RNA-binding proteins(RBPs) are key regulators of gene expression. There are several distinct families of RBPs and they are involved in the cellular response to environmental changes, cell differentiation and cell deat...RNA-binding proteins(RBPs) are key regulators of gene expression. There are several distinct families of RBPs and they are involved in the cellular response to environmental changes, cell differentiation and cell death. The RBPs can differentially combine with RNA molecules and form ribonucleoprotein(RNP) complexes, defining the function and fate of RNA molecules in the cell. RBPs display diverse domains that allow them to be categorized into distinct families. They play important roles in the cellular response to physiological stress, in cell differentiation, and, it is believed, in the cellular localization of certain mRNAs. In several protozoa, a physiological stress(nutritional, temperature or pH) triggers differentiation to a distinct developmental stage. Most of the RBPs characterized in protozoa arise from trypanosomatids. In these protozoa gene expression regulation is mostly post-transcriptional, which suggests that some RBPs might display regulatory functions distinct from those described for other eukaryotes. mRNA stability can be altered as a response to stress. Transcripts are sequestered to RNA granules that ultimately modulate their availability to the translation machinery, storage or degradation, depending on the associated proteins. These aggregates of mRNPs containing mRNAs that are not being translated colocalize in cytoplasmic foci, and their numbers and size vary according to cell conditions such as oxidative stress, nutritional status and treatment with drugs that inhibit translation.展开更多
Using a modification of the very sensitive glucose-DAB-nickel(GDN)immunohistochemistry method,FOS(the expression protein of the oncogene c-fos)-,neuropeptide Y(NPY)-,somatostatin(SOM)-,leu-enkephalin(L-Enk),cholecysto...Using a modification of the very sensitive glucose-DAB-nickel(GDN)immunohistochemistry method,FOS(the expression protein of the oncogene c-fos)-,neuropeptide Y(NPY)-,somatostatin(SOM)-,leu-enkephalin(L-Enk),cholecystokinin(CCK)-,neurotensin(NT)-,and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)-immunoreactivities were firstdemonstrated in the protozoan,Stylonychia mytilus.The GDN method and expression ofFOS,neuropeptides and TH in the Stylonychia mytilus were discussed.展开更多
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains (EHEC) have caused many foodborne outbreaks. Bacterivorous protozoa could remove bacteria from aquatic systems. We analyzed the ciliate protozoan population changes influence...Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains (EHEC) have caused many foodborne outbreaks. Bacterivorous protozoa could remove bacteria from aquatic systems. We analyzed the ciliate protozoan population changes influenced by EHEC co-culture in activated sludge. EHEC and non-EHEC control E. coli cells were added to activated sludge samples in microcosms. The ciliate population changes were monitored by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. EHEC and non-EHEC fed ciliate protozoan populations were different from each other and the no bacteria added controls based on the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) analysis. Ciliate species were identified by 18S rDNA clone libraries. The 18S rDNA clones from the original sludge sample were identified as Epistylis wenrichi (70%) and Prorodon teres (30%), while clones from EHEC treated sludge sample were identified as P. teres (52%), Vorticella fusca (41%), Dexitrichides pangi (5%), and Opisthonecta henneguyi (2%). This study could provide helpful information about ciliate protozoan population changes caused by different E. coli strains in wastewater treatment plants, which could be useful for preventing and tracking E. coli outbreaks.展开更多
The tolerance to ammonia and nitrites in freshwater ciliate Paramecium bursaria was measured in a conventional open system. The ciliate was exposed to different concentrations of ammonia and nitrites for 2h and 12h in...The tolerance to ammonia and nitrites in freshwater ciliate Paramecium bursaria was measured in a conventional open system. The ciliate was exposed to different concentrations of ammonia and nitrites for 2h and 12h in order to determine the lethal concentrations. Linear regression analysis revealed that the 2h-LC50 value for ammonia was 95.94 mg/L and for nitrite 27.35 mg/L using probit scale method (with 95% confidence intervals). There was a linear correlation between the mortality probit scale and logarithmic concentration of ammonia which fit by a regression equation y=7.32x–9.51 (R2=0.98; y, mortality probit scale; x, logarithmic concentration of ammonia), by which 2 h–LC50 value for ammonia was found to be 95.50 mg/L. A linear correla- tion between mortality probit scales and logarithmic concentration of nitrite is also followed the regression equa- tion y=2.86x+0.89 (R2=0.95; y, mortality probit scale; x, logarithmic concentration of nitrite). The regression analysis of toxicity curves showed that the linear correlation between exposed time of ammonia-N LC50 value and ammonia-N LC50 value followed the regression equation y=2 862.85e-0.08x (R2=0.95; y, duration of exposure to LC50 value; x, LC50 value), and that between exposed time of nitrite-N LC50 value and nitrite-N LC50 value followed the regression equation y = 127.15e-0.13x (R2=0.91; y, exposed time of LC50 value; x, LC50 value). The results demonstrate that the tolerance to ammonia in P. bursaria is considerably higher than that of the larvae or juveniles of some metozoa, e.g. cultured prawns and oysters. In addition, ciliates, as bacterial predators, are likely to play a positive role in maintaining and improving water quality in aquatic environments with high-level ammonium, such as sewage treatment systems.展开更多
Objective:To determine the pi'evalence of vector-bome bacteria and protozoa in hunting dogs living in Central Italy.Methods:Molecular testing was executed on DNA which was extracted from blood specimens collected ...Objective:To determine the pi'evalence of vector-bome bacteria and protozoa in hunting dogs living in Central Italy.Methods:Molecular testing was executed on DNA which was extracted from blood specimens collected from 117 asymptomatic dogs to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Babesia canis(B.canis),Bartonella spp..Coxiella burnetii(C.burnetii).Ehrlichia canis.Hepatozoon canis.and Leislnnania infantum.Results:A total of 48 dogs(41.0%) were infested by Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks.Tick-borne infections were observed in 64(54.7%) animals.More in detail.38 dogs(32.5%) screened positive for Hepatozoon canis,24(20.5%) for Bartonella rinsonii subsp.berkhoffii.20(17.1%) for Leishmania infantum,6(5.1%) for C.burnetii,5(4.3%) for B.canis(3 B.canis vogeli and 2 B.canis canis),3(2.5%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum,and 2(1.7%) for Ehrlichia canis.Mixed infection by 2 agents occurred in 17(14.5%) subjects,by 3 agents in 7(6.0%) dogs,and by 4 agents in 1(0.9%) animal.Conclusions:The results demonstrated that several vector-borne pathogens were circulating in this region and dogs infected by these agents were usually asymptomatic.A relevant finding was the presence of DNA of C.burnetii,a severe zoonotic agent,in the 5.1% of tested dogs,which can be source of infection for their owners not only through tick bites,but also directly with urine,feces and birth products.展开更多
The Niyang River, a main tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, is an important and typical plateau fiver ecosystem in Tibet, China. At present, few studies have focused on its aquatic living resources and fiver ecolo...The Niyang River, a main tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, is an important and typical plateau fiver ecosystem in Tibet, China. At present, few studies have focused on its aquatic living resources and fiver ecology. In this study, the composition, abundance, and diversity of periphytic protozoa were investigated across four seasons from 2008 to 2009 to better understand their spatio-temporal patterns and relationship to the environment. Our investigation shows that periphytic protozoa in the Niyang River contained 15 genera, belonged to Tubulinea, Alveolata, Discosea and Rhizaria, Alveolata possessed most genera, up to nine, with highest share in abundance, exceeding 50%, Difflugia and Glaucoma were dominant genera. Moreover, four diversity indices of periphytic protozoa, including species richness, total abundance, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou's evenness index, displayed a significant descending trend as the seasons continued, in the order of winter, spring, summer and autumn; with a significant difference existing between winter and summer (or autumn) for Shannon-Wiener diversity index and species richness (P〈0.05). Four of these diversity indices also presented a V-shaped pattern between the upper middle course of the Niyang River and the confluence of the Niyang River and Yarlung Zangbo River, with the lowest value occurred in the middle course of the Niyang River. However, no significant variation was found through the Niyang River (P〉0.05). In addition, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) shows that the densities of Difflugia, Glaucomais, Enchelydium, Cyphoderia, and Enchelys correlate with water temperature, alkalinity, hardness, pH, and dissolved oxygen, respectively. Lastly, the relationship between periphytic protozoa diversity and the environmental factors of the Niyang River can be predicted using classification and regression trees (CART) annalysis, which suggests that the total abundance and Shannon-Wiener diversity index would be higher when the elevation is above 3 308 m. On the other hand, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou's evenness index would be lower when pH and ammoniacal nitrogen have lower or higher values. Finally yet importantly, close attention should be paid to periphytic protozoa and its environment to ensure sustainable development of the Niyang River ecosystem.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Significant morbidity in children is associated with infectio</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">...<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Significant morbidity in children is associated with infectio</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">us</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> diseases especially soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections which are prevalent in sub</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Saharan African countries. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of STH and intestinal protozoa among schoolchildren in Lomé, Togo. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Patients and Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> In November 2013, in each of the five districts of the Lomé-commune region, thirty pupils per level of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades of five primary schools were included. Each child submitted a single stool sample that was analyzed by the Kato-Katz method for STH. In addition, stool</span></span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">samples of school children selected in third and sixth grades were examined by direct visualization using saline and Lugo</span><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">l’s stain for intestinal protozoa. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A total of 2944 children wer</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">e enrolled at 25 schools. The overall prevalence of STH at schools was 5.0% (range 1.5% to 8.6%), was higher in boys than girls, and increased with age and grade. Hookworm was the most prevalent species (3.4% of children surveyed). Intestinal protozoa were found in 52.2% (765/1465) of children tested and commensal amoebae represented 22.7% of these protozoa identified. </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Entamoeba histolytica</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">/</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">dispar</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">/</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">moshkovskii</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Giardia intestinalis</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were identified i</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">n 2.3% and 11.5% of children, respectively. Co-infestation was noted in</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 1.35% of children with intestinal helminths and 12.2% of children with protozoa. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Although a high prevalence of intestinal protozoa was found in our study, the majority were non-pathogenic protozoa and the low prev</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">alence of STH among school-age children in Lomé-commune reg</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ion confirms that mass drug administration (MDA) is not needed. Children should receive additional education on best hygiene practices.</span></span>展开更多
Studies on the bacterial predation rate by rumen protozoa were carried out under laboratory conditions using a technique of fluorescence-labeled bacteria (FLB). Four Xuhuai goats were used in this experiment to obta...Studies on the bacterial predation rate by rumen protozoa were carried out under laboratory conditions using a technique of fluorescence-labeled bacteria (FLB). Four Xuhuai goats were used in this experiment to obtain rumen protozoa and bacteria. Two groups were designed as follows: One group was the whole bacteria which were labeled using fluorescence through removing free bacteria from rumen fluid (WFLB); the other group was the bacteria which were labeled using fluorescence without removing free bacteria from rumen fluid (FLB). The result indicated that the bacterial predation rates of rumen protozoa was 398.4 cells/(cell h) for the group WFLB, 230.4 cells/(cell h) for the group FLB, when the corresponding values expressed as bacteria-N, they were 2.15 pg N/(cell h) for the group WFLB, and 1.24 pg N/(cell h) for the group FLB, respectively. Extrapolating the assimilation quantity of nitrogen by ciliates on bacteria of Xuhuai goat, there were 103.2 mg N/(d capita) for the group WFLB, and 59.5 mg N/(d capita) for the group FLB, respectively. It was estimated that protein losses due to microbial recycling were 0.645 g pro/(d capita) for the group WFLB and 0.372 g pro/(d capita) for the group FLB, respectively. In addition, the fluorescence-labeled technique would be a potential assay for the determination of bacterial predation rate by rumen protozoa.展开更多
Objective:To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths(STHs) among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga,Central Sudan.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,three fresh f...Objective:To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths(STHs) among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga,Central Sudan.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,three fresh faecal samples were collected from each child,which were examined by direct wet mount,brine flotation,formalin-ether and Kato-Katz techniques.The intensity of each STH infection was expressed as the mean of eggs per gram counts of the three samples.Results:In total,142(90.4%) of 157 children harboured at least one type of intestinal parasite.Ascaris lumbricoides,Hymenolepis nana,Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the most common parasites found,with prevalence rates of 32.5%,30.6%,33.1%and 19.7%,respectively.Out of these 157 children,29(18.5%) harboured more than two intestinal parasitic infections.No cases of Schistosoma mansoni or Enterobius vermicularis were identified. Conclusions:The study demonstrates significant burden of intestinal protozoa and STH infections in this part of Sudan and highlights the need for preventive and intervention measures.展开更多
Background: This study investigated changes in rumen protozoal and methanogenic communities, along with the correlations among microbial taxa and methane(CH_4) production of six Belmont Red Composite beef steers fed t...Background: This study investigated changes in rumen protozoal and methanogenic communities, along with the correlations among microbial taxa and methane(CH_4) production of six Belmont Red Composite beef steers fed tea seed saponins(TSS). Animals were fed in three consecutive feeding periods, a high-grain basal diet for 14 d(BD period) then a period of progressive addition of TSS to the basal diet up to 30 g/d for 20 d(TSS period), followed by the basal diet for 13 d without TSS(BDP post-control period).Results: The study found that TSS supplementation decreased the amount of the protozoal genus Entodinium and increased Polyplastron and Eudiplodinium genera. During BDP period, the protozoa community of steers did not return to the protozoal profiles observed in BD period, with higher proportions of Metadinium and Eudiplodinium and lower Isotricha. The addition of TSS was found to change the structure of methanogen community at the subgenus level by decreasing the abundance of methanogens in the SGMT clade and increasing the abundance of methanogens in the RO clade. The correlation analysis indicated that the abundance of SGMT clade methanogens were positively correlated with Isotricha, and Isotricha genus and SGMT clade methanogens were positively correlated with CH_4 production. While RO clade were positively correlated with the proportion of Metadinium genus, which was negatively correlated with CH_4 emission.Conclusions: These results suggest that different genera of rumen protozoa ciliates appear to be selectively inhibited by TSS, and the change in methanogen community at the subgenus level may be due to the mutualistic relationships between methanogens and rumen ciliates.展开更多
From April 1996 to October 1997, regular samplings were carried out monthly at 8 stations in a macrophytic basin of Baoan Lake. From the water samples, 47 genera, 96 species of ciliata were identified. Stations covere...From April 1996 to October 1997, regular samplings were carried out monthly at 8 stations in a macrophytic basin of Baoan Lake. From the water samples, 47 genera, 96 species of ciliata were identified. Stations covered with macrophytes had greater number of ciliate species and higher percentage of sessile species. The mixotroph Strombidium viride bearing algal endosymbionts dominated numerically the whole ciliate communities; most of the other dominants were bactivores. Total ciliate density in Lake Baoan was 6170-34310 ind./L. The seasonal density fluctuations of the dominant species populations were also investigated. Maximum abundances were observed in spring and winter during the decay of macrophytes and minimum densities were observed during the summer months of luxuriant macrophytes growth.展开更多
Protozoa can move due to their flagella, cilia or pseudopodia, and play an important role in the transformation and cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems. In this study, the glass beads with the diameters of 1. 0...Protozoa can move due to their flagella, cilia or pseudopodia, and play an important role in the transformation and cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems. In this study, the glass beads with the diameters of 1. 0, 0.5, 0. 25 and 0.1 mm were used to simulate soil pores of 0. 292 - 0. 258, 0.155 - 0.116, 0.056 - 0.040 and 0.028 - 0.020 mm respectively. Three typical soil protozoa of Bodo edax, Colpoda cucullus and Amoeba proteus were examined for the relation of their movement to pores. It was found that the smallest protozoan of Bodo edax could be leached through all the pores. However, no more than 26% of the added protozoan was leached out of the column. The leached protozoa were decreased with the pore sizes and leaching duration. The bigger one of Colpoda cucullus was moved out from the column filled with the glass beads of > 0. 5 mm in diameter. Less than about 15% of the added protozoa were leached out of the column. The biggest one of Amoeba proteus could not leached out from any of the pores. It is evident that most of the protozoa remained in the column due to their occupation of the pores.展开更多
The effeclt of condensed tannins from Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) addition to basal diets of corn silage on nematode eggs and protozoa interaction in the rumen within Thai native x...The effeclt of condensed tannins from Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) addition to basal diets of corn silage on nematode eggs and protozoa interaction in the rumen within Thai native x Anglo-Nubian male goats was studied. Goats (n = 24 male; BW = 30 + 2) were randomly considered toward treatment position into randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments were: 1) Basal (B; 1.0-1.2 kg/head/day, corn silage), 2) B + SLS 8 g/head/day) 3) B + 40g Leucaena/head/day (1.0% condensed tannins), and 4) B + 40g Leucaena/head/day (1.0% condensed tannins) with SLS 4 g/head/day). These studies indicate that the action of 1.0% condensed tannins by Leucaena with 8 g SLS has the effect of increasing C3 (P 〈 0.05). The opposite effect was observed for C2 which decreased (P 〈 0.05). Both intestinal nematode eggs and protozoa in the rumen were reduced highly significantly (P 〈 0.01). Bacteria population was raised (P 〈 0.01). Nevertheless, all of these treatments did not affect intake, productive performances and blood urea nitrogen.展开更多
Three typical soil protozoa of Bodo edax, Colpoda cucullus and Amoeba proteus were inoculated into the soil amended with corn straw. The soils were then incubated at 25℃ for 60 days. It was found that the protozoa, p...Three typical soil protozoa of Bodo edax, Colpoda cucullus and Amoeba proteus were inoculated into the soil amended with corn straw. The soils were then incubated at 25℃ for 60 days. It was found that the protozoa, particularly Bodo edax, significantly reduced soil microbial biomass C. However, the decomposition of corn straw was accelerated by the protozoa. Colpoda cucullus significantly enhanced soil available P content, but Amoeba proteus decreased soil available P content. Colpoda cucullus and Bodo edax did not obviously influence NH4+-N and NO3--N contents. In contrast, Amoeba proteus significantly increased both NH4+-N and NO3--N contents.展开更多
In this paper, we took the lead in studying on specificity of the microsatellite DNA loci and applicability of mi crosatellite DNA primers in protozoa. In order to study characters of microsatellites in free living pr...In this paper, we took the lead in studying on specificity of the microsatellite DNA loci and applicability of mi crosatellite DNA primers in protozoa. In order to study characters of microsatellites in free living protozoa, eight microsatellite loci primers developed from Trypanosoma cruzi (MCLE01, SCLE10, MCLE08, SCLE11, MCLF10, MCLG10, MCL03, MCL05) were employed to amplify microsatellite in four free living protozoa, including Bodo designis, Euglena gracilis FACHB848, Paramecium bruzise and Tetrahymena thermophila BF1. In the amplification systems of P. bruzise, four loci (SCLE10, SCLE11, MCLF10, MCL03) were amplified successfully, and four amplification fragments were in proper size. In genome of E. gracilis FACHB848, five of eight primers brought five clear amplification bands. In B. designis, three (No.4, 5 and 7) of eight loci produced clear and sharp products without stutter bands, whereas no bands appeared in T. thermophila BF1. Further, eight 300-500 bp amplification fragments were cloned and sequenced. Nevertheless, all sequenced products did not contain corresponding microsatellite sequence, although Bodo is in the same order and has the nearest phylogenetic relation with Trypanosoma among these four species. Thus, the microsatellite DNA primers can not be applied among order or more far taxa, and the specificity of microsatellite DNA is very high in protozoa. The results of this study will contribute to our understanding of microsatellite DNA in protozoa.展开更多
Plankton from Station I of Donghu Lake, an eutrophic lake, was divided into three groups (2-32 μm, 32-112 μm and >112 μm) by filtering the water sample through 2, 32, 112 μm pores. It was supposed that the 2-32...Plankton from Station I of Donghu Lake, an eutrophic lake, was divided into three groups (2-32 μm, 32-112 μm and >112 μm) by filtering the water sample through 2, 32, 112 μm pores. It was supposed that the 2-32 μm Protozoa (group 1) was fed on by the 32-112 μm Protozoa and small rotifers (group 2) and >112 μm large rotifers, cladocerans and copepods (group 3). The feeding rate of zooplankton in situ was estimated by counting the protozoan individuals and also by the 14 C NaHCO 3 method. The P/B ratio of the small Protozoa (group 1) was 2.9 for 6 h and 1.2 for 24 h. The feeding rate of the 32-112 μm zooplankton on small Protozoa (2-32 μm) was about 2/3 the total feeding rate of zooplankton, and that of >112 μm zooplankton on the 2-32 μm Protozoa was 1/3 of the total feeding rate. The lower the density of feeders, the higher were the feeding rates. The daily production of the 2-32 μm protozoans was 1.559 mg/L, which equaled to 25% of the daily food consumption of other zooplankton. Isotope experiments showed result similar to that from the above direct counting method.展开更多
Nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase (NTPase) is a multifunctional enzymatic family widely existing in vivo. They can hydrolyze NTP to NMP or dNTP to dNMP to produce energy. In this article, the structure of Toxoplasma...Nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase (NTPase) is a multifunctional enzymatic family widely existing in vivo. They can hydrolyze NTP to NMP or dNTP to dNMP to produce energy. In this article, the structure of Toxoplasma gondii NTPase is analyzed. The research progress in NT- Pase of Toxoplasrna gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora caninum was briefly reviewed.展开更多
Antarctic continental lakes and ponds are among the most impoverished aquatic environments on earth but many of them support flourishing populations of cyanobacteria,eukaryotic algae,protozoans,and some multicellular ...Antarctic continental lakes and ponds are among the most impoverished aquatic environments on earth but many of them support flourishing populations of cyanobacteria,eukaryotic algae,protozoans,and some multicellular animals.In this study,we present results of a microscopic analysis of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae from nine diverse types of Antarctic continental water bodies during one austral summer.The results supplement and enlarge our previous studies on the limnological characteristics of the epiglacial and supraglacial lakes and ponds in Dronning Maud Land,an area that has received little attention from limnologists.The taxon with highest frequency among the samples(n=79)was Mesotaenium cf.berggrenii,a eukaryotic Zygnematophyceae,which occurred in 82%of the samples with a maximum cell density of 68 cells·mL^(-1).The taxa with second and third highest frequency were the prokaryotes Gloeocapsopsis(60%)and Leptolyngbya(41%),followed by Chlamydomonas(34%)and Cyanothece(29%).The number of taxa varied between 7-21 among the lakes and ponds,being highest in a supraglacial lake,and lowest in an epiglacial lake.The results did not reveal any obvious correlation between the abundance of any taxa and the water chemistry,but water bodies with inorganic sediments had higher cell densities and biomasses than those without sediment.This suggests the importance of sediment in supporting biological diversity in these ultraoligotrophic lakes and ponds.展开更多
文摘RNA-binding proteins(RBPs) are key regulators of gene expression. There are several distinct families of RBPs and they are involved in the cellular response to environmental changes, cell differentiation and cell death. The RBPs can differentially combine with RNA molecules and form ribonucleoprotein(RNP) complexes, defining the function and fate of RNA molecules in the cell. RBPs display diverse domains that allow them to be categorized into distinct families. They play important roles in the cellular response to physiological stress, in cell differentiation, and, it is believed, in the cellular localization of certain mRNAs. In several protozoa, a physiological stress(nutritional, temperature or pH) triggers differentiation to a distinct developmental stage. Most of the RBPs characterized in protozoa arise from trypanosomatids. In these protozoa gene expression regulation is mostly post-transcriptional, which suggests that some RBPs might display regulatory functions distinct from those described for other eukaryotes. mRNA stability can be altered as a response to stress. Transcripts are sequestered to RNA granules that ultimately modulate their availability to the translation machinery, storage or degradation, depending on the associated proteins. These aggregates of mRNPs containing mRNAs that are not being translated colocalize in cytoplasmic foci, and their numbers and size vary according to cell conditions such as oxidative stress, nutritional status and treatment with drugs that inhibit translation.
文摘Using a modification of the very sensitive glucose-DAB-nickel(GDN)immunohistochemistry method,FOS(the expression protein of the oncogene c-fos)-,neuropeptide Y(NPY)-,somatostatin(SOM)-,leu-enkephalin(L-Enk),cholecystokinin(CCK)-,neurotensin(NT)-,and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)-immunoreactivities were firstdemonstrated in the protozoan,Stylonychia mytilus.The GDN method and expression ofFOS,neuropeptides and TH in the Stylonychia mytilus were discussed.
文摘Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains (EHEC) have caused many foodborne outbreaks. Bacterivorous protozoa could remove bacteria from aquatic systems. We analyzed the ciliate protozoan population changes influenced by EHEC co-culture in activated sludge. EHEC and non-EHEC control E. coli cells were added to activated sludge samples in microcosms. The ciliate population changes were monitored by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. EHEC and non-EHEC fed ciliate protozoan populations were different from each other and the no bacteria added controls based on the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI) analysis. Ciliate species were identified by 18S rDNA clone libraries. The 18S rDNA clones from the original sludge sample were identified as Epistylis wenrichi (70%) and Prorodon teres (30%), while clones from EHEC treated sludge sample were identified as P. teres (52%), Vorticella fusca (41%), Dexitrichides pangi (5%), and Opisthonecta henneguyi (2%). This study could provide helpful information about ciliate protozoan population changes caused by different E. coli strains in wastewater treatment plants, which could be useful for preventing and tracking E. coli outbreaks.
文摘The tolerance to ammonia and nitrites in freshwater ciliate Paramecium bursaria was measured in a conventional open system. The ciliate was exposed to different concentrations of ammonia and nitrites for 2h and 12h in order to determine the lethal concentrations. Linear regression analysis revealed that the 2h-LC50 value for ammonia was 95.94 mg/L and for nitrite 27.35 mg/L using probit scale method (with 95% confidence intervals). There was a linear correlation between the mortality probit scale and logarithmic concentration of ammonia which fit by a regression equation y=7.32x–9.51 (R2=0.98; y, mortality probit scale; x, logarithmic concentration of ammonia), by which 2 h–LC50 value for ammonia was found to be 95.50 mg/L. A linear correla- tion between mortality probit scales and logarithmic concentration of nitrite is also followed the regression equa- tion y=2.86x+0.89 (R2=0.95; y, mortality probit scale; x, logarithmic concentration of nitrite). The regression analysis of toxicity curves showed that the linear correlation between exposed time of ammonia-N LC50 value and ammonia-N LC50 value followed the regression equation y=2 862.85e-0.08x (R2=0.95; y, duration of exposure to LC50 value; x, LC50 value), and that between exposed time of nitrite-N LC50 value and nitrite-N LC50 value followed the regression equation y = 127.15e-0.13x (R2=0.91; y, exposed time of LC50 value; x, LC50 value). The results demonstrate that the tolerance to ammonia in P. bursaria is considerably higher than that of the larvae or juveniles of some metozoa, e.g. cultured prawns and oysters. In addition, ciliates, as bacterial predators, are likely to play a positive role in maintaining and improving water quality in aquatic environments with high-level ammonium, such as sewage treatment systems.
文摘Objective:To determine the pi'evalence of vector-bome bacteria and protozoa in hunting dogs living in Central Italy.Methods:Molecular testing was executed on DNA which was extracted from blood specimens collected from 117 asymptomatic dogs to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Babesia canis(B.canis),Bartonella spp..Coxiella burnetii(C.burnetii).Ehrlichia canis.Hepatozoon canis.and Leislnnania infantum.Results:A total of 48 dogs(41.0%) were infested by Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks.Tick-borne infections were observed in 64(54.7%) animals.More in detail.38 dogs(32.5%) screened positive for Hepatozoon canis,24(20.5%) for Bartonella rinsonii subsp.berkhoffii.20(17.1%) for Leishmania infantum,6(5.1%) for C.burnetii,5(4.3%) for B.canis(3 B.canis vogeli and 2 B.canis canis),3(2.5%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum,and 2(1.7%) for Ehrlichia canis.Mixed infection by 2 agents occurred in 17(14.5%) subjects,by 3 agents in 7(6.0%) dogs,and by 4 agents in 1(0.9%) animal.Conclusions:The results demonstrated that several vector-borne pathogens were circulating in this region and dogs infected by these agents were usually asymptomatic.A relevant finding was the presence of DNA of C.burnetii,a severe zoonotic agent,in the 5.1% of tested dogs,which can be source of infection for their owners not only through tick bites,but also directly with urine,feces and birth products.
基金Supported by Regional Fund Key Projects from Technology Gallery in Tibet,Agro-Technical Popularization from Finance Department in Tibet,the National Special Research Fund for Non-Profit Sector(Agriculture)(No.201403012)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31560144)the State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology(No.2011FBZ28)
文摘The Niyang River, a main tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, is an important and typical plateau fiver ecosystem in Tibet, China. At present, few studies have focused on its aquatic living resources and fiver ecology. In this study, the composition, abundance, and diversity of periphytic protozoa were investigated across four seasons from 2008 to 2009 to better understand their spatio-temporal patterns and relationship to the environment. Our investigation shows that periphytic protozoa in the Niyang River contained 15 genera, belonged to Tubulinea, Alveolata, Discosea and Rhizaria, Alveolata possessed most genera, up to nine, with highest share in abundance, exceeding 50%, Difflugia and Glaucoma were dominant genera. Moreover, four diversity indices of periphytic protozoa, including species richness, total abundance, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou's evenness index, displayed a significant descending trend as the seasons continued, in the order of winter, spring, summer and autumn; with a significant difference existing between winter and summer (or autumn) for Shannon-Wiener diversity index and species richness (P〈0.05). Four of these diversity indices also presented a V-shaped pattern between the upper middle course of the Niyang River and the confluence of the Niyang River and Yarlung Zangbo River, with the lowest value occurred in the middle course of the Niyang River. However, no significant variation was found through the Niyang River (P〉0.05). In addition, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) shows that the densities of Difflugia, Glaucomais, Enchelydium, Cyphoderia, and Enchelys correlate with water temperature, alkalinity, hardness, pH, and dissolved oxygen, respectively. Lastly, the relationship between periphytic protozoa diversity and the environmental factors of the Niyang River can be predicted using classification and regression trees (CART) annalysis, which suggests that the total abundance and Shannon-Wiener diversity index would be higher when the elevation is above 3 308 m. On the other hand, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou's evenness index would be lower when pH and ammoniacal nitrogen have lower or higher values. Finally yet importantly, close attention should be paid to periphytic protozoa and its environment to ensure sustainable development of the Niyang River ecosystem.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Significant morbidity in children is associated with infectio</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">us</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> diseases especially soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections which are prevalent in sub</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Saharan African countries. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of STH and intestinal protozoa among schoolchildren in Lomé, Togo. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Patients and Methods:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> In November 2013, in each of the five districts of the Lomé-commune region, thirty pupils per level of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades of five primary schools were included. Each child submitted a single stool sample that was analyzed by the Kato-Katz method for STH. In addition, stool</span></span><span style="font-family:""> </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">samples of school children selected in third and sixth grades were examined by direct visualization using saline and Lugo</span><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">l’s stain for intestinal protozoa. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A total of 2944 children wer</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">e enrolled at 25 schools. The overall prevalence of STH at schools was 5.0% (range 1.5% to 8.6%), was higher in boys than girls, and increased with age and grade. Hookworm was the most prevalent species (3.4% of children surveyed). Intestinal protozoa were found in 52.2% (765/1465) of children tested and commensal amoebae represented 22.7% of these protozoa identified. </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Entamoeba histolytica</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">/</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">dispar</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">/</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">moshkovskii</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Giardia intestinalis</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> were identified i</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">n 2.3% and 11.5% of children, respectively. Co-infestation was noted in</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> 1.35% of children with intestinal helminths and 12.2% of children with protozoa. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Although a high prevalence of intestinal protozoa was found in our study, the majority were non-pathogenic protozoa and the low prev</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">alence of STH among school-age children in Lomé-commune reg</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ion confirms that mass drug administration (MDA) is not needed. Children should receive additional education on best hygiene practices.</span></span>
基金carried out under the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30571344).
文摘Studies on the bacterial predation rate by rumen protozoa were carried out under laboratory conditions using a technique of fluorescence-labeled bacteria (FLB). Four Xuhuai goats were used in this experiment to obtain rumen protozoa and bacteria. Two groups were designed as follows: One group was the whole bacteria which were labeled using fluorescence through removing free bacteria from rumen fluid (WFLB); the other group was the bacteria which were labeled using fluorescence without removing free bacteria from rumen fluid (FLB). The result indicated that the bacterial predation rates of rumen protozoa was 398.4 cells/(cell h) for the group WFLB, 230.4 cells/(cell h) for the group FLB, when the corresponding values expressed as bacteria-N, they were 2.15 pg N/(cell h) for the group WFLB, and 1.24 pg N/(cell h) for the group FLB, respectively. Extrapolating the assimilation quantity of nitrogen by ciliates on bacteria of Xuhuai goat, there were 103.2 mg N/(d capita) for the group WFLB, and 59.5 mg N/(d capita) for the group FLB, respectively. It was estimated that protein losses due to microbial recycling were 0.645 g pro/(d capita) for the group WFLB and 0.372 g pro/(d capita) for the group FLB, respectively. In addition, the fluorescence-labeled technique would be a potential assay for the determination of bacterial predation rate by rumen protozoa.
文摘Objective:To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths(STHs) among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga,Central Sudan.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,three fresh faecal samples were collected from each child,which were examined by direct wet mount,brine flotation,formalin-ether and Kato-Katz techniques.The intensity of each STH infection was expressed as the mean of eggs per gram counts of the three samples.Results:In total,142(90.4%) of 157 children harboured at least one type of intestinal parasite.Ascaris lumbricoides,Hymenolepis nana,Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the most common parasites found,with prevalence rates of 32.5%,30.6%,33.1%and 19.7%,respectively.Out of these 157 children,29(18.5%) harboured more than two intestinal parasitic infections.No cases of Schistosoma mansoni or Enterobius vermicularis were identified. Conclusions:The study demonstrates significant burden of intestinal protozoa and STH infections in this part of Sudan and highlights the need for preventive and intervention measures.
基金supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China (31272472)project grants from Meat & Livestock Australia,Fisheries and Forestry in Australia and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)。
文摘Background: This study investigated changes in rumen protozoal and methanogenic communities, along with the correlations among microbial taxa and methane(CH_4) production of six Belmont Red Composite beef steers fed tea seed saponins(TSS). Animals were fed in three consecutive feeding periods, a high-grain basal diet for 14 d(BD period) then a period of progressive addition of TSS to the basal diet up to 30 g/d for 20 d(TSS period), followed by the basal diet for 13 d without TSS(BDP post-control period).Results: The study found that TSS supplementation decreased the amount of the protozoal genus Entodinium and increased Polyplastron and Eudiplodinium genera. During BDP period, the protozoa community of steers did not return to the protozoal profiles observed in BD period, with higher proportions of Metadinium and Eudiplodinium and lower Isotricha. The addition of TSS was found to change the structure of methanogen community at the subgenus level by decreasing the abundance of methanogens in the SGMT clade and increasing the abundance of methanogens in the RO clade. The correlation analysis indicated that the abundance of SGMT clade methanogens were positively correlated with Isotricha, and Isotricha genus and SGMT clade methanogens were positively correlated with CH_4 production. While RO clade were positively correlated with the proportion of Metadinium genus, which was negatively correlated with CH_4 emission.Conclusions: These results suggest that different genera of rumen protozoa ciliates appear to be selectively inhibited by TSS, and the change in methanogen community at the subgenus level may be due to the mutualistic relationships between methanogens and rumen ciliates.
文摘From April 1996 to October 1997, regular samplings were carried out monthly at 8 stations in a macrophytic basin of Baoan Lake. From the water samples, 47 genera, 96 species of ciliata were identified. Stations covered with macrophytes had greater number of ciliate species and higher percentage of sessile species. The mixotroph Strombidium viride bearing algal endosymbionts dominated numerically the whole ciliate communities; most of the other dominants were bactivores. Total ciliate density in Lake Baoan was 6170-34310 ind./L. The seasonal density fluctuations of the dominant species populations were also investigated. Maximum abundances were observed in spring and winter during the decay of macrophytes and minimum densities were observed during the summer months of luxuriant macrophytes growth.
文摘Protozoa can move due to their flagella, cilia or pseudopodia, and play an important role in the transformation and cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems. In this study, the glass beads with the diameters of 1. 0, 0.5, 0. 25 and 0.1 mm were used to simulate soil pores of 0. 292 - 0. 258, 0.155 - 0.116, 0.056 - 0.040 and 0.028 - 0.020 mm respectively. Three typical soil protozoa of Bodo edax, Colpoda cucullus and Amoeba proteus were examined for the relation of their movement to pores. It was found that the smallest protozoan of Bodo edax could be leached through all the pores. However, no more than 26% of the added protozoan was leached out of the column. The leached protozoa were decreased with the pore sizes and leaching duration. The bigger one of Colpoda cucullus was moved out from the column filled with the glass beads of > 0. 5 mm in diameter. Less than about 15% of the added protozoa were leached out of the column. The biggest one of Amoeba proteus could not leached out from any of the pores. It is evident that most of the protozoa remained in the column due to their occupation of the pores.
文摘The effeclt of condensed tannins from Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) addition to basal diets of corn silage on nematode eggs and protozoa interaction in the rumen within Thai native x Anglo-Nubian male goats was studied. Goats (n = 24 male; BW = 30 + 2) were randomly considered toward treatment position into randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments were: 1) Basal (B; 1.0-1.2 kg/head/day, corn silage), 2) B + SLS 8 g/head/day) 3) B + 40g Leucaena/head/day (1.0% condensed tannins), and 4) B + 40g Leucaena/head/day (1.0% condensed tannins) with SLS 4 g/head/day). These studies indicate that the action of 1.0% condensed tannins by Leucaena with 8 g SLS has the effect of increasing C3 (P 〈 0.05). The opposite effect was observed for C2 which decreased (P 〈 0.05). Both intestinal nematode eggs and protozoa in the rumen were reduced highly significantly (P 〈 0.01). Bacteria population was raised (P 〈 0.01). Nevertheless, all of these treatments did not affect intake, productive performances and blood urea nitrogen.
基金financed by the National Natural Science Fundation of China(40171055)accomplished at the Soil and Water Key Lab of Agricultural Ministry of China.
文摘Three typical soil protozoa of Bodo edax, Colpoda cucullus and Amoeba proteus were inoculated into the soil amended with corn straw. The soils were then incubated at 25℃ for 60 days. It was found that the protozoa, particularly Bodo edax, significantly reduced soil microbial biomass C. However, the decomposition of corn straw was accelerated by the protozoa. Colpoda cucullus significantly enhanced soil available P content, but Amoeba proteus decreased soil available P content. Colpoda cucullus and Bodo edax did not obviously influence NH4+-N and NO3--N contents. In contrast, Amoeba proteus significantly increased both NH4+-N and NO3--N contents.
基金supported financially by the Frontier Science Projects Programme of the Institute of Hydrobiology,the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.220207)
文摘In this paper, we took the lead in studying on specificity of the microsatellite DNA loci and applicability of mi crosatellite DNA primers in protozoa. In order to study characters of microsatellites in free living protozoa, eight microsatellite loci primers developed from Trypanosoma cruzi (MCLE01, SCLE10, MCLE08, SCLE11, MCLF10, MCLG10, MCL03, MCL05) were employed to amplify microsatellite in four free living protozoa, including Bodo designis, Euglena gracilis FACHB848, Paramecium bruzise and Tetrahymena thermophila BF1. In the amplification systems of P. bruzise, four loci (SCLE10, SCLE11, MCLF10, MCL03) were amplified successfully, and four amplification fragments were in proper size. In genome of E. gracilis FACHB848, five of eight primers brought five clear amplification bands. In B. designis, three (No.4, 5 and 7) of eight loci produced clear and sharp products without stutter bands, whereas no bands appeared in T. thermophila BF1. Further, eight 300-500 bp amplification fragments were cloned and sequenced. Nevertheless, all sequenced products did not contain corresponding microsatellite sequence, although Bodo is in the same order and has the nearest phylogenetic relation with Trypanosoma among these four species. Thus, the microsatellite DNA primers can not be applied among order or more far taxa, and the specificity of microsatellite DNA is very high in protozoa. The results of this study will contribute to our understanding of microsatellite DNA in protozoa.
文摘Plankton from Station I of Donghu Lake, an eutrophic lake, was divided into three groups (2-32 μm, 32-112 μm and >112 μm) by filtering the water sample through 2, 32, 112 μm pores. It was supposed that the 2-32 μm Protozoa (group 1) was fed on by the 32-112 μm Protozoa and small rotifers (group 2) and >112 μm large rotifers, cladocerans and copepods (group 3). The feeding rate of zooplankton in situ was estimated by counting the protozoan individuals and also by the 14 C NaHCO 3 method. The P/B ratio of the small Protozoa (group 1) was 2.9 for 6 h and 1.2 for 24 h. The feeding rate of the 32-112 μm zooplankton on small Protozoa (2-32 μm) was about 2/3 the total feeding rate of zooplankton, and that of >112 μm zooplankton on the 2-32 μm Protozoa was 1/3 of the total feeding rate. The lower the density of feeders, the higher were the feeding rates. The daily production of the 2-32 μm protozoans was 1.559 mg/L, which equaled to 25% of the daily food consumption of other zooplankton. Isotope experiments showed result similar to that from the above direct counting method.
基金supported by the grants from the National Special Research Fund for Public Welfare (Agriculture) of China (200803017 and 200903036-06)
文摘Nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase (NTPase) is a multifunctional enzymatic family widely existing in vivo. They can hydrolyze NTP to NMP or dNTP to dNMP to produce energy. In this article, the structure of Toxoplasma gondii NTPase is analyzed. The research progress in NT- Pase of Toxoplasrna gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora caninum was briefly reviewed.
基金supported by AF-NSFC mobility program from the Academy of Finland(Grant no.333170)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant no.52211530038).
文摘Antarctic continental lakes and ponds are among the most impoverished aquatic environments on earth but many of them support flourishing populations of cyanobacteria,eukaryotic algae,protozoans,and some multicellular animals.In this study,we present results of a microscopic analysis of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae from nine diverse types of Antarctic continental water bodies during one austral summer.The results supplement and enlarge our previous studies on the limnological characteristics of the epiglacial and supraglacial lakes and ponds in Dronning Maud Land,an area that has received little attention from limnologists.The taxon with highest frequency among the samples(n=79)was Mesotaenium cf.berggrenii,a eukaryotic Zygnematophyceae,which occurred in 82%of the samples with a maximum cell density of 68 cells·mL^(-1).The taxa with second and third highest frequency were the prokaryotes Gloeocapsopsis(60%)and Leptolyngbya(41%),followed by Chlamydomonas(34%)and Cyanothece(29%).The number of taxa varied between 7-21 among the lakes and ponds,being highest in a supraglacial lake,and lowest in an epiglacial lake.The results did not reveal any obvious correlation between the abundance of any taxa and the water chemistry,but water bodies with inorganic sediments had higher cell densities and biomasses than those without sediment.This suggests the importance of sediment in supporting biological diversity in these ultraoligotrophic lakes and ponds.