Recurrence in Oral Leukoplakia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The management of oral leukoplakia (OL) is challenging because of a high risk for recurrence and malignant transformation (MT), and recurrent OL is associated with a higher risk of MT than nonrecurrent OL. The present meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between OL recurrence and surgical techniques used for their management as well as their clinicopathological factors. Electronic searches were conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to retrieve studies reporting OL recurrence after surgery. The pooled proportion of OL recurrence after surgical excision was estimated. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the surgical technique, data type, grades of epithelial dysplasia, anatomical subsites, clinical type and size of the lesion, surgical margin, and risk habits. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to identify the association between age, sex, and follow-up duration and OL recurrence. The risk of MT based on the recurrence status was also estimated. A network meta-analysis was performed to determine the surgical modality associated with the least OL recurrence. Eighty studies with a total of 7,614 samples and various surgical modalities (laser-based techniques, conventional scalpel surgery, cryosurgery, and photodynamic therapy) were included in the meta-analysis. A pooled proportion of recurrence of 22% was observed. Laser-based surgeries resulted in fewer OL recurrences than other surgical modalities, and the combination of laser excision and vaporization was identified to be the best treatment approach. OL in the retromolar area and multiple sites, nonhomogeneous OL, advanced age, female sex, inadequate surgical margin, retrospective data, and betel quid chewing habit were significantly associated with higher OL recurrence. Recurrent OL showed a 7.39 times higher risk of MT than nonrecurrent OL. These results suggest that the combination of laser excision and vaporization might reduce OL recurrence. Furthermore, OL in older patients, females, and nonhomogeneous OL need close monitoring after any surgical therapy.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technique to control fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in crop plants with special reference to maize.

Fall Armyworm imposes a major risk to agricultural losses. Insecticides have historically been used to manage its infestations, but it eventually becomes resistant to them. To combat the pest, a more recent strategy based on the use of transgenic maize that expresses Bt proteins such as Cry1F from the bacteria has been used. Nonetheless, there have been numerous reports of Cry1F maize resistance in FAW populations. Nowadays, the more effective and less time-consuming genome editing method known as CRISPR/Cas9 technology has gradually supplanted these various breeding techniques. This method successfully edits the genomes of various insects, including Spodoptera frugiperda. On the other hand, this new technique can change an insect's DNA to overcome its tolerance to specific insecticides or to generate a gene drive. The production of plant cultivars resistant to fall armyworms holds great potential for the sustainable management of this pest, given the swift advancement of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its varied uses. Thus, this review article discussed and critically assessed the use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology in long-term fall armyworm pest management. However, this review study focuses primarily on the mechanism of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in both crop plants and insects for FAW management.

Insights into the physiology, biochemistry and ecological significance of the red seaweed Tricleocarpa fragilis in the Andaman Sea.

The present study focused on the physiological and biochemical aspects of Tricleocarpa fragilis, red seaweed belonging to the phylum Rhodophyta, along the South Andaman coast, with particular attention given to its symbiotic relationships with associated flora and fauna. The physicochemical parameters of the seawater at the sampling station, such as its temperature, pH, and salinity, were meticulously analyzed to determine the optimal harvesting period for T. fragilis. Seaweeds attach to rocks, dead corals, and shells in shallow areas exposed to moderate wave action because of its habitat preferences. Temporal variations in biomass production were estimated, revealing the highest peak in March, which was correlated with optimal seawater conditions, including a temperature of 34 ± 1.1 °C, a pH of 8 ± 0.1, and a salinity of 32 ± 0.8 psu. GC‒MS analysis revealed n-hexadecanoic acid as the dominant compound among the 36 peaks, with major bioactive compounds identified as fatty acids, diterpenes, phenolic compounds, and hydrocarbons. This research not only enhances our understanding of ecological dynamics but also provides valuable insights into the intricate biochemical processes of T. fragilis. The established antimicrobial potential and characterization of bioactive compounds from T. fragilis lay a foundation for possible applications in the pharmaceutical industry and other industries.

Effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid-rich linseed on the reproductive performance of ewes in subtropical climates.

The present study evaluated the effects of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid-rich linseed supplementation on the reproductive performance, endocrine profile, and biochemical profile of ewes reared in subtropical climates. Forty-eight acyclic and clinically healthy Marwari sheep, aged 1.5-2.5 years with no parity, were divided into four groups (n = n = 12 in each). Ewes in the control group (group I) were fed only a basal feed, whereas ewes in the treatment groups II, III, and IV were fed the basal diet along with 10%, 15%, and 20% linseed, respectively, daily on a dry matter basis. The experiment was conducted during the typical breeding season (October-November) of the sheep. The estrus induction rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups than in the control group. The estrus induction interval was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in group III. The conception rate in group I was significantly lower (p < 0.05). In addition, ewes in the control group had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) lambing rate than all treatment groups. Serum progesterone concentrations differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the control and the treatment groups on days 15, 30, 45, and 60 of supplementation. On treatment days 15 and 30, the serum estrogen concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups compared to that in group I. In all treatment groups, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) increased significantly (p < 0.05) from day 15 onward. In conclusion, by providing 15% dietary linseed supplementation to ewes, their reproductive performance can be improved in subtropical climates. Future studies are recommended to further elucidate the role of linseed supplementation in sheep reproduction in subtropical climates.

Multi-location evaluation of field pea in Indian climates: eco-phenological dynamics, crop-environment relationships, and identification of mega-environments.

Characterization of crop-growing environments in relation to crop's genotypic performance is crucial to harness positive genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) in systematic breeding programs. Given that, the study aimed to delineate the impact of diverse environments on crop phenology and yield traits of dwarf-statured field pea, pinpointing location(s) favoring higher yield and distinctiveness within breeding lines. We tested twelve field pea breeding lines across twenty locations in India, covering Central Zone (CZ), North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ), North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ), and Northern Hill Zone (NHZ). Across these locations, maximum and minimum temperatures during flowering (TMAXF, TMINF) and reproductive period (TMAXRP, TMINRP) ranged 18.9-28.3, 3.3-18.0, 15.0-30.8, and 7.9-22.1oC, respectively. Meanwhile, notable variations in phenological and agronomic traits (coefficient of variation) were observed: flowering (31%), days to maturity (21%), reproductive period (18%), grain yield (48%), and 100-seed weight (18%). Combined ANOVA demonstrated an oversized impact of environment (81%) on yield, while genotype and GEI effects were 2% and 14%, respectively. The variables TMINF, TMINRP, and cumulative growing degree-day showed positive correlations with yield, while extended vegetative and maturity durations negatively influenced yield (p < 0.05). Additionally, linear mixed-models and PCA results explained that instability in crop phenology had significant influence on field pea yield. Seed weight was markedly varied within the locations (9.9-20.8 g) and both higher and lower seed weights were associated with lower yields (Optimal = 17.1 g). HA-GGE biplot-based on environment focus-scaling demonstrated three mega-environments and specific locations viz. Kota (CZ), SK Nagar (CZ), Raipur (CZ), Sehore (CZ), and Pantnagar (NWPZ) as the ideal testing-environments with high efficiency in selecting new genotypes with wider adaptability. The study findings highlight distinct impact of environments on crop phenology and agronomic traits of field pea (dwarf-type), hold substantial value in designing efficient field pea (dwarf-type) breeding program at mega-environment scale.

Etiological spectrum and diagnostic challenges of short-duration fever in West Bengal (India). A cross-sectional tertiary care study.

INTRODUCTION: The scarcity of epidemiological data on acute febrile illnesses from South Asia impairs evidence-based clinical decision-making. Our study aimed to explore the etiological spectrum of short-duration fever in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal, India. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from May 2021 to April 2022 involving 150 adult patients presenting with a fever lasting less than two weeks at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital (West Bengal, India). We performed comprehensive clinical assessments, including microbiological, serological, and other specific investigations, to identify the causes of the fever. RESULTS: The demographic profile predominantly included individuals aged 21-40 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1; 60.7% of participants were from rural areas. The primary etiological agents identified were scrub typhus (25.3%), dengue (15.3%), and enteric fever (13.3%). Notably, 80% of patients presented with non-localizing symptoms, while 14.7% had respiratory symptoms. Blood cultures pinpointed Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus in a minority of cases (3.3%); malaria, primarily Plasmodium vivax, was diagnosed in 12% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the complexity of diagnosing short-duration fevers, dominated by a wide range of etiological agents, with a notable prevalence of scrub typhus. These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic facilities, including the availability of scrub typhus testing at primary healthcare centers. We recommend empirical doxycycline therapy for suspected cases and emphasize the need for further research to develop management guidelines for acute febrile illnesses. This study also highlights the importance of raising both community and clinician awareness to prevent irrational antibiotic use.

Pollution indices of selected metals in tea (Camellia sinensis L.) growing soils of the Upper Assam region divulge a non-trifling menace of National Highway.

The study investigated the influence of a National Highway (NH) traversing tea estates (TEs) on heavy metal (HM) contamination in the top soils of Upper Assam, India. The dispersion and accumulation of six HMs, viz. cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn), within tea-growing soils were assessed using diverse indices: contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DC), enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), modified degree of contamination (MDC), Nemerow pollution index (PINemerow), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk factor (Eri), and potential ecological risk index (RI). The order of HM prevalence was Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cd. Elevated Cd levels near the NH prompted immediate attention, while Cd and Zn showed moderate pollution in CF, EF, and RI. The remaining metals posed minimal individual risk (Eri< 40), resulting in an overall contamination range of "nil to shallow," signifying slight contamination from the studied metals. From MDC values for investigated metals, it was found to be "zero to very low degree of contamination" at all locations except the vicinity of NH. Soil pollution, as determined by PLI, indicated unpolluted soils in both districts, yet PINemerow values indicated slight pollution. The statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant decrease in most of the indices of HM as the distance from NH increases. The application of multivariate statistical techniques namely Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis showed the presence of three distinct homogenous groups of distances based on different indices. This investigation underscores NH-associated anthropogenic effects on TE soil quality due to HM deposition, warranting proactive mitigation measures.

Genetic diversity, morphological traits, quality traits and antioxidants potentiality of Coccinia grandis germplasm under rainfed semi-arid region.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability for morphological and qualitative traits of Coccinia for development of trait specific lines at ICAR-Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CIAH-RS), Panchmahals (Godhra), Gujarat during 2020-2022. In this study, we evaluated 26 gynoecious accessions to assess the genetic divergence through principal component and cluster analysis. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications under rainfed semi-arid conditions. High values of PCV and GCV were observed for variables such as NFFP (25.13 and 22.20), PL (23.14 and 20.69), FD (24.01 and 21.46), AFW (22.98 and 20.13), NFPY (26.38 and 24.40), FYP (37.57 and 31.29), FY (35.55 and 33.20), AsC (28.65 and 27.73), Ac (24.32 and 21.06), TSS (37.23 and 35.94), DPPHL (20.71 and 20.38), FRAPL (21.08 and 20.92), TPF(20.81 and 20.45) respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for vine length (VL), internodal length (IL), number of female flowers per plant (NFFP), fruit length (FL), peduncle length (PL), fruit diameter (FD), average fruit weight (AFW), number of fruit per plant per year (NFPY), fruit yield per plant (FYP), fruit yield (FY), ascorbic acid (AsC), acidity (Ac), total soluble solids (TSS), total phenols in leaves TPL), total flavonoids in leaves TFL, CUPRAC in leaves (CUPRACL), DPPH in leaves (DPPHL), FRAP in leaves (FRAPL), Total phenols in fruits (TPF), Total flavonoids in fruits (TFF), CUPRAC in fruits (CUPRACF) and DPPH in fruits (DPPHF). The FYP exhibited a significant positive correlation with variables like VL (0.6833), IL (0.2991), NFFP (0.8107), FD (0.5245), AFW (0.6766), NFPY (0.7659), ASC (0.4611), TSS (0.5004) and TPF (0.4281). The estimates of genetic parameters revealed scope for further improvement of fruit yield by selection. Of the eight principal components, PC-I through PC-VIII had eigen values greater than 1 and it accounts 85.02% of the total variation for 26 gynoecious accessions of Ivy gourd. The eigen values of PC-I comprised 5.775% of total variation followed by PC-II (4.250%), PC-III (3.175%), PC-IV (2.588%), PC-V (1.828%), PC-VI (1.447%), PC-VII (1.179%) and PC-VIII (1.013%).The cluster VI and cluster I having highest mean values for most of traits under study. Thus, genotypes from the distinct cluster like cluster VI and I for should be used for selection of parents and varietal improvement for further breeding programme in ivy gourd.

Research Note: Effect of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and specific cecal bacteria in broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic effect of xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) supplemented in a corn-soybean meal (SBM) based conventional diet on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and quantification of specific bacteria in the ceca of broilers. A total of 240 d of hatch Cobb 500 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (corn-SBM-based control diet) containing 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% XOS. The broilers were raised for 21 d in 6 replicate cages, each containing 10 birds. Growth performance parameters were obtained weekly. Additionally, small intestinal tissues were collected to evaluate histomorphometry and whole ceca were collected to quantify bacterial populations on D21. The results showed that inclusion of XOS has similar body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as the control group during the 21-day study. The results further indicate a tendency for the jejunum villus to crypt ratio (VH:CD) to increase in birds given 0.05 and 0.2% XOS (P = 0.08). Cecal bacteria quantification showed a linear increase in Bifidobacterium with increasing XOS levels (P < 0.0001) and a decrease Clostridium perfringens levels compared to birds fed the control diet (P < 0.0001). However, there were no differences in the total counts of Lactobacillus and E. coli. Together these results showed that while there were no differences in growth parameters up to 21 d, the histomorphology findings and the increase in Bifidobacterium, along with the reduction in C. perfringens observed in the XOS groups, suggest a beneficial impact of XOS inclusion on gut health. Further research with longer feeding periods and higher XOS levels should be conducted to explore potential positive effects on both growth and gut health parameters.

Noise survey of neonatal intensive care unit at a government tertiary-care centre.

BACKGROUND: With technological advancement, Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) have become noisier than ever. Studies have shown the detrimental effects of increasing noise in NICU on growing pre-term and sick neonates. The present study aimed to survey the amount of noise in one of the NICU blocks of a government tertiary care centre and explore ways to control it when dealing with these sick babies. METHODS: A detailed noise survey was carried out, for February 2023, in one of the two blocks of NICU in a government tertiary-care centre. The noise measurements were performed using two "Sound Ear 3" noise meters. The analyses were done in Leq (equivalent continuous sound levels) A-weighted decibels (dBA). RESULTS: The extracted data analysis revealed that the NICU block was exposed to a mean Leq of 67.78 dBA noise with a maximum of 89.0 dBA. There was a significant difference between the values noted in devices at different locations and across different periods. There were certain instances (57 and 42 for two devices) when there were sudden spikes in the noise levels beyond 80 dBA. It was also seen that noise was more than 65 dBA most of the time (72% and 66% for the two devices). CONCLUSION: The noise survey carried out over one month revealed a considerable amount of noise in the NICU of a government tertiary-care centre. The study also explored ways such as environmental modification, human behavior modification, awareness programs, and neonatal-centered modifications to reduce the noise and lower its detrimental effects on the growth of neonates.

Genetic and molecular analysis of leaf blast resistance in Tetep derived line RIL4 and its relationship to genes at Pita/Pita2 locus.

The Vietnamese indica landrace 'Tetep' is known worldwide for its durable and broad spectrum-resistance to blast. We performed genetic and molecular analyses of leaf blast resistance in a Tetep derived recombinant inbred line 'RIL4' which is resistant to both leaf and neck blast. Phenotypic analysis of segregating F2 progenies suggested that leaf blast resistance in RIL4 was controlled by a dominant gene tentatively designated as Pi-l(t). The gene was mapped to a 2.4 cm region close to the centromere of chromosome 12. The search for the gene content in the equivalent genomic region of reference cv. Nipponbare revealed the presence of five NBS-LRR genes, two of which corresponded to the alleles of Pita and Pi67 genes previously identified from Tetep. The two other genes, LOC_Os12g17090, and LOC_Os12g17490 represented the homologs of stripe rust resistance gene Yr10. The allelic tests with Pita2 and Pi67 lines suggested that the leaf blast resistance gene in RIL4 is either allelic or tightly linked to these genes. The genomic position of the leaf blast resistance gene in RIL4 perfectly coincided with the genomic position of a neck blast resistance gene Pb2 previously identified from this line suggesting that the same gene confers resistance to leaf and neck blast. The present results were discussed in juxtaposition with past studies on the genes of Pita/Pita2 resistance gene complex.

Corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) in eye bank.

This case series highlights the challenges in eye banking and the importance of a quality assurance program. Three cases triggered corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to improve the processes. Case 1 emphasized training to prevent retrieval failures. Case 2 stressed the need for blood samples and comprehensive documentation. In Case 3, mishandling led to policy revisions and staff training. CAPA involved identifying concerns, root cause analysis, action plans, implementation, checks, and closure. Errors can occur in man, machinery, process, and policies. Continuous CAPA ensures continuous quality improvement and safe corneal tissue transplantation, benefiting patients in need.

Amaranth Genomic Resource Database: an integrated database resource of Amaranth genes and genomics.

Amaranth (Amaranthus L.) is native to Mexico and North America, where it was cultivated thousands of years ago, but now amaranth is grown worldwide. Amaranth is one of the most promising food crops with high nutritional value and belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. The high-quality genome assembly of cultivated amaranth species (A. hypochondriacus, A. cruentus) and wild/weedy species (A. tuberculatus, A. hybridus, and A. palmeri) has already been reported; therefore, we developed an Amaranth Genomic Resource Database (AGRDB) to provide access to all the genomic information such as genes, SSRs, SNPs, TFs, miRNAs, and transporters in one place. The AGRDB database contains functionally annotated gene information with their sequence details, genic as well as genomic SSRs with their three sets of primers, transcription factors classified into different families with their sequence information and annotation details, putative miRNAs with their family, sequences, and targeted gene details, transporter genes with their superfamily, trans-membrane domain details, and details of genic as well as nongenic SNPs with 3' and 5' flanking sequence information of five amaranth species. A database search can be performed using the gene ID, sequence ID, sequence motif, motif repeat, family name, annotation keyword, scaffold or chromosome numbers, etc. This resource also includes some useful tools, including JBrowse for the visualization of genes, SSRs, SNPs, and TFs on the respective amaranth genomes and BLAST search to perform a BLAST search of the user's query sequence against the amaranth genome as well as protein sequences. The AGRDB database will serve as a potential platform for genetic improvement and characterization of this futuristic crop. The AGRDB database will be accessible via the link: http://www.nbpgr.ernet.in:8080/AmaranthGRD/.

A prospective, randomised, single-blinded controlled trial comparing ultrasound versus nerve stimulator guidance for interscalene block for ambulatory upper limb surgeries.

Background: Interscalene block is usually performed using either ultrasound (US) or nerve stimulator (NS) guidance. This single-blinded, prospective, randomised study was performed to find out whether US was able to offer distinct advantages over conventional NS guidance. Methods: 100 patients in the American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) physical status I to III, aged 18-70 years were randomised into US guided or NS guided group for interscalene block with 15 ml 0.5% bupivacaine and 5 ml 2% lignocaine. Patients were premedicated with midazolam 0.03 mg/kg (maximum 2 mg) and fentanyl 2 mcg/kg (max 100 mcg) was used as rescue analgesia. Result: Mean time of onset of sensory block in the NS group was 6.2 min (3.1), the US group 4.7 min (1.1), p value (<0.001). Mean duration of post-operative analgesia in NS group 323.6 min (98.6), US group 558.6 min (144.3), (p < 0.001). Mean time for performance of block NS Group 7.3 min (2.0), and in the US group 4.9 min (1.3), (p < 0.001). Number of needle passes NS group 1.7(0.9), US group 1.3 (1.0), (p < 0.005). Total cost per surgery with NS was Rs 363.10 less than in the US-guided block. Incremental cost effectiveness ratio for ultrasound group for onset of block was Rs -242.07, Rs 92.0 for duration of block and Rs -151.29 for time for performance of block. No incident of post-operative neurological complications seen in either group. Conclusion: Ultrasound use offers faster onset, longer duration of block, reduces time for performance of blocks with comparable complication rates. For most of the measured parameters it was superior but more costly than nerve stimulator for directly measured costs.

Differential expression of genes during recovery of Nicotiana tabacum from tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus infection.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Nicotiana tabacum exhibits recovery response towards tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus. Transcriptome analysis revealed the differential expression of defense-related genes. Genes encoding for cysteine protease inhibitor, hormonal- and stress-related to DNA repair mechanism are found to be involved in the recovery process. Elucidating the role of host factors in response to viral infection is crucial in understanding the plant host-virus interaction. Begomovirus, a genus in the family Geminiviridae, is reported throughout the globe and is known to cause serious crop diseases. Tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus (ToLCGV) infection in Nicotiana tabacum resulted in initial symptom expression followed by a quick recovery in the systemic leaves. Transcriptome analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes both in symptomatic as well as recovered leaves when compared to mock-inoculated plants. The virus infected N. tabacum results in alteration of various metabolic pathways, phytohormone signaling pathway, defense related protein, protease inhibitor, and DNA repair pathway. RT-qPCR results indicated that Germin-like protein subfamily T member 2 (NtGLPST), Cysteine protease inhibitor 1-like (NtCPI), Thaumatin-like protein (NtTLP), Kirola-like (NtKL), and Ethylene-responsive transcription factor ERF109-like (NtERTFL) were down-regulated in symptomatic leaves when compared to recovered leaves of ToLCGV-infected plants. In contrast, the Auxin-responsive protein SAUR71-like (NtARPSL) was found to be differentially down-regulated in recovered leaves when compared to symptomatic leaves and the mock-inoculated plants. Lastly, Histone 2X protein like (NtHH2L) gene was found to be down-regulated, whereas Uncharacterized (NtUNCD) was up-regulated in both symptomatic as well as recovered leaves compared to the mock-inoculated plants. Taken together, the present study suggests potential roles of the differentially expressed genes that might govern tobacco's susceptibility and/or recovery response towards ToLCGV infection.

Plant growth-promoting traits of culturable seed microbiome of citrus species from Purvanchal Himalaya.

Despite Northeastern India being "Treasure House of Citrus Genetic Wealth," genetic erosion of citrus diversity poses severe concern with a corresponding loss in seed microbial diversity. The seed microbiome of citrus species unique to the Purvanchal Himalaya is seldom explored for their use in sustainable orchard management. Isolation and characterization of culturable seed microbiomes of eight citrus species, namely, Citrus reticulata Blanco, C. grandis (L.) Osbeck, C. latipes Tanaka, C. megaloxycarpa Lushaigton, C. jambhiri Lush, C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck, C. macroptera Montr, and C. indica Tanaka collected from NE India were carried out. The isolates were then screened for an array of plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits [indole acetic acid (IAA) production, N2 fixation, phosphate and zinc complex dissolution, siderophores, and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) production]. The pure culture isolates of seed microbiomes were capable of dissolving insoluble Ca3(PO4)2 (1.31-4.84 µg Pi ml-1 h-1), Zn3(PO4)2 (2.44-3.16 µg Pi ml-1 h-1), AlPO4 (1.74-3.61 µg Pi ml-1 h-1), and FePO4 (1.54-4.61µg Pi ml-1 h-1), mineralized phytate (12.17-18.00 µg Pi ml-1 h-1) and produced IAA-like substances (4.8-187.29 µg ml-1 h-1). A few isolates of the seed microbiome were also able to fix nitrogen, secrete siderophore-like compounds and HCN, and dissolve ZnSO4 and ZnO. The 16S ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid (rRNA)-based taxonomic findings revealed that Bacillus was the most dominant genus among the isolates across citrus species. Isolates CG2-1, CME6-1, CME6-4, CME6-5, CME6-9, CJ7-1, CMA10-1, CI11-3, and CI11-4 were identified as promising bioinoculants for development of microbial consortium having multifaceted PGP traits for nutritional benefits of nitrogen, phosphorus and zinc, and IAA hormonal benefits to citrus crops for better fitness in acid soils.

Tinospora cordifolia modulates the seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and seminal antioxidants in equilibrated and cryopreserved semen of Sahiwal bulls.

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of stem extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy or Guduchi) in the semen extender on seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and antioxidants in semen of Sahiwal bull. A total of 48 ejaculates from four bulls were selected for the study. Spermatozoa of 25 × 106 were incubated in 100, 300 and 500 µg of stem extract of Guduchi as Gr II, III and IV, respectively, and pre-freeze and post-thaw semen samples were analysed for seminal parameters [motility, viability, total sperm abnormality (TSA), plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and acrosomal integrity (AcI)], intracellular enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and seminal antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase] in comparison with an untreated control group (Gr I). The results revealed that stem extract-treated semen had significantly (p < .05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p < .05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in untreated control group at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Semen treated with 100 µg stem extract/25 × 106 spermatozoa had significantly (p < .05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p < .05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in control, 300- and 500-µg-treated groups at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Further, these seminal parameters and antioxidants were showing decreasing trend and TSA and leakage of intracellular enzymes were showing increasing trend from Gr II to Gr IV at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Thus, 100 µg/25 × 106 spermatozoa were optimum or suitable dose for cryopreservation of Sahiwal bull semen. The study concluded that T. cordifolia stem extract 100 µg/25 × 106 spermatozoa in the semen extender can be effectively utilized to reduce the oxidative stress and improve the pre-freeze and post-thaw seminal parameters in Sahiwal bull. However, further studies on effects of different concentrations of stem extract on in vitro or in vivo fertility trials are to be conducted to assess the impact of the stem extract supplementation in the semen extender on field pregnancy outcomes in bovine species.