Novel insights into drought-induced regulation of ribosomal genes through DNA methylation in chickpea

Modifications within the epigenome of an organism in response to external environmental conditions allow it to withstand the hostile stress factors. Drought in chickpea is a severely limiting abiotic stress factor which is known to cause huge yield loss. To analyse the methylome of chickpea in response to drought stress conditions and how it affects gene expression, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-seq of two chickpea genotypes which contrast for drought tolerance. It was observed that the mCHH was most variable under drought stress and the drought tolerant (DT) genotype exhibited substantial genome-wide hypomethylation as compared to the drought sensitive (DS) genotype. Specifically, there was substantial difference in gene expression and methylation for the ribosomal genes for the tolerant and sensitive genotypes. The differential expression of these genes was in complete agreement with earlier reported transcriptomes in chickpea. Many of these genes were hypomethylated (q < 0.01) and downregulated under drought stress (p < 0.01) in the sensitive genotype. The gene RPS6 (ribosomal protein small subunit) was found to be downregulated and hypomethylated in the drought sensitive genotype which could possibly lead to reduced ribosomal biosynthesis. This study provides novel insights into regulation of drought-responsive genes in chickpea.

Identification of Climate-Smart Bread Wheat Germplasm Lines with Enhanced Adaptation to Global Warming

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is widely grown in sub-tropical and tropical areas and, as such, it is exposed to heatstress especially during the grain filling period (GFP). Global warming has further affected its production and productivity in these heat-stressed environments. We examined the effects of heatstress on 18 morpho-physiological and yield-related traits in 96 bread wheat accessions. Heat stress decreased crop growth and GFP, and consequently reduced morphological and yield-related traits in the delayed sown crop. A low heat susceptibility index and high yield stability were used for selecting tolerant accessions. Under heatstress, the days to 50% anthesis, flag-leaf area, chlorophyll content, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), thousand grain weight (TGW), harvest index and grain yield were significantly reduced both in tolerant and susceptible accessions. The reduction was severe in susceptible accessions (48.2% grain yield reduction in IC277741). The plant height, peduncle length and spike length showeda significant reduction in susceptible accessions, but a non-significant reduction in the tolerant accessions under the heatstress. The physiological traits like the canopy temperature depression (CTD), plant waxiness and leaf rolling were increased in tolerant accessions under heatstress. Scanning electron microscopy of matured wheat grains revealed ultrastructural changes in endosperm and aleurone cells due to heat stress. The reduction in size and density of large starch granules is the major cause of the yield and TGW decrease in the heat-stress-susceptible accessions. The most stable and high-yielding accessions, namely, IC566223, IC128454, IC335792, EC576707, IC535176, IC529207, IC446713 and IC416019 were identified as the climate-smart germplasm lines. We selected germplasm lines possessing desirable traits as potential parents for the development of bi-parent and multi-parent mapping populations.

Characterization of a unique Sikkimese yak population of India: a multivariate approach

Native Sikkimese yak in Sikkim state of India is a pastoral treasure being raised through centuries-old transhumance practices and has evolved in response to natural and man-made selection. Currently, the population of Sikkimese yak is at risk with about five thousand total headcounts. Characterization is essential for taking appropriate decisions for conservation of any endangered population. In an attempt to phenotypically characterize the Sikkimese yaks, this study recorded phenotypic morphometric traits information, viz., body length (LG), height at withers (HT), heart girth (HG), paunch girth (PG), horn length (HL), horn circumference (HC), distance between horns (DbH), ear length (EL), face length (FL), face width (FW), and tail length with switch (TL), on 2154 yaks of both sexes. Multiple correlation estimation highlighted that HG and PG, DbH and FW, and EL and FW were highly correlated. Using principal component analysis, LG, HT, HG, PG, and HL were found to be the most important traits for phenotypic characterization of Sikkimese yak animals. Discriminant analysis based on different locations of Sikkim hinted at the existence of two separate clusters, however, broadly, phenotypic uniformity could be observed. Subsequent genetic characterization can offer greater insights and can pave the way for future breed registration and conservation of the population.

The SPL transcription factor genes are potential targets for epigenetic regulation in response to drought stress in chickpea (C. arietinum L.)

BACKGROUND

Crop improvement for tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stress factors necessitates understanding the key gene regulatory mechanisms. One such mechanism of gene regulation involves changes in cytosine methylation at the gene body and flanking regulatory sequences. The present study was undertaken to identify genes which might be potential targets of drought-induced DNA methylation in chickpea.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two chickpea genotypes, which contrast for drought tolerance, were subjected to drought stress conditions and their differential response was studied by analysing different morpho-physiological traits. Utilizing the in-house, high throughput sequencing data, the SQUAMOSA promoter-binding (SBP) protein-like (SPL) transcription factor genes were identified to be differentially methylated and expressed amongst the two genotypes, in response to drought stress. The methylation status of one of these genes was examined and validated through bisulfite PCR (BS-PCR). The identified genes could be possible homologs to known epialleles and can therefore serve as potential epialleles which can be utilized for crop improvement in chickpea.

CONCLUSION

The SPL TF genes are potential targets of epigenetic regulation in response to drought stress in chickpea. Since these are TFs, they might play important roles in controlling the expression of other genes, thus contributing to differential drought response of the two genotypes.

From source to sink: mechanistic insight of photoassimilates synthesis and partitioning under high temperature and elevated [CO2]

Photosynthesis is the vital metabolism of the plant affected by abiotic stress such as high temperature and elevated [CO₂] levels, which ultimately affect the source-sink relationship. Triose phosphate, the primary precursor of carbohydrate (starch and sucrose) synthesis in the plant, depends on environmental cues. The synthesis of starch in the chloroplasts of leaves (during the day), the transport of photoassimilates (sucrose) from source to sink, the loading and unloading of photoassimilates, and the accumulation of starch in the sink tissue all require a highly regulated network and communication system within the plant. These processes might be affected by high-temperature stress and elevated [CO₂] conditions. Generally, elevated [CO₂] levels enhance plant growth, photosynthetic rate, starch synthesis, and accumulation, ultimately diluting the nutrient of sink tissues. On the contrary, high-temperature stress is detrimental to plant development affecting photosynthesis, starch synthesis, sucrose synthesis and transport, and photoassimilate accumulation in sink tissues. Moreover, these environmental conditions also negatively impact the quality attributes such as grain/tuber quality, cooking quality, nutritional status in the edible parts and organoleptic traits. In this review, we have attempted to provide an insight into the source-sink relationship and the sugar metabolites synthesized and utilized by the plant under elevated [CO₂] and high-temperature stress. This review will help future researchers comprehend the source-sink process for crop growth under changing climate scenarios.

Mechanistic Concept of Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Responses of the Potato Crop to Heat and Drought Stress

Most cultivated potatoes are tetraploid, and the tuber is the main economic part that is consumed due to its calorific and nutritional values. Recent trends in climate change led to the frequent occurrence of heat and drought stress in major potato-growing regions worldwide. The optimum temperature for tuber production is 15-20 °C. High-temperature and water-deficient conditions during the growing season result in several morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations. The morphological changes under stress conditions may affect the process of stolon formation, tuberization, and bulking, ultimately affecting the tuber yield. This condition also affects the physiological responses, including an imbalance in the allocation of photoassimilates, respiration, water use efficiency, transpiration, carbon partitioning, and the source-sink relationship. The biochemical responses under stress conditions involve maintaining ionic homeostasis, synthesizing heat shock proteins, achieving osmolyte balance, and generating reactive oxygen species, ultimately affecting various biochemical pathways. Different networks that include both gene regulation and transcription factors are involved at the molecular level due to the combination of hot and water-deficient conditions. This article attempts to present an integrative content of physio-biochemical and molecular responses under the combined effects of heat and drought, prominent factors in climate change. Taking into account all of these aspects and responses, there is an immediate need for comprehensive screening of germplasm and the application of appropriate approaches and tactics to produce potato cultivars that perform well under drought and in heat-affected areas.

Right heart catherisation – a virtual reality

Introduction

Right heart catheterisation (RHC) is the gold standard for assessing patients with pulmonary hypertension. Doctors require training in this procedure in a safe and friendly environment with minimal risk to patients. Due to the Covid pandemic, formal RHC teaching workshops were cancelled in our country, so we sought to develop a Virtual Reality Right Heart Catheterisation (VRRHC) training program to fulfil this area of need without the need for face to face contact. The aim was to improve training, competency and confidence in this technique with improved diagnostic skills and reduction of procedural errors.

Method

We approached a health technology company to design a VRRHC training module based on our current RHC simulation workshops. Phase 1 required virtual insertion of RHC via the right internal jugular vein using micro-puncture, double Seldinger technique under ultrasound guidance, followed by insertion of the RHC to the right atrium, right ventricle and pulmonary artery with pulmonary artery occlusion using real time pressure tracings and fluoroscopy. Thermodilution cardiac outputs and chamber saturations were also performed.

The proprietary platform technology was delivered via a laptop and VR headset. Clinicians perform the VRRHC with imaging, monitoring and haptic feedback with the collection of real time performance tracking allowing user data (e.g. failed steps and proficiency scores) to be captured and subsequently visualised in the learning management system.

We collected analytics and data on user engagement, experience and retention, targeted learning outcomes and learning curve, reduction in operating costs, reduction in procedure times due to higher proficiency, early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, reduced complications, improved interpretation and diagnosis.

Results

The program was launched in October 2021. Preliminary data shows a learning curve is associated with both using VR (10–15 minutes) and the RHC procedure itself. Initial time to completion of the RHC was 30–40 mins, reducing to 20–30 minutes with experience and 15 minutes in experts. Completion rates increase with experience from 40–50% to 100% and error rates reduce with frequency of completion.

Conclusion

A Virtual Reality Right Heart Catheter training program is safe, feasible and non-invasive. Increased experience results in increased completion rates, reduced procedure time and reduced errors. Using this program will potentially have beneficial effects on doctor training, outcomes, patient safety and health economics with no risk to a real patient.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Janssen Pharmaceuticals

Physiological and molecular insights on wheat responses to heat stress

Increasing temperature is a key component of global climate change, affecting crop growth and productivity worldwide. Wheat is a major cereal crop grown in various parts of the globe, which is affected severely by heat stress. The morphological parameters affected include germination, seedling establishment, source-sink activity, leaf area, shoot and root growth. The physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, respiration, leaf senescence, water and nutrient relation are also affected by heat. At the cellular level, heat stress leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species that disrupt the membrane system of thylakoid, chloroplast and plasma membrane. The deactivation of the photosystem, reduction in photosynthesis and inactivation of rubisco affect the production of photoassimilates and their allocation. This ultimately affects anthesis, grain filling, size, number and maturity of wheat grains, which hamper crop productivity. The interplay of various systems comprising antioxidants and hormones plays a crucial role in imparting heat stress tolerance in wheat. Thus, implementation of various omics technologies could foster in-depth insights on heat stress effects, eventually devising heat stress mitigation strategies by conventional and modern breeding to develop heat-tolerant wheat varieties. This review provides an integrative view of heat stress responses in wheat and also discusses approaches to develop heat-tolerant wheat varieties.

Reflectance based non-destructive determination of colour and ripeness of tomato fruits

The preference and quality of tomato fruit are primarily determined by its apparent colour and appearance. Non-destructive and rapid methods for assessment of tomato colour and ripeness are therefore of immense significance. This study was conducted to identify reflectance-based indices and to develop models for the non-destructive determination of colour and ripeness (maturity) of tomato fruits. Tomato fruits of two varieties and two hybrids, representing different ripening stages were investigated. Fruits were either harvested directly from the plants or they were picked up from the lots stored at 25 °C. Reflectance from individual fruit was recorded in a spectrum ranging from 350 to 2500 nm. These fruits at different ripening stages were ranked on a relative ripening score (0.0-8.5). Obtained data (reflectance and ripening score) were subjected to chemometric analysis. In total, six models were developed. The first-best model was based on the index R₅₂₁ (reflectance at wavelength 521 nm) i.e., y (colour/ripeness) =  - 2.456 ln (x) - 1.093 where x is R₅₂₁. This model had a root mean standard error of prediction (RMSEP) ≥ 0.86 and biasness =  - 0.09. The second-best model y = 2.582 ln (x) - 0.805 was based on the index R₅₄₆ (x) and had RMSEP ≥ 0.89 and biasness = 0.10. Models could bifurcate tomatoes into basic ripening stages and also red and beyond red tomato fruits from other stages across the varieties/hybrids and ripening conditions [for plant harvested (fresh) and stored (aged) fruits]. Findings will prove useful in developing simple and thereby cost-effective tools for rapid screening/sorting of tomato fruits based on their colour or ripeness not only for basic research (phenotyping) but also for the purpose of processing, value-addition, and pharmaceutical usages.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01126-2.

Body status and blood metabolites profiles during resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in yak (Poephagus grunniens)

We examined the changes in body weight (BW), back-fat thickness (BFT) and blood metabolites in relation to postpartum (PP) ovarian activity status in twenty female yaks raised under semi-intensive system. BFT and ovarian activities, like follicle development, ovulation (OV) and corpus luteum (CL) development, were monitored from 4 to 15 weeks (wk) PP using ultrasonography. Resumption of ovarian activity was confirmed with ovulation of dominant follicle (DF) and subsequent CL development, and >1 ng/ml progesterone concentration in blood plasma sample after 1week of ovulation. Yaks were further classified as cyclic (with CL), acyclic (without CL), and cystic (with >25 mm follicular cyst; FC). Within 20 weeks PP, 60% yaks resumed cyclic ovarian activity, while 25% failed to initiate cycling activity, and 15% developed follicular cysts. In all categories of yak, BW gradually decreased (p < .05) till nadir; however, nadir reached earlier (p < .05) in acyclic yaks. BFT differed (p < .05) among the yak groups, but it tended to be higher in cyclic yaks as compared to acyclic and cystic. No difference (p > .05) in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) values was found among the different categories of yaks, whereas, beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) levels were higher in cystic animals as compared to acyclic and cyclic. Blood glucose levels decreased in all yaks during initial 2 weeks after calving. Our findings suggest that yaks with low BW, BFT and glucose levels, and higher BHB values were at risk of delayed resumption of ovarian activity and concomitant development of follicular cysts.

148 Superovulation and embryo production response in oestrus-synchronized Arunachali yak

The Arunachali breed of yak is reared by the Monpa pastoral community of Arunachal Pradesh in India for their livelihood and nutritional security on highland pastures. In addition to fulfilling the basic needs of highlanders, this animal is associated with poor production potential linked to its inherent reproductive problems, including silent oestrus, seasonality, and inbreeding, making yak rearing a less-profitable venture. In the recent past, efforts have been made to improve reproductive efficiency of Arunachali yak through assisted reproductive techniques. However, a few regimens for superovulation have been tried to date with limited success in terms of superovulatory response and embryo recovery. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of two different doses and regimes of superovulation: Stimufol (400 and 200µg per animal) and Folligon (1500 and 1000IU per animal) in Arunachali yak. Twenty-four yaks were allotted in 4 groups (of 6 animals each) and subjected to respective superovulation treatment. Thereafter, the treatment response was assessed in terms of expression of oestrus, interval between treatment and oestrus onset, duration of oestrous, number of corpora lutea and embryos recovered, and analysed using two-way statistical analysis between treatment groups. The results (Table 1) showed a significant (P&lt;0.01) variation in onset of oestrus after the treatment, whereas other responses did not differ among the groups. Further, the recovered embryos were categorized as excellent, good, fair, and poor according to cell size, shape, texture, and number of vesicles present in the blastomeres; 58.33, 20.83, 8.33, and 12.5% embryos in these categories were recovered, respectively. The overall embryo recovery rate was 30.77%, ranging from 10.53 to 52.38% in different treatment groups. The numbers of embryos recorded were less than the numbers of CL present, showing the possibility of non-availability of all ovulated oocytes for fertilization in the oviduct due to untrapping by the fimbriae. The effectiveness of treatments depended upon the precision of oestrus detection and the time of ovulation. In our study, the variation in onset of oestrus might be associated with poor expression of behavioural oestrus in the treated animals. Based on the present findings, we conclude that all the treatments are effective in superovulation and embryo recovery. However, the use of Folligon at 1500IU seemed to be comparatively more effective in Arunachali yak. Table 1. Mean (n=6) average of treatment responses in yak following different superovulatory treatment Variable Treatment Stimufol Folligon 400 µg/animal 200 µg/animal 1500 IU/animal 1000 IU/animal Oestrus response (%) 100 100 100 100 Interval between treatment and oestrus onset (h) 17.67±0.56a 20.83±0.79b 21.17±0.79bc 23.67±1.43c Duration of oestrous (h) 30.33±1.09 28.50±0.99 31.50±1.50 28.83±1.25 Corpora lutea (n) 2.83±1.22 3.50±1.18 3.50±0.67 3.17±0.87 Embryo recovered (n) 0.83±0.83 1.00±0.81 1.83±0.98 0.33±0.21 Recovery rate (%) 29.41 28.57 52.38 10.53 a–cMeans within a row with different superscripts differ P&lt;0.05.

Postprandial transfer of colostral extracellular vesicles and their protein and miRNA cargo in neonatal calves

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes are key regulators of intercellular communication that can be found in almost all bio fluids. Although studies in the last decade have made great headway in discerning the role of EVs in many physiological and pathophysiological processes, the bioavailability and impact of dietary EVs and their cargo still remain to be elucidated. Due to its widespread consumption and high content of EV-associated microRNAs and proteins, a major focus in this field has been set on EVs in bovine milk and colostrum. Despite promising in vitro studies in recent years that show high resiliency of milk EVs to degradation and uptake of milk EV cargo in a variety of intestinal and blood cell types, in vivo experiments continue to be inconclusive and sometimes outright contradictive. To resolve this discrepancy, we assessed the potential postprandial transfer of colostral EVs to the circulation of newborn calves by analysing colostrum-specific protein and miRNAs, including specific isoforms (isomiRs) in cells, EV isolations and unfractionated samples from blood and colostrum. Our findings reveal distinct populations of EVs in colostrum and blood from cows that can be clearly separated by density, particle concentration and protein content (BTN1A1, MFGE8). Postprandial blood samples of calves show a time-dependent increase in EVs that share morphological and protein characteristics of colostral EVs. Analysis of miRNA expression profiles by Next-Generation Sequencing gave a different picture however. Although significant postprandial expression changes could only be detected for calf EV samples, expression profiles show very limited overlap with highly expressed miRNAs in colostral EVs or colostrum in general. Taken together our results indicate a selective uptake of membrane-associated protein cargo but not luminal miRNAs from colostral EVs into the circulation of neonatal calves.

Characterizing miRNA and mse-tsRNA in fertile and subfertile yak bull spermatozoa from Arunachal Pradesh

Male fertility in farm animals is considered as an important economic trait. The phenomenon of spermatogenesis plays a dynamic functional role in determining the viability of sperm and thereby can impact on fertility-driven complications. The process of spermatogenesis is controlled by numerous molecular factors and requires a precisely regulated pattern of gene expression. The role of small noncoding RNAs in altering gene expression has been extensively studied. However, limited information is available apropos their role in yak spermatogenesis. The present study aimed to evaluate the assessment of some significant microRNAs and their expression pattern in the body tissues and sperm of fertile and subfertile yak from Arunachal Pradesh besides identified a novel class of sperm enriched small RNA 'mature-sperm-enriched small RNA' (mse-tsRNA) in Yak spermatozoa. The RNAwas extracted from tissue and sperm using 27 gauge needles and subsequently reverse transcribed into small RNA cDNAs. The PCR positive sperm-predominant miRNAs were validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) for their expression in fertile and subfertile yak. Of the 22 microRNAs, the miRNA19a, miRNA142 and miRNA143 showed higher expression in the subfertile yak, whereas expression of miRNA7d, miRNA23a and miRNA23b were found elevated in the fertile animal. The presence of these small noncoding RNAs in yak sperm and testis indicated the legitimate involvement of their role in yak bull fertility.

Identification and expression profiling of MSY genes of yak for bull fertility

Yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique bovine species and considered as lifeline of highlanders. The male subfertility in yak is a matter of concern that causes huge economic loses. The spermatogenesis and male reproduction machinery are critically governed by Y-linked genes which tend to acquire necessary information in the course of evolution. The Y-linked fertility genes are present in multiple copies with testis-limited expression. To understand this novel complexity, 12 male-specific region of Y chromosome (MSY) genes have been studied in the yak. Targeted genes are amplified in male and female genomic DNA and confirmed the male derived specificity. Moreover, testis and sperm-specific expressions of MSY genes are distinct among different tissues. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction results validate the expression pattern of these genes in various tissues with predominant expression intestis and sperm. The sequencing of resultant yak MSY genes gives significant result and shows similarity with cattle (Bos indicus), but few nucleotide mismatches define the proposition of infertile male in the F₁ hybrid of cattle and yak. The identified MSY genes can be used to establish male-specific characteristics and to differentiate male and female yak genotypically. Further, these genes may act as valuable resources to understand the capacity of spermatogenesis, embryogenesis, cellular growth, azoospermia and malesubfertility in the yak.

Impregnation of catheters with anacardic acid from cashew nut shell prevents Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development

AIM

The effect of anacardic acid impregnation on catheter surfaces for the prevention of Staphylococcus aureus attachments and biofilm formations were evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Silicon catheter tubes were impregnated using different concentrations of anacardic acids (0·002-0·25%). Anacardic acids are antibacterial phenolic lipids from cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) shell oil. Anacardic acid-impregnated silicon catheters revealed no significant haemolytic activity and were cytocompatible against fibroblast cell line (L929). Sustained release of anacardic acids was observed for 4 days. Anacardic acid-impregnated silicon catheters efficiently inhibited S. aureus colonization and the biofilm formation on its surface. The in vivo antibiofilm activity of anacardic acid-impregnated catheters was tested in an intraperitoneal catheter-associated medaka fish infection model. Significant reduction in S. aureus colonization on anacardic acid-impregnated catheter tubes was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that anacardic acid-impregnated silicon catheters may help in preventing catheter-related staphylococcal infections.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study opens new directions for designing antimicrobial phytochemical-coated surfaces with ideal antibiofilm properties and could be of great interest for biomedical research scientists.

Adaptation strategies of yak to seasonally driven environmental temperatures in its natural habitat

The gradual increase of ambient temperature (TA) at high altitude can cause heat stress as an effect of climate change and may shift the traditional habitat of yak to further higher altitude. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this study to evaluate the thermo-adaptability of yaks to different seasons at high altitude. The adaptive capabilities of yaks were assessed based on different heat tolerance tests in relation to changes in rectal temperature (RT; °F), respiration rate (RR; breaths/min), pulse rate (PR; beats/min), and plasma heat shock protein (HSP) profile. The experiment was conducted in 24 yaks, divided into three groups based on age as calf (n = 8), adult (n = 8), and lactating cow (n = 8). Thermal adaptability was determined by temperature humidity index (THI), dairy search index (DSI), and Benezra's thermal comfort index (BTCI) along with HSP70 profile. The THI was higher (P < 0.01) in summer than winter which increased from lowest (40.87) to highest (61.03) in summer by 20 points, where yaks were under heat load beyond THI 52. The RT (100.09 ± 0.18 °F), RR (21.76 ± 0.18), and PR (59.78 ± 0.32) increased by 23-35%, and this was correlated to the higher values of DSI exceeding 1 in calves (1.35 ± 0.03), lactating cows (1.29 ± 0.04), and adults (1.23 ± 0.32) during summer in comparison to winter (0.98 ± 0.02). The BTCI also showed values greater (P < 0.01) than 2 in calves (3.47 ± 0.27), lactating cows (3.23 ± 0.28), and adults (2.98 ± 0.29) which reflected 49-75% increase in rectal temperature and respiration rate during summer. Further, heat stress was substantiated by threefold higher (P < 0.01) level of plasma HSP70 in calves (189.61 ± 3.90 pg/ml) followed by lactating cows (168.62 ± 3.03 pg/ml) and adults (155.33 ± 2.30 pg/ml) against the winter average of 87.92 ± 3.19 pg/ml. Present results revealed that yaks were experiencing heat stress in summer at an altitude of 3000 m above sea level and calves were more prone to heat stress followed by lactating cows and adults.

Predicting the climatic risk of myrtle rust during its first year in New Zealand

After the first detection of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) on mainland New Zealand in May 2017, the Ministry for Primary Industries sought information about how weather conditions would affect regional and seasonal risk of disease establishment to help plan the incursion response. Using internationally published information, a pathogen-process model was developed to predict infection, latent period and sporulation in relation to weather variables (temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation). This Myrtle Rust Process Model (MRPM) was implemented by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Limited using numerical weather model data to produce weekly maps of potential risk. Predicted risk was greatest in northern North Island and decreased further south, but was still substantial in coastal areas of the north-western South Island during summer and autumn. Risk was low in southern coastal areas of the South Island and the lowest risk occurred in mountainous areas, particularly in the South Island. Retrospective analysis of surveillance data showed that the MRPM accurately predicted geographic risk and it is currently in use for tactical planning of incursion surveillance and organism management.  

Sprout suppression on potato: need to look beyond CIPC for more effective and safer alternatives

World over, potatoes are being stored at 8-12 °C (85-90 % RH). This is the most common way of long-term (up to 6 to 9 months) storage of potatoes. The benefit of storing the potatoes within the temperature range of 8-12 °C is minimum accumulation of sugars in stored potato tubers. In sub-temperate, sub-tropical and tropical countries of the world, short-term (3 to 4 months) storage of potatoes is being done by non-refrigerated traditional/on-farm methods. These short- and long-term storage methods keep the stored potatoes suitable not only for table purpose but also for processing. However, once the natural dormancy period of potato is over, the prevailing temperatures in these storage methods favour sprouting and sprout growth. Therefore, use of some sprout suppressant to check the sprout growth becomes essential under these methods of potato storage. CIPC [Isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate] is the most wide spread and commonly used sprout suppressant on potatoes. CIPC has been in use for more than 50 years and research carried out over such a long period use of CIPC has not only enhanced our understanding of its properties and chemistry but also about the production and toxicological status of its metabolites/degradation products. Today, various safety issues and concerns have surfaced primarily due to continuous and long-term use of CIPC. This review presents an appraisal on CIPC and explains the reasons for the long-time dependence on this chemical as a potato sprout suppressant. Issues like maximum residue limit and acceptable daily intake limit are being discussed for CIPC. This article brings an update on practical aspects of potato storage, residue levels of CIPC, efficacy of CIPC as sprout suppressant and health and environmental safety issues linked with CIPC and its metabolites. The aim of this article is to find possible solutions, way outs and future plans that can make the sprout suppression of potatoes safer and more risk free.

257 IN VITRO YAK EMBRYO PRODUCTION THROUGH CONVENTIONAL AND OVUM PICKUP METHODS

Yak is one of the most important economically useful animals for highlanders. The decline in the yak population demands effective measures for conservation and multiplication of elite germplasm. In vitro production of embryos and their cryopreservation and transfer to suitable recipients for production of elite calves may contribute to fulfill the objectives. The work was conducted at the National Research Center on Yak over a period of 3 years. The ovaries of slaughtered animals were used for collecting oocytes through aspiration of follicles followed by slicing of ovaries in the conventional method. Trials were conducted using 7 cyclic parous yaks for ultrasound-guided ovum pickup (OPU) at Nyukmadung farm (2700 m above mean sea level). The technique followed was similar to that in buffaloes with slight modification. Categories of oocytes classified A (2–3 layers of cumulus) and B (at least one layer of cumulus) obtained through the processes were subjected to in vitro maturation using standardized maturation medium (TCM-199 + 10% follicular fluid + sodium pyruvate + l-glutamine + 10% heat inactivated oestrus cow serum + pFSH + 17β oestradiol). The frozen-thawed yak sperm were capacitated using the swing-up method before their incubation with matured oocytes using BO medium. Oocytes matured for 24 h were washed 5 to 6 times with BO medium and then co-incubated with in vitro capacitated spermatozoa (0.1 to 0.25 million) for fertilization (8–10 oocytes per group) in 100-µL droplets of BO medium under mineral oil in 35-mm Petri dishes and placed in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2, 90% RH) at 38.5°C for 16 to 18 h. The presumed zygotes were washed several times in mCR2aa (modified Charles Rosenkrans) washing medium and then cultured in culture medium for 7 days on original beds of granulosa cells. The rates of maturation and fertilization of oocytes collected by conventional and OPU technique were comparable (Table 1). This may be attributed to greater numbers of good quality oocytes recovered in the conventional method. Embryos developed up to the stage of compact morula and blastocysts (24.66% through conventional and 22.73% through OPU) were cryopreserved using the vitrification method for further study. Thirteen embryos were transferred non-surgically to one each of 13 yak recipients; 5 became pregnant and only 1 recipient transferred with a cryopreserved-thawed embryo, developed through OPU, delivered one male calf, leading to the first successful production of an IVF yak calf in the world. The present findings are suggestive of using the OPU technique for in vitro embryo production, though resulting in lower numbers of transferable embryos (Table 1), because availability of ovaries for conventional IVF is a major constraint in yak. Table 1.Comparative in vitro yak embryo production rate with recovery of oocytes by conventional or ovum pickup (OPU) method

Role of internal atmosphere on fruit ripening and storability-a review

Concentrations of different gases and volatiles present or produced inside a fruit are determined by the permeability of the fruit tissue to these compounds. Primarily, surface morphology and anatomical features of a given fruit determine the degree of permeance across the fruit. Species and varietal variability in surface characteristics and anatomical features therefore influence not only the diffusibility of gases and volatiles across the fruits but also the activity and response of various metabolic and physiological reactions/processes regulated by these compounds. Besides the well-known role of ethylene, gases and volatiles; O2, CO2, ethanol, acetaldehyde, water vapours, methyl salicylate, methyl jasmonate and nitric oxide (NO) have the potential to regulate the process of ripening individually and also in various interactive ways. Differences in the prevailing internal atmosphere of the fruits may therefore be considered as one of the causes behind the existing varietal variability of fruits in terms of rate of ripening, qualitative changes, firmness, shelf-life, ideal storage requirement, extent of tolerance towards reduced O2 and/or elevated CO2, transpirational loss and susceptibility to various physiological disorders. In this way, internal atmosphere of a fruit (in terms of different gases and volatiles) plays a critical regulatory role in the process of fruit ripening. So, better and holistic understanding of this internal atmosphere along with its exact regulatory role on various aspects of fruit ripening will facilitate the development of more meaningful, refined and effective approaches in postharvest management of fruits. Its applicability, specially for the climacteric fruits, at various stages of the supply chain from growers to consumers would assist in reducing postharvest losses not only in quantity but also in quality.

mRNA and microRNA purity and integrity: the key to success in expression profiling

RNA quality control is a crucial step in guaranteeing integer nondegraded RNA and receiving meaningful results in gene expression profiling experiments, using micro-array, RT-qPCR (Reverse-Transcription quantitative PCR), or Next-Generation-Sequencing by RNA-Seq or small-RNA Seq. Therefore, assessment of RNA integrity and purity is very essential prior to gene expression analysis of sample RNA to ensure the accuracy of any downstream applications. RNA samples should be nondegraded or fragmented and free of protein, genomic DNA, nucleases, and enzymatic inhibitors. Herein we describe the current state-of-the-art RNA quality assessment by combining UV/Vis spectrophotometry and microfluidic capillary electrophoresis.

Lack of precision in HbA(1c) values on variant II in cases of hemoglobin Q India

This study was carried out to check the precision of HbA(1c) values on Bio-Rad Variant II in cases of a rare hemoglobin variant Q India. The study was carried out over a three month period on samples collected for HbA(1c) estimation. Seven out of eleven patients showed variable results of HbA(1c) with a very high and unacceptable intraday mean coefficient of variation (CV) of 9.93%. We conclude, that the results of HbA(1c) on Variant II can not be reported without adversely affecting HbA(1c) as a marker of long-term glycemic control in patients who have hemoglobin Q India. The HbA(1c) value of these patients needs to be assessed by a different instrument/method or the glycemic control be monitored by an alternate test like serum Fructosamine.

Physicians' attitudes towards self-treatment of latent tuberculosis

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess physicians' attitudes towards self-treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) based on real-time responses related to actual purified protein derivative (PPD) results, in addition to using hypothetical situations for those who were PPD-negative. We also obtained information on physicians' recommendations for their patients to treat this condition. Although the physicians claimed to recommend optimal treatment to their patients, the majority of them had different attitudes when considering treatment for themselves. There appears to be a discrepancy between physicians' attitudes to self-treatment and their management of patients with LTBI.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 gene expression, protein and function

Objective

Increasing plasma glucose levels are associated with increasing risk of vascular disease. We tested the hypothesis that there is a glycaemia-mediated impairment of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). We studied the influence of plasma glucose on expression and function of a key mediator in RCT, the ATP binding cassette transporter-A1 (ABCA1) and expression of its regulators, liver X receptor-α (LXRα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor–γ (PPARγ).

Methods and Results

Leukocyte ABCA1, LXRα and PPARγ expression was measured by polymerase chain reaction in 63 men with varying degrees of glucose homeostasis. ABCA1 protein concentrations were measured in leukocytes. In a sub-group of 25 men, ABCA1 function was quantified as apolipoprotein-A1-mediated cholesterol efflux from 2–3 week cultured skin fibroblasts. Leukocyte ABCA1 expression correlated negatively with circulating HbA1c and glucose (rho = −0.41, p<0.001; rho = −0.34, p = 0.006 respectively) and was reduced in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (p = 0.03). Leukocyte ABCA1 protein was lower in T2DM (p = 0.03) and positively associated with plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (rho = 0.34, p = 0.02). Apolipoprotein-A1-mediated cholesterol efflux correlated negatively with fasting glucose (rho = −0.50, p = 0.01) and positively with HDL-C (rho = 0.41, p = 0.02). It was reduced in T2DM compared with controls (p = 0.04). These relationships were independent of LXRα and PPARγ expression.

Conclusions

ABCA1 expression and protein concentrations in leukocytes, as well as function in cultured skin fibroblasts, are reduced in T2DM. ABCA1 protein concentration and function are associated with HDL-C levels. These findings indicate a glycaemia- related, persistent disruption of a key component of RCT.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 gene expression, protein and function

OBJECTIVE

Increasing plasma glucose levels are associated with increasing risk of vascular disease. We tested the hypothesis that there is a glycaemia-mediated impairment of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). We studied the influence of plasma glucose on expression and function of a key mediator in RCT, the ATP binding cassette transporter-A1 (ABCA1) and expression of its regulators, liver X receptor-α (LXRα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Leukocyte ABCA1, LXRα and PPARγ expression was measured by polymerase chain reaction in 63 men with varying degrees of glucose homeostasis. ABCA1 protein concentrations were measured in leukocytes. In a sub-group of 25 men, ABCA1 function was quantified as apolipoprotein-A1-mediated cholesterol efflux from 2-3 week cultured skin fibroblasts. Leukocyte ABCA1 expression correlated negatively with circulating HbA1c and glucose (rho = -0.41, p<0.001; rho = -0.34, p = 0.006 respectively) and was reduced in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (p = 0.03). Leukocyte ABCA1 protein was lower in T2DM (p = 0.03) and positively associated with plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (rho = 0.34, p = 0.02). Apolipoprotein-A1-mediated cholesterol efflux correlated negatively with fasting glucose (rho = -0.50, p = 0.01) and positively with HDL-C (rho = 0.41, p = 0.02). It was reduced in T2DM compared with controls (p = 0.04). These relationships were independent of LXRα and PPARγ expression.

CONCLUSIONS

ABCA1 expression and protein concentrations in leukocytes, as well as function in cultured skin fibroblasts, are reduced in T2DM. ABCA1 protein concentration and function are associated with HDL-C levels. These findings indicate a glycaemia-related, persistent disruption of a key component of RCT.