Construction of a microarray specific to the chicken immune system: profiling gene expression in B cells after lipopolysaccharide stimulation

The objective of this study was to profile gene expression in cells of the chicken immune system. A low-density immune-specific microarray was constructed that contained genes with known functions in the chicken immune system, in addition to chicken-expressed sequence tags (ESTs) homologous with mammalian immune system genes, which were systematically characterized by bioinformatic analyses. Genes and ESTs that met the annotation criteria were amplified and placed on a microarray. The microarray contained 84 immune system gene elements. As a means of calibration, the microarray was then used to examine gene expression in chicken B cells after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Differential gene expression was observed at 6, 12, and 24 h but not at 48 h after stimulation. The results were validated by semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. The microarray showed a high degree of reproducibility, as demonstrated by intra- and interassay correlation coefficients of 0.97 and 0.95, respectively. Thus, the low-density microarray developed in this study may be used as a tool for monitoring gene expression in the chicken immune system.     

耐高温陆地棉品种综合评价及优良品种选择

 在高温干旱条件下,通过大田试验测定20个陆地棉花品种的主要产量性状、纤维品质性状及农艺性状,并进行综合评价。应用主成分分析法对20个品种的皮棉产量、生育期、株高、始果节、果枝数、有效铃、铃重、衣分、纤维长度、整齐度、麦克隆值、伸长率和断裂比强度进行分析。确定了主要性状的5个主成分及其主成分的函数方程和主成分综合函数方程,主成分的方差累积贡献率达到84.087%。通过计算主成分值和综合主成分值,对供试的20个品种进行了比较,进而选择了湘YC₃F₁、晋棉38、豫宝8号3个综合性状优良的品种,其结果与实际相一致。     

Yield potential and salt tolerance of quinoa on salt‐degraded soils of Pakistan

Quinoa is recently introduced to Pakistan as a salt‐tolerant crop of high nutritional value. Open field trials were conducted to evaluate its performance on normal and salinity/sodicity‐degraded lands at two locations of different salinity/sodicity levels, S₁ (UAF Farm, Normal Soil), S₂ (Paroka Farm UAF, saline sodic), S₃ (SSRI Farm, normal) and S₄ (SSRI Farm, saline sodic) during 2013–2014. Two genotypes (Q‐2 and Q‐7) were grown in lines and were allowed to grow till maturity under RCBD split‐plot arrangement. Maximum seed yield (3,062 kg/ha) was achieved by Q‐7 at normal field (S₁) soil which was statistically similar with yield of same genotype obtained from salt‐affected field S₂ (2,870 kg/ha). Furthermore, low yield was seen from both genotypes from both S₃ and S₄ as compared to S₁ and S₂. Q‐7 was best under all four conditions. Minimum yield was recorded from Q‐2 (1,587 kg/ha) at S₄. Q‐7 had higher SOD, proline, phenolic and K⁺ contents, and lower Na⁺ content in leaves as compared to Q‐2. High levels of antioxidants and K⁺/Na⁺ of Q‐7 helped to withstand salt stress and might be the cause of higher yields under both normal and salt‐affected soils. Seed quality (mineral and protein) did not decrease considerably under salt‐affected soils even improved seed K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Mn²⁺.     

Soil Salinization in Some Irrigated Areas of the Kingdom of Bahrain

Monitoring and assessment of agricultural land degradation is of vital importance for better land and water management planning and reclamation. It requires setting baseline information and basic analysis at specific time and space. About 33 geo-referenced soil sampling spots were selected in two agricultural production locations in the Kingdom of Bahrain to assess the status and preliminary causes of land degradation. Soil samples were taken from 13 sites in Diraz location while 19 samples were taken from Budayyi location. The samples were taken to 90 cm depth at 30 cm intervals. Standard procedures were followed to determine soil physiochemical properties. In addition, field observations on farm condition, distance from the sea, method of irrigation and irrigation water source were taken. Some of the soil samples were deliberately taken from outside the irrigated basins among trees compared with samples taken from inside the actively growing area for comparison. The results indicated that the salinity level was significantly （P 〈 0.001） higher at the 0-30 cm soil depth compared with 30-60 cm or 60-90 cm depths in both locations. The distance from the sea did not show clear correlation with surface soil salinity in Budayyi area compared with Diraz. Both locations showed significantly higher salinity levels on samples taken outside the actively growing areas compared with those taken from within. The effect is more prominent at the 0-30 cm depth. The observed variability on salinity levels may be attributed to farm management practices and deteriorating quality of ground water. Thus, agricultural land degradation in Bahrain cannot be attributed to ground water deterioration alone. The use of tertiary treated sewage water （TSE） may ease the pressure on ground water, but the pH of the TSE should be carefully monitored and managed with proper studies on leaching requirements to avoid further salinity complications.     

Novel technique for definite blastomere inhibition and distribution of maternal RNA in sterlet Acipenser ruthenus embryo

Fisheries Science - The cleavage pattern of a vertebrate’s embryo is either holoblastic (complete) or meroblastic (partial). Sturgeon and other basal bony fishes represent a transition of the...     

On the occurrence,distribution and taxonomy of Cucumis setosus Cogn., an endemic wild edible vegetable from India

Cucumis setosus Cogn. is a rare, endemic, wild gathered or semi-domesticated vegetable restricted to Maharashtra state and border districts of adjoining states in India. Herbarium and literature survey shows that it is poorly collected and inadequately studied. Morphological characters, basic chromosome number and crossability barriers indicate that Cucumis setosus is a valid species, distinct from C. sativus and endemic to western India. Its morphology, basic cytology, crossability relationship with other Cucumis species, taxonomy, distribution, ecology, conservation, economic importance and viability under cultivation are discussed. Besides, a key to distinguish it from C. sativus var. hardwickii (wild and feral form of C. sativus) and other species having sympatric distribution in the area is also presented. Absence of bitter principle in the fruits makes it a potential germplasm for melon and cucumber improvement as well as direct domestication as a future crop.     

Influence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nigella sativa</Emphasis> seeds, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosmarinus officinalis</Emphasis> leaves and their combination on growth performance,immune response and rumen metabolism in Dorper lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Nigella sativa L. seeds, Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaves and their combination on rumen metabolism, nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, immune response and blood metabolites in Dorper lambs. Twenty-four entire male Dorper lambs (18.68?±?0.6 kg, 4–5 months old) were randomly assigned to a concentrate mixture containing on a dry matter basis either, no supplement (control, T1), 1% R. officinalis leaves (T2), 1% N. sativa seeds (T3) or 1% R. officinalis leaves +1% N. sativa seeds (T4). The lambs had ad libitum access to urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) and were raised for 90 days. Supplemented lambs had greater (P?< 0.05) intake of DM and UTRS than the control lambs. The T4 lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) nutrient digestibility than those fed other treatments. Total and daily weight gain was greater (P?< 0.05) in T2 lambs than those fed other diets. The T3 and T4 lambs had greater (P?< 0.05) ruminal pH than the T1 and T2 lambs. Supplemented lambs had lower (P?<?0.05) ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, NH₃-N and C18:0 than the control lambs. The T4 lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) population of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, methanogens and total protozoa compared with those fed other diets. Supplemented lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) neutrophils, basophils and serum urea and greater (P?<?0.05) serum IgA and IgG compared with the control lambs. The current results emphasised the variation in the efficacy of medicinal plants in ruminant nutrition.     

Comprehensive transcriptional profiling and functional study of lymphangiogenic growth factor in placentome of early-stage pregnant water buffalo

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and localization of lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF-C and VEGF-D), their receptor (VEGFR3) and lymphatic endothelial marker (LYVE1) in buffalo placenta during early pregnancy [EP], and to investigate the functional role of lymphangiogenic growth factors in placental lymphangiogenesis. The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, their receptor VEGFR3 and LYVE1 showed significant expression in EP1 (29–42 days) and EP2 stages (51–82 days) both in caruncle (maternal part) and cotyledon (foetal part) of the buffalo placenta. Immunoreactivity of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and LYVE1 was observed around the endometrial gland, in lymphatics and trophoblast cells, whereas VEGFR3 mainly localized in lymphatics of the caruncle and cotyledons. Cultured trophoblast cells were treated with VEGF-C/VEGF-D (50, 100 and 150 ng/ml) and combined doses of VEGF-C and VEGF-D (150 ng/ml) each for different time durations (24, 48 and 72 h). The mRNA expression of LYVE1 and PCNA was significantly (p < .001) upregulated with VEGF-C and VEGF-D and combined treatment (@150 ng/ml), as well as significantly downregulating Caspase-3 at 48 and 72 h. Thus, the present study provides evidence that lymphangiogenic factors are expressed in buffalo placental compartments and they may play a significant role in the regulation of placental function in water buffaloes.     

Antimycotic Screening of 58 Malaysian Plants against Plant Pathogens

Ethanolic extracts of 58 Malaysian plants belonging to 24 different families were screened for antifungal activity against seven plant pathogens using the filter paper disc diffusion technique. Two varieties of Piper betle, showed strong activity against all the pathogens tested (Colletotrichum capsici, Fusarium pallidoroseum, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium citrinum, Phomopsis caricae-papayae and Aspergillus niger), with inhibition diameters significantly (P<0·01) bigger than 2·5 mg ml⁻¹ prochloraz or 10 mg ml⁻¹ clotrimazole. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the ethanolic extracts of P. betle against these plant pathogens ranged between 0·01 mg ml⁻¹ and 1 mg ml⁻¹. Thirty-four other plants (Kucing gala, Limau batik, Bertholletia excelsa, Bixa orellana, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Cerbera odollam (fruits and leaves), Colocasia gigantea, Curcuma domestica, Curcuma manga, Derris eliptica, Elephantopus scaber, Eleusine indica, Eugenia polyantha, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia tirucalli, Gardenia florida, Hedyotis auricularia, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Juniperus chinensis (three varieties), Lawsonia inermis, Lecythis ollaria, Mentha arvensis, Mimusops elengi, Ocimum sanctum, Phyllanthus niruri, Piper nigrum, Piperomia pellucida, Pedilanthus tithymaloides, Polygonum minus, Spondias dulcis, Solanum nigrum, Tinospora tuberculata) showed selective antifungal activity, while 21 species were inactive.     

Can fermented soybean meal and squid by‐product blend be used as fishmeal replacements for Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)?

An experiment was carried out to evaluate fermented soybean meal and squid by‐product blend (1:1) (FP) as replacement of fishmeal (FM) for Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Five isocaloric (19 kJ g^?1) diets were prepared by replacing 0 (FP0), 12 (FP12), 24 (FP24), 36 (FP36) and 48% (FP48) FM protein with FP. Triplicate groups of juveniles (mean weight of 3.9 g) were delivered the test diets for 8 weeks in a flow‐through sea water system. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among the growth rates of fish fed FP0, FP12, FP24 and FP36 diets. Growth and nutrient utilization parameters were significantly reduced in fish fed FP48 diet. Although, whole body proximate composition of fish were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments compared to the control; methionine and phenylalanine contents were significantly decreased in FP48 group. Protein retention was also significantly decreased in the similar group of fish. Dietary treatments did not alter most of the plasma metabolites, while some of the health parameters were improved in the replacement groups. Results suggested that FP is a potential candidate for alternative protein ingredient in aquafeed and can replace 36% FM protein in the diet of Japanese flounder.