A genome-wide assessment of the genetic diversity,evolution and relationships with allied species of the clonally propagated crop Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution - The Vanilla genus is a complex taxonomic group characterized by a vegetative reproduction mode combined with intra- and inter-specific hybridizations, and...     

Near-perfect elastoplasticity in pure nanocrystalline copper

Ductile metals and alloys undergo plastic yielding at room temperature, during which they exhibit work-hardening and the generation of surface instabilities that lead to necking and failure. We show that pure nanocrystalline copper behaves differently, displaying near-perfect elastoplastic behavior characterized by Newtonian flow and the absence of both work-hardening and neck formation. We observed this behavior in tensile tests on fully dense large-scale bulk nanocrystalline samples. The experimental results further our understanding of the unique mechanical properties of nanocrystalline materials and also provide a basis for commercial technologies for the plastic (and superplastic) formation of such materials.     

Epidemiology,molecular virology and diagnostics of Schmallenberg virus,an emerging orthobunyavirus in Europe

After the unexpected emergence of Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) in northern Europe in 2006, another arbovirus, Schmallenberg virus (SBV), emerged in Europe in 2011 causing a new economically important disease in ruminants. The virus, belonging to the Orthobunyavirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family, was first detected in Germany, in The Netherlands and in Belgium in 2011 and soon after in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Denmark and Switzerland. This review describes the current knowledge on the emergence, epidemiology, clinical signs, molecular virology and diagnosis of SBV infection.     

A scale-sensitive connectivity analysis to identify ecological networks and conservation value in river networks

Existing methods for connectivity analysis still encounter difficulties in explaining functional relationships between network structure and ecological patterns over larger territories or complex structures like dendritic river networks. We propose a method that addresses the problem of scale and resolution in the connectivity analysis of dendritic network structures, illustrated here for the re-colonization of the French Loire river basin by the European otter. The ecological niche factor approach is applied to infer favourable habitat in the river network based on large scale data of land use and hydro-morphology of river segments for the entire river basin. These analyses identified the stressors to the riparian zone of channel straightening, urbanisation and forest fragmentation as the principal factors explaining otter occurrence. Using this estimate of habitat favourability, we used the Integral Index of Connectivity to quantify habitat availability and connectivity in the dendritic river network. When we calculate the integral index of connectivity over different spatial extents by constraining network distances, the scale-sensitivity of the network’s connectivity emerges. Accounting for high mobility by entering larger network distances in the analysis identifies conservation networks and priorities mainly in downstream parts of the river basin, whereas with smaller network distances, more restricted high quality areas in central and upstream parts are highlighted. The presented approach performed better than distribution modelling approaches in explaining species occurrence over the river network and confirms the crucial aspect of connectivity in otter re-colonization.     

Inhibitory effects of Bacillus licheniformis (DAB1) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DAP1) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from Fenneropenaeus indicus

In aquaculture industries, there is an urgent need to develop microbial control strategies, to control disease outbreaks. In recent years, probiotics are considered as a valid alternative for the use of antibiotics in aquaculture to prevent high mortality and promote growth. In the present study, seven strains of bacteria such as Bacillus licheniformis (DAB1), Bacillus pumilus (DAB2), Bacillus sp. (DAB3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DAP1), Pseudomonas sp. (DAP2), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DAP3), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (DAP4), and three pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus (DAV1, DAV2, DAV3) were isolated from healthy and diseased Fenneropenaeus indicus collected from the east coast of Tamilnadu, India. The strains were identified by biochemical analysis and 16S rRNA sequence methods. Among the seven probiotic strains tested, the cell-free extract from DAB1 and DAP1 exhibited higher inhibitory activity of V. parahaemolyticus than other isolates under in vitro conditions. The LC₅₀ of DAV1, DAV2, and DAV3 was found to be ～10³ CFU mL^?1. Pathogenicity of three V. parahaemolyticus DAV1, DAV2, and DAV3 showed significant mortalities (40 %) in Artemia nauplii at inoculation densities of 10³ CFU mL^?1 when compared to the controls (unchallenged nauplii). A significant reduction in mortality (P < 0.001) was found by addition of 10⁶ CFU mL^?1 of DAB1 and DAP1 strains in nauplii against the pathogens. In conclusion, the present study result reveals that DAB1 and DAP1 have potential applications for controlling pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in Artemia culture systems and aquaculture practices.     

Effects of pentoxifylline on pulmonary function and results of cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in horses with recurrent airway obstruction

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) administration on lung function and results of cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in horses affected by recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). ANIMALS: 10 RAO-affected horses. PROCEDURES: 6 horses were orally administered PTX (16 g) mixed with corn syrup, and 4 horses were administered corn syrup alone, twice daily for 14 days. Pulmonary function was evaluated before administration (day 0) and on days 8 and 15. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on days 0 and 15. Reversibility of airway obstruction was assessed by measuring pulmonary function before and after administration of atropine (0.02 mg/kg, IV). Serum concentration of PTX was measured in 4 horses 30 minutes and 2 and 4 hours after administration of PTX on days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14. RESULTS: Administration of PTX to BAO-affected horses resulted in a decrease in elastance value on day 8 and on elastance and resistance (RL) values on days 8 and 15. Results for cytologic examination of BAL fluid obtained on day 15 did not differ significantly, compared with values for day 0. Values of RL decreased in all horses following administration of atropine. When mixed in corn syrup and administered orally, PTX was poorly absorbed in horses, and there was noticeable variation in serum PTX concentrations over time and among horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on these results, it can be concluded that administration of PTX at high doses improved respiratory function of RAO-affected horses maintained in an unfavorable environment.     

Antimicrobial resistance.

Development of antimicrobial resistance is an inevitable consequence of exposure of microorganisms to antimicrobial agents. Although emergence of resistance cannot be prevented, it can be retarded by minimizing use of antimicrobial agents and avoiding selection of relatively resistant pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains caused by exposure to tissue concentrations that confer a competitive advantage. Most attention in veterinary medicine has focused on the emergence of resistance in food-borne pathogens, with relatively little attention being devoted to small companion animals, despite the frequent use of antimicrobial agents in these animals, evidence that resistance is emerging, and potential for transfer of resistance between companion animals and people. To retard further emergence of resistance in small companion animals, it is imperative that surveillance programs be instituted to monitor development of resistance.