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Objective: Honey is a natural sweet substance known for various health benefits and is used in many traditional medicines and dietary supplements. It contains various bioactive constituents like sugars, amino acids, polyphenols, flavonoids and various minerals. Quality control of honey is an essential part for ensuring its health benefits and therapeutic usage. In the present study, honey was analyzed by using various spectroscopic approaches and physicochemical methods. Methods: The samples of honey were analyzed by Thin-layer Chromatography (TLC) derivatization, ATR-FTIR, and 1H-NMR fingerprint and the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) were measured by Uv-Vis spectrophotometry and analysis were carried out for various physicochemical parameters of honey. Results: All the physicochemical parameters of the honey were as per the desired quality. The UV-Vis analysis was successfully used in the determination of total phenolics and flavonoid contents in the samples of honey. TLC analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, phenolics, sugars and carbohydrates in honey. The Thin-Layer chromatography analysis showed good resolution for various components of honey on the TLC plates. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of various functional groups characteristic of amino acids, carbohydrates and sugars, which was further supported by 1H NMR chemical profiling. Conclusion: In the present work, the application of various spectroscopic techniques and physicochemical tests were found to be useful in analysis of honey.

The brain is the interior most part of the central nervous system and is an intracranial solid neoplasm. Tumour’s are created by an abnormal and uncontrollable cell division in the brain. In this work, axial view of the brain image (2D) from MRI scan has been used because MRI scan is less harmful than CT brain scan. The study of brain tumor is important as it is occurring in many people. In this paper, an image segmentation process was proposed for the identification or detection of tumor from the brain. The methodology consists of the following steps: pre-processing by using grey-level, sharpening and median filters; segmentation of the image was performed by thresholding and also by applying the watershed segmentation. Finally the tumor region was obtained with its area [1].

Background: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) is the mainstay for non-invasive respiratory support for all respiratory distress neonates. Recent advances in Heated humidified high flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) usage with enhanced humidity, and improved comfort factors have led to its widespread use, at times replacing nCPAP in many neonatal settings. The present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of HHHFNC compared with nCPAP for non-invasive respiratory support in post-extubation period. Methods: A hospital based randomized controlled trial was conducted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of S. Nijalingappa Medical College and HSK Hospital, Bagalkot from January 2019 to June 2020. 140 post-extubated neonates were enrolled for the study after obtaining informed consent from parents, and those who were directly extubated to no support and with major congenital anomalies were excluded from the study. Randomization was done by computer generated random number allocation method. Results: Of the140 babies, 60% were males and 40% were females. Out of 84 male neonates, 47 (67.1%) were on nCPAP and 37 (32.9%) on HHHFNC and out of 56 female neonates 23 (32.9%) were on nCPAP and 33 (47.1%) on HFNC. In this study, 4 babies on nCPAP required re-intubation within 72 hours. 5 babies on HHHFNC, 3 babies required re-intubation within 72 hours and 2 babies within 5 days. The incidence of nasal trauma, hospital stay and duration of NIV support were less in HHHFNC group as compared to nCPAP group. Conclusions: HHHFNC therapy is as effective as nCPAP therapy for the facilitation of extubation in neonates.

Introduction and Aim: Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO’s-preterm birth, foetal growth restriction and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP)) are the primary drivers of perinatal mortality. C-Reactive Protein, Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Alpha-FetoProtein (AFP) have shown promise in predicting these APO’s. Aim of this present work is to validate the predictive ability of these biomarkers to identify women at risk for preterm birth. Materials and Methods: A nested observational case-control study was performed drawing nulliparous pregnant women between 10 to 13 weeks and 17 to 21 weeks of gestation in nulliparous women randomized to aspirin or placebo as part of the ASPIRIN (Aspirin Supplementation for Pregnancy Indicated Risk Reduction in Nulliparas) trial. Results: A total of 126 women with these APO’s and 143 controls were selected for analyte analysis. None of the chosen analytes were found to predict preterm birth before 37 weeks or HDP. AFP obtained between 10 to 13 weeks, was able to moderately discriminate against women who had a preterm birth prior to 34 weeks (C-statistic 0.65- 95% CI 0.55 to 0.78). No other analytes were found to be predictive of preterm birth prior to 34 weeks. Conclusion: Elevated Alpha-FetoProtein early in pregnancy is associated with early preterm birth (PTB) and may be a marker of Aspirin efficacy.

Protein-based biostimulants (PBBs) have a positive effect on plant development, although the biological background for this effect is not well understood. Here, hydrolyzed wheat gluten (HWG) and potato protein film (PF) in two levels (1 and 2 g/kg soil) and in two different soils (low and high nutrient; LNC and HNC) were used as PBBs. The effect of these PBBs on agronomic traits, sugars, protein, and peptides, as well as metabolic processes, were evaluated on sugar beet in comparison with no treatment (control) and treatment with nutrient solution (NS). The results showed a significant growth enhancement of the plants using HWG and PF across the two soils. Sucrose and total sugar content in the roots were high in NS-treated plants and correlated to root growth in HNC soil. Traits related to protein composition, including nitrogen, peptide, and RuBisCO contents, were enhanced in PBB-treated plants (mostly for HWG and PF at 2 g/kg soil) by 100% and >250% in HNC and LNC, respectively, compared to control. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes associated with ribosomes and photosynthesis were upregulated in the leaf samples of plants treated with either HWG or PP compared to the control. Furthermore, genes associated with the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were largely down-regulated in root samples of HWG or PF-treated plants. Thus, the PBBs enhanced protein-related traits in the plants through a higher transcription rate of genes related to protein- and photosynthesis, which resulted in increased plant growth, especially when added in certain amounts (2 g/kg soil). However, sucrose accumulation in the roots of sugar beet seemed to be related to the easy availability of nitrogen.

Nitrogen pollution is a widespread and growing problem in the coastal waters of South Asia yet the ecological impacts on the region’s coral ecosystems are currently poorly known and understood. South Asia hosts just under 7% of global coral reef coverage but has experienced significant and widespread coral loss in recent decades. The extent to which this coral ecosystem decline at the regional scale can be attributed to the multiple threats posed by nitrogen pollution has been largely overlooked in the literature. Here, we assess the evidence for nitrogen pollution impacts on corals in the central Indian Ocean waters of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We find that there is currently limited evidence with which to clearly demonstrate widespread impacts on coral reefs from nitrogen pollution, including from its interactions with other stressors such as seawater warming. However, this does not prove there are no significant impacts, but rather it reflects the paucity of appropriate observations and related understanding of the range of potential impacts of nitrogen pollution at individual, species and ecosystem levels. This situation presents significant research, management and conservation challenges given the wide acceptance that such pollution is problematic. Following from this, we recommend more systematic collection and sharing of robust observations, modelling and experimentation to provide the baseline on which to base prescient pollution control action.

PDF file, 53KB, Activity of SL-176 Combined with Trastuzumab.

PDF file, 39KB, Surrobody Treatment Reduces Cell Surface ErbB3.

PDF file, 41KB, Activities of Surrobodies Combined with Cetuximab.

PDF file, 54KB, Surrobody Affinities Table.

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PDF file, 85KB, Specificity of Surrobody Binding.

PDF file, 50KB, Surrobody Structure.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is defined by hyperglycemia, a condition which is the result of defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Evidence suggest that islet transplantation is a promising treatment approach, but the shortage of sources of insulin-producing cells is a major problem. Ethical concerns and the limited availability of most stem cells have led scientists to concentrate on mesenchymal stem cells, which are found in stem cells niches of all organs of the body including dental tissues on which dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are the easiest accessible sources. Highlights: Generally, SHED show characteristics similar to DPSCs; however, its proliferative and clonogenic capacities are higher. It has been proved that these two types of dental mesenchymal stem cells are able to produce islet-like cells capable of insulin secretion. In this review, we discuss various conducted approaches on the application of DPSCs and SHED in the treatment of diseases associated with diabetes such as; pancreatic differentiation cocktails, 2D and 3D culture techniques, factors that affect pancreatic differentiation, in vivo studies (direct administration of DPSCs and SHED, administration of their secretome and encapsulation of their-derived insulin producing cells), clinical trials and future perspectives of these approaches. Conclusion: Dental stem cell-based therapy has been considered as a promising therapeutic procedure for treatment of diabetes. Major advances in research on the derivation of insulin producing cells from DPSCs and SHED have enhanced our chance of re-establishing glucose-responsive insulin secretion in patients with diabetes.

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Chronic alcoholism, obesity and viral hepatitis (B & C virus) are main causes for chronic liver disease. In cirrhotic patients, portal hypertension and its complications lead to signicant morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound technique, such as duplex ultrasonography ,spectral and color Doppler imaging are the modalities of choice. Study was undertaken to evaluate spectrum of color Doppler sonographic ndings in portal hypertension, to study ow metric changes in portal hypertension and to look for presence of various Porto-systemic collaterals. Result of study shows alcoholic liver disease as the main cause for liver cirrhosis. Maximum number of patients with splenorenal collaterals. Color Doppler sonography is a valuable non-invasive alternative which provides precise information in localizing and characterizing portal vein in patients with portal hypertension and identify the presence of various Porto-systemic collaterals. The hepatic vein damping index (DI) correlates well with the severity of liver dysfunction in terms of Child Pugh score.

Barley (Hordeul vulgare L.) is the fourth most important cereal crop based on production and cultivated area. Biotic stresses, especially fungal diseases in barley, are devastating, incurring high possibilities of absolute yield loss. Identifying superior and stable yielding genotypes is crucial for accompanying the increasing barley demand. However, the identification and recommendation of superior genotypes is challenging due to the interaction between genotype and environment. Hence, the present investigation was aimed at evaluating the grain yield of different sets of spring barley genotypes when undergoing one of two treatments (no treatment and fungicide treatment) laid out in an alpha lattice design in six to seven locations for five years, through additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), GGE biplot (genotype + genotype X environment), and stability analysis. The combined analysis of variance indicated that the environment was the main factor that contributed to the variation in grain yield, followed by genotype X environment interaction (GEI) effects and genotypic effects. Ten mega environments (MEs) with five MEs from each of the treatments harboured well-adapted, stable yielding genotypes. Exploiting the stable yielding genotypes with discreet use of the representative and discriminative environments identified in the present study could aid in breeding for the improvement of grain yield in spring barley genotypes.

For grid-connected islanded connection of microgrid, the synchronization is necessary, but the existing methods solve the problem with high harmonics in the signal. And also, the imbalanced voltage and rate of change of frequency at the microgrid are obtained by the sensor network or by synchronizing relays in many studies, which is an expensive technique. Hence to solve the problem, the paper introduced the automatic adaptive synchronization (A2S) scheme by using optimization and control techniques to synchronize the microgrid with the decentralized generators. The multiple decentralized generators serve the load through the microgrid, the voltage and phase are synchronized with the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The imbalance among them is sensed by the rain optimization algorithm (ROA). Thus the sensed changes are fed to the controller to provide gating signals accordingly to the cascaded H-bridge multi-level inverter with reduced harmonics. The distributed generator feeds the load through the 14km feeder line and synchronizes the three-phase voltage at 1.9ms with 2.28% distortion.

The use of biocontrol agents with plant growth-promoting activity has emerged as an approach to support sustainable agriculture. During our field evaluation of potato plants treated with biocontrol rhizobacteria, four bacteria were associated with increased plant height. Using two important solanaceous crop plants, tomato and potato, we carried out a comparative analysis of the growth-promoting activity of the four bacterial strains:Pseudomonas fluorescensSLU99,Serratia plymuthicaS412,S. rubidaeaAV10, andS. rubidaeaEV23. Greenhouse andin vitroexperiments showed thatP. fluorescensSLU99 promoted plant height, biomass accumulation, and yield of potato and tomato plants, while EV23 promoted growth in potato but not in tomato plants. SLU99 induced the expression of plant hormone-related genes in potato and tomato, especially those involved in maintaining homeostasis of auxin, cytokinin, gibberellic acid and ethylene. Our results reveal potential mechanisms underlying the growth promotion and biocontrol effects of these rhizobacteria and suggest which strains may be best deployed for sustainably improving crop yield.

Multi-environment trials (METs) of potato breeding clones and cultivars allow to precisely determine their performance across testing sites over years. However, these METs may be affected by the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) as noted in tuber yield. Furthermore, trials are replicated several times to optimize the predictive value of the data collected because knowledge on spatial and temporal variability of testing environments is often lacking. Hence, the objectives of this research were to use components of variance from METs to estimate broad sense heritability (H2) based on best linear unbiased predictors and use these estimates to determine the optimum number of sites, years, and replications for testing potato breeding clones along with cultivars. The data were taken from METs in southern and northern Sweden comprising up to 256 breeding clones and cultivars that underwent testing using a simple lattice design of 10-plant plots across three sites over 2 years. Percentage starch in the tuber flesh had the largest H2 in each testing environment (0.850–0.976) or across testing environments (0.905–0.921). Total tuber weight per plot also exhibited high H2 (0.720–0.919) in each testing environment or across them (0.726–0.852), despite a significant GEI. Reducing sugar content in the tuber flesh had the lowest, but still medium H2 (0.426–0.883 in each testing environment; 0.718–0.818 across testing environments). The H2 estimates were smaller when their variance components were disaggregated by year and site, instead of lumping them as environments. Simulating H2 with genetic, site, year, site × year, genetic × site, genetic × year, genetic × site × year, and residual variance components led to establish that two replicates at each of two sites in 2-year trials will suffice for testing tuber yield, starch and reducing sugars. This article provides a methodology to optimize the number of testing size and years for METs of potato breeding materials, as well as tabulated information for choosing the appropriate number of trials in same target population of environments.

Flexography prints on non-absorbent as well as absorbent substrates using liquid ink. With developments in photopolymer plate and anilox roll manufacturing technology, we can print half tone with screen frequencies exceeding 150 LPI (Lines per Inch) where the print quality can be comparable with offset printing results. This has helped flexographic printer to reproduce the blackand- white, single colour tone and full colour graphic original, satisfying the printing and packaging needs of many customers. But unlike other printing technologies in flexographic printing screen frequency of plate i.e. image carrier and engraving line frequency of anilox roll collectively affect the smoothness and uniformity of reproduced half tone image. Furthermore, the LPI of the screen used in plate making also adds to variation in tonal reproduction. In the presented work 3 line frequencies expressed in CPI (Cells per Inch) of anilox roll and 5 screen frequency of image carrier are selected and their effect on print characteristics is studied using the plot of theoretical dot area against apparent dot area. Given the sizable capital investment involved in manufacturing of anilox roll, this work is directed at finding the optimum combination of screen frequency and line frequency required to achieve tonal balance.

ADITYA-L1 is India's first dedicated mission to observe the sun and its atmosphere from a halo orbit around L1 point. Visible emission line coronagraph (VELC) is the prime payload on board at Aditya-L1 to observe the sun's corona. VELC is designed as an internally occulted reflective coronagraph to meet the observational requirements of wide wavelength band and close to the solar limb (1.05 Ro). Images of the solar corona in continuum and spectra in three emission lines 5303{\AA} [Fe xiv], 7892{\AA} [Fe xi] and 10747 [Fe xiii] obtained with high cadence to be analyzed using software algorithms automatically. A reasonable part of observations will be made in synoptic mode, those, need to be analyzed and results made available for public use. The procedure involves the calibration of instrument and detectors, converting the images into fits format, correcting the images and spectra for the instrumental effects, align the images etc. Then, develop image processing algorithms to detect the occurrence of energetic events using continuum images. Also derive physical parameters, such as temperature and velocity structure of solar corona using emission line observations. Here, we describe the calibration of detectors and the development of software algorithms to detect the occurrence of CMEs and analyze the spectroscopic data.

MicroRNA (miRNA)-target gene modules are essential components of plants’ abiotic stress signalling pathways Little is known about the drought-responsive miRNA-target modules in wheat, but systems biology approaches have enabled the prediction of these regulatory modules and systematic study of their roles in responses to abiotic stresses. Using such an approach, we sought miRNA-target module(s) that may be differentially expressed under drought and non-stressed conditions by mining Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) libraries of wheat roots and identified a strong candidate (miR1119-MYC2). We then assessed molecular and physiochemical differences between two wheat genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance in a controlled drought experiment and assessed possible relationships between their tolerance and evaluated traits. We found that the miR1119-MYC2 module significantly responds to drought stress in wheat roots. It is differentially expressed between the contrasting wheat genotypes and under drought versus non-stressed conditions. We also found significant associations between the module’s expression profiles and ABA hormone content, water relations, photosynthetic activities, H2O2 levels, plasma membrane damage, and antioxidant enzyme activities in wheat. Collectively, our results suggest that a regulatory module consisting of miR1119 and MYC2 may play an important role in wheat’s drought tolerance.

One of the most common symptoms in the orofacial region is pain. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by pain affecting the trigeminal nerve and its related areas of distribution and is known to have significant impact on the quality of life. Misdiagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia has been reported by dentists in several previous studies in the literature. With this rationale, the aim of the present study is to determine the most commonly involved nerve branch and the side affected in trigeminal neuralgia patients. The present retrospective study involved 72 patients diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia who reported from October 2013 to October 2014. Data regarding the age of onset, gender, side of involvement was analyzed from their clinical records. Out of the 72 patients, males were 42(58.3%) and females were 30(41.7%). In our study, a total of 56 % (i.e., 40) patients showed involvement on the right and 44% (i.e., 32) (i.e, 32) patients on the left side of the face. In this retrospective study, ophthalmic branch (V1) was affected only in 3 patients. Mandibular nerve (V3) alone was involved in 24 patients. Involvement of all the three divisions V1, V2 and V3 was seen in 16(22.3%) of patients. Clinical similarities of trigeminal neuralgia that have an impact on different populations were demonstrated in this study. Detailed history and proper identification of involved nerve branch play an important role in the diagnostic accuracy and treatment satisfaction. Most involved branch in our study was the mandibular (V3) branch and the most affected side was the right side. Correlation of systemic factors with trigeminal neuralgia can be attempted in future research.

Background The secretome of the dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPMSCS-S) have an array of regenerative potential and could aid in the rehabilitation of cancer patients post-therapeutic interventions, although caution is required as DPMSC-S have shown to augment prostate cancer cells. Thus, it is vital to assess if these pro-carcinogenic effects extend to other cancer types. Objective To assess if DPMSC-S has any pro-carcinogenic effect on oral cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma cell lines. Materials and methods Conditioned media obtained from the isolated and characterized DPMSC (DPMSC-CM) were profiled using bead-based multiplex assay. AW13515 (oral cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), and A-375 (melanoma) cell lines were exposed to 20%, 50%, and 100% DPMSC-CM for 24, 48, and 72 h. DPMSC-CM effect on the cancer cell properties and secretome were assessed. Results DPMSC-CM augmented invasion, adhesion, multi-drug resistance, DNA repair, and mitochondrial repair in AW13516 through upregulation of growth factors Ang-2, EGF, M−CSF, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-2, downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In MDA-MB-231, invasion, and multi-drug resistance were augmented through upregulation of growth factors EGF, EPO, G-CSF, HGF, M−CSF, PDGF-AA, and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, CXCL10, IL-12p70. EMT, invasion, migration, and adhesion were augmented in A-375 through upregulation of growth factors Ang-2, EGF, PDGF-BB, TGF-α, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, and IL-17A. Conclusion DPMSC-CM can augment the carcinogenic properties of oral cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma cells, further animal model studies are required to validate our in-vitro findings.

Optimal nutrition is crucial for honey bee colony growth and robust immune systems. Honey bee nutrition is complex and depends on the floral composition of the landscape. Foraging behavior of honey bees depends on both colony environment and external environment. There are significant gaps in knowledge regarding honey bee nutrition, and hence no optimal diet is available for honey bees, as there is for other livestock. In this review, we discuss (1) foraging behavior of honey bees, (2) nutritional needs, (3) nutritional supplements used by beekeepers, (4) probiotics, and (5) supplemental forage and efforts integrating floral diversity into cropping systems.

Background: Human tissue/organ development is a complex, highly orchestrated process, regulated in part by the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Every complex tissue, including the retina, has a unique ECM configuration that plays a critical role in cellular differentiation, adhesion, migration, and maturation. Aim: To characterize ECM expression of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived optic vesicles (iPSC-OVs). Methods: A 3- dimensional (3D) in vitro suspension culture system was used to direct differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into optic vesicles (OVs). Stepwise differentiation of iPSCs into retinal progenitor cells was confirmed by sequential expression of OTX2, SOX1, SIX6, LHX2, PAX6, and CHX10. Expression of ECM genes in iPSC-derived OVs was analyzed by RT2 ProfilerTM PCR Array, whereas immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect ECM proteins in the OVs. Results: A number of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) previously reported to be abundantly expressed in iPSCs such as E-cadherin, Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), Integrin-α L, Integrin-α M, Integrin-α 6 were downregulated while neural and retina specific CAMs including neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1), neural plakophilin-related armadillo repeat protein (NPRAP), Integrin-α 1 and Integrin-α 4 were upregulated. Several glycoproteins that have been reported to play key roles during retinogenesis, namely CD44, Tenascin C, Tenascin R, Neurocan, Neuroglycan C, Delta 2 Catenin, Vitronectin, and Reelin were also present. Conclusion: We have identified an array of ECM proteins that were expressed during retinogenesis. Further characterization of these proteins will lead to a better understanding of retinal development.

The massive growth of population coupled with urbanization over the years has created a significant challenge of increase in waste generation. India has achieved massive developmental growth in economic and social areas but still lacks a proper waste management system. The lack of knowledge about segregation of waste into different categories and proper disposal techniques in a country like India with an accelerated population growth is a critical issue. Since trash has different disposal techniques, according to its type, segregating waste through an automated process at the point of collection will streamline the process and result in effective waste management and utilization. The mini-review article evaluates the recent literature on technologies used for municipal waste segregation and management, with the motive of providing critical information for advancement in current research. This article reviews the use of various convolutional neural network architectures for waste classification and describes in detail as to why image processing methods are preferred over sensors for segregation into respective categories. It is also important to have an efficient waste monitoring and management system for proper disposal. A comprehensive mini-review was undertaken to understand internet of things-based models proposing efficient waste handling, from the perspective of reduced costs, collection time and optimized routes. The proposed systems were compared and evaluated based on the sensors used monitoring, microcontrollers and communication protocols such as Long Range, Global System for Mobile Communication, Zigbee and Wi-Fi, which are employed for the secure and efficient data transmission.

Climate change is a critical yield–limiting factor that has threatened the entire global crop production system in the present scenario. The use of biostimulants in agriculture has shown tremendous potential in combating climate change–induced stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature stress, etc. Biostimulants are organic compounds, microbes, or amalgamation of both that could regulate plant growth behavior through molecular alteration and physiological, biochemical, and anatomical modulations. Their nature is diverse due to the varying composition of bioactive compounds, and they function through various modes of action. To generate a successful biostimulatory action on crops under different parameters, a multi–omics approach would be beneficial to identify or predict its outcome comprehensively. The ‘omics’ approach has greatly helped us to understand the mode of action of biostimulants on plants at cellular levels. Biostimulants acting as a messenger in signal transduction resembling phytohormones and other chemical compounds and their cross–talk in various abiotic stresses help us design future crop management under changing climate, thus, sustaining food security with finite natural resources. This review article elucidates the strategic potential and prospects of biostimulants in mitigating the adverse impacts of harsh environmental conditions on plants.

Eleusine coracana, finger millet, is a multipurpose crop cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used in this study to obtain valuable genomic resources and identify genes differentially expressed between Al-tolerant and Al-susceptible genotypes. Two groups of finger millet genotypes were used: Al-tolerant (215836, 215845, and 229722) and Al-susceptible (212462, 215804 and 238323). The analysis of the RNA-seq data resulted in 198,546 unigenes, 56.5% of which were annotated with significant hits in one or more of the following six databases: NR (48.8%), GO (29.7%), KEGG (45%), PlantTFDB (19.0%), Uniprot (49.2%), and NT (46.2%). It is noteworthy that only 220 unigenes in the NR database had significant hits against finger millet sequences suggesting that finger millet’s genomic resources are scarce. The gene expression analysis revealed that 322 genes were significantly differentially expressed between the Al-tolerant and Al-susceptible genotypes, of which 40.7% were upregulated while 59.3% were downregulated in Al-tolerant genotypes. Among the significant DEGs, 54.7% were annotated in the GO database with the top hits being ATP binding (GO:0005524) and DNA binding (GO:0003677) in the molecular function, DNA integration (GO:0015074) and cell redox homeostasis in the biological process, as well as cellular anatomical entity and intracellular component in the cellular component GO classes. Several of the annotated DEGs were significantly enriched for their corresponding GO terms. The KEGG pathway analysis resulted in 60 DEGs that were annotated with different pathway classes, of which carbohydrate metabolism and signal transduction were the most prominent. The homologs of a number of significant DEGs have been previously reported as being associated with Al or other abiotic stress responses in various crops, including carboxypeptidase SOL1, HMA3, AP2, bZIP, C3H, and WRKY TF genes. A more detailed investigation of these and other DEGs will enable genomic-led breeding for Al tolerance in finger millet. RNA-seq data analysis also yielded 119,073 SNP markers, the majority of which had PIC values above 0.3, indicating that they are highly informative. Additionally, 3,553 single-copy SSR markers were identified, of which trinucleotide SSRs were the most prevalent. These genomic resources contribute substantially to the enrichment of genomic databases for finger millet, and facilitate future research on this crop.