ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to develop a quick, easy and reliable method for isolation of RNA from starch rich mature wheat grains; and to check the quality of isolated RNA for downstream applications.Methodology: In the present protocol, highly efficient modified RNA extraction buffer [100 mM Tris (pH 9.0), 150 mM NaCl, 50 mM EDTA, 1.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 1.5% 2-mercaptoethanol] was used, subsequently followed by TRIzol extraction. Carryover starch was effectively solubilized by adding NaCl before RNA precipitation step. RNA quality was assured by agarose gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometric analysis and quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The problem of co-precipitation of starch along with RNA was resolved effectively. Intact sharp bands of 18S and 28S rRNA on agarose gel confirmed the integrity of isolated RNA. The average A260/A280 ratios ranged from 2.06 to 2.11 and A260/A230 ratio was higher than the respective A260/A280 ratio, indicating high purity of isolated RNA. The isolated RNA was found suitable for gene expression analysis through quantitative real-time PCR. Interpretation: An improved quick, easy and reliable method developed for isolation of high-quality RNA from starch-rich mature wheat grains could be useful for downstream molecular analysis
ABSTRACT
Aim: Development of commercial hybrid of sunflower on basis of best inbred combination remains a key challenge to sunflower breeders. In the current investigation, heterosis of F1 hybrids, parental genetic diversity and correlation between genetic distance and level of heterosis were estimated. Methodology: Thirty five parental genotypes (3 CMS A lines and 32 R lines) and their hybrids were assessed for physio-morphological, yield and quality traits. Heterosis was measured as mid-parent and better parent heterosis. Among parents, SSR marker based genetic distances were calculated using DARwin software. Correlation between heterosis and genetic distances was carried out by Karl Pearson’s simple correlation method. Results: Range of genetic distances, based on SSR marker analysis, varied from 0.32-0.73. Genetic distance had significant positive correlation with the heterosis for oil content (r = 0.22 p<0.05) and linoleic acid (r = 0.32 p<0.05), but negative correlation was observed for days to maturity, test weight, volume weight, stearic acid and oleic acid. There was no significant correlation between genetic distance and heterosis for seed yield and other agronomic traits. Interpretation: Although, genetic distance is poor predictor of heterosis, dependence of oil content on genetic distance among parental lines may be used for designing an effective breeding program for sunflower.
ABSTRACT
Hyperbilirubinemia is a common and in most cases, a benign problem in neonates. Conventional treatment for severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia consists of phototherapy and exchange transfusion. Phototherapy, which is the main treatment modality has its own side effects and it also upsets maternal and fetal interactions. So there is a need for adjuvant therapies to decrease duration of phototherapy and hospital stay. Objective: This study was planned to assess the role of UDCA in decreasing the duration of phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: Study setting: Pediatrics department, Bebe Nanki Mother & Child Care Centre, GMC Amritsar. Participants: 100 newborns with bilirubin levels in phototherapy range. Study design: Double blind, placebo controlled study. Participants were divided into two groups and UDCA (10mg/kg/d) and microcrystalline cellulose were given to group A and group B respectively. Outcome variables: Rate of fall of bilirubin levels in both the groups and total duration of phototherapy needed in both groups. Results: Mean duration of phototherapy was 36.26±8.41 hours in group A and 38.94±9.86 hours in group B. P value was 0.147 that is statistically not significant. Level of fall of bilirubin in both groups at 12hrly intervals were also compared and difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: UDCA administration to the neonates receiving phototherapy does not hasten the fall in bilirubin levels and does not reduce the time of phototherapy significantly.
ABSTRACT
Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a clinical condition caused by replacement of the normal hydrogen peroxide producing Lactobacillus species with high concentrations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Studies have shown that spontaneous abortion, preterm labour (PTL), premature birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes, amniotic fluid infection, and postpartum endometritis are increased because of infection with BV. In India, not many studies have been done to estimate the prevalence and association of BV with preterm labour, hence this study is being taken up to know the prevalence of BV in preterm and term labour patients and its relationship with preterm delivery, low birth weight of baby and puerperal sepsis.The objective of the present study was to observe the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in women presenting with preterm and term labour, its impact on preterm and term delivery and to analyze the maternal and fetal complications associated with BV.Methods: An observational study involving 100 patients with preterm and term labour (50 patients in each group) was conducted at a BNMCCC, Government Medical College, Amritsar. Women fulfilling the Amsel’s criteria and/or a score of 7 or more on gram staining of vaginal smears (Nugent’s score) was considered to have bacterial vaginosis.Results: The proportion of patients, who fulfilled Amsel’s criteria and/or a Nugent’s score of 7 or more for the diagnosis of BV, was more in PTL group versus term labour group, and the difference was statistically significant. Prevalence of BV in preterm labour and term labour patients was 18(36%) versus 4(8%) respectively. In PTL group, 27.8% of low birth weight neonates were born to BV positive mothers versus 3.1% were born to BV negative mothers. Maternal postpartum complications observed were 33.3% with BV versus 6.25% without BV in PTL group.Conclusions: BV is major risk factor for PTL. Therefore, the testing and prompt treatment of BV may reduce the risk of PTL. This will also go a long way in the prevention of maternal morbidity and neonatal complications due to prematurity.
ABSTRACT
High altitude pulmonary edema develops in people who make a rapid ascend to a high altitude and the body is not able to acclimatize itself. We came across two such cases in the department of Forensic Medicine at I.G.M.C, Shimla.