Antimicrobial activity of the ornamental species Salvia corrugata, a potential new crop for extractive purposes     

Bisio A  Romussi G  Russo E  Cafaggi S  Schito AM  Repetto B  De Tommasi N 《Journal of agricultural and food chemistry》2008,56(22):10468-10472

As a part of our search for biologically active compounds from cultivated Salvia spp. we investigated Salvia corrugata Vahl. The activity of two isolated icetaxane diterpene quinones, fruticuline A and demethylfruticuline A, was assessed against 46 bacterial pathogens, mostly resistant to several primary antibiotics. The MIC for all the inhibited Gram-positive pathogens tested showed a very narrow distribution and ranged from 32 to 64 mg/L, regardless of their resistance patterns to other antibiotics. Demethylfruticuline A was shown to be highly bactericidal (>3 log(10) CFU decrease within 24 h) against Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis and bacteriostatic against Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium. Fruticuline A manifested bacteriostatic activity against all tested strains. S. corrugata can be viewed as an interesting source for these diterpenes, which, if well tolerated in vivo, may represent new medical agents useful for the treatment of serious infections caused by resistant Gram-positive pathogens.  相似文献   

Detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms using very short, locked nucleic acid TaqMan probes     

Salvi S  D'Orso F  Morelli G 《Journal of agricultural and food chemistry》2008,56(12):4320-4327

Many countries have introduced mandatory labeling requirements on foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based upon the TaqMan probe chemistry has become the method mostly used to support these regulations; moreover, event-specific PCR is the preferred method in GMO detection because of its high specificity based on the flanking sequence of the exogenous integrant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of very short (eight-nucleotide long), locked nucleic acid (LNA) TaqMan probes in 5'-nuclease PCR assays for the detection and quantification of GMOs. Classic TaqMan and LNA TaqMan probes were compared for the analysis of the maize MON810 transgene. The performance of the two types of probes was tested on the maize endogenous reference gene hmga, the CaMV 35S promoter, and the hsp70/cryIA(b) construct as well as for the event-specific 5'-integration junction of MON810, using plasmids as standard reference molecules. The results of our study demonstrate that the LNA 5'-nuclease PCR assays represent a valid and reliable analytical system for the detection and quantification of transgenes. Application of very short LNA TaqMan probes to GMO quantification can simplify the design of 5'-nuclease assays.  相似文献   

Simulation of over-exploitation of ornamental fish and its consequences for the functional structure of assemblages of Amazonian streams     

Danilo G. R. Castanho  Cláudia P. de Deus  Jansen Zuanon  Sergio Santorelli  Rafael P. Leitão  Fabrício B. Teresa 《Ecology of Freshwater Fish》2020,29(4):533-541

The consequences of over-exploitation may seriously impair the integrity and functioning of ecosystems. When loss of species is accompanied by the loss of ecological processes, the effects are no longer just taxonomic and may affect the stability of the environments. Ornamental fishing is one of the main economic activities of the middle Negro River. Such activity is directed to a small number of species and has the Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) as the main target species. Given the potential effects this pressure and the lack of information on its consequences, the present study analysed, through simulations, the possible effects of depletion of ornamental fish populations on the functional structure of fish assemblages, represented by functional diversity (FD) and functional redundancy (FR) indexes. We sampled 13 streams exploited by the ornamental fishery, where we collected 4,286 specimens of 110 species, of which 22 were targeted as ornamental fishing. We found that the ornamental species corresponded, on average, to 27.8% of the species and 33.3% of the FD of the assemblages. In a scenario of complete exclusion of ornamental species, local communities would lose 24.6% of the FD and reduce up to 12% of the FR. With these results, it is possible to infer that the local extinction of exploited species would cause negative impacts on the multifunctionality and the resilience of the streams ecosystems. In this way, we emphasise the need for proper management of the ornamental fisheries aiming to the sustainability of the activity and to the conservation of ecosystem functionality.  相似文献   

rBmTI-6, a Kunitz-BPTI domain protease inhibitor from the tick Boophilus microplus, its cloning, expression and biochemical characterization     

Sasaki SD  Tanaka AS 《Veterinary parasitology》2008,155(1-2):133-141

Boophilus microplus is a rich source of trypsin inhibitors, numerous Kunitz-BPTI (bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor) inhibitors have been described from larvae and eggs, named BmTIs. Among them, were characterized inhibitors for trypsin, human neutrophil elastase, human plasma kallikrein and plasmin. BmTIs elicited a protective immunological response against B. microplus infestation in cattle. However, only a small amount of purified natural BmTIs can be obtained from larvae and eggs by chromatographic methods, thus if BmTIs are to be used as vaccine antigens (immunogens) the production of recombinant BmTIs (rBmTIs) is essential. In this work we describe the cloning, expression, purification and characterization of rBmTI-6. rBmTI-6 is a three-headed Kunitz-BPTI inhibitor, expressed in the Pichia pastoris system. Although rBmTI-6 was processed by proteases and glycosylated during the expression process, these post-translational modifications did not alter the ability of rBmTI-6 to inhibit protease activity. Purified rBmTI-6 inhibited trypsin and plasmin.  相似文献   

Organic trace minerals on productive performance,egg quality and immune response in Bovans White laying hens     

David Ramos‐Vidales  Gabriela Gmez‐Verduzco  Arturo Cortes‐Cuevas  Juan Carlos del Río‐García  Sergio Fernndez‐Tinoco  Silvestre Chrraga‐Aguilar  Ernesto vila‐Gonzlez 《Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition》2019,103(5):1484-1491

This study was performed in 360 laying Bovans White hens and aimed to evaluate the effect of Carbo‐Amino‐Phosphate‐Chelates (CAFQ) as a mineral premix and its 30% reduction by compared to inorganic trace minerals (ITM) concerning its performance, egg quality, tibia breaking strength and immunity. Sixty‐week‐old hens were assigned into three treatments with 10 replicates of 12 birds each. Treatments were as follows: (a) (100% ITM), (b) (100% CAFQ) and (c) (70% CAFQ). Based on the results obtained during 12 weeks, under the current test conditions, improved yolk colour (p < 0.05); shell breaking strength (p < 0.05); and storage time (p < 0.05) were observed in hens fed with a diet reduced by 70% in CAFQ inclusion showed similar performance behaviour and better egg breaking strength regarding with ITM, suggesting the possibility of minimizing the inclusion of trace minerals in laying hen diets improving environmental impact, in contrast to the use of inorganic sources of minerals.  相似文献   

Seasonality in Saint Croix male lamb reproductive development in northern Mexico     

Fernando Snchez‐Dvila  Rodolfo Ungerfeld  Alejandro Sergio del Bosque‐Gonzlez  Hugo Bernal‐Barragn 《Reproduction in domestic animals》2019,54(2):391-400

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the season of birth on the body weight, testicular size, testosterone concentrations, semen output and sexual behaviour in Saint Croix male lambs. Thirty‐three lambs were born in spring (n = 10), summer (Sum; n = 12) or autumn (n = 11). Body weight and the scrotal circumference were weekly recorded; semen was also weekly collected by electroejaculation; and sexual behaviour towards oestrous ewes was weekly evaluated. Data were recorded from 15 to 33 weeks of age. The reproductive development of Saint Croix male lambs differed according to the period in which they were born. More lambs born in spring than in summer and autumn achieved puberty during this study and were also more precocious in semen production and displayed sexual behaviour earlier. Lambs born in summer delayed their semen production; however, season‐related negative effects were less pronounced at the end of the study than in autumn born lambs born. In conclusion, despite the apparently low seasonality of the breed, Saint Croix male lambs showed in this study a seasonal pattern in their reproductive development at least until they achieve the puberty.  相似文献   

Contrasting effects of heat shock during in vitro maturation on development of in vitro‐fertilized and parthenogenetic bovine embryos     

Luiz Sergio Almeida Camargo  Fernanda Queiros Costa  Michele Munk  Sabine Wohlres‐Viana  Raquel Varela Serapio  Bruno Campos Carvalho  Paulo Henrique Campos  Alex Cabral Vieira  Luiz Altamiro Garcia Nogueira  Joao Henrique Moreira Viana 《Reproduction in domestic animals》2019,54(10):1357-1365

This study investigated the influence of heat shock during in vitro maturation on embryo development following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or parthenogenesis (Part). Immature bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes were exposed to heat shock (41.0°C) during the first 12 hr of in vitro maturation (IVM), followed by 12 hr at 38.5°C. Control group consisted of in vitro maturation for 24 hr at 38.5°C. Oocytes were in vitro‐fertilized or activated with ionomycin and cultured in vitro for 192 hr post‐in vitro insemination or parthenogenetic activation (hpia). There was an interaction (p < .01) between temperature of IVM and method of oocyte activation (IVF or Part) for cleavage at 48 hpia. Heat shock had a negative impact (p < .01) on cleavage of IVF embryos, whereas no (p > .05) effect was found in the Part embryos. Embryo development towards blastocyst stage at 168 and 192 hpia decreased in both IVF and Part embryos derived from heat‐shocked oocytes. Heat shock increased (p < .05) the apoptotic index in Part blastocysts, but no effect (p > .05) was found in IVF counterparts. Heat shock also down‐regulated the expression of AQP3 (p < .01) and up‐regulated the expression of HSP70.1 (p < .01) in Part blastocysts, whereas it down‐regulated the expression of ATP1A1 (p < .05) in IVF blastocysts. In conclusion, the effects of heat shock during IVM on early embryo cleavage and blastocyst apoptosis are influenced by the method of oocyte activation and expression of some genes can be disturbed in embryos derived from heat‐shocked oocytes.  相似文献   

Recreational sandboxes for children and dogs can be a source of epidemic ribotypes of Clostridium difficile          下载免费PDF全文

Cristina Orden  Carlos Neila  José L. Blanco  Sergio Álvarez‐Pérez  Celine Harmanus  Ed J. Kuijper  Marta E. García 《Zoonoses and public health》2018,65(1):88-95

Different studies have suggested that the sand of public playgrounds could have a role in the transmission of infections, particularly in children. Furthermore, free access of pets and other animals to the playgrounds might increase such a risk. We studied the presence of Clostridium difficile in 20 pairs of sandboxes for children and dogs located in different playgrounds within the Madrid region (Spain). Clostridium difficile isolation was performed by enrichment and selective culture procedures. The genetic (ribotype and amplified fragment length polymorphism [AFLP]) diversity and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was also studied. Overall, 52.5% (21/40) of samples were positive for the presence of C. difficile. Eight of the 20 available isolates belonged to the toxigenic ribotypes 014 (n = 5) and 106 (n = 2), both regarded as epidemic, and CD047 (n = 1). The other 12 isolates were non‐toxigenic, and belonged to ribotypes 009 (n = 5), 039 (n = 4), and 067, 151 and CD048 (one isolate each). Nevertheless, all isolates (even those of a same ribotype) were classified into different AFLP genotypes indicating non‐relatedness. In conclusion, our results revealed the presence of epidemic ribotypes of C. difficile in children's and dog's sandboxes located nearby, which constitutes a major health risk.  相似文献   

Analysis of world strains of Anaplasma marginale using major surface protein 1a repeat sequences     

de la Fuente J  Ruybal P  Mtshali MS  Naranjo V  Shuqing L  Mangold AJ  Rodríguez SD  Jiménez R  Vicente J  Moretta R  Torina A  Almazán C  Mbati PM  de Echaide ST  Farber M  Rosario-Cruz R  Gortazar C  Kocan KM 《Veterinary microbiology》2007,119(2-4):382-390

Anaplasma marginale is a tick-borne pathogen of cattle that causes the disease bovine anaplasmosis worldwide. Major surface proteins (MSPs) are involved in host-pathogen and tick-pathogen interactions and have been used as markers for the genetic characterization of A. marginale strains and phylogenetic studies. MSP1a is involved in the adhesion and transmission of A. marginale by ticks and varies among geographic strains in the number and sequence of amino-terminal tandem repeats. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of A. marginale strains collected from countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, inclusive of all continents. In this study, we characterized 131 strains of A. marginale using 79 MSP1a repeat sequences. These results corroborated the genetic heterogeneity of A. marginale strains in endemic regions worldwide. The phylogenetic analyses of MSP1a repeat sequences did not result in clusters according to the geographic origin of A. marginale strains but provided phylogeographic information. Seventy-eight percent of the MSP1a repeat sequences were present in strains from a single geographic region. Strong (> or =80%) support was found for clusters containing sequences from Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Argentinean and South American strains. The phylogenetic analyses of MSP1a repeat sequences suggested tick-pathogen co-evolution and provided evidence of multiple introductions of A. marginale strains from various geographic locations worldwide. These results contribute to the understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of A. marginale and tick-pathogen interactions.  相似文献   

Feulgen-DNA densitometry of embryo sacs permits discrimination between sexual and apomictic plants in Paspalum simplex   总被引：4，自引：0，他引：4  

Maria Eugenia Caceres  Fulvio Pupilli  Camilo Luis Quarín  Sergio Arcioni 《Euphytica》1999,108(3):161-167

The chromosomes of sexual diploid plants of Paspalum simplex were colchicine-doubled and the plant obtained were crossed with their aposporous natural tetraploid counterparts to generate a F1 population segregating for apomixis. Analysis of the DNA content during megagametogenesis indicated that although the nuclei of nucellus and developing embryo sacs were in both the G1 and G2 phases, polar nuclei and egg cells of mature embryo sacs tended to remain in the G1 phase. Because both meiotic and aposporous mature embryo sacs are of the 8-nucleated-type in P. simplex and are barely distinguishable, nuclear DNA content of polar nuclei was used to distinguish apomictic and sexual phenotypes and confirmation obtained by progeny testing. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.  相似文献