Distinct Banding Patterns Research Articles

Population and genetic diversity of rhizobia nodulating chickpea in Indo-Gangetic plains of India.

Chickpea is a crucial leguminous crop and India is the leading producer, with an average yield of 1.18 tons/ha. It is renowned for its specific nodulation with rhizobia. Despite its significance, studies on chickpea-nodulating rhizobia often focused on small-scale investigations within restricted geographical areas. This study delves into the population, genetic diversity, and symbiotic efficiency of chickpea-nodulating rhizobia in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. The study revealed a low population of chickpea rhizobia (ranging from 11 to 565 cells/g dry soil) across the examined area. Only three samples exhibited a population exceeding 300 cells/g, emphasizing the potential need for inoculation of rhizobia with efficient and competitive strains. Correlation analysis highlighted a significant positive correlation between rhizobial population and organic carbon content, among various soil parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic carbon content. Among the 79 presumptive rhizobia isolated from 24 IGP locations, 61 successfully nodulated chickpea cultivar Pusa 362. 16S rRNA gene sequencing categorized 54 isolates as Mesorhizobium, four as Rhizobium, and three as Ensifer. Genetic diversity assessed by BOX-PCR revealed sixteen distinct banding patterns, underscoring substantial variability among the strains. The strains exhibited plant growth-promoting activities, salt tolerance up to 3% NaCl, and pH tolerance between 4 and 10. Six symbiotically efficient strains were identified based on their positive impact on nodulation and dry biomass. This study provides crucial insights into the diversity, genetic makeup, and symbiotic efficiency of chickpea rhizobia in the IGP, supporting the potential use of indigenous rhizobia for sustainable chickpea productivity in the region.

Unravelling spatiotemporal patterns in global sea surface temperatures with dynamic mode decomposition

AbstractExtracting global sea surface temperature (SST) patterns is essential for understanding climate variability in both regional and global perspective. Traditional methods, limited by assumptions of orthogonality, hinder our ability to fully capture the dynamics of global SST, particularly in the complex Pacific basin. This study introduces dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), a powerful method from fluid dynamics, to extract global SST patterns since 1900. Our analysis shows that DMD successfully captures well‐known patterns like global warming and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). More importantly, it reveals three Pacific SST modes that are spatially non‐orthogonal but exhibit distinct characteristics. Spectral analysis shows that these Pacific modes have distinct periodicities: Pacific Multi‐decadal Mode (PMDM, ~50 years), Quasi‐decadal Mode (PQDM, 8–16 years) and Interannual Mode (PIAM, 2–8 years). This highlights DMD's strength in not only capturing known patterns but also separating modes with similar spatial features but unique dynamics. Further analysis reveals significant differences in their impacts on global air temperature. During positive phases, all three modes induce tropical warming, with PIAM exerting the strongest influence and PMDM the weakest. In the Northern Hemisphere, both PQDM and PIAM drive mid‐latitude cooling and high‐latitude warming, with a more pronounced effect from PQDM. PMDM, in contrast, triggers widespread cooling across the Northern extratropics. In the Southern Hemisphere, PMDM's influence on temperature exhibits a distinct latitudinal banding pattern. PIAM and PQDM, on the other hand, exhibit a regionalized impact, primarily concentrated in the Amundsen and Ross Seas, with PQDM's influence extending to the Antarctic continent.

Diagnosis and Molecular Characterization of Dermatophytosis: An Observational Study

Dermatophytes are the keratinophilic fungi which infect humans and is the most recurring type of disease. The high level of transmissibility creates an epidemiological risk and emphasises the significance of these illnesses. However, a growing number of reports describing dermatophytes can cause deep infections in diabetic and immunocompromised patients, by invading deep layers like the dermis and hypodermis. Despite the prevalence and significance of dermatophytes in clinical mycology, it is not always possible to accurately diagnose this specific infection due to its overlapping structures among species of dermatophytes. Since it is difficult to identify species that exhibit weak characteristics in the morphological highlights, identification of the dermatophyte is often relied on its morphological analysis, which is a laborious process and demands skill. The massive shift in genetic variation, the source of infection, and epidemiological research can be discovered using molecular approaches. Therefore, the development of an accurate laboratory test for dermatophyte species identification is essential for the prevention and efficient management of dermatophytoses. One such methodology allows use of PCR technology which has many methods for molecular level characterization which is rapid, efficient, and capable of producing DNA polymorphisms specific to various dermatophyte species based on distinctive band patterns seen by agarose gel electrophoresis. The RAPD-PCR approach will be used in this study protocol to molecularly characterize the dermatophytes for precise speciation of the sample. In addition to improving knowledge of fungal biology and pathology with a focus on adaptive mechanisms to combat difficult conditions from host counteractions, there is a need to improve awareness of the importance of these diseases through accurate epidemiological data. The advantages of molecular approaches for characterizing objects over traditional methods are their sensitivity and specificity.

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.

Study of molecular characterization for diagnosis of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis

Dermatophytes are the keratinophilic fungi which infect humans and is the most recurring type of disease. The high level of transmissibility creates an epidemiological risk and emphasises the significance of these illnesses. However, a growing number of reports describing dermatophytes can cause deep infections in diabetic and immunocompromised patients, by invading deep layers like the dermis and hypodermis. Despite the prevalence and significance of dermatophytes in clinical mycology, it is not always possible to accurately diagnose this specific infection due to its overlapping structures among species of dermatophytes. Since it is difficult to identify species that exhibit weak characteristics in the morphological highlights, identification of the dermatophyte is often relied on its morphological analysis, which is a laborious process and demands skill. The massive shift in genetic variation, the source of infection, and epidemiological research can be discovered using molecular approaches. Therefore, the development of an accurate laboratory test for dermatophyte species identification is essential for the prevention and efficient management of dermatophytoses. One such methodology allows use of PCR technology which has many methods for molecular level characterization which is rapid, efficient, and capable of producing DNA polymorphisms specific to various dermatophyte species based on distinctive band patterns seen by agarose gel electrophoresis. The RAPD-PCR approach will be used in this study protocol to molecularly characterize the dermatophytes for precise speciation of the sample. In addition to improving knowledge of fungal biology and pathology with a focus on adaptive mechanisms to combat difficult conditions from host counteractions, there is a need to improve awareness of the importance of these diseases through accurate epidemiological data. The advantages of molecular approaches for characterizing objects over traditional methods are their sensitivity and specificity.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Sex-Linked Molecular Markers to Identify Neomale Breeders for the Production of All-Female Progenies of Rainbow Trout.

A cultured stock of masculinized rainbow trout was diagnosed with Y-linked markers (sdY and OmyY1) aiming to detect neomales before their use at the production level. To achieve a reliable diagnosis, the following steps were considered: (1) PCR amplification of the housekeeping β-actin gene to determine the DNA quality of samples, (2) validation of the Y-linked markers by their PCR amplification in male and female samples with known sex, and (3) molecular sexing of the masculinized juveniles based on male-specific (XY genotype) and neomale-specific (XX genotype) PCR product band patterns visualized on agarose gel. The validity and concordance of the markers were assessed. The housekeeping gene identified samples with negative PCR amplification revealing a poor DNA quality. The OmyY1 marker presented a more distinctive PCR product band pattern between males and females than the sdY marker and identified a higher proportion of true males (sensitivity = 1.0 and 0.91, respectively). The OmyY1 marker accurately identified 105 neomales of the 198 masculinized individuals on account their consistent and distinctive PCR product band pattern. Among both markers, there was a medium high positive concordance (γ index = 0.7). It is concluded that the OmyY1 marker shows the best performance to reliably detect neomales, a step that is essential to have certified breeders for the production of all-female progenies in fish farming.

Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay for Efficient Detection of Two Potential Probiotic Strains Using Whole Genome-Based Primers.

Probiotics are microorganisms that exert strain-specific health-promoting effects on the host. Τhey are employed in the production of functional dairy or non-dairy food products; still, their detection in these complex matrices is a challenging task. Several culture-dependent and culture-independent methods have been developed in this direction; however, they present low discrimination at the strain level. Here, we developed a multiplex PCR assay for the detection of two potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L125 and Lp. pentosus L33, in monocultures and yogurt samples. Unique genomic regions were identified via comparative genomic analysis and were used to produce strain-specific primers. Then, primer sets were selected that produced distinct electrophoretic DNA banding patterns in multiplex PCR for each target strain. This method was further implemented for the detection of the two strains in yogurt samples, highlighting its biotechnological applicability. Moreover, it can be applied with appropriate modifications to detect any bacterial strain with available WGS.

Genetic diversity and resistance assessment among maize genotypes against banded leaf and sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii) utilizing SSR markers

AbstractA field investigation was carried out during the consecutive kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to assess the resistance response of 38 maize genotypes against banded leaf and sheath bight (BLSB). The trials were conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal (India) under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Throughout both seasons, six genotypes (HKI 163, HKI 193‐2, HKI 488, IQPMH‐18‐2, HKI 194‐7 and HKI 1128) exhibited resistant reactions, one genotype (HM 8) showed susceptible reaction, whereas 19 genotypes showed moderately resistant response to BLSB. To analyse molecular aspects of BLSB resistance, genomic DNA was extracted and PCR amplification was performed using 22 SSR markers. Ten SSR markers (bnlg238, bnlg161, bnlg127, bnlg339, bnlg615, bnlg1272, phi077, phi080, phi035 and umc1275) revealed distinct banding patterns in resistant and susceptible genotypes. Among these, marker bnlg339 exhibited a band size of 120 bp across 14 genotypes, with six (HKI 163, HKI 193‐2, HQPM 5, IQPMH‐18‐2, HKI 194‐7 and HKI 1128) classified as resistant and eight (HKI 193‐1, HKI 1657, HKI 1378, HPQM 1, HKI 1659, HPQM 2, T Bio 259 ER and HKI 191‐2‐5) as moderately resistant, resembling the amplified profile of the resistant check genotype (HKI 163). Similarly, the markers phi080 and bnlg1272 exhibited differential amplified profile of approximately 150 bp and 240 bp, respectively, in 10 (five resistant and five moderately resistant) and 12 (four resistant and eight moderately resistant) maize genotypes throughout the study. The percentage of polymorphism for the SSR markers varied from 0 to 100%, with an average value of 95.45% per primer among all genotypes. The identification of resistant and moderately resistant genotypes and characterization of specific SSR markers associated with resistance offer practical tools for breeders to develop BLSB‐resistant maize varieties, ultimately enhancing crop resilience and food security.

Detection of True Hybrids in Pearl Millet Cross Combinations by Employing SSR Molecular Markers

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.), a crucial staple food and significant cereal crop, is gaining prominence due to its versatile applications as feed, food, and fodder. Heterosis of this crop has been extensively harnessed to increase productivity. Hybrid variants exhibit superior grain and stover yields compared to open-pollinated varieties.Top of Form The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate and confirm authentic hybrids within three resultant F1 progenies. The assessment of parents and F1 hybrids was carried out during the Kharif 2021for the purpose of accurate discrimination and rapid verification of true hybrids by employing 20 SSR molecular markers. The experimental materials consisted of three distinct cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines including ICMA 843-22, ICMA 04999, and ICMA 02333, used as female parents along with three fertility restorers, viz., ICMR 01004, ICMR 20233, and ICMR 20342, were utilized as male parents. The analysis of SSR profiles was based on distinctive banding patterns, resulting in unique profiles for the hybrids. The amplified fragment sizes ranged between 90 to 300 base pairs (bp), effectively enabling the differentiation of authentic hybrids. Within the specific crosses, the percentage of polymorphism was determined 75% for the cross ICMA 843-22 × ICMR 01004, 80% for the cross combination ICMA 04999 × ICMR 20233, and 75% for the cross ICMA 02333 × ICMR 20342. The true hybrids were calculated using hybrid purity percentage formula using heterozygous banding patten among total plants evaluated. Among a total of 100 F1 plants, 85, 86, and 88 plants were accurately identified as true hybrids in the respective crosses i.e., ICMA 843-22 × ICMR 01004, ICMA 04999 × ICMR 20233, and ICMA 02333 × ICMR 20342. The identified markers hold significant potential for applications such as hybridity test, genetic purity assessments, diverse germplasm identification, and DNA fingerprinting endeavors in future.

Molecular phylogeny of plant pathogenic fungi based on start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism.

A number of molecular marker systems have been developed to assess genetic diversity, carry out phylogenetic analysis, and diagnose and discriminate plant pathogenic fungi. The start codon targeted (SCoT) markers system is a novel approach used here to investigate intra and interspecific polymorphisms of phytopathogenic fungi. This study assessed genetic variability between and within 96 isolates of ten fungal species associated with a variety of plant species using 36 SCoT primers. The six primers generated 331 distinct and reproducible banding patterns, of which 322 were polymorphic (97.28%), resulting in 53.67 polymorphic bands per primer. All primers produced informative amplification profiles that distinguished all fungal species. With a resolving power of 10.65, SCoT primer 12 showed the highest polymorphism among species, followed by primer 33 and primer 29. Polymorphic loci (PPL), Nei's diversity index (h), and Shannon index (I) percentages were 6.25, 0.018, and 0.028, respectively. UPGMA analysis separated all isolates based on morphological classification and revealed significant genetic variation among fungal isolates at the intraspecific level. PCoA analysis strongly supported fungal species discrimination and genetic variation. The other parameters of evaluation proved that SCoT markers are at least as effective as other DNA markers. SCoT markers were effective in identifying plant pathogenic fungi and were a powerful tool for estimating genetic variation and population structure of different fungi species.

Half‐Sandwich Manganese Complex Bearing Fused Oxazoline‐NHC Ligand: Conformational Analysis and Evaluation in Asymmetric Ketone Hydrosilylation

AbstractThe first manganese complex bearing a chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand was prepared and studied by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray diffraction. While IR spectroscopy revealed the existence of two isomers in solution with distinct νCO band patterns, DFT calculations indicated that these isomers correspond to rotamers around the Mn−NHC bond and their different spectroscopic properties were rationalized by the occurrence of attractive π(C=C)⋅⋅⋅π*(C≡O) or σ(C−H)⋅⋅⋅π*(C≡O) intramolecular interligand interactions. The evaluation of this complex in catalytic hydrosilylation of acetophenone using Ph2SiH2 under UV irradiation led to the formation of the corresponding (R)‐alcohol with low enantioselectivity.

Images Clinical: Acro‐osteolysis: a complication of systemic sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis?

The patient, a 63-year-old woman, was seen in the rheumatology clinic for anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) negative overlap syndrome (systemic sclerosis [SSc] and high-titre dual-seropositive rheumatoid arthritis [RA]), manifesting as Raynaud syndrome, sclerodactyly, interstitial lung disease, and synovitis. On examination, synovitis was palpated at the right second metacarpophalangeal joint, sclerodactyly was appreciated distal to metacarpophalangeal joints bilaterally, and there was striking fingertip pulp atrophy without any gangrene (Figure 1A). Nailfold capillaroscopy revealed dilatations and dropout. Hand radiographs (Figure 1B) revealed an erosion (white arrow), a distal tuft acro-osteolysis (blue arrows), and a band acro-osteolysis (red arrows). Acro-osteolysis, the absorption of distal bony phalanges, can be radiologically classified as either distal tuft, band, or combined (1). Isolated band pattern occurs in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) exposure, and isolated distal-tuft pattern can be appreciated commonly in SSc, Raynaud syndrome, thermal injury, dermatomyositis, and hyperparathyroidism. Rarely, the isolated tuft pattern can be seen in arthritides (like RA, psoriatic arthritis, and erosive osteoarthritis) with extension of destruction distally from the distal interphalangeal joint (2). The combined pattern occurs in SSc and hyperparathyroidism. The clinical quandary in our patient is that the acro-osteolysis could be from either RA or Raynaud syndrome. However, in the presence of both distinct tuft and band patterns, poorly controlled Raynaud syndrome was the likely culprit for acro-osteolysis rather than the rarely associated RA. Disclosure Form Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Supernumerary Marker Chromosome Identified in Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus).

We identified a small, supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) in two phenotypically normal Asian elephants (Elephas maximus): a female (2n = 57,XX,+mar) and her male offspring (2n = 57,XY,+mar). sSMCs are defined as structurally abnormal chromosomes that cannot be identified by conventional banding analysis since they are usually small and often lack distinct banding patterns. Although current molecular techniques can reveal their origin, the mechanism of their formation is not yet fully understood. We determined the origin of the marker using a suite of conventional and molecular cytogenetic approaches that included (a) G- and C-banding, (b) AgNOR staining, (c) preparation of a DNA clone using laser microdissection of the marker chromosome, (d) FISH with commercially available human painting and telomeric probes, and (e) FISH with centromeric DNA derived from the centromeric regions of a marker-free Asian elephant. Moreover, we present new information on the location and number of NORs in Asian and savanna elephants. We show that the metacentric marker was composed of heterochromatin with NORs at the terminal ends, originating most likely from the heterochromatic region of chromosome 27. In this context, we discuss the possible mechanism of marker formation. We also discuss the similarities between sSMCs and B chromosomes and whether the marker chromosome presented here could evolve into a B chromosome in the future.

Molecular profiling of therapeutically important Alpinia and Kaempferia species using RAPD, ISSR, and SSR markers

Alpinia and Kaempferia species require precise identification and diversification to improve the accuracy in drug discovery and industrial demands. In this current study, four Alpinia species (Alpinia malaccensis, A. nigra, A. galanga and A. calcarata) and three Kaempferia species (Kaempferia galanga, K. rotunda and K. parishii) were selected for molecular profiling analysis. Three types of molecular markers (PCR based) such as RAPD, ISSR, and SSR were used to increase the accuracy of analysis. About 91 polymorphic loci were amplified in these 7 species using 9 RAPD primers out of 30. The resolving power (RP) was varied from 4.56 to 10.06 and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged between 0.8 and 0.93. Out of 40 ISSR primer 13 primers showed total 118 polymorphic loci. The maximum RP and PIC were 9.36 and 0.97 respectively. In case of SSR analysis, only 11 SSRs out of 35 showed 201 polymorphic loci. The RP were found between 3.12 and 17.86. The PIC in SSR primers were in between 0.78 and 0.97. This study indicated that unique banding pattern was observed in specific primers of each marker. D20, D18, and D8 primers were found as the best RAPD markers. (GA)8T, (GA)9T, and (GTGC)4 were the best ISSR markers which can produce distinct banding pattern. SSR2 and SSR14 have also successfully amplified in Alpinia and Kaempferia species with distinct banding pattern. Although SSR marker is more advance than other two but multiple markers based molecular profiling would have enough significance. This present study has enormous importance towards DNA fingerprinting study of different species of Alpinia and Kaempferia. The unique banding pattern in specific primer could be efficiently useful for species identification and future improvement of the taxa.

Morphological, biological and genomic characterization of lytic phages against Streptococcus agalactiae causing streptococcosis in tilapia.

Streptococcus agalactiae, a highly invasive pathogen causing streptococcosis, is a major disease imparting devastating effect in the aquaculture, worldwide. As bacteriophage therapy is getting more attention recently, as an alternative viable biocontrol agent to antibiotic and vaccine, this study aimed to isolate and purify obligately lytic bacteriophages and study its morphological, genetic and biological characteristics. Host range analysis of the four bacteriophages isolated in this study, such as Phage- 12P, 15F, 16E and 20D exhibited 100% infectivity to S. agalactiae serotype Ia, a predominant serotype infecting fish. Morphotype of the phages was revealed by HR-TEM and found that the phage 20D belong to the family Myoviridae and the phages 12P, 15F, 16E belonged to the family Siphoviridae with typical head and tail structure. Lytic potential of the phages were ascertained by multiplicity of infection and one step lytic curve and it is found that the phages exhibit high burst size at an MOI of 0.01. Random amplified polymorphic DNA revealed the genetic diversity of these four phages with distinct banding pattern. The phages were found to be lytic with the absence of genes coding for integrase, transposase and recombinase on PCR based screening. Phages exhibited stability and viability at various physic-chemical parameters such as temperature ranging from 4 to 45°C, pH of 4-12 and salinity ranging from 0 to 6%. Thus the present study revealed that S. agalactiae specific phages such as Phage- 12P, 15F, 16E and 20D are highly stable and potential to eliminate the S. agalactiae serotype Ia infecting fish. After the complete characterization of the phages by whole genome sequencing and exploring the defense function against S. agalactiae infection in vivo, it may be applied as a therapeutic agent against S. agalactiae infection in aquaculture.

Influence of single nucleotide polymorphism in the IGF-1 gene on performance and conformation traits in Munjal sheep.

Genetic polymorphism research in livestock species aims to assess genetic differences within and among breeds, primarily for conservation and development objectives. The aim of the present study was to determine the point mutation in the IGF-1 gene (g.855G>C and g.857G>A) and its association with performance traits in Munjal sheep. In total, 50 Munjal sheep were selected and the genomic DNA was isolated using the Automated Maxell RSC DNA/RNA purification system and the Maxwell RSC whole blood DNA kit. A reported set of primers was used to amplify the 294-bp fragment encompassing the targeted region, i.e. the 5' flanking region of the IGF-1 gene. The polymerase chain reaction product of 294-bp size harbouring the g.857G>A mutation in the 5' flanking region of the IGF-1 gene was digested with HaeII enzyme. Three possible genotypes were defined by distinct banding patterns, i.e. GG (194, 100 bp), GA (294, 194, 100 bp) and AA (294 bp) in the studied population of Munjal sheep. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of g.857G>A single nucleotide polymorphism of the IGF-1 gene indicated that the frequency of the A allele was higher in the studied population, i.e. 0.59 and the GA genotype was found to be the predominant genotype (0.66). Allele A of the IGF-1 gene was found to be associated with higher body weights and can be used in selection criteria for improving the performance of Munjal sheep. The positive effect of the IGF-1 gene on several conformational traits as observed in this study suggests that this area of the ovine IGF-I gene is particularly important and warrants further investigation on a larger population size.

Sequence Variation in Caprine KRTAP6-2 Affects Cashmere Fiber Diameter.

Simple SummaryKeratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are a structural component of wool fibers. Despite the gene encoding the high-glycine/tyrosine KAP6-2 (called KRTAP6-2) having been described in sheep, it has not been identified goats. This study describes the identification of caprine KRTAP6-2, reports variation in the gene, and describes its association with cashmere fiber diameter in Longdong cashmere goats.Keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are a structural component of cashmere fibers and in part determine fiber attributes. The gene encoding the high-glycine/tyrosine KAP6-2 (called KRTAP6-2) has been described in sheep, but it has not been identified goats. In this study, a 252-bp open reading frame with similarity to ovine KRTAP6-2 was found on goat chromosome 1, with its upstream and downstream flanking sequences are closely related with ovine KRTAP6-2 but are clearly distinct from other ovine KRTAP6-n sequences. Polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis of this region revealed five distinct banding patterns representing five different sequences (A to E) in 230 Longdong cashmere goats. Eleven diallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a three-nucleotide sequence variation, and a 12-bp insertion/deletion were found among these five sequences, with most SNPs being either outside the coding region or synonymous. The presence of variant D was found to be associated with decreased mean fiber diameter (MFD; present: 13.26 ± 0.07 µm; absent: 13.55 ± 0.04 µm; p < 0.001), suggesting that variation in KRTAP6-2 may affect fiber diameter and have value as a molecular marker for improving the cashmere fiber diameter trait.

Identification of Dermatophyte Species by PCR Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism in Ramallah region, Palestine

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that cause an infection called dermatophytosis. They are mainly classified into three anamorphic genera: Trichphyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Sixty-five samples were collected during the period from the middle of January to the end of September of the year 2019. The clinical specimens (hair, nail and skin) were collected from 58 patients who were clinically diagnosed with dermatophytosis. Molecular identification was done by using the fungus-specific universal primers (ITS1 and ITS4) for the amplification of the ITS region in the rRNA gene. For species identification, BstN1 restriction enzyme was used for the digestion of the amplified ITS products to produce distinct band patterns. The distribution of dermatophytosis among the patients was 52.3.%, 41.5%, 3.1%, 1.5% and 1.5% for Tinea nail, Tinea capitis, Tinea corporis, Tinea pedis and Tinea imbricate, respectively. Nighnteen clinical isolates of dermatophytes showed positive culture. Trichophyton was the most common genus with 15 sample (78.9%), followed by Microsporum with 4 samples (21.1%) and no Epidermophyton were found. The most common species was T. rubrum (n=5, 26.3%), followed by T. verrucosum (n=3, 15.8%), then T. mentagrophytes, M. Canis, M. audouinii and T. schoenleinii with tow isolates for each (10.5%). The amplification of ITS regions was successful in certain samples by using the fungus-specific universal primers (ITS1 and ITS4) and PCR-RFLP technique

Comparative Snake Venom Analysis for Facilitating Wildlife Forensics: A Pilot Study.

Confirm and authentic identification of species is required for the implementation of wildlife laws in cases of illegal trafficking of snake venoms. Illegally trafficked snake venom might be misidentified with other drugs of abuse, and sometimes, the species of venom-yielding snake cannot be verified. Snake venoms from medically important snake species, Naja naja and Daboia russelii, were procured from Irula Snake Catcher's Society, Tamil Nadu, India. Comparative analyses of both venoms were carried out using SDS-PAGE, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, and mtDNA analysis. The protein concentration of Naja naja and Daboia russelii venoms was 76.1% and 83.9%, respectively. SDS analysis showed a distinct banding pattern of both venoms. LC-MS/MS results showed proteins and toxins from 12 to 14 protein families in Naja naja and Daboia russelii venoms. Elemental analysis using ICP-MS showed a different profile of some elements in both venoms. mtDNA analysis of venoms using universal primers against Cyt b gene showed homology with sequence of Naja naja and Daboia russelii genes. The study proposed a template of various conventional and advanced molecular and instrumental techniques with their pros and cons. The template can be used by forensic science laboratories for detection, screening, and confirmatory analysis of suspected venoms of snakes. Clubbing of various techniques can be used to confirm the identification of species of snake from which the alleged venom was milked. The results can be helpful in framing charge-sheets against accused of illegal venom trafficking and can also be used to verify the purity and quality of commercially available snake venoms.

Ultrastructure Traits and Genetic Variability of Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) Adults from Different Geographical Locations in Egypt

The Red Palm Weevil (RPW) is one of the most damaging pests to palm cultivation; this invasive weevil poses a threat to the palm industry. The characterization and identification of this pest in order to determine its biological diversity is the first step in controlling it, which will help in developing effective control programs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biodiversity of and characterize RPW from five different Egyptian geographical locations at morphological and genetic levels using morphometric analysis, scanning electronic microscopy and two different genetic markers. Our results revealed no significant differences between length and width of the adult body among RPW adults from different geographical locations. Different typologies of prothoracic spots were observed, indicating a degree of diversity in the RPW populations. The magnitude of the different body parts was measured among both males and females. Significant differences were exhibited between length of the antennal seta, as well as forelegs, the lengths and widths of the pronotum, and the rostrum length between both sexes. Both RAPD and ISSR used DNA markers, generating reproducible and distinct banding patterns. The polymorphic banding patterns that have resulted from all studied populations confirmed that these markers demonstrate genetic variability amongst the studied Egyptian populations of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. The recorded differences may be due to the presence of different red palm weevil genotypes. The obtained results might have potential applications in developing a new tracking and control strategy for this invasive pest.