Search

Background: The benefit of aspirin on cancer survival is debated. Data from randomized clinical trials and cohort studies are discordant, although meta-analysis shows a clear survival advantage when aspirin is added to the standard of care. However, the mechanism by which aspirin improves cancer survival is not clear. Methods: A PubMed search was carried out to identify articles reporting genes and pathways associated with aspirin and cancer survival. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis was carried out using web-based tools. Gene-gene and protein-protein interactions were evaluated. Crosstalk between pathways was identified and plotted. Results: Forty-one genes were identified and classified into primary genes (PTGS2 and PTGES2), genes regulating cellular proliferation, interleukin and cytokine genes and DNA repair genes. The network analysis showed a rich gene-gene and protein-protein interaction between these genes and proteins. Pathway enrichment showed the interleukin and cellular transduction pathways as the main pathways involved in aspirin-related survival, in addition to DNA repair, autophagy, extracellular matrix, and apoptosis pathways. Crosstalk of PTGS2 with EGFR, JAK/AKT, TP53, interleukin/TNFα/NFκB, GSK3B/BRCA/PARP, CXCR/MUC1, and WNT/CTNNB pathways was identified. Conclusions: The results of present study demonstrate that aspirin improves cancer survival by the interplay of 41 genes through a complex mechanism. PTGS2 is the primary target of aspirin and impacts cancer survival through 6 primary pathways: the interleukin pathway, extracellular matrix pathway, signal transduction pathway, apoptosis pathway, autophagy pathway and DNA repair pathway.

Rhizomes of Bergenia are frequently used as antiurolithiatic agents in hilly regions of India, leading to this plant becoming threatened. Furthermore, Bergenia also serves as a diuretic, antitussive, and antipyretic, and is used as a treatment for diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, cough, pulmonary infections, menorrhagia, excessive uterine haemorrhage, and stomach ulcers. Using leaf/petiole explants from Bergenia ligulata, one-step regeneration was demonstrated. MS media supplemented with 0.2 and 0.4 mg L-1 BAP with 0.1 mg L-1 NAA resulted in the highest number of shoots on either explant (leaf/petiole). However, multiple shoots were produced on MS media fortified with 2 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 Kn. An efficient and rapid regeneration protocol for this plant is presented in this study.

Assessment of variability and trait associations in a crop helps to enhance selection efficiency. With this objective, a study was conducted to estimate the genetic variability, character association and path coefficient analysis for grain yield and its component traits in 80 rice genotypes during Kharif-2020. Eighty genotypes including eight checks were evaluated in alpha lattice design with three replications. For all of the traits studied, the results revealed significant variance in all genotypes.PCV was found to be slightly more than the corresponding GCV for all the characters, indicating the role of environment in the expression of these traits. However, high GCV and high PCV were observed for number of effective tillers, grain yield per plot, number of filled grains per panicle, number of unfilled grains per panicle, biomass yield, harvest index, grain yield per plant and grain yield per hectare. Furthermore, all of the variables investigated had strong heritability and high genetic progress as a percentage of mean, with the exception of days to 50% blooming, days to maturity, and kernel breadth. Days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, spikelet fertility percentage, number of filled grains per panicle, harvest index and kernel length showed a significant and positive association with grain yield per plot. Highest direct contribution to grain yield per plot was manifested by kernel length, harvest index and spikelet fertility percent. Days to first flowering, days to maturity, number of effective tillers, number of unfilled grains per panicle, test weight, biomass yield were also found to exert a positive effect on yield, thus can be considered as desirable traits for selection in high yielding genotypes.

Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) commonly presents with respiratory symptoms. However, symptoms involving the digestive system may be present, significance of which is not well studied in the Indian scenario. Methods This prospective observational cohort study included consecutive patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to intensive care unit of our tertiary care hospital from September 9, 2020, to March 14, 2021. We evaluated the frequency of preadmission digestive symptoms and compared the demographic, clinical, laboratory parameters, and organ failure at admission and during intensive care along with mortality between those with and without digestive symptoms. In the digestive group, we sought to find predictors of mortality. Results Digestive symptoms were present in 76/234 (32.4%) with severe COVID-19 infection. In comparison to nondigestive group, digestive patients had higher need for noninvasive ventilation (p 0.028), invasive lines (68%, p 0.003), vasopressors (64%, p 0.01), blood product transfusion (21.1%, p

Endophytes are known to activate induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants. However, detailed studies regarding the location, host, and pathogen specificity are limited. To investigate the influence of the source of endophytes on ISR, we collected Argemone mexicana and Datura metel plants from two different locations in northeast India. We isolated endophytes from these plants and tested their ability to confer ISR-mediated protection. We found that endophytes from D. metel from both locations activated ISR in D. metel plants. However, endophytes from A. mexicana from only one place triggered ISR in A. mexicana. We also observed cross-protection by the endophytes from these plants in Arabidopsis thaliana in a host- and pathogen-specific manner. The results altogether demonstrated that endophytes found in plants under the natural environment play a significant role in generating broad-spectrum resistance against soil microbes. These endophytes might be selectively used to induce ISR in plants.

Contribution: This article details a systematic study to investigate knowledge that graduate students have about reliability and safety engineering (RSE), comparing it with industry expectations. Background: Reliability and safety have always been the main focus while developing safety-critical systems (SCS). An interview study was conducted with engineering students in India and Brazil and with experienced practitioners to investigate a perceived mismatch between education and employment on knowledge related to RSE in SCS. Research Question: How does student knowledge of RSE for SCS compare with industry expectations? What measures could be taken by institutes and universities providing computer engineering courses to better meet the expectations of industries regarding SCS? Methodology: Interviews and discussions were conducted with 21 practitioners from ten different organizations to identify what expectations they hold for the students they recruit to develop SCS, as these SCS have high reliability and safety requirements. Interviews were conducted with graduate students of various engineering disciplines to assess their knowledge of RSE for SCS. Analyses were conducted to compare industry expectations with students’ knowledge. Findings: Analyses indicated most graduate students do not have the range of knowledge regarding RSE that recruiters see as essential for the development of SCS. Hence, it is paramount to rethink computing curricula—to include RSE-related topics.

Purpose of review COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in living kidney donor evaluations and transplants. This was due to concerns for donor and recipient safety, restrictions on elective cases, and diversion of staff and resources in centers with a higher incidence of COVID-19 infections. Telehealth was explored as a strategy to continue living donor evaluations during the pandemic, but faced barriers including restrictive physician licensing, reduced reimbursement, lack of infrastructure, prohibitive local policies, limited exam, and personal biases. This review highlights these barriers and potential solutions. Recent findings Telehealth usage in the transplant population improves medication adherence, reduces hospitalization rates for recipients, and makes living donor evaluation convenient. Transplant centers have implemented telehealth successfully for living kidney donor evaluations. Broad use of telemedicine will be possible only if policies support the changing landscape of healthcare delivery. Summary Telehealth may increase access to timely kidney transplants by expediting living kidney donor evaluations. However, supportive infrastructure, regulatory policies, and reimbursement are needed to sustain access to telehealth for living kidney donor evaluation and care.

Contribution: This article shares the learning ecosystem of a project-based safety-critical systems (SCS) course, identifying course contents that support self-directed learning and how assignments develop students’ knowledge and understanding toward meeting the demand of industries. Background: The syllabus for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the engineering stream has been periodically updated by universities and higher education institutes to meet the demand of industries. Due to high reliability and safety requirements, the development process of SCS differs from that of other industrial systems in many ways. This article seeks to further understand ways that a project-based learning approach in an undergraduate and postgraduate SCS can earn a systematic knowledge to meet industrial demands. Research Question: In what ways can a project-based learning and experimental approach in the undergraduate and postgraduate course can embed the expertise on the development of SCS among the students to meet the industrial demands and increase the employability. Methodology: In-depth reviews with 21 experienced industry experts from ten different organizations, working on different domains, were conducted in the context of the development of SCS in order to investigate critical aspects related to the development of SCS. Then, students and faculty members of different universities and institutes were interviewed to know the existing course structure of SCS. Findings: The salient differences between the university students and practices were analyzed, based on which a systematic course on the development of SCS is proposed that can meet the industry demand.

For a sustainable livelihood model of farming under Indian conditions, dairying becomes an inevitable part along with crop production. Dairy farming has been a continuous source of income to the farmers which help them in their socioeconomic development. Increased quantity and quality of milk always fetches good returns to the farmers. Hence, it becomes the priority of almost all the farmers to extract more and more milk from the animals which may sometimes pushes them into faulty husbandry practices which ultimately lead to loss of income and loss of health of animals. Nonetheless, dairy production in India has boosted many folds as shown by increased livestock population and production scenario in the country. However, under Indian conditions, for enhancing the income from dairy farming certain constraints have to be layout and correspondingly firm solutions have to be made. Constraints such as poor availability of high producing Germplasm, rapidly decreasing availability of feed and fodder resources, poor husbandry practices, reproductive and other health problems among several other problems hinder the income obtained from dairy farming to the farmers. In addition to the much needed solutions of such constraints, there needs for the reforming government policies for overall development of dairying in India. This article discusses on such probable constraints and their solutions in concise yet informative way so that wholesome development of income through dairy industry may be achieved.

Being a universal solvent, water is a major source of contamination. According to the World Summit of Sustainable Development, the major reason for lack of safe water is either scarcity of water or contamination of water sources. The quality of water is vital concern for the man kind as it is directly linked with human welfare. Aim and Objective: To evaluate the Jala Shodhana properties of Dhava (Anogeissus latifolia Wall.) stem bark ash. Material and method: Authentification and collection of Dhava bark was done from renowned source. Dhava bark was calcinated in Muffle furnace and used for the further study. The filter was prepared by using sand, gravel and Dhava bark ash. Synthetic water sample prepared by adding Arsenic trioxide, lead acetate, Calcium fluoride and Mercury-II Sulfate. This synthetic water was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, to know the percent removal of Heavy metals and fluoride after the treatment by Dhava bark ash filtering apparatus. Result- The Dhava stem bark (filtering apparatus) shows significant result in removal of mercury (99.8%), lead (99.9%), Arsenic (34.18%) and Fluoride (57.05%) from water. Discussion: The present study was undertaken to assess the efficiency and pollution reduction potential of sand intermittent filtration technology in term of heavy metal. Filtration can be compared to a sieve or micro-strainer that traps suspended material between grains of filter media In this present research work efforts have been made to develop a low cost and low maintenance model of Bio-sand intermittent filtration for treatment of Dushita Jala. (BIO= Stem bark of Anogessious latifolia). Conclusion: This study proves the statement of Acharya Sushruta about Jala shodhana properties of Dhava described in Kalpa sthana Tritiya Adhyaya. Therefore our study will leads to the development of Bio-sand filter which is cost-effective without chemical operation and environmental friendly technology for water and waste water treatment.

The present research explores the effect of various support system on deformation in a shallow tunnel from North-Western Himalaya, India. The deformation measurements assessed through field investigation were utilized to simulate the pre-existing and the present ground scenario, and furthermore in the evaluation of elastic parameters such as Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio through finite element back analysis. Back-analysed model predicted a Young’s modulus of 32 MPa and Poisson’s ratio of 0.3. Afterwards, the effect on the deformation of surrounding groundmass for unexcavated and the present condition were numerically ascribed at three different stages of excavation. The numerical application of forepoling and steel liners showed a marked reduction in the tunnel deformation. The combined effect of applied support methods was also enumerated and compared with individual stabilization method. This assessment may aid engineers and planners working in similar geological conditions, by making the excavation safer, stable and economical.

Cysteine–cysteine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) has been discovered as a co-receptor for cellular entry of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Moreover, the role of CCR5 in a variety of cancers and various inflammatory responses was also discovered. Despite the fact that several CCR5 antagonists have been investigated in clinical trials, only Maraviroc has been licensed for use in the treatment of HIV patients. This indicates that there is a need for novel CCR5 antagonists. Keeping this in mind, the present study was designed. The active CCR5 inhibitors with known IC50 value were selected from the literature and utilized to develop a ligand-based common feature pharmacophore model. The validated pharmacophore model was further used for virtual screening of drug-like databases obtained from the Asinex, Specs, InterBioScreen, and Eximed chemical libraries. Utilizing computational methods such as molecular docking studies, molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy calculation, the binding mechanism of selected inhibitors was established. The identified Hits not only showed better binding energy when compared to Maraviroc, but also formed stable interactions with the key residues and showed stable behavior throughout the 100 ns MD simulation. Our findings suggest that Hit1 and Hit2 may be potential candidates for CCR5 inhibition, and, therefore, can be considered for further CCR5 inhibition programs.

Summary Background Gallbladder cancer is the commonest cancer of the bile duct, the etiopathogenesis is still debatable. Non coding RNAs are implicated in various carcinogenesis however their role in gallbladder cancer is still not clear. Methods Transcriptomic data from gallbladder cancer patients was analyzed for differential expression of long non coding RNA (lncRNA), the data was subjected to cross-species phylogenetic analysis and blast with the bacterial and ancient human genome. Pathway analysis, gene-gene interactions and data and text mining was done for non-conserved non coding genes. Findings Of the 16 lncRNA identified as differentially expressed, 7 were found to be phylogenetically of bacterial origin appeared to be acquired by horizontal gene transfer during evolution. These genes were identified in both Homo heidelbergensis and Homo neanderthalensis with dissimilarities. Functional analysis of these gene showed them to regulate various biological and genetic process that appear to promote gallbladder carcinogenesis. Interpretation This is the first study that shows that 7 of the human lncRNA are probably of bacterial origin and has been passed to Homo sapiens through ancestry and part of these has been acquired during human evaluation. These genes regulate the transcription and post transcriptional vital RNA, protein functions and thus may induce gallbladder carcinogenesis.

In recent years, software programs are widely used in many safety-critical systems. These systems do have high reliability targets and hence it is necessary to analyze these programs. Also, the complexity of such programs must be very low, which can be ensured by analyzing the dynamic coupling between the functions. We propose call graph construction of a program for such analysis. It also proposes method to partition program graphs for reducing the complexity of the system, which also helps to bring out the system composition. The robustness of the method is shown from an implementation of the algorithm.

Unprecedented growth in the automobile sector has led to an increased number of automobile service stations across all major cities especially in the developing countries. These service stations release huge amounts of waste that contain objectionable levels of oil and grease (OG) and heavy metals, amongst other environmentally toxic compounds. Not much literature is available on the hazardous nature, public health concerns, and sustainable treatment options of such an industrial waste. This review throws light on the nuisances caused by the automobile industry waste, the various conventional and promising physical-chemical remediation measures adopted, and the scope of bioremediation for the same. Work on the use of microbial enzymes such as lipases and microbial surface-active agents (biosurfactants) as emerging promising candidates for the bioremediation of metals and OG contaminated automobile service centre wastewater and soil are especially highlighted in this review article. The adoption of constructed wetlands and regular scientific monitoring of service sector are the aspects that would prove to be critical in sustainable and ecological automobile service station waste management. Stricter environment regulations, along with the growing ecological and environmental awareness, call for stringent monitoring of the service station waste and its treatment in an environmentally sustainable manner. This review can effectively aid in revealing potential hazards of this industrial sectors and in policy making for effective environmental monitoring.

Objectives The study was conducted to assess patterns of prescribed drug therapy and clinical predictors of need for therapy escalation in outpatients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This was a prospective cohort study, conducted at an apex tertiary care teaching hospital in central India for a period of 18 months. The demographic, clinical, and treatment details on the baseline and follow up visits were collected from the patients’ prescription charts. Glycemic control, adherence, pill burdens along with pattern of antidiabetic therapy escalation, and deescalations were analyzed. Results A total of 1,711 prescriptions of 925 patients of diabetes with a mean age of 53.81 ± 10.42 years and duration of disease of 9.15 ± 6.3 years were analyzed. Approximately half of the patients (n=450) came for ≥1 follow up visits. Hypertension (59.35%) was the most common comorbidity followed by dyslipidemia and hypothyroidism. The mean total daily drugs and pills per prescription were 4.03 ± 1.71 and 4.17 ± 1.38, respectively. Metformin (30.42%) followed by sulphonylureas (SUs) (21.39%) constituted majority of the AHA’s and dual and triple drug therapy regimens were most commonly prescribed. There were improvements in HbA1c, fasting/postprandial/random blood sugar (FBS/PPBS/RBS) as well as adherence to medication, diet, and exercise in the follow up visits. Among patients with follow ups, therapy escalations were found in 31.11% patients, among whom dose was increased in 12.44% and drug was added in 17.28%. Apart from Hb1Ac, FBS, and PPBS levels (p Conclusions Disease and therapy patterns are reflective of diabetes care as expected at a tertiary care center. Higher BMI, age, pill burden, duration of diabetes, presence of comorbidities, and poor medication adherence may be the predictors of therapy escalation independent of glycemic control and such patients should be more closely monitored.

The reflection of three-dimensional (3D) plane waves in a highly anisotropic (triclinic) medium under the context of generalized thermoelasticity is studied. The thermoelastic nature of the 3D plane waves in an anisotropic medium is investigated in the perspective of the three-phase-lag (TPL), dual-phase-lag (DPL), Green-Naghdi-III (GN-III), Lord-Shulman (LS), and classical coupled (CL) theories. The reflection coefficients and energy ratios for all the reflected waves are obtained in a mathematical form. The rotational effects on the reflection characteristics of the 3D waves are discussed under the context of generalized thermoelasticity. Comparative analyses for the reflection coefficients of the waves among these generalized thermoelastic theories are performed. The energy ratios for each of the reflected waves establish the energy conservation law in the reflection phenomena of the plane waves. The highly anisotropic materials along with the rotation may have a significant role in the phenomenon of the reflection behavior of the 3D waves. Numerical computations are performed for the graphical representation of the study.

This article is intended to observe the reflection and transmission phenomena of three-dimensional plane waves at the interfaces of two distinct anisotropic triclinic media under the context of the...

Alternaria belongs to the family of Pleosporaceae, the order of Pleosporales, the class of Dothideomycetes in the phyllum of Ascomycota. This fungal genus is characterized by its ability to produce a number of enzymes able to injured many types of crops. The symptoms of Alternaria blight on different agricultural crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, coriander, fenugreek, brinjal, onion, faba bean, dahlia, dracaena, hollyhock, carrot, marigold, tomato and wheat were observed. Alternaria produces distinctive "bulls eye" patterned leaf spots in almost all the infected plants. Nineteen Alternaria isolates were obtained from fourteen infected plant samples. The observations were recorded from the seven day old culture for colony characteristics on PDA. Based on morphology 10 isolates of Alternaria alternata, two isolates Alternaria tenuissima and Alternaria longipes and one Alternaria porri, Alternaria brassicae, Alternaria brassicicola and Alternaria sp. were identified. Alternaria species grow rapidly and produced flat, downy to woolly grayish green to black colonies. All the isolates exhibited characteristics dark-coloured multicelled conidia with longitudinal and transverse septa (phaeo-dictyospores) and a beak or tapering apical cells. DNA isolation of all isolates of Alternaria was carried out using CTAB method. Isolated DNA was subjected to amplification with ITS1 and ITS4 primers in a thermal cycler. The amplified products ranged from 580-600bp. These amplified products were sequenced and identify the species of different Alternaria isolates using BLASTn in NCBI online. All the sequences were published in NCBI public domain. The resulting sequences of all isolates were compared to other sequences in the GenBank as 90-100% identical. Genetic variability was conducted by phylogenetic analysis.

Recent times highly demand an efficient and cost-effective alternative for keratin waste degradation. Studies have shown that microbial hydrolysis of keratin waste is a popular biotechnological substitute for the process of ker-atin waste valorization, which is achieved through the microbial keratinases. To sequester keratinolytic microorganisms with potential to influence com-mercial utilization as keratinase manufacturers, the present work evaluates the endophytic bacterial strains isolated from the host plant Capsicum chinense. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed that out of 4 isolated bacte-rial strains from the root and shoot parts of C. chinense, 1 strain showed sig-nificant caseinolytic and keratinolytic activities. The caseinase enzyme was measured spectrophotometrically and found to be 6.3 U/ml and the keratinase production was measured to be 93U/ml. Bacillus subtilis strain was used as a positive control. Molecular identification showed the efficient endophyte Cb4 to be Enterobacter sps, while the lesser efficient isolate Cb1 was identified as Proteus sps. The potential of the bacterial strains to dena-ture keratin substrates was assessed by SEM, FTIR spectra analysis. Bacterial endophytes isolated from the roots and shoots of C. chinense were tested for their economic importance to replace severe chemical approaches for remediating the environment. The results confirmed the amplified efficacy of the host plant, harboring the beneficial bacterial endophytes.

Ayurveda is a science of life or art of longevity which encompasses far more than mere therapeutic art. The paragon of beauty of Ayurveda is that it always emphasizes preventive over cure. Kanchnar mentioned as Gandmalanashak varga by Priyavrat Sharma in his book Dravyagun Vigyana part-2. Bauhinia variegata Linn (Family- Caesalpiniaceae) is the botanical name of Kanchnar or syn. Gandaari. Kanchnar is the Galgandnashka by Guna Prabhava. Nowadays, the use of herbal drugs for treatment of various diseases is developing all over the world. In Ayurveda Galganda and Gandmala are co-related with the disorder caused by Thyroid gland dysfunction. The diseases like Galganda and Gandamala are now days become more prevailing condition because of sedentary lifestyle, diet, stress and because of hormonal imbalance. In contemporary system of medicine advices Thyroxin and carbimazole for long standing, may lead to complication and adverse effect on the body. Hence it is necessary to explore safe treatment modalities. Kanchnar used as Ekala dravya in the treatment of thyroid gland dysfunction on the basis of its immunomodulator activity, anti-tumor and anti- cancer activity. Kanchnar is considered as drug of choice for all kind of Granthies. Ayurvedic medicine has the potential to make an important therapeutic contribution. This review article contain spectrum of information about Bauhinia variegata.

The intricate dependence of cattle on agriculture resources for their population sustenance, which in turn, is a subsidiary source of income and supplementary insurance of people to maintain equilibrium of the social demography, mainly during collapse in crop yields. In such conditions, cattle raisers are forced to utilize alternate fodder resources from trees growing in vicinity which may lead to their over exploitation and population shrinkage. Identification and recognition of such trees is therefore necessary for population sustenance of both cattle and their fodder resources to avert imbalance in the community structure. The present paper enumerates 132 tree species as potential cattle fodder resources of Madhya Pradesh having highest cattle population in India.

Background Various anatomical and physiological factors make intubation in infants challenging. C-MAC videolaryngoscope shows better results as compared to the conventional direct laryngoscopy for intubation in infants. McGrath MAC size-1 with a disposable Macintosh type blade has recently been introduced for use in infants and has not been formally evaluated in this population. Aims This study aims to evaluate the intubation characteristics of C-MAC Miller and McGrath MAC in neonates and infants with the primary objective to compare the time with the two devices. Methods After informed consent from the parents, 140 neonates and infants scheduled for surgical procedures were randomized to undergo intubation with either C-MAC Miller or McGrath MAC after standard general anesthesia. The two devices were compared in terms of total intubation time, Percent of Glottic Opening score, Cormack Lehane grades, time to glottis view, intubation difficulty score, overall success rate, first attempt success rate, and complications. Results The median glottic view time (6 s [4-9] vs. 6 s [4-9]; p = .40) and intubation time (27 s [25.5-28] vs. 27 s [24.5-29.5]; p = .87) were similar. The mean difference (95% CI) in time to tracheal intubation and time to glottic view was 0.49 s [-3.1 to 2.1] and -1.7 s [-3.8 to 0.47], respectively. However, the Percent of Glottic Opening score, Cormack Lehane grades, and subjective intubation difficulty were significantly better with C-MAC. The first attempt success rates, overall success rates (100% vs. 97.5%), and intubation difficulty scores were comparable. There were two failed intubations with McGrath which were successfully intubated with C-MAC. Conclusion The C-MAC Miller blade showed similar intubation timings, success rates, and intubation difficulty score as compared to McGrath MAC in neonates and infants, though the former provided superior glottic views. Both the videolaryngoscopes may be safely used in infants and neonates for routine intubation scenarios.

Catharanthus roseus is known for its scarce and expensive anticancer bisindole alkaloids, vincristine and vinblastine, which are derived from the coupling of monomeric terpenoid indole alkaloids, catharanthine and vindoline. Vindoline represents the bottleneck in bisindole semi-synthesis as unlike catharanthine, its biosynthesis is restricted to the plant leaves, which are the only commercially-viable source for it. For reducing the exorbitant cost of bisindoles, identification of C. roseus genotypes accumulating higher-than-usual amount of vindoline is urgently required. Here, one such vindoline-rich genotype (CIMAP866) was identified and characterized. It was comparatively analyzed with elite varieties, Dhawal and Nirmal, for morphology, genetic profile, leaf vindoline content (% dry weight), elemental composition, and expression pattern of alkaloid biosynthetic genes. Its vindoline content (~0.20%) was significantly higher than that of Dhawal (~0.09%) and Nirmal (~0.04%). CIMAP866 possesses dwarf character, spreading/bushy growth, wider canopy, shorter petiole and internodes, more laticifers, higher chlorophyll content, altered content of certain elements and distinct genetic profile, as compared to the other genotypes. Significantly higher dat expression in CIMAP866 was a key determinant for its vindoline-rich nature. Vindoline content was a direct function of dat expression and laticifer number. This study has provided a lead towards developing an industrially-useful C. roseus variety.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a strongly aromatic medicinal plant with increasing market demand. The present study demonstrated that the transgenic P. graveolens exhibited a remarkable increase in plant height (~20–23%), total biomass (18–60%), leaf: stem ratio (12–21%) and quantity of oil, compared to its wild-type counterpart. Transgenic P. graveolens expressing ACC deaminase gene from Achromobacter xylosoxidans, encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylilate under the control of 35 S CaMV promoter showed immense tolerance to salinity and drought stress than the wild-type plant. Parameters examined were chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameters, relative water content (RWC), ROS production, antioxidants, proline, ACC content and real time analysis of ACC synthase, ACC deaminase, and ACC oxidase genes. The ACC deaminase-expressing transgenic lines viz. L1, L5 and L7 demonstrate a decrease of ACC content under salt and drought stress, which could lead increased ethylene production, which in turn may affect salt and drought stress. Transgenic P. graveolens showed enhanced tolerance to salt and drought stress as reflected as a result of higher leaf RWC, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameter, accumulation of proline and more antioxidant activity. The reported transgenic P. graveolens lines are potentially valuable materials for cultivation in saline and drought-prone areas. In this manuscript we are reporting successful production of transgenic P. graveolens with acc deaminase gene of bacterial origin. The transgenic plant has shown increase in biomass, high leaf: stem ratio, enhanced tolerance to salt and drought stress with better economic yield.

With a disease as widespread and destructive as tuberculosis, more effective drugs and healthcare strategies, in addition to the current antibiotics regimen, are crucial for the enhanced well-being of millions of people suffering from the disease. Host-directed therapy is a new and emerging concept in treating chronic infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis. Repurposing of anti-cancer drugs, such as everolimus, may be an effective way to supplement the standard antibiotic treatment. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are increasingly susceptible to co-morbidities and co-infections including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. We demonstrated in this study that in vitro everolimus treatment of granulomas from individuals with type 2 diabetes caused significant reduction in the viability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Further investigations revealed the effects of everolimus in targeting foamy macrophages, a macrophage phenotype that forms around granulomas, and is characterized by a higher lipid accumulation inside the cells. These foamy macrophages are thought to harbor dormant bacilli, which are potential sources of disease reactivation. Therefore, blocking foamy macrophage formation would help better killing of intracellular bacteria. Here, we report the potential of everolimus treatment to downregulate lipid content within the foamy macrophages of in vitro granulomas, thus leading to a potential decrease in the number of foamy macrophages and a more robust response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Reliability and safety have always been the main focus while developing safety critical systems (SCS). In this article, we have conducted a rigorous study and discussions with experienced practitioners worldwide the strategy for the development of SCS to investigate the several aspects related to reliability and safety analysis for SCS. We discussed with 21 practitioners from ten different organizations with the intention of knowing their approach they use day-to-day for the development of such systems. The aim of this research is to obtain an in-depth understanding of how reliability and safety engineering are carried out in the industries that develop SCS.

Central venous cannulation is a common procedure done in hospitals both in operating room (OR) and Intensive care unit (ICU) settings to provide uid, blood and blood component infusions, and to monitor central venous pressure, and administration of intravenous drugs to the patients. Various non-invasive modalities are used for the successful positioning and conrmation of correct placement of needles, guidewires, and venous catheters, including intra atrial electrocardiography (ECG) guidance, ultrasound guidance, X-ray imaging, with contrast enhanced computed tomography remaining the gold standard for conrmation of catheter placement (1).