Morpho-biochemical characterization of a RIL population for seed parameters and identification of candidate genes regulating seed size trait in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

The seed size and shape in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) are important quality traits as these influences the milled grain yield, cooking time, and market class of the grains. Linkage analysis was done for seed size in a RIL (F5:6) population derived by crossing L830 (20.9 g/1000 seeds) with L4602 (42.13 g/1000 seeds) which consisted of 188 lines (15.0 to 40.5 g/1000 seeds). Parental polymorphism survey using 394 SSRs identified 31 polymorphic primers, which were used for the bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Marker PBALC449 differentiated the parents and small seed size bulk only, whereas large seeded bulk or the individual plants constituting the large-seeded bulk could not be differentiated. Single plant analysis identified only six recombinant and 13 heterozygotes, of 93 small-seeded RILs (<24.0 g/1000 seed). This clearly showed that the small seed size trait is very strongly regulated by the locus near PBLAC449; whereas, large seed size trait seems governed by more than one locus. The PCR amplified products from the PBLAC449 marker (149bp from L4602 and 131bp from L830) were cloned, sequenced and BLAST searched using the lentil reference genome and was found amplified from chromosome 03. Afterward, the nearby region on chromosome 3 was searched, and a few candidate genes like ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase, E3 ubiquitin ligase, TIFY-like protein, and hexosyltransferase having a role in seed size determination were identified. Validation study in another RIL mapping population which is differing for seed size, showed a number of SNPs and InDels among these genes when studied using whole genome resequencing (WGRS) approach. Biochemical parameters like cellulose, lignin, and xylose content showed no significant differences between parents and the extreme RILs, at maturity. Various seed morphological traits like area, length, width, compactness, volume, perimeter, etc., when measured using VideometerLab 4.0 showed significant differences for the parents and RILs. The results have ultimately helped in better understanding the region regulating the seed size trait in genomically less explored crops like lentils

Assessment of hemodynamic parameters and side effects associated with laryngoscopy and intubation using Labetalol, Fentanyl and normal saline

Background: Stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation causes autonomic or endocrine disturbance such as hypertension, tachycardia, and arrhythmias that may be potentially dangerous in cardiovascular disease patients. These changes are maximum at 1 min after intubation and last for 5-10 min. Labetalol is a selective alpha-1- and nonselective alpha1- and beta -2-adrenergic antagonist. It lowers blood pressure (BP) by decreasing systemic vascular resistance by alpha-1-blockade and reflex tachycardia attenuated by simultaneous beta-blockade. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid agonist with rapid onset and short duration of action. It blocks afferent nerve impulses resulting from stimulation of the pharynx and larynx during intubation. Aim: This is a prospective, randomized, control trial carried out to compare the effect of labetalol and fentanyl on sympathomimetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation in vascular surgeries. Materials and Methods: Eighty four patients [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II] scheduled for vascular surgeries were divided into three groups (28 each). Group A received fentanyl 2 μg/kg intravenous (IV), Group B received labetalol 0.25 mg/kg IV, and Group C received 10 mL saline IV. The groups were compared for heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and rate pressure product (RPP). Results: The groups were comparable as per their demographic data and preoperative vitals. All the vitals decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) in Group A and Group B from just before intubation (5 min after the study drug) to 15 min after intubation compared to the control group. Labetalol decreased SBP, DBP, and MAP significantly at 1 min and 3 min after intubation and RPP at 1 min and 15 min after intubation. In HR, the difference was not significant (P &gt; 0.05). The incidence of hypertension and tachycardia was higher in Group C. No hypotension, bradycardia, and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded in any group.Conclusion: In lower doses, labetalol is a better agent than fentanyl in attenuating the sympathomimetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation but the difference is not significant. However, both effectively blunt the pressure response

A study to evaluate the effects of rocuronium with different priming intervals on the time of intubation

Background: Succinylcholine cannot be used for rapid sequence induction or intubation (RSI) in several situations due to associated side effects. Rocuronium bromide has faster onset time among nondepolarizing muscle relaxants and can offer a safe alternative for RSI when the priming principle is used. Aims: This study was designed to compare the effects of rocuronium with different priming intervals on the time of intubation and intubating conditions. Materials and Methods: Ninety patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, aged 20-50 years, of both sexes were divided into three groups of 30 each. Group A patients received a priming dose of 0.06 mg/kg of rocuronium followed by 0.54 mg/kg rocuronium 3 min later. Group B received 0.06 mg/kg followed by 0.54 mg/kg rocuronium 2 min later, and Group C received saline followed by 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium 3 min later. Time of intubation was assessed using train-of-four (TOF) stimuli, and intubating conditions were compared by the Cooper scoring system. Results: The onset time of intubation was 57.4 ± 16.3 s in Group A, 104.8 ± 11.5 s in Group B, and 123.9 ± 13 s in group C. Intubating conditions were clinically acceptable in all three groups. Conclusion: The 3-min priming interval of rocuronium provides excellent intubating conditions in less than 60 s and can be used in RSI

Role of mucoadhesive polymers in enhancing delivery of nimodipine microemulsion to brain via intranasal route

Intranasal drug administration is receiving increased attention as a delivery method for bypassing the blood–brain barrier and rapidly targeting therapeutics to the CNS. However, rapid mucociliary clearance in the nasal cavity is a major hurdle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mucoadhesive polymers in enhancing the delivery of nimodipine microemulsion to the brain via the intranasal route. The optimized mucoadhesive microemulsion was characterized, and the in vitro drug release and in vivo nasal absorption of drug from the new formulation were evaluated in rats. The optimized formulation consisted of Capmul MCM as oil, Labrasol as surfactant, and Transcutol P as co-surfactant, with a particle size of 250 nm and zeta potential value of −15 mV. In vitro and ex vivo permeation studies showed an initial burst of drug release at 30 min and sustained release up to 6 h, attributable to the presence of free drug entrapped in the mucoadhesive layer. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed that the use of the mucoadhesive microemulsion enhanced brain and plasma concentrations of nimodipine. These results suggest that incorporation of a mucoadhesive agent in a microemulsion intranasal delivery system can increase the retention time of the formulation and enhance brain delivery of drugs

Partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: Operative steps

Open partial nephrectomy (PN) is the standard technique for organ-sparing resection of renal tumors. PN traditionally was done (if technically possible) in patients with renal cell carcinoma in a solitary kidney, if bilateral tumors are present, in chronic renal insufficiency or for patients with hereditary renal cell carcinoma. Today, indications for PN have considerably widened to include most renal masses that can be safely and completely removed independent of their size

Simultaneous Quantification of Glibenclamide, Simvastatin, and Quercetin by Using LC-UV Method and Its Application to Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats

A sensitive, precise, and simple LC method for the simultaneous quantification of glibenclamide, simvastatin, and quercetin in rat plasma has been developed and validated. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a cyano column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) maintained at room temperature, using isocratic elution with methanol : acetonitrile : 10 mM potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate, pH adjusted to 4.5 with o-phosphoric acid (8 : 32 : 60, v/v) and detected using UV-VIS detector. Plasma samples were deproteinated with 0.1% perchloric acid and acetonitrile for extraction of the glibenclamide, simvastatin, and quercetin which resulted in their high recoveries. LC calibration curves based on the extracts from the rat plasma were linear in the range of 50–1000 ng mL−1 for all the three drugs. The limit of quantification was 50 ng mL−1. The described method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetics of glibenclamide, simvastatin, and quercetin following oral administration, in combination to Sprague-Dawley rats

Phytostabilization of coal mine overburden waste, exploiting the phytoremedial efficacy of lemongrass under varying level of cow dung manure

A pot study was performed to assess the phytoremedial potential of Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Staf. for reclamation of coal mine overburden dump wastes, emphasizing the outcome of amendment practices using cow dung manure (CM) and garden soil mixtures on the revegetation of over-burden wastes (OB). Wastes amendment with cow dung manure and garden soil resulted in a significant increase in soil health and nutrient status along with an increment in the phytoavailability of Zn and Cu which are usually considered as micronutrients, essential for plant growth. A significant increment in the total biomass of lemongrass by 38.6% under CM20 (OB: CM 80:20) was observed along with improved growth parameters under amended treatments as compared to OB (100% waste). Furthermore, the proportionate increases in the assimilative rate, water use efficiency, and chlorophyll fluorescence have been observed with the manure application rates. Lemongrass emerged out to be an efficient metal-tolerant herb species owing to its high metal-tolerance index (>100%). Additionally, lemongrass efficiently phytostablized Pb and Ni in the roots. Based on the strong plant performances, the present study highly encourages the cultivation of lemongrass in coal mining dumpsites for phytostabilization coupled with cow-dung manure application (20% w/w)