Genetic variability, heritability, and clustering pattern exploration of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) accessions for the perfection of yield and yield related traits

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) is considered an emerging crop for the future and known as a crop for the new millennium. The core intention of this research work was to estimate the variation of landraces of Bambara groundnut considering their 14 qualitative and 27 numerical traits, to discover the best genotype fitted in Malaysia. The findings of the ANOVA observed a highly significant variation () for all the traits evaluated. There was a substantial variation (7.27 to 41.21%) coefficient value, and 14 out of the 27 numerical traits noted . Yield (kg/ha) disclosed positively strong to perfect high significant correlation ( to 1.00; ) with traits like fresh pod weight, dry pod weight, and dry seed weight. The topmost PCV and GCV values were estimated for biomass dry (41.09%) and fresh (40.53%) weight with high heritability (Hb) and genetic advance (GA) %, % and %, %, respectively. The topmost heritability was recorded for fresh pod weight (99.89%) followed by yield (99.75%) with genetic advance 67.95% and 62.03%, respectively. The traits with and suggested the least influenced by the environment as well as governed by the additive genes and direct selection for improvement of such traits can be beneficial. To estimate the genetic variability among accessions, the valuation of variance components, coefficients of variation, heritability, and genetic advance were calculated. To authenticate the genetic inequality, an unweighted pair group produced with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and principal component analysis was executed based on their measurable traits that could be a steadfast method for judging the degree of diversity. Based on the UPGMA cluster analysis, constructed five distinct clusters and 44 accessions from clusters II and IV consider an elite type of genotypes that produce more than one ton yield per hectare land with desirable traits. This study exposed an extensive disparity among the landraces and the evidence on genetic relatives will be imperative in using the existing germplasm for Bambara groundnut varietal improvement. Moreover, this finding will be beneficial for breeders to choose the desirable numerical traits of V. subterranea in their future breeding program

DNA fingerprinting, fixation-index (Fst), and admixture mapping of selected Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc.) accessions using ISSR markers system

As a new crop in Malaysia, forty-four Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. verdc.) genotypes were sampled from eleven distinct populations of different origins to explore the genetic structure, genetic inconsistency, and fixation index. The Bambara groundnut, an African underutilized legume, has the capacity to boost food and nutrition security while simultaneously addressing environmental sustainability, food availability, and economic inequalities. A set of 32 ISSRs were screened out of 96 primers based on very sharp, clear, and reproducible bands which detected a total of 510 loci with an average of 97.64% polymorphism. The average calculated value of PIC = 0.243, RP = 5.30, H = 0.285, and MI = 0.675 representing the efficiency of primer set for genetic differentiation among the genotypes. The ISSR primers revealed the number of alleles (Na = 1.97), the effective number of alleles (Ne = 1.38), Nei's genetic diversity (h = 0.248), and a moderate level of gene flow (Nm = 2.26) across the genotypes studied. The estimated Shannon’s information index (I = 0.395) indicates a high level of genetic variation exists among the accessions. Based on Nei’s genetic dissimilarity a UPMGA phylogenetic tree was constructed and grouped the entire genotypes into 3 major clusters and 6 subclusters. PCA analysis revealed that first principal component extracted maximum variation (PC1 = 13.92%) than second principal component (PC2 = 12.59%). Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE analysis assembled the genotypes into 3 (best ΔK = 3) genetic groups. The fixation-index (Fst) analysis narrated a very great genetic diversity (Fst = 0.19 to 0.40) exists within the accessions of these 3 clusters. This investigation specifies the effectiveness of the ISSR primers system for the molecular portrayal of V. subterranea genotypes that could be used for genetic diversity valuation, detection, and tagging of potential genotypes with quick, precise, and authentic measures for this crop improvement through effective breeding schemes

In Silico Modeling and Immunoinformatics Probing Disclose the Epitope Based PeptideVaccine Against Zika Virus Envelope Glycoprotein

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an aedes mosquito borne pathogen belonging to the member of flaviviridae subgroup is the causative agent of an emerging disease called Zika fever, known as a benign infection usually presenting as influenza like illness with cutaneous rash. Due to recent epidemic outbreaks it is realized as a major health risk which need enhanced surveillance, but no attempt has been made to design an epitope based peptide vaccine against Zika virus. Viral envelope proteins are derived from host cell membrane proteins with some viral glycoproteins and are used to cover their protective protein capsid, help the viruses to enter host cells and help them to avoid the host immune response. In this study, amino acid sequence of ZIKV envelope glycoprotein was obtained from a protein database and examined with in silico approaches to determine the most immunogenic epitopes for B cell and T cell which could induce humoral as well as cell mediated immune response. Both the linear and conformational epitopes for B cell were predicted by immunoinformatics tools housed in IEDB resources. The peptide sequence DAHAKRQTVVVLGSQEGAV from position 121 and peptide sequence from 117-137 amino acids were predicted as most potential B cell linear and conformational epitopes respectively. Epitopes for CD4+ and CD8+ T cell were also predicted by using tools within IEDB resource and peptide sequence MMLELDPPF from position 250-258 amino acids was predicted as most immunogenic CD8+ T cell epitope with immune response evoking ability prediction score (I pMHC) of 0.09139 and conservancy of 52.17%. The innate immune response for ZIKV envelope glycoprotein was determined by interferon (IFN)-gamma effectuation and mimicking capacity by immunoinformatics and molecular docking study respectively. However, this is an introductory approach to design an epitope based peptide vaccine against Zika virus; we hope this model will be very much helpful in designing and predicting novel vaccine candidate

Cryptic Anuran Biodiversity in Bangladesh Revealed by Mitochondrial 16S rRNA Gene Sequences

To survey the diversity of anuran species in Bangladesh, we compared mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequences (approximately 1.4 kbp) from 107 Bangladesh frog specimens. The results of genetic divergence and phylogenetic analyses incorporating data from related species revealed the occurrence of at least eight cryptic species. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus from two districts diverged considerably, indicating the involvement of a cryptic species. Two Fejervarya sp. (large and medium types) and Hylarana cf. taipehensis formed lineages distinct from related species and are probably new species. Microhyla cf. ornata differed from M. ornata with respect to type locality area and involved two distinct species. In addition, we found that Hylarana sp. and Microhyla sp. did not match congeners examined to date in either morphology or 16S rRNA sequence. The occurrence of M. fissipes was tentatively suggested. Consequently, at least, 19 species were found from Bangladesh in this study. These findings revealed a rich anuran biodiversity in Bangladesh, which is unexpected considering the rather simple topographic features of the country.This work was supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) (Nos. 17570082 and 20510216) to M. Sumida from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan

Current and prospective strategies in the varietal improvement of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) specially Heterosis breeding

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an herbaceous crop and plays an important role as common spices and vegetables. Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most cost-effective and agricultural vegetables in the world. The most significant characteristics of peppers, as spices and in various pharmacological uses, are pungency and oleoresin (color). Cabsicum annuum L. is widely used as a medicinal herb and in the Mediterranean diet (at the present, C. annuum var. acuminatum Fingerh. and Capsicum frutescens L. are considered synonyms of C. annuum L.). Capsicum annuum includes a wide range of carotenoids including capsanthin, capsorubin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, fanthophyl, and xanthophyll, and capsaicinoid. However, it remains limited in production due to the lack of development in varieties especially under severe climatic circumstances such as drought, high temperature, or salt. Some reports were provided through distinct traditional approaches for genetic improvement. A combination of traditional and molecular breeding, especially breeding for heterosis, might be a good option for developing a novel genotype for ecologically adversely affected niche adaption. This review summarizes the current chilli breeding approaches with their drawbacks and highlights some recent classical efforts for the improvement of the crop. This would be the milestone for the breeders in the planning of a successful chilli breeding program to combat the adverse ecological condition. Thus, the information gathered in this article might be considered as the cornerstone of Chilli breeders at their ongoing and sustainable future programs as well

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings There were 1.19 million (95% UI 1.11-1.28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59.6 [54.5-65.7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53.2 [48.8-57.9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14.2 [12.9-15.6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13.6 [12.6-14.8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23.5 million (21.9-25.2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2.7% (1.9-3.6) came from YLDs and 97.3% (96.4-98.1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

Yield improvement and genotype by environment interaction of selected bambara groundnut genotypes developed through pureline selection and molecular approaches

As a crop for the new millennium, Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc.) is considered as a "miracle lucrative" legume for Asia and Africa because of its drought resilience, excellent nutritional profiles, and significant versatile uses. Due to minute floral biology and cleistogamous reproductive system, its potential for improvement through hybridization breeding is limited. However, addressing genetic diversity and pure line selection, along with molecular breeding issues are the most imperative and viable methods for its improvement, as a newly introduced legume in Malaysia. The progress of this underexploited legume has been limited owing to a lack of extensive research, marginalization, inadequate knowledge, and readily available research funding, among other concerns. In this point of view, a comprehensive breeding program is carried out. The main objective of this research work was to assess morphological variation considering 14 qualitative and 27 quantitative traits as well as advancing the generation via pure-line selection, genomic DNA analysis using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, genotype by environment (GEI) effects on yield components, and yield stability assessment to discover the superior variety. The plant materials were sourced from the GenBank of the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor. The field experiment adopted a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The recorded data were subjected to analysis of variance, correlation, principal component analysis, clustering pattern, and heatmap analysis, as well as genetic parameters estimation. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences at p ≤ 0.05 or p ≤ 0.01 signifying a degree of variability present in evaluated traits for all generations of evaluation (S0 to S5). The result showed a downward trend in values of coefficient of variation for yield trait as 55.15%, 30.18%, 19.37%, 18.74%, and 17.53% for selfed generation of S0, S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively indicating that pure line selection is effective for this legume improvement based on yield trait. Additionally, in all rounds of evaluated generation (S0-S4), yield component traits such as total number of pods, fresh pod weight (g), hundred seed weight (g), dry pod weight (g), dry seed weight (g), and harvest index (%) had a positive and highly significant correlation (0.75 ≤ r ≤ 1.00; p ≤ 0.01) with yield trait. Selection based on these traits for this legume improvement may lead to higher success due to their estimated high heritability and genetic gain values of Hb ≥ 60% and GA ≥ 20%, respectively. In terms of molecular characterization, a set of 32 ISSR markers on forty-four accessions from S4 selfed generation, revealed 97.64% polymorphism with an average calculated polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.243, Nei’s genetic diversity (h = 0.248), and Shannon’s information index (I = 0.395), which indicate the presence of a low to moderate level of genetic variability among the accessions. UPMGA phylogenetic tree clustered the entire genotypes into 3 major clusters and 6 sub-clusters that were also proved by admixture (Bayesian model) analysis which assembled genotypes into 3 distinct genetic components (membership likelihood Q > 0.60) based on best ΔK = 3. Within the population, estimated variation was higher as 75% compared to among the population of 25% with gene flow of Nm = 0.9229 indicating that higher-level genetic variation exists within the population. The total variation of 26.51% was revealed by principal component analysis (PCA) based on ISSR data, where PC1 (13.92%) > PC2 (12.59%). The path-coefficient analysis explored that dry pod weight had the highest direct effect on yield trait. GGE biplot represents the variation of the first two principal components, PC1 (94.97%) and PC2 (3.11%) for yield trait. The source of variation namely, genotypes (22.40%), seasons (31.13%), and locations (14.02%) were found to be the most significant causes of yield heterogeneity for overall G + E + G × E variation. The GGE biplot and AMMI revealed that the three winning lines S5G1 (MaikP12-18), S5G3 (Maik P6-18), and S5G5 (JataP1-18) appear as superior lines and in addition, based on ideal genotype ranking, line MaikP12-18 (S5G1) was highly stable, with a high mean yield across the environments. Conclusively, these three superior lines namely, S5G1 (MaikP12-18), S5G3 (Maik P6-18), and S5G5 (JataP1-18) are highly recommended for further large-scale evaluation before release as newly developed varieties for commercial cultivation in Malaysia

Validation and psychometric properties of the Bangla version of positive mental health scale (PMH-scale)

Positive mental health is crucial to individuals’ total well-being and especially to their emotional, psychological, and social functioning. To assess the positive aspects of mental health, the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH-scale) is being used as one of the most significant and practical short unidimensional psychological tools. However, the PMH-scale has not yet been validated for the Bangladeshi population nor has it been translated into Bangla. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Bangla version of PMH-scale and validate it with the Brief Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ) and Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS). The sample of the study consisted of 3145 university students (61.8% men) aged from 17 to 27 (M = 22.07, SD = 1.74) and 298 general population (53.4% men) aged from 30 to 65 (M = 41.05, SD = 7.88) of Bangladesh. The factor structure of the PMH-scale as well as measurement invariance for sex and age (age ≤30 years; age >30 years) were tested, using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The CFA revealed that the originally proposed unidimensional model of PMH-scale had a good fit in the current sample which confirms factorial validity of the Bangla version of PMH-scale. The value of Cronbach’s alpha (for both groups combined α = 0.85; for the student sample α = .85; and for the general sample α = .73) ensured the high internal consistency of the items. Concurrent validity of the PMH-scale was confirmed through the expected correlation with aggression (BAQ) and mood (BRUMS). The PMH-scale was also partially invariant over groups (student, general, men and women) indicating that the PMH-scale is equally applicable to student, general, men and women population. Therefore, this study tells us that the Bangla version of PMH-scale is a quick and easy-to-administer tool for assessing positive mental health in different groups of people in Bangladeshi culture. This work will also be useful for mental health studies in Bangladesh