Statistical relationship between date of sowing and the sorghum shootfly (Atherigona Soccata, Rondani L)

The present study was based on the available data of eleven years for shoot fly from 2000-2010 for kharif season. Different models viz., linear and non linear were tried to fit, Amongst, the linear, quadratic and cubic models produced better coefficient of determination and the models viz., EGG(Shoot fly Egg) =3.760+0.196(DOS) (R2 =0.892) and EGG(Shoot fly Egg) =1.077+1.195(DOS)-0.087(DOS^2), which produced highest R2 (0.896 at p=0.05) with less standard error (0.419) and quadratic model was also the best fit model in determining the oviposition of shoot fly, which explained 89.6 per cent variation in the oviposition of shoot fly for the 7 days after emergence of the sorghum crop. For the dead heart development (14 DAE), the model %DH (% Dead Heart) =3.535+3.104(DOS) found best fit with highest coefficient of determination of 0. 856 and exhibited significant positive relationship with the date of sowing and during 21 DAE the cubic model %DH (% Dead Heart) =10.619+10.115(DOS)-3.466(DOS^2)+0 .321(DOS ^3) had significant coefficient of determination value of 0.988 with least standard error 0.885. The quadratic model during the 28 days after emergence of the crop %DH (% Dead Heart) =-6.234+22.858(DOS) -1.399 (DOS^2) found best fit and produced significant R2 (0.929 at 5 per cent level) and showed better relationship with the date of sowing. It was found that, both linear and non linear relationship exists between dates of sowing and shoot fly of sorghum during kharif season

Effect of routine lactation consultant support to mothers on breastfeeding efficacy

Introduction: Studies have concluded that lactation consultant’s visit provides more face-to-face time and education than physician support alone in improving the breastfeeding efficacy and rates. Objectives: The objective is to study the effect of incorporating routine lactation consultant to daily postnatal rounds with the resident on (a) cumulative weight loss of postnatal neonates and (b) jaundice requiring phototherapy, number of breastfeedings per day, duration of hospital stay and NICU admission. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among all stable neonates admitted in postnatal wards weighing >2 kg and gestation >35 weeks. The babies whose mothers were trained on breastfeeding by the pediatric resident doctor, in the routine postnatal rounds, were considered as Group 1. Infants whose mothers were counseled by the lactation consultant and the resident doctor on the breastfeeding were considered as Group 2. The baseline characteristics of mother and the neonates were recorded by a structured proforma. Results: Of 158 eligible babies, during the study period, 84 babies were enrolled for the study. The mean gestation of the babies in Groups 1 and 2 was 38.1±1.9 and 38.2±1.8 weeks, and the mean weight was 2.95±0.42 and 2.87±0.04 kg, respectively. The cumulative weight loss was 5.43±2.53% and 5.59±2.35 % (p=0.75) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The duration of hospital stay was 5.6±1.98 and 5.1±0.81 days (p=0.09), jaundice requiring phototherapy 22 (47%) and 15 (37%) with p=0.56 and the number of breastfeedings per day was 10.2±2.98 and 10.5±1.2 times with p=0.60 between the Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusion: Even though there was no difference in either the primary or secondary objective between the groups, postnatal lactation counseling is very essential for improving the breastfeeding efficacy with the support of either doctor or the lactation consultant. There was acceptable cumulative weight loss, urine output, number of breastfeedings per day, and NICU admissions

Role of oral erythromycin for feed intolerance in neonates - A randomized controlled trial

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of high and low dose of erythromycin with placebo and to determine the efficacy and safety of oral erythromycin for feed intolerance in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Methodology: The study was a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial. Term and preterm babies having feed intolerance were included in the study, and babies with congenital malformations, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were excluded from the study. After parental consent, the subjects were randomized into Groups 1, 2, or 3 to receive low-dose (3 mg/kg/dose) or high-dose (10 mg/kg/dose) oral erythromycin estolate or the placebo (equal volume of 5% dextrose). Feeding of all the study neonates was managed as per the unit protocol and babies were monitored for the complications. The primary outcome was the time to reach full feeds of 150 ml/kg/day, without significant gastric residuals. Results: Of 58 eligible babies, 84.5% were preterm babies. The median time for reaching full feeds with placebo was 6 days with interquartile range

Staudinger/aza-Wittig Reaction to Access Nβ-Protected Amino Alkyl Isothiocyanates

A unified approach to access Nβ-protected amino alkyl isothiocyanates using Nβ-protected amino alkyl azides through a general strategy of Staudinger/aza-Wittig reaction is described. The type of protocol used to access isothiocyanates depends on the availability of precursors and also, especially in the amino acid chemistry, on the behavior of other labile groups towards the reagents used in the protocols; fortunately, we were not concerned about both these factors as precursor-azides were prepared easily by standard protocols, and the present protocol can pave the way for accessing title compounds without affecting Boc, Cbz and Fmoc protecting groups, and benzyl and tertiary butyl groups in the side chains. The present strategy eliminates the need for the use of amines to obtain title compounds and thus, this method is step-economical; additional advantages include retention of chirality, convenient handling and easy purification. A few hitherto unreported compounds were also prepared, and all final compounds were completely characterized by IR, mass, optical rotation, and 1H and 13C NMR studies

One-Pot Synthesis of Weinreb Amides Employing 3,3-Dichloro-1,2-Diphenylcyclopropene (CPI-Cl) as a Chlorinating Agent

The synthesis of Na -protected amino alkyl Weinreb amides starting from the corresponding a-amino acids as well as carboxylic acids has been delineated through the in situ generation of acid chlorides using CPI-Cl as a chlorinating agent. The protocol is simple; the reaction conditions employed were mild, and compatible with all the three commonly used urethane protecting groups namely, Boc, Cbz and Fmoc groups. The resulting Weinreb amides are obtained in good yields as optically pure products

Glucose levels in first 3 days and neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 year in low birth weight infants: A cohort study

Background: Definition of neonatal hypoglycemia is still controversial. Objective: To find the effect of blood glucose (BG) levelsin the first 3 days of life, on developmental outcome at 1 year in low birth weight neonates <2000 g. Methods: A prospective cohortstudy was conducted in tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit and follow-up clinic in south India. Intramural neonates admittedfrom September 2009 to August 2010 were enrolled. Perinatal and neonatal variables were recorded. Respiratory support, fluids,and feeding management were based on the standard protocols. BG was measured within 2 h, then 6 hourly for 72 h by glucometerand BG <50 mg% was analyzed by hexokinase method. Infants were followed until 1 year corrected age and development age(DA) assessed by Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants (DASII). Motor and mental DA at various BG levelswere compared. Composite outcome of motor or mental developmental delay; or cerebral palsy or hearing impairment or visualimpairment was analyzed, and logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The mean birth weight and gestation of the studygroup (n=129) was 1493 g and 32.5 weeks. The 10th centile of BG in the first 72 h was 51 mg%. BG below 10th centile was seen in60 infants. The mean motor and mental DA of the infants by DASII assessment at 1 year was 11.3 and 11.5 months, respectively.The motor DA and mental DA were significantly higher until 50 mg% lowest BG level, and positive correlation was seen (r=0.26motor, 0.2 mental DA). Mean BG level, the presence of symptoms; number of episodes or small for gestation did not influence theDA. The adjusted odds for poor composite outcome when BG was below 51 mg% is 2.83 (0.65-12.3). Conclusion: Even thoughhigh-risk neonates with BG <51 mg% have a lower motor DA and mental DA at 1 year, than neonates with BG >50 mg%; othermorbidities do determine their composite outcome

Implications of tolerance to iron toxicity on root system architecture changes in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

IntroductionToxicity due to excess soil iron (Fe) is a significant concern for rice cultivation in lowland areas with acidic soils. Toxic levels of Fe adversely affect plant growth by disrupting the absorption of essential macronutrients, and by causing cellular damage. To understand the responses to excess Fe, particularly on seedling root system, this study evaluated rice genotypes under varying Fe levels.MethodsSixteen diverse rice genotypes were hydroponically screened under induced Fe levels, ranging from normal to excess. Morphological and root system characteristics were observed. The onset of leaf bronzing was monitored to identify the toxic response to the excess Fe. Additionally, agronomic and root characteristics were measured to classify genotypes into tolerant and sensitive categories by computing a response stability index.ResultsOur results revealed that 460 ppm of Fe in the nutrient solution served as a critical threshold for screening genotypes during the seedling stage. Fe toxicity significantly affected root system traits, emphasizing the consequential impact on aerial biomass and nutrient deprivation. To classify genotypes into tolerant and sensitive categories, leaf bronzing score was used as a major indicator of Fe stress. However, the response stability index provided a robust basis for classification for the growth performance. Apart from the established tolerant varieties, we could identify a previously unrecognized tolerant variety, ILS 12–5 in this study. Some of the popular mega varieties, including BPT 5204 and Pusa 44, were found to be highly sensitive.DiscussionOur findings suggest that root system damage, particularly in root length, surface area, and root volume, is the key factor contributing to the sensitivity responses under Fe toxicity. Tolerant genotypes were found to retain more healthy roots than the sensitive ones. Fe exclusion, by reducing Fe2+ uptake, may be a major mechanism for tolerance among these genotypes. Further field evaluations are necessary to confirm the behavior of identified tolerant and sensitive lines under natural conditions. Insights from the study provide potential scope for enhancement of tolerance through breeding programs as well as throw light on the role root system in conferring tolerance

Gabapentin for the hemodynamic response to intubation: systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Endotracheal intubation is the gold standard for securing the airway before surgery. Nevertheless, this procedure can produce an activation of the sympathetic nervous system and result in a hemodynamic response which, in high-risk patients, may lead to cardiovascular instability and myocardial ischemia. The aim of this review was to evaluate whether gabapentin can attenuate this response and whether such an attenuation could translate into reduced myocardial ischemia and mortality. Source We searched MEDLINE®, EMBASE™, CINAHL, AMED, and unpublished clinical trial databases for randomized-controlled trials that compared gabapentin with control, fentanyl, clonidine, or beta blockers for attenuating the hemodynamic response to intubation. Primary outcomes were mortality, myocardial infarction, and myocardial ischemia. Secondary outcomes were hemodynamic changes following intubation. Principal findings We included 29 randomized trials with only two studies at low risk of bias. No data were provided for the primary outcomes and no studies included high-risk patients. The use of gabapentin resulted in attenuation in the rise in mean arterial blood pressure [mean difference (MD), −12 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI), −17 to −8] and heart rate (MD, −8 beats·min−1; 95% CI, −11 to −5) one minute after intubation. Gabapentin also reduced the risk of hypertension or tachycardia requiring treatment (risk ratio, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.48). Data were limited on adverse hemodynamic events such as bradycardia and hypotension. Conclusion It remains unknown whether gabapentin improves clinically relevant outcomes such as death and myocardial infarction since studies failed to report on these. Nevertheless, gabapentin attenuated increases in heart rate and blood pressure following intubation when compared with the control group. Even so, the studies included in this review were at potential risk of bias. Moreover, they did not include high-risk patients or report adverse hemodynamic outcomes. Future studies are required to address these limitations

The role of Gamma-aminobutyric acid and Hydrogen peroxide in cell death in grape berry development

Loss of cell vitality (i.e., cell death) in the mesocarp of grape berries occurs during ripening. However, cell death is genotype-dependent and modulated by increasing temperatures and drought. Cell death and associated berry shrivel negatively affect the grape quality and wine chemistry. The causes of cell death are not yet completely understood, and research suggests that cell death may be correlated to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in berries. Another metabolite of interest is Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which might have a role in cell death in berries because the concentration of H2O2 and GABA in cells tends to increase under stress. Chapter 1 analyses the literature on H2O2, and GABA, a four-carbon non-protein amino acid and their role in berry development and Chapter 2 discusses the materials and methods employed in the current study. This study aims to understand the interactions between GABA and H2O2 in three grape cultivars, Grenache, Shiraz and Chardonnay, which show contrasting characteristics for cell death. Physiological and biochemical techniques were used to analyse berry samples collected from field-grown (2018-2019, and 2019-2020 seasons) and potted grapevines (2019-2020). Hormones, phytochemicals, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily H2O2, are involved in plant responses to stresses, such as higher temperatures, hypoxia, salinity and water deficit. Many developmental processes, including budburst, flowering, and grape berry ripening, are controlled by H2O2; there is always a balance between the production and dissociation of H2O2. plant adaptation mechanisms under stress influence the development of fruits; one of the strategies include an increase in internal GABA, which enhances antioxidant enzymes mitigating H2O2 accumulation and oxidative damage; GABA accumulation and the production of ethanol marks the beginning of hypoxic stress in plants. In order to understand the physiological and biochemical changes during the development of grape berries of the three cultivars chapter 3 focuses on physical changes such as berry mass, total soluble solids (TSS), cell death, and biochemical changes such as GABA, H2O2, and antioxidant enzyme (ascorbic peroxidase and catalase) concentrations in grape berries during development. Berries from Grenache, Shiraz and Chardonnay cultivars were sampled from veraison (70-80 days after flowering) for two seasons (2018-2019, and 2019-2020). Weather changes can cause changes in berry biochemistry and, as a result impact wine quality. Previous research suggests that GABA treatment could extend fruit shelf life and delay senescence (cell death) by regulating antioxidant enzymes and ROS (H2O2) metabolism. Since GABA is one of the globally recognised safe (GRAS) molecules approved by the FDA to be safe at 100 mg per serving level equivalent to 3.9 mM (0.041%)–64 mM (0.66%) (CFSAN/Office of Food Additive Safety, 2015), it is safe to spray on berries. The current study aims to provide an overview of changes in physiology and biochemistry that occur in grape berries in response to exogenous GABA application. Chapter 4 assesses the effects of exogenous GABA treatment on the Shiraz grape berries during two seasons (2018-19, and 2019-20) and chapter 5 investigates the effects of exogenous GABA application on Shiraz berries under imposed soil water deficit in potted vine experiments in the glass house. Shiraz grape bunches were sprayed with 5 mM GABA once a week from the post-veraison stage to the post-harvest stage to investigate the effect of GABA on cell death (field experiment). The results show that GABA-treated berries had lower berry mass, TSS and CD and that exogenous GABA application increases antioxidant activity, reduces H2O2 accumulation, which may delay cell death. Imposed soil water deficit has a negative impact on berry growth and development (chapter 5), resulting in a significant decrease in berry mass and an increase in total soluble solids (TSS) and cell death. Higher cell death can be explained by increased H2O2 and decreased antioxidant enzymes observed in water-stressed Shiraz berries. Climate change poses challenges to grape berry development, with the accelerated rate of ripening leading to a significant strain on wineries' ability to process fruit in a timely manner. The wine industry may benefit from delaying ripening in order to control harvest dates and berry composition. The observations thatH2O2 acts as a signalling molecule for berry ripening initiation and exogenous GABA application mitigates H2O2 by enhancing antioxidant enzymes lead to the hypothesis that exogenous GABA application may play a key role in delaying ripening in grape berries by enhancing antioxidants and reducing H2O2 accumulation. Chapter 6 discusses the GABA treatment (5 mM) applied weekly from pea to veraison stage of grape berries to understand the concept of delay in ripening in Chardonnay, Shiraz and Grenache cultivars. GABA treatment in all three cultivars delayed the onset of ripening. This delay in ripening manifested as slowed berry growth (delay in the increase in berry mass), total soluble solids, and cell death during development. Since H2O2 acts as a signalling molecule in grape berry ripening initiation, berries treated with GABA showed lower H2O2 concentration and higher antioxidant activity (catalase, APX), thus causing a delay in ripening. These findings support the hypothesis that GABA may play a role in modulating grape berry ripening by influencing the H2O2 and antioxidant systems involved in the ripening process. My doctoral research focuses on the interactions of GABA and H2O2 in grape berry development. The results indicate that GABA might have a role in preventing oxidative damage caused by increased accumulation of H2O2 during berry development. Exogenous GABA application on berries has promising potential for use in drought-prone agricultural areas. The trials conducted in this study also attempt to understand the interactions between GABA and H2O2 in berries of vines grown in the field and under imposed soil water deficit in the glasshouse. Understanding the influence of GABA on cell death at different phenological stages will help grape growers to mitigate or reduce berry shrivel in specific cultivars prone to increased cell death and shrivel. GABA can be applied exogenously as part of their routine spray. These trials have the potential to delay ripening so that grape ripening can occur in the cooler months of the season to preserve quality and thus play a role in protecting the grape crop under adverse weather conditions.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, 202