Poor Growers Research Articles

Cultivation of previously uncultured sponge-associated bacteria using advanced cultivation techniques: A perspective on possible key mechanisms

Most of the microbes from natural habitats cannot be cultivated with standard cultivation in laboratory, and sponge-associated microbes are no exception. We used two advanced methods based on a continuous-flow bioreactor (CF) and in situ cultivation (I-tip) to isolate previously uncultivated marine sponge-associated bacteria. We also characterized the physiological properties of the isolates from each method and attempted to clarify the mechanisms operating in each cultivation method. A greater number of novel bacteria were isolated using CF and in situ cultivation compared to standard direct plating (SDP) cultivation. Most isolates from CF cultivation were poor growers (with lower specific growth rates and saturated cell densities than those of isolates from SDP cultivation), demonstrating that it is effective to carry out pre-enrichment cultivation targeting bacteria that are less competitive on conventional cultivation, especially K-strategists and bacterial types inhibited by their own growth. Isolates from in situ cultivation showed a positive influence on cell recovery stimulated by chemical compounds in the extract of sponge tissue, indicating that some of the bacteria require a “growth initiation factor” that is present in the natural environment. Each advanced cultivation method has its own distinct key mechanisms allowing cultivation of physiologically and phylogenetically different fastidious bacteria for cultivation compared with conventional methods.

The Relationship Between Dental Agenesis and Maxillary Hypoplasia in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate

Both dental agenesis and maxillary growth restriction are well-recognized sequelae in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, but their etiology remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hypodontia and maxillary volume. A retrospective review of patients age 6 to 9 with Veau III (unilateral) cleft palate who underwent Cone Beam Computer Tomography in preparation for alveolar bone grafting at 2 major Children's Hospitals between 2010 and 2016 was conducted and serial panoramic radiographs were reviewed. Thirty-eight patients were identified that met inclusion criteria and had adequate imaging. Group 1 ("poor growers") consisted of the bottom 50% of Sella-Nasion-A point minus Sella-Nasion-B point (ANB) angles and Group 2 ("good growers") consisted of the top 50% of ANB angles. Group 1 had a significantly higher mean number of missing teeth (1.58 ± 0.28 missing teeth) compared to Group 2 (0.74 ± 0.23 missing teeth), and significantly lower maxillary volume (12.88 ± 0.61 cm3 versus 15.24 ± 0.88 cm3, respectively). The severity of maxillary hypoplasia in cleft patients increases with increased dental agenesis. These data indicate that intrinsic factors play a significant role in maxillary growth restriction in cleft patients, independent of the sequelae of surgical intervention.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation and Path Coefficient for Quantitative Traits in Field Pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) Genotypes at Arsi Highland of Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, field pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) is the main source of protein for resource poor growers. The improvement of varieties for yield and disease resistance is one of the important activities to support farmers and improve the productivity of the crop. Consequently, this study was showed to evaluate the genotypic correlations, phenotypic correlations and path coefficient analysis between the field pea genotypes for yield and yield associated traits. Forty-nine field pea genotypes were evaluated in simple lattice design at two locations Bekoji and Asasa in 2018/2019 cropping time of year. Grain yield per plot had positive and highly significant genotypic association through plant height whereas highly significant phenotypic correlation observed between grain yield and plant height and biomass yield. At Bekoji genotypic path analysis, days to 50% flowering, plant height, grain filling period, thousand seed weight, harvest index and total biomass showed strong positive direct effect on grain yield per plot. At Asasa the path analysis for grain yield at genotypic level showed that harvest index, thousand seed weight, plant height, days to 50% flowering and days to 95% physiological maturity and total biomass yield exerted positive direct effect on grain yield per plot. Path coefficient analysis at genotypic levels of the combined data exhibited that days to 50% flowering and total biomass per plot had strong positive direct effect on grain yield per plot. The phenotypic path analysis of the combined data revealed total biomass yield, thousand seed weight, plant height and days to maturity has strong positive direct effect on grain yield per plot. The study showed the existence of reasonable genetic variability between the field pea genotypes that can be exploited in breeding programs.

Emerging potato pathogens affecting food security in southern Africa: Recent research

Potato is a staple crop that contributes to food security and poverty alleviation in developing nations. Despite this, yields in developing nations are often unsustainably low, due to various biotic and abiotic factors that negatively affect production. Some of the most important biotic constraints are pathogens, many of which are disseminated by seed tubers. The lack of functional or formal seed certification systems in many southern African countries results in a continual increase in pathogen pressure. Short rotation cycles, poor plant nutrition and inefficient control measures exacerbate the crop production challenges faced by resource poor growers. In this review, we discuss five of the most important diseases on potatoes in southern Africa, namely late blight, bacterial wilt, soft rot / blackleg, powdery scab and zebra chip. Management options for small-scale growers are provided.&#x0D; Significance:&#x0D; &#x0D; Potato production in southern Africa is threatened by tuber-borne pathogens.&#x0D; Establishment and implementation of seed certification systems in southern African countries will increase potato yields and subsequently contribute to food security.&#x0D; Late blight, bacterial wilt, soft rot / blackleg and powdery scab are important emerging diseases on potatoes in southern Africa.&#x0D; Improved understanding of the biology of pathogens and the epidemiology of diseases will contributeto the management thereof.&#x0D;

Green economics and value chain analysis of a cultivated medicinal plant (Pipla) from India

In this paper, we have discussed about economics and value chain for a medicinal plant Piper longum Linn. Cultivated by village-based marginal farmers from Odisha state of India, whose livelihoods are significantly supported by the commercial scale production of this plant. A field-based investigation was carried out in Koraput district of Odisha state of south east India, where a total of 250 households from eight villages were found engaged in the production of this medicinal plant species. We also carried out field survey in other places like Madgul in nearby Andhra Pradesh state and later in Delhi to analyse marketing and value chain of this plant at middlemen and wholesale dealer level respectively. The findings revealed that the primary and wholesale secondary markets are mostly dominated by the middlemen who cause inflated prices due to lack of competition in the medicinal plants value chain system. Some steps which need to be taken at the Central and State Governments level to improve upon the conditions of poor growers of this plant and for improved marketing of medicinal plants in the country have been suggested.

Chitosan and plant probiotics application enhance growth and yield of strawberry

Abstract Strawberry is a newly introduced fruit crop in Bangladesh, which gained considerable interests from both growers and consumers. Resource poor growers of the country will need alternate production technology to keep the cost under control as well as minimize health hazard by reducing use of synthetic pesticides. This study evaluated and compared the performance of plant probiotic bacteria, chitosan and fungicides on growth and fruit yield of strawberry. Application of two plant probiotic bacteria, Bph-4 and BTLK6a to strawberry plants significantly increased vegetative growth and fruit yield compared to non-treated control. Further investigation on these bacteria revealed that they possessed indole acetic acid production and/or antagonistic properties to phytopathogenic microbes. The Bph-4 and BTLK6a were identified as Stenotrophomonas sp. and Ochrobacterum sp., respectively through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Chitosan @ 250–500 ppm and BTLK6a application on tissue-cultured plants of cv. Strawberry Festival produced 56% and 43% higher fruit yield, respectively, compared to non-treated control. Out of two different plant types tested, tissue-cultured plants responded to chitosan and probiotics better than runner grown plants for percentage of yield increase. Fungicide treatment did not provide any yield advantage likely due to the absence of targeted diseases. These results suggest that chitosan and plant probiotic bacteria could be used as natural bioregulators for safe production of strawberry fruits in Bangladesh.

Management of Coffee Leaf Rust Disease in India: Evidence for Socio-economic and Locational Determinants

Coffee leaf rust is a major disease affecting the production of Arabica coffee. This paper presents an estimation of socioeconomic and locational determinants of CLR management as they relate to the application of fungicides (Bordeaux mixture and systemic fungicides) in India. Using survey data from 575 growers (comprising 90% small and poor growers), estimates of binary logit models offer evidence on the significant impact of altitude, rainfall, age of household head, economic status, social caste, and size of bearing area of the Arabica coffee cultivation on CLR management. Given the socioeconomic and estate variables, the estimated probability of adoption is highest for Bordeaux mixture. These results offer new insights into CLR management practices beyond the known cultural and cultivation practices. They imply a need for public policy on recommended CLR management practices and subsidy for chemical inputs to improve production and productivity of small and poor Arabica coffee growers. Further, the framework and results are relevant and applicable to other Arabica coffee growing countries in Asia and Africa.

An opinion paper: emphasis on white muscle development and growth to improve farmed fish flesh quality

Due to rapid depletion of wild stocks, the necessity to cultivate fish is eminent. Current fish farming practices seek to improve flesh quality. The notion that white muscles are the main target of the fishing industry is emphasized. A novel approach is suggested based on the development of white muscles in wild fish from eggs to adults. A compilation of facts about white muscle structure, function and ontogeny is followed by an account of the changes in swimming behaviour and performance related to the use of white muscle during growth from larva to adult. Ecological data narrate early swimming performance with white muscle development and growth, unveiling some of the important natural selection factors eliminating weak swimmers and poor growers from the breeding stock. A comparison between fish culture practise and natural conditions reveals fundamental differences. New approaches following wild breeding processes promise several important advantages regarding the quality of white muscle.

Maxillary Growth Impairment in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients

No true consensus exists regarding the causes of maxillary growth restriction in cleft lip and palate patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate a simplified method to identify the causes of this growth impairment. We analyzed a sample of 82 consecutively treated 5-year-old patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, operated on by the same surgeon (R.B.). Multiple cephalometric measurements of the sample revealed a wide distribution of maxillary growth values. We selected Sella-Nasion A point angle (SNA) as a value describing maxillary position, and we arbitrarily isolated 2 "extreme" groups of patients: the 20 patients with the highest SNA were called "good growers" (group A), and the 20 patients with the lowest SNA were called "poor growers" (group B). Parameters investigated to search for different influencing factors within the groups were initial cast measurements, timing of lip and of gingivoalveoloplasty/palatal surgery, presence of lateral incisors, and family history of maxillary hypoplasia. Statistical differences were investigated with an independent-samples t-test. The 2 extreme groups had a significant difference (P < 0.01) in SNA and in lip protrusion relative to true vertical line. Cranial base angle was larger in group A. Timing of lip surgery in group B was earlier than in group A, but only close to significance. Timing of gingivoalveoloplasty did not differ. In group A, the permanent lateral incisor was missing in 20% of the patients; whereas in group B, it was missing in 82% of the patients (P < 0.01). Selecting cleft lip and palate population with different growth pattern might help in isolating the factors responsible for maxillary growth impairment. Congenitally missing laterals that could indicate inherent tissue hypoplasia seems to be the most important factor.

Growth prediction in Class III patients using cluster and discriminant function analysis.

This longitudinal retrospective cephalometric study was undertaken in an attempt to identify subgroups of subjects with Class III malocclusions and to find discriminant functions which would help to differentiate between favourable and unfavourable growers. The material consisted of cephalometric films of 115 Class III untreated patients (59 females and 56 males, with a mean age of 11.6 +/- 1.7 and 12.7 +/- 1.3 years, respectively) who were observed for a minimum period of 1 year. All subjects were Caucasian and none could achieve an edge to edge occlusion. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify Class III subgroups. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was first applied to the whole sample and later to each of the clusters produced. Good and poor growers were identified on the basis of the change in Wits measurements with projection on the maxillary/mandibular planes bisector. The cut-off point between good and bad growers was a Wits value of 2.5 mm which was the upper limit of the 95 per cent confidence interval of measurement reproducibility. Three clinically distinguishable clusters were produced, namely long, short and intermediate facial types. The discrimination percentage (80 per cent) achieved when the DFA was performed on the whole sample was satisfactory. However, when the analysis was used on each of the clusters separately, the equation successfully predicted a good or poor outcome in 92 per cent of cluster I, in 85 per cent of cluster II and in 100 per cent of cluster III.

２００２年に長崎県島原半島で分離されたジャガイモ疫病菌の系統について

We investigated mating types, allozymes of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (Gpi), colony development ability on oatmeal agar, and metalaxyl resistance among 118 isolates of Phytophthora infestans obtained from potato on Shimabara peninsula, Nagasaki prefecture, in 2002. The frequency of Al mating type isolates was 66%. The ratio of Al mating type isolates in the south and west of Shimabara was higher than that in the east. All of the isolates had the 100/100 allozyme pattern of Gpi, indicating that the Al isolates do not belong to US-1 genotype Poor growers on oatmeal agar were a majority in the Al isolates and good growers were a great majority in the A2 isolates. Fifty-eight percent of the isolates were resistant to metalaxyl, 20% were intermediately resistant, and 2396 were sensitive. Sensitivity to metalaxyl was closely associated with mating type: resistant isolates with Al mating type and sensitive with A2. On the basis of Gpi-allozymes, metalaxyl resistance, and colony development on oatmeal agar, more than 70% of the Al isolates probably belong to the A strain.

Multivariate prediction of skeletal Class II growth

Prediction of craniofacial growth is one of the keys to successful orthodontic treatment and stability. Despite numerous attempts at growth forecasting, our ability to accurately predict growth is limited. The present study outlines a possible new approach to prediction of craniofacial growth that differs from any previous attempt because of both the methods used and type of patients studied. The purpose of this study is to create and test prediction equations for forecasting favorable or unfavorable patterns of growth in skeletal Class II preadolescents. The subjects for this study include 19 females and 12 males from the Bolton growth center in Cleveland, Ohio. The patients were all untreated orthodontically, had lateral cephalometric headfilms taken biannually from the ages of 6 through 18 and had a Class II skeletal relationship at age 8. Twenty-six skeletal and dental landmarks were identified and digitized, and 48 linear, angular, and proportional measurements were calculated. The subjects were divided into two groups based on anterior-posterior changes in the relationship between the maxilla and mandible. Eleven patients were in the favorable growth group, with an average improvement of 4.13° in the ANB angle; 20 patients were in the unfavorable growth group with an average increase of 0.16° in the ANB angle. The following prediction formula was created with Bayes theorem and assuming a multivariate Gaussian distribution: P(Good | Fn) = ke −(0.5) | F n − μ ng | Σ g −1 | F n − μ ng | T The equation's sensitivity and specificity was calculated from serial cephalometric data from ages 6, 8, 10, and 12. The results obtained with this equation indicate 82.2% sensitivity, 95% specificity with a overall positive predictive value of 91%. This corresponds to 17.8% of patients being incorrectly identified as Poor Growers and only 5% of our patients were incorrectly identified as Good Growers. We conclude that this prediction formula improves the ability to predict favorable or unfavorable patterns of growth in this sample of skeletal Class II preadolescents. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 1998;114:283-91.)

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets: a study (with literature review) of linear growth response to calcitriol and phosphate therapy.

Not all children with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) have demonstrated improved linear growth with calcitriol [1,25-(OH)2D3] and inorganic phosphate (Pi) therapy. To assess which factors are associated with a favorable growth response during this treatment, we retrospectively compared demographics and biochemical parameters of bone metabolism to the linear growth patterns of 20 children with XLH who were prepubertal and had not required osteotomy. A total of 15 patients had family histories consistent with XLH; 5 appeared to be sporadic cases. During 3 years of therapy, the growth velocities of 12 patients had been at or above the mean for age (good growers) and those of 8 patients had been below the mean (poor growers). Data from the two groups were contrasted. We found no difference between the good growers and poor growers before or after the 3 year period of therapy in mean age, dietary calcium, calcitriol dose or compliance, or Pi dose or compliance. Both groups increased their mean fasting serum Pi levels with treatment. The TmP/GFR (mean +/- SEM) of the good growers improved with therapy (1.9 +/- 0.2 to 2.6 +/- 0.2 mg/dl, p = 0.01), and their posttreatment value was higher compared to that of the poor growers (2.6 +/- 0.1 versus 2.2 +/- 0.1 mg/dl, p = 0.02). However, their enhanced TmP/GFR was not associated with a reduction in serum iPTH levels (before, 693 +/- 50; after, 688 +/- 76 pg/ml; p = 0.9). The Z test for binomial proportions showed that the group that grew well contained a disproportionate number of girls (10 of 12, p = 0.04). Our findings suggest that calcitriol may exert a direct effect on the renal tubule to improve Pi reclamation in XLH. The observation that heterozygous girls appear to respond better than hemizygous boys to calcitriol and Pi therapy provides evidence for a gene dosage effect in the expression of this X-linked dominant disorder.

Isolation and phenotypic characterization of Tetrahymena thermophila size mutants: the relationship between cell size and regulation of DNA content.

Temperature-sensitive size mutants of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila were selected following chemical mutagenesis. Phenotypical characteristics are given for seven cell lines, which have a range of average cell volumes from 8000 microns 3 to more than 100 000 microns 3. wild-type Tetrahymena cells have an average cell volume of 15 000 microns 3. Two of the mutagenized cell lines have comparatively small cells at 29 degrees C but normal cells at 37 degrees C; whereas the other five lines are normal at 29 degrees C but large at 37 degrees C. While the small cells are poor growers, the large cells grow excellently at 37 degrees C. Measurements of DNA, RNA and protein contents indicate a significant correlation between all parameters and cell size. However, since the cells tolerate considerably different concentrations of each class of macromolecules, the amount of any of these macromolecules cannot be tightly controlled by cell size.

Association of Low Levels of Aflatoxin in Feed with Productivity Losses in Commercial Broiler Operations , ,

Six growers from each of five broiler companies were classified into equal numbers of good, mediocre, and poor growers based on a productivity index. Feed samples were collected weekly during the growout period of a flock from each grower and from the mill where the feed was produced. Samples of corn from which the feed was made were also collected. Aflatoxin, moisture contents, and bacterial, coliform, and fungal counts of the samples were determined. On the same weekly basis, the temperature and relative humidity of the chicken houses were measured and the age of the feed samples ascertained. Aflatoxin concentration in feed of good growers was 6.1 ppb with an 18.0% frequency of contamination while the values for poor growers were 14.0 ppb and 31.3%. Mean aflatoxin concentration in corn of 1.2 ppb increased to 8.8 ppb in feed from the farms. Optimum conditions for aflatoxin formation were 19 to 27 C, 79 to 89% relative humidity, and 10 to 13% moisture. Increasing age of feed was associated with low moisture and high aflatoxin. High aflatoxin was associated with high relative humidity but not with fungal, bacterial, or coliform counts. These data suggest that aflatoxin is produced during and after feed manufacture in apparently normal operations, that low levels of aflatoxin are associated with productivity losses in apparently healthy broilers, and that the aflatoxin formation is associated with high relative humidity in houses and with long residence time of the feed in the house. Because relative humidity and residence time in houses can be altered, aflatoxin formation might be limited by controlling these two factors.