Genetic control of surface curvature

Although curvature of biological surfaces has been considered from mathematical and biophysical perspectives, its molecular and developmental basis is unclear. We have studied the cin mutant of Antirrhinum, which has crinkly rather than flat leaves. Leaves of cin display excess growth in marginal regions, resulting in a gradual introduction of negative curvature during development. This reflects a change in the shape and the progression of a cell-cycle arrest front moving from the leaf tip toward the base. CIN encodes a TCP protein and is expressed downstream of the arrest front. We propose that CIN promotes zero curvature (flatness) by making cells more sensitive to an arrest signal, particularly in marginal regions.     

Understanding Brown Planthopper Resistance in Rice: Genetics,Biochemical and Molecular Breeding Approaches

Brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens Stål) is the most devastating pest of rice in Asia and causes significant yield loss annually. Around 37 BPH resistance genes have been identified so far in indica, African rice varieties along with wild germplasms such as Oryza officinalis, O. minuta, O. nivara, O. punctata, O. rufipogon and O. latifolia. Genes/QTLs involved in BPH resistance, including Bph1, bph2/BPH26, Bph3, Bph6, bph7, BPH9, Bph12, Bph14, Bph15, Bph17, BPH18, bph19, Bph20, Bph21(t), Bph27, Bph27(t), Bph28(t), BPH29, QBph3, QBph4, QBph4.2, Bph30, Bph32, Bph33, Bph35 and Bph36, have been fine-mapped by different researchers across the globe. The majority of genes/QTLs are located on rice chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 12. Rice plants respond to BPH attack by releasing various endogenous metabolites like proteinase inhibitors, callose, secondary metabolites (terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoid, etc.) and volatile compounds. Besides that, hormonal signal pathways mediating (antagonistic/synergistic) resistance responses in rice have been well studied. Marker-assisted breeding and genome editing techniques can also be adopted for improving resistance to novel BPH biotypes.     

EFFECT OF SALINIZATION OF SOIL ON GROWTH,WATER STATUS AND NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION IN SEEDLINGS OF ACACIA AURICULIFORMIS (FABACEAE)

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the effects of salinization of soil on emergence, growth, water status, proline content, and mineral accumulation of seedlings of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth. (Fabaceae). Sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to the soil and salinity was maintained at 0.3, 3.9, 6.0, 7.9, 10.0, 12.1, and 13.9 dS m^?1. Salinity caused reduction in water potential of tissues, which resulted in internal water deficit to plants. Consequently, seedling growth significantly decreased with increase in soil salinity. Proline content in tissues increased with increase in salinity. Potassium and sodium content significantly increased in tissues as salinity increased. Nitrogen content significantly increased in tissues with salinization of soil. Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium content significantly decreased as salinity increased. Changes in tissues and whole-plant accumulation patterns of other nutrients, as well as possible mechanisms for avoidance of sodium toxicity in this tree species in response to salinity, are discussed.     

Effects of dietary Leucas aspera levels on growth performance,nutrient utilization,digestive enzymes and physio-metabolic and health status of bagrid catfish,Rita rita (Hamilton, 1822)

The study was to examine the effects of dietary L. aspera on growth performance, physio-metabolic response and health status of Rita rita fish reared in tanks for 60 days. Six experimental diets were formulated containing 0 g/kg, 3 g/kg, 6 g/kg, 9 g/kg and 12 g/kg L. aspera and designated as D0, D3, D6, D9 and D12 respectively. The inclusion of L. aspera at graded levels resulted in significantly varying effects on growth performance where the weight gain (%), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in D6 and D9 groups than others. The protease and amylase activities were elevated in L. aspera supplemented groups than the control group (p<0.05), whereas lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and serum transaminase enzyme activities were significantly reduced with the increasing level of L. aspera and comparatively higher activities of the respective enzymes were found in the control group. The activities of oxidative stress enzymes were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the D9 group and lower in control. The blood glucose level significantly decreased with the increasing level of L. aspera in the experimental diets. The L. aspera supplemented fish had significantly higher liver glycogen, serum protein, albumin and globulin than control group. Red blood cell count was significantly higher (p<0.05) in D6-D12, whereas white blood cell count and haemoglobin content were significantly higher (p<0.05) in D6 and D9 groups. Regression analysis showed that L. aspera at the level of 7.3–7.9 g/kg is optimum for better growth and feed efficiency.     

Composition and variation in vitamin C,carotenoids, protein,nitrate and oxalate contents inCelosia leaves

Twenty two lines/accessions belonging to 5 species ofCelosia were analysed for their nutritional and antinutritional composition. The nutrient contents, vitamin C varied from 18.8 to 53.6 mg/100 g, carotenoids 9.1 to 15.1 mg/100g, protein 2.1 to 5.9%, while the antinutritional factors, nitrate 0.18 to 0.46% and oxalate 0.98 to 3.93%. Moisture ranged 81 to 89%. Variation of these parameters with leaf position and the amino acids profile of some promising lines was also evaluated.     

Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Buffalo Bone Marrow‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Immune privileged mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into multiple cell types and possess great potential for human and veterinary regenerative therapies. This study was designed with an objective to isolate, expand and characterize buffalo bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs) at molecular and cellular level. Buffalo BM‐MSCs were isolated by Ficoll density gradient method and cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS). These cells were characterized through alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining, colony‐forming unit (CFU) assay, mRNA expression analysis (CD 73, CD 90, CD 105, Oct4 and Nanog), immunolocalization along with flow cytometry (Stro 1, CD 73, CD 105, Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog) and in situ hybridization (Oct4 and Sox2). Multilineage differentiation (osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic) was induced in vitro, which was further assessed by specific staining. Buffalo BM‐MSCs have the capacity to form plastic adherent clusters of fibroblast‐like cells and were successfully maintained up to 16^th passage. These cells were AP positive, and further CFU assay confirmed their clonogenic property. RT‐PCR analysis and protein localization study showed that buffalo BM‐MSCs are positive for various cell surface markers and pluripotency markers. Cytoplasmic distribution of mRNA for pluripotency markers in buffalo BM‐MSCs and multilineage differentiation were induced in vitro, which was further assessed by specific staining. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of buffalo BM‐MSCs, which suggests that MSCs can be derived and expanded from buffalo bone marrow and can be used after characterization as a novel agent for regenerative therapy.     

Interferon gamma responses to proteome-determined specific recombinant proteins: Potential as diagnostic markers for ovine Johne's disease

Johne's disease (JD), or paratuberculosis is a fatal enteritis of animals caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). There may be a long subclinical phase with no signs of clinical disease.     

Management of a chronic wound in a chimpanzee: A lesson learned

A male chimpanzee was presented with a chronic swelling near the left cheek region. Various attempts to treat the chimpanzee went in vain. Vices of the animal, emotional attitude of his family members, and rules and regulations of the Central Zoo Authority made the treatment a challenging task. Meanwhile, the swelling turned into an open wound because of the female chimpanzee that further aggravated the situation. Proper behavioral study of the subject, positive reinforcement training, and accurate treatment protocol resulted in complete healing of the wound without any complications.