Genome wide characterization of WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family in Apostasia shenzhenica, a primeval orchid

In the present study, we report identification and characterization of the plant-specific WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family in Apostasia shenzhenica, a primeval orchid. WOX proteins are DNA-binding WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) encoding transcription factors that play critical role in zygote patterning, embryo development, organogenesis, florigenesis, stress responses etc. Ten putative AsWOX genes were predicted in the A. shenzhenica genome and were characterized by the presence of DNA-binding helix-loop-helix-turn-helix motif. AsWOX proteins were grouped into three clades, ancient, intermediate and WUS on the basis of sequence homology with Arabidopsis thaliana (AtWOX), Oryza sativa (OsWOX), Phalaenopsis equestris (PeWOX) and Dendrobium catenatum (DcWOX) and their phylogenetic relationship was established. Gene structure analysis revealed that three AsWOX genes had two introns, six genes had a single intron, and one gene was intron-less. Expression profiling in a variety of tissue (tubers, seeds and pollens) was analysed in light of the presence of specific cis-regulatory elements in the promoter region and their role in various developmental processes was discussed. Three dimensional structures were predicted for three selected AsWOX proteins representing the three clades. The present study provides insights to the role of AsWOX gene family in various vital developmental processes, establishes phylogenetic relationships with related plant species and provides a platform for functional validation of specific AsWOX genes

Validated RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Quantitation of Losartan Potassium and Metolazone in Bulk Drug and Formulation

A HPLC method has been described for simultaneous determination of Losartan potassium and Metolazone in formulation. This method is based on a HPLC separation of the two drugs on the Thermo Hypersil BDS–C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm) with isocratic conditions and a simple mobile phase containing acetonitrile:water (60:40) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min using UV detection at 237 nm. This method has been applied to a marketed formulation without interference of excipients. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed a good linear relationship over the concentration range of 2–12 μg/mL for Losartan potassium and 0.2–1.2 μg/mL for Metolazone, respectively. The method was validated for precision, robustness and recovery. Statistical analysis showed that the method is repeatable and selective for the estimation of Losartan potassium and Metolazone

In silico identification, characterization and expression profile of WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family in Vanilla planifolia

Vanilla planifolia is an economically important orchid, which is being commercially exploited by the food industry for the highly valued secondary metabolite vanillin. WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family encodes for WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors that participate in embryogenesis, organogenesis and florigenesis and in diverse plant developmental processes as well. In the present study, we analysed V. planifolia transcriptome and identified 6 WOX (VpWOX) transcripts, that encode putative WOX (VpWOX) transcription factor proteins. Domain analysis was done which indicates the presence of helix-loop-helix-turn-helix which is identifying feature of WOX gene family proteins. We executed phylogenetic clustering for the VpWOX proteins with their counterpart from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (AtWOX) and other closely related orchid species, Phalaenopsis equestris (PeWOX), Dendrobium catenatum (DcWOX) and Apostasia shenzhenica (AsWOX) and established their clade specific grouping. Spatio-temporal expression profile for VpWOX genes was analysed for different plant developmental stages which shows that VpWOX13 is expressing uniformly in all the developmental stages whereas, other genes have tissue specific expression. Based on gene expression patterns, we selected four VpWOX proteins and carried out secondary and tertiary structural analysis which indicates the presence of alpha helix and beta turn in the protein structure. The present study provides basic understanding of the functioning of WOX gene family in V. planifolia and paves the path for functional characterization of selected VpWOX genes in planta and in heterologous system in future for commercial utilization

Direct correlation between the circadian sleep-wakefulness rhythm and time estimation in humans under social and temporal isolation

Several bodily functions in humans vary on a 24 h pattern and most of these variations persist with a circadian period of ca 25 h when subjects are studied under conditions of social and temporal isolation. We report in this paper that the estimates of short time intervals (TE) of 2 h are strongly coupled to the circadian rhythm in sleepwakefulness. There is a linear correlation between the number of hours humans stay awake (α) and their estimation of 2 h intervals. The coupling of TE to α appears to obtain only under conditions of physical well-being

Experimental Investigation on Mechanical and Turning Behavior of Al 7075/ x

The present research work involves the study of AA 7075-TiB2-Gr in situ composite through stir casting route. This in situ method involves formation of reinforcements within the matrix by the chemical reaction of two or more compounds which also produces some changes in the matrix material within the vicinity. Titanium Diboride (TiB2) and graphite were the reinforcement in a matrix of AA 7075 alloy. The composite was prepared with the formation of the reinforcement inside the molten matrix by adding salts of Potassium Tetrafluoroborate (KBF4) and Potassium Hexafluorotitanate (K2TiF6). The samples were taken under casted condition and the properties of the composite were tested by conducting characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness test, flexural strength by using three-point bend test, scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microstructure, grain size analysis, and surface roughness. It was found that good/excellent mechanical properties were obtained in AA 7075-TiB2-Gr reinforced in situ hybrid composite compared to alloy due to particulate strengthening of ceramic particles of TiB2 in the matrix. Further, Al 7075-3% TiB2-1% Gr hybrid in situ composite exhibited improved machinability over the alloy and composites due to self-lubricating property given by the Gr particles in the materials

Effect of Gymnema montanum Leaves on Serum and Tissue Lipids in Alloxan Diabetic Rats

The effect of Gymnema montanum leaves on alloxaninduced hyperlipidemia was studied in male Wistar rats. Ethanolic extract of G. montanum leaves was administered orally and different doses of the extract on blood glucose, serum and tissue lipids, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides, and glutathione in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were studied. G. montanum leaf extract (GLEt) at doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight for 3 weeks suppressed the elevated blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic rats. GLEt at 200 mg/kg body weight was found to be comparable to glibenclamide, a reference drug. These data indicate that G. montanum represents an effective antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic adjunct for the treatment of diabetes and a potential source of discovery of new orally active agent for future therapy

Minimum Legal Size (MLS) for marine capture fisheries management in Maharashtra

The marine capture fisheries sector of Maharashtra has undergone tremendous change in terms of fishing patterns, fishing methods, spatial expansion of fishing grounds, multiday fishing and innovations in crafts and gears, among others. With the increasing demand for marine fish for consumption and other non-food utilization of fishes, exploitation of juvenile fishes is becoming more common. Exploitation of juveniles which causes ‘growth overfishing’ is a major concern as it affects the health of fish stocks and the ecosystem which impacts livelihood of fishers and causes much economic loss to all stakeholders

Otpornost bakterija Escherichia coli i Pseudomonas aeruginosa na karbapenem u antilope (Antilope cervicapra) i leoparda (Panthera pardus) iz zatočeništva u Indiji

The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of carbapenem resistant E. coli and P. aeruginosa in apparently healthy, captive blackbucks and leopards of India. Faecal samples of blackbucks (n = 7) and leopards (n = 7) were processed to isolate carbapenem resistant E. coli (CRE) and P. aeruginosa (CRP). Forty (leopards n = 26; blackbuck n = 14) E. coli and two P. aeruginosa (blackbuck n = 2) samples were isolated from the faecal samples (n = 14). Eleven carbapenem resistant isolates were recovered, of which 10 were CRE and one was CRP. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for meropenem for carbapenem resistant isolates and was between 8 and 64 μg/mL. All the CRE and CRP were phenotypically multidrug resistant, and six CRE were extended-spectrum beta- lactamases (ESBL) producers. On genotypic screening, seven CRE and one CRP were positive for the blaNDM carbapenemase gene. Efflux pump-mediated carbapenem resistance was noticed in four CRE isolates (36.4%, 4/11). Of the six ESBL producing CRE, four isolates carried blaCTX-M-1 genes. The CRE isolates also harbored blaTEM-1, blaAmpC, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, tetA, tetB and sul1 resistance genes. On Shiga toxin virulence screening, Stx1, Stx2 genes were detected in two and one isolates, respectively. Plasmid typing of CRE revealed that the blaNDM genes were carried on an Incl1 plasmid. The plasmid multilocus sequence typing (pMLST) of the isolates showed the Sequence Type (ST) 297. The occurrence of carbapenem resistance bacteria in captive wildlife should be a major public health priority.Cilj rada bio je istražiti slučajeve otpornosti bakterija E. coli i P. aeruginosa na karbapenem u zdravih antilopa i leoparda iz zatočeništva u Indiji. Uzorci izmeta antilopa (n = 7) i leoparda (n = 7) obrađeni su kako bi se izolirale bakterije E. coli (CRE) i P. aeruginosa (CRP) otporne na karbapenem. Iz uzoraka izmeta (n = 14) dobiveno je 40 izolata (leopard n = 26, antilopa n = 14) E. coli i 2 izolata P. aeruginosa (antilopa n = 2). Pronađeno je 11 izolata otpornih na karbapenem, od kojih je 10 E. coli i 1 P. aeruginosa. Određena je minimalna inhibicijska koncentracija (MIK) za meropenem za izolate otporne na karbapenem, od 8 za E. coli i 64 μg/mL za P. aeruginosa. Svi izolati E. coli i P. aeruginosa fenotipski su bili otporni na širok spektar lijekova, a 6 izolata E. coli proizvodilo je beta- laktamaze širokog spektra (ESBL). Genotipskim probirom 7 izolata E. coli i 1 izolat P. aeruginosa bili su pozitivni na karbapenemaza gen blaNDM. Otpornost na karbapenem putem efluks pumpe zabilježena je u 4 izolata E. coli (36,4 %, 4/11). Od 6 ESBL producirajućih CRE, 4 izolata nosila su gen blaCTX-M-1. Izolati E. coli također su sadržavali blaTEM-1, blaAmpC, qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, tetA, tetB i sul1 gene otpornosti. Pretragom na šiga-toksin, Stx1 i Stx2 geni utvrđeni su u dva odnosno jednom izolatu. Tipiziranje plazmida CRE otkrilo je prisutnost blaNDM gena na Incl1 plazmidu. Multilokusno tipiziranje sekvencija plazmida (pMLST) izolata otkrilo je sekvenciju tipa (ST) 297. Pojava otpornosti bakterija na karbapenem u divljih životinja iz zatočeništva trebala bi biti javnozdravstveni prioritet