heart. The central nervous system (CNS) is involved in less than 3% of patients. We report a 32-year-old female with RP associated with a progressive subacute encephalopathy characterized by behavioral disturbances, auditory and visual hallucinations. The EEG showed generalized slow activity and a mononuclear pleocytosis with increased protein was found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple supra and infratentorial nodular inflammatory lesions. After initiating treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, a significant improvement in chondritis and neurological status was observed.

In vitro response of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) to PEG-induced osmotic stress.

Drought-induced water stress affects the productivity of the Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews crop. In vitro culture technique is an effective tool for the study of water stress tolerance mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological, physiological and biochemical response of V. planifolia under in vitro water stress conditions induced with polyethylene glycol (PEG). In vitro regenerated shoots of 2 cm in length were subjected to different concentrations of PEG 6000 (0, 1, 2 and 3% w/v) using Murashige and Skoog semi-solid culture medium. At 60 days of culture, different growth variables, dry matter (DM) content, chlorophyll (Chl), soluble proteins (SP), proline (Pro), glycine betaine (GB), stomatal index (SI) and open stomata (%) were evaluated. Results showed a reduction in growth, Chl content, SP, SI and open stomata (%) with increasing PEG concentration, whereas DM, Pro and GB contents rose with increasing PEG concentration. In conclusion, PEG-induced osmotic stress allowed describing physiological and biochemical mechanisms of response to water stress. Furthermore, the determination of compatible Pro and GB osmolytes can be used as biochemical markers in future breeding programs for the early selection of water stress tolerant genotypes.

Body Composition Assessment and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in U12 Spanish Male Professional Soccer Players: Cross-Sectional Study.

Soccer is the most practiced team sport in the world. Due to the importance of nutrition in soccer performance, controlling the body composition and dietary guidelines of players takes place starting from lower categories. The objective of this study was to evaluate body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet of U12 players from a professional soccer team and to identify their dietary weak points. Seventy-one U12 male soccer players participated in the study. Weight, height, percentiles, skinfolds, and body fat were measured by a certified anthropometrist following the procedures recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. The Mediterranean diet adherence test (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In addition, a comparison was made among field positions. The results showed percentiles and body fat percentages appropriate for their age. Furthermore, the average score on the KIDMED test showed that the players generally adhered well to the Mediterranean diet, although they should improve their consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as avoid skipping breakfast. Moreover, goalkeepers and defenders had a higher percentile BMI and percentage of fat than midfielders and forwards. In addition, these players had lower KIDMED values than midfielders and forwards. Although U12 soccer players have an appropriate body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, there are differences between the different field positions that should be assessed by coaches, doctors, and nutritionists/dietitians.

A temporary immersion system for mass micropropagation of pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus).

Scaling-up techniques in temporary immersion systems are an alternative for commercial micropropagation. In vitro propagation of pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus) using temporary immersion with liquid culture medium improves micropropagation efficiency compared to the conventional method in semisolid medium. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of traditional culture and temporary immersion during micropropagation of pitahaya to facilitate the rapid establishment of new commercial plantations of high genetic and phytosanitary quality. Semisolid culture, liquid media in partial immersion and temporary immersion in an Ebb-and-Flow bioreactor were evaluated. Also, in temporary immersion, different immersion frequencies (every 4, 8, 12, and 16 h) and culture densities (5, 10, 15 and 20 explants per bioreactor) were evaluated. For the multiplication stage, new shoots and length were recorded per explant at 45 d of in vitro culture and in the acclimatization stage, the survival percentage was determined at 30 d of greenhouse cultivation. A temporary immersion of 2 min every 4 h and 15 explants per bioreactor was the best culture system, obtaining on average 10.7 shoots per explant with a length of 1.9 cm. No significant differences were observed among treatments during acclimatization, obtaining survival percentages of 98%-100%. This study reports for the first time a protocol for scaling-up techniques in temporary immersion for commercial micropropagation of pitahaya (and for any species of the Cactaceae family) and its establishment in a productive plantation.

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Improved Development during In Vitro Multiplication of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in a Semi-Automated Bioreactor.

Carbon nanotubes play an important role in plant biotechnology due to their effects on the growth and differentiation of cells, tissues, organs, and whole plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) during in vitro multiplication of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) using a temporary immersion system. Morphological characterization of MWCNTs was carried out under a transmission electron microscope. Different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200 mg L-1) of MWCNTs were added to Murashige and Skoog liquid culture medium in the multiplication stage. At 30 d of culture, number of shoots per explant, shoot length, number of leaves per shoot, total chlorophyll, dry matter percentage, carbon percentage, and macro- and micronutrient content were evaluated. Results showed an increase in the development of sugarcane shoots at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L-1 MWCNT. Total chlorophyll content increased at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg L-1 MWCNT, whereas macro- and micronutrient content was variable at the different MWCNT concentrations. Results suggest a hormetic effect, characterized by stimulation at low concentrations. In conclusion, the use of low concentrations of MWCNTs had positive effects on development, total chlorophyll, carbon percentage, and macro- and micronutrient (N, Ca, S, Fe, Cu, Zn and Na) contents during in vitro multiplication of sugarcane and may have a potential use in other species of agricultural interest.