Variabilidad del rendimiento y la calidad de la paja de trigo para la producción de bioenergía en el sudeste bonaerense

La agricultura actual enfrenta el desafío de satisfacer la demanda de alimentos y bioenergía y, a la vez, disminuir su impacto sobre el ambiente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar la variabilidad entre cultivares de trigo pan (Triticum aestivum L.) para el rendimiento y la calidad de la paja de trigo para ser utilizada en la producción de energía. Esta caracterización ayudaría a identificar genes y características bioquímicas que optimicen su utilización para la producción de biocombustibles de segunda generación (2G). Se determinaron caracteres agronómicos y parámetros de calidad de muestras de residuos de 36 cultivares de trigo en la Unidad Integrada Balcarce. Se detectó alta variabilidad entre cultivares de trigo, tanto en el rendimiento como en la calidad de la biomasa para su utilización como fuente de biocombustibles 2G. Se identificaron genotipos que combinan alto rendimiento en grano, buena producción de biomasa y atributos de calidad promisorios.Current agriculture faces the challenge of satisfying both food and energy demand while being environmental sustainable. The aim of the current work was to characterize the variability of biomass yield and quality among cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to be used as bioenergy feedstock. This knowledge will contribute to idenify genes and biochemical features that will promote their utilization as second generation (2G) biofuel feedstock. Agronomical traits and quality paremeters of biomass from 36 cultivars were analyzed at Unidad Integrada Balcarce. Hugh variability both in yield and quality has been detected for its utilization as 2G biofuels feedstock. Genotypes combining high grain yield and biomass production and good quality attributes have been indentified.Fil: Vera, Magdalena. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasFil: Lorenzo, Máximo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (Argentina)Fil: Ramírez, Ignacio. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias AgrariasFil: Pontaroli , Ana Clara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y TécnicasFil: Echarte, María Mercedes. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnica

UAV-based field phenotyping based on low-cost, open-source hardware and software

Here we present a low-cost platform for field phenotyping based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which consists mainly of free-to-use or open-source hardware and software. This platform consists of a multirotor helicopter -with 8 rotorsproviding great stability and maneuvrability, which is able to carry a variety of sensors for trait measurement. The platform is controlled by an electronic autopilot board, which can be programmed for GPS-guided, automatic flight through an open-source ground station software. This platform is currently equipped with a low-cost consumer camera modified for the acquisition of near infrared - green - blue images, thus allowing the capture of high-resolution vegetation index images. A pipeline for the processing, geo-referencing and analysis of the images has been developed, which is based on open-source and/or free-to-use software.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativa (SADIO

Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Porcine Pasteurella multocida Are Not Associated with Its Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern

[EN] Forty‐eight Pasteurella multocida isolates were recovered from porcine pneumonic lungs collected from farms in “Castilla y León” (north‐western Spain) in 2017–2019. These isolates were characterized for their minimal inhibition concentrations to twelve antimicrobial agents and for the appearance of eight resistance genes: tetA, tetB, blaROB1, blaTEM, ermA, ermC, mphE and msrE. Relevant resistance percentages were shown against tetracyclines (52.1% for doxycycline, 68.7% for oxytetracycline), sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (43.7%) and tiamulin (25.0%), thus suggesting that P. multocida isolates were mostly susceptible to amoxicillin, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, marbofloxacin and macrolides. Overall, 29.2% of isolates were resistant to more than two antimicrobials. The tetracycline resistance genes (tetA and tetB) were detected in 22.9% of the isolates, but none were positive to both simultaneously; blaROB1 and blaTEM genes were found in one third of isolates but both genes were detected simultaneously in only one isolate. The ermC gene was observed in 41.7% of isolates, a percentage that decreased to 22.9% for msrE; finally, ermA was harbored by 16.7% and mphE was not found in any of them. Six clusters were established based on hierarchical clustering analysis on antimicrobial susceptibility for the twelve antimicrobials. Generally, it was unable to foresee the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for each family and the association of each particular isolate inside the clusters established from the presence or absence of the resistance genes analyzedSIJunta de Castilla y León (Consejería de Agricultura y Ganadería, Junta de Castilla y León, Spain) and Cost Action CA18217 (European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment

Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Porcine Pasteurella multocida Are Not Associated with Its Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern

Forty-eight Pasteurella multocida isolates were recovered from porcine pneumonic lungs collected from farms in "Castilla y León" (north-western Spain) in 2017-2019. These isolates were characterized for their minimal inhibition concentrations to twelve antimicrobial agents and for the appearance of eight resistance genes: tetA, tetB, blaROB1, blaTEM, ermA, ermC, mphE and msrE. Relevant resistance percentages were shown against tetracyclines (52.1% for doxycycline, 68.7% for oxytetracycline), sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (43.7%) and tiamulin (25.0%), thus suggesting that P. multocida isolates were mostly susceptible to amoxicillin, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, marbofloxacin and macrolides. Overall, 29.2% of isolates were resistant to more than two antimicrobials. The tetracycline resistance genes (tetA and tetB) were detected in 22.9% of the isolates, but none were positive to both simultaneously; blaROB1 and blaTEM genes were found in one third of isolates but both genes were detected simultaneously in only one isolate. The ermC gene was observed in 41.7% of isolates, a percentage that decreased to 22.9% for msrE; finally, ermA was harbored by 16.7% and mphE was not found in any of them. Six clusters were established based on hierarchical clustering analysis on antimicrobial susceptibility for the twelve antimicrobials. Generally, it was unable to foresee the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for each family and the association of each particular isolate inside the clusters established from the presence or absence of the resistance genes analyzed.Junta de Castilla y León (Consejería de Agricultura y Ganadería, Junta de Castilla y León, Spain) and Cost Action CA18217 (European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment)

Leaf anatomical changes in temperate cereals in response to low temperature

Entre las numerosas respuestas morfo-anatómicas inducidas por el frío en gramíneas de ciclo otoño-invernoprimaveral, los cambios en la anatomía epidérmica han recibido muy poca atención pese a su importancia adaptativa. En este trabajo se estudiaron los cambios inducidos por baja temperatura (5ºC, en comparación con los controles a 25ºC) en la anatomía epidérmica foliar de trigo, cebada, centeno y avena, incluyendo, para cada especie, un genotipo primaveral y uno invernal, con el propósito de evaluar si la baja temperatura modifica la densidad estomática, el índice estomático y variables relacionadas, así como si existe relación entre la magnitud de estas respuestas y el carácter invernal o primaveral de los genotipos. Se observó una disminución generalizada de la densidad estomática en todos los genotipos a 5°C, en comparación con los controles a 25°C, mostrando los cultivares de tipo invernal la mayor disminución. La caída en densidad estomática estuvo principalmente explicada por un alargamiento de las células epidérmicas entre estomas, y adicionalmente por una menor proporción de filas con estomas, lo que a su vez explica la reducción en el índice estomático a 5°C, observada en varios casos. La longitud de las células estomáticas no fue afectada por la temperatura, difiriendo de reportes previos. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la disminución en densidad estomática a baja temperatura es una respuesta general en gramíneas de ciclo otoño-inverno-primaveral, que es particularmente notable en los genotipos invernales de cada especie. Se discuten posibles mecanismos involucrados e implicancias ecofisiológicas de estas respuestas.Among the numerous morpho-anatomical responses induced by low temperature in temperate grasses, those related to changes in epidermal anatomy have received little attention despite their adaptive significance. In this work we studied leaf anatomical changes induced by low temperature (5°C, as compared to controls at 25°C) in wheat, barley, rye and oats including, for each species, two genotypes with contrasting cold adaptation responses (one spring and one winter genotype), with the aim of evaluating if low temperature modifies stomatal density, stomatal index and related variables, and whether the magnitude of these responses is linked to genotype characteristics (either spring or winter). A generalized decrease in stomatal density was observed in all genotypes as a consequence of low temperature, but this response was most remarkable in winter cultivars within each species. The decrease in stomatal density was mainly explained by an increased length of inter-stomatal epidermal cells, and additionally by a lower proportion of rows with stomata. This, in turn, would explain the reduction in stomatal index that was observed in several cases. Length of stomatal cells was not affected by temperature, unlike previous reports. Our results suggest that the decrease in stomatal density at low temperature is a general response in temperate grasses, especially in winter genotypes within each species. Possible mechanisms involved and ecophysiological significance of these responses, are discussed.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestale

UAV-based field phenotyping based on low-cost, open-source hardware and software

Here we present a low-cost platform for field phenotyping based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which consists mainly of free-to-use or open-source hardware and software. This platform consists of a multirotor helicopter -with 8 rotorsproviding great stability and maneuvrability, which is able to carry a variety of sensors for trait measurement. The platform is controlled by an electronic autopilot board, which can be programmed for GPS-guided, automatic flight through an open-source ground station software. This platform is currently equipped with a low-cost consumer camera modified for the acquisition of near infrared - green - blue images, thus allowing the capture of high-resolution vegetation index images. A pipeline for the processing, geo-referencing and analysis of the images has been developed, which is based on open-source and/or free-to-use software.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativa (SADIO

Remodelado adverso del ventrículo derecho en pacientes obstétricas graves con COVID-19

Introduction: COVID-19 has led to an increased incidence of right ventricular remodeling in severe obstetric patients.Objective: To identify the diagnostic elements that influenced the occurrence of right ventricular remodeling in severe obstetric patients with COVID-19.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, single-center study was performed in 53 severe obstetric patients with COVID-19.Results: The most significant average echocardiographic values were TAPSE (15.4mm), right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (31.3mm) and RV/LV ratio (0.75). An increase in troponins (39.5 ng/L), CPK (338.4 U/L) and CK-MB (51.3 U/L) was observed on admission to the intensive care units, and greater ventricular dilatation and dysfunction were observed in pregnant women with high dímero D (84.6% and 76.9% respectively). AHT (32.07%) was the predominant obstetric risk factor, while patients with bronchial asthma (77.7%) and obesity (69.2%) presented greater dilatation and ventricular dysfunction, respectively. LV ejection fraction constituted the only factor associated with patient survival (p = 0.01).Conclusions: In severe obstetric patients due to COVID-19 decreased TAPSE values and RV dilatation were the main echocardiographic features found. In addition, there was a considerable increase in troponin, CPK and CK-MB values. Greater right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction were recorded in asthmatic and obese women, respectively, with elevated D-dimer values. LV ejection fraction was the only independent factor related to survival in these patients.Introducción: La COVID-19 ha provocado una mayor incidencia de la remodelación ventricular derecha en pacientes obstétricas graves.Objetivo: Identificar los elementos diagnósticos que incidieron en la aparición de la remodelación ventricular derecha en pacientes obstétricas graves por COVID-19.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, unicéntrico con 53 pacientes obstétricas graves por COVID-19.Resultados: La media más significativa entre los valores ecocardiográficos lo constituyeron el TAPSE (15,4 mm), el diámetro telediastólico del ventrículo derecho (31,3 mm) y la relación VD/ VI (0,75). Se apreció un incremento de las troponinas (39,5 ng/L), CPK (338,4 U/ L) y CK-MB (51,3 U/L), al ingresar en las salas de terapia intensiva y se observó una mayor dilatación y disfunción ventricular en las gestantes con dímero D altos (84,6 % y 76,9 % respectivamente). La HTA (32,07 %) fue el factor de riesgo obstétrico predominante; así como las pacientes con asma bronquial (77,7 %) y obesidad (69,2 %) presentaron una mayor dilatación y disfunción ventricular respectivamente. La fracción de eyección del VI constituyó el único factor asociado a la supervivencia de las pacientes (p = 0,01).Conclusiones: En las pacientes obstétricas graves por COVID-19 los valores de TAPSE disminuido y la dilatación del VD fueron las principales características ecocardiográficas encontradas; además, hubo un aumento considerable de los valores de las troponinas, CPK y CK-MB. Se registró una mayor dilatación y disfunción ventricular derecha en las mujeres asmáticas y obesas, respectivamente, con valores de dímero D elevados. La fracción de eyección del VI fue el único factor independiente relacionado con la supervivencia en estas pacientes

Cavitary pneumonia in an AIDS patient caused by an unusual Bordetella bronchiseptica variant producing reduced amounts of pertactin and other major antigens

Although Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect and colonize immunocompromised humans, its role as a primary pathogen in pneumonia and other respiratory processes affecting those patients remains controversial. A case of cavitary pneumonia caused by B. bronchiseptica in an AIDS patient is presented, and the basis of the seemingly enhanced pathogenic potential of this isolate (designated 814) is investigated. B. bronchiseptica was the only microorganism recovered from sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and samples taken through the protected brush catheter. Unlike previous work reporting the involvement of B. bronchiseptica in cases of pneumonia, antibiotic treatment selected on the basis of in vitro antibacterial activity resulted in clearance of the infection and resolution of the pulmonary infiltrate. Although isolate 814 produced reduced amounts of several major antigens including at least one Bvg-activated factor (pertactin), the molecular basis of this deficiency was found to be BvgAS independent since the defect persisted after the bvgAS locus of isolate 814 was replaced with a wild-type bvgAS allele. Despite its prominent phenotype, isolate 814 displayed only a modest yet a significant deficiency in its ability to colonize the respiratory tracts of immunocompetent rats at an early time point. Interestingly, the antibody response elicited by isolate 814 in these animals was almost undetectable. We propose that isolate 814 may be more virulent in immunocompromised patients due, at least in part, to its innate ability to produce low amounts of immunogenic factors which may be required at only normal levels for the interaction of this pathogen with its immunocompetent natural hosts

Effectiveness of an intervention for improving drug prescription in primary care patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy:Study protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial (Multi-PAP project)

This study was funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias ISCIII (Grant Numbers PI15/00276, PI15/00572, PI15/00996), REDISSEC (Project Numbers RD12/0001/0012, RD16/0001/0005), and the European Regional Development Fund ("A way to build Europe").Background: Multimorbidity is associated with negative effects both on people's health and on healthcare systems. A key problem linked to multimorbidity is polypharmacy, which in turn is associated with increased risk of partly preventable adverse effects, including mortality. The Ariadne principles describe a model of care based on a thorough assessment of diseases, treatments (and potential interactions), clinical status, context and preferences of patients with multimorbidity, with the aim of prioritizing and sharing realistic treatment goals that guide an individualized management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a population of young-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. The intervention seeks to improve the appropriateness of prescribing in primary care (PC), as measured by the medication appropriateness index (MAI) score at 6 and 12months, as compared with usual care. Methods/Design: Design:pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial. Unit of randomization: family physician (FP). Unit of analysis: patient. Scope: PC health centres in three autonomous communities: Aragon, Madrid, and Andalusia (Spain). Population: patients aged 65-74years with multimorbidity (≥3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs prescribed in ≥3months). Sample size: n=400 (200 per study arm). Intervention: complex intervention based on the implementation of the Ariadne principles with two components: (1) FP training and (2) FP-patient interview. Outcomes: MAI score, health services use, quality of life (Euroqol 5D-5L), pharmacotherapy and adherence to treatment (Morisky-Green, Haynes-Sackett), and clinical and socio-demographic variables. Statistical analysis: primary outcome is the difference in MAI score between T0 and T1 and corresponding 95% confidence interval. Adjustment for confounding factors will be performed by multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: It is essential to provide evidence concerning interventions on PC patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity, conducted in the context of routine clinical practice, and involving young-old patients with significant potential for preventing negative health outcomes. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02866799Publisher PDFPeer reviewe