Adapting agriculture to climate change is driving the need for the selection and breeding of drought-tolerant crops. The aim of this study was to identify key drought tolerance traits and determine ...the sequence of their water potential thresholds across three grapevine cultivars with contrasting water use behaviors, Grenache, Syrah, and Semillon. We quantified differences in water use between cultivars and combined this with the determination of other leaf-level traits (e.g. leaf turgor loss point, π TLP), leaf vulnerability to embolism (P50), and the hydraulic safety margin (HSM P50). Semillon exhibited the highest maximum transpiration (Emax), and lowest sensitivity of canopy stomatal conductance (Gc) to vapor pressure deficit (VPD), followed by Syrah and Grenache. Increasing Emax was correlated with more negative water potential at which stomata close (Pgs90), π TLP, and P50, suggesting that increasing water use is associated with hydraulic traits allowing gas exchange under more negative water potentials. Nevertheless, all the cultivars closed their stomata prior to leaf embolism formation. Modeling simulations demonstrated that despite a narrower HSM, Grenache takes longer to reach thresholds of hydraulic failure due to its conservative water use. This study demonstrates that the relationships between leaf hydraulic traits are complex and interactive, stressing the importance of integrating multiple traits in characterizing drought tolerance.
Summary
To reveal mycovirus diversity, we conducted a search of as‐yet‐unexplored Mediterranean isolates of the phytopathogenic ascomycete Rosellinia necatrix for virus infections. Of seventy‐nine, ...eleven fungal isolates tested RNA virus‐positive, with many showing coinfections, indicating a virus incidence of 14%, which is slightly lower than that (approximately 20%) previously reported for extensive surveys of over 1000 Japanese R. necatrix isolates. All viral sequences were fully or partially characterized by Sanger and next‐generation sequencing. These sequences appear to represent isolates of various new species spanning at least 6 established or previously proposed families such as Partiti‐, Hypo‐, Megabirna‐, Yado‐kari‐, Fusagra‐ and Fusarividae, as well as a newly proposed family, Megatotiviridae. This observation greatly expands the diversity of R. necatrix viruses, because no hypo‐, fusagra‐ or megatotiviruses were previously reported from R. necatrix. The sequence analyses showed a rare horizontal gene transfer event of the 2A‐like protease domain between a dsRNA (phlegivirus) and a positive‐sense, single‐stranded RNA virus (hypovirus). Moreover, many of the newly detected viruses showed the closest relation to viruses reported from fungi other than R. necatrix, such as Fusarium spp., which are sympatric to R. necatrix. These combined results imply horizontal virus transfer between these soil‐inhabitant fungi.
We have previously discovered a virus neo-lifestyle exhibited by a capsidless positive-sense (+), single-stranded (ss) RNA virus YkV1 (family Yadokariviridae) and an unrelated double-stranded (ds) ...RNA virus YnV1 (proposed family “Yadonushiviridae”) in a phytopathogenic ascomycete, Rosellinia necatrix. YkV1 has been proposed to replicate in the capsid provided by YnV1 as if it were a dsRNA virus and enhance YnV1 replication in return. Recently, viruses related to YkV1 (yadokariviruses) have been isolated from diverse ascomycetous fungi. However, it remains obscure whether such viruses generally show the YkV1-like lifestyle. Here, we identified partner viruses for three distinct yadokariviruses, YkV3, YkV4a, and YkV4b, isolated from R. necatrix that were coinfected with multiple dsRNA viruses phylogenetically distantly related to YnV1. We first established transformants of R. necatrix carrying single yadokarivirus cDNAs and fused them with infectants by single partner candidate dsRNA viruses. Consequently, YkV3 and YkV4s replicated only in the presence of RnMBV3 (family Megabirnaviridae) and RnMTV1 (proposed family “Megatotiviridae”), respectively. The partners were mutually interchangeable between the two YkV4 strains and three RnMTV1 strains but not between other combinations involving YkV1 or YkV3. In contrast to YkV1 enhancing YnV1 accumulation, YkV4s reduced RnMTV1 accumulation to different degrees according to strains. Interestingly, YkV4 rescued the host R. necatrix from impaired growth induced by RnMTV1. YkV3 exerted no apparent effect on its partner (RnMBV3) or host fungus. Overall, we revealed that while yadokariviruses generally require partner dsRNA viruses for replication, each yadokarivirus partners with a different dsRNA virus species in the three diverse families and shows a distinct symbiotic relation in a fungus. IMPORTANCE A capsidless (+)ssRNA virus YkV1 (family Yadokariviridae) highjacks the capsid of an unrelated dsRNA virus YnV1 (proposed family “Yadonushiviridae”) in a phytopathogenic ascomycete, while YkV1 trans-enhances YnV1 replication. Herein, we identified the dsRNA virus partners of three yadokariviruses (YkV3, YkV4a, and YkV4b) with genome organization different from YkV1 as being different from YnV1 at the suborder level. Their partners were mutually interchangeable between the two YkV4 strains and three strains of the partner virus RnMTV1 (proposed family “Megatotiviridae”) but not between other combinations involving YkV1 or YkV3. Unlike YkV1, YkV4s reduced RnMTV1 accumulation and rescued the host fungus from impaired growth induced by RnMTV1. YkV3 exerted no apparent effect on its partner (RnMBV3, family Megabirnaviridae) or host fungus. These revealed that while each yadokarivirus has a species-specific partnership with a dsRNA virus, yadokariviruses collectively partner extremely diverse dsRNA viruses and show three-layered complex mutualistic/antagonistic interactions in a fungus.
This paper describes and compares the integration of cross‐sector actors' participation into the governance of two local health councils, one located in Salvador de Bahia (Brazil) and the other in ...the Canary Islands (Spain). Based on the cross‐national comparative research conducted as part of a doctoral thesis, a qualitative design based on secondary data analysis was proposed on the three stages of the organisational integration process of participation. We used information from individual semi‐structured interviews (n = 70), situational observation, focus groups, literature review, and field notes to understand participatory processes of networking between multiple cross‐sector actors and to show how such processes might be associated with innovative practices. For these innovations to be successfully implemented, stakeholders need to acquire adequate competencies in cross‐sector collaboration, enabling them to learn about new organisational practices and to adapt the network of actors to the often unpredictable influences of contextual factors.
Highlights
This study delves into the participatory integration of various actors in the governance of local health councils, revealing innovative trajectories of cross‐sector collaboration that transcend traditional dynamics of health systems management.
Cross‐sector collaboration processes enable the successful adaptation of socio‐health networks, empowering health professionals, managers, policy‐makers, and civil society to cope with complex contextual influences.
Participatory networks facilitate synergy among multiple stakeholders, democratising decision‐making processes and enhancing healthcare services, patient outcomes, and population well‐being.
Thanks to the international comparative approach of this research, global trends and local practices are interconnected, providing valuable insights for policy makers and managers in the search for effective strategies in the field of Global Health.
Adult hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs)/oval cells are bipotential progenitors that participate in liver repair responses upon chronic injury. Recent findings highlight HPCs plasticity and importance ...of the HPCs niche signals to determine their fate during the regenerative process, favoring either fibrogenesis or damage resolution. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are among the key signals involved in liver regeneration and as component of HPCs niche regulates HPCs biology. Here, we characterize the TGF‐β‐triggered epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) response in oval cells, its effects on cell fate in vivo, and the regulatory effect of the HGF/c‐Met signaling. Our data show that chronic treatment with TGF‐β triggers a partial EMT in oval cells based on coexpression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers. The phenotypic and functional profiling indicates that TGF‐β‐induced EMT is not associated with stemness but rather represents a step forward along hepatic lineage. This phenotypic transition confers advantageous traits to HPCs including survival, migratory/invasive and metabolic benefit, overall enhancing the regenerative potential of oval cells upon transplantation into a carbon tetrachloride‐damaged liver. We further uncover a key contribution of the HGF/c‐Met pathway to modulate the TGF‐β‐mediated EMT response. It allows oval cells expansion after EMT by controlling oxidative stress and apoptosis, likely via Twist regulation, and it counterbalances EMT by maintaining epithelial properties. Our work provides evidence that a coordinated and balanced action of TGF‐β and HGF are critical for achievement of the optimal regenerative potential of HPCs, opening new therapeutic perspectives. Stem Cells 2019;37:1108–1118
A balanced action of transforming growth factor‐β and hepatocyte growth factor is critical for hepatic progenitor cells’ fate and outcome of liver regeneration. Hepatocyte growth factor/c‐Met signaling restrains transforming growth factor‐β effects. c‐Met‐driven antioxidant activity is necessary to overcome senescence and allow cell expansion after epithelial–mesenchymal transition. It promotes cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and counterbalances the mesenchymal phenotypic switching, overall improving the regenerative potential of hepatic progenitor cells.
Background and Objective.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in developing countries is cost‐limited. Our primary goal was to determine the cost structure for the HSCT program model ...developed over the last decade at our public university hospital and to assess its clinical outcomes.
Materials and Methods.
Adults and children receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant from January 2010 to February 2011 at our hematology regional reference center were included. Laboratory tests, medical procedures, chemotherapy drugs, other drugs, and hospitalization costs were scrutinized to calculate the total cost for each patient and the median cost for the procedure. Data regarding clinical evolution were incorporated into the analysis. Physician fees are not charged at the institution and therefore were not included.
Results.
Fifty patients were evaluated over a 1‐year period. The total estimated cost for an allogeneic HSCT was $12,504. The two most expensive diseases to allograft were non‐Hodgkin lymphoma ($11,760 ± $2,236) for the malignant group and thalassemia ($12,915 ± $5,170) for the nonmalignant group. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia ($11,053 ± 2,817) and acute myeloblastic leukemia ($10,251 ± $1,538) were the most frequent indications for HSCT, with 11 cases each. Median out‐of‐pocket expenses were $1,605, and 1‐year follow‐up costs amounted to $1,640, adding up to a total cost of $15,749 for the first year. The most expensive components were drugs and laboratory tests.
Conclusion.
Applying the cost structure described, HSCT is an affordable option for hematological patients living in a developing country.
The costs of laboratory tests, medical procedures, chemotherapy drugs, other drugs, and hospitalization of patients receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were scrutinized to calculate the total cost for each patient and the median cost for the procedure and to assess its clinical outcomes. The results show that HSCT is an affordable option for hematological patients living in a developing country.
Taking the Mexican case as a tracer of what is happening in Latin America on public health, we estimate the recent changes and challenges for the management of hypertension in older adults in the ...context of universal health coverage. The population base was 200, and 308 reported cases of older adults with hypertension. The cost‐evaluation method used was based on the instrumentation and consensus technique. Regarding epidemiological changes for 2016 versus 2018, there is an increase of 21% (CI: 95%, p < 0.001). Comparing the economic impact in 2016 versus 2018 (CI: 95%, p < 0.001), the increase is 33%. The total amount estimated for hypertension in 2018 (in US dollars) was $ 1,896,520,273. It includes $ 898,064,979 as direct costs and $ 998,455,294 as indirect costs. The recent trends show that the financial requirements for the coming years do not guarantee the effectiveness of the coverage rates required for the elderly. In terms of catastrophic expenditure, the challenge is not minor, the greatest economic burden is for the pocket of patients and their families.
Spontaneous bleedings occurring into joints (hemarthrosis) are the most common manifestations of hemophilia and causes severe joint damage ultimately resulting in joint disfunction known as ...hemophilic arthropathy. Among available therapeutic options for reducing recurrent hemarthrosis-associated damage, radiosynoviorthesis (RS) has proven effective in improving joint function.
To assess the impact of RS with Yttrium(90) citrate (C-Y(90)) on frequency of hemarthroses and joint function in a group of pediatric patients.
Between November 1998 and February 2017, we evaluated 27 pediatric patients with mild, moderate or severe hemophilia with haemophilic arthropathy. Overall, RS was applied in 60 joints. Some patients received more than one single intra-articular injection with C-Y(90).
During the follow-up, one patient showed joint bleeding 15 months after RS, one patient after 12 months and one patient after 45 days. The episodes of hemarthrosis were reduced and joint function significantly improved in all patients.
RS with C-Y(90) is a simple and safe treatment for reducing the frequency of hemarthroses in patients with hemophilia. It decreases the use of factor VIII / IX and improves joint function.
•Fungi detected on avocado roots cohabiting with pathogenic R. necatrix isolates.•The fungi related to R. necatrix were identified as belonging to the genus Entoleuca.•Entouleca sp. were defined as ...new biocontrol agents to avocado white root rot.
Avocado white root rot is caused primarily by Rosellinia necatrix Prill. In this study, we buried bait twigs around avocado escape trees to recover non-pathogenic soil-borne fungi. First, we selected forty isolates: 19 were identified as R. necatrix and 21 as Entoleuca sp. The next step was to conduct pathogenicity tests on lupin and avocado plants, which showed that R. necatrix isolates were pathogenic in both types of plants, while Entoleuca sp. isolates were not. The optimal growth temperature in vitro for the Entoleuca sp. isolates was 30°C. Dianthus caryophyllus was found to be a host to this fungus, while Olea europaea, Lupinus luteus, Asparagus officinalis and Fragaria ananassa were not. Next, Entoleuca sp. was artificially inoculated into avocado plants and recovered from the roots up to two years later. In this way, we tested the biocontrol of the disease using Entoleuca sp. in avocado plants artificially inoculated with R. necatrix. Most of Entouleca isolates (86%) controlled the disease, and we therefore concluded that they were effective biocontrol agents.
Root hairs are epidermal cell extensions that increase the root surface for water and nutrient acquisition. Thus, both the initiation and elongation of root hairs are critical for soil exploration ...and plant adaptation to ever changing growth conditions. Here, we describe the critical roles of two subunits of the Mediator complex, MED12 and MED13, in root hair growth in response to sucrose and abscisic acid, which are tightly linked to abiotic stress resistance. When compared to the WT, med12 and med13 mutants showed increased sensitivity to sucrose and ABA treatments on root meristem and elongation zones that were accompanied with alterations in root hair length and morphology, leading to the isodiametric growth of these structures. The swollen root hair phenotype appeared to be specific, since med8 or med16 mutants did not develop rounded hairs when supplied with 4.8% sucrose. Under standard growth medium, MED12 and MED13 were mainly expressed in root vascular tissues and cotyledons, and their expression was repressed by sucrose or ABA. Interestingly, med12 and med13 mutants manifested exacerbated levels of nitric oxide under normal growth conditions, and upon sucrose supplementation in trichoblast cells, which coincided with root hair deformation. Our results indicate that MED12 and MED13 play non-redundant functions for maintenance of root hair integrity in response to sucrose and ABA and involve nitric oxide as a cellular messenger in Arabidopsis thaliana.
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