Biosciences

Firefly luciferase bioluminescence (FLB) is a highly sensitive and specific method for the analysis of adenosine-5-triphosphate (ATP) in biological samples. Earlier attempts to modify the FLB test for enhanced sensitivity have been typically based onin vitro cell systems. This study reports an optimized FLB procedure for the analysis of ATP in small tissue samples. The results showed that the sensitivity of the FLB test can be enhanced several fold by using ultraturax homogenizer, perchloric acid extraction, neutralization of acid extract and its optimal dilution, before performing the assay reaction.

The inhibitory effects of aflatoxin B 1 were found to be related to the gram character in procaryotes, used in this study. Ethylene diamine tetra chloroacetic acid (0·05 % w/v) or Tween-80 (0·05 % v/v) addition accentuated the aflatoxin B 1 growth inhibition in Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli at different pH values. The inhibition of lipase production was only 5-20 % in Pseudomonas fluorescence ca. 25-48% in Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus at different aflatoxin B 1 concentrations (4-16 µg/ml).However, inhibition of α-amylase induction was complete in Bacillus megaterium whereas the inhibition was partial in Pseudomonas fluorescence (27-40%) at 32 µg aflatoxin B 1 concentration. An increase in leakage of cell contents and decreased inulin uptake were observed in toxin incubated sheep red blood cell suspension (1 %) with increased aflatoxin B 1 concentration.

It has been estimated that 10 11 -10 12 cells, primarily of haematogenous origin, die in the adult human body daily, and a similar number is regenerated to maintain homeostasis. Despite the presence of an efficient scavenging system for dead cells, considerable amounts of fragmented genetic material enter the circulation in healthy individuals. Elevated blood levels of extracellular nucleic acids have been reported in various disease conditions; such as ageing and age-related degenerative disorders, cancer; acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, severe trauma and autoimmune disorders. In addition to genomic DNA and nucleosomes, mitochondrial DNA is also found in circulation, as are RNA and microRNA. There is extensive literature that suggests that extraneously added nucleic acids have biological actions. They can enter into cells in vitro and in vivo and induce genetic transformation and cellular and chromosomal damage; and experimentally added nucleic acids are capable of activating both innate and adaptive immune systems and inducing a sterile inflammatory response. The possibility as to whether circulating nucleic acids may, likewise, have biological activities has not been explored. In this review we raise the question as to whether circulating nucleic acids may have damaging effects on the host and be implicated in ageing and diverse acute and chronic human pathologies.

There are several methods to introduce purified DNA into mammalian cells. These include microinjection into the nuclei of the recipient cells and complexing the DNA with facilitating agents such as calcium-phosphate. After it enters the nucleus, the DNA is expressed in a large proportion of the cells. This expression is dependent upon cis-acting sequences that are recognized by the mammalian transcriptional and translational machinery. In a smaller proportion of cells, the exogenous DNA becomes covalently integrated into the host cell DNA at random sites. Non-selectable genes can be introduced into mammalian cells by ligating them to a selectable marker or mixing the DNA with carrier DNA containing a selectable marker. The DNA that is introduced into mammalian cells can be rescued for examination and analysis. These gene transfer methods have already proven to be useful in identification of sequences which are necessary for normal gene expression as well as gene regulation. In addition a number of genes have been isolated using gene transfer methods. DNA mediated gene transfer holds much promise to target genes to specific sites in the chromosomes, to understand mechanisms of mammalian development and cell differentiation and is expected to provide a method to produce important and novel gene products that may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Theoretical investigations, using semi-empirical potential functions have been carried out to predict the favoured conformations of the terminal dissaccharide fragments of various sialyloligosaccharides. The proposed conformational similarity for these fragments has been correlated to the binding specificity of neuraminidases. These calculations predict that bacterial neuraminidases have a binding site which can accommodate only two sugar residues and virus neuraminidases have a binding site which can accommodate more than two sugar residues.

The present work concerns a quantitative analysis of parameters that affect apparent blood viscosity at different low shear rates, i.e, between 1 s−1 and, 100 s−1. Viscosity profile of a large number of blood samples from thromboembolic stroke cases and age and sex matched healthy controls were studied which confirmed non-Newtonian power law behaviour of blood. The power law coefficients,n andk, which are unique to each blood sample, were related with blood viscosity parameters in the form of a mathematical equation by performing non-linear regression analysis. It was possible to calculaten andk of power law model by supplying the values of major blood constituents in the equation obtained for stroke and controls. The calculation ofn andk of a blood sample using the equation obtained, provided a quick information on its apparent viscosity values at any given shear rate without viscometry. The calculated and the experimental viscosity were found in good agreement within a permissible error range. The relation obtained between power law coefficients and major blood constituents in the present investigation would give a quantification of different blood viscosity parameters contributing to the resistance to flow of blood. Such an analysis may be considered as a scientific basis for the study of blood fluidity in different disease conditions.

Present work illustrates a scheme of quantitative description of the shape of the skull outlines of temnospondyl amphibians using bilaterally symmetric closed Fourier curves. Some special points have been identified on the Fourier fits of the skull outlines, which are the local maxima, or minima of the distances from the centroid of the points at the skull outline. These points denotes break in curvature of the outline and their positions can be compared to differentiate the skull shapes. The ratios of arc-lengths of the posterior and lateral outline of 58 temnospondyl skulls have been plotted to generate a triaguarity series of the skulls. This series grades different families, some of their genera and species as well as some individuals according to their posterior and lateral skull length ratios. This model while comparing different taxa, takes into account the entire arc-length of the outline of the temnospondyl skulls, and does not depend on few geometric or biological points used by earlier workers for comparing skull shapes.

Mustard is a natural and multifunctional additive with valuable health benefits. Because of its strong hot flavor its application in food stuffs may be limited. Response surface methodology was used to design 21 different deheating process and evaluate the effects of heating time (0-20 min) and methods (heating in hot air, hot water and steam) on residual myrosinase activity, color properties and also the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each treated sample. Optimum process, determined through desirability function approach was 5.25 min heating by steam. Under optimal conditions, myrosinase activity was reduced by 31%, MIC approximately unchanged, redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) increased but lightness (L*) decreased by 8.6% as compared to control.

We develop a new technique to analyse microarray data which uses a combination of principal components analysis and consensus ensemble k-clustering to find robust clusters and gene markers in the data. We apply our method to a public microarray breast cancer dataset which has expression levels of genes in normal samples as well as in three pathological stages of disease; namely, atypical ductal hyperplasia or ADH, ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS and invasive ductal carcinoma or IDC. Our method averages over clustering techniques and data perturbation to find stable, robust clusters and gene markers. We identify the clusters and their pathways with distinct subtypes of breast cancer (Luminal, Basal and Her2+). We confirm that the cancer phenotype develops early (in early hyperplasia or ADH stage) and find from our analysis that each subtype progresses from ADH to DCIS to IDC along its own specific pathway, as if each was a distinct disease.

A Concanavalin A-β-galactosidase conjugate was prepared using glutaraldehyde as the crosslmking reagent. The conjugate bound to Sephadex G-50 beads was more thermostable and hydrolyzed lactose faster than the free enzyme. The immobilized enzyme may prove useful in the preparation of low lactose milk which is required by persons suffering from lactose intolerance.

Amalaki Rasayana (AR) is a common Ayurvedic herbal formulation of Phyllanthus emblica fruits and other ingredients and is used for general good health and healthy aging. We earlier reported it to improve life history traits and to suppress neurodegeneration as well as induced apoptosis in Drosophila. Aim of the study To examine effects of dietary AR supplement on cell stress responses in Drosophila melanogaster. Materials and methods Larvae/flies, reared on normal food or on that supplemented with 0.5% (w/v) AR, were exposed to crowding, thermal or oxidative stress and examined for survival, stress tolerance and levels of lipid peroxides, SOD and HSPs. Results Wild type larvae/flies reared on AR supplemented food survived the various cell stresses much better than those reared on normal food. AR-fed mutant park-13 or DJ-1beta-delta93 (Parkinsons disease model) larvae, however, showed only partial or no protection, respectively, against paraquat-induced oxidative stress, indicating e...

A number of factors that are known to influence genetic transformation were evaluated to optimizeAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of hypocotyl explants of cauliflower variety Pusa Snowball K-1. The binary vector p35SGUSINT mobilized intoAgrobacterium strain GV2260 was used for transformation and transient GUS expression was used as the basis for identifying the most appropriate conditions for transformation. Explant age, preculture period, bacterial strain and density were found to be critical determinants of transformation efficiency. Using the optimized protocol, the syntheticcryIA(b) gene was mobilized into cauliflower. Molecular analyses of transgenics established the integration and expression of the transgene. Insect bioassays indicated the effectiveness of the transgene against infestation by diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae.

American psychology association describes that the relationship between the depression and inadequate lactation are not clear. This articles provides an overview of breast feeding practices, newborn care and lack of maternal and newborn care among lactating mothers with depression. Postnatal mothers was estimated by using modified Hamilton depression rating scale. 50 depressed mothers with inadequate lactation were selected. Among 50 mothers, 12 mothers (24%) were mildly depressed, 31 mothers (62%) were moderately depressed and 07 mothers (14%) were severely depressed. The results of this study reveals the mean depression score was 7.59, SD was 2.172 and mean percentage was 25.86 which reveals a significant association between the level of depression among inadequate lactation and selected demographic variable. Depression among mothers with inadequate lactation are the serious threat for the mother as well as for the infant. The findings of this study suggests that majority of the mothers were depressed during postnatal period due to inadequate lactation where the preventive management of the risk group should be carried out in the antenatal period itself.

Agrobacterium rhizogenes transfers a segment of its plasmid to the plant genome. The transferred DNA contains genes which are involved in the synthesis of plant hormones. These genes express in the plant cell and give rise to rooty-tumors at the infection site. Transgenic plants can be readily regenerated from the rooty-tumors and the transferred DNA is transmitted to progeny plants. High regeneration potential and sustained maintenance of transferred DNA makes the bacterium a suitable vector for plant genetic engineering. DNA sequences homologous to the transferred DNA of Agrobacterium rhizogenes were detected in some untransformed plant species suggesting a past infection by Agrobacterium rhizogenes during evolution of some genera, notably Nicotiana.

Wolbachia are symbiotic endobacteria that infect the majority of filarial nematodes, including Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus. Recent studies have suggested that Wolbachia are necessary for the reproduction and survival of filarial nematodes and have highlighted the use of antibiotic therapy such as tetracycline/doxycycline as a novel method of treatment for infections caused by these organisms. Before such therapy is conceived and implemented on a large scale, it is necessary to assess the prevalence of the endosymbiont in W. bancrofti from different geographical locations. We present data from molecular and electron microscopic studies to provide evidence for Wolbachia symbiosis in W. bancrofti microfilariae collected from two districts (Bankura and Birbhum) of West Bengal, India.

Bacteriallipases are commercially more important mainly because of the ease of their cultivation and optimization to obtain higher yield. The industrial demand of new sources of lipases with different catalytic characteristics stimulated the isolation and selection of Bacillus subtilis. This study was designed to investigate physicochemical parameters for optimized lipase production. Microbial lipases catalyze both the hydrolysis and synthesis of long-chain acylglycerols. They are currently given much attention with the rapid development of enzyme technology. The characterization of these enzymes of paramount importance to establish the process conditions for subsequent application. To determine the optimum pH, we used the sodium citrate buffer pH 3, 3.6and 5.6 and sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.3 and 8.Change in pH also alters an enzyme's shape. Different enzymes work best at different pH values. The enzyme can continue locking with a substrate and continue its catalysts activity. If the pH is too high or too low it can change the shape of the enzyme. The most favourable pH value the point where the enzyme is most active is known as the optimum pH. Extremely high or low pH values generally result in complete loss of activity for most enzymes pH is also a factor in the stability of enzymes. As with activity for each enzyme, there is also a region of pH optimal stability.

We  investigate the polytypism of MoS2 via first-principles crystal structure prediction approach. In particular, we combine the random searching method, AIRSS, for crystal structure prediction, and total energy calculations, based on density functional theory, by using CASTEP. In addition to the semiconductor, 2H/AbA BaB polytype, space group P63/mmc, and the metallic, 1T/ AbC polytype, space group P3m1, the results suggest the formation of a monoclinic, 1M/AbC, space groupP21/m, and two orthorhombic, 2O-polytypes, space groups Fmm2 and Amm2, with different stacking sequences and band structures. The first exhibits a band gap of 1.007 eV and the second a metallic band structure. In addition, other, but unstable, structures are predicted indicating that the main factor driving the polytypism in MoS2 is the relative stacking and orientation of the slabs on which the sulfur atoms are positioned. The complex equilibrium that governs the attraction-repulsion interactions between those sulfur slabs makes reason of the variety of the polytypic structures and consequent mechanical and electronic properties of MoS2

Centella asiatica or "gotu kola" has been used since long time ago as an ethno-pharmacological plant and supposed to be a potent medicinal plant for its various pharmacological effects favorable for human health. Many studies described the noteworthy protective effect of C. asiatica against numerous diseases. Biological activities of C. asiatica have been linked to the most major compounds in it. This state paper is a part of our ongoing research on C. asiatica, its activity, isolation of novel metabolites, and applying the biotechnological methods to improve this plant and its phytochemical activities.

1. Daniel Bernoulli's reputation An historian of science or physicist would probably say this about Daniel Bernoulli: "Ah, Daniel Bernoulli, one of the three great Basel Bernoullis, Johann's second son, Jakob's nephew; born in 1700. He died in 1782, never having married. He made fundamental contributions to hydrodynamics, including the basic principle that allows airplanes to fly and that governs the design of sails and boat hulls. He had a horrible time with his hypercompetitive father (who stole his work on hydrodynamics and published it under his own name in a book that Johann pre-dated by 10 years to make clear who had precedence). He took a degree in medicine but never abandoned his first love, mathematics, and was one of Leonhard Euler's best friends and constant supporters. After time with Euler and Goldbach in St. Petersburg in the golden days of the St. Petersburg Academy (1724-1732), he returned to Basel in 1732, where his lectures on mathematics and physics had exemplary clarity and profound impact. He was one of the great mathematical physicists and would have been an even greater experimental physicist had Basel given him the equipment he asked for. Of the Bernoullis he was the third best mathematician, that being fast company" (Merian 1860; Speiser 1939). An economist or evolutionary biologist would, in contrast, emphasize the one paper on choice under risk in which he distinguishes between wealth and utility, a paper not often remembered by physicists or mathematicians. That paper (Bernoulli 1738, trans. 1954, written 1730-31) has profoundly influenced economic theory, portfolio theory, and operations research and has growing influence in evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology. Between 1983 and 1999 it was cited 36 times (according to the

Knowledge of the chemical composition of seagrass is important both for the assessment of the nutritional value of marine invertebrate or vertebrate herbivores and for the evaluation of potential sources of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids for commercial use or for possible human consumption. While phytochemical screening provides basic information about the medicinal importance of the plant extract and are lead compound for drug discoveries. Proximate composition and phytochemical analyses were determined on the seagrass Enhalus acoroides and Thalassia hemprichii using standard methods on a dry basis. The result of the proximate composition showed that Enhalus acoroides contained 9.35% crude protein, 0.07% crude lipid, 54.94% carbohydrate contents and 35.64% ash. While Thalassia hemprichii contained 14.98% crude protein, 0.17% crude lipid, 52.87% carbohydrate contents and 31.98% ash. The phytochemicals detected in the methanolic extracts of Enhalus acoroides were alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, tannins, and steroids. While for Thalassia hemprichii were alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, tannins, triterpenoids and steroids. The results indicate that seagrass Enhalus acoroides and Thalassia hemprichii are good potential sources of highly nutritious feed stuff and the different active secondary metabolites along with significant bioactive potential might be helpful for the future pharmaceutical applications.

Fuel ethanol is an important renewable and sustainable fuel, produced in China by fermentation of mostly corn, wheat and cassava feedstock. Fermentation produces an ethanol-lean broth (10 to 12 vol%). Ethanol is recovered by distillation, followed by a molecular sieve drying beyond the azeo-tropic point. The distillation and molecular sieve operations consume most of the total energy used, with the steam consumption currently being ~1.8 kg/kg ethanol, including 0.5 kg/kg ethanol in the final molecular sieve stage during regeneration. The objectives of the paper are fourfold: 1) firstly to study the distillation process of a large-scale cassava-based fuel ethanol production (200,000 tons per year), by field measurements and by using an Aspen Plus V8.2 simulation, with and without energy integration of condensers and reboilers, resulting in a distillation steam consumption of ~1.3 kg/kg ethanol; 2) secondly, to examine the effects of using Very High Gravity (VHG) fer-mentation of cassava meal mash. By using VHG fermentation, the ethanol concentration in the fermenter broth is significantly increased, to about 19 vol% (15.4 wt%). The steam consumption is then reduced to ~0.94 kg/kg, representing a considerable saving in comparison with the current operation. Applying VHG fermentation needs minor additional investment, rapidly recovered through the energy savings and the smaller size of equipment; 3) thirdly, to assess the application of a hybrid operation, where pervaporation will be used to selectively and continuously remove ethanol from the fermenter broth, thus slightly increasing the fermentation yield by reducing the risk of ethanol inhibition, whilst producing an ehtanol-rich permeate (about 30 wt%); and finally 4) to demonstrate that the production cost of cassava-based ethanol can substantially be reduced by applying the proposed improvements.

U. P. (India). The genotypes were grown in simple augmented block design and data were collected on fifteen morpho-agronomic characters. Analysis of observed data showed that the mean squares due to treatments for all the traits in both the environment were highly significant. GCV and PCV were highest for canopy temperature depression, grain weight/spike, biological yield/plant, grain yield/plant, tiller number/plant and lowest for days to anthesis. Heritability (bs) estimates were high for canopy temperature depression (CTD), followed by biological yield/plant, grain weight/ spike, grain number /spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield/plant, tiller number/plant and lowest for days to heading and days to anthesis in case of both environments. The estimates of genetic advance (GA) were highest for canopy temperature depression followed by grain weight/spike, biological yield/plant, grain yield/spike, tiller number/plant, grain number/ spike and lowest for days to heading and days to anthesis under both ( normal and heat stress) environment. This study suggests that the presence of adequate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for these traits under normal and heat stress environment is suitable for breeding programs and crop improvement.

Metal corrosion is brought about by the oxidation of atoms on the surface, resulting in irreversible damage to structures at staggering costs. Hence, the search for efficient and cost-effective corrosion inhibitors is relevant. Waste agricultural by-products which have no food or economic value serve as good potential sources for these environmentally benign corrosion inhibitors. Ethanolic extracts of Red Dragon Fruit (RDF) have been previously reported to contain high amounts of flavonoids and polyphenols, which can manifest inhibitory activity against corrosion brought about by aggressive electrolytes. In this study, the ethanolic extract of Selenicereus costaricensis waste peels was tested for its anti-corrosion property using weight loss method. We have also probed its performance as a potential corrosion inhibitor at a range of different temperatures from 303 to 343 K. The calculated inhibition efficiency of 2% RDF was 97%. Thermodynamic studies reveal that increasing inhibitor concentration raises the activation parameters of mild steel in an acidic medium such as activation energy (Ea) and changes in enthalpy (DHo) and entropy (DSo). It was found that the corrosion inhibition process using RDF waste peel extract mainly occurs under diffusion control. Moreover, increased immersion time, inhibitor concentration, and temperature led to increased inhibition efficiency. The spontaneous process (DGoads = -23.47 kJ/mol) of adsorption of RDF on mild steel surfaces obeys the Langmuir isotherm model.

Pedro Otacílio de Figueiredo airportislocated in Vitória da Conquista – Bahia. It has several flights to different states and has a Fire Department of the Military Fire Department.The objective of this paper is to present the Airport Fire Section and to verify the application of safety and fire fighting rules, first aid and prehospital care.Accidents and incidents are now practically zero, first aid actions are rare and accidents are prevented by the extinguishing of small fires in the vegetation and the killing of vultures (Coragypsatratus) that can cause accidents.

Study of morphological and anatomical responses to waterlogging stress can help to identify mechanisms of waterlogging tolerance. A pot experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station, Ahvaz-branch University, during 2012-2013 crop season. Experimental design was a factorial according to a randomized compete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments were four levels of waterlogging duration (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) and four height of water above the soil surface namely 0, 5, 10 and 15 cm at the stage of stem elongation. In this experiment Chamran cultivar was used as wheat cultivar. Results showed that aerenchyma tissue and adventitious roots increased under waterlogging stress. The maximum and the minimum adventitious roots and aerenchyma tissue observed under 14 and 7 days waterlogging and the maximum and the minimum adventitious roots and aerenchyma tissue observed under 5 and 0 cm water above the soil surface, respectively.

Forensic Entomology is the scientific methods used by entomologist to calculate the time of an organism death through insect communities as a biological indicator. In the present study, insect fauna identification in dead dog, Canis domesticus (L.) has been used as in substitute of dead human body in tropical region Mardan, a tool for forensic entomology were carried out in five different decomposition stages, fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay and dry. The collected Diptera species were Chrysomya rufifacies, Chrysomya megacephala, Parasarcophaga ruficornis, Musca domestica and Piophila casei. Chrysomya rufifacies was first arrived to dog carcass and dominated first stages of decomposition. The average temperature (28.3±1.8-40.4±1.7) was found affected Diptera fauna and rate of decomposition of C. domesticus during the observation period for (11 days from 15 to 25 May 2011). This research will be helpful for forensic entomologist for a case study of death to investigate of c...

Polished rice usually lacks essential elements. Cultivation for increased yield with high nutritional value is thus a challenge. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of nanofertilizer application on the yield, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of rice cv. Ilpum. Results showed that agronomic parameters were significantly enhanced by all combination treatments except for that applied with nanofertilizer only. The full recommended rate of conventional and nanofertilizer (FRR-CF+FRR-NF) enhanced the plant height, chlorophyll content, number of reproductive tillers, panicles, and spikelets. The magnitudes of increase over the FRR-CF were 3.6%, 2.72%, 9.10%, 9.10%, and 15.42%, respectively. Similar results were seen in panicle weight (17.4%), total grain weight (unpolished-17.5%, polished-20.7%), total shoot dry weight (15.3%), and harvest index (2.9%). Half the recommended rate of nanofertilizer enhanced TPC, reducing power and 2, 2’- azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging activity by 51.67%, 36.28%, and 20.93% respectively over the FRR-CF+FRR-NF treatment. TPC (557.55 mg GAE/100g) was higher compared to some pigmented rice cultivars. ABTS assay revealed that the scavenging activity could reach 97.23%. However, the highest hydroxyl scavenging activity registered on the FRR-CF+FRR-NF treatment (55.11%). The chelating capacity and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of the rice extracts did not noticeably differ among treatments. TPC appeared indirectly related to total grain yield and total shoot biomass. Alternatively, a strong positive correlation appeared between TPC and reducing power (94%), as well as ABTS radical scavenging activity (89%). Nanofertilizer application promoted the growth, development, TPC, and antioxidant activity in rice, demonstrating the potential to improve crop production and plant nutrition.

Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) is a common bacterium both in daily life and scientific researches. In order to demonstrate the biophysical properties of Escherichia coli, the 3D model and simulation of E. coli are built based on Blender, helping with the visualization. First, a brief introduction to Blender explains why it's chosen as the modelling software and demonstrates the advantages of Blender by comparison; next, the whole process of how the model is built through basic shapes and modifiers is provided step by step. Lastly, several C# scripts in Unity are written to make the model move as real Escherichia coli in a low Reynolds number environment to simulate the behaviour of the cell in line with a given motion mode. The final result manifests the above methods have a great performance in the construction and simulation of E. coli, which could offer ideas for further study of the simulation of the microorganism.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is most adapted subtropical fruit crop, which was introduced in India during 15th century from the Mediterranean region. India is largest grower, producer and exporter of pomegranate since last decade. Among eight major pomegranate growing states, Maharashtra is the largest producer, occupies 70.2% of total area in the country with average productivity of 13.24 MT. In recent years, there is decline in production in Maharashtra due to a disease like anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum sp. Colletotrichum causes the infection on all plant parts as sub circular or angular black lesions results in stem deformation, defoliation during shoot development, death of inflorescences, necrotic lesions on leaves. The productivity has decreased though the land coverage has increased in last decade. Under unfavorable climatic conditions this disease has caused yield loss of up to 100%. This review sheds light on the production, agricultural practices, crop biology and diseases of pomegranate causing crop losses. It highlights the epidemiology, symptoms and management strategies for common diseases in pomegranate. It has been observed that, due to monoculture practices and change in environment, the disease like anthracnose causes tremendous losses. Therefore, it warrants urgent consideration for developing new agricultural practices and effective methods to eradicate the disease.

Background: The synergism is a new concept in developing agents for antimicrobial therapy. The new approach is combination therapy i. e. combination of different plant extracts with antibiotics against resistant microorganisms which may lead to new ways of treating infectious diseases. Synergistic interaction means when two agents are combined together and they exert an inhibitory effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects. The present study focuses on the in vitro antimicrobial activity and synergistic activity of various parts of different plants such Aegle marmelos, Annona squamosa, Citrus limon, Piper betle, and Azadiracta indica. Material and Method: The synergistic antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the Agar disc diffusion method against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and Fungi. Result and Discussion: All the plant extracts with Gentamicin showed good synergistic antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. All the plant extracts with Ketoconazol showed good synergistic antifungal activity against fungi. Conclusion: Hence, these plants extracts can be used as good medicinal sources in combination with antibiotics to treat infectious diseases.

Mycological examination of 48 samples of sorghum grains obtained from farmers’ households in two districts (Dawa Chefa and Kemise) of Northeastern Ethiopia resulted in 1087 fungal isolates separated into 55 morphotaxa (3 of which unidentified) belonging to 13 genera. The genera include Aspergillus, Alternaria, Arthrinium, Bipolaris, Botrytis, Cercosporella, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, Phoma and Trichoderma. Aspergillus, dominated (46% of all the mycoflora) followed by Penicillium (15.7%) and Bipolaris having the lowest occurrence (0.7%). About 45% of the samples of the sorghum seeds were found infected by more than one fungus, more isolates were obtained in samples collected from mid altitude zones whereas highly diversified fungi samples were observed in low agro-ecological zones with the highest Shannon diversity index obtained from Kemise district (H’= 1.99864) whereas highly diversified (H’=2.20718) morphotaxa were encountered at Qello.

The 2004 Nobel Prize in chemistry for the discovery of protein ubiquitination has led to the recognition of cellular proteolysis as a central area of research in biology. Eukaryotic proteins targeted for degradation by this pathway are first 'tagged' by multimers of a protein known as ubiquitin and are later proteolyzed by a giant enzyme known as the proteasome. This article recounts the key observations that led to the discovery of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). In addition, different aspects of proteasome biology are highlighted. Finally, some key roles of the UPS in different areas of biology and the use of inhibitors of this pathway as possible drug targets are discussed. [Nandi D, Tahiliani P, Kumar A and Chandu D 2006 The ubiquitin-proteasome system; J. Biosci. 31 137-155] http://www.ias.ac.in/jbiosci Abbreviations used: AAA-ATPase, ATPases associated with various cellular activities-ATPase; BrAAP, branched chain amino acids pre-ß ß 1 ß 2 ß 2 ß 5 ß 5 ß 1i ß 1i ß 2i ß 2i ß 5i ß 5i

This study aims to propose the promotion of cashew meal as a source of protein in poultry feed. To do this, the zootechnical parameters, the physical characteristics of the egg and the financial profitability of the management of the hens were evaluated. The cashew nut meal was incorporated into balanced feed rations of 96 laying hens at 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively for the coded diets Rt (control), R10, R15 and R20. The experiment was carried out over eight (8) weeks during which each hen received an average of 125 g of food daily. The results indicate that the incorporation of the cashew nut kernel meal in the diets induces a reduction in the average rate of spawning, a slight deterioration in the weight of the shell and the coloration of the yolk of the egg. However, it results in a significant increase in the average daily gain of the hens and better financial profitability. Food consumption, consumption index, average egg weights, egg yolk, egg white, and overall egg composition were not affected by the incorporation of cashew nut kernel meal into diets. The results of this study reveal that cashew nut can be incorporated up to 20% into the diets of laying hens without compromising the egg-laying rate, the physical characteristics of the egg and the financial profitability of the management of hens. The cashew almond meal could to be a legitimate alternative to soybean meal and corn in the poultry feed.

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of hereditary recessive disorder recognized as a loss of pigmentation. OCA can derive from mutations in different genes that produce melanin. These mutations cause disturbances to get a standard melanin synthesis. There are 7 types of oculocutaneous albinism. These include OCA1, OCA2, OCA3, OCA4, OCA5, OCA6, and OCA7. To help OCA patients, it may include management of such as hats with brims and sunscreens. An effective therapy is unavailable for albinism at present. However, to fight OCA in the future, gene therapy can be used. Gene therapy can include use of such as retrovirus vectors, adenovirus vectors, and CRISPR/Cas9 system. Research results in animal models have shown remarkable advances. It means that the gene therapy will be helpful to treat people with albinism.

This article provides guidance for the selection of disinfectants to be used for the bio-contamination control of cleanrooms and controlled environments. Control is important for product and patient safety. The article focuses on factors contributing to microcidal and microstatic properties, including concentration, contact time, and application methods.

Marcotting may be employed as a micro-propagation
technique to enhance the rapid multiplication of tall, highyielding
breadfruit (Atrocarpus altilis) and transform it into
short-statured, early maturing breadfruit varieties. In this study,
marcotting was performed on two varieties of breadfruit, Dwarf
Hawaiian (DH) and Local Yellow (LY) Breadfruit, utilizing two
different planting media, Pro-Mix® and sphagnum moss, with
and without rooting hormone (active ingredient: Alpha Naphthyl
Acetic Acid). Results showed that the Local Yellow Breadfruit
variety was more prolific in developing root and calluses and the
Dwarf Hawaiian was superior in the survival of rooted cuttings
after transplanting. Branches marcotted on the lateral shoots
appeared to be more productive than those on shoot tips. It was
also observed that utilizing Pro-Mix® proved to be more
beneficial when compared to that of using sphagnum moss as the
growing media. There were no noticeable differences in the root
or callus formation and survival of rooted cuttings posttransplant
regarding the hormone application. It is
recommended that further research and observations be
performed on the established root cuttings to determine age at
maturity and height of the trees over time.

Nutrient solution concentration is one of the most practical and effective ways of controlling and improving the yield and nutritional quality of crops for human consumption. The study was conducted to determine the effect of natural farming inputs as nutrient source applied at different levels on hydroponically grown lettuce. It was conducted at Cagayan State University-Piat Campus from September to October 2019. The Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications was used to test the following treatments: T1-25ml SNAP solution (Control), T2-5grams Master Blend (Control), T3-10ml SNAP+5ml FFJ+5ml FPJ+15ml KAA, T4-10ml SNAP+5ml FFJ+5ml FPJ+15ml KAA, T5-10ml SNAP+5ml FFJ+5ml FPJ+20ml KAA, T6-10ml SNAP+5ml FFJ+5ml FPJ+20ml FAA, T7-20ml KAA and 20ml FAA. The plants are grown in T1 (SNAP solution) consistently produced the tallest, number of leaves, longest roots and the heaviest fresh weight per plant. Master Blend can also be used as a nutrient solution for hydroponics since they are not significantly different from each other. Plants in T7 applied with 20ml KAA and 20ml FAA can also be used as a nutrient solution. However, only there was a delay of one week in maturity which is 37 days as compared with commercial (SNAP and Master Blend) having 30 days maturity. In the absence of SNAP solution and master blend, the fermented Fish Amino Acid (FAA) and Kuhol Amino Acid (KAA) as organic is a potential culture media for hydroponically lettuce production.

La alteración del paisaje en Acapulco, Guerrero es alarmante. El objetivo fue explicar las causas y consecuencias de la degración ambiental en el área en estudio. El método aplicado fue geográfico. Los resultados fueron: Pérdida de la selva baja caducifolia y fauna como la Boa constrictor, Iguana negra y verde. Las conclusiones a que se llegó fueron: a) optimar las medidas de protección de flora y fauna y b) restaurar el paisaje degradado con vegetación nativa.

Human colonization in India encompasses a span of at least half-a-million years and is divided into two broad periods, namely the prehistoric (before the emergence of writing) and the historic (after writing). The prehistoric period is divided into stone, bronze and iron ages. The stone age is further divided into palaeolithic, mesolithic and neolithic periods. As the name suggests, the technology in these periods was primarily based on stone. Economically, the palaeolithic and mesolithic periods represented a nomadic, hunting-gathering way of life, while the neolithic period represented a settled, food-producing way of life. Subsequently copper was introduced as a new material and this period was designated as the chalcolithic period. The invention of agriculture, which took place about 8000 years ago, brought about dramatic changes in the economy, technology and demography of human societies. Human habitat in the hunting-gathering stage was essentially on hilly, rocky and forested regions, which had ample wild plant and animal food resources. The introduction of agriculture saw it shifting to the alluvial plains which had fertile soil and perennial availability of water. Hills and forests, which had so far been areas of attraction, now turned into areas of isolation.

Neurodegeneration is a general term for the progressive loss of structure and/ or function of neurons, gives rise to dysfunction or death of neurons. Neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer´s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI) and brain ischemia (BI) occur as a result of neurodegenerative processes leading to different degrees of paralysis and loss of sensation and cognition in the patients. Unfortunately, no successful cure for neurodegenerative disorders has been developed so far, and most of the currently available pharmacological therapies are mainly palliative. In recent years, stem cells have provided a great opportunity to develop potentially powerful innovative strategies to cure neurodegenerative diseases. Stem cells transplantation is capable of restoring injured neuronal tissue by replacement of the damaged cells via using directly differentiated cells or by protecting of existing healthy neurons and glial cells from further damage, or by repairing through providing a conductive environment in favor of regeneration. Here we have brought together some of these examples, discuss possible therapeutic means using different types of stem cells, mainly adult stem cells (ASCs), to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

International Journal on Bioinformatics & Biosciences (IJBB) is a Quarterly peer-reviewed and refereed open access journal that publishes articles which contribute new results in all areas of the Bioinformatics & Biosciences. Bioinformatics is the application of information science and technology to the field of biology to increase the understanding of all biological process. The aim of this journal is to publish all the latest and outstanding research articles in all areas of bioinformatics and Biometrics. Researchers and scientists from the fields of biology, computer science, mathematics, statistics, and physics are invited to share their developments and new techniques in the fields of Biometrics and Bioinformatics.

The present investigation is an attempt to an ethnomedicinal plants survey carried out in Sirumalai Hills of Eastern Ghats, Dindigul district of Tamilnadu. The indigenous information of the village dwellers, tribal people, village herbalists, herbal practitioners and other traditional healers and the indigenous plants used for medicinal worthiness were collected through personal interviewes and questionnaire during field trips. The exploration revealed some unknown medical uses of medicinal plants. The locals use 44 medicinal plants for the treatment of several diseases either in single or in combination with some other ingredients. The information on correct botanical identities with family, vernacular name (Tamil), part used and traditional practice of 44 species, 40 genera and 28 families of angiosperms are discussed here for the treatment of various illnesses viz., asthma, snake bite, anthelmintic, promote coolness antipyretic, jaundice, diarrhoea, dysentery, leprosy, diuretic, diabetes, stomachache problems, paralysis and skin diseases. The dicotyledons are represented by 41 species of 37 genera and 25 families while monocotyledons are represented by 3 species of 3 genera and 3 families. The plant parts are used in the form of juice, extract, powder and paste. These uses are noteworthy for further investigation on recent scientific manner. The present study concluded that the abundance of natural ethnomedicinal information of medicinal plants may also points to a excellent potential for investigation in the discovery new medicines to fight ailments and other new uses. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/ijb-january-2012/

International Journal on Bioinformatics & Biosciences (IJBB) is a Quarterly peer-reviewed and refereed open access journal that publishes articles which contribute new results in all areas of the Bioinformatics & Biosciences. Bioinformatics is the application of information science and technology to the field of biology to increase the understanding of all biological process. The aim of this journal is to publish all the latest and outstanding research articles in all areas of bioinformatics and Biometrics. Researchers and scientists from the fields of biology, computer science, mathematics, statistics, and physics are invited to share their developments and new techniques in the fields of Biometrics and Bioinformatics.