Conversion of locally available materials to biochar and activated carbon for drinking water treatment.

For environmental sustainability and to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), drinking water treatment must be done at a reasonable cost with minimal environmental impact. Therefore, treating contaminated drinking water requires materials and approaches that are inexpensive, produced locally, and effortlessly. Hence, locally available materials and their derivatives, such as biochar (BC) and activated carbon (AC) were investigated thoroughly. Several researchers and their findings show that the application of locally accessible materials and their derivatives are capable of the adsorptive removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from drinking water. The application of locally available materials such as lignocellulosic materials/waste and its thermo-chemically derived products, including BC and AC were found effective in the treatment of contaminated drinking water. Thus, this review aims to thoroughly examine the latest developments in the use of locally accessible feedstocks for tailoring BC and AC, as well as their features and applications in the treatment of drinking water. We attempted to explain facts related to the potential mechanisms of BC and AC, such as complexation, co-precipitation, electrostatic interaction, and ion exchange to treat water, thereby achieving a risk-free remediation approach to polluted water. Additionally, this research offers guidance on creating efficient household treatment units based on the health risks associated with customized adsorbents and cost-benefit analyses. Lastly, this review work discusses the current obstacles for using locally accessible materials and their thermo-chemically produced by-products to purify drinking water, as well as the necessity for technological interventions.

Patient-Reported Outcomes as Interradiographic Predictors of Response in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive biomarkers have been used as important indicators of treatment response and progression in cancers such as prostate and ovarian. Unfortunately, all biomarkers are not prognostic in all cancer types and are often not routinely collected. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) provide a non-obtrusive, personalized measure of a patient's quality of life and symptomatology, reported directly from the patient, and are increasingly collected as part of routine care. Previous literature has shown correlations between specific PROs (i.e., insomnia, fatigue) and overall survival. Although promising, these studies often only consider single time points and ignore patient-specific dynamic changes in individual PROs, which might be early predictors of treatment response or progression. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In this study, PRO dynamics were analyzed to determine if they could be used as interradiographic predictors of tumor volume changes among 85 patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing immunotherapy. PRO questionnaires and tumor volume scans were completed biweekly and monthly, respectively. Correlation and predictive analysis were conducted to identify specific PROs that could accurately predict patient response. RESULTS: Changes in tumor volume over time were significantly correlated with dizziness (P < 0.005), insomnia (P < 0.05), and fatigue (P < 0.05). In addition, cumulative changes in insomnia could predict progressive disease with a 77% accuracy, on average 45 days prior to the next imaging scan. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the first time that patient-specific PRO dynamics have been considered to predict how individual patients will respond to treatment. This is an important first step in adapting treatment to improve response rates.

Structural Significance of Conformational Preferences and Ribose-Ring-Puckering of Hyper Modified Nucleotide 5'-Monophosphate 2-Methylthio Cyclic N6-Threonylcarbamoyladenosine (p-ms2ct6A) Present at 37th Position in Anticodon Loop of tRNALys.

Structural significance of conformational preferences and ribose ring puckering of newly discovered hyper modified nucleotide, 5'-monophosphate 2-methylthio cyclic N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine (p-ms2ct6A) have been investigated using quantum chemical semi-empirical RM1 and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Automated geometry optimization of most stable structure of p-ms2ct6A has also been carried out with the help of abinitio (HF SCF, DFT) as well as semi empirical quantum chemical (RM1, AM1, PM3, and PM6) methods. Most stable structure of p-ms2ct6A is stabilized by intramolecular interactions between N(3)…HC(2'), N(1)…HC(16), O(13)…HC(15), and O(13)…HO(14). The torsion angles alpha (α) and beta (ß) show the significant characteristic patterns with the involvement of intramolecular hydrogen bonding to provide stability to the p-ms2ct6A. Further, molecular dynamics simulations of p-ms2ct6A revealed the role of ribose sugar ring puckering i.e. C2'-endo and C3'-endo on the structural dynamics of ms2ct6A side chain. The modified nucleotide p-ms2ct6A periodically prefers both the C2'-endo and C3'-endo sugar with 'anti' and 'syn' conformations. This property of p-ms2ct6A could be useful to recognize the starting ANN codons. All atom explicit MD simulation of anticodon loop (ACL) of tRNALys of Bacillus subtilis containing ms2ct6A at 37th position showed the U-turn feature, base stacking ability with other adjacent bases and hydrogen bonding interactions similar to the isolated base p-ms2ct6A. The ribose sugar puckering contributes to the orientation of the side chain conformation of p-ms2ct6A. Thus, the present study could be helpful to understand the structure-function relationship of the hypermodified nucleoside, ms2ct6A in recognition of the proper codons AAA/AAG during protein biosynthesis.

Epithelial-Macrophage Crosstalk Initiates Sterile Inflammation in Embryonic Skin.

Macrophages are highly responsive to the environmental cues and are the primary responders to tissue stress and damage. While much is known about the role of macrophages during inflammatory disease progression; the initial series of events that set up the inflammation remains less understood. In this study, we use next generation sequencing (NGS) of embryonic skin macrophages and the niche cells - skin epithelia and stroma in the epidermis specific knockout of integrin beta 1 (Itgß1) model to uncover specific roles of each cell type and identify how these cell types communicate to initiate the sterile inflammatory response. We demonstrate that while the embryonic skin fibroblasts in the Itgß1 knockout skin are relatively inactive, the keratinocytes and macrophages are the critical responders to the sterile inflammatory cues. The epidermis expresses damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), stress response genes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines that aid in eliciting the inflammatory response. The macrophages, in-turn, respond by acquiring enhanced M2-like characteristics expressing ECM remodeling and matrisome signatures that exacerbate the basement membrane disruption. Depletion of macrophages by blocking the CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) results in improved basement membrane integrity and reduced ECM remodeling activity in the KO skin. Further, blocking the skin inflammation with celecoxib reveals that the acquired fate of macrophages in the KO skin is dependent on its interaction with the epidermal compartment through COX2 dependent cytokine production. Taken together, our study highlights a critical crosstalk between the epithelia and the dermal macrophages that shapes macrophage fate and initiates sterile inflammation in the skin. The insights gained from our study can be extrapolated to other inflammatory disorders to understand the early events that set up the disease.

Structural insights and inhibition mechanism of TMPRSS2 by experimentally known inhibitors Camostat mesylate, Nafamostat and Bromhexine hydrochloride to control SARS-coronavirus-2: A molecular modeling approach.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for the cause of global pandemic Covid-19 and to date, there is no effective treatment available. The spike 'S' protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 of the host cell are being targeted to design new drugs to control Covid-19. Similarly, a transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2 of the host cell plays a significant role in the proteolytic cleavage of viral 'S' protein helpful for the priming of ACE2 receptors and viral entry into human cells. However, three-dimensional structural information and the inhibition mechanism of TMPRSS2 is yet to be explored experimentally. Hence, we have used a molecular dynamics (MD) simulated homology model of TMPRSS2 to study the inhibition mechanism of experimentally known inhibitors Camostat mesylate, Nafamostat and Bromhexine hydrochloride (BHH) using molecular modeling techniques. Prior to docking, all three inhibitors were geometry optimized by semi-empirical quantum chemical RM1 method. Molecular docking analysis revealed that Camostat mesylate and its structural analogue Nafamostat interact strongly with residues His296 and Ser441 present in the catalytic triad of TMPRSS2, whereas BHH binds with Ala386 along with other residues. Comparative molecular dynamics simulations revealed the stable behavior of all the docked complexes. MM-PBSA calculations also revealed the stronger binding of Camostat mesylate to TMPRSS2 active site residues as compared to Nafamostat and BHH. Thus, this structural information could be useful to understand the mechanistic approach of TMPRSS2 inhibition, which may be helpful to design new lead compounds to prevent the entry of SARS-Coronavirus 2 in human cells.

Mount Vernon Index vs Yen Angle for Assessment of Anteroposterior Apical Jaw Base Relationship.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to determine the predictability and variability of the Yen angle and Mount Vernon Index (MVI) in relation to the other four sagittal discrepancy parameters, as well as to evaluate and explain any correlations that exist. The Lateral Cephalograms of 100 Class I Indian participants aged 17-24 years were recorded. The lateral cephalograms were traced for six distinct AP characteristics, including ANB, Wits appraisal, facial convexity, and beta angle, Yen angle, and MVI. The gathered data were evaluated statistically using S.P.S.S. version 10. To determine the difference between males and females, an independent "t" test was used. The coefficient of variability and correlation methods were used to determine the correctness of the Yen angle and MVI, as well as the association between the variables. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate that the most predictable and highly dependable parameter was the Yen angle (CV = 5.63), followed by the beta angle (5.63), the MVI (CV = 13.6), the ANB, Rickett's analysis, and Wit's analysis. Throughout all five analyses, the most statistically significant positive association between the MVI and the BETA angle was determined. CONCLUSION: The derived inferences from the study included the high reliability of the yen angle for assessing the AP skeletal patterns of a patient, followed by the beta angle and MVI. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Doshi JR, Jain P, Jain M, et al. Mount Vernon Index vs Yen Angle for Assessment of Anteroposterior Apical Jaw Base Relationship. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-1):S35-S38.

Visual profile of acquired brain injury in Indian cohort: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: With the increasing global prevalence of acquired brain injury (ABI), the burden of visual problems as a sequelae to ABI is on the rise. This study reports the visual profile of patients with ABI seen in Neuro-Optometry Clinic (NOC) at a tertiary eye-care center in Southern India. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out between January 2014 and December 2015. Medical records of patients diagnosed with ABI referred by Neuro-Ophthalmologists to the NOC were reviewed. The detailed history, clinical findings of neuro assessment and management details were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 241 patients with ABI, 208 had Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and 33 had Cerebro-Vascular Accident (CVA). The mean (SD) age of patients with TBI was 35 ± 14 years and CVA was 52 ± 16 years. Binocular diplopia (61%) was seen predominantly in TBI due to vertical deviation (31%). Cranial nerve palsy was most common in TBI (55%) than CVA (36%) and visual field defects were most frequently seen in CVA (27%). CONCLUSION: Cranial nerve paresis and restrictive strabismus with diplopia were the most common presentations in TBI and visual field defects in CVA. A neuro-optometric evaluation is recommended to identify visual dysfunctions and provide appropriate management options. ABBREVIATIONS: ABI: Acquired Brain Injury; TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury; CVA: Cerebrovascular Accident; NOC: Neuro-Optometry Clinic; NSBVA: Non-Strabismic binocular vision anomalies; OMD: Oculomotor dysfunction; VFD: Visual field defect; GON: Glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Comparative Evaluation of Ocimum sanctum and Calcium Hydroxide Mix as an Obturating Material in Deciduous Molars: An In Vivo Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical and radiographic efficacy of a mix of O. sanctum (tulsi extract) and calcium hydroxide as an obturating material in primary molars and to compare these findings with commercially available iodoform with calcium hydroxide paste (metapex). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on sixty children age group 4-7 years requiring multiple visit pulpectomy for their primary molars. The teeth selected were randomly divided into two groups. One group received Metapex and other group received Tulsi extract with calcium hydroxide as an obturating material. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were done between both the groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the clinical and radiographic success rate between both the groups. CONCLUSION: Tulsi extract with calcium hydroxide can be used as an obturating material in primary molars. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Agarwal S, Gupta S, Tandon S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Ocimum sanctum and Calcium Hydroxide Mix as an Obturating Material in Deciduous Molars: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(6):617-621.

Optic nerve sheath fenestration for visual rehabilitation in moyamoya disease.

A 13-year-old female presented with decrease in vision in both eyes with headache and vomiting for 15 days. Her visual acuity was perception of light with inaccurate projection in the right eye and counting fingers close to face in the left eye. Pupils were nonreactive. Fundus showed bilateral disc edema. Magnetic resonance angiography showed an attenuated caliber of the left internal carotid artery with occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery with collaterals, characteristic of moyamoya disease. The patient underwent right optic nerve sheath fenestration, following which her vision improved to 6/36 in the right and 6/24 in the left eye. Moyamoya disease is an occlusive disease of the cerebral vasculature most commonly seen in the Japanese. Children usually present with ischemic events. In the literature, visual symptoms secondary to raised intracranial tension in moyamoya disease are not well described. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this disease and the treatment options for salvaging vision.

Sensitive detection of cardiac troponin-I protein using fabricated piezoresistive microcantilevers by a novel method of asymmetric biofunctionalization.

Microcantilever-based sensor platform has attracted a lot of attention over the time in detection of a variety of molecules due to their miniaturized dimensions. Sensitivity enhancement is an important aspect of such sensors, especially when used for point-of-care diagnostic purpose. However, the major concern while operating these sensors in deflection mode is their sensitivity which mainly relies on selective chemical modification protocols employed on these sensor surfaces. One of the ways of getting better sensitivity is through asymmetric (one side) biofunctionalization of the sensor surface. In the presented work here, we have demonstrated a novel approach of asymmetric biofunctionalization of proteins in overall sensitivity enhancement of piezoresistive silicon nitride-oxide microcantilever sensor platform inside a flow chamber. Herein, using our developed surface chemistry, asymmetrically biofunctionalized microcantilevers first exhibited a greater electrical response in terms of piezoresistance change than their symmetric counterpart in the detection of human immunoglobulins (HIgGs) protein. Finally, these microcantilevers were employed to exhibit the enhanced sensitivity towards the detection of a crucial cardiac marker protein, i.e. Troponin-I (cTnI) down to 250 ng ml-1 using asymmetric biofunctionalization process. This study shows that the developed asymmetric biofunctionalization methodology may be used as a general protocol to detect other important biomarkers of clinical applications with improved sensitivity.

Role of Wybutosine and Mg2+ Ions in Modulating the Structure and Function of tRNAPhe: A Molecular Dynamics Study.

Transfer RNA remains to be a mysterious molecule of the cell repertoire. With its modified bases and selectivity of codon recognition, it remains to be flexible inside the ribosomal machinery for smooth and hassle-free protein biosynthesis. Structural changes occurring in tRNA due to the presence or absence of wybutosine, with and without Mg2+ ions, have remained a point of interest for structural biologists. Very few studies have come to a conclusion correlating the changes either with the structure and flexibility or with the codon recognition. Considering the above facts, we have implemented molecular modeling methods to address these problems using multiple molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of tRNAPhe along with codons. Our results highlight some of the earlier findings and also shed light on some novel structural and functional aspects. Changes in the stability of tRNAPhe in native or codon-bound states result from the conformations of constituent nucleotides with respect to each other. A smaller change in their conformations leads to structural distortions in the base-pairing geometry and eventually in the ribose-phosphate backbone. MD simulation studies highlight the preference of UUC codons over UUU by tRNAPhe in the presence of wybutosine and Mg2+ ions. This study also suggests that magnesium ions are required by tRNAPhe for proper recognition of UUC/UUU codons during ribosomal interactions with tRNA.

Unraveling the ECM-Immune Cell Crosstalk in Skin Diseases.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and proteoglycans secreted by keratinocytes, fibroblasts and immune cells. The function of the skin ECM has expanded from being a scaffold that provides structural integrity, to a more dynamic entity that is constantly remodeled to maintain tissue homeostasis. The ECM functions as ligands for cell surface receptors such as integrins, dystroglycans, and toll-like receptors (TLRs) and regulate cellular signaling and immune cell dynamics. The ECM also acts as a sink for growth factors and cytokines, providing critical cues during epithelial morphogenesis. Dysregulation in the organization and deposition of ECMs lead to a plethora of pathophysiological conditions that are exacerbated by aberrant ECM-immune cell interactions. In this review, we focus on the interplay between ECM and immune cells in the context of skin diseases and also discuss state of the art therapies that target the key molecular players involved.

Differential Efficacy of Combined Phacoemulsification and Endocyclophotocoagulation in Open-angle Glaucoma Versus Angle-closure Glaucoma.

PRéCIS:: This retrospective study found that combined phacoemulsification and endocyclophotocoagulation reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) to a greater degree in angle-closure glaucoma versus open-angle glaucoma and was effective for all stages of glaucoma. PURPOSE: Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) laser treatment of the ciliary processes is believed to decrease IOP by reducing aqueous production. Anecdotal experience in angle-closure glaucoma suggests that it may also lower IOP by opening the drainage angle to promote aqueous outflow. This study sought to evaluate combined phacoemulsification and ECP (phaco/ECP) in eyes with different types and stages of glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A Retrospective chart review of eyes that underwent phaco/ECP between October 2010 and December 2016 at one institution was conducted. RESULTS: In 63 eyes of 63 patients with an average of 3.0±1.7 years of follow-up, the 22 eyes with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) had greater IOP reduction and medication reduction than the 41 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma at both 1 year (6.4 vs. 2.1 mm Hg, P=0.01; 0.9 vs. 0.2 medications, P=0.04) and final follow-up (6.2 vs. 2.4 mm Hg, P=0.02; 0.9 vs. 0.3 medications, P=0.05). There was no difference in IOP reduction or medication reduction for eyes with mild, moderate, or advanced glaucoma at both 1 year (3.5, 3.9, 0.5 mm Hg, respectively, P=0.18; 0.3, 0.6, 0.4 medications, P=0.58) and final follow-up (3.3, 4.8, 0.7 mm Hg, P=0.11; 0.1, 0.8, 0.4 medications, P=0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with CACG were more responsive to phaco/ECP in terms of IOP and medication reduction compared with eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma. This finding could be partially or entirely due to concurrent cataract extraction and greater CACG preoperative IOP. Phaco/ECP was effective in all stages of glaucoma.

Isolating Immune Cells from Mouse Embryonic Skin.

Skin is the primary barrier against the external environment and develops a robust immune network for its surveillance. The origin of the resident immune cells of the skin has become a focus of interest over past a decade. Fate mapping studies have revealed that the macrophages home into the skin as early as E12.5 and are derived from the yolk sac and fetal liver. The resident γδT cells are born in the thymus and home to the skin by E16.5. Recent work from our lab has shown that the embryonic macrophages can actively remodel the extracellular matrix in skin suggesting that the skin immune system can be activated long before exposure to foreign antigens. In this chapter, we present a detailed protocol for isolating monocytes, macrophages, and epidermal dendritic T cell populations from embryonic skin.

Sterile Inflammation Enhances ECM Degradation in Integrin ß1 KO Embryonic Skin.

Epidermal knockout of integrin ß1 results in complete disorganization of the basement membrane (BM), resulting in neonatal lethality. Here, we report that this disorganization is exacerbated by an early embryonic inflammatory response involving the recruitment of tissue-resident and monocyte-derived macrophages to the dermal-epidermal junction, associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase activity. Remarkably, the skin barrier in the integrin ß1 knockout animals is intact, suggesting that this inflammatory response is initiated in a sterile environment. We demonstrate that the molecular mechanism involves de novo expression of integrin αvß6 in the basal epidermal cells, which activates a TGF-ß1 driven inflammatory cascade resulting in upregulation of dermal NF-κB in a Tenascin C-dependent manner. Importantly, treatment of ß1 KO embryos in utero with small molecule inhibitors of TGF-ßR1 and NF-κB results in marked rescue of the BM defects and amelioration of immune response, revealing an unconventional immuno-protective role for integrin ß1 during BM remodeling.

Syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum of the eyelid.

An 86-year-old man presented with an ulcerated, painless right lower eyelid lesion of unknown duration. Excisional biopsy was performed to rule out suspected basal cell carcinoma. Pathologic evaluation demonstrated syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum. Three months after complete excision of the tumor, the patient remains well with no evidence of local recurrence or metastases. Review of the literature identified 20 cases of syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum, none of which presented in the skin of the ocular adnexa. The authors review the typical presentation, clinical course, and outcome of patients with syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum and compare these data to the case presented here.

Multifocal visual evoked potential recordings in compressive optic neuropathy secondary to pituitary adenoma.

To investigate the effect of pituitary adenoma compressing the optic chiasm on multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) responses and to compare these responses with visual field defects seen on static automated perimetry (SAP). Eight eyes of four subjects (median age, 41.50 years; interquartile range, 33-51 years) who were diagnosed with pituitary adenoma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and seen to have a bitemporal visual field defect on standard automated perimetry (SAP), and twelve age-matched normal subjects (median age, 47.00 years; interquartile range, 34.75-51.75 years) were subjected to multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) testing. The monocular latencies and monocular amplitudes of each sector of cases were compared with the responses of normative database. The topography of the mfVEP response was compared with corresponding field defect as seen in total deviation threshold on SAP to allow a comparison with conventional subjective perimetry. The mfVEP amplitudes were reduced in the areas with visual field defect on SAP. In 6 out of 8 eyes, locations with preserved amplitudes and no visual defects showed prolonged latency. A prolonged median latency of 9.17 ms (interquartile range, 3.44-17.69 ms) in cases was seen when compared to the median latency of 1.67 ms (interquartile range, 0.94-4.17 ms) in age-matched controls with P value of 0.054. Chiasmal compression due to pituitary adenoma causes the reduction of amplitudes and prolongation of latencies of the mfVEP response. The mfVEP can be used to assess objectively the topography of the visual field in compressive optic neuropathy secondary to pituitary adenomas. It can be used in assessing the subjects whose visual field report is unreliable and prolonged median latency can be an early sign of the disease.

Clinical profile, evaluation, management and visual outcome of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a neuro-ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary referral ophthalmic center in India.

AIM: To discuss the clinical features and management of patients who presented with optic disc edema and had features of presumed idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case series of all patients diagnosed to have IIH from January 2000 to December 2003 in the neuro-ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary referral ophthalmic institution, were retrospectively analyzed. Analysis was done for 50/106 patients who fulfilled modified Dandy's criteria and had optic disc edema and a minimal follow-up period of two years. RESULTS: Most (40/50, 80%) of the patients were females and the mean age of presentation for all the 50 patients was 32.89 years. Chief complaints were headache in 38 (76%) patients, 24(48%) patients had transient visual obscuration, 24 (48%) patients had reduced vision, 15 (30%) patients had nausea, vomiting, 4(8%) patients had diplopia. Bilateral disc edema was seen in 46 (92%) patients and unilateral disc edema in 4 (8%) patients. 60 eyes had enlarged blind spot as the common visual field defect. Neuroimaging revealed prominent perioptic CSF spaces in 14 patients and empty sella in three patients. CSF opening pressure was 250-350 mm H2O (water) in 39 patients and was >350 mm H2O in 11 patients. Medical treatment was started for all patients; whereas 35 [70%] patients responded, 15 [30%] patients had to undergo LP shunt.

STIFDB-Arabidopsis Stress Responsive Transcription Factor DataBase.

Elucidating the key players of molecular mechanism that mediate the complex stress-responses in plants system is an important step to develop improved variety of stress tolerant crops. Understanding the effects of different types of biotic and abiotic stress is a rapidly emerging domain in the area of plant research to develop better, stress tolerant plants. Information about the transcription factors, transcription factor binding sites, function annotation of proteins coded by genes expressed during abiotic stress (for example: drought, cold, salinity, excess light, abscisic acid, and oxidative stress) response will provide better understanding of this phenomenon. STIFDB is a database of abiotic stress responsive genes and their predicted abiotic transcription factor binding sites in Arabidopsis thaliana. We integrated 2269 genes upregulated in different stress related microarray experiments and surveyed their 1000 bp and 100 bp upstream regions and 5'UTR regions using the STIF algorithm and identified putative abiotic stress responsive transcription factor binding sites, which are compiled in the STIFDB database. STIFDB provides extensive information about various stress responsive genes and stress inducible transcription factors of Arabidopsis thaliana. STIFDB will be a useful resource for researchers to understand the abiotic stress regulome and transcriptome of this important model plant system.