A physical and genetic linkage map of the distal long arm of human chromosome 5.

By in situ hybridization of probes for three cloned genes and eight genetically-linked polymorphic DNA markers, we have prepared a physical map of the distal long arm of chromosome 5. These results, together with the localizations of 11 genes and the genetic linkage map reported previously by us and by other investigators, represent a map that spans 55 cM.     

Nanobiotechnology in combating CoVid-19

Emergence of novel pandemic viral disease CoVid-19 and its mutational behaviour are alarming. The potential use of nano-biotechnology in combating CoVid-19 is promising. We glean available data to explore such possibility in this short note.     

Data on known anti-virals in combating CoVid-19

Design and development of effective anti-virals in combating CoVid-19 is a great challenge worldwide. Known drugs such as chloroquine, lopinavir, favipiravir and remdesivir are used in the management of CoVid - 19. It is known that Ivermectin and remdesivir both are effective against filoviruses, paramyxo viruses. Available data also shows that ivermectin and remedesivir repress the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, we document the potential use of ivermectin and remdesivir in the management of CoVid -19.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal morphology in crops and associated weeds in tropical agro-ecosystems

Morphological types of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) in crops and associated weeds were examined in agro-ecosystems. In total, 48 plant species (8 crops and 40 weeds) belonging to 43 genera in 18 families were examined. The number of plant species with Arum-type AM was higher than those with Paris-type AM in the examined plants. AM association was absent in 6 weeds, and the average colonization rate was 62.64% in crops and 52.92% in weeds. AM morphology has been reported in 2 crops and 21 weeds for the first time. The influence of plant identity on AM morphology was also analyzed by arranging the examined plants in a current plant phylogenetic scheme. This analysis showed there was a lack of relationship between plant classification and AM morphological type. Actually, the colonization types were not distinguished at the plant family level, but were mostly distinguished at the species level.     

Detection of mycoplasma contamination in tissue cultures by fluorescence microscopy

Summary The in situ staining method of Chen (1977) for the detection of mycoplasma contaminants in tissue cultures was tested in cultures of human skin fibroblasts after controlled contamination with Mycoplasma arginini. It is concluded that this method is reliable only at infection rates of 100% or higher, i.e., at one mycoplasma or more per tissue-culture cell.