Study of the Constraints of Millet Production (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) and the Peasant Perception of Biological Control in the Tahoua Region

Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is the Sahelian crop par excellence due to its adaptation to the particular production conditions in this region. Unfortunately, in recent years this crop has been threatened by very strong parasitic pressure and drought during the production period. The objective of this study is to analyze the main constraints of millet production and the solutions known to producers. A survey was carried out in November 2022 with a sample of 298 producers in five municipalities in the Tahoua region. The main constraints are drought and pressure from crop pests (locust, millet ear miner, floricultural insects) according to 57.9% of respondents. The millet ear miner is the most formidable pest according to 55% of respondents. Thus, the average yield obtained in a year of good production without the leafminer is 194 kg/ha and that obtained in a year of millet ear leafminer is around 27 kg to 43 kg/ha depending on the municipality. The yield obtained this last campaign after the attack of this leafminer varies from 64 to 77 kg/ha depending on the municipalities compared to a potential yield of over 1000 kg/ha. More than half of producers (58.1%) are unaware of the existence of biological control compared to only 12.5% who are aware of this alternative method. Work to popularize this technology is necessary in the five municipalities and the entire region in general.

GA Associated Dwarf 5 encodes an ent-kaurenoic acid oxidase required for maize gibberellin biosynthesis and morphogenesis

Gibberellin(GA)functions in plant growth and development.However,genes involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of GA in crop plants are poorly understood.We isolated the mutant gad5-1(GAAssociated Dwarf 5),characterized by dwarfing,short internodes,and dark green and short leaves.Map-based gene cloning and allelic verification confirmed that ZmGAD5 encodes ent-kaurenoic acid oxidase(KAO),which catalyzes KA(ent-kaurenoic acid)to GA12 conversion during GA biosynthesis in maize.ZmGAD5 is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and is present in multiple maize organs.In gad5-1,the expression of ZmGAD5 is severely reduced,and the levels of the direct substrate of KAO,KA,is increased,leading to a reduction in GA content.The abnormal phenotype of gad5-1 was restored by exogenous application of GA3.The biomass,plant height,and levels of GA12 and GA3 in transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing ZmGAD5 were increased in comparison with the corresponding controls Col-0.These findings deepen our understanding of genes involved in GA biosynthesis,and could lead to the development of maize lines with improved architecture and higher planting-density tolerance.

基于PacBio三代测序的茯茶加工过程真菌群落分析

茯茶是陕西省地理标志产品,具有重要商业价值。目前茯茶生产过程中的真菌群落组成变化情况尚不清楚。为了解茯茶生产过程中真菌群落变化情况,为生产过程的微生物安全控制提供数据支撑,文章以茯茶生产过程中主要阶段的制品样品为研究对象,采用PacBio三代测序技术分析原毛茶、渥堆期、发花期、干燥期和陈化期真菌群落多样性及组成。结果表明样品测序获得的序列数范围从12771到13110,获得序列的平均长度分别为554 bp。样品香农指数随着序列数的增加趋于平稳,覆盖率均达到1,测序结果反映了实际的群落组成,且测序深度已经基本覆盖到样品中的所有物种。从茯茶原毛茶到渥堆期,再到发花期,真菌群落多样性不断减少,干燥期和陈化期群落多样性和组成与发花期基本相似,原毛茶时期表征真菌群落多样性的香农指数高达1.99,渥堆期降为1.06,而发花期、干燥期和陈化期分别为0.15、0.11和0.21。在群落组成方面,原毛茶比发酵茯茶含有相对丰度较高的节担菌纲种群(Wallemiomycetes),相对丰度约为27.3%。在渥堆期,银耳纲(Tremellomycetes)、伞菌纲(Agaricomycetes)和锤舌菌纲(Leotiomycetes)相比其他时期丰度增加。在随后的生产过程中,包括发花期、干燥期、陈化期,主要优势菌种是冠突散囊菌(Eurotiomycetes)中的曲霉属(Aspergillus),相对丰度达到98%以上,是这三个时期的生物标记种群。以上研究结果为茯茶标准化生产中微生物控制提供了数据基础。

Gastrointestinal neuromuscular apparatus: An underestimated target of gut microbiota

Over the last few years, the importance of the resident intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of several gastrointestinal diseases has been largely investigated. Growing evidence suggest that microbiota can influence gastrointestinal motility. The current working hypothesis is that dysbiosis-driven mucosal alterations induce the production of several inflammatory/immune mediators which affect gut neuro-muscular functions. Besides these indirect mucosal-mediated effects, the present review highlights that recent evidence suggests that microbiota can directly affect enteric nerves and smooth muscle cells functions through its metabolic products or bacterial molecular components translocated from the intestinal lumen. Tolllike receptors, the bacterial recognition receptors, are expressed both on enteric nerves and smooth muscle and are emerging as potential mediators between microbiota and the enteric neuromuscular apparatus. Furthermore, the ongoing studies on probiotics support the hypothesis that the neuromuscular apparatus may represent a target of intervention, thus opening new physiopathological and therapeutic scenarios.

Bacteriophage Biocontrol Rescues Mice Bacteremic of Clinically Isolated Mastitis from Dairy Cows Associated with Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphyloccocus aureus</i>

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is among the most alarming pathogens affecting both humans and the global bovine industry. The current control measures in hospitals and on farms for MRSA have proven to be inadequate leaving a need for new rapid control methods to curb MRSA infections in situ. New control measures for bacterial infection are widely sought, with particular interest in the applications for bacteriophages (phages) as a biocontrol or therapeutic agent. The current study uses a wild highly lytic phage isolated from cow’s milk taken from three farms in Baghdad, Iraq. The resulting phage was able to rescue 100% of the mice from a median lethal dose (LD50) or (1 × 108 CFU mL-1 per mouse) for MRSA wild isolates achieved when the phage: bacteria ratio was 100:1. Even when treatment was delayed for 6 h post lethal infection, to the point where all mice were moribund, 80% of them were rescued by a single injection of this phage preparation. Based on the current results, a comprehensive study is needed to guide further research on the MRSA phage as a biocontrol for MRSA mastitis in dairy cows to replace or reduce the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry.

Metal-Organic Framework Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery in Biomedical Applications

Investigation of metal–organic frameworks(MOFs)for biomedical applications has attracted much attention in recent years.MOFs are regarded as a promising class of nanocarriers for drug delivery owing to well-defined structure,ultrahigh surface area and porosity,tunable pore size,and easy chemical functionalization.In this review,the unique properties of MOFs and their advantages as nanocarriers for drug delivery in biomedical applications were discussed in the first section.Then,state-ofthe-art strategies to functionalize MOFs with therapeutic agents were summarized,including surface adsorption,pore encapsulation,covalent binding,and functional molecules as building blocks.In the third section,the most recent biological applications of MOFs for intracellular delivery of drugs,proteins,and nucleic acids,especially aptamers,were presented.Finally,challenges and prospects were comprehensively discussed to provide context for future development of MOFs as efficient drug delivery systems.

Biodiesel Production Based in Microalgae: A Biorefinery Approach

It is of great knowledge nowadays that the use of fossil fuels is responsible for the emission of gases that intensify the greenhouse effect, which threatens the survival of the humankind. The gravity of this fact could be mitigated through the indirect use of solar energy for fuels derived from vegetable that can be planted and cultivated by the world of renewable and non-polisher. Microalgae play an important role in this regard, as they have promising characteristics as potential raw material for the production of biofuels, able to absorb large amounts of CO2. Chlorophyll organisms convert these simple substances in the atmosphere, absorbing sunlight into chemical energy stored, that is, compounds with high energy, biomass can also be used to obtain biocompounds human nutritional supplement and food animal, however, have been found an important number of difficulties to economically viable production like high cost of production of dry biomass and oil extraction. Here, we review the main approaches of biorefinery concept appearing as an alternative to achieve economic viability of the production of bio-diesel based on microalgae. The major points are the following: 1) use of re-residual water, 2) marketing of Carbon Credits, and 3) development of co-products resulting from high value added.

Cultivation of Microalgae <i>Monoraphidium</i>sp., in the Plant Pilot the Grand Valle Bio Energy, for Biodiesel Production

At present, Brazil imports approximately 11 billion liters/year of diesel. With the interruption of the works in the new Petrobras refineries, the projection is that by 2025 this volume will increase to 24.2 billion liters of diesel/year. In this sense, the biodiesel factory Grand Valle Bio Energy Ltda., located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in conjunction with the FAPERJ makes some investments in technology development for the cultivation and use of microalgae as an alternative raw material in the production of biodiesel. Based on arguments previously said, this work presents the results of the microalgae cultivation Monoraphidium sp. in photobioreactors the pilot plant of the company. The installation with an area of 120 m2 is included with 2 open photobioreactors of type falling film (20 m × 1 m), with a cascade of 18mm and capacity of 4000 L. The lineage cultivated is selected from previous ecophysiological studies that are identified as promising for biodiesel production by having a high potential for the production of lipids. This lineage is maintained at collection of the stock of cultures Laboratory of Green Technologies of the School of Chemistry/ UFRJ. The cultivation was performed in means ASM-1 (Gorham et al., 1964), initial pH 8.0, with aeration and circulation average of 8 hours a day during 19 days. The culture was started with an inoculum of 1 × 107 cel/ml. The lipid production was determined in two phases of growth: on day 4 (exponential phase) and 15 day (stationary phase). For the determination and quantification of lipid content, two different methods were assessed for a sample of biomass, submitted to the same processes the separation and drying. The results showed the methodology of Bligh & Dyer with modifications as the most efficient in extracting lipids. The total lipid content of the biomass Monoraphidium sp. was 30.58%. The growth rate varied between 0.74 ± 0.01 and 0.68 ± 0.02.

The Laser Technology:New Trends in Biology and Medicine

In fifty years, laser technology has made great progress, and its many applications make it essential in everyday life. However, this technology is still open to numerous developments. Across multiple applications, there is particular focus in the field of medicine, for diagnosis for tailored therapies, and as a research tool in biology. Whereas its use is now well-demonstrated in ophthalmologic and dermatologic treatments, and surgery, one of the most fascinating aspects of laser technology in the field of biology emerged in the late 1990s with the development of devices able to perform fine dissections of biological tissues using a laser beam. The so-called laser-associated microdissection offers a rapid, precise method of isolating and removing targeted cells or groups of cells from complex biological tissues. It represents the missing link between clinical observations and the intrinsic physiological mechanisms of biological tissues. The molecular examination of pathologically altered cells and tissues for DNA, RNA, and protein expression has revolutionized research and diagnosis in pathology, enabling assessment of the role of the cell type in the normal physiological or disease process. Alongside conventional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, another field of application contribute to the development of targeted treatments at the nanoscale level of laser technology, mainly in the field of cancer, leading to design new and innovative strategies in drug delivery and image-guided surgery. Most of these approaches, but although not exhaustively, will be presented here.

Survivability of freeze-dried probiotic Pediococcus pentosaceus strains GS4,GS17 and Lactobacillus gasseri(ATCC 19992)during storage with commonly used pharmaceutical excipients within a period of 120 days

Objective: To examine the survivability and stability of probiotic strains in presence and absence of pharmaceutical excipients for a long period of time at(4 ± 1)℃.Methods: The survival rates of probiotic strains, Pediococcus pentosaceus GS4(MTCC12683)(NCBI HM044322), GS17(NCBI KJ608061) and Lactobacillus gasseri(ATCC 19992), were evaluated. Probiotic strains were lyophilized individually and in combination of excipients(sorbitol, ascorbic acid, fructose and skim milk). The preparation was monitored for 120 d storing at(4 ± 1)℃. During storage, all the preparations were evaluated for viability and stability of probiotic properties like lactic acid production, antimicrobial effect, water activity, and adherence to epithelial cells.Results: Sorbitol, ascorbic acid and skim milk favoured the viability of freeze-dried cells and sustained probiotic properties during storage. Without excipients(control group),strains showed percentage of survivability not more than 70% while strains with excipients survived for 73%–93% for a long period of time.Conclusions: Commonly used excipients can be considered as a vehicle for delivering active principle in probiotic formulation and for sustaining the viability and stability of probiotic strains for a period of 120 d.

Specific inhibition of Streptococcus bovis by endolysin LyJH307 supplementation shifts the rumen microbiota and metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism

Background:Endolysins,the bacteriophage-originated peptidoglycan hydrolases,are a promising replacement for antibiotics due to immediate lytic activity and no antibiotic resistance.The objectives of this study were to investigate the lytic activity of endolysin LyJH307 against S.bovis and to explore changes in rumen fermentation and microbiota in an in vitro system.Two treatments were used:1)control,corn grain without LyJH307;and 2)LyJH307,corn grain with LyJH307(4 U/mL).An in vitro fermentation experiment was performed using mixture of rumen fluid collected from two cannulated Holstein steers(450±30 kg)and artificial saliva buffer mixed as 1:3 ratio for 12 h incubation time.In vitro dry matter digestibility,pH,volatile fatty acids,and lactate concentration were estimated at 12 h,and the gas production was measured at 6,9,and 12 h.The rumen bacterial community was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.Results:LyJH307 supplementation at 6 h incubation markedly decreased the absolute abundance of S.bovis(approximately 70% compared to control,P=0.0289)and increased ruminal pH(P=0.0335)at the 12 h incubation.The acetate proportion(P=0.0362)was significantly increased after LyJH307 addition,whereas propionate(P=0.0379)was decreased.LyJH307 supplementation increased D-lactate(P=0.0340)without any change in L-lactate concentration(P>0.10).There were no significant differences in Shannon’s index,Simpson’s index,Chao1 estimates,and evenness(P>0.10).Based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrices,the LyJH307 affected the overall shift in microbiota(P=0.097).LyJH307 supplementation induced an increase of 11 genera containing Lachnoclostridium,WCHB1-41,unclassified genus Selenomonadaceae,Paraprevotella,vadinBE97,Ruminococcus gauvreauii group,Lactobacillus,Anaerorhabdus furcosa group,Victivallaceae,Desulfuromonadaceae,and Sediminispirochaeta.The predicted functional features represented by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were changed by LyJH307 toward a decrease of carbohydrate metabolism.Conclusions:LyJH307 caused a reduction of S.bovis and an increase of pH with shifts in minor microbiota and its metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism.This study provides the first insight into the availability of endolysin as a specific modulator for rumen and shows the possibility of endolysin degradation by rumen microbiota.

Molecular pathobiology of scleritis and its therapeutic implications

Scleritis and other autoimmune diseases are characterized by an imbalance in the levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules with the balance tilted more towards the former due to the failure of recognition of self. The triggering of inflammatory process could be ascribed to the presence of cytoplasmic DNA/chromatin that leads to activation of cytosolic DNA-sensing c GAS-STING(cyclic GMP-AMP synthase linked to stimulator of interferon genes) pathway and enhanced expression of NF-κB that results in an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory bioactive lipids. Bioactive lipids gamma-linolenic acid(GLA), dihomoGLA(DGLA), prostaglandin E1(PGE1), prostacyclin(PGI2) and lipoxin A4, resolvins, protectins and maresins have antiinflammatory actions, bind to DNA to render it non-antigenic and are decreased in autoimmune diseases. These results suggest that efforts designed to enhance the production of anti-inflammatory bioactive lipids may form a new approach to autoimmune diseases. Local injection or infusion of lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins or their precursors such as arachidonic acid may be exploited in the prevention and management of autoimmune diseases including scleritis, uveitis and lupus/rheumatoid arthritis.

Bioequivalence study of abacavir/lamivudine(600/300-mg) tablets in healthy Thai volunteers under fasting conditions

Abacavir/lamivudine is a combination of two synthetic nucleoside analogues which is indicated in antiretroviral combination therapy for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection in adults and adolescents[1].A generic product of abacavir/lamivudine has been developed with lower price by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization(GPO)to be an alternative choice of related physicians and patients who will gain access to the lower price medicines at the same quality and safety as the reference product.

Multifunctional Biocompatible Fluorescent <i>Carboxymethyl Cellulose</i>Nanoparticles

A multifunctional nanoparticle based on carboxymethyl cellulose was developed. Folate group was attached to nanoparticle for specific recognition of cancerous cells and 5FU was encapsulated for delivering cytotoxicity. The whole system was able to track by the semiconductor quantum dots that were attached to the nanoparticle. The multifunctional nanoparticle was characterized by UV-VIS spectra, PL spectra, FTIR, TEM, SEM etc and was targeted to human breast cancer cell, MCF7. The biocompatibility of nanoparticle without drug and cytotoxicity rendered by nanoparticle with drug was studied with MCF7 and L929 cell lines. The epifluorescent images suggest that the folate-conjugated nanoparticles were more internalized by folate receptor positive cell line, MCF7 than the noncancerous L929 cells.

Survival of encapsulated probiotics through spray drying and non-refrigerated storage for animal feeds application

The objective of this study is to verify potential of various types of microorganisms during spray drying and non-refrigerated storage that can be enhanced substantially by selecting suitable protective colloids. Four selected probiotics tested are Lactbacillus plantarum B13 and B18, which are the bacteria probiotics and Kluyveromyces lactis and Saccharomyces blouradii, non-bacteria probiotics. Two levels of experiment occur starting with formulation study of encapsulation agent followed by the viability study of different probiotics after spray dry and two weeks nonrefrigerated storage. The formulation of 30% of gum Arabic, 15% of gelatin and 45% of coconut oil can homogenize well at least for two hours and can produce acceptable dried product (below 4% of moisture content) at low outlet temperature (70℃ -75℃). K. lactis, S. blouradii gives 2.57% and 2.4% of viability percentage after spray drying process and 25.84% and 2.04% after two weeks nonrefrigerated storage respectively. The colonies of non-probiotics bacteria after both conditions are between 1010 and 106 cfu/mL which is among the accepted level for industrial application. However, the survival of probiotics in a spray-dried form during non-refrigerated storage is higher at low of moisture content compared to others.

Preparation of Kenaf Biochar and Its Adsorption Properties for Methylene Blue

The toxic dyestuff's from printing and dyeing wastewater have caused serious damages to the ecological environ-ment,thus exploring effective methods to remove them having become a key topic.Here,a series of biochar sam-ples were synthesized form kenaf to adsorb methylene blue(MB),which was acted as the dye representative for the test of adsorption capacity due to the presence of abundant double bond and aroma tic heterocyclic ring.By tuning the raw materials and pyrolysis temperature,a super adsorption capacity about 164.21 mg·g^(-1) was obtained over the biochar that pyrolyzed at 700℃ with the kenaf fiber as raw material Through the physical adsorption,elemental analysis,FTIR spectra and NH_(3)-TPD,it was found the high surface area and pore volume of biochar played a key role in the adsorption of MB,and the acidic sites would also assist the adsorption process.Besides,the adsorption kinetic model was ftted and calculated,implying the MB physically adsorbed on the bio-char rapidly and then occurred chemical adsorption on the acidic sites.In addition,through KBC700 recycling experiments,it was found that kenaf biochar had a good binding force to MB,which effectively avoided secondary pollution.This work provides important insights for the adsorption mechanism of MB by biochar,also offers some guidance for the further synthesis of biochar from various biomass.

Species,growth form,and biogeographic diversity of summit vegetation along an elevation gradient in the tropical Andes:a baseline for climate change monitoring

Tropical alpine ecosystems exhibit outstanding plant diversity and endemism while being particularly sensitive to the impacts of climate change.Although understanding spatiotemporal changes in plant species composition,richness and community structure along tropical alpine altitudinal gradients is of primary importance,both the functional and historical/biogeographic dimensions of vegetation diversity remain largely unexplored.We used Generalized Linear Models and multivariate analyses to assess changes in species,growth forms,and biogeographic groups richness and abundance,in response to habitat variables along an elevation gradient in seven summits(3800 to 4600 m asl)in the Venezuelan Andes,studied using the standardized approach of the GLORIA-Andes monitoring network.The habitat variables assessed were soil temperature(-10 cm),soil organic matter,slope inclination,and substrate cover.We found 113 species,representing72 genera,32 families,13 growth forms,and seven biogeographic origins,that included 25%of endemic elements.We observed richer vegetation,both in terms of species and growth forms,in summits with higher soil temperatures and higher SOM content,as well as higher biogeographic origin richness with increasing soil temperatures.The presence of holarctic elements increased toward higher elevations,while the occurrence of austral antarctic elements increased toward lower elevations.Our results indicate that biogeographic and functional approaches to vegetation diversity capture well the effect of abiotic filtering on community structuring in these tropical alpine environments.These findings constitute an important baseline for monitoring vegetation dynamics linked to climate change in the Venezuelan Andes by highlighting the functional and historical perspective on vegetation analyses,in contrast with more traditional approaches,based only on taxonomic species diversity.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on the Population Structure and Reproductive Biology of Idotea balthica basteri (Isopoda, Valvifera) of the Bizerte Lagoon (Northern Tunisia)

The reproductive biology of a natural population of Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772) collected from Menzel Jemil (Bizerte lagoon, Tunisia) was monthly studied from October 2009 to October 2010. Besides water temperature, salinity, turbidity, pH, and dissolved oxygen were measured. Based on the state of differentiation of individuals, the population was divided into 8 categories. Their numbers depend on the one hand to intrinsic factors imposed by the specimens and the structure of the population themselves, and to extrinsic factors due to the variability of environmental conditions on the other hand. Females were morphologically recognisable at smaller size than males. Reproductive activity, which was reflected through the presence of ovigerous females and juveniles, underwent fluctuations throughout the year, but it was continuous. Moreover, salinity, temperature, nitrates, and plant biomass have a noticeable effect on the fecundity and fertility. The Principal Component Analysis also confirmed that the richness of the water in nitrates would be favorable to fecundity and fertility of Idotea balthica basteri. However, higher phosphate concentrations, in April and May seem to have a positive effect on the sex ratio. Otherwise, the temperature would be responsible for increasing the percentage of ovigerous females.

BiOBr基超声燃料电池构建与污染物去除研究

在超声波催化条件下,构建以TiO2/BiOBr和MoS2为电极的超声催化燃料电池系统,对废水中的污染物罗丹明B(RhB)进行降解。该体系以复合材料TiO2/BiOBr作为阳极,MoS2为阴极,通过控制变量法改变二者催化剂比例、有无曝气条件、光照条件、底物浓度、电阻大小等单一变量研究对RhB的降解性能,对比不同催化剂负载量的降解效果,确定了MoS2和TiO2/Bi OBr的负载量最佳比例。研究结果表明,在曝气、自然光条件下,m(TiO2/BiOBr)∶m(MoS2)为1∶5时,超声波辐照120 min后降解率最高达到99.7%。此外,可通过协同半导体材料的催化与压电性能来提高污染物的降解效率。