Comparison of Six Measures of Genetic Similarity of Interspecific Brassicaceae Hybrids F2 Generation and Their Parental Forms Estimated on the Basis of ISSR Markers.

Genetic similarity determines the extent to which two genotypes share common genetic material. It can be measured in various ways, such as by comparing DNA sequences, proteins, or other genetic markers. The significance of genetic similarity is multifaceted and encompasses various fields, including evolutionary biology, medicine, forensic science, animal and plant breeding, and anthropology. Genetic similarity is an important concept with wide application across different scientific disciplines. The research material included 21 rapeseed genotypes (ten interspecific Brassicaceae hybrids of F2 generation and 11 of their parental forms) and 146 alleles obtained using 21 ISSR molecular markers. In the presented study, six measures for calculating genetic similarity were compared: Euclidean, Jaccard, Kulczynski, Sokal and Michener, Nei, and Rogers. Genetic similarity values were estimated between all pairs of examined genotypes using the six measures proposed above. For each genetic similarity measure, the average, minimum, maximum values, and coefficient of variation were calculated. Correlation coefficients between the genetic similarity values obtained from each measure were determined. The obtained genetic similarity coefficients were used for the hierarchical clustering of objects using the unweighted pair group method with an arithmetic mean. A multiple regression model was written for each method, where the independent variables were the remaining methods. For each model, the coefficient of multiple determination was calculated. Genetic similarity values ranged from 0.486 to 0.993 (for the Euclidean method), from 0.157 to 0.986 (for the Jaccard method), from 0.275 to 0.993 (for the Kulczynski method), from 0.272 to 0.993 (for the Nei method), from 0.801 to 1.000 (for the Rogers method) and from 0.486 to 0.993 (for the Sokal and Michener method). The results indicate that the research material was divided into two identical groups using any of the proposed methods despite differences in the values of genetic similarity coefficients. Two of the presented measures of genetic similarity (the Sokal and Michener method and the Euclidean method) were the same.

Transforming the preservation of tomato derivatives: Innovations in packaging and storage.

The production and consumption of vegetables, such as tomatoes, have been growing in recent years, due to the combination of several factors, such as market demand, investment in research, education and awareness about health benefits, as well as government incentives and improvements in cultivation technology. The combination of these factors results in an increasing demand for products that offer health benefits, such as tomatoes rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in cells. To maintain most of the nutritional and sensory properties characteristic of the fresh product, it is important to identify the parameters that will help in maintenance. Thus, the study aims to characterize the influence of different packages and storage times with the variables of tomato. The experiment examined the storage of two tomato derivatives (atomized tomato and chips) using various packaging types and storage durations. It utilized a factorial design (2 × 4) with an extra control treatment, comprising 3 replications. Packaging options included low-density polyethylene plastic bags and laminated plastic bags with aluminum foil, while storage durations ranged from 10 to 40 days. Parameters related to color (°Hue and chroma), flavor (pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and maturation index), and bioactive compounds (lycopene and ß-carotene) of two tomato derivatives (atomized tomato and chips) were analyzed. After the analyzes, it was observed that the transparent package was the one that allowed the best conservation among the studied variables of the atomized tomato derivative, the same happened for the laminated packaging for the derivative chips. Regarding storage time, 20 days showed the best results regarding the conservation of flavor and bioactive compounds.

Genetic Heterogeneity in Cowpea Genotypes (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Using DArTseq (GBS)-Derived Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms.

Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) have been credible constituents of nutritious food and forage in human and animal diets since the Neolithic era. The modern technique of Diversity Array Technology (DArTseq) is both cost-effective and rapid in producing thousands of high-throughputs, genotyped, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wide-genomic analyses of genetic diversity. The aim of this study was to assess the heterogeneity in cowpea genotypes using DArTseq-derived SNPs. A total of 92 cowpea genotypes were selected, and their fourteen-day-old leaves were freeze-dried for five days. DNA was extracted using the CTAB protocol, genotyped using DArTseq, and analysed using DArTsoft14. A total of 33,920 DArTseq-derived SNPs were recalled for filtering analysis, with a final total of 16,960 SNPs. The analyses were computed using vcfR, poppr, and ape in R Studio v1.2.5001-3 software. The heatmap revealed that the TVU 9596 (SB26), Orelu (SB72), 90K-284-2 (SB55), RV 403 (SB17), and RV 498 (SB16) genotypes were heterogenous. The mean values for polymorphic information content, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, major allele frequency, and the inbreeding coefficient were 0.345, 0.386, 0.345, 0.729, and 0.113, respectively. Moreover, they validated the diversity of the evaluated cowpea genotypes, which could be used for potential breeding programmes and management of cowpea germplasm.

Functional similarity affects similarity in partner composition in flea-mammal networks.

Functional signal in an interaction network is a phenomenon in which species resembling each other in their traits interact with similar partners. We tested the functional signal concept in realm-specific and regional flea-host networks from four biogeographic realms and asked whether the species composition of (a) host spectra and (b) flea assemblages is similar between functionally similar flea and host species, respectively. Analogously to testing for phylogenetic signal, we applied Mantel tests to investigate the correlation between flea or host functional distances calculated from functional dendrograms and dissimilarities in sets of interacting partners. In all realm-specific networks, functionally similar fleas tended to exploit similar hosts often belonging to the same genus, whereas functionally similar hosts tended to harbour similar fleas, again often belonging to the same genus. The strength of realm-specific functional signals and the frequency of detecting a significant functional signal in the regional networks differed between realms. The frequency of detecting a significant functional signal in the regional networks correlated positively with the network size for fleas and with the number of hosts in a network for hosts. A functional signal in the regional networks was more frequently found for hosts than for fleas. We discuss the mechanisms behind the functional signal in both fleas and their hosts, relate geographic functional signal patterns to the historic biogeography of fleas and conclude that functional signals in the species composition of host spectra for fleas and of flea assemblages for hosts result from the interplay of evolutionary and ecological processes.

AI-Enhanced evaluation of YouTube content on post-surgical incontinence following pelvic cancer treatment.

Background: Several pelvic area cancers exhibit high incidence rates, and their surgical treatment can result in adverse effects such as urinary and fecal incontinence, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Post-surgery incontinence is a significant concern, with prevalence rates ranging from 25 to 45% for urinary incontinence and 9-68% for fecal incontinence. Cancer survivors are increasingly turning to YouTube as a platform to connect with others, yet caution is warranted as misinformation is prevalent. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the information quality in YouTube videos about post-surgical incontinence after pelvic area cancer surgery. Methods: A YouTube search for "Incontinence after cancer surgery" yielded 108 videos, which were subsequently analyzed. To evaluate these videos, several quality assessment tools were utilized, including DISCERN, GQS, JAMA, PEMAT, and MQ-VET. Statistical analyses, such as descriptive statistics and intercorrelation tests, were employed to assess various video attributes, including characteristics, popularity, educational value, quality, and reliability. Also, artificial intelligence techniques like PCA, t-SNE, and UMAP were used for data analysis. HeatMap and Hierarchical Clustering Dendrogram techniques validated the Machine Learning results. Results: The quality scales presented a high level of correlation one with each other (p < 0.01) and the Artificial Intelligence-based techniques presented clear clustering representations of the dataset samples, which were reinforced by the Heat Map and Hierarchical Clustering Dendrogram. Conclusions: YouTube videos on "Incontinence after Cancer Surgery" present a "High" quality across multiple scales. The use of AI tools, like PCA, t-SNE, and UMAP, is highlighted for clustering large health datasets, improving data visualization, pattern recognition, and complex healthcare analysis.

Food grain quality: Analysis of physical, biometric, and colorimetric properties to promote consumption.

This research focused on analyzing the biometric, colorimetric and morphological characteristics of thirty seeds, covering legumes, cereals and oilseeds. Thirteen legumes, fourteen cereals and three oilseeds were collected from three different locations. The methodology used was descriptive, applying multivariate multiple factorial and cluster analysis. The results showed variability between biometric, chromatic and morphological characteristics among the seeds. Predominant shapes include circular, oval, oblong, less frequently kidney and lanceolate. Significant differences in biometric parameters stand out, evidencing similarities in colorimetric parameters. Specifically, Pallar and Bean exhibited greater equatorial dimensions, length, weight, 100 g weight, area and perimeter, While peanut and Chickpea presented greater thickness. In terms of colorimetry - luminosity, Pallar, Yellow corn and Tarwi presented higher values unlike Black lentils, Purple corn and Black beans, being less luminous. Multivariate tests revealed the formation of four groups based on the parameters studied. This study provides valuable information about the different seeds, establishing a basis for their propagation and improvement in the Peruvian context.

Insights into population adaptation and biodiversity of lactic acid bacteria in challenged date palm leaves silaging, using MALDI-TOF MS.

The study focused on isolating indigenous Qatari lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from various challenged date palm tree leaf silages to construct a comprehensive strain collection, useful to study the diversity of these strains following their adaptation to the uncommon silage. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was employed for strain identification and differentiation. The diversity of LAB populations and strains was assessed through principal component analysis (PCA) and dendrogram analyses. A total of 88 LAB isolates were obtained from silages of fresh palm leaves, silage of mixed leaves and dairy feed, along with fresh palm tree leaves, and dairy feed, adapted to local harsh environments. These isolates were categorized according to the new classification of 2020, belonging to genera of Pediococcus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Companilactobacillus farciminis, Limosilactobacillus oris, Limosilactobacillus vaginalis, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus johnsonii. Pediococcus was the most prevalent genus, falling mostly within the species Pediococcus lolii. MALDI-TOF MS protein profiles, PCA, and dendrogram analyses successfully grouped the LAB isolates into five distinctive clusters based on the protein's similarities. The high diversity of the indigenous LAB in spontaneous palm leaf silages demonstrated their adaptation and mutualistic interactions, forming robust consortia that ensure the quality of the silage. The straightforward, quick, and accurate identification of LAB in this silage using MALDI-TOF MS presents a valuable approach for formulating LAB consortia for silaging harsh agricultural by-products.

DendroX: multi-level multi-cluster selection in dendrograms.

BACKGROUND: Cluster heatmaps are widely used in biology and other fields to uncover clustering patterns in data matrices. Most cluster heatmap packages provide utility functions to divide the dendrograms at a certain level to obtain clusters, but it is often difficult to locate the appropriate cut in the dendrogram to obtain the clusters seen in the heatmap or computed by a statistical method. Multiple cuts are required if the clusters locate at different levels in the dendrogram. RESULTS: We developed DendroX, a web app that provides interactive visualization of a dendrogram where users can divide the dendrogram at any level and in any number of clusters and pass the labels of the identified clusters for functional analysis. Helper functions are provided to extract linkage matrices from cluster heatmap objects in R or Python to serve as input to the app. A graphic user interface was also developed to help prepare input files for DendroX from data matrices stored in delimited text files. The app is scalable and has been tested on dendrograms with tens of thousands of leaf nodes. As a case study, we clustered the gene expression signatures of 297 bioactive chemical compounds in the LINCS L1000 dataset and visualized them in DendroX. Seventeen biologically meaningful clusters were identified based on the structure of the dendrogram and the expression patterns in the heatmap. We found that one of the clusters consisting of mostly naturally occurring compounds is not previously reported and has its members sharing broad anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. CONCLUSIONS: DendroX solves the problem of matching visually and computationally determined clusters in a cluster heatmap and helps users navigate among different parts of a dendrogram. The identification of a cluster of naturally occurring compounds with shared bioactivities implicates a convergence of biological effects through divergent mechanisms.

In silico analysis of the biodiversity of endophytic fungi isolated from the Brazilian Cerrado / Análise in silico da biodiversidade de fungos endofíticos isolados do Cerrado brasileiro

Abstract Endophytic microorganisms are those that inhabit the interior of plant tissues and organs without causing damage to the plant, triggering a mutualistic interaction. These endophytes are known to produce compounds with various applications in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry and agriculture; therefore, molecular methods are used to investigate the phylogeny of these organisms. The Brazilian Cerrado is the second largest biome in Brazil and is considered a hotspot, with a high diversity of endemic fauna and flora. The objective of this work was to analyze, through in silico analysis, the phylogeny of cultivable endophytic fungi isolated from plants found in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. A search was carried out for articles that worked with endophytes in the period between 2012 and 2022. The dendrogram was generated using the Neighbor-joining method based on the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 conserved region obtained by GenBank codes of isolated endophytes. The genera Xylaria, Diaporthe, and Colletotrichum were isolated in more than three plants in the seven articles found. Most of the articles found related to the biodiversity of endophytic fungi from the Brazilian Cerrado aim at the bioprospecting of bioactive compounds, through culture-dependent methods; as such, a part of endophytic diversity may be lost due to the inability of certain endophytes to grow in artificial media. In silico analysis can assist in the investigation of phylogenetic relationships between endophytic fungi and has the potential to guide future work aimed at prospecting for bioactive compounds, phylogenetic identification, or biodiversity of this group of endophytes.

Resumo Microrganismos endofíticos são aqueles que vivem no interior de tecidos e órgãos vegetais sem causar dano à planta, desencadeando uma interação mutualística. Esses endófitos são conhecidos por produzir compostos com diversas aplicações nas áreas de biotecnologia, indústria farmacêutica e agricultura; logo, métodos moleculares são utilizados para investigar a filogenia destes organismos. O Cerrado brasileiro é o segundo maior bioma do Brasil e é considerado um hotspot, com uma alta diversidade de fauna e flora endêmica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar, por meio da análise in silico, a filogenia de fungos endofíticos cultiváveis isolados de plantas encontradas no bioma Cerrado brasileiro. Foi realizada uma busca por artigos que trabalharam com endófitos no período entre 2012 e 2022. O dendrograma foi gerado usando o método Neighbor-joining baseado na região conservada ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 obtida pelos códigos GenBank de endófitos isolados. Os gêneros Xylaria, Diaporthe e Colletotrichum foram isolados em mais de três plantas nos sete artigos encontrados. A maior parte dos artigos encontrados relacionados à biodiversidade de fungos endofíticos do Cerrado brasileiro visam à bioprospecção de compostos bioativos, através de métodos dependentes de cultura; como tal, uma parte da diversidade endofítica pode ser perdida devido à incapacidade de certos endófitos crescerem em meios artificiais. A análise in silico pode auxiliar na investigação das relações filogenéticas entre fungos endofíticos e tem potencial para orientar trabalhos futuros voltados à prospecção de compostos bioativos, identificação filogenética ou biodiversidade deste grupo de endófitos.

[Molecular and biological properties of the African swine fever virus (Asfarviridae: Asfivirus) isolate ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276].

INTRODUCTION: Up-to-date data and full characterization of circulating ASFV isolates play a crucial role in virus eradication and control in endemic regions and countries. The aim of the study was to evaluate and characterize the molecular and biological properties of the ASFV isolate ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276, conduct phylogenetic analysis, and compare the results with isolates circulating in Europe and Asia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For bioassay, eight heads of the Large White pigs weighing 15-20 kg/head were used. Detection of specific anti-ASFV antibodies by ELISA and immunoperoxidase method. Detection of ASFV genome was performed by qPCR. Isolation of ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276 and determination of titer were performed in pig spleen cell culture. Sequencing was carried out by the Sanger method. RESULTS: The virus was characterized as highly virulent and capable of causing acute to subacute forms of ASF. Phylogenetic analysis revealed substitutions in the genome of the ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276 isolate (IGR/I73R-I329L and I267L markers) that supported the clustering of the studied variant with isolates prevalent in most of Europe and Asia. CONCLUSION: For the first time, the molecular and biological properties of the ASF/Tatarstan 20/WB-12276 virus isolate taken from a wild boar shot on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan were studied and analyzed.

Evaluation of yield attributes and bioactive phytochemicals of twenty amaranth genotypes of Bengal floodplain.

Twenty vegetable amaranth (VA) genotypes were evaluated to assess the variability, associations, path coefficient, and principal component analysis (PCA) of morpho-chemical traits. The genotypes exhibited adequate antioxidant colorants, phytochemicals, and antiradical capacity with significant variations across genotypes. Genetic parameters revealed selection criteria for the majority of the traits for improving amaranth foliage yield (FY). Based on correlation coefficient, stem weight, stem base diameter, root weight, plant height, and shoot weight for significant development of FY of VA. Observing significant genotypic correlation with high positive direct effects on FY, the path coefficient (PC) of root weight, stem base diameter, stem weight, and shoot weight could contribute to the noteworthy development of FY of VA. The genotypes AA5, AA6, AA8, AA10, AA11, AA19, and AA20 might be selected for high FY, antioxidant colorants, and antiradical phytochemicals to utilize as colorants and antiradical rich superior high yielding cultivars. The first PC accounted for 37.8% of the variances, which implies a larger proportion of variable information explained by PC1. The features that contributed more to PC1 were FY, SW, STW, RW, and PH, whereas Chl b, total Chl, and Chl a contributed to the second PC. This suggests that there are significant genetic differences between amaranths in terms of biochemical and agro-morphological characteristics. The findings of the current work support plant breeders to investigate the genetic potential of the amaranth germplasm, notably in biochemical parameters. High colorants enrich genotypes that can be selected for extracting natural colorants to use in food processing industries.

Efficiency of RAPD and SCoT Markers in the Genetic Diversity Assessment of the Common Bean.

Knowledge about the genetic diversity of the available common bean germplasm can help breeders properly direct the choice of genetic material in the breeding process. The aim of the present work was to estimate the usefulness of 10 RAPD and 10 SCoT markers in genetic diversity detection among 33 common bean genotypes. Both molecular marker systems were able to generate high levels of polymorphism in the genetic material, which was supported by the relatively high polymorphic information content (PIC) values observed for the used markers. The Diversity Detection Index (DDI) and Marker Index (MI) were used to compare the effectiveness of RAPD and SCoT markers. For both techniques, high values of MI and DDI were calculated, representing their effectivity. The SCoT markers showed higher values of the parameters used (MI = 7.474, DI = 2.265) than the RAPD markers (MI = 5.323, DDI = 1.612), indicating their higher efficiency in the detection of molecular variability. Three constructed dendrograms and PCoA plots were created using RAPD and SCoT, and both methods combined confirmed sufficient separation of the bean genotypes from each other. At the same time, a higher efficiency of SCoT markers compared to RAPD markers in the detection of the genetic diversity of beans was also proven. The results may be of future interest in the choice of genetically distant material for breeding purposes.

Evaluation of oral and dermal health risk exposures of contaminants in groundwater resources for nine age groups in two densely populated districts, Nigeria.

Human health and the sustainability of the socioeconomic system are directly related to water quality. As anthropogenic activity becomes more intense, pollutants, particularly potentially harmful elements (PHEs), penetrate water systems and degrade water quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of using groundwater for domestic and drinking purposes through oral and dermal exposure routes, as well as the potential health risks posed to humans in the Nnewi and Awka regions of Nigeria. The research involved the application of a combination of the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI), HERisk code, and hierarchical dendrograms. Additionally, we utilized the regulatory guidelines established by the World Health Organization and the Standard Organization of Nigeria to compare the elemental compositions of the samples. The physicochemical parameters and NSFWQI evaluation revealed that the majority of the samples were PHE-polluted. Based on the HERisk code, it was discovered that in both the Nnewi and Awka regions, risk levels are higher for people aged 1 to <11 and >65 than for people aged 16 to <65. Overall, it was shown that all age categories appeared to be more vulnerable to risks due to the consumption than absorption of PHEs, with Cd > Pb > Cu > Fe for Nnewi and Pb > Cd > Cu > Fe for water samples from Awka. Summarily, groups of middle age are less susceptible to possible health issues than children and elderly individuals. Hierarchical dendrograms and correlation analysis showed the spatio-temporal implications of the drinking groundwater quality and human health risks in the area. This research could help local government agencies make informed decisions on how to effectively safeguard the groundwater environment while also utilizing the groundwater resources sustainably.

In vitro and in vivo screening for the identification of salt-tolerant sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) clones: molecular, biochemical, and physiological responses to salt stress.

Sugarcane is a glycophyte whose growth and yield can be negatively affected by salt stress. As the arable lands with potential saline soils expand annually, the increase of salt-tolerance in sugarcane cultivars is highly desired. We, herein, employed in vitro and in vivo conditions in order to screen sugarcane plants for salt tolerance at the cellular and at the whole plant levels. Calli of sugarcane cv. Khon Kaen 3 (KK3) were selected after culturing in selective media containing various NaCl concentrations, and regenerated plants were then reselected after culturing in selective media containing higher NaCl concentrations. The surviving plants were finally selected after an exposure to 254 mM NaCl under greenhouse conditions. A total of 11 sugarcane plants survived the selection process. Four plants that exhibited tolerance to the four different salt concentrations applied during the aforementioned screening process were then selected for the undertaking of further molecular, biochemical, and physiological studies. The construction of a dendrogram has revealed that the most salt-tolerant plant was characterized by the lowest genetic similarity to the original cultivar. The relative expression levels of six genes (i.e., SoDREB, SoNHX1, SoSOS1, SoHKT, SoBADH, and SoMIPS) were found to be significantly higher in the salt-tolerance clones than those measured in the original plant. The measured proline levels, the glycine betaine content, the relative water content, the SPAD unit, the contents of chlorophyll a and b, as well as the K+/Na+ ratios of the salt-tolerant clones were also found to be significantly higher than those of the original plant.When the salt-tolerant clones were grown in a low saline soil, they exhibited a higher Brix percentage than that of the original cultivar.

A Classification of Fitness Components in Elite Alpine Skiers: A Cluster Analysis.

The current study is an exploratory, secondary data analysis of a selection of physiological and biomechanical fitness components used to assess elite alpine skiers. The present study will provide new knowledge that can be used to aid training prescription and talent identification. A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify groups of variables that are crucial for elite alpine skiers and differences based on sex and competition level. The key findings of the study are the patterns that emerged in the generated dendrograms. Physiological and biomechanical fitness components are differentiated in the dendrograms of male and female world-cup-level alpine skiers, but not in non-world-cup athletes. Components related to the aerobic and anaerobic capacity tightly cluster in male athletes at world cup and non-world-cup level, and female world cup athletes. Lower body explosive force production appears to be more critical in male world cup athletes than female world cup athletes. More research is needed into the importance of isometric strength in the lower body. Future research should use larger sample sizes and consider other alpine ski demographics.

Biochemical and SSR based molecular characterization of elite rice varieties for straw lignocellulose.

BACKGROUND: Lignocellulosic biomass from rice straw possesses enormous potential in generating bioenergy thereby reducing the dependence of human on non-renewable fuel sources. Developing rice varieties of such calibre necessitates biochemical characterization as well as assessing the presence of genetic diversity among the rice genotypes with respect to cellulose content. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-three elite rice genotypes were selected for biochemical characterization and SSR marker-based genetic fingerprinting. For genotyping, 13 cellulose synthase specific polymorphic markers were used. The diversity analysis was performed using TASSEL 5.0 and GenAlE × 6.51b2, software program. Of the 43 rice varieties, CR-Dhan-601, CR-Dhan-1014, Mahanadi, Jagabandhu, Gouri, Samanta and Chandrama were found to possess desirable lignocellulosic composition with respect to harnessing green fuels. The marker OsCESA-1.3 expressed the highest PIC (0.640), while the marker OsCESA-6.3 of lowest PIC (0.128). A moderate average estimate (0.367) of PIC was observed under current set of genotypes and marker system. The dendrogram analysis grouped the rice genotypes into two principal clusters i.e., cluster I and II. Cluster-II is monogenetic, while cluster-I is having 42 genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The moderate level of both PIC and H average estimates indicate the narrow genetic bases of the germplasms. The varieties falling under different clusters possessing desirable lignocellulosic composition can be used in a hybridization programme to develop bioenergy efficient varieties. The promising varietal combinations that can be used as parents for developing bioenergy efficient genotypes are Kanchan / Gobinda, Mahanadi / Ramachandi, Mahanadi / Rambha, Mahanadi / Manika, Rambha / Manika, Rambha / Indravati and CR-Dhan-601 / Manika as they offer an advantage of higher cellulose accumulation. This study helped in identification of suitable dual purpose rice varieties for biofuel production without compromising food security.

Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Potential of Propolis Samples from Kazakhstan.

In the current paper, we present the results of Kazakh propolis investigations. Due to limited data about propolis from this country, research was focused mainly on phytochemical analysis and evaluation of propolis antimicrobial activity. uHPLC-DAD (ultra-high-pressure-liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection, UV/VIS) and uHPLC-MS/MS (ultra-high-pressure-liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) were used to phytochemical characteristics while antimicrobial activity was evaluated in the serial dilution method (MIC, minimal inhibitory concentration, and MBC/MFC, minimal bactericidal/fungicidal concentration measurements). In the study, Kazakh propolis exhibited a strong presence of markers characteristic of poplar-type propolis-flavonoid aglycones (pinocembrin, galangin, pinobanksin and pinobanskin-3-O-acetate) and hydroxycinnamic acid monoesters (mainly caffeic acid phenethyl ester and different isomers of caffeic acid prenyl ester). The second plant precursor of Kazakh propolis was aspen-poplar with 2-acetyl-1,3-di-p-coumaroyl glycerol as the main marker. Regarding antimicrobial activity, Kazakh propolis revealed stronger activity against reference Gram-positive strains (MIC from 31.3 to above 4000 mg/L) and yeasts (MIC from 62.5 to 1000 mg/L) than against reference Gram-negative strains (MIC ≥ 4000 mg/L). Moreover, Kazakh propolis showed good anti-Helicobacter pylori activity (MIC and MBC were from 31.3 to 62.5 mg/L). All propolis samples were also tested for H. pylori urease inhibitory activity (IC50, half-maximal inhibitory concentration, ranged from 440.73 to 11,177.24 µg/mL). In summary Kazakh propolis are potent antimicrobial agents and may be considered as a medicament in the future.

Morpho-Biochemical characterization of Kalazeera (Bunium persicum Boiss. Fedts) germplasm grown in Global temperate ecologies.

The present investigation explores the variability of Bunium persicum populations belonging to different regions. Variability among 74 genotypes for thirty-seven traits (29 quantitative and 8 qualitative) were studied to ascertain the population structure of the Bunium persicum. Among the agro-morphological traits, wide range of variability was recorded in tuber shape, tuber colour, seed shape, seed colour, growth habit, leaf shape, leaf colour, umbel shape, umbel colour, plant height (22.90-96.52 cm), primary branches plant-1 (1-6), umbel diameter of primary umbel (6.17 - 13.67 cm), number of primary umbels plant-1 (1-12), umbels plant-1 (8-40), seed yield per plant (0.55-13.10 g), essential oil content (3.2-9.3 %) etc. Significant and positive association was observed between number of seeds primary-1 umbel (r = 0.91), plant height (r = 0.65), number of seeds primary-1 umbel (0.52), number of seeds primary-1 umbel (0.43), number of seeds secondary-1 umbel (0.38) with number of umblets secondary-1 umbel. Cluster analysis classified the genotypes with different geographical origin into two major clusters and sub-clusters. Cluster-I comprises of 50 genotypes and cluster - II of 24 genotypes while the genotype SRS-KZ-189 from Kargil population was separated as an individual sub-group. Principal component (PC1) and (PC2) harbors accounted 20.2% and 14% of total variation. Variability of Kalazeera genotypes would facilitate the plant breeders to implement and design various crop improvement programme in future.

Full sequencing and comparison of five venom metalloproteases of Trimeresurus gracilis: The PI-enzyme is most similar to okinalysin but the PIII-enzyme is most similar to Crotalus venom enzymes.

The cDNAs encoding the Zn+2-metalloproteases (SVMPs) of Trimeresurus gracilis (abbreviated as Tgc), a pitviper endemic to Taiwan, were cloned from venom glands and sequenced. The amino-acid sequences of five novel SVMPs, including one P-III, three P-II and one P-I class enzymes, were thus deduced and subjected to BLAST-analyses. The P-III enzyme (designated as Tgc-PIII) is structurally most similar to the PIII-SVMPs of New World pitvipers but not similar to the PIII-SVMP of Ovophis okinavensis. Sequence-similarity analysis of 22 homologous PIII-SVMPs reveal three major structural subtypes of the pitviper PIII-SVMPs, which possibly have different substrate specificities. In addition, Tgc-PIII and the PI-class SVMP (named Tgc-MP) were isolated from the venom and verified by mass spectrometry. All the three deduced sequences of PII-SVMPs (Tgc-PIIs) contain an abnormal Zn+2-binding-site in their catalytic-domain, and an identical "long-disintegrin" domain. The predicted 85-residues disintegrin, gracilisin, bears high similarities to some long-disintegrins of the New-World pitvipers and salmosin3. By BLAST search and comparison, Tgc-MP is 96% similar to okinalysin, the hemorrhagic PI-SVMP of O. okinavensis, rather than any other PI-SVMPs in the databanks. Our results confirm the fast evolution of Tgc-SVMPs as well as their structural similarities to different SVMP-classes of the New-World pitvipers and of O. okinavensis, respectively. The implications of our findings are discussed along with our previous sequence comparisons of venom phospholipases A2 and ten venom serine proteases of Tgc.

Correlation between Chemical Profile of Georgian Propolis Extracts and Their Activity against Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is considered the most common bacterial pathogen colonizing stomach mucosa of almost half the world's population and is associated with various gastrointestinal diseases (from digestive problems and ulcers to gastric cancer). A lack of new drugs and a growing number of H. pylori antibiotic-resistant strains is a serious therapeutic problem.As a mixture of natural compounds, propolis has antimicrobial activity based on high concentrations of bioactive polyphenols (mainly flavonoids and phenolic acid derivates). The chemical composition of tested Georgian propolis is characterized by the presence of flavonoids aglycones, and phenolic acid monoesters, e.g., pinobanksin-5-methyl ether, pinobanksin, chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin, pinobanksin-3-O-acetate, pinostrobin and pinobanksin-3-O-butanoate, or isobutanoate and methoxycinnamic acid cinnamyl ester. The anti-H. pylori activity of 70% ethanol water extracts of 10 Georgian propolis samples was evaluated in vitro by MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) against the reference strain (H. pylori ATCC 43504) and 10 clinical strains with different antibiotic-resistance patterns. The strongest anti-Helicobacter activity (MIC and MBC = 31.3 µg/mL) was observed for propolis from Orgora, Ota, and Vardzia and two from Khaheti. Lower levels of activity (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL) were found in propolis obtained from Qvakhreli and Pasanauri, while the lowest effect was observed for Norio and Mestia (MIC = 125.0 µg/mL). However, despite differences in MIC, all evaluated samples exhibited bactericidal activity. We selected the most active propolis samples for assessment of urease inhibition property. Enzyme activity was inhibited by propolis extracts, with IC50 ranging from 4.01 to 1484.8 µg/mL. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical fuzzy clustering (dendrograms) coupled with matrix correlation analysis exhibited that the strongest anti-Helicobacter activity was connected with black poplar origin and high flavonoid content of propolis. Samples with lower activity contained higher presence of aspen markers and/or dominance of non-flavonoid polyphenols over flavonoids. In summary, Georgian propolis can be regarded as a source bioactive compounds that can be used as adjuvant in therapy of H. pylori infection.