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The high antibacterial and antiviral performance of synthesized copper(I) oxide (Cu

α-Mangostin is a primary active compound found in mangosteen pericarp that has been used as a traditional medicine in Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia. Since toxicological information...

Centromeric satellite DNA (cen-satDNA) sequences of the Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) were characterized. Three GC-rich cen-satDNA sequences were detected as a 233 bp MALREP-A and a 293 bp MALREP-B localized to all chromosomes, and a 293 bp MALREP-C distributed on eight chromosome pairs. Sequence lengths of MALREP-B and MALREP-C were 60 bp larger than that of MALREP-A, showing partial homology with core sequences (233 bp). Size differences between MALREP-A and MALREP-B/C suggest the possible occurrence of two satDNA families. The presence of an additional 60 bp in MALREP-B/C resulted from an ancient dimer of 233 bp monomers and subsequent mutation and homogenization between the two monomers. All MALREPs showed partial homology with transposable elements (TEs), suggesting that the MALREPs originated from the TEs. The MALREPs might have been acquired in the Asian swamp eel, thereby promoting fixation in the species.

Sesamolin is one of the major active compounds found in sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) that are commonly and increasingly used as an ingredient in cuisines and various food products. The compound has been reported to have several pharmaceutical activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anticancer. However, the toxicological profile of sesamolin does not currently include developmental toxicity. In this study, we assessed sesamolin toxicity to embryonic development of zebrafish by exposure for 72 h at concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 μM. The evaluation revealed that sesamolin did not affect survival and hatching rates. However, it did induce embryo malformations and reduced embryonic heart rates in a dose-dependent manner. By qRT-PCR analysis, it downregulated the expression of oxidative stress-related genes, including superoxide dismutase 1 (sod1), catalase (cat), and glutathione S-transferase pi 2 (gstp2). Alkaline phosphatase staining of embryos revealed that sesamolin inhibited the development of subintestinal vessels, and hemoglobin staining revealed a negative impact on embryonic erythropoiesis. These findings showed that sesamolin affected genes related to angiogenesis and erythropoiesis. The risks of sesamolin to embryonic development found in this study may imply similar effects in humans and other mammals.

Multifunctional nanoparticles with special magnetic and optical properties have been attracting a great deal of attention due to their important applications in the bioanalytical and biomedical fields. In this study, we report the fabrication of biocompatible magneto-fluorescence nanoparticles consisting of carbon dots (CDots) and silica-coated cobalt–manganese nanoferrites (Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4) (CoMnF@Si@CDots) (MagSiCDots) by a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared MagSiCDots have a particle size of 100–120 nm and show a negative zeta potential of −35.50 mV at a neutral pH. The fluorescence spectrum of the MagSiCDots nanoparticles consists of sharp excitation at 365 nm and broad blue light emission with a maximum wavelength of 442.5 nm and the MagSiCDots exhibit superparamagnetic behaviour with a saturation magnetization of 11.6 emu g−1. The potential of MagSiCDots as a fluorescent sensor and be used for magnetic hyperthermia applications. It is seen that the fluorescent intensity of a colloidal solution (a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) solution containing MagSiCDots nanoparticles) has a linear relationship with the H2S concentration range of 0.2–2 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) of H2S by our MagSiCDots particles is 0.26 μM and they remain stable for at least 90 min. To test the suitability of the MagSiCDots nanoparticles for use in hyperthermia application, induction heating using an AMF was done. It was observed that these nanoparticles had a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 28.25 W g−1. The in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of MagSiCDots were tested on HeLa cells lines. The results show a cell viability of about 85% when exposed to 100 μg mL−1 concentration of the particles. The in vivo cytotoxicity using zebrafish assay also confirmed the non-toxicity and biocompatibility of the nanoparticles to living cells. The reported data demonstrate that by combining CoMnF@Si and fluorescent CDots into a single system, not only nontoxic multifunctional nanomaterials but also multimodal nanoparticles for several applications, such as hazard gas detection and acting as a biocompatible heat source for therapeutic treatment of cancer, are provided.

Telomeres comprise tandem repeated DNA sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes, and their lengths might vary with sex and age. Here, age‐ and sex‐related telomere lengths in male and female captive Siamese cobras (Naja kaouthia) were investigated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction based on cross‐sectional data. A negative correlation was shown between telomere length and body size in males but not in females. Age‐related sex differences were also recorded. Juvenile female snakes have shorter telomeres relative to males at up to 5 years of age, while body size also rapidly increases during this period. This suggests that an accelerated increase in telomere length of female cobra results from sex hormone stimulation to telomerase activity, reflecting sexually dimorphic phenotypic traits. This might also result from amplification of telomeric repeats on sex chromosomes. By contrast, female Siamese cobras older than 5 years had longer telomeres than males. Diverse sex hormone levels and oxidative stress parameters between sexes may affect telomere length.

Sterile hybrid animals exhibit spermatogenic disruptions with a decreased number and/or malformation of mature sperm. F1 hybrid catfish (2n = 55) is an important cultured fish derived from male North African catfish [Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822); 2n = 56] and female bighead catfish [C. macrocephalus (Gunther, 1864); 2n = 54]; they are sterile with gametogenic failure in males. Despite the generality of this phenomenon, the spermatogenic phenotype has not been well described and a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of the disruption remains elusive. Our observations in the F1 male hybrid showed abnormal morphology of testes with small size, while meiotic configuration indicated that meiosis succeeded in the early pachytene stage but failed to progress beyond the diplotene-diakinesis stage in primary spermatocytes. This suggests the presence of a number of degenerated spermatocytes. Histological examination recorded no postmeiotic cells and spermatozoa in F1 male hybrid testes. A high frequency of apoptotic testicular cells was also present in the F1 male hybrid, as shown by histochemical results for activated Caspase-3 and TUNEL assays. Low expression levels of Caspase-3, p53 and MCL1 (isoform 2), which activate pro-apoptotic signals in the development process, were also observed in both parental species, but significantly high expression levels were observed in the F1 male hybrid. By contrast, the level of BCL2 expression was very low in the F1 male hybrid, supporting the state of apoptosis as BCL2 inhibits the actions of pro-apoptotic proteins. These results collectively suggest that sterility in male hybrids is caused by spermatogenic disruptions in the pachytene stage, resulting from the failure of homologous chromosome pairing due to chromosomal incompatibility between parental genomes, and subsequent elimination by apoptosis leading to spermatogenic breakdown in the F1 male hybrid.

Elucidation of the process of sex chromosome differentiation is necessary to understand the dynamics of evolutionary mechanisms in organisms. The W sex chromosome of the Siamese cobra (Naja kaouthia) contains a large number of repeats and shares amniote sex chromosomal linkages. Diversity Arrays Technology provides an effective approach to identify sex-specific loci that are epoch-making, to understand the dynamics of molecular transitions between the Z and W sex chromosomes in a snake lineage. From a total of 543 sex-specific loci, 90 showed partial homology with sex chromosomes of several amniotes and 89 loci were homologous to transposable elements. Two loci were confirmed as W-specific nucleotides after PCR amplification. These loci might result from a sex chromosome differentiation process and involve putative sex-determination regions in the Siamese cobra. Sex-specific loci shared linkage homologies among amniote sex chromosomes, supporting an ancestral super-sex chromosome.

Captive breeding programs for endangered species can increase population numbers for eventual reintroduction to the wild. Captive populations are typically small and isolated, which results in inbreeding and reduction of genetic variability, and may lead to an increased risk of extinction. The Omkoi Wildlife Breeding Center maintains the only Thai captive Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) population, and has plans to reintroduce individuals into natural isolated populations. Genetic variability was assessed within the captive population using microsatellite data. Although no bottleneck was observed, genetic variability was low (allelic richness = 7.091 ± 0.756, He = 0.455 ± 0.219; He < Ho) and 11 microsatellite loci were informative that likely reflect inbreeding. Estimates of small effective population size and limited numbers of founders, combined with wild-born individuals within subpopulations, tend to cause reduction of genetic variability over time in captive programs. This leads to low reproductive fitness and limited ability to adapt to environmental change, thereby increasing the risk of extinction. Management of captive populations as evolutionarily significant units with diverse genetic backgrounds offers an effective strategy for population recovery. Relocation of individuals among subpopulations, or introduction of newly captured wild individuals into the captive program will help to ensure the future security of Chinese goral. Implications for future conservation actions for the species are discussed herein.

Mouthbrooding fighting fish Betta apollon and B. simplex are widely distributed in Southeast Asia but urbanization is restricting their biodiversity. Complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of B. apollon and B. simplex were determined to support systematic conservation programs. Mitogenome sequences were 16,536 and 16,549 bp in length with slight AT bias (56.68% and 56.60%), respectively, containing 37 genes with the order identical to most teleost mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis of B. apollon showed a closer relationship with B. simplex, grouped with B. pi as a monophyletic clade of mouthbrooders. Results will facilitate evolutionary studies, species diversity, and conservation management in fighting fishes.

Molecular sexing is routinely used in the fields of forensic investigations, population genetics and conservation biology. However, none of the assays used so far allows non-ambiguous, quick, and cheap sex identification in snakes. Here, we designed a new multiplex PCR (two panels of triplex) sexing assay using two homologous loci on sex chromosomes (snake gametologous genes), CTNNB1Z/CTNNB1W and WACZ/WACW, and two combined female-specific CTNNB1W loci. This method was successfully tested on 81 samples from 17 caenophidian snakes, but not for 20 samples from 5 henophidian snakes, suggesting that this assay was applicable across all caenophidian snake tested. Moreover, the results of the validation study comprising sensitivity, specificity, blind test, and casework with blood spots on filter paper and shed skin as a non-invasive sample confirmed the effectiveness of this assay in the forensic perspective. The assay represents a robust, cheap, rapid, and simple method which should also prove useful in unknown bodies of carcass. This efficient assay should benefit wildlife forensic laboratories and registered breeders to conform to wildlife regulations or certification of commercial trade, and boost profits for snake-breeders and conservationist snake-breeding communities.

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) is a valuable crop whose seeds contain a high percentage of oil and can be converted to high-quality biodiesel. Physic nut can grow in tropical and subtropical areas and has minimal requirements of its environment. Physic nut starts its production 9 mth after planting and its yield peaks in 2–3 yr. The major hurdle in harvesting its seeds is the extreme height of this crop. J. curcas plants often reach 1.5–2 m after the first year and continue to grow. Plant height control had been achieved by manipulating levels of gibberellic acid (GA). One possible way to accomplish GA manipulation is through the action of the SHORT INTERNODES (SHI) gene since it has been found to repress GA responses. The current study identified the SHI gene in J. curcas. Further characterization of the expression pattern and structure of the SHI gene revealed that JcSHI is a single copy gene that encodes 315 amino acid residues and is highly expressed in the shoot meristem and root. The phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship between JcSHI and PtSHI that are both in woody plants. The JcSHI protein contained a specific RING zinc finger (C3HC3H type) and the IGGH domain indicating the possible function of SHI as a transcriptional regulator of genes involved in plant growth and elongation. Keywords: Biofuel plant, Jatropha curcas, Ring zinc finger type C3HC3H, SHORT INTERNODES gene

To better understand PBI-DdeI satellite DNA located in the centromeric region of python, molecular evolution analysis was conducted on 40 snake species. A ladder-like pattern of DNA bands with repetition of the 194–210 bp monomer was observed in 15 species using PCR. Molecular cloning was performed to obtain 97 AT-rich monomer sequences. Phylogenetic and network analyses showed three PBI-DdeI subfamilies with sequences grouped in species-specific clusters, suggesting rapid evolution. Slow evolution was found in eight species with shared PBI-DdeI sequences, suggesting recent species diversification, allowing PBI-DdeI no time to diverge, with limited homogenization and fixation processes. Quantitative real-time PCR showed large differences in copy number between Python bivittatus and other snakes, consistent with repeat scanning of whole genome sequences. Copy numbers were significantly higher in female Naja kaouthia than in males, concurring with chromosomal distribution of PBI-DdeI specifically localized to female W chromosomes. PBI-DdeI might act as an evolutionary driver with several repeats to promote W chromosome differentiation and heterochromatinization in N. kaouthia. Analysis revealed PBI-DdeI with a reduced copy number, compared to P. bivittatus, in most snakes studied, and it is possible that it subsequently dispersed and amplified on W chromosomes with different functional roles in N. kaouthia.

Transposable elements (TEs) are dynamic elements present in all eukaryotic genomes. They can &ldquo, jump&rdquo, and amplify within the genome and promote segmental genome rearrangements on both autosomes and sex chromosomes by disruption of gene structures. The Bovine-B long interspersed nuclear element (Bov-B LINE) is among the most abundant TE-retrotransposon families in vertebrates due to horizontal transfer (HT) among vertebrate lineages. Recent studies have shown multiple HTs or the presence of diverse Bov-B LINE groups in the snake lineage. It is hypothesized that Bov-B LINEs are highly dynamic and that the diversity reflects multiple HTs in snake lineages. Partial sequences of Bov-B LINE from 23 snake species were characterized. Phylogenetic analysis resolved at least two Bov-B LINE groups that might correspond to henophidian and caenophidian snakes, however, the tree topology differed from that based on functional nuclear and mitochondrial gene sequences. Several Bov-B LINEs of snakes showed greater than 80% similarity to sequences obtained from insects, whereas the two Bov-B LINE groups as well as sequences from the same snake species classified in different Bov-B LINE groups showed sequence similarities of less than 80%. Calculation of estimated divergence time and pairwise divergence between all individual Bov-B LINE copies suggest invasion times ranging from 79.19 to 98.8 million years ago in snakes. Accumulation of elements in a lineage-specific fashion ranged from 9 &times, 10&minus, 6% to 5.63 &times, 2% per genome. The genomic proportion of Bov-B LINEs varied among snake species but was not directly associated with genome size or invasion time. No differentiation in Bov-B LINE copy number between males and females was observed in any of the snake species examined. Incongruence in tree topology between Bov-B LINEs and other snake phylogenies may reflect past HT events. Sequence divergence of Bov-B LINEs between copies suggests that recent multiple HTs occurred within the same evolutionary timeframe in the snake lineage. The proportion of Bov-B LINEs varies among species, reflecting species specificity in TE invasion. The rapid speciation of snakes, coinciding with Bov-B LINE invasion in snake genomes, leads us to better understand the effect of Bov-B LINEs on snake genome evolution.

Table S5. Comparison of major classes of repeat sequences in 22 chicken and zebra finch BACs mapped on the Siamese cobra chromosome 1 and microchromosomes. (DOCX 23 kb)

Table S2. Comparison of frequencies of microsatellite repeat motifs in chicken and zebra finch BACs mapped on the Siamese cobra Z chromosome. (DOCX 13 kb)

Table S3. Comparison of major classes of repeat sequences in chicken and zebra finch BACs mapped on the Siamese cobra chromosome 2. (DOCX 15 kb)

Table S4. Comparison of frequencies of microsatellite repeat motifs in chicken and zebra finch BACs mapped on the Siamese cobra chromosome 2. (DOCX 14 kb)

Siamese cobra (Naja kaouthia) exhibits highly toxic venom, which causes morbidity and mortality. Accurate species identification through molecular approaches is very important to administer correct...

The fragmentation of habitats and hunting have impacted the Asian woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus), leading to a serious risk of extinction in Thailand. Programs of active captive breeding, together with careful genetic monitoring, can play an important role in facilitating the creation of source populations with genetic variability to aid the recovery of endangered species. Here, the genetic diversity and population structure of 86 Asian woolly-necked storks from three captive breeding programs [Khao Kheow Open Zoo (KKOZ) comprising 68 individuals, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (NRZ) comprising 16 individuals, and Dusit Zoo (DSZ) comprising 2 individuals] were analyzed using 13 microsatellite loci, to aid effective conservation management. Inbreeding and an extremely low effective population size (Ne) were found in the KKOZ population, suggesting that deleterious genetic issues had resulted from multiple generations held in captivity. By contrast, a recent demographic bottleneck was observed in the population at NRZ, where the ratio of Ne to abundance (N) was greater than 1. Clustering analysis also showed that one subdivision of the KKOZ population shared allelic variability with the NRZ population. This suggests that genetic drift, with a possible recent and mixed origin, occurred in the initial NRZ population, indicating historical transfer between captivities. These captive stork populations require improved genetic variability and a greater population size, which could be achieved by choosing low-related individuals for future transfers to increase the adaptive potential of reintroduced populations. Forward-in-time simulations such as those described herein constitute the first step in establishing an appropriate source population using a scientifically managed perspective for an in situ and ex situ conservation program in Thailand.

Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of fiveCyrtodactyluswere determined. Their compositions and structures were similar to most of the available gecko lizard mitogenomes as 13 protein-coding, two rRNA and 22 tRNA genes. The non-coding control region (CR) of almost allCyrtodactylusmitogenome structures contained a repeated sequence named the 75-bp box family, except forC. auribalteatuswhich contained the 225-bp box. Sequence similarities indicated that the 225-bp box resulted from the duplication event of 75-bp boxes, followed by homogenization and fixation inC. auribalteatus. The 75-bp box family was found in most gecko lizards with high conservation (55–75% similarities) and could form secondary structures, suggesting that this repeated sequence family played an important role under selective pressure and might involve mitogenome replication and the likelihood of rearrangements in CR. The 75-bp box family was acquired in the common ancestral genome of the gecko lizard, evolving gradually through each lineage by independent nucleotide mutation. Comparison of gecko lizard mitogenomes revealed low structural diversity with at least six types of mitochondrial gene rearrangements.Cyrtodactylusmitogenome structure showed the same gene rearrangement as found in most gecko lizards. Advanced mitogenome information will enable a better understanding of structure evolution mechanisms.