Development and evaluation of near-isogenic lines for major blast resistance gene(s) in Basmati rice

A set of NILs carrying major blast resistance genes in a Basmati rice variety has been developed. Also, the efficacy of pyramids over monogenic NILs against rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae has been demonstrated. Productivity and quality of Basmati rice is severely affected by rice blast disease. Major genes and QTLs conferring resistance to blast have been reported only in non-Basmati rice germplasm. Here, we report incorporation of seven blast resistance genes from the donor lines DHMASQ164-2a (Pi54, Pi1, Pita), IRBLz5-CA (Pi2), IRBLb-B (Pib), IRBL5-M (Pi5) and IRBL9-W (Pi9) into the genetic background of an elite Basmati rice variety Pusa Basmati 1 (PB1). A total of 36 near-isogenic lines (NILs) comprising of 14 monogenic, 16 two-gene pyramids and six three-gene pyramids were developed through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). Foreground, recombinant and background selection was used to identify the plants with target gene(s), minimize the linkage drag and increase the recurrent parent genome (RPG) recovery (93.5-98.6 %), respectively, in the NILs. Comparative analysis performed using 50,051 SNPs and 500 SSR markers revealed that the SNPs provided better insight into the RPG recovery. Most of the monogenic NILs showed comparable performance in yield and quality, concomitantly, Pusa1637-18-7-6-20 (Pi9), was significantly superior in yield and stable across four different environments as compared to recurrent parent (RP) PB1. Further, among the pyramids, Pusa1930-12-6 (Pi2+Pi5) showed significantly higher yield and Pusa1633-7-8-53-6-8 (Pi54+Pi1+Pita) was superior in cooking quality as compared to RP PB1. The NILs carrying gene Pi9 were found to be the most effective against the concoction of virulent races predominant in the hotspot locations for blast disease. Conversely, when analyzed under artificial inoculation, three-gene pyramids expressed enhanced resistance as compared to the two-gene and monogenic NILs.

Synthesis, spectral characterization, thermal behaviour, antibacterial activity and DFT calculation on N'-[bis(methylsulfanyl) methylene]-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide and N'-(4-methoxy benzoyl)-hydrazinecarbodithioic acid ethyl ester

Two new compounds N'-[bis(methylsulfanyl) methylene]-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide {Hbmshb (1)} and N'-(4-methoxy benzoyl)-hydrazinecarbodithioic acid ethyl ester {H2mbhce (2)} have been synthesized and characterized with the aid of elemental analyses, IR, NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in orthorhombic and monoclinic systems with space group Pna21 and P21/n, respectively. Inter and intra molecular hydrogen bonding link two molecules and provide linear chain structure. In addition to this, compound 2 is stabilized by CH⋯π and NH⋯π interactions. Molecular geometry from X-ray analysis, geometry optimization, charge distribution, bond analysis, frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis and non-linear optical (NLO) effects have been performed using the density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional. The bioefficacy of compounds has been examined against the growth of bacteria to evaluate their anti-microbial potential. Compounds 1 and 2 are thermally stable and show NLO behaviour better than the urea crystal.

Assessment of risk factors associated with prevalence of strongyle infection in equines from Central Plain Zone, Punjab

A total of 311 equine faecal samples (190 horses and 121 mules) collected from six districts of Central Plain Zone, Punjab were examined using standard coprological methods. The results showed an overall prevalence of 27.33 % for strongyles with rare to mild type of infection as evident from egg per gram of faeces. In particular, amongst the examined samples, 17.90 % of horses and 42.14 % of mules were infected and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Identification of the faecal culture harvested larval stages, showed 56 % and 46 % of horses and mules, respectively, positive for small strongyles (Cyathostomes). Amongst the large strongyles, highest proportion was recorded for Strongylus vulgaris whereas, S. equinus was found in least proportion. Results indicated that the various risk factors viz. area, season, age and sex of the host had no significant effect on prevalence of strongyle infection in equines.

Assessment of risk factors associated with prevalence of coccidiosis in dairy animals of Punjab

A total of 2089 faecal samples (956 buffaloes and 1133 cattle) were collected from 21 districts of five major agro-climatic zones of Punjab during April, 2013-May, 2014. An overall prevalence rate of 32.17 % (672/2089) was recorded for coccidiosis in dairy animals with a significantly higher (P < 0.01) infection rate in buffaloes (35.46 %) in comparison to cattle (29.39 %). Quantitative analysis revealed oocyst per gram of faeces ranging from 200 to 10,000 (1083.72 ± 227.20) and 100 to 2400 (748.72 ± 81.38), in cattle and buffalo populations, respectively. The results of multivariate analysis showed that prevalence of coccidiosis in cattle population was associated with various risk factors viz. districts (P = 0.000; OR 2.749; 95 % CI 1.238-6.107), agro-climatic zones (P = 0.004; OR 2.707; 95 % CI 1.707-4.293) and seasons (P = 0.000; OR 1.106; 95 % CI 0.811-1.509). Similarly, in buffalo population an association with districts (P = 0.000; OR 2.163; 95 % CI 0.702-6.668), agro-climatic zones (P = 0.000; OR 1.237; 95 % CI 0.673-2.277) and seasons (P = 0.100; OR 1.382; 95 % CI 1.003-1.903) was recorded. The findings of the current study would provide a basis for evolving effective control strategy for the management of coccidiosis in dairy animals of the region.

Band Gap Tailoring of TiO2 Nanowires by Nitrogen Doping Under N2/Ar Plasma Environment

Glancing angle deposited TiO2 nanowires (NWs) were doped with nitrogen (N) using plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition technique, under the treatment of N2/Ar plasma. A red shift (- 0.51 eV) in the main band transition and oxygen defect related transition (-2.1 eV) was observed for the N doped TiO2 nanowires. The interstitial nitrogen introduces mid-gap levels N (2P) above the O (2P) in the TiO2 forbidden gap. The photoluminescence measurement revealed a small red shift of -7 nm of anatase band gap from N doped TiO2 nanowires due to radiative recombination of carriers from conduction band to the N (2P) trap state. The low frequency Raman peaks at 304 cm(-1) (acoustical phonons with LA mode), 618 cm(-1) (optical phonons with LO modes) and the high frequency peak at 832 cm(-1) was observed from Ti-O-N due to the partial replacement of oxygen molecules by nitrogen into TiO2, during the doping process.

Physiological, anatomical and transcriptional alterations in a rice mutant leading to enhanced water stress tolerance

Water stress is one of the most severe constraints to crop productivity. Plants display a variety of physiological and biochemical responses both at the cellular and whole organism level upon sensing water stress. Leaf rolling, stomatal closure, deeper root penetration, higher relative water content (RWC) and better osmotic adjustment are some of the mechanisms that plants employ to overcome water stress. In the current study, we report a mutant, enhanced water stress tolerant1 (ewst1) with enhanced water stress tolerance, identified from the ethyl methanesulfonate-induced mutant population of rice variety Nagina22 by field screening followed by withdrawal of irrigation in pots and hydroponics (PEG 6000). Though ewst1 was morphologically similar to the wild type (WT) for 35 of the 38 morphological descriptors (except chalky endosperm/expression of white core, decorticated grain colour and grain weight), it showed enhanced germination in polyethylene glycol-infused medium. It exhibited increase in maximum root length without any significant changes in its root weight, root volume and total root number on crown when compared with the WT under stress in PVC tube experiment. It also showed better performance for various physiological parameters such as RWC, cell membrane stability and chlorophyll concentration upon water stress in a pot experiment. Root anatomy and stomatal microscopic studies revealed changes in the number of xylem and phloem cells, size of central meta-xylem and number of closed stomata in ewst1. Comparative genome-wide transcriptome analysis identified genes related to exocytosis, secondary metabolites, tryptophan biosynthesis, protein phosphorylation and other signalling pathways to be playing a role in enhanced response to water stress in ewst1. The possible involvement of a candidate gene with respect to the observed morpho-physiological and transcriptional changes and its role in stress tolerance are discussed. The mutant identified and characterized in this study will be useful for further dissection of water stress tolerance in rice.

Evaluation of body growth and immunity-related differentially expressed genes through deep RNA sequencing in the piglets of Jeju native pig and Berkshire

This study was carried out with the objective to investigate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Jeju native pig (JNP) and Berkshire piglets. The RNA-Seq technique was used to investigate the transcriptomes in the fat, liver and longissimus dorsi muscle from these two breeds. Paired-end reads of the sequences that passed the quality filters were aligned to the Sus scrofa genome using tophat2 (v2.0.2). In this study, 65% of muscle, 20% of fat and 54% of liver genes showed higher expression in the piglets of JNP than in Berkshire. Gene Ontology and signaling pathways showed that immune response and lipid metabolisms were commonly enriched pathways in all three tissues. It was found that the genes pertaining to body growth and immune system are significantly (P < 0.01) more highly expressed in Berkshire piglets. DEGs explored between the piglets of the two breeds might influence the identification of the genetic markers for further breed improvement programs. Our findings provide a new perspective for understanding and identifying candidate genes that are involved in various biological functions. Moreover, transcriptome analysis makes it easier to understand the differences between genetic mechanisms of breeds.

Acaricidal activity of ethanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium against Hyalomma anatolicum ticks

The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium in comparison to amitraz on adults, eggs and larvae of Hyalomma anatolicum using the adult immersion test (AIT), egg hatchability test and larval packet test (LPT), respectively. Four concentrations of the extract (2.5, 5, 10 and 20%) with three replications for each concentration were used in all the bioassays. In AIT, the mortality rates at 2.5, 5 and 10% were significantly different (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group; however, at 20%, it was similar to the positive control group. Maximum mortality of 86.7% was recorded at 20%. The LC50 and LC95 values were calculated as 6.51 and 55.43%, respectively. The oviposition was reduced significantly by 36.8 and 59.1% at concentrations of 10 and 20%, respectively. Egg hatchability was reduced significantly at all concentrations (2.5-20%) in comparison to the control. In LPT, the extract caused 100% mortality of larvae at all the concentrations after 24 h. The results show that ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of A. absinthium has acaricidal properties and could be useful in controlling H. anatolicum.

Vibrational and quantum chemical investigation of cyclization of thiosemicarbazide group in 1-benzoyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide

1-Benzoyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (H3bpt) was treated with acid - base in one sequence and base - acid in other sequence, both of which lead to ring formation of thiosemicarbazide group, giving N-phenyl-5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine (Hppta) in the first case and 4,5-diphenyl-2,4-dihydro-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione (Hdptt) in the second case. The primary (H3bpt) as well as the resulting compounds (Hppta & Hdptt) has been characterized by elemental analyses, NMR, FTIR and Raman spectroscopic techniques. The quantum chemical calculations of the compounds are performed using DFT/B3LYP/6311G(d,p) method for geometry optimizations and also for prediction of the molecular properties. The cyclization is confirmed by disappearance of many bands belonging to the open chain subgroups of H3bpt such as; NH stretching, NH bending, CN stretching, NH puckering, CO stretching etc. The ring formation of 1-benzoyl-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide (H3bpt) has been further confirmed by the appearance of many bands belonging to the closed ring of thiosemicarbazide in the resulting compounds Hppta and Hdptt.

TiO2 embedded Si nanowire network based Schottky detector for enlarged light detection

The Si nanowire (NW) network was fabricated on the Si substrate with the help of glancing angle synthesized Ag NPs assisted etching technique. The horizontal Si NWs network was characterized by field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy which shows the formation of long Si NWs of diameter within the range of 110-180 nm. The TiO2 thin film (TF) was deposited on the Si NWs, which shows -2.5 times enlarged optical absorption than that of bare Si substrate. Ag-TiO2 contacts exhibit Schottky behaviour and higher photoconduction was observed for TiO2-Si NW detector than that of TiO2 TF under illumination. The dark currents of TiO2 TF and TiO2-Si NW devices were exerted to be 0.1 mA/cm2 and 0.2 mA/cm2 at +1 V, which increased to 0.2 mA/cm2 and 1.23 mA/cm2, respectively, under the illumination of 100 W filament bulb. A threefold enhanced photodetection for the Si NW device was observed compared to the TiO2 TF device. The nonlinear rise of photocurrent of 2 x 10(-2) mA/cm2, after 5 min light illumination was observed due to carrier diffusion effect.

Coprological investigation on neonatal bovine cryptosporidiosis in Ludhiana, Punjab

An overall prevalence of 38.90 % was recorded for bovine cryptosporidiosis on coprological examination of 144 faecal samples collected from neonatal cattle calves from organised dairy farms in and around Ludhiana, Punjab by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Further, a gradual decline in the percent prevalence was seen with increase in the age of the host from <1 month (64.1 %) to 4-5 months (12.5 %). The highest prevalence was recorded during the monsoon season (47.06 %) followed by summer (37.73 %) and winter (30.0 %) season and the seasonal variation was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). Female calves showed higher prevalence (44.32 %) than their male counterparts (27.66 %). Further, prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the diarrhoeic calves (52.70 %) as compared to the non-diarrhoeic (24.28 %) thus indicating a relatively higher risk (1.75 times) of the disease in diarrhoeic than normal calves.

Kocuria flava induced growth and chromium accumulation in Cicer arietinum L

In the present investigation a chromate tolerant rhizobacterium Kocuria flava was isolated and inoculated to the Cicer arietinum L to evaluate its effects on growth and chromium accumulation upon exposure of different concentration of chromium (1-10 microg ml(-1)) as Cr (VI) for 24 d. K. flava inoculated plant of C. arietinum demonstrated luxuriant growth as compared to non inoculated plant at respective concentration of Cr (VI). K. flava found to ameliorate chromium induced phytotoxicity in terms of chlorophylls, carotenoid and protein contents and thus helps the plant in acquiring higher biomass with high chromium concentration. After 24 d, maximum concentration of chromium recorded in root of C. arietinum (4892.39 microg g(-1) dw) inoculated with K. flava as compared to non inoculated plant (1762.22 microg g(-1) dw) upon exposure of 5 microg ml(-1) Cr (VI). Therefore, application of C. arietinum in association with K. flava could be more efficient in decontamination of chromium polluted site. Moreover, K. flava may be used as a bioresource for developing microbes assisted phytoremediation system due to its compatibility.

Acaricidal activity of extract of Artemisia absinthium against Rhipicephalus sanguineus of dogs

The objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of chloroform extract obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia absinthium in comparison to amitraz on adults, eggs and larvae of the dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus using the adult immersion test (AIT), egg hatchability test (EHT) and larval packet test (LPT), respectively. Five concentrations of the extract (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %) with three replications for each concentration were used in all the bioassays. A control group was established (water + dimethylsulphoxide) together with a positive control group (amitraz), with three repetitions each. In AIT, the mortality rates were 0.0, 13.3, 16.7, 33.3 and 93.3 % in concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, respectively, and the variation was significant (p=0.0151). The LC50 (CI) and LC95 (CI) values were calculated as 8.793 % (8.217-9.408) and 34.59 % (29.71-40.26), respectively. The egg production was reduced by 6.6, 6.6, 18.3, 42.5 and 85.1 % in the concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 %, respectively, and it was statistically significant (p=0.0274). In EHT, hatching was completely inhibited at 5, 10 and 20 % displaying 100 % ovicidal action while at the concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 %, the inhibition rates were 20 and 60 %, respectively. In LPT, the extract caused 100 % mortality of larvae in the concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 % after 24 h while at the concentrations of 1.25 and 2.5 %, the mortality rates were 54.3 and 96.7 %, respectively. The LC50 (CI) and LC95 (CI) values were determined to be 1.11 % (1.099-1.121) and 2.37 % (2.328-2.423), respectively. The results show that the extract of A. absinthium has acaricidal properties and could be useful in controlling R. sanguineus which is an efficient vector of pathogens both in dogs and humans.

Constructed wetland as an ecotechnological tool for pollution treatment for conservation of Ganga river

With aim to develop an efficient and ecofriendly approach for on-site treatment of sewage, a sub-surface flow constructed wetland (CW) has been developed by raising potential aquatic macrophytes; Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis, Colocasia esculenta, Polygonum hydropiper, Alternanthera sessilis and Pistia stratoites in gravel as medium. Sewage treatment potential of CW was evaluated by varying retention time at three different stages of plant growth and stabilization. After 6 months, monitoring of fully established CW indicated reduction of 90%, 65%, 78%, 84%, 76% and 86% of BOD, TSS, TDS, NO3-N, PO4-P and NH4-N, respectively in comparison to inlet after 36 h of retention time. Sewage treatment through CW also resulted in reduction of heavy metal contents. Thus, CW proved an effective method for treatment of wastewater and may be developed along river Ganga stretch as an alternative technology. Treated water may be drained into river to check further deterioration of Ganga water quality.

Keratinocyte growth factor and thiazolidinediones and linolenic acid differentiate characterized mammary fat pad adipose stem cells isolated from prepubertal Korean black goat to epithelial and adipogenic lineage

The study was conducted to know and investigate the mechanism involved during mesenchymal to epithelial transition to unravel questions related to mammary gland development in prepubertal Korean black goat. We, therefore, biopsied mammary fat pad and isolated adipose cells and characterized with stemness factors (CD34, CD13, CD44, CD106, and vimentin) immunologically and through their genetic expression. Furthermore, characterized cells were differentiated to adipogenic (thiazolidinediones and α-linolenic acid) and epithelial (keratinocyte growth factor) lineages. Thiazolidinediones/or in combination with α-linolenic acid demonstrated significant upregulation of adipo-Q, PPAR-γ, CEBP-α, LPL, and resistin. Adipose stem cells in induction mixture (5 μg/ml insulin, 1 μg/ml hydrocortisone, and 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor) and subsequent treatment with 10 ng/ml keratinocyte growth factor revealed their trans-differentiating ability to epithelial lineage. From 2 d onwards, the cells under keratinocyte growth factor influenced cells to assume rectangular (2-4 d) to cuboidal (8-10 d) shapes. Ayoub-Shklar stain developed brownish-red pigment in the transformed cells. Though, expressions of K8 and K18 were noted to be highly significant (p < 0.01) but expressions of epithelial membrane antigens and epithelial specific antigens were also significant (p < 0.05) compared to 0 d. Conclusively, epithelial transformations of mammary adipose stem cells would add up knowledge to develop therapeutic regimen to deal with mammary tissue injury and diseases.

Effectiveness of Azotobacter bio-inoculant for wheat grown under dryland condition

Judicious use of chemicals along with biofertilizers and organic resources are advocated for sustaining crop productivity and soil health, and meeting a part of fertilizer requirement for different crops. In the present study, different combinations of nitrogen (urea and/or farmyard manure) doses with Azotobacter strain (Azo-8) were experimented for a dryland wheat variety GW-273. It was observed that the combination of Azotobacter strain (Azo-8) along with urea (60KgN ha-1) and farm yard manure (40KgN ha -1) gave the best response. It resulted in more than 23% and 36% increase in shoot fresh weight and dry weight, 26% and 38% increase in root fresh weight and dry weight, 39% increase in test weight of seeds and 27% increase in yield over control. The results of present experiments can be utilized in integrated nutrient management for wheat cultivation in dryland areas to provide sustainability to the agricultural productivity.

Prevalence and pattern of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in a hospital based longitudinal study of 193 patients of systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by thrombophilic state and obstetrical complications. Prevalence of APS varies in different parts of the world. So this study was conducted to find out the prevalence and pattern of APS in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in this region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this hospital based longitudinal study from 2004 to 2011, we studied 193 patients of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for prevalence of APS and its different characteristics. The diagnosis of SLE was made according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and diagnosis of APS was made according to Sapporo criteria.

RESULTS

Prevalence of APS in SLE was 25.38%. Mean age at study entry was 25.5 +/- 6.9 years and majority of APS patients were in the age group 21-30 yrs (44.89%). The most common clinical manifestation in both SLE with APS and SLE without APS was musuloskeletal involvement (79.59% and 84.72% respectively). Among 49 patients of SLE having APS, multisystem involvement was present in 16 patients and life threatening complications were present in 12 patients. Late foetal loss was the most common obstetrical manifestation of APS (26.53%) and deep vein thrombosis was most common thrombotic manifestation (16.32%). Anticardiolipin antibodies(IgG aCL) were the most common antibody (85.71%) detected. Lupus anticoagulant was present in 71.42% cases of SLE having APS. ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies were present in 97.95% and 77.55% cases of SLE having APS.

CONCLUSION

APS is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of SLE. The incidence of secondary APS in SLE varies in different geographical regions and it was 25.38% in our study. Pregnancy morbidity and deep vein thrombosis were the most common complications of APS. IgG aCL was the most common antibody in APS patients. Screening for the presence of aPL antibodies in SLE patients and timely initiation of prophylactic treatment can prevent many of the complications.

Chromium phytotoxicity in radish (Raphanus sativus): effects on metabolism and nutrient uptake

In the present investigation, chromium (VI) induced toxicity on metabolic activity and translocations of nutrients in radish were evaluated under controlled glass house conditions. Chromium was found to induce toxicity and significantly affect plant growth and metabolic activity. Excess of chromium (0.4 mM) caused a decrease in the concentration of iron in leaves (from 134.3 to 71.9 μg g(-1) dw) and significant translocation of sulphur, phosphorus and zinc. Translocation of manganese, copper and boron were less affected from root to stem. After 15 days of Cr exposure, maximum accumulation of Cr was found in roots (327.6 μg g(-1) dw) followed by stems (186.8 μg g(-1) dw) and leaves (116.7 μg g(-1) dw) at 0.4 mM Cr concentration. Therefore, Cr may affect negatively not only production, but also the nutritive quality of the radish; likewise, higher Cr content may cause health hazards for humans.

Malathion resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus from Ludhiana district, Punjab

The resistance status of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from Noorpur Bet village of Ludhiana district, Punjab was evaluated against malathion by Adult Immersion Test. The adult female ticks showed an upward trend in the mortality percentage with increase in drug concentration. The regression graph of probit mortality of ticks plotted against log values of progressively increasing concentrations of malathion was utilized for the determination of slope of mortality (95 % confidence intervals) which was 2.469 ± 0.5744 (0.6413-4.297) whereas, the value of goodness of fit (R(2)) was 0.8603. The LC50 (95 % CI) and LC95 (95 % CI) were recorded as 1875.05 (1725.14-2,038) and 8,654 (7296.8-10263.8) ppm, respectively and the resistance factor was 3.46 (Level I). The slope of egg mass (95 % CI) was -0.1500 ± 0.04071 (-0.2795 to -0.02045) and was negative because with the increasing concentrations of acaricide the ticks died. The reproductive index when plotted against increasing log concentrations of malathion revealed a slope value of -0.414 ± 0.055. Further, a significant variation (p = 0.0049) was recorded in the inhibition of oviposition among the various groups treated with increasing concentrations of malathion.

Chromate tolerance and accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris L.: role of antioxidant enzymes and biochemical changes in detoxification of metals

A concentration-dependent increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase) and carotenoid, MDA level have been observed in the green alga Chlorella vulgaris following chromium exposure at different concentrations (0.01-100 μg ml(-1)). Simultaneously, decrease in growth rate, chlorophyll and protein contents was observed. In case of ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase a bell shaped dose response was evident, however, lipid peroxidation followed a linear relationship along with catalase activity, which could be used as biomarker of Cr toxicity and played important role in providing tolerance and subsequently, high accumulation potential of chromium in C. vulgaris. In present investigation, the green alga C. vulgaris respond better under chromium stress in terms of tolerance, growth and metal accumulating potential at higher concentration of Cr (VI) which could be employed in decontamination of chromium for environmental cleanup.

Elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) as contributing factor in pathogenesis of hypercoagulable state in antiphospholipid syndrome

The aim of this study is to explore the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) in primary and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Thirty patients of APS (24 primary and 6 secondary) were recruited in the study who fulfilled the revised Sapporo criteria. Control groups comprised of age- and sex-matched 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients each of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis without any antecedent thrombotic event and/or APS-related pregnancy morbidity. Serum samples were tested for PAI-1 antigen levels measured by quantitative ELISA. Positivity rate of PAI-1 in patients of primary, secondary as well as total APS patients was significantly higher in relation to age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (p = 0.010, p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Mean ± SEM levels of PAI-1 in primary and secondary as well as total APS patients were significantly higher (p = 0.006, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) in relation to healthy controls. Correlation of PAI-1 levels (mean ± SEM) with clinical characteristics, that is, thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity, revealed significantly higher levels of PAI-1 (p < 0.001) in patients having thrombosis and APS-related pregnancy morbidity. Elevated PAI-1 level leading to impaired fibrinolysis plays a significant role in producing hypercoagulable state in primary and secondary APS.

Detection of amitraz resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus from North Gujarat, India

Amitraz has become one of the most extensively used chemical acaricide for control of cattle tick due to development of resistance against most of the organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroid acaricides. The resistance status of amitraz was evaluated against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from Banaskantha district, Gujarat, India by adult immersion test (AIT). The different concentrations of amitraz utilized in the AIT were 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 ppm. The adult female ticks showed an upward trend in the mortality percentage with increase in drug concentration. The regression graph of probit mortality of ticks plotted against log values of progressively increasing concentrations of amitraz was utilized for the determination of slope of mortality which was 1.868 ± 0.2068. The lethal concentration (LC95) was calculated as 3098.2 ppm and the RF was 24.78 which indicated level II resistance status. The dose response curves for egg masses, reproductive index and inhibition of oviposition of R. (B.) microplus were also validated and the slope was -0.5165 ± 0.08287, -0.1328 ± 0.04472 and 24.22 ± 8.160, respectively. The current study appears to be the pioneer report of amitraz resistance in R. (B.) microplus from India and the data generated could be of immense help to develop effective control strategies against ticks.

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in buffalo calves from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab

Faecal samples from 1,582 buffalo calves of up to 6 months of age from 13 districts falling under four major agro-climatic zones of Punjab state, India were examined for gastrointestinal (GI) parasites for a period of one year (May 2008 to April 2009). The results revealed prevalence of GI parasitic infections as 73.58 per cent calves and Eimeria sp. (54.55 %) was the most prevalent GI parasite. Significant differences (P < 0.01) were found in overall prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum, strongyles and Strongyloides papillosus in buffalo calves of all four major agro-climatic zones of Punjab. Highest prevalence of T. vitulorum was recorded in undulating plain region (12.43 %) while lowest infection was recorded from western region (3.55 %). Further, the highest prevalence of strongyle infection was recorded in western region (32.26 %) and lowest in undulating plain region (19.46 %) thus showing a negative correlation in prevalence of T. vitulorum and strongyles. Highest and lowest infection of S. papillosus was recorded from central plain region (32.33 %) and western plain region (20.86 %), respectively whereas, the prevalence of Eimeria sp. and Moniezia expansa was comparable in all four major agro-climatic zones. The variation in prevalence recorded in the different agro-climatic zones is due to the climatic variation and thus the data generated could be of immense help in formulation of effective strategies for GI parasite control in different agro-climatic zones.