Comprehensive transcriptional profiling and functional study of lymphangiogenic growth factor in placentome of early-stage pregnant water buffalo

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and localization of lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF-C and VEGF-D), their receptor (VEGFR3) and lymphatic endothelial marker (LYVE1) in buffalo placenta during early pregnancy [EP], and to investigate the functional role of lymphangiogenic growth factors in placental lymphangiogenesis. The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, their receptor VEGFR3 and LYVE1 showed significant expression in EP1 (29–42 days) and EP2 stages (51–82 days) both in caruncle (maternal part) and cotyledon (foetal part) of the buffalo placenta. Immunoreactivity of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and LYVE1 was observed around the endometrial gland, in lymphatics and trophoblast cells, whereas VEGFR3 mainly localized in lymphatics of the caruncle and cotyledons. Cultured trophoblast cells were treated with VEGF-C/VEGF-D (50, 100 and 150 ng/ml) and combined doses of VEGF-C and VEGF-D (150 ng/ml) each for different time durations (24, 48 and 72 h). The mRNA expression of LYVE1 and PCNA was significantly (p < .001) upregulated with VEGF-C and VEGF-D and combined treatment (@150 ng/ml), as well as significantly downregulating Caspase-3 at 48 and 72 h. Thus, the present study provides evidence that lymphangiogenic factors are expressed in buffalo placental compartments and they may play a significant role in the regulation of placental function in water buffaloes.     

Hydrogen cyanide production by soil bacteria: Biological control of pests and promotion of plant growth in sustainable agriculture

Currently, plant diseases and insect infestations are mainly controlled by the extraneous application of pesticides. Unfortunately, the indiscriminate use of such agrochemicals can cause ecological and environmental problems, as well as human health hazards. To obviate the potential pollution arising from the application of agrochemicals, biological control of soilborne pathogens or insect pests using antagonistic microorganisms may be employed. Certain soil bacteria, algae, fungi, plants and insects possess the unique ability to produce hydrogen cyanide(HCN), which plays an important role in the biotic interactions of those organisms. In particular, cyanogenic bacteria have been found to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic fungi, weeds, insects, termites and nematodes. Thus, the use of HCN-producing bacteria as biopesticides offers an ecofriendly approach for sustainable agriculture. The enzyme, HCN synthase,involved in the synthesis of HCN, is encoded by the hcnABC gene cluster. The biosynthetic regulation of HCN, antibiotics and fluorescent insecticidal toxins through the conserved global regulatory GacS/GacA system is elaborated in this review, including approaches that may optimize cyanogenesis for enhanced pest control. In addition, the effects of bacterially synthesized HCN on the production of indole acetic acid, antibiotics and fluorescent insecticidal toxins, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase utilization and phosphate solubilization may result in the stimulation of plant growth. A more detailed understanding of HCN biosynthesis and regulation may help to elaborate the precise role of this compound in biotic interactions and sustainable agriculture.     

Distribution pattern and conservation of threatened medicinal and aromatic plants of Central Himalaya,India

A study was conducted to examine the distribution pattern of four rhizomatous medicinal and aromatic plant species (MAPs) viz., Angelica glauca, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Rheum emodi and Arne- bia benthamii in different forest stands in Central Himalaya. Results show that A. glauca and P. angelicoides had a higher (50%) frequency at Chipkoan, Garpak and Phagati forest, R. emodi had a higher (60%) frequency at Rishikund, Suki and Himtoli, and A. benthamii had a higher (70%) frequency at Suki and Khambdhar The densities of A. glauca (0.6 plants·m -2 ) and P. angelicoides (0.5 plants·m -2 ) were higher at Chipkoan and Garpak sites than at other micro-sites, while densities of R. emodi (0.8 plants·m -2 ) and A. benthamii (1.0 plants·m -2 ) were higher at Suki and Khambdhar sites. A. glauca had highest total basal covers (TBC) (1.2 cm 2 ·m -2 ) at Chipkoan, P. angelicoides had highest TBC (0.92 cm 2 ·m -2) at Lati kharak site, A. benthamii had the highest TBC (6.48 cm 2 ·m -2 ) atKhambdhar, and R. emodi had highest TBC (4.53 cm 2 ·m -2 ) at Rishikund. For the four studied species, A. glauca showed a contagious distribution, P. angelicoides and R. emodi showed the random and A. benthamii showed the regular type of distribution.     

Bovine toll-like receptor 9: a comparative analysis of molecular structure, function and expression

Non-methylated CpG motifs, present in viral and bacterial DNA, are one of many pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) recognized by the mammalian innate immune system. Recognition of this PAMP occurs through a specific interaction with toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and this interaction can induce cytokine responses that influence both innate and adaptive immune responses. Previous investigations determined that both the flanking sequences in synthetic CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) and the cellular pattern of TLR9 expression can influence species-specific responses to CpG ODN. Therefore, the structure, function and cellular distribution of bovine TLR9 were compared with what is known for mice and human. Analysis of the bovine TLR9 gene revealed greater sequence homology between cattle and humans than cattle and mice Similar CpG motifs induced optimal activation of both human and bovine leukocytes and these motifs were distinct from those which activated mouse leukocytes. Functional analyses with CpG ODN stimulated bovine blood leukocytes revealed that class A CpG ODN were more potent inducers of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) than class B CpG ODN. Furthermore, magnetic activated cell sorting of bovine blood leukocyte subpopulations implicated dendritic cells but not monocytes in the regulation of CpG ODN-induced IFN secretion. Thus, the cellular pattern of CpG ODN-induced responses in cattle shared many similarities with human leukocytes. Collectively, these analyses revealed substantial conservation of TLR9 structure and TLR9 function in blood leukocytes of humans, cattle and other domestic species.     

Quantitative analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in Theileria annulata-infected cell lines derived from resistant and susceptible cattle

The pathogenic mechanisms involved in tropical theileriosis, caused by the tick-borne protozoan parasite Theileria annulata, are unclear. Pathology is associated with the schizont stage of the parasite, which resides within bovine macrophages. Breed-specific differences in pathology have been observed in cattle, several Bos indicus breeds are relatively resistant to tropical theileriosis whilst Bos taurus cattle are highly susceptible. Infected cells express pro-inflammatory cytokines and it has been hypothesized that these cytokines play a major role in the pathology of the disease. Therefore, using quantitative RT-PCR we investigated the expression of the key candidates, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta), IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), in T. annulata low passage infected cell lines derived ex vivo from experimental infection of resistant and susceptible cattle. mRNA for each cytokine was detected in all cell lines investigated at levels higher than those observed in resting monocytes. However, the analyses did not identify any breed-specific differences. Therefore, these results are not consistent with the hypothesis that differential regulation of infected cell derived pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha) accounts for the breed-related differences in resistance and susceptibility to T. annulata infection. Other, currently unknown mechanisms may be of greater importance.     

Floral Diversity and Distribution in the High Altitude Cold Desert of Ladakh,India

This study deals with the floral diversity and distribution patterns in plant species in relation to environmental gradients in the high altitude cold desert of Ladakh, India. An extensive literature survey and field explorations were made across the different parts of Ladakh in order to create a compilation of vascular plant species. For the quantification of vegetation, a total of eight habitat types were identified and sampled using the point intercept method. In all, 647 species of vascular plants belonging to 58 families and 243 genera were documented. Asteraceae (89 species), Poaceae (66 species), Brassicaceae (54 species), and Fabaceae (43 species) were the dominant families. Astragalus was the most dominant genus as it obtained 24 species, followed by Polygonum (18 species), Artemisia (15 species), and Potentilla (14 species). Among the habitats, riverine beds contained the highest frequency of plant species, followed by narrow gorges and tablelands. The crags and ridges had the lowest frequency of plants. Relatively high water and moisture availability may be the cause of the high frequency of plant species in riverine beds and narrow gorges. The vegetation composition was influenced by elevation; however, the intensity of change reduced at >4500-m elevation. The conservation and management of high altitude cold desert vegetation are discussed based on field observations and findings.     

Pollination-induced oxidative stress in floral organs of Cymbidium pendulum (Roxb.) Sw. and Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw. (Orchidaceae): A biochemical investigation

A perusal of literature showed that a little is known about the metabolic changes related to senescence in orchid flowers. It was observed that unpollinated flowers of Cymbidium pendulum (Roxb.) Sw. remained fresh for 20 days and senesced within 8 days after pollination (DAP), while that of Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw. took 18 days when unpollinated but showed senescence in 7 DAP. A higher level of electrolyte leakage was recorded in all the floral organs of pollinated flowers in both the species. There was a concomitant increase in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂); indicators of oxidative damage, in all the organs for both the species. Ascorbic acid, on the other hand, decreased significantly. Higher amount of electrolyte leakage, MDA and H₂O₂ content were recorded in C. pendulum as compared of the other species while the ascorbic acid, on the other hand, was observed to be decreased and this decrease was more in C. pendulum than C. aloifolium suggesting a higher oxidative damage to the floral organs in the former species than the latter. TIBA, i.e. tri-iodobenzoic acid (an auxin inhibitor; 0.25 μM) and silver nitrate (ethylene inhibitor; 0.25 μM) application to pollinated flowers partially prevented the elevation of oxidative damage and consequently senescence suggesting the involvement of these hormones in governing these changes in orchid flowers. Comparatively, AgNO₃ was more effective than TIBA in delaying senescence.     

1,2,4-Triazolyl functionalized allyl sulfide with antifungal potential for the control of Fusarium fujikuroi causing foot rot of rice

European Journal of Plant Pathology - The present study focuses on antifungal potential of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives of allyl sulfides. The antifungal potential of synthesized...