2026-03-21
Rahul Sur, Pinky Maity, Soumitra Chatterjee, Anindita Karmakar, Ivi Chakraborty, Arup Chattopadhyay
Dehydration of green chillies is a highly effective preservation technique that reduces moisture content, enhances storability, and ensures year-round availability, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study evaluated the influence of three cultivars namely ‘Beldanga’, ‘Bidhan Chilli-4’, and ‘Bullet’ on the physicochemical and functional properties of green chilli powder (GCP) produced using different drying methods under ambient storage conditions (21-39°C and 42–93% relative humidity). The drying treatments included: sun drying for 8 ± 1 days; hot air drying at 60°C for 48 ± 1 h; osmotic treatment in 30% salt solution for 120 min followed by hot air drying at 60°C for 30 ± 1 h; and osmotic treatments in 30% salt: sugar (3:1) and 30% salt: vinegar (3:1) solutions, each followed by hot air drying at 60°C for 30 ± 1 h. The results showed GCP had low moisture content (9.50%), low bulk density (470 kg m⁻³), relatively high tapped density (690 kg m⁻³), and poor flowability (Carr index: 28.78%), depicting a compact and highly compressible powder structure. These properties remained stable even after 180 days of ambient storage. Among the cultivars, ‘Bidhan Chilli-4’ demonstrated superior quality attributes. Hot air drying proved most effective processing method, followed by osmotic pre-treatment combined with hot air drying using salt + sugar (3:1) and salt + vinegar (3:1) solutions. Overall, the findings emphasize that careful cultivar selection and optimized drying techniques are critical for preserving the quality and nutritional value of GCP during extended storage.
2026-03-06
Maninderjit Singh, Vandana Sangwan, Navdeep Singh, Tarunbir Singh, Jasmeet Singh Khosa
Balanced general anaesthesia is pre-requisite for surgical interventions in dogs. The present study was aimed to compare dexmedetomidine and acepromazine premedication in combination with butorphanol and glycopyrrolate in propofol-anesthetised and isoflurane-maintained ASA III dogs. A randomised clinical study was done on 21 dogs. Group 1 included 9 dogs pre-anesthetised with butorphanol (0.2 mg kg-1) + dexmedetomidine (10 µg kg1) + glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg kg-1) combination, while group 2 included 12 dogs pre anesthetised with butorphanol (0.2 mg kg-1) + acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) + glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg kg-1) combination, intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2-4 mg kg-1, intravenous, and was maintained with isoflurane mixed in 100% oxygen. Heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, blood pressure, oxygen supplementation, isoflurane requirement and end tidal CO2 were noted every 10 min. Post-induction apnoea was common in group 1. The oxygen flow rate and isoflurane requirements were high in group 2 throughout the surgery. Significant bradycardia was recorded after premedication in both the groups, which was more profound in group 1. Group 2 showed tachycardia after induction with propofol. The blood pressure increased significantly post-induction in group 1, while group 2 showed sustained hypotension. The recovery was faster in group 1, although the quality of recovery was similar in both the groups. In conclusions, dexmedetomidine (10 µg kg-1) produced profound sedation and faster recovery than acepromazine in ASA III dogs. Both the combinations were safe for ASA III dogs however, with prominent cardiovascular effect of drugs recorded in ASA III dogs, a reduction in dose or change in protocol (induction agent) is recommended.
2026-03-06
Ahmad Q Jaradat
Many people both male and female use hair dye to change their hair colour, but theses dyes induce several deteriorating effects like DNA damage, apoptosis and cancers. This study investigated the association of hair dye use and hematological alterations, oxidative damage, and cell death by measuring blood indices and genes expression involved in DNA damage and repair, and apoptotic pathways (XRCC1, p53, cytochrome C, and caspase-9) in women. A total of 50 women, comprising of 25 regular hair dye users and 25 age-matched controls, were enrolled in this case-control study and venous blood samples were collected to evaluate hematological indices and oxidative stress biomarkers (TAC and MDA). Gene expression levels of DNA damage and repair markers (XRCC1 and p53) and apoptosis-related markers (Caspase-9 and Cytochrome C) were quantified in peripheral blood lymphocytes using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Our findings showed that both Hb levels and RBC count were significantly reduced in hair-dyed group, along with significant elevation in WBC count suggesting the inflammatory response against the chemicals used in hair dyes. In terms of oxidative damage, total antioxidant capacity was significantly depleted along with significant rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Caspase-3 levels in women using hair-dyes suggesting the oxidative stress and cell apoptosis mediated by hair dyes. The increased expression of XRCC1, p53, Caspase-9, and cytochrome C further substantiated the opinion that hair dye chemicals induce DNA damage and apoptosis. The findings emphasise on the need for more long-term monitoring of the impacts of exposure to hair colour and raise alarms on the risk of prolonged use of hair dyes.
2026-02-18
Tabasum Fatima, Shameem Ahmad Rather
To scientifically validate the drugs traditionally used by Arab and Greek physicians, a single blind, randomized, standard-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 36 melasma patients aged 15-50 years, with treatment duration of 60 days. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a test drug formulation comprising of a decoction of Cuscuta reflexa and a paste of Sausserea lappa (mixed with honey), compared to the recommended allopathic treatment (standard control). The test group received a decoction of C. reflexa (5 g orally, once a day) along with topical application of S. lappa paste on the affected area for 15 min once a day. The control group was orally administered with tranxemic acid tablets (250 mg, twice daily) and topical azelaic acid (10%) on the affected area. The test group exhibited significant improvement in subjective parameters with significant decrease in the severity of hyper pigmentation. Both the groups showed significant improvement in objective parameters including melasma area and severity index (MASI) scores, by the 60th day of treatment (p < 0.001). The test drugs demonstrated noticeable therapeutic effects on both subjective and objective parameters, without any adverse effect. No significant difference was observed between test and standard control treatment.
2026-01-31
Dler Omar Mohammed, Mahmoud Mohammed Mahmoud, Abdulla Kamil Abdulla
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an increasingly debated etiological factor in breast cancer, with growing evidence suggesting its potential role as an early trigger in breast carcinogenesis. This retrospective case–control study investigated the prevalence and genotypic distribution of HPV DNA in breast carcinoma tissues compared with non-malignant breast tissues to evaluate a possible association between HPV infection and breast cancer. The study was conducted from 1 January 2024 to 15 March 2025 and included 230 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast tissue specimens collected from Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk General Hospital, and private laboratories in Kirkuk city, Iraq. Among these, 130 samples were diagnosed as breast cancer cases, while 100 samples represented benign breast lesions as controls. Clinical and pathological data—including tumour grade, tumour stage, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER-2/neu status—were obtained from medical records. Molecular detection of HPV was performed using High- and Low-Risk PapillomaStrip assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HPV DNA was detected at a significantly higher frequency in breast cancer tissues than in controls (P < 0.0001). HPV type 32 was the most prevalent genotype, identified in 24.6% of breast cancer samples compared to 3% of control samples. HPV positivity was predominantly observed in high-grade (grade III) and advanced-stage tumours. No significant association was found between HPV positivity and tumour laterality, ER status, or PR status. However, HPV-positive cases demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of HER-2 positivity than HPV-negative cases. In conclusion, HPV infection was more prevalent among breast cancer patients, particularly in HER-2–positive, high-grade, and advanced-stage tumours, suggesting a potential role of HPV in aggressive breast cancer progression.
2026-01-31
Divya Bhandari, Keshani Bhushan, Gurvinder Singh Kocher, Arashdeep Singh
Brewer spent yeast (BSY) is an underutilized byproduct of the brewery industry with significant potential as a renewable source for β-glucan extraction, contributing to a circular economy. The present study aimed to extract β-glucan from indigenous and commercial brewing yeasts using two different extraction methods. Pilsner beer was brewed using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MK680910) for the collection of indigenous BSY, while commercial BSY was obtained from Underdoggs Brewery and Kitchen, Ludhiana, India. The BSY derivatives obtained after cell lysis and extraction were evaluated for proximate composition. The β-glucan content in indigenous BSY was 16.6 mg g⁻¹ and 15.1 mg g⁻¹ using acid–base and water extraction methods, respectively, whereas commercial BSY yielded 19.1 mg g⁻¹ and 16.5 mg g⁻¹ by the corresponding methods. β-Glucan was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, with characteristic absorption bands observed at 1034–1150 cm⁻¹ and 889 cm⁻¹, corresponding to C–O–C stretching vibrations of polysaccharides. The acid–base extraction method proved more efficient than water extraction, producing higher yields with fewer impurities. This study highlights the potential of BSY as a cost-effective and scalable source of β-glucan, offering value-added applications for the brewing industry and related sectors.
2026-01-14
Payel Das, Prahlad Deb, Pradipto Kumar Mukherjee, Madhurima Das Sarkar
Zinc is an essential micronutrient vital for various physiological processes in plants; however, its narrow gap between deficiency and toxicity demands careful nutrient management. This study assessed the impact of zinc (zinc sulphate heptahydrate @ 0.0–15.0 mM L⁻¹) on the composition of chloroplast pigments and anti-oxidative enzyme activities within the chloroplasts of acid lime ( Citrus aurantiifolia Swingle) leaves over two consecutive years.Moderate zinc concentrations (7.5–10.0 mM L⁻¹) significantly improved chlorophyll (a, b and total), carotenoids, xanthophylls and plastoquinone contents, indicating enhanced chloroplast development and improved photosynthetic capacity. Rubisco activity, a key enzyme involved in carbon fixation, was highest at 10.0 mM L⁻¹ zinc.In contrast, both zinc deficiency (0.0 mM L⁻¹) and zinc toxicity (≥12.5 mM L⁻¹) caused a significant reduction in pigment levels and Rubisco activity, which was associated with increased oxidative stress. Activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and ascorbate peroxidase in the chloroplasts increased under these stress conditions, reflecting the activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms.This biphasic response demonstrates the dual role of zinc in plant metabolism—supporting physiological balance at optimal concentrations while inducing oxidative stress and metabolic disruption under deficiency or excess. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a critical zinc threshold to sustain photosynthetic efficiency and redox balance in acid lime.
2025-12-26
Deesha Gupta, Raman Narang, Bharti Deshmukh, Simarjeet Kaur, Yashpal Singh
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a crucial protective role during heat stress in dairy animals by acting as molecular chaperones that facilitate the folding, unfolding, and refolding of denatured proteins. The present study aimed to molecularly characterize the HSPB6 gene and to assess the association between identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and physiological parameters in buffaloes. A total of ninety-six female buffaloes reared at the Directorate Livestock Farms (DLF), GADVASU were included in the study. The HSPB6 gene, located on the 18th autosome of Bubalus bubalis (BTA 18), plays an important role in apoptosis and stress response. Gene-specific forward and reverse primers were designed to amplify fragments of 578 bp and 720 bp, respectively. Two polymorphic loci were identified in the HSPB6 gene when compared with the reference sequence (NCBI GenBank accession AC059174.1), including a translational mutation at locus A1277G in exon 2 and a transversion mutation at locus A1123C in the intron. The nucleotide substitution g.1277A>G in exon 2 was non-synonymous, resulting in an amino acid change at position 91 from lysine (K) to glutamic acid (E). The SNP at locus g.1123A>C was found to be significantly associated (p < 0.01) with respiration rate. Furthermore, buffaloes with the AG genotype at locus g.1277A>G exhibited the lowest values of respiration rate, rectal temperature, and heat tolerance coefficient, indicating greater thermotolerance. However, further experimental studies involving larger populations are required to validate the relationship between allelic variations in key heat shock protein genes and heat stress tolerance.
2025-12-16
Santosh Kumar, Shiv Charan Kumar, Preeti Singh, Umakant Banjare, Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay, Nootan Singh, Arun Kumar Patel, Shikha Yadav, Nitish Ranjan Prakash, Vishal Tyagi, Mona Nagargade, Ramesh Kumar Singh
Pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan ) is a major legume crop in Eastern India, contributing significantly to nutritional security and soil fertility through symbiotic association with Bradyrhizobium spp. However, the symbiotic efficiency of native strains under local agro-climatic conditions remains inadequately understood. The present study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify native bacterial isolates from pigeon pea root nodules and to evaluate their symbiotic efficiency and plant growth-promoting traits. A total of fourteen bacterial isolates were obtained, of which twelve were identified as Bradyrhizobium spp., while isolates S5 and S15 were identified as Pseudomonas azotoformans and Paenibacillus amylolyticus , respectively. All Bradyrhizobium isolates tested positive for catalase, oxidase, nitrate reductase, and nitrogenase activities. Isolates S9, S3, S6, S13, and S1 exhibited significantly higher nitrogenase activity compared to other isolates. Plant growth-promoting assays revealed phosphate solubilization, zinc solubilization, and potassium solubilization in ten, eight, and five isolates, respectively. Eleven isolates produced siderophores, and all siderophore-producing isolates synthesized indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Notably, isolate S6 ( Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense ) exhibited all evaluated plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria traits along with high nitrogenase activity, identifying it as the most promising isolate. Isolates S3, S1, and S9 also demonstrated strong potential. The findings highlight the importance of efficient native isolates as region-specific bioinoculants for pigeon pea cultivation, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
2025-12-16
Sayani Das, Subhrajyoti Sengupta, Jyotshna Sarkar, Monami Sarkar, Rajdeep Guha Mallick, Debanjan Baul, Subhradeep Pramanik, Gayatri Sinha, Saikat Gantait, Asit Kumar Mandal, Arup Chattopadhyay, Pranab Hazra
The present study in okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus L.) assessed the magnitude of heterosis over mid- and better-parents and elucidated the nature of gene action governing yield, quality traits, and resistance to bhindi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV). Six single-cross (SC) commercial hybrids were crossed in a 2 × 4 line × tester mating design to generate double-cross (DC) hybrids. Among the SC hybrids, ‘Radhika’ and ‘SVOK-1408’ emerged as promising candidates for BYVMV resistance and are recommended for cultivation in disease hot-spot regions. Most of the evaluated traits exhibited predominance of non-additive gene action, suggesting that heterosis breeding would be an effective strategy for trait improvement. Based on general combining ability effects and mean performance, two SC hybrids, ‘Radhika’ and ‘Anushri’, were identified as superior genitors for future breeding programmes. In DC hybrids, percent disease index of BYVMV showed the highest desirable heterotic response, followed by pod yield per plant, total dietary fibre content of pod, pod length, pod weight, number of pods per plant, and pod diameter. The DC hybrids ‘Radhika × Bindu’ and ‘SVOK-1408 × Anushri’ demonstrated high commercial potential and could be exploited after multilocational evaluation across tropical and subtropical environments. High-yielding, BYVMV-resistant DC hybrids may also be utilized in segregating generations, and suitable breeding strategies have been proposed for developing multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) populations.
2025-12-04
Harjot Chopra, Nameirakpam Umeshwori Devi, Jitender Mohindroo
Perineal hernia is frequently encountered in intact male dogs. While various surgical approaches exist, this study was aimed to compare the outcomes of autologous tunica vaginalis hernioplasty and polypropylene mesh hernioplasty in twelve dogs, divided equally into two groups. Seven dogs had bilateral perineal hernias, while five dogs had unilateral hernia, of which four were on the right side and one on the left side. The omentum was the most commonly herniated structure (50%), followed by the prostate, urinary bladder, and rectum. Recurrence was observed in two dogs treated with tunica vaginalis grafts and in three dogs treated with polypropylene mesh. In conclusion, the tunica vaginalis grafting technique demonstrated lower recurrence rates, suggesting greater therapeutic efficacy. Nonetheless, further research involving larger sample sizes and targeted management of postoperative complications such as tenesmus, straining, and urinary incontinence could enhance the overall success of the procedure.
2025-11-03
Anuj Kumar, Moola Ram, R C Meena, P R Raiger, U N Shukla, Devi Lal Kikraliya, Hitesh Genan
A field experiment was conducted under arid conditions of western Rajasthan (India) to evaluate the efficacy of pre- and post-emergence herbicides for weed management in chia ( Salvia hispanica L.). The study employed a randomized block design with ten treatments, comprising two doses each of bentazon (500 and 750 g ha⁻¹), fluazifop-p-butyl (100 and 200 g ha⁻¹), sulfentrazone (50 and 75 g ha⁻¹), and pendimethalin (200 and 400 g ha⁻¹), along with a weed-free control and a weedy check.Key weed control indices, viz., weed control index (WCI), weed persistence index (WPI), crop resistance index (CRI), and herbicide efficiency index (HEI), were assessed along with crop growth and yield parameters.The results revealed that sulfentrazone and pendimethalin, applied as pre-emergence herbicides, provided superior early-season weed control with WCI values of 85.4% and 82.7% at 30 days after sowing (DAS), respectively. Among post-emergence treatments, bentazon gave the highest WCI (83.2%) at harvest and demonstrated superior CRI (9.33) and HEI (2.45), indicating strong crop safety and herbicide effectiveness.The highest seed yield (554 kg ha⁻¹) was obtained in the weed-free treatment, followed by bentazon @ 750 g ha⁻¹ (495 kg ha⁻¹) and sulfentrazone @ 75 g ha⁻¹ (467 kg ha⁻¹), showing respective yield increases of 90.4% and 60.5% over the weedy check.The study suggested that an integrated weed management approach, combining pre-emergence herbicides (sulfentrazone or pendimethalin) with post-emergence bentazon, can significantly improve weed control and productivity in chia under arid farming systems.
2025-10-24
M Yamanura, K Sadaiah, C Lavanya, S Senthilvel, R B Madariya, Ronak Bhakta, A M Patel, C Sarada, S K Mohanty, G Eswara Reddy, C J Patel, G K Sapara, T Manjunatha, S R Venkatachalam, P PArutchenthil, J M Samuel, Ramesh, A Poonia, A V S Durga Prasad, S Bharathi
Twelve castor genotypes were evaluated across ten environments in India during kharif 2022 to assess the genotype performance and to identify the stable and high-yielding genotypes. Genotype plus genotype × environment interaction (GGE) biplot for seed yield was employed to evaluate the genotype × environment interaction (GEI). The polygon view of GGE biplot revealed the "which-won-where" pattern of genotypes across different environments. Genotypes with the shortest vectors from the average environmental coordinates (AEC) line were identified as highly stable across the test environments, exhibiting higher mean seed yield per hectare. These findings indicate that certain genotypes possess both higher seed yield potential and stability across diverse environments, as demonstrated by GGE biplot analysis.