First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) Infecting Hops (Humulus lupulus) in Florida, USA

Humulus lupulus (Cannabaceae), commonly referred to as hops, are perennial, herbaceous climbing plants, native to temperate northern climates. Hops are cultivated for their strobiles or cones, which are often used for flavoring and aroma in food, tea, and beer (Almaguer et al. 2014; Burgess 1964). Because of the high demand for hops from the micro-brewing industry in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, it has recently been introduced in Florida. The crop grows rapidly in the early spring to late summer. Plants reach a mature height of 18-25 feet in one year and produce cones from mid-summer to early fall (Pearson, 2016). Hop rhizomes were planted in April 2016 at the Gulf Coast Research Station, Wimauma, Hillsborough Co., Florida, USA. In October 2016, several hop plants that exhibited yellowing leaves and stunted growth were uprooted and showed severe root galling (Figs.1;2). Rhizosphere soil samples were collected for nematode extraction and showed high numbers of root-knot nematode second-stage juveniles (J2) (up to 1500 J2/ 200cm3 soil). Heavily galled root samples were sent to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry Nematology Laboratory in Gainesville, FL. Species identification was performed using morphological analyses of females perenal patterns (n=22), selected characters of second-stage juveniles (n=17), and isozyme phenotypes (esterase and malate dehydrogenase) of egg- laying females (n=26) extracted from the roots. Configuration of the perineal patterns, morphometrics of body, stylet and tail length of J2 and the esterase phenotype (EST= J3), which is species-specific and malate phenotype (MDH=N1), are consistente with those reported in the original descrition of M. javanica and many other populations of this nematode species collected in Florida and other countries (Brito et al., 2008; Cofcewick et al., 2005; Carneiro et al., 2004; Jepson, 1987; Esbenshade and Triantaphyllou, 1985). For molecular analyses, DNA was extracted from individual females and mitochondrial DNA was amplified with MORF (5?- ATC GGG GTT TAA TAA TGG G - 3?) and MTHIS (5? - AAA TTC AAT TGA AAT TAA TAG C -3?) primer set (Pagan et al., 2015; Stanton et al., 1997). A fragment of approximately 740 bp was produced, which has been reported for M. incognita and M. javanica found in Florida (Baidoo et al., 2016). To further confirm the species identification we use the speices-specific SCAR primer set Fjav (5 ?- GGT GCG CGA TTG AAC TGA GC - 3?) and Rjav (5? - CAG GCC CTT CAG TGG AAC TAT AC - 3?) (Zijlstra et al., 2000). This primer set yield a fragment of of approximately 670bp, which is identical to that previously reported for M. javanica (Humphreys-Pereira et al., 2017; Baidoo et al., 2016; Zijlstra et al., 2000). Additionally, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene was amplified using NAD5F2 (5?- TAT TTT TTG TTT GAG ATA TAT TAG - 3?) and NAD5R1 (5?- CGTGAATCTTGATTTTCCATTTTT-3?) primers as described by Janssen et al. (2016). The GenBank accession number of the nad5 gene sequence is MH230176. The obtained the nad5 gene sequence was identical to the reference sequence of M. javanica provided by Janssen et al. (2016). To our knowledge, this is the first report of H. lupulus as a host of the Javanese root-knot nematode (M. javanica) in Florida.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) Infecting Hops (Humulus lupulus) in Florida, USA

Humulus lupulus (Cannabaceae), commonly referred to as hops, are perennial, herbaceous climbing plants, native to temperate northern climates. Hops are cultivated for their strobiles or cones, which are often used for flavoring and aroma in food, tea, and beer (Almaguer et al. 2014; Burgess 1964). Because of the high demand for hops from the micro-brewing industry in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, it has recently been introduced in Florida. The crop grows rapidly in the early spring to late summer. Plants reach a mature height of 18-25 feet in one year and produce cones from mid-summer to early fall (Pearson, 2016). Hop rhizomes were planted in April 2016 at the Gulf Coast Research Station, Wimauma, Hillsborough Co., Florida, USA. In October 2016, several hop plants that exhibited yellowing leaves and stunted growth were uprooted and showed severe root galling (Figs.1;2). Rhizosphere soil samples were collected for nematode extraction and showed high numbers of root-knot nematode second-stage juveniles (J2) (up to 1500 J2/ 200cm3 soil). Heavily galled root samples were sent to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry Nematology Laboratory in Gainesville, FL. Species identification was performed using morphological analyses of females perenal patterns (n=22), selected characters of second-stage juveniles (n=17), and isozyme phenotypes (esterase and malate dehydrogenase) of egg- laying females (n=26) extracted from the roots. Configuration of the perineal patterns, morphometrics of body, stylet and tail length of J2 and the esterase phenotype (EST= J3), which is species-specific and malate phenotype (MDH=N1), are consistente with those reported in the original descrition of M. javanica and many other populations of this nematode species collected in Florida and other countries (Brito et al., 2008; Cofcewick et al., 2005; Carneiro et al., 2004; Jepson, 1987; Esbenshade and Triantaphyllou, 1985). For molecular analyses, DNA was extracted from individual females and mitochondrial DNA was amplified with MORF (5?- ATC GGG GTT TAA TAA TGG G - 3?) and MTHIS (5? - AAA TTC AAT TGA AAT TAA TAG C -3?) primer set (Pagan et al., 2015; Stanton et al., 1997). A fragment of approximately 740 bp was produced, which has been reported for M. incognita and M. javanica found in Florida (Baidoo et al., 2016). To further confirm the species identification we use the speices-specific SCAR primer set Fjav (5 ?- GGT GCG CGA TTG AAC TGA GC - 3?) and Rjav (5? - CAG GCC CTT CAG TGG AAC TAT AC - 3?) (Zijlstra et al., 2000). This primer set yield a fragment of of approximately 670bp, which is identical to that previously reported for M. javanica (Humphreys-Pereira et al., 2017; Baidoo et al., 2016; Zijlstra et al., 2000). Additionally, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene was amplified using NAD5F2 (5?- TAT TTT TTG TTT GAG ATA TAT TAG - 3?) and NAD5R1 (5?- CGTGAATCTTGATTTTCCATTTTT-3?) primers as described by Janssen et al. (2016). The GenBank accession number of the nad5 gene sequence is MH230176. The obtained the nad5 gene sequence was identical to the reference sequence of M. javanica provided by Janssen et al. (2016). To our knowledge, this is the first report of H. lupulus as a host of the Javanese root-knot nematode (M. javanica) in Florida.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Accuracy of genomic selection in simulated populations mimicking the extent of linkage disequilibrium in beef cattle

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The success of genomic selection depends mainly on the extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL), the number of animals in the training set (TS) and the heritability (h²) of the trait. The extent of LD depends on the genetic structure of the population and the density of markers. The aim of this study was to calculate accuracy of direct genomic estimated breeding values (DGEBV) using best linear unbiased genomic prediction (GBLUP) for different marker densities, heritabilities and sizes of the TS in simulated populations that mimicked previously reported extent and pattern of LD in beef cattle.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The accuracy of DGEBV increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increase in the number of bulls in the TS (480, 960 or 1920), trait h²(0.10, 0.25 or 0.40) and marker densities (40 k or 800 k). Increasing the number of animals in the TS by 4-fold and using their phenotypes to estimate marker effects was not sufficient to maintain or increase the accuracy of DGEBV obtained using estimated breeding values (EBVs) when the trait h²was lower than 0.40 for both marker densities. Comparing to expected accuracies of parent average (PA), the gains by using DGEBV would be of 27%, 13% and 10% for trait h²equal to 0.10, 0.25 and 0.40, respectively, considering the scenario with 40 k markers and 1920 bulls in TS.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>As reported in dairy cattle, the size of the TS and the extent of LD have major impact on the accuracy of DGEBV. Based on the findings of this simulation study, large TS, as well as dense marker panels, aiming to increase the level of LD between markers and QTL, will likely be needed in beef cattle for successful implementation of genomic selection.</p

Optimization and kinetic study of biodiesel production through esterification of oleic acid applying ionic liquids as catalysts

In this study, 1-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate, [HMIM]HSO4, ionic liquid, was successfully applied as a catalyst in the biodiesel production through the esterification reaction of oleicacid withmethanol.A response surface methodology (RSM) known as Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to optimize the main experimental reaction conditions,using a set of 27 experiments.This optimization was based on the maximization of both the conversion of oleic acid and the Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) content of the obtained biodiesel samples.It was concluded that the two most relevant parameters for both the conversionand the FAME content were the molar ratio between oleic acid and methanol and the catalyst dosage.Accordingly to the model,the optimum condition for the maximum conversion was determined as being 8h, 110 ± 2°C, 15:1M ratio methanol/oleic acid and a catalyst dosage of 15wt%,resulting in a 95% conversion and for the maximum FAME content were 8h,110 ± 2°C,14:1M ratio and a catalyst dosage of 14wt%,leading to a FAME content of 90%. The kinetics of the esterification reaction was also evaluated,and the experimental results were well described using a third-order reaction model. The kinetic parameters were experimentally determined,and the value of the activation energy was 6.8kJ/mol and the pre-exponential factor was 0.0765L2.mol−2.min−1 confirming that the ionic liquid,[HMIM]HSO4,is a good alternative for replacing traditional catalysts for biodiesel production through esterification reaction.The authors hereby acknowledge Dr. Isabel Patrícia Fernandes and Prof. Dr. Filomena Barreiro, for the support provided regarding the FTIR analysis, and Eng. Cristiana Brás Meireles. Also, the authors express their gratitude to Instituto Politécnico de Bragança and Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

First Report of Meloidogyne partityla Infecting Water Oak (Quercus nigra) in Florida

In 2009 and 2014, roots presumably infected with root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) were collected from water oak (Quercus nigra), Alachua County, FL, and sent to the Nematode Diagnostic Laboratory, Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, FL. Small galls were observed on secondary and tertiary roots, large galls were found only on secondary roots. Females were found inside of the galls and egg masses were outside. Nematode species were identified using both morphological and molecular analyses. A notably thickened region between the stylet cone and stylet shaft in males (n = 10) and swollen rectums with deep longitudinal grooves were present in second-stage juveniles (n = 20): two defining morphological characteristics reported in the original description of Meloidogyne partityla (Kleynhans 1986). Perineal patterns of females and body length and width, stylet, and tail length of second stage juveniles (n = 20) were consistent with that previously reported for M. partityla. At least 10 single females were extracted from roots and molecular identification was performed using isozyme and DNA analyses. Isozyme phenotypes (EST = Mp3; MDH = N1a) were identical to earlier reports of this species (Brito et al. 2008). An amplicon of 530 bp was produced with mtDNA primers C2F3 (5′-GGTCAATGTTCAGAAATTTGTGG-3′) and 1108 (5′-TACCTTTGACCAATCACGCT-3′) (Powers and Harris 1993), which coincided to previously published data for M. partityla (Powers et al. 2005). Based on the result attained with the mtDNA primers, two regions were subsequently chosen to sequence to confirm species identification. First, a region in the ribosomal ITS was amplified with ITS-1 F (5′-CGCAGTGGCTTGAACCGG-3′) and a species-specific primer, MpSpec (5′-TGAACTTTTATTGGTGAAAG-3′) (Stamler 2009). This primer set produced a fragment of 630 bp, identical to M. partityla found infecting pecan in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas (GenBank Accession No. KR047556) (Stamler 2009; Brito et al. 2008). Secondly, the 18S region was amplified and sequenced (KT825143) using primers 18Ss1.2 (5′-GGCGATCAGATACCGCCCTAGTT-3′) and 18SR2B (5′-TACAAAGGGCAGGGACGTAAT-3′) (Baldwin et al. 1997). A GenBank BLAST search produced a 99% match to an isolate of M. partityla from New Mexico (AY757874.1). This finding strengthens the hypothesis that this nematode species can survive in the wild on hosts outside of Juglandaceae. This is of particular importance when establishing both new pecan nurseries and orchards. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. partityla occurring on Q. nigra.Fil: Brito, J. A.. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Smith, T. E.. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Achinelly, Maria Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; ArgentinaFil: Monteiro, T. S. A.. Universidad de Viscosa; BrasilFil: Dickson, D. W.. University of Florida; Estados Unido

Heavy metals removal of leachates from a mechanical biological municipal solid waste treatment plant for use as fertilizers

Leachates produced from treatment plants contains carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements. This work aims to develop heavy metals removal processes using solid adsorbents synthetized at CIMO and LSRE-LCM laboratories at Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, such as activated carbon produced from a compost material from the same treatment plant and modified clays obtained through a partnership with a Kazakhstan institution, to adequate the leachate from the composting line of a mechanical and biological treatment facility, into commercial fertilizers which fit the requirements of the European Legislation. Preliminary results show that the adsoption materials promoted a reduction in the heavy metals content, but this reduction also affected the organic carbon content. However, the activated carbons presented a better potencial for heavy metals removal.This work was financially supported by: Project VALORCOMP, funded by FEDER through Programme INTERREG V-A Spain−Portugal (POCTEP) 2014–2020 and Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCMUID/ EQU/50020/2019 - funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

FIRST RECORD OF A NUCLEAR-FOLLOWER ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CORYDORAS VITTATUS (NIJSSEN, 1971), CORYDORAS CF. JULII (CALLICHTHYIDAE) AND KNODUS VICTORIAE (STEINDACHNER, 1907) (CHARACIDAE)

Nuclear-follower interactions are a particular type of interspecific foraging association which involves a nuclear species, which revolves or scans through the substrate, and follower species that access the food items made available by the nuclear species’ activity. This type of association was observed in a headwater stream at the Itapecuru basin, in the Maranhão cerrado, involving the catfishes Corydoras vittatus, Corydoras cf. julii as nuclear species and Knodus victoriae as its follower. Individuals of C. vittatus, Corydoras cf. julii revolved the substrate during their foraging, promoting sediment suspension. Their followers, in turn, moved through the “cloud” of particles in suspension, capturing food items. Food particles in suspension do not seem to be used by the catfishes but become available for K. victoriae. The follower behavior represents a feeding tactic for these species, reinforcing the general idea of behavioral plasticity between follower species

Augmented plasma microparticles during acute Plasmodium vivax infection

Background: In the last few years, the study of microparticles (MPs) - submicron vesicles released from cells upon activation or apoptosis - has gained growing interest in the field of inflammation and in infectious diseases. Their role in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax remains unexplored. Because acute vivax malaria has been related to pro-inflammatory responses, the main hypothesis investigated in this study was that Plasmodium vivax infection is associated with elevated levels of circulating MPs, which may play a role during acute disease in nonimmune patients. Methods: Plasma MPs were analysed among thirty-seven uncomplicated P. vivax infections from an area of unstable malaria transmission in the Brazilian Amazon. The MP phenotype was analysed by flow cytometry using the classical MP marker, annexin, and fluorochrome-labeled monoclonal antibodies against specific cell surface markers. The frequencies of plasma MPs in P. vivax patients (n = 37) were further compared to malaria-unexposed controls (n = 15) and ovarian carcinoma patients (n = 12), a known MPs-inducing disease non-related to malaria. Results: The frequencies of plasma circulating MPs were markedly increased in P. vivax patients, as compared to healthy age-matched malaria-unexposed controls. Although platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes were the main cellular sources of MPs during vivax malaria, platelet derived-MPs (PMPs) increased in a linear fashion with the presence of fever at the time of blood collection (b = 0.06, p < 0.0001) and length of acute symptoms (b = 0.36, p < 0.0001). Finally, the results suggest that plasma levels of PMPs diminish as patient experience more episodes of clinical malaria (b = 0.07, p < 0.003). Conclusions: Abundant circulating MPs are present during acute P. vivax infection, and platelet derived-MPs may play a role on the acute inflammatory symptoms of malaria vivax

Heavy metals removal on leachate for use as fertilizers

Municipal landfill leachates typically contain high ammonium and organic concentration which could contribute to its use in agriculture, leading to the reduction of costs for the respective waste treatment plants. However, due to the nature of the leachates, they may contain phytotoxic substances. The landfillleachate samples differ by many factors such as the composition of the treated waste, elapsed time, geochemical and weather conditions [1-3]. Taking into account these considerations, leachate samples from a storage tank at the "Residuos do Nordeste, ElM" mechanical and biological treatment plant, were collected in February 2019, and stored :at 4°C. The leachate samples were processed using activated carbon adsorbents produced from the compost of the referred company, and H2S04 activated clays obtained from a partnership with a Kazakhsta1n institution. The leachate samples were mixed with the adsorbents for 48 hours, centrifugated and the supernatant was reserved. TOC analysis in a Shimadzu TOC-L equipment and metals quantification by atomic absorption spectroscopy using a Varian SpectrAA 220 apparatus were carried out. :Selected results are presented in Fig. 1. The original leachate presents an organic carbon content closer to the requirements of the EU legislation for liquid organo-mineral fertilizers. The activated carbon promoted greater TOC removal in comparison with the activated clays. Both materials showed interaction with the heavy metals. However, Cr still remains present in higher conten1ts and K presents lower values than the legislation requirements. Overall, the activated carbons presented a greater potential for heavy metals removal. However, ion-exchange resins will be tested for a more efficient heavy metals removal to minimize possible secondary elimination of components sue:h as nutrients and organic carbon.This work was financially supported by: Project VALORCOMP, funded by FEDER through Programme INTERREG V-A Spain- Portugal {POCTEP) 2014-2020 and Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM UID/EQU/50020/2019 - funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES {PIDDAC).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Índice elevado de CPOD em pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal

The aim of this study was to appraise the presence of decayed, filled, missed teeth (DFMT) and the oral conditions about the oral mucosa in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and compare them with healthy patients. Ninety nine patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), eighty with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and seventy four control patients (C) were examinated. The intra-oral examination registered the DMFT index, the plaque index and the oral soft tissue lesions. The average age, in years, was 38,99 (± 12,90); 43,33 (± 13,21) and 40,28 (± 12,87) for CD, UC and C, respectively. A high prevalence of DMFT was showed in DC (p= 0.016) and UC ( < 0,0001) groups compared to C group. The mean percentage of plaque was smaller in CD group 44,04 (DP± 30,49) than in C group 54,10 (DP ±26,4), p= 0,017; but there weren´t differences at percentage of plaque between UC and C groups. In relation to the total oral lesions, there was significant difference in CD (p= 0.041) and UC (p= < 0.0001) towards C group, being pyostomatitis vegetans the significant difference lesion between the groups. It was concluded that when the inflammatory bowel disease (DC and UC) are considered separately, a high DMFT index is observed in relation to control group; and patients with intestinal involvement show more oral lesions than the control groups patients, thus when the lesions are observed separated, the pyostomatitis vegetans is the only one that shows significant prevalence in those groups.O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar a presença de lesões cariosas, restauradas, elementos perdidos por cárie (CPOD) e a condição da mucosa oral em pacientes com Doença Inflamatória Intestinal e compará-los com pacientes saudáveis sistemicamente. Foram examinados 99 pacientes com Doença de Crohn (DC), 80 com Colite Ulcerativa (UC) e 74 controles (C). No exame clínico, foram registrados o índice CPOD, o índice de placa e a presença de lesões no tecido mole oral. A idade média, em anos, foi de 38,99 (DP± 12,90); 43,33 (DP ± 13,21) e 40,28 (DP ± 12,87) para os grupos DC, UC e C, respectivamente. Houve aumento significante na prevalência do índice de CPOD no grupo DC (p = 0,016) e UC ( < 0,0001), quando comparado ao C. A porcentagem de placa foi menor no grupo DC 44,04 (DP± 30,49) que no C 54,10 (DP ±26,4), p= 0,017, mas não houve diferença entre UC e C. Com relação ao número total de lesões orais, foi observada diferença significante entre os grupos DC (p= 0.041) e UC (p= < 0.0001) e o grupo C, sendo a pioestomatite a lesão significantemente diferente entre esses grupos. Assim, conclui-se que, quando as doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DC e UC) são avaliadas separadamente, elevado índice de CPOD foi observado em relação ao grupo de controle; e pacientes com comprometimento intestinal apresentam mais lesões bucais que os pacientes do grupo de controle, sendo que, quando as lesões são observadas separadamente, a pioestomatite vegetante é a única que se mostra significantemente prevalente naqueles grupos