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The present study optimized pre-treatment conditions for bioenzyme-mediated hydro-distillation (BMHD) for extraction of mint oil from mentha leaves and the results were compared with those of traditional hydro-distillation (HD) method using response surface methodology. The bio-enzymes produced from moringa leaves had maximum pectinase activity (287.04 µg of sugar/min/ml) followed by xylanase (87.78 µg of sugar/min/ml) while endoglucanase, exoglucanase and amylase activities were comparatively low. The optimized conditions for HD were 69.08 temperature for 173.70 min with water:sample of 10.0. The optimized conditions for enzyme pre-treatment of mentha leaves by BMHD were enzyme concentration of 8%, for a period of 120 min at an incubation period of 40 ℃. The yield (%) and menthol content (%) of the oil at optimized conditions by HD were 1.55 ml/100 g of sample and 56.40% menthol content, respectively, and for BMHD the yield and menthol content (%) of the oil at optimized conditions were 3.69% and 72.80%, respectively. It was found that BMHD leads to a 130% increase in the yield of mint oil and a 10% increase in menthol content as compared to the HD method. No significant difference in physical parameters was observed in mint oil extracted via both methods. Therefore, BMHD is a cost-effective and sustainable approach having an edge over the HD method without compromising the quality and could be a viable approach for commercial purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of bean yellow mosaic potyvirus (BYMV) was investigated earlier with the severe mosaic and stunting disease of V. faba. In the present study, we mechanically transmitted BYMV on V. faba to assess the impact on physiological, biochemical, and nutritional attributes. BYMV-inoculated plants exhibited severe symptoms, and their height, length of the pod, and seed yield (size and number) were reduced to half of the mock-inoculated V. faba. In BYMV-inoculated V. faba, chlorophyll a, b, and total (Chl a + Chl b) were lowered to 66.70%, 64.94%, and 66.19% respectively, and corroborated with the decrease in photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) from 0.36 to 0.26. An increase in membrane ion leakage and malondialdehyde was observed in inoculated V. faba indicating virus-induced physiological stress. The non-structural carbohydrates, total protein, and free proline contents were also significantly altered. More, the high accumulation of salicylic acid and other defense-related antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) was observed to ameliorate virus-induced stress. An increase in polyphenols and flavonoids: gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, ferulic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol suggests the proactive action by BYMV-infected V. faba. A reduced accumulation of nutrition-related parameters while induced accumulation of anti-nutritional factors like tannin (as tannic acid) and phytate observed is suggestive of poor nutritional quality of the plants. The present study comprehensively elucidates the BYMV-induced perturbations in physio-biochemical and nutritional attributes of V. faba, diminishing the quality of plants and seeds, and raises serious concerns for the management measures against the BYMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical utility of perfusion index (PI) has entered a new realm as a non-invasive, quantitative index of stress response to endotracheal intubation. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) involves F-K retractor aided docking of the surgical robot producing haemodynamic and stress responses akin to laryngoscopy. We compared the stress response to videolaryngoscopy with that due to docking of da Vinci surgical robot using PI, heart rate and mean arterial pressure evaluated at specific time points post-laryngoscopy and post-docking. Twenty-six adult patients, scheduled for TORS under general endotracheal anaesthesia were included in this prospective, observational, single-centric cohort study. Statistical analysis included paired samples t-test, dotted box-whisker plots, trendlines and correlograms for comparative analysis of two stressors, laryngoscopy and docking. Baseline PI was 4.14. PI values increased post-midazolam (4.23), 1 min (5.69) and 3 min (6.25) post anaesthetic-induction, plummeted at laryngoscopy (3.24), remained low at 1 min (3.68), 3 min (4.69) thereafter, and were highest at 10 min (6.17) post-laryngoscopy and predocking (6.84). Docking witnessed a fall in PI (4.1), which remained low at 1 min (4.02), 3 min (4.31) and 10 min (4.79) post-docking. PI was significantly higher at laryngoscopy compared with PI at docking (p = 0.0044). At 1 min and 3 min post-laryngoscopy and post-docking, respectively, the differences in PI were statistically insignificant. PI at 10 min post-laryngoscopy was significantly lower than PI at 10 min post-docking (p < 0.0001). As non-invasively quantified by PI, videolaryngoscopic stress response is more intense but shorter-lived versus that due to docking. PI displays a negative correlation with haemodynamic variables. PI at laryngoscopy is a good predictor of PI at docking, enabling pre-emptive measures (fentanyl bolus; deepening of volatile anaesthesia from MAC-maintenance to MAC-intubation) anticipating the docking-induced stress response. Trial registrationhttp://ctri.nic.in; Identifier: CTRI/2019/11/022091. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of low glycaemic index maize varieties requires screening of a large number of inbreds in shortest time. Conventional amylose estimation methods are tedious, time consuming and involve high reagent costs. A simple and rapid screening method has been designed for amylose estimation in maize kernels, which is based on the principle of amylose-iodine complex formation. The method is named as cut grain dip method (CGD). The CGD method involved cutting of maize kernel longitudinally to expose the endosperm, followed by treatment with optimized potassium iodide:iodine (2:1) solution on the cut end and recording the time involved for maximum colouration. It was observed that time taken for iodine to reach its maximum colouration had an inverse relation to the amylose content (AC) in maize kernel. The method was validated in a large set of maize samples with varied amylose content and automation was also done with the use of AlphaView SA software. The proposed CGD method is a rapid and simple for screening of maize kernels with varied AC. The method does not rely upon costly reagents and gets completed in 1 min, therefore is suitable for large-scale screening of maize germplasm including mutants and wild types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-voltage electric contact burns often lead to amputation of limbs. Raised muscle enzymes reflect the extent of muscle damage. We aimed to estimate the levels of creatine kinase (CK-T and CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in high-voltage electric burns and to find out the correlation with amputation. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 60 patients over a period of 14 months, and they were divided into 2 groups: 'amputation' and 'no amputation.' Decision regarding amputation was purely based on clinical assessment either early or late (within or after 72 h). CK, CK-MB, and LDH levels were measured for the first 3 days following an injury and compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. A p–value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of patients was 25.5 years. There was a male preponderance (83.33%), and the majority were working age group (21–40 years (61.6%)). The mean burn percentage was 15.97 ± 9.7 (%TBSA), and the amputation rate was 65%. CK, CK-MB, and LDH levels were found to be significantly raised in the 'amputation' group. According to the receiver operating curve (ROC), CK-T has a sensitivity of 82.1 and specificity of 90.5 with a cutoff value of 5921 U/L and CK-T has the highest area under the ROC curve. Conclusions: CK-T levels raised significantly in high-voltage electric contact burns and strongly associated with amputation. CK-T levels predict the extent of underlying tissue damage with a prognostic value which can be helpful in therapeutic decisions. Level of evidence: Level I, risk/prognostic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the complete genome sequence of five bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) isolates (CK-GL1, CK-GL3, CK-GL4, CK-GL5 and Vfaba2) that share 74.6-98.9% (nucleotide) and 81.5-99.1% (amino acid) identity with globally available BYMV sequences. Phylogenetic analysis clustered them specifically in BYMV phylogenetic group-IV within the existing nine groups. The CK-GL1, CK-GL2, CK-GL4 and CK-GL5 isolates formed a discrete cluster within group-IV. The present study suggests subdivision of group-IV into subgroup-IVa and IVb. Moreover, infectivity assays using in vitro RNA transcripts from subgroup-IVa (CK-GL3 isolate) and IVb (CK-GL1 isolate) showed distinct biological differences between the isolates supporting subdivision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a serious problem in arid and semiarid areas and citrus trees are classified as salt-sensitive. Because putrescine (Put) and paclobutrazol (PBZ) are known to act as plant protectants under environmental stresses, we examined the effect of Put and PBZ on the physiochemical parameters of the salt-susceptible citrus rootstock Karna khatta under NaCl stress. PBZ was applied at 0, 250, and 500 mg L as a soil drench 1 week prior to salinization. A computed amount of NaCl salt to develop soil salinity of 3 dS m (3 g NaCl kg soil) and foliar spray of Put at 0 or 50 mg L were applied. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the garden soil (0.35 dS m) was used as control. Application of PBZ and/or Put reduced the membrane injury index and increased relative water content, photosynthetic rate, and pigments content under saline conditions compared to what occurred in plants exposed to NaCl in the absence of PBZ or Put. Application of PBZ or Put alone or in combination also improved the activities of SOD and peroxidase and proline content under saline conditions. Application of PBZ and/or Put also increased K and reduced Na and Cl concentrations in leaf tissues. It is proposed that PBZ and/or Put could improve the tolerance of salt-susceptible Karna khatta by regulating absorption and accumulation of ions and improving antioxidant enzyme activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potyvirus species associated with yellow leaf stripe disease of Indian narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) var. Paperwhite has been studied by sequence analyses of ~ 1.5 kb genomic fragments obtained from seven RT-PCR amplifications of infected samples. Sequence analysis revealed the occurrence of three potyvirus species: cyrtanthus elatus virus-A (CEVA: KF430815, KF430816, KM066973, KM066974); narcissus yellow stripe virus (NYSV: KM066972, JQ686724) and narcissus degeneration virus (NDV: MK572806). The existence of three potyvirus species: CEVA, NYSV and NDV are being reported in Indian narcissus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) is a prevalent virus and major threat to gladiolus cultivation the world over. In the gladiolus repository at CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, several plants (82–88%) of three economically important cultivars were found infected by BYMV showing severe mosaic and stripe symptoms. Affected plants exhibit diminished quality and quantity of florets and corms, thus reducing their value. Attempts were made to eliminate BYMV from the infected gladiolus cormel explants in vitro through thermotherapy (37 °C for 30 days), chemotherapy (30 mg/L ribavirin for 30 days), and electrotherapy (30 mA for 20 min), either alone and in different combinations. The in vitro regenerated plants were free from BYMV infection when checked by RT-PCR using BYMV-specific primers. The combination of electro- and chemotherapies has given the best response as compared to other treatments. Among the individual therapies, electrotherapy (30 mA/20 min) was found to be the best for and production of BYMV-free gladiolus plants (44–46%) with moderate regeneration efficiency (54–58%) followed by chemotherapy and thermotherapy. However, the cormels obtained from a combination of electro- and chemotherapy treatment (30 mA/20 min + 30 mg/L) has given highest virus free (46–52%) and highest therapy efficiency indices (56%) as compared to other treatments. Further, these cormels showed better developed root systems and produced more cormels which were larger in size as compared to the other treatments and control when grown in tissue culture media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narcissus tazetta L. is a bulbous ornamental plant popular for its notable fragrant flowers which make it the plant of high importance. In spite of its economic value, narcissus is found to be susceptible for a number of diseases borne by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses. A potyvirus, Cyrtanthus elatus virus-A isolate NBRI16 (CEVA-NBRI16), associated with leaf chlorotic stripe disease of N. tazetta cv. Paperwhite was reported for first time in India from our laboratory based on the partial coat protein gene sequence. In present study, the full-length genomic sequence of CEVA-NBRI16 is determined which consists of 9942 nucleotides, excluding the polyA tail, and encodes a single large polyprotein of 3102 amino acids with the genomic features typical of a potyvirus. It shares highest 93% nucleotide sequence identity and closest phylogenetic relationship with sequences of CEVA-Marijiniup7-1 and CEVA-Marijiniup7-2, both reported from Australia on Cyrtanthus elatus host. The full-length genomic sequence of CEVA from narcissus plant is being reported for the first time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero tillage cultivation of sugarcane gave the significantly lower and higher yield as compared to the conventional tillage cultivation in the first and second year, respectively. However, the zero tillage and conventional tillage cultivation produced the same average cane yield which thereby indicated that sugarcane found suitable for planting with zero tillage technique to obtain the same yield or higher yield without wasting time and money for the preparation of field. Net return was recorded higher in the second year with the cultivation of sugarcane with the zero tillage technique. However, the average net return was more under the zero tillage cultivation of sugarcane due to the low cost of cultivation. Weed control methods produced the significantly higher cane yield and net return over the control. Highest net return was recorded with the control of weeds with mechanical inter-culture (hoeing) might be due to the higher cane yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to know the effect of atrazine, paraquat and glyphosate on the weeds and cane yield of spring planted sugarcane at Regional Research Station, Kheri, Sangrur during 2001–02. The data on cane yield revealed that highest cane yield was recorded where the round up at 3.0 lha-1 was applied as post-emergence but it was at par in cane yield obtained where lower dose of round up at 2.5 lha-1, atrataf 50 WP at 2.0 kg/ha followed by lower (2.5 lha-1) and higher dose (3.0 lha-1) of round up were applied to control the weeds with the weed control efficiency 81.2, 82.4,78.3 and 76.3 per cent. However, the differences were also non-significant with the inter-culture treatment. But the cane yield obtained with the application of atrataf 50 WP at 2.0 kgha-1 followed by gramoxone at 1.5 lha-1 produced the significantly lower cane yield than the application of round up at 3.0 lha-1. Whereas, all the treatments of weed control gave the significantly higher cane yield over the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field studies were conducted on the intercropping of ryegrass in autumn planted sugarcane on sandy loam soil at Regional Research Station (PAU), Kheri (Sangrur) during 2000–01 and 2001–02. Cane yield reduced significantly with the sowing of ryegrass as intercrop in sugarcane. However, maximum reduction in cane yield was recorded with the sowing of two rows of ryegrass where double cut was taken for green fodder. The intercropping systems as sugarcane + ryegrass single cut (1:1), sugarcane + ryegrass double cut (1:1) and sugarcane + ryegrass single cut (1:2) gave statistically higher net profit which was of Rs.13904, 4987 and 6338 per hectare more as compared to sole crop of sugarcane. The lowest net profit was observed under the sugarcane + ryegrass double cut (1:2) could be due to the higher competition with the main crop of sugarcane for inputs and natural resources as soil and water. There is need of further research work to find out the fertilizer requirement for sugarcane + ryegrass intercropping because ryegrass response to nitrogen is very high being a high yielding, fast growing and multicut grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to see the efficacy of various herbicides against the weeds of spring planted sugarcane in comparison with the recommended herbicides like metribuzin, atrazine and 2,4-D (sodium salt 80 %) at Regional Research Station, Kheri (Sangrur), Punjab in 2001–2002. Results revealed that all the treatments of weed control found effective to enhance the cane yield from 87.8 to 138.7 per cent over the control by reducing the weed competition. Hand weeding (three hoeing) and chemical methods of weed control like application of sencor 70 WP as pre-emergence followed by 2,4-D (sodium salt 80 %) as post emergence each at 2.0 kgha-1 and round up at 3.0 lha-1 as post-emergence produced significantly same cane yield. However, the lower dose of round up of 2.5 lha-1 produced the statistically similar cane yield as the higher dose of 3.0 lha-1. The increase in cane yield by these herbicides due to reducing the dry weight of weeds significantly over the control with a weed control efficiency of 78.3, 71.7 and 78.3 per cent and weed index of 7.8, 10.3 and 11.8 per cent, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]