Combining ability analysis in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for potential quality improvement

Abstract Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.

Resumo A análise da capacidade de combinação fornece informações úteis para a seleção dos pais, também informações sobre a natureza e a magnitude das ações dos genes envolvidos. A melhoria das safras envolve estratégias para aumentar a potencialidade da produção e os componentes de qualidade. Visando ao aprimoramento dos respectivos caracteres em cabaça-amarga, capacidade de combinação e parâmetros genéticos para 19 caracteres, foram estimados a partir de uma técnica de análise dialélica completa 6 × 6. Os resultados revelaram que as variâncias, devido à capacidade geral de combinação (GCA) e capacidade específica de combinação (SCA), foram altamente significativas para a maioria dos caracteres importantes. Indicou a importância das ações gênicas aditivas e não aditivas. As variâncias GCA foram maiores em magnitude do que as variâncias SCA para todos os caracteres estudados, indicando a predominância dos efeitos do gene aditivo em sua herança. O pai P2 (BG 009) apareceu como o melhor combinador geral para o início; P1 (BG 006) para número de frutos, peso médio de um único fruto e produção de frutos; P4 (BG 027) para número de nó da primeira flor fêmea e dias para a maturidade do fruto da semente; P3 (BG 011) para comprimento do fruto e espessura da polpa do fruto; P5 (BG 033) para peso de 100 sementes; e P6 para o número de nós por videira principal. O efeito SCA, bem como o efeito recíproco, também foi significativo para a maioria dos personagens importantes em cruzamentos diferentes.

Combining ability analysis in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. ) for potential quality improvement / Análise de capacidade de combinação em cabaça-amarga (Momordica charantia L. ) para melhoria potencial da qualidade

Abstract Combining ability analysis provides useful information for the selection of parents, also information regarding the nature and magnitude of involved gene actions. Crops improvement involves strategies for enhancing yield potentiality and quality components. Targeting the improvement of respective characters in bitter gourd, combining ability and genetic parameters for 19 characters were estimated from a 6×6 full diallel analysis technique. The results revealed that the variances due to general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were highly significant for most of the important characters. It indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA variances were higher in magnitude than SCA variances for all the characters studied indicating the predominance of the additive gene effects in their inheritance. The parent P2 (BG 009) appeared as the best general combiner for earliness; P1 (BG 006) for number of fruits, average single fruit weight and fruit yield; P4 (BG 027) for node number of first female flower and days to seed fruit maturity; P3 (BG 011) for fruit length and thickness of the fruit flesh; P5 (BG 033) for 100-seed weight; and P6 for number of nodes per main vine. The SCA effect as well as reciprocal effect was also significant for most of the important characters in different crosses.

Resumo A análise da capacidade de combinação fornece informações úteis para a seleção dos pais, também informações sobre a natureza e a magnitude das ações dos genes envolvidos. A melhoria das safras envolve estratégias para aumentar a potencialidade da produção e os componentes de qualidade. Visando ao aprimoramento dos respectivos caracteres em cabaça-amarga, capacidade de combinação e parâmetros genéticos para 19 caracteres, foram estimados a partir de uma técnica de análise dialélica completa 6 × 6. Os resultados revelaram que as variâncias, devido à capacidade geral de combinação (GCA) e capacidade específica de combinação (SCA), foram altamente significativas para a maioria dos caracteres importantes. Indicou a importância das ações gênicas aditivas e não aditivas. As variâncias GCA foram maiores em magnitude do que as variâncias SCA para todos os caracteres estudados, indicando a predominância dos efeitos do gene aditivo em sua herança. O pai P2 (BG 009) apareceu como o melhor combinador geral para o início; P1 (BG 006) para número de frutos, peso médio de um único fruto e produção de frutos; P4 (BG 027) para número de nó da primeira flor fêmea e dias para a maturidade do fruto da semente; P3 (BG 011) para comprimento do fruto e espessura da polpa do fruto; P5 (BG 033) para peso de 100 sementes; e P6 para o número de nós por videira principal. O efeito SCA, bem como o efeito recíproco, também foi significativo para a maioria dos personagens importantes em cruzamentos diferentes.

Antibacterial efficacy of black seed honey in combination with penicillin and amoxiclav against gram-positive bacteria

Background:The emergence of antimicrobial resistance possessesa great threat for the existence of mankind. Antibiotics like penicillin and amoxiclav are at the brink of losing their efficacy entirely in exposure to resistant bacteria. Thus, the present study was aimed to find out the antibacterial efficacy of black seed honey as an alternative natural source which can act independently and boost the efficacy of standard drugs alongside. Methods:Penicillin, amoxiclav and black seed honey were first individually trailedagainst four gram-positive bacteria -Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis andMicrococcus luteus.Afterwards, penicillin and amoxiclav were used in combination with honey and compared the synergistic effects with their individual efficacy. Zones of inhibition from well diffusion method, percentage inhibition, minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations by microdilution method were determined in the present study.Results:Black seed honey alone demonstrated great inhibitory potential against S. aureus (9.7 mm), S. epidermidis (9.9 mm) and M. luteus(9.3 mm) in well diffusion method. Moreover, its combination with amoxiclav showed synergistic effect against all bacteria except S. epidermidis. However, its conjugation with penicillin was not able to produce any synergism as exhibited by zones of inhibition. The lowest concentration (1.56%) of honey applied individually or in combination in microdilution method foundhighly effective which established an inverse dose dependent relationship with efficacy.Conclusions:From the data it can be concluded that the black seed honey is a highly potent natural agent which can be utilized in antimicrobial therapy. However, further investigation is recommended to identify the responsible compound for such activity.

Protein and Mineral Contents in Some Fish Species Available in the Brahmaputra River of Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh to determine protein and major mineral nutrients (viz. Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, S and Fe) in different available fish species of the Brahmaputra River of Bangladesh. Total 32 fish samples of 15 fish species were collected from three locations of the river during November 2017. The highest amount of Ca (2.00%), Mg (4.17%), Na (0.41%), K (3.24%), P (0.17%), S (0.129%) and Fe (226.9 mg kg−1) were obtained from chela (Salmophasia bacaila), chanda (Chanda nama), chingri (Macrobrachium sp.), shingi (Heteropneustes fossilis), bele (Glossogobius giuris), baim (Macrognathus aculeatus) and mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), respectively and the sequence of the mineral nutrients was K > Mg > Ca > Na > P > S > Fe. The study results revealed that 100% of daily Ca requirement can be replenished by consuming 100 g fish flesh portion of the chela (Salmophasia bacaila)/ chingri (Macrobrachium sp.)/ bele (Glossogobius giuris). Similarly, among the 15 fish species, 11 and 12 species alone can contribute 100% of Mg and K requirement for human by taking 100 g fish flesh, respectively. The maximum content of N (3.88%) was obtained from shingi (Heteropneustes fossilis), while the minimum (2.81%) was recorded from mola (Amblypharyngodon mola). The protein content among the fish samples varied between 17.6-24.3% with a mean value of 21.2%. Finally, the study results concluded that the common fishes available in the Brahmaputra River are a good source of protein and major mineral nutrients, which contributes in nutrition to the local people of the country.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendicectomy: A Comparison of Primary Outcome.

Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy is widely practiced for the management of acute appendicitis. It is not clear whether open or laparoscopic appendectomy is more appropriate. Our aim was to compare the safety and the advantages of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in a prospective study. 102 patients were participated in this study. The group 1 patients were subjected to laparoscopic appendectomy [LA], whereas the group 2 patients were subjected to open appendectomy [OA]. 46 patients included in LA group and 54 patients in OA group. The mean operative time for LA and OA was 84.4 (45-220) minutes and 59 (30-180) minutes respectively. Although LA was associated with a shorter hospital stay [LA-3.5 days versus OA-5 days] but duration of operation is prolong in LA than OA and the postoperative wound infection is significantly higher in OA than LA. LA is safe and superior to OA in respect to an early discharge, lesser postoperative pain; decreased post operative wound infection, early return to work and a better cosmetic scar.

Kikuchi's Disease: A Case Report.

Kikuchi's disease is also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare benign, self-limiting cervical lymphadenitis of unknown etiology. It predominantly affects young women and can closely mimic infective and immunological disorders. Recognition of this condition is crucial, specially because it can easily be mistaken for tuberculosis, lymphoma, or even adenocarcinoma. We report an 18 years old girl who presented with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. She had multiple enlarged cervical lymphadenopathy. Examination of other systems was normal. Laboratory investigations were also normal. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the cervical node was not done. The patient took a course of oral antibiotics. Since the patient did not respond, lymph node biopsy was done and the histological features suggested the diagnosis of Kikuchi's disease. The Patient was treated symptomatically and complete remission occurred in few weeks. Although the incidence of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is rare, clinicians should be aware of this condition as early recognition of the disease will minimize potentially harmful and unnecessary evaluations and treatments.

Role of B Type Natriuretic Peptide in the Early Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in High Risk Subjects.

Background: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) reflects left ventricular pressure. It increases in systolic dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluate role of plasma BNP level in early diagnosis of left ventricular isolated diastolic dysfunction. Methods: We studied 60 patients (male=18, female=42) with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia. The Doppler parameters used for evaluation of diastolic dysfunction are: isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), Transmitral flow velocities (E/A) ratio, deceleration time (DT) & pulmonary vein Doppler findings. 49 patients (group-1) had diastolic dysfunction whereas 11 patients (group-2) had normal flow patterns. Plasma BNP level was done in all patients. Results: Mean plasma BNP levels were 40.41±6.82 pg/ml in individuals with normal filling patterns and 183.36±25.28 pg/ml in subjects with abnormal diastolic dysfunction (p<0.001).The accuracy of BNP in detecting diastolic dysfunction was assessed with receiver-operating characteristic(ROC) analysis. The area under the ROC curve for BNP test accuracy in detection of any abnormal diastolic dysfunction was 0.928 (95% CI, 0.861 to 0.994;p<0.001).A BNP value of 63 pg/ml had the sensitivity of 89.9%,specificity of 91.9% and accuracy of 90.3%.PPVwas 97.8% and NPV-66.7% for detecting diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Raised plasma BNP level is useful for early diagnosis of isolated left ventricular Diastolic dysfunction.

Correlations of Serum Magnesium and Potassium in Acute Myocardial Infarction, Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease and Normal Healthy Volunteers of Bangladesh.

Magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) are the major intracellular cations whose presence in the serum are low, but minor changes of those may show a remarkable change in the various body functions specially in the heart. The study was designed to find out the correlation between serum Mg and K in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) and normal healthy volunteers. It was carried out over a period of 18 months in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in collaboration with Department of Cardiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH) and Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka. A total of 101 subjects were included in which 32 subjects were AMI, 34 CIHD and 35 normal healthy volunteers. Serum glucose and serum creatinine were estimated to exclude diabetes and renal dystrophies. Estimation of serum CK-MB and ECG tracing were done as diagnostic tools of AMI and to categories the subjects into various groups. Serum Mg was estimated by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer and serum K by Ion sensitive electrode. The present study shows that there is a strong positive correlation of serum Mg and K in AMI, CIHD and healthy control subjects (r = 0.566, p<0.01 level). So it is suggested to estimate and supplement both Mg and K in IHD patients for their better management.

Obesity management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Obesity infrequently associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and may cause insulin resistance, hypertension and other complications of obesity. So obesity management in Type 2 diabetes mellitus is essential. Prevention is a logical first step in the management of the obese Type 2 diabetic patient, such programs have had little long-term success. Diet, exercise and behavioral modification still form the cornerstones of treatment and relatively small weight loss results in improvement of all major obesity related co-morbidity's, including Type 2 diabetes. The obese diabetic patient faces extra impediments to weight loss, including the adverse effects of diabetic medication, poor glycaemic control and diabetes related complications. New drugs may offer some additional help, in general by providing the benefit associated with the weight loss as such, Bariatric surgery can produce major long-term weight loss in the severely obese subjects.

Serum calcium in normal pregnant women.

A prospective case-control study was done to determine any difference of serum calcium levels in pregnant women in third trimester and non-pregnant women. Serum calcium levels were determined in 30 normal non-gravid women and 30 women with normal pregnancies during third trimester with age range of 17-35 years. The mean serum calcium levels were found to be significantly lower in normal pregnant woman in third trimester than that of normal non-pregnant controls.

Incidence and prognostic significance of right bundle branch block complicating acute myocardial infarction.

The incidence and hospital courseofacute myocardial infarction wereobserved among randomly selected 560 patients. The mean age of the patients was 53 +/- 6.67 years with male-female ratio 2.6:1. The incidence of right bundle branch block (RBBB) was 15% (84 out of 560 patients). New RBBB, old RBBB and RBBB of indeterminate age were observed in 33 (39.25%), 23 (27.40%) and 28 (33.25%) cases respectively. RBBB was isolated in 50 (60%) cases and bi-fascicular in remaining 34 (40%) cases. The rate of use of thrombolytic was greater in RBBB group than non-RBBB group (52% vs 30.67%, P < 0.05). The complications were more frequently observed in patients with RBBB: in-hospital mortality, 27.40% vs 10.90% (P < 0.01); use of temporary pacemaker, 15% vs 9% (P < 0.05); and heart failure, 50% vs 35% (P < 0.05). In sub-group analysis, in-hospital mortality rate was higher among bi-fascicular group than isolated RBBB group (P < 0.05). Thus it appeared from the results that the incidence of RBBB is relatively common i.e. 15% over all (84 out of 560) and 5.90% new (33 out of 560) and despite greater use of thrombolytics, some specific in-hospital complications were significantly higher in patients with RBBB than without, RBBB.

Induction of prophage lambda by nitrofurantoin and its modulation by butylated hydroxytoluene, sodium arsenite and alpha tocopherol.

Nitrofurantoin induced prophage-lambda in E. coli K12 strain GY5027(lambda) in a dose dependent manner, the maximum induction being 10-fold the spontaneous induction level and the maximum efficiency of induction 74%. The lever extract used as a metabolizing mixture enhanced the induction level significantly. Chloramphenicol at a concentration of 20 micrograms/ml inhibited the prophage induction by nitrofurantoin, indicating that the induction required concomitant protein synthesis. Butylated hydroxytoluene(BHT) and sodium arsenite enhanced the nitrofurantoin induced prophage-lambda induction in E. coli GY 5027(lambda) cells in a dose dependent manner. The maximum modulations in induction level (I/Io) were achieved with 100 micrograms/ml BHT and 250 micrograms/ml sodium arsenite corresponding to a nitrofurantoin concentration of 15 micrograms/ml and were found significant on statistical analysis. alpha-tocopherol, however, did not produce any effect on the prophage-lambda induction by nitrofurantoin.

Influence of temperature on survival, growth and fecundity of the freshwater snail Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes)

To note the effect of temperature on survival, growth and fecundity, newly hatched (zero day old) snails Indoplanorbis exustus were cultured at 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees and 35 degreescentigrades constant temperatures and room temperature (17.5 degrees - 32.5 degrees centigrades). Individuals exposed to 10 degrees centigrades died within 3 days while those reared at 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees centigrades and room temperature survived for a period of 6, 27, 18, 16, 12 and 17 weeks respectively. An individual added on an average 0.21 mm and 0.45 mg, 0.35 mm and 7.94 mg, 0.63 mm and 15.5 mg, 0.81 mm and 27.18 mg, 1.07 mm and 41.48 mg and 0.78 mm and 31.2 mg to the shell diameter and body weight respectively at those temperatures per week. The snails cultured at 15 degrees centigrades died prior to attainment of sexual maturity. On an average, an individual produced 31.9 and 582.77, 54.86 and 902.18, 56.01 and 968.45, 49.32 and 798.68 and 62.34 and 1143.97 capsules and eggs respectively at 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees centigrades and room temperature (17.5 degrees - 32.5 degrees centigrades)

Antifertility activity of a medicinal plant of the genus Andrografis wall (family Acanthaceae). Part II.

Six weeks old male and female mice belonging to Wister strain were put on diets supplemented to the extent of 0.75% by the powdered stem of A. peniculata Nees for one, two, three and four weeks and the effect on fertility and gestational period was observed. Significant reduction in fertility was observed after three and four weeks of feeding in the group containing the treated males and the untreated females. In the same group the gestation period was also prolonged after four weeks of feeding. There was virtually no change in fertility and gestational period in the treated females and the untreated males during any stage of the experiment.

Influence of mercuric chloride induced uremia on intramolecular structure of muscle glycogen in rats.

Long term maintenance of male rats of Long Evans variety following mercuric chloride induced uremia has shown an altered intramolecular structure of muscle glycogen with no significant difference in muscle glycogen content. The structure of muscle glycogen in these uremic rats when compared to sham control rats differed significantly from the structure of liver glycogen observed earlier in nephrectomized rats (Mannan et al., 1975). Biochemical analysis of muscle glycogen revealed a significant inverse relationship between the muscle and liver glycogen structure in terms of number of segments and number of non-reducing ends. Thus, an abnormal or altered muscle glycogen intramolecular structure of uremic rats is compatible with the observation of hypoglycemic state. Attributions of this to defects in glycogenolysis due to altered configuration in intramolecular structure of glycogen molecule are discussed.