Distribution,population dynamics and damage of Hessian fly,Mayetiola destructor (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in North Tunisia

A three years survey and monitoring studies (2013–2014–2015) were carried out through 4 regions of north Tunisia in order to follow the evolution of the distribution, the frequency of occurrence and damage caused by the Hessian fly Mayetiola destructor (Say) to bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf). Moreover, the effectiveness of resistance genes H3, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, H10, H11, H12, H13, H14, H15, H22, H23, H25 and H26 to protect wheat from Hessian fly attack was assessed in natural field and under controlled laboratory conditions at INRAT-Kef Station. Results showed that Hessian fly was detected in 60.33% and 51.5% of all sampled durum and bread wheat fields, respectively. This pest was more frequent with a higher percentage of infestation in semi-arid regions. Indeed, during 2013, infestation rate attained 12.39% in Kef region against 0.9% registered in Bizerte region. In order to update information about the annual number of generations, we surveyed the population dynamic of Hessian fly in Kef region. Three generations of the fly were counted annually on wheat, with two complete and one incomplete generation. This insect affects host plant growth at different developmental stages. Plant height was the most affected parameter followed by shoot dry weight and tiller number. Field investigations on host resistance revealed that among the 16 tested resistance genes, and only three were strictly effective (H22, H25 and H26). The resistance genes H5, H9, H13 and H9H13 have also conferred high levels of protection against Hessian fly. This work indicated that H22, H25 and H26 genes could be incorporated into Tunisian wheat varieties and released to farmers to manage the threat due to Hessian fly attacks.     

Improved yield,fruit quality,and salt resistance in tomato co-overexpressing LeNHX2 and SlSOS2 genes

The K⁺, Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter LeNHX2 and the regulatory kinase SlSOS2 are important determinants of salt tolerance in tomato plants and their fruit production ability. In this work, we have analyzed the effects of LeNHX2 and SlSOS2 co-overexpression on fruit production, quality in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. MicroTom), and analyzed physiological parameters related to salt tolerance. Plants overexpressing LeNHX2, SlSOS2 or both were grown in greenhouse. They were treated with 125 mM NaCl or left untreated and their salt tolerance was analyzed in terms of plant biomass and fruit yield. Under NaCl cultivation conditions, transgenic tomato plants overexpressing either SlSOS2 or LeNHX2 or both grew better and showed a higher biomass compared to their wild-type plants. Proline, glucose and protein content in leaves as well as pH and total soluble solid (TSS) in fruits were analyzed. Our results indicate that salinity tolerance of transgenic lines is associated with an increased proline, glucose and protein content in leaves of plants grown either with or without NaCl. Salt treatment significantly reduced yield, pH and TSS in fruits of WT plants but increased yield, pH and TSS in fruits of transgenic plants, especially those overexpressing both LeNHX2 and SlSOS2. All these results indicate that the co-overexpression of LeNHX2 and SlSOS2 improve yield and fruit quality of tomato grown under saline conditions.     

Pure choriocarcinoma of the testis presenting with jaundice: a case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men 15- to 35-years-old. The North American standard classification divides testicular cancers into germ cell tumors and non-germ cell tumors. The lymphatic spread of germ cell tumors usually involves the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. However, this spread to the retroperitoneum rarely involves the hepatic hilum. We describe an unusual case of metastatic choriocarcinoma of the testis that was clinically mimicked by a cholestatic jaundice. This is an unusual presentation of testicular cancer and, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of this kind in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old Moroccan man presented with a four-week history of progressive obstructive jaundice, and weight loss to our emergency department. Abdominal ultrasound showed a dilatation of the biliary ducts due to pathologically enlarged lymph nodes of the hepatic hilum. A complete clinical and radiologic assessment to discover the primary tumor was negative except for pulmonary metastasis. In the laboratory findings at admission there were signs of cholestasis with an abnormal increase in the rate of testicular tumor markers (serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 11,000IU/ml), which subsequently led to the suspicion of a testicular tumor. Further evaluation included testicular palpation and ultrasound which revealed a testicular nodule. The patient underwent an inguinal orchidectomy of the right testis and histopathological examination confirmed a pure choriocarcinoma. The prognosis was poor due to lymph node involvement at the hepatic hilum. He died one month later, despite general chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of the disease and the rarity of this entity are two remarkable characteristics described in this case report which are rarely reported in literature.     

New insights in late Miocene lower Chelif basin biostratigraphy based on planktonic foraminifera (Algeria)

Quantitative and qualitative analyses based on planktonic foraminifera of two sections (Oued Derdoussa and Djebel Meni) from lower Chelif basin (northern Algeria) enable us to identify for the first time a sequence of bioevents calibrated with the geomagnetic polarity time scale. The identified bioevents of late Miocene formations are useful for a high-resolution correlation in the whole western Mediterranean at local and regional scales. In particular, this work reveals that the sequence covers an interval of time that extends from the upper Tortonian up to the pre-evaporite Messinian period. Indeed, the base of the succession starts with a change in the coiling direction (from dextral to sinistral) of Neogloboquadrina acostaensis as the first bioevent. This later corresponds to the bioevent (1–8) assigned to the Tortonian sediments. This period is marked by the presence of Globorotalia menardii in sinistral coiled form that was substituted gradually with dextral coiled. The Tortonian/Messinian (T/M) boundary coincides to some extent with a sharp replacement of G. menardii group (I and II) with the first common occurrence (FCO) of Globorotalia miotumida plexus few meters below the development of the Tripoli diatomite formation (bioevent 9). This later is dominated mainly by highly convex species (G. miotumida plexus) marked by the presence of Globorotalia mediterranea in contrast with the marly formation at the base of the section. In this part, the recorded bioevents (10 to 17) are assigned to the Messinian sediments. Thus, the Tripoli formation shows the influx of Globorotalia nicolae and a small incursion of the dextrally coiled of Globorotalia scitula at the top of Oued Derdoussa section as a local bioevent that may be related to the local palaeoenvironment. We notice the absence of the change in the coiling from sinistral to dextral of N. acostaensis during the upper Messinian, this may be due to the coincidence of this bioevent with the barren levels.     

A bacterial inhibitor of animal protein kinases

Cellular extracts ofEscherichia coli severely impair the protein-phosphorylating activity in vitro of animal enzymes of both the casein-kinase type and the histone-kinase type. This blockade is due to a protein, probably dimeric, acting as a noncompetitive inhibitor, which has been purified to near-homogeneity from the soluble fraction of bacterial cells by chromatographic procedures.     

Insights into nitrogen fixing traits and population structure analyses in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) accessions grown in Ghana

Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants - With legumes, symbiotic N2 fixation can meet the species N demand and reduce the over-reliance on chemical fertilizers in tropical regions where N...