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The goal of this study was to see how much genetic and environmental interaction affects essential oil yield and patchouli alcohol content and find superior genotypes over the years of patchouli's unique aroma in India. The tests were carried out for one year in 2013–2014 (initial evaluation trial) and then for three years in 2015–2016, 2016–2017, and 2017–2018 (major yield assessment trials). The fourteen patchouli genotypes and one commercial variety (CIM- Samarth) were studied in an RBD design with three replications. A pooled analysis of variance was performed across the environments/years for the eleven economic attributes. The results showed that most of the attributes had significant differences. In all three environments/years, genetic correlations between economic traits played a critical role in genetic improvement, for example, the traits X3-vs-X4, X3-vs-X5, and X4-vs-X5. As a result, according to correlations throughout the selective environments/years, picking these features will be favorable. Furthermore, the heritability in a broad sense (h2BS) was expressed as a percentage. The scores for all ten attributes ranged from 87.13 to 99.25%. The genetic advance over mean (GAM) percent, which ranged from 13.42 to 162.83%, was equally fascinating. The four winning genotypes for essential oil yield, G/PATC-11, G/PATC-1, G/PATC-2, and G/PATC-5, and the lines G/PATC-1, G/PATC-4, G/PATC-9, and G/PATC-11 for patchouli alcohol percent), were explained by biplot analysis as stable and higher-yielding genotypes. The percentage of ar-curcumene in stable genotypes with a distinct fragrance ranged from 8.60 to 8.71% in G/PATC 4, G/PATC 11, G/PATC 14, and G/PATC 1. Ar-curcumene has been found for the first time in the patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth) species. As a result, it may be prudent to cultivate these stable genotypes on a big scale in India.

The vetiver is an excellent source for essential oil, fodder, thatching, handicrafts, and mulching. Besides its various utility, a limited study has been done as fodder for ruminants. The major studies in the vetiver were focused on oil production, soil/water conservation. The study related to livestock cattle feeding on vetiver is very meager. The essential oil content, yield, nutritional, and protein quality of the fodder are highly affected by the G × E interaction. Objectives were to determine the extent of genotype × environment interaction for the nutritional quality of fodder, oil yield and to identify stable genotypes for the future breeding program. The thirty lines were evaluated to meet the above objectives to select genotypes with high oil yield and fodder quality. The genotypes were planted in RBD at the Institute in three years. The observations were recorded on twenty traits. The roots were distilled for oil by hydro-distillation for 24 h. GC analysis was performed in a Varian CP 3800 system using an Elite-5 fused silica column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm). The pooled mean observations of all characters were analyzed for stability by the GGE biplot. For after the pooled ANOVA across years, all the twenty traits showed highly significant variations except four. Except for one variable, essential oil content, genotype was very significant for all twenty traits (%). For maturity stage × year interaction, all the twenty traits also showed high significance except four traits. For the maturity stage × genotypes interaction, all the twenty traits also showed highly significant variations except four traits. For years × genotypes interaction, all twenty traits also showed highly significant differences. For the maturity stage× years × genotypes interaction, all the twenty traits also showed high significance except one trait. The genotype Vg-11/selection 24 expressed the highest performance for eight traits: digestibility, protein, potassium, phosphorus (%), iron, copper, and manganese (mg/Kg) in vetiver leaves and the root yield/plot (g). The genotype Vg-15 for the three traits: calcium (%), khusinol, and β-vetivone (%) in essential oil. Despite the importance of essential oil, its leaves are vital due to their nutritional quality and can be used as fodder. Genotype Vg-11/selection 24 may recommend as a suitable and nutritious fodder and Vg-13 for high oil. The vetiver also has a perfect opportunity to be as nutritious fodder in livestock for nutrition and production.

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a disease long dealt with, but still remains the second leading cause of death world-wide. The current anti-tubercular chemotherapy primarily targets the microbial pathogenesis, which however, is failing due to the development of drug resistance. Moreover, with fewer new drugs reaching the market, there is a need to focus on alternate treatment approaches that could be used as stand-alone or adjunct therapy and the existing drugs, referred to as Track II chemotherapy. This article is an attempt to review the changing global patterns of tuberculosis and its treatment. Further, newer drug delivery approaches like multi-particulate drug carriers which increase the therapeutic efficacy and bring down the systemic toxicity associated with drugs have also been discussed. There is also a need to use interventions which can be used as Track II therapy. Host-directed therapeutics (HDT) is an emerging area concept in which host cell functions and hence the response to pathogens can be modulated, which can help manage TB. HDT decreases damage induced due to inflammation and necrosis in the lungs and other parts of the body due to the disease. Various immuno-modulatory pathways have been discussed in this review which could be explored further to treat TB. An in-depth understanding of multi-particulate drug carriers and HDT could help in dealing with tuberculosis; however, there is still a long way to go.

Background: The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection has caused the global emergence of coronavirus in humans during the last 12 months. Till May 11, 2021, the confirmed global COVID-19 cases and deaths reached 158551526 and 3296855, respectively. Methods: Goblet cells and ciliated cells in the nose act as the initial infection site of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, mucus immunity is important to protect from infection. The outburst of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be halted only when an effective vaccine will be developed. Results: Globally, over 100 different vaccines are under investigation, including DNA vaccines, RNA vaccines, inactivated virus vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines, recombinant/subunit protein vaccines, peptide vaccines, virus-like particles, etc. Inactivated virus vaccines and mRNA, and adenovirus-based vaccines have moved fast into clinical trials. Conclusion: Vaccines containing spike protein of SARS-CoV as subunit could effectively prevent binding of coronavirus to the host cell and membrane fusion. Thus, spike protein can be used as a major target for subunit vaccine preparation.

Neogene fossil records from the Indus Basin sedimentary rocks (IBSR), deposited in the Indus Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ), are very rare, but are important to understand the history of plant diversity and paleoclimate in the Himalaya. We report fossil wood ascribed to Ebenoxylon siwalicus Prakash from late Miocene sediments of the Karit Formation belonging to ITSZ. The anatomical details of the fossil wood, such as small to medium-sized vessels occluded with tyloses, scanty paratracheal to diffuse-in-aggregate axial parenchyma, 1–3 seriate homo to heterocellular xylem rays, bordered intervessel pits with lenticular apertures and simple perforations, suggest its close affinity with Diospyros Linnaeus of the family Ebenaceae. Further anatomical details suggest a close resemblance with extant D. ehretioides Don and D. macrophylla Blume. The present fossil, along with previously known fossil records of Lagerstroemia (Lythraceae) and palms, indicate that the Trans-Himalaya was warm and humid during the late Miocene, quite different from the modern cool and dry climate in the study area.

The role of epigenetics in the etiology of cancer progression is being emphasized for the past two decades to check the impact of chromatin modifiers and remodelers. Histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, nucleosome positioning, regulation by non-coding RNAs and precisely microRNAs are influential epigenetic marks in the field of progressive cancer sub-types. Furthermore, constant epigenetic changes due to hyper or hypomethylation could efficiently serve as effective biomarkers of cancer diagnosis and therapeutic development. Ongoing research in the field of epigenetics has resulted in the resolutory role of various epigenetic markers and their inhibition using specific inhibitors to arrest their key cellular functions in in-vitro and pre-clinical studies. Although, the mechanism of epigenetics in cancer largely remains unexplored. Nevertheless, various advancements in the field of epigenetics have been made through transcriptome analysis and in-vitro genome targeting technologies to unravel the applicability of epigenetic markers for future cancer therapeutics and management. Therefore, this review emphasizes on recent advances in epigenetic landscapes that could be targeted/explored using novel approaches as personalized treatment modalities for cancer containment.

Tumour-promoting inflammation is a critical hallmark in cancer development, and inflammasomes are well-known regulators of inflammatory processes within the tumour microenvironment. Different inflammasome components along with the adaptor, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), and the effector, caspase-1, have a significant influence on tumorigenesis but in a tissue-specific and stage-dependent manner. The downstream products of inflammasome activation, that is the proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18, regulate tissue homeostasis and induce antitumour immune responses, but in contrast, they can also favour cancer growth and proliferation by directing various oncogenic signalling pathways in cancer cells. Moreover, different epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification and noncoding RNAs, control inflammasomes and their components by regulating gene expression during cancer progression. Furthermore, autophagy, a master controller of cellular homeostasis, targets inflammasome-induced carcinogenesis by maintaining cellular homeostasis and removing potential cancer risk factors that promote inflammasome activation in support of tumorigenesis. Here, in this review, we summarize the effect of inflammasome activation in cancers and discuss the role of epigenetic and autophagic regulatory mechanisms in controlling inflammasomes. A proper understanding of the interactions among these key processes will be useful for developing novel therapeutic regimens for targeting inflammasomes in cancer.

This study presents a potential approach to enhance integrated sequential biohydrogen production from waste biomass using magnetite nanoparticle (Fe3O4 NPs) which is synthesized through waste seeds of Syzygium cumini. Consequences of 0.5% Fe3O4 NPs have been investigated on the thermal and pH stability of fungal crude cellulase. It is noticed that Fe3O4 NPs treated enzyme and control exhibits 100% activity in the temperature range of 45–60 °C and 45–55 °C, respectively. Moreover, Fe3O4 NPs treated enzyme showed extended thermal stability in the temperature range of 50–60 °C up to 12 h. Beside this, Fe3O4 NPs treated enzyme possesses 100% stability in the pH range of 5.0–7.0 whereas control exhibited only at pH 6.0. Enzymatic hydrolysis via Fe3O4 NPs treated enzyme has been employed which produces ∼68.0 g/L reducing sugars from sugarcane bagasse. Subsequently, sugar hydrolyzate has been utilized as substrate in the sequential integrated fermentation that produces ∼3427.0 mL/L cumulative hydrogen after 408 h. This approach may have potential for the pilot scale production of biohydrogen from waste biomass at low-cost in an eco-friendly manner.

Background: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an intricate, debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder. Exclusively, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective agents used for the treatment of OCD. However, SSRIs are not a magic pill-they do not respond adequately to everybody. In this consideration, a single drug target (magic bullet) is only a slightly superior option for all patients with a lot of pathognomonic signs. Objective: The principal aim of the current study was to check the potential contribution of repurposing of magic shotgun nature of curcumin (rhizomes of Curcuma longa) with scattergun approach- proceeding a pioneer ‘fine-tune’ for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Method: Swiss albino mice (male 20 to 25 gram) were grouped into different groups (n = 6) used for the MBB (marble-burying behaviour) and MA (motor activity) test as a model for evaluation of anti-compulsive activity (Anti-OCD). Ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa (EECL-10, 15, 25, 40 mg/kg), or SSRI (fluoxetine 5, 10, 15 mg/kg) followed by pre-treated with either sub effective dose of fluoxetine attenuated MBB without effected the MA, or neurotoxin p-chlorophenyl alanine induced compulsive behavior and specific 5-HT receptors agonists/ antagonist, intraperitoneally revealed neuromodulation. Results: EECL (40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the MBB. Although, during treatments, none of the above had any critical impact on MA. p < 0.05 was considered significant in every case. Conclusion: Multiple drug-target interactions with multifarious biogenic receptors, supervene unexpected side effects followed by the repurposing of wanted effects (scattergun effect) were evoked by curcumin treatment. Finally, the study shows that EECL (curcumin) has anti-compulsive activity, which is mediated by neuromodulation with 5-HT receptors.

Herbal medicines have great demand in the treatment of various kinds of illness. Ayurvedic system of medicine has consisted of many herbal sources in which ashwagandha one of them which are the very popular herbal sources. Many literature surveys suggest that ashwagandha is used as an immunomodulator, tranquilizer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and nootropic activity. Present research work explored the potential benefit of ashwagandha by designing suitable granules of its water extract. Further, it is characterized by various parameters and In-vitro drug release Keywords: Immunomodulator, Tranquilizers Ayurvedic, Ashwagandha, Granules

MicroRNAs are critical regulators of gene expression in plants and other organisms, and are involved in regulating plethora of developmental processes. Evolutionarily, miRNAs can be ancient and conserved across species or recently evolved and young, which are not conserved across diverse plant groups. MicroRNA775 (miR775) is a non-conserved miRNA identified only in Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana). Here, we investigated the functional significance of miR775 in A. thaliana and observed that miR775 targets a probable β-(1,3)-galactosyltransferase gene at post transcriptional level. Phenotypic analysis of miR775 over-expression lines and the target mutant suggested miR775 regulates rosette size by elongating petiole length and increasing leaf area. Further, the expression of miR775 was found to be up-regulated in response to UV-B and hypoxia. Our results also suggest that miR775 regulated β-(1,3)-galactosyltransferase may involve in regulating the β-(1,3)-galactan content of arabinogalactans. Collectively, our findings establish a role of miR775 in regulating growth and development in A. thaliana.

The toxic and non-essential metalloid arsenic (As) is ubiquitous in the environment with its absorption from the soil into the plants’ roots posing detrimental effects on the crop plants and hence the food availability and food security are also threatened. The present study was intended to reduce the As-induced toxicity in rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) by phosphate (PO43−). For this, three concentrations of potassium phosphate (KH2PO4), 50, 100 and 150 μM were supplemented along with 50 μM As exposure to hydroponically grown 7-day-old rice seedlings. Supplementation of PO43− significantly recovered arsenic-induced diminutions in growth parameters and photosynthetic pigment contents which were due to the significant increase in superoxide radical (SOR, O2•¯) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Supplementation of 50 μM PO43− could significantly increase the activity of APX (ascorbate peroxidase) and GR (glutathione reductase) while 100 μM PO43− could increase the activity of DHAR (dehydroascorbate reductase) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR). As the amount of PO43− was increased, the ratio of AsA/DHA (reduced to oxidized ascorbate) and GSH/GSSG (reduced to oxidized glutathione) was increased significantly due to increase in the reduced form of the non-enzymes i.e. AsA and GSH. The activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GPX (guaiacol peroxidase) decreased significantly after a substantive increase in their activities due to As stress while the CAT (catalase) activity further enhanced after the supplementation of 50 and 100 μM PO43−. Thus, the As-induced oxidative stress in the rice seedlings was managed by concerted modulations in the activities of SOD, GPX, CAT and AsA-GSH cycle enzymes and metabolites.

Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can progress to kidney failure. Risk factors include genetics and diabetes mellitus (DM), but little is known about their interaction. We conducted genome-wide association meta-analyses for estimated GFR based on serum creatinine (eGFR), separately for individuals with or without DM (nDM = 178,691, nnoDM = 1,296,113). Our genome-wide searches identified (i) seven eGFR loci with significant DM/noDM-difference, (ii) four additional novel loci with suggestive difference and (iii) 28 further novel loci (including CUBN) by allowing for potential difference. GWAS on eGFR among DM individuals identified 2 known and 27 potentially responsible loci for diabetic kidney disease. Gene prioritization highlighted 18 genes that may inform reno-protective drug development. We highlight the existence of DM-only and noDM-only effects, which can inform about the target group, if respective genes are advanced as drug targets. Largely shared effects suggest that most drug interventions to alter eGFR should be effective in DM and noDM. Published version The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) supported the meta-analysis—Project-ID 387509280—SFB1350 (Subproject C6 to I.M.H.). A.M.H., B.R., and R.T. were supported by VACSR&D MVP grant CX001897. This research is based on data from the Million Veteran Program, Office of Research and Development, Veterans Health Administration, and was supported by VACSR&D MVP grant CX001897 (A.M.H.). This publication does not represent the views of the Department of Veteran Affairs or the United States Government. We conducted this research using the UK Biobank resource under the application number 20272.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a composite disorder of brain development with uncertain etiology and pathophysiology. Genetic factors are important in ASD causation, although environmental factors are also involved in ASD pathophysiology. Environmental factors might affect the genetic processes of brain development through the modulation of molecular pathways that might be involved with ASD. Valproic acid and propionic acid are the major environmental factors that serve as medicine and food preservative. VPA is used as an anti-epileptic medicine, but it has adverse effects on pregnant women and alters the developmental patterns of the embryo. It is a multi- targeting agent and affects 5-HT, GABA, etc. PPA is a secondary metabolite of gut microbiota that is commonly used as a food preservative. PPA plays a significant role in ASD causation by altering the several developmental molecular pathways like PTEN/Akt, mTOR/Gskβ, Cytokines activated pathways, etc., at the prenatal and neonatal stage. Moreover, ASD complexity might be increased by other important factors like vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is important for cortical brain development and neuronal cell differentiation. Additionally, several important genes such as RELN, Lhx2, CREB, IL-6, NMDA, BDNF, etc., are also altered in ASD and involved in brain development, central nervous system, and enteric nervous system. These genes affect neuronal differentiation, hyperactivity, oxidative stress, oxytocin, and GABA imbalance lead to improper behavior in autistic individuals. These genes are also studied in VPA and PPA ASD-like animal models. In this review, we explored the mechanical pathways that might be altered with VPA and PPA exposures at the embryonic developmental stage or neonatal developmental stage.

The vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) essential oil is obtained from its roots by hydro- or steam distillation. Its oil is used in cosmetics, perfumery and food industries, deodorants, soaps, cold drinks, and toilet articles. The present investigations' objective was to estimate essential oil yielding stability and the identification of environment-specific vetiver genotypes. Testing of genotypes under different years was done using additive main effect and multiplicative interaction model, genotype main effect with the genotype-by-environment interaction, and biplot statistical models for the stability of the essential oil yield. The results from both models showed that the best stable genotypes for the high essential oil were G 10, G 12, G 14, and G 15, respectively. The essential oil of the genotypes, G 10, G 14, and G 15 were rich for khusimol, Khusol, khusimone and khusian-2-ol in G 10; khusilal, α-cedrenal, α-cedrenol, khusol, khusitone in G 14, and khusilal, khusimol, α-cedrenal, α-cedrenol,khusol, khusitone in G 15 along with minor compounds having diverse aromatic characters. The two new compounds, namely, α-cedrenal and α-cedrenol were identified first in the Indian vetiver, while the line G 12 possessed khusilal and khusol as the major compounds. Therefore, these genotypes of vetiver are recommended for commercial exploitation.

Background Subcortical brain structures play a key role in pathological processes of age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Mounting evidence also suggests that early-life factors may have an impact on the development of common late-life neurological diseases, including genetic factors that can influence both brain maturation and neurodegeneration. Methods Using large population-based brain imaging datasets across the lifespan (N 40,628) we aimed to: (i) estimate the heritability of subcortical volumes in young ( 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ), middle (35-65), and older age (65+), and their genetic correlation across age groups; (ii) identify whether genetic loci associated with subcortical volumes in older persons also show associations in early adulthood, and explore underlying genes using transcriptome-wide association studies; (iii) explore their association with neurological phenotypes. Results Heritability of subcortical volumes consistently decreased with increasing age. Genetic risk scores for smaller caudate nucleus, putamen and hippocampus volume in older adults were associated with smaller volumes in young adults. Individually, ten loci associated with subcortical volumes in older adults also showed associations in young adults. Within these loci, transcriptome-wide association studies showed that expression of several genes in brain tissues (especially MYLK2 and TUFM) was associated with subcortical volumes in both age-groups. One risk variant for smaller caudate nucleus volume (TUFM locus) was associated with lower cognitive performance. Genetically-predicted Alzheimer’s disease was associated with smaller subcortical volumes in middle and older age. Conclusions Our findings provide novel insights into the genetic determinants of subcortical volumes across the lifespan. More studies are needed to decipher the underlying biology and clinical impact.

Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most devastating, cosmopolitan, polyphagous and multivoltine pests of agricultural crops. The growing side-effects of synthetic insecticides used to control agricultural pests, have amplified demand for the relatively safe and biodegradable compounds which offer benefits over synthetic chemical insecticides. Hence, the current study investigates the effects of Nerium oleander methanol leaf extracts on the physiological and reproductive fitness of H. armigera. Addition of the range of extract concentration; 0.5%–10.0%; in the larval diet induced an appreciable and dose-dependent effect on the developmental parameters of H. armigera. The extract, though resulted in moderate larval and pupal mortality, caused significant growth regulatory effects. A prolonged larval duration, formation of larval-pupal intermediates and significant reduction in the average larval weight gain by 26.5% - 63.4%; and pupal weight by 23.9% - 63.4% was recorded. The 74.6% to 54.9% reduction in the oviposition duration in the emerged adults, and diminished fecundity and egg hatch in the corresponding range of 0.78–0.63 and 0.89–0.62 demonstrated negative impact of the extract on the adult reproductive fitness. The adverse impact of N. oleander methanol leaf extracts on the growth and development of H. armigera leading to the reproductive disadvantage in adults can be beneficial in the field management; though its use can only be ascertained after identification of bioactive constituents and elucidating their mode of action.

Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic self-cannibalism that eliminates dysfunctional cytoplasmic cargos by the fusion of cargo-containing autophagosomes with lysosomes to maintain cyto-homeostasis. Autophagy sustains a dynamic interlink between cytoprotective and cytostatic function during malignant transformation in a context-dependent manner. The antioxidant and immunomodulatory phyto-products govern autophagy and autophagy-associated signaling pathways to combat cellular incompetence during malignant transformation. Moreover, in a close cellular signaling circuit, autophagy regulates aberrant epigenetic modulation and inflammation, which limits tumor metastasis. Thus, manipulating autophagy for induction of cell death and associated regulatory phenomena will embark on a new strategy for tumor suppression with wide therapeutic implications. Despite the prodigious availability of lead pharmacophores in nature, the central autophagy regulating entities, their explicit target, as well as pre-clinical and clinical assessment remains a major question to be answered. In addition to this, the stage-specific regulation of autophagy and mode of action with natural products in regulating the key autophagic molecules, control of tumor-specific pathways in relation to modulation of autophagic network specify therapeutic target in caner. Moreover, the molecular pathway specificity and enhanced efficacy of the pre-existing chemotherapeutic agents in co-treatment with these phytochemicals hold high prevalence for target specific cancer therapeutics. Hence, the multi-specific role of phytochemicals in a cellular and tumor context dependent manner raises immense curiosity for investigating of novel therapeutic avenues. In this perspective, this review discusses about diverse implicit mechanisms deployed by the bioactive compounds in diagnosis and therapeutics approach during cancer progression with special insight into autophagic regulation.

A field study was conducted during Kharif-2015 and 2016 on management of leaf and neck blast disease of rice caused by Magnaporthe oryzae under hill rice ecosystem. Different treatments including biological control agents like Trichoderma sp. and Pseudomonas sp. and chemical fungicides like tricyclozole, azoxystrobin and carbendazim were used at different growth stages of rice. Among the treatments, tricyclozole @ 0.06% was highly effective followed by azoxystrobin @ 0.1% with application immediately after appearance of disease. Trichoderma and Pseudomonas were not effective in reducing the disease pressure. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 713-716, 2021 (September)

The expression, identification, and discovery of less toxic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are significant in managing infectious pathogens. AMPs triggered in response to the immune system have evolved to defend against pathogens and wounding. The protein composition of Zygogramma bicolorata hemolymph is of diagnostic importance as the open circulatory systems of the insects involve signaling through hemolymph. They have conserved many ancestral vertebrate genes that may help better understand the evolution of innate immunity. The present work describes the isolation, purification, identification, and bioinformatics analysis of AMPs from the immunized hemolymph of Z. bicolorata. Thirty-nine peptides were isolated from reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and sequenced via mass spectrometry analysis. The immunization process recorded a threefold higher protein concentration in immunized hemolymph when compared with nonimmunized one. For the first time, the proteomic study on Z. bicolorata hemolymph unveils the three novel proteins in the family Chrysomelidae with no homology in the database, indicating its novelty and the expression of the rest of 36 well-known proteins, including heat-shock, immune, structural, signaling proteins, and others speak for its method validity. Combining the expression of novel AMPs, detoxifying enzymes, hemolytic, and cytotoxic assays, and this work can elucidate new pathways to immune response mechanisms. Its molecular basis also holds the potential applicability in the future drug development process against pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.

Aims: Rairangpur forest division, Mayurbhanj, Odisha is a hub of diverse floral and faunal species. Apart from flora and fauna, it has a rich diversity of fungal species. The present study highlights the diversity of macro fungi with special reference to its medicinal and economic values available in Rairangpur Forest Division, Odisha. Place and Duration of Study: Field surveys were carried out at regular intervals (Pre monsoon and Post monsoon) in Rairangpur Forest Division during 2019-2020. Results: Mushroom samples were collected and then identified with the help of standard available literatures and books. 99 wild mushroom species belonging to 56 genera of 37 families were noted. Conclusion: It was found that 41 species were edible in which 15 mushrooms were consumed by different tribal communities in the study area. The rest species are poisonous or bitter in taste and further research on them could lead to isolate some bioactive compounds which could be a better preventive against many lethal diseases.

Cancer is one of the most dreadful diseases across the globe, with the advancement in this field a great advent has been achieved in treating cancer by various therapies like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, gene therapy, and many more but also the most serious concern associated with the available treatments are the toxicities or the side effects linked to them, apart from this the treatment of many malignancies are still not available, because of these such issues, tremendous research is still going on in the whole world to find a better and more potent treatment option for cancer. Cancer develops due to the synergistic effects of both genetic and epigenetic factors. The mutations that change the normal functioning of the genes are responsible for cancer. Various genes are associated with cancers; many genes are commonly found to be mutated in diverse cancer types. In the present work, the genetic co-relation among the top five common cancers in Indian women has tried to be established, after that the identification of the hub gene was carried out with the use of CytoHubba module of Cytoscape. The hub gene product signaling pathway was then targeted for molecular docking with phytoconstituents of Punica granatum while the stability of the docked protein and ligand complex was validated through Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Background: Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is an edible macrofungus used in traditional and folk medicine for the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders. It has shown potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects in several experimental studies, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects in colorectal cancer and intestinal inflammation. Whole extract or purified compound ergosterol peroxide from chaga mushroom showed anti-inflammatory mechanism via suppression of NF-κB/iNOS-COX-2 and growth inhibitory mechanism via regulation of apoptosis activation and β-catenin suppression. The diverse inflammatory and carcinogenic agents, like carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a potent hepatotoxic chemical, cause liver damage by inducing lipid peroxidation and other oxidative damages. Aims: The study aimed to analyze the biochemical, cellular and molecular mechanisms of CCl4 induced chronic liver inflammation and carcinoma, and to analyze the effect of the extract of chaga mushroom on liver inflammation and cancer by virtue of anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Method: Physiological, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of the physiological functions and cellular functions were performed. Biochemical assays were conducted for assessing enzymatic changes in tissues. Molecular simulation and docking studies were performed for the evaluation of the molecular interaction. Results: CCl4-exposed mice exhibited a significant decrease in body weight followed by altered histopathological signatures in the liver. Supplementation of IOAE showed that treatment restored the normal structure of the tissues with large round nuclei in most of the cells. CCl4 caused a steep elevation in the levels of SGOT and SGPT to 2.32- and 1.8-fold as compared to control. The LDH level increased to 447 IU/L in CCl4 treated mice as compared to control (236 IU/L). Analysis of the oxidant enzyme pathway showed that CCl4 reduced the GSH level to 16.5 μM as compared to control (52 μM), and induced the catalase enzyme activity up to 259 U/mL as compared to control (124 U/L). These physiological and biochemical alterations were restored towards normal levels by IOAE administration. Immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 and p53 showed that CCl4 notably increased their expressions, which were subsequently suppressed by administration of IOAE. The molecular simulation and docking studies using ergosterol peroxide from chaga mushroom with iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-α showed binding energy of -10.5, -8.9 and -9.1 Kcal/mol, respectively. These proteins interacting with ergosterol peroxide exerted an inhibitory effect on these critical proinflammatory signaling proteins. Conclusions: The results point out that IOAE is able to prevent damage of hepatic cells caused by CCl4 in mouse models through anti-inflammatory and growth inhibitory mechanisms, which can be utilized for natural prevention of liver toxicity.

Wilt of chickpea caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp ciceri (FOC) is one of the most important soil borne pathogen of chickpea worldwide. Twelve indigenous isolate of Trichoderma asperellum were identified and characterized on the basis of their cultural, morphological and molecular (ITS4/6) from pulses rhizosphere of Bundelkhand region. They were evaluated against Foc for their antagonistic and growth promotion potential. Among which, two isolates (IIPRTas-1 and IIPRTas-2) were identified most promising and showed highest inhibition of mycelial growth of test pathogen (76.58 and 73.29% respectively). The isolate IIPRTas-1 was identified as multi-trait isolate for its growth promotion along with antagonistic activity. The identified multi-trait indigenous T. asperellum isolates (IIPRTas-1) from pulses rhizosphere of Bundelkhand region would be effectively utilized to minimize the crop losses through wilt disease and get incremental yield through plant growth promotion in chickpea.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a now a major global health problem and its incidence is increasing day by day in whole world. There are various medicinal plants in India those possess antidiabetic property which are traditionally used in management of diabetes. Tectona grandis Linn. (TG) plant belonging to family Verbenaceae is medicinally reported and claims to cure various diseases in Indian traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda) and also in folklore. The purpose of this present study is to examine the hypoglycemic potential of methanol fractions (50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight) of Tectona grandis bark (MFTG) from defatted hydro-alcoholic extract in normoglycemic, streptozotocin induced (45mg.kg‒1) diabetic and glucose loaded hyperglycemic rats by single and multiple oral administration in comparison to standard drug Glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg body weight). Initially acute oral toxicity study of MFTG was carried out in rats to estimate the dose for animal study. The study report showed that the MFTG (200mg/kg) significantly (p

Bamboo propagation through conventional methods like seeds and rhizome has limitations of availability pose practical and economic constraints and are, by and large non-sustainable. To overcome the situation, macro-propagation efforts of commercially important Bambusa tulda Roxb. and Bambusa nutans Wall. have been endeavored. Season and cuttings’ thickness is influential in determining rooting ability in culm-branch cuttings of these two species. Age of donor culm, treatment concentration and duration, rooting substratum, temperature, and humidity are other affecting factors. Present study exhibited initiation of sprouts within a week after planting of cuttings, whereas adventitious rooting initiates in 20 days after planting. Culm-branch cuttings planted during spring–summer in March and sampled after 60 days reveals 63.39% and 72.68% rooting ability, respectively in ≤ 2.0 cm diameter (thin) and > 2.0 cm diameter (thick) cuttings of Bambusa tulda and 73.60% and 69.02% rooting ability, respectively in thin and thick cuttings of Bambusa nutans. Rooting ability of branch cuttings decline in rainy season followed by autumn–winter in two diameter classes of both species. Sprout number, sprout length, number of primary adventitious roots, and root length of the longest root was comparatively higher during spring–summer than rainy and autumn–winter season in thin and thick cuttings of both species. Propagation through culm-branch/sub-branch cuttings is without hampering economic value of culms and therefore, a non-destructive, cheap, and easy to handle technique of large scale production of planting stock. Strong relationship between season and rooting ability will help in achieving planting stock production targets of forest nurseries.

Trichoderma spp. are widely used as beneficial fungi for disease management, plant growth promotion, induced resistance, and abiotic stress management. Henceforth, plays a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture around the world. The study aimed to identify a promising biocontrol agent with multi-trait properties wherein isolates of Trichoderma spp. were identified on the basis of their morphological and molecular characteristics for species-level determination. Twelve Trichoderma isolates tested in-vitro against Fusarium solani and their biochemical responses concerning defense enzymes, growth enzymes, and lytic enzymes were also assessed, further validated under pot culture conditions. Under thein-vitro study, the highest percent inhibition, specific activity of defense enzymes (PO, PPO, and SOD) and lytic enzymes (cellulase, Xylanase, CMCase, and Chitinase) production were recorded with T. asperellum (TGD-I and TSH-I) and T. harzianum (MTB-I). These three isolates exhibited growth hormones ranging from 0.01 to 0.42 μl/ml (IAA) and 0.2–0.5 μl/ml (GA3) and also showed the highest root and shoot growth promotion. This study proves that T. asperellum and T. harzianum initially isolated from hot humid tropical climate may be used as bio inoculants in subtropical areas of India for biotic stress management and plant growth promotion in vegetable crops.

Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in small ruminants limit production efficiency and productivity growth in the livestock sector, thereby directly preventing farmers from augmenting their income. This study aimed to provide detailed insight into the etiology, hematobiochemical parameters, and epidemiological risk factors of GI disorders in goats and to determine the pathology associated with the disorders. Materials and Methods: Over the period of 2018-2019, 500 goats in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, were screened for GI disorders based on clinical signs. Blood samples from the control (n=10) and treatment (n=25) groups were collected for both hematological and serum biochemical alterations. Fecal examinations (n=220) were conducted for parasitic, bacterial, and virological assessments. Detailed necropsy and histopathological evaluations were conducted on 27 goats. Results: The GI disorder prevalence rate and mortality rate among the 500 goats analyzed were 44.4% and 12.27%, respectively. Chi-square analysis showed a significantly higher occurrence of GI disorders among the goats that were between 6 months and 1.5 years old (58.72%), were of the Ganjam breed (45.49%), had a poor body condition (71.11%), and were housed with an earthen floor (55.22%). The most common etiological risk factor observed was parasitic infection (65.45%), followed by bacterial (18.18%) and mixed infection (9.54%). Blood analysis showed neutrophilia and eosinophilia in infected goats, in addition to anemia; significant decreases in total protein, globulin, albumin, and glucose levels; and significant increases in aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase levels. The major histopathological findings were infiltration of mononuclear cells and desquamation of the intestinal and ruminal mucosa. Conclusion: Stakeholders should focus not only on parasitic infections and other important etiological risk factors for GI disorders in goats but also on proper farming management practices to help enhance the income of farmers. The hematobiochemical alterations and pathomorphological changes reported in this study can be used by field veterinarians as guidelines for clinical evaluation and disease severity assessment.

BACKGROUND The plausibility of image texture analysis to assess X-ray images of S. oryzae-infested rice after variable storage days (fresh, 45, 90, 135, 180 and 225 days) was investigated using an X-ray micro computed tomography instrument. Subsequently, image acquisition, pre-processing, and the extraction of the image textural features was done using volume graphics VGL 2.2 software. Morphological features (radius, diameter, volume, compactness, sphericity, defect volume, and voids) were extracted from the x, y, and z views of the rice grain and used as inputs for principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS Clear grouping was observed between the fresh, 45 and 225-day-old S. oryzae-infested rice grains with a classification accuracy of 88.34%. The voids (884 248.53 μm3 ) and defect volume distribution (137 428.04 μm3 ) were found to be the maximum in 225-day-old samples. The similarity or the distance indices values between fresh and 255-day-old S. oryzae-infested rice samples were found to be 35 038.08, which resulted in clear discrimination between different storage days in S. oryzae-infested rice grains. CONCLUSION This work contributes to the potential use of image texture analysis to aid in distinguishing S. oryzae-infested rice grains from fresh rice grains. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Low-grade oncocytic tumor (LOT) has been recently proposed as a unique renal tumor. However, we have encountered tumors with more oncocytoma-like morphology that show diffuse keratin 7 reactivity, which we sought to characterize molecularly. Eighteen tumors with a diffuse keratin 7 positive and KIT negative pattern were identified from 184 with predominantly oncocytoma-like histology. These tumors were subjected to detailed immunohistochemical evaluation and 14 were evaluated using the Illumina® HiSeq 4000 platform for 324 cancer-associated genes. Patients' ages ranged from 39 to 80 (median = 59.5 years) with a male to female ratio of 1.25:1. Morphology was predominantly oncocytoma-like with discrete nests, compared to the solid and edematous patterns described in LOT. Other than positive keratin 7 and negative KIT, the tumor cells were positive for PAX8, E-cadherin, AE1/AE3, Ber-EP4, AMACR, CD10, and MOC31, and were negative for other studied markers. FH and INI1 were normal. Eleven of 14 harbored genomic abnormalities, likely sporadic, primarily involving the MTOR pathway (73%). Overall, the alterations included MTOR activating mutation (n = 1), TSC1 inactivating mutation (n = 1), TSC2 mutation (p.X534 splice site, n = 1), STK11 (a negative regulator of the MTOR pathway) mutation (n = 1), both STK11 and TSC1 mutations (n = 1), biallelic loss of PTEN and TSC1 deletion (n = 1), and MET amplification and TSC1 inactivating mutation (n = 1). Amplification of FGFR3 was identified in one additional tumor. Other alterations included FOXP1 loss (n = 1), NF2 E427 homozygous loss (n = 1), and PI3KCA activating mutation (n = 1). At a median follow-up of 68 months (2-147 months) for 15 patients, all were alive without disease. Oncocytic renal tumors with diffuse keratin 7 labeling show frequent alterations in the TSC/MTOR pathway, despite more oncocytoma-like morphology than initially described in LOT, likely expanding the morphologic spectrum of the latter.

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary science in the fields of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Nanoparticles have a large surface area to volume ratio and high surface energy. Due to this characteristic feature; it opens up new scope for its various applications. In this study, we have reported the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) from silver nitrate (AgNO3) using the underutilized fruit of Elaeagnus pyriformis fruit juice in an optimized reaction. During synthesis, solution color changes from yellow to brownish due to reduction of Ag⁺ into Ag⁰ (AgNP) by phytocompounds (fatty acid and its derivatives) of E. pyriformis fruit juice. To know the presence and involvement of bioactive compounds as a reducing and capping agent the AgNPs were extensively characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray), XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis)and FTIR (Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy). Furthermore, the antioxidant efficacy of AgNP was determined and significant antimicrobial activity was recorded against human pathogenic micro organisms. To know the efficacy as a potent anticancerous agent, in-silico molecular docking analysis was done using anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-XL and preliminary results indicate that AgNPs may have the potency to combat cancer by manipulating apoptosis.

Recently, we reported the differential expression of kisspeptinergic system in the bubaline hypothalamus and corpus luteum. Here, we document the expression of kisspeptin (Kp) and its receptor (Kiss1r) in the ovarian follicles of the buffalo with respect to the functional status. Follicles of ≥10 to ≤13 mm diameter (n = 45) were retrospectively categorized into active (n = 18), intermediate (n = 16) and atretic (n = 11) follicles based on the concentrations of intrafollicular progesterone and estradiol. The P4:E2 ratio was significantly lower in the active follicle (0.43 ± 0.08) than that of the intermediate (3.46 ± 0.53) and atretic (28.4 ± 10.6) follicles (P

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.

Identification of nest predators and anti-predator behavior of Vanellus indicus (red wattled lapwings) were studied during two constitutive breeding periods (March-August) of 2018 and 2019. The study was performed along the river Ganges, Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), India. The number of nesting pairs was counted by the line transect method and anti-predator responses were recorded by the focal sampling method. The nesting pairs varied significantly within and between study sites and years. A variety of predators (avian, mammalian and reptilian) were identified while some predators were designated in the unknown category. Sitting tight response was significantly different during the incubation period. The mobbing response, flying away and running away responses were significantly different during the post-incubation period. Circle noisily over the nests and alarm call were not significant between the two reproductive stages. We conclude that red wattled lapwings can differentiate among diverse predator species and adopt various anti-predator responses against them at different stages of their breeding cycle.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) present in fermented foods has long been consumed by humans without any obvious adverse effects. Therefore, they are potent candidates as vehicles for the delivery of digestive enzymes. Stachyose, a tetrasaccharide, is believed to contribute to flatulent properties of soyabeans that limit their use for human consumption. LAB including some Lactobacillus plantarum, L.fermentum,L. buchneri and reuteri hydrolyze α- galactosides or non-digestible carbohydrates into digestible carbohydrates during fermentation. These bacteria are therefore a source of α -galactosidase. If soy milk could be fermented with these microorganisms that utilize stachyose either to produce acid or to hydrolyze it to mono and disaccharides, the product thus prepared ought to be less flatulent and therefore, more acceptable. In present study, total 27 lactic acid bacteria were recovered selectively on MRS agar from the various milk and milk products. All the 27 isolates were characterized morphologically and the colonies were white to cream and gram positive. Out of 27 LAB only 5 isolates were found to be positive for α- galactosidase enzyme. α-galactosidase activities were determined by using p-NPG. All 5 α- galactosidase producer were further subjected for various biochemical characterization for partial identification and were catalase negative, and casein hydrolysis, sugar fermentation, nitrate reduction positive. Reduction of α- galactosides by the 5 selected isolates were evaluated. The isolate, RLAB α-4, CLAB α-14, CLAB, CLAB α-20 α-18 and WLAB α-25 degraded 67.56 %, 45.94%, 54.05%, 70.27%, and 64.86% α- galactosides respectively. CLAB α-20 degraded maximum concentration of α- galactosides and RLAB α-14 degraded least concentration of α- galactosides.

Acidic mine rejects of pyretic sulphur coal mines were treated with biochar prepared from different feedstocks (distilled waste of Cymbopogonflexuosus (lemongrass) and Cymbopogonwinterianus (Citronella) and the bark of Eucalyptuscitriodora. The quality of lixiviate collected at three intervals (0, 15, and 30 days) from each treated and untreated mine waste was examined, and holy basil (Ocimumsanctum) and East Indian senna (Cassiaangustifolia) bioassays were carried out. Results indicate that all three biochars improve the lixiviate quality, i.e., Enhanced the pH of lixiviate up to 3 units and reduces phytotoxicity. However, their magnitude of impact on lixiviates quality and phytotoxicity was different. The biochar prepared from the distilled waste of Cymbopogonflexuosus showed more promising results. The neutralizing capacity and dissolved organic carbon content were the significant factors for the discrimination of the amendments. The tolerance of O. sanctum and C. angustifolia was significantly different from each other for a particular treatment.

Microorganisms can be defined as a small living forms of life, even can't be viewable with the naked eyes. The three types of microorganisms named Bacteria, Yeasts and Molds in which almost always there may be confusion with their functions, but they are just as real and alive as we are. They eat, grow, reproduce and die also. The tumour cells has also ability to reproduce themselves, to grow in numbers and die to reduce their density in some specific region. In this work we try show the growth for both tumour cells and microorganism with the help of mathematical model and also try to compare the numerical results with the help of Python. This model consists of a system of partial differential equations incorporated with different factors like migrating cells, proliferating cells and nutrient which effects the growth most. At last the results shows the variation of different classes of cell densities with respect to growth function and as well as with the total cell density.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as promising candidates to combat emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, they usually have complex structures and are expensive to produce. Herein we design a short, potent, pore-forming antibacterial peptide utilizing the two basic features of AMPs: cationicity and hydrophobicity. The designed peptide, KLR is evaluated for its antibacterial potency. The results reveal that KLR is a potent AMP that inhibits growth of E. coli and S. aureus with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) similar to that of full-length AMPs and is non-toxic towards mammalian cells. We also show that KLR kills bacteria by forming membrane pores making it less susceptible to development of bacterial resistance.

The choice of active site and support matrix decides the activity of catalyst. Any modifications on these will have a significant impact on its reactivity and selectivity. Here we have synthesised WO3 loaded boehmite and applied them for acetalization of biomass derived bulk chemical, glycerol. The well-characterized acid catalyst, exhibit a selective acetalization of glycerol with good conversions to five-membered dioxolane product. The cyclability of catalyst up to six times with retention of catalytic activity ensures the heterogeneity of the material.

Bacterial infections associated with biomedical devices and implants pose serious clinical threat to human health and medical sector. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) based coatings are promising candidate to prevent these infections due to broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, reduced bacterial resistance propensity, and low cytotoxicity. In this study, an in-house designed peptide, KLR (KLLLRLRKLLRR), is immobilized onto glass substrates and its antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus is studied. The effect of orientation of the peptide on the antibacterial activity is also tested by tethering the peptide through its C-terminus, using EDC/NHS coupling, and N-terminus, using maleimide-thiol chemical coupling. To confirm successful modification in all the sequential steps, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle (WCA) measurements, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used. Antibacterial assays reveal that peptide-modified surfaces exhibit excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli (Gram-negative bacteria) but were ineffective in inhibiting S. aureus (Gram-positive bacteria). Furthermore, confocal studies with dye encapsulated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) show that immobilized KLR induces dye leakage from the vesicles indicating pore-forming action mechanism of immobilized peptide. These peptide coated surfaces exhibit no cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. Thus, these short peptides can be synthesized easily and cost effectively, opening an opportunity to be new antibacterial surface coating agents.

Effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as school closures and stay-at-home orders, during the COVID-19 pandemic has been assessed in many studies. Such assessments can inform public health policies and contribute to evidence-based choices of NPIs during subsequent waves or future epidemics. However, methodological issues and no standardised assessment practices have restricted the practical value of the existing evidence. Here, we present and discuss lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and make recommendations for standardising and improving assessment, data collection, and modelling. These recommendations could contribute to reliable and policy-relevant assessments of the effectiveness of NPIs during future epidemics., The Lancet Public Health, 8 (4), ISSN:2468-2667

Bread supplies a huge part of the supplement needed for development, support of wellbeing and prosperity. It is a brilliant wellspring of protein, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates. Hence, main objective of our study was to evaluate the nutritional and medicinal benefits of bread consisting of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and fenugreek leaf powder(FLP), as leaves of Moringa oleifera and fenugreek are considered to have high proportion of essential micronutrients and have many nutraceutical properties. Flaxseed was also added to enhance the nutritional benefits of bread as flaxseed contain alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-3-fatty acid. Bread was developed by incorporating different flour blends and analysed to know its nutritional and microbial properties. T0 include 100% multigrain flour, T1 include 97.5% multigrain flour, 2.5% moringa leaves powder (T1 a) and 95% multigrain flour, 5% moringa leaves powder (T1 b) whereas T2 include 95% multigrain flour, 2.5% moringa leaves, 2.5% fenugreek leaves (T2 a) and 90% multigrain flour, 5% moringa leaves and 5% fenugreek leaves (T2 b). During the experimentation moisture content of bread samples decreased with the increasing content of MOLP and FLP whereas protein, fibre and ash content of bread samples were increased by increasing the percentage of different blend formulations. Sensory evaluation of the bread samples was done by using the 9-point hedonic scale to know the overall acceptability of the product. Although the nutritional value of developed bread increased but the overall acceptability of product decreased by increasing the supplementation contents.

Ozone has emerged as a reactive gas with insecticidal activity with the capability to manage insect pests in stored grains. The study focused on the effect of moisture content with exposure time and ozone concentration in achieving mortality of different life stages of Sitophilus oryzae. The ozonation process was done with a moisture content (MC) of 12%–16%, ozone concentration of 1.0–2.0 g/m3 and exposure time of 2–6 h. The responses studied were percentage mortality of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. The ozone effect on rice physico‐chemical, spectral FTNIR (Fourier transform near infrared spectrophotometer), and morphological attributes (X‐ray micro CT) of optimized samples were compared with control sample. The adult stage of S. oryzae was the least vulnerable stage to the ozonation process among eggs, larvae, and pupae, whose mortality ranged from 44.13% to 99.02%. The optimized condition with the desirability of 0.99, MC of 12.31%, ozone of 1.93 g/m3, and time of exposure 5.86 h for mortality of different life stages of S. oryzae was obtained. The standard error mean and SD were in the range of 2.81–1.91 and 3.67–3.21, respectively. Protein, amylose, and MC of ozone‐treated rice had lower values in comparison to fresh rice. Microstructural changes in ozonated samples were distinct with X‐ray micro CT images and FTNIR peaks. The loss in the micro structure was attributed to the insect infestation and degradation of protein molecules due to oxidation of the disulphide bonds during ozone treatment.

A total of 263 accessions representing a cross section of the recently developed common wheat genotypes in India showing flag leaf tip necrosis (LTN) were characterized for the LTN-associated pleiotropic adult plant resistance (PAPR) genes, Lr34/Yr18/Sr57 (Lr34 +), Lr46/Yr29/Sr58 (Lr46 +), and Lr67/Yr46/Sr55 (Lr67 +) using closely linked molecular markers. They were evaluated for seedling resistance to important rust pathotypes, and for multi-environmental field resistance to the three rusts. About 79% of the genotypes carried the PAPR genes singly or in different two genes’ combinations. The genes Lr67 + and Lr34 + occurred much more frequently than Lr46 + . While field resistance to leaf and stem rusts was usually associated with seedling resistance, that to stripe rust was based largely on the adult-plant resistance. Intermediate to low levels of resistance were provided by the three PAPR genes individually, and no clear-cut additive effects on rust resistance were apparent among the various gene combinations. Considerable diversity was observed for resistance to all the three wheat rusts. Additional genes for resistance were indicated in many genotypes which need to be characterized. The identified diverse sources of multiple rust resistance can be utilized in breeding for rust resistance along with desired agronomic traits.

Arginase expression has been recently shown to increase in numerous disease states like neurodegeneration, inflammation, and malignancies. Although it has been found to be functionally important in various disease pathologies, little is known about its role in wound healing. Here, we look at the expression of arginase and its isoforms in chronic non-healing wounds and also study the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and oxidative stress enzymes in them. Wound tissues and blood samples were collected at the time of index presentation and follow-up from 61 chronic non-healing wound cases. The expression patterns of arginase isoenzymes, NOS, superoxide dismutases (SOD), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), and catalase were examined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis at the transcript and protein level. We reported a significant decrease of serum arginase levels in chronic nonhealing wounds in the progress of wound healing. Interestingly, tissue arginase levels were found to be increased with improved wound condition at follow-up. Tissue NOS, LDH, and catalase activity were also found to be increased with the progress of healing, whereas SOD levels were downregulated. Our findings reported increased expression at the transcript level of arginase-I and arginase-II in chronic non-healing wounds for the first time. In conclusion, we observed decreased serum arginase levels in completely healed patients as compared to non-healed cases. Our study findings support the hypothesis that inhibition of the activity of arginase delays wound healing. Arginase and iNOS may also find their place in the future as possible biomarkers for wound healing.