Banding Patterns Research Articles

Hsp70 PCR-RFLP as analternative tool to identify Sauroleishmania species.

Sauroleishmania spp. comprises one of the four Leishmania subgenera, which has been historically considered a non-pathogenic protozoan of reptiles. However, some strains appear to be transiently infective to mammals, and recent findings have detected these parasites in dogs and humans in areas where leishmaniasis is endemic. Herein, the digestion pattern of PCR-RFLP of the 234bp-hsp70 fragment was evaluated as a simpler and cheaper tool to distinguish the Sauroleishmania species from the other Leishmania subgenera. As a result, the digestion of the 234bp-hsp70 fragments with HaeIII produced a banding pattern specific to the four Sauroleishmania strains assessed. This technique could contribute to the identification of Leishmania parasites isolated from sandflies, reptiles, or even mammals in fieldworks as an alternative to the use of laborious and expensive methodologies.

HPTLC FINGERPRINTS AND FTIR ANALYSIS FOR AUTHENTICATION AND QUALITY CONTROL OF Holostemma ada-kodien Schult.

Plant-derived pharmaceuticals are gaining increased acceptance in treating various ailments, but ensuring their quality is crucial. Both conventional and modern techniques are employed to validate the quality. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analysis were conducted to analyse and identify the various phytoconstituents in serial root extract of Holostemma ada-kodien. The peaks observed in HPTLC fingerprint profile corresponding to different phytoconstituents served as markers for standardizing drug; while FTIR analysis aids in identifying the major functional groups present. Thirteen bands were noted for hexane extract of H. ada-kodien in short UV in track I, while chloroform and methanol extracts showed eight bands each. In track II, the hexane extract exhibited eight bands, while chloroform and methanol extracts showed eleven and eight bands, respectively, under similar conditions. The hexane extract in long UV showed a maximum area of 78.4 and 71.59%, in track 1 and 2, respectively, with respective spanning from Rf 0.61 to 0.75 and 0.51 to 0.73. The methanol extract in visible light in track I showed a maximum area of 46.87%, spanning from Rf 0.73 to 0.98, and in track II, it displayed a maximum area of 36.59%, spanning from Rf 0.75 to 0.96 with 10 µL applied. Methanolic root extract of H. ada-kodien showed clear banding patterns in HPTLC fingerprints which seemed to be a dependable technique to detect adulteration while FTIR technique revealed functional groups of methanol root extracts.

Nonreciprocal feedback induces migrating oblique and horizontal banded vegetation patterns in hyperarid landscapes

In hyperarid environments, vegetation is highly fragmented, with plant populations exhibiting non-random biphasic structures where regions of high biomass density are separated by bare soil. In the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, rainfall is virtually nonexistent, but fog pushed in from the interior sustains patches of vegetation in a barren environment. Tillandsia landbeckii, a plant with no functional roots, survives entirely on fog corridors as a water source. Their origin is attributed to interaction feedback among the ecosystem agents, which have different spatial scales, ultimately generating banded patterns as a self-organising response to resource scarcity. The interaction feedback between the plants can be nonreciprocal due to the fact that the fog flows in a well-defined direction. Using remote sensing analysis and mathematical modelling, we characterise the orientation angle of banded vegetation patterns with respect to fog direction and topographic slope gradient. We show that banded vegetation patterns can be either oblique or horizontal to the fog flow rather than topography. The initial and boundary conditions determine the type of the pattern. The bifurcation diagram for both patterns is established. The theoretical predictions are in agreement with observations from remote sensing image analysis.

The clock in growing hyphae and their synchronization in Neurospora crassa

Utilizing a microfluidic chip with serpentine channels, we inoculated the chip with an agar plug with Neurospora crassa mycelium and successfully captured individual hyphae in channels. For the first time, we report the presence of an autonomous clock in hyphae. Fluorescence of a mCherry reporter gene driven by a clock-controlled gene-2 promoter (ccg-2p) was measured simultaneously along hyphae every half an hour for at least 6 days. We entrained single hyphae to light over a wide range of day lengths, including 6,12, 24, and 36 h days. Hyphae tracked in individual serpentine channels were highly synchronized (K = 0.60-0.78). Furthermore, hyphae also displayed temperature compensation properties, where the oscillation period was stable over a physiological range of temperatures from 24 °C to 30 °C (Q10 = 1.00-1.10). A Clock Tube Model developed could mimic hyphal growth observed in the serpentine chip and provides a mechanism for the stable banding patterns seen in race tubes at the macroscopic scale and synchronization through molecules riding the growth wave in the device.

Description of a new sandstone-dwelling species of genus Cnemaspis (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Gunung Santubong National Park, southwestern Sarawak, Malaysia

A newly discovered sandstone-dwelling species of the rock gecko, genus Cnemaspis, is described from Santubong National Park, 25 km north of Kuching, southwestern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed that Cnemaspis puterisantubongae sp. nov. is closely related to other Cnemaspis species in southwestern Sarawak, except for C. kendallii, although these relationships remain unclear. The new species differs from closely related species in having a moderate snout–vent length of up to 66.7 mm; 10–14 precloacal pores in males; 9–14 obviously-convex precloacal pore-bearing scales in females; enlarged, smooth, flat median subcaudal scales; sharp-edged, broad black markings on the trunk dorsum; and a black–gray banding pattern on the posterior part of the original tail, with white median subcaudal scales in males. This discovery of this new species from Santubong National Park, which is highly accessible due to its proximity to Kuching, highlights the need for extensive inventory surveys throughout the national parks of Sarawak.

A phenomenological model for chains and bands in dipolar suspensions

We introduce a phenomenological model for the dipolar interaction of polarizable particles under an external field, where the relative radial and rotational components of a particle pair interaction can be tuned. We show that the relative strengths of these two components govern the microstructure and dynamics of a suspension of such particles. Notably, dominant radial interactions give rise to the formation of zigzag band patterns, which were previously only thought to occur in systems where hydrodynamic interactions dominate. Through this phenomenological model, we show that dipolar interactions can be used to access an array of patterns in suspensions of polarizable particles, from chains to bands, which would dramatically affect suspension shear rheology, for instance.

Genetic relatedness and diversity of Capillaria species infecting bayad (Bagrus bajad) in upper Egypt

BackgroundThis study investigates the genetic characteristics of Capillaria isolates from the infected fish, Bagrus bajad, and their relation to human Capillaria philippinensis using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) analysis. Fifteen fish Capillaria were isolated and compared to identified human C. philippinensis using six primers: M-are, M-1, G-7, G-11, G-15, and G-18.ResultsAll six primers successfully amplified DNA, highlighting their efficacy in distinguishing between human and fish Capillaria isolates. The analysis revealed distinctive banding patterns between fish and human isolates, with variations in size and number of DNA fragments. Additionally, genetic similarity analysis showed intriguing patterns of relatedness, with certain pairs exhibiting high similarity percentages. Comparative assessment of RAPD polymorphism demonstrated consistent findings of 100% polymorphism across all primers. The Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean Algorithm (UPGMA) evaluated the closest relationship between human and fish isolates. These results underscore the utility of RAPD analysis in delineating the genetic diversity among Capillaria isolates from different hosts.ConclusionOverall, this study contributes to our understanding of the genetic variability and relatedness among Capillaria isolates, shedding light on their evolutionary dynamics and zoonotic potential.

A novel type of three band pattern at STR loci

SE33 or ACTBP2 is the most polymorphic locus in many national DNA databases and in the commercial STR kits used to type both crime scene samples and reference samples to populate these databases. We describe the molecular reason for a three band pattern of SE33 seen in several samples. A SNP in the flanking SE33 region causes the binding of the unlabelled D3S1358 primer. As a result, a “chimeric” PCR product of the labelled SE33 primer and the D3S1358 primer is generated that is smaller than the regular SE33 amplicon. We call this “Type 3 three band pattern” as the genetic base differs from the Type 1 three band pattern caused by somatic mosaicism and the Type 2 that results from copy number variation.

Review on Murdannia: Cytology, Banding Pattern and Flow Cytometry

This review are useful to Identify Chromosome No on Various Murdannia Species also helpful to Study of different Banding Pattern Present in and Flow Cytometry Working. Useful to identify new methodologies for related working. Review provides an updated and comprehensive overview on the Cytology, Banding Pattern and Flow Cytometry.

Molecular and morphological examinations show diversity in the genus Amphidromus (Camaenidae: Stylommatophora) in Bangladesh

Establishing a robust taxonomic foundation is crucial for biodiversity conservation. Bangladesh harbours potentially unique biodiversity that remains inadequately explored. Concurrently, its biodiversity faces substantial pressure owing to environmental changes; thus, an urgent assessment of its current status is required. In this study, we focused on the understudied land snails of Bangladesh, the genus Amphidromus. Utilizing 45 samples collected from 13 sites during a 2018–2022 survey, as well as museum specimens and literature sources, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses and the haplotype network of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1, examined shell shapes using elliptical Fourier features, and evaluated shell size and band patterns. Based on the molecular and morphological examinations, we identified five Amphidromus species in Bangladesh, including two potentially undescribed species, each recorded at a single site in the Chittagong Division. The dominant species, A. globonevilli, is widely distributed in central and eastern Bangladesh, revealing a geographically structured mitochondrial DNA diversity. Furthermore, in the museum specimens, we confirmed the occurrence of A. sinensis vicaria and A. sylheticus, the latter being newly discovered in Bangladesh. These two species may be limited to the eastern part of Bangladesh and represent low-density species. Although the taxonomic relationship of these species with A. globonevilli remains unclear and further studies with molecular data are warranted, our findings provide the basis for further understanding and conservation of biodiversity in Bangladesh.

Role of Japan Sea Throughflow in the spatial variability of the long-term sea surface temperature trend

The Japan Sea shows a much stronger warming of long-term sea surface temperature (SST) than surrounding oceans. The warming trend possesses a meridionally alternating zonal band pattern, with weak trends along the paths of the Japan Sea Throughflow and strong trends in the remaining interior region. Using idealized models of the Japan Sea Throughflow and atmospheric heating, this study examines the process behind the formation of such spatial patterns in the SST trend. We find that zonal band structures form in a flat rectangular coastline model, and heat budget analysis shows that horizontal heat transport, due to throughflow, reduces the warming effect created by the surface heat flux. A weak SST trend appears around the jet, while a strong SST trend appears elsewhere. Bathymetric effects are also examined using a model with realistic coastline settings. The location of the western boundary current stabilizes, and the coastal branch begins to disconnect from the Japanese coastline toward the north, allowing a more stable SST warming region to form in the southern interior region. Lagrangian particle tracking experiments confirm that a weak (strong) SST trend corresponds to a short (long) residence time, and eddies in the Japan Sea prolong the residence time in interior regions. The model results suggest that the accumulation time of surface heating is essential to the spatial distribution of the long-term SST warming trend.

Diversity and Conservation of Medicinal Plant of Seshachalam Hill Range of Andhra Pradesh, India

The Seshachalam hill range of South Eastern Ghats which is one among the Hot Spots of endemic flora of India. The environment is very much suitable for growth and development of this region important wood/timber yielding and medicinal plants. Nearly 900 plant species are medicinally important including 5 endemic medicinal plants viz., Shorea tumbaggaiae, Terminalia pallida, Boswellia ovalifoliolata, Pterocarpus santalinus and Syzygium alternifolium and one gymnosperm Cycas beddomei to this area. The tribal people Nakkala, Sugali, Lambadi and local herbal healers (Natuvidhyulu) have been using these plants to cure different ailments. Due to interference of various biotic factors a number of plants became endangered and some are on the verge of extinction. Keeping this in view, conservation measures have been taken for some of the medicinal plants to protect the germplasm. Standardization of protocols for In Vitro propagation of some medicinal plants from different explants selected from elite (mother) plants : Study of morphological and anatomical changes occured during morphogenesis : Testing of clonal purity by isolation of some isozymes like peroxidase, catalase etc., and its banding pattern. Replantation of saplings developed by micropropagation in their natural habitats to sustain the ecological balance and environmental stability.

Classification of motor imagery using chaotic entropy based on sub-band EEG source localization

Objective. Electroencephalography (EEG) has been widely used in motor imagery (MI) research by virtue of its high temporal resolution and low cost, but its low spatial resolution is still a major criticism. The EEG source localization (ESL) algorithm effectively improves the spatial resolution of the signal by inverting the scalp EEG to extrapolate the cortical source signal, thus enhancing the classification accuracy. Approach. To address the problem of poor spatial resolution of EEG signals, this paper proposed a sub-band source chaotic entropy feature extraction method based on sub-band ESL. Firstly, the preprocessed EEG signals were filtered into 8 sub-bands. Each sub-band signal was source localized respectively to reveal the activation patterns of specific frequency bands of the EEG signals and the activities of specific brain regions in the MI task. Then, approximate entropy, fuzzy entropy and permutation entropy were extracted from the source signal as features to quantify the complexity and randomness of the signal. Finally, the classification of different MI tasks was achieved using support vector machine. Main result. The proposed method was validated on two MI public datasets (brain–computer interface (BCI) competition III IVa, BCI competition IV 2a) and the results showed that the classification accuracies were higher than the existing methods. Significance. The spatial resolution of the signal was improved by sub-band EEG localization in the paper, which provided a new idea for EEG MI research.

Francisella salimarina infection in farmed cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) in Brazil: A case report.

This study aimed to identify and characterize isolates of Francisella salimarina associated with an outbreak on a marine fish farm in Brazil and to analyse their genetic variability and antimicrobial susceptibility. In 2021, diseased cobias (Rachycentron canadum, n = 10) and dusky groupers (Epinephelus marginatus, n = 10) were sampled and subjected to bacteriological and pathological examinations. The isolates obtained were morphologically and biochemically characterized and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-ToF) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The genetic diversity of these isolates was analysed using repetitive extragenic palindromic-polymerase chain reaction (REP-PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion technique. Macroscopically, the fish presented skin ulcerations, ocular lesions, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. A pleomorphic, gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive bacterium was isolated from seven cobias and two groupers. The 16S rRNA gene sequences showed >99% coverage and identity with other deposited sequences of F. salimarina. The results of the biochemical analysis corresponded to these bacterial species. Histologically, granulomas were observed in the spleen, liver and heart of the cobias (n = 6), and necrotizing and fibrinous dermatitis and myositis were identified in some groupers (n = 2). The isolates exhibited the same banding pattern when REP-PCR was performed, indicating that they were clonally related. Finally, the antibiogram test, no inhibition halo was observed for amoxicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. salimarina infection in cobias and dusky groupers.

A fast, reliable, low‐cost, and efficient xylan extraction for xylooligosaccharides production

AbstractA fast, reliable, low‐cost, and efficient method for the recovery of xylan from agro‐residue materials is needed to improve the use of xylan in industrial processes. Xylan was extracted from two agrowastes (corncobs and wheat bran) using a cost‐effective alkali extraction method. The characteristic band patterns and bending vibrations associated with hemicellulose and beta glycoside linkage could be seen in the corncob‐extracted xylan (CCEx) and wheatbran‐extracted xylan (WBEx). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the extracted xylans consisted of aggregated and nonaggregated particles with irregular morphology and rough surfaces. Particle‐size analysis displayed average sizes of 205.6, 210.8, and 794.2 nm for commercial beechwood xylan (Bx), CCEx, and WBEx, respectively. Alkali extraction was performed with different concentrations of NaOH, from 5% to 20%, with a solid–liquid ratio of 1:20. It was found that 82.90 and 76.77% of xylan were extracted from corncob and wheat bran, respectively, which represents a higher yield obtained in a shorter duration in comparison with studies in the literature. The enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat bran and corncob that used 250 IU/mL of Enterobacter hormaechie KS1 xylanase yielded 334.38 and 162.35 mg/g of xylooligosaccharides. Their properties were studied and were found to be very similar to those of commercial xylan. They could reduce costs if applied in industry.

Assessing the accuracy of an infrared-converted drone camera with Orange-Cyan-NIR filter for vegetation and environmental monitoring

Drones equipped with cameras sensitive to near-infrared wavelengths are increasingly being used in environmental assessment studies and in agriculture. These cameras are sensitive to vegetation cover, extent of eutrophication in water bodies, and aspects of crops such as growth vigour, biomass and potential yield. Single-sensor (‘RGB’) cameras with modified spectral filters that allow for capturing near-infrared wavelengths offer a low-cost alternative to multi-sensor multispectral cameras or spectrometers. However, some studies point to lower measurement accuracies by such infrared converted sensors. So, to what extent can infrared converted cameras be used to quantify vegetation condition? This case study compared vegetation indices calculated from infrared converted camera imagery to those measured by a drone-borne multispectral camera and a handheld NDVI meter, as captured over soybean and potato fields. The study found that infrared converted camera derived NDVI was consistently lower over vegetation than NDVI measured from the multispectral and handheld sensors. Further, all considered indices of the infrared converted camera displayed relative underestimation at high index values, but over estimation at low index values. The study builds on previous case studies with similar results by further evaluating the reflectance patterns of the individual image bands to find possible reasons for the discrepancy in vegetation index measurements. There is good agreement between the near-infrared bands of the respective sensors (r=0.87), but the respective red bands have weak correlation (r=−0.03). We discuss possible reasons for the lower vegetation index measurements observed by the infrared converted camera, noting broad band sensitivities, and differing central wavelengths, which may have caused overestimated reflectance in the red band. All processing and analysis were executed with open-source software, and source code is made available to support reproducible research.

OCT Intensity of the Region between Outer Retina Band 2 and Band 3 as a Biomarker for Retinal Degeneration and Therapy.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is widely used to probe retinal structure and function. This study investigated the outer retina band (ORB) pattern and reflective intensity for the region between bands 2 and 3 (Dip) in three mouse models of inherited retinal degeneration (Rs1KO, TTLL5KO, RPE65KO) and in human AMD patients from the A2A database. OCT images were manually graded, and reflectivity signals were used to calculate the Dip ratio. Qualitative analyses demonstrated the progressive merging band 2 and band 3 in all three mouse models, leading to a reduction in the Dip ratio compared to wildtype (WT) controls. Gene replacement therapy in Rs1KO mice reverted the ORB pattern to one resembling WT and increased the Dip ratio. The degree of anatomical rescue in these mice was highly correlated with level of transgenic RS1 expression and with the restoration of ERG b-wave amplitudes. While the inner retinal cavity was significantly enlarged in dark-adapted Rs1KO mice, the Dip ratio was not altered. A reduction of the Dip ratio was also detected in AMD patients compared with healthy controls and was also positively correlated with AMD severity on the AMD score. We propose that the ORB and Dip ratio can be used as non-invasive early biomarkers for retina health, which can be used to probe therapeutic gene expression and to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.

Evaluating the impact of hot water killing larvae on gene expression using the transformer gene in Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

In forensic entomology, determining the age of a larva from a body to estimate time since death is commonly performed through the measurement of a physical trait. Gene expression has been studied as an alternative age estimation approach, but the storage conditions required for these studies are different than those used in forensic entomological casework. Studies analyzing gene expression prioritize the preservation of RNA, which requires fresh tissue and ultra-cold storage. Casework, in contrast, utilizes hot water killing specimens that may not be analyzed for a long period after collection. In the current study, the impact of hot water killing on gene expression was assessed for larval samples of the forensically important blow fly, Cochliomyia macellaria. Successful amplification of the sex-determining gene, transformer, was tested across larvae ranging in size from 3.22 to 16.85 mm in length after storage times of 1-2 weeks, 4-5 weeks, and 8-9 weeks at 4°C in RNAlater. Larvae hot water killed were processed in tandem with larvae stored live to allow for a direct assessment of the impact of boiling on gene expression. As expected, the transformer gene was successfully amplified in all larvae stored live. For the hot water-killed larvae, the success rate was only slightly lower, with 3 out of 75 larvae not generating a sex-specific band pattern. The results show gene expression can be used for hot water-killed samples, though future work across different genes, species, and extending to quantitative gene expression methods is needed.

Determination of genetic diversity of two Lessonia species from the Atacama region using ISSR markers

Lessonia nigrescens and L. trabeculata are economically important kelp species in northern Chile. Despite their considerable value, the genetic diversity of these kelp has received limited attention in the Atacama region. This study aimed to analyze genetic diversity, establish genetic relationships, and identify diagnostic DNA markers in the Atacama region's L. nigrescens and L. trabeculata. Both species' Inter-sequence simple repeat (ISSR) band patterns showed high reproducibility and reliability. Among 17 ISSRs, 161 polymorphic bands were identified in Lessonia spp. Parameters, such as percentage polymorphism, number of alleles per locus, effective number of alleles, and Shannon information index, indicated that L. nigrescens had slightly higher genetic diversity than L. trabeculata. The Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis revealed two main clusters: one containing L. nigrescens and the other containing L. trabeculata. Additionally, four species diagnostic ISSR markers were identified for L. nigrescens and L. trabeculata. The ISSR markers proved valuable in detecting genetic diversity in L. nigrescens and L. trabeculata. This information is particularly important for marine management strategies and ensuring successful conservation.

Emergence of rapid solidification microstructure in additive manufacturing of a Magnesium alloy

Abstract Bioresorbable Mg-based alloys with low density, low elastic modulus, and excellent biocompatibility are outstanding candidates for temporary orthopedic implants. Coincidentally, metal additive manufacturing (AM) is disrupting the biomedical sector by providing fast access to patient-customized implants. Due to the high cooling rates associated with fusion-based AM techniques, they are often described as rapid solidification processes. However, conclusive observations or rapid solidification in metal AM — attested by drastic microstructural changes induced by solute trapping, kinetic undercooling, or morphological transitions of the solid-liquid interface — are scarce. Here we study the formation of banded microstructures during laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) of a biomedical-grade Magnesium-rare earth alloy, combining advanced characterization and state-of-the-art thermal and phase-field modeling. Our experiments unambiguously identify microstructures as the result of an oscillatory banding instability known from other rapid solidification processes. Our simulations confirm that LPBF-relevant solidification conditions strongly promote the development of banded microstructures in a Mg-Nd alloy. Simulations also allow us to peer into the sub-micrometer nanosecond-scale details of the solid-liquid interface evolution giving rise to the distinctive banded patterns. Since rapidly solidified Mg alloys may exhibit significantly different mechanical and corrosion response compared to their cast counterparts, the ability to predict the emergence of rapid solidification microstructures (and to correlate them with local solidification conditions) may open new pathways for the design of bioresorbable orthopedic implants, not only fitted geometrically to each patient, but also optimized with locally-tuned mechanical and corrosion properties.