Evaluation of genetic variation among wild rice populations in Cambodia

A total of 448 samples in five natural populations of wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) were collected in Cambodia. They were examined using 12 SSR and two chloroplast markers to evaluate the degree of variation among populations and the genetic structure within populations. In the two annual populations, the number of plants with homozygous alleles at all 12 SSR loci were high (66.3% and 79.5%), suggesting that these plants propagate mainly through self-pollination. In the three perennial populations, no individuals had all homozygous genotypes, but redundant genotypes resulted from clonal propagation were observed. Percentages of the redundant genotypes were highly varied (3.6%, 29.2% and 86.0%). This may be due to the different stable levels of environmental conditions. As for chloroplast genome, most of the wild plants showed the same chloroplast types as most Indica-type cultivars have. However, plants with different chloroplast types were maintained, even in the same population. In tropical Asian countries, many wild rice populations were observed under similar ecological conditions examined in this study. Therefore, the present results concerning population structure will be important to further elucidate genetic features of wild rice, and will also give strong clues to utilize and conserve wild natural genetic resources.     

Phylogenetic analysis of Myanmar indigenous chickens using mitochondrial D-loop sequence reveals their characteristics as a genetic resource

Myanmar indigenous chickens play important roles in food, entertainment, and farm business for the people of Myanmar. In this study, complete mitochondrial D-loop sequences (1232 bp) were analyzed using 176 chickens, including three indigenous breeds, two fighting cock populations, and three indigenous populations to elucidate genetic diversity and accomplish a phylogenetic analysis of Myanmar indigenous chickens. The average haplotype and nucleotide diversities were 0.948 ± 0.009 and 0.00814 ± 0.00024, respectively, exhibiting high genetic diversity of Myanmar indigenous chickens. Sixty-four haplotypes were classified as seven haplogroups, with the majority being haplogroup F. The breeds and populations except Inbinwa had multiple maternal haplogroups, suggesting that they experienced no recent purifying selection and bottleneck events. All breeds and populations examined shared haplogroup F. When 232 sequences belonging to haplogroup F (79 from Myanmar and 153 deposited sequences from other Asian countries/region) were analyzed together, the highest genetic diversity was observed in Myanmar indigenous chickens. Furthermore, Myanmar indigenous chickens and red junglefowls were observed in the center of the star-like median-joining network of 37 F-haplotypes, suggesting that Myanmar is one of the origins of haplogroup F. These findings revealed the unique genetic characteristic of Myanmar indigenous chickens as important genetic resources.     

Effect of soybean husk supplementation on the fecal fermentation metabolites and microbiota of dogs

In vitro fermentation and in vivo feeding experiments were conducted to characterize the effects of soybean (Glycine max) husk on the fecal fermentation metabolites and microbiota of dogs. An in vitro fermentation study using feces from three Toy Poodle dogs (6.5 ± 3.5 months in age and 2.9 ± 0.4 kg in body weight) revealed that the fecal inoculum was able to ferment soybean husk (supplemented at 0.01 g/mL culture) and increased levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and Bifidobacterium, irrespective of pre‐digestion of the husk by pepsin and pancreatin. In a feeding experiment, four Shiba dogs (7–48 months in age and 7.5 ± 1.7 kg in body weight) fed a commercial diet supplemented with 5.6% soybean husk showed an increase in SCFA, such as acetate and butyrate, and lactate, and a decrease in indole and skatole in the feces compared to those fed a 5.6% cellulose diet. Real‐time PCR assay showed that soybean husk supplementation stimulated the growth of lactobacilli, Clostridium cluster IV including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium cluster XIVa, Bacteroides‐Prevotella‐Porphyromonas group but inhibited the growth of Clostridium cluster XI. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that soybean husk supplementation improves gastrointestinal health through optimization of beneficial organic acid production and increase of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, soybean husk is suggested to be applicable as a functional fiber in the formulation of canine diets.     

Laboratory Evaluation of Zinc Phosphide as a Rodenticide against Bandicota bengalensis

Abstract

The toxicity and efficacy of the acute rodenticide zinc phosphide (Zn₃P₂) was evaluated in the laboratory against the lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis), from Rangoon, Burma. The acute LD50 and LD95 doses of orally-administered zinc phosphide for B. bengalensis were found to be 25.0 mg/kg and 113.0 mg/kg of body weight respectively. When caged bandicoots were given a choice between plain and poison baits, the optimum rodenticidal concentrations in the bait was found to be 2.5%. Symptoms of poisoning appear from 32 minutes to 3 hours after feeding starts, giving individual animals time to consume from 10 to over 27 LD50 doses of 25% zinc phosphide before feeding stops. Death occurred in a minimum of 4 to 5 hours following either oral dosing or free choice feeding. There appears to be aversion to the poison at higher concentrations in food baits. The relative merits of zinc phosphide and pyriminyl as rodenticides against the lesser bandicoot in Rangoon will have to be determined in a series of comparative field trials.     

Topology and formation of triple-stranded H-DNA

Repeating copolymers of (dT-dC)n.(dA-dG)n sequences (TC.AGn) can assume a hinged DNA structure (H-DNA) which is composed of triple-stranded and single-stranded regions. A model for the formation of H-DNA is proposed, based on two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis of DNA's with different lengths of (TC.AG)n copolymers. In this model, H-DNA formation is initiated at a small denaturation bubble in the interior of the copolymer, which allows the duplexes on either side to rotate slightly and to fold back, in order to make the first base triplet. This nucleation establishes which of several nonequivalent H-DNA conformations is to be assumed by any DNA molecule, thereby trapping each molecule in one of several metastable conformers that are not freely interconvertible. Subsequently, the acceptor region spools up single-stranded polypyrimidines as they are released by progressive denaturation of the donor region; both the spooling and the denaturation result in relaxation of negative supercoils in the rest of the DNA molecule. From the model, it can be predicted that the levels of supercoiling of the DNA determine which half of the (dT-dC)n repeat is to become the donated third strand.     

Assessing the Illegal Bear Trade in Myanmar Through Conversations With Poachers: Topology,Perceptions, and Trade Links to China

Myanmar is home to Asiatic black bears and sun bears. We gained insight into illegal hunting and trade of these species in and out of Myanmar through conversations with 40 self-declared bear poachers. All respondents were males who typically killed or caught one to three bears a year, mostly by setting snares. There was a preference for Asiatic black bear. Perceptions were that bears were less abundant now than 5 years ago, but it was not more arduous to obtain one. Most poachers (75%) consumed less valuable parts and sold the remainder, whereas others trapped only to sell. Preferred tradable parts were gall bladder, meat, and paws. Chinese nationals or Burmese of Chinese descent were mentioned as playing key roles (ordering, buying, selling) in trade. Instead of focusing on poachers, we recommend that authorities focus on disrupting trade networks and markets. Cooperation with neighboring countries, especially China, is needed to stem the flow of bear parts.     

Single strands, triple strands, and kinks in H-DNA

A naturally occurring (dT-dC)18:(dA-dG)18 repeat in the H conformation of DNA was shown to contain single-stranded nucleotides in the center of the TC18 repeat and on one half of the AG18 repeat. These results support the model that H-DNA is a structure containing both triple-stranded and single-stranded regions. The stability of this structure was affected by both pH and the degree of negative supercoiling: at pH 7.6 to 7.7, a high level of supercoiling was needed to keep about half of the molecules in the H conformation; at pH 6 and pH 5, normal levels of supercoiling supported H-DNA; and at pH 4, no supercoiling was required. At mildly alkaline pH, the TC/AG18 repeat assumed a novel conformation called J-DNA that differed from both the B and H forms. A three-dimensional model for the structure of H-DNA is proposed that accounts both for the single-strandedness of the nucleotides and for the influence of supercoiling on H-DNA formation. This model predicts and evidence is presented that H-DNA introduces a sharp kink in the DNA. Moreover, the angle of this kink appears not to be fixed, so that H-DNA is also a hinged-DNA.     

Retracted: Risks of Avian Influenza (H5) in Duck Farms in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta Region,Myanmar

The Ayeyarwaddy delta region in the south‐west of Myanmar is the main agricultural and rice‐growing area. The region has a high density of duck and backyard chicken populations with low biosecurity. The objective of this study was to analyse risk factors for avian influenza (H5) in the Ayeyarwaddy delta region, Myanmar. A case–control risk factor study was conducted from April to June 2010 by individual interviews including risk factor questionnaires given to duck farmers (n = 50) in five townships in the Ayeyarwaddy delta region, Myanmar. Risk factor analyses were conducted using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression model with backward stepwise (wald) method. The results showed significant risk factors for AI (H5) sero‐positivity in ducks were wooden egg box containers (OR = 52.7, 95% CI = 2.34–1188, P = 0.013) and water sourced from wetlands (OR = 30.7, 95% CI = 1.96–481.6, P = 0.015). Conversely, the cleaning of reusable egg containers was determined as a protective factor (OR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.00–0.42, P = 0.01). In conclusion, this study identified risk factors for AI (H5) in duck farms and the importance of avian influenza prevention and control.     

An investigation of blood lead content and atmospheric lead levels in Bangkok

Experiments were conducted during a 5 mo period (September 1975 to January 1976) to determine the Pb concentrations in Bangkok streets and blood Pb levels of Bangkok's population. A total of 185 air samples and 222 blood samples was collected and analyzed. Street Pb levels are in the range of 6.16 to 22.48 μg m^?3 and blood Pb levels are in the range of 1 to 34 μg (100 g)^?1 of whole blood, with an average value of 12.3 μg (100 g)P^?1. The effects of various parameters on air and blood Pb levels are discussed in this paper. Air Pb levels are found to be closely related to traffic volume and proximity to the roads. Blood Pb levels are found to increase progressively with age, reaching a saturation value at about 40 yr of age. The average time spent daily on roads by the people and the distance of their residence/workplace from the main road are found to be major parameters, affecting the blood Pb levels. There is no evidence to show that blood and air Pb levels are directly related, at the present ambient exposure levels.