A case study of 2019-nCOV cases in Argentina with the real data based on daily cases from March 03, 2020 to March 29, 2021 using classical and fractional derivatives

In this study, our aim is to explore the dynamics of COVID-19 or 2019-nCOV in Argentina considering the parameter values based on the real data of this virus from March 03, 2020 to March 29, 2021 which is a data range of more than one complete year. We propose a Atangana-Baleanu type fractional-order model and simulate it by using predictor-corrector (P-C) method. First we introduce the biological nature of this virus in theoretical way and then formulate a mathematical model to define its dynamics. We use a well-known effective optimization scheme based on the renowned trust-region-reflective (TRR) method to perform the model calibration. We have plotted the real cases of COVID-19 and compared our integer-order model with the simulated data along with the calculation of basic reproductive number. Concerning fractional-order simulations, first we prove the existence and uniqueness of solution and then write the solution along with the stability of the given P-C method. A number of graphs at various fractional-order values are simulated to predict the future dynamics of the virus in Argentina which is the main contribution of this paper.

Mail versus telephone administration of the Oxford Knee and Hip Scores

Telephone and postal methods of administration of the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) were compared on 85 and 61 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), respectively. The test for equivalence was significant for both the knee (P<0.001) and hip participants (P<0.001) indicating that the modes of administration yielded similar results. The ICCs of the OKS and OHS were 0.79 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.70, 0.86) and 0.87 (0.79, 0.92) respectively. The 95% limits of agreement were wide for both scores (OKS LOA, -8.6, 8.2; OHS LOA, -7.7, 5.3). The two modes of administration of the OKS and OHS produce equivalent survey responses at a group level but the same method of administration should be constant for individual monitoring in a clinical setting.

Statistical based media optimization and production of naringinase using Aspergillus brasiliensis 1344

Statistics based optimization, Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to screen and optimize the media components for the production of naringinase from Aspergillus brasiliensis MTCC 1344, using solid state fermentation. Cassava waste (CW) was used as both the solid support and carbon source for the growth of A. brasiliensis. Based on the positive influence of the Pareto chart obtained from PBD on naringinase activity, three media components--maltose, peptone and calcium chloride were screened. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed using these three factors at three levels, for further optimization, and the second order polynomial equation was derived, based on the experimental data. Derringer's desired function methodology showed that the concentrations of maltose (7.74 g/L), peptone (4.19 g/L) and calcium chloride (7.63 mM) were the optimal levels for maximal naringinase activity (889.91 U/mg) which were validated through experiments.

Effect of in vitro culture conditions on somaclonal variation in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) using RAPD markers

We report a high frequency regeneration protocol in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp. var. C 152) via somatic embryogenesis from 10-d-old primary leaf explants. A study was conducted to examine the effect of somaclonal variations in in vitro derived cowpea plants under field conditions. The regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to field after hardening in vitro and grown for collecting R0, R1 and R2 seeds. The seeds of R1 and R2 generations were subsequently, grown under field conditions and their various biometrical traits were compared and evaluated with non-tissue cultured cowpea plants as check. There was no detectable somaclonal variation induced in R0-R2 in any of the biometrical traits. The results indicate that the inclusion of different plant growth promoters at specified concentrations and duration in our earlier tissue culture work did not induce any detectable mutation. The RAPD analysis also shows that there is no genetic variation among R2 cowpea plants. The somatic embryogenesis protocol we report could thus be safely applied for high frequency true-to-type regeneration and transformations protocols without any somaclonal variation.

Cloning and structural analysis of an Indian little millet (Panicum sumatrense) zein-like storage protein: implications for molecular assembly

Zeins are prolamin storage proteins that accumulate in kernel endosperm of several cereals. For cloning of genes coding for zein-like proteins that accumulate in enhanced quantities in the filling stages of little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth.) developing grains, RT-PCR was performed using specific primers. A 750-bp cDNA was directly sequenced and in silico analysis showed high identity degree to alpha-prolamins. This family is composed of zeins from Zea mays, coixins from Coix lachryma-jobi, and alpha-kafirins from Sorghum bicolor. The putative conserved domain of zein-like proteins was identified by primary structure comparisons. Furthermore, threading analyses indicated that the millet zein-like protein forms an anti-parallel alpha-helical hairpin with two opposite surfaces: one hydrophobic and the other hydrophilic that probably could be involved in protein storage assembly. Knowledge about zein-like alpha-prolamins in little millet will lead to cloning and transfer of this gene to other major food crops, such as cereals and legumes, with inferior nutritional quality for monogastric animals.

Developmental pattern formation of somatic embryos induced in cell suspension cultures of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

The sequence of events in the functional body pattern formation during the somatic embryo development in cowpea suspensions is described under three heads. Early stages of somatic embryogenesis were characterized by both periclinal and anti-clinal cell divisions. Differentiation of the protoderm cell layer by periclinal divisions marked the commencement of somatic embryogenesis. The most critical events appear to be the formation of apical meristems, establishment of apical-basal patterns of symmetry, and cellular organization in oblong-stage somatic embryo for the transition to torpedo and cotyledonary-stage somatic embryos. Two different stages of mature embryos showing distinct morphology, classified based on the number of cotyledons and their ability to convert into plantlets, were visualized. Repeated mitotic divisions of the sub-epidermal cell layers marked the induction of pro-embryogenic mass (PEM) in the embryogenic calli. The first division plane was periclinally-oriented, the second anti-clinally-oriented, and the subsequent division planes appeared in any direction, leading to clusters of pro-embryogenic clumps. Differentiation of the protoderm layer marks the beginning of the structural differentiation in globular stage. Incipient pro-cambium formation is the first sign of somatic embryo transition. Axial elongation of inner isodiametric cells of the globular somatic embryo followed by the change in the growth axis of the pro-cambium is an important event in oblong-stage somatic embryo. Vacuolation in the ground meristem of torpedo-stage embryo begins the process of histodifferentiation. Three major embryonic tissue systems; shoot apical meristem, root apical meristem, and the differentiation of pro-cambial strands, are visible in torpedo-stage somatic embryo. Monocotyledonary-stage somatic embryo induced both the shoot apical meristem and two leaf primordia compared to the ansiocotyledonary somatic embryo.

In vitro somatic embryogenesis from cell suspension cultures of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

We report, an efficient protocol for plantlet regeneration from the cell suspension cultures of cowpea through somatic embryogenesis. Primary leaf-derived, embryogenic calli initiated in MMS [MS salts (Murashige and Skoog 1962) with B5 (Gamborg et al. 1968) vitamins] medium containing 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), casein hydrolysate (CH), and L: -Glutamic acid-5-amide (Gln). Fast-growing embryogenic cell suspensions were established in 0.5 mg l(-1) 2,4-D, which resulted in the highest recovery of early stages of somatic embryos in liquid MMS medium. Embryo development was asynchronous and strongly influenced by the 2,4-D concentration. Mature monocotyledonary-stage somatic embryos were induced in liquid B5 medium containing 0.1 mg l(-1) 2,4-D, 20 mg l(-1) L: -Proline (Pro), 5 muM Abscisic acid (ABA), and 2% mannitol. B5 medium was found superior for the maturation of somatic embryos compared to MS and MMS media. The importance of duration (5 d) for effective maturation of somatic embryos is demonstrated. A reduction in the 2,4-D level in suspensions increased the somatic embryo induction and maturation with decreased abnormalities. Sucrose was found to be the best carbon source for callus induction while mannitol for embryo maturation and maltose for embryo germination. Extension of hypocotyls and complete development of plantlet was achieved in half-strength B5 medium supplemented with 3% maltose, 2500 mg l(-1) potassium nitrate, and 0.05 mg l(-1) thidiazuron (TDZ) with 32% regeneration frequency. Field-established plants were morphologically normal and fertile. This regeneration protocol assures a high frequency of embryo induction, maturation, and plantlet conversion.

B cell development and activation defects resulting in xid-like immunodeficiency in BLNK/SLP-65-deficient mice

Engagement of the B cell receptor (BCR) leads to the activation of tyrosine kinases and other signaling molecules that ultimately determine the type and magnitude of the B lymphocyte's cellular response. The adaptor protein BLNK/SLP-65 plays a pivotal role in BCR signal transduction by coupling Syk activation to downstream elements such as Grb2, phospholipase C-gamma, Vav and Nck. We have generated BLNK(-/-) mice to determine the physiological role of this protein in B cell development and activation. BLNK(-/-) mice exhibit an incomplete block in B cell development with a severe inhibition of pro-B to pre-B cell differentiation. BLNK(-/-) sIgM(+) cells can develop, seed the peripheral lymphoid tissues and accumulate in numbers overtime. However, these mutant B cells failed to mature and are non-responsive to BCR cross-linking in terms of proliferation and up-regulation of activation markers such as CD69 and CD86 (B7-2). In addition, the CD5(+) subset of B cells is absent. The immune response to T cell-independent antigen but not T cell-dependent antigen is also impaired. Overall, the phenotype of BLNK(-/-) mice bears a striking resemblance to that of xid mice which is the murine model of human XLA that has a mutation in Bruton's tyrosine kinase. This raises the interesting possibility that mutation in BLNK/SLP-65 may be responsible for certain human immunodeficiencies.

Efficient translation of long-lived messengers in extracts from dry pea primary axes : Evidence for the presence of lectin mRNA

Extracts prepared from dry pea (Pisum sativum, L; cv oberon) primary axes translate efficiently their endogenous messengers in an in vitro protein synthesizing system. The native long-lived messengers are biologically fully active and direct the synthesis of a whole range of polypeptides with MW ranging up to 130,000. About 0.5% of the total in vitro synthesized polypeptides are recovered in the immunoprecipitate obtained with pea lectin antiserum. Since about one-fourth of the radioactivity in the immunoprecipitate comigrates with authentic pea lectin it is concluded that about 0.1% of the long-lived messengers code for the lectin.

Isolation and function of a low molecular weight protein of mung bean embryonic axes

A low molecular weight protein from dry mung bean (Vigna radiata) embryonic axes has been purified to near homogeneity by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and hydroxylapatite. It shows a molecular weight of about 12,000 in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels and a sedimentation coefficient of about 2 S in sucrose gradients. This protein occurs in greater amounts in dry axes than in dry cotyledons, and it dramatically disappears during early germination of the seed. Affinity chromatography tests do not indicate it as a trypsin inhibitor or as a glycoprotein. It is a water-soluble cytoplasmic protein exhibiting an amino acid composition characteristic of storage proteins with a high content of glutamic acid/glutamine. We suggest that it is a low molecular weight storage albumin.

Characterization of a maturation-specific mRNA in dry mung bean embryonic axes

The poly(A)-rich RNA from dry mung bean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek) embryonic axes has been isolated and translated in a wheat embryo cell-free system, and the products were analyzed on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. The fluorographyic patterns showed a heavy band at approximately MW 12,000. The messenger RNA coding for this polypeptide disappeared in the course of early germination. This messenger is translated in vivo but simultaneously degrades when the axes imbibe. The poly(A)-rich RNA from dry axes has been fractionated on sucrose-dimethyl sulfoxide gradients, and this messenger has been found to be distributed largely in the 9-14 S region. The polypeptide synthesized in vitro has been immunoprecipitated, using the antiserum raised against this protein purified from dry axes.