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The Nuclear Factor Y (NF–Y) is one of the widely explored transcription factors (TFs) family for its potential role in regulating molecular mechanisms related to stress response and developmental processes.Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) is a hardy and stress-tolerant crop where partial efforts have been made to characterize a few transcription factors. However, the NF–Y TF is still poorly explored and not well documented. The present study aims to identify and characterize NF–Y genes of finger millet using a bioinformatics approach. Genome mining revealed 57 EcNF-Y (Eleusine coracana Nuclear Factor-Y) genes in finger millet, comprising 18 NF-YA, 23 NF-YB, and 16 NF-YC genes. The gene organization, conserved motif, cis-regulatory elements, miRNA target sites, and three-dimensional structures of these NF-Ys were analyzed. The nucleotide substitution rate and gene duplication analysis showed the presence of 7 EcNF-YA, 10 EcNF-YB, and 8 EcNF-YC paralogous genes and revealed the possibilities of synonymous substitution and stabilizing selection during evolution. The role of NF-Ys of finger millet in abiotic stress tolerance was evident by the presence of relevant cis-elements such as ABRE (abscisic acid-responsive elements), DRE (dehydration-responsive element), MYB (myeloblastosis) or MYC (myelocytomatosis). Twenty-three isoforms of miR169, mainly targeting a single NF–Y gene, i.e., the EcNF-YA13 gene, were observed. This interaction could be targeted for finger millet improvement against Magnaporthe oryzae (blast fungus). Therefore, by this study, the putative functions related to biotic and abiotic stress tolerance for many of the EcNF-Y genes could be explored in finger millet.

Background: The aim of our study is to identify the novel targets for the SCN1A gene so that we can come up with the potential antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with the least side effects and best efficacy. Methods: Literature review for candidate genes associated with febrile seizure, generalized epilepsy with febrile seizure plus, dravet syndrome and other idiopathic epilepsy subtypes was done using PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Network analysis of selected candidate genes was done based on molecular function and biological processes using Cytoscape software. Selection of candidate proteins targets receptors for AEDs on the basis of first neighbor, structural retrieval analysis, and verification of selected receptors was done using Ramachandran plot analysis server (RAMPAGE) and Protein Data Bank sum server. Molecular docking calculation and analysis were performed using YASARA and BIOVIA Discovery Studio 2019 software. Results: We screened 157 epileptic genes among which 84 genes were classified as purely epileptic genes and 73 genes were classified as neurodevelopment-associated epilepsy genes. 62 childhood-onset and juvenile-onset epilepsy genes were screened excluding neonatal group due to in born errors of metabolism. In this investigation using SCN1A as a candidate gene, we found SCN9A, HCN2, and FGF12 gene-encoding proteins as potential target receptors. Further, the SCN1A protein receptor was used to screen suitable AEDs using molecular docking investigation. We got three novel AEDs against the SCN1A target gene. Conclusions: In silico network analysis has provided various best-screened target receptors from the huge network interaction group of genes for AED targeting. This will help in better understanding of disease mechanisms, analysis, and knowledge of the molecular structure of protein.

Studies done by the previous researchers in Concrete Filled Steel Tubes (CFST) have a significant focus on the bond performance of CFST. This paper includes studies on the evaluation of critical parameters such as interface condition, interface length, infilled concrete strength, and end friction and cross-section dimension in these members. It is found that the effect of interface length had very little impact on the bond stress as it shows a promising value when the interface length is in the range of 200-800 mm and after that, it gets shifted and reduced for larger interface length. But this decrease in the bond stress is affiliated with other parameters, like macro-locking, infilled concrete compressive strength distinctly affects the mean interface bond strength for the sample in the regular condition, the interface bond strength for the most part increases with infilled concrete strength. It is spotted that the friction coefficient of 0.15 is used at both column ends to provide the fixity and it becomes clear that the local buckling pattern of the stub column is independent of the end friction. In both categories of columns, the bond strength among the steel tube and infilled concrete reduced extraordinarily with increased cross-sectional dimension.

The axial load-carrying capacity for a wide range of short concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) members having different section profiles is evaluated in the presented work. A numerical study has been carried out through Finite-Element based demonstration and it has been accomplished in the ABAQUS package for relevancy of analytically predicted axial load carrying capacity by unified formula as suggested by Yu M. et al. (2010). To validate the results from the unified formula and the experimentally available literature, finite element-based models for hollow and solid sections of CFST columns with circular, octagonal, and square section profiles have been generated. A total of 31 hollow and 24 solid circular columns, 9 hollow, and 9 solid octagonal columns, and in the last 9 hollows and 38 solid square CFST columns are examined for the persistence of the results. After evaluation of obtained results from the modeling existing results are validated, and it is found that the proposed unified formula predicts satisfactory results when compared with the result of established models. Further, it is concluded that displacement in the direction of applied load is not uniform throughout the length of CFST columns thereby using the ring confinement technique for the region of applied force may be reasonable.

Cannabis sativa (L.) is a plant indigenous to Central Asia and South-East Asia. It is widely used in ethnomedicines as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anticancer, antitumor, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, anti-allergic, and antibiotic. Numerous in vitro and in vivo investigations have already established these attributes of Cannabis. Numerous toxicological studies have demonstrated the dose-dependent toxicity of C. sativa against various pests. The exact identity of the phytoconstituents of C. sativa responsible for the observed biological effects and their mode of action at the molecular level is yet to be ascertained. This review provides a comprehensive update to the ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and toxicological profile of Cannabis sativa. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8118011

The year of 2019–2021 is emergency that the world is facing due to the spread of 2019-nCoV which has created a very critical condition in human society, known as COVID-19. The complex virus belongs to the family of coronaviridae and genera betacoronavirus and spreads through human interaction. The common symptoms observed in infected are a sudden rise in body temperature within 1st to 9th day of infection, problems around the neck and throat from the start of the infection followed by the spread of infection into the lungs that cause novel coronavirus pneumonia and kidney failure. Many of the receptor proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and target proteins of the human cells are responsible for endocytosis such as main protease or 3C-like protease, RNA polymerase, and spike protein. These proteins play a vital role in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Many of the computational designed drugs and docking-based drugs are reported as anti-COVID-19. Many of the drugs show strong potent activity against this deadly virus. This study demonstrates the synthetic and computational designed approach, drugs, and compounds for the potential inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The review will be helpful in finding a new approach of a drug as an inhibitory receptor of SARS-CoV-2.

The paper proposes a deep hybrid forest regression-based modeling method for measuring the compressive strength (CS) of concrete. Then, the reduced feature vector is used as input to train multiple subforest models (SFM), the predicted values are selected from multiple subforests via the KNN (K-nearest neighbor) method to combine them to obtain the layer regression vector (LRV), and it is combined with the reduced feature vector to obtain the improved LRV, then the output of this layer is taken; second, the regression vector (RV) of the input layer enhancement layer is used as input to obtain the output of the second layer FM, and the steps are repeated until the output of the input layer FM is complete. Finally, the output of the FM of the first layer is obtained. Several SFMs are trained and the result is obtained. The final prognosis is obtained by arithmetically averaging the forecast results of the SFMs of this layer.

In wheat, lodging is affected by anatomical and chemical characteristics of the stem cell wall. Plant characteristics determining the stem strength were measured in lodging tolerant mutant (PMW-2016-1) developed through mutation breeding utilizing hexaploid wheat cultivar, DPW-621-50. Various anatomical features, chemical composition, and mechanical strength of the culms of newly developed lodging-tolerant mutant (PMW-2016-1) and parent (DPW-621-50), were examined by light microscopy, the Klason method, prostate tester coupled with a Universal Tensile Machine, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Significant changes in the anatomical features, including the outer radius of the stem, stem wall thickness, and the proportions of various tissues, and vascular bundles were noticed. Chemical analysis revealed that the lignin level in the PMW-2016-1 mutant was higher and exhibited superiority in stem strength compared to the DPW-621-50 parent line. The force (N) required to break the internodes of mutant PMW-2016-1 was higher than that of DPW-621-50. The results suggested that the outer stem radius, stem wall thickness, the proportion of sclerenchyma tissues, the number of large vascular bundles, and lignin content are important factors that affect the mechanical strength of wheat stems, which can be the key parameters for the selection of varieties having higher lodging tolerance. Preliminary studies on the newly identified mutant PMW-2016-1 suggested that this mutant may possess higher lodging tolerance because it has a higher stem strength than DPW-621-50 and can be used as a donor parent for the development of lodging-tolerant wheat varieties.

Insufficient research has been conducted on musk deer species across their distribution range, primarily because of their elusive behaviour and the fact they occupy remote high-altitude habitats in the Himalayas above 2500 m. The available distribution records, primarily derived from ecological studies with limited photographic and indirect evidence, fail to provide comprehensive information on the species distribution. Consequently, uncertainties arise when attempting to determine the presence of specific taxonomic units of musk deer in the Western Himalayas. This lack of knowledge hampers species-oriented conservation efforts, as there need to be more species-specific initiatives focused on monitoring, protecting, and combatting the illegal poaching of musk deer for their valuable musk pods. We used transect surveys (220 trails), camera traps (255 cameras), non-invasive DNA sampling (40 samples), and geospatial modelling (279 occurrence records) to resolve the taxonomic ambiguity, and identify the suitable habitat of musk deer (Moschus spp.) in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand and the Lahaul–Pangi landscape of Himachal Pradesh. All the captured images and DNA-based identification results confirmed the presence of only Kashmir musk deer (KDM) (Moschus cupreus) in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The results suggest that KMD inhabit a narrow range of suitable habitats (6.9%) of the entire Western Himalayas. Since all evidence indicates that only KMD are present in the Western Himalayas, we suggest that the presence of other species of musk deer (Alpine musk deer and Himalayan musk deer) was wrongly reported. Therefore, future conservation plans and management strategies must focus only on KMD in the Western Himalayas.

In December, 2019 a new public health crisis threatened the world with the emergence of new zoonotic virus, the 2019 novel coronavirus. SARS-Cov-2 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 belongs to the family of coronaviruses named for the crown-like spikes on its surfaces. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019), a contagious viral infection that attacks primarily throat and lungs causing pneumonia-like symptoms. It is speculated that SARS-CoV-2 seem to have come from a bat, but the intermediate reservoir is still unknown. This review will address SARS-CoV-2 structure, clinical features, SARS-CoV-2 genome and its different variant, diagnosis, and treatment and also gives a bird's eye view on the epidemiology and pathology based on current evidence. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6561397

Background: To enhance the therapeutic index of drugs, various targeted drug delivery systems have been developed in recent decades. Among different drug carrier systems, albumin-based nanocarriers have acquired much attention due to its nonimmunogenic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and nontoxic nature. The present investigation deals with the development of a stable carboxyl functionalized bovine serum albumin (FBSA) nanoparticles through surface modification with chloroacetic acid. Methods: FBSA nanoparticles were synthesized by ground dispersion using ethanol as a desolvating agent; the stabilization of nanoparticles was done by glutaraldehyde. Various process modalities, namely glutaraldehyde concentration, FBSA concentration, pH, ethanol addition rate, and agitation speed, were tested to obtain stable nanoparticles of suitable size. Results: The nanoparticles of average diameter 100–120 nm with − 30 mV zeta potential and 0.1 polydispersity index were obtained in neutral and alkaline medium. Particle size and surface charge are very less influenced by varying the FBSA in 10–200 mg/ml concentration range. pH of the medium strongly influences the surface charge and particle diameter of the FBSA nanoparticles. No significant effect on particle diameter was noticed on varying the ethanol addition rate, stirring rate, and glutaraldehyde amount in the studied range. The scanning electron microscopy monochrome image and dynamic light scattering image of FBSA display that nanoparticles are of around 100 nm size. Conclusions: The present study proposes the preparation of more stable bovine serum albumin nanoparticles through surface modification. The synthesized nanoparticles will be capable to deliver the cancer drugs more effectively to the targeted tumor site.

Abstract The complete mitogenome of Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) from Indian Himalayan region was assembled following the modified approach of mitochondrial baiting and mapping using the next-generation sequencing reads. The complete mitogenome was of 16,556 bp long, consisted of 37 genes that contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs and 1 control region. The complete base composition was 31.33% A, 15.24% G, 25.45%C, and 27.98%T and gene arrangement was similar to the other sub-species of Asiatic black bear. The relative synonymous codon usage analysis revealed the maximum abundance of Isoleucine, Tyrosine, Leucine and Threonine. The assembled mitogenome of U. t. laniger exhibited 99% similarity with the mitogenomes of Himalayan black bear available from Nepal and Tibetan Plateau-Himalaya region. The findings of the present study has proven low depth sequencing data, adequate and highly efficient in rapid recovering the mitochondrial genome by overcoming the conventional strategies of obtaining long-range PCR and subsequently drawing phylogenetic inferences.

Background: Fasciolosis is a water-borne disease with gastropods snail (Lymnaea acuminata) act as key-link is still burden for mankind especially in developing countries. Snail control is one of the important tools to trim down the frequency of fasciolosis. Objective: To evaluate the toxic effect and inhibitory potential of plant Tamarindus indica and their active constituent on the key enzyme of nervous tissue of snail L. acuminata. Method: The present study deals with the chromatographic isolation and identification of molluscicidal component from Tamarindus indica bark and its effects on enzymes activities of vector snail L. acuminata. Result: The toxicity study reveals that among all organic extract ethanol extract of T. indica bark (96 h LC50:127.4 mgL−1) was more effective than other organic extracts. The 96 h LC50 of column purified fraction of T. indica bark was 13.78 mgL−1 respectively. Saponin was isolated, characterized and identified as active molluscicidal component in the bark of T. indica by column chromatography, TLC and HPLC chromatographic methods. The in vivo and in vitro treatment of column purified fraction and saponin has significant inhibition in enzyme AChE, ACP and ALP activities. The study of inhibition kinetics indicates that inhibition of AChE and ALP is competitive, while ACP is uncompetitive in both the treatments. Conclusion: Thus inhibition of these enzyme activities by T. indica bark column purified fraction and saponin in the snail L. acuminata may be the cause of its molluscicidal activity which leads snail death.

Molluscan are always responsible for human threat direct or indirect ways. A large number of molluscan serve as intermediate host for fasciolosis and schistosomiasis. These both diseases has great outbreak over exploiting the human health and economy. Their prevalence has been increasing worldwide due in large part to programme of water resource development, and poor hygienic conditions. The freshwater gastropods (snails) are the intermediate host for the larval stages of these two trematodes worms where they completed asexual phases of different development stages. Large numbers of treatment are available to tackle the problem of these two neglected tropical disease (NTDs). One of the easiest methods to break the transmission of these diseases is to de-link the intermediate host from helminths life cycle by the use of molluscicides. Currently there is an increased interest to identified the plant and explore their therapeutic potential as a molluscicides. Since the biomolluscicide are the safest, eco-friendly, fast biodegradability and cost effective method for molluscan control as compared to other synthetic counterparts, that are high imported cost, toxicity in non-target biota’s, and developing resistance in molluscan. This review is generally concerned with the efforts being made to concise the resources based on the ethnobotanical molluscicides to control the pest population and provide the data source of new researcher to explore the most promising candidates of nature i.e. plant molluscicides, as they are very effective tool for integrated vector management programme yet harmless to other non-target aquatic biota’s. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5515629

Methyl jasmonate (MJ) displays antineoplastic potential against numerous neoplastic cells. However, several mechanistic aspects of its antineoplastic action against malignancies of T cell origin remain elusive. The present investigation reports the novel targets of MJ and mechanistic pathways of MJ-mediated antineoplastic and chemosensitizing action against tumor cells derived from murine T-cell lymphoma, designated as Dalton’s lymphoma (DL). The present study demonstrates that MJ directly docks to HIF-1α, hexokinase 2, and Hsp70 at prominent binding sites. MJ exhibits tumoricidal action against tumor cells via induction of apoptosis and necrosis through multiple pathways, including declined mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced expression of ROS, altered pH homeostasis, an elevated level of cytosolic cytochrome c, and modulated expression of crucial cell survival and metabolism regulatory molecules. Additionally, this study also reports the chemosensitizing ability of MJ against T cell lymphoma accompanied by a declined expression of MDR1. This study sheds new light by demonstrating the implication of novel molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor action of MJ against T-cell lymphoma and hence has immense translational significance.

Plants have provided a source of inspiration of novel drug compounds, as plant derived medicines have made large contributions to human health and well-being. An estimate of 75-90% of rural population of the world still relies on herbs for their healthcare. Ayurveda, supposed to be the oldest medical system in the world, provides potential leads to find active and therapeutically useful compounds from plants. Epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that consumption of plant- derived foods rich in bioactive phytochemicals have a protective effect against different aliments related to human health. Tamarindus indica is having numerous reported activities like antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antivenom, antimicrobial, antihelmintic and molluscicidal properties. In spite of these medicinal values this plant is also consumed by rural people as vegetable. It also use as flavoring agent to impart flavor to various dishes and beverage. The present comprehensive review is therefore an effort to give detailed information about botanical description, phytochemical, traditional, nutraceutical and pharmacological approaches of Tamarindus indica. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3344888

The beneficial association and interaction of rhizocompetent microorganisms are widely used for plant biofertilization and amelioration of stress-induced damage in plants. To explore the regulatory mechanism involved in plant defense while associating with beneficial microbial species, and their interplay when co-inoculated with pathogens, we evaluated the response of tomato defense-related WRKY gene transcripts. The present study was carried out to examine the qRT–PCR-based relative quantification of differentially expressed defense-related genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.; variety S-22) primed with Trichoderma erinaceum against the vascular wilt pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici). The tissue-specific and time-bound expression profile changes under the four different treatments “(unprimed, Fol challenged, T. erinaceum primed and Fol+ T. erinaceum)” revealed that the highest upregulation was observed in the transcript profile of SlWRKY31 (root) and SlWRKY37 (leaf) in T. erinaceum bioprimed treated plants at 24 h with 16.51- and 14.07-fold increase, respectively. In contrast, SlWRKY4 showed downregulation with the highest repression in T. erinaceum bioprimed root (24 h) and leaf (48 h) tissue samples with 0.03 and 0.08 fold decrease, respectively. Qualitative expression of PR proteins (chitinases and glucanases) was found elicited in T. erinaceum primed plants. However, the antioxidative activity of tomato superoxide dismutase and catalase increased with the highest upregulation of SOD and SlGPX1 in Fol + T. erinaceum treatments. We observed that these expression changes were accompanied by 32.06% lesser H2O2 production in T. erinaceum bioprimed samples. The aggravated defense response in all the treated conditions was also reflected by an increased lignified stem tissues. Overall, we conclude that T. erinaceum bio-priming modulated the defense transcriptome of tomato after the Fol challenged conditions, and were accompanied by enhanced accumulation of defense-related WRKY transcripts, increased antioxidative enzyme activities, and the reinforcements through a higher number of lignified cell layers.

Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years to flavor and conserve food, to treat health disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics. They can provide biologically active molecules and lead structures for development of modified derivatives with enhanced activity or reduced activity. The isolation and identification of active principles and elucidation of the mechanism of action of a drug is of paramount importance. One such compound is chlorophyllin, a water soluble analogue of the ubiquitous green pigment chlorophyll. It acts as an effective inhibitor of aflatoxin hepatocarcinogenesis in animal models by blocking carcinogen bioavailability. Further anti-cancer effects of chlorophyllin including antioxidant activity, inhibition of enzymatic activity that converts inert procarcinogens into active carcinogens, stimulation of enzymatic activity that promotes the elimination of toxic substances from the body and antitumor activity have likewise been evidenced by controlled studies. Phytotherapy of snails by photodynamic chlorophyllin is a new approach to control the epidemic fasciolosis. Photosensitive chlorophyllin is degraded very fast without the formation of toxic byproducts, therefore, it is environmentally sound and economically safe also. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2638869

Vascular wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) is one of the most devastating diseases, that delimits the tomato production worldwide. Fungal short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) are NADP(H) dependent oxidoreductases, having shared motifs and common functional mechanism, have been demonstrated as biochemical targets for commercial fungicides. The 1,3,6,8 tetra hydroxynaphthalene reductase (T4HNR) protein, a member of SDRs family, catalyzes the naphthol reduction reaction in fungal melanin biosynthesis. We retrieved an orthologous member of T4HNR, (complexed with NADP(H) and pyroquilon from Magnaporthe grisea) in the FOL (namely; FOXG_04696) based on homology search, percent identity and sequence similarity (93% query cover; 49% identity). The hypothetical protein FOXG_04696 (T4HNR like) had conserved T-G-X-X-X-G-X-G motif (cofactor binding site) at N-terminus, similar to M. grisea (1JA9) and Y-X-X-X-K motif, as a part of the active site, bearing homologies with two fungal keto reductases T4HNR (M. grisea) and 17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Curvularia lunata (teleomorph: Cochliobolus lunatus PDB ID: 3IS3). The catalytic tetrad of T4HNR was replaced with ASN115, SER141, TYR154, and LYS158 in the FOXG_04696. The structural alignment and superposition of FOXG_04696 over the template proteins (3IS3 and 1JA9) revealed minimum RMSD deviations of the C alpha atomic coordinates, and therefore, had structural conservation. The best protein model (FOXG_04696) was docked with 37 fungicides, to evaluate their binding affinities. The Glide XP and YASARA docked complexes showed discrepancies in results, for scoring and ranking the binding affinities of fungicides. The docked complexes were further refined and rescored from their docked poses through 50 ns long MD simulations, and binding free energies (ΔGbind) calculations, using MM/GBSA analysis, revealed Oxathiapiprolin and Famoxadone as better fungicides among the selected one. However, Famoxadone had better interaction of the docked residues, with best protein ligand contacts, minimum RMSD (high accuracy of the docking pose) and RMSF (structural integrity and conformational flexibility of docking) at the specified docking site. The Famoxadone was found to be acceptable based on in silico toxicity and in vitro growth inhibition assessment. We conclude that the FOXG_04696, could be employed as a novel candidate protein, for structure-based design, and screening of target fungicides against the FOL pathogen.

The WRKY transcription factors have indispensable role in plant growth, development and defense responses. The differential expression of WRKY genes following the stress conditions has been well demonstrated. We investigated the temporal and tissue-specific (root and leaf tissues) differential expression of plant defense-related WRKY genes, following the infection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) in tomato. The genome-wide computational analysis revealed that during the Fol infection in tomato, 16 different members of WRKY gene superfamily were found to be involved, of which only three WRKYs (SolyWRKY4, SolyWRKY33, and SolyWRKY37) were shown to have clear-cut differential gene expression. The quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) studies revealed different gene expression profile changes in tomato root and leaf tissues. In root tissues, infected with Fol, an increased expression for SolyWRKY33 (2.76 fold) followed by SolyWRKY37 (1.93 fold) gene was found at 24 hrs which further increased at 48 hrs (5.0 fold). In contrast, the leaf tissues, the expression was more pronounced at an earlier stage of infection (24 hrs). However, in both cases, we found repression of SolyWRKY4 gene, which further decreased at an increased time interval. The biochemical defense programming against Fol pathogenesis was characterized by the highest accumulation of H2O2 (at 48 hrs) and enhanced lignification. The functional diversity across the characterized WRKYs was explored through motif scanning using MEME suite, and the WRKYs specific gene regulation was assessed through the DNA protein docking studies The functional WRKY domain modeled had β sheets like topology with coil and turns. The DNA-protein interaction results revealed the importance of core residues (Tyr, Arg, and Lys) in a feasible WRKY-W-box DNA interaction. The protein interaction network analysis revealed that the SolyWRKY33 could interact with other proteins, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MAPK), sigma factor binding protein1 (SIB1) and with other WRKY members including WRKY70, WRKY1, and WRKY40, to respond various biotic and abiotic stresses. The STRING results were further validated through Predicted Tomato Interactome Resource (PTIR) database. The CELLO2GO web server revealed the functional gene ontology annotation and protein subcellular localization, which predicted that SolyWRKY33 is involved in amelioration of biological stress (39.3%) and other metabolic processes (39.3%). The protein (SolyWRKY33) most probably located inside the nucleus (91.3%) with having transcription factor binding activity. We conclude that the defense response following the Fol challenge was accompanied by differential expression of the SolyWRKY4(↓), SolyWRKY33(↑) and SolyWRKY37(↑) transcripts. The biochemical changes are occupied by elicitation of H2O2 generation and accumulation and enhanced lignified tissues.

High-energy ball milling viz. mechanochemical process is being utilized to mechanically activate ceramic powders for low temperature solid state reactions. The process can help to select low-cost commercially available oxides and can produce powders with nanometer size granules. On the other hand, high alumina cement provides high service temperature when used as refractory castable. Therefore, the effects of high-energy ball milling and subsequent calcinations on the formation of high alumina cementing phases using mixtures of Al2O3 and CaCO3 were investigated. Nano-meter sized high alumina cement (HAC) powders were synthesized by mechanochemical treatment of Al2O3 and CaCO3 in weight ratios 7:3 and 8:2. This paper compares the calcined high alumina cement obtained by mechanically activated precursor mix for 1, 2 and 3 h. Low cement castables were prepared from calcined Chinese bauxite as aggregate matrix, prepared HAC acting as hydraulic binder and micro-fine additives as pore filling agents. The bonding of high alumina cement as well as sinterability in these castable was studied with ZrO2, α-Al2O3 and SiC as micro-fine additives. Castables formulated by prepared high alumina cement demonstrate remarkably improved bulk density and apparent porosity as when compared with those prepared by commercially available cement. Casting water demand was also reduced, as a result quick setting behavior was observed. The addition of mechanochemically processed cements in refractory castables improved the thermo-mechanical properties to a significant extent.

A new class of conventional and low-cement ferrochrome slag-based castables were prepared from 40 wt.% ferrochrome slag and 45 wt.% calcined bauxite. Rest fraction varied between high alumina cement (HAC) acting as hydraulic binder and calcined alumina as pore filling additive. Standard ASTM size briquettes were prepared for crushing and bending strengths evaluation, and the samples were then subjected to firing at 800, 1100 and 1300 °C for a soaking period of 3 h. The microstructure and refractory properties of the prepared castables have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cold crushing strength, modulus of rupture and permanent linear changes (PLCs) test. Castables show good volume stability (linear change

Piper nigrum - the king of spices is originated in the Western Ghats of India. It has gained a global consideration because of its volume in the spice industry. It contains major pungent alkaloid piperine which is known to possess many interesting pharmacological actions. Medicinally black pepper can be used digestive disorder like large intestine toxins, different gastric problems, diarrohea and indigestion and also can be used against respiratory disorder including cold fever, asthama. Piperine exhibits diverse pharmacological activities like antihypertensive, antiplatelets, antioxidant, antitumor, antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-reproductive, insecticidal activities. Piper nigrum also found to decrease lipid peroxidation in vivo. It has reported to possess antioxidant activity that might be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic contents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.839039

Altered metabolism is an emerging hallmark of cancer, as malignant cells display a mammoth up-regulation of enzymes responsible for steering their bioenergetic and biosynthetic machinery. Thus, the recent anticancer therapeutic strategies focus on the targeting of metabolic enzymes, which has led to the identification of specific metabolic inhibitors. One of such inhibitors is 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP), with broad spectrum of anticancer activity due to its ability to inhibit multiple metabolic enzymes. However, the molecular characterization of its binding to the wide spectrum of target enzymes remains largely elusive. Therefore, in the present study we undertook in silico investigations to decipher the molecular nature of the docking of 3-BP with key target enzymes of glycolysis and TCA cycle by PatchDock and YASARA docking tools. Additionally, derivatives of 3-BP, dibromopyruvate (DBPA) and propionic acid (PA), with reported biological activity, were also investigated for docking to important target metabolic enzymes of 3-BP, in order to predict their therapeutic efficacy versus that of 3-BP. A comparison of the docking scores with respect to 3-BP indicated that both of these derivatives display a better binding strength to metabolic enzymes. Further, analysis of the drug likeness of 3-BP, DBPA and PA by Lipinski filter, admetSAR and FAF Drug3 indicated that all of these agents showed desirable drug-like criteria. The outcome of this investigation sheds light on the molecular characteristics of the binding of 3-BP and its derivatives with metabolic enzymes and thus may significantly contribute in designing and optimizing therapeutic strategies against cancer by using these agents.

Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease caused by Fasciola gigantica. The freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata is the intermediate host of F. gigantica which cause endemic fasciolosis in the northern part of India. To investigate larvicidal activity of pure and laboratory extracted pheophorbide a (Pa) against cercaria larvae of F. gigantica, data were analyzed in different spectra of visible light, sunlight, and laboratory conditions. Photostimulation of chlorophyll derivative pheophorbide a (Pa) caused time and concentration dependent larvicidal activity against cercaria larvae of F. gigantica. Larvicidal activity of pure Pa under 650 nm and 400–650 nm (8 h LC50 0.006 mg/10 mL) was more pronounced than extracted Pa under same irradiations (650 nm LC50 0.12 mg/10 mL, 400–650 nm LC50 0.14 mg/10 mL). Lowest toxicity of pure (8 h LC50 0.14 mg/10 mL) and extracted Pa (8 h LC50 1.25 mg/10 mL) was noted under 400 nm. Pa was found to be toxic in laboratory conditions also. The results presented in this paper indicate that pheophorbide a possess potential larvicidal activity against Fasciola gigantica larvae in different wavelengths of visible light, sunlight, and laboratory conditions.

Ferrochrome slag is a waste material obtained from the manufacturing of high carbon ferrochromium alloy. This slag is formed as a liquid at 1700 °C and its main components are SiO2, Al2O3 and MgO. Additionally it consists of chrome, ferrous/ferric oxides and CaO. Present work outlines a novel approach in formulating castables with this industrial waste. Samples with decreasing cement content 15–05 wt.% were formulated in combination of both slag and calcined bauxite as matrix components. Effects of varying 0–10 wt.% microsilica as a micro-fine additive in these castables were investigated in this work. Pore filling properties of microsilica improved apparent porosity and bulk density. Phase analysis through X-ray diffraction techniques demonstrates successful formation of spinel and mullite crystalline phases. Mechanical behavior was evaluated through cold crushing strength and residual cold crushing strength after five consecutive water quenching cycles. Scanning electron microscopy measurements were carried out in order to better understand the packing density and reaction mechanisms of fired castables. Slag containing castables portrays good thermal properties such as thermal shock resistance, permanent linear change and pyrometric cone equivalent.

Cyanobacteria are rich source of array of bioactive compounds. The present study reports a novel antibacterial bioactive compound purified from cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. MGL001 using various chromatographic techniques viz. thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further characterization was done using electrospray ionisation mass spectroscopy (ESIMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and predicted structure of bioactive compound was 9-Ethyliminomethyl-12-(morpholin - 4 - ylmethoxy) -5, 8, 13, 16 – tetraaza – hexacene - 2, 3 dicarboxylic acid (EMTAHDCA). Structure of EMTAHDCA clearly indicated that it is a novel compound that was not reported in literature or natural product database. The compound exhibited growth inhibiting effects mainly against the gram negative bacterial strains and produced maximum zone of inhibition at 150 μg/mL concentration. The compound was evaluated through in silico studies for its ability to bind 30S ribosomal fragment (PDB ID: 1YRJ, 1MWL, 1J7T and 1LC4) and OmpF porin protein (4GCP, 4GCQ and 4GCS) which are the common targets of various antibiotic drugs. Comparative molecular docking study revealed that EMTAHDCA has strong binding affinity for these selected targets in comparison to a number of most commonly used antibiotics. The ability of EMTAHDCA to bind the active sites on the proteins and 30S ribosomal fragments where the antibiotic drugs generally bind indicated that it is functionally similar to the commercially available drugs.

SUMMARY A food-borne trematode infection fascioliasis is one among common public health problems worldwide. It caused a great economic loss for the human race. Control of snail population below a certain threshold level is one of the important methods in the campaign to reduce the incidence of fascioliasis. The life cycle of the parasite can be interrupted by killing the snail or Fasciola larva redia and cercaria inside of the snail Lymnaea acuminata. In vitro toxicity of different binary combinations (1:1 ratio) of plant-derived larvicidal active components such as citral, ferulic acid, umbelliferone, azadirachtin and allicin against Fasciola redia and cercaria were tested. The mortality of larvae was observed at 2h, 4h, 6h and 8h of treatment. In in vitro condition azadirachtin + allicin (1:1 ratio) was highly toxic against redia and cercaria (8h LC50 0.006 and 0.005 mg/L). Toxicity of citral + ferulic acid was lowest against redia and cercaria larvae.

Fasciolosis is a waterborne disease, caused by Fasciola species. Snail Lymnaea acuminata is an intermediate host of these flukes. Control of snail population is major tool in reducing the incidences. Variation in light intensity and wavelength caused significant changes in reproduction pattern of snails. Maximum fecundity was noted with bait containing carbohydrate (starch, 468 ± 0.10/20 snails) or amino acid (serine, 319 ± 0.29/20 snails) as attractant. Sublethal feeding of chlorophyllin bait with starch or serine attractant to infected and uninfected snails caused significant reduction in fecundity, hatchability, and survivability. These significant changes are observed in snails exposed to different spectral band of visible light and sunlight. Maximum fecundity of 536 ± 2.0 and minimum of 89.3 ± 0.4 were noted in snails not fed with bait and exposed to sunlight and red spectral band, respectively. There was complete arrest in the fecundity of infected and uninfected snails and no survivability of uninfected snails after 48 h feeding with bait containing chlorophyllin + attractant. Minimum hatchability (9.25 ± 0.5) was noted in red light exposed, chlorophyllin + starch fed infected snails and hatching period of bait fed snails was prolonged. Conclusively, chlorophyllin bait and red light reduce reproduction capacity in snails.

The molluscicidal activity of Bauhinia variegata leaf and Mimusops elengi bark was studied against vector snail Lymnaea acuminata. The toxicity of both plants was time and concentration-dependent. Among organic extracts, ethanol extracts of both plants were more toxic. Toxicity of B. variegata leaf ethanolic extract (96h LC50- 14.4 mg/L) was more pronounced than M. elengi bark ethanolic extract (96h LC50-15.0 mg/L). The 24h LC50 of column purified fraction of B. variegata and M. elengi bark were 20.3 mg/L and 18.3 mg/L, respectively. Saponin and quercetin were characterized and identified as active molluscicidal component. Co-migration of saponin (Rf 0.48) and quercetin (Rf 0.52) with column purified bark of M. elengi and leaf of B. variegata on thin layer chromatography demonstrate same Rf value i.e. 0.48 and 0.52, respectively. The present study clearly indicates the possibility of using M. elengi and/or B. variegata as potent molluscicide.

The effect of sub-lethal feeding of bait formulations containing molluscicidal component of Ferula asafoetida (ferulic acid, umbelliferone), Syzygium aromaticum (eugenol) and Carum carvi (limonene) on biochemical changes in the ovotestis of snail Lymnaea acuminata were studied. Bait formulations feeding to L. acuminata were studied in clear glass aquaria having diameter of 30 cm. Baits were prepared from different binary combinations of attractant amino acid (valine, aspartic acid, lysine and alanine 10 mM) in 100 mL of 2% agar solution + sub-lethal (20% and 60% of 24h LC50) doses of different molluscicides (ferulic acid, umbelliferone, eugenol and limonene). These baits caused maximum significant reduction in free amino acid, protein, DNA, RNA levels i.e. 41.37, 23.56, 48.36 and 14.29% of control in the ovotestis of the snail, respectively. Discontinuation of feeding after treatment of 60% of 96h LC50 of molluscicide containing bait for next 72h caused a significant recovery in free amino acid, protein, DNA and RNA levels in the ovotestis of L. acuminata.

The conventional system of sugarcane (Saccharum species complex) planting is inefficient for rapidly multiplying the seed cane of newly released varieties due to a higher seed rate (6.0 t ha-1) and low germination rate (35−40%). We examined the effect of planting methods on the multiplication rate of seed cane in a field experiment conducted at Lucknow (India) during the 2005−06 and 2006−07 cropping season. Forty- day- old plantlets grown in polythene bags in the nursery using 28,000 single-bud cane pieces per ha area, were transplanted at 45 cm spacing in furrows 90 cm apart and the results were compared with those obtained by the conventional practice of planting three- two - and one- bud cane pieces at the rate of 37,000, 55,500 and 111,000 setts per ha, respectively. The polythene bag culture produced a significantly higher number of shoots and millable canes and a higher seed cane yield as compared with the conventional planting method, which is an advantage for seed cane multiplication. The results further indicated that with almost equal cost of cultivation, the rate of seed cane multiplication was about 35 times by the polythene bag culture method and 8−11 times by the conventional planting method.

Purpose. To evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Methods. Medical records of 30 women and 10 men aged 18 to 68 (mean, 38) years who presented with unilateral (n=35) and bilateral (n=5) TOS and underwent 42 surgical decompressions of the right (n=23) and left (n=19) sides were reviewed. MRI findings were compared with intra-operative findings to evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI. Results. MRI findings correlated poorly with intraoperative findings. Of the 42 cases, MRI and intraoperative findings were matched in 17 and not matched in 25. MRI appeared normal but intraoperative findings were in fact positive for TOS in 23 of 24 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing TOS were 41% and 33%, respectively, whereas its positive and negative predictive values were 89% and 4%, respectively. Conclusion. Sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing TOS are low. Diagnosis should be based on a holistic approach including history, clinical examination, and radiological findings.

Purpose. To compare the 2-year outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the measured resection versus the gap balancing techniques. Methods. 21 men and 31 women aged 41 to 89 (mean, 73) years who underwent primary TKA by a single surgeon for osteoarthritis and had an American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II physical status were prospectively studied. Patients were randomised to undergo computer-assisted TKA using the measured resection technique (n=26) or the gap balancing technique (n=26). At the 2-year followup, patients were assessed by a single orthopaedic registrar blinded to the type of surgery using the Knee Society score (KSS), functional Knee Society score (FKSS), and revised Oxford Knee score (ROKS). Results. In the measured resection group, the mean KSS, FKSS, and ROKS increased from 34.3, 48, and 21 to 85.9, 89.6, and 36.5, respectively. In the gap balancing group, the respective scores increased from 35.4, 50, and 22.5 to 89.1, 92.4, and 40.6. Postoperative with the gap balancing technique; the respective p values were 0.46, 0.44, and 0.12. Conclusion. Improvements in the knee scores were comparable with the 2 techniques.

Molluscicidal activity of binary combination of Bauhinia variegata and Mimusops elengi with other plant molluscicides Saraca asoca and Thuja orientalis against snail Lymnaea acuminata have been studied. It was observed that toxicity of binary combinations of plant molluscicides with other plant molluscicides were toxic against fresh water snail L. acuminata. Among all combinations of toxicity Mimusops elengi leaf + Saraca asoca bark (24h LC50: 98.25 mg/l; 96h LC50: 40.40 mg/l) and Bauhinia variegata leaf powder + Saraca asoca leaf (24h LC50: 123.98 mg/l; 96h LC50: 57.91 mg/l) was more toxic than other binary combinations of plant molluscicides. Mimusops elengi leaf powder + Saraca asoca leaf powder and Bauhinia variegata leaf powder + Saraca asoca leaf powder are more potent molluscicides.

Purpose. To evaluate the sterility of the sterile surgical helmet system (SSHS) during elective total hip and knee arthroplasty in theatres with (n=20) and without (n=20) laminar flow. Methods. Three surgeons performed 14 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) and 6 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in a laminar flow theatre and 15 TKAs and 5 THAs in a non-laminar flow theatre. An SSHS was used in all the procedures. Samples were taken from the hood at 30-minute intervals during surgery. Swabs were then broken into cooked meat broths for cultivation of organisms. The broths were then directly inoculated onto blood agar and fastidious anaerobic agar for culture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, respectively. After 24 hours, these plates were reinoculated with broths that had been incubated for 24 hours. Microbial growth was quantified as 0 (none), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate) and 3 (heavy). Bacterial contamination in the 2 groups at 30, 60 and 90 minutes was compared. Results. Respectively in the laminar and non-laminar flow theatres, 0 and 9 of the SSHSs showed bacterial growth after direct inoculation, and 14 and 18 of the SSHSs grew 18 and 24 types of organisms in the swab cultures after 24 hours of incubation. Respectively at 30, 60, and 90 minutes, the degree of contamination from direct incubation was significant, but the degree of contamination on swabs after 24 hours of inoculation was not significant. The mean time-dependent contamination after direct inoculation was 0 for the laminar flow group and 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 for the non-laminar flow group, whereas the corresponding values after 24 hours of incubation were 1.8, 1.8, and 2.6, and 2, 2.75, and 2.95. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism in both groups. Conclusion. 80% of SSHSs used were contaminated intra-operatively. Direct contact with the SSHS should be avoided by the operating team during surgery. Routine changing of gloves in case of contact with the SSHS should be practised.