Japanese Strains Research Articles

Duplication of blaCTX-M-1 and a class 1 integron on the chromosome enhances antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from racehorses in Japan

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have become a cause for great concern. Although some studies have reported the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria and ESBL-encoding genes in horses worldwide, the genetic structure surrounding the ESBL gene has not been analysed in detail. In the present study, we isolated two ESBL-producing Escherichia coli strains from diseased racehorses in Japan and demonstrated the mechanisms underlying the acquisition of their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Two ESBL-producing E. coli strains (E148 and E189) were isolated from the heart and liver of horses with endocarditis and sepsis in 2014 and 2016, respectively, in Japan. Complete genomic sequences of the two strains were analysed using a PacBio RSII sequencer. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the agar dilution method. The two isolates possessed a chromosomal AMR gene cluster containing blaCTX-M-1 that was similar to the pEQ1 plasmid found in E. coli isolated from a racehorse in the Czech Republic. In one of the two strains, tandem duplication of the 16-kb region containing blaCTX-M-1 and a class 1 integron, which occurred via IS26-mediated recombination, increased minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) associated with the duplicated AMR genes. Chromosomal blaCTX-M-1 possibly derived from the pEQ1 or pEQ1-like plasmid was found in Japanese equine E. coli isolates. In Japanese strains, many AMR genes containing blaCTX-M-1 and the class 1 integron are highly accumulated in one region on the chromosome, and the AMR of E. coli was enhanced via the IS26-mediated duplication of the AMR gene cluster.

Morphological and phylogenetic analysis of a non-toxic

Tropical and subtropical cyanobacteria have been increasingly reported in temperate regions. The genus Raphidiopsis is rarely observed in South Korea. To date, R. curvispora has been reported generally in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Africa and South-east Asia. R. curvispora strain GIHE-G1 was isolated in a drinking water reservoir in South Korea for the first time in July 2020, and its whole genome was sequenced. The complete genome sequence indicated that the strain did not contain any cyanotoxin genes. Morphologically, the GIHE-G1 strain is more similar to the African than Japanese strain, which has a closer geographical distribution. Phylogenetic analysis of several genetic markers, such as 16S rRNA, phycocyanin intergenic spacer (cpcBA-IGS), nitrogenase gene (nifH) and RNA polymerase gene (rpoC1), did not show geographical characteristics or a close relationship with the African strains, unlike the case of Raphidiopsis raciborskii. Moreover, a minimal genetic relationship with Raphidiopsis from China was found. Considering the morphological and genetic characteristics, R. curvispora strain GIHE-G1 was likely introduced a long time ago or is native to Korea and is becoming more noticeable because of recent environmental changes.

Genetic differences between Japan and other countries in cyp51A polymorphisms of Aspergillus fumigatus

Mutations in cyp51A gene are known as main mechanisms of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus, whereas azole-susceptible strains also carry cyp51A mutations (polymorphisms). The polymorphisms found in Europe mainly consist of two combinations of mutations, that is combinations of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cyp51A, referred to as cyp51A-5SNPs, and combinations of three SNPs of cyp51A, referred to as cyp51A-3SNPs. Few studies have compared the distributions of cyp51A polymorphisms between different regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the regional differences of cyp51A polymorphisms. We compared the proportions of cyp51A polymorphisms in clinical and environmental strains isolated in various countries, and analysed the strains phylogenetically using short tandem repeats (STRs) and whole-genome sequence (WGS). Among the Japanese strains, 15 out of 98 (15.3%) clinical strains and 8 out of 95 (8.4%) environmental strains had cyp51A polymorphisms. A mutation of cyp51AN248K was the most prevalent polymorphism in both clinical (n=14, 14.3%) and environmental strains (n=3, 3.2%). Only one environmental strain harboured cyp51A-5SNPs, which was reported to be the most prevalent in Europe. For phylogenetic analyses using STRs and WGS, 183 and 134 strains, respectively, were employed. They showed that most of the strains with cyp51AN248K clustered in the clades different from those of the strains with cyp51A-5SNPs and cyp51A-3SNPs as well as from those with TR34 /L98H mutations. This study suggests that there are genetic differences between cyp51A polymorphisms of A.fumigatus in Japan and Europe.

Nuclear behavior in Coprinus comatus from Japan and estimation of the lifecycle.

In order to elucidate the lifecycle of Coprinus comatus, we examined the number of nuclei in basidiospores, hyphal cells and oidia. Basidiospores isolated from the fruiting bodies of four Japanese strains were binucleate. In both primary and secondary mycelia, most of the cells were binucleate. In addition, oidia and oidiophores were observed for the first time in this mushroom and most of the oidia were binucleate. Based on these results, the lifecycle of C. comatus was inferred to be as follows. A homokaryotic binucleate basidiospore germinates and produces homokaryotic binucleate hyphae. After mating between compatible homokaryotic binucleate hyphae, a heterokaryotic binucleate secondary mycelium is produced. If environmental conditions are suitable for fruiting, homokaryotic binucleate basidiospores in the fruiting body are produced.

Research Note: Characterization of S-Meq containing the deletion in Meq protein's transactivation domain in a Marek's disease virus strain in Japan

Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes malignant lymphomas in chickens (Marek's disease; MD). Although MD has caused significant economic losses to the poultry industry, currently, its occurrence in the field is effectively controlled by vaccination. However, the genetic characteristics of MDV strains have changed, and the poultry industry has experienced MD outbreaks in vaccinated chickens because of enhanced virulence. Meq, an oncoprotein of MDV, is a key transcription factor correlated with the tumorigenesis in MD. Animal experiments using recombinant MDV revealed that distinct polymorphisms in Meq affect the virulence of MDV strains. Meq containing an insertion or deletion is present in some MDV strains. In the 2010s, field strains that encode Meq containing the deletion (S-Meq) were reported. In this study, we characterized the genetic features of S-Meq detected in a Japanese MDV strain and analyzed its transactivation activity to investigate S-Meq's protein function. S-Meq lacked 41 amino acids, and the deletion was at the same position as those observed in other countries. In addition, S-Meq exhibited higher transactivation activity than Meq from other MDV strains circulating in Japan. These results suggest that the deletion in the transactivation domain may enhance the Meq protein's function. Further investigation is needed to clarify whether the deletion in the transactivation domain of Meq affects MDV's virulence.

Identification of TAL and iTAL effectors in Japanese strain T7133 of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Identification of TAL and iTAL effectors in Japanese strain T7133 of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Whole Genome Analysis Detects the Emergence of a Single Salmonella enterica Serovar Chester Clone in Japan's Kanto Region.

In Japan’s Kanto region, the number of Salmonella enterica serovar Chester infections increased temporarily between 2014 and 2016. Concurrently with this temporal increase in the Kanto region, S. Chester isolates belonging to one clonal group were causing repetitive outbreaks in Europe. A recent study reported that the European outbreaks were associated with travelers who had been exposed to contaminated food in Morocco, possibly seafood. Because Japan imports a large amount of seafood from Morocco, we aimed to establish whether the temporal increase in S. Chester infections in the Kanto region was associated with imported Moroccan seafood. Short sequence reads from the whole-genome sequencing of 47 S. Chester isolates from people in the Kanto region (2014–2016), and the additional genome sequences from 58 isolates from the European outbreaks, were analyzed. The reads were compared with the complete genome sequence from a S. Chester reference strain, and 347 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. These SNPs were used in this study. Cluster and Bayesian cluster analyses showed that the Japanese and European isolates fell into two different clusters. Therefore, ΦPT and values were calculated to evaluate genetic differences between these clusters. The results revealed that the Japanese and European isolates were genetically distinct populations. Our root-to-tip analysis showed that the Japanese isolates originating from one clone had accumulated mutations, suggesting that an emergence of this organism occurred. A minimum spanning tree analysis demonstrated no correlation between genetic and geographical distances in the Japanese isolates, suggesting that the emergence of the serovar in the Kanto region did not involve person-to-person contact; rather, it occurred through food consumption. The dN/dS ratio indicated that the Japanese strain has evolved under positive selection pressure. Generally, a population of bacterial clones in a reservoir faces negative selection pressure. Therefore, the Japanese strain must have existed outside of any reservoir during its emergence. In conclusion, S. Chester isolates originating from one clone probably emerged in the Kanto region via the consumption of contaminated foods other than imported Moroccan seafood. The emerging strain may have not established a reservoir for survival in the food supply chain resulting in its disappearance after 2017.

Comparative study of hatchability rate and egg quality between different strains of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

The objectives of this study were to determine morphology of Japanese quail strains andhatchability rate and egg quality between commercial strain which is Poultry Progress Institute(IKTA) strain and White Texas strains of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) rear in Malaysia. Atotal of 300 quails were randomly picked and the breastbone length, chest girth, body weight,body length, shank length and drum length were measured for the morphology. Then, 270 eggs ofCommercial and White Texas strains were used to test the hatchability rate (n=150) and eggquality (n=120). The ratio of the parents of the quails between male and female of each type ofstrain were 1:3. The cleanliness, shape, weight, and texture of the eggshell were observed,weighed and measured. The eggs were incubated for 17 days (37.6 °C, 65% humidity). The shapeindex, egg weight, egg volume and eggshell surface were weighed and measured for the exteriortrait of eggs. For interior trait, the albumen index, Haugh units, and internal quality units (IQU)were measured. Significant findings were observed in all of the features (P<0.05), except for thewing length in morphology. For hatchability rate, there was a high significant in the percentage ofhatchability of incubated eggs, hatchability of fertile eggs and smoothness texture of the eggshell.In egg quality there was high significant in Haugh unit but low significant internal quality unit.The significant variability might be due from the genetic information that inherited from theparents. The IKTA and White strains were not the same in morphology, hatchability rate andinterior trait of eggs but same exterior trait of eggs. In conclusion, this research is important ingiving information about Japanese quail strain in Malaysia and more genetic study should be donein the future to determine good strain and increase understanding about quail strain.

Feline Stool-Associated Circular DNA Virus (FeSCV) in Diarrheic Cats in China.

Feline stool-associated circular DNA virus (FeSCV) is an unclassified circular replication-associated protein-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA virus that was discovered in cats in Japan in 2018. Few studies on the genomic characteristics and prevalence of FeSCV have been conducted. To investigate whether FeSCV has been circulating in domestic cats in Guangdong, China, fecal samples were collected from cats with diarrhea in an animal hospital in 2018 to promote research on FeSCV. The FeSCV genome was obtained by PCR amplification and sequencing, and the detected virus was named PY4 (GenBank No. MT732515). The genome of PY4 was 2,034 nt in size, which was 12 nt smaller than the reported genome of Japanese FeSCV strains (KU7, KU8, KU9, KU14) (2,046 nt). The PY4 strain shared 95.1 ~ 95.5% homology with Japanese FeSCV strains. Notably, the Cap protein of PY4 was mutated at 15 amino acid sites, and the PY4 genome contained a unique open reading frame 3. In addition, there were two additional base insertions in the stem-loop structure of PY4, and the nucleotide homology of the spacer region was not high. A phylogenetic tree based on Rep proteins showed that PY4, Japanese FeSCVs and rodent stool-associated circular viruses (RodSCVs) clustered together, suggesting that they might share a similar origin in their phylogenetic evolution. In this study, samples collected in Guangzhou, China, in 2018 were subjected to an etiological investigation, and 20% (2/10) of the samples were positive for FeSCV. The ORFs, stem-loop structures, Cap proteins and intergenic region sequences of PY4 were significantly different from those reported in Japan. This is the first report of FeSCV in domestic cats with diarrhea in China, and further epidemiological studies are urgently needed to assess the impact of the virus on cats.

Assessment of gene and protein similarities of Beijing-1 vaccine producing strain with Japanese encephalitis virus strains circulating in Vietnam

Since 2006, the inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine has been studied and produced by the VABIOTECH company from the Beịing-1 strain on Vero cells. Vaccines produced from the materseed and working seed virus have been evaluated at laboratory and clinical scale in humans. The results showed that the vaccine was safe and created 100% protective antibodies after the booster dose. To officially put this vaccine into production and mass use, the master seed virus BV-MSV-0210 and working seed virus BV-WSV-0310 with the reference standard strain JEV Beijing-Kanonji has been tested for genetic stability. By the method of Sanger sequencing and genetic analysis software, we have evaluated the similarity of nucleotide and proteinsequencesof the E antigen-encoding gene. The results showed that the seed virus similarity of amino acids and nucleotides is 100% compared with the reference strain. Thus, it can be concluded, the seed virus has antigen stability. Nucleotide and amino acid gene sequences of E genomic regions of the two seed lots were compared with virus strains isolated from human, pig and mosquito in Vietnam. The results showed that the nucleotide similarity of seed virus compared with the JEV strains isolated from humans ranged from 86.67 to 97.54%; from pigs is 87.47 to 88.33%, and from mosquitoes is 86.05 to 99%. Meanwhile, the amino acid similarity of the seed virus with the JEV strains isolated from humans ranged from 96.73 to 99.02%; from pigs is 98.00 to98.40% and from mosquitoes 94.55 to 98.40%. The sequence of amino acids in the epitope producing neutralizing antibodies of the seed virus did not differ from that of the JEV strain circulating in humans isolated in 2014.

Nutritional evaluation of two strains of Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis

The present study evaluates the nutraceutical composition of muscle and calipash of Yangtze and Japanese strains of Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. In general, both strains possessed high protein content (16.62–22.18 g 100 g−1 wet weight) and negligible fat content (0.22−0.95 g 100 g−1 wet weight). The ratios of total essential amino acids to total amino acids and to total nonessential amino acids in muscle of two strains were about 40 % and 84 %, while the ratios in calipash were about 20 % and 29 %, respectively. Both the values of amino acid scores and in vitro digestible indispensable amino acid scores in muscle of two strains were in the range of good protein. The unsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratios and n-3/n-6 ratios of two strains were 1.04−2.08 and 1:3.78−1:1.11, respectively. We also found that the atherogenicity index, thrombogenicity index and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolenic fatty acid values in muscle varied between 0.35−0.44, 0.41−0.46 and 2.16–2.80, respectively, while in calipash were 0.62−0.72, 1.02–1.23 and 1.26−1.56. Taken cumulatively, these results indicate that consumption of muscle of Yangtze and Japanese strains of P. sinensis is favorable to human health, while moderation needs to be exercised for the calipash consumption.

Development of an RT-LAMP Assay for the Rapid Detection of SFTS Virus.

Detection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus (SFTSV) during the early phase of the disease is important for appropriate treatment, infection control, and prevention of further transmission. The reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a nucleic acid amplification method that amplifies the target sequence under isothermal conditions. Here, we developed an RT-LAMP with a novel primer/probe set targeting a conserved region of the SFTSV L segment after extraction of viral RNA (standard RT-LAMP). Both the Chinese and Japanese SFTSV strains, including various genotypes, were detected by the standard RT-LAMP. We also performed RT-LAMP using the same primer/probe set but without the viral RNA extraction step (called simplified RT-LAMP) and evaluated the diagnostic efficacy. The sensitivity and specificity of the simplified RT-LAMP were 84.9% (45/53) and 89.5% (2/19), respectively. The simplified RT-LAMP can detect SFTSV in human sera containing >103.5 copies/mL viral RNA. The two RT-LAMP positive but quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) negative samples were positive in the conventional RT-PCR, suggesting that there was no false positive reaction in the RT-LAMP. Both the standard and simplified RT-LAMP are useful for detecting the SFTSV genome in patients during the early phase of the disease.

Immunity against a Japanese local strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus decreases viremia and symptoms of a highly pathogenic strain

BackgroundThe type 2 highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) has spread throughout countries of southeast Asia, where it has caused severe economic losses. Even countries presently free of PRRSV are at high risk for infection and spread of this virus. Some of these countries, including Japan, have broad epidemics of the local type 2 PRRSV, creating chronic pathogenicity in the domestic pig population. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy of immunity by infection with a Japanese field isolate, EDRD1, against heterologous challenge with a Vietnamese HP-PRRSV field strain. To this end, four groups of PRRSV-negative crossbreed piglets were used for a challenge study. Groups 1 and 2 were inoculated with EDRD1 via the intranasal route. After 26 days, Groups 2 and 3 were inoculated with HP-PRRSV via the same route. Group 4 served as an uninfected control. Blood and oral fluid samples were taken every 3–4 days after HP-PRRSV challenge; on day 16 post-challenge, all pigs were euthanized, and examined pathologically.ResultsThe nucleotide sequence analysis of nonstructural protein 2 gene of EDRD1 and comparison with Vietnamese HP-PRRSV showed that the 39 amino acid deletion sites of EDRD1 was nearly in the same region as the 29 amino acid deletion sites of HP-PRRSV. Immunity conferred by inoculation with EDRD1 dramatically reduced viral load in the sera and tissues besides viral shedding (Group 2) compared with those in pigs infected only with HP-PRRSV (Group 3). The clinical signs and rectal temperature were significantly reduced, and the average daily weight gain was significantly improved in the EDRD1-inoculated pigs (Group 2) compared with the Group 3 pigs. Notably, no viral RNA was detected in various organs of the Group 2 pigs 16 days post-infection with HP-PRRSV, except in one pig. Therefore, the immunity induced by EDRD1 and its genetically close field isolates may play a role in reducing viremia caused by HP-PRRSV.ConclusionsThe results of the present study demonstrate that pigs are highly protected against heterologous Vietnamese HP-PRRSV challenge by immunity against a Japanese local strain, EDRD1.

Emergence and evolution of antimicrobial resistance genes and mutations in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global health concern. Strains from two internationally circulating sequence types, ST-7363 and ST-1901, have acquired resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, mainly due to mosaic penA alleles. These two STs were first detected in Japan; however, the timeline, mechanism, and process of emergence and spread of these mosaic penA alleles to other countries remain unknown.MethodsWe studied the evolution of penA alleles by obtaining the complete genomes from three Japanese ST-1901 clinical isolates harboring mosaic penA allele 34 (penA-34) dating from 2005 and generating a phylogenetic representation of 1075 strains sampled from 35 countries. We also sequenced the genomes of 103 Japanese ST-7363 N. gonorrhoeae isolates from 1996 to 2005 and reconstructed a phylogeny including 88 previously sequenced genomes.ResultsBased on an estimate of the time-of-emergence of ST-1901 (harboring mosaic penA-34) and ST-7363 (harboring mosaic penA-10), and > 300 additional genome sequences of Japanese strains representing multiple STs isolated in 1996–2015, we suggest that penA-34 in ST-1901 was generated from penA-10 via recombination with another Neisseria species, followed by recombination with a gonococcal strain harboring wildtype penA-1. Following the acquisition of penA-10 in ST-7363, a dominant sub-lineage rapidly acquired fluoroquinolone resistance mutations at GyrA 95 and ParC 87-88, by independent mutations rather than horizontal gene transfer. Data in the literature suggest that the emergence of these resistance determinants may reflect selection from the standard treatment regimens in Japan at that time.ConclusionsOur findings highlight how antibiotic use and recombination across and within Neisseria species intersect in driving the emergence and spread of drug-resistant gonorrhea.

The Japanese Wild-Derived Inbred Mouse Strain, MSM/Ms in Cancer Research.

Simple SummarySince human studies on tumor susceptibility alleles require vast numbers of DNA samples from both cancer patients and well-matched controls, their investigation and identification in humans have been complemented using mouse models. However, a number of confounding factors are associated with this type of research, including heterogeneity, weak genetic interactions, and lifestyle habits. Inbred strains relatively recently established from wild mice are often more resistant to carcinogenic stimulation and various pathogens than standard inbred mouse strains. A Japanese wild-derived inbred mouse strain, MSM/Ms has been used to map tumor resistance loci as well as other Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) in Japan. Furthermore, genetic tools have been developed with MSM/Ms. MSM/Ms genomic sequences are currently available, which have greatly promoted the identification of tumor resistance loci as well as genes controlling quantitative variations and provide a more detailed understanding of gene function. MSM/Ms is a unique inbred mouse strain derived from the Japanese wild mouse, Mus musculus molossinus, which has been approximately 1 million years genetically distant from standard inbred mouse strains mainly derived from M. m. domesticus. Due to its genetic divergence, MSM/Ms has been broadly used in linkage studies. A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was constructed for the MSM/Ms genome, and sequence analysis of the MSM/Ms genome showed approximately 1% of nucleotides differed from those in the commonly used inbred mouse strain, C57BL/6J. Therefore, MSM/Ms mice are thought to be useful for functional genome studies. MSM/Ms mice show unique characteristics of phenotypes, including its smaller body size, resistance to high-fat-diet-induced diabetes, high locomotive activity, and resistance to age-onset hearing loss, inflammation, and tumorigenesis, which are distinct from those of common inbred mouse strains. Furthermore, ES (Embryonic Stem) cell lines established from MSM/Ms allow the MSM/Ms genome to be genetically manipulated. Therefore, genomic and phenotypic analyses of MSM/Ms reveal novel insights into gene functions that were previously not obtained from research on common laboratory strains. Tumorigenesis-related MSM/Ms-specific genetic traits have been intensively investigated in Japan. Furthermore, radiation-induced thymic lymphomas and chemically-induced skin tumors have been extensively examined using MSM/Ms.

Determination of optimal culture conditions for toxin production by a Prorocentrum lima complex strain with high diarrhetic shellfish toxins yield

Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) is caused by the consumption of shellfish contaminated by diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs) such as okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins (DTXs) produced by some species of dinoflagellates. To prevent the occurrence of human intoxication cases, inspection of DSTs (OA and DTXs) in shellfish is important. An instrumental method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) has been recently employed in Japan for the monitoring of OA and DTXs in shellfish. For such analysis, reference materials (RMs) of OA and DTXs are essential. Demand for the reference materials, especially dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1), is recently increasing in Japan. Production of the materials has been performed by mass cultivation of a dinoflagellate (Prorocentrum lima) strain that produces DTXs and OA, which indicates that the efficiency of production depends on the toxin production of the strain used. In this study, P. lima complex subclade 1e strain MIO12P was determined to be a high DTX1 producer among the three Japanese strains of the P. lima complex (subclades 1e, 1f, and 1i). It was clarified that the culture medium suitable for toxin production by strain MIO12P was metals mix SWII medium, and the optimal temperature and salinity for toxin production were 25 °C and salinity 30, respectively. The DTX1 yield (1265.3 ng ml−1) of strain MIO12P cultured under the conditions described above was the highest reported worldwide. Prorocentrum lima complex subclade 1e strain MIO12P is expected to be useful for the sustainable production of DTX1 as a source of RMs for chemical and biochemical methods in the future.

Genetic and physiological variation in two strains of Japanese quail

BackgroundDetecting the genetic and physiological variations in two Japanese quail strains could be used to suggest a new avian model for future breeding studies. Consequently, two estimations were performed on two Japanese quail strains: gray quail strain (GJQS) and white jumbo quail strain (WJQS). The first estimation was conducted on carcass characteristics, breast muscles, breast concentration of collagen type I, and body measurements. In contrast, blood samples were collected for the second estimation for genomic DNA extraction and genetic analysis. ResultsA total of 62 alleles out of 97 specific alleles (63.92%) were detected overall loci (14 microsatellite loci) for the two strains. A total of 27 specific alleles of WJQS were observed, and 35 were obtained for GJQS. The percentage of similarity was 48.09% ranged from 4.35 with UBC001 to 100% with GUJ0051. WJQS had greater body weights and a higher value of pectoral muscle and supracoracoideus muscle than GJQS. The breast muscles of GJQS exhibited a higher concentration of type I collagen than the WJQS. Furthermore, males showed higher concentrations of collagen type I than females. WJQS showed a higher body length, chest girth, chest length, thigh length, thigh girth, drumstick length, and drumstick girth (cm) than GJQS. WJQS showed more significant differences in carcass traits compared with GJQS. ConclusionThe physiological differences between WJQS and GJQS were ascertained with microsatellite markers, which indicated high polymorphism between these strains. These observations provided a scientific basis for evaluating and utilizing the genetic resources of WJQS and GJQS in a future genetic improvement program.

Contribution of RipS type III effector family of Ralstonia solanacearum Japanese strain OE1-1 to disease development in eggplant

Among Ralstonia solanacearum type III effectors, there is a multiprotein family called RipS. To evaluate the combined contribution of the whole gene family, we constructed a ripS-null mutant of strain OE1-1 of R. solanacearum, which multiplied less in leaves and was less virulent in eggplant than OE1-1. Three mutants with only one ripS gene were more virulent and multiplied more than the ripS-null mutant in eggplants, suggesting that RipS1, RipS4, and RipS5 are more critical than the other RipS effectors. Virulence of the ripS-null mutant in tobacco and tomato differed from that in eggplant.

Three Seinura species from Japan with a description of S. shigaensis n. sp. (Tylenchomorpha: Aphelenchoididae).

A preliminary survey of Seinura spp. was conducted in the Kyoto area, Western Japan. The survey yielded four new strains of Seinura spp., including two strains of S. caverna, a strain of S. italiensis, and a strain of an undescribed species. Molecularly, the two strains of S. caverna were nearly identical to the type strain but showed some minor variations, particularly in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. The small subunit and D2-D3 large subunit sequences of the Japanese strain of S. italiensis were nearly identical and identical to its original description, respectively, and the difference in the small subunit was due to mis-reading of the sequences. The new species, S. shigaensis n. sp., was phylogenetically close to S. caverna and S. persica, although these three species were clearly different phylogenetically. The new species was typologically similar or nearly identical to several other Seinura spp., including S. chertkovi, S. christiei, S. italiensis, S. steineri, and S. tenuicaudata, but it can be distinguished from those species by the morphometric values. Because the new species is phylogenetically very close to S. caverna, it could be a good comparative system for S. caverna as a potential satellite model for the predatory nematode.

Effect of different dietary inclusion levels of mulberry leaves on productive traits, economic indices, and immunity of white and brown Japanese quail

Abstract: The poultry industry's goal is to find alternatives to conventional protein feed resources to maximize the poultry venture's profit. One of these alternatives is mulberry (Morus Alba) leaf powder (MLP). In this study, we determined the effect of MLP inclusion in quail diet on growth performance, economic efficiency, bacterial count, oxidative stress and immunity. A total of 288 seven-day-old chicks of Japanese quails (white and brown strains) were obtained from local Egyptian hatcheries, were accommodated for one week, and fed on a basal diet. On the 14th day, chicks were weighted, wing banded, housed in cages, and distributed randomly into three iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets (triplicate/group, 16 bird/replicate, 48 bird/ group). Diets formulated to contain MLP at levels of 0 (control), 4, and 8%, respectively, for each strain from 14 to 42 days of age. Our results showed that the inclusion of MLP up to 8% resulted in a non-significant change on growth performance parameters (final body weight, cumulative body weight gain, and dressing percentage), economic efficiency (total return, gross margin, and benefit-cost ratio), and relative economic efficiency parameters comparing with 0% MLP diet. Additionally, inclusion of MLP up to 4% in both Japanese quail strains showed a non-significant decrease in the cost of each kg body weight gain from the feed. Increasing MLP levels up to 8% in the diet resulted in a non-significant effect on immunoglobulin G in both strain and a significant increase in interleukin 2 & 6. in brown Japanese quail. Superoxide Dismutase activity and catalase enzyme activity showed a non-significant decrease in groups of white strain-fed diets with 4 & 8% MLP than those fed diets with 0% MLP. Inclusion of MLP 8% recorded a significant decrease in the total aerobic count, E.coli and clostridia count, with a non-significant effect on lactobacillus count in both quail strains and antibody titer against Newcastle virus vaccine. We concluded that MLP can be included in the diet up to 8% without adverse effect on growth parameters, economic measures, no oxidative stress and no alteration in bird immunity.