White Morphotypes Research Articles

Assessing the Profile of Glyphosate Residues in Maize Grains Sold in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria

The profile of glyphosate residues in maize grains sold in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja (FCT), Nigeria was assessed. Twenty-six maize grain samples of yellow and white morphotypes were collected from some selected markets within the FCT, Abuja. Analytical methods on the pulverized maize grains included solvent extraction using (acetonitrile/water (55:45), clean-up of pesticide residues and their quantification by HPLC/UV as described by the AOAC-QuEChERS method. The results showed that the mean concentration of glyphosate in the maize grains ranged from 0 to 24.30 ± 0.002 mgkg_1 with a mean glyphosate concentration of 3.474 mgkg-1 was detected. Four samples representing 17.86% of the samples collected violated the WHO/FAO CODEX standard of 5.0 mgkg-1 while values recorded for Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for all the samples were within an acceptable limit of 0 - 1 mgkg-1. Heath risk index values were <1 suggesting that the consumer populations were not at risk. The high profile of glyphosate residue in maize grains from Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT is of great concern and needs to be further investigated.

Assessing the Profile of Glyphosate Residues in Maize Grains Sold in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria

The profile of glyphosate residues in maize grains sold in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja (FCT), Nigeria was assessed. Methods Twenty-six maize grains samples of yellow and white morphotypes were collected from some selected markets within the FCT, Abuja. Analytical methods on the pulverized maize grains included solvent extraction using (acetonitrile/water (55:45), clean-up of pesticide residues and their quantification by HPLC/UV as described by AOAC - QuEChERS method. Results The results showed that the mean concentration of glyphosate in the maize grains ranged from 0 to 24.30 ± 0.002 mgkg_1 with a mean glyphosate concentration of 3.474 mgkg-1 was detected. Four samples representing 17.86% of the samples collected violated WHO/FAO CODEX standard of 5.0 mgkg-1 while values recorded for Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for all the samples were within an acceptable limit of 0 - 1 mgkg-1. Heath risk index values were <1 suggesting that the consumer populations were not at risk. Conclusion The high profile of glyphosate residue in maize grains from Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT is of great concern and needed to be further investigated HIGHLIGHTS Maize grains had a low glyphosate residue contamination rate of 96.15% in the FCT, Nigeria. The concentration rate of glyphosate residue in the maize grains range was 0 - 24.3mg/kg Yellow maize grains from Gwagwalada Area Councils had the highest mean concentration of glyphosate residue. Four samples i.e. 15.38% of the maize grains violated the CODEX Maximum Residual limit. The Health Index (HI) for all the maize grains was ˂ 1 and signified no associated risk

Comparative profile of glyphosate residues in cowpea grains sold in the municipal and satellite towns of Abuja, Nigeria

The profile of glyphosate residues in cowpea grains sold in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja (FCT), Nigeria was assessed using high performance liquid chromatography. Methods: Thirty-three cowpea grains samples of red and white morphotype were collected from some selected markets within the FCT, Abuja. Analytical methods on the pulverized cowpea grains included dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using acetonitrile/water (55:45) as mobile phase, sample clean up and their quantification by HPLC/UV as described by AOAC - QuEChERS method. Results: The percentage recoveries of the GLY pesticide standard were found to be acceptable at 90.01-101% with limits of detection pesticides standard were 0.011mgkg-1 and limits of quantification from 0.022 mgkg-1 and regression correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.987332. The results showed that the mean concentration of glyphosate in the cowpea grains ranged from 0.11-44.32 ± 0.001 mgkg_1 with a mean glyphosate concentration of 6.280 mgkg-1 was detected. Six samples representing 18.18% of the samples collected violated WHO/FAO CODEX standard of 15.0 mgkg-1. Comparative studies between municipal and satellite markets revealed that GLY concentration residue was highest and lowest in K’WB (44.32 mg/kg) and K’IB (0.11 mg/kg) respectively while values recorded for Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for all the samples were within an acceptable limit of 0.1mgkg-1. Heath risk index values were <1 suggesting that the consumer populations were not at risk. Conclusion: The high profile of glyphosate residue in cowpea grains from Karimu and Abaji Area Councils of the FCT is of great concern and needed to be further investigated.

Biofilm and antimicrobial resistance profile of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in vegetables and salads

This study characterized 360 vegetables and salad samples for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC-beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The isolated bacteria species were processed for beta-lactamase production, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other virulence potentials following standard microbiological and spectrometry methods. The ESBL and AmpC-beta-lactamase-producing bacteria were positive in 16/360 (4.4%) and 4/360 (1.1%) of the vegetable samples, respectively. Molecular identification of the bacterial isolates revealed them as follows: 37 E. coli, 6 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 4 Klebsiella variicola. The total number of ESBL-producing enterobacterial phenotypes was 38, while the AmpC-beta-lactamase-producing enterobacterial phenotype was 9. The beta-lactamase-producing enterobacterial morphotypes revealed that 16/47(34.0%) were rough and moist morphotypes, 25/47(53.2%) were rough and dry morphotypes, while 6/47(12.8%) were smooth and white morphotype. The biofilm profile included strong biofilm 41(87.2%), moderate biofilm 4(8.5%) and weak biofilm 2(4.3%), as all the isolates formed biofilm on LB broth. Fourteen multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenotypes were observed in the beta-lactamase-producing E. coli isolates. A total of 40/47(85.1%) isolates had ≥1 β-lactamase gene and other AMR genes, with the blaCTX-1 being the most prevalent. Our findings conclude that food vegetables are important reservoirs of beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteria and a potential health risk to consumers of unprocessed vegetables.

SPME-GC-MS Analysis of the Volatile Profile of Three Fresh Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) Morphotypes from Different Regions of Northern Italy

Achillea millefolium L. is the most representative plant of the genus Achillea due to its long-standing use. Previous investigations have allowed for the identification of many chemical compounds including phenols, flavonoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and their derivatives. However, only a few reports have considered flower color in relation to A. millefolium composition. In this work, the phytochemical analysis on the volatile content of fresh samples of three morphotypes—white, pink and deep pink—collected in different points of the Italian Alpine area, was performed by the SPME-GC-MS technique. The obtained data highlighted a high content of terpenic compounds in all of the investigated morphotypes with a general predominance of monoterpenes over sesquiterpenes with the exception of the white morphotype at collection point A (Saint Marcel, Valle d’Aosta). An in-depth statistical investigation was also carried out to better interpret the distribution of the various components both in relation to the morphotype and collection point.

Prospecting of essential oils in combination with florfenicol against motile Aeromonas isolated from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum).

Natural products with antimicrobial activity and their association with synthetic antimicrobials are a sustainable option in fish farming. The objective of this study was to determine antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm potential and synergism of five essential oils (EOs) with florfenicol against motile Aeromonas isolated from Amazonian Colossoma macropomum. As their major constituent, the EOs of the species of Aloysia triphylla, Croton cajucara (red and white morphotype), Cymbopongo citratus and Lippia gracilis present β-pinene (22.1%), germacrene D (11.5%), linalool (23%), geranial (45.7%) and carvacrol (42.2%), respectively. The EOs of L. gracilis and C. citratus showed the best antimicrobial activities against the Aeromonas strains (5mgmL-1). All EOs interfered with biofilm formation and consolidated biofilm. The EOs of A. triphylla, C. citratus and L. gracilis showed a synergistic effect with florfenicol, reducing the amount of the chemical into the water systems while treatment.

Phylogeography and population genetics reveal ring species patterns in a highly polymorphic California lily

AbstractAimNatural selection typically results in the homogenization of reproductive traits, reducing natural variation within populations; thus, highly polymorphic species present unresolved questions regarding the mechanisms that shape and maintain gene flow given a diversity of phenotypes. We used an integrative framework to characterize phenotypic diversity and assess how evolutionary history and population genetics affect the highly polymorphic nature of a California endemic lily.LocationCalifornia, United States.TaxonButterfly mariposa lily, Calochortus venustus (Liliaceae).MethodsWe summarized phenotypic diversity at both metapopulation and subpopulation scales to explore spatial phenotypic distributions. We sampled 174 individuals across the species range representing multiple samples for each population and each phenotype. We used restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐Seq) to detect population clusters, gene flow between phenotypes and between populations, infer haplotype networks, and reconstruct ancestral range evolution to infer historical migration and range expansion.ResultsPolymorphic floral traits within the species such as petal pigmentation and distal spots are geographically structured, and inferred evolutionary history is consistent with a ring species pattern involving a complex of populations having experienced sequential change in genetic and phenotypic variation from the founding population. Populations remain interconnected yet have differentiated from each other along a bifurcating south‐to‐north range expansion, consequently indicating parallel evolution towards the white morphotype in the northern range. Thus, our phylogeographical analyses reveal morphological convergence with population genetic cohesion irrespective of phenotypic diversity.Main conclusionsPhenotypic variation in the highly polymorphic Calochortus venustus is not due to genetic differentiation between phenotypes; rather there is genetic cohesion within six geographically defined populations, some of which maintain a high level of within‐population phenotypic diversity. Our results demonstrate that analyses of polymorphic taxa greatly benefit from disentangling phenotype from genotype at various spatial scales. We discuss results in light of ring species concepts and the need to determine the adaptive significance of the patterns we report.

In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of essential oils in the control of Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae, an endoparasite of Colossoma macropomum

ABSTRACT In this study, we evaluated the chemical composition and the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of the essential oils (EOs) of the plants Aloysia triphylla, Adenocalymna alliaceum, Allium sativum, Croton cajucara (white and red morphotypes), Curcuma longa, Lippia gracilis, Lippia origanoides, Ocimum gratissimum, Mentha arvensis, and Piper aduncum against the Acantocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae. The in vitro viability of worms was observed after 24 h-exposure to nine concentrations of EOs from each plant. Lower EC50 values were obtained for M. arvensis, L. origanoides, L. gracilis, C. cajucara (red and white morphotypes), O. gratissimum, and P. aduncum. All EOs showed 100% anthelmintic efficacy in vitro in 24 h. In regard to damage to the integument of helminths, edema in the lacunar spaces with formation of bubbles in the subcuticle, body swelling, increased volume of the pseudocelomatic cavity and degeneration of the reproductive organs were observed after exposure to A. triphylla OE.

Description and distribution of Desmacella hyalina sp. nov. (Porifera, Desmacellidae), a new cryptic demosponge in glass sponge reefs from the western coast of Canada

Glass sponges (Porifera, Hexactinellida) form globally unique reefs that support deep-sea biodiversity in the Canadian northeast Pacific. In February 2017, the largest known reefs were protected within the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs Marine Protected Area (HSQCS-MPA). Many studies that have established baseline biodiversity data for the MPA have focused on describing the crustaceans and fish living in the reefs, but the relationship between glass sponges and sponge epibionts has often been overlooked. We studied one of the more conspicuous sponge epibionts of the genus Desmacella Schmidt, 1870, a demosponge that encrusts the surface of reef-forming glass sponges. Using a remotely operated vehicle, samples of an encrusting sponge with three color morphotypes (yellow, white, and mauve) were collected from the northern reef complex of the HSQCS-MPA. Spicule and DNA analyses of COI sequences revealed the white morphotype to be distinct from the previously described species, D. austini Lehnert, Conway, Barrie & Krautter, 2005. Comparisons with other Desmacella samples collected from other regions in British Columbia waters since 1976 confirmed this to be a new species, which we describe here as Desmacella hyalina sp. nov. We also mapped the spatial distribution of the color morphotypes on the reefs and found that Desmacella spp. formed nearly 20% of live sponge cover at some sampling sites indicating its potential importance in the reefs. Our results expand on knowledge of the diversity of sponge epibionts in glass sponge reefs and highlight the importance of understanding cryptic species diversity especially for future monitoring in marine protected areas.

DETERMINATION OF VINDOLINE AND RUTIN CONTENT IN FIVE DIFFERENT MORPHOTYPES OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS LEAVES USING HPLC

Objective: To determine total phenolic and flavonoids contents and also quantify vindoline and rutin in different morphotypes of Catharanthus roseus using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.
 Methods: Total flavonoids content (TFC) was determined by Aluminium chloride colorimetric and total phenolic content (TPC) was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay. The chromatographic separation was done by using a C18 column at room temperature and eluted with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of phosphate buffer (pH=5.8) and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/minute and detection was carried out at 254 nm.
 Results: TPC and TFC content was found highest in Cr00DP and lowest in Cr00WFSRE. Results also showed that the purple morphotypes Cr00DP gives more vindoline (0.3 mg/g) and rutin (18.57 mg/g) concentration compared to the pink morphotype Cr00PFRE contained 18.3 mg/g rutin and 0.2 mg/g vindoline. White morphotypes contained 0.383 mg/g rutin and 0.004 mg/g vindoline which was significantly less as compared to purple and pink morphotypes.
 Conclusion: The plant has significant number of alkaloids and flavonoids. The obtained outcomes from different morphotypes are thus significant for the purpose of vindoline and rutin isolation from Catharanthus roseus plant. These isolated bioactive phytoconstituents are a good candidate for further pharmacological and clinical study.

Biofilm Formation and Morphotypes of Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae Differs from Those of Other Salmonella enterica Subspecies in Isolates from Poultry Houses

Salmonella serovars are responsible for foodborne diseases around the world. The ability to form biofilms allows microorganisms to survive in the environment. In this study, 73 Salmonella strains, belonging to four different subspecies, were isolated from poultry houses and foodstuffs and tested. Biofilm formation was measured at four different temperatures and two nutrient concentrations. Morphotypes and cellulose production were evaluated at three different temperatures. The presence of several genes related to biofilm production was also examined. All strains and subspecies of Salmonella had the ability to form biofilms, and 46.57% of strains produced biofilms under all conditions tested. Biofilm formation was strain dependent and varied according to the conditions. This is the first study to analyze biofilm formation in a wide number of Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae strains, and no direct relationship between the high prevalence of Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae strains and their ability to form biofilm was established. Morphotypes and cellulose production varied as the temperature changed, with 20°C being the optimum temperature for expression of the red, dry, and rough morphotype and cellulose. Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae, whose morphotype is poorly studied, only showed a smooth and white morphotype and lacked the csgD and gcpA genes that are implicated in biofilm production. Thus, Salmonella biofilm formation under different environmental conditions is a public health problem because it can survive and advance through the food chain to reach the consumer.

Mycorrhiza status of Gnetum spp. in Cameroon: evaluating diversity with a view to ameliorating domestication efforts

A field survey was carried out to investigate the diversity of mycorrhizal fungi associated with Gnetum spp. in Cameroon. The extent and variation of ectomycorrhizal colonisation as well as the degree of host specificity were evaluated. Gnetum spp. were found to be almost always ectomycorrhizal in all sites visited. There were just two ectomycorrhizal morphotypes ('yellow' and 'white') associated with this plant. Such low diversity is unusual for an ectomycorrhizal plant. The yellow morphotype was the most widespread and prevalent and was identified by morphological and molecular methods to have been formed with Scleroderma sinnamariense. Propagules of this fungus were present in soil collected from farm lands, cocoa plantations, Chromolaena and bush fallows, as well as in a relatively undisturbed forest harbouring ectomycorrhizal legumes. The fungus responsible for the white morphotype was identified as also belonging to the genus Scleroderma by ITS sequence similarity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal structures were absent in cleared and stained portions of the roots.

Genetic and anatomic relationships among three morphotypes of the echinoid Echinocrepis rostrata

Abstract. Three morphotypes—purple, tan, and white—of an irregular echinoid of the genus Echinocrepis are commonly observed in the deep North Pacific Ocean. Mitochondrial (mt) 16S DNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA sequences were amplified from gonadal tissue samples from specimens of each morphotype. These portions of the mitochondrial genome are commonly used in species barcoding, and their similarities were compared and placed in 95% connection limit parsimony networks. All three morphotypes have similar 16S mtDNA and COI mtDNA sequences, and are thus likely representatives of the same species, Echinocrepis rostrata. Specimens of the white morphotype were smaller than the specimens of the other two morphotypes, had less gonad tissue, and had a different body shape, suggesting that it represents the juvenile form of E. rostrata. Resolving the three morphotypes into one species simplifies the identification of E. rostrata from photographs and leads to a greater understanding of the life history and reproductive cycle of a species vital to deep‐sea bioturbation and carbon sequestration.

Molecular identification of white morphotype strains of endophytic fungi from Pinus tabulaeformis

Sterile mycelia isolated from Pinus tabulaeformis were grouped into white morphotype strains based on cultural characteristics. Eighteen of the isolates were randomly selected and identified to various taxonomic levels based on nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequence analysis. The 5.8S gene and flanking internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) regions of nrDNA were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the 5.8S gene sequences indicated that the white morphotype strains were Ascomycota. Further identification was achieved by means of sequence similarity comparison and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS regions. Results showed that strains WMS9 and WMS10 were Lophodermium species (Rhytismataceae), while strains WMS11, WMS13 and WMS18 were species of Rhytismataceae. Strains WMS2, WMS3, WMS4, WMS5 and WMS6 were identified to Rosellinia, strain WMS1 to Entoleuca, and strain WMS14 to Nemania (Xylariaceae). Strains WMS7, WMS8, WMS12, WMS15, WMS16 and WMS17 were xylariaceous species. The potential of using DNA sequence analysis in the identification of endophytic fungi is discussed.

The white morphotype of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare is common in infected humans and virulent in infection models.

Isolates of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) form multiple colony types named red-opaque, white-opaque, red-transparent (RT), and white-transparent (WT). The newly discovered WT morphotype is multidrug resistant relative to other variants in vitro. To determine whether the WT morphotype occurs in humans, 32 MAI-positive clinical samples from 2 sites were plated directly onto indicator agar without prior passage in vitro. WT was the predominant morphotype in 26 (81%) of these samples and was absent in only 2 samples. WT variants grew better than isogenic RT variants in mouse and human macrophage models of infection, and RT clones that passed through such systems underwent rapid shifts to the WT morphotype. The RT morphotype was heterogeneous with regard to infectivity. In summary, the white morphotype was common in humans and was favored in disease models. It may play an important role in the establishment and persistence of MAI infection.

Characterization of the host genotype and fungal diversity in Scots pine ectomycorrhiza from natural humus microcosms using isozyme and PCR‐RFLP analyses

SUMMARYThe early development of indigenous and introduced Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) ectomycorrhiza in natural forest humus was examined using molecular fingerprinting techniques. Non‐mycorrhizal or mycorrhizal (Suillus bovinus (L. ex Fr.) O. Kuntze or Paxillus involutus (Batsch ex Fr.) Fr.) seedlings were placed in transparent two‐dimensional microcosms on a thin layer of sieved humus to allow observation of ectomycorrhizal development and fungal growth. Twelve ectomycorrhizal morphotypes, mainly based on colour, gross morphology and outer mantle structure, were identified over a 3‐month period. No successional trends in mycorrhiza formation were observed. For further characterization, individual ectomycorrhiza representing the different morphotypes were subjected to analyses of esterase (EST) isozyme profiles and RFLPs of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) from fungal rRNA genes following amplification using PCR. All 10 morphotypes analysed displayed different esterase isozyme profiles, and the characteristic s. bovinus species diagnostic band (S. b. EST8) was detected in two white morphotypes. Ten Pink and Black ectomycorrhiza were all separated into one and three groups, respectively. A fast‐running plant‐specific polymorphic locus (Z) was also confirmed in most ectomycorrhizal morphotypes. Diagnostic species‐specific (S. bovinus and Pink) EST bands were detected in intact external mycelium colonizing soil. Successful amplification of the ITS from individual ectomycorrhiza, of eight different morphotypes, was found to be mainly influenced by the DNA template concentration. Different RFLPs (Hinf I, Mbo I and Hha I) of the ITS placed the white morphotypes into two groups, one corresponding to S. bovinus, in agreement with the esterase fingerprinting. By contrast, Pink and Beige morphotypes displayed different EST profiles but nearly identical RFLP fingerprints. The ITS amplification success rate of standardized DNA template concentrations from 10 individual Pink and Black ectomycorrhiza was 90 and 50%, respectively. In all successful amplifications, the black morphotype yielded the smallest ITS fragment, similar to earlier reports for Cenococcum geophilum, that gave identical RFLPs. The ecological significance of the observed mycorrhizal diversity and combined application of these two identification methods is discussed.