Showing papers by "Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University published in 2020"

Secondary Metabolites From Halotolerant Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for Ameliorating Salinity Stress in Plants.

Abstract: Soil salinization has emerged as one of the prime environmental constraints endangering soil quality and agricultural productivity. Anthropogenic activities coupled with rapid pace of climate change are the key drivers of soil salinity resulting in degradation of agricultural lands. Increasing levels of salt not only impair structure of soil and its microbial activity but also restrict plant growth by causing harmful imbalance and metabolic disorders. Potential of secondary metabolites synthesized by halotolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (HT-PGPR) in the management of salinity stress in crops is gaining importance. A wide array of secondary metabolites such as osmoprotectants/compatible solutes, exopolysaccharides (EPS) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from HT-PGPR have been reported to play crucial roles in ameliorating salinity stress in plants and their symbiotic partners. In addition, HT-PGPR and their metabolites also help in prompt buffering of the salt stress and act as biological engineers enhancing the quality and productivity of saline soils. The review documents prominent secondary metabolites from HT-PGPR and their role in modulating responses of plants to salinity stress. The review also highlights the mechanisms involved in the production of secondary metabolites by HT-PGPR in saline conditions. Utilizing the HT-PGPR and their secondary metabolites for the development of novel bioinoculants for the management of saline agro-ecosystems can be an important strategy in the future.

SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors: identification of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Mpro compounds from FDA approved drugs

Abstract: Recent outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised serious global concern for public health. The viral main 3-chymotrypsin-like c...

Orthosilicic acid (OSA) reduced grain arsenic accumulation and enhanced yield by modulating the level of trace element, antioxidants, and thiols in rice

Abstract: Arsenic (As), a toxic metalloid, is finding its route to human through intake of As-contaminated water and consumption of food grown on contaminated soil. Rice is the most As-affected crop. Present study is aimed to assess the impact of stabilized orthosilicic acid (a proprietary formulation for plant-available silicon (Si) and earlier used as fertilizer for rice to enhance growth and yield) in reducing the accumulation of As in rice grains. Application of arsenic in the form of arsenate (AsV) and arsenite (AsIII) significantly affected plant growth in a dose-dependent manner. Higher doses of AsV and AsIII (50 and 25 mg L−1 respectively) significantly decreased the yield attributes leading to lower yield. A significant accumulation of As in grain was observed in both AsV- and AsIII-exposed plants in a dose-dependent manner. Arsenic exposure also increased the level of Si in rice grains. Application of Si, either in soil or on leaves (foliar), greatly reduced grain As accumulation (up to 67% in AsV and 78% in AsIII) and enhanced the growth and yield of plants under As stress. The level of thiols and activities of antioxidant enzymes were also enhanced under Si application. Foliar Si application was more effective in increasing grain Si level and reducing grain As than soil Si. The level of other trace elements was also significantly enhanced by Si application irrespective of the presence or absence of As in comparison with control. Arsenic exposure constrained some of the trace elements, such as Zn and Co, which were restored by Si application. Results of the present study showed that the application of currently used Si formulation may effectively reduce grain As level even in highly As-contaminated soil and improve grain quality of rice.

SN 2010kd: Photometric and Spectroscopic Analysis of a Slow-decaying Superluminous Supernova

Abstract: This paper presents data and analysis of SN 2010kd, a low-redshift ($z = 0.101$) H-deficient superluminous supernova (SLSN), based on ultraviolet/optical photometry and optical spectroscopy spanning between $-$28 and +194 days relative to $\mathit{B}$ band maximum light. The $\mathit{B}$ band light curve comparison of SN 2010kd with a subset of well-studied SLSNe I at comparable redshifts indicates that it is a slow-decaying PTF12dam like SLSN. Analytical light-curve modeling using the $\mathtt{Minim}$ code suggests that the bolometric light curve of SN 2010kd favors circumstellar matter interaction for the powering mechanism. $\mathtt{SYNAPPS}$ modeling of the early-phase spectra does not identify broad H or He lines, whereas the photospheric-phase spectra are dominated by O I, O II, C II, C IV and Si II, particularly, presence of both low and high-velocity components of O II and Si II lines. The nebular-phase spectra of SN 2010kd are dominated by O I and Ca II emission lines similar to those seen in other SLSNe I. The line velocities in SN 2010kd exhibit flatter evolution curves similar to SN 2015bn but with comparatively higher values. SN 2010kd shows a higher single-zone local thermodynamic equilibrium temperature in comparison to PTF12dam and SN 2015bn, and it has an upper O I ejected mass limit of $\sim 10~M_\odot$. The host of SN 2010kd is a dwarf galaxy with a high star-formation rate ($\sim 0.18 \pm 0.04~M_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$) and extreme emission lines.

Biology and Interaction of the Natural Occurrence of Distinct Monopartite Begomoviruses Associated With Satellites in Capsicum annum From India.

Abstract: Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important vegetable and spice crop of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Chili plants showing upward leaf curling, leaf crinkling, and leaf yellowing symptoms, collected from Sikar district of Rajasthan, India, were found to be associated with begomovirus and satellite molecules. The presence of virus was confirmed by PCR using virus-specific primer. The full-length genomic DNA-A of three begomovirus (MM-1, CS-1 and RV-1) and two satellites (MM-2 and MM-3) were cloned which was identified from single symptomatic chili plant. The genome organization of isolated three viruses is similar to those of other Old World monopartite begomoviruses. The comparison of the sequences and closest phylogenetic relationships for the begomoviruses, betasatellite and alphasatellite DNAs revealed that MM-1 was designated as DNA-A of Chili leaf curl virus (ChiLCV), CS-1 is considered to be a new distinct species of Tomato leaf curl Gujrat virus (ToLCGV) whereas RV-1 as a new strain of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV). The DNA-A component of ChiLCV showed 8.6%, ToLCGV of 16.6% and CLCuMuV of 7.7% average evolutionary divergence, concomitantly, the betasatellite and alphasatellite molecule had 9.9% and 5.9% overall sequence divergence, respectively. Interestingly, most of the begomoviruses were found to be intra-species recombinants. The dN/dS ratio and Tajima D value of all viral DNA-A component and their associated betasatellite showed their selective control on evolutionary relationships. The nucleotide substitution rates were determined for the DNA-A genomes of ChiLCV (7.22 × 10-4 substitutions site-1 year-1), CLCuMuV (1.49 × 10-4 substitutions site-1 year-1), ToLCGV (7.47 × 10-4 substitutions site-1 year-1), the genome of associated ChiLCB (4.20 × 10-4 substitutions site-1 year-1) and CLCuMuA (1.49 × 10-4 substitutions site-1 year-1). Agro-inoculation studies indicate that the presence of DNA betasatellite induce severe symptoms in N. benthamiana and chili, suggesting prerequisite association for typical disease development.

Self-cleansing properties of Ganga during mass ritualistic bathing on Maha-Kumbh.

Abstract: The deterioration of water quality of river Ganga is a huge concern for Govt. of India. Apart from various pollution sources, the religious and ritualistic activities also have a good share in deteriorating Ganga water quality. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in physico-chemical properties, microbial diversity and role of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial population of Ganga water during mass ritualistic bathing on the occasion of Maha-Kumbh in 2013. The BOD, COD, hardness, TDS and level of various ions significantly increased, while DO decreased in Ganga water during Maha-Kumbh. Ganga water was more affluent in trace elements than Yamuna and their levels further increased during Maha-Kumbh, which was correlated with decreased level of trace elements in the sediment. The bacterial diversity and evenness were increased and correlated with the number of devotees taking a dip at various events. Despite enormous increase in bacterial diversity during mass ritualistic bathing, the core bacterial species found in pre-Kumbh Ganga water were present in all the samples taken during Kumbh and post-Kumbh. In addition, the alteration in bacterial population during mass bathing was well under 2 log units which can be considered negligible. The study of bacteriophages at different bathing events revealed that Ganga was richer with the presence of bacteriophages in comparison with Yamuna against seven common bacteria found during the Maha-Kumbh. These bacteriophages have played a role in controlling bacterial growth and thus preventing putrefaction of Ganga water. Further, the abundance of trace elements in Ganga water might also be a reason for suppression of bacterial growth. Thus, the current study showed that Ganga has characteristic water quality in terms of physico-chemical property and microbial diversity that might have a role in the reported self-cleansing property of Ganga; however, the increased pollution load has surpassed its self-cleansing properties. Since water has been celebrated in all cultures, the outcome of the current study will not only be useful for the policy maker of cleaning and conservation of Ganga but also for restoration of other polluted rivers all over the world.

Therapeutic Approach against 2019-nCoV by Inhibition of ACE-2 Receptor

Abstract: The continued spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has prompted global concern. The formal name given to 2019-nCoV by the World Health Organization is COVID-19, while the International Committee on Taxonomy has named it severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Due to this viral attack, nations around the world have issued lockdown restrictions. Presently, there is no effective way to control the spread of 2019-nCoV, except through social distancing and hygienic activities. World-class scientists and researchers are trying to develop vaccines and medicines that will cure this deadly viral disease and control its spread. Our aim in presenting this article is to provide an easy therapeutic approach that effectively combats deadly viral diseases, such as COVID-19, with minimal intervention and effort. Different Ayurvedic therapeutic agents (Curcuma longa L, green tea, and Piper nigrum) inhibit the entry of viruses in the host cell and the transmission of pathogens, while improving immunity. Curcumin and piperine (1-piperoylpiperidine) interact with each other and form a π-π intermolecular complex that enhances the bioavailability of curcumin by inhibition of glucuronidation of curcumin in the liver. Two molecules, curcumin and catechin, bind directly to the receptor-binding domain of the S-protein and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor of the host cell, by which these molecules inhibit the entry of viruses in the host cell. As a result, the animal host will survive the infection.

Optical Variability of the TeV Blazar 1ES 0806+524 on Diverse Timescales

Abstract: We report the results of our optical (VRI) photometric observations of the TeV blazar 1ES 0806$+$524 on 153 nights during 2011-2019 using seven optical telescopes in Europe and Asia. We investigated the variability of the blazar on intraday as well as on long-term timescales. We examined eighteen intraday light curves for flux and color variations using the most reliable power-enhanced F-test and the nested ANOVA test. Only on one night was a small, but significant, variation found, in both $V$ band and $R$ band light curves. The $V-R$ color index was constant on every one of those nights. Flux density changes of around 80 % were seen over the course of these eight years in multiple bands. We found a weighted mean optical spectral index of 0.639$\pm$0.002 during our monitoring period by fitting a power law ($F_{ u} \propto u^{-\alpha}$) in 23 optical ($VRI$) spectral energy distributions of 1ES 0806$+$524. We discuss different possible mechanisms responsible for blazar variability on diverse timescales.

Pectinases: from microbes to industries

Abstract: Pectinases are a group of enzymes that degrade pectic substances present in plant cell walls. Depending upon their nature, whether acidic or alkaline, they play an important role in fruit juice and textile industries. Recent studies on these enzymes deciphered their other industrial applications such as oil extraction, coffee and tea fermentation, treatment of industrial wastewater, and biobleaching of pulp. Use of pectinases over chemicals in these industries makes the whole process environment-friendly. This chapter focuses on the applications of microbial pectinases in the food, agriculture, and environment sectors.

UN SDGs and Context of Holy-Heritage Cities in India: A Study of Ayodhya and Varanasi

Abstract: Following the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Target 11.4, focussing on ‘Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, cultural heritage and urban sustainability are now considered inseparable part of holistic development. Religion had played an important role for controlling power in Indian monarchy in the ancient past, and in contemporary India too it played a role in the formation of religious landscape and corporate identity of religious heritage, through commonly using processions, pilgrimage, religious assemblies, religious fairs (melā) and sacred places. Newly introduced concepts of pilgrimage tourism will help to revitalise these sacred cities. Situated in the Ganga river basin, Ayodhya and Banaras both have been primarily ancient tīrthas (riverfront sacredscapes) and salvific cities that record settlement continuity since at least ca 800BCE. Under the umbrella of holistic development, Government of India is promoting inclusive heritage sustainable development of heritage sites (cities), through active participation of stakeholders in the purview of SDGs and future development.

Host Plant Strategies to Combat Against Viruses Effector Proteins

Abstract: Viruses are obligate parasites that exist in an inactive state until they enter the host body. Upon entry, viruses become active and start replicating by using the host cell machinery. All plant viruses can augment their transmission, thus powering their detrimental effects on the host plant. To diminish infection and diseases caused by viruses, the plant has a defence mechanism known as pathogenesis-related biochemicals, which are metabolites and proteins. Proteins that ultimately prevent pathogenic diseases are called R proteins. Several plant R genes (that confirm resistance) and avirulence protein (Avr) (pathogen Avr gene-encoded proteins [effector/elicitor proteins involved in pathogenicity]) molecules have been identified. The recognition of such a factor results in the plant defence mechanism. During plant viral infection, the replication and expression of a viral molecule lead to a series of a hypersensitive response (HR) and affect the host plant's immunity (pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity and effector-triggered immunity). Avr protein renders the host RNA silencing mechanism and its innate immunity, chiefly known as silencing suppressors towards the plant defensive machinery. This is a strong reply to the plant defensive machinery by harmful plant viruses. In this review, we describe the plant pathogen resistance protein and how these proteins regulate host immunity during plant-virus interactions. Furthermore, we have discussed regarding ribosome-inactivating proteins, ubiquitin proteasome system, translation repression (nuclear shuttle protein interacting kinase 1), DNA methylation, dominant resistance genes, and autophagy-mediated protein degradation, which are crucial in antiviral defences.

Anomalous and topological Hall effect in Cu doped Sb2Te3 topological insulator

Abstract: The magneto-transport and magnetization measurements of Sb1.90Cu0.10Te3 were performed by varying both temperature and the magnetic field. The induced antiferromagnetic ordering with Cu doping and the observed quantum oscillation in it indicate that magnetization in Sb1.90Cu0.10Te3 is the bulk property. The non-linearity in Hall data suggests the existence of anomalous and topological Hall effects. Moreover, the electronic band structure calculation supports the existence of Cu spin texture.

Cannabis sativa L.: A Potential Natural Reservoir of Sugarcane Grassy Shoot Phytoplasmas in India

Abstract: Cannabis sativa plants growing nearby sugarcane fields affected with grassy shoot disease at Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, showed severe witches’ broom symptoms. The DNA from symptomatic Cannabis and sugarcane samples was isolated and subjected to nested PCR assays with universal phytoplasma-specific primer pairs (P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2). A DNA fragment of ~ 1.2 kbp was amplified in all the symptomatic samples of sugarcane and Cannabis with R16F2n/R16R2 primer pair but was absent in non-symptomatic samples. Pairwise sequence comparison, phylogeny and in silico RFLP analysis of 16S rDNA sequences confirmed the identity of a rice yellow dwarf phytoplasma group-related strain (16SrXI-B) associated with Cannabis which suggested its role as potential natural reservoir of SCGS phytoplasma in nature.

Computational and In Vitro Investigation of (-)-Epicatechin and Proanthocyanidin B2 as Inhibitors of Human Matrix Metalloproteinase 1.

Abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP-1) energetically triggers the enzymatic proteolysis of extracellular matrix collagenase (ECM), resulting in progressive skin aging. Natural flavonoids are well known for their antioxidant properties and have been evaluated for inhibition of matrix metalloproteins in human. Recently, (-)-epicatechin and proanthocyanidin B2 were reported as essential flavanols from various natural reservoirs as potential anti-inflammatory and free radical scavengers. However, their molecular interactions and inhibitory potential against MMP-1 are not yet well studied. In this study, sequential absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiling, quantum mechanics calculations, and molecular docking simulations by extra precision Glide protocol predicted the drug-likeness of (-)-epicatechin (-7.862 kcal/mol) and proanthocyanidin B2 (-8.145 kcal/mol) with the least reactivity and substantial binding affinity in the catalytic pocket of human MMP-1 by comparison to reference bioactive compound epigallocatechin gallate (-6.488 kcal/mol). These flavanols in docked complexes with MMP-1 were further studied by 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations that revealed substantial stability and intermolecular interactions, viz. hydrogen and ionic interactions, with essential residues, i.e., His218, Glu219, His222, and His228, in the active pocket of MMP-1. In addition, binding free energy calculations using the Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) method suggested the significant role of Coulomb interactions and van der Waals forces in the stability of respective docked MMP-1-flavonol complexes by comparison to MMP-1-epigallocatechin gallate; these observations were further supported by MMP-1 inhibition assay using zymography. Altogether with computational and MMP-1-zymography results, our findings support (-)-epicatechin as a comparatively strong inhibitor of human MMP-1 with considerable drug-likeness against proanthocyanidin B2 in reference to epigallocatechin gallate.

Computational studies on nitro derivatives of BN indole as high energetic material.

Abstract: Nitrogen-rich heterocycles and their nitro derivatives are one of the important classes of energetic materials. In the present study, the computational methods have been applied to determine the thermodynamic and detonation properties of nitro derivatives of BN indole molecule. Structure optimization and electronic energy of the designed molecules are determined using the density functional theory. The gas-phase heat of formation of the species concerned is determined by the atomization method. Wave function analysis-surface analysis suite (WFA-SAS) has been applied to determine the condensed phase heat of formation and crystal density of designed molecules. Bond dissociation energy (BDE) is determined to identify the trigger bond. The energy gap between highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) has been calculated to predict the stability of the molecule. Impact sensitivity and detonation properties of designed species are calculated. The calculated parameters show that among all the designed molecules, the molecule A6 (1,2,3,5,6,7-Hexanitrobnindole) has the properties to be considered as a high density energetic molecule.

Investigations on structural and optical properties of Al-modified ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract: The current studies are concentrated on the synthesis of Al-modified ZnO nanoparticles prepared through sol–gel method for their structural and optical properties. The wurtzite structure with single phase formation for all the samples was confirmed from the Rietveld analysis on XRD data. Nano-crystalline nature (having particle size (~ 10 to 30 nm)) of all the synthesized samples have been examined by XRD and TEM data. Optical properties were carried out from UV–Vis, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy techniques. FTIR and Raman analysis also confirms the wurtzite structure and tetrahedral configuration with coordination of oxygen ions nearby the zinc ions. The UV–Vis measurement confirms that the bandgap is blue-shifted and slow red shift for lower and higher Al-concentrations in ZnO, respectively. Visible emission spectra of PL confirms the photo generated holes with deep-level emission, which is ascribed to recombination of electrons intensely spellbound in oxygen vacancies and zinc interstitials.

Influence of Benz[a]anthracene on Bone Metabolism and on Liver Metabolism in Nibbler Fish, Girella punctata

Abstract: It has been reported that spinal deformity was induced in developing fish by the addition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To examine the mechanism of the disruption of fish bone metabolism, the effect of benz[a]anthracene (BaA), a kind of PAH, on plasma calcium, inorganic phosphorus, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts was investigated in this study. We also measured several plasma components to analyze the toxicity of BaA on other metabolisms. BaA (1 or 10 ng/g body weight) was intraperitoneally injected (four times) into nibbler fish during breeding, for 10 days, and it was indicated, for the first time, that injecting high doses of BaA to nibbler fish induced both hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia. Furthermore, in the scales of nibbler fish treated with high doses of BaA, both osteoclastic and osteoblastic marker messengerRNA (mRNA) expressions decreased. These results are a cause of disruption of bone metabolism and, perhaps, the induction of spinal deformities. In addition, we found that total protein, metabolic enzymes in the liver, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly decreased in BaA-injected fish. These results indicate that BaA may affect liver diseases and emphasize the importance of prevention of aquatic PAH pollution.

Variable stars in the field of intermediate-age open cluster NGC 559

Abstract: This work presents the first long-term photometric variability survey of the intermediate-age open cluster NGC 559. Time-series V band photometric observations on 40 nights taken over more than three years with three different telescopes are analyzed to search for variable stars in the cluster. We investigate the data for the periodicity analysis and reveal 70 variable stars including 67 periodic variables in the target field, all of them are newly discovered. The membership analysis of the periodic variables reveal that 30 of them belong to the cluster and remaining 37 are identified as field variables. Out of the 67 periodic variables, 48 are short-period (P 1 day) variables. The variable stars have periodicity between 3 hours to 41 days and their brightness ranges from V = 10.9 to 19.3 mag. The periodic variables belonging to the cluster are then classified into different variability types on the basis of observational properties such as shape of the light curves, periods, amplitudes, as well as their positions in the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram. As a result, we identify one Algol type eclipsing binary, one possible blue straggler star, 3 slowly pulsating B type stars, 5 rotational variables, 11 non-pulsating variables, 2 FKCOM variables and remaining 7 are characterized as miscellaneous variables. We also identify three Eclipsing Binary stars (EBs) belonging to the field star population. The PHOEBE package is used to analyse the light curve of all four EBs in order to determine the parameters of the binary systems such as masses, temperatures and radii.

Mechanistic exploration of the activities of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-loaded nanoparticles of betulinic acid against hepatocellular carcinoma at cellular and molecular levels.

Abstract: The effectiveness of betulinic acid (B) and PLGA loaded nanoparticles of B (Bnp) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was established and reported earlier. In continuation of our previous report,...

Vat Dye Safranin O- and Perylene-Based Conjugated Donor–Acceptor Polyimide as Sensitizer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract: Nanocrystalline TiO2 and conjugated polyimide are good composite materials for solar energy harvesting applications. Vat dyes have a specific high color fastness property with high wavelength absor...

Effect of alkoxy chain density on the mesogenic properties of aroylhydrazone based liquid crystals: synthesis, characterisation, photophysical and gelation behaviour

Abstract: Three series of ester linkage containing aroylhydrazone based compounds have been synthesised where density and length of alkoxy chains are varied sequentially at ester end, keeping amide end of th...