Genome-wide identification of MATE and ALMT genes and their expression profiling in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) under aluminium stress.

The Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) and aluminium activated malate transporter (ALMT) gene families are involved in response to aluminium (Al) stress. In this study, we identified 48 MATE and 14 ALMT gene families in Vigna radiata genome and classified into 5 (MATE) and 3 (ALMT) clades by phylogenetic analysis. All the VrMATE and VrALMT genes were distributed across mungbean chromosomes. Tandem duplication was the main driving force for evolution and expansion of MATE gene family. Collinearity of mungbean with soybean indicated that MATE gene family is closely linked to Glycine max. Eight MATE transporters in clade 2 were found to be associated with previously characterized Al tolerance related MATEs in various plant species. Citrate exuding motif (CEM) was present in seven VrMATEs of clade 2. Promoter analysis revealed abundant plant hormone and stress responsive cis-elements. Results from quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed that VrMATE19, VrMATE30 and VrALMT13 genes were markedly up-regulated at different time points under Al stress. Overall, this study offers a new direction for further molecular characterization of the MATE and ALMT genes in mungbean for Al tolerance.

Block Copolymer Self-assembly: Exploitation of Hydrogen Bonding for Nanoparticle Morphology Control via Incorporation of Triazine Based Comonomers by RAFT Polymerization.

Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles of controlled non-spherical morphology is of profound interest for a wide variety of potential applications. Self-assembly of amphiphilic diblock copolymers is an attractive bottom-up approach to prepare such nanoparticles. In the present work, RAFT polymerization is employed to synthesize a variety of poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-b-poly[butyl acrylate-stat-GCB] copolymers, where GCB represents vinyl monomer containing triazine based Janus guanine-cytosine nucleobase motifs featuring multiple hydrogen bonding arrays. Hydrogen bonding between the hydrophobic blocks exert significant influence on the morphology of the resulting nanoparticles self-assembled in water. The Janus feature of the GCB moieties makes it possible to use a single polymer type in self-assembly, unlike previous work exploiting, e.g., thymine-containing polymer and adenine-containing polymer. Moreover, the strength of the hydrogen bonding interactions enables use of a low molar fraction of GCB units, thereby rendering it possible to use the present approach for copolymers based on common vinyl monomers for the development of advanced nanomaterials.

Silent epidemic of silicotuberculosis in India and emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis?

India's projected silica-dust-exposed workers will be 52 million at the end of 2025. Elimination of tuberculosis is also targeted in India by 2025. Scientists in India have already pointed out that unless silicosis is controlled, the said elimination is difficult to achieve. This study evidences an increasing incidence of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with five deaths due to treatment failure among the silica dust-exposed workers compared to their unexposed counterparts. It was also observed that both tuberculosis as well as MDR-TB were directly proportional to the dose and/or duration of silica dust exposure. This means the incidence of MDR-TB is lowest in the unexposed group, moderate in the radiologically negative but silica dust exposed group (subradiological silicosis due to moderate exposure), and highest in the radiologically confirmed silicotic workers (maximally exposed group. Since India has a huge burden of silicosis, they are vulnerable to tuberculosis including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis resulting in the emergence of MDR-TB among the silica dust-exposed workers. This will also lead to a silent epidemic of silicotuberculosis in India shortly. Therefore, it would be important to have tools to quickly detect silicosis cases at an early stage to identify a vulnerable population and adopt an effective intervention measure.

Prognostic Insights and Survival Analysis of Gallbladder Cancer in Bihar, India: a Prospective Observational Study Emphasizing the Impact of Surgical Intervention on Overall Survival.

The aim of this study was to determine the 1- and 3-year overall survival rates. This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Bihar state, India. The study analyzed 228 patients in Bihar with a median age at diagnosis of 55 ± 12.05 years. The most common symptoms included upper abdominal pain (26.3%), weight loss (14%), and ascites (13.6%). The majority of patients presented at stage IV (72.8%), with liver metastasis being prevalent (61.4%). Interventional biliary drainage was performed in 9.6% of cases, and systemic chemotherapy was received by 84.64%, while 15.36% opted for best supportive care. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, stage, gallstone disease, and surgical intervention as significant risk factors influencing overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed ECOG performance status (p < 0.001), stage (p = 0.039), and surgical intervention (p = 0.038) as independent factors impacting OS. One-year OS rates for stages II, III, and IV were 100%, 97%, and 44%, respectively, while 3-year OS rates were 29%, 4%, and 0%. Surgical intervention significantly influenced OS (p < 0.001). OS for surgical intervention was 28 months, and for inoperable cases, it was 12 months. One- and 3-year OS for surgical intervention were 95% and 11%, while for inoperable cases, they were 41% and 0%, respectively. Patients with gallbladder cancer, particularly in Bihar's Gangetic plains, face poor survival, especially with advanced disease. Adequate surgery improves outcomes, prompting a call for enhanced strategies, particularly for locally advanced GBC.

Genome wide identification and expression profiling of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters gene family in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) under aluminium stress condition.

Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters) are involved in regulating plant growth, development and tolerance to environmental stresses. In this study, a total of 138 ABC transporter genes were identified in the lentil genome that were classified into eight subfamilies. Four lentil ABC transporters from subfamily B and I were clustered together with the previously characterized ABC transporter proteins related to aluminium (Al) detoxification. Lentil ABC transporter genes were distributed across the chromosomes. Tandem duplication was the main driving force for expansion of the ABC gene family. Collinearity of lentil with soybean indicated that ABC gene family is closely linked to Glycine max. ABC genes in the same subfamily showed similar gene structure and conserved motifs. The ABC promoter regions harboured a large number of plant hormones and multiple stress responsive cis-regulatory elements. The qRT-PCR showed that ABC genes had varied expression in roots of lentil at different time points under Al stress. This is the first report on genome wide identification and expression analyses of genes encoding ABC transporter genes in lentil which has provided in-depth insight for future research on evolution and elucidation of molecular mechanisms for aluminium tolerance.

Multifunctional FFP2 Face Mask for White Light Disinfection and Pathogens Detection using Hybrid Nanostructures and Optical Metasurfaces.

A new generation of an FFP2 (Filtering Face Piece of type 2) smart face mask is achieved by integrating broadband hybrid nanomaterials and a self-assembled optical metasurface. The multifunctional FFP2 face mask shows simultaneously white light-assisted on-demand disinfection properties and versatile biosensing capabilities. These properties are achieved by a powerful combination of white light thermoplasmonic responsive hybrid nanomaterials, which provide excellent photo-thermal disinfection properties, and optical metasurface-based colorimetric biosensors, with a very low limit of pathogens detection. The realized system is studied in optical, morphological, spectroscopic, and cell viability assay experiments and environmental monitoring of harmful pathogens, thus highlighting the extraordinary properties in reusability and pathogens detection of the innovative face mask.

ATI stabilized germylene cation as a cyanosilylation catalyst for aldehydes and ketones.

The aminotroponiminate (ATI) ligand stabilized germylene cation [(i-Bu)2ATIGe][B(C6F5)4] (2) is found to be an efficient low-valent main-group catalyst for the cyanosilylation of aldehydes and ketones (ATI = aminotroponiminate). It was synthesized by reacting [(i-Bu)2ATIGeCl] (1) with Na[B(C6F5)4]. The catalytic cyanosilylation of diverse aliphatic and aromatic carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones) using 0.075-0.75 mol% of compound 2 was completed within 5-45 min. The catalytic efficiency seen with aliphatic aldehydes was around 15,800 h-1, making compound 2 a capable low-valent main-group catalyst for the aldehyde and ketone cyanosilylation reactions.

Exploring the Complex Dynamics: Examining the Influence of Deviant Personas in Online Gambling.

The widespread use of computers and the Internet has substantially changed the gaming environment during the past ten years. The gambling industry is no longer exclusive to land-based gaming establishments (such as casinos and racetracks). Today, a few keystrokes on a computer are all it takes to access gaming operations. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and various other platforms constitute a particular form of access that has drawn more attention from academics in gambling studies. This increasing focus is partially attributable to the fact that social media sites have gained popularity as a means of accessing online gambling websites via hyperlinks hidden inside adverts. Users of social networking platforms can play free-to-play virtual gambling games using programmes. Virtual gaming platforms are the new name for these free-to-play simulation games of gambling. However, there is evidence to suggest that playing social casino games may serve as a "gateway" to real money gambling. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of deviant personas on online gambling behavior. By examining the relationship between deviant personas and online gambling, we seek to enhance our understanding of the factors that contribute to problematic gambling behaviors in virtual environments. Employing a robust methodological approach, this research amalgamates the analytical power of PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling) to explore the factors influencing the intention to adopt online gambling services. The data for this study were obtained by administering an online survey questionnaire to a sample of 325 aware customers of online gambling. The study's discerning insights have notable implications for the academic community, brand strategists, online game designers, and online gambling platform providers, offering valuable guidance for decision-making and strategy formulation within the burgeoning online gambling industry.

Physiological and proteomic characterization revealed the response mechanisms underlying aluminium tolerance in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus).

Aluminium (Al) toxicity causes major plant distress, affecting root growth, nutrient uptake and, ultimately, agricultural productivity. Lentil, which is a cheap source of vegetarian protein, is recognized to be sensitive to Al toxicity. Therefore, it is important to dissect the physiological and molecular mechanisms of Al tolerance in lentil. To understand the physiological system and proteome composition underlying Al tolerance, two genotypes [L-4602 (Al-tolerant) and BM-4 (Al-sensitive)] were studied at the seedling stage. L-4602 maintained a significantly higher root tolerance index and malate secretion with reduced Al accumulation than BM-4. Also, label-free proteomic analysis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer exhibited significant regulation of Al-responsive proteins associated with antioxidants, signal transduction, calcium homeostasis, and regulation of glycolysis in L-4602 as compared to BM-4. Functional annotation suggested that transporter proteins (transmembrane protein, adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transport-related protein and multi drug resistance protein), antioxidants associated proteins (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dependent oxidoreductase, oxidoreductase molybdopterin binding protein & peroxidases), kinases (calmodulin-domain kinase & protein kinase), and carbohydrate metabolism associated proteins (dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase) were found to be abundant in tolerant genotype providing protection against Al toxicity. Overall, the root proteome uncovered in this study at seedling stage, along with the physiological parameters measured, allow a greater understanding of Al tolerance mechanism in lentil, thereby assisting in future crop improvement programmes.

Temperature-dependent hole mobility in pyrene-thiophene-based room-temperature discotic liquid crystals.

π-Conjugated pyrene-thiophene-based room-temperature discotic liquid crystals armed with four peripheral aliphatic chains are reported to study their potential use in a hole-transporting organic semiconductor. The charge carrier mobility studies using the ToF method revealed room temperature hole mobility in the order of 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 for both mesogens. However, the mobility values for compound 1a were observed in the order of 10-3 cm2 V-1 s-1 at high temperatures. Such molecular systems can potentially be used in nonlinear organic electronic applications.

Clinical and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of typhoid fever in children in the era of antibiotic resistance.

Enteric fever remains a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries with further challenges from emerging antimicrobial resistance. Our prospective study evaluated the current clinical and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of enteric fever in 88 children and compared it to previously established literature. Enteric fever usually presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms, with predominant respiratory complaints. A paradigm shift in the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern has been noted, with increasing resistance for first-line antibiotics and older antibiotics such as ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, and chloramphenicol showing good sensitivity. Thus, the introduction of the latter merits consideration.

Toward Conductive Additive Free Organic Electrode for Lithium-Ion Battery Using Supramolecular Columnar Organization.

With the aim to meet the greatest challenge facing organic batteries, namely the low conductivity of the electrodes, the electrochemical properties of a series of substituted perylene diimides able to form semi-conductive columnar material are investigated. Depending on the substituent group, a strong influence of this group on the reversibility, redox potential but especially on the gravimetric capacity of the electrodes is observed. In the case of substitution by a simple propyl group, the corresponding diimide shows a complete electrochemical activity with only 10% by mass of conductive additive and even shows a half-capacity activity without any additive and without particular electrode engineering. Extensive research has highlighted the intrinsic reactivity of the columnar material but also its perpetual rearrangement during charge/discharge cycles. This study shows that the amount of conductive additive can be significantly reduced by adapting the design of the molecular material and favoring the assembly of redox units in the form of a conductive column.

Discotic Star Mesogen with Thymine Nucleobases Exhibiting a Rare Gyroid Cubic Mesophase with 3D Conductivity.

A unique gyroid cubic phase has been discovered for a discotic star mesogen with three covalently attached DNA bases. In this cubic I a 3 ‾ d ${Ia\bar{3}d}$ phase, the conjugated core of the mesogens and the thymine pseudo guests self-assemble in mirror image continuous networks, representing a semiconducting material with three-dimensional transport pathways. The hole carrier mobilities are found to be in the typical range of poly(phenylenevinylene) scaffolds. This structure is stabilized by a weak hydrogen bonding between the thymine bases and can be switched to a columnar liquid crystal - thermally and by the addition of complementary adenine guests.

Age-related anatomical variation and morphometric studies on the optic tectum in post-hatch broiler chicken.

In this investigation the morphological and morphometrical features of the optic tectum in post-hatch broiler chicken were studied macroscopically and microscopically. The present study was conducted on 70 day old broiler chicks which were reared up to 42 days. The whole experimental period of study was divided into seven groups (from group I to VII) at weekly interval (days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42). The optic lobes were paired and spherical to oval eminences located on the ventro-lateral part of the midbrain in broiler chicken. There was significant increase in length and width of the optic lobes with the advancement of age. Histological analysis of optic tectum shows six basic layers from the external surface to internal one towards the optic ventricle. Different layers of optic tectum were identified as stratum opticum, stratum griseum superficial, stratum griseum central, stratum album central, stratum griseum periventriculare and stratum fibrosum periventriculare with several types of neurons. Among all six layers of the optic tectum the stratum griseum superficial layer showed very high degree of secondry differentiation and evolved into nine sub- layers in all age groups of broiler chickens. Three main cell types had been identified that is, small to medium sized stellate shaped neuron, pyramidal neuron and fusiform neuron, beside these multipolar neuron were also evident. The thickness of all layers of optic tectum significantly increases with the advancement of age of the birds. The optic ventricle was lined with a layer of cuboidal ependymal cells.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles alleviate chromium-induced oxidative stress by modulating physio-biochemical aspects and organic acids in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

Extensive chromium (Cr) release into water and soil severely impairs crop productivity worldwide. Nanoparticle (NP) technology has shown potential for reducing heavy metal toxicity and improving plant physicochemical profiles. Herein, we investigated the effects of exogenous zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NPs) on alleviating Cr stress in Cr-sensitive and tolerant chickpea genotypes. Hydroponically grown chickpea plants were exposed to Cr stress (0 and 120 µM) and ZnO-NPs (25 µM, 20 nm size) twice at a 7-day interval. Cr exposure reduced physiochemical profiles, ion content, cell viability, and gas exchange parameters, and it increased organic acid exudate accumulation in roots and the Cr content in the roots and leaves of the plants. However, ZnO-NP application significantly increased plant growth, enzymatic activities, proline, total soluble sugar, and protein and gas exchange parameters and reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, Cr content in roots, and organic acid presence to improve root cell viability. This study provides new insights into the role of ZnO-NPs in reducing oxidative stress along with Cr accumulation and mobility due to low levels of organic acids in chickpea roots. Notably, the Cr-tolerant genotype exhibited more pronounced alleviation of Cr stress by ZnO-NPs. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO-NP in regulating plant growth, reducing Cr accumulation, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

A study on bacteriological profile in suspected cases of neonatal sepsis and its correlation with various biomarkers in the rural population of a university hospital.

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is an infection in newborns that may be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses and has a high death and morbidity rate. The clinical presentation of sepsis may be rather general, making it challenging to make a diagnosis. While blood culture is the most accurate method to diagnose sepsis, it is also time-consuming. Because of this, it is crucial to locate other biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) that may aid in early identification. Aim: To learn about the bacterial composition of suspected cases of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care hospital in western Uttar Pradesh and how that composition relates to the biomarkers CRP, hs-CRP, and PCT. Materials and Methods: Hundred people who fulfilled the study's inclusion criteria were included. All neonatal venous blood samples have been obtained after receiving written informed permission from either parent. The conventional method was used to perform the blood culture. The ELISA technique has been used to determine hs-CRP along with serum PCT levels, while the latex agglutination test was utilized for CRP detection. Result: A total of 100 cases were enrolled, 78% presented within 3 days of birth. Blood culture was positive in 33 neonates (33%). There were 17 Gram-positive, 15 Gram-negative, and in all 2 cases with poly bacterial culture. CRP positivity rate was significantly higher in culture positive (57.6%) as compared to culture-negative neonates (25.4%). It was shown that a CRP >6 mg/l level was sensitive at 57.6% and specific at 74.6%. hs-CRP has a 100% sensitivity and 47.8% specificity. The PCT's sensitivity was 69.7%, whereas its specificity was 89.6%. Conclusion: PCT is more specific for detecting sepsis, but hs-CRP is more sensitive than CRP. The combination of PCT along with hs-CRP has a negative predictive value and high sensitivity compared to other markers. Thus, the most accurate predictors of neonatal sepsis would be a combination of factors.

Carbamate-Protected (BOC and O-NB) 2-Aminopyrimidinedione-Based Janus G-C Nucleobase Motifs as Building Blocks for Supramolecular Assembly and Smart Polymers.

In this paper, we report "carbamate protected" 2-aminopyrimidinedione-based Janus G-C nucleobases (2-APD Janus G-C nucleobases) featuring polymerizable groups and self-complementary triple H-bonding motifs DDA and AAD as building blocks for developing smart polymers and self-healing materials. The carbamate-masked H-bonding motif, cleavable under acidic (BOC group) or photocleavable (O-nitrobenzyl group) conditions, would facilitate the synthesis of smart polymers by alleviating aggregation during polymerization which in turn would exclude self-assembly-assisted solubility issues. Ready accessibility in excellent yields coupled with the possibility for facile introduction of polymerizable groups would make these building blocks excellent candidates for diverse polymerization applications.

Silicic and Humic Acid Priming Improves Micro- and Macronutrient Uptake, Salinity Stress Tolerance, Seed Quality, and Physio-Biochemical Parameters in Lentil (Lens culinaris spp. culinaris).

Lentil is an important grain legume crop which is mostly grown on marginal soils that hamper its productivity. Improvement of salt tolerance in lentils is considered to be a useful strategy of utilizing salt-affected lands in an economic manner. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of seed priming using silicic acid and humic acid both seperately and in combination to improve salt stress tolerance among three different lentil varieties: IPL-316 (tolerant), PSL-9, and PDL-1 (susceptible). The concentrations and durations of treatments were standardized under the normal condition and the salinity stress condition. Salt stress hindered seedling emergence and biomass production and accelerated Na+ toxicity and oxidative damage at the seedling stage in untreated seeds. Nevertheless, chemical priming improved early seedling emergence, increased root length, shoot length, and seed vigor index I and II, and reduced the mean germination time. A significant quantitative change in biochemical parameters under normal and salinity stress conditions was observed in IPL-316,viz. Specifically, for IPL-316, the following parameters were observed (values under the normal condition and values under salt stress conditions, respectively): chlorophyll-a (16 and 13 mg/g Fw), chlorophyll-b (25 and 16 mg/g FW), total chlorophyll content (42 and 30 mg/g FW), relative leaf water content (92% and 82%), total soluble sugars (26 and 33 ug/g FW), free amino acid (10 and 7 mg/g FW), total phenol (26 and 24 mg of GAE/g FW), total protein (35 and 29 mg/g FW), carbohydrate (208 and 173 mg/g FW), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (29 and 35 unit/min./g FW), proline (0.28 and 0.32 u mol/g FW), catalase (CAT) (84 and 196 unit/mL/g FW), and peroxidase (POX) (217 and 738 unit/mL/g FW). Furthermore, histochemical analysis of H2O2 and O2-, micronutrients, and macronutrients also increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.31 and 0.47 nmol/mL FW) content decreased using silicic and humic acid priming under salt stress conditions. The combination of silicic and humic acids improved seedling growth and reduced oxidative damage in lentil plants under salt stress conditions. The combination of silicic and humic acid priming hastened seedling emergence, seed quality parameters, and biochemical parameters under salt stress over respective control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of integrated chemical priming in lentils for salinity stress. In conclusion, chemical priming using a combination of silicic and humic acid performed better in terms of seed quality due to enhanced antioxidant machinery, better membrane stability and osmolyte protection, and enhanced nutrient uptake under salt stress conditions.

Ultrasound-guided interventions in primary carpal tunnel syndrome: perineural injection to thread carpal tunnel release.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the most common entrapment neuropathy, is compression of the median nerve deep to transverse carpal ligament at wrist. Ultrasonography and electrophysiological study are complementary in the diagnosis and grading of CTS in appropriate clinical settings. The initial management of patients with CTS is conservative with medical therapy and splinting. However, surgical interventions are indicated in patients in whom medical management has failed. With evolution of the concept of safe zone on ultrasonography and identification of the sonoanatomical landmarks of carpal tunnel in greater detail, Ultrasonography-guided interventions are safer and preferred over surgical management in CTS. The primary ultrasonography-guided interventions include perineural injection, perineural hydrodissection and ultrasonography-guided release of transverse carpal ligament. This review article presents the principles of ultrasonography-guided perineural injection, perineural hydrodissection in CTS, the merits and demerits of injectant used in perineural injection/ hydrodissection, and percutaneous ultrasonography-guided thread release of transverse carpal ligament utilizing the concept of safe zone of the ultrasonography-guided interventions for CTS.

A cluster onset of acute and accelerated silicosis cases in workers of ramming mass industries in Jharkhand, Eastern India.

Introduction and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among workers of ramming mass industries in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, eastern India. Workers had occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust of varied duration between 1 and 6 years. A total of 122 subjects participated in it. Relevant epidemiological information was collected from them. All were x-rayed using 300 mA radiation for the detection of the presence of silicotic opacities if any as described by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for the detection of silicosis. Results: The study revealed that 61.4% (n = 75) of subjects had silicosis. Of them, 19 had acute silicosis (having a duration of silica dust exposure of 2 years or lesser) and 56 had accelerated silicosis (a duration of occupational exposure of > 2 to 6 years). The offending agent was clouds of respirable crystalline silica dust from the ramming mass industries. Epidemiological Interpretation: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an outbreak of acute and accelerated silicosis cases because of occupational inhalational exposure to ramming mass in India with a sizable portion of female workers with silicosis. Regional as well as national authorities need to take appropriate interventional measures in a programmatic mode as soon as possible. Conclusion: An in-depth investigation on the existence and magnitude of the problem of silico-tuberculosis is needed to be performed in them as silicosis increases the vulnerability of pulmonary tuberculosis among the affected workers.