Morphometric and molecular characterization of an expanding Ionian population of the fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida)

AbstractThe amphinomid fireworm Hermodice carunculata is a potentially invasive species reported throughout the subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which is known as a generalist predator and opportunistic feeder. The ongoing climate changes and seawater warming may favour fireworm poleward range expansions and density increases. Our results provide the first investigation into a population which has purportedly been spreading widely in the Salento Peninsula (Apulia, Italy). The specimens were analysed using allometric variables and molecular markers. The best morphometric parameters to estimate individual size were determined as key information for future studies on fireworm population dynamics. To phylogeographically characterize the Apulian population, sequences of the mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA regions were obtained from a pool of individuals and treated together with those of Atlantic specimens retrieved from GenBank. The estimates of genetic variability for Apulian population were consistent with those recently reported in the literature. Inferences on demographic history analysis confirmed a recent expansion event in Apulia, as has been recounted by fishermen and scuba divers during recent years. Overall, these results constitute a crucial step in the characterization of present-day H. carunculata populations, and provide greater insight into fireworm population ecology.

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Ultrastructural Mechanical and Material Characterization of Fossilized Bone

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-975-0975-dd03-09 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 975 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sara Elizabeth Olesiak ◽

Michelle Oyen ◽

Matthew Sponheimer ◽

Jaelyn J. Eberle ◽

Virginia L. Ferguson

Keyword(s):

Material Characterization ◽

Mineral Content ◽

Mechanical Response ◽

Biological Tissues ◽

Tissue Level ◽

Organic Content ◽

Future Studies ◽

Transverse Modulus ◽

Insight Into

ABSTRACTBone plays a key role in the paleontological and archeological records and can provide insight into the biology, ecology and the environment of ancient vertebrates. Examination of bone at the tissue level reveals a definitive relationship between nanomechanical properties and the local organic content, mineral content, and microstructural organization. However, it is unclear as to how these properties change following fossilization, or diagenesis, where the organic phase is rapidly removed and the remaining mineral phase is reinforced by the deposition of apatites, calcites, and other minerals. While the process of diagenesis is poorly understood, its outcome clearly results in the potential for dramatic alteration of the mechanical response of biological tissues. In this study, fossilized specimens of mammalian long bones, collected from Colorado and Wyoming, were studied for mechanical variations. Nanoindentation performed in both longitudinal and transverse directions revealed preservation of bone's natural anisotropy as transverse modulus values were consistently smaller than longitudinal values. Additionally modulus values of fossilized bone from 35.0 to 89.1 GPa increased linearly with logarithm of the sample's age. Future studies will aim to clarify what mechanical and material elements of bone are retained during diagenesis as bone becomes part of the geologic milieu.

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Insulin immuno-neutralization in fed chickens: effects on liver and muscle transcriptome

Physiological Genomics ◽

10.1152/physiolgenomics.00057.2011 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 283-292 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Jean Simon ◽

Dragan Milenkovic ◽

Estelle Godet ◽

Cedric Cabau ◽

Anne Collin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Metabolic Pathways ◽

Transcriptional Control ◽

Future Studies ◽

False Discovery ◽

Chicken Muscle ◽

Resistance State ◽

Insight Into

Chickens mimic an insulin-resistance state by exhibiting several peculiarities with regard to plasma glucose level and its control by insulin. To gain insight into the role of insulin in the control of chicken transcriptome, liver and leg muscle transcriptomes were compared in fed controls and “diabetic” chickens, at 5 h after insulin immuno-neutralization, using 20.7K-chicken oligo-microarrays. At a level of false discovery rate <0.01, 1,573 and 1,225 signals were significantly modified by insulin privation in liver and muscle, respectively. Microarray data agreed reasonably well with qRT-PCR and some protein level measurements. Differentially expressed mRNAs with human ID were classified using Biorag analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Multiple metabolic pathways, structural proteins, transporters and proteins of intracellular trafficking, major signaling pathways, and elements of the transcriptional control machinery were largely represented in both tissues. At least 42 mRNAs have already been associated with diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, energy expenditure, or identified as sensors of metabolism in mice or humans. The contribution of the pathways presently identified to chicken physiology (particularly those not yet related to insulin) needs to be evaluated in future studies. Other challenges include the characterization of “unknown” mRNAs and the identification of the steps or networks, which disturbed tissue transcriptome so extensively, quickly after the turning off of the insulin signal. In conclusion, pleiotropic effects of insulin in chickens are further evidenced; major pathways controlled by insulin in mammals have been conserved despite the presence of unique features of insulin signaling in chicken muscle.

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Skeletal elements of crinoid echinoderms: High-resolution structural and microanalytical results

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100074768 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

pp. 194-195

Author(s):

D. F. Blake ◽

L. F. Allard ◽

D. R. Peacor

Keyword(s):

High Resolution ◽

Marine Invertebrates ◽

Sea Urchins ◽

Structural Features ◽

Sea Stars ◽

High Resolution Tem ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Insight Into

Echinodermata is a phylum of marine invertebrates which has been extant since Cambrian time (c.a. 500 m.y. before the present). Modern examples of echinoderms include sea urchins, sea stars, and sea lilies (crinoids). The endoskeletons of echinoderms are composed of plates or ossicles (Fig. 1) which are with few exceptions, porous, single crystals of high-magnesian calcite. Despite their single crystal nature, fracture surfaces do not exhibit the near-perfect {10.4} cleavage characteristic of inorganic calcite. This paradoxical mix of biogenic and inorganic features has prompted much recent work on echinoderm skeletal crystallography. Furthermore, fossil echinoderm hard parts comprise a volumetrically significant portion of some marine limestones sequences. The ultrastructural and microchemical characterization of modern skeletal material should lend insight into: 1). The nature of the biogenic processes involved, for example, the relationship of Mg heterogeneity to morphological and structural features in modern echinoderm material, and 2). The nature of the diagenetic changes undergone by their ancient, fossilized counterparts. In this study, high resolution TEM (HRTEM), high voltage TEM (HVTEM), and STEM microanalysis are used to characterize tha ultrastructural and microchemical composition of skeletal elements of the modern crinoid Neocrinus blakei.

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First Insight into Nutraceutical Properties of Local Salento Cichorium intybus Varieties: NMR-Based Metabolomic Approach

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18084057 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 4057

Author(s):

Chiara Roberta Girelli ◽

Francesca Serio ◽

Rita Accogli ◽

Federica Angilè ◽

Antonella De Donno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

1H Nmr ◽

Cichorium Intybus ◽

Resonance Spectroscopy ◽

Metabolic Profiles ◽

Whole Plant ◽

Different Content ◽

Insight Into ◽

Nutraceutical Properties ◽

Metabolomic Approach

Background: Plants of genus Cichorium are known for their therapeutic and nutraceutical properties determined by a wealth of phytochemical substances contained in the whole plant. The aim of this paper was to characterize the metabolic profiles of local Salento chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) varieties (“Bianca”, “Galatina”, “Leccese”, and “Otranto”) in order to describe their metabolites composition together with possible bioactivity and health beneficial properties. Methods: The investigation was performed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis (MVA), by which the metabolic profiles of the samples were easily obtained and compared. Results: The supervised Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) analysis showed as “Bianca” and “Galatina” samples grouped together separated by “Leccese” and “Otranto” varieties. A different content of free amino acids and organic acids was observed among the varieties. In particular a high content of cichoric and monocaffeoyl tartaric acid was observed for the “Leccese” variety. The presence of secondary metabolites adds significant interest in the investigation of Cichorium inthybus, as this vegetable may benefit human health when incorporated into the diet. Conclusions: The 1H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) based characterization of Salento chicory varieties allowed us to determine the potential usefulness and nutraceutical properties of the product, also providing a method to guarantee its authenticity on a molecular scale.

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“Real-World” Microscopy: Understanding Environment-Sensitive Behavior of Ni-Base Welds

Microscopy and Microanalysis ◽

10.1017/s1431927600022765 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 4 (S2) ◽

pp. 528-529

Author(s):

M. G. Burke ◽

R. J. Wehrer ◽

C.M. Brown

Keyword(s):

Nuclear Power ◽

Base Alloy ◽

Analytical Electron Microscopy ◽

Furnace Cool ◽

Environmental Embrittlement ◽

Reported Study ◽

Compositional Changes ◽

Insight Into ◽

Sensitive Behavior

Ni-base alloy welds such as EN82H weld metal are frequently employed in nuclear power applications where resistance to corrosion is required. Results of a recently reported study of the mechanical properties of EN82H welds show that this alloy is susceptible to low-temperature (∼100°C) environmental embrittlement (LTEE) in hydrogenated water. LTEE is a manifestation of hydrogen embrittlement in these alloys.1 Recent LTEE tests have demonstrated a beneficial effect of a high-temperature (∼1100°C) anneal and furnace-cool in alleviating the material's susceptibility to LTEE. Understanding the reason for the reduction in LTEE susceptibility requires detailed characterization of the microstructure so that the specific structural and compositional changes that have been induced by the solution-anneal can be identified. This study reports the results of light optical and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) characterization of the microstructures of as-fabricated and as-solution-annealed EN82H welds with the objective of providing insight into the observed LTEE behavior.

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Characterization of CRISPR Spacer and Protospacer Sequences in Paenibacillus larvae and Its Bacteriophages

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13030459 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 459

Author(s):

Casey Stamereilers ◽

Simon Wong ◽

Philippos K. Tsourkas

Keyword(s):

Comparative Studies ◽

Point Mutations ◽

Paenibacillus Larvae ◽

Bacterial Disease ◽

American Foulbrood ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Future Studies ◽

Complete Genomes ◽

Point Of Reference

The bacterium Paenibacillus larvae is the causative agent of American foulbrood, the most devastating bacterial disease of honeybees. Because P. larvae is antibiotic resistant, phages that infect it are currently used as alternative treatments. However, the acquisition by P. larvae of CRISPR spacer sequences from the phages could be an obstacle to treatment efforts. We searched nine complete genomes of P. larvae strains and identified 714 CRISPR spacer sequences, of which 384 are unique. Of the four epidemiologically important P. larvae strains, three of these have fewer than 20 spacers, while one strain has over 150 spacers. Of the 384 unique spacers, 18 are found as protospacers in the genomes of 49 currently sequenced P. larvae phages. One P. larvae strain does not have any protospacers found in phages, while another has eight. Protospacer distribution in the phages is uneven, with two phages having up to four protospacers, while a third of phages have none. Some phages lack protospacers found in closely related phages due to point mutations, indicating a possible escape mechanism. This study serve a point of reference for future studies on the CRISPR-Cas system in P. larvae as well as for comparative studies of other phage–host systems.

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Insights into neutralizing antibody responses in individuals exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in Chile

Science Advances ◽

10.1126/sciadv.abe6855 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (7) ◽

pp. eabe6855 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Carolina Beltrán-Pavez ◽

Sebastián Riquelme-Barrios ◽

Aarón Oyarzún-Arrau ◽

Aracelly Gaete-Argel ◽

Roxana González-Stegmaier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Local Level ◽

Neutralizing Antibody ◽

Host Immunity ◽

Antibody Responses ◽

Wild Type ◽

Neutralization Activity ◽

Future Studies

Chile has one of the worst numbers worldwide in terms of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases and COVID-19–related deaths per million inhabitants; thus, characterization of neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses in the general population is critical to understanding of immunity at the local level. Given our inability to perform massive classical neutralization assays due to the scarce availability of BSL-3 facilities in the country, we developed and fully characterized an HIV-based SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype, which was used in a 96-well plate format to investigate NAb responses in samples from individuals exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or treated with convalescent plasma. We also identified samples with decreased or enhanced neutralization activity against the D614G spike variant compared with the wild type, indicating the relevance of this variant in host immunity. The data presented here represent the first insights into NAb responses in individuals from Chile, serving as a guide for future studies in the country.

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Isolation and Molecular Characterization of the Romaine Lettuce Phylloplane Mycobiome

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7040277 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 277

Author(s):

Danny Haelewaters ◽

Hector Urbina ◽

Samuel Brown ◽

Shannon Newerth-Henson ◽

M. Catherine Aime

Keyword(s):

Lactuca Sativa ◽

New Combinations ◽

Food Spoilage ◽

Human Pathogens ◽

Plant Leaves ◽

Romaine Lettuce ◽

Future Studies ◽

The Core ◽

American Agriculture

Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an important staple of American agriculture. Unlike many vegetables, romaine lettuce is typically consumed raw. Phylloplane microbes occur naturally on plant leaves; consumption of uncooked leaves includes consumption of phylloplane microbes. Despite this fact, the microbes that naturally occur on produce such as romaine lettuce are for the most part uncharacterized. In this study, we conducted culture-based studies of the fungal romaine lettuce phylloplane community from organic and conventionally grown samples. In addition to an enumeration of all such microbes, we define and provide a discussion of the genera that form the “core” romaine lettuce mycobiome, which represent 85.5% of all obtained isolates: Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Filobasidium, Naganishia, Papiliotrema, Rhodotorula, Sampaiozyma, Sporobolomyces, Symmetrospora and Vishniacozyma. We highlight the need for additional mycological expertise in that 23% of species in these core genera appear to be new to science and resolve some taxonomic issues we encountered during our work with new combinations for Aureobasidiumbupleuri and Curvibasidium nothofagi. Finally, our work lays the ground for future studies that seek to understand the effect these communities may have on preventing or facilitating establishment of exogenous microbes, such as food spoilage microbes and plant or human pathogens.

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Specificities and Synergistic Actions of Novel PL8 and PL7 Alginate Lyases from the Marine Fungus Paradendryphiella salina

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7020080 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 80

Author(s):

Bo Pilgaard ◽

Marlene Vuillemin ◽

Jesper Holck ◽

Casper Wilkens ◽

Anne S. Meyer

Keyword(s):

Alginate Lyase ◽

Marine Fungus ◽

Brown Macroalgae ◽

Polysaccharide Lyases ◽

Alginate Lyases ◽

Encoding Genes ◽

Substrate Affinities ◽

Alginate Degradation ◽

Insight Into

Alginate is an anionic polysaccharide abundantly present in the cell walls of brown macroalgae. The enzymatic depolymerization is performed solely by alginate lyases (EC 4.2.2.x), categorized as polysaccharide lyases (PLs) belonging to 12 different PL families. Until now, the vast majority of the alginate lyases have been found in bacteria. We report here the first extensive characterization of four alginate lyases from a marine fungus, the ascomycete Paradendryphiella salina, a known saprophyte of seaweeds. We have identified four polysaccharide lyase encoding genes bioinformatically in P. salina, one PL8 (PsMan8A), and three PL7 alginate lyases (PsAlg7A, -B, and -C). PsMan8A was demonstrated to exert exo-action on polymannuronic acid, and no action on alginate, indicating that this enzyme is most likely an exo-acting polymannuronic acid specific lyase. This enzyme is the first alginate lyase assigned to PL8 and polymannuronic acid thus represents a new substrate specificity in this family. The PL7 lyases (PsAlg7A, -B, and -C) were found to be endo-acting alginate lyases with different activity optima, substrate affinities, and product profiles. PsAlg7A and PsMan8A showed a clear synergistic action for the complete depolymerization of polyM at pH 5. PsAlg7A depolymerized polyM to mainly DP5 and DP3 oligomers and PsMan8A to dimers and monosaccharides. PsAlg7B and PsAlg7C showed substrate affinities towards both polyM and polyG at pH 8, depolymerizing both substrates to DP9-DP2 oligomers. The findings elucidate how P. salina accomplishes alginate depolymerization and provide insight into an efficient synergistic cooperation that may provide a new foundation for enzyme selection for alginate degradation in seaweed bioprocessing.

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Time-Resolved Spectroscopic Study of N,N-Di(4-bromo)nitrenium Ions in Selected Solutions

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules23123182 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (12) ◽

pp. 3182 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Lili Du ◽

Xin Lan ◽

Zhiping Yan ◽

Ruixue Zhu ◽

David Phillips

Keyword(s):

Transient Absorption ◽

Direct Detection ◽

Reaction Pathway ◽

Addition Reactions ◽

Time Resolved ◽

Nitrenium Ions ◽

Future Studies ◽

Nitrenium Ion ◽

Design Time

Nitrenium ions are important reactive intermediates in chemistry and biology. In this work, femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption (fs-TA and ns-TA) along with nanosecond time-resolved resonance Raman (ns-TR3) experiments were employed to examine the photochemical pathways of N-(4,4′-dibromodiphenylamino)-2,4,6-trimethylpyridinium BF4− (salt (DN) from just absorption of a photon of light to the production of the important N,N-di(4-bromophenyl)nitrenium ion 2. In acetonitrile (MeCN), the formation of halogenated diarylnitrenium ion 2 was observed within 4 ps, showing the vibrational spectra with strong intensity. The nucleophilic adduct reaction of ion 2 with H2O was also examined in aqueous solutions. The direct detection of the unique ortho adduct intermediate 3 shows that there is an efficient and exclusive reaction pathway for 2 with H2O. The results shown in this paper give new characterization of 2, which can be used to design time-resolved spectroscopy investigations of covalent addition reactions of nitrenium ions with other molecules in future studies.

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