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Different concentrations of Citrus aurantium with deoxyribonucleic acid as additive (Citrus aurantiumDNA) were co-deposited with nickel via electrodeposition. The coatings were formed in an aqueous nickel bath with the incorporation of Citrus aurantiumDNA concentrations at different temperatures, and the influence of the acid and the temperature on the microstructure of the coatings was studied. The data via adsorption isotherms were also analyzed. The characteristics of the morphological structure of the coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that Citrus aurantiumDNA additives were evenly dispersed on the mild steel surface during the nickel coatings deposition; a current density of 1.5 A/dm3 used during the electrolysis process was favourable in attaining the maximum coating efficiency (~70%) at 25°C and 20 mg/L of Citrus aurantiumDNA. The optimum temperature for electroplating was found to be 25°C. The data spawned from the adsorption Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms showed two preferred temperatures: i.e. 25 and 40°C via the former and 55 and 70°C via the latter. The thermodynamic assessment confirms that the adsorption mechanism of the Citrus aurantiumDNA additive in a Ni electrolyte solution on mild steel in an HCl solution is physisorption at the investigated temperatures. X-ray diffraction revealed some broad peaks signifying an amorphous structure at all Citrus aurantiumDNA concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma boninense Pat. is a major limiting factor to palm oil producing countries in South East Asia, which produce 90% of the world's palm oil demand. BSR has been known for over 100 years and to date continues to be a disease of increasing economic importance. Once considered a disease of senescing palms, BSR has persisted through successive replants, infecting younger plantings and shortening the economic life span of each cropping cycle. Many approaches have been applied to control BSR of oil palm with varying levels of success. To date, there is still no single approach that has been demonstrated to be effective in BSR management. The long-term strategy would be to breed genotypes resistant or tolerant to BSR. However, this is dependent on a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding oil palm-Ganoderma interactions that can reveal the mechanisms involved with infectivity and pathogenicity of Ganoderma, and susceptibility, resistance or tolerance of oil palm. This review aims to highlight the knowledge gaps that need addressing to improve the control and management of BSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug-induced liver and kidney injuries are threats to public health worldwide, but there are claims that medicinal plants may provide remedy. Protective effect of Dialium guineense leaf extract (DGE) against diclofenac (DF)-induced oxidative injuries to the liver and kidney was evaluated in rats. Extract was prepared by maceration of pulverized sample in a mixture of water and ethanol, filtration, and evaporation to dryness. Eighteen rats were divided into three groups with six rats per group. Group I rats received normal saline, group II rats received 10 mg/kg DF by intramuscular route for 7 days while group III rats were treated with 250 mg/kg DGE orally for 28 days and given DF as group II rats. At the end of treatment, blood was collected from each rat and the serum was separated and used for spectrophotometric estimations of biomarkers of hepatorenal injuries. Liver and kidneys were excised from euthanized rats, homogenized in phosphate buffer and the supernatants used for assays of biomarkers of oxidative injuries. There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in levels of ALT, AST, GGT, MDA, creatinine, and urea, and significant (p < 0.01) decrease in SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, and G6Pase of DF-intoxicated rats when compared with normal control. Pretreatment of DF-intoxicated rats with DGE significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the levels of ALT, AST, GGT, MDA, creatinine, and urea, and significantly (p < 0.01) elevated the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, GSH, and G6Pase compared with DF control. These findings showed that DGE may protect against DF-induced oxidative stress and hepatorenal injuries in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to assess parental and population genetic variability in a partially nested set of breeding populations from the breeding program at Dami Research Station (West New Britain, PNG). Twenty microsatellite markers were tested for their ability to characterize genetic variation in oil palm populations bred at Dami Research Station. One hundred and twenty six individuals, including 100 F tenera hybrids of Dami Deli crossed with either AVROS, Ghana or AVROS/Ghana breeding lines were analysed. Eighteen of these markers were polymorphic within and among populations, amplifying 103 alleles in oil palm. Three individuals of other palm species ( Cocos nucifera and two Phoenix spp.) were included as outliers. With these markers we have the power to distinguish individual palms, hence we conclude that they will facilitate association of markers with important phenotypic traits to streamline future breeding and selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low temperature is a major abiotic stress for rice cultivation, causing serious yield loss in many countries. To identify QTL controlling low temperature induced spikelet sterility in rice, the progeny of F2, BC1F1 and BC2F1 populations derived from a Reiziq × Lijiangheigu cross were exposed to 21/15°C for 15 days at the booting stage, and spikelet sterility was assessed. For genotyping, 92 polymorphic markers from 373 SSR and 325 STS primer pairs were used. A major QTL was initially indentified on the short arm of chromosome 10 by selective genotyping using highly tolerant and susceptible progeny from F2 and BC1F1 populations. The QTL (qLTSPKST10.1) was validated and mapped by genotyping the entire F2 (282 progeny) and BC1F1 (84 progeny) populations. The results from the F2 population showed that qLTSPKST10.1 could explain 20.5% of the variation in spikelet sterility caused by low temperature treatment with additive (a = 14.4) and dominant effect (d = −7.5). From the analysis of 98 selected BC2F1 progeny, the QTL located in the 3.5 cM interval between S10010.9 and S10014.4 was further confirmed. Based on the studies of 3 generations in 2 years, it was clear that the QTL on chromosome 10 is a major determinant of the control of low temperature induced spikelet sterility at booting stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β-, γ- and δ-kafirin genes were sequenced from 35 Sorghum genotypes to investigate the allelic diversity of seed storage proteins. A range of grain sorghums, including inbred parents from internationally diverse breeding programs and landraces, and three wild Sorghum relatives were selected to encompass an extensive array of improved and unimproved germplasm in the Eusorghum. A single locus exists for each of the expressed kafirin-encoding genes, unlike the multigenic α-kafirins. Significant diversity was found for each locus, with the cysteine-rich β-kafirin having four alleles, including the first natural null mutant reported for this prolamin subfamily. This allele contains a frame shift insertion at +206 resulting in a premature stop codon. SDS-PAGE revealed that lines with this allele do not produce β-kafirin. An analysis of flour viscosity reveals that these β-kafirin null lines have a difference in grain quality, with significantly lower viscosity observed over the entire Rapid ViscoAnalyser time course. There was less diversity at the protein level within the cysteine-rich γ-kafirin, with only two alleles in the cultivated sorghums. There were only two alleles for the δ-kafirin locus among the S. bicolor germplasm, with one allele encoding ten extra amino acids, of which five were methionine residues, with an additional methionine resulting from a nucleotide substitution. This longer allele encodes a protein with 19.1% methionine. The Asian species, S. propinquum, had distinct alleles for all three kafirin genes. We found no evidence for selection on the three kafirin genes during sorghum domestication even though the δ-kafirin locus displayed comparatively low genetic variation. This study has identified genetic diversity in all single copy seed storage protein genes, including a null mutant for β-kafirin in Sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebral haemangiomas are benign lesions and often asymptomatic. They are more common in the thoracic spine where they may become symptomatic with varying presentations. We present two teenage girls who presented with progressive, nontraumatic paraparesis with no background history of chronic cough or underlying medical illness. The radiologic investigations were suggestive of vertebral haemangiomas of the thoracic spine. They had surgery: transthoracic approach with corpectomy and fusion with iliac crest autograft. The posterior stabilisation in the first patient was with Rush nails and circlage wire and only circlage wire in the second patient. The first patient’s post-operative recovery was complicated by graft extrusion necessitating re-opening thoracotomy and graft replacement. They are, however, both ambulant at discharge and have remained so 13 and 15 months post-surgery. We have presented two cases with rewarding outcomes in the face of ‘adaptive’ instrumentation due to limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum ergot, caused predominantly by Claviceps africana Frederickson, Mantle, de Milliano, is a significant threat to the sorghum industry worldwide. The objectives of this study were firstly, to identify molecular markers linked to ergot resistance and to two pollen traits, pollen quantity (PQ) and pollen viability (PV), and secondly, to assess the relationship between the two pollen traits and ergot resistance in sorghum. A genetic linkage map of sorghum RIL population R931945-2-2 × IS 8525 (resistance source) was constructed using 303 markers including 36 SSR, 117 AFLP™, 148 DArT™ and two morphological trait loci. Composite interval mapping identified nine, five, and four QTL linked to molecular markers for percentage ergot infection (PCERGOT), PQ and PV, respectively, at a LOD >2.0. Co-location/linkage of QTL were identified on four chromosomes while other QTL for the three traits mapped independently, indicating that both pollen and non pollen-based mechanisms of ergot resistance were operating in this sorghum population. Of the nine QTL identified for PCERGOT, five were identified using the overall data set while four were specific to the group data sets defined by temperature and humidity. QTL identified on SBI-02 and SBI-06 were further validated in additional populations. This is the first report of QTL associated with ergot resistance in sorghum. The markers reported herein could be used for marker-assisted selection for this important disease of sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy sorghum inbred lines which formed part of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) sorghum breeding program were screened with 104 previously mapped RFLP markers. The lines were related by pedigree and consisted of ancestral source lines, intermediate lines and recent releases from the program. We compared the effect of defining marker alleles using either identity by state (IBS) or identity by descent (IBD) on our capacity to trace markers through the pedigree and detect evidence of selection for particular alleles. Allelic identities defined using IBD were much more sensitive for detecting non-Mendelian segregation in this pedigree. Only one marker allele showed significant evidence of selection when IBS was used compared with ten regions with particular allelic identities when IBD was used. Regions under selection were compared with the location of QTLs for agronomic traits known to be under selection in the breeding program. Only two of the ten regions were associated with known QTLs that matched with knowledge of the agronomic characteristics of the ancestral lines. Some of the other regions were hypothesised to be associated with genes for particular traits based on the properties of the ancestral source lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a comparative mapping study between sugarcane and sorghum, a sugarcane cDNA clone with homology to the maize Rp1-D rust resistance gene was mapped in sorghum. The cDNA probe hybridised to multiple loci, including one on sorghum linkage group (LG) E in a region where a major rust resistance QTL had been previously mapped. Partial sorghum Rp1-D homologues were isolated from genomic DNA of rust-resistant and -susceptible progeny selected from a sorghum mapping population. Sequencing of the Rp1-D homologues revealed five discrete sequence classes: three from resistant progeny and two from susceptible progeny. PCR primers specific to each sequence class were used to amplify products from the progeny and confirmed that the five sequence classes mapped to the same locus on LG E. Cluster analysis of these sorghum sequences and available sugarcane, maize and sorghum Rp1-D homologue sequences showed that the maize Rp1-D sequence and the partial sugarcane Rp1-D homologue were clustered with one of the sorghum resistant progeny sequence classes, while previously published sorghum Rp1-D homologue sequences clustered with the susceptible progeny sequence classes. Full-length sequence information was obtained for one member of a resistant progeny sequence class (Rp1-SO) and compared with the maize Rp1-D sequence and a previously identified sorghum Rp1 homologue (Rph1-2). There was considerable similarity between the two sorghum sequences and less similarity between the sorghum and maize sequences. These results suggest a conservation of function and gene sequence homology at the Rp1 loci of maize and sorghum and provide a basis for convenient PCR-based screening tools for putative rust resistance alleles in sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although extensive studies have been performed on human erythrocytes, there is a shortage of information on marsupial erythrocytes. Studies on haematology and biochemistry are useful in the ecomanagement of these animals especially those in wildlife parks and zoos. The present review summarises our findings from ∼30 species of marsupials. As marsupials show great diversity in physical and behavioural characteristics, it is not surprising that examination of their red blood cells reveals variation in the biochemical features. Many variations in red cell biochemistry appear to be species specific and, although interesting, are too numerous to list here and have been discussed in the relevant sections. Red blood cells of several species of marsupial differ from those in placental mammals by having higher haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit, lower ATP and higher 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentrations. These features are consistent across the majority of marsupial species, but the relevance of these variations from red cell metabolism in the placental mammals is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although extensive studies have been performed on human erythrocytes, there is a shortage of information on marsupial erythrocytes. Studies on haematology and biochemistry are useful in the ecomanagement of these animals especially those in wildlife parks and zoos. The present review summarises our findings from ∼30 species of marsupials. As marsupials show great diversity in physical and behavioural characteristics, it is not surprising that examination of their red blood cells reveals variation in the biochemical features. Many variations in red cell biochemistry appear to be species specific and, although interesting, are too numerous to list here and have been discussed in the relevant sections. Red blood cells of several species of marsupial differ from those in placental mammals by having higher haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit, lower ATP and higher 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentrations. These features are consistent across the majority of marsupial species, but the relevance of these variations from red cell metabolism in the placental mammals is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A linkage map of Lablab purpureus consisting of 127 RFLP and 91 RAPD loci was constructed in an F2 population of 119 individuals. This population was derived from a cross between ’Rongai’ (an annual cultivar) and CPI 24973 (a perennial wild accession). The map comprises 17 linkage groups and covers 1610 centiMorgans (cM) with an average distance of 7 cM between markers. Severe segregation distortions were observed, with the very extreme situation where no paternal type was recovered from the mapping population. These results strongly suggest the presence of a gene conferring preferential transmission from the maternal parent ’Rongai’. It was also clear that, while the majority of RAPD markers are valuable when used together with RFLP or other stringent marker systems, they could be problematic when used solely in mapping exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines if embryo cell stage at the time of intrauterine transfer correlates with pregnancy rate in patients treated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Absence of effect of the stage of development of embryos at the time of embryo transfer on assisted conception treatment outcome; Cessation of development of two-cell embryo following ICSI.

RAPD analysis was performed among eight rice somaclonal families known to vary for specific characters and four somaclonal families which were phenotypically normal. The parental cultivar, indica rice cv. FR13A, was found to be homogeneous and homozygous at all but one of the 45 RAPD loci. Polymorphisms were found at 28 of the 45 bands among the somaclonal families, including both loss of parental bands, and the appearance of novel non-parental bands. Segregation data revealed both heterozygous and homozygous mutation events, with recessive mutations more prevalent than dominant. All somaclonal families differed significantly from the parental material, indicating that genomic alterations occurred in all families regardless of phenotype. None of the variant families could be regarded as isogenic lines of FR13A at the DNA level. However, some of the DNA level variation may be in highly repeated sequences with no phenotypic effects. The implications for somaclonal breeding and genetic engineering programs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological, molecular and cytological analyses were performed to assess the hybridity of 120 putative interspecific hybrids of Carica papaya L.× C. cauliflora Jacq. In the putative interspecific hybrids the number of main leaf veins was intermediate between the two parents while the hermaphrodite flower sex form and the low vigour were distinctive features of these hybrids. Petiole length, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width and flower colour were similar to C. papaya, whereas leaf shape, type, serration, venation, petiole hairiness and flower shape were similar to C. cauliflora. Markers generated by the polymerase chain reaction using 72 10-mer primers (random amplified polymorphic DNA) revealed a high level of polymorphism (64%) between C. papaya and C. cauliflora. Seventeen of these primers yielded reliable and easily scorable polymorphic banding patterns that were further screened to reveal hybrids. A range of 1–5 RAPD primers consistently confirmed that all 120 plants were genetic hybrids, with all of them containing at least one band from the male parent. Cytological analysis revealed that 7–48% of the cells in many of the interspecific hybrids were aneuploid suggesting that chromosome elimination was occurring. The frequency of aneuploid cells was negatively associated ( r=0.88) with the number of bands from the male parent integrated into the hybrid. Pollen fertility of the hybrids was from 0.5 to 14.0% while C. papaya and C. cauliflora had 88.0–99.0% and 90.0–97.0% fertile pollen, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present a method for the generation of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers for sweet potato. These were applied to produce genetic fingerprints of six clonal cultivars and to estimate genetic distances between these cultivars. The level of polymorphism within the species was extremely high. From the 36-decamer random primers used, 170 fragments were amplified, of which 132 (77.6%) were polymorphic. Ten primers resulted in no detected amplification. Of the remaining 26 primers for which amplification was achieved, only one did not reveal polymorphism. Six primers used alone enabled the discrimination of all six genotypes. Pattern analysis, which employed both a classification and ordination method, enabled the grouping of cultivars and the identification of primers which gave greatest discrimination among the cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a method for maturing testicular sperm in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with azoospermia. Where the method was developed; Discussion on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), microepididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA).