bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xenogenic bone grafting biomaterials do not interfere in the viability and proliferation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth - an in vitro pilot study
Authors: Stroparo Jeferson Luis de Oliveira , Weiss Suyany Gabriely , Fonseca Sabrina Cunha da , Spisila Lisley Janowski , Gonzaga Carla Castiglia , Oliveira Gabriel Camargo de , Brotto Gabriela Loewen , Swiech Alice Maria , Vieira Eduardo Discher , Leão Neto Roberto da Rocha , Franco Célia Regina Cavichiolo , Leão Moira Pedroso , Deliberador Tatiana Miranda , Gabardo Marilisa Carneiro Leão , Zielak João César
Published: April 2021

Aim: In vitro evaluation of the influence of bovine xenogenic biomaterials on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). The study was divided into three groups: 1) group C (control), containing only MSCs; 2) group BP, containing MSCs and Bonefill Porous®; 3) group BO, containing MSCs and Bio-Oss®. MSCs were derived from a deciduous tooth from a 7-year-old male donor. An aliquot of cells was subjected to immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. Cell viability (neutral red), cytotoxicity (MTT), and cell proliferation (crystal violet) assays were performed. All groups underwent morphological analysis by light microscopy (LM), and the biomaterial with superior performance was submitted to evaluation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Time points of 24, 48, and 72 h of culture were used. All results were evaluated with a significance level of 0.05. Results showed that both biomaterials maintained cell viability and cytotoxicity similar to the control. The BO group showed smaller cell proliferation compared to the other groups. In LM evaluation, the BP group showed more spread and adherent cells than the BO group. In SEM, cells of the BP group showed characteristics of more active cells than those of the control. Bovine xenogenic biomaterials positively influenced SHEDs, while the BP group seemed to present higher potential with SHEDs for future application within in vivo and/or clinical studies.
Influência das rodovias na propagação do Sars-CoV-2 nos municípios do Nordeste de Minas Gerais
Authors: Quintal Ana Clara Gonçalves , Lima Nicole Guimarães , Rodrigues Máyra Leal , Ribeiro Rebecca Jasmim Pereira , Genaro Rafael , Almeida Rafael Alvarenga
Published: April 2021

É fato que a influência do fluxo rodoviário correlaciona-se com a disseminação de diversas doenças transmissíveis, podendo guardar a mesma relação para a disseminação do SARS-CoV-2 nos municípios. O presente trabalho objetiva-se na realização da verificação da influência das rodovias BR-116, BR-418 e BR-367 na propagação da SARS-CoV-2 em 73 municípios da região Nordeste de Minas Gerais, e na cidade polo, Teófilo Otoni-MG. Para tal verificou-se diversas variáveis relacionadas à doença como: casos confirmados, óbitos e dias até a doença se instalar em uma cidade. Ainda, realizou-se uma avaliação sobre a existência de correlação entre uma variável referente a rodovia e uma referente a doença, com a obtenção dos índices de correlações de Pearson e de Spearman, e por fim executou-se um teste de hipótese, visando obtenção de um ranqueamento das rodovias. Com base nos cálculos realizados, a BR-116 e BR-418 se apresentaram como as rodovias mais influentes na propagação do vírus entre os municípios da região de estudo. Já para os bairros da cidade de Teófilo Otoni- MG, a BR-418 demonstrou uma maior influência na disseminação do SARS-CoV-2 que a BR-116. A análise se mostrou relevante para melhor entendimento de como a COVID-19 se propaga nas cidades estudadas por meio das rodovias, podendo facilitar a tomada de decisão dos gestores públicos na implantação de medidas sanitárias nesses locais.
Avaliação da aptidão física de idosas em um Programa de Atividades Físicas
Authors: Costa Vitor Viana da , Machado André Accioly Nogueira , Vasconcelos-Filho Francisco Sérgio Lopes , Carvalho Nielpson Dias , Mota Mabelle Maia , Godinho Welton Daniel Nogueira , Soares Paula Matias , Ferraz Alex	Soares Marreiros
Published: April 2021

Atrelado a um bom programa de atividades físicas, geralmente, têm-se métodos para avaliar as capacidades funcionais de indivíduos que dele participam. As informações geradas por esta avaliação possibilitam conhecer as características dos idosos a partir de ferramentas simples e úteis, auxiliando no diagnóstico das limitações específicas de cada indivíduo e na definição de estratégias para promoção de saúde, visando retardar ou prevenir as incapacidades resultantes do envelhecimento. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar, em diferentes grupos etários, os níveis de aptidão física funcional de idosas participantes de um programa de atividades físicas. O estudo realizado foi de natureza quantitativa e característica descritiva. A pesquisa foi realizada no município do Crato–Ceará, na qual participaram 47 idosas integrantes do programa Saúde, Bombeiros e Sociedade. Para a coleta dos dados, foi aplicado um questionário e realizada uma avaliação antropométrica e uma avaliação da aptidão física, esta mensurada através da bateria de testes de a Rikli e Jones. Percebeu-se que todas apresentaram resultados abaixo da média para o teste “Caminhada de seis minutos”; a faixa etária com o maior número de testes abaixo da média foi a entre 60 e 64 anos, seguida pela faixa etária de 74 a 79 anos, com dois testes. Na análise geral dos resultados, percebe-se que, quanto à resistência aeróbica, agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico, as participantes demonstraram resultados insatisfatórios ou abaixo da média, indicando um déficit nessas valências.
Transfobia na educação: O olhar da estudante transgênero feminino
Authors: Albuquerque Érika Fabíola de Araújo Ribeiro e , Oliveira Elenilce Gomes de
Published: April 2021

O presente artigo é resultado da pesquisa realizada durante o mestrado e tem como objetivo discutir a transfobia institucional experienciada por estudantes transgênero feminino no ambiente escolar e as formas de enfrentamento desse tipo de preconceito adotada por essas discentes. A investigação de caráter qualitativo, recorreu à pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e empírica, por meio das técnicas da observação e entrevista semiestruturada, possibilitando uma maior aproximação com a realidade das discentes-interlocutoras deste estudo. O método histórico-dialético foi considerado o mais adequado para alicerçar esta pesquisa que, em harmonia com outras fontes de conhecimento, oferecem uma maior apreensão da realidade vivenciada em sua totalidade pelas interlocutoras desta pesquisa. Percebe-se, a partir das análises realizadas, que a escola se caracteriza como mais uma instituição que reforça a norma padrão de ser e sentir o gênero e a sexualidade, ditando regras baseadas no binarismo de gênero (vagina/mulher/feminino e pênis/homem/masculino), não se configurando, portanto, como um ambiente acolhedor e de respeito às diversidades de gênero.
Índices de Castelli I e II como preditores robustos na estimativa do risco cardiovascular de adolescentes com excesso de peso
Authors: Nogueira Maria Dinara de Araújo , Braga Ribanna Aparecida Marques , Pinto Francisco José Maia , Silva Francisco Ranilson , Coutinho Vanessa Fernandes , Damasceno Nágila Raquel Teixeira , Maia Carla Soraya Costa
Published: April 2021

O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de dislipidemia e estimar o risco cardiovascular segundo indicadores bioquímicos mais precisos em adolescentes, de acordo com o estado nutricional. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 807 adolescentes de escolas públicas, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 10 a 17 anos. O estado nutricional foi classificado de acordo com o índice de massa corporal. Foi considerada dislipidemia a presença de níveis aumentados em pelo menos um dos parâmetros do perfil lipídico: triglicerídeos (TG), colesterol total e frações de alta (HDL-c) e baixa densidade (LDL-c). O risco cardiovascular foi estimado pelo cálculo do Índice de Castelli I (IC-I) e II (IC-II), TG/HDL-c e não-HDL-c. Os dados foram analisados pela regressão de Poisson com estimativas robustas da variância com nível de significância de 5%. A idade mediana foi de 13 (12-14) anos, dos quais 57,7% eram do sexo feminino. Foi encontrado uma prevalência de 32% de excesso de peso. O excesso de peso esteve associado ao risco cardiovascular em adolescentes, sendo o IC-II (RP: 2,75; IC95%: 1,77-4,27; p<0,001) o marcador que teve maior prevalência no grupo excesso de peso, seguido do IC-I (RP: 1,87; IC95%: 1,56-2,22; p<0,001). Foi possível concluir que, uso dos IC-I e II apresentaram prevalência superior aos marcadores lipídicos analisados isoladamente e, portanto, são preditores mais robustos do risco cardiovascular em adolescentes com excesso de peso.
Epidemia de dengue durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Estado de Sergipe: Uma preocupação para os serviços de saúde e um alerta para intensificar as medidas de prevenção e controle
Authors: Araújo Damião da Conceição , Santos Allan Dantas dos , Lima Shirley Veronica Melo Almeida , Araújo Karina Conceição Gomes Machado de
Published: April 2021

A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) orientou a importância de manter as medidas e ações para prevenir, detectar e tratar as doenças transmitidas por vetores durante a pandemia de COVID-19, uma vez que o impacto combinado dessas doenças pode promover consequências devastadoras para a população, sobretudo, as vulneráveis como crianças, idosos e as que possuem diagnóstico de doenças cardiovasculares. Desta forma, esta carta ao editor é uma reflexão para alertar a comunidade cientifica, profissionais e gestores sobre o impacto das epidemias de dengue durante a pandemia de COVID-19. O estado de Sergipe, localizado no Nordeste do Brasil, possui alta infestação predial pelo mosquito Aedes aegypti e é endêmico para dengue. Outros estados brasileiros também apresentam a mesma situação epidemiológica. Assim, é importante que as medidas de controle sejam intensificadas para continuar a prevenção para a dengue. Pois, a situação pode ser agravante nos próximos anos em termos de incidência e morbimortalidade.
Family I84 protease inhibitors likely constitute a Mollusca-specific protein family functioning in host defense
Authors: Lu J , Liu S , Ruan Z , Ye J , Wu Q , Wang S , Lin Z , Xue Q
Published: April 2021

Protease inhibitors are proteins or small polypeptides functioning in numerous biological processes in all organisms. The I84 family of protease inhibitors in the MEROPS database represents a novel protease inhibitor family that has been reported in 2 bivalves, Crassostrea virginica and Sinonovacula constricta, and is believed to play a role in host defense. In the present study, 7 new members of Family I84 were identified in 2 bivalves, Meretrix meretrix and Mytilus galloprovincialis, and 1 gastropod, Haliotis discus hannai, at the mRNA level via cDNA cloning. The expression patterns of the newly identified genes varied in response to salinity stresses and pathogen-associated molecular pattern stimulations, suggesting their involvement in the host defense of related species. Additionally, analyses of sequence data in public databases did not reveal any Family I84 protease inhibitor molecules in non-molluscan animals. The results indicated that Family I84 protease inhibitors are likely mollusk specific, constituting a unique host defense mechanism in molluscan species.
Spatial and temporal variability of green turtle and dugong herbivory in seagrass meadows of the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR)
Authors: Scott AL , York PH , Macreadie PI , Rasheed MA
Published: April 2021

Megaherbivore grazing (e.g. by turtles, and sirenians) plays a major and well-documented role in structuring seagrass meadows around the world; however, we know little about local-scale (intra- and inter-meadow) variability in megaherbivore grazing. This is surprising given that megaherbivores are highly selective eaters who may feed by targeting certain meadows, or areas within a meadow. We ran an experiment in the Great Barrier Reef to test the question: How does megaherbivory vary on a regional scale? We used megaherbivore exclusion cages in 5 meadows along a 50 km region of coastline around Gladstone in the southern Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to understand variability in megaherbivory between meadows. We found differences in the impacts of megaherbivore grazing on seagrass biomass and shoot heights between meadows. There were also interannual differences in grazing impacts at one meadow that had been studied previously. These differences may be due to megaherbivore population and grazing dynamics, as well as the response of seagrass to grazing pressure. Our results show that seagrass meadows grazed by megaherbivores are dynamic systems that vary on regional spatial scales as well as over time. This is important for management measures that seek to consider the seagrass-herbivore system as a whole and understand the implications of monitoring efforts based on seagrass aboveground condition.
Systems level modelling of metabolism in fungal endophytes - implications for the symbiosis with ryegrass
Authors: Chaturvedi Rajiv , Soboleva Tanya , Johnson Linda , Parsons Anthony , Rasmussen Susanne
Published: April 2021

We used constraint based stoichiometric modelling of metabolic fluxes in EpichloÃ‘' festucae (FL1), a targeted gene replacement of a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (termed sidF) from E. festucae, and the symbiotic association of these endophytic fungi and their host Lolium perenne. SidF encodes an excreted ironchelating siderophore and the sidF knockouts (KO) are impaired in their ability to take up iron. After constructing the metabolic network at a genome scale, we applied constraints on enzymatic reactions that require iron as co-factor to study the variations in metabolic network capabilities of the siderophore mutant versus wildtype, in culture and in planta. We compared fluxes calculated for the production of amino acids with observed concentrations of these amino acids in planta. We report a counter-intuitive result from considering metabolism on a systems level in our models. Keywords: stoichiometric metabolic network modelling, flux balance analysis, symbiosis, Neotyphodium lolii, Lolium perenne, EpichloÃ‘' festucae.
joint analyses of transcriptomic and metabolomic data to probe ryegrass-endophyte symbiosis
Authors: Cao M. , Johnson L. , Johnson R. , Koulman A. , Lane G.A. , Rasmussen S.
Published: April 2021

Fungal endophytes (Neotyphodium lolii) in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) produce a range of bioactive alkaloids which are implicated in both toxicity to grazing animals and resistance to insects. The understanding of regulatory and biochemical mechanisms of the symbiosis will provide clues for the genetic manipulation of beneficial alkaloid production. This paper presents approaches to analyse data from high-throughput microarray experiments and targeted metabolomic analyses. Combined with bioinformatics analyses, potential genes were found associated with the accumulation of alkaloids and other metabolites. The advantages and limitations of our approach to address the molecular mechanisms of the symbiosis will be discussed. Keywords: Lolium perenne, Neotyphodium lolii, metabolomics, microarray
The analysis of fungal alkaloids in plant fluids
Authors: Koulman A. , Van Gils M.J. , Lane G.A. , Christensen M.J. , Fraser K. , Tapper B.A.
Published: April 2021

Many grasses live in association with fungi (Neotyphodium spp. endophytes) growing in the intercellular spaces of the grass. The endophytes produce a range of alkaloids that protect the grass against grazing animals and insects. There has been speculation about the mobilisation and translocation of different alkaloids. We aimed to determine if metabolites produced by endophytes are mobilised and translocated by the plant. We developed a versatile method for the analysis plant fluids, using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Cut leaf fluid and guttation fluid of different grass endophyte associations in ryegrass and tall fescue were analysed. Peramine was detected in the cut leaf and guttation fluid of all ryegrass-endophyte associations that are able to produce peramine, but were found only in the cut leaf fluid of the tall fescue association. Lolines and ergot peptides were also detected in some associations. Keywords: Neotyphodium, ryegrass, tall fescue, guttation, peramine, ergovaline, loline
Genetics tests of ecological roles of ergot alkaloids produced by an epichloe endophyte of ryegrass
Authors: Schardl C.L. , Panaccione D.G. , Potter D.A. , Florea S. , Hesse U. , Konnova E. , Liu M. , Machado C. , Stokes J.T.
Published: April 2021

Ergot alkaloids are produced by ergot fungi (Claviceps spp.) that parasitise ears of grain, and related epichloÃ« endophytes (EpichloÃ« and Neotyphodium spp.) that systemically persist in grasses as protective mutualists.
Structure elucidation of 10,11 - Epoxyjanthitrem B and isolation of Janthitrem B from Penicillium janthinellum cultures
Authors: Babu Jacob , Wilkins Alistair , Miles Christopher , Finch Sarah
Published: April 2021

Early investigations into ryegrass staggers were directed towards the characterisation of tremorgen-producing Penicillium species (Gallagher et al. 1977).
Neotyphodium interactions with a native grass are driven by endophyte haplotype
Authors: Morse L.J. , Faeth S.H. , Day T.A.
Published: April 2021

We examined the effect of endophyte infection, endophyte and host plant maternal genotype on traditional growth parameters. We also measured leaf water potential, leaf rolling, and stomatal density to provide explanations for differences in biomass production and relative growth rates. Our general findings show that Neotyphodium infection, Neotyphodium haplotype and its interaction with host maternal genotype influence Arizona fescue growth, and biomass production. Endophyte haplotype and its interaction with host maternal genotype is the most critical and consistent factor in influencing growth and physiological outcomes. Endophyte-host interactions are likely to be enormously complex because of the genetic and environmental variation that exists in natural populations. The outcome of these interactions in natural grass-endophyte systems is exceedingly difficult to predict based simply on the presence or absence of the endophyte. Keywords: growth rate, haplotype, leaf rolling, plant biomass, water potential, stomatal density
Transferring endophyte technology to North American farmers
Authors: Andrae J.G. , Roberts C.A.
Published: April 2021

Bacon and others discovered the tall fescue endophyte in 1977. Since that time, North American researchers have developed several endophyte-based technologies to reduce fescue toxicosis. The most recent has been the release of MaxQ, a novel endophyte that enhances persistence but does not cause fescue toxicosis. Despite its advantages, MaxQ has been adopted slowly across the fescue belt of the US. This paper presents possible social and managerial reasons for this slow adoption. It closes by offering some possible solutions. Keywords: MaxQ, novel endophyte, tall fescue toxicosis, pasture renovation, educational efforts
On-farm impacts of endophyte technology in the United States
Authors: Parish J.A. , Watson R.H.
Published: April 2021

The on-farm impacts of non-toxic tall fescue endophyte technology have only been partially realised in the United States. Based on current tall fescue acreage, the potential for non-toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue products is immense. However, 6 years after the introduction of the first non-toxic endophyte tall fescue technology to the U.S. market, less than 1% of the total tall fescue acres in the U.S. have been renovated using this technology. Success with leading producers that influence other producers, educational partnerships, and strong product advertising are factors favouring adoption of this technology. Factors slowing this technology adoption include key markets lacking adequate marketing and technical support, lack of producer awareness and inaccurate perceptions about the technology, and acreage moving out of pasture and into alternative enterprises including urban development. Rapidly changing social, political, and economic conditions have the potential to drive profit-minded producers to give more consideration to forage technology adoption. Keywords: farm level, technology application, technology adoption
The biology of the endophyte/grass partnership
Authors: Christensen M.J. , Voisey C.R.
Published: April 2021

The association of EpichloÃ« and Neotyphodium endophytes with host grasses is one of balance between both partners. The host plants are symptomless with the exception of stromata that can form on reproductive tillers of grasses infected with EpichloÃ« spp. The hyphae of the endophytes, spread systemically throughout the above ground parts of plants and in leaves, are aligned parallel with the longitudinal leaf axis and are seldom branched. In this review, the reader is guided through the interaction of host grass and endophytes as revealed by microscopy and then given a model to explain the unique association that these endophytic fungi have with host grasses. This model proposes that hyphae within meristematic tissue branch profusely, providing hyphal strands that extend by intercalary growth amongst enlarging plant cells. Hyphae cease branching and elongating when amongst stationary cells but remain metabolically active, producing a range of bioactive products that enhance the persistence of host grasses. By this process the synchronisation of endophyte and plant growth is achieved, providing a generally mutualistic relationship. Keywords: Neotyphodium, EpichloÃ«, intercalary hyphal extension
Community and ecosystem consequences of endophyte symbiosis with tall fescue
Authors: Rudgers Jennifer , Clay Keith
Published: April 2021

We have investigated community and ecosystem consequences of endophyte symbiosis with tall fescue over the past 13 years. Lolium arundinaceum is the most abundant plant in the eastern USA, and most is infected by the wild-type endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum in Kentucky 31. We established two large experimental grasslands (in 1994 and in 2000) with E+ and E- seed sown in each on recently ploughed herbaceous vegetation. Other plant species established naturally by seed or vegetative fragments. No other treatments were applied and plots were subject to natural biotic and abiotic variation. A third experiment examined ecological influences on endophyte infection dynamics starting from an intermediate infection frequency. We found wide-ranging consequences of the endophyte from significant effects on soil feedback and decomposition rates, to plant-plant competition, diversity, productivity, invasibility and succession, to plant-herbivore interactions and energy flow to higher trophic levels. Further, we found that herbivore pressure caused rapid increases in infection frequency. Our results suggest that endophyte symbiosis in tall fescue can have a transforming effect on ecological systems. Keywords: Lolium arundinaceum, Neotyphodium coenophialum, soil, competition, herbivory, trophc interactions, predators, MaxQ endophyte
Variability is the nature of the endophyte-grass interaction
Authors: Faeth S.H. , Saikkonen K.
Published: April 2021

Studies of systemic endophyte in grasses have skyrocketed in the past two decades. However, the vast majority of these studies still occur in agroecosystems. We show that ecological and evolutionary concepts derived from these systems may be misleading because they fail to incorporate the enormous variability found in endophyte-host grass interactions in wild grass populations. This variability stems from 1) genetic differences in host plants and endophytes, 2) environmental factors such as light and soil nutrients and moisture, and 3) the tangled web of interacting species in natural communities, such as conspecific and interspecific plants, multiple generalist and specialist herbivore species, and the third trophic level, predators and parasites. Studies of natural populations and communities continue to lag far behind those involving agronomic grass systems. However, we argue that additional studies of infected wild grass populations and communities are essential to advance ecological and evolutionary concepts of endophytegrass interactions. Keywords: endophytes, herbivore resistance, grasses, natural populations and communities, natural enemies, Neotyphodium, pathogens, plant defenses, variability
Botanophilia flies associated with Epichloe host species: no evidence for coevolution
Authors: Leuchtmann A.
Published: April 2021

EpichloÃ« species usually depend on flies of genus Botanophila which transfer gametes for sexual reproduction. Sequence analysis of COII detected six distinct Botanophila taxa that were associated with EpichloÃ« in Europe and North America. Three were restricted to samples from Europe, two to samples from North America, and one was present on both continents. In North America the common taxon (identified as B. lobata) was found on EpichloÃ« hosts of native grasses as well as on E. typhina and E. festucae of introduced grasses. In Switzerland, up to four different Botanophila taxa occurred at a single location. There was no strict specificity of flies for EpichloÃ« host species, although several taxa appeared to prefer some hosts over others. Comparison of the Botanophila phylogeny with that of the associated EpichloÃ« hosts did not suggest co-evolution of fungus and fly. Thus, associations between Botanophila flies and EpichloÃ« hosts may have arisen independently more than once. Keywords: Anthomyiidae, Diptera, Clavicipitaceae, choke disease, cytochrome oxydase, grass endophytes, molecular phylogeny, mutualism
The distribution and incidence of Neotyphodium endophytes in native grasses from Argentina and its association with environmental factors
Authors: Cabral D. , Iannone L.J. , Stewart A. , Novas M.V.
Published: April 2021

We examined the occurrence of Neotyphodium endophytes in native grasses from Argentina using both herbarium material and plants collected from the field. Neotyphodium endophytes were detected in 34 out of more than 150 host species examined throughout the country. The incidence of infection was highly variable within many of the species. We examined the relationship between incidence of endophyte and environmental conditions in four host species, Bromus setifolius from Santa Cruz, Phleum alpinum and Poa rigidifolia from Tierra del Fuego and Poa bonariensis from the Pampean region. The results suggest that each endophyte-host association seems to be affected in different ways by environmental factors. B. setifolius only contained endophyte in moist rather than dry regions, while in contrast, Ph. alpinum showed the highest endophyte incidence in the driest sites. Endophyte incidence in P. rigidifolia was highest where soil fertility was high, and P. bonariensis contained the most endophyte in high pH rather than low pH soils. Field observations suggest that in poor growing conditions, such as those of the extra-Andean Patagonia, or highly acidic soils, the association is not favoured leading to a decrease in the endophyte frequency of infection or even to the complete loss of the association. Keywords: Bromus setifolius, native grasses, Phleum alpinum, Poa bonariensis, Poa rigidifolia, South America
Ecology of epiphyllous stages of endophytes and implications fro horizontal dissemination
Authors: Tadych M. , White J.F. , Author J.R.
Published: April 2021

Experiments were conducted to examine aspects of the ecology of the epiphyllous stage of a Neotyphodium endophyte on leaves of Poa ampla (big bluegrass) plants. Conidia were found to be readily water dispersed and to survive for several weeks on leaf surfaces. Neotyphodium was found to colonise excised grass leaves and grow on growing meristems of seedlings. The significance of epiphyllous stages of endophytes was also evaluated and discussed. Keywords: Clavicipitaceae, Neotyphodium, conidia, dissemination, water dispersal, endophytes, epiphytes, epiphyllous, big bluegrass, Poa ampla
Neotyphodium impacts on soil nematode communities: rhizosphere- and litter-mediated interactions
Authors: Omacini M. , Chaneton E.J. , Ghersa C.M.
Published: April 2021

There is a growing recognition that endophyte effects on host plant traits may be propagated through food chains. We studied Neotyphodium occultans effects on soil nematode communities mediated by current and past patch occupancy by endophyteinfected Lolium multiflorum populations. A microcosm experiment was performed to evaluate whether abundance and diversity of nematodes at different trophic levels were affected by endophyte infection through rhizosphere-mediated or littermediated effects. We found that presence of endophyte-infected plants and their aerial litter both triggered a bottom-up trophic cascade enhancing the abundance of herbivorous and predaceous nematode taxa. Endophyte infection also increased overall nematode richness, mostly through changes induced at the highest trophic level in this soil food web. Our results suggest that fungal endophytes can modify the linkages between aboveand belowground community compartments, with potential consequences on plant patch dynamics. Keywords: soil food webs, Lolium multiflorum, Neotyphodium occultans, plant-soil feedback, after-life effects, indirect interactions, trophic cascades
Occurrence of Neotyphodium endophytes in perennial ryegreass (lolium perenne) and gescue (Festuca spp.), and characterisation of selected isolates with respect to toxin production, drought and insect resistance
Authors: Shetty Prathap Kumar Halady , Jensen Anne Mette Dahl , Roulund Niels , Boelt Birte
Published: April 2021

Neotyphodium endophytes infect the natural grass populations of Lolium perenne and Festuca sp. L. perenne samples were collected from 62 different locations in Denmark and were analysed for the presence of Neotyphodium lolii.
Inducible defense provided by Neotyphodium to Lolium arundinacea and lolium pratense: an ecological and molecular approach
Authors: Sullivan T.J. , Bultman T.L. , Rodstrom J. , Vandop J. , Librizzi J. , Graham C. , Sielaff A. , Fernandez L.
Published: April 2021

Plants have evolved a range of responses to herbivory ranging from tolerance to both inducible and constitutive chemical defenses. Previous research has shown lolines produced by Neotyphodium coenophialum are inducible by host damage. In this paper, we examined whether this inducibility can also be caused by damage from an invertebrate herbivore and whether this phenomenon also occurs in N. uncinatum. We also investigated whether changes in gene expression for lolC, a gene in the loline biosynthesis pathway, accompanies changes in defense response. For N. coenophialum, both mechanical and herbivore damage had a negative effect on subsequent aphid herbivores. For N. uncinatum, damage did not cause an increase in defense, although there was an increase in endophyte-free hosts. Relative expression of lolC varied significantly over time, and between damage types for N. uncinatum with herbivore damaged plants having a lower relative lolC -1 expression. Keywords: Neotyphodium, gene expression, inducible defense, loline, lolC
Effects of Neotyphodium endophyte infection on seed viability and germination vigour in Lolium multiflorum under accelerated ageing conditions
Authors: Gundel P.E. , Landesmann J.B. , MartÃ­nez-Ghersa M.A. , Ghersa C.M.
Published: April 2021

Neotyphodium endophytes are obligate vertically-transmitted endo-symbionts of Lolium multiflorum grass. Thus, the success of endophyte is tied with the success of the seed. Here we present results from experiments aiming to test the effect of endophyte infection on seed viability and germination vigour. Endophyteinfected and non-infected seeds of three L. multiflorum accessions were compared under accelerated ageing conditions (40ÂºC and â‰ˆ15% moisture content). Endophyte negatively affected seed viability and seed germination vigour in only one of the evaluated accessions. The effect of endophyte presence on seed quality in pasture grasses could depend on the population genetic background, and be related to direct or indirect effects of fungal infection on seed morphological or physiological characteristics. Keywords: Lolium multiflorum, Neotyphodium endophyte, seed quality, accelerated ageing
Targeted introduction of point mutations in Epichloe festucae
Authors: Knapp K. , Johnson R. , Voisey C. , Bryan G.
Published: April 2021

AgResearch is a world leader in the commercial utilisation of endophytes in forage grasses. These fungal endophytes have a symbiotic relationship with their host grass and and have traditionally been an agricultural double edged sword. On one hand, they increase plant yield, provide resistance to abiotic stress, and produce insecticidal secondary metabolites. However, they also produce toxic mammalian alkaloids that seriously affect the health of the grazing livestock. AgResearch has identified and commercialised endophyte strains (AR1, AR37 and MaxQ/ MaxP) that lack the capacity to produce two of the main classes of toxic mammalian alkaloids. In addition to the successful commercial strains, AgResearch has characterised a number of strains with potentially beneficial traits that were not placed into a commercial development pipeline because they would lead to negative effects on livestock (e.g. lolitremB producers). As part of our strategy for developing the next generation of endophytes, we are looking for strains with novel activities against some of the insect pests that are not deterred by the current commercial strains. It is likely that some of these strains will be lolitrem B or ergovaline producers and therefore some means of eliminating these pathways is desirable.
Characterisation of fungal endophytes present in Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye)
Authors: Burr Kirsti , Mittal Shipra , Hopkins Andy , Young Carolyn
Published: April 2021

Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye - CWR) is a native perennial cool season bunch grass tolerant to a range of soils, winter hardy and able to grow across the United Sates and as far North as Southern Alaska. Canada wildrye is often used for prairie restoration, conservation and erosion stabilisation. Young CWR plant tissue is palatable and nutritious to grazing animals. CWR has been reported to harbour a sexual endophytic fungus, EpichloÃ« elymi, but some accessions have been identified that have not produced stroma. We isolated and characterised the epichloÃ« endophytes from three endophyte-infected CWR accessions collected from Mexico and Texas. We established that the endophytes present in these CWR accessions are of hybrid origin, with E. elymi and E. amarillans ancestral genomes, and are therefore considered to be asexual isolates. The endophytes were examined for their alkaloid potential, particularly the detrimental ergot alkaloids, with inconclusive results. Keywords: Elymus canadensis, Canada wildrye, hybrid, EpichloÃ« elymi, EpichloÃ« amarillans
Peramine and indole-diterpene biosynthetic capability of epichloe endophytes as predicted by perA and Itm gene analysis
Authors: Scott B. , Young C.A. , Tapper B.A. , Wrenn R.E. , Foster S.J. , Moon C.D. , Schardl C.L.
Published: April 2021

Genes for the synthesis of the bioprotective metabolites, peramine and indole-diterpenes, were recently cloned from Neotyphodium lolii and EpichloÃ« festucae (Tanaka et al. 2005; Young et al. 2005; Young et al. 2006).
A gene identified from Neotyphodium lolii is expressed only in planta and regulates the biosynthesis of a putative oligopeptide secondary metabolite
Authors: Johnson R.D. , Borchert S. , Christensen M.J. , Johnson L.J. , Koulman A. , Van Gils M.J. , Bryan G.T.
Published: April 2021

Endophytes, belonging to the genus Neotyphodium, live symptomlessly within the intercellular spaces of cool-season grasses, and confer a number of biotic and abiotic advantages to their hosts. We identified a novel endophyte gene (designated Nc25) that is expressed preferentially in planta, is one of the most abundant fungal transcripts in endopyte-infected grasses and which is distributed and highly expressed in a wide range of endophyte/ grass associations. Nc25 is novel and shows no homology to sequence databases or fungal genome initiatives. Characterisation indicates that it encodes a small secreted protein. Re-introduction of a Nc25 deletion strain into perennial ryegrass showed no visible effect on the symbiosis but an unknown oligopeptide, detected only in infected plants, was eliminated. Surprisingly, the oligopeptide is unrelated to the predicted peptide product of Nc25. We hypothesise that Nc25 may regulate the oligopeptide biosynthetic pathway and are investigating this using Affymetrix gene chips to determine how Nc25 affects global gene expression. In addition we are interested in the biological function of this secondary metabolite during symbiosis and in particular whether it has bioactivity that may confer abiotic or biotic advantages to the host plant. Keywords: Neotyphodium, in planta expressed gene, oligopeptide, EGFP
Development of an Affymetrux dual species ( Neotyphodium lolii/Lolium perenne) Symbiosis GeneChip
Authors: Voisey C.R. , Khan A.K. , Park Z.A. , Johnson L.J. , Johnson R.D. , Ramakrishna M. , Cao M. , Bassett S. , Gaborit C.N. , Mcculloch A.F. , Simon D. , Rasmussen S. , Christensen M.J. , Bryan G.T.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this project was to undertake large scale transcript profiling of endophyte and plant genes during symbiosis, and to determine the impact of targeted endophyte gene deletions on expression of plant and endophyte genes. We have designed and developed an Affymetrix NimbleExpressâ„¢ GeneChipÂ® representing expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium lolii Lp19 and its ryegrass host, Lolium perenne. In total, 8511 genes were represented on the microarrays with approximately eleven 25 base pair oligonucleotides per gene. Experiments were conducted to analyse differential expression of genes from endophyte-infected and endophyte-free plant material, and from endophytes grown in culture. In some symbioses, endophytes had targeted mutations in genes involved in signalling, synthesis of secondary metabolites or in genes of unknown function. Here we describe the processes which guided design of the GeneChipÂ®, the results of quality control assessments of hybridised arrays and considerations concerning statistical analyses of gene expression. Keywords: Affymetrix, GeneChipÂ®, NimbleExpress, Neotyphodium lolii, EpichloÃ« festucae, ryegrass, Lolium perenne, endophyte, symbiosis.
Endophyte fungus levels in perennial ryegrass and tall fescuse varieties grown for seed in Oregon, USA - implications for responsible grass straw use as livestock feed
Authors: Iii Young , Mellbye M.E. , Silberstein T.B. , Gingrich G.A. , Craig A.M. , Blythe L.L.
Published: April 2021

Baling of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) straw residue following seed harvest has become a common practice in Oregon's grass seed industry. In 2005, almost 670 000 tons [607 000 Mg (tonne)] of grass straw was exported to Japan and Korea for use as livestock feed. Most of the grass seed varieties grown today are turf-type, which in recent years have been developed with high levels of fungal endophyte infection. Currently, over 73% and 43% of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue varieties, respectively, are ranked as having a "High" (>61% infected) infection level. Concern for the safe use of these grass straw residues had led to their routine analysis for toxin content before shipment to consuming markets. These chemical analyses provide assurances against deleterious effects to livestock fed Oregon grass straw. Keywords: straw, endophyte-infected, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue
Development of a feed-intake model for evaluation of toxins associated with endophyte-infected fescue
Authors: Eichen P.A. , Raney S.L. , Rottinghaus G.E. , Spiers D.E.
Published: April 2021

Feed intake of rats may serve as a sensitive respondent to toxins found in endophyte-infected fescue. Unfortunately, there have been few controlled studies of feed intake to create a reliable model. In the present study, rats were fed diets containing different amounts of endophyte-infected fescue (E+) and ergovaline (EV; a primary toxin associated with fescue toxicosis) to develop a dose-response curve for feed intake. Dose-dependent reduction in feed intake was observed, with a decrease even at the lowest concentration of EV. Involvement of ergotamine (i.e. another toxin in E+) in fescue toxicosis-induced reduction in intake was evaluated by adding it to diets. In contrast to EV treatment, there was only a small reduction in feed intake with ergotamine, followed by rapid recovery to pretreatment levels. A more effective paradigm for evaluating the effect of different toxins on feed intake and potential treatments may be a restricted feed regimen. Rats placed on a 2-h restricted-feed program of ground commercial chow followed by E+ diet show a decrease in both feed intake and growth. Future studies will refine this routine to identify specific effects of toxins found in endophyte-infected fescue on feed intake. Keywords: rat, fescue toxicosis, feed intake
Mediation of herbivore-natural enemy interactions by Neotyphodium endophytes: the role of insect behavioural response
Authors: Richmond D.S.
Published: April 2021

This study examined how differences in the behavioural response of two sod webworm species to Neotyphodium endophytes mediated their susceptibility to an entomopathogenic nematode. In choice and non-choice assays, Parapediasia teterrella (Zincken) clearly preferred endophyte-free tall fescue over endophyte infected tall fescue whereas Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) displayed no clear preference for either. P. teterrella spent more time searching for suitable host material than F. mutabilis and committed to the first host encountered only 37% of the time whereas F. mutabilis did so 90% of the time. Increased foraging times associated with P. teterrella host selection translated into greater rates of infection by the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (Wieser). Results demonstrate the potential importance of insect behavioural response to fungal endophytes in determining herbivore vulnerability to natural enemies and support the more general idea that the form of insect response to plant defenses may, in part, predict the outcome of insect-natural enemy interactions. Keywords: tall fescue, sod webworm, entomopathogenic nematode, trophic interactions
Influence of genetic variation in fungal endophyte in the third trophic level
Authors: Rodstrom J.L. , Bultman T. , Vandop J. , Librizzi J. , Longwell L. , Sullivan T.
Published: April 2021

Neotyphodium coenophialum (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) is an endophytic fungus of grasses that produces alkaloids which can have detrimental effects on some insect herbivores, like fall armyworm caterpillars (Spodoptera frugiperda). Alkaloid production can be influenced by fungal genotype. We investigated if endophyte-produced alkaloids might also have effects at the next trophic level. We tested if variation in fungal isolate (three isolates: CS, AR502, AR542; plus a control lacking fungal infection) affected the growth and survival of Euplectrus comstockii (Eulophidae) parasitoids of S. frugiperda. Euplectrus comstockii is an ectoparasitoid of caterpillars of many noctuid species. Parasitoid pupal mass was not influenced by fungal isolate (F3,241=0.61, P=0.61, and F3,190=0.74, P=0.53 for female and male pupae, respectively). In contrast, fungal isolate influenced parasitoid survival (X2=58.3, df=3, P
Endophyte-mediated multitrophic interactions in Lolium pratense
Authors: Lehtonen P. , Helander M. , Saikkonen K.
Published: April 2021

The nature of plant-endophyte relationships may be affected by the addition of interacting species. Firstly, we show how the root hemiparasitic plant (Rhinanthus serotinus) can steal defending mycotoxins produced by the symbiotic endophytic fungus (Neotyphodium uncinatum) living within their shared host grass (Lolium pratense). The uptake of defensive mycotoxins from the endophyte infected host increases resistance of the hemiparasitic plant to the aphid (Aulacorthum solani). Endophyte infection increased performance of the hemiparasite but reduced the growth of the host grass, changing the mutualistic endophytic fungus to parasitic. Secondly, we present the interactions among endophyte, host plant, aphid herbivore (Rhopalosiphum padi) and aphid transmitted grass virus (BYDV). Endophyte infection lowered the frequency of BYDV in L. pratense. The reproduction of R. padi aphids was decreased on endophyte-infected plants compared to uninfected. With these results we would like to emphasise the importance of experiments with several community members to shed light on the complexity of endophyte-mediated community interactions. Keywords: Lolium pratense, Neotyphodium uncinatum, Rhinanthus serotinus, BYDV, aphid, multitrophic interactions
The influence of temperature variation upon vascular dynamics in cattle as measured by Doppler-image ultrasonography
Authors: Kirch B.H. , Aiken G.E. , Spiers D.E.
Published: April 2021

Two studies were performed to determine if Doppler ultrasound can detect vascular changes in cattle exposed to hot and cold conditions. Three calves per study (320Â±38 kg) were acclimated to 17.5oC, and then exposed to 32oC and 8oC. Animals were maintained under these conditions for 24 h and then returned to the original thermoneutral level. Three replicated ultrasound measurements of the median caudal artery were performed. Scans were repeated at -2, 5, 23, 24 and 28 h. Blood flow rates of 32oC cattle ranged from 27.84 (-2 h) to 43.42 ml/min at 23 h (P
Reductions in root aphid populations by non-toxic endophyte strains in tall fescue
Authors: Jensen J.G. , Popay A.J.
Published: April 2021

In two separate pot trials, tall fescue plants infected with the endophyte strain AR542, which is non-toxic to livestock, were shown to have lower numbers of root aphid per plant compared with uninfected plants, but more aphids than plants infected with other non-toxic endophytes (AR502, AR510 and AR514). These differences were not always significant when aphid numbers per gram of root were analysed. A Petri dish trial investigated the mechanism of resistance. Aphid survival was lower on endophyte-free fescue than on AR514- and AR542-infected fescue. Compared with endophyte-free, fewer aphids on roots of AR514- and AR542-infected tall fescue showed signs of feeding, as measured by production of wax and honey dew, and more were mobile on and around roots. Keywords: Aploneura lentisci, Festuca arundinacea, Neotyphodium