Comparative transcriptome and metabolite survey reveal key pathways involved in the control of the chilling injury disorder superficial scald in two apple cultivars, ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’

The low temperature normally applied to prevent fruit decay during the storage of apples, can also triggers the onset of a chilling injury disorder known as superficial scald. In this work, the etiology of this disorder and the mechanism of action of two preventing strategies, such as the application of 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) and storage at low oxygen concentration in ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’ apple cultivars were investigated. The metabolite assessment highlighted a reorganization of specific metabolites, in particular flavan-3-ols and unsaturated fatty acids, while the genome-wide transcriptomic analysis grouped the DEGs into four functional clusters. The KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis, together with the gene-metabolite interactome, showed that the treatment with 1-MCP prevented the development of superficial scald by actively promoting the production of unsaturated fatty acids, especially in ‘Granny Smith’. ‘Ladina’, more susceptible to superficial scald and less responsive to the preventing strategies, was instead characterized by a higher accumulation of very long chain fatty acids. Storage at low oxygen concentration stimulated a higher accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde together with the expression of genes involved in anaerobic respiration, such as malate, alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase in both cultivars. Low oxygen concentration, likewise 1-MCP, through a direct control on ethylene prevented the onset of superficial scald repressing the expression of PPO, a gene encoding for the polyphenol oxidase enzyme responsible of the oxidation of chlorogenic acid. Moreover, in ‘Granny Smith’ apple, the expression of three members of the VII subgroups of ERF genes, encoding for elements coordinating the acclimation process to hypoxia in plants was observed. The global RNA-Seq pattern also elucidated a specific transcriptomic signature between the two cultivars, disclosing the effect of the different genetic background in the control of this disorder

Global analysis of the apple fruit microbiome: are all apples the same?

We present the first worldwide study on the apple (Malus × domestica) fruit microbiome that examines questions regarding the composition and the assembly of microbial communities on and in apple fruit. Results revealed that the composition and structure of the fungal and bacterial communities associated with apple fruit vary and are highly dependent on geographical location. The study also confirmed that the spatial variation in the fungal and bacterial composition of different fruit tissues exists at a global level. Fungal diversity varied significantly in fruit harvested in different geographical locations and suggests a potential link between location and the type and rate of postharvest diseases that develop in each country. The global core microbiome of apple fruit was represented by several beneficial microbial taxa and accounted for a large fraction of the fruit microbial community. The study provides foundational information about the apple fruit microbiome that can be utilized for the development of novel approaches for the management of fruit quality and safety, as well as for reducing losses due to the establishment and proliferation of postharvest pathogens. It also lays the groundwork for studying the complex microbial interactions that occur on apple fruit surfaces.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Scabies outbreak in an intensive care unit with 1,659 exposed individuals--key factors for controlling the outbreak

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a large outbreak of scabies in an intensive care unit of a university hospital and an affiliated rehabilitation center, and to establish effective control measures to prevent further transmission. DESIGN: Outbreak investigation. SETTING: The intensive care unit of a 750-bed university hospital and an affiliated 92-bed rehabilitation center. METHODS: All exposed individuals were screened by a senior staff dermatologist. Scabies was diagnosed on the basis of (1) identification of mites by skin scraping, (2) identification of mites by dermoscopy, or (3) clinical examination of patients without history of prior treatment for typical burrows. During a follow-up period of 6 months, the attack rate was calculated as the number of symptomatic individuals divided by the total number of exposed individuals. INTERVENTIONS: All exposed healthcare workers (HCWs) and their household members underwent preemptive treatment. Initially, the most effective registered drug in Switzerland (ie, topical lindane) was prescribed, but this prescription was switched to topical permethrin or systemic ivermectin as a result of the progression of the outbreak. Individuals with any signs or symptoms of scabies underwent dermatological examination. RESULTS: Within 7 months, 19 cases of scabies were diagnosed, 6 in children with a mean age of 3.1 years after exposure to the index patient with HIV and crusted scabies. A total of 1,640 exposed individuals underwent preemptive treatment. The highest attack rate of 26%-32% was observed among HCWs involved in the care of the index patient. A too-restricted definition of individuals at risk, noncompliance with treatment, and the limited effectiveness of lindane likely led to treatment failure, relapse, and reinfestation within families. CONCLUSIONS: Crusted scabies resulted in high attack rates among HCWs and household contacts. Timely institution of hygienic precautions with close monitoring and widespread, simultaneous scabicide treatment of all exposed individuals are essential for control of an outbreak

Dynamic measurement of tumor vascular permeability and perfusion using a hybrid system for simultaneous magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging

PURPOSE: Assessing tumor vascular features including permeability and perfusion is essential for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study was to compare fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based vascular readouts in subcutaneously implanted tumors in mice by simultaneous dynamic measurement of tracer uptake using a hybrid fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT)/MRI system. PROCEDURE: Vascular permeability was measured using a mixture of extravascular imaging agents, GdDOTA and the dye Cy5.5, and perfusion using a mixture of intravascular agents, Endorem and a fluorescent probe (Angiosense). Dynamic fluorescence reflectance imaging (dFRI) was integrated into the hybrid system for high temporal resolution. RESULTS: Excellent correspondence between uptake curves of Cy5.5/GdDOTA and Endorem/Angiosense has been found with correlation coefficients R > 0.98. The two modalities revealed good agreement regarding permeability coefficients and centers-of-gravity of the imaging agent distribution. CONCLUSION: The FMT/dFRI protocol presented is able to accurately map physiological processes and poses an attractive alternative to MRI for characterizing tumor neoangiogenesis

Table_14_Comparative transcriptome and metabolite survey reveal key pathways involved in the control of the chilling injury disorder superficial scald in two apple cultivars, ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’.xlsx

The low temperature normally applied to prevent fruit decay during the storage of apples, can also triggers the onset of a chilling injury disorder known as superficial scald. In this work, the etiology of this disorder and the mechanism of action of two preventing strategies, such as the application of 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) and storage at low oxygen concentration in ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’ apple cultivars were investigated. The metabolite assessment highlighted a reorganization of specific metabolites, in particular flavan-3-ols and unsaturated fatty acids, while the genome-wide transcriptomic analysis grouped the DEGs into four functional clusters. The KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis, together with the gene-metabolite interactome, showed that the treatment with 1-MCP prevented the development of superficial scald by actively promoting the production of unsaturated fatty acids, especially in ‘Granny Smith’. ‘Ladina’, more susceptible to superficial scald and less responsive to the preventing strategies, was instead characterized by a higher accumulation of very long chain fatty acids. Storage at low oxygen concentration stimulated a higher accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde together with the expression of genes involved in anaerobic respiration, such as malate, alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase in both cultivars. Low oxygen concentration, likewise 1-MCP, through a direct control on ethylene prevented the onset of superficial scald repressing the expression of PPO, a gene encoding for the polyphenol oxidase enzyme responsible of the oxidation of chlorogenic acid. Moreover, in ‘Granny Smith’ apple, the expression of three members of the VII subgroups of ERF genes, encoding for elements coordinating the acclimation process to hypoxia in plants was observed. The global RNA-Seq pattern also elucidated a specific transcriptomic signature between the two cultivars, disclosing the effect of the different genetic background in the control of this disorder.</p

Presentation_4_Comparative transcriptome and metabolite survey reveal key pathways involved in the control of the chilling injury disorder superficial scald in two apple cultivars, ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’.pptx

The low temperature normally applied to prevent fruit decay during the storage of apples, can also triggers the onset of a chilling injury disorder known as superficial scald. In this work, the etiology of this disorder and the mechanism of action of two preventing strategies, such as the application of 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) and storage at low oxygen concentration in ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’ apple cultivars were investigated. The metabolite assessment highlighted a reorganization of specific metabolites, in particular flavan-3-ols and unsaturated fatty acids, while the genome-wide transcriptomic analysis grouped the DEGs into four functional clusters. The KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis, together with the gene-metabolite interactome, showed that the treatment with 1-MCP prevented the development of superficial scald by actively promoting the production of unsaturated fatty acids, especially in ‘Granny Smith’. ‘Ladina’, more susceptible to superficial scald and less responsive to the preventing strategies, was instead characterized by a higher accumulation of very long chain fatty acids. Storage at low oxygen concentration stimulated a higher accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde together with the expression of genes involved in anaerobic respiration, such as malate, alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase in both cultivars. Low oxygen concentration, likewise 1-MCP, through a direct control on ethylene prevented the onset of superficial scald repressing the expression of PPO, a gene encoding for the polyphenol oxidase enzyme responsible of the oxidation of chlorogenic acid. Moreover, in ‘Granny Smith’ apple, the expression of three members of the VII subgroups of ERF genes, encoding for elements coordinating the acclimation process to hypoxia in plants was observed. The global RNA-Seq pattern also elucidated a specific transcriptomic signature between the two cultivars, disclosing the effect of the different genetic background in the control of this disorder.</p

Table_2_Comparative transcriptome and metabolite survey reveal key pathways involved in the control of the chilling injury disorder superficial scald in two apple cultivars, ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’.xlsx

The low temperature normally applied to prevent fruit decay during the storage of apples, can also triggers the onset of a chilling injury disorder known as superficial scald. In this work, the etiology of this disorder and the mechanism of action of two preventing strategies, such as the application of 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) and storage at low oxygen concentration in ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’ apple cultivars were investigated. The metabolite assessment highlighted a reorganization of specific metabolites, in particular flavan-3-ols and unsaturated fatty acids, while the genome-wide transcriptomic analysis grouped the DEGs into four functional clusters. The KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis, together with the gene-metabolite interactome, showed that the treatment with 1-MCP prevented the development of superficial scald by actively promoting the production of unsaturated fatty acids, especially in ‘Granny Smith’. ‘Ladina’, more susceptible to superficial scald and less responsive to the preventing strategies, was instead characterized by a higher accumulation of very long chain fatty acids. Storage at low oxygen concentration stimulated a higher accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde together with the expression of genes involved in anaerobic respiration, such as malate, alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase in both cultivars. Low oxygen concentration, likewise 1-MCP, through a direct control on ethylene prevented the onset of superficial scald repressing the expression of PPO, a gene encoding for the polyphenol oxidase enzyme responsible of the oxidation of chlorogenic acid. Moreover, in ‘Granny Smith’ apple, the expression of three members of the VII subgroups of ERF genes, encoding for elements coordinating the acclimation process to hypoxia in plants was observed. The global RNA-Seq pattern also elucidated a specific transcriptomic signature between the two cultivars, disclosing the effect of the different genetic background in the control of this disorder.</p

Table_8_Comparative transcriptome and metabolite survey reveal key pathways involved in the control of the chilling injury disorder superficial scald in two apple cultivars, ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’.xlsx

The low temperature normally applied to prevent fruit decay during the storage of apples, can also triggers the onset of a chilling injury disorder known as superficial scald. In this work, the etiology of this disorder and the mechanism of action of two preventing strategies, such as the application of 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) and storage at low oxygen concentration in ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Ladina’ apple cultivars were investigated. The metabolite assessment highlighted a reorganization of specific metabolites, in particular flavan-3-ols and unsaturated fatty acids, while the genome-wide transcriptomic analysis grouped the DEGs into four functional clusters. The KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analysis, together with the gene-metabolite interactome, showed that the treatment with 1-MCP prevented the development of superficial scald by actively promoting the production of unsaturated fatty acids, especially in ‘Granny Smith’. ‘Ladina’, more susceptible to superficial scald and less responsive to the preventing strategies, was instead characterized by a higher accumulation of very long chain fatty acids. Storage at low oxygen concentration stimulated a higher accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde together with the expression of genes involved in anaerobic respiration, such as malate, alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase in both cultivars. Low oxygen concentration, likewise 1-MCP, through a direct control on ethylene prevented the onset of superficial scald repressing the expression of PPO, a gene encoding for the polyphenol oxidase enzyme responsible of the oxidation of chlorogenic acid. Moreover, in ‘Granny Smith’ apple, the expression of three members of the VII subgroups of ERF genes, encoding for elements coordinating the acclimation process to hypoxia in plants was observed. The global RNA-Seq pattern also elucidated a specific transcriptomic signature between the two cultivars, disclosing the effect of the different genetic background in the control of this disorder.</p