No abstract

Abnormal transport of chloride ion in the epithelial cells is caused by a autosomal recessive monogenic condition known as cystic fibrosis (CF). It belongs to the rare genetic disease in India. Persistent coughing with phlegm, pneumonia, bronchitis, bulky stool and hard bowl movement are most symptoms of the disease. Mutation in CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene present on chromosome 7 having 230 kb nucleotides with 23 exons leads to development of disease. Determination of sweat electrolyte is considered as optimal diagnostic method. Results of previous studies have shown that cystic fibrosis increase the sodium and chloride concentrations. Mutations like ΔF508, G542X, R553X, N130K and 621+1 (G →T) are most common in CF patients in India. Among them ΔF508 is most severe and predominant mutation. Reports have shown as high as 56% frequency of ΔF508 in Indian patients. CF can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, CFTR modulators and combination therapies. Early screening can be an effective strategy for early diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis.

T he Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), which can be found in forests as well as human-dominated areas, is India's most widely distributed and adaptable crocodilian species (Da Silva and Lenin 2010). This species is a vulnerable reptile in India, and it is legally protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972; it is also classified as 'Vulnerable' according to the IUCN's threat assessment criteria (Choudhury and De Silva 2013). According to a state-wide survey done in 1995-1996, the Mugger population in Gujarat State, India, is estimated to be around 1,650 individuals (Vijaykumar 1997; Vyas 2010a, 2010b). Since then, no state-wide survey has been conducted, and the current situation of Muggers in Gujarat is unknown. Prior to 1995, surveys were primarily limited to a few protected areas, and only a few were conducted on a regular basis. As a result, there is no current information on crocodile populations in other parts of Gujarat, with the exception of the Vadodara region (

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], is a legume and one of the most ancient crops known to man and grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Cowpea seeds have a high nutritional value containing high amount of protein (20-25%). Despite of its importance, the utilization of genetic diversity and germplasm characterization in cowpea breeding program has not been fully exploited. Therefore, twelve morphological characters and six polymorphic microsatellite/simple sequence repeat (SSRs) markers were used to analyze genetic diversity in thirty-eight cowpea genotypes. The dendrogram was constructed using UPGMA algorithm and Gower?s dissimilarity values (ranged from 0.0601 to 0.5589) derived from twelve morphological characters. It was grouped in seven clusters showing the most diverse genotypes were CGD 1246 and CGD 1311 (Gower?s distance: 0.5589) and the most similar genotypes were GC 1501 and GC 1601 (Gower?s distance: 0.0601). In molecular characterization, a total of 14 amplicons were detected with a ranged from two to three with an average 2.33 alleles per loci. The mean values of polymorphic information content (PIC) and heterozygosity was 0.319 and 0.399, respectively which are measures of the efficiency of markers for studying polymorphism level available in the cowpea genotypes. Total 224 amplicons were considered for to derive Jaccard?s similarity matrix for the construction of dendrogram (having six clusters) and 2-D PCA (Principal Component Analysis) plot. The morphological characters and SSR markers can be used in diversity analysis and characterization of cowpea genotypes. The per se performing genotypes for individual character can be exploited in population/genotype development of cowpea for the improvement of that particular character. This will provide information to plant breeders for selection of parents to develop populations in cowpea breeding programs.