Structural insights to investigate Conypododiol as a dual cholinesterase inhibitor from Asparagus adscendens

The main aim of the current study was to explore molecular insights for potentially new dual cholinesterase inhibitor(s) from Asparagus adscendens via molecular docking. This medicinal plant is traditionally used as a nerve tonic and remedy for memory impairments. Conypododiol was isolated from the chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of A. adscendens, based on bioactivity guided isolation. Conypododiol exhibited significant inhibition of both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, having the IC₅₀ values 2.17 ± 0.1 μM and 11.21 ± 0.1 μM, respectively. IC₅₀ values of the standard compound Galanthamine for both the enzymes were 0.537 ± 0.018 μM and 8.6 ± 0.27 μM, respectively. Based on MTT cytotoxicity assay, Conypododiol was found safe against LCMK-2 monkey kidney epithelial cells and mice hepatocytes. Molecular docking studies revealed the hydrogen bonding interactions of Conypododiol with His440 and Ser200 at esteratic site (ES), and also with Tyr334 at peripheral anionic site (PAS) of the aromatic gorge of acetylcholinesterase. Simultaneous contacts of Conypododiol with PAS and ES shows its significance as a bivalent ligand. This preliminary study highlighted the potential of Conypododiol to be further developed and modified as new lead compound identified by its folk use.     

Effects of a magnetic field and adjuvant in the efficacy of cycloxydim and clodinafop‐propargyl on the control of wild oat (Avena fatua)

The reduction of herbicide applications is a main research priority in recent years. One way to achieve this goal is by using adjuvants that can increase the efficacy of foliar‐applied herbicides by reducing surface tension. Previous studies have shown that the surface tension of distilled water decreases under the influence of a magnetic field. In order to compare the effects of a magnetic field and Frigate in clodinafop‐propargyl and cycloxydim in controlling wild oat and evaluating the surface tension, a dose–response greenhouse experiment was conducted by using 0, 8, 16, 32, 48, and 64 g ai ha^?1 of clodinafop‐propargyl and 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g ai ha^?1 of cycloxydim with Frigate and/or by passing them through a magnetic field. The magnetic field and Frigate caused a significant reduction in the surface tension of the herbicide solutions. But, Frigate was more effective in reducing the surface tension of the herbicide solutions, compared with the magnetic field. The magnetic field and Frigate increased the efficacy of clodinafop‐propargyl and cycloxydim remarkably. Frigate increased the efficacy of the herbicides more than did the magnetic field. The magnetic field and Frigate collectively had more of an effect on the herbicides' efficacy than when they were applied individually. The magnetic field and Frigate were more effective in increasing the efficacy of clodinafop‐propargyl than that of cycloxydim.     

Relevance of unilateral and bilateral sexual polyploidization in relation to intergenomic recombination and introgression in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lilium</Emphasis> species hybrids

Sexual polyploids were induced in diploid (2n = 2x = 24) interspecific F1 hybrids of Longiflorum × Asiatic (LA) and Oriental × Asiatic (OA) Lilium hybrids by backcrossing to Asiatic (AA) parents as well as by sib-mating of the F1 LA hybrids. A majority of the BC1 progenies were triploid and the progenies from sib-mating were tetraploid or near tetraploids. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) technique was applied to assess the intergenomic recombination in the BC1 populations of LA and OA hybrids obtained after unilateral sexual polyploidization. A total of 63 LA (LA × AA and AA × LA) and 53 OA hybrids were analysed. LA hybrids were originated through the functioning of 2n gametes either as 2n eggs or 2n pollen while those of OA hybrids originated through functional 2n pollen of diploid OA genotype. In both type of crosses, a majority of the progenies had originated through First Division Restitution (FDR) mechanism of functional 2n gamete either with or without a cross over. However, there were nine LA- and four OA-genotypes where Indeterminate Meiotic Restitution (IMR) was the mechanism of 2n gamete formation. Based on GISH, total amount of introgression of Longiflorum and Oriental genome into Asiatic genome was determined. Most of the BC progenies exhibited recombination and the amount of recombination was higher in LA hybrids as compared to OA hybrids. Intergenomic recombination was also determined cytologically in the 16 plants of sib-mated LA hybrids where both parents had contributed 2n gametes. Based on these results the nature of interspecific lily hybrids obtained from uni- and bilateral sexual polyploidization leading to allotriploid and allotetraploid formation is discussed in the context of introgression and intergenomic recombination.     

Zinc bioavailability in maize grains in response of phosphorous–zinc interaction

Phosphorous (P) and zinc (Zn) are plant nutrients that interact with each other in soil–plant systems. Such interactions may cause deficiency of one of the nutrients interacting with each other if interactions are antagonistic. In the present trial, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effect of Zn (0 and 16 kg ha^?1) and P (0 and 60 kg ha^?1) on growth, yield and grain Zn concentration of two maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes, i.e., Neelam (local) and DK‐6142 (hybrid). Growth and yield of both maize genotypes were increased by the application of Zn and P treatments compared with control, but Zn+P was more effective than their sole application. When compared to control, combined application of Zn+P increased grain Zn and P concentrations by 52% and 32%, respectively, averaged for the two genotypes. Single application of P decreased grain Zn concentration by 10% over control. Application of P and Zn particularly in combination decreased the grain [phytate] : [Zn] ratio and increased the estimated human Zn bioavailability in grains based on a trivariate model of Zn absorption in both maize genotypes. Conclusively, combined Zn+P application appeared more suitable for enhancing grain yield and agronomic Zn biofortification in maize grains. However, Zn fertilization aiming at increasing grain yield and grain Zn concentration should consider the genotypic variations and P rate.     

Evaluation of a 3% surf solution (surf field mastitis test) for the diagnosis of subclinical bovine and bubaline mastitis

Purpose  

To evaluate a 3% solution of household detergent viz., Surf Excel (Surf field mastitis test, SFMT) vis-à-vis California mastitis test (CMT), Whiteside test (WST), somatic cell counts (SCC; cut off limit = 5 × 10⁵ cells per millilitre) and bacteriological cultures for the detection of subclinical mastitis in quarter foremilk samples (n = 800) of dairy cows and buffaloes.     

Biosorption of Chromium (III) and Chromium (VI) by Untreated and Pretreated Cassia fistula Biomass from Aqueous Solutions

The present study explained the effect of pretreatments on the biosorption of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) by Cassia fistula biomass from aqueous solutions. For this purpose Cassia fistula biomass was pretreated physically by heating, autoclaving, boiling and chemically with sodium hydroxide, formaldehyde, gluteraldehyde, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, commercial laundry detergent, orthophosphoric, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid. The adsorption capacity of biomass for Cr (III) and Cr (VI) was found to be significantly improved by the treatments of gluteraldehyde (95.41 and 96.21 mg/g) and benzene (85.71 and 90.81 mg/g) respectively. The adsorption capacity was found to depend on pH, initial metal concentration, dose, size, kinetics, and temperature. Maximum adsorption of both the Cr (III) and Cr (VI) was observed at pH 5 and 2. When Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were tested, the latter had a better fit with the experimental data. The kinetic studies showed that the sorption rates could be described better by a second order expression than by a more commonly applied Lagergren equation.     

Studies on occurrence,characterisation and decontamination of emerging pathogenic Escherichia coli (STEC,ETEC and EIEC) in table eggs

1. Escherichia coli is one of the most common facultative anaerobic species present in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and human beings. Usually they occur as commensals, but some serotypes can cause significant illnesses in humans as well as mammals and birds.

2. The occurrence of E. coli in different categories of table eggs collected from markets was evaluated. Isolates were analysed for the presence of virulence genes, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and efficacy of peracetic acid and chlorine for the purpose of decontaminating table eggs.

3. Significant differences were observed in the occurrence of E. coli between different groups viz. processed (cleaned, washed, sanitised and packed eggs), unprocessed (un-cleaned, un-sanitised and loose eggs) and free range (eggs obtained from backyard poultry) table eggs. Overall, E. coli occurred in table eggs at 28.6% with 22.9, 29.2 and 50.0% occurrence in processed, unprocessed and free-range table eggs, respectively.

4. A total of 24 isolates of E. coli were obtained and screened for virulence genes viz. STH, SLT1/2 and INVE genes. Of the 24 isolates recovered, 10 typeable isolates belonged to O141, O119, O9, O120 and O101 serotypes, while the remaining 14 were untypeable. Antibiograms of the isolates showed multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) index in the range of 0.13–0.40.

5. Peracetic acid (PAA) and chlorine (CL) were studied for their sanitisation efficacy; concentrations of 100 mg/kg of PAA and 200 mg/kg of CL completely inactivated E. coli over the egg surface and also resulted in 2.58 and 2.38 log reduction in total viable counts (TVC), respectively.

6. The presence of virulence-associated shiga-like toxin (SLT1/2) and invasion E (INVE) genes and antimicrobial resistance among the emerging serotypes of pathogenic E. coli isolated from table eggs has public health implications. It underscores the need to implement better management practices across the production systems and marketing channels to produce E. coli-free wholesome eggs for consumers.     

Factors influencing hybrid maize farmers' risk attitudes and their perceptions in Punjab Province,Pakistan

Hybrid maize farmers have to face diverse kinds of climate, biological, price and financial risks. Farmers' risk perceptions and risk attitudes are essential elements influencing farm operations and management decisions. However, this important issue has been overlooked in the contemporary studies and therefore there is a dearth of literature on this important issue. The present research is therefore, an attempt to fill this gap. This study aims to quantify hybrid maize farmers' perceptions of disastrous risks, their attitudes towards risk and to explore the impacts of various farm and farm household factors on farmers' risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The present study is conducted in four hybrid maize growing districts of Punjab Province, Pakistan, using cross-sectional data of 400 hybrid maize farmers. Risk matrix and equally likely certainty equivalent (ELCE) method are used to rank farmers' perceptions of four catastrophic risk sources including climate, biological, price and financial risks and to investigate farmers' risk aversion attitudes, respectively. Furthermore, probit regression is used to analyze the determinants affecting farmers' risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The results of the study showed that majority of farmers are risk averse in nature and perceive price, biological and climate to be potential sources of risks to their farm enterprise. In addition, analysis divulges that distance from farm to main market, off-farm income, location dummies for Sahiwal and Okara, age, maize farming experience, access to extension agent, significantly (either negatively or positively) influence farmers' risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The study delivers valuable insights for farmers, agricultural insurance sector, extension services researchers and agricultural policy makers about the local understanding of risks to hybrid maize crop in developing countries, like Pakistan, and have implications for research on farmers' adaptation to exposed risks.     

Comparative Efficacy of Bio-organic and Mineral Phosphate on the Growth,Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grown by Different Methods

This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of bio-organic phosphate (BOP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizers for improving the growth, yield, plant phosphorus (P) content and profitability of wheat cultivation under systems of wheat intensification (direct seeding and nursery transplantation) and conventional sowing (broadcasting). BOP was formulated by enriching the compost with rock phosphate and inoculated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strain, Bacillus thuringiensis strain K5. Results revealed the supremacy of BOP over DAP, and the direct seeding method over the other sowing methods in almost all parameters studied. The application of BOP significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the plant height, root length, number of tillers per plant, wheat biomass, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw and grain P contents in direct seeded wheat in comparison to DAP fertilization. Furthermore, application of BOP and direct seeding of wheat generated more profit per hectare compared with the other treatments.