Search

India is an agricultural country. Nearly 70% of the populations thrive in rural areas, engaged in agriculture making the backbone of our economy. The Trichoderma genus is widely distributed and provides an alternative to chemical pesticides in crops and plants growth. Trichoderma species are free living and commonly found in soil and root ecosystems. Root colonization by Trichoderma also regularly promotes growth and development of plants. They also perform beneficial and significant role in enhancing crop productivity, fight against pathogens, resistant to abiotic stress and increase of nutrients uptake from soil. The present study was undertaken to investigate quantitative and qualitative estimation of phosphate solubilizer by using nineteen isolates of Trichoderma grown on Pikovskaya’s Agar and NBRIP media. It was found that all isolates were capable of differentially utilizing 5 g/L TCP in NBRIP broth. This was indicated by the soluble phosphate concentrations and increase in acidity of growth medium. Out of 19 isolates, all isolates were capable in phosphate solubilization. However, the P- solubilizing efficiency was found higher in case of the isolate number-59 and 89. While isolate number-102 was the strongest and isolate number-23 was the weakest P-solubilizer. Minimum Phosphate solubilization concentration was observed in 3rd day (0%) that simultaneously increased on 7th day (52.63%) followed by 9th day (100%) and remaining all days 13th, 17th and 21st days also observed 100% efficiency.

Growth suppression and defence signalling are simultaneous strategies that plants invoke to respond to abiotic stress. Here, we show that the drought stress response of poplar trees (Populus trichocarpa) is initiated by a suppression in cell wall derived methanol (MeOH) emissions and activation of acetic acid (AA) fermentation defences. Temperature sensitive emissions dominated by MeOH (AA/MeOH

Background: Genetic variations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome may influence transmissibility of the virus and the host’s anti-viral immune response, in turn affecting the frequency of variants over time. In this study, we examined the adjacent amino acid polymorphisms in the nucleocapsid (R203K/G204R) of SARS-CoV-2 that arose on the background of the spike D614G change and describe how strains harboring these changes became dominant circulating strains globally. Methods: Deep-sequencing data of SARS-CoV-2 from public databases and from clinical samples were analyzed to identify and map genetic variants and sub-genomic RNA transcripts across the genome. Results: Sequence analysis suggests that the 3 adjacent nucleotide changes that result in the K203/R204 variant have arisen by homologous recombination from the core sequence of the leader transcription-regulating sequence (TRS) rather than by stepwise mutation. The resulting sequence changes generate a novel sub-genomic RNA transcript for the C-terminal dimerization domain of nucleocapsid. Deep-sequencing data from 981 clinical samples confirmed the presence of the novel TRS-CS-dimerization domain RNA in individuals with the K203/R204 variant. Quantification of sub-genomic RNA indicates that viruses with the K203/R204 variant may also have increased expression of sub-genomic RNA from other open reading frames. Conclusions: The finding that homologous recombination from the TRS may have occurred since the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, resulting in both coding changes and novel sub-genomic RNA transcripts, suggests this as a mechanism for diversification and adaptation within its new host.

Tissues are progressively molded by bidirectional correspondence between denizen cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) via cell-matrix connections along with ECM remodeling. The composition and association of ECM are spatiotemporally directed to control cell conduct and differentiation; however, dysregulation of ECM dynamics prompts the development of diseases, for example, cancer. Emerging information demonstrates that hypoxia may have decisive roles in metastasis. In addition, the sprawling nature of neoplastic cells and chaotic angiogenesis are increasingly influencing microcirculation as well as altering the concentration of oxygen. In various regions of the tumor microenvironment, hypoxia, an essential player in the multistep phase of cancer metastasis, is necessary. Hypoxia can be turned into an advantage for selective cancer therapy because it is much more severe in tumors than in normal tissues. Cellular matrix gives signaling cues that control cell behavior and organize cells' elements in tissue development and homeostasis. The interplay between intrinsic factors of cancer cells themselves, including their genotype and signaling networks, and extrinsic factors of tumor stroma, for example, ECM and ECM remodeling, together decide the destiny and behavior of tumor cells. Tumor matrix encourages the development, endurance, and invasion of neoplastic and immune cell activities to drive metastasis and debilitate treatment. Incipient evidence recommends essential parts of tumor ECM segments and their remodeling in controlling each progression of the cancer-immunity cycle. Scientists have discovered that tumor matrix dynamics as well as matrix remodeling in perspective to anti-tumor immune reactions are especially important for matrix-based biomarkers recognition and followed by immunotherapy and targeting specific drugs.

Three species of lobsters including Panulirus penicillatus, P. homarus and P. longipes are harvested simultaneously by traps in Gunungkidul waters, Indonesia. The management restriction for only one species of lobster can be dangerous for the other species. A multi-species assessment was conducted to investigate the stock status indicators and to develop the management tools. Time-series catch and effort data for the three aggregated lobsters were used to apply a surplus production model to forecast the stock rebuilding scenarios. The recent fishing effort was higher than the effort at maximum sustainable yield and the recent aggregated stock biomass was less than the optimal biomass. Growth overfishing and recruitment overfishing were detected based on the multi-species yield per recruit and the spawning potential ratio analysis. In this multi-species fishery, P. penicillatus has the lowest spawning stock biomass, thus it could be considered as the weakest stock to develop the lobster fishery management in Gunungkidul waters. For the sustainability of multi-species fishery in Gunungkidul waters, a 29% reduction of recent effort, applying the TAC (Total allowable catch) to be 26,145 kg and setting the optimal mesh size should be taken into consideration as rational fisheries management tools.

Abstract: The heterogeneous tumor microenvironment is exceptionally perplexing and not wholly comprehended. Different multifaceted alignments lead to the generation of oxygen destitute situations within the tumor niche that modulate numerous intrinsic tumor microenvironments. Disentangling these communications is vital for scheming practical therapeutic approaches that can successfully decrease tumor allied chemotherapy resistance by utilizing the innate capability of the immune system. Several research groups are concerned with a protruding role for oxygen metabolism along with hypoxia in the immunity of healthy tissue. Hypoxia, in addition to hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the tumor microenvironment, plays an important part in tumor progression and endurance. Although numerous hypoxia-focused therapies have shown promising outcomes both in vitro and in vivo, these outcomes have not effectively translated into clinical preliminaries. Distinctive cell culture techniques have been utilized as an in vitro model for tumor niche along with tumor microenvironment and proficient in more precisely recreating tumor genomic profiles as well as envisaging therapeutic response. To study the dynamics of tumor immune evasion, three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are more physiologically important to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Recent research has revealed new information and insights into our fundamental understanding of immune systems, and novel results that have been established as potential therapeutic targets. There are a lot of patented 3D cell culture techniques which will be highlighted in this review. At present notable 3D cell culture procedures in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, discourse open doors to accommodate both drug repurposing, advancement, and divulgence of new medications and will deliberate the 3D cell culture methods into standard prescription disclosure, especially in the field of cancer biology, which will be discussing here.

Itaconate is produced from the mitochondrial TCA cycle enzyme aconitase decarboxylase (encoded by immune responsive gene1; Irg1) that exerts immunomodulatory function in myeloid cells. However, the role of the Irg1/itaconate pathway in dendritic cells (DC)-mediated airway inflammation and adaptive immunity to inhaled allergens, which are the primary antigen-presenting cells in allergic asthma, remains largely unknown. House dust mite (HDM)-challenged Irg1-/- mice displayed increases in eosinophilic airway inflammation, mucous cell metaplasia, and Th2 cytokine production with a mechanism involving impaired mite antigen presentations by DC. Adoptive transfer of HDM-pulsed DC from Irg1-deficient mice into naive WT mice induced a similar phenotype of elevated type 2 airway inflammation and allergic sensitization. Untargeted metabolite analysis of HDM-pulsed DC revealed itaconate as one of the most abundant polar metabolites that potentially suppress mitochondrial oxidative damage. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effect of itaconate was translated in vivo, where intranasal administration of 4-octyl itaconate 4-OI following antigen priming attenuated the manifestations of HDM-induced airway disease and Th2 immune response. Taken together, these data demonstrated for the first time a direct regulatory role of the Irg1/itaconate pathway in DC for the development of type 2 airway inflammation and suggest a possible therapeutic target in modulating allergic asthma.

Background: Purulia is a malaria-prone district in West Bengal, India, with approximately half of the jurisdictional blocks defined as malaria endemic. Methods: We examined the malaria incidence in each block of the district of Purulia for the period between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. Per the Annual Parasite Incidence (API), 20 blocks of Purulia district were assigned to four different categories (0-3) and mapped using ArcGIS software version 10.8. An exponential decay model was fitted to forecast the trend of malaria cases for each block of the district for the 2021-2025 timeline. Findings: There was a sharp decrease in total malaria cases and API from 2016 to 2020. Plasmodium vivax (Pv) cases were decreased by 96.43%, Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) by 90.34%, and mixed infection cases by 92.78%. The majority of cases (72.63%) were found in the 15 year and older age group. Males were more prone to malaria (60.09%) than females. Malaria was highly prevalent among Scheduled Tribes (ST) (48.44%). Six blocks were reported in Category 3 (high risk) and none in Category 0 (no risk) in 2016 while no blocks were determined to be in Category 3 and three blocks were in Category 0 in 2020. The exponential decay model prediction is oriented towards gaining malaria-free status in thirteen blocks of the Purulia district by 2025. Interpretation: By efficiently diagnosing malaria, implementing a GIS system to track malaria incidences, fair usage of Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), and conducting effective awareness campaigns, malaria control could be possible. Nevertheless, consistent funding is needed to avoid reappearance and sustain eradication goals. Funding Information: None. Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was permitted by Zilla Swasthya Bhawan, Purulia, Govt. of West Bengal (Memo No. 2041; Dated: 03.11.2020).

The demand for novel and improved medicine from biological sources to cater to the biopharmaceutical sector has increased significantly in recent years. Among the vast and miscellaneous microbial diversity, fungi provide a prolific source of structurally unique and biologically active secondary metabolites. Natural products obtained from fungi have reformed the era of biomedicine, providing effective drugs that have diverse healing potential. In this review, we focus on the isolation, chemical structure, and bioactivity of biomolecules that have been identified and studied for the first time. Further, we also explain in substantial detail that how the vast uninvestigated Emericellopsis and Simplicillium species may serve as a potential treasure trove of chemically diverse compounds.

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) represents a significant burden and challenge to modern dairy management. Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR E. coli) in milk poses a public health threat to humans especially via the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of MDR E. coli in cows and buffalo in the households of the western part of the Chitwan district of Nepal. A total of 243 lactating cows and buffalo were included in this study. Milk samples (n = 972) were screened using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). The E. coli was isolated from milk samples that were positive for CMT using standard bacteriological protocols. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to farmers to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of SCM in cows and buffalo. Of the 243 dairy animals screened, 42.8% (n = 104/243) showed positive CMT results. However, of the 972 quarters sampled, only 19.3% (n = 188/972) were positive for SCM. The prevalence of E. coli in these animals was found to be 16.5% in animals (n = 40/243). However, E. coli was isolated from only 5% (n = 49/972) of the quarters. Of the 49 E. coli isolated, the resistance to ceftriaxone (38.8%, n = 19/49) and ciprofloxacin (37.7%, n = 17/49) were the most prevalent. Animals with a history of mastitis were 3.57 times more likely to have SCM than other animals. Similarly, lactating animals with previous teat abrasions were 3.22 times more likely to develop SCM than animals without teat injuries. As expected, cleaning the barn once in 2 to 3 d was associated with an increased occurrence of SCM in lactating cows. This study reports the occurrence of MDR E. coli in SCM, which poses a public health threat. Creating awareness of milk pasteurization, and food safety practices are necessary among the farmers.

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a transudative pleural effusion with positive Cryptococcal antigen and culture. We describe a 32-year-old male with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) who presented to an outside hospital with dyspnea and a large pleural effusion. An initial pleural fluid analysis was positive for Cryptococcal Ag. However, the infection was eventually found to be widespread as he had positive Cryptococcal Ag and cultures in his pleural fluid, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). His antimicrobial regiment was escalated from fluconazole to amphotericin B and flucytosine. His medical condition deteriorated, and the patient passed away. Due to its rarity and range of clinical severity, diagnosis of disseminated Cryptococcosis can be delayed. We present this case to bring awareness of this diagnosis as a differential in immunocompromised patients regardless of a transudative pleural effusion.

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Monech.] is an annual herb of the family Malvaceae and has tremendous nutritional and industrial potential. However, the unknown genome size, variation in ploidy level makes it more challenging for okra breeders to enhance their genetic potential. In this context, the genetic analysis of allelic polymorphism and population structure analysis of okra germplasm is pivotal for its genetic improvement. In the present investigation, a total of 96 okra genotypes were undertaken for morpho-genetic diversity analyses using 13 morphological parameters and 65 SSR markers. Out of 65 SSRs, 50 primers were polymorphic and the mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value was 0.38. The polymorphic loci AVRDC OKRA 64 revealed a maximum PIC value of 0.71 and the number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 7, with an average of 3.34 alleles per locus. The neighbour-joining (N-J) tree grouped the genotypes into three distinct clusters (I-III), of which Cluster I comprised of cultivated species, A. esculentus and A. caillei, while, Cluster II and III consisted of other related wild species. Furthermore, the population structure analysis distinguished the okra genotypes into two distinct genetic groups comprising cultivated (A. esculentus) and wild-type okra. The variability analysis based on 13 agro-morphological traits revealed that the genotype DOV-92 exhibited the highest per se performance for total fruit yield, followed by Pusa Bhindi-5. The PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysis revealed that the first three components account for more than 50% of the total genetic variation. The present investigation deciphered a high morphological and genetic diversity in cultivated and wild okra germplasm. Thus, it could serve as important genetic resources for okra improvement programmes.

Ostrinia nubilalis, a lepidopteran moth, also known as the European corn borer, has a major impact on the production of economically important crops in the United States and Europe. The female moth invites the male moth for mating through the release of pheromones, a volatile chemical signal. Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) present in the male moth antennae are believed to pick up the pheromones, transport them across the aqueous sensillum lymph, and deliver them to the olfactory receptor neurons. Here we report for the first time the cloning, expression, refolding, purification, and structural characterization of Ostrinia nubilalis PBP3 (OnubPBP3). The recombinant protein showed nanomolar affinity to each isomer of the Ostrinia pheromones, E- and Z-11-tetradecenyl acetate. In a pH titration study by nuclear magnetic resonance, the protein exhibited an acid-induced unfolding at pH below 5.5. The molecular dynamics simulation study demonstrated ligand-induced conformational changes in the protein with both E- and Z-isomers of the Ostrinia pheromone. The simulation studies showed that while protein flexibility decreases upon binding to E-pheromone, it increases when bound to Z-pheromone. This finding suggests that the OnubPBP3 complex with E-pheromone is more stable than with Z-pheromone.

The concentrations of ubiquitous heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) can be enhanced in freshwater aquatic systems through anthropogenic activities. The present review collates the current information concerning their probable role as endocrine disruptors affecting fish reproduction. During the last two decades, several studies have implicated the toxic effects of sublethal metal exposure on different reproductive parameters in fish. This report summarizes results from both laboratory and field studies favouring the hypothesis that metals can disrupt fish reproduction, and analyzes the possible mechanisms of metal-induced reproductive impairments. The endocrine disrupting effects have been discussed separately in male and female fish for each metal. The four metals were found to elicit disrupting activity at the level of brain neurotransmission, hypothalamo-hypophyseal hormone axis and/or gonad structure and function. The metals modulated expression of different reproduction related genes possibly through altered transcription factor activity. Some critical issues related to the area such as effects of low level environmentally relevant metal exposure, presence of confounding factors, and assessment of possible additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects of different metals are identified as future research topics.

Key Points Cleaved HK is observed in many patients with cancer, suggesting activation of the contact system.EVs from cancer cell lines or patients with cancer express polyphosphate, bind and activate FXII, and are prothrombotic., Visual Abstract, Extracellular vesicles (EV) have been implicated in diverse biological processes, including intracellular communication, transport of nucleic acids, and regulation of vascular function. Levels of EVs are elevated in cancer, and studies suggest that EV may stimulate thrombosis in patients with cancer through expression of tissue factor. However, limited data also implicate EV in the activation of the contact pathway of coagulation through activation of factor XII (FXII) to FXIIa. To better define the ability of EV to initiate contact activation, we compared the ability of EV derived from different cancer cell lines to activate FXII. EV from all cell lines activated FXII, with those derived from pancreatic and lung cancer cell lines demonstrating the most potent activity. Concordant with the activation of FXII, EV induced the cleavage of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) to cleaved kininogen. We also observed that EVs from patients with cancer stimulated FXII activation and HK cleavage. To define the mechanisms of FXII activation by EV, EV were treated with calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase or Escherichia coli exopolyphosphatase to degrade polyphosphate; this treatment blocked binding of FXII to EVs and the ability of EV to mediate FXII activation. In vivo, EV induced pulmonary thrombosis in wild-type mice, with protection conferred by a deficiency in FXII, HK, or prekallikrein. Moreover, pretreatment of EVs with calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase inhibited their prothrombotic effect. These results indicate that polyphosphate mediates the binding of contact factors to EV and that EV-associated polyphosphate may contribute to the prothrombotic effects of EV in cancer.

Background : RNA viruses evolve very fast, with a mutation rate of 103 to 105 base substitution per nucleotides per copy. The mutation is a survival strategy for the viruses, which leads them to survive in the new host. Fitness is defined as the replication capacity of the virus in an experimental setup. Generally, the large population passage of the virus leads to fitness gain, but the world data of the coronavirus infection and death shows the flattened curve with time. It is contradictory to the principle of fitness gain due to large population passage. The coronavirus is losing its potency but remains infectious as it is passaging into millions that leads to a decline in the death of COVID patients and high recovery rates. Fitness loss of coronaviruses attributed to a high level of mutation in the RNA genome as well as host immune response. The current outbreak of SARS CoV-2 is surfaced in December 2019 in Hubei province of China and considered as bats/pangolin origin, spreading 235 countries of the world, infecting nearly 31,664,104 people, and claimed nearly 972,221 lives as of September 24, 2020 (Death rate approximately 3%). This coronavirus has passaged into 31,664,104 people from the beginning of this pandemic until September 24, 2020. Now the virus is losing potency rather than being monotonous and continuous in producing virusrelated complications. The population is still getting infected at the same rate, but the severity of the disease is reduced due to the potency of the virus diminished due to the passage effect as well as fitness loss of the virus due to high mutation rates. The death rate is reduced to 3% as compared to 6% in June 2020, when this paper was first submitted. Objective: The purpose of the study is to prove the fact that the coronavirus loses its potency with time but, they remain infective. It becomes more infectious due to mutation of the gene but loses the capacity to kill the host. Methods: Since the WHO announces the COVID-19 outbreak is an emergency of international concern, every country in the world is taking many measures to mitigate the viral load to their population. Simultaneously, the WHO, CDC USA, CDC Europe, and much other organization is updating the COVID cases and death online daily as reported by the respective country. With the help of the COVID-19 outbreak data published by the European CDC and ourworldindata.org, we correlate the total cases of coronavirus and total death in the top ten affected countries in the world. We also link the trends of total cases vs. total death and total new cases vs. total new death related to COVID-19 in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, and New Zealand from January 30, 2020, until September 24, 2020. The reason to select these countries for the study is that these countries updating the COVID cases and deaths regularly and said to achieve the peak of COVID related infections and recovering from the pandemic. Results: We have tried to correlate the high mutation rate of the virus that leads to losing its potency to severe infection and death in the human. Viral extinction through high mutation could be considered as the new anti-viral strategies. Conclusion: Coronavirus is losing its potency to causing death to the human. The new infection is still being reported from every corner of the world, but the death rate is significantly decreasing.

Inevitable exposure to high-LET ionizing radiation (IR) present in galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) could enhance gastrointestinal (GI) cancer incidence among astronauts undertaking deep space exploration and GI-cancer mortality has been predicted to far exceed NASA’s limit of < 3% REID (Radiation exposure-induced death) from cancer. Therefore, the development of countermeasure agents against high-LET radiation-induced GI cancer is needed to safeguard astronauts during and after an outer space mission. The cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2 (COX2/PGE2) mediated activation of pro-inflammatory and oncogenic signaling has been reported to play an important role in persistent inflammation and GI-tumorigenesis after high-LET radiation exposure. Therefore, aspirin, a well-known inhibitor of the COX/PGE2 pathway, was evaluated as a potential countermeasure against (28)Si-induced PGE2 and tumorigenesis in Apc(1638N/+), a murine model of human GI-cancer. Animals were fed either standard or aspirin supplemented diet (75, 150, or 300 mg/day of human equivalent dose) starting at the age of 4 weeks and continued till the end of the study, while mice were exposed to (28)Si-ions (300 MeV/n; 69 keV/μm) at the age of 8 weeks. Serum PGE2 level, GI tumor size (>2mm(2)), number, and cluster (>5 adjoining tumors) were analyzed at 150 days post-exposure. Aspirin led to a significant reduction in PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner but did not reduce (28)Si-induced GI tumorigenesis even at the highest (300 mg/day) dose. In summary, this study suggests that aspirin could reduce high-LET IR-induced pro-inflammatory PGE2 levels, however, lacks the ability to reduce high-LET IR-induced GI tumorigenesis in Apc(1638N/+) mice.

The term Mitophagy has been newly concerned in reforming the metabolic landscape inside cancerous cells in addition to the interface between malignant cells as well as other major constituents of tumour microenvironment. Several profoundly interrelated systems, comprising mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy, function in mammalian cells as vital mitochondrial regulator processes, and their consequence in neoplastic development has recently been illuminated clinically. In specific instances of cancer cells, mitochondrial-protected metabolic paths are revamped to meet expanded bioenergetics along with biosynthetic necessities of malignant cells, in addition to deal with oxidative stress. It is an exhausting task to foresee the role that mitophagy has on malignant growth cells since it relies upon various elements like cancer variability, malignant growth phase, genetic background and harmony between cell demand and accessibility. As per condition, mitophagy may have a double role as cancer suppressor for example Atg5 (autophagy related 5) or Atg7 (autophagy related 7) or execute promoter like function for instance FUNDC1 (FUN14 domain-containing protein 1), BNIP3 (BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3), PINK1 (PTEN-instigated kinase 1) etc. Tumour suppressive function of Parkin (E3 ubiquitin ligase) is likewise distinguished in mammary gland carcinoma where obstruction of mitophagy impacts tumour progression. In pancreatic cancer cells and hepatocellular carcinoma hypermethylation of the BNIP3, promoter occurs that prevent HIF-1 (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1) binding besides ensuing initiation of mitophagy. Since the dual role of mitophagy has in malignant growth relying upon various circumstances and cell varieties, a range of studies have been performed on mitophagy and its role in cancer progression and development is opening up a new paradigm with immense clinical importance.

Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) is a Mediterranean herb of the Iridaceae family. The dried stigmas of C. sativa plant are processed to produce well-known spice saffron rich in secondary metabolites (safranal, crocetin, terpenes, crocins, picrocrocin, kaempferol and quercetin) with a wide range of important biological activities in curing many human diseases. Around the world, saffron is considered to be the most expensive spice, with an estimated annual production of around 300 tons per year. Therapeutic efficacies of saffron are proved through pharmacological studies and it is considered as a promising candidate with potentials for designing new drugs. In different food supplements, saffron is mainly used due to its antioxidant properties, intense flavour, aroma and luminous yellow-orange hue. Worldwide it is used in everything from confectioneries, liquors, cheeses, curries, soups, baked goods and meat dishes. This review is aimed to summarize the ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemistry and acceptable daily intake with a wide spectrum of pharmacological and therapeutic applications of saffron.

Background: Litchi chinensis is an evergreen and arboreal tree with grey-black bark, shiny branches, and deep green lanceolate dense round shape leaves. The litchi peel is very thin and rigid and comes out easily, revealing jelly-like white color pulp with excellent flavor due to sugar and acid content. Litchi is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin Bcomplex and flavonoids that help in the prevention of chronic diseases. Aim: The quality of litchi fruit is generally estimated by aroma volatiles, color, physicochemical parameters, and fruit composition (minerals and vitamins). Worldwide, the concern is rising regarding the use of sulfating agents in vegetables and fresh fruits. Therefore, there is a requirement of declaration from U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations for its acceptable levels as sulfur dioxide (SO2) is officially defined as a pesticide that is nowadays used as a fumigant for litchi. Conclusion: This review summarizes the outcome of diverse post-harvest treatments, types of packaging, storage period and their effects on physicochemical characters, sensory evaluation, quality retention, and changes during storage of litchi fruit, along with exploring suitable alternative technologies to replace SO2 fumigation.

Inhibition of tight junction formation between two malaria parasite proteins, apical membrane antigen 1 and rhoptry neck protein 2, crucial for red blood cell invasion, prevents the disease progression. In this work, we have utilized a unique approach to design a chimeric peptide, prepared by fusion of the best features of two peptide inhibitors, that has displayed parasite growth inhibition, in-vitro, with nanomolar IC50, which is hundredfold better than any of its parent peptides. Further, to gain structural insights, we computationally modeled the hybrid peptide on its receptor.

The present study was executed with an aim to explore the antioxidative potential of goat, cow, and buffalo milk. Buffalo milk has showed highest antioxidative potential than goat and cow milk as measured by ABTS, ORAC, and DPPH assays, whereas goat milk has showed better antioxidative potential than cow milk when measured by ORAC and DPPH. Further, the effect of temperature on the antioxidative potential of goat milk was assessed. An increase in temperature has a negatively affect the antioxidative potential of goat milk. The antioxidative potential of goat milk was in the following order: raw milk > pasteurized milk > boiled milk. Casein derived from goat milk by isoelectric precipitation was hydrolyzed by gastrointestinal enzymes pepsin (P), trypsin (T), chymotrypsin (C), and their combinations PT, PC, TC, and PTC. Among all the casein hydrolysates, the maximum antioxidative potential was found in PT hydrolysate, further fractionated by 10, 3 and 1 kDa ultrafiltration membranes. 3–10 kDa fraction exhibited maximum antioxidative potential in comparison to other fractions of PT hydrolysate. Our results suggested that antioxidative potential of goat milk and its hydrolysates could be an important mean to obtain natural antioxidative peptides.

Human Gasdermin A (GSDMA), a member of gasdermin gene family, is mainly expressed in skin and stomach. Mutations in its mouse counterpart Gsdma3, were found to cause skin diseases characterized by hair loss/ alopecia. As human and mice genes share 75% sequence similarity, present study was designed to check whether natural variability in human GSDMA gene was associated with alopecia. Blood samples of 100 alopecia patients and 100 age matched controls were collected and genomic DNA Isolated. All the samples were genotyped for two GSDMA SNPs, rs7212938 (V128L) and rs200722398 (V253I) for distribution of alleles along with haplotype analysis. Out of the T and G allele of rs7212938, the G allele count was found to be significantly increased (0.29 to 0.39) among alopecia patients and out of G/A alleles at rs200722398, allele A count was found to be significantly increased (0.06 to 0.13) among alopecia patients. Further haplotype analysis revealed that haplotype combination TGTAGG of rs7212938 and rs200722398 enhanced the susceptibility to alopecia significantly among Punjabi men. Studies on large population sample, other interacting genes and mechanism underlying the observed enhanced susceptibility are required to delineate the role of the observed association between GSDMA alleles and relative risk of alopecia.

Microhyla mymensinghensis and Microhyla mukhlesuri were recorded from West Bengal, also analyzed 12 characters to separate the species. We also hereby first time confirm the presence of Microhyla mukhlesuri from the main land in India

Bamboo is used as a multi-purpose, non-timber plant worldwide. The variation in flowering time across bamboo species and prolonged interval between vegetative and reproductive phases has attracted researchers over the decade to understand the ecological, physiological, and molecular reasons behind this. Typical flowering pathway genes related to photoperiod, vernalization, and hormonal regulation have been identified in the sequenced bamboo genome Phyllostachys edulis and many of them are transcriptionally active in other bamboo species such as Bambusa tulda. However, growing evidences suggest that stress such as drought may act as an important ‘cue’ to determine the flowering time in bamboo species. Here we provide evidence that indeed, an abundance of ABA, which is the marker hormone for drought response, is higher in young leaf from flowering culm (YLF) than a leaf from non-flowering culm (YLN). We also have observed that fire and pruning can induce flowering in Bambusa tulda, B. balcooa, Dendrocalamus hookeri and Melocanna baccifera. Finally, we discuss on the putative role of stress-induced flowering pathway genes in bamboo. Taken together, the finding of this study will aid in the sustainable management of bamboo resources in India and elsewhere.

SARS-CoV-2 variants rapid emergence has posed critical challenge of higher transmission and immune escape causing serious threats to control the pandemic. The present study was carried out in confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 patients to elucidate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variant strain. We performed RT-PCR using extracted RNA from the nasopharyngeal swabs of suspected Covid-19 patients. Confirmed positive cases with CT

The annual herb, Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae), is distributed throughout the world. Although invasive, it can be very useful as a source of essential oils, pharmaceuticals, biopesticides, and bioenergy. However, very limited information exists on the molecular basis of its different utility as previous investigations were mainly focused on phytochemical/biological activity profiling. Here we have explored various properties of A. conyzoides that may offer environmental, ecological, agricultural, and health benefits. As this aromatic plant harbors many important secondary metabolites that may have various implications, biotechnological interventions such as genomics, metabolomics and tissue-culture can be indispensable tools for their mass-production. Further, A. conyzoides acts as a natural reservoir of begomoviruses affecting a wide range of plant species. As the mechanisms of disease spreading and crop infection are not fully clear, whole-genome sequencing and various advanced molecular technologies including RNAi, CRISPER/Cas9, multi-omics approaches, etc., may aid to decipher the molecular mechanism of such disease development and thus, can be useful in crop protection. Overall, improved knowledge of A. conyzoides is not only essential for developing sustainable weed control strategy but can also offer potential ways for biomedicinal, environment, safe and clean agriculture applications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12033-021-00409-5.

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a systemic disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Here, we are presenting a case of shock who was diagnosed to have primary adrenal insufficiency. This 68-year-old man had bilateral adrenal mass and later presented with chronic fever and ulcerated anal mass in the oncology clinic. The oncologist made a provisional diagnosis of anal carcinoma with adrenal metastasis. He was suspected of having an adrenal crisis and was admitted to the intensive care unit. He also had granulomatous hepatitis and acute kidney injury. The working diagnosis was changed to systemic inflammatory/infective pathology. The biopsy of the anal tissue done to look for the aetiology showed Histoplasma. He was started on oral itraconazole therapy. He improved symptomatically (resolution of fever, improvement in pain) when assessed after seven days. His anal ulcer healed after 21 days of itraconazole therapy.

This study explores the comparative effect of conventional and organic treatments on the rhizosphere microbiome of Mangifera indica cv. Dashehari. The long-term exposures (about 20 years) were monitored under a subtropical ecosystem. Based on plant growth properties and acetylene reduction assay, 12 bacterial isolates (7 from G1-organic and 5 from G2-conventional systems) were identified as Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp. In the conventional system, dehydrogenase activity significantly decreased (0.053 µg TPF formed g−1 of soil h−1) and adversely affected the bacterial diversity composition. In comparison, organic treatments had a good impact on dehydrogenase activity (0.784 µg TPF formed g−1 of soil h−1), alkaline phosphatase (139.25 µg PNP g−1 soil h−1), and bacterial community composition. The Metagenomics approach targeted the V3 and V4 regions to see the impact in the phylum, order, family, genus, and species for both the treatments. Results showed that phylum Acidobacteria (13.6%), Firmicutes (4.84%), and Chloroflexi (2.56%) were dominating in the G2 system whereas phylum Bacteroides (14.55%), Actinobacteria (7.45%), and Proteobacteria (10.82%) were abundantly dominated in the G1 system. Metagenome sequences are at the NCBI-GenBank sequence read archive with SRX8289747 (G1) and SRX8289748 (G2) in the study PRJNA631113. Results indicated that conventional and organic conditions affect rhizosphere microbiome and their environment.

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism is central to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, but the key etiological driver remains elusive. Recent failures of clinical trials targeting amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, the proteolytic fragments of amyloid precursor protein (APP) that are the main component of amyloid plaques, suggest that the proteostasis-disrupting, key pathogenic species remain to be identified. Previous studies suggest that APP C-terminal fragment (APP.C99) can cause disease in an Aβ-independent manner. The mechanism of APP.C99 pathogenesis is incompletely understood. We used Drosophila models expressing APP.C99 with the native ER-targeting signal of human APP, expressing full-length human APP only, or co-expressing full-length human APP and β-secretase (BACE), to investigate mechanisms of APP.C99 pathogenesis. Key findings are validated in mammalian cell culture models, mouse 5xFAD model, and postmortem AD patient brain materials. We find that ribosomes stall at the ER membrane during co-translational translocation of APP.C99, activating ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) to resolve ribosome collision and stalled translation. Stalled APP.C99 species with C-terminal extensions (CAT-tails) resulting from inadequate RQC are prone to aggregation, causing endolysosomal and autophagy defects and seeding the aggregation of amyloid β peptides, the main component of amyloid plaques. Genetically removing stalled and CAT-tailed APP.C99 rescued proteostasis failure, endolysosomal/autophagy dysfunction, neuromuscular degeneration, and cognitive deficits in AD models. Our finding of RQC factor deposition at the core of amyloid plaques from AD brains further supports the central role of defective RQC of ribosome collision and stalled translation in AD pathogenesis. These findings demonstrate that amyloid plaque formation is the consequence and manifestation of a deeper level proteostasis failure caused by inadequate RQC of translational stalling and the resultant aberrantly modified APP.C99 species, previously unrecognized etiological drivers of AD and newly discovered therapeutic targets. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40478-021-01268-6.

Background In the present study, the efficacy of two isolates of Beauveria bassiana namely, BKN20 and BKN1/14 was evaluated against the tea mosquito bug (TMB), Helopeltis theivora, Waterhouse (Hemiptera: Miridae) damaging harvestable shoots of tea plants in the Dooars and Darjeeling regions of West Bengal, India. Results Laboratory study revealed that, in both isolates, BKN20 was more pathogenic than BKN1/14, exhibiting 76% mortality of the test insect. The BKN20 isolate was formulated as an aqueous suspension (5%AS), and evaluated against TMB through micro-plot trials in tea plantations. The Micro-plot field study revealed a maximum of 72.19% reduction in the shoot damage due to TMB in plots sprayed with a 1000 ml/ha concentration of BKN20 5%AS containing 2 × 107 conidia/ml, as compared to the synthetic insecticide (Thiamethoxam 25%WG), where a 63.12% reduction in the shoots was recorded. Furthermore, different concentrations of the formulated BKN20 5%AS were evaluated against the test insect at 2 locations of tea gardens in the Dooars and Darjeeling regions. The results from both locations revealed that 1000 and 1200 ml/ha concentrations of BKN20 5%AS (each concentration containing 2 × 107 conidia/ml) significantly (p Conclusion The BKN20 isolate could be commercialized as an alternative microbial insecticide to reduce the load of chemical insecticides in the tea ecosystem.

Purpose Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a key signaling protein required for proper development of many organ systems. Only one prior study has associated an inherited GDF11 variant with a dominant human disease in a family with variable craniofacial and vertebral abnormalities. Here, we expand the phenotypic spectrum associated with GDF11 variants and document the nature of the variants. Methods We present a cohort of six probands with de novo and inherited nonsense/frameshift (4/6 patients) and missense (2/6) variants in GDF11. We generated gdf11 mutant zebrafish to model loss of gdf11 phenotypes and used an overexpression screen in Drosophila to test variant functionality. Results Patients with variants in GDF11 presented with craniofacial (5/6) , vertebral (5/6), neurological (6/6), visual (4/6), cardiac (3/6), auditory (3/6) and connective tissue abnormalities (3/6). gdf11 mutant zebrafish show craniofacial abnormalities and body segmentation defects that match some patient phenotypes. Expression of the patients’ variants in the fly showed that one nonsense variant in GDF11 is a severe loss-of-function (LOF) alleles whereas the missense variants in our cohort are partial LOF variants. Conclusion GDF11 is needed for human development, particularly neuronal development, and LOF GDF11 alleles can affect the development of numerous organs and tissues.

The behavior of mycotoxins is strongly influenced by the matrix, their chemical structure, hydrophobicity, thermal-mechanical susceptibility. Food processing can contribute into mitigating mycotoxins risk towards the final consumers through an appropriate management of recipes and technological parameters. The present review reports a thoughtful choice of the last decade scientific literature related on findings and effectiveness of food processing strategies with respect to potential mycotoxins fate, transformation and desired mitigation, addressing specifically Patulin, Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, Fumonisins, Deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone, Beauvericin, Enniatins. Ergot Alkaloids, Alternaria Toxins, T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Novel technologies emerged in the last years for being tested and optimized in the close future; beside this it is undoubtedly clear the necessity to concretely demonstrate the outcome of each mitigation treatment: the total degradation of the mycotoxins or their transformation into molecular structure with a proved reduced toxicity and carcinogenicity potentiality.

Beachpea (Vigna marina) is a halophytic wild leguminous plant which occurs throughout tropical and subtropical beaches of world. As quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for salt tolerance in V. marina and its crossability with other Vigna species are known, the current study was undertaken to know the presence of these QTLs in the V. marina accessions along with check varieties of pulses. Accordingly, 20 Vigna genotypes (15 accessions of V. marina collected from sea-shore areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands along with five check varieties of green gram and black gram) were subjected to molecular characterization using seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with salt tolerance. Of the markers used, only four SSR markers amplified in the studied germplasm. Number of alleles detected per primer and size of alleles ranged from 1 to 3 and 100 to 325 bp, respectively. Polymorphism information content and heterozygosity values ranged from 0.305 to 0.537 and 0.375 to 0.612, respectively. Three major clusters, cluster I, II and III were obtained at Jaccard's similarity coefficient value of 0.48 through the un-weighted paired group method with arithmetic means method of cluster analysis. It grouped green gram and black gram genotypes in clusters I (04) and II (01), whereas all V. marina genotypes were grouped in cluster III (15). Principal co-ordinate analysis explained 85.9% of genetic variation among genotypes which was further confirmed by cluster analysis. This study indicated the effectiveness of SSR markers in separating cultivated Vigna species from wild V. marina. The findings will be useful for transferring trait of robust salt tolerance of V. marina in cultivated Vigna species using marker-assisted breeding.

Background In recent years, Microtermes obesi (Holmgren) (Blattodea: Termitidae) has been recorded as a major pest of tea crop, causes significant losses in production. Managing termite pests in tea crops through an integrated approach has been suggested, and the use of microbial biocontrol agent is one of the economical methods. The present study evaluated the pathogenic efficacy of an entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. (= M. anisopliae) against M. obesi damaging tea plants under field conditions. Results Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. was formulated as 5% aqueous suspension (AS). Large-scale field trials with formulated entomopathogen revealed that 1000 and 1200 ml concentrations of M. anisopliae s.l. 5%AS (each concentration containing 2 × 107 conidia/ml) each in 400 l of water/ha significantly (P M. obesi in tea gardens at Dooars and Darjeeling regions, India. In the field study, M. anisopliae s.l. was more effective than the standard insecticide and was non-pathogenic on the beneficial insects present in the tea gardens. In addition, M. anisopliae s.l. 5%AS had no phytotoxic effect on the tea leaves, with acceptable organoleptic attributes. Conclusion Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. isolate can be commercialized as an alternative natural termiticide to reduce the load of synthetic insecticides in the tea crop.

The family Orchidaceae, with over 25,000 species, includes five subfamilies and nearly 700 genera. Loss of plants in the wild has resulted from clearing of forests and excessive collection for various purposes. Moreover, the requirement of symbiotic association during seed germination under natural conditions adds a certain level of difficulty in retaining the orchid resources in the wild. Cryopreservation is an important arena in conservation science due to its potential of storing genetic resources without altering the genetic makeup. Cryopreserved orchids are a very small percentage of the species, and are also not representative of most genera. Finding effective protocols for the various explant types is of prime importance in conserving orchid diversity. Seed is the most commonly stored and directly useful explant, and direct plunging in liquid nitrogen or PVS2 vitrification appear to be suitable for most tested species. The myriad of other species should be screened as they become available, with special emphasis on seed maturity and moisture content. Studies of protocorms and protocorm-like bodies mostly employ desiccation, PVS2 vitrification or encapsulation-dehydration. Pollinia are generally stored successfully following desiccation or slow cooling. There are too few examples of shoot tip cryopreservation to make a determination, however vitrification techniques are likely the most useful for a range of genera. A systematic and coordinated effort is needed to screen all available species in as many taxa as possible, initially with seed, protocorms and pollinia. It is a charge to the orchid research community to organize this effort and fill in the required data for the large number of untested taxa. In addition, providing stored samples to established orchid cryo collections would greatly increase preservation of these endangered treasures.

Individual and interaction effects of plant growth regulators and fertigation on quality of pomegranate were investigated. Maximum mean polar diameter (9.59 cm), equatorial diameter (8.10 cm), fruit weight (206.06 g),fruit volume (190.86 cc), number of arils per fruit (416.81), aril weight per fruit (146.35 g), weight of 100 arils (35.86 g) and aril per cent (70.92 %) along with minimum specific gravity (1.090), rind thickness (5.15 mm), rind per cent (29.09%) and fruit cracking (5.58%) were recorded in F2 (100 per cent RDF through fertigation). Similarly, spray of 100 ppm NAA (N2) and 250 ppm ethrel (E2) significantly influenced the above characteristics of fruit. Treatment combination of 100 ppm NAA + 150 ppm ethrel + 100% RDF through fertigation (N2E1F2) gave better quality fruit over other treatments including control. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 623-631, 2021 (September)

Fe deficiency is a major challenge that limits agricultural productivity and is a serious human health concern worldwide. Under iron-limiting conditions soil microorganisms produce siderophores, that chelates Fe3+ (ferric) and make it available to the plants. Selection of efficient siderophore producing bacteria and establishing their role in enhancing iron uptake is a strategic approach for improving plant nutrition. Hence 3 efficient isolates Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas plecoglossida and Lactococcus lactis, selected from a repository of 154 bacteria, producing catecholate, hydroxamate and carboxylate siderophores, respectively, were assessed for Fe chelation efficiency using 59Fe and their role in plant biometric parameters, Fe uptake and antioxidant enzymes with tomato (Strategy I) and wheat (Strategy II) test plants under hydroponic system. Cell-free siderophore preparation (Sid) improved plant parameters and iron nutrition more efficiently than bacterial inoculants. Pantoea agglomerans was proven best as its 59Fe-bound siderophore complex showed the highest uptake of 4.25 and 1.59 Bq plant−1 in wheat and tomato, respectively. Further, the Fe-starved plants (1 µm Fe-EDTA) showed around two-fold higher 59Fe uptake than those raised under Fe-sufficient condition (100 µm Fe-EDTA). Results indicated that probably the bacterial mediated iron translocation in plants is Strategy III, complementing both Strategy I and II by facilitating higher availability of chelated Fe to plant reductases directly and/or through ligand exchange with phytosiderophores, respectively. This study highlights the need for integration of siderophore based formulations in INM strategies for enhancing plant iron content to address the Fe deficiency challenge of the soil and human nutrition.

Since its discovery in 2006, TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) has driven rapidly evolving research in neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), and limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE). TDP-43 mislocalization or aggregation is the hallmark of TDP-43 proteinopathy and is associated with cognitive impairment that can be mapped to its regional deposition. Studies in human tissue and model systems demonstrate that TDP-43 may potentiate other proteinopathies such as the amyloid or tau pathology seen in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in the combination of AD+LATE. Despite this growing body of literature, there remain gaps in our understanding of whether there is heterogeneity in TDP-43 driven mechanisms across cell types. The growing observations of correlation between TDP-43 proteinopathy and glial pathology suggest a relationship between the two, including pathogenic glial cell-autonomous dysfunction and dysregulated glial immune responses to neuronal TDP-43. Neuroinflammation associated with ALS/FTLD and AD is largely mediated by astrocytic and microglia processes and genetic variants in these diseases regulate innate immune pathways demonstrating the importance of glia. In this review, we discuss the available data on TDP-43 in glia within the context of the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD and highlight the current lack of information about glial TDP-43 interaction in AD+LATE. TDP-43 has proven to be a significant modulator of cognitive and neuropathological outcomes. A deeper understanding of its role in diverse cell types may provide relevant insights into neurodegenerative syndromes.