Media Awareness Preferences for Information on Sickle Cell Disorder Among University Students in Southwestern Nigeria

Sickle cell disorder (SCD) is a defective blood disorder that causes pain associated with blood genotypes of victims who risk dying before their 30th birthday. SCD is best controlled when victims avoid getting married to one another to prevent the spread of susceptible genotype. Many youths lack basic facts of SCD. For long, its awareness was limited to broadcast and print media. But today, social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp—are also used to create awareness on the disease. This study attempts to determine the preferred communication channels for creating awareness on SCD among university students in South-Western Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted. Respondents were 259 students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and University of Ibadan, both in South-West Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Social media awareness was 51.6%, and conventional media was 48.4%. Thus, more of the respondents preferred awareness on SCD through social media platforms.

QTL mapping for low temperature germination in rapeseed

Rapeseed, a major oil crop in the world, is easily affected by low-temperature stress. A low temperature delays seed germination and increases seedling mortality, adversely affecting rapeseed growth and production. In the present study, a tolerant cultivar (Huyou21) was crossed with a susceptible genotype (3429) to develop a mapping population consisting of 574 F2 progenies and elucidate the genetic mechanisms of seed germination under low temperatures. Two quantitative trait loci (QTL) for low-temperature germination (LTG) were detected, one on chromosome A09 (named qLTGA9-1) and the other on chromosome C01 (named qLTGC1-1), using the QTL-seq approach and confirmed via linkage analysis in the mapping population. Further, qLTGA9-1 was mapped to a 341.86 kb interval between the SSR markers Nys9A212 and Nys9A215. In this region, 69 genes including six specific genes with moderate or high effect function variants were identified based on the Ningyou7 genome sequence. Meanwhile, qLTGC1-1 was mapped onto a 1.31 Mb interval between SSR markers Nys1C96 and Nys1C117. In this region, 133 genes including five specific genes with moderate effect function variants were identified. These specific genes within the two QTL could be used for further studies on cold tolerance and as targets in rapeseed breeding programs.

The Melon Zym Locus Conferring Resistance to ZYMV: High Resolution Mapping and Candidate Gene Identification

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV; potyviridae) represents a major pathogen of Cucurbitaceae crops. ZYMV resistance in melon PI 414723 is conditioned by a dominant allele at the Zym locus. This resistant accession restricts viral spread and does not develop mosaic symptoms, but necrosis sometimes develops in response to inoculation. In previous studies, Zym has been mapped to linkage group II of the melon genetic map. In the present study, positional cloning of the locus was undertaken, starting from the CM-AG36 SSR marker at approximately 2 cm distance. We utilized five mapping populations that share the same resistant parent, PI 414723, and analyzed a total of 1630 offspring, to construct a high-resolution genetic map of the Zym locus. Two melon BAC libraries were used for chromosome walking and for developing new markers closer to the resistance gene by BAC-end sequencing. A BAC contig was constructed, and we identified a single BAC clone, from the ZYMV susceptible genotype MR-1, that physically encompasses the resistance gene. A second clone was isolated from another susceptible genotype, WMR 29, and the two clones were fully sequenced and annotated. Additional markers derived from the sequenced region delimited the region to 17.6 kb of a sequence that harbors a NAC-like transcription factor and, depending on the genotype, either two or three R-gene homologs with a CC-NBS-LRR structure. Mapping was confirmed by saturating the map with SNP markers using a single mapping population. The same region was amplified and sequenced also in the ZYMV resistant genotype PI 414723. Because numerous polymorphic sites were noted between genotypes, we could not associate resistance with a specific DNA polymorphism; however, this study enables molecular identification of Zym and paves the way to functional studies of this important locus.

Cation dynamics and growth morphology of aromatic rice under salt stress

Salinity is an abiotic stress which affects plant’s growth, morphology and cellular functions, and alters the ionic balance in the cytosol and vacuole in various crops. In the present investigation, salt stress was tested with three rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties/genotypes viz. Pokkali, Sunduri Samba, and Khasa with three levels of salinity (0, 6, and 9 dSm-1). In the investigation,growth, morphology, and ionic status in roots, stem, and leaf were observed under pot culture with three replicates in each treatment. The results of the experiment revealed that salt stress decreased in growth attributes namely, root dry matter, shoot dry matter, total dry matter and root: shoot ratio. Sunduri Samba showed higher values, but Khasa the lowest. Mineral ion content especially the cation in the plant tissue namely Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ differed significantly due to salt stress as well as the K+/ Na+ ratio decreased in root and shoot due to salinity. Sunduri Samba maintained quite higher K+/Na+ than the susceptible genotype. Due to salinity, different growth characteristics and K+ concentrations decreased but Na+ concentration increased. Here the tolerant genotype Sunduri Samba accumulated higher amounts of K+ than the susceptible genotype Khasa and altered the ionic ratios through distribution of Na+ ion in shoot. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.56(3), 207-214, 2021

Prevalence of minority Human Immunodeficiency virus multi-drug resistant mutations among patients failing a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor based regimen in Uganda

Objective To determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant variants among patients failing on a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) based regimen with a detectable viral load ≥ 1000 copies/ml among patients harboring HIV subtype A, C and D. Methods Samples were obtained from patients who were failing on an NRTI based regimen. Sanger based sequencing was performed as part of the standard of care. Mutation analysis was performed using the Stanford HIV drug Resistance database. A subset of these patient samples was further analyzed using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and analysis of the drug resistance mutations was performed at the 20% and 1% cut off Results Analysis of the Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) coding region revealed that the K101 and the Y181 mutations were more predominant among subtype C than subtype A and D. Although Thymidine analog mutations (TAMs) were prevalent in all subtypes, our analyses showed that these mutations occurred in significantly less proportions among subtype C infections when compared with the subtype A and D counterparts. Furthermore, the Q151M mutation complex which involves mutations in multiple domains was significantly more prominent among patients harboring subtype C variants. Analysis using NGS revealed that minority drug resistant mutations that confer multi-drug resistance (MDR) were present even in patients who exhibited a susceptible genotype based on the Sanger sequencing technique. Conclusion Although HIV-1 MDR variants occur in all subtypes, their predominance is subtype specific with TAMs being significantly more predominant among subtype A and D while the Q151M complex being significantly more predominant among patients harboring subtype C viruses. Even in patients with a susceptible genotype based on Sanger technology, minority variants are present and their evolution to full blown MDR occurs over time such that by the time they are detectable, cross resistance to other drugs has occurred in some cases.

Impacts of continued exposure to a susceptible host genotype on aggressiveness of Phytophthora nicotianae isolates adapted to multiple sources of partial resistance

Pathogen adaptation can threaten the durability of partial resistance. Mixed plantings of susceptible and partially resistant varieties may prolong the effectiveness of partial resistance, but little is known about how continued exposure to a susceptible genotype can change the aggressiveness of pathogen isolates adapted to a source of partial resistance. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of continued exposure to a highly susceptible tobacco genotype on isolates of P. nicotianae that had been adapted to partial resistance. Isolates of P. nicotianae previously adapted on two sources of partial resistance were continually exposed to either the original host of adaptation or a susceptible host. After six generations of host exposure, isolates obtained from the partially resistant and the susceptible hosts were compared for their aggressiveness on the resistant host and for differences in expression of genes associated with pathogenicity and aggressiveness. Results suggested exposure to the susceptible tobacco genotype reduced aggressiveness of isolates from partial resistance in K 326 Wz/--, but not of isolates from partial resistance from Fla 301. Quantification of pathogenicity-associated gene expression using qRT-PCR suggested the rapid change in aggressiveness of isolates adapted to Wz-sourced partial resistance may have resulted from modification in gene expression in multiple genes.

Influence of FKBP5 Variants and Childhood Trauma on Brain Volume in Non-clinical Individuals

The present study aimed to investigate the possible influence of childhood trauma and its interaction effect with 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5) gene on brain volume in non-clinical individuals. One hundred forty-four non-clinical volunteers (44 men and 100 women) were genotyped with respect to 10 variants (rs9296158, rs3800373, rs1360780, rs9470080, rs4713916, rs4713919, rs6902321, rs56311918, rs3798345, and rs9380528) of FKBP5. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and psychological assessments such as the childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, rumination response scale, and quality of life assessment instrument. Individuals with the high CTQ score showed enlarged volume of the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) if they have childhood trauma-susceptible genotype of FKBP5 rs3800373, rs1360780, rs4713916, rs4713919, rs6902321, and rs3798345 and enlarged volume of the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) if they have childhood trauma-susceptible genotype of FKBP5 rs3800373, rs1360780, rs4713916, and rs3798345. Among those with the childhood trauma-susceptible genotype, the left OFC and left MTG showed significant negative correlations with positive feelings about life, and the left OFC showed significant positive correlations with negative cognition. This is one of the few studies to identify the volume alteration of the left OFC and the left MTG for the FKBP5 gene–childhood trauma interaction in non-clinical individuals.

Network Analysis Combining Proteomics and Metabolomics Reveals New Insights Into Early Responses of Eucalyptus grandis During Rust Infection

Eucalyptus rust is caused by the biotrophic fungus, Austropuccinia psidii, which affects commercial plantations of Eucalyptus, a major raw material for the pulp and paper industry in Brazil. In this manuscript we aimed to uncover the molecular mechanisms involved in rust resistance and susceptibility in Eucalyptus grandis. Epifluorescence microscopy was used to follow the fungus development inside the leaves of two contrasting half-sibling genotypes (rust-resistance and rust-susceptible), and also determine the comparative time-course of changes in metabolites and proteins in plants inoculated with rust. Within 24 h of complete fungal invasion, the analysis of 709 metabolomic features showed the suppression of many metabolites 6 h after inoculation (hai) in the rust-resistant genotype, with responses being induced after 12 hai. In contrast, the rust-susceptible genotype displayed more induced metabolites from 0 to 18 hai time-points, but a strong suppression occurred at 24 hai. Multivariate analyses of genotypes and time points were used to select 16 differential metabolites mostly classified as phenylpropanoid-related compounds. Applying the Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), rust-resistant and rust-susceptible genotypes had, respectively, 871 and 852 proteins grouped into 5 and 6 modules, of which 5 and 4 of them were significantly correlated to the selected metabolites. Functional analyses revealed roles for photosynthesis and oxidative-dependent responses leading to temporal activity of metabolites and related enzymes after 12 hai in rust-resistance; while the initial over-accumulation of those molecules and suppression of supporting mechanisms at 12 hai caused a lack of progressive metabolite-enzyme responses after 12 hai in rust-susceptible genotype. This study provides some insights on how E. grandis plants are functionally modulated to integrate secondary metabolites and related enzymes from phenylpropanoid pathway and lead to temporal divergences of resistance and susceptibility responses to rust.

Media Awareness Preferences for Information on Sickle Cell Disorder Among University Students in Southwestern Nigeria

Sickle cell disorder (SCD) is a defective blood disorder that causes pain associated with blood genotypes of victims who risk dying before their 30th birthday. SCD is best controlled when victims avoid getting married to one another to prevent the spread of susceptible genotype. Many youths lack basic facts of SCD. For long, its awareness was limited to broadcast and print media. But today, social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp—are also used to create awareness on the disease. This study attempts to determine the preferred communication channels for creating awareness on SCD among university students in South-Western Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted. Respondents were 259 students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and University of Ibadan, both in South-West Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Social media awareness was 51.6%, and conventional media was 48.4%. Thus, more of the respondents preferred awareness on SCD through social media platforms.

Screening of sugarcane genotypes against Top Borer (Scirpophaga exerptalis Walker) infestation

Fourty sugarcane genotypes with different period of maturity were evaluated against top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis Walker) infestation under natural field condition during 2018 and 2019 at National Sugarcane Research Program, Jeetpur, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in alpha-lattice design under natural condition of infestation using Co 0238 as susceptible check. Based on the incidence, 26 genotypes were categorized as less susceptible, eleven genotypes were found moderately susceptible to S. excerptalis. However, among less susceptible genotypes lowest incidence of 3.11 percent was recorded in genotype CoS 8432. Whereas, highest incidence of 25.24 percent was recorded in highly susceptible genotype, CoSe 98255BD 24. Most of the cane genotypes were found low to moderately susceptible, having 5 to 20% incidence of the pest. Whereas, some of the varieties, namely CoH 160 (21.22%), CoSe 95255 BD 24 (25.24%) and BO 150 (22.02%) were found highly susceptible. The mechanism responsible for host plant resistance against top borer is not studied in this experimentation. The study in these aspects is to be conducted to explore the mechanisms of host plant resistance for using these resistant genotypes for breeding purpose.