Biology

Founded in 1928, the International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA) is a global network of over 5,000 scientists working across 50 countries who focus on studying changes in the environment during the glacial and interglacial periods of the most recent period (Quaternary; the last 2.58 million years to the present). The INQUA Congress is held every fourth year since the inception. The XXI congress was held at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy from July 14-20, 2023 with the principal theme of "Time for Change". The participation of 2783 delegates from all over the globe was seen at the XXI INQUA Congress 2023. The researchers presented their research findings in a variety of sessions organised within the seven major themes: 1. From Natural Processes to Geohazards; 2. Landforms, facies Architecture and Sequence stratigraphy; 3. Quaternary environments and Human evolution: fossil record, phylogeny, palaeobiology, palaeoecology and cultural models; 4. Ecosystems and biogeography from the latest Pliocene to "Anthropocene"; 5. Climate record, processes and models; 6. The Quaternary time machine; and 7. Time for Change in Quaternary Sciences. During the scientific sessions, Quaternary researchers delivered their new results, and between these sessions, plenary sessions took place. Prof. Carlo Doglion from Sapienza University, Rome, discussed the gradients of the Quaternary Earth. Prof. Inger Greve Alsos of the Arctic University Museum of Norway spoke about the Ancient Sedimentary DNA. Prof. Julie Brigham-Grette, Department of Geosciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst gave an insightful keynote lecture on the topic of "Pliocene-Quaternary Evolution of the Arctic: The messy transition from Forest to Tundra and now our return", and Prof. Pradeep Srivastava from IIT Roorkee, India, gave a captivating talk on the geology of floods in the Himalaya. In addition to the plenary and scientific sessions, the congress featured a diverse array of expert workshops and short courses designed for students, early career researchers (ECR), and any interested researchers. Ten workshops and four short courses were conducted in total. Each day of the

Fungal spores preserved on dung of wild yak (Bos mutus) from the higher Himalayan region of India were studied in order to understand the differences in their diversity and abundance in summer and winter. A total of 19 coprophilous and non-coprophilous fungal spore types were recovered from the dung samples. The diversity of the fungal spores in both seasons was almost similar, but the overall frequency of the coprophilous fungi in the winter samples was relatively lower compared to the summer samples. Clumping of the coprophilous fungi, Sporormiella, Saccobolus, and Cercophora, was observed regularly in the assemblage, indicating that the dung was the primary food source for these fungal spores. Non-coprophilous fungi such as Glomus, Pleospora, and Tetraploa are also consistently recovered in the assemblage. Multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) applied to the coprophilous and non-coprophilous fungal frequency data indicated significant variation in summer and winter fungal types. Such differences in modern dung samples can serve as a baseline for the interpretation of coprolites of megafauna and provide insights into their ecology and extinction. Complementing paleoherbivory analysis, these baseline data can also be applied to the examination of sedimentary soil profiles to determine the presence and abundance of coprophilous fungi as a reflection of the former presence of megafauna in the region during the Quaternary. Such studies can also provide information on the relationship between the plants and animals in relation to the development of agro-pastoralism in the region.

Modern feces samples of the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) were examined using multiproxy analysis to characterize the dietary patterns in their natural habitat in India. An abundance of Bambusoideae phytoliths and leaves (macrobotanical remains) provide direct evidence of their primary dietary plants. In contrast, Bambusoideae pollen is sporadic or absent in the pollen assemblages. An abundance ofLepisorusspores and its leaves along with broadleaved taxa,Betula,Engelhardtia, andQuercusare indicative of other important food sources. Average δ13C values (− 29.6‰) of the red panda feces indicate typical C3type of plants as the primary food source, while the, δ15N values vary in narrow range (3.3–5.1‰) but conspicuously reveal a seasonal difference in values most likely due to differing metabolic activities in summer and winter. The multiproxy data can provide a baseline for the reconstruction of the palaeodietary and palaeoecology of extinct herbivores at both regional and glo...

The late Cretaceous Corsinipollenites from central India and its nearest living fossil pollen Ludwigia from Pleistocene Karewa sediments in Kashmir shows morphometrical affinities with pollen of seven extant Ludwigia species (L. octovalvis (Jacq) P.H. Raven, L. octovalvis subsp. sessiliflora (M.Micheli) Raven, L. adscendens (L.) H. Hara, L. perennis (L.), L. hyssopifolia (G.Don) Exell, L. peruviana (L.) H. Hara and L. decurrens Walt.) commonly growing in swampy ecosystems of India. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Light Microscope (LM) study draws plausible lineage of extant Ludwigia species with that of fossil specimens recovered at two different time frames based on similarities in pollen morphometry. The pollen aperture and its character along with the sexine pattern were main identifiable features to distinguish different species of extant /fossil Ludwigia pollen. The aspidote aperture varies from brevi-colporate to slit-like colpi (colporate). The sexine is stenopalynous type characterized by rugulate to reti-rugulate pattern. The multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) was applied on the numerical data obtained from pollen morphometry

The study reports the micro-and macrobotanical remains on wild Yak dung, providing evidence for understanding the diet, habitat, and ecology of extant and extinct megaherbivores. Grasses are the primary diet of the yak as indicated by the abundance of grass pollen and phytoliths. Other associated non-arboreal and arboreal taxa namely, Cyperacaeae, Rosaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Artemisia, Prunus, and Rhododendron are also important dietary plants for their living. The observation of plant macrobotanical remains especially the vegetative part and seeds of the grasses and Cyperaceae is also in agreement with the palynodata. The documented micro-and macrobotanical data are indicative of both Alpine meadow and steppe vegetation under cold and dry climate which exactly reflected the current vegetation composition and climate in the region. The recovery of Botryococcus, Arcella, and diatom was observed in trace amounts in the palynoassemblage which would have been incorporated in the dung through the ingestion of water and are indicative of the presence of perennial water system in the region. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis marked that the element contained in dung samples has variation in relation to the summer and winter, which might be due to the availability of the food plants and vegetation. This generated multiproxy data serves as a strong supplementary data for modern pollen and vegetation relationships based on surface soil samples in the region. The recorded multiproxy data could also be useful to interpret the relationship between the coprolites of herbivorous fauna and the palaeodietary, the palaeoecology in the region, and to correlate with other mega herbivores in a global context.

Densities and morphology of two co-existing lizard species (Lacerta agilis and Zootoca vivipara) in an extensivelly used farmland in Poland. Folia biol. (Kraków) 56: 165-171. The study was carried out in extensive farmland area near the town of Odolanów, Poland. During two breeding seasons (April-May, 2006 lizards were counted on transect routes and captured by hand or by noosing. In total, 123 specimens of L. agilis and 153 specimens of Z. vivipara were captured. The proportion of males to females wasnt differed from the theoretical 1:1 ratio. Almost half of the individuals exhibited tail autotomy at least once in life. In the studied sand lizards significant sex specific differences were found between all morphological traits, i.e. males were shorter, lighter, but had a bigger head. In common lizards significant sex specific differences were detected only in body length, i.e. females were longer. All of the morphological traits were highly inter-correlated.

A study was conducted to compare the performance of broiler birds fed diets made of two sorghum cultivars with that of birds fed commercial maize based diet in Botswana. Two hundred and ten, Cobb 500 day old broiler birds with initial body weight of 45 g were randomly allocated equally to three treatment diets (commercial, Segaolane and Phofu) according to a complete random block design. Each treatment was replicated twice. The period lasted for five weeks in which chicks, feed intake and feed refusals were weighed weekly. Feed intake of broiler chicks fed commercial diets of 5087.6±SE g was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of birds fed Segaolane (4830.0±SE g) and Phofu (4818.3±SE g) diets, which did not differ significantly from each other. A similar trend was observed in the feed efficiency of the broiler birds used in this study, 1.13±SE, 1.76±SE and 1.97±SE g/g for commercial, Segaolane and Phofu diets, respectively. Broiler birds fed commercial diets (1918.43±SE g) had a significantly higher cumulative weight gain compared to those broiler birds fed sorghum based diets (1344.3±SE and 1186.0±SE g). However, the performance of broiler birds fed the two sorghum based diets was not significantly different from each other (P>0.05). The two sorghum cultivars reduced feed intake, feed efficiency and weight gain of broiler birds. They also had similar nutritive value and effects on broiler birds; therefore, they could be included in poultry feeds and may have fewer adverse effects on broiler birds' performance since no mortalities were recorded. Since the sorghum diets used in the study were all-mash, there might have been an influence of particle size and texture on the performance of broiler birds, hence there is need to pellet these diets so that the influence of particle size and texture could be removed.

Mycoplasma have been shown to be involved in the alteration of several eukaryotic cell functions, such as cytokine production, gene expression and more. We have previously reported that infection of human myelomonocytic U937 cell line with live Mycoplasma fermentans (M. fermentans) inhibited tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha)-induced apoptosis. Mycoplasmal membrane lipoproteins are considered to be the most potent initiators of inflammatory reactions in mycoplasmal infections. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the inhibitory effect on TNFa-induced apoptosis is exerted by M. fermentans lipoproteins (LPMf). A significant reduction in TNFa-induced apoptosis was demonstrated by stimulation of U937 cells with M. fermentans total proteins, LPMf or MALP-2 (M. fermentans synthetic lipopeptide), but not with M. fermentans hydrophilic protein preparation (AqMf). To investigate the mechanism of M. fermentans antiapoptotic effect, the reduction of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DYm) was measured. M. fermentans total proteins LPMf and MALP-2, but not AqMf, inhibited the reduction of DYm. In addition, M. fermentans total proteins LPMf and MALP-2, but not AqMf, downregulated the formation of active caspase-8. NF-kB was transactivated in cells treated with M. fermentans lipoproteins, and was essential for host cell survival, but not for the inhibition of TNFa-induced apoptosis by LPMf. Our results suggest that the inhibitory effect exerted by M. fermentans on TNFa-induced apopto-sis in U937 cells is due to the membrane lipoproteins of these bacteria.

One of the biggest problems confronting humanity in the twenty-first century is the global food crisis. Global food security is becoming more and more precarious as population growth picks up speed and climate change puts agricultural sustainability and food security in jeopardy. Technology is an important factor for increasing sustainable food systems in order to accomplish this goal. Smart Farming concept combines sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and information and communication technology (ICT). In this research paper, the researchers' method of gathering data is documentation studies. This research aims to review technologies that could be utilized to overcome the global food crisis, one of which is smart farming. The society is expected to contribute to collective efforts to create a world free of starvation and abundant food for all through this understanding of smart farming.

The present study describes comparative efficiency of propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in enhancing percutaneous absorption and release of cetirizine hydrochloride (a model drug) through silicone membrane and rat skin. Various gel formulations of cetirizine HCl were prepared and optimized by using response surface methodology containing different ratios of PG(X 1 ) and PEG(X 2 ) taken as two independent variables whereas cumulative amount of cetirizine HCl was used to calculate dependent (response) variables (Y 1 -Y 7 ). The results showed that independent variables had remarkable effects (p < 0.05) on dependant variables. The cetirizine HCl is freely soluble in water and PBS. The value of partition coefficient (K o/w ) calculated is 1.91±0.03. Formulations G1-G9, G11 and G13 showed good homogeneity while formulations G10 and G12 showed comparatively good homogeneity. Formulations G2-G9 showed spreadability in a range of 3.2-4.6 cm while formulations G1 and G10-G13 showed comparatively less spreadability i.e. 2.0-2.3 cm. The pH values of the prepared gels were measured at 25±1°C which ranged between 5.8-7.2. The viscosity of all prepared gels was determined and they were found within the limits i.e. 130-138 Cps × 10 3 . Primary skin irritation test was performed for optimized gels i.e. G 4 and G 8 on 11 volunteers and found no irritation or lesions. G4 and G8 possess greater values of flux ER .The values of t lag of these gels were minimum. Therefore G4 and G8 pass across the membrane in less time in comparison with other gels. Values of K p and I/R were also more prominent in G 4 and G 8 . It was concluded that PG and PEG can be successfully used in combination as permeation enhancers for transdermal delivery of cetirizine HCl.

Cross-talk between phytohormones and sugars is intensely involved in plant metabolism, growth and regeneration. We documented alterations in cytokinin (CK) homeostasis in four developmental stages during de novo shoot organogenesis (DNSO) of kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes cv. Vienna Purple) seedlings induced by exogenous CKs, trans-zeatin (transZ) and thidiazuron (TDZ), added together with elevated sucrose concentration (6% and 9%). Significant impact of CK and sucrose treatment and their interaction was recorded in all investigated stages, including plantlet development before calli formation (T1 and T2), calli formation (T3) and shoot regeneration (T4). Results showed remarkable increase in total CK levels for transZ treatment, particularly with 9% sucrose. This trend was observed for all physiological and structural groups of CKs. Application of TDZ contributed to little or no increase in CK levels regardless of sucrose concentration. Analysis of expression profiles of organogenesis-related genes involved in auxin transport, CK response, shoot apical meristem formation and cell division revealed that higher sugar concentration significantly downregulated the analysed genes, particularly in T3. This continued on TDZ, but transZ induced an opposite effect with 9% sucrose in T4, increasing gene activity. Our results demonstrated that phytohormone metabolism might be triggered by sucrose signalling in kohlrabi DNSO. Cytokinins (CKs) function as important metabolites essential for the regulation of plant development by affecting apical dominance, leaf morphology and senescence, cell propagation, root and shoot growth, embryogenesis, nutritional signalling and source-sink relations 1-3 . Exogenous plant growth regulators (PGRs), particularly CKs, can show variations in influencing de novo shoot organogenesis (DNSO) due to different uptake from the growth media and also the competence of the given genotype or explant type to metabolise these hormones 4 . Furthermore, CK homeostasis of plants is much dependent on the presence of exogenous CKs in growth media , which are also shown to be involved in upregulating auxin biosynthesis and transport, leading to elevation of endogenous auxin levels . These effects could be achieved through regulating activity of auxin efflux transporters, such as PIN (PIN-FORMED) family 9 . Moreover, specific negative regulators of the CK biosynthetic pathway, A-type ARR (ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR) proteins can influence the levels of CKs in plant tissues and thereby affect various steps of the CK signalling pathway . One of the further elements of the CK cascade that was shown to be affected by altered CK homeostasis during DNSO due to the presence of exogenous CKs in the growth medium is the gene RGD3 (ROOT GROWTH DEFECTIVE3) 12 , whose protein product is involved in controlling the development of adventitious shoot apical meristem (SAM) . Underlying the process of SAM formation are coordinated cell divisions that have previously been shown to be under the

Capacitated mammalian spermatozoa undergo a fusion response of their head plasma membrane and the outer acrosomal membrane leading to vesiculation classically known as acrosome reaction. Acrosome reaction occurs in response to various acrosome reaction inducers including zona pellucida proteins, calcium ionophore, dibutyryl cAMP, progesterone, etc. All the acrosome reaction inducers cause a transient of calcium influx into the sperm through voltage-dependent cation channels. Efflux of chloride, stimulation of activity of phospholipases, and phosphorylation of proteins are other known changes introduced by acrosome reaction inducers. Macromolecular organization and dynamics of sperm membranes during the progression of this vesiculation are largely unexplored. In this study, we report that progesterone induced the formation of horizontal microdomains within the exofacial surfaces of sperm membranes, which showed progressive and independent alterations in molecular dynamics. In the light of this observation, we propose that sperm membrane rafts may contain both horizontal and vertical microdomains.

Spermatozoa produce increasing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during development. We examined the functional organisation of NOX-2 subunits in developing spermatozoa and its involvement in ROS generation. We found NOX-2 components associated predominantly with caveolin-rich microdomains of sperm head and mid piece membranes. Capacitation in vitro enriched NOX-2 components within the caveolin-positive sperm membrane rafts. Progesterone, but not 17b-oestradiol, brought about loss of caveolin and extensive reorganisations in NOX-2 distribution on sperm head microdomains and accompanying activation in the levels of superoxide. The sensitivity of superoxide production by spermatozoa to methyl-b-cyclodextrin confirms that NOX-2 function in spermatozoa is tightly dependent on raft organisation. We conclude that progesterone-induced reorganisation of NOX-2 components in sperm membrane rafts is critical for sperm functioning.

Acrosomal assembly during spermatogenesis and acrosome reaction during sperm-oocyte interaction are unique events of vesicle synthesis, transport, and fusion leading to fertilization. SNARE complex formation is essential for membrane fusion, and vesicleassociated (v-) SNARE intertwines with target membrane (t-) SNARE to form a coiled coil that bridges two membranes and facilitates fusion. We detected messages of Vam6P and SNAP in mammalian testis and epididymis. Vam6P and SNAP were detected in a temporally organized fashion on the spermatozoa from testis and epididymis, which showed accumulation on the principal acrosomal domains during capacitation. Vam6P and SNAP were shed off from the principal acrosomal ___domain after acrosome reaction, but the equatorial and the post-acrosomal domains retained these proteins. Antibodies to VAMP and SNAP inhibited sperm-zona pellucida interaction, suggesting their possible involvement in sperm membrane vesiculation.

Insect protein production requires much less land, feed, and water, and thus has a much smaller ecological footprint than animal protein production, which is important for reducing global warming. Poultry, pigs, and fish consume insects in nature, so insect meal could be a good substitute for soybean and fishmeal as a protein source in diets. The aim of this study was to examine consumer opinion on meat that originated from animals whose diet contained insect meal. The study was conducted in Hungary in 2020 (N = 414). On a scale of 1–7, respondents gave much lower scores (3.96) to this product than that which originated from a free-range system (5.11; p &lt; 0.001). Male, more highly educated, and 30–39 year-old respondents gave significantly higher scores than other groups. The most important factor in accepting insect meal in animal feed was “no risk”, while the least important factor was “replacement of Genetically Modified (GM) soybeans”. Since free-range animals also consume in...

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynaecological cancers. Its subtle onset and absence of symptoms in early stages are associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. Identification of early biomarkers would aid in ovarian cancer control. Mesenchmal stem cells (MSCs) and/or their secretory products are identified to have cancer inhibitory properties. Therefore, it is of interest to study the anticancer properties of human Wharton&#39;s jelly stem cells conditioned medium (hWJSCs-CM) on primary ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro. Primary cultures of epithelial ovarian carcinoma cells (EOCs) and hWJSCs were used in this study. EOCs were exposed to hWJSC-CM (100%) for 24h-72h and changes in mophology and cell proliferation were monitored. Treatment with hWJSC-CM showed altered morphological changes that resulted in death of EOCs. Colorimetric assay [MTT, (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)] showed mean decreases in EOC proliferation by 16.21%, 23.89%...

FOXO family of proteins are transcription factors involved in many physiological and pathological processes including cellular homeostasis, stem cell maintenance, cancer, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Genetic evidence has been accumulating to suggest a prominent role of FOXOs in lifespan regulation in animal systems from hydra, C elegans, Drosophila, and mice. Together with the observation that FOXO3 is the second most replicated gene associated with extreme human longevity suggests that pharmacological targeting of FOXO proteins can be a promising approach to treat cancer and other age-related diseases and extend life and health span. However, due to the broad range of cellular functions of the FOXO family members FOXO1, 3, 4, and 6, isoform-specific targeting of FOXOs might lead to greater benefits and cause fewer side effects. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the common and specific features of these proteins as well as their redundant and specific functions in our ...

Faisant appel h la m6thode de la ehromatographie sur papier et sur eouche mince, nous avons effectufi une analyse qualitative des composgs lodes du m~tabolisme thyroidien ehez le triton crgtg apr~s injection de radio-iode (I~). L'identification des tyrosines et des thyronines marquees a ~tg effectufie par autoradiographie. La chromatogn'aphie sur couche mince (solvant C'ollidine-NH~OH 3N plus vapeur d'NIt3) a permis de s@arer de fa~on qualitativement efficace MIT, DIT, T3 et T~. Parmi les diff~rents rfisultats obtenus, les auteurs soulignent celui de la prgsence, darts l'hydrolysat de thyro~de, de T4 marqu~ 24 heures apr~s l'injection de I ~ et de T ~ marqu~ 4 ]ours apr~s eette m~me injection. Le T~ est, semble-t-il, plus abondant chez le m~le que chez la femelle. A qualitative analysis of the iodinated compounds of thyroid metabolism has been earried out by means of paper chromatography and thin layer chromatography in the erested newt following 1131 injection. Labeled tyrosines and thyronines were detected by autoradiography. MIT, DIT, T~ and T4 have been isolated effectively, from a qualitative point of view, by thin-!ayer chromatography (elution bath: collidine-3N NH4OH H-NH, vapor). The presence of labeled thyroxine (T0 and of triiodothyronine (T0 in the thyroid hydrolyzate at 24 hours and 4 days, respectively, following 11~ injection is stressed.

The populations of Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita brehmii (Homeyer, 1871) which breed in a large part of the Iberian Peninsula, are a parapatric form of Ph. c. collybita. These birds are known to have songs and calls that are very different from the vocalizations of the nominal race living in central and western Europe. The objective of the present study is to find out whether or not reproductive isolating mechanisms exist between the two forms. To better tackle this problem of parapatric speciation, we had first to devise a method to define as acurately and objectively as possible the areas of allopatry and sympatry, and we were led to propose a new mathematical model to interpret our field data. Although this model needs to be further refined, it already provides us with basic equations that allow us to accept or reject intergradation. It also leads us to consider a number of other traits of the biology of the species which might be influential in parapatric speciation. One can...

Biodiversity can be regarded as the result of the dynamic processes starting with speciation and ending with species extinction. Speciation urges populations of organisms within an already‐existing species to change as a consequence of ecological change. It can occur everywhere as the selective pressures causing it are randomly distributed (Dobzhansky et al., 1977, p. 4); hence, a need to promote a development policy that does not endanger these natural processes. This conservation concept addresses a global ecological policy and is different from the more classical concept of conservation based on the promotion of natural parks to preserve rare species and their direct habitats. The latter concept has the disadvantage to lead to the protection of limited surfaces, which cannot harbour most of speciation centres and leaves the rest of the world unprotected. Examples will illustrate the dangers faced by continental and insular speciation centres.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) claim 74% of global lives, disproportionately affecting lower and middle-income countries like Pakistan. NCDs may increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB), caesarean section (CS), and low birthweight. This study aims to determine whether the high prevalence of NCDs in Pakistan play a role in the high rates of preterm births, and CS. This retrospective cohort study from Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, investigated effects of pre-existing NCDs on pregnancy outcomes of 817 pregnant women. Medical records were used to generate odds ratios for the risk of PTB, labour outcome and birthweight in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma and thyroid disorders. Multinomial logistic regression and general linear models were used to adjust for confounding variables using IBM SPSS Statistics (v27). Type 2 diabetes significantly increased the risk of PTB and elective CS (both P < 0.05). Elective CS was significantly increased by hypertension and asthma (both, P < 0.05). Surprisingly, asthma halved the risk of PTB (P < 0.05), while type 1 diabetes significantly increased birthweight from 2832 to 3253g (P < 0.001). In conclusion, pre-existing NCDs increase the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes, including PTB, elective CS and birthweight. Asthma, however reduced PTB and justifies further investigation. NCDs Non-communicable diseases CS Caesarean sections PTB Preterm birth LMICs Low middle Income countries cOR Crude odds ratio aOR Adjusted odds ratio

The effect of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer (SLF) of Gracilaria textorii and Hypnea musciformis on seed germination, growth and yield parameters such as number of leaves, weight of fruits in crop plants such as Brinjal, Tomato and Chilly were examined. The Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer was found to be effective in increasing the growth and yield in low doses (1:4 and 1:6 conc.) than the control, 1:2 and higher concentrations of seaweed Liquid fertilizer.

The present study deals with seasonal variations, correlation coefficient and biodiversity indices of phytoplankton during April 2011 to March 2012 in the Riwada reservoir, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Sampling was performed at five stations during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post monsoon. There were a total of 57 genera belonging to four major groups i.e., Chlorophyceae (27 genera), Bacillariophyceae (14 genera), Cyanophyceae (13 genera) and Euglenophyceae (three genera). Maximum and minimum total phytoplankton population and percentages were recorded at station three in pre monsoon and at station two during monsoon. The maximum and minimum species richness (Menhinick index R2) were found to be 1.29 at station one and 1.10 at station three respectively. Maximum and minimum species diversity (H1) were found at station four (3.98) and station two (3.71). Maximum species evenness was recorded at stations one, being four and five; minimum species evenness was recorded at station ...

The present study assessesed the antimicrobial activity of Gelidium pusillum and Centroceras clavulatum against Gram positive bacteria-Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staptococcus mutans, Streptococcus anginosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Gram negative bacteria-Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, Erwinia caratovora, Proteus vulgaris and fungal strains-Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Sacharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizoctonia solani, Mucor racemosus and Rhizopus stolonifer. In this investigation, different crude seaweed extracts (Chloroform , Ethanol ,Methanol and water) were determined by the well diffusion method. Among the solvents tested, ethanolic extract of Centroceras clavulatum and chloroform extract of Gelidium pusillum showed maximum inhibitory activity than other solvents. Ethanolic extract of Centroceras clavulatum showed maximum zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC-8mg/ml) value of chloroform extract was observed against bacterial strains Bacillus subtilis and the lowest MIC (50mg/ml) value of ethanolic extract was observed against fungal strains A.niger. Chloroform extract of Gelidium pusillum showed maximum zone of inhibition against K.pneumonia. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC-12mg/ml) value of chloroform extract was observed against K.pneumonia. The lowest MIC (35mg/ml) value of ethanolic extract was observed against fungal strains R.stolonifer. The present study confirms that the extractions of marine algae have been screened extensively to isolate life saving drugs for the benefit of the humanity.

Mankind has blessed with variety of natural products which help us in day to day life. These extraordinary substances help us to treat different ailments of human beings and other pet animals. In the recent years ethnopharmaocology played a vital role in the undeveloped and developing countries of the Globe. Mono and multi ingredient herbal and non-herbal remedies as smoke practiced in different geographical regions of our globe. Present paper deals with some medicinal plants of Andhra Pradesh to treat different diseased with help of smoke therapy. Total 48 plant species of mono ingredient remedies, 16 plant species of multi ingredient remedies and 4 Non medicinal smokes with health benefits belonging to 30 families from Andhra Pradesh. Medicinal indications for smoke are respiratory tract, gynecological, narcotic, toothache, cough relief, chicken pox, skin diseases and neurological. The methods for administrating smoke are inhalation, smoke directed at a specific part of the body. ...

Avicennia officinalis was screened for antimicrobial activity against some clinical and phytopathogens. Plant parts such as leaves and bark of A. officinalis were collected from Coringa forest near Kakinada area, dried and extracted successively with hexane, chloroform, methanol and water using the soxhlet extraction apparatus. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts on the various test microorganisms, including multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria, was investigated. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was determined by the Well Diffusion Method. The experimental results concluded the plant extracts of A .officinalis have greater potential as antimicrobial compounds against microorganisms and that they can be used in treatment of infectious diseases caused by resistant pathogenic microorganisms.

Antimicrobial activity of the halophyte Suaeda monoica (Forsst ex Geml) was studied using leaf and shoot extracts, on the various test microorganisms, including multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria and phytopathogens. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was determined by the Well Diffusion Method. The experimental results concluded that the hexane, methanol and water extracts of S. monoica leaves have greater potential as antimicrobial compounds against microorganisms and they can be used in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by resistant pathogenic microorganisms.

Taxonomy and identification of angiosperms are mainly based on external morphological characters and traits of the plants; however palynological data sets are remotely used for the study. Pollen characters are genetically regulated that can be used as an ideal tool for establishing taxonomic groups. This type of integrated study can be useful in redefining the status of families in higher group of plants. Apocynaceae, a Eurypalynous family exhibits variation in possessing more than one type of pollen grains from simple porate to compound colporate apertures. Pollen attributes has been utilized in building a pollen key that would enable us to distinguish genera solely on the basis of pollen characters.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11735 International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014Page: 109-116 

Pollen germination forms one of the most important stage post pollination prior to fertilization. This is essential for proper seed setting and seed development. In vitro pollen germination test is the most reliable way of assessing the pollen viability. In the present study pollen grains of seven genera under Apocynaceae family namely, Allamanda, Alstonia, Catharanthus, Nerium, Plumeria, Thevetia and Tabernaemontana were tested in some basic cultural media, such as Brewbaker’s media, 6% Glucose solution, 4% Calcium Nitrate solution and 3% Boron solution. Alstonia pollen grains exhibited highest percentage of germination rate in all the cultural media. Glucose and Brewbaker’s media is found to be highly suitable for efficient pollen germination in all the genera. Boron solution is effective for germination of pollen grains of tree species. In vitro pollen germination can be easily carried out in laboratories. These results can be utilised in plant breeding programmes to improve cult...

 In the present study, Seasonality and Species diversity of Phytoplankton studies were made on the Karagam Lake of Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh from November 2006 to October 2008. The phytoplankton population was represented by a Total taxa of 64 genera were recorded in this study. This includes Chlorophyceae (26 genera- 74 species), Bacillariophyceae (18 genera-41species), Cyanophyceae (17 genera-39 species) and Euglenophyceae (3 genera-8species). The abundant algal forms belong to Volvocales (9 genera, 12 species), Chlorococcales (7 genera, 16 species), Conjugales (9 genera, 43 genera), Nostocales (9 genera, 18 species) in Karagam Lake.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12180International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 82-100    

The present communication deals with the plants used to treat common diseases in cattle and pet animals in the tribal belts of Andhra Pradesh, India. For the purpose of the ethnoveterinary practices, 108 plant species belonging to 99 genera and 51 families were identified. The present study reveals that leafy parts rank first, among the various plant parts used to treat different ailments of the livestock.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i1.10936Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(1): 7-16, 2012 (June)

This study analyzed presentations made by professionals as part of the development programs to enhance the skills and competencies of Accountants. The presentations at the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA) conference were selected and audio-recorded. The data were then transcribed and documented in a 29 800-word file. Wordsmith tools (Scott, 2020) were used to analyze data. This study focused on using interpersonal metadiscourse markers , particularly Self--mention as a presentation strategy. The findings showed that 'I' and 'we' were the dominant Self-mentions in the presentations. They are used as referents for inclusivity and to highlight the presenter's perspectives.

triazoles are the major group of antifungals for treating Aspergillus infections. the morbidity and mortality associated with these infections is high and rate of treatment failure is more in patients infected with azole resistant Aspergillus. the azole resistant Aspergillus isolates have been recovered from both azole treated and azole naive patients. thus, there may be an environmental route of exposure to azole resistant Aspergillus. the present study was envisaged for the isolation and enumeration of environmental isolates of Aspergillus resistant to medically available antifungal azole drugs in North indian environment. A total of 25 soil samples were collected from North indian agricultural farms where azole pesticides were being used. the soil samples were screened for Aspergillus isolates by serial dilution pour plate method. Further, their drug susceptibility testing was performed using disc diffusion, e-strip and micro-broth dilution method against medically available triazoles: itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole and voriconazole. A total of 41 Aspergillus species were isolated from the soil samples. Based on conventional microscopic assay, 13 of them were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, 9 as Aspergillus niger, 5 as Aspergillus terreus, 3 as Aspergillus nidulans, 1 as Aspergillus flavus and 9 as other Aspergillus species. Resistance for all tested antifungal drugs was detected in 7.3% Aspergillus isolates and 43.7% isolates were resistant to any of the tested azole drugs. the results demonstrated that Aspergillus isolates resistant to medical triazoles are present in the agricultural farms.

Clinical limitations and drug-resistance are the basis of the search for new antifungal therapeutics against biofilm forming pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Cis-9-hexadecenal is a natural compound present in various plants extracts, but its antifungal activity against A. fumigatus is still unexplored. The aim of present study was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of cis-9-hexadecenal on A. fumigatus, specifically its biofilm and to assess its cytotoxicity. Broth micro-dilution method revealed that cis-9hexadecenal inhibited 90% of planktonic growth of A. fumigatus at 0.078 mg/ml. In-vitro combinatorial effect between drug amphotericin B and cis-9-hexadecenal was studied by checkerboard assay. Cis-9-hexadecenal, in combination to amphotericin-B had additive effect and showed enhanced drug efficacy against A. fumigatus. The effect of cis-9-hexadecenal on pre-formed biofilm was analyzed through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and scanning electron microscopy. In MTT assay, minimum biofilm-eradicating concentration-80 of cis-9-hexadecenal was 0.156 mg/ml. Scanning electron micrograph showed absence of extracellular matrix and tangled hyphae in cis-9-hexadecenal treated biofilm whereas these structures were present in both untreated and amphotericin-B treated biofilm. Drug-likeness was predicted through in-silico ADMET studies. The study envisaged that cis-9-hexadecenal followed Lipinski's rule but had a higher Log P value indicating that it's not hydrophilic. The compound can be modified to enhance the absorption and permeation. Cell cytotoxicity study exhibited that cis-9-hexadecenal was not toxic to normal human lung epithelial cell line L-132 upto 0.62 mg/ml. The study concluded that cis-9-hexadecenal might be explored further as a potential therapeutic molecule for A. fumigatus associated diseases.

Pathogenic micro-organisms have become the main problem in today’s world. All microbes are getting resistant to antibiotics. This is due to theformation of biofilm layer above the micro-organisms. Learning the characteristics of biofilm can help us in treating the infectious disease induced via micro-organisms. They affect human’s life in some or the other way. For example, the plaque formed in our teeth that cause tooth decay is due to thebacterial biofilm. When micro-organisms stick to moist or wet surfaces, it produces glue-like, slimy contents which are known as biofilms. Biofilmsbelong to the sessile communities, communities in which organisms are considered as immobile. Biofilms are enclosed within a matrix, known asextracellular polymeric matrix, which are secreted by micro-organisms. Biofilms attached to the surfaces are affected by certain characteristics likethe growth medium, substratum to which it is attached and cellular surfaces. Each of these factors can either increa...

The adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3) gene is involved in the regulation of several metabolic processes including the development and function of adipose tissue. The effects of the ADCY3 rs10182181 genetic variant on changes in body composition depending on the macronutrient distribution intake after 16 weeks of the dietary intervention were tested. The ADCY3 genetic variant was genotyped in 147 overweight or obese subjects, who were randomly assigned to one of the two diets varying in macronutrient content: a moderately-high-protein diet and a low-fat diet. Anthropometric and body composition measurements (DEXA scan) were recorded. Significant interactions between the ADCY3 genotype and dietary intervention on changes in weight, waist circumference, and body composition were found after adjustment for covariates. Thus, in the moderately-high-protein diet group, the G allele was associated with a lower decrease of fat mass, trunk and android fat, and a greater decrease in lean mass. Conversely, in the low-fat diet group carrying the G allele was associated with a greater decrease in trunk, android, gynoid, and visceral fat. Subjects carrying the G allele of the rs10182181 polymorphism may benefit more in terms of weight loss and improvement of body composition measurements when undertaking a hypocaloric low-fat diet as compared to a moderately-high-protein diet.

As obesity has become a major global public health challenge, a large number of studies have analyzed different strategies aimed at inducing a negative energy balance and, consequently, body weight loss. However, most existing weight loss programs are generally unsuccessful, so several interventions have been carried out to identify physiologic and behavioral factors concerning this variability in order to implement more personalized treatment. Nowadays, an individualized approach is being proposed through so-called personalized nutrition, whereby not only the phenotype but also the genotype is used for customized nutrition treatment. Regarding body weight regulation, ;70 polymorphisms have been identified in or near genes related to energy expenditure, appetite, adipogenesis, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism. Although personalized nutrition refers mainly to genetic makeup, recent advances in the investigation of the epigenome and the microbiome open the door to implement more personalized recommendations for body weight management. In this context, recent studies have demonstrated the existence of several epigenetic markers that may modify gene expression and could be involved in the outcome of weight loss interventions. Moreover, different studies have shown that dietary interventions could affect the composition of gut microbiota and have an impact on body weight. The integration of nutrigenetic, epigenetic, and metagenomic data may lead to the design of more personalized dietary treatments to prevent chronic diseases and to optimize the individualÕs response to dietary interventions.

To analyze the influence of genetics and interactions with environmental factors on adiposity outcomes [waist circumference reduction (WCR) and total body fat loss (TFATL)] in response to energy-restricted diets in subjects with excessive body weight.

Biological electromethanogenesis is a promising technology which can be applicable to convert geologically-stored CO 2 into CH 4 by electrochemical active microorganisms as biocatalysts. To gain biocatalysts applicable within CO 2 -storage reservoirs, a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) was used to enrich electrochemical active microorganisms in reservoir brine sample from a petroleum reservoir. The MFC began to produce electricity after 25 hours of inoculation and reached the first maximum current at 50 hours post inoculation. The maximum power density of the thermophilic MFC was ca. 1003 mW/m 2 , higher than that of most thermophilic MFCs reported previously, suggesting that subsurface reservoir harbors highly functional biocatalysts.

To produce hydrogen from starch accumulated in an algal biomass, we used a mixed culture of the lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and the photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodobium marinum A-501. In this system L. amylovorus, which possesses amylase activity, utilized algal starch for lactic acid production, and R. marinum A-501 produced hydrogen in the presence of light using lactic acid as an electron donor. Algal starch accumulated in the marine green alga Dunaliella tertiolecta, and the freshwater green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, was more suitable for lactic acid fermentation by L. amylovorus than an authentic starch sample. Consequently, the yields of hydrogen obtained from starch contained in D. tertiolecta and C. reinhardtii were 61% and 52°~, respectively, in the mixed culture of L. amylovorus and R. marinum A-501. These values were markedly superior to those obtained using a mixed culture of Vibriofluvialis T-522 and R. marinum A-501 described previously. The yield and production rate of hydrogen by R. marinum A-501 from the lactic acid fermentates were higher than from authentic lactic acid, suggesting that the fermentates contain a factor(s) which promotes H2 production by this bacterium.

To develop cost-effective systems for D-lactate production, here, the effect of high-cell density cultivation of metabolically engineered Lactobacillus plantarum on D-lac- tate production was evaluated. A xylose-assimilating strain of L. plantarum was anaerobically cultured with mixed sugars (glucose and xylose) as substrates. Compared to undiluted nutrient-rich de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) medium, D-lactate production by cultivating in 10-fold diluted MRS (0.1 MRS) medium or normal saline solution was 89.7 and 81.3 %, respectively. Notably, the xylose consumption rate was comparable in the three cultures, whereas the glucose consumption rate decreased by 18.3 and 26.1 % in 0.1 MRS medium and normal saline solution, respectively, resulting in a reduction of the D-lactate production rate. The D-lactate productivity in high-cell density cultivation was proportional to the initial cell concentrations. The use of a two-step cultivation process involving growing and resting cells in a single bioreactor revealed that the ratio of the glucose and xylose consumption rates (based on grams consumed) in resting cell conditions was 1.88, whereas that in growing conditions was 2.58. Cultivation of L. plantarum in growing conditions for 24 h produced 73.2 g/l D-lactate with the yield of 0.90 g/g, whereas cells cultivation under resting cell conditions in a saline solution for 24 h produced 68.7 g/l D-lactate with the yield of 0.93 g/g. In total, 141.9 g/l D-lactate was produced after 48 h cultivation, a value that represents the highest reported concentration of D-lactate produced from mixed sugars to date. Our findings contribute to the cost-effective, large-scale production of D-lactate.

Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 31831 grew on l -arabinose as the sole carbon source at a specific growth rate that was twice that on d -glucose. The gene cluster responsible for l -arabinose utilization comprised a six-cistron transcriptional unit with a total length of 7.8 kb. Three l -arabinose-catabolizing genes, araA (encoding l -arabinose isomerase), araB ( l -ribulokinase), and araD ( l -ribulose-5-phosphate 4-epimerase), comprised the araBDA operon, upstream of which three other genes, araR (LacI-type transcriptional regulator), araE ( l -arabinose transporter), and galM (putative aldose 1-epimerase), were present in the opposite direction. Inactivation of the araA , araB , or araD gene eliminated growth on l -arabinose, and each of the gene products was functionally homologous to its Escherichia coli counterpart. Moreover, compared to the wild-type strain, an araE disruptant exhibited a &gt;80% decrease in the growth rate at a lower concentration of l -arabinose (3.6 g lite...

Background: Cross-resistance to medical azoles by exposure to azole pesticides is well documented for Aspergillus family fungi but is poorly evaluated for other environmental pathogen fungi, particularly for yeasts belonging to the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. Methods: One thousand C. neoformans yeast were exposed to various concentrations of seven different commonly used azole pesticides. Clones surviving exposure were picked randomly, and their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole and isavuconazole were assessed. Results: Depending on the pesticide used for exposure, up to 13.3% of selected Cryptococcus colonies showed a phenotype of resistance to fluconazole, and among them, several showed cross-resistance to another or several other medical azoles. Molecular mechanisms involved in the resistance setups seem to be dependent on ERG11 and AFR1 gene overexpression. Conclusion: Exposure to ...

Babesia microti is the primary causative agent of human babesiosis, an emerging pathogen that causes a malaria-like illness with possible fatal outcome in immunocompromised patients. The genome sequence of the B. microti R1 strain was reported in 2012 and revealed a distinct evolutionary path for this pathogen relative to that of other apicomplexa. Lacking from the first genome assembly and initial molecular analyses was information about the terminal ends of each chromosome, and both the exact number of chromosomes in the nuclear genome and the organization of the mitochondrial genome remained ambiguous. We have now performed various molecular analyses to characterize the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of the B. microti R1 and Gray strains and generated high-resolution Whole Genome maps. These analyses show that the genome of B. microti consists of four nuclear chromosomes and a linear mitochondrial genome present in four different structural types. Furthermore, Whole Genome mapping allowed resolution of the chromosomal ends, identification of areas of misassembly in the R1 genome, and genomic differences between the R1 and Gray strains, which occur primarily in the telomeric regions. These studies set the stage for a better understanding of the evolution and diversity of this important human pathogen.

In this study, we first developed a PCR-RFLP molecular test (designated MT2) based on polymorphism of Bc28.1 gene from Babesia canis. The use of Bc28.1-derived MT2 test to analyse the genetic diversity of strains in Europe revealed 3 Bc28.1-derived genotypes (A, B or 34) with an overall predominance of genotype B. Our data showed that strains from genotype 34 were restricted to France and a great variation in the distribution of strains from genotypes A and B according longitudinal and latitudinal ___location in Europe. These results are discussed in terms of diversity within Dermacentor reticulatus ticks subpopulations. Their significance to the development of efficient vaccines against canine babesiosis in Europe is also discussed.

BACKGROUND-Babesia microti is a protozoan parasite responsible for the majority of reported cases of human babesiosis and a major risk to the blood supply. Laboratory screening of blood donors may help prevent transfusion-transmitted babesiosis but there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved screening method yet available. Development of a sensitive, specific, and highly automated B. microti antibody assay for diagnosis of acute babesiosis and blood screening could have an important impact on decreasing the health burden of B. microti infection. microti genomic analyses, field surveys of the reservoir host, and human studies in endemic areas to apply a targeted immunomic approach to the discovery of B. microti antigens that serve as signatures of active or past babesiosis infections. Of 19 glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)anchored protein candidates (BmGPI1-19) identified in the B. microti proteome, 17 were