Molecular analysis reveals that lack of chasmothecia formation in Erysiphe necator in Maharashtra, India is due to presence of only MAT1-2 mating type idiomorph

The heterothallic, ubiquitous fungus Erysiphe necator causes powdery mildew disease of grapevines and in many countries it is reported to reproduce both asexually and sexually. Sexual reproduction results in the formation of chasmothecia (cleistothecia) on infected surfaces when the colonies of two opposite mating types meet on the infected plant parts and the temperatures are favorable for their development. Chasmothecia are reported from north India, but not from peninsular India, even though powdery mildew is reportedly present in these regions at least since the beginning of the last century. Through systematic survey of ten vineyards in Maharashtra and adjoining Karnataka in peninsular India, we confirmed the absence of chasmothecia under natural conditions. Analysis of temperature data from two locations in Maharashtra showed that the Tmax and Tmin were favourable for chasmothecia initiation (10 °C to 30 °C) and maturation (15 °C to 30 °C) for a sufficient period of time.Multiplex PCR of 120 E. necator field isolates collected from peninsular India showed presence of a single band of 232 bp corresponding to MAT1-2 mating type idiomorph or MAT- phenotype. None of the samples gave band of 408 bp corresponding to MAT1-1 mating type idiomorph. Further, two bands of 408 bp and 232 bp were detected in only one powdery mildew sample collected from Kashmir, in north India while the other nineteen samples gave a single band of 232 bp.  Thus, molecular analysis established that E. necator is not sexually reproducing in Maharashtra due to presence of only one mating type idiomorph. The study also brings out that MAT1-1 mating type idiomorph is not as common in nature as MAT1-2 and explains why in many other countries, too, chasmothecia were first observed as late as half to one century after start of grape cultivation.  &nbsp

Ethnomedical Knowledge of Plants used by the Tribal people of Purandhar in Maharashtra, India

This study presents the results of a field survey of the plants used medically by the tribal people of Purandhar in Maharashtra, India. Tribes like Dhangars and Gowlis inhabit the dry deciduous forests of the region. This is an effort to record the valuable ethnomedical knowledge of these Purandhar tribes. A total of 77 species belonging to 30 families and 56 genera were included. These plants are used to treat various aliments, discomforts and diseases like whooping cough, asthma, diabetes, diphtheria, conjunctivitis, snake bite, scorpion bite, etc

Rootstock affects stress relieving enzymatic activity during bud break in 'Red Globe' grapevine under semi-arid condition

       The role of stress relieving enzymes during bud sprouting in grapevines has already been established in different varieties. However, data on 'Red Globe' variety under tropical conditions are not reported. The present study was conducted to generate data on stress relieving enzymatic activities during bud sprout in 'Red Globe' on different rootstocks under arid conditions of India. Influence of different rootstocks on stress relieving enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase and polyphenol oxidase) involved in bud sprouting under tropical conditions with double pruning and single cropping pattern was evidenced. Positive interactions were observed between enzymatic activities of stress relieving enzymes, increased bud break (64.25 %) and reduction in days taken to bud sprout (8.43 days). Among the rootstocks under study, vines on 110R and own rooted vines have strong impact on stress relieving enzymes that resulted into early and increased bud sprouting. Also, the dynamics of enzymatic activity can be used as biological indicators for forecasting the end of bud dormancy and recommencement of growth

Online) An Open Access

ABSTRACT Present investigation was carried out to assess the chemical composition, sensory evaluation, shelf life and microbial quality of ginger peda. Peda was prepared from buffalo milk with constant level of sugar (30 per cent by weight by Khoa) and different levels i.e. 0% (T 0 ), (T 1 ) 2%, (T 2 ) 4% and (T 3 ) 6% of ginger powder by weight of Khoa. The product prepared using 2% ginger powder was found most acceptable on the basis of overall acceptability. The average standard plate count of fresh sample was found to be 8, 6, 5 and 3 x 103 cfu per gm for treatments T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Yeast and mould and coliform count were not observed in fresh peda samples. It was observed that the overall acceptability score of treatment T0, T1, T2 and T3 was 8.49, 8.01, 7.52 and 6.89 respectively. The cost for preparation of bottle gourd Peda for treatment T0, T1, T2 and T3 was Rs. 153.53, Rs.152.42, Rs. 151.34 and Rs. 150.29 per kg, respectively. It can be concluded that the peda with ginger powder can be very well utilized for preparation of nutritious, palatable and low cost Peda by blending 2 percent ginger powder with 95 per cent buffalo milk Khoa on weight basis

Epigenetic control of cell cycle-dependent histone gene expression is a principal component of the abbreviated pluripotent cell cycle

Self-renewal of human pluripotent embryonic stem cells proceeds via an abbreviated cell cycle with a shortened G(1) phase. We examined which genes are modulated in this abbreviated period and the epigenetic mechanisms that control their expression. Accelerated upregulation of genes encoding histone proteins that support DNA replication is the most prominent gene regulatory program at the G(1)/S-phase transition in pluripotent cells. Expedited expression of histone genes is mediated by a unique chromatin architecture reflected by major nuclease hypersensitive sites, atypical distribution of epigenetic histone marks, and a region devoid of histone octamers. We observed remarkable differences in chromatin structure--hypersensitivity and histone protein modifications--between human embryonic stem (hES) and normal diploid cells. Cell cycle-dependent transcription factor binding permits dynamic three-dimensional interactions between transcript initiating and processing factors at 5\u27 and 3\u27 regions of the gene. Thus, progression through the abbreviated G(1) phase involves cell cycle stage-specific chromatin-remodeling events and rapid assembly of subnuclear microenvironments that activate histone gene transcription to promote nucleosomal packaging of newly replicated DNA during stem cell renewal

In vitro Evaluation of Novel Sustained Release Microspheres of Glipizide Prepared by the Emulsion Solvent Diffusion-Evaporation Method

The objective of the current investigation is to reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance by designing and systematically evaluating sustained release microspheres of Glipizide. An anti-diabetic drug, Glipizide, is delivered through the microparticulate system using ethyl cellulose as the controlled release polymer. Microspheres were developed by the emulsion solvent diffusion-evaporation technique by using the modified ethanol,-dichloromethane co-solvent system. The polymer mixture of ethyl cellulose and Eudragit® S100 was used in different ratios (1:0, 1:1, 2:3, 1:4 and 0:1) to formulate batches F1 to F5. The resulting microspheres were evaluated for particle size, densities, flow properties, morphology, recovery yield, drug content, and in vitro drug release behavior. The formulated microspheres were discrete, spherical with relatively smooth surface, and with good flow properties. Among different formulations, the fabricated microspheres of batch F3 had shown the optimum percent drug encapsulation of microspheres and the sustained release of the Glipizide for about 12 h. Release pattern of Glipizide from microspheres of batch F3 followed Korsmeyers-peppas model and zero-order release kinetic model. The value of ‘n’ was found to be 0.960, which indicates that the drug release was followed by anomalous (non-fickian) diffusion. The data obtained thus suggest that a microparticulate system can be successfully designed for sustained delivery of Glipizide and to improve dosage form characteristics for easy formulation

Transient RUNX1 Expression during Early Mesendodermal Differentiation of hESCs Promotes Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition through TGFB2 Signaling

The transition of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) from pluripotency to lineage commitment is not fully understood, and a role for phenotypic transcription factors in the initial stages of hESC differentiation remains to be explored. From a screen of candidate factors, we found that RUNX1 is selectively and transiently upregulated early in hESC differentiation to mesendodermal lineages. Transcriptome profiling and functional analyses upon RUNX1 depletion established a role for RUNX1 in promoting cell motility. In parallel, we discovered a loss of repression for several epithelial genes, indicating that loss of RUNX1 impaired an epithelial to mesenchymal transition during differentiation. Cell biological and biochemical approaches revealed that RUNX1 depletion specifically compromised TGFB2 signaling. Both the decrease in motility and deregulated epithelial marker expression upon RUNX1 depletion were rescued by reintroduction of TGFB2, but not TGFB1. These findings identify roles for RUNX1-TGFB2 signaling in early events of mesendodermal lineage commitment

FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINED RELEASE MATRIX TABLETS OF LORNOXICAM

Lornoxicam is a NSAID having oxicam class mainly prescribed in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. NSAID have the potential to relieve the pain and inflammation without the immunosuppressive and metabolic side effects associated with corticosteroids. Generally the classification of NSAID is applied to drugs that inhibit one or more steps in the metabolism of Arachidonic Acid (AA). In general, NSAID do not inhibit lipoxygenase formation or the formation of other inflammatory mediators. Due to its more biological half-life i.e. 3-5 hrs. in India, the dosage form is available in 8-16 mg, it can be increased upto 24 mg/day if necessary. The main objectives of present investigation are to confirm the drug by various analytical techniques, to study the drug excipients compatibility, to avoid the dose as well as the frequency of the dosage form and to perform the stability. The tablet can be developed with the combination of HPMC K 100M and Ethyl Cellulose as a matrix former. Lornoxicam is NSAID that has numerous functions in the body. It can be absorbed rapidly and completely from gastrointestinal track after the oral administration. Absolute bioavailability of Lornoxicam is 90-100%. No first pass effect is observed. It is found in the plasma in the unchanged form and as its hydroxylated metabolite. The hydroxylated metabolite exhibits no pharmacological activity. CYP2C3 has been shown to be the primary enzyme responsible for the biotransformation of Lornoxicam. Approximately 2/3 part of Lornoxicam is eliminated via the liver and 1/3 via the kidneys as inactive substance. Lornoxicam inhibits the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting the action of cyclooxygenase, which regulates the conversion of Arachidonic Acid to Prostaglandins. Lornoxicam mainly prescribed in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and also in the management of ankylosing spondylitis, acute sciatica and low back pain.Keywords: Lornoxicam, Sustained release, matrix

Intimate partner violence and condom versus other modern contraception use among married women in rural India

Background: Data from India document that spousal intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with both unintended pregnancy and spacing contraceptive use. Analysis of IPV by type of contraception is lacking. Condom use may be less likely than other spacing contraception in the context of IPV, as it is under male control. This study aims to assess associations of physical and sexual IPV with condom and other contraception use among married women in rural India. We hypothesize that women reporting physical and sexual IPV victimization are significantly less likely to report condom use but not other contraception use, relative to women reporting no such victimization. Methods: Study participants were from the randomized control trial evaluation of CHARM, a male-centered family planning intervention for young married couples in rural Maharashtra, India. Baseline data from women (age 18-30, residing with husbands) were used for analyses; data were restricted to those who were not pregnant at interview (n¼867). Surveys assessed socio-demographics, husband’s physical and sexual IPV perpetration, and an item on primary form of contraception used by women in the past 3 months (subsequently categorized as none, condom, other modern spacing contraception). Multinomial logistic regression analyses assessed associations between past 6 month physical and sexual IPV and contraceptive use, adjusting for age, education, length of marriage, caste, parity, and husband’s alcohol use. All participants provided written informed consent; all study procedures were approved by Institutional Review Boards at UCSD, and ICMR. Findings: Participants were aged 18-30 (SD: 2.5), and 17% reported no formal education.12% and 4% of women reported past 6 month physical 218 Social and Environmental Determinants of Health and sexual IPV, respectively. The majority (72%) reported not using any modern spacing method of contraceptive in the past 3 months; 14% reported condom use and other modern spacing contraception, respectively. Physical IPV was significantly associated with condom use (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.28) but not other contraception use. Sexual violence was associated with other modern contraceptive use (AOR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.11, 7.00), but not condom use. Interpretation: Women contending with sexual violence were more likely to engage in other modern contraceptive use but not condom use. This finding may indicate that women contending with sexual violence may depend on forms of contraception more within their control. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine such associations between IPV and contraception use by type of method. These findings are limited due to the cross-sectional nature of the data, and are not generalizable to the larger population of women in India. Further research is needed to explain the association between recent physical IPV and condom use, a finding inconsistent with prior research