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Existence of potent in vitro regeneration system is a prerequisite for efficient genetic transformation and functional genomics of crop plants. In this study, two contrasting cultivars differencing in their in vitro regeneration efficiency were identified. Tissue culture friendly cultivar Golden Promise (GP) and tissue culture resistant DWRB91(D91) were selected as contrasting cultivars to investigate the molecular basis of regeneration efficiency through multiomics analysis. Transcriptomics analysis revealed 1487 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), in which 795 DEGs were upregulated and 692 DEGs were downregulated in the GP-D91 transcriptome. Genes encoding proteins localized in chloroplast and involved in ROS generation were upregulated in the embryogenic calli of GP. Moreover, proteome analysis by LC-MS/MS revealed 3062 protein groups and 16,989 peptide groups, out of these 1586 protein groups were differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Eventually, GC-MS based metabolomics analysis revealed the higher activity of plastids and alterations in key metabolic processes such as sugar metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and secondary metabolism. TEM analysis also revealed differential plastid development. Higher accumulation of sugars, amino acids and metabolites corresponding to lignin biosynthesis were observed in GP as compared to D91. A comprehensive examination of gene expression, protein profiling and metabolite patterns unveiled a significant increase in the genes encompassing various functions, such as ion homeostasis, chlorophyll metabolic process, ROS regulation, and the secondary metabolic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delta-like Ligand 3 (DLL3) targeting therapies are promising in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treatment. However, DLL3 expression in SCLC and other neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) is heterogeneous and not well characterized. We describe the landscape of DLL3 at the mRNA and protein levels across SCLC, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), and non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, we explore its expression in extra-pulmonary NEN (EP-NEN) using a standardized DLL3 IHC assay. DLL3 expression is enriched in SCLC, LCNEC along with combined histology lung cancers. Moreover, we find a wide range of DLL3 expression in high-grade EP-NEN. We describe heterogenous DLL3 expression not only in SCLC but also in different NEN types. This comprehensive characterization of DLL3 can help guide future clinical trial design targeting DLL3 in NEN including LCNEC and EP-NEN that are lacking standard of care treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient-reported outcome measures for quality of life (QoL) like the Oswestry-Disability-Index (ODI) are useful for a quick, comprehensive and comparable evaluation of spondylodiscitis treatment. While it is known that even after successful surgical treatment, the QoL of spondylodiscitis patients remains below that of the general population, risk factors for a poor outcome have not been described so far. We did a retrospective post-hoc analysis of 130 surgically treated spondylodiscitis patients from 2008 to 2022. Biographical, clinical und QoL data were prospectively collected before (T0) and one year (T1) after surgery. The primary outcome was QoL at T1. Patients were grouped according to their ODI score at T1 (Group 1: ODI < 35, favorable QoL; Group 2: ODI ≥ 35, poor QoL) and analyzed for risk factors present at T0. Poor QoL at T1 occurred in 51 patients (39%). Multivariate analysis identified a higher preoperative leg pain (odds ratio: 1.2) and the presence of a malignant disease (odds ratio: 1.9) as independent preoperative risk factors for a poor QoL at T1. Spondylodiscitis patients with malignancy and/or preoperative leg pain may be at increased risk for poor QoL after surgical treatment. These results can be used to individualize patient information and provide a better assessment of prognosis before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: AOX gene family in motion marks in-born efficiency of respiration adjustment; can serve for primer screening, genotype ranking, in vitro-plant discrimination and a SMART perspective for multiple-resilient plant holobiont selection. The bacteria Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a climate-dependent, global threat to many crops of high socio-economic value, including grapevine. Currently designed breeding strategies for Xf-tolerant or -resistant genotypes insufficiently address the danger of biodiversity loss by focusing on selected threats, neglecting future environmental conditions. Thus, breeding strategies should be validated across diverse populations and acknowledge temperature changes and drought by minimizing the metabolic-physiologic effects of multiple stress-induced oxygen shortages. This research hypothesizes that multiple-resilient plant holobionts achieve lifelong adaptive robustness through early molecular and metabolic responses in primary stress target cells, which facilitate efficient respiration adjustment and cell cycle down-regulation. To validate this concept open-access transcriptome data were analyzed of xylem tissues of Xf-tolerant and –resistant Vitis holobionts from diverse trials and genetic origins from early hours to longer periods after Xf-inoculation. The results indicated repetitive involvement of alternative oxidase (AOX) transcription in episodes of down-regulated transcripts of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) at various critical time points before disease symptoms emerged. The relation between transcript levels of COX and AOX (‘relCOX/AOX’) was found promising for plant discrimination and primer screening. Furthermore, transcript levels of xylem-harbored bacterial consortia indicated common regulation with Xf and revealed stress-induced early down-regulation and later enhancement. LPS priming promoted the earlier increase in bacterial transcripts after Xf-inoculation. This proof-of-principle study highlights a SMART perspective for AOX-assisted plant selection towards multiple-resilience that includes Xf-tolerance. It aims to support timely future plant diagnostics and in-field substitution, sustainable agro-management, which protects population diversity and strengthens both conventional breeding and high-tech, molecular breeding research. Furthermore, the results suggested early up-regulation of bacterial microbiota consortia in vascular-enriched tissues as a novel additional trait for future studies on Xf-tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine Teschoviruses (PTVs) are ubiquitous enteric viral pathogens that infect pigs and wild boars worldwide. PTVs have been responsible for causing the severe clinical disease (Teschen disease) to asymptomatic infections. However, to date, limited information is available on large-scale epidemiological data and molecular characterization of PTVs in several countries. In this study, we report epidemiological data on PTVs based on screening of 534 porcine fecal samples from different states of India and a RT-PCR based detection of PTVs shows a percent positivity of 8.24% (44/534). The PTV prevalence varied among different regions of the country with the highest detection rates observed in the state of Karnataka (38.1%). Phylogenetic analysis based on VP1 gene reveals the presence of PTV genotype 6 and 13 along with some unassigned novel genotypes which did not cluster with any of the established PTV genotypes (PTV 1–PTV 13). Indian PTV 6 strains are genetically closest to the Spanish strains (85.7–94.4%) whereas PTV 13 and novel genotype strains were found to be more similar to the Chinese strains (88.1–99.1%). Using recombination detection software, no Indian PTVs found to be recombinant on VP1 gene and selection pressure analysis revealed the purifying selection in the several sites of the VP1 gene of PTVs. The Bayesian analysis of Indian PTVs shows 1.16 × 10–4 substitution/site/year as the mean evolutionary rate. Further, isolation of the novel PTV strains from India and more detailed investigation much needed to know the evolutionary history of PTV strains circulating in porcine populations in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: This review explores the collaboration between primary care physicians (PCPs) and surgical specialists in breast cancer management. It outlines their evolving roles focusing on early detection, treatment decisions, and patient-centered care. It also addresses challenges, emphasizes interdisciplinary communication, and discusses opportunities for improved breast cancer care. Recent Findings: Recent research highlights the expanded role of PCPs in comprehensive breast cancer care, from diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and prevention. Surgeons play a crucial role in decision-making and personalized treatment planning. Collaborative approaches, including multidisciplinary teams, show improved diagnoses and outcomes. Advances in breast cancer research, such as targeted treatments and immunotherapy, offer promising avenues for enhanced care. Summary: This article advocates for a transformative landscape in breast cancer care, with PCPs and surgeons leading collaborative efforts. Future research lies in the exploration of targeted treatments and the commitment to a holistic, patient-centered approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Cluster bean is an economically significant annual legume, widely known as guar. Plant productivity is frequently constrained by drought conditions. Objective: In this work, we have identified the untargeted drought stress-responsive metabolites in mature leaves of cluster beans under drought and control condition. Methods: To analyse the untargeted metabolites, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique was used. Supervised partial least-squares discriminate analysis and heat map were used to identify the most significant metabolites for drought tolerance. Results: The mature leaves of drought-treated C. tetragonoloba cv. 'HG-365' which is a drought-tolerant cultivar, showed various types of amino acids, fatty acids, sugar alcohols and sugars as the major classes of metabolites recognized by GC-MS metabolome analysis. Metabolite profiling of guar leaves showed 23 altered metabolites. Eight metabolites (proline, valine, D-pinitol, palmitic acid, dodecanoic acid, threonine, glucose, and glycerol monostearate) with VIP score greater than one were considered as biomarkers and three metabolite biomarkers (D-pinitol, valine, and glycerol monostearate) were found for the first time in guar under drought stress. In this work, four amino acids (alanine, valine, serine and aspartic acid) were also studied, which played a significant role in drought-tolerant pathway in guar. Conclusion: This study provides information on the first-ever GC-MS metabolic profiling of guar. This work gives in-depth details on guar's untargeted drought-responsive metabolites and biomarkers, which can plausibly be used for further identification of biochemical pathways, enzymes, and the location of various genes under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with breast pain are usually seen in 'one-stop clinic' (OSC) with breast imaging. In the absence of associated red flag features, the incidence of breast cancer is extremely low. With increase in referrals the OSC capacity is over-stretched. We developed a consultant nurse-led dedicated 'breast pain clinic' in September 2021 without routine breast imaging. After meticulous history and examination, patients obtained detailed counselling and advice regarding breast pain management. If any abnormality was noted then appointment was given for OSC. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of a consultant nurse-led dedicated 'breast pain clinic'. Methods: A prospective study of all consecutive patients seen in 'breast pain clinic' from September 2021 until September 2022. Feedback was sought from all patients. Results: Altogether 429 patients were seen. The mean age was 48.7 years (range 18–86). 87.6% (n = 376) patients required no breast imaging. Only 12.4% (n = 53) patients needed referral to OSC and subsequently 2 patients (0.46%) were diagnosed with breast cancer. Ninety-eight percent of patients felt reassured and 99.2% patients were extremely likely/likely to recommend this service to family and friends. Out of 376 patients who were discharged from breast pain clinic, 12 patients were referred again over a median follow-up period of 15 months, and 2 out of them were diagnosed with breast cancer. Conclusion: A consultant nurse-led 'breast pain clinic' provides service improvement as it eases the pressure on the OSC. Most patients were managed without breast imaging with high level of patient satisfaction and low rereferral rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The heat stress transcription factor HSFA2e regulates both temperature and drought response via hormonal and secondary metabolism alterations. High temperature and drought are the primary yield-limiting environmental constraints for staple food crops. Heat shock transcription factors (HSF) terminally regulate the plant abiotic stress responses to maintain growth and development under extreme environmental conditions. HSF genes of subclass A2 predominantly express under heat stress (HS) and activate the transcriptional cascade of defense-related genes. In this study, a highly heat-inducible HSF, HvHSFA2e was constitutively expressed in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to investigate its role in abiotic stress response and plant development. Transgenic barley plants displayed enhanced heat and drought tolerance in terms of increased chlorophyll content, improved membrane stability, reduced lipid peroxidation, and less accumulation of ROS in comparison to wild-type (WT) plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that HvHSFA2e positively regulates the expression of abiotic stress-related genes encoding HSFs, HSPs, and enzymatic antioxidants, contributing to improved stress tolerance in transgenic plants. The major genes of ABA biosynthesis pathway, flavonoid, and terpene metabolism were also upregulated in transgenics. Our findings show that HvHSFA2e-mediated upregulation of heat-responsive genes, modulation in ABA and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways enhance drought and heat stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly divergent bovine calicivirus was identified in an Indian calf with enteritis. The whole genome of this virus was sequenced, revealing distinct amino acid motifs in the polyprotein encoded by open reading frame 1 (ORF1) that are unique to caliciviruses. Phylogenetic analysis showed that it was related to members of the genus Nebovirus of the family Caliciviridae. Although it showed only 33.7–34.2% sequence identity in the VP1 protein to the nebovirus prototype strains, it showed 90.6% identity in VP1 to Kirklareli virus, a nebovirus detected in calves with enteritis in Turkey in 2012. An in-house-designed and optimized reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was used to screen 120 archived bovine diarrhoeic fecal samples, 40 each from the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, revealing frequent circulation of these divergent caliciviruses in the bovine population, with an overall positivity rate of 64.17% (77/120). This underscores the importance of conducting a comprehensive investigation of the prevalence of these divergent caliciviruses and assessing their associations with other pathogens responsible for enteritis in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A comprehensive analysis of the morphology of fractures of the coronoid process (CP) can aid diagnosis and guide treatment. The involvement of the radial notch of the ulna (RN)—e.g., in anterolateral facet fractures and transverse fractures of the CP—may influence the biomechanical conditions of the proximal radioulnar joint. However, the morphometric relation between the CP and the RN and the extent to what the proximal radioulnar joint can be affected in these types of fractures is unknown. Methods: A total of 113 embalmed, cadaveric ulnae were dissected. All soft tissue was removed. Strictly lateral, high-resolution photographs were taken and digitally analyzed. The height of the CP and its relation to the RN was measured. Sex differences and correlations between measured parameters were calculated. Results: Mean height of the CP was 16 mm (range: 12–23 mm; SD: 2). Mean height of the RN was 16 mm (11–25 mm; 2.2). The 50% mark of the CP corresponded to 18% (0–56%; 11.2) of the height of the RN. No significant differences were found between male and female specimens. Conclusion: The RN of the ulna extends only to a small part to the CP. Transverse or anterolateral fractures of less than 50% of the coronoid process may involve only a small portion of the proximal radioulnar joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The leaky gut barrier is an important factor leading to various inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders. The nutritional value of honey and variety of its health benefits have long been recognized. This study was undertaken to assess the role of Indian mustard honey in preventing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction using a combination of in vitro and in vivo experimental model systems. Methods: LPS was used to induce intestinal barrier damage in a trans-well model of Caco-2 cells (1 µg/ml) and in Swiss albino mice (5 mg/kg body weight). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) were used to analyse sugar and phenolic components in honey samples. The Caco-2 cell monolayer integrity was evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability assays. The histopathology of intestinal tissue was analysed by haematoxylin and eosin dual staining. The quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the transcription of genes. The protein expression was analysed by immunofluorescence, western blot and ELISA-based techniques. Results: The in vitro data showed that honey prevented LPS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction dose dependently as was measured by TEER and paracellular flux of FITC-dextran dye. Further, the in vivo data showed a prophylactic effect of orally administered honey as it prevented the loss of intestinal barrier integrity and villus structure. The cellular localization and expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins were upregulated along with downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to the administration of honey with LPS. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest a propitious role of honey in the maintenance of TJ protein integrity, thereby preventing LPS-induced intestinal barrier disintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is now widely accepted that anti-cancer medications are most effective when administered in combination. Zinc is an essential micronutrient whilst berberine is a well-known natural phytochemical, both having multiple molecular mechanisms of action. The present study aimed to determine the combinatorial effect of zinc and berberine on the human adenocarcinoma HT-29 cancer cell line. The anti-proliferative activity of berberine and zinc was determined by cell viability and colony-forming assays. The combination index and drug reduction index values of zinc and berberine co-treatments were estimated by suitable software. Flow cytometry was used to analyse cell cycle distribution and Annexin V/PI staining. The expression of apoptosis and zinc signalling markers were analysed by RT-qPCR and immunoblot analysis. Berberine decreased the viability of colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner whilst zinc alone had no significant influence on it. However, zinc and berberine co-treatment resulted in a synergistic anti-cancer action which was demonstrated by G2/M phase arrest of cell growth at a lower dose of berberine. Annexin V assay demonstrated that the synergistic impact of zinc and berberine boosted the number of apoptotic cells. Gene expression analysis at both transcriptional and translational levels showed the upregulation of apoptotic (caspase-3 and caspase-8) and a zinc-sensing receptor (GPR39) gene with concomitant downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes like proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and clusterin. Our findings showed that the combination of zinc and berberine has synergistic anti-cancer efficacy and thus could be used as a potential chemopreventive option for colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal and spatiotemporal linear stability analyses of viscoelastic, subdiffusive, plane Poiseuille flow obeying the Fractional Upper Convected Maxwell (FUCM) equation in the limit of low to moderate Reynolds number (Re) and Weissenberg number (We) is reported to identify the regions of topological transition of the advancing flow interface. In particular, we demonstrate how the exponent of the power-law scaling ( t α , with 0 < α ≤ 1 ) in viscoelastic microscale models (Mason and Weitz in Phys Rev Lett 74:1250–1253, 1995) is related to the fractional order of the time derivative, α , of the corresponding non-linear stress constitutive equation in the continuum. The stability studies are limited to two exponents: monomer diffusion in Rouse chain melts, , and in Zimm chain solutions,. The temporal stability analysis indicates that with decreasing order of the fractional derivative (a) the most unstable mode decreases with decreasing values of α , (b) the peak of the most unstable mode shifts to lower values of Re, and (c) the peak of the most unstable mode, for the Rouse model precipitates towards the limit R e → 0 . The Briggs idea of analytic continuation is deployed to classify regions of temporal stability, absolute and convective instabilities, and evanescent modes. The spatiotemporal phase diagram indicates an abnormal region of temporal stability at high fluid inertia, revealing the presence of a non-homogeneous environment with hindered flow, thus highlighting the potential of the model to effectively capture certain experimentally observed, flow-instability transition in subdiffusive flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The naturally occurring heat inside the earth is renewable and sustainable and is known as geothermal energy. It is a renewable energy source that may be used in various applications, including milk pasteurization. This research focuses on the design considerations for developing geothermal-assisted milk pasteurization equipment which is first of its kind in Gujarat, India in direct application of geothermal energy. The novelty of this device is that it utilizes geothermal water (63 °C) from a self-flowing well to pasteurise milk. The utilization of direct heat energy from geothermal resource reduces the operational cost of milk pasteurization process. It discusses the various aspects of the design process, including efficiency calculation, heat exchange principles, system components, and control strategies. The study also discusses the result of the laboratory analysis of pasteurized milk considering microbiological and chemical parameters. The unit reduces the total plate count to 28,000 cfu/ml, within the recommended range for the WHO (30,000 cfu/ml). The paper concludes by discussing societal benefits and techno economic aspect of geothermal-assisted milk pasteurization equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of number of beneficiaries, Medicaid is the single largest health insurance program in the US. Along with the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid covers nearly half of all births and provides health insurance to nearly half of the children in the country. This article provides a broad introduction to Medicaid and CHIP for the pediatric radiologist with a special focus on topics relevant to pediatric imaging and population health. This includes an overview of Medicaid's structure and eligibility criteria and how it differs from Medicare. The paper examines the means-tested programs within the context of pediatric radiology, reviewing pertinent topics such as the rise of Medicaid managed care plans, Medicaid expansion, the effects of Medicaid on child health, and COVID-19. Beyond the basics of benefits coverage, pediatric radiologists should understand how Medicaid and CHIP financing and reimbursement affect the ability of pediatric practices, radiology groups, and hospitals to provide services for children in a sustainable manner. The paper concludes with an analysis of future opportunities for Medicaid and CHIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Popularity of herbal drugs has always been in high demand, but recently it has been increasing all over the world, especially in India, because of the lower range of adverse health effects as compared to synthetic or man-made drugs. Not only this but their cost-effectiveness and easy availability to the poor people and the masses, particularly in developing countries, are major causes for their demand. But there lies a huge problem during the process of plant collection that affects their medicinal properties to certain degrees. This is caused by heavy metal toxicity in soil in different locations of the Indian subcontinent. This was correlated with their potential to cause health damage. Exposure of humans to heavy metals includes diverse pathways from food to water to consumption and inhalation of polluted air to permanent damage to exposed skin and even by occupational exposure at workplaces. As we can understand, the main mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity include the production of free radicals to affect the host by oxidative stress, damaging biological molecules such as enzymes, proteins, lipids, and even nucleic acids and finally damaging DNA which is the fastest way to carcinogenesis and in addition, neurotoxicity. Therefore, in this paper, we have researched how the plants/herbs are affected due to heavy metal deposition in their habitat and how it can lead to serious clinical complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a fusion reactor, tritium is produced in the blanket and recovered the tritium through extraction system. Tritium is one of the isotope of hydrogen, and strontium- and cerium-based perovskite materials are extremely useful for measuring hydrogen isotopes. Reliable and fast hydrogen isotope measurement is critical for effective tritium recovery, and Sr2CeO4–SrCe0.85Y0.15O3−δ could be a promising candidate for hydrogen isotope sensors based on proton-conducting ceramic membranes. The mixed-phase Sr2CeO4–SrCe0.85Y0.15O3−δ were synthesized using a solid-state reaction involving mixing–milling and high-temperature calcination. The mixture of strontium, cerium, and yttrium oxides were ground inside a high-energy ball mill and measured their particle size distribution using the dynamic light scattering method. The thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) was carried out on a mixture of SrCO3–CeO2–Y2O3 from room temperature to 1200 °C at the same time. TGA analysis revealed that the mixed materials reaction temperature ranged between 875 and 994 °C, which is supported by the endothermic peak of DSC. A proportional conversion curve is generated after estimating the temperature-dependent mass loss at 14.2% of the initial mass. TGA and DSC analysis were used to estimate the side reactions that contribute to the formation of Sr2CeO4. Mixed-ground raw materials were isothermally calcined for 2 h inside the muffle furnace at 800, 1000, 1100, and 1200 °C. TGA and stoichiometric estimates are used to compare the total mass loss of the reactions. The resulting products are examined using X-ray diffraction, and the lattice parameters are estimated using the cell refinement method. The materials are two-phase materials composed of Sr2CeO4 and SrCe0.85Y0.15O3−δ. The raw and synthesized material's Raman spectra were also measured, revealing the mixed-phase material. The Raman analysis supported the diffraction data by revealing the possible modes in the compounds. This paper discusses the effect of calcination parameters on the synthesis of SrCe0.85Y0.15O3−δ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex and dynamic three-dimensional organization of chromatin within the nucleus makes understanding the control of gene expression challenging, but also opens up possible ways to epigenetically modulate gene expression. Because plants are sessile, they evolved sophisticated ways to rapidly modulate gene expression in response to environmental stress, that are thought to be coordinated by changes in chromatin conformation to mediate specific cellular and physiological responses. However, to what extent and how stress induces dynamic changes in chromatin reorganization remains poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively investigated genome-wide chromatin changes associated with transcriptional reprogramming response to heat stress in tomato. Our data show that heat stress induces rapid changes in chromatin architecture, leading to the transient formation of promoter-enhancer contacts, likely driving the expression of heat-stress responsive genes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chromatin spatial reorganization requires HSFA1a, a transcription factor (TF) essential for heat stress tolerance in tomato. In light of our findings, we propose that TFs play a key role in controlling dynamic transcriptional responses through 3D reconfiguration of promoter-enhancer contacts. Here the authors show genome-wide chromatin changes and transcriptional reprogramming occur in response to heat stress in tomato, leading to the transient formation of promoter-enhancer contacts to drive the expression of heat-stress responsive genes. Furthermore, they show chromatin spatial reorganization requires HSFA1a, a transcription factor (TF) essential for heat stress tolerance in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The non-metric dental crown traits (NDCT) can vary within and between the geo-populations. These play a critical role in the ethnicity determination and help in identification of an individual. A commonly used system for scoring these dental traits is "Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System" (ASUDAS). Aim and objectives: Our study aims to evaluate the frequency trend of twenty NDCT traits in the India, National Capital Region population using ASUDAS, and check for any significant sexual dimorphism for each trait. Methods: The maxillary and mandibular dental casts from 200 patients (100 males+100 females, age 18–30 years) reporting to the dental OPD of a Government dental college were evaluated. Twenty dental crown traits were scored as per ASUDAS protocol in each dental cast by three investigators independently. NDCTs were tabulated and the chi-square test was performed for calculation of the P value. Results: The results showed that the trait cusp number (83%) and lingual cusp variation (79%) were the two most frequent NDCTs and Y groove pattern (13%) and premolar accessory cusp-4 (12.5%) were the two least frequent traits observed. Shoveling of the upper lateral incisor (P=0.007), tuberculum dentale (P=0.049), mesial ridge (lingual) (P=0.034), and hypocone absence (P=0.001) were found to show statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P < 0.05). Although grade-wise expression of shoveling in upper lateral had statistically significant sexual dimorphism and the frequency of higher expression grades was found more in females, overall dichotomy of expression was not significant. Similarly, although an expression of grade-wise tuberculum dentale, mesial ridge (lingual) and hypocone absence had statistically significant sexual dimorphism, an overall dichotomy of expression was not significant. Conclusion: The current study shows certain NDCTs like cusp number and lingual cusp variation have a significant association with the NCR population. Sexual dimorphism was not significant; hence, future studies should be planned on a large sample with sex pooled data for each precise location and ethnicity in all the regions of India. This can be further correlated with different facial forms and dental occlusal patterns, for correlation with abnormalities in jaws and teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a microencapsulated probiotic as an adjunct therapy in rotavirus-positive diarrhea of neonatal calves that received supportive treatment or supportive along with microencapsulated probiotic treatment, for 5 days. We examined whether microencapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 probiotic treatment in rotavirus-infected diarrhoetic calves led to faster resolution of diarrhea, amelioration of zinc-copper imbalance, improved the immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G, and decreased the inflammatory markers in serum. Calves with rotavirus-positive diarrhea < 4-week age and fecal scores ≥ 2 were randomly assigned into two groups. The supportive along with microencapsulated probiotic treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased zinc and immunoglobulin A concentrations and decreased copper, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide level in serum on days 3 and 5 from pretreatment values; the immunoglobulin G concentration was elevated (p < 0.05) on day 5. The mean resolution time of abnormal fecal score was 5.3 and 3.3 days in supportive treatment and supportive along with microencapsulated probiotic groups, respectively, in log-rank Mantel-Cox test. The calves in the supportive along with microencapsulated probiotic treatment group had faster resolution of diarrhea than supportive treatment group in Dunn's multiple comparisons test. This study demonstrates that supportive treatment along with microencapsulated probiotic administered to naturally rotavirus-infected diarrhoetic calves at onset of diarrhea led to faster resolution of diarrhea, improved zinc and immunoglobulin levels, and decreased the inflammatory parameters in serum of rotavirus-infected diarrhoetic calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of low-profile, frequency-reconfigurable graphene dipole antennas for THz applications. The antenna consists of two graphene patches to form the bow-tie dipole and the wideband artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). Frequency tuning has been introduced by changing the chemical potential of graphene. The AMC has been designed to operate from 2 to 3.4 THz with a ± 90° reflection phase bandwidth of 50.39%. Using AMC surface, the total profile of the antenna has been achieved up to 0.09λ0 (where λ0 is free space wavelength) at the 0° operating frequency of 2.5 THz. In another approach, a hybrid surface combination of AMC and PEC has been used instead of AMC surface to enhance the radiation performance by reducing unwanted current distribution. The input impedance of the proposed antennas is almost stable and well-matched to the impedance of the THz source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that within the context of collectivistic minority groups, familial pride may function largely as a family-based emotion. We examined whether emotions derived from achieving on behalf of ones' family were associated with positive psychological functioning in Asian American college students. The sample for this cross-sectional design included 219 Asian Americans (M = 19.4, SD = 2.0, 66% women) at a minority serving university in Southern California. Participants completed a self-report survey assessing familial cultural values, depression, self-esteem, family-responsive joy, and the recently articulated construct of familial pride. Along with other familial cultural values (i.e., support, obligation, respect, and family as referent), factor-analytic results supported the use of the novel familial pride measure in this sample. Path analyses revealed familial pride was uniquely associated with lower depressive symptoms, higher self-esteem, and higher family responsive joy. In addition to assessing commonly conceptualized familial cultural values, researchers should seek to understand how the emotional correlates of familial pride are related to psychosocial functioning in Asian American adolescents and emerging adults. Practices aimed at fostering these experiences are likely to promote adaptive development for this population. Highlights: Familial pride is related to family values but functions uniquely in its impact. Familial pride is associated to lower depression, higher self-esteem, and higher joy. Pride is beneficial when embedded within family context for Asian American youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an ongoing debate whether a surgical drainage is beneficial to prevent local accumulation of hematoma and to reduce the rate of wound infections, and neurological deficits. Data from the German Spine Society (DWG) registry were filtered for surgically treated spine tumor cases between 2017 and 2021. Cases were categorized into with (Group I) and without (Group II) placement of a surgical drainage. Subgroups were compared for demographic data, type of surgery, experience of the surgeon and postoperative surgical complications. 10,029 cases were included into final analysis (Group I: 3007; Group II: 7022). There was no significant difference between both groups regarding age or gender distribution. Average morbidity of patients was significantly elevated in Group I (p < 0.05) and the rates of invasive surgery were significantly increased in this group (p < 0.001). Overall complication rates were reported with 12.0% (Group I) and 8.5% (Group II). There were significantly more epidural hematoma (p < 0.001) and motor dysfunction (p = 0.049) as well as deep wound infections (p < 0.001) and implant failures (p = 0.02) in Group I. A surgical wound drainage cannot prevent epidural hematoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing that either the retarded van der Walls (sometimes called the Casimir) or the full van der Walls force always acts between two flat surfaces that are in close proximity to each other, we analyze the stiction phenomenon in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) composed of a single layer of graphene suspended over a stationary rigid substrate of graphene by using both molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and a linear elasticity theory. Stiction occurs when the initial gap between the deformable and the stationary electrodes of a NEMS is small enough for the two electrodes to touch each other in the absence of any applied potential difference between them. The value of the initial gap at stiction is called the critical gap and determines the fabricability of the device. In this work, an NEMS is modelled as a pre-stressed clamped atomic graphene structure in the form of either a rectangular strip or a solid/annular circular initially flat disk suspended over a rigid flat substrate and the critical gap found as a function of the prestress. Both methods involve different challenges – the MD work requires properly estimating the Casimir force and the continuum problem has a deflection-dependent external force. It is shown that results from the two approaches qualitatively agree with each other. For the continuum problem we provide a simple expression for estimating limiting dimensions of the NEMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asia is home to a burgeoning market for telemedicine with the availability of cheaper smartphones and internet services. Due to a rise in telemedicine use by doctors and patients, it is imperative to understand the perception of patients towards the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of telemedicine to the general population, the frequency with which patients avail these services, and the motivation or apprehensions in using them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: The study is performed to understand the behavioral attitude and perceptions of the population regarding telemedicine and, in doing so, make services more user-friendly for patients. Methods: A total of 1170 participants were surveyed using a structured online questionnaire to assess the perceptions towards the adoption of telemedicine in healthcare delivery services. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify key variables of knowledge and attitude affecting the utilization of telemedicine. Results: Of the total respondents, 35.3% of patients never encountered telemedicine before and 26.9% did not come across telemedicine even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Understanding the perceptions of patients, using targeted health education, positive communication, and behavioral modifications, is the key factor to be addressed to mitigate the apprehensions towards telemedicine and improve the utilization of the services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Retraction Note: A novel approach for automated detection of focal EEG signals using empirical wavelet transform" has been retracted by the Editor-in-Chief and the publisher due to concerns regarding compromised editorial handling and peer review process, inappropriate references, and not being in scope of the journal or guest-edited issue. The authors, Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Manish Sharma, Ram Bilas Pachori, and U. Rajendra Acharya, disagree with the retraction, while Pradip Sircar, one of the authors, is deceased. Springer Nature, the publisher, remains neutral regarding jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

Diabetes Mellitus, being a polygenic disorder, have a set of risk genes involved in the onset of the insulin resistance, obesity and impaired insulin synthesis. Recent genome wide association studies (GWAS) shows the intimacy of CDK5 regulatory subunit Associated protein 1-Like 1 (Cdkal1) with the pathophysiology of the diabetes mellitus and its complications, although the exact molecular relation is still unknown. In this short review, we have summarized all the diverse biological roles of Cdkal1 in relation to the onset of diabetes mellitus. Variations in the Cdkal1 transcript are responsible for the accumulation of misfolded insulin and thus generating oxidative and ER stress in the pancreatic β-cells, leading to their destruction. Recent studies have shown that Cdkal1 has an intrinsic thiomethyl transferase activity, which is essential for proper posttranslational processing of pre-proinsulin to produce mature insulin. Moreover, Cdkal1 has also been claimed as an endogenous inhibitor of cdk5, which prevents the cdk5-induced interruption in insulin synthesis through PDX1 translocation from nucleus to cytosol. Recent clinical studies have identified the risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Cdkal1 as one of the root causes for the onset of diabetic complications. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first comprehensive review which elaborates most of the potential Cdkal1-dependent molecular mechanisms studied yet. In this review, we present a compiled and concise summary about all the diverse roles of Cdkal1 in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. This review will be helpful to target Cdkal1 as a potential option for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last three decades, the use of herbal medications has been increasing for the treatment of various chronic disorders. Studies in the past have shown that many of these medicines could contain high levels of heavy metals, including lead. Therefore, we planned this study to evaluate the possibility of lead toxicity as the underlying cause in patients consuming these unnamed herbal medicines among patients presenting with significant abdominal pain. (Unexplained abdominal pain means pain in abdomen in which no etiology could be ascertained after all possible routine and specialized investigations including computerized axial tomography [CT] of the abdomen and upper gastrointestinal [UGI] endoscopy/colonoscopy). This is an observational case series of prospectively maintained data of all patients having unexplained abdominal pain and found to have an elevated blood lead level from 2011 to 2019. Lead toxicity was diagnosed when its blood lead level was >25 μg/dL. Total sixty-six patients with unexplained abdominal pain from 2011 to 2019 were recruited. Out of the sixty-six patients, seventeen had elevated blood lead levels. All seventeen patients had a history of ingestion of herbal medicines for more than 6 months. Among the seventeen patients, eight were taking it for infertility and sexual dysfunction, six for diabetes, two for arthritis and one for hypertension. Basophilic stippling was seen in one patient. Fourteen patients had low hemoglobin with a median value of 9.7 g/dL. Mean serum blood lead level was 87.1 μg/dL. None of them required anti-chelating agent. Lead toxicity owing to herbal medicine is not uncommon cause of unexplained abdominal pain. Most of these patients do not require a chelating agent for treatment. There is a need to bring these herbal medicines under strict regulations for displaying its constituents and their concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends the use of tumour profiling tests to guide adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. The Oncotype DX™ score (Genomic Health) has superseded more traditional tools such as PREDICT in appropriate patients (ER + ve, HER2-ve, lymph node negative and with a Nottingham Prognostic Index [NPI] ≥ 3.4). The aim of this study was to see whether the introduction of Oncotype DX within our institution resulted in an overall reduction in rates of chemotherapy. Method: Data was collected retrospectively using the Somerset Cancer Register, Pathology department databases and the institution's own online medical records system. Two groups were compared: (1) pre-oncotype (Jan 2012–Dec 2014) and (2) post-oncotype (Jan 2016–July 2018). Results: During the pre-oncotype period, 28/82 (34%) patients who would have been eligible for testing (patients who were ER + ve, HER2-ve, and a NPI ≥ 3.4) received chemotherapy compared to 34/135 (25%) who were sent for oncotype during the second study period (p = 0.157). For grade 3 cancers, and those aged under 50, the results were more marked: grade 3 pre-oncotype 23/43 (53%), post-oncotype 29/76 (38%) (p = 0.101), aged under 50 pre-oncotype 8/15 (53%), post-oncotype 10/31 (32%) (p = 0.197). Conclusion: Within our institution, overall rates of chemotherapy have reduced since the introduction of Oncotype DX with the results more marked in subgroups of traditional indicators of tumour aggression. As genomic assays provide a more accurate prediction of the benefit of chemotherapy, its overall reduction has potential cost saving implications as well as reducing risk in patients who will derive little benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superoxide dismutases are important group of antioxidant metallozyme and play important role in ROS homeostasis in salinity stress. The present study reports the biochemical properties of a salt-tolerant Cu, Zn-superoxide from Avicennia marina (Am_SOD). Am_SOD was purified from the leaf and identified by mass-spectrometry. Recombinant Am_SOD cDNA was bacterially expressed as a homodimeric protein. Enzyme kinetics revealed a high substrate affinity and specific activity of Am_SOD as compared to many earlier reported SODs. An electronic transition in 360–400 nm spectra of Am_SOD is indicative of Cu2+-binding. Am_SOD activity was potentially inhibited by diethyldithiocarbamate and H2O2, a characteristic of Cu, Zn-SOD. Am_SOD exhibited conformational and functional stability at high NaCl concentration as well in alkaline pH. Introgression of Am_SOD in E. coli conferred tolerance to oxidative stress under highly saline condition. Am_SOD was moderately thermostable and retained functional activity at ~ 60 °C. In-silico analyses revealed 5 solvent-accessible N-terminal residues of Am_SOD that were less hydrophobic than those at similar positions of non-halophilic SODs. Substituting these 5 residues with non-halophilic counterparts resulted in > 50% reduction in salt-tolerance of Am_SOD. This indicates a cumulative role of these residues in maintaining low surface hydrophobicity of Am_SOD and consequently high salt tolerance. The molecular information on antioxidant activity and salt-tolerance of Am_SOD may have potential application in biotechnology research. To our knowledge, this is the first report on salt-tolerant SOD from mangrove. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main aim of the present research is to explore the potential use of Vetiveria zizanioides L. for phytoremediation of arsenic, fluoride, and manganese simultaneously from synthetic wastewater in a batch scale floating platform unit. Half strength Hoagland's nutrient solution spiked with arsenic, fluoride, and manganese concentrations of 1, 20, and 10 mg/L, respectively has been used. The effects of pH and treatment time on simultaneous removal of arsenic, fluoride, and manganese have been performed. V. zizanioides has exhibited optimum growth at pH 8 and the removal of arsenic and fluoride is observed to be 59.6 and 38.1%, respectively. This plant has successfully removed all of the manganese (99.3%). The uptake of manganese is found to be faster than the arsenic and fluoride. The trend of arsenic, fluoride, and manganese accumulation in various parts of V. zizanioides is found as roots > stems > leaves. Result showed that the use of V. zizanioides would be appropriate to treat arsenic, fluoride, and manganese contaminated wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) has a high mortality and leads to chronic pain and functional disability. Surgical treatment is often necessary. To date, little is known about the consequences of surgery on patient outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of life (QoL) and mortality rates of surgically treated VO patients for a period of 2 years. Methods: Patients with VO undergoing surgical treatment in a tertiary referral hospital from 2008 to 2015 were included prospectively. Data were collected before (T0) as well as 1 year (T1) and 2 years (T2) post-surgery. Within the European Spine Tango registry, prospective patient and QoL data were collected using validated outcome scores: Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form 36/EuroQol, Visual Analog Scale, and Core Outcome Measures Index. Results: From 195 patients surgically treated for VO, QoL data were available from 136 patients at T0, 100 patients at T1, and 82 patients at T2, respectively. The 1- and 2-year mortality rates were 20% and 23%. Mainly all QoL outcome scores showed significant improvement at T1 and did not change significantly from T1 to T2. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of VO patients leads to significantly improved QoL. Nevertheless, QoL levels were below those of the general population. Our results underscore that spine disability questionnaires measuring QoL are mandatory to demonstrate comprehensively the severity of this entity. Our study confirms a high mortality and points out the role of VO as a potentially life-threatening condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papaya fruits have great nutritional and economical values. The ripening stage of papaya fruits at the time of harvesting massively impacts the quality and shelf-life of fruits. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitting from the papaya fruits during the ripening process could be used as a real-time non-invasive biomarker to characterize the ripening stage. This paper reports identification of VOCs as non-invasive ripening biomarkers of papaya fruits based on solid-phase micro-extraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of VOCs emitted from the papaya fruit cv. 'Red Lady'. Three ripening stages were studied, viz., green unripe (UR), yellowish-green intermediate ripe (IR), and yellow full ripe (FR). GC–MS analyses and the subsequent statistical studies identified a total of 35 VOCs. Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) of VOCs from the three ripening stages identified six biomarker VOCs, which can efficiently distinguish between ripening stages. Among the six ripening biomarkers, three VOCs (methyl hexanoate, 3-carene and longifolene) showed a remarkable correlation with the ripening-associated changes in the fruit nutritional profile. The biomarkers reported here could be used as a viable technology for non-invasive monitoring of ripening stages and the nutritional value of papaya fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: (1) Development and validation of a composite ultrasound score (cUSS) for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). (2) To predict treatment response after local corticosteroid injection. Methods: Wrists of CTS patients and controls were evaluated with high-resolution ultrasound and cross-sectional area of median nerve at carpal tunnel inlet (CSAp) and outlet (CSAd) and bowing of flexor retinaculum (FRB), flexor tenosynovitis, and intraneural vascularity and echogenicity changes were noted. Patients were prospectively followed after ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection. Results: We studied 479 wrists of 141 patients and 99 controls. Optimal cut-offs for diagnosing CTS were 9.5 mm2 and 10.5 mm2, respectively, for CSAp and CSAd. A cUSS consisting of the following parameters was developed: age, CSAp, CSAd, FRB, and flexor tenosynovitis and echogenicity changes. External validation of cUSS yielded sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 91.7%, 87.1%, and 89.8%, respectively. Treatment responses from 88 injections (median duration of follow-up of 6 months) were available with satisfactory initial responses in 69.32% (61/88) and relapses in 30.86% (25/81). Median time to relapse was 2 months. Initial response was predicted by FRB (odds ratio (OR): 5.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45–20.3, p = 0.012). Relapse was predicted by age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.168, 95% CI: 1.076–1.268, p = 0.0002), male gender (HR: 8.1.02, 95% CI: 2.394–27.422, p = 0.0007), FRB, (HR: 46.982, 95% CI: 5.048–437.293, p = 0.0008), and higher body mass index (HR: 0.238, 95% CI: 0.064–0.892, p = 0.0332). Conclusions: The developed cUSS has a diagnostic accuracy of 88% for diagnosing CTS. Ultrasound parameters could predict both initial treatment response and relapse. Key points: • Anatomical ultrasound parameters in addition to nerve cross-sectional area is important for diagnosis of CTS. • A composite US score for diagnosis of CTS was developed with accuracy 88.6%. • Bowing of flexor retinaculum predicts short and long term response to local steroid injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of a skin resistance for adsorbate mass transport at the surface of a pelletized adsorbent particle or at the surface of adsorbent crystals within a particle has been proven by many macroscopic and microscopic experiments. An isothermal and isobaric column dynamic test method may be used to approximately estimate the relative magnitude of the skin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is essential for growth and development of all living organisms, especially human being. Deficiency of micronutrients like zinc and iron has been linked to the manifestation of hidden hunger. Therefore, it is imperative that development of some rapid screening method for bioavailable zinc in various crops and food commodities would be an essential addition in battle against zinc deficiency related hidden hunger. One such method could be the usage of fluorescence based zinc ion sensing probe which would be robust and convenient for estimating bioavailable zinc. To address this issue, NBD-TPEA, a highly sensitive zinc ion sensing probe, have been used in this study towards the development of a novel fluorescence based approach for the analysis of zinc bioavailability in Caco-2 cells as an in-vitro cellular model. The use of this probe showed dose dependent sensitivity towards increasing concentrations of zinc ion uptake by Caco-2 cells. It also showed specificity for zinc ion uptake as compared to other metal ions in-vitro. These observations correlated extremely well with zinc uptake analysis by cell imaging and conventional analytical technique like, ICP-MS. The developed assay was then tested in mushroom and some selected biofortified derivatives of wheat for determining the levels of their bioavailable zinc using Caco-2 cells. The data as obtained with these food samples in our developed bioassay correlated well with the other sophisticated analytical techniques thus validating our cell based assay. Hence, the developed assay could serve as a simple but sensitive tool for determining bioavailable zinc in various food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower pollen was reported to contain respiratory allergens responsible for occupational allergy and pollinosis. The present study describes the comprehensive characterization of a major sunflower allergen Hel a 6. Natural Hel a 6 was purified from sunflower pollen by anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Hel a 6 reacted with IgE-antibodies from 57% of 39 sunflower-sensitized patient sera suggesting it to be a major allergen. The patients were of Indian origin and suffering from pollinosis and allergic rhinitis. Hel a 6 exhibited allergenic activity by stimulating mediator release from basophils. Monomeric Hel a 6 displayed pectate lyase activity. The effect of various physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, and calcium ion on the functional activity of Hel a 6 revealed a stable nature of the protein. Hel a 6 was folded, and its melting curve showed reversible denaturation in which it refolded back to its native conformation from a denatured state. Hel a 6 displayed a high degree of sequence conservation with the pectate lyase allergens from related taxonomic families such as Amb a 1 (67%) and Art v 6 (57%). The IgE-cross reactivity was observed between Hel a 6 and its ragweed and mugwort homologs. The cross-reactivity was further substantiated by the mediator release when Hel a 6-sensitized effector cells were cross-stimulated with Art v 6 and Amb a 1. Several putative B cell epitopes were predicted and mapped on these 3 allergens. Two antigenic regions were found to be commonly shared by these 3 allergens, which could be crucial for cross-reactivity. In conclusion, Hel a 6 serves as a candidate molecule for diagnosis and immunotherapy for weed allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is the most frequently occurring cancer in children as well as young adolescents and the metastatic forms worsen this condition to a further great extent. The metastatic dissemination of cancer cells is often acquired through a process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Since, phytochemicals have attracted intense interest in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological effects, in the present study, we investigated if berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline quaternary alkaloid, could modulate the EMT in osteosarcoma cells. Our experimental studies showed that berberine reduced cell viability, colony formation, wound healing ability and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Also, berberine significantly reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, suggesting its inhibitory action on the matrix metalloproteinases that are required for cancer cell invasion. The significant reduction in the expression of vimentin, N-cadherin, fibronectin and increased expression of E-cadherin further suggested its role in the inhibition of EMT in osteosarcoma cells. The downregulation of H3K27me3, as well as the decreased expression of the histone methyl transferase enzyme EZH2, further substantiated the fact that the plant alkaloid can be used as an epigenetic modulator in the treatment of osteosarcoma. In conclusion, our findings suggest that berberine inhibits proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells and most importantly reverses EMT along with modulation of key epigenetic regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the problem of optimal portfolio selection under forward investment performance criteria in an incomplete market. Given multiple traded assets, the prices of which depend on multiple observable stochastic factors, we construct a large class of forward performance processes, as well as the corresponding optimal portfolios, with power-utility initial data and for stock–factor correlation matrices with eigenvalue equality (EVE) structure, which we introduce here. This is done by solving the associated nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) posed in the "wrong" time direction. Along the way, we establish on domains an explicit form of the generalised Widder theorem of Nadtochiy and Tehranchi (Math. Finance 27:438–470, 2015, Theorem 3.12) and rely for that on the Laplace inversion in time of the solutions to suitable linear parabolic PDEs posed in the "right" time direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cambay basin of Western India has been proved as the most prominent and promising basin for major shale oil and gas discoveries. The present work is an exploration study of shales of different tectonic blocks of Cambay basin, which characterizes it as potential source as well as a reservoir for hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. Major experimental work was done on the Cambay shale of North tectonic block of Cambay basin and it was found that the shale has good to excellent organic richness, hybrid oil/gas bearing potential, mature shale potential, good hydrocarbon generation potential and good kerogen transformation. On the contrary, shales of south tectonic block are at the immature phase of hydrocarbon generation and may generate hydrocarbons upon thermal maturation and deep burial. The performed analysis and interpretation are explaining the true hydrocarbon potential of shales of Cambay basin and hence providing with a roadmap for the shale geochemical characterization which may be useful for development of shale plays at large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes disproportionately affects American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN). Bisphenol A (BPA) and arsenic (As), environmental toxicants which may be associated with diabetes, have not been well studied in this population. Our objectives were to determine if urinary BPA and As are associated with diabetes among adults in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST), and to compare their urinary levels with the general US population. Methods: We performed a case-control study among 276 volunteers. We matched our cases (persons with diabetes) and controls (persons without diabetes) using age. We collected questionnaire data and urine samples which were tested for BPA and speciated As analytes. We used paired t tests and McNemar's chi-square test to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively, between cases and controls and linear regression to assess the association between self-reported exposures and BPA and As levels. We used conditional logistic regression to investigate the association between case status and BPA and As levels. BPA and As levels among participants were compared with those from the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Results: The average age of participants was 46 years. The majority identified as AI/AN race (97%) and 58% were female. The geometric means from CRST participant urine specimens were 1.83 ug/L for BPA and 3.89 ug/L for total As. BPA geometric means of CRST participants were higher than NHANES participants while total As geometric means were lower. BPA and As were not associated with case status. Conclusion: The results of this study are consistent with others that have reported no association between diabetes and exposure to BPA or As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, Puerto Rico sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Maria, increasing the risk of fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings. Using a population-based, in-person survey of households with children less than 6 years old in Puerto Rico, we collected data in 2010 concerning the presence of smoke alarms and CO alarms in these households. We generated national estimates by extrapolating the number of households in each stratum using data from the 2010 Census. We determined which household characteristics predicted the presence of these alarms. Of 355 households analyzed, 31% had functional smoke alarms, or an estimated 109,773 households territory wide. The presence of smoke alarms was associated with living in multifamily housing and no child in the household receiving government medical insurance. Public housing or publicly subsidized housing, as compared to owner-occupied housing and unsubsidized rental housing, was associated with having a functional smoke alarm in households with children aged less than 6 years. Based on only six houses having CO alarms, we estimated only 7685 (2%) households had CO alarms. The low prevalence of functional smoke or CO alarms 7 years before Hurricane Maria is unfortunate and should be remedied by ensuring that such alarms are widely installed in current rebuilding activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tulamura anticline falls in the state Tripura, Northeast India. The anticline is extended up to neighbour country Bangladesh. The region is characterized by huge anticlines, normal faults and abnormally pressured formations which causes a wide margin of uncertainties in wildcat well planning and design. These geological complexities of Tulamura anticline make the drilling engineers more challenging. Therefore, a proper well design is essential in such a region to prevent blowout. Drilling engineer requires to maintain wellbore pressure between the pore pressure and fracture pressure to reduce the possibility of a kick and a formation damage. Pore pressure plays an important role to design a safe and economical well in such a high pressure and temperature reservoir. For wildcat drilling, only seismic data are available in the study area. There are various methods to predict pore pressure from seismic velocity data. Modified Eaton's method is widely used for the pore pressure prediction from seismic data in terms of the velocity ratio. Modified Eaton's equations may cause an error by manual selection of compaction trend line which is used to find normal compaction velocity. The main objectives of this study are to develop a new method to predict pore pressure and safe well design on the top of Tulamura anticline in terms of pore pressure. The new method is validated by a well-known method, modified Eaton's method, and RFT pressure data from offset wells. An excellent match with pore pressures estimated from RFT pressure data and predicted by new model along with modified Eaton's method is observed in this research work. The efficiency and accuracy level of the hybrid model is more as compared to other methods as it does not require compaction velocity data; thus, an error caused by manual compaction trend can be eliminated. Pore pressure predicted by new method indicates result up to the 6000 m, which is up to the basement rock. The predicted pore pressures by new method are used as an input to calculate the fracture pressure by Hubbert and Willis method, Mathews and Killy method and modified Eaton's method. Equivalent mud weight selection is carried out using median line principle with additional 0.3 ppg, 0.3 ppg and 0.2 ppg of swab pressure, surge pressure and safety factor, respectively, for calculation of all casing pipes. Casing setting depths are selected based on pore pressure gradient, fracture pressure gradient and mud weight using graphical method. Here, four types of casing setting depths are selected: conductor, surface, intermediate and production casings at 100 ft, 6050 ft, 15500 ft and 18,500 ft, respectively, by new methods, but the casing setting depths for intermediate are at 13500 ft in the case of modified Eaton's method. The casing policy is selected based on burst pressure, collapse pressure and tension load. For each casing, kick tolerance in bbl is determined from kick tolerance graph to prevent the blowout. Finally, comparative safe and economical wells are designed on the top of Tulamura anticline along with target depth selection, casing setting depth selection, casing policy selection and kick tolerance in consideration of collapse pressure, burst pressure and tension load which gives a clear picture of well planning on the top of anticline in pore pressure point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Benzoate-Coenzyme A ligase enzyme activity catalyzing the conversion of free benzoic acid to benzoyl-CoA was detected and biochemically characterized in the elicitor-treated pear cell cultures. Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) is an economically and nutritionally important fruit-bearing tree of the subtribe Malinae. Upon pathogen attack, pears produce unique benzoate-derived biphenyl phytoalexins. The upstream biosynthesis of the biphenyl in Malinae is still incomplete. Previously, protein preparations from yeast extract-treated pear cultures were able to convert l-phenylalanine to cinnamic acid catalyzed by the activity of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase. The same extract was able to perform a C2 side-chain cleavage of cinnamic acid to benzaldehyde followed by oxidation of the latter to benzoic acid owing to the molecularly-undefined benzaldehyde synthase and benzaldehyde dehydrogenase activities, respectively. The biosynthesis of biphenyls starts with benzoate-Coenzyme A ligase (BZL), which converts benzoic acid to benzoyl-CoA. Subsequently, the previously-defined biphenyl synthase uses benzoyl-CoA to form the biphenyls. The current study reports the first time detection and characterization of BZL activity in elicitor-treated pear cell cultures. The preferred substrate was benzoic acid (Km = 62 ± 4 µM). Magnesium or manganese was prerequisite for the activity, which was enhanced by ~ 70% in the presence of potassium. Maximum BZL activity was observed 18 h post elicitation, which is in agreement with the coordinate induction reported for the enzymes in the same pathway. The induced BZL activity preceded the accumulation of biphenyls supporting its involvement in their biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prognostic scores have been proposed to guide the treatment of patients with metastatic spine disease (MSD), but their accuracy and usefulness are controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate seven such prognostic scoring systems. The following prognostic scores were compared: Tomita, Van der Linden (VDL), Bauer modified (BM), Oswestry Spinal Risk Index (OSRI), Tokuhashi original (T90), Tokuhashi revised (TR05), and modified Tokuhashi revised (TR17). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all our patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastases, February 2008–January 2015. We classified all 223 patients into the predicted survival-time categories of each of the 7 scoring systems and then tallied how often this was correct vis-à-vis the actual survival time. Accuracy was also assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis at 1, 3, and 12 months. Results: The median (95% CI) survival of the 223 patients was 13.6 (7.9–19.3) months. A groupwise ROC analysis showed sufficient accuracy for 3-month survival only for TR17 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.71) and for 1-year survival for T90 (AUC 0.73), TR05 (AUC 0.76), TR17 (AUC 0.76), Tomita (AUC 0.77), and OSRI (AUC 0.71). A pointwise ROC score analysis showed poor prognostic ability for short-term survival (1 and 3 months) with sufficient accuracy for T90 (AUC 0.71), TR05 (AUC 0.71), TR17 (AUC 0.71), and the Tomita score (AUC 0.77) for 1-year survival. Conclusion: The TR17 was the only prognostic system with acceptable performance here. More sophisticated assessment tools are required to keep up with present and future changes in tumor diagnostics and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]