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A Natural Solution for California's Herds: African Catfish Peptides

California's cattle producers and agricultural communities are all too familiar with the rising challenge of antibiotic resistance, making common bacterial infections harder to treat in livestock. But imagine a future where we could tackle these infections with a natural, powerful alternative. Our research points to just that: antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found in African catfish.

We're really excited about these peptides because African catfish thrive in pathogen-rich freshwater, naturally producing these robust immune compounds in their skin mucus as a defense. This natural origin makes them highly appealing alternatives to synthetic drugs.

Predicted Safety and Potent Action

One of the most compelling aspects of these AMPs is their predicted safety for mammals. Our initial computer analyses suggest that various catfish AMPs are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). We predict they'll be absorbed in the human intestine without causing liver, brain, or heart toxicity. Furthermore, lab tests on a promising peptide, NACAP-II, confirmed it was non-hemolytic, meaning it didn't damage rabbit red blood cells—a strong indicator of its potential safety for mammalian cells.

Beyond safety, these peptides demonstrate effectiveness against problematic bacteria. One study revealed NACAP-II's strong activity against Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli—a critical concern for both animal and human health due to its resistance to many common antibiotics. Another peptide, ACAP-IV, also showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. We believe these AMPs work by directly disrupting bacterial cell membranes, a mechanism that makes it harder for bacteria to develop resistance compared to how they resist traditional antibiotics.

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Facilities Planning and Management

Contract administration and project management services related to: Capital infrastructure at all Research and Extension Centers and Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center Building and property leases for UC ANR.

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Financial Services/Business Operations Center

Operating the unit in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, UC policies and procedures, and the terms and conditions of gifts, grants, and contracts Establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls that assures that resources are used properly and safeguarded against waste, loss...

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Accountability and Responsibility

While UC ANR administrative officials may not further redelegate formal, written redelegations of authority issued by the Vice President, they may assign many of their responsibilities as appropriate, but they cannot assign or redelegate accountability for those responsibilities.

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The UC ANR Community

The UC ANR community stretches across the state of California. Its members employees, stakeholders, partners, volunteers, community groups and clientele engage in work that often has national and international implications.

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Whistleblower Hotline

UC ANR is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct in the fulfillment of its mission.

Administrative Responsibilities Guide: Page

Part One: Key Principles and Core Concepts

Introduction Ethics Roles and Redelegation of Authority Accountability and Responsibility The UC ANR Community Whistleblower Hotline Administrative officials are accountable for ensuring that the appropriate key controls are implemented, documented, and working as intended.

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Introduction

Have you ever wondered if you are carrying out your fiscal and administrative responsibilities in the most effective manner? Do you have questions regarding your financial responsibilities? This Administrative Responsibilities Guide can help.

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Part Two: Business Units: Delegated Authority and Responsibility, and Selected Risks and Mitigation Measures

Academic Human Resources Conflict of Interest Contracts and Grants (Research) Development Services (Gift Administration) Facilities Planning and Management Financial Services/Business Operations Center Government and Community Relations Human Resources Information Technology Resource Planning and Ma...

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Part Three: Selected Guidelines and Standards

Financial Data Integrity Financial Management Financial Compliance Animal Care Program Records Management Program Audit and Management Advisory Services and Campus Support Selected Examples of Good Business Practices Administrative officials are responsible for developing an appropriate structure fo...

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Ethics

To encourage the widespread adoption of common goals, the President introduced, and the Regents formally accepted, the UC Statement of Ethical Values and Standards of Ethical Conduct.