Genetic diversity and virulence variability in Diplodia mutila isolates from symptomatic grapevines in New Zealand: Virulence and genetic diversity of Diplodia mutila

Genetic diversity and virulence variability of Diplodia mutila isolates recovered from grapevines in New Zealand were investigated. The universally primed PCR (UP-PCR) and vegetative compatibility group (VCG) methods were used to investigate the genetic diversity. Pathogenicity tests with ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ detached shoots and potted vines were used to determine the virulence diversity. UP-PCR analysis determined eight genetic groups of D. mutila with 70% of the population within one group. Phylogenetic analysis also determined that New Zealand isolates were more closely related to Australian isolates than Californian isolates. Vegetative compatibility grouping analysis placed the isolates into three VCG groups, with 57% of isolates belonging to all three VCGs. Vegetative compatibility reactions were observed among isolates, but this was not correlated with the genetic clustering. Virulence assays proved that all isolates tested were pathogenic on grapevine stems. Differences in necrotic lesions lengths caused by D. mutila isolates were identified, indicating different virulence levels among isolates, however, no relationship was found between the genetic groups and the virulence. The results of the study indicated movement of D. mutila isolates between nurseries, vineyards, and other sources in New Zealand. This information will inform control strategies to limit the further spread of this pathogen into vineyards in the same region or new regions

1,3-Bis(hydroxy­meth­yl)benzimidazolin-2-one

The title compound, C9H10N2O3, crystallizes with one and a half mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit, one lying on a general position and the other on a twofold rotation axis. The dihedral angle between the two independent benzimidazole ring systems is 18.96 (5)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked into a three-dimensional network by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding involving N-hydroxy­methyl and carbonyl groups, and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds

Prawn farming in India

India contributes about 4% of the world aquaculture prawn production. Prawn farming provides excellent employment opportunities and generates income, particularly to India's coastal villagers. It, however, has caused impact on land and water resources use. India has about 55 prawn species, 11 of which are suitable for coastal culture. With all these, along with available natural resources, favorable climate, greater awareness of prawn farming, availability of trained human resource, and government and research support, India 's prawn farming industry is expected to develop furthe

Evaluation of uroprotective efficacy of amifostine against cyclophosphamide induced hemorrhagic cystitis

The role of amifostine in the prevention of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) was evaluated in the rat model. Urinary bladders from control rats that received no drugs (group I) were compared with those from rats receiving cyclophosphamide alone at a dose of 150 mg/kg (group II), and two other groups receiving amifostine at 100 mg/kg (group III) and 200 mg/kg (group IV), 15 min prior to cyclophosphamide. Bladders were assessed macroscopically and histologically at 24 h and after 7 days. All the animals that received cyclophosphamide alone developed severe HC. On the basis of the scores of macroscopic and histologic changes, animals that received amifostine showed excellent uroprotection. Only 2/6 rats in group III and 1/6 rats in group IV developed mild HC at 24 h. None of the rats in either of these groups showed any evidence of HC at 7 days. It is concluded that amifostine protects the urothelium against cyclophosphamide-induced HC

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of betasatellite molecules associated with okra yellow vein mosaic disease in Sri Lanka

Okra production in Sri Lanka has been severely affected by okra yellow vein mosaic disease (OYVMD), which is caused by begomoviruses and associated betasatellites. These betasatellite molecules commonly determine the development and severity of the disease. Therefore, knowledge about the genetic variability of betasatellites associated with OYVMD could assist okra breeding programs in the selection of resistant varieties. The present study aimed to characterize the betasatellite DNA sequences associated with OYVMD in Sri Lanka and to determine their phylogenetic relationships. Betasatellite DNA of six virus isolates from widely separated geographical locations were sequenced and compared with already reported begomovirus betasatellites. The betasatellite molecules have features common to other betasatellite DNAs: a conserved nonanucleotide TAATATTAC, a coding sequence for the protein βC1, an adenine rich region and a satellite conserved region. Nucleotide diversity among the isolates was relatively low (π = 0.034). A recombination event was detected at a specific region in the genome of all isolates. The isolates shared >96% sequence identity with bhendi yellow vein betasatellites reported from India and phylogenetic analysis confirmed their genetic relationship

Differential item functioning for items in Berger's HIV Stigma Scale: an analysis of cohorts from the Indian, Swedish, and US contexts

PURPOSE: To examine whether items in Berger's HIV Stigma Scale function differently with persons of different age, gender, and cultural backgrounds. METHODS: Secondary data from cohorts, collected in South India (n = 250), Sweden (n = 193), and the US (n = 603) were reanalyzed to evaluate DIF within, between, and across these cohorts. All participants had answered the revised version of the HIV stigma scale consisting of 32 items forming the subscales Personalized stigma, Disclosure concerns, Concerns about public attitudes, and Negative self-image. Differential Item Functioning (DIF) for these items was assessed using hybrid ordinal regression-IRT technique. When DIF was detected, the cumulative impact of DIF on individual subscale scores was evaluated. RESULTS: DIF was detected for 9 items within, between, or across cohorts, but the DIF was negligible in general. Detected DIF between the Swedish and Indian cohorts had a cumulative salient impact on individual scores for the subscale Disclosure Concerns; Disclosure concerns were overestimated in the Swedish cohort and both over- and underestimated in the Indian cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The items in the 32-item version of the HIV stigma scale did not seem to be particularly prone to present DIF. The DIF between the Indian and Swedish cohort for items in the subscale Disclosure Concerns could, however, result in both type I and type II errors if scores should be compared between the Indian and Swedish cohort

Differential item functioning for items in Berger's HIV Stigma Scale: an analysis of cohorts from the Indian, Swedish, and US contexts

PURPOSE: To examine whether items in Berger's HIV Stigma Scale function differently with persons of different age, gender, and cultural backgrounds. METHODS: Secondary data from cohorts, collected in South India (n = 250), Sweden (n = 193), and the US (n = 603) were reanalyzed to evaluate DIF within, between, and across these cohorts. All participants had answered the revised version of the HIV stigma scale consisting of 32 items forming the subscales Personalized stigma, Disclosure concerns, Concerns about public attitudes, and Negative self-image. Differential Item Functioning (DIF) for these items was assessed using hybrid ordinal regression-IRT technique. When DIF was detected, the cumulative impact of DIF on individual subscale scores was evaluated. RESULTS: DIF was detected for 9 items within, between, or across cohorts, but the DIF was negligible in general. Detected DIF between the Swedish and Indian cohorts had a cumulative salient impact on individual scores for the subscale Disclosure Concerns; Disclosure concerns were overestimated in the Swedish cohort and both over- and underestimated in the Indian cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The items in the 32-item version of the HIV stigma scale did not seem to be particularly prone to present DIF. The DIF between the Indian and Swedish cohort for items in the subscale Disclosure Concerns could, however, result in both type I and type II errors if scores should be compared between the Indian and Swedish cohort

The identity, distribution and diversity of botryosphaeriaceous species in New Zealand vineyards – a national perspective

In recent years molecular tools have been applied to provide understanding of the population structures of botryosphaeriaceous species in New Zealand vineyards. A national survey of symptomatic material from 43 vineyards showed that 88% had infection by botryosphaeriaceous species. Vine age had the strongest correlation with incidence, with the least infection in grapevines 1–5 years old (30%). Sequencing of taxonomic genes identified nine species. In contrast to other countries, N. luteum and N. parvum were predominant species with Lasiodiplodia theobromae notably absent. As with other countries, research showed that distribution is likely to be related to climate. Analysis of populations demonstrated that, despite predominantly asexual reproduction, the genetic diversity of isolates within species was high. Frequent hyphal anastomoses and fusions were observed in dual culture with weak vegetative compatibility barriers. This indicated the likelihood of frequent parasexual recombination. The isolation of genetically similar isolates from single lesions reinforced this hypothesis. A suite of molecular tools were developed to aid epidemiology studies. Endogenous markers produced for isolates with typical pathogenesis showed they could be dispersed at least 2 m from the site of conidiation in a single rain/wind event. The use of a multi-genus PCR-SCP system showed that N. parvum and N. luteum are released year round and this probably contributes to their successful invasion of vineyards. Application of these molecular tools has provided a comprehensive snapshot of New Zealand vineyards revealing a thriving and diverse population of botryosphaeriaceous species that present a serious concern to the industry

1-{1-[2,8-Bis(trifluoro­meth­yl)-4-quin­olyl]-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}ethanone

There are two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C16H10F6N4O. The triazole ring is not coplanar with the quinoline ring system; the dihedral angle between the two planes being 74.47 (12) and 63.97 (13)° in the two mol­ecules. The crystal structure is characterized by inter­molecular C—H⋯F, C—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonding. Weak intra­molecular C—H⋯F inter­actions are observed. Disorder is observed in two F atoms of one of the trifluoro­methyl groups of one independent mol­ecule [occupancy ratios 0.77 (3):0.23 (3) and 0.77 (4):0.23 (4)] and in all three F atoms of one of the trifluoro­methyl groups of the second independent mol­ecule [occupancy ratios 0.520 (14):0.480 (14), 0.615 (17):0.385 (17) and 0.783 (11):0.217 (11)]. The O atom is also disordered over two positions with occupancies of 0.60 (13) and 0.40 (13) in the first mol­ecule

Expression profile of microRNAs in young stroke patients

10.1371/journal.pone.0007689PLoS ONE41