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Haplotype-based breeding is an emerging and innovative concept that enables the development of designer crop varieties by exploiting and exploring superior alleles/haplotypes among target genes to create new traits in breeding programs. In this regard, whole-genome re-sequencing of 399 genotypes (landraces and breeding lines) from the 3000 rice genomes panel (3K-RG) is mined to identify the superior haplotypes for 95 drought-responsive candidate genes. Candidate gene-based association analysis reveals 69 marker-trait associations (MTAs) in 16 genes for single plant yield (SPY) under drought stress. Haplo-pheno analysis of these 16 genes identifies superior haplotypes for seven genes associated with the higher SPY under drought stress. Our study reveals that the performance of lines possessing superior haplotypes is significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) as measured by single plant yield (SPY), for the OsGSK1-H4, OsDSR2-H3, OsDIL1-H22, OsDREB1C-H3, ASR3-H88, DSM3-H4 and ZFP182-H4 genes as compared to lines without the superior haplotypes. The validation results indicate that a superior haplotype for the DREB transcription factor (OsDREB1C) is present in all the drought-tolerant rice varieties, while it was notably absent in all susceptible varieties. These lines carrying the superior haplotypes can be used as potential donors in haplotype-based breeding to develop high-yielding drought-tolerant rice varieties. Using a subset of 399 genotypes from the 3000 rice genomes panel, genotypes carrying superior haplotypes were identified for five genes associated with yield under drought stress that hold potential for the development of high-yield drought-tolerant varieties in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanometabolites are active compounds derived from cyanobacteria that include small low molecular weight peptides, oligosaccharides, lectins, phenols, fatty acids, and alkaloids. Some of these compounds may pose a threat to human and environment. However, majority of them are known to have various health benefits with antiviral properties against pathogenic viruses including Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus (EBOV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Influenza A virus (IAV) etc. Cyanometabolites classified as lectins include scytovirin (SVN), Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin (OAAH), cyanovirin-N (CV-N), Microcystis viridis lectin (MVL), and microvirin (MVN) also possess a potent antiviral activity against viral diseases with unique properties to recognize different viral epitopes. Studies showed that a small linear peptide, microginin FR1, isolated from a water bloom of Microcystis species, inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), making it useful for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our review provides an overview of the antiviral properties of cyanobacteria from the late 90s till now and emphasizes the significance of their metabolites in combating viral diseases, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has received limited attention in previous publications. The enormous medicinal potential of cyanobacteria is also emphasized in this review, which justifies their use as a dietary supplement to fend off pandemics in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphocyte dysregulation in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a major contributing factor linked to disease severity and mortality. Apoptosis results in the accumulation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in circulation. COVID-19 has a heterogeneous clinical course. The role of cfDNA levels was studied to assess the severity and outcome of COVID-19 patients and correlated with other laboratory parameters. The current case series included 100 patients with mild COVID-19 (MCOV-19) and 106 patients with severe COVID-19 (SCOV-19). Plasma cfDNA levels were quantified using SYBR green quantitative real-time PCR through amplification of the β-actin gene. CfDNA level was significantly higher in SCOV-19 at 706.7 ng/ml (522.6–1258) as compared to MCOV-19 at 219.8 ng/ml (167.7–299.6). The cfDNA levels were significantly higher in non-survivor than in survivors (p = 0.0001). CfDNA showed a significant correlation with NLR, ferritin, LDH, procalcitonin, and IL-6. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of cfDNA in the discrimination of SCOV-19 from MCOV-19 were 90.57% & 80%, respectively. CfDNA showed a sensitivity of 94.74% in the differentiation of non-survivors from survivors. CfDNA levels showed a significant positive correlation with other laboratory and inflammatory markers of COVID-19. CfDNA levels, NLR, and other parameters may be used to stratify and monitor COVID-19 patients and predict mortality. CfDNA may be used to predict COVID-19 severity with higher diagnostic sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Beta 2-Adrenergic Receptor (β2-AR) is significantly overexpressed in various types of malignancies, which is associated with the worst prognosis. However, the role of β2-AR in oral cancer is not well identified. The present study aimed at investigating the β2-AR gene expression and its significance in relation with the clinicopathological features and overall survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Methods: Immunohistochemistry, western blot and quantitative real-time PCR techniques were used to analyze β2-AR protein and mRNA levels in a total of 65 histopathologically confirmed OSCC tissues (case group) and 65 normal tissues (control group) from the oral cavity. Results: Out of the total of 65 OSCC tissues, 41 tissues (63.1%) exhibited high expression for β2-AR protein. Percent positivity and relative density (mean ± SD) of protein were higher in the case group as compared to the control group (positivity 40.31 ± 3.01 vs. 20.46 ± 1.93, p < 0.001; density 2.77 ± 1.17 vs. 1.28 ± 0.37, p < 0.001). In addition, β2-AR mRNA level was also upregulated in patients compared to the controls (2.36 ± 1.30 vs. 1.09 ± 0.42, p < 0.001) and showed a positive correlation with immunostaining of protein in OSCC (r = 0.48, p = 0.011). High β2-AR protein expression was significantly associated with multiple risk habits (p = 0.045), histological differentiation (p = 0.013), clinical TNM stages (p = 0.014), and poor survival (p = 0.006) of patients. In the Cox proportional hazards model, β2-AR was identified as a prognostic biomarker of OSCC (p = 0.047). Conclusion: β2-AR protein level is identified as an independent significant prognostic factor in patients with oral carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the study: Placental growth factor (PLGF) is an angiogenic factor in pregnancy. To find out correlation of plasma levels of placental growth factor in first trimester of pregnancy in Indian women who develop maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes was the aim of the study. Methods: A prospective longitudinal noninterventional study was done in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology after obtaining ethics approval. After enrolling patients in the first trimester (11 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days), a questionnaire was filled for demographic characteristics. Uterine artery doppler was done for every patient and blood sample (5 ml) was taken by venu puncture of median cubital vein. Serum levels of PLGF were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay using Thermo Scientific Pierce Human PLGF kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA). Patients were followed for their whole antenatal period and delivery outcomes. Results: Incidence of preeclampsia in our study was 9.3% (15/161) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) was 19.8% (32/161). Neither BMI nor nulliparity was found to have statistically significant correlation with development of preeclampsia. However, history of preeclampsia was found to be significant risk factor for prediction of preeclampsia (p value < 0.04). Plasma levels of PLGF were significantly lower in preeclampsia and FGR group and this difference was statistically significant (p value < 0.04). 7.5% still born occurred in complicated group and 10% needed NNU/NICU admission in this group. Conclusion: Measuring PLGF levels in first trimester of pregnancy can help in prediction of preeclampsia and FGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T cells in B chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) have been reported to show qualitative and quantitative alterations, thereby regulating the antitumor immune response. We evaluated the absolute count, percentages of T cells and subsets and their association with disease parameters in Indian patients. 45 treatment naïve CLL cases and 10 healthy controls were evaluated for CD3 + Tcells, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells percentage by flowcytometry. The absolute counts were obtained by multiplication with absolute lymphocyte counts obtained on cell counter. The clinical characteristics (age, sex, Rai stage, B symptoms, CD38 expression) were analysed for any association with alteration of these cells (percentages, absolute counts, ratio with monoclonal B cell count) and CD4: CD8 ratio. The mean absolute count of CD3 + T cell, CD4 + T cell and CD8 + T cells was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in CLL patients as compared to healthy controls. CD4:CD8 ratio was variable (normal, increased and decreased). The mean CD8 + T cells count was higher in advanced disease stage, and CD38 positive cases (p > 0.05). Younger CLL patients (< 55 years) had greater increase in CD8 + T cells (p > 0.05). Significant alterations in T cells and their subsets were observed in CLL. A trend towards advanced stage, CD38 expression, presentation an early age was seen with increase in CD8 + T cell counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal and spatial progress of sheath blight was assessed on a set of mega rice varieties of South Asia and local varieties of North India in field experiments for two consecutive years. With artificially created disease focus disease severity was recorded on five un-inoculated plants from the focus in four directions after two, four and six weeks of inoculation. The mega varieties differed in their level of susceptibility to sheath blight. The temporal progression of the disease was significantly increased in Swarna and Swarna Sub-1 followed by PR 114 and PR 121 varieties. Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) ranged 184.92 – 683.67 in tested varieties. The disease severity decreased as the distance from the disease focus increased in all varieties, the significance of the spatial spread depended on the susceptibility level of the variety. Swarna and Swarna Sub-1 showed higher level of susceptibility. The exponential regression model explained the increased severity with time which get decreased with increase in distance from the disease focus. Relationship of week after inoculation with disease severity indicated that model explained 96.0% variability of the response data in Swarna. The morphological traits like plant height, number of tillers per hill and tiller angle of the varieties had a significant correlation with the disease severity and incidence. In the absence of genetic resistance, this study provides evidence of requirement of a six-week period for differentiating the susceptible or resistant response of rice varieties to sheath blight under field conditions. Plant morphological traits are the key factor which can be consider in disease resistant breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing trends in the occurrence of diabetes underline the need to develop low glycemic index (GI) rice with preferred grain quality. In the current study, a diverse set of 3 K sub-panel of rice consisting of 150 accessions was evaluated for resistant starch and predicted glycemic index, including nine other quality traits under transplanted situation. Significant variations were noticed among the accessions for the traits evaluated. Trait associations had shown that amylose content possess significant positive and negative association with resistant starch and predicted glycemic index. Genome-wide association studies with 500 K SNPs based on MLM model resulted in a total of 41 marker-trait associations (MTAs), which were further confirmed and validated with mrMLM multi-locus model. We have also determined the allelic effect of identified MTAs for 11 targeted traits and found favorable SNPs for 8 traits. A total of 11 genes were selected for haplo-pheno analysis to identify the superior haplotypes for the target traits where haplotypes ranges from 2 (Os10g0469000-GC) to 15 (Os06g18720-AC). Superior haplotypes for RS and PGI, the candidate gene Os06g11100 (H4-3.28% for high RS) and Os08g12590 (H13-62.52 as intermediate PGI). The identified superior donors possessing superior haplotype combinations may be utilized in Haplotype-based breeding to developing next-generation tailor-made high quality healthier rice varieties suiting consumer preference and market demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

False smut of rice caused by Ustilaginoidea virens (Cooke) Takahashi (teleomorph Villosiclava virens) has emerged as a serious concern in rice production. While variation for resistance exists in rice germplasm, most of the cultivated varieties are susceptible to false smut. A total of 125 diverse lines from global rice diversity panel were screened for resistance to false smut along with susceptible checks GSR123 and PR116, under natural hot spot for 3 years at two different locations and artificial inoculation conditions in a fourth consecutive year. False smut resistance was recorded based on infected panicles per plants (IPP), number of smut balls per plant (NSBP) and a disease score (DS). Of 125, 21 germplasm lines showed high level of resistance in all the years under natural hot spot as well as artificial inoculation conditions whereas 31 germplasm lines showed moderate resistance. Genome wide association study for false smut related traits identified significant associations on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 9 and 11 for IPP. Similarly, significant associations for NSBP were identified on chromosomes 3 and 8 and DS on chromosomes 3, 4 and 11. Most of these QTLs were found to be associated with all the traits. The study highlights the potential donors for resistance to false smut that could be utilized in rice breeding programme. The identified QTLs could be the potential candidate regions for further studying the false smut resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unfavorable climatic changes have led to an increased threat of several biotic and abiotic stresses over the past few years. Looking at the massive damage caused by these stresses, we undertook a study to develop high yielding climate-resilient rice, using genes conferring resistance against blast (Pi9), bacterial leaf blight (BLB) (Xa4, xa5, xa13, Xa21), brown planthopper (BPH) (Bph3, Bph17), gall midge (GM) (Gm4, Gm8) and QTLs for drought tolerance (qDTY1.1 and qDTY3.1) through marker-assisted forward breeding (MAFB) approach. Result: Seven introgression lines (ILs) possessing a combination of seven to ten genes/QTLs for different biotic and abiotic stresses have been developed using marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding method in the background of Swarna with drought QTLs. These ILs were superior to the respective recurrent parent in agronomic performance and also possess preferred grain quality with intermediate to high amylose content (AC) (23–26%). Out of these, three ILs viz., IL1 (Pi9+ Xa4+ xa5+ Xa21+ Bph17+ Gm8+ qDTY1.1+ qDTY3.1), IL6 (Pi9+ Xa4+ xa5+ Xa21+ Bph3+ Bph17+ Gm4+ Gm8+ qDTY1.1+ qDTY3.1) and IL7 (Pi9+ Xa4+ xa5+ Bph3+ Gm4+ qDTY1.1+ qDTY3.1) had shown resistance\tolerance for multiple biotic and abiotic stresses both in the field and glasshouse conditions. Overall, the ILs were high yielding under various stresses and importantly they also performed well in non-stress conditions without any yield penalty. Conclusion: The current study clearly illustrated the success of MAS in combining tolerance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses while maintaining higher yield potential and preferred grain quality. Developed ILs with seven to ten genes in the current study showed superiority to recurrent parent Swarna+drought for multiple-biotic stresses (blast, BLB, BPH and GM) together with yield advantages of 1.0 t ha− 1 under drought condition, without adverse effect on grain quality traits under non-stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of triaryl-substituted hydrazones as structural acyclic prototypes were synthesized and screened for anti-proliferative activity against breast (Michigan cancer foundation-7 and MD Anderson metastatic breast-231) and uterine cancer (Ishikawa) cell lines. Two compounds were found to be the most active, 5e showed the maximum inhibition of both functional estrogen receptor containing Michigan cancer foundation-7 cells (IC: 7.8 µM) and Ishikawa cells (IC: 7.3 µM) whereas, compound 5i was selectively most active against ER-negative MD Anderson metastatic breast-231 cells (IC: 4.7 µM). The inhibitory effect of 5e in breast cancer and uterine cancer cells was due to ER antagonistic action, also supported by molecular docking studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the influence of exogenous application of calcium (Ca) on its accumulation in finger millet, two genotypes (GPHCPB-1 and GPHCPB-45), which posses low and high grain Ca contents, respectively, were subjected to regular fertigation of varying levels of Ca in Hoagland's nutrient medium. The responsiveness of both the genotypes towards increasing exogenous application of Ca (0.1, 5.0, 10 and 20) was determined in terms of changes in tissue Ca levels, agro-morpho-physio-biochemical parameters. Sharp increase of Ca content in root, stem and spike was observed up to excess level of Ca (10 mM) in GPHCPB-1 while in case of GPHCPB-45 an increase in Ca content was observed only up to sufficient level of Ca (5 mM) and above that its accumulation remained constant or declined in both the genotypes. In case of leaf the level of Ca increased linearly at all concentrations of supplied Ca in both the genotypes. Both the genotypes behave differentially as GPHCPB-45 genotype accumulated more Ca and was also superior in root length, root dry matter accumulation, plant height and relative water content at Ca deficient condition (0.1 mM) as compared to GPHCPB-1 genotype. The continuous rise in stem diameter, biomass, seed yield, chlorophyll content, SPAD value, seed oxalic acid and phytic acid content were recorded in both the genotypes up to excess or toxic levels of supplied Ca. On the basis of present study it was concluded that Ca accumulation in plant is determined by both genetic (genotype dependent) as well as environmental factors (availability of Ca in rhizosphere). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aim: Electrical burns are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which are usually preventable with simple safety measures. Methods: An observational retrospective study of non-lightening electrocution deaths was conducted in Lucknow, India between 2008 and 2012. Results: Out of 83 deaths, 71 investigated were accidental and the rest were suicidal. The age range was 11months to 75years with a mean age of 28.9±12.5years. About 65 (78%) were males and the rest were females. The upper extremity was the most frequently involved contact site in 51 deaths (61%). No electrical burn marks were present in 10 (11.9%) cases. Work-related accidents were responsible for 49 cases of deaths (59%) and home accidents for 19 cases of deaths (22.9%). Deaths were caused most frequently by touching an electrical wire (35 cases, 41.9%). There was an increase in electrocution deaths in the months of July–September (32 cases, 39%). About 50 cases (60.7%) were dead at the scene of the accident and 33 cases (31.9%) were dead on arrival at the hospital. The unique findings of this study include 12 cases (14.4%) of suicidal electrocution and a high rate of work-related accidental electrocution. Conclusion: Death rates from electrocution among all medico-legal deaths were found to be lower in this study than in previous reports, most of them were work-related and preventable. Workers and their employers should be educated to avoid such accidents with safety measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Up to two-thirds of the world population is at risk of deficiency in one or more essential mineral elements. In order to overcome deficiency disorders of mineral nutrients, biofortification approach in crops is an absolute requirement to eliminate the hidden hunger. Hence, the aim of crop biofortification is shifting from food security to nutritional security. In this context, ionomics becomes essential to identify potential gene(s) responsible for the uptake, transport, and storage of ions in plants. It involves the measurement of elemental composition of an organism and change in their composition in relation to physiological, developmental, environmental, and genetic factors. It renders the functional analysis of genes and gene networks that directly or indirectly affect the whole ionome. The present review deals with the study of ionome with special reference to different types of ionic interactions, quantifications, and gene identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A prospective cohort study in a teaching hospital to assess the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced carcinoma cervix. Method: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the form of cisplatin 75 mg/m and paclitaxel 135 mg/m on day 1 and repeated at 14 days' interval for up to a maximum of three courses. Results: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer was effective in the downstaging of the disease. Downstaging was observed in 19.23 % of patients after two cycles and in 50 % of patients after three cycle of NACT. Operability increases to 33.3 and 38.4 % after two and three cycles of NACT, respectively. Complete pathological response was observed in 37.5 % of patients after NACT. No significant adverse effect in the feasibility of surgery was observed. Conclusion: The present study showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy was an effective and well-tolerated mode of therapy with significantly less morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): To analyze aberrant expression of the apoptotic protein p53 and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its significance for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: Cytological adequate smears (n = 382) from various grades of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs; n = 142), ‘atypical squamous cells of unknown significance’ (ASCUS; n = 128) and normal tissue (n = 112) were investigated immunocytochemically for aberrant expression of p53 and Bcl-2 proteins using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase method; HPV status was analyzed in cervical smears using general and type-specific primers. Results: HPV-DNA of any type was detected in 25.7% (98/382) of cases. HPV16 was seen in 58.2% (57/98), HPV18 in 20.4% (20/98) and other HPV types in 21.4% (21/98). Abnormal nuclear expression of p53 protein and cytoplasmic expression of Bcl-2 protein were noted in cervical dysplasia and an association with the presence of HPV16/HPV18 was noted. The intensity of immunoreactivity for p53 and Bcl-2 proteins varied between different cytological grades of cervical smears. Follow-up data revealed that cases with high-risk HPV and co-induced expression of apoptosis-regulatory proteins presented a trend to progressive disease. Conclusions: The detection of both p53 and Bcl-2 proteins in cervical smears can be used as independent diagnostic marker for early-stage HPV-associated cervical cancer. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum iron levels were studied in 50 patients with pre-eclampsia and the results were compared with 50 control cases. Their serum iron levels were found to be higher than the controls. Increase in serum iron was directly proportional to the increased levels of uric acid, urea and creatinine. Mean reticulocyte counts, plasma free haemoglobin and unconjugated bilirubin levels were also higher in these patients. It is suggested that haemolysis may be a major contributory factor for the increased levels of serum iron in pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient especially iron and zinc-enriched rice hold immense promise for sustainable and cost-effective solutions to overcome malnutrition. In this context, BC2F5 population derived from cross between RP-Bio226 and Sampada was used to localize genomic region(s)/QTL(s) for grain Fe (iron) and Zn (zinc) content together with yield and yield-related traits. Genotyping of mapping population with 108 SSR markers resulted in a genetic map of 2317.5 cM with an average marker distance of 21.5 cM. Mean grain mineral content in the mapping population across the two seasons ranged from 10.5–17.5 ppm for Fe and 11.3–22.1 ppm for Zn. Based on the multi-season phenotypic data together with genotypic data, a total of two major QTLs for Fe (PVE upto 17.1%) and three for Zn (PVE upto 34.2%) were identified. Comparative analysis across the two seasons has revealed four consistent QTLs for Fe (qFe1.1, qFe1.2, qFe6.1 and qFe6.2) and two QTL for Zn content (qZn1.1 and qZn6.2). Additionally, based on the previous and current studies three meta-QTLs for grain Fe and two for grain Zn have been identified. In-silico analysis of the identified QTL regions revealed the presence of potential candidate gene(s) such as, OsPOT, OsZIP4, OsFDR3, OsIAA5 etc., that were previously reported to influence grain Fe and Zn content. The identified QTLs could be utilized in developing high yielding, Fe and Zn denser varieties by marker assisted selection (MAS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]