Use of β-galactosidase (lacZ) gene α-complementation as a novel approach for assessment of titanium oxide nanoparticles induced mutagenesis

The mutagenic potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO(2)-NPs) of an average size 30.6nm was investigated using β-galactosidase (lacZ) gene complementation in plasmid pUC19/lacZ(-)Escherichia coli DH5α system. Plasmid pUC19 was treated with varying concentrations of TiO(2)-NPs and allowed to transfect the CaCl(2)-induced competent DH5α cells. The data revealed loss in transformation efficiency of TiO(2)-NPs treated plasmids as compared to untreated plasmid DNA in DH5α host cells. Induction of multiple mutations in α-fragment of lacZ gene caused synthesis of non-functional β-galactosidase enzyme, which resulted in a significant number of white (mutant) colonies of transformed E. coli cells. Screening of mutant transformants based on blue:white colony assay and DNA sequence analysis of lacZ gene fragment clearly demonstrated TiO(2)-NPs induced mutagenesis. Multiple alignment of selectable marker lacZ gene sequences from randomly selected mutants and control cells provided a gene specific map of TiO(2)-NPs induced mutations. Mutational analysis suggested that all nucleotide changes were point mutations, predominantly transversions (TVs) and transitions (TSs). A total of 32 TVs and 6 TSs mutations were mapped within 296 nucleotides (nt) long partial sequence of lacZ gene. The region between 102 and 147nt within lacZ gene sequence was found to be most susceptible to mutations with nine detectable point mutations (8 TVs and 1 TSs). Guanine base was determined to be more prone to TiO(2)-NPs induced mutations. This study suggested the pUC19/E. coli DH5αlacZ gene α-complementation system, as a novel genetic approach for determining the mutagenic potential, and specificity of manufactured NPs and nanomaterials.     

A new wild, pollinating bee species of the genus Tetraloniella from the Arabian Peninsula (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

A new species of the eucerine bee genus Tetraloniella Ashmead (Apinae: Eucerini) is described and figured from central Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Tetraloniella (Tetraloniella) persiciformissp. n. is distinguished on the basis of coloration, integumental sculpturing, male metafemoral structure, and male terminalia. A floral record of Pulicaria undulata (L.) C.A. Mey. (Compositae) is noted for some of the material. Females superficially resemble those of Tarsalia persica (Warncke) (Ancylaini) in overall coloration but can be distinguished by the typical generic and tribal characters.     

A new species of Chalicodoma from Saudi Arabia with modified facial setae (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae)

Some bees and pollen wasps have independently evolved simple, stiff, erect, apically-curved, curly or hooked facial setae as adaptations to collect pollen from nototribic flowers. A distinctive new species of Chalicodoma Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau subgenus Pseudomegachile Friese from Saudi Arabia with such morphological adaptations, Chalicodoma riyadhensesp. n., is described and figured. The species was captured visiting flowers of Blepharis ciliaris (L.) (Acanthaceae). The occurrence of modified facial setae is documented and discussed for the first time in eight other species of Pseudomegachile, and a key to the genera and subgenera of Megachilini currently confirmed for Saudi Arabia is provided.     

A redescription of the marine hypotrichous ciliate, Nothoholosticha fasciola (Kahl, 1932) nov. gen., nov. comb. (Ciliophora: Urostylida) with brief notes on its cellular reorganization and SS rRNA gene sequence

The morphology and infraciliature of the marine hypotrichous ciliate Nothoholosticha fasciola (Kahl, 1932) nov. gen., nov. comb., isolated from mariculture waters near Qingdao, China, are redescribed based on live and protargol-impregnated specimens. Features reported for the first time include the possession of more than 50 macronuclear nodules and details of the infraciliature, i.e. 50–60 adoral membranelles, shortened paroral and endoral membranes, six frontal, one buccal and two to seven transverse cirri, ca. 40 pairs of midventral cirri, ca. 60–120 left and 70–120 right marginal cirri, three dorsal kineties, caudal and frontoterminal cirri absent. In addition, brief details of two stages of cellular reorganization in N. fasciola are supplied and comparisons with some related urostylids based on SS rRNA gene sequence data are reported. The new genus Nothoholosticha is established based primarily on the absence of frontoterminal cirri, which distinctly separates it from similar urostylid genera. Anteholosticha longissima is transferred to Nothoholosticha as N. longissima (Dragesco and Dragesco-Kernéis, 1986) nov. comb. and Holosticha antarctica is transferred to Pseudokeronopsis as P. antarctica (Wilbert and Song, 2008) nov. comb.     

Characterization of the nucleotide sequence of a polyubiquitin gene (PUBC1) from Arabian camel, Camelus dromedarius

Molecular amplification and sequencing of genomic DNA that encodes camel polyubiquitin (PUBC1) was performed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using various sets of primers. The amplification generated a number of DNA fragments, which were sequenced and compared with the polyubiquitin coding sequences of various species. One DNA fragment that conformed to 325 bp was found to be 95 and 88% homologous to the sequences of human polyubiquitin B and C, respectively. The DNA translated into 108 amino acids that corresponded to two fused units of ubiquitin with no intervening sequence, which indicates that it is a polyubiquitin and contains at least two units of ubiquitin. Although, variations were found in the nucleotide sequence when compared to those of other species, the amino acid sequence was 100% homologous to the polyubiquitin sequences of humans, mice, and rats. This is the first report of the polyubiquitin DNA coding sequence and its corresponding amino acid sequence from camels, amplified using direct genomic DNA preparations.     

Preparation of transparent photoluminescence smart window by integration of rare-earth aluminate nanoparticles into recycled polyethylene waste

Novel photoluminescent nanocomposite sheets were prepared for simple commercial manufacturing of transparent and luminous photochromic smart windows. A simple physical integration of lanthanide-doped strontium aluminium oxide (LdSAO) nanoparticles into recycled polyethylene (PE) waste produced a smart nanocomposite with persistent phosphorescence and photochromic properties. Because the nanoparticle form of LdSAO is important for developing transparent materials, LdSAO nanoparticles were well dispersed in the PE matrix. Both the morphologies and chemical compositions of the LdSAO nanoparticles and LdSAO-containing luminescent PE sheets were investigated. Both LdSAO-free and photoluminescent PE sheets were colourless in normal daylight. However the LdSAO-containing PE luminescent samples only exhibited a brilliant green colour under ultraviolet (UV) light and a greenish-yellow colour in the dark as verified by Commission Internationale de l'éclairage laboratory parameters. Both absorbance and emission bands were monitored at 377 and 436/517 nm, respectively. The LdSAO-containing PE luminescent sheets were compared with the LdSAO-free sample using both photoluminescence spectroscopy and for their mechanical properties and were found to have improved scratch resistance, UV protection, and superhydrophobic activity. Due to the added LdSAO, photoluminescence, decay, and lifetime spectral tests confirmed its photochromic fluorescence and long-lasting phosphorescence characteristics. The PE@LdSAO nanocomposite sheets displayed UV protection, photostability, hydrophobicity, and excellent durability compared with the blank LdSAO-free PE sheet.     

Simple preparation of novel photochromic polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose security barcode incorporated with lanthanide-doped aluminate for anticounterfeiting applications

Forgery and low-quality products pose a danger to society. Therefore, there are increasing demands for the production of easy-to-recognize and difficult-to-copy anticounterfeiting materials. Products with smart photochromic and fluorescence properties can change colour and emission spectra responding to a light source. In this context, we devised a straightforward preparation of a luminescent polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) nanocomposite to function as a transparent labelling film. The lanthanide-doped aluminate (LdA) was prepared in the nanoparticle form to indicate diameters of 35–115 nm. Different ratios of the LdA were physically dispersed in the PVA/CMC nanocomposite label film to provide photochromic, ultraviolet protection, antimicrobial activity, and hydrophobic properties. Fluorescence peaks were detected at 365 and 519 nm to indicate a colour change to green. As a result of increasing the phosphor ratio, improved superhydrophobic activity was achieved as the contact angle was increased from 126.1° to 146.0° without affecting the film's original physical and mechanical properties. Both ultraviolet (UV) light protection and antibacterial activity were also investigated. The films showed a quick and reversible photochromic response without fatigue. The current strategy reported the development of a photochromic smart label that is transparent, cost effective, and flexible. As a result, numerous anticounterfeiting products can benefit from the current label for a better market. LdA-loaded PVA/CMC films demonstrated antibacterial activity between poor, good, very good, and outstanding as the percentage of LdA in the film matrix increased. The current film can be applied as a transparent photochromic security barcode for anticounterfeiting applications and smart packaging.     

On the origin of mongrels: evolutionary history of free-breeding dogs in Eurasia

Although a large part of the global domestic dog population is free-ranging and free-breeding, knowledge of genetic diversity in these free-breeding dogs (FBDs) and their ancestry relations to pure-breed dogs is limited, and the indigenous status of FBDs in Asia is still uncertain. We analyse genome-wide SNP variability of FBDs across Eurasia, and show that they display weak genetic structure and are genetically distinct from pure-breed dogs rather than constituting an admixture of breeds. Our results suggest that modern European breeds originated locally from European FBDs. East Asian and Arctic breeds show closest affinity to East Asian FBDs, and they both represent the earliest branching lineages in the phylogeny of extant Eurasian dogs. Our biogeographic reconstruction of ancestral distributions indicates a gradual westward expansion of East Asian indigenous dogs to the Middle East and Europe through Central and West Asia, providing evidence for a major expansion that shaped the patterns of genetic differentiation in modern dogs. This expansion was probably secondary and could have led to the replacement of earlier resident populations in Western Eurasia. This could explain why earlier studies based on modern DNA suggest East Asia as the region of dog origin, while ancient DNA and archaeological data point to Western Eurasia.