Search

Optimal cell spreading and interplay of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), inflammatory cells, and cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are critical for progressive atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. The role of vitronectin (VTN), a major cell attachment glycoprotein, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains elusive. In this study, we attempt to examine the pathological role of VTN in arterial plaque progression and inflammation. We found that, relative expression analysis of VTN from the liver of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Knockout mice revealed that atherosclerotic progression induced by feeding mice with high cholesterol diet (HCD) causes a significant downregulation of VTN mRNA as well as protein after 60 days. Promoter assay confirmed that cholesterol modulates the expression of VTN by influencing its promoter. Mimicking VTN reduction with siRNA in HCD fed ApoE Knockout mice, accelerated athero‐inflammation with an increase in NF‐kB, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1 at the site of the plaque along with upregulation of inflammatory proteins like MCP‐1 and IL‐1β in the plasma. Also, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐9 and MMP‐12 expression were increased and collagen content was decreased in the plaque, in VTN deficient condition. This might pose a challenge to plaque integrity. Human subjects with acute coronary syndrome or having risk factors of atherosclerosis have lower levels of VTN compared to healthy controls suggesting a clinical significance of plasma VTN in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. We establish that, VTN plays a pivotal role in cholesterol‐driven atherosclerosis and aortic inflammation and might be a useful indicator for atherosclerotic plaque burden and stability.

Pre-breeding includes basic research to achieve wide crosses and facilitate the use of exotic materials or wild relatives for both qualitative and quantitative traits. The main objective is to provide breeders with more ‘attractive’ PGR that are easier to use, i.e. resistance sources in acceptable genetic background; or inbreeding tolerant forms of out crossing species for hybrid breeding. Forty seven pre-breeding lines were evaluated against Brown Plant Hopper under glasshouse condition over a period of two years (2018 and 2019). Out of these, two pre-breeding lines were moderately resistant to BPH having score 3. Two pre-breeding lines were moderately susceptible to BPH having score 5, five lines were susceptible having score 7 and rest thirty nine pre-breeding lines were highly susceptible to BPH with a score of 9.

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of effect of varying levels of boron and sulphur on yield and nutrient uptake of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) grown in a Mollisol. The experiment was conducted under factorial completely randomized design with three replications and consisted of six levels of each of boron (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg kg−1soil and two foliar sprays of 0.2% boron) and sulphur (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 mg kg−1soil). The different doses of sulphur and boron and their interaction had significant effect on seed and stover yields, B and S concentrations and uptake by linseed crop indicating a differential requirement of boron and sulphur by the crop. The highest seed yield was recorded under the combined application of 2 mg B kg−1 soil and 60 mg S kg−1 soil.

The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) felt the need to organize a consensus on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and to update the current management of H. pylori infection; hence, ISG constituted the ISG's Task Force on Helicobacter pylori. The Task Force on H. pylori undertook an exercise to produce consensus statements on H. pylori infection. Twenty-five experts from different parts of India, including gastroenterologists, pathologists, surgeons, epidemiologists, pediatricians, and microbiologists participated in the meeting. The participants were allocated to one of following sections for the meeting: Epidemiology of H. pylori infection in India and H. pylori associated conditions; diagnosis; treatment and retreatment; H. pylori and gastric cancer, and H. pylori prevention/public health. Each group reviewed all published literature on H. pylori infection with special reference to the Indian scenario and prepared appropriate statements on different aspects for voting and consensus development. This consensus, which was produced through a modified Delphi process including two rounds of face-to-face meetings, reflects our current understanding and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of H. pylori infection. These consensus should serve as a reference for not only guiding treatment of H. pylori infection but also to guide future research on the subject.

Aim: To assess yield loss in different rice varieties due to rice bakanae disease and to understand the role of weather parameters on disease incidence and losses. Methodology: Roving survey and surveillance was carried out for three consecutive years to assess the status of rice bakanae disease among twenty popular rice varieties growing in Eastern India. Field experiment was conducted for three successive years, i.e., 2016, 2017 and 2018 at Cuttack. Highly susceptible variety Pooja was selected for the experiment. Data on disease incidence was collected daily from 10 days after transplanting to harvesting stage and data were recorded at standard meteorological week. Correlation was performed to find the effect of different weather parameters on the incidence of bakanae disease on rice. Results: Disease being seed borne caused significant reduction in yield and quality. The maximum disease incidence was recorded in Pooja with 18.25, 28.50 and 40.25 per cent in three years. The same variety showed maximum yield loss of 35.26 per cent compared all other varieties. The data on relationship of bakanae disease incidence with weather parameters showed that the rainfall (-0.444) had significant negative correlation during 2018, while RH (0.525 and 0.606) had significant positive correlation during 2017 and 2018. Interpretation: This study gives some information for formulating breeding programs to develop resistant varieties and management measures for preventing Bakanae disease.

Agriculture has always been affected by intractable pests. Conventional agriculture still relies on the use of several pesticides to control various pests to ensure the yield of the crop and to feed a constantly growing population. To reduce the pest menace, the fatuous behavior of people as well as a natural proclivity towards the use of pesticides in a non-judicious manner, has caused several ecological backlashes such as secondary pest outbreak, pest resurgence and non-target organism's exploitation. Effects of pesticides on non-target organisms area worldwide concern and contention are the basis for most legislation regarding usage of specific pesticides. Pesticides, besides their effect on pests, would also affect several beneficial non-targets. The effect of pesticides could be lethal and may prove catastrophic or sublethal and stimulate the growth and development of non targeted biota's. Hence, this review approaches well-analyzed hindsight regarding the effect of pesticides on the natural enemies as well as other non-target organisms present in the rice agroecosystem.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical analysis of Andrographis panniculata. It is a traditional medicinal plant and it is commonly known as kalmegh. A. paniculata have number of pharmacological properties like, anticancer, antiheptotoxicity, Anti-diabetic & anti-inflammation. The crude and ethanolic extract of the plant was analyzed. The phytochemical screening of both the extracts were positive for alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and saponins. The atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was applied for estimation of organic elements namely Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn. HPLC analysis shows the presence of possible main compounds in both the prepared extract.

Sheath blight disease caused by the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani kuhn is one of the most devastating diseases of rice plant. The disease is controlled mostly by management practices and spraying of fungicides like validamycin. However, the development of pesticide resistance in pathogens has become a cause of concern. In addition, the application of pesticides has adverse environmental effects. Thus, efforts are being made to look for biogenic compounds that could be used for disease control. In this context, the present in silico docking study was carried out to find out the effective biogenic compounds found in plants that could antagonize the pectate lyase enzyme, which is one of the most important plant cell wall degrading enzymes. The compounds selected for the study are active ingredients of plant extracts that have been found to have antagonizing effects against R. solani. The amino acid sequence available for R. solani pectate lyase protein was retrieved from the Uniprot database (entry no. A0A0B7F4Q0) and the three-dimensional model was generated using Swiss-model server. The compounds were docked with the protein using Autodock 4.2 tool. The docking study showed that the binding energies varied between − 2.47 and − 7.79. Validamycin which is used for controlling sheath blight disease had a binding energy of − 2.47. The compounds d-5-Avenasterol (− 7.79), β-sitosterol (− 7.72), gedunin (− 7.59), nimbiol (− 7.16), cycloartenol (− 6.98), stigmasterol (− 6.76), nimbolide (− 6.33) were among the compounds with high binding affinity (low binding energy). Among the amino acids, GLU-217, ARG-326, ASP-228 were found to be predominantly involved in the H-bonding formation. Among the compounds, gedunin, nimbiol, nimbolide met all the criteria for pesticide set by the Tice rule. The compounds gedunin, nimbiol, nimbolide found in the neem plant belong to the chemical class triterpenoid (limonoids), are slightly hydrophilic in nature and soluble in alcohols, ketones and esters. The preliminary findings suggest that these compounds could be used for preparing formulations for controlling the sheath blight disease of rice.

Low Zn in staple food grains like rice is closely related to large scale Zn malnutrition in many countries of the World. Zinc biofortification of rice grains by some cost effective agronomic method is important for low income farmers. To explore the possibility of enhancing the bioavailability of Zn in rice grains besides higher yields of two cultivars, the combinations of varying Zn fertilizer doses with or without inoculation of rhizobacteria consortium under split plot design set up were evaluated in two years field trials. Microbial inoculation + 5 kg Zn ha-1 to I year rice crop resulted in the highest number of effective tillers, grain yields, Zn concentration and uptake in grains and straw and total Zn uptake in both years. Grain yield of rice during two years increased by 19.7-27.9 and 17.1-20.4 percent over control under treatments receiving microbial inoculation + 5 kg Zn ha-1 to I year rice and 5 kg Zn ha-1 alone to I year rice crop, respectively. The highest concentration of Zn (10.9-19.1 mg kg-1) and the lowest concentration of phytic acid (18.5-25.3 g kg-1) in dehulled rice grains were recorded with soil application of 5 kg Zn ha-1; however, the values were at par with those observed under microbial inoculation + 5 kg Zn ha-1 (12.0-17.0 mg Zn kg-1 and 19.2-26.9 g phytic acid kg-1). The percent utilization of soil applied Zn increased with microbial inoculation in both the years and it was relatively higher in NDR 359 as compared to PD 16.

Rice (Oryza sativa L) being one of the imperative food crops of the word contributes immensely to the food and nutritional security of India. The cultivation of rice is changed over the decades from a simple cultivation practices to the advanced cultivation to increase yield. Increased in rice yields especially after 1960s is mainly due to the introduction of high yielding semi-dwarf varieties which requires more inputs like chemical fertilizers, water and other resources. As a result, India achieved self sufficiency in rice and currently producing more than 115 MT of rice to meet country’s demand. Now India is exporting rice to other nations and earning foreign returns. With the change in rice cultivation practices, problems also aroused side by side. A number of biotic and abiotic stresses emerged as major constraints for rice cultivation in diverse agro-climatic conditions and growing ecologies. Diseases are the major biotic constraints to rice which can reduce the yields by 20–100% based on severity. Major diseases like blast, brown spot, bacterial blight, sheath blight and tungro still causing more damage and new minor diseases like bakanae, false smut, grain discoloration, early seedling blight, narrow brown spot, sheath rot have emerged as major problems. The losses due to these diseases may 1–100% based on the growing conditions, varietal susceptibility etc.., At present no significant source of resistance available for any of the above emerging diseases. But looking into the severity of these diseases, it is very important to address them by following integrated management practices like cultural, mechanical, biological and finally chemical control. But more emphasis has to be given to screen gerrmplasm against these diseases and identify stable source of resistance. Finally utilizing these sources in resistance breeding program by employing molecular breeding tools like marker assisted selection (MAS), marker assisted back cross breeding (MABB), gene pyramiding and transgenic tools. The present chapter discusses the importance of these emerging minor diseases of rice, the losses and possible management measures including resistance breeding.

In the past decades to meet the increases in population demand, farmers have utilized huge amount of agrochemicals to increase the crop production. However, in the present era, there is an awareness regarding the adverse consequences posed by the agrochemicals to human health and the environment. Such concerns are driving the search for more environmentally friendly methods to control plant disease that will contribute to the goal of sustainability in agriculture. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are found to be a potential alternative to chemical pesticides with an ability to antagonize and prevent plant disease. Fluorescent pseudomonads are one of the common PGPR which have received much attention in recent years as biocontrol agent. Fluorescent pseudomonads are known for its production of diverse microbial metabolites including antibiotics, siderophores and volatile compounds such as HCN. Moreover, it also possesses plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, iron chelation, and phytohormone production. Hence, this chapter will give an importance and overview of the Fluorescent pseudomonads as a potential biostimulant for sustainable crop production.

Green synthesis of silver nano-particles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate was carried out using purple-colored rice leaves' extracts containing higher phenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The efficacy of synthesized AgNPs was tested against rice diseases and investigation was carried out to check negative effect of AgNPs on soil microbes. Substantial reduction of total anthocyanins, total phenols, and total flavonoids was observed in reaction mixture during AgNP formation indicating the role of secondary metabolites on AgNP formation and stabilization. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopic images and FTIR spectral analysis of AgNPs confirmed the presence of elemental silver encapped by biomolecules. The optimized reaction parameters for synthesis of AgNPs from silver nitrate were (a) 48 h of incubation, (b) 9:1 (v/v) 1 mM AgNO3:plant extract, and (c) room temperature at 20-30 °C. Zeta potential and hydrodynamic particle sizes of synthesized AgNPs were ranged between - 16.61 to - 29.45 mV and 36-107 nm, respectively, at different time of incubation. AgNPs could control effectively Rhizoctonia solani and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae and Helminthosporium oryzae. AgNPs at higher concentration could cause negative effect on microbial biomass carbon and soil enzymes for distant future. But the negative effects of AgNP solution (10% of 1 mM AgNPs) were comparable to commercial fungicide, carbendazim. The synthesized AgNPs with desirable characters were effective against a number of disease-causing pathogens in rice, and it can be recommended as broad-spectrum pesticide.

Changes in the global temperature and precipitation regime have been significantly driving species responses, notably in sensitive areas such as the Himalayas. By conducting a study at two high altitude (3200–4100 m) valleys (Langtang and Tsum) situated in the central part of the Nepal Himalayas, we presented tree-ring width site chronologies for two Larix species (Larix griffithii and L. himalaica) for the first time. The longest chronology spans from 1771 to 2015 AD and showed a recent decline in the growth of Larix species in both sites, controlled mainly by drought. Tree growth showed a negative response to temperature and a positive response to precipitation, indicating that moisture stress is limiting the growth of the species. Based on the Larix ring width chronology statistics and climate response results, these species have good potential for past climate reconstruction such as temperature, rainfall or drought indices. Also, the study revealed that the Himalayan endemic Larix species investigated are promising for tree-ring based multi-aspect environmental change studies in the future.

One hundred rice genotypes released for different ecologies such as upland, irrigated, lowland and saline were evaluated for 12 quality characters like Hulling(%), Milling(%), Head rice recovery(%), Kernel length(cm), Kernel breadth(cm),Length breadth ratio, Volume expansion ratio, Elongation ratio and Amylose content(%) etc. Analysis of variance showed high significant difference among the genotypes. Milling(%) is very good in all the genotypes and ranged from 74.5(PR113) to 81.3 (Improved Lalat). HRR (%) is highest in Bhanja (72.0) and lowest in Konark(42.5). Intermediate amylase content are in most of the genotypes except GR 103(27.1),IR 64 MAS(27.86) WGL32100(27.3), WGL32183(27.5)and Purnendu (27.9). Water uptake ranged from 77.5(WGL 32100) to 342.5(PR116) indicating very wide variation. Elongation ratio is > 2.0 in Sudhir, Sashi, Bindli. PCV is always greater than GCV indicating less influence of environment. Hulling (%) is positively significantly correlated with Milling (%) and kernel breadth and negatively significantly correlated with L/B ratio, volume expansion ratio.

In this study, the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution were examined using activated charcoal derived from Sapindus trifoliate L fruit biomass in continuous fixed-bed column studies. The activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was prepared by treating the fruit powder using concentrated nitric acid solution. Experiments were performed to investigate the effect of bed height and initial concentration on the breakthrough and saturation times. The breakthrough and saturation time increases with increase in bed height and initial concentration of chromium solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity of S. trifoliate L charcoal for hexavalent chromium was found to be 1.719 mg/g in the bed height 15 cm and initial concentration 10 mg/L, respectively. Column data required at various conditions were explained using Bohart-Adams and Thomas model. Two models were found to be suitable to describe the definite part of the dynamic behaviour of the column with regard to bed-height and initial concentration of hexavalent chromium. On comparison of Adjusted R2 and estimated standard error, the Thomas model was found to best-fitted model and can be used to predict the adsorption of the hexavalent chromium in fixed-bed column studies. Activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was characterised by SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis. Highlights Fixed bed column adsorption is a potential technology for removal of toxicants from water.; The maximum adsorption capacity of charcoal was found to be 1.719 mg/g.; Activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was characterised by SEM and FTIR analysis.; S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal is low-cost with considerable high adsorption capacity.; Thomas model was found to be the best-fitted model to predict the fixed bed adsorption.

Different factitious hosts were used to mass rear Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead in different parts of the globe because thorough details were lacking in both the laboratory and the field. The objective of this study was to compare, parasitoid, T. japonicum reared in different factitious hosts. Three commonly used factitious host eggs, Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton), Ephestia kuehniella Zeller and Sitotroga cerealella Olivier were tested under laboratory conditions and then in the field over a yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulus (Walker) of rice. The highest parasitism by T. japonicum was observed on E. kuehniella eggs. The parasitoid’s highest emergence (88.99%) was observed on S. cerealella eggs at 24 h exposure, whereas at 48 h it was on E. kuehniella eggs (94.66%). Trichogramma japonicum females that emerged from E. kuehniella eggs were significantly long-lived. The days of oviposition by hosts and the host species were significant individually, but not their interaction. Higher proportions of flying T. japonicum were observed when reared on E. kuehniella and C. cephalonica eggs. Field results showed that T. japonicum mass-reared on E. kuehniella showed higher parasitism of its natural host, S. incertulus eggs. Hence, by considering these biological characteristics and field results, E. kuehniella could be leveraged for the mass rearing of quality parasitoids of T. japonicum in India, the Asian continent and beyond.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the incitant of bacterial leaf blight disease of rice acts as a bottleneck in productivity of rice. Chemical control measures impose hazards to human as well as soil health. So, there is always a quest for eco-friendly management strategies. In vitro and in vivo assays were employed to evaluate the sensitivity of the pathogen against crude aqueous extracts of different plants. Out of five plant extracts, Datura metel was most effective in restricting the pathogen followed by Allium sativum. The percent inhibition exhibited by D. metel extract were 46.73% and 58.04% at 15% and 20% concentrations, respectively. Aqueous extract spray of D. metel at 20% proved effective in restricting the disease by 11.9% and recorded 104% yield increase over control.

Patients with moderate to severe dry eyes are often screened at the Dry Eye Clinic to rule out connective tissue diseases. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is one of the screening tools to rule out rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients who turn out positive for the RF are often subjected to anti-CCP antibody evaluation for confirmation of disease. This article tries to highlight 3 cases of negative and anti-CCP antibody positive cases which presented to the ophthalmic clinic, unaware of their systemic status. Though RF is the cheapest modality to screen for RA, it is not always a reliable marker. One should order anti-CCP antibody for patients where suspicion is high, despite RF being normal.

Grain discolouration is an emerging disease of rice that has potential to cause huge losses if favourable conditions are available. The disease is caused by a pathogen complex and was reported from few places of India. During rabi season in 2019, a survey was undertaken at the paddy fields of NRRI, Cuttack, and found heavy incidences of grain discolouration in the cultivated rice genotypes with symptoms in the form of brown-/black-/ash-coloured grains mostly accompanied with chaffiness. The grain discolouration incidence ranged from 25 to 92% in different rice genotypes. The high disease incidence may be due to abrupt climate change, thereby increasing the virulence of the once minor pathogen(s) to gain fitness and causing devastation in rice crop. The mean yield loss due to grain discolouration was 18.9% and ranged between 0.1 and 60.2%. All the rice genotypes examined were susceptible to the disease. However, yield loss was not very devastating because only few genotypes showed higher yield loss while the remaining genotypes have much lower values. During the investigation, the temperature ranging from 25 to 37 °C, moderate rainfall, high relative humidity of 70–76% and high wind speed were observed that played a critical role in the disease outbreak. Therefore, epidemiology and management of grain discolouration should be the current concerns in order to halt the disease from affecting rice production in the country.

Association between rice grain characteristics and Sitophilus oryzae development were deciphered through laboratory experiments. Among the different physical characteristics evaluated, significant and negative correlation of 100 seed weight was observed with weevil emergence (r = − 0.53) and susceptibility index (r = − 0.51). Hence, 100 seed weight was found out to be important characteristics of grain. Similarly, hardness of the grain delayed weevil emergence (r = − 0.41) and reduced the grain weight loss (r = − 0.245). Biochemical characteristic of grain, like protein was found positively associated with weevil emergence (r = 0.741) and negatively associated with median developmental period (r = − 0.537). Amylose being an important component of grain had negative relation with weevil emergence (r = − 0.007); median development period (r = − 0.093). Among different varieties tested, Cross-12 was found to be moderately resistant compared to others. It was the only variety having long broad grain and recorded highest 100 seed weight indicating size of the substrate could hinder the development of weevils. The aim of the current study is to decipher the association of development of S. oryzae and physico-chemical characteristics of grain governing it.

Antioxidant properties of four common green algal genera viz. Cladophora glomerata, Chaetomorpha aerea, Rhizoclonium crassipellitum, and Pithophora cleveana collected from Sunderban areas of Eastern India were tested in controlled and nutrient stress conditions. Experimental algae were exposed to growth media with variations in nitrate and NaCl salt concentrations from 0 to 1500 ppm level for a period of 21 days. A dose-dependent upregulation in total phenols, flavonoids, pigment, and antioxidant property in relation to % DPPH activity and % ferrous ion chelating activity was observed. Maximum phenol content was observed for algal biomass exposed to 1500 ppm nitrate stress conditions (52.55 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g DW-16.48 ± 0.041 mg GAE/g DW) with Rhizoclonium showing the maximum contents. In the case of total flavonoid content, maximum upregulation was noted in the hypersaline conditions and Pithophora showed the highest contents amongst all (71.8 ± 0.21 mg QE/g DW). The highest carotenoid contents were observed in 750 ppm stress condition. Optimally stressed algal biomass having maximum carotenoid levels and high antioxidant levels were selected as fish feed ingredients, based on dose- and time-dependent two-way Anova and Tukeys test (750 ppm nitrate, 7 days). The processed biomass was included as fish feed ingredient to study the nutritive effects on goldfish (Carassius auratus). Algal feed (AF) was prepared from algal biomass only, which was further mixed with the commercial feed (CF) in varying proportions to formulate three different types of value-added feed (VAF). The experimental feed (25% VAF, 50% VAF, 75%VAF and AF) were tested against commercial feed (control) for 30 days in artificially aerated static aquaria system. The feed type formulated as 50% VAF was found to be most effective in terms of skin pigmentation, growth, and antioxidant activities of experimental fishes showing almost (1.44–4-folds increase) compared to the control setup. Statistically significant results were obtained regarding nutritive properties of experimental feed and fishes using PCA and Tukeys test respectively. Body weight gain and specific growth rate also changed significantly in experimental fishes.

The herpetofauna of Nepal have been historically understudied, and although previous studies have reported on bioinventory surveys of the Kathmandu Valley, few have surveyed widely during the peak ...

Introduction: The renal involvement has been reported in Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, and recently in Plasmodium vivax infection. Although malaria is highly endemic in the rural locality of Odisha and a significant proportion of severe malaria causes acute renal complication, there is no definite study on the survival of malarial acute kidney injury (AKI) in children of the setup of the current study. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the survival of malarial AKI in children. Methods: A prospective analytical study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2018 in the postgraduate department of pediatrics, of a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Children with smear-positive and/or quantitative buffy coat (QBC) positive malaria were included in the study. All the relevant data (age, gender, duration of hospital stays, stages of AKI, signs, and symptoms of AKI, serum urea and creatinine, electrolytes, and routine hemogram) were collected, validated and results were analyzed in terms of one-way ANOVA and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: Out of 202 malarial cases, 50.4% (102) cases were found to be suffering from malarial AKI. Out of 102 malarial AKI children, 68% were affected due to falciparum infection, 12% due to vivax, and rest 20% due to mixed infection. The median duration of survival in days between three stages of AKI was significant as evidenced by Tarone-Ware Chi-square=48.365 (df=2), p=0.000. Conclusion: Mortality was 6% and all of these deaths belong to Stage 3 AKI; furthermore, the morbidities are more in Stage 3 as compared to other stages.

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most destructive diseases of rice in the world. The blast fungus shows a high degree of variability in the field and limited information is available on its genetic diversity and population structure in India. Twenty five polymorphic SSR markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of 96 blast isolates collected from Odisha and Chhattisgarh region. The markers yielded a total of 110 alleles and number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 8. The gene diversity ranged from 0.02 to 0.49 whereas, major allele frequency varied from 0.50 to 0.98. The PIC value varied from 0.02 to 0.37 with a mean value of 0.29. Cluster analysis grouped the blast isolates into four distinct major clusters. The high level of genetic diversity was observed with ninety one haplotypes and nucleotide diversity of 0.293. The principal coordinate and structure analysis identified two genetic clusters of M. oryzae isolates with some degree of distinctness according to affected plant parts. Analysis of molecular variance revealed more genetic variation within populations and less among populations. The outcome of this study would help to understand the genetic diversity of M. oryzae from eastern India that would guide in the development of more effective control strategies and improving rice blast resistance through development of new resistant varieties through marker-assisted breeding.

The severe impact of climate change on crop production is already evident; there are strong chances of further changes occurring. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address agricultural adaptation more coherently. Adapting agriculture to the increasing scale of climate risks will ensure food security and sustainability. An increase in intensity and frequency of temperature extremes such as heat and cold along with other abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought are all manifestations of a global environmental change. Owing to their sessile nature, plants have developed several strategies to adapt to the adverse effects of abiotic stresses, synthesis, and build-up of osmoprotectants being one of them. Osmoprotectants are soluble organic compounds compatible with the cellular metabolism and hence are also known as compatible solutes. Among the various compatible solutes, Glycine betaine (GB) is most effective in imparting abiotic stress tolerance to plants. There is enough evidence to suggest the protective role of GB owing to its versatility and ability to accumulate under unfavourable conditions. GB, however, does not accumulate in many crop plants such as rice, tobacco, etc. Tailoring the GB biosynthetic pathway has thus been one of most promising strategies in reducing susceptibility of such crops to abiotic stresses. A number of crop plants have been engineered since then with an objective to increase the accumulation of GB to acquire improved stress tolerance. In this chapter, we shall discuss about the role of GB in ameliorating stress tolerance in plants, major breakthroughs in engineering its pathway, magnitude and mechanism of protective effects, challenges faced, strategies to overcome limitations and future prospects.

Background: Follicular fluid is in part exudates of serum and is also partially composed of locally produced substances, which are related to the metabolic activity of the follicular cells. The knowledge of the biochemical composition of follicular fluid can provide useful information about the requirements, growth and maturation of oocyte and which may be used as a provisional guide for formulating suitable culture media for in vitro cell culture and maturation in a particular species. Methods: Follicular fluid were aspirated from small follicles ( less than 3 mm; SF), medium follicles (3-5 mm; MF) and large follicles ( greater than 5 mm; LF). Blood samples were also collected for extraction of serum. Follicular fluid and serum samples were analyzed for biochemical constituents. Conclusion: It can be concluded that some biochemical constituents of follicular fluid such as glucose, cholesterol, total protein and globulin were higher in large follicles compared to small follicles. Moreover, serum levels of most of biochemical constituents were higher than their levels in different sizes of follicular fluid. This present investigation of comparative analysis of biochemical constituents between serum and ovarian follicles in Ganjam goat of Odisha will provide clues to researchers who work on reproductive physiology in different breeds of goat.

Protein plays a role as an indispensable macronutrient in human nutrition. The utilization of new protein sources from plants requires a thorough investigation for application in foods. Functional characterization is the most important step for the quality assessment of protein along with annotating the protein with a specific application in food systems. The evaluation of plant protein for quality and functional properties is critical in replacing conventional animal-based proteins. This review aims to discuss the important parameters considered crucial for the application of protein in foods. The amino acid profile is the most important parameter for the evaluation of the quality of a protein, while others (viz., molecular weight distribution, structural morphology, and thermal stability) are crucial properties of the protein. This review also focuses on various food functional properties (water/oil holding capacity, emulsification activity/stability, and solubility) and in vitro digestibility, which are considered important for identifying a distinct application for a particular plant protein. Research trends show numerous emerging sources of quality plant proteins, but their utilization as food supplements depends on their availability, safety, and consumer preferences. However, advancements in techniques for functional characterization could assist in exploring new plant protein sources that can be utilized in human nutrition.

BackgroundThe Himalayan forests are of great importance to sustain the nature and community resource demands. These forests are facing pressures both from anthropogenic activities and ongoing global climatic changes. Poor natural regeneration has been considered a major problem in mountainous forests. To understand the population structure and regeneration status ofLarix(Larix griffithianaandLarix himalaica), we conducted systematic vegetation surveys in three high-altitude valleys namely Ghunsa (Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, KCA), Langtang (Langtang National Park, LNP), and Tsum (Manaslu Conservation Area, MCA) in Nepal Himalaya. The average values of diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and sapling height were compared for three sites and two species using Kruskal-Wallis test. Population structure was assessed in terms of proportion of seedlings, saplings, and trees. Regeneration was analyzed using graphical representation of frequencies of seedlings, saplings, and trees in histograms.ResultsThe results showed that the population structure ofLarixin terms of the proportion of seedling, sapling, and tree varied greatly in the three study areas. KCA had the highest record of seedling, sapling, and tree compared to other two sites. Seedlings were the least among three forms and many plots were without seedlings. We found no seedling in MCA study plots. The plot level average DBH variation among sites was significant (Kruskal-Wallisχ2= 7.813, df = 2,p= 0.02) as was between species (Kruskal-Wallisχ2= 5.9829, df = 1,p= 0.014). Similarly, the variation in average tree height was significant (Kruskal-Wallisχ2= 134.23, df = 2,p< 0.001) among sites as well as between species (Kruskal-Wallisχ2= 128.01, df = 1,p< 0.001). All the sites showed reverse J-shaped curve but more pronounced for KCA and MCA. In comparing the two species,Larix griffithianahas clear reverse J-shaped diameter distribution but notLarix himalaica.ConclusionThe varied responses ofLarixmanifested through regeneration status from spatially distinct areas show that regeneration limitations might be more pronounced in the future. In all the three studied valleys, regeneration ofLarixis found to be problematic and specifically forLarix griffithianain MCA andLarix himalaicain LNP. To address the issues of disturbances, especially serious in LNP, management interventions are recommended to sustain the unique Himalayan endemic conifer.

Urbanization and linear infrastructure are reported to influence amphibian assemblages and populations. In areas undergoing rapid infrastructure development and urbanization, the mounting threats to biodiversity are evident. Although protected area coverage and focus on charismatic species conservation are well recognized, non-charismatic species such as amphibians are far from mainstream conservation actions and policies in Nepal. Studies on pattern and distribution of amphibians are limited, as are the roles of environmental variables in amphibian diversity in the urban landscape. This study was designed to assess the frog species richness and correlates of amphibian occurrence in Kathmandu valley. Visual encounter survey of 161 belt transects was carried out in August 2018. Data analysis used two part or Hurdle regression methods where the richness of frogs was considered a response variable. A total of 10 frog species belonging to six families were recorded. The occurrence of frogs was negatively associated with the dry soil conditions and positively associated with increased distance from roads. Occurrence of frogs along road distance gradient depicts the influence of urban infrastructure in amphibian distribution. This entails consideration of systematic conservation planning for rapidly urbanizing areas.

Substituted phenols, such as 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) and 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), that are present in industrial wastewaters are considered as priority pollutants due to their toxic effects. Their removal by biosorption presents an eco-friendly, cost-effective method. The kinetics of removal of 4-NP and 2,4-DCP by untreated Nostoc sp. (UNB) and Fe-treated Nostoc sp. biomass (FNB) were studied at three different pH (4.0, 7.0 and 9.0). The highest sorption of both phenols (2.28 mg 4-NP and 1.51 mg 2,4-DCP g−1) coupled with the lowest cumulative percentage desorption was recorded with FNB at pH 7.0. The sorption of both phenols by UNB and FNB was best accounted for by pseudo-second-order kinetics. Compared to UNB, FNB had significantly higher equilibrium sorption capacities for both phenols at all the three pH values and also higher sorption rate constants of 4-NP at pH 4 and 9 and of 2,4-DCP at pH 4 and 7. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that –OH and COO− groups of UNB interacted with Fe+3. The sorption of 4-NP and 2,4-DCP on UNB was likely through H-bonding/structural cation bridging with the phenolic group, while their sorption onto FNB appeared to be a complexation reaction with very low reversibility.

COVID-19 pandemic has been a subject of extensive study. However, it is still unclear why it was restricted to higher latitudes during the initial days and later cascaded in the tropics. Here, we analyzed 176 SARS-CoV-2 genomes across different climate zones and Köppen's climate that provided insights about within-species virus evolution and its relation to abiotic factors. Two genetically variant groups, named G1 and G2, were identified, well defined by four mutations. The G1 group (ancestor) is mainly restricted to warm and moist, temperate climate (Köppen's C climate) while its descendent G2 group surpasses the climatic restrictions of G1, initially cascading into neighboring cold climate (D) of higher latitudes and later into the hot climate of the tropics (A). It appears that the gradation of temperate climate (Cfa-Cfb) to cold climate (Dfa-Dfb) drives the evolution of G1 into the G2 variant group, which later adapted to tropical climate (A) as well. It seems this virus followed an inverse latitudinal gradient in the beginning due to its preference towards temperate (C) and cold climate (D). Our work elucidates virus evolutionary studies combined with climatic studies can provide crucial information about the pathogenesis and natural spreading pathways in such outbreaks, which is hard to achieve through individual studies. Mutational insights gained may help design an efficacious vaccine., Graphical abstract The authors elucidate the adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 to different climates by studying phylogenetics and the distribution of strains on Koppen's climate map.Image, graphical abstract

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays a critical role in removing cholesterol from the arterial wall. However, very few reports directly relate chronic inflammation and RCT with atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate clinical implications of significantly altered circulating proteins in subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the manifestation of atherosclerotic events. Using a case-control design, more than 2500 proteins in both STEMI and healthy control subjects were identified by Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Quantitative proteomics study revealed downregulation of 26 proteins while expression of 38 proteins increased significantly in STEMI subjects compared to healthy controls. Pathway enrichment analyses indicated that most of the identified proteins were related to chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and RCT. Altered proteins such as AZGP1, ABCA5, Calicin, PGLYRP2, HAVCR2 and C17ORF57 were further validated by Western blotting analysis of human plasma. Pathophysiological significance was studied using macrophage derived foam cell for their critical role in RCT which indicated the imbalance of RCT via the interaction of AZGP1 with CD36. In summary, this study revealed a unique relationship of some novel proteins apparently responsible for impaired RCT and chronic inflammation leading to atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction. SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study we identified ≥2500 unique circulating proteins in healthy control and clinically diagnosed STEMI subjects among which 423 proteins were found to be common in both the groups. We further show 64 proteins significantly different between healthy control and STEMI subjects. Proteomic analyses reveal a panel of proteins associated with atherosclerosis and STEMI. One of the proteins, AZGP1, an adipokine, is likely to act as the missing link between chronic inflammation and cholesterol transport. Deregulation of reverse cholesterol transport might be orchestrated by AZGP1, CD36, ABCA5, and PPARɣ in STEMI subjects. The present study employs shotgun and quantitative proteomics followed by in vitro validations demonstrating a biochemical basis for reverse cholesterol transport in the local milieu of the luminal wall of the artery which are critical for plaque build-up and atherosclerosis.

Patients with asthma have an ongoing inflammation, which can be assessed by measuring serum C- reactive protein. Objective: To explore whether CRP could be used as a predictor of disease outcome in asthma. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 asthma patients attending Respiratory Medicine outpatient services in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal from January 2015 to September 2016. Patients aged 18-67 were included in the study after obtaining Ethical approval from the Research Ethics Board, RIMS, Imphal. Computerized Spirometer Helios 401 was the instrument used to measure lung volumes and capacities. BeneSpheraTM CRP Latex Slide test kit was used to estimate serum C-reactive protein. Results and Observation: The present study was conducted on fifty asthma patients in which serum CRP level showed association with severity of asthma ( p=0.001) but serum CRP level with spirometric parameters showed significant negative correlation; FVC (r=-0.711, p

The technique of proteome analysis using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2 d -PAGE) has the power to monitor global changes that occur at protein level in sub-cellular compartments. Analysis of proteins expressed in rhizobacteria treated crop plants will give us an idea about the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) mediated induced gene expression in plants against pathogen attack. In addition, proteomic studies provide the basic knowledge on the gene(s) and pathways induced during host-PGPR interaction. Proteome analysis linked to genome sequence information is very useful for functional genomics by giving information on alternate splicing or post translational modification. This chapter was designed to clearly understand the interaction between host-pathogen-bioagent in crop plants.

Mountains are most sensitive to climate change and the impacts are already evident in different sphere and sector of mountain regions, especially in the vulnerable countries like Nepal. This research was designed to integrate hydro-climatic data analysis and climate sensitivity through dendrochronology to generate an understanding on how Larix griffithii, one of the least studied conifers in Nepal, is responding to climate variability and change. A significant warming trend of 0.021°C year-1 was observed in the region. Precipitation was more erratic without any significant increasing, decreasing or cyclic trend. Between 1962 and 2012, the warmest year on record was 2010 while 1997 was the coolest year on record. After 1997 a clear shift in temperature regime was observed with the recent decade experiencing a sharp increase in temperature. A site chronology extending 1745- 2015 AD was prepared. Very strong significant correlation was observed between the standard chronology and monthly temperature especially in summer months indicating a potential for summer months’ temperature reconstruction. The reconstructed summer month’s temperature data for the period 1770-2015 captured 34% variability. The short cold episodes were observed around the 1810s, 1910s, and 1970s while warm periods were observed around 1890s, 1920s and 2000s. Radial growth of Larix griffithii in the site shows a highly significant negative relationship with the monthly temperature of the previous year and current year summer months especially for June, July, August, September of previous year and July, August and September of the current year. Significant positive correlation was observed for both previous year and current year July precipitation. The summer temperature coupled with precipitation is seen to limit the tree growth through moisture limitations. With the temperature in increasing trend, it is likely that the growth of Larix will face more heat stress in future, making them more dynamic to the changing climate.

Phytoplankton diversity, their abundance based on flow cytometric (FCM) analysis and seasonal nutrient dynamics were investigated from a waste water fed wetland of Eastern India (88° 24.641′E and 22° 33.115′N). The primary objective of the study was to correlate the seasonal fluctuations in phytoplankton abundance to the environmental variables. Total chlorophyll content and FCM based cell counts were used to characterize and quantify the phytoplankton population. Multivariate statistical methods were employed in predicting the possible relationships between biotic and abiotic variables. Distinct seasonal variations characterized by high abundance during the pre-summer period compared to other seasons were detected. The results indicated that environmental factors like water temperature and nutrients, such as various forms of nitrogen and phosphate, influenced the seasonal phytoplankton accumulation. Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling helped analyze the seasonal distribution of phytoplankton based on their composition. The dominant genera among the entire phytoplankton community were Scenedesmus spp. of Chlorophyta, followed by Merismopedia spp. of Cyanoprokaryota. Around 3.7 × 105 phytoplankton mL−1 were recorded during the study period. Due to the very high count of individual species in the community, FCM based counting was applied for determination of Species Diversity Index. The entire population was divided into 13 subpopulations based on the cell sorting method and the seasonal abundance in each sub-population was illustrated.

Plasmodium falciparum encodes a novel repertoire of the Plasmodium helical interspersed subtelomeric (PHIST) family of exported proteins, which play diverse roles in infected red blood cells, contributing to malaria pathogenesis. PHIST proteins are central to parasite biology and modify human erythrocytes by interacting with parasite and host proteins. Here, we have attempted to understand the localization and function of two unexplored proteins of the PHISTc subfamily, PFD1140w and PF11_0503, and compared these with a well-characterized member, PFI1780w. We demonstrate that Phist domains assume different oligomeric states owing to a distinct array of subunit interface residues. Colocalization of a Maurer's cleft signature protein, P. falciparum skeleton-binding protein-1 (PfSBP-1), and P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (PfEMP-1) revealed different subcellular destinations for these PHIST members. We further show the binding of recombinant PHIST proteins to the cytoplasmic tail of PfEMP-1 and a novel interaction with PfSBP-1. Interestingly, PFD1140w interacts with PfEMP-1 and PfSBP-1 simultaneously in vitro leading to formation of a complex. These two distant PHISTc members also bind PfEMP-1 on distinct sites, despite sharing the Phist domain. Our data re-emphasize a supportive role for PHIST proteins in cytoadhesion, and identify a new binding partner, PfSBP-1, for members of this family. This information therefore adds another chapter to the understanding of P. falciparum biology and highlights the significance of the unexplored PHIST family.

Hormesis phenomena in insect pests can have a negative impact, but for beneficial insects, it might be used to optimize mass rearing and increase the quality of biocontrol agents. Here, we report the multigenerational stimulatory effects of deltamethrin in a factitious laboratory host, Corcyra cephalonica, and the subsequent performance of its parasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor. The effects of sublethal (LC10), low lethal (LC15, LC20, LC25 and LC30) and median lethal (LC50) concentrations of deltamethrin along with the control were evaluated on biological traits and nutrient reserves of the host for three consecutive generations (G0, G1, and G2). The biological traits of C. cephalonica (fecundity, developmental duration and larval weight gain) did not differ significantly in the parental generation (G0), whereas in the later generation (G2), significant differences were observed with the control. Nutrient reserves (protein and lipid content) in C. cephalonica were significantly influenced by sublethal concentrations in all three generations (G0, G1, and G2). The performance of H. hebetor on the factitious host C. cephalonica (G2) revealed a significant increase in parasitoid fecundity of 65% when host larvae were exposed to LC15. However, no difference in hatch and pupation rates of parasitoids were observed across treatments. The emergence of both males and females and the longevity of only female wasps were significantly different. No effects were observed on male longevity. Taken together, insecticide-induced hormesis in host C. cephalonica, especially at LC15 exposure, stimulates the development of parasitoid H. hebetor without obvious major trade-off. The results might be helpful in mass rearing of H. hebetor as a biocontrol agent.

Nowadays, false smut of rice, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, is a disease of interest in the world. Presently, its traditional status as ‘minor disease’ has changed with widespread reports of severity from all the rice growing countries of the world. While many reports are available on the yield loss from the disease, little is known of its effect on grain quality. The present study is planned mainly to evaluate the effect of false smut disease on grain quality of different rice varieties from India. False smut had significant effect on yield (loss of 0.7–8.6%), cooking and nutritional qualities of many popular Indian varieties. Significant changes (p