Challenges and opportunities in productivity and sustainability of rice cultivation system: a critical review in Indian perspective.

Abstract: Rice-wheat cropping system, intensively followed in Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP), played a prominent role in fulfilling the food grains demand of the increasing population of South Asia. In northern Indian plains, some practices such as intensive rice cultivation with traditional method for long-term have been associated with severe deterioration of natural resources, declining factor productivity, multiple nutrients deficiencies, depleting groundwater, labour scarcity and higher cost of cultivation, putting the agricultural sustainability in question. Varietal development, soil and water management, and adoption of resource conservation technologies in rice cultivation are the key interventions areas to address these challenges. The cultivation of lesser water requiring crops, replacing rice in light-textured soil and rainfed condition, should be encouraged through policy interventions. Direct seeding of short duration, high-yielding and stress tolerant rice varieties with water conservation technologies can be a successful approach to improve the input use efficiency in rice cultivation under medium-heavy-textured soils. Moreover, integrated approach of suitable cultivars for conservation agriculture, mechanized transplanting on zero-tilled/unpuddled field and need-based application of water, fertilizer and chemicals might be a successful approach for sustainable rice production system in the current scenario. In this review study, various challenges in productivity and sustainability of rice cultivation system and possible alternatives and solutions to overcome such challenges are discussed in details.

Comparative analysis of chromosome 2A molecular organization in diploid and hexaploid wheat.

Diploid A genome wheat species harbor immense genetic variability which has been targeted and proven useful in wheat improvement. Development and deployment of sequence-based markers has opened avenues for comparative analysis, gene transfer and marker assisted selection (MAS) using high throughput cost effective genotyping techniques. Chromosome 2A of wheat is known to harbor several economically important genes. The present study aimed at identification of genic sequences corresponding to full length cDNAs and mining of SSRs and ISBPs from 2A draft sequence assembly of hexaploid wheat cv. Chinese Spring for marker development. In total, 1029 primer pairs including 478 gene derived, 501 SSRs and 50 ISBPs were amplified in diploid A genome species Triticum monococcum and T. boeoticum identifying 221 polymorphic loci. Out of these, 119 markers were mapped onto a pre-existing chromosome 2A genetic map consisting of 42 mapped markers. The enriched genetic map constituted 161 mapped markers with final map length of 549.6 cM. Further, 2A genetic map of T. monococcum was anchored to the physical map of 2A of cv. Chinese Spring which revealed several rearrangements between the two species. The present study generated a highly saturated genetic map of 2A and physical anchoring of genetically mapped markers revealed a complex genetic architecture of chromosome 2A that needs to be investigated further.

MicroRNA mediated regulation of metal toxicity in plants: present status and future perspectives.

The human population is increasing at an alarming rate, whereas heavy metals (HMs) pollution is mounting serious environmental problem, which could lead to serious concern about the future sufficiency of global food production. Some HMs such as Mn, Cu, and Fe, at lower concentration serves as an essential vital component of plant cell as they are crucial in various enzyme catalyzed biochemical reactions. At higher concentration, a vast variety of HMs such as Mn, Cu, Cd, Fe, Hg, Al and As, impose toxic reaction in the plant system which greatly affect the crop yield. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) that are small class of non-coding riboregulator have emerged as central regulator of numerous abiotic stresses including HMs. Increasing reports indicate that plants have evolved specialized inbuilt mechanism viz. signal transduction, translocation and sequestration to counteract the toxic response of HMs. Combining computational and wet laboratory approaches have produced sufficient evidences concerning active involvement of miRNAs during HMs toxicity response by regulating various transcription factors and protein coding genes involved in plant growth and development. However, the direct role of miRNA in controlling various signaling molecules, transporters and chelating agents of HM metabolism is poorly understood. This review focuses on the latest progress made in the area of direct involvement of miRNAs in signaling, translocation and sequestration as well as recently added miRNAs in response to different HMs in plants.

Effect of cooking and storage temperature on resistant starch in commonly consumed Indian wheat products and its effect upon blood glucose level.

Background/objectives: The health benefits provided by resistant starch have been well documented; however, few studies are available on the resistant starch content of wheat products in India. Moreover, few studies have examined the in vivo efficacy of resistant starch in wheat products in improving glucose levels. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cooking and storage temperature on the formation of resistant starch in Indian wheat products and its effect on blood glucose levels in humans and rats. Methods: Wheat products were prepared by common cooking methods including roasting (Chapati), boiling (Dalia), Shallow frying (Paratha), and Deep frying (Poori). They were then stored at different temperatures including freshly prepared within 1 h (T1), stored for 24 h at room temperature (20-22°C) (T2), kept at 4°C for 24 h (T3) and reheated after storing at 4°C for 24 h (T4). The products were then analyzed for proximate composition (moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash crude fibre, and carbohydrates). The effect of different cooking methods and storage temperatures on Resistant, non-resistant and total starch, total dietary fibre (soluble and insoluble), in vitro starch digestion rate (rapidly and slowly digestible starch), amylose and amylopectin content were analysed using standard operating procedures. The effect of products found to have higher resistant starch was studied on the post prandial blood glucose response of 10 healthy individuals using change in by analysing their glycemic index and glycemic load of wheat products. Further, the effect of resistant starch rich chapati on the blood glucose level of rats was also studied. Tukey's test in factorial CRD was used to assess the effect of cooking and temperature on various parameters. Results: The amount of resistant starch was found to be high in dalia (boiling, 7.74%), followed by parantha (shallow frying, 4.94%), chapati (roasting, 2.77%) and poori (deep frying 2.47%). Under different storage temperatures, it was found high in products stored at 4°C (T3), followed by products stored at room temperature (T2), reheated products (T4) and lesser in freshly prepared products (T1). The glycemic index and glycemic load were found low in chapati (43, 32.3) and dalia (41.1, 28.6) stored at 4°C (T3) compared to others. The resistant starch content found in chapati stored at T3 was found to be more effective at reducing blood glucose levels in rats from 291.0 mg/100 mL to 225.2 mg/100 mL in 28 days of study compared to freshly prepared chapati (T1) and stored at room temperature (T2). Conclusion: Cooking methods including boiling, roasting and shallow frying increased the amount of resistant starch in foods, but cooking methods such as deep frying decreased the amount of resistant starch in food. Products stored at 4°C and at room temperature for 24 h increased the amount of resistant starch whereas the products that were freshly cooked and reheated decreased the amount of resistant starch in foods. At 4°C the stored products have a high amount of insoluble dietary fibre, slowly digestible starch, high amylose and low glycemic index. They take time to digest, meaning that they slowly increase blood glucose levels. The effect of insoluble dietary fibre and resistant starch in the inhibition of glucose diffusion in the small intestine is suggested to be due to the absorption or inclusion of the smaller sugar molecules. In vivo research showed that fibre and resistant starch in the digestive system of rats acts as the main factors in slowing glucose absorption and reducing a rise in blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen synthesis and inhibition of gluconeogenesis.

Association of CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 gene polymorphism with risk of oral submucous fibrosis in a section of North Indian population.

Genetic alterations in the genes expressing drug metabolizing enzymes can make an individual susceptible to various cancers. This study detects the polymorphisms at CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genes in a section of North Indian population and determines the susceptibility to oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). In this case-control study one hundred and two OSF patients were genotyped to detect the GSTM1, GSTT1, CYP1A1 polymorphism. Two hundred healthy controls were also included. Genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach. The frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype was higher in OSF patients, as compared to controls. A trend risk analysis showed 7.6 fold increase in risk, when both the genes were absent. The frequency of CYP1A1 (m1) and CYP1A1 (m2) genotypes was higher in controls. No polymorphic alleles were detected in the m4 site. CYP1A1 (m1) wild genotype in the absence of GSTM1 null genotype, falls under the highest risk group (OR 3.74). Our findings suggest that CYP1A1 (m1) genotype and (m2) genotype singly acts as a protective factor but in the absence of GSTM1 and/or GSTT1 gene significantly alters risk towards OSF.

Role of molecular techniques in PMI estimation: An update.

The time frames between death and reporting of the cadaver, known as post Mortem interval (PMI), is essential in investigation of homicide deaths, suspicious deaths, or other untimely deaths as well as natural deaths. Such information helps to connect the missing links in homicide or other relevant cases. Over the time several methods are developed which depends upon factors as several methods physiological, biochemical, entomological, and archaeological for the estimation of degradation of body with time. These methods lack precision, require expertise to achieve worthy results or authentic estimate. Although these methods are currently in use but, these evaluations are still unreliable and imprecise. Hence, we still need new methods for better estimation of PMI. Initially, the predictable morphological and chemical changes in cadaver are used as PMI indicators but, as the time since death increases, the above methods become less useful for as they can't pin point the time of death rather give a ballpark idea. With the advent of the field of molecular biology, the estimation of PMI is proposed to be executed by evaluating the degradation pattern of the biological markers (DNA, RNA, and Proteins). It is now proved that the DNA is fairly unwavering over long post-mortem phases, RNA is much more labile in nature, and sensitive to degradation in a tissue-specific manner. Thus, the main purpose (aim, agenda) of this document is to provide review that mainly focuses on potential use of RNA markers in estimation of PMI. For this Critical Review, the systematic evaluation of 47 studies is executed according to the chosen inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Synthesis and bronchodilator activity of new quinazolin derivative.

Taking lead from a naturally occurring quinazolin vasicine, a number of compounds were developed and evaluated for bronchodilator and anti-allergic activities. One of these compounds was 2,4-diethoxy-6,7,8,9,10,12-hexahydroazepino[2,1-b]quinazolin-12-one, hereinafter named 95-4, exhibited marked bronchodilator activity evaluated on contracted trachea or constricted tracheo-bronchial tree. On intestinal smooth muscle too it showed relaxant effect. Tracheal relaxant effect was not found to be mediated through beta-adrenoceptors. Cumulative dose-response study with acetylcholine and histamine indicated for its non-specific direct effect on smooth muscles. 95-4 was found to be more potent than theophylline and less to that of salbutamol on dose basis. Tested by a number of experimental models, it was found devoid of anti-allergic activity. It was also found to be free from any adverse effect. 95-4 due to its marked bronchial muscle relaxant effect can find use in conditions associated with spasm of bronchial muscles.

Acellular dermal graft for repair of abdominal wall defects in rabbits.

Sixteen clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits of either sex were divided into 2 equal groups (I and II) of 8 animals each. Under thiopental sodium (2.5%) anaesthesia a 2 x 3 cm full-thickness abdominal wall defect in the mid-ventral abdominal wall was created and repaired with an acellular dermal graft (ADG) in all the animals of group I (test group). In animals of group II (control group) a full-thickness linear midline abdominal muscular wall incision was made and repaired with a continuous suture pattern using 2-0 nylon.

Oral malignant melanoma: Report of three cases with literature review.

Primary oral melanoma is known to be an extremely rare and aggressive neoplasm arising from the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity especially upper jaw (palate or alveolar gingivae). Malignant melanoma that does not originate in the skin is a very rare disease and is considered one of the most deadly of all human neoplasms. Oral malignant melanoma (OMM) represents about 1% of all melanomas and approximately 0.5% of all oral malignancies. OMM has been reported in patients aged 20 to 80 years and has a male predilection. Because most mucosal melanotic lesions are painless in their early stages, so delayed recognition and subsequent treatment result in worst prognosis. Here, we report three cases with significant heterogeneity in morphological features and biologic behavior.

A sensitive and relevant model for evaluating anti-inflammatory activity-papaya latex-induced rat paw inflammation.

A new model employing latex of papaya as an inflammagen has been developed for testing anti-inflammatory activity. The latex (exudate) was harvested from the unripe papaya fruit, which had been dried under vacuum. The latex was then suspended in 0.05 M sodium acetate buffer. This suspension when injected in rat hind paw produced concentration-dependent inflammation. Of the 0.25% of this suspension, 0.1 ml was found ideal for evaluating anti-inflammatory activity of test drugs. This concentration produced 70%-100% inflammation lasting for about 5 hr with a maximum effect at h 3. The test drugs employed were prednisolone, aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, ibuprofen, piroxicam, chloroquine, levamisole, and a mixture of boswellic acids. For comparison, these drugs were also tested against carrageenan-induced inflammation. All the test drugs--steroidal, aspirin, and non-aspirin-like--showed anti-inflammatory activity against latex-induced inflammation. The activity of chloroquine, levamisole, and boswellic acids was significantly more against latex as compared with that of the carrageenan model. The inflammation caused by latex may be attributed to both its hydrolytic enzymes--papain and chymopapain--and glutathione, the activator of these enzymes. These enzymes seem to act like lysosomal enzymes that are released in inflammatory disease processes which mediate inflammation by stimulating the synthesis of prostaglandins. The papaya latex-induced inflammation model appears to be a sensitive, broad-based, and relevant one likely to prove useful for discovering new and effective drugs against inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.

Application of papaya latex-induced rat paw inflammation: model for evaluation of slowly acting antiarthritic drugs.

Papaya latex-induced rat paw inflammation model for evaluating antiinflammatory activity has been developed and reported earlier. A number of drugs viz. aspirin, indomethacin, piroxicam, ibuprofen, prednisolone, levamisole, chloroquine, and boswellic acids showed antiinflammatory activity in this model. As the last three drugs showing the activity belonged to the group of slowly acting antiarthritic drugs, this present study was undertaken to study in detail the sensitivity of this model for slowly acting, clinically effective, antiarthritic drugs viz. chloroquine, levamisole, penicillamine, aurothioglucose, cyclophosphamide, and boswellic acids. These drugs are known to show no appreciable activity in the known models of inflammation and arthritis. All these drugs tested in three graded doses showed dose-related significant antiinflammatory activity in this model, whereas those drugs in the carrageenan model tested in similar doses showed insignificant activity. Aspirin employed as a reference standard showed significant activity in both the models. Thus the slowly acting antiarthritic drugs will be identified as those displaying significant activity in the papaya latex model and insignificant activity in the carrageenan model and to be aspirin-like by their significant activity in both the above models of inflammation.

Audiological and vestibular function tests in hypothyroidism.

A battery of audiological and vestibular function tests have been performed in 72 cases of confirmed hypothyroidism. The severity of hypothyroidism was graded as mild, moderate or severe depending upon serum protein-bound iodine estimation. The incidence of hearing impairment, tinnitus and vertigo was correlated with the severity of the disease process. The site of lesion causing sensorineural hearing impairment in 25 cases was pinpointed audiologically.

D'emblee type of mycosis fungoides of head and neck.

Mycosis fungoides as a disorder of reticulo-endothelial system occurs in the eczematous or psoriatic stage, progresses to infiltrated plaque stage and finally to tumorous form with or without systemic spread. The head and neck is rarely involved. A case is presented in which the disease process started as a tumor (d'emblee type) and remained localized in the head and neck region without a generalized spread. The tumorous lesion rapidly increased in size and involved deeper tissues of the neck to cause infranuclear facial palsy and medial bulging of the tonsil' it also extended in the superior mediastinum casuing pressure on the trachea and the esophagus. The patient died of respiratory failure.

Giant cell tumor of the spenoid bone.

The clinical features of the giant cell tumor of the sphenoid bone have been discussed and a case report has been added to the fourteen cases reported in the literature. Such cases may first report to an ophthalmologist, an otolaryngologist, a neurologist, or an internist. They should consider this condition in a patient who complains of headache, ocular symptoms such as diplopia, and diminution of vision progressing to complete blindness. The presence of multiple cranial nerve palsies involving II, III, IV, V, and VI nerves in various combinations and the sellar erosion in the lateral x-ray of the skull are quite suggestive of this tumor which should be confirmed by biopsy. The telecobalt therapy appears to give the best results.

Mesonephric adenocarcinoma of cervix: a case report.

Adenocarcinoma arising in the cervix are not common tumors and those arising from mesonephric remnants are extraordinarily rare. A case of mesonephric adenocarcinoma of cervix has been reported in a girl age 1.5 years. This tumor could be diagnosed on the basis of histological examination by criteria laid down by McGee et al. (J Obstet Gynecol 84: 358, 1962) especially on the basis of dilated ducts corresponding to the remnant of mesonephric duct.

Left ventricular mass in normal Indian population.

A prospective study was conducted to ascertain the distribution of the left ventricular mass in normal adult Indian population and to establish the upper limit of the same. Four hundred and eighty normal subjects (men = 310; women = 170), in the age group of 18 to 60 years were screened echocardiographically, to estimate the left ventricular mass. The left ventricular mass in men was found to be 124 +/- 32 gm whereas in women it was 93 +/- 37 gm. The upper limit of the left ventricular mass (mean +/- 2 SD) was found to be 189 gm and 167 gm, for men and women respectively. The left ventricular mass in both men and women correlated with the body weight (r = 0.51, p less than 0.001; r = 0.22, p less than 0.001), height (r = 0.27, p less than 0.001; r = 0.22, p less than 0.01), and the body surface area (r = 0.49, p less than 0.001; r = 0.27, p less than 0.001), whereas it was found to be independent of age (r = 0.01, p = NS; r = 0.10, p = NS). In men alone the diastolic blood pressure influenced the left ventricular mass (r = 0.27, p less than 0.001), otherwise the left ventricular mass was independent of systemic blood pressure variations within the normal range. The left ventricular mass in the present study differs significantly from the Western population.

Fibrous dysplasia of the mastoid.

A rare case of fibrous dysplasia involving the mastoid bone is reported. Its histopathological characteristics are also described.

Carotid body tumour. Exicsion with resection of carotid arteries.

A case of carotid body tumour is reported and the salient features of its histopathology have been described. Its excision with resection of the carotid arteries can be safely undertaken if the tumour is of long duration, the angiography shows marked displacement of the carotid arteries and if the blood pressure is maintained during surgery by regulating the blood transfusion and lowering the head end of the patient, thereby preventing fatal brain hypoxia. The fact that it is a potentially malignant and radioresistant tumour, makes its excision with or without ligation of the carotid arteries almost imperative.

Giant aneurysm of the internal carotid artery in the carotid canal.

A case of giant aneurysm of the intrapetrous portion of the internal carotid artery, with intracranial and extra-cranial extension in an eight-year-old girl, is reported. Intracranial extension was demonstrated by the presence of a large sac projecting above the petrous shadow in a frontal carotid angiogram, and upward displacement of the middle cerebral artery in the post-ligation angiogram. Extracranial extension was shown clinically as a pulsating mass in the nasopharynx, and also radiologically as a widened medial coronoid space. Erosive destruction of the petrous bone and its neighbourhood produced palsies of the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th cranial nerves. There was appreciable recovery in the cranial nerve palsies when the patient was assessed clinically two weeks after ligation of the internal carotid artery.

Tuberculosis of the tongue.

Involvement of the tongue by Mycobacterium tuberculosis occurs on rare occasions. Two interesting cases of tuberculosis of the tongue are reported and the mode of transfer of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to oral tissues is discussed. The need to consider tuberculosis as an etiological factor in indolent oral lesions is emphasised.