Deciphering the change in root system architectural traits under limiting and non-limiting phosphorus in Indian bread wheat germplasm

The root system architectures (RSAs) largely decide the phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of plants by influencing the phosphorus uptake. Very limited information is available on wheat's RSAs and their deciding factors affecting phosphorus uptake efficiency (PupE) due to difficulties in adopting scoring values used for evaluating root traits. Based on our earlier research experience on nitrogen uptake efficiency screening under, hydroponics and soil-filled pot conditions, a comprehensive study on 182 Indian bread wheat genotypes was carried out under hydroponics with limited P (LP) and non-limiting P (NLP) conditions. The findings revealed a significant genetic variation, root traits correlation, and moderate to high heritability for RSAs traits namely primary root length (PRL), total root length (TRL), total root surface area (TSA), root average diameter (RAD), total root volume (TRV), total root tips (TRT) and total root forks (TRF). In LP, the expressions of TRL, TRV, TSA, TRT and TRF were enhanced while PRL and RAD were diminished. An almost similar pattern of correlations among the RSAs was also observed in both conditions except for RAD. RAD exhibited significant negative correlations with PRL, TRL, TSA, TRT and TRF under LP (r = -0.45, r = -0.35, r = -0.16, r = -0.30, and r = -0.28 respectively). The subclass of TRL, TSA, TRV and TRT representing the 0-0.5 mm diameter had a higher root distribution percentage in LP than NLP. Comparatively wide range of H' value i.e. 0.43 to 0.97 in LP than NLP indicates that expression pattern of these traits are highly influenced by the level of P. In which, RAD (0.43) expression was reduced in LP, and expressions of TRF (0.91) and TSA (0.97) were significantly enhanced. The principal component analysis for grouping of traits and genotypes over LP and NLP revealed a high PC1 score indicating the presence of non-crossover interactions. Based on the comprehensive P response index value (CPRI value), the top five highly P efficient wheat genotypes namely BW 181, BW 103, BW 104, BW 143 and BW 66, were identified. Considering the future need for developing resource-efficient wheat varieties, these genotypes would serve as valuable genetic sources for improving P efficiency in wheat cultivars. This set of genotypes would also help in understanding the genetic architecture of a complex trait like P use efficiency.

Genetic Gain in Yield and Associated Changes in Agronomic Traits in Wheat Cultivars Developed Between 1900 and 2016 for Irrigated Ecosystems of Northwestern Plain Zone of India

Knowledge about the yield gain over the years due to associated changes in the yield component traits is essential for a critical understanding of yield-limiting factors. To estimate genetic gain in grain yield (GY) and component agronomic traits of wheat varieties released between 1900 and 2016 for northwestern plain zone (NWPZ) of India and to identify agronomic and/or genetic basis of the realized gains, two sets of wheat varieties comprising mega varieties and two recently developed varieties were evaluated under timely sown, tilled, and early sown conservation agriculture (CA) conditions for four consecutive years under irrigated conditions. The average annual genetic gain in GY since 1,905 under timely sown irrigated conditions was found to be 0.544% yr^-1 over the average of all varieties and 0.822% yr^-1 (24.27 kg ha^-1 yr^-1) over the first released variety, NP4. The realized mean yield increased from 2,950 kg ha^-1 of the variety NP4 released in 1,905-5,649 kg ha^-1 of HD3086 released in 2014. Regression analysis revealed a linear reduction in height and peduncle length (PL) over the years with a simultaneous and linear increase in biomass at the rate of 43.9 kg ha^-1 yr^-1 or relatively at 0.368% yr^-1 mainly because of delayed heading and increased crop duration. Regression analysis showed no linear trend for tiller number and thousand-grain weight (TGW). Though harvest index (HI) was found to linearly increase relatively at the rate of 0.198% per annum, polynomial regression improved the fitness of data with the indication of no increase in HI since 1982. Interestingly, genetic gain evaluation under early sown CA conditions for 4 years showed similar relative gain (RG) [a relative improvement in varieties across breeding periods (BP)] (0.544% yr^-1) but with a higher absolute value (29.28 kg ha^-1 yr^-1). Major mega varieties like Kalyan Sona, HD2009, PBW 343, HD2967, and HD3086, which occupied a comparatively larger area, were found highly plastic to the improvements in the production environment under timely sown conditions.

A Comprehensive Study on Mo/CdTe Metal-Semiconductor Interface Deposited by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering

Metal-semiconductor (MS) junction between Mo and CdTe, which is one of the fundamental issues for CdTe based solar cell, has been investigated for films deposited on different substrates. XRD pattern of Mo/CdTe films on the polyimide (PI) substrate shows a strong preferential orientation of MoTe2 in (100) at 2θ = 29.44 degrees, which becomes less apparent as deposition time of CdTe increases. However, on soda lime glass (SLG) no such XRD reflection pattern is observed. Moreover, from EDX measurement, Mo-Te compound also identifies MoTe2 at Mo/CdTe interface on PI substrate, which is not present on SLG. Bulk carrier concentration of Mo/CdTe films on PI substrate for lower deposition time of CdTe is found 1.42 x 10(18) cm(-3), which is almost equal to MoTe2. Thereafter, it decreases as CdTe growth time increases. The type of unintentionally formed MoTe2 on PI substrate is found to be n-type in nature. Lattice constants of a = 6.5 Å for CdTe and a = 3.52 Å for MoTe2 are found from nanostructure study by TEM.

Assessment of utilization of untied fund provided under the national rural health mission in Uttar Pradesh

OBJECTIVES

To seek opinion regarding the procurement and spending of untied fund provided to health centers and Village Health and Sanitation Committees (VHSCs) in selected districts in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

METHODS

It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted during September-December 2008. The multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted to select the districts, health facilities and VHSCs. The data was collected using semi structured interview schedule, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with ANMs for qualitative information, review of the records of health centers and VHSCs.

RESULTS

The concept of untied fund was perceived to be a very good one at all levels. Guideline for utilization of untied fund was either not available or if available, was not clear to concerned personnel. The decision of expenditure of untied funds of CHCs and PHCs was taken in the meeting of Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS), but members from other sectors such as PRI, education, revenue department etc. usually did not attend the meeting. Most of Medical Officer in charges (MOICs) were not aware regarding availability of untied fund. About 50% of ANMs were not able to expend the money due to non co-operation of Pradhan. In majority of the cases the decision regarding the utilization of untied fund was taken by ANM herself instead of VHSC meeting.

CONCLUSION

Regular update and orientation to the service providers about the untied fund and its efficient utilization, strict monitoring of utilization of untied fund at each and every level is needed.

Indigenous system of medicine lady doctors and general nurse midwives in operationalization of 24 x 7 services under NRHM in selected districts of Uttar Pradesh

OBJECTIVES

To find out the status of utilization of MCH services after the induction of the indigenous system of medicine (ISM) lady doctors and CNMs for 24 x 7 services and the acceptance of this innovation by the health system and the community.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted during October to November 2008 in 10 blocks of 5 selected districts in Uttar Pradesh. Study subjects (CMO, MO I/C, ISM lady doctors, GNMs, PRI members) were interviewed and FGDs were also conducted.

RESULTS

Shortages of medical and paramedical staff as well as facilities for institutional delivery at the district and block level were revealed. Only 6 out of 16 ISMs were trained. Knowledge of the ISMs/GNMs was lacking in many essential components of MCH including identifying high-risk pregnancy, high-risk newborn for urgent and timely referral. 36% could identify high-risk pregnancy and only 18% used partograph during labour. About 68% of the ISMs/GNMs were dissatisfied regarding honorarium, 59% with work conditions and 55% with delivery instrument. Induction of ISMs/GNMs were welcomed and accepted by medical officers and panchayets. Delay in payment of honorarium and pay disparity between MBBS doctors and ISM lady doctors and lack of proper logistic support were some of the problems facing the ISMs/GNMs.

CONCLUSION

For sustenance, in service training, provision of transport and accommodation, logistic support, well equipped labour room, timely monitoring and supervision, removal of pay disparities need to be ensured. The contractual appointment should also be made permanent and lucrative.

An assessment of functioning of mobile medical units in Jharkhand

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

A scheme of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) has been initiated under NRHM in Jharkhand state from the year 2008 in an effort to take healthcare to doorstep of the public in rural areas, especially in underserved areas. The objective of the study was to assess the functioning of Medical Mobile Units in Jharkhand through rapid assessment mode.

METHODS

A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in three selected districts of Jharkhand state during September-December 2008. Data was collected through in-depth interview using semistructured schedules with State Programme Managers, Chief Medical Officers, District programme managers, staff of MMU and beneficiaries.

RESULTS

The scheme provided curative and diagnostic facilities like X-ray, ultra sound, and blood test to the poor and under-served areas. More than 90% of clients reported availability of medicines in MMUs. However, more than 90% of them had no prior information about the day and time of visits by the MMUs. Some of the operational difficulties being faced by the scheme were reported to be vibrations of generator disturbing the lab investigations, poor condition of the road, unwillingness of doctors to go in far-off areas and heavy workload.

CONCLUSION

The scheme of MMUs has been successful in providing health services to the poor and under-served areas.

Increased expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19 kDa lipoprotein obliterates the protective efficacy of BCG by polarizing host immune responses to the Th2 subtype

Mycobacterium tuberculosis can not only neutralize immune effector functions, but also has the ability to modulate host-signalling cascades involved in the development of these responses. The 19 kDa antigen (Rv3763), a lipoprotein of M. tuberculosis, elicits high levels of interleukin (IL)-12 from macrophages in addition to its powerful immunomodulatory properties, leading to suppression of antigen-presentation signalling cascades. The present study was aimed at analysing the effect of overexpression of this antigen on the immunostimulatory properties of M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG). We have constructed a recombinant BCG strain (rBCG19N) producing higher levels of the 19 kDa antigen in both the cytoplasmic (approximately eightfold) and extracellular (approximately fivefold) fractions as compared to the wildtype BCG. Immunization of mice with rBCG19N elicited high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and relatively low levels of IL-10 against the purified 19 kDa antigen. However, in response to total BCG sonicate, mice immunized with rBCG19N produced significantly high levels of IL-10 with relatively very low levels of IFN-gamma. This polarization of the host immune responses towards T-helper 2 subtype resulted in complete abrogation of the protective efficacy of BCG, when rBCG19N was used as a live vaccine against M. tuberculosis challenge in guinea pigs.

Modulation of Host Immune Responses by Overexpression of Immunodominant Antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Bacille Calmette-Guerin

Based on their immunodominant nature and ability to induce appropriate immune responses in the host, several antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have shown promise of protection. However, most of the candidate vaccines developed by employing various strategies have afforded protection that is at best comparable with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in animal models. Due to the inherent ability of BCG to prime cellular responses in the host, it has become an attractive vehicle for development of a vaccine against intracellular infections. In this study, we have cloned the genes of three immunodominant antigens of M. tuberculosis viz. the ESAT6 (Rv3875), the 19 kDa lipoprotein (Rv3763) and the 38 kDa antigen (Pst homolog) (Rv0934) in pSD5 under the transcriptional control of Trrn, a strong mycobacterial promoter, and expressed them in BCG. The19 kDa antigen and the 38 kDa antigen were expressed at levels that were approximately five and eightfolds higher in the cytosols of recombinant BCG strains rBCG19T and rBCG38T, respectively, as compared with their corresponding levels in M. bovis BCG. Both these antigens were also secreted into the extracellular medium at enhanced levels (19 kDa antigen fourfold and 38 kDa antigen twofold) by rBCG strains in comparison with the wild type BCG. ESAT6 antigen, which is absent in M. bovis BCG, was also expressed at a very high level in the cytosol of the rBCG strain (rBCGE6T). Evaluation of immune responses induced by these three rBCG strains in mice shows a markedly different pattern. The rBCG strain overexpressing the 38 kDa antigen exhibited a predominant T helper 1 (Th1) response with high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production, whereas overexpression of the 19 kDa antigen resulted in completely polarized Th2 responses against the BCG sonicate. The rBCG-expressing ESAT6 antigen induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response. Our observations suggest that the 38 kDa antigen may hold excellent promise in the rBCG approach for the development of a vaccine against tuberculosis.

Recombinant BCG approach for development of vaccines: cloning and expression of immunodominant antigens of M. tuberculosis

In spite of major advances in our understanding of the biology and immunology of tuberculosis, the incidence of the disease has not reduced in most parts of the world. In an attempt to improve the protective efficacy of Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), we have developed a generic vector system, pSD5, for expression of genes at varying levels in mycobacteria. In this study, we have cloned and overexpressed three immunodominant secretory antigens of M. tuberculosis, 85A, 85B and 85C, belonging to the antigen 85 complex. All the genes were cloned under the control of a battery of mycobacterial promoters of varying strength. The expression was analysed in the fast-growing strain M. smegmatis and the slow-growing vaccine strain M. bovis BCG. The recombinant BCG constructs were able to express the antigens at high levels and the majority of the expressed antigens was secreted into the medium. These results show that by using this strategy the recombinant BCG approach can be successfully used for the development of candidate vaccines against infections associated with mycobacteria as well as other pathogens.

Hypopigmented lesions in early leprosy--a clinical and histological study

26 Patients of leprosy presenting with hypopigmented lesions were divided on morphological grounds into 3 Sub groups, Group I (9 patients) with well-defined single patch with moderate to complete sensory loss; Group II (8 patients) with single ill-defined lesion having partial sensory loss; and Group III (9 patients) having multiple hypo-pigmented patches with mild to moderate sensory loss. Epidermal atrophy was a conspicuous histological finding in all groups. Only patients in Group I showed epitheloid cells in dermal infiltrate with erosion of epidermis in one case. This group may be labelled as maculoanesthetic leprosy. Patients in Group II and III showed mononuclear cell infiltrate in dermis, around neurovascular bundles and appendages. They were histologically consistent with indeterminate leprosy. Follow-up biopsy after six to eight months of treatment showed healing of the lesion of reduction in the infiltrate in most cases.

Long-term results after excision of fixed subaortic stenosis

Forty-nine patients underwent surgical excision of fixed subaortic stenosis (discrete fibrous ring and tunnel) between 1968 and 1984 and were followed up for 1 to 16 years (5.8 +/- 4). Twenty-six patients (Group I) had isolated subaortic stenosis and 23 (Group II) had subaortic stenosis and associated cardiac defects. Discrete fibrous ring was present in 46 and tunnel type of obstruction in three patients. For the discrete ring, excision alone was done in 32 patients (four recurrences) and excision with myotomy in 17 (three recurrences). In Group I, there were no operative deaths and one late death from a noncardiac cause. In Group II, one early and two late deaths occurred. The actuarial survival rate for 10 years is 88%. Reoperations were performed in 10 patients, seven for recurrence and three for aortic valve replacement for preexisting aortic regurgitation that had progressed since the primary operation. Cardioplegia was used in 28 patients (one recurrence) and was not used in 21 patients (six recurrences). An operative residual gradient of less than 15 mm Hg was achieved in 25 of 28 patients in whom cardioplegia was used compared to 12 of 21 patients in whom cardioplegia was not used (p = 0.017). These results indicate that complete excision of the ring with the aid of cardioplegia has significantly reduced the recurrence rate of subaortic stenosis (p = 0.033), elimination of the residual gradient at the initial operation has been a significant factor in reducing the recurrence rate (p = 0.017), and addition of myotomy in this series has not altered the outcome.

Congenital diverticulum of the heart of biventricular origin

An extremely rare diverticulum arising from both ventricles at the caudal end of the intraventricular septum was diagnosed in a 2.9 kg infant. The diverticulum was removed successfully while a coexisting ventricular septal defect was left open for further management. The types and complications of such diverticula are described and the need for early surgical intervention is stressed.

Penetration injury to the heart. Nine consecutive cases at a community hospital

During the past 25 years, great progress has been made in saving patients with serious cardiac injuries. This study is based on nine consecutive cases of penetrating wounds to the heart treated successfully by surgical intervention at a community hospital with no facilities for cardiopulmonary bypass. Early surgery is advocated for patients suspected of having penetrating injury of the heart.

Spontaneous closure of ureterocolic fistula secondary to diverticulitis

An 88-year-old woman with spontaneous closure of a ureterocolic fistula secondary to sigmoid diverticulitis is described. Initially, the patient was subjected to proximal transverse colostomy to divert the fecal stream. She was rehospitalized for a sigmoid colectomy, and left ureteral catheterization as well as a retrograde pyelogram showed spontaneous closure of the ureterocolic fistula. A review of the literature reveals that specific involvement of the ureter secondary to inflammatory bowel disease is rare. Most of the cases reported previously have alluded to active and radical measures. We do not recommend a radical resection in the acute stage, especially when the tissue planes may be obliterated owing to inflammation and difficulty in structure identification may lead to inadvertent injury.