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Highland native Andeans have resided at altitude for millennia. They display high aerobic capacity (VO 2 max) at altitude, which may be a reflection of genetic adaptation to hypoxia. Previous genomewide (GW) scans for natural selection have nominated Egl-9 homolog 1 gene ( EGLN1 ) as a candidate gene. The encoded protein, EGLN1/PHD2, is an O 2 sensor that controls levels of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor-α (HIF-α), which regulates the cellular response to hypoxia. From GW association and analysis of covariance performed on a total sample of 429 Peruvian Quechua and 94 US lowland referents, we identified 5 EGLN1 SNPs associated with higher VO 2 max (L⋅min −1 and mL⋅min −1 ⋅kg −1 ) in hypoxia (rs1769793, rs2064766, rs2437150, rs2491403, rs479200). For 4 of these SNPs, Quechua had the highest frequency of the advantageous (high VO 2 max) allele compared with 25 diverse lowland comparison populations from the 1000 Genomes Project. Genotype effects were substantial, with high versus low VO 2 max genotype categories differing by ∼11% (e.g., for rs1769793 SNP genotype TT = 34.2 mL⋅min −1 ⋅kg −1 vs. CC = 30.5 mL⋅min −1 ⋅kg −1 ). To guard against spurious association, we controlled for population stratification. Findings were replicated for EGLN1 SNP rs1769793 in an independent Andean sample collected in 2002. These findings contextualize previous reports of natural selection at EGLN1 in Andeans, and support the hypothesis that natural selection has increased the frequency of an EGLN1 causal variant that enhances O 2 delivery or use during exercise at altitude in Peruvian Quechua.

OBJECTIVES The overarching hypothesis of the present paper is that ethnically and/or genetically diverse human populations may exhibit similarity in correlations between various aspects of human phenotypes due to the morphological integration process during the ontogenetic stages. To test this we investigated whether an association between craniofacial (CF) features and body composition (BC) variations is present in humans and the extent to which such possible associations are comparable in different populations. Furthermore, the paper examines the contribution of common genetic (additive) and shared familial environmental factors in assessing the correlation between CF and BC characteristics in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two pedigree-based samples were collected from two distinct populations, including India (Santhal) and Europe (Chuvash). Canonical correlation analysis was used to compare the association between CF and BC characteristics in the two studied samples. The contribution of genetic and familial environmental factors on the correlation between CF and BC features was analyzed through variance decomposition analysis by implementing the Mendelian Analysis package (MAN). RESULTS Our study suggests that CF morphology is significantly (p

In the progress of small molecule as drug candidates, 4-hydroxycoumarin based compounds bearing a crucial place as potent antibiotic agents with appreciable safety in drug invention. Being synthetically and easily obtainable, 4-hydroxycoumarin related compounds with planar structure have been promoted predominantly as DNA targeting agent. Nevertheless, here we elucidate the synthesis, characterization and theoretical study of bio-active small molecule 4-hydroxy-3,4'-bichromenyl-2,2'-dione (4HBD). Then we have illuminated the binding interactions of 4HBD with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA), which is particularly designed for biological application. Extensive investigations of the binding of 4HBD with ctDNA are provided by utilizing multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking approaches, including UV-vis absorbance, steady-state, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism study. The calculated binding and quenching constant value from quantitative data analysis of absorption and emission spectroscopy shows that 4HBD binds to the ctDNA groove. Further confirmation of the same is found by comparative displacement and iodide quenching studies. Negative enthalpy, negative free energy and positive entropy change imply a hydrophobic force monitors the association of 4HBD with the biomacromolecule. Interestingly the small molecule (4HBD) shows potential anti-bacterial activity against the model pathogenic gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The noncytotoxic nature of the 4HBD is demonstrated in vitro with the help of MTT assay by normal kidney epithelial (NKE), breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and human prostate cancer cell (PC3) lines. Hemolytic assay exhibits insignificant hemolysis of human erythrocyte cells at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these tested bacteria. In this regard the present invention of 4-hydroxycoumarin based antimicrobial and noncytotoxic 4HBD molecule holds future promise in the development of new antibiotics.

The present study aims to elucidate the anti-cancer, antimicrobial activity of synthesized halogenated chalcones (1f, 1h, 1i) and their molecular interaction with calf thymus DNA. All the three compounds were characterized using different spectroscopic tools like FTIR, NMR. DFT and TDDFT computation were performed to support the structural and electronic parameter of the compounds. UV–vis absorbance, steady-state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, circular dichroism, helix melting, molecular docking study reveals that the compounds (1f, 1h, 1i) actively interact with ctDNA via groove binding mode. The binding constants (Kb) were calculated to be 1.29 × 104, 0.54 × 104 and 0.45 × 104 M−1 respectively for compounds 1f, 1h, 1i. The compounds were cytotoxic to almost every cell line (PC3, HeLa, A549, HCT116) tested, having minimal toxicity in normal NKE cell line, among which PC3 cells were more sensitive with an IC50 value of 10 μM. The values were determined using dose response curve and found between 10 and 49 μM for cancer cells and 70 μM for normal cell. Compounds also cause apoptosis in PC3 cells, which was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. Results showed that 1f, 1h, 1i target DNA, to persuade DNA damage mediated cancer cell death. The inhibition zone was formed in the screening test indicating the anti-bacterial activity of 1f, 1h & 1i against model pathogenic bacteria. So the present communication provides quantitative insight of halo-chalcone based anti-cancerous and antimicrobial molecule involving relevant target nucleic acid, which holds future promise in the development of new therapeutic agents.

Objectives: Andean and Tibetan high‐altitude natives exhibit a high concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in the lungs, suggesting that NO plays an adaptive role in offsetting hypobaric hypoxia. We examined the exhaled NO concentration as well as partial pressure of several additional high‐altitude native populations in order to examine the possibility that this putative adaptive trait, that is, high exhaled NO, is universal. Methods: We recruited two geographically diverse highland native populations, Tawang Monpa (TM), a Tibetan derived population in North‐Eastern India (n = 95, sampled at an altitude of ~3,200 m), and Peruvian Quechua from the highland Andes (n = 412). The latter included three distinct subgroups defined as those residing at altitude (Q‐HAR, n = 110, sampled at 4,338 m), those born and residing at sea‐level (Q‐BSL, n = 152), and those born at altitude but migrant to sea‐level (Q‐M, n = 150). In addition, we recruited a referent sample of lowland natives of European ancestry from Syracuse, New York. Fraction of exhaled NO concentrations were measured using a NIOX NIMO following the protocol of the manufacturer. Results: Partial pressure of exhaled nitric oxide (PENO) was significantly lower (p

Wide varieties of synthetic drugs are available for combating type 2 diabetes but are not free of associated side effects. Commercially available antidiabetic drugs are known to be potent inhibitors of α-amylase which reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia. Here, we have investigated Alpinia nigra seed extracts and the isolated two labdane diterpenes (I and II) for the α-amylase inhibitory activity. These labdane type diterpenes showed more promising inhibitory effects (IC50 value 24.3 ± 2.05 and 15.167 ± 0.52 μM for compound I and II, respectively) against α-amylase than the standard inhibitor, acarbose. For both compounds, the mode of enzymatic inhibition was found to be non-competitive with K i 13.303 ± 0.065 and 12.19 ± 0.099 μM, respectively. Molecular docking studies revealed that both I and II bind the human pancreatic α-amylase in the active site cleft similar to the acarbose. Among all the compounds under investigation, acarbose and compound II were found to have the highest MolDock and re-rank score. Further molecular dynamic simulation studies also supports the docking results obtained for both I and II. This is the first report on α-amylase inhibitory effect of the two labdane diterpenes with their potential candidature as future antidiabetic drugs of herbal origin.

WOS: 000338612500016, Free radical scavenging, bactericidal and bitting deterrent properties of Alpinia nigra essential oils (EOs) were investigated in the present study. Chemical composition of the EOs was analyzed using GC MS/GC-FID which revealed the presence of 63 constituents including beta-caryophyllene as major component. All the EOs were found to possess notable antioxidant activities as determined using methods for scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Rhizome essential oil (REO) exhibited best effective free radical scavenging activities among other EOs compared to the standard antioxidant, butylated hydroxyl toluene. The efficacy of A. nigra EOs was tested against three Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria. Flow cytometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies revealed the bacterial cell membrane damage and disintegration when they are treated with REQ. Further, all EOs showed weak biting deterrent and larvicidal activity against the blood-feeding female adults and 1 day old Aedes aegypti larvae except flower essential oil which was inactive at 125 ppm. Current investigation highlights the detailed chemical composition and bioactive potential of A. nigra EOs for the first time, Department of Information Technology (DIT), Government of India; Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Information Technology, Government of India (DIT) [0526/T/IITG/014/0809/38]; USDA-ARS, Deployed War-Fighter Protection Research Program - U.S. Department of Defense through the Armed Forces Pest Management Board [56-6402-1-612], SG thanks Department of Information Technology (DIT), Government of India for fellowship. LR acknowledges funding by the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Information Technology, Government of India (DIT grant no. DIT no: 0526/T/IITG/014/0809/38). This study was supported in part by USDA-ARS grant no. 56-6402-1-612, Deployed War-Fighter Protection Research Program Grant funded by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Armed Forces Pest Management Board. The authors wish to thank Dr. James J. Becnel, Mosquito and Fly Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS, Gainesville, for supplying Ae. aegypti eggs.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-protein coding RNA molecules of approximately 21 nucleotides in length capable of modulating gene expression in animals and plants. The role of miRNA based gene regulation has been proved in several pathways including in plant growth, development and stress response. In this study miR171 and miR397a were tested for their expression pattern under different heat shock regimes in shoot and root tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana using Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) mediated in situ hybridization. With an increase in temperature across 35 °C, 40 °C and 45 °C there was a corresponding increased up-regulation of miR171 in leaf tissues compared to ambient temperature. Similarly, an unambiguous elevated expression of miR171 within increase in duration of exposure at each temperature regime across 1 h, 2 h and 3 h was noticed in comparison to ambient control leaf tissue. On the other hand, miR397a, which expressed at ambient control conditions, got down-regulated both with increase in heat and exposure regime in leaf tissues. Both miRNAs expressed in control ambient root tissues. Maintaining the root zone temperature at ambient conditions, upon imposing heat shock regime to shoot system, miR171 recorded corresponding increased up-regulation as indicated by the intensity of in situ hybridization, while miR397a got down-regulated. Given the differential homogeneity in expression pattern of both miRNA in leaf and root tissues experiencing heat shock regimes, possibilities of movement of heat shock induced signals to root tissues seem to be obvious.

Objectives The major aim of this study was to conduct comparative quantitative-genetic analysis of the body composition (BCP) and somatotype (STP) variation, as well as their correlations with blood pressure (BP) in two ethnically, culturally and geographically different populations: Santhal, indigenous ethnic group from India and Chuvash, indigenous population from Russia. Materials and Methods Correspondently two pedigree-based samples were collected from 1,262 Santhal and1,558 Chuvash individuals, respectively. At the first stage of the study, descriptive statistics and a series of univariate regression analyses were calculated. Finally, multiple and multivariate regression (MMR) analyses, with BP measurements as dependent variables and age, sex, BCP and STP as independent variables were carried out in each sample separately. The significant and independent covariates of BP were identified and used for re-examination in pedigree-based variance decomposition analysis. Results and Discussion Despite clear and significant differences between the populations in BCP/STP, both Santhal and Chuvash were found to be predominantly mesomorphic irrespective of their sex. According to MMR analyses variation of BP significantly depended on age and mesomorphic component in both samples, and in addition on sex, ectomorphy and fat mass index in Santhal and on fat free mass index in Chuvash samples, respectively. Additive genetic component contributes to a substantial proportion of blood pressure and body composition variance. Variance component analysis in addition to above mentioned results suggests that additive genetic factors influence BP and BCP/STP associations significantly.

Since prehistoric era, plant-derived drugs were much preferred due to their less side effects than drugs of synthetic origin. Bioassay-guided selection of active fraction of a plant extract and further isolation and characterization of the pure bioactive compounds are in practice in both academic and industrial research. Zingiberaceae, a medicinally important, ornamental, monocotyledonous family has potential members in the tribe Alpinieae, among which the genus Alpinia is studied under this current review due to its wide range of biomedical applications. The members in the genus possess many bioactive compounds against harmful microbes to deadly diseases like cancer by regulating the different signalling pathway systems. Several compounds have been discovered and found to deliver diversified biological efficacy either in vitro or in vivo against a range of diseases. The chemical profiling of the genus and investigation of crude essential oils and individual bioactive compounds towards the therapeutic importance in various disciplines have been documented in the current review.

Thirty-six Holstein cross calves 5 days of age in their preruminant stage were used to study the effect of feeding prebiotic (mannanoligosaccharide) on their performance up to the age of 2 months. Treatment and control groups consisted of 18 calves each. Treatment group was supplemented with 4 g prebiotic (mannanoligosaccharide)/calf/day. Performance was evaluated by measuring average body weight (BW) gain, feed intake [dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrient (TDN) and crude protein(CP)], feed conversion efficiency (DM, TDN, and CP), fecal score, fecal coliform count and feeding cost. Body weight measured weekly, feed intake measured twice daily, proximate analysis of feeds and fodders analyzed weekly, fecal score monitored daily and fecal coliform count done weekly. There was a significant increase in average body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency; and a significant decrease in severity of scours as measured by fecal score and fecal coliform count in the treatment group compared with control group (P < 0.01). Feed cost/kg BW gain was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to control group (P < 0.01). The results suggest that prebiotic (mannanoligosaccharide) can be supplemented to the calves for better performance.

Thirty-six crossbred calves (Holstein cross) of 5 days of age were used to study the effect of garlic extract feeding on their performance up to the age of 2 months (pre-ruminant stage). They were randomly allotted into treatment and control groups (18 numbers in each group). Performance was evaluated by measuring average body weight (BW) gain, feed intake (dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrient (TDN) and crude protein (CP)), feed conversion efficiency (FCE; DM, TDN and CP), faecal score, faecal coliform count and feeding cost. Diets were the same for the both groups. In addition, treatment group received garlic extract supplementation at 250 mg/kg BW per day per calf. Body weight measured weekly, feed intake measured twice daily, proximate analysis of feeds and fodders analysed weekly, faecal scores monitored daily and faecal coliform count done weekly. There was significant increase in average body weight gain, feed intake and FCE and significant decrease in severity of scours as measured by faecal score and faecal coliform count in the treatment group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Feed cost per kilogramme BW gain was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to control group (P < 0.01). The results suggest that garlic extract can be supplemented to the calves for better performance.

Eighteen lactating indigenous cattle were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 animals (3 Gir and 3 Sahiwal) each on the basis of milk yield and lactation stage to see the effect of molasses and Mustard oil supplementation on production and reproduction performance. Cows were fed wheat straw, concentrate mixture and green fodder in the control group and additional 200 g of mustard oil and molasses was given in treatment groups. Experimental feeding was continued up to 90 days after 2 weeks of adaptation. Overall body weight change was higher in G2 (mustard oil supplemented) group and lowest in G1 (control) group. Statistically there was no significant difference in the average body weight change of indigenous lactating cattle between treatments. Overall BCS was higher in G2 (mustard oil supplemented) group and lowest in G1 (control) group however statistically there was no significant difference in the average BCS of indigenous lactating cow in between G2 and G3 though G1 differed significantly (P> 0.05) from G2 and G3 different treatment groups. Overall Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher for treatment group compared to control however; the values were statistically non-significant between the treatment groups of indigenous lactating cattle.Animals of G2 group had shorter postpartum estrus period followed by G3 group and G1 group respectively. The studied revealed that feeding of mustard oil and molasses had significant (P

Eighteen lactating indigenous cattle were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 animals (3 Gir and 3 Sahiwal) each on the basis of milk yield and lactation stage to see the effect of molasses and Mustard oil supplementation on production performance. Cows were fed wheat straw, concentrate mixture and green fodder in the control group and additional 200 g of mustard oil and molasses was given in treatment groups. Experimental feeding was continued up to 90 days after 2 weeks of adaptation. Supplementation of mustard oil and molasses were accompanied by a significant increase in the milk yield as compare to control group. There was no significant difference between supplementation of mustard oil and molasses on milk yield. Supplementation of mustard oil and molasses were accompanied by a significant increase in the content of fat % in milk. However, there was no significant effect of supplementation of mustard oil and molasses on protein, lactose and total solids in the milk. Highest fat, protein, lactose and total solids (%) were observed in mustard oil supplementation group as compare to control and molasses supplementation group. Milk production efficiency in term of predicted lactation milk yield based on 90 days, peak yield and persistency was also significantly higher ustard oil supplemented in comparison to the control group. It was concluded that energy source in the form of molasses and mustard oil supplementation @ 200 g / day / in each animal significantly increased the milk production and efficiency over the control group.

Current approach against type 2 diabetes involves α-glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose associated with many side effects. Therefore, as an alternative to the existing drug, many natural products mainly from plant sources have been investigated which inhibit α-glucosidase. Here, we have selected medicinally important Alpinia nigra to explore its α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Organic extracts of seeds and two purified natural diterpenes I: (E)-labda-8(17), 12-diene-15, 16-dial and II: (E)-8β, 17-epoxylabd-12-ene-15, 16-dial from A. nigra were investigated towards inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. Dose-dependant inhibition pattern were observed for seed extracts and both the compounds. Further, inhibition kinetics studies of the diterpenes indicated a non-competitive type of inhibition against α-glucosidase. Docking studies were carried out which revealed that both the diterpenes interacted within the active site of N-terminal and C-terminal domain of human maltase-glucoamylase enzyme, respectively. This is the first report of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of these isolated diterpenes and their higher inhibitory potential than any terpenoids studied till date against α-glucosidase.

Duck rising is a lucrative livestock industry in the globe because of its egg, meat and feather. Like chicken, ducks are reared for eggs and meat. As per livestock census 2007, the duck population of India is 27.43 million constituting 8.52 percent of the totalpoultry population. The distribution and demographic dynamics of duck population revealed that they are concentrated in Eastern, North eastern and Southern states of the country. Duck farming in India is characterized by nomadic, extensive, seasonal,and is still held in the hands of small and marginal farmers and nomadic tribes. There are three systems of duck rearing i.e., free range system, Confined system and Indoor system. Duck can also be reared integrated with other farming such as fish farming and/or paddy cultivation. Duck feeds on insect, snails, kitchen waste, paddy grains and weeds are the food sources for ducks in addition to the feed received from foraging. But for better production extra feed supplements is necessary. Grower stage of duckup to 16 weeks of age and after that laying starts. The age at first egg and 50 percent egg production are 120, 140 days and the annual egg number is 320 eggs for Khaki Campbell ducks in intensive farming. The desirable sex ratio for good fertility andhatchability for ducks is 1:6 for intensive rearing and 1:15-20 for extensive rearing system. Ducks are more vigorous and less subject to diseases than chicken and turkeys. For better disease prevention vaccination is necessary.

The labdane triterpenes (I) and (II) show significant activity for damaging and disintegrating cell membranes of several Gram-positive, as well as Gram-negative bacteria cell lines.

The labdane diterpene, (E)-labda-8(17), 12-diene-15, 16-dial (compound A) and its epoxide analogue, (E)-8β, 17-Epoxylabd-12-ene-15, 16-dial (compound B) were isolated from the seeds of Alpinia nigra for the first time. The antibacterial activities of both compounds were evaluated against three Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria, and flow cytometric analysis revealed that these compounds caused significant damage to the bacterial cell membranes. Further, field emission scanning electron microscope imaging and cell leakage analysis confirmed that the labdane diterpenes were responsible for bacterial cell membrane damage and disintegration. Our findings provide new insight into the broad-spectrum effects of two natural labdane diterpenes that may be useful in the future development of herbal antibiotic products.

The phenology of most of the aquatic macrophytes as studied in three distinct zones was found to be influenced by physico-chemical properties of water as well as several other environmental properties like light availability and water temperature. Among the physico-chemical properties of water salinity played significant role on the overall phenological behaviour of species. The vegetative growth in Zone B was slightly delayed in most of the species than other two zones. Flowering and fruiting periodicity was more seasonal in Zone A than the rest two zones. The extended period of flowering may be seen in Zone A and Zone C. Pollinators are mostly dipteran insects, although hydrophylly and transitional pollination was also recorded in several species. More than one pollinators for individual plant were also evidenced in case of plant species having large showy flowers. Fruiting in Zone B was somewhat lower than other two zones. Most of the species showed hydrochores, although ornithochory, ichthyochory was also evidenced in several plants. On the whole, environmental factors like light, temperature, rainfall, physico-chemical properties of water immensely influence the aquatic macrophytic plant association as well as reproductive behaviour of the plant species. Es wurde beobachtet, das die Phanologie zahlreicher aquatischer Makrophyten aus drei verschiedenen untersuchten Zonen sowohl durch die physiko-chemischen Eigenschaften des Wassers, als auch durch andere Umweltbedingungen wie Lichtanteil und Wassertemperatur beeinflust wird. Unter den physikochemischen Eigenschaften spielt der Salzgehalt des Wassers im allgemeinen phanologischen Verhalten der Arten eine signifikante Rolle. Das vegetative Wachstum in Zone B war gegenuber den beiden anderen Zonen leicht verzogert. Bluh- und Frucht-Peridiozitat war in Zone A starker saisonbedingt als in den beiden ubrigen. Die langste Bluhperiode liegt in Zone A und Zone C. Die Bestaubung erfolgt zumeist durch Diptera-Insekten, obgleich bei einigen Arten auch hydrophylle und gegenseitige Bestaubung beobachtet wurde. Mehr als ein „Bestauber” einer einzelnen Pflanze wurde bei Arten mit auffallend grosen Bluten beobachtet. Der Fruchtansatz war in Zone B etwas geringer als in den Zonen A und C. Die meisten Arten zeigten Hydrochorie, daneben Ornithochorie und auch Ichthyochorie wurde bei einigen Pflanzen beobachtet. Insgesamt gesehen beeinflussen die Umweltfaktoren wie Licht, Temperatur, Regen, physiko-chemische Eigenschaften des Wassers die Assoziation der aquatischen Makrophyten ebenso wie das Reproduktionsverhalten der Pflanzen in erheblichem Mase.

The effects of artificial feeding on production of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and water quality in paddy-cum-fish culture were studied for 90 days. Paddy fields of 40 m2 were stocked with 24 fingerlings (25 to 30 g) 15 days after transplanting the paddy seedlings. The fish were fed a mixture of rice bran and mustard oil cake (1:1) at rates of 2, 4 and 6% total body weight. The growth of individual fish and fish yield increased with increasing feeding rates, as did concentrations of nitrite, nitrate, chemical oxygen demand, and particulate organic matter. The concentration of dissolved oxygen decreased. Economic interpretation indicated a feeding rate of 8.8% of the total body weights of the fish, calculated on the Mitscherlich model. The values for pond conversion and water quality indicated that feeding beyond 4% was wasteful, and accumulation of the feed caused deterioration in water quality.