Genomic Prediction from Multi-Environment Trials of Wheat Breeding.

Genomic prediction relates a set of markers to variability in observed phenotypes of cultivars and allows for the prediction of phenotypes or breeding values of genotypes on unobserved individuals. Most genomic prediction approaches predict breeding values based solely on additive effects. However, the economic value of wheat lines is not only influenced by their additive component but also encompasses a non-additive part (e.g., additive × additive epistasis interaction). In this study, genomic prediction models were implemented in three target populations of environments (TPE) in South Asia. Four models that incorporate genotype × environment interaction (G × E) and genotype × genotype (GG) were tested: Factor Analytic (FA), FA with genomic relationship matrix (FA + G), FA with epistatic relationship matrix (FA + GG), and FA with both genomic and epistatic relationship matrices (FA + G + GG). Results show that the FA + G and FA + G + GG models displayed the best and a similar performance across all tests, leading us to infer that the FA + G model effectively captures certain epistatic effects. The wheat lines tested in sites in different TPE were predicted with different precisions depending on the cross-validation employed. In general, the best prediction accuracy was obtained when some lines were observed in some sites of particular TPEs and the worse genomic prediction was observed when wheat lines were never observed in any site of one TPE.

Genomic Prediction of Resistance to Tan Spot, Spot Blotch and Septoria Nodorum Blotch in Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat.

Genomic prediction combines molecular and phenotypic data in a training population to predict the breeding values of individuals that have only been genotyped. The use of genomic information in breeding programs helps to increase the frequency of favorable alleles in the populations of interest. This study evaluated the performance of BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) in predicting resistance to tan spot, spot blotch and Septoria nodorum blotch in synthetic hexaploid wheat. BLUP was implemented in single-trait and multi-trait models with three variations: (1) the pedigree relationship matrix (A-BLUP), (2) the genomic relationship matrix (G-BLUP), and (3) a combination of the two matrices (A+G BLUP). In all three diseases, the A-BLUP model had a lower performance, and the G-BLUP and A+G BLUP were statistically similar (p ≥ 0.05). The prediction accuracy with the single trait was statistically similar (p ≥ 0.05) to the multi-trait accuracy, possibly due to the low correlation of severity between the diseases.

Simulating with a combination of RUSLE GIS and sediment delivery ratio for soil restoration.

Erosion by water is the main cause of land degradation. Landscapes degraded by erosion need to be restored in many respects, and particularly in terms of ecosystem services. From an economic and management perspective, care is needed to select priority areas and determine the means to be applied to restore them. Globally, the model most commonly used to produce scenarios for the prevention of soil losses is the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). This study of the subbasin of the Sulakyurt Dam Basin in Turkey aims (1) to identify the distribution of soil losses over time and by location, and (2) to grade the priority areas for the prevention of soil losses by means of a simulation. The average potential soil losses in the area under study are estimated at 42.35 t ha-1 year-1, and the average actual losses at 39.49 t ha-1 year-1. According to the simulation, 27.61% of the study area (2782 ha) is of the highest priority for soil restoration. In our study, forests have the highest soil losses, which is contrary to the natural protection that forests provide against erosion. The high rates are due to the slope, the forest area is very steep. So it is the slope factor that outweighs the vegetation cover factor. Of the forest areas, 41.74% (1766 ha) falls within the areas of highest priority. The study serves as a guide for landscape planning and the determination of erosion risk in restoration efforts, and for identifying the methods to be adopted during the restoration work to reduce the loss of soil.

An overview on endophytic bacterial diversity habitat in vegetables and fruits.

Nowadays, scientific research revolution is going on in many areas, and the human health is one of them. However, in the earlier studies, it was observed that most of the people health in the world affects by consumptions of contaminated food which is dangerous for human health and country economy. Recent studies showed that the fresh vegetables and fruits are the major habitat for endophytic bacterial communities. Salmonella and Escherichia coli both are the very common bacteria founds in fresh vegetables and fruits. Generally, many people eat vegetables and fruits without cooking (in the form of salad). The continued assumption of such food increases the health risk factor for foodborne diseases. So, from the last decades, many researchers working to understand about the relationship of endophytic microbes with plants either isolated bacteria are pathogenic or nonpathogenic. Moreover, most of the endophytes were identified by using 16S rRNA sequencing method. Hence, this review elaborates on the differences and similarities between nonpathogenic and pathogenic endophytes in terms of host plant response, colonization strategy, and genome content. Furthermore, it is emphasized on the environmental effects and biotic interactions within plant microbiota that influence pathogenesis and the pathogenesis.

Regulatory groundwater monitoring: Realistic residues of pinoxaden and metabolites at vulnerable locations.

A bespoke groundwater monitoring programme was designed to generate a database of pinoxaden and metabolite concentrations in shallow groundwater at agricultural locations across Europe. The data generated from this programme represent a higher tier refinement of modelled exposure estimates and provide realistic information on groundwater quality at vulnerable locations which will aid plant protection product (PPP) assessment in Europe in relation to Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009. The Regulatory GeoPEARL_3.3.3 model developed by RIVM was used to estimate the vulnerability of cereal growing regions to leaching of two pinoxaden metabolites across the entire EU at a 1 km2 level using 20 years of daily weather data (MARS, EU JRC). Seventy sites located within the upper 50th percentile of leaching vulnerability from this modelling exercise, crop density and shallow groundwater were selected for monitoring groundwater. Retrospective and prospective pinoxaden product applications at candidate sites were recorded and these data used to place sites in the distribution for Europe. The 70 sites all fulfil the site assessment criteria and have no confining layers which may prevent or delay leaching. All sites equipped with groundwater wells had a minimum of two pinoxaden applications in the preceding four years to cereal crops. A total of 1326 samples were analysed from up to 90 down hydraulic gradient wells at 70 locations between June 2015 and July 2018. Results indicate that pinoxaden and pinoxaden metabolites are very unlikely to reach shallow groundwater at concentrations greater than 0.1 µg/L for relevant metabolites, or 10 µg/L for non-relevant metabolites, respectively (Sanco/221/2000-rev.10). Over 38 months of groundwater monitoring the annual average and 90th percentile for pinoxaden or its metabolites never exceeded 0.1 µg/L and it is proposed that these data infer that exposure to these metabolites is minimal.

Spray performance assessment of a remote-controlled vehicle prototype for pesticide application in greenhouse tomato crops.

Intensive horticultural production is a sector seeking to provide high-quality foods by means of safe and sustainable procedures in compliance with regulations. This requires improvements in the spraying technologies since currently plant protection products are applied by means of hand-held equipment due to its lower cost and easy maintenance. In order to fulfil these requirements, a remote-controlled vehicle prototype (ROBOT SPRAY) was used. After optimizing the spray profile and the air assistance system of the "ROBOT SPRAY" sprayer in laboratory, its performance using two different nozzle sets (full cone and hollow cone) with and without air assistance was compared with those of a spray gun in a greenhouse tomato crop. The spray deposition on canopy, spray coverage and losses to soil were assessed. The "ROBOT SPRAY" provided better penetration and coverage on the underside of the leaves while no improvement was shown with the use of air assistance. Overall, a higher spray deposition was observed for the full cone nozzles when compared to hollow cone nozzles.

Potential dermal exposure to operators applying pesticide on greenhouse crops using low-cost equipment.

During pesticide application, operators are exposed to chemical products. Dermal exposure has been reported as the principal means of exposure for growers. In the present work, potential dermal exposure (PDE) has been assessed when using new low-cost equipment (a knapsack with a vertical spray boom) and compared to a hand-held spray lance, which is the equipment most widely used by growers in greenhouses. Two sprayers were used, a hand-held spray lance with four twin flat-fan nozzles and a knapsack fitted out with a vertical spray boom containing 3 pairs of twin flat-fan nozzles. Three applications were carried out and compared, one with the spray lance walking backwards (the reference application), and two with the spray boom - the first stopping at the turns and the second with no stopping. The patch method (19 position on the body) and tartrazine (the tracer) were used to assess de PDE. Each application tested was replicated three times. The results show that the knapsack with the vertical boom should not be used walking continuously along the greenhouse rows because the total PDE (1637.12mL 1000L-1) is greater than in the rest of the configurations tested. If the operator stops at the turns for a few seconds, allowing the previously sprayed droplet cloud to dissipate, the level of exposure decreases significantly (324.63mL 1000L-1), providing similar results to the reference application with the spray lance walking backwards (292.25mL 1000L-1).

Relative cost-effectiveness of using an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula containing the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in managing infants with cow's milk allergy in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of using an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula containing the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (eHCF + LGG; Nutramigen LGG) as a first-line management for cow's milk allergy compared with eHCF alone, and amino acid formulae in Spain, from the perspective of the Spanish National Health Service (SNS). METHODS: Decision modeling was used to estimate the probability of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergic infants developing tolerance to cow's milk by 18 months. The models also estimated the SNS cost (at 2012/2013 prices) of managing infants over 18 months after starting a formula as well as the relative cost-effectiveness of each of the formulae. RESULTS: The probability of developing tolerance to cow's milk by 18 months was higher among infants with either IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated allergy who were fed eHCF + LGG compared with those fed one of the other formulae. The total health care cost of initially feeding infants with eHCF + LGG was less than that of feeding infants with one of the other formulae. Hence, eHCF + LGG affords the greatest value for money to the SNS for managing both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy. CONCLUSION: Using eHCF + LGG instead of eHCF alone or amino acid formulae for first-line management of newly-diagnosed infants with cow's milk allergy affords a cost-effective use of publicly funded resources because it improves outcome for less cost. A randomized controlled study showing faster tolerance development in children receiving a probiotic-containing formula is required before this conclusion can be confirmed.

Field evaluation of a self-propelled sprayer and effects of the application rate on spray deposition and losses to the ground in greenhouse tomato crops.

BACKGROUND: In the greenhouses of south-eastern Spain, plant protection products are applied using mainly sprayers at high pressures and high volumes. This results in major losses on the ground and less than uniform spray deposition on the canopy. Recently, self-propelled vehicles equipped with vertical spray booms have appeared on the market. In this study, deposition on the canopy and the losses to the ground at different spray volumes have been compared, using a self-propelled vehicle with vertical spray booms versus a gun sprayer. Three different spray volumes have been tested with a boom sprayer, and two with a spray gun. RESULTS: The vehicle with the vertical spray boom gave similar depositions to those made with the gun, but at lower application volumes. Also, the distribution of the vertical spray boom was more uniform, with lower losses to the ground. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical spray booms used in tomato crops improve the application of plant protection products with respect to the spray gun, reducing the application volumes and the environmental risks of soil pollution.

Metabolism of omeprazole after two oral doses in children 1 to 9 months old.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been used recently for gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children older than one year with good results. However, the pharmacokinetics of PPIs have not been studied in children less than two years old. The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of the main phenotypes of the metabolizing enzymes CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 in Mexican infants. Our results indicate no significant difference between the 0.5 and the 1.5 mg/kg doses. The percentage of CYP2C19-poor metabolizers was 17% in babies below 4 months and was not detected in children above 3 months. When a combined CYP2C19- and CYP3A4- phenotype was estimated, omeprazole levels were significantly higher in poor metabolizers than in extended metabolizers. The percentage of ultra-extensive metabolizers in children older than 3 months were 20% and 33% for CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 respectively, compared to only 6% and 9% respectively, in babies between 1 and 3 months old. In general children, under 4 months had higher omeprazole levels and an immature metabolism. Studies in children older than 2 years old have showed similar pharmacokinetics to adults. For children between 1 month old and up to 9 months, we suggest the use of the 0.5 mg/kg dose, since it prevents accumulation in poor metabolizers, caution is recommended to identify ultra-fast metabolizers, but this would require new studies.

[Acute otitis media in a pediatric primary care unit]. / Otitis media aguda en un centro de salud.

BACKGROUND: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a serious public health problem and is considered one of the most common diagnoses in pediatric outpatient units. The aim of this study was to asses the incidence and distribution of AOM by age, sex, number of visits per episode, and the most frequent symptoms and signs in four pediatric primary care units. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 12-month (1 September 2000 to 31 August 2001), prospective study was carried out in a primary care center on the outskirts of Madrid. RESULTS: During the study period there were 1,098 consultations for AOM in 521 patients. The overall incidence per 100,000 children aged less than 14 years was 12,080 cases (95 % CI: 11,120-13,090). The highest incidence per 100,000 children was in children aged 12-23 months with 38,780 cases (95 % CI: 33,340-44,430). A total of 34.5 % of the children diagnosed with AOM were aged less than 2 years. Ninety-six percent of the children received antibiotics. Most (81.4 %) of the children were completely cured while symptoms persisted in 15.4 %. A minority of the children (3.5 %) were referred to the otolaryngology department.

Otitis media aguda en un centro de salud / Acute otitis media in a pediatric primary care unit

Antecedentes: La otitis media aguda (OMA) supone un importante problema de salud pública debido a su alta frecuencia, y se considera un diagnóstico muy frecuente en las consultas de Pediatría. Nuestro objetivo fue conocer la incidencia de OMA atendidas en cuatro consultas de Pediatría, así como conocer su distribución por edad y sexo, número de visitas realizadas por episodio, y síntomas y signos otoscópicos más frecuentes. Pacientes y métodos: Se trata de un estudio de casos clínicos prospectivos realizado en un Centro de Salud periurbano de Madrid durante un período de 12 meses (septiembre 2000-agosto 2001). Resultados: Durante el período de estudio se atendieron 1.098 visitas motivadas por OMA en 521 pacientes. La incidencia total fue de 12.080 casos por cada 100.000 menores de 14 años (intervalo de confianza del 95 por ciento [IC 95 por ciento], 11.120-13.090). Con una incidencia máxima entre los 12 y los 23 meses de edad con 38.780 casos por cada 100.000 niños (IC 95 por ciento, 33.340-44.430). Un 34,5 por ciento de los niños diagnosticados de OMA eran menores de 2 años de edad. El 96 por ciento de los pacientes recibieron tratamiento antibiótico. El 81,4 por ciento de los niños presentaron una curación completa, mientras que en el 15,4 por ciento de los casos se observó persistencia de la sintomatología. El 3,5 por ciento de los niños fueron derivados al otorrinolaringólogo (AU)

[Prevalence of hepatitis caused by A, B and D virus in children]. / Prevalencia de hepatitis por virus A, B y D en niños.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence due to hepatitis A, B and D viruses infection in children. A total of 286 children from Madrid area with ages ranging between 0 and 13 years were included. The sample was randomized with respect to the sex and age referring to the total population of Madrid. The anti-HAV was positive in 15.16% of cases, with an increasing lineal correlation with age. Any marker of HBV infection was found in 6.6% and HBsAg in 1.4%. There was an exponential correlation between the carrier state and the age, with a maximum at the first year and diminishing thereafter with age. The 21% of the cases with positive HBV-markers were HBsAg carriers. A predominant perinatal and intrafamiliar transmission of HBV was detected. Our results indicate a intermediate prevalence of HBV infection in Spain, suggesting the importance of HBsAg detection in pregnant women. None of the HBV-infected cases had anti-HD.

Resultados del tratamiento con gonadotrofina coriónica en niños con criptorquidia / Results of treatment with chorionic gonadotropins in children with cryptorchidism

Se estudiaron 124 niños entre 7 meses y 13 años de edad, con diagnóstico de criptorquidia de varios tipos y grados. Todos ellos fueron sometidos a tratamiento con gonadotrofina coriónica en una dosis total de 10,000 UI, dividida en cuatro dosis de 2,500 UI cada una. Los pacientes fueron reexaminados 15 días de terminar el tratamiento considerándose éxito total cuando ambos testículos se encontraron en escroto y éxito parcial cuando sólo uno de ellos descendió. Se obtuvo un éxito total en 27.4% de los pacientes en general. Una serie de factores parecen influir en el éxito del tratamiento, como: tamaño de los testículos, grado de criptorquidia y edad de los pacientes

Bioensayo de la Enterotoxina Termoestable de E. Coli / Bioessay of Thermostable Enterotoxin by E. Coli

Se comprobo la produccion de enterotoxina termoestable en una cepa de E. Coli mediante el ensayo del factor de permeabilidad en la piel del curi (Cavia cobaya), inyectando intracutaneamente 0,1 ml de suspension de la cepa en solucion reguladora de borato a ph 7,5 y midiendo despues de una hora la intensidad y el diametro de las manchas azules producidas en la piel, por un colorante inyectado intravenosamente. Igualmente, se probaron las suspensiones de cepas provenientes de cultivos suplementados con cisteina, el sobrenadante del cultivo incubado libre de celulas y varias fracciones obtenidas en la purificacion de la enterotoxina. La suspension de cepa y el sobrenadante del medio de cultivo libre de celulas, originan manchas azules con 6,8 y 0,4 cm de diametro, cuyas intensidades fueron 10 y 3, respectivamente. La suplementacion del medio de cultivo con cisteina no mejoro la produccion de enterotoxina segun este bioensayo. Finalmente, se encontro positivo el bioensayo para las fracciones obtenidas en la primera etapa de la purificacion de la enterotoxina

[Infectious complications of parenteral nutrition in infants (author's transl)]. / Complicaciones infecciosas de la alimentación parenteraln lactantes

Infectious complications found in twenty five infants with parenteral nutrition secondary to gastrointestinal problems are presented. The mean age was of 3.5 months, being mean duration of treatment 39 days/infant and mean weight increment of 19.3 g./day. In two infants a central catheter was used and peripheric veins in the rest using the three elemental nutrients. Clinical, analytic and bacteriologic studies were made during parenteral nutrition. Hemocultives, five of nutrients rests and in four catheters were positive. Three of septicemias were in direct relation with parenteral nutrition, two via central catheter and one by peripheric vein. Finally some rules to avoid infectious complications are pointed out.