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Objective. Tobacco consumption continues to rise in India with about 34.6% of adult population being tobacco users. This study was done to evaluate the epidemiological profile of the tobacco users presenting to a Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC) in Delhi. Methods. This is a retrospective observational study of subjects seen over a period of 10 years (2001-2010) at TCC of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. Information from a structured questionnaire filled by all tobacco users was pooled and analysed. Results. Of a total of 4493 subjects seen in the TCC, 4370 (97.3%) were males. 2704 (60.2%) subjects were smokers and remaining were users of smokeless tobacco. The highest number of subjects attending the clinic was between the age of 31 to 40 years. The mean age of starting tobacco use was 21 years. 2518 subjects started tobacco use due to “peer group pressure”, while family history of tobacco use was observed in 2912 subjects. 3065 number of subjects attending the clinic were without any co-morbidity. Conclusions. Most of the subjects started tobacco use at a young age between 11 to 20 years. Peer pressure was the most common reason for initiation (56%). Most of the subjects (68.2%) had no co-morbidity. The present study observed that tobacco users probably want to quit smoking not only because of the consequences of co-morbidities but also because of the realisation of later harmful effects of continuing smoking.

The quantification of membrane-associated biomolecular interactions is crucial to our understanding of various cellular processes. State-of-the-art single-molecule approaches rely largely on the addition of fluorescent labels, which complicates the quantification of the involved stoichiometries and dynamics because of low temporal resolution and the inherent limitations associated with labeling efficiency, photoblinking and photobleaching. Here, we demonstrate dynamic mass photometry, a method for label-free imaging, tracking and mass measurement of individual membrane-associated proteins diffusing on supported lipid bilayers. Application of this method to the membrane remodeling GTPase, dynamin-1, reveals heterogeneous mixtures of dimer-based oligomers, oligomer-dependent mobilities, membrane affinities and (dis)association of individual complexes. These capabilities, together with assay-based advances for studying integral membrane proteins, will enable the elucidation of biomolecular mechanisms in and on lipid bilayers., Dynamic mass photometry allows label-free tracking and mass measurement of individual membrane-associated proteins diffusing on supported lipid bilayers. The approach can be used to monitor dynamic (dis)assembly of protein complexes.

In this paper, a hexagonal fractal antenna is proposed for wireless applications. The basic shape of the fractal antenna is a hexagon which is modified by inserting smaller hexagons along the periphery of the generator structure. The proposed antenna exhibits a bandwidth of 7.5 GHz in the frequency range of 3.3-10.8 GHz. The band notch for WLAN rejection at 5.75 GHz is obtained by etching hair-pin slot in the feed structure of the antenna. The fractional bandwidth of the antenna is 53.33 and 55.62% and the VSWR obtained at the notch frequency of 5.75 GHz is 5.2 which are highly suitable for wireless communication. Key words: Fractal antenna, Ultra wide-band (UWB), VSWR, notch, hair-pin slot.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital and perinatal viral infection. It can occur in utero, during delivery, by blood transfusion or by breast milk. These are usually asymptomatic in term infants due to the presence of maternally derived, trans placental CMV (Ig)G antibodies, but in premature neonates, can lead to severe disease because of lack of sufficient quantities of these antibodies . In lactating CMV seropositive mothers, transmission occurs in 22.8% premature infants, with symptomatic disease in 34.5%. We report 3 cases of neonates with atypical CMV infection involving lungs and requiring treatment with antivirals.

In classical economics, labour is one of the three factors of production, along with capital and land. The word welfare has historically been related to happiness and prosperity. Labour welfare implies the adoption of measures to promote the physical, social, psychological and general well-being of the working population. Welfare work in any industry aims, or should aim, at improving the working and living conditions of workers and their families. Adequate levels of earnings, safe and humane conditions of work and access to some minimum social security benefits are the major qualitative dimensions of employment which enhance quality of life of workers and their productivity. Constitution of India, national and internal labour bodies, labour laws, especially the factories act, 1948 and contract labour (Regulation and abolition) Act, 1970 strive to make the working conditions more humane with a view to make workers not only satisfied but also productive. The paper studies the statutory welfare facilities and the provision of leaves as enumerated under Factories Act and contract labour act and social security provisions under different acts. The study was conducted in engineering companies to know the perception of workers about the different dimensions of welfare i.e. statutory welfare measures, social security measures and leaves provided and also to know the impact of worker’s status (permanent/contractual) on such measures. The sample comprised of 97 workers employed with different engineering companies. These companies can be categorised as light and heavy engineering companies employing varying strength of workers. The results indicated that though significant workers were satisfied with the welfare facilities, some workers perceive welfare facilities to be inadequate and there is impact of worker’s status on the perception of workers. Keywords: Labour, Welfare, Engineering, Permanent worker, Contractual worker.

Differential response to biotic stress is an important characteristic of plants that has been harnessed for crop improvement through green revolution. The technique of microtomy was optimized in chickpea to aid in screening for disease tolerant cultivars through histological observations. The Fusarium wilt resistant cultivar WR315 was found to have higher vascular strands, a thicker cortex and lengthier phloem in the roots as compared to roots of susceptible cultivar JG62. On the other hand, lengthier xylem elements were observed in stem of JG62 that provides a congenial environment to pathogen for infection. These anatomical variations amongst resistant and susceptible cultivars of chickpea indicate that vascular architecture may serve as diagnostic markers for distinguishing and screening for Fusarium wilt in chickpea.

A field investigation was carried out at experimental farm of Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (MP) to estimate the character association for 17 quantitative traits in 20 diverse genotypes of garden pea during the year 2018-19. The correlation studies revealed that pod yield per hectare exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with pod yield (g/plant), pod yield (q/ha), average pod weight (g), total sugar, T.S.S., number of seeds per pod, protein content, number of leaves per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), shelling percent, Plant height, number of primary branch per plant and negative association with days to first flower appearance, days to 50% flowering and days to first picking and phenotypic correlation coefficient revealed that the pod yield per hectare showed the maximum significant positive correlation with pod yield (g/plant), pod yield (q/ha), average pod weight (g), total sugar, T.S.S., number of seeds per pod, protein content, number of leaves per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), shelling percent, Plant height and number of primary branch per plant. Negative association showed with days to first flower appearance, days to 50% flowering and days to first picking.

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer. Its standard treatment is cisplatin-based concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Chronic inflammation in uterine cervix triggers both pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. The unpredictability in toxicity and efficacy of treatment is a major challenge. We hypothesized a link between IL-1, IL-6 and TNF gene variants and treatment response.Material & Methods: We genotyped 246 cervical cancer cases and 246 controls by PCR, PCR-RFLP and ARMS-PCR. Treatment and response were evaluated by RECIST criteria. Chemotherapy and radiation doses were same for all patients, whilst 48 were followed-up for 36 months after treatment.Results: SNPs in IL-1RN, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα were linked with cervical cancer. Cases with certain allele combinations in IL-1RN, IL-1β, IL-6(-597A/G) and TNF-α showed odds ratios (95% CI) of up to 17.54 (2.7-24.08) for the presence of cervical cancer. Variant IL-1β (-511T/C) was linked to vital status but none were linked to overall survival.Conclusion: Certain cytokine gene variants may help detect susceptibility to cervical cancer and predict response to chemoradiotherapy.

Background: XRCC4 encodes a DNA repair protein which maintains genome stability by repairing double-strand breaks by the error-prone method. Defects in the protein-encoding gene lead to impairment ...

Background: Diabetes is the seventh most common disease leading to death with a global estimate of 425 million diabetics, expected to be 629 million in 2045. The role of reactive metabolites and antioxidants, such as glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) provides an opportunity for identifying gene variants and risk genotypes. We hypothesised that certain antioxidant gene-gene interactions are linked with T2DM and can model disease risk prediction.Materials and methods: Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in antioxidant genes for glutathione (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was performed in 558 T2DMs and 410 age and sex matched healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), routine lab indices by standard techniques.Results: The null/null allele combination of GSTM1del and GSTT1del increased disease risk up to 1.7-fold. The combination of SNPs in GSTM1del, GSTT1del, GSTP1 + 313A/G and in CAT-21A/T, SOD2 + 47C/T, GPx1 + 599C/T increased the risk of diabetes 13.5 and 2.1-fold, respectively. Interaction of SNPs GSTM1del, GSTT1del, GSTP1 + 313A/G (105Ile/Val), CAT-21A/T, SOD2 + 47C/T, GPx1 + 599C/T were significantly linked with disease risk >5 × 103 fold.Conclusion: As the number of gene combinations increase, there is a rise in the odds ratio of disease risk, suggesting that gene-gene interaction plays an important role in T2DM susceptibility. Individuals who possess the GSTM1del, GSTT1del, GSTP1 105I/V(+313A/G), CAT-21A/T, SOD2 + 47C/T and GPx1 + 599C/T are at very high risk of developing T2DM.

Legumes are protein-rich grains of Fabaceae family that enrich soil through symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Genome editing employing clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system allows a precise modification of genome using either endogenous non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), homology-dependent repair (HDR) or microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) pathways. This facile RNA-guided tool is extensively used to characterize gene functions and traits of agricultural importance. Here, we discuss the reports of genome editing using CRISPR/Cas system in five important legume species, viz. birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus japonicus), barrel medic (Medicago truncatula), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), soya bean (Glycine max) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and some common web-based tools for designing reagents for editing. In birdsfoot trefoil, an efficient editing of representative symbiotic nitrogen-fixing genes via. Agrobacterium-mediated stable or hairy root transformation has been reported. Notably, this tool was used to decipher the synergistic roles of leghaemoglobin genes in SNF. In barrel medic, the amenability of CRISPR/Cas system was demonstrated for genes/loci using phytoene desaturase (PDS); both homoallelic and biallelic mutants were reported with albino phenotype. Subsequently, editing genes for small RNA processing were also demonstrated to be heritable in nature. In polyploid alfalfa, successful CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing was reported for traits like hyperaccumulation of phosphate and regulators of plant developmental pathway. In cowpea, the disruption of symbiotic nitrogen fixation gene, symbiosis receptor-like kinase (SYMRK), in hairy root-transformed plant exhibits a complete blockage of nodule formation. The extensively worked-out legume is soya bean, where endogenous and exogenous genes/loci were amenable to genome editing via. hairy root composite plants, protoplast and whole-plant transformation employing genetic engineering and RNP delivery routes. Besides several endogenous loci, genes for traits like plant architecture, SNF, early flowering, oil composition etc. were reported to be edited. Possibilities of HDR, multiplexing and base editing were also demonstrated. Gene-edited high-oleic soya bean oil (Calyno™) developed by Calyxt, Inc is the first gene-edited food released for consumers in the USA. Current research efforts should be focused to translate the findings in model legumes to legumes of local importance, so that the benefit of the technology can be harnessed.

We introduce dynamic mass photometry, a method for label-free imaging, tracking and mass measurement of membrane-associated proteins. Our method enables quantitative studies of their mobility, membrane affinity and interactions at the single molecule level. Application to the membrane remodelling GTPase dynamin1 reveals heterogeneous mixtures of oligomers suggesting that the fundamental building block for oligomerisation is a dimer, challenging current tetramer-centric models. Dynamic mass photometry has the ability to transform our approach to studying biomolecular mechanisms in and on lipid bilayers.

Background: The study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF) used with phosphosilicate putty during immediate post extraction implant placement and immediate loading.Methods: A prospective comparative clinical study was conducted on 20 adults. Two groups were made with 10 patients in each by random selection. Each patient required tooth extraction and replacement with immediate implantation and immediate loading. In Group 1 PRP was prepared from the patient's blood, mixed with alloplastic graft, and packed in peri-implant space and similarly in Group 2 PRF was prepared from the patient's blood and mixed with alloplastic graft in peri-implant space. All the patients were evaluated for postoperative pain, soft tissue analysis, implant mobility, and crestal bone height changes were observed for up to 6 months, using paired/independent t-test, and Chi-square test.Results: It was seen that for pain on 1st postop day Group 1 had shown superior results than Group 2 after 7 days both groups showed good soft tissue healing. No significant difference was found in both groups when seen for implant mobility. The difference in crestal bone height gain in the first 3 months of Group 2 showed a remarkable height gain than in Group 1. And at 6th month overall crestal height gain difference between both groups was non-significant.Conclusions: The autologous PRF can present new possibilities for enhanced healing and functional recovery over PRP during immediate post extractive implantation and immediate loading.

Single molecule mass photometry was used to study the dynamic equilibria of the ubiquitous and highly abundant 2-Cysteine peroxiredoxins (2-CysPRX). 2-CysPRXs adopt distinct functions in all cells dependent on their oligomeric conformation ranging from dimers to decamers and high molecular weight aggregates (HMW). The oligomeric state depends on the redox state of their catalytic cysteinyl residues. To which degree they interconvert, how the interconversion is regulated, and how the oligomerisation propensity is organism specific remains, however, poorly understood. The dynamics differs between wild-type and single point mutants affecting the oligomerization interfaces, with concomitant changes to function. Titrating concentration and redox state of Arabidopsis thaliana and human 2-CysPRXs revealed features conserved among all 2-CysPRX and clear differences concerning oligomer transitions, the occurrence of transition states and the formation of HMW which are associated with chaperone activity or storage. The results indicate functional differentiation of human 2-CysPRXs. Our results point to a diversified functionality of oligomerization for 2-CysPRXs and illustrate the power of mass photometry to non-invasively quantify oligomer distributions in a redox environment. This knowledge is important to fully address and model PRX function in cell redox signaling e.g., in photosynthesis, cardiovascular and neurological diseases or carcinogenesis.

Summary Protein oligomerization is central to biological function and regulation, yet its experimental quantification and measurement of dynamic transitions in solution remain challenging. Here, we show that single molecule mass photometry quantifies affinity and polydispersity of heterogeneous protein complexes in solution. We demonstrate these capabilities by studying the functionally relevant oligomeric equilibria of 2-cysteine peroxiredoxins (2CPs). Comparison of the polydispersity of plant and human 2CPs as a function of concentration and redox state revealed features conserved among all 2CPs. In addition, we also find species-specific differences in oligomeric transitions, the occurrence of intermediates and the formation of high molecular weight complexes, which are associated with chaperone activity or act as a storage pool for more efficient dimers outlining the functional differentiation of human 2CPs. Our results point to a diversified functionality of oligomerization for 2CPs and illustrate the power of mass photometry for characterizing heterogeneous oligomeric protein distributions in near native conditions., Graphical abstract, Highlights • Mass photometry resolves oligomerization dynamics of 2-Cys peroxiredoxins • The thiol redox transition can be tuned by mutagenesis of amino acid residues • Plant and human 2-Cys peroxiredoxins have common and unique features, Biophysical chemistry; Protein; Structural biology

The linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) is the only known ubiquitin ligase that generates linear/Met1-linked ubiquitin chains. One of the LUBAC components, HOIL-1L, was recently shown to catalyse oxyester bond formation between the C-terminus of ubiquitin and some substrates. However, oxyester bond formation in the context of LUBAC has not been directly observed. We present the first 3D reconstruction of LUBAC obtained by electron microscopy and report its generation of heterotypic ubiquitin chains containing linear linkages with oxyester-linked branches. We found that addition of the oxyester-bound branches depends on HOIL-1L catalytic activity. We suggest a coordinated ubiquitin relay mechanism between the HOIP and HOIL-1L ligases supported by cross-linking mass spectrometry data, which show proximity between the catalytic RBR domains. Mutations in the linear ubiquitin chain-binding NZF domain of HOIL-1L reduces chain branching confirming its role in the process. In cells, these heterotypic chains were induced by TNF. In conclusion, we demonstrate that LUBAC assembles heterotypic ubiquitin chains with linear and oxyester-linked branches by the concerted action of HOIP and HOIL-1L.

Background Aedes aegypti is a primary vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika infections in India. In the absence of specific drugs or safe and effective vaccines for these infections, their control relies mainly on vector control measures. The emergence of insecticide resistance in vectors, especially against pyrethroids, is a serious threat to the insecticide-based vector control programme. This study reports the presence of multiple knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations present in an Ae. aegypti population from Bengaluru (India), including a new mutation F1534L. Methods Aedes aegypti collected from Bengaluru were subjected to insecticide susceptibility tests with DDT, deltamethrin and permethrin. The DNA sequencing of partial domain II, III and IV of the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) was performed to screen kdr mutations present in the population and PCR-based assays were developed for their detection. Genotyping of kdr mutations was done using PCR-based assays, allelic frequencies were determined, and tests of genetic association of kdr mutations with the insecticide resistance phenotype were performed. Results The Ae. aegypti population was resistant to DDT, deltamethrin and permethrin. The DNA sequencing of the VGSC revealed the presence of four kdr mutations, i.e. S989P and V1016G in domain II and two alternative kdr mutations F1534C and F1534L in domain III. Allele-specific PCR assays (ASPCR) were developed for the detection of kdr mutations S989P and V1016G and an existing PCR-RFLP based strategy was modified for the genotyping of all three known kdr mutations in domain III (F1534L, F1534C and T1520I). Genotyping of Ae. aegypti samples revealed a moderate frequency of S989P/V1016G (18.27%) and F1534L (17.48%), a relatively high frequency of F1534C (50.61%) and absence of T1520I in the population. Mutations S989P and V1016G were in complete linkage disequilibrium in this population while they were in linkage equilibrium with kdr mutations F1534C and F1534L. The alleles F1534C and F1534L are genetically associated with permethrin resistance. Conclusions A new kdr mutation, F1534L, was found in an Ae. aegypti population from Bengaluru (India), co-occurring with the other three mutations S989P, V1016G and F1534C. The findings of a new mutation have implications for insecticide resistance management.

Endocytic and recycling pathways generate cargo-laden transport carriers by membrane fission. Classical dynamins, which generate transport carriers during endocytosis, constrict and cause fission of membrane tubes in response to GTP hydrolysis. Relatively, less is known about the ATP-binding Eps15-homology domain-containing protein1 (EHD1), a dynamin family member that functions at the endocytic-recycling compartment. Here, we show using cross complementation assays in C. elegans that EHD1’s membrane binding and ATP hydrolysis activities are necessary for endocytic recycling. Further, we show that ATP-bound EHD1 forms membrane-active scaffolds that bulge tubular model membranes. ATP hydrolysis promotes scaffold self-assembly, causing the bulge to extend and thin down intermediate regions on the tube. On tubes below 25 nm in radius, such thinning leads to scission. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate this scission pathway. Deletion of N-terminal residues causes defects in stable scaffolding, scission and endocytic recycling. Thus, ATP hydrolysis-dependent membrane remodeling links EHD1 functions to endocytic recycling., The GTPase dynamin catalyzes membrane fission but activity of the dynamin-related ATPase EHD1 is unknown. Here, using in vitro reconstitution assays and molecular dynamics simulations, the authors report that EHD1 hydrolyzes ATP to remodel, causing fission of membrane tubes and that this is necessary for endocytic recycling.

A field experiment was carried out at research field, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M.P.) during kharif season, 2018-19. Twenty treatment combinations comprising of four dates of sowing (D1 - 20th July, D2 - 5th August, D3 - 20th August and D4 - 5th September) and five varieties (V1 - Arka Vijay, V2 - Konkan Bhushan, V3 - Arka Visthar, V4 - Arka Adarsh and V5 - Arka Prasidhi) were evaluated in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The findings of the investigation revealed that among the dates of sowing, D1 (20th July) recorded significantly higher growth parameters, yield parameters and yield. There was highest protein content, dry matter content and fibre content in edible pods under D1 (20th July) and lowest with D4 (5th September) date of sowing. Earliest first flowering, 50% flowering and first picking of pod was noted with D4 (5th September) date of sowing. Among the varieties, variety V3 (Arka Visthar) showed superiority for growth parameters and yield parameters viz., number of spikes plant-1(116.21), pod width (23.04mm), weight of 10 pods (96.19g), pod yield plant-1 (2579.1g), pod yield ha-1 (339.6q) and harvest index (39.4%). Earliest first flowering (41.5 days) and first picking (63.7 days) was observed with V2 (Konkan Bhushan). Highest spike length (31.49cm) was measured with variety V2 (Konkan Bhushan). Highest pod length (14.05cm) and number of pods plant-1 (340.6) were recorded with variety V5 (Arka Prasidhi). Highest protein content (2.80%), fibre content (1.94%) and dry matter content (16.20%) were obtained under the variety V1 (Arka Vijay).

BackgroundAedes aegyptiis a primary vector of dengue, chikungunya and zika infections in India. In the absence of specific drugs or safe and effective vaccines for these infections, their control relies mainly on vector control measures. The emergence of insecticide resistance in vectors, especially against pyrethroids, is a serious threat to the insecticide-based vector control programme. This study reports the presence of multiple knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations present in anAe. aegyptipopulation from Bengaluru (India), including a new mutation F1534L.MethodsAedes aegypticollected from Bengaluru were subjected to insecticide susceptibility tests with DDT, deltamethrin and permethrin. The DNA sequencing of partial domain II, III and IV of the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) was performed to screenkdrmutations present in the population and PCR-based assays were developed for their detection. Genotyping ofkdrmutations was done using PCR-based assays, allelic frequencies were determined, and tests of genetic association ofkdrmutations with the insecticide resistance phenotype were performed.ResultsTheAe. aegyptipopulation were resistant to DDT, deltamethrin and permethrin. The DNA sequencing of the VGSC revealed the presence of fourkdrmutations, i.e., S989P and V1016G in domain II and two alternativekdrmutations F1534C and F1534L in domain III. Allele-specific PCR assays (ASPCR) were developed for the detection ofkdrmutations S989P and V1016G and an existing PCR-RFLP based strategy was modified for the genotyping of all three knownkdrmutations in domain III (F1534L, F1534C and T1520I). Genotyping ofAe. aegyptisamples collected between October 2014 and April 2015 revealed a moderate frequency of S989P/V1016G (18.27%) and F1534L (17.48%), a relatively high frequency of F1534C (50.61%) and absence of T1520I in the population. Mutations S989P and V1016G were in complete linkage disequilibrium in this population while they were in linkage equilibrium withkdrmutations F1534C and F1534L. The alleles F1534C and F1534L are genetically associated with permethrin resistance.ConclusionsA newkdrmutation, F1534L, was found in anAe. aegyptipopulation from Bengaluru (India), co-occurring with the other three mutations S989P, V1016G and F1534C. The findings of a new mutation and development of PCR-based diagnostics have implications for insecticide resistance management. Monitoring of F1534L-kdrin other populations and studies on their functional role in altering neuro-sensitivity is warranted.

Symmetrical protein cages have evolved to fulfil diverse roles in nature, including compartmentalization and cargo delivery(1), and have inspired synthetic biologists to create novel protein assemblies via the precise manipulation of protein-protein interfaces. Despite the impressive array of protein cages produced in the laboratory, the design of inducible assemblies remains challenging(2,3). Here we demonstrate an ultra-stable artificial protein cage, the assembly and disassembly of which can be controlled by metal coordination at the protein-protein interfaces. The addition of a gold (I)-triphenylphosphine compound to a cysteine-substituted, 11-mer protein ring triggers supramolecular self-assembly, which generates monodisperse cage structures with masses greater than 2 MDa. The geometry of these structures is based on the Archimedean snub cube and is, to our knowledge, unprecedented. Cryo-electron microscopy confirms that the assemblies are held together by 120 S-Au(i)-S staples between the protein oligomers, and exist in two chiral forms. The cage shows extreme chemical and thermal stability, yet it readily disassembles upon exposure to reducing agents. As well as gold, mercury(II) is also found to enable formation of the protein cage. This work establishes an approach for linking protein components into robust, higher-order structures, and expands the design space available for supramolecular assemblies to include previously unexplored geometries.

Gene-drive systems developed in several organisms result in super-Mendelian inheritance of transgenic insertions. Here, we generalize this “active genetic” approach to preferentially transmit allelic variants (allelic-drive) resulting from only a single or a few nucleotide alterations. We test two configurations for allelic-drive: one, copy-cutting, in which a non-preferred allele is selectively targeted for Cas9/guide RNA (gRNA) cleavage, and a more general approach, copy-grafting, that permits selective inheritance of a desired allele located in close proximity to the gRNA cut site. We also characterize a phenomenon we refer to as lethal-mosaicism that dominantly eliminates NHEJ-induced mutations and favors inheritance of functional cleavage-resistant alleles. These two efficient allelic-drive methods, enhanced by lethal mosaicism and a trans-generational drive process we refer to as “shadow-drive”, have broad practical applications in improving health and agriculture and greatly extend the active genetics toolbox., Gene-drives use CRISPR-Cas9 to be transmitted in a super-Mendelian fashion. Here the authors develop an allelic-drive for selective inheritance of a desired allele.

An experiment entitled effect of sowing dates and stage of pinching on growth, yield and quality of fenugreek was carried out during September 2015 to March 2016 at RVSKVV College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, M.P., India, with 12 treatment combinations, comprising four dates of sowing 25th September, 10th October, 25th October and 9th November with three stages of pinching i.e., No pinching, Pinching at 25 Days after sowing (DAS), Pinching 35 DAS. These treatments were replicated thrice in split spot design and analyzed. Treatment with 10th October sowing recorded maximum plant height, number of branches, fresh weight, dry weight, number of pods plant−1, pod length, weight of pod, number of seeds pod−1, weight of seeds pod−1, thousand seed weight, seed yield, straw yield, biological yield, harvest index, chlorophyll content, germination %, seedling vigour index, protein%, galactomannon content. While, 25th September sown crop took maximum days for 50% flowering and for maturity. Between pinching stages studied, Pinching at 35 DAS found to be superior in respect of number of branches plant−1, fresh and dry weight of plant (g) at harvest, number of pods plant−1, length of pod (cm), weight of pod (mg), number of seeds pod−1, weight of seeds pod−1 (mg), thousand seed weight (g), seed yield (q ha−1), straw yield (q ha−1), biological yield (q ha−1), harvest index (%), chlorophyll content in leaves at 75 DAS (SPAD), germination percentage of seeds, seedling vigour index, protein (%) and galactomannon in comparison to other pinching stages.

The long-term crop residue retention coupled with external nutrient inputs are crucial for maintaining soil phosphorus (P) and soil organic carbon (SOC) in Vertisols of Central India. A study was conducted to evaluate the long-term effect of three wheat residue management practices (residue burning, incorporation, and surface retention) in combination with three supplementary nutrient inputs (SNI) [control, fertilizer, and farmyard manure (FYM)] on stratification of P and SOC in the soybean–wheat system in Vertisol. The wheat residue either incorporated or retained on the soil surface increased the availability of P and SOC content as compared to the common practices of residue burning. Residue retention or incorporation increased stratification of P and soil organic carbon over the residue burning. Irrespective of the nutrient treatments, greater stratification ratio of SOC and P were registered under wheat residue incorporation or retention compared to residue burning. It is evident from the stu...

Concrete is strong in compression, but weak in tension its tensile strength. Due to such a low tensile capacity, flexural cracks develop at early stages of loading. In order to reduce or prevent such cracks from developing, a concentric or eccentric force is imposed in the longitudinal direction of the structural element. According to that, we studied RC concrete and prestressed concrete in flexural strengthening and analyzed the review of displacement of RC & prestressed concrete beams. The idea is to reach a definite conclusion, the prestressed concrete beams more effective as compared to reinforcement concrete beams in flexural strengthening. Software programming is a general purpose structural analysis and design program with applications primarily in the building industry - commercial buildings, bridges and highway structures, industrial structures, chemical plant structures, dams, retaining walls, turbine foundations, culverts and other embedded structures, etc.There is a very good understand all aspect of prestressed concrete beam better than as compared to reinforced concrete beam in flexural strengthening. The aim of this research is to compare the economics, durability and structural analysis of the reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete beams.

This month’s Under the Lens discusses recent advances in spatial metabolomics and light-sheet microscopy for imaging the biogeography of host–microbiota interactions. This month’s Under the Lens discusses recent advances in spatial metabolomics and light-sheet microscopy for imaging the biogeography of host–microbiota interactions.

Field investigation was conducted at the Bahadari farm, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur during rabi 2009-10. Eighteen treatment combinations comprising of six varieties viz.,V1-Arkel, V2-Pusa Pragati, V3-Matar Ageta-6, V4-Kashi Nandini, V5- Kashi Shakti V6-Azad Pea-3 and three phosphorus levels P1-60kg P2O5/ha, P2-90 kg P2O5/ha and P3-120kg P2O5/ha were laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications.Observations were recorded on growth, yield parameters, seed yield and quality. It was concluded that the variety Matar Ageta-6 was superior as indicated through seed yield and quality. Among the phosphorus levels there was increase in growth, yield parameters, yield and seed quality up to P3 (120 kg P2O5/ha) level but significant improvement was only up to P2 (90 kg P2O5/ha). Economic analysis of different treatments revealed that cost of cultivation was increased with increasing dose of phosphorus application irrespective of variety. Gross return, net profit and cost : benefit ratio were realised highest in variety Matar Ageta-6 with P3 (120 kg P2O5/ha) application. It was followed by the same variety under P2 (90 kg P2O5/ha) application.However, there was very marginal increase with P3 (120 kg P2O5/ha) over P2 (90 kg P2O5/ha).

In distributed generation numerous small generating stations are connected to micro grid by using interfacing inverter. While connecting a various inverters in micro grid, load sharing amongst them in very important factor. This paper presents a novel approach for interfacing parallel inverter, the technique used in this paper is based on P-F/Q-V droop control. This technique is very helpful when micro grid is operating in island mode. The droop control is designed in a such a way that it helps in maintaining the voltage and frequency stability. In this paper method of droop control is implemented and characteristics of proportional load sharing are obtained from each connected inverter. The two inverters operation is shown in this paper. The two inverter scheme with droop control is implemented in MATLAB and results obtained shows significant sharing of load while maintaining the constant voltage and frequency.

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) is a short-duration pulse crop extensively grown in South and South East Asian countries. Cultivated mungbean is self-pollinating, diploid (2n = 2x = 22) species of the subgenus, Ceratotropis, in the Leguminosae genus, Vigna (tribe, Phaseoleae; family, Fabaceae). Mungbean seeds are a good source of dietary protein (24–28%) and contain higher levels of folate and iron than most other legumes. Besides high protein, seeds contain 1.0–1.5% oil, 3.5–4.5% fibre, 4.5–5.5% ash and 62–65% carbohydrates (dry weight basis). Seeds can be processed into sprouts, flour, soups, porridge, noodles and ice cream, making it highly versatile for human diet and forage and haulms as cattle feed. Roots enable atmospheric nitrogen fixation (58–109 kg/ha) in symbiotic association with Rhizobium bacteria, leading to improved soil fertility and texture. Intercropping mungbean in rice–rice and rice–wheat systems increases the yield of the subsequent cereal crop, reduces pest incidence and smother weed flora appreciably. On account of short duration and photo-thermo insensitivity, they are considered excellent crop for crop intensification or diversification and can be dubbed as remunerative cash crop. India is also the world’s largest producer of mungbean, accounting for over 50% of the global annual production (approx. six million tons), followed by China, Myanmar and Indonesia. Development of disease-resistant, short-duration and photo-thermo insensitive varieties of these crops during the last three decades has further helped in expanding the area of these crops to newer niches and cropping systems.

The development of high-yielding insect-tolerant cultivars using conventional methods has been slow due to a number of reasons. With the advent of recombinant tools and genetic transformation systems, it has been possible to harness gene pool(s) by crossing the species barrier and utilize them for desired trait. Insect pest resistance has largely been introgressed in many crops, including pulses, by using the cry genes from Bacillus thuringiensis. However, many plant genes like lectins, protein inhibitors, etc. are also available that impart tolerance to insect pests and can be used for developing insect-tolerant plants. In comparison with other crops, relatively less work is available in this context in pulses because of their recalcitrant nature and biosafety issues related to candidate gene(s). In the regime of climate change, plant-pest dynamics has also witnessed change, and the need to develop transgenic tolerant to both pest and diseases is desirable. In context of sustainable pulse production, it is essential to develop and use insect-tolerant transgenics that have been developed by following the biosafety regulations, are high yielding, fit into popular cropping systems, and are expected to be remunerative to the stakeholders.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of irrigation regimes and nutrient levels on growth, yield, quality, economics and water use efficiency (WUE) of broad bean at College of Horticulture, Mandsaur during rabi 2015-16. Treatments included three irrigation regimes, viz. I1 (IW/CPE=1.00), I2 (IW/CPE=0.75), I3 (IW/CPE=0.50) and three nutrient levels, viz. F1 (15:40:30 kg NPK/ha), F2 (30:60:45 kg NPK/ha) and F3 (45:80:60 kg NPK/ha). These treatments were evaluated under split plot design with 6 replications. Results indicated that irrigation level I1 (IW/CPE=1.00) recorded maximum plant height, number of tillers/plant, number of leaves/plant, leaf area/plant, most delayed 50% flowering and pod maturity, maximum length of pod, number of pod/plant, number of seeds/pod, weight of 10 pods, pod yield/plant, pod yield/hr and fibre content in pod. It was followed by I2 (IW/CPE=0.75). Highest protein content was found under I3 (IW/CPE=0.50). WUE decreased with higher irrigation regimes and was observed lowest with I1 (IW/CPE=1.00). Among nutrient levels, F3 (45:80:60 kg NPK/ha) registered maximum growth, phenological, yield attributes and yield as well as protein and fibre content. It has also recorded highest WUE. Interactive effect of irrigation regimes and nutrient levels showed highest growth and yield attributes as well as yield with I1F3. Highest WUE was recorded with I3F2 which was at par to I3F3. Maximum gross return (Rupees 154 770/ha), net return (Rupees 113 820/ha) and benefit:cost ratio (2.77) was obtained with application of I1F3.

Chickpea is a major pulse crop of India and major protein source for vegetarian population of this country. The average yield of this crop is stagnated due to many reasons like method of sowing. Present experiment was conducted at instructional farm of KVK Morena to evaluate the different sowing methods to achieve maximum productivity in chickpea. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replication. The results revealed that the FIRB system of sowing gave maximum crop yield (16.37q/ha) and showed significant increase on other growth and yield parameters. The Zero tillage and ridge and furrow sowing were also proven better than conventional method of sowing of chickpea.

The deficit of women has progressively increased as evident from the sex ratio of the population; more or less steadily declined over the span of hundred years from 972 in 1901 to 933 in 2001. Declining sex ratio is a important social issue need to be urgently addressed so the present study was conducted to find out sex ratio at birth among deliveries conducted in G.M.H Rewa during year 2005and To find out sex ratio at birth among mothers of different educational statuses, among rural and urban mothers and at different birth orders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The birth register of year 2005 in Department of obstetrics and gynaecology labour room was used as primary source of information. Data was recorded in Computerized MIS provided by UNFPA Bhopal regarding following study variables: Sex at birth, Birth outcome ,Viability of new born at birth, Birth weight of new born, Mode of deliveries, Residence of mother, Educational status of mother, Age of mother, Occupation of mother Religion of mother, Gravidae, Parity (No of surviving children including current one). Data compilation and analysis was done in department of community medicine S.S. Medical College. RESULTS: The sex ratio at birth for total deliveries was 910.Sex ratio at birth for deliveries of rural mothers was 922 and of urban mothers was 883. Sex ratio at birth among illiterate group of mothers (1174) and for literate mothers it was 836. CONCLUSION: Sex ratio at birth was lower among educated mothers as compare to uneducated mothers and it was found lower for urban

Vibrio cholerae, the causing agent of cholera is still a major health challenge in most of the developing countries. In this study, V. cholerae strains collected from different cholera outbreaks in India over a period of past 7 years were found to have various toxigenic, pathogenic and regulatory genes viz. ctxAB, zot, tcp, hlyA, ace, ompU, ompW, rfbO1, toxT and toxR. The biotype specific genes rstR and rtxC revealed the El Tor biotype in majority of the isolates. However, variants among the isolates were found having genotype of both the biotypes. Sequencing of ctxB gene revealed the presence of altered ctxB of classical biotype with additional variations in isolates of 2007. Mismatch amplification mutation assay PCR also confirmed the isolates belonging to classical biotype. Antibiogram of the isolates revealed resistance for nalidixic acid, co-trimoxazole, streptomycin, and polymyxin B and susceptibility for tetracycline among most of the isolates from India. However, V. cholerae isolates from a recent outbreak in Eastern India were resistant to tetracycline. The study corroborated the continuous emergence and wide-spread of multidrug resistant El Tor variant strains in the Indian subcontinent.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are principal vectors for the transmission of chikungunya virus (CHIKV). India is a hub for both dengue and chikungunya infections and there are several reports of co-infection of dengue and chikungunya virus in the clinical scenario. The present pilot entomological survey was conducted to evaluate vertical transmission of CHIKV in Aedes field populations. Aedes immature (larvae and pupae) collection was done in 2012, over a period of six months from selected sites in Delhi and Haryana, India. The immatures collected were reared for adult emergence and species identification was done. A. aegypti male and female mosquitoes were separated and pooled collection spot-wise, RNA extracted and RT PCR performed to test for the presence of CHIKV in the pools. Container index (CI) and minimum infection rate (MIR) were estimated. From study areas that tested positive for CHIKV, adult collections were made and females upon feeding on uninfected blood in laboratory were allowed to lay eggs. The progeny that emerged from these field-collected mothers were tested for CHIKV presence. Our pilot survey showed the existence of A. aegypti population even during peak summer season in a few foci which eventually helped the mosquitoes to tide over adverse environmental conditions and with the start of rainfall, the population exploded within a short period of time. Immatures collected from field and progeny of adults collected from the field were CHIKV positive demonstrating the presence of vertical transmission of chikungunya virus in field population of A. aegypti. The present study further demonstrates the importance of identifying permanent breeding sites for proper Aedes species control.

Sixty four genotypes of Indian bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] were evaluated for genetic variability and correlation coefficient analysis for green pod yield and its contributing characters. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits. Plant height, seed yield per plant, seed yield q/ha, green pod yield per plant, green pod yield q/ha, pod width, weight of 10 pod, number of green pod per plant, pericarp thickness and days to first flowering exhibited high GCV and PCV values indicating large amount of variation. The highest heritability estimate was observed for days to last picking (99.60 %). In the present study highest value of EGA was observed for the seed yield per plant (194.78%) followed by the green pod yield per plant (175.87%). Green pod yield per plant exhibited positive and significant correlation with green pod yield q/ha, seed yield q/ha, plant height at 60 days, days to first flowering, days to first picking, days to last picking, weight of 10 pod, weight of 100 seed, number of green pod per plant, pod length, pericarp thickness, moisture percentage and seed yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels.

Objective: To evaluate the nephroprotective and anti-polyuric role of embelin on lithium induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) in albino rats. Methods: NDI induced by lithium chloride (4 meq/kg/day, i.p. for 6 days) which leads to huge amount of urine excretion. After induction of NDI, embelin (50 and 100mg/kg) was administered orally, once daily for 21 day in rats and N-acetyl cysteine (10mg/kg, twice daily, i.p.) was used as a standard drug for treatment of NDI. The body weight, urine protein, urine creatinine, plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen were assessed at 0, 7, 14 and 21 day. At the end of the study glutathione (GSH) content in kidney was assessed and histopathology of kidney was performed. Results: Embelin 50 and 100 mg/ kg showed increase in the body weight and decrease in plasma and urine creatinine, blood urea nitrogen levels, and urine protein level. Embelin acts as a potent antioxidant; it increases the level of glutathione in kidney. Histopathological examination of the kidney indicated that embelin 50 and 100 mg/kg were reduced the vascular degeneration of tubules as well as slight degeneration and dilatation of renal tubules, however N-actyl cysteine (NAC) treated rats showed normal glomeruli and renal tubule with slight degeneration. Conclusions: Embelin seemed to be effective in NDI by its predominant effect on promoting antioxidant status and decrease the urine excretion may be due to the blocking of sodium channels.

The Laccases are oxidoreductases belonging to the multinuclear copper-containing oxidases; they catalyse the monoelectronic oxidation of substrates at the expense of molecular oxygen. These essentially ecofriendly enzymes work with air and produce water as the only by-product. Their uses span from the textile to the pulp and paper industries, and from food applications to bioremediation processes. Laccases also have uses in organic synthesis, where their typical substrates are phenols and amines, and the reaction products are dimers and oligomers derived from the coupling of reactive radical intermediates. Laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus was extracted from the Shaken flask cultures of Pleurotus ostreatus and grown at 25°C with continuous agitation (110 rpm) in baffled Erlenmeyer flasks (1000 mL) containing 200 mL medium. The basal glucose yeast extract peptone agar medium (GYP medium) used for cultures unless otherwise stated contained 20 g glucose L

A 35 year chronic alcoholic old man, was admitted with altered sensorium since last 3 days. His MRI Brain done on Day 3 of admission revealed Hyperintense signal change in pons with partial sparing of the tegmentum, ventrolateral pons and corticospinal tracts on FLAIR and T2 weighted images suggestive of central pontine myelinolysis. The T2W axial images resembled the face of a pig with the temporal lobes representing ears, the carotid arteries the eyes, the abnormal pontine signal representing snout and the fourth ventricle the mouth. Recognition of this pattern -the piglet sign may aid in the differential diagnosis of pontine lesions.