Quantitative Abdominal Arterial Calcification Correlates with Kidney Transplant Waitlist Mortality.

INTRODUCTION: The scarcity of available organs for kidney transplantation has resulted in a substantial waiting time for patients with end-stage kidney disease. This prolonged wait contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Calcification of large arteries is a high-risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, and it is common among candidates for kidney transplant. The aim of this study was to correlate abdominal arterial calcification (AAC) score value with mortality on the waitlist. METHODS: We modified the coronary calcium score and used it to quantitate the AAC. We conducted a retrospective clinical study of all adult patients who were listed for kidney transplant, between 2005 and 2015, and had abdominal computed tomography scan. Patients were divided into two groups: those who died on the waiting list group and those who survived on the waiting list group. RESULTS: Each 1,000 increase in the AAC score value of the sum score of the abdominal aorta, bilateral common iliac, bilateral external iliac, and bilateral internal iliac was associated with increased risk of death (HR 1.034, 95% CI: 1.013, 1.055) (p = 0.001). This association remained significant even after adjusting for various patient characteristics, including age, tobacco use, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and dialysis status. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the potential value of the AAC score as a noninvasive imaging biomarker for kidney transplant waitlist patients. Incorporating the AAC scoring system into routine imaging reports could facilitate improved risk assessment and personalized care for kidney transplant candidates.

Worldwide forest surveys reveal forty-three new species in Phytophthora major Clade 2 with fundamental implications for the evolution and biogeography of the genus and global plant biosecurity.

During 25 surveys of global Phytophthora diversity, conducted between 1998 and 2020, 43 new species were detected in natural ecosystems and, occasionally, in nurseries and outplantings in Europe, Southeast and East Asia and the Americas. Based on a multigene phylogeny of nine nuclear and four mitochondrial gene regions they were assigned to five of the six known subclades, 2a-c, e and f, of Phytophthora major Clade 2 and the new subclade 2g. The evolutionary history of the Clade appears to have involved the pre-Gondwanan divergence of three extant subclades, 2c, 2e and 2f, all having disjunct natural distributions on separate continents and comprising species with a soilborne and aquatic lifestyle and, in addition, a few partially aerial species in Clade 2c; and the post-Gondwanan evolution of subclades 2a and 2g in Southeast/East Asia and 2b in South America, respectively, from their common ancestor. Species in Clade 2g are soilborne whereas Clade 2b comprises both soil-inhabiting and aerial species. Clade 2a has evolved further towards an aerial lifestyle comprising only species which are predominantly or partially airborne. Based on high nuclear heterozygosity levels ca. 38 % of the taxa in Clades 2a and 2b could be some form of hybrid, and the hybridity may be favoured by an A1/A2 breeding system and an aerial life style. Circumstantial evidence suggests the now 93 described species and informally designated taxa in Clade 2 result from both allopatric non-adaptive and sympatric adaptive radiations. They represent most morphological and physiological characters, breeding systems, lifestyles and forms of host specialism found across the Phytophthora clades as a whole, demonstrating the strong biological cohesiveness of the genus. The finding of 43 previously unknown species from a single Phytophthora clade highlight a critical lack of information on the scale of the unknown pathogen threats to forests and natural ecosystems, underlining the risk of basing plant biosecurity protocols mainly on lists of named organisms. More surveys in natural ecosystems of yet unsurveyed regions in Africa, Asia, Central and South America are needed to unveil the full diversity of the clade and the factors driving diversity, speciation and adaptation in Phytophthora. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Phytophthora amamensis T. Jung, K. Kageyama, H. Masuya & S. Uematsu, Phytophthora angustata T. Jung, L. Garcia, B. Mendieta-Araica, & Y. Balci, Phytophthora balkanensis I. Milenkovic, Z. Tomic, T. Jung & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora borneensis T. Jung, A. Durán, M. Tarigan & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora calidophila T. Jung, Y. Balci, L. Garcia & B. Mendieta-Araica, Phytophthora catenulata T. Jung, T.-T. Chang, N.M. Chi & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora celeris T. Jung, L. Oliveira, M. Tarigan & I. Milenkovic, Phytophthora curvata T. Jung, A. Hieno, H. Masuya & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora distorta T. Jung, A. Durán, E. Sanfuentes von Stowasser & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora excentrica T. Jung, S. Uematsu, K. Kageyama & C.M. Brasier, Phytophthora falcata T. Jung, K. Kageyama, S. Uematsu & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora fansipanensis T. Jung, N.M. Chi, T. Corcobado & C.M. Brasier, Phytophthora frigidophila T. Jung, Y. Balci, K. Broders & I. Milenkovic, Phytophthora furcata T. Jung, N.M. Chi, I. Milenkovic & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora inclinata N.M. Chi, T. Jung, M. Horta Jung & I. Milenkovic, Phytophthora indonesiensis T. Jung, M. Tarigan, L. Oliveira & I. Milenkovic, Phytophthora japonensis T. Jung, A. Hieno, H. Masuya & J.F. Webber, Phytophthora limosa T. Corcobado, T. Majek, M. Ferreira & T. Jung, Phytophthora macroglobulosa H.-C. Zeng, H.-H. Ho, F.-C. Zheng & T. Jung, Phytophthora montana T. Jung, Y. Balci, K. Broders & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora multipapillata T. Jung, M. Tarigan, I. Milenkovic & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora multiplex T. Jung, Y. Balci, K. Broders & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora nimia T. Jung, H. Masuya, A. Hieno & C.M. Brasier, Phytophthora oblonga T. Jung, S. Uematsu, K. Kageyama & C.M. Brasier, Phytophthora obovoidea T. Jung, Y. Balci, L. Garcia & B. Mendieta-Araica, Phytophthora obturata T. Jung, N.M. Chi, I. Milenkovic & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora penetrans T. Jung, Y. Balci, K. Broders & I. Milenkovic, Phytophthora platani T. Jung, A. Pérez-Sierra, S.O. Cacciola & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora proliferata T. Jung, N.M. Chi, I. Milenkovic & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora pseudocapensis T. Jung, T.-T. Chang, I. Milenkovic & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora pseudocitrophthora T. Jung, S.O. Cacciola, J. Bakonyi & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora pseudofrigida T. Jung, A. Durán, M. Tarigan & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora pseudoccultans T. Jung, T.-T. Chang, I. Milenkovic & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora pyriformis T. Jung, Y. Balci, K.D. Boders & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora sumatera T. Jung, M. Tarigan, M. Junaid & A. Durán, Phytophthora transposita T. Jung, K. Kageyama, C.M. Brasier & H. Masuya, Phytophthora vacuola T. Jung, H. Masuya, K. Kageyama & J.F. Webber, Phytophthora valdiviana T. Jung, E. Sanfuentes von Stowasser, A. Durán & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora variepedicellata T. Jung, Y. Balci, K. Broders & I. Milenkovic, Phytophthora vietnamensis T. Jung, N.M. Chi, I. Milenkovic & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora ×australasiatica T. Jung, N.M. Chi, M. Tarigan & M. Horta Jung, Phytophthora ×lusitanica T. Jung, M. Horta Jung, C. Maia & I. Milenkovic, Phytophthora ×taiwanensis T. Jung, T.-T. Chang, H.-S. Fu & M. Horta Jung. Citation: Jung T, Milenkovic I, Balci Y, Janousek J, Kudlácek T, Nagy ZÁ, Baharuddin B, Bakonyi J, Broders KD, Cacciola SO, Chang T-T, Chi NM, Corcobado T, Cravador A, Dordevic B, Durán A, Ferreira M, Fu C-H, Garcia L, Hieno A, Ho H-H, Hong C, Junaid M, Kageyama K, Kuswinanti T, Maia C, Májek T, Masuya H, Magnano di San Lio G, Mendieta-Araica B, Nasri N, Oliveira LSS, Pane A, Pérez-Sierra A, Rosmana A, Sanfuentes von Stowasser E, Scanu B, Singh R, Stanivukovic Z, Tarigan M, Thu PQ, Tomic Z, Tomsovský M, Uematsu S, Webber JF, Zeng H-C, Zheng F-C, Brasier CM, Horta Jung M (2024). Worldwide forest surveys reveal forty-three new species in Phytophthora major Clade 2 with fundamental implications for the evolution and biogeography of the genus and global plant biosecurity. Studies in Mycology 107: 251-388. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.107.04.

Vitrification versus slow freezing of human ovarian tissue: a systematic review and meta-analysis of histological outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of pertinent literature published from 2006 to January 2022 were conducted to study and compare vitrification and slow freezing, the two prominent methods of ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The primary outcome measures for this study were (1) proportion of intact primordial follicles, (2) proportion of intact stromal cells, (3) proportion of DNA fragmentation in primordial follicles, and (4) mean primordial follicle density. This meta-analysis of 19 studies revealed a significantly greater proportion of intact stromal cells in vitrified tissue versus slow-frozen tissue. No significant differences upon pooled analyses were observed between the two cryopreservation methods with respect to the proportion of intact primordial follicles, proportion of DNA fragmentation, or mean primordial follicle density. Due to differences seen in stromal cell viability, vitrification may be a preferred option to preserve histology of tissue. However, more work should be done to compare the two freezing techniques with less heterogeneity caused by patients, samples, and protocols.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of ADGRL3 (LPHN3) polymorphisms in ADHD susceptibility.

The gene encoding adhesion G protein-coupled receptor L3 (ADGRL3, also referred to as latrophilin 3 or LPHN3) has been associated with ADHD susceptibility in independent ADHD samples. We conducted a systematic review and a comprehensive meta-analysis to summarize the associations between the most studied ADGRL3 polymorphisms (rs6551665, rs1947274, rs1947275, and rs2345039) and both childhood and adulthood ADHD. Eight association studies (seven published and one unpublished) fulfilled criteria for inclusion in our meta-analysis. We also incorporated GWAS data for ADGRL3. In order to avoid overlapping samples, we started with summary statistics from GWAS samples and then added data from gene association studies. The results of our meta-analysis suggest an effect of ADGRL3 variants on ADHD susceptibility in children (n = 8724/14,644 cases/controls and 1893 families): rs6551665 A allele (Z score = -2.701; p = 0.0069); rs1947274 A allele (Z score = -2.033; p = 0.0421); rs1947275 T allele (Z score = 2.339; p = 0.0978); and rs2345039 C allele (Z score = 3.806; p = 0.0026). Heterogeneity was found in analyses for three SNPs (rs6551665, rs1947274, and rs2345039). In adults, results were not significant (n = 6532 cases/15,874 controls): rs6551665 A allele (Z score = 2.005; p = 0.0450); rs1947274 A allele (Z score = 2.179; p = 0.0293); rs1947275 T allele (Z score = -0.822; p = 0.4109); and rs2345039 C allele (Z score = -1.544; p = 0.1226). Heterogeneity was found just for rs6551665. In addition, funnel plots did not suggest publication biases. Consistent with ADGRL3's role in early neurodevelopment, our findings suggest that the gene is predominantly associated with childhood ADHD.

Eight new Halophytophthora species from marine and brackish-water ecosystems in Portugal and an updated phylogeny for the genus.

During an oomycete survey in December 2015, 10 previously unknown Halophytophthora taxa were isolated from marine and brackish water of tidal ponds and channels in saltmarshes, lagoon ecosystems and river estuaries at seven sites along the Algarve coast in the South of Portugal. Phylogenetic analyses of LSU and ITS datasets, comprising all described Halophytophthora species, the 10 new Halophytophthora taxa and all relevant and distinctive sequences available from GenBank, provided an updated phylogeny of the genus Halophytophthora s.str. showing for the first time a structure of 10 clades designated as Clades 1-10. Nine of the 10 new Halophytophthora taxa resided in Clade 6 together with H. polymorphica and H. vesicula. Based on differences in morphology and temperature-growth relations and a multigene (LSU, ITS, Btub, hsp90, rpl10, tigA, cox1, nadh1, rps10) phylo-geny, eight new Halophytophthora taxa from Portugal are described here as H. brevisporangia, H. cele-ris, H. frigida, H. lateralis, H. lusitanica, H. macrosporangia, H. sinuata and H. thermoambigua. Three species, H. frigida, H. macrosporangia and H. sinuata, have a homothallic breeding system while the remaining five species are sterile. Pathogenicity and litter decomposition tests are underway to clarify their pathological and ecological role in the marine and brackish-water ecosystems. More oomycete surveys in yet undersurveyed regions of the world and population genetic or phylogenomic analyses of global populations are needed to clarify the origin of the new Halophytophthora species. Citation: Maia C, Horta Jung M, Carella G, et al. 2022. Eight new Halophytophthora species from marine and brackish-water ecosystems in Portugal and an updated phylogeny for the genus. Persoonia 48: 54 - 90. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.48.02..

Extensive morphological and behavioural diversity among fourteen new and seven described species in Phytophthora Clade 10 and its evolutionary implications.

During extensive surveys of global Phytophthora diversity 14 new species detected in natural ecosystems in Chile, Indonesia, USA (Louisiana), Sweden, Ukraine and Vietnam were assigned to Phytophthora major Clade 10 based on a multigene phylogeny of nine nuclear and three mitochondrial gene regions. Clade 10 now comprises three subclades. Subclades 10a and 10b contain species with nonpapillate sporangia, a range of breeding systems and a mainly soil- and waterborne lifestyle. These include the previously described P. afrocarpa, P. gallica and P. intercalaris and eight of the new species: P. ludoviciana, P. procera, P. pseudogallica, P. scandinavica, P. subarctica, P. tenuimura, P. tonkinensis and P. ukrainensis. In contrast, all species in Subclade 10c have papillate sporangia and are self-fertile (or homothallic) with an aerial lifestyle including the known P. boehmeriae, P. gondwanensis, P. kernoviae and P. morindae and the new species P. celebensis, P. chilensis, P. javanensis, P. multiglobulosa, P. pseudochilensis and P. pseudokernoviae. All new Phytophthora species differed from each other and from related species by their unique combinations of morphological characters, breeding systems, cardinal temperatures and growth rates. The biogeography and evolutionary history of Clade 10 are discussed. We propose that the three subclades originated via the early divergence of pre-Gondwanan ancestors > 175 Mya into water- and soilborne and aerially dispersed lineages and subsequently underwent multiple allopatric and sympatric radiations during their global spread. Citation: Jung T, Milenkovic I, Corcobado T, et al. 2022. Extensive morphological and behavioural diversity among fourteen new and seven described species in Phytophthora Clade 10 and its evolutionary implications. Persoonia 49: 1-57. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.01.

Impact of glycerol feeding profiles on STEAP1 biosynthesis by Komagataella pastoris using a methanol-inducible promoter.

Currently, the lack of reliable strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer makes the identification and characterization of new therapeutic targets a pressing matter. Several studies have proposed the Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate 1 (STEAP1) as a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer. Although structural and functional studies may provide deeper insights on the role of STEAP1 in cancer, such techniques require high amounts of purified protein through biotechnological processes. Based on the results presented, this work proposes the application, for the first time, of a fed-batch profile to improve STEAP1 biosynthesis in mini-bioreactor Komagataella pastoris X-33 Mut+ methanol-induced cultures, by evaluating three glycerol feeding profiles-constant, exponential, and gradient-during the pre-induction phase. Interestingly, different glycerol feeding profiles produced differently processed STEAP1. This platform was optimized using a combination of chemical chaperones for ensuring the structural stabilization and appropriate processing of the target protein. The supplementation of culture medium with 6 % (v/v) DMSO and 1 M proline onto a gradient glycerol/constant methanol feeding promoted increased biosynthesis levels of STEAP1 and minimized aggregation events. Deglycosylation assays with peptide N-glycosidase F showed that glycerol constant feed is associated with an N-glycosylated pattern of STEAP1. The biological activity of recombinant STEAP1 was also validated, once the protein enhanced the proliferation of LNCaP and PC3 cancer cells, in comparison with non-tumoral cell cultures. This methodology could be a crucial starting point for large-scale production of active and stable conformation of recombinant human STEAP1. Thus, it could open up new strategies to unveil the structural rearrangement of STEAP1 and to better understand the biological role of the protein in cancer onset and progression.

Molecular detection of zoonotic filarioids in Culex spp. from Portugal.

To investigate the role of dipterans in the transmission of Onchocerca lupi and other zoonotic filarioids, samples were collected from different sites in Algarve, southern Portugal, morphologically identified and molecularly tested for filarioids. Culex sp. (72.8%) represented the predominant genus followed by Culicoides sp. (11.8%), Ochlerotatus sp. (9.7%), Culiseta sp. (4.5%), Aedes sp. (0.9%) and Anopheles sp. (0.3%). Nineteen (2.8%) specimens scored positive for filarioids, with Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (2%) positive for Dirofilaria immitis (1.4%), Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Onchocerca lupi, unidentified species of Filarioidea (0.2%, each) and Onchocercidae (0.6%). Additionally, Culiseta longiareolata (6.5%), Ochlerotatus caspius (3%) and Culex laticinctus (0.2%) scored positive for unidentified Onchocercidae, A. reconditum and for O. lupi, respectively. This is the first report of the occurrence of DNA of O. lupi, D. repens and A. reconditum in Culex spp. in Portugal. Information regarding the vectors and the pathogens they transmit may help to adopt proper prophylactic and control measures.

Comparison of reproductive management programs for submission of Holstein heifers for first insemination with conventional or sexed semen based on expression of estrus, pregnancy outcomes, and cost per pregnancy.

Our objective was to evaluate reproductive management programs for submission of Holstein heifers for first insemination with conventional or sexed semen. In experiment 1, nulliparous Holstein heifers (n = 462) were submitted to a 5-d progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID)-Synch protocol [d 0, GnRH + PRID; d 5, PGF2α - PRID; d 6, PGF2α; d 8, GnRH + TAI] and were randomly assigned for PRID removal on d 5 or 6 of the protocol followed by timed artificial insemination (TAI) with conventional semen. Delaying PRID removal decreased early expression of estrus before scheduled TAI (0.9 vs. 12.2%), and pregnancies per AI (P/AI) did not differ between treatments. In experiment 2, nulliparous Holstein heifers (n = 736) from 3 commercial farms were randomized within farm to 1 of 3 treatments for first AI with sexed semen: (1) CIDR5 [d -6, GnRH + controlled internal drug release (CIDR); d -1, PGF2α - CIDR; d 0, PGF2α; d 2, GnRH + TAI]; (2) CIDR6 (d -6, GnRH + CIDR; d -1, PGF2α; d 0, PGF2α - CIDR; d 2, GnRH + TAI); and (3) EDAI (PGF2α on d 0 followed by once-daily estrous detection and AI). Delaying CIDR removal decreased early expression of estrus before scheduled TAI (0.004 vs. 27.8%); however, CIDR5 heifers tended to have more P/AI at 35 (53 vs. 45 vs. 46%) and 64 (52 vs. 45 vs. 45%) days after AI than CIDR6 and EDAI heifers, respectively. Overall, CIDR5 and CIDR6 heifers had fewer days to first AI and pregnancy than EDAI heifers which resulted in less feed costs than EDAI heifers due to fewer days on feed until pregnancy. Despite greater hormonal treatment costs for CIDR5 heifers, costs per pregnancy were $16.66 less for CIDR5 than for EDAI heifers. In conclusion, delaying PRID removal by 24 h within a 5-d PRID-Synch protocol in experiment 1 suppressed early expression of estrus before TAI, and P/AI for heifers inseminated with conventional semen did not differ between treatments. By contrast, although delaying CIDR removal by 24 h within a 5-CIDR-Synch protocol in experiment 2 suppressed early expression of estrus before TAI, delaying CIDR removal by 24 h tended to decrease P/AI for heifers inseminated with sexed semen. Further, submission of heifers to a 5-d CIDR-Synch protocol for first AI tended to increase P/AI and decrease the cost per pregnancy compared with EDAI heifers.

Ultrastructural Aspects of The Intestinal Cells Surface of Angiostrongylus Cantonensis By Using of Transmission Electron Microscopy.

The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic parasite and the main cause of eosinophilic meningitis in the world. Its main source of nutrients originates from the degradation of host hemoglobin in blood-feeding helminths, such as A. cantonensis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the ultrastructure of the intestinal cells by using of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A. cantonensis worms obtained from Rattus norvegicus (norway rats) from endemic area were used for TEM. The ultrastructural analysis was performed using fragments cut from the middle part of the worms, and the TEM study revealed the cells with microvilli and nuclei containing areas of loose and condensed chromatin and the presence of macrovesicles and microvesicles of digestion and it was observed in this study that intestinal epithelium is look like a syncytium. The ultrastructural aspects of the intestinal cells surface of A. Cantonensis the indicate that the intestinal epithelium is a multinucleate mosaic or syncytium.

Elucidating in vitro and in vivo phenotypic behaviour of L. infantum/L. major natural hybrids.

The clinical manifestation and course of Leishmania infections depend on factors such as species, virulence and host-immunity. Although trypanosomatids are considered to have clonal propagation, genetic hybridization has produced successful natural hybrid lineages. Hybrids displaying strong selective advantages may have an impact on pathogenesis and the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis. Thus, characterization of phenotypic properties of Leishmania hybrids could bring significant insight into the biology, infectivity, pathogenicity and transmission dynamics of these atypical strains. The present study focuses on phenotypic features and survival capacity of Leishmania infantum/Leishmania major hybrid isolates as compared with representative putative parental species, L. infantum and L. major. In vitro assays (growth kinetics, susceptibility to different conditions) and in vivo infection (parasite detection and histopathological alterations) showed that hybrids present higher growth capacity and decreased susceptibility to reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, evaluation of infected spleen tissue suggests that hybrids induce a stronger immune reaction than their putative parents, leading to the development of white pulp hyperplasia in B-lymphocyte compartments. Overall, these hybrids have shown high plasticity in terms of their general behaviour within the different phenotypic parameters, suggesting that they might have acquired genetic features conferring different mechanisms to evade host cells.

Head Start Teachers' Professional Development, Well-being, Attitudes, and Practices: Understanding Changes Over Time and Predictive Associations.

Early care and education (ECE) teachers shape children's daily experiences in many ways. Specifically, teachers' well-being, attitudes about child development, and teaching practices are central influences on children's learning. One crucial way ECE programs support teachers to enhance children's learning environments is through the provision of professional development (PD), but little research has examined the PD provided by ECE programs in the absence of focused initiatives to support teachers. In this descriptive study, we use data from a nationally representative study of Head Start teachers (N = 484) to explore whether teachers' job satisfaction, depression, developmentally appropriate attitudes, and frequency of engagement in math and literacy activities are associated with the number of (a) overall PD supports available to teachers, (b) curriculum supports received by teachers, and (c) mentoring supports received by teachers. Many of the associations between teachers' outcomes and overall PD supports, curriculum supports, and mentoring supports were not statistically significant, perhaps because the PD variables do not measure the quality or content of the PD provided. However, those PD supports that were significantly associated with outcomes were associated with specific teacher outcomes in ways consistent with theory, although associations were relatively weak. To contextualize these findings, we describe how PD supports and teachers' outcomes have changed over nearly a decade that encompasses some key Head Start policy changes. This research contributes to our understanding of scalable ways to prepare and support teachers of some of the nation's most vulnerable children.

The recombinant protein rSP03B is a valid antigen for screening dog exposure to Phlebotomus perniciosus across foci of canine leishmaniasis.

The frequency of sandfly-host contacts can be measured by host antibody levels against sandfly salivary proteins. Recombinant salivary proteins are suggested to represent a valid replacement for salivary gland homogenate (SGH); however, it is necessary to prove that such antigens are recognized by antibodies against various populations of the same species. Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector of Leishmania infantum (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) in southwest Europe and is widespread from Portugal to Italy. In this study, sera were sampled from naturally exposed dogs from distant regions, including Campania (southern Italy), Umbria (central Italy) and the metropolitan Lisbon region (Portugal), where P. perniciosus is the unique or principal vector species. Sera were screened for anti-P. perniciosus antibodies using SGH and 43-kDa yellow-related recombinant protein (rSP03B). A robust correlation between antibodies recognizing SGH and rSP03B was detected in all regions, suggesting substantial antigenic cross-reactivity among different P. perniciosus populations. No significant differences in this relationship were detected between regions. Moreover, rSP03B and the native yellow-related protein were shown to share similar antigenic epitopes, as canine immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding to the native protein was inhibited by pre-incubation with the recombinant form. These findings suggest that rSP03B should be regarded as a universal marker of sandfly exposure throughout the geographical distribution of P. perniciosus.

Fertility of lactating Holstein cows submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol and timed artificial insemination versus artificial insemination after synchronization of estrus at a similar day in milk range.

Our objective was to compare the AI submission rate and pregnancies per artificial insemination (P/AI) at first service of lactating Holstein cows submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol and timed artificial insemination (TAI) versus artificial insemination (AI) to a detected estrus after synchronization of estrus at a similar day in milk range. Lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive their first TAI after a Double-Ovsynch protocol (DO; n = 294) or to receive their first AI after a synchronized estrus (EST; n = 284). Pregnancy status was determined 33 ± 3 d after insemination and was reconfirmed 63 ± 3 d after insemination. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and logistic regression using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). By design, days in milk at first insemination did not differ between treatments (76.9 ± 0.2 vs. 76.7 ± 0.3 for DO vs. EST cows, respectively), but more DO cows were inseminated within 7 d after the end of the voluntary waiting period than EST cows (100.0 vs. 77.5%). Overall, DO cows had more P/AI than EST cows at both 33 d (49.0 vs. 38.6%) and 63 d (44.6 vs. 36.4%) after insemination, but pregnancy loss from 33 to 63 d after insemination did not differ between treatments. Primiparous cows had more P/AI than multiparous cows 33 and 63 d after insemination, but the treatment by parity interaction was not significant. Synchronization rate to the hormonal protocols was 85.3%, which did not differ between treatments; however, synchronized DO cows had more P/AI 33 d after insemination than synchronized EST cows (54.7 vs. 44.5%). In summary, submission of lactating Holstein cows to a Double-Ovsynch protocol and TAI for first insemination increased the percentage of cows inseminated within 7 d after the end of the voluntary waiting period and increased P/AI at 33 and 63 d after first insemination resulting in 64 and 58% more pregnant cows, respectively, than submission of cows for first AI after detection of estrus at a similar day in milk range. We conclude that, because the proportion of synchronized cows did not differ between treatments, DO cows had more P/AI than EST cows because of an intrinsic increase in fertility after submission to a fertility program.

Six new Phytophthora species from ITS Clade 7a including two sexually functional heterothallic hybrid species detected in natural ecosystems in Taiwan.

During a survey of Phytophthora diversity in natural ecosystems in Taiwan six new species were detected. Multigene phylogeny based on the nuclear ITS, ß-tubulin and HSP90 and the mitochondrial cox1 and NADH1 gene sequences demonstrated that they belong to ITS Clade 7a with P. europaea, P. uniformis, P. rubi and P. cambivora being their closest relatives. All six new species differed from each other and from related species by a unique combination of morphological characters, the breeding system, cardinal temperatures and growth rates. Four homothallic species, P. attenuata, P. flexuosa, P. formosa and P. intricata, were isolated from rhizosphere soil of healthy forests of Fagus hayatae, Quercus glandulifera, Q. tarokoensis, Castanopsis carlesii, Chamaecyparis formosensis and Araucaria cunninghamii. Two heterothallic species, P. xheterohybrida and P. xincrassata, were exclusively detected in three forest streams. All P. xincrassata isolates belonged to the A2 mating type while isolates of P. xheterohybrida represented both mating types with oospore abortion rates according to Mendelian ratios (4-33 %). Multiple heterozygous positions in their ITS, ß-tubulin and HSP90 gene sequences indicate that P. xheterohybrida, P. xincrassata and P. cambivora are interspecific hybrids. Consequently, P. cambivora is re-described as P. xcambivora without nomenclatural act. Pathogenicity trials on seedlings of Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica and Q. suber indicate that all six new species might pose a potential threat to European forests.

Nothophytophthora gen. nov., a new sister genus of Phytophthora from natural and semi-natural ecosystems.

During various surveys of Phytophthora diversity in Europe, Chile and Vietnam slow growing oomycete isolates were obtained from rhizosphere soil samples and small streams in natural and planted forest stands. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the nuclear ITS, LSU, ß-tubulin and HSP90 loci and the mitochondrial cox1 and NADH1 genes revealed they belong to six new species of a new genus, officially described here as Nothophytophthora gen. nov., which clustered as sister group to Phytophthora. Nothophytophthora species share numerous morphological characters with Phytophthora: persistent (all Nothophytophthora spp.) and caducous (N. caduca, N. chlamydospora, N. valdiviana, N. vietnamensis) sporangia with variable shapes, internal differentiation of zoospores and internal, nested and extended (N. caduca, N. chlamydospora) and external (all Nothophytophthora spp.) sporangial proliferation; smooth-walled oogonia with amphigynous (N. amphigynosa) and paragynous (N. amphigynosa, N. intricata, N. vietnamensis) attachment of the antheridia; chlamydospores (N. chlamydospora) and hyphal swellings. Main differing features of the new genus are the presence of a conspicuous, opaque plug inside the sporangiophore close to the base of most mature sporangia in all known Nothophytophthora species and intraspecific co-occurrence of caducity and non-papillate sporangia with internal nested and extended proliferation in several Nothophytophthora species. Comparisons of morphological structures of both genera allow hypotheses about the morphology and ecology of their common ancestor which are discussed. Production of caducous sporangia by N. caduca, N. chlamydospora and N. valdiviana from Valdivian rainforests and N. vietnamensis from a mountain forest in Vietnam suggests a partially aerial lifestyle as adaptation to these humid habitats. Presence of tree dieback in all forests from which Nothophytophthora spp. were recovered and partial sporangial caducity of several Nothophytophthora species indicate a pathogenic rather than a saprophytic lifestyle. Isolation tests from symptomatic plant tissues in these forests and pathogenicity tests are urgently required to clarify the lifestyle of the six Nothophytophthora species.

BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and peripheral protein levels in pediatric bipolar disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Frontiers between pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not well defined. Few studies have addressed potentially different neurobiological factors between the two disorders. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been increasingly recognized for its etiologic and prognostic role in adult bipolar disorder (BD) studies. This study aimed to examine the BDNF gene polymorphism and potential alterations in BDNF serum levels in the pediatric ADHD patients with or without comorbid BD illness. METHOD: We assessed the non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism in the BDNF gene (rs6265/Val66Met) and its serum levels in children and adolescents with BD comorbid with ADHD (BD + ADHD) and ADHD alone. Children and adolescents were assessed for psychiatric diagnoses using the Kiddie-Sads-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). RESULTS: Using Analysis of covariance (ancova) we detected a significant group effect (patients with BD + ADHD had higher serum levels than those with ADHD - F80,3 = 8.73, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Although the Val66Met polymorphism at the BDNF gene does not seem to play a significant role in children and adolescents with BD or ADHD, BDNF serum levels deserve further attention in future research on neurobiological aspects of BD and ADHD.

Adding a second prostaglandin F2α treatment to but not reducing the duration of a PRID-Synch protocol increases fertility after resynchronization of ovulation in lactating Holstein cows.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a second PGF2α treatment and duration of an Ovsynch protocol that included a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) on progesterone (P4) concentrations and pregnancies per artificial insemination (P/AI) after resynchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination (TAI). Lactating Holstein cows (n=821) were assigned randomly at a nonpregnancy diagnosis (d 0) to 3 resynchronization protocols: (1) GnRH, d 0; PGF2α, d 7; GnRH, d 9.5 (7D1PGF); (2) GnRH, d 0; PGF2α, d 7; PGF2α, d 8; GnRH, d 9.5); (7D2PGF); or (3) GnRH, d 2; PGF2α, d 7; PGF2α, d 8; GnRH, d 9.5 (5D2PGF). All cows received a PRID at the first GnRH treatment of the resynchronization protocol, which was removed at the first PGF2α treatment, and all cows received TAI approximately 16h after the second GnRH treatment. Blood samples were collected from a subgroup of cows at each treatment of the resynchronization protocols. At 32 d after TAI, cows receiving a second PGF2α treatment (7D2PGF + 5D2PGF cows) had more P/AI (42.6 vs. 35.7%) than cows receiving a single PGF2α treatment (7D1PGF cows). For cows treated with a second PGF2α treatment, decreasing the duration of the protocol did not increase P/AI (41.4 vs. 43.8% for 7D2PGF vs. 5D2PGF cows). At 60 d after TAI, P/AI did not differ between cows treated with the 1 PGF2α (7D1PGF cows) or 2 PGF2α (7D2PGF + 5D1PGF cows) treatments (32.5 vs. 37.9%, respectively). In addition, reducing the duration of the protocol did not increase P/AI at 60 d after TAI (37.8 vs. 38.5% for 7D2PGF vs. 5D2PGF cows). Pregnancy loss from 32 to 60 d after TAI was not affected by the number of PGF2α treatments (8.5 vs. 10.6%, for 7D1PGF vs. 7D2PGF + 5D2PGF cows) or the duration of the protocol (9.1 vs. 12.1%, for 7D2PGF vs. 5D2PGF cows). The percentage of cows with incomplete luteal regression at the second GnRH treatment tended to differ among treatments and was lowest for 7D2PGF cows, intermediate for 5D2PGF cows, and greatest for 7D1PGF cows (1.9 vs. 6.9 vs. 11.0%, respectively). In conclusion, addition of a second PGF2α treatment tended to decrease the percentage of cows with incomplete luteal regression and increased P/AI 32 d after AI, whereas decreasing the duration of the Ovsynch protocol did not increase P/AI.

Differential Effectiveness of Head Start in Urban and Rural Communities.

Recent research suggests that Head Start may be differentially effective in improving low-income children's early language and literacy skills based on a number of individual- and family-level characteristics. Using data from the Head Start Impact Study (n = 3503; 50% male, 63% treatment group), the present study extends this work to consider program impact variation based on centers' location in urban versus rural communities. Results indicate that Head Start is more effective in increasing children's receptive vocabulary (as measured by the PPVT) in urban areas and their oral comprehension (as measured by the Woodcock-Johnson Oral Comprehension task) in rural areas. Additional analyses suggest that related characteristics of the center - including concentration of dual language learners and provision of transportation services - may underlie these associations. Implications for research on program evaluation and policy are discussed.

Neurological disease in human and canine leishmaniasis--clinical features and immunopathogenesis.

Leishmaniasis is a vectorborne disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, which is a major health problem and a neglected disease common in many regions of the world. Leishmania is an intracellular parasite transmitted by sand flies that causes clinical manifestations ranging from a severe and potentially fatal disease named visceral leishmaniasis to less severe but in many cases disfiguring diseases that mainly affect the skin or mucosal tissues, known as cutaneous leishmaniasis. Despite the detection of Leishmania parasites in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of human patients and dogs, epidemiological data, as well as information about the mechanisms of central and peripheral nervous system alterations, are poorly described. This review is focused on the current knowledge about the neurological manifestations and immunopathogenic mechanisms in human patients and animals infected with Leishmania.