Crystallization, data collection and data processing of maltose-binding protein (MalE) from the phytopathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri

Maltose-binding protein is the periplasmic component of the ABC transporter responsible for the uptake of maltose/maltodextrins. The Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri maltose-binding protein MalE has been crystallized at 293 Kusing the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystal belonged to the primitive hexagonal space group P6_122, with unit-cell parameters a = 123.59, b = 123.59, c = 304.20 Å, and contained two molecules in the asymetric unit. It diffracted to 2.24 Å resolution

The type of adjuvant in whole inactivated influenza a virus vaccines impacts vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease

Influenza A virus (IAV) causes a disease burden in the swine industry in the US and is a challenge to prevent due to substantial genetic and antigenic diversity of IAV that circulate in pig populations. Whole inactivated virus (WIV) vaccines formulated with oil-in-water (OW) adjuvant are commonly used in swine. However, WIV-OW are associated with vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease (VAERD) when the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of the vaccine strain are mismatched with the challenge virus. Here, we assessed if different types of adjuvant in WIV vaccine formulations impacted VAERD outcome. WIV vaccines with a swine δ1-H1N2 were formulated with different commercial adjuvants: OW1, OW2, nano-emulsion squalene-based (NE) and gel polymer (GP). Pigs were vaccinated twice by the intramuscular route, 3 weeks apart, then challenged with an H1N1pdm09 three weeks post-boost and necropsied at 5 days post infection. All WIV vaccines elicited antibodies detected using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay against the homologous vaccine virus, but not against the heterologous challenge virus; in contrast, all vaccinated groups had cross-reactive IgG antibody and IFN-γ responses against H1N1pdm09, with a higher magnitude observed in OW groups. Both OW groups demonstrated robust homologous HI titers and cross-reactivity against heterologous H1 viruses in the same genetic lineage. However, both OW groups had severe immunopathology consistent with VAERD after challenge when compared to NE, GP, and non-vaccinated challenge controls. None of the WIV formulations protected pigs from heterologous virus replication in the lungs or nasal cavity. Thus, although the type of adjuvant in the WIV formulation played a significant role in the magnitude of immune response to homologous and antigenically similar H1, none tested here increased the breadth of protection against the antigenically-distinct challenge virus, and some impacted immunopathology after challenge

Relative genetic potential of brachytic maize (Zea mays L.) varieties as breeding populations.

Six brachytic maize (Zea mays L.) varietis were evaluated in diallel cross. The six varieties, the fifteen intervarietal hybrids and two checks were evaluated in a randomized block design with six replications at one locations. The statistical-genetical analyses were performed according to the model proposed by Gardner and Eberhart (1966). Relative to the mid-parent, average heterosis was 0.8596 t/ha (17.09%), ranging from 0.150 t/ha (2.46%) to 2.221 t/ha (49.25%). The results showed that the varieties are genetically different both in terms of performance and heterotic potential. Significant specific heterosis was observed for plant height and ear height, which can be explained by the genetic diversity of the varieties with respect to the modifier genescontaining some degree of dominance. The Piranao VD-1 and Piranao VF-1 varieties showed outstanding yielding ability both per se and in crossing. The hybrid between these two varieties showed the highest yielding ability of all diallel crosses. The heterosis level of this particular cross (13.79%) provided evidence of the presence of genetic diversity between the parental varieties, and these varieties are recommended for use in medium-term program involving inbred line hybrids as well as in long-term programs of reciprocal recurrent selection