Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing a wheat salt stress root protein (TaSSRP) exhibit enhanced tolerance to heat stress.

BACKGROUND: Heat stress is a detrimental abiotic stress that limits the development of many plant species and is linked to a variety of cellular and physiological problems. Heat stress affects membrane fluidity, which leads to negative effects on cell permeability and ion transport. Research reveals that heat stress causes severe damage to cells and leads to rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could cause programmed cell death. METHODS AND RESULTS: This current study aimed to validate the role of Triticum aestivum Salt Stress Root Protein (TaSSRP) in plants' tolerance to heat stress by modulating its expression in tobacco plants. The Relative Water Content (RWC), total chlorophyll content, and Membrane Stability Index (MSI) of the seven distinct transgenic lines (T0 - 2, T0 - 3, T0 - 6, T0 - 8, T0 - 9, T0 - 11, and T0 - 13), increased in response to heat stress. Despite the fact that the same tendency was detected in wild-type (WT) plants, changes in physio-biochemical parameters were greater in transgenic lines than in WT plants. The expression analysis revealed that the transgene TaSSRP expressed from 1.00 to 1.809 folds in different lines in the transgenic tobacco plants. The gene TaSSRP offered resistance to heat stress in Nicotiana tabacum, according to the results of the study. CONCLUSION: These findings could help to improve our knowledge and understanding of the mechanism underlying thermotolerance in wheat, and the novel identified gene TaSSRP could be used in generating wheat varieties with enhanced tolerance to heat stress.

Fruit transcriptional profiling of the contrasting genotypes for shelf life reveals the key candidate genes and molecular pathways regulating post-harvest biology in cucumber.

Cucumber fruits are perishable in nature and become unfit for market within 2-3 days of harvesting. A natural variant, DC-48 with exceptionally high shelf life was developed and used to dissect the genetic architecture and molecular mechanism for extended shelf life through RNA-seq for first time. A total of 1364 DEGs were identified and cell wall degradation, chlorophyll and ethylene metabolism related genes played key role. Polygalacturunase (PG), Expansin (EXP) and xyloglucan were down regulated determining fruit firmness and retention of fresh green colour was mainly attributed to the low expression level of the chlorophyll catalytic enzymes (CCEs). Gene regulatory networks revealed the hub genes and cross-talk associated with wide variety of the biological processes. Large number of SSRs (21524), SNPs (545173) and InDels (126252) identified will be instrumental in cucumber improvement. A web genomic resource, CsExSLDb developed will provide a platform for future investigation on cucumber post-harvest biology.

Characterization of STP4 promoter in Indian mustard Brassica juncea for use as an aphid responsive promoter.

OBJECTIVE: Brassica juncea, a major oilseed crop, suffers substantial yield losses due to infestation by mustard aphids (Lipaphis erysimi). Unavailability of resistance genes within the accessible gene pool underpins significance of the transgenic strategy in developing aphid resistance. In this study, we aimed for the identification of an aphid-responsive promoter from B. juncea, based on the available genomic resources. RESULTS: A monosaccharide transporter gene, STP4 in B. juncea was activated by aphids and sustained increased expression as the aphids colonized the plants. We cloned the upstream intergenic region of STP4 and validated its stand-alone aphid-responsive promoter activity. Further, deletion analysis identified the putative cis-elements important for the aphid responsive promoter activity. CONCLUSION: The identified STP4 promoter can potentially be used for driving high level aphid-inducible expression of transgenes in plants. Use of aphid-responsive promoter instead of constitutive promoters can potentially reduce the metabolic burden of transgene-expression on the host plant.

Mitigating postharvest quantitative and qualitative losses in mango fruits through the application of biocontrol agents: An in-vivo and in-vitro assessment.

Mango is a commercial fruit crop of India that suffers huge postharvest losses every year. The application of biocontrol agents (BCAs) bears a vast potential for managing the same, which is yet to be exploited to its fullest extent. Hence, studies were conducted for BCAs application of Debaryomyces hansenii, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens strains on mango fruit under in-vitro, in-vivo conditions to know the efficacy of these BCAs on the postharvest pathogen, shelf life and quality retention of mango fruit. The 'poisoned food technique' was attempted for in-vitro studies. For the in-vivo studies, fruit of the commercial cultivar 'Amrapali' were un-inoculated and pre-inoculated with major postharvest pathogens (anthracnose: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and stem-end rot: Botryodiplodia theobromae) were treated with BCA, followed by ambient storage at (24 ± 4 °C, 75 ± 5 % RH). From the results, it has been observed that under in vitro studies, BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) and Bacillus subtilis (Strain: BJ0011) at the treatment level 108 CFU mL-1 while, the Pseudomonas fluorescens at 109 CFU mL-1 (Strain: BE0001) were significantly effective for pathogen inhibition. However, under the in vivo studies, the BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) at 108 CFU mL-1 treatment level was found to significantly reduce the pathogen's decay incidence while positively influencing the shelf life and biochemical (quality) attributes. This treatment increased the storage life of mango fruit by more than three days over control fruit. Therefore, BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) at 108 CFU mL-1 can be used to control the postharvest pathological loss of mango fruit without affecting its internal quality.

Predictive factors for early mortality after percutaneous endoscopic and radiologically-inserted gastrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Gastrostomy insertion is of benefit to selected patients, but 30-day mortality is as high as 54% in some patient groups. The current study examines risk factors associated with 30-day mortality in a cohort of patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or radiologically-inserted gastrostomy (RIG) in a district general hospital over a 2.5 year period. METHODS: A retrospective review of case notes was performed for all patients who underwent a PEG (n=53) or RIG (n=40) insertion in the period January 2009-July 2011. PEG/RIG re-insertions were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were analysed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for early mortality after gastrostomy insertion. RESULTS: The indications for gastrostomy insertion were similar in the PEG and RIG groups and included mainly dysphagic stroke, chronic neuromuscular disease and head and neck cancer. The patients in the RIG group were older and had a higher incidence of cardiovascular co-morbidities. The overall 30-day mortality was 11% in the PEG and 40% in the RIG group. The multivariate regression analysis suggested that cardiovascular co-morbidities and RIG insertion were independent risk factors for early mortality. The main cause of death 30 days after gastrostomy insertion was pneumonia, which was significantly more common in the RIG group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that PEG should be the procedure of choice when considering gastrostomy insertion and RIG should be reserved as a second-line approach for cases in which PEG is technically difficult or contraindicated.

Multivariate analysis and genetic dissection of staygreen and stem reserve mobilisation under combined drought and heat stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Introduction: Abiotic stresses significantly reduce crop yield by adversely affecting many physio-biochemical processes. Several physiological traits have been targeted and improved for yield enhancement in limiting environmental conditions. Amongst them, staygreen and stem reserve mobilisation are two important mutually exclusive traits contributing to grain filling under drought and heat stress in wheat. Henceforth, the present study was carried out to identify the QTLs governing these traits and to identify the superiors' lines through multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) Methods: A mapping population consisting of 166 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from a cross between HD3086 and HI1500 was utilized in this study. The experiment was laid down in alpha lattice design in four environmental conditions viz. Control, drought, heat and combined stress (heat and drought). Genotyping of parents and RILs was carried out with 35 K Axiom® array (Wheat breeder array). Results and Discussion: Medium to high heritability with a moderate to high correlation between traits was observed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to derive latent variables in the original set of traits and the relationship of these traits with latent variables.From this study, 14 QTLs were identified, out of which 11, 2, and 1 for soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, leaf senescence rate (LSR), and stem reserve mobilisation efficiency (SRE) respectively. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for SPAD value harbored various genes like Dirigent protein 6-like, Protein FATTY ACID EXPORT 3, glucan synthase-3 and Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase, whereas QTLs for LSR were found to contain various genes like aspartyl protease family protein, potassium transporter, inositol-tetrakisphosphate 1-kinase, and DNA polymerase epsilon subunit D-like. Furthermore, the chromosomal region for SRE was found to be associated with serine-threonine protein kinase. Serine-threonine protein kinases are involved in many signaling networks such as ABA mediated ROS signaling and acclimation to environmental stimuli. After the validation of QTLs in multilocation trials, these QTLs can be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs.

Zinner Syndrome: Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis and Seminal Vesicle Cyst Presenting With Bony Metastasis.

Zinner syndrome is a rare congenital triad of mesonephric duct abnormality encompassing unilateral renal agenesis or dysgenesis, ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. Literature has reported 214 cases, with the most common presentation being lower urinary tract symptoms and abdominal pain. Most cases are incidentally diagnosed, and MRI has been the choice of radiological diagnosis. We report the case of an 81-year-old male who presented with a three-month history of a fungating elbow lesion, elbow pain, and weight loss. Imaging revealed an ipsilateral seminal vesicle cyst, absent kidney, and ejaculatory duct obstruction, i.e., Zinner syndrome with bone metastasis. A bone biopsy revealed a urothelial primary, and cyst aspiration and cytology revealed spermatozoa and malignant cells representing an adenocarcinoma. This patient was managed with symptom control, radiotherapy to the elbow, and palliative chemotherapy, but later succumbed to the condition.

Hydrocolloid edible coatings extend shelf life, reduce postharvest decay, and maintain keeping quality of mango fruits (Mangifera indica L.) under ambient storage.

Mango fruit exhibit high postharvest losses due to physiological, biochemical, and pathological deterioration during storage. Edible coatings such as hydrocolloids (HC) bear promising potential for fruit quality preservation at ambient storage due to its triple action (physiological, biochemical and pathological) on fruit and thus widely researched in recent years. This study demonstrates the influence of health and eco-safe hydrocolloid edible coatings such as "Carboxymethyl cellulose" (CMC) (1%), "Guar gum" (1.5%), "Gum Arabica" (10%), and "Xanthan gum" (0.3%) as dip treatment to enhance the postharvest quality and storage life of mangoes at ambient storage (25 ± 4°C and 65 ± 5% RH). "Xanthan gum" (0.3%) treatment exhibited the highest efficacy in reducing the decay loss by more than threefold and physiological loss by twofold over control fruit. It lowered the physiological and fruit softening enzyme activities (PG, PME, and LOX), while maintaining the biochemicals. Moreover, it maintained both internal as well as external (consumer preference) quality of fruit and extended 6 days shelf life on the physiological loss standard basis (≤10%) than that of the control. The results recommend the application of "Xanthan gum" (0.3%) as an efficacious ecological, sustainable, and health-friendly surface edible coating for quality preservation and storage period extension of mango fruit under ambient storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The selected hydrocolloid edible coatings dip treatment showed promising potential in controlling the physiological, biochemical, and pathological deterioration of mango fruit stored under ambient condition. The selected treatments extended the shelf life without diminishing fruit quality. However, among the attempted HC treatments, the "Xanthan gum" (0.3%) (XG) coating displayed the excellent results. It added the storage life of mango fruit by 6 days over the control. XG treated fruit displayed the excellent results in terms of storage period extension, quality retention, consumer preference, and control over the fruit decay and softening enzymes activities. Postharvest preservation of mango fruit using HC is nonchemical, cost-effective approach which is GRAS (generally recognized as safe), health, and eco safe.

Transcriptome profiling reveals the genes and pathways involved in thermo-tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotype Raj 3765.

Wheat, one of the most widely consumed staple food crops globally, is relatively vulnerable to high temperature-induced heat stress. It is therefore essential to gain more insight into the comprehensive mechanism of thermotolerance of wheat in order to safeguard its production. In view of this, we analysed heat stress responsive transcriptome data of wheat to determine its gene expression level under heat stress. A total of 7990 DEGs, including 4483 up-regulated and 3507 down regulated genes were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis categorized 3910 DEGs into different ontology families. 146 pathways involving 814 DEGs were enriched during KEGG analysis. Metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were the major pathways enriched. MYB (myeloblastosis) transcription factors (TFs) and many other TFs as bHLH, WRKY, NAC, ERF, were determined to be quite abundant in the DEGs. Since various reports indicate that these TFs play important role in plants abiotic stress, it is an indication that our DEGs are functional in heat stress tolerance. Verification of few selected DEGs using RT-qPCR produced expression levels similar to the transcriptome data. This indicates that the transcriptome data is reliable. These results could be helpful in enhancing our understanding of the mechanism underlying thermotolerance in wheat.

Genome-wide identification, in silico characterization and expression analysis of the RNA helicase gene family in chickpea (C. arietinum L.).

The RNA helicases are an important class of enzymes which are known to influence almost every aspect of RNA metabolism. The majority of RNA helicases belong to the SF2 (superfamily 2) superfamily, members of which are further categorized into three separate subfamilies i.e., the DEAD, DEAH and DExD/H-box subfamilies. In chickpea, these RNA helicases have not been characterized until now. A genome-wide analysis across the chickpea genome led to the identification of a total of 150 RNA helicase genes which included 50 DEAD, 33 DEAH and 67 DExD/H-box genes. These were distributed across all the eight chromosomes, with highest number on chromosome 4 (26) and least on chromosome 8 (8). Gene duplication analysis resulted in identification of 15 paralogous gene pairs with Ka/Ks values < 1, indicating towards the genes being under purifying selection during the course of evolution. The promoter regions of the RNA helicase genes were enriched in cis-acting elements like the light and ABA-responsive elements. The drought responsiveness of the genes was analysed by studying the expression profiles of few of these genes, in two different genotypes, the cultivated variety ICC 8261 (kabuli, C. arietinum) and the wild accession ILWC 292 (C. reticulatum), through qRT-PCR. These genotypes were selected based on their drought responsiveness in a field experiment, where it was observed that the percentage (%) reduction in relative water content (RWC) and membrane stability index (MSI) for the drought stressed plants after withholding water for 24 days, over the control or well-watered plants, was least for both the genotypes. The genes CaDEAD50 and CaDExD/H66 were identified as drought-responsive RNA helicase genes in chickpea. The protein encoded by the CaDExD/H66 gene shares a high degree of homology with one of the CLSY (CLASSY) proteins of A. thaliana. We hypothesize that this gene could possibly be involved in regulation of DNA methylation levels in chickpea by regulating siRNA production, in conjunction with other proteins like the Argonaute, RNA dependent RNA polymerases and Dicer-like proteins.

Cross-talk between the cytokinin, auxin, and gibberellin regulatory networks in determining parthenocarpy in cucumber.

Cucumber is a model plant for studying parthenocarpy with abundant slicing- and pickling-type germplasm. This study was undertaken to understand the role of the important cytokines (CKs), auxin (AUX) and gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis and degradation genes for the induction of parthenocarpy in slicing and pickling germplasm. Two genotypes of gynoecious parthenocarpic cucumber, PPC-6 and DG-8, along with an MABC-derived gynoecious non-parthenocarpic line, IMPU-1, were evaluated in this study. The slicing and pickling cucumber genotypes PPC-6 and DG-8 were strongly parthenocarpic in nature and set fruit normally without pollination. Endogenous auxin and gibberellin were significantly higher in parthenocarpic than non-parthenocarpic genotypes, whereas the concentration of cytokinins varied among the genotypes at different developmental stages. However, the exogenous application of Zeatin and IAA + Zeatin was effective in inducing parthenocarpic fruit in IMPU-1. Expression analysis with important CK, AUX, and GA biosynthesis-related genes was conducted in IMPU-1, PPC-6, and DG-8. The expression of the CK synthase, IPT, IPT3, PaO, LOG1, LOG2, CYP735A1, and CYP735A2 was up-regulated in the parthenocarpic genotypes. Among the transcription factor response regulators (RRs), positive regulation of CSRR8/9b, CSRR8/9d, CSRR8/9e, and CSRR16/17 and negative feedback of the CK signalling genes, such as CsRR3/4a, CsRR3/4b, CsRR8/9a, and CsRR8/9c, were recorded in the parthenocarpic lines. Homeostasis between cytokinin biosynthesis and degradation genes such as CK oxidases (CKXs) and CK dehydrogenase resulted in a non-significant difference in the endogenous CK concentration in the parthenocarpic and non-parthenocarpic genotypes. In addition, up-regulation of the key auxin-inducing proteins and GA biosynthesis genes indicated their crucial role in the parthenocarpic fruit set of cucumber. This study establishes the critical role of the CKs, AUX, and GA regulatory networks and their cross-talk in determining parthenocarpy in slicing and pickling cucumber genotypes.

Accessing Patient Electronic Health Record Portals Safely Using Social Credentials: Demonstration Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient portals allow communication with clinicians, access to test results, appointments, etc, and generally requires another set of log-ins and passwords, which can become cumbersome, as patients often have records at multiple institutions. Social credentials (eg, Google and Facebook) are increasingly used as a federated identity to allow access and reduce the password burden. Single Federated Identity Log-in for Electronic health records (Single-FILE) is a real-world test of the feasibility and acceptability of federated social credentials for patients to access their electronic health records (EHRs) at multiple organizations with a single sign-on (SSO). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to deploy a federated identity system for health care in a real-world environment so patients can safely use a social identity to access their EHR data at multiple organizations. This will help identify barriers and inform guidance for the deployment of such systems. METHODS: Single-FILE allowed patients to pick a social identity (such as Google or Facebook) as a federated identity for multisite EHR patient portal access with an SSO. Binding the identity to the patient's EHR records was performed by confirming that the patient had a valid portal log-in and sending a one-time passcode to a telephone (SMS text message or voice) number retrieved from the EHR. This reduced the risk of stolen EHR portal credentials. For a real-world test, we recruited 8 patients and (or) their caregivers who had EHR data at 2 independent health care facilities, enrolled them into Single-FILE, and allowed them to use their social identity credentials to access their patient records. We used a short qualitative interview to assess their interest and use of a federated identity for SSO. Single-FILE was implemented as a web-based patient portal, although the concept can be readily implemented on a variety of mobile platforms. RESULTS: We interviewed the patients and their caregivers to assess their comfort levels with using a social identity for access. Patients noted that they appreciated only having to remember 1 log-in as part of Single-FILE and being able to sign up through Facebook. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that from a technical perspective, a social identity can be used as a federated identity that is bound to a patient's EHR data. The one-time passcode sent to the patient's EHR phone number provided assurance that the binding is valid. The patients indicated that they were comfortable with using their social credentials instead of having to remember the log-in credentials for their EHR portal. Our experience will help inform the implementation of federated identity systems in health care in the United States.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a neonate masquerading as surgical abdomen.

Worldwide, thousands of cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have already been reported in children. Evidence regarding neonatal MIS-C is limited. We present the first case report of a neonate presenting within 48 hours of life with predominant abdominal signs mimicking surgical abdomen. Clinical picture comprised fever, multiorgan dysfunction (gastrointestinal, cardiorespiratory, hepatic and dermatological), positive inflammatory markers, high ferritin and high D-dimer levels. Cardiac enzyme N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as well as D-dimer levels were elevated. Blood, urine, stool and cerebrospinal fluid cultures were sterile. Positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in both the mother and the infant, along with an epidemiological evidence of maternal contact with COVID-19, clinched the diagnosis of MIS-C. Immunomodulatory drugs (intravenous immunoglobulin and systemic steroids) were administered and showed good clinical response. A high index of suspicion of MIS-C in critically ill neonates can improve outcomes.

Regulation of Postharvest Tomato Fruit Ripening by Endogenous Salicylic Acid.

Exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) has been known for delaying ripening in many fruit and vegetables. But the function of endogenous SA in relation to postharvest fruit performance is still unexplored. To understand the role of endogenous SA in postharvest fruit ripening of tomato, 33 tomato lines were examined for their endogenous SA content, membrane stability index (MSI), and shelf life (SL) at turning and red stages of tomato fruit ripening. Six tomato lines having contrasting shelf lives from these categories were subjected further for ethylene (ET) evolution, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO), polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methyl esterase (PME), antioxidant assays and lipid peroxidation. It was found that high endogenous SA has a direct association with low ET evolution, which leads to the high SL of fruit. High lycopene content was also found to be correlated with high SA. Total antioxidants, PG, and PME decreased and lipid peroxidation increased from turning to red stage of tomato fruit development. Furthermore, these lines were subjected to expression analysis for SA biosynthesis enzymes viz. Solanum lycopersicum Isochorismate Synthase (SlICS) and SlPAL. Real-time PCR data revealed that high SL lines have high SlPAL4 expression and low SL lines have high SlPAL6 expression. Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that endogenous SA regulates ET evolution and SL with the aid of the antioxidative defense system, and SlPAL4 and SlPAL6 genes play significant but opposite roles during fruit ripening.

Understanding the Role of Gibberellic Acid and Paclobutrazol in Terminal Heat Stress Tolerance in Wheat.

Understanding the physiological mechanism of tolerance under stress conditions is an imperative aspect of the crop improvement programme. The role of plant hormones is well-established in abiotic stress tolerance. However, the information on the role of gibberellic acid (GA) in abiotic stress tolerance in late sown wheat is still not thoroughly explored. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of endogenous GA3 level in stress tolerance in contrasting wheat cultivars, viz., temperature-tolerant (HD 2643 and DBW 14) and susceptible (HD 2189 and HD 2833) cultivars under timely and late sown conditions. We created the variation in endogenous GA3 level by exogenous spray of GA3 and its biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PBZ). Tolerant genotypes had higher antioxidant enzyme activity, membrane stability, and photosynthesis rate, lower lipid peroxidase activity, and better growth and yield traits under late sown conditions attributed to H2O2 content. Application of PBZ escalated antioxidant enzymes activity and photosynthesis rate, and reduced the lipid peroxidation and ion leakage in stress, leading to improved thermotolerance. GA3 had a non-significant effect on antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, and membrane stability. However, GA3 application increased the test weight in HD 2643 and HD 2833 under timely and late sown conditions. GA3 upregulated GA biosynthesis and degradation pathway genes, and PBZ downregulated kaurene oxidase and GA2ox gene expression. GA3 also upregulated the expression of the cell expansins gene under both timely and late sown conditions. Exogenous GA3 did not increase thermotolerance but positively affected test weight and cell expansins gene expression. No direct relationship existed between endogenous GA3 content and stress tolerance traits, indicating that PBZ could have conferred thermotolerance through an alternative mechanism instead of inhibiting GA3biosynthesis.

Gene Action Governing the Inheritance of Stomatal Conductance in Four Wheat Crosses Under High Temperature Stress Condition.

The knowledge pertaining to gene action and interactions involved in the inheritance of a character in different generations is crucial for determining the breeding strategies in crop improvement program. In the present study, the gene action of stomatal conductance was determined in four wheat populations under high elevated temperatures coupled with late sowing at experimental farm, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Steady-state SC-1 leaf porometer was used to record stomatal conductance on adaxial and abaxial leaf surface at late boot (Z 49-50), early milk (Z 73), and late milk (Z 77) growth stages. Evidence for nuclear genetic control of stomatal conductance was strong, with large and repeatable genetic difference observed for parents and progeny across all the four crosses. Mean stomatal conductance for genotypes, GW 322 and GW 366, was consistently low at late boot, early milk, and late milk under timely sown, late sown, and very late sown condition, whereas the converse was true for the high-conducting parents, KAUZ/AA//KAUZ and RAC 875. Additive and additive x additive epistatic effects were large and reasonably consistent at three stages and in all crosses. Detection of epistasis and evidence of transgressive segregation suggested that variation for stomatal conductance was under oligo or polygenic control. Thus, it is conceivable that independent alleles at two or more loci could be pyramided into a single family for increased or decreased stomatal conductance. Additive-based gene action also facilitates with simple selection at early generation to improve stomatal conductance in expected direction. This is the first report on estimates of gene action for stomatal conductance of flag leaf under heat stress condition during reproductive and grain filling stage.

A case report of uncommon paratesticular liposarcoma of spermatic cord presenting as a scrotal mass.

Paratesticular liposarcomas are uncommon malignancies, often misdiagnosed preoperatively, that present as a painless scrotal mass. There is no universal consensus on their management due to scarcity of reported cases. Early detection and prompt surgical intervention provide the best disease outcome. We present the case of a 74-year-old man with a painless left testicular mass. Ultrasound and CT scan showed a paratesticular tumour. He underwent left high inguinal orchidectomy. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and cytogenetics studies confirmed the diagnosis of a Grade 2 well differentiated paratesticular liposarcoma with clear surgical margins. The case was referred to our regional sarcoma centre and currently undergoes regular follow-up.

Non-operative management of an isolated lateral collateral ligament injury in an adolescent patient and review of the literature.

We present a rare case of isolated traumatic pure ligamentous rupture of the lateral collateral ligament of the knee in an adolescent high-level footballer managed non-operatively with a good functional outcome and return to sport in 4 months.

Villous adenoma of the urachal remnant: A diagnostic conundrum.

Villous adenoma is a rare pathology seen in the urinary tract; it is mostly found in the large bowel. When encountered in the urinary tract, it mainly originates from intestinal segments of urinary reconstruction. Villous adenoma is commonly seen in patients more than 50 years and has a male predominance. In the urinary tract, it has been reported in the urachus, bladder dome and trigone. A few cases of villous adenoma have been described in the literature. We report a case of primary villous adenoma in the remnant of the urachus and discuss the pathophysiology, investigation and management.