Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on semen quality in male partners of infertile couples: a hospital-based observational study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on male fertility have received considerable attention because human testes contain high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors, through which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can enter. Early studies showed decreases in semen quality during and after recovery from COVID-19. However, no semen quality studies have examined the effects of widespread subclinical and mild disease, as well as changes in lifestyle, psychosocial behavior, intake of dietary supplements, and stress. This cross-sectional study compared semen quality parameters in male partners of infertile couples between men who underwent semen analysis before the COVID-19 pandemic (prepandemic group) and men who underwent semen analysis during the pandemic period (pandemic group); the analysis sought to clarify the overall effects of the pandemic. No participants in the pandemic group had experienced clinically overt disease. Among the 239 participants, mean body weight (P = 0.001), mean body mass index (P < 0.001), median sperm concentration (P = 0.014), total sperm count (P = 0.006), and total percentages of motile (P = 0.013) and abnormal cells (P < 0.001) were significantly greater in the pandemic group (n = 137) than those in the prepandemic group (n = 102). Among abnormal cells, the percentages of cells with excess residual cytoplasm (P < 0.001), head defects (P < 0.001), and tail defects (P = 0.015) were significantly greater in the pandemic group than those in the prepandemic group. With the exception of morphology, the overall semenogram results were better in the pandemic group than those in the prepandemic group.

Bioengineered miR-124-3p prodrug selectively alters the proteome of human carcinoma cells to control multiple cellular components and lung metastasis

With the understanding of microRNA (miRNA or miR) functions in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis, efforts are underway to develop new miRNA-based therapies. Very recently, we demonstrated effectiveness of a novel humanized bioengineered miR-124-3p prodrug in controlling spontaneous lung metastasis in mouse models. This study was to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which miR-124-3p controls tumor metastasis. Proteomics study identified a set of proteins selectively and significantly downregulated by bioengineered miR-124-3p in A549 cells, which were assembled into multiple cellular components critical for metastatic potential. Among them, plectin (PLEC) was verified as a new direct target for miR-124-3p that links cytoskeleton components and junctions. In miR-124-3p-treated lung cancer and osteosarcoma cells, protein levels of vimentin, talin 1 (TLN1), integrin beta-1 (ITGB1), IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), cadherin 2 or N-cadherin (CDH2), and junctional adhesion molecule A (F11R or JAMA or JAM1) decreased, causing remodeling of cytoskeletons and disruption of cell-cell junctions. Furthermore, miR-124-3p sharply suppressed the formation of focal adhesion plaques, leading to reduced cell adhesion capacity. Additionally, efficacy and safety of biologic miR-124-3p therapy was established in an aggressive experimental metastasis mouse model

Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy: an experience at a Fortis Escorts hospital

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in terms of demographic data of patients, indications, uterine size, intraoperative and postoperative complications, amount of blood loss, operative time and duration of hospital stay.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 160 cases, who underwent laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy in the period between October 2018 to November 2019 at the Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana, India.Results: Majority of patients (58.75%) belongs to age group between 40-50 year. Only 30.62% cases had a history of one previous abdomino-pelvic surgery. Majority of cases (52.5%) in the study group had uterine size between 6-12 weeks. Most common indication of hysterectomy in this study was fibroid uterus which account for 49.37% of cases followed by dysfunctional uterine bleeding (16.87%) cases. Mean time of surgery in this study was 114.4±0.59 min and average blood loss was 135.62±47.63 ml. The mean weight of uterus was 243.75±82.94 gm. 5% cases had major intraoperative complications while minor postoperative complications were seen in 16.87% cases. Bladder injury was seen in 1.25%. Major haemorrhage occur in 1.25%. In this study conversion to laparotomy rate was 1.25%. Only one case of ureteric injury and one case of bowel injury was noted. Among minor complications fever (6.25%) and urinary tract infection (5.62%) were mainly seen. Mean duration of hospital stay was 2.82±1.17 days.Conclusions: LAVH enables the surgeon to convert most of the abdominal hysterectomies into vaginal ones and hence decreases postoperative pain, decreases complications, lesser duration of hospital stay and rapid return to normal activity.

Old dietary cultural practices leading to suboptimal nutritional intake of calories in children with acute viral hepatitis

Background: Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is one of the common infections in developing nation. Hepatotrophic virus causes AVH and most of the time it has self-limiting course. HAV is most common cause of AVH. Suboptimal dietary cultural practices are common in our nation. This study was done to know the impact of suboptimal dietary practices done in AVH.Methods: Observational study conducted with 50 children with AVH. Dietary assessment was done at three point of time.  First During AVH, second, pre illness and then two weeks after nutritional counselling. Data of dietary modification done by parents/caregiver during AVH recorded. History of herbal medicine taken for treatment of AVH enquired.Results: HAV positive was (72%), HEV positivity was in 8 (16%) cases, hepatitis B was positive in 4 (8%) children and dual infection HAV+HEV was detected in 2 (4%) children. Many parents did dietary modification due to AVH and also by some local treating physicians, 18 (36%) patients were also on herbal medication for treatment of AVH. During AVH the mean calorie and protein requirement decreased from 96% to 54% and 92% to 43% respectively. Two weeks after nutritional counseling the mean calorie and protein intake increased from 54% to 88% and 43% to 84% respectively. This change in calorie and protein was statistically significant (p<0.01) Non-vegetarian diet preference was restarted in many of them after nutritional counseling.Conclusions: This observational study revealed that suboptimal dietary cultural practices are prevalent in India. Majority of children were on bland diet and receiving inadequate proteins and calories.

Triphala: The Mystical Herb and Its Role in Dentistry

Ayurveda is well-thought-out as the science of life, for thereason that the ancient Indian system of health care aimedon the views of man and his ailment. From prehistoric timestraditional herbal remedies have been commonly adapted inIndia. Herbal extracts are economical with less adverse effectsas they interact with special chemical receptors within thebody. There is a folk saying in India which says, “No Mother?Do not worry so long as you have Triphala”. As it safeguardsinternal organs, just like a mother shields her offspring.Triphala is made by equal parts of three fruits namelyamalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula),and bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica). This herb containsantioxidants, gallic acid and ascorbic acid. It has beneficialeffects in treating various ailments and thus has acquiredimportance in clinical research for its anticaries, antioxidant,anticollagenase and antimicrobial activities. The objective ofthe present article is to provide a brief overview of Triphalaand its various applications in dentistry

Masculinisation with Increasing Parity in Agroha Village of Haryana

Introduction: The proportion of girls “missing” has risensharply, there are obvious moral and human concernsgenerated by such extreme manifestation of gender inequity.In India, increase in overall sex ratio shown by the 2011census is applauded at several forums. However, decline inthe child sex ratio i.e. number of girls to boys in 0-6 years agegroup fell from 927 in 2001 to 914 in 2011. It is the lowestsince independence. Haryana is among the most affected stateregarding imbalance of child sex ratio. Therefore, this studywas conducted to assess the present child sex ratio and itstrend in Agroha village of Haryana.Material and Methods: This community based cross sectionalstudy was conducted in Agroha village of Haryana. Fivehundred and fifteen mothers having children in the age groupof less than 6 years were selected for the study. The primarytool in this study was predesigned and pretested interviewschedule for recording of family and individual information.Data were analyzed by using appropriate statistical tests (viz.Proportions, Mean ± SD, Chi-square test etc.).Results: With increasing parity significant decline in child sexratio was observed. Sex Ratio for 1st birth order children was929 females per 1000 males. It fell in the 2nd birth order to 830,3rd birth order to 699, 4th birth order to 462, 5th birth order to417 and still further to only 308 for 6th birth order. There was asignificant linear relationship between adverse child sex ratioin the study population with increasing birth order.Conclusion: As masculinisation with increasing parity wasobserved in the study area, it is concluded that Haryana has yeta long way to go in her fight against declining child sex ratio.

Assessment of nutritional status of school going adolescent girls in a rural block of Haryana, India

Background: Good nutrition during adolescence is critical to cover the deficits suffered during childhood and should include nutrients required to meet the demands of physical and cognitive growth and development, provide adequate stores of energy for illnesses and pregnancy and prevent adult onset of nutrition-related diseases. Poorly nourished adolescent mothers are more likely to give birth to low birth weight babies, perpetuating a cycle of health problems which pass from one generation to the next. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the nutritional status of school going adolescent girls of Agroha block of Haryana.Methods: Study area was two senior secondary and two high schools (randomly selected) of Agroha block of district Hisar (Haryana). Study design was school based cross-sectional study. Study participants were three hundred and forty-four adolescent girls studying in class 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th. Study tool was pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Percentages and Chi- Square. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 was used.Results: Out of total girls, 8.72% were found to be thin followed by severely thin (0.58%). Thirteen (3.78%) girls were found to be overweight followed by obese (0.58%).Conclusions: Nutritional status of adolescent girls was found to be satisfactory.

Histological Correlation of Karmans Endometrial Sampling with Dilation and Curettage in Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

The study was done to compare the diagnostic efficacy of endometrial biopsy obtained by Karman suctioncannula with conventional D&C following TVS in patients with AUB. 100 patients of AUB presenting ingynaecology OPD were studied with history, examination, laboratory investigations, TVS, endometrial aspirationusing Karman cannula and endometrial curettage. It is concluded that endometrial aspiration is an effective,useful and minimally invasive procedure and can be used for the primary investigation of women with AUBalong with TVS.

Bioengineered miR-328-3p modulates GLUT1-mediated glucose uptake and metabolism to exert synergistic antiproliferative effects with chemotherapeutics

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small noncoding RNAs derived from genome to control target gene expression. Recently we have developed a novel platform permitting high-yield production of bioengineered miRNA agents (BERA). This study is to produce and utilize novel fully-humanized BERA/miR-328-3p molecule (hBERA/miR-328) to delineate the role of miR-328-3p in controlling nutrient uptake essential for cell metabolism. We first demonstrated successful high-level expression of hBERA/miR-328 in bacteria and purification to high degree of homogeneity (>98%). Biologic miR-328-3p prodrug was selectively processed to miR-328-3p to suppress the growth of highly-proliferative human osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Besides glucose transporter protein type 1, gene symbol solute carrier family 2 member 1 (GLUT1/), we identified and verified large neutral amino acid transporter 1, gene symbol solute carrier family 7 member 5 (LAT1/) as a direct target for miR-328-3p. While reduction of LAT1 protein levels by miR-328-3p did not alter homeostasis of amino acids within OS cells, suppression of GLUT1 led to a significantly lower glucose uptake and decline in intracellular levels of glucose and glycolytic metabolite lactate. Moreover, combination treatment with hBERA/miR-328 and cisplatin or doxorubicin exerted a strong synergism in the inhibition of OS cell proliferation. These findings support the utility of novel bioengineered RNA molecules and establish an important role of miR-328-3p in the control of nutrient transport and homeostasis behind cancer metabolism.

Alkaline pretreatment optimization for Pinus roxburghii needle biomass employing response surface methodology for bioethanol production by separate hydrolysis and cofermentation

Production of bioethanol from lignocellulosics can cater to the supply of renewable fuel to transport sector besides being environment friendly. In the present work, bioethanol production potential of Pinus roxburghii needle biomass (PNB) has been studied by optimizing the thermochemical pretreatment method using alkaline conditions (NaOH) firstly by one variable at a time (OVAT) approach, followed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) tool. Total reducing sugar (TRS) yield was enhanced from 22.4 g/L (OVAT) to 32.4 g/L using design of experiment (DoE) approach. Effect of pretreatment on PNB was studied by FTIR, phloroglucinol staining and estimation of phenolics which indicated lignin removal. Enzymatic hydrolysis was done by the action of commercial enzymes cellulase and pectinase with loading of 5U/g biomass. The TRS yield was further enhanced to 67.95 g/L after enzymatic hydrolysis. Using separate hydrolysis and cofermentation (SHCF) approach for fermentation of PNB hydrolysate, 28.75 g/L bioethanol was obtained when combined cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC-36) and Pichia stipitis (NCIM-3498) were used.

Production of phytase from Lactobacillus paracasei strain and its probiotic profile

Phytase, as an effective enzyme for phytic acid degradation, has significance in bioremediation, poultry and aquaculture. In view of such an environmental and industrial importance, phytase producing probiotic bacteria have gained attention. Here, we screened lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for their phytase producing potential. The strain showing maximum phytase activity was studied for its probiotic characteristics. Among 20 LAB isolated from Kalarei, an edible source, two isolates K.J (a) and K exhibiting maximum enzyme activity (5.18 U/mL and 5.0 U/mL) were selected. In optimization studies for production of phytase using ‘one-variable-at-a-time’ (OVAT) approach, isolate K showed maximum (5.92 U/mL) enzyme activity. The strain was identified by ribotyping as Lactobacillus paracasei and the sequence was submitted in NCBI GenBank under accession number MK280749. Further optimization studies for phytase production were carried out using Plackett–Burman design and central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Statistically optimized four significant variables: incubation temperature, initial pH, maltose and peptone resulted in an increase (6.37 U/mL) in enzyme activity. The enzyme was purified 3.97 fold with a specific activity of 278 U/mg.The molecular weight of enzyme was 70 kDa and optimum activity was determined at 37°C, pH 5.5. The strain was designated as Lactobacillus paracasei SMVDUDB1 and showed promising probiotic characteristics viz. survival rate above 80% (low pH, high bile salt concentration under simulated gastrointestinal conditions), hydrophobicity with chloroform (96.74%), autoaggregation (69.61%) and coaggregation ability (82.79%) with Bacillus subtilis.

Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria from fresh vegetables: Application in food preservation

Fresh vegetables are potential source of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In the present study, LAB were isolated from the fresh vegetables from Pune region. Total 266 LAB were isolated from the edible parts of fresh vegetables viz. cauliflower, gherkins, cluster beans, fenugreek, cow pea, bitter gourd, french beans, tomato, ridged gourd, cucumber and bottle gourd. On phenotypic and molecular characterization predominant genera obtained were Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Weissella. Twenty one isolates exhibited tolerance to bile salt, acidic pH and pancreatin. Cellular extracts of several isolates with ability to survive in artificial intestinal condition additionally showed antioxidant potential and cell free supernatants exhibited antibacterial potential against selected plant and human pathogens. Bacteriocin and bacteriocin like substances (BLS) substances secreted by these isolates can be used for food preservation.

A Prospective Study of Histomorphological Spectrum of Biopsy Confirmed Skin Adenexal Tumors in a Tertiary Care Centre at Bikaner Region

Introduction: The adenexa are part of skin andcomprised of sebaceous glands, sweat glands and hairfollicles. Skin adenexal tumors are rare in occurrenceand precise classification of these neoplasms is difficult.Benign tumors are more common than malignanttumors. Current study aimed to know the histopathologyof skin adenexal neoplasm and to correlate with age,gender, loacation and type of differentiation.Material and methods: A prospective study of 57histopathologically confirmed cases of skin adenexaltumors was carried out in Department of Pathology. Inthis study biopsies were received in 10% formalin andstained by routine haematoxylin and eosin stain. Nonneoplastic conditions were excluded from the study.Results: Out of the 57 cases of skin adenexal tumorsstudied 55 (96.5% ) were benign and 2 (3.5% ) weremalignant with a male: female ratio of 1:1.3. The mostfrequent group of tumors were of eccrine/apocrineorigin 28/57 (49.1%) followed by follicular origin(38.6%) 22/57 and sebaceous origin 7/57 (12.9%).Pilomatrixoma was the most common benign tumorand sebaceous carcinoma was the only malignant tumorencountered in the study. Most common age groupaffected range from 41-60 years and mean age observedwas 45 years. Head and neck (47.5%, 27/57) was themost common site involved in both males and femaleswith a predominance in the facial region.Conclusion: Skin adenexal tumors (SAT) are very rareand the classification of these tumours is complex. Thesetumors are usually missed clinically and histopathologyproves to be the gold standard for diagnosis of theseneoplasms.

Evaluation of Bone Marrow Examination in Cases of Pancytopenia in Tertiary Health Center in North-West Rajasthan

Introduction: Pancytopenia is a very common consequenceof many haematological diseases with extensive differentialdiagnosis. It is described as the deficiency of all three cellularelements of blood resulting in anemia and leucopenia andthrombocytopenia. The severity and underlying pathologydetermines the management and prognosis. Bone marrowexamination is an effective way of evaluating various causesof pancytopenia along with other clinical, haematologicalfindings.Material and methods: In this prospective study, a total60 patients presenting with pancytopenia on initial work uprequiring bone marrow examination were studied along withtheir relevant clinical history, examination findings, routinehaematological findings.Results: Among 60 cases studied, age of patients ranged from1-85 years with slight male predominance. Most commonage group involve was 11-30 years. Most of the patientspresented with generalised weakness, pallor, fever. Dimorphicanemia was the predominant blood picture. The commonestmarrow finding was hypercellularity with megaloblasticerythropoiesis. The commonest cause of pancytopenia wasmegaloblastic anemia 62.79% followed by sub/aleukemicleukemia 25.57%.Conclusions: Bone marrow examination can diagnosedmajority of cases of pancytopenia along with comprehensiveclinical and haematological study. It is also helpful in planningfurther investigations and management.

Bioengineered miR-27b-3p and miR-328-3p modulate drug metabolism and disposition the regulation of target ADME gene expression

Drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and nuclear receptors are essential for the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs and xenobiotics. MicroRNAs participate in the regulation of ADME gene expression imperfect complementary Watson-Crick base pairings with target transcripts. We have previously reported that Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2) are regulated by miR-27b-3p and miR-328-3p, respectively. Here we employed our newly established RNA bioengineering technology to produce bioengineered RNA agents (BERA), namely BERA/miR-27b-3p and BERA/miR-328-3p, fermentation. When introduced into human cells, BERA/miR-27b-3p and BERA/miR-328-3p were selectively processed to target miRNAs and thus knock down and mRNA and their protein levels, respectively, as compared to cells treated with vehicle or control RNA. Consequently, BERA/miR-27b-3p led to a lower midazolam 1'-hydroxylase activity, indicating the reduction of CYP3A4 activity. Likewise, BERA/miR-328-3p treatment elevated the intracellular accumulation of anticancer drug mitoxantrone, a classic substrate of ABCG2, hence sensitized the cells to chemotherapy. The results indicate that biologic miRNA agents made by RNA biotechnology may be applied to research on miRNA functions in the regulation of drug metabolism and disposition that could provide insights into the development of more effective therapies.

Chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under high temperature stress

High temperature stress during grain filling period in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has pronounced effects on yield in major wheat growing agro-ecological zones. The fast chlorophyll fluorescence transients expose the damage to leaf photosynthetic activity under high temperatures. The method relies on the functioning of photosynthetic apparatus of plants under stress; however, these transients have been studied in detached leaves under controlled conditions. Still no reports are available on the potential usefulness of chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics on intact wheat leaves for screening heat stress tolerant genotypes under field conditions. Hence, we conducted a study with the hypothesis that chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and kinetics of plant-attached leaves under field conditions can be useful for screening of heat tolerant genotypes. The experimental population for testing the hypothesis consisted of 20 diverse wheat genotypes grown under timely and late sown environments (terminal heat stress) for two years. The results showed influence of high temperature on the expression of parameters Fo, Fv/Fo, Fv/Fm, and performance index. Analysis of the fast OJIP fluorescence transients indicated that the relative variable fluorescence between steps O and K and between steps O and J were related to high temperature stress tolerance. Five genotypes with consistent performance for better photosynthetic efficiency under thermal stress were observed. The inferences drawn from the present study supported our hypothesis that the analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence transient parameters of plant attached leaves under field conditions can be used as a tool in the selection of wheat cultivars with better thermostability and functioning of photochemical reactions that could sustain photoassimilation and grain dry matter accumulation.

Alcaloides aporfínicos con actividad antituberculosa aislados de Ocotea discolor Kunth (Lauraceae) / Aporphine alkaloids with antitubercular activity isolated from Ocotea discolor Kunth (Lauraceae) / Alcalóides aporfirínicos com atividade antituberculosa isolados de Ocotea discolor Kunth (Lauraceae)

Resumen La tuberculosis causa miles de muertes a nivel mundial y, actualmente, los fármacos usados no son suficientes y en ocasiones son obsoletos para su tratamiento. Por tanto, se hace necesaria la búsqueda de nuevos compuestos que ayuden a combatirla. Se evaluó la actividad antituberculosis de los alcaloides ocoxilonina (1), ocoteina (2), dicentrina (3) y 1,2-metilendioxi-3, 10,11-trimetoxiaporfina (4), aislados de la madera de Ocotea discolor. Las estructuras fueron identificadas por medio del análisis de los datos espectroscópicos de resonancia magnética nuclear (NMR 1D - 1H, 13C, 2D -COSY, HSQC y HMBC), espectros de masas y comparación con datos de la literatura. Todos los compuestos aislados demostraron actividad antituberculosa, con un rango de variación en la concentración mínima inhibitoria entre 140 y 310 μM, siendo la ocoteina (2) la más activa contra la cepa virulenta de Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv.

Abstract Tuberculosis disease causes thousands of deaths worldwide and, currently, the used drugs are either not enough or obsolete for its treatment Therefore, new compounds that combat this disease are been seek Thus, the antituberculosis activity of the alkaloids ocoxilonine (1), ocoteine (2), dicentrine (3) and 1,2-methylenedioxy-3,10,11-trimethoxy aporphine (4), isolated from Ocotea discolor wood was evaluated Their structures were identified by analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data (NMR 1D - 1H, 13C, 2D - COSY, HSQC and HMBC), mass spectra, and comparison with literature data All the isolated compounds showed antituberculosis activity, with a variation range in the minimum inhibitory concentration between 140 to 310 μM, being ocoteine (2) the most active compound against the virulent strain Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv.

Resumo Devido a que a tuberculose provoca milhares de mortes em todo o mundo e a que, atualmente os medicamentos usados são inadequados e obsoletos para o tratamento desta doença, é preciso buscar novos compostos que ajudem a combatê-la. Assim, foi avaliada a atividade antituberculosis dos alcaloides ocoxilonina (1), ocoteina (2), dicentrina (3) y 1,2-metilendioxi-3,10,11-trimetoxiaporfina (4), isolados a partir da madeira de Ocotea discolor. Estas estruturas foram identificadas pela elucidação dos dados espectroscópicos (NMR 1D - 1H, 13C, 2D -COSY, HSQC e HMBC), espectros de massas e por comparação com os dados da literatura. Todos os compostos isolados demonstraram atividade antituberculosis, com um intervalo de variação na concentração inibitória mínima entre 140 e 310 μM sendo a ocoteína (2) o composto mais ativo contra a variedade virulenta Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv.

Tagging and mapping of SSR marker for rust resistance gene in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris).

Lentil, as an economical source of protein, minerals and vitamins, plays important role in nutritional security of the common man. Grown mainly in West Asia, North Africa (WANA) region and South Asia, it suffers from several biotic stresses such as wilt, rust, blight and broomrape. Lentil rust caused by autoecious fungus Uromyces viciae fabae (Pers.) Schroet is a serious lentil disease in Algeria, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Italy, Morocco, Pakistan and Nepal. The disease symptoms are observed during flowering and early podding stages. Rust causes severe yield losses in lentil. It can only be effectively controlled by identifying the resistant source, understanding its inheritance and breeding for host resistance. The obligate parasitic nature of pathogen makes it difficult to maintain the pathogen in culture and to apply it to screen segregating progenies under controlled growth conditions. Hence, the use of molecular markers will compliment in identification of resistant types in different breeding programs. Here, we studied the inheritance of resistance to rust in lentil using F1, F2 and F2:3 from cross PL 8 (susceptible) x L 4149 (resistant) varieties. The phenotyping of lentil population was carried out at Sirmour, India. The result of genetic analysis revealed that a single dominant gene controls rust resistance in lentil genotype L 4149. The F2 population from this cross was used to tag and map the rust resistance gene using SSR and SRAP markers. Markers such as 270 SRAP and 162 SSR were studied for polymorphism and 101 SRAP and 33 SSRs were found to be polymorphic between the parents. Two SRAP and two SSR markers differentiated the resistant and susceptible bulks. SSR marker Gllc 527 was estimated to be linked to rust resistant locus at a distance of 5.9 cM. The Gllc 527 marker can be used for marker assisted selection for rust resistance; however, additional markers closer to rust resistant locus are required. The markers linked to the rust resistance gene can serve as starting points for map-based cloning of the rust resistance gene.

Scope of photodynamic therapy in periodontics.

Periodontal disease results from inflammation of the supporting structure of the teeth and in response to chronic infection caused by various periodontopathic bacteria. The mechanical removal of this biofilm and adjunctive use of antibacterial disinfectants and antibiotics have been the conventional methods of periodontal therapy. However, the removal of plaque and the reduction in the number of infectious organisms can be impaired in sites with difficult access. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a powerful laser‑initiated photochemical reaction, involving the use of a photoactive dye (photosensitizer) activated by light of a specific wavelength in the presence of oxygen. Application of PDT in periodontics such as pocket debridement, gingivitis, and aggressive periodontitis continue to evolve into a mature clinical treatment modality and is considered as a promising novel approach for eradicating pathogenic bacteria in periodontitis.