Polymorphism association and expression analysis of alpha-lactalbumin (LALBA) gene during lactation in Nili Ravi buffalo

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Alpha-lactalbumin has been reported as a highly polymorphic gene that potentially alters the gene expression and is associated with milk composition in dairy...     

Prevalence,phenotypic and genotypic diversity,antibiotic resistance,and frequency of virulence genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from shrimps

Preventive measures should be prioritized for the increased growth of bacterial contamination in aquatic organisms. This study is aimed at molecular investigation of the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factor encoding genes. After confirmation of P. aeruginosa collected from shrimp samples (in the same size) in Isfahan and Chabahar (Iran) in summer and autumn, antibiotic resistance encoding genes, virulence factor encoding genes, and multi-drug resistance (MDR) patterns were assessed. Bacterial contamination from Isfahan was higher than Chabahar despite having a cooler climate on summer days. Antibiotic resistance to piperacillin in fresh shrimp samples in summer in Isfahan was contrary to its usage as a front-line antibiotic agent. Lowered MDR pattern in frozen shrimp viability of bacteria was related to the varied expression of antibiotic resistance, highlighting the importance of regulations for cold chain in storage, transportation, and distribution of marine samples compared to fresh shrimps. Foodborne pathogens are of clinical and environmental importance. Results of our study indicated a high rate of frequency for P. aeruginosa isolated from marine samples. Maintenance of cold chain has indispensable roles in preservation, and reduction of P. aeruginosa frequency in aquatic organisms.

     

Investigating the cytotoxic and apoptosis inducing effects of monoterpenoid stylosin in vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and anticancer activities of stylosin, a monoterpene extracted from an edible plant, Ferula ovina, on 5637 and HFF3 cells using MTT and comet assays and DAPI staining.To assess stylosin effects, cells were cultured in the presence of various concentrations of stylosin during three days; the IC₅₀ of stylosin on cancerous 5637 cells was less than its value on HFF3 normal cells, indicating that it might have anticancer properties. Investigating the mechanism of stylosin action revealed that it quickly induced DNA lesions and increased the number of apoptotic cells.     

Identifying superior rainfed barley genotypes in farmers’ fields using participatory varietal selection

This study was carried out to identify superior barley genotypes for the rainfed areas of western Iran using a participatory varietal selection (PVS) approach. Three field experiments were conducted in two randomly selected farmers’ fields and in one rainfed research station in the 2006–07 cropping season with 69 genotypes (including one local and one improved check). Several univariate and multivariate methods were used to analyze qualitative (farmers’ scores) and quantitative (grain yield) data. Individual farmers’ scores in each village were positively correlated, indicating that the farmers tended to discriminate genotypes in similar fashion, although the genotypes actually selected by farmers were different in the two villages. In recent years, a greater number of farmers in western Iran preferred the improved variety (Sararood-1) over the local barley (Mahali), while in this project the farmers preferred the new genotypes over the two checks. This was also verified by the quantitative data showing that the checks were outyielded by the new genotypes. Farmers were efficient in identifying the best genotypes for their specific environment, as shown by biplot analysis, indicating their competence in selection. The genotypes selected by the breeder and farmers were almost similar but some differences existed. In conclusion, PVS is a powerful way to involve farmers for selecting and testing new cultivars that are adapted to their needs, systems and environments.     

Comparison of lidocaine, lidocaine/epinephrine or bupivacaine for thoracolumbar paravertebral anaesthesia in fat-tailed sheep

ObjectiveTo evaluate the speed of onset and duration of loss of sensation in the flank following paravertebral administration of lidocaine (with or without epinephrine) or bupivacaine.Study designBlinded, randomized experimental study.AnimalsNine healthy fat-tailed male lambs (mean weight ± SD, 22.9 ± 3 kg). Each animal was used twice.MethodsAnimals were allocated randomly to receive two of three treatments: lidocaine 2% (LID, n = 6), lidocaine with epinephrine 5 μg mL^?1 (LIDEP, n = 6) or bupivacaine 0.5% (BUP, n = 6). The sheep received a total volume of 9 mL (3 mL for each paravertebral nerve) of anaesthetic. Onset and duration of loss of sensation on the flank were evaluated using nociceptive stimuli (superficial and deep pin-prick and clamping with a haemostat). Values for heart (HR) and respiratory (f_R) rates, rectal and skin temperatures were recorded before and at predetermined intervals after paravertebral injection. Parameters were compared using anova followed by Duncan’s test where relevant.ResultsMean ± SD times to onset of loss of flank sensation following paravertebral administration of LID, LIDEP or BUP were 1.8 ± 1.2, 2.0 ± 0.9 and 3.6 ± 1.3 minutes, respectively. Durations of action in minutes were 65 ± 18, 95 ± 46 and 303 ± 98, respectively. Onset and duration of effects after BUP treatment were significantly longer than after LID or LIDEP (p < 0.05), but did not differ significantly between LID and LIDEP. No clinical signs of local anaesthetic toxicity were noticed and HR and f_R remained stable with all protocols.Conclusions and clinical relevanceParavertebral administration of bupivacaine produces a longer duration of anaesthesia when compared to lidocaine with or without epinephrine and is indicated when prolonged flank surgery is to be performed.     

Diversity of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance profile among commensal rodents in Qatar

Rodents are sources of many zoonotic pathogens that are of public health concern. This study investigated bacterial pathogens and assessed their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns in commensal rodents in Qatar. A total of 148 rodents were captured between August 2019 and February 2020, and blood, ectoparasites, and visceral samples were collected. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from the intestines, and blood plasma samples were used to detect antibodies against Brucella spp., Chlamydophila abortus, and Coxiella burnetii. PCR assays were performed to detect C. burnetii, Leptospira spp., Rickettsia spp., and Yersinia pestis in rodent tissues and ectoparasite samples. Antimicrobial resistance by the isolated intestinal bacteria was performed using an automated VITEK analyzer. A total of 13 bacterial species were isolated from the intestine samples, namely Acinetobacter baumannii, Aeromonas salmonicida, Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter koseri, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Hafnia alvei, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia stuartii, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica. The majority of them were E. coli (54.63%), followed by P. mirabilis (17.59%) and K. pneumoniae (8.33%). Most of the pathogens were isolated from rodents obtained from livestock farms (50.46%), followed by agricultural farms (26.61%) and other sources (22.94%). No antibodies (0/148) were detected against Brucella spp., C. abortus, or C. burnetii. In addition, 31.58% (6/19) of the flea pools and one (1/1) mite pool was positive for Rickettsia spp., and no sample was positive for C. burnetii, Leptospira spp., and Y. pestis by PCR. A total of 43 (38%) bacterial isolates were identified as multidrug resistant (MDR), whereas A. salmonicida (n?=?1) did not show resistance to any tested antimicrobials. Over 50% of bacterial MDR isolates were resistant to ampicillin, cefalotin, doxycycline, nitrofurantoin, and tetracycline. The presence of MDR pathogens was not correlated with rodent species or the location of rodent trapping. Seven (11.86%) E. coli and 2 (22.2%) K. pneumoniae were extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producers. These findings suggest that rodents can be a source of opportunistic bacteria for human and animal transmission in Qatar. Further studies are needed for the molecular characterization of the identified bacteria in this study.

     

Remobilization of Phosphorus in Tea Plants

Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] is a highly phosphorus (P) deficiency-tolerant species, however, involving mechanisms have not been investigated so far. In this work, mechanisms for intrinsic efficiency of P utilization were studied in tea seedlings grown hydroponically without or with adequate P supply. The contribution of P reserve in cotyledons to the P nutrition of tea seedlings and the role of mature leaves were examined at two contrasting P supply levels in plants with intact or severed cotyledons. During three subsequent harvest intervals, distinct reduction of P content was observed not only in cotyledons, but also in the mature leaves, stem and roots of plants supplied with low P. In plants supplied adequately with P, in contrast, a continuous rise of P content was detected. It was concluded that the cotyledons of tea plants are a major source of P but not organic compounds for growth of the young seedlings.     

Evaluation of spatial variability of the integral energy of plant available water and its influential properties in paddy soil

Paddy and Water Environment - Plant Available Water is the main concept for describing the existing water content in a soil profile. Along with this concept, Integral Energy shows the energy...