Studies on Correlation and Path Analysis of Yield and its Contributing Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum)

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationships between seed yield and yield-attributing characters in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as well as evaluating their direct and indirect effects. Results indicated that number of capsules per plant (0.806) and 1000-seed weight (0.657) showed positive correlation with seed yield per plant . Path coefficient analysis indicated that number of capsules per plant (0.806) and 1000 seed weight (0.111) exhibited positive direct effect on seed yield. Positive indirect effect was observed through number of branches per plant via number of capsules per plant (0.657). Number of capsules per plant exhibited positive indirect effect via 1000 seed weight (0.111). Since, it showed strong correlation and direct effect on seed yield per plant, selecting for this trait may leads to improvement of seed yield per plant. Present study revealed that the traits viz., number of capsules per plant and 1000 seed weight association was highly desirable as the improvement in any of the yield components results into overall increase in seed yield. Selection among genotypes based on this analyses can be made for further improvement in seed yield per plant and its contributing characters.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation with atrial septal defect and pulmonary hypertension for lobectomy‑anesthetic considerations.

The association of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) with congenital heart disease is rare. We present the case of a 6‑month‑old child with atrial septal defect and pulmonary hypertension (PH) who presented with severe respiratory distress and hypoxia. The patient underwent right lobectomy for CPAM. With timely management, real‑time monitoring, one lung ventilation, and adequate analgesia, we were able to extubate the child in the immediate postoperative period. We conclude that with meticulous planning and multidisciplinary team approach, such complex cases can be managed successfully.

Regulation of Giα Protein Expression by Vasoactive Peptides in Hypertension: Molecular Mechanisms.

Guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G proteins) play a key role in the regulation of various signal transduction systems, including adenylyl cyclase/cAMP and phospholipase C (PLC)/phosphatidyl inositol (PI) turnover, which are implicated in the modulation of a variety of physiological functions, such as platelet functions, including platelet aggregation, secretion, and clot formation and cardiovascular functions, including arterial tone and reactivity. Several abnormalities in adenylyl cyclase activity, cAMP levels and G proteins have been shown to be responsible for the altered cardiac performance and vascular functions observed in cardiovascular disease states. The enhanced or unaltered levels of inhibitory G proteins (Giα) and mRNA have been reported in different models of hypertension, whereas Gsα levels are shown to be unaltered. The enhanced levels of Giα proteins precede the development of blood pressure and suggest that overexpression of Gi proteins may be one of the contributing factors for the pathogenesis of hypertension. The levels of vasoactive peptides including ET-1 and Ang II and growth factors are augmented in hypertension and contribute to the enhanced expression of Giα proteins in hypertension. In addition, oxidative stress due to enhanced levels of Ang II and ET-1 is enhanced in hypertension and may also be responsible for the enhanced expression of Giα proteins observed in hypertension. Furthermore, Ang II- and ET-1-induced transactivation of growth factor receptor through the activation of MAP kinase signaling is also shown to contribute to the augmented levels of Giα in hypertension. Thus, it appears that the enhanced levels of vasoactive peptides by increasing oxidative stress and transactivation growth factor receptors enhance MAP kinase activity that contribute to the enhanced expression of Giα proteins responsible for the pathogenesis of hypertension. In this review, we describe the role of vasoactive peptides and the signaling mechanisms responsible for the enhanced expression of Giα proteins in hypertension.

Childhood illnesses and malnutrition in under five children in drought affected desert area of western Rajasthan, India.

The study was undertaken to asses the impact of drought on childhood illnesses and nutrition in under five children of rural population using three stage sampling design. The study has been carried out in 24 villages belonging to 6 tehsils of Jodhpur district which was a drought affected desert district of Western Rajasthan in 2003. A total of 914 under five children (0-5 years) could be examined for their childhood illnesses, malnutrition, dietary intake and clinical signs of nutritional deficiency. Childhood illnesses observed at the time of drought were respiratory (7.5 %), gastroentrological (7.5%), and 5.6% fever (viral, malaria and jaundice), higher in males than females. Children suffered from recent and long term malnutrition were 39% and 26% respectively as per National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) standards. The extent of malnutrition was significantly higher in females than in males (p<0.01). Vitamin A & B complex deficiencies were 0.7% and 3/% respectively. The protein energy malnutrition (PEM) was observed in 44.4%. Overall mean calorie and protein intake deficit was observed to be very high (76.0 & 54.0 %). The comparison of present drought results with earlier studies in normal and drought conditions showed higher prevalence of PEM and deficiencies of calories & proteins in their diet. Respiratory, gastroentrological and fever were main childhood illnesses observed and were higher in males at the time of drought. PEM, vitamin A & B- complex deficiencies, anemia along with deficit in calories and proteins in their diet was observed higher in present study as compared to non desert areas, which may be due to the harsh environmental conditions in desert areas and paucity in the consumption of daily food intake. Due to inadequate consumption of daily food, the children were suffering from PEM resulting in several childhood illnesses. Effective measures making availability of adequate calories and proteins to all age groups especially to under five children through the ongoing nutrition programs needs to be ensured.