Comparison of percutaneous vs oral infection of hamsters with the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum: Parasite development, pathology and primary immune response

Background Hundreds of millions of people in poor countries continue to suffer from disease caused by bloodfeeding hookworms. While mice and rats are not reliably permissive hosts for any human hookworm species, adult Golden Syrian hamsters are fully permissive for the human and animal pathogen Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Similar to humans, hamsters may be infected with A. ceylanicum third-stage larvae orally or percutaneously. Oral infection typically leads to consistent worm yields in hamsters but may not accurately reflect the clinical and immunological manifestations of human infection resulting from skin penetration. Methodology/Principal findings In this study we compared host responses following percutaneous infection to those utilizing an established oral infection protocol. Infected hamsters exhibited a dose-dependent pathology, with 1000 percutaneous larvae (L3) causing anemia and adult worm recovery comparable to that of 50 orally administered L3. A delayed arrival and maturity of worms in the intestine was observed, as was variation in measured cellular immune responses. A long-term study found that the decline in blood hemoglobin was more gradual and did not reach levels as low, with the nadir of disease coming later in percutaneously infected hamsters. Both groups exhibited moderate growth delay, an effect that was more persistent in the percutaneously infected group. Fecal egg output also peaked later and at lower levels in the percutaneously infected animals. In contrast to orally infected hamsters, antibody titers to larval antigens continued to increase throughout the course of the experiment in the percutaneous group. Conclusions/Significance These results demonstrate that the route of infection with A. ceylanicum impacts disease pathogenesis, as well as humoral and cellular immune responses in an experimental setting. These data further validate the utility of the Golden Syrian hamster as a model of both oral and percutaneous infection with human hookworms.

Two New Sexual Talaromyces Species Discovered in Estuary Soil in China

In the survey of mycobiota of mudflats in China, two new sexually reproducing Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces species were discovered and studied using a polyphasic approach. These species are named here Talaromyces haitouensis (ex-type AS3.160101T) and Talaromyces zhenhaiensis (ex-type AS3.16102T). Morphologically, T. haitouensis is distinguished by moderate growth, green-yellow gymnothecia, orange-brown mycelium, and echinulate ellipsoidal ascospores. T. zhenhaiensis is characterized by fast growth, absence of sporulation, cream yellow to naphthalene yellow gymnothecia and mycelium, and smooth-walled ellipsoidal ascospores with one equatorial ridge. The two novelties are further confirmed by phylogenetic analyses based on either individual sequences of BenA, CaM, Rpb2, and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 or the concatenated BenA-CaM-Rpb2 sequences.

Development of production of natural and modified starches in the starch syrup industry

Анализ работы крахмалопаточной отрасли по производству нативных и модифицированных крахмалов за период 2010-2020 гг. выявил положительные тенденции, характеризующиеся умеренными темпами роста выпуска продукции. Увеличение объемов производства нативных и модифицированных крахмалов, расширение их ассортимента - актуальная задача для предприятий крахмалопаточной отрасли. В статье приведен ассортимент нативных и модифицированных крахмалов, поставляемых на российский рынок. Большой интерес для отраслей пищевой промышленности и народного хозяйства в целом представляют эфиры крахмала холодного и горячего набухания, доля которых в общем объеме импорта модифицированных крахмалов составляет около 70 %. Приведен перечень высокотехнологичных крахмалопаточных предприятий, обеспечивающих высокое качество и конкурентоспособность производимой продукции. Дана динамика производства нативных крахмалов и потребления модифицированных крахмалов в РФ в 2010-2020 гг. За последние 10 лет объемы производства модифицированных крахмалов в крахмалопаточной отрасли увеличились в 2,3 раза. Приведены современные методы получения и области применения модифицированных крахмалов для пищевого назначения. Предложены механизмы устойчивого развития крахмалопаточных предприятий в современных условиях. An analysis of the work of the starch syrup industry in the production of natural and modified starches for the period 2010-2020 revealed positive trends characterized by a moderate growth rate in production. Increasing the natural and modified starches production volume, expanding the range is an urgent task for enterprises of the starch industry. The article provides an assortment of natural and modified starches supplied to the Russian market. Cold and hot swell starch esters are of great interest for the food industry and the national economy as a whole, which account for about 70 % of the total imports of modified starches. The list of high-tech starch processing enterprises ensuring high quality and competitiveness of the produced products is given. The dynamics of production of natural starches and the dynamics of production and consumption of modified starches in the Russian Federation in the period 2010-2020 are given. Over the past 10 years, the production of modified starches in the starch industry has increased 2.3 times. Modern methods of producing and application of modified starches for food purposes are presented. Mechanisms for sustainable development of starch-syrup enterprises in modern conditions are proposed.

Two New Teleomorphic Talaromyces Species Discovered From The Estuary Soil In China

Two new species producing ascospores of Talaromyces sect.Talaromyces are proposed, namely, T. haitouensi (ex-type AS3.160101 T) and T. zhenhaiensis (ex-type AS3.16102 T). Morphologically, T. haitouensis is featured by moderate growth, green-yellow gymnothecia, orange-brown mycelium, and echinulate ellipsoidal ascospores. T. zhenhaiensis is characterized by fast growth, absent sporulation, cream yellow to naphthalene yellow gymnothecia and mycelium, smooth-walled ellipsoidal ascospores with one equatorial ridge. The proposal of the two new taxa is well supported by individual phylogenetic analyses based on individual sequences of BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, and the concatenated BenA-CaM-Rpb2 sequence.

Isolation of Bacteria from Rhizosphere, Phylloplane and Caulosphere of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Rhizosphere, phylloplane and caulosphere is the region where a complex community of microbes, mainly bacteria and fungi are present. The microbe- plant interaction in these regions can be beneficial, neutral, variable, or deleterious for plant growth. The bacteria that exert beneficial effects on plant development are termed plant growth promoting bacteria. To isolate the bacteria from rhizosphere, phylloplane and caulosphere of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). The seeds of 16 cultivars of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) viz., Arka keshav, Arka shirish, Arka kusumaker, and IIHR accession numbers 389,386,387,377 Tc, BB44, 391, 433, 434, 427, 447, 448, 476 and 487 that were used in the initial screening experiment were obtained from the Department of Vegetable crops, IIHR, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore. Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) plants of different varieties were collected from seven locations around Bangalore viz., Hessaraghatta, Yelahanka, Kengeri, Madi vala, Hebbal, Tirumalapura and Attibele were also screened for the presence of associative bacteria. Associative microorganisms isolated from the rhizosphere, phylloplane and shoot regions of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), revealed the presence of three morphologically different colonies. 80% of 16 cultivars of the brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) screened showed the presence of associative bacterial colonies. In this study diazotrophic BBI were obtained from the rhizoplane, phylloplane and stem of 16 cultivars of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) that were screened. The dominant pearl-colored colonies isolated from all varieties of brinjal plants that were screened was identified and showed maximum nitrogen fixing ability compared with that of the other colonies. The phylloplane of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) plants from seven different locations around Bangalore showed the presence of the dominant pearl-colored colonies. Moderate growth of bacteria was observed in root, stem and leaf bits sterilized up to 35 minutes. Even on surface sterilized roots which were homogenized and inoculated on growth media, dense growth of bacteria was observed there by establishing the presence of bacteria inside the root system. For the first time the presence of growth promoting bacteria on the rhizosphere and endorhizosphere of brinjal (Solanum Melongena L.) cultivars was established.

APPLICATION OF STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES IN THE PRACTICE OF BUILDING A DEFILIENCE SCALE

The main substantial features of the PD curve (default probability) formed in practical modeling are substantiated in the articles. It is proved that the main characteristics of the PD curve are that it is based on data on the actually restored default rate in each of the risk classes over a period of time and has a shape that approximate for coincides with the exposure function. It is shown that the best aspect that affects the calibration is the number of rating classes and ways to build them. It is determined that the slope of the curve demonstrates the classification model of efficiency. It is determined that the slope of the curve demonstrates the classification efficiency of the model. Models with high discriminant properties are characterized by a curve shape that has a slow increase in the rating classes of the upper part of the scale and a significant acceleration of growth in the last risk classes. Two main approaches to determining the number of risk classes are analyzed: the percentile-based approach and the equal score range approach. It is shown that when forming classes, it is necessary to take into account the total amount of sample observations, the proportion of «good» and «bad», and choose the number of classes so that it is not too large and not too small. Calibration practice shave been shown to be influenced by data, purpose, and study limitations. The application of the least squares method and the extrapolation method is considered on practical examples. The least squares method and in particular the derived extrapolation method allow to build a calibration curve on the basis of data on the relative frequency of defaults. It is determined that the mathematical apparatus of the family of nonlinear curves allows to model the process of exponential growth with different levels of intensity. The exponential curve and related functions may be useful in modeling more conservative PD estimates or for models with highly discriminatory properties, while the Weibull function, S-curve, and power function may be better adapted to moderate growth processes. The application of practical methods of constructing the PD scale is important for many domestic banking professionals who deal with internal models of credit risk. Keywords: Calibration, Default, Probability, Curves, Probability of default curve calibration, Least squares method, Extrapolation method. JEL Classіfіcatіon С44 Formulas: 21; fig.: 1; tabl.: 7; bibl.: 10.

Antimicrobial Peptides With Antibiofilm Activity Against Xylella fastidiosa

Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogen that was recently introduced in Europe and is causing havoc to its agriculture. This Gram-negative bacterium invades the host xylem, multiplies, and forms biofilm occluding the vessels and killing its host. In spite of the great research effort, there is no method that effectively prevents or cures hosts from infections. The main control strategies up to now are eradication, vector control, and pathogen-free plant material. Antimicrobial peptides have arisen as promising candidates to combat this bacterium due to their broad spectrum of activity and low environmental impact. In this work, peptides previously reported in the literature and newly designed analogs were studied for its bactericidal and antibiofilm activity against X. fastidiosa. Also, their hemolytic activity and effect on tobacco leaves when infiltrated were determined. To assess the activity of peptides, the strain IVIA 5387.2 with moderate growth, able to produce biofilm and susceptible to antimicrobial peptides, was selected among six representative strains found in the Mediterranean area (DD1, CFBP 8173, Temecula, IVIA 5387.2, IVIA 5770, and IVIA 5901.2). Two interesting groups of peptides were identified with bactericidal and/or antibiofilm activity and low-moderate toxicity. The peptides 1036 and RIJK2 with dual (bactericidal–antibiofilm) activity against the pathogen and moderate toxicity stand out as the best candidates to control X. fastidiosa diseases. Nevertheless, peptides with only antibiofilm activity and low toxicity are also promising agents as they could prevent the occlusion of xylem vessels caused by the pathogen. The present work contributes to provide novel compounds with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity that could lead to the development of new treatments against diseases caused by X. fastidiosa.

The Emergence of Phase Change Material in Solar Thermal Energy: A Scientometric Review

Phase change material (PCM) features an attractive option due to its solar thermal storage capability to assist the cooling/heating process especially during night operation, thus contributing to the reduction of energy cost and carbon footprint. This study aims to analyse the emergence of PCM in the application of solar thermal energy. Subsequently, to envisage Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and commercialisation opportunity based on historical and contemporary research trends. This review encompasses of peer-reviewed literatures from Scopus database for one decade between 2010 and 2019. Based on the review, there is a moderate growth on the research related to PCM-solar thermal at 22% of emergence rate from the past one decade. China has dominated in this research development by concurring approximately 22% from the number of research articles published globally. It can be concluded that the application of PCM in solar thermal energy system is at TRL 5 which reflects research and development (R&D) progress is at intermediate prototypical development based on the trend of academic publication. Furthermore, based on the review, PCM features great potential in commercialisation opportunity due to its vital contribution as a frontier material/substance in overcoming the challenges of energy and environmental insecurity.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in a mastectomized Boerboel bitch following tamoxifen administration

Tamoxifen is a non-steroidal, anti-estrogenic and selective estrogen receptor modulator commonly used as adjuvant chemotherapy in humans with breast cancer and occasionally in dogs following mastectomy. This report presents a case of cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra in a dog following oral administration of the tamoxifen. A 4-year-old intact nulliparous Boerboel bitch presented at Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. It was diagnosed with mammary carcinoma of the right cranial lumbar mammary gland. Mastectomy was performed followed by oral administration of Tamoxifen (10mg daily) for six weeks as adjunct chemotherapy. Eight weeks after, the owner reported that the bitch was lethargic, anorexic and had a purulent vaginal discharge. Abdominal ultrasound revealed cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Results of complete blood counts showed neutrophilic (absolute neutrophil count = 19.5×103/L) leukocytosis (total leukocyte count = 24.9X103/L), while bacterial culture yielded moderate growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which was sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Sparfloxacin and Gentamycin. The bitch was treated with 400μg of Misoprostol and 500mg of Ciprofloxacin twice daily for two weeks. Ovariohysterectomy (OVH) was performed using a ventral midline approach when no significant improvement was observed from medical treatment. The dog improved significantly after ovariohysterectomy and was discharged one week after OVH. It was concluded that, although tamoxifen is routinely used as adjuvant chemotherapy following mastectomy, more research is required to evaluate its safety in intact bitches.

Interactions Between the Kleptoplastidic Dinoflagellate Shimiella gracilenta and Several Common Heterotrophic Protists

The newly described dinoflagellate, Shimiella gracilenta, is known to survive for approximately 1 month on the plastids of ingested prey cells during starvation, indicating kleptoplastidy. To understand the population dynamics of this dinoflagellate in marine planktonic food webs, its growth and mortality rate due to predation should be assessed. Thus, we investigated the feeding occurrence of eight common heterotrophic protists on S. gracilenta. We also determined the growth and ingestion rates of Oxyrrhis marina and the naked ciliate, Rimostrombidium sp. on S. gracilenta as a function of the prey concentration. The common heterotrophic dinoflagellates (HTDs) Gyrodinium dominans, O. marina, and Pfiesteria piscicida and a naked ciliate Rimostrombidium sp. were able to feed on S. gracilenta; whereas the HTDs Aduncodinium glandula, Gyrodinium jinhaense, Oblea rotunda, and Polykrikos kofoidii were not. Shimiella gracilenta supported positive growth of O. marina and Rimostrombidium sp. but did not support that of G. dominans and P. piscicida. With increasing prey concentrations, the growth and ingestion rates of O. marina and Rimostrombidium sp. on S. gracilenta increased and became saturated. The maximum growth rates of O. marina and Rimostrombidium sp. on S. gracilenta were 0.645 and 0.903 day−1, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum ingestion rates of O. marina and Rimostrombidium sp. on S. gracilenta were 0.11 ng C predator day−1 (1.6 cells predator−1 day−1) and 35 ng C predator day−1 (500 cells predator−1 day−1), respectively. The maximum ingestion rate of O. marina on S. gracilenta was lower than that on any other algal prey reported to date, although its maximum growth rate was moderate. In conclusion, S. gracilenta had only a few common heterotrophic protist predators but could support moderate growth rates of the predators. Thus, S. gracilenta may not be a common prey species for diverse heterotrophic protists but may be a suitable prey for a few heterotrophic protists.