Transfer of Stress Resilient QTLs and Panicle Traits into the Rice Variety, Reeta through Classical and Marker-Assisted Breeding Approaches.

Reeta is a popular late-maturing high-yielding rice variety recommended for cultivation in the eastern Indian states. The cultivar is highly sensitive to submergence stress. Phosphorus deficiency is an additional constraint for realizing high yield. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs), Sub1, for submergence and Pup1 for low phosphorus stress tolerance along with narrow-grained trait, GW5 were introgressed into the variety from the donor parent, Swarna-Sub1 through marker-assisted breeding. In addition, phenotypic selections for higher panicle weight, grain number, and spikelet fertility were performed in each segregating generation. Foreground selection detected the 3 target QTLs in 9, 8 and 7 progenies in the BC1F1, BC2F1, and BC3F1 generation, respectively. Recurrent parent's genome recovery was analyzed using 168 SSR polymorphic markers. The foreground analysis in 452 BC3F2 progenies showed five pyramided lines in homozygous condition for the target QTLs. No donor fragment drag was noticed in the Sub1 and GW5 QTLs carrier while a segmentwas observed in the Pup1 carrier chromosome. The developed lines were higher yielding, had submergence, and had low phosphorus stress-tolerance alongwith similar to the recipient parent in the studied morpho-quality traits. A promising pyramided line is released in the name of Reeta-Panidhan (CR Dhan 413) for the flood-prone areas of Odisha state.

Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Secreted Extracellular Matrix Coating on a Woven Nanotextile Vascular Patch for Improved Endothelial Cell Response.

Biomedical implants possessing the structural and functional characteristics of extracellular matrix (ECM) are pivotal for vascular applications. This study investigated the potential of recreating a natural ECM-like structural and functional environment on the surface of biodegradable polymeric nanotextiles for vascular implants. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were grown on a suitably engineered polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous textile and were allowed to modify its surface through the deposition of MSC-specific ECM. This surface-modified nanotextile showed mechanical characteristics and functionality appropriate for vascular patch material. The uniformity of ECM coating significantly improved the viability, proliferation, and migration of human endothelial cells compared to bare and xenogeneic collagen-coated PCL nanotextile patches. Thus, a polymeric nanotextile, which is surface modified using MSC-driven ECM, provided a rapid and improved endothelialization, thereby suggesting its potential for vascular patch applications.

Neighborhood-level social vulnerability and individual-level cognitive and motor functioning over time in older non-Latino Black and Latino adults.

Introduction: Despite known health disparities in cognitive aging, a comprehensive rationale for the increased burden in older minoritized populations including non-Latino Black and Latino adults has yet to be elucidated. While most work has focused on person-specific risk, studies are increasingly assessing neighborhood-level risk. We evaluated multiple aspects of the environmental milieu that may be critical when considering vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. Methods: We investigated associations between a Census-tract derived Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and level of and change in cognitive and motor functioning in 780 older adults (590 non-Latino Black adults, ∼73 years old at baseline; 190 Latinos, ∼70 years old baseline). Total SVI scores (higher = greater neighborhood-level vulnerability) were combined with annual evaluations of cognitive and motor functioning (follow-up ranged from 2 to 18 years). Demographically-adjusted mixed linear regression models tested for associations between SVI and cognitive and motor outcomes in analyses stratified by ethno-racial group. Results: For non-Latino Black participants, higher SVI scores were associated with lower levels of global cognitive and motor functioning-specifically, episodic memory, motor dexterity and gait-as well as longitudinal change in visuospatial abilities and hand strength. For Latinos, higher SVI scores were associated with lower levels of global motor functioning only-specifically, motor dexterity; there were no significant associations between SVI and change in motor functioning. Discussion: Neighborhood-level social vulnerability is associated with cognitive and motor functioning in non-Latino Black and Latino older adults, although associations appear to contribute to level more so than longitudinal change.

Mapping the Genomic Regions Controlling Germination Rate and Early Seedling Growth Parameters in Rice.

Seed vigor is the key performance parameter of good quality seed. A panel was prepared by shortlisting genotypes from all the phenotypic groups representing seedling growth parameters from a total of 278 germplasm lines. A wide variation was observed for the traits in the population. The panel was classified into four genetic structure groups. Fixation indices indicated the existence of linkage disequilibrium in the population. A moderate to high level of diversity parameters was assessed using 143 SSR markers. Principal component, coordinate, neighbor-joining tree and cluster analyses showed subpopulations with a fair degree of correspondence with the growth parameters. Marker-trait association analysis detected eight novel QTLs, namely qAGR4.1, qAGR6.1, qAGR6.2 and qAGR8.1 for absolute growth rate (AGR); qRSG6.1, qRSG7.1 and qRSG8.1 for relative shoot growth (RSG); and qRGR11.1 for relative growth rate (RGR), as analyzed by GLM and MLM. The reported QTL for germination rate (GR), qGR4-1, was validated in this population. Additionally, QTLs present on chromosome 6 controlling RSG and AGR at 221 cM and RSG and AGR on chromosome 8 at 27 cM were detected as genetic hotspots for the parameters. The QTLs identified in the study will be useful for improvement of the seed vigor trait in rice.

Molecular Breeding for Incorporation of Submergence Tolerance and Durable Bacterial Blight Resistance into the Popular Rice Variety 'Ranidhan'.

Ranidhan is a popular late-maturing rice variety of Odisha state, India. The farmers of the state suffer heavy loss in years with flash floods as the variety is sensitive to submergence. Bacterial blight (BB) disease is a major yield-limiting factor, and the variety is susceptible to the disease. BB resistance genes Xa21, xa13, and xa5, along with the Sub1 QTL, for submergence stress tolerance were transferred into the variety using marker-assisted backcross breeding approach. Foreground selection using direct and closely linked markers detected the progenies carrying all four target genes in the BC1F1, BC2F1, and BC3F1 generations, and the positive progenies carrying these genes with maximum similarity to the recipient parent, Ranidhan, were backcrossed into each segregating generation. Foreground selection in the BC1F1 generation progenies detected all target genes in 11 progenies. The progeny carrying all target genes and similar to the recipient parent in terms of phenotype was backcrossed, and a total of 321 BC2F1 seeds were produced. Ten progenies carried all target genes/QTL in the BC2F1 generation. Screening of the BC3F1 progenies using markers detected 12 plants carrying the target genes. A total of 1270 BC3F2 seeds were obtained from the best BC3F1 progeny. Foreground selection in the BC3F2 progenies detected four plants carrying the target genes in the homozygous condition. The bioassay of the pyramided lines conferred very high levels of resistance to the predominant isolates of bacterial blight pathogen. These BB pyramided lines were submergence-tolerant and similar to Ranidhan in 13 agro-morphologic and grain quality traits; hence, they are likely to be adopted by farmers.

Extent of knowledge and attitudes on plagiarism among undergraduate medical students in South India - a multicentre, cross-sectional study to determine the need for incorporating research ethics in medical undergraduate curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate medical students in India participate in various research activities However, plagiarism is rampant, and we hypothesize that it is the lack of knowledge on how to avoid plagiarism. This study's objective was to measure the extent of knowledge and attitudes towards plagiarism among undergraduate medical students in India. METHODS: It was a multicentre, cross-sectional study conducted over a two-year period (January 2018 - December 2019). Undergraduate medical students were given a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which contained: (a) Demographic details; (b) A quiz developed by Indiana University, USA to assess knowledge; and (c) Attitudes towards Plagiarism (ATP) questionnaire. RESULTS: Eleven medical colleges (n = 4 government medical colleges [GMCs] and n = 7 private medical colleges [PMCs]) participated. A total of N = 4183 students consented. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 4.54 (1.78) out of 10. The factors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]; 95% Confidence interval [CI]; p value) that emerged as significant predictors of poor knowledge score were early years of medical education (0.110; 0.063, 0.156; < 0.001) and being enrolled in a GMC (0.348; 0.233, 0.463; < 0.001).The overall mean (SD) scores of the three attitude components namely permissive, critical and submissive norms were 37.56 (5.25), 20.35 (4.20) and 31.20 (4.28) respectively, corresponding to the moderate category. CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge score was poor. A vast majority of study participants fell in the moderate category of attitude score. These findings warrant the need for incorporating formal training in the medical education curriculum.

Superabsorbent sodium carboxymethyl cellulose membranes based on a new cross-linker combination for female sanitary napkin applications.

The main intent of this investigation was to retain the strength and superabsorbency of natural and non-toxic biodegradable polymers using an innovative combination of cross-linkers for application as the absorbent core of sanitary napkins. For this, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and starch were blend to form membranes by phase inversion and lyophilisation, using an optimized cross-linker combination of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) and aluminium sulphate (AlS). Optimal cross-linking of NaCMC and starch hampered membrane dissolution and disintegration, yielding a microtextured surface morphology. The membranes were biodegradable and yet possessed the requisite flexibility and mechanical strength for the proposed application, without compromise of superabsorbency. Lyophilised membranes possessed higher immediate water and blood sorption with ∼50% water retention capabilities when compared to the phase inversion technology. The results suggest that the developed membranes can be a cost-effective degradable alternative to the commercial polyacrylate-based nonbiodegradable sanitary products.

In-vitro evaluation on drug release kinetics and antibacterial activity of dextran modified polyurethane fibrous membrane.

pH stimuli drug release nanofibrous membranes of polyurethane/dextran were developed for tailoring of antibacterial wound dressings. Incorporation of dextran in polyurethane (PU) showed increment in hydrophilicity, vapour transmission rate, percentage sorption values, and biodegradability. Dextran also acts as reinforcement filler in PU matrix. Dextran induces a high degree of platelet adhesion and hemostasis potential which is essential for promoting the wound healing process. Moreover, 20 wt% dextran loaded membranes (PU/20D) exhibited enhanced cell proliferation, attachment and viability against 3T3 fibroblasts. Curcumin loaded PU/20 dextran membrane exhibited pH-controlled drug release potency and synergistic antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria. It is confirmed that, PU/20D membranes could promote, pH-controlled drug release and synergistic antibacterial activity for a promising wound dressing material.

Structural influence on the photoluminescence properties of Eu3+ doped Gd3MO7 (M = Nb, Sb, and Ta) red phosphors.

New red phosphor materials of general formula Gd3-xMO7:xEu(3+) (M = Nb, Sb, and Ta) were prepared using a high temperature solid state reaction route. Detailed structural studies using XRD, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic techniques showed that niobate and tantalate samples crystallized in the weberite type structure whereas the antimonate sample in the fluorite structure. Photoluminescence properties of the three compositions are correlated with their crystal structures. It was observed that more ordering occurs in the lattice when an M site is doped from Sb to Nb to Ta. Although niobate and tantalate samples possess similar structures more distortions were noticed in the tantalate sample increasing the radiative transition probabilities. Due to the more ordered structure of the Gd3TaO7 host lattice resulting in a more uniform distribution of Eu(3+) ions, the tantalate system showed better luminescence properties. The variation in the luminescence intensity with various Eu(3+) concentrations in the Gd3TaO7 host lattice was also studied to calculate the optimum doping concentration.