Impact of the erineum strain of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Colomerus vitis</Emphasis> (Acari: Eriophyidae) on the development of plants of grapevine cultivars of Iran

The present experiment was aimed at determining the influence of the grape erineum strain of Colomerus vitis (GEM) (Acari: Eriophyidae) on responses of local grapevine cultivars. GEM was applied at five density levels to each of five cultivars, i.e. Shahani, Sahebi Uroomie, Khalili Bovanat, Rishbaba and Sezdang Ghalat (listed from early to late grape ripening). The experiment was performed in a full factorial design (12 replicates each) and effects of the mite on the relative content of leaf chlorophyll, internode and cane length, leaf area and weight, number and size of the erinea, and percentage of leaves with erinea were investigated. Also mite density on leaves and in buds was assessed. Data were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test to separate means among treatment levels and cultivars. The relative content of chlorophyll (expressed in Spad units) in infested leaves was reduced along with an increase in mite density and it was shown to be highly significant at the two higher mite density levels for Khalili Bovanat, Rishbaba and Sezdang Ghalat; Shahani and Sahebi Uroomie leaves appeared to be less affected by mite infestation. The highest mite density treatment displayed a strong correlation with weight (positive correlation) and size (negative correlation) of the leaves of four cultivars; leaves of Sahebi Uroomie appeared to be less affected. The reduced internode length was weak in infested plants. Most infested plants produced shorter canes and their lengths appeared to have a strong negative correlation with the highest mite density in four cultivars; canes of Sahebi Uroomie did not appear affected. At the highest mite density, canes of Khalili Bovanat and Sahebi Uroomie displayed the most and the least shortening effects, respectively. The percentage of leaves with erinea, as well as the number of erinea per leaves and the diameter of erinea increased along with the mite population density. The mite densities in buds (April 2014) and on leaves with erinea (in November 2013) were higher at the highest treatment level in the medium-late (Rishbaba) and late ripening (Sezdang Ghalat) cultivars, than in the early and early-medium ripening ones. Almost all data collected in the current experiment allowed the conclusion that Sahebi Uroomie and Shahani were less affected than the other cultivars (Khalili Bovanat, Rishbaba and Sezdang Ghalat).     

Mycelium of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from different genera: form, function and detection

It is often assumed that all species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have the same function because of the ubiquity of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and the fact that all AMF occupy the same plant/soil niche. Despite apparent differences in the timing of evolutionary divergence and the morphological characteristics of AMF from the different genera, the majority of studies on these fungi use only species of Glomus. There is increasing evidence, however, that the mechanisms involved in the establishment of a mycorrhiza may differ for species and genera of AMF and influence their subsequent function. The aim of this paper is to highlight the diversity in the form and function of AMF from different genera, knowledge of which is vital in understanding their ecological roles. Potential use of biochemical and molecular approaches to detect AMF in planta and ex planta is also discussed. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A critical review of the use of Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) as a biomarker of acute or chronic pulmonary effects

Biomarkers associated with asthma aetiology and exacerbation have been sought to shed light on this multifactorial disease. One candidate is the serum concentration of the Clara cell secretory protein (CC16, sometimes referred to as CC10 or uteroglobin). In this review, we examine serum CC16's relation to asthma aetiology and exacerbation. There is evidence that acute exposures to certain pulmonary irritants can cause a transient increase in serum CC16 levels, and limited evidence also suggests that a transient increase in serum CC16 levels can be caused by a localized pulmonary inflammation. Research also indicates that a transient increase in serum CC16 is not associated with measurable pulmonary damage or impairment of pulmonary function. The biological interpretation of chronic changes in serum CC16 is less clear. Changes in serum CC16 concentrations (either transient or chronic) are not specific to any one agent, disease state, or aetiology. This lack of specificity limits the use of serum CC16 as a biomarker of specific exposures. To date, many of the critical issues that must be understood before serum CC16 levels can have an application as a biomarker of effect or exposure have not been adequately addressed.     

Sargassum-associated gastropod and amphipod assemblages in relation to metal pollution in a semi-enclosed bay

Aquatic Ecology - Anthropogenic impacts cause habitat losses and reduce biodiversity in marine coastal habitats. Coastal macroalgae beds and their associate invertebrates are highly susceptible to...     

Resistance of grapevine to the erineum strain of Colomerus vitis (Acari: Eriophyidae) in western Iran and its correlation with plant features

The interaction of grape erineum mite (GEM), Colomerus vitis Pagenstecher (Acari: Eriophyidae), with grape was investigated in the laboratory. We studied some plant morphological biochemical features potentially related to vine resistance/tolerance of eight native grapevine cultivars, extensively cultivated in western Iran, and two non-native cultivars. Free-choice experiments indicated that the cultivars Shahani, Flame seedless and Yaghuti were colonized by lower levels of GEM, whereas Muscat Gordo, Gazne and White Thompson seedless hosted denser populations. These differences between cultivars may be due to differential attractiveness to GEM, possibly associated with plant biochemical and morphological traits. In no-choice assays with six grapevine cultivars, mite population development and some cultivar features were assessed. Mite populations grew fastest on Gazne and Muscat Gordo, and slowest on Yaghuti and Shahani. The degree of mite infestation was associated with reduction of leaf area, increase of leaf weight, shortening of shoots and more numerous erinea: these features were larger on the most infested Gazne, whereas morphological features of Shahani and Yaghuti were scarcely affected by GEM infestation. Also trichome type and density of the assayed cultivars appeared to be related to mite density: the most infested cultivars (Gazne and Muscat Gordo) displayed higher ranks of blade and vein hairs and lower ranks of blade and vein bristles and domatia. No correlation was found between mite density and leaf thickness of mature leaves. The amount of leaf waxes was highest in Shahani and Yaghuti, which displayed the lowest mite density, the fewest erinea and the largest leaves. Carbohydrate amount of uninfested leaves was lowest on the least infested Shahani and highest on the most infested Gazne; phenols increased in leaves of Shahani and decreased in those of Gazne after mite infestation. Finally, cultivars also appeared to influence some morphological traits of the mites: larger specimens were detected on White Thompson seedless, Flame seedless and Gazne, whereas smaller mites were found on leaves of the less infested Yaghuti and Shahani. These results indicate that leaf hairiness, leaf wax and carbohydrate contents may be useful tools for a preliminary screening among vine cultivars and help predict resistance/tolerance to GEM. Shahani and Yaghuti seem quite promising for developing grape resistance programs against GEM in western Iran.     

In vitro Osteogenic impulse effect of Dexamethasone on periodontal ligament stem cells

Periodontium is a complex organ composed of mineralized epithelial and connective tissue. Dexamethasone could stimulate proliferation of osteoblast and fibroblasts. This study aimed to assess the osteogenic effect of dexamethasone on periodental ligament (PDL) stem cells. PDL stem cells were collected from periodontal ligament tissue of root of extracted premolar of young and healthy people. The stem cells were cultured in α-MEM Medium in three groups, one group with basic medium contains (α- MEM and FBS 10 % and 50 mmol of β_ gelisrophosphat and L_ ascorbic acid µg/ml), the second group: basic medium with dexamethasone and the third one: basic medium without any osteogenic stimulant. Mineralization of cellular layer was analyzed with Alizarin red stain method. Osteogenic analysis was done by Alkaline phosphates and calcium test. These analysis indicated that the amount of intra-cellular calcium and alkaline phosphates in the Dexamethasone group was far more than the control and basic group (P<0.05). The results of Alizarin red stain indicated more mineralization of cultured cells in Dexamethasone group (P<0.05). The study results showed that Dexamethasone has significant osteogenic effect on PDL stem cells and further studies are recommended to evaluate its effect on treatment of bone disorders.     

HIV/AIDS Related Stigma and Discrimination against PLWHA in Nigerian Population

Background

HIV/AIDS remain a major public health concern in Nigeria. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face not only personal medical problems but also social problems associated with the disease such as stigma and discriminatory attitudes. This study provides an insight into HIV/AIDS related stigma and discrimination against PLWHA in Nigeria.

Methods

The data for this study was extracted from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the National Population Commission. All men and women aged 15–49 years, permanent residents and visitors of the households were eligible for the interview. Several questionnaires were used in the survey, some covering questions on HIV/AIDS.

Results

A total of 56 307 men and women aged 15–49 years participated in this national survey. About half of the population in Nigeria have HIV stigma. Younger persons, men, those without formal education and those within poor wealth index are more likely to have stigma towards PLWHA. In addition, married people are more likely to have stigma on PLWHA and are more likely to blame PLWHA for bringing the disease to the community. Also about half of the population discriminates against PLWHA. However, those with higher levels of education and those from higher wealth index seem to be more compassionate towards PLWHA. About 70% in the population are willing to care for relative with AIDS, even more so among those with higher level of education.

Conclusion

There is a high level of HIV stigma and discrimination against PLWHA in the Nigerian population. Education seems to play a major role in the society with respect to HIV stigma and discrimination against PLWHA. Educating the population with factual information on HIV/AIDS is needed to reduce stigma and discrimination towards PLWHA in the community.