Improved Serological Techniques for the Detection and Identification of Groundnut Viruses

Serology is indispensable for the detection and identification of plant viruses. Recently, the highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) techniques have been developed and may replace some of the conventional serological methods. The direct or standard double-antibody sandwich (DAS) form of ELISA. as first described by Clark and Adams (1977), has wide applications in plant virology. An indirect form of ELISA (I-ELISA) has recently been developed by Barbara and Clark (1982). The ISEM procedure developed by Derrick (1973) combines the specificity of serology with coventional electron microscopy. DAS-ELISA, I-ELISA and ISEM have been adapted for the detection and identification of several groundnut viruses. This paper will provide a description of each technique and its application for the detection and characterization of viruses occurring on groundnut in India

Isolation and characterization of a geminivirus causing yellow mosaic disease of horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.) in India.

Horsegram yellow mosaic disease was shown to be caused by a geminivirus; horsegram yellow mosaic virus (HYMV). The virus could not be transmitted by mechanical sap inoculation. Leaf dip and purified virus preparations showed geminate virus particles, measuring 15-18 * 30 nm. An antiserum for HYMV was produced and in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) tests HYMV was detected in leaf extracts of fieldinfected bambara groundnut, french bean, groundnut, limabean, mungbean, pigeonpea and soybean showing yellow mosaic symptoms. Bemisia tabaci fed on purified HYMV through a parafilm membrane transmitted the virus to all the hosts listed above but not to Ageratum conyzoides, okra, cassava, cowpea, Croton bonplandianus, Lab-lab purpureus, Malvastrum coromandalianum and tomato. No reaction was obtained in ELISA and ISEM tests between HYMV antibodies and extracts of plants diseased by whitefly-transmitted agents in India such as A. conyzoides yellow mosaic, okra yellow vein mosaic, C. bonplandianus, yellow vein mosaic, M. coromandalianum yellow vein mosaic, tomato leaf curl and cassava mosaic. HYMV was also not found to be related serologically to bean golden mosaic, virus

Interesting case of ovarian sarcoidosis: The value of multi disciplinary team working

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis of the genital tract is a rare condition. Ovarian manifestation of this disease is rarer still. CASE PRESENTATION: The case presented here represents ovarian manifestation of sarcoidosis. At the point of referral to our hospital, based on computerised tomography (CT) ovarian carcinoma was a differential diagnosis. Further magnetic resonance imaging along with CT guided biopsy aided by laboratory study supported a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Patient responded to medical management by a multidisciplinary team. CONCLUSION: The case shows the importance of FNAC and biopsy in case or ovarian masses and multi disciplinary team approach to management

Natural Occurrence of a Strain of Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in India)

Vein-clearing followed by downward rolling and necrosis of leaves and severe stunting of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) plants were caused by cowpea mild mottle virus (CMMV). The virus was readily transmitted by mechanical sap inoculations to groundnut and to 10 plant species belonging to Leguminosae, Chenopodiaceae and Solanaceae. Chenopodium quinoa and Beta vulgaris were good diagnostic hosts. Diseased sap remained infective at 10–3 but not 10–4, when stored 8 to 9 days at 25 °C; for 10min at 75 °C but not 80°C. In limited tests, virus was not seed-transmitted m groundnut or soybean. Virus was transmitted by Bemisia tabaci but not by Aphis craccivora or Myzus persicae. An antiserum for CMMV was produced and virus was serologically related to CMMV reported on cowpea and groundnut crinkle virus (GCV) from West Africa. Employing carbon diffraction grating replica as a standard the modal length of virus particles to be 610 nm. Infected cells contained large number of virus particles associated with endoplasmic reticulum

Indian Peanut Clump Virus Isolates: Host Range, Symptomatology, Serological Relationships, and Some Physical Properties

The symptomatology of Indian peanut clump virus (IPCV) isolates collected from five different geographical locations, Bapatla (B), Chinnaganjam (C), Hyderabad (H), Ludhiana (L), and Talod (T), differed. B-IPCV and C-IPCV were indistinguishable by host range but could be distinguished from the other isolates by symptoms on Canavalia ensiformis, Nicotiana clevelandii × glutinosa, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Vigna unguiculata. B-IPCV, C-IPCV, and T-IPCV were related serologically, but could be distinguished from H-IPCV and L-IPCV isolates in serological tests. The five isolates could not be distinguished on the basis of particle size. Each isolate contained two RNA species of 1.90 × 106 and 1.65 × 106 Mr estimated under nondenaturing conditions and a single polypeptide of 24 × 103 Mr. Significance of these findings for the diagnosis of IPCV and for screening of peanut genotypes for resistance is discussed

Screening Peanut Germ Plasm Lines by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Seed Transmission of Peanut Mottle Virus

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was successfully employed for detecting peanut mottle virus (PMV) in peanut seed. Virus could be detected in extracts of infected cotyledons and embryos at dilutions of up to I {3,600, although sensitivity was reduced when infected and healthy seed were mixed. PMV was detected in the testa of about 30% o(infected seed. Complete correlation was observed· among ELISA, in fectivity assays, and growing-out tests for all four· peanut cultivars tested .. PMV was seed-transmitted in all but two-namely EC 76446 (292) and NC AC 17133 (RF)-of 283 peanut germ plasm lines screened

Ocean Thermal Extractable Energy Visualization- Final Technical Report on Award DE-EE0002664. October 28, 2012

The Ocean Thermal Extractable Energy Visualization (OTEEV) project focuses on assessing the Maximum Practicably Extractable Energy (MPEE) from the world's ocean thermal resources. MPEE is defined as being sustainable and technically feasible, given today's state-of-the-art ocean energy technology. Under this project the OTEEV team developed a comprehensive Geospatial Information System (GIS) dataset and software tool, and used the tool to provide a meaningful assessment of MPEE from the global and domestic U.S. ocean thermal resources. The OTEEV project leverages existing NREL renewable energy GIS technologies and integrates extractable energy estimated from quality-controlled data and projected optimal achievable energy conversion rates. Input data are synthesized from a broad range of existing in-situ measurements and ground-truthed numerical models with temporal and spatial resolutions sufficient to reflect the local resource. Energy production rates are calculated for regions based on conversion rates estimated for current technology, local energy density of the resource, and sustainable resource extraction. Plant spacing and maximum production rates are then estimated based on a default plant size and transmission mechanisms. The resulting data are organized, displayed, and accessed using a multi-layered GIS mapping tool, http://maps.nrel.gov/mhk_atlas with a user-friendly graphical user interface

Evaluation of changes to work patterns in multidisciplinary cancer team meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic: A national mixed-method survey study

Background It is not well understood the overall changes that multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) have had to make in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nor the impact that such changes, in addition to the other challenges faced by MDTs, have had on decision-making, communication, or participation in the context of MDT meetings specifically. Methods This was a mixed method, prospective cross-sectional survey study taking place in the United Kingdom between September 2020 and August 2021. Results The participants were 423 MDT members. Qualitative findings revealed hybrid working and possibility of virtual attendance as the change introduced because of COVID-19 that MDTs would like to maintain. However, IT-related issues, slower meetings, longer lists and delays were identified as common with improving of the IT infrastructure necessary going forward. In contrast, virtual meetings and increased attendance/availability of clinicians were highlighted as the positive outcomes resulting from the change. Quantitative findings showed significant improvement from before COVID-19 for MDT meeting organisation and logistics (M = 45, SD = 20) compared to the access (M = 50, SD = 12, t(390) = 5.028, p = 0.001), case discussions (M = 50, SD = 14, t(373) = −5.104, p = 0.001), and patient representation (M = 50, SD = 12, t(382) = −4.537, p = 0.001) at MDT meetings. Discussion Our study explored the perception of change since COVID-19 among cancer MDTs using mixed methods. While hybrid working was preferred, challenges exist. Significant improvements in the meeting organisation and logistics were reported. Although we found no significant perceived worsening across the four domains investigated, there was an indication in this direction for the case discussions warranting further ‘live’ assessments of MDT meetings

A Strawberry KNOX Gene Regulates Leaf, Flower and Meristem Architecture

The KNOTTED-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN (KNOX) genes play a central role in maintenance of the shoot apical meristem. They also contribute to the morphology of simple and compound leaves. In this report we characterize the FaKNOX1 gene from strawberry (Fragaria spp.) and demonstrate its function in trasgenic plants. The FaKNOX1 cDNA was isolated from a cultivated strawberry (F.×ananassa) flower EST library. The sequence is most similar to Class I KNOX genes, and was mapped to linkage group VI of the diploid strawberry genome. Unlike most KNOX genes studied, steady-state transcript levels were highest in flowers and fruits. Transcripts were also detected in emerging leaf primordia and the apical dome. Transgenic strawberry plants suppressing or overexpressing FaKNOX1 exhibited conspicuous changes in plant form. The FaKNOX1 RNAi plants presented a dwarfed phenotype with deeply serrated leaflets and exaggerated petiolules. They also exhibited a high level of cellular disorganization of the shoot apical meristem and leaves. Overexpression of FaKNOX1 caused dwarfed stature with wrinkled leaves. These gain- and loss-of-function assays in strawberry functionally demonstrate the contributions of a KNOX domain protein in a rosaceous species