Comparative genomics of the major parasitic worms

Parasitic nematodes (roundworms) and platyhelminths (flatworms) cause debilitating chronic infections of humans and animals, decimate crop production and are a major impediment to socioeconomic development. Here we report a broad comparative study of 81 genomes of parasitic and non-parasitic worms. We have identified gene family births and hundreds of expanded gene families at key nodes in the phylogeny that are relevant to parasitism. Examples include gene families that modulate host immune responses, enable parasite migration though host tissues or allow the parasite to feed. We reveal extensive lineage-specific differences in core metabolism and protein families historically targeted for drug development. From an in silico screen, we have identified and prioritized new potential drug targets and compounds for testing. This comparative genomics resource provides a much-needed boost for the research community to understand and combat parasitic worms

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Changes in the thermoelectric power of a Ni base superalloy induced by elastic and plastic strain

cited By 2International audienceInduced changes in the thermoelectric power (TEP) of the Inconel 718 by elastic and plastic strain have been previously reported by López Cuéllar et al. [1]. Now, in this work, the TEP of a nickel-based superalloy Waspaloy with different heat treatments has been followed during stressing tests. In all cases plastic deformation has been attained. TEP measurement variations of ∼160 nV/°C have been attained for a certain heat treatment that produces the desirable γ′ phase, and low changes of TEP are observed for the treatment that does not produce γ′. Like for the Inconel 718, results indicate that TEP of the Wasploy is clearly affected by the elastic and plastic strain induced during tests. The previously proposed model to describe the change in TEP induced by the strain in specimens of Inconel 718 [1], is validated with the Waspaloy superalloy in this work. Thus, these results confirm that the TEP technique is a powerful tool to detect non-desirable states and levels of strain in alloys containing γ′ phase like the Waspaloy and Inconel superalloys. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

PestDisPlace; Monitoring the distribution of pests and diseases. Version 1.0

A place to integrate and collectively monitor the occurrence and movement of pests and diseases. It is based on symptoms recording and confirmation by molecular diagnostic

Efecto in vitro de los extractos hidroalcohólico y etanólico de semilla de papaya (Carica papaya) en Haemonchus contortus

Among the main health problems for sheep production are gastrointestinal parasites, of which the most important nematode is Haemonchus contortus. Current control strategies focus on the effectiveness, along with the low impact on the ecosystem. The study of the integral control of parasites allows the investigation of alternatives with probable anthelmintic effect, such as the use of papaya (Carica papaya) seeds. This study aimed at evaluating the in vitro effect of hydroalcoholic and ethanolic extracts of papaya seeds on eggs and larvae of H. contortus. The study was carried out with the equipment and facilities of Laboratory 3 of the Multidisciplinary Research Unit at the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, UNAM. The extracts were prepared through maceration in solvent. A sheep was inoculated with 5000 L3 of H. contortus, a strain isolated and maintained in the facilities. Fecal samples were collected, and eggs were recovered for the hatch inhibition assay. The eggs and L3 were pretreated with hydroalcoholic and ethanolic extract of papaya seed (2.5 mg/ml), distilled water, ethanol 90 %, and levamisole (7.5 mg/ml). The abomasal explants technique was used to evaluate the effect of the extracts on L3 and its association to the abomasal mucosa. An ANOVA was performed for repeated samples using the Statgraphics program. The ethanolic extract of the papaya seed inhibited 92 % of hatching, and the hydroalcoholic extract 50 % (p <0.05). In the case of the explants, the ethanolic extract showed 10 % of the larvae not associated with the abomasal tissue, followed by the hydroalcoholic extract with 60 % of non-associated larvae (p<0.05). In conclusion, the ethanolic extract has an effect on eggs, while the hydroalcoholic extract inhibits the association to the abomasal tissue.Entre los principales problemas sanitarios para la producción ovina están los parásitos gastroentéricos; de ellos, el más importante es Haemonchus contortus. Las estrategias actuales de control enfocan la eficacia, junto con el bajo o nulo impacto al ecosistema; el estudio del control integral de parásitos permite la investigación de alternativas con probable efecto antihelmíntico, entre ellas el uso de semilla de papaya (Carica papaya). El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto in vitro de los extractos hidroalcohólico y etanólico de la semilla de papaya (C. papaya) sobre huevos y larvas de H. contortus. El trabajo se llevó a cabo con el equipo e instalaciones del Laboratorio 3 de la Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria en la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, UNAM. Se elaboraron los extractos por medio de maceración en solvente. Se inoculó un ovino con 5000 larvas de tercer estadio (L3) de H. contortus, cepa aislada y mantenida en dichas instalaciones. Se tomaron muestras de materia fecal y se recuperaron huevos para el ensayo de inhibición de la eclosión. Los huevos y las L3 fueron pretratados con extracto hidroalcohólico y etanólico de semilla de papaya (2.5 mg/ml), agua destilada, etanol 90 % y levamisol (7.5 mg/ml). Se efectuó la técnica de explantes abomasales, evaluando el efecto de los extractos sobre las L3 y su asociación a la mucosa abomasal. Se realizó un ANOVA para muestras repetidas por medio del programa Statgraphics. El extracto etanólico de semilla de papaya mostró el 92 % de inhibición de la eclosión; el extracto hidroalcohólico mostró 50 % (p<0.05). En el caso de los explantes, el extracto etanólico mostró el 10 % de larvas no asociadas al tejido abomasal, seguido por el extracto hidroalcohólico, con el 60 % de larvas no asociadas (p<0.05). Se concluye que el extracto etanólico tiene efecto sobre huevos, mientras que el extracto hidroalcohólico inhibe la asociación al tejido abomasal

Potential Effects of Delphinidin-3-O-Sambubioside and Cyanidin-3-O-Sambubioside of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Ruminant Meat and Milk Quality

The objective was to review the potential effects of adding anthocyanin delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside (DOS) and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside (COS) of HS in animal diets. One hundred and four scientific articles published before 2021 in clinics, pharmacology, nutrition, and animal production were included. The grains/concentrate, metabolic exigency, and caloric stress contribute to increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS). COS and DOS have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anthelmintic activities. In the rumen, anthocyanin might obtain interactions and/or synergisms with substrates, microorganisms, and enzymes which could affect the fiber degradability and decrease potential methane (CH4) emissions; since anthocyanin interferes with ruminal fatty acids biohydrogenation (BH), they can increase the n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic acid (LA), and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in milk and meat, as well as improving their quality. Anthocyanins reduce plasma oxidation and can be deposited in milk and meat, increasing antioxidant activities. Therefore, the reduction of the oxidation of fats and proteins improves shelf-life. Although studies in ruminants are required, COS and DOS act as inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEi) and rennin expression, regulating the homeostatic control and possibly the milk yield and body weight. By-products of HS contain polyphenols as calyces with positive effects on the average daily gain and fat meat quality