Isolation and identification of differentially expressed genes between Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium hirsutum species

Plants have evolved sophisticated molecular defense mechanisms in order to survive disease conditions. So far, a number of pathogen resistance (R) genes have been reported in plants. These R genes are thought to be involved in activating the signals that lead to disease resistance. The structural specificity of R genes products makes it possible to isolate these genes from plants by homology based techniques. Knowledge regarding molecular organization of R genes in cotton is limited and other resistant gene analogues (RGAs) still need to be identified for Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD) resistance, particularly from Gossypium arboreum. This study has, therefore, been designed to identify the natural resistance related genes from Gossypium arboreum against CLCuV. In addition to G.arboreum (resistant to CLCuV), G. hirsutum L. var S12 (highly susceptible to CLCuV), G. hirsutum L.var. CP15/2 and LRA (partially resistant to CLCuV) were used as reference controls to facilitate identification of defense related genes. This paper describes several differentially expressed transcripts through DDRT-PCR on total RNA from G. arboreum and some other tetraploid cotton species. The nucleotide sequence of these genes, when compared to the reported database, indicated that some of the differentially expressed transcripts had homology to the reported R-genes.Key words: Pathogen resistance genes (R-genes), G. arboreum, differential display, cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV), RT-PCR

Interactions in vivo between the Vif protein of HIV-1 and the precursor (Pr55GAG) of the virion nucleocapsid proteins

The abnormality of viral core structure seen in vif-defective HIV-1 grown in PBMCs has suggested a role for Vif in viral morphogenesis. Using an in vivo mammalian two-hybrid assay, the interaction between Vif and the precursor (Pr55GAG) of the virion nucleocapsid proteins has been analysed. This revealed the amino-terminal (aa 1–22) and central (aa 70–100) regions of Vif to be essential for its interaction with Pr55GAG, but deletion of the carboxy-terminal (aa 158–192) region of the protein had only a minor effect on its interaction. Initial deletion studies carried out on Pr55GAG showed that a 35-amino-acid region of the protein bridging the MA(p17)–CA(p24) junction was essential for its ability to interact with Vif. Site-directed mutagenesis of a conserved tryptophan (Trp21) near the amino terminus of Vif showed it to be important for the interaction with Pr55GAG. By contrast, mutagenesis of the highly conserved YLAL residues forming part of the BC-box motif, shown to be important in Vif promoting degradation of APOBEC3G/3F, had little or no effect on the Vif–Pr55GAG interaction

Characterization of stem cells in Dupuytren's disease

Abstract Background Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a common fibroproliferative disease of unknown origin. The source of abnormal cells leading to DD formation remains underexplored. In addition to fascia, palmar skin and fat-derived cells may be a potential source of cells causing DD. This study aimed to profile haematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells in different DD tissue components compared with tissue removed at carpal tunnel surgery (control). Methods Biopsies were taken from the diseased cord, nodule, perinodular fat and skin overlying the nodule of ten patients with DD and compared with control tissue from seven patients having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) were used to identify expression of selected stem cell markers. Results FACS and QRT-PCR analysis identified the highest RNA expression and number of cells positive for adipocyte stem cell markers (CD13 and CD29) in the DD nodule in comparison with carpal tunnel control tissue (P = 0·053). CD34 RNA was overexpressed, and a higher percentage of these cells was present in DD skin compared with carpal tunnel skin (P = 0·001). Conclusion Each structural component of DD (cord, nodule, perinodular fat and skin) had distinct stem cell populations. These findings support the hypothesis that DD may result from mesenchymal progenitor cell expansion

Assessment of field resistance using host-pathogen interaction phenotype for wheat yellow rust

The utilisation of resistant wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) varieties is considered as the only economical control for wheat yellow rust ( Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (PST)) in developing countries. The resistance level of varieties at field level is generally assessed through their disease reaction/response, a phenotype resulting from wheat-PST interaction. This interaction, however, is affected by both variability in pathogen population and the surrounding climatic conditions, which could result in variation in host response of same varieties. The objective of this study was to assess the variability in host-pathogen interaction phenotype of yellow rust and its feasibility for resistance characterisation. A high level of variability (P<0.01) in host-pathogen interaction phenotypes for wheat yellow rust occured across locations and among varieties studied at six locations of Pakistan. The tested wheat varieties were grouped based on host reaction at six locations. Host reactions produced by the tested varieties were between immune and MMS, except for WL-711 at Nowshera, where it was susceptible type. Abbotabad and Nowshera showed the maximum diversity and evenness for the host reaction, while Mingora had the minimum diversity and evenness. Host reaction could be used as a criterion for varietal screening, when evaluated at different locations. Variability in the host response could be attributed to the variability in the resistance expression due to pathogen population variability, coupled with variability in climatic conditions.L&apos;utilisation des variétés résistantes de blé ( Triticum aestivum ) est considérée comme l&apos;unique moyen de contrôle économique contre la rouille jaune du blé ( Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici : (PST)) dans les pays en développement. Le degré de résistance des variétés au niveau du champ est généralement évalué par le moyen de leur réaction/réponse à la maladie, un phénotype résultant de l&apos;interaction blé-PST. Cette interaction, cependant, est affecté à la fois par la variabilité de la population pathogène et les conditions climatiques environnantes, ce qui pourrait entraîner des variations de réponse de l&apos;hôte des mêmes variétés. L&apos;objectif de cette étude était d&apos;évaluer la variabilité dans le phénotype d&apos;interaction hôte-agent pathogène de la rouille jaune et sa faisabilité pour la caractérisation de la résistance. Nous signalons un niveau élevé de variabilité (P<0,01) dans l&apos;interaction des phenotypes hôte-pathogène relative à la rouille jaune du blé s&apos;est produite entre differents sites et entre les varieties étudiées à six endroits du Pakistan. Les variétés de blé testées avaient été regroupées selon leur reaction de hôte à six endroits. Les réactions de l&apos; hôte produites par les variétés testées étaient entre immunitaire et MMS, sauf pour WL-711 à Nowshera, où il était de type sensibles. Abbotabad et Nowshera avaient montré une diversité maximale et une régularité de la réaction de l&apos;hôte, tandis que Mingora avait la diversité minimale et régulière. La réaction de l&apos;hôte pourrait servir comme critère dans la sélection variétale lorsque évaluée à différents endroits. La variabilité dans la réponse de l&apos;hôte pourrait être attribuée à la variabilité dans l&apos;expression de résistance en raison de la variabilité dans la population du pathogène associée à la variabilité des conditions climatiques

Decreased plasma omentin-1 levels in Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Context:The novel adipokine, nesfatin-1/NUCB-2, reduces food intake, levels of which are elevated in overweight individuals. Objectives:The aim of the study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying brain nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 uptake and to determine whether reduced uptake may contribute to nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 resistance. Design:Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and corresponding plasma nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 were measured by ELISA [18 men and 20 women; age, 19–80 yr; body mass index (BMI), 16.2–38.1 kg/m2] and correlated to body adiposity and metabolic parameters. Results:CSF/plasma nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 ratio was significantly negatively associated with BMI, body weight, fat mass, and CSF glucose. BMI was predictive of CSF/plasma nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 ratio (β = −0.786; P = 0.045). CSF nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 was significantly positively associated with plasma nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 (R = 0.706; P < 0.01). There was a significant linear relation between CSF and plasma nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 in lean (BMI <25 kg/m2; R = 0.744; P = 0.002) and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2; R = 0.693; P = 0.026) subjects. Subjects in the highest plasma nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 quintile had lower CSF/plasma nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 ratio [26.5% (26.0–29.5%)] compared to the lowest plasma nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 quintile [38.5% (34.0–42.0%)] (P < 0.01), corresponding BMI [32.4 (31.0–35.0) vs. 23.3 (19.7–23.5) kg/m2; P < 0.01], and fat mass [32.8 (29.5–40.6) vs. 30.7 (8.2–20.1) kg/m2; P < 0.01]. Conclusions:Our observations have important implications with respect to the potential weight-reducing actions of nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 treatment. Future research should seek to clarify whether nesfatin-1/NUCB-2 would be beneficial in the management of obesity

COMBINING ABILITY STUDIES FOR QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN BRASSICA JUNCEA

ABSTRACT Combining ability was determined in an 8 × 8 F1 diallel cross of Brassica juncea L. genotypes for various quantitative traits during 2010-2011 at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. Genotypes revealed highly significant (p≤0.01) differences for days to maturity, plant height, primary branches plant -1 , pods main raceme -1 and seed yield plant -1 while significant (p≤0.05) variations were noted for days to 50% flowering. According to combining ability analysis, mean squares due to general combining ability (GCA) were significant (p≤0.01) for all the traits except days to 50% flowering and maturity. Mean squares due to specific combining ability (SCA) and reciprocal combining ability (RCA) were significant (p≤0.01) for all the traits except SCA mean squares for seed yield plant -1 . Mean squares due to RCA were even greater than GCA/SCA for some variables, and therefore maternal effects cannot be ignored. The variations among genotypes for earliness and plant height were controlled by non-additive gene action, while morphological and seed yield traits were governed by additive gene action. Genotypes MYT120, MYT124 and MYT105 and F1 hybrids MYT117 × MYT123, MYT103 × MYT124, MYT009 × MYT123, MYT123 × MYT009 and MYT117 × MYT113 were identified as best general and specific combiners and could be exploited through selection in early segregating populations. Results suggested the use of integrated breeding strategies which can efficiently utilize the additive as well as non-additive genetic variations

Intelligent Transportation Systems in Smart City: A Systematic Survey

The idea of Smart Cities (SCs) was developed to digitize conventional urban living areas and redevelop using digital equipment to enhance lifestyle and resident security. Smart cities cover a wide range of applications such as smart government, smart energy, smart transportation, smart health, and smart education. In this paper, we have examined the mobility-related application e.g., smart transportation. We have focused on related to smart transportation like traffic safety, passenger and driver safety, obstacle detection, accident prevention, crime prevention, and detection, and more importantly smart vehicles like UAVs which played a key role in making these gadgets easy to use in urban environments. For a brief overview, 63 academic publications are examined in the field of ITS and SC technologies. Furthermore, we have provided possible solutions in terms of security in the smart transportation system