Variabilidad genética del ADN mitocondrial de Vultur gryphus (cóndor andino) en Cusco y Apurímac a partir de plumas de muda / Genetic variability of mitochondrial DNA of Vultur gryphus (Andean Condor) in Cusco and Apurimac from molting feathers

Resumen La variabilidad genética intrapoblacional de Vultur gryphus (cóndores andinos) de las regiones de Cusco y Apurímac fue evaluada mediante amplificación y secuenciación del ADN mitocondrial correspondientes a la región control y subunidad ribosomal 12S (D-Loop-ARNr12S), y a los genes Citocromo Oxidasa subunidad I (COI) y NADH deshidrogenasa subunidad II (ND2). El ADN se extrajo a partir de cálamos de plumas de muda de ejemplares en cautiverio y silvestres. Se analizaron los principales índices de diversidad genética como son: la diversidad haplotípica, la diversidad nucleotídica, el número promedio de diferencias nucleotídicas y el número de sitios polimórficos. La tasa de éxito de amplificación mediante PCR fue de 100% para las tres regiones de ADN analizadas. Se secuenció 600 pb de la región D-Loop-ARNr12S caracterizándose cuatro haplotipos, 704 pb del gen COI caracterizándose seis haplotipos y 1090 pb del gen ND2 caracterizándose cinco haplotipos. El gen COI presentó el mayor valor de diversidad haplotípica (Hd = 0.468), la región del gen D-Loop-ARNr12S presentó el mayor índice de diversidad nucleotídica (π = 0.00086), mientras que el gen COI presentó el mayor número promedio de diferencias nucleotídicas (K = 0.52615). Los resultados muestran bajos niveles de variabilidad genética en los genes mitocondriales de los cóndores andinos de la zona de estudio, que indicarían una población con estructura genética homogénea.

Abstract The intrapopulation genetic variability of Vultur gryphus (Andean condors) from Cusco and Apurimac regions was evaluated by amplification and sequencing of mitochondrial DNA corresponding to the control region and 12S ribosomal subunit (D-Loop-RNAr12S), Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) genes and NADH dehydrogenase subunit II (ND2) gene. DNA was extracted from the calamus of feathers recollected from captive and wild specimens. The main indices of genetic diversity such as the haplotype diversity, the nucleotide diversity, the average number of nucleotide differences and the number of polymorphic sites were analyzed. The PCR amplification success rate was 100% for the three mitochondrial amplified sequences. Four haplotypes were identified from the 600 bp sequenced of D-Loop-RNAr12S region; six haplotypes from the 704 bp sequenced of the COI gene; five haplotypes from the 1090 bp sequenced of the ND2 gene. The COI gene presented the highest haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.468), the D-Loop-RNAr12S region presented the highest index of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00086), while the COI gene presented the highest average number of nucleotide differences (K = 0.52615). The results show low levels of genetic variability in the mitochondrial genes of the Andean Condor in the study area, indicating a population with a homogeneous genetic structure.

Fabrication Of Nanofibres By Electrospinning Using Keratin From Waste Chicken Feathers, Pva And Agnps

Objective: To prepare and characterise keratin from chicken feathers (CF), collected from the slaughter house, and to blend with poly vinly alcohol (PVA) and biosynthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and to convert into nanofibers by an elctrospinning process. Methods: The extraction of keratin from chicken feathers was done by sodium m-bisulphite. The solution was subjected to ammonium sulphate precipitation to separate keratin. The nanoparticles was synthesised using tridax procumbens. The isolated keratin and PVA was mixed in the ration 0f 50:50 with 1 ml of biosynthesised nanoparticles was blended and made into nanofibres by electrospinning technique. Results: The precipitated protein was analysed using FT-IR analysis confirming the presence of β-keratin in the sample isolated from chicken feathers and the concentration of keratin was estimated to be 1.85 g/ml. PVA solution with 4% w/v had the best film forming ability. The solution containing keratin, PVA and silver nanoparticles was prepared in various proportions. These solutions when subjected to electrospinning, fibrous network was observed in 50:50 (PVA: Keratin) ratio with 1 ml of synthesised silver nanoparticle solution. Hydrogen bonding between keratin and PVA indicated in the XRD analysis showed successful film forming of the nanofiber, the DSC analysis also showed similar results as the obtained peak was at 214 °C which is in between the characteristic heat degradation temperature of both the keratin and PVA. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed high thermal stability as the complete degradation of the nanofiber was observed at 420 °C. Incorporation of metal nanoparticles by herbal approach using tridax procumbens in the nanofibers provided the antimicrobial properties. The nanofibres obtained by electrospinning process appeared stable and continous for solutions containing no more than 50% wt of CF. The average diameter of the nanofibres increased as the CF content increased. Conclusion: Keratin isolated from the waste chicken feathers impregnated with biosyntheised silver nanoparticles using tridax procumbens and PVA can be converted into nanofibers by electrospinning process. Thus, the biocomposite nano fibers are shown as a novel eco-friendly material that must be adequately applied in the development of green composites for the biomedical applications such as wound dressings.

Viscerotropic velogenic Newcastle disease virus replication in feathers of infected chickens

Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) cause systemic diseases in chickens with high mortality. However, little is known about persistence of NDVs in contaminated tissues from infected birds. In this study, we examined viral replication in the feather pulp of chickens inoculated with viscerotropic velogenic NDV (vvNDV) genotype VII. Reverse transcription real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate viral persistence in the samples. vvNDV was detected in the oropharynx and cloaca and viral antigens were detected in the feathers, suggesting that feathers act as sources of viral transmission.

Cross-species amplification of microsatellite markers in Mycteria leucocephala Pennant 1769: Molted feathers as successful DNA source.

DNA from molted feathers is being increasingly used for genetic studies on birds. However, the DNA obtained from such non-invasive sources is often not of enough quantity and quality for isolation of new microsatellite markers. The present study examined the potential of shed feathers of near threatened Painted Stork as a source of its DNA for cross-species amplification of microsatellites. Thirty-one shed feathers of varying conditions (‘good’ and ‘deteriorated’) and sizes (‘large’, ‘intermediate’ and ‘small’) collected in a north Indian population were used to isolate DNA by a standard isopropanol method and 11 microsatellite markers already developed in the Wood Stork were screened for amplification. Nine plucked feathers from two dead Painted Storks were also used to compare the DNA yield and amplification success. The DNA yield of feathers varied significantly in relation to the calamus size and condition. Among molted feathers, ‘good’ and ‘large’ samples provided more DNA than ‘deteriorated’ and ‘small’ ones, respectively. ‘Large’ plucked feathers yielded more DNA than ‘large’ molted feathers. DNA was almost degraded in all the samples and ratio of absorbance at 260/280 nm varied from 1.0 to 1.8, indicating impurity in many samples. Independent of DNA yields, all microsatellites were cross-amplified in all kinds of feathers, with >80% success in different feather categories. It is concluded that the shed feathers can be successfully used to isolate DNA in the Painted Stork and for cross-species amplification of microsatellites.

Keratinophilic fungi recovered from feathers of different species of birds in St Kitts and Nevis / Hongos queratinofílicos obtenidos de las plumas de diferentes especies de aves en St Kitts y Nevis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi including dermatophytes on feathers of domestic and wild birds in the islands of St Kitts and Nevis. METHOD: During 2010-2011, samples of feathers from ninety-four birds were examined by hair-baiting technique in Petri-dishes containing sterilized soil. Fungal growths appearing on the feathers and the hair-baits were microscopically examined and the cultures obtained were identified on the basis of their microscopic and colonial morphology. RESULTS: Chrysosporium constituted the majority (86.9%) of the 72 isolates of keratinophilic fungi, represented by mainly C tropicum and C indicum. Sepedonium spp isolates were recovered from nine of the feather samples; two of these were identified as Sepedonium chrysospermum, and the other two as S ampullosporum. CONCLUSION: Recovery of four isolates of the dermatophyte, Microsporum gypseum complex (two each of M gyspeum and M fulvum) from feathers of birds is a finding of public health significance.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la presencia de hongos queratinofílicos, incluyendo dermatofitos, en las plumas de aves domésticas y silvestres en las islas de St Kitts y Nieves. MÉTODOS: Durante 2010-2011, se examinaron muestras de plumas de noventa y cuatro aves, utilizando la técnica de anzuelo queratínico (técnica de Vanbreuseghem) en placas de Petri con tierra esterilizada. Los crecimientos fúngicos que aparecieron sobre las plumas y los anzuelos de queratina de pelos (hair baits) fueron examinados bajo el microscopio, y los cultivos obtenidos fueron identificados sobre la base de su morfología microscópica y colonial. RESULTADOS: Chrysosporium constituyó la mayor parte (86.9%) de los 72 aislados de hongos queratinofílicos, representados principalmente por el C tropicum y el C indicum. Aislados de Sepedonium spp fueron obtenidos de nueve muestras de plumas. Dos de ellos fueron identificados como Sepedonium chrysospermum y los otros dos como S ampullosporum. CONCLUSIÓN: La recuperación de cuatro aislados del complejo M gypseum dermatofito (formado por dos M gyspeum y dos M fulvum respectivamente) de las plumas de aves, es un hallazgo de importancia para la salud pública.

New evidence of feathers in the Crato Formation supporting a reappraisal on the presence of Aves

The preservation of delicate structures such as feathers is very rare in the paleontological record, due to the fragility of their components. Fossil feathers have been reported from approximately 50 deposits around the world, from the Late Jurassic to the Pleistocene. In Brazil initial findings consisted of a primary feather of a large bird found in the Tremembé Formation. Other occurrences are preserved in the Crato Formation, where several symmetrical and one single asymmetrical feather was found. Based on three new specimens and reassessing further feather occurrences we cannot confirm the presence of volant Aves in this deposit. The presence of an asymmetrical feather without barbules and hooks hints at the previous existence of a flightless animal within this deposit, possibly a flightlessness bird or a non-avian theropod. Conversely, the presence of a feather from morphotype II present in Tyrannosauroidea, Compsognathidae, Therizinosauroidea and Dromeosauridae, points to a non-theropod origin. Since there are no confirmed records of birds and other feathered archosaurs in the region to date, more evidence is required to identify the animal from which these structures originated.

A fossilização de estruturas de revestimento delicadas como as penas constitui um processo extremamente raro, principalmente pela fragilidade de seus componentes. São conhecidos apenas cinquenta depósitos com esta natureza de registro (do Jurássico ao Terciário). No Brasil a primeira referência data de 1916, descrevendo uma pena de vôo com características plumáceas da Formação Tremembé (Bacia de Taubaté). Outras evidências, são provenientes dos calcários laminados da Formação Crato, apresentando registros de penas assimétricas e apenas uma simétrica. Com base em novos achados e reavaliando penas previamente descritas, verificou-se que não se pode afirmar a presença de Aves voadoras nestes depósitos. Isto se deve a ausência de estruturas exclusivas deste tipo de hábito, a exemplo de penas assimétricas com bárbulas e ganchos. Ao contrário disso, verificou-se que os registros apontam mais para a presença de animais emplumados não voadores, como terópodes não avianos ou Aves que tenham perdido secundariamente o voo. Reforçando esta ideia está a presença de uma pena pertencente ao morfótipo do estágio II encontrado até o momento em Tyrannosauroidea, Compsognathidae, Therizinosauroidea e Dromeosauridae. A ausência de registros confirmados de aves ou de outros arcossauros emplumados na região até o momento, geram expectativas sobre novos registros que apontem para os organismos detentores das penas encontradas neste depósito.

Production and partial characterization of collagenase of Streptomyces exfoliatus CFS 1068 using poultry feather.

Streptomyces exfoliatus CFS 1068, an isolate of cultivated field soil, produced maximum collagenase activity (58.19 ± 0.83 U ml-1min-1) in 5 days when soybean meal and starch were used as nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively at pH 7 and 30°C in shake cultures (150 rpm). Production of collagenase was higher (40.43± 0.63 U ml-1min-1) when poultry feathers were used as nitrogen source. Thus, the strain was found to be of biotechnological importance. The purified enzyme showed 30.34 fold increase in collagenase activity and was stable at 70°C for 1h. The enzyme was found to be of serine type.

A first evaluation on the use of Ardea albus feathers as bioindicators of mercury burden in Amazonian ecosystems

We evaluated in this study the total mercury concentration in feathers of Ardea albus collected in a colony located in the city of Belem-PA, Brazil in a prospective trial for its use as bioindicators of mercury burden in Amazonia ecosystems. An Atomic absorption spectrophotometry with gold amalgamation was used for the metal determination. The total mercury average concentration in body feathers was 2.2 ± 1.5 µg.g-1 and 1.3 ± 0.9 µg.g-1 in wing feathers. No correlation was observed between total mercury concentration and the length of body or wing feathers. Total mercury concentration was above 5 µg.g-1 dry weight in only one body feather sample.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as concentrações de mercúrio total em penas de Ardea albus coletadas em uma assembléia de aves localizada nas imediações da cidade de Belém, Pará, com vistas a investigar a possibilidade do uso desta espécie nos estudos de biomonitoramento deste metal. Para determinação de mercúrio total foi utilizada a espectrofotometria de absorção atômica com amalgamação. A concentração média de mercúrio total nas penas do corpo foi 2,2 ± 1,5 µg.g-1 e nas penas das asas foi 1.3 ± 0.9 µg/g-1. Não foi observada correlação entre a concentração de mercúrio total e o comprimento das penas do corpo e da asa. Foi observado teor de mercúrio total superior a 5 µg.g-1 em apenas uma amostra de pena do corpo.

Cytological Aspects of the Differentiation of Barb Cells During the Formation of the Ramus of Feathers / Aspectos Otológicos de la Diferenciación de Células Barba Durante la Formación de las Ramas de las Plumas

The present ultrastructural study on developing and regenerating feathers of chick and zebrafinch describes the ultrastructural changes that occur during the differentiation of barb cells that leads to the formation of the ramus of barbs. Differently from barbule and barb cortical cells that accumulate feather keratin, barb medullary cells undergo to lipid degeneration. Eventually, lipids disappear and medullary cells become empty cavities in the central part of the ramus. In barb medullary cells feather keratin is accumulated in few peripheral bundles that merge with those of cortical cells to fom the wall of the ramus. The latter is joined with branching barbules. The process that controls the transition from keratin-synthesizing to lipid-producing barb cells remains unknown. The accumulation of lipids among keratin bundles confirms the capability of beta-keratin cells to undergo an intense lipidogenesis under specific conditions.

La presente investigación ultra estructural sobre el desarrollo y regeneración de plumas en polluelos y gorrión cebra (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) describe los cambios ultraestructurales que pueden ocurrir durante la diferenciación de células barbas que lleva a la formación de las ramas de las barbas. Diferente a las barbas pequeñas y a las células barbas corticales que acumulan queratina en las plumas, las células barbas medulares se convierten en cavidades vacías en la parte central de la rama. En células barbas medulares la queratina de la pluma es acumulada en algunos fascículos periféricos que se unen con aquellos de las células corticales para formar la pared de la rama. Este último se une luego a pequeñas barbas en ramas. Aún es desconocido el proceso que controla la transición de la síntesis de queratina a células barbas produciendo lípidos. La acumulación de lípidos entre los acumulos de queratina confirma la capacidad de las células beta-queratina a someterse a una lípido génesis intensa bajo condiciones específicas.

Keratinolytic Activity of Five Aspergillus Species Isolated from Poultry Farming Soil in Korea

Various soil samples were collected from twenty-four areas of ten different poultry farms in Korea and screened for prevalence of keratinolytic fungi. Fourteen species of feather-associated fungi belonging to ten genera Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Monascus, Mucor, Penicillum, and Verticillium isolated from poultry soils were grown on keratin medium. Especially, Aspergillus spp. populations associated with the soil sample is 1x10(5) cfu/g. A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. nidulans, and A. terreus could utilize keratin of chicken feather and degrade it, producing sulphydryl-containing compounds detected as keratinase, cysteine and total proteins. Keratinolytic activities of five Aspergillus species also changed the pH of the medium more alkaline than those that were less keratinolytic.