Genetic Enhancement for Biotic Stress Resistance in Basmati Rice through Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding.

Pusa Basmati 1509 (PB1509) is one of the major foreign-exchange-earning varieties of Basmati rice; it is semi-dwarf and early maturing with exceptional cooking quality and strong aroma. However, it is highly susceptible to various biotic stresses including bacterial blight and blast. Therefore, bacterial blight resistance genes, namely, xa13 + Xa21 and Xa38, and fungal blast resistance genes Pi9 + Pib and Pita were incorporated into the genetic background of recurrent parent (RP) PB1509 using donor parents, namely, Pusa Basmati 1718 (PB1718), Pusa 1927 (P1927), Pusa 1929 (P1929) and Tetep, respectively. Foreground selection was carried out with respective gene-linked markers, stringent phenotypic selection for recurrent parent phenotype, early generation background selection with Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and background analysis at advanced generations with Rice Pan Genome Array comprising 80K SNPs. This has led to the development of Near isogenic lines (NILs), namely, Pusa 3037, Pusa 3054, Pusa 3060 and Pusa 3066 carrying genes xa13 + Xa21, Xa38, Pi9 + Pib and Pita with genomic similarity of 98.25%, 98.92%, 97.38% and 97.69%, respectively, as compared to the RP. Based on GGE-biplot analysis, Pusa 3037-1-44-3-164-20-249-2 carrying xa13 + Xa21, Pusa 3054-2-47-7-166-24-261-3 carrying Xa38, Pusa 3060-3-55-17-157-4-124-1 carrying Pi9 + Pib, and Pusa 3066-4-56-20-159-8-174-1 carrying Pita were identified to be relatively stable and better-performing individuals in the tested environments. Intercrossing between the best BC3F1s has led to the generation of Pusa 3122 (xa13 + Xa21 + Xa38), Pusa 3124 (Xa38 + Pi9 + Pib) and Pusa 3123 (Pi9 + Pib + Pita) with agronomy, grain and cooking quality parameters at par with PB1509. Cultivation of such improved varieties will help farmers reduce the cost of cultivation with decreased pesticide use and improve productivity with ensured safety to consumers.

Leaf mass area determines water use efficiency through its influence on carbon gain in rice mutants.

Saving water and enhancing rice productivity are consensually the most important research goals globally. While increasing canopy cover would enhance growth rates by higher photosynthetic carbon gain, an accompanied increase in transpiration would have a negative impact on saving water as well as for sustainability under water-limited conditions. Increased water use efficiency (WUE) by virtue of higher carbon assimilatory capacity can significantly circumvent this trade-off. Here, we report leaf mass area (LMA) has an important canopy architecture trait which when combined with superior carboxylation efficiency (CE) would achieve higher water productivity in rice. A set of 130 ethyl methanesulfonate induced mutants of an upland cultivar Nagina-22 (N22), was screened for leaf morphological traits leading to the identification of mutants differing in LMA. The wild-type, N22, along with a selected low-LMA (380-4-3) and two high-LMA mutants (392-9-1 and 457-1-3), all with comparable total leaf area, were raised under well-watered (100% Field Capacity (FC)) and water-limited (60% FC) conditions. Low Δ13 C and a higher RuBisCO content in high-LMA mutants indicated higher carboxylation efficiency, leading to increased carbon gain. Single parent backcross populations developed by crossing high and the low-LMA mutants with N22, separately, were screened for LMA, Δ13 C and growth traits. Comparison of dry matter accumulation per unit leaf area among the progenies differing in LMA and Δ13 C reiterated the association of LMA with CE. Results illustrated that high-LMA when combined with higher CE (low Δ13 C) lead to increased WUE and growth rates.

Effect of Gender, Age, Diet and Smoking Status on the Circadian Rhythm of Serum Uric Acid of Healthy Indians of Different Age Groups.

The circadian rhythm of uric acid concentration was studied under near-normal tropical conditions in 162 healthy volunteers (103 males and 59 females; 7 to 75 year). They were mostly medical students, staff members and members of their families. They were classified into 4 age groups: A (7-20 y; N = 42), B (21-40 y; N = 60), C (41-60 y; N = 35) and D (61-75 y; N = 25). They followed a diurnal activity from about 06:00 to about 22:00 and nocturnal rest. Blood samples were collected from each subject every 6 for 24 h (4 samples). Serum uric acid was measured spectrophotometrically. Data from each subject were analyzed by cosinor rhythmometry. Effects of gender, age, diet (vegetarian vs. omnivore), and smoking status on the rhythm-adjusted mean (MESOR) and circadian amplitude were examined by multiple-analysis of variance. A marked circadian variation was found in uric acid concentration in healthy Indians of all age groups. Furthermore, both the MESOR and circadian amplitude underwent changes with advancing age. In addition to effects of gender and age, diet and smoking were also found to affect the MESOR of circulating uric acid concentration in healthy Indians residing in northern India. The present observations confirmed a definite rhythm in uric acid concentrations with significant effect of gender, age, diet, and smoking status on uric acid concentration in clinical health. Mapping the circadian rhythm of serum uric acid is needed to explore their role in different pathophysiological conditions.

ω-3 Fatty Acid Synergized Novel Nanoemulsifying System for Rosuvastatin Delivery: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

The present study was undertaken to improve rosuvastatin (RSV) bioavailability and pharmacological response through formation of SNES using Perilla frutescens oil as lipid carrier. The composition of oil was estimated by fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis using gas chromatography. Solubility of RSV in Perilla frutescens oil and Cremophor EL was 25.0 ± 3.0 and 60.0 ± 5.0 mg/mL, respectively. Later, nanophasic maps and a central composite design were employed to determine the maximum nanoemulsion region and further optimize SNES in this study. Finally, the optimized formulation was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. FAME analysis revealed that PUFA content was 70.3% of total fatty acid. Optimized SNES formulation demonstrated particle size of 17.90 nm, dissolution 98.80%, cloud point 45°C, emulsification time 2 min, and viscosity 241.41 ± 5.52 cP. The hypolipidemic property of SNES was further explored using Triton X-100-induced hyperlipidemic rat model, and there were reductions of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL and VLDL levels in the SNES-treated group as compared to the toxic control. Pharmacokinetic study of SNES revealed significantly higher C max (60.13 ± 25.43 ng/mL) and AUC0-∞ (6195 ± 42.38 ng h/mL) vis-à-vis marketed tablet (284.80 ± 13.44 ng/mL, 3131.72 ± 51.93 ng h/mL, respectively). RSV was successfully incorporated into ω-3 fatty acid-based SNES with improved pharmacokinetic parameters (~ 2-fold improved bioavailability) and better hypolipidemic properties, owing to the synergistic effects of hepatic lipid regulation itself. The results clearly explicated that ω-3 fatty acid-based SNES effectively enhanced bioavailability and pharmacological responses of RSV, suggesting that these formulations may be useful as alternative for hyperlipidemia treatment in future drug design perspective.

Pulmonary Nocardiosis: Unusual Presentation in Intensive Care Unit.

Pulmonary nocardiosis is a rare disease, which mainly affects immunocompromised hosts such as uncontrolled diabetics; HIV patients; and patients on immunosuppressive therapies such as anticancer drugs, systemic steroids, and transplant recipients. The diagnosis is often missed and delayed, resulting in inappropriate treatment and thus higher mortality. We are reporting a case of pulmonary nocardiosis with acute presentation in an immune-competent host, who presented with community-acquired pneumonia to the Intensive Care Unit. Clinical expertise with multiple high-end and interventional investigations timely confirmed the case as pulmonary nocardiosis. Conservative management with medications led to her complete recovery.

Marker-assisted identification of restorer gene(s) in iso-cytoplasmic restorer lines of WA cytoplasm in rice and assessment of their fertility restoration potential across environments.

Iso-cytoplasmic restorers possess the same male sterile cytoplasm as the cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines, thereby minimizing the potential cyto-nuclear conflict in the hybrids. Restoration of fertility of the wild abortive CMS is governed by two major genes namely, Rf3 and Rf4. Therefore, assessing the allelic status of these restorer genes in the iso-cytoplasmic restorers using molecular markers will not only help in estimating the efficiency of these genes either alone or in combination, in fertility restoration in the hybrids in different environments, but will also be useful in determining the efficacy of these markers. In the present study, the efficiency of molecular markers in identifying genotypes carrying restorer allele of the gene(s) Rf3 and Rf4, restoring male fertility of WA cytoplasm in rice was assessed in a set of 100 iso-cytoplasmic rice restorers using gene linked as well as candidate gene based markers. In order to validate the efficacy of markers in identifying the restorers, a sub-set of selected 25 iso-cytoplasmic rice restorers were crossed with four different cytoplasmic male sterile lines namely, IR 79156A, IR 58025A, Pusa 6A and RTN 12A, and the pollen and spikelet fertility of the F1s were evaluated at three different locations. Marker analysis showed that Rf4 was the predominant fertility restorer gene in the iso-cytoplasmic restorers and Rf3 had a synergistic effect on fertility restoration. The efficiency of gene based markers, DRCG-RF4-14 and DRRM-RF3-10 for Rf4 (87%) and Rf3 (84%) genes was higher than respective gene-linked SSR markers RM6100 (80%) and RM3873 (82%). It is concluded that the gene based markers can be effectively used in identifying fertility restorer lines obviating the need for making crosses and evaluating the F1s. Though gene based markers are more efficient, there is a need to identify functional polymorphisms which can provide 100% efficiency. Three iso-cytoplasmic restorers namely, PRR 300, PRR 363 and PRR 396 possessing both Rf4 and Rf3 genes and good fertility restoration have been identified which could be used further in hybrid rice breeding.

Cerebral Air Embolism Secondary to Lung Laceration.

Cerebral air embolism is a rare clinical entity in day-to-day practice. The introduction of air into the venous or the arterial system can cause cerebral air embolism leading to severe neurological deficits. The common causes reported in the literature are iatrogenic; it can be caused by positive pressure maneuvers performed during cardiac resuscitation, lung biopsy, and the placement of venous catheters in the presence of a patent foramen ovale. We report a case of cerebral air embolism which has occurred secondary to lung laceration. The patient underwent intercostal drainage for hydro-pneumothorax and developed forceful cough and suddenly changed in consciousness. Air embolism was diagnosed by computed tomography brain and was managed by high-concentration oxygen therapy and other supportive measures and is being discharged in satisfactory condition.

Unique miRNome during anthesis in drought-tolerant indica rice var. Nagina 22.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Drought-tolerant rice variety, Nagina 22 (N22), has a unique spikelet miRNome during anthesis stage drought as well as transition from heading to anthesis. Molecular characterization of genetic diversity of rice is essential to understand the evolution and molecular basis of various agronomically important traits such as drought tolerance. miRNAs play an important role in regulating plant development as well as stress response such as drought. In this study, we characterized the yet unexplored dynamics of the spikelet miRNA population during developmental transition from 'heading' to 'anthesis' as well as anthesis stage drought stress in a drought-tolerant indica rice variety, N22. A significant proportion of miRNA population (~20 %) in N22 spikelets is modulated during transition from heading to anthesis indicating a unique miRNome at anthesis, a developmental stage highly sensitive to stress (drought/heat). Based on the analysis of degradome data, majority of differentially regulated miRNAs appear to regulate transcription factors, some of which are implicated in regulation of development and fertilization. Similarly, drought during anthesis leads to a global change in miRNA expression pattern including those which regulate ROS homeostasis. It was possible to identify several miRNAs that were not reported to be drought responsive in earlier studies. Interestingly, a significant proportion of the drought-regulated miRNAs co-localize within QTLs related to drought tolerance and associated traits. Comparison of the expression profiles between N22 and Pusa Basmati 1 (drought sensitive) identified miRNAs with variety-specific expression patterns during phase transition (miR164, miR396, miR812, and miR1881) as well as drought stress (miR1881) indicating an evolution of a distinct and variety-specific regulatory mechanism. The promoters of these miRNAs contain LREs (light-responsive elements) and are induced by dark treatment. It was also possible to identify 4 novel miRNAs including an intronic miRNA that was conserved in both rice varieties.

Key elements of the RNAi pathway are regulated by hepatitis B virus replication and HBx acts as a viral suppressor of RNA silencing.

The host-mediated RNAi pathways restrict replication of viruses in plant, invertebrate and vertebrate systems. However, comparatively little is known about the interplay between RNAi and various viral infections in mammalian hosts. We show in the present study that the siRNA-mediated silencing of Drosha, Dicer and Ago2 [argonaute RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) catalytic component 2] transcripts in Huh7 cells resulted in elevated levels of HBV (hepatitis B virus)-specific RNAs and, conversely, we observed a decrease in mRNA and protein levels of same RNAi components in HepG2 cells infected with HBV. Similar reductions were also detectable in CHB (chronic hepatitis B) patients. Analysis of CHB liver biopsy samples, with high serum HBV DNA load (>log108 IU/ml), revealed a reduced mRNA and protein levels of Drosha, Dicer and Ago2. The low expression levels of key RNAi pathway components in CHB patient samples as well as hepatic cells established a link between HBV replication and RNAi components. The HBV proteins were also examined for RSS (RNA-silencing suppressor) properties. Using GFP-based reversion of silencing assays, in the present study we found that HBx is an RSS protein. Through a series of deletions and substitution mutants, we found that the full-length HBx protein is required for optimum RSS activity. The in vitro dicing assays revealed that the HBx protein inhibited the human Dicer-mediated processing of dsRNAs into siRNAs. Together, our results suggest that the HBx protein might function as RSS to manipulate host RNAi defence, in particular by abrogating the function of Dicer. The present study may have implications in the development of newer strategies to combat HBV infection.

Differential sensitivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to chlorpyrifos and propiconazole: Morphology, cytogenetic assay and photosynthetic pigments.

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the effects of an insecticide and fungicide, namely, chlorpyrifos (CP) and propiconazole (PZ) on barley (Hordeum vulgare L. variety Karan-16). The seeds were treated with three concentrations of CP and PZ, i.e., 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.5% for 6 hours after different pre-soaking durations of 7, 17 and 27 hours. Different pre-soaking durations (7, 17 and 27 h) represent three phases of the cell cycle i.e., G1, S and G2, respectively. Double distilled water and ethyl methane sulfonate were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. As compared to their respective controls, treated root tip meristematic cells of barley showed significant reductions in the germination percentage, seedling height, mitotic index and comparative increase in chromosomal aberrations against both the pesticides, and the magnitude was higher in CP. After treatment with the pesticides, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents increased up to 0.1% but reduced at 0.5% and the decrease was more prominent in CP as compared to PZ. In treated cells, fragmentation, stickiness, bridges, multipolar anaphase and diagonal anaphase were observed as aberrations. As compared to control, chromosomal aberrations were higher in CP as compared to PZ. The results of the present study concluded that CP induced chromosomal aberrations were more frequent than PZ; hence it has higher probability to cause genotoxicity in barley.

Highly sensitive and selective colorimetric and off-on fluorescent reversible chemosensors for Al³âº based on the rhodamine fluorophore.

A series of rhodamine derivatives L1-L3 have been prepared and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and ESI-MS. These compounds exhibited selective and sensitive "turn-on" fluorescent and colorimetric responses to Al3+ in methanol. Upon the addition of Al(III), the spiro ring was opened and a metal-probe complex was formed in a 1:1 stoichiometry, as was further confirmed by ESI-MS spectroscopy. The chemo-dosimeters L1-L3 exhibited good binding constants and low detection limits towards Al(III). We also successfully demonstrate the reversibility of the metal to ligand complexation (opened ring to spirolactam ring).

Analysis for optimized prerequisites of modified solar stills.

This research portrayed the analysis of performance enhancement through a relative optimization approach of novel solar still models based on energetic-exergetic performances and energy matrices with environs-economic breakthroughs and is an extension of the existing research done by Singh & Samsher, and Singh & Gautam in the year 2022. The existing solar distiller models haven't shown relative influence on the performance of variable number of vacuum tubes, fully/partially illuminated and with/without the augmentation of parabolic concentrators among different schemes of solar still models. The present research bridges the above gaps to identify the analytical observations for the optimized results for the novel arrangement of the solar distillers compared to others. The dual slope solar still (DSS) with parabolic solar receiver (PSR) and evacuated annual tubes (EATC) found superior among other schemes and the DSS-EATC-PSR arrangement is advanced and enhanced with basin mass temperature (11.4 %) in observance with 30° inclined glaze cover and vacuum tubes altogether. A natural circulated thermo siphon shows increment (28.1 % & 0.1 %) to DSS-EATC-PSR relative to SSS with EATC & PSR, respectively. Further, the daily overall efficiencies (energy and exergy) have a marginal decrement of 8.4 % and 4.7 %, respectively, than the single-face solar still scheme (SSS). The daily yielding improvement is 4.6 % than the SSS scheme with nominal promotional cost (0.07 $/l) at a noticeable production cost. The CO2 mitigates, and environmental revenue is better than the SSS scheme by 5.9 % & 14.6 %. The concern price of the DSS coordination is lower by 6.6 %, and the productivity of the systems was found to be more than 100 % which assures the viability of the projected scheme.

Submammary Approach for Harvesting Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap in Females with Oral Cavity Cancers: Report of Technique and Our Experience.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of cancers affecting both male and female population worldwide. Currently gold standard for reconstruction of oral cavity defects is free flap reconstruction. However, in developing countries due to large case load, infrastructural and resource constraints, Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is still widely being used. Harvesting PMMC flap in females is challenging due to thick fat and breast tissue affecting its reliability and also increased donor site morbidity. This article aims at highlighting our experience with harvesting PMMC flap in female patients by submammary approach and its outcomes. Methods: A total of 23 female patients who underwent wide local excision of oral cavity cancers and reconstruction with PMMC flap were included. Data was analysed as mean, median, mode, percentages and statistical averages. Results: Majority of patients belonged to 40-60 years of age group (60.86%). Buccal mucosa was the most common site of primary lesion in 16 patients (69.56%). Out of the 23 patients who underwent PMMC flap reconstruction, recipient site complications were seen in 4 patients including total flap loss in 2 patients (8.69%), minor complications, e.g. infection in 2 patients (8.69%). Donor site morbidity in the form of axillary seroma was seen in only 1 patient (4.34%). Conclusion: In our experience, PMMC flap is still a viable option for reconstruction especially in resource constraint settings. Submammary approach to PMMC flap harvest is a safe technique as it is associated with minimum recipient site complications whilst preserving donor site anatomy and thereby reducing donor site morbidities to minimum.

Evaluation of biocontrol efficacy of rhizosphere dwelling bacteria for management of Fusarium wilt and Botrytis gray mold of chickpea.

BACKGROUND: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production is affected by many biotic factors, among them Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and Botrytis gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea led to severe losses. As fungicide application is not advisable, biological management is the best alternative for plant protection. The rhizosphere-dwelling antagonistic bacteria are one of the important successful alternative strategy to manage these diseases of chickpea. Rhizosphere dwelling bacteria serve as biocontrol agents by different mechanisms like producing antibiotics, different enzymes, siderophores against pathogens and thereby reducing the growth of pathogens. RESULTS: The present study aimed to isolate rhizospheric bacteria from the soils of different chickpea fields to evaluate biocontrol efficacy of the isolated bacteria to manage Fusarium wilt and Botrytis gray mold in chickpea. A total of 67 bacteria were isolated from chickpea rhizosphere from Bundelkhand region of India. Study revealed the isolated bacteria could reduce the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and Botrytis cinerea infection in chickpea between 17.29 and 75.29%. After screening of all the bacteria for their biocontrol efficacy, 13 most promising bacterial isolates were considered for further study out of which, three bacterial isolates (15d, 9c and 14a) have shown the maximum in vitro antagonistic effects against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri and Botrytis cinerea comparable to in vivo effects. However, Isolate (15d) showed highest 87.5% and 82.69% reduction in disease against Fusarium wilt and Botrytis gray mold respectively, under pot condition. Three most potential isolates were characterized at molecular level using 16S rRNA gene and found to be Priestia megaterium (9c and 14a) and Serratia marcescens (15d). CONCLUSION: This study identified two native biocontrol agents Priestia megaterium and Serratia marcescens from the rhizospheric soils of Bundelkhand region of India for control of Fusarium wilt, Botrytis gray mold. In future, efforts should be made to further validate the biocontrol agents in conjugation with nanomaterials for enhancing the synergistic effects in managing the fungal diseases in chickpea. This study will definitely enhance our understanding of these bioagents, and to increase their performance by developing effective formulations, application methods, and integrated strategies.

A review on structure-function mechanism and signaling pathway of serine/threonine protein PIM kinases as a therapeutic target.

The proviral integration for the Moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases, belonging to serine/threonine kinase family, have been found to be overexpressed in various types of cancers, such as prostate, breast, colon, endometrial, gastric, and pancreatic cancer. The three isoforms PIM kinases i.e., PIM1, PIM2, and PIM3 share a high degree of sequence and structural similarity and phosphorylate substrates controlling tumorigenic phenotypes like proliferation and cell survival. Targeting short-lived PIM kinases presents an intriguing strategy as in vivo knock-down studies result in non-lethal phenotypes, indicating that clinical inhibition of PIM might have fewer adverse effects. The ATP binding site (hinge region) possesses distinctive attributes, which led to the development of novel small molecule scaffolds that target either one or all three PIM isoforms. Machine learning and structure-based approaches have been at the forefront of developing novel and effective chemical therapeutics against PIM in preclinical and clinical settings, and none have yet received approval for cancer treatment. The stability of PIM isoforms is maintained by PIM kinase activity, which leads to resistance against PIM inhibitors and chemotherapy; thus, to overcome such effects, PIM proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are now being developed that specifically degrade PIM proteins. In this review, we recapitulate an overview of the oncogenic functions of PIM kinases, their structure, function, and crucial signaling network in different types of cancer, and the potential of pharmacological small-molecule inhibitors. Further, our comprehensive review also provides valuable insights for developing novel antitumor drugs that specifically target PIM kinases in the future. In conclusion, we provide insights into the benefits of degrading PIM kinases as opposed to blocking their catalytic activity to address the oncogenic potential of PIM kinases.

Metagenomic landscape of sediments of river Ganga reveals microbial diversity, potential plastic and xenobiotic degradation enzymes.

The Ganga is the largest river in India, serves as a lifeline for agriculture, drinking water, and religious rites. However, it became highly polluted due to the influx of industrial wastes and untreated sewages, leading to the decline of aquatic biodiversity. This study investigated the microbial diversity and plastic-xenobiotic degrading enzymes of six sediment metagenomes of river Ganga at Prayagraj (RDG, TSG, SDG) and Devprayag (KRG, BNG, BRG). The water quality parameters, higher values of BOD (1.8-3.7 ppm), COD (23-29.2 ppm) and organic carbon (0.18-0.51%) were recorded at Prayagraj. Comparative analysis of microbial community structure between Prayagraj and Devprayag revealed significant differences between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, which emerging as the predominant bacterial phyla across six sediment samples. Notably, their prevalence was highest in the BRG samples. Furthermore, 25 OTUs at genus level were consistent across all six samples. Alpha diversity exhibited minimal variation among samples, while beta diversity indicated an inverse relationship between species richness and diversity. Co-occurrence network analysis established that genera from the same and different groups of phyla show positive co-relations with each other. Thirteen plastic degrading enzymes, including Laccase, Alkane-1 monooxygenase and Alkane monooxygenase, were identified from six sediment metagenomes of river Ganga, which can degrade non-biodegradable plastic viz. Polyethylene, Polystyrene and Low-density Polyethelene. Further, 18 xenobiotic degradation enzymes were identified for the degradation of Bisphenol, Xylene, Toluene, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, Styrene, Atrazene and Dioxin etc. This is the first report on the identification of non-biodegradable plastic degrading enzymes from sediment metagenomes of river Ganga, India. The findings of this study would help in pollution abatement and sustainable management of riverine ecosystem.

Identification of a Promising Novel Genetic Source for Rice Root-Knot Nematode Resistance through Markers Associated with Trait-Specific Quantitative Trait Loci.

Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is gaining popularity among farmers due to its environmentally safe and resource-efficient production system. However, managing the rice root-knot nematode (RRKN), Meloidogyne graminicola, remains a major challenge in DSR cultivation. Developing genetic resistance is a pragmatic and effective approach compared to using hazardous pesticides. Pusa Basmati 1121 (PB1121) is the most popular Basmati rice variety, but it is highly susceptible to RRKN. In contrast, Phule Radha (PR) has shown highly resistant reaction to RRKN, as reported in our earlier study. We generated an F2:3 population from the cross of PB1121/PR and evaluated it for RRKN resistance-related traits under artificial inoculation conditions. The distribution pattern of traits in the F2:3 population indicated that resistance may be governed by a few major-effect genes and many minor-effect genes. The molecular markers reported to be associated with QTLs governing RRKN resistance traits were used to test in the current population. Although the simple linear regression identified significant associations between the markers and RRKN resistance-associated traits, these associations were spurious as the LOD score was below the threshold limit. This indicates that PR possesses novel genomic regions for resistance to RRKN as it does not possess any of the earlier reported QTLs.

Exogenous application of salicylic acid to alleviate the toxic effects of insecticides in Vicia faba L.

The present study investigated the possible mediatory role of salicylic acid (SA) in protecting plants from insecticides toxicity. The seeds of Vicia faba var IIVR Selection-1 were treated with different concentrations (1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 ppm) of the insecticides alphamethrin (AM) and endosulfan (ES) for 6 h with and without 12 h conditioning treatment of SA (0.01 mM). Insecticides treatment caused a significant decrease in mitotic index (MI) and induction of different types of chromosomal abnormalities in the meristematic cells of broad bean roots. Pretreatment of seeds with SA resulted in increased MI and significant reduction of chromosomal abnormalities. SA application also regulated proline accumulation and carotenoid content in the leaf tissues. SA resulted in the decrement of insecticides induced increase in proline content and increased the carotenoids content. These results illustrate the ameliorating effect of SA under stress conditions and reveal that SA is more effective in alleviating the toxic effects of insecticides at higher concentrations than that at lower concentrations.

Topical Steroid-Induced Cushing's Syndrome in a Newborn Following Goniotomy for Glaucoma.

Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome is a life-threatening condition which requires an early diagnosis multidisciplinary approach. Despite reports of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome following nasal or inhaled steroids, its development after topical betamethasone eye drops for a short duration is a less frequently reported or anticipated condition. We describe a 6-week-old infant who developed exogenous Cushing's syndrome following topical steroids after bilateral goniotomy for newborn glaucoma. The child was kept under observation and managed with a physiological dose of hydrocortisone. Parental counselling regarding the proper method of eye drop instillation and signs of steroid toxicity is of vital importance in all cases of pediatric ocular surgeries, especially where bilateral surgeries are undertaken.

Visual field indices in children and adults with comparable retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.

PURPOSE: To compare visual field indices in normal children and adults with similar retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 59 eyes of 59 normal children 6-18 years of age compared to normal adults. The children underwent visual field testing on the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) and RNFL thickness measurement on OCT. Normal adults who had undergone OCT and visual field testing were retrieved from the OCT database. The mean deviation (MD) in each child was compared with the MD in RNFL thickness-matched eyes of normal adults. Children 6-11 years and 12-18 years were analyzed separately. RESULTS: Overall, the MD of children was significantly less than that of the normal adults despite having the same RNFL thickness (-2.42 ± 1.42 dB vs -1.61 ± 1.47 dB [P = 0.006]). When stratified by age, the difference in MD of children <12 years was significantly less than normal adults (-2.72 ± 1.5dB vs -1.53 ± 1.2 dB [P = 0.003) while in children >12 years, the difference did not reach statistical significance (-2.18 ± 1.2 vs -1.51 ± 1.32 [P = 0.12]). CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, children <12 years had lower visual field indices than adults. Their visual fields may appear worse than they would for an adult with the same RNFL thickness. Normal children >12 years of age seem to have a retinal sensitivity comparable to the adult normative database. It is worthwhile to consider the development of a separate pediatric normative database for the visual field assessment of children <12 years of age.