Unraveling popping quality through insights on kernel physical, agro-morphological, and quality traits of diverse popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) inbreds from indigenous and exotic germplasm.

Popcorn is a specialty corn with worldwide popularity as a snack. Despite having great market demand, genetic improvement in popping quality is limited, which is caused by the limited germplasm utilization and narrow genetic base. An assortment of diverse germplasm, their effective characterization, and integration into popcorn breeding pipeline is the foundation for an efficient breeding program. Here, kernel characteristics, popping quality traits, and agro-morphological traits were evaluated across three locations on a diverse panel of 48 popcorn inbreds derived from diverse landraces and populations of exotic and indigenous origin. The variations due to genotypes, locations, and genotype × location interaction were highly significant. The popping quality traits recorded wide variation with a high coefficient of genotypic determination. The kernel dimensions, kernel density, test weight, and grain yield were negatively correlated with popping quality traits. Genotypes with rice-type kernels exhibited better popping quality than pearl-type kernels. Analysis of genotype × location (G×L) interaction identified two target locations for the key popping quality trait, popping expansion volume. PMI-PC-175, PMI-PC-187, PMI-PC-188, and PMI-PC-189 were identified as superior genotypes over checks for desirable popping quality, agronomic performance, and high grain yield. The contrasting inbreds for popping quality and flake shape (mushroom vs. butterfly) can be utilized for developing mapping populations to enhance our understanding of molecular aspects of popping quality traits. Further, the promising inbreds can be utilized in the genetic improvement of popcorn and crossed to develop superior popcorn hybrids. The results suggest a potential opportunity to establish an efficient popcorn breeding program.

Role of triton X-100 and hydrothermal treatment on the morphological features of nanoporous hydroxyapatite nanorods.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were synthesized using Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and (NH4)2HPO4 as precursors with varying contents of non-ionic surfactant viz., triton X-100 (organic modifier) via co-precipitation method followed by hydrothermal treatment. The prepared HA particles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HRSEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments. The XRD and FTIR studies indicate the formation of HA phase in all the synthesized samples. The specific roles of triton X-100 and hydrothermal treatment in dispersing and in directing the crystal growth respectively have been discussed by comparing the observations from individual experiments using triton X-100 and hydrothermal treatment with that of combined protocol involving both. The plausible mechanism for the individual roles of both triton X-100 and hydrothermal treatment have been proposed.

Labial-cervical-vertical groove: A silent killer-Treatment of an intrabony defect due to it with platelet rich fibrin.

A 47-year-old male patient reported to the Department of Periodontology, with a chief complaint of pus discharge from maxillary left central incisors with dull intermittent pain. On clinical examination, a localized gingival inflammation was present with soft edematous tissue with the accumulation of plaque and calculus with #11 and #21. Periodontal examination depicts a periodontal pocket depth of 11 mm on mesial aspect and 8 mm on midbuccal aspect of #21 with no mobility. On radiographic examination, a tear-shaped radiolucency was present with localized bone loss in #21. On careful examination, labial-cervical-vertical groove (LCVG) was found on #21 which was extending into gingival sulcus. This article reports the effectiveness of platelet rich fibrin for the treatment of intrabony defect associated with labial-cervical-vertical groove of #21.

Dissociation between duration of action in the forced swim test in mice and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor occupancy with sazetidine, varenicline, and 5-I-A85380.

RATIONALE: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists have antidepressant-like effects in rodents and reduce symptoms of depression in humans. OBJECTIVES: The study determined whether the antidepressant-like effect of the nAChR ß2* partial agonist sazetidine-A (sazetidine) in the forced swim test was due to activation or desensitization of ß2* nAChRs. The study also determined if sazetidine's behavioral responses in the forced swim test corresponded to ß2* nAChRs receptor occupancy and drug bioavailability. RESULTS: Acute antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test were seen with sazetidine and the full ß2* agonist 5-I-A8350 (BALB/cJ mice) and the less selective ß2* partial agonist varenicline in C57BL/6J but not BALB/cJ mice. The role of ß2* nAChRs was confirmed by results showing: (1) reversal of sazetidine's antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test by nAChR antagonists mecamylamine and dihydro-ß-erythroidine; (2) absence of sazetidine's effect in mice lacking the ß2 subunit of the nAChR; and (3) a high correspondence between behaviorally active doses of sazetidine and ß2* receptor occupancy. ß2* receptor occupancy following acute sazetidine, varenicline, and 5-I-A8350 lasted beyond the duration of action in the forced swim test. Sazetidine's long lasting receptor occupancy did not diminish behavioral efficacy in the forced swim test following repeated dosing. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that activation of a small population of ß2* nAChRs (10-40%) is sufficient to elicit sazetidine's antidepressant-like actions without producing tolerance and suggest that ligands that activate ß2* nAChRs would be promising targets for the development of a new class of antidepressant.

Chemistry and pharmacology of nicotinic ligands based on 6-[5-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]hex-5-yn-1-ol (AMOP-H-OH) for possible use in depression.

AMOP-H-OH (sazetidine-A; 6-[5-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]hex-5-yn-1-ol) and some sulfur-bearing analogues were tested for their activities in vitro against human alpha4beta2-, alpha4beta4-, alpha3beta4*- and alpha1*-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). AMOP-H-OH was also assessed in an antidepressant efficacy model. AMOP-H-OH and some of its analogues have high potency and selectivity for alpha4beta2-nAChRs over other nAChR subtypes. Effects are manifested as partial agonism, perhaps reflecting selectivity for high sensitivity (alpha4)(3)(beta2)(2)-nAChRs. More prolonged exposure to AMOP-H-OH and its analogues produces inhibition of subsequent responses to acute challenges with full nicotinic agonists, again selectively for alpha4beta2-nAChRs over other nAChR subtypes. The inhibition is mediated either via antagonism or desensitization of nAChR function, but the degree of inhibition of alpha4beta2-nAChRs is limited by the partial agonist activity of the drugs. Certain aspects of the in vitro pharmacology suggest that AMOP-H-OH and some of its analogues have a set of binding sites on alpha4beta2-nAChRs that are distinct from those for full agonists. The in vitro pharmacological profile suggests that peripheral side effects of AMOP-H-OH or its analogues would be minimal and that their behavioral effects would be dominated by central nAChR actions. AMOP-H-OH also has profound and high potency antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test. The net action of prolonged exposure to AMOP-H-OH or its analogues, as for nicotine, seems to be a selective decrease in alpha4beta2-nAChR function. Inactivation of nAChRs may be a common neurochemical endpoint for nicotine dependence, its treatment, and some of its manifestations, including relief from depression.

Sazetidine-A, a novel ligand that desensitizes alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors without activating them.

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are crucial to normal physiology and have been clearly implicated in nicotine addiction. In addition, they are possible therapeutic targets in a wide range of pathological conditions, including cognitive disorders, Parkinson's disease, and neuropathic pain. Nicotinic ligands are usually classified as agonists (or partial agonists), competitive antagonists, or noncompetitive antagonists. Sazetidine-A is a new nicotinic ligand that shows a different pharmacological profile from any of these known classes of ligands. Sazetidine-A competes with very high binding affinity (Ki approximately 0.5 nM) and selectivity for the alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype (Ki ratio alpha3beta4/alpha4beta2 approximately 24,000). Despite its high affinity, sazetidine-A neither activates nAChR channel function nor prevents channel activation when it is applied simultaneously with nicotine. However, when it is pre-incubated for 10 min with the receptors, it potently blocks nicotine-stimulated alpha4beta2 nAChR function (IC50 approximately 30 nM). The action of sazetidine-A may be explained by its very low affinity for the resting conformation of the alpha4beta2 nAChRs, and its very high affinity for the desensitized state of the receptor. We propose that sazetidine-A is a "silent desensitizer" of nAChRs, meaning that it desensitizes the receptor without first activating it. Furthermore, comparison of the effects of sazetidine-A and nicotine at alpha4beta2 nAChRs suggests that the predominant effects of nicotine and other nicotinic agonists are related to desensitization of the receptors and that sazetidine-A potently mimics these effects.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel 9- and 10-substituted cytisine derivatives. Nicotinic ligands of enhanced subtype selectivity.

We report the synthesis and pharmacological properties of several cytisine derivatives. Among them, two 10-substituted derivatives showed much higher selectivities for the alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype in binding assays than cytisine. The 9-vinyl derivative was found to have a very similar agonist activity profile to that of cytisine.

Nutrition scenario in Karnataka, a state in southern India.

India is an agricultural country and the majority of India's population live in rural areas. This is so in Karnataka, a state in southern India. The present report consists of a detailed nutrition situation analysis. Karnataka has a population of 45 million, which is approximately 3-5% of India's population. One in every two women are agricultural labourers, reflecting women's predominance in the field of agriculture. The state has a literacy rate of 56%. The food consumption patterns reveal that cereals and millets are the main food items. However, protective foods (i.e. foods that are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals) are consumed in lesser amounts. When compared with the average Indian recommended dietary intake (RDI), the intake of energy in adults was found to be higher, as was protein. The average intake of vitamins, however, was 50% less than the RDI. Unlike adults, energy deficiency is a problem in the diets of preschool children. Growth retardation has been observed in a vast majority of children in Karnataka. An improvement in the nutritional status of rural adults has been observed in recent years. Protein energy malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency and B-complex deficiencies are the major nutritional deficiencies among preschool children, while anaemia remains a major health problem in women. Improvement in the healthcare system has brought a decline in the infant mortality rate in Karnataka and the state attained universal immunization coverage in 1990. The National Nutrition Programme - Integrated Child Development Scheme provides an integrated package of services to residents of Karnataka.

In vitro comparison of the shear bond strength of amalgam to tooth structure using two bonding agents--lutting glass ionomer and 4-META.

Bonding dental amalgam to tooth structure using 4-META has become an accepted clinical procedure. Glass ionomer cements possess the ability to bind to tooth structure as well as to the components of dental amalgam. The present in vitro study evaluates the shear bond strength of amalgam to tooth structure using luting glass ionomer as a bond mediating agent, and compares with that obtained using 4-META. Results indicate that it is possible to bond amalgam to tooth structure using a thin layer of glass ionomer cement. The shear bond strength of glass ionomer cement mediated bond is significant and may be adequate for clinical application.