Farm level bio-economic modelling of aquatic animal disease and health interventions.

A farm level bio-economic model, for aquatic animal production, of the relationships between inputs (e.g. purchased animals), outputs (e.g. harvested animals) and gross margin (GM) was developed to assess ex-ante the economics of disease and animal health interventions. Feed costs were calculated from estimates of food conversion ratio (FCR), animals harvested and mortality. The model was applied to a typical grow-out rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farm on Lake Titicaca, Peru and a typical shrimp (Paenus vannamei) farm in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The model was used in two analyses. Firstly, an approach to assess the burden of disease developed by the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) project was adopted. Output under conditions of 'ideal health' was estimated by reducing mortality to zero and removing health costs. GM in both systems increased by approximately 25% when production was kept constant (and stocking rates reduced) and more than doubled if production was allowed to rise (and initial stocking increased). The increase in GM under conditions of ideal compared with current production provided an estimate of the maximum possible benefit from improved health management. Secondly, break-even analysis was used to assess the economics of vaccination against infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) vaccine (rainbow trout - RBT) and probiotics (shrimp). If initial stocking was kept constant, and production allowed to rise, break-even points for the intervention (when GM was the same with and without the intervention) were achieved when mortality was reduced by 16% in RBT fry and juvenile and 28% in shrimp. If production was kept constant and benefit realised by reduced initial stocking, the break-even point was achieved for i) vaccination of RBT when mortality in fry and juveniles was reduced by 39%, and ii) probiotics in shrimp production when there was a 15% reduction in mortality (nursery and grow-out), 10% increase in shrimp weight at harvest and 10% improvement in FCR. The results demonstrate how relatively simple models, parameterised with basic farm production data, can assess the burden of disease and quantify ex-ante the potential benefit of interventions. In the absence of trial data, these analyses support decision-making by farmers. The models can be adapted for many aquaculture systems. Farm level results can be extrapolated to estimate disease burden, and benefits of interventions, at regional or national level and thus support informed decision-making and allocation of resources to health management.

Structural and functional features of a class VI chitinase from cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) with antifungal properties.

A partial cDNA sequence from Anacardium occidentale CCP 76 was obtained, encoding a GH19 chitinase (AoChi) belonging to class VI. AoChi exhibits distinct structural features in relation to previously characterized plant GH19 chitinases from classes I, II, IV and VII. For example, a conserved Glu residue at the catalytic center of typical GH19 chitinases, which acts as the proton donor during catalysis, is replaced by a Lys residue in AoChi. To verify if AoChi is a genuine chitinase or is a chitinase-like protein that has lost its ability to degrade chitin and inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens, the recombinant protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris, purified and biochemically characterized. Purified AoChi (45 kDa apparent molecular mass) was able to degrade colloidal chitin, with optimum activity at pH 6.0 and at temperatures from 30 °C to 50 °C. AoChi activity was completely lost when the protein was heated at 70 °C for 1 h or incubated at pH values of 2.0 or 10.0. Several cation ions (Al3+, Cd2+, Ca2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Rb+, Zn2+ and Hg2+), chelating (EDTA) and reducing agents (DTT, ß-mercaptoethanol) and the denaturant SDS, drastically reduced AoChi enzymatic activity. AoChi chitinase activity fitted the classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics, although turnover number and catalytic efficiency were much lower in comparison to typical GH19 plant chitinases. Moreover, AoChi inhibited in vitro the mycelial growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, causing several alterations in hyphae morphology. Molecular docking of a chito-oligosaccharide in the substrate-binding cleft of AoChi revealed that the Lys residue (theoretical pKa = 6.01) that replaces the catalytic Glu could act as the proton donor during catalysis.

Secretory production in Escherichia coli of a GH46 chitosanase from Chromobacterium violaceum, suitable to generate antifungal chitooligosaccharides.

A chitosanase (CvCsn46) from Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 was produced in Escherichia coli, purified, and partially characterized. When subjected to denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the enzyme migrated as two protein bands (38 and 36 kDa apparent molecular masses), which were both identified as CvCsn46 by mass spectrometry. The enzyme hydrolyzed colloidal chitosan, with optimum catalytic activity at 50 °C, and two optimum pH values (at pH 6.0 and pH 11.0). The chitosanolytic activity of CvCsn46 was enhanced by some ions (Ca2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Sr2+, Mn2+) and DTT, whereas Fe2+, SDS and ß-mercaptoethanol completely inhibited its activity. CvCsn46 showed a non-Michaelis-Menten kinetics, characterized by a sigmoidal velocity curve (R2 = 0.9927) and a Hill coefficient of 3.95. ESI-MS analysis revealed that the hydrolytic action of CvCsn46 on colloidal chitosan generated a mixture of low molecular mass chitooligosaccharides, containing from 2 to 7 hexose residues, as well as D-glucosamine. The chitosan oligomers generated by CvCsn46 inhibited in vitro the mycelial growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, significantly reducing mycelium extension and inducing hyphal morphological alterations, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. CvCsn46 was characterized as a versatile biocatalyst that produces well-defined chitooligosaccharides, which have potential to control fungi that cause important crop diseases.

Dwarf-cashew resistance to whitefly (Aleurodicus cocois) linked to morphological and histochemical characteristics of leaves.

BACKGROUND: The cashew whitefly (CW), Aleurodicus cocois, is an important pest of cashew in Brazil. The use of resistant plants may be an effective strategy for the control of this pest. In a preliminary assay, we found that dwarf-cashew clones show different levels of resistance to CW. Here, we hypothesized that such resistance is associated with morphological characteristics of cashew leaves and their content of phenolic compounds. RESULTS: We determined (i) the attractiveness and suitability for oviposition of five dwarf-cashew clones towards CW, (ii) the leaf morphology and chemistry of those clones, and (iii) the relationship between leaf characteristics and resistance to CW. In greenhouse multiple-choice assays, PRO143/7 and CCP76 showed, respectively, the lowest and highest counts of both CW adults and eggs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that PRO143/7 and EMBRAPA51 have, respectively, the highest and lowest numbers of leaf glandular trichomes. We found a negative correlation between number of trichomes in the abaxial surface of cashew leaves and CW oviposition. In addition, confocal microscopy analysis and histochemical tests with ferrous sulfate indicated a higher accumulation of phenolic compounds in the resistant clone PRO143/7 relative to the other clones. Dwarf-cashew clones did not significantly differ based on the number of leaf epicuticular striations, and the thickness of both leaf lamina and the epidermal layer. CONCLUSION: The resistance of dwarf-cashew plants to CW is associated with an elevated number of trichomes and accumulation of high levels of phenolics in leaves. Additionally, the contribution of epicuticular striation density and thickness of leaf lamina/epidermal layer are insignificant. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Zein films with unoxidized or oxidized tannic acid.

BACKGROUND: Corn zein is a predominatly hydrophobic protein, forming films with relatively good water resistance. Tannic acid, especially in its oxidized form, is supposed to cross-link proteins including zein, which may be explored to further enhance the water resistance of zein films. The effects of different contents (0-8 wt%) of unoxidized and oxidized tannic acid (uTA and oTA, respectively) on the properties of zein films at different pH values (4-9) were studied, according to central composite designs. RESULTS: Increasing tannic acid contents and pH values resulted in decreased water solubility and increased tensile strength and modulus of films. The presence of tannic acid provided the films with a yellowish color and increased opacity. Paired t-tests indicated that oTA films presented higher tensile strength, lower water vapor permeability and lower water solubility than uTA films. CONCLUSION: Higher tannic acid contents and pH values resulted in films with better overall physical properties, which might be ascribed to cross-linking, although the films were still not water resistant. The resulting films have potential to be used for food packaging and coating applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

A novel network analysis tool to identify relationships between disease states and risks for red blood cell alloimmunization.

We hypothesized that diagnoses may be associated with alloantibody 'responder' status and examined associations between disease states and alloimmunization. Patients with ≥1 alloantibody and non-alloimmunized controls were analysed. Pearson's coefficients were calculated to determine associations between alloimmunization and diseases; significant correlations were selected to construct a network. Inflammatory disorders and diseases requiring chronic transfusion support were associated with responder status. Mitigation steps may be considered in patients with these disorders.

Head-to head comparison of mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptor activation in chronic treatment of absence epilepsy in WAG/Rij rats.

Acute treatment with positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of mGlu1 and mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors (RO0711401 and VU0360172, respectively) reduces the incidence of spike-and wave discharges in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. However, from the therapeutic standpoint, it was important to establish whether tolerance developed to the action of these drugs. We administered either VU0360172 (3 mg/kg, s.c.) or RO0711401 (10 mg/kg, s.c.) to WAG/Rij rats twice daily for ten days. VU0360172 maintained its activity during the treatment, whereas rats developed tolerance to RO0711401 since the 3rd day of treatment and were still refractory to the drug two days after treatment withdrawal. In response to VU0360172, expression of mGlu5 receptors increased in the thalamus of WAG/Rij rats after 1 day of treatment, and remained elevated afterwards. VU0360172 also enhanced mGlu5 receptor expression in the cortex after 8 days of treatment without changing the expression of mGlu1a receptors. Treatment with RO0711401 enhanced the expression of both mGlu1a and mGlu5 receptors in the thalamus and cortex of WAG/Rij rats after 3-8 days of treatment. These data were different from those obtained in non-epileptic rats, in which repeated injections of RO0711401 and VU0360172 down-regulated the expression of mGlu1a and mGlu5 receptors. Levels of VU0360172 in the thalamus and cortex remained unaltered during the treatment, whereas levels of RO0711401 were reduced in the cortex at day 8 of treatment. These findings suggest that mGlu5 receptor PAMs are potential candidates for the treatment of absence epilepsy in humans.

The ultrastructure of shelled and unshelled cashew nuts.

Cashew nuts have many attributes, including sensory, nutritional and health appeal, which contribute to their worldwide acceptance. We demonstrate details of the microstructure of shelled and unshelled cashew kernels with regard to pericarp and cotyledon organization. This study also provides evidence of the colonization of these kernels by filamentous fungi. Nuts were examined by scanning electron and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Staining with acridine orange was performed. A tight lignified palisade layer adjacent to the exocarp surface explains the hardness of the shell's pericarp. The mesocarp contains large secretory cavities that confer a spongy property to this tissue. Papillose cells, which are responsible for secreting CNSL (cashew nutshell liquid), were observed to cover the inner wall of these cavities. Lipid components are readily released from the parenchyma and appear as oil droplets. The outer surface of the shelled samples exhibited a dense Aspergillus infestation.

[Genetics and epigenetics of schizophrenia]. / Genetica ed epigenetica della schizofrenia.

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with an estimate prevalence of 0.3-0.7%. Studies on family aggregation showed a higher incidence of disease among family members of affected people. This observation lead to formulate the hypothesis that schizophrenia could be inheritable, but twin studies have shown a concordance of disease between monozygotic twins only of 50%, indicating the concomitant role of environmental factors in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Researches in molecular biology field have allowed the identification of genes that confer susceptibility to schizophrenia on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20 and 22. Epigenetic modifications of gene expression, that not involve the primary DNA sequence, may also predispose to schizophrenia, in particular the methylation of genes involved in neurotransmission (RELN, GAD1, MARLIN-1, and NR3B GRIA2, VGLUT1 and 2, 5HT2a, COMT and BDNF), the histone modifications and the action of non-coding RNAs. This review deals with the results of a bibliographic retrieval on PubMed, carried out, using the key words: schizophrenia, genetics, epigenetics. From the epitomized results it can be derived that schizophrenia seems to be a multifactorial disease. Environmental factors, that can cause epigenetic modifications, are important in its pathogenesis, acting on a biological inheritable vulnerability.

Avaliação por biópsias de couro cabeludo da atividade de novo ingrediente ativo natural, o ?Cellium® GC?, formulado em solução tópica de 210mg/mL / Cellium® GC: evaluation of a new natural active ingredient in 210 mg/ml topical solution, through scalp biopsy

Introdução: A alopecia androgênica é alteração progressiva do couro cabeludo com poucas opções terapêuticas. Justifica-se, portanto, a pesquisa de novas drogas de uso local ou sistêmico direcionadas ao controle desta patologia.Objetivo:Avaliar a tolerância e identificar o mecanismo de ação do composto Cellium® GC no tratamento da alopeciaandrogênica. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo e aberto em 20 portadores de alopecia androgênica. O produto foi utilizado no couro cabeludo duas vezes ao dia em regime domiciliar por 12 semanas consecutivas. Foram realizadas biópsias antes e depois do tratamento para avaliar as alterações da resposta imune cutânea, da proliferação celular e da atividade antiapoptose.A avaliação da efetividade e do grau de satisfação dos pacientes foi realizada por meio de questionários. Resultados: Dezenove voluntários do sexo masculino completaram o estudo, com graumédio de satisfação de 8,3/10.Análises imuno-histoquímicas das biópsias de couro cabeludo revelaram aumento significativo da resposta imune cutânea depois do tratamento: 73,9% de aumento de células de Langerhans CD1A+ (p = 0,003, teste t pareado), 41,66% de aumento de Ki-67+,marcador de proliferação celular (p = 0,012), 89% de aumento de proteínas antiapoptóticas BCL-2+ (p = 0,001).O produto também foi bem tolerado e seguro. Conclusões: Cellium® GC melhora as defesas imunológicas da pele e a proliferação dos queratinócitos, e confere satisfação aos voluntários no tratamento da alopecia androgênica.

Constant hierarchic patterns of physical functioning across seven populations in five countries.

This research was aimed at identifying critical steps in the decline in physical function that often parallels aging. Six basic and nine instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs) were classified into four domains of disability characterized by specific underlying physical impairment. The hierarchical order of this classification was verified in two random samples representative of the older home-dwelling population. The concordance level of disability and results of performance-based measures of physical function were also tested. Finally, the cross-cultural reliability of the model was verified in seven population-based samples of older persons living in five European countries. In older persons the disabling process follows a general pattern of progression based on a typical sequence of impairments.

[The demonstration of seminal fluid stains on paper. II. The treatment of laboratory studies dealing with rape]. / La dimostrazione di macchie di liquido seminale su carta. Nota II alla trattazione delle indagini di laboratorio inerenti alla violenza carnale.

The authors suggest the use of Baecchi's staining for the morphological demonstration of spermatozoa on paper tissues. They affirm that the method suggested allows good results to be obtained even using material abandoned at the site of sexual aggression.

[A technical suggestion for laboratory tests in cases of rape]. / Un suggerimento tecnico nelle indagini di laboratorio in tema di violenza carnale.

The paper suggests completing the clinical tests carried out in cases of rape by collecting material not only from the fornix of the vagina but also from the cervical canal using cotton-wool buds, and examining any spermatozoa adhering to the cotton filaments by staining with Baecchi's method. Alternatively, the paper suggests carrying out these tests in anticipation of their possible use as forensic evidence if requested by the court.