A decade of arbovirus emergence in the temperate southern cone of South America : dengue, Aedes aegypti and climate dynamics in Córdoba, Argentina

Background: Argentina is located at the southern temperate range of arboviral transmission by the mosquito Aedes aegypti and has experienced a rapid increase in disease transmission in recent years. Here we present findings from an entomological surveillance study that began in Córdoba, Argentina, following the emergence of dengue in 2009. Methods: From 2009 to 2017, larval surveys were conducted monthly, from November to May, in 600 randomly selected households distributed across the city. From 2009 to 2013, ovitraps (n = 177) were sampled weekly to monitor the oviposition activity of Ae. aegypti. We explored seasonal and interannual dynamics of entomological variables and dengue transmission. Cross correlation analysis was used to identify significant lag periods. Results: Aedes aegypti were detected over the entire study period, and abundance peaked during the summer months (January to March). We identified a considerable increase in the proportion of homes with juvenile Ae. aegypti over the study period (from 5.7% of homes in 2009-10 to 15.4% of homes in 2016-17). Aedes aegypti eggs per ovitrap and larval abundance were positively associated with temperature in the same month. Autochthonous dengue transmission peaked in April, following a peak in imported dengue cases in March; autochthonous dengue was not positively associated with vector or climate variables. Conclusions: This longitudinal study provides insights into the complex dynamics of arbovirus transmission and vector populations in a temperate region of arbovirus emergence. Our findings suggest that Córdoba is well suited for arbovirus disease transmission, given the stable and abundant vector populations. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of regional human movement.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Líneas de girasol de la EEA Pergamino

Se analizaron tres grupos de líneas de girasol (Helianthus annuus) de la EEA Pergamino del INTA. Grupo 1: líneas derivadas de los compuestos P1, P2, P4, PGRK y KLM liberadas en la década del 90. Grupo 2: líneas GP logradas de cruzas entre las del grupo 1 con otras fuentes, liberadas a partir del 2001. Grupo 3: líneas AO (contenido de oleico > 80%) derivadas de materiales del North Dakota y de cruzas con materiales locales. Se analizaron los siguientes caracteres: número de aquenios por capítulo, peso de cien aquenios, porcentaje de pepita y aceite, altura de planta y número de días desde siembra a floración. El objetivo fue evaluar la variabilidad del germoplasma entre grupos y las asociaciones entre caracteres dentro de cada grupo, para identificar el idiotipo y las características diferenciales. El efecto de la selección se manifestó claramente al comparar los grupos. En el Grupo 1, la selección se efectuó principalmente por rendimiento de semilla y en los Grupos 2 y 3, se dirigió a la mejora del contenido porcentual de aceite y contenido porcentual de oleico respectivamente. Las líneas del Grupo 2 y Grupo 3 (AO) superaron en contenido de aceite a las del Grupo 1, las cuales fueron de mayor altura y peso de aquenio. Dentro de cada grupo se identificaron de 4 a 6 subgrupos caracterizados por los objetivos del mejoramiento y diferenciándose líneas independientes derivadas por objetivos de selección indirecta. El germoplasma evaluado podría incorporarse a diferentes “backgrounds” genéticos según los objetivos del mejoramiento

Motility and biofilm production involved in the interaction of phosphate solubilizing endophytic strains with peanut, maize and soybean plants

Endophytic plant growth promoting bacteria are of great interest since the ability to colonize the internal tissues of plants gives it an adaptive advantage. To confer any beneficial effect on the plant, bacteria must present a successful colonization and thus be competent in the rhizosphere and finally infect internal tissues. In this sense, bacterial motility is an essential property involved in plant-microorganism interaction where bacteria can colonize the root and at the same time form biofilms. Within plant beneficial bacteria those that present phosphate solubilizing activity are of great interest due to the contribution of phosphorus to plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the motility and biofilm formation properties of the strains Serratia sp. S119 and Enterobacter sp. J49 growing in the presence of peanut, maize and soybean root exudates. Results obtained indicated that both strains have flagella, possess swimming, swarming and twitching motilities and showed differential chemotactic attraction against root exudates. In addition, the strains under study showed the ability to form biofilms, being this ability greater in minimal media, in which a greater decrease was also seen by the addition of root exudates in the first hours of growth. The changes produced by the addition of root exudates in the chemotaxis and biofilm formation of the strains suggests that compounds released by the plants are detected by these bacteria and could be part of the molecular dialogue involved in their interaction with the roots of plant.Fil: Lucero, Cinthia Tamara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Lorda, Graciela Susana. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química; ArgentinaFil: Ludueña, Liliana Mercedes. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas; ArgentinaFil: Anzuay, María Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas; ArgentinaFil: Taurian, Tania. Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiotecnológicas; Argentin

A decade of arbovirus emergence in the temperate southern cone of South America: dengue, Aedes aegypti and climate dynamics in Córdoba, Argentina

Background: Argentina is located at the southern temperate range of arboviral transmission by the mosquito Aedes aegypti and has experienced a rapid increase in disease transmission in recent years. Here we present findings from an entomological surveillance study that began in Córdoba, Argentina, following the emergence of dengue in 2009. Methods: From 2009 to 2017, larval surveys were conducted monthly, from November to May, in 600 randomly selected households distributed across the city. From 2009 to 2013, ovitraps (n = 177) were sampled weekly to monitor the oviposition activity of Ae. aegypti. We explored seasonal and interannual dynamics of entomological variables and dengue transmission. Cross correlation analysis was used to identify significant lag periods. Results: Aedes aegypti were detected over the entire study period, and abundance peaked during the summer months (January to March). We identified a considerable increase in the proportion of homes with juvenile Ae. aegypti over the study period (from 5.7% of homes in 2009–10 to 15.4% of homes in 2016–17). Aedes aegypti eggs per ovitrap and larval abundance were positively associated with temperature in the same month. Autochthonous dengue transmission peaked in April, following a peak in imported dengue cases in March; autochthonous dengue was not positively associated with vector or climate variables. Conclusions: This longitudinal study provides insights into the complex dynamics of arbovirus transmission and vector populations in a temperate region of arbovirus emergence. Our findings suggest that Córdoba is well suited for arbovirus disease transmission, given the stable and abundant vector populations. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of regional human movement.Fil: Estallo, Elizabet Lilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; ArgentinaFil: Sippy, Rachel. University of Florida; Estados Unidos. State University of New York; Estados UnidosFil: Stewart-Ibarra, Anna M.. State University of New York; Estados Unidos. InterAmerican Institute for Global Change Research ; UruguayFil: Grech, Marta Gladys. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagóica. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ciencias Naturales - Sede Esquel. Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica; ArgentinaFil: Benitez, Elisabet Marina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; ArgentinaFil: Ludueña Almeida, Francisco. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones Entomológicas de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Ainete, Mariela. Provincia de Córdoba. Ministerio de Salud; ArgentinaFil: Frias Cespedes, María. Provincia de Córdoba. Ministerio de Salud; ArgentinaFil: Robert, Michael. University Of The Sciences In Philadelphia. Department Of Mathematics Physics And Statistics.; Estados UnidosFil: Romero, Moory M.. State University of New York; Estados UnidosFil: Almiron, Walter Ricardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones Entomológicas de Córdoba; Argentin

Recombinant antibody against Trypanosoma cruzi from patients with chronic Chagas heart disease recognizes mammalian nervous system.

Background: To deeply understand the role of antibodies in the context of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, we decided to characterize A2R1, a parasite antibody selected from single-chain variable fragment (scFv) phage display libraries constructed from B cells of chronic Chagas heart disease patients. Methods: Immunoblot, ELISA, cytometry, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical assays were used to characterize A2R1 reactivity. To identify the antibody target, we performed an immunoprecipitation and two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry and confirmed A2R1 specific interaction by producing the antigen in different expression systems. Based on these data, we carried out a comparative in silico analysis of the protein target_s orthologues, focusing mainly on post-translational modifications. Findings: A2R1 recognizes a parasite protein of ~50 kDa present in all life cycle stages of T. cruzi, as well as in other members of the kinetoplastid family, showing a defined immunofluorescence labeling pattern consistent with the cytoskeleton. A2R1 binds to tubulin, but this interaction relies on its post-translational modifications. Interestingly, this antibody also targets mammalian tubulin only present in brain, staining in and around cell bodies of the human peripheral and central nervous system. Interpretation: Our findings demonstrate for the first time the existence of a human antibody against T. cruzi tubulin capable of cross-reacting with a human neural protein. This work re-emphasizes the role of molecular mimicry between host and parasitic antigens in the development of pathological manifestations of T. cruzi infection

Development of sustainable biodegradable lignocellulosic hemp fiber/polycaprolactone biocomposites for light weight applications

Biocomposites with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as matrix and lignocellulosic hemp fiber with varying average aspect ratios (19, 26, 30 and 38) as reinforcement were prepared using twin extrusion process. The influence of fiber aspect ratio on the water absorption behavior and mechanical properties are investigated. The percentage of moisture uptake increased with the aspect ratio, following Fickian behavior. The hemp fiber/PCL biocomposites showed enhanced properties (tensile, flexural and low-velocity impact). The biocomposite with 26 aspect ratio showed the optimal properties, with flexural strength and modulus of 169% and 285% respectively, higher than those of neat PCL. However, a clear reduction on the mechanical properties was observed for water-immersed samples, with reduction in tensile and flexural moduli for the aspect ratio of 26 by 90% and 62%, respectively than those of dry samples. Summarily, the optimal sample provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional, petroleum-based and non-renewable composites for various applications.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Expression and Localization of Ryanodine Receptors in the Frog Semicircular Canal

Several experiments suggest an important role for store-released Ca2+ in hair cell organs: drugs targeting IP3 and ryanodine (RyRs) receptors affect release from hair cells, and stores are thought to be involved in vesicle recycling at ribbon synapses. In this work we investigated the semicircular canal distribution of RyRs by immunofluorescence, using slice preparations of the sensory epithelium (to distinguish cell types) and flat mounts of the simpler nonsensory regions. RyRs were present in hair cells, mostly in supranuclear spots, but not in supporting cells; as regards nonsensory regions, they were also localized in dark cells and cells from the ductus. No labeling was found in nerve terminals, although nerve branches could be observed in proximity to hair cell RyR spots. The differential expression of RyR isoforms was studied by RT-PCR and immunoblotting, showing the presence of RyRα in both ampulla and canal arm and RyRβ in the ampulla only

Bionanocomposite films developed from corn starch and natural and modified nano-clays with or without added blueberry extract

Edible and bionanocomposite films were developed by extrusion followed by thermo molding. Corn starch (Zea mays), glycerol, and several nano-clays were used as the carbohydrate polymer, plasticizer and nano-fillers, respectively. Pure blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) extract (BE, 100% anthocyanin), as well as natural and modified montmorillonites (Mnt) with or without BE nano-packaged within their layers were incorporated into the thermoplastic starch (TPS) matrix. Previous studies by our research group have shown that BE, and BE nano-packaged within natural and modified Mnt, are pH-sensitive. With this in mind, we set out to develop edible and intelligent (pH-sensitive) bionanocomposite films with improved properties. Unfortunately however, none of the films formulated were pH-sensitive. All the films showed X-ray diffractograms typical of semicrystalline, albeit largely amorphous, materials coinciding with the morphological observations made under scanning electron microscopy. The results confirmed that total starch gelatinization occurred under the selected extrusion conditions. Films prepared from corn starch containing BE showed a plasticizing effect, giving materials with lower thermal resistance and surface moisture values, which were also more opaque, denser, and rougher. All the nano-fillers tested were completely exfoliated within the TPS matrix, except for the natural Mnt that was partly exfoliated and partly intercalated in the matrix. In general, materials containing nano-fillers with a greater degree of interlayer spacing (more exfoliated) showed higher thermal resistance and Young's modulus, but lower strain at break values.Fil: Gutiérrez Carmona, Tomy José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Vera Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; Argentin

APPLICATION OF RECURSIVE PARTITIONING TO AGRICULTURAL CREDIT SCORING

Recursive Partitioning Algorithm (RPA) is introduced as a technique for credit scoring analysis, which allows direct incorporation of misclassification costs. This study corroborates nonagricultural credit studies, which indicate that RPA outperforms logistic regression based on within-sample observations. However, validation based on more appropriate out-of-sample observations indicates that logistic regression is superior under some conditions. Incorporation of misclassification costs can influence the creditworthiness decision.finance, credit scoring, misclassification, recursive partitioning algorithm, Agricultural Finance,

1943-01-07 Rowan County News

Rowan County News published on January 7, 1943