Protein and energy needs for maintenance and growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

A trial was undertaken with juvenile Nile tilapia fed graded levels of dietary protein (0–35% DP) over 7 weeks (28°C). Measurements of nitrogen and energy utilization were made using data on ADC, comparative carcass analyses, nitrogen excretion and oxygen uptake. Data indicate that the daily protein intake for maximum N gain was c. 12 g/kg/d and the maintenance protein requirements were about of 2g/kg/d. The optimal DP/DE ratio was found to be 18mg/kJ. Differences were observed in the data on endogenous nitrogen and energy utilization depending on the dietary treatments as well as on the criteria used.     

An Application of Covariance Technique in Diallel Crosses for Griffing Method I & III

In the present investigation, the analysis of Covariance technique has been applied to method I & III of GRIFFING (1956) of diallel crosses for obtaining the precised estimates of general combining ability (g.c.a), specific combining ability (s.c.a) and reciprocal differences. The adjusted estimates of g.c.a, s.c.a and reciprocal differences and sum of squares due to these parameters and variances due to the estimates of parameters and their comparisons are also derived. The gain in precision in estimating the parameters due to the use of covariance technique has been illustrated with the help of an example.     

Microsatellite marker-based genetic diversity analysis of elite lentil lines differing in grain iron and zinc concentration

Trial comprising fifty lentil genotypes was conducted at three locations in India during year 2013–2014 for estimation of grain Fe and Zn concentrations and to analyze G × E interactions by employing the additive main effect and multiplication interaction model. The study revealed significant effects for genotype, environment and genotype by environment interaction for both grain Fe and Zn concentration. In this model genotypes with the IPCA score of nearly zero and mean greater than grand mean are considered as adaptable to the studied environments. For grain Fe concentration genotypes P13143, P13135, ILL2581, P2130, LL147, L4603, PL101 and Globe mutant and for grain Zn concentration genotypes P13122, P2239, P3204 and L11-245 were found stable. The diversity analysis using 20 genomic and 54 EST-SSR markers indicated that the studied genotypes were diverse. The EST-SSRs revealed lower polymorphism as compare to genomic SSRs. Two major clusters were identified with 37 % similarity. Indigenous genotypes were grouped in cluster I and all exotic accessions were grouped in cluster II indicating the role of geographic origin in diversity. Based on multi location evaluation for grain Fe and Zn concentrations and molecular characterization crosses are proposed for development of grain Fe and Zn rich varieties (P3220 × L4649 and VL103 × P2130) and development of mapping populations (P13122 × L11-287 and LL931 × P3220) for study of genetics and mapping of QTLs/gene(s).     

Activation of Hsp90/NOS and increased NO generation does not impair mitochondrial respiratory chain by competitive binding at cytochrome C Oxidase in low oxygen concentrations

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to regulate mitochondrial respiration, especially during metabolic stress and disease, by nitrosation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes (irreversible) and by a competitive binding at O₂ binding site of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) in complex IV (reversible). In this study, by using bovine aortic endothelial cells, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of endogenously generated NO by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation, by either NOS stimulators or association with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), is significant only at high prevailing pO₂ through nitrosation of mitochondrial ETC complexes, but it does not inhibit the respiration by competitive binding at CcO at very low pO₂. ETC complexes activity measurements confirmed that significant reduction in complex IV activity was noticed at higher pO₂, but it was unaffected at low pO₂ in these cells. This was further extended to heat-shocked cells, where NOS was activated by the induction/activation of (Hsp90) through heat shock at an elevated temperature of 42°C. From these results, we conclude that the entire attenuation of respiration by endogenous NO is due to irreversible inhibition by nitrosation of ETC complexes but not through reversible inhibition by competing with O₂ binding at CcO at complex IV.     

Statistical optimization of medium components and growth conditions by response surface methodology to enhance lipase production by Aspergillus carneus

A response surface approach has been used to study the production of an extracellular lipase from Aspergillus carneus, which has the property of immense industrial importance. Interactions were studied for five different variables (sunflower oil, glucose, peptone, agitation rate and incubation period), which were found influential for lipase production by one-at a time method. We report a 1.8-fold increase in production, with the final yield of 12.7 IU/ml in comparison to 7.2 U/ml obtained by one-at-a-time method. Using the statistical approach (response surface methodology (RSM)) the optimum values of these most influential parameters were as follows: sunflower oil (1%), glucose (0.8%), peptone (0.8%), agitation rate (200 rpm) and incubation period (96 h) at 37 °C. The subsequent verification experiment confirmed the validity of the model.     

Karanja (Milletia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi): a tropical tree with varied applications

Phytochemistry Reviews - Milletia pinnata, popularly known as Karanja, is a perennial tropical tree indigenous to India, South-Eastern Asia, and Australia. This highly favored oilseed plant...     

Preclinical Formulations: Insight,Strategies, and Practical Considerations

A lot of resources and efforts have been directed to synthesizing potentially useful new chemical entities (NCEs) by pharmaceutical scientists globally. Detailed physicochemical characterization of NCEs in an industrial setup begins almost simultaneously with preclinical testing. Most NCEs possess poor water solubility posing bioavailability issues during initial preclinical screening, sometimes resulting in dropping out of an NCE with promising therapeutic activity. Selection of right formulation approach for an NCE, based on its physicochemical properties, can aid in improving its solubility-related absorption and bioavailability issues. The review focuses on preclinical formulations stressing upon different preclinical formulation strategies and deciphers the understanding of formulation approaches that could be employed. It also provides detailed information related to a vast pool of excipients available today, which is of immense help in designing preclinical formulations. Few examples mentioned, throw light on key aspects of preclinical formulation development. The review will serve as an important guide for selecting the right strategy to improve bioavailability of NCEs for academic as well as industrial formulation scientists.