A Trichy Situation

This issue of the Cumberland Mountain Naturalist discusses Dr Kathryn Purple\u27s research concerning Trichomonosis carried by pigeons

Investigation of the potential role of bird baths in the transmission of \u3ci\u3eTrichomonas gallinae\u3c/i\u3e in wild birds

Understanding the role of bird baths and shared water sources in the ecology and epidemiology of the deadly protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae is crucial to identify mitigation strategies for population-limiting epidemics. We evaluated multiple factors that influence the transmission of this pathogen including characterizing persistence in simulated bird baths, evaluating potential effects persistence may have on virulence, and investigating the molecular epidemiology of a concurrent outbreak. Trichomonads were thought to be extremely labile in the environment since their discovery over 200 years ago to 5 years ago when maximum recorded persistence in water was 20 min. We show that trichomonads persist up to 48 hr in simulated bird baths at 37°C with organic material (OM). We also measured persistence in a variety of conditions including, with and without organic material (4 and 16 hr, respectively), with artificially decreased dissolved oxygen (30 hr), and with exposure to UV light (4hr). Moreover, when cytopathic effect (CPE) of post-persistence trichomonads on cultured avian cells was compared to non-persistence control isolates, virulence changed significantly by treatment or persistence time. Post-UV treated persistence broad-winged hawk isolate destroyed significantly more of the cell monolayer than those from the OM treatment illustrating that persistence type can alter virulence. Currently, live animal or cell culture infection trials are the only tool to define virulence of an isolate; however, the more we understand the phylogenetics and epidemiology of Trichomonas spp, the better we can contribute phenotypic differences to genetic data. Using molecular techniques, we showed that circulating genotypes in subclinical hunter-killed doves differ from birds with lesions consistent with trichomonosis. Therefore, hunter-killed doves may not be the source of deadly strains circulating in other sympatric species. Combining laboratory work with the parasite, assessment of virulence on cell culture, and molecular techniques we have shown that the role of bird baths and water sources in transmission cannot be underestimated when addressing outbreaks and that molecular information will continue to improve our effects to mitigate the disease in wild birds

A Continuum of Publishing Opportunities: The Purdue University Library Publishing Division

Formed in 2012, the Purdue University Libraries Publishing Division creates a collaborative environment uniting the Purdue University Press and Scholarly Publishing Services. The Publishing Division is dedicated to enhancing the impact and reach of academic research and scholarship through the development and dissemination of books, journals, digital collections, innovative electronic products, technical report series, and conference proceedings. Through the integration and collaboration of Purdue University Press and Scholarly Publishing Services, the Purdue University Libraries Publishing Division has become a leader in its capacity to produce high-quality publications serving a continuum of scholarly publishing needs across the University and beyond. This session will highlight the evolution, business models, benefits, and opportunities of a traditional university press collaborating with fellow information professionals in the Libraries and across the university. Thereby providing sustainable and targeted services to support faculty, staff, and students at all stages of the scholarly communication process, as well as scholars working beyond the confines of Purdue

Yield and Quality in Purple-Grained Wheat Isogenic Lines

Breeding programs for purple wheat are underway in many countries but there is a lack of information on the effects of Pp (purple pericarp) genes on agronomic and quality traits in variable environments and along the product chain (grain-flour-bread). This study was based on unique material: two pairs of isogenic lines in a spring wheat cv. Saratovskaya-29 (S29) background differing only in Pp genes and grain color. In 2017, seven experiments were conducted in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey with a focus on genotype and environment interaction and, in 2018, one experiment in Turkey with a focus on grain, flour, and bread quality. The eect of environment was greater compared to genotype for the productivity and quality traits studied. Nevertheless, several important traits, such as grain color and anthocyanin content, are closely controlled by genotype, offering the opportunity for selection. Phenolic content in purple-grained lines was not significantly higher in whole wheat flour than in red-colored lines. However, this trait was significantly higher in bread. For antioxidant activities, no differences between the genotypes were detected in both experiments. Comparison of two sources of Pp genes demonstrated that the lines originating from cv. Purple Feed had substantially improved productivity and quality traits compared to those from cv. Purple