Genetic diversity and marker trait association for yellow mosaic virus disease in green gram, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Yellow mosaic virus (YMV) disease is known to cause severe damage in green gram in terms of yield loss. As the resistance is often governed by recessive genes, introgression of such resistance faces some difficulty. DNA molecular markers are reported to be effective in this process. However, validation of such markers is important. Here, we have made an attempt to validate DNA markers associated with YMV disease resistance gene from a diverse group of 26 green gram genotypes. A total of 19 molecular markers were used to assess the susceptibility or resistance against YMV disease. Results show that among the amplified 31 alleles, 21 were polymorphic, with a mean of 1.1.0 per locus. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.32 to 0.80. Only five markers exhibited higher PIC value (>6.0) and were revealed to be polymorphic, suggesting its utility in marker assisted selection for breeding YMV resistant genotypes in greengram. Dice dissimilarity coefficient among the genotypes exhibited a range of 0.07 to 1.0 which show a wide genetic variation among the genotypes for YMV tolerance. Neighbor-joining cluster analysis has grouped 26 green gram genotypes into 4 main clusters which revealed the existence of genetic dissimilarities among the genotypes. The genotypes AUGG 6, VBN (Gg) 2 and CO (Gg) 8 carried the positive alleles for YMV disease resistance and the allele for susceptibility were found in the genotypes AUGG 12, AUGG 15, AUGG 17 and AUGG 19. Single marker analysis indicated that there was correlation between the markers and the disease reaction in the field with exceptions. The findings revealed that the SSR markers CEDG180 and YR4 could be used to screen germplasm in order to discriminate the YMV resistant genotypes from the susceptible genotypes in marker assisted selection.

Screening for seedling stage salinity tolerance and comparative transcriptome analysis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses which affect crop productivity including rice, Oryza sativa L. Developing salt tolerant varieties gained considerable attention accordingly. Here, we studied salinity tolerance in rice crop. We screened ten rice genotypes for saline tolerance at different concentrations of 0 dSm-1, 2 dSm-1, 4 dSm-1, 6 dSm-1, 8 dSm-1,10 dSm-1, 12 dSm-1 and 14 dSm-1, respectively. Among the ten genotypes studied, CARIDhan-7 tolerated salt stress up to 6dSm-1 of irrigated water. Comparative transcriptome analysis was done with the genotypes by treating with saline water at 0dSm-1 and 6 dSm-1. A total of 1013 genes were differentially expressed under simulated stress conditions. Out of which, 551 genes were upregulated and 462 genes were downregulated. Based on the metabolic pathway analysis, the MAPK signaling pathway, along with the other 9 pathways were found to be enriched in the stressed sample. Nine ion transporter genes, 1potassium channel, 1 protein phosphatase gene, IAA homologs OsIAA9, two ROS scavenging-related genes, and 4 stress regulated genes identified were found to be significantly up-regulated along with some functional proteins previously reported under salt stress. An AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor PLETHORA 2 was found to be downregulated. The results suggested that the CARIDhan-7 genotype undergoes various saline tolerant mechanisms and pathways in response to the stress imposed when compared to non-stressed seedlings.

Ameliorating drought stress in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) using biostimulants

In India, abiotic stress, particularly drought, is known to affect sugarcane cultivation. Among various management strategies, application of biostimulants, especially those from seaweeds, offer promising results in containing yield loss due to drought stress. Here, we tested the efficacy of Sea6 liquid biostimulant formulation LBS6 in field condition along with conventional management practices for comparison purpose using two popular commercial varieties of sugarcane (Co 86032 and Co 0212). Drought stress imposed during formative phase of the crop and foliar application of sea6 liquid formulation was applied at 60, 90 and 120 days after planting (DAP). The effect of liquid formulation on mitigating drought stress was assessed by studying the growth, physiological, yield and yield traits at important pheno-phases of the crop. Results showed that, in Co 86032 shoot population of control was 100.5×103 ha-1 and drought was 85.1×103 ha-1 with mean reduction of 15.5% over control. Drought stress induced 11.4, 12.4, 9.8 and 5.0% reduction in plant height, leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and photochemical efficiency, respectively. In Co 0212, drought induced 10.15, 9.4, 10.5, 9.5 and 5.1% reduction in shoot population, plant height, LAI, SPAD value and photochemical efficiency, respectively. Under drought condition, in Co 86032, foliar application of KCl (2.5%) and seaweed extract LBS6(2 mL L-1) was observed comparatively higher cane yield of 92.9 t ha-1 and 89.5 t ha-1, with 18 and 16.5% yield improvement over untreated drought plot, respectively. In Co 0212, foliar application of KCl (2.5%) and seaweed extract LBS6 (2 mL L-1) recorded 99 and 93.5 t ha-1 with 18.5% and 15.2% yield improvement over untreated drought plot, respectively. Among the two varieties, Co 0212 performed better under drought situation with KCl (2.5%) spray demonstrating better physiological efficiency under stress, closely followed by of sea6 formulation LBS6 (2 mL L-1). Further, the drought management practices did not affect the juice quality parameters in both the tested varieties.

Root dynamics and drought stress management in plants — Overview

Drought is a predominant factor responsible for yield reduction throughout the world. The current scenario of climate change and global warming are further causing frequent and severe droughts, which emphasizes the need to understand the response of plants to drought stress. Hence, it is imperative to develop a system wherein water utilization is more efficient in agriculture. In this context, the plant root system which is in close association with soil assumes greater importance and they play an important role in plant growth and development by exploiting soil water and nutrients. Root traits such as root diameter, length, specific area, angle, length and density are considered useful traits for improving plant growth under drought conditions. This review on root dynamics under drought stress presented here provides readers with the latest information on root system architecture, genetics, physiology and molecular responses of roots under drought stress.

Anatomical localization of motor entry points of hamstring muscles - for neurolysis in hamstring spasticity

Objectives: To study the motor entry points of hamstring muscles of lower limb and to suggest ideal sites formotor point procedures for treatment of spasticity in the above muscles.Materials and Methods: The study was done after approval from Institutional Review Board. Sample size wasestimated using Population mean-Absolute precision method. A total of 10 adult lower limbs were chosen. Thenerve branches to hamstring muscles were dissected up to its motor entry point. Position of proximal and distalmotor entry points were marked and following variables measured: a) The length of muscle; b)Number of motorentry points; c)The distance of proximal entry point (PEP) and distal entry point (DEP) from the origin of muscle;e)The position of PEP and DEP as a fraction of length of muscle; f) Ideal site of motor entry point injection; g) Idealsite of motor point injection expressed as a percentage of muscle length.Results: The proximal and distal motor entry points of long head of Biceps Femoris were located at 35% and 51%of the total length of muscle. Most of the motor entry points of Semitendinosus were located between 43% and48% of muscle length ie, in the third-fifth of total muscle length. Semimembranosus had its motor entry pointslocated between 52% and 70% of the total muscle length ie, in the third-fifth and fourth-fifth of muscle length.Conclusion: The interventions done for relief of spasticity will have the best outcomes if planned at the abovementioned areas of the respective muscles

A Unusal Presentation Of Bartter Syndrome

Bartter Syndrome is a rare congenital disease that manifests as hypokalemia, hyponatremia and hypotension. The disease occurs due to defective genes that are responsible for the reabsorption of certain electrolytes in the renal tubules. Hence it results in salt-wasting dyselectrolytemia. By its inheritable nature, the usual presentation of the disease is in the infants and children. But this case report presents an adult with symptoms of Bartter Syndrome which was discovered by chance while the patient was being treated for Acute gastroenteritis. Adult onset of Bartter Syndrome is incredibly rare and has been reported only in few other cases.

In vitro transverse thin cell layer culture in mung bean Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important grain legume crop. Earlier works on micropropagation protocols for mung bean suffer from genotype dependence, poor reproducibility and insufficient regeneration efficiency. Hence, we made an attempt to develop an efficient protocol for micropropagation of mung bean cv. KM 2 using transverse thin cell layer (tTCL) system. The epicotyl, hypocotyl and nodal tTCL explants were obtained from 5-day-old seedlings and cultured on MS medium with different concentrations of BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), TDZ (Thidiazuron) and kinetin. The maximum frequency (75.25%) of direct shoot initiation and multiplication was achieved from culturing the nodal tTCL explants on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L BAP. It has been observed that 61.4% of the regenerated shoots successfully elongated and rooted in MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L of IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) after two weeks of culture. The plantlets successfully established under greenhouse conditions with 64 % survival rate. The hardened plants exhibited homogeneity and no morphological variations were detected among the regenerants and the mother plants. The identified regeneration system could be efficiently used in various in vitro manipulation studies in mung bean as well.

Comparison of outcomes of free-hand 2-dimensional ultrasound-guided versus navigated 3-dimensional ultrasound-guided biopsy for supratentorial tumours: a single-institution experience with 125 cases

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative utility and benefits of free-hand 2-dimensional intraoperative ultrasound (FUS) and navigated 3-dimensional intraoperative ultrasound (NUS) as ultrasound-guided biopsy (USGB) techniques for supratentorial lesions. METHODS: All patients who underwent USGB for suspected supratentorial tumours from January 2008 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The charts and electronic medical records of these patients were studied. Demographic, surgical, and pathological variables were collected and analyzed. The study group consisted of patients who underwent either FUS or NUS for biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients (112 adults and 13 children) underwent USGB during the study period (89 FUS and 36 NUS). NUS was used more often for deep-seated lesions (58% vs. 18% for FUS, P<0.001). The mean operating time for NUS was longer than for FUS (156 minutes vs. 124 minutes, P=0.001). Representative yield was found in 97.7% of biopsies using FUS and in 100% of biopsies using NUS (diagnostic yield, 93.6% and 91.3%, respectively). The majority of lesions (89%) were high-grade gliomas or lymphomas. Postoperative complications were more common in the NUS group (8.3% vs. 1.2%), but were related to the tumour location (deep). CONCLUSION: Despite the longer operating time and higher rate of postoperative complications, NUS has the benefit of being suitable for biopsies of deep-seated supratentorial lesions, while FUS remains valuable for superficial lesions.

Frequency & predictors of pancreatitis in symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism

Background & objectives: The frequency and predictors of pancreatitis in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are not well understood. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of pancreatitis in patients with PHPT and its association with clinical and biochemical parameters of the disease. Methods: In this retrospective study all consecutive patients with PHPT registered in the PHPT registry (www.indianphptregistry.com) from the year 2004 to 2013 were included. The clinical, biochemical and radiological parameters related to pancreatitis were evaluated in histologically proven PHPT patients. Results: A total of 218 patients (63 men; mean age: 40.6±14.4 yr) underwent surgery for PHPT during the study. Pancreatitis occurred in 35 [16%, 18 acute and 17 chronic pancreatitis (CP)] patients and male:female ratio was 1:0.94. Skeletal manifestations were seen less frequently in PHPT with pancreatitis as compared to that of PHPT without pancreatitis. PHPT with pancreatitis had significantly higher serum calcium (12.4±2.0 vs. 11.7±1.5 mg/dl, P <0.05) in comparison to PHPT without pancreatitis. PHPT with acute pancreatitis (AP) had higher serum calcium (P <0.05) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (P <0.05) levels than PHPT with CP. Curative parathyroidectomy improved the symptoms associated with pancreatitis as there was no recurrence in AP group, whereas recurrence was observed only in about 10 per cent patients of the CP group. Interpretation & conclusions: Pancreatitis was observed in 16 per cent of PHPT patients with male predominance in the study population. No recurrence of AP was observed after curative surgery. It may be proposed that serum amylase with calcium and PTH should be measured in all patients of PHPT with pain abdomen to rule out pancreatitis.

Assessment of genetic diversity among sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm as revealed by RAPD and SSR markers

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important crop known for its high-quality edible oil. Molecular markers are useful to explore highly diverse genotypes and relationships among populations for crossbreeding programs. In the present investigation, the genetic fidelity of 9 sesame cultivars of Tamil Nadu was assessed by 10 RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) markers. A total of 102 DNA bands were obtained with RAPD primers, of which 46 were polymorphic. SSR primers generated 19 bands, of which 8 were polymorphic. The genetic relationships of nine varieties were inferred using the average linkage method. The cultivars were grouped into 2 clusters from RAPD and 3 clusters from SSR markers. Among the two RAPD clusters, cluster I comprised of TMV 4, TMV 5, TMV 6, TMV 7, SVPR 1, VRI 1, VRI 2, and CO 1 and cluster II comprised of TMV 3 cultivar. In SSR clusters, cluster I consisted of CO 1 and VRI 2, cluster II consisted of TMV 5, TMV 6, TMV 7, VRI 1, and SVPR 1 and cluster III consisted of TMV 3 and TMV 4 cultivars. The experimental results showed that mono-geographical separation of cultivars generally did not result in the greater genetic distance. This study demonstrated that RAPD and SSR markers were appropriate for evaluation of low diversified sesame varieties. Understanding of these characteristics of sesame cultivars in Tamil Nadu will provide a theoretical foundation for further development of variation among the sesame cultivars.

Body composition parameters as correlates of coronary artery disease.

Background & objectives: Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CAD). This study was aimed to assess the risk for CAD determined by certain new and conventional body composition parameters such as visceral fat area (VFA), body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), etc. Methods: We did an age and sex matched case-control study of acute myocardial infarction with 100 participants in a tertiary care hospital (50 cases and 50 controls) representing the serving army personnel. The relation between VFA, per cent body fat (PBF), BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and WHR to CAD was assessed. Results: The study showed that there was a significantly increased risk for CAD associated with VFA (OR: 5.67; 95% CI: 1.96, 16.95), WHR (7.07; 2.19, 24.27), waist circumference (WC) (2.63; 1.05, 6.66) and BMI (2.53; 1.03, 6.26). Interpretation & conclusions: In conclusion, increased VFA, BMI, WHR and WC showed an association with CAD. VFA is a good index for assessing not only visceral fat accumulation but also cardiovascular risk factors.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using vinca roseus leaf extract and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities.

In the present study, silver nanoparticles were rapidly green synthesized from AgNO3 solution using leaf extract of Vinca Roseus at room temperature. The green synthesized Silver Nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and further by analytical techniques such as, DLS, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM. X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope analysis studies confirmed the formation of welldispersed silver nanoparticles with average particle size to be in the range of 20-80 nm as well as revealed their cubic structure. Further these green synthesized silver nanoparticles were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against different pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus by using Disc - diffusion methods and the bacterial growth kinetics. The activity was monitored by measurement of zone of inhibition and optical density (OD). The results evaluated that the antimicrobial activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles was higher against gram - positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria.

Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus as a Dietary Supplement.

To study the effect of supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemia individuals. Thirty hypercholesterolemia subjects (15 men and 15 women) with ages ranging between 42-53 years old were included in the study and the intervention was performed for a period of 60 days. During the intervention all 30 subjects were divided into three groups comprising of 10 individuals in each group. Group A and B were given 10 × 106 and 20 × 106 viable L. acidophilus organisms and Group C served as a nonsupplemented group. However, they were on medication to lower the cholesterol levels. Fasting blood samples were drawn initially at 0, 30 and after 60 days of supplementation, analyzed for lipid profile which included total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. All the recruited subjects completed the study. Comparisons were made on lipid profile at different time periods i.e., 0, 30 and after 60 days of treatment. The supplementation of either 10 × 106 or 20 × 106 viable L. acidophilus showed significant reduction in cholesterol, triglycerides and increase of HDL cholesterol levels. The supplementation of L. acidophilus is found to be beneficial in altering the levels of lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Effect of ageing & environmental condition for detection of blood group from blood stain.

It is an established fact that laboratory investigations involving biological fluids play a vital role in crime investigations Blood as a source of evidence associated with crime, can provide valuable information that may solve the case. Proper collection, preservation and dispatch of this crucial evidence to the Forensic Science Laboratory is hence very essential. Improper collection and preservation can weaken or destroy a potential source of facts in a case. Many times the suspects may hide valuable blood stain evidence either on the object or the clothes in different conditions which may adversely affect the investigation. Hence, proper collection and preservation of blood stain is of paramount importance, as it may provide a strong link between an individual and a criminal act. The present study was undertaken to find out the maximum duration for which blood grouping is possible when the stains are exposed to varied environmental conditions.

Post Resection Physiotherapy And Rehabilitation; Using Functionally Moulded Maxillary Guide Ramp.

Often the loss of the continuity of the mandible hampers the balance and the symmetry of mandibular function, leading to altered mandibular movements and deviation of the residual fragment towards the surgical side. Successful intercuspal position with the antagonist in the remainder arch was accomplished through the use of functionally moulded palatal guidance appliance in a patient who underwent hemisection and postsurgical radiation of the mandible, subsequent to treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma of right side of the ramus of mandible. This article describes the fabrication and function of a maxillary palatally positioned, functionally moulded guide flange to assist post resection physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Analyses of Expressed Sequence Tags from of Chironomus riparius Using Pyrosequencing : Molecular Ecotoxicology Perspective

OBJECTIVES: Chironomus riparius, a non-biting midge (Chironomidae, Diptera), is extensively used as a model organism in aquatic ecotoxicological studies, and considering the potential of C. riparius larvae as a bio-monitoring species, little is known about its genome sequences. This study reports the results of an Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) sequencing project conducted on C. riparius larvae using 454 pyrosequencing. METHODS: To gain a better understanding of C. riparius transcriptome, we generated ESTs database of C. ripairus using pyrosequencing method. RESULTS: Sequencing runs, using normalized cDNA collections from fourth instar larvae, yielded 20,020 expressed sequence tags, which were assembled into 8,565 contigs and 11,455 singletons. Sequence analysis was performed by BlastX search against the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) nucleotide (nr) and uniprot protein database. Based on the gene ontology classifications, 24% (E-value < or =1(-5)) of the sequences had known gene functions, 24% had unknown functions and 52% of sequences did not match any known sequences in the existing database. Sequence comparison revealed 81% of the genes have homologous genes among other insects belonging to the order Diptera providing tools for comparative genome analyses. Targeted searches using these annotations identified genes associated with essential metabolic pathways, signaling pathways, detoxification of toxic metabolites and stress response genes of ecotoxicological interest. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this study would eventually make ecotoxicogenomics possible in a truly environmentally relevant species, such as, C. riparius.

Heterologous expression, purification and refolding of an anti-listerial peptide produced by Pediococcus acidilactici K7

The fusion protein, 6XHis-Xpress-PedA was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The presence of a 12.8 kDa recombinant protein, localized in inclusion bodies (IBs) at high concentration, was confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis and by western blotting using anti-His antibody. The rec-pediocin was purified by Nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid beads and refolded using 5 mM of beta-mercaptoethanol along with 1 M glycine. Results indicated that the refolded rec-pediocin had an early elution profile in the RP-HPLC when compared to the unfolded protein and it exhibited biological activity against Listeria monocytogenes V7 which was approximately 25 times less active compared to native counterpart. The final yield of purified rec-pediocin was 3 mg/l of the culture and is estimated to be 8-10 times higher than the purification by conventional methods.

Study of Prevalence, Awareness,and control of Hypertension in a Suburban Area of Kathmandu, Nepal.

BACKGROUND, In the context of rapidly raising occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in the developing countries, it becomes imperative to study the scenario in its various aspects. The present study in Nepal deals with the hypertension as it is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS, A house-to-house survey was conducted in a suburban area of Kathmandu valley from February to June 2005 in adult population (age >/=18 years) to estimate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension. Blood pressure was measured twice using standardized mercury sphygmomanometer, and an average of the two readings was taken. Total number of subjects were 1114 (men:541; women: 573; mean age: 37.8 -/+ 16.3 years). Overall prevalence of hypertension was 19.7% (22.2% in men and 17.3% in women, p < 0.05).Prevalence of hypertension in age group of >/=40 years was 36%.Awareness, treatment, and control rates were 41.1%, 26%, and 6%, respectively. CONCLUSION, Our study indicates that prevalence of hypertension is significant in Nepal and is comparable with other developing countries of this region. Awareness, treatment, and control rates are poor.