Dormant but Active: Chilling Accumulation Modulates the Epigenome and Transcriptome of Prunus avium During Bud Dormancy

Indexación: Scopus.Temperate deciduous fruit tree species like sweet cherry (Prunus avium) require long periods of low temperatures to trigger dormancy release and flowering. In addition to sequence-based genetic diversity, epigenetic variation may contribute to different chilling requirements among varieties. For the low chill variety ‘Royal Dawn’ and high chill variety ‘Kordia’, we studied the methylome of floral buds during chilling accumulation using MethylC-seq to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) during chilling hours (CH) accumulation, followed by transcriptome analysis to correlate changes in gene expression with DNA methylation. We found that during chilling accumulation, DNA methylation increased from 173 CH in ‘Royal Dawn’ and 443 CH in ‘Kordia’ and was mostly associated with the CHH context. In addition, transcriptional changes were observed from 443 CH in ‘Kordia’ with 1,210 differentially expressed genes, increasing to 4,292 genes at 1,295 CH. While ‘Royal Dawn’ showed approximately 5,000 genes differentially expressed at 348 CH and 516 CH, showing a reprogramming that was specific for each genotype. From conserved upregulated genes that overlapped with hypomethylated regions and downregulated genes that overlapped with hypermethylated regions in both varieties, we identified genes related to cold-sensing, cold-signaling, oxidation-reduction process, metabolism of phenylpropanoids and lipids, and a MADS-box SVP-like gene. As a complementary analysis, we used conserved and non-conserved DEGs that presented a negative correlation between DNA methylations and mRNA levels across all chilling conditions, obtaining Gene Ontology (GO) categories related to abiotic stress, metabolism, and oxidative stress. Altogether, this data indicates that changes in DNA methylation precedes transcript changes and may occur as an early response to low temperatures to increase the cold tolerance in the endodormancy period, contributing with the first methylome information about the effect of environmental cues over two different genotypes of sweet cherry. © Copyright © 2020 Rothkegel, Sandoval, Soto, Ulloa, Riveros, Lillo-Carmona, Cáceres-Molina, Almeida and Meneses.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2020.01115/ful

Stellar populations of bulges at low redshift

This chapter summarizes our current understanding of the stellar population properties of bulges and outlines important future research directions.Comment: Review article to appear in "Galactic Bulges", Editors: Laurikainen E., Peletier R., Gadotti D., Springer Publishing. 34 pages, 12 figure

Efecto repelente y tiempo de protección de aceites esenciales frente al estadio adulto de Aedes aegypti

The aim of this was to evaluate the repellent effect and protection time of essential oils against the adult Aedes aegypti mosquito. A completely randomized design was used with a factorial arrangement that included 10 essential oils (Minthostachys mollis, Schinus molle, Ruta graveolens, Piper aduncun, Myrica pubescens, Lippia alba, Mentha piperita, Lantana glutinosa, Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus globulus and the DEET control. 10%) and four concentrations of the oils (125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/ml). Each experimental group consisted of 50 adult female A. aegypti mosquitoes raised in the laboratory and the repellent effect and protection time were evaluated using a sedated animal bait (Rattus rattus) with applications of 0.1 ml of the oils on the legs, tail and face. The rats and mosquitoes were found in two communicating cages of 25x25x40 cm. The oils with the greatest repellent effect and protection time, respectively, were C. citratus (97.4%; 165 minutes), E. globulus (95.8%; 165 minutes), L. glutinosa (93.8%; 180 minutes) and M. piperite (93.5%; 180 minutes) in its highest concentration (1000 mg/l); with differences between oils and between concentrations (p<0.001). Likewise, DEET 10% obtained a repellency of 95.3% and a protection time of 173 minutes. It is concluded that the essential oils of C. citratus, E. globulus, L. glutinosa and M. piperita can be considered as having natural repellent potential for A. aegypti.El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto repelente y tiempo de protección de aceites esenciales frente al mosquito adulto de Aedes aegypti. Se trabajó con un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial que incluyó 10 aceites esenciales (Minthostachys mollis, Schinus molle, Ruta graveolens, Piper aduncun, Myrica pubescens, Lippia alba, Mentha piperita, Lantana glutinosa, Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus globulus y el control DEET 10%) y cuatro concentraciones de los aceites (125, 250, 500 y 1000 mg/ml). Cada grupo experimental se constituyó por 50 mosquitos hembra adultos de A. aegypti criados en laboratorio y el efecto repelente y tiempo de protección se evaluaron usando un cebo animal sedado (Rattus rattus) con aplicaciones de 0.1 ml de los aceites en patas, cola y cara. Las ratas y los mosquitos se encontraron en dos jaulas comunicadas de 25x25x40 cm. Los aceites con mayor efecto repelente y tiempo de protección, respectivamente, fueron: C. citratus (97.4%; 165 minutos), E. globulus (95.8%; 165 minutos), L. glutinosa (93.8%; 180 minutos) y M. piperita (93.5%; 180 minutos) en su concentración mayor concentración (1000 mg/l); con diferencias entre aceites y entre concentraciones (p<0.001). Asimismo, el DEET 10% obtuvo una repelencia de 95.3 % y tiempo de protección de 173 minutos. Se concluye que los aceites esenciales de C. citratus, E. globulus, L. glutinosa y M. piperita pueden considerarse con potencial repelente natural para A. aegypti

Sexual Relationships in Hispanic Countries: a Literature Review

This is a pre-print of an article published in Current Sexual Health Reports. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00272-6Purpose of Review: Sexuality is a complex dimension for which culture seems to play an important role, particularly in countries that are more traditional. This review summarizes the knowledge about sexual relationships in Hispanic countries, considering sexual debut, attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction. Recent Findings: In line with the literature reviewed, the sexual double standard seems to be continuing to influence sexual relationships. Some countries show more open expressions of sexuality based on the level of gender inequality or sexualized context, and within countries, variables such as religious commitment, family characteristics, and access to resources may play important roles in sexuality. Summary: Future research, policies, and interventions should consider these specific characteristics, including these forms of expression of sexuality, in the adjustment of cross-cultural and cross-national strategies

Pregnancy outcomes and vaccine effectiveness during the period of omicron as the variant of concern, INTERCOVID-2022: a multinational, observational study.

BACKGROUND: In 2021, we showed an increased risk associated with COVID-19 in pregnancy. Since then, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has undergone genetic mutations. We aimed to examine the effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 during pregnancy, and evaluate vaccine effectiveness, when omicron (B.1.1.529) was the variant of concern. METHODS: INTERCOVID-2022 is a large, prospective, observational study, involving 41 hospitals across 18 countries. Each woman with real-time PCR or rapid test, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in pregnancy was compared with two unmatched women without a COVID-19 diagnosis who were recruited concomitantly and consecutively in pregnancy or at delivery. Mother and neonate dyads were followed until hospital discharge. Primary outcomes were maternal morbidity and mortality index (MMMI), severe neonatal morbidity index (SNMI), and severe perinatal morbidity and mortality index (SPMMI). Vaccine effectiveness was estimated, adjusted by maternal risk profile. FINDINGS: We enrolled 4618 pregnant women from Nov 27, 2021 (the day after WHO declared omicron a variant of concern), to June 30, 2022: 1545 (33%) women had a COVID-19 diagnosis (median gestation 36·7 weeks [IQR 29·0-38·9]) and 3073 (67%) women, with similar demographic characteristics, did not have a COVID-19 diagnosis. Overall, women with a diagnosis had an increased risk for MMMI (relative risk [RR] 1·16 [95% CI 1·03-1·31]) and SPMMI (RR 1·21 [95% CI 1·00-1·46]). Women with a diagnosis, compared with those without a diagnosis, also had increased risks of SNMI (RR 1·23 [95% CI 0·88-1·71]), although the lower bounds of the 95% CI crossed unity. Unvaccinated women with a COVID-19 diagnosis had a greater risk of MMMI (RR 1·36 [95% CI 1·12-1·65]). Severe COVID-19 symptoms in the total sample increased the risk of severe maternal complications (RR 2·51 [95% CI 1·84-3·43]), perinatal complications (RR 1·84 [95% CI 1·02-3·34]), and referral, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, or death (RR 11·83 [95% CI 6·67-20·97]). Severe COVID-19 symptoms in unvaccinated women increased the risk of MMMI (RR 2·88 [95% CI 2·02-4·12]) and referral, ICU admission, or death (RR 20·82 [95% CI 10·44-41·54]). 2886 (63%) of 4618 total participants had at least a single dose of any vaccine, and 2476 (54%) of 4618 had either complete or booster doses. Vaccine effectiveness (all vaccines combined) for severe complications of COVID-19 for all women with a complete regimen was 48% (95% CI 22-65) and 76% (47-89) after a booster dose. For women with a COVID-19 diagnosis, vaccine effectiveness of all vaccines combined for women with a complete regimen was 74% (95% CI 48-87) and 91% (65-98) after a booster dose. INTERPRETATION: COVID-19 in pregnancy, during the first 6 months of omicron as the variant of concern, was associated with increased risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, especially among symptomatic and unvaccinated women. Women with complete or boosted vaccine doses had reduced risk for severe symptoms, complications, and death. Vaccination coverage among pregnant women remains a priority. FUNDING: None

Role of government financial support and vulnerability characteristics associated with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic among young Peruvians

Peruvian households have experienced one of the most prevalent economic shocks due to COVID-19, significantly increasing their vulnerability to food insecurity (FI). To understand the vulnerability characteristics of these households among the Peruvian young population, including the role of the government’s response through emergency cash transfer, we analysed longitudinal data from the Young Lives study (n = 2026), a study that follows the livelihoods of two birth cohorts currently aged 18 to 27 years old. FI was assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. Household characteristics were collected before and during the COVID-19 outbreak in Peru to characterise participants’ vulnerability to FI. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between government support and participants’ vulnerability characteristics to FI. During the period under study (March to December 2020), 24% (95% CI: 22.1–25.9%) of the participants experienced FI. Families in the top wealth tercile were 49% less likely to experience FI. Larger families (>5 members) and those with increased household expenses and decreased income due to COVID-19 were more likely to experience FI (by 35%, 39% and 42%, respectively). There was no significant association between government support and FI (p = 0.768). We conclude that pre-pandemic socioeconomic status, family size, and the economic disruption during COVID-19 contribute to the risk of FI among the Peruvian young population, while government support insufficiently curtailed the risk to these households

Geographical distribution and intra-domiciliary capture of sylvatic triatomines in La Convención province, Cusco, Peru Distribuição geográfica e captura intra-domiciliar de triatomíneos silvestres na província de La Convención, Cusco, Peru

The geographical distribution and intra-domiciliary capture of sylvatic triatomines in three districts of the province of La Convención, Cusco, Peru are presented. In the district of Vilcabamba, eight adults of Rhodnius pictipes and five adults of Panstrongylus geniculatus were found. In the district of Ocobamba, 19 adults, 14 nymphs, and eggs of P. rufotuberculatus were found. In the district of Echarate, six adults and 10 nymphs of Eratyrus mucronatus, an adult of R. pictipes and P. geniculatus, and a nymph of P. rufotuberculatus were also found. The geographical distribution of E. mucronatus has extended to Cusco. This is the first report in Peru of household colonization by this triatomine.<br>Apresenta-se a distribuição geográfica e captura intra-domiciliar de triatomíneos silvestres em três distritos da província de La Convención, Cusco, no Peru. Foram encontrados oito adultos de Rhodnius pictipes e cinco adultos de Panstrongylus geniculatus, no distrito de Vilcabamba, 19 adultos, 14 ninfas e ovos de P. rufotuberculatus no distrito de Ocobamba. Também foram encontrados seis adultos e 10 ninfas de Eratyrus mucronatus, um adulto de R. pictipes e P. geniculatus, e uma ninfa de P. rufotuberculatus no distrito de Echarate. A distribuição de E. mucronatus amplia-se geograficamente a Cusco. Este é o primeiro relato de domiciliação por este triatomíneo no Peru