Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae on Nutrient Content and Seedling Quality of Important Fodder Tree Species of Central India

Acacia nilotica, Albizia procera, Dalbergia sissoo and Leucaena leucocephala are important multipurpose tree species (MPTs). These are being utilized in agroforestry systems at ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (ICARCAFRI), Jhansi and are also being utilized in reforestation programme in Central India. The success of any agroforestry model and/or reforestation programme depends upon the quality seedling materials. Nursery-produced seedlings can be an effective means of ensuring successful establishment of agroforestry models and/or reforestation programme. However, such seedlings sometimes fail to establish themselves in the fields. The poor performance of planted seedlings is often associated with transplant shocks and low seedling quality. The preconditioning of young seedlings with efficient arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), an important soil microorganism improves plant health and helps in their establishment in fields (Jha et al., 2014). However, before utilizing these fungi for inoculation purpose, the suitable AMF species must be identified. Therefore, to find out the efficient AMF species for inoculations of above mentioned plant species, present study was carried out

Genetic diversity analysis of Nardostachys jatamansi DC, an endangered medicinal plant of Central Himalaya, using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers

The genetic diversity analysis of eight populations of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. collected from different altitude of Central Himalaya has been attempted using 24 sets of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers. These sets of RAPD marker generated a total of 346 discernible and reproducible bands across the analysed population with 267 polymorphic and 75 monomorphic bands. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters: I, II and III. The cluster I was represented by N. jatamansi population collected from Panwali Kantha (3200 m asl) and Kedarnath (3584 m asl), India together with Jumla (2562 m asl) from Nepal. Cluster II included collections from Har Ki Doon (3400 m asl) and Tungnath (3600 m asl) from India while Cluster III was represented by collections from Munsiyari (2380 m asl), Dayara (3500 m asl) and Valley of Flowers (3400 m asl) from India. The clustering of these populations was independent of variations in altitude and geographical locations. The genetic variations observed in different populations of Jatamansi might be due to environmental influences (biotic and abiotic), rather than altitude level differences. The abiotic (geographical or climatic differentiation) and biotic (pollination between population and seed dispersal) factors might be responsible for the genetic variations among these accessions of Jatamansi.Keywords: Genetic diversity, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Nardostachys jatamansi, Central Himalaya, unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA)African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(20), pp. 2816-282

A Novel Dimer-Tetramer Transition Captured by the Crystal Structure of the HIV-1 Nef

HIV-1 Nef modulates disease progression through interactions with over 30 host proteins. Individual chains fold into membrane-interacting N-terminal and C-terminal core (Nefcore) domains respectively. Nef exists as small oligomers near membranes and associates into higher oligomers such as tetramers or hexadecamers in the cytoplasm. Earlier structures of the Nefcore in apo and complexed forms with the Fyn-kinase SH3 domain revealed dimeric association details and the role of the conserved PXXP recognition motif (residues 72–78) of Nef in SH3-domain interactions. The crystal structure of the tetrameric Nef reported here corresponds to the elusive cytoplasmic stage. Comparative analyses show that subunits of Nefcore dimers (open conformation) swing out with a relative displacement of ∼22 Å and rotation of ∼174° to form the ‘closed’ tetrameric structure. The changes to the association are around Asp125, a conserved residue important for viral replication and the important XR motif (residues 107–108). The tetramer associates through C4 symmetry instead of the 222 symmetry expected when two dimers associate together. This novel dimer-tetramer transition agrees with earlier solution studies including small angle X-ray scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, dynamic laser light scattering and our glutaraldehyde cross-linking experiments. Comparisons with the Nefcore—Fyn-SH3 domain complexes reveal that the PXXP motif that interacts with the SH3-domain in the dimeric form is sterically occluded in the tetramer. However the 151–180 loop that is distal to the PXXP motif and contains several protein interaction motifs remains accessible. The results suggest how changes to the oligomeric state of Nef can help it distinguish between protein partners

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Flemingia strobilifera (Linn)

ABSTRACT Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of roots of Flemingia strobilifera were evaluated for Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic activities. The result revealed that the both alcoholic and aqueous extract produced significant antiinflammatory and Analgesic activities. Indomethacin and Diclofenec sodium were used as standard drug for antiinflammatory and analgesic activities respectively

Role of Nanobiotechnology in Drug Discovery, Development and Molecular Diagnostic

Nano-biotechnology has already tested its magnitude in a number of sections of existence science and biotechnology field. It is no longer hyperbole to say that in future, nano-scale method would in reality take the associated science area to the subsequent level. Since, there are technical hurdles present; despite the fact that scientists are giving their great to overcome such problems. Applications of nano-biotechnology have already been discussed in this chapter. Future potential are really associated with innovative amendment of such applications. Despite of some impedance, this technology presents giant hope in the future. It performs most important position in distinct sorts of biomedical application such as shipping of drug, gene therapy, biosensors, biomarkers and molecular imaging. It additionally leads to innovations in this field. The fundamental lookup goal of this discipline would be the innovation of early analysis approach and cure with target-specific remedy therapy. Although there would possibly be some safety worries with admire to the in vivo use of nanoparticles, research are in region to decide the nature and extent of adverse events

An Early Diagnosis of Thalassemia: A Boon to a Healthy Society

The β-thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorders, characterized by reduced or absent synthesis of the hemoglobin beta chain that cause microcytic hypochromic anemia. An early diagnosis, economical test, awareness programs and prenatal screening will be a milestone for the eradication of this genetic disorder and to reduce burden of the health sector of a country subsequently the economics. Initially, the diagnosis of β-thalassemia depends on the hematological tests with red cell indices that disclosed the microcytic hypochromic anemia. Hemoglobin analysis shows the abnormal peripheral blood smear with nucleated red blood cells, and reduced amounts of hemoglobin A (HbA). In severe anemia, the hemoglobin analysis by HPLC reveals decreased quantities of HbA and increased the level of hemoglobin F (HbF). The decrease level of MCV and MCH are also associated with β-thalassemia. There are various different molecular techniques such as ARMS PCR, allele-specific PCR, Gap PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, reverse dot blotting, DGGE, SSCP, HRM, MLPA, sequencing technology and microarray available to identify the globin chain gene mutations. These molecular techniques can be clustered for detection by mutation types and alteration in gene sequences

Risk-Benefit Events Associated with the Use of Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disorders

Aspirin had been introduced as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory molecule. As further research on aspirin started, other therapeutic effects have been revealed. Now, this molecule has become the polychrest in medical science. Aspirin has served as a drug of choice for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for the last few decades. However, recent trials have raised questions on the use of aspirin for CVD prevention due to some life-threatening adverse drug events. In spite of that, outcomes of trials will surely assist to frame a guideline for anoxic administration regimen of aspirin in order to prevent CVD

Leishmania donovani triose phosphate isomerase: a potential vaccine target against visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the most important parasitic diseases with approximately 350 million people at risk. Due to the non availability of an ideal drug, development of a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine could be a solution for control and prevention of this disease. In this study, a potential Th1 stimulatory protein- Triose phosphate isomerase (TPI), a glycolytic enzyme, identified through proteomics from a fraction of Leishmania donovani soluble antigen ranging from 89.9–97.1 kDa, was assessed for its potential as a suitable vaccine candidate. The protein- L. donovani TPI (LdTPI) was cloned, expressed and purified which exhibited the homology of 99% with L. infantum TPI. The rLdTPI was further evaluated for its immunogenicity by lymphoproliferative response (LTT), nitric oxide (NO) production and estimation of cytokines in cured Leishmania patients/hamster. It elicited strong LTT response in cured patients as well as NO production in cured hamsters and stimulated remarkable Th1-type cellular responses including IFN-ã and IL-12 with extremely lower level of IL-10 in Leishmania-infected cured/exposed patients PBMCs in vitro. Vaccination with LdTPI-DNA construct protected naive golden hamsters from virulent L. donovani challenge unambiguously (∼90%). The vaccinated hamsters demonstrated a surge in IFN-ã, TNF-á and IL-12 levels but extreme down-regulation of IL-10 and IL-4 along with profound delayed type hypersensitivity and increased levels of Leishmania-specific IgG2 antibody. Thus, the results are suggestive of the protein having the potential of a strong candidate vaccine

Intrinsic Vertebral Markers for Spinal Level Localization in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Preliminary Report

Study DesignProspective clinical study.PurposeTo observe the usefulness of anterior cervical osteophytes as intrinsic markers for spinal level localization (SLL) during sub-axial cervical spinal surgery via the anterior approach.Overview of LiteratureVarious landmarks, such as the mandibular angle, hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, first cricoid ring, and C6 carotid tubercle, are used for gross cervical SLL; however, none are used during cervical spinal surgery via the anterior approach. We present our preliminary assessment of SLL over anterior vertebral surfaces (i.e., intrinsic markers) in 48 consecutive cases of anterior cervical spinal surgeries for the disc-osteophyte complex (DOC) in degenerative diseases and granulation or tumor tissue associated with infectious or neoplastic diseases, respectively, at an ill-equipped center.MethodsThis prospective study on patients undergoing anterior cervical surgery for various sub-axial cervical spinal pathologies aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of SLL via intraoperative palpation of disease-related morphological changes on anterior vertebral surfaces visible on preoperative midline sagittal T1/2-weighted magnetic resonance images.ResultsDuring a 3-year period, 48 patients (38 males,10 females; average age, 43.58 years) who underwent surgery via the anterior approach for various sub-axial cervical spinal pathologies, including degenerative disease (n= 42), tubercular infection (Pott's disease; n=3), traumatic prolapsed disc (n=2), and a metastatic lesion from thyroid carcinoma (n=1), comprised the study group. Intrinsic marker palpation yielded accurate SLL in 79% of patients (n=38). Among those with degenerative diseases (n=42), intrinsic marker palpation yielded accurate SLL in 76% of patients (n=32).ConclusionsIntrinsic marker palpation is an attractive potential adjunct for SLL during cervical spinal surgeries via the anterior approach in well-selected patients at ill-equipped centers (e.g., those found in developing countries). This technique may prove helpful when radiographic visualization is occasionally inadequate

Harnessing Genome Editing Techniques to Engineer Disease Resistance in Plants

Modern genome editing (GE) techniques, which include clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases (meganucleases), have so far been used for engineering disease resistance in crops. The use of GE technologies has grown very rapidly in recent years with numerous examples of targeted mutagenesis in crop plants, including gene knockouts, knockdowns, modifications, and the repression and activation of target genes. CRISPR/Cas9 supersedes all other GE techniques including TALENs and ZFNs for editing genes owing to its unprecedented efficiency, relative simplicity and low risk of off-target effects. Broad-spectrum disease resistance has been engineered in crops by GE of either specific host-susceptibility genes (S gene approach), or cleaving DNA of phytopathogens (bacteria, virus or fungi) to inhibit their proliferation. This review focuses on different GE techniques that can potentially be used to boost molecular immunity and resistance against different phytopathogens in crops, ultimately leading to the development of promising disease-resistant crop varieties