Banding Patterns Research Articles

Dermacentor species (Acari: Ixodidae) in western Canada, with detection of Dermacentor similis.

Numerous tick species are undergoing significant range expansion in Canada, including several Dermacentor spp Koch (Acari: Ixodidae). With the recent description of Dermacentor similis Lado in the western United States, additional research is required to determine the current range of this species. Five hundred ninety-eight Dermacentor spp. were collected from companion animals in the western Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Ticks were morphologically identified to species, followed by PCR and gel electrophoresis of the ITS-2 partial gene target (n = 595). Ninety-seven percent (n = 579/595) generated valid banding patterns. The banding pattern for the majority (74%, n = 206/278) of Dermacentor spp. from southern British Columbia was consistent with D. variabilis (Say), while 26% (n = 72/278) was consistent with D. andersoni Stiles. For samples from Alberta, 38% (n = 3/8) had banding patterns consistent with D. variabilis and 63% (n = 5/8) with D. andersoni. All (n = 293) ticks from Saskatchewan had banding patterns consistent with D. variabilis. After the description of D. similis was published, DNA sequencing of mitochondrial (16S rDNA gene, COI gene) and nuclear (ITS-2) markers was used to confirm the identity of 40 samples. Twenty-seven samples that had banding patterns consistent with D. variabilis from British Columbia were confirmed to be D. similis. One sample from Alberta and five from Saskatchewan were confirmed to be D. variabilis and seven samples from British Columbia were D. andersoni. The ITS-2 amplicons were not useful for differentiating between D. variabilis and D. similis. These results provide evidence of D. similis in western Canada and highlight that sequences of the mitochondrial genes are effective for distinguishing D. andersoni, D. variabilis, and D. similis.

Genetic diversity assessment of Palestinian safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) utilizing DAMD molecular markers.

The current knowledge about Palestinian safflower landraces is relatively limited in terms of phenotypic and molecular characterization, however, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the amount of genetic diversity in eighteen local safflower landraces using seven DAMD markers. The banding patterns for each primer were scored and compiled into a data matrix. Subsequently, the data matrix was analyzed using UPGMA cluster analysis to identify distinct genetic groups among the landraces. In total, 88 DNA fragments were found, and there were an average of 12.6 loci per assay unit observed. Resolving Power (RP) revealed an average of 7.09 was determined, with the highest RP value at 13.3. The dendrogram obtained from DAMD data divided the landraces into three main clusters, denoted as I, II and III. The first cluster (I) consisted of one genotype (PTUK.SA16). The second cluster (II) consisted of two genotypes (PTUK.SA13 and PTUK.SA10). The third cluster (III) was later partitioned into two distinct sub-clusters, which are III.a and III.b. Sub-cluster III.a comprised seven genotypes (PTUK.SA4, PTUK.SA9, PTUK.SA8, PTUK.SA7, PTUK.SA6, PTUK.SA5 and PTUK.SA3). While Sub-cluster III.b consisted of eight genotypes (PTUK.SA15, PTUK.SA18, PTUK.SA17, PTUK.SA14, PTUK.SA12, PTUK.SA2, PTUK.SA11, and PTUK.SA1). This research assess the genetic diversity of Palestinian safflower landraces using PCR-based DAMD markers. The remarkable level of polymorphism detected using DAMD markers demonstrated their effectiveness in distinguishing between Palestinian safflower genotypes.

Prevalence and Diversity of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Irish Peatlands

The prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) in the Irish peatlands was investigated in five different peatland habitats—raised bog, cutover scrub/woodlands, fens and peat grasslands, which were further sub-categorised into fourteen different sub-habitats. Within the raised bog habitat were healthy bog hummock (HBH), healthy bog lawn (HBL), degraded bog hummock (DBH) and degraded bog lawn (DBL) and the fen habitats were fen peat (FP) and rich fen peat (R-FP). Cutover scrub or woodland habitat included cutover scrub rewetted (C-RW), cutover scrub non-rewetted (C-NRW), woodlands rewetted (W-RW) and woodlands non-rewetted (W-NRW). Grassland included wasted peat (WP), rough grazing (RG-I) and improved fen peat grassland (IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW). Soil samples from peatlands were all collected between July and December 2023 when the temperature ranged from 12 to 20 °C. One half of each sample was used for molecular nematode analysis and the other half for morphological identification of nematodes. For the morphological identification, a specific nematode extraction protocol was optimised for peatland soils, and the extracted nematodes were fixed onto slides to be studied under a high-power light microscope. Subsequently, the other part of the soil was processed to isolate total DNA, from which the 18S rRNA gene was sequenced for the identification of nematode taxa. The extracted DNA was also used for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting analysis to determine banding patterns that could classify different bog habitats based on PPN random primers. Compared to that in the climax habitats (HBH, HBL, DBH, DBL, FP, R-FP), PPN prevalence was recorded as being higher in grasslands (WP, RG-I, IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW) and scrub/woodland ecosystems (C-RW, C-NRW, W-RW, W-NRW). The results indicate that nematode populations are different across the various bog habitats. Emerging and current quarantine PPN belonging to the families Pratylenchidae, Meloidogynidae, Anguinidae and Heteroderidae were noted to be above the threshold limits mentioned under EPPO guidelines, in grassland and wooded peatland habitats. Future actions for PPN management may need to be considered, along with the likelihood that these PPN might impact future paludiculture and other crops and trees growing in nearby agricultural lands.

Cytogenetic bands and sharp peaks of Alu underlie large-scale segmental regulation of nuclear genome architecture

ABSTRACT Cytogenetic bands reflect genomic organization in large blocks of DNA with similar properties. Because banding patterns are invariant, this organization may often be assumed unimportant for genome regulation. Results here challenge that view. Findings here suggest cytogenetic bands reflect a visible framework upon which regulated genome architecture is built. Given Alu and L1 densities differ in cytogenetic bands, we examined their distribution after X-chromosome inactivation or formation of senescent-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHFs). Alu-rich regions remain outside both SAHFs and the Barr Body (BB), affirming that the BB is not the whole chromosome but a condensed, L1-rich core. Hi-C analysis of senescent cells demonstrates large (~10 Mb) G-bands remodel as a contiguous unit, gaining distal intrachromosomal interactions as syntenic G-bands coalesce into SAHFs. Striking peaks of Alu within R-bands strongly resist condensation. Thus, large-scale segmental genome architectur relates to dark versus light cytogenetic bands and Alu-peaks, implicating both in chromatin regulation.

Atomic force microscopy reveals morphological and mechanical properties of schistosoma mansoni tegument

Schistosoma mansoni, an intravascular parasitic worm and the causative agent of schistosomiasis, relies on its tegument (outer layer) for survival and host interaction. This study explored the morphology and mechanical properties of S. mansoni tegument using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Notably, we employed the PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PF-QNM) mode in air, enabling simultaneous acquisition of 3D topography and mechanical property contrasts (adhesion, elastic modulus). Additionally, nanoindentation (AFM contact mode) was performed on female worm tegument for elastic modulus measurement. Both techniques revealed an elastic modulus range of fractions or units of GPa for the tegument. Interestingly, mechanical property maps, particularly adhesion contrast, displayed a recurring pattern of light and dark bands. We also measured the depth of annular furrows on the female tegument, finding an average of 128 ± 10 nm. These findings establish AFM, particularly PF-QNM, as a valuable tool to characterize S. mansoni tegument properties, offering insights for future investigations into parasite biology and its response to immunological or pharmacological challenges.

Molecular Method for the Detection of Resistance Aspergillus Fumigatus to Some Antifungal Agents

Twenty samples were obtained from Aspergillus fumigatus, out of a total of 45 phlegm samples 41 samples were positive for A. fumigatus patients aged (33 to 82 years of both sexes), from August 2022 to December 2022 from the Specialist Center Samples were collected from several Iraqi governorates from the north, center and south. The results indicated that the isolation of AFU1, AFU12 and AFU31 was the highest resistance to the antihistamines. Anti-fungal resistance, most of which have allergic reactions to these antibiotics in a clear reference to the ability of these molds to adapt to the ocean up this adaptation to the occurrence of genetic mutations Genetic diversity and relationships were studied using the RAPD technique. It produced four primers (111) major pandas, including 9 unique pandas, common pandas (14) and polymorphic forests. Inflated ranges ranged from 100 to 2,000 basis points. The value of the genetic polymorphism of each primer ranged between 33-100%. In terms of unique band patterns, the most characteristic band pattern for the number isolated with the primer OP-M06 and OP-R06 was given 37 pandas of which 3 were unique in each. Genetic distances ranged from 0.22805 to 0.66905 between A. fumigatus isolates. Cluster analyzes were conducted to construct a dendrogram tree showing the interconnection of isolates. Most of the isolated A. fumigatus isolates from the patient developed come from the same region (conservative) in close relationship (sub-mass) indicating a relationship between RAPD patterns and origin of isolates.

Assessment of genetic diversity among Ixora genotypes through morphological and RAPD molecular marker analysis

Ixora a genus in the Rubiaceae family commonly known as jungle geranium, was the focus of the study. However, classifying Ixora species has been challenging due to environmental influences on phenotypic traits. This study explores the genetic diversity and morphological traits of 11 Ixora genotypes from various regions in India using 15 RAPD markers and morphological assessments. A total of 210 bands were generated, Unweighted Pair Group Method for Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) Cluster analysis revealed significant genetic relationships among the genotypes. Notably, Genotypes 9, 10 and 11 shared similar banding patterns with marker OPF 02, while Genotypes 4 and 7, despite differing growth habits, showed close genetic ties and shared RAPD markers OPA03 and OPE04. A unique marker (OPA03 - 340 bp) was identified exclusively in Genotype 4. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that 2 principal components explained 77.074 % of the total variance, highlighting plant height and leaf number as significant traits. Heat map clustering further illustrated phenotypic variability, grouping genotypes based on morphological similarities. This study demonstrates the utility of RAPD markers in distinguishing Ixora genotypes and provides valuable insights into morphological traits, guiding future breeding programs and genetic research.

Genetic stability evaluation of caladium somaclonal variants by morphological, cytological, and SSR analysis in three successive generations

Somaclonal variants with valuable agronomic traits play a crucial role in crop breeding, provided that they are stably passed down in subsequent generations. Although numerous somaclonal variants have been identified and studied among in vitro regenerated plants in the foliage plant caladium (Caladium × hortulanum Birdsey), no research has been carried out to evaluate their genetic stability in subsequent generations. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic stability of three types of diploid caladium somaclonal variants, previously derived from in vitro callus cultures, over three successive tuber-propagated generations. The analysis of quantitative morphological characteristics revealed a greater degree of variation among the established plants in the first generation (G1) compared to the second (G2) and third generations (G3). Seven plants exhibiting distinct leaf coloration changes were identified in the G1 generation and were found to be stably passed down to the subsequent G2 and G3 generations. These findings indicate a wide range of morphological variation in the G1 generation, followed by relative stability in subsequent generations. A comprehensive cytological and molecular analysis revealed that five of the seven newly observed variants displayed notable differences in relative nuclear DNA content, chromosome number, or SSR (simple sequence repeat) banding patterns compared to their corresponding normal counterparts. The findings of this study will be instrumental in developing new cultivars with distinctive plant morphology through the exploitation of somaclonal variation in caladium.

Micropropagation, micromorphological evaluation and genetic homogeneity validation of Cucumis collosus (Rottl.) Cogn.: A wild progenitor of melon

Cucumis collosus (Rottl.) Cogn., a wild ancestor of melon cultivars, is an underutilized cucurbit of arid horticulture having nutraceutical and therapeutic significance. C. collosus has great potential for enhancing the genetic base of cultivated melon and other cucurbits. This investigation is the first report on a robust and reliable micropropagation system for C. collosus (var. AHK-119) using nodal explants, followed by micromorphological and genetic stability assessment. More than 95% explants showed axillary shoot-bud induction on MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium containing 0.5 mg L−1 BAP and developed a maximum of 3.2 ± 0.6 shoots measuring 3.2 ± 0.1 cm length. After evaluating the various parameters, the best shoot multiplication (Shoot Number 34.9 ± 1.7, Shoot Length 6.7 ± 0.9 cm) was achieved on MS medium having half-strength of nitrates (825 mg L−1 NH4NO3 and 950 mg L−1 KNO3) + 0.25 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) + 0.1 mg L−1 Kinetin (Kin) + 0.1 mg L−1 Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) + additives (50 mg L−1 ascorbic acid and 25 mg L−1 each of adenine sulfate, L-arginine and citric acid), after 4 weeks. Micro-shoots were rooted using three approaches: In Vitro Continuous Treatment (IVCT), In Vitro Pulse-Treatment (IVPT) and Ex Vitro Pulse Treatment (EVPT). Of these, EVPT approach proved to be most successful in terms of rooting response (80%), root number (6.4 ± 0.9) and root length (5.7 ± 0.7 cm). The foliar micro-morphology analysis of in vitro leaves (IVL), ex vitro leaves (EVL) and mother plant leaves (MPL) demonstrated notable adaptive alterations during the transitional stages and produced structurally stable plants similar to the mother plant. Furthermore, the validation of genetic homogeneity using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers revealed monomorphic banding patterns among the micropropagated and the mother plant. The discussed method can be applied for large-scale commercial production of C. collosus for arid horticulture, urban/vertical farming, breeding purposes and improvement of other cucurbits.

Interaction between modified magnetic nanoparticles and human albumin: Kinetics and isotherm studies and application in protein depletion

Magnetic nanoparticles modified with tetraethyl orthosilicate (Fe3O4@TEOS) and bovine serum albumin (Fe3O4@TEOS@BSA) were evaluated as sorbent in albumin depletion from human serum samples by magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction. Characterization studies were carried out by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy. Both nanoparticles also showed high thermal stability and pH-dependent surface charges. The human serum albumin adsorption protocol was optimized using a central composite rotatable design. Nanoparticle mass, pH, and albumin concentration were the most influential variables. Avrami's fractional order and Freundlich isotherm models best fitted the data for human albumin adsorption kinetic and isotherm studies for Fe3O4@TEOS and Fe3O4@TEOS@BSA, and the maximum adsorption capacities were 11.93 and 14.89 mg g−1, respectively. The protein desorption was influenced by the pH of samples and eluent volume. Electrophoresis in a polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulfate showed different patterns of serum protein bands when consecutive depletions were performed. The Fe3O4@TEOS showed greater affinity for HSA and efficiency in depletion. The process was versatile, and the depleted albumin proportion could be controlled by the nanoparticle masses. The proposed method is a powerful sample preparation technique for rapid, reliable, and specific depletion of albumin.

Biosystematic studies of genus Withania Pauquy in Egypt

Withania (Solanaceae, Solanoideae) is a widespread genus. Comparative macro-, micro-morphological, anatomical, and molecular features of this genus in Egypt were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy to reassess the conflicted taxonomic relationships between the two studied species. The most significant morphological differences that have been found were: the shape of the lamina, apex, anther, and stigma, and the ratio of calyx tube/lobe; anatomical examination of taxonomic interest are as follows: number of vascular bundles, presence of ears and distribution of accessory vascular bundles in petiole and shape of spongy cells, and number of lower parenchyma in the midrib region of the leaf; trichomes of both species showed no significant differences; pollen, and seed characters are of taxonomic significance in differentiation and characterization between them. Protein profiling revealed that W. somnifera has only conserved proteins, while W. obtusifolia possessed both conserved and additional proteins in their SDS-PAGE banding patterns. Eleven starts codon-targeted (ScoT) primers were applied and produced 96 amplicons with an average of 70.83% polymorphism/primer. W. obtusifolia generated more polymorphic bands and maintained monomorphic ones. SDS-PAGE disclosed that both Withania species were 50% related. While Scot-Dendrogram revealed that both Withania species were poorly related. So, protein and molecular analyses showed considerable genetic variations between these two species.

Photoreceptor outer segment reflectivity with ultrahigh resolution visible light optical coherence tomography in systemic hydroxychloroquine use.

To evaluate outer retinal organization in normal subjects and those using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with ultrahigh resolution visible light optical coherence tomography (VIS-OCT). Forty eyes of 22 adult subjects were recruited from a tertiary care retina practice including controls (20 eyes, 12 subjects, mean age 40±22yrs, mean logMAR BCVA 0.19, 90% female) and subjects with a history of HCQ use (20 eyes, 10 subjects, mean age 62±17yrs, mean logMAR BCVA 0.03, 67% female). Each subject was imaged using a custom-built VIS-OCT device (axial resolution 1.3μm) and FDA-approved OCT devices. Using VIS-OCT, control subjects demonstrate 5 and 6 hyperreflective bands in the foveal and parafoveal regions, respectively, between the outer nuclear layer and Bruch's membrane. These bands demonstrate intensity profiles complementary to the known histopathologic distribution of rods and cones. In comparison to controls, subjects taking HCQ demonstrate blunting of all bands, particularly bands 2-4. In all cases of suspected or known toxicity, VIS-OCT demonstrated attenuation of band 3i and in no cases was there attenuation of other bands that was more severe than band 3i, suggesting that changes in the reflectivity of Band 3i may be the earliest identifiable sign of HCQ toxicity. VIS-OCT of the outer retina demonstrates a unique outer retinal banding pattern corresponding to photoreceptor density profiles. There is a notable attenuation of the photoreceptor outer segment reflectivity profile associated with early HCQ toxicity. This finding may be an early, and possibly reversible, sign of HCQ toxicity, primarily impacting the cones.

Genetic relationships of three species of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Taiwan

As an island about 150 km from the mainland, Taiwan would be expected to have endemic species. About 64 % of its 36 species of black flies are considered endemic, more than twice the level of endemicity that has been recorded for all insects on the island. To begin assessing the validity of the high level of endemism for the Simuliidae, we used giant chromosome banding patterns and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences, against a well-defined morphological backdrop, to evaluate three of Taiwan's black flies, Simulium chungi Takaoka & Huang, S. pingtungense Huang & Takaoka, and S. sakishimaense Takaoka. Molecular data revealed high similarity of populations of S. sakishimaense in Taiwan and at the type locality on Ishigaki Island, Japan, about 180 km to the east. Thus, populations referred to as S. sakishimaense in Taiwan are conspecific with typical S. sakishimaense in Japan, confirming their non-endemicity in Taiwan. Simulium sakishimaense might have reached Ishigaki by island hopping via Taiwan from the Chinese mainland. Chromosomes and the COI gene agree with morphology that S. sakishimaense is a member of the S. multistriatum species group although the chromosomal banding patterns do not indicate that it is distinct from S. fenestratum Edwards on the mainland. Although molecular sequences indicate S. sakishimaense is monophyletic, this taxon falls within the same Operational Taxonomic Unit as nine other members of the S. multistriatum group, including S. fenestratum. Simulium pingtungense, in agreement with morphology, is molecularly distinct from the 10 other analyzed members of the S. striatum species group, tentatively suggesting that it is endemic to Taiwan, pending analysis of samples from mainland China. Simulium chungi in Taiwan is chromosomally and molecularly unique, with larvae resembling those of S. saskishimaense. It is not, however, a member of either the S. multistriatum or S. striatum species groups. For now, the S. chungi species group remains a legitimate taxon consisting of two species. Strengthening the case for endemic taxa in Taiwan awaits analysis of key samples from the Chinese mainland.

Biofilm formation, antibiotic-resistance and clonal relatedness among clinical isolates of Acinetobacterbaumannii

In this work, the antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation capability, and clonal relatedness of 50 A. baumannii isolates collected from three hospitals in Ardabil city, Iran, were evaluated. Antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm formation of isolates were determined by disk diffusion and microtiter-plate methods, respectively. Molecular typing of isolates was also performed using repetitive sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR). The majority of isolates were resistant to cephems, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems, with 80 % classified as multi-drug resistant (MDR). While, only isolates collected from blood and tracheal were resistant to colistin. Additionally, 42 isolates (84 %) had biofilm formation capability. According to rep-PCR results, 34 isolates showed similar banding patterns, while 16 isolates had unique banding patterns. Finally, based on the molecular analysis, there was a direct relationship between biofilm formation and the antibiotic resistance of isolates. In other words, MDR isolates had a higher ability to form biofilm.

The characterization, pathotype distribution and genetic diversity of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in rice production centers of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a pathogenic bacterium that induces bacterial leaf blight in rice. This disease is challenging to treat due to the presence of multiple pathotypes that can harm the plants. Characterizing and determining the distribution of pathotypes and genetic diversity of Xoo in the Special Region of Yogyakarta is essential for evaluating the appropriate approach to managing rice leaf blight in different districts of Yogyakarta. This study aimed to ascertain the characterization, distribution of pathotypes, and genetic diversity of Xoo in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. This study involved the isolation and characterization of Xoo from various rice production centers in Yogyakarta. The distribution of Xoo pathotypes was determined using five differential varieties (Tetep (4251), PB 5 (4827), Java 14 (11022), Kencana Bali (4477), and Kuntulan (1529)). Pathogenicity testing was conducted on six common varieties used by Yogyakarta farmers (IR64, Ciherang, C4, Mekongga, Menthik Wangi, and Inpari 42). Additionally, molecular characterization of Xoo was performed. The bacterial leaf blight that affects rice plants in the Yogyakarta region, caused by Xoo, is identified by yellow circular colonies. It exhibits a negative Gram staining response, positive catalase activity, negative oxidase activity, and does not hydrolyse starch. The Xoo pathotypes identified in Yogyakarta are IV, VIII, and XI. All six prevalent cultivars utilized by farmers in Yogyakarta are susceptible to Xoo. Out of each pathotype, four isolates were chosen, and they were divided into two distinct groups based on the DNA banding pattern they formed. Among these isolates, three had the lowest base sequence at 200 bp, while one isolate had a different DNA banding pattern with the lowest base sequence between 250–300 bp.

The characterization, pathotype distribution and genetic diversity of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in rice production centers of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a pathogenic bacterium that induces bacterial leaf blight in rice. This disease is challenging to treat due to the presence of multiple pathotypes that can harm the plants. Characterizing and determining the distribution of pathotypes and genetic diversity of Xoo in the Special Region of Yogyakarta is essential for evaluating the appropriate approach to managing rice leaf blight in different districts of Yogyakarta. This study aimed to ascertain the characterization, distribution of pathotypes, and genetic diversity of Xoo in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. This study involved the isolation and characterization of Xoo from various rice production centers in Yogyakarta. The distribution of Xoo pathotypes was determined using five differential varieties (Tetep (4251), PB 5 (4827), Java 14 (11022), Kencana Bali (4477), and Kuntulan (1529)). Pathogenicity testing was conducted on six common varieties used by Yogyakarta farmers (IR64, Ciherang, C4, Mekongga, Menthik Wangi, and Inpari 42). Additionally, molecular characterization of Xoo was performed. The bacterial leaf blight that affects rice plants in the Yogyakarta region, caused by Xoo, is identified by yellow circular colonies. It exhibits a negative Gram staining response, positive catalase activity, negative oxidase activity, and does not hydrolyse starch. The Xoo pathotypes identified in Yogyakarta are IV, VIII, and XI. All six prevalent cultivars utilized by farmers in Yogyakarta are susceptible to Xoo. Out of each pathotype, four isolates were chosen, and they were divided into two distinct groups based on the DNA banding pattern they formed. Among these isolates, three had the lowest base sequence at 200 bp, while one isolate had a different DNA banding pattern with the lowest base sequence between 250–300 bp.

TRICHINELLA MURRELLI POZIO AND LA ROSA, 2000 IN A GRAY FOX (UROCYON CINEREOARGENTEUS) FROM PENNSYLVANIA: A NEW HOST RECORD FOR THIS ZOONOTIC NEMATODE.

Trichinella murrelli Pozio and La Rosa, 2000, is the primary sylvatic trichinellid encountered in temperate North America. During a survey for Sarcocystis in wild canids, a single worm matching the morphology of encapsulated Trichinella was observed in a muscle tissue squash from a gray fox male originating from Pennsylvania. The worm was photographed and then separated from the host tissue by artificial digestion, and genomic DNA was extracted from the worm. This DNA was subjected to species-specific multiplex PCR and short-read genomic sequencing. The banding pattern of the multiplex PCR indicated that the worm was T. murrelli, and the sequence of the mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene and the ribosomal 18S ribosomal RNA, Internal Transcribed Spacer 1, 5.8S ribosomal RNA, Internal Transcribed Spacer 2, and 28S ribosomal RNA confirmed the diagnosis. This is the first report of T. murrelli in gray foxes that includes assays for assigning parasite species. This report confirms suspected data from surveys conducted over 30 yr ago and establishes a new host record for T. murrelli.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Sorghum Genotypes via Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of 20 sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes via simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, with a focus on identifying drought-tolerant varieties. Leaf samples were collected from three-week-old seedlings, and genomic DNA was extracted via the CTAB method, a widely recognized protocol for obtaining high-quality DNA. The DNA samples were quantified to ensure consistent template concentrations for amplification via 25 SSR primers. PCR amplification was performed, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis to separate and visualize the SSR band patterns, which were then recorded in a binary matrix format on the basis of the presence or absence of bands. Among the SSR primers used, nine were polymorphic, generating 13 scorable markers, highlighting the genetic variability among the genotypes. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged across the SSR loci, with the Xtxp145 locus exhibiting the highest PIC value of 0.998, indicating its high discriminatory power and informativeness in differentiating between genotypes. Genetic similarity indices were calculated via Jaccard's similarity coefficient [1], and the data were subjected to cluster analysis via the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method. The resulting dendrogram grouped the genotypes into seven main clusters at a 50% similarity threshold, underscoring the genetic diversity present within the sorghum genotypes studied. Cluster I contained a single genotype, SVD-1272R, whereas, Cluster II included seven genotypes with subcluster formation. Cluster III comprised one ungrouped genotype, SPV-486. Cluster IV included eight genotypes, whereas Clusters V, VI, and VII each contained a single ungrouped genotype. This dendrogram illustrates the genetic diversity and relationships among the sorghum genotypes on the basis of similarity indices. The findings of this study confirmed the efficacy of SSR markers in assessing genetic diversity and emphasized their potential utility in breeding programs aimed at improving drought tolerance.

A new species of Nactus gecko from boulder-pile habitat on Dauan Island, Torres Strait, Australia

The Torres Strait Islands lie between Cape York Peninsula, north-east Australia, and the southern coast of Papua New Guinea. The vertebrate fauna of these islands is a relatively depauperate mix of Australian and New Guinean species, with only two endemic species described to date. Here we describe a new species of Nactus gecko discovered during a targeted survey of Dauan Island in the northern Torres Strait. Nactus simakal sp. nov. is a genetically (ND2 mtDNA) and morphologically highly distinct species, with a banded pattern and a slender, elongate form. It is saxicoline, living on deeply piled boulder habitat, and is likely to be restricted to Dauan Island. Nactus simakal sp. nov. is currently known from a very small area and further surveys, and assessment of current and potential threats, are required to assess the conservation status of this species. Nactus simakal sp. nov. is similar in general appearance to N. galgajuga (Ingram, 1978), which is restricted to boulder-pile habitat 750 km to the south in mainland north-east Queensland but is readily distinguished from that species morphologically and genetically.

The structure and interaction of polymers affects secondary cell wall banding patterns in Arabidopsis.

Xylem tracheary elements (TEs) synthesize patterned secondary cell walls (SCWs) to reinforce against the negative pressure of water transport. VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN 7 (VND7) induces differentiation, accompanied by cellulose, xylan, and lignin deposition into banded domains. To investigate the effect of polymer biosynthesis mutations on SCW patterning, we developed a method to induce tracheary element transdifferentiation of isolated protoplasts, by transient transformation with VND7. Our data showed that proper xylan elongation is necessary for distinct cellulose bands, cellulose-xylan interactions are essential for coincident polymer patterns, and cellulose deposition is needed to override the intracellular organization that yields unique xylan patterns. These data indicate that a properly assembled cell wall network acts as a scaffold to direct polymer deposition into distinctly banded domains. We describe the transdifferentiation of protoplasts into TEs, providing an avenue to study patterned SCW biosynthesis in a tissue-free environment and in various mutant backgrounds.