Phenotypic Detection of Enterobacterales Strains Susceptible of Producing OXA-48 Carbapenemase

Background: Nowadays, emergence of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales (CPE) throughout the world has become a public health problem, especially in countries with limited resources. In recent years, CPE of type OXA-48 (Ambler class D) have been identified in Dakar. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic detection of OXA-48 CPE using a temocillin disc (30 μg). Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out at Medical Biology Laboratory of Pasteur Institute in Dakar on Ertapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (ERE) strains isolated from 2015 to 2017. These strains were then tested with a 30 μg temocillin disc. Any strain resistant to temocillin (inhibition diameter Results: Forty-one ERE isolated during the study period were tested, of which 34 (82.9%) were OXA-48 based on phenotypic detection using temocillin disc and confirmed by PCR (100%). OXA-48 CPE strains detected were composed of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 14;41.2%), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 8;23.5%), Escherichia coli (n = 7, 20.5%), Citrobacter freundii (n = 3;8.8%), Cronobacter sakazakii (n = 1;3%) and Morganella morganii (n = 1;3%). Conclusion: Temocillin resistance has a good positive predictive value for detecting OXA-48 CPE by phenotypic method, confirmed by PCR. Temocillin is therefore a good marker for detection of OXA-48 CPE except Hafnia alvei.

The first cavefish in the Dinaric Karst?Cave colonization made possible by phenotypic plasticity in Telestes karsticus

Cave animals are an excellent model system for studying adaptive evolution.At present,however,little is known about the mechanisms that enable surface colonizers to survive in the challenging environment of caves.One possibility is that these species have the necessary genetic background to respond with plastic changes to the pressures of underground habitats.To gain insight into this process,we conducted a comparative study with the fish species Telestes karsticus,which occurs in a hydrological system consisting of an interconnected stream and a cave.Results showed that T.karsticus resided year-round and spawned in Sušik cave,making it the first known cavefish in the Dinaric Karst.Cave and surface populations differed in morphological and physiological characteristics,as well as in patterns of gene expression without any evidence of genetic divergence.To test whether observed trait differences were plastic or genetic,we placed adult fish from both populations under light/dark or constant dark conditions.Common laboratory conditions erased all morphometric differences between the two morphs,suggesting phenotypic plasticity is driving the divergence of shape and size in wild fish.Lighter pigmentation and increased fat deposition exhibited by cave individuals were also observed in surface fish kept in the dark in the laboratory.Our study also revealed that specialized cave traits were not solely attributed to developmental plasticity,but also arose from adult responses,including acclimatization.Thus,we conclude that T.karsticus can adapt to cave conditions,with phenotypic plasticity playing an important role in the process of cave colonization.

Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae Species Isolated from Smoked, Dried, and Braised Fish Marketed in Ouagadougou

Background: To preserve its nutritional properties, fish must have good sanitary quality. The objective of this study was to investigate some pathogens contaminating smoked, dried, and braised fish marketed in Ouagadougou. Methodology: Potential pathogens of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus were screened in eight (8) species of processed fish. The investigation of the germs was carried out following the normative methods of microbiology. The identities of the strains were determined by API 20 E (BioMerieux S.A., France) and API STAPH (BioMerieux S.A., France) kits for Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus species respectively. The uidA gene profile in Escherichia coli isolates was determined by simplex PCR. The identity of Staphylococcus aureus was confirmed by amplification of specific 23S rDNA regions and nuc gene profile with PCR. Results: A total of 235 fish samples were analyzed. A diversity of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus was detected. Twenty species of Enterobacteriaceae were identified among which, the most frequent were Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp, Raoultella ornithinolytica and Serratia odorifera, respectively in 22.6%, 4.3%, 28.9%, 17.4% of the samples analyzed. However, eleven species of Staphylococcus were identified among which, Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and Staphylococcus sciuri were the most frequent with respective percentages of 47.7%, 23.4%, 12.8% and 10.6% of samples. For all the samples, the species frequently isolated were: Raoultella ornithinolytica, Escherichia coli, Serratia odorifera, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus xylosus, and Staphylococcus lugdunensis. The uidA gene specific to Escherichia coli was detected in 82.85% of strains (29/35). Amplification of the specific 23S rDNA region using staur primers was observed in 98% (49/50) of the isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains and the nuc gene was detected in 86% of Staphylococcus aureus strains. Conclusion: The isolated bacteria are potential pathogens involved in foodborne illnesses and intoxications. Effective sanitary safety systems must be implemented to guarantee the sanitary quality of fish supplied to consumers.

Selective footprints and genes relevant to cold adaptation and other phenotypic traits are unscrambled in the genomes of divergently selected chicken breeds

Background The genomes of worldwide poultry breeds divergently selected for performance and other phenotypic traits may also be affected by,and formed due to,past and current admixture events.Adaptation to diverse environments,including acclimation to harsh climatic conditions,has also left selection footprints in breed genomes.Results Using the Chicken 50K_CobbCons SNP chip,we genotyped four divergently selected breeds:two aboriginal,cold tolerant Ushanka and Orloff Mille Fleur,one egg-type Russian White subjected to artificial selection for cold tolerance,and one meat-type White Cornish.Signals of selective sweeps were determined in the studied breeds using three methods:(1)assessment of runs of homozygosity islands,(2)F_(ST) based population differential analysis,and(3)haplotype differentiation analysis.Genomic regions of true selection signatures were identified by two or more methods or in two or more breeds.In these regions,we detected 540 prioritized candidate genes supplemented them with those that occurred in one breed using one statistic and were suggested in other studies.Amongst them,SOX5,ME3,ZNF536,WWP1,RIPK2,OSGIN2,DECR1,TPO,PPARGC1A,BDNF,MSTN,and beta-keratin genes can be especially mentioned as candidates for cold adaptation.Epigenetic factors may be involved in regulating some of these important genes(e.g.,TPO and BDNF).Conclusion Based on a genome-wide scan,our findings can help dissect the genetic architecture underlying various phenotypic traits in chicken breeds.These include genes representing the sine qua non for adaptation to harsh environments.Cold tolerance in acclimated chicken breeds may be developed following one of few specific gene expression mechanisms or more than one overlapping response known in cold-exposed individuals,and this warrants further investigation.

Leaf phenotypic variation in natural populations of Carpinus tschonoskii in China

Carpinus tschonoskii Maxim.exhibits rich leaf phenotypic variation and various leaf shapes,but few studies show why leaf phenotypic traits have such a large variation.Basic morphological markers may provide guidance for studying plant genetic variation and species protection and utilization.To study leaf phenotypic variations and the relationship between variation characteristics and climatic and geographical factors,phenotypic traits among natural populations were investigated.Results revealed that leaf phenotypes varied significantly among and within populations.Some populations had higher phenotypic diversity,while others had lower phenotypic diversity.Among the phenotypic traits,leaf area and petiole length had the most variation.Leaf index and primary lateral veins were the most stable phenotypes,which may be important reference indexes for phenotype identification in field investigations.There was a strong consistency between leaf phenotypic traits and geographical location.Plants in high latitudes tend to have longer leaves,and plants in low temperatures tend to have longer leaves and larger leaf perimeter.In addition,plants in areas with less rainfall have longer petioles.The 13 populations of C.tschonoskii can be divided into four branches by cluster analysis,and the results show a good relationship with the geographical location of each population.Additionally,some populations geographically isolated also had unique leaf phenotypes.

Is intraspecific trait differentiation in Parthenium hysterophorus a consequence of hereditary factors and/or phenotypic plasticity?

Of the various strategies adopted by an invasive plant species for expanding its niche breadth,phenotypic differentiation(either due to plasticity and/or adaptive evolution) is proven to be the most successful.Lately,we studied the persistence of substantial morpho-functional variations within the individuals of alien invasive plant,Parthenium hysterophorus in Chandigarh,India,through field surveys.Based on observed differences,the individuals were categorized into two morphotypes,PAand PB.PAhad higher leaf area,leaf biomass,and chlorophyll content as compared with PB.However,PBhad a higher stem circumference,stem specific density,twig dry matter content,profuse branching,bigger canopy,and better reproductive output than PA.To substantiate the persistence of intraspecific variations in P. hysterophorus and to deduce the possible genesis of these variations,we propagated both the morphotypes under experimental conditions in winter and summer.Apart from the key morpho-functional differences observed during the field studies,protein and carbohydrate metabolism were studied in leaves and roots of the propagated plants.Differences in plant metabolism were observed only during the early growth period,whereas the morpho-functional traits varied in the mature flowering plants.The effect of growth season was highly significant on all the studied morpho-functional and biochemical parameters(p ≤0.05).Parent morphotypes(P) and interactions between morphotypes and seasons significantly affected several growth parameters(p ≤0.05).The analyses revealed that the contrasting growth conditions at the time of transplantation and early growth may regulate the phenotype of P. hysterophorus.The pattern of intraspecific variations observed during the study is justified to consider morphotype PAas winter biotype and morphotype PBas summer biotype of P. hysterophorus.The study points towards the role of plasticity or a combination of genetic and environmental(G×E) factors in producing the phenotypic variability observed in the population of P. hysterophorus.

Genetic and Phenotypic Variation of Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168 Caused by flhA Mutation during Laboratory Passage

Objective Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168 is commonly used as a standard strain for flagellar biosynthesis research.In this report,two distinguished phenotypic isolates(CJ1Z,flhA mutant strain,lawn;CJ2S,flhA complemented strain,normal colony)appeared during laboratory passages for NCTC11168.Methods Phenotypic assessments,including motility plates,transmission electron microscopy,biofilm formation assay,autoagglutination assay,and genome re-sequencing for these two isolates(CJ1Z,flhA mutant strain;CJ2S,flhA complemented strain)were carried out in this study.Results Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the flagellum was lost in CJ1Z.Phenotypic assessments and genome sequencing of the two isolates were performed in this study.The capacity for biofilm formation,colony auto-agglutination,and isolate motility was reduced in the mutant CJ1Z.Comparative genomic analysis indicated a unique native nucleotide insertion in flhA(nt,2154)that caused the I719Y and I720Y mutations and early truncation in flhA.Conclusion FlhA has been found to influence the expression of flagella in C.jejuni.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study to describe the function of the C-terminal of this protein.

The role of DNA methylation in the maintenance of phenotypic variation induced by grafting chimerism in Brassica

Grafting facilitates the interaction between heterologous cells with different genomes,resulting in abundant phenotypic variation,which provides opportunities for crop improvement.However,how grafting-induced variation occurs and is transmitted to progeny remains elusive.A graft chimera,especially a periclinal chimera,which has genetically distinct cell layers throughout the plant,is an excellent model to probe the molecular mechanisms of grafting-induced variation maintenance.Here we regenerated a plant from the T-cell layer of a periclinal chimera,TCC(where the apical meristem was artificially divided into three cell layers–from outside to inside,L1,L2,and L3;T=Tuber mustard,C=red Cabbage),named rTTT0(r=regenerated).Compared with the control(rsTTT,s=self-grafted),rTTT0 had multiple phenotypic variations,especially leaf shape variation,which could be maintained in sexual progeny.Transcriptomes were analyzed and 58 phenotypic variation-associated genes were identified.Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analyses revealed that the methylome of rTTT0 was changed,and the CG methylation level was significantly increased by 8.74%.In rTTT0,the coding gene bodies are hypermethylated in the CG context,while their promoter regions are hypomethylated in the non-CG context.DNA methylation changes in the leaf shape variation-associated coding genes,ARF10,IAA20,ROF1,and TPR2,were maintained for five generations of rTTT0.Interestingly,grafting chimerism also affected transcription of the microRNA gene(MIR),among which the DNA methylation levels of the promoters of three MIRs associated with leaf shape variation were changed in rTTT0,and the DNA methylation modification of MIR319 was maintained to the fifth generation of selfed progeny of rTTT0(rTTT5).These findings demonstrate that DNA methylation of coding and non-coding genes plays an important role in heterologous cell interaction-induced variation formation and its transgenerational inheritance.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Antibiotic Resistant Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients with Diarrhea in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background: The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a major public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries such as Burkina Faso. This study aims to determine phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistant diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) from patients with diarrhea in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methodology: Microbiological and biochemical analysis were done to detect two hundred and ninety-two (292) strains. The susceptibility of the strains to antibiotics was determined by the agar disc diffusion method. 16-plex-PCR assays were carried out to detect both virulence and resistance genes encoding betalactams, quinolones, phenicols, tetracyclines and virulence gene of DEC. Results: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli was detected in 8% (23/292) of patients with diarrhea using the 16-plex-PCR and 39.1% (9/23) of the DEC detected carry at least one resistance gene. Resistance rate in disc diffusion test was 86.96% to tetracycline, 65.23% to cotrimoxazole, 17.4% to nalidixic acid, 17.4% to norfloxacin, 17.4% to ciprofloxacin, 13.04% to ceftriaxone, 13.04% to cefotaxime, 8.7% to gentamicin, 8.7% to Chloramphenicol, 0% to netilmicin. The prevalence of different resistance genes in the studied strains varied from 44.4% to 5.5%. The gene Tet coding for resistance to tetracycline was found in 8 strains (44.4%). The CatA gene coding for resistance to Chloramphenicol was detected in 38.9% of isolates. The qnrS, blaSHV and blaOXA genes were each detected in 5.5% of isolates. No strain hosts the qnrA, qnrB and blaTEM genes. Conclusion: This study identified β-lactams, quinolones, phenicols and tetracyclines resistance genes in DEC isolates from patients with diarrhea in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. These results indicate the need for a surveillance program to reduce the prevalence of resistance to Enterobacteriaceae strains in hospitals.

Phenotypic and cytogenetic features of an Iranian child with tetrasomy 18p syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Tetrasomy 18p is a rare chromosome abnormality disorder known to have consid-erable variability in clinical features and gathering data from different cases will help clinicians and researchers learn about its genotype-phenotype relationship and diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we have reviewed the literature on phenotypic features of this disorder and described the phenotypic and cytogenetic features of a girl of early childhood with tetrasomy 18p for the first time from Iran.This patient showed a strong sense of smell(a unique feature not reported previously for this syndrome),had clenched hand,pes planus,forward head posture in walking and hirsutism(dysmorphic features less reported),and showed 10 clinical features that are generally observed in previously reported cases,including developmental delay/intellectual disability,triangular face,smooth philtrum,feeding difficulties,hypotonia,epicanthus,strabismus,history of constipation,growth retardation and foot anomalies.G-banding chromosome analysis from peripheral blood revealed an abnormal female karyotype with a small marker chromosome(47,XX,+mar),and oligo-array comparative genomic hybridization displayed a gain of 14Mb of the 18p arm containing 56 Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM)genes in this patient.Overall,this patient seems to have mild phenotypes.CONCLUSION This Iranian tetrasomy 18p child displays a uniquely strong sense of smell,some less reported dysmorphic features and ten features generally reported.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Producing Bacteria Causing Urinary Tract Infections among Expectant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at Ruiru Sub County Hospital, Kenya

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection affecting males and females but is more prevalent in expectant women. ESBLs are bacteria with enzymes that make them resistant to many antibiotics, posing a significant health challenge. This study aims to determine the characteristics of ESBL-producing bacteria causing UTIs in expectant women. Methodology: A self-administered survey was carried out;300 expectant women were recruited using a random sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information. Urine samples were collected in sterile universal bottles and processed at the JKUAT Zoology laboratory. Urine samples were analyzed using urinalysis, microscopy, culture, and sensitivity testing. ESBL-producing bacteria were identified phenotypically using the double-disc synergy test (DDST) and genotyped for specific resistant genes using PCR. Results: UTI prevalence was 32.7% (98/300). UTI was significantly associated with the history of previous UTI (OR = 0.84, p = 0.02) and multigravida (OR = 0.14 p = 0.01). UTI was common in women aged between 28-37 years in their second trimester. Bacteria isolated were E. coli 57.1% (56/98), S. aureus 21.4% (21/98) K. pneumonia 11.2% (11/98) and Proteus spp 10.4% (10/98). Bacteria antibiotic resistance patterns were E. coli-tetracycline (91.1%), sulfamethoxazole (55.4%), cefotaxime (53.4%) and augmentin (53.4%). S. aureus-sulfamethozaxole (100%) and augmentin (71.4%), K. pneumoniae-sulfame-thoxazole (72.2%) cefotaxime (63.6%), chloramphenicol and tetracycline (54.5%). Proteus spp: tetracycline (100%), nitrofurantoin (90%), cefotaxime and chloramphenicol (50%). The proportion of ESBLs bacterial producers was 37.6% (29/77) and 44.8% (13/29) possessed ESBLs resistant genes;Bla CTX-M 53.8% (7/13), Bla SHV and Bla TEM 23.1% (3/13) each, Bla OXA (0%) was not detected. Conclusion: The study revealed a high proportion of ESBLs producing bacteria responsible for UTI in expectant women. ESBLs screening, routine culture and sensitivity testing will guide on proper management and empirical treatment of UTI patients thus reducing multi-drug resistance.

Mapping of QTLs and candidate genes associated with multiple phenotypic traits for Huanglongbing tolerance in citrus

Huanglongbing(HLB)is the most devastating disease for citrus worldwide.Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus(C Las),vectored by Asian citrus psyllid(ACP,Diaphorina citri Kuwayama),is the most common pathogen causing the disease.Commercial citrus varieties are highly susceptible to HLB,whereas trifoliate orange(Poncirus trifoliata)is considered highly tolerant to HLB.An F1 segregating population and their parent trifoliate orange and sweet orange,which had been exposed to intense HLB pressure for three years,was evaluated for disease symptoms,ACP colonization,C Las titer and tree vigor repeatedly for two to three years.Trifoliate orange and sweet orange showed significant differences for most of the phenotypic traits,and the F1 population exhibited a large variation.A high-density SNP-based genetic map with 1402 markers was constructed for trifoliate orange,which exhibited high synteny and high coverage of its reference genome.A total of 26 quantitative trait locus(QTLs)were identified in four linkage groups LG-t6,LG-t7,LG-t8 and LG-t9,of which four QTL clusters exhibit a clear co-localization of QTLs associated with different traits.Through genome-wide analysis of gene expression in response to C Las infection in‘Flying Dragon’and‘Larger-Flower DPI-50-7’trifoliate orange,85 differentially expressed genes were found located within the QTL clusters.Among them,seven genes were classified as defense or immunity protein which exhibited the highest transcriptional change after C Las infection.Our results indicate a quantitative genetic nature of HLB tolerance and identified candidate genes that should be valuable for searching for genetic solutions to HLB through breeding or genetic engineering.

New Interpretation of Neonatal Outcomes by Phenotypically Classified Preterm Syndrome:A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective:The global aim to lower preterm birth rates has been hampered by the insufficient and incomplete understanding of its etiology,classification,and diagnosis.This study was designed to evaluate the association of phenotypically classified preterm syndromes with neonatal outcomes;to what extent would these outcomes be modified after the obstetric interventions,including use of glucocorticoid,magnesium sulfate,and progesterone.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at Tongji Hospital(composed of Main Branch,Optical Valley Branch and Sino-French New City Branch)in Wuhan.A total of 900 pregnant women and 1064 neonates were retrospectively enrolled.The outcomes were the distribution of different phenotypes among parturition signs and pathway to delivery,the association of phenotypically classified clusters with short-term unfavorable neonatal outcomes,and to what extent these outcomes could be modified by obstetric interventions.Results:Eight clusters were identified using two-step cluster analysis,including premature rupture of fetal membranes(PPROM)phenotype,abnormal amniotic fluid(AF)phenotype,placenta previa phenotype,mixed condition phenotype,fetal distress phenotype,preeclampsia-eclampsia&hemolysis,elevated liver enzymes,and low platelets syndrome(PE-E&HELLP)phenotype,multiple fetus phenotype,and no main condition phenotype.Except for no main condition phenotype,the other phenotypes were associated with one or more complications,which conforms to the clinical practice.Compared with no main condition phenotype,some phenotypes were significantly associated with short-term adverse neonatal outcomes.Abnormal AF phenotype,mixed condition phenotype,PE-E&HELLP phenotype,and multiple fetus phenotype were risk factors for neonatal small-for gestation age(SGA);placenta previa phenotype was not associated with adverse outcomes except low APGAR score being 0-7 at one min;mixed condition phenotype was associated with low APGAR scores,SGA,mechanical ventilation,and gradeⅢ-Ⅳintraventricular hemorrhage(IVH);fetal distress phenotype was frequently associated with neonatal SGA and mechanical ventilation;PE-E&HELLP phenotype was correlated with low APGAR score being 0-7 at one min,SGA and neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)admission;multiple fetus phenotype was not a risk factor for the outcomes included except for SGA.Not all neonates benefited from obstetric interventions included in this study.Conclusion:Our research disclosed the independent risk of different preterm phenotypes for adverse pregnancy outcomes.This study is devoted to putting forward the paradigm of classifying preterm birth phenotypically,with the ultimate purpose of defining preterm phenotypes based on multi-center studies and diving into the underlying mechanisms.

Influence of Haptoglobin and Hemoglobin Phenotypic Polymorphisms on Sickle Cell Disease Morbidity

Objectives: Sickle cell disease (SCD) has a varied clinical and biological expression depending on the hemoglobin phenotype: SSFA2, SFA2, SAFA2 and SC. Considering the antioxidant properties of the different haptoglobin phenotypes (Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1, Hp 2-2), it seemed relevant to know their influence on the morbidity of the different hemoglobin phenotype of SCD. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify associations between haptoglobin phenotype and morbidity of different SCD phenotypes. Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study, with a cohort of 170 black African carriers of hemoglobin S, in Ivory Coast, West Africa, hemoglobin and haptoglobin phenotypes were determined by electrophoretic methods. Results: The three major phenotypes of haptoglobin polymorphism were found in the SCD cohort: Hp 1-1 (24.1%), Hp 2-1 (56.5%), Hp 2-2 (19.4%). Vaso-occlusions were associated with haptoglobin phenotype Hp 1-1, (OR = 2.03;CI95% = [1.06 - 3.9];p Conclusions: Haptoglobin phenotype was associated to morbidity-adjusted hemoglobin phenotype. The study revealed a greater probability of a worse morbidity when the hemoglobin phenotype is homozygous. Unexpectedly, the worse morbidity is associated to Hp 1-1 haptoglobin phenotype, the most powerful antioxidant within the different haptoglobin phenotypes. Associations found were not systematic and need further studies to enlighten the determinism of SCD morbidity.

Morphometric Traits Differentiation and Phenotypic Diversity of Two Snail Species Ecotypes Archachatina marginata and Achatina fulica in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

This study was conducted from June 2021 to January 2023 to assess the genetic diversity of giant African snails in the western highlands of Cameroon. A total of 652 snails were randomly collected from the wild in three localities in the western highlands (Bafang, Bafoussam, and Santchou). The study revealed significant variations in morphobiometric characteristics both between species and localities. The predominant shell coloration was brownish with yellow zigzag stripes (65%), while the dominant coloration for shell openings was whitish (48%). Regarding foot coloration, both brown with spotted black and black with spotted brown colorations were dominant (29%). The highest recorded live weight of snails (39.33 ± 34) was found in the species Archachatina marginata. In terms of length measurements (in mm), the length of the right and left sides of the shell was higher in the A. fulica species (49.8 ± 19.7 mm and 40.07 ± 18 mm, respectively). Bafang exhibited the highest values for shell length (56 ± 11 mm) and shell width (46.52 ± 11.46 mm). A. fulica recorded the highest shell length (81.5 ± 27 mm), while A. marginata recorded the highest shell width (49.6 ± 12.1 mm), with the highest values observed in A. fulica from fulica having a slightly higher aperture width value (30 ± 10 mm) compared to A. marginata, while A. marginata had the highest value for aperture length measurement (54.5 ± 12 mm). A. fulica also exhibited the highest values for the length from apex to the first whorl and the length from left to right of the first whorl (43.2 ± 18 mm and 39 ± 19.8 mm, respectively). Strong and positive correlations were observed between the live weight of snails and body measurements regardless of species, except for the number of whorls, which showed very weak or negative correlations with other body measurements. The results of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed three distinct snail population types. These findings provide valuable insights into the phenotypic diversity of edible land snails in the western highlands of Cameroon and can be considered in improvement and conservation programs aimed at enhancing snail meat yield.

Leaf phenotypic variation of endangered plant Tetracentron sinense Oliv.and influence of geographical and climatic factors

To analyze the degree and pattern of phenotypic variation in leaves of Tetracentron sinense Oliv from the perspective of genetic and environmental adaptation and thus contribute to effective evidence-based conservation and management strategies for germplasm resources,we measured 17 morphological and epidermal micromorphological leaf traits from 24 natural populations of T.sinense.Nested analysis of variance,multiple comparison,principal component analysis(PCA),cluster analysis,and correlation analysis were used to explore phenotypic leaf variation among and within populations and potential correlations with geographic and environmental factors.There were significant differences in 17 leaf phenotypic traits among and within populations.The mean phenotypic differentiation coefficient of the 17 traits was 56.34%,and the variation among populations(36.4%)was greater than that within populations(27.2%).The coefficient of variation(CV)of each trait ranged from 4.6 to 23.8%,and the mean was 11.8%.Phenotypic variation of leaves was related to environmental factors such as average annual sunshine hours,average July temperature,and average annual rainfall.The variation changed along gradients of longitude,latitude,and altitude.The PCA clustered the 24 natural populations into four groups.Our study suggests that phenotypic variation in T.sinense occurred primarily among populations,with moderate levels of phenotypic differentiation among populations and low levels of phenotypic variation within populations.The plant’s poor adaptability to the environment is likely an important contributor to its endangerment.Accordingly,conservation strategies are proposed to protect and manage the natural populations of T.sinense.

Phenotypic variation in Phoebe bournei populations preserved in the primary distribution area

Phoebe bournei（Hemsl.） Yang is a rare and protected plant in China. This study was conducted to determine the phenotypic variation in this species and to document phenotypic variation within and among populations of P. bournei. Nested analysis of variance, coefficient of variation, multiple comparisons, principal component analysis（PCA） and correlation analysis were used to analyze ten phenotypic traits in ten natural populations of P.bournei from both the northeastern and the primary region of the range of this species. Significant differences among and within populations were observed in leaf and seed phenotypic traits. Variation among populations（34.92%）was greater than that within populations（26.19%）. The mean phenotypic differentiation coefficient was 53.77% among populations, indicating that variation among populations comprised the majority of the phenotypic variation of P. bournei. The coefficient of variance（CV） of ten traits varied from 6.44 to 18.45%, with an average of 12.03%.The CV of leaf traits among populations（15.64%） was higher than that of seed traits（8.60%）, indicating that seed traits were more stable. The results from CV and PCA indicated that leaf area, leaf length and thousand seed weight were the main factors accounting for the observed phenotypic variations. Significant or highly significant correlations were observed among most leaf and/or in seed phenotypic traits, whereas no significant correlations were observed between phenotypic traits and geographic factors.Based on cluster analysis, the ten populations can be divided into three clusters. These clusters were not a result of geographic distances.

Comparison of phenotypic markers and neural differentiation potential of multipotent adult progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To compare the phenotypic and neural differentiation potential of human bone marrow derived multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). METHODS: Cultures of MAPC and MSC were established in parallel from same samples of human bone marrow (n = 5). Both stem cell types were evaluated for expression of pluripotency markers including Oct-4 and Nanog by immunocytochemistry and reversetranscription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and expression of standard mesenchymal markers including CD14, CD34, CD44, CD45, CD73, CD90, CD105 andhuman leukocyte antigen (HLA)-ABC by flow cytometry. After treatment with neural induction medium both MAPC and MSC were evaluated for expression of neural proteins [neuronal filament-200 (NF-200) and glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP)] by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting and neural genes [NF-200, GFAP, Tau, microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-1B, MAP-2, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and oligodendrocyte-1 (Olig-1)] by quantitative real-time-PCR. RESULTS: MAPC had small trigonal shaped while MSC had elongated spindle-shaped morphology. The MAPC expressed Oct-4 and Nanog both at gene and protein levels, whereas MSC were negative for these pluripotent markers. MAPC were negative for HLA-ABC while MSC had high expression of HLA-ABC. In addition, MAPC as compared to MSC had significantly lower expression of CD44 (36.56% ± 1.92% vs 98.23% ± 0.51%), CD73 (15.11% ± 2.24% vs 98.53% ± 2.22%) and CD105 (13.81% ± 3.82%vs 95.12% ± 5.65%) (P < 0.001, for all) MAPC cultures compared to MSC cultures treated with neural induction medium had significantly higher fold change expression of NF-200 (0.64), GFAP (0.52), Tau (0.59), MAP-2 (0.72), Olig-1 (0.18) and NSE (0.29) proteins (P < 0.01 for Olig-1 and P < 0.001 for rest) as well as higher fold change expression of genes of NF-200 (1.34),GFAP (1.12),Tau (1.08),MAP-1B (0.92), MAP-2 (1.14) andNSE (0.4) (P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: MAPC can be differentially characterized from MSC as Oct-4 and Nanog positive stem cells with no expression of HLA-ABC and low expression of mesenchymal markers CD44, CD73 and CD105 and when compared to MSC they possess greater predilection for differentiation into neuro-ectodermal lineage.

An assessment of the genetic diversity of pear(Pyrus L.)germplasm resources based on the fruit phenotypic traits

Germplasm resources are an important basis for genetic breeding and analysis of complex traits,and research on genetic diversity is conducive to the exploration and creation of new types of germplasm.In this study,the distribution frequency,coefficient of variation,Shannon-Wiener index,and variance and cluster analyses were used to analyze the diversity and trait differences of 39 fruit phenotypic traits from 570 pear accessions,which included 456 pear accessions from 11 species and 114 interspecific hybrid cultivars that had been stored in the National Germplasm Repository of Apple and Pear(Xingcheng,China).The comprehensive evaluation indices were screened by correlation,principal component and regression analyses.A total of 132 variant types were detected in 28 categorical traits of pear germplasm fruit,which indicate a rich diversity.The diversity indices in decreasing order were:fruit shape(1.949),attitude of calyx(1.908),flesh texture type(1.700),persistency of calyx(1.681),russet location(1.658),relief of area around eye basin(1.644),flavor(1.610)and ground color(1.592).The coefficient of variation of titratable acidity in the 11 numerical traits of pear germplasm fruit was as high as 128.43%,which could more effectively reflect the differences between pear accessions.The phenotypic differentiation coefficient V_(st)(66.4%)among the five cultivated pear species,including Pyrus bretschneideri(White Pear),P.pyrifolia(Sand Pear),P.ussuriensis(Ussurian Pear),P.sinkiangensis(Xinjiang Pear),and P.communis(European Pear),was higher than the within population phenotypic differentiation coefficient V_(st)(33.6%).The variation among populations was the main source of variation in pear fruit traits.A hierarchical cluster analysis divided the 389 accessions of six cultivated pear species,including P.pashia(Himalayan Pear),into six categories.There were certain characteristics within the populations,and the differences between populations were not completely clustered by region.For example,Sand Pear cultivars from Japan and the Korean Peninsula clustered together with those from China.Most of the White Pear cultivars clustered with the Sand Pear,and a few clustered with the Ussurian Pear cultivars.The Ussurian Pear and European Pear cultivars clustered separately.The Xinjiang Pear and Himalayan Pear did not cluster together,and neither did the cultivars.Seventeen traits,three describing fruit weight and edible rate(fruit diameter,fruit length and fruit core size),five describing outer quality and morphological characteristics(over color,amount of russeting,dot obviousness,fruit shape,and stalk length),and nine describing inner quality(flesh color,juiciness of flesh,aroma,flavor,flesh texture,flesh texture type,soluble solid contents,titratable acidity,and eating quality)were selected from the 39 traits by principal component and stepwise regression analyses.These 17 traits could reflect 99.3%of the total variation and can be used as a comprehensive evaluation index for pear germplasm resources.

Phenotypic plasticity in response to soil moisture availability in the clonal plant Eremosparton songoricum (Litv.) Vass.

Eremosparton songoricum （Litv.） Vass is a dwarf clonal shrubby legume developed on the windward slopes of mobile or semi-fixed sand dunes of Central Asia. It is assumed that E. songoricum must possess a high degree of phenotypic plasticity for such a heterogeneous habitat. The variations of E. songoricum plants growing in two typical microhabitats （the upper slope and the lower slope of semi-mobile dune） were investigated. The morphological characteristics and the biomass allocation patterns were measured and compared at the clonal fragment level. Compared with the clonal fragment on the lower slope of dune, the clonal fragment on the upper slope of the dune （a） declined in total biomass and ramet height, （b） increased the length of rhizomes and the number of roots, （c） increased the degree of asym- metry, and （d） heightened allocation to the belowground biomass. Our results confirmed the hypothesis of high phenotypic adjustment capacity of E. songoricum to habitat moisture availability. Phenotypic plasticity of E. songoricum contributed to reduce the damage risk, led to an environmentally induced specialization in function of resources exploitation, resulted in its persistence in heterogeneous environments and was adaptive in sand dune environment.