Selection of reference genes for expression analysis in Diuraphis noxia (Hemiptera: Aphididae) fed on resistant and susceptible wheat plants

Citation: Sinha, D.K. & Smith, C.M. Selection of Reference Genes for Expression Analysis in Diuraphis noxia (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Fed on Resistant and Susceptible Wheat Plants. Sci. Rep. 4, 5059; DOI:10.1038/srep05059 (2014).The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov, is a major global pest of wheat and barley production that causes enormous economic damage. Few studies have been conducted to explore and decipher the molecular basis of RWA strategies to evade plant defense mechanisms. Gene expression studies of RWA in response to wheat genotypes carrying different RWA resistance genes have been initiated in our group; however, a secure and accurate understanding of RWA gene expression is dependent on identification of suitable reference genes. This study analyzed expression profiles of five potential reference genes selected and sequenced during RNA sequencing experiments. The expression of genes coding for actin and ribosomal protein L27 was comparatively less variable in RWA fed on different wheat hosts. Results of geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper expression analyses support the use of actin and ribosomal protein L27 in RT-qPCR studies of RWA gene expression in studies involving RWA-wheat interactions

New and improved method of bamboo cultivation in semi arid areas of Indian Thar desert

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus Roxb.) is widely utilized in construction, pulp and paper, furniture, food and medicine, fuel and handicrafts for a long time. Due to its wider application, a field experiment was carried out to check its cultivation requirements besides its success rate in semi arid area of Indian Thar desert. In the present work, Guggul (Commiphora wightii Arnott.) which is a resident plant of Thar desert has been proved as a potential intercrop in bamboo cultivation. Improved growth was observed in bamboo with plant height (8.92 to 20.74 feet), number of culms (19 to 38), culm diameter (2.2 to 4.3 cm) during intercropping of guggul. Among different methods of irrigation, highest growth was recorded in drip irrigated plants where 50% recommended N:P:K and organic manure were given in combination followed by N:P:K sole. This study indicates that Guggul may play a role in microclimate development in the bamboo cultivation. This is the first report on successful bamboo cultivation in semi arid area of desert using an intercrop.Key words: Dendrocalamus, soil enzymes, fertilization, guggul, nitrogen

Virulent Diuraphis noxia Aphids Over-Express Calcium Signaling Proteins to Overcome Defenses of Aphid-Resistant Wheat Plants

Citation: Sinha, D. K., Chandran, P., Timm, A. E., Aguirre-Rojas, L., & Smith, M. (2016). Virulent Diuraphis noxia Aphids Over-Express Calcium Signaling Proteins to Overcome Defenses of Aphid-Resistant Wheat Plants. PLoS One, 11(1), 20. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0146809The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia, an invasive phytotoxic pest of wheat, Triticum aestivum, and barley, Hordeum vulgare, causes huge economic losses in Africa, South America, and North America. Most acceptable and ecologically beneficial aphid management strategies include selection and breeding of D. noxia-resistant varieties, and numerous D. noxia resistance genes have been identified in T. aestivum and H. vulgare. North American D. noxia biotype 1 is avirulent to T. aestivum varieties possessing Dn4 or Dn7 genes, while biotype 2 is virulent to Dn4 and avirulent to Dn7. The current investigation utilized next-generation RNAseq technology to reveal that biotype 2 over expresses proteins involved in calcium signaling, which activates phosphoinositide (PI) metabolism. Calcium signaling proteins comprised 36% of all transcripts identified in the two D. noxia biotypes. Depending on plant resistance gene-aphid biotype interaction, additional transcript groups included those involved in tissue growth; defense and stress response; zinc ion and related cofactor binding; and apoptosis. Activation of enzymes involved in PI metabolism by D. noxia biotype 2 aphids allows depletion of plant calcium that normally blocks aphid feeding sites in phloem sieve elements and enables successful, continuous feeding on plants resistant to avirulent biotype 1. Inhibition of the key enzyme phospholipase C significantly reduced biotype 2 salivation into phloem and phloem sap ingestion

Large intramuscular plexiform neurofibroma of thigh: a multidisciplinary team approach

Large plexiform neurofibroma of lower extremity involving the muscle is a rare entity. In this article we present the case of plexiform neurofibroma of right thigh involving the muscular plane and entrapment of the sciatic nerve. A 28 year lady presented with a plexiform neurofibroma of right thigh of size 60 cm×30 cm×25 cm with a positive family history of neurofibromatosis type 1. MRI was done for the assessment of the tumour and the adjacent structure involvement. The neurofibroma was removed with a multidisciplinary team approach with an intensive peri operative management. The pathological diagnosis was plexiform neurofibroma with diffuse neurofibroma. We have reported a rare case of large plexiform neurofibroma of lower extremity with muscle involvement and nerve entrapment

Underwater Acoustic Sensor Network Data Optimization with Enhanced Void Avoidance and Routing Protocol

Deployment of a multi-hop underwater acoustic sensor network (UASN) in a larger region presents innovative challenges in reliable data communications and survivability of network because of the limited underwater interaction range or bandwidth and the limited energy of underwater sensor nodes. UASNs are becoming very significant in ocean exploration applications, like underwater device maintenance, ocean monitoring, ocean resource management, pollution detection, and so on. To overcome those difficulties and attains the purpose of maximizing data delivery ratio and minimizing energy consumption of underwater SNs, routing becomes necessary. In UASN, as the routing protocol will guarantee effective and reliable data communication from the source node to the destination, routing protocol model was an alluring topic for researchers. There were several routing techniques devised recently. This manuscript presents an underwater acoustic sensor network data optimization with enhanced void avoidance and routing (UASN-DAEVAR) protocol. The presented UASN-DAEVAR technique aims to present an effective data transmission process using proficient routing protocols. In the presented UASN-DAEVAR technique, a red deer algorithm (RDA) is employed in this study. In addition, the UASN-DAEVAR technique computes optimal routes in the UASN. To exhibit the effectual results of the UASN-DAEVAR technique, a wide spread experimental analysis is made. The experimental outcomes represented the enhancements of the UASN-DAEVAR model

RAPID UREASE TEST POSITIVITY BY ENDOSCOPY IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH DYSPEPSIA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background Dyspepsia, a common gastrointestinal complaint among adults, necessitates efficient diagnostic methods for tailored treatment. The Rapid Urease Test (RUT) during endoscopy offers a cost-effective and prompt approach to identifying H. pylori infection, a prevalent cause of gastritis. This study evaluates the diagnostic value and clinical utility of RUT in adults with dyspepsia.  Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 500 adult patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. Demographic data, indications for endoscopy, and endoscopic findings were collected. The RUT was performed using the RUT Test kit. Random positive samples were subjected to histopathological examination to see the accuracy of the kit and the significance of test accuracy was judged by statistical analyses.  Results In this study of 500 adult dyspeptic patients, a gender distribution (54% vs 46%) with a preponderance of rural background (66.7%) was observed. Common indications for endoscopy were pain abdomen, RUQ pain, and epigastric burning, with multifocal and mild antral gastritis being predominant endoscopic findings providing insights into dyspepsia and diagnostic methods. Other notable findings included esophageal and duodenal abnormalities, a history of hepatitis (25.6%), and chronic liver disease (15.5%). H. pylori infection was detected in 32.4% of cases on RUT. Sedation was administered in 39.1% of cases.  Conclusion The RUT during endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool for H. pylori-associated gastritis in dyspeptic patients. Its high sensitivity and specificity enable prompt and early targeted therapy for better outcomes. RUT during endoscopy for dyspeptic patients should be considered, especially in populations with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection.  Recommendations The study highlights the effectiveness of the RUT for diagnosing H. pylori in dyspeptic patients during endoscopy. Given its accuracy and cost-effectiveness, RUT is recommended for routine use in regions with high H. pylori prevalence

Clinical Characteristics of Tuberculosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in North Indian Population of HIV/AIDS Patients Receiving HAART

Background & Objective. IRIS is an important complication that occurs during management of HIV-TB coinfection and it poses difficulty in diagnosis. Previous studies have reported variable incidence of IRIS. The present study was undertaken to describe the pattern of TB-associated IRIS using recently proposed consensus case-definitions for TB-IRIS for its use in resource-limited settings. Methods. A prospective analysis of ART-naïve adults started on HAART from November, 2008 to May, 2010 was done in a tertiary care hospital in north India. A total 224 patients divided into two groups, one with HIV-TB and the other with HIV alone, were followedup for a minimum period of 3 months. The diagnosis of TB was categorised as ‘‘definitive” and ‘‘probable”. Results. Out of a total of 224 patients, 203 completed followup. Paradoxical TB-IRIS occurred in 5 of 123 (4%) HIV-TB patients while 6 of 80 (7.5%) HIV patients developed ART-associated TB. A reduction in plasma viral load was significantly (P = .016) associated with paradoxical TB-IRIS. No identifiable risk factors were associated with the development of ART-associated TB. Conclusion. The consensus case-definitions are useful tools in the diagnosis of TB-associated IRIS. High index of clinical suspicion is required for an early diagnosis

Physics Potential of the ICAL detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)

The upcoming 50 kt magnetized iron calorimeter (ICAL) detector at the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) is designed to study the atmospheric neutrinos and antineutrinos separately over a wide range of energies and path lengths. The primary focus of this experiment is to explore the Earth matter effects by observing the energy and zenith angle dependence of the atmospheric neutrinos in the multi-GeV range. This study will be crucial to address some of the outstanding issues in neutrino oscillation physics, including the fundamental issue of neutrino mass hierarchy. In this document, we present the physics potential of the detector as obtained from realistic detector simulations. We describe the simulation framework, the neutrino interactions in the detector, and the expected response of the detector to particles traversing it. The ICAL detector can determine the energy and direction of the muons to a high precision, and in addition, its sensitivity to multi-GeV hadrons increases its physics reach substantially. Its charge identification capability, and hence its ability to distinguish neutrinos from antineutrinos, makes it an efficient detector for determining the neutrino mass hierarchy. In this report, we outline the analyses carried out for the determination of neutrino mass hierarchy and precision measurements of atmospheric neutrino mixing parameters at ICAL, and give the expected physics reach of the detector with 10 years of runtime. We also explore the potential of ICAL for probing new physics scenarios like CPT violation and the presence of magnetic monopoles.Comment: 139 pages, Physics White Paper of the ICAL (INO) Collaboration, Contents identical with the version published in Pramana - J. Physic