Estimates of direct and maternal (co)variance components as well as genetic parameters of growth traits in Nellore sheep

In the present study, (co)variance components and genetic parameters in Nellore sheep were obtained by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method using six different animal models with various combinations of direct and maternal genetic effects for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6-month weight (6MW), 9-month weight (9MW) and 12-month weight (YW). Evaluated records of 2075 lambs descended from 69 sires and 478 dams over a period of 8 years (2007–2014) were collected from the Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, India. Lambing year, sex of lamb, season of lambing and parity of dam were the fixed effects in the model, and ewe weight was used as a covariate. Best model for each trait was determined by log-likelihood ratio test. Direct heritability for BW, WW, 6MW, 9MW and YW were 0.08, 0.03, 0.12, 0.16 and 0.10, respectively, and their corresponding maternal heritabilities were 0.07, 0.10, 0.09, 0.08 and 0.11. The proportions of maternal permanent environment variance to phenotypic variance (Pe²) were 0.07, 0.10, 0.07, 0.06 and 0.10 for BW, WW, 6MW, 9MW and YW, respectively. The estimates of direct genetic correlations among the growth traits were positive and ranged from 0.44(BW-WW) to 0.96(YW-9MW), and the estimates of phenotypic and environmental correlations were found to be lower than those of genetic correlations. Exclusion of maternal effects in the model resulted in biased estimates of genetic parameters in Nellore sheep. Hence, to implement optimum breeding strategies for improvement of traits in Nellore sheep, maternal effects should be considered.     

Fluorometric detection of enzyme activity with synthetic supramolecular pores

The reversible blockage of synthetic pores formed by rigid-rod beta barrels, either by substrates or products, was used to sense a variety of enzymatic reactions in high-throughput format with "naked-eye" fluorescent detection. Improvement of sensor sensitivity beyond three orders of magnitude by straightforward internal mutations underscores the functional plasticity of rigid-rod beta barrels. Such detectors of enzyme activity with the aforementioned characteristics are needed in areas as diverse as proteomics and environmentally benign organic synthesis.     

Differential HSP90α expression in fish hepatocytes from polluted estuary during summer

The molecular chaperone, heat shock protein 90α (HSP90α), plays an important role in protein folding, degradation of denatured proteins and steroid activation. It is essential for the maintenance of cellular integrity and survival when induced in response to environmental, physical and chemical stresses. In the present investigation the effect of environmental stress on HSP90α expression was examined in grey mullet Mugil cephalus living in either a contaminated (Ennore) or uncontaminated (Kovalam) estuary over two seasons: Hepatocytes were isolated from grey mullet of both estuaries. Oxidative stress was determined along with HSP90α in these fish. Additionally, immunohistochemical changes were studied to confirm the HSP90α expression. Comparison of the results revealed enhanced hepatocyte oxidative stress and HSP90α expressions in fish from Ennore to a significant extent than fish from Kovalam. Also, the results showed significant seasonal variations with maximum expression observed during summer compared to the monsoon season. Overexpression of HSP90α in hepatocytes exposed to chronic environmental stress by pollutants may confer differential effects on cell survival by protecting against oxidative stress induced changes. The results also indicate that seasonal variations have significant effect on the HSP90α expression.     

Influence of management protocols on carp growth under nursery conditions: relative importance of food and water quality

Twenty outdoor holding tanks (10 m–3 each), were filled with ground water and grouped into five feeding schemes: live zooplankton cultured outside the fish growing tank (LFS); direct nursery pond fertilization schedule in static (MS) as well as in exchanged water (EMS); intermediate conditions between the LFS and MS (IS); and supplementary food system using mixture (1:1) of finely ground mustard oilcake and boiled rice (SFS). Two hundred common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry were introduced into each of the twenty outdoor tanks maintained at ambient temperature outside the laboratory. After 90 days of rearing, the fish were harvested and analysed for various growth parameters and food conversion efficiency. The average weight of carp attained in the LFS was significantly higher than that in the other four feeding schemes. The frequency distribution of final body weight of common carp showed the preponderance of large and small fish in the LFS and MS, respectively. Likewise, plankton intake by the carp fry was highest in the LFS. The rate of survival was much higher in the LFS as compared with the rest of the treatments. The water quality remained far better in the former than the latter. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

Effect of Vacuum Packaging and Sous Vide Processing on the Quality of Indian White Shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) During Chilled Storage

A comparative study was undertaken to assess the effect of sous vide (SV) processing, vacuum, and ordinary air packaging on the quality and shelf life of condiment-incorporated Indian white shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) during chilled storage. The pasteurization value (PV) for SV-processed shrimp was 4.02 min at 90ºC. The initial K value of shrimp (2.17%) increased to 5.26% with SV processing and further increased to a value of 46.9% on the day of sensory rejection, compared with 64.3% and 62.7% for vacuum and air-packed samples, respectively. A nearly 3 log reduction in total mesophilic count was observed for SV-processed shrimp. Formation of volatile bases, indole, and lipid oxidation was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited in SV-processed shrimp compared to others. SV processing extended the shelf life of condiment-incorporated shrimp up to 28 days, compared to only 15 and 8 days for vacuum and air-packed samples, respectively.     

Application of plant growth-promoting bacteria associated with composts and macrofauna for growth promotion of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) were reported to influence the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake by an array of mechanisms. We selected seven different plant growth-promoting traits and antagonistic ability to screen 207 bacteria isolated from composts. Fifty-four percent of PGPB were from farm waste compost (FWC), 56% from rice straw compost (RSC), 64% from Gliricidia vermicompost (GVC), and 41% from macrofauna associated with FWC. Twelve isolates based on different plant growth-promoting traits and seed vigor index were evaluated at glasshouse for plant growth-promoting activity on pearl millet. Seven isolates significantly increased shoot length and ten isolates showed significant increase in leaf area, root length density, and plant weight. Maximum increase in plant weight was by Serratia marcescens EB 67 (56%), Pseudomonas sp. CDB 35 (52%), and Bacillus circulans EB 35 (42%). Plant growth-promoting activity of composts and bacteria (EB 35, EB 67, and CDB 35) was studied together. All the three composts showed significant increase in growth of pearl millet, which was 77% by RSC, 55% by GVC, and 30% by FWC. Application of composts with bacteria improved plant growth up to 88% by RSC with EB 67, 83% with GVC and EB 67. These results show the synergistic effect of selected bacteria applied with composts on growth of pearl millet.     

Biodegradation of Congo Red Azo Dye by Aspergillus spp,Isolated from Dye Contaminated Soils

In the present study, it has been aimed to determine the non target effects of Congo red on soil enzyme activities namely amylase, protease, catalase, glucose oxidase and laccases, following the standard procedures. Further, it is also aimed to decolourize the dye effluents by using immobilized fimgal cultures namely Aspergillus spp. isolated from textile effluents and estimate the percentage of decolourization by dye decolourization assay method. The selected fungi were found efficient and dominant type in dye decolourization with the production of laccase and other enzymes. Except laccase, all the enzymes showed maximum activity at 14 days followed by declining trend at 21 days. Maximum enzyme activity was noticed with Aspergillus niger. 95% of decolourization was found within 4-24 h in sodium alginate immobilized fungal cultures compared to controls. The above results clearly indicate the efficiency of these fungi in selective bioremediation of dye contaminated sites.     

Degradative Oxidation of 2,4,6 Trichlorophenol Using Advanced Oxidation Processes – A Comparative Study

In the present study, a comparative assessment of 2,4,6-T (2,4,6-Trichlorophenol) degradation by different AOPs (Advanced Oxidation Processes – UV, UV/ H₂O₂, Fenton, UV/Fenton and UV/TiO₂) in the laboratory scale is performed. The effects of different reactant concentrations and pH are assessed. 2,4,6-T removal, Total Organic Carbon mineralization (TOC) and dechlorination are monitored. Of all the AOPs, UV/Fenton process is more effective in degrading 2,4,6-T. The optimum conditions obtained for the best degradation with UV/Fenton are: pH?=?3, Fe⁺² concentration of about 5 ppm, and peroxide concentration of 100 ppm for an initial 100 ppm of 2,4,6 T concentration at room temperature. In these conditions, a pseudo first-order rate constant is evaluated. The degradation rate of 2,4,6 T followed the order: $$ {{{\text{UV}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{\text{UV}}} {{\text{Feton}}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {{\text{Feton}}}} > {{{\text{UV}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{\text{UV}}} {{\text{TiO}}_{\text{2}} > {{{\text{UV}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{\text{UV}}} {{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{2}} > {\text{Feton}}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{2}} > {\text{Feton}}}}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {{\text{TiO}}_{\text{2}} > {{{\text{UV}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{\text{UV}}} {{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{2}} > {\text{Feton}}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{2}} > {\text{Feton}}}}}} > {\text{UV}} $$      

Influence of two insecticides, chlorpyrifos and quinalphos, on arginine ammonification and mineralizable nitrogen in two tropical soil types

Effects of seed treatments with chlorpyrifos [5 g of active ingredient (ai) kg(-1) of seed] and quinalphos (6.25 g of ai kg(-1) of seed) and standing crop treatments with chlorpyrifos (800 g of ai ha(-1)) and quinalphos (1000 g of ai ha(-1)) on arginine deamination and mineralizable nitrogen were monitored, in the sandy loam and loamy sand soils of two tropical semiarid fields, for three consecutive crop seasons. The arginine ammonification activity of rhizospheric microbes was inhibited after seed treatment with chlorpyrifos and quinalphos and their principal metabolites, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-methoxypyridine (TMP) and 2-hydroxyquinoxaline and quinoxaline-2-thiol, respectively. Quinalphos produced transient inhibitions, whereas chlorpyrifos and its metabolites (TCP and TMP) exerted a greater inhibition in both loamy sand and sandy loam soils. Arginine ammonification by nonrhizospheric microbes was stimulated by standing crop treatments with both pesticides. In the loamy sand soil, the parent compounds stimulated rhizospheric N-mineralization, whereas the metabolites were inhibitory. However, nonrhizospheric N-mineralization was inhibited by both chlorpyrifos and quinalphos and stimulated by their metabolites. A higher magnitude of inhibition of arginine deamination in the loamy sand than in the sandy loam soil could be due to greater bioavailability of the pesticides in the former, resulting from lesser sorption of the pesticides due to alkalinity of the soil and its low content of clay and organic carbon. Although both pesticides affected mineralizable nitrogen, seed treatment with quinalphos and standing crop treatment with quinalphos and chlorpyrifos produced the most significant effects. The recommended doses of the pesticides not only efficiently controlled whitegrubs, which increased pod yields, but also left no residues in harvested kernels. They also caused no long-term inhibition of ammonification, which could have been of significant concern during the short crop period in semiarid areas where nitrogen determines plant productivity.     

Biochemistry of TBT-Degrading Marine Pseudomonads Isolated from Indian Coastal Waters

Tributyltin (TBT) is a very effective biocide and an active ingredient in antifouling paints. Screening along the Indian coast yielded 49 bacterial isolates capable of TBT assimilation. The screening was done based on the ability of bacteria to grow in mineral salt medium (MSM) containing TBT as the sole source of carbon. All the isolates produced exopolysaccharides (biosurfactants) in the medium which aid in emulsification and thus ease bioavailability of TBT. Five isolates were identified as potent TBT degraders (namely, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas mendocina, Pseudomonas putida, and Pseudomonas balearica) based on their biomass production in MSM containing TBT as the sole source of carbon. In addition to evaluating the potential of individual bacterial strains, the study also focused on using a consortium of bacteria to explore their synergistic effect when grown on TBT. Further tests like growth profile, rhamnolipid secretion profile, extracellular protein secretion profile, and detection of siderophores were performed on these isolates when grown in MSM supplemented with 2 mM TBT concentration. Emulsification activity of the crude extracellular polysaccharides against kerosene was evaluated. It can be therefore inferred that TBT degradation by these marine pseudomonads is a two-step process: (a) dispersion of TBT in the aqueous phase and (b) tin–carbon bond cleavage by siderophores affecting debutylation of TBT. The consortium of bacteria may be effective in the treatment of TBT-contaminated waste water in dry docks.