Genetic sequence analysis of Arthrobotrys thaumasia DS01 (Monacrosporium thaumasium): A new report from North Sumatra, Indonesia

Exploration of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) has been conducted previously in urban area, the Medan city, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The survey reported a number of NTF species inhabiting soil samples of organic wastes and decaying litter. Upon finding a suitable NTF isolate as nematode biocontrol agent, species identification is currently carried out based on molecular evidences. One morphotype named isolate DS01 is suspected as member of Arthrobotrys based on morphological characteristics. Molecular sequencing on rDNA or ITS-DNA region has successfully been performed. The genetic sequence was analyzed with database retrieved in NCBI, revealing the identity of A. thaumasia/M. thamasium. Based on recent findings, this is the first report on indigenous strain of A. thaumasia from Indonesia.

Analyzing genetic diversity and correlation of statice (Limonium sinuatum L.) varieties in Lam Dong using RAPD-PCR technique

In this study, 12 varieties of statice (Limonium sinuatum L.) were collected from famous flower growing areas (Van Thanh, Thai Phien, Da Thien, Ha Dong and Trai Mat) in Lam Dong. Young foliage of flowering cultivars after 45 days of planting at the experimental site was collected for DNA extraction and genetic correlation analysis using RAPD with 13 random primers. Results showed that out of 145 RAPD bands, there were 133 polymorphic bands (91.72%) and 12 monomorphic bands (8.28%). Of which, the OPB-03 primer has the highest number of amplifiers, which is 17 bands (with 16 polymorphic bands); the genetic difference coefficients ranged from 0.30 to 0.90, mean 0.55. The results of the genetic sequence analysis using NTSYSpc 2.1 showed that 12 varieties of statice were divided into 4 groups: group I consisting of 3 varieties (rose pink, dark pink and pure magenta); Group II including 2 varieties (blue violet and new violet); Group III including 6 varieties (light pink, old violet, new white, old white, light yellow and light violet); Group IV consisting only 1 variety (cadimi yellow). This result is an important database in the conservation of statice genetic resources, as well as provides the necessary information to select mutant breeding of this species in the coming time.

Molecular Investigation of Canine Babesiosis in and Around Bhubaneswar, India

Canine babesiosis, a hemolytic protozoan disease represents an important veterinary problem caused primarily by large and small forms of piroplasms of Babesia spp. A molecular-based survey on the overall occurrence of natural Babesia infection in stray(n=98 ) and pet dogs(n=100) from Bhubaneswar and nearby areas using PCR technique targeting 18s RNA gene fragment along with genetic sequence analysis was carried out. A total of 38 (pet:22, stray:16) samples (19.19%) were found positive for babesiosis based on the amplification of 450 bp amplicon region of the gene while 4 samples (0.02%) showed co-infection with Hepatozoon canis. The sequenced PCR products were submitted to NCBI ,and on BLAST analysis the isolates with accession no KT246303, KT246306, KT246307 showing similarity with Babesia vogeli, while KT246305 was identical to B.gibsoni isolates and KT246304 was identical to Hepatozoon canis. This is the first report on the molecular diagnosis of canine babesiosis in the state. PCR assay was found to be more precise over microscopic diagnosis, the use of more specific and sensitive tests along with more samples could aid in a better understanding of the epidemiology of canine babesiosis in this region.

Genetic sequence analysis and characterization of bioactive compounds in mushroom-forming fungi

Mushroom-forming fungi produce unique bioactive compounds that have potential applications as medicines, supplements, and agrochemicals. Thus, it is necessary to clarify the biosynthetic pathways of these compounds using genome and transcriptome analyses. This review introduces some of our research on bioactive compounds isolated from mushrooms, as well as genetic analysis with next-generation sequencing.

Syntactic structure and geographical dialects in the songs of male rock hyraxes

Few mammalian species produce vocalizations that are as richly structured as bird songs, and this greatly restricts the capacity for information transfer. Syntactically complex mammalian vocalizations have been previously studied only in primates, cetaceans and bats. We provide evidence of complex syntactic vocalizations in a small social mammal: the rock hyrax ( Procavia capensis : Hyracoidea). We adopted three algorithms, commonly used in genetic sequence analysis and information theory, to examine the order of syllables in hyrax calls. Syntactic dialects exist, and the syntax of hyrax calls is significantly different between different regions in Israel. Call syntax difference is positively correlated to geographical distance over short distances. No correlation is found over long distances, which may reflect limited dispersal movement. These findings indicate that rich syntactic structure is more common in the vocalizations of mammalian taxa than previously thought and suggest the possibility of vocal production learning in the hyrax.