Zinc finger knuckle genes are associated with tolerance to drought and dehydration in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a very important food legume and needs improved drought tolerance for higher seed production in dry environments. The aim of this study was to determine diversity and genetic polymorphism in zinc finger knuckle genes with CCHC domains and their functional analysis for practical improvement of chickpea breeding. Two CaZF-CCHC genes, Ca04468 and Ca07571, were identified as potentially important candidates associated with plant responses to drought and dehydration. To study these genes, various methods were used including Sanger sequencing, DArT (Diversity array technology) and molecular markers for plant genotyping, gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR, and associations with seed-related traits in chickpea plants grown in field trials. These genes were studied for genetic polymorphism among a set of chickpea accessions, and one SNP was selected for further study from four identified SNPs between the promoter regions of each of the two genes. Molecular markers were developed for the SNP and verified using the ASQ and CAPS methods. Genotyping of parents and selected breeding lines from two hybrid populations, and SNP positions on chromosomes with haplotype identification, were confirmed using DArT microarray analysis. Differential expression profiles were identified in the parents and the hybrid populations under gradual drought and rapid dehydration. The SNP-based genotypes were differentially associated with seed weight per plant but not with 100 seed weight. The two developed and verified SNP molecular markers for both genes, Ca04468 and Ca07571, respectively, could be used for marker-assisted selection in novel chickpea cultivars with improved tolerance to drought and dehydration.

Bioinspired and biomimetic cancer-cell-derived membrane nanovesicles for preclinical tumor-targeted nanotheranostics.

Bioinspired cell-membrane-camouflaged nanohybrids have been proposed to enhance tumor targeting by harnessing their immune escape and self-recognition abilities. In this study, we introduce cancer-cell-derived membrane nanovesicles (CCMVs) integrated with gold nanorods (AuVNRs) in addition to therapeutic and imaging cargos such as doxorubicin and indocyanine green. This approach enhances targeted tumor imaging and enables synergistic chemo-phototherapeutics for solid tumors. CCMVs demonstrate significant tumor penetration and retention, serving as nanotheranostics with accessible surface biomarkers, biomimicking properties, and homologous targeting abilities. By evading uptake by the mononuclear phagocytic system, CCMVs can diffuse into the deep tumor core, leading to precise tumor reduction while preserving the surrounding healthy tissues. Notably, intravenous administration of these theranostic agents ensures biocompatibility, as evidenced by a survival period of approximately two months (up to 63 days) without any observed side effects. Our findings underscore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of this biomimetic nanotheranostics platform.

Impacts, Tolerance, Adaptation, and Mitigation of Heat Stress on Wheat under Changing Climates.

Heat stress (HS) is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting the production and quality of wheat. Rising temperatures are particularly threatening to wheat production. A detailed overview of morpho-physio-biochemical responses of wheat to HS is critical to identify various tolerance mechanisms and their use in identifying strategies to safeguard wheat production under changing climates. The development of thermotolerant wheat cultivars using conventional or molecular breeding and transgenic approaches is promising. Over the last decade, different omics approaches have revolutionized the way plant breeders and biotechnologists investigate underlying stress tolerance mechanisms and cellular homeostasis. Therefore, developing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data sets and a deeper understanding of HS tolerance mechanisms of different wheat cultivars are needed. The most reliable method to improve plant resilience to HS must include agronomic management strategies, such as the adoption of climate-smart cultivation practices and use of osmoprotectants and cultured soil microbes. However, looking at the complex nature of HS, the adoption of a holistic approach integrating outcomes of breeding, physiological, agronomical, and biotechnological options is required. Our review aims to provide insights concerning morpho-physiological and molecular impacts, tolerance mechanisms, and adaptation strategies of HS in wheat. This review will help scientific communities in the identification, development, and promotion of thermotolerant wheat cultivars and management strategies to minimize negative impacts of HS.

Expression of Specific Alleles of Zinc-Finger Transcription Factors, HvSAP8 and HvSAP16, and Corresponding SNP Markers, Are Associated with Drought Tolerance in Barley Populations.

Two genes, HvSAP8 and HvSAP16, encoding Zinc-finger proteins, were identified earlier as active in barley plants. Based on bioinformatics and sequencing analysis, six SNPs were found in the promoter regions of HvSAP8 and one in HvSAP16, among parents of two barley segregating populations, Granal × Baisheshek and Natali × Auksiniai-2. ASQ and Amplifluor markers were developed for HvSAP8 and HvSAP16, one SNP in each gene, and in each of two populations, showing simple Mendelian segregation. Plants of F6 selected breeding lines and parents were evaluated in a soil-based drought screen, revealing differential expression of HvSAP8 and HvSAP16 corresponding with the stress. After almost doubling expression during the early stages of stress, HvSAP8 returned to pre-stress level or was strongly down-regulated in plants with Granal or Baisheshek genotypes, respectively. For HvSAP16 under drought conditions, a high expression level was followed by either a return to original levels or strong down-regulation in plants with Natali or Auksiniai-2 genotypes, respectively. Grain yield in the same breeding lines and parents grown under moderate drought was strongly associated with their HvSAP8 and HvSAP16 genotypes. Additionally, Granal and Natali genotypes with specific alleles at HvSAP8 and HvSAP16 were associated with improved performance under drought via higher 1000 grain weight and more shoots per plant, respectively.

TaDrAp1 and TaDrAp2, Partner Genes of a Transcription Repressor, Coordinate Plant Development and Drought Tolerance in Spelt and Bread Wheat.

Down-regulator associated protein, DrAp1, acts as a negative cofactor (NC2α) in a transcription repressor complex together with another subunit, down-regulator Dr1 (NC2ß). In binding to promotors and regulating the initiation of transcription of various genes, DrAp1 plays a key role in plant transition to flowering and ultimately in seed production. TaDrAp1 and TaDrAp2 genes were identified, and their expression and genetic polymorphism were studied using bioinformatics, qPCR analyses, a 40K Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray, and Amplifluor-like SNP genotyping in cultivars of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and breeding lines developed from a cross between spelt (T. spelta L.) and bread wheat. TaDrAp1 was highly expressed under non-stressed conditions, and at flowering, TaDrAp1 expression was negatively correlated with yield capacity. TaDrAp2 showed a consistently low level of mRNA production. Drought caused changes in the expression of both TaDrAp1 and TaDrAp2 genes in opposite directions, effectively increasing expression in lower yielding cultivars. The microarray 40K SNP assay and Amplifluor-like SNP marker, revealed clear scores and allele discriminations for TaDrAp1 and TaDrAp2 and TaRht-B1 genes. Alleles of two particular homeologs, TaDrAp1-B4 and TaDrAp2-B1, co-segregated with grain yield in nine selected breeding lines. This indicated an important regulatory role for both TaDrAp1 and TaDrAp2 genes in plant growth, ontogenesis, and drought tolerance in bread and spelt wheat.

Salt-induced expression of intracellular vesicle trafficking genes, CaRab-GTP, and their association with Na+ accumulation in leaves of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

BACKGROUND: Chickpea is an important legume and is moderately tolerant to salinity stress during the growing season. However, the level and mechanisms for salinity tolerance can vary among accessions and cultivars. A large family of CaRab-GTP genes, previously identified in chickpea, is homologous to intracellular vesicle trafficking superfamily genes that play essential roles in response to salinity stress in plants. RESULTS: To determine which of the gene family members are involved in the chickpea salt response, plants from six selected chickpea accessions (Genesis 836, Hattrick, ICC12726, Rupali, Slasher and Yubileiny) were exposed to salinity stress and expression profiles resolved for the major CaRab-GTP gene clades after 5, 9 and 15 days of salt exposure. Gene clade expression profiles (using degenerate primers targeting all members of each clade) were tested for their relationship to salinity tolerance measures, namely plant biomass and Na+ accumulation. Transcripts representing 11 out of the 13 CaRab clades could be detected by RT-PCR, but only six (CaRabA2, -B, -C, -D, -E and -H) could be quantified using qRT-PCR due to low expression levels or poor amplification efficiency of the degenerate primers for clades containing several gene members. Expression profiles of three gene clades, CaRabB, -D and -E, were very similar across all six chickpea accessions, showing a strongly coordinated network. Salt-induced enhancement of CaRabA2 expression at 15 days showed a very strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.905) with Na+ accumulation in leaves. However, salinity tolerance estimated as relative plant biomass production compared to controls, did not correlate with Na+ accumulation in leaves, nor with expression profiles of any of the investigated CaRab-GTP genes. CONCLUSION: A coordinated network of CaRab-GTP genes, which are likely involved in intracellular trafficking, are important for the salinity stress response of chickpea plants.

Fluorescent carbon dots driven from ayurvedic medicinal plants for cancer cell imaging and phototherapy.

Ayurveda based nanomaterials are recently conceptualized phenomena for biomedical applications especially for imaging and treatment of in vitro cancer cell. Wide range florescent (blue to red emission) quantum dots are versatile materials for imaging and sensing applications. Various procedures and precursors of fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are well established and documented in the literature. However, expensive precursors and production, and time consuming process limit their economical design that need to be addressed. Herein, we report a cost effective simple route for fluorescent CQDs by using affordable ayurvedic plant's precursors such as Azadirachta Indica, OcimumTenuiflorum and Tridax Procumbens. Obtained quantum dots from ayurvedic plant leaves namely CQDs-1 (AzadirachtaIndica), CQDs-2 (OcimumTenuiflorum) and CQDs-3 (TridaxProcumbens) showed homogeneous size distribution (∼6-12 nm) and green fluorescent nature, average photo-stability, biocompatibility (more than 85 %), cancer cell imaging and promising phototherapy for cancer and bacterial cell lines.

Incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Elderly Edentulous Patients and the Possible Correlation of Serum Serotonin and Apnea-Hypopnea Index.

PURPOSE: To estimate the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elderly edentulous patients (aged 60-65 years) and investigate a correlation of serum serotonin levels with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory effort-related arousal (RERA), and respiratory disturbance index (RDI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 381 elderly completely edentulous patients (307 male, 74 female) aged 60 to 65 years with a history of edentulism of 12 to 15 months, seeking oral rehabilitation at the prosthodontic clinic at Saraswati Dental College & Hospital, Lucknow, India, between January 2014 and January 2016 were enrolled for the present study. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study, 183 patients (162 male, 21 female) who were found susceptible, were subjected to the BERLIN questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to assess sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and then put through all-night polysomnography (PSG). On the basis of AHI, RERA, and RDI scores, 156 patients (143 male, 13 female) who tested positive for OSA were classified according to its intensity. All 156 patients underwent body-mass index (BMI) estimation, cephalometry, and intraoral examination for skeletal and soft tissue profile record. Serum serotonin was estimated from whole blood samples for the 156 OSA and the 27 normal patients. The 156 (147 nonobese, 9 obese) OSA-positive patients were provided with complete dentures and were trained to use the same as a modified mandibular advancement device (MAD) during sleep at night. These patients were kept on a quarterly follow-up for 9 months. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis, and inferences drawn. RESULTS: The incidence of OSA in elderly edentulous subjects was found to be 32.03% in males and 8.91% in females. A mere 9 out of 156 (5.76%) elderly edentulous OSA patients were found to be obese (Class I) on the basis of BMI estimation. Cephalometry of the patients showed that they had a skeletal class I maxillomandibular relationship. AHI scores of nonobese patients revealed that most of the patients had moderate OSA, followed by mild OSA and severe OSA. Serum serotonin levels ranged from 53 to 83 ng/dL. AHI score of the 9 obese patients were in the moderate to severe range, and their serum serotonin levels were 60 to 70 ng/dL. A correlation between severity of OSA and serum serotonin level was validated in this study. CONCLUSION: OSA was found to be prevalent in edentulous subjects due to pharyngeal collapse and decreased neuromuscular control. An inverse relationship of serum serotonin levels and AHI scores was established.

Lifestyle and Occupational Stress: A Potential Risk Factor for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Nonobese Male Subjects.

PURPOSE: To record the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in nonobese male subjects and investigate the coexistence of lifestyle stress, sleep deprivation, and upper airway inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 552 patients were assessed during a survey of banks, government and corporate offices, recruitment agencies, and schools between January 2012 and January 2016. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria designed for this study, the number of patients tapered down to 120 patients who underwent diagnostic tests, viz. polysomnography, chemiluminiscence immunoassay, nephelometry, and upper airway endoscopy. This revealed the presence of OSA coexistent with elevated serum cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and upper airway inflammation. RESULTS: Polysomnography showed that 57 of 120 patients suffered from OSA. Objective evaluation of these patients exposed an undercurrent of lifestyle stress in 39 patients. CRP and serum cortisol were found to be significantly high (1.60 ± 0.52 and 7.20 ± 0.76 µg/dL, respectively) in 30 patients. Endoscopy revealed 18 patients with moderate, 7 with severe, and 5 with no upper airway inflammation. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that OSA was found to be prevalent in the cohort of nonobese male patients studied. Coexistence of lifestyle stress, sleep deprivation, and upper airway inflammation was revealed.

The quenching effect of uranyl species in the photoluminescence emission and visible-light-driven water dissociation activity of CdS and TiO2 photocatalysts.

Anchoring of uranyl species (2-4 mol%) led to the complete quenching of photoluminescence emission and the visible-light-driven water photodissociation activity of TiO2 (Degussa-P25) and a hydrothermally synthesized CdS photocatalyst. Photophysical measurements revealed a fast relaxation and the transfer of photogenerated electrons/energy from the TiO2 or CdS substrate to the acceptor uranyl moieties. Besides the position of flat band levels, significant overlap of the absorption/emission spectra of the host matrix and the surface-bound UO2(2+) species is responsible for this reverse energy transfer from a wide bandgap semiconductor to a material with a smaller band-to-band energy gap.

Comparative evaluation of pressure generated on a simulated maxillary oral analog by impression materials in custom trays of different spacer designs: An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Literature reveals that masticatory load on denture bearing tissues through complete dentures should be maximum on primary stress bearing areas and least on relief area in accordance with the histology of underlying tissues. A study to validate the existing beliefs was planned to compare the pressure on mucosa using selective pressure technique and minimal pressure technique, with the incorporation of two different impression materials utilizing the pressure sensors during secondary impression procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed using a maxillary analog. Three pressure sensors were imbedded in the oral analog, one in the mid palatine area and the other two in the right and left ridge crest. Custom trays of two different configurations were fabricated. The two impression materials tested were light body and zinc oxide eugenol. A total of 40 impressions were made. A constant weight of 1 kg was placed, and the pressure was recorded as initial and end pressures. RESULTS: A significant difference in the pressure produced using different impression materials was found (P < 0.001). Light body vinyl polysiloxane produced significantly lesser pressure than zinc oxide eugenol impression materials. The presence of relief did affect the magnitude of pressure at various locations. CONCLUSION: All impression materials produced pressure during maxillary edentulous impression making. Tray modification is an important factor in changing the amount of pressure produced. The impression materials used also had a significant role to play on the pressures acting on the tissues during impression procedure. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: Light body VPS impression material may be recommended to achieve minimal pressure on the denture bearing tissues in both selective as well as minimal pressure techniques.

Changes in Upper Airway Volume in Edentulous Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Treated with Modified Mandibular Advancement Device.

PURPOSE: This study was an attempt to verify the utility of complete dentures modified as a mandibular advancement device (MAD) in effecting expansion in pharyngeal volume to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 17 patients (12 male, 5 female, average age 61 ± 4 years; BMI, 22 ± 5; apnea hypopnea index [AHI] 15 to 30). All patients had worn complete dentures for at least 1 year; all patients had the dentures modified to a MAD. Five variables were assessed preoperatively and 6 months after wearing the modified MADs. These variables were: sleep efficiency, AHI, oxygen desaturation events/hr., mean oxygen saturation, snoring index, and airway volume. This assessment was done by subjecting the patients to all-night polysomnography. RESULTS: Without any prosthesis or device in the edentulous patients, the mean velopharyngeal volume was 8.05 ± 0.58 cm(3) , oropharyngeal volume was 2.14 ± 0.38 cm(3) , and hypopharyngeal volume was 3.26 ± 0.78 cm(3) . With complete dentures (unaltered) in the edentulous patients, the mean velopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal volumes were 10.73 ± 0.98 cm(3) , 2.60 ± 0.48 cm(3) , and 4.31 ± 0.89 cm(3) , respectively. There was a statistically significant change in the airway volume following insertion of the complete dentures modified as MADs with velopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal volume recorded as 11.76 ± 1.07 cm(3) , 3.33 ± 0.51 cm(3) , and 4.94 ± 0.83 cm(3) , respectively. CONCLUSION: From the results obtained in this limited small sample study, it was inferred that the pharyngeal expansion induced by complete dentures modified as MADs effectively reduced symptoms of OSA. Increased volume was most pronounced in the velopharynx region followed by hypopharynx and oropharynx.

Corpus alienum on hard palate - An unusual "misdiagnosis" of foreign body: A case report.

Corpus alienum or foreign body on hard palate is a rare presentation and often associated with a scare secondary to misdiagnosis. The potential dangers of respiratory obstruction, mucosal tear, nasopharyngeal inflammation and gastro-intestinal bleeding make these non-invasive foreign bodies, life threatening. A case report of a three year old girl with a 2.5cm×2cm plastic sticker lodged on hard palate for four months and misdiagnosed as salivary gland tumor has been reported along with a literature review.

Relationship of the lingual frenum to the mandibular central incisors.

CLINICAL IMPLICATION: The purpose of this study is to record the vertical distance between anterior attachment of lingual frenum and incisal edge of mandibular central incisors in dentulous subjects and then determine the mean vertical distance and to suggest guidelines for positioning of mandibular central incisors in complete dentures. METHOD: In this study, 150 dentulous subjects (75 males and 75 females) were chosen based on predecided inclusion criteria. A mandibular cast was obtained from irreversible hydrocolloid impression in modified stock trays for each subject. All subjects were instructed to elevate the tongue while the impressions were made. The vertical distance between the anterior attachment of the lingual frenum and incisal edges of mandibular central incisors was measured on the casts and then the values were statistically analyzed. RESULT: The distance between anterior attachment of lingual frenum (AALF) mesioincisal edge of mandibular central incisor (CI) in male, female and total (male + female) subjects was measured. In males it ranged from 7.3 to 8.9 mm with mean (±SD) 8.29 ± 0.36 mm while in females it ranged from 7.1 to 9.0 mm with mean (±SD) 8.21 ± 0.38 mm. CONCLUSION: It is believed that the application of this anatomic relation can provide a reliable point for arranging and checking the position of the mandibular central incisors for complete dentures in patients with class I ridge relationship.

Sickle cell anemia with malaria: a rare case report.

Sickle cell disease is the prototype of hereditary hemoglobinopathies, characterized by the production of structurally abnormal hemoglobin. Sickle cell anemia results from a point mutation that leads to substitution of valine for glutamic acid at the sixth position of the ß globin chain. We report a young male admitted with fever and weakness for 3 days. Hematological test reveals Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite and sickle cell anemia. Patient was treated and get cured from malaria and discharged.

Effect of 82% Lactic Acid in Treatment of Melasma.

Melasma is an acquired, chronic, and symmetrical hypermelanosis, characterized by brown patches of variable darkness on sun exposed areas of body. There are numerous modalities of treatment currently in use for this disease, of which the chemical peeling is very commonly used. Therefore, the present work was done to see the effect of 82% lactic acid peel in the treatment of melasma. A total number of 20 patients of either sex attending the OPD of dermatology department with clinically evident melasma were included in the study. 82% Lactic acid peel was applied on the face for 12 weeks in each patient. Patients were evaluated clinically and photographically at various intervals and in follow-up till 24 weeks. Assessment of patient satisfaction and side effects were also noted. All the subjects completed the study. Application of this peel for 12 weeks significantly decreased the melasma area severity index score and also melasma severity scale score. Patient and physician analogue scales also showed the improvement by the treatment. Regarding the adverse effects, burning sensation was the only side effect noted in our study. In conclusion, 82% lactic acid peel is well tolerated and can be used for the treatment of melasma.

Study of thrombocytopenia in patients of malaria.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a Protozoal disease caused by infection with parasites of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted to man by certain species of infected female Anopheline mosquito. In 2008 there were 1.52 million cases of malaria in India, out of which 0.76 million case of Plasmodium falciparum, comprising 50% of total malaria cases. There were 924 deaths from malaria. Hematological abnormalities have been observed in patients with malaria, with anemia, and thrombocytopenia being the most common. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted this study to find out the frequency and the degree of thrombocytopenia in patients with malaria. In our study, 230 patients with malaria positive were investigated with platelet count. RESULTS: In the study group of 230 patients: 130 (56.51%) were positive for Plasmodium vivax, 90 (39.13%) were positive for P. falciparum and 10 (4.34%) had mixed infection with both P. vivax and P. falciparum. Out of 130 cases detected with vivax malaria, 100 cases had thrombocytopenia. Out of 90 cases detected with falciparum malaria, 70 cases had thrombocytopenia. Among 10 cases of mixed infection, 9 cases had thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of thrombocytopenia in a patient with acute febrile illness in the tropics increases the possibility of malaria. The above finding can have therapeutic implications in context of avoiding unnecessary platelet infusion in malaria patients.