Accumulation of metals and metalloids in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) irrigated with domestic wastewater in the peri-urban areas of Khushab City,Pakistan

Accumulation of different metals and metalloids was assessed in two vegetables radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) irrigated with domestic wastewater in the peri-urban areas of Khushab City, Pakistan. In general, the metal and metalloid concentrations in radish and spinach were higher at site-II treated with sewage water than those found at site-I treated with canal water. In case of radish at both sites the levels of metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, and Pb) were below the permissible level except those of Mn, Ni, Mo, Cd, and Pb. At both sites, the transfer factor ranged from 0.047–228.3 mg kg^?1 with Cr having the highest transfer factor. The metal pollution index in soil was in the following order: As > Fe > Ni > Zn > Cd > Mo > Se > Co > Pb > Mn > Cr > Cu, respectively. While in case of spinach at both sites, the concentrations of metals and metalloids in vegetable samples irrigated with canal and sewage water were observed below the permissible level except Mn, Ni, Zn, Mo, and Pb. At both sites, the transfer factor ranged from 0.038–245.4 mg kg^?1 with Cr having the highest transfer factor. The metal pollution index in soil was in the following order: Cd > Ni > Co > Se > Mn > Zn > Mo > Pb > Fe > Cr > As > Cu, respectively.     

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.     

Identification of drought tolerant Chickpea genotypes through multi trait stability index

Drought is a major and constantly increasing abiotic stress factor, thus limiting chickpea production. Like other crops, Kabuli Chickpea genotypes are screened for drought stress through Multi-environment trials (METs). Although, METs analysis is generally executed taking into account only one trait, which provides less significant reliability for the recommendation of genotypes as compared to multi trait-based analysis. Multi trait-based analysis could be used to recommend genotypes across diverse environments. Hence, current research was conducted for selection of superior genotypes through multi-trait stability index (MTSI) by using mixed and fixed effect models under six diverse environments. The genotypic stability was computed for all traits individually using the weighted average of absolute scores from the singular value decomposition of the matrix of best linear unbiased predictions for the genotype vs environment interaction (GEI) effects produced by a linear mixed-effect model index. A superiority index, WAASBY was measured to reflect the MPS (Mean performance and stability). The selection differential for the WAASBY index was 11.2%, 18.49% and 23.30% for grain yield (GY), primary branches per plant (PBP) and Stomatal Conductance (STOMA) respectively. Positive selection differential (0.80% ≤ selection differential ≤ 13.00%) were examined for traits averaged desired to be increased and negative (-0.57% ≤ selection differential ≤ -0.23%) for those traits desired to be reduced. The MTSI may be valuable to the plant breeders for the selection of genotypes based on many characters as being strong and simple selection process. Analysis of MTSI for multiple environments revealed that, the genotypes G20, G86, G31, G28, G116, G12, G105, G45, G50, G10, G30, G117, G81, G48, G85, G17, G32, G4, and G37 were the most stable and high yielding out of 120 chickpea genotypes, probably due to high MPS of selected traits under various environments. It is concluded that identified traits can be utilized as genitors in hybridization programs for the development of drought tolerant Kabuli Chickpea breeding material.     

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.     

Crystal Structure of an RluF-RNA Complex: A Base-Pair Rearrangement Is the Key to Selectivity of RluF for U2604 of the Ribosome

Escherichia coli pseudouridine synthase RluF is dedicated to modifying U2604 in a stem-loop of 23S RNA, while a homologue, RluB, modifies the adjacent base, U2605. Both uridines are in the same RNA stem, separated by ∼ 4 Å. The 3.0 Å X-ray crystal structure of RluF bound to the isolated stem-loop, in which U2604 is substituted by 5-fluorouridine to prevent catalytic turnover, shows RluF distinguishes closely spaced bases in similar environments by a selectivity mechanism based on a frameshift in base pairing. The RNA stem-loop is bound to a conserved binding groove in the catalytic domain. A base from a bulge in the stem, A2602, has folded into the stem, forcing one strand of the RNA stem to translate by one position and thus positioning U2604 to flip into the active site. RluF does not modify U2604 in mutant stem-loops that lack the A2602 bulge and shows dramatically higher activity for a stem-loop with a mutation designed to facilitate A2602 refolding into the stem with concomitant RNA strand translation. Residues whose side chains contact rearranged bases in the bound stem-loop, while conserved among RluFs, are not conserved between RluFs and RluBs, suggesting that RluB does not bind to the rearranged stem loop.     

Does consanguinity lead to decreased incidence of breast cancer?

Background: In the Middle East region, consanguinity remains to be a central feature where it has shown an increasing trend. Breast cancer is an extremely complex disease, characterized by a progressive multistep process caused by interactions of both environmental and genetic factors. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the possible effect of consanguinity on the risk of breast cancer in a population with a high rate of consanguinity and find the associated risk-modifying factors. Subjects and methods: The study included 167 Qatari and other Arab expatriates women with breast cancer and 341 age and ethnicity matched control women. A questionnaire that included the socio-demographic information, type of consanguinity, medical history, life style habits, dietary intake and tumor grade was designed to collect, the information of cases and controls. A total number of 214 breast cancer patients were approached and 167 cases completed the questionnaires with a response rate of 78%. Of the 417 healthy women who agreed to participate in this study, 341 responded to the questionnaire (81.8%). Results: The study revealed that the rate of parental consanguinity was lower in breast cancer patients (24%) than in controls (32.3%) (p = 0.062). Female controls were slightly younger (46.5 ± 11.9) than breast cancer patients (48.4 ± 10.7). Breast cancer incidence was significantly higher in Qatari women (34.1%) compared to other Arab women (65.9%) (p = 0.034). A significant difference was noted only in occupation of the studied women between cases and controls (p < 0.001). Overweight (46.7%) and obesity (32.9%) were significantly higher in female breast cancer patients compared to controls (p = 0.028). Overall, the mean coefficient of consanguinity was lower in breast cancer patients (0.014) than in controls (0.018) (p = 0.0125). Family history of breast cancer was significantly more often in breast cancer patients (14.4%) than in controls (6.2%) (p = 0.002). However, the family history of breast cancer was more often positive in cases of non-consanguineous parents (15.7%) than cases of consanguineous parents (10.0%). Conclusion: The present study revealed the lack of association between of breast cancer and the parental consanguinity in Arab women residing in Qatar. The family history of breast cancer and the body mass index (BMI) are highly associated with breast cancer.