Age and growth of pearly razorfish,Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus 1758), in the central Mediterranean Sea

Age and growth of pearly razorfish Xyrichtys novacula (Labridae) were determined in specimens caught on sandy bottoms by surrounding nets and lines (depth range 5–30 m) between January 2000 and December 2002. The study location was in the central Mediterranean Sea. For this purpose the annual growth increments (annuli) in sagittae were analysed. A total of 470 individuals of X. novacula, ranging from 49 to 200 mm TL (total length), were examined. Conversion between total length and standard length was calculated and represented by the relationship: . Edge analysis on otoliths was carried out to validate seasonality deposition. Seven age‐classes were determined from 0+ to 6+. The linear relationship between maximum otolith length (OL) and TL was summarized in the equation . The estimated parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth function were L = 175.05 mm, k = 0.80 year^?1, t₀ =?0.73 years and the growth performance index calculated as (Φ = 2.39). The length–weight relationship W = 0.0139 TL^2.9326 described an isometric growth for the species in this area.     

Age,growth and reproduction of cutlassfishes Trichiurus spp. in the southern East China Sea

The cutlassfish is one of the most commercially important continental fishes in the East China Sea. However, the current classification of cutlassfishes is suboptimal and complicates fisheries management. This study investigated the growth and reproduction of three cutlassfish species in the southern East China Sea. Between August 2002 and September 2003, a total of 2717 specimens of Trichiurus japonicus, T. sp.2 (likely synonymous for T. nanhaiensis) and T. lepturus were collected monthly from Daxi, Anping, Nanfangao, Donggang and Xingang fishing ports. The von Bertalanffy growth model in preanal length (PL) resulted in PL (mm) for T. japonicus, PL(mm) for T. sp.2 and PL (mm) for T. lepturus. Their growths were significantly different between sexes for T. japonicus and T. sp.2 and among the three species. From macroscopic examination of ovaries, histological inspection of oocytes, and analyses of gonosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, T. japonicus was likely to spawn all year round, with two peaks in February–July and November–December. T. sp.2 spawned relatively later, between April and August. The length at sexual maturity of T. japonicus females was 264 mm PL or 746 mm total length. The sex ratios of T. japonicus and T. sp.2 were significantly different from 1 : 1 whereas T. lepturus showed no significant difference. The three species of trichiurids have different geographical distributions in this region.     

Age and growth of Lessepsian rabbitfish from the eastern Mediterranean

Rabbitfish are currently an important component of the eastern Mediterranean inshore fishery. This study estimates age and calculates growth of Siganus rivulatus and S. luridus from the Lebanese coastal waters based on otolith analysis and compares results with available data from different geographical locations. Annual periodicity of alternating zones was confirmed for S. rivulatus, in which one opaque and one translucent zone were observed to deposit each year, but not for S. luridus. Both species appear to have a maximum lifespan of 6 years. The von Bertalanffy growth functions were L_t = 318.9(1 ? e^{?0.225(t+1.307)}) for S. rivulatus and L_t = 274.9(1 ? e^{?0.330(t+1.039)}) for S. luridus and length–weight relationships were estimated as for S. rivulatus and for S. luridus. The rabbitfish catches of the Lebanese fishery consist mainly of individuals which have not reached their first maturity. Rabbitfish from the eastern Mediterranean coastal waters appear to grow rapidly most of the year and are thus able to maintain relatively important population size despite intensive fishing pressure.     

Role of Host Glycosphingolipids on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paracoccidioides brasiliensis</Emphasis> Adhesion

Binding of yeast forms to human lung fibroblast cultures was analyzed, aiming to better understand the initial steps of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in humans. A significant P. brasiliensis adhesion was observed either to fibroblasts or to their Triton X-100 insoluble fraction, which contains extracellular matrix and membrane microdomains enriched in glycosphingolipids. Since human lung fibroblasts express at cell-surface gangliosides, such as GM1, GM2, and GM3, the role of these glycosphingolipids on P. brasiliensis adhesion was analyzed by different procedures. Anti-GM3 monoclonal antibody or cholera toxin subunit B (which binds specifically to GM1) reduced significantly fungal adhesion to fibroblast cells, by 35% and 33%, respectively. Direct binding of GM1 to yeast forms of P. brasiliensis was confirmed using cholera toxin subunit B conjugated to AlexaFluor^®488. It was also demonstrated that P. brasiliensis binds to polystyrene plates coated with galactosylceramide, lactosylceramide, trihexosylceramide, GD3, GM1, GM3, and GD1a, suggesting that glycosphingolipids presenting residues of beta-galactose or neuraminic acid at non-reducing end may act as adhesion molecules for P. brasiliensis. Conversely, no binding was detected when plates were adsorbed with glycosphingolipids that contain terminal residue of beta-N-acetylgalactosamine, such as globoside (Gb4), GM2, and asialo-GM2. In human fibroblast (WI-38 cells), GM3 and GM1 are associated with membrane rafts, which remain insoluble after treatment with Triton X-100 at 4°C. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that lung fibroblast gangliosides, GM3 and GM1, are involved in binding and/or infection by P. brasiliensis.     

Age and growth of Gerres oyena (Forsskål, 1775) on Okinawa Island, Japan

Age and growth were studied for Gerres oyena (Forsskål, 1775) on Okinawa Island, southern Japan from November 2002 to November 2005. A total of 408 samples was collected ranging from 5.85 to 19.65 cm standard length (L_SL). Male fish age was estimated at up to 6⁺ years, whereas females reached 8⁺ years as estimated by sectioned otoliths. The length–weight relationships and the von Bertalanffy growth curve were described for all individuals as: and L_t = 20.54{1 − e^{−0.1807(t+2.8462)}}, respectively. Opaque rings were formed from April to August during the spring–summer seasons.     

Some biological characteristics of the garfish (Belone belone L., 1761) in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea

The present work was aimed at determining the growth parameters of the garfish, Belone belone, a commercially important pelagic fish species in Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea). A total of 347 garfish specimens was collected during the period January–December 1997 from purse‐seine boats operating in Izmir Bay. Fork length and total weight of the specimens ranged from 26.0 to 54.5 cm and from 16.51 to 281.73 g, respectively. Maximum age group determined was V for females and IV for males. Female : male ratio was 1 : 0.45. Most specimens belonged to age group II. The von Bertalanffy growth equations for length and weight were for both sexes.     

Development of single nucleotide polymorphism markers in the large and complex rubber tree genome using next-generation sequence data

The development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers provides the opportunity to improve many areas of plant breeding and population genetics. Unfortunately, for species such as the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), the use of next-generation sequencing for genomic SNP discovery is very difficult because of the large genome size and the abundance of repeated sequences. Access to a set of validated SNP markers is a significant advantage for rubber researchers who wish to apply SNPs in scientific research. Here, we performed genomic sequencing of H. brasiliensis and generated 10,993,648 short reads, which were assembled into 10,071 contigs (N50 = 3078) by a de novo assembly strategy. A total of 2446 contigs presented no hits in the current H. brasiliensis genome assembly and may therefore be considered novel genomic sequences of rubber tree. A total of 143 putative polymorphic positions were selected, gene annotations were available for 58.7 % of the markers, and all of the sequences could be anchored to the released H. brasiliensis genome. These SNPs were validated in eight genotypes of H. brasiliensis and 15 F1 plants from a mapping population, resulting in 30 (20.9 %) positions correctly classified. The analysis revealed key candidate genes responsible for defence mechanisms and provided markers for further genetic improvement of Hevea in breeding programmes.     

Testicular glycoprotein biosynthesis stimulated byin vivo administration of follicle stimulating hormone

Summary In vivo administration of follicle-stimulating hormone causes the increase of the in vitro incorporation of D-[1-³H] glucose, D-[¹⁴C-(U)] glucosamine or D-[2-³H] mannose into glycoproteins of normal or Sertoli cell enriched testes of immature rats. This effect is blocked by preincubation of the testes with tunicamycin.Abbreviations FSH follicle stimulating hormone - KRB Krebs Ringer bicarbonate buffer - TCA trichloroacetic acid - SCE testes Sertoli cell enriched testes     

Optimization of a stagewise biochemical reactor system with product feedback

A consecutive, first-order, irreversible, biochemical reaction, \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ A{\textstyle{{k(\theta)} \over {{\rm Enzyme }1}}} \to B{\textstyle{{k(\theta)} \over {{\rm Enzyme 2}}}} \to C $\end{document}, taking place in a series of N reactors with product recycle is considered. A discrete version of the maximum principle is used to derive general equations necessary for maximizing the production of (1) the final product, C, by choosing the temperature or the pH value in each reactor, and (2) the intermediate product, B, by choosing the reactor volume. A numerical computation for a series of three reactors with recycle is illustrated. The effects of varying the recycle rates on the optimal state and decision variables are also presented.     

Regulation of Natural Rubber Biosynthesis by Proteins Associated with Rubber Particles

Natural rubber, cis-1,4-polyisoprene, is an essential raw material used in thousands of products, many of which are absolutely necessary for medical purposes. Natural rubber is obtained from latex, an aqueous emulsion present in the laticiferous vessels of the natural rubber-producing plants. Hevea brasiliensis (the Brazilian rubber tree) currently is the only commercially important source of natural rubber. H. brasiliensis crops have very little genetic variability, leaving rubber plantations at risk of serious pathogenic attacks. In addition, repeated exposure to residual proteins in latex products derived from H. brasiliensis have led to serious and widespread allergic (type I) hypersensitivity. Therefore, identification of alternative sources of natural rubber is a very important biotechnological task. Potentially, Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) may be such an alternative because significant amounts of natural rubber are produced in its root system. However, H. brasiliensis is a more efficient producer of natural rubber than T. kok-saghyz. Thus, improvement of rubber biosynthesis in plants is a first-priority problem of modern biotechnology. In this review, we describe proteins that may increase the concentration of natural rubber in laticiferous vessels of T. kok-saghyz and its close relative Taraxacum brevicorniculatum, when overexpressed in the plants. These proteins, cis-prenyltransferases, rubber transferase activator, and small rubber particle proteins, are directly involved in synthesis of the polyisoprene chain. We also analyze the effects of their expression levels on the production of natural rubber in vivo.     

The kinome of Phytophthora infestans reveals oomycete-specific innovations and links to other taxonomic groups

Background

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Eukaryota, Fungi, Ascomycota) is a thermodimorphic fungus, the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America. Three isolates corresponding to distinct phylogenetic lineages of the Paracoccidioides species complex had their genomes sequenced. In this study the identification and characterization of class II transposable elements in the genomes of these fungi was carried out.

Results

A genomic survey for DNA transposons in the sequence assemblies of Paracoccidioides, a genus recently proposed to encompass species P. brasiliensis (harboring phylogenetic lineages S1, PS2, PS3) and P. lutzii (Pb01-like isolates), has been completed. Eight new Tc1/mariner families, referred to as Trem (Tr ansposable e lement m ariner), labeled A through H were identified. Elements from each family have 65-80% sequence similarity with other Tc1/mariner elements. They are flanked by 2-bp TA target site duplications and different termini. Encoded DDD-transposases, some of which have complete ORFs, indicated that they could be functionally active. The distribution of Trem elements varied between the genomic sequences characterized as belonging to P. brasiliensis (S1 and PS2) and P. lutzii. TremC and H elements would have been present in a hypothetical ancestor common to P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii, while TremA, B and F elements were either acquired by P. brasiliensis or lost by P. lutzii after speciation. Although TremD and TremE share about 70% similarity, they are specific to P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii, respectively. This suggests that these elements could either have been present in a hypothetical common ancestor and have evolved divergently after the split between P. brasiliensis and P. Lutzii, or have been independently acquired by horizontal transfer.

Conclusions

New families of Tc1/mariner DNA transposons in the genomic assemblies of the Paracoccidioides species complex are described. Families were distinguished based on significant BLAST identities between transposases and/or TIRs. The expansion of Trem in a putative ancestor common to the species P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii would have given origin to TremC and TremH, while other elements could have been acquired or lost after speciation had occurred. The results may contribute to our understanding of the organization and architecture of genomes in the genus Paracoccidioides.     

New species and records of Neotropical Cardiocladius Kieffer, 1912 (Diptera: Chironomidae,Orthocladiinae)

Cardiocladius moreloensis sp. n. is described and figured based on adult males collected in Morelos State in Mexico. Males of C. brasiliensis Oliveira, 1949 and C. travassosi Oliveira, 1951 are redescribed and figured based on new material from São Paulo State in Brazil. The generic diagnosis is expanded, and a key to the males of the Neotropical Cardiocladius species is presented.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:EE8B2267-3362-4A1F-BED6-0A1E35D7D480     

β-1,3-Glucanase is highly-expressed in laticifers of Hevea brasiliensis

Clones encoding -1,3-glucanase have been isolated from a Hevea cDNA library prepared from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis using a probe Nicotiana plumbaginifolia cDNA encoding -1,3-glucanase, gnl. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that a 1.2 kb Hevea cDNA encoding a basic -1,3-glucanase showed 68% nucleotide homology to gnl cDNA. Northern blot analysis using the Hevea cDNA as probe detected a mRNA of 1.3 kb which was expressed at higher levels in latex than in leaf. In situ hybridization analysis using petiole sections from Hevea localized the -1,3-glucanase mRNA to the laticifer cells. Genomic Southern analysis suggested the presence of a low-copy gene family encoding -1,3-glucanases in H. brasiliensis.     

Antagonistic Activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nocardia brasiliensis</Emphasis> PTCC 1422 Against Isolated Enterobacteriaceae from Urinary Tract Infections

The main drawback of current antibiotic therapies is the emergence and rapid increase in antibiotic resistance. Nocardiae are aerobic, Gram-positive, catalase-positive, non-motile actinomycetes. Nocardia brasiliensis was reported as antibiotic producer. The purpose of the study was to determine antibacterial activity of N. brasiliensis PTCC 1422 against isolated Enterobacteriaceae from urinary tract infections (UTIs). The common bacteria from UTIs were isolated from hospital samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for the isolated pathogens using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method according to clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline. Antagonistic activity of N. brasiliensis PTCC 1422 was examined with well diffusion methods. Supernatant of N. brasiliensis PTCC 1422 by submerged culture was analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Isolated strains included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and Proteus mirabilis. The most common pathogen isolated was E. coli (72.5 %). Bacterial isolates revealed the presence of high levels of antimicrobial resistances to ceftriaxone and low levels of resistance to cephalexin. Supernatant of N. brasiliensis PTCC 1422 showed antibacterial activity against all of the isolated microorganisms in well diffusion method. The antibiotic resistance among the uropathogens is an evolving process, so a routine surveillance to monitor the etiologic agents of UTI and the resistance pattern should be carried out timely to choose the most effective empirical treatment by the physicians. Our present investigation indicates that the substances present in the N. brasiliensis PTCC 1422 could be used to inhibit the growth of human pathogen. Antibacterial resistance among bacterial uropathogen is an evolving process. Therefore, in the field on the need of re-evaluation of empirical treatment of UTIs, our present. The study has demonstrated that N. brasiliensis PTCC 1422 has a high potential for the treatment of UTIs.     

Ectomycorrhizae and vascular plants growing in <Emphasis Type="Italic">brûlés</Emphasis> as indicators of below and above ground microecology of black truffle production areas in Navarra (Northern Spain)

The diversity below (ectomycorrhizae) and above (vascular flora) ground in brûlés of black truffle production areas have been studied together for the first time, both in plantations and in natural areas, as possible indicators of the microecology of these zones. Studies on the ectomycorrhizal community of mature plantations are scarce. However, monitoring the dynamics of such systems is important to understand the conditions that promote truffle fructification. In the study described here the most frequent ectomycorrhizae are Tuber melanosporum and Quercirrhiza quadratum. In the plantations, Q. quadratum is the most abundant morphotype and in the natural area it is Cenococcum geophilum. The development of truffle ecosystems involves the appearance of competitor species with wide networks of hyphae and rhizomorphs. On the other hand, there are few studies concerning the special composition of the vascular flora growing in brûlés. We identified 199 taxa, most of them Mediterranean or Eurosiberian xerophiles and therophytes. This is consistent with the ecology of truffle production areas (dry, sunny and stony). These plants are heavily influenced by the inhibiting substances produced by the truffle and, as a result, they suffer from inhibited growth and in some cases cannot complete their life cycle.     

Application of High Enzyme Activities Present in Clostridium Thermoaceticum for the Efficient Regeneration of NADPH,NADP+, NADH AND NAD+

Crude extracts of Clostridium thermoaceticum DSM 521 contain various AMAPORs (artificial mediator accepting pyridine nucleotide oxidoreductases). The specific activities of this mixture of AMAPORs is about 8–9 U mg^?1 protein (µmoles mg^?1 min^?1) for NADPH and 3–4 U mg^?1 protein for NADH formation with reduced methylviologen (MV⁺⁺) as electron donor. These AMAPOR-activities are only slightly oxygen sensitive. The reoxidation of NADPH and NADH with carboxamido-methylviologen is catalysed by crude extracts with 2.0 and 1.6 U mg^?1 protein, respectively. The same crude extracts also catalyse the dehydrogenation of reduced pyridine nucleotides with suitable quinones such as anthraquinone-2,6-disulphonate. The reduced quinone can be reoxidised by dioxygen.

The K_m-values of these enzymes for the pyridine nucleotides and also for the artificial electron mediators are in a suitable range for preparative transformations.

Furthermore the crude extract of C. thermoaceticum contains about 2.5 U mg^?1 protein of an NADP⁺-dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH), which is suitable for NADPH and/or MV⁺⁺ regeneration. The regeneration of MV⁺⁺ with FDH and formate as electron donor proceeds with a specific activity of about 5 U mg^?1 protein of the crude extract. The reduced viologen in turn reduces NAD(P)⁺ by AMAPOR. The formate dehydrogenase is sensitive to oxygen.

Examples of compounds which have been prepared by combination of AMAPORs or formate dehydrogenase with an oxidoreductase are: (S)-3-hydroxycarboxylates, esters of (S)-3-hydroxycarboxylates, (1R,2S)-1-hydroxypropane-tricarboxylate (D_s-(+)-isocitrate), L_s-(-)-isocitrate and 6-phosphogluconate.