A New Micromonospora Strain with Antibiotic Activity Isolated from the Microbiome of a Mid-Atlantic Deep-Sea Sponge

To tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, it is essential to identify new bioactive compounds that are effective against resistant microbes and safe to use. Natural products and their derivatives are, and will continue to be, an important source of these molecules. Sea sponges harbour a diverse microbiome that co-exists with the sponge, and these bacterial communities produce a rich array of bioactive metabolites for protection and resource competition. For these reasons, the sponge microbiota constitutes a potential source of clinically relevant natural products. To date, efforts in bioprospecting for these compounds have focused predominantly on sponge specimens isolated from shallow water, with much still to be learned about samples from the deep sea. Here we report the isolation of a new Micromonospora strain, designated 28ISP2-46^T, recovered from the microbiome of a mid-Atlantic deep-sea sponge. Whole-genome sequencing reveals the capacity of this bacterium to produce a diverse array of natural products, including kosinostatin and isoquinocycline B, which exhibit both antibiotic and antitumour properties. Both compounds were isolated from 28ISP2-46^T fermentation broths and were found to be effective against a plethora of multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. This study suggests that the marine production of isoquinocyclines may be more widespread than previously supposed and demonstrates the value of targeting the deep-sea sponge microbiome as a source of novel microbial life with exploitable biosynthetic potential.     

The usefulness of a long-term perspective in assessing current forest conservation management in the Apuseni Natural Park, Romania

The forest ecosystem of the Apuseni National Park (ANP) in NW Romania is recognized for its high species and genetic diversity and is protected through various conservation measures. As ANP is the most populated natural park in Romania, the focus is on the need for communities to manage, sustain and prosper by using, exploring and sustaining the natural resources. But what activities are the most appropriate for the conservation of a highly diverse natural forest? This paper presents results from a long-term ecological study using fossil pollen, microscopic and macroscopic charcoal and AMS¹⁴C dating on a site in the ANP in order to examine how the interaction between climate change, human activities and other disturbances have shaped the present protected landscapes over the last 5700 years in this part of the reserve. Results from this study show that the landscape in this region has been continuously forested over the last 5700 years BP, but the forest composition and structure have been dynamic throughout much of the time. In particular, distinct changes in forest composition have occurred over the last 700 years of the record. Fagus sylvatica was the major taxon between 5200 and 200 years BP and its dominance is associated with the highest forest stability. The formation of the current Picea abies forests started 400 years ago and spruce became the dominant forest species during the last two centuries as a result of selective forest clearance, intensive grazing, and more recently, plantations. This led to a large reduction in forest diversity, decline of F. sylvatica and local extinction of several species including Abies alba, Ulmus, Tilia, and Acer. Our results show the high conservation values of A. alba and F. sylvatica in the ANP. Current management practices that allow the anthropogenic activities of timber production and fast tree regeneration, usually involving the plantation of P. abies in this part of the ANP are not in keeping with the NATURA 2000 objectives of ensuring the persistence of the most vulnerable species and habitats.     

Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Ophthalmic manifestations of FeLV or FIV infection can occur in all ocular tissues and may be manifestations of direct viral effects or secondary to viral-related malignant transformation. Additionally, the manifestations of common feline ophthalmic pathogens may be more severe and poorly responsive to therapy because of the immunosuppressive effects of FeLV or FIV infection. Prompt diagnosis of underlying viral infection in cats with ophthalmic disease is paramount for accurate diagnosis and prognosis and is required for appropriate therapeutic decision making.     

Efficacy of the tris-salt of 2 [(methoxycarbonylamino)-[2-nitro-5-(n-propylthio) phenylimimo] methylamino] ethane sulfonic acid against inhibited larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi

The tris-salt of 2-[(methoxy-carbonylamino) - [2-nitro-5-(n-propylthio) phenylimimo] methylamino] ethane sulfonic acid (MCA) was evaluated against naturally acquired gastrointestinal parasitism in cattle during spring in Louisiana to determine efficacy of the compound against inhibited early 4th-stage larvae (EL4) of Ostertagia ostertagi. Forty-three crossbred yearling beef heifers were grazed together on contaminated pastures between Mar 1 and Apr 18, 1984. On April 17, 3 of the 43 heifers were slaughtered. Analysis of worm population characteristics in the 3 cattle indicated sufficient numbers of O ostertagi EL4 and other worm genera and species in these cattle to pursue a valid evaluation of the anthelmintic efficacy of MCA. The remaining 40 heifers were removed from pasture on April 18. On April 24, they were allotted into 4 treatment groups (10/group) based on an equal distribution of body weights and on whether they were spring- or autumn-born cattle. On April 25, the cattle were treated as follows: group 1, nontreated controls; group 2, treated with MCA at 7.5 mg/kg of body weight by oral drench; group 3, treated with MCA at 15.0 mg/kg by oral drench; and group 4, treated with MCA at 20.0 mg/kg by oral drench. The cattle were then confined in drylot pens until May 7. Similar numbers of cattle from each group were killed over a 3-day period from May 8 to May 10 (13 to 15 days after treatment). Mean numbers of O ostertagi recovered from nontreated controls were: adults, 8,279; developing 4th-stage larvae, 2,806; and inhibited EL4, 12,070.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Potential direct and indirect effects of climate change on a shallow natural lake fish assemblage

Much uncertainty exists around how fish communities in shallow lakes will respond to climate change. In this study, we modelled the effects of increased water temperatures on consumption and growth rates of two piscivores (northern pike [Esox lucius] and largemouth bass [Micropterus salmoides]) and examined relative effects of consumption by these predators on two prey species (bluegill [Lepomis macrochirus] and yellow perch [Perca flavescens]). Bioenergetics models were used to simulate the effects of climate change on growth and food consumption using predicted 2040 and 2060 temperatures in a shallow Nebraska Sandhill lake, USA. The patterns and magnitude of daily and cumulative consumption during the growing season (April–October) were generally similar between the two predators. However, growth of northern pike was always reduced (?3 to ?45% change) compared to largemouth bass that experienced subtle changes (4 to ?6% change) in weight by the end of the growing season. Assuming similar population size structure and numbers of predators in 2040–2060, future consumption of bluegill and yellow perch by northern pike and largemouth bass will likely increase (range: 3–24%), necessitating greater prey biomass to meet future energy demands. The timing of increased predator consumption will likely shift towards spring and fall (compared to summer), when prey species may not be available in the quantities required. Our findings suggest that increased water temperatures may affect species at the edge of their native range (i.e. northern pike) and a potential mismatch between predator and prey could exist.     

美国养猪生产实现每头母猪每年生产30头断奶仔猪的方法

世界各地养猪生产成绩顶尖的猪场瞄准每头母猪每年生产35头断奶仔猪的目标。然而,在美国的许多养猪场,每头母猪每年生产30头仔猪仍是一个刚刚提出的目标。Purina动物营养公司为人表率,帮助养猪生产者确定目标并实现目标。