Probing of plant transcriptomes reveals the hidden genetic diversity of the family Secoviridae.

Secoviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses that infect plants. In the present study, we identified 61 putative novel secoviral genomes in various plant species by mining publicly available plant transcriptome data. These viral sequences represent the genomes of 13 monopartite and 48 bipartite secovirids. The genome sequences of 52 secovirids were coding-complete, and nine were partial. Except for small open reading frames (ORFs) determined in waikaviral genomes and RNA2 of torradoviruses, all of the recovered genomes/genome segments contained a large ORF encoding a polyprotein. Based on genome organization and phylogeny, all but three of the novel secoviruses were assigned to different genera. The genome organization of two identified waika-like viruses resembled that of the recently identified waika-like virus Triticum aestivum secovirus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a pattern of host-virus co-evolution in a few waika- and waika-like viruses and increased phylogenetic diversity of nepoviruses. The study provides a basis for further investigation of the biological properties of these novel secoviruses.

An efficient high-gain bidirectional interleaved boost converter for PV integration to DC microgrid.

The design of a power electronic interface for high voltage difference DC buses is a key aspect in DC microgrid applications. A multi-port non isolated interleaved high-voltage gain bidirectional converter, which facilitates bidirectional power transfer and islanded operation in a DC microgrid, is presented in this paper. The forward high-voltage transfer ratio is achieved using a voltage multiplier circuit, and the high-gain step-down power conversion is performed using a resonant power module. A novel power transfer selection algorithm is proposed to control power flow among the interfaces of the RES, ESS, and DC grid converters, which utilizes the net power difference as the basis for switching the converter. The proposed converter is simulated for a 24 V PV source, 12 V battery, and 400 V DC grid interface using MATLAB/SIMULINK. A 200 W hardware prototype is implemented. The simulation results for voltages, currents, and power flow among RES, ESS, and microgrid DC bus proved an excellent voltage regulation, efficient power conversion, and a feasible duty cycle range with high voltage gain. These observations are validated through equivalent experimental results. A comparison is made regarding achieved gain, component sizing, achievable power transfer modes, efficiency, and control complexity with existing converters for DC microgrid applications. The presented topology proved to be a better interface with multiple-mode support with high efficiency.

Role of COVID 19 Inflammatory Markers in Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis: A Case Study in Predisposed Patients at a Designated Nodal Centre.

Mucormycosis is a very morbid and potentially life threatening fungal infection. Sudden emergence and rapidly increasing numbers, of an otherwise rare infection in active Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or recently recovered patients has made us question the cause for this epidemic in India. This retrospective cohort study was done at Government Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) hospital, Hyderabad, a designated nodal centre for mucormycosis for the state of Telangana, between April 2021 and June 2021. This study included patients with mucormycosis who had a recent history of COVID-19 infection. Potential predisposing factors (diabetes mellitus, history of oxygen and corticosteroids usage) and inflammatory marker values, predominantly deranged in COVID-19 infection (D-dimer and Serum Ferritin) were evaluated. A correlation between the marker values and susceptibility factors was also studied. Majority of these subjects showed elevated serum markers and had one or more of the predisposing factors for COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). A significant association was found between elevated marker values and susceptibility factors (diabetes, use of oxygen). Contrary to the popular belief, that the inadvertent use of steroids, use of industrial oxygen or elevated blood sugars caused this epidemic, our study concludes that their role is limited to affecting the extent of morbidity/mortality. B.1.1.7 and B.6.117 variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2), predominant during the second wave in India, facilitated the fungal invasion and spread by altering the gene expression and inducing inflammatory and immunomodulatory changes.

Spectrophotometric determination of gold(III) in forensic and pharmaceutical samples and results complemented with ICP AES and EDXRF analysis.

Spectrophotometric method with three systems were developed here for the determination of gold(III) using o-dianisidine, aniline sulphate and catechol. Gold(III),in the system 1 it oxidizes o-dianisidine, in the system 2 it oxidizes catechol followed by its coupling with o-dianisidine, in the system 3 it oxidizes catechol followed by its coupling with aniline sulphate forming dye products with respective λmax 446nm, 540nm, and 505nm. All the three systems were optimized and analytical parameters were calculated. The molar absorptivity values were 9.27×104, 1.97×104 and 1.62×104 respectively for the systems 1, 2 and 3 with the corresponding Sandell sensitivity values (µgcm-2), 0.0021, 0.0096 and 0.011. The optimized systems were used for the determination of gold present in some forensic jewellery and pharmaceutical samples and the results obtained were compared with the results of all samples determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometric method and a few of them were also complemented by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescent spectral analysis.

Antiarthritic activity of a polyherbal formulation against Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in Female Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVES: To formulate a polyherbal formulation and evaluate its antiarthritic activity against Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in Female Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Glycosmis pentaphylla, Tridax procumbens, and Mangifera indica are well-known plants available throughout India and they are commonly used for the treatment of various diseases including arthritis. The polyherbal formulation was formulated using the ethanol extracts of the stem bark of G. pentaphylla , whole plant of T. procumbens, and leaves of M. indica. The polyherbal formulation contains the ethanol extracts of G. pentaphylla, T. procumbens, and M. indica in the ratio of 2:2:1. The quality of the finished product was evaluated as per the World Health Organization's guidelines for the quality control of herbal materials. Arthritis was induced in female Wistar rats using Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), and the antiarthritic effect of polyherbal formulation was studied at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. The effects were compared with those of indomethacin (10 mg/kg). At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological analysis. The radiological examination was carried out before terminating the study. RESULTS: Polyherbal formulation showed significant antiarthritic activity at 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, and this effect was comparable with that of indomethacin. The antiarthritic activity of polyherbal formulation is supported by biochemical and hematological analysis. CONCLUSION: The polyherbal formulation showed signinicant antiarthritic activity against FCA-induced arthritis in female Wistar rats.

Comparison of shear bond strength of aesthetic restorative materials.

AIM: The present study was conducted to determine and compare the shear bond strengths of Conventional glass ionomer; Resin-modified glass ionomer; Polyacid-modified composite and Composite Resin, and to assess and determine the mode of failure (adhesive, cohesive, mixed). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Occlusal dentin of 40 extracted human teeth were randomly divided into four groups of ten teeth, each based on the restorative materials tested as follows: Group I: Conventional Glass Ionomer Cement (Control); Group II: Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement; Group III: Polyacid-modified Composite Resin; Group IV: Hybrid Composite Resin. The bonded materials were subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) testing in a Instron Universal Testing Machine (UTM) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The bond failure location was examined by the use of a stereomicroscope at 10× magnification. The mean SBS of Groups I-IV obtained was 3.81, 9.71, 11.96 and 18.16 MPa, respectively. Comparison of mean shear bond strengths of all groups was done by one way ANOVA test and comparison of means in between groups by the Student's t test. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the compomer restorative materials show higher shear bond strength than conventional glass-ionomer and resin-modified glass-ionomer, but less than composite resin.

The free rotated papilla autograft--a bilaminar procedure for the coverage of multiple shallow gingival recessions: a biometric evaluation.

UNLABELLED: The present clinical study was attempted to evaluate biometrically the predictability of free rotated papilla autograft for multiple shallow gingival recessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen systemically healthy patients with multiple gingival recessions underwent the procedure the probing depth, percentage of root coverage width of keratinized gingiva, width of attached gingiva were recorded at baseline 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: All parameters significantly improved from baseline to 12 months. The mean probing depth 1 mm ± 0 mm at baseline which was increased to 1.175 ± 0.245 mm at the end of 3 months and remained same at 12 months. The mean gingival recession was 2.35 ± 0.516 mm at baseline which was improved to 0.425 ± 0.245 mm at the end of 3 months and remained same at 12 months. The mean width of keratinized gingiva was 1.157 ± 0.245 mm at baseline which was improved to 3.15 ± 0.489 mm at the end of 3 months and remained same at 12 months. The mean width of attached gingiva 0.175 ± 0.245 mm at baseline which was improved to 1.975 ± 0.415 mm at the end of 3 months and remained same at 12 months. CONCLUSION: The mucogingival surgery resulted in achieving high degree of success and predictability as well as an excellent esthetic outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Free rotated papilla autograft is a predictable treatment modality for multiple shallow gingival recessions.

Salvage versus amputation: Utility of mangled extremity severity score in severely injured lower limbs.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical utility of Mangled extremity severity score (MESS) in severely injured lower limbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively 25 and prospectively 36 lower limbs in 58 patients with high-energy injuries were evaluated with the use of MESS, to assist in the decision-making process for the care of patients with such injuries. Difference between the mean MESS scores for amputated and salvaged limbs was analyzed. RESULTS: In the retrospective study 4.65 (4.65 ± 1.32) was the mean score for the salvaged limbs and 8.80 (8.8 ± 1.4) for the amputated limbs. In the prospective study 4.53 (4.53 ± 2.44) was the mean score for the salvaged limbs and 8.83 (8.83 ± 2.34) for the amputated limbs. There was a significant difference in the mean scores for salvaged and amputated limbs. Retrospective 21 (84%) and prospective 29 (80.5%) limbs remained in the salvage pathway six months after the injury. CONCLUSION: MESS could predict amputation of severely injured lower limbs, having score of equal or more than 7 with 91% sensitivity and 98% specificity. There was a significant difference in the mean MESS scores in the prospective study (n=36), 4.53 (4.53 ± 2.44) in thirty salvaged limbs (83.33%) and 8.83 (8.83 ± 2.34) in six amputated limbs (16.66%) with a P-value 0.002 (P-value < 0.01). Similarly there was a significant difference in the mean MESS score in the retrospective study (n=25), 4.65 (4.65 ± 1.32) in twenty salvaged limbs (80%) and 8.80 (8.8 ± 1.4) in five amputated limbs (20%) with a P-value 0.00005 (P-value < 0.01). MESS is a simple and relatively easy and readily available scoring system which can help the surgeon to decide the fate of the lower extremity with a high-energy injury.

Generation of regiospecific carbanions under electrospray ionisation conditions and their selectivity in ion-molecule reactions with CO2.

Regiospecific formation of carbanions from a set of geometrical (cis and trans isomers) and five different sets of positional isomers (ortho, meta and para isomers) of aromatic carboxylic acids is reported under negative electrospray ionisation conditions by decarboxylation of the carboxylate anions. The structures of decarboxylated anions, [(M-H)-CO(2)](-), are studied by ion-molecule reactions with carbon dioxide in the collision cell of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The [(M-H)-CO(2)](-) ions generated from the trans and meta/para isomers react with CO(2) to produce product ions corresponding to the addition of one CO(2), which confirms the survival of the [(M-H)-CO(2)](-) ions as carbanions. On the other hand, the [(M-H)-CO(2)](-) ions generated from cis and ortho isomers failed to react with CO(2) due to rapid isomerisation of the initially generated carbanion to a aromatic carboxylate/oxide anion, which is unreactive with CO(2), through a facile intramolecular proton transfer from the proton-containing substituent to the carbanion site. When the experiments were performed at high desolvation temperatures (300 degrees C), instead of 100 degrees C, the relative abundance of [(M-H)-CO(2)](-) ions and the corresponding CO(2) adduct in ion-molecule reaction experiments increased significantly due to minimisation of proton exchange. Quantum chemical calculations on some of the generated isomeric carbanions and their isomerised products due to proton transfer support the selective stability of carbanions.

Electrospray ionization studies of transition-metal complexes of 2-acetylbenzimidazolethiosemicarbazone using collision-induced dissociation and ion-molecule reactions.

The complexes of transition-metal ions (M2+, where M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Hg) with 2-acetylbenzimidazolethiosemicarbazone (L) are studied under electrospray ionization (ESI) conditions. The ESI mass spectra of Fe and Co complexes showed the complex ions corresponding to [M+2L-2H]+, and those of Ni and Zn complexes showed [M+2L-H]+ ions, wherein the metal/ligand ratio is 1:2 and the oxidation state of the central metal ion is +3 in the case of Fe and Co and +2 in the case of Ni and Zn. The Cd and Cu complexes showed preferentially 1:1 complex ions, i.e., [M+L-H]+ or [M+L+Cl]+, whereas Hg formed both 1:1 and 1:2 complex ions. During formation of the above complex ions one or two ligands are deprotonated after keto-enol tautomerism, depending on the nature and oxidation state of central metal ion. The structures and coordination numbers of the metal ions in the complex ions were studied by their collision-induced dissociation spectra and ion-molecule reactions with acetonitrile or propylamine in the collision cell. Based on these results it is concluded that Fe, Co, Ni and Zn form stable octahedral complexes, whereas tetrahedral or square planar complexes are formed preferentially for other metals. In addition, the Cu complex showed a [2L+2Cu-3H]+ ion with a Cu-Cu bond.

The effect of spacer chain length on ion binding to bidentate alpha,omega-diamines: contrasting ordering for H+ and Li+ ion affinities.

Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry studies and quantum chemical calculations indicate that bidentate ligation of Li+ ion to the diamines leads to symmetric bridging and exhibits contrasting relative affinity orderings compared to that of proton for alpha,omega-diamines.

Dissociation of gas-phase dimeric complexes of lactic acid and transition-metal ions formed under electrospray ionization conditions; the role of reduction of the metal ion.

Dimeric complex ions of the type [M(A-H)A]+, where M=metal ion (Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and A=ligand (lactic acid, methyl lactate or ethyl lactate), were generated in the gas phase under electrospray ionization conditions. The collision-induced dissociation spectra of [M(A-H)A]+ ions were recorded to study the behaviour of ligand and metal ions in decomposition of these dimeric complex ions. Based on the fragmentation pathways observed for complex ions of lactic acid, it is found that both the carboxylic and hydroxyl groups of lactic acid are involved in the complex formation following displacement of a proton by the metal ion. The dimeric complex ions of Co, Ni, and Zn dissociated to yield similar types of ions, whereas that of Cu behaved differently. The dissociations of Co-, Ni-, and Zn-bound dimeric complexes involved losses of neutral molecules while keeping the oxidation state of the metal ion unchanged. However, elimination of radicals is found in the dissociation of dimeric complex ions of Cu, and the oxidation state of copper is reduced from Cu(II) to Cu(I) in the resulting fragment ions. The deprotonated ligand is involved in the fragmentation pathway of Cu complexes, whereas it is intact in other complexes. The oxidation state of the metal ion, nature of the ligand, and site of attachment to the metal ion are found to control the dissociation of these dimeric complex ions.

Coordination chemistry of chromium-Salen complexes studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

The gas-phase coordination behavior of the [Cr(III)(Salen)]PF(6) complex at the free axial positions has been studied in the presence of amines as ligands (propylamine and a series of diamines) under electrospray ionization conditions. The [Cr(III)(Salen)](+) complex formed stable five- and six-coordinated complex ions, [Cr(III)(Salen)(L)](+) and [Cr(III)(Salen)(L)(2)](+), respectively, where L = solvent molecule or amine. When diamines were used as ligands, abundant [Cr(III)(Salen)(L)](+) ions were observed in which two axial positions of the [Cr(III)(Salen)](+) species are occupied by the two amino groups of the diamine ligand. The relative abundances of ligated complex ions, fragment ions, and solvent adducts of fragment ions in the ESI mass spectra, were found to depend on the cone voltage used to record the spectrum. The ESI mass spectra of [Cr(III)(Salen)](+) in the presence of diamines as ligands, and experiments on ligand-pickup in the collision cell, clearly demonstrated that the [Cr(III)(Salen)(L)](+) complex ion is stable for 1,2-diaminoethane and 1,3-diaminopropane. The stability of [Cr(III)(Salen)(L)](+) ions gradually decreased from 1,4-diaminobutane to 1,6-diaminohexane, and then showed a slight increase for 1,7-diaminoheptane and 1,8-diaminooctane. The collision-induced dissociation spectra of [Cr(III)(Salen)(L)](+) ions support the above observations.

Negative ion electrospray ionization mass spectral study of dicarboxylic acids in the presence of halide ions.

The negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra of a series of dicarboxylic acids, a pair of isomeric (cis/trans) dicarboxylic acids and two pairs of isomeric (positional) substituted benzoic acids, including a pair of hydroxybenzoic acids, were recorded in the presence of halide ions (F(-), Cl(-), Br(-) and I(-)). The ESI mass spectra contained [M--H](-) and [M+X](-) ions, and formation of these ions is found to be characteristic of both the analyte and the halide ion used. The analytes showed a greater tendency to form adduct ions with Cl(-) under ESI conditions compared with the other halide ions used. The isomeric compounds yielded distinct spectra by which the isomers could be easily distinguished. The collision-induced dissociation mass spectra of [M+X](-) ions reflected the gas-phase basicities of both the halide ion and [M--H](-) ion of the analyte. However, the relative ordering of gas-phase basicities of all analyte [M--H](-) and halide ions could not account for the dominance of chloride ion adducts in ESI mass spectra of the analytes mixed with equimolar quantities of the four halides.

Effect of drug solubility and different excipients on floating behaviour and release from glyceryl monooleate matrices.

Glycerol monooleate (GMO) matrix was found to be a gastro-retentive carrier system suitable for both polar and as well as non-polar drugs. Chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) and diazepam (DZP) were used as model drugs. Effect of PEG 4000, PEG 10000, and stearic acid on floatability and release profile was studied. Water uptake increased with increase in the loading of polar drug (CPM) and decreased with non-polar drug (DZP). Similar effect was found to occur in case of drug release. PEGs increased the release up to certain concentration and decreased thereafter. Drug release decreased linearly with concentration of stearic acid. The type and extent of mesophases formed were significantly affected by the nature of drug, excipients and their concentration. Thus the selection of suitable excipients depending on polarity of drug, could help to modulate the floatability and release profile from GMO matrices.

First Report of the Bemisia tabaci B Biotype in India and an Associated Tomato leaf curl virus Disease Epidemic.

In May 1999, in the Kolar district of Karnataka State, Bemisia tabaci numbers on tomato increased by approximately 1,000-fold that observed previously (3). This was associated with an epidemic of severe tomato leaf curl disease that caused complete crop failure. DNAs extracted from 35 symptomatic tomato leaf samples collected within the epidemic region all gave the expected 500 to 600 bp amplicon with begomovirus-specific primers A/B (1). These primers amplify from the conserved nonanucleotide TAATATTAC in the common region of DNA-A to the conserved amino acid sequence CEGPCKYG within the coat protein gene. AluI and TaqI restriction patterns of all 35 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were identical. One PCR product from an epidemic (GenBank no. AF321929) and a non-epidemic (AF321930) site (Bangalore) were cloned and sequenced. The two 531-bp inserts showed 96% nucleotide identity to each other and 94% nucleotide identity to the equivalent region of Tomato leaf curl Bangalore virus (ToLCBV-Ban-4) (AF165098), suggesting that the epidemic was caused by an indigenous ToLCBV strain. Adult B. tabaci were collected from tomato plants at nine sites within the epidemic. DNA was extracted from 9 to 13 individuals per site and analyzed by RAPD-PCR using primers OpB20 and OpB11. Eighty to 100% of individuals per site had identical patterns to those of B biotype individuals from Israel and Florida, which were different to the patterns produced by the indigenous Indian B. tabaci. Adult B. tabaci from the epidemic and nonepidemic (Bangalore) regions were cultured separately on zucchini plants (n = 20) vars. Fordhook and Ambassador. Distinct silverleaf symptoms appeared in all plants fed on by the epidemic B. tabaci, but not on those fed on by the nonepidemic whiteflies. Irregular ripening of tomatoes was also a widespread problem in the epidemic area. Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) (720 bp) gene sequences were obtained for epidemic (AF321927) and nonepidemic (AF321928) B. tabaci, which had only 80% nucleotide identity to each other. A GenBank BLAST search showed that the former were most similar to B biotype whitefly from Israel (AF164667; 97%) and Texas (AF164675; 99%). The B biotype transmits Indian ToLCBV (2) and its introduction into India is of great concern as it is already associated with a devastating plant-disease epidemic. References: (1) D. Deng et al. Ann. App. Biol. 125:327, 1994. (2) P. F. McGrath and B. D. Harrison. Ann. App. Biol. 126:307, 1995. (3) H. K. Ramappa et al. Ann. App. Biol. 133:187, 1998.