Physio-biochemical responses and crop performance analysis in chickpea upon botanical priming.

Chickpea is a highly nutritious protein-rich source and one of the major crops to alleviate global malnutrition, but poor seed quality affects its productivity. Seed quality is essential for better crop establishment and higher yields, particularly in the uncertain climate change. The present study investigated the impact of botanical priming versus hydropriming and bavistin seed treatment on chickpea seeds. A detailed physiological (germination percentage, root and shoot length, vigour index) and biochemical (amylase, protease, dehydrogenase, phytase, and lipid peroxidation) analysis was carried out in order to assess the effect of priming treatments. Turmeric-primed seeds showed better germination rate (94.5%), seedling length, enzyme activity, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed the expression of minor polypeptides of albumin and globulin in the primed seeds. Moreover, field experiments indicated increased crop growth, vigour, days to 50% flowering, yield and its attributing traits in turmeric-primed seeds. Botanical priming can increase chickpea yield by up to 16% over the control group. This low-cost and eco-friendly technique enhances seed and crop performance, making it a powerful tool for augmenting chickpea growth. Therefore, chickpea growers must adopt botanical priming techniques to enhance the quality of seed and crop performance. Moreover, this approach is environmentally sustainable and can help conserve natural resources in the long term. Therefore, this new approach must be widely adopted across the agricultural industry to ensure sustainable and profitable farming practices.

Computed tomographic assessment of risk of anterior skull base injury of adult patients in tertiary care centre: a cross-sectional study.

Background and objectives: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) carries the risk of anterior skull base injury. Understanding computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (CT PNS) and anatomical variations is crucial before surgery. Several classifications, including Kero's, Gera's, and Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore (TMS), assess the risk of skull base injury. The objective was to determine the risk of anterior skull base injury using CT PNS in adult patients. Methods: A study of 188 patients with head and paranasal sinus pathologies used CT scans to measure olfactory fossa depth, the angle between lamina papyracea and horizontal plane, and the distance from the orbital rim to the cribriform plate. Variations were classified using Kero's, Gera's, and TMS classifications. Results: The study involved 188 individuals aged 18-85, with OF depths ranging from 0.1 to 0.52 cm. Kero's Class I was observed in 82.44% and 81.38% of individuals, while distances from orbital floor to cribriform plate and ethmoidal roof ranged from 1.37 to 2.93 cm. TMS Type I was observed in all individuals, and the angle between lateral lamella of the cribriform plate and cribriform plate ranged from 34° to 85°. Gera's Class II was observed in 77.12% and 84.57% of individuals. Conclusion: CT PNS provides important anatomical information for assessing the risk of skull base injury during FESS. Kero's, Gera's, and TMS classifications can be utilized to evaluate this risk. The study findings provide insights into the variations in olfactory fossa depth, distance measurements, and angle, which can aid in preoperative planning and reducing complications during FESS in Nepalese populations.

α-Amylase purified and characterized from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) showed substantial anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC740.

Starch hydrolyzing α-amylase from germinated fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has been purified 104-fold to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity with a final specific activity of 297.5 units/mg. SDS-PAGE of the final preparation revealed a single protein band of 47.5 kDa, supported by LC/MS analysis and size-exclusion chromatography on the Superdex 200 (ÄKTA-FPLC). α-Amylase exhibited maximum activity at pH 5.5. An activation energy (Ea) of 9.12 kcal/mol was found to exist in the temperature range of 20 to 90 °C. When substrate concentrations were evaluated between 0.5 and 10 mg/mL, the Km and Vmax values for starch were observed to be 1.12 mg/mL and 384.14 µmol/min/mg, respectively. The major substrate starch exhibited high specificity for fenugreek α-amylase. In the presence of EDTA (5 mM), the activity was lost, however, it could be largely reversed with the addition of calcium. Furthermore, an effort was made to assess the ability of fenugreek seed-derived partially purified (DEAE-cellulose enzyme) and purified α-amylase to disperse inside 48 h-old biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus MTCC740. The outcomes clearly demonstrated that the purified and partially purified α-amylase both exhibited strong biofilm dispersion activity.

Defense Inducer Compounds Up-regulated the Peroxidase, Polyphenol Oxidase, and Total Phenol Activities against Spot Blotch Disease of Wheat.

Spot blotch disease of wheat caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem is considered as an economically important disease which affects all the growing stages of wheat crop. Therefore, it is important to search some effective management strategies against the spot blotch pathogen. Some synthetic elicitor compounds (salicylic acid, isonicotinic acid, and chitosan) and nano-particles (silver and aluminum) were tested against the pathogen to observe the change in biochemical activity and defense action of wheat plant against spot blotch disease. All the tested elicitor compounds and nano-particles showed a significant increase in activity of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and total phenol over control. The highest increase in activity of peroxidase was recorded at 72 h from chitosan at 2 mM and 96 h from silver nano-particle at 100 ppm. Maximum PPO and total phenol activity were recorded from chitosan at 2 mM and silver nano-particle at 100 ppm as compared to pathogen-treated and healthy control. The lowest percent disease index, lowest no. of spots/leaf, and no. of infected leaves/plant were found in silver nano-particle at 100 ppm and chitosan at 2 mM, respectively. The use of defense inducer compounds results in significantly up-regulated enzymatic activity and reduced spot blotch disease. Therefore, chitosan and silver nano-particle could be used as alternative methods for the management of spot blotch disease.

Knockdown of capsid protein encoding novel ATPase domain inhibits genome packaging in potato leafroll virus.

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) uses powerful molecular machines to package its genome into a viral capsid employing ATP as fuel. Although, recent bioinformatics and structural studies have revealed detailed mechanism of DNA packaging, little is known about the mechanochemistry of genome packaging in small plant viruses such as PLRV. We have identified a novel P-loop-containing ATPase domain with two Walker A-like motifs, two arginine fingers, and two sensor motifs distributed throughout the polypeptide chain of PLRV capsid protein (CP). The composition and arrangement of the ATP binding and hydrolysis domain of PLRV CP is unique and rarely reported. The discovery of the system sheds new light on the mechanism of viral genome packaging, regulation of viral assembly process, and evolution of plant viruses. Here, we used the RNAi approach to suppress CP gene expression, which in turn prevented PLRV genome packaging and assembly in Solanum tuberosum cv. Khufri Ashoka. Potato plants agroinfiltrated with siRNA constructs against the CP with ATPase domain exhibited no rolling symptoms upon PLRV infection, indicating that the silencing of CP gene expression is an efficient method for generating PLRV-resistant potato plants. In addition, molecular docking study reveals that the PLRV CP protein has ATP-binding pocket at the interface of each monomer. This further confirms that knockdown of the CP harboring ATP-binding domain could hamper the process of viral genome packaging and assembly. Moreover, our findings provide a robust approach to generate PLRV-resistant potato plants, which can be further extended to other species. Finally, we propose a new mechanism of genome packaging and assembly in plant viruses.

Role of Vitamins in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Vitamins are the micronutrients required for boosting the immune system and managing any future infection. Vitamins are involved in neurogenesis, a defense mechanism working in neurons, metabolic reactions, neuronal survival, and neuronal transmission. Their deficiency leads to abnormal functions in the brain like oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulation of proteins (synuclein, Aß plaques), neurodegeneration, and excitotoxicity. METHODS: In this review, we have compiled various reports collected from PubMed, Scholar Google, Research gate, and Science direct. The findings were evaluated, compiled, and represented in this manuscript. CONCLUSION: The deficiency of vitamins in the body causes various neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and depression. We have discussed the role of vitamins in neurological disorders and the normal human body. Depression is linked to a deficiency of vitamin-C and vitamin B. In the case of Alzheimer's disease, there is a lack of vitamin- B1, B12, and vitamin-A, which results in Aß-plaques. Similarly, in Parkinson's disease, vitamin- D deficiency leads to a decrease in the level of dopamine, and imbalance in vitamin D leads to accumulation of synuclein. In MS, vitamin-C and vitamin-D deficiency causes demyelination of neurons. In Huntington's disease, vitamin- C deficiency decreases the antioxidant level, enhances oxidative stress, and disrupts the glucose cycle. vitamin B5 deficiency in Huntington's disease disrupts the synthesis of acetylcholine and hormones in the brain.

Chemoinformatic Study and In vitro Bioevaluation of Tc-99m-Labeled N-Acetyl Neuraminic Acid in C6 Glioma Cells: Potential Role as a Radionuclide Imaging Probe.

BACKGROUND: To date, the use of sialic acid that are reported to be elevated during malignancy has been largely unexplored for tumor imaging. The purpose of the present study was to study the modeled stable conformers of n-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and its radiolabeled conjugate (Tc-99m-Neu5Ac) through computational chemistry approach and its in-vitro bioevaluation in rat C6 cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Neu5Ac was radiolabeled with Tc-99m using stannous reduction method and the radiochemical purity of Tc-99m-Neu5Ac was determined by instant thin layer chromatography. A Cheminformatic study of Tc-99m-Neu5Ac was performed by using Marvin application of ChemAxon. Glioma cancer cells were taken to evaluate the cytotoxicity and binding efficacy of Tc-99m-Neu5Ac. RESULTS: Cheminformatic studies exhibited that the most stable conformer of Tc-99m-Neu5Ac is 15 kcal/mol more stable energetically over least stable conformer. The radiochemical yield of Tc-99m labeled Neu5Ac was observed to be greater than 90%. Further, the radiolabeled complex (Tc-99m-Neu5Ac)exhibited specificity for C6 glioma with time and concentration dependent cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Tc-99m-Neu5Ac has the potential to be exploited as an in-vivo radionuclide probe for tumor imaging.

Comparison of INSAT-3D retrieved total column ozone with ground-based and AIRS observations over India.

Ozone plays an important role in the thermal structure and chemical composition of the atmosphere. The present study compares the temporal and spatial distributions of Total Column Ozone (TCO) over the Indian sub-continent retrieved from a geostationary Indian National Satellite (INSAT-3D) and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). The INSAT-3D TCO values are also evaluated against the Dobson spectrophotometer observations at two locations. The inter-comparison results reveal a good correlation of 0.8, the bias of -5 DU, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 15 DU approximately between the TCO retrieved from INSAT-3D and AIRS. The lowest RMSE and highest correlation coefficient were found in the pre-monsoon season. The INSAT-3D and AIRS show reasonable agreement with the RMSE varying between 10 and 30 DU. On the other hand, evaluation of the INSAT-3D TCO with the ground-based observations from Dobson spectrophotometers located at New Delhi and Varanasi showed fair agreement with a maximum monthly mean correlation coefficient of 0.68 and 0.76, respectively, and RMSE varying from 11 to 16 DU for both the stations. The seasonal distribution of TCO and its variation over the Indian region has also been studied using INSAT-3D and AIRS data. The analysis exhibits strong seasonal variations, with higher values in pre-monsoon season and minimum values in winter season. The noticeable seasonal variability of TCO can be attributed to complex combination of photochemical and dynamical processes in the troposphere and stratosphere. The main objectives of the study are to compare the INSAT-3D TCO with two independent ground-based Dobson spectrophotometer observations and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) aboard NASA's Aqua satellite.

Investigation of indole functionalized pyrazoles and oxadiazoles as anti-inflammatory agents: Synthesis, in-vivo, in-vitro and in-silico analysis.

There are several potential side and adverse effects are found to be associated with the anti-inflammatory drugs in clinical practice. The long-term use of these clinical agents highly unsafe. It encouraged the development of novel heterocyclic compounds with potential anti-inflammatory activity and low to no toxicity. In present investigation, a total of 12 indole functionalized pyrazole and oxadiazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the in-vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. These compounds displayed comparable anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential to the reference drugs. Finally, molecular docking analysis was performed considering different anti-inflammatory targets to determine the mechanistic target of the designed molecules. Detailed analysis suggested that the molecules inhibit COX-2, preferably over other anti-inflammatory targets. The results suggested that two compounds (15c and 15f) were found promising candidates for the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Piperazine, a Key Substructure for Antidepressants: Its Role in Developments and Structure-Activity Relationships.

Depression is the single largest contributor to global disability with a huge economic and social burden on the world. There are a number of antidepressant drugs on the market, but treatment-resistant depression and relapse of depression in a large number of patients have increased problems for clinicians. One peculiarity observed in most of the marketed antidepressants is the presence of a piperazine substructure. Although piperazine is also used in the optimization of other pharmacological agents, it is almost extensively used for the development of novel antidepressants. One common understanding is that this is due to its favorable CNS pharmacokinetic profile; however, in the case of antidepressants, piperazine plays a much bigger role and is involved in specific binding conformations of these agents. Therefore, in this review, a critical analysis of the significance of the piperazine moiety in the development of antidepressants has been performed. An overview of current developments in the designing and synthesis of piperazine-based antidepressants (2015 onwards) along with SAR studies is also provided. The various piperazine-based therapeutic agents in early- or late-phase human testing for depression are also discussed. The preclinical compounds discussed in this review will help researchers understand how piperazine actually influences the design and development of novel antidepressant compounds. The SAR studies discussed will provide crucial clues about the structural features and optimizations required to enhance the efficacy and potency of piperazine-based antidepressants.

Treatment of petroleum refinery sludge by petroleum degrading bacterium Stenotrophomonas pavanii IRB19 as an efficient novel technology.

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) in petroleum refinery sludge (PRS) are the most adverse components because of their toxic nature, which are harmful to human health and the aquatic ecosystem. This study aimed to identify and characterize an indigenous bacterium isolated from PRS of Indian oil corporation ltd. (IOCL), Haldia, India, and evaluate its performance for biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) of PRS. The bacterium molecularly characterized as Stenotrophomonas sp. IRB19 by 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The strain IRB19 showed a significant ability to utilize four different oils (kerosene, diesel, petrol and hexadecane) in-vitro. IRB19 could able to degrade up to 65 ± 2.4% of TPH in 28 d of incubation. Solvent extraction study showed that PRS contain 180.57 ± 3.44 g kg-1 of TPH and maltene fraction composed of aliphatic, aromatics and polar components of 52 ± 4, 39 ± 2 and 9 ± 1%, respectively. The TPH degradation best fitted for the Gompertz model and followed the first-order kinetics having the rate constant (k) and half-life period (t 1/2) of 0.036 d-1 and 19 d, respectively. Results of this study verified the suitability of the novel strain IRB19 for the biodegradation of PHCs.

Inhibition of potato leafroll virus multiplication and systemic translocation by siRNA constructs against putative ATPase fold of movement protein.

Viruses cause many severe plant diseases, resulting in immense losses of crop yield worldwide. Therefore, developing novel approaches to control plant viruses is crucial to meet the demands of a growing world population. Recently, RNA interference (RNAi) has been widely used to develop virus-resistant plants. Once genome replication and assembly of virion particles is completed inside the host plant, mature virions or sometimes naked viral genomes spread cell-to-cell through plasmodesmata by interacting with the virus-encoded movement protein (MP). We used the RNAi approach to suppress MP gene expression, which in turn prevented potato leafroll virus (PLRV) systemic infection in Solanum tuberosum cv. Khufri Ashoka. Potato plants agroinfiltrated with MP siRNA constructs exhibited no rolling symptoms upon PLRV infection, indicating that the silencing of MP gene expression is an efficient method for generating PLRV-resistant potato plants. Further, we identified novel ATPase motifs in MP that may be involved in DNA binding and translocation through plasmodesmata. We also showed that the ATPase activity of MP was stimulated in the presence of DNA/RNA. Overall, our findings provide a robust technology to generate PLRV-resistant potato plants, which can be extended to other species. Moreover, this approach also contributes to the study of genome translocation mechanisms of plant viruses.

First report on molecular basis of potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) aggravation by combined effect of tuber and prevailing aphid.

OBJECTIVE: The Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV) is one of the most devastating virus causing severe yield losses worldwide in potato. The comprehensive observations were made to study the PLRV infestation in major potato growing areas of Bihar (India) and further detailed molecular basis of PLRV aggravation was established. RESULTS: Although aphids population were found comparatively lower with maximum symptomatic plants, our molecular data further confirms the presence of PLRV in all possible symptomatic tissues such as tubers, shoots and leaves. For the first time, we have proposed molecular basis of aggravation of PLRV, where tuber acts as a reservoir during off-season and further transmitted by aphids.

Evaluation of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of black carbon aerosol mass concentration over India using three year measurements from IMD BC observation network.

Extensive measurements of equivalent black carbon (EBC) aerosol mass concentration at fifteen stations of India Meteorological Department (IMD) BC observation network during the period 2016-2018 are used to study the spatial and temporal heterogeneity over India. The sampling sites represent different geographical region of India. Spatial distribution shows higher values of EBC over stations of north India and IGP. Highest annual mean EBC mass concentration during study period was reported at two mega cities New Delhi (13,575 ± 8401 ng/m3) followed by Kolkata (12,082 ± 6850 ng/m3) whereas lowest mean concentration was at Ranichauri (1737 ± 884 ng/m3) followed by Bhuj (2021 ± 1471 ng/m3). Stations located in coastal region of south India reported low concentration of EBC. In order to find out the quantitative contribution of biomass burning (EBCBB) and fossil fuel (EBCFF) in total mass concentration of EBC, source apportionment study has been carried out using Aethalometer model. The EBCFF is the dominant contributor to EBC mass concentration at all the sites in every season, while the highest seasonal biomass burning mass contribution (37%) was observed in the winter at a background site Ranichauri. Maximum concentration of EBCBB was observed at Srinagar (2671 ng/m3) where as EBCFF was maximum in Delhi (11,074 ng/m3). Seasonal and diurnal variation studies have also been carried out for all the stations. The EBC mass concentrations exhibited strong seasonality, with the highest values occurring in postmonsoon/winter and the lowest in monsoon season. The higher EBC concentration in postmonsoon/winter seasons was attributed to the increased use of fuel in seasonal emission sources, domestic heating and stagnant meteorological conditions, whereas the low levels in monsoon season were related to the precipitation scavenging. Maximum concentration of EBC (22,409 ± 10,510 ng/m3) was observed in winter season over Kolkata. Our study finds high spatial heterogeneity in EBC concentrations across the study area.

68Ga-Glutathione radio-complex as a new diagnostic probe for targeting colon cancer in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in a horde of cellular events that include cell proliferation and apoptosis.The present study describes the radio-synthesis and characterization of gallium-68 (68Ga)-labelled glutathione for its application in radionuclide imaging of cancer. SUBJECT AND METHODS: The radio-synthesis of radio-complex 68Ga-GSH was performed by the direct labeling method. The developed radio-complex was subjected to quality control tests. Colon tumors were developed in healthy male Sprague Dawley (S.D) rats by giving subcutaneous injections of dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in order to monitor the uptake of 68Ga-GSH radio-complex. RESULTS: Gallium-68-labelled glutathione was synthesized with a labeling efficiency of 73.5%±1%. Percentage plasma protein binding and log Po/w values for the radio-complex were found to be 20%-30% and -0.223±0.12, respectively. A significantly higher percentage specific uptake value of newly developed 68Ga-GSH complex was observed in colon tumor in comparison to soft tissue at 90 minutes post administration thereby exhibiting specificity for cancerous cells, which was also witnessed significantly increased overtime from the ratio of colon tumor uptake to normal colon uptake (P≤0.05). CONCLUSION: Therefore, 68Ga-labelled glutathione can further be exploited for radionuclide imaging and assessment of tumor drug resistance in patients.

Quercetin plays protective role in oxidative induced apoptotic events during chronic chlorpyrifos exposure to rats.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate insecticide has a wider application throughout the world to protect agricultural crops and vegetables from insects. Polyphenolic compounds are considered as beneficial against toxicities induced by organophosphates. The present study was conducted to understand the neuroprotective role of quercetin in chlorpyrifos-induced apoptotic events in rats. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 170 to 200 g were divided into four groups viz: Control, chlorpyrifos treated (13.5 mg/kg body wt. alternate day), quercetin treated (50 mg/kg body wt. every day) and combined chlorpyrifos + quercetin treated. All the treatments were carried out for a total duration of 60 days. Protein carbonyl content and acetylcholinesterase activity were estimated in serum along with cerebrum and cerebellum to ascertain neurotoxicity. Further, for appraisal of neurodegeneration as a consequence of apoptosis, protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-8, and caspase-9 were assessed. The results showed that protein carbonyl contents were markedly increased in both serum and brain tissues (cerebrum and cerebellum) of chlorpyrifos-treated rats when compared with control group and were appreciably improved upon simultaneous supplementation with quercetin. Further, chlorpyrifos treatment revealed a significant decrease in the enzyme activity of acetylcholinesterase in serum as well as in cerebrum and cerebellum, which however was increased upon concomitant treatment with quercetin. In chlorpyrifos-treated animals, we have observed a significant decrease in the protein expression level of Bcl-2, but a remarkable increase in the expression levels of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-8, and caspase-9 in both cerebrum and cerebellum. Interestingly, when chlorpyrifos-treated animals were supplemented with quercetin, a significant increase in the expression of Bcl-2 and an appreciable decline in the expression levels of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-8, and caspase-9 was observed. In conclusion, the present study advocates that quercetin may prove to be a useful candidate in containing the oxidative-induced apoptotic events during chlorpyrifos exposure.

Characterization and partial purification of an antibacterial agent from halophilic actinomycetes Kocuria sp. strain rsk4.

Introduction : The inevitable rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a global health problem. These pathogens erode the utility of available antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major causes of community-acquired infections. The aim of work was to evaluate the marine actinomycetes for production of the antibacterial agent against pathogens. Methods : Halophilic actinomycetes were isolated, characterized and screened for production of antibacterial agent against pathogenic bacteria. The antibacterial compounds were extracted by solvent extraction and separated by TLC based bioautography. Antibacterial compound was further purified by flash chromatography followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. The active fraction was characterized by spectroscopy techniques. The minimum inhibitory concentration of antibiotic was determined against pathogens. Results : A new halophilic actinomycetes strain rsk4 was isolated from marine water. It was designated as Kocuria sp. based on the physiological, biochemical and 16S rDNA sequencebased characters. It was able to produce broad-spectrum antibacterial compound and exhibited significant inhibitory activities against antibiotic-resistant S. aureus. The antibacterial compound was secreted optimally at 5% NaCl and neutral pH in the starch casein medium during stationary phase. The crude ethyl acetate extract was separated by chloroform-methanol, 24:1, v/v having Rf value 0.45. Bioassay of HPLC fractions confirms the presence of antibiotics picks at retention time: 3.24 minutes. The UV-Visible and mass spectra of the compound revealed that the active compound was different from other known antibiotics. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration was recorded against S. aureus (30 µg/mL). Conclusion : The result suggests that a broad-spectrum antibacterial compound obtained from halophilic actinomycetes is effective against pathogenic bacteria. This compound may be a good alternative treatment against antibiotic-resistant pathogen S. aureus.

Identification of QTLs and possible candidate genes conferring sheath blight resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Sheath blight, caused by the pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, is one of the most devastating diseases in rice. Breeders have always faced challenges in acquiring reliable and absolute resistance to this disease in existing rice germplasm. In this context, 40 rice germplasm including eight wild, four landraces, twenty- six cultivated and two advanced breeding lines were screened utilizing the colonized bits of typha. Except Tetep and ARC10531 which expressed moderate level of resistance to the disease, none could be found to be authentically resistant. In order to map the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing the sheath blight resistance, two mapping populations (F2 and BC1F2) were developed from the cross BPT-5204/ARC10531. Utilizing composite interval mapping analysis, 9 QTLs mapped to five different chromosomes were identified with phenotypic variance ranging from 8.40 to 21.76%. Two SSR markers namely RM336 and RM205 were found to be closely associated with the major QTLs qshb7.3 and qshb9.2 respectively and were attested as well in BC1F2 population by bulk segregant analysis approach. A hypothetical ß 1-3 glucanase with other 31 candidate genes were identified in silico utilizing rice database RAP-DB within the identified QTL region qshb9.2. A detailed insight into these candidate genes will facilitate at molecular level the intricate nature of sheath blight, a step forward towards functional genomics.

Cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles towards freshwater sediment microorganisms at low exposure concentrations.

There is a persistent need to assess the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on the aquatic ecosystem owing to their increasing usage in consumer products and risk of environmental release. The current study is focused on TiO2 nanoparticle-induced acute toxicity at sub-ppm level (≤1ppm) on the three different freshwater sediment bacterial isolates and their consortium under two different irradiation (visible light and dark) conditions. The consortium of the bacterial isolates was found to be less affected by the exposure to the nanoparticles compared to the individual cells. The oxidative stress contributed considerably towards the cytotoxicity under both light and dark conditions. A statistically significant increase in membrane permeability was noted under the dark conditions as compared to the light conditions. The optical and fluorescence microscopic images showed aggregation and chain formation of the bacterial cells, when exposed to the nanoparticles. The electron microscopic (SEM, TEM) observations suggested considerable damage of cells and bio-uptake of nanoparticles. The exopolysaccrides (EPS) production and biofilm formation were noted to increase in the presence of the nanoparticles, and expression of the key genes involved in biofilm formation was studied by RT-PCR.