Impact of foliar application of iron and zinc fertilizers on grain iron, zinc, and protein contents in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), are prevalent in a large part of the human population across the world, especially in children below 5 years of age and pregnant women in developing countries. Since wheat constitutes a significant proportion of the human diet, improving grain Fe and Zn content in wheat has become important in improving human health. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the effect of foliar application of iron sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O) and zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4.7H2O) and their combination on grain Fe and Zn concentrations, as well as grain protein content (GPC). The study also aimed to assess the utility of these applications in large field conditions. Methods: To address this issue, field experiments were conducted using 10 wheat cultivars and applying a foliar spray of FeSO4.7H2O (0.25%) and ZnSO4.7H2O (0.50%) separately (@400 L of solution in water per hectare during each spray) and in combination at two different crop growth stages (flowering and milking) for three consecutive crop seasons (2017-2020). The study used a split-plot design with two replications to assess the impact of foliar application on GFeC, GZnC, and GPC. In addition, an experiment was also conducted to assess the effect of soil (basal) @ 25 kg/ha ZnSO4, foliar @ 2 kg/ha, ZnSO4.7H2O (0.50%), and the combination of basal + foliar application of ZnSO4 on the grain micronutrient content of wheat cultivar WB 02 under large field conditions. Results: GFeC increased by 5.1, 6.1, and 5.9% with foliar applications of FeSO4, ZnSO4, and their combination, respectively. GZnC increased by 5.2, 39.6, and 43.8% with foliar applications of FeSO4, ZnSO4, and their combination, respectively. DBW 173 recorded the highest increase in GZnC at 56.9% with the combined foliar application of FeSO4 and ZnSO4, followed closely by HPBW 01 at 53.0% with the ZnSO4 foliar application, compared to the control. The GPC increased by 6.8, 4.9, and 3.3% with foliar applications of FeSO4, ZnSO4, and their combination, respectively. Large-plot experiments also exhibited a significant positive effect of ZnSO4 not only on grain Zn (40.3%, p ≤ 0.001) and protein content (p ≤ 0.05) but also on grain yield (p ≤ 0.05) and hectoliter weight (p ≤ 0.01), indicating the suitability of the technology in large field conditions. Conclusion: Cultivars exhibited a slight increase in GFeC with solitary foliar applications of FeSO4, ZnSO4, and their combination. In contrast, a significant increase in GZnC was observed with the foliar application of ZnSO4 and the combined application of FeSO4 and ZnSO4. In terms of GPC, the most significant enhancement occurred with the foliar application of FeSO4, followed by ZnSO4 and their combination. Data demonstrated the significant effect of foliar application of ZnSO4 on enhancing GZnC by 39.6%. Large plot experiments also exhibited an increase of 40.3% in GZnC through the foliar application of ZnSO4, indicating the effectiveness of the technology to be adopted in the farmer's field.

Influence of short- and long-term persistence on identification of rainfall temporal trends using different versions of the Mann-Kendall test in Mizoram, Northeast India.

Investigating the temporal dynamics of rainfall in a changing climate, especially in rainfed agriculture regions, is crucial for analyzing climate-induced changes and offering adaptation options. Since Mizoram experiences unfavorable impacts of rain nearly every year, the region rainfall has been altering over the years, and vital climatic activity is becoming uncontrollable. The current study is primarily concerned with the changing trend of rainfall over Mizoram, which includes both short-term persistence (STP) and long-term persistence (LTP) of rainfall in seasonal and annual time series of rainfall overseeing for the period of 25 years of daily average rainfall from 1996 to 2020 collected collectively from the seven stations over the study area of Mizoram. Four different Mann-Kendall method iterations were used to analyze rainfall trends: the original or conventional method (without autocorrelation) (MnKn1), removing lag-1 autocorrelation (trend-free pre-whitening), considering multiple lag autocorrelation (more than lag-1 autocorrelation) (MnKn3), and Hurst coefficient or LTP (MnKn4). In the analysis, the study found that during monsoon, station Lawngtlai (LT) observed the highest rainfall having a Z value of 1.986, increased by 0.466 cm/year, while station Serchhip (SC) observed the lowest rainfall having Z value of -2.282, decreased by -0.163 cm/year. After applying modified MnKn4, we observed LTP of rainfall in winter at station Lawngtlai (LT) with an increasing trend and other stations observing STP in almost all seasons either increasing or decreasing trend. Therefore, possible climate change adaptation measures should be made to optimize rainfall use for various applications for the states of Mizoram.

Groundwater spring potential zonation using AHP and fuzzy-AHP in Eastern Himalayan region: Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

In the present study, the groundwater spring potential zone (GSPZ) was identified using an integrated approach of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and fuzzy-AHP based on multicriteria decision-making (MCDM). Thus, ten associated factors with groundwater springs have been considered: slope, drainage density, lineament density, geomorphology, lithology, soil texture, land use and land cover, rainfall, groundwater level, and spring discharge. The analysis output was categorized into low, moderate, and high. The result of the AHP model shows the area under the high potential zone (16.61%), the moderate potential zone (60.42%), and the low potential zone (22.61%). The result of the fuzzy-AHP model shows that the area falls under the high potential zone (30.40%), moderate potential zone (41.29%), and low potential zone (22.61%). The validation results showed fuzzy-AHP with the area under the curve 0.806, which is slightly better than 0.779 of AHP. So, the resulting GSPZ map confirms that the thematic layers used in the study have a significant role in groundwater spring occurrence and distribution. It was recommended that any groundwater spring rejuvenation or protection activities must be implemented in medium to very high potential zones.

Extragonadal Nongestational Choriocarcinoma With a Widespread Metastasis in a Young Female: A Case Report and Literature Analysis With a Focus on Unmet Needs.

Choriocarcinoma is a highly aggressive malignant tumor that occurs due to the formation of an abnormal trophoblast. Choriocarcinoma is classified into gestational (GC) and nongestational (NGC) subtypes. The majority of nongestational diseases are limited to ovaries. Extragonadal NGC is a sporadic occurrence and a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Here, we present a young 24-year-old female who presented with a widespread metastatic disease to the brain, bilateral kidneys, lungs, liver, pancreas, and small bowel. She was diagnosed with extragonadal NGC, probably originating from her kidneys. She responded poorly to standard first-, second-, and third-line chemotherapies. Detailed literature analysis with various aspects of pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, and treatment options are discussed. There is an unmet need for further research and consensus on many aspects of this rare disease.

Synchronous Adenocarcinoma Stomach With Marginal Zone Lymphoma: A Sporadic Occurrence and Review of Literature.

Synchronous adenocarcinoma of the stomach with lymphoma is extremely rare. We report a case of a 65-year-old male patient with synchronous adenocarcinoma of the stomach with nodal marginal zone lymphoma. Initial endoscopic biopsy suggested invasive moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and a locoregional disease, per contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scans. The patient was started on neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with the 5FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, docetaxel (FLOT) regime and, after response evaluation, underwent radical gastrectomy. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry suggested synchronous adenocarcinoma of the stomach with marginal zone lymphoma in perigastric lymph nodes. This case is probably the first such synchronous malignancy case reported from India. The prognosis of multiple primary malignancies is usually poor because no standard guidelines are available regarding optimum treatment and sequencing of available treatment modalities. The frequency of synchronous primary cancers has been increasing in recent years, probably due to better diagnostic modalities, and second primary in patients with cancer should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses.

Critical assessment of wheat biofortification for iron and zinc: a comprehensive review of conceptualization, trends, approaches, bioavailability, health impact, and policy framework.

Addressing global hidden hunger, particularly in women of childbearing age and children under five, presents a significant challenge, with a focus on iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency. Wheat, a staple crop in the developing world, is crucial for addressing this issue through biofortification efforts. While extensive research has explored various approaches to enhance Fe and Zn content in wheat, there remains a scarcity of comprehensive data on their bioavailability and impact on human and animal health. This systematic review examines the latest trends in wheat biofortification approaches, assesses bioavailability, evaluates the effects of biofortified wheat on health outcomes in humans and animals, and analyzes global policy frameworks. Additionally, a meta-analysis of per capita daily Fe and Zn intake from average wheat consumption was conducted. Notably, breeding-based approaches have led to the release of 40 biofortified wheat varieties for commercial cultivation in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Bolivia, and Nepal, but this progress has overlooked Africa, a particularly vulnerable continent. Despite these advancements, there is a critical need for large-scale systematic investigations into the nutritional impact of biofortified wheat, indicating a crucial area for future research. This article can serve as a valuable resource for multidisciplinary researchers engaged in wheat biofortification, aiding in the refinement of ongoing and future strategies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating hunger and malnutrition by 2030.

A Rare Case of Splenic Metastasis From Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix Detected on 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT.

Cervical cancer is one of the common gynaecological malignancies seen in women. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy encountered in women worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma followed by adenocarcinoma is the most common histological subtype of cervical cancer. Apart from nodal metastases, the usual sites of metastases are the lungs, bones, and liver. Spleen, breast, and skin have been reported as rare sites of metastasis in cases of cervical cancer. Spleen is a rare site of metastasis not only in cases of carcinoma cervix but also in various other solid tumour malignancies. Splenic metastases being uncommon are difficult to characterise using routine imaging modalities. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) evaluation helps to detect these rare sites of metastasis.

Comparative physiological, biochemical and transcriptomic analysis of hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.) roots and shoots identifies potential pathways and their molecular regulatory network during Fe and Zn starvation.

The combined effect of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) starvation on their uptake and transportation and the molecular regulatory networks is poorly understood in wheat. To fill this gap, we performed a comprehensive physiological, biochemical and transcriptome analysis in two bread wheat genotypes, i.e. Narmada 195 and PBW 502, differing in inherent Fe and Zn content. Compared to PBW 502, Narmada 195 exhibited increased tolerance to Fe and Zn withdrawal by significantly modulating the critical physiological and biochemical parameters. We identified 25 core genes associated with four key pathways, i.e. methionine cycle, phytosiderophore biosynthesis, antioxidant and transport system, that exhibited significant up-regulation in both the genotypes with a maximum in Narmada 195. We also identified 26 microRNAs targeting 14 core genes across the four pathways. Together, core genes identified can serve as valuable resources for further functional research for genetic improvement of Fe and Zn content in wheat grain.

Transcriptomic dataset reveals the molecular basis of genotypic variation in hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.) in response to Fe/Zn deficiency.

The datasets depicted in the paper are related to the original article entitled "Identifying transcripts associated with efficient transport and accumulation of Fe and Zn in hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.)" [1]. Four wheat genotypes i.e. Sonora 64, CRP 1660, Vinata, and DBW 17 were selected for RNA sequencing using Illumina HiSeq4000 platform. These genotypes were grown in Fe/Zn sufficient and deficient conditions in sand pot culture with intermittent administration of Hoagland solution. Pooled assembly was carried out for all of the four varieties subsequent to discarding low-quality reads, adaptor sequences and contamination resulting in approximately 315,904 clean transcripts of around 937 bp lengths and N50 of 1,294 bp. For the functional annotation of the identified transcripts databases like Pfam, KEGG pathway, Uniprot, PlnTFDB and wheat proteins were utilized. Differential expression calculation of transcripts was carried out by DESeq, an R package and real-time PCR study of 12 Fe/Zn metabolic pathway related transcripts was utilized for further revalidation of data. Elemental analysis of grain Fe and Zn was performed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The RNA-seq data of all the four wheat genotypes was uploaded on Sequence Read Archive (SRA: SUB6961770 and BioProject: PRJNA605909), enabling easy access to the researchers worldwide.

Expression profiling and in silico homology modeling of Inositol pentakisphosphate 2-kinase, a potential candidate gene for low phytate trait in soybean.

Low phytate soybeans are desirable both from a nutritional and economic standpoint. Inositol 1, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentakisphosphate 2-kinase (IPK1), optimizes the metabolic flux of phytate generation in soybean and thus shows much promise as a likely candidate for pathway regulation. In the present study, the differential spatial and temporal expression profiling of GmIpk1 and its two homologs Glyma06g03310 and Glyma04g03310 were carried out in Glycine max L. var Pusa 9712 revealing the early stages of seed development to be the potential target for gene manipulation. NCBI databank was screened using BLASTp to retrieve 32 plant IPK1 sequences showing high homology to GmIPK1 and its homologs. Bio-computational tools were employed to predict the protein's properties, conserved domains, and secondary structures. Using state-of-the-art in silico physicochemical approach, the three-dimensional (3D) GmIPK1 protein model (PMD ID-PM0079931), was developed based on Arabidopsis thaliana (PDB ID: 4AQK). Superimposition of 4AQK and best model of GmIPK1 revealed that the GmIPK1 aligned well and shows a sequence identity score of 54.32% with 4AQK and a low RMSD of 0.163 nm and almost similar structural features. The modeled structure was further refined considering the stereochemical geometry, energy and packing environment between the model and the template along with validation of its intrinsic dynamics. Molecular dynamics simulation studies of GmIPK1 were carried out to obtain structural insights and to understand the interactive behavior of this enzyme with ligands ADP and IP6. The results of this study provide some fundamental knowledge on the distinct mechanistic step performed by the key residues to elucidate the structure-function relationship of GmIPK1, as an initiative towards engineering "low phytate soybean".

Identifying transcripts associated with efficient transport and accumulation of Fe and Zn in hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.).

Wheat (T. aestivum L.) is the second most important staple food crop consumed in the form of various end-use products across the world. However, it contains lower concentrations of Fe and Zn leading to micronutrient deficiency in human beings where wheat is the sole diet. Therefore, increasing grain Fe/Zn content in wheat has become priority in wheat breeding programmes across the world. Understanding the molecular mechanism of Fe/Zn transport and accumulation in grains is required to expedite the breeding process. For this purpose, whole seedling transcriptome analysis was conducted in four wheat genotypes (CRP 1660, Sonora 64, Vinata, : high, and DBW17: low) differing in grain Fe/Zn content under controlled and Fe/Zn deficient conditions. Twenty eight key transcripts involved in phytosiderophore biosynthesis, Fe/Zn uptake and transport were identified. Expression analysis of 12 of the transcripts using qPCR was conducted in seedling stage and flag leaf which exhibited greater differential accumulation in CRP 1660 followed by Vinata, Sonora 64 and DBW 17 in both flag leaf and seedling. However, there was significantly higher differential accumulation of the transcripts in flag leaf as compared to seedling. In CRP 1660, transcripts pertaining to phytosiderophore biosynthesis like DMAS1-B, NRAMP2 and NAAT2-D showed greater accumulation. Additionally, corresponding miRNAs were also identified for these 28 transcripts. The findings will help in better understanding of molecular basis of Fe/Zn transport and accumulation in grain and subsequent utilization in breeding to improve Fe/Zn content in wheat grain.

Physicochemical Properties and Oxidative Stability of Milk Fortified with Spray-Dried Whey Protein Concentrate-Iron Complex and In Vitro Bioaccessibility of the Added Iron.

In the present study, spray-dried whey protein concentrate-iron (WPC-Fe) complex was prepared using a laboratory-scale spray drier under the optimized conditions of inlet temperature 180 °C, flow rate 2.66 mL/min and total solids 15% with the objective to make iron compatible with food products. In order to remove the free iron from the bound iron, standardised method involving centrifugation and ultrafiltration was employed. Further, the retentate was subjected to spray drying to produce WPC-Fe complex. Milk fortified with WPC-Fe complex (γ(iron)=15 mg/L) showed non-significant difference in heat stability, rennet coagulation time, colour estimation, curd tension, viscosity and sensory attributes as compared to control milk. In vitro bioaccessibility of iron and induction period of the fat from milk fortified with WPC-Fe complex were found to be slightly higher (p<0.05) than that of milk fortified with iron alone. Therefore, milk can be fortified with up to 15 mg/L iron in the form of WPC-Fe complex without significantly affecting its physicochemical properties.

Molecular modeling and in silico characterization of GmABCC5: a phytate transporter and potential target for low-phytate crops.

Designing low-phytate crops without affecting the developmental process in plants had led to the identification of ABCC5 gene in soybean. The GmABCC5 gene was identified and a partial gene sequence was cloned from popular Indian soybean genotype Pusa16. Conserved domains and motifs unique to ABC transporters were identified in the 30 homologous sequences retrieved by BLASTP analysis. The homologs were analyzed for their evolutionary relationship and physiochemical properties. Conserved domains, transmembrane architecture and secondary structure of GmABCC5 were predicted with the aid of computational tools. Analysis identified 53 alpha helices and 31 beta strands, predicting 60% residues in alpha conformation. A three-dimensional (3D) model for GmABCC5 was developed based on 5twv.1.B (Homo sapiens) template homology to gain better insight into its molecular mechanism of transport and sequestration. Spatio-temporal real-time PCR analysis identified mid-to-late seed developmental stages as the time window for the maximum GmABCC5 gene expression, a potential target stage for phytate reduction. Results of this study provide valuable insights into the structural and functional characteristics of GmABCC5, which may be further utilized for the development of nutritionally enriched low-phytate soybean with improved mineral bioavailability.

Congenital Giant Teratoma Arising from the Hard Palate: A Rare Clinical Presentation.

Teratomas are rare tumours which originate from all 3 germs cell layers namely endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm, with varying proportions of each component. The most common site of teratoma is in the sacro-coccygeal region. Teratomas are generally benign and have well appreciable clinical and histopathological features. Incidence of congenital teratoma is 1 in 4000. In head and neck region congenital teratomas usually associated with other anomalies like cystic hygroma and cleft palate with an incidence of 1 in 400. The approximately reported incidence of palatal teratoma is 1 in 35000 to 40000 live-births. Upper airway difficulty causes anticipated functional problems at hypopharynx. The prognosis of palatal teratoma mostly depends on the risk and extent of neonatal respiratory distress. We present a rare case of congenital teratoma arising from the hard palate in a new born girl. The outcome in this case was bad due to the large mass causing respiratory difficulty and bleeding from the ruptured cystic areas leading to hypovolemic shock. After two hours of delivery, baby expired.

Refined glufosinate selection and its extent of exposure for improving the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in Indian soybean (Glycine max) genotype JS-335.

Soybean like many other crops, in this genomic era, has well-established genomic database which provides a wide range of opportunities for improvement through genetic manipulation. But the growing demand for soybean transgenics with increased production and improved quality has been handicapped due to inefficient transformation strategies and hence an efficient, stable and reliable transformation system is of prime requisite. In the present study, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was standardized by refining the glufosinate selection system in terms of dosage (0-6 mg l-1) and degree of exposure. The cotyledonary node explants (with and without wounding) initially cultured on a non-selective shoot induction medium for 10 days before transferring them to the selective SIM with an optimized concentration of 5.0 mg l-1 ammonium glufosinate, showed least selection escape frequency. Wounded cotyledonary node explants infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring pBIN-bar construct, showed an improved regeneration efficiency of 55.10% and transformation efficiency of 12.6% using Southern blotting in T1 plants. Southern analysis of T1 plants confirmed the integration of bar gene into the genomic DNA and the bar positive T1 plants segregated in 3 : 1 ratio. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a high transformation efficiency using Agrobacterium-mediated cot node-glufosinate system in an Indian soybean genotype.

Interference in plant defense and development by non-structural protein NSs of Groundnut bud necrosis virus.

Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) infects a large number of leguminous and solanaceous plants. To elucidate the biological function of the non-structural protein encoded by the S RNA of GBNV (NSs), we studied its role in RNA silencing suppression and in viral pathogenesis. Our results demonstrated that GBNV NSs functions as a suppressor of RNA silencing using the agroinfiltration patch assay. An in silico analysis suggested the presence of pro-apoptotic protein Reaper-like sequences in the GBNV NSs, which were known to be present in animal infecting bunyaviruses. Utilizing NSs mutants, we demonstrated that a Leu-rich domain was required for RNA silencing suppression activity, but not the non-overlapping Trp/GH3 motif of the Reaper-like sequence. To investigate the role of NSs in symptom development we generated transgenic tomato expressing the GBNV NSs and showed that the expression of NSs in tomato mimics symptoms induced by infection with GBNV, such as leaf senescence and necrosis. As leaf senescence is controlled by miR319 regulation of the transcription factor TCP1, we assessed the accumulation of both RNAs in transgenic NSs-expressing and GBNV-infected tomato plants. In both types of plants the levels of miR319 decreased, while the levels of TCP1 transcripts increased. We propose that GBNV-NSs affects miRNA biogenesis through its RNA silencing suppressor activity and interferes with TCP1-regulated leaf developmental pathways.