Meta-QTLs, ortho-meta QTLs and related candidate genes for yield and its component traits under water stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Meta-QTLs (MQTLs), ortho-MQTLs, and related candidate genes (CGs) for yield and its seven component traits evaluated under water deficit conditions were identified in wheat. For this purpose, a high density consensus map and 318 known QTLs were used for identification of 56 MQTLs. Confidence intervals (CIs) of the MQTLs were narrower (0.7-21 cM; mean = 5.95 cM) than the CIs of the known QTLs (0.4-66.6 cM; mean = 12.72 cM). Forty-seven MQTLs were co-located with marker trait associations reported in previous genome-wide association studies. Nine selected MQTLs were declared as 'breeders MQTLs' for use in marker-assisted breeding (MAB). Utilizing known MQTLs and synteny/collinearity among wheat, rice and maize, 12 ortho-MQTLs were also identified. A total of 1497 CGs underlying MQTLs were also identified, which were subjected to in-silico expression analysis, leading to identification of 64 differentially expressed CGs (DECGs) under normal and water deficit conditions. These DECGs encoded a variety of proteins, including the following: zinc finger, cytochrome P450, AP2/ERF domain-containing proteins, plant peroxidase, glycosyl transferase, glycoside hydrolase. The expression of 12 CGs at seedling stage (3 h stress) was validated using qRT-PCR in two wheat genotypes, namely Excalibur (drought tolerant) and PBW343 (drought sensitive). Nine of the 12 CGs were up-regulated and three down-regulated in Excalibur. The results of the present study should prove useful for MAB, for fine mapping of promising MQTLs and for cloning of genes across the three cereals studied. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01301-z.

Biofortification and bioavailability of Zn, Fe and Se in wheat: present status and future prospects.

KEY MESSAGE: Knowledge of genetic variation, genetics, physiology/molecular basis and breeding (including biotechnological approaches) for biofortification and bioavailability for Zn, Fe and Se will help in developing nutritionally improved wheat. Biofortification of wheat cultivars for micronutrients is a priority research area for wheat geneticists and breeders. It is known that during breeding of wheat cultivars for productivity and quality, a loss of grain micronutrient contents occurred, leading to decline in nutritional quality of wheat grain. Keeping this in view, major efforts have been made during the last two decades for achieving biofortification and bioavailability of wheat grain for micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Se. The studies conducted so far included evaluation of gene pools for contents of not only grain micronutrients as above, but also for phytic acid (PA) or phytate and phytase, so that, while breeding for the micronutrients, bioavailability is also improved. For this purpose, QTL interval mapping and GWAS were carried out to identify QTLs/genes and associated markers that were subsequently used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) during breeding for biofortification. Studies have also been conducted to understand the physiology and molecular basis of biofortification, which also allowed identification of genes for uptake, transport and storage of micronutrients. Transgenics using transgenes have also been produced. The breeding efforts led to the development of at least a dozen cultivars with improved contents of grain micronutrients, although land area occupied by these biofortified cultivars is still marginal. In this review, the available information on different aspects of biofortification and bioavailability of micronutrients including Zn, Fe and Se in wheat has been reviewed for the benefit of those, who plan to start work or already conducting research in this area.

Low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to conventional therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Foot ulcers are serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and are known to be resistant to conventional treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in a tertiary care centre (Department of Surgery, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital, A.B. Road, Indore). A total of 30 patients with type 2 DM having Meggitt-Wagner grade I foot ulcers of more than 6 weeks duration with negative culture were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups of 15 each. Patients in study group received LLLT (660 ± 20 nm, 3 J/cm2) along with conventional therapy and those in control group were treated with conventional therapy alone. The primary outcome measure was the absolute and relative wound size reduction at 2 weeks compared to the baseline parameter. Percentage ulcer area reduction was 37 ± 9% in the LLLT group and 15 ± 5.4% in the control group (p < 0.001). For ∼75% of wounds of the treatment group, wound area reduction of 30-50% was observed. In contrast, for the control group, ∼80% of wounds showed a wound area reduction of <20% on day 15. Further, the wounds with initial wound area 1000-2000 mm2 seems to have better final outcome than the groups with larger areas. The treated groups showed higher amount of granulation than the control group. The results suggest that LLLT is beneficial as an adjunct to conventional therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Immune responses and protective efficacy of recombinant outer membrane protein R (rOmpR)-based vaccine of Aeromonas hydrophila with a modified adjuvant formulation in rohu (Labeo rohita).

Despite the importance and success of developing a candidate vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in fish, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of the vaccine-induced immunoprotection in Indian major carp, Labeo rohita, primarily due to lack of information on most of the immune related genes of the species. In this study, a novel candidate antigen recombinant outer membrane protein R (rOmpR) of A. hydrophila was evaluated as a vaccine candidate along with a modified adjuvant formulation. Protective efficacy of the rOmpR immunization was assessed in terms of survival against A. hydrophila challenge as well as modulation of immune response in vaccinated fish after 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 72 h and 10 days post-injection (using immune gene expression analysis) and 10, 28, 56 and 140 days post-injection (serum immune parameter analysis). The generated immune response was compared with a formalin-killed A. hydrophila antigen preparation using mineral oil only and modified adjuvant alone. We report a variable up-regulation of the immune-related genes viz., lysozyme G, complement factor 4, immunoglobulin M, ß2-microglobulin, major histocompatibility complex I and II, and interleukin-1ß in anterior kidney and spleen tissues at early time points post-immunization in all the groups, when compared to the control fish. The vaccinated fish also showed an increase in serum natural hemolysin titer, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities, and antibody titer irrespective of vaccine formulations as compared to control fish on days 10, 28 and 56. However, the increase in the serum parameters was more pronounced on day 140 in rOmpR-modified adjuvant injected group, indicating the modulatory role of this new vaccine formulation. Upon challenge with live A. hydrophila on days 56 and 140 post-immunization, significantly reduced percent mortality was noted in the group immunized with modified adjuvant based rOmpR vaccine formulation. Taken together, our results suggest that rOmpR along with modified adjuvant could potentially be used as a vaccine formulation to handle A. hydrophila infection on a long-term basis.

Antineoplastic potential of medicinal plants.

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases worldwide and the incidence is on the rise in both developing and developed countries. It is treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. In spite of advances in treatment strategies, cancer still remains a major cause of death. Research is on for development of better drugs which are more effective and simultaneously cause fewer side effects. Plants have been used for the treatment of various ailments of man and animals since ages. They are being screened extensively to explore the possibility of development of economically viable anticancer drugs. Natural products of plant origin currently constitute a considerable proportion of commercially available antineoplastic drugs. This review gives an insight into commercially available anticancer drugs of plant origin and also patents granted to plant derived components, extracts and polyherbal formulations possessing anticancer activity. The exhaustive work reviewed here on antineoplastic activity of various plants both in vitro and experimental models throughout the world will help design further research in this field.

Clinical evaluation of Boswellia serrata (Shallaki) resin in the management of Sandhivata (osteoarthritis).

Sandhigata vata is described under Vatavyadhi in all Ayurvedic texts. Charaka was the first to describe separately "Sandhigata anila", but it was not included under 80 types of nanatmaja vatavyadhi. Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease that begins asymptomatically in middle age with progressive symptoms in advancing age. Majority of people by the age 40 years may develop osteoarthritis, especially in weight bearing joints. Females are prone with 25% prevalence, whereas males have a prevalence of 16%. In the present study, 56 patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of Sandhigata vata, divided into two groups. Patients of first group were administered with 500 mg capsule of Shallaki, 6 g per day (in three divided doses) with lukewarm water (n=29) and the second group) capsule Shallaki as above along with local application of Shallaki ointment on the affected joints (n=23). After a course of therapy for 2 months, symptomatic improvement was observed in both the groups at various levels with promising results in the patients of first group.

Randomized, double-blind study on role of low level nitrogen laser therapy in treatment failure tubercular lymphadenopathy, sinuses and cold abscess.

BACKGROUND: Effectiveness of low level nitrogen laser therapy along with antitubercular treatment (ATT) in cases of treatment failure and drug resistant tubercular lymphadenopathy, sinuses and cold abscess. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized controlled trial of LLLT, 104 patients assigned to either the low level nitrogen laser therapy along with ATT (LLLT group) (n = 54) or ATT only (Chemotherapy group) (n = 50). Both groups were treated two times per week for five weeks. Those in the treatment group received pulse nitrogen laser with a pulse duration of seven nanosecond, wave length 337 nanometer and average power output of 5 mW whereas those in the control group were treated with sham laser. The primary outcome measure was bacteriological conversion and the secondary outcome measures were decrease in size of lesion and the clinical improvement. RESULTS: Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) smear, AFB culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) conversion rate at five weeks (after 10 sittings of laser) were 49.15%( Fishers P exact test-p = 0.015), 60%, 44.44% (Fishers P exact test-p = 0.048) in LLLT group as compared to 11.86%, 20%,17.77% in chemotherapy group. Average percentage reduction in the size of gland at 5 weeks was 70.67% (p value 0.01) as compared to 54.81 in chemotherapy group. Average time taken for closure of sinuses was 11.03 weeks in LLLT group as compared to 26 weeks in chemotherapy group. The follow up was conducted for two years. CONCLUSION: Low level nitrogen laser therapy can be used as an adjunctive therapy along with antitubercular drugs in cases not responding and drug resistant tubercular lymphadenopathy, sinuses and cold abscess.

Effect of helium-neon laser irradiation on hair follicle growth cycle of Swiss albino mice.

We report the results of a study carried out to investigate the effect of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser (632.8 nm) irradiation on the hair follicle growth cycle of testosterone-treated and untreated mice. Both histology and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used for the measurement of hair follicle length and the relative percentage of hair follicles in different growth phases. A positive correlation (R = 0.96) was observed for the lengths of hair follicles measured by both methods. Further, the ratios of the lengths of hair follicles in the anagen and catagen phases obtained by both methods were nearly the same. However, the length of the hair follicles measured by both methods differed by a factor of 1.6, with histology showing smaller lengths. He-Ne laser irradiation (at approximately 1 J/cm(2)) of the skin of both the control and the testosterone-treated mice was observed to lead to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in % anagen, indicating stimulation of hair growth. The study also demonstrates that OCT can be used to monitor the hair follicle growth cycle, and thus hair follicle disorders or treatment efficacy during alopecia.

Effect of mangiferin on hyperglycemia and atherogenicity in streptozotocin diabetic rats.

In the present study, the effect of mangiferin (a xanthone glucoside, isolated from the leaves of Mangifera indica) on the atherogenic potential of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetes was investigated. In addition, the effect of mangiferin on oral glucose tolerance in glucose-loaded normal rats was also determined. The chronic intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg) once daily (o.d.) for 28 days exhibited antidiabetic activity by significantly lowering fasting plasma glucose level at different time intervals in STZ-diabetic rats. Further, mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activities as evidenced by significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels coupled together with elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and diminution of atherogenic index in diabetic rats. In addition, the chronic administration of mangiferin (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days significantly as well as markedly improved oral glucose tolerance in glucose-loaded normal rats suggesting its potent antihyperglycemic activity. The accumulating evidences suggest that both pancreatic and extrapancreatic mechanisms might be involved in its antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic action. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that mangiferin possesses significant antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic properties thus suggesting its beneficial effect in the treatment of diabetes mellitus associated with hyperlipidemia and related cardiovascular complications.

Protective role of extracts of neem seeds in diabetes caused by streptozotocin in rats.

Effect of petroleum ether extracts of kernel (NSK) and husk (NSH) of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Meliaceae) seeds on the prevention of oxidative stress caused by streptozotocin (STZ) was investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced in adult male Wistar rats after administration of STZ (55 mg/kg b.wt., i.p., tail vein). The effect of NSK (2 gm/kg, b.wt.) and NSH (0.9 gm/kg, b.wt.) orally for 28 days was investigated in diabetic rats. Insulin-treated diabetic rats (6 U/kg, i.p., 28 days.) served as positive control. Diabetic rats given normal saline served as diabetic control. Rats that neither received STZ nor drugs served as normal control. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased in diabetic rats was significantly decreased on insulin, NSK, and NSH treatments. The decrease in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) of erythrocytes as observed in diabetes was regained after insulin, NSH, and NSK treatments. However, there was insignificant improvement in SOD, CAT, and LPO of kidney on NSK and NSH treatment. In spite of increased CAT and SOD activities in liver and heart, LPO was also increased in diabetic rats. Insulin, NSH, and NSK treatments significantly protected animals from cardiac damage but not hepatic. Results suggest that NSH and NSK prevent oxidative stress caused by STZ in heart and erythrocytes. However, no such preventive effect was observed on renal and hepatic toxicity.

Comet assay measurements of DNA damage in cells by laser microbeams and trapping beams with wavelengths spanning a range of 308 nm to 1064 nm.

DNA damage induced in NC37 lymphoblasts by optical tweezers with a continuous-wave Ti:sapphire laser and a continuous-wave Nd:YAG laser (60-240 mW; 10-50 TJ/m2; 30-120 s irradiation) was studied with the comet assay, a single-cell technique used to detect DNA fragmentation in genomes. Over the wavelength range of 750-1064 nm, the amount of damage in DNA peaks at around 760 nm, with the fraction of DNA damage within the range of 750-780 nm being a factor of two larger than the fraction of DNA damage within the range of 800-1064 nm. The variation in DNA damage was not significant over the range of 800-1064 nm. When the logarithm of damage thresholds measured in the present work, as well as values reported previously in the UV range, was plotted as a function of wavelength, a dramatic wavelength dependence became apparent. The damage threshold values can be fitted on two straight lines, one for continuous-wave sources and the other for pulsed sources, irrespective of the type of source used (e.g. classical lamp or laser). The damage threshold around 760 nm falls on the line extrapolated from values for UV-radiation-induced damage, while the data for 800-1064 nm fall on a line that has a different slope. The change in the slope between 320 and 340 nm observed earlier is consistent with a well-known change in DNA-damaging mechanisms. The change observed around 780 nm is therefore suggestive of a further change in the mechanism(s). The data from this work together with our previous measurements provide, to the best of our knowledge, the most comprehensive view available of the DNA damage produced by microfocused light.

Evaluation of pain and irritation following local administration of parenteral formulations using the rat paw lick model.

Water miscible cosolvents in parenteral products generally increase pain and/or local irritation post injection. The goal of this study was to validate the usefulness of the rat paw lick model (Cleozzi et al., J. Pharmacol. Meth., 4, 1980, 285-289) in screening pain and local irritation with parenteral formulations. Paw licks were counted in 3 min. intervals, over a total period of 15 min., following subplantar injection of test formulations in the hind paw of rats. A dose-response relationship following the injection of solutions containing increasing concentrations of a known painful compound was used to validate the model. The results obtained from additional experiments were found to correlate closely to those obtained using other tests (e.g. in vitro hemoglobin release test, and in vivo creatine kinase release test in rabbits). It was found that: (a) the model is responsive to changes in the sensation of pain and/or irritation due to drug or non-active components; (b) the increase in propylene glycol or ethanol concentrations results in increased pain and/or local irritation, (c) the increase in the apparent pH of cosolvent-based formulations from 7.2 to > or = 10 may increase pain and/or local irritation, and (d) there is generally a "thresh-hold limit" between the concentration of painful component and the paw licks, which should be established for the component under evaluation. The data overall suggest that the rat paw lick model is a rapid and simple method for rapid screening of formulations for pain/irritation following local administration.

Health status of rural school children.

PIP: The morbidity pattern and nutritional profile was evaluated of school children who resided around Mosaboni Copper Mines and in surrounding villages of Ghatsila subdivision in Singhbhum district of Bihar State, India. A total of 1424 school children (816 boys and 608 girls) between 5-17 years old were studied. Children were examined on school premises with the assistance of teachers and health visitors. Body weight and height, nutritional deficiency signs, common infective conditions, and cardiac murmurs were recorded. Evidence of morbidity was found in 52.8% boys and 67.4% girls. 11.9% boys and 12.2% girls had 2 or more conditions existing together. The average number of children per family was 5.13; it was 4.77 in families with no child illness; 5.03 with 1 illness and 6.94 if 2 or more morbid conditions were found in a child. Approximately 2% girls over 12 years old had dysmenorrhea and polymenorrhea. Only 15.4% of boys and 19% of girls weighed above 80% of the 50th percentile of the Harvard Standard. 76.4% of boys and 71.7% of girls weighed between 61% and 80%, while 8.1% of boys and 9.l% of girls weighed less than 60%. 20% of boys and girls showed features of stunting. Deficiencies of Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin A as well as clinical anemia were common while rickets and scurvy were rare. The prevalence of worm infestation, lymphadenopathy as well as skin and respiratory infections were lower than in some other studies. Dental caries was observed in 21% of cases, but the prevalence of periodontal disease and malocclusion was higher than reported by others. Convulsive disorders and myopia were less common than in urban school children. Prevalence of congenital cardiac lesions was higher than in urban studies probably due to heredity. Nutritional supplementation in schools, regular medical checkups of school children, and health education of the community with emphasis on small family norms could improve the overall health status of rural children.^ieng

Somatic embryogenesis and plants from zygotic embryos of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in vitro.

Complete plants were grown from zygotic embryos cultured on Y3 basal liquid medium supplemented with coconut milk, BA and NAA. Explants from stem, leaf and rachilla of mature coconut trees turned green and swelled on Y3 semi-solid basal media supplemented with 2,4-D, K, NAA, BA and activated charcoal. Callus was initiated in explants from the subapical regions of the stem on Y3 basal medium supplemented with 2,4-D (4.52×10(2)µM). Globular embryo-like structures were obtained when this callus was subcultured to auxinless medium. Root formation was obtained from leaf explants on Y3 basal medium containing citric acid, ascorbic acid and 2,4-D (4.52×10(2) µM). Globular embryo-like structures were also obtained directly from leaf explants on a Y3 basal medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2.26×10(2) µM). Callus isolated from rachilla explants on Y3 basal medium containing 2,4-D(4.52×10(2) µM), formed nodular structures when transferred to medium with 2,4-D (2.3×10(1) µM). These nodules developed roots from the base of the nodular growth whereas from the upper portion shoots were observed on Y3 basal liquid medium.

Effect of endosulfan pretreatment on organ weights and on pentobarbital hypnosis in rats.

The effects of endosulfan on the weights of the liver, adrenal and ovary, on pentobarbital blood and brain levels and on sleeping time (ST) have been investigated in female rats after daily oral doses of 0, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg for a period of 7 or 15 days. No significant change in body weight was observed. With higher doses (2.5--5.0 mg/kg) the liver weight was significantly increased, but ovary and adrenal weights did not increase. Endosulfan treatment shortened sleeping time, while induction time was significantly increased. The concentration of pentobarbital in the blood and brain of rats after 30 min and upon awakening indicated that there was a significant decrease at 30 min. No change at awakening was observed in endosulfan-treated rats as compared to controls. It is suggested tha endosulfan may shorten the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep, perhaps by induction of hepatic microsomal enzyme activity.

Toxic effects of Iomex on rat after repeated oral administration.

Administration of Iomex, petroleum fraction, at a dose level of 1 ml/kg for a period of 4 weeks did not produce any toxic symptoms in albino rats. At higher doses, however, the animals showed high incidence of mortality, reduction in food and water intake and loss in body weight. At necropsy, lungs were found to be congested and intestines hyperaemic. Histopathological examination revealed slight abnormalities in lungs, liver and kidney. The absolute organ weights decreased (liver, kidney, heart, spleen, lung, gonad, brain and adrenal), whereas relative weights increased. There was a significant fall in total erythrocyte (RBC) and total leucocyte (WBC) counts and haemoglobin content (Hb) was reduced. Increased lymphocytes with correspondingly decreased neutrophils were also observed. Serum and liver transaminases (GOT and GTP) showed enhanced activity.