Sparse Spiking Neural-Like Membrane Systems on Graphics Processing Units.

The parallel simulation of Spiking Neural P systems is mainly based on a matrix representation, where the graph inherent to the neural model is encoded in an adjacency matrix. The simulation algorithm is based on a matrix-vector multiplication, which is an operation efficiently implemented on parallel devices. However, when the graph of a Spiking Neural P system is not fully connected, the adjacency matrix is sparse and hence, lots of computing resources are wasted in both time and memory domains. For this reason, two compression methods for the matrix representation were proposed in a previous work, but they were not implemented nor parallelized on a simulator. In this paper, they are implemented and parallelized on GPUs as part of a new Spiking Neural P system with delays simulator. Extensive experiments are conducted on high-end GPUs (RTX2080 and A100 80GB), and it is concluded that they outperform other solutions based on state-of-the-art GPU libraries when simulating Spiking Neural P systems.

Prognostic value of defining characteristics in frail elderly syndrome: Hospital readmission and mortality outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most relevant clinical characteristics of the nursing diagnosis frail elderly syndrome (FES) in hospitalized patients aged 65 or older and analyze their impact on 9-month mortality and hospital readmission. METHODS: A prospective and prognostic accuracy study was conducted in patients aged 65 or older, who were admitted to hospital more than 24 h. A consecutive convenience sampling process was used. Assessment included defining characteristics (DCs) of FES, clinical fraility scale (CFS), frail scale (FS), and 9-month mortality and hospital readmission. Statistical tests were used to verify associations between variables. Binary logistic regression analysis and area under the curve were used, to identify significant predictors for the outcomes and evaluate the prognostic accuracy of the DCs. FINDINGS: This study involved 150 patients. CFS scored 65 patients (43.3%, confidence interval 95% 35.2% a 51.6) as frail and proved a prognostic value of mortality at 9 month from pre-frail state (p = 0.020). The mean number of DCs for FES nursing diagnosis was 6.35 (SD = 3.14). Validated tools for measuring frailty were associated with all DCs, excepting nutritional imbalance: below body needs. The hospital readmission during the following 9 months was only statistically related to memory impairment (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Clinical frailty scale showed good results as a predictor of mortality. The study suggests exploring including it, in clinical manifestations of elderly frail syndrome. This study found that only memory impairment defining characteristic was predictive of hospital readmission. Further research should identify other relevant and prognostic clinical manifestations. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: These findings highlight the importance of being vigilant on cognitive decline during hospital admissions. The most prevalent and determinant DCs identified in this study indicate that clinical should focus on preserving functional and mental abilities as well as mobility.

Associations of Dietary Intake and Nutrient Status with Micronutrient and Lipid Composition in Breast Milk of Donor Women.

The influence of the diet and nutritional status of milk donors on the nutritional composition of donor human milk (DHM) is unknown. The present study aimed to determine the nutritional profile of DHM and the associations between donors' dietary intake and nutritional status and the micronutrient and lipid composition in DHM. For this purpose, 113 donors completed a food frequency questionnaire, provided a five-day weighed dietary record, and collected milk for five consecutive days. Nutrient determinations in donors' erythrocytes, plasma, urine, and milk were performed. Multiple linear regressions were conducted for the evaluation of the associations. We highlight the following results: DHM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was positively associated with donors' plasma DHA content and donors' DHA intake (R2 0.45, p < 0.001). For every 1 g/day DHA intake, an increase of 0.38% in DHA content and 0.78% in total omega-3 content was observed in DHM (R2 0.29, p < 0.001). DHM saturated fatty acids were positively associated with erythrocyte dimethyl acetals, plasma stearic acid, trans fatty acids intake, and breastfeeding duration and negatively associated with erythrocyte margaroleic acid (R2 0.34, p < 0.01). DHM cholecalciferol was associated with plasma cholecalciferol levels and dairy intake (R2 0.57, p < 0.01). Other weaker associations were found for free thiamin, free riboflavin, pyridoxal, dehydroascorbic acid, and the lipid profile in DHM. In conclusion, the diet and nutritional status of donors influence the fatty acid profile and micronutrient content of DHM.

Comparing ART outcomes in women with endometriosis after GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist ovarian stimulation: a systematic review.

Background: Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent disease that can cause subfertility in women who may require assisted reproductive technology (ART) to achieve their pregnancy goals. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare ART outcomes in women with endometriosis following the long GnRH-agonist controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol with those taking the GnRH-antagonist COS protocol. Data Sources and Methods: MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched in June 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing the long GnRH-agonist COS protocol and the GnRH-antagonist COS protocol in women with all stages/subtypes of endometriosis were included. Data were synthesized into comprehensive tables for systematic review. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklists were used for the risk of bias assessment of non-randomized studies and randomized studies, and all the included studies were deemed to have acceptable quality. Main Results: Eight studies (one RCT and seven observational) with 2695 patients (2761 cycles) were included. Most studies generally reported non-significant differences in clinical pregnancy or live birth rates regardless of the COS protocol used. However, the GnRH-agonist protocol may yield a higher total number of oocytes retrieved, especially mature oocytes. Conversely, the GnRH-antagonist protocol required a shorter COS duration and lower gonadotrophin dose. Adverse outcomes, such as rates of cycle cancellation and miscarriage, were similar between both COS protocols. Conclusion: Both the long GnRH-agonist and GnRH-antagonist COS protocols generally yield similar pregnancy outcomes. However, the long GnRH-agonist protocol may be associated with a higher cumulative pregnancy rate due to the higher number of retrieved oocytes available for cryopreservation. The underlying mechanisms of the two COS protocols on the female reproductive tract remain unclear. Clinicians should consider treatment costs, stage/subtype of endometriosis and pregnancy goals of their patients when selecting a GnRH analogue for COS. A well-powered RCT is needed to minimize the risk of bias and compare the risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Registration: This review was prospectively registered at PROSPERO under Registration No. CRD42022327604.

Adverse effects of dorsogluteal intramuscular injection versus ventrogluteal intramuscular injection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To determine adverse effects of ventrogluteal intramuscular injections versus dorsogluteal intramuscular injections. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, CENTRAL, LILACS(BVS), BDENF (BVS), WoS, IRCTP(WHO), ClinicalsTrials.gov and PROSPERO databases were searched with no restriction on year or language. Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: A total of 1429 participants from 17 studies were included. The meta-analysis found that ventrogluteal injection site had significant relation to lower pain in 9 studies (SMD = -0.63, 95% CI = -0.87, -0.39), bleeding in 4 studies (SMD = -3.46, 95% CI = -6.07, -0.86) and hematoma in 2 studies; after 48 h (SMD = -0.25, 95% CI = -0.39, -0.11), and after 72 h (SMD = -0.16, 95% CI = -0.26, -0.06), if it was compared with dorsogluteal site injection. No differences were found when comparing the possibility of intramuscular injections given into de subcutaneous tissue. In three studies, ventrogluteal site did not significantly reduce the risk of subcutaneous injection (OR 0,62, 95% CI = 0.16, 2.41).

Human Milk Composition and Nutritional Status of Omnivore Human Milk Donors Compared with Vegetarian/Vegan Lactating Mothers.

Women of childbearing age in Western societies are increasingly adopting vegetarian diets. These women are sometimes rejected as milk donors, but little about the composition of their milk is known. The present study aimed to compare the intake, nutritional status, and nutritional composition of human milk from omnivore human milk donors (Donors) and vegetarian/vegan lactating mothers (Veg). Milk, blood, and urine samples from 92 Donors and 20 Veg were used to determine their fatty acid profiles, as well as vitamins and minerals. In a representative sample of both groups, we also determined the lipid class profile as a distribution of neutral and polar lipids, the molecular species of triacylglycerols, and the relative composition of phospholipids in their milk. A dietary assessment was conducted with a five-day dietary record (while considering the intake of supplements). We highlight the following results, expressed as the mean (SE), for the Veg vs. Donors: (1) Their docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake was 0.11 (0.03) vs. 0.38 (0.03) g/day; the plasma DHA was 0.37 (0.07) vs. 0.83 (0.06)%; and the milk DHA was 0.15 (0.04) vs. 0.33 (0.02)%. (2) Their milk B12 levels were 545.69 (20.49) vs. 482.89 (4.11) pM; 85% of the Veg reported taking B12 supplements (mean dose: 312.1 mcg/day); and the Veg group showed no differences with Donors in terms of total daily intake or plasma B12. (3) Their milk phosphatidylcholine levels were 26.88 (0.67) vs. 30.55 (1.10)%. (4) Their milk iodine levels were 126.42 (13.37) vs. 159.22 (5.13) mcg/L. In conclusion, the Vegs' milk was shown to be different from the Donors' milk, mainly due to its low DHA content, which is concerning. However, raising awareness and ensuring proper supplementation could bridge this gap, as has already been achieved for cobalamin.

Review: Status and prospects of association mapping in grapevine.

Thanks to current advances in sequencing technologies, novel bioinformatics tools, and efficient modeling solutions, association mapping has become a widely accepted approach to unravel the link between genotype and phenotype diversity in numerous crops. In grapevine, this strategy has been used in the last decades to understand the genetic basis of traits of agronomic interest (fruit quality, crop yield, biotic and abiotic resistance), of special relevance nowadays to improve crop resilience to cope with future climate scenarios. Genome-wide association studies have identified many putative causative loci for different traits, some of them overlapping well-known causal genes identified by conventional quantitative trait loci studies in biparental progenies, and/or validated by functional approaches. In addition, candidate-gene association studies have been useful to pinpoint the causal mutation underlying phenotypic variation for several traits of high interest in breeding programs (like berry color, seedlessness, and muscat flavor), information that has been used to develop highly informative and useful markers already in use in marker-assisted selection processes. Thus, association mapping has proved to represent a valuable step towards high quality and sustainable grape production. This review summarizes current applications of association mapping in grapevine research and discusses future prospects in view of current viticulture challenges.

Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonists Compared With Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors for Non-Hormonal Treatment of Menopausal Hot Flushes: A Systematic Qualitative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Hot flushes/flashes (HFs) or other vasomotor symptoms affect between 45 and 97% of women during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is effective at alleviating menopausal symptoms, but some women cannot or prefer not to take HRT. Since current non-hormonal options have suboptimal efficacy/tolerability, there is a pressing need for an effective, well-tolerated alternative. The neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) has recently been implicated in the generation of menopausal HFs and represents a novel therapeutic target to ameliorate HF symptoms. This review aims to assess if NK3R antagonists (NK3Ras) are more effective than Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)-currently a common choice for non-hormonal treatment of menopausal HFs. METHODS: Studies were identified after systematically searching Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases based on PRISMA guidelines. Trial quality and bias were assessed. Key efficacy outcomes (HF frequency, HF severity and number of night-time awakenings/night-sweats) and selected safety outcomes were extracted and analysed. RESULTS: Seven SNRI and four NK3Ra placebo-controlled randomised trials (plus four follow-up reports) were included in this review. NK3Ra administration resulted in a larger reduction from baseline in HF frequency, HF severity and night-sweats compared to SNRIs. Five of seven SNRI trials showed a reduction in HF frequency that was statistically significant (by 48-67% from baseline at weeks 8 or 12) whereas all NK3Ra trials showed a statistically significant reduction in HF frequency (by 62-93% from baseline at weeks 2, 4 or 12). While SNRI trials reported poor tolerability, particularly nausea, NK3Ra trials reported good tolerability overall, although two trials reported elevation in transaminases. CONCLUSION: NK3Ras trials show encouraging efficacy and tolerability/safety. Completion of phase 3 NK3Ra trials are required to confirm efficacy and uphold safety/tolerability data but phase 2 results suggest that NK3Ras are more effective than SNRIs for non-hormonal treatment of menopausal HFs.

Genetic variation and association analyses identify genes linked to fruit set-related traits in grapevine.

Grapevine is one of the most valuable fruit crops in the world. Adverse environmental conditions reduce fruit quality and crop yield, so understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms determining crop yield components is essential to optimize grape production. The analysis of a diverse collection of grapevine cultivars allowed us to evaluate the relationship between fruit set-related components of yield, including the incidence of reproductive disorders such as coulure and millerandage. The collection displayed a great phenotypic variation that we surveyed in a genetics association study using 15,309 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in the sequence of 289 candidate genes scattered across the 19 grapevine linkage groups. After correcting statistical models for population structure and linkage disequilibrium effects, 164 SNPs from 34 of these genes were found to associate with fruit set-related traits, supporting a complex polygenic determinism. Many of them were found in the sequence of different putative MADS-box transcription factors, a gene family related with plant reproductive development control. In addition, we observed an additive effect of some of the associated SNPs on the phenotype, suggesting that advantageous alleles from different loci could be pyramided to generate superior cultivars with optimized fruit production.

Suppression of ovarian hormones in adolescent rats has no effect on anxiety-like behaviour or c-fos activation in the amygdala.

In humans, sex differences in mood disorders emerge during adolescence, with prevalence rates being consistently higher in females than males. It has been hypothesised that exposure to endogenous ovarian hormones during adolescence enhances the susceptibility of females to mood disorders from this stage of life onwards. However, experimental evidence in favour of this hypothesis is lacking. In the present study, we examined the long-term effects of suppressing adolescent gonadal hormone levels in a group of female Lister-hooded rats via administration of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist (Antide; administered on postnatal day [PND] 28 and 42) compared to control females and males (n = 14 per group). We predicted that, in adulthood, Antide-treated female rats would exhibit more male-like behaviour than control females in novel environments (elevated-plus maze, open field and light-dark box), in response to novel objects and novel social partners, and in an acoustic startle task. Progesterone and luteinising hormone assays (which were conducted on blood samples collected on PND 55/56 and 69/70) confirmed that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was temporarily suppressed by Antide treatment. In addition, Antide-treated females were found to exhibit a modest pubertal delay, as measured by vaginal opening, which was comparable in length to the pubertal delay that has been induced by adolescent exposure to alcohol or stress in previous studies of female rats. However, Antide-treated females did not substantially differ from control females on any of the behavioural tests, despite the evidence for predicted sex differences in some measures. Following the acoustic startle response task, all subjects were culled and perfused, and c-Fos staining was conducted in the medial and basolateral amygdala, with the results showing no significant differences in cell counts between the groups. These findings suggest that ovarian hormone exposure during adolescence does not have long-term effects on anxiety-related responses in female rats.

Population genetic analysis in old Montenegrin vineyards reveals ancient ways currently active to generate diversity in Vitis vinifera.

Global viticulture has evolved following market trends, causing loss of cultivar diversity and traditional practices. In Montenegro, modern viticulture co-exists with a traditional viticulture that still maintains ancient practices and exploits local cultivars. As a result, this region provides a unique opportunity to explore processes increasing genetic diversity. To evaluate the diversity of Montenegrin grapevines and the processes involved in their diversification, we collected and analyzed 419 samples in situ across the country (cultivated plants from old orchards and vines growing in the wild), and 57 local varieties preserved in a grapevine collection. We obtained 144 different genetic profiles, more than 100 corresponding to cultivated grapevines, representing a surprising diversity for one of the smallest European countries. Part of this high diversity reflects historical records indicating multiple and intense introduction events from diverse viticultural regions at different times. Another important gene pool includes many autochthonous varieties, some on the edge of extinction, linked in a complex parentage network where two varieties (Razaklija and Kratosija) played a leading role on the generation of indigenous varieties. Finally, analyses of genetic structure unveiled several putative proto-varieties, likely representing the first steps involved in the generation of new cultivars or even secondary domestication events.

Effect of gestational age (preterm or full term) on lipid composition of the milk fat globule and its membrane in human colostrum.

Human colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mother after birth and constitutes the ideal food for the newborn, because its chemical composition, rich in immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, growth factors, bioactive lipids, and other important molecules, is perfectly adapted to the metabolic, digestive, and immunological immaturity of the newborn. An incomplete gestational period can affect the maturity of the mammary gland and its ability to secrete milk with the proper composition for the newborn's condition. Previous studies indicate that the mammary gland modulates the profiles of bioactive lipids present in the different phases of lactation from colostrum to mature milk. Given the key role played by the polar lipids (PL) (phospho- and sphingolipids) of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in the immune system and cognitive development of the newborn, it is crucial to analyze whether the content and distribution of the PL are affected by gestation period. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the milk fat globule (MFG) and MFGM lipid compositions of human colostrum samples from 20 healthy preterm and full-term mothers. Lipid characterization using chromatographic techniques (gas chromatograph mass spectrometry and HPLC-evaporative light-scattering detection) revealed differences related to length of gestation in the profiles of lipid classes and fatty acid and triacylglyceride contents of colostrum. This comparative analysis leads to noteworthy outcomes about the changing roles of the PL, considering the preterm or full-term condition. We found a lack of correlation of some PL (such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylserine) with the delivery term; these could be denoted as structural category lipids. However, sphingomyelin and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine exhibited trends to decrease in full-term colostrum, indicating that in the final stage of pregnancy specific accretion of some PL occurs, which should be denoted as a nutritional redistribution.

VviUCC1 Nucleotide Diversity, Linkage Disequilibrium and Association with Rachis Architecture Traits in Grapevine.

Cluster compactness is a trait with high agronomic relevance, affecting crop yield and grape composition. Rachis architecture is a major component of cluster compactness determinism, and is a target trait toward the breeding of grapevine varieties less susceptible to pests and diseases. Although its genetic basis is scarcely understood, a preliminary result indicated a possible involvement of the VviUCC1 gene. The aim of this study was to characterize the VviUCC1 gene in grapevine and to test the association between the natural variation observed for a series of rachis architecture traits and the polymorphisms detected in the VviUCC1 sequence. This gene encodes an uclacyanin plant-specific cell-wall protein involved in fiber formation and/or lignification processes. A high nucleotide diversity in the VviUCC1 gene promoter and coding regions was observed, but no critical effects were predicted in the protein domains, indicating a high level of conservation of its function in the cultivated grapevine. After correcting statistical models for genetic stratification and linkage disequilibrium effects, marker-trait association results revealed a series of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with cluster compactness and rachis traits variation. Two of them (Y-984 and K-88) affected two common cis-transcriptional regulatory elements, suggesting an effect on phenotype via gene expression regulation. This work reinforces the interest of further studies aiming to reveal the functional effect of the detected VviUCC1 variants on grapevine rachis architecture.

Ovarian hormones induce de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the Siberian hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus.

The present study investigated neuroanatomically localised changes in de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the female Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). The objectives were to identify the neuroendocrine substrates that exhibit rhythmic Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b expression across the oestrous cycle and also examine the role of ovarian steroids. Hypothalamic Dnmt3a expression was observed to significantly increase during the transition from pro-oestrous to oestrous. A single bolus injection of diethylstilbestrol and progesterone was sufficient to increase Dnmt3a cell numbers and Dnmt3b immunoreactive intensity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. In vitro analyses using an embryonic rodent cell line revealed that diethylstilbestrol was sufficient to induce Dnmt3b expression. Up-regulating DNA methylation in vitro reduced the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, Vip, and the circadian clock gene, Bmal1. Together, these data indicate that ovarian steroids drive de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus and increased methylation may regulate genes involved in the circadian timing of oestrous: Vip and Bmal1. Overall, epigenetically mediated neuroendocrine reproductive events may reflect an evolutionarily ancient process involved in the timing of female fertility.

Bienestar de la mujer durante el proceso de parto: comparación de dos herramientas de evaluación / Women's welfare during the process of childbirth: a comparison of two evaluation tolos

OBJETIVO: Describir la experiencia y el bienestar de las mujeres durante el proceso de parto atendido en el Área de Salud 2-Cartagena, del Servicio Murciano de Salud, y relacionarlos con las características ociodemográficas y obstétricas de la muestra y discutir la adecuación de las escalas utilizadas CEQ-E y BMSP2 en el entorno donde se emplean. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal realizado sobre 120 mujeres con parto eutócico. Los datos fueron recogidos mediante las encuestas CEQ-E y BMSP2. RESULTADOS: El bienestar y la experiencia durante el parto fueron valorados entre adecuados y óptimos por un 83,8% de las participantes (120 mujeres) con la escala BMSP2, y con una puntuación media de 3,19 sobre 4 puntos con la herramienta CEQ-E. Los resultados de las subescalas indican que el apoyo profesional y el contacto madre-hijo fueron las dimensiones mejor valoradas. El bienestar y la satisfacción no se relacionaron con la edad, la fórmula obstétrica, el tipo de inicio de parto, la duración del parto y el desgarro durante el expulsivo. Únicamente la nacionalidad y el tipo de anestesia se relacionaron de forma estadísticamente significativa con algunas de las subescalas de las herramientas utilizadas. Entre las dos escalas de nuestro estudio existe una correlación positiva moderada (R = 0,557) que contribuye a la validez de criterio de la escala BMSP2. CONCLUSIONES: La correlación positiva entre las dos herramientas nos indica que ambas pueden ser útiles en contextos culturales como el mediterráneo, en el que son valoradas tanto la autoeficacia (dimensión que enfatiza la herramienta CEQ-E elaborada en Suecia) como la participación de la familia (dimensión incluida en la herramienta chilena BMSP2)

OBJECTIVE: Describe the experience and well-being of women in Area II of the Murcian Health Service during the birth process, and relate them to the sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of the sam-ple, and discuss the adequacy of the scales used CEQ-E and BMSP2 in the environment where they are used. METHOD: Descriptive crosssectional study performed on 120 women with eutocic delivery. The data was collected through the CEQ-E and BMSP2 surveys. RESULTS: The level of well-being was assessed as adequate and optimal in 83.8% of the participants (120 women), with the BMSP2 scale, and with an average score of 3.19 over 4 points with the CEQ-E tool. The results of the subscales indicate that the professional support and the contact mother-newborn were the most valued dimensions. Well-being was not related to age, the obstetric formula, type of onset of labor, the duration of delivery and the tear during the expulsive period. Only the nationality and the type of anesthesia were related in a statistically significant way with some of the subscales of the tools used. Between the two scales of our study, there is moderate positive correlation (R = 0.557) that contributes to the criterion validity of the BMSP2 scale. CONCLUSIONS: The positive correlation between the two surveys indicates that both can be useful in cultural contexts such as the Mediterranean, in which both self-efficacy (dimension that emphasizes the CEQ-E scale developed in Sweden) and family participation are valued (dimension included in the Chilean questionary BMSP2)

Major Outbreaks in the Nineteenth Century Shaped Grape Phylloxera Contemporary Genetic Structure in Europe.

Grape phylloxera is native to North America, where Vitis spp. acquired different mechanisms of resistance to leaf and root attack. Its appearance in European vineyards at the beginning of the 1860s, where the phylloxera-susceptible grapevine species V. vinifera L. is majorly cultivated, caused the devastation of a great number of vineyards, generating a deep crisis in the European wine production and trade industries. However, the origin and genetic structure of this pest across European vineyards still remain controversial and uncertain. Herein, we analysed the genetic structure of 1173 grape phylloxera individuals collected from 100 locations across eight European countries. Structure and phylogenetic analyses show that contemporary grape phylloxera populations in Europe are the result of at least two independent introductions from the native range that mirrors the historical records that also suggest two major outbreaks in Europe. The comparative analysis with samples from the native range trace back one of these two genetic groups to plants imported from the North East coast of North America, where the American species V. riparia and V. labrusca dominate. This study clarifies the level of genetic diversity of grape phylloxera in Europe and provides relevant information to resolve previous controversy about its origin.

Use of DNA Markers for Grape Phylloxera Population and Evolutionary Genetics: From RAPDs to SSRs and Beyond.

Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) is a major pest of cultivated grapevines (Vitis spp.), occurring in virtually all viticultural regions around the world. Different grape phylloxera strains can be found at varying levels on leaves and roots on both own-rooted plants and in plants grafted onto partially resistant rootstocks. Considering its relevance for the adequate management of the pest in infested vineyards, the analysis of its genetic diversity has received considerable attention from the scientific community in the last decades. Here, we review 25 years of DNA-based molecular markers applied to the analysis of the genetic structure and the reproductive mode of grape phylloxera in its native range and in different introduced regions. The use given to RAPD, AFLP, mtDNA sequencing and microsatellite (SSR) genetic markers for the analysis of grape phylloxera diversity is discussed, and an overview of the main findings obtained after their application to different populations collected in diverse regions all around the world is shown. Lastly, we explore how recent advancements in molecular biology and in modern high throughput genotyping technologies may be applied to better understand grape phylloxera natural diversity at a molecular level.

A novel high-density grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) integrated linkage map using GBS in a half-diallel population.

KEY MESSAGE: A half-diallel population involving five elite grapevine cultivars was generated and genotyped by GBS, and highly-informative segregation data was used to construct a high-density genetic map for Vitis vinifera L. Grapevine is one of the most relevant fruit crops in the world. Deeper genetic knowledge could assist modern grapevine breeding programs to develop new wine grape varieties able to face climate change effects. To assist in the rapid identification of markers for crop yield components, grape quality traits and adaptation potential, we generated a large Vitis vinifera L. population (N = 624) by crossing five red wine cultivars in a half-diallel scheme, which was subsequently sequenced by an efficient GBS procedure. A high number of fully informative genetic variants was detected using a novel mapping approach capable of reconstructing local haplotypes from adjacent biallelic SNPs, which were subsequently used to construct the densest consensus genetic map available for the cultivated grapevine to date. This 1378.3-cM map integrates 10 bi-parental consensus maps and orders 4437 markers in 3353 unique positions on 19 chromosomes. Markers are well distributed all along the grapevine reference genome, covering up to 98.8% of its genomic sequence. Additionally, a good agreement was observed between genetic and physical orders, adding confidence in the quality of this map. Collectively, our results pave the way for future genetic studies (such as fine QTL mapping) aimed to understand the complex relationship between genotypic and phenotypic variation in the cultivated grapevine. In addition, the method used (which efficiently delivers a high number of fully informative markers) could be of interest to other outbred organisms, notably perennial fruit crops.

The dyslexia susceptibility KIAA0319 gene shows a specific expression pattern during zebrafish development supporting a role beyond neuronal migration.

Dyslexia is a common neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a significant genetic component. The KIAA0319 gene is one of the most robust dyslexia susceptibility factors but its function remains poorly understood. Initial RNA-interference studies in rats suggested a role in neuronal migration whereas subsequent work with double knock-out mouse models for both Kiaa0319 and its paralogue Kiaa0319-like reported effects in the auditory system but not in neuronal migration. To further understand the role of KIAA0319 during neurodevelopment, we carried out an expression study of its zebrafish orthologue at different embryonic stages. We used different approaches including RNAscope in situ hybridization combined with light-sheet microscopy. The results show particularly high expression during the first few hours of development. Later, expression becomes localized in well-defined structures. In addition to high expression in the brain, we report for the first time expression in the eyes and the notochord. Surprisingly, kiaa0319-like, which generally shows a similar expression pattern to kiaa0319, was not expressed in the notochord suggesting a distinct role for kiaa0319 in this structure. This observation was supported by the identification of notochord enhancers enriched upstream of the KIAA0319 transcription start site, in both zebrafish and humans. This study supports a developmental role for KIAA0319 in the brain as well as in other developing structures, particularly in the notochord which, is key for establishing body patterning in vertebrates.