Genome-wide association mapping of 297 Watkins wheat landraces across diverse stripe rust races genetic lineages identified 87 QTL. However, only 29 high-confidence loci were detected across multiple stripe rust isolates, identified by both GWAS models, and/or co-localizing with previously designated Yr genes, highlighting Watkins landraces as valuable pre-breeding donors for stripe rust resistance. Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), remains a major global constraint to wheat production. Rapid pathogen evolution, exemplified by the recent breakdown of Yr15 in Europe, underscores the need to identify diverse and durable resistance loci. The A.E. Watkins landrace collection represents a globally diverse pre-breeding resource with substantial untapped variation for stripe rust resistance. In this study, 297 Watkins landraces were evaluated against six diverse Pst isolates (representing five races and three North American lineages) at the seedling stage and subjected to genome-wide association analysis using high-density whole-genome resequencing data. Continuous phenotypic variation was observed across isolates, with several accessions displaying stable resistance across all pathogen lineages. Across the six isolate-specific GWAS analyses, a total of 87 QTL were identified. Seven loci co-localized with designated or cloned Yr genes and an additional 34 loci overlapped previously reported stripe rust QTL, whereas the majority did not coincide with known loci, suggesting potential novel resistance regions. Only 29 high-confidence QTL (including some previously cloned/mapped QTL) conferred resistance to two or more isolates, multiple statistical models and/or co-localizing with previously designated Yr genes, indicating robust genomic signals. Several Watkins accessions carried favorable alleles for multiple Yr resistance loci, identifying promising donor candidates for validation and pre-breeding.

The three fungal diseases-leaf rust, stem rust, and stripe rust-are considerable challenges to wheat production, causing up to 20%, 50%, and 70% yield losses, respectively, in North America and across the world. Control strategies include regular introduction of resistant varieties as well as fungicidal applications. Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is best controlled by utilizing genetic resistance and regularly introducing resistant varieties to combat the rapid breakdown of host resistance by the pathogen. Genetic resistance to stripe rust can be characterized as adult plant resistance (APR) or all-stage resistance (ASR), the former being largely preferred due to the durable mechanisms governing its resistance. Breeding programs utilize large germplasm collections to screen for resistance. Field phenotyping is a critical component for breeding programs, helping in selection of resistant breeding lines to artificial epidemics of relevant pathotypes. This chapter summarizes the methods and protocols for the field phenotyping of stripe rust at the adult-plant stage, including the steps for inoculation, phenotyping, and an overview of the favorable environmental conditions for optimal results. We also summarize methods for phenotyping leaf tip necrosis (LTN), a morphological trait expressed via slow-rusting APR genes. We demonstrated the process of screening over 30,000 lines of wheat-including the organization of entries using, ideal stage for inoculum application to screen for APR, and the ideal stage for phenotyping 10-18 days postinoculation (DPI). In conclusion, field phenotyping is critical in the assessment of stripe rust resistance and development of resistant varieties and is a major component in combatting global stripe rust epidemics in a sustainable and environmentally considerate way.

Gastric cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the world. While there is an overall decrease in incidence, there has been a rise in proximal gastric cancers. This article reviews the subsite-specific epidemiology, treatment patterns, pathology, and survival outcomes of gastric cancer. A retrospective analysis of the data of 372 patients was done from a prospectively maintained computerized database from 1994 to 2022. Out of them, a total of 199 patients underwent curative resection. Based on the position of the tumour, gastric cancer was classified into proximal gastric cancer, cancer of the body of stomach, and distal gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is more common in males. Anorexia and weight loss were the most common symptoms. GOO seen in 21.9

Maize (Zea mays L.) production is affected by severe weed infestation due to frequent rainfall during wet season (Kharif) and inadequate interculture practices adoption by farmers. Thus, alternative integrated weed management practices need to be developed for effective management of weeds in maize. Hence, an experiment was conducted, during 2020-21 and 2021-22, using strip plot design with ten planting methods in main plots and four weed control treatments in sub plots. Greater grassy, broad-leaved and sedges density reduction along with maximum wheat and maize yield was observed with the raised bed wide bed planting with paddy residue (6 t/ha) fb zero till (ZT) wheat reshaping of beds, compared to sowing of maize with pneumatic planter without residues fb ZT wheat which had maximum density of all types of weeds. Surface mulching of paddy residue and sowing of maize on raised bed wide bed planting fb ZT wheat reshaping of beds reduced grassy (86.0-89.0%), broad-leaved weeds (44.8-50.8%) and sedges (80.2-83.5%) density significantly as compared to the same planting methods without surface mulching. The higher reduction in weed biomass of grassy (79.3-80.7%), broad-leaved weeds (82.4-84.1%) and sedges (82.7-87.8%), in comparison to weedy check, was recorded with tembotrione 120 g/ha. Tembotrione 120 g/ha PoE at 15 DAS recorded the highest gross returns, net returns and highest B:C ratio, due to the lowest cost of cultivation, during both years of study.

A comprehensive characterization of 28 germplasm of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) was conducted for morphological traits of fruit and stone. Significant variability was observed in fruit shape apex and fruit colour at maturity. Twelve germplasm had round fruit apex and eleven germplasm exhibited pointed fruit apex, rest five showed flat apex of fruit. Fruit skin colour like yellow, light yellow, yellowish green, greenish yellow, light green with yellow shade, greenish, green, pale green, light green and mixture of greenish to yellowish was recorded. Most of germplasm (16) exhibited ridged and wart fruit surface and remaining had plain fruit surface. Germplasm Dandan, Safeda Selection, Rohtak Safeda, Seo, Hsaianaul, Katha Bombay, Thornless, Sanori and Kaithali had soft pulp texture whereas; Bawal Selection 1 and Umran had hard pulp texture. Remaining germplasm were grouped in medium soft pulp texture. Stone shapes further classified into oblong, oval, spindle, club, and falcate categories along with stone shape apex. Further the selected germplasm grouped as per DUS guidelines. Based on fruit shape, the maximum germplasm (10) fell in group of ovate fruit shape, followed by oval (eight germplasm) and had falcate (one germplasm). Similarly for pulp texture, most of germplasm (17) were grouped in medium pulp texture fruit. The two germplasm were grouped under hard pulp texture and rest of nine germplasm had soft pulp texture. Stone shape of fourteen germplasm fell in oval shape group, followed by club shape (five germplasm) and falcate, spindle, oblong group contain three germplasm in each. Wide variability was observed in various morphological traits and suggests differences in the evolutionary origins of these cultivars within the species.

India has a diverse cultural heritage due to its biodiversity. Currently, the Indian primary health care system depends upon both organised systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, as well as an unorganised traditional system of medicine like folk medicine. One of the renowned ancient medical systems is Ayurveda, where many medicinal plants are used therapeutically. Many studies have been carried out globally to verify the efficacy of numerous medicinal plants, due to which various plant-based medicines are formulated. The crude drugs that are procured from natural sources are considered to be the branch of Pharmacognosy. Pharmacognosy mainly deals with identifying natural drugs obtained from various plants, microbes, and animals, leading to a new approach towards drug delivery. Various important drugs originate from plants like atropine, morphine, colchicine, ricin, cannabidiol, THC, etc. Plants produce secondary metabolites, such as toxins, alkaloids, and biopolymers. On the other hand, Phytochemistry studies phytochemicals,chemicals derived from plants. Medicinal plants are a rich source of phytochemicals and natural compounds such as alkaloids, terpenes, glycosylated, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, etc. They are also an effective source of folk and modern medicine widely used to treat various ailments. The ancient wisdom in this traditional system of medicine (TSMs) is still not exhaustively explored. Plants seem to be valuable for minimising side effects and having a positive impact on human health. Through this article, we can explore new avenues for discovering more efficient drugs with the help of medicinal plants, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and their dependency on each other.

Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers have shown a rising global incidence, with unique anatomical and biological features distinguishing them from esophageal and gastric carcinomas. This study evaluates the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, survival outcomes, and recurrence patterns of GEJ cancers in an Indian population. This study was conducted on 107 patients with histologically confirmed GEJ carcinoma treated at a tertiary cancer center in India between 2012 and 2024. Demographic, clinical, radiological, surgical, and survival data were reviewed. Staging was based on endoscopy and contrast-enhanced CT. Multimodality treatment strategies were implemented, including neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CROSS), chemotherapy (FLOT), and definitive chemoradiotherapy for unresectable cases. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods, and predictors of recurrence were assessed using Cox regression. The cohort had a male-to-female ratio of 3.45:1 with a mean age of 53 years. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histology (63.6%). Curative resection was achieved in 79.4%, with an R1 rate of 2.4%. The most common surgical approach was Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (63.6%). The 2-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 82%, 75%, and 56%, respectively; overall survival (OS) rates were 88%, 77%, and 59%. Recurrence occurred in 35.3% of patients, predominantly systemic. On multivariate analysis, lympho-vascular invasion, extent of lymphadenectomy, and pathological stage significantly predicted recurrence. Gastroesophageal junction cancers in India predominantly affect middle-aged males and are mostly adenocarcinomas. Multimodality treatment, including neoadjuvant therapy and extended lymphadenectomy, shows promising survival. However, systemic recurrence remains a major challenge. Early detection, personalized treatment, and standardized follow-up are essential to improve outcomes. These findings highlight the urgent need for resource-sensitive national strategies to tackle the rising burden of GEJ cancers.

Mountain rivers in the Himalayas are highly susceptible to geogenic and anthropogenic influences. In this study, fourteen trace/heavy metals (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, Zn) were evaluated in the Chandra River, Lahaul–Spiti Region, during June–October 2022 to understand the dynamics of trace metals in the Himalayan waters. Water samples collected along the downstream flow of the Chandra river (Batal to Sangam), a major tributary of the Indus River, were analysed by ICP-OES and evaluated using pollution indices, and PCA analysis combined with PHREEQC speciation modelling. Findings revealed that aluminium (39–44 μg L−1), arsenic (8–10.1 μg L−1), and cadmium (3.0–4.0 μg L−1) often exceeded BIS limits (Al: 30, As: 10, Cd: 3 μg L−1) in the downstream sites (Sissu and Sangam) under the influence of drainage, recreational, and constructional activities. Upstream sites showed low pollution with heavy metal pollution index (HPI: 4.5 to 7.0), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI: < 4.14), and Nemerow pollution index (NPI: < 1.3), while downstream areas exhibited higher pollution with HPI rising upto 13 to 16.5 and ecological risk index (ERI) increasing from upstream (10–15) to downstream (30–42). Total Hazard Index (THI) values (> 2) and ILCR (> 1.62 × 10–4) at Sissu/Sangam exceed acceptable limits, indicating a potential public health risk. Three PCA factors (85.23

BACKGROUND:In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in cases of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) at our center due to drug abuse. So, we conducted this study to know the incidence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and synthetic opioid abuse in cases of GOO.METHODS:This was an observational study involving consecutive cases of GOO diagnosed from September 2017 to February 2019. A detailed history, including drug addiction history and clinical examination, was done. Investigations included routine biochemical and hematological tests, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE), ultrasonography, rapid urease test (RUT), and histopathology of the diseased area.RESULTS:Among the 102 cases diagnosed with GOO, 62 (60.78%) cases had a history of drug addiction. The drug addiction history was as follows: NSAIDs and opioids in 56, opioids alone in four, and NSAIDs alone in two cases. The most common site of stricture was the second part of the duodenum. The features on histopathology were ulcerations of the mucosa infiltrated by eosinophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes.CONCLUSION:There is an alarming increase in the incidence of GOO due to NSAIDs and opioid abuse at our center. Efforts should be made to control the indiscriminate use of these over-the-counter drugs to prevent dreaded complications.

Giant renal tumors are very rare and they present with abdominal distension without any other symptoms. Complete resection of the tumor is the only curative treatment if metastasis is excluded. We present a case of a giant kidney tumor weighing 9.2 kg removed surgically in toto.

In long-term integrated nutrient management (INM) involving organic amendments with inorganic fertilizer application, understanding nitrogen (N) mineralization is key to assessing soil functioning. In this study, soil samples were collected following rice cropping from treatments consisting of various combinations of inorganic with organic fertilizers, including farm yard manure, wheat straw or Green Leaf Manuring, as well as 100% inorganic and a control (no fertilizer). The soil samples were incubated for 120 days at 30 & DEG;C for determining N mineralization potential, and the mineralization patterns were fitted to double first-order kinetic models to separate the potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) into readily available N (PMN-I) and resistant N (PMN-II) fractions. The half-lives of PMN-I and PMN-II ranged from 1.2 to 3.3 days and 22.4 to 63.0 days, respectively. In the organically amended soils, we observed that microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) increased by 43% and 41%, respectively, compared to inorganic fertilizer application alone. Moreover, the soil enzyme activity increased, revealing enhanced biological activity (dehydrogenase-31.96 & mu;g TPF, Urease-35.69 & mu;g urea-N, glucosidase-57.78 & mu;g p-nitrophenol, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis-45.84 & mu;g fluorescein, N-acetyl & beta;-glucosaminidase-46.47 & mu;g p-nitrophenol released g-1 dry soil h-1). We determined that PMN-I was affected by the soil urease activity; whereas, PMN-II was regulated by soil organic carbon, MBC, MBN, dehydrogenase activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysing capacity. These findings elucidate the soil biological indicators associated with nitrogen (N) mineralization, which can help optimize INM practice.

Phytochemical screening of the petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extract of fruits of Prunus cerasoides and their in vitro antibacterial activity by agar disc diffusion method. All the extracts were found to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins except for the absence of tannins and steroids. The plant extracts were studied using Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria Monocytogenes, Serrtia marccenscens, Aspergillus flavus for their antimicrobial activity.

To evaluate the usage of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the prediction of the success rate of shock‑wave lithotripsy (SWL) treatment of renal stones. In the present study, SWL was performed for 100 patients presented with renal stones in the duration from May 2022 to August 2023. The patients were divided into 2 groups SWL responders and non-responders. The study compared between the 2 groups in terms of baseline parameters of the patients as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), stone size, stone location, stone density (HU), skin-to-stone distance (SSD), the degree of hydronephrosis and the stone elastography values. There was no statistically significant relation between stone-free rate and degree of obstruction (p = 0.628), stone size (p = 0.390) upper calyceal location (p = 0.17), middle calyceal location (p = 0.66), and renal pelvis location (p = 1.0). Nevertheless, a statistically significant relation was found as regards lower calyceal location, stone density (HU), and stone Elastography values using multivariate analysis. Measurement of stone density by shear wave elastography (SWE) can be used as an alternative to HU in decision-making before SWL. SWL success depends mainly on stone site, HU, and SWE values.

Global low-lying rice cultivation faces a serious threat of flash floods, exacerbated by climate change. Significant progress has been made by plant breeders to introgress Sub1 locus into elite rice background through marker-assisted breeding approaches. The F2 population derived from the ADT 36 x #91-27 (NIL of CO 43 Sub1) was used to identify high-yielding lines that are homozygous for the Sub1 locus and Pi54 gene. INDEL markers, ART 5 and Pi 54, were used for genotyping the Sub1 locus and Pi54 gene, respectively. Out of 83 F2 plants, 21 plants are homozygotes and 45 plants are heterozygotes for the Sub1 locus. Whereas 21 plants are homozygotes and 46 are heterozygotes for the Pi54 gene. Four plants were identified to be homozygotes for the Sub1 locus and Pi54 gene. Genetic analysis of the F2 plants identified that productive tillers (number/plant) and the filled grains (number/panicle) exerted the highest positive effect on the single plant yield and also had the highest heritability. Also, these traits have a significant positive correlation perse. These traits, particularly productive tillers (number/plant), can potentially be used in subsequent generations to select high- yielding submergence tolerance and blast resistant lines ofADT 36 x #91-27 (NIL of CO 43 Sub1).

Palm kernel oil (PKO) is a non-edible oil which is enriched with saturated fatty acids that can be used as a raw material for many industrial applications. Indian PKO (IPKO) was chosen in this study which has been explored sporadically in industries. IPKO was characterized and utilized for the synthesis of fatty acid alkyl esters through transesterification (solvolysis) using methanol and ethanol solvents coupled with alkali catalysts such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Upon comparison, methanol and NaOH resulted in the maximum biodiesel (esters) yield of 67.77