Effect of boron fertilization on productivity and sustainability of rice-wheat cropping system in Tarai region, North-West India.

Extensive global dependency on rice and wheat crops has necessitated the adoption of intensive cultivation practices, thereby compelling to closely monitor the potential yield-limiting factors, among which, boron (B) deficiency stands out to be a prime concern. The present study explores the effects of B fertilization strategies within the Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in the Tarai region of North-West India. A comprehensive six-year field experiment was conducted (2013-2019) at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment tested graded B doses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha-1) at varied frequencies (single, alternate, and annual) in a factorial design. The study revealed significant impacts of alternate B application at 1.5 kg ha-1 on crop yields and the Sustainable Yield Index (SYI). The System Rice Equivalent Yield (SREY) exhibited an increase of 6.7% with B supplementation over B-deprived plots, highlighting the pivotal role of B fertilizer in enhancing productivity within the RWCS. The economic optimum B dose was found to be 1.422 kg ha-1 using a linear plus plateau model, resulting in a calculated annual SREY of 9.73 t ha-1 when applied alternately to the cropping system. Continuous application and higher B rates demonstrated substantial increases in various B fractions, while the mobility factor remained within 10%, depicting safe ecological limits. The distribution of fractions in B-treated plots on average followed the order: residual B > organically-bound B > oxide bound B > specifically adsorbed B > readily soluble B. Similarities in the distribution patterns of B fractions between B-treated plots and the control indicated potential influence of biotic or abiotic processes on B fraction dynamics, even in the absence of external B application. To sum up, B application in alternate years at 1.5 kg ha-1 was most sustainable in enhancing the SREY, SYI, available soil B, and B fractions and lowering the environmental hazards.

Etiopathophysiological role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in age-related muscular weakening: RAAS-independent beneficial role of ACE2 in muscle weakness.

Aging is accompanied by major changes in body composition that can negatively affect functional status in older adults, including a progressive decrease in muscle mass, strength, and quality. The prevalence of sarcopenia has varied considerably, depending on the definition used and the population surveyed-a 2014 meta-analysis across several countries found estimates ranging from 1% to 29% for people aged 60 years or older, who live independently. The potentially relevant studies were retrieved from the ScienceDirect/Medline/PubMed/Public library of science/Mendeley/Springer link and Google Scholar. Multiple keywords were used for the literature search both alone and in combination. Some of the important keywords used for literature search were as follows: "Epidemiology of muscle weakness/muscle disorders," "Pathogenesis of RAAS in muscle weakness," "Role of Angiotensin 1-7/ACE-2/Mas R axis in muscle weakness," and "Correction pathophysiology of muscle weakness via ACE2." The renin-angiotensin system (RAAS), a major blood pressure regulatory system, is a candidate mediator that may promote aging-associated muscle weakness. Previously, studies explored the proof concept for RAAS inhibition as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, in RAAS, angiotensin II, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) have been reported to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress via glucose-regulated protein 78/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/CHOP axis in the liver. In addition, other mitochondria and ER physical interactions contribute to skeletal muscle dysfunction. However, very few studies have investigated the relationship between RAAS and ER stress-associated pathophysiological events and ACE2-mediated biological consequences in muscle weakness. Thus, the study has been designed to investigate the RAAS-independent beneficial role of ACE2 in muscle weakness.

Severe Manifestations of Chikungunya Fever in Children, India, 2016.

Chikungunya is a relatively benign disease, and a paucity of literature on severe manifestations in children exits. We describe a cohort of pediatric chikungunya fever patients in New Delhi, India, who had severe sepsis and septic shock, which can develop during the acute phase of illness.

Total synthesis of proanthocyanidin A1, A2, and their stereoisomers.

The first novel stereoselective synthesis of naturally occurring A1 (1) and A2 proanthocyanidins (2) has been achieved. The key synthetic steps involved (a) the formation of a coupled product (13 or 14) between an open chain C-ring C-4 hydroxyethoxy analogue of either (+)-catechin or (-)-epicatechin with 5,7,3',3'-tetra-O-benzyl-(+)-catechin/-(-)-epicatechin in the presence of bentonite clay K-10, (b) removal of benzyl protecting groups under mild catalytic hydrogenation conditions to form the desired A-type compound in situ as a mixture of diastereomers via ketal/oxonium ion/carbonium ion formation, and (c) separation of the diasteromers via silica gel column chromatography. The structures of A1 and A2 proanthocyanidins were unequivocally established by analytical comparison to the natural products. Following this methodology, an additional six diastereomers of proanthocyanidins A1 and A2 have been synthesized. A plausible mechanism for the formation of the A-type linkage in proanthocyanidins has been proposed.

Root endophyte Piriformospora indica DSM 11827 alters plant morphology, enhances biomass and antioxidant activity of medicinal plant Bacopa monniera.

Unorganized collections and over exploitation of naturally occurring medicinal plant Bacopa monniera is leading to rapid depletion of germplasm and is posing a great threat to its survival in natural habitats. The species has already been listed in the list of highly threatened plants of India. This calls for micropropagation based multiplication of potential accessions and understanding of their mycorrhizal associations for obtaining plants with enhanced secondary metabolite contents. The co-cultivation of B. monniera with axenically cultivated root endophyte Piriformospora indica resulted in growth promotion, increase in bacoside content, antioxidant activity and nuclear hypertrophy of this medicinal plant.

A combination of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and 6-aminonicotinamide induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis selectively in irradiated human malignant cells.

Previously, we have shown that a combination of metabolic modifiers 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) results in oxidative stress mediated radiosensitization of malignant cells via mitochondrial dysfunction and non-coordinated expression of antioxidant defense, besides inhibition of repair and recovery. In the present study, our objective was to study, in a panel of human malignant cells of various origins (lung carcinoma, squamous carcinoma, oral carcinoma, and glioblastoma), if the inhibitory activity of combination (2-DG+6-AN+2 Gy) against tumor growth could be considered a general phenomenon and to determine its effect on the cell cycle. The results revealed that combination (2-DG+6-AN+2 Gy) treatment result in significant cell growth inhibition and induced ROS generation in all cancer cells studied. The anti-proliferative effect was related to the ability of combination (2-DG+6-AN+2 Gy) to provoke growth inhibition at the G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, combination (2-DG+6-AN+2 Gy) induced G2/M arrest is closely correlated to decreased cyclin A, cyclin B1, and cdc2 levels.

Airway management in trauma.

Trauma has assumed epidemic proportion. 10% of global road accident deaths occur in India. Hypoxia and airway mismanagement are known to contribute up to 34% of pre-hospital deaths in these patients. A high degree of suspicion for actual or impending airway obstruction should be assumed in all trauma patients. Objective signs of airway compromise include agitation, obtundation, cyanosis, abnormal breath sound and deviated trachea. If time permits, one should carry out a brief airway assessment prior to undertaking definitive airway management in these patients. Simple techniques for establishing and maintaining airway patency include jaw thrust maneuver and/or use of oro- and nas-opharyngeal airways. All attempts must be made to perform definitive airway management whenever airway is compromised that is not amenable to simple strategies. The selection of airway device and route- oral or -nasal, for tracheal intubation should be based on nature of patient injury, experience and skill level.

Enantioselctive syntheses of sulfur analogues of flavan-3-Ols.

The first enantioselective syntheses of sulfur flavan-3-ol analogues 1-8 have been accomplished, whereby the oxygen atom of the pyran ring has been replaced by a sulfur atom. The key steps were: (a) Pd(0) catalyzed introduction of -S t-butyl group, (b) Sharpless enantioselective dihydroxylation of the alkene, (c) acid catalyzed ring closure to produce the thiopyran ring, and (d) removal of benzyl groups using N,N-dimethylaniline and AlCl(3). The compounds were isolated in high chemical and optical purity.

Mucosal delivery of vaccines: role of mucoadhesive/biodegradable polymers.

Majority of infectious microorganism make their gateway to the host through mucosal surfaces, such as gastrointestinal tract, nasal and vaginal tract. Mucosal immune response structured as sIgA can effectively prevent the attachment and invasion of the microorganism from mucosal surface and thereby serves as an efficient tool against infectious disease. There has been an increased demand for the development of novel vaccine that leads to the induction of immune response in systemic circulation as well as at mucosal surfaces against infectious disease. Mucosal delivery of vaccine provides basis for induction of both mucosal as well as systemic immune responses against the infectious organisms. However, a variety of factors such as mucociliary clearance, presence of deteriorating enzymes, pH extremes (GIT), low permeation and metabolic degradation limit the mucosal delivery of vaccine. Numerous strategies have been explored in the meadow of mucosal vaccination for the purpose of efficient antigen delivery through mucosal route(s). Polymeric carrier(s) such as nanoparticles and microparticles loaded with the antigen can serve as the basis for creation of important formulations for improved vaccine. Biodegradable and mucoadhesive polymeric carrier(s) seems to be most promising candidate for mucosal vaccine delivery. Several polymers from natural and synthetic origin, such as polylactide-co-glycolide, chitosan, alginate, carbopol, gelatin etc., have been explored for the efficient mucosal vaccine delivery and significant results have been obtained. This review outlines the polymers used in mucosal vaccine delivery with special reference to mucoadhesive/biodegradable polymers. This article also covers the recent patent granted in the field on polymeric carrier mediated mucosal vaccination.

Metabolic oxidative stress induced by a combination of 2-DG and 6-AN enhances radiation damage selectively in malignant cells via non-coordinated expression of antioxidant enzymes.

Our earlier studies have shown that simultaneous inhibition of glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway using 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG, an inhibitor of glycolysis) and 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN, an inhibitor of pentose phosphate pathway) lead to metabolic oxidative stress (MOS), resulting in radiosensitization in malignant cells. Present study was carried out to investigate the effects of 2-DG and 6-AN on intricately regulated endogenous antioxidant defense against MOS during radiosensitization by this combination. Two human tumor cell lines {Head and Neck Squamous carcinoma (KB) and Glioma (BMG-1)} and one non-malignantly transformed cell line (human embryonic kidney, HEK) were used in this study. The presence of 2-DG and 6-AN (added just before irradiation) for 4h, significantly decreased the clonogenicity and metabolic viability of KB and BMG-1 cell lines, while no significant change was seen in HEK cells. Accumulation of ROS was observed only in malignant cell lines, which displayed a compromised redox status evident from enhanced NADP(+)/NADPH and GSSG/GSH ratios and a concomitant decrease in glutathione reductase level and activity at 24h following treatment. The levels and activities of Cu, Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD increased with MOS and were accompanied by a decreased GPx and unaltered catalase activity and level. These results suggest that non-coordinated expression of antioxidant defense, besides compromised redox status, led to selective radiosensitization in the malignant cells.

An Unnoticed Broken Sheathed Metallic Stylet in an Endotracheal Tube: A case report.

We report a 58-years old patient, who underwent surgery for a fracture to the neck of the femur. Tracheal intubation was performed with the aid of a stylet; however, 15 minutes later, it was brought to the notice of the attending anesthesiologist that a broken piece of stylet had been left inside the lumen of the endotracheal tube. Prior to this, there was no evidence of a foreign body in the endotracheal tube or tracheobronchial tree. The broken piece of stylet was successfully retrieved with the help of a Kocher's forceps.

Cellulase production by six Trichoderma spp. fermented on medicinal plant processings.

Capabilities of cellulase production, using delignified bioprocessings of medicinal and aromatic plants, viz. citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) and Artemisia annua (known as marc of Artemisia) and garden waste (chiefly containing Cynodon dactylon), by the six species of Trichoderma were comparatively evaluated. Among the members of Trichoderma studied, T. citrinoviride was found to be the most efficient producer of cellulases along with a high level of beta-glucosidase (produced 102.4 IU g(-1) on marc of Artemisia; 101.33 IU g(-1) on garden waste; 81.86 IU g(-1) on distillation waste of citronella and 94.77 IU g(-1) on pure cellulose). Although T. virens was noticed to be the minimal enzyme producer fungus, it interestingly could not produce complete cellulase enzyme complex on any test waste or pure cellulose, except on marc of Artemisia, where it produced all three enzymes of the complex. Immediate reduction in pH was also noticed during fermentation in the case of pure polymer (cellulose) by all tested fungi, while it was delayed with delignified agrowastes. The pH profile varied with the substrate used as well as with individual species of Trichoderma. On the other hand, no alteration in pH with any species of Trichoderma was noticed when grown on marc of A. annua, which might be due to the buffering capacity of this marc.

RNA-based immunotherapy of cancer: role and therapeutic implications of dendritic cells.

Cancer immunotherapy aims at eliciting an immune response directed against tumor antigens to help fight off residual tumor cells and, thereby, improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients. Different immunotherapeutic approaches share the use of dendritic cells (DCs) to present tumor-associated antigens to T lymphocytes. DCs are specialized for antigen presentation, and their immunogenicity leads to the induction of antigen-specific immune responses. Ex vivo-generated DCs can be loaded with antigens and re-infused to the patients or they can be used for the ex vivo expansion of anti-tumor lymphocytes. Alternatively, methods exist to target antigens in vivo without the need for ex vivo cell manipulations. DCs loaded ex vivo with RNA can be administered safely and might prove to be an asset for producing antigen-specific immune responses. Furthermore, these observations have led to clinical trials designed to investigate the immunological and clinical effects of RNA-pulsed DCs administered as a therapeutic vaccine in cancer patients. However, selection of the antigen, methods for introducing tumor-associated antigens into MHC class I and II processing pathways, methods for isolation and activation of DCs and route of administration are the parameters to be considered for designing and conducting clinical trials with phenotypically altered DCs. The enhanced RNA transfection efficiency and DC maturation would further improve antigen processing and presentation and T-cell costimulation, resulting in the induction of heightened anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore, DCs pulsed with RNA continues to hold promise for cellular immunotherapy.

HIV infection mimicking autoimmune disorder.

A 13-yr-old girl born to healthy parents presented with cough, fever, easy fatiguability, photosensitivity and alopecia. She had clubbing and diffuse crackles in the chest on examination. Her CT scan of the chest showed evidence of bronchiectasis with consolidation. Investigations for tuberculosis and collagen vascular disease were negative. In due course she developed features of raised intracranial tension. Her blood for HIV ELISA was positive with CD4 counts of 17/ microL. Her CSF, sputum, blood and urine specimen were all positive for Cryptococcus neoformans on culture. HIV was not considered initially because of her atypical presentation. There was no history of sexual abuse, her parents were healthy and she did not receive any blood transfusion in the past.