Isozymic polymorphism and phylogeny of 10 Lathyrus species

Isozyme variation and phylogenetic relationships between ten annual andperennial Lathyrus species: L.aphaca, L.articulatus, L.cicera, L.hirsutus, L.latifolius, L.nissolia, L.odoratus, L.ochrus, L.sativus and L.sylvestris were studied. Four enzyme systems,leucine-amino-peptidase (LAP), 6-phosphogluconatedeshydrogenase (6-PGD), glutamateoxalo-acetate transaminase (GOT) and phosphoglucoisomerase(PGI) were analyzed, using gel electrophoresis. Fivepolymorphic loci were detected and eleven alleles were identified at these loci.Zymogram data revealed that almost all-present species studied exhibited isozymepolymorphism. L. latifolius andL. sylvestris maintain high levels ofisozyme diversity, which is probably associated with the perenniality of thesetwo species and their predominantly outcrossing reproduction system. Incontrast, the low level of genetic diversity observed in other species isattributed to their breeding systems. These species are annuals and have higherproportions of selfing. The distribution of genetic variation within and amongspecies showed large genetic differences between the analysed species.PGD-1 andPGD-2 loci contributed the most to thedistinction between species. GOT-2,LAP-1 and PGI-1loci contributed to the distinction within species. The low level of gene flowrevealed could be partly related to the high level of autogamy in the majorityof species. The regroupement of species revealed by Nei's genetic similarityagrees only in parte with Kupicha's classification based on morphologicalcharacters. Thus, these isozymic markers are important in germplasm collectionand conservation.     

Comparative Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Two Tunisian Collections of Fig Cultivars Based on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Inter Simple Sequence Repeats Fingerprints

This study characterized the genetic diversity of 18 Tunisian fig cultivars using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR). Both random and ISSR primers tested generated a total of 116 RAPD and 47 ISSR markers. Considerable genetic variation was observed among fig cultivars sampled from two regional Tunisian collections with an average diversity of 4.57. RAPD and ISSR banding patterns and genetic distances values reflected the high level of diversity among the collections and lower variability between the two collections. The correlation between the RAPD and ISSR similarity matrices computed for the 153 pairwise comparisons among the 18 varieties was lower and significant. An analysis of molecular variance showed that 92% of the total genetic diversity resided within collections, whereas only 8% between collections. The results indicated that in the local fig germ plasm the information provided by RAPD and ISSR is not analogous, most likely as a consequence of the fact that the two classes of markers explore, at least in part, different portions of the genome.     

Cyto-nuclear discordance in the genetic relationships among Tunisian fig cultivars (Ficus carica L.): Evidence from non coding trnL–trnF and ITS regions of chloroplast and ribosomal DNAs

Genetic diversity studies were conducted to evaluate intra-specific relationships in Tunisian fig (Ficus: Moraceae) using sequences of the ITS regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the chloroplast non-coding region trnL–trnF (trnL intron, and trnL [UAA]–exon–trnF [GAA] intergenic spacer). All data sets suggest that the sequences obtained showed variations either on their lengths or on their nucleotide compositions. The mean size of these nuclear and cytoplasmic non-coding regions is 697.5 and 1035 base pairs for ITS and trnL–trnF chloroplast DNA, respectively. Our results suggest that the substitution rate estimated for the ITS sequences of nuclear DNA is greater than the one unregistered for the non-coding regions of chloroplast DNA. Therefore, chloroplast DNA shows more homoplasy than the nuclear ribosomal DNA. In fact, the consistency (CI) and retention (RI) indexes calculated for nuclear and cytoplasmic DNAs show values of 0.420 and 0.490 for chloroplast DNA and 0.573 and 0.387 for ribosomal DNA, respectively. The nuclear DNA has more resolution of genetic relationships between cultivars. In addition, the result suggests that the cultivars studied are clustered independently from their geographical origin and the male trees did not thoroughly diverge from the common figs. The discordance between chloroplast and the nuclear topology is revealed. The lack of congruence between the two data sets may be a result of hybridization or introgression. Our result showed that the nuclear and cytoplasmic sequences are useful for germplasm discrimination as well as for investigation of patterns of variation in fig.     

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Arabian Gulf Using the Clam Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus, 1758

The present study is an attempt to assess the heavy metal contamination in the marine environment of the Arabian Gulf of Saudi Arabia. The concentrations of heavy metals in water and the soft tissues of the bivalve species Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus, 1758, from different stations along the Arabian Gulf coastline, were determined during the summer season of 2008. Bioaccumulation of some heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn) in fresh parts of the clam (M. meretrix) was measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average concentrations of heavy metals in the clam tissues were 0.224?C0.908, 0.294?C2.496, 3.528?C8.196, and 12.864?C24.56 mg/kg wet weight for Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn, respectively. In water, the mean concentration values of these metals were arranged in the following descending order: Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd. The heavy metal concentrations in tissues of M. meretrix were within the acceptable standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Commission Européenne, and the Food and Drug Administration of the USA. From the human public health point of view, these results seem to show no possibility of acute toxicities of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn if the edible clam is consumed. It is recommended that relevant authorities should carry out a continual assessment on the levels of these pollutants in the studied area.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Triclosan Grafted onto Cellulosic Fibers

With the increased risk of disease transmissions and cross-infection caused by microorganisms, the control of microbial infections becomes a very important issue in modern societies. Moreover, with the emergence of antibio-resistant bacterial strains, it is necessary to control the bacterial growth. One of ways to limit the bacterial proliferation is to develop antimicrobial surfaces. The present work describes the synthesis process of a direct linking of propargyled Triclosan to a modified Kraft Pulp. Propargylated Triclosan, and azidated Kraft Pulp were linked in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst, a type of Huisgen’s 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction, leading to the formation of Triclosan linked to kraft Pulp fibers. The modified Kraft Pulp fibers are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This novel material has been investigated for its antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The developed material showed an important antibacterial activity. Although Triclosan is covalently grafted onto Kraft Pulp, its antibacterial properties are maintained.     

Curcumin mitigates fenthion-induced testicular toxicity in rats: histopathological and immunohistochemical study

Fenthion is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide in agriculture that induces different cytotoxic effects, including male reproductive toxicity. The present work aimed to study the ameliorative effects of curcumin, a potential therapeutic agent against several chronic diseases, on reproductive toxicity induced by the organophosphate insecticide fenthion. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. The control group received distilled water. The curcumin group was administered curcumin at a dose of 100 mg kg^?1 body weight. The fenthion group was administered fenthion at a dose of 0.001 mg kg^?1. The fenthion/curcumin group was administered fenthion and curcumin together at the same doses. After four weeks of daily oral administration, the animals were sacrificed and their testes were excised. Specimens were processed for histopatholological and immunohistochemical investigations. Light and electron microscopic analysis visualised dramatic degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules as indicated by atrophy, necrosis, vacuolation and decreased number of spermatogenic cells. Moreover, the fenthion group showed a significant reduction in the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-immunoreactivity. Decreased PCNA-immunoreactivity reflected the depletion in the proliferation rate of spermatogenic cells and suggesting arrested spermatogenesis. Curcumin administration to fenthion-treated rats revealed mild degenerative changes with partial improvement of active spermatogenesis. In conclusion, these data may confirm the cytoprotective potency of curcumin against fenthion-induced cyto-toxicity.     

Monitoring: Physic‐Chemical,Microbiological, and Phytotoxic Parameters of Mixed Oil Mill Waste and Green Waste Composts Moistened with Treated Urban Wastewater and Tap Water

In Tunisia, on‐site co‐composting of oil mill waste would overcome environmental issues and valorize renewable resources. The authors' goal was to determine the physic‐chemical and microbiological properties and nutrient supply characteristics of mixed oil mill waste and green waste compost. Two piles of the same raw materials (2/3 oil mill waste–1/3 green waste, w/w) were moistened with two kinds of water: treated urban wastewater (A₁) and tap water (A₂). Results showed the following: (i) produced compost decreased in C/N from 32 to 12.30?±?0.89 (A₁) and 11?±?0.89 (A₂); (ii) major elements (P and K) were within acceptable limits; (iii) A₁ and A₂ had potentially lower heavy metal contents than the limits established by the second draft of the Biological Treatment of Biowaste of the European Commission and microbial load values below the limit N FU 44‐051 values; (iv) A₁ and A₂ had, respectively, 93 and 89.67% as germination index Gl values, which confirmed the composts' maturity and safety; (v) for both composts, A₁ and A₂, culture potting made up of half compost and half soil revealed the highest bean leaves' number; and (vi) the less richness in minerals and organic compounds of A₂ compared to A₁ gave better germination results for white wheat and bean leaves' number for A₂. Even moistened with treated urban waste water, oil mill wastes proved to be very interesting for co‐composting with green waste.     

Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) in fig cultivars (Ficus carica L.)

Sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) were analysed in a set of Tunisian fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivars. The size of the spacers sequences ranged from 200 to 279 bases for ITS1 and from 253 to 314 bases for ITS2. Variation of GC contents has been also observed and scored as 59–68% and 55–68% for ITS1 and ITS2, respectively. This data exhibited the presence of polymorphism among cultivars. The intra-specific variability level of the ITS sequences proved a variation both in the length and in the sequences studied. In fact, ITS1 and ITS2 sequences were considered as a useful tool to establish genetic relationships among cultivars. Our results indicate that the diversity detected among closely related genotypes supported strongly the efficiency of ITS sequences for establishing relationships between cultivars. ITS2 seems to be relatively more informative than ITS1 regarding length or GC contents. Considerable genetic diversity was observed among fig at intra and inter-cultivars levels. Two polyclonal varieties were identified. In addition, data proved that a typically continuous genetic diversity characterizes the local fig germplasm. The topology of the derived dendrogram strongly supported this assumption. In fact, genotypes are clustered independently from their geographical origin or the sex of trees suggesting a narrow genetic basis among the ecotypes studied in spite of their phenotypic distinctiveness. Implications of these results for management of fig germplasm collections are discussed.     

First reported case of spontaneous hermaphrodism in female date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), cv ‘Alligue’

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is dioecious with male flowers deficient in functional gynoecium and female flowers deficient in functional androecium borne on separate palms. The presence of male and female flowers on the same plant, a phenomenon known as monoecy, is unusual in male date palms.

This study reports for the first time on hermaphrodite (bisexual) flowers borne by two female date palms, ‘Alligue’, that were found growing in an open field in Degache, southern Tunisia. The observations on these two female palms were compared with hermaphrodite male date palms growing in the same location. Hermaphrodite female date palm inflorescence branches bear female flowers predominantly near their base, in contrast to the hermaphrodite flowers that are found primarily toward their upper part. The position of the hermaphrodite flowers in hermaphrodite male date palms is reversed: inflorescence branches bear male flowers toward the upper part while the hermaphrodite flowers are found at the base. Histological examination of female hermaphrodite flowers revealed that they had three carpels and 1–6 stamens. Hermaphrodite flowers on male plants were usually also composed of three carpels of variable size, and six stamens. Hermaphrodite flowers on both female and male palm trees turn generally into parthenocarpic fruits. The present data support the theory that dioecious plants are derived from a common hermaphrodite ancestor. Floral hermaphroditism in date palm should be investigated in relation to the in planta self-fertilization process to identify sex markers and genes that control sex organ development.