Comparison of storage proteins ofPhaseolus caracalla L. with the proteins of some other representatives of the genusPhaseolus

Storage proteins of the seeds (cotyledons) of the South-American speciesPhaseolus caracalla were compared by means of immunoelectrophoretic methods with other representatives of the genusPhaseolus. These proteins most resemble the proteins of the co-called tropical group (i.e. Ph. atropurpureus, Ph. geophilus, Ph. bracteatus, Ph. semierectus) and least the so-called American endemites (Ph. vulgaris, Ph. coccineus, Ph. acutifolius, Ph. lunatus), the main globulin of which is of a completely different specificity. The proteins ofPh. caracalla are less similar to the group of the so-called Asiatic species (Ph. aureus, Ph. calcaratus, Ph. angularis, Ph. aconitifolius, Ph. trilobus) including the analyzed representatives ofVigna sinensis; their main globulin is only partly similar to that ofPh. caracalla. Some considerations on the relationship ofPh. caracalla with the so-called tropical species is presented.     

Distribution of the protein “phaseolin“ in some representatives ofViciaceae

Using immunochemical methods the authors investigated the evolutionary taxonomic distribution of the reserve seed protein “phaseolin” in cultivars ofPhaseolus vulgaris, in a series of species ofPhaseolus, and in representatives of some additional genera ofViciaceae. “Phaseolin” is typical of the seed ofPhaseolus vulgaris L.: it was detected in all 658 investigated cultivars — and also in species related toPhaseolus vulgaris L.(Ph. vulgaris L. ssp.aborigineus Burk.,Ph. polyanthus Green,Ph. dumosus Macf.,Ph. coccineus L., and in an undescribed species from the group ofPh. vulgaris L. -Ph. coccineus L.). A protein immunochemically somewhat similar to ?phaseolin“ occurs inPh. acufifolius A. Gray. In all other taxa“phaseolin” is absent.     

New data on the morphology and ecology of Phaonia larvae with a description of the larva of Phaonia wahlbergi (Diptera, Muscidae)

The morphology and ecology of the larva and the puparium of Ph. wahlbergi Ringd. and the puparium of Ph. taigensis Zin. were studied for the first time. Additional data on the larvae of Ph. fugax Tiensuu and Ph. gobertii (Mik) are presented. The larvae differ in the structure of the prothoracic spiracles and anal plate. Keys to the larvae and the puparia of the studied species are given.     

Protein characters and relationship betweenPhaseolus vulgaris ssp.Aborigineus Burk. and related taxons of the genusPhaseolus

Both quantitative and qualitative immunochemical methods were used for studying the mutual relationships of several spocies and the subspecies of the genusPhaseolus: Ph. vulgaris L. ssp.vulgaris, Ph. vulgaris L. ssp.aborigineus Burk.,Ph. coccineus L.,Ph. acutifolius A. Gray,Ph. lunatus L. (American endemites) andPh. aureus L. (a typical Asian bean). Protein characters of cotyledons (i.e., ?storage” proteins) of the above species were compared with the aid of antisera prepared against seed (cotyledon) proteins ofPh. vulgaris L. ssp.vulgaris, cv. Veltruská Saxa, using

1. (a)
   the whole complex of cotyledon protein,     
   
   

Disparity in productive binding mode of the slow-reacting enantiomer determines the novel catalytic behavior of Candida antarctica lipase B

In the context of specifying the origin of enzyme enantioselectivity, the present study explores the lipase enantioselectivity towards secondary alcohols of similar structure from the perspective of substrate binding. By carrying out molecular mechanics minimization as well as molecular dynamics simulation on tetrahedral reaction intermediates which are used as a model of transition state, we identify an unconventional productive binding mode (PBM)—M/H permutation type for Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). The in silico results also indicate that different PBMs of the slow-reacting enantiomer do exist in one lipase even when there is little structural differences between substrates, e.g. compounds with Ph or CH₂CH₂Ph group display the M/H permutation type PBM while molecules with CH₂Ph show the M/L permutation type PBM. By relating the PBMs of substrates to the experimentally determined E-values obtained by Hoff et al. [16], we find that disparity in PBM of the slow-reacting enantiomer determines why E-values of substrates with CH₂Ph were lower than E-values of substrates with Ph or CH₂CH₂Ph group. The modeling results also suggest that the “pushed aside” effect of the F atom and Br atom accommodates the medium size substituent of the substrate better in the stereospecificity pocket of the enzyme.     

Morpho-ecological characteristics of the xylobiont larvae of the genus Phaonia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera, Muscidae) with a description of the larva of Ph. canescens Stein, 1916

The first data on the biology and morphology of the larva and puparium of Phaonia canescens Stein, with additional data on Ph. exoleta (Meig.) and Ph. cincta (Zett.), are given. Keys to the larvae and puparia of the three species studied are compiled.     

A review of the weevil subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metaphyllobius</Emphasis> Smirnov (Coleoptera,Curculionidae, Entiminae) from Eastern Europe and Siberia

A review of the subgenus Metaphyllobius Smirnov of the weevil genus Phyllobius Germ. is given. The name Ph. maculatus Tournier, 1880 is restored from synonymy with Ph. pomaceus fessus Boheman, 1843. A new synonymy is established: Ph. maculatus Tournier, 1880 (= jacobsoni Smirnov, 1913, syn. n.). Ph. fessus Boheman, 1843 is downgraded to a subspecies of Ph. pomaceus Gyllenhal, 1834—Ph. pomaceus fessus Boheman, 1843, stat. n. Data on the distribution and hosts of, and a key to European and Siberian species of the subgenus Metaphyllobius are given.     

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the Maghreb region: A systematic review of distribution,morphology, and role in the transmission of the pathogens

BackgroundPhlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are important vectors of various human and animal pathogens such as Bartonella bacilliformis, Phlebovirus, and parasitic protozoa of the genus Leishmania, causative agent of leishmaniases that account among most significant vector-borne diseases. The Maghreb countries Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya occupy a vast area of North Africa and belong to most affected regions by these diseases. Locally varying climatic and ecological conditions support diverse sand fly fauna that includes many proven or suspected vectors. The aim of this review is to summarize often fragmented information and to provide an updated list of sand fly species of the Maghreb region with illustration of species-specific morphological features and maps of their reported distribution.Materials and methodsThe literature search focused on scholar databases to review information on the sand fly species distribution and their role in the disease transmissions in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, surveying sources from the period between 1900 and 2020. Reported distribution of each species was collated using Google Earth, and distribution maps were drawn using ArcGIS software. Morphological illustrations were compiled from various published sources.Results and conclusionsIn total, 32 species of the genera Phlebotomus (Ph.) and Sergentomyia (Se.) were reported in the Maghreb region (15 from Libya, 18 from Tunisia, 23 from Morocco, 24 from Algeria, and 9 from Mauritania). Phlebotomus mariae and Se. africana subsp. asiatica were recorded only in Morocco, Ph. mascitti, Se. hirtus, and Se. tiberiadis only in Algeria, whereas Ph. duboscqi, Se. dubia, Se. africana africana, Se. lesleyae, Se. magna, and Se. freetownensis were reported only from Mauritania. Our review has updated and summarized the geographic distribution of 26 species reported so far in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, excluding Mauritania from a detailed analysis due to the unavailability of accurate distribution data. In addition, morphological differences important for species identification are summarized with particular attention to closely related species such as Ph. papatasi and Ph. bergeroti, Ph. chabaudi, and Ph. riouxi, and Se. christophersi and Se. clydei.     

Ecological notes on the species of Phacus Dujardin (Euglenophyta) from the central region of Portugal

Twenty-one species, belonging to the genus Phacus, were identified during the study of samples from the central region of Portugal collected in lentic systems. The abundance of each taxon was determined. Water samples were taken for determination, by means of standard methods, of physicochemical parameters (water temperature, pH, organic matter (K₂Cr₂O₇), conductivity, alkalinity, nitrogen as N(NH₄⁺), N(NO₂^–) and N(NO₃^–), orthophosphate P(PO₄^3–) and metals in a total of 35 parameters). Some species were found more frequently, namely Phacus agilis Skuja, Ph. aenigmaticus Drez., Ph. caudatus Hübn., Ph. gigas Da Cunha, Ph. triqueter (Ehr.) Duj., Ph. longicauda (Ehr.) Duj. and Ph. tortus (Lemm.) Skv. Eighteen taxa were found in the sampling sites characterized by the following variation intervals of the environmental parameters: water temperature: 11.4–21.6 °C; pH: 6.2–7.5; dichromate oxidability: 10–59 mg l^–1; conductivity: 145–779 μS cm^–1; nitrogen as NO₃^–: n.d.–2.852 mg l^–1; orthophosphate: n.d.–0.892 mg l^–1; chloride: 14.2–109.3 mg l^–1; sodium: 10.3–47.5 mg l^–1 and total iron: 135–6446 μg l^–1. In this work, information concerning the environmental conditions that preceded the occurrence of these species as well as results of the cytological and morphologic studies (with bright field microscopy as a resource) is presented and discussed.     

New and little-known crickets of the subfamily phalangopsinae (Orthoptera,Gryllidae). 9. The african genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaeophilacris</Emphasis>

The genus Phaeophilacris Walk. is divided into two subgenera: Phaeophilacris s. str. and Speluncacris Sjöst. The latter name, originally proposed as a generic one and synonymized with Phaeophilacris s. l., is restored as a subgeneric name. The former genera Opilionacris Sjöst. and Cavernacris Sjöst. previously synonymized with Phaeophilacris s. l. are considered as synonyms of the subgenus Speluncacris. Four new species (Ph. (S.) malawi sp. n., Ph. (S.) boldyrevi sp. n., Ph. (S.) dmitrievi sp. n., and Ph. (S.) gigantea sp. n.) and three new subspecies (Ph. (S.) bredoides mangochi subsp. n., Ph. (S.) bredoides mutinondo subsp. n., and Ph. (Ph.) townsendi aethiopica subsp. n.) of the genus Phaeophilacris are described.     

Dual effect of the wheat <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Ph1</Emphasis> locus on chromosome synapsis and crossover

Allopolyploids must possess a mechanism for facilitating synapsis and crossover (CO) between homologues, in preference to homoeologues (related chromosomes), to ensure successful meiosis. In hexaploid wheat, the Ph1 locus has a major effect on the control of these processes. Studying a wheat mutant lacking Ph1 provides an opportunity to explore the underlying mechanisms. Recently, it was proposed that Ph1 stabilises wheat during meiosis, both by promoting homologue synapsis during early meiosis and preventing MLH1 sites on synapsed homoeologues from becoming COs later in meiosis. Here, we explore these two effects and demonstrate firstly that whether or not Ph1 is present, synapsis between homoeologues does not take place during the telomere bouquet stage, with only homologous synapsis taking place during this stage. Furthermore, in wheat lacking Ph1, overall synapsis is delayed with respect to the telomere bouquet, with more synapsis occurring after the bouquet stage, when homoeologous synapsis is also possible. Secondly, we show that in the absence of Ph1, we can increase the number of MLH1 sites progressing to COs by altering environmental growing conditions; we show that higher nutrient levels in the soil or lower temperatures increase the level of both homologue and homoeologue COs. These observations suggest opportunities to improve the exploitation of the Ph1 wheat mutant in breeding programmes.     

Molecular detection of Leishmania infection in sand flies in border line of Iran–Turkmenistan: Restricted and permissive vectors

A molecular study was carried out to incriminate sand fly vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in rural areas of Sarakhs district, Khorassane-Razavi Province, northeastern Iran, in 2011. Sand flies of Sergentomyia with three species and Phlebotomus with six species respectively comprised 73.3% and 26.7% of the specimens. Phlebotomus papatasi was the most common Phlebotomine species in outdoor and indoor resting places. Leishmania infection was found at least in 17 (22%) specimens including Ph. papatasi (n = 9 pool samples), Phlebotomus caucasicus (n = 6), Phlebotomus alexandri (n = 1), and Sergentomyia sintoni (n = 1). The parasites were found comprised Leishmania major (n = 5), Leishmania turanica (n = 10), and Leishmania gerbilli (n = 4). Infection of Ph. papatasi with both L. major and L. turanica supporting the new suggestion indicating that it is not restricted only with L. major. Circulation of L. major by Ph. alexandri, and both L. gerbilli and L. turanica by Ph. caucasicus, in addition to previous data indicating the ability of Ph. alexandri to circulate Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani, and Ph. caucasicus to circulate L. major, suggests that these two species can be permissive vectors. The results suggest that Ph. papatasi and Ph. alexandri are the primary and secondary vectors of CL where circulating L. major between human and reservoirs, whereas Ph. caucasicus is circulating L. turanica and L. gerbilli between the rodents in the region.     

Flavonoids of Phlebodium

Flavonoid profiles do not appear to be of taxonomic value for supporting the documented hybrid nature of Phlebodium x dictyocallis from Ph. decumanum and Ph. aureum. Specimens examined accumulate 3-O-glycosides of the flavonols kaempferol and quercetin. O-Glycosidic moieties included: glucose, rhamnoglucose, arabinose, galactose and possibly the previously undocumented ribose.     

New records of some potential pest mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) in Japan

Four species of mealybugs, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes, Phenacoccus defectus, Ph. parvus, and Ph. solenopsis (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) are recorded for the first time from Japan in the Ry?ky? (Ryukyu) Archipelago, with brief biological notes. We discuss some features of these species compared with those of related species, D. brevipes and Ph. solani, and we consider their potential risks to Japanese agriculture and/or horticulture.     

A sheathing mycorrhiza between the tropical bolete Phlebopus spongiosus and Citrus maxima

Phlebopus (Ph.) spongiosus was recently described from several pomelo orchards (Citrus maxima) in southern Vietnam. This fungus was suspected to associate with pomelo plants as an ectomycorrhiza, although members of the genus Phlebopus have previously been presumed saprotrophic. To clarify this association, pomelo roots collected from the orchard (in situ roots), and those cultured with Ph. spongiosus (in vitro roots) in test tubes for 12 wk, were examined for ectomycorrhizal colonization. Both in vitro and in situ roots were analyzed for colonization using fungal LSU nuclear ribosomal DNA sequencing. The in situ roots exhibited the anatomical features of ectomycorrhizae: a thick fungal mantle, Hartig net, and extramatrical hyphae. The Hartig net, however, was very rare and showed discontinuous development. The in vitro association between Ph. spongiosus and C. maxima showed ectomycorrhiza-like structures, i.e., mantles and rhizomorphs in the plant roots, but no Hartig net development in the roots. Continuous hyphal penetration was restricted to the exodermis in both in situ and in vitro roots. Although the association between Ph. spongiosus and C. maxima could be considered ectomycorrhizal, its anatomy matches the unique feature known as sheathing mycorrhiza.     

Synthesis and structure of the lithium, zirconium and hafnium N-silyl-N′-benzyl-benzamidinates

The interaction of LiN(SiMe₃)CH₂Ph with one equivalent of benzenitrile gave the N-silyl-N′-benzyl-benzamidinato-lithium compound [{Me₃SiNC(Ph)N(CH₂Ph)}Li(Et₂O)]₂ (1). The derivative zirconium and hafnium compounds were produced by the treatment of 1 with ZrCl₄ or HfCl₄ in tetrahydrofuran or diethyl ether at ambient temperature, respectively, with the general formula [Me₃SiNC(Ph)N(CH₂Ph)]₃MCl (M = Zr (2), Hf (3)). Compounds 1, 2 and 3 were also characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction and NMR analysis.     

Exploiting the <Emphasis Type="Italic">ZIP4</Emphasis> homologue within the wheat <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ph1</Emphasis> locus has identified two lines exhibiting homoeologous crossover in wheat-wild relative hybrids

Despite possessing related ancestral genomes, hexaploid wheat behaves as a diploid during meiosis. The wheat Ph1 locus promotes accurate synapsis and crossover of homologous chromosomes. Interspecific hybrids between wheat and wild relatives are exploited by breeders to introgress important traits from wild relatives into wheat, although in hybrids between hexaploid wheat and wild relatives, which possess only homoeologues, crossovers do not take place during meiosis at metaphase I. However, in hybrids between Ph1 deletion mutants and wild relatives, crossovers do take place. A single Ph1 deletion (ph1b) mutant has been exploited for the last 40 years for this activity. We show here that chemically induced mutant lines, selected for a mutation in TaZIP4-B2 within the Ph1 locus, exhibit high levels of homoeologous crossovers when crossed with wild relatives. Tazip4-B2 mutant lines may be more stable over multiple generations, as multivalents causing accumulation of chromosome translocations are less frequent. Exploitation of such Tazip4-B2 mutants, rather than mutants with whole Ph1 locus deletions, may therefore improve introgression of wild relative chromosome segments into wheat.     

Enzyme inhibitor modeling with TpZn complexes of functional hydroxamates and oximates

Salicylhydroxamic acid reacts with the enzyme model Tp^Ph,MeZn-OH to form the O,O-chelating hydroxamate complex 1. The hydrogen bonding capacity of zinc enzyme bound hydroxamates is reproduced by cocrystallization of two molecules if 1 with two molecules of methanol and by cocrystallization of one molecule of Tp^Ph,MeZn-acetohydroxamate with one molecule of 3-phenyl-5-methylpyrazole. The complex formed from Tp^Ph,MeZn-OH and N-tosylproline hydroxamic acid, according to its spectra, contains the hydroxamate as an N,N-chelating ligand. In contrast, the oximate derived from pyruvic aldehyde does not act as a chelating ligand, but is monodentate via the oximate oxygen.