Advances in Tissue Culture and Transformation Studies in Non-model Species: Passiflora spp. (Passifloraceae).

In this chapter, we report advances in tissue culture applied to Passiflora. We present reproducible protocols for somatic embryogenesis, endosperm-derived triploid production, and genetic transformation for such species knowledge generated by our research team and collaborators in the last 20 years. Our research group has pioneered the work on passion fruit somatic embryogenesis, and we directed efforts to characterize several aspects of this morphogenic pathway.

Leaf development stages and ontogenetic changes in passionfruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) are detected by narrowband spectral signal.

During shoot development, leaves undergo various ontogenetic changes, including variation in size, shape, and geometry. Passiflora edulis (passionfruit) is a heteroblastic species, which means that it experiences conspicuous changes throughout development, enabling a morphological distinction between the juvenile and adult vegetative phases. Quantification of heteroblasty requires a practical, inexpensive, reliable, and non-destructive method, such as remote sensing.

Accessions of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata) with contrasting anthocyanin content behave differently in growth, antioxidative defense, and 20-hydroxyecdysone levels under UV-B radiation.

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is an elicitor of secondary metabolites in plant tissue culture, but the effects on 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) are still unclear. The 20E may show biotechnological, pharmacological, medical, and agrochemical applicability. Here, we use Pfaffia glomerata, a medically important species, to understand the impacts of UV-B radiation on their physiological performance, the expression of key genes involved in the 20E biosynthesis, and the 20E content.

Salinity-induced modifications on growth, physiology and 20-hydroxyecdysone levels in Brazilian-ginseng [Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen].

- Salinity is a major threat to agriculture. However, depending on the concentration of soluble salts in soil, increased secondary metabolite levels can occur with no major damages to plant growth and development. The phytoecdysteroid (PE) 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is a secondary metabolite with biotechnological, medicinal, pharmaceutical and agrochemical applicability.

Muscle dysfunction is associated with poorer health-related quality of life in adults with sickle cell anaemia.

Background: It is known that episodes of microvascular obstruction and oxidative stress in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) can damage muscle tissue. As a consequence, deterioration in muscle function may potentially contribute to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in subjects with SCA, particularly those who do not use long-term treatment.

Objectives: To evaluate muscle function in adults with SCA, to study the correlations between muscle function and HRQoL and to analyse the impact of hydroxyurea treatment.

Balance control is impaired in adults with sickle cell anaemia.

Background: Musculoskeletal involvement and cerebrovascular disease are common in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). These changes are potentially important factors that modify the control of balance in this population.

Objective: To assess balance control in adults with SCA and investigate the associations among balance, posture and muscle function.