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.     

Quantitative Estimation of Genetic Variability in Morphological Characteristics of Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) Clones

The study was carried out to analyze the genetic variability for different growth parameters in poplar clones at the age of 2 and 3 yr in the nursery. Forty-nine exotic and indigenous clones of poplar were evaluated for eight morphological traits. Clones were planted in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications with four clones in a block in each treatment. Observations for different characters were recorded on six selected competitive clones per genotype. Results showed a high interclonal variability for most parameters. Statistically significant differences among clones indicated that the majority of study characters are controlled by genetic factors, specific to each clone. Highly significant genotypic difference supported by wide range of variation of mean and range values were observed for the characters under study. Significant and positive correlation was observed between diameter at breast height (DBH) and plant height. Leaf lamina length showed positive and significant correlation with petiole length, total leaf length, leaf width, and L/B ratio. Total leaf length showed positive and significant correlation with leaf width and L/B ratio. High estimates of heritability (in a broad sense) were observed for almost all characters in the study. High genetic advance expressed as percent of mean was recorded for petiole length (60.90), followed by plant height (60.78) and collar diameter (44.19) at 2 yr. At the age of 3 yr, genetic advance was found maximum for petiole length (60.05), followed by collar diameter (47.62) and plant height (45.29). The efforts for selecting new clones and their field-testing must continue under a long-term improvement plan so that the best clones can be recommended for plantations and hybridization programs.     

A comprehensive study on occurrence records of African neglected and underutilized weed species,Cleome gynandra L. (cat's whiskers) validating the ecogeographical range expansion in West Bengal,India

Cleome gynandra L., commonly known as cat's whiskers, is an erect, branched, annual herb, belonging to the family Cleomaceae. The species is thought to have originated in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia, and thereafter have spread to other tropical and subtropical countries in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Cat's whiskers is a highly nutritious vegetable and also possesses numerous medicinal values, yet it is considered as a neglected and underutilized weed species (NUS) in most of the world. In India, C. gynandra is recorded in Assam, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. There is no earlier report of this species in West Bengal, India. This report is the first record of natural occurrence of C. gynandra in West Bengal, India. The main objective of this report is to provide valid information about the invasion and naturalization of this species in a new geographical area supported with suitable data. Global distribution data of cat's whiskers was retrieved from available web resources and mapped using Quantum GIS software in order to validate the de novo nature of occurrence of this species in this region.     

Inhibition of tumorigenesis in ApcMin/+ mice by a combination of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate and fish oil

The effect of a combination of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) with fish oil on intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc (Min/+) mice fed a high-fat diet was investigated in the present study. The combined treatment of EGCG and fish oil for 9 weeks reduced the tumor number by 53% as compared to controls while neither agent alone had a significant effect. Apoptosis was significantly increased in all treatment groups. beta-Catenin nuclear positivity in adenomas from the combination group was lower than control mice, implicating the modulation of Wnt signaling by the combination. Fish oil and the combination significantly reduced prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) levels in small intestinal tumors as compared to controls, suggesting modulation of aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism by fish oil. Akt phosphorylation in adenomas was significantly reduced in all treatment groups, which may have contributed to the observed increase in apoptosis. The results indicate that a combination of low doses of EGCG and fish oil can inhibit tumor multiplicity in Apc (Min/+) mice.     

First report of Calonectria cerciana causing leaf blight of Eucalyptus in northern India

Eucalyptus spp. and their hybrids are frequently cloned and mass planted across farmland tracts and commercial plantations in northern India. It is a viable feeder species to the paper and pulp industries in this region. In 2018 and 2019, during field surveys conducted in northern India, a serious leaf blight disease was frequently observed in E. tereticornis plantations. Isolation from the blighted leaf samples consistently yielded fungal isolates having Calonectria‐like morphology. Morphological features coupled with sequence analysis of partial β‐tubulin (TUB2) and partial translation elongation factor‐alpha (TEF1) gene regions of two fungal isolates confirmed the species as Ca. cerciana. In detached leaf assays and glasshouse inoculation experiments, both isolates produced symptoms similar to those observed on the naturally infected leaves. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re‐isolating Ca. cerciana from the inoculated leaves. This work is the first to confirm that Ca. cerciana is associated with a serious leaf blight disease of Eucalyptus in northern India and is an important addition to the taxonomy of Calonectria fungi in India.     

Temperate forest development during secondary succession: effects of soil,dominant species and management

With the increase in abandoned agricultural lands in Western Europe, knowledge on the successional pathways of newly developing forests becomes urgent. We evaluated the effect of time, soil type and dominant species type (shade tolerant or intolerant) on the development during succession of three stand attributes: above-ground biomass, stand height (HT) and stem density (SD). Additionally, we compared above-ground biomass (AGB) in natural and planted forests, using ten chronosequences (8 from the literature and 2 from this study). Both AGB and HT increased over time, whereas SD decreased. HT, SD and AGB differed among species types. For example, birch had greater HT than alder, willow and ash at a similar age and had higher SD than pine and oak at a similar age. However, birch showed lower AGB than pine. HT and AGB differed among soil types. They were higher in rich soil than in poor soils. Comparative analysis between chronosequences showed an effect of the regeneration method (natural regeneration vs plantation) on above-ground biomass. Planted sites had higher AGB than natural regeneration. Time, soil type, species and regeneration method influenced the mechanism of stand responses during secondary succession. These characteristics could be used to clarify the heterogeneity and potential productivity of such spontaneously growing temperate forest ecosystems.     

High-throughput mapping of a dynamic signaling network in mammalian cells

Signaling pathways transmit information through protein interaction networks that are dynamically regulated by complex extracellular cues. We developed LUMIER (for luminescence-based mammalian interactome mapping), an automated high-throughput technology, to map protein-protein interaction networks systematically in mammalian cells and applied it to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) pathway. Analysis using self-organizing maps and k-means clustering identified links of the TGFbeta pathway to the p21-activated kinase (PAK) network, to the polarity complex, and to Occludin, a structural component of tight junctions. We show that Occludin regulates TGFbeta type I receptor localization for efficient TGFbeta-dependent dissolution of tight junctions during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions.     

Auxin synergists in the rooting of mango cuttings

Preplanting application of phenolic compounds, p-hydroxybenzoic acid p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid, in most cases promoted auxin-induced rooting on cuttings of mango, a difficult-to-root fruit plant. The ethylene-releasing chemical CEPA (ethrel, ethephon) also stimulated rooting in the presence of auxins. Synergism was more pronounced in the presence of IBA than with IAA. To a certain extent, root-promoting effects of auxins and non-auxin chemicals were related to the utilization of carbohydrate fractions from the region of root formation. Utilization of reserve polysaccharides assumed greater importance only during the root-development phase.     

Chocolate is a powerful ex vivo and in vivo antioxidant, an antiatherosclerotic agent in an animal model, and a significant contributor to antioxidants in the European and American Diets

Chocolate today is often viewed as a food or snack with little nutritional value. The high saturated fat content of chocolate has also contributed to the belief that its consumption increases the risk of heart disease. However, recent human studies have proven that chocolate has beneficial effects on some pathogenic mechanisms of heart disease such as endothelial function and blood pressure. Although the antioxidant properties of chocolate have been known for some time, there has been no examination of its place in the U.S. diet as a source of antioxidants. This paper demonstrates that chocolate makes a significant contribution to U.S. per capita dietary antioxidants and by inference the European Community's. In the U.S. diet chocolate is the third highest daily per capita antioxidant source. An ex vivo study shows that epicatechin, a major polyphenol in chocolate and chocolate extracts, is a powerful inhibitor of plasma lipid oxidation due to polyphenols' ability to bind to lower density lipoproteins. Conversely, the fat from chocolate alone is a pro-oxidant in this model. This is also demonstrated in an in vivo human study. After consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa powder, the lower density lipoproteins isolated from plasma were protected from oxidation compared to the lipoproteins isolated after cocoa butter consumption, which were put under oxidative stress. In an animal model of atherosclerosis, cocoa powder at a human dose equivalent of two dark chocolate bars per day significantly inhibited atherosclerosis, lowered cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides, raised high-density lipoprotein, and protected the lower density lipoproteins from oxidation. Chocolate has thus been shown to have potential beneficial effects with respect to heart disease.