Partial Characterization of Replicase Gene of Tobacco Streak Ilarvirus in Onion (Allium Cepa.L).

Tobacco streak virus (TSV) is an important emerging virus belongs to the genus Ilarvirus and family Bromovidae. The Onion crop is infected by Tobacco streak ilar virus and it is major problem in different places of Andhra Pradesh in South India and also transmitted by thrips vector. TSV suspecting onion samples were identified by direct antigen coating enzyme linked immunosorbent assay using TSV polyclonal antiserum. The Replicase gene from each isolate was amplified using TSV replicase gene specific primers by using the RT-PCR. The ~530 bp product was amplified, cloned, sequenced and determined its length as 534 nucleotides and codes for 178 amino acids. The partial sequence of TSV-Rep shared identity of 87.6 -99.8% at nucleotide levels and 67.8- 99.4% at amino acid levels respectively with other reported TSV isolates. The phylogenetic tree relationship based on the nucleotide sequence of present study isolate (AP-Onion-Chittoor) from different geographical regions was also analyzed in this study.

Evaluation of salivary glucose, amylase, and total protein in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a complex multisystem metabolic disorder characterized by a deficit in the production of insulin. The oral complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus are devastating. Saliva is an organic fluid that can be collected noninvasively and by individuals with limited training. These reasons create an interest in evaluating the possibility of using saliva as a diagnostic tool. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine, if saliva can be used as a noninvasive tool to monitor glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes. Comparative assessment of salivary (glucose, amylase, total protein levels) in patients with Type 2 diabetes and controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 individuals, 20 with Type 2 diabetes and 20 controls of age group 40–60 years were selected for the study. Diabetic status was assessed by estimating random blood glucose levels. Unstimulated saliva was collected from each participant and investigated for glucose, amylase, and total protein levels. Salivary glucose estimation was performed using glucose‑oxidase method, amylase by the direct substrate kinetic enzymatic method, and total protein by pyrogallol red dye end point method. All the parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Significantly higher salivary glucose, lower amylase, and total proteins were observed in patients with Type 2 diabetes than controls. There was no significant correlation between salivary and blood glucose levels. Conclusion: These results suggest that diabetes influences the composition of saliva. Since a significant correlation was not observed between salivary and blood glucose levels, further research is needed to determine salivary glucose estimation as a diagnostic tool for diabetes mellitus.

Studies on Genetic Variability for Yield, Yield Components and Resistance to Kalahasti Malady in Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)..

Twenty one crosses of groundnut derived from 7×7 diallel set without reciprocals were evaluated during rabi 2010-11 for variability, heritability and genetic advance. Analysis of variance for thirteen traits revealed highly significant differences among the F2 populations tested. The estimates of GCV and PCV were high for number of secondary branches per plant, kernel yield per Plant (g), total phenols content (mg/g), pod yield per plant (g), number of kernels per plant and harvest index. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean for traits viz., days to 50% flowering, total phenols, number of secondary branches per plant, harvest index, kernel yield per plant and number of kernels per plant indicate that these are predominantly influenced by additive gene action and the possibility of phenotypic selection in early generations. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of mean for number of primary branches per plant and moderate heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean for 100-kernel weight indicate the role of both additive and non additive gene action with preponderance of additive genetic variance and selection would be effective to some extent.

Pathogenicity Tests and Evaluation of Efficacy of Fungicides Against Rhizoctonia Bataticola, the Causal Agent of Dry Root Rot of Chickpea.

The pathogen was identified based on its mycelial and sclerotial characters and pathogenicity test was proved by soil inoculation method. Efficacy of two non systemic fungicides (copper oxychloride and captan), two systemic fungicides (hexaconazole and tebuconazole) and one antifungal antibiotic validamycin each at different concentrations were tested against Rhizoctonia bataticola, incitant of dry root rot of chickpea under in vitro conditions. The fungicides copper oxychloride, captan, hexaconazole and tebuconazole were found to be highly effective (100%) in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the highly virulent pathogen at all the concentrations tested.

Genetic variability studies for yield attributes and resistance to foliar diseases in groundnut (arachis hypogaea l.).

Twenty eight F2 populations (crossed in an 8 × 8 diallel fashion without reciprocals) of groundnut were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications for variability, heritability and genetic advance during rabi 2009-10. Observations on sixteen characters were recorded. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters except number of mature pods per plant and pod yield per plant. High GCV accompanied by high heritability and high GAM were obtained for percentage of leaves affected by foliar diseases per plant and number of immature pods per plant indicating predominant role of additive gene action and amenability for phenotypic selection in early generations. For late leaf spot and rust severities and harvest index moderate GCV and high heritability and GAM was observed. Moderate GCV, heritability and GAM were registered for plant height at harvest, number of primary branches per plant, number of leaves per plant at harvest, number of mature pods per plant, kernel weight per plant indicating that additive and non-additive gene actions have a role in their inheritance and phenotypic selection would be effective to some extent. For days to 50% flowering and days to maturity, GCV was low, heritability was high and GAM was low. For sound mature kernel percentage and shelling out-turn all the genetic parameters were low indicating larger role of non-additive gene action and selection would be effective in later segregating generations.

Preparation of activated kaza’s carbons from bio-materials and their characterization.

Prepared three different activated carbons from parts of three different bio-materials viz., Phaseolus trilobus, Leucena leucocephala and Casuarina collected from agricultural field. In the present study phsicochemical and surface characterstics of these prepared carbons have been discussed. For surface characterization FTIR and EDAX methods were used.

Malignant melanoma of the mandibular gingiva: A rare occurrence.

Primary mucosal malignant melanoma of the oral cavity is a rare tumor. It accounts for only 0.2-8% of all malignant melanomas. This malignancy commonly affects male subjects and is more frequently seen on the hard palate and maxillary gingiva. The peak age for diagnosis of oral melanoma is between 55 and 65 years. A biopsy is required to establish a diagnosis. Ablative surgery with tumor-free margins remains the treatment of choice. It has a much poorer prognosis than its counterpart on the skin. Here, we present a case of malignant melanoma of the mandibular lingual gingiva in a 55-year-old male patient. Immunohistochemistry and special stains were conducted for confirmatory diagnosis.

Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus colonization and aflatoxin (AfB1) in peanut by methyleugenol.

Methyleugenol is naturally occurring substance in oils and fruits and in various foods as flavoring agent. Effect of this methyleugenol in inhibiting A. flavus colonization and aflatoxin production on peanut pods and kernels has been studied. Spray of methyleugenol (0.5%) on peanut pods and kernels checked the colonization of A. flavus and aflatoxin synthesis. This chemical can be used as both prophylactic or post infection spray on peanut pods before storage. It is the first report on the inhibition of A. flavus by methyleugenol on peanut.

Acute and sub-acute effects of 2-butenoic acid-3-(diethoxy phosphinothioyl) methyl ester (RPR-II) on testis of albino rat.

Acute and sub-acute toxic effects of a novel phosphorothionate coded as RPR-II on testis of albino rats were studied. In acute study rats received a single dose of 12.3 mg/kg of RPR-II and sacrificed after 24 hr. For sub-acute study 0.58 mg/kg/day was administered orally to rats for 10 and 21 days. Acute exposure of rats to RPR-II brought no change either in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) or in the structure of testis or in the serum levels of testosterone. Testis glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly decreased whereas, acid phosphatase (AcP) levels increased significantly at 24 hr post-treatment. On 7th day (withdrawal period) after the cessation of the treatment the GSH, GST, AcP, and AkP levels reached to near control. The sub-acute study revealed a significant decrease in GSI on 10th and 21st day of the treatment. In contrast, a time-dependent and significant increased in GSH level and GST activity was observed on 100th and 21st day of post-treatment, except GSH level on 10th day, which was declined. Due to RPR-II treatment the testis AcP and alkaline phosphatase (AkP) levels were significant at both 10th and 21st day of medication but AcP levels were increased whereas AkP levels decreased. The histopathological studies on day 10th showed considerable loss of spermatozoids in testis and at 21st day complete derangement of cellular organization was observed. Testosterone levels decreased significantly on 10th day and remained significantly low at 21st day. However, withdrawal studies showed a recovery in testis of rat treated with RPR-II. GST, GSH, GSI, AcP and AkP values recovered, testosterone levels were also well recovered but recovery in testis structure remained at a low profile. The present study suggests that RPR-II may cause testicular toxicity in rats affecting the normal functioning of testis and it also gave some new information in withdrawal studies.

Contextual constraints in the choice of synonymous codons.

From EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database, protein coding sequences of all E. coli and its DNA phages, were extracted using our computer programme. Same programme has been used to form a database of sequence of oligonucleotides of length 18 nucleotides on both sides of each of the 61 codons. From analysis of this database and study of variations in twist parameter (Tw) values, as an indicator of sequence dependent variations in B-DNA helix, a method is developed to fix the codon among the set of synonymous codons. The accuracy of the method was checked on enlarged data set by adding data from more prokaryotes. Our method assign the codon 85-90% times correctly if the selection has to be made between codons having different sequence in terms of R and Y. The accuracy of the method is somewhat lower when choice of the codon has to be made between codons having same codes in terms of R and Y. This study points out that the major factors which decide the choice of a codon from a set of synonymous codons are contextual constraints arising from flanking regions.

Complimentary DNA sequence data analysis of prokaryotic systems.

Complimentary DNA sequence data of φ × 174, fd, f1, G4, Ml3, MS2, λ and T7 phages of Escherichia coli are analysed at mono-, di-, tri- and tetranucleotide levels. Our analysis shows that, (i) mononucleotides have certain preferences to occur at specific positions X1, X2, X3 of codon, (ii) These nucleotides interact nonlinearly to form dinucleotide and this dinucleotide also interacts nonlinearely with a third nucleotide to form codon, (iii) However, nonlinear interactions are negligible at tetranucleotide level suggesting that, coding regions of complimentary DNA are Markov chains of order two. Trinucleotide potential values in three frames have suggested that, at least thirteen different trinucleotides can be used as a marker to locate coding regions in DNA of prokaryotes. (iv) Parallel paired codons are expressed in such a way that one of the codons in the pair expresses with high frequency while the other with low frequency. On the other hand the complimentary codon pairs express with small frequency difference, (v) In the synonymous codon groups, codon ending with Τ are found to express with more frequency.

Influence of age on motor nerve conduction.

Motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) has been determined in seventy five normal healthy male subjects in different age groups in Right ulnar and median nerves respectively. It is observed that MNCV decreases in the older age group. Further it is seen that MNCV is less in the distal than in the proximal segment, the results being significant in the median nerve.