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Abstract A nanocomposite of CaO:MgAl2O4 was synthesized through a straightforward and cost-effective sol–gel method. The investigation of the novel CaO:MgAl2O4 nanocomposite encompassed an examination of its morphological and structural alterations, as well as an exploration of its photocatalytic activities and electrochemical characteristics. XRD analysis revealed a nanocomposite size of 24.15 nm. The band gap, determined through UV studies, was found to be 3.83 eV, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated flake-like morphological changes in the CaO:MgAl2O4 samples. TEM, HRTEM, and SAED studies of a CaO:MgAl2O4 nanocomposite would reveal important details about its morphology, crystallography, and nanostructure. Photocatalytic activity was quantified by studying the degradation of Acid Red-88 (AR-88) dye in a deionized solution, achieving a 70% dye degradation under UV irradiation in 120 min. Plant growth examinations were carried out using dye degraded water to test its suitability for agriculture. The electrochemical energy storage and sensing applications of the prepared nanocomposite were examined using CaO:MgAl2O4 modified carbon paste electrode through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In conclusion, the synthesized CaO:MgAl2O4 nanocomposite demonstrated promising morphological and structural characteristics, efficient photocatalytic activity, and potential applications in electrochemical energy storage, highlighting its versatility for various technological and environmental applications. Graphical abstract

Identification of donor parents and markers for traits conferring drought tolerance eventually hastens the breeding for drought tolerance in rice. The extent of variation for water stress indicators, physio-morphological and plant production traits were assessed by evaluating 36 rice genotypes under water stress condition. Significant variation was observed for these traits and thirteen drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes were selected and grouped as tolerant and susceptible bulks based on physio-morphological and biochemical characterization. Genomic DNA was isolated from these rice accessions and pooled, respectively into drought tolerant and susceptible bulks. Bulked line analysis was carried to identify microsatellite markers linked to drought tolerance in rice. Out of 200 SSR primers screened RM 1092; RM 129 and RM157B were polymorphic between the bulks and also co-segregated among the individual genotypes constituting the respective bulks. The genomic regions flanked by these markers have been identified to be associated with various drought tolerance traits in rice and can be useful for marker assisted selection for drought resistance improvement in rice. The genotypes identified as drought tolerant can be used us donars in drought improvement breeding programmes.

We present our expeilence of pedicled Anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of groin defects in cancer patients. Total of 17 flaps in 16 patients were performed between January 2001 to May 2003. 15 flaps were used for groin defects after node dissection for carcinoma of Penis (bilateral groin defects in one patient), 1 case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of groin and 1 case of Soft Tissue Sarcoma of groin. All patients were male. 16 were myocutaneous variety and 1 was fasciocutaneous flap based on the septocutaneous perforator. Complications were few and all patients achieved durable long-term coverage. We found the flap to be technically easy and reliable.

The transition from radicle emergence to seedling growth in maize is a crucial phase in the plant's life cycle, where rapid physiological and biochemical changes occur to facilitate successful development. In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular processes driving this critical transition. The early divergence in gene expression patterns highlighted the upregulation of a substantial number of genes during radicle emergence. During radicle emergence, gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis unveiled active participation in biological processes such as chromatin assembly, cellular response to abiotic stress, and hormone signaling. This indicates that the initial stages of growth are marked by cellular expansion and adaptation to environmental stimuli. Conversely, in the seedling growth stage, GO analysis demonstrated a shift toward processes such as photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, reflecting a transition to energy production and enhanced growth. In contrast, seedling growth was characterized by pathways related to photosynthesis and the production of gibberellins, crucial for robust seedling development. Hormonal regulation and starch metabolism were also prominent during radicle emergence, with various hormones, including auxins, diterpenoids, and brassinosteroids, driving processes like cell enlargement and stem growth. Moreover, starch and sucrose metabolism genes were expressed to mobilize stored reserves for energy during this stage. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamic regulation of genes and pathways during this critical phase of maize development., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

An easy and efficient large-scale synthesis of 1, 2,-di-O-acetyl-5-O-benzoyl-3-O-methyl-d-ribofuranose (8) was accomplished from commercial 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-allofuranose in 7-steps and 30 % overall yield. The utility of protected 8 was demonstrated via synthesis of 9-(3'-O-methyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl)-6-chloropurine (21) and six other nucleoside analogues in good yields. A library of five novel base modified nucleosides were generated starting from purine nucleoside 21 via functional group manipulations. The 3'-O-modified nucleosides are known to act as chain terminator exerting antiviral activity. The synthesis strategy described herein offers direct access to 3'-O-alkylated nucleosides with wide range of applications, including cap analogues for mRNA vaccine production. This protocol provides a route to exclusive synthesis of 3'-O-alkylated nucleosides, devoid of isomeric 2'-O-alkylated products essential for both therapeutic and biological research., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be detrimental to seed viability. However, recent studies have demonstrated that ROS have key roles in seed germination particularly in the release of seed dormancy and embryogenesis, as well as in protection from pathogens., Scope: This review considers the functions of ROS in seed physiology. ROS are present in all cells and at all phases of the seed life cycle. ROS accumulation is important in breaking seed dormancy, and stimulating seed germination and protection from pathogens. However, excessive ROS accumulation can be detrimental. Therefore, knowledge of the mechanisms by which ROS influence seed physiology will provide insights that may not only allow the development of seed quality markers but also help us understand how dormancy can be broken in several recalcitrant species., Conclusions: Reactive oxygen species have a dual role in seed physiology. Understanding the relative importance of beneficial and detrimental effects of ROS provides great scope for the improvement and maintenance of seed vigour and quality, factors that may ultimately increase crop yields., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)