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Background Bigfin squid is one of the economically important seafood resources in Vietnam's fisheries and the waters around Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands are two major fishing grounds where this species has been actively exploited. The start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) and CAAT box--derived polymorphism (CBDP) techniques were used to generate DNA fingerprinting data to analyze the genetic diversity, variation, and structure of the two populations in the waters surrounding Phu Quoc and Con Dao islands together with mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence data. Results Con Dao population possessed a higher diversity [expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.2254, Shannon index (I) = 0.3459, percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) = 80.14%, nucleotide diversity (π) = 0.0336, haplotype diversity (h) = 0.910 with 16 haplotypes] than Phu Quoc population (He = 0.1854, I = 0.2873, PPB = 70.38%, π = 0.0246, h = 0.838 with 14 haplotypes). The genetic diversity at species level in the investigated region was at level of He = 0.2169, I = 0.3399, PPB = 86.41, π = 0.0289, and h = 0.892 with 24 haplotypes. Based on DNA fingerprinting data, the pairwise genetic similarity coefficients among individuals of the Con Dao population were lower (average of 0.7977) than the Phu Quoc population (average of 0.8316). Based on mitochondrial COI data, the pairwise genetic distances among individuals of the Con Dao population were higher (average of 0.0361) than the Phu Quoc population (average of 0.0263). Gene differentiation (GST) between two investigated populations was 0.0316 and 0.0310 leading to the genetic distance was 0.0573 and 0.0213 and the gene flow between them was Nm = 8.2209 and 11.4700 migrants per generation among populations based on DNA fingerprinting and based on COI gene sequence data, respectively. Genetic variation within individuals of both populations (WP) played the key role in total genetic variation at species level in surveyed region. Conclusions For the bigfin reef squid species in the surveyed region, the Con Dao population had the higher genetic diversity than the Phu Quoc population, between them existed a low to moderate genetic differentiation and a genetic exchange via gene flow. The DNA fingerprinting data better revealed the genetic differentiation between the two surveyed populations while the mitochondrial COI gene sequence data could show the phylogenetic relationship among the surveyed individuals and the other from the sea regions in Southeast Asia. Based on the results obtained, fisheries management strategies are suggested toward the conservation and sustainable exploitation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, nine olive cultivars (Olea europaea L.) coined as Dolce, Aggezi, Maraki, Coratina, Koronieki, Picual, Manzanillo, Arbosana, and Arbequina cultivated in Saudi Arabia's Northern region (Al-Jauf) during the 2022 harvest season were identified through molecular genetic analysis. SCoT, ISSR, and SRAP, as well as two isozyme (peroxidase and polyphenol-oxidase) profiles, were used to detect the levels of genetic diversity. The SCoT primers identified a total of 46 amplified bands, while four of these primers induced seven unique markers among the nine cultivars used in this study (41.8% polymorphism). ISSR primers generated 29 amplified bands, including eight unique markers, with a 79.9% polymorphism percentage. SRAP primer combinations exhibited a total of 37 amplified bands. Four of these combinations revealed eight unique cultivar-specific markers with a 58.4% polymorphism. It was discovered that Picual and Koronieki had the highest similarity coefficient, while Manzanillo and Dolce had the lowest. These degrees of variance could result from growing performance, distinct origins, traits, and geographic patterns. The Dolce cultivar in combination with any other studied cultivars and Manzanillo with Maraki would make sense for the hybridization program because of the higher observed distances needed to obtain higher values of important characteristics. • This investigation aimed to compare polymorphic SCoT, ISSR and SRAP techniques. • Isozyme profilling with evaluating and analyzing the genetic relationships among some olive genotypes. • Propose a subgroup of cultivars, including genetic diversity in loci groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosa damascena Mill is a well-known species of the rose family. It is famous for its essential oil content. The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of a mini core collection of the Iranian Damask rose germplasm. This involved the use of universal rice primers (URP) and start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular markers. Results: Fourteen URP and twelve SCoT primers amplified 268 and 216 loci, with an average of 19.21 and 18.18 polymorphic fragments per primer, respectively. The polymorphic information content for URR and SCoT primers ranged from 0.38 to 0.48 and 0.11 to 0.45, with the resolving power ranging from 8.75 to 13.05 and 9.9 to 14.59, respectively. Clustering was based on neighbor-joining (NJ). The mini core collection contained 40 accessions and was divided into three distinct clusters, centered on both markers and on the combination of data. Conclusion: Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis were consistent with genetic relationships derived by STRUCTURE analysis. The findings showed that patterns of grouping did not correlate with geographical origin. Both molecular markers demonstrated that the accessions were not genetically diverse as expected, thereby highlighting the possibility that gene flow occurred between populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the genetic variation responses of two date palm (Phoenix dactylifera. L.) cultivars (Barhee and Khalas) in relation to their geographical distribution in three regions of Saudi Arabia, namely (Alahsa, Qassim, and Al-Kharj). A set of this method as the conserved DNA-derived polymorphism (CDDP and SCoT) start codon targeted primers have been used to distinguish the variation between the two previous cultivars. The average diversity (h) was 0.22 for CDDP marker with an average of polymorphism 46%, and 0.26 for SCoT marker with an average of polymorphism 55%. The similarity matrices based on Jaccard Coefficient among populations have scored positive values that ranged from 0.08 to 0.61 for SCoT marker, from 0.04 to 0.52 for CDDP marker, and from 0.07 to 0.53 for both markers. The major value of CDDP similarity has been scored 0.52 between (Khalas Al-Kharj; KK) and (Khalas Qassim; KQ), and between (Barhee Al-Kharj; BK) and KQ; followed by 0.49 between KK and (Khalas Alahsa; KH). While the major values for SCoT have been recorded as 0.61 similarities between (Barhee Alahsa; BH) and (Barhee Qassim; BQ); followed by 0.55 similarity between KQ and BH, and between KK and KH. The investigation derived by UPGMA cluster analysis revealed that BQ and BH are very close cultivars. The results revealed that the polymorphisms of both markers (CDDP and SCoT) are reliable tools to identify the dis-/similarities and phylogenetic relationships of the germplasm populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosa damascena Mill is a well-known species of the rose family. It is famous for its essential oil content. The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of a mini core collection of the Iranian Damask rose germplasm. This involved the use of universal rice primers (URP) and start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular markers. Results: Fourteen URP and twelve SCoT primers amplified 268 and 216 loci, with an average of 19.21 and 18.18 polymorphic fragments per primer, respectively. The polymorphic information content for URR and SCoT primers ranged from 0.38 to 0.48 and 0.11 to 0.45, with the resolving power ranging from 8.75 to 13.05 and 9.9 to 14.59, respectively. Clustering was based on neighbor-joining (NJ). The mini core collection contained 40 accessions and was divided into three distinct clusters, centered on both markers and on the combination of data. Conclusion: Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis were consistent with genetic relationships derived by STRUCTURE analysis. The findings showed that patterns of grouping did not correlate with geographical origin. Both molecular markers demonstrated that the accessions were not genetically diverse as expected, thereby highlighting the possibility that gene flow occurred between populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Oryzaephilus surinamensis mostly disseminate in grains, causing losses in crops. • Date crops in the storage are the main target of many insects. • The use of ozone in pest control is considered a safe alternative to pesticides. • Pest control with ozone, provides a requirement for food safety and security. • Mutational effects on insect are easily monitored by SCoT markers. Oryzaephilus surinamensis, a common grain product pest around the world, particularly causing great damage and losses to the date crops available in the storage. It has been traditionally resisted by using organic pesticides despite suspicions of their harmful effects on dates. This study aimed at the evaluation of the usage of ozone gas as an effective pesticide and also focuses on the safety alternatives provided by the respective method as compared to the usage of phosphine as a pesticide. While studying the ozone effects, the O. surinamensis was exposed to the gas for a variety of time scales (2, 4 and 6 h), distinctly for every life stages of the insect such as egg, larva and adults, infested the Phoenix dactylifera L date palm species present in the Siwa oasis. The obtained results showed that the adult insects had high resistance to ozone gas, while the larvae and egg stages were less resistant. The reduction rate of vital insect was 100% in all stages. Start codon analysis of DNA also showed that there are some SCoT primers can be identified and differentiated between the different treatments and control. On the other hand, the percentage of polymorphisms in insects was 50% while in date kernels 25% by six SCoT primers used. This study highlighted higher efficacy and safety regarding the usage of ozone gas in effectively controlling the manifestation of O. Surinamensis and thereby reducing the loss of stored date crops as compared to the phosphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last two decades, numerous policy actors have advocated multiple models for the diffusion of solar energy-based technologies in India. In recent years, the social development-based energy business model was promoted by some NGOs, civil society groups and academicians for reaching the poor for meeting their energy needs. Using a case study approach, this article explores the social shaping of a solar micro-grid established in rural Bihar through the hybrid model of environmental governance. The article employs the social shaping of technology framework to explain the top-down and bottom-up interpretations of the solar micro-grid in rural India. By focusing on the idea of citizens and consumers, it explains the influence of the wider socio-political context in closing down the debate and stabilising the choices. The article illustrates the implications of the narrow framing of the socio-technical ensemble by the NGO's and civil society groups (top-down perspective) on the diffusion potential of the solar micro-grid. The bottom-up perspective adds more layer to the interpretation of the socio-technical ensemble. An integrated, comprehensive understanding based on both the top-down and bottom-up perspective would help in developing a responsible research and innovation paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cactaceae plant family comprises over 130 genera and 2000 species of succulent flowering plants. The genera Mammillaria and Notocactus (Parodia), which have medicinal and nutritional applications as well as aesthetic appeal, are considered to be among the major genera of the family. Several species of both genera show morphological and chemical similarities and diversities according to environmental conditions and genotypes. Here, we assessed the genetic relationships of nine species belonging to two major genera Mammillaria and Notocactus under the family Cactaceae, using two modern gene-targeting marker techniques, the Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) Polymorphism and the Conserved DNA-Derived Polymorphism (CDDP). Besides, we screened the various phytochemicals and evaluated the antioxidant activities of the nine species of cacti. Five out of the 10 SCoT and eight CDDP primers used to screen genetic variations within the nine species yielded species-specific reproducible bands. The entire 156 loci were detected, of which 107 were polymorphic, 26 were monomorphic, and 23 were unique loci. The nine species were categorized into two groups based on the dendrogram and similarity matrix. Phytochemical profiling revealed that sterols, triterpenes, flavonoids, and tannins were found in all the tested species. Additionally, two Notocactus species (N. shlosserii and N. roseoluteus) and one Mammillaria species (M. spinosissima) revealed a considerable antioxidant activity. Our results demonstrated that gene-targeting marker techniques were highly powerful tools for the classification and characterization of the nine investigated species, despite displaying high similarities at both morphological and phytochemical levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roses are well known for commercial floriculture and greatly used in the field of perfumery, soap, cosmetics, jams & jelly and essential oil production. Due to interspecific hybridization, a large number of hybrids and cultivated varieties of rose are recognized which reveals distinguishable features in flowers such as size, shape, and color. Apart from this, the geographical distribution and polyploidy also make Rose genus more complex. Therefore, the present study was undertaken for the identification and characterization of genetic variation within 29 rose accessions through Start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) markers. Out of 36 primers, 32 revealed polymorphic amplification profile in 29 rose accessions with amplification ranging from 150 bp to 1.2 kb. A total of 299 polymorphic amplicons were obtained, ranging from 4 to 19 amplicons with an average of 9.34 amplicons per primer. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.42 to 0.92 with an average of 0.78. The dendrogram was constructed to establish genetic relationship among 29 different accessions using Neighbor-joining and Nei-Li matching coefficient. The distinguishable genetic background and a high degree of variation in the rose genotypes successfully exhibited by the SCoT markers may serve as a valuable aid in Rose improvement strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karyotype characters, mitotic metaphase chromosomes, and haploid ideograms of six species of Plantago L. species. Analysis of somatic metaphases showed that the chromosome numbers of these species were 2n = 8 for P. ovata, 2n = 10 for P. albicans, P. amplexicaulis, P. ciliata and P. psammophilia, and 2n = 12 for P. lanceolata. The karyotype formulae were nsm (+), nsm (–) and nm. According to TF% and Syi index, and according to A and A1, P. ciliata may be considered the most symmetrical and P. lanceolata may be had the most asymmetrical karyotype. There are 63 total bands and 11unique bands resulting from RAPD; 23 total bands and 3unique bands resulting from both ISSR and 23 total bands in addition to 2 unique bands generated from SCoT markers. Perceptual mapping (Bilpot) and cluster analysis based on cytological and molecular attributes gave the same results that distinguished the studied taxa into two main groups; P. ovata and the other taxa also classified into two subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketone body metabolism is a central node in physiological homeostasis. In this review, we discuss how ketones serve discrete fine-tuning metabolic roles that optimize organ and organism performance in varying nutrient states and protect from inflammation and injury in multiple organ systems. Traditionally viewed as metabolic substrates enlisted only in carbohydrate restriction, observations underscore the importance of ketone bodies as vital metabolic and signaling mediators when carbohydrates are abundant. Complementing a repertoire of known therapeutic options for diseases of the nervous system, prospective roles for ketone bodies in cancer have arisen, as have intriguing protective roles in heart and liver, opening therapeutic options in obesity-related and cardiovascular disease. Controversies in ketone metabolism and signaling are discussed to reconcile classical dogma with contemporary observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a development context, the term technology is often limited to its economic dimension while the meaning of technology for a human perspective of development (e.g. Capability Approach) has been widely neglected. In order to fully investigate the social effects of energy technologies in developing countries, I argue that there is need for a new theoretical framework, which combines approaches within Science and Technology Studies (SCOT) and Development Studies (Capability Approach) to acknowledge the interconnection of technology and development and to strengthen both research fields. This new theoretical framework is illustrated by using the solar box cooker as a technological artifact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Recent studies have shown that brain tumor cells, unlike normal brain cells, are largely dependent upon glucose for energy and are not able to use ketone bodies as a primary energy source. These findings are thought to be because of decreased expression of succinyl-coenzyme A:3-oxoacid coenzyme A transferase (SCOT), a key enzyme involved in ketone body metabolism. Because of their neural crest origin, we hypothesized that neuroblastoma cells would also be unable to use ketone bodies as a primary energy source. Methods: Human foreskin fibroblasts (control) and human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-AS) were grown in standard media with glucose (glc+), standard media without glucose (glc−), glucose-free media with acetoacetate, or glucose-free media with β-hydroxybutyrate. Cell viability was determined with MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and apoptosis with fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Immunoblotting was performed to SCOT protein. Results: Neuroblastoma cell viability was significantly decreased in the acetoacetate and hydroxybutyrate media by 52% and 61%, respectively, compared with control media. In addition, neuroblastoma cells showed significantly more apoptosis in the ketone media. Viability and apoptosis in the normal fibroblasts were not affected by the culture media. The expression of SCOT protein was significantly less in human neuroblastoma cells compared with the control fibroblasts. Conclusions: Unlike human fibroblasts, neuroblastoma cells were unable to use ketone bodies as an energy source, likely because of their decreased expression of SCOT protein. Dietary manipulation using ketone bodies in accordance with SCOT expression may be a novel therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The theory of social construction of technology (SCOT) and the theory of technological paradigms (TTP) are normally regarded as competing or even incompatible perspectives on technological change. In this paper, we show how and when the perspectives are complementary by comparing how the theories conceptualise technology development, understand stakeholders, and determine driving forces for technological change. When stakeholders have different relations to the innovation process, and when the outcome of the innovation process is open, we argue that the two theories could be complementary tools for analysing the process. When using SCOT and TTP as complementary analytical tools, it becomes easier to understand and design innovation processes in which different stakeholders are attached to roles where they are able to contribute in the most productive ways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni belongs to the family Asteraceae inhabiting the semi-humid and sub-tropical climates. Many countries depend on stevia as the main sweetener. In Egypt, the gap (0.843 million tons) between sugar production (1.757 million tons) and consumption (2.6 million tons) is threatening the economy. Steviol glycosides (i.e. stevioside and rebaudioside-A) are appraised as 300 times sweeter in taste than table sugar. Therefore, stevia is considered a potential solution. The objective of the current study was mainly to characterize the diversity among the main stevia germplasm in Egypt using biochemical and molecular techniques. Possibly expressed regions of stevia genes represented by seven start codon targeted (SCoT) markers were characterized in each germline. A total of 106 SCoT amplicons were characterized into monomorphic (26.4%) and polymorphic (73.6%) markers. Amongst them, 26 and 12 were observed as uniquely positive and negative amplicons, respectively. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV technique was used to measure the different levels of steviol glycosides. The germline Sponti showed the highest percentage of stevioside (4.10%), while the germline China1 showed the lowest percentage (2.50%). The germline High Sugar showed the highest percentage of rebaudioside-A (6.18%), while the germline ShouA3-2 showed the lowest percentage (3.16%). Using bioinformatics tools, the conserved regions of UGT76G1 gene were isolated and characterized. The sequence-based phylogenic tree concluded that the Shou2 germline could have a distant ancestor. The current study is congruent with other studies to understand the genetic diversity of stevia as a future economical crop for sugar production in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicteres isora L., is an endangered valuable medicinal tree species. Direct shoot regeneration was initiated from cotyledonary node (CN) and axillary nodal explants (AN) of in vitro raised seedlings using the plant growth regulators (PGRs) and organic additives. A combination of 4.92 μM N6- (2- isopentenyl) adenine (2iP), 9.08 μM thidiazuron (TDZ) and 2.69 μM naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium resulted with 16.1 and 11.4 shoots from CN and AN explants respectively. Maximum shoot numbers (CN: 21.3; AN: 16.9) were recorded by addition of 342.1 μM glutamine with 4.92 μM 2iP, 9.08 μM TDZ and 2.69 μM NAA combination. Basal callus associated shoot regeneration problems were successfully overcome through altering sucrose concentration (20 g l−1) in culturing media. Pre-treated microshoots were elongated (10.9 and 9.8 cm) when cultured on half-strength MS medium fortified with a combination of 4.92 μM 2iP and 1.44 μM gibberellic acid (GA 3). Elongated shoots were best rooted (12.9 per shoot), in half-strength MS medium containing 4.90 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Plantlets were successfully acclimatised (71.4%) in poly tunnel chamber. Genetic homogeneity was successfully confirmed by SCoT and ISSR marker systems. In both techniques 63 and 27 monomorphic bands were resolved from SCoT and ISSR primers respectively. Developed micropropagation protocol could be a reliable method for clonal propagation of H. isora. • N6- (2- isopentenyl) adenine (2iP) was found suitable cytokinin to enhance the direct shoot regeneration in H. isora. • Microshoots were successfully regenerated into well-developed shoots suitable for root induction. • SCoT and ISSR, the two different genetic marker systems were employed to ensure genetic fidelity of regenerants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]