Molecular detection of Shiga toxin–producing and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from buffaloes in southwest of Iran

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Three hundred fifteen bacteriological samples were obtained from feces and both external and visceral cavity surfaces of carcasses of 105 healthy buffalo...     

Identification of QTLs for fruit quality traits in Japanese apples: QTLs for early ripening are tightly related to preharvest fruit drop

Many important apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit quality traits are regulated by multiple genes, and more information about quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits is required for marker-assisted selection. In this study, we constructed genetic linkage maps of the Japanese apple cultivars ‘Orin’ and ‘Akane’ using F₁ seedlings derived from a cross between these cultivars. The ‘Orin’ map consisted of 251 loci covering 17 linkage groups (LGs; total length 1095.3 cM), and the ‘Akane’ map consisted of 291 loci covering 18 LGs (total length 1098.2 cM). We performed QTL analysis for 16 important traits, and found that four QTLs related to harvest time explained about 70% of genetic variation, and these will be useful for marker-assisted selection. The QTL for early harvest time in LG15 was located very close to the QTL for preharvest fruit drop. The QTL for skin color depth was located around the position of MYB1 in LG9, which suggested that alleles harbored by ‘Akane’ are regulating red color depth with different degrees of effect. We also analyzed soluble solids and sugar component contents, and found that a QTL for soluble solids content in LG16 could be explained by the amount of sorbitol and fructose.     

Mitochondrial DNA sequence analyses in Bornean sucker fishes (Balitoridae: Teleostei: Gastromyzontinae)

Phylogenetic relationships among Bornean sucker fishes (Teleostei: Balitoridae: Gastromyzontinae) were investigated by comparing cytochrome b gene sequences from eight species. The results were in general agreement with previous morphology‐based studies. It was found that the genera Gastromyzon and Neogastromyzon are both monophyletic and that the Chinese homalopterid Crossostoma lacustre (Homalopterinae) is not related to the Bornean species. This molecular‐level study of cytochrome b gene variation in Bornean gastromyzontins will undoubtedly help to shed light on the molecular systematics of this unique freshwater fish.     

Evidence for the presence of growth-promoting factors in Lombok Turbinaria murayana extract stimulating growth and yield of tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)

Abstract

Many studies have evidenced the negative effects of synthetic fertilizers toward the environment and also the crop products itself. Hence, the improvement of organic fertilizers is necessary to resolve this problem. Seaweeds or marine macroalgae are considered to be an excellent natural resource in different aspects of agricultural fields. Brown macroalgae Turbinaria murayana (TM) is often found in Indonesian coastal areas with high bioavailability throughout the year. This study evaluated the potentials of TM as biofertilizer in tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.). Evaluation of phytohormones present in TM crude extract was conducted with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Macro and micronutrients available in TM crude extract were determined by atomic absorbance spectroscopy (AAS). A concentration of 4% TM crude extract was applied to tomato plants. The vegetative properties of the treated tomatoes were observed such as growth and yield. Current results evidenced the presence of growth-promoting factors (kinetin, gibberellin and ABA) and essential elements (N, P, K, Ca, Fe and Mn) in TM crude extract. Application of 4% TM extract to tomato plants significantly increased vegetative growth compared to untreated plants; plant height, leaf number and branch number, approximately 58.4%, 87.5% and 200%, respectively. Similar results were also found in the response of generative growth. Application of 4% liquid extract significantly improved flower and fruit number compared to control; 53.6% and 125%, respectively. These results suggest that TM crude extract is a potential source for developing organic fertilizers.     

Cotton Dyeing and Antibacterial Finishing Using Agricultural Waste by an Eco-friendly Process Optimized by Response Surface Methodology

In this study, Berberis vulgaris L. wood as an agricultural waste was used for dyeing and functional finishing of cotton. To facilitate the attachment of natural dye, citric acid was used to create carboxylic acid functional groups on cotton fibers. The process of crosslinking of cotton fabric with citric acid was optimized in order to obtain the maximum dyeability with the cationic natural dye. The effects of three important factors including citric acid concentration, sodium hypophosphite concentration and curing temperature on the color strength of the dyed samples with woods of barberry tree were analyzed by response surface methodology and the optimum conditions for obtaining the highest color strength was obtained. The crosslinking of citric acid on cotton fibers was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The dyed sample prepared under the optimum conditions of crosslinking showed good wash and light fastness properties besides very good antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.     

Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer, as a heterogeneous disease, includes a wide range of pathological and clinical behaviors. Current treatment protocols, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone replacement therapy, are mainly associated with poor response and high rate of recurrence. Therefore, more efforts are needed to develop alternative therapies for this type of cancer. Immunotherapy, as a novel strategy in cancer treatment, has a potential in treating breast cancer patients. Although breast cancer has long been considered problematic to treat with immunotherapy, as it is immunologically "cold," numerous newer preclinical and clinical reports now recommend that immunotherapy has the capability to treat breast cancer patients. In this review, we highlight the different immunotherapy strategies in breast cancer treatment. Key Words: Antibodies, Breast cancer, Immunotherapy     

Contribution of participatory forest management towards conservation and rehabilitation of dry Afromontane forests and its implications for carbon management in the tropical Southeastern Highlands of Ethiopia

Participatory forest management (PFM) has been applied as an approach to create a framework for collaborative forest management between local communities and government forestry agencies. This study was designed to assess the contribution of PFM approach in improving forest status in the Southeastern Highlands of Ethiopia. Landsat satellite imageries of four years were used to evaluate the trends and rate of deforestation before and after PFM interventions. Socio-economic data were collected from sample household surveys, key participants, focus group discussions, and field observations. The results showed that there was high rate of deforestation before PFM intervention as forestland has decreased by 19% (2531 ha) between 1990 and 2000. However, after the PFM intervention (2000–2016), the forest cover has increased by 247 ha (2.2%). During this period, net 1016 ha of shrub-lands were converted into forestland owing to significant forest regeneration. In addition, most sampled households (94% and 96% from lower and upper altitudes, respectively) perceived that PFM had significantly contributed to improve forest regeneration in their locality. This study revealed that PFM can serve as a stepping stone for carbon financing mechanisms to reduce greenhouses emission and enhance carbon sinks via forest resources.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of vasorelaxant compounds from Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (Lamiaceae)

Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. (Lamiaceae) is traditionally used in Uighur's medicine for the treatment of hypertension. Our study determined and evaluated the bioactive compounds by performing an activity-guided fractionation of a hydroalcoholic extract of the whole plant, using an in vitro model of rat isolated thoracic aortic rings. Seven compounds were identified as active principles: acacetin, apigenin, chrysin, thymonin, acetovanillone, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and ethyl 4-coumarate. Apigenin, chrysin and ethyl 4-coumarate were found to be the most effective. Our results provide the first evidence that the vasodilation induced by Z. clinopodioides Lam. is mediated, at least in part, by phenolic components.