Effects of plant height and row spacing on kenaf forage potential with multiple harvests

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) forage potential can be enhanced through its regrowth capacity and higher production in narrow rows. A field experiment was conducted in Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico, during 2 growing seasons (2004 and 2005) to study the effects of plant height and row spacing on kenaf forage potential with multiple harvests. This study evaluated the effects of (1) 2 plant heights at cutting (1.0-1.2 m and 1.8-2.0 m) and (2) 4 inter row spacings (0.19, 0.38, 0.57 and 0.76 m) using a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) yields, DM partitioning, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and CP concentrations were determined. Heights at cutting × row spacing interactions were not significant for the monitored variables (p>0.05). Kenaf response to treatments was only relevant for main effects (p≤0.05). Row spacing and plant height affected DM and CP yields (p≤0.05), whereas only plant height affected chemical composition and DM partitioning (p≤0.05). Dry matter (17.0%-26.0%), and CP (12.4%-15.6%) yields were higher (p≤0.05) when plant heights had reached 1.8 to 2.0 m. Row spacing reduction from 0.76 m to 0.38 and 0.19 m increased DM yield (20.4-33.4%) and CP yield (24.2-38.5%) (p≤0.05). Kenaf forage potential increases when planted in narrow rows and harvested 2 or 3 times during the growing season.     

Vegetal cover estimated by digital photographs related to biomass in a grassland site in northern Mexico

A regression model was used to determine the relationship between aerial herbaceous biomass and vegetation coverage estimated by digital images. Four samplings (n=36 each date) of vegetation cover and herbaceous biomass were performed during the growing season in 2011 in a grassland dominated by Bouteloua gracilis in La Cieneguilla, Municipality of Villa Hidalgo, Durango. Average production of dry biomass was 37.36 ± 9.66 g/m², and mean vegetation cover 30.02%. Dry biomass data were tested for normality using the test of Kolmogorov Smirnov, finding a lack of fit. The data were subjected to a logarithmic transformation and the model Ln(y) = 1.637926 + 0.08501X - 0.000586X² with an adjusted R² = 0.89 was found. In order to validate this model, another five samplings were carried out in 2013 at the same site during summer and autumn, using the same sampling size for each date as in 2011. Data collected in 2013 were analyzed with the model Ln (y) = β₀ + β₁X + β₂X². A comparison of regression coefficients was carried out between the 2011 and 2013 models with t (180+144-9-11-2=302, p<0.05) = 1.967. The results indicated that it is possible to use the 2011 regression model to estimate herbaceous aerial biomass from vegetation cover measurements with aerial photographs in La Cieneguilla site during summer and fall.     

A novel scheme to assess factors involved in the reproducibility of DNA-microarray data

Background  

In research laboratories using DNA-microarrays, usually a number of researchers perform experiments, each generating possible sources of error. There is a need for a quick and robust method to assess data quality and sources of errors in DNA-microarray experiments. To this end, a novel and cost-effective validation scheme was devised, implemented, and employed.     

Chromosome phylogeny of the subfamily Pitheciinae (Platyrrhini,Primates) by classic cytogenetics and chromosome painting

Background  

The New World monkey (Platyrrhini) subfamily Pitheciinae is represented by the genera Pithecia, Chiropotes and Cacajao. In this work we studied the karyotypes of Pithecia irrorata (2n = 48) and Cacajao calvus rubicundus (2n = 45 in males and 2n = 46 in females) by G- and C-banding, NOR staining and chromosome painting using human and Saguinus oedipus whole chromosome probes. The karyotypes of both species were compared with each other and with Chiropotes utahicki (2n = 54) from the literature.     

Preliminary fertility results with frozen buffalo bull semen using tris extender

Various extenders have been proposed to freeze buffalo semen, but much remains to be done in terms of achieving optimum fertility. Fifty semen samples were frozen using tris extender. On an average, 54% and 48% post-freezing motility was observed after 15 minutes and one month storage, respectively. Seventy two buffaloes were inseminated with frozen semen stored at least one month. On the average, a 45.8% first service conception rate was obtained.     

Alpha, mu and pi glutathione S-transferases: species (Talpa europaea) differences in their expression

1. Tissue cytosols from Talpa europaea were examined for their glutathione S-transferase isoenzyme content by chromatofocusing, inhibition and immunological techniques and the results compared with data from adult human tissue cytosols. 2. Two sets of glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes were found in liver cytosol of Talpa europaea, they demonstrated similar properties to human alpha and mu isoforms. 3. There was no evidence of expression of the pi isoenzyme set in any of the tissues studied and in this respect Talpa europaea differs from other mammalian species studied so far.     

Molecular modeling and analysis of human and plant endo-β-N-acetyl- glucosaminidases for mutations effects on function

Endo- β-N-acetylgucosaminidases (ENGases) are the enzymes that catalyze both hydrolysis and transglycosylation reactions. It is of interest to study ENGases because of their ability to synthesize glycopeptides. Homology models of Human, Arabidopsis thaliana and Sorghum ENGases were developed and their active sites marked based on information available from Arthrobacter protophormiae (PDB ID: 3FHQ) ENGase. Further, these models were docked with the natural substrate GlcNAc-Asn and the inhibitor Man₃GlcNAc-thiazoline. The catalytic triad of Asn, Glu and Tyr (N171, E173 and Y205 of bacteria) were found to be conserved across the phyla. The crucial Y299F mutation showing 3 times higher transglycosylation activity than in wild type Endo-A is known. The hydrolytic activity remained unchanged in bacteria, while the transglycosylation activity increased. This Y to F change is found to be naturally evolved and should be attributing higher transglycosylation rates in human and Arabidopsis thaliana ENGases. Ligand interactions Ligplots revealed the interaction of amino acids with hydrophobic side chains and polar uncharged side chain amino acids. Thus, structure based molecular model-ligand interactions provide insights into the catalytic mechanism of ENGases and assist in the rational engineering of ENGases.     

Design,synthesis and ex vivo evaluation of colon-specific azo based prodrugs of anticancer agents

Colon-specific azo based prodrugs of anticancer agents like methotrexate (6), gemcitabine (7) and analogue of oxaliplatin (RTB-4) (8) were synthesized and characterized by modern analytical techniques. The prepared prodrugs were stable in acidic (pH 1.2) and basic (pH 7.4) buffers which showed their stability in upper GIT environment. Further, an assay was performed which demonstrated the presence of azoreductase enzyme in the rat fecal material, rat cecum content and other parts of intestinal content which reduce specifically the azo bond and release the drug. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay was also performed which clearly indicated that these azo based prodrugs are active against human colorectal cancer cell lines (COLO 205, COLO 320 DM and HT-29). The release behavior of prodrugs (10, 11 and 15) was 60–70% after 24 h incubation at 37 °C. Therefore, the synthesized azo linked prodrugs of methotrexate, gemcitabine and RTB-4 are the potential candidates for colon targeted drug delivery system with minimal undesirable side effects.     

Association of AdipoQ gene variation (rs1501299) and oxidative stress with cardiovascular disease in North West Indian population of Punjabi women

BackgroundTill to date whether adiponectin AdipoQ gene variation (rs 1501299) is associated with cardiovascular disease, still remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to relate the SNP (rs1501299) of adiponectin gene and oxidative stress in context to CVD in Punjabi women of North West India.MethodsIn the present case-control study menopausal women with CVD as cases (n=265) and menopausal women without CVD as controls (n=258) were recruited. Genotyping of rs1501299 single nucleotide polymorphism of adiponectin gene was carried out by RFLP-PCR analysis. Biochemical parameters were analyzed according to the standard procedures.ResultsDistribution of homozygous TT genotype of normolipidemic (p=0.001) and hyperlipidemic (p=0.001) women with CVD was significantly more frequent as compared to women without CVD. rs1501299 T allele carriers with CVD also showed significant (p=0.001) higher frequency distribution as compared to women without CVD. Under recessive model of inheritance TT mutant type homozygotes conferred ~9 fold higher risk [p=0.001; OR= 9.60 (2.92-31.58)] towards CVD susceptibility for MDA>1.50; ~11 fold higher risk [p=0.007; OR= 11.11 (1.49-82.83)] towards CVD for LDL carbonyl protein>15.04 and ~9 fold higher risk [p=0.001; OR= 9.75 (2.30-41.22)] towards CVD susceptibility for SOD≤5.55. Under logistic regression analysis oxidative stress and TT genotype were significantly correlated with CVD.ConclusionsOur study revealed significant association of AdipoQ (rs1501299) gene polymorphism and oxidative stress with cardiovascular disease in Punjabi women of North West India. However, additional studies are required to support these findings.