Gene expression dynamics during temperature-dependent sex determination in a sea turtle.

Fifty years ago, researchers discovered a link between ambient temperature and the sex of turtle embryos. More recently, significant progress has been made in understanding the influence of temperature on freshwater turtles. However, our understanding of the key genetic factors in other turtle groups, such as sea turtles, remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted RNA-seq analyses on embryonic tissues from the sea olive ridley turtle during the thermosensitive period (stages 21-26) at temperatures known to produce males (26 °C) and females (33 °C). Our findings revealed that incubation temperatures primarily influence genes with broad expression across tissues due to differential cell division rates and later have an effect regulating gonad-specific transcripts. This effect is mostly related to gene activation rather than transcription repression. We performed transcriptome analyses following shifts in incubation temperatures of bi-potential gonads. This approach allowed us to identify genes that respond rapidly and may be closer to the beginning of the temperature-sensing pathway. Notably, we observed swift adaptations in the expression levels of chromatin modifiers JARID2 and KDM6B, as well as the splicing factor SRSF5, and transcription regulators THOC2, DDX3X and CBX3, but little impact in the overall gonad-specific pathways, indicating that temperature-sensing genes may change rapidly but the rewiring of the gonad's developmental fate is complex and resilient. AUTHOR SUMMARY: Sea turtles, one of the most iconic creatures of our oceans, confront a troubling reality of endangerment, a peril magnified by the looming specter of climate change. This climatic shift is gradually increasing the temperature of the nesting beaches thus causing dramatic male/female population biases. Conservation efforts will need genetic and molecular information to reverse the negative effects of climate change on the populations. In this study, we conducted the first transcriptomic analysis of embryonic tissues, including gonads, brain, liver, and mesonephros, in the olive ridley sea turtle during the critical thermosensitive period spanning stages 21-26. We examined both male-producing (26 °C) and female-producing (33 °C) temperatures and found that incubation temperatures influence temperature-sensitive genes that are either expressed globally or specifically associated with the gonads. These findings indicate that incubation temperatures predominantly sway genes with broad expression patterns due to differential cell division rates. This natural process was opted in the gonads to drive sex determination. We also identified genes that are rapidly capable of sensing temperature changes and that could play a role in the activation of the sex determination pathway. Overall, our study sheds light on the intricate interplay between temperature and gene expression during sea turtle development, revealing dynamic changes in the transcriptome and highlighting the involvement of key genetic players in sex determination.

Cellulase and chitinase activities and antagonism against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense race 1 of six Trichoderma strains isolated from Mexican maize cropping.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the enzymatic and biocontrol capacity of native Trichoderma strains isolated from corn crops in Irapuato (state of Guanajuato) and Napízaro (state of Michoacán), Mexico. RESULTS: Six native strains from Irapuato and Napízaro were tested, with five of them identified as T. harzianum and one as T. tomentosum. The six strains qualitatively and quantitatively showed enzyme activity for cellulase and chitinase. The best results were obtained for strains IrV6SIC7 and MichV6S2C2 with 878 IU L-1 of chitinase and 1323 IU L-1 of cellulase, respectively. All Trichoderma strains acted antagonistically toward Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense race 1 (FocR1), with percentages of inhibition that ranged from 9 to 54%. In addition, the microscopic analysis allowed visualizing the mechanisms of mycoparasitism and antibiosis by either IrV6SIC7 or MichV6S2C2. The latter effects indicate that the tested native Trichoderma strains isolated from corn crops possessed enzymatic mechanisms as a strategy for biocontrolling FocR1 strains. CONCLUSION: The enzyme production by the Trichoderma strains represents a potential biotechnological utilization for either agricultural or industrial purposes.

The Oddity Detection in Diverse Scenes (ODDS) database: Validated real-world scenes for studying anomaly detection.

Many applied screening tasks (e.g., medical image or baggage screening) involve challenging searches for which standard laboratory search is rarely equivalent. For example, whereas laboratory search frequently requires observers to look for precisely defined targets among isolated, non-overlapping images randomly arrayed on clean backgrounds, medical images present unspecified targets in noisy, yet spatially regular scenes. Those unspecified targets are typically oddities, elements that do not belong. To develop a closer laboratory analogue to this, we created a database of scenes containing subtle, ill-specified "oddity" targets. These scenes have similar perceptual densities and spatial regularities to those found in expert search tasks, and each includes 16 variants of the unedited scene wherein an oddity (a subtle deformation of the scene) is hidden. In Experiment 1, eight volunteers searched thousands of scene variants for an oddity. Regardless of their search accuracy, they were then shown the highlighted anomaly and rated its subtlety. Subtlety ratings reliably predicted search performance (accuracy and response times) and did so better than image statistics. In Experiment 2, we conducted a conceptual replication in which a larger group of naïve searchers scanned subsets of the scene variants. Prior subtlety ratings reliably predicted search outcomes. Whereas medical image targets are difficult for naïve searchers to detect, our database contains thousands of interior and exterior scenes that vary in difficulty, but are nevertheless searchable by novices. In this way, the stimuli will be useful for studying visual search as it typically occurs in expert domains: Ill-specified search for anomalies in noisy displays.

Semen collection and ejaculation trigger changes in the blood flow of the reproductive system in rams.

The aim of this study was to determine if ejaculation modifies the testicular and accessory sex glands' blood flow after ejaculation, and if those changes differ according to the process that leads to ejaculation. Twelve adult Corriedale rams were used and assigned at random to the four procedures that lead to ejaculation: (G1) electroejaculation; (G2) artificial vagina; (G3) transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands; (G4) natural mating. Hemodynamic characteristics evaluation of the male reproductive system was conducted immediately before and at 30 and 90 min after ejaculation. The internal iliac artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) decreased (P=0.01) and supratesticular artery PSV increased (P=0.042) 90 min after ejaculation in all groups. In conclusion, ejaculation modifies the reproductive system's blood flow, with slight variations depending on the studied ejaculation methods. Additionally, ejaculation altered the internal iliac and supratesticular arteries PSV, and the supratesticular artery end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in rams. The supratesticular artery PSV was the only studied variable that differed according to the procedure that triggered the ejaculation.

Prevalence of Recombinant Strains of Potato Virus Y in Seed Potato Planted in Idaho and Washington States Between 2011 and 2021.

Potato virus Y (PVY) has emerged as the main reason for potato seed lot rejections, seriously affecting seed potato production in the United States throughout the past 20 years. The dynamics of PVY strain abundance and composition in various potato growing areas of the United States has not been well documented or understood up to now. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of PVY strains in potato fields in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), including seed potato production systems in the State of Idaho and commercial potato fields in the Columbia Basin of Washington State between 2011 and 2021. Based on the testing of >10,000 foliar samples during Idaho seed certification winter grow-out evaluations of seed potato lots and seed lot trials in Washington State, a dramatic shift in the PVY strain composition was revealed in the PNW between 2011 and 2016. During this time period, the prevalence of the ordinary, PVYO strain in seed potato dropped 8- to 10-fold, concomitantly with the rise of recombinant strains PVYN-Wi and PVYNTNa, which together accounted for 98% of all PVY positives by 2021. In Idaho seed potato, PVYNTNa strain associated with the potato tuber necrotic ringspot disease (PTNRD) was found to increase threefold between 2011 and 2019, accounting for 24% of all PVY positives in 2019. Mild foliar symptoms induced by recombinant PVY strains may be partially responsible for the proliferation of PVYN-Wi and PVYNTNa in potato crops. A spike of another PTNRD-associated recombinant, PVY-NE11, was recorded in the PNW between 2012 and 2016, but after reaching a 7 to 10% level in 2012 to 2013 this recombinant disappeared from the PNW potato by 2019. Whole genome sequence analysis of the PVY-NE11 suggested this recombinant was introduced in the United States at least three times. The data on PVY strain abundance in the PNW potato crops suggest that virus management strategies must consider the current dominance of the two recombinant PVY strains, PVYN-Wi and PVYNTNa.

Congenital infection by cytomegalovirus in newborns with very low birth weight.

Not available.

Galanin and neuropeptide Y interactions elicit antidepressant activity linked to neuronal precursor cells of the dentate gyrus in the ventral hippocampus.

A need for new antidepressants is necessary since traditional antidepressants have several flaws. Neuropeptide Y(NPY) Y1 receptor (NPYY1R) and galanin (GAL) receptor 2 (GALR2) interact in several regions of the limbic system, including the hippocampus. The current study assesses the antidepressant effects induced by GALR2 and NPYY1R coactivation, together with the evaluation of cell proliferation through 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine expression within the dentate gyrus of the ventral hippocampus (vDG). We employed in situ proximity ligation assay to manifest GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes. Additionally, the expression pattern of GALR2 and the activation of the extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway after GALR2 and NPYY1R costimulation in cell cultures were examined. GALR2 and NPYY1R coactivation resulted in sustained antidepressant behaviors in the FST after 24 h, linked to increased cell proliferation in the vDG. Moreover, an increased density of GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes was observed in vDG, on doublecortin-expressing neuroblasts. Recruitment of the GALR2 expression to the plasma membrane was observed upon the coactivation of GALR2 and NPYY1R in cell cultures, presumably associated to the enhanced effects on the activation of ERK pathway. GALR2 may promote the GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes formation in the ventral hippocampus. It may induce a transformation of cell proliferation toward a neuronal lineage by enhancement of ERK pathway. Thus, it may give the mechanism for the antidepressant behavior observed. These results may provide the basis for the development of heterobivalent agonist pharmacophores, targeting GALR2/NPYY1R heteromers, especially in the neuronal precursor cells of the dentate gyrus in the ventral hippocampus for the novel treatment of depression.

A sliver of the past: The decimation of the genetic diversity of the Mexican wolf.

The endangered Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is known to carry exceedingly low levels of genetic diversity. This could be (i) the result of long-term evolutionary patterns as they exist at the southernmost limit of the species distribution at a relatively reduced effective size, or (ii) due to rapid population decline caused by human persecution over the last century. If the former, purifying selection is expected to have minimized the impact of inbreeding. If the latter, rapid and recent declines in genetic diversity may have resulted in severe fitness consequences. To differentiate these hypotheses, we conducted comparative whole-genome analyses of five historical Mexican wolves (1907-1917) and 18 contemporary Mexican and grey wolves from North America and Eurasia. Based on whole-genome data, historical and modern Mexican wolves together form a discrete unit. Moreover, we found that modern Mexican wolves have reduced genetic diversity and increased inbreeding relative to the historical population, which was widespread across the southwestern United States and not restricted to Mexico as previously assumed. Finally, although Mexican wolves have evolved in sympatry with coyotes (C. latrans), we observed lower introgression between historical Mexican wolves and coyotes than with modern Mexican wolves, despite similarities in body size. Taken together, our data show that recent population declines probably caused the reduced level of genetic diversity, but not the observed differentiation of the Mexican wolves from other North American wolves.

Molecular and Biological Characterization of Recombinant Isolates of Potato virus Y Circulating in Potato Fields in Mexico.

Potato virus Y (PVY) is a significant threat to potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in Mexico. The presence of recombinant strains of PVY circulating in potato has been reported in the country, but no systematic study on the genetic diversity of PVY in potato and prevalence of PVY strains has been conducted yet. We report on a series of surveys in seed potato production areas in two states in Mexico, namely, Chihuahua and Jalisco, between 2011 and 2019. PVY was detected through the period of nine years in multiple potato cultivars in both states, often remaining asymptomatic in the most popular cultivars, such as 'Fianna' and 'Agata'. When typed to strain, all PVY samples studied were found to have N-serotype, and were all identified molecularly as isolates of the same recombinant strain, PVYNTN. Five of these PVY isolates were tested on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), where they induced vein necrosis supporting the molecular typing. This identification was also confirmed biologically on differential potato cultivars, where one PVYNTN isolate from the 2013 survey triggered the hypersensitive resistance conferred by the Nztbr gene in the cv. Maris Bard. Seven of these Mexican PVYNTN isolates, collected between 2013 and 2019, including two PVY isolates from potato tubers exhibiting potato tuber necrotic ringspot disease, were subjected to whole genome sequencing and found to show a typical PVYNTNa recombinant structure. When subjected to phylogenetic analysis, Mexican PVYNTN sequences clustered in more than three separate clades, suggesting multiple introductions of PVYNTN in the country. The wide circulation of the PVYNTN strain in Mexican potato should be considered by potato producers, to develop mitigation strategies for this PVY strain associated with tuber necrotic symptoms.

Plant diversity effect on water quality in wetlands: a meta-analysis based on experimental systems.

The ecological literature reports little empirical evidence from biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) experiments in wetland systems, even though wetlands are widely known for their water filtering capacity. Experiments comparing the effect of plant monocultures and mixtures on water quality to improve pollutant removal efficiency in treatment wetlands share the characteristics of classical BEF experiments, and so could provide insights for wetland management. To add to our understanding of BEF relationships in wetlands, we evaluated plant diversity effects on water purification through a meta-analysis of freshwater experimental wetlands comparing monocultures to mixtures. We found 28 studies that matched our criteria for BEF analysis, for a total of 561 diversity effects on pollutant removal. Overall, the meta-analysis shows no significant effect of plant richness on removal of total suspended solids, but a positive effect on chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen removal, and a marginal effect on phosphorus removal. Thus, the results of this meta-analysis are consistent with reports of an overall positive biodiversity effect on ecosystem properties. An analysis of moderator variables shows that the experimental context (size of the experimental units, nutrient load, duration of the experiment) does not explain much of the residual variance. For pollutants that benefit from a positive plant richness effects on removal, mixtures do not perform better than the best monoculture. We found no evidence that plant richness effects are due to functional complementarity among species rather than to the presence of particularly efficient species. Complementarity effects may be less prevalent in highly productive, nutrient-rich wetlands, compared to nutrient-limited environments such as natural grasslands. Although findings must be confirmed by long-term field experiments under natural conditions, result from experimental wetland systems may contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity effect on ecosystem functions in wetlands, in addition to guide practices in natural wetland restoration and the use of constructed wetlands for water treatment.

The Recombinant Potato virus Y (PVY) Strain, PVYNTN, Identified in Potato Fields in Victoria, Southeastern Australia.

Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the main viruses affecting potato in Australia. However, molecular characterization of PVY isolates circulating in potato in different states of Australia has not yet been thoroughly conducted. Only nonrecombinant isolates of three biological PVY strains collected from potato were reported previously from Western Australia and one from Queensland. Here, PVY isolates collected from seed potato originating in Victoria, Australia, and printed on FTA cards, were subjected to strain typing by RT-PCR, with three isolates subjected to whole genome sequencing. All the 59 PVY isolates detected during two growing seasons were identified to be recombinants based on two RT-PCR assays. No nonrecombinant PVY isolates were identified. All the RT-PCR typed isolates belonged to the PVYNTN strain. Sequence analysis of the whole genomes of three isolates suggested a single introduction of the PVYNTN strain to Australia but provided no clues as to where this introduction originated. Given the association of the PVYNTN strain with potato tuber damage, growers in Australia should implement appropriate strategies to manage PVYNTN in potato.

First report of Fusarium proliferatum causing necrotic leaf lesions and bulb rot on storage onion (Allium cepa) in southwestern Idaho.

In September 2014, a high rate of bulb rot (5-15% depending on producer) was reported across all cultivars developing early in the storage season in the onion producing region of southwestern Idaho. Spanish yellow onion bulbs cv. Vaquero displaying tan to light brown necrotic rot were obtained. The bulb rot originated in the neck and spread to successive scales (Figure 1). In August 2015, onion cv. Redwing and Vaquero were observed to have wet necrotic lesions developing on leaves in the field (Figure 2). Margins of necrotic tissue, 1-2 cm3, were excised, surface sterilized, plated on water agar medium and incubated at 24°C. Hyphal growth was sub-cultured from eight strains (A- D in 2014; E-H in 2015) to fresh potato dextrose agar to obtain pure cultures. Cultures were characteristic of Fusarium species as described by Nelson et al. (1983) with the presence of microconidia formed on polyphialides with macroconidia present. Primers ITS4-A1 and ITS5 primers (White et al. 1990); EF-1 and EF-2 (O'Donnell et al. 1998); and fRPB2-5F and fRPB2-7cR (Liu et al. 1999) were used to amplify regions of the ITS, elongation factor 1-α and the second largest subunit of DNA-directed RNA polymerase II. Amplicons were sequenced and analyzed using BLAST (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and in combination using Pairwise DNA Alignment and Polyphasic Identification (http://www.westerdijkinstitute.nl/Fusarium/DefaultInfo.aspx?Page=Home) as described by O'Donnell et al. 2015. Analysis indicated that these strains are Fusarium proliferatum, which is part of the F. fujikuroi species complex (O'Donnell et al. 1998). Similarity (99.5%) was observed in pairwise analyses and the polyphasic identification clustering to representative F. proliferatum strain NRRL 22944 and others. Sequences were submitted to Genbank and registered accession numbers are found in Table 1. To complete Koch's postulates, cv. Vaquero onion bulbs were surface sterilized and injected with 3 × 105 microconidia into the shoulder of each bulb. Five bulbs were inoculated for each isolate, placed in a mesh bag, and incubated at 30°C in the dark. Five bulbs injected with sterile water and five non-inoculated bulbs served as controls. After 14 days, each bulb was sliced vertically down the center and inspected for rot. All eight strains induced tan to light brown necrotic rot symptoms in each inoculated bulb. No symptoms were observed for the water inoculated and the non-inoculated onion bulbs. A fungus was isolated from the necrotic tissue and confirmed to be F. proliferatum as described above. Ten µl aliquots containing 1 × 105 microconidia of F. proliferatum strains (C, E-H) were applied to leaves in triplicate of 12-week-old onion plants (cv. Vaquero) wounded with a 21-gauge needle. Water controls were included. Within three days lesions, with light chlorosis, began to form and quickly spread on the leaves. A fungus was isolated and confirmed to be F. proliferatum as described above. This is the first extensive description and identification of F. proliferatum causing bulb rot in storage in Idaho (Mohan et al. 1997). In addition, this is the first report of the fungus causing leaf infection in the field. These findings confirm F. proliferatum as the causal agent of the high incidence of bulb rot observed in 2014 and 2015. This bulb rot continues to occur in southwestern Idaho and since the pathogen can cause leaf infections growers are encouraged to be vigilant for both leaf lesions during the growing season and bulb rot in storage.

Comparison of the clinical and genetic features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis across Cuban, Uruguayan and Irish clinic-based populations.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares the clinical characteristics of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) within three clinic-based populations from Cuba, Uruguay and Ireland and determines the impact of known ALS-associated genetic variants on phenotypic manifestations within the Cuban population. METHODS: Demographic and clinical information was collected on 115 Cuban, 220 Uruguayan and 1038 Irish patients with ALS attending national specialist clinics through 1996-2017. All Cuban patients and 676 Irish patients underwent next-generation DNA sequencing and were screened for the pathogenic C9orf72 repeat expansion. RESULTS: The mean age of onset was younger in the Cuban (53.0 years, 95% CI 50.4 to 55.6) and Uruguayan (58.2 years, 95% CI 56.5 to 60.0) populations compared with the Irish population (61.6 years, 95% CI 60.9 to 62.4). No differences in survival between populations were observed. 1.7 % (95% CI 0.6 to 4.1) of Cubans with ALS carried the C9orf72 repeat expansion compared with 9.9% (95% CI 7.8 to 12.0) of Irish patients with ALS (p=0.004). Other known variants identified in the Cuban population included ANG (one patient), CHCHD10 (one patient) and DCTN1 (three patients). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study is the first to describe the clinical characteristics of ALS in Cuban and Uruguayan populations and report differences between the Cuban and Irish genetic signature in terms of known ALS-associated genetic variants. These novel clinical and genetic data add to our understanding of ALS across different and understudied populations.

Early luteal development in Santa Inês ewes superovulated with reduced doses of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone.

The aim was to compare the early luteal development in ewes superovulated with different doses of pFSH. Twenty-nine Santa Inês ewes received a progesterone device (CIDR®) for 8 days. Gonadotrophic treatment started on Day 6: G200 (control, n = 9, 200 mg); G133 (n = 10, 133 mg); and G100 (n = 10, 100 mg of pFSH). On Day 6, all females received eCG (300 IU). B-mode and spectral Doppler ultrasonography were performed daily during the early luteal phase (Days 11-15) to monitor the development of corpora lutea (CLs; dimensions) and ovarian arteries indices. CLs were also classified as normal or prematurely regressed (PRCL) on Day 15 by videolaparoscopy. Ewes from G100 and G133 showed gradual increase in luteal diameter during the early luteal phase (p < 0.001), whereas G200 animals presented increase from Day 11 to Day 13, and then decrease on Days 14 and 15 (p < 0.001). The G200 females showed greater percentage of PRCL (45.20%) than those of the other groups (p < 0.001). The normal CLs number was greater in G100 than in G133 (p = 0.04), while the PRCL number was greater in G200 than in the other groups (p = 0.03). Resistive index (RI) was greater in G200 than in G100 (p = 0.02). RI was lower in Day 12 than Day 15 (p = 0.02). Pulsatility index (PI) was greater on Days 14 and 15 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the lowest dose of pFSH (100 mg) can be considered sufficient for an efficient superovulatory response in sheep, producing better CLs development dynamic in early luteal phase and ovarian blood perfusion and smaller number of PRCL than the traditional (200 mg) pFSH dose.

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Recombinant Potato Virus Y (PVY) in Potato from South Korea, PVYNTN Strain.

Potato is an important source of food in South Korea, and viruses represent a significant threat to sustainable and profitable potato production. However, information about viruses affecting the potato crop in South Korea is limited. In 2017, potato plants of five cultivars exhibiting foliar mosaic, crinkling, and mottle were collected in two seed potato production areas, in Gangwon-do and Jeollabuk-do Provinces, and subjected to virus testing and characterization. Potato virus Y (PVY) was found associated with mosaic symptoms, and samples were characterized using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and whole genome sequencing. All analyzed PVY-positive samples were found to represent the same recombinant PVY strain: PVYNTN. Three PVY isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing using overlapping RT-PCR fragments and Sanger methodology, and all three were confirmed to represent strain PVYNTNa after a recombination analysis of the complete genomes. In phylogenetic analysis, the three South Korean isolates were placed most closely to several PVYNTNa isolates reported from Japan and Vietnam, suggesting a common source of infection. This is the first report and complete molecular characterization of a PVYNTN strain present in the country, and because this strain induces tuber necrotic ringspot disease in susceptible cultivars of potato, appropriate management tools need to be implemented to mitigate potential tuber quality losses.

Social Stress during the Estrus or Luteal Phase in Sheep.

In mammals, progesterone and estrogens affect the stress response. The study aimed to compare the physiological and behavioral responses to the social isolation of ewes during the estrus or luteal phase. Estrous and diestrous ewes (n = 10 and 8 respectively) were individually isolated in a novel place for 10 min. Ewes' behavior was recorded during the test. Cortisol, blood proteins and glucose concentrations, and the skin surface temperature were determined before and after the test. Cortisol increased immediately after the test ended (P = 0.02). Serum total protein (P = 0.02), globulin (P < 0.0001), and plasma glucose (P = 0.006) concentrations were greater in estrus than in the luteal phase. The abdominal skin surface temperature was greater during estrus than during the luteal phase (P = 0.02). Ewes in estrus spent more time standing up immobile than ewes in the luteal phase (P = 0.05). In conclusion, the physiological and behavioral responses changed according to the phase of the estrous cycle. These results highlight the need for future studies focusing on how reproductive status influences the stress response to different management practices in sheep.

Genome sequences of six recombinant variants of potato virus Y identified in North American potato cultivars grown in China.

Six genome sequences for potato virus Y (PVY) recombinants are reported from two North American potato cultivars grown in China. The coding complete sequences encode a single open reading frame characteristic of potyviruses. The six sequenced PVY isolates represent three distinct recombinants of PVY, namely N-Wi, SYR-I, and SYR-II.

Molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase encoding genes in A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infections in children: a systematic review.

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaeticus complex is the leader pathogen for the World Health Organization's list due to the escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. Insights into the molecular characterization of carbapenemase genes in A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infections among children are scarce. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review to describe the molecular epidemiology of the carbapenemase genes in A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infections in the pediatric population. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for reporting systematic reviews, we conducted a review of in chore bibliographic databases published in English and Spanish, between January 2020 and December 2022. All studies conducted in patients ≤6 years with molecular characterization of carbapenemase-encoding genes in A. baumannii-calcoaceticus infections were included. Results: In total, 1129 cases were reviewed, with an overall carbapenem-resistance rate of 60.3%. A. baumannii-calcoaceticus was isolated from blood cultures in 66.6% of cases. Regionally, the Eastern Mediterranean exhibited the highest prevalence of carbapenem resistance (88.3%). Regarding the carbapenemase genes, blaKPC displayed an overall prevalence of 1.2%, while class B blaNDM had a prevalence of 10.9%. Class D blaOXA-23-like reported a prevalence of 64%, blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-40 had a prevalence of 33% and 18.1%, respectively. Notably, the Americas region showed a prevalence of blaOXA-23-like at 91.6%. Conclusion: Our work highlights the high prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii-calcoaceticus and class D carbapenemase genes in children. Of note the distribution of different carbapenemase genes reveals considerable variations across WHO regions. To enhance epidemiological understanding, further extensive studies in children are imperative.

Luteal Function, Biometrics, and Echotextural Attributes in Santa Inês Ewes Superovulated with Different Total Doses of Porcine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone.

Premature regression of corpora lutea (PRCL) may adversely affect the outcome of hormonal ovarian superstimulation in small ruminants, and the total dose of exogenous gonadotropins used may be one of the causes of this condition. There were two major objectives of the present study: (1) to evaluate the effects of different superovulatory doses of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (pFSH) on the biometry, blood perfusion (Doppler), and echotextural characteristics of luteal structures; and, (2) to determine the usefulness of biometric, vascular, and echotextural luteal variables, as well as measurements of circulating progesterone (P4) concentrations for early detection of PRCL in superovulated Santa Inês ewes. Twenty-seven Santa Inês ewes received an intravaginal P4-releasing device (CIDR) from Days 0 to 8 (Day 0 = random day of the anovulatory period). An IM injection of d-cloprostenol (37.5 µg) was given at the time of the CIDR insertion and withdrawal. On Day 6, all the ewes received 300 IU of eCG IM and were divided into three treatment groups (each n = 9): G100 (100 mg); G133 (133 mg); and G200 (200 mg of pFSH) administered IM every 12 h in eight injections. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and jugular blood sampling for serum P4 measurements were performed on Days 11 to 15. On the day of embryo recovery (Day 15), all the ewes underwent diagnostic videolaparoscopy and were classified, based on their luteal characteristics, into three response groups: nCL (ewes with normal CL only); rCL (ewes with regressing CL only); and ewes with both nCL and rCL following the superovulatory regimen. Our present results indicate that the total pFSH doses of 100 mg and 200 mg result in similar ovulatory responses and luteal function/biometrics, although the percentage of donor ewes with nCL was greater (p < 0.05) for G100 compared with the G200 animals. An application of 133 mg of pFSH was associated with diminished luteogenesis. Lastly, circulating P4 concentrations, ultrasonographic estimates of total luteal area, and CL pixel heterogeneity (standard deviation of numerical pixel values) are promising markers of luteal inadequacy in superovulated ewes.

[Educational intervention on organ and tissue donation at UMAE No. 34]. / Intervención educativa sobre donación de órganos y tejidos en la UMAE No. 34.

Background: The lack of information associated with donation is devastating for those patients in need of a transplant and requires a solution based on changing social perception through educational interventions. Objective: Determine the level of knowledge of the general population after an educational intervention about organ and tissue donation at the Hospital de Cardiología UMAE No. 34. Methods: Educational intervention study with measurement before and after, prospective. Instrument validated using the Kuder-Richardson formula with a reliability coefficient of 0.74. The study population was made up of the general population in the waiting rooms at UMAE No. 34, only the associations with values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: 266 evaluation instruments were applied to 133 participants. The educational intervention contributed to an increase in the level of knowledge (p = 0.0001). The level of knowledge after the intervention was higher in the younger participants (p = 0.013) and in those with a university studies (p = 0.0001). The relation between age and the level of subsequent knowledge showed favorable significance in the intention to donate in younger participants with high subsequent knowledge (p = 0.046). Conclusions: An educational intervention on donation of organs and tissues for transplant purposes is an effective strategy to increase and reinforce the knowledge of the general population.

Introducción: la falta de información relacionada con la donación de órganos y tejidos resulta devastadora para aquellos pacientes en necesidad de un trasplante, y requiere de una solución basada en el cambio de percepción social mediante intervenciones educativas. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de conocimiento de la población general posterior a una intervención educativa sobre la donación de órganos y tejidos en el Hospital de Cardiología No. 34. Métodos: estudio de intervención educativa con medición antes y después, prospectivo. Instrumento validado mediante fórmula de Kuder-Richardson con coeficiente de fiabilidad de 0.74. La población de estudio se conformó por la población general en las salas de espera de la UMAE No. 34. Las asociaciones con valores de p < 0.05 se consideraron estadísticamente significativas. Resultados: se aplicaron 266 instrumentos de evaluación en 133 participantes. La intervención educativa contribuyó a aumentar el nivel de conocimiento (p = 0.0001). El nivel de conocimiento posterior a la intervención fue mayor en los participantes jóvenes (p = 0.013) y en aquellos con estudios universitarios (p = 0.0001). La relación entre la edad y el nivel de conocimiento posterior mostró significancia favorable en la intención de donación en jóvenes con conocimiento posterior alto (p = 0.046). Conclusiones: una intervención educativa sobre la donación de órganos y tejidos con fines de trasplantes es una estrategia eficaz para aumentar y reforzar el conocimiento de la población general.