A morphological and histological comparison of the initiation and development of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) somatic embryogenic cultures induced with naphthaleneacetic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Summary Somatic embryos produced in vitro may exhibit structural abnormalities that affect their subsequent germination and conversion into plants. To assess the influence of auxin type on embryo initiation and development, a morphological and histological comparison was made of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) somatic embryogenic cultures induced on media with naphthaleneacetic acid or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), using light and scanning electron microscopy. Both auxins promoted enhanced cell division, particularly in subepidermal cell layers. However, notable differences were observed in mitotic activity, location of embryogenic cell proliferation, epidermal continuity, callus growth, and embryo morphology. Cultures induced on naphthaleneacetic acid had embryogenic regions composed of homogeneous, isodiametric, meristematic cells. Embryos derived from these cultures generally had a normal morphology, were single, and had a discrete apical meristem. In contrast, tissues induced on media with 2,4-D had more intense and heterogeneous regions of cell division. Proliferating cell regions were composed of meristematic cells interspersed with callus and involved more extensive regions of the mesophyll. Marked callus proliferation caused epidermal rupture in some areas. Embryos induced on medium with 2,4-D had a higher incidence of abnormalities that included fasciated, fan-shaped, and tubular embryos. Defined apical meristems were often lacking or partially obliterated due to callus proliferation. The heterogeneous, often intensive proliferation of cells in cultures induced with 2,4-D may interfere with normal patterns of embryo development.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - BAP 6-benzylaminopurine - NAA naphthaleneacetic acid - SEM scanning electron microscopy     

灵芝免疫调节蛋白(Lz-8)在毕赤酵母中的表达及其免疫活性鉴定

真菌免疫调节蛋白家族(Fungi immunoregulatory proteins,FIPs)各成员所具有的免疫调节和抗肿瘤活性已被广泛研究。本研究利用毕赤酵母表达系统对其成员Lz-8进行了重组表达。以毕赤酵母突变株GS115为表达宿主细胞,PCR和DNA测序结果均显示Lz-8的cDNA已被成功地整合入酵母基因组。聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(SDS-PAGE)、激光解析飞行时间质谱(MALDI-TOF-MS)和免疫学实验均被用于重组表达蛋白的检测。实验结果表明Lz-8在毕赤酵母表达系统中得到成功表达,在SDS-PAGE中可观察到分子量为14000D的单一条带,MALDI-TOF-MS的实验结果显示rLz-8的分子量为12722D。在相关的免疫学实验中,rLz-8可引起绵羊血红细胞凝集,但对人血4种血型的红细胞并没有凝集作用,rlz-8还可诱导巨噬细胞吞噬作用,均与其他报道中的实验结果吻合。以上结果表明,本实验已成功地利用毕赤酵母表达系统对Lz-8进行重组表达。     

A new rhynchosaur maxillary tooth plate morphotype expands the disparity of the group in the Ischigualasto Formation (Late Triassic) of Northwestern Argentina

Abstract

Rhynchosaurs are a clade of quadruped, herbivorous stem-archosaur diapsids restricted to the Triassic Period. The group became globally distributed and the numerically dominant tetrapods of several terrestrial ecosystems before their extinction. Derived rhynchosaurs are characterized by a specialized masticatory apparatus, composed of a blade-and-groove occlusion with multiple longitudinal maxillary tooth rows. The morphology of the maxillary tooth plate has shown to be taxonomically and phylogenetically informative. So far, two rhynchosaur maxillary tooth plate morphotypes are known in Argentina, one belonging to an unnamed stenaulorhynchine from the Chañares Formation and the other to the hyperodapedontine Hyperodapedon sanjuanensis, the single rhynchosaur species currently name for the Ischigualasto Formation. Here we describe a new rhynchosaur maxillary tooth plate morphotype based on an indeterminate hyperodapedontine specimen from the Ischigualasto Formation. This maxillary tooth plate (PVL 2728) possesses a single longitudinal groove that divides symmetric lateral and medial tooth-bearing areas with relatively large tooth crowns, which is an uncommon combination of features among hyperodapedontines. These qualitative observations in addition to quantitative analyses show that the morphology of PVL 2728 differs from that of, at least, other sampled South American rhynchosaurs. Therefore, this specimen expands the morphological disparity of rhynchosaurs in northwest Argentina and southwestern Pangaea.     

A new species of Dasypodidae (Xenarthra: Cingulata) from the late Miocene of northwestern South America: implications in the Dasypodini phylogeny and diversity

A new species of dasypodid armadillo (Xenarthra, Cingulata), Anadasypus aequatorianus, from the late Miocene of Ecuador is described. The remains were collected in sediments of the Letrero Formation, Nabón Basin, which is part of several intermontane basins related to Andean uplift. The genus represents the oldest record of Dasypodini, which also encompasses Propraopus (Pleistocene–early Holocene) and Dasypus (?Miocene–Recent). The new species is based on several osteoderms, which show more derived features than Anadasypus hondanus, from the middle Miocene of Colombia. In order to test the affinities of A. aequatorianus within Dasypodini, we conducted a cladistic analysis of 24 morphological characters for 10 taxa. The most parsimonious tree supports the generic attribution of the new species and places Anadasypus basal to Propraopus and Dasypus, agreeing with the stratigraphic evidence. The faunas from tropical Andean areas differ noticeably from the better-known assemblages of the classic South American sequences. In the case of dasypodines, their geochronological distribution shows that they were historically restricted to tropical and subtropical environments and the main cladogenetic events of the group probably occurred at lower latitudes. In this context, the taxon described herein fills important temporal and geographic gaps of early Neogene armadillos from intertropical areas.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9DC76603-D831-4E68-BE55-90113228E0F4     

Seasonal distribution of the long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae) in North America: does a generalized migration pattern really exist?

Aim This paper examines the migration of the tropical nectarivorous bat Leptonycteris curasoae considered as a latitudinal migrant that breeds in south-west United States and northern Mexico in spring and migrates southward during fall. We tested the hypothesis that the latitudinal migration occurs only locally given by the local availability of bat resources, leading to migratory movements in zones with seasonal scarcity of resources and to resident bat populations where resources are available throughout the year. Localization We analysed the presence of L. curasoae along its distribution range in North America (between 14°N and 33°N). Study cases were also conducted in three Mexican localities: the Tehuacán Valley (17°48′–18°58′N and 96°48′–97°43′W), Sonoran Desert (28°41′N and 110°15′W), and the coast of Jalisco (19°32′N and 105°07′W). Methods Geographic evidence for latitudinal migration of L. curasoae was analysed using 94-year capture records housed in twenty-two collections of North America. Records were analysed using a Geographical Information System (GIS), in which floral resources and capture records were integrated. Monthly captures in the Tehuacán Valley were conducted during three years and bats abundance and reproductive status were correlated with the phenology of bat resources. Bat captures were also conducted during two consecutive years in an extratropical desert during winter and spring, and during one spring in the coast of Jalisco. Results The latitudinal migration of L. curasoae in North America only occurs at latitudes near 30°N, whereas bats may be residents at latitudes lower than 21°N. Captures were associated always to the availability of floral resources in both geographical and local scales. Main conclusions The existence of resident populations in the tropics with two reproductive events support the hypothesis that migration only occurs in the northern distribution limit of this nectar-feeding bat.     

Met and unmet needs of dependent older people according to the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly (CANE): A scoping review

In order to address the complexity of needs of dependent older people, multidimensional and person-centered needs assessment is required. The objective of this review is to describe met and unmet needs of dependent older people, living in the community or in institutions, and the factors associated with those needs. Selection criteria included papers about need asessment which employed the Camberwell Assesment of Need for the Elderly (CANE). A search through MEDLINE, SCOPUS, WOS and CINHAL databases was carried out. Twenty-one articles were finally included. Unmet needs were found more frequently in psychosocial areas (mainly in “company”, “daytime activities” and “psychological distress”) and in institutionalized population. In addition, unmet needs were often associated with depressive symptoms, dependency, and caregiver burden. Discrepancies between self-reported needs and needs perceived by formal and informal caregivers were identified. It is important that professionals and caregivers try to make visible the perspective of older people and their psychological and social needs, particularly when the person is dependent, depressed or cognitively impaired.     

Life Cycle Inventory for Use of Waste Solvent as Fuel Substitute in the Cement Industry - A Multi-Input Allocation Model (11 pp)

Background The Swiss chemical industry produces large amounts of organic waste solvents. Some of these solvents cannot be recovered. A common option for the treatment of such organic waste solvents is the incineration in hazardous waste incinerators. Alternatively, the waste solvents can be used as fuel in cement production. On the one hand, solvent incineration in cement kilns saves fossil fuels such as coal and heavy fuel oil. On the other hand, fuel-bound emissions may change as well. These emission changes can either have a negative or a positive net ecological impact, depending on the chemical nature of the waste solvent used.Goal and Scope The aim of our work was to develop a multi-input allocation model, which allows one to calculate life cycle inventories for specific waste solvents. These LCIs can then be used in further applications, e.g. a comparison of different waste solvent treatment options. Results and Discussion A multi-input allocation model was developed that takes into account the physico-chemical properties of waste solvents such as elementary composition and net calorific value. The model is based on a set of equations and data on fuel mix, fuel composition as well as transfer coefficients for heavy metals. The model calculates “avoided inputs” and “changes in emissions” which arise from substituting fossil fuels with waste solvents. Life cycle inventories can be calculated for specific waste solvents if the elementary composition and the net calorific value are known. The application of the model is illustrated in a case study on four waste solvents. The results show that solvent incineration in cement kilns generally reduces the overall impact of clinker production because fossil fuels are replaced. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the model is especially sensitive to the fuel mix and coal properties, such as net calorific value as well as the content of nitrogen and carbon. The transfer coefficients are also uncertain, but this uncertainty is not relevant as the amount of heavy metal emitted into the atmosphere is small. Conclusions and Outlook The proposed model serves to calculate inventory data for the combustion of liquid alternative fuels such as waste solvents in cement kilns. Although our model represents Swiss cement production conditions, it can be applied to other countries by fitting the most sensitive parameters of fuel mix and coal properties. In case the technology used is very different to the Swiss situation, the transfer coefficients also need to be adapted.     

The role of pigeon consumption in the population dynamics and breeding performance of a peregrine falcon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Falco peregrinus</Emphasis>) population: conservation implications

In this paper, we describe and analyze the diet of peregrine falcons during a long-term period (1982–2002). A combination of direct observations of prey brought to nests, prey remains, and regurgitated pellets were used to calculate diet diversity and dietary overlap between peregrine pairs. We also examined diet diversity in relation to breeding performance. All peregrine pairs fed mainly on birds, with pigeons the most common prey. An increase in pigeon availability has been associated with both an increase in population size and an increase in breeding performance (measured as the average productivity of pairs per year) of a small peregrine falcon population in eastern Spain. Average productivity was lower when dietary breadth was higher. We speculate that our results were the synergistic effect of declining persecution and increased pigeon availability through increased popularity of keeping racing pigeons. There is a conflict of interests between pigeon fanciers and peregrine conservation. As a consequence, this could result to an increased risk of mortality by direct persecution. In accordance with this, conservation measures aimed at preventing direct persecution are encouraged.     

Metabolic control and chronic complications during a 3-year follow-up period in a cohort of type 2 diabetic patients attended in primary care in the Community of Madrid (Spain)

BackgroundOur aim was to analyze both metabolic control and chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients regularly attended in primary care during a 3 years of follow-up in the Community of Madrid (Spain).MethodsFrom 2007 to 2010 we prospectively included 3268 patients with T2D attended by 153 primary care physicians from 51 family health centers. An prospective cohort study with annual evaluation over 3 years to the same population was performed. We measured the goals of control in diabetic patients and the incidence of chronic complications of diabetes during the study period.ResultsA significant decrease in serum glucose levels (143 ± 42 mg/dl vs 137 ± 43 mg/dl, p < 0.00), HbA1c (7.09 ± 1.2% vs 7.02 ± 1.2%, p < 0.00), total cholesterol (191.4 ± 38 mg/dl vs 181.5 ± 36 mg/dl, p < 0.00), LDL cholesterol (114.7 ± 31 mg/dl vs 105.5 ± 30 mg/dl, p < 0.00) and triglyceride levels (144.5 ± 93 mg/dl vs 138 ± 84 mg/dl, p < 0.00) during study period was documented. On the contrary, a significant elevation in HDL cholesterol levels was observed (49.2 ± 14 mg/dl vs 49.9 ± 16 mg/dl, p < 0.00). The incidence of diabetic complications throughout the study period was low, with a incidence of coronary heart disease of 6.2%, peripheral arterial disease 3%, ischemic stroke 2.8%, diabetic foot 11.2%, nephropathy 5.9%, retinopathy 4.5%, and neuropathy 3%.ConclusionMetabolic control in T2D patients attended in primary care in the Community of Madrid throughout 3 years is adequate and is accompanied by low percent of chronic diabetic complications during this period of follow-up.     

On the ecology of the filter-feeding Neureclipsis bimaculata (Trichoptera, Polycentropodidae) in an acid and iron rich post-mining stream

Open-pit mining of lignite in East Germany has created landscapes with extreme environmental conditions. Post-mining aquatic habitats are characterized by low biodiversity and simple food webs due to the impact of acid mine drainage. In this study, the ecology of the filter-feeding caddisfly Neureclipsis bimaculata (L.) was examined, which is abundant in the acidic Floßgraben stream (pH 2.5–3.6) in Lower Lusatia, Germany. From benthic samples, we measured larval size and biomass and estimated population dynamics. The seston drift was sampled and retention efficiency of the larvae’s nets was assessed in a field tracer experiment to evaluate diet availability. Mean annual abundance was 1,380 ind m^?2 with a biomass of 1,010 mg m^?2. Annual secondary production of N. bimaculata was 8,450 mg m^?2. The larval microdistribution reflected the preference for in-stream wood and a limitation by low flow velocity. Morphometric factors of the larvae in the acidic stream were in the range of morphometric factors found in circumneutral streams that covered a range of trophic levels. Although coverage by iron particles reduced flow, the nets account for 63% of the mean particle retention. It is suggested that the retention efficiency and the availability of drifting organisms allowed the larvae to feed on 8.4 mg m^?2 per day, which revealed a ratio of biomass production to ingested food of 60%.     

Use of assisted reproduction for the improvement of milk production in dairy camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Despite their production potential and ability to survive on marginal resources in extreme conditions, dromedaries have not been exploited as an important food source. Camels have not been specifically selected for milk production, and genetic improvement has been negligible. High individual variation in milk production both within the population and within breeds provides a good base for selection and genetic progress. In this paper, we discuss the possibilities and constraints of selective breeding for milk production in camels, and include a summary of the use of embryo transfer at the world's first camel dairy farm. Embryo transfer is an integral part of the breeding strategy at the camel dairy farm because it increases selection intensity and decreases the generation interval. Using high milk-producing camels as donors and low producing camels as recipients, 146 embryos were recovered (6.1 ± 1.0 embryos/donor; range: 0–18). Embryos were transferred non-surgically into 111 recipients (83 single and 28 twin embryo transfers). Pregnancy rate at 21 days and 5 months was 55% (61/111) and 45% (50/111), respectively. Finally, a total of 46 recipients delivered a live calf. These results document the utility of embryo transfer using high milk producing dromedaries as donors.     

向日葵种群中植株个体大小对其氮素利用策略的影响

我们利用Berendse和Aerts提出的氮素利用效率(NUE)概念及原理研究了高密度一年生草本植物向日葵(Helianthus annuus L.)种群中植株个体大小对其氮素吸收利用的影响,并对种内竞争进行了分析.结果表明,植株对氮素的吸收与其个体大小不成线性关系,说明种群内不同植株个体对土壤氮素的竞争属于非对称竞争.植株的氮素损失随着个体大小的增加而增加.个体较大的植株具有较高的氮素输入率和较低的氮素输出率,因而具有较高的氮素净增加值.植株的氮素生产力(NP)和氮素平均滞留时间(MRT)均与植株个体大小呈正相关.较大的植物个体具有较高的NP和较长的MRT,由于NUE为NP和MRT二者的乘积,因而较大个体植株的NUE高于个体较小的植株.同种植物的不同个体的NP和MRT之间不存在协衡关系.氮素回收效率(NRE)与植株个体大小密切相关.在个体水平上,较大的植株个体具有较高的NUE与其较高的NRE有关.种群内植株个体对土壤氮素的非对称竞争主要由于植株对氮素的吸收和利用效率不同所致.因此,Berendse和Aerts提出的氮素利用效率概念不仅适用于研究种间的养分利用策略,对于种内不同植株的养分策略研究也同样适用.     

Importance of Conserving Alternative Pollinators: Assessing the Pollination Efficiency of the Squash Bee, Peponapis limitaris in Cucurbita moschata (Cucurbitaceae)

Although the honey bee, Apis mellifera, has been considered the best pollinator for crops needing insect pollination, the current pandemic of varroatosis among honeybees highlights the need to find additional or alternative species as managed crop pollinators. Moreover, there is evidence that A. mellifera may not always be the most efficient pollinator. Introduction of A. mellifera into crops may be unnecessary, and even detrimental to non-Apis bee populations, which should be considered as an alternative for crop production improvement. Evaluating the pollination efficiency of non-Apis bees is one of the first steps in planning successful strategies for their conservation. In this study, we evaluated the pollination efficiency of Peponapis limitaris and A. mellifera in plots of Cucurbita moschata: pollen removal and deposition; pollinator visit frequency; and the pollinator visit–nectar production relationship. The results show P. limitaris to be the most efficient pollinator as: (1) both males and females remove and deposit almost four times as much pollen as A. mellifera; (2) they make significantly more floral visits than A. mellifera; and (3) their visit frequency shows a strong relationship to C. moschata nectar production during anthesis. Recommendations arising from this study are: (1) the introduction of A. mellifera be avoided in C. moschata crops; and (2) basic research be done on the biology of P. limitaris that contribute to its conservation and greater exploitation.     

Application of infrared thermography as an indicator of heat and methane production and its use in the study of skin temperature in response to physiological events in dairy cattle (Bos taurus)

There is a demand in the livestock industry for alternative assessments of feed efficiency. Infrared thermography was tested for predicting heat production, methane production and for the detection of physiological events (e.g. heat increment of feeding) in dairy cattle. Multiple body locations were infrared scanned concomitantly with the measurement of the animals’ gaseous exchange. Infrared thermography can be successfully applied for assessing heat and methane production, through the analysis of feet temperature and temperature difference between left and right flanks, respectively. This technology is also useful for assessing physiological responses to milking and feeding.     

Biodiversity of yeasts isolated from the indigenous forest of Argan <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Argania spinosa</Emphasis> (L.) Skeels) in Morocco

In this study we have isolated and characterized yeasts from the soil, leaves and fruits of the indigenous Moroccan Argan tree (Argania spinosa) in two locations: the coastal city of Essaouira and a drier, more stressed environment in Taroudant city. Factorial and classification analyses of the metabolic profiles showed that the yeasts from the soil and those from the fruit seemed to form distinctive groups while those from the leaves were common to the two groups. Associating the profiles with yeast species, the soil isolates seemed to be dominated by profiles associated with basidiomycetous yeasts (Bullera variabilis, association to Filobasidium capsuligenum, and Rhodotorula glutinis) while those of the fruits were associated with ascomycetous yeasts (Pichia angusta and Zygoascus hellenicus). Most profile groups were shared between the leaves and one of the other biotopes owing to the semi-deciduous character of the Argan leaves that dominate in the rhizospheric soil and to the fibrous and low flesh fruits of Argan. Although most metabolic profile groups were represented in both sampling locations, certain groups were encountered only in Taroudant samples among which a group of four yeasts that grew at 44 °C. The Taroudant samples also presented the two most osmo-tolerant yeasts capable of growing at 15% NaCl and 125% sucrose. Some of the yeast strains showed very promising activities of polygalacturonase (0.40 units/g protein) without any pectinesterase activity while others strongly inhibited the gray rot mould Botrytis cinerea, and could be good candidates for the post-harvest control of this mould on fruits.     

Use of spent mushroom substrates from Agaricus subrufescens (syn. A. blazei, A. brasiliensis) and Lentinula edodes productions in the enrichment of a soil-based potting media for lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivation: Growth promotion and soil bioremediation

This study aimed to assess physicochemical and microbiological properties of fresh spent mushroom substrates (SMSs) – without post-crop heat treatment – from Agaricus subrufescens and Lentinula edodes production to optimize the use of these residues in the soil enrichment for lettuce growth promotion and soil remediation. Organic matter and C content of both SMSs were high. Fresh A. subrufescens SMS was a good source of N, P and K. On the other hand, L. edodes SMS presented a lower concentration of these nutrients and a high level of immaturity. Both SMSs presented high electric conductivity values (2.5–3.4 mS/cm). Microbiological analysis, based upon enumeration of culturable bacteria (thermophilic and mesophilic) and fungi, and also evolution of CO₂, showed that SMSs played higher microbial diversity than soil control. Laccase activity from A. subrufescens SMS tended to remain constant during a 2-month period, while L. edodes SMS presented low laccase activity throughout the same period. Agaricus subrufescens and L. edodes were able to grow on a PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) media supplemented with different concentrations of atrazine (1–50 μg/ml), degraded the herbicide, attaining rates of 35% and 26%, respectively. On experiments of lettuce growth promotion using a soil-based potting media with different SMS rates, 5% and 10% (dw) rates of A. subrufescens SMS resulted in higher lettuce aerial dry weights than the rates of 25% and 40%, the chemical fertilization (NPK) and the control (soil). At 10% supplementation, lettuce aerial dry weight increased 2.2 and 1.3 times compared to the control and the NPK treatment, respectively. Protein content increased along with SMS rates. Fresh A. subrufescens SMS was an excellent supplement for lettuce growth promotion and showed potential for remediation of biocides possibly due to improved microbial diversity and enzymatic activity. Fresh L. edodes SMS was not a good fertilizer, at least under the conditions tested. However, microbiological analysis showed that promising results may be achieved when using fresh L. edodes SMS for soil remediation.