Phylogenetic analysis of human Tp53 gene using computational approach

The TP53 gene encoding p53 protein is involved in regulating a series of pathways. New discoveries about the function and control of p53 are still in progress and it is hoped to develop better therapeutics and diagnostics by exploiting this system. Evolutionary studies are of prime importance in the field of biological research since very long as provide the basis for comparative genomics. The sequence of Homo sapiens human TP53, transcript variant-1 mRNA sequence was retrieved from the NCBI in FASTAformat and was studied for its relationships and percent similarity within human and others species. Genetic variation among TP53 found in human beings and other organisms were studied in detail. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of the human TP53, transcript variant-1 mRNA sequence through UPGMA was performed which showed its relationship and pattern of variations among different organisms. This study will help in modern research strategies through the manipulation of p53 as its pathways are emerging rapidly and one can predict its extensive clinical use in the near future for the human benefit worldwide.Key words: P53, tumour, cancer, phylogeny, sequence alignment

Effect of explant plant source and acetosyringone concentration on transformation efficiency of wheat cultivars

Gene introduction into crop plants through genetic manipulation is a better alternative to conventional breeding for the improvement of stress tolerance. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation offers precise integration of genes into the genome with enhanced transgene stability. There are a number of factors which influence the rate of genetic transformation. The theme of this study is to exploit the explant source and acetosyringone concentration for the efficient development of Agrobacterium-mediated gene delivery system in wheat cultivars Inqilab 91 and Chakwal 97. Seedlings, mature embryos and calli used as explant sources for transformation in both the cultivars showed positive response. It was further observed that mature embryos produced maximum transformation efficiencies of 40.0 and 36.25% with 37.5 and 31.03% of regeneration frequencies of transgenic plants for Chakwal 97 and Inqilab 91, respectively. Seedlings produced 33.75 and 27.5% while calli produced 26.25 and 22.5% transformation efficiencies for both the cultivars. Acetosyringone concentration is also a limiting factor in transformation experiments especially in the case of cereals crop. Different concentrations of acetosyringone were used at the time of co-cultivation for optimization of the transformation protocol and maximum transformation efficiencies of 52.44 and 47.56% were obtained with 50 μM of acetosyringone from the cultivars Chakwal 97 and Inqilab 91, respectively.Key words: Wheat, agrobacterium, transformation, explant, acetosyringone

Steroid Use in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: What is the Evidence?

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a disease of unknown etiology. Controversy in the literature argues whether the condition should be treated by steroid therapy. In this case study, a Medline literature search was completed to find out if there is any evidence to support its use in this condition

A holistic mathematical modelling and simulation for cathodic delamination mechanism – a novel and an efficient approach

This paper addresses a holistic mathematical design using a novel approach for understanding the mechanism of cathodic delamination. The approach employed a set of interdependent parallel processes with each process representing: cation formation, oxygen reduction and cation transport mechanism, respectively. Novel mathematical equations have been developed for each of the processes based on the observations recorded from experimentation. These equations are then solved using efficient time-iterated algorithms. Each process consists of distinct algorithms which communicate with each other using duplex channels carrying signals. Each signal represents a distinct delamination parameter. As a result of interdependency of various processes and their parallel behaviour, it is much easier to analyse the quantitative agreement between various delamination parameters. The developed modelling approach provides an efficient and reliable prediction method for the delamination failure. The results obtained are in good agreement with the previously reported experimental interpretations and numerical results. This model provides a foundation for the future research within the area of coating failure analysis and prediction

Antibacterial activity of whole plant extract of Marrubium vulgare

The antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of Marrubium vulgare whole plant was tested by disc diffusion method. Zones of Inhibition produced by methanolic extract in a dose of 50, 100, 200, 400 and600 mg/ml against selected strains was measured and compared with those of standard discs of antibiotic ciprofloxacin (10 ìg/ml)

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Green Silver Nanoparticles and Potential Implications for Human Health and the Environment

The beginnings of the applications of nanotechnology in the field of health sciences took place in early 2000s. There is a wide range of application of nanoparticles and its uses are emerging rapidly. Nanoparticle synthesis is usually carried out by various physical and chemical methods using various hazardous and toxic chemicals which may have adverse effect in the medical applications. Nevertheless, green synthesis approaches of producing silver nanoparticles are an alternative source of conventional method and is cost effective, environment friendly, easily scaled up for large scale synthesis and in this method there is no need to exploit high pressure, energy, temperature and toxic chemicals as in case of chemical and physical method. In this review, we report, some of the major applications of green synthesis of silver nanoparticles

miRNAs: Small but deadly

microRNAs (miRNAs) are unique class of global gene regulators identified both in plants and animals. They can reduce protein levels of their target genes with a minor impact on the target genes mRNA. Levels of some miRNAs are found altered in cancers, so we might expect these regulatory molecules to be involved in the development of different carcinomas. The differential expression of certain miRNAs in various tumors might become a powerful tool to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. The precise biological roles of most miRNAs are still poorly understood and therefore, this review is an attempt to highlight the role and connections of human miRNA with different aspects of cancers.Key words: microRNA, cancer, tumour, metastasis, upregulation, miRNA

Evaluation of antagonistic fungi against charcoal rot of sunflower caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid.

In vitro, sensitivity of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid determined through inhibition zone technique to various antagonistic fungi viz., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum and Penicillium capsulatum amended into PDA medium. All the antagonists reduced the colony growth of M. Phaseolina significantly compared to the control A. flavus was proved to be the most effective (66.00%) in reducing the colony growth of M. Phaseolina followed by A. niger (55.55%), T. viride (51.11%), T. harzianum (26.67%) and P. capsulatum (11.11%) respectively over control. A. flavus due to it antifungal metabolites activities was the most effective while P. capsulatum was the least effective. Seeds of four varieties treated with the culture of A. flavus, A. niger, T. viride and P. capsulatum and there combinations were sown in pots having infested soil (M. phaseolina). Results showed reduction in disease incidence of charcoal rot on sunflower cultivar G-66 with antagonist, A. flavus (100%) followed by A. niger (64.86%) P. capsulatum (63.79%) and T. viride (31.89%) over control. Decrease in disease incidence over control was 100% where seed was treated with combination of A. niger and A. flavus while A. niger and T. viride combination was least effective on G-66 (30.80%). All antagonists reduced the disease incidence on G-66 (Highly resistant), HRBS-1, (Resistant), G-72 (Moderately susceptible) and G-51 (susceptible) but were most effective on highly resistant variety (G-66) while least effective on susceptible variety (G-51).Key words: Sunflowers, Macrophomina phaseolina, antagonistic fungi