Improvement of rooting and growth in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) cuttings with organic biostimulants

Seaweed extracts have shown profoundly positive effects on crop growth, quality and reproduction in diverse agricultural and horticultural crops. Seaweed extracts can be used to promote the rooting and growth of cuttings in perennial fruit species like kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). In this study, the cuttings were treated with 1, 5, 10 and 50% solutions of G Sap (Gracilaria edulis), K Sap (Kappaphycus alvarezii), AN (Ascophyllum nodosum), EM (Ecklonia maxima), HA (Humic acid) and control (water) for 6 h as base dipping. Subsequently, the treatments of G Sap, K Sap, AN, EM, HA and control were repeated every 15 days for a period of six months as application of 50 ml solutions in the potted cuttings. All the treatments exhibited significant effects on the rooting percent in all the kiwifruit cultivars, namely 'Monty', 'Abott', 'Hayward', 'Allison' and 'Bruno' (P ≤ 0.01) as compared to the control. Shoot and root growth parameters including leaf number per cutting, number of roots per cutting, number of branches, plant height, shoot diameter, root length, root diameter and root weight were all positively increased with the application of seaweed extracts (P ≤ 0.05). Cuttings treated with seaweed extract exhibited significantly higher levels of pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carotenoids), metabolites (total carbohydrates and soluble phenols) and less electrolyte leakage as compared to the control cuttings. Significant positive and negative correlations were observed between biochemical parameters combined with plant nutrient concentration. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that PC1 and PC2 (first two principal components) accounted for 75% of the entire variation. While, PC1 accounted for 63% of the total variation, PC2 accounted for 11% of the total variation. The leaves and the roots of kiwifruit cultivar 'Hayward' treated with G Sap at 10%, K Sap at 10%, AN at 10%, EM at 10%, HA at 10% exhibited higher expression of all four root promoting candidate genes (GH3-3, LBD16, LBD29 and LRP1) compared to the control. Therefore, it can be concluded that, seaweed extract and humic acid can be used as a suitable alternative to synthetic hormones for promoting the rooting and growth of kiwifruit cuttings.

In-depth evaluation of nutritive, chemical constituents and anti-glycemic properties of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) clonal accessions with flake colour diversity from Eastern Sub-Himalayan plains of India

The study was designed to elucidate the potential of jackfruit clonal accessions having diverse flake colours from nutritional and medicinal perspectives. Jack fruit accessions with deep yellow flakes were found to contain the highest flavonoids, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, and α-glucosidase inhibition whereas, orange-red flakes exhibited the highest β-carotene, phenol, minerals (iron and zinc) and better inhibition of α-amylase and β-glucosidase enzymes. Phenolic compounds profiling revealed the presence of higher sinapic acid, ferulic acid and quercetin contents in the orange-red-coloured flakes. Metabolite analysis revealed presence of anti-diabetic compounds (n-Hexadecanoic acid, tridecane, 2-Heptadecenal etc.) in deep yellow and orange-red coloured jack flakes with lower glycemic load. Considering the abundant health benefits as evident from the present study, orange-red and deep yellow-coloured flakes may be recommended for consumption to manage the hyperglycemic condition.

A Perspective on Current Flavivirus Vaccine Development: A Brief Review

The flavivirus genus contains several clinically important pathogens that account for tremendous global suffering. Primarily transmitted by mosquitos or ticks, these viruses can cause severe and potentially fatal diseases ranging from hemorrhagic fevers to encephalitis. The extensive global burden is predominantly caused by six flaviviruses: dengue, Zika, West Nile, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Several vaccines have been developed, and many more are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, flavivirus vaccine development is still confronted with many shortcomings and challenges. With the use of the existing literature, we have studied these hurdles as well as the signs of progress made in flavivirus vaccinology in the context of future development strategies. Moreover, all current licensed and phase-trial flavivirus vaccines have been gathered and discussed based on their vaccine type. Furthermore, potentially relevant vaccine types without any candidates in clinical testing are explored in this review as well. Over the past decades, several modern vaccine types have expanded the field of vaccinology, potentially providing alternative solutions for flavivirus vaccines. These vaccine types offer different development strategies as opposed to traditional vaccines. The included vaccine types were live-attenuated, inactivated, subunit, VLPs, viral vector-based, epitope-based, DNA and mRNA vaccines. Each vaccine type offers different advantages, some more suitable for flaviviruses than others. Additional studies are needed to overcome the barriers currently faced by flavivirus vaccine development, but many potential solutions are currently being explored.

In silico and in vitro evaluation of silibinin: a promising anti-Chikungunya agent

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and subsequent high patient morbidity is a global threat. The present study aimed to identify the potent antiviral agent against Chikungunya virus, with minimum in vitro cytotoxicity. CHIKV nsP4 3D structure was determined using the I-TASSER server followed by its refinement and pocket determination. Furthermore, high-throughput molecular docking was employed to identify candidate CHIKV nsP4 inhibitors in a library containing 214 compounds. The top ranked compound was evaluated further with various assays, including cytotoxicity, antiviral activity, time of drug addition, viral entry attachment, and microneutralization assays. High-throughput computational screening indicated silibinin to have the best interaction with CHIKV nsP4 protein, immature and mature glycoproteins with highest negative free binding energy, - 5.24 to - 5.86 kcal/mol, and the lowest inhibitory constant, 50.47 to 143.2 µM. Further in vitro analysis demonstrated silibinin could exhibit statistically significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent anti-CHIKV activity within 12.5-100-µM concentrations with CC₅₀ as 50.90 µM. In total, 50 µM silibinin interfered with both CHIKV attachment (75%) and entry (82%) to Vero cells. Time of addition assay revealed silibinin interfered with late phase of the CHIKV replication cycle. Microneutralization assay revealed that silibinin could inhibit clearing of 50% Vero cell monolayer caused by CHIKV-induced CPE at a minimum dose of 25 µM. These data indicated silibinin to be a promising candidate drug against CHIKV infection.

The ankyrin repeat gene family in Capsicum spp: Genome-wide survey, characterization and gene expression profile

The ankyrin (ANK) repeat protein family is largely distributed across plants and has been found to participate in multiple processes such as plant growth and development, hormone response, response to biotic and abiotic stresses. It is considered as one of the major markers of capsaicin content in pepper fruits. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and expression analysis of genes encoding ANK proteins in three Capsicum species: Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum annuum and Capsicum chinense. We identified a total of 87, 85 and 96 ANK genes in C. baccatum, C. annuum and C. chinense genomes, respectively. Next, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the Capsicum ANK gene family including gene chromosomal localization, Cis-elements, conserved motif identification, intron/exon structural patterns and gene ontology classification as well as profile expression. Phylogenetic and domain organization analysis grouped the Capsicum ANK gene family into ten subfamilies distributed across all 12 pepper chromosomes at different densities. Analysis of the expression of ANK genes in leaf and pepper fruits suggested that the ANKs have specific expression patterns at various developmental stages in placenta tissue. Our results provide valuable information for further studies of the evolution, classification and putative functions of ANK genes in pepper.

Biology, Predatory Potential, Life Table, and Field Evaluation of Propylea dissecta (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Against Lipaphis erysimi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Broccoli

Propylea dissecta (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is one of the most promising ladybird beetle against many sucking pests. Predation rates, developmental biology, life table, and field assessment of this ladybird were examined against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on broccoli. Data on the life history were collected at 23 ± 1°C and 70 ± 1% RH and were evaluated using the two-sex, age-stage life table. Results showed that the two-sex, age-stage life table-based net reproductive rate (R0) was 11.264 ± 6.197 offspring. The adult females lived longer (33.8 ± 2.356 d) than the adult males (32.2 ± 0.841 d). The fourth instar consumed most of L. erysimi (113.97 ± 5.76) compared to the other larval stages of the predator. Male (1,821) and female (2,673) consumed more aphids than larvae. The net consumption rate was 741.78 ± 89.91 aphids. Other aphidophagous predators such as Coccinella septempunctata L., Micraspis discolor (F.), Coccinella transversalis (F.), and syrphid (Diptera: Syrphidae) were also noted in broccoli. Our research showed that inoculative release of 150 or 200 adults per 1,000 m2 for two times on broccoli achieved a significant decrease in aphids L. erysimi and Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (>95%). The release rate of 150 adults per 1,000 m2 for two times may, therefore, be recommended to manage the aphid population on broccoli.

Transcriptome changes in reciprocal grafts involving watermelon and bottle gourd reveal molecular mechanisms involved in increase of the fruit size, rind toughness and soluble solids

Transcriptome landscape reveals the molecular mechanisms involved in the improvement of fruit traits by the grafting of watermelon and bottle gourd. Grafting has been used as a sustainable alternative for watermelon breeding to control soil-borne pathogens and to increase tolerance to various abiotic stresses. However, some reports have shown that grafting can negatively affect the quality of fruits. Despite several field studies on the effects of grafting on fruit quality, the regulation of this process at the molecular level has not been revealed. The aim of this study was to elucidate various molecular mechanisms involved in different tissues of heterografted watermelon and bottle gourd plants. Grafting with bottle gourd rootstock increased the size and rind thickness of watermelon fruits, whereas that with watermelon rootstock produced bottle gourd fruits with higher total soluble solid content and thinner rinds. Correspondingly, genes related to ripening, softening, cell wall strengthening, stress response and disease resistance were differentially expressed in watermelon fruits. Moreover, genes associated mainly with sugar metabolism were differentially expressed in bottle gourd fruits. RNA-seq revealed more than 400 mobile transcripts across the heterografted sets. More than half of these were validated from PlaMoM, a database for plant mobile macromolecules. In addition, some of these mobile transcripts contained a transfer RNA-like structure. Other RNA motifs were also enriched in these transcripts, most with a biological role based on GO analysis. This transcriptome study provided a comprehensive understanding of various molecular mechanisms underlying grafted tissues in watermelon.

Genome-wide identification and gene expression pattern of ABC transporter gene family in Capsicum spp

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes act as transporters for different molecules across biological membranes and are involved in a diverse range of biological processes. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and expression analysis of genes encoding ABC transporter proteins in three Capsicum species, i.e., Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum chinense. Capsicum is a valuable horticultural crop worldwide as an important constituent of many foods while containing several medicinal compounds including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. Our results identified the presence of a total of 200, 185 and 187 ABC transporter genes in C. annuum, C. baccatum and C. chinense genomes, respectively. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content were determined in green pepper fruits (16 dpa). Additionally, we conducted different bioinformatics analyses including ABC genes classification, gene chromosomal location, Cis elements, conserved motifs identification and gene ontology classification, as well as profile expression of selected genes. Based on phylogenetic analysis and domain organization, the Capsicum ABC gene family was grouped into eight subfamilies. Among them, members within the ABCG, ABCB and ABCC subfamilies were the most abundant, while ABCD and ABCE subfamilies were less abundant throughout all species. ABC members within the same subfamily showed similar motif composition. Furthermore, common cis-elements involved in the transcriptional regulation were also identified in the promoter regions of all Capsicum ABC genes. Gene expression data from RNAseq and reverse transcription-semi-quantitative PCR analysis revealed development-specific stage expression profiles in placenta tissues. It suggests that ABC transporters, specifically the ABCC and ABCG subfamilies, may be playing important roles in the transport of secondary metabolites such as capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin to the placenta vacuoles, effecting on their content in pepper fruits. Our results provide a more comprehensive understanding of ABC transporter gene family in different Capsicum species while allowing the identification of important candidate genes related to capsaicin content for subsequent functional validation.

Chikungunya virus: genomic microevolution in Eastern India and its in-silico epitope prediction

This is the first study reporting whole genome sequences of two CHIKV strains (KJ679577 and KJ679578) isolated from Eastern Indian patients sera during 2010-2011 outbreak, both of which were of ECSA genotype, but from different subgroups: Indian Ocean outbreak and ECSA subtypes. Furthermore, viral sequences were analyzed using different in-silico approaches to identify potential genetic variations that might have functional implications on various aspects of virus replication, viral protein functionality, immunogenicity and transmission. Epitope prediction analysis revealed 70.9% increase in number of MHC Class-II interacting epitopes of KJ679578 and 25-28% increase in Class-I interacting epitopes of KJ679577 and KJ679578 compared to that of EF027141 (CHIKV of Asian genotype circulating in India during 1973, after which CHIKV infection disappeared from India for three decades). CHIKV peptides DLAKLAFKRSSKYDLECAQIPVHMKSDA and KVVLCGDPKQCGFFNMMQMKYNYNHNI were predicted to interact with maximum number of HLA Class-I (68 and 76.5%, respectively) and Class-II (47 and 100%, respectively) alleles present within Indian population with allele frequency of > 0.1 and were also recognized as predicted B-cell epitopes with BCPred score between 0.766 and 0.961 and with antigenicity ranging from 0.52 to 1.69; thus these peptides might be used to induce T- and B-cell-mediated immunity against CHIKV. Thus, the present study might help to bridge the gap between virus microevolution and its implication in host immunity by taking into account viral genetic and conformational changes. Predicted epitopes might be used as promising targets for peptide-based vaccine development and rapid diagnostics against CHIKV infection.

Association of toll-like receptor polymorphisms with susceptibility to chikungunya virus infection

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection leads to activation of innate immune response by triggering Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways resulting in elevated cytokines and type-I interferon levels. Genetic variations of these genes may influence human CHIKV-susceptibility and disease progression. Present study aimed to identify role of TLR polymorphisms in CHIKV-susceptibility and their association with cytokines and clinical symptoms. This is the first study illustrating certain genotypes of TLR-7 and TLR-8 SNPs viz. CT(p = 0.002)]; rs3853839[GC(p < 0.001), CC(p = 0.039)] and rs3764879[GC(p < 0.001)] were considerably associated with CHIKV susceptibility. Increased risk of CHIKV infection among male patients with CC-genotype (rs179010) (p = 0.028) and female patients with GT-genotype (rs5741880) (p = 0.019) was observed. Significant higher IFN-α (P = 0.002) levels among chikungunya TNF-α (P = 0.034) patients was reported. Chikungunya patients with rs179010-CC genotype showed significantly high IFN-α level(p = 0.003). Thus, these TLR variants might act as potential prognostic biomarkers for predicting CHIKV susceptibility among uninfected individuals.

Ahaetulla nasuta anomala (Annandale, 1906) (Squamata: Colubridae), resurrected as a valid species with marked sexual dichromatism

In this paper we resolve the taxonomic confusion related to Ahaetulla nasuta anomala (Annandale, 1906). On the basis of molecular and morphological data, we remove it from the synonymy of Ahaetulla nasuta (Lacépède, 1789) and reinstate it as a valid species-Ahaetulla anomala. This species is sexually dichromatic, males are green and females are brown in colour. Though the brown morph morphologically resembles Ahaetulla pulverulenta (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) there are significant morphological and genetic differences between these two species. Additional information on taxonomy, natural history and distribution of the species is provided.

Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for rapid diagnosis of chilli veinal mottle virus

Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) causes significant economic loss to chilli cultivation in northeastern India, as well as in eastern Asia. In this study, we have developed a single-tube one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for rapid, sensitive and specific diagnosis of ChiVMV. Amplification could be visualized after adding SYBR Green I (1000×) dye within 60 min under isothermal conditions at 63 °C, with a set of four primers designed based on the large nuclear inclusion protein (NIb) domain of ChiVMV (isolate KC-ML1). The RT-LAMP method was 100 times more sensitive than one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), with a detection limit of 0.0001 ng of total RNA per reaction.

DNA damage-induced ephrin-B2 reverse signaling promotes chemoresistance and drives EMT in colorectal carcinoma harboring mutant p53

Mutation in the TP53 gene positively correlates with increased incidence of chemoresistance in different cancers. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of chemoresistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer involving the gain-of-function (GOF) mutant p53/ephrin-B2 signaling axis. Bioinformatic analysis of the NCI-60 data set and subsequent hub prediction identified EFNB2 as a possible GOF mutant p53 target gene, responsible for chemoresistance. We show that the mutant p53-NF-Y complex transcriptionally upregulates EFNB2 expression in response to DNA damage. Moreover, the acetylated form of mutant p53 protein is recruited on the EFNB2 promoter and positively regulates its expression in conjunction with coactivator p300. In vitro cell line and in vivo nude mice data show that EFNB2 silencing restores chemosensitivity in mutant p53-harboring tumors. In addition, we observed high expression of EFNB2 in patients having neoadjuvant non-responder colorectal carcinoma compared with those having responder version of the disease. In the course of deciphering the drug resistance mechanism, we also show that ephrin-B2 reverse signaling induces ABCG2 expression after drug treatment that involves JNK-c-Jun signaling in mutant p53 cells. Moreover, 5-fluorouracil-induced ephrin-B2 reverse signaling promotes tumorigenesis through the Src-ERK pathway, and drives EMT via the Src-FAK pathway. We thus conclude that targeting ephrin-B2 might enhance the therapeutic potential of DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agents in mutant p53-bearing human tumors.

Identification and characterization of a distinct banana bunchy top virus isolate of Pacific-Indian Oceans group from North-East India

Banana bunch top virus (BBTV) is considered to be a serious threat to banana production. A new isolate of the virus (BBTV-Umiam) was identified and characterized from local banana mats growing in mid-hills of Meghalaya in North-East India. The complete nucleotide sequence analysis revealed the presence of six full-length ssDNA components (DNA R, DNA U3, DNA S, DNA M, DNA C and DNA N) sharing major common region (CR-M) and a stem-loop common region (CR-SL). BBTV-Umiam showed a unique deletion of 20 nucleotides in the intergenic region of DNA R, the absence of predicted open reading frame (ORF) in DNA U3 and probability for a small ORF in DNA U3 expecting functional evidence at transcriptional level. Phylogenetic analysis based on 88 complete nucleotide sequence of BBTV DNA R available in GenBank generated two broad clusters of Pacific-Indian Oceans (PIO) and South-East Asian (SEA) groups including BBTV-Umiam within PIO cluster. However, BBTV-Umiam was identified as the most distinct member of the PIO group with 100% bootstrap support. This was further supported by the phylogenetic grouping of each genomic component of BBTV-Umiam at the distant end of PIO group during clustering of 21 complete BBTV sequences. BBTV-Umiam shared relatively less nucleotide identity with PIO group for each genomic component (85.0-95.4%) and corresponding ORF (93.8-97.5%) than that of earlier PIO isolates (91.5-99.6% and 96.0-99.3%, respectively). Recombination analysis revealed two intra-component and five inter-component recombination events in BBTV-Umiam, but none of them was unique. Moreover, the isolate was identified as major parental sequence for intra-component recombination event spanning the replication-associated protein encoding region in Tongan BBTV DNA R. The current study indicated differential evolution of BBTV in North-East India (Meghalaya). The natural occurrence of hybrids of Musa balbisiana and M. acuminata in this geographically isolated region could be the contributing factor in accumulating genetic distinctiveness in BBTV-Umiam which need further characterization.

Development of a confocal rheometer for soft and biological materials

We discuss the design and operation of a confocal rheometer, formed by integrating an Anton Paar MCR301 stress-controlled rheometer with a Leica SP5 laser scanning confocal microscope. Combining two commercial instruments results in a system which is straightforward to assemble that preserves the performance of each component with virtually no impact on the precision of either device. The instruments are configured so that the microscope can acquire time-resolved, three-dimensional volumes of a sample whose bulk viscoelastic properties are being measured simultaneously. We describe several aspects of the design and, to demonstrate the system's capabilities, present the results of a few common measurements in the study of soft materials.

A rare case of Hamartoma of nose and upper lip

Hamartoma though quite common in face and head-neck region, huge size of such a magnitude is not very common- hence the case is being reported.

Antibacterial activity of Croton roxburghii Balak. against the enteric pathogens

In this study, the antibacterial activity of crude (aqueous and alcoholic) extracts of the bark and leaf of Croton roxburghii Balak. (Euphorbiaceae) was tested against enteric pathogens causing urinary tract infection (UTI) using the agar cup method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), time kill kinetics and synergy study. The ethanol extract exhibited a significant and broad spectrum of inhibition as compared to the aqueous extract of both the bark and leaf. The highest antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus followed by enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The diameter of inhibition zones varied from 10 to 18 mm for both aqueous and alcoholic extracts. The MIC value ranged from 356 to 625 μg/ml. This could justify the traditional use of this plant in dysentery and other infections.

Optimization and characterization of chromium(VI) reduction in saline condition by moderately halophilic Vigribacillus sp. isolated from mangrove soil of Bhitarkanika, India

A Gram-positive moderately halophilic Cr(VI) tolerant bacterial strain H4, isolated from saline mangrove soil, was identified as Vigribacillus sp. by biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA analysis. In LB medium, the strain could tolerate up to 1000 mg L(-1) Cr(VI) concentration and reduced 90.2 and 99.2% of 100 mg L(-1) Cr(VI) under optimized set of condition within 70 h in absence and presence of 6 wt.% NaCl, respectively. The fitting of time course reduction data to an exponential rate equation yielded the Cr(VI) reduction rate constants in the range (0.69-5.56)×10(-2)h(-1). Analyses of total chromium and bacterial cell associated with reduced product by AAS, SEM/EDS, TEM/SAED, FT-IR and UV-vis-DRS indicated the formation of about 35% of insoluble Cr(III) either as Cr(OH)(3) precipitate in nanometric size or immobilized on the bacterial cell surface while the remaining 65% of reduced chromium was present as soluble Cr(III) in the growth medium. Powder XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the precipitated Cr(OH)(3). The high Cr(VI) reducing ability of the strain under saline condition suggests the Vigribacillus sp. as a new and efficient strain capable of remediating highly saline Cr(VI) polluted industrial effluents.

Application of comet assay in the study of DNA damage and recovery in rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings after an exposure to phorate, an organophosphate pesticide

Labeo rohita (rohu) fingerlings were exposed to different concentrations (0.001, 0.002 and 0.01 ppm) of phorate, an organophosphate pesticide; samplings were done at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. The study was carried out to evaluate tissue specific genotoxic effects produced by phorate, on three different tissue systems and to assess DNA repair response in fish. Results of tissue specific DNA damage experiments showed low baseline damage in blood cells followed by gill and liver cells in control individuals whereas more DNA breaks were found in liver followed by gill and blood cells of treated individuals. Concentrations-dependent DNA damage showed a strong, linear and positive relationship (r(2) = >0.7) in all three tissues. Clear time-related increase in DNA damage was observed for all tissues exposed to all concentrations except in liver cells at 0.01 ppm, where the DNA damage declined significantly after 72 h. For the assessment of DNA repair response, fingerlings were first exposed to 0.01 ppm of phorate for 72 h and then transferred to pesticide free water. Tissue chosen for the repair experiment was liver. Samplings were done at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after the release of 72 h pesticide treated fishes into pesticide free water. Fishes showed a reduction in DNA breaks from 3 h onwards in pesticide free water and at 24 h returned to control level damage. The results indicate that phorate is a potential genotoxicant, comet assay can be used in DNA damage and repair analysis, response to pollutants in multicellular animals is often tissue specific.

Gradient of reduced glutathione in the tail of Hemidactylus leschenaultii (Sauria: Gekkonidae)

A proximo-distal gradient of reduced glutathione (GSH), a non enzymatic antioxidant was observed in the original tails of the lizard, H. leschenaultii. In the regenerating tails, a gradual increase in the level of GSH was noted with tail elongation. In the newly regenerated tails also the level of GSH remained higher in the proximal part than the corresponding distal parts.

The impact of conservation on the status of the world's vertebrates

Using data for 25,780 species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we present an assessment of the status of the world's vertebrates. One-fifth of species are classified as Threatened, and we show that this figure is increasing: On average, 52 species of mammals, birds, and amphibians move one category closer to extinction each year. However, this overall pattern conceals the impact of conservation successes, and we show that the rate of deterioration would have been at least one-fifth again as much in the absence of these. Nonetheless, current conservation efforts remain insufficient to offset the main drivers of biodiversity loss in these groups: agricultural expansion, logging, overexploitation, and invasive alien species.

Modulation of salivation and heartburn in response to the site of acid infusion in the human oesophagus

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease includes increased acid reflux, reduced salivation and impaired peristalsis. This may depend upon the height of acid wave and magnitude of oesophageal mucosal exposure. Interestingly, the effect of site of acid infusion upon salivary secretion and heartburn has not been examined in any detail.

AIM

To examine whether acid infusion in the upper oesophagus may cause increased salivation and heartburn as compared with acid infusion in the lower oesophagus.

METHODS

Twelve healthy male subjects (mean age 30) received infusions of HCl, citric acid and acetic acid at 10 and 20 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) for fixed time periods. Parotid saliva collected periodically and heartburn severity scored using standardized scale. Standard statistical methods (paired t-tests, analysis of variance) were used to determine the significance of results.

RESULTS

Acid infusion in the upper oesophagus increased parotid flow rate as compared with that in the lower oesophagus (P < 0.05). Likewise, there was a significantly increased heartburn score at 20 cm as well as 10 cm above LES (P < 0.05) as compared with that in the stomach.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest a significant increase in salivation and heartburn in response to acid infusion in the upper vs. lower part of the oesophagus.

2Am-DNT induces cell death and apoptosis in human cells

During microbial or mammalian cell metabolism, TNT (2,4,6-tinitrotoluene) is reduced to 2Am-DNT (2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene), 4Am-DNT, or 2,4-diamino-NT (2,4-diaminonitrotoluelne) depending on the specific organism. The metabolite 2Am-DNT is the most common of the TBT biotransformation pathways in bacterial and fungal species studied to date. in the mammalian liver cells, TNT is metabolized to 2Am-DNT by the P450 enzyme system. Apoptosis is rapidly emerging as a relevant endpoint for detecting low-dose toxin exposure. We report in this study that 2Am-DNT treatment of mammalian cells causes cell death by apoptosis. Cell death was assayed by the Trypan Blue method. Apoptotic changes, such as DNA break down, were detected in treated cells by the production of a dark-brown DAB (diaminobenzidine) signal using the Fragel Klenow DNA fragment detection system, by immunohistochemical techniques with fluorescence microscopy, and by using a microplate reader for a single-stranded DNA binding assay. All of these results showed that 2am-DNT is toxic to mammalian cells and induces apoptosis.

Dechlorination of PCB in the presence of plant nitrate reductase

The dechlorination of PCB, specifically the noncoplanar congener PCB 153, has been observed in the presence of a crude nitrate reductase extract from Medicago sativa leaves. These observations were further confirmed using a commercially available and pure nitrate reductase from Zea mays. The presence of nitrate reductase increased PCB 153 dechlorination. Then, the addition of molybdenum, the enzyme's cofactor, enhanced dechlorination of the environmental contaminant. The ability of plant nitrate reductase to dechlorinate PCB is a new observation.

[GIPC: a new target for therapy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma?]

GIPC is highly expressed in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma and is a central protein for the stability of IGF-1R in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines (15). The goal of this study was to prove the importance of GIPC in vivo and to evaluate possible therapeutic strategies that target this protein and its PDZ domain. In vivo effects of GIPC knockout were studied after lentiviral transduction of luciferase-expressing MiaPaCa2 pancreatic cancer cells with shRNA against GIPC; growth characteristics were monitored with bioluminiscence. Knockdown of GIPC led to a significant inhibition of pancreatic tumor cell growth in vivo in different mouse models. To test a possible therapeutic approach, the PDZ domain of GIPC was targeted by a short peptide composed of the amino acid sequence PSQSSSEA. This octapeptide was designed based on the C-terminal binding motif of GAIP. Targeting GIPC with this peptide inhibited the association between IGF-1R and GIPC. The subsequent downregulation of IGF-1R decreased proliferation in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our findings suggest that targeting GIPC and its PDZ domain-mediated interaction with the tyrosine kinase receptor IGF-1R could be a promising new treatment option for pancreatic cancer.

Congener-specific polychlorinated biphenyl-induced cell death in human kidney cells in vitro: potential role of caspase

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are among the most widespread and persistent pollutants in the global environment. Coplanar and noncoplanar PCBs have been shown to cause congener-specific apoptosis mediated neurotoxicity in rats. Very few, if any, such studies have been reported on human renal cell toxicity. The authors report here caspase-dependent or caspase-independent renal toxicity, as measured by apoptotic death induced by PCBs, depending on the planarity of congeners PCB-77 (coplanar) and PCB-153 (noncoplanar) in human kidney cells (HK2) in vitro. The authors have combined morphological and biological techniques to discover the relevance of apoptosis in renal proximal tubule cell death induced by these two PCB congeners. Treatment with both PCB congeners caused accelerated apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Based on our findings using human kidney (HK2) cells, there was more apoptosis-mediated loss of cell viability by non-ortho-substituted PCB-77 when compared to PCB-153. A significant increase of caspase-3 expression through immunoblot studies showed the involvement of apoptosis by PCB-77 compared to none by PCB-153. The broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk showed increased cell death when treated by PCB-153, but not by PCB-77, confirming that caspase inhibitor induced a switch in the mode of cell death. It is reasonable to assume that apoptotic cell death in the renal proximal tubule cells treated by PCBs may have both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways.

Unusual case of coin in larynx (glottic chink) presenting as Dysphagia

Foreign body larynx is a rare condition in adults - inhalation of coin and impaction of the coin in the glottic chink is more rare finding. But this patient presented with difficulty in swallowing and speech, without any respiratory trouble - Hence the case is reported.

Binding of diclofenac sodium with bovine serum albumin at different temperatures, pH and ionic strengths

The study was designed to examine the binding of diclofenac sodium with bovine serum albumin (BSA) at different temperatures (20 degrees, 30 degrees and 40 degrees C), pH (6.4, 7.4 and 8.4) and ionic strengths (micro = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) by means of equilibrium dialysis method. The concentration of diclofenac sodium was maintained at wider range from 15 to 900 micromole/l and BSA concentration was maintained at 61.5 micromole/l. The data obtained were interpreted by nonlinear regression method using Graphpad prism software. The analysis showed that the interaction between diclofenac sodium with BSA results in two-site saturable binding. A decrease in association constant was observed with increasing temperature. The average standard free energy change (deltaGdegrees) value was -7.07 (site I) and -4.2 (site II) Kcal/mol. The standard enthalpy change (deltaHdegrees) and the standard entropy change (deltaSdegrees) were -7.8 Kcal/mole, -2.35 cal/mole (site I) and -7.4 Kcal/mole, -10.5 cal/mole (site II), respectively. The negative enthalpy change suggested the binding between diclofenac sodium and the binding sites of BSA were spontaneous and exothermic. The negative value of deltaHdegrees and deltaSdegrees indicated hydrogen bonding and van der Waal's force was the major mechanism for diclofenac sodium and BSA interaction. Increase in pH and ionic strength also caused decrease in association constant of diclofenac sodium and BSA binding.

Molecular evidence of genetic modification of Sinorhizobium meliloti: enhanced PCB bioremediation

The genome of the nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti does not possess genes for bioremediation of aromatic pollutants. It has the well-known ability to interact specifically with the leguminous alfalfa plant, Medicago sativa. Our previous work has shown enhanced degradation of the nitroaromatic compound 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) when a plasmid containing degradative genes was introduced in it. In this study we report molecular evidence of the transfer of a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-biodegradative plasmid pE43 to S. meliloti strain USDA 1936. Several standard analytical tests and plant growth chamber studies were conducted to test the ability of S. meliloti to degrade 2',3,4-PCB congener. Alfalfa plant alone was able to degrade 30% of PCBs compared with control. No enhanced dechlorination was noted when alfalfa plant was grown with wild-type S. meliloti, and when alfalfa plant was grown with the S. meliloti electrotransformants (genetically modified) dechlorination of PCBs was more than twice that when alfalfa plant was grown with wild-type S. meliloti. When alfalfa plant was grown with uncharacterized mixed culture (containing nodule formers), almost equally significant PCB degradation was observed. The significance of this work is that the naturally occurring nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium S. meliloti (genetically modified) has the ability to enhance fertility of soil in association with the leguminous alfalfa plant while simultaneously enhancing bioremediation of PCB-contaminated soils. Enhanced bioremediation of PCB and robust alfalfa plant growth was also noted when uncharacterized mixed cultures containing alfalfa plant nodule formers were used.

DNA nucleotide sequence homologies between some zoosporic fungi

Representative species from the monoflagellate Blastocladiales and the biflagellate Saprolegniales were studied for their DNA base composition, heterogeneity, nucleotide sequence homology and divergence. Intergeneric, intrageneric and interstrain DNAs of Blastocladiales were heterogenous. The G+C values for their main component (average 64 percent) and two minor ones (average 52 and 44 percent) were found to be significantly higher than the corresponding values from the biflagellate Saprolegnia ferax (55, 46 and 36 percent respectively). In Allomyces species, the two hybrid, male and female strains were found to have closer homology with their parental types than these last between themselves. Among Blastocladiales, interspecific similarities between the epigynous A. macrogynus and the hypogynous A. arbuscula were higher (average 75 percent) than intergeneric similarities between Allomyces and Blastocladiella (average 58 percent). The biflagellate S. ferax was found to be distantly related to the uniflagellate Allomyces (average 48 percent similarity). The nucleotide sequence divergences obtained from thermal elution data correlated the hybridization values.

Spectroscopy of three-particle entanglement in a macroscopic superconducting circuit

We study the quantum mechanical behavior of a macroscopic, three-body, superconducting circuit. Microwave spectroscopy on our system, a resonator coupling two large Josephson junctions, produced complex energy spectra well explained by quantum theory over a large frequency range. By tuning each junction separately into resonance with the resonator, we first observe strong coupling between each junction and the resonator. Bringing both junctions together into resonance with the resonator, we find spectroscopic evidence for entanglement between all 3 degrees of freedom and suggest a new method for controllable coupling of distant qubits, a key step toward quantum computation.

Skin cancers in chronic arsenic toxicity--a study of predictive value of some proliferative markers

Prolonged exposure to arsenic contaminated water produces various clinical features, cutaneous features e.g. melanosis, keratosis and cancers being very common. Evaluation of such lesions by proliferative markers can provide useful information in regards to the biological behaviour of the lesions. Thus, cases with high proliferative status can be ominous sign for development of cancers. We studied skin biopsy of 42 cases. These were evaluated with AgNOR score and PCNA stain, in addition to H & E examination. Here, invasive cancer cases had mean AgNOR score of 3.56, those with severe dysplasia had 3.0, moderate and mild dysplasia scored 1.73, benign changes had mean score of 1.35 while normal control cases had 1.08. PCNA index in cancers was above 50, that of severe dysplasia 25-30, mild to moderate dysplasia 1.0-5.0, those with benign changes 0.5 -1.0 and normal control had LI of less than 0.5%. PCNA has the advantage of less chance of observer error over AgNOR stain.

Simultaneous induction of ectopic pelvic zone and duplication of regenerated limbs in tadpoles of Polypedates maculatus by vitamin A

With a view to determine ectopic limb developing capacity along with normal hind limb regeneration in response to vitamin A palmitate in well-differentiated hind limb stage tadpoles of P. maculatus, higher doses of vitamin A (30 IU/ml and 20 IU/ml) were administered for a longer period (120 hr) to the tadpoles following tail amputation through middle and hind limb amputation through middle of thigh. Simultaneous development of ectopic pelvic zone was observed along with hind limbs from the cut end of tail and duplication of regenerated hind limbs in the same tadpole for the first time. Besides, development of double ectopic pelvic girdle was also reported in one case. Results also indicate that induction of pelvic zone and duplication of regenerated limbs are concentration dependent.

Intracoronary Radiation

With in-stent restenosis remaining major limitation of coronary stenting and adjunctive pharmacologic therapy and re-stenting having failed to reduce the rates of in-stent restenosis, a new treatment alternative is warranted. Vascular brachytherapy - the intracoronary delivery of radiation has been proposed as one such therapy. Thus far it is an important break-through in combating re-stenosis. Todate, 5 years of clinical data has been generated and further studies are underway to perfect the technology.

Coulomb expansion of laser-excited ion plasmas

We determine the electric field in mm-sized clouds of cold Rb+ ions, produced by photoionization of laser-cooled 87Rb atoms in a magneto-optical trap, using the Stark effect of embedded Rydberg atoms. The dependence of the electric field on the time delay between the ion plasma production and the probe of the electric field reflects the Coulomb expansion of the plasma. Our experiments and models show expansion times <1micros.

Feedback control of atomic motion in an optical lattice

We demonstrate a real-time feedback scheme to manipulate wave-packet oscillations of atoms in an optical lattice. The average position of the atoms in the lattice wells is measured continuously and nondestructively. A feedback loop processes the position signal and translates the lattice potential. Depending on the feedback loop characteristics, we find amplification, damping, or an entire alteration of the wave-packet oscillations. Our results are well supported by simulations.

Sheep form of leucocyte function antigen-3 (T11TS) exerts immunostimulatory and anti-tumor activity against experimental brain tumor. A new approach to biological response modifier therapy

In order to establish the mechanism(s) of immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties of sheep erythrocytes (SRBC), the T11 target structure (T11TS) or CD58 molecule as a pertinent component of SRBC was isolated, purified and finally administered in rats with experimentally induced brain tumor. Results showed inhibition and/or abrogation of tumor growth. Subsequent studies on cellular immunity also revealed potentiation of lymphocytes and PMNs at peripheral level. Presence of activated lymphocytes as revealed through flowcytometric analysis of CD25 expression evidenced infiltration of activated lymphocytes in the brain tumor tissues. The analysis of data suggests that T11TS or sheep form of LFA3 is capable of inhibiting/preventing tumor growth in rat brain by way of immunopotentiation (CMI) at the peripheral immune system and thereby facilitating infiltration of the activated lymphocytes into the brain cavity through the blood brain barrier.

Nasobronchial allergy or allergic rhinobronchitis; the unified concept: a review with a special reference to India

The close and constant association of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma, both in children and adults, is hardly mentioned in medical textbooks. Proper treatment is delayed, as these patients are often seen in rotation by chest physicians, allergy experts, otolaryngologists, general physicians and paediatricians. Even then treatment is directed mainly towards asthma with little attention being paid to associated rhinitis, often lying unrecognised in adults. The clinical pattern of asthma in children and adults differs in our country. Unless AR is treated simultaneously with asthma, recurrent AR will result likely in suboptimal control of asthma. Proof and arguement is brougnt forward to recognise the unified concept of nasobronchial allergy or rhinobronchitis for proper management.

Evaluation of fine needle aspiration and imprint cytology in the early diagnosis of breast lesions with histopathological correlation

Fifty-one breast lumps were studied by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and scrape imprint cytology. Of the 51 cases, 28 were malignant and included infiltrating duct carcinoma (22), well differentiated adenocarcinoma (2), mucinous, papillary and lobular carcinoma (one each) and malignant lymphoma (one). Benign lesions were mastitis, fibroadenoma and fibrocystic disease. The diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was 90.2% and that of imprint 94.1% with no false negatives. Two imprint smears and one aspirate designated suspicious were proved to be benign. The combination of FNAC and imprint cytodiagnosis gave a diagnostic accuracy of 96% thus proving their value in the rapid diagnosis of breast lesions.

An evaluation of ductal carcinoma in-situ of breast and its correlation with the grade of associated invasive component

Twenty-five cases of Ductal carcinoma in situ(DCIS), of breast with an associated invasive component were selected for this study. The aim was to identify the percentage of malignant cases having DCIS component, to analyse the distribution of DCIS according to architecture and cytonuclear grading and evaluate the correlation between grade of DCIS with that of associated invasive component. The DCIS component was classified according to traditional architectural classification and Van-Nuys cytonuclear classification. The grading of the invasive component was done according to Nottingham's modification of Bloom-Richardson system. Architecturally 72% of DCIS components were of pure form, 28% were of mixed pattern. According to cytonuclear grading 24% cases had grade-I, 28% grade-II and 48% grade-III DCIS. The invasive component showed 16% cases in grade-III. After correlating the grade of DCIS and invasive component 91% positive correlation was found in grade-III cases followed by 66.6% in grade-I and 57.1% in grade-II cases.