Transcriptomic study of pedicels from GA3-treated table grape genotypes with different susceptibility to berry drop reveals responses elicited in cell wall yield, primary growth and phenylpropanoids synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Gibberellins (GA3) are the most sprayed growth regulator for table grape production worldwide, increasing berry size of seedless varieties through pericarp cell expansion. However, these treatments also exacerbate berry drop, which has a detrimental effect on the postharvest quality of commercialized clusters. Several studies have suggested that pedicel stiffening caused by GA3 would have a role in this disorder. Nevertheless, transcriptional and phenotypic information regarding pedicel responses to GA3 is minimal. RESULTS: Characterization of responses to GA3 treatments using the lines L23 and Thompson Seedless showed that the former was up to six times more susceptible to berry drop than the latter. GA3 also increased the diameter and dry matter percentage of the pedicel on both genotypes. Induction of lignin biosynthesis-related genes by GA3 has been reported, so the quantity of this polymer was measured. The acetyl bromide method detected a decreased concentration of lignin 7 days after GA3 treatment, due to a higher cell wall yield of the isolated fractions of GA3-treated pedicel samples which caused a dilution effect. Thus, an initial enrichment of primary cell wall components in response to GA3 was suggested, particularly in the L23 background. A transcriptomic profiling was performed to identify which genes were associated with these phenotypic changes. This analysis identified 1281 and 1787 genes differentially upregulated by GA3 in L23 and cv. Thompson Seedless, respectively. Concomitantly, 1202 and 1317 downregulated genes were detected in L23 and cv. Thompson Seedless (FDR < 0.05). Gene ontology analysis of upregulated genes showed enrichment in pathways including phenylpropanoids, cell wall metabolism, xylem development, photosynthesis and the cell cycle at 7 days post GA3 application. Twelve genes were characterized by qPCR and striking differences were observed between genotypes, mainly in genes related to cell wall synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of berry drop are related to an early strong response of primary cell wall synthesis in the pedicel promoted by GA3 treatment. Genetic backgrounds can produce similar phenotypic responses to GA3, although there is considerable variation in the regulation of genes in terms of which are expressed, and the extent of transcript levels achieved within the same time frame.

Transcriptomic Approach for Global Distribution of SNP/Indel and Plant Genotyping.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common structural variants found in any genome. They have been used for different genetic studies, from the understanding of genetic structure of populations to the development of breeding selection markers. In this chapter we present the use of transcriptomic data obtained from contrasting phenotypes for a target trait, in searching of SNPs and insertions/deletions (InDels). This approach has the advantage that the identified markers are in or close to differentially expressed genes, and so they have higher chances to tag the genes underlying the phenotypic expression of a particular trait.

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of an Avena sativa L. germplasm collection of diverse origin: implications for food-oat breeding in Chile.

Oats are known for their nutritional value and also for their beneficial properties on human health, such as the reduction of cholesterol levels and risk of coronary heart disease; they are an important export product for Chile. During the last decade (2010-2022) over 90% of the oat cultivated area in Chile has been covered with Avena sativa L. cv. Supernova INIA. This lack of genetic diversity in a context of climate change could limit the long-term possibility of growing oats in Chile. The present study is a phenotypic and genetic analysis of 132 oat cultivars and pure lines of diverse origin that can be considered as potential breeding material. The germplasm was evaluated for 28 traits and analyzed with 14 SSR markers. The effects of genotypes on phenotype were significant over all traits (P ≤ 0.05). Most traits exhibited moderate to high broad-sense heritability with exceptions such as yield (H2 = 0.27) and hulls staining (H2 = 0.32). Significant undesirable correlations between traits were generally of small biological importance, which is auspicious for achieving breeding objectives. Some of the heritability data and correlations provided here have not been previously reported. The overall phenotypic diversity was high (H' = 0.68 ± 0.18). The germplasm was grouped into three phenotypic clusters, differing in their qualities for breeding. Twenty-six genotypes outperforming Supernova INIA were identified for breeding of conventional food-oats. The genetic diversity of the germplasm was moderate on average (He = 0.58 ± 0.03), varying between 0.32 (AM22) and 0.77 (AME178). Two genetic subpopulations supported by the Structure algorithm exhibited a genetic distance of 0.24, showing low divergence of the germplasm. The diversity and phenotypic values found in this collection of oat genotypes are promising with respect to obtaining genetic gain in the short term in breeding programs. However, the similar genetic diversity, higher phenotypic diversity, and better phenotypic performance of the germplasm created in Chile compared to foreign germplasm suggest that germplasm harboring new genetic diversity will be key to favor yield and quality in new oat cultivars in the long term.

A deficiency in the flavoprotein of Arabidopsis mitochondrial complex II results in elevated photosynthesis and better growth in nitrogen-limiting conditions.

Mitochondrial complex II (succinate dehydrogenase [SDH]) plays roles both in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the respiratory electron transport chain. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), its flavoprotein subunit is encoded by two nuclear genes, SDH1-1 and SDH1-2. Here, we characterize heterozygous SDH1-1/sdh1-1 mutant plants displaying a 30% reduction in SDH activity as well as partially silenced plants obtained by RNA interference. We found that these plants displayed significantly higher CO(2) assimilation rates and enhanced growth than wild-type plants. There was a strong correlation between CO(2) assimilation and stomatal conductance, and both mutant and silenced plants displayed increased stomatal aperture and density. By contrast, no significant differences were found for dark respiration, chloroplastic electron transport rate, CO(2) uptake at saturating concentrations of CO(2), or biochemical parameters such as the maximum rates of carboxylation by Rubisco and of photosynthetic electron transport. Thus, photosynthesis is enhanced in SDH-deficient plants by a mechanism involving a specific effect on stomatal function that results in improved CO(2) uptake. Metabolic and transcript profiling revealed that mild deficiency in SDH results in limited effects on metabolism and gene expression, and data suggest that decreases observed in the levels of some amino acids were due to a higher flux to proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds to support increased growth. Strikingly, SDH1-1/sdh1-1 seedlings grew considerably better in nitrogen-limiting conditions. Thus, a subtle metabolic alteration may lead to changes in important functions such as stomatal function and nitrogen assimilation.

Computed tomography calcium scoring association and reclassification of clinical cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic Mexican patients.

OBJECTIVES: To establish tailored preventive treatment, we studied the ability of coronary artery calcium scoring to reclassify patients with intermediate cardiovascular risk and its association with additional risk factors in our Mexican preventive care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 520 asymptomatic patients from a Mexican primary prevention population between 2014 and 2018. Coronary artery calcium scoring, laboratory results, and anthropometric measurements (abdominal circumference and body mass index) were assessed. The Framingham risk score and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm were calculated. Correlations between coronary artery calcium scoring, anthropometric measurements, and clinical cardiovascular risk scores were assessed. We assessed the ability of coronary artery calcium scoring to reclassify patients recommended for statin therapy compared with the cardiovascular risk scores. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 67.5 years (SD ± 9.8) and 294 subjects (56.5%) were male. Coronary artery calcium scoring has a positive correlation with age, AHA/ACC atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm, and Framingham risk score (p < 0.001 for all). Coronary artery calcium scoring was prevalent, occurring in 63.2% of patients with a median Agatston score of 22 with and interquartile range of 178. Male gender, older age, smoking habit, diabetes, and abdominal circumference were independent predictors of coronary artery calcium scoring (p < 0.001). Coronary artery calcium scoring downwardly reclassified 44.9% of patients in intermediate cardiovascular risk categories by the AHA/ACC atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm and 43.9% by the Framingham risk score. Coronary artery calcium scoring upwardly reclassified 46.8% of patients in intermediate risk categories by the AHA/ACC atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk algorithm and 56% by the Framingham risk score. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery calcium scoring is prevalent in this Mexican primary prevention cohort and has the ability to reclassify a significant percentage of intermediate cardiovascular risk patients.

Mach-Zehnder Stationary Two-Beam Spectroscopy Using Compound Prisms.

An interferometric optical setup for diffraction-less spectroscopy is tested as an optical design for control of interference frequency. Its design is based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer in which a pair of compound prisms is introduced in the interferometer path to obtain interference patterns, which avoids the diffraction phenomena and nonlinear dispersion found on spectrometers that use gratings. Computer simulations of the interference patterns generated by the proposed optical setup are presented, and confirmed by the experimental results of the optical implementation. The theory that describes an ideal optical setup and the experimental results show that in order to reduce the combined uncertainties of wavelength measurement, a precise control in angle deviation and magnification are required for the reduction of measurement uncertainties.

Exogenous gibberellic acid application induces the overexpression of key genes for pedicel lignification and an increase in berry drop in table grape.

Most table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties require gibberellic acid (GA3) applications to obtain an adequate berry size in order to satisfy market requirements. However, GA3 treatments also produce severe berry drop in some cultivars, which occurs mainly after a cold storage period during post-harvest. Berry drop in bunches treated with GA3 has been related to the hardening and thickening of the pedicel produced by the over-accumulation of cellulose and its lignification. The main goal of this study was to compare the morphology and gene expression in pedicel samples of genotypes contrasting for berry drop susceptibility. These genotypes are Thompson Seedless, which exhibits a low incidence of berry drop, and a genetic line (Line #23) of INIA's breeding program that is very susceptible to berry drop at harvest and after storage in bunches sprayed with GA3. The parameters measured to study this phenomenon during fruit growth and post-harvest storage included fruit detachment force (FDF), hardness and thickness of the pedicel and berry drop frequency. Histological analyses of pedicel structures at harvest showed an increase in cell size and deposition of lignin in the cortex zone in both contrasting genotypes treated with GA3. The expression profile in both genotypes of the key lignin biosynthesis genes Vv4CL4, VvCCR1L and VvCAD1 analyzed by quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) revealed evident changes in response to GA3 treatments. In particular, gene VvCAD1 is overexpressed (100X) in pedicels of line #23 treated with GA3 after 30 and 45 days in cold storage compared to control. Moreover, the frequency of berry drop was higher for Line #23 treated with GA3 than for the control (23% vs. 1%). Our results suggest that gibberellic acid regulates the expression of the biosynthesis of lignin genes, generating changes in cell wall composition and pedicel structure that result in an increase in berry drop.

Duplicación de imagen ultrasonográfica de feto único intrauterino que emula un gemelo inexistente: reporte de un caso / Ultrasonographic image duplication of an intrauterine unique fetus mimicking non-existing twin: case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: En Obstetricia, las imágenes en espejo son artefactos ecográficos infrecuentes que, potencialmente, pueden confundirse con embarazos heterotópicos y propiciar errores diagnósticos e intervenciones iatrógenas. Estas imágenes ficticias se generan por la existencia de una superficie reflectora como, por ejemplo, el intestino distendido o la vejiga repleta. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 39 años, con embarazo por fertilización in vitro, que asiste a evaluación ecográfica del primer trimestre. En la ecografía de rutina a las 11 semanas se observó una imagen en espejo y en la resonancia magnética: útero gestante con una estructura retrouterina hipoecoica, sin feto en el interior. La imagen ecográfica en espejo volvió a reproducirse en el tercer trimestre. El embarazo llegó a término y finalizó por vía abdominal, sin que pudieran demostrarse las estructuras que se advirtieron en la resonancia magnética. CONCLUSIONES: Las imágenes en espejo se han reportado en ultrasonidos de diversas localizaciones pero pocos en la Obstetricia. Todo hizo suponer que la superficie reflectora fue la estructura hipoecoica retrouterina observada, transitoriamente, en la resonancia magnética.

Abstract BACKGROUND: In obstetrics, ultrasonic artifactual mirror images are infrequent, but potentially dangerous since they can be mistakenly interpreted as heterotopic pregnancies, precluding diagnostic errors and iatrogenic interventions. These images require a reflection surface such as dilated bowl or plenty bladder to be generated. OBJECTIVE: We report a first trimester scan ghost twin, diagnosed since first trimester of pregnancy. CLINICAL CASE: 39-year-old patient, with pregnancy due to in vitro fertilization, who attends ultrasound evaluation of the first trimester. Routine ultrasound at 11 weeks showed a mirror image and magnetic resonance imaging: a pregnant uterus with a hypoechoic retrouterine structure, with no fetus inside. The ultrasound mirror image reproduced again in the third trimester. The pregnancy came to an end and ended by abdominal route, without being able to demonstrate the structures that were noticed on the MRI. CONCLUSION: Very few reports of obstetric ultrasound mirror images have been reported. We hypothesize that the transient retrouterine hypoecogenic structure observed by MRI was the reflective surface that create the ghost twin image.

A influência do nível econômico familiar na decisão dos pais em levar o bebê para a primeira consulta odontológica / The influence of the standard of living on the decision of parents to take their babies for their first dental visit

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer o que pesam os pais de diferentes níveis econômicos sobre a idade ideal para a primeira consulta odontológica dos filhos, bem como o motivo de sua realização. A coleta de dados foi através de questionários e os resultados obtidos de 327 pais de escolares com idade entre seis e dez anos, na cidade de Pitangui - MG, foram analisados estatisticamente através do Programa EPI-INFO 6.02, ao nível de confiança de 95 por cento. As famílias foram agrupadas em economicamente favorecidas (Grupo I) e desfavorecidas (Grupo II). Constatou-se que houve diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0,0010) entre os dois grupos para a indicação da idade ideal da primeira consulta odontológica, sendo 61,2 por cento das respostas corretas dadas pelo Grupo I. Quanto à idade efetiva da primeira consulta, observou-se que apenas 7,6 por cento dos pesquisadores relataram que esta visita ocorreu com até um ano de idade. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos (p<0,0010), onde 76,7 por cento das respostas foram dadas pelo Gupo I e 23,3 por cento pelo Grupo II. Em relação ao motivo para a primeira consulta, a maior parte dos pesquisados concorda ser a prevenção, sendo 61,5 por cento das respostas dadas pelo Grupo I e 38,5 por cento pelo Grupo II, mas observou-se que a cárie dentária foi a principal responsável para que a primeira consulta odontológica se efetivasse. Conclui-se, então, que famílias de um nível econômico mais privilegiado demonstraram reconhecer a idade ideal e motivo correto para levar seus filhos ao dentista pela primeira vez. Embora esta prática não tenha sido vivenciada pelas mesmas

Tratamento odontológico no período da gravidez: enfoque para o uso de anestésicos locais / Dental treatment in the period of pregnancy: it focuses for the use of local anesthetics

A anestesia local é um importante recurso a ser utilizado no tratamento odontológico de todos os pacientes. No entanto, existe grande controvérsia em torno de qual anestésico deve ser escolhido no atendimento ambulatorial às gestantes. Conseqüentemente, muitos dentistas se apresentam apreensivos quando da utililizaçäo do anestésico local nestas pacientes, chegando inclusive a postergar o tratamento emergencial erroneamente para depois do parto. Este trabalho, baseado na literatura científica disponível, discute sobre o uso do anestésico local em tratamentos odontológicos no período da gravidez, bem como as principais consideraçöes que levam à eleiçäo da soluçäo anestésica mais apropriada