Hamman Syndrome with a Rare Feature of Pneumorrhachis - An Unusual Complication of Polysubstance abuse and e-vaping.

Hamman syndrome is defined as dissection of air in mediastinum and skin fascia usually due to increased intrathoracic pressure. The air leak tends to make its way into pleural and pericardial layers; however, in rare instances air can also dissect into epidural spaces, regarded as pneumorrhachis. We present a case of a young male with a history of polysubstance abuse and e-vaping, who presented with symptoms of altered mental status. Given the concerning physical examination, a computed tomography of the chest was undertaken, which showed pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and pneumorrhachis. The patient was closely monitored in the intensive care unit and improved after symptomatic management. The symptoms of pneumorrhachis depend on the volume and location of air in intracranial and intraspinal space. Although asymptomatic in our case, it is crucial for clinicians to be aware that pneumorrhachis with Hamman syndrome can potentially cause neurological deficits and cardiopulmonary arrest in severe cases due to increased intraspinal and intracranial hypertension, emphasising the need for close monitoring. LEARNING POINTS: Elevated intrathoracic pressure generated by deep inhalation of an aerosolised product is one of the triggers of air dissection in pleural, pericardial, and mediastinal regions. In rare instances, air can also translocate into intracranial and intraspinal spaces, which is referred to as pneumorrhachis.Mostly asymptomatic, pneumorrhachis has the potential to develop acute neurological deficits due to increased intracranial and intraspinal pressure, validating the need for acute monitoring.Most cases of pneumorrhachis are managed conservatively. However, severe cases warrant decompression or high concentrations of oxygen administration to facilitate air absorption.

Multilayered regulation and implication of flowering time in plants.

Initiation of flowering is a key switch for plants to shift from the vegetative growth to the phase of reproductive growth. This critical phase is essential not only for achieving successful reproduction, but also for facilitating environmental adaptation and maximizing yield potential. In the past decades, the environmental factors and genetic pathways that control flowering time have undergone extensive investigation in both model plant Arabidopsis and various crop species. The impact of environmental factors on plant flowering time is well documented. This paper focuses on the multilayered modulation of flowering time. Recent multi-omics approaches, and genetic screens have revealed additional components that modulate flowering time across various levels, encompassing chromatin modification, transcriptional and post-transcriptional control, as well as translational and post-translational regulation. The interplay between these various layers of regulation creates a finely-tuned system that can respond to a wide variety of inputs and allows plants to adjust flowering time in response to changing environmental conditions. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent progress made in understanding the intricate regulation of flowering time in plants, emphasizing the pivotal molecular components and their intricate interactions. Additionally, we provide an exhaustive list of key genes implicated in the intricate modulation of flowering time and offer a detailed summary of regulators of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and FLOWERING LOCUS (FLC). We also discuss the implications of this knowledge for crop improvement and adaptation to changing environments.

Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome in a patient with severe Babesiosis.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne parasitic infection that can result in various haematological complications. This case report discusses a patient with severe Babesiosis complicated by an unorthodox presentation of Babesiosis-associated haemolytic uremic syndrome. Discussed here is the patient's clinical course and the management strategies employed, with an emphasis on early recognition and treatment of renal failure in the context of severe Babesiosis. Haematologic manifestations of Babesia are common and the severity of disease is dependent on parasite load. While treatment options such as red blood cell exchange have been proposed for severe cases, their impact on clinical outcomes is limited and they may not be readily available in resource-limited settings. Traditional management using antimicrobials has been proposed but there is limited discussion about managing unique presentations such as renal failure in Babesiosis. Hence, understanding the pathophysiology, early recognition and aggressive treatment strategies can optimise clinical outcomes and reduce mortality.

Mitigating potential of polystyrene microplastics on bioavailability, uptake, and toxicity of copper in maize (Zea mays L.).

The coexistence of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) and copper (Cu) has become a pressing issue for croplands. However, limited literature is available regarding the interaction of PSMPs with essential micronutrients in Cu-contaminated soils. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the immobilization potential of PSMPs for micronutrient bioavailability in soil and Cu toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.). A pot experiment was conducted with maize variety "Islamabad gold" exposed to varying Cu concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and PSMPs (150-250 µm size, 0, 1, and 3% w/w) via soil spiking for 60 days. The concentrations of essential micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) in soil and plant tissues were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase) were recorded. The concentration of Cu showed significant reduction in post-harvesting soil by 21, 24.8, 27.6, 29.2, and 30.2% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/kg respectively from pre-sowing soil. On the other hand, the addition of 1%PSMPs and 3%PSMPs declined Cu by 16, 21.6, 24.4, 25.9, 27.8, and 12.6, 16.5, 19.9, 23.2, 25% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/kg respectively. Maize showed significant improvement in growth under combined exposure of Cu and 3% PSMPs compared to individual exposure. The MDA level was decreased under the combined presence of Cu and PSMPs compared to individual Cu exposure. The percentage difference with 1%PSMPs was 98.1, 95.0, 92.0, 90.0, and 89.6%, while with 3%PSMPs was 93.2, 93.2, 87.7, 81.4, and 79.2% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/kg respectively. Moreover, the impact of PSMPs was more prominent at a 3% dose compared to a 1% dose. The findings provided significant knowledge about the potential of PSMPs to mitigate Cu toxicity in maize. Future research should incorporate a variety of particle size distributions at natural conditions for variety-specific differences.

Community-Acquired Meningitis Complicated With Pyogenic Ventriculitis and Hydrocephalus in a Patient With Haematological Malignancy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Meningitis, an infection of the meninges of the central nervous system (CNS), can advance quickly and carries a mortality rate reaching 30% among affected patients. It may become complicated by conditions such as hydrocephalus, ventriculitis, and cerebral abscess. Here, we describe a case of meningitis that was complicated by pyogenic ventriculitis and hydrocephalus in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient presented with acute change in mental status and high-grade fever, with few episodes of non-bloody vomiting. Blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture grew Streptococcus pneumoniae, which was sensitive to ceftriaxone. CT scan of the head showed ventriculomegaly, pansinusitis, and a large left mastoid effusion. MRI of the brain showed layering in ventricles, hydrocephalus, and dural enhancement consistent with pachymeningitis. She was treated with ceftriaxone for 21 days with a meaningful outcome. She was discharged home with near-baseline mental capacity for further physical therapy.

Loss of sigma-2 receptor/TMEM97 is associated with neuropathic injury-induced depression-like behaviors in female mice.

Previous studies have shown that ligands that bind to sigma-2 receptor/TMEM97 (σ2R/TMEM97), a transmembrane protein, have anxiolytic/antidepressant-like properties and relieve neuropathic pain-like effects in rodents. Despite medical interest in σ2R/TMEM97, little affective and pain behavioral characterization has been done using transgenic mice, which limits the development of σ2R/TMEM97 as a viable therapeutic target. Using wild-type (WT) and global Tmem97 knockout (KO) mice, we sought to identify the contribution of Tmem97 in modulating affective and pain-like behaviors using a battery of affective and pain assays, including open field, light/dark preference, elevated plus maze, forced swim test, tail suspension test, and the mechanical sensitivity tests. Our results demonstrate that female Tmem97 KO mice show less anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in light/dark preference and tail suspension tests but not in an open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swim tests at baseline. We next performed spared nerve injury in WT and Tmem97 KO mice to assess the role of Tmem97 in neuropathic pain-induced anxiety and depression. WT mice, but not Tmem97 KO mice, developed a prolonged neuropathic pain-induced depressive-like phenotype when tested ten weeks after nerve injury in females. Our results show that Tmem97 plays a role in modulating anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in naïve animals with a significant change in the presence of nerve injury in female mice. Overall, these data demonstrate that Tmem97 could be a target to alleviate affective comorbidities of pain disorders.Significance Statement Chronic pain comorbidities, including anxiety and depression, present a significant public health challenge. Pharmacological agents developed to target the sigma-2 receptor/TMEM97 (σ2R/TMEM97) have demonstrated promising effects in alleviating anxiety, depression, and pain individually. Our work provides insight on the interaction between σ2R/TMEM97 and neuropathic pain-induced affective behaviors using transgenic mice, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for addressing both the pain and psychiatric components in complex chronic pain disorders.

Vertebral Endplate Defects Induced Mechanical Alterations and Disc Calcification.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional comparative study. OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to explore the calcification potential (BMP2 expression) of intervertebral discs and its association with the presence of vertebral endplate defects visible on MRI. METHODS: Forty-seven herniated lumbar disc samples obtained from patients aged 20-76 (31 M/16F) undergoing surgery. Five-µm thin sections were stained with H&E in order to assign a histological degeneration score (HDS) from 0-15 on the basis of cell density (0-5), structural alterations (0-4), granular changes (0-3) and mucus degeneration (0-3). Sections were immuno-stained with anti BMP-2 antibodies to observe the calcification potential in these discs. In addition, pre-operativeT2-T1 W MRI images of the lumbar spine were analyzed for the presence and type (typical or atypical) of vertebral endplate defects, grade of disc degeneration (Pfirrmann grade I-V), presence of high intensity zones (HIZ), and Modic changes at the operated level. RESULTS: Vertebral endplate defects, Modic changes & HIZ were observed in 81%, 29% and 21% of patients respectively. Mean HDS & BMP-2 expression was 9 ± 2 and mean 71 ± 36 spots/mm2 respectively. Discs with adjacent vertebral endplate defects showed increased cell density (P = .004), mucus degeneration (P = .002), HDS (P = .01) and BMP-2 expression (P = .01). Discs with HIZ also had increased HDS, but significance was seen with increased BMP2 expression (P = .006). HDS showed a positive correlation with BMP 2 expression (r = .30, P = .04). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the altered mechanical environment of discs is strongly associated with BMP-2 expression which is an important marker of intervertebral disc calcification.

The outcomes and complications of percutaneous interventions in chronic total coronary occlusion.

BACKGROUND: The limited availability of complex coronary intervention facilities and qualified operators, due to the high cost associated with chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous intervention (PCI) equipment and a shortage of necessary skills, has led to a scarcity of capable medical centers in Pakistan. This study seeks to examine the outcomes and potential complications associated with CTO PCI procedures conducted at the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories of a prominent national institute in Pakistan, which handles a large volume of cases. RESULTS: Three hundred and six patients were included in the study in the study period of six months. The mean age was 59.49 (± 9.16) years: 256 (83.66%) were male and 50 (16.34%) were female. CTO was successfully re-vascularized in 237 (77.5%) with a complication rate of 13.7%. Two hundred and ninety-eight (97.39%) patients underwent an antegrade approach, while RCA was the most common target vessel (47.71%). Diabetes was the only significant associated risk factor with CTO PCI failure (30.43% vs. 30.43%, P-value = 0.015). CONCLUSION: We achieved an excellent procedural success rate with a low complication rate. CTO procedural failure is associated with a higher complication rate, and diabetes is among the risk factors that lead to higher procedural failure.

Achieving optimal balance: tuning electrical and optical characteristics of carbon electrodes for emerging photovoltaics.

Transparent and conductive electrodes (TCEs) are essential for various optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications, but they often require expensive and complex fabrication methods. In this paper, a unique low-cost, eco-friendly, and scalable method of fabricating TCEs using spray-coated carbon ink is investigated. Firstly the carbon particles used for this process underwent a size reduction from 20 microns to 0.96 microns via ball milling. Then ink was prepared by mixing graphite powder (for conductivity), ethyl cellulose (for viscosity), and toluene (for solubility) with different weight-per-volume ratios (w/v) of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The TCEs were fabricated by spray coating the ink onto glass substrates using an airbrush. The sheet resistance (Ω sq-1) and transparency (%) of the TCEs were measured by a digital multimeter (DMM) probe method and a UV-vis spectrophotometer, respectively. The sheet resistance of the TCEs decreased linearly from 60 to 20 Ω sq-1, while the transparency decreased exponentially from 37.18% to 18.88% as the ink concentration increased from 5% to 15% w/v. This paper also reports the reflectance and absorbance values for each ink concentration. The results demonstrate that spray-coated carbon ink TCEs achieve sheet resistance and transparency values of 20 Ω sq-1 and 18.88%, respectively, with low-cost and eco-friendly materials and methods, which are desirable for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. These TCEs can play an important role as electrodes in semi-transparent perovskite cells enhancing their stability and overall efficiency.

Nerve Detection and Visualization Using Hyperspectral Imaging for Surgical Guidance.

During surgery of delicate regions, differentiation between nerve and surrounding tissue is crucial. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) techniques can enhance the contrast between types of tissue beyond what the human eye can differentiate. Whereas an RGB image captures 3 bands within the visible light range (e.g., 400 nm to 700 nm), HSI can acquire many bands in wavelength increments that highlight regions of an image across a wavelength spectrum. We developed a workflow to identify nerve tissues from other similar tissues such as fat, bone, and muscle. Our workflow uses spectral angle mapper (SAM) and endmember selection. The method is robust for different types of environment and lighting conditions. We validated our workflow on two samples of human tissues. We used a compact HSI system that can image from 400 to 1700 nm to produce HSI of the samples. On these two samples, we achieved an intersection-over-union (IoU) segmentation score of 84.15% and 76.73%, respectively. We showed that our workflow identifies nerve segments that are not easily seen in RGB images. This method is fast, does not rely on special hardware, and can be applied in real time. The hyperspectral imaging and nerve detection approach may provide a powerful tool for image-guided surgery.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma, Version 2.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are essentially different manifestations of the same disease that are similarly managed. A number of molecular and cytogenetic variables with prognostic implications have been identified. Undetectable minimal residual disease at the end of treatment with chemoimmunotherapy or venetoclax-based combination regimens is an independent predictor of improved survival among patients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL. The selection of treatment is based on the disease stage, presence or absence of del(17p) or TP53 mutation, immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region mutation status, patient age, performance status, comorbid conditions, and the agent's toxicity profile. This manuscript discusses the recommendations outlined in the NCCN Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with CLL/SLL.

Local CO2 reservoir layer promotes rapid and selective electrochemical CO2 reduction.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction in aqueous electrolytes is a promising route to produce added-value chemicals and decrease carbon emissions. However, even in Gas-Diffusion Electrode devices, low aqueous CO2 solubility limits catalysis rate and selectivity. Here, we demonstrate that when assembled over a heterogeneous electrocatalyst, a film of nitrile-modified Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) acts as a remarkable CO2-solvation layer that increases its local concentration by ~27-fold compared to bulk electrolyte, reaching 0.82 M. When mounted on a Bi catalyst in a Gas Diffusion Electrode, the MOF drastically improves CO2-to-HCOOH conversion, reaching above 90% selectivity and partial HCOOH currents of 166 mA/cm2 (at -0.9 V vs RHE). The MOF also facilitates catalysis through stabilization of reaction intermediates, as identified by operando infrared spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory. Hence, the presented strategy provides new molecular means to enhance heterogeneous electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction, leading it closer to the requirements for practical implementation.

Potential of melatonin and Trichoderma harzianum inoculation in ameliorating salt toxicity in watermelon: Insights into antioxidant system, leaf ultrastructure, and gene regulation.

Melatonin (MT) is an extensively studied biomolecule with dual functions, serving as an antioxidant and a signaling molecule. Trichoderma Harzianum (TH) is widely recognized for its effectiveness as a biocontrol agent against many plant pathogens. However, the interplay between seed priming and MT (150 µm) in response to NaCl (100 mM) and its interaction with TH have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of MT and TH, alone and in combination, to mitigate salt stress (SS) in watermelon plants. The findings of this study revealed a significant decline in the morphological, physiological, and biochemical indices of watermelon seedlings exposed to SS. However, MT and TH treatments reduced the negative impact of salt stress. The combined application of MT and TH exerted a remarkable positive effect by increasing the growth, photosynthetic and gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence indices, and ion balance (decreasing Na+ and enhancing K+). MT and TH effectively alleviated oxidative injury by inhibiting hydrogen peroxide formation in saline and non-saline environments, as established by reduced lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. Moreover, oxidative injury induced by SS on the cells was significantly mitigated by regulation of the antioxidant system, AsA-GSH-related enzymes, the glyoxalase system, augmentation of osmolytes, and activation of several genes involved in the defense system. Additionally, the reduction in oxidative damage was examined by chloroplast integrity via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Overall, the results of this study provide a promising contribution of MT and TH in safeguarding the watermelon crop from oxidative damage induced by salt stress.

Incidental AVF creation during unrelated hospitalization is associated with worse outcomes compared with outpatient AVF creation.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation during an inpatient hospitalization is often performed for patient convenience and to ensure compliance. We sought to evaluate whether this approach has comparable outcomes to outpatient AVF creation. METHODS: We identified patients undergoing index AVF creation from the United States Renal Data System dataset (2012-2017). Patients were grouped into outpatient and inpatient. Outpatient included patients that were operated in either an outpatient setting, ambulatory surgical center or were admitted inpatient on the day of AVF creation. Inpatient included only patients with claims for an inpatient visit before access creation. Multiple safety outcomes were compared between groups using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression methods generating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). One-year maturation rates were compared using competing-risks regression methods generating sub-hazard ratios (sHR) and 95% CI. Outcomes were also compared after 1:1 propensity score matching. RESULTS: We identified 68,872 patients undergoing AVF creation, 4855 (7.1%) of which were created during inpatient hospitalization. Patients in the inpatient group were older (65.8 ± 13.8 vs 65.2 ± 13.8, p = 0.002), more likely to be of Black race (28.1% vs 26.8%, p = 0.02), and have cardiovascular comorbidities (all p < 0.05). Patients in the inpatient groups were more likely to be dialyzed at for-profit (88.1% vs 85.9%, p < 0.01) and freestanding (94.8% vs 92.9%, p < 0.01) dialysis centers. On both unadjusted and adjusted analysis, inpatient group was more likely to experience 30-day adverse events (e.g. pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, stroke, myocardial infarction), any complication, and all-cause mortality. On competing risks analysis, successful two-needle cannulation at 1 year was significantly less likely in the inpatient group (68.1% vs 76.8%, p < 0.01; sHR = 0.68 [95% CI, 0.65-0.71], p < 0.01). These trends were robust on 1:1 propensity matching. CONCLUSION: Incidental AVF creation in hospitalized patients is associated with worse outcomes, ranging from mortality to postoperative complications to fistula maturation, compared with outpatient AVF creation.

Heart Failure and Echocardiography Derived Myocardial Wall Stress Link in Diabetic Cases with Acute Myocardial Infarction Managed by Revascularization.

Background: Diabetes is associated with left ventricular remodeling. Myocardial wall stress is a measurable factor connected to the ventricular breadth and force and is related to myocardial thickness; it can be measured by echocardiography. The present study aimed to assess the link between heart failure (HF) and echocardiography-derived myocardial wall stress in diabetic patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who were managed with revascularization. Methods: This study was a comparative prospective study that took place between February 2022 and February 2023. It included 100 diabetic patients presented with STEMI and managed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were selected from the cardiology departments at Al-Azhar University Hospital, Damietta, Egypt. During the hospital stay, patients were checked for HF symptoms and signs. They were also observed for 3 months after discharge for detection of HF. Those who did not develop HF were assigned to group I, and those with HF were assigned to group II. Results: The mean value of end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) was 77.09 ± 12.22 and 97 ± 13.44, and the mean value of end-diastolic wall stress (EDWS) was 12.61 ± 2.76 and 15.87 ± 2.86 in groups I and II respectively, with significant differences between the 2 groups. The cutoff point to detect HF was 88 KPa for ESWS and 13.5 KPa for EDWS, with a sensitivity of 70% and 79% and a specificity of 80% and 61% for ESWS and EDWS, respectively. Conclusion: Elevated left ventricle (LV) myocardial stress is related to increased HF in diabetic patients whose HF was managed by PCI after STEMI. LV wall stress is a potentially helpful risk stratification tool using routine echocardiography to determine the treatment plane according to the risk status.

A novel immunoinformatics approach for developing a poly-epitope vaccine targeting foot and mouth disease virus, exploiting structural VP proteins.

Foot and mouth Disease virus (FMDV) belongs to Picornaviridae family and Aphthovirus genus causing Foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cloven-hoofed animals. FMDV, a prevalent virus induces both acute and chronic infections with high mutation rates resulting in seven primary serotypes, making vaccine development indispensable. Due to time and cost effectiveness of the immunoinformatic approach, we designed in-silico polyepitope vaccine (PEV) for the curtailment of FMDV. Structural and immunogenic parts of FMDV (Viral Protein 1 (VP1), Viral Protein 2 (VP2), Viral Protein 3 (VP3), and Viral Protein 4 (VP4)) were used to design the cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL), Helper T Lymphocyte (HTL), and B-cell epitopes, followed by screening for antigenic, non-allergenic, Interferon (IFN) simulator, and non-toxicity, which narrowed down to 7 CTL, 3 HTL, and 12 B-cell epitopes. These selected epitopes were linked using appropriate linkers and Cholera Toxin B (CTB) adjuvant for immunological modulation. The physiochemical analyses followed by the structure prediction demonstrated the stability, hydrophilicity and solubility of the PEV. The interactions and stability between the vaccine, Toll like Receptor 3 (TLR3) and Toll like receptor 7 (TLR7) were revealed by molecular docking and Molecular Mechanics/Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) with high stability and compactness verified by MD simulation. In-silico immune simulation demonstrated a strong immunological response. FMDV-PEV (Poly epitope vaccine) will be effectively produced in an E. coli system, as codon optimization and cloning in an expression vector was performed. The effectiveness, safety, and immunogenicity profile of FMDV-PEV may be confirmed by further experimental validations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The structural and immunogenic parts of FMDV were targeted for developing VaccineCTB-adjuvant and appropriate linkers, enhancing the immunogenicity of the PEVMinimal deformability and high stability of Vaccine using immunoinformaticsStrong antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune response of potential vaccineResults indicating the effectiveness, safety, and immunogenicity of the PEV.

A comprehensive overview of omics-based approaches to enhance biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in sweet potato.

Biotic and abiotic stresses negatively affect the yield and overall plant developmental process, thus causing substantial losses in global sweet potato production. To cope with stresses, sweet potato has evolved numerous strategies to tackle ever-changing surroundings and biological and environmental conditions. The invention of modern sequencing technology and the latest data processing and analysis instruments has paved the way to integrate biological information from different approaches and helps to understand plant system biology more precisely. The advancement in omics technologies has accumulated and provided a great source of information at all levels (genome, transcript, protein, and metabolite) under stressful conditions. These latest molecular tools facilitate us to understand better the plant's responses to stress signaling and help to process/integrate the biological information encoded within the biological system of plants. This review briefly addresses utilizing the latest omics strategies for deciphering the adaptive mechanisms for sweet potatoes' biotic and abiotic stress tolerance via functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. This information also provides a powerful reference to understand the complex, well-coordinated stress signaling genetic regulatory networks and better comprehend the plant phenotypic responses at the cellular/molecular level under various environmental stimuli, thus accelerating the design of stress-resilient sweet potato via the latest genetic engineering approaches.

Biosafety and toxicity assessment of transgenic cotton-harboring insecticide and herbicide tolerant genes on albino mice.

Introduction: Genetic engineering has revolutionized agriculture by transforming biotic and abiotic stress-resistance genes in plants. The biosafety of GM crops is a major concern for consumers and regulatory authorities. Methodology: A 14-week biosafety and toxicity analysis of transgenic cotton, containing 5 transgenes ((Cry1Ac, Cry2A, CP4 EPSPS, VIP3Aa, and ASAL)), was conducted on albino mice. Thirty mice were divided into three groups (Conventional, Non-transgenic, without Bt, and transgenic, containing targeted crop) according to the feed given, with 10 mice in each group, with 5 male and 5 female mice in each group. Results: During the study, no biologically significant changes were observed in the non-transgenic and transgenic groups compared to the control group in any of the study's parameters i.e. increase in weight of mice, physiological, pathological, and molecular analysis, irrespective of the gender of the mice. However, a statistically significant change was observed in the hematological parameters of the male mice, while no such change was observed in the female study group mice. The expression analysis, however, of the TNF gene increases many folds in the transgenic group as compared to the non-transgenic and conventional groups. Conclusion: Overall, no physiological, pathological, or molecular toxicity was observed in the mice fed with transgenic feed. Therefore, it can be speculated that the targeted transgenic crop is biologically safe. However, more study is required to confirm the biosafety of the product on the animal by expression profiling.

PIF4 interacts with ABI4 to serve as a transcriptional activator complex to promote seed dormancy by enhancing ABA biosynthesis and signaling.

Transcriptional regulation plays a key role in the control of seed dormancy, and many transcription factors (TFs) have been documented. However, the mechanisms underlying the interactions between different TFs within a transcriptional complex regulating seed dormancy remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that TF PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) physically interacted with the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling responsive TF ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE4 (ABI4) to act as a transcriptional complex to promote ABA biosynthesis and signaling, finally deepening primary seed dormancy. Both pif4 and abi4 single mutants exhibited a decreased primary seed dormancy phenotype, with a synergistic effect in the pif4/abi4 double mutant. PIF4 binds to ABI4 to form a heterodimer, and ABI4 stabilizes PIF4 at the protein level, whereas PIF4 does not affect the protein stabilization of ABI4. Subsequently, both TFs independently and synergistically promoted the expression of ABI4 and NCED6, a key gene for ABA anabolism. The genetic evidence is also consistent with the phenotypic, physiological and biochemical analysis results. Altogether, this study revealed a transcriptional regulatory cascade in which the PIF4-ABI4 transcriptional activator complex synergistically enhanced seed dormancy by facilitating ABA biosynthesis and signaling.