Elicitation of Diosgenin Production in Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) Seedlings by Methyl Jasmonate.

The effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), an elicitor of plant defense mechanisms, on the biosynthesis of diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, were investigated in six fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) varieties (Gujarat Methi-2, Kasuri-1, Kasuri-2, Pusa Early Branching, Rajasthan Methi and Maharashtra Methi-5). Treatment with 0.01% MeJA increased diosgenin levels, in 12 days old seedlings, from 0.5%-0.9% to 1.1%-1.8%. In addition, MeJA upregulated the expression of two pivotal genes of the mevalonate pathway, the metabolic route leading to diosgenin: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG) and sterol-3-ß-glucosyl transferase (STRL). In particular, MeJA increased the expression of HMG and STRL genes by 3.2- and 22.2-fold, respectively, in the Gujarat Methi-2 variety, and by 25.4- and 28.4-fold, respectively, in the Kasuri-2 variety. Therefore, MeJA may be considered a promising elicitor for diosgenin production by fenugreek plants.

Filarial pleural effusion without peripheral blood or pleural fluid eosinophilia.

Lymphatic filariasis is a tropical parasitic disease and is endemic in India. It is present in various forms but its manifestation as pleural effusion is rare. Here, we describe a case of 58-year-old male who presented with complaint of left side chest pain and breathlessness. He was investigated and diagnosed as a case of left side pleural effusion due to filariasis, with peripheral blood lymphocytosis but without peripheral blood or pleural fluid eosinophilia. Our case foregrounds that filariasis can present with peripheral blood lymphocytosis and without peripheral blood or pleural fluid eosinophilia.

Right-side pulmonary agenesis with atrial septal defect in adult.

Pulmonary agenesis, a rare congenital condition, is incompatible with life when present bilateral, while unilateral agenesis is usually detected in infancy or early childhood. Rare asymptomatic patients may reach adulthood undiagnosed, with signs mimicking common conditions presenting as radiopaque hemithorax with ipsilateral mediastinal shift. Here, we describe a case of a young lady, with history of consanguinity, who presented with complaints, suggestive of lower respiratory tract infection, and was investigated and diagnosed to be a case of right-side pulmonary agenesis with large ostium secondum atrial septal defect. Our present case emphasizes the importance of presence of pulmonary agenesis with cardiac congenital anomaly, remaining asymptomatic until adulthood, particularly in patients born of parents with consanguineous marriages.

Compound heterozygous ß(+) ß(0) mutation of HBB gene leading to ß-thalassemia major in a Gujarati family - A case study.

ß-Thalassemia is a genetic disease characterized by reduced or non-functionality of ß-globin gene expression, which is caused due to a number of variations and indels (insertions and deletions). In this case study, we have reported a rare occurrence of compound heterozygosity of two different variants, namely, HBBc.92G > C and HBBc.92 + 5G > C in maternal amniotic fluid sample. Prenatal ß-thalassemia mutation detection in fetal DNA was carried out using nucleotide sequencing method. After analysis, the father was found to be heterozygous for HBBc.92G > C (Codon 30 (G > C)) mutation which is ß(0) type and the mother was heterozygous for HBBc.92 + 5G > C (IVS I-5 (G > C)) mutation which is ß(+) type. When amniotic fluid sample was analyzed for ß-globin gene (HBB), we found the occurrence of heterozygous allelic pattern for aforesaid mutations. This compound heterozygous state of fetus sample was considered as ß(+)/ß(0) category of ß thalassemia which was clinically and genotypically interpreted as ß-thalassemia major. Regular blood transfusions are required for the survival of thalassemia major patients hence prenatal diagnosis is imperative for timely patient management. Prenatal diagnosis helps the parents to know the thalassemic status of the fetus and enables an early decision on the pregnancy. In the present study, we have identified compound heterozygosity for ß-thalassemia in the fetus which portrays the importance of prenatal screening.

Whole-Genome Sequencing of Brevundimonas diminuta XGC1, Isolated from a Tuberculosis Patient in Gujarat, India.

We report the draft genome of Brevundimonas diminuta strain XGC1, isolated from a tuberculosis-infected patient in Gujarat, India. This study also reveals that the B. diminuta XGC1 strain has acquired mutation to confer resistance to quinolone drugs.

Studies on anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Holoptelea integrifolia, Planch. in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extract of the leaves of H. integrifolia, Planch. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hind paw edema was produced in rats by subplanter injection of carageenan. The aqueous extract of H. integrifolia, Planch. (AHI) at dose (250 and 500 mg/kg p.o) was given to observe % inhibition of paw edema which were comparable with indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o) used as a reference drug. RESULTS: The extract administered orally at doses of 250 and 500 mglkg p.o produced a significant (P < 0.05) dose dependent inhibition of edema formation CONCLUSIONS: A significant % inhibition of paw edema by the aqueous extract of leaves of H. integrifolia, Planch. and its almost nearby same % inhibition with indomethacin suggest its usefulness as an anti-inflammatory agent.