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p16ink4a status is an independent predictor of survival in PC. There is a strong concordance between p16ink4a and HPV ISH results. Also, there is a significant association between HPV positivity and the histology with 100% of the warty, basaloid, and mixed warty-basaloid subtypes being positive for HPV. p53 is a predictor of nodal metastasis irrespective of p16ink4a status. Dual positive tumors (p16ink4a and p53 positive) have a significantly better outcome in comparison to dual negative tumors (both markers negative). Thus, p53 and p16ink4a immunohistochemistry should be performed at the baseline in all patients of PC. Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is implicated in a proportion of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (PC). A subset of PC involves dysregulation of the p53 pathway. HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) and p16ink4a positivity are surrogate markers for HPV infection, and p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) denotes abnormality in the p53 pathway. There remains an ambiguity with regard to the contribution of both the pathways in the prognosis of PC. We sought to analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics of a cohort of Indian PC patients with respect to p16 ink4a and p53 expression. Patients and Methods: A cohort of 123 PC patients was studied for p16 ink4a and p53IHC and HPVISH. The results of these biomarkers were correlated with various clinicopathologic parameters. Results: p16 ink4a and HPV ISH were positive in 47% and 53% of the tumors, respectively. The propor tion of war ty, basaloid, or mixed war ty-basaloid tumor subtypes showed significant p16 ink4a positivity (P < .0001) compared to other subt ypes. Twent y-eight patients were dual negative (p53- /p16 ink4a -), 32 were dual positive (p53 + /p16 ink4a + ), 38 were p53 + /p16 ink4a -, and 25 were p53- /p16 ink4a + . In patients where p16 ink4a was negative, a p53-positive phenotype had a higher propensity for lymph node metastases (OR, 5.42; 95% CI, 1.75-16.80; P = .003). Similarly, p53 positivity dictates nodal involvement in the p16 ink4a - positive subset of tumors (OR, 5.00; 95% CI, 1.23-20.17; P = .024). On multivariate analyses, pathologic subtypes (warty, warty-basaloid, and basaloid) (P < .0001), p16 ink4a expression (P < .0001), and absence of nodal metastasis (P < .0001) were significant predictors of improved overall (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the OS was significantly longer in patients with p16 ink4a + tumors (P < .0001), as was the CSS (P < .0001). Patients with dual positive tumors had a significantly higher OS (P < .001) and CSS (P = .012), in the entire cohort. In the node positive patients, dual positivity was associated with significantly higher OS (P < .0001); however, the median CSS for p53 + /p16 ink4a + tumors were not significantly different compared to p53- /p16 ink4a - tumors (P = .064), although there was a trend towards improved CSS. Conclusions: There is a strong concordance between p16 ink4a IHC and HPV ISH results. p16 ink4a status is an independent predictor of survival (OS and CSS) in our cohort of PCs. p53 is a predictor of nodal metastasis irrespective of p16 status. Dual positive tumors have a significantly better outcome in comparison to dual negative tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Solar power driven PMSM drive employing boost-buck converter is proposed first time for a refrigeration system. • Proposed system offers high efficiency over wide input and output voltage range as well as it increases life of compressor. • Due to presence of inductors at the DC and AC section of the cascaded boost buck converter, very less ripple in currents are obtained at PV supply terminals and DC bus of VSI. It helps in improving efficiency and therefore low implementation cost due to reduced panel size. • More flexibility in design and control approach comparative to single switch topology. This paper deals with the boost-buck converter employed solar power based PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) drive for variable speed compressor of a refrigeration system. A cascaded boost-buck converter is used as a non-inverting DC-DC converter in between solar PV panel and the PMSM drive. An independent control scheme for cascaded boost-buck converter is used to achieve non-inverting output DC bus voltage with maximum power tracking. It allows variable voltage control at PV panel with reduced voltage stress across the boost-buck converter switches under a desired voltage gain and system efficiency. The ZDC (Zero Direct Current) based vector-oriented control is employed for the VSI (Voltage Source Inverter) for speed control of non-salient pole PMSM drive. A DSC (Digital Signal Controller) dSPACE 1104 is used for real time validation. Simulation results are obtained to validate the performance of proposed control algorithms and test results are obtained with a rooftop solar PV panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper is regarded as a unique electrocatalyst for the CO 2 reduction reaction as it is able to produce products that require more than two electrons, such as C 2 H 4 and C 2 H 5 OH. When combined with the high activity of a gas diffusion electrode, copper becomes a great choice of catalyst for the CO 2 reduction reaction, however, it has a history of poor selectivity for a given product. In this work, we have synthesised a CuO electrocatalyst that has typical copper-like selectivity initially, however, as we tune the Nafion loading, we are able to shift the selectivity towards that of a gold-based catalyst. We propose that this is due to the Nafion providing an in-penetrable barrier to the electrolyte that prevents the catalyst from being flooded, which is supported by electrochemical, XAS, and TEM analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients suffering from chronic mountain sickness (CMS) have excessive erythrocytosis. Low −level cobalt toxicity as a likely contributor has been demonstrated in some subjects. We performed a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial in Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4380 m), where 84 participants with a hematocrit (HCT) ≥65% and CMS score > 6, were assigned to four treatment groups of placebo, acetazolamide (ACZ, which stimulates respiration), N -acetylcysteine (NAC, an antioxidant that chelates cobalt) and combination of ACZ and NAC for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was change in hematocrit and secondary outcomes were changes in PaO 2 , PaCO 2 , CMS score, and serum and urine cobalt concentrations. The mean (±SD) hematocrit, CMS score and serum cobalt concentrations were 69 ± 4%, 9.8 ± 2.4 and 0.24 ± 0.15 μg/l, respectively for the 66 participants. The ACZ arm had a relative reduction in HCT of 6.6% vs. 2.7% (p = 0.048) and the CMS score fell by 34.9% vs. 14.8% (p = 0.014) compared to placebo, while the reduction in PaCO 2 was 10.5% vs. an increase of 0.6% (p = 0.003), with a relative increase in PaO 2 of 13.6% vs. 3.0%. NAC reduced CMS score compared to placebo (relative reduction of 34.0% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.017), while changes in other parameters failed to reach statistical significance. The combination of ACZ and NAC was no better than ACZ alone. No changes in serum and urine cobalt concentrations were seen within any treatment arms. ACZ reduced polycythemia and CMS score, while NAC improved CMS score without significantly lowering hematocrit. Only a small proportion of subjects had cobalt toxicity, which may relate to the closing of contaminated water sources and several other environmental protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 100 trillion microbial cells that reside in the human gut heavily influence nutrition, metabolism, and immune function of the host. Gut dysbiosis, seen commonly in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), results from qualitative and quantitative changes in host microbiome profile and disruption of gut barrier function. Alterations in gut microbiota and a myriad of host responses have been implicated in progression of CKD, increased cardiovascular risk, uremic toxicity, and inflammation. We present a discussion of dysbiosis, various uremic toxins produced from dysbiotic gut microbiome, and their roles in CKD progression and complications. We also review the gut microbiome in renal transplant, highlighting the role of commensal microbes in alteration of immune responses to transplantation, and conclude with therapeutic interventions that aim to restore intestinal dysbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A major step toward an HIV-1 vaccine is an immunogen capable of inducing neutralizing antibodies. Envelope glycoprotein (Env) mimetics, such as the NFL and SOSIP designs, generate native-like, well-ordered trimers and elicit tier 2 homologous neutralization (SOSIPs). We reasoned that the display of well-ordered trimers by high-density, particulate array would increase B cell activation compared to soluble trimers. Here, we present the design of liposomal nanoparticles displaying well-ordered Env spike trimers on their surface. Biophysical analysis, cryo- and negative stain electron microscopy, as well as binding analysis with a panel of broadly neutralizing antibodies confirm a high-density, well-ordered trimer particulate array. The Env-trimer-conjugated liposomes were superior to soluble trimers in activating B cells ex vivo and germinal center B cells in vivo. In addition, the trimer-conjugated liposomes elicited modest tier 2 homologous neutralizing antibodies. The trimer-conjugated liposomes represent a promising initial lead toward the development of more effective HIV vaccine immunogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: AFLP technique was applied to assess genetic diversity among 44 common bean accessions that included 6 exotic accessions, 15 Indian land races and 23 released varieties. Eight AFLP primer pairs were used that produced 820 products of which 698 were polymorphic (85.12%). Wide variations were observed among all the accessions for the number of amplification products, percent polymorphism and average polymorphism information content (PIC). The Jaccard''s similarity indices (J) based on the AFLP profiles were subjected to UPGMA cluster analysis. The dendrogram generated revealed seven major groups. Seventeen out of 23 released varieties were restricted to clusters VI and VII. The value of r =0.934 in Mantel''s test for cophenetic corrlelation applied to the cluster analysis indicated the high fitness of the accessions to a group. The germplasm used in the present study had narrow genetic base, although moderate to high genetic diversity was observed. The details of diversity analysis and the potential use of Indian common bean accessions in common bean breeding programme are provided in the present study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The electrical and photovoltaic characteristics of spin coated thin films of poly (3-phenyl azo methine thiophene) (PPAT), sensitized with pyronine (G) (PYR) dye sandwiched between indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminum (Al) have been investigated. The p-type conductivity and rectification ratio of PPAT increases with dye sensitization. The depletion layer width (W) of about 64 nm evaluated from the C–V measurement reveals the high probability of charge conduction. From J–V characteristics and impedance spectroscopy, it is evidenced that the PYR–PPAT layer form the blocking contact with Al and Ohmic contact with ITO. Also, the device can be modeled by two simple equivalent circuit of resistance–capacitance (RC) elements in series, representing the bulk and a junction region. An increase in conversion efficiency of PPAT is observed from 0.35 to 0.74 after sensitization with PYR under white light illumination. A model based on simple assumptions is used to explain the photoaction spectra of the device. The dye sensitization also causes a reduction in the trapping centers of the material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Steady-state current–voltage characteristics in dark and under illumination, along with impedance characteristics at different biasing voltages, were investigated on solid film of pyronine (PYR) sensitized-TiO2, sandwiched between ITO and Al electrodes. The J–V characteristics of the material in dark were explained by the formation of percolation network of nano particles between the electrodes. The device ITO/TiO2–PYR/Al device shows rectification below 2.5 V and becomes symmetrical at higher voltages. Dark current increases by two orders, which indicates that charge-carrier transport occurs not only in the organic phase, but also involves processes in nano particles. The impedance characteristics (variation of imaginary impedance with real impedance) at different biasing voltages show two semicircles at voltage below 2.5 V, and beyond which only one semicircle was observed. This also indicates that at low voltages the device exhibits rectification, and above 2.5 V, both the interfaces behave as Ohmic contact. This observation is also confirmed from impedance spectroscopy. The photoaction spectra of the device-based-composite containing PYR-sensitized-TiO2 is different from the photoaction spectra of the device employing pure PRY. The charge collection efficiencies for the PYR–TiO2 composite increases under both forward bias and reverse bias. This indicates that the same process governs photocurrent multiplication for both bias directions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In eukaryotic genomes, ribosomal DNA is organized in tandem repeat units at the nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) on each satellited chromosome. Each repeat unit consists of a coding region and an intergenic spacer (IGS), the latter generally varying in length at different loci of the same genotype and also at the same locus in different genotypes. The spacer length variants (slvs) are sometimes correlated with climatic and ecological variables. In a study of 42 accessions of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) collected from four different microniches (sun-deep soil, sun-shallow soil, shade-deep soil and shade-shallow soil) at the Newe Ya’ar microsite (3182 m2), in Israel, we observed eight slvs constituting 10 different rDNA phenotypes, correlated with edaphic conditions prevalent at the four microniches. We conclude that rDNA diversity in wild barley is distributed nonrandomly and adaptively in the four microniches of Newe Ya’ar. A novel feature in this study is also the homogenization of IGS length at the two loci located at two nonhomologous chromosomes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), was used to rule out the possibility of loss of one of the two NOR loci. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeat unit length polymorphism was examined in 285 accessions of wild barley, Hordeum spontaneum C. Koch, which were collected from 27 locations across Jordan. As many as 19 spacer length variants (slvs) or rDNA alleles were available, which formed 70 slv phenotypes. The two missing alleles (098, 099) of the series (097, 100–118) and one additional allele 119 were also discovered in the present study thus raising the number of ribosomal slvs in barley to 24. Relatively more frequent rDNA alleles were analyzed in detail, and it was shown that they occurred non-randomly at locations with different environmental factors (annual rainfall, highest and lowest temperatures, altitude, longitude, latitude) and exhibited association with specific environments. Ecogeographical factors, rather than geographical factors per se, seem to affect the distribution of rDNA alleles. The present study thus demonstrates that rDNA repeat unit length polymorphism in some cases can be adaptive in nature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

PCR primers were designed for 78 expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeats (EST–SSRs), which represented a subset of over 800 SSRs that were located by us in wheat EST database. When tested for functionality on several varieties of common wheat (Triticum aestivum) including Chinese Spring, 64 of these 78 primer pairs were found to be functional. These 64 functional primer pairs were used for a study of transferability and polymorphism among 18 Triticeae species belonging to Triticum–Aegilops complex. These species had as many as seven genomes in their constitution and represented three ploidy levels (2x, 4x, 6x). The primer pairs each gave amplified products not only in progenitor species containing A, B (including S and G) and D genomes, but also in alien species that contained other genomes (M, N, C and U). The cross-species transferability was as high as 84%, and the fragments of expected size were available with 92% EST–SSR primers in one or more species. This suggested a high level of conservation of DNA sequences belonging to the transcribed portion of the genome, and also indicated that each wheat EST–SSR is perhaps derived from an SSR in an ancestral genome of Triticeae. A very high proportion (88%) of the above 92% EST–SSRs, which gave amplified fragments of expected size, detected polymorphism. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 14 with an average of 6.8 alleles per locus. A number of EST–SSR primers also proved useful in discriminating different genera, species within a particular genus and the different genomes of the tribe Triticeae. Therefore, EST–SSRs may be used in studies on polymorphism, genetic diversity, gene mapping and synteny conservation across different species of Triticeae. This is in sharp contrast to the situation with genomic SSRs, which are more locus specific. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The emergence of drug-resistant forms of Plasmodium falciparum emphasizes the need to develop new antimalarials. In this context, the fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS) pathway of the malarial parasite has recently received a lot of attention. Due to differences in the fatty acid biosynthesis systems of Plasmodium and man, this pathway is a good target for the development of new and selective therapeutic drugs directed against malaria. In continuation of these efforts we report cloning and overexpression of P. falciparum β-hydroxyacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) dehydratase (PffabZ) gene that codes for a 17-kDa protein. The enzyme catalyzes the dehydration of β-hydroxyacyl-ACP to trans-2-acyl-ACP, the third step in the elongation phase of the FAS cycle. It has a K[sub m] of 199 µM and k[sub cat]/K[sub m] of 80.4 M[sup -1] s[sup -1] for the substrate analog β-hydroxybutyryl-CoA but utilizes crotonoyl-CoA, the product of the reaction, more efficiently (K[sub m] = 86 µM, k[sub cat]/ K[sub m] = 220 M[sup -1] s[sup -1]). More importantly, we also identify inhibitors (NAS-91 and NAS-21) for the enzyme. Both the inhibitors prevented the binding of crotonoyl-CoA to PfFabZ in a competitive fashion. Indeed these inhibitors compromised the growth of P. falciparum in cultures and inhibited the parasite fatty acid synthesis pathway both in cell-free extracts as well as in situ. We modeled the structure of PfFabZ using Escherichia coli β-hydroxydecanoyl thioester dehydratase (EcFabA) as a template. We also modeled the inhibitor complexes of PfFabZ to elucidate the mode of binding of these compounds to FabZ. The discovery of the inhibitors of FabZ, reported for the first time against any member of this family of enzymes, essential to the type II FAS pathway opens up new avenues for treating a number of infectious diseases including malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-particles on charge transfer processes in safranine O (SAF) dye photovoltaic device. The photoconductivity is increased by two orders and a sharp saturation is also observed. The device shows a sharp saturation in photocurrent in forward bias which indicates that exciton diffusion and dissociation at the TiO2 interface, due the existence of internal electric field is dominant process for the collection of charge. The value of diode quality factor has been calculated also by fitting the experimental results with modified Shockley equation. The internal electric field is mainly due to the asymmetry between the work functions of the materials. Electron injection from the excited state of dye on illumination, into the conduction band of TiO2 is followed by subsequent hole transfer from the photooxidized dye to the collecting Al electrode, regenerating the dye''s original ground state. The charge transfer and photogeneration process in device have been discussed on the basis of current–voltage characteristics and photoaction action spectra of the device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) are among the most commonly reported health care-associated infections; however, there is a paucity of data on SSI from India. This study aimed to determine the incidence of SSI and explore its associated factors at a teaching hospital in India. Methods: Direct and indirect surveillance methods, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, were used to define SSI. Patients were followed up for 30 days postsurgery. Prescribing and resistance data were collected. Results: The SSI rate among the 720 patients investigated was 5%. Risk factors for SSI identified were as follows: severity of disease (P = .001), presence of drains (P = .020), history of previous hospitalization (P = .003), preoperative stay (P = .005), wound classification (P < .001), and surgical duration (P < .001). Independent risk factors identified included wound classification (odds ratio = 4.525; P < .001) and surgical duration (odds ratio = 2.554; P = .015). Most patients (99%) were prescribed antibiotics. Metronidazole (24.5%), ciprofloxacin (11%), and amikacin (9%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Most commonly isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 14), of which 34% were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 6), which showed resistance to ceftazidime (70%), ciprofloxacin (63%), and gentamicin (57%). Conclusion: Incidence of SSI at the hospital was lower than reported in many low- and middle-income countries, although higher than reported in most high-income countries. Targeted implementation strategies to decrease incidence of preventable SSI are needed to further improve quality and safety of health care in this hospital and similar hospitals elsewhere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of the present work was to develop lysozyme impregnated surface-active nanosponges to maintain its conformational stability and break bacterial cell walls by catalyzing the hydrolysis of 1,4-β-linkages between N -acetyl- d -glucosamine and N -acetylmuramic acid residues present in peptidoglycan layer surrounding the bacterial cell membrane, and for controlling the release of calcium in hypocalcemia condition. Different carbonyl diimidazole cross-linked β-cyclodextrin nanosponges with and without CaCO 3 and CMC were prepared by polymer condensation method. The surface-active nanosponges were impregnated by lysozyme due to their ability to adsorb protein. Lysozyme impregnated nanosponges had a monomodal particle size distribution of 347.46 ± 3.07 to 550.34 ± 5.23 nm, with a narrow distribution. The zeta potentials were sufficiently increased upon lysozyme impregnation, suggesting stable formulations by preventing aggregation. The in vitro release studies showed controlled release of lysozyme and calcium over a period of 24 h. FTIR studies confirmed the impregnation of lysozyme on nanosponges and encapsulation of calcium in nanosponges. Lysozyme formulation showed promising conformational stability by DSC. It can be concluded that the stable nanosponges formulation is a promising carrier for antibacterial protein and preventing depletion of calcium in antibiotic associated hypocalcemic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root system architecture is an important complex trait in rice. With changing climatic conditions and soil nutrient deficiencies, there is an immediate need to breed nutrient-use-efficient rice varieties with robust root system architectural (RSA) traits. To map the genomic regions associated with crucial component traits of RSA viz. root length and root volume, a biparental F 2 mapping population was developed using TI-128, an Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) mutant of a mega variety BPT-5204 having high root length (RL) and root volume (RV) with wild type BPT-5204. Extreme bulks having high RL and RV and low RL and RV were the whole genome re-sequenced along with parents. Genetic mapping using the MutMap QTL-Seq approach elucidated two genomic intervals on Chr.12 (3.14–3.74 Mb, 18.11–20.85 Mb), and on Chr.2 (23.18–23.68 Mb) as potential regions associated with both RL and RV. The Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) assays for SNPs with delta SNP index near 1 were associated with higher RL and RV in the panel of sixty-two genotypes varying in root length and volume. The KASP_SNPs viz. Chr12_S4 (C→T; Chr12:3243938), located in the 3' UTR region of LOC_Os12g06670 encoding a protein kinase domain-containing protein and Chr2_S6 (C→T; Chr2:23181622) present upstream in the regulator of chromosomal condensation protein LOC_Os2g38350. Validation of these genes using qRT-PCR and in-silico studies using various online tools and databases revealed higher expression in TI-128 as compared to BPT- 5204 at the seedling and panicle initiation stages implying the functional role in enhancing RL and RV. • Genomic regions associated with root length and root volume in rice have been mapped on chromosome 12 (3.14–3.74 Mb, 18.11–20.85 Mb), and on chromosome 2 (23.18–23.68 Mb). • Potential KASP_SNPs viz. Chr12_S4 (C.→T; Chr12:3243938) and Chr2_S6 (C→T; Chr12:23181622) can be deployed for molecular breeding • Two genes having upregulation associated with high root length and volume viz. protein kinase domain-containing protein and regulation of chromosomal condensation protein are candidates for functional characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices based on blends of a conjugated polymer poly (3-phenyl hydrazone thiophene) (PPHT) as electron donor and titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles as an electron acceptor (n-type wide band gap semiconductor) have been studied. The blend films were spin coated from a common solvent mixture. The absorption peak and shape of the absorption spectra of PPHT:TiO2 (40vol%) indicate that it is a superposition of the absorption of PPHT and TiO2. From the cyclic voltammetry measurements, we have estimated the values of levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) for PPHT. A strong fluorescence quenching indicates that the exciton dissociation and charge separation occurs successfully at PPHT:TiO2 interfaces formed in the bulk. This also enhances the possibility that the separated charges will reach the electrodes before recombining. Experimentally observed current–voltage characteristics of this device has been explained employing the metal–insulator–metal (MIM) model, where the intimate mixture of electron accepting and hole accepting materials is treated as a homogeneous intrinsic semiconductor. In this device, holes are solely transported along the pure donor phase and electrons transported along the paths of acceptor phase. Effect of TiO2 concentrations in the blend and thermal annealing of device has been described is detail. For low concentration of TiO2 below 20% the device performance is poor than that for pure PPHT, while for higher concentration of TiO2 significant improvement was obtained. The thermal annealing of the device also improves the photovoltaic response of the device, which may be due to the reduction in the recombination process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plants perceive environmental fluctuations as stress and confront several stresses throughout their life cycle individually or in combination. Plants have evolved their sensing and signaling mechanisms to perceive and respond to a variety of stresses. Epigenetic regulation plays a critical role in the regulation of genes, spatiotemporal expression of genes under stress conditions and imparts a stress memory to encounter future stress responses. It is quintessential to integrate our understanding of genetics and epigenetics to maintain plant fitness, achieve desired genetic gains with no trade-offs, and durable long-term stress tolerance. The long non-coding RNA >200 nts having no coding potential (or very low) play several roles in epigenetic memory, contributing to the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of cellular identity which include chromatin remodeling, imprinting (dosage compensation), stable silencing, facilitating nuclear organization, regulation of enhancer-promoter interactions, response to environmental signals and epigenetic switching. The lncRNAs are involved in a myriad of stress responses by activation or repression of target genes and hence are potential candidates for deploying in climate-resilient breeding programs. This review puts forward the significant roles of long non-coding RNA as an epigenetic response during abiotic stresses in plants and the prospects of deploying lncRNAs for designing climate-resilient plants. • lncRNAs play multifaceted roles in regulating gene expression, epigenetic modifications, responses to environmental stresses. • lncRNAs target stress response genes, act as miRNA mimics, participate in complex regulatory networks. • lncRNAs contribute to stress memory by passing on stress-induced epigenetic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Identification of diverse chrysanthemum genotypes based on quantitative traits. [•] Identification of diverse chrysanthemum genotypes based on molecular markers. [•] Identified genotypes are useful for future breeding experiments in chrysanthemum. [•] Selection of suitable molecular marker to identify diverse chrysanthemum genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]