LONESOME HIGHWAY-TARGET OF MONOPTEROS5 transcription factor complex promotes a predifferentiation state for xylem vessel differentiation in the root apical meristem by inducing the expression of VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN genes

In Arabidopsis thaliana, heterodimers comprising two bHLH family proteins, LONESOME HIGHWAY (LHW) and TARGET OF MONOPTEROS5 (TMO5) or its homolog TMO5-LIKE 1 (T5L1) control vascular development in the root apical meristem (RAM). The LHW-TMO5/T5L1 complex regulates vascular cell proliferation, vascular pattern organization, and xylem vessel differentiation; however, the mechanism of preparation for xylem vessel differentiation in the RAM remains elusive. We examined the relationship between LHW-T5L1 and VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN (VND) genes, which are key regulators of vessel differentiation, using reverse genetics approaches. LHW-T5L1 upregulated the expression of VND1, VND2, VND3, VND6, and VND7 but not that of other VNDs. The expression of VND1-VND3 in the RAM was decreased in lhw. In vnd1 vnd2 vnd3 triple loss-of-function mutant roots, metaxylem differentiation was delayed, and VND6 and VND7 expression was reduced. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of VND1-overexpressing cells revealed that VND1 upregulates genes involved in the synthesis of secondary cell wall components. These results suggest that LHW-T5L1 upregulates VND1-VND3 at the early stages of vascular development in the RAM, and VNDs promote a predifferentiation state for xylem vessels by triggering low levels of VND6 and VND7 as well as genes for the synthesis of secondary cell wall materials.

Comparison Between Uses Of Contraceptive Methods In LHW Covered And LHW Uncovered Areas

BACKGROUND

Family planning is of great importance in population dynamics as unregulated fertility negatively affects the economic stabilization of the country. Family planning is considered an effective way for the improvement of child and maternal health and reduces the maternal and perinatal morality. Total contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in Pakistan is 29% even of the fact that 97% Pakistani women know only one method of contraception. This study compares the contraceptive usage among LHW covered and LHW uncovered areas.

METHODS

This was a comparative cross-sectional study, which was conducted in LHW covered, and un covered areas in tehsil Takht Bai of district Mardan from August to December 2016. Samples of 102 families were selected randomly. All those females who were married, in reproductive ages (15-49 years) and were not pregnant were included in the study.

RESULTS

Out of total 102 females 44 (43.1%) were from LHW covered areas while 58 (56.9%) were from LHW uncovered areas. Overall knowledge about various birth control methods was more in uncovered areas, i.e., 71.4% than the covered ones which was 28.6%, p=0.67 and most ladies knew only about the contraceptive pills as compared to other methods. No statistical difference p=0.86 was found in usage of contraceptive methods among couples living in LHW covered and uncovered areas.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights contraceptive usage and role of national program for family planning and primary health care in promotion of contraception. A lot more has to be done for the improvement of family planning services in the community.

Comparison Between Uses Of Contraceptive Methods In LHW Covered And LHW Uncovered Areasxxx

BACKGROUND

Family planning is of great importance in population dynamics as unregulated fertility negatively affects the economic stabilization of the country. Family planning is considered an effective way for the improvement of child and maternal health and reduces the maternal and perinatal morality. Total contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in Pakistan is 29% even of the fact that 97% Pakistani women know only one method of contraception. This study compares the contraceptive usage among LHW covered and LHW uncovered areas.

METHODS

This was a comparative cross-sectional study which was conducted in LHW covered and un covered areas in tehsil Takht Bai of district Mardan from August to December 2016. A sample of 102 families were selected randomly. All those females who were married, in reproductive ages (15-49 years) and were not pregnant were included in the study.

RESULTS

Out of total 102 females 44 (43.1%) were from LHW covered areas while 58 (56.9%) were from LHW uncovered areas. Overall knowledge about various birth control methods was more in uncovered areas, i.e., 71.4% than the covered ones which was 28.6%, p=0.67 and most ladies knew only about the contraceptive pills as compared to other methods. No statistical difference p=0.86 was found in usage of contraceptive methods among couples living in LHW covered and uncovered areas.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights contraceptive usage and role of national program for family planning and primary health care in promotion of contraception. A lot more has to be done for the improvement of family planning services in the community.

Effects of thermobarical pretreatment of cattle waste as feedstock for anaerobic digestion

Lab-scale experiments were conducted to assess the impact of thermobarical treatment of cattle waste on anaerobic digestion. Treatment was at temperatures of 140-220°C in 20K steps for a 5-min duration. Methane yields could be increased by up to 58% at a treatment temperature of 180°C. At 220°C the abundance of inhibitors and other non-digestible substances led to lower methane yields than those obtained from untreated material. In an extended analysis it could be demonstrated that there is a functional correlation between the methane yields after 30 days and the formation rate and methane yield in the acceleration phase. It could be proved in a regression of these correlation values that the optimum treatment temperature is 164°C and that the minimum treatment temperature should be above 115°C.