Cloning and sequencing of IS1086, an Alcaligenes eutrophus insertion element related to IS30 and IS4351.

A new insertion sequence (IS), designated IS1086, was isolated from Alcaligenes eutrophus CH34 by being trapped in plasmid pJV240, which contains the Bacillus subtilis sacB and sacR genes. The 1,106-bp IS1086 element contains partially matched (22 of 28 bp) terminal-inverted repeats and a long open reading frame. Hybridization data suggest the presence of one copy of IS1086 in the strain CH34 heavy-metal resistance plasmid pMOL28 and at least two copies in its chromosome. Analysis of the IS1086 nucleotide sequence revealed striking homology with two other IS elements, IS30 and IS4351, suggesting that they are three close members in a family of phylogenetically related insertion sequences. One open reading frame of the Spiroplasma citri phage SpV1-R8A2 B was also found to be related to this IS family but to a lesser extent. Comparison of the G+C contents of IS30 and IS1086 revealed that they conform to their respective hosts (46 versus 50% for IS30 and Escherichia coli and 64.5% for IS1086 and A. eutrophus). The pressure on the AT/GC ratio led to a very different codon usage in these two closely related IS elements. Results suggesting that IS1086 transposition might be activated by some forms of stress are discussed.     

How the Nucleus and Mitochondria Communicate in Energy Production During Stress: Nuclear MtATP6, an Early-Stress Responsive Gene, Regulates the Mitochondrial F1F0-ATP Synthase Complex

A small number of stress-responsive genes, such as those of the mitochondrial F₁F₀-ATP synthase complex, are encoded by both the nucleus and mitochondria. The regulatory mechanism of these joint products is mysterious. The expression of 6-kDa subunit (MtATP6), a relatively uncharacterized nucleus-encoded subunit of F₀ part, was measured during salinity stress in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive cultivated wheat genotypes, as well as in the wild wheat genotypes, Triticum and Aegilops using qRT-PCR. The MtATP6 expression was suddenly induced 3 h after NaCl treatment in all genotypes, indicating an early inducible stress-responsive behavior. Promoter analysis showed that the MtATP6 promoter includes cis-acting elements such as ABRE, MYC, MYB, GTLs, and W-boxes, suggesting a role for this gene in abscisic acid-mediated signaling, energy metabolism, and stress response. It seems that 6-kDa subunit, as an early response gene and nuclear regulatory factor, translocates to mitochondria and completes the F₁F₀-ATP synthase complex to enhance ATP production and maintain ion homeostasis under stress conditions. These communications between nucleus and mitochondria are required for inducing mitochondrial responses to stress pathways. Dual targeting of 6-kDa subunit may comprise as a mean of inter-organelle communication and save energy for the cell. Interestingly, MtATP6 showed higher and longer expression in the salt-tolerant wheat and the wild genotypes compared to the salt-sensitive genotype. Apparently, salt-sensitive genotypes have lower ATP production efficiency and weaker energy management than wild genotypes; a stress tolerance mechanism that has not been transferred to cultivated genotypes.     

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health Risks Assessment in Soils Around an Industrial Zone in Neyshabur,Iran

Biological Trace Element Research - Heavy metal pollution of soils in industrial zones continues to attract attention because of its potential human health risks. The present research is an attempt...     

Risk factors of peripheral arterial disease: a case control study in Sri Lanka

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an important global health problem and contributes to notable proportion of morbidity and mortality. This particular manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis is largely under diagnosed and undertreated. For sustainable preventive strategies in a country, it is mandatory to identify country-specific risk factors. We intended to assess the risk factors of PAD among adults aged 40–74 years.

Methods

This case control study was conducted in 2012–2013 in Sri Lanka. Seventy-nine cases and 158 controls in the age group of 40–74 years were selected for the study in order to have case to control ratio 1:2. The criterion for selecting cases and control was based on Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI). Cases were selected from those who had ABPI 0.85 or less (ABPI ≤0.85) in either lower limb. Controls were selected from those ABPI score between 1.18 and 1.28 in both lower limbs. Only newly identified individuals with PAD were selected as cases. Controls were selected from the same geographical location and within the 5 year age group as cases.

Results

The history of diabetes mellitus more than 10 years (OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.2–14.2), history of dyslipidemia for more than 10 years (OR 4.9, 95% CI 2.1–16.2), history of hypertension for more than 10 years (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.8–12.7) and smoking (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.9), elevated HsCRP (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.2–12.0) and hyperhomocysteinemia (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1–8.1) were revealed as country specific significant risk factor of PAD.

Conclusions

Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking as well as elevated homocysteine and HsCRP found as risk factors of PAD. Longer the duration or higher level exposure to these risk factors has increased the risk of PAD. These findings emphasis the need for routine screening of PAD among patients with the identified risk factors.

     

Occurrence and Characterization of the Bacterial Spot Pathogen Xanthomonas euvesicatoria on Pepper in Iran

We report in this study for the first time the occurrence of bacterial spot of pepper in Iran and both phenotypic and genetic characterization of its causal agent, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Pepper plants grown in 15 of 30 surveyed private gardens and commercial fields were infected by the pathogen in Marand County, East Azerbaijan Province, north‐western Iran. The obtained strains of X. euvesicatoria had different amylolytic and pectolytic activities compared with those reported for this species elsewhere. Pathogenicity tests showed that strains isolated from diseased pepper are able to infect tomato, in addition to pepper. Host range of the pathogen was assessed on eight annual plant species including crops and weeds by measuring the population dynamics. The host range assessment showed that in addition to pepper and tomato, known hosts of X. euvesicatoria, the Iranian strains were able to colonize a number of new hosts such as nightshade and common bean. In contrast, none of them were able to build up their population on cowpea, eggplant, bindweed and zucchini. All X. euvesicatoria strains obtained in this study were sensitive to copper sulphate and streptomycin at concentrations higher than 20 and 50 mg/l, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses of the strains using the sequences of gyrB and hrpB genes confirmed their species as X. euvesicatoria. Given a direct commercial trade of fresh solanaceous vegetables between Iran and Turkey, it is hypothesized that the pathogen entered north‐western Iran from eastern parts of Turkey through infected plant materials. Finally, the role of prevention – based on the use of healthy planting materials and resistant and/or tolerant plant varieties – to contain the potential disease epidemics is discussed.     

The role of fish-poultry integration on fish growth performance,yields and economic benefits among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa,Tanzania

Aquaculture practices from sub-Saharan Africa are characterised by low production, owing to improper technology. Production can be increased through integrating fish farming with other existing on-farm activities, particularly livestock husbandry. We assessed the role of fish-poultry integration on all male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus growth performance, yields and economic benefits among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania. The study also compared phytoplankton species composition, abundance and biomass between the fish-poultry integration and non-integrated system. After 180 days of the experiment, all male O. niloticus cultured under fish-poultry integration exhibited significantly higher growth rates than those in the non-integrated system (p < 0.05). Gross fish yield (GFY), net fish yield (NFY) and net annual yields (NAY) obtained from fish-poultry integration were significantly higher than those from non-integrated system (p < 0.05). Partial enterprise budget analysis revealed that fish-poultry integration was more profitable than the non-integrated system. Moreover, fish-poultry integrated system produced significantly higher phytoplankton abundance and biomass than those from the non-integrated system. Results demonstrate that rural smallholder farmers can achieve higher growth rate, farm net yields and income by integrating all male O. niloticus with other on-farm activities than practising a stand-alone fish culture system.     

An Investigation on Strains of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in North and North West of Iran

Tomato bacterial canker disease was first reported from Urmiyeh in West Azerbaijan province in Iran. The disease causes lesion (canker), wilting and dryness of infected plants, leaf and fruit spots and the decline of the whole plant. Out of 102 isolates obtained from the fields in the major tomato producing areas of understudy regions, 98 were found Gram positive, yellow‐pigmented isolates, identified as Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis based on the morphological and biochemical characteristics described in previous studies. Among these strains, 64 were virulent and 34 showed poor virulence. A strain of Cmm (NCPPB382) was used as a check (standard) in all steps of this study. DNA fingerprinting with repetitive‐sequence‐based PCR (rep‐PCR) (BOX primer) carried out among 11 representative strains (eight strains from West Azerbaijan, two from Golestan and one as standard). The most virulent strain was chosen as representative in each location. Dendrograms were prepared using NTSYS‐pc version 2/o2e software, unweighted pair group with arithmetic average method and simple matching similarity coefficient. According to the site of cut‐off line, three groups (clusters) with 82/5% similarity and six groups with 55% similarity were separated based on biochemical and SDS‐PAGE data, and rep‐PCR reactions respectively. Low similarity among groups (55%) can be explained as high genetic diversity among the strains. One strain of west Azerbaijan and the strains of Golestan, clustered in the same group suggesting that they may have been originated from a common source. Other strains of west Azerbaijan were clustered into different groups including II, III, IV, V and VI, suggesting the possibility of occurrence of different populations in a geographical region.