Search

This study evaluated the impact of differential sowing windows and improved weed management strategies on weed dynamics, productivity, and economic viability of direct drum seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the temperate agro-ecosystem of Kashmir. A two-year field experiment was conducted utilizing a split-plot design with two sowing dates (May 10 and June 3) as main plots and six weed management practices as sub-plots. The earlier sowing date (May 10) resulted in significantly enhanced leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, and grain and straw yields compared to the later sowing (June 3). Among weed management treatments, four mechanized conoweedings (equivalent to weed-free conditions) and sequential application of bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor (60 and 600 g a.i. ha−1) as pre-emergence followed by 2,4-D (0.75 kg a.i. ha−1) as post-emergence demonstrated superior efficacy in weed suppression and augmentation of crop growth parameters and yield attributes. These treatments also exhibited the lowest weed index and highest benefit–cost ratio. The May 10 sowing, coupled with efficacious weed control measures, significantly reduced weed density and biomass while concomitantly improving nutrient uptake and economic returns. The results indicate that adopting a May 10 sowing date for direct seeded rice, in conjunction with either four conoweedings or the aforementioned sequential herbicide application, can optimize agronomic productivity and economic profitability under the temperate conditions of Kashmir. The study aided in choosing the best sowing window and efficient weed management strategy for attaining higher productivity and profitability of direct seeded rice in temperate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils exhibit structural heterogeneity across diverse spatio-temporal scales, yielding myriad of microhabitats, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the intricate interactions within the soil matrix. At the nanometer scale, the interplay among organic matter (OM), mineral particles, and microbiota intricately govern the long-term destiny of soil carbon (C), nutrient cycling, and the fate of both organic and inorganic pollutants. Notably, the sorption of soil organic matter (SOM) onto smaller clay particles and its entrapment in microaggregates further contribute to this complex dynamic. Understanding these processes depends on recognizing their scale-dependent nature, necessitating sophisticated techniques for investigation. Although various methods are employed across scales, the current set of techniques still lacks the requisite sensitivity and resolution for microscale data collection. To address this limitation, the adoption of novel microscopic and spectroscopic techniques capable of probing molecular, isotopic, and elemental patterns at the micro to nano scale becomes imperative. Among these cutting-edge methodologies, the nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometer (NanoSIMS) emerges as a paradigm-shifting tool. Representing the latest evolution in ion microprobes, NanoSIMS seamlessly integrates high-resolution microscopy and isotopic analysis, maintaining unparalleled signal transmission and spatial resolution, reaching as fine as 50 nm. Its capabilities extend beyond conventional applications in science, as evidenced by recent breakthroughs in utilizing NanoSIMS to study biophysical interfaces in soils. This article underscores the pressing need to advance the incorporation of NanoSIMS as a pioneering instrumentation technique in soil studies. Furthering the implementation of this novel instrumentation technique in soil studies will pave avenues and aid in the advancement of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a nutrient-rich multigrain crop, buckwheat is a typical "medicinal food homology" crop that is rich in flavonoids, including rutin and various vitamins. It has positive anti-oxidant and anti-tumour properties and lowers blood pressure. However, due to strict self-crossing characteristics, slow progress has been made in Tartary buckwheat (TB) cross-breeding, resulting in the slow breeding of new varieties of new TB varieties, which has limited the improvement of yield and quality. Therefore, mutant breeding is a rapid and effective technique for broadening and innovating TB breeding. In recent years, improving qualities related to yield, lodging resistance, and stability have become key points in TB breeding. Based on the above findings, excellent, potentially valuable TB lines with rich phenotypes were obtained for the TB mutation library via ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), laying a foundation for creating new TB germplasms. In this study, we systematically investigated more than 10 agronomic traits of JQ2 and JQ4 mutants, including plant type, leaf colour, grain type, grain colour, grain number per plant, grain length, grain width, grain weight per plant, and 1000-grain weight. The results show that the maximum number of grains per plant was 1956, the weight was 32.84 g, and the 1000-grain weight was 30.89 g. The maximum number of grains per JQ4 plant was 2308, and the weight was 44.82 g. The maximum 1000-grain weight was 24.7 g. Among the 295 JQ2 mutants and 153 JQ4 mutants, 10 flavonoids (orientin, morin, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, naringin, hesperetin, myricetin, hesperidin, and rutin) were detected with near infrared spectroscopy (NIR). The mutants were divided into five groups according to the flavonoid content of the JQ2 mutants, of which the first group included 31 individual lines. and the second to fifth groups included 70, 69, 72, and 53 lines, respectively. The JQ4 mutants were divided into four classes, of which 41, 50, 32, and 30 were individual lines, respectively, with the highest rutin content being 82.06 mg/g. In summary, through systematic analysis and screening of the agronomic traits and flavonoid contents of JQ2 and JQ4 mutant seeds, we obtained three lines with a high 1000-grain weight, including two JQ2 mutant lines (30.89 g) and one JQ4 mutant line, which reached 24.70 g and ten lines with high grain weight per plant. This included 8 JQ2 mutants and 2 JQ4 mutants, as well as 72 high-rutin mutants (including 31 lines from JQ2 and 41 lines from JQ4 mutants). These elite lines provide the material basis for creating TB germplasms with excellent qualities and cultivation characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the academic and clinical processes of pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship training held by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS). Methods: A cross-sectional, nationwide, survey-based study was conducted between June and December 2020. PEM program directors as well as fellowship trainees were eligible. The collected data were under the following domains: (1) sociodemographic and work-related characteristics; (2) impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient flow and PEM procedures; (3) impact on emergency skills and competence; (4) impact on academic performance; and (5) attitudes toward PEM practice and potential solutions. Monthly reports of PEM visits and procedures were also collected from program directors. Results: A total of 11 PEM program directors and 42 fellows responded. During the pandemic, the number of total ED visits decreased by 70.1%, ED inpatient admissions fell by 57.3%, and the number of intraosseous need insertion and lumbar puncture procedures fell by 76.7% and 62.3%, respectively; the temporal differences in the median frequencies were statistically significant. The pandemic has influenced the knowledge acquisition and leadership skills of one-third of program directors (36.4% and 27.3%, respectively) and the skills and competence of fellows (31.0%). The majority of directors and fellows showed that online classes/webinars were useful (100% and 95.2%, respectively), and there was no need to extend the current fellowship training to compensate for learning deficits (62.7% and 78.6%, respectively). The importance of dedicated modalities to fill in the training gap increased by 62.5% of program directors and 35.7% of fellows. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on clinical procedures and academic activities in the PEM fellowship program. The impact was consistently perceived across PEM program directors and fellows. Technology-driven solutions are warranted to mitigate the expected learning and clinical deficits due to reduced clinical exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-learning played a significant role during COVID-19 in the education sector in every corner of the world. However, the malicious aspect was also apparent as people found it problematic to harmonize with things abruptly. In addition, there was a farrago of quandaries because, during the closure of schools, children found it easy to learn in the comfort of their homes. The study aims to evaluate the impact of E-learning on students and how they veered around from traditional to technological facets of learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene deletion or polymorphic sequence variations lead to decreased enzyme activity that influences susceptibility and response to chemotherapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This case–control study investigated the association of GST gene polymorphisms with the etiology and therapeutic outcome of B-ALL among Kashmiri population. Methods: A total of 300 individuals including 150 newly diagnosed B-ALL patients and an equal number of age and gender matched controls were genotyped for five GST gene polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP) and multiplex PCR techniques. Results: Higher frequency of GSTT1 null, GSTO2- AG, and GSTO2- GG genotypes was observed in ALL cases compared to controls that associated significantly with ALL risk (GSTT1 null: OR = 2.93, p = 0.0001; GSTO2- AG: OR = 2.58, p = 0.01; GSTO2 -GG: OR = 3.13, p = 0.01). GSTM1 , GSTP1 , and GSTO1 SNPs showed no significant association (p > 0.05). Combined genotype analysis revealed significant association of GSTT1 null/ GSTM1 null (OR = 4.11, p = 0.011) and GSTT1 null/ GSTP1 -AG (OR = 4.93, p = 0.0003) with B-ALL susceptibility. Haplotype analysis of rs4925 and rs156697 revealed that carriers of CG haplotype had increased risk of B-ALL (p = 0.04). Kaplan–Meier plots revealed significantly inferior 3-year disease-free survival for GSTO2 -GG carriers (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed GSTO2 -GG as an independent poor prognostic factor for DFS (HR = 4.5, p = 0.034). Among combined genotypes, only GSTT1 null/ GSTP1 -AG associated significantly with poorer DFS rates (p = 0.032). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that GSTT1 null individually or in combination with GSTM1null and GSTP1 -AG genotypes associated with increased B-ALL risk. Also, rs156697 variant genotypes (AG and GG) associated with B-ALL, whereas the GG genotype of rs156697 influenced the treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation deals with the isolation, identification and testing the antagonistic ability of Trichoderma spp. on Macrophomina phaseolina under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The locally isolated biocontrol agents were subjected to morphological and molecular identification and further research was carried out to test all the biocontrol agents. T. harzianum was found to be highly effective in dual confrontation test, restricting the fungal growth by 67.59% as compared to control. Various secondary metabolites of Trichoderma spp. were studied with inverted plate and culture filtrate assay. Mycoparasitism and antibiosis were also examined using light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) which indicated that all the Trichoderma spp. restricted the growth by coiling around the host hyphae and through secondary metabolites. In vivo experiments showed that all the treatments significantly reduced the disease severity and intensity where T. harzianum was found to be the most effective biocontrol agent (decreased upto 72.88 and 60.24%). Nevertheless, T. harzianum could be used as a potent indigenous biocontrol agent against dry root rot which also helped to reduce its deleterious effect on the host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 45-year-old female, a new case of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), received induction chemotherapy containing all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and idarubicin. On the sixth day of therapy, she developed sinus bradycardia and differentiation syndrome (DS). Electrolytes and cardiac imaging were normal. The patient achieved normal sinus rhythm after ATRA was withheld, and DS was treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited polymorphic sequence variations in drug transport genes like ABCB1 impact a portion of patients with hematologic malignancies that show intrinsic or acquire resistance to treatment. Keeping in view inter-individual sensitivities for such drugs, we through this case–control study tested whether ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T polymorphisms have any influence on the risk and treatment response in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Genotyping for ABCB1 polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 100 CML and 80 B-ALL patients along with 100 age and gender matched healthy controls. ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T polymorphism showed no association with CML. Genotype distribution revealed significant higher frequency of TT genotype for both SNPs in B-ALL cases and associated with increased B-ALL risk (OR 2.5, p = 0.04 for 3435TT; OR 2.4, p = 0.04 for 2677TT). There was no significant difference in genotype frequency of 3435C > T and 2677G > T among resistant and responsive groups for the two leukemia types. Kaplan–Meier survival plots revealed significantly lower event free survival in CML and B-ALL patients that were carriers of 3435TT genotype (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis considered 3435TT genotype as independent risk factor for imatinib resistance in CML cases (HR 6.24, p = 0.002) and increased relapse risk in B-ALL patients (HR 4.51, p = 0.03). The current study provides preliminary evidence of a significant association between variant TT genotype and increased B-ALL risk. Also, results suggest that ABCB1 3435TT genotype increases imatinib resistance in CML and influence therapeutic outcome in B-ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lilium leaf blight induced by Botrytis cinerea is a major threat in the cultivation of Lilium in the Nilgiris province of Tamil Nadu, India under protected conditions. The present study aims to understand bipartite and tripartite interactions between B. cinerea, Lilium and B. amyloliquefaciens to develop a cost-effective antagonist to manage Botrytis leaf blight. The in vitro antagonism by B. amyloliquefaciens (VB7) suppressed the mycelial growth of B. cinerea by up to 46%. Foliar application of B. amyloliquefaciens (VB7) colonized the phylloplane within 48 h and prevented conidial germination of B. cinerea. Biofilm on the leaf surface colonized the conidia of B. cinerea (SEL). The colonized conidia were parasitized by bacterial cells, resulting in shrinkage. The bipartite interaction between B. amyloliquefaciens (VB7) and mycelial biomass of B. cinerea as sole carbon source produced volatile and non-volatile antifungal compounds. Tripartite interactions between Lilium leaf, B. amyloliquefaciens (VB7) and conidia of B. cinerea produced five different non-volatile antifungal and antibacterial compounds. Expression of defence genes through qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the transcript level of PAL, PR 10 and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were triggered in Lilium plants treated with B. amyloliquefaciens (VB7), challenged against B. cinerea (SEL). Bulb dipping and soil drenching along with foliar application suppressed Botrytis leaf blight and increased Lilium stem yield under protected conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of thermal power plant discharged wastewater for growth, yield and quality of mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss). The water was analysed for various parameters viz., pH, total solids, BOD and COD, which were within permissible limits of Indian standards. The quality of some essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, phosphate, magnesium, chloride, calcium, carbonate, bicarbonate and sulphates was more in wastewater as compared to groundwater. The wastewater proved superior to groundwater as it enhanced almost all growth and yield parameters including the important oil content in seeds. However, wastewater, in general, recorded lower iodine, acid and saponification value as compared to groundwater. Interestingly, lower iodine value and acid value is considered good for mustard from commercial point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Community associated MRSA infection appears to be on the rise and has been described in several well-defined populations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiology of CA-MRSA in the healthy community of Kashmir. METHODS: Nasal swabs, wrist swabs and ocular specimens were collected randomly from the healthy subjects. The samples were processed on selective media and identification of the S.aureus was performed by using biochemical tests and by the amplification of nucA gene. Methicillin-resistance was confirmed by 30µg Cefoxitin disk diffusion method and by amplification of mecA gene. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used for the typing of CA-MRSA. RESULTS: Of 1000 healthy subjects that were screened in the present study, 100 (males 33, females 67) were positive for S.aureus. The highest prevalence of S.aureus (30%) was observed in the age group 50-59 years while the lowest 1% was reported in the age group 80-89 years. Of the 100 S. aureus colonization, 9 were MRSA and 91 were MSSA as determined by Cefoxitin 30µg disk diffusion test and PCR. DNA was extracted from all 9 CA-MRSA isolates and was used for amplification of mecA and nucA genes. A product size of 533bp was amplified for mecA gene and 275bp for nucA. PCR was performed for the amplification of PVL gene in all 100 isolates and only two were identified as PVL positive. The pulsed field gel electrophoresis results of CA-MRSA isolates were striking and expressed a similar banding pattern among all the isolates from the Kashmiri community. CONCLUSION: We found that the prevalence of CA-MRSA in the healthy population of Kashmir valley is quite high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheehan's syndrome presents with panhypopituitarism after childbirth, usually preceded by post partum hemorrhage. Hematological abnormalities like pancytopenia with hypocellular marrow in these patients are reported rarely. Though multiple hormone deficiencies may contribute to Pancytopenia in Sheehan's syndrome, complete recovery is observed after achieving eucortisolemic and euthyroid state. The predominant role of thyroxine or glucocorticoids in reversing pancytopenia in these patients has not been studied. We present the clinical, hormonal, hematological course and response to glucocorticoids in a patient of Sheehan's syndrome presenting with pancytopenia. Complete recovery of pancytopenia was observed after achieving eucortisolemic state thus concluding that gulcocorticoid replacement is sufficient to reverse pancytopenia in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

nemia and other hematological abnormalities are common in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. The response of these abnormalities to replacement of thyroxine and glucocorticoids is not clear. The aim of the present study was to document the profile of hematological abnormalities and response to treatment in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. Forty patients of Sheehan's syndrome and an equal number of age and parity matched healthy controls were studied for prevalence of hematological abnormalities. Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, red cell, white cell and platelet count were significantly decreased in patients with Sheehan's syndrome compared to controls. Frequency of anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia was significantly higher in these patients compared to controls. After achieving euthyroid and eucortisol state, there was a complete recovery of these hematological abnormalities. We conclude that anemia and other cytopenias are common in patients with Sheehan's syndrome and replacement with thyroxine and glucocorticoids results in complete recovery of these abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports of pancytopenia in patients with Sheehan’s syndrome are rare, because the disorder is not commonly seen in western countries. A case series of pancytopenia in three patients of Sheehan’s syndrome is presented. Three women aged 22, 30, and 34 years developed Sheehan’s syndrome preceded by post partum hemorrhage. During investigations, they were found to have pancytopenia with hypocellular marrow. Treatment with thyroxine and glucocorticoids resulted in complete recovery after attaining euthyroid and eucortisolemic state. Review of literature revealed the rarity of the disorder, with only four cases reported so far. Multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies in Sheehan’s syndrome are responsible for pancytopenia; replacement of thyroid and cortisol hormones results in complete recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depth distribution of boron (B) extractable by hot calcium chloride (HCC), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (PDP), and tartaric acid (TA) in some typical B-deficient Inceptisols, Entisols, and Alfisols in relation to soil properties was studied. The magnitude of B extraction followed the order HCC > PDP > TA for Inceptisols, TA > HCC > PDP for Entisols, and PDP > HCC > TA for Alfisols and showed a decrease along soil depth. The low pH of TA and effective desorption of B by phosphate of PDP are attributed to their higher efficiency in extracting B in Entisols and Alfisols, respectively. A decrease in organic carbon (C), clay, and amorphous iron oxide content was responsible for the observed decrease in extractable B along depth of soil profile. The HCC showed more efficiency than PDP and TA for extracting B in soils high in organic C. Multiple regression equations explained only 21, 57, and 59% of the variability in PDP-, HCC-, and TA-extractable B content in soils by the soil properties analyzed, of which organic C and clay were the most important. There were dynamic equilibria among the amount of B extracted by the extractants, indicating B extraction by them from more or less similar pools in the soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]