Isolation and characteristics of eight novel polymorphic microsatellite loci from the genome of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Here we characterized eight novel polymorphic SSR markers, developed from an enriched genomic library of garlic (Allium sativum L.). These SSRs produced a total of 64 alleles across 90 garlic accessions, with an average of 8 alleles per locus. Values for observed (H_O) and expected (H_E) heterozygosity ranged from 0.16 to 0.77 (mean = 0.44) and from 0.22 to 0.86 (mean = 0.65), respectively. Six loci deviated significantly (P < 0.05) from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The averages of gene diversity and PIC values were 0.65 and 0.62, respectively. The mean genetic similarity coefficient was 0.4380, indicating that among garlic accessions existed wide genetic variation. Based on 64 alleles obtained by 8 SSRs, a phenogram was constructed to understand the relationships among the 90 accessions. These newly developed SSRs should prove very useful tools for genotypes identification, assessment of genetic diversity and population structure in garlic.     

Rare β-Resorcylic Acid Derivatives from a Halophyte-Associated Fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides JS0419 and Their Antifungal Activities

Six new β-resorcylic acid derivatives (1–5 and 7) were isolated from a halophyte-associated fungus, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides JS0419, together with four previously reported β-resorcylic acid lactones (RALs). The relative and absolute stereochemistry of 1 was completely established by a combination of spectroscopic data and chemical reactions. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by analysis of HRMS and NMR data. Notably, compounds 1–3 had a β-resorcylic acid harboring a long unesterified aliphatic side chain, whereas the long aliphatic chains were esterified to form macrolactones in 4–9. Among the isolated compounds, monocillin I and radicicol showed potent antifungal activities against Cryptococcus neoformans, comparable to clinically available antifungal agents and radicicol showed weak antifungal activity against Candida albicans. These findings provide insight into the chemical diversity of fungal RAL-type compounds and their pharmacological potential.     

Canine brucellosis--a case report

Brucella (B.) canis was isolated from ejaculate of a 4-year old Korthals-Griffon male dog after occurrence of epididymitis and orchitis. Despite several trials of therapy with different antibiotics relapes occurred, with B. canis being isolated from ejaculate, blood and urine samples, respectively. Bacteriological examinations were added by serological testing over a period of about 1.5 years. During the study SAT serum titre steadily dropped from 1:200 to 1:50. By CFT, B. canis antibodies were detectable at the beginning with a titre of 1:320 and to the end of the study with titres between 1:80 and 1:160.     

Validation of the Fluorescence Polarisation Assay (FPA) for the serological diagnosis of brucellosis

In order to evaluate suitability of Fluorescence Polarisation Assay (FPA) for serological Brucella diagnostic, 1739 samples of sera from cattle, pigs, sheep and goats (65 Brucella-positive, 960-negative and 714 false-positive sera) were investigated at a dilution of 1:10. The cut-off was adjusted by means of ROC analysis. Furthermore, the serum samples were examined for Brucella antibodies using SAT, CFT and ELISA and the results were evaluated regarding sensitivity and specificity. FPA, SAT, CFT and ELISA attained a sensitivity of 92.3, 98.5, 84.6 and 86.2%. In comparison, specificity varied with 87.8, 72.6, 92.5 and 85.8%, respectively. Accordingly, FPA is a suitable test for serodiagnosis of brucellosis.     

Experimental assessment of the contribution of plant root respiration to the emission of carbon dioxide from the soil

The contributions of root and microbial respiration to the total emission of CO₂ from the surface of gray forest and soddy-podzolic soils were compared under laboratory and field conditions for the purpose of optimizing the field version of the substrate-induced respiration method. The magnification coefficients of respiration upon the addition of saccharose (k _mic) were first determined under conditions maximally similar to the natural conditions. For this purpose, soil cleared from roots was put into nylon nets with a mesh size of 40 μm to prevent the penetration of roots into the nets. The nets with soil were left in the field for 7–10 days for the compaction of soil and the stabilization of microbial activity under natural conditions. Then, the values of k _mic were determined in the root-free soil under field conditions or in the laboratory at the same temperature and water content. The contribution of root respiration as determined by the laboratory version of the substrate-induced respiration method (7–36%) was lower compared to two field versions of the method (27–60%). Root respiration varied in the range of 24–60% of the total CO₂ emission from the soil surface in meadow ecosystems and in the range of 7–56% in forest ecosystems depending on the method and soil type.     

Study of Photo and Thermoluminescence Properties to Identify Irradiated Dried-Fishery Products

ABSTRACT

Radiation-specific luminescence properties in irradiated dried-fishery products (pollack, little pollack, clams, and shrimp) were investigated at different dose levels (0–10 kGy). Photostimulated luminescence (PSL) analysis of whole samples was effective for dried clams and shrimp, while low PSL sensitivity was observed in dried pollack and little pollack. Thermoluminescence (TL) analysis was conducted after isolation of silicate minerals, in which the two methods of mineral isolation—density separation and acid hydrolysis—were compared. Irradiated samples were easily distinguishable through the strong TL glow curves, with maximum peaks in temperature range of 150–250°C. TL ratios (TL₁/TL₂) were < 0.1 for nonirradiated samples, while > 0.1 for irradiated. There was a clear effect of applied irradiation dose, with a negligible effect of the method used for mineral separation. The mineral composition showed that feldspar and quartz minerals were mainly responsible for the well-characterized luminescence behavior upon irradiation.