CRISPR-Cas9 based molecular breeding in crop plants: a review.

Traditional crop breeding techniques are not quickly boosting yields to fulfill the expanding population needs. Long crop lifespans hinder the ability of plant breeding to develop superior crop varieties. Due to the arduous crossing, selecting, and challenging processes, it can take decades to establish new varieties with desired agronomic traits. Develop new plant varieties instantly to reduce hunger and improve food security. As a result of the adoption of conventional agricultural techniques, crop genetic diversity has decreased over time. Several traditional and molecular techniques, such as genetic selection, mutant breeding, somaclonal variation, genome-wide association studies, and others, have improved agronomic traits associated with agricultural plant productivity, quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, modern genome editing approaches based on programmable nucleases, CRISPR, and Cas9 proteins have escorted an exciting new era of plant breeding. Plant breeders and scientists worldwide rely on cutting-edge techniques like quick breeding, genome editing tools, and high-throughput phenotyping to boost crop breeding output. This review compiles discoveries in numerous areas of crop breeding, such as using genome editing tools to accelerate the breeding process and create yearly crop generations with the desired features, to describe the shift from conventional to modern plant breeding techniques.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate of human blood exposed to low-level laser.

This study is designed to investigate in vitro low-level laser (LLL) effects on rheological parameter, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), of human blood. The interaction mechanism between LLL radiation and blood is unclear. Therefore, research addresses the effects of LLL irradiation on human blood and this is essential to understanding how laser radiation interacts with biological cells and tissues. The blood samples were collected through venipuncture into EDTA-containing tubes as an anticoagulant. Each sample was divided into two equal aliquots to be used as a non-irradiated sample (control) and an irradiated sample. The aliquot was subjected to doses of 36, 54, 72 and 90 J/cm(2) with wavelengths of 405, 589 and 780 nm, with a radiation source at a fixed power density of 30 mW/cm(2). The ESR and red blood cell count and volume are measured after laser irradiation and compared with the non-irradiated samples. The maximum reduction in ESR is observed with radiation dose 72 J/cm(2) delivered with a 405-nm wavelength laser beam. Moreover, no hemolysis is observed under these irradiation conditions. In a separate protocol, ESR of separated RBCs re-suspended in irradiated plasma (7.6 ± 2.3 mm/h) is found to be significantly lower (by 51 %) than their counterpart re-suspended in non-irradiated plasma (15.0 ± 3.7 mm/h). These results indicate that ESR reduction is mainly due to the effects of LLL on the plasma composition that ultimately affect whole blood ESR.

Role of magnesium in preventing post-operative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of 3 days of magnesium infusion after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) & National Institute of Heart Diseases (NIHD), Rawalpindi, from July 2006 to June 2007. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, non-blinded. METHODS: All patients undergoing isolated, initial CABG surgery, and having sinus rhythm before surgery were alternatively randomized into the study or the control group. The exclusion criteria included: history of AF, implanted pacemaker, myocardial infarction postoperatively, use of left ventricular assist devices and renal failure. The patients in the study group received 10 mmol of magnesium sulphate (2.47 gm) dissolved in 100 ml of saline solution infused intravenously over 4 hours, for 3 days. The end point was development of AF for at least 15 minutes or more, or if an episode of AF had to be treated because of symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients were included in the study, 110 in each group. The incidence of AF was 9% in patients who received the three days of magnesium infusion. The patients without magnesium had an AF incidence of 23% (p < 0.001). The hospital stay was also less in the treated group (p = 0.055). CONCLUSION: A 3-days postoperative infusion of magnesium is safe and effective in reduction of possibly life-threatening AF, in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass surgery.

An unusual cause of haemoperitoneum in a child.

We present a case of haemoperitoneum in a child, who presented with signs of acute abdomen with subacute intestinal obstruction. Abdominal paracentesis aspirated fresh blood. Ultrasound and CT scan abdomen showed loculated haemoperitoneum. A definitive diagnosis could not be made andan exploratory laparotomy was undertaken which revealed a large cystic lymphangioma of greater omentum with acute massive spontaneous haemorrhage. It was excised in toto along with the involved omentum leading to excellent recovery. Abdominal cystic lymphangioma first presenting as a spontaneous, life threatening haemorrhage has to our knowledge, not been reported before. It may have to be included in the differential diagnosis of acute haemoperitoneum.