A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON COVID-19 VACCINATION HESITATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.

Students serve as ambassadors, conveying effective messages to encourage the adoption of promotes healthy behaviors. Recognizing their consciousness about corona illness 2019 (COVID-19), desires to utilize the COVID-19 vaccines, and other associated variables will aid in developing viable vaccination promotion tactics for the present COVID-19 pandemic. A transverse-segment internet poll of university students in the healthcare and non-healthcare industries was conducted to analyze their motivations to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. To recruit research participants, a random snowball sampling approach was utilized using digital media sites and mails. The contestants were chosen from throughout India, including several main geographic areas, between Nov-2020 and Jan-2021, prior to the release of the COVID-19 vaccination. There were descriptive metrics utilized to illustrate the research participants' socio-demographics and vaccine-related behaviors. Using logistic regression modeling, key characteristics that are expected to influence vaccination uptake among students were modeled. p 0.06 was judged substantial in each study. 656 students participated in the study, with 48.4% coming from the healthcare sector & 51.5% from other fields. Of these 655 students, 43.6 and 22.4% came from India's northern and eastern areas. Graduate students accounted for 41.1% of the total population, and graduates for around 43.2%. The age range of 56.0% of the students was 18 to 25. Women made up 62% of the population, and 69.5% of them were unmarried. Seventy-eight percent of the students were from the medium socioeconomic level. Concerns about side effects and safety, distrust of government officials, and questions about the vaccine's efficacy were among the reasons given by students in this study for their reluctance to get vaccinated. It is essential to remember that these investigations were carried out at various times and in various nations; thus, the conclusions may not apply to all college students throughout the globe. According to the findings of this research, Indian university students showed rather a great deal of motivating desire to acquire COVID-19 immunizations. The people were either doubtful or reluctant to get the vaccination, which suggests possible vaccine aversion. There is a need for information campaigns and other actions to lessen vaccine hesitancy in order to promote the usage of COVID-19 vaccines.

First report of Fusarium poae Causing Fusarium head Blight of Wheat in India.

Wheat is one of major cereal crops with paramount importance that is cultivated across the globe. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a catastrophic disease of wheat which has recently risen to prominence due to its direct impact on the quality and quantity of wheat on a global scale. During a field survey conducted in Rabi 2021-22, wheat spikes showing characteristic symptoms of head blight were observed in northern parts of the Karnataka, India, in the districts Bagalkote, Belagavi and Dharwad. The infected spikelets from the heads with symptoms of infection were washed well in distilled water and surface sterilized using 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. They were further washed using sterilized distilled water to remove the traces of sodium hypochlorite. These spikelets were then transferred to sterile potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates under aseptic conditions. The plates were incubated at a temperature of 27±1°C for ten days to obtain good fungal growth. The fungus produced white to orangish pink, dense mycelia and hyaline septate hyphae. Macroconidia were sickle-shaped measuring 35.7 to 52.6 x 3.2 to 5.1 µm, dorsoventrally curved with an elongated basal cell ending in a prominent long foot; the apical cell was also elongated, tapered, slightly curved. Spores had 3 to 4 cells and formed on monophialide. Microconidia and chlamydospores were present only in a few isolates. Fungal genomic DNA was extracted from all the established isolates using CTAB (Cetyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide) method (Murray and Thompson, 1980). The ITS region of r-DNA and translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF-1α) genes of the ten isolates were amplified using ITS1/ITS4 primer pair (White et al. 1990) and the species-specific EF1F/EF1R primer pair (O'Donnell et al., 1998) respectively, to detect and distinguish within Fusarium species. The results exhibited 95% similarity with Fusarium poae with GenBank Accession No. XMO44849482.1. which was previously reported as a causal agent of Fusarium head blight of wheat in Georgia, USA. The TEF1-α sequences were deposited in the GenBank and the accession numbers from OP716756 to OP716765 were obtained. For the pathogenicity test, spore suspension containing a load of 108 conidia ml-1 was prepared from ten days old Fusarium poae culture and sprayed on the healthy wheat heads of the susceptible variety UAS-304 during anthesis stage by using hand atomizer. Control plants were sprayed in a similar manner with sterile distilled water. In order to enhance disease development and increase the accuracy of the evaluation, humidity was maintained for 72 hours post-inoculation period by covering each spike with a plastic bag and misting at least once daily. The characteristic head blight symptoms were observed in the inoculated wheat spikes. No symptoms were noticed in the water-treated control. The plants initially showed bleaching in single spikelet after seven days of inoculation, which eventually spread to the entire spike. After fourteen days of inoculation, the spikes showed blighted appearance with pinkish or orangish mass of mycelia grown on the affected region. The pathogen was further reisolated from the infected plants and examined under the microscope. The similar morphological features as that of the originally inoculated pathogen was observed, hence fulfilling Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Fusarium poae causing head blight of wheat in India. Keeping the current climate change scenario in view, the plausibility of this pathogen causing a major havoc in the near future must not be ignored, considering the fact that it has a wide host range and highly evolving nature. The ubiquity of the Fusarium head blight recently in northern parts of Karnataka urges the need to conduct further studies on the variability, distribution and management of the pathogen.

Dissecting miRNA facilitated physiology and function in human breast cancer for therapeutic intervention.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key epigenomic regulators of biological processes in animals and plants. These small non coding RNAs form a complex networks that regulate cellular function and development. MiRNAs prevent translation by either inactivation or inducing degradation of mRNA, a major concern in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Aberrant regulation of gene expression by miRNAs is frequently observed in cancer. Overexpression of various 'oncomiRs' and silencing of tumor suppressor miRNAs are associated with various types of human cancers, although overall downregulation of miRNA expression is reported as a hallmark of cancer. Modulations of the total pool of cellular miRNA by alteration in genetic and epigenetic factors associated with the biogenesis of miRNA machinery. It also depends on the availability of cellular miRNAs from its store in the organelles which affect tumor development and cancer progression. Here, we have dissected the roles and pathways of various miRNAs during normal cellular and molecular functions as well as during breast cancer progression. Recent research works and prevailing views implicate that there are two major types of miRNAs; (i) intracellular miRNAs and (ii) extracellular miRNAs. Concept, that the functions of intracellular miRNAs are driven by cellular organelles in mammalian cells. Extracellular miRNAs function in cell-cell communication in extracellular spaces and distance cells through circulation. A detailed understanding of organelle driven miRNA function and the precise role of extracellular miRNAs, pre- and post-therapeutic implications of miRNAs in this scenario would open several avenues for further understanding of miRNA function and can be better exploited for the treatment of breast cancers.

Dynamics of small molecules within the F127 PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer gel and sol phases studied at the molecular scale.

Triplet excited states of guest molecules with different hydrophobicities were used to probe the association and dissociation dynamics of these guests with F127 micelles in the gel and sol phases. The dynamics probed was on a longer length scale than amenable with fluorescence techniques, but at a shorter length scale than probed in translational diffusion studies. The mobility of the guests at the molecular scale showed that subtle changes in the guest's structure affect the guest's release time from the micelles, where the structural features of the guest are more important than the phase, gel vs. sol, of the system.

Surgical Delay-Induced Hemodynamic Alterations of the Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap allows transfer of tissue without violating the rectus fascia. Traditionally it is best used in single stage reconstruction when vessel caliber is 1.5 mm; 56% to 70% of SIEAs are less than 1.5 mm and, therefore, not reliable. We aim to demonstrate the increased reliability of SIEA through surgical delay by quantifying reconstructive outcomes and delay-induced hemodynamic alterations. METHODS: Patients presenting for autologous breast reconstruction between May 2019 and October 2020 were evaluated with preoperative imaging and received either delayed SIEA or delayed deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) reconstruction based on clinical considerations, such as prior surgery and perforator size/location. Prospective data were collected on operative time, length of stay, and complications. Arterial diameter and peak flow were quantified with Doppler ultrasound predelay and postdelay. RESULTS: Seventeen delayed SIEA flaps were included. The mean age (± SD) was 46.2 ± 10.55 years, and body mass index was 26.7 ± 4.26 kg/m2. Average hospital stay after delay was 0.85 ± 0.90 days, and duration before reconstruction was 6 days to 14.5 months. Delay complications included 1 abdominal seroma (n = 1, 7.7%). Superficial inferior epigastric artery diameter predelay (mean ± 95% confidence interval) was 1.37 ± 0.20 mm and increased to 2.26 ± 0.24 mm postdelay. A significant increase in diameter was noted 0.9 ± 0.22 mm (P < 0.0001). Mean peak flow predelay was 14.43 ± 13.38 cm/s and 44.61 ± 60.35 cm/s (n = 4, P = 0.1822) postdelay. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical delay of the SIEA flap augments SIEA diameter, increasing the reliability of this flap for breast reconstruction. Superficial inferior epigastric artery delay results in low rates of complications and no failures in our series. Although more patients are needed to assess increase in arterial flow, use of surgical delay can expand the use of SIEA flap reconstruction and reduce abdominal morbidity associated with abdominal flap breast reconstruction.

Laryngeal Dysfunction in Acute Organophosphorus and Carbamate Poisoning.

Background: Organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate pesticides are widely used for crop protection. We describe the spectrum of laryngeal abnormalities in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with acute OP and carbamate poisoning as there is limited information on it. Materials and methods: Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU with acute OP and carbamate poisoning over 20 months (December 2014-July 2016) were recruited. Patients were followed up post-discharge if they had undergone tracheostomy or developed hoarseness of voice or stridor following extubation. Asymptomatic individuals who consented underwent laryngoscopy after ICU discharge. The primary outcome was the development of laryngeal dysfunction. Other outcomes included length of stay, need for ventilation, mortality, tracheostomy, and time to decannulation of tracheostomy. Results: Of the 136 patients recruited, 71 (52%) underwent laryngoscopy. The overall mortality rate was 9.6%. Of the 71 patients who underwent laryngoscopy, 18 had abnormal findings, which included unilateral or bilateral vocal cord paresis or palsy (n = 14) and/or aspiration (n = 9), subglottic stenosis (n = 1), tracheal stenosis (n = 1), or arytenoid granuloma (n = 1). Laryngeal dysfunction was associated with the ingestion of a dimethyl OP compound (p = 0.04) and quantum consumed (p <0.001). Patients with laryngeal dysfunction had significantly (p = 0.004) longer hospital stay (19.1 ± 10.7 vs 11.8 ± 8.3 days). Conclusion: Laryngeal dysfunction is not uncommon in OP and carbamate poisoning and is associated with the ingestion of larger quantity of a dimethyl OP compound and longer hospital stay. Otorhinolaryngologists could be involved early to help identify these abnormalities and initiate an appropriate treatment to ensure a functional voice and good airway. How to cite this article: Mani GS, Mathews SS, Victor P, Peter JV, Yadav B, Albert RRA. Laryngeal Dysfunction in Acute Organophosphorus and Carbamate Poisoning. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(2):167-173.

Mechanism of a Disassembly-Driven Sensing System Studied by Stopped-Flow Kinetics.

We carried out steady-state and stopped-flow photophysical measurements to determine the kinetics of a discrete disassembly driven turn-on fluorescent system. On and off rates for both DimerDye1 assembly and nicotine binding were determined. Relative rates for these competing processes provide insight on how this system can be optimized for sensing applications. Kinetics studies in artificial saliva showed that moving to more complex media has minimal effects on the sensing ability of the system.

A Novel Technique for Radiographic Diagnosis of Sarcopenia that Accurately Predicts Postoperative Complications in Lower Extremity Free Flap Patients.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is linked to poor outcomes throughout the surgical literature and can be assessed on preoperative imaging to potentially aid in risk stratification. This study examined the effects of sarcopenia on surgical morbidity following lower extremity (LE) reconstruction, and also compared two methods of assessment, one of which is novel ("ellipse method"). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 50 patients receiving free flap-based reconstruction of the LE was performed. Bilateral psoas density and area were quantified at L4 through tracing ("traditional method") and encircling ("ellipse method") to calculate Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC). Logistic regression and receiving operator curve analysis for the primary outcome of any postoperative complication was used to determine HUAC cutoffs (≤ 20.7 vs. ≤ 20.6) for sarcopenia. Risk of complications associated with sarcopenia was evaluated using Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Twelve patients (24%) met criteria for sarcopenia via the traditional method and 16 (32%) via the ellipse method. By both methods, sarcopenic patients were older and more often female and diabetic. These patients also had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and lower serum prealbumin levels. The ellipse method was found to be more accurate, sensitive, and specific than the traditional method in predicting postoperative morbidity (p = 0.009). Via the ellipse method, sarcopenic patients were at higher risk for any complication (p = 0.002) and were at a higher risk for a deep vein thrombus or pulmonary embolism via the traditional method (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is associated with greater pre- and postoperative morbidity in LE reconstruction. The novel ellipse method is a simplified and accurate method of assessing sarcopenia that can be easily performed in the clinical setting.

A Nondimensional Model Reveals Alterations in Nuclear Mechanics upon Hepatitis C Virus Replication.

Morphology of the nucleus is an important regulator of gene expression. Nuclear morphology is in turn a function of the forces acting on it and the mechanical properties of the nuclear envelope. Here, we present a two-parameter, nondimensional mechanical model of the nucleus that reveals a relationship among nuclear shape parameters, such as projected area, surface area, and volume. Our model fits the morphology of individual nuclei and predicts the ratio between forces and modulus in each nucleus. We analyzed the changes in nuclear morphology of liver cells due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using this model. The model predicted a decrease in the elastic modulus of the nuclear envelope and an increase in the pre-tension in cortical actin as the causes for the change in nuclear morphology. These predictions were validated biomechanically by showing that liver cells expressing HCV proteins possessed enhanced cellular stiffness and reduced nuclear stiffness. Concomitantly, cells expressing HCV proteins showed downregulation of lamin-A,C and upregulation of ß-actin, corroborating the predictions of the model. Our modeling assumptions are broadly applicable to adherent, monolayer cell cultures, making the model amenable to investigate changes in nuclear mechanics due to other stimuli by merely measuring nuclear morphology. Toward this, we present two techniques, graphical and numerical, to use our model for predicting physical changes in the nucleus.

Noninnocent Role of Na+ Ions in the Binding of the N-Phenyl-2-naphthylammonium Cation as a Ditopic Guest with Cucurbit[7]uril.

Na+ ions influence the mechanism for the binding of the ditopic guest N-phenyl-2-naphthylammonium cation (Ph-AH+-Np) to cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) by facilitating, at increased Na+ concentrations, the formation of a higher-order complex. Binding of the larger naphthyl moiety of Ph-AH+-Np forms the Ph-AH+-Np@CB[7] 1:1 complex (where "@" represents an inclusion complex) at low Na+ ion concentrations (≤5 mM), whereas the inclusion of the smaller phenyl moiety in CB[7] (CB[7]@Ph-AH+-Np) is transient. Ph-AH+-Np@CB[7] is formed by reactions with free CB[7] and CB[7]·Na+ (where "·" represents an exclusion complex) with displacement of the Na+ cation. Because of the latter reaction, the dissociation of Ph-AH+-Np@CB[7] is faster at higher Na+ concentrations. At high Na+ concentrations (≥25 mM), the Na+ ion stabilizes the inclusion of the phenyl moiety in CB[7] by capping the portal of CB[7]. The dynamics of the capped Na+·CB[7]@Ph-AH+-Np 1:1 complex is slower than in the absence of Na+ capping. This stabilization of the phenyl moiety inclusion in CB[7] by Na+ leads to the formation of the Na+·CB[7]@Ph-AH+-Np@CB[7] 2:1 host-guest complex, where each moiety of the ditopic guest is included in a different CB[7]. The opposing roles of Na+ cations in the formation of the two 1:1 complexes are essential for the switch in mechanism with changes in Na+ concentration and provide an example of systems chemistry, where new properties arise in the form of an increased diversity of complexes and altered complexation dynamics that depend on the system's composition.

Swallowing disorders and 1-year functional decline in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of swallowing disorders on functional decline in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care. This was a 1-year follow-up survey of 176 individuals ≥60 years living at home and receiving homecare services, without total dependence in basic daily living activities, in two mid-sized municipalities in Fukuoka, Japan. Functional decline was measured using the Barthel index (BI), and the primary outcome was total dependence in basic daily living activities (BI ≤ 20 points). Swallowing function was assessed using cervical auscultation, and the primary predictor was swallowing disorders. Logistic regression models were used to assess univariate and multivariate associations between baseline swallowing function and functional decline during follow-up. During follow-up 16 (9.1%), the participants became totally dependent in basic daily living activities. The participants with swallowing disorders had 6.41 times higher odds of total dependence in basic daily living activities compared to participants with normal swallowing function. After adjusting for potential confounders, swallowing disorders were significantly associated with higher odds of total dependence in basic daily living activities (odds ratio = 5.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-20.44). Regarding swallowing disorders, the corresponding population attributable fraction (%) of the incidence of total dependence in basic daily living activities was 50.4%. The current findings demonstrated that swallowing disorders were associated with greater risk of functional decline in basic daily living activities among older adults living at home and receiving home nursing care. Maintenance and improvement of swallowing function may prevent late-life functional decline.

New Insights into Peptide-Silver Nanoparticle Interaction: Deciphering the Role of Cysteine and Lysine in the Peptide Sequence.

We studied the interaction of four new pentapeptides with spherical silver nanoparticles. Our findings indicate that the combination of the thiol in Cys and amines in Lys/Arg residues is critical to providing stable protection for the silver surface. Molecular simulation reveals the atomic scale interactions that underlie the observed stabilizing effect of these peptides, while yielding qualitative agreement with experiment for ranking the affinity of the four pentapeptides for the silver surface.

Determination of the kinetics underlying the pKa shift for the 2-aminoanthracenium cation binding with cucurbit[7]uril.

The binding dynamics of the 2-aminoanthracenium cation (AH(+)) and 2-aminoanthracene (A) with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) was studied using stopped-flow experiments. The kinetics was followed by measuring the fluorescence changes over time for AH(+) and A, which emit at different wavelengths. The studies at various pH values showed different mechanisms for the formation of the AH(+)@CB[7] complex, with this complex formed either by the binding of AH(+) or by the initial binding of A followed by protonation. In the latter case, it was possible to determine the protonation ((1.5 ± 0.4) × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1)) and deprotonation (89 ± 7 s(-1)) rate constants for complexed A/AH(+), which showed that the pKa shift of +3.1 for A/AH(+) in the complex is mainly due to a lower deprotonation rate constant.

Phototautomerization in pyrrolylphenylpyridine terphenyl systems.

[4-(2-Pyrrolyl)phenyl]pyridines 2-4 were synthesized and their photophysical properties and reactivity in phototautomerization reactions investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and laser flash photolysis (LFP). The pKa for the protonation of the pyridine nitrogen in 2-4 was determined by UV-vis and fluorescence titration (pKa = 5.5 for 4). On excitation in polar protic solvents, 2-4 populate charge-transfer states leading to an enhanced basicity of the pyridine (pKa* ≈ 12) and enhanced acidity of pyrrole (pKa* ≈ 8-9) enabling excited-state proton transfer (ESPT). ESPT gives rise to phototautomers and significantly quenches the fluorescence of 2-4. Phototautomers 2-T and 4-T were detected by LFP with strong transient absorption maxima at 390 nm. Phototautomers 2-T and 4-T decayed by competing uni- and bimolecular reactions. However, at pH 11 the decay of 4-T followed exponential kinetics with a rate constant of 4.2 × 10(6) s(-1). The pyridinium salt 4H(+) forms a stable complex with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) with 1:1 stoichiometry (ß11 = (1.0 ± 0.2) × 10(5) M(-1), [Na(+)] = 39 mM). Complexation to CB[7] increased the pKa for 4H(+) (pKa = 6.9) and changed its photochemical reactivity. Homolytic cleavage of the pyrrole NH leads to the formation of an N-radical because of the decreased acidity of the pyrrole in the inclusion complex.

Effects of IL6 C-634G polymorphism on tooth loss and their interaction with smoking habits.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between an IL6 (Interleukin-6) polymorphism (C-634G or rs1800796) and tooth loss, and an interaction between the polymorphism and smoking habits for the loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our subjects were 4917 check-up examinees ages 35-69. They reported tooth loss and lifestyle in a questionnaire. We regressed the number of teeth on the IL6 genotype, gender, age, smoking, drinking, diabetes, hypertension, physical activity, energy intake, education, and brushing. We further estimated multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for having <20 teeth. RESULTS: Participants with a GG genotype tended to have less teeth than those with CC; ß = -0.798 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.501--0.096). Subjects with a GG genotype were more likely to have <20 teeth than those with CC; OR was 1.56 (95% CI = 1.08-2.25). Association between current smoking and tooth loss was stronger among those with GG than among those with CC. In a multiple regression analysis, a significant interaction was found between GG genotype and current smoking in the prediction of tooth loss (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The IL6 C-634G polymorphism was significantly associated with tooth loss. Our results suggest greater effects of smoking on tooth loss in GG genotype individuals.

Lichenoid Features and Fibrosis: Coexistence in Quid-induced Oral Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and quid associated oral lichenoid lesions (QOLL) are caused because of areca nut chewing and both show very characteristic histological changes. The present study aims to determine the histopathological presence of lichenoid features in cases of OSF as well as to determine the presence of fibrosis in cases of QOLL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved the retrospective analysis of hematoxylin and eosin stained slides of OSF (n = 50) and QOLL (n = 16). RESULTS: Seven cases of OSF revealed histopathological features of lichenoid reaction and four cases of QOLL revealed the presence of fibrosis in the underlying connective tissue. CONCLUSION: This study put forths a new finding that is, the presence of concomitant disease processes seen in the same patient at a histological level. It thus, stresses the need to evaluate all cases of OSF and QOLL for additional features which may be induced by areca nut chewing.

(2E)-2-Benzyl-idene-N-phenyl-hydrazinecarboxamide.

The mol-ecule of the title compound, C14H13N3O, adopts an E conformation with respect to the azomethine C=N bond, and is roughly planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of the non-H atoms from the least-squares plane of 0.100 (2) Šand a dihedral angle between the terminal benzene rings of 5.74 (12)°. An intramolecular N-H⋯N hydrogen bond closes an S(6) ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by the pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into centrosymmetric dimers. Dimers related by translation along [010] form slanted stacks, the shortest C⋯C inter-molecular distance within the stack being 3.283 (3) Å. Weak C-H⋯π inter-actions link the stacks into a three-dimensional structure.

Retrospective study on the distribution of hemoglobinopathies in Karnataka-A laboratory experience.

AIMS: The importance of screening for hemoglobinopathies is well-documented in India. However, information on the distribution of hemoglobinopathies in Karnataka is lacking. The present study focuses on determining the spectrum of hemoglobinopathies for various districts of Karnataka. MATERIALS AND METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of samples registered for hemoglobinopathies for a period of 5 years (2017-2021) was carried out. A total of 17066 records registered only from the Karnataka region, were anonymized and retrieved. The data included gender, age, district, and results of the tests. The results were based on complete blood count, peripheral smear, and capillary electrophoresis (CE) pattern. The data were revalidated by pathologists, and the unambiguous data were analyzed for the study. One-fourth of the records (25%) showed abnormal hematological parameters. The number of female records (66%) was twice that of males and both genders showed higher distribution of thalassemia, followed by variants and double heterozygotes (DH). Several cases of thalassemia major were identified below the age of 17 years. The majority of thalassemia cases were ß thal and 93% of them were ß thal trait. Among the variants, HbS was more prevalent than HbE. Among the districts, Hassan had a 35.2% thal, Mysuru had a 7.2% variant, and Chitradurga had a 5.5% DH. Thalassemia, variants, and DH were distributed across several districts of Karnataka to various levels. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive retrospective analysis of the spectrum of hemoglobinopathies in various districts of Karnataka serves as evidence to carry out a prospective study on population screening where the incidence of thalassemia and structural variants is high.

Nitrogen use efficiency in bread wheat: Genetic variation and prospects for improvement.

Nitrogen (N) is one of the primary macronutrients required for crop growth and yield. This nutrient is especially limiting wheat yields in the dry and low fertile agro-ecologies having low N in the root zone soil strata. Moreover, majority of farmers in India and South Asia are small to marginal with meagre capacity to invest in costly nitrogen fertilizers. Therefore, there is an immense need to identify lines that use nitrogen efficiently. A set of 50 diverse wheat genotypes consisting of indigenous germplasm lines (05), cultivars released for commercial cultivation (23) and selected elite lines from CIMMYT nurseries (22) were evaluated in an alpha-lattice design with two replications, a six-rowed plot of 2.5m length for 24 agro morphological, physiological and NUE related traits during two consecutive crop seasons in an N-depleted precision field under two different N levels of 50%-N50 (T1) and 100%-N100 (T2) of recommended N, i.e., 100 kg/ha. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variation among genotypes for all the traits studied. About 11.36% yield reduction was observed at reduced N levels. Significant correlations among NUE traits and yield component traits were observed which indicated pivotal role of N remobilization to the grain in enhancing yield levels. Among N-insensitive genotypes identified based on their yielding ability at low N levels, UASBW13356, UASBW13358, UASBW13354, UASBW13357 and KRL1-4 showed their inherent genotypic plasticity toward N application. The genotypes with more yield and high to moderate NUtE can be used as parents for the breeding of N efficient genotypes for marginal agro-ecologies. Low N tolerant genotypes identified from the current investigation may be further utilized in the identification of genomic regions responsible for NUE and its deployment in wheat breeding programs. The comprehensive data of 24 traits under different nitrogen levels for diverse genotypes from India and global sources (mainly CIMMYT) should be useful for supporting breeding for NUE and thus will be of great help for small and marginal farmers in India and South Asia.