Water productivity and growth parameters of Fawn-tall fescue and Tekapo-orchard grass under deficit irrigation in arid zones

This study aimed to determine the drought stress response of Fawn-tall fescue and Tekapo-orchard grass and investigate a drought stress resistance marker. Grass genotypes were grown under four Irrigation treatments I1 equivalent to 0.3 standard crop evapotranspiration (ETc), I2 equivalent to 0.65 ETc, I3 equivalent to 0.75 ETc, and I4 equivalent to 1.2 ETc. Plant height, fresh weight, dry weight were measured and the Water productivity (WP) were calculated. The results showed a reduction in the growth of both grass genotypes as the drought stress increased as indicated by the shorter plants and reduction in fresh and dry weight. However, the WP results showed that the Fawn-tall fescue endured the drought stress better than the Tekapo-orchard grass as indicated by the constant values of the plant WP across the tested irrigation treatments. The results was confirmed by the amplification of dehydrin genes where Fawn-tall fescue was found to be homozygous for dehydrin genes.

Mycothiol acetyltransferase (Rv0819) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a potential biomarker for direct diagnosis of tuberculosis using patient serum specimens

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection constitutes a global threat that results in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Efficient and early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is of paramount importance for successful treatment. The aim of the current study is to investigate the mycobacterial mycothiol acetyltransferase Rv0819 as a potential novel biomarker for the diagnosis of active TB infection. The gene encoding Rv0819 was cloned and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant Rv0819 was purified using metal affinity chromatography and was used to raise murine polyclonal antibodies against Rv0819. The raised antibodies were employed for direct detection of Rv0819 in patient serum samples using dot blot assay and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples were obtained from 68 confirmed new TB patients and 35 healthy volunteers as negative controls. The dot blot assay showed sensitivity of 64·7% and specificity of 100%, whereas the competitive ELISA assay showed lower sensitivity (54·4%) and specificity (88·57%). The overall sensitivity of the combined results of the two tests was found to be 89·7%. Overall, the mycobacterial Rv0819 is a potential TB serum biomarker that can be exploited, in combination with other TB biomarkers, for efficient and reliable diagnosis of active TB infection.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The early and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis infection is of paramount importance for initiating treatment and avoiding clinical complications. Most current diagnostic tests have poor sensitivity and/or specificity and in many cases they are too expensive for routine diagnostic testing in resource-limited settings. In the current study, we examined a novel mycobacterial serum biomarker, namely mycothiol acetyltransferase Rv0819. The antigen was detectable in serum specimens of a significant number of tuberculosis patients. This article proves the importance of Rv0819 and paves the way towards its future use as a useful diagnostic marker for tuberculosis infection.

Quantitative trait loci underlying resistance to sudden death syndrome (SDS) in MD96-5722 by 'Spencer' recombinant inbred line population of soybean

The best way to protect yield loss of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] due to sudden death syndrome (SDS), caused by Fusarium virguliforme (Aoki, O'Donnel, Homma & Lattanzi), is the development and use of resistant lines. Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to SDS help developing resistant soybean germplasm through molecular marker-assisted selection strategy. QTL for SDS presented herein are from a high-density SNP-based genetic linkage map of MD 96-5722 (a.k.a 'Monocacy') by 'Spencer' recombinant inbred line using SoySNP6K Illumina Infinium BeadChip genotyping array. Ninety-four F5:7 lines were evaluated for 2 years (2010 and 2011) at two locations (Carbondale and Valmeyer) in southern Illinois, USA to identify QTL controlling SDS resistance using disease index (DX). Composite interval mapping identified 19 SDS controlling QTL which were mapped on 11 separate linkage group (LG) or chromosomes (Chr) out of 20 LG or Chr of soybean genome. Many of these significant QTL identified in one environment/year were confirmed in another year or environment, which suggests a common genetic effects and modes of the pathogen. These new QTL are useful sources for SDS resistance studies in soybean breeding, complementing previously reported loci.

Synthesis, solvatochromaticity and bioactivities of some transition metal complexes with 2-(R-benzylideneamino)-pyridin-3-ol Schiff base derivatives

New four Schiff bases are prepared by condensation of 2-amino-pyridin-3-ol with 3, 4-dihydroxy-benzaldehyde (I), 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (II), 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (III), and 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (IV). The structures of these compounds are characterized based on elemental analyses (C. H. N), IR and (1)H NMR. Also, the electronic absorption spectra are recorded in organic solvents of different polarity. The solvents are selected to be covered a wide range of parameters (refractive index, dielectric constant and hydrogen bonding capacity). The UV-vis absorption spectra of Schiff base compounds are investigated in aqueous buffer solutions of varying pH and utilized for the determination of ionization constant, pK(a) and activation free energy, DeltaG(*) of the ionization process. The biological activity against bacterial species and fungi as microorganisms representing different microbial categories such as (two Gram-negative bacteria, Eschericha coli and Agrobacterium sp.),three Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtlus and Bacillus megatherium), yeast (Candida albicans), and fungi (Aspergillus niger) were studied.

Locus interactions underlie seed yield in soybeans resistant to Heterodera glycines

In soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) combining resistance to cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines I.) with high seed yield remains problematic. Molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) have not provided a solution. Sets of markers describing a collection of favorable alleles (linkats) may assist plant breeders seeking to combine both traits. The objective of this analysis was to identify linkats in genomic regions underlying seed yield and root SCN resistance QTL. Used were groups of cultivars selected from a single recombinant inbred (RIL) population derived from 'Essex' by 'Forrest' (ExF). The yield was measured at four locations. SCN resistance was determined in greenhouse assays. The mean seed yield was used to define 3 groups (each n = 30), high, medium and low. SCN resistance formed 2 groups (SCN resistant (n = 21) and SCN susceptible (n = 69)). Microsatellite markers (213) alleles were compared with seed yield and root SCN (Hetrodera glycines) resistance using mean analysis. The number, size and position of potential linkats were determined. Loci, genomic regions and linkats associated with seed yield were identified on linkage group (LG) K and with root resistance to SCN e on LG E, G, and D1b+W. A method to identify co-localized genomic regions is presented.

Formulation and hypoglycemic activity of pioglitazone-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione derivative used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug's poor aqueous solubility and slow dissolution rate are the main causes of its limited therapeutic action in some cases. The aim of the present study is to formulate a more soluble product of pioglitazone at physiological pH. The potential interaction of pioglitazone with cyclodextrins and water-soluble polymers was investigated to enhance the drug's bioavailability and improve its efficacy. The interaction of pioglitazone with β-cyclodextrin, HP-β-cyclodextrin, and dimethyl-β- cyclodextrin was evaluated by spectrophotometric and solubility methods. Both methods revealed the formation of 1:1 inclusion complexes. The phase solubility diagram of pioglitazone-cyclodextrin systems with or without water-soluble polymers was classified as the AL type. The solubilization strength of cyclodextrins and the apparent stability constant of systems increased upon addition of water-soluble polymers. Inclusion complexes of pioglitazone in cyclodextrins with or without watersoluble polymers were prepared by the kneading method. Binary systems were characterized and confirmed by IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The dissolution rates of pioglitazone, pioglitazone-cyclodextrin physical mixtures, pioglitazone-cyclodextrin complexes, and ternary systems containing watersoluble polymers were determined using a USP dissolution tester; results revealed enhanced dissolution properties of cyclodextrin complexes compared to drug and physical mixtures, and all of the ternary systems displayed higher dissolution efficiency than corresponding binary systems. The permeation of pioglitazone and pioglitazonecyclodextrin complexes through a cellulose membrane with and without water-soluble polymers (PVP and HPMC) present increased and the release pattern follows the kinetics of a Higuchi equation. Assessment of the hypoglycemic effect of the free drug and its cyclodextrin complexes in normal rats via measurement of blood glucose levels (BGL) after administration of a single oral dose revealed that the hypoglycemic effect of pioglitazone-cyclodextrin complexes was greater than that of the free drug and that a pioglitazone-DM β-cyclodextrin complex had the greatest effect. In conclusion, the physicochemical and biological properties of pioglitazone improved as a result of complexation with cyclodextrins, and the improvement of physicochemical properties was more prominent after water-soluble polymers were associated with pioglitazone-cyclodextrin systems.

Nanosuspension as an ophthalmic delivery system for certain glucocorticoid drugs

Poorly-water-soluble compounds are difficult to develop as drug products using conventional formulation techniques. The use of nanotechnology to formulate poorly-water-soluble drugs as nanosuspensions offers the opportunity to address many of the deficiencies associated with this class of molecules. In the present study, the high pressure homogenization method used to prepare nanosuspensions of three practically insoluble glucocorticoid drugs; hydrocortisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone. The effect of particle size in the micron and nano-size ranges as well as the effect of viscosity of the nanosuspension on the ocular bioavailability was studied by measuring the intraocular pressure of normotensive Albino rabbits using shiØetz tonometer. The results show that compared to solution and micro-crystalline suspensions it is a common feature of the three drugs that the nanosuspensions always enhance the rate and extent of ophthalmic drug absorption as well as the intensity of drug action. In the majority of cases nanosuspensions extend the duration of drug effect to a significant extent. The data presented confirms that nanosuspensions differ from micro-crystalline suspensions and solution as ophthalmic drug delivery systems and that the differences are statistically, highly to very highly significant. The results confirm also the importance of viscosity of nanosuspension especially in increasing the duration of drug action.

Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus Is Prevalent in Field-Grown Cucurbit Crops of Southeastern Spain

Despite the importance of field-grown cucurbits in Spain, only limited information is available about the impact of disease on their production. During the 2003 and 2004 growing seasons, systematic surveys were carried out in open field melon (Cucumis melo) and squash (Cucurbita pepo) crops of Murcia Province (Spain). The fields were chosen with no previous information regarding their sanitation status, and samples were taken from plants showing viruslike symptoms. Samples were analyzed using molecular hybridization to detect Beet pseudo-yellows virus (BPYV), Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). We collected 924 samples from 48 field plots. Out of these, almost 90% were infected by at least one of the viruses considered, usually CABYV, which was present in 83 and 66% of the melon and squash samples, respectively. In the case of melon, CYSDV, BPYV, and WMV followed CABYV in relative importance, with frequencies of around 20 to 30%, while in squash, CVYV and BPYY showed frequencies between 28 and 21%. The number of multiple infections was very high, 66 and 56% of the infected samples of melon and squash, respectively, being afflicted. CABYV was present in all multiple infections. The high incidence of CABYV in single and multiple infections suggests that this virus may well become an important threat for cucurbit crops in the region. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis revealed that CABYV isolates can be grouped into two genetic types, both of which seemed to be present during the 2003 epidemic episode, but only one of the types was found in 2004.

An updated 'Essex' by 'Forrest' linkage map and first composite interval map of QTL underlying six soybean traits

DNA marker maps based on single populations are the basis for gene, loci and genomic analyses. Individual maps can be integrated to produce composite maps with higher marker densities if shared marker orders are consistent. However, estimates of marker order in composite maps must include sets of markers that were not polymorphic in multiple populations. Often some of the pooled markers were not codominant, or were not correctly scored. The soybean composite map was composed of data from five separate populations based on northern US germplasm but does not yet include 'Essex' by 'Forrest' recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (E x F) or any southern US soybean cultivars. The objectives were, to update the E x F map with codominant markers, to compare marker orders among this map, the Forrest physical map and the composite soybean map and to compare QTL identified by composite interval maps to the earlier interval maps. Two hundred and thirty seven markers were used to construct the core of the E x F map. The majority of marker orders were consistent between the maps. However, 19 putative marker inversions were detected on 12 of 20 linkage groups (LG). Eleven marker distance compressions were also found. The number of inverted markers ranged from 1 to 2 per LG. Thus, marker order inversions may be common in southern compared to northern US germplasm. A total of 61 QTL among 37 measures of six traits were detected by composite interval maps, interval maps and single point analysis. Seventeen of the QTL found in composite intervals had previously been detected among the 29 QTL found in simple interval maps. The genomic locations of the known QTL were more closely delimited. A genome sequencing project to compare Southern and Northern US soybean cultivars would catalog and delimit inverted regions and the associated QTL. Gene introgression in cultivar development programs would be accelerated.

A bacterial artificial chromosome library of Lotus japonicus constructed in an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-transformable vector

We constructed a BAC library of the model legume Lotus japonicus with a 6-to 7-fold genome coverage. We used vector PCLD04541, which allows direct plant transformation by BACs. The average insert size is 94 kb. Clones were stable in Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Synovial fluid glycosaminoglycan (acid mucopolysaccharide) analysis in assessment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. A pilot study

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid was aspirated from normal control subjects and patients undergoing surgery for TMJ dysfunction. The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition of this fluid was analysed and compared with the clinical diagnosis and histological appearance of the condylar tissues. Changes in GAG composition were observed where a histologically hyperplastic response was seen in joint tissues, but these findings did not necessarily correlate with the initial clinical diagnosis. It is suggested that the fluid composition reflects the current metabolic activities of the tissues and may provide a useful marker of such processes.

Formulation of Polyethylene Glycol ointment bases suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. II

Attention has been focused on the suitability of PEG ointment bases in tropical and subtropical regions. Penetrometer studies were carried out at 33, 37 and 50 degrees C respectively. Penetrometer experiments indicate that the type and amount of PEG will greatly affect the penentration time, and a large number of selected PEGs showed softening in the second month. Rotovisco experiments were conducted at 35 and 45 degrees C. Experiments conducted by Rotovisco at 35 degrees C indicate that PEG bases exhibit plastic flow and rheopexy, and there is an increase in yield values during the twelve months. Experiments worked out by Rotovisco at 45 degrees C reflected that an increase in temperature resulted in a decrease in rheopexy, viscosity, area of histeresis loop and yield values. Results obtained by the two methods demonstrate that PEG 4000 in the presence of equal amounts of PEG 400 has a good texture and might be a suitable ointment base for tropical and subtropical areas.

Pharmacokinetics of [4-14C] mofebutazone after oral administration in man

The pharmacokinetics of mofebutazone was investigated in man after oral administration of [4-14C] mofebutazone in suspension form (7 mg/kg body weight). The blood concentration/time course was found to fit a two compartment open model with first order absorption (ka = 10.1 h-1) where elimination (kel = 0.304 h-1) occurs only from compartment 1. The maximum concentration was reached after 0.3 h in compartment 1 and after 2 h in compartment 2. Mofebutazone was found to be excreted almost exclusively via the kidney; 97% of the administered dose was found in urine already at 72 h. Excretion takes place very rapidly; 24% of the dose was excreted in 1.5 h and 45% in 3 h. 92% of the mofebutazone excreted was the conjugated form. Two glucuronides were detected in the 24 h urine; one of these seemed to be identical to a glucuronide fractionated from the urine of rat. The renal clearance of mofebutazone in man was found to be 3.38 l/h. The almost complete recovery of mofebutazone in the urine indicates that after oral administration, this drug has a very high bioavailability via the oral route.

Effect of urea on the activity of certain ophthalmic drugs in man

The role displayed by urea (2-10%) solutions, on the miotic and mydriatic activities of pilocarpine hydrochloride and homatropine hydrobromide respectively, was investigated on the human eye. At different concentrations, urea exerts no effect on the miotic activity of pilocarpine, whereas in the case of homatropine a negative effect is experienced. For the parameters, area under pupil diameter--time curve (AUC) and maximum pupillary response (MPR), a linear relationship exists between response to homatropine and urea concentration. However, the dependency is more pronounced in conjunction with the MPR parameter.

Influence of phenylbutazone, mofebutazone and aspirin on the pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in the rat

Phenylbutazone suppresses the C-6 hydroxylation, absorption rate, bioavailability, and renal and plasma clearanceè rates of dexamethasone administered orally to normal and oedemateous rats. It increases the half life and the volume of distribution. Aspirin exerts an effect which is less pronounced and involves the enhancement of the C-6 hydroxylation. Aspirin suppresses the half life and renal clearance of dexamethasone and enhances its hepatic clearance. Mofebutazone does not exert any pronounced influence. Also, unlike phenylbutazone, it does not interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of dexamethasone. More rapid onset of absorption, decrease of half life and increase of the contribution of renal clearance to total plasma clearance of dexamethasone, are characteristics of the oedematous condition in the rat. The contribution of renal clearance to the elimination of dexamethasone is much greater in the rat than in human subjects. The presence of a third unconjugated metabolite of dexamethaone in the urine of rat has been demonstrated.

Effect of benzyl nicotinate on the percutaneous absorption of dexamethasone in the rat

The effect of benzyl nicotinate (15 mg) on the percutaneous absorption of dexamethasone 0,1 mg (62,5 uCi)/6 cm2, in an ethanol/octanol vehicle has been investigated in the rat. Both the urinary excretion and blood concentration data showed that benzyl nicotinate had a pronounced stimulating effect on the rate and extent of absorption. The relative bioavailability of dexamethasone was found to be 120% (urinary excretion data) or 146% (blood concentration data). Peak blood concentration increased greatly and was reached more quickly (1 1/2 hours instead of 2 1/2 hours).

On the racemization of L-noradrenaline bitartrate

The hydronium ion catalyzed racemization of L-noradrenaline bitartrate solutions was studied as a function of ionic strength and polarity of the medium. On the grounds of the findings obtained, it was assumed that the racemization of the drug involves an ionic reaction between ions of like charge. The water/propylene glycol system dielektric constant 60 was found to furnish optimal stability conditions for the drug. In addition, attention must be given to avoiding the incorporation of electrolytes into the solution.