Integration of local knowledge in the secondary school chemistry curriculum - A few examples of ethno-chemistry from Zambia.

Before formally introducing chemistry in schools, Africans practiced it as ethnochemistry as they lived in their ethnic groupings. To a large extent, it may be true for other ethnic groups and communities across the globe as well. This study aimed to document a drop from the ocean of ethnochemistry knowledge that people in Zambia practiced in the past and modern times to use such ethnochemistry knowledge to teach chemistry in ethnically responsive ways. Further, this study sought to raise the profile of indigenous cultural knowledge in the globalized world dominated by modernity. Ethnography research design was used including unstructured interviews for data collection. This study purposively selected twenty (20) research participants using snowball sampling. Results show that many relevant ethnochemistry practices in Zambia can be used to grow the national economy, enrich the teaching of Secondary School Chemistry to ethnically diverse students, and generate secondary school students' interest and better familiarity with Chemistry.

Transcriptome signatures of host tissue infected with African swine fever virus reveal differential expression of associated oncogenes.

African swine fever (ASF) has emerged as a threat to swine production worldwide. Evasion of host immunity by ASF virus (ASFV) is well understood. However, the role of ASFV in triggering oncogenesis is still unclear. In the present study, ASFV-infected kidney tissue samples were subjected to Illumina-based transcriptome analysis. A total of 2463 upregulated and 825 downregulated genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05). A literature review revealed that the majority of the differentially expressed host genes were key molecules in signaling pathways involved in oncogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis indicated the activation of certain oncogenic KEGG pathways, including basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, transcriptional deregulation in cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Analysis of host-virus interactions revealed that the upregulated oncogenic RELA (p65 transcription factor) protein of Sus scrofa can interact with the A238L (hypothetical protein of unknown function) of ASFV. Differential expression of oncogenes was confirmed by qRT-PCR, using the H3 histone family 3A gene (H3F3A) as an internal control to confirm the RNA-Seq data. The levels of gene expression indicated by qRT-PCR matched closely to those determined through RNA-Seq. These findings open up new possibilities for investigation of the mechanisms underlying ASFV infection and offer insights into the dynamic interaction between viral infection and oncogenic processes. However, as these investigations were conducted on pigs that died from natural ASFV infection, the role of ASFV in oncogenesis still needs to be investigated in controlled experimental studies.

Carbon sequestration and credit potential of gamhar (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) based agroforestry system for zero carbon emission of India.

The agroforestry system is the best option to achieve the net zero carbon emissions target for India. Keeping this view, carbon sequestration and credit potential of gamhar based agroforestry system has been assessed. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design in seven different treatments with five replications. Gamhar tree biomass accumulation was higher in gamhar based agroforestry system compared to sole gamhar. Among different tree components, stem contributed a maximum to total gamhar tree biomass followed by roots, leaves and branches. The average contributions of stems, roots, leaves and branches in total tree biomass in two annual cycles (2016-17 and 2017-18) varied between 50 and 60, 19.8 and 20, 19.2 and 20, and 10.7 and 12.7 percent, respectively. In case of crops, above ground, below ground and total biomass was significantly higher in sole intercrops than gamhar based agroforestry system. Total (Tree + interrops + Soil) carbon stock, carbon sequestration, carbon credit and carbon price were significantly affected by treatments, and was maximum in Sole Greengram-Mustard. Net carbon emission was also recorded lowest in Sole Greengram-Mustard for which the values were 811.55% and 725.24% and 760.69% lower than Sole Gamhar in 2016-17, 2017-18 and in pooled data, respectively.

More than meets the eye: rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis with diabetic ketoacidosis presenting as periorbital edema resulting in orbital exenteration and maxillectomy.

Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection that can cause acute clinical decompensation and death. The literature demonstrates case fatality rates around 50% with differential clinical courses contingent upon anatomical incursion. Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis represents a rapidly hostile variant with poorer outcomes, warranting prompt recognition, workup, and intervention. It is seldom included in differential diagnoses in those with head and neck pathology within the inpatient setting as diagnostic parsimony and low prevalence lead this entity to be often overlooked. Given the acuity and risk factors involved, considering mucormycosis may be prudent during the assessment of hyperglycemic or immunodeficient patients exhibiting maxillofacial disease. When acquiring histories of presenting illness and performing physical examinations, assessment includes mindfulness of diabetes mellitus, craniofacial lesions, and alertness to clinical deterioration. Given the rising incidence of complicated diabetes mellitus in conjunction with a paucity of mucormycosis reports noting the orbit as the diagnostic harbinger, we report the case of a 59-year-old woman admitted to the critical care setting for diabetic ketoacidosis and altered mental status. Physical examination revealed a swollen orbit, later diagnosed as mucormycosis with associated sino-orbit involvement and cranial nerve deficits warranting urgent and extensive facial debridement.

Development of B cell epitopes-based enzyme linked immune sorbent assay for detection of bovine anti-Mullerian hormone.

The present study aimed to generate antibodies against predicted B cell epitopic peptides encoding bAMH for developing different ELISA models. Sandwich ELISA was determined to be an excellent technique for assessing bAMH in bovine plasma based on sensitivity tests. The assay's specificity, sensitivity, inter- and intra-assay CV, recovery %, Lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), and Upper limit of quantification (ULOQ) were determined. The test was selective since it did not bind to AMH-related growth and differentiation factors (LH and FSH) or non-related components (BSA, progesterone). The intra-assay CV was 5.67%, 3.12%, 4.94%, 3.61% and 4.27% for 72.44, 183.11, 368.24, 522.24 and 732.25 pg/ml AMH levels, respectively. At the same time, the inter-assay CV was 8.77%, 7.87%, 4.53%, 5.76% and 6.70% for 79.30, 161.27, 356.30, 569.33 and 798.19 pg/ml AMH levels, respectively. The average (Mean ± SEM) recovery percentages were 88-100%. LLOQ was 5 pg/ml and ULOQ at 50 µg/ml (CV < 20%). In conclusion, we developed a new highly sensitive ELISA against bAMH using epitope specific antibodies.

Biomechanical analysis of Instrumented decompression and Interbody fusion procedures in Lumbar spine: a finite element analysis study.

Interbody fusions have become increasingly popular to achieve good fusion rates. Also, unilateral instrumentation is favored to minimize soft tissue injury with limited hardware. Limited finite element studies are available in the literature to validate these clinical implications. A three-dimensional, non-linear ligamentous attachment finite element model of L3-L4 was created and validated. The intact L3-L4 model was modified to simulate procedures like laminectomy with bilateral pedicle screw Instrumentation, transforaminal, and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF and PLIF, respectively) with unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw instrumentation. Compared to instrumented laminectomy, interbody procedures showed a considerable reduction in range of motion (RoM) in extension and torsion (6% and 12% difference, respectively). Both TLIF and PLIF showed comparable RoM in all movements with < 5% difference in reduction of RoM between them. Bilateral instrumentation showed a more significant decrease in RoM (> 5% difference) in the entire range of motion except in torsion when compared to unilateral instrumentation. The maximum difference in reduction in RoM was noted in lateral bending (24% and 26% for PLIF and TLIF, respectively), while the least difference in Left torsion (0.6% and 3.6% for PLIF and TLIF, respectively) in comparing bilateral with unilateral instrumentation. Interbody fusion procedures were found to be biomechanically more stable in extension and torsion than the instrumented laminectomy. Single-level TLIF and PLIF achieved a similar reduction in RoM with a < 5% difference. Bilateral screw fixation proved biomechanically superior to unilateral fixation in the entire range of motion except in torsion.

Finite Element Analysis to Study Tensile Strength Differences between Free and Attached Ear Lobules.

Recurrent ear lobule deformity is a chronic condition with aesthetic implications. The problem is normally addressed by certain improvisations of the traditional lobuloplasty technique. These include introduction of autologous tissue components like cartilage pieces to improve the structural integrity. Certain authors also advocate a different site for repiercing of the ear hole away from the lobuloplasty scar. Our study tries to understand the differences in the tensile strength between free and attached ear lobules, using finite element analysis. Eighteen healthy female volunteers with attached (eight subjects) and free ear lobules (10 subjects) were chosen, and the lobules were scanned using Artec 3D scanner. The model was then converted to free form or attached form (opposite to the form in which it was present originally) by decreasing or increasing the area of contact using geomagic software. Finite element analysis was then performed on both the models, and their yield max and, hence, the maximum load at the yield max at 0.7 strains according to previous studies were estimated and compared. The yield max and the corresponding load were found to be lesser in the free variety than in the attached variety. This experiment helps us to understand that when a structural difference in the ear lobule surgically may bring about a change in the tensile strength of the lobules. However, further clinical trials are required to clinically translate the same.

Defective ORF8 dimerization in SARS-CoV-2 delta variant leads to a better adaptive immune response due to abrogation of ORF8-MHC1 interaction.

In India, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the breakthrough infections were mainly caused by the SARS-COV-2 delta variant (B.1.617.2). It was reported that, among majority of the infections due to the delta variant, only 9.8% percent cases required hospitalization, whereas only 0.4% fatality was observed. Sudden dropdown in COVID-19 infections cases were observed within a short timeframe, suggesting better host adaptation with evolved delta variant. Downregulation of host immune response against SARS-CoV-2 by ORF8 induced MHC-I degradation has been reported earlier. The Delta variant carried mutations (deletion) at Asp119 and Phe120 amino acids which are critical for ORF8 dimerization. The deletions of amino acids Asp119 and Phe120 in ORF8 of delta variant resulted in structural instability of ORF8 dimer caused by disruption of hydrogen bonds and salt bridges as revealed by structural analysis and MD simulation studies. Further, flexible docking of wild type and mutant ORF8 dimer revealed reduced interaction of mutant ORF8 dimer with MHC-I as compared to wild-type ORF8 dimer with MHC-1, thus implicating its possible role in MHC-I expression and host immune response against SARS-CoV-2. We thus propose that mutant ORF8 of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant may not be hindering the MHC-I expression thereby resulting in a better immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant, which partly explains the possible reason for sudden drop of SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 predominated by delta variant in India.

Development of CD163 receptor-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an important economical disease in the global swine industry. The accurate detection of the PRRS virus (PRRSV) antigen is essential for the disease control and prevention programme. In this study, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (PRRSVCD163-iELISA) was developed for the detection of the PRRSV antigen in samples of post-mortem swine tissue using the recombinant pig CD163 receptor protein as the capture ligand. The test was found to be specific for PRRSV, with no cross-reactions with other prevalent pig viral pathogens. The assay was validated by testing 217 post-mortem porcine tissue samples and the results were found to be satisfactory with a relative accuracy of 88.88%. Our assay is also quite precise, with intra- and inter-assay CVs of 6% and 10%, respectively. These findings imply that the PRRSVCD163-iELISA developed is capable of detecting the PRRSV antigen in swine post-mortem tissue samples. This research showed that porcine CD163, the PRRSV cellular receptor, can be exploited to build a diagnostic technique for the detection of PRRSV antigen. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03376-z.

First report on genome wide association study in western Indian population reveals host genetic factors for COVID-19 severity and outcome.

Different human races across the globe responded in a different way to the SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to different disease severity. Therefore, it is anticipated that host genetic factors have a straight association with the COVID-19. We identified a total 6, 7, and 6 genomic loci for deceased-recovered, asymptomatic-recovered, and deceased-asymptomatic group comparison, respectively. Unfavourable alleles of the markers nearby the genes which are associated with lung and heart diseases such as Tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF4&18), showed noteworthy association with the disease severity and outcome for the COVID-19 patients in the western Indian population. The markers found with significant association with disease prognosis or recovery are of value in determining the individual's response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be used for the risk prediction in COVID-19. Besides, GWAS study in other populations from India may help to strengthen the outcome of this study.

Porcine Circovirus type 2 infected myocardial tissue transcriptome signature.

The goal of this study was to compare the global gene expression profile in cardiac tissues of pig infected with porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) to that of healthy cells. Since PCV2 infection causes severe cardiovascular lesions, the myocardial tissue model was chosen for this study. In High-throughput transcriptome analysis, DESeq2 and CLC genomics workbench analyses revealed a total of 196 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p-value < 0.05). Furthermore, 194 transcripts were upregulated, while only two were downregulated (HSPA6 and DNAJA1), with fold changes ranging from 16.293 to -10.002. Among the KEGG canonical pathways targeted by the DEGs in the functional analysis, adrenergic signalling in cardiomyocytes, Cardiac Muscle Contraction, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) tends to be enriched. The differentially expressed highly connected (DEHC) biomarker genes in pathogenicity of PCV2 infection, such as LDB3, MYOZ2, CASQ2, TNNT2, MLC2V, MYBPC3, ACTC1, TCAP, TNNI3, TRDN, CSRP3, MYL3, RYR2, LMOD2, MYH7, etc., were identified using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The study might provide detailed information on the dysregulated genes and biological pathways in infected myocardial tissues that may be essential for PCV2-related heart pathology.

Designing Self-Inhibitory fusion peptide analogous to viral spike protein against novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2).

COVID-19 is a highly contagious viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is declared pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is a key component playing a pivotal role in facilitating viral fusion as well as release of genome into the host cell. Till date there is no clinically approved vaccine or drug available against Covid-19. We designed four hydrophobic inhibitory peptides (ITPs) based on WWIHS (Wimley and White interfacial hydrophobicity scale) score, targeting the HR1 domain of spike protein. Two inhibitory peptides out of four have a strong affinity to the hydrophobic surface of HR1 domain in pre-fusion spike protein. The MD simulation result showed the strong accommodation of ITPs with HR1 domain surface. These self-inhibitory peptides mimic the function of HR2 by binding to HR1 domain, thus inhibiting the formation of HR1-HR2 post-fusion complex, which is a key structure for virus-host tropism.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Biotite as a geoindicator of rare earth element contamination in Gomati River Basin, Ganga Alluvial Plain, northern India.

Rare earth elements (REE) are emerging as modern high-technology-related novel micro-contaminants in freshwater aquatic systems and are therefore attracting global attention due to their potential human health risks. The Gomati River (a tributary of the Ganga River) sediments were analyzed for REE concentrations to establish REE contamination and to identify biotite mica mineral as a geoindicator. Chondrite-normalized REE pattern of the river sediments and biotite mica mineral were similar and depict a strong light REE (LREE) enrichment and relatively flatter heavy REE (HREE). The maximum total REE (∑REE) concentration increased from 323 µg/g in 2012 to 673 µg/g in 2019. In the ∑REE, LREE contribution was > 80%, because of anthropogenic inputs, mainly petroleum-cracking catalysts and other high-technology-based products. The XRD analysis and the geochemical signature of the Gomati River sediments reveal the meaningful existence of biotite mica mineral. A distinct downstream REE enrichment pattern was identified in biotite from the mica-rich bedload sediments. The scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) mapping images of biotite also revealed the precipitation of Lanthanum, at the weathered edges, during the early stage of mineral weathering. Biotite mica was identified as a geoindicator for the assessment of REE contamination in the Gomati River and the Hindon River Basin of the Ganga Alluvial Plain. Future research is needed for the application of biotite mica mineral as a geoindicator that can help the environmental scientists to contribute more effectively to the interdisciplinary efforts in River Science.

Genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis of the A4-CMS line ICPA 2043 and its maintainer ICPB 2043 during the floral bud development of pigeonpea.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) offers a unique system to understand cytoplasmic nuclear crosstalk, and is also employed for exploitation of hybrid vigor in various crops. Pigeonpea A4-CMS, a predominant source of male sterility, is being used for efficient hybrid seed production. The molecular mechanisms of CMS trait remain poorly studied in pigeonpea. We performed genome-wide transcriptome profiling of A4-CMS line ICPA 2043 and its isogenic maintainer ICPB 2043 at two different stages of floral bud development (stage S1 and stage S2). Consistent with the evidences from some other crops, we also observed significant difference in the expression levels of genes in the later stage, i.e., stage S2. Differential expression was observed for 143 and 55 genes within the two stages of ICPA 2043 and ICPB 2043, respectively. We obtained only 10 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the stage S1 of the two genotypes, whereas expression change was significant for 582 genes in the case of stage S2. The qRT-PCR assay of randomly selected six genes supported the differential expression of genes between ICPA 2043 and ICPB 2043. Further, GO and KEGG pathway mapping suggested a possible compromise in key bioprocesses during flower and pollen development. Besides providing novel insights into the functional genomics of CMS trait, our results were in strong agreement with the gene expression atlas of pigeonpea that implicated various candidate genes like sucrose-proton symporter 2 and an uncharacterized protein along with pectate lyase, pectinesterase inhibitors, L-ascorbate oxidase homolog, ATPase, ß-galactosidase, polygalacturonase, and aldose 1-epimerase for pollen development of pigeonpea. The dataset presented here provides a rich genomic resource to improve understanding of CMS trait and its deployment in heterosis breeding in pigeonpea.

A diagnostic marker kit for Fusarium wilt and sterility mosaic diseases resistance in pigeonpea.

Fusarium wilt (FW) and sterility mosaic diseases (SMD) are key biotic constraints to pigeonpea production. Occurrence of these two diseases in congenial conditions is reported to cause complete yield loss in susceptible pigeonpea cultivars. Various studies to elucidate genomic architecture of the two traits have revealed significant marker-trait associations for use in breeding programs. However, these DNA markers could not be used effectively in genomics-assisted breeding for developing FW and SMD resistant varieties primarily due to pathogen variability, location or background specificity, lesser phenotypic variance explained by the reported QTL and cost-inefficiency of the genotyping assays. Therefore, in the present study, a novel approach has been used to develop a diagnostic kit for identification of suitable FW and SMD resistant lines. This kit was developed with 10 markers each for FW and SMD resistance. Investigation of the diversity of these loci has shown the role of different alleles in different resistant genotypes. Two genes (C.cajan_03691 and C.cajan_18888) for FW resistance and four genes (C.cajan_07858, C.cajan_20995, C.cajan_21801 and C.cajan_17341) for SMD resistance have been identified. More importantly, we developed a customized and cost-effective Kompetitive allele-specific PCR genotyping assay for the identified genes in order to encourage their downstream applications in pigeonpea breeding programs. The diagnostic marker kit developed here will offer great strength to pigeonpea varietal development program, since the resistance against these two diseases is essentially required for nominating an improved line in varietal release pipeline.

Mapping QTL for important seed traits in an interspecific F2 population of pigeonpea.

Seed traits present important breeding targets for enhancing grain yield and quality in various grain legume crops including pigeonpea. The present study reports significant genetic variation for six seed traits including seed length (SL), seed width (SW), seed thickness (ST), seed weight (SWT), electrical conductivity (EC) and water uptake (WU) among Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh acc. ICPL 20340 and Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars acc. ICP 15739 and an F2 population derived from this interspecific cross. Maximum phenotypic values recorded for the F2 population were higher than observed in the parent ICPL 20340 [F2 max vs ICPL 20340: SW (7.05 vs 5.38), ST (4.63 vs 4.51), EC (65.17 vs 9.72), WU (213.17 vs 109.5)], which suggested contribution of positive alleles from the wild parent, ICP 15739. Concurrently, to identify the QTL controlling these seed traits, we assayed two parents and 94 F2 individuals with 113 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. In the F2 population, 98 of the 113 SSRs showed Mendelian segregation ratio 1:2:1, whereas significant deviations were observed for 15 SSRs with their χ 2 values ranging between 6.26 and 20.62. A partial genetic linkage map comprising 83 SSR loci was constructed. QTL analysis identified 15 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for seed traits on four linkage groups i.e. LG01, LG02, LG04 and LG05. Phenotypic variations (PVs) explained by these QTL ranged from 4.4 (WU) to 19.91% (EC). These genomic regions contributing significantly towards observed variability of seed traits would serve as potential candidates for future research that aims to improve seed traits in pigeonpea.

Rooting behaviour and soil properties in different bamboo species of Western Himalayan Foothills, India.

Due to extensive root system, connected rhizome bamboos are considered suitable for improving soil properties within a short period, though most of the claims are anecdotal and need to be supported with quantified data. The study evaluates seven bamboo species viz., Bambusa balcooa, Bambusa bambos, Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa nutans, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus stocksii and Dendrocalamus strictus for their rooting pattern and impact on soil health properties. Coarse and fine root intensity was maximum in B. vulgaris. Coarse root biomass ranged from 0.6 kg m-3 in B. nutans to 2.0 kg m-3 in B. vulgaris and B. bambos. Fine root biomass ranged from 1.1 kg m-3 in B. nutans to 4.5 kg m-3 in D. hamiltonii. Contribution of fine roots in terms of intensity and biomass was much higher than coarse roots. Fine root biomass showed declining trend with increase in soil depth in all the species. During sixth year, the litter fall ranged from 8.1 Mg ha-1 in D. stocksii to 12.4 Mg ha-1 in D. hamiltonii. Among soil physical properties significant improvement were recorded in hydraulic conductivity, water stable aggregates and mean weight diameter. Soil pH, organic carbon and available phosphorus under different species did not reveal any significant changes, while significant reduction was observed in total nitrogen and potassium. Significant positive correlation was observed between WSA and iron content. Soil microbial population and enzyme activities were higher in control plot. Considering root distribution, biomass, soil hydraulic conductivity and water stable aggregates, B. bambos, B. vulgaris and D. hamiltonii are recommended for rehabilitation of degraded lands prone to soil erosion.

Deciphering foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus-host tropism.

The pattern of interactions between foot and mouth disease (FMD) viral protein 1 (VP1) with susceptible and resistant host integrins were deciphered. The putative effect of site-directed mutation on alteration of interaction is illustrated using predicted and validated 3D structures of VP1, mutated VP1 and integrins of Bos taurus, Gallus and Canis. Strong interactions were observed between FMDV-VP1 protein motifs at conserved tripeptide, Arg-Gly-Asp 143RGD145 and at domain 676SIPLQ680 in alpha-integrin of B. taurus. Notably, in-silico site-directed mutation in FMDV-VP1 protein led to complete loss of interaction between FMD-VP1 protein and B. taurus integrin, which confirmed the active role of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) domain. Interestingly, in-vitro analysis demonstrates the persistence of the putative tropism site 'SIPLQ' in different cattle breeds undertaken. Thus, the attempt to decipher the tropism of FMDV at host receptor level interaction might be useful for future FMD control strategies through development of mimetic marker vaccines and/or host receptor manipulations. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals novel stress-associated active proteins (SAAPs) and pathways involved in modulating tolerance of wheat under terminal heat.

Terminal heat stress has detrimental effect on the growth and yield of wheat. Very limited information is available on heat stress-associated active proteins (SAAPs) in wheat. Here, we have identified 159 protein groups with 4271 SAAPs in control (22 ± 3 °C) and HS-treated (38 °C, 2 h) wheat cvs. HD2985 and HD2329 using iTRAQ. We identified 3600 proteins to be upregulated and 5825 proteins to be downregulated in both the wheat cvs. under HS. We observed 60.3% of the common SAAPs showing upregulation in HD2985 (thermotolerant) and downregulation in HD2329 (thermosusceptible) under HS. GO analysis showed proton transport (molecular), photosynthesis (biological), and ATP binding (cellular) to be most altered under HS. Most of the SAAPs identified were observed to be chloroplast localized and involved in photosynthesis. Carboxylase enzyme was observed most abundant active enzymes in wheat under HS. An increase in the degradative isoenzymes (α/ß-amylases) was observed, as compared to biosynthesis enzymes (ADP-glucophosphorylase, soluble starch synthase, etc.) under HS. Transcript profiling showed very high relative fold expression of HSP17, CDPK, Cu/Zn SOD, whereas downregulation of AGPase, SSS under HS. The identified SAAPs can be used for targeted protein-based precision wheat-breeding program for the development of 'climate-smart' wheat.

Development and Application of High-Density Axiom Cajanus SNP Array with 56K SNPs to Understand the Genome Architecture of Released Cultivars and Founder Genotypes.

As one of the major outputs of next-generation sequencing (NGS), a large number of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been developed in pigeonpea [ (L.) Huth.]. However, SNPs require a genotyping platform or assay to be used in different evolutionary studies or in crop improvement programs. Therefore, we developed an Axiom SNP array with 56K SNPs uniformly distributed across the genome and assessed its utility in a genetic diversity study. From the whole-genome resequencing (WGRS) data on 104 pigeonpea lines, ∼2 million sequence variations (SNPs and insertion-deletions [InDels]) were identified, from which a subset of 56,512 unique and informative sequence variations were selected to develop the array. The Axiom SNP array developed was used for genotyping 103 pigeonpea lines encompassing 63 cultivars released between 1960 and 2014 and 40 breeding, germplasm, and founder lines. Genotyping data thus generated on 103 pigeonpea lines provided 51,201 polymorphic SNPs and InDels. Genetic diversity analysis provided in-depth insights into the genetic architecture and trends in temporal diversity in pigeonpea cultivars. Therefore, the continuous use of the high-density Axiom SNP array developed will accelerate high-resolution trait mapping, marker-assisted breeding, and genomic selection efforts in pigeonpea.