- Somatic Embryogenesis

Intensive exploitation of mahogany wood (Swietenia macrophylla, Meliaceae) has resulted in the loss of natural populations. Somatic embryogenesis offers an alternative to clonal propagation and conservation of mahogany. This study describes biochemical (carbohydrates, total phenols, total flavonoids, protein, and plant growth regulators content) and histological characteristics of the somatic embryogenesis process in mahogany. Calli were obtained by culturing cotyledons of seeds from immature fruits for six weeks on semi-solid MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mgL-1 of kinetin and 4.0 mgL-1 of 2, 4-D. Primary callus was cultured on half strength semi-solid MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl-1 6-BA (6-benzylaminopurine) and embryogenic structures were obtained. Embryo development from globular-shaped somatic embryos to the cotyledonary stage was confirmed by histology and scanning electron microscopy. Shoot initiation was observed after somatic embryos were transferred to germination and maturation medium. Endogenous concentrations of carbohydrates, total phenols, total flavonoids, protein, and plant growth regulators were determined in embryogenic (EC) and non-embryogenic (NEC) calli of mahogany. Embryogenic cultures contained significantly higher concentrations of IAA (indoleacetic acid), ABA (abscisic acid), and GAs (Gibberellins 1+3+20), whereas non-embryogenic calli contained more total phenols, flavonoids and resistant starch. Fructose and glucose were not present at detectable levels in EC or NEC, whereas soluble starch and sucrose were only detectable in EC. Concentrations of total proteins, Z/ZR (Zeatin/zeatin riboside) and iP/iPA (N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl) adenine and N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl) adenosine) were similar in EC and NEC.

Sorghum is a wonder crop from physiological point of view. It is the most important cereal crop, after rice and wheat. The number of reports describing the use of transgenic Sorghum for basic studies in Biotechnology is still limited when compared to other crops. In one hand, the success of the transformation techniques is mainly dependent upon the availability of optimal protocols for highly efficient tissue culture techniques. On the other hand, regeneration in Sorghum is difficult. Hence, in this study an efficient and reproducible method for in vitro development of embryogenic callus and regeneration in Sorghum bicolor was developed. Immature embryo explants of Sorghum bicolor were cultured on MS nutrient medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of auxins and cytokinins. Embryogenic callus was initiated on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 mg/l Kinetin (KN). Addition of KN to MS medium containing 2,4-D resulted in a significant enhancement on embryogenesis of the embryos. Amino acids also supported an improved frequency of embryogenesis. Therefore induction of a high frequency of somatic embryogenesis in immature embryos on MS medium is possible. Development of embryogenic callus, induction of somatic embryo and subsequent shoot regeneration was proficient at a concentration of 2 mg/l BAP. The regenerated shoots readily rooted on half strength MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to soil and subsequently plants produced seeds. There was no difference between the acclimatized plants in comparison with in vivo plants in the respect of morphological characters

Ackee (Blighia sapida) is Jamaica’s top fruit, its national fruit and when prepared together with salt-fish it is called the national dish. In fact ackee is so much connected to Jamaica that Jamaica has been referred to as the “Big Ackee”, while the distribution of ackee world-wide can be regarded as an ‘indicator species for Jamaican connections’. The aim of this article is to summarize historical and up-to-date knowledge about this tree for the wider public in such areas as agriculture, trade, natural chemicals, toxicology, ethnomedical uses and biotechnological research. Jamaica has taken a tree, little known in its homeland, and made it into a major source of food and income. The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Chemistry Department, since the inception of the University in 1948, has been carrying out cutting-edge ackee research. They have found out what makes the ackee toxic (hypoglycin A – an unusual amino acid), and when levels of this toxin drop (on maturity), thus making the ackee fruit safe to eat. Other Jamaican scientists at several institutions have developed propagation and field cultivation methods, by-product research and produced somatic embryos of ackee. Continuing chemical and biotechnological research into this crop, establishment of purposefully-planted orchards and development of a mature export-orientated agro-processing industry is on-going, further elevating this crop so that it can continue to be what it has always been – Jamaica’s top fruit!!

Extends the 1992 theoretical work of comparing human motor development from two somatic movement perspectives - Bartenieff Fundamentals and Body-Mind Centering.  Comprehensive review of the distinctions and similarities of each approach and when to use which. Also includes discussion of reflexes in motor learning from a neuro-maturational and from a dynamical systems perspective.  Some reference is made to applications of these methods in dance, fitness, psychology and health. Extensive charts - describing specific movement for supporting neuro-motor development are included.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a process of advancement in vegetative propagation technology for plants, which has a
major impact on tree breeding and high value horticultural crops. The process describes the mass multiplication of new
and elite varieties within a short span of time within limited resources. The production of true to type plants with new and
desired traits against various biotic and abiotic stresses through in vitro selection and genetic enhancement via. transgenic
is the needful. The rate of multiplication by conventional breeding methods is slow and nature dependant while, somatic
embryogenesis could assist in rapid and mass multiplication of newly released and improved cultivars. A brief overview on
somatic embryogenesis for crop improvement process is reviewed in this review article.

Micropropagation is an effectively used tissue culture technique for mass multiplication of plants. The plant propagation may be achieved either through organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis. Somatic embryogenesis is a better alternative because of its high propagation rates, the presence of both shoot and root meristems in same propagation unit. Indirect somatic embryogenesis was obtained from leaf disc (5 × 5 mm) explants obtained from in vitro raised shoots of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) var. Camarosa on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 2,4-D and BAP. 2mg/lit 2, 4-D and 0.5 mg/lit BAP showed early callusing and induction of somatic embryos with 100% response. Embryo development was better on hormone free medium (MS basal) as compared to 0.1 and 0.2 mg/lit 2, 4-D. The somatic embryos thus developed were germinated on MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5mg/lit GA 3 with 8 % conversion frequency.

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a salt and drought tolerant fruit crop mainly cultivated in Arabian countries. Shoot
tip explants of offshoots were used traditionally for various micropropagation protocols on research or commercial levels.
However, its main disadvantage was the scarification of the entire plant. Subsequently, this hinders the micropropagation
of male and female recalcitrant individuals with no offshoots or the interesting cultivars with a limited population.
Consequently, current study is investigating the factors affecting commercial production of tissue cultured palms with
cost-effectively and short-production cycle, which may also strongly enhance the transformation protocols. The innovative
way by which the 15 cm long immature inflorescence was excised before emergence between fronds is reported herewith
this study for the first time. Established spikelet explants were able within 2-3 months only without any callus phase
to produce shining globular structures instead of immature florets. These embryogenic structures couldn’t develop
further without maturation process for 1-2 months under full darkness as well. Subsequently, well-matured embryogenic
structures were shifted to the subsequent differentiation medium under illumination conditions. After then, green shoots
and multiple somatic embryos have been subjected to the multiplication stage, then rooting and eventually successfully
transplanted in the greenhouse. All used nutrient media and their sequential usage is reported in this study by which
it became possible from one inflorescence to produce 10000 plantlets in rooting stage right now of Gulistan Pakistani
cultivar without any bad consequences on the mother tree.

This essay investigates three transmissions of esoteric movement from the perspective that religious, theatrical, and martial arts of China are a single subject. This is a comparative and speculative exploration of personal practice contextualized by current scholarship. The practices we examine are healing exercises (daoyin) as taught by American Daoist and Buddhist initiate Liu Ming (1947-- 2015), those taught by American martial arts and yoga teacher Paulie Zink (b. 1954), as well as Himalayan Rigdzin Trulkhor transmitted by the Tibetan Buddhist sage Jigmé Lingpa (1729-1798) in the 18th century. We selected these practices for both systemic and phenomenological reasons: they have strong structural similarities, they treat the body in correlate ways and their effects on the practitioner are similar.

This study highlights the induction of somatic embryogenesis using immature zygotic embryos of Carica papaya commercial varieties viz. Coorg Honey dew, Washington, Honey dew, Pusa delicious, Pusa nanha, Taiwan 786, Taiwan 785, Sunrise, Solo, Co-1, C0-7, and Co-3 respectively. Somatic embryos formed in the presence of thidiazuron (TDZ) in combination with 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D), but never on explants cultured on control medium lacking plant growth regulators. Embryogenic callus could be induced from immature zygotic embryos after 4-6 weeks of culture on full-strength Murashige and Skoog inorganic salts, which served as the basal medium supplemented with 4.52 µM 2, 4-D and 2.27 µM TDZ (induction and maintenance medium). The ability to induce embryogenic tissue varied for different papaya tested varieties, and there was a mixed genotypic response on the induction of embryogenic cultures. The highest percentage of somatic embryogenesis was noticed in a papaya variety Taiwan-786 (87.0±4.2a), followed by Taiwan-785 (85.0±3.0a), and Coorg Honey dew (81.0±3.2a) respectively. This protocol is simple and reproducible, and could be useful for regenerating large number of plants as well as provide a target tissue for genetic transformation experiments.

Effect of plant growth regulators and spermidine on somatic embryogenesis and regeneration was investigated in finger millet. Mature embryos, and 3 days old seedling-derived shoot apical meristems were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing picloram, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. Improved embryogenesis (84.7 %) was found on MS medium containing 4.0 mg L-1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg L-1 kinetin in both explants. MS medium containing 1.5 mM spermidine along with 4.0 mg L-1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg L-1 kinetin produced highest frequency (90.4 %) of somatic embryogenesis from mature embryo derived callus in genotype ‘CO(Ra)-14’. On same medium somatic embryogenesis frequencies of ‘GPU-25’, ‘Try-1’ and ‘Piyur-2’ genotypes were 55.5, 85.3 and 58.7 %, respectively after 4 weeks of incubation in dark. MS medium containing 4.0 mg L-1 6-benzylaminopurine, 0.2 mg L-1 2,4-D and 1.5 mM spermidine was found to be optimum for shoot regeneration or somatic embryos in all four genotypes of finger millet. We also studied the influence of exogenous spermidine (2.0–4.0 mM) on regeneration of ‘CO(Ra)-14’ mature embryo-derived new and long-term (20–180 days old) calluses. Highest regeneration frequency 93.1 % and mean number of shoots 25.5 were produced on MS medium containing 3.0 mM spermidine, 4.0 mg L-1 BAP and 0.2 mg L-1 2,4-D using 60 days old callus. Regenerated shoots effectively rooted on half-strength MS
medium and successfully acclimatized in soil with 100 % survival rate and they grew normally without showing any morphological variation. Genetic variation of in vitro derived plants and control plants were analyzed by RAPD markers.

The effect of combination of benzyl aminopurine (BAP), thidiazuron (TDZ) and indole acetic
acid (IAA) was studied on in vitro shoot proliferation from immature embryo explants of
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, an economically important cereal. Proliferation of multiple
shoots was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mgL-1 BAP + 1.5 mgL-1 TDZ +
1.0 mgL-1 IAA + 1000 mgL-1 L-asparagine, L-proline, L-glutamine and serine. Upto 72
plantlets per explant were obtained in the present study. Response of six varieties; IS 3566,
SPV 475, CSV 13, CSV 15, CSV 112 and IS 348 to multiple shoot formation was studied. The
maximum number of shoots were observed in the variety IS 3566. The in vitro proliferated and
elongated shoots were transferred individually to a root induction medium containing 2%
sucrose + 1.0 mgL-1 NAA and within 21 days 162 roots per culture which were produced from
multiple shoots. The regenerated plantlets were transferred to 1:1 soil and vermiculite mixture
and acclimatized with 60 % survival rate. Fully acclimatized plants were grown in garden soil
in greenhouse and their morphological and physiological parameters as similar with seedlings.

This study aim to use plant growth regulators and PEG to enhance embryo maturation and obtain a vigorous plantlets of Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Malakaby. Embryonic nodular callus 0.5 g were treated with1 μM ABA or JA with BAP or NAA and PEG at 0 or 0.25%. Addition 1μm ABA into maturation medium was more effective to produce somatic embryo numbers (11.60) compared to 1μm JA (6.11). Addition PEG into maturation medium did not enhance significantly somatic embryo number (10.33 and 7.38 respectively). The embryos length increased by addition ABA into maturation medium compared to JA as well as, addition BA with ABA into maturation medium encouraged embryos length. Osmolarity affected by PEG seemed the main component required for protein synthesis. Furthermore, the plantlets which treated with PEG treatments appeared vigor and healthy compared to the plantlets which untreated with PEG.

The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate growth stage of inflorescence (spathe) explants
among different cultivars of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and to define the optimum period of
incubation on high-auxin medium. Inflorescence explants were excised from seven Pakistani cvs. at different
growth stages and cultured on a basal MS medium containing 100 mg l-1 2,4-D for 3, 6 and 24 weeks (Batches
I, II and III) before being transferred to 10 mg l-1 2,4-D medium. The cultures were incubated at 25 ± 2°C in the
dark and transferred onto fresh culture medium every 3 weeks. Results revealed that spikelet explants isolated
from different cultivars with the same length were not necessarily at the same stage of development. Length
varied according to cultivar, time of excision, location of the inflorescence in the crown and location of the
spikelets in the inflorescence. Accordingly, the response differed among the cultivars tested. After 24 weeks
from initial culture, some Batch II explants produced only unfriable callus and embryos. On the other hand,
explants comprising Batches I and III failed to induce organs even after 42 weeks (14 subcultures); instead they
turned blackish brown. Multiple somatic embryos were subjected to proliferation at the multiplication stage.
Individual shoots were rooted and successfully transplanted in the greenhouse with about 90% survival.

Efficient plant regeneration system from leaf disc segments of S o rghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) was
developed. The factors affecting the somatic embryo formation and regeneration capacity of leaf segments of six
genotypes; IS 3566, SPV 475, CSV 13, CSV 15, CAV 112 and IS 348, were investigated. The highest number of
somatic embryos was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2 mgl-1 2,4,5-T + 1 mgl-1 Zeatin in dark
conditions. Highest frequency of embryogenic callus and somatic embryo formation were observed in IS 3566. The
highest plantlet regeneration was obtained after transfer of embryogenic calli to regeneration medium supplemented
with 2.5 mgl-1 TDZ (14 plantlets per segment). Rooting of shoots was noticed on the NAAmedium. A mean of 30 ±
1.05 root intact plantlets was recovered per explant. The rooted plantlets were well accomplished with a survival
frequency of 96

Embryogenesis start from the time of fertilization of female germ cell or ovum by a sperm. The zygote formed is surrounded by a strong membrane of glycoproteins called the zona pellucida which the successful sperm has managed to penetrate. The zygote undergoes cleavage, increasing the number of cells within the zona pellucida. After the 8-cell stage, mammalian embryos undergo compaction, where the cells bind tightly to each other, forming a compact sphere. After compaction, the embryo is in the morula stage (16 cells). Cavitation ocurrs next, where the outermost layer of cells-the trophoblast secrete water into the morula. As a consequence of this, when the number of cells reaches 40 to 150, a central, fluid-filled cavity known as blastocoel has been formed. The zona pellucida begins to degenerate, allowing the embryo to increase its volume. This stage in the developing embryo, reached after four to six days, is the blastocyst and lasts approximately until the implantation in the uterus. The blastocyst is characterized by a group of cells, called the inner cell mass (also called embryoblast) and the trophoblast (the outer cells).

Abstract: The marine sponge Clathria indica, collected from Thondi-Palk Strait region of Tamil Nadu, was studied for bacterial antagonistic activity. Sponge species were identified based on specula morphology. Ethyl Acetate extracts yielded
a total of 0.8g, 0.12g, 0.01g, 0.13g and 0.17g from 1.5g of sponge crude extracts respectively. The antagonistic activity of crude extracts against bacterial pathogens showed clear inhibition zones against Pseudomonas sp., Streptococcus sp. and Vibrio sp. The extracted sponge metabolites had growth inhibitory activities against all the three Urinary tract pathogens, Vibrio sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Streptococcus sp. and Bactericidal activities against two Urinary tract pathogens,
Vibrio sp. and Pseudomonas sp. The partial isolation of DNA was done by using Gel electrophoresis. On the gel the DNA showed one defined band which had a size of 39.360Kb.

A protocol was developed for long-term maintenance of callus cultures, induced from immature
embryo of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Maintenance of callus cultures for prolonged duration in a
regenerable state is one of the most important requirements for using in vitro techniques for plant
improvements. In the present study calli were maintained satisfactorily on MS medium over 57 weeks and
plantlets regenerated from them on transfer to light. Immature embryo was used as source material for callus
initiation. The callus cultures were cultured on MS media with 1.5 mg/L of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic
acid), 10mg/L silver nitrate (AgNo ), 400mg/L casein hydrolysate (CH), 200mg/L L-proline and L-asparagine. 3
After callus initiation cultures were maintained in dark conditions and subcultured for every 3 week intervals.
Greening of callus and regeneration of shoot-buds from callus occurred on transfer to MS media with 2mg/L
BAP + TDZ (Thidiazuron). These shoots grew further in media with both, BAP and TDZ, Rooting of shoots
occurred on media with NAA, the rooted plantlets could be transferred to autoclaved soil. Genetically uniform
plantlets regenerated continuously from established callus upto 57 weeks old; thereby helping in multiplication
and to facilitate the year round availability of explants and/or somatic embryos for Sorghum tissue culture and
transformation.

The improved in vitro protocol of monoembryonic mango would facilitate the commercial micropropagation of cultivars and rootstocks. The nucellus tissue of mono-embryonic seeds of world-known mango cultivars 'Saroli', 'Langra' and 'Chaunsa' were used to induce the direct shoots. The simple procedure used for surface sterilization of the immature fruit resulted in 95% free-contaminants explants. The initial fruit size was found to be crucial for getting the DS within a short period of time (2 months). Full half of seeds from immature fruit without zygotic embryo were used as an initial explant. Browning of initial explants was controlled by anti-oxidants solution, activated charcoal containing-media and incubation in dark till maturation. The developed medium formula to induce cluster of shoots (0.5 cm long) was micro-salts of MS and macro of B5 supplemented with 4.52 μM 2,4-D and 9.83 μM 2iP within 3 months under dark. The appropriate fruit size used to induce the DS (caullogenesis) was 5-6 cm long. The smaller fruit size 1 cm long could not develop and died while the fruit size 2-4 cm long developed clusters of embryogenic callus under dark and 27±2°C. The induced clusters of shoots were cultured on the basal medium supplemented with 2.3 μM Kin and 0.49 μM 2iP in order to grow into small healthy plantlets under light and 27±2°C. Caullogenesis was detected only in 'Langra' and 'Chaunsa' whereas 'Saroli' explants failed throughout the two seasons' experiment. The step-wise protocol and morphology of the induced DS were described in the current study.

A study was conducted on the kidney of seventeen (17) fetuses of the Red Sokoto Goat (Capra hircus) collected from the Sokoto metropolitan abattoir, over a period of one month at different gestational ages. The approximate age of the fetuses was estimated from the crown vertebral rump length (CVRL) and samples were categorised into first, second and third trimester. Out of the seventeen (17) fetuses at different gestational age used for the study, 7 (48%) were females while 10 (52%) were males. 6(35%) fetuses belong to first trimester, 5(30%) belong to second trimester and 6(35%) belong to third trimesters of pregnancy respectively. The mean crown vertebrate-rump length (CVRL) ranged from 12.47 ± 1.80 cm at first trimester to 33.79 ±1.52 cm at third trimester. The development of renal tissues were found to be in succession; from the stage of mesenchyme cells, developing glomerulus and finally to fully developed glomerulus with advancement of gestational age among the three groups. The duct system also followed the same trend of development from immature to matured duct system. The cortex of the first trimester kidney was found to have numerous mesenchymal cells and connective tissues with few developing glomerulus. At second trimester few fully developed glomerulus were found, moderate number of mesenchyme cells and immature developing duct system. Numerous developed glomerulus and matured duct system with moderate developing glomerulus and connective tissue were seen at third trimester. The medulla at first trimester shows only various types of connective tissue (collagen, reticular and elastic) fibers and mesenchyme cells. At second trimester the medulla was found to have numerous developing collecting ducts, few developed collecting ducts and few mesenchyme cells. Developed collecting ducts were predominant in the medulla at third trimester with few mesenchyme cells. The histological differentiation of the Red Sokoto Goat kidney is similar to that of ovine, bovine, equine, Llama, and guanaco but differs from that of the feline, canine and porcine. Mean while, considering the histological features observed in the study, the Red Sokoto Goat kidney may become fully matured and functional at post-natal age.

The agricultural pest Ceratitis capitata, also known as the Mediterranean fruit fly or
Medfly, belongs to the Tephritidae family, which includes a large number of other
damaging pest species. The Medfly has been the first non-drosophilid fly species
which has been genetically transformed paving the way for designing geneticbased
pest control strategies. Furthermore, it is an experimentally tractable model,
in which transient and transgene-mediated RNAi have been successfully used. We
applied Illumina sequencing to total RNA preparations of 8–10 hours old embryos
of C. capitata, This developmental window corresponds to the blastoderm
cellularization stage. In summary, we assembled 42,614 transcripts which cluster in
26,319 unique transcripts of which 11,045 correspond to protein coding genes; we
identified several hundreds of long ncRNAs; we found an enrichment of transcripts
encoding RNA binding proteins among the highly expressed transcripts, such as
CcTRA-2, known to be necessary to establish and, most likely, to maintain female
sex of C. capitata. Our study is the first de novo assembly performed for Ceratitis
capitata based on Illumina NGS technology during embryogenesis and it adds
novel data to the previously published C. capitata EST databases. We expect that it
will be useful for a variety of applications such as gene cloning and phylogenetic
analyses, as well as to advance genetic research and biotechnological applications
in the Medfly and other related Tephritidae.

Azadirachta indica, is a plant with multiple forest and pharmacological application. Therefore, the establishment of in vitro culture system for somatic embryogenesis offers several distinct advantages such as obtaining highly productive plant metabolites. In this study, were used sections cotyledon and leaf, induced on MS medium (1962) supplemented with: BAP alone and combined with NAA / 2,4-D, TDZ alone and ABA. Regeneration was with MS alone or with K + BAP + IAA and IAA. As a result was established an efficient system with cotyledon sections, being observed organogenesis at low concentrations of BAP, while high levels of BAP (2.5 mg.L-1) with 96 % and TDZ + ABA (0.02 + 1mg.L-1) with 71 %, favoring the primary and secondary somatic embryogenesis. Regeneration was 71 % with MS; rooting was 86.67 % with MS½, presenting whole plants obtained short term.

In the present study, we initiated validation by experimental transcriptome data available
in public domain combined with advancing plant wet lab research. We compared plantadapted transcriptomes according to ‘RegroVirus’ complemented by alternative oxidase
(AOX) genes during de novo programming under SE-inducing conditions with in vitro
corona virus-induced transcriptome profiles. This approach enabled identifying a major
complex trait for early de novo programming during SARS-CoV-2 infection, called
‘CoV-MAC-TED’. It consists of unbalanced ROS/RNS levels, which are connected to
increased aerobic fermentation that links to alpha-tubulin-based cell restructuration and
progression of cell cycle.

Effective immunologic protection contributes to resilient behavior of higher organisms. It is essentially based on the diversity of innate and adaptive cell responses and cell memory tools (1–4). Immunologic responses are energy consuming and require efficient metabolic reprogramming. However, metabolic reorganization is only recently recognized as an integrated part of immunology (5–8). It is increasingly understood that plants and animals have similar responses and cell memory mechanisms to manage immunology (1, 3). These insights enable science to profit from experimental systems across organisms and to apply a higher degree of abstraction for gaining relevant knowledge on early reprogramming events that link to overall resilience.

Induction and development somatic embryos of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) from leaflet explants obtained from mature litchi trees were investigated. Somatic embryogenesis was significantly influenced by the cultivar, plant growth regulators, position of leaflet and orientation of leaf explants. Adaxial-face up orientation of leaf explants significantly enhanced embryogenesis in comparison with adaxial-face down orientation. Maximum number of somatic embryos were obtained using median position from basal leaflet with adaxial-face up orientation cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l 2, 4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) (37.67). Two types of salts media (MS and Gamborg’s B5) as well as different sucrose concentrations were examined for development and maturation of somatic embryos. MS salts medium with 45g/l sucrose was effective on size of mature somatic embryos (8.00 > 0.5 cm SE and 6.33 < 0.5 cm SE) compared with B5 salts medium (4.33 > 0.5 cm SE and 4.66 < 0.5 cm SE) on the same concentration of sucrose. Development of somatic embryos occurred on the media without growth regulators, heart and torpedo stage somatic embryos were obtained. Somatic embryos enlarged more and turned to milky opaque in color and finally reached to mature milky cotyledonary stage. Scanning electron microscopy revealed different morphological development of somatic embryos. In addition, Anatomical observation showed differences in the embryogenic and non-embryogenic cells. Furthermore, anatomical observation for development stages of somatic embryos.

The Slavic term " maternal fright " is carved from chronic wars and violence towards women and is a form of transgenerational trauma. The forgotten conflict, the Balkan War of 1991-95 in the former Yugoslav region, resulted in South Slavic female survivors in the aftermath of war utilizing extensive cultural practices including- oral memory traditions to ameliorate their experiences of trauma with greater focus on eradicating maternal fright (Anderson, 2015, Christie & Pim, 2012, DeMause, 2006).  This review of interdisciplinary fields from biosemiotics, epigenetics, perinatal psychology, oral memory theories, and neuroscience is use to frame the survivors’ trauma as intensified learning and a space and place for healing. The tacit female knowledge embedded in South Slavic oral memory traditions connects to complex biologically aligned practices (Anderson, 2015, Wheeler, 2006).  For example, the body clock, or circadian rhythms, are regulated with oral memory practices to maintain and heal trauma (Anderson, 2012; Laber-Warren, 2015).

Plantlets of Curcuma caesia were produced in vitro from newly sprouting vegetative buds of tubers. Segments of the plantlets from the junction between the root and the basal portion of the stem were subsequently used as explants to investigate factors affecting callus induction and plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis. The explants were placed on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) together with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(2,4-D) and benzyl aminopurine (BAP) in the presence of light. The growth medium supplemented with 5 mg/L BAP and 2 mg/L 2,4-D promoted callus induction after 70 days of culture. Sub-culturing on the same medium enhanced the production of friable callus. Culture media containing higher concentrations of agar promoted the development of green somatic embryos from the callus. Respond of somatic embryogenesis was most successful with MS medium in 6.0 g/L agar supplemented with 5 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L 2,4-D whereby the callus developed into green somatic embryos with an efficiency of 53%. This culture medium also produced the largest number plantlets.

Efficient plant regeneration is a prerequisite for a complete genetic
transformation protocol in cereals. Aiming this, in the present study, we have
accomplished efficient plant regeneration using mature embryos as a source
material in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Although immature inflorescence
and immature embryos are best explant sources for in vitro culture in
Sorghum, however they are available only for a limited period in a year.
Mature embryos have always been ideal for in vitro studies for the reason
that they can be handled easily over other explants and available throughout
the year.
Mature embryo explants of Sorghum bicolor genotypes viz. IS 3566, SPV
475, CSV13, CSV15, CSV112, IS 348 were cultured on MS medium for
efficient callus induction and subsequent plant regeneration. The response of
different combination and concentrations of plant growth regulators were
compared, and factors affecting the mature embryo tissue culture response
were studied in this manuscript. Significant genotypic differentiation was
detected in embryogenic callus induction and plantlet regeneration. Genotype
IS 3566 showed better tissue culture response than the other genotypes.
Efficient embryogenic callus induction was achieved with 2mg l-1 2, 4,5-
Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) and multiple shoot induction was
achieved by manipulation of 6-benzyl adenine (BAP), Thidiazuron (TDZ),
and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the culture medium.
Keywords: Sorghum bicolor, embryos, 2, 4,5-T, embryogenic callus,
BAP, TDZ, callus regeneration

A hybrid artificial intelligence model and optimization algorithm could be a powerful approach for modeling and optimizing plant tissue culture procedures. The aim of this study was introducing an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System-Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (ANFIS-NSGAII) as a powerful computational methodology for somatic embryogenesis of chrysanthemum, as a case study. ANFIS was used for modeling three outputs including callogenesis frequency (CF), embryogenesis frequency (EF), and the number of somatic embryo (NSE) based on different variables including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), sucrose, glucose, fructose, and light quality. Subsequently, models were linked to NSGAII for optimizing the process, and the importance of each input was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Results showed that all of the R 2 of training and testing sets were over 92%, indicating the efficiency and accuracy of ANFIS on the modeling of the embryogenesis. Also, according to ANFIS-NSGAII, optimal EF (99.1%), and NSE (13.1) can be obtained from a medium containing 1.53 mg/L 2,4-D, 1.67 mg/L BAP, 13.74 g/L sucrose, 57.20 g/L glucose, and 0.39 g/L fructose under red light. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that embryogenesis was more sensitive to 2,4-D, and less sensitive to fructose. Generally, the hybrid ANFIS-NSGAII can be recognized as a powerful computational tool for modeling and optimizing in plant tissue culture.

The inability to conserve cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) germplasm via seed storage and the vulnerability of field collections make the establishment of cryopreserved genebanks for the crop a priority. An effective encapsulation-dehydration based cryopreservation system has been developed for cocoa but because the somatic embryos used for freezing arise after a protracted period of callus culture there is concern about maintenance of genetic fidelity during the process. Microsatellite markers for seven of the 10 cocoa linkage groups were used to screen a population of 189 primary somatic embryo-derived emblings and the 43 secondary somatic embryos they gave rise to. Of the primary somatic embryos, 38.1% exhibited poly-morphic microsatellite profiles while for secondary somatic embryos the frequency was 23.3%. The same microsatellite markers used to screen another population of 44 secondary somatic embryos cryopreserved through encapsulation-dehydration revealed no polymorphisms. Scanning electron microscopy showed the secondary somatic embryos were derived from cotyledonary epidermal cells rather than callus. The influence of embryo ontogeny on somaclonal variation is discussed.

Mutation rates are often elevated in plants regenerated from in vitro culture, giving rise to so-called 'somaclonal variation'. Detailed characterisation of mutation profiles that arise during culture should improve our understanding of processes influencing mutation and allow the selection of protocols yielding the fewest/least severe changes. Somatic mutations will usually produce genetic chimeras where unchanged al-leles are retained by some cells. Such chimeras are difficult to detect but likely to form a significant proportion of any regenerant population. We present a simple protocol that enables the provisional diagnosis of both homogenous and chimeric mutants among large regen-erant populations, together with a semi-quantitative means of estimating the proportion of mutant cells. The assay exploits consistent differential amplification of alternate simple sequence repeat alleles at heterozygous loci. Calibration of the relative amplification of alleles from two genotypes—and the synthetic chimeras created from them—revealed a strong linear relationship between 'peak heights' representing alternate alleles following capillary electrophoresis. The assay predicts chimeric composition to a reasonable level of confidence (±5%) so long as the infrequent allele exceeds 15% of the template. The system was applied to 233 regenerants of cocoa somatic embryogenesis and identified 72 (31%) putative chimeric mutants for slippage mutation or allele loss across two loci.

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental biological process that is involved in normal embryogenesis, would healing, and tissue repair, as well as numerous pathologies, including organ fibrosis, malignant transformation, and cancer progression. Both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms contribute to a complex and tightly controlled regulatory network during the EMT process, and a growing body of evidence now demonstrates that microRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of this network. miRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through translational repression or mRNA degradation. A set of miRNAs have been discovered that have the potential to target multiple components of the signaling pathways and downstream effectors of the EMT. Our understanding of the roles that miRNAs play during the EMT process suggests that these miRNAs may eventually serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various EMT-based pathological conditions. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning how miRNAs mechanistically regulate the EMT and discusses the specific roles that miRNAs play in three EMT subtypes. We hope that a more comprehensive understanding of the functions of miRNAs in the EMT process will lead to the rapid development of novel diagnostic techniques and molecular-based strategies for controlling EMT.

Human somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) (cloning) for both reproductive and therapeutic purposes has objective ethical difficulties, principally that it objectifies the human embryo produced, it instrumentalises it, which goes against the dignity inherent to its own human nature.
However, another ethical problem of this practice is the large number of oocytes (eggs) that it requires. Obtaining them may therefore go against the dignity of the donor, not only because it instrumentalises her, but also because the ovarian hyperstimulation necessary to facilitate the production of a large number of oocytes can result in objective side effects for the donor's.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treatment of different cancers and its clinical usage is hindered by the oxidative injury-related cardiotoxicity. This work aims to declare if the harmful effects of DOX on heart can be alleviated with the use of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or L-carnitine. The study was performed on seventy two female Wistar albino rats divided into six groups, 12 animals each: Control group; DOX group (10mg/kg); CoQ10 group (200mg/kg); L-carnitine group (100mg/kg); DOX+CoQ10 group; DOX+L-carnitine group. CoQ10 and L-carnitine treatment orally started 5days before a single dose of 10mg/kg DOX that injected intraperitoneally (IP) then the treatment continued for 10days. At the end of the study, serum biochemical parameters of cardiac damage, oxidative stress indices, and histopathological changes were investigated. CoQ10 or L-carnitine showed a noticeable effects in improving cardiac functions evidenced reducing serum enzymes as serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leptin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Cardiotrophin-1, Troponin-I and Troponin-T. Also, alleviate oxidative stress, decrease of cardiac Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO) and restoring cardiac reduced glutathione levels to normal levels. Both corrected the cardiac alterations histologically and ultrastructurally. With a visible improvements in α-SMA, vimentin and eNOS immunohistochemical markers. CoQ10 or L-carnitine supplementation improves the functional and structural integrity of the myocardium.

KEYWORDS:
Cardiotoxicity; CoQ10 and L-carnitine; Dox; Vimentin; eNOS