Present status and perspective on the future use of aflatoxin biocontrol products

Open Access Journal; Published online: 01 Apr 2020Aflatoxin contamination of important food and feed crops occurs frequently in warm tropical and subtropical regions. The contamination is caused mainly by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin contamination negatively affects health and trade sectors and causes economic losses to agricultural industries. Many pre- and post-harvest technologies can limit aflatoxin contamination but may not always reduce aflatoxin concentrations below tolerance thresholds. However, the use of atoxigenic (non-toxin producing) isolates of A. flavus to competitively displace aflatoxin producers is a practical strategy that effectively limits aflatoxin contamination in crops from field to plate. Biocontrol products formulated with atoxigenic isolates as active ingredients have been registered for use in the US, several African nations, and one such product is in final stages of registration in Italy. Many other nations are seeking to develop biocontrol products to protect their crops. In this review article we present an overview of the biocontrol technology, explain the basis to select atoxigenic isolates as active ingredients, describe how formulations are developed and tested, and describe how a biocontrol product is used commercially. Future perspectives on formulations of aflatoxin biocontrol products, along with other important topics related to the aflatoxin biocontrol technology are also discussed

SEDIGISM-ATLASGAL: Dense Gas Fraction and Star Formation Efficiency Across the Galactic Disk

By combining two surveys covering a large fraction of the molecular material in the Galactic disk we investigate the role the spiral arms play in the star formation process. We have matched clumps identified by ATLASGAL with their parental GMCs as identified by SEDIGISM, and use these giant molecular cloud (GMC) masses, the bolometric luminosities, and integrated clump masses obtained in a concurrent paper to estimate the dense gas fractions ($DGF_{gmc} = ∑M_{clump}/M_{gmc}$) and the instantaneous star forming efficiencies (i.e., $SFE_{gmc} = ∑L_{clump}/M_{gmc}$). We find that the molecular material associated with ATLASGAL clumps is concentrated in the spiral arms (∼60 per cent found within ±10 km s$^{−1}$ of an arm). We have searched for variations in the values of these physical parameters with respect to their proximity to the spiral arms, but find no evidence for any enhancement that might be attributable to the spiral arms. The combined results from a number of similar studies based on different surveys indicate that, while spiral-arm location plays a role in cloud formation and HI to H$_2$ conversion, the subsequent star formation processes appear to depend more on local environment effects. This leads us to conclude that the enhanced star formation activity seen towards the spiral arms is the result of source crowding rather than the consequence of a any physical process

Search for dark matter produced in association with a hadronically decaying vector boson in pp collisions at sqrt (s) = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A search is presented for dark matter produced in association with a hadronically decaying W or Z boson using 3.2 fb−1 of pp collisions at View the MathML sources=13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with a hadronic jet compatible with a W or Z boson and with large missing transverse momentum are analysed. The data are consistent with the Standard Model predictions and are interpreted in terms of both an effective field theory and a simplified model containing dark matter

Natural history of urothelial inverted papilloma

BACKGROUND: Inverted urothelial papilloma is an uncommon urothelial neoplasm. Although it is traditionally regarded as a benign tumor, conflicting data on multiplicity, recurrence rate, and association with urothelial carcinoma have left uncertainties concerning its biologic behavior. METHODS: The authors analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics of 75 cases of inverted papilloma in the urinary tract without prior or concurrent urothelial carcinoma to determine its biologic behavior and prognosis, and to correlate these findings with surveillance strategies. RESULTS: These patients ranged in age from 26 to 85 years (mean, 60 years). Of the 46 patients for whom tobacco use history was available, 28 gave a history of smoking. Inverted papillomas were located in the urinary bladder (67 cases), prostatic urethra (4 cases), and ureter (4 cases). The majority of vesical tumors arose from the trigone or near the bladder neck. Common presenting complaints included hematuria, dysuria, and irritative voiding symptoms. In 1 case of vesical inverted papilloma, there was a recurrence. All other patients were free of tumor recurrence or progression during a mean follow-up of 68 months (range, 2-240 months). CONCLUSIONS: Both the extremely low incidence of tumor recurrence (1%) and strikingly favorable prognosis suggest that inverted urothelial papilloma, when diagnosed according to strictly defined criteria, is a benign urothelial neoplasm not related to urothelial carcinoma. Therefore, complete transurethral resection of inverted papilloma is adequate surgical therapy, and surveillance protocols as rigorous as those employed in the management of urothelial carcinoma seem unnecessary

Giving physical significance to the Hi-GAL data : determining the distance of cold dusty cores in the Milky Way

Original article can be found at: http://www.aanda.org Copyright EDP SciencesContext: Hi-GAL, an open time key-project of the Herschel satellite, was awarded 343 hours observing time to carry out a 5-band photometric imaging survey at 70, 160, 250, 350, and 500 mu m of a vertical bar b vertical bar <= 1 degrees wide strip of the Milky Way Galactic plane in the longitude range -70 degrees <= l <= 70 degrees. Two 2 degrees x 2 degrees fields centred at l = 30 degrees and l = 59 degrees have been observed with the SPIRE and PACS photometric cameras in parallel mode during the Herschel science demonstration phase (SDP). From the images, compact sources are extracted for which the distance must be established in order to determine their physical properties. Aims: The aim of this paper is to present the distance determination strategy for the Hi-GAL compact sources. We illustrate this strategy for the two fields at l = 30 degrees and l = 59 degrees. Methods: The first step to determine the distance is to establish the LSR (local standard of rest) velocity of each compact source. The kinematic distance is then determined assuming a rotation curve for our Galaxy. To resolve the distance ambiguity for sources within the solar circle, we adopt a multiwavelength approach combining extinction maps, optical, and near infrared images, and velocity information from NH3, CO and HI data. When sources can be kinematically linked to optical H II regions, the stellar distance of the exciting stars, when known, can be attributed to all linked sources. Results: In the two 2 degrees x 2 degrees SDP fields, 2678 compact sources have been identified and listed in the band-merged catalogue. About 93% of these sources have been assigned a radial velocity and distance. Conclusions: A multiwavelength approach is necessary to assign the correct velocity to sources (especially when CO spectra have a lot of features) and to determine the distance by solving the distance ambiguity. Also, several Hi-GAL sources seem to be in the interarm region. These sources have to be investigated with dedicated programme to be compared with sources located in the spiral arms.Peer reviewe

Quantification of the aflatoxin biocontrol strain Aspergillus flavus AF36 in soil, and nuts and leaves of pistachio by real-time PCR

Published online: 26 Apr 2021The species Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus are commonly found in the soils of nut-growing areas in California. Several isolates can produce aflatoxins that occasionally contaminate nut kernels conditioning their sale. The strain AF36 of A. flavus, which does not produce aflatoxins, is registered as a biocontrol agent for use in almond, pistachio, and fig crops in California. After application in the orchards, AF36 displaces aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus spp. and thus reduces aflatoxin contamination. Vegetative compatibility assays (VCA) have traditionally been used to track AF36 in soils and crops where it has been applied. However, VCA is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Here, we developed a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol to quantify proportions of AF36 accurately and efficiently in different substrates. Specific primers to target AF36 and toxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus were designed based on sequence of aflC, a gene essential for aflatoxin biosynthesis. Standard curves were generated to calculate proportions of AF36 based on threshold values (Cq). Verification assays using pure DNA and conidial suspension mixtures demonstrated a significant relationship by regression analysis between known and qPCR-measured AF36 proportions in DNA (R2 = 0.974; P < 0.001) and conidia mixtures (R2 = 0.950; P < 0.001). The tests conducted by qPCR in pistachio leaves, nuts, and soil samples demonstrated the usefulness of the qPCR method to precisely quantify proportions of AF36 in diverse substrates, ensuring important time and cost savings. The outputs of the current study will serve to design better aflatoxin management strategies for pistachio and other crops

Development of children in socially depressed areas of the state of Jalisco [Desarrollo del niño en zonas socialmente deprimidas del estado de Jalisco]

Objective. To determine the overall development level in children ages 0 to 4 who live in very depressed socioeconomic and cultural conditions. Design. This study is observational, cross-sectional, and prospective. Setting. The study was carried out in four types of communities in the state of Jalisco, Mexico: migrant, indigenous, rural, and irregular urban communities on the outskirts of cities. Participants. 1277 children under the age of 4 years, who live in the communities selected for the study. Principal measurements. Evaluation of the overall development level was based on the Jalisco Scale for Evaluation of Overall Development, which is designed especially for socioeconomically and culturally depressed groups in Mexico. Results. The average development score found in the children was 71.7, which is considered moderately low according to the 3 classification levels of adequate, moderately low, and low. Only 30.4% of the children achieved scores in the adequate category. All the children are considered to live in a high-risk psychosocial environment, which explains the low scores in overall development as evaluated. Conclusions. Differences were observed in some variables within the uniformly low social level of the subjects studied. These differences could be considered as an indication of greater risk within a group that is already high-risk In cases of overall development that is very low, mothers do not perceive that children have any problems at the time the study is being conducted. This could imply that these mothers do not respond proactively to community education and/or health programs that focus on early intervention

Primary mediastinal seminoma: A comprehensive assessment integrated with histology, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosome 12p abnormalities in 23 cases.

Accurate diagnosis of mediastinal seminoma is critical because of its favorable response to radiation therapy and/or cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical staining for OCT4 has recently been validated as a powerful tool for detecting gonadal seminoma. However, discrepancies between the genetic alterations and immunoprofiles of mediastinal and testicular seminomas have been reported, raising the question of whether techniques that are useful in the diagnosis of gonadal seminoma are applicable to its mediastinal counterpart. The present study was conducted to evaluate the morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics and chromosomal abnormalities of 12p in 23 primary mediastinal seminomas and to compare their applicability as diagnostic tools. Dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses for chromosome 12p and immunostains for OCT4, c-kit, placental-like alkaline phosphatase, CD30, and a panel of cytokeratins, including cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (AE1/3), high molecular weight cytokeratin (34betaE12, HMWCK), CAM5.2, cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), and epithelial membrane antigen were performed. Lymphocytic infiltration was found in all 23 cases (100%). The incidence of other histologic characteristics were as follows: fibrous septa/stroma (21 cases, 91%), prominent tumor cell nucleoli (21 cases, 91%), clear tumor cell cytoplasm (20 cases, 87%), distinct tumor cell borders (20 cases, 87%), granulomatous inflammation (17 cases, 74%), cellular pleomorphism (10 cases, 43%), necrosis (8 cases, 35%), prominent cystic change (2 cases, 8%), intercellular edema (1 case, 4%), and syncytiotrophoblasts (1 case, 4%). The mean mitotic count was 4.4 (range 0 to 16) per 10 high-power fields. Moderate to strong nuclear OCT4 staining was identified in all 23 cases (100%). Seventeen tumors (74%) showed membranous expression of c-kit, with variable staining intensity and percentages. Weakly to moderately intense immunostaining for placental-like alkaline phosphatase was identified in 10 cases (43%) with occasional background staining artifact. The incidences of positive staining were 43% for AE1/3, 39% for HMWCK, 48% for CAM5.2, 39% for CK7, and 9% for epithelial membrane antigen, respectively. In most cases, these epithelial markers highlighted only a small proportion of tumor cells with variable intensities. Immunostaining for CD30 and CK20 was completely negative in all seminomas. Twenty-two seminomas (96%) revealed chromosome 12p abnormalities, including 12p amplification in 20 cases (87%) or i(12p) in 15 cases (65%). Lymphocytic infiltration is the most common histologic feature observed in primary mediastinal seminoma and both OCT4 immunostain and FISH for 12p abnormalities can be very helpful in diagnosing mediastinal seminoma. The intense staining pattern of OCT4 and the high sensitivity of FISH make them superior to other auxiliary diagnostic utilities for detecting seminoma. In addition, the incidences of cytokeratin expression of primary mediastinal seminoma are similar to those of its gonadal counterpart and pathologists must exercise caution in the interpretation of epithelial markers in mediastinal neoplasms

Protostellar Outflows at the EarliesT Stages (POETS) II. A possible radio synchrotron jet associated with the EGO G035.02+0.35

Contains fulltext : 201658.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access) Contains fulltext : 201658-1.pdf (preprint version ) (Open Access

Resistance to aspergillus flavus and aspergillus parasiticus in almond advanced selections and cultivars and its interaction with the aflatoxin biocontrol strategy

Open Access Journal; Published online: 05 Feb 2022Aflatoxin contamination of almond kernels, caused by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, is a severe concern for growers because of its high toxicity. In California, the global leader of almond production, aflatoxin can be managed by applying the biological control strain AF36 of A. flavus and selecting resistant cultivars. Here, we classified the almond genotypes by K-Means cluster analysis into three groups (susceptible [S], moderately susceptible [MS], or resistant [R]) based on aflatoxin content of inoculated kernels. The protective effects of the shell and seedcoat in preventing aflatoxin contamination were also examined. The presence of intact shells reduced aflatoxin contamination >100-fold. The seedcoat provided a layer of protection but not complete protection. In kernel inoculation assays, none of the studied almond genotypes showed a total resistance to the pathogen. However, nine traditional cultivars and four advanced selections were classified as R. Because these advanced selections contained germplasm derived from peach, we compared the kernel resistance of three peach cultivars to that shown by kernels of an R (Sonora) and an S (Carmel) almond cultivar and five pistachio cultivars. Overall, peach kernels were significantly more resistant to the pathogen than almond kernels, which were more resistant than pistachio kernels. Finally, we studied the combined effect of the cultivar resistance and the biocontrol strain AF36 in limiting aflatoxin contamination. For this, we coinoculated almond kernels of R Sonora and S Carmel with AF36 72 h before or 48 h after inoculating with an aflatoxin-producing strain of A. flavus. The percentage of aflatoxin reduction by AF36 strain was greater in kernels of Carmel (98%) than in those of Sonora (83%). Cultivar resistance also affected the kernel colonization by the biological control strain. AF36 strain limited aflatoxin contamination in almond kernels even when applied 48 h after the aflatoxin-producing strain. Our results show that biocontrol combined with the use of cultivars with resistance to aflatoxin contamination can result in a more robust protection strategy than the use of either practice in isolation