Tolerance of genetically characterized <Emphasis Type="Italic">Folsomia candida</Emphasis> strains to phenmedipham exposure

Background, Aims, and Scope  The springtail Folsomia candida is a commonly used model species in ecotoxicological soil testing. The species reproduces parthenogenetically and, thus, laboratories use different clonal lineages. In this study, we investigated if genetic divergence between F. candida strains impacts the reaction to chemical stress and may thus affect the outcome of toxicity tests. Methods  In two exposure assays (life-cycle reproduction test and avoidance behaviour test), three laboratory strains of F. candida from Portugal (PTG), Spain (SPN) and Denmark (DNK) were exposed to different concentrations of the reference chemical phenmedipham. Genetic divergence among strains was estimated based on mitochondrial COI sequence data. Results  No significant differences between tolerance towards phenmedipham exposure were observed in a reproduction test. In contrast, one strain (SPN) showed a decreased susceptibility to phenmedipham compared to the other strains (PTG and DNK) in the avoidance assay. Discussion  A phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial COI sequences revealed clear genetic differentiation between both ‘reaction types’. Thus, we found a potential lineage dependent stress reaction in avoidance behaviour towards the pesticide. Conclusions  Our findings have implications for the comparability of test results among laboratories. Reproduction tests seem to be more robust towards interclonal genetic differentiation than avoidance tests. Recommendations and Perspectives  We recommend the use of molecular tools for simple and cost effective genetic characterization of F. candida strains used in chemical avoidance tests. Closer investigations concerning the relation between genetic relatedness and chemical response will provide a more detailed and comprehensive picture on the role of intraspecific genetic differentiation in stress tolerance. ESS-Submission Editor: Prof. Dr. Henner Hollert (henner.hollert@bio5.rwth-aachen.de)     

Large-scale ecological restoration of high-diversity tropical forests in SE Brazil

The complex interactions among endangered ecosystems, landowners’ interests, and different models of land tenure and use, constitute an important series of challenges for those seeking to maintain and restore biodiversity and augment the flow of ecosystem services. Over the past 10 years, we have developed a data-based approach to address these challenges and to achieve medium and large-scale ecological restoration of riparian areas on private lands in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Given varying motivations for ecological restoration, the location of riparian areas within landholdings, environmental zoning of different riparian areas, and best-practice restoration methods were developed for each situation. A total of 32 ongoing projects, covering 527,982 ha, were evaluated in large sugarcane farms and small mixed farms, and six different restoration techniques have been developed to help upscale the effort. Small mixed farms had higher portions of land requiring protection as riparian areas (13.3%), and lower forest cover of riparian areas (18.3%), than large sugarcane farms (10.0% and 36.9%, respectively for riparian areas and forest cover values). In both types of farms, forest fragments required some degree of restoration. Historical anthropogenic degradation has compromised forest ecosystem structure and functioning, despite their high-diversity of native tree and shrub species. Notably, land use patterns in riparian areas differed markedly. Large sugarcane farms had higher portions of riparian areas occupied by highly mechanized agriculture, abandoned fields, and anthropogenic wet fields created by siltation in water courses. In contrast, in small mixed crop farms, low or non-mechanized agriculture and pasturelands were predominant. Despite these differences, plantations of native tree species covering the entire area was by far the main restoration method needed both by large sugarcane farms (76.0%) and small mixed farms (92.4%), in view of the low resilience of target sites, reduced forest cover, and high fragmentation, all of which limit the potential for autogenic restoration. We propose that plantations should be carried out with a high-diversity of native species in order to create biologically viable restored forests, and to assist long-term biodiversity persistence at the landscape scale. Finally, we propose strategies to integrate the political, socio-economic and methodological aspects needed to upscale restoration efforts in tropical forest regions throughout Latin America and elsewhere.     

Genetic parameter estimations and genomic insights for teat and udder structure in young and mature Canadian Angus cows

Poor teat and udder structure, frequently associated with older cows, impact cow production and health as well as calf morbidity and mortality. However, producer culling, for reasons including age, production, feed availability, and beef markets, creates a bias in teat (TS) and udder scores (US) assessed and submitted to the Canadian Angus Association for genetic evaluations toward improved mammary structure. In addition, due to the infancy of the reporting program, repeated scores are rare. Prior to the adoption of genetic evaluations for TS and US in Canadian Angus cattle, it is imperative to verify that TS and US from young cows are the same traits as TS and US estimated on mature cows. Genetic parameters for TS and US from all cows (n = 4,192) and then from young cows (parities 1 and 2) and from mature cows (parity ≥ 4) were estimated using a single-trait animal model. Genetic correlations for the traits between the two cow age groups were estimated using a two-trait animal model. Estimates of heritability (posterior SD [PSD]) were 0.32 (0.07) and 0.45 (0.07) for young TS and US and 0.27 (0.07) and 0.31 (0.07) for mature TS and US, respectively. Genetic correlation (PSD) between the young and mature traits was 0.87 (0.13) for TS and 0.40 (0.17) for US. Genome-wide association studies were used to further explore the genetic and biological commonalities and differences between the two groups. Although there were no genes in common for the two USs, 12 genes overlapped for TS in the two cow age groups. Interestingly, there were also 23 genes in common between TS and US in mature cows. Based on these findings, it is recommended that producers collect TS and US on their cow herd annually.     

Survey for natural Neospora caninum infection in wild and captive birds

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that presents worldwide distribution and is mainly implicated as responsible for bovine abortion. Although the presence of birds in cattle-raising properties is positively correlated to higher infection rates, very little has been described about the role of these animals in the parasite's life cycle. In that sense, this work aimed to investigate the serological and histological positivity of different avian species sampled in its natural habitat or in captivity. No serological positivity was observed in the 294 tested serum samples. On the other hand, Apicomplexa-like cysts found in muscular tissues of two Psittaciformes were immunostained with N. caninum antisera. These findings indicate that N. caninum may infect a wider range of hosts than described to date, and that further studies should be performed in order to determine the presence of the infection in different avian species.     

Flow rate sprinkler development for site-specific irrigation

Due to the rapid depletion of water resources, water must be used more efficiently in agriculture to maintain current levels of yield in irrigated areas. The efficiency of irrigation systems can be increased by adjusting the amount of water applied to specific conditions of soil and crop, which may vary in a field. Taking into account spatial and temporal variability, it is evident that an equipment capable of providing different irrigation levels is necessary to meet the water requirement of the soil. This work aims to develop and evaluate a flow rate sprinkler to be used in center pivots or linear moving irrigation systems, with potential for utilization in irrigation scheduling. A prototype was developed by duplicating its calibrations, and discharge coefficient adjustment was carried out in the laboratory. To predict the flow rate, a successful model that represented the operation of the flow rate sprinkler was established. The calibration of the flow rate sprinkler prototype showed satisfactory statistical and technical results. Automation of the prototype was achieved by driving a step motor using communication from the parallel port of a microcomputer, which was controlled by a software developed for this purpose. The results were satisfactory and technically feasible.     

Synaptic pruning by microglia is necessary for normal brain development

Microglia are highly motile phagocytic cells that infiltrate and take up residence in the developing brain, where they are thought to provide a surveillance and scavenging function. However, although microglia have been shown to engulf and clear damaged cellular debris after brain insult, it remains less clear what role microglia play in the uninjured brain. Here, we show that microglia actively engulf synaptic material and play a major role in synaptic pruning during postnatal development in mice. These findings link microglia surveillance to synaptic maturation and suggest that deficits in microglia function may contribute to synaptic abnormalities seen in some neurodevelopmental disorders.     

Evolution of phenolic composition of red wine during vinification and storage and its contribution to wine sensory properties and antioxidant activity

The objective of this work was to study the evolution of the phenolic composition of red wine during vinification and storage and its relationship with some sensory properties (astringency and bitterness) and antioxidant activities. Thus, red wine was made by a classic vinification method with Castela?o and Tinta Miu?da grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) harvested at maturity (3:2; w/w). Samples were taken at 2 and 7 days of maceration, at second racking, at the time of bottling and at 6 and 14 months after bottling. The total polyphenols extract (TPx) in each sample was isolated by column chromatography. The phenolic composition (anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins), in vitro antioxidant activity, and sensory property (astringency, bitterness) of the isolated TPx from different winemaking stages were evaluated through high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazyl radical test, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, total phenolic index, MWI (polyphenol molecular weight index), TSA (tannin specific activity), and sensory panel tasting. The results showed that the phenolic composition of red wine varied significantly during winemaking. The intensity of astringency (IA) and the intensity bitterness (IB) of the isolated TPx from different winemaking stages increased from 2 days of maceration until second racking and then decreased. Furthermore, MWI and TSA are positively correlated with IA and IB. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the isolated TPx from different winemaking stages maintained unchanged after alcoholic fermentation, which was independent of the variation of phenolic composition and sensory properties.