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Wheat stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f.sp. tritici (Pst) is a global threat to wheat production. Genetic modification of defense-responsive factors in wheat rust interactions could help devise strategies to control stripe rust on wheat. This experiment studied the interaction between Pst pathotype 78S84 in PBW343 and FLW-3 by evaluating the quantitative temporal transcription profiles of defense-related genes at different time points. This is the first attempt to exhibit inter-connections among different proteins and depict a hypothetical model for the mechanism of R gene-mediated resistance. Transcript levels of LTP, AQP1, PR1, PR2, PR4, and PR10 were relatively higher under compatible interaction, while under incompatible interaction, transcript levels of COMT1, PRA2, WCAB, and PR9 were significantly high. This study projected the role of defense-responsive genes, inter-networking of proteins, and R gene-mediated resistance between wheat and stripe rust.

Wheat is the staple food crop of global importance for its grain nutrient quality. Grain iron and zinc content of the wheat grain is an important quantitatively inherited trait that is influenced by the environmental factors such as drought and heat stress. Phenotypic evaluation of 295 advanced breeding lines from the wheat stress breeding program of IARI was carried out under timely sown irrigated (IR), restricted irrigated, and late-sown conditions at New Delhi during the cropping season of 2020–21, and grain iron (GFeC) and zinc (GZnC) contents were estimated from both control and treatments. A statistically significant increase in GFeC and GZnC was observed under stress conditions compared to that of the control. Genotyping was carried out with the SNPs from the 35K Axiom Breeder’s array, and marker–trait association was identified by GWAS analysis. Of the 23 MTAs identified, seven were linked with GFeC and sixteen were linked with GZnC. In silico analysis revealed a few important transcripts involved in various plant metabolism, growth, and development activities such as auxin response factor, root UVB sensitive proteins, potassium transporter, glycosyl transferase, COBRA, and F-box-like domain. The identified MTAs can be used for molecular breeding after validation and also for rapid development of micronutrient-rich varieties of wheat to mitigate hidden hunger.

There is a significant yield reduction in the wheat crop as a result of different biotic and abiotic stresses, and changing climate, among them moisture deficit stress and leaf rust are the major ones affecting wheat worldwide. HD3086 is a high-yielding wheat variety that has been released for commercial cultivation under timely sown irrigated conditions in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India. Variety HD3086 provides a good, stable yield, and it is the choice of millions of farmers in India. It becomes susceptible to the most prevalent pathotypes 77-5 and 77-9 of Puccinia triticina (causing leaf rust) in the production environment and its potential yield cannot be realized under moisture deficit stress. The present study demonstrates the use of a marker-assisted back cross breeding approach to the successful transfer of leaf rust resistance gene Lr24 and QTLs linked to moisture deficit stress tolerance in the background of HD3086. The genotype HI1500 was used as a donor parent that possesses leaf rust-resistant gene Lr24, which confers resistance against the major pathotypes found in the production environment. It possesses inbuilt tolerance under abiotic stresses with superior quality traits. Foreground selection for gene Lr24 and moisture deficit stress tolerance QTLs linked to Canopy temperature (CT), Normal Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Thousand Kernel Weight (TKW) in different generations of the backcrossing and selection. In BC2F2, foreground selection was carried out to identify homozygous lines based on the linked markers and were advanced following pedigree based phenotypic selection. The selected lines were evaluated against P. triticina pathotypes 77-5 and 77-9 under controlled conditions. Recurrent parent recovery of the selected lines ranged from 78-94%. The identified lines were evaluated for their tolerance to moisture stress under field conditions and their resistance to rust under artificial epiphytotic conditions for two years. In BC2F5 generation, eight positive lines for marker alleles were selected which showed resistance to leaf rust and recorded an improvement in component traits of moisture deficit stress tolerance such as CT, NDVI, TKW and yield compared to the recurrent parent HD3086. The derived line is named HD3471 and is nominated for national trials for testing and further release for commercial cultivation.

Abstract The intercropping of legumes with cereals help to achieve sustainable intensification by their mutual complementarity at efficiently using radiation, nutrients, etc. Several studies indicated such beneficial effects on the other component crop however, little research has been conducted to quantify their effects on the subsequent crop in a cropping system. In this study, the effect of the legume intercropping on the entire cropping system, particularly the maize + legume-wheat system was studied. Four legumes intercropped to maize followed by wheat crop were studied for intensification measures such as wheat equivalent yield (WEY), land equivalent ratio (LER), sustainable value index (SVI), and economic returns. N saving effect of legumes on the subsequent wheat crop was quantified with two N levels. Maize + cowpea-wheat combination was the most productive and economic intercrop combination (LER = 1.71, SVI = 0.96) with an increase in net economic return (43.63%) with a B:C ratio of 1.94. An additional 25% N (37.5 kg ha−1) was saved in the wheat crop when the legume intercropping was undertaken with maize. The results suggest that intercropping is the key to diversification and reduces the risk of crop failures by enhancing land-use efficiency, soil fertility, and economic returns under weather vagaries. This will be beneficial to small and marginal farmers of many countries.

Abstract We report here the genome-wide changes resulting from low N (N-W+), low water (N+W-)) and dual stresses (N-W-) in root and shoot tissues of two rice genotypes, namely, IR 64 (IR64) and Nagina 22 (N22), and their association with the QTLs for nitrogen use efficiency. For all the root parameters, except for root length under N-W+, N22 performed better than IR64. Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid content were higher in IR64 under N+W+ treatment and N-W+ and N+W- stresses; however, under dual stress, N22 had higher chlorophyll b content. While nitrite reductase, glutamate synthase (GS) and citrate synthase assays showed better specific activity in IR64, glutamate dehydrogenase showed better specific activity in N22 under dual stress (N-W-); the other N and C assimilating enzymes showed similar but low specific activities in both the genotypes. A total of 8926 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified compared to optimal (N+W+) condition from across all treatments. While 1174, 698 and 903 DEGs in IR64 roots and 1197, 187 and 781 in N22 roots were identified, nearly double the number of DEGs were found in the shoot tissues; 3357, 1006 and 4005 in IR64 and 4004, 990 and 2143 in N22, under N-W+, N+W- and N-W- treatments, respectively. IR64 and N22 showed differential expression in 15 and 11 N-transporter genes respectively, under one or more stress treatments, out of which four showed differential expression also in N+W- condition. The negative regulators of N- stress, e.g., NIGT1, OsACTPK1 and OsBT were downregulated in IR64 while in N22, OsBT was not downregulated. Overall, N22 performed better under dual stress conditions owing to its better root architecture, chlorophyll and porphyrin synthesis and oxidative stress management. We identified 12 QTLs for seed and straw N content using 253 recombinant inbred lines derived from IR64 and N22 and a 5K SNP array. The QTL hotspot region on chromosome 6 comprised of 61 genes, of which, five were DEGs encoding for UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, serine threonine kinase, anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase, and nitrate induced proteins. The DEGs, QTLs and candidate genes reported in this study can serve as a major resource for both rice improvement and functional biology.

Abstract Salt stress adversely affects the global wheat production and productivity. To improve salinity tolerance of crops, identification of robust molecular markers is highly imperative for development of salt-tolerant cultivars to mimic yield losses under saline conditions. In this study, we mined 171 salt-responsive genes (including 10 miRNAs) from bread wheat genome using the sequence information of functionally validated salt-responsive rice genes. Salt-stress, tissue and developmental stage-specific expression analysis of RNA-seq datasets revealed the constitutive as well as the inductive response of salt-responsive genes in different tissues of wheat. Fifty-four genotypes were phenotyped for salt stress tolerance. The stress tolerance index of the genotypes ranged from 0.30 to 3.18. In order to understand the genetic diversity, candidate gene based SSRs (cg-SSRs) and MIR gene based SSRs (miR-SSRs) were mined from 171 members of salt-responsive genes of wheat and validated among the contrasting panels of 54 tolerant as well as susceptible wheat genotypes. Among 53 SSR markers screened, 10 cg-SSRs and 8 miR-SSRs were found to be polymorphic. Polymorphic information content between the wheat genotypes ranged from 0.07 to 0.67, indicating the extant of wide genetic variation among the salt tolerant and susceptible genotypes at the DNA level. The genetic diversity analysis based on the allelic data grouped the wheat genotypes into three separate clusters of which single group encompassing most of the salt susceptible genotypes and two of them containing salt tolerance and moderately salt tolerance wheat genotypes were in congruence with penotypic data. Our study showed that both salt-responsive genes and miRNAs based SSRs were more diverse and can be effectively used for diversity analysis. This study reports the first extensive survey on genome-wide analysis, identification, development and validation of salt-responsive cg-SSRs and miR-SSRs in wheat. The information generated in the present study on genetic divergence among genotypes having a differential response to salt will help in the selection of suitable lines as parents for developing salt tolerant cultivars in wheat.

Spike fertility and associated traits are key factors in deciding the grain yield potential of wheat. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) interwoven with advanced post-GWAS analysis such as a genotype-phenotype network (geno-pheno network) for spike fertility, grain yield, and associated traits allow to identify of novel genomic regions and represents attractive targets for future marker-assisted wheat improvement programs. In this study, GWAS was performed on 200 diverse wheat genotypes using Breeders’ 35K Axiom array that led to the identification of 255 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) (–log10P ≥ 3) for 15 metric traits phenotyped over three consecutive years. MTAs detected on chromosomes 3A, 3D, 5B, and 6A were most promising for spike fertility, grain yield, and associated traits. Furthermore, the geno-pheno network prioritised 11 significant MTAs that can be utilised as a minimal marker system for improving spike fertility and yield traits. In total, 119 MTAs were linked to 81 candidate genes encoding different types of functional proteins involved in various key pathways that affect the studied traits either way. Twenty-two novel loci were identified in present GWAS, twelve of which overlapped by candidate genes. These results were further validated by the gene expression analysis, Knetminer, and protein modelling. MTAs identified from this study hold promise for improving yield and related traits in wheat for continued genetic gain and in rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) tools to apply in the breeding program.

Abstract Extreme rainfall events have posed several serious threats to many populated and urbanized areas in the world including the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, accurate predictions of their intensity and areas of influence are important for flood‐prone risk assessments. On 14 July 2016, heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall occurred in Yamunanagar (30.16° N, 77.29° E), located in the state of Haryana in North India, which led to widespread disruption of communication, electricity, inundation of houses, and so forth. The present paper aims at examining observational, synoptic, thermo‐dynamical, and numerical features associated with this devastating rainfall episode. The analysis found that during extreme rainfall episodes, a trough in mid‐tropospheric westerlies and a strong low‐level atmospheric monsoonal flow seem to have strongly interacted with each other, creating a strong convergence zone near study areas that led to a severe rainstorm. The quasi‐stationary supercells were also noticed due to continuous moisture incursions from the Bay of Bengal and orographic uplift over the Himalayas near Yamunanagar. A deep layer of wind shear interacts dynamically with the convergence zone and leads to a potential rainstorm. Thermodynamic indices indicate high instability over the heavy rainfall area. The dynamics of this event were studied in detail by using three‐dimensional variational data assimilation within the weather research and forecasting model, configured with triple two‐way nesting domains (27, 9, and 3 km). The model results show that the weather research and forecasting model satisfactorily captures the quantitative precipitation (300 mm) in 24 h over the Yamunanagar region as compared with observation (365 mm).

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.

Wheat variety PBW343, released in India in 1995, became the most widely grown cultivar in the country by the year 2000 owing to its wide adaptability and yield potential. It initially succumbed to leaf rust, and resistance genes Lr24 and Lr28 were transferred to PBW343. After an unbroken reign of about 10 years, the virulence against gene Yr27 made PBW343 susceptible to stripe rust. Owing to its wide adaptability and yield potential, PBW343 became the prime target for marker-assisted introgression of stripe rust resistance genes. The leaf rust-resistant versions formed the base for pyramiding stripe rust resistance genes Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr17, and Yr70, in different introgression programs. Advanced breeding lines with different gene combinations, PBW665, PBW683, PBW698, and PBW703 were tested in national trials but could not be released as varieties. The genes from alien segments, Aegilops ventricosa (Lr37/Yr17/Sr38) and Aegilops umbellulata (Lr76/Yr70), were later pyramided in PBW343. Modified marker-assisted backcross breeding was performed, and 81.57% of the genetic background was recovered in one of the selected derivative lines, PBW723. This line was evaluated in coordinated national trials and was released for cultivation under timely sown irrigated conditions in the North Western Plain Zone of India. PBW723 yields an average of 58.0 qtl/ha in Punjab with high potential yields. The genes incorporated are susceptible to stripe rust individually, but PBW723 with both genes showed enhanced resistance. Three years post-release, PBW723 occupies approximately 8–9% of the cultivated area in the Punjab state. A regular inflow of diverse resistant genes, their rapid mobilization to most productive backgrounds, and keeping a close eye on pathogen evolution is essential to protect the overall progress for productivity and resistance in wheat breeding, thus helping breeders to keep pace with pathogen evolution.

Wheat genetic improvement by integration of advanced genomic technologies is one way of improving productivity. To facilitate the breeding of economically important traits in wheat, SNP loci and underlying candidate genes associated with the 36 agro-morphological traits were studied in a diverse panel of 404 genotypes. By using Breeders’ 35K Axiom array in a comprehensive genome-wide association study covering 4364.79 cM of the wheat genome and applying a compressed mixed linear model, a total of 146 SNPs (-log10P ≥ 4) were found associated with 23 traits out of 36 traits studied explaining 3.7–47.0% of phenotypic variance. To reveal this a subset of 260 genotypes was characterized phenotypically for six quantitative traits [days to heading (DTH), days to maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), spike length (SL), awn length (Awn_L), and leaf length (Leaf_L)] under five environments. Gene annotations mined ∼38 putative candidate genes which were confirmed using tissue and stage specific gene expression data from RNA Seq. We observed strong co-localized loci for four traits (glume pubescence, SL, PH, and awn color) on chromosome 1B (24.64 cM) annotated five putative candidate genes. This study led to the discovery of hitherto unreported loci for some less explored traits (such as leaf sheath wax, awn attitude, and glume pubescence) besides the refined chromosomal regions of known loci associated with the traits. This study provides valuable information of the genetic loci and their potential genes underlying the traits such as awn characters which are being considered as important contributors toward yield enhancement.

The rice−wheat cropping system being the backbone of food security in South-Asia has resulted in soil health deterioration, declining water table, and air pollution affecting livability index of the region. The effect of rice residue retention (RRR), irrigation levels and foliar application of K on wheat grain yield (GY), water use efficiency (WUE) and profitability was tested over three years. RRR increased wheat GY (5224 kg ha−1), above-ground biomass (AGBM = 11.9 t ha−1), tillers per square meter (TPM = 469) and grains per meter square (GrPMS = 13,917) significantly. Relative water content (RWC = 93.8) and WUE (2.45 k gm−3) were also increased significantly by RRR. Consequently, profitability (Net return = 624.4 $ and Benefit to cost (B:C) ratio) was enhanced. Foliar application of K enhanced GY (5151 kg ha−1), AGBM (12 t ha−1), RWC (94.1), SPAD (52.2), WUE (2.40 kg m−3), net returns (625.2 $) and BC ratio (1.62) significantly. RRR increased GY (15.66%) and WUE (17.39%) with additional revenue of 151 $ with only one irrigation at the CRI stage (ICS). RRR adopted over 10% of the area can earn 187 million-US$ annually. RRR if adopted over existing practice on a large area would reduce environmental degradation with an enhanced income to small and marginal farmers.

Wheat fulfills 20% of global caloric requirement. World needs 60% more wheat for 9 billion population by 2050 but climate change with increasing temperature is projected to affect wheat productivity adversely. Trait improvement and management of wheat germplasm requires genomic resource. Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) being highly polymorphic and ubiquitously distributed in the genome, can be a marker of choice but there is no structured marker database with options to generate primer pairs for genotyping on desired chromosome/physical location. Previously associated markers with different wheat trait are also not available in any database. Limitations of in vitro SSR discovery can be overcome by genome-wide in silico mining of SSR. Triticum aestivum SSR database (TaSSRDb) is an integrated online database with three-tier architecture, developed using PHP and MySQL and accessible at http://webtom.cabgrid.res.in/wheatssr/. For genotyping, Primer3 standalone code computes primers on user request. Chromosome-wise SSR calling for all the three sub genomes along with choice of motif types is provided in addition to the primer generation for desired marker. We report here a database of highest number of SSRs (476,169) from complex, hexaploid wheat genome (~17 GB) along with previously reported 268 SSR markers associated with 11 traits. Highest (116.93 SSRs/Mb) and lowest (74.57 SSRs/Mb) SSR densities were found on 2D and 3A chromosome, respectively. To obtain homozygous locus, e-PCR was done. Such 30 loci were randomly selected for PCR validation in panel of 18 wheat Advance Varietal Trial (AVT) lines. TaSSRDb can be a valuable genomic resource tool for linkage mapping, gene/QTL (Quantitative trait locus) discovery, diversity analysis, traceability and variety identification. Varietal specific profiling and differentiation can supplement DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity, and Stability) testing, EDV (Essentially Derived Variety)/IV (Initial Variety) disputes, seed purity and hybrid wheat testing. All these are required in germplasm management as well as also in the endeavor of wheat productivity.

We have presented FRW cosmological model in the framework of Brans-Dicke theory. This paper deals with a new proposed form of deceleration parameter and cosmological constant Λ. The effect of bulk viscosity is also studied in the presence of modified Chaplygin gas equation of state (p=Aρ-B/ρn). Furthermore, we have discussed the physical behaviours of the models.

This paper deals with the study of Bianchi type-I universe in the context of f(R,T) gravity. Einstein’s field equations in f(R,T) gravity have been solved in the presence of cosmological constant Λ and quadratic equation of state (EoS) p=αρ2-ρ, where α≠0 is a constant. Here, we have discussed two classes of f(R,T) gravity; that is, f(R,T)=R+2f(T) and f(R,T)=f1(R)+f2(T). A set of models has been taken into consideration based on the plausible relation. Also, we have studied some physical and kinematical properties of the models.

Abstract This paper proposes a new calibration estimator for population variance within a stratified two-phase sampling design. It takes into account random non-response and measurement errors, specifically applying this method to estimate the variance in Gas turbine exhaust pressure data. The study integrates additional information from two highly positively correlated auxiliary variables to develop a general class of estimators tailored for the stratified two-phase sampling scheme. The properties of these estimators, in terms of their biases and mean square errors, have been thoroughly examined and extensively analyzed through numerical and simulation studies. Furthermore, the calibrated weights of the strata are derived. The proposed estimators outperform the natural estimator of population variance. Finally, suitable recommendations have been made for survey statisticians intending to apply these findings to real-life problems.

Nowadays, hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is gaining importance as a raw material for food industry due to its highly nutritive value. Non-availability of high yield and disease resistant varieties has restricted its production in marginal areas over the last two decades. Therefore, an experiment was conducted during 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the Seed and Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana to characterized 11 exotic hulless barley genotypes and 4 Indian barley cultivars for morpho-physiological characters and stripe rust resistance. Seedling resistant test for stripe rust was done at Regional Station (ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research), Flowerdale, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Highly significant genotypic differences were found for morpho-physiological traits during analysis of variance. Genotype DWRNB28 showed a good combination of desirable traits, viz. early maturity (118 days), dwarf plant height (64.4 cm) and high 1000-grain weight (55.2 g). Maximum number of tillers per meter (149) was observed in DWRNB17. Genotype DWRNB25 was found resistant to maximum pathotypes (6S0, 7S0, and Q) at the seedling stage. DWRNB23 and DWRNB25 with pooled ACI=0 and ACI=0.04 respectively, were found immune to stripe rust in field conditions. These promising genotypes can be utilized as donor parents for the development of high-yielding and stripe-rust-resistant hulless barley varieties.

The indigenous chicken production system (ICPS) has several use values and ecosystem services. In the last few years, ICPS has been recognized for its possible contribution to household food security, income generation, wildlife protection, and bettering the women’s lives. This study aimed to collect, for the first time, comprehensive information about ICPS in three different agro-ecologies (tropical, sub-tropical, and sub-temperate) of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and its role in food and economic security of traditional communities. In this study region, ICPS is semi-extensive, providing homegrown feed and temporary night shelter. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, females owned non-significant (p = 0.170) more indigenous chicken flocks than males. Households in sub-temperate agro-ecologies had significantly (p ≤ 0.001) larger flock sizes and tropical livestock units (chicken-TLU). However, the livestock diversity index (LDI) was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in tropical and subtropical agro-ecology. The households in the sub-temperate region highly (p ≤ 0.001) valued indigenous chicken because of its survivability and adaptability. In absolute numbers significant (p ≤ 0.001) higher numbers of adult birds died in past 1 year in sub-temperate agro-ecology. The mortality rate of adult birds in sub-temperate agro-ecology was 9%, and it was 14 and 15% in tropical and sub-tropical agro-ecologies, respectively. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, larger flock size translated into significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) egg production and subsequently a significant (p ≤ 0.001) higher egg consumption per household per month. In sub-temperate agro-ecology, households’ dietary diversity score was significantly (p ≤ 0.001) higher. Similarly, the average annual income from ICPS was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in sub-temperate agro-ecology and accounted for 18% of household income. ICPS’ marketing chain was relatively short in the sub-temperate region. In all agro-ecologies, indigenous chicken and egg demand was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) in the winter. ICPS litter is used as farmyard manure, enhancing ecological resilience. In all agro-ecologies, the three most frequently cited obstacles to extending the indigenous chicken production system are illnesses, predators, and a lack of chicks availability. ICPS contributes to food and nutritional security, economic stability, and ecological resilience in this hilly and fragile ecosystem. Even though the system is self-sustaining, management and health interventions can increase production and productivity.

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Understanding the genetic architecture of drought stress tolerance in bread wheat at seedling and reproductive stages is crucial for developing drought-tolerant varieties. In the present study, 192 diverse wheat genotypes, a subset from the Wheat Associated Mapping Initiative (WAMI) panel, were evaluated at the seedling stage in a hydroponics system for chlorophyll content (CL), shoot length (SLT), shoot weight (SWT), root length (RLT), and root weight (RWT) under both drought and optimum conditions. Following that, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out using the phenotypic data recorded during the hydroponics experiment as well as data available from previously conducted multi-location field trials under optimal and drought stress conditions. The panel had previously been genotyped using the Infinium iSelect 90K SNP array with 26,814 polymorphic markers. Using single as well as multi-locus models, GWAS identified 94 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) or SNPs associated with traits recorded at the seedling stage and 451 for traits recorded at the reproductive stage. The significant SNPs included several novel, significant, and promising MTAs for different traits. The average LD decay distance for the whole genome was approximately 0.48 Mbp, ranging from 0.07 Mbp (chromosome 6D) to 4.14 Mbp (chromosome 2A). Furthermore, several promising SNPs revealed significant differences among haplotypes for traits such as RLT, RWT, SLT, SWT, and GY under drought stress. Functional annotation and in silico expression analysis revealed important putative candidate genes underlying the identified stable genomic regions such as protein kinases, O-methyltransferases, GroES-like superfamily proteins, NAD-dependent dehydratases, etc. The findings of the present study may be useful for improving yield potential, and stability under drought stress conditions.

A field study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2015–16 to 2017–18 at Karnal, Hisar, Ludhiana, Durgapura and Agra to evaluate the efficacy of plant growth regulators (CCC, ethephon and their combination) to reduce lodging and enhance productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under high nitrogen level. Results revealed that application of 75 kg N/ha increased the grain yield by 3.17% over the recommended 60 kg/ha. The pooled mean lodging score with the application of growth regulators, viz. CCC, ethephon and combination of both was 5.21, 4.28 and 3.03 respectively, while without growth regulators application the lodging score was 9.57. With the application of plant growth regulator, the yield increased in the range of 2.5–4.1 q/ha (5.7–9.4%). The effect of CCC was relatively lesser as compared to ethephon, however the combination of both gave additive effect on yield increment (8.78%). Application of growth regulators increased 1000-grain weight by 6.21% over control. Therefore, the use of plant growth regulators i.e. CCC and ethephon under high nitrogen (75 kg N/ha) can be advocated as a sustainable strategy to enhance the productivity of barley through decreasing lodging problem.

Fruit and vegetable by-product production produces a large amount of waste material, which poses a significant disposal issue for the food industry and can have harmful effect on the environment, if left unused. This waste includes nutrients like dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as bioactive like flavonoids and lycopene. The functional and nutritional characteristics of by-products of fruit and vegetable processing, as well as their possible utilization in food extrusion technology as noble ingredients for enhancing the nutritional value in snack foods are the subject of this study. This review also proposes a method for producing a less expensive value-added ingredient, which reduces the current methods of disposing of these waste (that can have a negative impact on the environment) but still saving money for the manufacturer. The potential and opportunity for fruit and vegetable by-products incorporation in extruded snack products, thereby enriching the fibre and other nutritional components of the snack, is reflected in this paper. Ingredient industries are constantly searching for cheaper but value-added raw materials. So, this review will also enhance the horizon for not only the food industries but also encourage micro food entrepreneurs, the Self Help Groups and certain other domestic food enterprises in terms of the utility of the food waste, the methods of development and value added aspects as a whole.

Abstract The alignment of third molars has largely been overlooked by orthodontists. Since difficulties arise during their eruption, a plethora of surgical procedures is advocated for their management, including prophylactic extraction. This case series describes the use of midfacial development in 4 patients and illustrates successful patterns of third molar eruption.

In Indian content of National Agricultural Research and Education System (NARES), agricultural extension connects agricultural research and farmers. Post-graduate teaching in Extension discipline across all agricultural universities prepares students to transfer relevant technologies to farming community and to conduct need-based research by inculcating desired competencies among students. The present study primarily focuses on assessing the overall competency fulfilment level of postgraduate extension students with respect to veterinary extension. The acquisition level of core competencies among students was compared with importance level of respective competencies associated by Livestock Extension professionals. The investigation was based on primary data compiled from 30 livestock extension professionals working in Uttarakhand and 210 postgraduates (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) students across ten agricultural universities of northern India. It was found that ten core competencies related to veterinary extension which were perceived as highly important by Livestock Extension professionals had low acquisition level among students. Out of the ten universities examined for competency fulfilment, only two universities had high level of competency fulfilment while four universities had low level of competency fulfilment. The overall competency fulfilment index of all ten universities was 0.522 indicating a competency fulfilment of just above average with respect to identified 24 competencies. The competency fulfilment index developed can be utilized by agricultural universities for competency mapping of livestock extension professionals and students for further investigations.

Drought stress is well known phenomenon that affects the productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Knowledge on genetic variation, genotype × environment interaction and association between physiological and yield component traits is crucial for the development of improved varieties having high yield and water use efficiency. The present study consists of 280 backcross inbred lines (BILs) population evaluated for grain yield and morpho-physiological traits for two years at three locations. Combined ANOVA unfolded significant variability among traits in BILs population for yield and morpho-physiological traits.Grain yield showed significant association with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil plant analysis development (SPAD), thousand grain weight (TGW), and canopy temperature (CT). The genotype, environment and genotype ×environment interaction for yield was highly significant (p< 0.01). ASV (AMMI stability value) was calculated and top 29 genotypes were selected and further analyzed with AMMI and GGE biplot analysis for dissecting out genotype × environment interaction. The results classified genotypes G82, G202, G234, G263, G6, G192 and G77 are most stable and high yielding genotypes.

A set of 31 barley genotypes was evaluated at four locations, viz. Kanpur, Pantnagar, Varanasi and Faizabad for two years (2016 and 2017) against spot blotch [Biploris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem.] resistance. The combined analysis of variance revealed significant influence of year (5.64%) and location (18.08%) effects with significant genotypic effects (29.05%). Location-wise, the highest susceptibility was observed at Varanasi (51.61%) followed by Kanpur (19.35%) whereas, the moderately susceptible reactions were obtained at Faizabad (67.74 %) and Kanpur (61.29%) locations. In heritability adjusted GGE biplot analysis, the ratio of (G+G × E)/(E+G+G × E) was estimated as 71.77 % and substantiated usefulness of generated biplots to elucidate resistant and stable genotypes with location discrimination. In AMMI analysis, the initial two principal components (PCs) cumulatively explained 90.7 % of total variation with individual scores of 51.8 % and 38.9 %, respectively. The triangular image of the initial three PCs depicted scattered pattern for disease reaction and varied response for the locations. The weather parameters, viz. maximum temperature, minimum temperature and sunshine hr/day showed strong correlations 0.87**, 0.83** and 0.64* with spot blotch severity. The genotypes, DWRB 180, PL 891 and DWRB 190 were found promising and suggested to be used in future resistance breeding and spot blotch genetic studies. The locations Varanasi and Faizabad were found type 2 discriminative and representative environments for spot blotch.

WL stress significantly affected grain yield, biological yield, tillers per meter, plant height and spike weight. The plant height, tillers per meter, spike weight, and biological yield were found to be positively and significantly correlated with grain yield under WL conditions. Among these traits, biological yield has maximum contribution towards WL tolerance and can be used for selection of tolerant genotypes. Significant and desirable correlation of different selection indices, viz. HM, MP, YSI, STI and PRGY indicated that any one of these can be used interchangeably to select stress tolerant genotypes.

The present study was conducted to find out the best stability models out of methods, viz. Eberhart and Russell regression (ER model), yield stability index (YSI), AMMI, unscaled GGE and heritability adjusted GGE (HA-GGE) with target environment delineation in multi-location barley yield trials conducted at 08 locations during rabi, 2016–17. The pooled analysis revealed significant mean squares and large variations were attributed by the location effect (56.38%) followed by G × E (21.06%) and genotypes (7.77%), respectively. The initial two PCs exhibited 30.14 and 20.51 % variations in HA- GGE, which was slightly lower for PC1 and was marginally higher for PC2 than unscaled GGE. The which won where and mean vs. stability of GGE biplots model were useful to judge crossover G × E and in selecting specifically adapted genotypes easily. The YSI concluded based on grain yield and stability value simultaneously, hence found reliable than AMMI stability value. The locations Pantnagar and Modipuram were discriminating for genotypic differences, while the environments Durgapura and Ludhiana were found representative and discriminative for future barley yield trials. The genotype DWRB160 and two-row malt barley checks DWRB123 and RD2849 were found consistent and promising. Therefore, we suggest applying HA-GGE in coordinated barley yield trials to identify representative locations and thereby curtailing evaluation cost.

In this research paper, Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn/SiC composite is developed by reinforcing various weight fractions of SiC _p in Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy through powder metallurgy route. The weight fraction of SiC _p usage is varied from 3% to 15% in Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy (i.e., in Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn/ x SiC; the sample values are varies for x is 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15%). The effect of SiC _p addition got tested against its tensile strength, compression behavior, hardness, microstructure, alloying nature and porosity. This study shows better grain refinement with improved properties while reinforcing Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy with 6 wt% SiC composites. It was observed that the grain refinement occurred while adding up to 6 wt% of SiC particles in the composite and thereafter increase in SiC caused little grain refinement effect. Hardness is getting increased with the increase of SiC weight fraction and reached maximum to 133 HV at 12SiC/ Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn. Higher UTS of 293 MPa obtained from the sample prepared with 12%SiC for 0.0533 s ^−1 strain rate. The highest UCS of 341 MPa is obtained from the sample made with 15%SiC inclusion for 0.0.0533 s ^−1 strain rate. From the SEM fracture analysis, the Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy and Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn/SiC composite exhibit the almost same type of fracture called quasi-cleavage regardless of the % addition of SiC reinforcement. It was observed that the increase of SiC weight fraction increases the UCS because of its increased load-bearing capacity and reduction in cleavage facets.

Background: Dogs bite more than 4.7 million people a globally. India has the highest rate of human rabies in the world, primarily because of stray dogs, whose number has largely increased since 2001. Experts believe that public education can prevent these bites. The objectives are to estimate dog bite rate, describe dog bite characteristics, its risk factors and heath seeking behaviour of victims. Material and Methods: A community based cross sectional survey was done in urban areas of Patna, the capital of Bihar. A multistage sampling technique was used. Dog bite cases in the last one year were included. Results: We studied 5140 individuals (male 53%; female 47%). Dog bite cases were twice in males than that of females (26% and 13% respectively; p=0.0010) which increases with age up to 15 years, came down at 45 years and further went up, showing a bi-modal pattern. Dog bite incidence rate was 20 cases/1000 population (95%CI: 16, 24). The proportion of category III bite, leg bite, bite by male dog and bleeding was observed in 82.5%, 68%, 80% and 74% of cases respectively. Ninety two percent subjects took treatment within 24 hours, 45% washed their wound(s) with soap and water immediately after the dog bite, 76% sought medical help whereas 47% got vaccinated. Conclusion: Males are being more affected than the females and pattern of bite is bimodal, most bites were of cat III and involved dogs were male. Dog bites occur more during the summer season. Only one third of dogs who bit someone were found to be vaccinated. About 92% study subjects took treatment within 24 hrs of bite.

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the putty form of bioactive glass (NovaBone Dental Putty) and particulate form (PerioGlas) in the resolution of Class II furcation defects. Background: Use of bone regeneration materials is becoming common in periodontal surgeries including furcation defects and the promising role of bioactive allograft materials has encouraged their presentation in different morphologic forms with their own advantages and disadvantages giving the operator ample of choices in his/her periodontal armamentarium. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 patients with 40 Class II furcation defects were enrolled in the study and were randomly allocated to two groups with 20 sites in each group. Measurement of defects was done using clinical and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) methods. The patients were followed-up at 6 months. Intergroup comparisons were done using Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: There was no significance between group differences in clinical parameters and defect size at the baseline. After 6 months, particulate form showed a mean resolution of 50.48 ± 16.47% and 51.11 ± 9.48%, respectively for vertical defect and horizontal defect while putty form showed a mean resolution of 43.48 ± 9.33% and 42.88 ± 11.09%, respectively. Mean resolution in furcation width was 40.15 ± 13.00% for particulate form as compared with 36.27 ± 11.41% in putty form. Statistically, there was no significant difference between two groups except for the horizontal defect fill where PerioGlas showed statistically better results. Conclusion: Putty form was comparable to particulate form for resolution of Class II furcation defects.

Better bread-making quality is one of the most important targets in the quality improvement programmes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Gluten strength is a major indicator of bread making quality and is measured by various methods such as the SDS-sedimentation test. However, the nature of gene action for gluten strength has not been studied so far. In the present study, generation mean analysis was undertaken to estimate the nature and magnitude of gene effects for gluten strength in two sets of crosses involving contrasting parents using a less known microsedimentation test. Scaling test indicated the involvement of epistasis on the expression of the trait and inadequacy of additive-dominance model. Therefore, both six and five parameter models were used to understand the nature and direction of gene action further. Similar types of gene-action for gluten strength were recorded, albeit with some differences in the direction and magnitude of the effects, in the two sets of crosses. Among the different epistatic components, dominance × dominance effect had the maximum contribution and was acting in the negative direction in both the crosses. Analysis of both the cross combinations using Castle-Wright' equation for 'number of effective genes/blocks' revealed that at least one major gene block besides several minor genes could be involved for the micro-sedimentation volume.

Of the 2200 germplasm accessions of Triticum aestivum L. screened under field condition against leaf rust (Puccinia triticina), 1526 exhibited symptom of leaf tip necrosis (LTN). Ninety eight per cent of accessions showing LTN revealed reduced leaf rust severities from traces to 40 compared to 80 - 100 in susceptible infector rows. LTN reduced leaf rust severities independent of its low, medium and high expressions across the accessions. Likely presence of durable resistance gene Lr34 associated with the trait of LTN, either singly or in complementation with other genes is discussed.

Limberg flap has been used for the closure of moderate size sacral pressure sores in 5 cases. It provides a good padded skin cover with the suture line away from the midline which is the area of ulceration. No breakdown or ulceration in the flap or donor defect suture line were seen during 1-4 years of follow up. Operative technique is briefly described and important points on flap planning are discussed.

Objective: For the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults, mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are often used. Since adults with a prognathic mandibular phenotype are at risk of developing an unfavorable facial profile, midfacial development using biomimetic oral appliance therapy might provide a suitable alternative. However, the effect of this procedure on the maxillary air sinuses is unknown; therefore, changes in sinus pneumatization were investigated in this study. Methods: After obtaining informed consent, 16 consecutive Korean adults with midfacial hypoplasia had 3D cone-beam (CB) CT scans taken, and biomimetic upper appliances (DNA appliance®, Vivos Therapeutics, Inc., USA) were constructed.All subjects were instructed to wear the device 12–16 h/day. Each month, examination for the progress of midfacial development was recorded. Post-treatment, a follow-up 3D CBCT scan was undertaken with no device in the patient's mouth. Pre- and post-treatment linear and volumetric measurements were obtained using appropriate software, and compared statistically using t-tests. Results: The mean age of the sample was 25.0 yrs ± 8.7. The mean treatment time was 15.5 mths ± 5.2. Post-treatment, the transpalatal bone width increased from 35.3 mm ± 3.0 to 38.5 mm ± 2.0 (P < 0.001); the maxillary air sinus volume on the left side increased from 18.8 cm3 ± 6.5 to 20.0 cm3 ± 6.0 (P < 0.05), and from 18.5 cm3 ± 5.7 to 19.7 cm3 ± 5.8 (P < 0.05) on the right side. Conclusions: Biomimetic oral appliance therapy may be able to increase the maxillary air sinus volume in adults. In view of these preliminary findings, further studies on the effect of enhanced pneumatization on paranasal sinus function and sleep parameters are warranted.

Introduction Periodic surveys on tobacco use patterns and other aspects of tobacco use among school-going adolescents in Malaysia provide information on the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures implemented. However, such information is limited in Malaysia. We investigated the prevalence of smoking and other related aspects among middle-secondary school students in Malaysia from the years 2003– 2016 to fill this gap. Methods We analyzed data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2003, GYTS 2009, and the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Survey among Malaysia Adolescents (TECMA) 2016. The surveys employed multistage sampling to select representative samples of adolescents attending secondary school in Malaysia. Data were collected using a pre-validated self-administered anonymous questionnaire adopted from the GYTS. Results Between 2003 and 2016, major changes occurred in which there were reductions in the prevalence of ever smoking, current smoking, and susceptibility to smoking. Reductions were also observed in exposure to SHS in public places and in the home. The proportion of school-going adolescents who support a ban on smoking in public places increased between 2013 to 2016, and there was a significant reduction in the proportion of respondents that were offered ‘free’ cigarettes by tobacco company representatives. However, there was no difference in the proportion of adolescents who initiated smoking before the age of 10 years and current smokers seeking advice to quit smoking across the time period. Conclusions Our study indicates that the smoking policies and measures have been effective in reducing smoking prevalence, secondhand smoke exposure, and access to cigarettes, among school-going adolescents in Malaysia. However, measures to reduce smoking initiation and increase smoking cessation need to be strengthened to reduce the burden of smoking-related diseases in Malaysia in the long-term.

Abstract Background Pubertal growth spurt assessment guides the timing of intervention for correcting the skeletal discrepancies in dentofacial orthopedics. Serum hormones are being studied for the skeletal age assessment to avoid unnecessary radiographic exposure. The present study is to evaluate the relationship of serum hormones dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and cervical vertebral stages (CS stages) in the skeletal age assessment of orthodontics patients around the circumpubertal age. Methods A total of ninety subjects with age ranging from 7 to 21 years were selected and divided into two groups based on the sex (45 males, 45 females). They were further distributed in each group based on the six CS stages determined from the lateral cephalogram. Blood samples from each subject were collected to evaluate the serum DHEA-S and IGF-1 levels by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collected data were analyzed in SPSS software with a test of normalcy, unpaired t test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the least significant difference (LSD) post hoc comparison test and univariate regression analysis. Results The highest mean serum hormone levels were found in CS 4 in group A (male) and CS 3 in group B (female). ANOVA results showed that there was a significant difference in the serum hormone levels among the different CS stages in both the groups for both the hormones. Statistically, a significant difference was found between each CS stages for both the hormones except in the DHEA-S levels between CS 5 and CS 6. Conclusions The mean serum DHEA-S levels followed a typical pattern from the CS 1 till CS 6 which was comparable and similar to the mean serum IGF-1 levels in respect to CS stages. Thus, serum DHEA-S levels could be used as a possible diagnostic test for the assessment of the skeletal pubertal growth spurt in dentofacial orthopedics.

Small signal stability analysis is conducted for an asymmetrical six-phase synchronous motor in comparison with its equivalent three-phase counterpart. For this purpose, a linearized model of the six-phase synchronous motor is developed using the dq0 approach, which is used in eigenvalue criteria to determine absolute stability in comparison with its equivalent three-phase counterpart. The analysis includes a comparison of the variation in evaluated eigenvalues associated with the stator and rotor sides according to changes in both the three and six-phase machine parameters and working conditions. Key analytical results are experimentally investigated and validated on a test rig.

Wheat (Tritium aestivum L.) productivity is severely hampered by various pathogens and changing climatic conditions. Spot blotch and terminal heat stress are the major constraints of wheat production in the eastern Gangetic plains of India. To identify novel breeding sources and to understand underlying resistance mechanisms, forty-four gamma rays mutagenized wheat genotypes, derived from three different parents were screened under favourable agro-ecological conditions for spot blotch and terminal heat stress. Ten mutants showed reduced spot blotch infection calculated based on Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC), than their respective parents. The mutant TAW41 had the least infection (AUDPC: 354.32), significantly lower than its parent HD2967 (AUDPC: 675.51) and other checks. TAW41 also had a higher Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and chlorophyll content than the parent. Gene expression analysis of TAW41 showed differential accumulation of transcripts involved in hormonal pathways (Salicylic acid, Jasmonic acid, and ethylene) and other defense-associated genes, indicating that TAW41 might have unique resistance mechanism that facilitates this genotype to perform better against the combined stress of spot blotch and terminal heat. Hence, mutant TAW41 has been identified as a novel source of resistance that could be exploited in wheat improvement programmes to enhance tolerance to spot blotch and terminal heat stress.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with clinical manifestations, including inflammatory arthritis and the presence of psoriasis (PsO). The present consensus statement evaluated the early diagnosis and treatment approaches in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by rheumatologists and dermatologists. For PAN India representation, a panel of eight rheumatologists and five dermatologists from different institutes in India were constituted. These thirteen experts were divided into two groups (rheumatologists group and dermatologist group) who received a set of questionnaires each for diagnosis and treatment approaches in the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Based on the responses received, a panel discussion took place, where the experts identified the early diagnostic criteria for PsA considering: Clinical signs and symptoms, and questionnaire-based PsA screening, which includes Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) for dermatologists and Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) for rheumatologists. The experts also recommended shift from conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to biologics like secukinumab, when there is extensive skin involvement and TNF inhibitors when there is extensive joint involvement. Overall, the objective of the consensus was to assist rheumatologists and dermatologists in the early diagnosis and management of patients of PsA and PsO in their clinical practice.

Remote sensing data and satellite images are broadly used for land cover information. There are so many challenges to classify pixels on the basis of features and characteristics. Generally it is pixel classification that required the count of pixels for certain area of interest. In the proposed model, we are applying unsupervised machine learning to classify the content of the input images on the basis of pixels intensity. The study aims to compare classification accuracy of different landscape characteristics like water, forest, urban, agricultural areas, transport network and other classes adapted from CORINE (Coordination of information on the environment) nomenclature. To fulfil the aim of the model, accessing data from Google map using Google static API service which creates a map based on URL parameters sent through a standard HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) request and returns the map as an image which can be display on any graphical user interface platform. The Google Static Maps API returns an image either in GIF, PNG or JPEG format in response to an HTTP request. To identify different land cover/use classes using k-means clustering. The model is dynamic in nature that describes the clustering as well formulate the area of the concerned class or clustered fields.

Vaccines are essential to ensure that the population is immune to certain diseases, and immunization is one of the most cost-effective interventions to prevent the occurrence of the diseases. Recently, new vaccines such as rotavirus, measles-rubella vaccine, and pneumococcal vaccines are introduced in the universal immunization program of some of the states in India. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is also introduced in Punjab through its own initiative. This paper documents the experience in terms of implementation plans, issues, and challenges in introducing these vaccines in North Indian states, including Haryana (rotavirus vaccine), Punjab (HPV vaccine), Himachal Pradesh (pneumococcal vaccine), and Chandigarh (measles and rubella vaccination campaign).

Approximately, 140 million people worldwide live permanently at high altitudes (HAs) and approximately another 40 million people travel to HA area (HAA) every year for reasons of occupation, sports or recreation. In India, whole of Ladakh region, part of Northwest Kashmir, Northern part of Sikkim and Tenga valley of Arunachal are considered inhabited areas of HAA. The low quantity of oxygen, high exposure of ultraviolet (UV) light, very low humidity, extreme subzero temperature in winter, high wind velocity, make this region difficult for lowlanders as well as for tourists. Acute mountain sickness, HA pulmonary edema, HA cerebral edema, and thromboembolic conditions are known to occur in HA. However, enough knowledge has not been shared on dermatoses peculiar to this region. Xerosis, UV-related skin disorders (tanning, photomelanosis, acute and chronic sunburn, polymorphic light eruption, chronic actinic dermatitis, actinic cheilitis, etc.), cold injuries (frostbite, chilblains, acrocyanosis, erythrocyanosis, etc.) nail changes (koilonychias), airborne contact dermatitis, insect bite reaction, and skin carcinoma (basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and also rarely malignant melanoma) are the dermatoses seen in HAAs. Early diagnosis and knowledge of HA dermatoses may prevent serious consequences of disease and improve the quality of life for the visitors as well as for native of the place.

Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) is a fungal disease of wheat (Triticum spp.), which causes considerable yield loss. Adult plant resistance (APR) is one of the most sustainable approaches to control leaf rust. In this study, field-testing was carried out across ten different locations, followed by molecular screening, to detect the presence of APR genes, Lr34+, Lr46+, Lr67+ and Lr68 in Indian wheat germplasm. In field screening, 190 wheat accessions were selected from 6,319 accessions based on leaf tip necrosis (LTN), disease severity and the average coefficient of infection. Molecular screening revealed that 73% of the accessions possessed known APR genes either as single or as a combination of two or three genes. The occurrence of increased LTN intensity, decreased leaf rust severity and greater expression of APR genes were more in relatively cooler locations. In 52 lines, although the presence of the APR genes was not detected, it still displayed high levels of resistance. Furthermore, 49 accessions possessing either two or three APR genes were evaluated for stability across locations for grain yield. It emerged that eight accessions had wider adaptability. Resistance based on APR genes, in the background of high yielding cultivars, is expected to provide a high level of race non-specific resistance, which is durable.

In this paper, we present a convergent collocation method with which to find the numerical solution of a generalized fractional integro-differential equation (GFIDE). The presented approach is based on the collocation method using Jacobi poly-fractonomials. The GFIDE is defined in terms of the B-operator introduced recently, and it reduces to Caputo fractional derivative and other fractional derivatives in special cases. The convergence and error analysis of the proposed method are also established. Linear and nonlinear cases of the considered GFIDEs are numerically solved and simulation results are presented to validate the theoretical results.

In this paper an efficient estimation procedure to estimate the current population mean in two-occasion successive sampling has been developed. An exponential regression type estimator of current population mean is proposed and corresponding optimum replacement strategy has been suggested. The superiority of the proposed estimator is empirically established over sample mean estimator and natural successive sampling estimator. Results are interpreted and suitable recommendations have been made.

The parents, F1 and F2 individuals of the crosses Kundan x Agra Local, UP 2338 x Agra Local and Kundan x UP 2338 were screened to study the genetics of resistance in the Ug99-resistant varieties of wheat, Kundan and UP 2338 against two Indian stem rust pathotypes 40A (62G29) and 122 (7G11). Against race 40A (62G29), the variety Kundan did not have any resistance alleles, whereas, UP 2338 exhibited the presence of dominant resistance gene. The 195 F2 individuals of the cross UP 2338 × Agra Local and Kundan × UP 2338 segregated at a ratio of 3(R):1(S). Against stem rust pathotype 122 (7G11), the variety Kundan displayed monogenic dominant resistance. The resistance x resistance cross Kundan x UP 2338 also displayed resistance reaction in the F2 generation with no segregation indicating the presence of common gene in both the parents (Kundan and UP 2338) conferring resistance against the pathotype 122.

Background : Low humidity, high-velocity wind, excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and extreme cold temperature are the main causes of various types of environmental dermatoses in high altitudes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in patients visiting the lone dermatology department in Ladakh between July 2009 and June 2010. The aim was to identify the common environmental dermatoses in high altitudes so that they can be treated easily or prevented. The patients were divided into three demographic groups, namely, lowlanders, Ladakhis (native highlanders), and tourists. Data was analyzed in a tabulated fashion. Results: A total of 1,567 patients with skin ailments were seen, of whom 965 were lowlanders, 512 native Ladakhis, and 90 were tourists. The skin disorders due to UV rays, dry skin, and papular urticaria were common among all groups. The frequency of melasma ( n = 42; 49.4%), chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) ( n = 18; 81.81% of total CAD cases), and actinic cheilitis ( n = 3; 100%) was much higher among the native Ladakhis. The frequency of cold-related injuries was much lesser among Ladakhis ( n = 1; 1.19%) than lowlanders ( n = 70; 83.33%) and tourists ( n = 13; 15.47%) ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dryness of skin, tanning, acute or chronic sunburn, polymorphic light reaction, CAD, insect bite reactions, chilblain, and frostbite are common environmental dermatoses of high altitudes. Avoidance of frequent application of soap, application of adequate and suitable emollient, use of effective sunscreen, and wearing of protective clothing are important guidelines for skin care in this region.

Aim : The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyaluronan (HA) and chlorhexidine (CHX) gels as adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients within the age group of 30-65 years recruited to participate in the study were randomly equally divided into three groups. Complete SRP and subgingival debridement were performed within 6 h in all the patients. For control (Group I) patients, SRP was the only treatment modality given; for Group II and III patients, at least 8 teeth with 4-8 mm probing pocket depth (PPD) were selected for subgingival application of HA gel and CHX gel, respectively. Clinical periodontal parameters such as gingival index, PPD, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 months, whereas plaque index was recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. For measuring systemic/hematological parameters, blood samples for laboratory tests for total leucocyte count (TLC), differential leucocyte count (DLC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were obtained using standard 2-mL syringe from each subject in all the three groups at baseline, 24 h, and on the 1 month and 3 months post-baseline. Results: In all the three groups, a significant reduction in PPD and gain in CAL were observed between baseline and 3 months follow-up ( P < 0.05); however, at 3 months, change in PPD and CAL was more in Group II than Group III, but the difference was non-significant, and Group I (control) showed less changes in PPD and CAL than both experimental groups. Only one patient revealed positive value for CRP at baseline only, and hence could not be statistically analyzed. In all the three groups, the peak values for TLC count were observed at 24 h. At 1-month and 3-month intervals, a significant improvement in TLC and DLC counts was observed among the experimental (HA gel/SRP and Xan-CHX gel) groups as compared to control group (SRP alone).