An atypical heterotrimeric Gα and its interactome suggest an extra-large role in overcoming abiotic and biotic stress.

Canonical heterotrimeric G-proteins (G-proteins) are comprised of Gα, Gß, and Gγ subunits. G-proteins regulate multiple crucial plant growth and development processes, incorporating environmental responses. Besides Gα, Gß and Gγ, the discovery of atypical Gα subunits termed as extra-large G-proteins or extra-large GTP-binding proteins (XLGs) makes G-protein signaling unique in plants. The C-terminus of XLG shares similarities with the canonical Gα subunits; the N-terminus harbors a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and is rich in cysteine. The earlier explorations suggest XLG's role in flowering, the development of embryos and seedlings, root morphogenesis, stamen development, cytokinin-induced development, stomatal opening and regulation of rice grain filling. The XLGs are also known to initiate signaling cascades that prime plants against a variety of abiotic and biotic stresses. They are also engaged in controlling several agronomic parameters such as rice panicle length, grain filling, grain size, and biomass, highlighting their potential contribution to crop improvement. The present review explores the remarkable properties of non-canonical Gα subunits (XLGs) and reflects on the various developmental, abiotic and biotic stress signaling pathways controlled by them. Moreover, the bottleneck dilemma of how a tiny handful of XLGs control a multiplicity of stress-responsive activities is partially resolved in this review by addressing the interaction of XLGs with different interacting proteins. XLG proteins presented in this review can be exploited to gain access to highly productive and stress-tolerant plants.

An emerging role of heterotrimeric G-proteins in nodulation and nitrogen sensing.

MAIN CONCLUSION: A comprehensive understanding of nitrogen signaling cascades involving heterotrimeric G-proteins and their putative receptors can assist in the production of nitrogen-efficient plants. Plants are immobile in nature, so they must endure abiotic stresses including nutrient stress. Plant development and agricultural productivity are frequently constrained by the restricted availability of nitrogen in the soil. Non-legume plants acquire nitrogen from the soil through root membrane-bound transporters. In depleted soil nitrogen conditions, legumes are naturally conditioned to fix atmospheric nitrogen with the aid of nodulation elicited by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Moreover, apart from the symbiotic nitrogen fixation process, nitrogen uptake from the soil can also be a significant secondary source to satisfy the nitrogen requirements of legumes. Heterotrimeric G-proteins function as molecular switches to help plant cells relay diverse stimuli emanating from external stress conditions. They are comprised of Gα, Gß and Gγ subunits, which cooperate with several downstream effectors to regulate multiple plant signaling events. In the present review, we concentrate on signaling mechanisms that regulate plant nitrogen nutrition. Our review highlights the potential of heterotrimeric G-proteins, together with their putative receptors, to assist the legume root nodule symbiosis (RNS) cascade, particularly during calcium spiking and nodulation. Additionally, the functions of heterotrimeric G-proteins in nitrogen acquisition by plant roots as well as in improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) have also been discussed. Future research oriented towards heterotrimeric G-proteins through genome editing tools can be a game changer in the enhancement of the nitrogen fixation process. This will foster the precise manipulation and production of plants to ensure global food security in an era of climate change by enhancing crop productivity and minimizing reliance on external inputs.

Emerging role of small GTPases and their interactome in plants to combat abiotic and biotic stress.

Plants are frequently subjected to abiotic and biotic stress which causes major impediments in their growth and development. It is emerging that small guanosine triphosphatases (small GTPases), also known as monomeric GTP-binding proteins, assist plants in managing environmental stress. Small GTPases function as tightly regulated molecular switches that get activated with the aid of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and deactivated by the subsequent hydrolysis of GTP to guanosine diphosphate (GDP). All small GTPases except Rat sarcoma (Ras) are found in plants, including Ras-like in brain (Rab), Rho of plant (Rop), ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) and Ras-like nuclear (Ran). The members of small GTPases in plants interact with several downstream effectors to counteract the negative effects of environmental stress and disease-causing pathogens. In this review, we describe processes of stress alleviation by developing pathways involving several small GTPases and their associated proteins which are important for neutralizing fungal infections, stomatal regulation, and activation of abiotic stress-tolerant genes in plants. Previous reviews on small GTPases in plants were primarily focused on Rab GTPases, abiotic stress, and membrane trafficking, whereas this review seeks to improve our understanding of the role of all small GTPases in plants as well as their interactome in regulating mechanisms to combat abiotic and biotic stress. This review brings to the attention of scientists recent research on small GTPases so that they can employ genome editing tools to precisely engineer economically important plants through the overexpression/knock-out/knock-in of stress-related small GTPase genes.

Comparative evaluation of three techniques for paramedian subarachnoid block: Point-of-care preprocedural ultrasound assisted, real-time ultrasound guided and landmark based.

Background and Aims: Preprocedural ultrasound (US) assisted and real-time US-guided subarachnoid block (SAB) are useful adjuncts for successful SAB. This study compared the feasibility and efficacy of real-time US-guided SAB with preprocedural US-assisted and landmark-based SAB using paramedian approach. Methods: The study enroled 150 American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients, aged 20-65 years, scheduled for lower limb orthopaedic surgery under SAB. In group L (n = 50), the patients underwent landmark-guided SAB utilising paramedian approach. In group P (n = 50), preprocedural US-assisted SAB was instituted and in group M (n = 50) real-time US-guided SAB was administered. The number of needle attempts for a successful SAB was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included successful SAB in first attempt, time taken to perform SAB and patients' satisfaction. Results: The number of attempts for SAB were (mean ± standard deviation = 1.05 ± 0.35, 1.00 ± 0.28, 1.03 ± 0.26) in groups L, P and M, respectively (P = 0.436). The SAB was successful in the first attempt in 82%, 82% and 80% in groups L, P and M, respectively (P = 0.207). The time taken for the successful SAB was more in group M as compared to groups L and P (groups L and M, P = 0.045 and groups P and M, P = 0.004). The patients' satisfaction score was comparable. Conclusion: Real-time US guidance for spinal anaesthesia resulted in needle attempts comparable to landmark and preprocedural US-assisted SAB in patients with a normal spine. The time required for the completion of the block was more in real-time US-guided SAB.

Pea Gß subunit of G proteins has a role in nitric oxide-induced stomatal closure in response to heat and drought stress.

Heterotrimeric G proteins consisting of Gα, Gß and Gγ subunits act as downstream effectors to regulate multiple functions including abiotic stress tolerance. However, the mechanism of Gß-mediated heat and drought tolerance is yet to be established. To explore the role of Pisum sativum Gß subunit (PsGß) in heat and drought stress, transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing (OEs) PsGß were raised. Transgenic plants showing ectopic expression of PsGß performed better under heat and drought stress in comparison with vector control plants. The seed germination, relative water content (RWC) and nitric oxide (NO) induction in the guard cells of transgenic plants were significantly higher in contrast to control plants. PsGß promoter was isolated and several stress-responsive elements were identified. The change in Gß expression in response to heat, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), drought and salt confirms the presence of heat, low temperature and drought-responsive elements in the PsGß promoter. Also, heat and drought stress caused the release of NO-induced stomatal closure in the leaves of transgenic tobacco plants OEs PsGß. The better performance of transgenic plant OEs PsGß is also attributed to the improved photosynthetic parameters as compared with control plants. These findings suggest a role of PsGß in the signalling pathway leading to NO-induced stomatal closure during heat and drought stress.

Performance analysis of the T-DOC® air-charged catheters: An alternate technology for urodynamics.

AIMS: Urodynamics (UDS) is widely used for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Air-Charged catheters (ACC), one of the newer technologies for UDS pressure recording, has been adopted in growing numbers around the world for the past 15 years. Currently, there is a lack of published studies characterizing specific performance of the ACC. Since linearity, hysteresis, pressure drift, and frequency response are important components in characterizing accuracy for catheter-manometer systems; this study aimed to assess these four aspects in ACC. METHODS: A total of 180 T-DOC® ACC were used in three different laboratory settings to assess pressure linearity and hysteresis (15 dual-sensor vesical and urethral and 30 single-sensor abdominal), pressure drift over 2 h (115 single-sensor), and frequency response (20 single-sensor). Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: ACC showed linearity of 0.99 ± 0.01, 0.99 ± 0.01, and 1.01 ± 0.01; and hysteresis of 0.57 ± 0.3%, 0.76 ± 0.48%, and 1 ± 0.89% for the abdominal, vesical, and urethral sensors, respectively. A pressure drift of 2.2 ± 1.4% at 1 h and 4.4 ± 2.5% at 2 h were observed when compared to baseline pressures. The catheters did not show any amplification factor during the sweep from 1 to 30 Hz, and recorded signals up to 5 Hz attenuating higher frequency signals. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the T-DOC® ACC showed a linear performance with minimal hysteresis associated with acceptable pressure drift, and adequate frequency response to capture clinically relevant pressures. The accurate results observed in this study suggest that these catheters are technically suitable to be used as a measuring instrument for UDS.

A new insight into root responses to external cues: Paradigm shift in nutrient sensing.

Higher plants are sessile and their growth relies on nutrients present in the soil. The acquisition of nutrients is challenging for plants. Phosphate and nitrate sensing and signaling cascades play significant role during adverse conditions of nutrient unavailability. Therefore, it is important to dissect the mechanism by which plant roots acquire nutrients from the soil. Root system architecture (RSA) exhibits extensive developmental flexibility and changes during nutrient stress conditions. Growth of root system in response to external concentration of nutrients is a joint operation of sensor or receptor proteins along with several other cytoplasmic accessory proteins. After nutrient sensing, sensor proteins start the cellular relay involving transcription factors, kinases, ubiquitin ligases and miRNA. The complexity of nutrient sensing is still nebulous and many new players need to be better studied. This review presents a survey of recent paradigm shift in the advancements in nutrient sensing in relation to plant roots.

Biofertilizers function as key player in sustainable agriculture by improving soil fertility, plant tolerance and crop productivity.

Current soil management strategies are mainly dependent on inorganic chemical-based fertilizers, which caused a serious threat to human health and environment. The exploitation of beneficial microbes as a biofertilizer has become paramount importance in agriculture sector for their potential role in food safety and sustainable crop production. The eco-friendly approaches inspire a wide range of application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), endo- and ectomycorrhizal fungi, cyanobacteria and many other useful microscopic organisms led to improved nutrient uptake, plant growth and plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. The present review highlighted biofertilizers mediated crops functional traits such as plant growth and productivity, nutrient profile, plant defense and protection with special emphasis to its function to trigger various growth- and defense-related genes in signaling network of cellular pathways to cause cellular response and thereby crop improvement. The knowledge gained from the literature appraised herein will help us to understand the physiological bases of biofertlizers towards sustainable agriculture in reducing problems associated with the use of chemicals fertilizers.

Estimate of HIV prevalence and number of people living with HIV in India 2008-2009.

OBJECTIVES: To update the estimation of the adult HIV prevalence and number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in India for the year 2008-2009 with the combination of improved data and methods. DESIGN: Based on HIV sentinel surveillance (HSS) data and a set of epidemiological assumptions, estimates of HIV prevalence and burden in India have been derived. SETTING: HSS sites spread over all the States of India. PARTICIPANTS: Secondary data from HSS sites which include attendees of antenatal clinics and sites under targeted interventions of high-risk groups, namely, female sex workers (FSW), intravenous drug users (IDU) and men having sex with men (MSM). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Estimates of adult HIV prevalence and PLHIV in India and its states. RESULTS: The adult HIV prevalence in India has declined to an estimated 0.31% (0.25-0.39%) in 2009 against 0.36% (0.29-0.45%) in 2006. Among the high prevalence states, the HIV prevalence has declined in Tamil Nadu to 0.33% in 2009 and other states show either a plateau or a slightly declining trend over the time period 2006-2009. There are states in the low prevalence states where the adult HIV prevalence has risen over the last 4 years. The estimated number of PLHIV in India is 2.4 million (1.93-3.04 million) in 2009. Of which, 39% are women, children under 15 years of age account for 4.4% of all infections, while people aged 15-49 years account for 82.4% of all infections. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated adult prevalence has declined in few states, a plateau or a slightly declining trend over the time. In future, efforts may be made to examine the implications of the emerging trend of the HIV prevalence on the recent infections in the study population.

Wide range of interacting partners of pea Gß subunit of G-proteins suggests its multiple functions in cell signalling.

Climate change is a major concern especially in view of the increasing global population and food security. Plant scientists need to look for genetic tools whose appropriate usage can contribute to sustainable food availability. G-proteins have been identified as some of the potential genetic tools that could be useful for protecting plants from various stresses. Heterotrimeric G-proteins consisting of three subunits Gα, Gß and Gγ are important components of a number of signalling pathways. Their structure and functions are already well studied in animals but their potential in plants is now gaining attention for their role in stress tolerance. Earlier we have reported that over expressing pea Gß conferred heat tolerance in tobacco plants. Here we report the interacting partners (proteins) of Gß subunit of Pisum sativum and their putative role in stress and development. Out of 90 transformants isolated from the yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) screening, seven were chosen for further investigation due to their recurrence in multiple experiments. These interacting partners were confirmed using ß-galactosidase colony filter lift and ONPG (O-nitrophenyl-ß-D-galactopyranoside) assays. These partners include thioredoxin H, histidine-containing phosphotransfer protein 5-like, pathogenesis-related protein, glucan endo-beta-1, 3-glucosidase (acidic isoform), glycine rich RNA binding protein, cold and drought-regulated protein (corA gene) and soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase 1. This study suggests the role of pea Gß subunit in stress signal transduction and development pathways owing to its capability to interact with a wide range of proteins of multiple functions.

Stress induced ß subunit of heterotrimeric G-proteins from Pisum sativum interacts with mitogen activated protein kinase.

We here report in Pisum sativum system a novel protein-protein interaction of ß-subunit of heterotrimeric G-proteins (PsGß) with a Mitogen activated protein kinase (PsMPK3) during cDNA library screening by yeast-two-hybrid assay. The transcript of these two genes also showed co-regulation under abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments. The protein-protein interaction was further validated by performing one-to-one interaction and ß-galactosidase assay in yeast system. ß-subunit of G-proteins from a heterologous system Oryzae sativa also showed interaction with PsMPK3. The interaction between PsGß and PsMPK3 was further confirmed by in vitro protein-protein interaction. This suggested that MPK3 function as effector molecule for Gß, which may helps in the regulation of stomatal functioning. These findings also provide an evidence for a possible cross-talk between MPK3 and G-protein-mediated signaling pathways in plants.

Proptosis through eyes of E.N.T. surgeon.

The study was conducted to get an overview of the various E.N.T. lesions presenting with proptosis. 50 cases were thoroughly investigated, treated according to the diagnosis and adequately followed up. Based on this data it can be concluded that most of the E.N.T. lesions presenting with proptosis are neoplastic in origin with other chief complaints being epistaxis and nasal obstruction CT scan is a must in the investigation of these conditions and USG of the orbits is an useful non-invasive investigation.