Genomic prediction of strawberry resistance to postharvest fruit decay caused by the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea

Gray mold, a disease of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) caused by the ubiquitous necrotroph Botrytis cinerea, renders fruit unmarketable and causes economic losses in the postharvest supply chain. To explore the feasibility of selecting for increased resistance to gray mold, we undertook genetic and genomic prediction studies in strawberry populations segregating for fruit quality and shelf life traits hypothesized to pleiotropically affect susceptibility. As predicted, resistance to gray mold was heritable but quantitative and genetically complex. While every individual was susceptible, the speed of symptom progression and severity differed. Narrow-sense heritability ranged from 0.38 to 0.71 for lesion diameter (LD) and 0.39 to 0.44 for speed of emergence of external mycelium (EM). Even though significant additive genetic variation was observed for LD and EM, the phenotypic ranges were comparatively narrow and genome-wide analyses did not identify any large-effect loci. Genomic selection (GS) accuracy ranged from 0.28 to 0.59 for LD and 0.37 to 0.47 for EM. Additive genetic correlations between fruit quality and gray mold resistance traits were consistent with prevailing hypotheses: LD decreased as titratable acidity increased, whereas EM increased as soluble solid content decreased and firmness increased. We concluded that phenotypic and GS could be effective for reducing LD and increasing EM, especially in long shelf life populations, but that a significant fraction of the genetic variation for resistance to gray mold was caused by the pleiotropic effects of fruit quality traits that differ among market and shelf life classes.

Molecular detection and identification of piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing ticks from northwest Spain

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and some piroplasm species are pathogens mainly transmitted by Ixodes ricinus. Considering that this tick species is predominant in north-western Spain, individual specimens (652 nymphs, 202 females and 202 males) and 23 larval pools were processed to determine the prevalence of these pathogens in questing I. ricinus from that region. Additionally, Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes frontalis and Ixodes acuminatus were individually analysed. The groESL operon as well as the 16S rRNA and msp2 genes of Anaplasma were analysed. Similarly, piroplasms were identified at the 18S rRNA gene and the ITS1 of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Babesia venatorum (1.5%), A. phagocytophilum (0.7%), Babesia microti (0.3%) and Theileria sp. OT3 (0.2%) were detected in I. ricinus. A single I. frontalis (8.3%) tested positive to A. phagocytophilum. Although a low percentage of I. ricinus were infected with A. phagocytophilum and piroplasms, a potentially human pathogenic variant of A. phagocytophilum was detected, and both Babesia species found were zoonotic. Since the vector of Theileria sp. OT3 remains unknown, further investigations are needed to unravel the role of I. ricinus in the transmission of this piroplasm.

Cytokine expression in bovine PBMC cultures stimulated with Hypoderma lineatum antigens

Hypoderma antigens are involved in host inflammation and immune response, conditioning larvae survival. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures from Hypoderma sensitized and unsensitized cattle were performed to determine the effect of H. lineatum antigens and incubation time (18, 24, 48 h) on IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4 mRNA gene expression determined by RT-qPCR. TNF-α and IL-4 gene expression were higher in Hypoderma previously sensitized PBMCs, suggesting that a mixed Th1/Th2 response may play a significant role in host defence reactions against Hypoderma exhibited by previously infested cattle. Incubation time had a significant effect on IL-10 and TNF-α gene expression, which decreased over time. Regarding to H. lineatum antigens, the crude larval extract and the purified fraction hypodermin B (HB) produced a significant reduction of the mRNA expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokine, IFN-γ; moreover, the HB had a stimulating effect on the mRNA gene expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, demonstrating that the parasite would modulate the host defence mechanisms by avoiding harmful immune responses that would limit its survival into the host tissues.

Multi-dimensional machine learning approaches for fruit shape phenotyping in strawberry

BACKGROUND

Shape is a critical element of the visual appeal of strawberry fruit and is influenced by both genetic and non-genetic determinants. Current fruit phenotyping approaches for external characteristics in strawberry often rely on the human eye to make categorical assessments. However, fruit shape is an inherently multi-dimensional, continuously variable trait and not adequately described by a single categorical or quantitative feature. Morphometric approaches enable the study of complex, multi-dimensional forms but are often abstract and difficult to interpret. In this study, we developed a mathematical approach for transforming fruit shape classifications from digital images onto an ordinal scale called the Principal Progression of k Clusters (PPKC). We use these human-recognizable shape categories to select quantitative features extracted from multiple morphometric analyses that are best fit for genetic dissection and analysis.

RESULTS

We transformed images of strawberry fruit into human-recognizable categories using unsupervised machine learning, discovered 4 principal shape categories, and inferred progression using PPKC. We extracted 68 quantitative features from digital images of strawberries using a suite of morphometric analyses and multivariate statistical approaches. These analyses defined informative feature sets that effectively captured quantitative differences between shape classes. Classification accuracy ranged from 68% to 99% for the newly created phenotypic variables for describing a shape.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that strawberry fruit shapes could be robustly quantified, accurately classified, and empirically ordered using image analyses, machine learning, and PPKC. We generated a dictionary of quantitative traits for studying and predicting shape classes and identifying genetic factors underlying phenotypic variability for fruit shape in strawberry. The methods and approaches that we applied in strawberry should apply to other fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops.

Temporal and spatial spread of Hypoderma actaeon infection in roe deer from peninsular Spain determined by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The host switching of Hypoderma actaeon (Diptera: Oestridae), a specific parasite of red deer (Cervus elaphus), towards roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) has been recently reported in Spain. To provide information about the temporal and spatial spreading of H. actaeon infection in roe deer, 244 serum samples from animals hunted in Spain between 2013 and 2018 were analysed by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seropositivity was 13.9%. Seropositivity was higher in continental (27.7%) and mountainous (12%) areas from central Spain, followed by southern-Mediterranean (11.2%) and northern-oceanic regions (3.5%). Differences were significant between central-continental and northern-oceanic regions (P = 0.003). No differences were found according to the sex and age of roe deer (P > 0.05). In 2013, all seropositive animals were concentrated in two distant areas in central and southern Spain, suggesting that the host switch could have occurred independently in both regions. Changes in the pattern of distribution of red deer and roe deer could have favoured the spreading of this myiasis towards roe deer, indicating that roe deer may become infested by H. actaeon in areas where both cervids coexist at high densities.

Modulatory effects of interferon-γ and interleukin-4 on cellular immune responses against Hypoderma lineatum antigens

This study investigates the in vitro modulatory effects of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) on both proliferative bovine T cell responses and IL-10 production induced by different antigens [crude larval extract and the purified fractions hypodermin A, B and C (HyA, HyB, HyC)] obtained from first instars of Hypoderma lineatum (Diptera: Oestridae), alone or in the presence of the mitogen concanavalin A. Incubation with the different parasitic antigens resulted in significant inhibition of T cell proliferation and IL-10 production, which, in general, did not revert after the addition of IFN-γ and IL-4. In the absence of antigens, IL-4 induced significant inhibition of mitogen-induced T cell responses. Exogenous IFN-γ exhibited an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation in the presence of the purified fractions HyB and HyC. These in vitro data suggest that far from neutralizing the effects of larval antigens, the addition of IFN-γ potentiates their anti-proliferative activity; by contrast, IL-4 had no consistent effects on proliferative responses to Hypoderma. IL-4 provoked an increment of IL-10 levels in supernatants of HyB-stimulated cells. In conclusion, exogenous IFN-γ and IL-4 were unable to counteract the suppressor effects of H. lineatum antigens.

Evaluation of the use of pooled fecal samples for the diagnosis of protostrongylid infections in sheep

The Baermann-Wetzel method is the recommended test for the diagnosis of lungworm infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of pooled fecal samples for the diagnosis of protostrongylid infections in sheep flocks and to investigate the sensitivity of the pooled Baermann-Wetzel technique in relation to individual analysis, which is time consuming and expensive. Fecal samples were taken from 10 sheep flocks positive for protostrongylids located in northwestern Spain. Ten pools composed of 6 individual fecal samples, chosen at random from the entire flock sampling, were performed for each flock at the same time as individual analyses. Protostrongylid larvae were detected in 56 pools, with a 56% flock sensitivity. Flock sensitivity was positively associated with the within-flock prevalence (P<0.001), but not with the mean larvae output. A high sensitivity (78.3%) has been observed in flocks with medium or high prevalence, so pooled fecal samples can be used in those flocks that require an effective treatment regimen against these nematodes.

Efficacy of anthelminthic control programs against natural Muellerius capillaris infection in sheep in the north-west of Spain. Effect on blood gases and pH in venous blood samples

The field efficacy of a single dose treatment against natural M. capillaris infection using different anthelmintic drugs, extensively employed in ovine parasite control programs in Galicia (N.W. Spain), and the effect of protostrongylid infection on ovine respiratory functions, were evaluated. Five groups (n = 5) of ewes were used in this study; animals were treated with injectable ivermectin 10.2 mg/kg), levamisole (7.5 mg/kg) and albendazole (5 mg/kg) and monitored at 0, 7, 21, 42 and 63 days posttreatment (d.p.t.) by enumeration of the lungworm larvae per gram of faeces (l.p.g.) and determination of gas tension and pH in venous blood using an i-Stat portable clinical analyzer. No statistical difference was found either in larval elimination between untreated and treated groups or in the reduction in larval counts in all of the treated groups. A significant increase in partial oxygen tension (pO2) and saturation (sO2) between day 0 and 7 p.t. was observed in all treated animals. These values decreased significantly at day 21 to previous levels. There were no statistical differences in blood gases between uninfected and treated groups. We can conclude that under Galician field conditions, parasitic control programs are not totally effective against M. capillaris infection.

Thyroid hormone changes in males exposed to lead in the Buenos Aires area (Argentina)

The relationship between lead levels in blood (PbB) and hormones T3, T4, T4F and TSH were studied in 75 subjects exposed to lead at work. PbB levels in blood were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and hormones by enzymoimmunoassay. Positive and significant correlations among thyroid hormones and TSH vs blood lead level in the ranges 8-50 and 26-50 micro g dl(-1)were found ('r' between 0.304 and 0.621 and 0.431 and 0.619, respectively). At PbB levels between 8 and 26 micro g dl(-1)significant correlation was only found for TSH (r= 0.731). In the range PbB 50-98 micro g dl(-1), 'r' was significant only for T3 (-0.746) and T4 (-0.514). Significant differences were observed in T4 and T4F levels between exposed and non-exposed groups. The results obtained indicate the need for monitoring thyroid hormones and TSH levels in workers exposed to lead.

High-efficiency passive elution of bacterial lipopolysaccharides from polyacrylamide gels

We recently described a method for recovering polyacrylamide-gel-separated bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) based on the sensitive on-gel LPS detection (1-10 ng/band) with zinc-imidazole followed by passive elution from 32 microm average size gel microparticles into water. With this procedure, the recovery of rough- or semismooth-type LPS after 3 h elution is about 70-80%, while that of smooth LPS is only about 10%. Here we evaluated whether a simple replacement of water with other eluents would enhance the passive diffusion of LPS. We found that solutions of the detergents sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium deoxycholate (DOC) and Triton X-100, or mixtures of the organic solvents acetonitrile and triethylamine and water, increased the recovery of a smooth LPS band from Vibrio cholerae O1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, a quantitative recovery of rough or smooth LPS from V. cholerae O1, Escherichia coli O111:B4, E. coli K-235, or Serratia marcescens was feasible in 1% SDS or DOC after 3 h or in 5% triethylamine after only 2 min. A simple dilution of SDS or DOC or evaporation of triethylamine rendered the eluted LPS preparations compatible with biochemical activity determination, as tested by Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Thus, this improved micropurification method may be a suitable interface between analytical gel electrophoresis and further characterization or use of LPS.

First analytical chemistry study on drug abuse in the Buenos Aires (Argentina) University students

One hundred samples were randomly selected from urine specimens collected from Buenos Aires University students, 50 males and 50 females, whose ages ranged from 19 to 47 years. Cocaine (COC), cannabinoids (CNNs), amphetamines (AMs), benzodiazepines (BZDs), barbiturates (BBTs), opiates (OPs) and salicylates (SAs) were searched for by ELISA, FPIA, normalized TLC, HPLC and GC/MS techniques. The presence of COC was detected in five samples, CNN in two and SA in twelve. No evidence of AMs, BZDs, BBTs or OPs was found.

Variations in rat biochemical parameters after buckshot implant

Twenty eight albino Wistar rats were implanted with two 100 mg lead spheres: 14 received the implant in the peritoneum (P) and 14 in the thigh (T). Variations in the activity of delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase (ALAD), of urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALAU), of hematoporphyrins (HP) and of lead blood levels (BPb) were then determined at 30, 60 and 90 days with respect to basal values. Parallel determinations were performed by the same schedule in 7 rats implanted with two glass beads and in 8 sham animals receiving surgical incision alone. Techniques employed for ALAD were Berlin and Schaller; for ALAU, Tomokuni and Ogata; for HP, Piomelli; and for BPb, atomic absorption spectrophotometry. As indicators of lead presence, HP and ALAU proved better, both in P and in T rats. The replacement of lead buckshot for small game hunting by other less toxic elements is recommended.

[Trends in thyroid surgery at the Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán]

The diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease has significantly changed with time. With the aim of analysing changes in thyroid surgery in our institution, a representative sample of patients from the first three years in four decades (1960-1992) were comparatively analysed. In the sixties, the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was made during surgery; by contrast, this diagnosis was correctly done by fine needle aspiration (FNA) in most patients of the last decade. Thyroid lobectomy, infrequently used in the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in earlier times, has now been abandoned and currently most patients undergo total or near-total thyroidectomy. Complications such as hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis have importantly decreased with time and were not seen in the last decade. A trend toward an earlier diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma was also observed. In summary, the number of thyroidectomies for benign diseases has been importantly reduced by the use of FNA with the proportional increment of surgery for malignant disease.

Active myocardial damage without attending inflammatory response in dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare indium-111 (111In)-monoclonal antimyosin antibody uptake in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy before heart transplantation with the histologic findings in the explanted hearts.

BACKGROUND

A high prevalence of 111In-monoclonal antimyosin antibody uptake has been described in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, suggesting the presence of active, ongoing myocyte damage; however, no correlation between monoclonal antimyosin antibodies and histologic findings is available in these patients.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 21 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy awaiting heart transplantation were studied with monoclonal antimyosin antibodies before the operation, and the results were compared with the histologic analysis of the explanted hearts. The interval between monoclonal antimyosin antibody studies and transplantation was 1 to 90 days (mean 58 +/- 31).

RESULTS

Using a semiquantitative method (heart/lung ratio), monoclonal antimyosin antibody uptake was present in 15 (71%) of 21 patients, but active myocarditis in the explanted hearts was detected in only 7. In 11 patients, intense monoclonal antimyosin antibody uptake coexisting with absent myocyte damage or cellular infiltration of explanted hearts was noted. One patient who showed preoperative monoclonal antimyosin antibody uptake underwent transplantation 11 h later, and ex vivo diffuse myocardial antimyosin uptake was detected, but active myocarditis was seen only at cardiectomy in only a small area of the heart; the rest of the myocardium showed no signs of myocyte damage.

CONCLUSIONS

In dilated cardiomyopathy, monoclonal antimyosin antibody uptake cannot be equated with the presence of an inflammatory response detected in the myocardium of the explanted heart.

AIDS risk behavior patterns among intravenous drug users in Puerto Rico and the United States

We interviewed 385 IV drug users recruited in the streets of the San Juan metropolitan area and compared our findings with comparable results from projects in the United States. As expected, intravenous (IV) drug users, irrespectively of the race or ethnic group they belong to or the geographical setting in which they live, are still practicing HIV risk behaviors. Overall, IV drug users in this analysis are young, however, both Puerto Rican and Hispanic groups have completed less years of school than Blacks and Whites in the United States. The fact that almost half of Puerto Rican IV drug users in the United States reported illegal activities as a source of income surprised investigators. However, as hypothesized by investigators, almost half of the Island's IV drug users reported to live with parents. Puerto Rican IV drug users are still practicing HIV risk behaviors, they inject drugs and use shooting galleries to inject drugs more frequently, and are less likely to clean needles and use condoms than Puerto Ricans in the U.S., Blacks and Whites. It is a well known fact that intravenous drug users are the largest group at risk for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Puerto Rico and among Puerto Ricans in the United States. IV drug users are also the major risk for heterosexual transmission and main source of perinatal transmission of the disease. Thus, resources for preventing AIDS in Puerto Rico are needed most among IV drug users, where 44.5 of the subjects in this study are HIV positive.

[Participation of Puerto Rican women in the labor force and its health risks]

Using data provided by the State Insurance Fund of Puerto Rico, the authors analyzed the risks related to their jobs of the employed female population changes over time and differences by sociodemographic characteristics and by sex. Rates of cases informed at the Fund were calculated and used as a "proxy" of risk. Results indicate that women have lower risks of health conditions associated with their employment than men. Younger and single women have higher risks than workers in the other age groups and marital statuses. Risks for women seem to be higher in those industries where they have just recently engaged and in those that demand skills which women lack. Rates of informed cases to the fund have decreased since the seventies for employed males, while for women they remained relatively stable in the seventies and decreased in the eighties.