The expression pattern,polymorphisms and association analyses of the porcine NREP gene

NREP (neuronal regeneration related protein homolog) plays a role in the transformation of neural, muscle, and fibroblast cells and in smooth muscle myogenesis. The NREP gene was selected for detailed study as an expressional and functional candidate gene on the basis of data from the expression microarray, which detected the differences in gene expression between Czech Large White pigs and wild boars in the longissimus lumborum et thoracis and biceps femoris muscle tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR results confirmed that porcine NREP was expressed in both skeletal muscles and significantly overexpressed in Czech Large White pigs compared with wild boars (14.5- and 11.6-fold; p < .05). We identified 9 polymorphic sites in the genomic DNA of NREP. Six of these polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium, and therefore, only 4 loci were informative. The associations of the HF571253:g.103G>A, HF571253:g.134G>A, HF571253:g.179T>C and HF571253:g.402_409delT polymorphisms with backfat thickness, lean meat content and average daily gain were assessed in Czech Large White pigs. The GG genotypes HF571253:g.103G>A and HF571253:g.134G>A, the TT genotypes HF571253:g.179T>C and 67 HF571253:g.402_409delT genotypes had favourable effects on the studied traits. Our results indicate the possibility of utilizing the variability of the NREP gene in marker-assisted selection in order to improve meat production in pigs.     

Infection with parasitic nematodes confounds vaccination efficacy

T helper (Th) cells produce signature cytokine patterns, induced largely by intracellular versus extracellular pathogens that provide the cellular and molecular basis for counter regulatory expression of protective immunity during concurrent infections. The production of IL-12 and IFN-γ, for example, resulting from exposure to many bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens is responsible for Th1-derived protective responses that also can inhibit development of Th2-cells expressing IL-4-dependent immunity to extracellular helminth parasites and vice versa. In a similar manner, concurrent helminth infection alters optimal vaccine-induced responses in humans and livestock; however, the consequences of this condition have not been adequately studied especially in the context of a challenge infection following vaccination. Demands for new and effective vaccines to control chronic and emerging diseases, and the need for rapid deployment of vaccines for bio security concerns requires a systematic evaluation of confounding factors that limit vaccine efficacy. One common albeit overlooked confounder is the presence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in populations of humans and livestock targeted for vaccination. This is particularly important in areas of the world were helminth infections are prevalent, but the interplay between parasites and emerging diseases that can be transmitted worldwide make this a global issue. In addition, it is not clear if the epidemic in allergic disease in industrialized countries substitutes for geohelminth infection to interfere with effective vaccination regimens. This presentation will focus on recent vaccination studies in mice experimentally infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus to model the condition of gastrointestinal parasite infestation in mammalian populations targeted for vaccination. In addition, a large animal vaccination and challenge model against Mycoplasma hyopneumonia in swine exposed to Ascaris suum will provide a specific example of the need for further work in this area, and for controlled field studies to assess the impact of other similar scenarios.     

Internationalization of SMEs in the Baltic Sea Region: Barriers of cross-national collaboration considering regional innovation strategies for smart specialization

This paper provides new evidence on barriers that hamper small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) to establish international collaboration. Our analysis makes use of collected data concerning internationalization of SMEs in seven BSR countries. Our logistic multivariate regression model, which we applied after selecting relevant variables using the LASSO method, indicates a significant positive effect for the entities´ demand in support to acquire clients as well as the absence of foreign markets operations. A significant adverse effect is found for cooperation agreements as a support tool for internationalization as well as the interest to participate in an innovation and internationalization system. SMEs rather desire their internationalization capacity building than direct support in acquiring clients. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that strengthening cross-national collaborations and establishing appropriate support programs are important toward innovativeness and competitiveness among SMEs in the BSR. Smart Specialization Strategies (S3) could provide a framework for building cross-national collaborations.     

Improved connectivity analysis using multiple low-cost paths to evaluate habitat for the endangered San Martin titi monkey (Plecturocebus oenanthe) in north-central Peru

Context

Graph-theoretic evaluations of habitat connectivity often rely upon least-cost path analyses to evaluate connectedness of habitat patches, based on an underlying cost surface. We present two improvements upon these methods.

Objectives

As a case study to test these methods, we evaluated habitat connectivity for the endangered San Martin titi monkey (Plecturocebus oenanthe) in north-central Peru, to prioritize habitat patches for conservation.

Methods

First, rather than using a single least-cost path between habitat patches, we analyzed multigraphs made up of multiple low-cost paths. This allows us to differentiate between patches connected through a single narrow corridor, and patches connected by a wide swath of traversable land. We evaluate potential movement pathways by iteratively removing paths and recomputing connectivity metrics. Second, instead of performing a sensitivity analysis by varying costs uniformly across the landscape, we generated landscapes with spatially varying costs.

Results

This approach produced a more informative assessment of connectivity than standard graph analyses. Of the 4340 habitat patches considered across the landscape, we identified the most important 100, those frequently ranked highly through repeated network modifications, for multiple metrics and cost surfaces.

Conclusions

These methods represent a novel approach for assessing connectivity, better accounting for spatial configurations of habitat patches and uncertainty in cost surfaces. The ability to identify habitat patches with more possible routes to other patches is of interest for resiliency planning and prioritization in the face of continued habitat loss and climate change. These methods should be broadly applicable to conservation planning for other wildlife species.

     

Perspective: shedding light on spotted lanternfly impacts in the USA

Spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) is an invasive phloem‐feeding planthopper currently being quarantined in a 24 000 km² area in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, with a second population under quarantine in a 46 km² area in Virginia. Because this insect feeds on over 70 species of plants, it has the potential to impact a wide range of sectors, and as a result, there has been great public speculation that the economic impact of SLF could be severe. SLF is a large‐bodied voracious feeder that reduces plant resources directly by feeding, and indirectly, from sooty mold that grows on its excrement and blocks photosynthesis. SLF is causing severe damage to vineyards from feeding, and is a significant nuisance pest. It has high potential for spread via human‐mediated transport, particularly of egg cases, and may therefore significantly impact commerce in the near future. The ultimate impacts of this insect are not yet known, and will depend upon its longer term impacts on plant and tree health, and the extent to which its range expands. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry     

Copper profiles in the sediments of a mining-impacted lake

Purpose  

The sediments of Torch Lake, located in Houghton County, MI, USA, have been impacted by copper mining activity. Remediation of the site has focused on immobilizing shoreline tailing deposits. However, a large amount of copper remains in the mining-sourced sediment, and high copper concentrations persist in surface sediments. This study analyzes sediment core and sediment trap data to determine the source of copper in the surface sediments.     

Amphiregulin, a TH2 cytokine enhancing resistance to nematodes

Although type 2 immune responses contribute to allergy and asthma, these responses are essential for clearing intestinal helminth infestations by mechanisms that include increased epithelial shedding. We show that T helper 2 cells (T(H)2), but not other T cell subsets, express amphiregulin, a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. EGF receptor ligands directly induce epithelial cell proliferation, and lack of amphiregulin delayed expulsion of the nematode Trichuris muris. This newly recognized link between T(H)2 cells and epithelial proliferation should help in planning therapeutic interventions for helminth infections and other diseases that involve both cell proliferation and allergy, such as asthma.     

基于景观格局分析的局地土地利用突变情景识别——以重庆市沙坪坝区为例

以重庆市沙坪坝区为研究区,采用土地利用现状数据库,运用GIS的空间分析功能,从景观组分贡献率入手,剖析景观组分对局地景观格局变化的贡献程度,实现对土地利用突变情景识别,其结果表明:农业景观与城市等人为景观竞相作用、农业比较效益差异与农业市场竞争、农户宜人和宜居的生存空间土地利用意识逐步成熟是导致研究区土地利用突变最主要的驱动力.