Mycosynthesis of highly fluorescent selenium nanoparticles from Fusarium oxysporum, their antifungal activity against black fungus Aspergillus niger, and in-vivo biodistribution studies

In the past few years, photo-luminescent inorganic materials have been studied extensively as fluorescent sensors, and diagnostic and bioimaging tools. The assessment of photoluminescence (PL) properties of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs), especially mycosynthesized Se NPs, is still in its infancy. Herein, we have biosynthesized highly dispersed fluorescent Se NPs (42 nm) using endophytic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, and fully characterized them using sophisticated instruments like TEM, XRD, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, and PL spectrometer. To determine the therapeutic efficacy and side effect profiles, these crystalline Se NPs were radiolabeled with technetium-99m (^99mTc) and their biodistribution and renal clearance times were investigated in the normal Wister rat. The results showed that these Se NPs may be useful for targeting the lungs and liver dysfunction as significant accumulation of these NPs was observed in the liver (approx. 19.47 ± 4%) and lungs (at 6 ± 1%) after 10 min of post-injection. Quick circulation and the presence of Se NPs in kidney (3.8 ± 2%) also suggested the easy excretion of these NPs from the body through urinary tract. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of Se NPs (IC₅₀, 159.5 μg/mL) has been investigated using DPPH free radical scavenging assay with scavenging efficacy of 80.4% where ascorbic acid (IC₅₀, 5.6 μg/mL) was used as a positive control. Additionally, the microscopic study of the inhibition zone encircled around Se NPs confirmed their strong antifungal and antisporulant activity against the black fungus Aspergillus niger.

Di-Pyridine-Containing Macrocyclic Triamide Fe(II) and Ni(II) Complexes as ParaCEST Agents

Fe(II) and Ni(II) paraCEST contrast agents containing the di-pyridine macrocyclic ligand 2,2',2″-(3,7,10-triaza-1,5(2,6)-dipyridinacycloundecaphane-3,7,10-triyl)triacetamide (DETA) are reported here. Both [Fe(DETA)]²⁺ and [Ni(DETA)]²⁺ complexes were structurally characterized. Crystallographic data revealed the seven-coordinated distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry of the [Fe(DETA)]·(BF₄)₂·MeCN complex with five coordinated nitrogen atoms from the macrocyclic ring and two coordinated oxygen atoms from two amide pendant arms. The [Ni(DETA)]·Cl₂·2H₂O complex was six-coordinated in nature with a distorted octahedral geometry. Four coordinated nitrogen atoms were from the macrocyclic ring, and two coordinated oxygen atoms were from two amide pendant arms. [Fe(DETA)]²⁺ exhibited well-resolved sharp proton resonances, whereas very broad proton resonances were observed in the case of [Ni(DETA)]²⁺ due to the long electronic relaxation times. The CEST peaks for the [Fe(DETA)]²⁺ complex showed one highly downfield-shifted and intense peak at 84 ppm with another shifted but less intense peak at 28 ppm with good CEST contrast efficiency at body temperature, whereas [Ni(DETA)]²⁺ showed only one highly shifted intense peak at 78 ppm from the bulk water protons. Potentiometric titrations were performed to determine the protonation constants of the ligand and the thermodynamic stability constant of the [M(DETA)]²⁺ (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) species at 25.0 °C and I = 0.15 mol·L^-1 NaClO₄. Metal exchange studies confirmed the stability of the complexes in acidic medium in the presence of physiologically relevant anions and an equimolar concentration of Zn(II) ions.

Pancreatic islet-specific engineered Tregs exhibit robust antigen-specific and bystander immune suppression in type 1 diabetes models

Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (T_regs) is therapeutic in type 1 diabetes (T1D) mouse models. T_regs that are specific for pancreatic islets are more potent than polyclonal T_regs in preventing disease. However, the frequency of antigen-specific natural T_regs is extremely low, and ex vivo expansion may destabilize T_regs, leading to an effector phenotype. Here, we generated durable, antigen-specific engineered T_regs (EngT_regs) from primary human CD4⁺ T cells by combining FOXP3 homology-directed repair editing and lentiviral T cell receptor (TCR) delivery. Using TCRs derived from clonally expanded CD4⁺ T cells isolated from patients with T1D, we generated islet-specific EngT_regs that suppressed effector T cell (T_eff) proliferation and cytokine production. EngT_regs suppressed T_effs recognizing the same islet antigen in addition to bystander T_effs recognizing other islet antigens through production of soluble mediators and both direct and indirect mechanisms. Adoptively transferred murine islet-specific EngT_regs homed to the pancreas and blocked diabetes triggered by islet-specific T_effs or diabetogenic polyclonal T_effs in recipient mice. These data demonstrate the potential of antigen-specific EngT_regs as a targeted therapy for preventing T1D.

Causes of death in patients with chronic kidney disease: insights from the ASCEND-D and ASCEND-ND cardiovascular outcomes trials

Background

There are limited contemporary data available regarding adjudicated causes of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Prior studies have indicated that cardiovascular (CV) events are one of the most common causes of death among patients with CKD, with previous reports stating approximately 30% of patients died from CV causes [1]. Here, we report the adjudicated causes of death in two recently completed large-scale randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with ∼14,200 person years of follow-up: ASCEND-D [2] (median follow-up: 2.5 years; NCT02879305) and ASCEND-ND [3] (median follow-up: 1.9 years; NCT02876835). These trials investigated the safety and efficacy of daprodustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), in correcting anaemia in patients with CKD.

Purpose

This study assessed the causes of death in patients with CKD in the ASCEND-D and ASCEND-ND trials.

Methods

ASCEND-D and ASCEND-ND were global, randomised, open-label, CV outcome trials in adult patients with CKD-related anaemia undergoing maintenance dialysis (ASCEND-D) or with pre-dialysis CKD (ASCEND-ND) who received daily oral daprodustat or conventional erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Cause of death was systematically and centrally adjudicated in a blinded fashion to the study treatment assignment by an independent committee.

Results

In ASCEND-D and ASCEND-ND, respectively, 2964 and 3872 patients were randomised, of which 92% and 97% completed the study. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced across treatment groups within each trial. Adjudicated causes of death for the ASCEND-D and -ND trials are shown in the Table. All-cause mortality was similar in patients treated with daprodustat as compared with those treated with conventional ESA in both the ASCEND-D and -ND trials. Overall mortality in the ASCEND-D and -ND trials was 20.0% and 15.5%, respectively, and CV causes accounted for approximately 30–40% of all deaths and infection accounted for 25–30% of all deaths in both trials.

Conclusion

Although CV events were the most common cause of death in the ASCEND-D and ASCEND-ND trials (30–40% of cases), the risk of death due to infection was also high, accounting for approximately 25–30% of all deaths across all study arms. Sudden death accounted for most CV deaths, particularly in the ASCEND-D trial. Infection as a cause of death was more frequent than previously reported in other RCTs or disease registries. Causes of death did not differ significantly between ASCEND-D and ASCEND-ND, or between treatments. However, as this is a selected population for a CV trial, it may not be representative of a real-life CKD population. Our results provide important data to inform the design of future studies in this population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): This study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline. Medical writing support was provided Natasha Tracey, PhD (Ashfield MedComms, Macclesfield, UK) and was funded by GlaxoSmithKline.

Analysis of Lung Cancer Cases Presenting in Outpatient Department of University Hospital of Nepal

Background Lung cancer is one of the leading cause of cancer related death. Most common histopathology of lung cancer is non-small cell carcinoma of which adenocarcinoma is the most common. There are limited number of studies done in Nepal to know different aspects of lung cancer. Objective To know demographic parameters of patients diagnosed as lung cancer in a university hospital. The study also aims to know the different histopathological diagnosis of lung cancer. Method All the patients presenting to outpatient department (Cardio Thoracic and Vascular unit) of Dhulikhel Hospital, if are diagnosed as cancer of lung/bronchus will be included in the study. The duration of the study was January 2017 to December 2021. The details on age, gender, presenting symptoms, histopathology of lung cancer, operability will be included in database and will be analyzed. Result There were total of 127 patients diagnosed as lung cancer. Male:female ratio was 1.7:1. Overall mean age was 63.23 years (SD 13.5 years, Range 19-89 years). Non small cell carcinoma was the most common type of lung cancer with 83.7%. In non small cell carcinoma, most common type was Squamous cell carcinoma followed by undifferentiated and Adenocarcinoma. Only five (3.93%) cases were in operable stage. Conclusion Despite the fact that lung cancer is one of the most common cancer, patients usually present late and moslty are not in operable stage. This study shows that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathology in lung cancer cases.

Molecular mapping of QTLs for grain dimension traits in Basmati rice

Basmati rice is known for its extra-long slender grains, exceptional kernel dimensions after cooking, high volume expansion, and strong aroma. Developing high yielding Basmati rice varieties with good cooking quality is a gigantic task. Therefore, identifying the genomic regions governing the grain and cooked kernel dimension traits is of utmost importance for its use in marker-assisted breeding. Although several QTLs governing grain dimension traits have been reported, limited attempts have been made to map QTLs for grain and cooked kernel dimension traits of Basmati rice. In the current study, a population of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) was generated from a cross of Sonasal and Pusa Basmati 1121 (PB1121). In the RIL population, there was a significant positive correlation among the length (RRL: rough rice length, MRL: milled rice length, CKL: cooked kernel length) and breadth (RRB: rough rice breadth, MRB: milled rice breadth and CKB: cooked kernel breadth) of the related traits, while there was significant negative correlation between them. QTL mapping has led to the identification of four major genomic regions governing MRL and CKL. Two QTLs co-localize with the earlier reported major gene GS3 and a QTL qGRL7.1, while the remaining two QTLs viz., qCKL3.2 (qMRL3.2) and qCKL4.1 (qMRL4.1) were novel. The QTL qCKL3.2 has been bracketed to a genomic region of 0.78 Mb between the markers RM15247 and RM15281. Annotation of this region identified 18 gene models, of which the genes predicted to encode pentatricopeptides and brassinosteroid insensitive 1-associated receptor kinase 1 precursor may be the putative candidate genes. Furthermore, we identified a novel QTL qKER2.1 governing kernel elongation ratio (KER) in Basmati rice.

Temperature sensing using bulk and nanoparticles of Ca0.79Er0.01Yb0.2MoO4 phosphor

Optical temperature sensing is widely realized by using upconversion (UC) emission in lanthanide-doped phosphors. There are so many various parameters that are responsible for UC intensity of the phosphor like particle shape and size, type of symmetry that exist at the site position, distribution of lanthanide ions in the phosphor, and so on. However, a comparative study of the bulk and nanostructure on the temperature sensing ability of such phosphor is rare. In the present work, we have taken Ca0.79Er0.01Yb0.2MoO4 phosphors as a model system and synthesized its bulk (via solid-state reaction method, named SCEY) and nanostructures (via solution combustion route, named CCEY). We further studied their phase, crystal structure, phonon frequency, optical excitation, and emission (upconversion & downshifting) properties. Finally, the optical temperature sensing behavior of SCEY and CCEY, in the range 305 K - 573 K, have been compared. The maximum relative sensitivity of the phosphor SCEY and CCEY are 0.0061 K-1 at 305 K and 0.0094 K-1 at 299 K, respectively, while, the maximum absolute sensitivities are 0.0150 K-1 at 348 K, and 0.0170 K-1 at 398 K, respectively. We thus conclude that the temperature sensing ability of nanoparticle-based Ca0.79Er0.01Yb0.2MoO4 phosphor is better compared to its bulk phosphor.

The Cut-off Value of Great Saphenous Vein Diameter at the Level of Femoral Condyle to Predict the Sapheno-Femoral Junction Incompetence

Background Varicose vein is one of the commonest problems that patients visit to a vascular out patient services (OPD). It causes a great deal of morbidity in today's population. Objective To see the correlation between the size of great saphenous and Saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Method From January 2019 till January 2020, 396 patients with symptomatic or clinically diagnosed varicose veins were screened for Saphenofemoral junction reflux. The diameter of the saphenous vein was measured with B-mode imaging, and reflux was quantified based on valve closure time using Doppler spectral measurements. Best saphenous vein diameter cutoff for predicting reflux was determined using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Result Out of 792 limbs, the Great Saphenous Venous System was involved in 452 limbs, the Short Saphenous Venous System was involved in 151 limbs and significant perforators were present in 240 limbs. Mean great Saphenous Vein diameter of diseased limb (Reflux Positive) was 5.68 mm and 4.0 mm in control group (Reflux Negative). Mean Saphenofemoral junction diameter was 8.23 mm in diseased limbs and 6.16 mm in control limbs. Receiver operating characteristics curve showed great saphenous vein diameter at femoral condyle of 4.5 mm as best cut-off value for diagnosis of sapheno femoral junction reflux. Conclusion Great Saphenous Vein diameter at femoral condyle of 4.5 mm is the best cut-off value for diagnosis Saphenofemoral junction reflux. The Sensitivity and specificity of this cut off value is 81.8% and 71% respectively.

Time management governs climate resilience and productivity in the coupled rice-wheat cropping systems of eastern India

India will need to produce 30% more wheat by 2050, and these gains must principally come from intensification in eastern India where low productivity is common. Through a dense network of on-farm surveys for the rice-wheat system in this region, we show that contemporary wheat sowing dates have a central influence on achieved and attainable yields, superseding all other crop management, soil and varietal factors. We estimate that untapped wheat production potential will increase by 69% with achievable adjustments to wheat sowing dates without incurring undesirable trade-offs with rice productivity, irrigation requirements or profitability. Our findings also indicate that transformative gains in wheat yields are only possible in eastern India if rice and wheat are managed as a coupled system. Steps taken to 'keep time' through better management of the annual cropping calendar will pay dividends for food security, profitability and climate resilience now and as a foundation for adaptation to progressive climate change.

Genome-Wide Association Mapping Reveals Novel Putative Gene Candidates Governing Reproductive Stage Heat Stress Tolerance in Rice

Temperature rise predicted for the future will severely affect rice productivity because the crop is highly sensitive to heat stress at the reproductive stage. Breeding tolerant varieties is an economically viable option to combat heat stress, for which the knowledge of target genomic regions associated with the reproductive stage heat stress tolerance (RSHT) is essential. A set of 192 rice genotypes of diverse origins were evaluated under natural field conditions through staggered sowings for RSHT using two surrogate traits, spikelet fertility and grain yield, which showed significant reduction under heat stress. These genotypes were genotyped using a 50 k SNP array, and the association analysis identified 10 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for grain yield, of which one QTN (qHTGY8.1) was consistent across the different models used. Only two out of 10 MTAs coincided with the previously reported QTLs, making the remaing eight novel. A total of 22 QTNs were observed for spikelet fertility, among which qHTSF5.1 was consistently found across three models. Of the QTNs identified, seven coincided with previous reports, while the remaining QTNs were new. The genes near the QTNs were found associated with the protein–protein interaction, protein ubiquitination, stress signal transduction, and so forth, qualifying them to be putative for RSHT. An in silico expression analysis revealed the predominant expression of genes identified for spikelet fertility in reproductive organs. Further validation of the biological relevance of QTNs in conferring heat stress tolerance will enable their utilization in improving the reproductive stage heat stress tolerance in rice.

Whey removal characteristics during conventional production of chhana

Whey removal phenomena generally studied in terms of whey removal rate, chhana weight and moisture content during chhana production process. Despite all these above factors, moisture content concerned to be the important one to maintain its soft texture and suitability for manufacturing of diversified products. The present study was undertaken to identify best model to express whey draining process so as to predict the relevant characteristics such as moisture ratio, moisture content and moisture removal rate. Whey removal rate was pursued for different cow milk quantities (5, 10, 15 and 20 kg) using delayed straining technique for gravimetric removal of whey from the chhana mass. Among the mathematical models, Logarithmic model was found best in describing the whey draining characteristics and predicting the moisture ratio of chhana. Whey removal characteristics provides important insights for the development of equipments for chhana production, downstream processing equipments for whey and online sensors for monitoring the process that regulates the moisture content and final quality of chhana and chhana based products. The novelty of the work lied on the incorporation of mathematical modeling to the chhana production process.

Mechanisms associated with the rapid decline in sea ice cover around a stranded ship in the Lazarev Sea, Antarctica

In the satellite data era starting from 1979, the extent of Antarctic sea ice increased moderately for the first 37 years. However, the extent decreased to record low levels from 2016 to 2020, with the drop being greatest in the Weddell and Lazarev Seas of the Southern Ocean. An important question for the scientific fraternity and policymakers is to understand what ocean-atmospheric processes triggered such a rapid decline in sea ice. We employ in-situ, satellite, and atmospheric reanalysis data to examine the causative mechanism of anomalous sea ice variability in the Lazarev Sea at a time of ice growth in the annual cycle (March-April 2019), when a cargo ship was stuck in extensive ice cover and freed following the unusual decline in sea ice. High-resolution Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar captured a distinct view of the ship location and track within extensive ice cover of fast sea ice, dense pack ice, and icebergs in the Lazarev Sea on 27 March 2019. Subsequently, the sea ice cover declined and reached the fourth lowest extent in the entire satellite record during April 2019 which was 25.6% lower than the long-term mean value of 2.65 × 10⁶ km². We show that the anomalous sea ice variability was due to the occurrence of eastward-moving polar cyclones, including a quasi-stationary explosive development that impacted sea ice through extreme changes in ocean-atmospheric conditions. The cyclone-induced dynamic (poleward propagation of ocean waves and ice motion) and thermodynamic (heat and moisture plumes from midlatitudes, ocean mixed layer warming) processes coupled with high tides provided a conducive environment for an exceptional decline in sea ice over the region of ship movement.

Sustainable utilization of pineapple wastes for production of bioenergy, biochemicals and value-added products: A review

Agricultural residues play a pivotal role in meeting the growing energy and bulk chemicals demand and food security of society. There is global concern about the utilization of fossil-based fuels and chemicals which create serious environmental problems. Biobased sustainable fuels can afford energy and fuels for future generations. Agro-industrial waste materials can act as the alternative way for generating bioenergy and biochemicals strengthening low carbon economy. Processing of pineapple generates about 60% of the weight of the original pineapple fruit in the form of peel, core, crown end, and pomace that can be converted into bioenergy sources like bioethanol, biobutanol, biohydrogen, and biomethane along with animal feed and vermicompost as described in this paper. This paper also explains about bioconversion process towards the production of various value-added products such as phenolic anti-oxidants, bromelain enzyme, phenolic flavour compounds, organic acids, and animal feed towards bioeconomy.

Perception of Employees Regarding the Quality Management System Implemented at a Tertiary Care Eye Hospital in North India: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background:

Quality management in healthcare is critical for hospitals and everyone in the loop —from physicians to support staff—needs to be aware of and involved in this process.

Objectives:

To assess the perception of employees about the quality management system (QMS) implemented at a tertiary care eye hospital in north India and to use it to identify scope for further improvement.

Methods:

This cross-sectional mixed-method study involved both questionnaire-based survey and an in-depth interview by a third party. The questionnaire had 12 questions to assess the changes in culture, infrastructure, environment, system, operation theatre and outpatient department. Employees shared their opinion about improvements brought by the QMS in eight years. Respondents were divided into five groups based on their job description: (i) doctors, (ii) technical staff (nursing/operation theatre/laboratory), (iii) optometrists/opticians/audiologists, (iv) patient care executives and (v) human resources/administration/others.

Results:

Of the 73 employees interviewed, 94.5% perceived an improved treatment and care process and 91.8% perceived improved treatment results. According to 83.6% of the employees, they were encouraged to report patient safety concerns and 71.2% saw improved incidence and adverse event management. The QMS has increased patient satisfaction according to 83%, while 91.8% felt it improved the profile of the hospital. The employees stated no negative effects of the QMS except a long waiting time of the patients and the duplication of paperwork.

Conclusion:

QMS has brought many positive changes across the hospital. Still, there is scope to reduce the patient waiting time and paperwork duplication.

Dysnatremia in Traumatic Brain Injury and its Association with Outcome

Background Traumatic brain injury on its own results in significant mortality and morbidity but it also contributes to complications that manifest as dysnatremia in the majority of cases. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the association of hyponatremia and hypernatremia with the severity of traumatic brain injury and its impact on mortality. Method This is a retrospective, descriptive, and analytic study conducted during a 1-year period from March 2018 to March 2019. The study population was selected from the patients presenting to the emergency department with TBI in the Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal. All the patients that fulfilled the inclusion criteria of age were enrolled in the study. Patients with known renal disease due to the higher incidence of electrolyte disbalance were excluded. Association of outcome with hyponatremia and hypernatremia were sought using chi-square, fisher exact test and independent t test using SPSS ver 20. Result Over a period of 1 year, 367 patients with traumatic brain injuries were treated in our hospital. Hyponatremia was seen among 55 patients (14.9%) and hypernatremia was seen among 22 patients (5.99%). The age range of patients included in the study was 16 to 87 with a mean age of 37.96 ± 16.512 years. The male to female ratio was calculated as 3.2:1. Mild, moderate, and severe head injuries were 286 (77.9%), 37 (10.1%), and 44 (12%) respectively. Surgical intervention was performed among 77(21%) individuals. Our series showed an association between the severity of traumatic brain injury and hyponatremia however didn't show an association between the severity of traumatic brain injury and the development of hypernatremia. Conclusion We concluded that the severity of head injury is associated with severity of hyponatremia but not with severity of hypernatremia. Similarly, a strong association existed between the severity of hypernatremia and outcome of patients. However, such association was not seen with hyponatremia.

Anthropogenic arsenic menace in contaminated water near thermal power plants and coal mining areas of India

Coal mining and coal combustion in thermal power plants (TPPs) are the major anthropogenic sources of arsenic (As) contamination in many different industrial regions. In this study of industrial regions of West Bengal and Singrauli, it is observed that there is an anthropogenic contribution to the contamination from As-bearing coal. Up to 14.53 mg/kg of As is obtained in coal of West Bengal which also has very high average Fe concentration (16,095 mg/kg) along with high concentration of Cu, Mn and Hg. Similar observations are also found in Singrauli Industrial Region where 3.14 mg/kg of As with very high concentration of Fe 43,867 mg/kg along with high Cu, Mn and Hg concentration is found in coal samples. This low-grade bituminous coal contains arsenopyrite as observed by SEM-EDX. Arsenopyrite is converted to arsenolite upon combustion in these TPPs as observed in XRD. The fly ash has average As concentration of 1.53 mg/kg for West Bengal and 2.38 mg/kg for Singrauli Industrial Region and high concentration of toxic elements. The soil near these TPPs and mining areas is enriched in As, Fe, Hg, Cu and Mn. Not only As but high concentrations of Fe, Hg, Mn are also observed from analysis of water which relates to the anthropogenic inputs. The dissolution of arsenolite in reducing environments caused by periodic flooding releases As into water. Hence, the As contamination in the study area also has anthropogenic origin from coal consumption in TPPs.

Influence of Brassica spp. rapeseed and canola meal, and supplementation of bioactive compound (AITC) on growth performance, intestinal-permeability, oocyst shedding, lesion score, histomorphology, and gene expression of broilers challenged with E. maxima

This study was performed to investigate the effect of feeding Brassica spp. including full-fat rapeseed, canola meal, and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) to broiler chicken challenged with E. maxima. A total of 576 one-day old male broiler chicks were completely randomized to 8 treatments with 6 replicated cages and 12 birds per cage. The treatment diets consisted of nonchallenge control (NC, corn-SBM based diet), challenge control (CC), 10% rapeseed (10RS), 30% rapeseed (30RS), 20% canola (20CLM), 40% canola (40CLM), 500 ppm AITC (500AITC), and 1,000 ppm AITC (1000AITC). At d 14, all birds were challenged, except NC group, with a subclinical dose of E. maxima. Intestinal permeability was conducted on 5 d post-infection (dpi) and for oocyst shedding 5 to 6 dpi feces were pooled and collected. On 6 dpi, growth performance, lesion score, histomorphology, and gene expression were measured. The growth performance result showed that 10RS and 30RS groups had lower BW, BWG, FI, and higher FCR (P < 0.0001). During the challenge and overall periods, NC group had highest BW, BWG, and FI, and lowest FCR. The inclusion of canola meal showed lower performance during prechallenge period but was able to catch up BWG during challenge period. The AITC levels showed similar growth performance to CC group. Intestinal permeability for 20CLM, 40CLM, 500AITC and 1000AITC was similar to NC group, whereas CC, 10RS, and 30RS had higher permeability compared to NC (P < 0.0001). Oocyst shedding was significantly lower for 40CLM and NC, whereas all other treatments had higher oocyst shedding (P < 0.0001). All the challenged treatment groups had higher lesion score and microscore than NC (P < 0.0001). Histomorphology data showed that jejunum villus height (VH) for 1000AITC was similar to NC group, whereas CC group had the lowest VH (P = 0.01). The 30RS group had lower VH: crypt depth (CD) ratio in the jejunum and ileum. The gene expression at 6 dpi for claudin1, occludin, IL2, IL6, GLUT5, EAAT, BoAT, and LAT1 was significantly changed among the treatments. The results suggest that 30RS retards growth performance and deteriorate gut health during coccidiosis and should not be fed to chicken during the starter phase. Canola meal showed decline in growth prechallenge but maintained growth and intestinal health during the challenge period at 40% inclusion. AITC at 1,000 ppm showed similar growth as control group, but with improved gut health during the challenge period. Canola meal could be a good alternative to SBM especially during coccidiosis, whereas AITC needs to be tested vigorously in animal feeding regime.

A novel LOX3-null allele (lox3-b) originated in the aromatic Basmati rice cultivars imparts storage stability to rice bran

Rapid deterioration of rice bran due to the LOX3 enzyme catalysed oxidation of PUFA is the major bottleneck for its utilization in various downstream applications. In the present study, we have identified a set of nine novel LOX3-null rice accessions carrying a deletion of C residue in the exon2 causing a frameshift mutation resulting in a truncated non-functional LOX3 protein. Our study, further manifested the predominance of C deletion based LOX3-null allele, named lox3-b, in the aromatic rice germplasm particularly in the Indian Basmati rice group. The LOX3-null genotypes exhibited significantly reduced rancidity, after six months of storage. They also showed significantly lower percentage reduction of linoleic acid (LA), higher γ-oryzanol content and lower hexanal content. A functional dCAPS marker designed based on the deletion polymorphism clearly differentiated LOX3 and lox3-b alleles, and has the potential application in marker assisted rice breeding programmes to develop cultivars with better bran storability.

Revealing the effect of seed phosphorus concentration on seedling vigour and growth of rice using mutagenesis approach

The harvested plant products, specifically, the grains of cereals are major drivers of soil phosphorus (P) depletion. However, the breeding or biotechnology efforts to develop low P seeds have not been attempted because of possible adverse effects on seedling vigour and crop establishment. Several studies have contradictory observations on influence of seed P on seedling vigour. Lack of appropriate genetic material has been the major bottleneck in reaching the consensus. In this study, we used 30 EMS induced mutants of rice cultivar Nagina22 to understand the role of seed P on seedling vigour and associated physiological processes. Seedling vigour, morpho-physiological characteristics, acid phosphatases, alpha-amylase, and expression of P transporter genes were analyzed in seedlings obtained from seeds of high and low grain P mutants. The study suggests that seed P has a significant role on seedling vigour, chlorophyll content and photosynthesis process of young seedlings, and P transport from roots. Notably, we identified few mutants such as NH4791, NH4785, NH4714, NH4663, NH4614, and NH4618 which showed least influence of low seed P on seedling vigour and other metabolic processes. Therefore, these mutants can be used in breeding programs aiming for development of low P grains. Also, these and other identified mutants can be used to decipher the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating the differential response of seed P on germination, seedling vigour and several other physiological processes influencing the crop growth and establishment.

Influence of rapeseed, canola meal and glucosinolate metabolite (AITC) as potential antimicrobials: effects on growth performance, and gut health in Salmonella Typhimurium challenged broiler chickens

Poultry is the major sources of foodborne salmonellosis. Antibiotic resistance and a surge in zoonotic diseases warrant the use of natural alternatives. Glucosinolates (GLs) are naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds in rapeseed and canola. This study investigated the effect of feeding rapeseed, canola meal, and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC; Brassica secondary metabolites) on growth performance (GP), gut health, and the potential antimicrobial activity against nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium (STNR) in chickens. A total of 640 one-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were randomly allocated to 8 treatments with 8 replicated cages and 10 birds per cage. Dietary treatments were nonchallenge control (NC, corn-SBM based), challenge (Salmonella) control (CC), 10% rapeseed (10RS), 30% rapeseed (30RS), 20% canola meal (20CLM), 40% canola meal (40CLM), 500 ppm AITC (500AITC), and 1,500 ppm AITC (1500AITC). On d 1, all the birds except NC were orally challenged with STNR (7 log CFU/bird). The chickens were reared for 21 d, and their FI and BW were recorded weekly. Salmonella cecal colonization and fecal shedding were quantified, whereas organ translocation (OT) of STNR to the spleen, liver, and kidney was tested on 0, 3, 6, 13, and 20-d postchallenge (dpc). Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA, and the means were separated by Duncan's test, except mortality and OT data analyzed after transformation by square root of (n +1) (P < 0.05). Overall, feeding 30RS resulted in reduced BW (P = 0.003), BWG (P = 0.003), and FI (P = 0.001) compared to CC, 500AITC, and 1500AITC. Similarly, feeding 20CLM resulted in lower BW and BWG compared to CC (P < 0.05) and increased FCR compared to 1500AITC (P = 0.03). Feeding CC resulted in higher mortality compared to NC and 30RS (P = 0.03). Cecal colonization of STNR was reduced (P < 0.0001) for 30RS on 6 dpc and 500AITC on 6 and 13 dpc (P < 0.0001). Although no difference in gut permeability was observed 6 dpc (P > 0.05), OT of STNR population was the highest for CC in the spleen (P = 0.05). In the liver, 10RS showed reduced OT compared to 20CLM on 13 dpc (P = 0.03), whereas 30RS showed the lowest OT on 6 dpc in the kidney. Fecal shedding was lowest for 30RS on 6 dpc (P = 0.004). Histomorphology showed 30RS had the highest duodenum (P = 0.01) and jejunum (P = 0.02) villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth (CD) ratio compared to the other treatments, whereas 1500AITC showed similar results to 30RS. Both 30RS and 1500AITC contained comparatively higher functional GL metabolites and were able to maintain gut health. Including higher levels of rapeseed or AITC in poultry feed can reduce Salmonella colonization in the feces and their translocation to other organs.