MOLECULAR FINGERPRINTING AND ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC PURITY OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) HYBRIDS BY USING RAPD AND SSR MARKERS

The investigation pertaining to the hybrid identification in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) through RAPD and SSR analysis was conducted on six genotypes and their hybrids. Among fifty three primers comprising 25 RAPD and 18 SSR primers, 2 primers for LSFH-10128 (ORS5 and OPA11), 3 for LSFH-1706 (ORS662, OPC16, OPE16) and 2 for LSFH-7345 (ORS5 and OPA03) were showing both female and male parent specific markers and identified as co-dominant marker for hybrid identification. The genetic relationship study among hybrid and their parental lines revealed their close relationship with 92.0 % to 78.7 % similarity. The parental line CMS-17A was found out grouped at 42 % dissimilarity from members of other clusters in RAPD data. And male parent J/6 was found genetically more divergent and showed 21 % dissimilarity with cluster I and II in SSR data. Thus data analysis could indicate the close similarity of hybrid individual/offspring with their respective parent is the indicative of confirmation of hybrids. This study suggested that molecular marker analysis can be utilized for both reliable and less time consuming identification of hybrids

Medicinal plants used in traditional bone setting by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, India

Meghalaya is one of the 8 states of Northeastern India; it is known for its scenic beauty, unique culture, vibrant traditions and rich bio-diversity. Traditional bone setting is a field of study that focuses on ancient methods of treating bone fractures and joint dislocations, often practiced by traditional healers. This ancient art of healing fractures and musculoskeletal injuries has been passed down through generations, blending indigenous knowledge with practical experience. Conservation initiatives should also encourage the local communities to ensure sustainable practices that benefit both nature and people. The purpose of this study was to identify, document and preserve knowledge about the medicinal plants used in traditional bone settings by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. The data for the ethnobotanical study were collected by interviewing the traditional bone setters through a pre-structured questionnaire. Through extensive field surveys and interviews with 115 traditional bone setters, a total of 85 medicinal plant species (belonging to 44 families) were recorded. The Zingiberaceae family contributed the most species with 11 species, followed by Asteraceae with 7 plant species and Urticaceae with 6 species, Acanthaceae, Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Plantiginaceae with 3 species each, while other species were represented by 2 and 1 species. More scientific investigation is required to validate the folk claims/medicine and further research and validation of these practices could lead to the development of alternative or complementary therapies for bone-related ailments

Bone marrow adipocytes provide early sign for progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy and is characterized by clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. In spite of recent advances in the field of MM, the disease has remained incurable. MM is preceded by a premalignant state known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), with a risk of progression to MM of 1% per year. Establishing a scalable approach that refines the identification of MGUS patients at high risk of progression to MM can transform the clinical management of the disease, improve the patient's quality of life, and will have significant socioeconomic implications. Here, we provide evidence that changes in the bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) provide an early sign for progression from MGUS to MM. We employed AI-assisted histological analysis of unstained bone marrow biopsies from MGUS subjects with or without progression to MM within 10 years (n = 24, n = 17 respectively). Although the BMAT fraction was not different between the two groups, bone marrow adipocyte (BMAd) density was decreased in MGUS patients who developed MM, compared to non-progressing MGUS patients. Importantly, the distribution profile for BMAd size and roundness was significantly different between the two groups, indicating a shift toward increased BMAd size and roundness in MGUS patients who developed MM. These early changes in the BMAT could serve as valuable early indicators for the transition from MGUS to MM, potentially enabling timely interventions and personalized treatment strategies. Finally, the AI-based approach for histological characterization of unstained bone marrow biopsies is cost-effective and fast, rendering its clinical implementation feasible.</p