Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences
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Molecular regulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Sigma factor H with Anti-sigma factor RshA under stress condition
Get PDFMycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of tuberculosis, the leading fatal infectious disease that claims millions of lives every year. M. tuberculosis regulates its stress condition response using its regulatory protein, Sigma Factor H, which binds with its cognate anti-sigma factor RshA in normal conditions, forming a complex inhibiting transcription. During oxidative stress, SigH is released from the complex and binds to RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to initiate transcription. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular conformational state of SigH in complex with different protein partners under different cellular or environmental contexts. This work intends to analyze the SigH-RshA complex, which revealed the variation in SigH shown during complex formation with RNAP and RshA, respectively. Previously, Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange-Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS) analysis of SigH-RshA interaction provided a detailed insight into the critical residues participating in the interaction. The HDX-MS data were used to dock RshA on the open conformation of SigH from the SigH-RNAP complex structure (PDB: 5ZX2), and closed conformation was obtained from protein modelling. The docking revealed that closed conformation of SigH complexing with RshA in terms of HDX-MS data revealed a major structural shift in SigH while interacting with two different binding partners, RshA and RNAP, under variable environmental conditions. This structural shift of SigH with RshA and RNAP has significance in understanding the stress response of M. tuberculosis, and SigH could prove to be a potential drug target
Production, characterization, and applications of a novel thermo-acidophilic L-asparaginase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa CSPS4
Get PDFIn present investigation, a potential L-asparaginase-producing bacterial isolate, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CSPS4, has been explored to enhance the production and purification of the asparaginase enzyme. Production of L-asparaginase is enhanced using the 'one variable at a time approach (OVAT)'. In Placket Burman (PB) analysis, pH, sucrose, and temperature significantly influence L-asparaginase production. Thereafter, L-asparaginase enzyme was recovered from culture broth using fractional precipitation with chilled acetone. The partially purified L-asparaginase showed a molecular weight of ~35 KDa on SDS-PAGE. L-asparaginase was characterized as a thermo-acidophilic enzyme exhibiting optimum pH and temperature of 6.0 and 60 °C, respectively. These characteristics render this enzyme novel from other available asparaginases of Pseudomonas spp. L-asparaginase activity remained unaffected by different modulators. L-asparaginase of this investigation was successfully employed for acrylamide degradation in commercial fried potato chips, establishing its applicability in food industries
Introgressing photoperiod/thermo-sensitive genic male sterile gene into Basmati 370 rice
Get PDFThe emasculation of male gametes in pollen-recipient parents among self-pollinated crops (rice) is key to producing quality hybrid rice seeds. One of the emasculation tools in rice breeding is the photoperiod-thermo sensitive genic male sterility (P/TGMS) method, which ultimately requires long daylight length and high-temperature growth conditions to induce male gametes sterility. Using the P/TGMS method to produce hybrid Basmati rice seeds has been slow because no commercial line has been developed. Crossing the Basmati rice line with a non-aromatic rice line produces F1 with non-basmati quality traits. This study aimed to introgress the p/tgms12-1 gene into Basmati 370 by treating P/TGMS lines (IR-7327-2376-157S and IR-75589-31-27833S) with daytime temperatures (>33ºC) under a polythene greenhouse to emasculate pollen and cross-pollinating them with Basmati 370. Marker-assisted backcrossing was used to develop the BC1F2 Basmati breeding lines evaluated for pollen sterility and agro-morphological traits. Pollen sterility was tested by staining with 1% iodine potassium-iodide solution (I2KI), in which fertile and sterile pollen grains were stained with blue-black and yellow-pink dyes, respectively. The acquisition of near-complete pollen sterility among female parents is a manifestation of the greenhouse temperatures effectively emasculating pollen in P/TGMS parents and BC1F2. Analysis of variance on agro-morphological data showed significantly better agro-morphological traits in BC1F2 than the parents and significantly higher pollen sterility in P/TGMS lines than Basmati 370 (P≤0.05). The presence of the fgr gene in BC1F2 lines was confirmed using SSR markers, and the hybrids had both homozygous aromatic and heterozygous non-aromatic traits, the successful development of BC1F2 with p/tgms12-1 and fgr genes. The results obtained from this study are a major milestone towards improving Basmati rice yields in Kenya using hybrid seeds.
HPLC based Phytochemicals Analysis of Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry/Amla): A mini Review
Get PDFHigh-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is an analytical tool extensively used for the scientific analysis of components in a mixture. Several reports attribute its high analytical potential to bioactive components from different medicinal plants. Hepatic disorders, which have been a major threat to public health for decades, affect cells, tissues, structure, or liver function. The damage caused by this can be triggered by biological causes, autoimmune diseases, excessive alcohol consumption, or the action of different compounds, for instance, few medicines. Phyllanthus emblica Linn. is a therapeutic plant that has been used to treat liver disorders in Asia for many decades now. It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic scriptures for its medicinal value. This review focuses on the intricacies of HPLC-based extraction and analysis of medicinally important phytochemicals, notably for hepatic disorders from the P. emblica plant. This will be useful for future phytochemical analysts working with medicinal plants
Effect of different doses of nitrogen and inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense on the productive characteristics of maize
Get PDFThis study assessed the effects of different nitrogen doses on maize crops, with and without the inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense. The experiment was carried out during the 2020/2021 harvest season in the administrative department of Concepción, district of Horqueta, Paraguay, at the coordinates of 23°14'31.7" S and 56°53'05.9" W. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) arranged in a factorial design (4 X 2). Factor A included nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha-1), while factor B corresponded to the bacterial inoculation (with and without A. brasilense). The experiment was performed in three replications; each experimental unit (EU) was 22.5 m2. The study evaluated the following characteristics: plant height, cob insertion height, cob length and diameter, weight of 1000 kernels, and kernel yield. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the averages were compared using Tukey's test at a 5% probability of error. Regression analysis was also carried out during the study. The experiment results demonstrated that increased nitrogen levels positively affected the measured characteristics, fitting a quadratic model, except for cob insertion height. Inoculation with A. brasilense significantly increased corn growth and productivity. The interaction of both factors produced a significant increase in cob length. Based on the experiment results, applying 104.30 kg ha-1 of N in combination with A. brasilense inoculation is recommended for improved maize production
Medicinal value of Lippia multiflora Mondenke flowers in the fight of oral and dental infections
Get PDFOral infections pose a significant global health issue. This study assessed the antibacterial properties of methanol and dichloromethane extracts from Lippia multiflora flowers against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 and Streptococcus mutans ATCC 2517, two bacteria known to cause oral infections. The study measured the ability of these flower extracts to inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of S. aureus and S. mutans using micro-dilution and crystal violet methods, respectively. Additionally, we analyzed the presence of secondary metabolites in the extracts both qualitatively and quantitatively. The antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. The results indicated that the dichloromethane extract demonstrated a more substantial bactericidal effect than the methanolic extract against S. mutans and S. aureus, with minimal bactericidal concentrations of 0.25 ± 0.02 mg/mL and 3.13 ± 0.30 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the dichloromethane extract at a 100 µg/mL concentration exhibited the highest anti-biofilm activity against both S. aureus and S. mutans. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones, and tannins in both extracts. The total phenolic content was higher in the methanolic extract (49.57 ± 2.74 mg EAG/100 mg) compared to the dichloromethane extract (25.71 ± 0.39 mg EAG/100 mg). Similarly, the total flavonoid content was more significant in the methanolic extract (2.87 ± 0.049 mg EQ/100 mg) than in the dichloromethane extract (2.24 ± 0.02 mg EQ/100 mg). The methanolic extract also exhibited superior anti-DPPH and anti-ABTS activities, as well as a higher Fe (III) reduction potential than the dichloromethane extract (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that L. multiflora flowers could serve as a potential source of antimicrobial agents for combating oral infections
Impact of Incorporating Argan Cake (Argania spinosa L.) and Desalted Anchovy Waste (Engraulis encrasicolus) on the Productive Performance of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus)
Get PDFDesalted anchovy bones (Engraulis encrasicolus) and argan cake are important sources of minerals and animal proteins. The objective of this study was to analyze the respective consequences of their addition to the diet of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus). Four groups, each containing 15 chickens, were organized according to the following factorial scheme: four feed treatments (including a control group) x five chickens per treatment x three repetitions (4x5x3). The groups were fed four different feed rations containing varying proportions of desalted anchovy bones (DAB) and argan cake (AC): T (0%DAB/0%AC), L01 (1%DAB/1%AC), L02 (2%DAB/2%AC), and L03 (3%DAB/3%AC). Results of the study revealed a significant difference (p>0.05) in weight gain during the start and end of the study for L02 (2144.46g), which was higher compared to the control T (2140.56g). Regarding the feed conversion ratio, L02 (1.54) was lower than the control T (1.65). Conversely, the other feed combinations, including 1% (L01) and 3% (L03), negatively affected weight gain and feed conversion ratio due to the addition of DAB and AC. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that at a low rate of 2% (L02: 2%DAB/2%AC), both desalted anchovy bones and argan cake appear to be effective substitutes for other fish meals and soybean cake in the diet of broiler chickens
The impact of the Russian-Ukrainian War on the food security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Get PDFThe economic and social impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war was the focus of this study, which aimed to assess its effect on the food security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To achieve its objectives, the study utilized published data, food security index measures, and standard economic analysis. The findings revealed that the Kingdom's food security environment index increased from 58.1% in 2012 to 69.9% in 2022, indicating moderate food security throughout this period. The index was lower than the estimated counterpart for the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries but exceeded the global average (113 countries) by 12.38% in 2022. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that a 10% increase in the estimated food production index and real per capita income led to a 2.72% and 6.55% increase in the food security index, respectively. Conversely, a 10% rise in the estimated consumer price index for foodstuffs resulted in a 1.74% decrease in the food security index. Despite the challenges posed by the Russian-Ukrainian war, the food security index is projected to improve for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expected to increase from 72.4% in 2024 to 75.6% in 2030, attributed to the country's policy of investing in agriculture abroad and focusing on local agricultural investments such as vertical expansion, protected agriculture, and agricultural practices. This strategic approach ensures high-quality produce and facilitates significant financial surpluses, enhancing the country's capacity to import goods from overseas
Exploring the Potential Role of Lactobacillus plantarum in the Reversal of Induced Cognitive Long-term Memory Impairment
Get PDFLong-term Memory (LTM) is formed by sequential changes in the different brain regions due to synaptic plasticity changes. This synaptic plasticity changes formed in the brain due to the acquittance of unexposed information and its retrieval due to learning and memory formation (LMF). In a normal condition, LMF uses RNA and protein synthesis machinery to form LTM, which lasts till the end of an organism's lifetime. Formed LTM shows sequential changes happening in the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. Stated sequential changes are initiated when the released neurotransmitter binds with the postsynaptic neuronal receptors and activates the brain's ERK - CREB neuronal signaling pathway. Based on the previous findings, the present study was designed to study the interrelationship between cognitive impairment and oral/gut dysbiosis with the help of a probiotic strain (Lactobacillus plantarum). Two phases of behavioural analysis (first and second phase) were used to identify the effect of oral microbial infusions on impaired LTM formation and its reversal using restoration of dysbiosed gut/oral microbiota. The first phase of behavioural analysis (FPBA) reported that oral microbial infusion plays a major role in developing oral/gut dysbiosis, which results in impaired cognitive functions. Further, formed oral/gut microbiota dysbiosis was reversed with the help of probiotic strain in the second phase of behavioural analysis (SPBA). Thus, a comparative two-phase behavioural analysis revealed that probiotics may play a significant role in reversing induced cognitive decline. The outcome of the present study also proved that probiotic treatment might play a major role in the reversal of dysbiosed microbiota in the oral cavity and the gut
Inheritance pattern of Qualitative traits, Genetic analysis and association of yield attributes in F2 populations of Rice (Oryza sativa)
Get PDFUnderstanding the extent of genetic variability within the segregating generations is crucial for identifying superior segregants with high yield and better market acceptability. Thus, the present study was carried out to quantify the extent of genetic variation available in the segregating population of rice. Three crosses, viz., CO 55 × IC 457996, CO 55 × IC 464685, and CO 55 × IC 115439 were evaluated using a non-randomized experimental design for six yield attributing and two physical grain quality traits in F2 generation. The inheritance pattern of basal leaf sheath colour and grain colour in CO 55 × IC 115439 indicate digenic complementary gene interaction (9:7), whereas grain colour in CO 55 × IC 464685 exhibits inhibitory gene action (13:3). The positively skewed nature of productive tillers per plant and single-plant yield in the F2 segregants emphasizes the need for intensive selection to facilitate rapid improvement due to the influence of complementary gene action. Moderate to high GCV with high heritability and GAM for traits such as plant height, productive tillers per plant, hundred seed weight, grain width, and single-plant yield in the F2 segregants underscore the prevalence of additive gene action and thus provide the most effective condition for simple phenotypic selection. Moreover, productive tillers per plant and single-plant yield showed a strong positive association in all the crosses. Therefore, productive tillers per plant can be considered an indicator trait when selecting high-yielding segregants for grain yield improvement