Review: Pollination, Pollinated And Pollinators Interaction In Pakistan,
2014
Honey Bee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad
Review: Pollination, Pollinated And Pollinators Interaction In Pakistan, Mohammad Irshad, Elizabeth Stephen
Journal of Bioresource Management
The agriculture sector is important in the overall economy and export earnings of Pakistan. Pollination is an essential ecosystem service that depends on symbiosis between species, the pollinated and the pollinator. Animal mediated pollination contributes to the sexual production of over 90% species of modern angiosperms. Effective pollination results in increased crop production, quality improvement and more seed production. Many fruits, vegetables, edible oil crops, stimulant crops and nuts are highly dependent on bee pollination. Worldwide value of pollinators is €153 billion (217 billion US dollars). The production value of pollinated dependent crop in Pakistan is quantified to be 1.59 …
Research Note: Contribution To Mushroom Flora Of Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Pakistan,
2014
Institute of Natural and Management Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Research Note: Contribution To Mushroom Flora Of Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Pakistan, Kishwar Sultana, Naveeda Riaz, Gulshan Irshad, Ali Nauman Khan
Journal of Bioresource Management
Seven hymenomycetous fungi (mushrooms) were collected from the twin cities area during July 2008. These were identified as the members of the order Agaricales, class Basidiomycetes. They belong to five genera: *Clitocybe fragrans, *Collybia cookie, *Coprinus radians, *Coprinus sterculinus, *Volvariella bingensis, Volvariella parvula, and Termitomyces microcarpus. Five of them, marked with asterisk were reported for the first time from Pakistan.
Diagnostic Accuracy Of C-Reactive Protein In Neonatal Sepsis,
2014
Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad
Diagnostic Accuracy Of C-Reactive Protein In Neonatal Sepsis, Sidra Younis, Muhammad Ali Sheikh, Amjad Ali Raza
Journal of Bioresource Management
Sepsis is the most common cause of neonatal mortality and is responsible for 30-50% of total neonatal deaths each year in developing countries. The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein (CRP) in neonatal sepsis. Fifty nine consecutive patients with risk factors and clinical features suggestive of CRP sepsis were selected as per operational definition and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed physical examination was carried out. Blood sample for culture and CRP was taken from all the patients. Results of blood culture and CRP were noted down in the performa. Statistical analysis …
Amino Acid Racemase Enzyme Assays,
2014
University of Kentucky
Amino Acid Racemase Enzyme Assays, Atanas D. Radkov, Luke A. Moe
Plant and Soil Sciences Faculty Publications
Amino acid racemases are enzymes that invert the α-carbon stereochemistry of amino acids (AAs), interconverting amino acids between their L- and D-enantiomers in a reversible reaction. In bacteria, they are known to have catabolic physiological functions but are also involved in the synthesis of many D-AAs, including D-glutamate and D-alanine, which are necessary components of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall. As such, amino acid racemases represent significant targets for the development of bactericidal compounds. Amino acid racemases are also regarded by the biotechnological industry as important catalysts for the production of economically relevant D-AAs. Here, we provide …
Genetic Basis For The Virulence Of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli Strain Tw14359,
2014
University of South Florida
Genetic Basis For The Virulence Of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli Strain Tw14359, Jason Kyle Morgan
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a virulent pathotype of E. coli that is associated with major outbreaks of hemorrhagic colitis and the life-threatening kidney disease hemolytic uremic syndrome. For successful host colonization and attachment to the intestinal mucosa, EHEC requires the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island, which encodes a type III secretion system (TTSS) responsible for secreting and translocating effector proteins into host colonocytes. Regulation of the LEE is primarily directed through the first operon, LEE1, encoding the locus encoded regulator (Ler), and occurs through the direct and indirect action of several regulators. The 2006 U.S. spinach outbreak …
Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Levels Of Salmonella Internalized In Lettuce Leaves,
2014
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Levels Of Salmonella Internalized In Lettuce Leaves, Jason B. Thomas
McNair Scholars Research Journal
Contamination of food crops by the human pathogen Salmonella is a food safety threat worldwide. Though using treated wastewater for irrigation is a sustainable practice, it may introduce trace levels of Salmonella that may contaminate food crops. Salmonella could develop resistance to antibiotics present in wastewater. The overall goal of the project is to increase the understanding of the public health risk associated with the use of treated wastewater to irrigate food crops. The objective of this particular study is to determine the antibiotic resistance level of Salmonella internalized in lettuce leaves. In this experiment, thirty-six plants of the lettuce …
Characterization Of A Putative Cephalotoxin From The Hemocytes Of Euprymna Scolopes,
2014
University of Connecticut - Storrs
Characterization Of A Putative Cephalotoxin From The Hemocytes Of Euprymna Scolopes, Jessie E. Scott
University Scholar Projects
Many organisms have beneficial microbial symbionts, and complex interactions between the immune system and the bacteria must occur to allow these symbioses to persist. The host immune system must recognize and preferentially tolerate the beneficial microorganisms, while simultaneously eliminating harmful pathogens. The Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, is a model organism for host-microbe interactions because of the unique light organ symbiosis. Hemocytes, the squid’s primary immune cell, infiltrate and patrol the light organ and continuously interact with the symbiont Vibrio fischeri. Using this model, several innate immunity genes have been shown to be differentially expressed in the hemocytes …
Genome-Wide Analysis Of The Variation In Host Genetics In Response To Experimental Challenges With Porcine Circovirus 2b,
2014
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Genome-Wide Analysis Of The Variation In Host Genetics In Response To Experimental Challenges With Porcine Circovirus 2b, Taylor B. Engle
Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Porcine circovirus is the primary causative agent responsible for inducing a group of associated diseases known as porcine circovirus associated diseases (PCVAD), which can have detrimental effects on production efficiency as well as lead to mortality. The variation in host genetics plays a role in the ability to initiate an effective immune response. The objective of this research was to identify major genetic variants and genes that influence immune response and PCVAD susceptibility. Commercial crossbred pigs (n=974) were experimentally infected with a PCV2b strain to analyze genetic sources of variation in PCVAD susceptibility. The strain used for experimental infection was …
An Examination Of Keratinophilic Fungal On Eastern Bluebird Eggshells,
2014
Eastern Illinois University
An Examination Of Keratinophilic Fungal On Eastern Bluebird Eggshells, Edward Anthony Hillman Iii
Undergraduate Honors Theses
This study was designed to evaluate the mycobiota of Eastern Bluebird eggshells and assess the abundance of keratinophilic fungi. Samples of fungi taken from Eastern Bluebird eggshells were subcultured for identification using macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The occurrence of a significant number of keratinophilic fungi on Eastern Bluebird eggshells poses a potential threat to developing chicks.
Plant-Microbial Interactions Change Along A Prairie Restoration Chronosequence,
2014
Eastern Illinois University
Plant-Microbial Interactions Change Along A Prairie Restoration Chronosequence, Anna Herzberger
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Soil microbial communities are critical in determining the performance and density of species in plant communities. However, their role in regulating the success of restorations is much less clear. This study assessed the ability of soil microbial communities to regulate the growth and performance of two potentially dominant grasses and two common forbs in prairie restorations. Specifically, I examined the effects of soil microbial communities along a restoration chronosequence from agricultural fields to remnant prairies using experimentally inoculated soils. The two grass species, Andropogon gerardii and Sorghastrum nutans, produced larger biomass with the agricultural inoculates and experienced a decline …
Cell Kinase Inhibitor Panel Reveals Multiple Targets To Prevent Replication Of Varicella-Zoster Virus,
2014
Syracuse University
Cell Kinase Inhibitor Panel Reveals Multiple Targets To Prevent Replication Of Varicella-Zoster Virus, Bryan Egan Bunnell
Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All
The alphaherpesvirus that causes chicken pox and shingles, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), infects skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes. These cells are typically quiescent and it is known that VZV manipulates their intracellular environment to activate MAPK signaling cascades, cell cycle regulators, and many transcription factors for its replication. We hypothesized that inhibition of cell kinases would prevent VZV replication and also elucidate which pathways are most important. We evaluated 80 kinase inhibitors for cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative effects on human foreskin fibroblasts, and then determined their antiviral efficacy against VZV-ORF9-Luc strain. Ten well-tolerated, potent kinase inhibitors whose targets are critical mediators of VZV …
The Role Of Human Norovirus Surrogates, Feline Calicivirus And Murine Norovirus, On Non-Porous And Soft Porous Surfaces,
2014
Clemson University
The Role Of Human Norovirus Surrogates, Feline Calicivirus And Murine Norovirus, On Non-Porous And Soft Porous Surfaces, Thomas Yeargin
All Theses
Human Noroviruses (HuNoV) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide as well as the leading cause of foodborne disease in the U.S. HuNoV can persist in the environment even after proper disinfection, making preventing HuNoV infections and controlling subsequent outbreaks extremely challenging. Epidemiological evidence suggests that soft surfaces may be a relevant source of HuNoV due to the inability to effectively decontaminate. The objectives of this study were to: 1) review the current published literature on prevalence, transmission, and disinfection pertaining to HuNoV and surrogates with an emphasis on soft surfaces as fomites, 2) optimize a recovery method capable …
Investigating The Impact Of Novel Iron Oxide Nanoparticles On Legionella Pneumophila Biofilms And Trophic Interactions,
2014
Clemson University
Investigating The Impact Of Novel Iron Oxide Nanoparticles On Legionella Pneumophila Biofilms And Trophic Interactions, Brennen Jenkins
All Theses
Microbial biofilms serve as the base of food webs and are important for nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. Nanoparticles (NPs) that enter into these aquatic systems have the potential to settle and become trapped within biofilms. As NPs become further integrated into consumer products, understanding their fate and effects on aquatic ecosystems is of paramount importance. Previous studies from our lab show that gold NPs induce dispersal of Legionella pneumophila biofilms. NPs with platinum and iron oxide core chemistries also lead to similar dispersal events, however, silver core NPs do not seem to induce these events due to NP aggregation. …
Poultry Performance And Food Safety Impacts Of Selected Organic Acids And Probiotics,
2014
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Poultry Performance And Food Safety Impacts Of Selected Organic Acids And Probiotics, Anita Menconi
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Improving production parameters and controlling foodborne pathogens have been challenges to the poultry industry. Salmonella has been the most common bacterial pathogen in laboratory confirmed foodborne illness cases, and contaminated poultry and poultry products have been identified as the most important source of transmission of Salmonella to humans. Therefore, research on effective interventions to reduce Salmonella transmission at the poultry production level has gained attention. Initially, a series of studies was conducted to evaluate the use of selected organic acids in controlling foodborne pathogens and improving poultry performance. Then, the characterization and application of lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp. …
Microbial Communities In A Coastal Cave: Cova Des Pas De Vallgornera (Mallorca, Western Mediterranean),
2014
Universitat de les Illes Balears
Microbial Communities In A Coastal Cave: Cova Des Pas De Vallgornera (Mallorca, Western Mediterranean), Antoni Busquets, Joan J. Fornós, Freddy Zafra, Jorge Lalucat, Antoni Merino
International Journal of Speleology
As a part of an ongoing project on the role of microbes in the biogeochemistry of Majorcan caves, the species diversity of microbial communities present in cave pools of anchialine waters in the Cova des Pas de Vallgornera (Mallorca, western Mediterranean) is investigated by a culture-dependent method. Two-hundred and forty-eight strains isolated from this characteristic cave environment of the littoral karst are identified by whole-cell-MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and phylogeneticaly by 16S rRNA gene sequences. Total cell counts and species diversity of the bacterial communities decreas with the distance to the entrance of the cave and to the sea. Strains are …
Effect Of Preanalytical Processing Of Thinprep Specimens On Detection Of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus By The Aptima Hpv Assay,
2014
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Effect Of Preanalytical Processing Of Thinprep Specimens On Detection Of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus By The Aptima Hpv Assay, Erik Munson, Elizabeth R. Schroeder, Kevin C. Ross, Connie Yauck, Theresa Bieganski, Robert D. Amrhein, Maureen Napierala, April L. Harkins
Clinical Lab Sciences Faculty Research and Publications
Two important preanalytical protocols performed on liquid-based cytological specimens, namely, automated cytology processing and glacial acetic acid (GAA) treatment, may occur prior to the arrival of specimens in a molecular diagnostics laboratory. Ninety-two ThinPrep vials previously positive for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) via the Cervista HPV HR test were preselected and alternated with 92 previously negative ThinPrep vials. The specimen set was processed in a consecutive fashion by an automated cytology processor without fastidious decontamination precautions. Carryover potential was subsequently assessed by performance of the Aptima HPV assay on aliquots from reprocessed ThinPrep vials. All previously negative ThinPrep vials yielded …
Polymorphic Membrane Protein Expression In Chlamydia/Hsv Co-Infected Cells,
2014
East Tennessee State University
Polymorphic Membrane Protein Expression In Chlamydia/Hsv Co-Infected Cells, Julia S. Colgrove
Undergraduate Honors Theses
The Chlamydiaceae are a bacterial family that contains a single genus: Chlamydia. The genus Chlamydia consists of 9 species that are obligate, intracellular pathogens. Untreated C. trachomatis infections can lead to serious health ramifications, such as ectopic pregnancy, tubal factor infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and long-term pelvic pain. In this study, it was found that a primary antibody dilution of 1:400 using methanol fixed HeLA cells, as derived from Carrasco, et al. protocol, was only optimal for PMP-C staining. Pmp-A, Pmp-B, and Pmp-F were found to stain brighter with formaldehyde fixed, infected HeLa cells and using different primary antibody dilutions. …
Structure-Based Design Of Novel Inhibitors And Ultra High Resolution Analysis Of Ctx-M Beta-Lactamase,
2014
University of South Florida
Structure-Based Design Of Novel Inhibitors And Ultra High Resolution Analysis Of Ctx-M Beta-Lactamase, Derek Allen Nichols
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The emergence of CTX-M class-A extended-spectrum β-lactamases, which confer resistance to second and third-generation cephalosporins, poses a serious health threat to the public. CTX-M β-lactamases use a catalytic serine to hydrolyze the β-lactam ring. Specifically, the hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by CTX-M β-lactamase proceeds through a pre-covalent complex, a high-energy tetrahedral acylation intermediate, a low-energy acyl-enzyme complex, a high-energy tetrahedral deacylation intermediate after attack via a catalytic water, and lastly, the hydrolyzed β-lactam ring product which is released from the enzyme complex. The crystallographic structure of CTX-M at sub-angstrom resolution has enabled us to study enzyme catalysis as well as perform …
Rates Of Evolution And Point Mutations Of Bacterial Plant Pathogens Compared To Bacterial Vertebrate Pathogens,
2014
University of Texas-Pan American
Rates Of Evolution And Point Mutations Of Bacterial Plant Pathogens Compared To Bacterial Vertebrate Pathogens, Alejandro Cantu
Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
The relationship between a pathogen and its host is a constant interaction; as the host evolves defense mechanisms to protect itself from the pathogen, the pathogen will evolve in order to evade them. During this evolutionary process, the genomes of bacterial pathogens can change due to different selection pressures exerted by the immune system of their respective hosts. This study aimed to determine how differences in selection pressures affect the evolution of plant and vertebrate pathogens. The focus of this study was to analyze population level changes in conserved genes, as well as species level changes in the Type III …
Functional Analysis Of Cytosolic Hsp70 Nucleotide Exchange Factor Networks In Yeast,
2014
The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston
Functional Analysis Of Cytosolic Hsp70 Nucleotide Exchange Factor Networks In Yeast, Jennifer Lynn Abrams
Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)
The Hsp70 class of molecular chaperones play critical roles in protein homeostasis via an ATP-dependent folding cycle. Cytosolic Hsp70s in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ssa and Ssb, interact with up to three distinct nucleotide exchange factors (NEFs) homologous to human counterparts; Sse1/Sse2/HSP110, Fes1/HspBP1, and Snl1/Bag1. In an effort to understand the differential functional contributions of the cytosolic NEFs to protein homeostasis (“proteostasis”), I carried out comparative genetic, biochemical and cell biological analyses. For these studies, I developed protocols to monitor protein disaggregation and reactivation in a near real-time coupled assay that revealed the importance of aggregate dynamics in the …
