Association analysis for agronomic traits in wheat under terminal heat stress

Terminal heat stress causes irreversible damage to wheat crop productivity. It reduces the vegetative growth and flowering period that consequently declines the efficiency to capture available stem reserves (carbohydrates) in grains. Markers associated with thermotolerant traits ease in marker assisted selection (MAS) for crop improvement. It identifies the genomic regions associated with thermotolerant traits in wheat, but the scarcity of markers is the major hindrance in crop improvement. Therefore, 158 wheat genotypes were subjected to genotyping with 165 simple sequence repeat markers dispersed on three genomes (A, B and D). Allelic frequency and polymorphic information content values were highest on genome A (5.34 (14% greater than the lowest value at genome D) and 0.715 (3% greater than the lowest value at genome D)), chromosome 4 (5.40 (16% greater than the lowest value at chromosome 2) and 0.725 (5% greater than the lowest value at chromosome 6)) and marker xgwm44 (13.0 (84% greater than the lowest value at marker xbarc148) and 0.916 (46% greater than the lowest value at marker xbarc148)). Bayesian based population structure discriminated the wheat genotypes into seven groups based on genetic similarity indicating their ancestral origin and geographical ecotype. Linkage disequilibrium pattern had highest significant (P < 0.001) linked loci pairs 732 on genome A at r² > 0.1 whereas, 58 on genome B at r² > 0.5. Linkage disequilibrium decay (P < 0.01 and r² > 0.1) had larger LD block (5–10 cM) on genome A. Highly significant MTAs (P < 0.000061) under heat stress conditions were identified for flag leaf area (xwmc336), spikelet per spike (xwmc553), grains per spike (cxfa2147, xwmc418 and xwmc121), biomass (xbarc7) and grain yield (xcfa2147 and xwmc671). The identified markers in this study could facilitate in MAS and gene pyramiding against heat stress in wheat.     

Pre-harvest aflatoxins and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus flavus</Emphasis> contamination in variable germplasms of red chillies from Kunri,Pakistan

Various cultivars of red chilli were collected from a small town named Kunri, located in the province Sindh, Pakistan. This town is a hub of red chilli production in Asia. A total of 69 samples belonging to 6 cultivars were obtained and analysed for the occurrence of aflatoxins and Aspergillus flavus, to explore the potential of resistant and susceptible germplasm. Aflatoxins were detected by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while A. flavus was isolated and identified using agar plate, blotter paper, deep freezing and dilution techniques. Molecular characterization using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1/4 and A. flavus specific FL1-F/R primers confirmed the identity of A. flavus. The data revealed that 67 and 75% samples contaminated with aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and with A. flavus, respectively. A highly susceptible chilli cultivar was ‘Nagina’, showing 78.8% frequency of total aflatoxins (1.2–600 μg/kg) and a mean of 87.7 μg/kg for AFB₁ and 121.9 μg/kg for total aflatoxins. A. flavus was detected with 93% frequency and 2.14 × 10⁴ colony forming units. In contrast, cultivars ‘Kunri’ and ‘Drooping Type’ were found to be resistant, with low levels of aflatoxins and fungal counts. The study was conducted for the first time to explore two potential cultivars that were less susceptible towards A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination. These cultivars could be preferably cultivated and thereby boost Pakistan’s chilli production.     

Effect of Probiotic Soy Milk on Serum Levels of Adiponectin,Inflammatory Mediators,Lipid Profile,and Fasting Blood Glucose Among Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Probiotic therapies are going to be an effective alternative therapeutic strategy in the treatment and management of diabetes. The mechanism behind the essential effects of probiotic therapies in diabetic patients was not fully understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic soy milk containing Lactobacillus planetarum A7 on inflammation, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and serum adiponectin among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Forty patients with type 2 diabetes, at the age of 35–68 years old, were assigned to two groups in this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. The patients in the intervention group consumed 200 ml/day of probiotic soy milk containing L. planetarum A7 and those in control group consumed 200 ml/day of pure soy milk for 8 weeks. Serum TNF-α, C reactive protein, adiponectin, lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose were determined before and after intervention. In intervention group, serum adiponectin in pre- and post-treatment did not show any significant changes (2.52 ± 0.74 vs 2.84 ± 0.61, P = 0.658), as well as changes in serum TNF-α and C reactive protein (172.44 ± 5.7 vs 172.83 ± 7.6, P = 0.278, 4.2 ± 1.4 vs 4.5 ± 1.9, P = 0.765, respectively). Low-density cholesterol and high-density cholesterol changed significantly (P = 0.023, P = 0.017, respectively), but fasting blood glucose did not show any significant changes. The results of this study showed that consumption of probiotic soy milk and soy milk has no effect on serum adiponectin and inflammation, but it can change lipid profile among type 2 diabetic patients.     

Systemic resistance and lipoxygenase-related defence response induced in tomato by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas putida</Emphasis>strain BTP1

Background  

Previous studies showed the ability of Pseudomonas putida strain BTP1 to promote induced systemic resistance (ISR) in different host plants. Since ISR is long-lasting and not conducive for development of resistance of the targeted pathogen, this phenomenon can take part of disease control strategies. However, in spite of the numerous examples of ISR induced by PGPR in plants, only a few biochemical studies have associated the protective effect with specific host metabolic changes.     

Modeling Cesium Partitioning In the Rhizosphere: A Focus on the Role of Root Exudates

A conceptual model is being developed for the prediction of cesium partitioning between bound, aqueous, and phytoextracted phases in the rhizosphere. The model categorizes the processes that impact cesium partitioning into six submodels: geochemistry, physical factors, root density, microorganisms, nutrients, and root exudates. A seventh submodel (Cs fate) describes Cs movement between the three phases. Functional relationships and parametric values within and between the submodels are developed based on literature, field characterization, and laboratory experiments. Sensitivity analyses were first conducted to evaluate the effects of root exudates on Cs partitioning. The model was also used to test the sensitivity of root density, microbial population, potassium requirement and concentration, and moisture content on the concentration of root exudates and consequently on Cs partitioning. An increase in the concentration of root exudates results in a greater decrease in the bound concentration and greater increase in the aqueous and phytoextracted concentrations. In general, the other parameters affect Cs partitioning according to how they affect the fate of root exudates. However, the comprehensive nature of the system renders a complex overall effect on Cs partitioning. In summary, the model provides a framework for better understanding the complex interaction of processes that control Cs fate in the rhizosphere.     

Immuno-spin trapping of protein and DNA radicals: “Tagging” free radicals to locate and understand the redox process

Biomolecule-centered radicals are intermediate species produced during both reversible (redox modulation) and irreversible (oxidative stress) oxidative modification of biomolecules. These oxidative processes must be studied in situ and in real time to understand the molecular mechanism of cell adaptation or death in response to changes in the extracellular environment. In this regard, we have developed and validated immuno-spin trapping to tag the redox process, tracing the oxidatively generated modification of biomolecules, in situ and in real time, by detecting protein- and DNA-centered radicals. The purpose of this methods article is to introduce and update the basic methods and applications of immuno-spin trapping for the study of redox biochemistry in oxidative stress and redox regulation. We describe in detail the production, detection, and location of protein and DNA radicals in biochemical systems, cells, and tissues, and in the whole animal as well, by using immuno-spin trapping with the nitrone spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide.     

The effects of pulsed magnetic field exposure on the permeability of leukemia cancer cells

Purpose: The newer methods of cancer treatment require new idea of drug delivery in cancer cells. Due to numerous researches electromagnetic field affect on cell function and cell membrane for possible therapeutic and drug delivery. In this article, we determined in vitro uptake of fluorescent dyes into the attached K562 cells due to time-varying magnetic field exposure. Method and material: The K562 cells were exposed to magnetic pulses via Magstim stimulator and double 70?mm coil. The strength and duration of pulses in all experiments were the same and three different frequencies of 0.25, 1 and 10?Hz pulses for 56, 112 and 28 numbers of pulses were applied (nine experimental groups) and uptake of Ly and PI was measured in each group. Result: Our results show that magnetic field can efficiently increase permeability. Among the treatment groups, the system gives the optimal permeabilization when cells are exposed to a train of 28 pulses with 1?Hz frequency.     

Citric Acid Cycle and Role of its Intermediates in Metabolism

The citric acid cycle is the final common oxidative pathway for carbohydrates, fats and amino acids. It is the most important metabolic pathway for the energy supply to the body. TCA is the most important central pathway connecting almost all the individual metabolic pathways. In this review article, introduction, regulation and energetics of TCA cycle have been discussed. The present study was carried out to review literature on TCA cycle.     

The Physiological,Biochemical and Molecular Roles of Brassinosteroids and Salicylic Acid in Plant Processes and Salt Tolerance

Plant hormones regulate plant growth and development by affecting an array of cellular, physiological, and developmental processes, including, but not limited to, cell division and elongation, stomatal regulation, photosynthesis, transpiration, ion uptake and transport, initiation of leaf, flower and fruit development, and senescence. Environmental factors such as salinity, drought, and extreme temperatures may cause a reduction in plant growth and productivity by altering the endogenous levels of plant hormones, sensitivity to plant hormones, and/or signaling pathways. Molecular and physiological studies have determined that plant hormones and abiotic stresses have interactive effects on a number of basic biochemical and physiological processes, leading to reduced plant growth and development. Various strategies have been considered or employed to maximize plant growth and productivity under environmental stresses such as salt-stress. A fundamental approach is to develop salt-tolerant plants through genetic means. Breeding for salt tolerance, however, is a long-term endeavor with its own complexities and inherent difficulties. The success of this approach depends, among others, on the availability of genetic sources of tolerance and reliable screening techniques, identification and successful transfer of genetic components of tolerance to desired genetic backgrounds, and development of elite breeding lines and cultivars with salt tolerance and other desirable agricultural characteristics. Such extensive processes have delayed development of successful salt-tolerant cultivars in most crop species. An alternative and technically simpler approach is to induce salt tolerance through exogenous application of certain plant growth–regulating compounds. This approach has gained significant interest during the past decade, when a wealth of new knowledge has become available on the beneficial roles of the six classes of plant hormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, ethylene, and brassinosteroids) as well as several other plant growth–regulating substances (jasmonates, salicylates, polyamines, triacontanol, ascorbic acid, and tocopherols) on plant stress tolerance. Among these, brassinosteroids (BRs) and salicylic acid (SA) have been studied most extensively. Both BRs and SA are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, affecting plant growth and development in many different ways, and are known to improve plant stress tolerance. In this article, we review and discuss the current knowledge and possible applications of BRs and SA that could be used to mitigate the harmful effects of salt-stress in plants. We also discuss the roles of exogenous applications of BRs and SA in the regulation of various biochemical and physiological processes leading to improved salt tolerance in plants.