Molecular detection of pathogenic Fusarium species in roots and stalks of maize plants with or without transgenic resistance to corn rootworm

Fusarium species are among most common fungal pathogens of maize, causing root rot, stalk rot, stalk lodging and ear rot. Fusarium verticillioides and F. graminearum are two of the most prevalent stalk rot fungi in Nebraska and Iowa. Corn root worms (CRW) are the most costly pests of maize plants, causing damage to both above- and below-ground parts of the plant. CRW feeding on roots creates good invading sites for different fungal species. The goal of this research was to determine whether use of transgenic CRW-resistant maize hybrids will have reduced levels of Fusarium colonization of roots and stalks compared to their near-isogenic susceptible hybrids. Experiments were conducted at two locations each in 2007 and 2008 in fields with high populations of Western corn root worms, (Diabrotica virgifera LeConte): Bruner farm near Ames, IA (2007), ISU Southeast Research Farm near Crawfordsville, IA (2007-2008), and Agricultural Research and Development Center, Univ. of NE near Mead, Nebraska (2007-2008). Commercially available hybrids with CRW-resistance transgenes along with their near-isogenic CRW-susceptible hybrids were planted. The CRW events include DAS-59122 (Herculexy Xtra), MON863 (Yieldgard Plusy), MON88107 (Yieldgard VT Tripley) and MIR604 (Agrisurey RW/CB/LL). In 2008, insecticidal seed treatment also was tested for its effect on CRW feeding and subsequent Fusarium colonization. Sampling was done on roots in mid-July and stalks in mid-September in 2007 and in 2008 mid-September roots were also sampled. Root colonization was assessed by dilution plating of dried ground tissue, and by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). v Primers and fluorogenic probes, specific to mycotoxin biosynthesis genes in F. verticillioides and F. graminearum were used to quantify root and stalk colonization. Standard calibration curves of both species showed linear correlation (r2=0.99) between the fungal genomic DNA and the threshold cycle values. There were highly significant differences in colonization between resistant and near isogenic susceptible hybrids for events MON 88017 and MIR 604 in Nebraska July roots in 2007. F. verticillioides was at high levels in Nebraska whereas F. graminearum was more common in Iowa. Stalks from both locations were highly colonized with F. graminearum. The PCR results were compared to a microbiological dilution plating method. In 2007 the results of the two methods correlated well but in 2008 they did not follow the same pattern. In dilution plating results we could consistently see significantly lower Fusarium CFU/g tissue in hybrids with CRW resistance than in near-isogenic CRW susceptible hybrids. Insecticidal seed treatment did not have a significant effect on level of colonization of fungal species measured by PCR or dilution plating results. CRW feeding on maize roots sometimes enhanced the infection of roots by Fusarium species and transgenic CRW resistant hybrids suffered less colonization than susceptible hybrids in CRW infested fields. However, the interaction between Fusarium spp and CRW varied in their degree among Fusarium species. Known maize pathogens F. verticillioides and F. graminearum were not consistently affected by CRW resistance as much as the total Fusarium population. The impact of this interaction on stalk rots is not clearly demonstrated

Study of anti-inflammatory effect of simvastatin in rats

Background: Inflammation is a complex reaction in tissues that consists mainly of response of blood vessels and leukocytes. Simvastatin is a hypolipedemic drug belonging to the class of statins. Statins are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, are widely prescribed for the treatment of hyperlipedemia. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of simvastatin in albino rats using digital plethysmometer.Methods: Male wistar albino rats weighing between 200-250 gm were selected for the study and rats were randomly divided into groups (control, standard, and test). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using carrageenan induced paw edema volume by using digital plethysmometer. Control group rats were administered 0.2 ml of normal saline, whereas, test group rats were administered simvastatin 40 mg and standard group diclofenac 50mg as single dose half an hour before injecting 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan to the sub-plantar region of hind paw of rat. The paw edema of each rat was measured at 0 hour and after 3 hours.Results: At a dose of 40 mg Simvastatin showed anti-inflammatory effect which is statically highly significant.Conclusions: However, the above preclinical experiments only give us an idea about the anti-inflammatory activity, but large scale clinical trials are necessary for final assessment

Process for the preparation of 3-cyano-4-isobutoxybenzothiamide

The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of 3-cyano-4-isobutoxybenzothiamide which is used as the key starting material of Febuxostat and the compound is represented by the following structural formula-1. Formula-1

Process for the preparation of Dofetilide intermediates

N-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethanamine of Formula-1 or its salt and 1-(2-chloroethoxy)-4-nitrobenzene are the key intermediates in the preparation of N-[4-(2-{[2-(4-methane sulfonamidophenoxy)ethyl] (methyl)amino}ethyl)phenyl]methanesulfonamide, is also known as Dofetilide. Current invention provides a process for the preparation of N-methyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethanamine of Formula-1 or its salt and 1-(2-chloroethoxy)-4-nitrobenzene of formula-2. Formula-1 Formula-2

Observation of sensible and latent heat flux profiles with lidar

We present the first measurement of the sensible heat flux (H) profile in the convective boundary layer (CBL) derived from the covariance of collocated vertical-pointing temperature rotational Raman lidar and Doppler wind lidar measurements. The uncertainties of the H measurements due to instrumental noise and limited sampling are also derived and discussed. Simultaneous measurements of the latent heat flux profile (L) and other turbulent variables were obtained with the combination of water-vapor differential absorption lidar (WVDIAL) and Doppler lidar. The case study uses a measurement example from the HOPE (HD(CP)$^{2}$ Observational Prototype Experiment) campaign, which took place in western Germany in 2013 and presents a cloud-free well-developed quasi-stationary CBL. The mean boundary layer height z$_{i}$ was at 1230 m above ground level. The results show – as expected – positive values of H in the middle of the CBL. A maximum of (182±32) W m$^{-2}$, with the second number for the noise uncertainty, is found at 0.5 z$_{i}$. At about 0.7 z$_{i}$, H changes sign to negative values above. The entrainment flux was (−62±27) W m$^{-2}$. The mean sensible heat flux divergence in the observed part of the CBL above 0.3 z$_{i}$ was −0.28 W m$^{-3}$, which corresponds to a warming of 0.83 K h$^{-1}$. The L profile shows a slight positive mean flux divergence of 0.12 W m$^{-3}$ and an entrainment flux of (214±36) W m$^{-2}$. The combination of H and L profiles in combination with variance and other turbulent parameters is very valuable for the evaluation of large-eddy simulation (LES) results and the further improvement and validation of turbulence parameterization schemes

Evaluation of large-eddy simulations forced with mesoscale model output for a multi-week period during a measurement campaign

Large-eddy simulations (LESs) of a multi-week period during the HD(CP)2 (High-Definition Clouds and Precipitation for advancing Climate Prediction) Observational Prototype Experiment (HOPE) conducted in Germany are evaluated with respect to mean boundary layer quantities and turbulence statistics. Two LES models are used in a semi-idealized setup through forcing with mesoscale model output to account for the synoptic-scale conditions. Evaluation is performed based on the HOPE observations. The mean boundary layer characteristics like the boundary layer depth are in a principal agreement with observations. Simulating shallow-cumulus layers in agreement with the measurements poses a challenge for both LES models. Variance profiles agree satisfactorily with lidar measurements. The results depend on how the forcing data stemming from mesoscale model output are constructed. The mean boundary layer characteristics become less sensitive if the averaging domain for the forcing is large enough to filter out mesoscale fluctuations. © Author(s) 2017.BMBF/01LK1203BBMBF/01LK1203

Central giant cell reparative granuloma of the maxilla in a 5-year-old child- A case Report

Central Giant Reparative Granuloma is a non-neoplastic lesion that most commonly affects the mandible and is uncommon in children. This case-report detailed the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and recall of a 5-year-old boy. The oral lesion is erythematous and consists of a 4x3 cm well-demarcated swelling on the anterior maxilla that extends across the midline and covers the entire length of the palate till the junction of the hard and soft palate. Upon radiographic and histologic investigation, it was conclusive of Central giant cell reparative granuloma (CGCG). The treatment comprised of a conservative approach that included excision of the lesion, thereby reducing the risk of tooth and bone loss

The HD(CP)² Observational Prototype Experiment (HOPE) – an overview

The HD(CP)2 Observational Prototype Experiment (HOPE) was performed as a major 2-month field experiment in Jülich, Germany, in April and May 2013, followed by a smaller campaign in Melpitz, Germany, in September 2013. HOPE has been designed to provide an observational dataset for a critical evaluation of the new German community atmospheric icosahedral non-hydrostatic (ICON) model at the scale of the model simulations and further to provide information on land-surface–atmospheric boundary layer exchange, cloud and precipitation processes, as well as sub-grid variability and microphysical properties that are subject to parameterizations. HOPE focuses on the onset of clouds and precipitation in the convective atmospheric boundary layer. This paper summarizes the instrument set-ups, the intensive observation periods, and example results from both campaigns. HOPE-Jülich instrumentation included a radio sounding station, 4 Doppler lidars, 4 Raman lidars (3 of them provide temperature, 3 of them water vapour, and all of them particle backscatter data), 1 water vapour differential absorption lidar, 3 cloud radars, 5 microwave radiometers, 3 rain radars, 6 sky imagers, 99 pyranometers, and 5 sun photometers operated at different sites, some of them in synergy. The HOPE-Melpitz campaign combined ground-based remote sensing of aerosols and clouds with helicopter- and balloon-based in situ observations in the atmospheric column and at the surface. HOPE provided an unprecedented collection of atmospheric dynamical, thermodynamical, and micro- and macrophysical properties of aerosols, clouds, and precipitation with high spatial and temporal resolution within a cube of approximately 10  ×  10  ×  10 km3. HOPE data will significantly contribute to our understanding of boundary layer dynamics and the formation of clouds and precipitation. The datasets have been made available through a dedicated data portal. First applications of HOPE data for model evaluation have shown a general agreement between observed and modelled boundary layer height, turbulence characteristics, and cloud coverage, but they also point to significant differences that deserve further investigations from both the observational and the modelling perspective

Acute periodontal lesions

This is a review and update on acute conditions affecting the gingival tissues, including abscesses in the periodontium, necrotizing periodontal diseases, and other acute conditions that cause gingival lesions with acute presentation, such as infectious process not associated with oral bacterial biofilms, muco-cutanenous disorders, and traumatic and allergic lesions. A periodontal abscess is clinically important since it is a relatively frequent dental emergency, it can compromise the periodontal prognosis of the affected tooth, and because bacteria within the abscess have been identified, mainly by the type of etiology, and there are clear diffrences between those affecting a previously existing periodontal pocket ahd those affecting healthy sites. Therapy for this acute condition consists of drainage and tissue debridement, with individual evaluation of the need for systemic antimicrobial therapy. the definitive treatment of the pre-existing condition should be accomplished after the acute phase is controlled. Necrotizing periodontal disease (NPD) present three typical clinical features : papilla necrosis, gingival bleeding, and pain. Although the prevalence of these diseases is not high, their importance is clear, since they represent the most severe conditions associated with dental biofilm, with very rapid tissue destruction. In adittion to bacteria, the etiology of NPD includes numerous factors that alter the host response and predispose to these diseases, including HIV infection, malnutrition, stress, and tobacco smoking. The treatment consists of superficial debridement, careful mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing with chlorhexidine, and daily re-evaluation. Systemic antimicrobials may be used adjunctively in severe cases or in non-responding conditions and the best option is metronidazole.Once the acute disease is under control, definitive treatment should be provided, including the adequate therapy for the pre-existing gingivitis or periodontitis. Among other acute conditions affecting the periodontal tissues, but not caused by the microorganisms present in oral biofilms , are infectious diseases, muco-cutaneous diseases and traumatic or allergic lesions. In most cases, the gingival envolvement is not severe, though they are common and may prompt a dental emergency visit. These conditions may the direct result of a trauma or the consequence of the breaking of vesicles and bullae. A proper differential diagnosis is important for an adequate management of the case