bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid hormones induce browning of white fat
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez Noelia , Moreno-Navarrete José M , Contreras Cristina , Rial-Pensado Eva , Fernø Johan , Nogueiras Rubén , Diéguez Carlos , Fernández-Real José-Manuel , López Miguel
Published: December 2016

The canonical view about the effect of thyroid hormones (THs) on thermogenesis assumes that the hypothalamus acts merely as a modulator of the sympathetic outflow on brown adipose tissue (BAT). Recent data have challenged that vision by demonstrating that THs act on the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) to inhibit AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which regulates the thermogenic program in BAT, leading to increased thermogenesis and weight loss. Current data have shown that in addition to activation of brown fat, the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) might also be an important thermogenic mechanism. However, the possible central effects of THs on the browning of white fat remain unclear. Here, we show that 3,3′,5,5′ tetraiodothyroxyne (T4)-induced hyperthyroidism promotes a marked browning of WAT. Of note, central or VMH-specific administration of 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (T3) recapitulates that effect. The specific genetic activation of hypothalamic AMPK in the VMH reversed the central effect of T3on browning. Finally, we also showed that the expression of browning genes in human WAT correlates with serum T4. Overall, these data indicate that THs induce browning of WAT and that this mechanism is mediated via the central effects of THs on energy balance.
Genetic Contributors to Intergenerational CAG Repeat Instability in Huntington’s Disease Knock-In Mice
Authors: Neto João Luís , Lee Jong-Min , Afridi Ali , Gillis Tammy , Guide Jolene R , Dempsey Stephani , Lager Brenda , Alonso Isabel , Wheeler Vanessa C , Pinto Ricardo Mouro
Published: December 2016

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat in exon 1 of the HTT gene. Longer repeat sizes are associated with increased disease penetrance and earlier ages of onset. Intergenerationally unstable transmissions are common in HD families, partly underlying the genetic anticipation seen in this disorder. HD CAG knock-in mouse models also exhibit a propensity for intergenerational repeat size changes. In this work, we examine intergenerational instability of the CAG repeat in over 20,000 transmissions in the largest HD knock-in mouse model breeding datasets reported to date. We confirmed previous observations that parental sex drives the relative ratio of expansions and contractions. The large datasets further allowed us to distinguish effects of paternal CAG repeat length on the magnitude and frequency of expansions and contractions, as well as the identification of large repeat size jumps in the knock-in models. Distinct degrees of intergenerational instability were observed between knock-in mice of six background strains, indicating the occurrence of trans-acting genetic modifiers. We also found that lines harboring a neomycin resistance cassette upstream of Htt showed reduced expansion frequency, indicative of a contributing role for sequences in cis, with the expanded repeat as modifiers of intergenerational instability. These results provide a basis for further understanding of the mechanisms underlying intergenerational repeat instability.
Kezdeti tapasztalataink a petefészekszövet-fagyasztás bevezetésével
Authors: Fancsovits Péter , Urbancsek János , Fónyad László , Sebestyén Anna , †Csorba Gézáné , Lehner Ádám , Kaszás Zita , Rigó jr. János , Bokor Attila
Published: December 2016

Introduction: The oncological treatment may damage ovarian function. To prevent this, it is possible to cryopreserve the ovarian tissue, and to keep the samples for long-term storage. The frozen-thawed tissue could be retransplanted after chemo- or radiotherapy. Aim: The aim of our study was to examine the effect of cryopreservation on the viability of ovarian tissue. Method: We analyzed the survival of frozen-thawed donated ovarian tissues. The quality of the follicles and hormone production in fresh and frozen-thawed samples were compared. Results: Histological analysis showed that the number of viable follicles was reduced by 23% in the frozen-thawed samples. However, viable follicles still presented in post thawing ovarian tissues. Maximal estradiol production in frozen-thawed tissues was 908 pg/ml and hormone production was similar to the control tissues. The maximal progesterone production was 1.95 ng/ml post thawing, but these values were lower than the progesterone production of fresh tissues. Conclusions: The method of ovarian cryopreservation used in our laboratory was able preserve the viability of follicles in frozen-thawed ovarian tissues. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(49), 1947–1954.
Óriásnyálkövek: Diagnózis és kezelés
Authors: Tordai Bálint , Stáczer Nóra , Vajta László , Szalma József
Published: December 2016

Sialolithiasis is one of the most frequent form of calcifications in the maxillofacial area. 0.45% of the population is affected by symptoms caused by salivary calculi, though the estimated frequency including asymptomatic form may exceed 1% in adult population. Radiographs presenting a large portion of the maxillofacial region (panoramic radiography, computed tomography) could detect salivary calculi with high accuracy. The size of the sialoliths is usually less than 10 mm in diameter. Salivary calculi larger than 15 mm (considering the largest diameter) are classified as giant sialoliths and most of them are located in the submandibular gland or in its duct. Two unusually large submandibular salivary calculi cases are represented (diameters of 27 and 34 mm), whereas in one of the cases development and dimensional changes of the calculus are described via a seven years period. This case report represents diagnostic and therapeutic consequences in giant sialolithiasis and demonstrates possible differential diagnostic difficulties. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(49), 1967–1972.
First records of three fishes, and southern records of a further four fishes, from New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Davis Tom R.
Published: December 2016

A study of fishes from Port Stephens in New South Wales, Australia has identified first records for three species in New South Wales — Genicanthus watanabei (Yasuda & Tominaga, 1970), Parupeneus indicus (Shaw, 1803), and Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides (Lacépède, 1801) — and southernmost records for a further four species: Cantherhines fronticinctus (Günther, 1866), Coris bulbifrons (Randall & Kuiter, 1982), Mulloidichthys vanicolensis (Valenciennes, 1831), and Paracirrhites forsteri (Schneider, 1801). New sightings were up to 980 km south of previous records, indicating prolonged survival of tropical fish larvae in the East Australian Current.
Dna Evidence In Property Crimes: An Analysis Of More than 4200 Samples Processed By The Brazilian Federal Police Forensic Genetics Laboratory
Authors: Gustavo Chemale  , Carlos Benigno Vieira de Carvalho  , Jeferson Loureiro Badaraco  , Ana Paula Vieira de Castro  , Sérgio Martin Aguiar  , Ronaldo Carneiro Silva Junior  , Levy Heleno Fassio  , Bruno Rodrigues Trindade  , Carlos Eduardo Martinez de Medeiros  , Renata Silva Paiva  , Aline Costa Minervino  , Jorge Marcelo de Freitas  , Kátia Michelin  , Hélio Buchmuller Lima  , Guilherme Silveira Jacques  , Meiga Aurea Mendes Menezes  , Renato Teodoro Ferreira de Paranaiba
Published: December 2016

DNA evidence is nowadays used for the investigation of a wide range of crimes. Once reserved mostly for violent cases such as rape and murder, biological material recovery is not only restricted to such crime scenes anymore. As DNA technology is getting cheaper and its results faster, there has been a growing interest in using DNA to help solving volume crimes, mostly property crimes. In this work, an analysis of more than 4200 samples of biological material recovered from more than 1000 cases of property crime offenses processed by the Brazilian Federal Police Forensic Genetics laboratory is described. Most of the property crime offenses included: (1) Automated Teller Machine (ATM) thefts, skimming or Personal Identification Number (PIN) capturing scams, (2) post office burglaries or armed robberies, (3) Federal government buildings burglaries. Success rate at DNA recovering and STR typing showed great variability, mostly due the nature of biological source, but an average of 52% of samples presented usable DNA and in 44% of the cases at least one genetic profile reached the minimal criteria for insertion in CODIS. Results obtained in this work showed what types of evidence are usually collected in property crimes and which ones provide the best results for DNA typing. These results can be used to better guide crime scene evidence collection practices in property offenses, making it more efficient and cost effective.
Assotiation of total carotenoid level in maize grain (Zea mays L.) with polimorphic site InDel1 in PSY1 gene
Authors: Orlovskaya Olga A. , Vakula Svetlana I. , Khotyleva Lubov V. , Kilchevsky Alexander V.
Published: December 2016

Background. The Maize is the only major cereal crop that can naturally accumulate appreciable levels of carotenoids which are the source of provitamin A. The estimation of assotiation of total carotenoid level in maize grain with polimorphism PSY1 InDel1 was made. Materials and Methods. We used collection of 54 maize genotypes of different eco-geographical origin, methods of PCR analysis, spectrophotometry, statistical analysis in this study. Results. Total carotenoid content of genotypes with favorable allele of InDel1 was 0,60 mg/100 g, which was significantly higher than that of the samples with unfavorable allele (0,43 mg/100 g). Conclusion. Thus, the use of PCR-based markers for the PSY1 InDel1 polymorphism is a reliable method for the identification of genotypes with high carotenoid accumulation in maize grain.
Biological and social aspects of human sexual orientation: chemocommunicative hypothesis
Authors: Daev Eugene V.
Published: December 2016

Failure to understand the role of biological and social factors in the formation of some socially important traits in humans can lead to the appearance of undue tension in interpersonal relationships. This is due to a distorted perception of man often unreliable information, its ambiguity due to the uncertainty of the terminology used and, as a consequence, the impossibility of its correct analysis. Using of term “sexual orientation” shows as a genetic understanding of the trait’s formation and data on sex formation control mechanisms may clarify and complement our knowledge on the subject. Under the theme chemocommunicative model is considered and its contribution to the formation of “sexual orientation” in humans.
Morphological and genetic features of cisco (coregonidae: coregonus sp.) from lake Sobachye (Putorana plateau)
Authors: Borovikova Elena A. , Romanov Vladimir I. , Nikulina Julia S.
Published: December 2016

Background. Recently was revealed that cisco from Lake Sobachye (Putorana Plateau) is more similar to Coregonus albula Linnaeuas than C. sardinella Valenciennes according to number of vertebrae [13]. The aim of this work was to investigate molecular genetic features of this population. Materials and methods. For morphological analysis were used 60 specimens of cisco from Lake Sobachye. For nine specimens molecular genetic analysis was performed. The sequences of two fragments of the mitochondrial DNA (ND1 and COI) were defined. Results. The cisco of the Lake Sobachye significantly differed from riverine cisco of this region by meristic features (namely from cisco of the River Pyasina). Sequencing results showed the minimal divergence of the ND1 and COI sequences of the cisco from Lake Sobachye and vendace. Conclusion. Morphological analysis and analysis of the mitochondrial DNA polymorphism of cisco from Lake Sobachye revealed close relationship of this population to C. albula.
Surgical treatment in children missed Monteggia lesions at Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat: a retrospective study
Authors: Chauhan Prakash
Published: December 2016

Background: The treatment of an unrecognized Monteggia lesion continues to pose a therapeutic challenge, as evidenced by the variety of surgical techniques described. Moreover, there are high complication and redislocation rates following surgery. This report concerns a surgical technique to reduce a chronic dislocation of the radial head utilizing an ulnar osteotomy and internal fixation.

Methods: Present study was performed at department of orthopedics, Gujarat Adani institute of medical science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat. Ethical clearance was taken from the institutional ethics board and informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Between July 2015 and September 2016 six children presented in a traumatic context with chronic dislocation of the radial head and malunion of the ulna.  Patient mean age was 6.5 (range 4–8) years, and the mean interval between injury and surgical procedure was 17 (range 1–49) months. Surgery consisted of an ulnar osteotomy with angulation and lengthening, bone grafting at the osteotomy site, and internal fixation. Open reduction of the radial head, repair or reconstruction of the annular ligament or temporary fixation of the radial head with a transarticular wire was not undertaken. Cast immobilization with the forearm in neutral rotation was maintained for 4-6 weeks.

Results: There was one case of nonunion. At an average follow-up of 3 (range 1.5–4.4) years, all patients had regained painless function of the forearm, good range of elbow and forearm motion, and maintenance of the radial head reduction.

Conclusions: Both angulation and elongation of the ulna are required to allow for reduction of the radial head. We do not see any indication for procedures directed at the radio-capitellar joint.
A study of 300 cases of allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Sundararaj Thilak , Govindaraju Meera , Thangaraj Brindha
Published: December 2016

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a delayed type of hypersensitivity from contact with a specific allergen. The aim of the study was to study age, sex incidence of allergic contact dermatitis and incidence of various allergen in patch test positive cases for that allergen in patients presenting to dermatology department in Meenakshi Medical College & Research institute, Kanchipuram.

Methods: Diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis was made by patch testing.

Results: Most cases of allergic contact dermatitis fall in the age group of 41-50 years. More common in males than females. Allergic contact dermatitis to cement was found to be the commonest cause in our study.

Conclusions: Allergic contact dermatitis is common in middle age and incidence of disease is common in males than females. The higher incidence of allergic contact dermatitis to cement is due to more people being employed in construction working in this part of the world.
Studies on physico-chemical properties of skim milkpowder sold in Maharashtra
Authors: Patil M. R. , Khedkar C. D. , Chavan C. D. , Patil P. S.
Published: December 2016

Twenty five market skim milk powder samples obtained from various regions of Maharashtra were analysed for their chemical composition, physico-chemical properties and microbiological quality to access their suitability in terms of national and international standards. It was observed that the moisture, fat, protein, lactose and ash content of SMP samples obtained from various regions showed significant difference (P less than 0.05). It was also revealed that the scorched particle content, solubility index, dispersibility, wettability properties of samples varied significantly in different regions for different brands. Similarly, the NPN and true protein content in SMP samples of different regions were significantly different from each other. The average free fat content in the samples from Vidarabha was significantly higher than that of the other regions of the state. The titratable acidity and lactate content of various brands of SMP samples were ranged from 0.97-1.08 and 75-550 mg/100 g, respectively. It was observed that three brands out of twenty five samples were found positive for alkali neutralizers. Wide variation was observed in standard plate count and coliform counts of all the SMP samples of various brands collected from five different regions of Maharashtra.
Somatic cell count as a monitoring system for hygienicmilk production in India: A review
Authors: Jadhav P. V. , Tarate S. B. , Bhuvana M. , Das D. N. , Shome B. R.
Published: December 2016

The major alteration in the milk composition due to mastitis includes presence of somatic cells (neutrophills, monocytes, macrophages and mammary epithelial cells), bactericidal and bacteriostatic compounds and certain enzymes. Antibiotic residue violation and presence of foodborn pathogens with/without their toxins is another threat of immense importance. These changes in the milk account for the deterioration of the milk quality, risk of health hazards and also its acceptance in the international market. Of all these components, milk somatic cells are the single most widely used indicator of the udder health and mastitis. Somatic cell count (SCC) is used as a system for measurement of milk quality internationally. Strict legislation for monitoring the minimum SCC level is followed to ensure healthy milk in most of the developed countries. This paper introduces the concept of ‘Clean White Revolution’ and reviews the importance of SCC as a measure to ensure hygienic milk production in India. It also emphasizes upon a need to strengthen the existing legislations concerned.
Development of yogurt with bioactive molecules
Authors: Deepa J. , Rajkumar P. , Preetha P.
Published: December 2016

Bioactive yogurt an innovative functional dairy food refers to the incorporation of bioactive components from aloe vera to promote better health. The process parameters like incubation temperature, percentage of (total solids, starter culture and bioactive component) were optimized based on the incubation time and quality of the developed bioactive yogurt. The optimized process parameters were 4 hours Incubation time, 43°C Incubation temperature, 23 % Total Solids, 1 % Aloe vera and 2 % Starter cultures (L.lactis : L.acidophilus). The quality parameters such as hardness, firmness, cohesiveness, consistency and the index of viscosity of bioactive yogurt were found to be 10.5 g, 69.97 g, -17.29 g, 366.29 g mm, -5.89 g mm respectively. The pH and the titratable acidity were found to be 4.59 and 0.96, respectively. The microbial analysis revealed that the bioactive yogurt had a shelf life of 12 days under refrigerated condition with overall acceptability of 7.
Influence of acetylation and heat-moisture treatment on physio-chemical, pasting and morphological properties of buckwheat(Fagopyrum esculentum) starch
Authors: Sarkar Shatabhisha
Published: December 2016

Effect of acetylation and heat moisture treatment (HMT) on physicochemical, morphological and rheological properties of buckwheat starch (Fagopyrum esculentum) was investigated. Acetylation, decreased amylose content of starch with increase in water binding capacity, oil binding capacity, swelling power, solubility and sediment volume. Acetylated starch showed improved paste clarity (five days storage) and increased peak viscosity as compared to native starch. Amylose content, water binding capacity, and oil binding capacity was also improved in HMT starch. The increase in onset temperature of viscosity development and the decrease in peak viscosity was observed in HMT starch. HMT decreased swelling power and solubility of native starch.
Complementary health food rich in micronutrients
Authors: Gaddam Arpitha , Waghray Kavita , Maloo Srinivas
Published: December 2016

A health food was developed by blending ragi malt (finger millet malt) with oats flour to avail complementary health benefits. Micronutrients are essential for growth and development of children below five years, for proper functioning of every system in the body and are vital for good health. Finger millet is rich source of calcium, iron and dietary fiber, while oats are dense with dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Ragi malt was blended with oats flour at different levels 10%, 20% and 30% respectively. The incorporated products were subjected to sensory analysis by a panel of 30 members using 5 point Hedonic scale. Formula 1 (10% oats flour formulation) was rated superior to control sample. The superior sample was analyzed and results were compared with FSSAI standards for Malt Based Foods. Shelf life of the product was about 90 days under ambient environment when packed and stored in metallized polyester
Rationalization of storage atmospheric composition of freshly treated white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) packed with moisture absorber
Authors: Gaddam Arpitha , Waghray Kavita
Published: December 2016

Mushrooms are fast respiring and highly perishable commodities. Thus, modification of the storage atmosphere as an adjunct to low temperature can be effective in extending their shelf-life. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate effect of moisture absorber on respiration rate of packed white button mushroom stored at two different conditions. The freshly harvested mushrooms after washing with different solutions of CaCl2, KMS and NaCl were packed in polypropylene and stored at ambient (22+2° C) and refrigerated (4+2° C) conditions. Analysis conducted at 3 days interval showed the polypropylene pack containing the mushroom treated with 0.5 % CaCl2 + 0.5 % KMS + 0.5 % NaCl had less fluctuation in O2 and CO2 content at 3 days after treatment at ambient condition and 9 days after treatment at refrigerated condition. In another study, the mushrooms were packed with 12 g moisture absorber and subjected to the storage period of 0, 3, 6 and 9 days at ambient and refrigerated conditions. Mushrooms stored at refrigerated condition after washing with 0.5 % CaCl2 + 0.5 % KMS + 0.5 % NaCl and packing in polypropylene pouches with 12 g absorber showed best results when compared with mushroom packed without absorber.
Biological protein quality and phytic acid content of domesticallyprocessed kidney beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris)
Authors: Modgil Rajni , Mankotia K. , Verma Ranjana , Sandal Anupama
Published: December 2016

Effect of domestic processing techniques i.e. soaking, sprouting and cooking was seen on the anti nutrient constituents of kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Biological protein quality of sprouted and cooked grains was also estimated. Anti nutrient analyzed was phytic acid. Phytate phosphorus and non phytate phosphorus content was also estimated. Rats were fed on domestically processed kidney beans for estimation of protein efficiency ratio(PER), food efficiency ratio(FER) ,apparent protein digestibility(APD), true protein digestibility(TPD), Biological value(BV), net protein utilization(NPU) and net protein retention (NPR). Cooking of kidney beans resulted in a significant decrease in phytic acid and phytate phosphorus content as compared to sprouting. Sprouting and cooking resulted in an increase in FER and PER. Cooking resulted in an increase in biological protein quality of kidney beans. Domestically processed kidney beans have better biological protein quality.
Sensory and nutritional evaluation of milk based weaning food
Authors: Srivastava Bhawna , Verma Anisha , Neerubala Neerubala
Published: December 2016

The weaning period is crucial for the maintenance and continued growth and development of the child. Weaning foods should have good acceptability by both the mothers/care givers and the infants. The main objective of the study was to formulate nutritional rich composite blend, based on locally available ingredients by blending with milk to produce a highly nutritious weaning food to reduce the malnourishment among children. Four different treatments were prepared using the locally available (Wheat flour, chickpea, potato, carrot, linseed and milk) ingredient namely T1, T2, T3 and T4 in different ratio. The different treatments were subjected to organoleptic analysis for testing various sensory attributes via Nine Point Hedonic Scale. Nutritional analysis was done by using standard method of AOAC. Statistical techniques Anova and Critical Difference were used for analyzing the data. The result shows that T2 was liked very much while T1, T3 and T4 were moderately liked by the panel of judges. The result shows the significant (P less than0.05) difference between the overall acceptability of all the treatments. Energy, Protein, fat, ash, Moisture, Carbohydrate, Iron and of formulated weaning foods was higher. Thus it was concluded that formulation of the milk-based weaning food is a good approach to alleviate the malnutrition associated with conventional stipulated cereal-based weaning flour mixtures given in liquid-gruel form.
Quality evaluation of low chill peach cultivars for preparationof ready-to-serve ‘Nectar’ drink
Authors: Singh Omveer , Kumar Ankit , Rai Ratna , Kohli Karishma
Published: December 2016

Five low chill cultivars of peach were evaluated for preparation of ready to serve ‘Nectar’ drink. The varietal character is considered to be one of the most important factors influencing quality of beverages. Thus, the present investigation was carried out to select a suitable cultivar for preparation of nectar on the basis of their quality and organoleptic attributes. Significant differences were observed among the cultivars for their physico-chemical attributes. Florda Prince was found to be superior to other cultivars in terms of highest juice content and total sugar, moderate TSS along with lowest acidity and fibre. Nectar prepared from Florda Prince was also found to be organoleptically best due to its good colour, appearance, flavour, consistency and taste followed by Shan-e-Punjab and Early Grande.
Study on the taxonomy status of alfalfa with cream flowers
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Lei Liu , Wengui Shi , Hongyan Li , Fan Huang , Jun Li , Meizhen Wang
Published: December 2016

Alfalfa with cream flowers is differentiable and genetically stable; however, describing it in scientific research is difficult and ambiguous because of its taxonomical status. This research attempts to delimit the taxonomical status of 14 accessions, including Medicago sativa ssp. sativa, alfalfa with cream flowers, Medicago sativa ssp. falcata and Medicago ruthinica L., using morphology, chromosome karyotypes and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. From morphology and the ISSR-PCR analysis, three accessions of M. ruthenica L. were clustered into an independent group, and the remaining 11 accessions were clustered into three groups apparently based on flower color. Alfalfa with cream flowers had its own remarkable chromosome karyotype. The genetic distance between alfalfa with cream flowers and M. sativa ssp. sativa was almost equal to that between M. sativa ssp. falcata and M. sativa ssp. sativa. In conclusion, alfalfa with cream flowers may be an independent population just like M. sativa ssp. falcate, representing a subspecies of M. sativa ssp. according to certain taxonomic principles.
Abiotic stresses alter expression of S-Adenosylmethionine synthetase gene, polyamines and antioxidant activity in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.)
Authors: Mahatma Mahesh K. , Radadiya Nidhi , Parekh Vipul B. , Dobariya Bhavika , Mahatma Lalit
Published: December 2016

Expression of S-Adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) gene in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) was analyzed by qRT PCR during abiotic stresses viz., drought, heavy metal (CdCl2) and cold. Maximum expression of SAMS gene in the leaves were observed at 3 days after drought stress with 15% PEG. Conversely, its expression was not detected in leaves and roots at cadmium stress but transcripts were down regulated as compared to the control. After 6 days of stress expression of SAMS gene was increased in leaves and roots as compared to the control but it was lower than its expression at 3 days after stress. The activities of antioxidative enzymes like glutathione reductase, glutathione-s-transferase, ascorbate peroxidase and metabolite constituents like polyamines and glycine betaine were also analyzed. The activities of antioxidative enzymes and concentration of glycine betaine showed remarkable increase in response to all stresses, except ascorbate peroxidase in heavy metal stress.
Influence of rhizobium inoculation, split nitrogen application and plantgeometry on productivity of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) in an acid alfisol
Authors: Sharma Akhilesh , Sharma Raj Paul , Singh Saurabh
Published: December 2016

A field experiment comprising of twelve treatment combinations was conducted for two years at Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India. Crop geometry treatment comprising of two row spacings (60 cm × 10 cm and 45 cm × 10 cm) were allocated to the main plots and six nitrogen management practices namely, Rhizobium inoculation in conjunction with 75 and 50 per cent of recommended N either as basal or split application and recommended N (100 %) were assigned in sub-plots. Wider spacing resulted in significant higher seed yield (7.3%) over close spacing along with superior performance of component traits and nutrient uptake. The split applied nitrogen resulted in better performance of different parameters which together enhanced seed yield by 13.8 per cent over recommended N as basal application. Augmentation of nitrogen with Rhizobium culture positively improved growth and yield parameters leading to net saving of 25 per cent N fertilizers as evident from higher seed yield in treatment comprising 75 per cent split applied N + Rhizobium over recommended N. Interaction effects of split applied N at both row spacings resulted in better performance for seed yield, other related traits and uptake of NPK. Split applied 100 per cent N at wide spacing resulted in 15.5 and 23.6 per cent higher seed yield over recommended N at wider and close spacing, respectively. It could be concluded that Rhizobium inoculation could save 25per cent synthetic fertilizer N. Wider spacing (60 cm × 10 cm) and split applied nitrogen was a better preposition for enhancing productivity of pea in an acid alfisol under north western Himalayas.
Effect of intercropping of corn and soybean on dry matteryield and nutritive value of forage corn
Authors: Halim Ridzwan A. , Baghdadi Ali , Ghasemzadeh Ali , Ebrahimi Mahdi , Othman Radziah , Yusof Martini Mohammad
Published: December 2016

Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean to detremine forage dry matter (DM) yield and quality in corn-soybean intercropping. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on dry matter yield and nutritive quality of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Forage quality in terms of crude protein (CP) (75:25 ratio 12.75%, 50:50 ratio 13.73% and 25:75 ratio 14.68%) was improved by intercropping due to higher nitrogen availability for corn in intercropping compared with its sole crop (10.83% CP). Increase ratio of corn in corn-soybean mixture, negatively affectd neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) of forage and declined with increasing ratio of soybean plants. Combination ratio of 50:50 gave higher protein yield (1886.45 kg/ha) than other crop combination ratio. Among all the combination ratios, the 50:50 corn-soybean ratio was the optimum giving highest forage yield, protein content as well as protein yield.
Fungicidal management of web blight of urdbean caused by Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Basandra Ashwani K. , Basandrai Daisy , Sharma B. K.
Published: December 2016

Web blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani causes huge yield loses in urdbean (Vigna mungo). All the commercially grown varieties are susceptible. Hence, more than ten fungicides were evaluated as foliar sprays during kharif season 2005, 2007-2010 using susceptible variety UL 338. Two foliar sprays of fungicides, namely; hexaconazole 5EC (Contaf 5EC)@ 0.1%, difenconazole 25EC (Score 25EC) @ 0.05%, carbendazim 50WP (Bavastin 50WP) @ 0.1% and propiconazole 25EC (Tilt 25EC) @ 0.1% significantly reduced the disease severity resulting in 81.1, 80.6, 65.9 and 76.2% control over unsprayed check with corresponding mean yield of 872, 821, 791 and 754 kg/ha compared with the mean yield of 584 kg /ha in unsprayed control . The net benefit for the two foliar sprays of hexaconazole 5EC, difenconazole 25EC, propiconazole 25EC and carbendazim 50WP and chlorthalonil 50WP, has been worked out to be Rs.10229, 6891, 6375, 4524 and 3274, respectively for the crop grown for the grain purpose (@Rs. 4300/q) with the cost: benefit ratio of 5.8, 3.1, 2.6, 4.0 and 1.8, respectively. In the crop, grown for the breeder seed purpose (Rs.12000/q), the net profit for foliar sprays of hexaconazole 5EC, difenconazole 25EC, propiconazole 25EC, carbendazim 50WP and chlorthanonil was worked out to be Rs.32405, 25140, 17616, 22614 and 16980 respectively with cost: benefit ratio of 16.0, 8.6, 7.3, 11.2 and 4.9, respectively. The same trend was observed for foundation and certified seed also. The fungicides were effective in reducing the severity of powdery mildew also.
Effect of some botanicals against pulse beetle, Callosobruchusmaculatus (F.) infesting pigeonpea
Authors: Sharma Rupesh , Devi Renu , Yadav Sunita , Sharma Ramesh , Sharma Umesh , Kumar Ashok , Godara Poonam
Published: December 2016

A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of some plant products viz., neem oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil, turmeric powder and their mixture were used as surface protectants for pigeonpea seed against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). The highest mortality (84-100%) was manifested by neem oil @ 10ml/kg among all the treatments and lowest (3.33%) with turmeric powder @ 3.5g/kg seeds, after 135 days of storage. Neem oil @10ml/kg completely inhibited oviposition, adult emergence, seed damage and also not affected seed quality as compare to other treatment. All the oils prevented egg laying, reduced population build up of beetles and minimized the seed damage as compare to control.
Response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars to late leaf spot disease (Passalora personata) under different sowing dates
Authors: Dey Utpal , Dhutraj D. N. , Suryawanshi A. P. , Bhattacharjee Ritika , Talukdar Diganggana
Published: December 2016

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of date of sowing on groundnut cultivars against late leaf spot disease severity, defoliation, frequency and size of the leaf spot which revealed that all these aspects were significantly influenced by the date of sowing and crop varieties which directly affect the pod yield and test weight. The crop sown early on 25th June exhibited maximum mean late leaf spot disease severity (range 43.63 to 54.05%), defoliation (range, 17.22 to 22.30%), frequency (range, 1.32 to 1.78 / mm2) and size (range, 1.49 to 1.56 / mm2) and thereby gave reduced pod yield (range, 1225 to 1720 kg/ha) and test weight (28.66 to 32.97 g) followed by 10th July and 25th July. Among the groundnut cultivars, susceptible cv. JL 24 exhibited maximum mean disease severity (range, 35.94 to 54.05 %), defoliation (range, 11.61 to 22.30 %), frequency (range, 1.23 to 1.78 / mm2) and size (range, 1.26 to 1.56 / mm2), followed by TAG 24 and TG 26. However, LGN 1 exhibited least mean disease severity, defoliation, frequency and size with the highest pod yield (ranges, 1720 to 2332 kg/ha) and test weight (ranges, 32.97 to 38.59 g).
Current Status of Ground Water Arsenic Contamination in India and Recent Advancements in Removal Techniques from Drinking Water
Authors: Mishra Seema , Dwivedi Sanjay , Kumar Amit , Mattusch Jürgen , Tripathi R.D.
Published: December 2016

India is consisting of 29 states and 7 union territories, including a national capital, Delhi.
Elevated concentrations (>10 g l ) of arsenic (As) in ground water (GW)  -1 of many states of
India have become a major concern in recent years. Up to now about 0.2 million GW
samples have been analyzed for As contamination from all over India by various
researchers and Government agencies. About 90% of these cover only the Eastern part of
India while several states and UTs are still unexplored. However, from the available data,
GW of eighteen Indian states and three union territories has been found to be As
contaminated to different extents through natural or anthropogenic origin. Among these,
As >300 μg l has been reported from at least one locality from fourteen states. The -1
maximum level of As (7350 μg l ) in GW has been reported from a highly industrialized -1
area, Patancheru in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh. However, the gravity of problem is
more in West Bengal followed by Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Five out of eight North-Eastern
states are also affected by As contamination. Manipur is ranked first and Assam as second
followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Nagaland. The GW in these regions is
naturally As enriched, and therefore wide spatial distribution of As has been found in these
areas. In North India, Punjab and Haryana and in South India, Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka are suffering with GW As contamination. Low level of As (up to 17 μg l ) has also -1
been reported in Tamil Nadu from South India. Many of the states like Jammu and Kashmir,
Uttarakhand, Odisha, Gujrat, Kerala, Telengana, Goa etc. are still unexplored for GW As
contamination. Thus, according to current reports out of 640 districts in India, 141 are As
affected (As >10 g l-1), among them 120 are above 50 g l-1. Considering its severity, the
issue of As contamination in drinking water has been taken up by the Government of India
and mitigation efforts are being initiated. In order to provide safe drinking water, different
agencies/ organizations have developed eco-friendly, cost effective devices/ filtration
techniques having higher As removal capacity. Here we elucidated the current status of GWAs
contamination in different states of India and the new developments of mitigation options.
Arsenic Transport, Metabolism and Toxicity in Plants
Authors: Srivastava Sudhakar , Upadhyay Munish Kumar , Tripathi Rudra D. , Dhankher Om Parkash
Published: December 2016

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid present in large areas in some parts of world including densely populated areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Being a carcinogenic metalloid, it affects the health of millions of people of affected areas through drinking water and food. Nonetheless, the spread of arsenic contamination reaches to non-affected areas also. Rice is the major crop of the affected areas and is thus the most important carrier of arsenic in grains and in various rice based products throughout the world. Arsenic exists in various inorganic and organic forms with arsenite and arsenate being the major inorganic forms of concern. This global issue has got attraction of a number of studies to understand the details of arsenic uptake, transport, metabolism and toxicity in plants. The transporters responsible for the uptake and root-to-shoot transport of inorganic arsenic have been identified. In addition, transporters responsible for sequestration of arsenic in vacuoles are also discovered. Inside the plants, arsenic induces the production of reactive oxygen species and causes oxidative stress leading to damage to proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and DNA and ultimately cell death. Various antioxidant enzymes and molecules are increased to counteract the oxidative stress. In addition, specific arsenic-binding ligands like phytochelatins are synthesized to chelate and sequester arsenic in vacuoles. This is achieved througth concerted modulation of synthesis and degration of thiols. A number of molecular changes including altered expression of microRNAs and transcription factors take place. The available knowledge about the arsenic metabolism and its toxicity paves the way to tackle the issue. This update discusses not only the present knowledge on this issue but also the lacunae, which need to be filled.
Rehabilitation of Sodic Waste Land through Agro-Forestry System
Authors: Nainwal R. C. , Singh D. , Katiyar R. S. , Tripathi S. S. , Sharma S. K. , Singh S. , Sharma L. K. , Chaturvedi V. , Tewari S. K.
Published: December 2016

Sodic soils are widely distributed in arid and semi arid regions of the world and suffer from high values of pH, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and low fertility. In north India, Uttar Pradesh, which is a major contributor to the national food grain stock, due to its large arable land, is occupying about 1.6 Mha of this type of sodic waste land. To alleviate the pressure of fulfilling the demand of wood, timber, fodder and food for the enormous population of human and cattle, the vast sodic soil area has to be rehabilitated by planting trees or adopting agro-forestry system. In this context, an attempt has been made to rehabilitate sodic waste land through the establishment of green cover, with diverse plant communities at Distant Research Centre of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow during last few decades. A rehabilitated forest ecosystem was developed consisting of a number of herbs, shrubs and trees. Derris indica, Dalbergia sisso, Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, Terminalia arjuna, Syzigium cumini were the dominant species in this rehabilitated forest, resulting in significant amelioration process, influenced greatly by diversity of species and their productivity. A combined effect of both biomass productivity and species diversity contributed about 92% towards amelioration. There was reduction in soil pH and ESP and an increase in organic C and N contents showing that sodicity has receded in the forest soil. To meet the increasing demand of medicinal, aromatic, dye, gum, fibre, fodder yielding plants in the present scenario, the shade loving plants of these categories can be grown successfully in between the rows of economic trees like teak, poplar, Eucalyptus etc. Such agro-forestry models have been tried with various inter-crops like Curcuma longa, Rauvolfia serpentina, Zingiber officinale, Desmodium gangeticum and Asparagus racemosus etc. The findings of such studies are very useful for fulfilling the demand of economic plants by utilizing the waste land and free spaces of trees cultivated in such lands.
Detection and Characterization of a Multi-drug and Multi-metal Resistant Enterobacterium Pantoea sp. from Tannery Wastewater after Secondary Treatment Process
Authors: Yadav Ashutosh , Raj Abhay , Bharagava Ram Naresh
Published: December 2016

In this study, an enterobacterium was isolated from treated tannery wastewater and characterized as gram-negative, rod shaped, motile, and lactose fermenting bacterium. Further, based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the bacterium was identified as Pantoea sp. with accession number The antibiotic and heavy KJ576899. metal resistant property of isolated bacterium was investigated by the disk diffusion method on Muller-Hinton and nutrient agar medium amended with the increasing concentrations of various toxic metal ions, respectively. Results showed that the isolated bacterium was sensitive for amikacin, ampicillin, cefepime, cetriaxone, chloramphenicol, levofloxacin, meropenem, nalidixic acid, piperacillin and tobramycin, resistant for aztreonam, carbenicillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, imepenam, moxifloxacin, streptomycin and tetracycline, but intermediate for amoxicillin and gentamicin. In addition, the bacterium also showed the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of 250, 500, 160, 190, 600, 700, 500, 380, 600 and 350 μg ml-1 forCu, Cr, Cd, Co, Zn, Fe, Ni, Pb, Mo and As, respectively with a plasmid DNA of 33.5 kb. This multi-drug and multi-metal resistant bacterium can be used as a potential agent for the bioremediation of metal contaminated sites.
Arbuscular Mycorrhiza-Mediated Alterations in Redox Buffer Synchronize Antioxidant Network to Alleviate Salt Induced Oxidative Burden in Host Legumes and their Nodules : A Review
Authors: Garg Neera , Singla Priyanka
Published: December 2016

Soil microflora is continuously changing with altered soil conditions. These soil alterations are a consequence of heavy metals entering and affecting every sphere of life. Heavy metals are not only hazardous for crops but also affect the soil microbial community. Soil bacteria with the potential of plant growth promotion and multiple metal resistances can be an instrument for crop improvement and heavy metal detoxification. In this study, predominant bacterial community associated with the heavy metal contaminated soil was studied using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in association with culture-based techniques. Elemental metal analysis of collected soil samples showed an elevated level of metal content in the soil. 16S rRNA gene analysis and phylogenetic analysis of 126 bacterial clones revealed the probable predominance of Pseudomonas (40.48%) followed by Flavisolibacter (13.49%). Based on morphological and biochemical characterization, nine Pseudomonas strains were selected from the soil and were further confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing with 92%-100% similarity with Pseudomonas species. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and maximum tolerance capacity (MTC) of three essential metals Cu, Zn, and Fe were determined individually and in combinations. It was found that Zn is the most toxic metal among the three metals and the metal showed a synergistic effect in inhibiting microbial growth when used in combinations. Presence of three metal resistant/tolerant genes czcA, pcoA and copB were also determined in the isolated Pseudomonas sp. by PCR. The soil in this region has high concentrations of heavy metals. The indigenous Pseudomonas sp. has multiple metal resistances and can be used for bioremediation of heavy metals and microbe assisted phytoremediation.
Impact of Effective Light Climate on Periphyton in the Nutrient Impacted River Ganges
Authors: Pandey Usha , Pandey Jitendra
Published: December 2016

Anthropogenic releases in large regulated rivers are overriding their organic load assimilation capacity and ability to rejuvenate. Effective light penetration in such water bodies are constrained by trade-off between organic load and benthic oxygen supply.We investigated the impact of light climate, as influenced by dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and phytoplankton shading effect, on periphyton biomass accrual in Ganges during summer low flows. Periphyton chlorophyll a decreased with increasing growth of phytoplankton and DOC. Periphyton biomass showed significant negative correlation with DOC (R2=0.9483; p less than 0.0001) and phytoplankton biomass (R2=0.9251; p less than 0.0001) and positive correlation with Secchi depth (R2=0.9506; p less than 0.0001). Among taxonomic divisions, Chlorophyta, with 24-60% of total standing stock, showed higher biomass at sites characterized by moderate nutrients and DOC levels. Cyanophyta (39-74%) contributed large fraction at eutrophic sites and Bacillariophyta (2-5%) at moderately eutrophic sites. Cyanophycean alga Phormidium appeared dominant at sites enriched in nutrients. The study indicated that light attenuation driven by DOC and phytoplankton is leading to erode benthic primary producers and redistribution of taxonomic divisions in Ganges, which may, by implication, entail a similar shift in the trophic cascades.