Molecular phylogenetics and systematics of Trigonella L. (Fabaceae) based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and chloroplast trnL intron sequences

The genus Trigonella includes the widely cultivated T. foenum-graecum and a number of other medicinal and aromatic plant species distributed around the Mediterranean region. Sectional delimitation of Trigonella species is still based on morphology and interspecific relationships within the genus are not yet sufficiently resolved. Phylogenetic relationships in 22 species representing 11 of the 12 sections recognized within the genus Trigonella were analyzed using nuclear ITS and plastid trnL-F DNA sequences. Within nuclear ITS region, ITS-II was found to evolve faster compared to ITS-I. Maximal phylogenetic resolution and support was obtained in the combined analysis of the two selected regions. Trees resulting from maximum parsimony as well as Bayesian inference of combined data provided evidence for Trigonella being monophyletic with high support but did not agree with the traditional subgeneric division. Phylogenetic reconstructions indicated three major lineages supported by apomorphies in inflorescence and stipule. The phylogram supported the sectional delimitation of sections Cylindricae, Vérae, Samaroideae, Pectinatae, Erosae and Callicerates. There is strong support to combine monotypic sections Pectinatae and Erosae into one. However, species belonging to section Foenum-graecum and Falcatulae clustered in different subclades, contrary to their current classification. Inflorescence type appears to be a useful character with taxonomic potential for phenetic implications at subgeneric and sectional level within the genus. Moreover, some legume and seed characteristics, considered important in existing taxonomy, appear to have arisen more than once in Trigonella and are homoplastic.     

Expression and Localization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and its Receptors in the Corpus Luteum During Oestrous Cycle in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The aim of this study was to document the expression and localization of VEGF system comprising of VEGF isoforms (VEGF 120, VEGF 164 and VEGF 188) and their receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in buffalo corpus luteum (CL) obtained from different stages of the oestrous cycle. Real‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA expression, protein expression and localization of examined factors. In general, all the components of VEGF system (the VEGF isoforms and their receptors) were found in the water buffalo CL during the oestrous cycle. The mRNA as well as protein expression of VEGF system was highest during the early and mid‐luteal phase, which later steadily decreased (p < 0.05) after day 10 to reach the lowest level in regressed CL. As demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, VEGF protein was localized predominantly in luteal cells; however, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 were localized in luteal cells as well as in endothelial cells. In conclusion, the dynamics of expression and localization of VEGF system in buffalo corpora lutea during the luteal phase were demonstrated in this study, indicating the possible role of VEGF system in the regulation of luteal angiogenesis and proliferation of luteal as well as endothelial cells through their non‐angiogenic function.     

A study on bacteria associated with the intestinal tract of farmed yellow seahorse,Hippocampus kuda (Bleeker, 1852): characterization and extracellular enzymes

The microenvironment of bacteria associated with the gastrointestinal tract of an animal influences the host in many ways, including the metabolism of several nutrients. Isolation, molecular characterization and enzymatic activities of culturable bacteria associated with the gastrointestinal tract of hatchery‐reared oceanic yellow seahorse, Hippocampus kuda, were investigated in the present study. 16S rRNA sequencing of bacterial isolates yielded 10 different bacterial genera belonging to two major groups: proteobacteria (62.9%) and firmicutes (37.03%). The predominant microbial flora belonged to the genera Vibrio spp., Enterovibrio sp. and Bacillus spp. Burkholderia cenocepacia, hitherto unreported from the gastrointestinal tract of marine fish, was retrieved from the seahorse gut, albeit in small numbers. Enzymatic studies indicated that the bacterial isolates possess the ability to degrade lipids, cellulose, xylan, starch and proteins. Lipase activity was exhibited by a majority of the isolates (70.4%), indicating that the bacterial flora associated with the intestinal tract of seahorses is capable of digesting foods rich in lipids. The possible implications for the role of these bacteria in the digestion and physiological processes are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the characterization and enzymatic activities of bacteria associated with the intestinal tract of farmed seahorses have been reported.     

Health innovation networks to help developing countries address neglected diseases

Gross inequities in disease burden between developed and developing countries are now the subject of intense global attention. Public and private donors have marshaled resources and created organizational structures to accelerate the development of new health products and to procure and distribute drugs and vaccines for the poor. Despite these encouraging efforts directed primarily from and funded by industrialized countries, sufficiency and sustainability remain enormous challenges because of the sheer magnitude of the problem. Here we highlight a complementary and increasingly important means to improve health equity: the growing ability of some developing countries to undertake health innovation.     

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Phytophthora infestans populations on Java,Indonesia

Phytophthora infestans is endemic to Indonesia and can infect potato crops at any stage in the growing season. Little is known about P. infestans populations in Indonesia. The objectives of this study were first to identify the genotypes causing late blight in the main potato-growing regions on Java in Indonesia, and secondly to examine genotypic diversity in the P. infestans populations in those regions. Samples were collected on FTA cards (n = 140) or in tubers (n = 6) from 15 locations in nine regencies over four years (2016–2019). Microsatellite analysis revealed that late blight outbreaks in these regencies were caused by EU_2_A1 and other genotypes that are unique to Indonesia. Eighty percent of the samples that amplified with CAPS markers were the A1 mating type. Cultures of six isolates were determined to be the A1 mating type based on the pairing test, and of these, two isolates were intermediate and four were sensitive to metalaxyl-M (mefenoxam). The mode of reproduction of the P. infestans population on Java, Indonesia, was found to be clonal. However, as the sample size in this study was small, more isolates need to be tested to confirm this. Microsatellite analysis revealed that 90% of Indonesian samples had trisomic loci. A high number of multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were found in all nine regencies (131 MLGs out of 146 samples). Results indicate that there is ongoing polyploidization in these populations due to a high mutation rate and no selection pressure from the susceptible potato hosts that are being grown in Indonesia.     

Recovery of soil microbial community structure after fire in a sagebrush‐grassland ecosystem

Recovery of the soil microbial community after fire in a sagebrush‐grassland ecosystem was examined using a chronosequence of four sites ranging in time since fire from 3–39 years. The successional stage communities examined included Recent Burn (3 years since fire, ysf), Establishment (7 ysf), Expansion (21 ysf), and Mature (39 ysf). Aboveground standing plant biomass increased with time since disturbance to the Mature stage where sagebrush became dominant over herbaceous species. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis was used to characterize the microbial community structure. Soil microbial community productivity generally appeared to be similar to the Mature site soil (39 ysf) within 7 years of fire. Diversity of PLFAs detected in soils, at both depths, increased from a low value of 29 at the Recent site to a high of 37 at the Establishment site and then decreased again to 31 at the Mature stage site. Canonical variates analysis indicated important disparities in microbial community structure at the four sites. Greatest disparities were observed in microbial community structure between the Recent and Establishment stages but greater similarity between the Recent stage and the sagebrush dominated Mature stage. This study emphasizes both short‐term and long‐term changes in the belowground community and suggests that soil microbial communities are highly resilient to disturbances after prescribed fire. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.