Winter curing of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus dulcis</Emphasis> cv ‘Butte,’ <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. webbii</Emphasis> and their interspecific hybrid in response to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xylella fastidiosa</Emphasis> infections

In traditional quantitative genetics, additive effects of genes acting in a population of biparental homozygous lines are estimated on the basis of the phenotypic observations only, usually by taking a difference between mean values for extreme lines. Current molecular methods allow to estimate the additive effects by additionally taking into account the marker data. In this paper we compare these two methods of estimation of additive gene action effects analytically, by simulations and by analysis of real data sets for doubled haploid lines and recombinant inbred lines. The analytic comparison shows under which conditions an agreement of the two methods can be achieved. In most of the considered experimental data and in simulations we observe that the additive effect calculated on the basis of the marker observations is smaller than the total additive effect obtained from phenotypic observations only. This result is discussed, and a weighted regression approach is proposed as a method which can close the gap between the purely phenotypic and genotypic approaches.     

Inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 by plant extracts used as traditional antidiabetic medicines

Elevated glucocorticoids are a key risk factor for metabolic diseases, and the glucocorticoid-activating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) represents a promising therapeutic target. We measured the potential of six traditional antidiabetic medicinal plants extracts to inhibit 11β-HSD1 activity and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation in transfected HEK-293 cells. Leave extracts of Eriobotrya japonica preferentially inhibited 11β-HSD1 over 11β-HSD2. Extracts of roasted but not native coffee beans preferentially inhibited 11β-HSD1 over 11β-HSD2, emphasizing the importance of sample preparation. Thus, natural compounds inhibiting 11β-HSD1 may contribute to the antidiabetic effect of the investigated plant extracts.     

Prevalence and histopathological characterization of Masai Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) skin disease in Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem,Northern Tanzania

BackgroundMasai Giraffes have declined dramatically in recent decades due to loss of habitat and illegal hunting. Hence, it is critically important that the epidemiology and etiology of so-called giraffe skin disease (GSD) is understood well.AimTo assess the prevalence and histopathological characteristics of GSD in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem (TME), northern Tanzania.MethodsThe study used road transects to gather field information on GSD. Eighty-four giraffes were sighted by systematic random sampling in the six study sites. Examination of giraffes involved body distribution of lesions, severity of the lesions and whether they were associated with age and sex of the affected giraffes. Five giraffes with GSD were immobilized for tissue collection and histopathological analysis.ResultsPrevalence among adults was 79%. Affected animals typically had 1–5 lesions which were mostly moderate and were predominantly observed on the forelegs. GSD positivity rate was higher among females versus males, whereas males had a higher rate of severe lesions and generally had more lesions than females. Calves showed no lesions. All tissue sections from five affected giraffes showed the presence of large quantities of fungal elements (hyphae and spores) that involved hair shafts and sub-cutaneous tissue after staining with Grocott Methenamine Silver as special fungal staining technique.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the involvement of fungal infection in GSD pathogenesis.Clinical relevanceWe recommend further characterization of the lesions using modern molecular techniques and culture to identify primary and secondary or opportunistic etiologies, and the order in which the pathogens occur in the lesions.     

The cotton mealybug, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solenopsis</Emphasis> Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Israel: pest status,host plants and natural enemies

In Israel, the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, an invasive scale insect, was reported for the first time in the Jordan Valley in 2008 on basil (Ocimum basilicum) and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum). This mealybug is highly polyphagous with economic and environmental impacts. Since then, Ph. solenopsis has spread to almost every region of Israel and developed high populations on several ornamental plants, mainly Hibiscus sp. (Malvaceae) and Lantana sp. (Verbenaceae). It has become a pest in greenhouses, mainly on bell pepper, tomato, and eggplant (Solanaceae) and a serious threat in cotton fields. Fourteen species of insect natural enemies have been found in association with Ph. solenopsis in Israel the common ones were: Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) (Hym. Encyrtidae), Cheilomenes propinqua (Mulsant), Hyperaspis vinciguerrae (Capra); H. polita Weise, Exochomus nigripennis (Erichson), Parascymnus varius Kirsch and Scymnus flagellisiphonatus (Fursch) (Col., Coccinellidae). To date, the population density of Ph. solenopsis in Israel is steeply decreasing in most regions of Israel due to the activity of A. arizonensis. An identification key to distinguish between adult females of the eight species belonging to the genus Phenacoccus in Israel is also provided.     

Leather quality of beefalo‐Nellore cattle in different production systems

The aim was to compare the effects of two production systems on performance, carcass traits and physical‐mechanical characteristics of leather from Beefalo‐Nellore steers and heifers and to determine if the response to the production system was similar for both genders. A total of 40 Beefalo‐Nellore cattle, 20 steers and 20 heifers, were evaluated. Animals were divided into two production systems: slaughtered at 15 (intensive system) or 26 (extensive system) months of age. In the intensive system, all animals received a ration containing 600 g/kg corn silage and 400 g/kg concentrate. In the extensive system, animals were kept on a pasture predominantly based on Brachiaria sp. and supplemented with 2 kg/day concentrate. In the intensive system, there was no difference in slaughter weight (470 kg body weight) between steers and heifers but steers in the extensive system had greater slaughter weight than heifers (463 and 428 kg body weight, respectively). Leather weight was higher for animals in the intensive than extensive system but there was no difference in leather weight once excess fat was removed. Leather quality from Beefalo‐Nellore cattle slaughtered at 15 or 26 months of age is similar although carcass yield is higher for cattle slaughtered at a younger age.     

The effect of experience,simulator-training and biometric feedback on manual ventilation technique

Objective

To determine the frequency of provision and main providers (veterinary surgeons, nurses or trainees) of manual ventilation in UK veterinary practices. Furthermore, to determine the variation in peak inspiratory (inflation) pressure (PIP), applied to a lung model during manual ventilation, by three different groups of operators (inexperienced, experienced and specialist), before and after training.

A comparative assessment of the utility of PCR-based marker systems in pearl millet

A set of 22 pearl millet inbred lines including the parents of eleven mapping populations, was screened with 627 markers including 100 pearl millet genomic SSRs (gSSRs), 60 pearl millet EST-SSRs (eSSRs), 410 intron sequence haplotypes (ISHs), and 57 exon sequence haplotypes (ESHs). In all, 267 (59%) of the markers were informative for at least one of the 11 mapping populations, which segregate for traits like drought and salinity tolerance; host plant resistance to downy mildew, rust and blast; fertility restoration and sterility and maintenance of cytoplasmic male sterility etc. An average of 116 polymorphic markers was identified per mapping population. The average PIC values and number of profiles (P) per polymorphic marker were: gSSRs (PIC = 0.62, P = 6.1), ISHs (PIC = 0.39, P = 2.6), eSSRs (PIC = 0.36, P = 3.1) and ESHs (PIC = 0.35, P = 3.1). A high correlation (r > 0.97, P < 0.05) was observed between the patterns of diversity exposed by the different marker systems. The polymorphic markers identified are suitable for the de novo construction, or the supplementation of pearl millet linkage maps. The genetic relationships identified among the panel of inbred lines may be useful in designing strategies to improve the use of available genetic variation in the context of pearl millet breeding.     

Characterizing Western Juniper Expansion via a Fusion of Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper and Lidar Data

Juniper encroachment into shrub steppe and grassland systems is one of the most prominent changes occurring in rangelands of western North America. Most studies on juniper change are conducted over small areas, although encroachment is occurring across large regions. Development of image-based methods to assess juniper encroachment over large areas would facilitate rapid monitoring and identification of priority areas for juniper management. In this study, we fused Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper and Light Detection and Ranging (lidar)–based juniper classifications to evaluate juniper expansion patterns in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed of southwestern Idaho. Lidar applications for characterizing juniper encroachment attributes at finer scales were also explored. The fusion-based juniper classification model performed well (83% overall accuracy). A comparison of the resulting juniper presence/absence map to a 1965 vegetation cover map indicated 85% juniper expansion, which was consistent with tree-ring data. Comparisons of current and previous canopy-cover estimates also indicated an increase in juniper density within the historically mapped juniper distribution. Percent canopy cover of juniper varied significantly with land-cover types highlighting areas where intensive juniper management might be prioritized.