<div>Background: Children of school going age constitute a highly vulnerable and important group. During their growing period, all the nutrients should be included in their diet. Breakfast provides important nutrients for growing children. Skipping breakfast among school children is erratic. Therefore, the study was undertaken to assess the role of breakfast consumption affecting nutritional adequacy among schoolchildren.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: During the period 2015-2016, total of 200 school children in the age group of 10-12 years studying in government and private schools of North Bengaluru, Karnataka were selected through random sampling techniques. The breakfast consumption pattern was assessed using questionnaire. Dietary intake in terms of food and nutrients was assessed through 24 hours recall method. To measure adequacy of nutrient consumption, the obtained data was compared with recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for specific age group.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Gender wise segregation revealed that 109 were boys (54.5%) and 91 were girls (45.5%). The breakfast skipping was found more in the children of government school compared to private school (73% vs. 37%). When compared with the breakfast consumers, skippers had lower mean intake of all the nutrients studied. Similar results were observed among girls as in boys. The study provided new information on specific meal pattern i.e., breakfast that may be potential determinant of dietary adequacy and dietary quality.</div>

<div>Assessment of Breakfast Consumption on Nutritional Adequacy among School-going Children in India</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Chinese pond turtle (CPT, Mauremys reevesii) is a typical species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Pond slider turtle (PST, Trachemys scripta) is considered one of the worst invasive species in the world. In order to analyze the adaptive evolution of fecundity traits in CPT and TSD, the rapidly evolving gene families were obtained and functional enrichment analysis was performed. At the same time, CPT and PST species-specific genes were also enriched for their fecundity traits. 
 
Methods: Orthofinder software was employed to search homologous genes based on protein sequence. CAF&Eacute; software was used to obtain the expansion and contraction gene families of CPT and PST. Then, GO terms and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using TBtools software and Swissprot database.&nbsp; 
 
Result: In CPT, 159 rapid expansion gene families GO enrichment results showed that the reproductive activities related pathways were mainly three significant enrichment process, spermatogenesis, steroid hormone mediated signaling pathway and male gamete generation. 2 rapidly contraction gene families showed that there was no significant enrichment pathway related to reproduction. The pathway of significant enrichment were RNA biosynthetic process, regulation of RNA metabolic process and regulation of cellular metabolic process. The gene families unique to the species were significantly enriched in pathways DNA replication-dependent nucleosome organization, DNA replication-dependent nucleosome assembly and negative regulation of megakaryocyte differentiation. In PST, 15 rapid expansion gene families GO enrichment results showed that the most significant GO terms mainly consisted of biological processes which were involved in endocrine process, regulation of endocrine process and cellular response to steroid hormone stimulus, but spermatogenesis and male gamete generation gene families also expanded. 58 rapidly contraction gene families showed that the pathways of significant enrichment were endocrine process, cellular response to steroid hormone stimulus and regulation of endocrine process. At the same time, estrogen secretion, binding of sperm to zona pellucida and sperm-egg recognition gene family also rapidly contraction. The gene families unique to the species were significantly enriched in pathways adenylate cyclase-activating G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, double-strand break repair and regulation of potassium ion transport.</div>

Comparison of Fecundity Traits between Mauremys reevesii and Trachemys scripta based on Gene Family Analysis

<div>Background:&nbsp;Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP, Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), is the first class protected animal in China. In order to analyze the adaptive evolution of fecundity traits in YFP, the rapidly evolving gene families of YFP were obtained. At the same time, the major genes controlling ovulation, GDF9, BMP15, FSH&beta; and FSHR were also analyzed. 
 
Methods: Orthofinder software was employed to search homologous genes based on protein sequence. CAF&Eacute; software was used to obtain the expansion and contraction gene families of YFP. Then, GO terms and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using TBtools software and Swissprot database. PAML package was used to calculate Ka/Ks (i.e., &omega;). Evolution rate changes in the positive selected genes were examined using the GU99 process in Diverge (v3.0) program. 
 
Result: In YFP, 501 rapid expansion gene families GO enrichment results showed that the reproductive activities related pathways were mainly three significant enrichment process, participation of germline stem cells maintain androgen receptors signaling pathways regulating and male reproductive tract stem cell population to maintain. The most significant GO terms of 220 rapidly contraction gene families associated with reproductive activities mainly consisted of biological processes which were involved in positive regulation of estrogen secretion, mating and estrogen metabolic process. GDF9 and BMP15 genes exhibited purifying selection. However, significant signs of positive selection were detected in FSHR and FSH&beta; genes, but only FSH&beta; showed specific changes in the YFP lineage.</div>

​The Analysis of Reproduction-related Genes Provides Insights into the Adaptive Evolution of Fecundity Traits in Yangtze Finless Porpoise

<div>Background: Nanotechnology is used in stem cell culture as well as in vivo delivery and tracking of stem cells. Graphene oxide (GO) is a carbon based nanomaterial and it has large surface area as well as good biocompatibility and heteroatoms doped GO exploit its properties. Hybrid GO (hGO) nano structures biocompatibility is depends on its size, dose and exposure time as well as in vitro cell models and hence, need thorough cytotoxicity studies in different species in vitro cell models.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Caprine Wharton&rsquo;s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) were isolated, characterized and dose dependent (100, 50, 25, 10 and 0&micro;g /ml) in vitro cytotoxicity of &nbsp;three different hGO nano structures (phosphorus doped graphene oxide titanium oxide tubes, rods and sheets) were &nbsp;analysed in caprine WJ-MSCs by studying cell cytotoxicity assays. &nbsp; 
 
Result: All three hGO nano structures were damaged cell morphology at 100 and 50 &micro;g /ml doses, however, morphologically more good cells were observed in hGO tubes treated group than hGO rods and hGO sheets at 25 and 10 &micro;g/ml doses as compared to control. Cell viability percentage was significantly (P&lt;0.01) decreased at dose 100 &micro;g/ml and it was significantly (P&lt;0.01) increased at 25 &micro;g/ml dose as compared to 50, 10 and 0 &micro;g/ml doses. But, hGO tubes significantly (P&lt;0.01) increased cell viability % as compared to hGO rods and hGO sheets. Cell population doubling time (PDT) was not altered significantly by all hGO nano structures, but 100 and 50 &micro;g/ml doses significantly (P&lt;0.01)increased cell PDT as compared to 25, 10 and 0 &micro;g/ml doses. All hGO nano structures were non significantly altered growth curve, however, all hGO nano structures at 25 &micro;g /ml dose altered (inclined) shape of growth curve, while 100 and 50 &micro;g /ml doses significantly declined growth curve shape as compared to 10 and 0 &micro;g /ml doses. Cell proliferation % was significantly (P&lt;0.01) increased at 25 and 10 &micro;g/ml doses, while, it was significantly (P&lt;0.01) decreased at 100 &micro;g /ml dose as compared to 50 and 0 &micro;g /ml. However, there was no significance difference was observed in cell proliferation % in groups treated by different hGO nanostructures. In last, it was concluded as, hGO nano structures cytotoxicity was dose dependent and hGO nano tubes were least cytotoxic in caprine WJ-MSCs.&nbsp;</div>

<div>In vitro Cytotoxicity Analysis of Hybrid Graphene Oxide (hGO) Nano Structures in Caprine Wharton&rsquo;s Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs)</div>

Among those various recent biotechnological tools, RNA Interference (RNAi) has been playing important role in crop improvement. RNAi can be defined as the ability of exogenous or endogenous double stranded RNA to suppress the expression of the gene which corresponds to the sequence of double stranded RNA. RNAi has been extensively used in various species to suppress gene function and is a novel approach to modify the gene expression for better quality traits and nutritional improvement in different crops. If judiciously used, this technology may go a long way to narrow the gap through production of disease, insect and virus resistant, nutritionally rich and toxic-free crops. The technology that has been developed by the developed countries will be available to any lab including those in the developing countries, where work utilizing RNAi technology is either in progress or going to be launched shortly. Ultimately this kind of technology can be important to global food security and also to maintain sustainability.&nbsp;

RNA interference (RNAi): Application in crop improvement: A review

<div style="text-align: justify;">To explore the differentially expressed mRNAs between oxidative and glycolytic muscles, Qianbei black pigs were slaughtered and longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) and psoas major muscle (PMM) were selected and sequenced using Illumina Hiseq TM 4000. Bioinformatics analysis and differentially expressed genes were analyzed by GO and KEGG. qRT-PCR was used to validate the RNA-seq result. As a result, 69 differentially expressed genes were identified, with 46 down regulated genes and 23 up regulated genes in LDM versus PMM, which were categorized into 44 functional groups under three GO classifications. KEGG pathway analysis revealed 20 pathways were enriched. qRT-PCR shows the expression trends of ND6, MYH7, TBX1, FOS and SLC7A5 are consist with the RNA-seq result. We speculated these five genes may involve in differentiation of muscle cells, metabolism of carbohydrate and lipid, deposits of intramuscular fat and transformation of different types of muscle fibers.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Comparing the mRNA Expression Profile of Psoas Major and Longissimus Dorsi Muscles in Pig</div>

<div>The Novel Coronavirus outbreak gave learning lesson to the entire world especially about how to fight with the invisible enemy. The scientific community is engaged in exploring the pathogenesis of this Novel disease and inventing the antivirals. At the same time, laboratory animal facility key personnel are busy in carrying out facility operations without compromising the laboratory animal welfare and on-going animal research. In general, every laboratory animal facility establishes the disaster management plan considering the possibility of fire, earthquake, cyclones or flood. Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) Animal Facility also has well documented disaster plan in place. However, incorporation of preparedness plan against disaster due to pandemic was never thought of. However, with our extensive experience, great team efforts and timely decisions, we could continue facility operations without compromising animal welfare, on-going animal research and health of animal care personnel. It is the need of hour to make a preparedness plan in advance to respond to any kind of such pandemics in the future. We wish to share our experience gained during SARS-CoV-2 pandemics. This data is concerned about us but may be helpful to other animal facilities in India and/ or across the globe.</div>

<div>Tackling the Covid-19 Pandemic in Animal Facilities: ACTREC Perspectives</div>

Background: The study explored codon usage bias in medicago varia transcriptome coding sequences, aiming to provide data support for understanding gene expression and enhancing Molecular breeding methods in medicago varia. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: In this study,&nbsp;Medicago varia&nbsp;was used as the research material and 11722 complete open reading frame sequences were screened from the transcriptome sequencing results. Codon usage patterns and preferences were analyzed using software such as CodonW, R and Excel. 
&nbsp; 
Result: According to the 11722 complete open reading frame sequences screened from the transcriptome sequencing results, Codon was used to calculate the Codon preference index. A total of 41354958 Unigenes were obtained. A total of 80757 Unigenes (39.66%) were annotated, with the majority being annotated in the NR database. GO annotations include 20 Biological processes, 16 Cellular components and 11 molecular function GO terms, respectively. 25713 genes were annotated into KOG, including 25 subclasses. The content of average GC was 42.87%, respectively. The study revealed that the effective number of codons (ENC) ranged from 23.9 to 61.0. Mutation and selection affected the codon preference. Medicago varia preferred 30 codons and preferred the third base of the codon as A/U, so it can be inferred that Medicago prefers the third codon with A/U.

Transcriptome-based Medicago varia Codon Preference Analysis

Background: In order to explore the differential expression of circular RNA (circRNA) in the subcutaneous fat tissue of Qinghai yaks under different feeding methods during the dry grass period and its regulatory mechanism. 
 
Methods: The present study adopted Illumina sequencing technology to sequence the transcriptome of subcutaneous fat tissue of Qinghai yaks naturally grazed and fattened by housed feeding during the dry grass period and used bioinformatics software to screen out the differentially expressed. The circRNAs were screened for differential expression using bioinformatics software. circRNAs related to fat metabolism were screened by GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of their source genes and three differentially expressed circRNAs were randomly screened and the expression of the circRNAs was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Transcriptome sequencing results showed that a total of 628 differentially expressed circRNAs were obtained, of which 219 were up-regulated and 409 were down-regulated. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that the circRNAs in the free-grazing group originated from genes for major molecular constructs, cellular parts, organs, bioregulation and cellular processes, etc. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the circRNAs could be participate in signaling pathways such as phagosomes, protein digestion and absorption. qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of the three circRNAs were consistent with the sequencing results and the sequencing results were accurate and reliable. This experiment provides a molecular basis for further understanding of fat metabolism in yaks.

Differential circRNA Screening and Identification of Subcutaneous Fat Tissue in Plateau-type Yaks under Different Feeding Methods

Background: During pregnancy, the immune status of maternal animals undergoes significant changes. Effective monitoring of immunological biomarkers can provide valuable references for enhancing gestational management in livestock. This study aims to screen and identify mRNA-based candidate immunological biomarkers during ovine pregnancy, thereby establishing a scientific foundation for novel monitoring technologies to assess immune status in gestating animals. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: High-throughput sequencing technology was used to perform sheep ovaries transcriptome sequencing in four stages: follicular phase, luteal phase (10 days after estrus), 30 days of pregnancy, and 45 days of pregnancy. Differential mRNAs were obtained by bioinformatics analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed on the differential mRNAs. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The experiment successfully constructed mRNA libraries for pregnant and non-pregnant sheep, with an average output of 11.50 G data per sample. The average alignment rate of each sample to the genome was 93.88%, and the average alignment rate to the gene set was 49.46%. A total of 23,219 genes were detected, of which 467 were differential genes. Data analysis, GO, and KEGG pathway studies showed that MX2, DDX58, IRF7, IFIT5, ISG15, RSAD2, and PLA2G1B were significantly upregulated in ovarian tissues during pregnancy, all of which are involved in processes such as bacterial and viral defense, immune regulation et al. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of seven different mRNAs in the blood of pregnant ewes, and the result confirmed that the expression was significantly elevated in the blood of pregnant ewes (p&lt;0.01). The experiment indicates that the seven mRNAs are promising candidate biomarkers for immune monitoring, which is of great significance for the screening and early intervention of diseases during animal pregnancy.

Assessment of Breakfast Consumption on Nutritional Adequacy among School-going Children in India

Comparison of Fecundity Traits between Mauremys reevesii and Trachemys scripta based on Gene Family Analysis

The Analysis of Reproduction-related Genes Provides Insights into the Adaptive Evolution of Fecundity Traits in Yangtze Finless Porpoise

In vitro Cytotoxicity Analysis of Hybrid Graphene Oxide (hGO) Nano Structures in Caprine Wharton’s Jelly Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs)

RNA interference (RNAi): Application in crop improvement: A review

Comparing the mRNA Expression Profile of Psoas Major and Longissimus Dorsi Muscles in Pig

Tackling the Covid-19 Pandemic in Animal Facilities: ACTREC Perspectives

Transcriptome-based Medicago varia Codon Preference Analysis

Differential circRNA Screening and Identification of Subcutaneous Fat Tissue in Plateau-type Yaks under Different Feeding Methods

Screening and Identification of mRNA Candidate Immunobiomarkers during Pregnancy in Sheep