Bioscience Journal
Not a member yet
3143 research outputs found
Sort by
Development of nicotiana-specific molecular markers and their application in a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Full text linkAn effective identification method for detecting illegal goods involving raw tobacco material is crucial for tobacco monopolies to conduct surveillance. We developed Nicotiana-specific molecular markers to determine whether seized goods contain raw tobacco material. The sequence data for genes related to the nicotine metabolism pathway and genomic data from the public Solanaceae database were used to establish Nicotiana-specific molecular markers. These markers were determined by experimentally verifying 17 types of nontobacco plant material and 91 types of tobacco material belonging to 11 sections of 3 subgenera. Two reliable Nicotiana-specific markers, Ntsp027 and Ntsp151, were selected from among the 209 newly developed markers. The results indicated that the primers corresponding to these two markers can amplify the target fragments in the 91 types of Nicotiana material without amplification of any PCR products in the 17 types of non-Nicotiana material. Furthermore, utilizing the marker Ntsp151, we verified the efficacy of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay in authenticating tobacco material. The identification of 21 tea-cigarette products via the combination of GC‒MS, a Nicotiana-specific molecular marker and LAMP methods underscores the utility of Nicotiana-specific DNA markers in determining whether illegal goods contain raw tobacco material. Our results indicate an impressive accuracy rate of 100%, which is consistent with the reliability assessment, underscoring the accuracy of these markers in effectively identifying tobacco material. Our findings can significantly augment the capacity for surveillance and anticounterfeiting efforts by aiding the fight against illicit trade and ensuring the integrity of all tobacco-related products in the market
Infectious disease agent surveillance in fitness centers in northern cyprus: is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (mrsa) infection a threat?
Full text linkFitness centers offer an opportunity for investigating the indirect transmission of pathogens. Many people with varying levels of personal hygiene share sports equipment where direct surface-to-skin contact occurs. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial load and fungal and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) contamination on predetermined sports equipment in fitness centers in Northern Cyprus. Additionally, volunteer personal trainers and gym members were screened to detect whether they were carriers of MRSA. Samples were collected from six fitness centers on sports equipment. MRSA carrier status was investigated for personal trainers (n=10) and gym members (n=100). The study used culture-dependent techniques and used SPSS 20 software for statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between fungal growth on the sports equipment, and Aspergillus spp. were predominant. However, one of the fitness centers had a statistically significant difference in fungal growth compared to the others (p<0.005). There was no significant difference in the bacterial load among the sports equipment, but there was a significant difference among the fitness centers (p<0.009). Among all tested individuals, only 2.7% (3/110) were MRSA-positive, all of whom were gym members. No MRSA was detected on any of the equipment. Despite the increasing incidence of community-acquired MRSA infections, the fitness centers in this study did not appear to be significant sources of staphylococcal or fungal infections. However, the detection of MRSA carriers among gym members suggests that the spread of MRSA between individuals in gyms is still possible
Diversity in pollen grain characteristics and its importance in distinguishing Loranthaceae Juss. species grown in Saudi Arabia
Full text linkMembers of the Loranthaceae family are considered parasitic, and mistletoe negatively affects the growth and productivity of host trees. Loranthaceae has several complicated taxonomic issues. Six species of Loranthaceae grow naturally in Saudi Arabia, but these species have not been well studied. The aim of this work was to evaluate the importance of morpho-palynological characters as a taxonomic tool in the identification of Loranthaceae species growing in Saudi Arabia. The discriminatory power of these characteristics was evaluated using different statistical analysis methods. The descriptive characteristics of pollen polar and equatorial views and colpus type are useful for describing the species, and the presence of three colpus patterns was detected among the study samples: syn-(3)-, demisyn-(3)-, and zono-(3)-colpate. The quantitative characteristics, specifically, the equatorial diameter and P/E ratio, are the most useful and can be used to classify species within clusters based on their affiliation with genera, species, and subtribes Emelianthinae and Tapinanthinae. This study confirmed that pollen grain characteristics can be used as a taxonomical tool to identify Loranthaceae species. This information will aid in determining parasitic species that infect trees and could be useful for strengthening efforts in weed management
Impact of the sense of coherence, stress, and TMD symptoms on the oral health-related quality of life of adult women
Full text linkThe objective was to evaluate how the sense of coherence works in perceiving the impact on women\u27s oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its association with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and perceived stress. This cross-sectional study with 314 adult women (mean age 27 years) assessed the effect on OHRQoL using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). This questionnaire, recommended by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, assessed TMD symptoms, and the SOC-13 scale analyzed the sense of coherence. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) evaluated perceived stress. The analyses used descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression (p<0.05). The findings showed significant associations, such as a higher impact on physical pain and social disadvantage in women over 27 years old. OHRQoL was more affected in women over 27 years with a low sense of coherence, TMD symptoms, and perceived stress
Delineation of management zones in a grain production area
Full text linkThe delineation of management zones (MZs) is an important strategy for implementing precision agriculture. However, it is a complex process that requires further study. The objective of this study is to delineate MZs and validate them with respect to soil characteristics as well as corn and soybean yield in a 97-ha land cultivated under a no-till farming system. Samples were collected for physio-chemical analysis of soils and apparent electrical conductivity (EC). Moreover, data on the altitude and yield of soybean and corn were obtained. The data were initially analyzed descriptively and using Pearson correlation. Data interpolation and the elaboration of spatial variability maps for each characteristic were then performed. Furthermore, MZ thematic maps were developed. The ideal number of MZs for each combination or strategy studied was determined by the lowest value of the fuzziness performance index and normalized classification entropy. For MZ validation, Fuzzy K-means algorithm and Kappa index were used. The delineation of MZ was possible with the use of the soil characteristics with a higher temporal stability, such as the combined use of EC, soil organic matter, and clay, enabling the validation of differences in corn and soybean yield using Fuzzy algorithm and Kappa index. Data collected in different sample density did not interfere in the definition and validation of the MZ. No correlation was found between the soil EC and other chemical characteristics and yield. Furthermore, the correspondence of soil chemical properties for each MZ was not be feasible in areas with built-up soil fertility
Natural dentifrices: how can prolonged toothbrushing influence enamel color and surface roughness?
Full text linkThis study evaluated the color change (ΔE00) and surface roughness (Ra) of enamel submitted to prolonged toothbrushing with natural non-fluoride dentifrices. Five groups of bovine teeth (n=10) were brushed with a control dentifrice: (C) Colgate Total 12 – Colgate; and four natural dentifrices: (R) Restore – Jeunesse; (OG) OnGuard – doTerra; (OC) OzonCare – Philozon; and (N) Natural activated charcoal – Suavetex. Mechanical toothbrushing simulated one month (T1), six months (T2), one year (T3), and two years (T4) of product use. ΔE00 and Ra were measured before and after toothbrushing. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey\u27s test were performed. Dentifrice (p<0.001), toothbrushing time (p=0.004), and their interaction (p=0.031) influenced color change (ΔE00). Natural dentifrices promoted similar color change and Ra to the traditional product. After six months of simulated toothbrushing, OG promoted more color changes than N and R. Only OG and R reached ΔE00 above the acceptability threshold. OC and N dentifrices generated Ra above the limit of clinical roughness from T2. Toothbrushing with natural toothpaste for up to two years causes similar enamel color changes and roughness to the traditional product
Determination of biotechnological potential of poultry litter isolated bacteria
Full text linkPoultry litter is composed of residues from industrial wood processing, serving as a bed for the animals. It has also been widely used as an agricultural biofertilizer, increasing its economic importance. Few studies report the microbiological composition of this material or its biotechnological potential, which was the objective of this study. The microbiological composition was obtained by 16sRNA genetic characterization, as well as, phosphate solubilization capacity, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, fungal antagonism, and enzymatic capacity. As a result, 67 isolates were obtained, of which 30 were taxonomically positioned and 27 were biochemically characterized. The microbiota genera consisted of Staphylococcus (17%), Brevibacillus (27%), Bacillus (37%), Mammaliicoccus (7%), Isoptericola, Microbacterium, and Oxalicibacterium (3.5% each). None of the isolates presented phosphate solubilization capacity. Regarding IAA production, UFPRCA19 showed the highest IAA content (16.60 µg.mg-1 protein). Eleven isolates were positive for antagonism with Aspergillus spp. and 25 for Trichoderma spp. Activity of proteases, caseinases, lipases, amylases, and cellulases were observed with the relative frequencies of 59%, 29%, 11%, 32%, 18%, and 21%. IAA and enzyme-producing bacteria as well as fungal antagonism were found among the isolates. Among all the isolated genera, Bacillus for synthesizing IAA and commercial enzymes becomes an interesting source for biotechnological purposes
Efficiency of three indigenous species of coccinellid predators for controlling aphids and whiteflies on cucumbers in greenhouses
Full text linkCucumber plants can be infested with many insect pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and thrips, especially in greenhouses, resulting in significant damage to the crops. This study investigated the efficacy of three species of coccinellids (Coccinella undecimpunctata, Coccinella septempunctata, and Hippodamia variegata), indigenous to the Taif region of Saudi Arabia, to control Bemisia tabaci whiteflies and Aphis gossypii aphids on cucumbers in greenhouses. The study was conducted with a release rate of five second-instar larvae of each coccinellid species per plant. One week after the first release of coccinellids, there were no significant differences among the treatment groups in terms of infestation rate, but all three groups differed significantly from the control group. After the first week, the B. tabaci and A. gossypii infestation rates decreased significantly in the H. variegata group compared with the other two coccinellid species, a trend that continued until the end of the experiment. These results suggested that H. variegata was the most effective of the three species at decreasing the B. tabaci population. After the second release of each coccinellid species, the reduction rates were >90% in all three groups, being significantly higher in the H. variegata group. Thus, these results suggest that second-instar larvae of all three coccinellid species would be effective predators of B. tabaci and A. gossypii on cucumbers in greenhouses, with those of H. variegata showing the greatest efficacy. Future research should focus on the effects of these predators on outdoor cucumber fields and on other crops grown in the Taif region
Alternative products for controlling Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vivo AND in vitro in canola crops
Full text linkProducts that activate plant defense mechanisms, such as white mold, may increase the disease control spectrum in canola crops as an alternative to chemical control for disease management, aiming at lower environmental impacts and selection pressure on pathogens. This study evaluated Sclerotinia sclerotiorum control and resistance induction in canola crops with alternative products. In vitro and detached leaf experiments were conducted in a laboratory, and in vivo experiments occurred in a greenhouse. High Roots®; V6®; Maxi Flor®; Wert Plus®; potassium, manganese, and copper phosphites; manganese; procymidone fungicide; and Ascophyllum nodosum, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis extracts assessed S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth in vitro in detached leaves, white mold severity in a greenhouse, and enzymatic analysis in leaf tissues. The last two experiments also received the acibenzolar-S-methyl and Trichoderma asperellum treatments. S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth showed 100% inhibition under B. subtilis and Wert Plus® at 1000 ppm and procymidone at 100 and 1000 ppm in vitro. The procymidone and B. subtilis treatments in detached leaves inhibited 100% of fungus growth. The greenhouse experiments with lower severity were procymidone, copper phosphite, B. thuringiensis, B. subtilis, manganese phosphite, potassium phosphite, High Roots®, and V6®. Higher peroxidase enzyme activity occurred in plants treated with acibenzolar-S-methyl, copper phosphite, and fungicide 48 hours after pathogen inoculation. The polyphenol oxidase enzyme did not show activity. Alternative products were responsive and may aid the chemical control of white mold in canola crops.Em busca de alternativas ao controle químico para manejar doenças, visando menores impactos ambientais e pressão de seleção sobre os patógenos, o uso de produtos que ativam mecanismos de defesa das plantas podem aumentar o espectro de controle das doenças na cultura da canola, como o mofo-branco. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o controle de Sclerotinia sclerotiorum e indução de resistência na cultura da canola utilizando-se produtos alternativos. Experimentos in vitro e de folha destacada foram conduzidos em laboratório e os in vivo em casa de vegetação. Os tratamentos Hight Roots®; V6®; Maxi Flor®; Wert Plus®, fosfito de potássio; fosfito de manganês; fosfito de cobre, manganês, fungicida procimidona, extrato de Ascophyllum nodosum, Bacillus subtilis e Bacillus thuringiensis foram utilizados para avaliar o crescimento micelial in vitro, em folha destacada, severidade da doença em casa de vegetação e também análise enzimática nos tecidos foliares. Para os dois últimos experimentos adicionou-se os tratamentos acibenzolar-S-metílico e Trichoderma asperellum. Verificou-se 100% de inibição do crescimento micelial de S. sclerotiorum nos tratamentos B. subtillis, Wert Plus® na concentração de 1000 ppm, e procimidona na concentração de 100 e 1000 ppm in vitro. Em folha destacada os tratamentos procimidona e B. subtillis inibiram 100% o crescimento do fungo. Em casa de vegetação os tratamentos com menores valores de severidade, foram: procimidona, fosfito de cobre, B. thuringiensis, B. subtillis, fosfito de manganês, fosfito de potássio, fosfito de cobre, High Roots® e V6®, respectivamente. A maior atividade da enzima peroxidase foi observada em plantas tratadas com acibenzolar-S-metílico, fosfito de cobre e fungicida 48 horas após inoculação do fungo. Não houve atividade da enzima polifenoloxidase. A utilização de produtos alternativos é responsiva e pode ser utilizada como auxiliar no controle químico do mofo-branco na cultura da canola.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Brassica napus; controle biológico; atividade enzimática
Avaliação da idade pós-colheita e de métodos de superação de dormência sobre a germinação de Echinochloa crus-galli
No full textBarnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) is one of the most troublesome weeds in irrigated rice cultivation and has increasingly impacted rainfed crops due to the emergence of herbicide-resistant populations. Understanding its germination dynamics is crucial for developing and implementing effective management strategies. Additionally, since barnyardgrass research relies on growing plants from seeds, its dormancy characteristics are of particular interest. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of postharvest age on barnyardgrass seed germination and the effectiveness of different dormancy-breaking methods in susceptible and herbicide-resistant populations. Germination rate (G), germination speed index (GSI), and seed viability, assessed using the topographic tetrazolium test, were measured in seed lots with four different postharvest ages: two years, one year, two months, and one day postharvest. The seeds were subjected to 15 dormancy-breaking methods, including temperature variation and the use of solutions containing H2SO4, KNO3, and GA3. Seeds that were one or two years old showed germination rates exceeding 90%, regardless of the method used. In contrast, seeds aged two months or one day postharvest only germinated when exposed to 40°C for seven days, with G values of 25.2% and 5.9%, respectively. Both herbicide-susceptible and resistant barnyardgrass populations exhibited similar dormancy levels and responses to dormancy-breaking methods. The results indicate that newly harvested seeds have high dormancy levels, and specific methods are only partially effective in overcoming barnyardgrass seed dormancy.O capim-arroz (Echinochloa crus-galli) é uma das plantas daninhas mais problemáticas em arroz irrigado. Ela também tem sido importante em cultivos de sequeiro devido a ocorrência de populações resistentes a herbicidas. O entendimento da sua dinâmica de germinação é fundamental para que medidas adequadas de manejo sejam aplicadas. Além disso, uma vez que a realização de pesquisas com capim-arroz depende da obtenção de plantas a partir de sementes, suas características de dormência são de particular interesse. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a influência da idade pós-colheita sobre a germinação de sementes de capim-arroz (Echinochloa crus-galli) e a eficiência de diferentes métodos de superação da dormência em populações suscetíveis e resistentes a herbicidas. Foram avaliados a porcentagem de germinação (G), o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG) e a viabilidade das sementes pelo teste topográfico de tetrazolio em lotes de sementes com quatro diferentes idades pós-colheita (dois anos, um ano, dois meses e um dia pós-colheita) submetidas a 15 métodos de superação da dormência. Os métodos de superação de dormência incluíram a variação de temperatura e a utilização de soluções contendo H2SO4, KNO3 e ácido giberélico (GA3). Sementes de um ano e dois anos apresentam germinação superior a 90%, independente da utilização de algum método de superação de dormência. No entanto, as sementes com dois meses ou um dia de idade pós-colheita germinaram apenas quando submetidas a temperatura de 40 oC durante sete dias, com germinação de 25,2 e 5,9%, respectivamente. As populações de capim-arroz suscetíveis e resistentes a herbicidas apresentaram semelhantes dormência e resposta aos métodos de superação de dormência. Sementes recém colhidas apresentam altos níveis de dormência, sendo que métodos específicos são parcialmente eficazes na superação da dormência das sementes de capim-arroz