Deciphering miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA interaction through experimental validation of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNA targets on mRNAs in Cajanus cajan.

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is widely cultivated for its nutritional and medicinal value yet remains an orphan crop as productivity has not been improved because of a lack of genome and non-coding genome information. Non-coding RNAs, like miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are involved in regulation of growth, metabolism, development, and stress response, and have a critical role in post-transcriptional gene regulation (PTGR). We attempted to elucidate the roles of miRNAs and lncRNAs in pigeon pea through experimental validation of computationally predicted miRNAs and lncRNAs and targets of miRNAs on mRNAs. We experimentally validated 20 miRNAs and 11 lncRNAs. We predicted cleavage sites of three miRNA targets: serine/threonine-protein kinase, polygalacturonase, beta-galactosidase. We identified 469 targets of 265 miRNAs and their functional annotations using computational methods. We built a miRNA-mRNA-lncRNA network model, with the miRNAs targeting both mRNAs and lncRNAs, to obtain information on the interplay of these three molecules. A confirmed interaction through experimental validation was established between miRNA, namely cca-miR1535a targeting the mRNA for beta-galactosidase, as well as the lncRNA cca-lnc-020033. Our findings increase knowledge of the non-coding genome of pigeon pea and their roles in PTGR and in improving agronomic traits of this pulse crop.

Triangle Singularity as the Origin of the a_{1}(1420).

The COMPASS Collaboration experiment recently discovered a new isovector resonancelike signal with axial-vector quantum numbers, the a_{1}(1420), decaying to f_{0}(980)π. With a mass too close to and a width smaller than the axial-vector ground state a_{1}(1260), it was immediately interpreted as a new light exotic meson, similar to the X, Y, Z states in the hidden-charm sector. We show that a resonancelike signal fully matching the experimental data is produced by the decay of the a_{1}(1260) resonance into K^{*}(→Kπ)K[over ¯] and subsequent rescattering through a triangle singularity into the coupled f_{0}(980)π channel. The amplitude for this process is calculated using a new approach based on dispersion relations. The triangle-singularity model is fitted to the partial-wave data of the COMPASS experiment. Despite having fewer parameters, this fit shows a slightly better quality than the one using a resonance hypothesis and thus eliminates the need for an additional resonance in order to describe the data. We thereby demonstrate for the first time in the light-meson sector that a resonancelike structure in the experimental data can be described by rescattering through a triangle singularity, providing evidence for a genuine three-body effect.

Capturing transformation of flood hazard over a large River Basin under changing climate using a top-down approach.

Existing flood modeling studies over coastal catchments involving different combinations of model chain setup imparting complex information fails to entail the needs of policy or decision-makers. Thus, a comprehensive framework that pertains to the requirements of practitioners and provides more perspicuous flood hazard information is required. In this paper, a novel approach translating complex flood hazard information in the form of decision priority maps derived using a rational combination of models (physical and statistical) is elucidated at the finest administrative scale. The proposed methodology is illustrated over a highly flood-prone deltaic region in Mahanadi River Basin, India, to characterize impacts of climate change for a 1:100 years return period flood event under future conditions (2026-2055). The modeled flood events are further analyzed to capture the transformation dynamics of flood hazard classes (FHCs) in near-future, for prioritizing areas with greater hazard potential. Interestingly, the results capture a high transformation characteristic from low to high FHCs in agriculture-dominated areas, which are significantly greater than the areas experiencing flood hazard reduction. The results show a significant increase of 12.5% and 27.35% in areas with high FHCs under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. Moreover, a notable climate change response is indicated under both climate change scenarios, with approximately 22% (RCP4.5) and 25% (RCP8.5) in villages showing a drastic increment in flood hazard magnitude. The results thus highlight the importance of identifying and prioritizing the areas for flood adaptation where a relative change in flood hazard potential is higher due to climate change. Therefore, we conclude that this study can provide an insight into the implication of new approaches for effective communication of flood information by bridging the gaps between scientific communities and decision-makers in appraisal for better flood adaptation measures.

First Measurement of Transverse-Spin-Dependent Azimuthal Asymmetries in the Drell-Yan Process.

The first measurement of transverse-spin-dependent azimuthal asymmetries in the pion-induced Drell-Yan (DY) process is reported. We use the CERN SPS 190 GeV/c π^{-} beam and a transversely polarized ammonia target. Three azimuthal asymmetries giving access to different transverse-momentum-dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions (PDFs) are extracted using dimuon events with invariant mass between 4.3 GeV/c^{2} and 8.5 GeV/c^{2}. Within the experimental uncertainties, the observed sign of the Sivers asymmetry is found to be consistent with the fundamental prediction of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) that the Sivers TMD PDFs extracted from DY have a sign opposite to the one extracted from semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering (SIDIS) data. We present two other asymmetries originating from the pion Boer-Mulders TMD PDFs convoluted with either the nucleon transversity or pretzelosity TMD PDFs. A recent COMPASS SIDIS measurement was obtained at a hard scale comparable to that of these DY results. This opens the way for possible tests of fundamental QCD universality predictions.

Rapid Semisynthesis of Acetylated and Sumoylated Histone Analogs.

The density and diversity of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) observed in histone proteins typically limit their purification to homogeneity from biological sources. Access to quantities of uniformly modified histones is, however, critical for investigating the downstream effects of histone PTMs on chromatin-templated processes. Therefore, a number of semisynthetic methodologies have been developed to generate histones bearing precisely defined PTMs or close analogs thereof. In this chapter, we present two optimized and rapid strategies for generating functional analogs of site-specifically acetylated and sumoylated histones. First, we describe a convergent strategy to site-specifically attach the small ubiquitin-like modifier-3 (SUMO-3) protein to the site of Lys12 in histone H4 by means of a disulfide linkage. We then describe the generation of thialysine analogs of histone H3 acetylated at Lys14 or Lys56, using thiol-ene coupling chemistry. Both strategies afford multimilligram quantities of uniformly modified histones that are easily incorporated into mononucleosomes and nucleosome arrays for biophysical and biochemical investigations. These methods are readily extendable to any desired sites in the four core nucleosomal histones and their variant forms.

Spatial variability of climate change impacts on yield of rice and wheat in the Indian Ganga Basin.

Indian Ganga Basin (IGB), one of the most densely populated areas in the world, is facing a significant threat to food grain production, besides increased yield gap between actual and potential production, due to climate change. We have analyzed the spatial variability of climate change impacts on rice and wheat yields at three different locations representing the upper, middle and lower IGB. The DSSAT model is used to simulate the effects of climate variability and climate change on rice and wheat yields by analyzing: (i) spatial crop yield response to current climate, and (ii) impact of a changing climate as projected by two regional climate models, REMO and HadRM3, based on SRES A1B emission scenarios for the period 2011-2040. Results for current climate demonstrate a significant gap between actual and potential yield for upper, middle and lower IGB stations. The analysis based on RCM projections shows that during 2011-2040, the largest reduction in rice and wheat yields will occur in the upper IGB (reduction of potential rice and wheat yield respectively by 43.2% and 20.9% by REMO, and 24.8% and 17.2% by HadRM3). In the lower IGB, however, contrasting results are obtained, with HadRM3 based projections showing an increase in the potential rice and wheat yields, whereas, REMO based projections show decreased potential yields. We discuss the influence of agro-climatic factors; variation in temperature, length of maturity period and leaf area index which are responsible for modeled spatial variability in crop yield response within the IGB.

Screening of hospital patients for HIV: an experience in a tertiary care hospital of West Bengal.

The clinical consequences of HIV infection encompass a wide spectrum. Early recognition of persons who have HIV will help in early interventions to halt or slow down the progress of HIV disease and to extend fruitful lives.This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients referred to the voluntary counselling and testing centre (VCTC) from various departments in North Bengal Medical College & Hospital, Darjeeling, West Bengal, to find out the pattern of disease/symptoms, high risk behaviour (HRB) for HIV, and HIV serostatus among the hospital patients. Following the guidelines prescribed by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), anonymous data were collected through interview from 407 individuals. Where specific diagnosis of a disease was obtained, it was analysed as mutually exclusive disease; and where specific diagnosis was not obtained, mutually exclusive symptoms were considered for analysis.The major diseases/symptoms observed among those patients were tuberculosis in 32.19%, STD in 29.97%, prolonged unexplained fever in 19.41% of patients. The overall rate of HIV seroreactivity was 17.44%. The HIV serostatus by disease/symptoms showed that 32.91% of patients with prolonged unexplained fever were HIV seroreactive; the rate was 12.90% among patients with skin diseases, 12.29% in STD and 12.21% in tuberculosis patients. Overall, 270 patients (66.34%) had HRB for HIV/AIDS.The rate of HIV seroreactivity was more among patients who had HRB for HIV/ AIDS and who were referred from indoor departments (23.24%) compared to outdoor departments (13.65%).The patients suffering from prolonged unexplained fever need greater attention for HIV screening. Early detection of HIV positive patients makes Intervention possible at a very early stage and this can slow down/block the progress of HIV disease and, as a result, can extend fruitful life.

Assessing cold chain status in a metro city of India: an intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Cold chain maintenance is an essential activity to maintain the potency of vaccines and to prevent adverse events following immunization. One baseline study highlighted the unsatisfactory cold chain status in city of Kolkata in India. OBJECTIVES: To assess the changes which occurred in the cold chain status after the intervention undertaken to improve the status and also to assess the awareness of the cold chain handlers regarding cold chain maintenance. METHODS: Intervention consisted of reorganization of cold chain points and training of health manpower in Kolkata Municipal area regarding immunization and cold chain following the guidelines as laid by Govt of India. Reevaluation of cold chain status was done at 20 institutions selected by stratified systematic random sampling after the intervention. The results were compared with baseline survey. RESULTS: Significant improvement had been observed in correct placing of cold chain equipment, maintenance of stock security, orderly placing of ice packs, diluents and vaccines inside the equipment, temperature recording and maintenance. But awareness and skill of cold chain handlers regarding basics of cold chain maintenance was not satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The success of intervention included significant improvement of cold chain status including creation of a designated cold chain handler. The gaps lay in non-availability of non-electrical cold chain equipment and separate cold chain room, policy makers should stress. Cold chain handlers need reorientation training regarding heat & cold sensitive vaccines, preventive maintenance and correct contingency plan.

Functional Disability and Associated Chronic Conditions among Geriatric Populations in a Rural Community of India.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric population and chronic diseases are increasing throughout the world especially in developing countries like India. Because of social change and urbanization, disability is also a problem in India. As the major reasons for geriatric disabilities are chronic diseases, a study was undertaken. OBJECTIVES: To find out the prevalence of different chronic diseases and disability among the geriatric population in a rural community of India and to determine the association between chronic diseases and disability of the geriatric population. METHOD: A cross-sectional, observational community based study was conducted in a rural area of West Bengal, India through house to house visit for Clinical examination, observation and interview with a predesigned pre-tested proforma RESULTS: Out of 495 study population, 80 (16.16%) were found to be functionally disabled as per ADL scale and more than half (56.2%) of them had 3 or more chronic conditions. 92.5% of study populations had one or more chronic conditions CONCLUSION: Association between different risk factors and disability was found with age, sex, anaemia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases(C.O.P.D), scabies, hypertrophy of prostate, ischaemic heart disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and acid peptic disorder were the risk factors of disability. These data suggest the significant chronic conditions and risk factors associated with disability. Measures to reduce such chronic conditions and impairment would be the useful approach for the prevention of disability.

Expenditure to treat thalassaemia: an experience at a tertiary care hospital in India.

BACKGROUND: The medical and economic problem of thalassaemia are considered to be a vast public health problem in the thalassaemia belt countries, emphasizing more on prenatal diagnosis as the solution of the problem. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Institute of Haematology & Transfusion Medicine located in Medical College, Kolkata, India to assess the socio-demographic profile, clinical presentation, expenditure for treatment of thalassaemia patients and awareness about cause and prevention of the disease. RESULTS: Thalassaemia patients attended the Govt. setting were mostly from lower socioeconomic status with low level of literacy. Annual expenditure for treatment of thalassaemia ranged from $ 108 to 432; depending on type of treatment with average cost per transfusion was $ 5.2±2.2. Average 18.5%±14.3 of the total annual income was spent on the treatment for thalassaemia. Average man days or school days lost for the patients was 29.87±18.5 and 19.07±12.7 for the accompanying persons. CONCLUSION: Blood transfusion and carrier screening facilities should be decentralized to decrease the expenditure for treatment and alleviate the harassment of the families. Folate and calcium tablets, hepatitis B vaccination can be made available at government setting free of cost.

Needle sticks injury among nurses involved in patient care: a study in two medical college hospitals of West Bengal.

A hospital-based retrospective study on a sample of 228 nurses involved in patient care, in two medical college hospitals of West Bengal, showed that 61.4% of them sustained at least one Needle Stick Injury (NSI) in last 12 months. The risk of such injuries per 1000 nurses per year was found to be 3,280. Out of the most recent injuries among 140 nurses, 92.9% remained unreported to appropriate authorities; in 52.9% events hand gloves were worn by the nurses; only 5% of those nurses received hepatitis B vaccine, 2.1% hepatitis B immunoglobulin and none of them received post exposure prophylaxis for HIV.

Alteration in uptake and translocation of essential nutrients in cabbage by excess lead.

To observe the tolerance limit of lead phytotoxicity in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) var. Golden Aker plants were grown in refined sand with complete nutrient solution for 41 days. On 42nd day, pots with plants were separated into six lots. One lot was allowed to grow as such and was treated as control, in rest of the five lots, lead was applied at 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 and 1.0 mM as lead nitrate. At d 75 (34 days after metal exposure), the lead toxicity symptoms as restricted growth was observed on plants at 1.0 mM lead supply. Excess lead (0.5 and 1.0 mM) developed interveinal chlorosis along the margins of young leaves. The affected leaves were reduced in size giving plant a rosette like appearance. Head size was markedly reduced at these (0.5 and 1.0 mM) levels of lead. At 0.5 mM the intensity of symptoms was markedly low. With an increase in lead supply, the concentration of lead and zinc was increased whereas that of P, S, Fe, Mn and Cu were decreased in various parts of cabbage. At 1.0 mM Pb, the concentration of lead was highest in roots and lowest in head. In leaves of cabbage the threshold of toxicity and toxicity values were 150 and 320 microg g-1 dry matter, respectively.

Excess chromium alters uptake and translocation of certain nutrients in citrullus.

Citrullus plants were grown in refined sand with varying levels of chromium to determine their tolerance limit to excess chromium. The plants were maintained in control nutrient solution for 24 days and on the 25th day chromium as dichromate was added at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mM. A control set of plants was grown in the same nutrient solution without chromium. At chromium levels >0.2 mM plants showed growth depression, with chlorosis and loss of turgor of middle leaves. Affected leaves had narrow lamina; tendrils were thin, short and did not have coiling property. Later chlorosis became severe and changed to necrosis in patches. Petiole along with lamina became wilted, rugged and hung down due to complete loss of water. At lower chromium concentration, (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mM) only depression in growth was observed. With increase in chromium concentration of nutrient solution accumulation of chromium in different parts of Citrullus was increased. Increase in concentrations of phosphorus, manganese and decrease in iron, copper, zinc and sulphur were observed in leaves. Toxicity of chromium was greater at 0.2-0.4 mM, compared to lower concentrations. Threshold of toxicity and toxicity of Cr in old leaves were, respectively, 0.9 and 3.9 microg g(-1) dry matter of citrullus.

Fragile X syndrome in Calcutta, India.

Fragile-X-linked mental retardation usually results from amplification of the CGG repeat in the 5' untranslated region of the FMR1 gene. To assess the extent of variation of the CGG repeat in the population from the eastern region of India we studied 98 mentally retarded individuals living in and around Calcutta and identified 21 distinct alleles ranging in size from 8 to 44 CGG repeats. A repeat size of 28 was the most frequent; this value is different from the most frequent repeat size found in other studies, indicating a racial or ethnic variation. Patients with the clinical features of the syndrome have been found to carry expanded CGG repeats. Thus, it can be inferred that the expansion of CGG repeats may be a frequent cause of the syndrome in our population.

A study on awareness of AIDS among school students and teachers of higher secondary schools in north Calcutta.

Higher Secondary School students and their teachers were studied to assess the knowledge about AIDS and attitude towards AIDS patients. Only 13.5% senior school students and 16.2% teachers had clear knowledge regarding AIDS--its general aspects, transmission and prevention. Girls had higher and clear knowledge than boys. 45.8% of girls, 38.8% of boys students and 20.3% of teachers had positive attitudes towards nursing an AIDS case. It is suggested that schools have to device ways to open up more effective communication with students in relation to education on sex and AIDS. Training on AIDS should be emphasized on school teachers who on their turn can teach the students in a correct way about AIDS.

Fragile X syndrome a case report of a family.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common of the inherited disorders causing mental retardation. This disorder results from an abnormal expansion in (CGG)n in repeat found in the coding sequence of the FMRI gene, located at Xq 27.3. Previously it was detected by Karyotyping. With the advent of Molecular Biology PCR, has become the best method in the diagnosis of this disorder. This is a case report of a family with this disorder detected by PCR.

Phytotoxicity of cobalt, chromium and copper in cauliflower.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. Botrytis cv. Maghi) was grown in refined sand with complete nutrition (control) and at 0.5 mM each of Co, Cr and Cu. In cauliflower, compared to that of excess Cu or Cr, the visible effects of excess Co appeared first and were most pronounced. Excess of each heavy metal restricted the biomass of cauliflower, concentrations of Fe, chlorophylls a and b, protein and activity of catalase in leaves in the order Co>Cu>Cr. The translocation of Cr from roots to tops was minimum and that of Co was maximum when cauliflower was individually supplied with excess Co, Cu or Cr. In cauliflower each heavy metal inhibited the concentration of most of the macro- and micronutrients. The translocation of P, S, Mn, Zn and Cu from roots to tops of cauliflower were affected most significantly by Co and least by Cr. In contrast to excess Cu or Cr, Co significantly decreased the water potential and transpiration rates and increased diffusive resistance and relative water content in leaves of cauliflower.