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The genotype by environment interaction is the main factor that influences the response of evaluated genotypes in trials of value for cultivation and use. Adaptability and stability analyses are fundamental to understanding the performance of genotypes in a growing region. Some of these methodologies incorporate previous information for recommending an extra group of genotypes denominated as specific ideotypes under certain cultivation conditions. Based on this strategy, the centroid method and its modifications have been widely used due to the simplicity of classification of the evaluated genotypes. However, these methodologies present problems in identifying adaptability patterns of some genotypes. Artificial intelligence techniques, such as fuzzy C-means, can be an alternative to reduce these difficulties, since they use, in addition to distance information between genotypes, memberships (measures quantifying how much an observation belongs to a particular class) to increase discriminatory power. Therefore, our aim was to propose and evaluate the phenotypic adaptability method by fuzzy clustering to assist cultivar recommendations. The adaptation of the fuzzy C-Means method to classify the genotypes was implemented in BioFuzzy software. The grain yield data of black common bean genotypes were used to evaluate the potential of the method. The results obtained by this method were compared with those obtained by the centroid method. The phenotypic adaptability method by fuzzy clustering was effective in identifying the adaptability patterns of common bean genotypes. Moreover, the discriminatory power was higher than that observed with the centroid method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carioca grains are the most cultivated commercial group of common bean and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli (Fop) is an important disease under field conditions. Genetic resistance is the most effective control strategy. Thus, our objective was to study the inheritance of Fop resistance in the carioca grain type common bean. Lines CNFC 11965 (S) and CVIII 8511 (R) were crossed to obtain F1 and F2 generations and backcrosses, inoculated with the isolate FOP UFV 01, and severity grades used to estimate genetic parameters. Segregation of resistant and susceptible plants in the F2 generations and backcrosses resulted in dominant monogenic inheritance of Fop resistance. The high values of heritability emphasized the probability of success in the selection processes because environmental factors were not significant. The carioca grain line CVIII 8511 is promising, and its Fop resistance gene can be transferred to commercial cultivars of this group using the backcross method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection with different Leishmania spp. protozoa can lead to a variety of clinical syndromes associated in many cases with inflammatory responses in the skin. Although macrophages harbor the majority of parasites throughout chronic infection, neutrophils are the first inflammatory cells to migrate to the site of infection. Whether neutrophils promote parasite clearance or exacerbate disease in murine models varies depending on the susceptible or resistant status of the host. Based on the hypothesis that neutrophils contribute to a systemic inflammatory state in humans with symptomatic L. braziliensis infection, we evaluated the phenotype of neutrophils from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) during the course of L. braziliensis infection. After in vitro infection with L. braziliensis, CL patient neutrophils produced more reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher levels of CXCL8 and CXCL9, chemokines associated with recruitment of neutrophils and Th1-type cells, than neutrophils from control healthy subjects (HS). Despite this, CL patient and HS neutrophils were equally capable of phagocytosis of L. braziliensis. There was no difference between the degree of activation of neutrophils from CL versus healthy subjects, assessed by CD66b and CD62L expression using flow cytometry. Of interest, these studies revealed that both parasite-infected and bystander neutrophils became activated during incubation with L. braziliensis. The enhanced ROS and chemokine production in neutrophils from CL patients reverted to baseline after treatment of disease. These data suggest that the circulating neutrophils during CL are not necessarily more microbicidal, but they have a more pro-inflammatory profile after parasite restimulation than neutrophils from healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autogamous plant breeders obtain numerous populations annually, and in the progeny selection process, the merit of the population is not considered. Thus, it would be important to have a progeny selection index that includes not only the effects of progenies in the different generations but also the effects of populations in all the generations and the data from parents and the F1 and F2 generations simultaneously. The main objective of this paper was to develop a selection method that encompasses the entire structure of an autogamous plant breeding program including all the data as of the parents, the F1 and F2 generations, and also both the progeny and population effects in the F3 to F6 generations. To do so, a selection index (called selection index with parents, populations, progenies, and generations [SIPPPG]), which includes all these effects, was proposed. Estimators were also derived for computation of the contribution (through indirect heritabilities and selective accuracies) of each source of information for predicting the additive genetic value of the lines to be obtained at the end of the selection process. The new approach was assessed through numerical evaluation and a total index was also obtained using field data derived from a breeding program with the common bean crop. This new index yields gains in selection efficiency ranging from 5 to 28% depending on the relative magnitude of the genetic variation among populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larval stage is a critical aspect of the biology of most marine animals, impacting not only the species fitness but also its bathymetric and geographic distribution. To understand the role of larval dispersion and adult characteristics in the distribution of marine gastropods, the present study assesses the relationship among larval development type (planktotrophic, lecithotrophic, or intracapsular metamorphosis), adult characteristics (body size, depth range, and habitat diversity), and geographic distribution of benthic gastropods inhabiting shallow waters (up to 200 m depth) in the Western Atlantic Ocean. Results were generated using literature and linear mixed model (LMM) and variance partition analyses. Larval development type is the most important predictor of geographical distribution of marine gastropods analyzed here, unlike studies with reef fishes. Along with the type of larval development, the ability to occupy different types of habitats and depth ranges were also important to predict the geographic distribution, but to a lesser extent. The similar dispersal capabilities of planktotrophic and lecithotrophic larvae and the restricted geographic distribution of some species with planktonic larvae are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding, several trials are carried out in field conditions to predict the genotypic values, but experimental designs may not be sufficient to capture the field heterogeneity in the experimental area. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of spatial models to correct data from a common bean breeding program for spatial trends and improve the prediction of genotypic values. We used real data from 19 field trials from a common bean breeding program and three experimental designs. The traditional statistical model with design effects and independent errors was fitted and used as the basic model. Later, we fitted a sequence of spatial models to include different residual (co)variance structures for local trends and fixed and random effects based on plot position information to capture global and extraneous trends. The basic model and the best‐fit spatial model were compared regarding the estimates of heritability, accuracy, prediction error variance, and discordance in the top‐ranking genotypes. In most cases, the use of spatial models improved the estimates of heritability and accuracy or, at least, reduced the estimates of prediction error variance. Also, changes in the genotypic values classification were observed. Because no single model presented the best fit for all trials, some of the tested models were recommended for future trials based on the patterns of spatial trends observed. Thus, the use of spatial models helped to improve the data analysis and the prediction of genotypic values by capturing the field heterogeneity in our common bean field trials. Core Ideas: Common bean breeding is based on field evaluation of candidate genotypes.Experimental designs are not completely efficient to capture field heterogeneity.Spatial models were used to further improve the control of spatial heterogeneity.Accuracy, heritability, and genotype classification were positively affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chemical evidence of oil found in digestive tract of deceased sea turtles in oil-affected regions. • Impact of solid waste and oil on South American sea turtle mortality. • Externally unoiled turtles showed chemical evidence of oil in the digestive tract. • Colored plastics were the most ingested by turtles. • Not all dark material found in the gastrointestinal content of turtles killed is truly oil. Sea turtle mortality is often related to materials that reach the coast from different anthropic activities worldwide. This study aimed to investigate whether sea turtle mortality was related to older marine problems, such as solid waste, or one of the largest oil spill accidents on the Brazilian coast, that occurred in 2019. We posed three questions: 1) Are there solid residues in the digestive tract samples, and which typology is the most abundant? 2) Can meso‑ and macro-waste marine pollutants cause mortality? 3) Is the dark material found really oil? A total of 25 gastrointestinal content (GC) samples were obtained, of which 22 ingested waste of anthropogenic origin and 18 were necropsied. These 22 samples were obtained during or after the 2019 oil spill, of which 17 specimens were affected, making it possible to suggest oil ingestion with the cause of death in the animals that could be necropsied. Macroscopic data showed that the most abundant solid waste was plastic (76.05 %), followed by fabrics (12.18 %) and oil-like materials. However, chemical data confirmed only three specimens with oil levels ranging from remnants to high. It was possible to infer possible causes of death in 16 of the total 18 necropsied cases: Most deaths were due to respiratory arrest (62.5 %), followed by pulmonary edema (12.5 %), cachexia syndrome (12.5 %), circulatory shock (6.25 %), and head trauma (6.25 %), which may have been caused by contact with solid waste, oil, or both. The study showed that not all dark material found in the GCs of turtles killed in oiled areas is truly oil, and in this sense, a chemical analysis step to prove the evidence of oil must be added to international protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To be considered drought-tolerant, a tomato cultivar is required to present some level of tolerance at all developmental stages of plant growth. Since drought tolerance is a stage-specific phenomenon, genotype assessment must be performed separately at all developmental stages. In this study, we used a multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP index) to properly rank 49 tomato genotypes according to their tolerance to drought stress conditions at germination and seedling stages. Seeds of 47 introgression lines, which cultivar M82 is considered droughtsensitive, and the Solanum pennellii wild accession LA 716, which is considered drought-tolerant, were subjected to a control condition, where seeds were soaked in distilled water, and a drought condition, where seeds were soaked in a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution (-0.3 MPa). Drought stress, induced by PEG, had a significant impact on all nine germination and growth performance-related traits; there was a reduction in shoot length (SL), total length (TL), initial germination percentage (IGP), final germination percentage (FGP), germination velocity index (GVI), and germination rate (GR). In contrast, the root-to-shoot ratio (R/S) and time to reach 50% germination (T50) increased under drought stress. Root length (RL) was less affected by drought, and in some genotypes, it was even increased. As expected, LA 716 ranked closest to the drought tolerance ideotype. IL 1-4-18, IL 2-3, IL 1-2, IL 9-2, and IL 10-1 were the most drought-tolerant at the germination stage. These results will serve as guidance for breeders who are aiming at developing drought-resistant tomato cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At initial breeding stages, using a replicated check design is a viable alternative to reduce experimental field area as well as financial and operational costs. In this situation, spatial modeling could act to increase prediction accuracy of plant genotypic values. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate how spatially adjusted models can be used to reduce experimental error and how to compare statistical models in order to identify the best model for accurate genotype selection. For this purpose, we assessed 200 F3:4 tomato families for their resistance to Phytophthora infestans isolates. NC1CELBR, NC25P, and the cultivar Santa Clara were used as checks. Under field conditions, plants were inoculated with P. infestans isolates and scored according to their level of disease severity. Nine statistical models were adjusted to estimate family genotypic values. The selection of the fittest model was based on residual variance values, accuracy, Akaike and Bayesian information criteria, and the maximum likelihood ratio test. We observed spatial patterns within the experimental field area. Spatial modeling decreased error, which is indicated by the better experimental variation distribution. Residual variance decreased, while genotypic variance increased ~10% when spatial analysis was used. Spatial analysis improved selection accuracy by 19% compared with the traditional analysis. Therefore, we recommend incorporating spatial modeling into data analysis in breeding trials for disease resistance because it can provide higher gains from selection compared with traditional modeling approaches, depending on the experimental condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In breeding of autogamous plants, breeders often deal with the evaluation of progenies derived from multiple populations. We hypothesize that selection strategies that account for the heterogeneous genotypic variability of progenies within these populations associated with the population means may improve progeny selection. Thus, the objective of this work was to use two mixed models with progenies nested to population effects to obtain and evaluate indexes for the genotypic values of progenies. We used simulations and a real dataset from a multipopulation recurrent selection program of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Progenies from 20 populations were evaluated for grain yield in two different generations. The three studied indexes consider the merit of populations, but differently account for the genotypic variability of progenies within populations: index gM uses a mean estimate, index gH is based on heterogeneous estimates, and the index gW also uses a mean estimate but is weighted by the selection accuracy within populations. The studied populations were highly diverse in both generations, justifying the implementation of the two models to obtain the population means and specific estimates of genotypic variability of progenies for each population. The comparison among indexes suggested that index gW more appropriately explored the information from the genotypic profiles of the common bean studied populations in the genotypic values of progenies. Thus, the index gW has the potential to help breeders of self-pollinated plant species to improve progeny selection from multiple populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to incorporate resistance to the anthracnose and angular leaf spot pathogens in the common bean lines BRSMG Talismã, VC8 and VC9, crosses were made between these lines and the line Rudá-R, donor of the alleles Phg1, Co-4, Co-10, which confer resistance to Pseudocercospora griseola and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. After the crosses, the backcross populations were obtained, and the RC1F1 plants were inoculated with race 65 of C. lindemuthianum. The resistant plants were genotyped with the markers SCARH13, SCARY20 and SCARF10, linked to the alleles Phg1, Co-4 and Co-10, respectively. Based on the molecular data, 44 plants were selected. The progenies originating from multiplication of these plants were evaluated over three seasons for grain yield, plant architecture and grain aspects. Based on these considerations and molecular data, 13 promising progenies were selected for developing inbreds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late blight caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans is a destructive tomato disease in Brazil and in other tropical and subtropical regions. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the inheritance of resistance to late blight and determine the genetic factors that contribute to the resistance in the inbred line "163A". The Line "163A" resulted from an interspecific cross between Solanum lycopersicum and S. habrochaites f. glabratum, achieved by researchers at Universidade Federal de Viçosa. Inoculated field with mixture isolates of pathogen with 1000 spores mL-1 and naturally infested field trials showed that the expression of "163A" against multiple isolates of the pathogen was stable. The genetic analysis supported the hypothesis of two recessive genes that controlls the resistance. The scaling test of additive-dominance model showed that it is a good fit for the data, which confirms the absence or neglect of epistasis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to characterize the genetic variability in 100 genotypes of the Active Germplasm Bank of common bean of the Federal University of Viçosa, by morphological descriptors, classify them in groups of genetic similarity and to identify the degree of relevance of descriptors of genetic divergence. The genotypes were evaluated based on 22 quantitative and qualitative morphological descriptors. The highyielding genotypes V 7936, Gold Gate, LM 95103904, 1829 S 349 Venezuela, and PF 9029975, CNFC 9454 and Fe 732015, with upright growth, have potential for use as parents in common bean breeding programs. By genetic divergence analysis, the genotypes were clustered in eight groups of genetic dissimilarity. By methods of principal components, 9 of the 22 descriptors were eliminated, for being redundant or little variable, suggesting that 10-20 morphological descriptors can be used in studies of characterization of genetic variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to assess the genetic potential of inbred carioca common bean families from five populations derived from crossings involving elite lines and a disease-resistant line (Rudá- R), and to assess the efficiency of SCAR molecular markers in selecting plants resistant to anthracnose and angular leaf spot, at the time of bulk formation. Plant architecture, yield and grain type were assessed. Significant effect among families within population was observed, suggesting wide genetic variability for the characters assessed. Twenty-six superior families were selected. The families contained the greatest number of markers, identified by SCAR molecular markers in the F4 generation. Eighteen of these families were resistant to the races 65 and 453 of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and five were resistant to the race 63.23 of Pseudocercospora griseola. Thus selection assisted by SCAR markers, in the F4 generation, was an important tool in common bean breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, it's been given a huge concern to the cerrado plants, focusing on fruit trees due to their characteristics and uses. Despite being a fairly unexplored area, the number of studies on these native species has increased, especially those involving tissue culture techniques. That's because this biotechnological tool provides the propagation of species with germination difficulty, reduces problems of recalcitrant seeds, promotes large scale seedling production, complements germplasm banks and facilitates the exchange of genetic materials. Therefore, this review summarizes the history and current situation of tissue culture techniques applied to Brazilian Cerrado fruit trees, providing support to further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bean is one of the main legumes used for food worldwide. Among the main limitations for its production is common bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonascitri pv. fuscans (Xcf). The most desirable method to control the disease is the use of plant genetic resistance, but resistance against Xcf has not been sufficiently investigated. Genetic studies have shown that resistance to CBB is of quantitative type, but no gene associated with resistance has been identified. Here, we aimed to determine the resistance to CBB of 103 Mesoamerican common bean cultivars by evaluating disease severity and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) after inoculation with a Xcf strain. In addition, 80 of the evaluated cultivars were used to investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the resistance phenotype in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Twenty‐nine cultivars were classified as highly resistant, 15 of which are shown to be resistant to CBB for the first time in this work. A positive correlation between AUDPC and disease severity was observed. The 10 SNPs with the highest −log10(p) values in the GWAS are located on bean chromosomes Pv01, Pv03, Pv06, Pv07, Pv08, Pv09, Pv10, and Pv11 within or near genes predicted to code for biochemical functions such as serine/threonine‐protein kinase, glutamine synthase, lectin domain protein, MADS‐domain transcription factor, and pentatricopeptide repeat protein, previously associated with immunity. This work identifies common bean germplasm resistant to Xcf, molecular markers for germplasm selection, and genes potentially involved in the resistance response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) has high food importance due to the high nutritional value of its fruit and seeds. Its seed oil is composed of ∼70% unsaturated fatty acids, and its production can be improved by increasing the number of plants per area. Pumpkin plants with reduced growth habits can be grown in shorter spacing and produce smaller fruits, but have a greater quantity of fruits per area. This study aimed to select from F2, BC1:1, and BC1:2 populations pumpkin genotypes with shorter internodes and higher seed productivity for oil production using the factor analysis and ideotype design (FAI‐BLUP) selection index. An augmented block design (ABD) was used with four replications. The traditional model of ABD analysis was compared with the spatial model to verify the presence of errors in the local and global trends in the experimental area. There was a significant difference for all traits evaluated in both the ABD and spatial models. Based on the Akaike information criterion, the model with the best fit for all characteristics was the ABD, which was efficient in guaranteeing the independence of the residues and the absence of errors in local and global trends. In general, the characteristics expressed high values of individual heritability and accuracy. Three common factors explained the seven characteristics studied, presenting a variability of 70.98%. Six of the seven characteristics showed desirable gains of up to 63.85%. The FAI‐BLUP index allowed the selection of superior pumpkin genotypes with a smaller size and higher seed productivity for oil production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs in turbid waters have been hypothesized to be a refuge from climate change. These naturally occurring communities were brought into the spotlight because some of their species exhibited record levels of resistance to marine heatwaves (MHWs) by disturbance-tolerant corals. However, long-term monitoring data on the drivers of coral bleaching in these extreme reef habitats are scarce. Here, we describe the population structure and bleaching rates of a widespread and resilient coral (Siderastrea stellata). We examine the links between environmental factors, namely, rainfall, wind speed, turbidity, solar irradiance, sea surface temperature, MHWs, and coral bleaching status under the worst recorded drought cycle in the Tropical South Atlantic (2013–2015). We examined 2880 colonies, most of which (∼93%) fit in the size group of 2–10 cm, with a small number (∼1%) of larger and older colonies (>20 cm). The results indicated the absence of MHWs and normal sea surface temperature variations (between 26.6 °C and 29.3 °C), however, we detected an extreme rainfall deficit (30–40% less annual volume precipitation). In general, a high proportion (44–84%) of bleached colonies was found throughout the months when turbidity decreased. Siderastrea is the only reef-building coral that comprises this seascape with encrusting and low-relief colonies. During drought periods, cloudiness is reduced, turbidity and wind speed are reduced, and solar irradiance increase, driving coral bleaching in turbid reefs. However, episodic rainfall and higher wind speeds increase turbidity and decrease coral bleaching. Our hypothesis is that turbidity decreases during drought periods which increases bleaching risk to corals even without thermal stress. Our results suggest that turbidity may have related to wind and rainfall to provoke the coral bleaching phenomenon. • Turbid reefs have been hypothesized to be refuge from climate change. • Absence of heatwaves and normal sea surface temperature variations. • Extreme rainfall deficit (30–40% less annual volume precipitation). • High proportion of bleached colonies was found when turbidity decreased. • Extreme rainfall and higher wind speeds increase turbidity and decrease bleaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: A multiparental random mating population used in sorghum breeding is amenable for the detection of QTLs related to tropical soil adaptation, fine mapping of underlying genes and genomic selection approaches. Tropical soils where low phosphorus (P) and aluminum (Al) toxicity limit sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production are widespread in the developing world. We report on BRP13R, a multiparental random mating population (MP-RMP), which is commonly used in sorghum recurrent selection targeting tropical soil adaptation. Recombination dissipated much of BRP13R's likely original population structure and average linkage disequilibrium (LD) persisted up to 2.5 Mb, establishing BRP13R as a middle ground between biparental populations and sorghum association panels. Genome-wide association mapping (GWAS) identified conserved QTL from previous studies, such as for root morphology and grain yield under low-P, and indicated the importance of dominance in the genetic architecture of grain yield. By overlapping consensus QTL regions, we mapped two candidate P efficiency genes to a ~ 5 Mb region on chromosomes 6 (ALMT) and 9 (PHO2). Remarkably, we find that only 200 progeny genotyped with ~ 45,000 markers in BRP13R can lead to GWAS-based positional cloning of naturally rare, subpopulation-specific alleles, such as for SbMATE-conditioned Al tolerance. Genomic selection was found to be useful in such MP-RMP, particularly if markers in LD with major genes are fitted as fixed effects into GBLUP models accommodating dominance. Shifts in allele frequencies in progeny contrasting for grain yield indicated that intermediate to minor-effect genes on P efficiency, such as SbPSTOL1 genes, can be employed in pre-breeding via allele mining in the base population. Therefore, MP-RMPs such as BRP13R emerge as multipurpose resources for efficient gene discovery and deployment for breeding sorghum cultivars adapted to tropical soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of cultivars using multi-environment trials (MET) is an important step in plant breeding programs. One of the objectives of these evaluations is to understand the genotype by environment interaction (GEI). A method of determining the effect of GEI on the performance of cultivars is based on studies of adaptability and stability. Initial studies were based on linear regression; however, these methodologies have limitations, mainly in trials with genetic or statistical unbalanced, heterogeneity of residual variances, and genetic covariance. An alternative would be the use of random regression models (RRM), in which the behavior of the genotypes is characterized as a reaction norm using longitudinal data or repeated measurements and information regarding a covariance function. The objective of this work was the application of RRM in the study of the behavior of common bean cultivars using a MET, based on Legendre polynomials and genotype-ideotype distances. We used a set of 13 trials, which were classified as unfavorable or favorable environments. The results revealed that RRM enables the prediction of the genotypic values of cultivars in environments where they were not evaluated with high accuracy values, thereby circumventing the unbalanced of the experiments. From these values, it was possible to measure the genotypic adaptability according to ideotypes, according to their reaction norms. In addition, the stability of the cultivars can be interpreted as variation in the behavior of the ideotype. The use of ideotypes based on real data allowed a better comparison of the performance of cultivars across environments. The use of RRM in plant breeding is a good alternative to understand the behavior of cultivars in a MET, especially when we want to quantify the adaptability and stability of genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We evaluated whether patterns of species diversity (α, β and γ) of rocky shore assemblages followed latitudinal gradients (i.e. LDGs) along the South American coasts, and tested hypotheses related to potential processes sustaining or disrupting the expected LDG pattern at various spatial scales. Location: Coasts of South America. Taxon: Macroalgae and sessile/slow‐moving macrofauna on intertidal rocky shores. Methods: We evaluated changes in species composition across 143 sites. The degree of replacement and loss of species at different spatial scales (i.e. coasts, regions and sites) were estimated to help distinguish among ecological, historical and evolutionary hypotheses for explaining LDGs. Furthermore, components of diversity and taxonomic distinctness were measured, and variability in these measures was decomposed using analysis of covariance. Finally, we examined relationships between diversity and a suite of environmental and anthropogenic variables to identify potential mechanisms that may be responsible for the reported spatial relationships. Results: Species composition varied with latitude, and this variability was relatively consistent on both coasts. At all spatial scales, replacement of species was the dominant phenomenon (>95%), rather than loss in the total number of species (<5%). LDGs were strongly dependent on the diversity component and the spatial scale: generally, positive for regional β‐diversity, negative for α‐diversity and site β‐diversity. Sea surface temperature (SST) was the variable that best explained patterns of diversity along both coasts (14%–22%), but other regional and local environmental variables associated with river discharges, upwelling, confluence of currents, tides and anthropogenic pressures also accounted for an important portion of variation (5%–14% each). Main conclusions: Species diversity of South American rocky shores followed, with interruptions, LDGs. The trend of those LDGs, however, depended on the scale and metric used to describe diversity. It is proposed that patterns of LDGs at various scales are not the result of a single overarching process but are strongly influenced by local and regional processes. Although the most evident environmental gradient was the decrease in SST towards the south, it was demonstrated that regional and local environmental variables were also important for understanding the increase in regional β‐diversity towards the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the most consumed agricultural products in the world. Its production is affected by common bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. fuscans and X. phaseoli pv. phaseoli. In this work, we investigated the spectrum, genetics, and inheritance of common bean resistance to X. citri pv. fuscans. Inoculation of nine selected cultivars with an X. citri pv. fuscans strain showed that BRS Radiante and IAPAR 16 were resistant. These two cultivars were also resistant to six X. phaseoli pv. phaseoli strains of different geographic origins, demonstrating their broad-spectrum resistances. BRS Radiante sustained smaller X. citri pv. fuscans populations than two susceptible cultivars. Stomatal densities of IAPAR 16 and BRS Radiante were significantly higher than or not different from susceptible cultivars. BRS Radiante showed the lowest general combining ability values and the combination BRS Radiante x Carioca MG the lowest specific combining ability (SCA) values, revealing the capacity of BRS Radiante to increase resistance to X. citri pv. fuscans. Positive and negative parental SCA values indicated dominant and recessive genes involved in X. citri pv. fuscans resistance. Resistance of the BRS Radiante x Carioca MG cross segregated in a 9:7 ratio in the Ft population, indicating that it is governed by two complementary dominant genes. Maximum likelihood analysis showed that the resistance of BRS Radiante to X. citri pv. fuscans is conferred by a gene of major effect with contribution of additional polygenes. This study contributes with important knowledge on the resistance against CBB in Brazilian common bean cultivars as well as with molecular tools for confirmation of common bean hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In common bean breeding programs, experiments are conducted in different environments to select plants with high potential for inbred lines extraction and/or recombination. The occurrence of genetic and/or statistical unbalance is common in these experiments. Moreover, there may be (co)variance between genetic and non-genetic effects when treatments are assessed in different environments. Our aim was to (1) test different (co)variance structures between seasons for genetic and non-genetic effects; (2) choose the model with the highest predictive capacity of the genotypic value; and (3) select the superior progenies to mitigate the effects of genotype-by-environment interactions. To this end, two experiments were conducted in the 2015 drought and winter seasons. The grain yield and grain aspect were assessed. Model 4, with an unstructured (co)variance for genetic effects, homogeneous block variance, and heterogeneous residual diagonal variance, was the model that best fit the data. The heritability estimates and their accuracy differed between the different adjusted models, with the most accurate estimates observed in model 4. The genetic correlation between the drought and winter seasons was of low magnitude (− 0.04) for grain yield, which corroborates the strong genotype by environment interaction. The average gain predicted with the recombination of the selected progenies in model 4 was 2.97% for grain yield. The modeling of different (co)variance structures for genetic and non-genetic effects could be applicable for analyses involving statistical unbalance and the assessment of progenies in different environments, with the aim of selecting those with high potential for recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae are important beings in their habitats, because they have great ecological relevance. In the aquatic ecosystems, they are source of nutrients and the main photosynthetic organisms. The Pacheco beach in Caucaia, a municipality in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza-CE, composes the coastal plain of the Brazilian Northeast. In this region, it is common for the macroalgae that have detached from their substrate to accumulate during low tide, called algae arribadas. This aim of this work was to identify the algae arribadas community of Praia do Pacheco by evaluating its nutritional potential for the formulation of fertilizer for plants. In this perspective, two manual collections were carried out during the low tide. One in April 2017 and the other in October 2018. The samples were identified and, subsequently, three of the species of higher incidence were analyzed in terms of macronutrients and micronutrients. It was obtained eighteen taxa, being: fourteen red algae, two green algae and two brown algae. The species found in greater quantity were Hypnea pseudomusciformis, Gracilaria cearensis and Ulva fasciata. When analyzed, it was found that there are high nutrients with potential for agricultural purposes. The studied region presented a rich environment in macroalgae and in biomass that must be used in a conscious way to guarantee its sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] is used for bioenergy and animal feed. In order to identify candidate genes that could be exploited for marker-assisted selection in elephant grass, this study aimed to investigate changes in predictive accuracy using genomic relationship information and simple sequence repeats for eight traits (height, green biomass, dry biomass, acid and neutral detergent fiber, lignin content, biomass digestibility, and dry matter concentration) linked to bioenergetics and animal feeding. Results: We used single-step, genome-based best linear unbiased prediction and genome association methods to investigate changes in predictive accuracy and find candidate genes using genomic relationship information. Genetic variability (p < 0.05) was detected for most of the traits evaluated. In general, the overall means for the traits varied widely over the cuttings, which was corroborated by a significant genotype by cutting interaction. Knowing the genomic relationships increased the predictive accuracy of the biomass quality traits. We found that one marker (M28_161) was significantly associated with high values of biomass digestibility. The marker had moderate linkage disequilibrium with another marker (M35_202) that, in general, was detected in genotypes with low values of biomass digestibility. In silico analysis revealed that both markers have orthologous regions in other C4 grasses such as Setaria viridis, Panicum hallii, and Panicum virgatum, and these regions are located close to candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of cell wall molecules (xyloglucan and lignin), which support their association with biomass digestibility. Conclusions: The markers and candidate genes identified here are useful for breeding programs aimed at changing biomass digestibility in elephant grass. These markers can be used in marker-assisted selection to grow elephant grass cultivars for different uses, e.g., bioenergy production, bio-based products, co-products, bioactive compounds, and animal feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Current micro-scale biomagnetic devices require very high electric current excitations. • A novel biomagnetic methodology requiring up to 50-fold lower currents is proposed. • Osteogenic stimuli (0.1–7 mT) is achieved by low current excitations (0.06–4.3 mA). • Device designs with heights lower than 1 mm are able to deliver effective stimuli. • Stimuli heterogeneity can be defined by core diameters and stimulators positioning. Recent studies highlight the ability of inductive architectures to deliver therapeutic magnetic stimuli to target tissues and to be embedded into small-scale intracorporeal medical devices. However, to date, current micro-scale biomagnetic devices require very high electric current excitations (usually exceeding 1 A) to ensure the delivery of efficient magnetic flux densities. This is a critical problem as advanced implantable devices demand self-powering, stand-alone and long-term operation. This work provides, for the first time, a novel small-scale magnetic stimulation system that requires up to 50-fold lower electric current excitations than required by relevant biomagnetic technology recently proposed. Computational models were developed to analyse the magnetic stimuli distributions and densities delivered to cellular tissues during in vitro experiments, such that the feasibility of this novel stimulator can be firstly evaluated on cell culture tests. The results demonstrate that this new stimulative technology is able to deliver osteogenic stimuli (0.1–7 mT range) by current excitations in the 0.06–4.3 mA range. Moreover, it allows coil designs with heights lower than 1 mm without significant loss of magnetic stimuli capability. Finally, suitable core diameters and stimulator-stimulator distances allow to define heterogeneity or quasi -homogeneity stimuli distributions. These results support the design of high-sophisticated biomagnetic devices for a wide range of therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To present an adaptation of the anaglyph photography technique to be used with radiological images from computed tomography angiograms, enabling stereoscopic visualization of a patient's individual abnormal vascular anatomy for teaching, case discussion, or surgical planning purposes. Traditional anaglyph procedures with actual objects yield 2 independent photographs, simulating the image perceived by each eye. Production of anaglyphs from angiograms involve 3 basic procedures: volume rendering, image capture, and image fusion. Volume renderings were reconstructed using a free, open-source DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) reader. Subsequently, the virtual object was positioned to mimic the operator's angle of view, and different perspectives of the reconstructed volume could be obtained through exclusively horizontal rotation. The 2 images were then fused after their color composition was modified so that each eye would perceive only 1 image when using anaglyph glasses. Forty-three angiograms were reviewed for the purpose of this study and a total of 6 examinations were selected for illustration of the technique. Stereoscopic display was possible for all of them and in the 3 types of support tested: computer monitor, tablet, and smartphone screens. Anaglyph display of computed tomography angiograms is an effective and low-cost alternative for the stereoscopic visualization of a patient's individual intracranial vascular anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] biomass hybrids with high productivity and enhanced levels of lignin are seen as a promising alternative of feedstock for direct burning in ovens designed for cogeneration of electricity. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic combing capacity of biomass sorghum lines and conduct multivariable selection of photosensitive biomass sorghum hybrids for use in cogeneration. Thirty‐six photosensitive hybrids, the control BRS716, and 12 parental lines were evaluated in a seven‐by‐seven triple lattice design at two locations, and 12 characters were evaluated. There was superiority of additive effects on the genetic control of all the characteristics studied in both environments, less for female lines in the diallelic analysis of F1 hybrids. The inclusion of parents in the estimates of combining capacities indicated predominance of dominance effects involved in the genetic control of the traits analyzed. The results demonstrate the action of epistasis of the dwarf genes present in the female lines for the biomass parameter and the false interpretation when these lines are included in the diallelic analysis. With the use of the index based on factor analysis and genotype–ideotype distance (FAI‐BLUP index), four factors were established, which separated the characteristics of production and quality, as well as the two environments, resulting from the high hybrid × environment interaction. With the index, five hybrids with higher potential for burning (H5‐5, H2‐1, H1‐1, H1‐5, and H5‐1) were selected. However, no hybrids obtained gains for the characteristics of production and quality, simultaneously, which indicates the need for genetic improvement of the parents used in the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In diallel analysis, using mixed models, it is possible to estimate the variance components of general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), reciprocal GCA (RGCA), reciprocal SCA (RSCA), and parents, even in unbalanced datasets. These variances can be estimated by likelihood maximization via numerical algorithms (e.g., expectation maximization [EM] and average information [AI]), which have different advantages. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe and implement the EM‐AI algorithm (combination of EM and AI) in R software to estimate the variance components of RGCA, RSCA, and parents effects in diallel analysis. Two real datasets and three diallel models (Griffing's Model 1, Griffing's Model 1 + RGCA, and Model 3, a general diallel model with the effects of GCA, SCA, RGCA, RSCA, and parents) were used to evaluate the efficiency of the algorithms AI, EM, and EM‐AI. The AI algorithm failed to converge for the three diallel models in both datasets. The other algorithms (EM and EM‐AI) converged normally, and the estimated variance components with these algorithms were similar for the three diallel models in both datasets. However, the EM‐AI algorithm was more efficient than the EM algorithm, and the general diallel model (Model 3) provided more accurate estimates of variance parameters. Thus, the EM‐AI algorithm with routine implemented in R has potential for use in diallel analyses in plant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease of great clinical importance for pregnant women due to the possibility of congenital transmission. The "rede cegonha" is a strategy used for prenatal care inserted in the basic health care system, aiming to reduce rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. Objective: To establish the relationship between the serological diagnosis process for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and the performance of "rede cegonha". Materials and Methods: This is retrospective descriptive study with a documental basis, consisting of 461 records of pregnant women assisted in the city of Itaparica/BA, Brazil, from 2013 to 2016. The research shows clinical and epidemiological data of pregnant women inserted in the "rede cegonha", which is related to one of the family health units of Itaparica. Results: 302 (65.5%) pregnant women who underwent serology for toxoplasmosis were identified, with 3.65% considered as susceptible, 11.6% immune, 1.3% with a possible acute infection and 83.45% with an inconclusive clinical profile for toxoplasmosis. Conclusion: The "rede cegonha" strategy facilitates access to prenatal monitoring and serological diagnosis. However, there are difficulties regarding the performance of medical exams that help finding a diagnostic conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the growing demand of the soybean consumer market, cultivars increasingly early, productive and resistant to biotic and abiotic stress are sought. Several populations are obtained in soybean breeding programmes, but progeny are selected without being weighted for their respective population effect. As a consequence, progeny originating from high‐merit populations may be discarded too early. Given this scenario, this study proposes to employ the selection index with progeny and population effect via best linear unbiased prediction (SIPP‐BLUP) for the genetic selection of early and productive soybean progeny. A total of 180 progeny derived from three populations were evaluated for yield‐related traits. Genetic gains from selection, Spearman correlation and coincidence index were used to check the efficiency of the models with and without the population effect. The SIPP‐BLUP index achieved greater selection accuracy and was efficient in the identification and future selection of early soybean progeny. Therefore, this study demonstrates that soybean breeding programmes should consider the population effect via SIPP‐BLUP in progeny selection to obtain future lines that really contribute to genetic gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies highlight the hypocotyl diameter (HD) as an effective indicator of plant architecture (PA). Here, we estimated the genetic gain based on HD to improve PA. Twenty populations of cycles zero (C0) and one (C1), both in the F4 generation, were evaluated for PA, grain yield (GY) and HD. Plants with thickest HD in C0 were intercrossed in a circulant diallel mating design. In cycle C1, an estimated genetic gain of 4.93% was achieved for PA and 4.95% for HD. The populations with the highest probability of breeding lines with a thicker HD belong to cycle C1, and this selection strategy did not alter the GY of the populations of this cycle. Thus, indirect selection based on HD is promising for breeding for common bean PA by recurrent mass selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistence may be defined as high sustained yield over multi-harvest. Genetic insights about persistence are essential to ensure the success of breeding programs and any biomass-based project. This paper focuses on assessing the biomass yield persistence for bioenergy purpose of 100 elephantgrass clones measured in six growth seasons in Brazil. To assess the clones' persistence, an index based on random regression models and genotype-ideotype distance was proposed. Results suggested the existence of wide genetic variability between elephantgrass clones, and that the yield trajectories along the harvests generate genetic insights into elephantgrass clones’ persistence and G x E interaction. A gene pool that acts over the biomass yield (regardless of the harvest) was detected, as well as other gene pools, which show differences on genes expression (these genes are the major responsible for clones’ persistence). The lower and higher clones’ persistence was discussed based on genome dosage effect and natural biological nitrogen fixation ability applied to bioenergy industry. The huge potential of energy crops necessarily is associated with genetic insights into persistence, so just this way, breeding programs could breed a new cultivar that fulfills the bioenergy industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering is an important agronomic trait. Quantile regression (QR) can be used to fit models for all portions of a probability distribution. In Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), QR can estimate SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) effects on each quantile of interest. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters and to use QR to identify genomic regions for phenological traits (Days to first flower—DFF; Days for flowering—DTF; Days to end of flowering—DEF) in common bean. A total of 80 genotypes of common beans, with 3 replicates were raised at 4 locations and seasons. Plants were genotyped for 384 SNPs. Traditional single-SNP and 9 QR models, ranging from equally spaced quantiles (τ) 0.1 to 0.9, were used to associate SNPs to phenotype. Heritabilities were moderate high, ranging from 0.32 to 0.58. Genetic and phenotypic correlations were all high, averaging 0.66 and 0.98, respectively. Traditional single-SNP GWAS model was not able to find any SNP-trait association. On the other hand, when using QR methodology considering one extreme quantile (τ = 0.1) we found, respectively 1 and 7, significant SNPs associated for DFF and DTF. Significant SNPs were found on Pv01, Pv02, Pv03, Pv07, Pv10 and Pv11 chromosomes. We investigated potential candidate genes in the region around these significant SNPs. Three genes involved in the flowering pathways were identified, including Phvul.001G214500, Phvul.007G229300 and Phvul.010G142900.1 on Pv01, Pv07 and Pv10, respectively. These results indicate that GWAS-based QR was able to enhance the understanding on genetic architecture of phenological traits (DFF and DTF) in common bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop, most recurrent selection breeding programs use, at the selection stage, inbred families evaluated across two or three generations. This study applied a multigeneration index to produce a best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) of family effects, aimed at assessing its efficiency in the selection of common bean families. Data from 380 multigenerational families were evaluated across different sowing times and years, and across generations F2:3 and F2:4. The evaluated traits were: plant architecture, yield, and grain appearance. Bivariate BLUP with genotype ' environment interaction was fit using a compound symmetry model. We also selected 90 families and evaluated the abovementioned traits in the F2:6 generation. Comparing the accuracy of the multigeneration index using all three generations simultaneously with the one using only the F2:6 generation, the increases in genetic gain were 21, 28, and 3% in plant architecture, yield, and grain appearance, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that the multigeneration index including data from all available generations is the most efficient method for selecting common bean families. Additionally, genotypic values were predicted to be free from interactions with the sowing times and years of planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a type of cultivated sorghum characterized by the accumulation of high levels of sugar in the stems and high biomass accumulation, making this crop an important feedstock for bioenergy production. Sweet sorghum breeding programs that focus on bioenergy have two main goals: to improve quantity and quality of sugars in the juicy stem and to increase fresh biomass productivity. Genetic diversity studies are very important for the success of a breeding program, especially in the early stages, where understanding the genetic relationship between accessions is essential to identify superior parents for the development of improved breeding lines. The objectives of this study were: to perform phenotypic and molecular characterization of 100 sweet sorghum accessions from the germplasm bank of the Embrapa Maize and Sorghum breeding program; to examine the relationship between the phenotypic and the molecular diversity matrices; and to infer about the population structure in the sweet sorghum accessions. Morphological and agro-industrial traits related to sugar and biomass production were used for phenotypic characterization, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for molecular diversity analysis. Both phenotypic and molecular characterizations revealed the existence of considerable genetic diversity among the 100 sweet sorghum accessions. The correlation between the phenotypic and the molecular diversity matrices was low (0.35), which is in agreement with the inconsistencies observed between the clusters formed by the phenotypic and the molecular diversity analyses. Furthermore, the clusters obtained by the molecular diversity analysis were more consistent with the genealogy and the historic background of the sweet sorghum accessions than the clusters obtained through the phenotypic diversity analysis. The low correlation observed between the molecular and the phenotypic diversity matrices highlights the complementarity between the molecular and the phenotypic characterization to assist a breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli ( Fop) is a soil pathogen that causes wilt in common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and is one of the most important diseases of this crop. The use of resistant cultivars is the most effective method of controlling losses from this pathogen, and studying the inheritance of Fop resistance could provide useful insights for developing cultivars with resistance. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the inheritance of resistance to fusarium wilt in common bean. The parents, F and F plants from seven crosses between resistant and susceptible parents of a partial diallel scheme 3 × 5 were inoculated with the isolate FOP UFV 01. During each generation, the plants were individually evaluated to determine disease severity. Among the eight parents, five were resistant, and three were susceptible to fusarium wilt. Only two phenotypic classes were observed in the parents (resistant and susceptible). Based on the performance of the F generation, all the individuals were resistant, indicating that resistance is dominant over susceptibility. Different results were obtained for the segregation of plants from the F generation based on the methods applied to determine the inheritance of resistance. However, the maximum likelihood estimator method, which was the most suitable methodology, showed that Fop resistance in common bean is a dominant trait governed by few major genes plus polygenes. These findings can support breeding programs in obtaining Fop-resistant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In breeding programs, understanding the potential of parents should be a way to spend significantly less time and costs to obtain new cultivars. For this, the objective of this study was to estimate the general and specific combining ability of parents aiming common bean breeding for resistance to Fusarium wilt (FW) based on disease severity and reduction in plant growth. Eight common bean genotypes were crossed in a 3 x 5 partial diallel mating scheme to obtain F1 hybrids. The parents and their 15 F1 hybrids were evaluated for severity of Fusarium wilt, area under the disease progress curve, percentage of plant height reduction and plant shoot fresh weight reduction and grain yield. The resistance of common bean to FW is controlled by a few dominant genes. The reduction in plant growth is controlled by a different set of genes that can increase the selection efficiency of parents for common bean breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The control of Leishmania braziliensis by individuals with subclinical infection (SC) are unknown.Methods: A cohort of 308 household contacts (HCs) of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) was established in 2010 in an endemic area and followed up for 5 years. Whole-blood cultures stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen and a Leishmania skin test (LST) were performed in years 0, 2, and 4. The identification of the lymphocyte subsets secreting interferon (IFN) γ and the ability of monocytes to control Leishmania were determined.Results: During follow-up, 118 subjects (38.3%) had evidence of L. braziliensis infection. Of the HCs, CL was documented in 45 (14.6%), 101 (32.8%) had SC infection, and 162 (52.6%) did not have evidence of exposure to L. braziliensis The ratio of infection to disease was 3.2:1. IFN-γ production, mainly by natural killer cells, was associated with protection, and a positive LST result did not prevent development of disease. Moreover, monocytes from subjects with SC infection were less permissive to parasite penetration and had a greater ability to control L. braziliensis than cells from patients with CL.Conclusions: Protection against CL was associated with IFN-γ production, negative LST results, impaired ability of Leishmania to penetrate monocytes, and increased ability to control Leishmania growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity among 28 peach cultivars and two nectarine cultivars, describing the most important characters in the diversity evaluation. The study was developed at the Federal University of Viçosa - Brazil, and the following characteristics were evaluated: fruit mass, suture, equatorial and polar diameters, firmness, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA, ascorbic acid and carotenoids contents, skin and flesh color (coordinate b* and hue angle - °h). Genetic diversity in peach and nectarine cultivars enabled the formation of seven, six and six groups in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 crop years, respectively. The features that most contributed to this diversity were fruit mass, skin and flesh °h and firmness. The greatest genetic divergence was observed between 'Marli' and 'Rubrosol', 'Josefina' and 'Maciel' and 'Maciel' and 'Rubrosol' during the 2011, 2012 and 2013 crop years, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic gain of two recurrent selection cycles in common bean breeding and identify families with the potential to generate superior lines. The base population, cycle zero (C0), was obtained by combining 20 carioca bean parents, populations with favorable phenotypes for several agronomically important traits. The parents were recombined in a circulant diallel scheme, in which each parent participated in two crosses, generating 20 populations. From these populations, families were derived and evaluated for three seasons in the generations F2:3, F2:4 and F2:5. The same procedures of recombination and evaluation in C0 were performed in cycle one (CI). The genetic gain for yield, estimated from the simultaneous evaluation of the 40 best families of each cycle, was 8.6%. Families with potential to generate superior lines to cultivar Pérola were identified, especially among the CI families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to study the parameters of adaptability and phenotypic stability and estimate the increase in grain yield in black common bean genotypes developed by brazilian breeding programs between the years 1960-2013. The experiments were carried out considering 38 cultivars and two lines in four different environments (Coimbra and Viçosa cities, and dry and winter seasons of 2013 year) by using a randomized block design with three replications. Results showed an effective increasing of the grain yield provided by the recommendation of new cultivars from different Brazilian breeding programs in the past five decades. In addition, the GxE analysis interaction indicated that cultivars recommended after the year 2005 were those with high average grain yield, wide adaptability and high predictability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective methods for gamete preservation should have low impact on DNA integrity. The present study investigated the effects of vitrification of goat ovarian tissues on the occurrence of DNA fragmentation and DNA double-stand breaks using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay and detection of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX), respectively. Goat ovaries were collected at a local abattoir and 12 tissue fragments were prepared from each ovarian pair. Tissue fragments were used as fresh control samples or were cultured in vitro, vitrified or vitrified and cultured. Vitrification was performed using the Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem. Fragments from all groups (control and treatments) were processed for histology, transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL assay and immunofluorescence. Compared with fresh control samples, a lower percentage of morphologically normal follicles was detected in the vitrification followed by culture treatment group (P < 0.05). Normal follicular ultrastructure was observed in all groups. Immunofluorescence revealed the presence of γH2AX foci in few oocytes and ovarian stromal cells. TUNEL-positive follicles were found in samples without significant differences among groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the vitrification protocol used in the present study did not increase DNA damage in preantral follicles enclosed in goat ovarian tissues. Effective methods for tissue cryopreservation should protect cell viability and genome integrity. This study used the TUNEL assay and detection of γH2AX foci to investigate DNA damage in goat ovarian tissues cryopreserved with a new vitrification method (the Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem). This vitrification method preserved both morphology and DNA integrity of goat preantral follicles and therefore represents a potential alternative for ovarian tissue preservation in other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common bean cultivar "BRSMG Realce", recommended for the state of Minas Gerais, has high yield potential and resistance to powdery mildew, bacterial wilt and to anthracnose pathotypes 65, 73, 77, 81, 91, 475 and 479. The plants and pods are high, resulting in lower loss during mechanical harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibacterial activity of ethanol, methanol, hexane and acetone-based extracts of the macroalgae Padina gymnospora (PG), Hypnea musciformes (HM), Ulva fasciata (UF) and Caulerpa prolifera (CP) was investigated. The disk diffusion method was used to evaluate the algae antimicrobial effect against standard strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica and five virulent antibiotic-resistant strains of V. brasiliensis, V. xuii and V. navarrensis (isolated from the hemolymph of Litopenaeus vannamei). Ethanol extracts of PG and HM inhibited all Vibrio strains. E. coli and P. aeruginosa were only susceptible to ethanol extracts of PG. Among the methanol extracts, only UF was bioactive, inhibiting V. navarrensis. The observed inhibitory effect of ethanol extracts of PG, HM and UF against virulent antibiotic-resistant bacteria suggests these macroalgal species constitute a potential source of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out for the purpose of estimating genetic progress after two cycles of recurrent selection in red bean breeding and of obtaining new lines. In cycle zero, F3:5 and F3:6 families were evaluated. In cycle one, the families were extracted in generation F5 and evaluated in generations F5:6 and F5:7. As the families were evaluated in different years and generations, the estimate of genetic progress was obtained by simultaneously evaluating the 30 best lines obtained at the end of each cycle in experiments conducted through three crop seasons. After two cycles of recurrent selection, genetic progress, in the mean value of the crop seasons, was 7.5% for grain yield, 7% for grain appearance, 33.4% for resistance to rust and 13.2% for resistance to angular leaf spot. Lines of red beans were obtained with potential for being included in future Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) testing for Minas Gerais, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivar BRSMG Madrepérola, recommended for cultivation in Minas Gerais, has the feature of maintaining a light grain color for a longer period than other Carioca grain cultivars. The yield potential is high and the resistance level good to the major anthracnose races in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bean cultivar BRSMG União as a new option of a bean cultivar with jalo grains for the state of Minas Gerais. The cultivar BRSMG União had an average grain yield of 9.8% above the mean of the controls (Jalo EEP 558 and BRS Radiante) and was resistant to powdery-mildew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between indoor residual spray (IRS) and malaria parasite infection in Gash Barka Zone, Eritrea, an area with near universal coverage of insecticide treated bednets (ITN) and already low malaria parasite prevalence. A community randomized control trial was conducted in 2009. Malaria parasite infection prevalence was 0.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37–0.78%], with no significant difference detected between treatment and control areas. ITN possession remains high, with over 70% of households reporting ITN ownership [95% CI: 68.4–72.9]. ITN use among individuals within ITN-owning households was just under half [46.7% (95% CI: 45.4–48.0)]. Slight differences in ITN possession and use were detected between treatment and control areas. There was no significant difference in malaria parasite infection prevalence among individuals in households with ≥1 ITN compared to those in households without ITNs, nor among individuals reporting ITN use. Among individuals in ITN-owning households, sleeping under an ITN offered no statistically significant protection from malaria parasite infection. Community participation in environmental and larval habitat management activities was low: 17.9% (95% CI: 16.0–19.7). It is likely that IRS, larval habitat management and ITN distribution alone may be insufficient to interrupt transmission without corresponding high ITN use, sustained IRS application in areas where infections are clustered, and promptly seeking laboratory diagnosis and treatment of all fevers. Eritrea is ready for elimination, irrespective of inconclusive impact evaluation results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]