Consecutive Winter Seasons Research Articles

Evaluation of Biochar and Charcoal As Amendments and Their Effect on Sandy Soil Fertility and Wheat Productivity تقیم تاثیر کل من الفحم النباتى والفحم الحیوى على خصوبه الارض الرملیة وانتاجیة القمح

Two field experiments were conducted during two consecutive winter seasons. 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 to assess charcoal and biochar on soil fertility and wheat productivity in sandy soils at the Agriculture Station, Ismailia Governorate, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. , Each trial was performed in a randomized, complete system fashion with three replicates. Charcoal used for application rates (0, 1 and 2 tons acre -1) was mixed with soil 20 days before planting. Biological fertilization, Rhizobium radiobacter (PGPR), was applied by coating wheat kernels (Triticum aestivum L.) Giza 171. The results indicated that the soil pH value ranged from 7.94 to 7.79 for soils treated with charcoal, while these values were. It was 7.94 to 7.81 for biochar treated soils. Also, ECe values tend to be lower with the application of charcoal, as the available micro and macronutrients have been increased due to the use of both biochar or charcoal. The values of all cultivated characteristics of wheat such as plant height (cm), spike length (cm), spike count, 1000 grain weight (g), and straw and grain yield weight (ton / acre) increased with the increase. The rate of charcoal compared to biochar. The increase in the concentration of macronutrients and micronutrients in the grain and straw of wheat plants may be due to the increased availability of nutrients in the soil as they are affected by charcoal compared to biochar. It can be concluded that charcoal at a rate of 2 tons/acre achieved monster results compared to biochar and increased wheat yield.

Improving Yield Components and Competitive Indices of Dill and Onion Components As Influenced By Intercropping System and Phosphorus Fertilization Level تأثیر نظام التحمیل ومستوى التسمید الفوسفاتی على تحسین المکونات المحصولیة ومؤشرات التنافس بین الشبت والبصل

This experiment was conducted on intercropping of onion (Allium cepa L.) with dill (Anethum graveolens L.) at different ridge ratios (sole crop system of each component, 1: 1, 1: 2, 2: 2 and 2: 3 of dill: onion, respectively) combined with different phosphorus fertilization levels (0, 32 and 48 kg P2O5/fed.) during two consecutive winter seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 at Agricultural Research Farm, Fac. Agric., Zagazig Univ., Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The study aim was to improve yield components and competitive indices of each crop by using the best treatment of intercropping system in combination with the optimum level of phosphorus fertilizer. The obtained results showed that yield components of dill or onion were significantly affected by intercropping systems. The highest values of fruit and volatile oil yields per dill plant were recorded with 2: 3 intercropping system during both seasons. While, the highest values of onion yield components (grade 1, grade 2, exportable yield, marketable yield and total yield) were achieved by sole crop compared to intercropping systems under study. Land equivalent ratio (LER), area time equivalent ratio (ATER), land utilization efficiency (LUE) with 2: 3 cropping system and phosphorus fertilization level at 32 kg /feddan reached 31.8 and 25.1, 22.1 and 15.8 as well as 26.95 and 20.45 % in the first and second seasons, respectively, compared to the other treatments.. In general, the best combination treatment was 2: 3 system combined with 32 kg P2O5/feddan to improve the yield and maximize the land utilization efficiency.

Phenotypic characterization and grouping of gladiolus genotypes using DUS descriptors

Phenotypic characterization of 84 Indian and exotic gladiolus genotypes was carried out at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during two consecutive winter seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19. Twenty one characteristics including vegetative, corm and floral parts were used to distinguish and grouped selected genotypes. Biometric data was recorded at full flowering stage using DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) guidelines established by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, New Delhi. Among these DUS characters, seven were assessed as dimorphic and 14 as polymorphic. Characterization information for different traits could be used as reference collection for precise identification and distinction of gladiolus varieties. This information may assist the farmers, nurserymen and breeders to pursue protection for their new varieties under PPV and FRA, New Delhi.

Avifaunal Diversity of Winter Season in Kopra Reservoir of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India

Wetlands are an important habitat for all kinds of dependent water birds. They are vital habitats for resident as well as migratory birds for foraging, roosting and breeding activities. Kopra wetland is an important and suitable bird habitat for both resident and migratory birds in Chhattisgarh. This wetland fulfills the need of water for the surrounding agricultural land and it also acts as a site for food as well as a roosting ground to many resident and migratory bird species. Every year a huge number of birds including Waterfowl, waders and Terrestrial Birds migrate to this wetland between the months of October to March. A study was carried out to estimate the avifaunal diversity during three consecutive winter seasons from 2016 to 2018 and estimated 133 avifauna species belonging to 18 orders and 47 families. Out of 133 avifauna 80 resident and 53 migratory species were recorded, including four Near Threatened species which are Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) and one Vulnerable (VU) Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) and one Endangered (EN) Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus).

Interference between rhinovirus and influenza A virus: a clinical data analysis and experimental infection study

SummaryBackgroundDuring the 2009 pandemic of an emerging influenza A virus (IAV; H1N1pdm09), data from several European countries indicated that the spread of the virus might have been interrupted by the annual autumn rhinovirus epidemic. We aimed to investigate viral interference between rhinovirus and IAV with use of clinical data and an experimental model.MethodsWe did a clinical data analysis and experimental infection study to investigate the co-occurrence of rhinovirus and IAV in respiratory specimens from adults (≥21 years) tested with a multiplex PCR panel at Yale-New Haven Hospital (CT, USA) over three consecutive winter seasons (Nov 1 to March 1, 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19). We compared observed versus expected co-detections using data extracted from the Epic Systems electronic medical record system. To assess how rhinovirus infection affects subsequent IAV infection, we inoculated differentiated primary human airway epithelial cultures with rhinovirus (HRV-01A; multiplicity of infection [MOI] 0·1) or did mock infection. On day 3 post-infection, we inoculated the same cultures with IAV (H1N1 green fluorescent protein [GFP] reporter virus or H1N1pdm09; MOI 0·1). We used reverse transcription quantitative PCR or microscopy to quantify host cell mRNAs for interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) on day 3 after rhinovirus or mock infection and IAV RNA on days 4, 5, or 6 after rhinovirus or mock infection. We also did sequential infection studies in the presence of BX795 (6 μM), to inhibit the interferon response. We compared ISG expression and IAV RNA and expression of GFP by IAV reporter virus.FindingsBetween July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019, examination of 8284 respiratory samples positive for either rhinovirus (n=3821) or IAV (n=4463) by any test method was used to establish Nov 1 to March 1 as the period of peak virus co-circulation. After filtering for samples within this time frame meeting the inclusion criteria (n=13 707), there were 989 (7·2%) rhinovirus and 922 (6·7%) IAV detections, with a significantly lower than expected odds of co-detection (odds ratio 0·16, 95% CI 0·09–0·28). Rhinovirus infection of cell cultures induced ISG expression and protected against IAV infection 3 days later, resulting in an approximate 50 000-fold decrease in IAV H1N1pdm09 viral RNA on day 5 post-rhinovirus inoculation. Blocking the interferon response restored IAV replication following rhinovirus infection.InterpretationThese findings show that one respiratory virus can block infection with another through stimulation of antiviral defences in the airway mucosa, supporting the idea that interference from rhinovirus disrupted the 2009 IAV pandemic in Europe. These results indicate that viral interference can potentially affect the course of an epidemic, and this possibility should be considered when designing interventions for seasonal influenza epidemics and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.FundingNational Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and the Yale Department of Laboratory Medicine.

Historic and contemporary use of catfish aquaculture by piscivorous birds in the Mississippi Delta

AbstractPiscivorous birds are the primary source of catfish (Ictalurus spp.) depredation at aquaculture facilities in northwestern Mississippi. Of particular concern is the Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), which can cost aquaculture producers millions of dollars annually through the depredation of cultured fish. Historical research conducted in the early 2000s estimated cormorant use of aquaculture ponds in the region, but aquaculture area has decreased by more than 70% since those estimates were made. With less aquaculture available, we predicted cormorant densities on aquaculture would be greater today than historically. Applying a similar methodology as in historical studies, we used aerial surveys to collect data on cormorants at night roosts and using catfish aquaculture ponds during 3 consecutive winter seasons, beginning in 2015. Although the mean annual number of cormorants at roosts in the Delta during our study was 64% less than historically, we found no significant change in densities on aquaculture, suggesting that aquaculture area is likely the factor influencing cormorant occurrence in northwestern Mississippi. During contemporary surveys we also measured the abundance of Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) and Great Egrets (A. alba) on the aquaculture clusters, and built predictive models of abundance relative to variables associated with forage at and surrounding the clusters. We found abundance of all 3 species was strongly related to the amount of aquaculture area both within and surrounding a cluster, although patterns varied by species. Cormorant abundance was also greater on clusters with proportionately more food fish (≥20 cm in length) than fingerlings (<20 cm) and was positively related to the proximity and size of night roosts. The relationships described here can be used by producers and wildlife managers to predict the abundance of these piscivorous birds at aquaculture facilities and to design efficient management plans to mitigate potential impacts of depredation and disease.

Effect of Intercropping Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Plants on Garlic (Allium sativum) Plants on Microbial Community of Soil, Productivity and Quality of Both Crops

The present study was carried out at Farm of Agricultural Research Center in Gemmeiza Agricultural Research Station, Egypt, El- Gharbia Governorate during the two consecutive winter seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018.To evaluate effect of intercropping garlic bulbs on black cumin plants on microbial community of soil, productivity and quality of both crops. And there are 4 levels of intercropping as main plots (50%, 66%, 99%) intercropping, solocropped plants) and the 3 nitrogen fertilization levels were as subplots (50%, 75%, 100% nitrogen) were considered. The obtained results showed the importance of intercropping black cumin plants on garlic plants in improving the growth and yield of black cumin seeds, fixed oil and of volatile oil black cumin plants compared to solocropped plants. The treatment (T6) is increased the weight of ( the seeds of one capsule, 1000 seeds, of the capsules / plant, the seeds / plant, the seeds / plot, the seeds / fedd.) and the number of capsules / plant, for black cumin plants and increased the fresh and dry weight both of the head (gm) and dry weight (Kg) / fedd. for garlic bulbs, while the treatment (T5) is resulted in an increase in the volatile oil%, the weight of ( the volatile oil and the fixed oil) L/ fedd. on both seasons for black cumin plants and increase the organic acids in the fixed oil and increased the volatile oil % and the weight of volatil oil L/fedd. for garlic bulbs. The treatment (T9) is increased the fixed oil % for black cumin, while (T4) is increased total carbohdrates % in bulbs.

Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections in the oldest-old continent.

SARS-CoV-2 dramatically revealed the sudden impact of respiratory viruses in our lives. Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and an important burden on healthcare systems worldwide, especially in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to identify severity predictors in the oldest-old admitted with influenza and/or RSV infections. This is a multicenter, retrospective study of all oldest-old patients (≥ 85 years old) admitted for laboratory-confirmed influenza and/or RSV infection in three tertiary hospitals in Portugal, Italy, and Cyprus over two consecutive winter seasons. The outcomes included the following: pneumonia on infection presentation, use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and in-hospital death (IHD). The association with possible predictors, including clinical features and type of virus infection, was assessed using uni- and multivariable analyses. A total of 251 oldest-old patients were included in the study. Pneumonia was evident in 32.3% (n = 81). NIV was implemented in 8.8% (n = 22), and IHD occurred in 13.9% (n = 35). Multivariable analyses revealed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma was associated with pneumonia (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.02–3.43; p = 0.045). COPD or asthma (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.67–11.6; p = 0.003), RSV (OR 3.12; 95% CI 1.09–8.92; p = 0.023), and influenza B infections (OR 3.77; 95% CI 1.06–13.5; p = 0.041) were associated with NIV use, respectively, while chronic kidney disease was associated with IHD (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.14–5.51; p = 0.023). Among the oldest-old, chronic organ failure, such as COPD or asthma, and CKD predicted pneumonia and IHD, respectively, beyond the importance of viral virulence itself. These findings could impact on public health policies, such as fostering influenza immunization campaigns, home-based care programs, and end-of-life care. Filling knowledge gaps is crucial to set priorities and advise on transition model of care that best fits the oldest-old.

Yield, quality, water productivity and economic assessment of sweet corn under irrigation and nitrogen management in humid tropical climate

A field experiment was conducted during three consecutive winter seasons of 2013-14 to 2015-16 in the Indo-Gangetic plains encompassing humid tropical climatic region to study four irrigation regimes (gravity drip at 1.0, 0.8 and 0.6 ETc and surface irrigation) and four nitrogen management (100% RDN, 75% RDN + 25% RDN as vermicompost, 75% RDN + 25% RDN as FYM and 75% RDN + 25% RDN as mustard oilcake) on sweet corn. The results showed that surface irrigation with 75% RDN + 25% RDN as vermicompost was found the best treatment combination for maximum yield and economic realization which being competitive with drip irrigation at 1.0 ETc with 75% RDN + 25% RDN as vermicompost. Relatively higher quality parameters and moderate water productivity were observed with drip irrigation schedule at 1.0 ETc. The findings portray the precise planning and efficient management of available water and nitrogen resources for sweet corn growers.

Site Specific Nutrient Management in Potato Through Nutrient Omission Plot Technique

A field experiment was conducted during four consecutive winter seasons from 2013-14 to 2016-17 at Patna, Bihar under sandy clay loam soil. The trial on potato was laid out in randomized block design with four replications with objective to develop nutrient omission plot technique in potato. The highest plant height and number of shoot per plant were recorded under 150% recommended dose of fertilizer of NPK. The range of dry matter content in potato tuber varied from 16.1 to 17.7% on dry weight basis. The maximum yield of smallest tuber (0-25g) was recorded under 150% recommended dose of fertilizer of NPK, which was at par to all the nutritional treatments and significantly superior over absolute control plot. The maximum yield of medium, large and very large size tuber was recorded under 150% recommended dose of fertilizer of NPK. However, 150% recommended dose of fertilizers of NPK recorded about 13% higher net return over 100% recommended dose of fertilizers of NPK. The maximum yield reduction was observed in the omitted plot without nitrogen among other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. Hence, nitrogen was one of the most limiting nutrients for tuber yield of potato.

Cadmium contents of vertically and horizontally deposited winter precipitation in Central Europe: Spatial distribution and long-term trends

Cadmium (Cd) and its forms has recently been a focus of attention due to its toxic effects on human health and the environment. We evaluated the atmospheric deposition of Cd during three consecutive winter seasons (2009–2011) at 10 mountain-top locations in the Czech Republic along the borders with Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia. Cadmium concentrations of soluble and insoluble forms in both horizontal (rime) and vertical (snow) deposition were determined using sector-field ICP-MS. Across the sites, 94% of the total winter Cd deposition occurred in the soluble (environmentally available) Cd form. Mean concentrations of soluble Cd in rime were six times higher than in snow (398 vs. 66 ng L−1). Vertical deposition contributed as much as 41% to the total winter Cd input. Between-site variability in Cd deposition was large, ranging between 13 and 108 μg m−2 winter−1. Overall, Cd concentrations in winter deposition did not reach the drinking water limits and did not pose a direct threat for human health. Long-term trends (1996–2017) in winter Cd deposition were evaluated at six GEOMON sites (a monitoring network of small forested catchments). Since 1996, Cd input in winter atmospheric deposition decreased by 73–93%. Simultaneously, we found declines in between-site variability in winter Cd inputs. The highest recent winter Cd inputs were found at sites located in the northeast of the country. A north-south pollution gradient, which has frequently been mentioned in the literature, was not observed, with both northwestern sites and southern sites being among those with the lowest Cd pollution. Backward trajectories of the HYSPLIT model for fresh snow samples identified Poland and Germany as major transboundary Cd pollution sources for the Czech Republic.

Comet Test in Saliva Leukocytes of Pre-School Children Exposed to Air Pollution in North Italy: The Respira Study.

Air pollution is a well-known problem for human health, especially for children living in highly polluted urban areas. This study aimed to assess the relationship between airborne pollutants concentration and biomarkers of DNA damage in the buccal mucosa cells of pre-school children. DNA damage was investigated with comet test in saliva leukocytes taken from sputum of 3- to 6-year-old children living in Brescia, Northern Italy, collected during two consecutive winter seasons (2012–2013). The daily levels of PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, benzene and O3 in urban air were collected for the whole period. A questionnaire filled in by the children’s parents was used to evaluate indoor and outdoor exposure. DNA damage in saliva leukocytes was evaluated in 152 children and the means of tail intensity and visual score as DNA damage were 6.2 ± 4.3 and 182.1 ± 30.9, respectively. No demographic and indoor or outdoor exposure variable was associated with the two measures of DNA damage. No significant association between air pollution and DNA damage in children’s buccal leukocytes was found. In this study, the comet assay does not appear to be a valuable biomarker to detect DNA damage in children exposed to high levels of air pollutants, such as PM10, PM2.5 and NO2.

Respiratory syncytial virus in influenza-like illness cases: Epidemiology and molecular analyses of four consecutive winter seasons (2014-2015/2017-2018) in Lombardy (Northern Italy).

Besides seasonal influenza viruses (IV), several other pathogens-including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-are involved in clinically undistinguished influenza-like illnesses (ILIs). This study aimed at investigating the contribution of RSV in ILI cases in Lombardy (Northern Italy) during four consecutive winter seasons. In the framework of influenza surveillance, respiratory samples from ILI outpatients were collected from 2014-2015 to 2017-2018 season. IV-negative swabs were included in the study and analyzed to detect and molecularly characterize RSV-A and RSV-B. A total of 12.9% (135/1047) of samples were positive to RSV that was mostly detected among children ≤5 years (51/183, 27.8%) and those aged 6 to 15 years (30/158, 18.9%), whereas elderly >65 years accounted for 12% of RSV cases (15/125). The median start of RSV epidemic was in the end of November, with a peak in mid-February and a width of nearly 4 months, almost overlapping seasonal influenza epidemic. RSV-A and RSV-B co-circulated in all considered seasons, with RSV-B predominating on RSV-A (63.6% vs 36.4%; P < .001). Most (85.2%) RSV-A belonged to genotype ON1 and the remaining to NA1. All RSV-B clustered within the BA genotype. In this study, RSV significantly contributed to ILI cases, especially among pediatric population (<15 years), although it was detected in all age groups. RSV-B predominated on RSV-A, and the most recent evolved genotypes (BA and ON1, respectively) circulated. Investigating the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of RSV in ILI cases can increase baseline epidemiological information before the introduction of RSV vaccination.

Growth and Productivity of Garden Pea (Pisumsativum L.) as Affected by Foliar Application of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)

A field experiment was conducted to evaluation the garden pea (Pisumsativum L.) cvMaster Bresponse to the foliar application of carbon nanotube (CNT) or zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) during two consecutive winter seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018). CNT and ZnO NPs were sprayed three times at a week-intervals starting at thethree true-leaf stage. Three different doses were used (100, 150 and 200 ppm), in addition to, untreatedplants (control). Generally, the datarevealed that treated plants were superior to the control (untreated) onesin both seasons concerning total pod yield, total chlorophyll (µg/cm2), 50% flowering (days), weight of 100-seed (g), average green-pod weight (g) and total number of green-pods per plant. The highest total pod yield/feddan was produced by the pea plants sprayed with ZnO NPs at concentration of 100 ppm. The second highest total pod yield/ feddanexhibited by plants sprayed with 150 ppm CNT. Stem length (cm), number of branches per plant, days to the first flower, green pod length (cm) and weight of dry seeds for the treated versus untreated plants exhibited inconsistent significance considering the two years. However, average number of seeds per pod was not significant in both years. It is concluded that CNT and ZnO NPs seem to hold a promise for enhancing pea crop productivity. Here, the total pod yield was elevated by as high as 190% relative to the untreated control.

The dual allelopathic capacity of two Brassicaceae plants\u2019 seed powder in controlling Orobanche crenata infesting Pisum sativum as well as stimulating its growth and yield

BackgroundIt is well known that legume and other crops such as pea, faba bean, lentil, chick pea, and several other crops are susceptible to Orobanche crenata (broomrape) infestation. There is a direct relationship between O. crenata infestation and yield losses depending on the severity of infestation, the crop sensitivity, the planting date, and the different prevailing environmental factors. So, the present investigation aims to evaluate the allelopathic potentiality of the seed powder of the Brassicaceae plants (Eruca sativa and Sinapis alba) in controlling O. crenata infesting Pisum sativum plants.Materials/methodsTwo greenhouse experiments were held during two consecutive winter seasons to study the allelopathic effect of Eruca sativa (Essp) and Sinapis alba (Sasp) seed powder and compare it with recommended Basamid (Dazomet) herbicide treatment in controlling O. crenata infesting Pisum sativum as well as their effect on P. sativum growth, yield, and yield attributes. The treatments were conducted by mixing the seed powder of E. sativa (Essp) or S. alba (Sasp) to the soil at 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50 g/kg soil as well as Basamid herbicide at 0.2 g/pot.ResultsThe recorded results show that both Essp and Sasp at successive rates as well as Basamid treatment scored a great inhibition in dry weight of O. crenata tubercles infesting P. sativum plants at 55 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. The highest rate (50 g/kg) of both applied seed powder achieved the highest level of controlling O. crenata investigated weed. Growth as well as yield and yield attributes of P. sativum increased by the application of Essp and Sasp especially at the lowest rates in comparison with infected control.ConclusionThe lowest rates (12.5 and 25 g/kg soil) of both Essp and Sasp were the optimum applied treatments that suppressed O. crenata weed with the highest yield of P. sativum as compared with the healthy control. Glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in both seed powder may be the main active allelochemical which could be considered as a natural bioherbicide for controlling the O. crenata parasitic weed that infests P. sativum and reflected in turn on the plant yield by increase.

EFFECT OF MULCHING ON BULB YIELD, WATER USE EFFICIENCY, PLANT WATER STATUS AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GARLIC PLANTS GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT IRRIGATION LEVELS

Field studies were conducted for two consecutive winter seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/ 2018 to investigate the effect of mulching; (rice straw and without mulch as control) on bulbs yield, water use efficiency, plant water status and chemical composition of garlic grown under three levels of irrigation (I100 = 100%, I80 = 80% and I60 = 60% of ETC crop evapotranspiration). Bulb yield, water and potassium use efficiency, plant water status (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI) and leaf N and K significantly increased by increasing irrigation levels from I60 to I80 and further to I100. I80 was pronounced on water use efficiency and leaf P, meanwhile I60 was pronounced on leaf total phenolic, flavonoids, anthocyanin, free proline and total free amino acids contents. Garlic plants growth was improved under three levels of irrigation by using rice straw mulch. Results implied that I100 + rice straw, significantly, increased bulbs yield, (RWC), (MSI) and leaf N and K .In addition, I80 + rice straw significantly, increased water use efficiency and leaf P. Howevere, I60 + rice straw significantly, increased leaf total phenolic, flavonoids, anthocyanin, free proline and total free amino acids contents.

Rhinovirus Type in Severe Bronchiolitis and the Development of Asthma

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV)- and rhinovirus (RV)-induced bronchiolitis are associated with an increased risk of asthma, but more detailed information is needed on virus types.ObjectiveTo study whether RSV or RV types are differentially associated with the future use of asthma control medication.MethodsOver 2 consecutive winter seasons (2008-2010), we enrolled 408 children hospitalized for bronchiolitis at age less than 24 months into a prospective, 3-center, 4-year follow-up study in Finland. Virus detection was performed by real-time reverse transcription PCR from nasal wash samples. Four years later, we examined current use of asthma control medication.ResultsA total of 349 (86%) children completed the 4-year follow-up. At study entry, the median age was 7.5 months, and 42% had RSV, 29% RV, 2% both RSV and RV, and 27% non-RSV/-RV etiology. The children with RV-A (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.3; P = .01), RV-C (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.5; P < .001), and non-RSV/-RV (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.0; P = .004) bronchiolitis started the asthma control medication earlier than did children with RSV bronchiolitis. Four years later, 27% of patients used asthma control medication; both RV-A (adjusted odds ratio, 3.0; P = .03) and RV-C (adjusted odds ratio, 3.7; P < .001) etiology were associated with the current use of asthma medication. The highest risk was found among patients with RV-C, atopic dermatitis, and fever (adjusted odds ratio, 5.0; P = .03).ConclusionsSevere bronchiolitis caused by RV-A and RV-C was associated with earlier initiation and prolonged use of asthma control medication. The risk was especially high when bronchiolitis was associated with RV-C, atopic dermatitis, and fever.

Nest Box Use for Winter Roosting within a Flock of Tits

Roosting in various shelters allows saving energy, especially in winter, thus hole nesting birds, like tits, search for places suitable to spend cold nights. Because the environment probably does not provide enough shelters for all birds from a winter flock to roost, a competition for best sites, as nest boxes, probably occurs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the pattern of using the nest boxes by birds for roosting during three consecutive winter seasons and to determine the structure of a group of roosting birds in relation to the winter flock. Tits were captured and marked; daily controls of nest boxes were performed to find out which of them the tits used for roosting and subsequently, birds entering these boxes were caught at night. Great tits Parus major were the most abundant species roosting in the studied boxes with proportion of blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus differed between years. Young individuals prevailed among the birds roosting in nest boxes. However the age and sex structure of great tits roosting in nest boxes was similar to that observed in winter flocks, which was in contrast to earlier studies that found that the males and older individuals, high in the social hierarchy of the flock, will take over these boxes. The size of winter flock differs strongly among winters, thus it is possible that the level of competition for these roosting sites also varies between the years.

Fruits of wild and semi-domesticated Diospyros tree species have contrasting phenological, metabolic, and antioxidant activity profiles.

In contrast to commercial Diospyros species, Mesoamerican fruit-producing species are scarcely known, particularly wild species that might harbor desirable traits suitable for breeding. Thus, metabolomic, chemical, and antioxidant profiles of fruits harvested from cultivated Diospyros digyna and wild Diospyros rekoi trees during consecutive winter seasons were obtained. Fruits were harvested in habitats having marked differences in soil quality, climate, and luminosity. D. digyna fruits were larger and less acid than D.rekoi fruits, whereas antioxidant activity tended to be higher in D.rekoi fruits. Phenolic, flavonoid, and sugar contents also varied significantly between species. Metabolomic analysis allowed the pre-identification of 519 and 1665 metabolites in negative and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) modes, respectively. Principal component analysis of the positive ESI data explained 51.8% of the variance and indicated clear metabolomic differences between D.rekoi and D.digyna fruits that were confirmed by direct-injection ESI mass spectrometry profiles. Twenty-one discriminating metabolites were detected in fruits of both species; D.digyna fruits differentially accumulated lysophospholipids, whereas discriminating metabolites in D.rekoi fruits were chemically more diverse than those in D.digyna fruits. Domesticated D.digyna fruits have improved physicochemical fruit traits compared with wild D.rekoi fruits, including larger size and lower acidity. The metabolomic and chemical composition of their respective fruits were also significantly different, which in D.rekoi was manifested as a notable season-dependent increase in antioxidant capacity. Therefore, wild D.rekoi can be considered as an important genetic resource for the improvement of commercial Diospyros fruit quality. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Novel Human Astroviruses: Prevalence and Association with Common Enteric Viruses in Undiagnosed Gastroenteritis Cases in Spain.

A remarkable percentage of acute gastroenteritis cases remain etiologically undiagnosed. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of common and emerging enteric viruses, such as novel human astroviruses, among undiagnosed samples from children with acute gastroenteritis. Epidemiological studies for novel human astroviruses are still scarce. Stool samples collected over two consecutive winter seasons (2016–2017) from children with gastroenteritis in Spain, which were negative for bacteria, rotavirus, and adenovirus by routine diagnostics were screened by real-time RT-PCR assays for the presence of classical and novel astrovirus, rotavirus, norovirus GI and GII, sapovirus, and adenovirus. Overall, 220/384 stool samples (57.3%) were positive for at least one virus. Co-infections were identified in 21% of cases. Among a total of 315 viruses identified, adenovirus was the most prevalent (n = 103), followed by rotavirus (n = 51), sapovirus (n = 50), classical astrovirus (n = 43), novel astroviruses (n = 42), and norovirus (n = 26). Novel astroviruses were present in 13.3% of virus-positive cases. Most novel astroviruses were found in children <2-year-old (30/39 children, 77%, p = 0.01) and were found in co-infection (66%). Only classical astroviruses demonstrated significant differences in the Cq values during mono-infections compared to co-infections. In conclusion, common enteric viruses may be frequently found in children with undiagnosed gastroenteritis, indicating the need to implement more sensitive diagnostic methods. Novel astroviruses circulate in the community and could be the cause of gastroenteritis among young children.