scholarly journals Host Selection of Symbiotic Cyanobacteria in 31 Species of the Australian Cycad Genus: Macrozamia (Zamiaceae)

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 811-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle M. Gehringer ◽  
Jasper J. L. Pengelly ◽  
William S. Cuddy ◽  
Claus Fieker ◽  
Paul I. Forster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Host Specialization ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Cyanobacterial Species ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Selection Of

The nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Nostoc is a commonly occurring terrestrial and aquatic cyanobacterium often found in symbiosis with a wide range of plant, algal, and fungal species. We investigated the diversity of cyanobacterial species occurring within the coralloid roots of different Macrozamia cycad species at diverse locations throughout Australia. In all, 74 coralloid root samples were processed and 56 endosymbiotic cyanobacteria were cultured. DNA was isolated from unialgal cultures and a segment of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. Microscopic analysis was performed on representative isolates. Twenty-two cyanobacterial species were identified, comprising mostly Nostoc spp. and a Calothrix sp. No correlation was observed between a cycad species and its resident cyanobiont species. The predominant cyanobacterium isolated from 18 root samples occurred over a diverse range of environmental conditions and within 14 different Macrozamia spp. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that endosymbionts were not restricted to previously described terrestrial species. An isolate clustering with Nostoc PCC7120, an aquatic strain, was identified. This is the first comprehensive study to identify the endosymbionts within a cycad genus using samples obtained from their natural habitats. These results indicate that there is negligible host specialization of cyanobacterial endosymbionts within the cycad genus Macrozamia in the wild.

scholarly journals Quantification of Endospore-Forming Firmicutes by Quantitative PCR with the Functional Genespo0A

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (17) ◽  
pp. 5302-5312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthieu Bueche ◽  
Tina Wunderlin ◽  
Ludovic Roussel-Delif ◽  
Thomas Junier ◽  
Loic Sauvain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Primer Design ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Primer Sets ◽  
Reliable Quantification

ABSTRACTBacterial endospores are highly specialized cellular forms that allow endospore-formingFirmicutes(EFF) to tolerate harsh environmental conditions. EFF are considered ubiquitous in natural environments, in particular, those subjected to stress conditions. In addition to natural habitats, EFF are often the cause of contamination problems in anthropogenic environments, such as industrial production plants or hospitals. It is therefore desirable to assess their prevalence in environmental and industrial fields. To this end, a high-sensitivity detection method is still needed. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an approach based on quantitative PCR (qPCR). For this, the suitability of functional genes specific for and common to all EFF were evaluated. Seven genes were considered, but onlyspo0Awas retained to identify conserved regions for qPCR primer design. An approach based on multivariate analysis was developed for primer design. Two primer sets were obtained and evaluated with 16 pure cultures, including representatives of the generaBacillus,Paenibacillus,Brevibacillus,Geobacillus,Alicyclobacillus,Sulfobacillus,Clostridium, andDesulfotomaculum, as well as with environmental samples. The primer sets developed gave a reliable quantification when tested on laboratory strains, with the exception ofSulfobacillusandDesulfotomaculum. A test using sediment samples with a diverse EFF community also gave a reliable quantification compared to 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. A detection limit of about 104cells (or spores) per gram of initial material was calculated, indicating this method has a promising potential for the detection of EFF over a wide range of applications.

scholarly journals Choosing the Right Life Partner: Ecological Drivers of Lichen Symbiosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Vančurová ◽  
Jiří Malíček ◽  
Jana Steinová ◽  
Pavel Škaloud
Keyword(s):  
Canary Islands ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Algal Symbionts ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Taxonomic Range ◽  
The Right ◽  
Selection Of

Lichens are an iconic example of symbiotic systems whose ecology is shaped by the requirements of the symbionts. Previous studies suggest that fungal (mycobionts) as well as photosynthesizing (phycobionts or cyanobionts) partners have a specific range of acceptable symbionts that can be chosen according to specific environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of climatic conditions and mycobiont identity on phycobiont distribution within the lichen genera Stereocaulon, Cladonia, and Lepraria. The study area comprised the Canary Islands, Madeira, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands, spanning a wide range of climatic conditions. These islands are known for their unique and diverse fauna and flora; however, lichen phycobionts have remained unstudied in most of these areas. In total, we genetically analyzed 339 lichen samples. The phycobiont pool differed significantly from that outside the studied area. Asterochloris mediterranea was identified as the most abundant phycobiont. However, its distribution was limited by climatic constraints. Other species of Asterochloris and representatives of the genera Chloroidium, Vulcanochloris, and Myrmecia were also recovered as phycobionts. The selection of symbiotic partners from the local phycobiont pool was driven by mycobiont specificity (i.e., the taxonomic range of acceptable partners) and the environmental conditions, mainly temperature. Interestingly, the dominant fungal species responded differently in their selection of algal symbionts along the environmental gradients. Cladonia rangiformis associated with its phycobiont A. mediterranea in a broader range of temperatures than Stereocaulon azoreum, which favors other Asterochloris species along most of the temperature gradient. Stereocaulon vesuvianum associated with Chloroidium spp., which also differed in their temperature optima. Finally, we described Stereocaulon canariense as a new endemic species ecologically distinct from the other Stereocaulon species on the Canary Islands.

scholarly journals Concept for Development of Expert Computer Program for Identification of Filamentous Fungi

2012 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-181
Author(s):  
BEATA GUTAROWSKA ◽  
MAREK IZDEBSKI
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Computer Program ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Identification Algorithm ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Growth Features ◽  
Reference Strains ◽  
Selection Of

An expert program has been developed for users working in industrial laboratories who are not experts in the identification of filamentous fungi. The database of morphological growth features currently contains 12 species from the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium grown under standard conditions. The identification algorithm implemented in the database takes into account the reliability of users, which can vary over a wide range depending on the identification feature. The reliability of users was estimated on the basis of a questionnaire survey conducted among 27 non-experts, as the likelihood of a response consistent with the assessment of experts. The program works through comparative analysis of features of the fungus being identified with the expert-developed database and selection of the most likely species among the species represented by reference strains. The expert program reduces subjective mistakes and may be extended to include further fungal species and genera; it can also be supplemented with chemotaxonomic, genetic and other data.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis from wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve, Southwest China

Parasite ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Shanyu Chen ◽  
Wanyu Meng ◽  
Ziyao Zhou ◽  
Lei Deng ◽  
Xiaogang Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Zoonotic Potential ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Natural Reserve ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
In The Wild

Blastocystis is a prevalent eukaryotic parasite that has been identified in a wide range of hosts. Several species are considered potential sources of Blastocystis infection in humans, but little is known about the prevalence of Blastocystis in wild animals. In this study, the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis were investigated to assess the zoonotic potential of wild animals in Sichuan Wolong National Natural Reserve. A total of 300 fecal samples were collected from 27 wildlife species in three areas of the Reserve. The subtype (ST), genetic characteristics, and prevalence of Blastocystis were determined by PCR amplification of part (~600 bp) of the SSU rRNA gene. Thirty fecal samples (10.0%) were Blastocystis-positive. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was found in Yinchanggou (18.3%), with significantly less found in Niutoushan (7.5%) and Genda (5.5%) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were associated with different orders of animals in prevalence, which may be because of the small number of positive samples obtained. Sequence analysis showed five subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, ST13, and ST14), with ST13 and ST14 being predominant (33% each), followed by ST1 (20%). This is the first molecular investigation of Blastocystis infection in the wild animals of southwestern China. Subtypes ST1, ST3, ST5, and ST14 have previously been identified in humans, suggesting that wild animals may be potential reservoirs of Blastocystis for humans.

scholarly journals The effect of captivity on the skin microbial symbionts in three Atelopus species from the lowlands of Colombia and Ecuador

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra V. Flechas ◽  
Ailin Blasco-Zúñiga ◽  
Andrés Merino-Viteri ◽  
Valeria Ramírez-Castañeda ◽  
Miryan Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Community ◽  
Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Skin Bacteria ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Microbial Symbionts

Many amphibian species are at risk of extinction in their natural habitats due to the presence of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). For the most highly endangered species, captive assurance colonies have been established as an emergency measure to avoid extinction. Experimental research has suggested that symbiotic microorganisms in the skin of amphibians play a key role against Bd. While previous studies have addressed the effects of captivity on the cutaneous bacterial community, it remains poorly studied whether and how captive conditions affect the proportion of beneficial bacteria or their anti-Bd performance on amphibian hosts. In this study we sampled three amphibian species of the highly threatened genus, Atelopus, that remain in the wild but are also part of ex situ breeding programs in Colombia and Ecuador. Our goals were to (1) estimate the diversity of culturable bacterial assemblages in these three species of Atelopus, (2) describe the effect of captivity on the composition of skin microbiota, and (3) examine how captivity affects the bacterial ability to inhibit Bd growth. Using challenge assays we tested each bacterial isolate against Bd, and through sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we identified species from thirteen genera of bacteria that inhibited Bd growth. Surprisingly, we did not detect a reduction in skin bacteria diversity in captive frogs. Moreover, we found that frogs in captivity still harbor bacteria with anti-Bd activity. Although the scope of our study is limited to a few species and to the culturable portion of the bacterial community, our results indicate that captive programs do not necessarily change bacterial communities of the toad skins in a way that impedes the control of Bd in case of an eventual reintroduction.

Nine Centuries of Man

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Gender Expectations ◽  
Court Records ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Police Reports ◽  
Late Twentieth ◽  
Scottish History ◽  
Late Twentieth Century

What did it mean to be a man in Scotland over the past nine centuries? Scotland, with its stereotypes of the kilted warrior and the industrial ‘hard man’, has long been characterised in masculine terms, but there has been little historical exploration of masculinity in a wider context. This interdisciplinary collection examines a diverse range of the multiple and changing forms of masculinities from the late eleventh to the late twentieth century, exploring the ways in which Scottish society through the ages defined expectations for men and their behaviour. How men reacted to those expectations is examined through sources such as documentary materials, medieval seals, romances, poetry, begging letters, police reports and court records, charity records, oral histories and personal correspondence. Focusing upon the wide range of activities and roles undertaken by men – work, fatherhood and play, violence and war, sex and commerce – the book also illustrates the range of masculinities that affected or were internalised by men. Together, the chapters illustrate some of the ways Scotland’s gender expectations have changed over the centuries and how, more generally, masculinities have informed the path of Scottish history

Diversity and Integration in Private International Law

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
International Law ◽  
Value Systems ◽  
Private International Law ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
And Shifts ◽  
Substantive Law

This book opens a cross-regional dialogue and shifts the Eurocentric discussion on diversity and integration to a more inclusive engagement with South America in private international law issues. It promotes a contemporary vision of private international law as a discipline enabling legal interconnectivity, with the potential to transcend its disciplinary boundaries to further promote the reality of cross-border integration, with its focus on the ever-increasing cross-border mobility of individuals. Private international law embraces legal diversity and pluralism. Different legal traditions continue to meet, interact and integrate in different forms, at the national, regional and international levels. Different systems of substantive law couple with divergent systems of private international law (designed to accommodate the former in cross-border situations). This complex legal landscape impacts individuals and families in cross-border scenarios, and international commerce broadly conceived. Private international law methodologies and techniques offer means for the coordination of this constellation of legal orders and value systems in cross-border situations. Bringing together world-renowned academics and experienced private international lawyers from a wide range of jurisdictions in Europe and South America, this edited collection focuses on the connective capabilities of private international law in bridging and balancing legal diversity as a corollary for the development of integration. The book provides in-depth analysis of the role of private international law in dealing with legal diversity across a diverse range of topics and jurisdictions.

COMBINATORIAL POLYNOMIALLY COMPUTABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF SUBSTITUTIONS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
VLADIMIR NIKONOV ◽  
◽  
ANTON ZOBOV ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Expectation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Computational Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Bijective Function ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Element Base ◽  
Selection Of

The construction and selection of a suitable bijective function, that is, substitution, is now becoming an important applied task, particularly for building block encryption systems. Many articles have suggested using different approaches to determining the quality of substitution, but most of them are highly computationally complex. The solution of this problem will significantly expand the range of methods for constructing and analyzing scheme in information protection systems. The purpose of research is to find easily measurable characteristics of substitutions, allowing to evaluate their quality, and also measures of the proximity of a particular substitutions to a random one, or its distance from it. For this purpose, several characteristics were proposed in this work: difference and polynomial, and their mathematical expectation was found, as well as variance for the difference characteristic. This allows us to make a conclusion about its quality by comparing the result of calculating the characteristic for a particular substitution with the calculated mathematical expectation. From a computational point of view, the thesises of the article are of exceptional interest due to the simplicity of the algorithm for quantifying the quality of bijective function substitutions. By its nature, the operation of calculating the difference characteristic carries out a simple summation of integer terms in a fixed and small range. Such an operation, both in the modern and in the prospective element base, is embedded in the logic of a wide range of functional elements, especially when implementing computational actions in the optical range, or on other carriers related to the field of nanotechnology.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antiproliferative Activity Assessment of a Novel 1H-5-mercapto-1,2,4 Triazole Derivative

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 745-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Mioc ◽  
Sorin Avram ◽  
Vasile Bercean ◽  
Mihaela Balan Porcarasu ◽  
Codruta Soica ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiproliferative Activity ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Cancer Cell Line ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Triazole Derivative ◽  
Activity Assessment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Specific Receptors ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Selection Of

Angiogenesis plays an important function in tumor proliferation, one of the main angiogenic promoters being the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which activates specific receptors, particularly VEGFR-2. Thus, VEGFR-2 has become an essential therapeutic target in the development of new antitumor drugs. 1,2,4-triazoles show a wide range of biological activities, including antitumor effect, which was documented by numerous reports. In the current study the selection of 5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole structure (1H-3-styryl-5-benzylidenehydrazino-carbonyl-methylsulfanil-1,2,4-triazole, Tz3a.7) was conducted based on molecular docking that emphasized it as suitable ligand for VEGFR-2 and EGFR1 receptors. Compound Tz3a.7 was synthesized and physicochemically and biologically evaluated thus revealing a moderate antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.

Cultural Accommodation of Internet-Based Interventions for Substance Use and Related Disorders: A Proposed Comprehensive Framework (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keren Gueta ◽  
Yossi Harel-Fisch ◽  
Sophie D. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Service Engagement ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cultural Accommodation ◽  
Abuse Treatment ◽  
Comprehensive Framework

BACKGROUND Despite the low utilization rates of substance use and related disorders services, and the ability of internet-based interventions for substance use and related disorders (IBIS) to address challenges related to service engagement, limited attention has been placed on the processes for the accommodation of these interventions to diverse cultural settings. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for the cultural accommodation of IBIS across populations, settings, and countries. METHODS A pilot study of cultural accommodation of an existing internet intervention for alcohol use (Down Your Drink (DYD)), focus groups and daily online surveys of prospective consumers (N=24) and interviews with experts (N=7) in the substance abuse treatment field were conducted. RESULTS Thematic analysis revealed a wide range of themes identified as needing to be addressed in the process of DYD accommodation. It also emphasized that accommodation needs to incorporate both technical and contents themes, shaped by both the general Israeli cultural as well as by the specific Israeli drinking subculture. A combined mixed emic–etic theoretical approach incorporating the pilot findings together with a scoping literature review was employed to develop a framework for cultural accommodation of IBIS. A comprehensive framework for cultural accommodation of IBIS is introduced consisting of five chronological stages of IBIS accommodation and four dimensions of accommodation. CONCLUSIONS The proposed framework can serve as a guide for the cultural accommodation of existing IBIS across a diverse range of cultural and geographical settings thus augmenting the ecological validity of IBIS and reducing health disparities worldwide.

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