Differential Gene Expression During Adipogenesis in Cultured Bovine Adipocytes

Gene expression during adipogenesis was studied using Real time PCR in cultured intramuscular and subcutaneous bovine adipocytes. The study was conducted to understand expression changes in, Fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4),Fatty acid translocase( CD36), Epithelial membrane protein(EMP3),Phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase 2( PEPCK2),Caveolin 1( CAV1) and Phosphatidic acid phosphatase(PPAP2B) during intramuscular (i.m) and subcutaneous(s.c) adipogenesis. The study consisted of 3 biological replicates and the differential gene expression was studied at 12 hr., 48 hr., 72 hr. and 8 days post induction. The gene expression study was done using real time PCR analysis using ribosomal 18s gene to normalize all genes and changes in gene expression was presented as fold change from the expression at control time point i.e. 0 hr. post induction. FABP4, CD36, EMP3 and PEPCK2 showed a similar expression pattern in both adipocytes. However the amount of expression was very low in i.m adipocytes for the genes compared to s.c adipocytes. This can be attributed to lower differentiation of i.m preadipocytes. CAV1 and PPAP2B were differently expressed in the two adipocytes. CAV1 sharply down regulated in i.m adipocytes on 8 days post induction, and PPAP2B showed down regulation in i.m adipocytes from 12 hr. post induction while both the genes were upregulated in s.c adipocytes. From our finding that CAV1 which plays a role in lipid storage and PPAP2B which plays a role in triglyceride synthesis were down regulated in i.m adipocytes but other adipogenic genes are expressed similarly to s.c adipocytes we can conclude that the cause of less accumulation of fat in intramuscular depot might not only due to lesser adipogenesis but also to decreased ability of i.m adipocytes to synthesize and store lipids.Department of Animal Scienc

Oral Cavity and Transmission of HIV: A Debatable Dilemma

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is most commonly transmitted by sexual activity. HIV is found in blood and other body fluids, including semen, vaginal fluid and saliva. Spreadof the HIV from oral secretions of the millions of HIV viremic individuals, during kissing, dental treatment, biting is a very uncommon finding. The shedding of infected blood or exudates from the saliva of an infected individual usually contains only the noninfectious component of HIV and may also contain fragments or the entire noninfectious genome. The risk of HIV transmission via oral secretions is an issue of growing interest to the dental health professionals. The oral transmission of HIV remains a controversial issue and a cause of concern

STUDY AND DESIGN OF PORTABLE ANTIMICROBIAL WATER FILTER

  Objective: This study was conducted to design a portable antimicrobial water filter which is both economic and easy to use.Methods: A prototype following the designing of the water filter was constructed. Layers of sand, cloth, activated charcoal, and cotton containing compartments were built for carrying out water analysis.Results: Most probable number index of Vellore Institute of Technology lake water was compared with that of filtered water. Complete water analysis was done, and the sand filter layer was observed to be responsible for a maximum of the antimicrobial action of the filter.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the proposed design of water filter is efficient in removal of turbidity, odor, and microbial content of lake water along with decreasing the acidity of water

Genetic variation in \u3ci\u3eMiscanthus\u3c/i\u3e X \u3ci\u3egiganteus\u3c/i\u3e and the importance of estimating genetic distance thresholds for differentiating clones

Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) is an important bioenergy feedstock crop, however, genetic diversity among legacy cultivars may be severely constrained. Only one introduction from Japan to Denmark of this sterile, triploid, vegetatively propagated crop was recorded in the 1930s. We sought to determine if the Mxg cultivars in North America were all synonyms, and if they were derived from the European introduction. We used 64 nuclear and five chloroplast simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to estimate genetic similarity for 27 Mxg accessions from North America, and compared them with six accessions from Europe, including the species’ type-specimen. A subset of accessions was also evaluated by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). In addition, we assessed the potential of new crosses to increase Mxg genetic diversity by comparing eight new triploid Mxg progeny grown from seed, along with samples of the parental species M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. Estimates of genotyping error rates were essential for distinguishing between experimental error and true genotypic differences among accessions. Given differences in estimated error rates and costs per marker for SSRs and RAD-seq, the former is currently more cost-effective for determining if two accessions are genetically identical. We concluded that all of the Mxg legacy cultivars were derived via vegetative propagation from a single genet. In contrast with the Mxg legacy cultivars, genetic similarity to the type-specimen of eight new triploid Mxg progeny ranged from 0.46 to 0.56. Though genetic diversity among the Mxg legacy cultivars is critically low, new crosses can provide much-needed variation to growers

Gabapentin Induced Anasarca in a Young Patient: An Under-Recognized Side Effect of a Common Medication

Case Presentation: 47-year-old male presented with complaint of generalized body swelling after three days of starting Gabapentin therapy (600 mg twice daily). Lower extremity edema gradually progressed to abdomen and upper extremity within this short duration. He denied trauma, insect bites, prior blood clots, chest pain, dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, anorexia, skin changes, dysuria, frothy urine, blood in urine or use of any herbal supplements. Vitals stable. On exam, 3+ pitting edema present extending up-to upper extremity. Chest, cardiovascular and neurological exam were benign. No stigmata of chronic liver disease were seen. Complete blood count, metabolic panel, liver function, albumin, brain natriuretic peptide, thyroid stimulating hormone and random cortisol were within normal range. Echocardiogram revealed ejection fraction of 75 %, normal diastolic function and normal pulmonary artery pressure. Urinalysis was negative for bacteria, leukocytes, casts or protein. CT abdomen and ultrasound doppler lower extremities unremarkable. Gabapentin was discontinued, and his peripheraledema dramatically improved over the next few days with leg elevation, compression stockings and intravenous Furosemide. Discussion: Data published on gabapentin associated edema is very scarce and exact mechanism is unclear. Our casehighlights the three important points in association with gabapentin use. 1. occurrence of this rare side effect in a young adult 2. side effects noted at lower dose than reported in the literature 3. more severe form of generalized edema rather than localized lower extremity edema Conclusions: Gabapentin is a relatively safe drug frequently prescribed as an analgesic, antiepileptic and even used for multiple psychiatric conditions. Gabapentin associated bilateral pedal edema is rather an uncommon adverse effect reported at doses higher than 1200 mg/day mostly in geriatric population (7-7.5%). Recognition of this entity is crucial, especially in the presence of confounding factors such as heart failure, nephrotic syndrome and others as discontinuation of Gabapentin leads to full recovery

Unlocking the potential of ancient hexaploid Indian dwarf wheat, Tritium sphaerococcum for grain quality improvement

Wild and ancient wheat are considered to be a rich source of nutrients and better stress tolerant, hence being re-considered for mainstreaming its cultivation by the farmers and bringing it back to the food basket. In the present study, thirty-four diverse accessions of Indian dwarf wheat, Triticum sphaerococcum conserved in the Indian National Genebank were evaluated for thirteen-grain quality parameters namely thousand-grain weight (TGW), hectolitre weight (HW), sedimentation value (Sed), grain hardness index (HI), protein (Pro), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glo), gliadin (Gli), glutenin (Glu), gluten, lysine (Lys), Fe2+ and Zn2+ content, and four antioxidant enzymes activities. Substantial variations were recorded for studied traits. TGW, HW, Sed, HI, Pro, Alb, Glo, Gli, Glu, Gluten, Lys, Fe2+, and Zn2+ varied from 26.50–45.55 g, 70.50–86.00 kg/hl, 24.00–38.00 ml, 40.49–104.90, 15.34–19.35%, 17.60–40.31 mg/g, 10.75–16.56 mg/g, 26.35–44.94 mg/g, 24.47–39.56 mg/g, 55.33–75.06 mg/g, 0.04–0.29%, 42.72–90.72 ppm, and 11.45–25.70 ppm, respectively. Among antioxidants, peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity ranged from 0.06–0.60 unit/ml, 0.02–0.61 unit/ml, 0.11–2.26 unit/ml, and 0.14–0.97 unit/ml, respectively. Hardness Index was positively associated with Pro and Zn2+ content whereas Lys was negatively associated with gluten content. Likewise, gluten and Fe2+ content had a positive association with the major protein fraction i.e., Gli and Glu. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped 34 accessions into four clusters and the major group had nine indigenous and eight exotic accessions. We also validated high GPC accessions and EC182958 (17.16%), EC187176 and EC182945 (16.16%), EC613057 (15.79%), IC634028 (15.72%) and IC533826 (15.01%) were confirmed with more than 15% GPC. Also, superior trait-specific accessions namely, EC187167, IC534021, EC613055, EC180066, and EC182959 for low gluten content and IC384530, EC313761, EC180063, IC397363, EC10494 for high iron content (>76.51) were identified that may be used in wheat quality improvement for nutritional security of mankind

Carbon Dioxide as a Tool to Deter the Movement of Invasive Bigheaded Carps

<p>Nonnative bigheaded carps are established in the Mississippi River and there is substantial concern about their potential entry into the interconnected Laurentian Great Lakes. While electrical barriers currently exist as a preventative measure, there is need for additional control mechanisms to promote barrier security through redundancy. We tested the effectiveness of infused carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) as a tool to influence the movement and behavior invasive bigheaded carps, namely Bighead Carp <i>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</i> and Silver Carp <i>H. molitrix</i>, as well as native Bigmouth Buffalo <i>Ictiobus cyprinellus</i>, Channel Catfish <i>Ictalurus punctatus</i>, Paddlefish <i>Polyodon spathula</i>, and Yellow Perch <i>Perca flavescens</i> in an experimental pond. Individuals were monitored with acoustic telemetry before, during, and after CO₂ addition to the pond. We noted distinct changes in fish behavior following CO₂ addition. Each species except Paddlefish maintained farther distances from the CO₂ infusion manifold relative to controls. Both bigheaded carp species had slower persistence velocities (persistence of a movement in a given direction) following CO₂ infusion and Bighead Carp used a smaller area of the pond immediately after CO₂ addition. Pond pH progressively decreased up to 1.5 units following CO₂ infusion. This work provides evidence that could inform future research to enhance existing control measures used to deter high-risk invasive fishes, such as bigheaded carps.</p> <p>Received July 27, 2015; accepted January 11, 2016 Published online April 27, 2016</p

Genetic variation in \u3ci\u3eMiscanthus\u3c/i\u3e X \u3ci\u3egiganteus\u3c/i\u3e and the importance of estimating genetic distance thresholds for differentiating clones

Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) is an important bioenergy feedstock crop, however, genetic diversity among legacy cultivars may be severely constrained. Only one introduction from Japan to Denmark of this sterile, triploid, vegetatively propagated crop was recorded in the 1930s. We sought to determine if the Mxg cultivars in North America were all synonyms, and if they were derived from the European introduction. We used 64 nuclear and five chloroplast simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to estimate genetic similarity for 27 Mxg accessions from North America, and compared them with six accessions from Europe, including the species’ type-specimen. A subset of accessions was also evaluated by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). In addition, we assessed the potential of new crosses to increase Mxg genetic diversity by comparing eight new triploid Mxg progeny grown from seed, along with samples of the parental species M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. Estimates of genotyping error rates were essential for distinguishing between experimental error and true genotypic differences among accessions. Given differences in estimated error rates and costs per marker for SSRs and RAD-seq, the former is currently more cost-effective for determining if two accessions are genetically identical. We concluded that all of the Mxg legacy cultivars were derived via vegetative propagation from a single genet. In contrast with the Mxg legacy cultivars, genetic similarity to the type-specimen of eight new triploid Mxg progeny ranged from 0.46 to 0.56. Though genetic diversity among the Mxg legacy cultivars is critically low, new crosses can provide much-needed variation to growers

Datasets from: Genetic variation in Miscanthus × giganteus and the importance of estimating genetic distance thresholds for differentiating clones

Miscanthus × giganteus (Mxg) is an important bioenergy feedstock crop, however, genetic diversity among legacy cultivars may be severely constrained. Only one introduction from Japan to Denmark of this sterile, triploid, vegetatively propagated crop was recorded in the 1930s. We sought to determine if the Mxg cultivars in North America were all synonyms, and if they were derived from the European introduction. We used 64 nuclear and five chloroplast simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to estimate genetic similarity for 27 Mxg accessions from North America, and compared them with six accessions from Europe, including the species’ type-specimen. A subset of accessions was also evaluated by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). In addition, we assessed the potential of new crosses to increase Mxg genetic diversity by comparing eight new triploid Mxg progeny grown from seed, along with samples of the parental species M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. Estimates of genotyping error rates were essential for distinguishing between experimental error and true genotypic differences among accessions. Given differences in estimated error rates and costs per marker for SSRs and RAD-seq, the former is currently more cost-effective for determining if two accessions are genetically identical. We concluded that all of the Mxg legacy cultivars were derived via vegetative propagation from a single genet. In contrast with the Mxg legacy cultivars, genetic similarity to the type-specimen of eight new triploid Mxg progeny ranged from 0.46 to 0.56. Though genetic diversity among the Mxg legacy cultivars is critically low, new crosses can provide much-needed variation to growers.Energy Biosciences InstituteOpe