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Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a reemerging crop that was once deeply rooted in many global civilizations. Due to climate change and the increasing risk of water‐deficit situations, it is important to use water judiciously. Hemp production has interested many producers; however, due to its past illegal status, there is a lack of research‐based knowledge about the physiological parameters that are affected by drought and which parameters could be responsible for drought tolerance. Therefore, our objective was to study and understand the effects of different drought intensities and timings on physiological parameters such as water‐use efficiency (WUE), photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and fluorescence parameters and determine if cultivar variation exists as this could mean the possibility of selection for drought‐tolerant cultivars. In addition, we tested if carbon isotope discrimination can be used to predict whole plant WUE as this technique is quick and allows moderate throughput for selection. Hemp cultivars BaOx and Cherry Mom were grown in a greenhouse from July to October during 2021 and 2022 under different water stress intensities and timings. During the water stress period, WUE was determined by the gravimetric method and photosynthetic traits were measured using two portable gas analyzers (LI‐6800). Moderate water stress (30%–50% field capacity) was found to have the least effect on physiological parameters studied, while intense water stresses significantly reduced many physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, stomatal conductance (gs), and electron transport rate (ETR). It was found that the cultivar BaOx had a greater WUE than Cherry Mom. This was confirmed with carbon isotope discrimination measurements, which were demonstrated to estimate WUE accurately, and therefore, this technique could be used for germplasm screening. Drought first decreased gs, which caused the reduction in photosynthesis, although cultivar variation in these traits was not observed. Twenty days after drought, negative effects on fluoresce parameters such as ETR were observed with the cultivar Cherry Mon being more affected. This study states that hemp is negatively affected by different timings and intensities of drought; however, there is physiological variation in the response between cultivars. More research is needed to investigate the sources of genotypic variation in physiological parameters to find the sources of drought tolerance. Core Ideas: Moderate water stress did not reduce physiological characteristics, but it is significantly reduced in severe stress.The cultivar BaOx showed higher water‐use efficiency (WUE) than Cherry Mom, highlighting the possibility to breed for high WUE.Photosynthesis and gs were significantly affected by early drought and did not show cultivar variation.Electron transport rate was decreased after 20 days of drought, with cultivar Cherry Mom showing more sensitivity.Carbon isotope discrimination can be used to estimate WUE in hemp, which could accelerate screening and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat fragmentation and degradation in natural wetlands has resulted in declines in the populations of shorebirds in the Indian subcontinent. Shorebirds rely on these wetlands as wintering or stop-over sites along the southern extent of the Central Asian Flyway. Shorebirds are known to utilize agroecosystems as alternate foraging habitats. The suitability of agroecosystems as foraging areas for overwintering migratory shorebirds has not been well studied in the Indian subcontinent. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of published literature and compiled field observations to investigate the importance of inland and coastal agroecosystems for shorebirds in India. We assessed the shorebird populations at natural wetlands: mudflats and mangroves of Kadalundi Vallikkunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) and Puthuvypu sand beach, as well as adjacent agroecosystems on the west coast of India, including Sanketham Wetlands, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Elamaram, Kodinhi, and Kooriyad. On the east coast, we assessed the natural wetland habitats of Valinokkam, Point Calimere, and Pichavaram and evaluated inland agroecosystems in regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Fifty-three shorebird species utilize diverse agroecosystems from various parts of India. While studies on the use of agroecosystems by shorebirds are limited on the east coast, evidence suggests that major wintering sites are adjacent to paddy fields, fostering substantial shorebird diversity. In Pichavaram, Point Calimere, and Gulf of Mannar regions, 22 shorebird species utilize agroecosystems, including the notable near-threatened Eurasian Curlew. Seventeen of these species are winter arrivals, highlighting the crucial role agroecosystems play as stopover areas. On the west coast, 19 shorebird species appear to utilize agroecosystems in Kooriyad, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Sanketham Wetlands, Elamaram, and Kodinhi. Few species use agricultural fields in the north (Jammu and Kashmir). Paddy fields, that are flooded as part of the cropping cycle, support diverse prey species, such as macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and small fish, that could attract and support migratory shorebirds. Agricultural practices like fallowing, flooding, and ploughing could further increase the abundance and accessibility of prey for shorebirds, drawing them in greater numbers. It is crucial to recognize that unsustainable and unethical agricultural methods could detrimentally affect shorebird numbers. The accumulation of pesticide residues and the contamination from heavy metals could also threaten shorebirds. As a result, there is an urgent need for detailed research to better evaluate the importance of agroecosystems in supporting resident or migratory shorebirds. Systematic studies that explain the population dynamics, habitat selection trends, habitat utilization, and the over-summering behavior of the migratory birds at agroecosystems are needed. Implementing sustainable conservation strategies and adopting environmentally friendly agricultural practices are essential to support the rich biodiversity of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is potentially beneficial for patients with myelomarelated renal impairment but is associated with high rates of complications in dialysis-dependent patients and requires specific precautions. Methods. Patients diagnosed with myeloma and concomitant dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction were admitted for ASCT after achieving at least partial response with bortezomib-based induction therapy. For both patients, mobilization consisted of granulocyte colony stimulating factor for 5 days and CD34 directed Plerixafor on Day 1. Melphalan was administered at a dose of 140 mg/m2 and a pre-emptive session of haemodialysis was planned 24 hours after melphalan. Peripheral blood stem cell infusion was done after 24 hours. A central venous sample for blood gas analysis was obtained daily and ad hoc dialysis was planned at the earliest sign of metabolic acidosis (pH <7.35, HCO3 <15 or K >6 mEq/L). Results. Two patients with biopsy proven cast nephropathy and dialysis dependence (twice a week) were taken for ASCT with the above protocol. No variation from usual stem cell yield or engraftment kinetics was noted. Patient 1 (M, 49 years) achieved very good partial response posttransplant and has been dialysis free for 18 months post-ASCT. Patient 2 (M, 48 years) achieved negative immunofixation post-ASCT and was dialysis free for 9 months post-transplant, following which he requires one session of dialysis every 3-4 weeks for onset of uraemic symptoms. Conclusions. ASCT in dialysis-dependent patients is associated with a higher risk of drug toxicity, infections and transplant-related mortality. Use of reduced dose melphalan, pre-emptive dialysis after 24 hours and monitoring for acidosis and symptoms of uraemia to identify acidosis at an early stage allows safe administration of high dose chemotherapy. A major proportion of patients can potentially achieve reduction or freedom from dialysis support posttransplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]