Modelling morphological and physiological responses of tomato introgression lines to drought stress

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a major vegetable crop grown in both outdoor fields and greenhouses. Water shortage is a significant problem in field-grown tomatoes. Genetic variation in the adaptation strategies to water shortage influences the differing water use and agronomic performances, in connection to varying climatic factors. Understanding the mechanisms of the adaptation to water deficit in the context of genetic implications is needed for better management and crop improvement. This work aims at investigating the adaptation mechanism of tomato to water deficit under a set of climatic condition, identifying the associated genome regions involved in the adaption, and predicting and evaluating the agronomic performances of virtual ILs in different climatic scenarios. This study was conducted using 50 tomato introgression lines (ILs) and two parent lines S. pennellii and S. lycopersicum cv. M82, in greenhouse conditions. Terminal drought stress was given at seven 7th leaf stage. There was a high (R2= 0.67 -0.75) causal relationships between unstressed and stressed performances for leaf areas increased, water transpired and shoot dry mass produced. The change in plasticity of shoot dry weight was mainly explained by that of leaf area while plasticity of cumulative transpiration was mainly attributed to that of specific transpiration. With the input of unstressed values and QTL-derived parameters from the response to water shortage of leaf expansion and stomatal conductance, stressed transpiration of all ILs was well predicted with high accuracy within the tested vapour pressure deficit ranges. With the implications of climatic factors, genotype-specific parameters (including drought reaction ones) were incorporated into an eco-physiological model, which consisted of three modules mainly for leaf growth, transpiration and dry matter production. With or without the inputs of leaf area and soil water, model performance was evaluated separately for target agronomic traits. The aggregated model could have well predicted the unstressed performances of leaf area, transpiration, shoot dry matter (accuracy = 0.69 - 0.84) and the fraction of transpirable soil water under stress (accuracy = 0.66). However, there was 20 to 30% of overestimation for the stressed performance (accuracy = 0.55 - 0.77). With the input of leaf area, the model performance was much improved for total water transpired and soil water. The genome-based eco-physiological model worked well as a tool to predict the stressed agronomic performances of tomato introgression lines.Die Tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) ist eine wichtige Gemüsepflanze, die sowohl im Freiland als auch in Gewächshäusern angebaut wird. Wasserknappheit ist ein bedeutendes Problem bei Freiland-Tomaten. Genetische Unterschiede in den Anpassungsstrategien an den Wassermangel beeinflussen den unterschiedlichen Wasserverbrauch und die agronomischen Leistungen in Verbindung mit unterschiedlichen klimatischen Faktoren. Das Verständnis der Mechanismen der Anpassung an Wassermangel im Zusammenhang mit den genetischen Implikationen ist für ein besseres Management und eine Verbesserung der Kulturpflanzen erforderlich. Diese Arbeit zielte darauf ab, den Anpassungsmechanismus von Tomaten an Wassermangel unter einer Reihe von klimatischen Bedingungen zu untersuchen, die damit verbundenen Genomregionen , die in die Anpassung einbezogen sind zu identifizieren, und die agronomischen Leistungen virtueller ILs in verschiedenen klimatischen Szenarien vorherzusagen und auszuwerten. Verwendung von 50 Tomaten-Introgressionslinien (ILs) und zwei Elternlinien: S. pennellii und S. lycopersicum cv. M82, wurde diese Studie unter Gewächshausbedingungen durchgeführt, indem ein terminaler Trockenstress im siebten Blattstadium festgestellt wurde. Es bestand ein hoher (R2= 0,67 -0,75) kausaler Zusammenhang zwischen unbelasteten und belasteten Leistungen für erhöhte Blattflächen, transpirierte Wasser und produzierte Sprosstrockenmasse. Die Änderung der Plastizität des Trockengewichts der Triebe wurde hauptsächlich durch die Blattfläche erklärt, während die Plastizität der kumulativen Transpiration hauptsächlich der spezifischen Transpiration zugeschrieben wurde. Mit der Eingabe von unbelasteten Werten und QTL-abgeleiteten Parametern aus der Reaktion auf Wassermangel von Blattausdehnung und stomatärer Leitfähigkeit wurde die betonte Transpiration aller ILs mit hoher Genauigkeit innerhalb der getesteten Sättigungsdefizit-Bereiche gut vorhergesagt. Um die Auswirkungen der klimatischen Faktoren zu untersuchen, wurden genotypspezifische Parameter (einschließlich der Parameter für die Dürrereaktion) in ein ökophysiologisches Modell integriert, das aus drei Modulen bestand, die hauptsächlich für das Blattwachstum, die Trockenmasseproduktion und die Transpiration bestimmt waren. Mit oder ohne den Input von Blattfläche und Bodenwasser wurde die Modellleistung getrennt nach agronomischen Zielmerkmalen bewertet. Das Modell in aggregierter Form sagte für die bewässerte Pflanze die Blattfläche, die Transpiration und die Sprosstrockensubstanz (Genauigkeit = 0,69 - 0,84) und den transpirierbaren Bodenwasseranteil (Genauigkeit = 0,66) gut voraus. Allerdings gab es eine Überschätzung der gestressten Leistung um 20 bis 30% (Genauigkeit = 0,55 - 0,77). Mit der Eingabe der Blattfläche wurde die Modellleistung für das gesamte transpirierte Wasser und das Bodenwasser deutlich verbessert. Ein genombasiertes ökophysiologisches Modell kann als Werkzeug zur Vorhersage gestresster agronomischer Leistungen in Tomaten-Introgressionslinien verwendet werden

Determination of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotypes in Anogenital Cancers in Myanmar

Molecular and epidemiologic investigations suggest a causal role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in anogenital cancers. This study identified oncogenic HPV genotypes in anogenital cancers among men and women in a 2013 cross-sectional descriptive study in Myanmar. In total, 100 biopsy tissues of histologically confirmed anogenital cancers collected in 2008-2012 were studied, including 30 penile and 9 anal cancers from Yangon General Hospital and 61 vulvar cancers from Central Women's Hospital, Yangon. HPV-DNA testing and genotyping were performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Overall, 34% of anogenital cancers were HPV-positive. HPV was found in 44.4% of anal (4/9), 36.1% of vulvar (22/61), and 26.7% of penile (8/30) cancers. The most frequent genotypes in anal cancers were HPV 16 (75%) and 18 (25%). In vulvar cancers, HPV 33 was most common (40.9%), followed by 16 (31.8%), 31 (22.7%), and 18 (4.6%). In penile cancers, HPV 16 (62.5%) was most common, followed by 33 (25%) and 18 (12.5%). This is the first report of evidencebased oncogenic HPV genotypes in anogenital cancers among men and women in Myanmar. This research provides valuable information for understanding the burden of HPV-associated cancers of the anus, penis, and vulva and considering the effectiveness of prophylactic HPV vaccination

Risk factors for lymphatic filariasis and mass drug administration non‑participation in Mandalay Region, Myanmar

Background Myanmar commenced a lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination programme in 2000. Whilst the country has made considerable progress since then, a number of districts have demonstrated persistent transmission after many rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). The causes of unsuccessful MDA have been examined elsewhere; however, there remains little information on the factors that contribute in Myanmar. Methods We conducted an analysis of factors associated with persistent infection, LF-related hydrocoele and MDA participation in an area with ongoing transmission in 2015. A cross-sectional household survey was undertaken in 24 villages across four townships of Mandalay Region. Participants were screened for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) using immunochromatographic tests and, if positive, for microfilaria by night-time thick blood slide. Individuals 15 year and older were assessed for filariasis morbidity (lymphoedema and, if male, hydrocoele) by ultrasound-assisted clinical examination. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to assess risk factors for LF and for non-participation (never taking MDA). Significant variables identified in univariate analyses were included in separate step-wise multivariate logistic regressions for each outcome. Results After adjustment for covariates and survey design, being CFA positive was significantly associated with age [odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.06), per year], male gender (OR 3.14, 1.27–7.76), elevation (OR 0.96, 0.94–0.99, per metre) and the density of people per household room (OR 1.59, 1.31–1.92). LF-related hydrocoele was associated with age (OR 1.06, 1.03–1.09, per year) and residing in Amarapura Township (OR 8.93, 1.37–58.32). Never taking MDA was associated with male gender [OR 6.89 (2.13–22.28)] and age, particularly in females, with a significant interaction term. Overall, compared to those aged 30–44 years, the proportion never taking MDA was higher in all age groups (OR highest in those  60 years, ranging from 3.37 to 12.82). Never taking MDA was also associated with residing in Amarapura township (OR 2.48, 1.15–5.31), moving to one’s current village from another (OR 2.62, 1.12–6.11) and ever having declined medication (OR 11.82, 4.25–32.91). Decreased likelihood of never taking MDA was associated with a higher proportion of household members being present during the last MDA round (OR 0.16, 0.03–0.74) and the number visits by the MDA programme (OR 0.69, 0.48–1.00). Conclusions These results contribute to the understanding of LF and MDA participation-related risk factors and will assist Myanmar to improve its elimination and morbidity management programmes

Age Related Changes in Hematological Values of Myanmar Local Puppies

The hematological parameters were used to monitor the health status and its components also changed according to the ages. However, there were no reports for this issues in Myanmar local dogs. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the age-related changes on the hematological parameters of local puppies in Myanmar. Ten local puppies with the age of 2-3 month old were used in this experiment, which was lasted for 8 weeks.The daily clinical examinations were conducted throughout the entire experimental period for general health check-up. Haematological parameters (Total WBC count and its differential counts, and RBC, HCT, MCV, HGB, MCH, MCHC and platelets) were measured bi-weekly with Abacus Vet-5 automate haematology analyser. According to the results, the total WBC and eosinophil counts were not significantly different (P>0.05), while lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and basophils were significantly different (P<0.05) with the aging of experimental animals. The values of RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelets were not significantly different (P>0.05) throughout the experimental periods. Thus, the age-related changes were observed on cell counts of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils in Myanmar local puppies

Myanmar Dengue Outbreak Associated with Displacement of Serotypes 2, 3, and 4 by Dengue 1

In 2001, Myanmar (Burma) had its largest outbreak of dengue—15,361 reported cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS), including 192 deaths. That year, 95% of dengue viruses isolated from patients were serotype 1 viruses belonging to two lineages that had diverged from an earlier, now extinct, lineage sometime before 1998. The ratio of DHF to DSS cases in 2001 was not significantly different from that in 2000, when 1,816 cases of DHF/DSS were reported and dengue 1 also was the most frequently isolated serotype. However, the 2001 ratio was significantly higher than that in 1998 (also an outbreak year) and in 1999, when all four serotypes were detected and serotypes 1, 2, and 3 were recovered in similar numbers. The large number of clinical cases in 2001 may have been due, in part, to a preponderance of infections with dengue 1 viruses

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Infants: Research Opportunities Ignored

The age distribution of cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS) in infants under the age of 1 year are reported from Bangkok, Thailand, and for the first time for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Yangon, Myanmar; and Surabaya, Indonesia. The four dengue viruses were isolated from Thai infants, all of whom were having a primary dengue infection. Progress studying the immunologically distinct infant DHF/DSS has been limited; most contemporary research has centered on DHF/DSS accompanying secondary dengue infections. In designing research results obtained in studies on a congruent animal model, feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) infections of kittens born to FIPV-immune queens should be considered. Research challenges presented by infant DHF/DSS are discussed

Political transition and emergent forest-conservation issues in Myanmar.

Political and economic transitions have had substantial impacts on forest conservation. Where transitions are underway or anticipated, historical precedent and methods for systematically assessing future trends should be used to anticipate likely threats to forest conservation and design appropriate and prescient policy measures to counteract them. Myanmar is transitioning from an authoritarian, centralized state with a highly regulated economy to a more decentralized and economically liberal democracy and is working to end a long-running civil war. With these transitions in mind, we used a horizon-scanning approach to assess the 40 emerging issues most affecting Myanmar's forests, including internal conflict, land-tenure insecurity, large-scale agricultural development, demise of state timber enterprises, shortfalls in government revenue and capacity, and opening of new deforestation frontiers with new roads, mines, and hydroelectric dams. Averting these threats will require, for example, overhauling governance models, building capacity, improving infrastructure- and energy-project planning, and reforming land-tenure and environmental-protection laws. Although challenges to conservation in Myanmar are daunting, the political transition offers an opportunity for conservationists and researchers to help shape a future that enhances Myanmar's social, economic, and environmental potential while learning and applying lessons from other countries. Our approach and results are relevant to other countries undergoing similar transitions

Political transition and emergent forest-conservation issues in Myanmar.

Political and economic transitions have had substantial impacts on forest conservation. Where transitions are underway or anticipated, historical precedent and methods for systematically assessing future trends should be used to anticipate likely threats to forest conservation and design appropriate and prescient policy measures to counteract them. Myanmar is transitioning from an authoritarian, centralized state with a highly regulated economy to a more decentralized and economically liberal democracy and is working to end a long-running civil war. With these transitions in mind, we used a horizon-scanning approach to assess the 40 emerging issues most affecting Myanmar's forests, including internal conflict, land-tenure insecurity, large-scale agricultural development, demise of state timber enterprises, shortfalls in government revenue and capacity, and opening of new deforestation frontiers with new roads, mines, and hydroelectric dams. Averting these threats will require, for example, overhauling governance models, building capacity, improving infrastructure- and energy-project planning, and reforming land-tenure and environmental-protection laws. Although challenges to conservation in Myanmar are daunting, the political transition offers an opportunity for conservationists and researchers to help shape a future that enhances Myanmar's social, economic, and environmental potential while learning and applying lessons from other countries. Our approach and results are relevant to other countries undergoing similar transitions

Fortifying or fragmenting the state? The political economy of the drug trade in Shan State, Myanmar, 1988-2012

Over the past twenty-five years, the government of Myanmar (Burma) has consolidated control over large parts of Shan State, neutralizing much of the threat posed by armed groups and strengthening its hold over revenue extraction. During this period Myanmar has retained its position as the world's second largest producer of illicit opium, much of which is converted into heroin within the country's borders. This article explores the relationship between state-building processes and the illicit opium/heroin economy in Shan State since 1988. The author has four aims. First, to reassess the theoretical assumptions that equate illicit economies with state fragility and demonstrate instead why illicit drug economies can become embedded in processes of conflict reduction and state consolidation. Second, to explain why establishing control over Shan State has become so important to the Myanmar government's state-building ambitions. Third, to analyze how the state's engagement with the drug trade has become a vital part of its attempts to consolidate control, in terms of financing military expansion and brokering deals with strongmen who are able to govern local populations. Finally, to assess how these strategies embody a form of “negotiated statehood” in which the state's growing control has been defined by attempts to manage, rather than monopolize, the means of coercion and extraction