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Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important legume and oilseed crop as its seed contains 44–56% oil and 22–30% protein on a dry seed basis. The present research work was conducted on 18 genotypes of groundnut including checks during kharif, 2018 at the research farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of genotypes under rainfed condition in the field through morphological and physiological traits. The genotypes were sown in randomized block design with three replications in field and were statistically analyzed. The analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic differences among all the characters under study in rainfed condition suggesting high degree of variability among the genotypes grown. The GCV and PCV was recorded high for the characters such as kernel yield per plant, root weight per plot, pod yield per plant and proline content. Moderate GCV and PCV were observed for pod yield per plot, kernel yield per plot, SLA, SLW and harvest index. In this experiment, the characters which showed high heritability along with high genetic advance are kernel yield per plot, pod yield per plot, root weight, shoot weight, specific leaf area and proline content. Therefore these, traits might be useful in breeding and selection programme for further improvement of groundnut pod yield in the areas of Jharkhand state.

A novel preclinical mouse model harboring an activating mutation in Gucy2c demonstrates features seen in patients with familial GUCY2C diarrhea syndrome. Fecal microbiome changes and colonic gene expression identify cell intrinsic and extrinsic roles of cGMP in gut inflammation., Activating mutations in receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C), the target of gastrointestinal peptide hormones guanylin and uroguanylin, and bacterial heat-stable enterotoxins cause early-onset diarrhea and chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). GC-C regulates ion and fluid secretion in the gut via cGMP production and activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase II. We characterize a novel mouse model harboring an activating mutation in Gucy2c equivalent to that seen in an affected Norwegian family. Mutant mice demonstrated elevated intestinal cGMP levels and enhanced fecal water and sodium content. Basal and linaclotide-mediated small intestinal transit was higher in mutant mice, and they were more susceptible to DSS-induced colitis. Fecal microbiome and gene expression analyses of colonic tissue revealed dysbiosis, up-regulation of IFN-stimulated genes, and misregulation of genes associated with human IBD and animal models of colitis. This novel mouse model thus provides molecular insights into the multiple roles of intestinal epithelial cell cGMP, which culminate in dysbiosis and the induction of inflammation in the gut., Graphical Abstract

Steroids are naturally found in humans, plants, fungi, and arthropods to implement several developmental functions. Steroids are also extensively used in the healthcare systems to design a myriad of therapeutics for the management of bronchial asthma, anaphylaxis, rheumatic fever, meningitis, etc. The widespread applications of steroids and their environmental discharges in soil/aquatic systems have posed serious health concerns such as infertility, premature birth, polycystic ovary syndrome, and reduces hatching rate in fish and birds. Being hydrophobic, these stable chemicals and their conjugate forms do not mix well with the water system and reside in the biosphere for prolonged periods. The situation poses an ecological risk and aquatic hazards for all terrestrial and aquatic fauna until these are decomposed completely. Specific microbial genome, biochemical reactions, the key intermediates, and distinct catabolic enzymes participate in the steroidal degradation. The chapter highlights significant aerobic and anaerobic microbes that efficiently catabolize complex steroids into nonsteroidal organic compounds.

SIRT7 belongs to the family of “NAD+ dependent deacetylases” called Sirtuins. In the present work we report a novel role of SIRT7 in regulating cellular polarity. SIRT7 overexpression in immortalized mouse fibroblasts (NIH3T3) induced epithelial transition. This transition was accompanied by typical N- to E- cadherin transition, stabilization of β-catenin, and the downregulation of transcription factors responsible for maintenance of mesenchymal phenotype (Snail, Slug, and Zeb1). Interestingly, a subpopulation of cells overexpressing SIRT7 exhibited an intermediate stage between mesenchymal and epithelial characters. Transformed epithelial cells showed a loss of heterochromatisation as evidenced by a loss of HP1α and H3K9 dimethylation staining. In conclusion, we report a role of SIRT7 in mesenchymal cells, which may have implications for health and disease.

The novel strain IHBB 11108T was a psychrotolerant and alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from the subsurface water of Chandra Tal Lake in the Lahaul-Spiti valley located in the Indian trans-Himalayas. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. The strain grew at 5–37 °C (optimum 28 °C), pH 5.0–12.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with up to 8 % NaCl (optimum 1 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed the highest relatedness of strain IHBB 11108T with Psychromicrobium silvestre DSM 102047T (97.5 %), Arthrobacter russicus DSM 14555T (97.4 %) and Renibacterium salmoninarum ATCC 33209T (97.4 %). The strain contained a quinone system with 57.2 % MK-9(H2), 39.1 % MK-10(H2), 3.0 % MK-8(H2) and 0.7 % MK-7(H2). The polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, dimannosylglyceride, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, one unidentified glycolipid and four unidentified lipids. The cell-wall peptidoglycan structure type was A3α l-Lys–l-Thr–l-Ala with substitution of the α-carboxyl group of d-Glu by alanine amide. Anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0 were the predominant fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 59.0 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness of strain IHBB 11108T was 46.7±2.2, 43.1±2.5 and 19.1±2.4 % with P. silvestre DSM 102047T, A. russicus DSM 14555T and R. salmoninarum ATCC 33209T, respectively. On the basis of the results of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, IHBB 11108T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Psychromicrobium for which the name Psychromicrobium lacuslunae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IHBB 11108T (=MTCC 12460T=MCC 2780T=JCM 31143T=KACC 19070T).

A novel bacterial strain, IHBB 10212T, of the genus Chryseobacterium was isolated from a glacier near the Kunzum Pass located in the Lahaul-Spiti in the North-Western Himalayas of India. The cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-sporulating, single rods, lacked flagella, and formed yellow to orange pigmented colonies. The strain utilized maltose, trehalose, sucrose, gentibiose, glucose, mannose, fructose, mannitol, arabitol and salicin for growth. Flexirubin-type pigments were produced by strain IHBB 10212T. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed relatedness of strain IHBB 10212T to Chryseobacterium polytrichastri DSM 26899T (97.43 %), Chryseobacterium greenlandense CIP 110007T (97.29 %) and Chryseobacterium aquaticum KCTC 12483T (96.80 %). Iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c) constituted the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids present were six unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified lipids. MK-6 was identified as the major quinone. The DNA G+C content was 34.08 mol%. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization of strain IHBB 10212T with C. polytrichastri , C. greenlandense and C. aquaticum showed values far below the prescribed thresholds of 95 % for average nucleotide identity and 70 % for the Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator for species delineation. Based on its differences from validly published Chryseobacterium species, strain IHBB 10212T is identified as a new species, for which the proposed name is Chryseobacterium glaciei sp. nov., with IHBB 10212T as the type strain (=MTCC 12457T=JCM 31156T=KACC 19170T).

The dataset presented in this article is associated with the TMT (Tandem mass tag) labeled proteomics of chili pepper plant (Capsicum frutescens) infested by a broad mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus). Data was captured using a nano liquid chromatography system coupled with high-resolution Orbitrap FusionTribridmass spectrometer. Proteomics data was analyzed using the Proteome Discoverer version 2.4 tool using MASCOT and SequestHT algorithms. We have identified a total of 5,807 proteins supported by 48,555 unique peptides and 1,279,655 peptide-spectrum matches. Individually, 5,186 proteins were detected in healthy leaf samples, 5,193 in infested leaf sample, 5,194 proteins in healthy meristem sample, and 5,196 proteins in infested meristem samples. Datasets obtained from reciprocal blast against the Arabidopsis thaliana proteome database enabled the prediction of protein-protein interactions, and subcellular localization of differentially expressed proteins, which are also included in this article. Data presented in this article has been deposited in the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE repository, which can be accessed through the accession ID: PXD018653.

The increasing use of pesticides such as malathion and dithane in agriculture causes environmental mutagenicity. However, their genotoxicity in edible crops is seldom assessed. In this study, the genotoxic potential of malathion and dithane was evaluated in the roots of Vicia faba L. All three concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2%) of malathion and dithane tested resulted in a significant decrease in root length and inhibited seed germination. Cytological observations showed that the mitotic frequency in the root meristematic cells decreased parallel to the increase in concentrations, and the increase in chromosome aberrations and micronuclei frequency was concentration dependent. Alkaline comet assay revealed significant onset of DNA damage at all tested concentrations. For the randomly amplified polymorphic (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses, 10 random RAPD primers were found to produce 116 unique polymorphic RAPD band fragments of 223–3139 bp. Each primer generated 3–15 RAPD bands on an average. The percentage of polymorphic DNA fragments was higher in malathion-exposed plants than dithane ones. The changes in RAPD profiles included disappearance and/or appearance of DNA bands in malathion and dithane treatment. Hence, DNA damage observed by the cytogenetic endpoints and comet assay corroborated with RAPD-PCR analysis. A total of 15 new protein bands of molecular weight ranging 11.894–226.669 kDa were observed in roots of Vicia plants that were exposed to the pesticides. The number of new protein bands was higher in malathion-treated DNA samples than in dithane-treated ones. Based on the results, we conclude that the pesticides can alter genomic template stability and change protein profiles. Malathion was more genotoxic than dithane. Therefore, RAPD assays can be useful in determining genotoxicity of pesticides in V. faba and other crops along with other quantitative parameters.

EccDNAs are hiding in plain sight in conventional ATAC-seq data., Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are somatically mosaic and contribute to intercellular heterogeneity in normal and tumor cells. Because short eccDNAs are poorly chromatinized, we hypothesized that they are sequenced by tagmentation in ATAC-seq experiments without any enrichment of circular DNA. Indeed, ATAC-seq identified thousands of eccDNAs in cell lines that were validated by inverse PCR and by metaphase FISH. ATAC-seq in gliomas and glioblastomas identify hundreds of eccDNAs, including one containing the well-known EGFR gene amplicon from chr7. More than 18,000 eccDNAs, many carrying known cancer driver genes, are identified in a pan-cancer analysis of ATAC-seq libraries from 23 tumor types. Somatically mosaic eccDNAs are identified by ATAC-seq even before amplification is recognized by genome-wide copy number variation measurements. Thus, ATAC-seq is a sensitive method to detect eccDNA present in a tumor at the pre-amplification stage and can be used to predict resistance to therapy.

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) lack centromeres and are not passed equally into daughter cells and thus provide a source of cell-cell heterogeneity in normal and tumor cells. Previously we and other groups purified circular DNA and linearized them by rolling circle amplification for paired end high throughput sequencing to identify eccDNA in cells and tissues. We hypothesized that many eccDNA will have more open chromatin and so will be susceptible to linearization and sequencing by tagmentation. Indeed, we find that ATAC-seq on cell lines and cancers, without any enrichment of circular DNA, identifies thousands of eccDNAs. The identified eccDNAs in cell lines were validated by inverse PCR on DNA that survives exonuclease digestion of linear DNA and by metaphase FISH. We demonstrate that ATAC-seq data generated in Lower Grade Gliomas (LGG) and Glioblastomas (GBM) identify eccDNAs, including one containing the well-known EGFR gene amplicon from chr7. Many of the eccDNAs are identified even before amplification of the locus is detected by genotyping arrays. Thus, standard ATAC-seq is a sensitive method to detect segments of DNA that are present as eccDNA in a subset of the tumor cells, ready to be further amplified under appropriate selection, as during therapy.

The mughal court rituals and etiquette have been referred to in the contemporary court chronicles in the context of various events which form an interesting theme in understanding the mughal polity, society and administration. Rituals and etiquettes defined and expressed the emperor's relationship with the ruling elite and also with the subjects in general. Infect the nature of rituals and etiquettes referred the nature of sovereignty. Broadly speaking the mughal rituals and etiquette evolved from two sets of components, what the mughals brought with them from central Asia and what they found in Hindustan. One of the major objects of these rituals and etiquettes was to enhance the power and prestige of the emperor. Thus they strengthened the ties between the emperor and the imperial servants. The practice of accomplishing presents to the mughal emperor remained as a custom throughout the mughal period. These etiquettes, rituals and customs were designed to enhance the power and prestige of the mughal emperor in the eyes of the various types of the grandees of the state as well as the people at large. They are found in Akbar's liberal, broad and humane outlook and earned a broader acceptance of the subjects for the mughal polity but it took a long way in shaping a distinct mughal polity and culture in India which articulated kingship of higher order than that of earlier Turkish Sultans of Delhi. The outlook of Akbar's successors also reflected in their court rituals and etiquettes, however, brought some changes in Akbarid traditions. Most valuable presents were given to the emperor Jahangir by his nobles and the magnificence of the court increased considerably in Shahjahan„s reign. The hall mark of the Aurangzeb's reign was his puritanical outlook guided by his religious bent of mind as he stopped some Hindu customs. Such departures from Akbar's liberal and broad outlook based traditions were not without results. The beliefs and assumptions about the nature of mughal sovereignty and polity are well defined in the mughal court rituals and etiquettes. Infect the nature of rituals and etiquettes reflected the nature of sovereignty. The presents meant for the nobles were not of much value. But the presents offered to the king were very valuable and rare and costly things. It was expected that the worth and glitter would enhance the splendor of the imperial court and that person might win the imperial favour after giving his presents. Nazr was less substantial and was offered in thanks giving on felicitous occasions of lesser importance. It had only a nominal amount whereas the peshkas must have imposed a real burden on the nobles. These presents may be regarded as an investment because on the occasions when the emperor received the nobles‟ offerings he also in return gave away valuable gifts to them in the form of jagirs, appointments, promotions sometimes in cash and things like jewels, elephants, horses and sets of robes. The visit of the emperor to an amir was an honour and was always an occasion for the later to make valuable presents. The court rituals, thus, established and defined the relationship of the emperor with the imperial servants and the subjects and also strengthened the ties between the emperor and his officers.

Agricultural productions particularly raw material helped in the growth of industry during the medieval period. The industrial organization was of two types. One was the artisan system and the other one was the karkhana system. In the artisan system an independent artisan supplied his own capital on a small scale level and prevailed in the towns only. In the State karkhanas, the materials were supplied by the state and mostly established in the big cities e.g. Delhi, Agra etc. Infect karkhanas worked on the lines of large scale industries in which the workshop, the raw materials, the tools, and the implements were provided by the state and they produced commodities according to the taste of the owner. The needs of the state were very large. The state maintained karkhanas were set up not only in the capital but also in the provincial headquarters. On the contrary, their existence depended on the choice and taste of the emperor and the state requirements. However, they produced some fine commercial commodities by employed labour even in the declining phase. The use of agricultural labour was widespread and it was practically forced labour. Different types of industry were situated here e.g. luxury goods, war auxiliaries, metal industry, textile (cotton, wool and silk), sugar, ghee, etc. There were small scale industries also in every corner of the region to cater the local demands. Textile industry was the most important industry. The cotton industry helped the Mughals to acquire an eminent and advanced position in the market of the contemporary world. Samana and Sunam were famous for the cotton textile industry. The native process of weaving was slow and the weavers were very poor. But the peculiar feature of various industries was that the industrial skill and profession passed on from father to son. All the clothes were manufactured on handloom. The cotton textiles were produced probably everywhere both for local consumption and distant markets. The most important subsidiary industry, however, was that of dye and printing due to rich production of indigo. Sugar industry was exclusively owned by the local people and produced the best quality of refined sugar. Ghee, produced in Hisar-Firoza was sent to Delhi for the royal kitchen. The small, indigenous and popular industries were the handicrafts. The weaver, the spinner, the shoe maker, the carpenter, the smith and the blacksmith, the potter and the worker in brass and copper were seen in every village and town. Metal resources were sufficient for the metal industry. The village pottery was as old as the country itself. Earthen wares were often used than that of brass ware. Ironmongery was limited by the high cost of the metal. Leather was not a prominent industry because shoes were less commonly worn than at present times. It was rather surprising that the cotton and the silk weaving as well as the other industries became wide-spread in every household and was persuaded during the vacations from the agricultural pursuit. Growth of industry led to the growth of trade and trading centers.

Firm faith and high hope on the one hand and power of resistance and tenacity of purpose on the other, formed the main features of the Sikh character. The first three decades after Aurangzeb's death became more complicated and the Northern provinces were taking full advantage of the weakness of the imperial centre. There were local rising of the Sikhs, the Jats and the other local powers in the region. Mughal authority had become weak and the struggle was basically confined between the Mughals and the Sikhs. Banda, who had come to Punjab as the commander of the forces of the Khalsa, organized the Sikhs and built independent political system and drew principal strength from the zamindars, peasantry and lower classes. He began to plunder in Punjab with five quiver bestowed by Guru and three types of man rallied around him. He made use of both offensive and defensive tactics as circumstances demanded. Banda established his headquarter village Sheri and Khanda. After occupying Sonepat he attacked Kaithal, arrested the Mughals officials then marched towards Samana. Muazzam on his way from Deccan received the news of the Sikhs near Sarhind. Banda plundered Ghuram and Thaska. Through Shahbad he sacked Kunjpura and chose Sadhaura, and its neighbourhood as his base of his operations due to its proximity to Sirmur hills, where he could withdraw whenever the situation so demanded. Sadhaura(Qatalghari) was put to plunder and a number of its inhabitants were killed. Then a battle fought at Chhaparchiri between Wazir Khan and the Sikhs resulted in the massacre of the Mughal army with Wazir Khan and Suchanand and recovered the booty of two crores of rupees and other goods. He became the master of almost the whole of the sarkar Sarhind. A few parganas in Saharanpur sarkar also fell into their hands and made administrative arrangements for the conquered territory. Banda returned to Mukhlispur which he selected as his capital under the name of Lohgarh. On receiving the first news of Sikh outbreak in 1710 Bahadur Shah after settling peace with the Rajput rajas, Ajit Singh and Jai Singh, he turned his attention to them. On the complaints of the inhabitants, Mughal forces were sent again and again to suppress them. On the arrival of the Emperor Bahadur Shah in Punjab Banda Bahadur put him on the defensive. But again the Sikhs barred the road between Delhi and Panipat for many months. When the Emperor reached Sadhuara, the Sikhs had fled towards south and took refuge in the hills. After few attempts Emperor Bahadur Shah sent royal orders to Hindu rajas of Garhwal and Nahan to seige him at any cost but all the efforts to crush Banda Bahadur were failed. On hearing the death of Bahadur Shah, Banda Bahadur made full use of this opportunity took the possession of the town Sadhuara and recaptured the fort of Lohgarh. And immediately after the accession Emperor issued orders to Abdus Samad and other energetic officers in March 1715 to crush the Sikhs. After eight month's struggle Banda Bahadur was captured along with his 740 followers on December 17, 1715. They were first taken to Lahore and then to Delhi in heavy chains by Zakaria Khan and Qamru-din-Khan. At Delhi, they were produced before the Emperor in a procession. The imperial orders were issued and Banda Bahadur along with the other Sikh prisoners was executed on June 9, 1716.

The nature of rituals and etiquettes referred the nature of sovereignty. These etiquettes and rituals were designed to enhance the power and prestige of the mughal emperor in the eyes of the various types of the officials of the state as well as the people at large. Nobles were rewarded by the mughal emperors for their distinguished services by the grant of titles. Ordinarily a title also signified the status of a person in the mughal official hierarchy. Rewards and distinctions were given to nobles for their valuable services by the mughal emperor from time to time and it included cash, jewels and other valuable things. And the nobles also received distinction in the form of titles, robes of honour, kettle drums and standards and ensigns. It was an elaborate system, the details of which were carefully worked out by the mughal emperors from time to time and all them used to confer titles on the nobles. Occasionally the mughal emperors in order to raise the status of some amirs conferred upon them the title of Khan in case of Muhammadans and rai and raja when he was a Hindu. The mughal emperors presented the imperial servants with khillats, awards in the form of flag, drum, jewelled dagger etc. on special occasions. These gifts were given to them in accordance with their rank and status and also the nature of achievements or success of the person concerned. It remained as a custom throughout the mughal period. It may however, be mentioned that the court rituals did not extinguished the existing identities and ties. Rather the actual self-perception of the individuals involved differed in many ways or cases from that depicted in the court rituals. Babur and his successors continued this type of practices. And some of the titles conferred by the mughal emperors upon their amirs were Rukan-ud-daulah, Saif-ud- daulah, Nasir-Jang, Shujaat Khan, Sardar Khan, Rustam Ali Khan, Izzat-ud- daulah, Muzaffar Khan, etc. Many of these titles had references to the distinguishing qualities of the recipient. These amirs not only enjoyed high sounding titles but also in receipt of very handsome emoluments. With the introduction of mansabdari system-the title of Beg was changed to that of amir. During Akbaras reign all the officers of the state, holding a mansab of 200 and above, was called an amir. During Shahjahanas reign an officer holding a mansab of 500 or above was entitled to be called an amir. Some titles as their meaning also suggests could be bestowed only on one amir at a time but in reality this rule was not always observed and it seems to have been held by more than one person at a time or simultaneously. In the beginning some nobles considered themselves equal in every respect to the mughal emperors and wanted to be co-partner in respect of sovereignty. Officials were also awarded flag, kettle drum etc. by the mughal emperors however, they could with-hold this right if the behaviour of a noble did not justify this honour. The right to carry the flags and similar ensigns before the emperor was conferred on some high nobles. These ensigns were only found at the entrance of the audience hall and were carried on elephants before the mughal emperor, were called the Qur. And the officer who was placed in-charge of the Qur was known as Qur-Begi. So the nobles were awarded titles by mughal emperor at the time of their performance e.g. in war, administration, days of celebrations i.e. festivals, birthdays and other occasions of happiness and also on those who supported him in the war of succession to the throne, etc. and it gave physical form to the function of the emperor as axis-mundi.

Summary High-risk human papilloma viruses (HPVs) cause cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, unlike the low-risk HPVs, which cause benign lesions. E6 oncoproteins from the high-risk strains are essential for cell proliferation and transformation in HPV-induced cancers. We report that a cellular deubiquitinase, USP46, is selectively recruited by the E6 of high-risk, but not low-risk, HPV to deubiqutinate and stabilize Cdt2/DTL. Stabilization of Cdt2, a component of the CRL4Cdt2 E3 ubiquitin ligase, limits the level of Set8, an epigenetic writer, and promotes cell proliferation. USP46 is essential for the proliferation of HPV-transformed cells, but not of cells without HPV. Cdt2 is elevated in human cervical cancers and knockdown of USP46 inhibits HPV-transformed tumor growth in xenografts. Recruitment of a cellular deubiquitinase to stabilize key cellular proteins is an important activity of oncogenic E6, and the importance of E6-USP46-Cdt2-Set8 pathway in HPV-induced cancers makes USP46 a target for the therapy of such cancers.

Sirtuins belong to the family of class III histone deacetylases; its role in neoplasia is controversial as both tumor-suppressive and promoting functions have been reported. There are very few reports available, where expressions of sirtuin isoforms are comprehensively analyzed during neoplasia. Therefore, in the present study, the expression of SIRT1, SIRT2, and SIRT7 during different stages of cervical cancer progression was analyzed. The normal cervical epithelium showed feeble expression of sirtuin isoforms, SIRT1, SIRT2, and SIRT7. A significant increase in SIRT1 expression was noted in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus of proliferative layers of cervical epithelium in squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL); however, in the squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), a heterogeneous pattern of SIRT1 expression varying from low to high was noted. A progressive increase in the expression of both SIRT2 and SIRT7 was noted during cancer progression in the following order: normal

The implementation of a successful glyphosate resistance management strategy requires a simple and cost-effective method for detecting resistance in key weeds. To date, however, glyphosate resistance is still routinely confirmed via laborious and time consuming whole-plant pot assays using seeds collected at the end of the growing season. Here, we describe a simple, early-season bioassay for detecting evolved glyphosate resistance in grass and broadleaf weeds. It involves transplanting suspected glyphosate resistant seedlings alongside known sensitive and resistant standards into agar containing informative rates of herbicide and recording percentage survival 14 d after plating. The method was validated using sensitive and resistant populations of Lolium, Eleusine, Conyza, and Amaranthus species encompassing the main glyphosate resistance mechanisms, namely, impaired translocation, EPSPS gene duplication, and mutations. The whole plant pot and agar-based seedling tests generated comparable resistance indices in dose-response assays and percentage survival at discriminating glyphosate rates. The method was applied successfully to detect resistance in a rigid ryegrass population collected from a French vineyard well before glyphosate was applied in the field for the current season. Additionally, the test was shown to be highly transferable to several other grass and broadleaf weeds that have evolved resistance to glyphosate. One major attribute of the method is that it is capable of detecting resistance regardless of the mechanism involved. In addition to being very simple, quick and, cost-effective, it allows determination of glyphosate resistance in weeds prior to field application. It thus offers the opportunity for an informed choice of herbicides for effective weed control.

The assessment of bacterial diversity and bioprospection of the high-altitude lake Suraj Tal microorganisms for potent antimicrobial activities revealed the presence of two Gram-stain-variable, endospore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacteria, namely IHBB 9852T and IHBB 9951. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed the affiliation of strains IHBB 9852T and IHBB 9951 within the genus Paenibacillus, exhibiting the highest sequence similarity to Paenibacillus lactis DSM 15596T (97.8% and 97.7%) and less than 95.9% similarity to other species of the genus Paenibacillus. DNA-DNA relatedness among strains IHBB 9852T and IHBB 9951 was 90.2%, and with P. lactis DSM 15596T, was 52.7% and 52.4%, respectively. The novel strains contain anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, C16:0 and iso-C16:0 as major fatty acids, and phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol were predominant polar lipids. The DNA G+C content for IHBB 9852T and IHBB 9951 was 52.1 and 52.2mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic and genomic characterisations, we concluded that strains IHBB 9852T and IHBB 9951 belong to a novel Paenibacillus species, for which the name Paenibacillus ihbetae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IHBB 9852T (=MTCC 12459T=MCC 2795T=JCM 31131T=KACC 19072T; DPD TaxonNumber TA00046) and IHBB 9951 (=MTCC 12458=MCC 2794=JCM 31132=KACC 19073) is a reference strain.

In recent years, nitrilases from fungus have received increasing attention, and most of the studies are performed on nitrilases of bacterial origin. Frequently used methods are based on analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography; therefore, an efficient, user friendly, and rapid method has been developed to screen nitrilase enzyme based on the principle of color change of a pH indicator. Phenol red amended with the minimal medium appears light yellow at neutral pH, which changes into pink with the formation of ammonia, indicating nitrilase activity in the reaction medium. A highly potent strain ED-3 identified as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopercisi (specific activity 17.5 µmol/Min/mg dcw) was isolated using this method. The nitrilase activity of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopercisi ED-3 strain showed wide substrate specificity toward aliphatic nitriles, aromatic nitriles, and orthosubstituted heterocyclic nitriles. 4-Aminobenzonitrile was found to be a superior substrate among all the nitriles used in this study. This nitrilase was active within pH 5-10 and temperature ranging from 25 to 60 °C with optimal at pH 7.0 and temperature at 50 °C. The nitrilase activity was enhanced to several folds through optimization of culture and biotransformation conditions from 1,121 to 1,941 µmol/Min.

The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of lead (Pb) were studied in A. cepa L. and V. faba L. The plants were exposed to lead nitrate [Pb (NO3)2] solutions at three concentrations (50, 100 and 200 μM), and root growth, root viability and antioxidant enzyme activity was assessed. In addition genotoxicity was evaluated by changes in the mitotic index (MI) chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA strand breaks. The exposure to Pb caused serious damage in the roots, which was accompanied by a decrease in divisional frequency of cell, increase in chromosomal aberrations, DNA fragmentation and micronucleus frequency in both the plants. The enzymes guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) activities increased in both the plants. Increased level of malonaldehyde (MDA) an indicator of lipid peroxidation was noted. A positive correlation of the activity of GPX and CAT with malonaldehyde (MDA) content was recorded at all concentrations of Pb. This finding suggest that exposure of high Pb concentration is cytotoxic as well as genotoxic for A. cepa L. and V. faba L., and are correlated to the oxidative stress.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are known to convert the insoluble forms of phosphate to soluble one and make them available for plant uptake. The present study aimed to isolate PSB from the rhizosphere of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cv. GPF2) and examine their effect on the growth and seed number. The isolated PSB were analyzed for phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid and siderophore production. PSB were characterized for phenotypic and biochemical properties, BIOLOG and whole-cell fatty acid methyl ester profile and found to be closely related to Pantoea cypripedii and Enterobacter aerogenes based on 16s rRNA gene sequencing. A high increase in growth of C. arietinum was observed when innoculated with PSB in tricalcium phosphate amended soils. A higher uptake in total P (53 %) of plants was observed when inoculated with mixture of P. cypripedii and E. aerogenes along with Rhizobium ciceri as compared to respective control plants which significantly increased the seed number (98.3 %) and seed weight (46.1 %). This study demonstrated the ability of novel PSB P. cypripedii along with E. aerogenes and R. ciceri to promote chickpea growth.

Sirtuins belong to a class of NAD-dependent deacetylases, and include seven distinct isoforms, of which SIRT7 is the least studied member. In the present study, the subcellular expression of SIRT7 in primary fibroblasts undergoing senescence was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and immunoblot assay. Expression of nucleolar SIRT7 in young fibroblast was very prominent, decreased in pre-senescent cells, and became undetectable in the senescent cells. Interestingly, we observed previously unreported staining for cytoplasmic SIRT7 in fibroblasts, and report the existence of a steady-state level of SIRT7 in cytoplasm. Selective localization of the high-molecular-mass (47.5 kDa) SIRT7 in the cytoplasmic fraction and the low-molecular-mass (45 kDa) SIRT7 in the nuclear fraction was observed in the immunoblot analysis of various cell types. The specificity of the N-terminal antibodies for detection of cytoplasmic SIRT7 was confirmed by RNAi and peptide competition assays. The two forms of SIRT7 showed reciprocal expression following serum starvation, nocodazole and okadaic acid treatments, and also during senescence. Using a combination of deletion constructs and site-directed mutagenesis, we defined the role of two distinct SIRT7 sequences in the N-terminal region (amino acids 61-76, LQGRSRRREGLKRRQE) and the C-terminal region (amino acids 392-400, KRTKRKKVT) for nuclear and nucleolar import, respectively. In conclusion, we report for the first time the existence of a cytoplasmic pool of SIRT7 in addition to its well-known nucleolar form, identify distinct localization signals for its nuclear/nucleolar targeting, and describe an association between loss of nucleolar SIRT7 and replicative senescence.

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a minor complication after general anaesthesia. Many agents have been used as lubricant to reduce the incidence of POST with variable efficacy. We conducted a study to compare the incidence of POST with 0.05% betamethasone gel and 2% lignocaine jelly as a lubricant for PLMA insertion in patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Sixty subjects were divided randomly into two groups. Patients in Group I ( n = 30) had 2.5 ml of 0.05% of betamethasone gel while the Group II had 2.5 ml of 2% lignocaine jelly applied on the cuff of PLMA. After standard induction and insertion of PLMA cuff inflated to 60 cm of H 2 O and was maintained at the same throughout the surgery. In PACU, patients were inquired about sore throat at immediate and 24 h post operative period. POST was not observed in any of the patients of Group I. In group II 33% of the patients had 1st degree and 10% had 2nd degree of sore-throat in immediate post-operative period. After 24 h 16% patients had 1st degree sore-throat and 3% patients had 2nd degree of sore-throat in Group II patients. We conclude that lubricating cuff of PLMA with 0.05% of betamethasone gel is effective in reducing the incidence of POST.

Enumeration of the endophytic fungi from the red listed, critically endangered medicinal plant, Coscinium fenestratum was investigated for the first time. The ubiquitous presence of 41 endophytic fungi belonging to sixteen different taxa was identified from 195 samples of healthy leaves and stem using traditional morphological methods. The overall colonization rate of endophytes in both the leaf and the stem was found to be 21.02%.The stem showed low percentage frequency of colonization of the endophytic fungi when compared to leaf segments. Among the endophytic flora, Phomopsis jacquiniana was found to be the core-group fungus with a colonization frequency of 4.6%.

Anacardium occidentale L. (cashew) is an important tropical nut crop valued for its kernels and shell oil. The varieties grown at present are low yielding. The amount of raw nuts produced by these is not enough to meet the demand for kernels and shell oil on the world market. The yield is lowered further by the attack of several insects of which the tea mosquito is the most devastating. To control the insect infection large scale spraying of cashew plantations is done aerially. This has resulted in health hazards to people surrounding the plantations. Methods to introduce insect resistance in cashew trees by transformation would not only help in increasing the yield but also in reducing the pesticide load on the environment. Transformation of cashew was carried out using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA-105 with plasmid pBIN m-gfp5-ER. nptll (kanamycin resistance) was used for the selection. Successful transformation was confirmed with PCR amplification of transformed in vitro cashew plants using GFP specific primers. The fluorescent glowing of the leaves of the in vitro grown cashew plants at 365 nm confirmed the expression of the gene in transformed plants.

BACKGROUND: This paper describes the chemical analysis of the essential oil and various oleoresins of Elettaria cardamomum (seeds and pods) by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. It also compares the effects of the different extraction solvents used (chloroform, methanol, ethanol and diethyl ether) on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and oleoresins. RESULTS: The essential oil was found to contain 71 compounds. The major components were α-terpinyl acetate (44.3%), 1,8-cineole (10.7%), α-terpineol (9.8%) and linalool (8.6%). The chloroform and methanol oleoresins both contained α-terpinyl acetate (21.8 and 25.9% respectively) as the main component, while 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (28.9%) was the most abundant compound in the ethanol oleoresin. However, very few components (total 0.61%) were found in the diethyl ether oleoresin. The antioxidant activities of the essential oil and oleoresins, studied in mustard oil by monitoring the peroxide value of the oil substrate, were comparable to those of the synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 0.02% concentration. The essential oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity against the micro-organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi at 3000 ppm by the agar well diffusion method. Antifungal activity was tested against the food-borne fungi Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium purpurogenum, Fusarium graminearum and Penicillium madriti. The methanol and ethanol oleoresins gave the best results against A. terreus at 3000 ppm by the poison food method. CONCLUSION: This study provides important information about the chemistry and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of E. cardamomum. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

A previously uncharacterized species of the genus Arthrobacter , strain IHBB 11108 (MCC 2780), is a Gram-positive, strictly aerobic, nonmotile, cold-adapted, and protease-producing alkaliphilic actinobacterium, isolated from shallow undersurface water from Chandra Tal Lake, Lahaul-Spiti, India. The complete genome of the strain is 3.6 Mb in size with an average 58.97% G+C content.

The complete genome sequence of 5.77 Mb is reported for Paenibacillus sp. strain IHBB 10380, isolated from the cold desert area of the northwestern Himalayas and exhibiting amylase and cellulase activities. The gene-coding clusters predicted the presence of genes for hydrolytic enzymes in the genome.

Dermatophytosis, topical fungal infection is the most common cause of skin bug in the world, generally underestimated and ignored. It is commonly caused by immensely mortifying and keratinophilic fungal eukaryotes which invade keratinized tissues and generate different tinea diseases in Mediterranean countries. We herein fabricated nanofibers/scaffolds embedded with thiocarbamate derivative topical antifungal tolnaftatefor the first time to target the complete elimination of dermatophyte at the site of infection. In this regard, variable combinations of biocompatible Eudragit grades (ERL100 and ERS100) were selected to provide better adhesion on the site of dermatophytosis, ample absorption of exudates during treatment, and customized controlled drug release. Surface topography analysis indicated that the fabricated nanofibers were regular and defect-free, comprising distinct pockets with nanoscaled diameters. Characterization and compatibility studies of tolnaftate, polymers, and their nanofibers were performed through ATR-FTIR, TGA, and PXRD. Remarkable hydrophilicity and an excellent swelling index were obtained from a 3:1 ratio of ERL100/ERS100 electrospun D3 nanofibers, which is an essential benchmark for the fabrication of nanofibrous scaffolds for alleviating dermatophytosis. In vitro drug release investigation revealed that a nonwoven nanomesh of nanofibers could control the rate of drug release for 8 h. A microdilution assay exhibited inhibition of more than 95% viable cells of Trichophyton rubrum for 96 h. However, Microsporum species rigidly restricted the effect of bioactive antifungal nanofibers and hence showed resistance. In vivo activity on Trichophyton rubrum infected Swiss albino mice revealed complete inhibition of fungal pathogens on successive applications of D3 nanofibers for 7 days. This investigation suggests potential uses of tolnaftate loaded polyacrylate nanofibers as dressing materials/scaffolds for effective management of dermatophytosis.

Maintaining the genomic integrity is a constant challenge in proliferating cells. Amongst various proteins involved in this process, Sirtuins play a key role in DNA damage repair mechanisms in yeast as well as mammals. In the present work we report the role of one of the least explored Sirtuin viz., SIRT7, under conditions of genomic stress when treated with doxorubicin. Knockdown of SIRT7 sensitized osteosarcoma (U2OS) cells to DNA damage induced cell death by doxorubicin. SIRT7 overexpression in NIH3T3 delayed cell cycle progression by causing delay in G1 to S transition. SIRT7 overexpressing cells when treated with low dose of doxorubicin (0.25 µM) showed delayed onset of senescence, lesser accumulation of DNA damage marker γH2AX and lowered levels of growth arrest markers viz., p53 and p21 when compared to doxorubicin treated control GFP expressing cells. Resistance to DNA damage following SIRT7 overexpression was also evident by EdU incorporation studies where cellular growth arrest was significantly delayed. When treated with higher dose of doxorubicin (>1 µM), SIRT7 conferred resistance to apoptosis by attenuating stress activated kinases (SAPK viz., p38 and JNK) and p53 response thereby shifting the cellular fate towards senescence. Interestingly, relocalization of SIRT7 from nucleolus to nucleoplasm together with its co-localization with SAPK was an important feature associated with DNA damage. SIRT7 mediated resistance to doxorubicin induced apoptosis and senescence was lost when p53 level was restored by nutlin treatment. Overall, we propose SIRT7 attenuates DNA damage, SAPK activation and p53 response thereby promoting cellular survival under conditions of genomic stress.

The degradation of myofibrillar proteins of rohu carp (Labeo rohita (Hamilton)) muscle was analysed after post-mortem storage. Muscle fillets were kept either unfrozen at 2 °C for up to 15 days or frozen at −8 °C or −20 °C for up to 6 months. A co-ordinated histochemical, biochemical and electrophoretic study showed a differential response of the carp muscle, revealing clear degenerative/degradative changes specific to the post-mortem storage temperatures. The myofibrillar protein fractions, namely myosin light chains and α-actinin, showed degradative changes during the above storage conditions, whereas other protein fractions in the high-molecular-weight range fragmented to give lower-molecular-weight proteins. The importance of the post-mortem storage temperature for controlling the degradation of the myofibrillar proteins was emphasised. This is the first report on this popular fish species, known for its culinary importance, showing that specific protein fractions of the myofibrils degrade during post-mortem storage. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry

A state of permanent growth arrest characterises a senescent cell. Both the beneficial and deleterious effects that have accrued in senescent cells are observed in a complex organ, such as the liver. Injury to liver tissues triggers processes of regeneration and associated wound healing. Persistent injury can also lead to the neoplastic state. Recent evidence linked the senescent characteristics of the cells to the beneficial processes of wound healing and tumour surveillance in the liver. On the other hand, the secretory phenotype of senescent cells can also selectively promote undesirable neoplastic progression. In an evolutionary context, a senescent cell can function primarily as an adaptive response featuring the characteristics of altruism, trade-offs and bystander effects. Using the liver cell as a model system, this review focuses on the current knowledge of the role of senescence in these seemingly contradictory cell phenomena.

During screening for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) producing bacteria from distillery effluent sample, six out of 30 isolates comprising of three strains of Alcaligenes sp., two strains of Bacillus sp., and one strain of Pseudomonas sp. were found to accumulate varying levels of intracellular PHB. Amongst the various isolates, Alcaligenes sp. RZS4 was found as the potent PHB-producing organism, accumulating higher amounts of PHB. PHB productivity was further enhanced in the presence of oxygen, nitrogen-limiting conditions, and cloning of PHB synthesizing genes of Alcaligenes sp. RZS 4 into Escherichia coli. A twofold increase in PHB yield was obtained from recombinant E. coli vis-a-vis Alcaligenes sp.; the recombinant E. coli accumulated more PHB in NDMM, produced good amount of PHB in a single-stage cultivation process under both nutrient-rich and nutrient-deficient conditions. Extraction of PHB with acetone–alcohol (1:1) was found as suitable method for optimum extraction of PHB as this mixture selectively extracted PHB without affecting the non-PHB cell mass. PHB extract from recombinant E. coli showed the presence of C–H, =O stretching, =C–H deformation, =C–H, =CH, and =C–O functional groups characteristic of PHB.

The effect of four phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) was studied on growth and aloin-A content of Aloe barbadensis in soil containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP). PSB were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Pseudomonas synxantha, Burkholderia gladioli, Enterobacter hormaechei and Serratia marcescens. These PSB solubilized 25-340 μg ml(-1) of TCP into the liquid phase. The treatment of plants with individual PSB or mixture of these increased soil available P, P uptake in plants and plant growth. The increase in aloin-A content due to higher plant biomass and unit biomass production was 673%, 294%, 276%, 119% and 108% in plants treated with a PSB consortium, P. synxantha, S. marcescens, B. gladioli, and E. hormaechei in TCP amended soil, respectively.

Stress induced premature senescence (SIPS) in mammalian cells is an accelerated ageing response and experimentally obtained on treatment of cells with high concentrations of H(2)O(2), albeit at sub-lethal doses, because H(2)O(2) gets depleted by abundant cellular catalase. In the present study diperoxovanadate (DPV) was used as it is known to be stable at physiological pH, to be catalase-resistant and to substitute for H(2)O(2) in its activities at concentrations order of magnitudes lower. On treating NIH3T3 cells with DPV, SIPS-like morphology was observed along with an immediate response of rounding of the cells by disruption of actin cytoskeleton and transient G2/M arrest. DPV could bring about growth arrest and senescence associated features at 25 mu M dose, which were not seen with similar doses of either H(2)O(2) or vanadate. A minimal dose of 150 mu M of H(2)O(2) was required to induce similar affects as 25 mu M DPV. Increase in senescent associated markers such as p21, HMGA2 and PAI-1 was more prominent in DPV treated cells compared to similar dose of H(2)O(2). DPV-treated cells showed marked relocalization of Cyclin D1 from nucleus to cytoplasm. These results indicate that DPV, stable inorganic peroxide, is more efficient in inducing SIPS at lower concentrations compared to H(2)O(2). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soils of during 2012-13. Plant height was recorded significantly higher in variety Gujarat Val 1 when sown on 15th October at 30 cm row spacing. All the growth and yield attributing characters such as number of primary and secondary branches per plant, number of nodules per plant, dry weight of nodules per plant, dry matter accumulation per plant at 30, 60 and 90 DAS as well as at harvest, days required to maturity, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, length of pod, seed yield per plant and 100 – seed weight noticed significantly higher when crop was sown on 15th October at 60 cm row spacing using variety Gujarat Val 1. Seed yield and B:C ratio of Indian bean significantly affected with sowing dates, row spacings and varieties.