Potential and Advantages of Maize-Legume Intercropping System

Intercropping provides enough scope to include two or more crops simultaneously in same piece of land targeting higher productivity from unit area. Maize, a cereal crop of versatile use, as planted in wide rows offers the opportunity for adoption of intercropping. The intercropping system with maize and legume is beneficial in multifaceted aspects. The success of maize-legume intercropping system largely depends on choice of crops and their maturity, density, and time of planting. Advantage of maize-legume combination of intercropping system is pronounced in the form of higher yield and greater utilization of available resources, benefits in weeds, pests and disease management, fixation of biological nitrogen by legumes and transfer of N to associated maize, insurance against crop failure to small holders, and control of erosion by covering a large extent of ground area. Though maize-legume intercropping system exhibits limitations like less scope of farm mechanization, dependence on more human workforce, and chance of achieving less productivity from maize, the system implies more advantages for small holders in developing countries where human workforce is not a constraint. The chapter has focused on beneficial impacts of maize-legume intercropping system

Effect of the summer pearl millet-groundnut intercropping system on the growth, productivity and competitive ability of crops under south Odisha conditions

A millet-based intercropping system is common in dryland and rainfed conditions. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) exhibits wide adaptability to different agroclimatic conditions and seasons, making it suitable for an intercropping system. Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is a leguminous oil-seed crop that can be cultivated as an intercrop in various cereals and millets to enhance productivity and resource efficiency. Based on these facts, the present study was conducted at the Research Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management during the summer season of 2022 to assess the effect of the summer pearl millet + groundnut intercropping system on the growth, productivity, and competitive ability of crops under the conditions of south Odisha. The experiment consisted of nine treatments. In case of pearl millet, the highest plant height at harvest was achieved in pearl millet (30 cm × 10 cm) + groundnut (1:1) (186 cm), while the maximum plant height of groundnut at harvest was observed in pearl millet (45 cm × 10 cm) + groundnut (1:2) (70cm). Dry matter production at harvest and leaf area index (LAI) at 60 days after sowing (DAS) of pearl millet were highest in pearl millet sole (857 g m-2 and 2.19, respectively). The maximum dry matter production at harvest was found in groundnut sole. The highest yield of individual crops was observed in their pure stands, with 2677 kg ha-1 and 2633 kg ha-1 of pearl millet grain and groundnut pod, respectively. Among mixed stands, pearl millet (30 cm × 10 cm) + groundnut (1:1) and pearl millet (45 cm × 10cm) + groundnut (1:1) showed superior values of different competition functions, such as aggressivity, relative crowding coefficient, monetary advantage, land equivalent ratio, and area time equivalent ratio. The results concluded that pearl millet and groundnut could be intercropped with a 1:1 row proportion with pearl millet spacing of either 30 cm × 10 cm or 45 cm × 10 cm in south Odisha conditions

Biochemical Changes of Chickpea Genotypesbefore and After Infestation of Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus Chinensis L. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) During Storage

The pulse beetle is a field-to-store pest as its infestation on pulses often begins in the field itself as adults lay eggs on mature pods and when such seed is harvested and stored, the pest population increases rapidly and results in total destruction within a short period of 3-4 months. Keeping in view,varietal screening of fifty chickpea genotypes was carried outin the storage laboratory, Department of Entomology, OUAT, BBSR and the performance of the genotypes was assessed based on various biological parameters of test insect, damage and infestation by C. chinensis. The results indicated that none of the genotypes was completely resistant to pest attack whereas 4 genotypes (Himachal Chana 1, Dheera (NBeG-47), JG-14 and Dilaji) were found moderately resistant, 8 genotypes (Phule Vikram, JG 11, ICCV-181108, ICCV-181107, ICCV-181605, C-18203, C-18205 and C-18252) were moderately susceptible,11 genotypes (RVG-204, RVG-203, JAKI-9218, Pratap Chana, Bharati, ICCC 4, ICCV-181106, ICCV-181612, C-18206, ICCV-181101 and Radhey) were susceptible and 27 genotypes (NBeG-49, Himachal Chana 2, JG-16, JG-130, CO 4, Vishal, Kranthi, NBeG-3, ICCV-14102, ICCV-171117, C-18175, ICCV-181611,ICCV-14106, Kalahandi Local, ICC 3137, ICCL 86111, C-19162, C-19168,GNG 2207, BG 3043, GG 3, Birsa Chana 3, C 19199, RSG 963, C 19200, KPG 59and NBeG 119) were noticed to be highly susceptible. The bio-chemicalconstituents analyzed in the present studies viz., protein, phenol, ash and fibre contents of the genotypes contributed to the resistance / susceptibility of C. chinensis. Among the biochemical parameters, protein exerted significant positive effect whereas phenol, ash and fibre contents exhibited negative influence on pest infestation and development

Extracellular Vesicles in Triple–Negative Breast Cancer: Immune Regulation, Biomarkers, and Immunotherapeutic Potential

Triple–negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype accounting for ~10–20% of all human BC and is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification. Owing to its unique molecular profile and limited targeted therapies, TNBC treatment poses significant challenges. Unlike other BC subtypes, TNBC lacks specific molecular targets, rendering endocrine therapies and HER2–targeted treatments ineffective. The chemotherapeutic regimen is the predominant systemic treatment modality for TNBC in current clinical practice. However, the efficacy of chemotherapy in TNBC is variable, with response rates varying between a wide range of patients, and the emerging resistance further adds to the difficulties. Furthermore, TNBC exhibits a higher mutational burden and is acknowledged as the most immunogenic of all BC subtypes. Consequently, the application of immune checkpoint inhibition has been investigated in TNBC, yielding promising outcomes. Recent evidence identified extracellular vesicles (EVs) as an important contributor in the context of TNBC immunotherapy. In view of the extraordinary ability of EVs to transfer bioactive molecules, such as proteins, lipids, DNA, mRNAs, and small miRNAs, between the cells, EVs are considered a promising diagnostic biomarker and novel drug delivery system among the prospects for immunotherapy. The present review provides an in–depth understanding of how EVs influence TNBC progression, its immune regulation, and their contribution as a predictive biomarker for TNBC. The final part of the review focuses on the recent key advances in immunotherapeutic strategies for better understanding the complex interplay between EVs and the immune system in TNBC and further developing EV–based targeted immunotherapies

Analysis of the unexplored features of rrs (16S rDNA) of the Genus Clostridium

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bacterial taxonomy and phylogeny based on <it>rrs </it>(16S rDNA) sequencing is being vigorously pursued. In fact, it has been stated that novel biological findings are driven by comparison and integration of massive data sets. In spite of a large reservoir of <it>rrs </it>sequencing data of 1,237,963 entries, this analysis invariably needs supplementation with other genes. The need is to divide the genetic variability within a taxa or genus at their <it>rrs </it>phylogenetic boundaries and to discover those fundamental features, which will enable the bacteria to naturally fall within them. Within the large bacterial community, <it>Clostridium </it>represents a large genus of around 110 species of significant biotechnological and medical importance. Certain <it>Clostridium </it>strains produce some of the deadliest toxins, which cause heavy economic losses. We have targeted this genus because of its high genetic diversity, which does not allow accurate typing with the available molecular methods.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seven hundred sixty five <it>rrs </it>sequences (> 1200 nucleotides, nts) belonging to 110 <it>Clostridium </it>species were analyzed. On the basis of 404 <it>rrs </it>sequences belonging to 15 <it>Clostridium </it>species, we have developed species specific: (i) phylogenetic framework, (ii) signatures (30 nts) and (iii) <it>in silico </it>restriction enzyme (14 Type II REs) digestion patterns. These tools allowed: (i) species level identification of 95 <it>Clostridium </it>sp. which are presently classified up to genus level, (ii) identification of 84 novel <it>Clostridium </it>spp. and (iii) potential reduction in the number of <it>Clostridium </it>species represented by small populations.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This integrated approach is quite sensitive and can be easily extended as a molecular tool for diagnostic and taxonomic identification of any microbe of importance to food industries and health services. Since rapid and correct identification allows quicker diagnosis and consequently treatment as well, it is likely to lead to reduction in economic losses and mortality rates.</p

Spontaneous Transection of a Retained 16 Year Old Nasogastric Tube

Introduction The insertion of nasogastric (NG) feeding tube or Ryle’s tube is a common procedure for treating patients in different medical or surgical conditions. One of its indications is in patients who can’t eat or swallow due to obstruction in upper digestive tract. Case Report We encountered a 71 year old female patient with stricture in mid to low esophagus, who presented with a retained NG tube in situ for more than 16 years. Post admission, an NCCT scan of neck, thorax and upper abdomen showed about 30cm long retained tube with its lower end in the body of stomach. Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy was subsequently performed and the retained tube was carefully removed in toto. Discussion Insertion of nasogastric tube is a frequent and well tolerated day to day procedure though it can produce unexpected complications like stricture, perforation or haemorrhage and even spontaneous transection in a few patients with prolonged indwelling Ryle’s tube. Long term placement of nasogastric tube is thus not recommended to avoid complications

Switching Selectivity of α‑Enolic Dithioesters: One Pot Access to Functionalized 1,2- and 1,3-Dithioles

An operationally simple cascade protocol has been developed for the construction of 1,2- and 1,3-dithiole derivatives from α-enolic dithioesters. 1,2-Dithioles are achieved by the reaction of dithioesters with elemental sulfur in the presence of InCl₃ under solvent-free conditions. 1,3-Dithioles have been constructed via DABCO mediated self-coupling of dithioesters in open air enabling the formation of two new C–S bonds and one ring in a single operation in contiguous fashion. The reactions proceeded smoothly affording the desired sulfur-rich heterocycles in good to excellent yields, exhibiting gram-scale ability and broad functional group tolerance utilizing easy to handle cheap and easily available reagents. The probable mechanisms for the formation of 1,2- and 1,3-dithioles from α-enolic dithioesters have been suggested

Rosai-Dorfman disease presenting as cervical extradural lesion: A case report with review of literature

Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy or Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare, but well documented entity. We report a lady who presented with progressive quadriparesis, with cervical extradural lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. She underwent decompression of the lesion and histological diagnosis of the lesion was Rosai-Dorfman disease. On one-year follow-up, she had complete improvement of the deficits with no further progression of the lesion. The presentation of this disease as an isolated spinal extradural mass lesion is quite rare, with only six cases reported in literature

Regioselective Synthesis of Dihydrothiophene and Thiopyran Frameworks via Catalyst-Controlled Intramolecular C_γ/C_δ–S Fusion of α‑Allyl-β′-oxodithioesters

A highly efficient and atom-economic dual reaction manifold has been developed to synthesize 4<i>H</i>-thiopyran and 4,5-dihydrothiophene frameworks via regioselective intramolecular C–S fusion of α-allyl-β′-oxodithioesters. The ring size of the sulfur-heterocycles has been efficiently tuned by the use of two different catalytic systems. Palladium activates the C_δ–H of the allyl termini and facilitates the intramolecular C_δ–S coupling to furnish six-membered thiopyran skeletons exclusively. Conversely, the allylic double bond of the same substrate has been activated by BF₃·Et₂O to promote the C_γ–S cyclization leading to the formation of a five-membered dihydrothiophene nucleus

Palladium Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of α‑Enolic Dithioesters: A New Entry to 3,4,5-Trisubstituted 1,2-Dithioles <i>via</i> a Double Activation Strategy

An operationally simple, facile, and convenient one-pot straightforward method for the construction of 3,4,5-trisubstituted 1,2-dithioles has been explored and developed via palladium catalyzed self-coupling of α-enolic dithioesters for the first time. Pd(0) efficiently catalyzes the activation and cleavage of S–H and C–S bonds to achieve cascade coupling, which results in the concomitant formation of new S–S and C–C bonds. Optimization data, substrate scope, and mechanistic insights are discussed