Search

Bandgap engineering in p–n junction-based thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) is a fascinating research area for enhancing device performance. The present review addresses the effect of the graded absorber layer on TFSC performance. The performance of solar-cell devices can be evaluated using several parameters, including open-circuit voltage (V OC), short-circuit current density (J SC), and power-conversion efficiency (PCE, η). Furthermore, different types of grading on several absorber layers such as CIGS, CZTS, CdTe, and Sb 2 S 3 have been investigated to clarify the grading mechanism based on the tuning of the absorber layer bandgap and its effect on TFSC performance. Over the past few years, intensive efforts have been directed toward tuning the absorber layer bandgap to obtain high performance. Moreover, detailed theoretical and experimental studies have revealed the effect of grading composition on device performance. The present review elucidates the current progress and future possibilities in the field of graded TFSCs. In brief, this investigation envisions state-of-the-art solar cells and persuading further research in the domain of graded TFSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Review delves into gut microbiome's role in Alzheimer's modulation. • Dysbiosis linked to neuroinflammation, amyloid beta aggregation, and oxidative stress. • Complex mechanisms involve microbial metabolites, immune signaling, permeability, and vagus nerve. • Probiotic exopolysaccharides protect neurons, inhibit amyloid beta, and improve memory in Alzheimer's models. The effects of the gut microbiome on the brain and the mechanisms of gut-brain communication have been popular research topics for the past few decades. The term gut-brain axis (GBA) evolved to illustrate how the gut and gut microbiota communicate with the brain. The gut-brain axis is an interplay of the neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways that help to maintain the brain's homeostasis. Several groups have reported that gut dysbiosis is significantly associated with neuroinflammation, aggregation of amyloid beta, and an increase in oxidative stress during Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding the exact mechanism of how the gut microbiome influences brain function may help develop new therapeutic modalities for AD. This review highlights the functioning of the gut microbiome in AD pathogenesis, the potential beneficial effects of probiotic exopolysaccharides as therapeutic molecules, and the potential benefits of probiotic exopolysaccharides (EPS) as a ray of hope in treating AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leigh Syndrome (LS) is a rare, hereditary progressive neurodegenerative disorder of infancy or early childhood associated with a highly variable clinical presentation even among siblings. Further, genetic heterogeneity makes its diagnosis complicated. Its causative genetic variations are notified in some of the mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Here, we report an atypical case of LS in a 9-year-old boy associated with a novel variation in MT-ATP6 gene. The atypical findings were Bilateral Basal Ganglia Calcification (BGC) and late survival age in the patient. Analyses of the Whole Mitochondrial Genome Sequencing (WMGS) results of the recruited patient and his mother at different read coverage, first at 100× and later repeated at 500×, revealed a novel disease-associated variation in the already known disease-associated MT-ATP6 gene. In conclusion, the present study indicates amalgamation of both neuro-imaging and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technologies aiding the proper diagnosis of LS in atypical cases. • 9-year-old boy presented with neurological complaints. • Finally diagnosed with atypical mitochondrial form of Leigh syndrome after clinical, radiological and genetic screening. • The atypical findings in the patient were his survival age and observation of dense bilateral signal abnormalities indicating calcification in the caudate nuclei on his brain CT. • Whole mitochondrial genome sequencing revealed a novel heteroplasmic mitochondrial variation m.8936T>A in MT-ATP6 gene in both patient and his mother but with different allele counts. A higher variation load of m.8936T>A variation in the patient than his mother can be concluded as disease-causing. • This case report emphasises the use of both neuro-imaging and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technologies for the proper diagnosis of LS in atypical cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is focused on the replacement of Fe 3+ ions by rare-earth Nd 3+ ions and their influence on the cations distribution, structural, magnetic and Mössbauer properties of Mg-Mn nanoferrites. Nanosized Nd-doped Mg-Mn nanoferrites, Mg 0.9 Mn 0.1 Nd x Fe 2−x O 4 , where x = 0.1, 0.2 & 0.3, were successfully synthesized for the first time through solution combustion technique. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the formation of single phase nature of the synthesized nanoferrites. Williamsons-Hall plots were used to obtain the particle size and strain while the lattice parameter was obtained from Nelson-Riley plots. The particle size was observed to decrease (19.2–13.5 nm) while lattice parameter was observed to increase (8.373–8.391 Å) with the incorporation of Nd 3+ ions. Cation distribution between the tetrahedral (A-site) and octahedral (B-site) was estimated by using the X-ray diffraction method & magnetization technique. The estimated cation distribution was used to investigate the detailed structural parameters. Room temperature M−H study revealed a decrease of saturation magnetization (10.15–1.83 emu/g) and an increase in coercivity (22.86–27.19 Oe) with the increasing substitution of Nd 3+ ions. Magnetic results obtained in the present study indicated that the synthesized nanoferrites can be a useful candidate for electromagnet applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To replicate the association of newly identified variants of TMEM163 (transmembrane protein 163) and COBLL1 (cordon-bleu protein-like 1) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Northwest Indian population.Methods: We performed a replication study of variants rs998451 and rs6723108 of gene TMEM163 and rs7607980 of gene COBLL1. The variations were genotyped using Taqman allele discrimination assay in 1209 Northwest Indians (651 T2D cases and 558 controls). The association of each SNP with the disease was evaluated using logistic regression.Results: All the three SNPs examined in this study did not show any significant association with T2D. For rs998451 and rs6723108 of TMEM163 the observed odds ratios were 0.71 with a 95% CI of 0.28-1.84 (p=0.484) and 1.80 with a 95% CI of 0.74-4.40 (p=0.196), respectively. For rs7607980 the estimated odds ratio was 1.01 with 95% CI of 0.70-1.44 (p=0.946).Conclusion: We conclude that lack of association could be because of population structure of Indian Population that is conglomeration of various ethnic groups. For a conclusive association study of T2D in India, it is critical that such studies are carried out among endogamous ethnic groups rather than conventional practice of pooling samples based on Geographical/regional or linguist affiliations like Asian Indian, North or South Indian etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High throughput process development (HTPD) platforms provide time and resource effective solutions for optimization of resin as well as membrane based chromatography processes. They enable successful implementation of Quality by Design by allowing us to investigate more variables and wider ranges than would be possible using traditional lab-scale based experiments. This paper presents an investigation about non-specific protein adsorption that was found to occur on the membrane disks used in a commercially available high throughput device. Both qualitative as well as quantitative analytical tools were used in this investigation. Two biotherapeutic protein molecules, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) and Transtuzumab were selected as model proteins in this study. Qualitative assessment was performed using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). An empirical model based on contact angle measurement was developed for quantitative assessment of the amount of adsorbed protein. The results indicated that while significant non-specific adsorption was observed in case of highly hydrophobic GCSF molecule, adsorption was minimal in the case of Transtuzumab. The paper proposes a novel use of contact angle measurement for quantitative estimation of adsorbed protein. The study also highlights the importance of accounting for non-specific adsorption when using these HTPD devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate the involvement of 8-iso-PGF2α and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OH-Chol) in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Design: Observational case-control study using enzyme immunoassay and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Setting: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. Patient(s): Forty-five women undergoing laparoscopy (n = 25), laparotomy (n = 19), or tubal ligation (n =1). Intervention(s): Venipuncture and laparoscopic peritoneal fluid (PF) collection. Main Outcome Measure(s): The levels of 8-iso-PGF2α were determined both in urine and PF of all the patients using enzyme immunoassay. The levels of 25-OH-Chol were determined by using reversed phase HPLC both in the plasma and PF samples. Oxidative damage to DNA was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Result(s): Significantly increased levels of 8-iso-PGF2α were observed both in urine and PF of women with endometriosis compared with control women. Similarly, higher levels of 25-OH-Chol were observed both in plasma and PF of patients compared with controls and the difference was statistically significant. A clear-cut tailing pattern was observed in DNA of patients with endometriosis, indicating significant DNA damage. Conclusion(s): Our observations implicate oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. For the first time, we demonstrate that 8-iso-PGF2α and oxysterols (the known promoters of steroidogenesis) might be the culprits in this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three new RP-type phases of the composition Sr3Fe1.7Nb0.3O7, Sr3Fe1.4Nb0.6O7 and Sr3FeNbO7 have been synthesized by the standard ceramic method. Their structure has been determined by Rietveld analysis of the powder X-ray diffraction data. The phases take up RP-type structure in the space group 14/mmm. The MO6 polyhedron is distorted. The study of electrical resistivity as a function of temperature suggests that these undergo insulator–metal transition. The magnetic susceptibility data show that the phases are anti-ferromagnetic in nature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Histones play important role in DNA packaging, replication and gene expression. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of histone 2B (PvH2B) gene from the most common but non-cultivable human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax. The isolated cDNA clone of PvH2B was allowed to express in Escherichia coli and the recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography. The expressed PvH2B protein showed DNA-binding properties on the South-Western analysis and the confocal microscopy localized it in the parasite nucleus. This gene is actively expressed during blood stages of the parasite and all P. vivax patients produced antibodies against the protein. The mRNA of PvH2B was found to contain a poly(A) tail at its 3′ end, unlike abundant mRNA of human H2B. The encoded polypeptide is 118 amino acid long contains a nuclear targeting site, a signature motif of H2B and showed 74% homology to its host molecule. The structure of PvH2B showed that it has certain differences from that of its host at critical functional sites (viz acetylation, methylation, trypsin cleavage, DNA-binding and inter-histone interaction) which are required for general gene expression and DNA packaging. The distinctive structural features of P. vivax H2B described here may help in designing the specific antimalarial drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new Ruddlesden–Popper (RP)-type phase Sr3MnTiO7-δ has been synthesised by the standard ceramic method. Its crystal structure has been solved by Rietveld analysis of the X-ray diffraction data. The X-ray diffraction studies suggest that the phase crystallizes in the tetragonal unit cell with the space group 14/mmm. Study of electrical resistivity, as a function of temperature, suggests that the conduction in the temperature range 100–300 K occurs by variable range hopping mechanism. Magnetic moment of the phase is of the order of 4.45 BM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work promotes a thorough examination of the magnetic impact on the multiferroicity of the sample. The usual solid-state reaction method was used to synthesis Pb 1- x Gd x Ti 1- x Fe x O 3 with x = 0.21, 0.22, and 0.23. XRD analysis showed a pure homogeneous single-phase compound with a tetragonal structure, indicating perfect diffusivity of Gd atoms into the PbTiO 3 lattice. All of the samples show clear grain growth between 7.8 and 10.5 μm in the SEM images, proving that they were sintered at the correct temperature. Furthermore, ferroelectric transition temperature reduces from 388 K to below the ambient temperature range as the doping value of Gd grows. The room temperature P-E hysteresis loops indicated that the remnant polarization of the sample drops from 8.66 μC/cm2 to 2.065 μC/cm2 for x = 0.21 to 0.23 sample. Three distinct phenomena supported the ME coupling of all samples. The sample x = 0.21 exhibits the maximum magneto-dielectric response of 2.2 % at 1.2T having highest MDR coupling coefficient value of −1.41g2/emu2. Moreover, the sample x = 0.21 shows the highest shift in magnetization before and after electric poling of about 0.105 emu/g. As a result, the sample x = 0.21 emerges as a viable choice for application in a variety of multifunctional devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic progestins and xenoestrogens found in aquatic habitats are currently gaining attention on global scale. The current study aimed to investigate the time-and dose-dependent effects of synthetic progestin Norethindrone (NET; 100, 500 and 1000 ng/L) and estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2; 100 ng/L) individually as well as in binary mixture (1000 ng/L NET + 100 ng/L EE2) on reproductive histology and transcriptional expression profile of genes in adult zebrafish. For this, 20 female (3.15 ± 0.18 cm & 0.33 ± 0.06 g) and 20 male zebrafish in each group (2.93 ± 0.13 cm & 0.29 ± 0.04 g) were exposed to drugs dissolved in water for 30 days in 12 L rectangular tanks. We found that both NET and EE2 exposure reduced the gonadosomatic index in females, while only EE2 exposure caused significant reduction in males (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, NET delayed oocyte maturation in females and accelerated spermatogenesis in males, while EE2 consistently suppressed sperm maturation throughout the experiment. Further, qRT-PCR results revealed differential expression pattern of the study genes (er-α , er-β1 , er-β2 , pgr , vegfaa and p53) in male and female zebrafish. Co-exposure indicated potential inconsistencies in steroidal function in mixtures rather than single exposures. Our findings imply that changes in gonadal histology after NET and EE2 exposure may result from unique regulation of steroid hormone receptors. Additionally, significantly reduced p53 levels (p ≤ 0.05) following co-exposure in both sexes may suggest an elevated risk of neoplastic transformations. Further research with mammalian models will help to explore the mechanisms behind differing effects of alone and co-exposures. [Display omitted] • Norethindrone (NET) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) exposure negatively impacts zebrafish growth and reproductive physiology. • Both male and female zebrafish exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of NET experience reduced body size and weight, while EE2 exposure leads to decreased gonadal weight and disrupted gonadosomatic index, indicating adverse effects on reproductive health. • NET exposure delays egg maturation in female zebrafish and accelerates sperm production in males, potentially affecting reproductive success. • Differential expression patterns of key genes (er-α, er-β1, er-β2, pgr, vegfaa, and p53) observed in male and female zebrafish, indicating gender-specific responses to NET and EE2. • Co-exposure to both NET and EE2 produces distinct and harmful effects on zebrafish, with outcomes varying based on the exposure duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Atomic layer deposition of SnO 2 and TiO 2 buffer layers. • Structural and morphological study of Sb 2 S 3 deposited on double buffer layers. • Fabrication of superstrate architecture Sb 2 S 3 solar cell devices. • Improvement in efficiency from ∼3.0% to ∼4.23% using double buffer layers. The application of double buffer layers has been proven to be a beneficial approach for the enhancement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of antimony sulfide (Sb 2 S 3) thin-film solar cells (TFSCs). Recently, solution-processed SnO 2 /CdS, TiO 2 /CdS, ZnMgO/CdS, and ZnSnO/CdS electron transport layers (ETLs) have been investigated as double buffer layers for Sb 2 S 3 TFSCs. Herein, atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) SnO 2 and TiO 2 ETLs were applied as a double buffer layer with CdS for Sb 2 S 3 TFSCs. The Sb 2 S 3 absorber was deposited using a facile hydrothermal method. The TFSC devices were fabricated based on FTO/SnO 2 /CdS/Sb 2 S 3 /Au or FTO/TiO 2 /CdS/Sb 2 S 3 /Au structure without hole transport layers (HTLs). Experimental analysis revealed the reduction of the surface roughness of ETLs and decreased unfavorable (hk0) orientation of the Sb 2 S 3 absorber after utilizing double buffer layers. Initially, incomplete nucleation of Sb 2 S 3 was observed on SnO 2 and TiO 2 ETLs, which resulted in the formation of a shunting path. Conversely, complete nucleation of Sb 2 S 3 was observed on CdS and double buffer layers. The highest PCEs of 3.98% and 4.23% were obtained for SnO 2 /CdS and TiO 2 /CdS double-buffer-layer-based cells with improvements exceeding 1% compared with the reference CdS buffer layer. Additionally, improvements in open-circuit voltage (V OC) of the order of ∼25 mV and ∼45 mV were respectively observed for SnO 2 /CdS (V OC = 0.676 V) and TiO 2 /CdS (V OC = 0.696 V) double-buffer-layer-based devices compared with the reference CdS buffer layer (V OC = 0.648 V). The enhanced device properties are mainly attributed to the improved charge carrier collection and formation of suitable band offset at the absorber and ETLs interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This in vitro study demonstrates the comparative anti-inflammatory effects of rosiglitazone and 15d-PGJ2 in endometriosis and provides evidence for exploitation of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ as a therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the in vitro effects of atorvastatin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gene expression in endometrial-endometriotic stromal cells. Design: In vitro experimental study using flow cytometry, ELISA, semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot. Setting: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. Patient(s): Twenty-five women undergoing laparoscopy (n = 10) and laparotomy (n = 15). Intervention(s): Endometriotic cyst wall (group I) and endometrial biopsy (group II) collection. Main Outcome Measure(s): The endometrial-endometriotic stromal cells were isolated from ectopic (group I) and eutopic (group II) endometrium by established methods, cultured, and stimulated with LPS (1 μg/mL), followed by atorvastatin treatment in a time- and dose-dependent manner to investigate the effects of LPS on proliferation (Ki-67) and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), extracellular newly identified RAGE binding protein (EN-RAGE), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), and liver X receptor-α (LXR-α) genes in endometrial-endometriotic stromal cells and on levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and 17β-E2 in endometrial-endometriotic stromal cell culture supernatant. Result(s): Significant inhibition of Ki-67 and LPS-induced expression of inflammatory and angiogenic genes (COX-2, VEGF, RAGE, and EN-RAGE) was observed in atorvastatin-treated endometrial-endometriotic stromal cells. In contrast, a significant dose- and time-dependent increase in expression of anti-inflammatory genes (PPAR-γ and LXR-α) and levels of IGFBP-1 was observed after atorvastatin treatment in both the groups. However, atorvastatin treatment had no effect on 17β-E2 levels in endometrial/endometriotic stromal cell culture supernatant. Conclusion(s): The data of the present study provide new insights for the implication of atorvastatin treatment for endometriosis in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV2) is a widespread virus and presents sub-clinically in most of the swineherd. Globally, eight genotypes of PCV2 have been identified that is PCV2a to 2h. To determine the region-wide genotype distribution of PCV2 infection, with additional reference to indigenous breeds, a total of 1314 pig's clinical samples from the eight states of North-eastern India between 2011 and 2014; were analyzed. The overall prevalence rate of PCV2 in this region was 28.2% (370/1314) by PCR. The state-wise PCR based PCV2 prevalence rate was: Tripura (20.8%), Nagaland (25.0%), Meghalaya (25.8%), Assam (32.1%), Sikkim (32.6%), Manipur (33.3%), Mizoram (36.7%) and Arunachal Pradesh (42.3%). Subsequently, a total of 29 complete genomes of PCV2 were amplified and sequenced from these PCV2 positive samples. The phylogenetic tree represents that the 29 PCV2 isolates of this study were divided into four distinct genetic groups; PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2d, and PCV2f. Among these, 14 PCV2 strains were classified as PCV2f, 13 classified as PCV2d, and one isolate of each classified as PCV2a and PCV2b. All the 14 PCV2f strains appeared from indigenous pigs of this region. Based on the date of collection, the present study further describes that the PCV2f genotypes circulate in the indigenous pigs' population back in 2011. The amino acid residues and the atomic coordinate structure (3D model) of PCV2f capsid protein represents similarity to PCV2d capsid protein support the efficacy of the existing PCV2 vaccine against the PCV2f. The observation of this study helps to understand the genotype distribution of PCV2 and stands as a reference for future molecular epidemiological studies in North-eastern India. • Identify the prevalence and region-wide genotype distribution of PCV2 in North-eastern India. • The overall prevalence rate of PCV2 in this region was 28.2% (370/1314). • The phylogenetic tree represents that the 29 PCV2 isolates of this study were divided into four distinct genetic groups; PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2d, and PCV2f. • This is the first report of the PCV2f genotype from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Design of SnSe/SnS hybrid bilayer absorber using VTD. • Role of SnSe thickness in bilayer absorber solar cells. • Enhancement in charge collection property using bilayer absorber. • Improvement in the fill factor and open-circuit voltage by introducing a thin SnSe layer. The vapor-transport deposition of SnS and SnSe can help achieve low-cost and scalable photovoltaic devices. However, the performance of SnS- and SnSe-based solar cells is limited by shunt losses and low open-circuit voltage. Single SnS absorber based solar cells exhibit a high open-circuit voltage and low short-circuit current density, whereas single SnSe based solar cells demonstrate higher short-circuit current and low open-circuit voltage. In this study, we introduce a hybrid bilayer absorber configuration combining SnSe and SnS and fabricate a solar cell device using this structure (Mo/SnSe/SnS/CdS/ZnO/AZO/Al). Specifically, we establish this bilayer absorber configuration and a heterojunction device using CdS as the buffer layer. The bilayer-absorber-based device exhibits a higher open-circuit voltage than SnS based devices, along with a short-circuit current density comparable to those of SnSe based device. The optimal device featuring the bilayer absorber exhibits an efficiency of 3.65%, representing a considerable improvement over single SnS (2.87%) and SnSe (1.4%) absorber-based solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrated an environmentally responsible, inexpensive and simple one-step hydrothermal method to synthesize biocompatible fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from Aegle marmelos fruit extract. The near-spherical CQDs were discovered to have a naturally distributed size of 3–6 nm, were unintentionally doped with heteroatoms (Ca, K, and N) without the need for doping element precursors due to mineral contents in extract, had a quantum yield of about 4.06%, strong photostability, and excellent water solubility. Several morphological, compositional, physicochemical, and optical properties were studied. Other variables influencing CQD photoluminescence, such as hydrothermal process parameters and pH sensitivity, were also examined. Zeta potential analysis showed a negative surface charge with a zeta potential value of −5.29 mV and good dispersibility in aqueous solution. Furthermore, as an alternative to organic or synthetic probes, there is a huge need for the development of simple, affordable, and non-destructive fluorescent biomarkers. As-synthesized Ca, K, N-doped CQDs have demonstrated good fluorescent staining abilities and may be employed as a helpful probe for bio-imaging of cancer cells and other organisms. Cell survival and cytotoxicity were found to be satisfactory, with 90% of SH-SY5Y and HCT-116 cells surviving, compared to 63–77% for the other organisms, even at higher dosages (200 µg/mL) for up to 4 days. [Display omitted] • A facile heteroatom doped CQDs have been synthesized from Aegle marmelos. • Hydrothermal process dependent and pH responsive PL were examined. • Bio-imaging of cancer cells and other living organisms are demonstrated. • Cytotoxicity were found over 90% of SH-SY5Y and HCT-116 cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine Circovirus type-2 (PCV-2) is considered as a major threat to the piggery sector in India. To ascertain the epidemiological status and infection level of PCV2, a pilot study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of PCV2 in swine population by ELISA and PCR in the interior and border areas of Meghalaya which includes the area where accessibility and medical aid is a rare phenomenon. A total of 249 serum samples were collected from October 2014 to February 2016 from three divisions of Meghalaya: Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills Divisions. The mean positivity of PCV-2 antibodies in suspected sera was 83.93% whereas 62.25% of the suspected samples respectively were found to contain PCV2 as detected by PCR. Additional 190 tissue samples were collected during necropsy from both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals following reported outbreak in this region, which indicated a mean positivity of 18.94% (36/190); out of which 13 samples were subjected to sequencing to find out the genetic diversity of PCV2 amongst the field isolates. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of PCV2 isolates based on cap gene depicted genetic diversity among the strains in pig population of Meghalaya as the isolates belonged to PCV2a, PCV2b-1c and PCV2d genotypes; identification of the PCV2d genotype is probably the first report from Meghalaya. Four isolates forming an outlier group in the phylogenetic tree were arising out of natural inter-genotypic recombination between PCV2a and PCV2b. PCV2 being immunosuppressive in nature impairs the host immune response increasing the susceptibility to other co-infections leading to disease severity and high mortality in pig population. This baseline data gives a brief epidemiological status of PCV2 infection and circulating PCV2 genotype in this region which will be useful in the formulation of control and eradication programs in remotes areas of Meghalaya where accessibility is less and vaccination is a rare practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-environment wheat trials provide valuable information on the extent of genotype x environment interaction, the stability of genotypes and define and confirm agro-ecological regions through associations among sites. The All India Coordinated Crop Improvement Project on wheat evaluates candidates for release across the wheat growing regions of India. To facilitate this process the wheat area is divided into six agro-ecological zones; the northwestern plains zone (NWPZ), the northeastern plains zone (NEPZ), the central zone (CZ), the peninsular zone (PZ), the northern hills zone (NHZ) and the southern hills zone (SHZ). Factor analytic (FA) models were used to analyze the genotype x environment interaction for yield of 813 wheat genotypes evaluated at 136 locations across the six agro-ecological zones in 1307 individual advanced variety trials between 2008/09 and 2012/13. Genotype x environment interaction was firstly assessed separately within each of the six established agro-ecological zones. Key locations with a high genetic correlation with all other locations within each zone were identified. Predicted genetic values of important cultivars that were represented in a wider range of environments within each zone were estimated and highly stable genotypes were found. Genotype x environment interaction was subsequently assessed across agro-ecological zones. Only those environments where the models accounted for > 99% of the genetic variance were retained for further analysis and two smaller zones (NHZ and SHZ) with little or no genotype congruence with other agro-ecological zones were removed. Thus 476 genotypes from 488 environments were included in the analysis. Fifteen clusters of environments with similar patterns of adaptation were found. These clusters were then characterized based on zonal classification, sowing time, irrigation regime, latitude and year and three regions broadly representing the main wheat growing areas of India were identified. These regions represent a combination of the NWPZ and NEPZ defined by latitude, a central region that combines CZ locations with northern PZ locations and a southern region comprised of southern PZ sites. Further stratification of these zones was then possible based on sowing time and irrigation practice. One cluster of 29 environments had a high average genetic correlation (r = 0.75) with most other environments and production zones. These represent key locations where larger numbers of entries might be grown in future seasons as they are the best predictors of yield across cropping zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeting dihydrofolate reductase, here, we report the tumor growth inhibitory activity of substituted acridones. The screening of the molecules over 60 cell line panel of human cancer cells identified (S)-oxiran-2-ylmethyl 9-oxo-9,10-dihydroacridine-4-carboxylate (19) with average GI 50 0.3 μM. The specificity of the compound to CCRF-CEM, MOLT-4 and SR cell lines of leukemia and SW-620, SF268, LOXIMVI, ACHN and MCF7 cancerous cells exhibiting GI 50 in the nM range was observed. C6 Glioma cells treated with compound 19 showed differentiated cell morphology and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase. The interactions of the compound with dihydrofolate reductase were ascertained with the help of enzyme immunoassays, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]