Influence of different temperatures on the tachinid parastite,Sturmiopsis inferens [Dip.]

The influence of constant temperatures of 27, 29, 31 and 33°C and alternating temperature of 31/33°C (18/6 h) onSturmiopsis inferens Townsend was studied during 12 successive generations. The larval and pupal periods for male parasites were 13.5±0.5 and 11.0±0.3 days respectively and for female 12.8±0.5 and 11.1±0.3 days respectively in the 1st generatioin at 27°C. It decreased progressively with increase in temperature. Survival of females, fertility and fecundity were adversely affected at higher temperatures. A temperature range of 27–29°C appeared to be optimum for mass rearing of the parasite in the laboratory. The higher premature mortality observed at a constant 33°C was not observed at temperatures fluctuating between 31/33°C. Presumably under field conditions, where temperature is constantly fluctuating, the flies will be able to withstand a comparatively higher temperature.     

Transglutaminase 2 as a novel activator of LRP6/β-catenin signaling

The β-catenin signaling axis is critical for normal embryonic development and tissue homeostasis in adults. We have previously shown that extracellular enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) activates β-catenin signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this study, we provide several lines of evidence that TG2 functions as an activating ligand of the LRP5/6 receptors. Specifically, we show that TG2 synergizes with LRP6 in the activation of β-catenin-dependent gene expression in Cos-7 cells. Interfering with the LRP5/6 receptors attenuates TG2-induced activation of β-catenin in Cos-7 cells. Further, we show that TG2 binds directly to the extracellular domain of LRP6, which is also able to act as a substrate for TG2-mediated protein cross-linking. Furthermore, inhibitors of TG2 protein cross-linking quench the observed TG2-induced β-catenin activation, implicating protein cross-linking as a novel regulatory mechanism for this pathway. Together, our findings identify and characterize a new activating ligand of the LRP5/6 receptors and uncover a novel activity of TG2 as an agonist of β-catenin signaling, contributing to the understanding of diverse developmental events and pathological conditions in which transglutaminase and β-catenin signaling are implicated.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of modified pentapeptides as potent proteinase K inhibitors

This communication reports the first demonstration of synthesis and biological validation of modified pentapeptides, such as methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Ala-Pro-Leu-chloromethyl ketone 6b as a potent proteinase K inhibitor. The efficacy of MeOSuc-AAAPL-CH₂Cl 6b analog in inhibiting the proteolytic activity of proteinase K was compared with the known MeOSuc-AAPV-CH₂Cl analog. The examination of inhibitory activity using RT-PCR assay in the presence of proteinase K revealed that the MeOSuc-AAAPL-CH₂Cl 6b inhibitor at a concentration of 0.05 mM allows a signal to be obtained for an exogenous target (‘Xeno RNA’) at 30 cycles (i.e., Ct = 30), whereas the control MeOSuc-AAPV-CH₂Cl requires a fivefold higher concentration (0.25 mM) to produce the same Ct. A plausible explanation for the higher efficiency of MeOSuc-AAAPL-CH₂Cl 6b over control is proposed based on the molecular modeling studies.     

Electroporation as a tool to transfer the plasmid pRL489 in Oscillatoria MKU 277

To establish the gene transfer system in the cyanobacteria, we successfully introduced the shuttle plasmid pRL489 into Oscillatoria MKU 277 by electroporation with transformation frequencies of up to 102 cfu/mug of plasmid DNA. These findings suggest that Oscillatoria MKU 277 can be used as an experimental tool for genetic maneuvering.     

Burden of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in India based on data from cross-sectional serosurveys, 2017 and 2019–20

BackgroundIndia has set a goal to eliminate measles and rubella/Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) by 2023. Towards this goal, India conducted nationwide supplementary immunization activity (SIA) with measles-rubella containing vaccine (MRCV) targeting children aged between 9 months to <15 years and established a hospital-based sentinel surveillance for CRS. Reliable data about incidence of CRS is necessary to monitor progress towards the elimination goal.MethodsWe conducted serosurveys in 2019–20 among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of 6 hospitals, which were also sentinel sites for CRS surveillance, to estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against rubella. We systematically sampled 1800 women attending antenatal clinics and tested their sera for IgG antibodies against rubella. We used rubella seroprevalence data from the current survey and the survey conducted in 2017 among antenatal women from another 6 CRS surveillance sites to construct a catalytic models to estimate the incidence and burden of CRS.ResultThe seroprevalence of rubella antibodies was 82.3% (95% CI: 80.4–84.0). Rubella seropositivity did not differ by age group and educational status. Based on the constant and age-dependent force of infection models, we estimated that the annual incidence of CRS in India was 225.58 per 100,000 live births (95% CI: 217.49–232.41) and 65.47 per 100,000 live births (95% CI: 41.60–104.16) respectively. This translated to an estimated 14,520 (95% CI: 9,225–23,100) and 50,028 (95% CI: 48,234–51,543) infants with CRS every year based on age-dependent and constant force of infection models respectively.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that about one fifth of women in the reproductive age group in India were susceptible for rubella. The estimates of CRS incidence will serve as a baseline to monitor the impact of MRCV SIAs, as well progress towards the elimination goal of rubella/CRS.     

A facile synthesis, antibacterial, and antitubercular studies of some piperidin-4-one and tetrahydropyridine derivatives

The raise in clinical significance of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens has directed us to synthesize 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-one and Delta(3)-tetrahydropyridin-4-ol based benzimidazole and O-arylsulfonyl derivatives. X-ray crystal structure of tetrahydropyridinol (23) confirmed a change in conformation and orientation of substituents upon amide formation. Antibacterial activities evaluated against a wide number of bacterial pathogens (both sensitive and multidrug-resistant) revealed that 19, 27 against Staphylococcus aureus, 27 against Enterococcus faecalis, and 19, 21, 23, and 27 against Enterococcus faecium are significantly good at lowest MIC(90) (16 microg/mL). Inhibitory power noticed by 23 against Vancomycin-Linezolid-resistant E. faecalis and 27 against Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium are onefold better than the standard Linezolid and Trovafloxacin drugs, respectively. Moreover, antitubercular activity for the selected compounds against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv revealed that compounds 23, 24, and 27 expressed onefold improved potency compared to the standard Rifampicin drug.     

Interspecific hybridization between Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek and V. glabrescens

Summary Interspecific hybrids of the mungbean, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek (2n=22) and V. glabrescens (2n=44) were generated with the aid of embryo culture. V. glabrescens x V. radiata hybrids were recovered via germination of the immature embryos. Reciprocal hybrids were obtained via shoot formation from embryonic callus. The authenticity of the hybrids was determined by morphological characteristics, chromosome number, and isozyme patterns. The hybrids were highly sterile upon selfing, but backcrossing to the diploid parent yielded viable seeds. Some of the plants resembled the diploid parent morphologically while others resembled neither parent. The backcross plants were sufficiently fertile to give a large number of mature, selfed seeds. Plants obtained differed morphologically and in their isozyme patterns from either parent, indicating introgression. These progeny populations will be used as bridging materials to transfer pest resistance from the wild tetraploid to the cultivated mungbean.     

Extracellular phosphate solubilization by the cyanobacteriumAnabaena ARM310

Endogenous polyphosphate depletedAnabaena ARM310, solubilized extracellular tricalcium phosphate through increased phosphatase activity.