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The characterization of garlic germplasm improves its utility, despite the fact that garlic hasn't been used much in the past. Garlic has an untapped genetic pool of immense economic and medicinal value in India. Hence, using heuristic core collection approach, a core set of 46 accessions were selected from 625 Indian garlic accessions based on 13 quantitative and five qualitative traits. The statistical measures (CV per cent, CR per cent, VR per cent) were used to sort the core set using Shannon-Wiener diversity index and the Nei diversity index. In addition, the variation within the core set was tested for 18 agro-morphological and six biochemical characteristics (allicin, phenol content, pyruvic acid, protein, allyl methyl thiosulfinate (AMTHS), and methyl allyl thiosulfinate (MATHS)). Further study of the core set's molecular diversity was performed using sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, which revealed a wide range of diversity among the core set's accessions, with an average polymorphism efficiency (PE) of 80.59 percent, polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.29, effective multiplex ratio (EMR) of 3.51, and marker index (MI) of 0.99. The findings of this study will be useful in identifying high-yielding, elite garlic germplasm lines with the trait of interest. Since this core set is indicative of total germplasm, these selected breeding lines will be used for genetic improvement of garlic in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work characterized mechanisms controlling cadmium (Cd) tolerance and accumulation in lettuce at both the physiological and genetic levels. These traits were evaluated in 18 Lactuca accessions representing a large genetic diversity. Cd tolerance and accumulation in roots and shoots as well as Cd translocation from roots to the shoot varied independently, and with a significant range of variation. Analyses of F1 progenies of crosses between cultivars with contrasted phenotypes showed that high tolerance to Cd, low Cd accumulation and low Cd root-shoot translocation were recessive traits. Results of analyses of F2 progenies of different crosses suggest that root Cd concentration and root-shoot Cd translocation were under a complex genetic determinism involving at least two loci. This work thus revealed that limiting both Cd accumulation and Cd root-shoot translocation in lettuce is possible and depends on recessive loci. Differences in the ability to accumulate Cd in roots in the long term could not be linked to differences in short-term 109Cd uptake into, or efflux from, roots. In contrast, the cultivar with the highest root-shoot Cd translocation was the same in the long term and in the short term, which suggests that this trait relies on processes that are implemented quickly (i.e. in less than three days) after the start of Cd exposure. Highlights • Cd tolerance and Cd accumulation seem to vary independently in lettuce. • High tolerance to Cd and low Cd accumulation are recessive traits in lettuce. • Root-shoot Cd translocation is not governed by a single locus in lettuce. • Cd uptake would be the main factor controlling Cd accumulation in lettuce shoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chia improves colon morphology and increase IgA levels, and cecum weight. • Chia increases acetic and butyric acids content. • Chia decreases intraluminal pH in vivo. • Chia flour increases the genera Monoglobus sp. , Lachnospiraceae sp. and Prevotellaceae sp. A diet rich in sugar and fat can promote metabolic disorders development, especially in the intestine. Chia flour (Salvia hispanica. L) is a source of dietary fiber, alpha-linolenic fatty acid (ALA), bioactive peptides, and phenolics, promoting health benefits. This study aimed to analyze chia flour's effect on gut microbiota modulation and intestinal health in adult male Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were fed the diets standard (AIN-93M) or HFHF (31% saturated fat and 20% fructose) in the first phase to induce metabolic disorders. In the second phase, the rats were fed AIN-93M, HFHF, or HFHF plus 14.7% chia flour (HFHF + CF) for 10 weeks. The consumption of chia flour increased the ALA (3.24 ± 0.24) intake and significantly improved immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels (1126.00 ± 145.90), goblet cells number (24.57 ± 2.76), crypt thickness (34.37 ± 5.86), crypt depth (215.30 ± 23.19), the longitudinal muscle layer (48.11 ± 5.04), cecum weight (4.39 ± 0.71), Shannon index (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the production of acetic (20.56 ± 4.10) and butyric acids (5.96 ± 1.50), Monoglobus sp. , Lachnospiraceae sp. , and Prevotellaceae sp. abundance. Furthermore, chia significantly reduced the cecal pH content (7.54 ± 1.17), body mass index (0.62 ± 0.03) and weight (411.00 ± 28.58), and Simpson index (p < 0.05). Therefore, chia intake improved intestinal health parameters and functionality in rats with metabolic disorders, which demonstrates to be an effective strategy for gut microbiota modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacterial diversity from nine hot water springs of North-Western Himalayas scattered over an area of approximately 20,000 km 2 has been studied using polyphasic approach in relation to important ecological factors. These hot springs have hard water, with variation of temperature from 40 to 90 °C and pH from 6.8–8.0. A total of 625 cyanobacterial isolates were cultured from 150 samples. On the basis of morphology, these isolates were represented by 22 species of 11 genera. A total of 220 cyanobacterial isolates representing morpho-species from each sampling site were subjected to molecular characterization by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), 16S rRNA gene, rbcL gene and cpcB -IGS- cpcA phycocyanin locus region sequencing for elucidating their identity, diversity and phylogenetic relationships. ARDRA analysis revealed 22 groups of cyanobacterial isolates from selected hot water springs. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene, rbcL gene and cpcB -IGS- cpcA phycocyanin locus region revealed that the identity of the majority of the cyanobacterial species was congruent with the identity based on morphological features. The identity of 3 taxa; Leptolyngbya sp. PUPCCC 112.22, Phormidium sp. PUPCCC 118.2 and Phormidium sp. PUPCCC 118.3, based on both morphological features and molecular markers, did not match with known cyanobacterial species, indicating these as new genera/species. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that taxa from selected hot springs belonging to Stigonematales are monophyletic, whereas Chroococcales and Oscillatoriales are polyphyletic. Canonical correspondence analysis of physico-chemical parameters and cyanobacterial community of each hot water spring revealed that temperature, pH, conductivity, nitrogen, sulphate and phosphate influenced cyanobacterial community structure. Further, our study has revealed that the cyanobacterial community of hot water springs is comprised of endemic as well as globally distributed representatives and is influenced by ecological parameters. The nature of the cyanobacterial community structure depended on the water chemistry rather than geographical location of the spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A CO 2 leakage simulation platform was constructed, and the high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique was performed on the Illumina platform to compare the responses of soil microbial communities. In the CO 2 leakage group, the content of soil organic matter increased continuously up to a high of 29.4% while electrical conductivity, pH and nitrate continuously declined, with the nitrate concentration never exceeding 85.5%. Rarefaction results showed that the Chao indexes increased by 18.40% ± 2.40% and the Shannon index increased by 6.20% ± 1.20% as the amount of CO 2 leakage increased. In addition, as CO 2 flux increased, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum decreased, whereas the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi phyla increased. Within the Bacteroidetes phylum, the Bacteroidales order decreased sharply during the period of highest CO 2 flux. Beta diversity of microbial community was significantly correlated with the CO 2 leakage gradient ( p < 0.01). Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that differences in bacterial communities were significantly affected by soil properties ( p < 0.01). The relative abundance of Bacteroidales demonstrated great variability, which may be used as a microbial sensitivity index to assess leakage risks on soil bacterial communities in other systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bean has the potential to improve gut microbiota function due to its chemical composition and content of dietary fiber. This study evaluated the effect of cooked common bean (CCB) flour and its protein hydrolysate as part of a high-fat diet (HFD) added with 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (10 mg/kg/d), an inhibitor of thyroid hormone synthesis, on gut health of BALB/c mice. Forty-eight adult mice were divided into four groups: normal control; HFD; HFD plus CCB flour (346.6 g/kg of diet) (HFBF group) and HFD plus CCB protein hydrolysate (700 mg/Kg/d) (HFPH group). HFBF, but not HFPH, increased cecum weight, and the moisture, and lipids in the excreted feces, compared to control groups. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of the cecal microbiota indicated changes in the beta-diversity between the HFBF and HFPH groups, compared to the normal control. The abundance of Bacteroidetes increased and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased in the HFBF compared to control groups. However, HFPH was not able to prevent the damage caused by a HFD to the gut bacterial communities. The OTUs enriched by HFBF were mainly assigned to members of the Muribaculaceae family, which shows potential to improve gut health. The intake of CCB flour improved intestinal health and modulated the composition and function of the cecal microbiota, attenuating the effects of the HFD, added wit 6-propyl-2-thiouracil, when fed to BALB/c mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Psidium guajava L. is one of the economically most relevant fruit crops in the Myrtaceae family. Genetic diversity studies are an important source of data for breeding programs, as well as taxonomic and evolutionary approaches in this species. Considering that the use of distinct methods enables more reliable information of genetic diversity, this study aimed to screen and characterize the genetic diversity among 28 P. guajava genotypes by morphological, karyotypical, nuclear 2C-value and simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker data. Karyotypic and nuclear 2C-value analyses showed that all genotypes have a stable and very small diploid genome (2n =2x =22; 2C =0.95pg). In this regard, the species exhibits karyotypic characteristics related to ancestral angiosperm groups. Dendrogram based on morphological and SSR data evidenced diversity among P. guajava genotypes, with better discrimination by SSR. The data obtained for morphology, SSR molecular markers, karyotype and nuclear genome size contributed to expand the knowledge about the genome and genetic diversity of P. guajava. In this context, this information may aid plant breeders to structure crop improvement programs and contribute to evolutionary approaches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Diversity analysis among 23 rice varieties including 16 non-basmati scented accessions, 5 basmati accessions and 2 non-scented accessions was performed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker systems. The varieties analyzed by 11 RAPD and 8 ISSR primers yielded an average of 65% and 80% polymorphism, respectively. The average number of polymorphic bands generated per RAPD primer was 6 and per ISSR primer was 5.87. RAPD and ISSR data analysis individually could not segregate basmati and non-basmati scented rice accessions. However, the analysis using a combined data could group basmati and non-basmati scented rice accessions separately. The bands present specifically among three accessions of non-basmati scented rice were also identified. The study revealed a high genetic diversity among non-basmati scented rice accessions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coastal dune systems are particularly fragile and threatened environments, which, however, provide fundamental ecosystem services to nearby urban areas acting for example as protective buffers against erosion. Correctly assessing their conservation status is a priority in order to manage them adequately and to plan urban development in coastal regions. In this paper we propose a practical multiscale method for the assessment of the conservation status of sandy coastal environment. The proposed method is articulated in two stages, one focusing on the landscape and the other on the plant community level. In the first phase mosaic structure and composition of the coastal landscape are analyzed using a series of indicators: natural coastal surface, richness of land cover typologies, landscape diversity and eveness, number and average size of habitat patches, and mean shape index. At a detailed scale, floristic, vegetational and structural aspects of the dune plant communities are analyzed along the main environmental gradient by measuring: spatial connectivity and richness of boundaries, species diversity, eveness and chorological index. In this work we apply and test the method in an experimental area on the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy (Latium region), comparing the conservation status of two study sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyzes to what extent the multipath diversity is extracted by a cyclic prefixed single-carrier (CPSC) transmission. The state-of-the-art is currently pessimistic on that issue, and has to be moderated: if it is true that the asymptotical, i.e. at infinite signal to noise ratio (SNR), diversity order achieved by CPSC is equal to one, we prove that the block size has an influence on the performance at moderate SNR. In particular, for reasonably large values of the block size, we show that the multipath diversity can be extracted by CPSC for the range of bit error rate values typically used in practice. The influence of suboptimal linear receivers on the diversity extraction is also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is shown that for four-transmitter systems, a family of four-by-four unit-rate complex quasi-orthogonal space–time block codes, where each entry equals a symbol variable up to a change of sign and/or complex conjugation, can be generated from any two independent codes via elementary operations. The two independent groups of codes in the family generally have different properties of diversity, but the codes in each group have the same diversity provided that the differential symbol constellation is symmetric. It is also shown that for four-transmitter systems, an eight-by-four unit-rate complex linear dispersion space–time block code can be constructed by using Hurwitz–Radon families of matrices of size eight such that diversity three is guaranteed even when all symbols are independently selected from any given constellation. This code is so far the only known unit-rate linear dispersion code that has diversity no less than three for four transmitters under any given constellation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 28,000 chiral compounds separated by chiral chromatography have been selected in ChirBase database. The enantiomers of this library can be considered as potentially being isolable by chromatography at a small-scale level of development. The resulting chiral pool was analysed with the aim to describe compound molecular diversity as well as druglike and leadlike characteristics. In parallel, we have explored the possibility of using this chiral product library as starting materials for the construction of a virtual chiral combinatorial library. The chemical space occupied by the obtained combinatorial collection of new chiral scaffolds revealed that structures of the chromatographic-based chiral library may also be a source of chiral diversity for drug discovery. Another interesting in silico approach consisted to release all the protected or derivatized compounds. This procedure allowed us to enrich and expand the existing library with several thousands of original small chiral amines, acids and alcohols. Finally, sub-similarity searching strategies were found valuable for quickly selecting suitable small chiral precursors that are readily available from chiral chromatography for the small-scale synthesis of some known chiral drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The diversity analysis of bacteria is useful for the environmental assessment of soil. Traditional molecular-based methods such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis achieve a low-resolution display of bacterial DNA fragments on a gel. To improve the resolution, a novel two-dimensional DNA gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) method was designed. This method can generate a high-resolution DNA map that facilitates the detailed analysis of soil bacteria. This map can be obtained by utilizing 2-DGE to separate genomic DNA fragments produced by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification on the basis of chain length and G+C content. To develop this 2-DGE method further and to apply it to the assessment of bacterial diversity, we carried out a 2-DGE mapping of bacterial DNA fragments from different environmental soils and computed Shannon index as well as plotted rank-abundance curves on the basis of the relative intensity of each spot on the maps. DGGE mapping was also performed to compare the resolution of the two methods. 2-DGE mapping was capable of generating a higher resolution display by a factor of more than 2 using a DGGE fingerprint pattern on a piece of gel. Furthermore, the higher number of detected spots from the 2-DGE map enabled the assessment of differences in bacterial diversity in complex soil systems using a logarithmic normal rank-abundance plot. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three commercially available cherimoya cultivars (Campas, Burtons and White), one cultivar recently obtained and registered in Mexico (Cortés-II-31) and seven Mexican germplasm selections (S-196, S-256, S-260, S-266, S-9651, S-Selene and S-Carapan) were characterized by using the morphometric traits of various organs of the adult plant, together with several agronomical and chemical characteristics. The objectives were: (i) to seek an alternative approach to the definition of cherimoya cultivars through multivariate analysis, using commercial varieties and Mexican germplasm selections and (ii) to elucidate the grouping of cultivars and selections obtained by multivariate analysis on the basis of their origin and geographical distribution. Plant material was collected in 2002 from adult plants 3 years after grafting. Twenty-one morphometric characteristics (seven of leaves, nine of flowers, two of fruits and three of seeds), plus five fruit characteristics of agronomical importance and three chemical parameters of the fruit were selected for characterizing accessions. The intra-accession variability recorded for the traits selected made them suitable for identifying cultivars. All of the traits but one were capable of showing up differences between accessions at a significance level of 0.001. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the traits which yielded the maximum separation between accessions were: leaf blade form factor, angle of the fifth vein of leaves, upper angle of leaves, area of the cross-section of petals, sepal maximum projected area, weight of fruits, total soluble solids in fruits, resistance of the skin of fruits to a penetrometer and width-to-length ratio of the maximum projected area of seeds. Consequently, all of these characteristics may be of interest as descriptors for cherimoya varieties. Furthermore, four consistent groups of accessions were defined by the three-dimensional plot obtained through projecting the accessions onto the first three principal components and the tree-diagram, or dendrogram, obtained through Cluster Analysis (CA). Two of these groups were made up of accessions with a well-defined common origin. The first consisted of selections S-196, S-256, S-260 and S-266 obtained from Coatepec Harinas in Mexico State, while the second comprised selections S-Selene and S-Carapan from Purépecha native Indian communities in Michoacán State. For the other two groups the origin of the accessions forming them is not fully known. Hence, further studies, based on molecular markers, might be carried out in order to ascertain if these accessions are genetically related. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present work describes the results of a comparative study designed to assess the performance of using four-point pharmacophores as molecular descriptors coupled with cluster analysis as grouping technique for molecular diversity analysis. For this purpose 31 globulin binding steroids were considered as test set. Each of the molecules was investigated for the number of pharmacophores capable to fulfill, considering or not molecular flexibility, respectively. The cosine coefficient was used as similarity measure and cluster analysis as grouping technique. Specifically, two hierarchical clustering methods were used: on the one hand, the group average method and on the other, the Ward''s method. The results obtained were compared with the activity of the molecules, as well as with the performance of previous diversity studies published in the literature using the same data set. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An enrichment culture strategy was used to obtain natural consortia from soil in order to study the biodegradability of poly(ether-urethanes) (PUE). PUE were synthesized with different aliphatic diisocyanate group, termed PUIPDI and PUHMDI. In addition, PUE/acrylic hybrids, termed PUH 90 :DEA 10 and PUH 70 :DEA 30 consisted of PUHMDI and increasing ratio of 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEA) were tested. PUIPDI was biodeteriorated through urea-bond hydrolysis by a consortium dominated by Acinetobacter. A higher biodeterioration rate was demonstrated for PUHMDI, which exhibited large surface holes and a greater weight loss. The hydrolysis of ester-urethane bonds and the oxidation of soft-segment ether bonds were the key reactions identified, possibly by Acinetobacter , Mycobacterium , Sphingopyxis and Pseudomonas , which were present in this consortium. Diverse metabolic functions were also predicted. The addition of DEA favored the biodegradability of PUH:DEA hybrids demonstrated by the increased weight loss, swelling degree and the hydrolysis of DEA-ester bond. Urethane and ether bonds degradation were also detected. PUH:DEA hybrids selected even bacterial consortia, most likely by allowing better access to the nutrients. Pseudomonadaceae and Bradyrhizobiaceae families got relevance in these consortia and their outstanding features were cell mobility and quorum sensing. This work has provided a deeper insight into PUE biodegradation by proposing the chemical mechanisms, bacterial taxa and functions that could be implicated. • Polymers were used as the sole carbon and energy source by the consortium of bacteria. • PUH 70 :DEA 30 was the most biodegradable polymer, and IPDI content decreased the PUE biodegradability. • In each polymer a distinctive chemical attack by the microorganism was observed. • A number of taxa, unreported until now, were identified as key players involved in PUE degradation. • Specific bacterial functions were predicted and correlated with PUE and PUE/acrylic hybrid chemical attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies on human intestinal microbiota indicate that gender difference is one of the key factors influencing microbial community composition. To date, the degree of influence that gender has on equid intestinal microbiota has not been reported. Thus, microbiota was analyzed in feces of seven female Przewalski's horses (FRPHs) and seven male Przewalski's horses (MRPHs) in this study, determining which microbiota characteristics respond to gender biases. The microbial community composition and structure were explored by 16S rRNA sequencing, followed by diversity analysis and difference analysis. Female Przewalski's horses showed higher Shannon diversity than MRPHs, no difference in Simpson diversity, and displayed difference in beta diversity. Although gender had little effect on the overall microbiota, it significantly changed the dominant microbial community in each classification level. Male Przewalski's horses contained significantly higher amounts of microorganisms related with diseases, including spirochetes (phylum), deltaproteobacteria (class), fibrobacteria (class), spirochaetia (class), desulfovibrionales (order), fibrobacterales (order), spirochaetales (order), and spirochaetaceae (family). Female Przewalski's horses showed less than MRPHs in the top 10 genera. To our knowledge, this study is the first to document the gender-related intestinal microbiota profile in equines and discovered notable differences between the gender, which suggests that gender should be considered as a biological variable in future microbiota studies. • Intestinal microbiota can mirror the states of hosts. • The intestinal microbial community of Przewalski's horses was explored by high-throughput sequencing. • The differences of intestinal microbial community composition and diversity between genders were discovered. • Gender should be considered as a biological variable in future microbiota studies for horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Woodland cover dominated by AM-plants and soil were similar to Patagonian forests. • Agaricales (Agaricomycets) and Helotiales (Leotiomycets) were the most abundant. • Humidity, EC, C, N, and P were modelers of the community at different taxonomic levels. • The seasons influenced the class and guild, but not the diversity of the community. • Saprotroph were the most abundant; followed by Pathogen and ECM (specially Cortinarius). • Woodland management only modified richness and phosphorus, they could be bio-indicators. Forest management can alter soil fungal communities which are important in the regulation of biogeochemical cycles and other ecosystem services. The current challenge of sustainable management is that management be carried out while preserving the bioecological aspects of ecosystems. Mixed Patagonian woodlands are subject to continuous disturbance (fire, wood extraction, and livestock), with unknown consequences for soil fungal communities. Our objective was to study the fungal community and the effects of an experimental forest management program, which combines harvesting and implantation, on the soil fungal communities in Patagonian woodland, in Argentina; considering contrasting seasons and soil parameters. At site level, the mixed woodlands appear to have greater soil cover with AM plants and soil chemical characteristics similar to other forest environments in the same region, with an intermediate fungal diversity value. When the seasonal effect was analyzed, no changes were observed in the fungal richness and diversity index, whereas modifications were recorded in the class level, in the ecological guilds, and in certain soil parameters; the inversion of phyla should be highlighted. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the predominant phyla, and presented a tendency to an inversion between seasons: Ascomycota fungi predominated in autumn, while Basidiomycota were more abundant in summer. The Glomeromycota were not well represented in this study. The most abundant classes were Agaricomycetes, followed by Leotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes, and Tremellomycetes, with some changes in the proportions between the two seasons, which could be related to certain soil characteristics. The most abundant orders in both seasons were Agaricales, Helotiales, Mortierellales, and Filobasidiales, correlated with some soil characteristics. The ordination analysis (NMDS) showed a correlation between taxonomic assignation and some soil characteristics, and only between class seasons. The most abundant ecological guild was saprotrophs (in both seasons: Hygrocybe , Mortierella , Cryptococcus), followed by plant pathogens (Ilyonectria , which increase in autumn); and the ectomycorrhizal symbiont (Hygrocybe in both seasons, while in summer Cortinarius , Clitopilus , and Geoglossum), all are related to C and N cycle. The only post-management changes observed in soil fungal community and chemical characteristics were in fungal richness (OTUs) and available phosphorus values; all the others (diversity indexes, taxonomy, and ecological guilds) were unaffected by this anthropic disturbance. It should be highlighted that available P and fungal species richness could be proposed as bioindicators. Future studies in native management programs, considering other aspects such as diversity of vegetation uses and system functions of the area will allow us to assess whether some of these changes are early bio-indicators of sustainable use and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]