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Since the advent of COVID-19 in 2019, the virus has affected all age groups and has a very wide clinical spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic infection to serious life-threatening complications including multi-organ dysfunction syndrome in children. The virus tends to affect all organ systems including the hematological system. There are many contradictory views on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of hematological malignancies. Some studies have shown an increased incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after COVID-19 infection supporting the Greaves two-hit hypothesis of leukemogenesis, while others have shown a decline in the incidence of ALL postulated to be due to widespread lockdown and decreased exposure to environmental pathogens. We report the cases of three children who were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia shortly after the initial diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or COVID related transient erythroblastopenia of childhood.

Abiotic stresses due to changing environmental conditions and intensive agriculture are causing soil salinity and sodicity leading tosoil deterioration. It directly affects nutrient availability and uptake and reduces plant productivity. The microorganisms are known toimprove the availability of nutrients in the soil and therefore, the present work aimed to maximize the use of applied fertilizers and boostthe productivity. The effects of the Trichoderma mixture (TrichoMix) and NPK on plant growth and rice yield in degraded land underfield conditions was studied. The abiotic stress tolerant Trichoderma strains comprising of T. koningiopsis (NBRI-PR5) and T. asperellum(NBRI-K14) were used in the treatments (i) Control (Cont.), (ii) NPK, as per recommended dose (NPK100%) (iii) Trichoderma mixture (NBRIPR5+NBRI-K14) (TrichoMix) (iv) TrichoMix + NPK50%. Significantly higher plant growth and yield (6.57q/h) was obtained in TrichoMix+NPK50% treatment. The improvement in rice production in the treatment TrichoMix +NPK50% was ascribed to the significant changes insoil physiochemical characteristics such as water holding capacity (35%), bulk density (40%), total organic carbon (42%), available N(39%), P (44%), K (48%) and microbial biomass carbon (88%). The results conclude that the mixture of T. koningiopsis (NBRI-PR5) and T.asperellum (NBRI-K14) may be recommended as sodic soil amendment to increase plant growth and yield in combination with chemicalfertilizers to support rice cultivation.

Background:Among all the types of breast cancer (BC), triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form having high metastasis and recurrence rate with limited treatment options. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have lots of toxic side effects and also no FDA approved therapies are available till now. Repurposing of old clinically approved drugs towards various targets of TNBC is the new approach with lesser side effects and also leads to successful inexpensive drug development with less time consuming. Medicinal plants containg various phytoconstituents (flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, essential oils, tanins, glycosides, lactones) plays very crucial role in combating various types of diseases and used in drug development process because of having lesser side effects.Objective:The present review focuses in summarization of various categories of repurposed drugs against multitarget of TNBC and also summarizes the phytochemical categories that targets TNBC singly or in combination with synthetic old drugs.Methods:Literature information was collected from various databases such as Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Medline to understand and clarify the role and mechanism of repurposed synthetic drugs and phytoconstituents aginst TNBC by using keywords like “breast cancer”, “repurposed drugs”, “TNBC” and “phytoconstituents”.Results:Various repurposed drugs and phytochemicals targeting different signaling pathways that exerts their cytotoxic activities on TNBC cells ultimately leads to apoptosis of cells and also lowers the recurrence rate and stops the metastasis process.Conclusion:Inhibitory effects seen in different levels, which provides information and evidences to researchers towards drug developments process and thus further more investigations and researches need to be taken to get the better therapeutic treatment options against TNBC.

We present a case of Pott puffy tumor in a 21-month-old male, the youngest patient ever reported to have developed this complication and the first ever to have developed recurrence from an infected frontonasal dermoid. Hence, by reporting this case, we want to raise awareness about the importance of early recognition of Pott puffy tumor; and the need to meticulously evaluate and resect any craniofacial dermoid that could potentially lead to recurrence and intracranial complications if left unrecognized.

The reaction of CdCl2·2.5H2O with two equiv of aq. NaOH followed by treatment of the resulting solution with two equiv of pivalic acid gave [Cd(κ2-OC(O)tBu)2(H2O)2] (1) in 83% yield while the aforementioned reaction with Cd(OAc)2·2H2O as Cd2+ source afforded a trinuclear heterobimetallic 1D-CP, {Na2[Cd(μ5-κ3:κ3-OAc)(μ3-κ2:κ3-OC(O)tBu)(μ3-κ1:κ2-OC(O)tBu)2]·2tBuC(O)OH}∞ (2) in 90% yield. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, solution 1H and 13C {1H} NMR spectroscopy and solid state CP-MAS 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, TG-DTA analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The phase purity of 2 was also verified by powder X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 represents the first structurally characterised discrete mononuclear cadmium(II) carboxylate complex which is known to contain a pair of chelating carboxylate ligand, while 2 represents the first structurally characterized trinuclear heterobimetallic 1D-CP formed through aggregation via covalent coordinate bond.

Intensive cultivation increases the salinity and alkalinity of soil leading to its degradation. Such soil lead to abiotic stress conditions in plants causing ROS-mediated cellular damage. Microbes constitute an important group of bio-stimulants, which are promising alternatives to reduce ROS-mediated abiotic stresses and improve plant growth. In the present study synergistic activity of stress-tolerant Trichoderma koningiopsis NBRI-PR5 (MTCC 25372) and T. asperellum NBRI-K14 (MTCC 25373) (TrichoMix) was assessed in paddy crop under salt stress conditions. Improved soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), total organic carbon (TOC), and available nutrients N/P/K by 2–3 folds was observed in the pot experiment using the TrichoMix. It restored the heterogeneous microbial population of the paddy rhizosphere during salt stress and modulated the soil enzyme activities. The anatomical distortions in rice roots due to salt stress were stabilized in presence of the TrichoMix. Different stress marker genes (OsMAPK5, OsAPX, OsGST, OsUSP, OsBADH, OsLYSO, OsNRAMP6, and OsBz8) were differentially modulated by the TrichoMix in presence of salt stress as compared to the control. The TrichoMix increased the yield by 10% in marginally stressed fields; however, it enhanced the yield by approximately 60% when used with the 50% recommended dose of NPK. In the integrated treatment, Fe and Zn were fortified by approximately 40% and 29% respectively in the grains. From the present study, it was concluded that the TrichoMix stimulated the rice plants to accumulate osmoprotectants, improved the anatomical features, modulated the plant defense system, and improved the grain yield and quality. Therefore, the NBRI-PR5 and NBRI-K14 mixture may be used as a bio-stimulant to increase productivity in the rapidly deteriorating soil and reduce the NPK inputs. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01192-6.

BACKGROUND: The breast cancer subtype deficient in estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (ER-/HER2-) displays enhanced aggressiveness, metastasis and disease relapse due to chemoresistance. ER-/HER2- patients lack molecularly targeted treatment hence, new therapeutic and prognostic biomarkers are required for better patient management. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic role of protein tyrosine phosphatase genes in Breast Cancer and their relevance as predictive markers for chemoresistance. METHODS: We examined the expression of 114 protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) genes in 1700 breast cancer patient’s tumor samples with respect to ER-/HER2- subtype. Correlation of relevant candidates with chemoresistance was analyzed in breast cancer cells resistant to taxane/anthracycline based drugs. The prognostic value of key candidates was assessed using Kaplan Meier plots and Nottingham prognostic index and expression pattern was confirmed using qRT-PCR. The epigenetic regulation was analyzed using ChIP-Seq datasets. By plotting ROC plots, clinical outcome after treatment with taxane and anthracycline was established. RESULTS: Overexpression of CDC25A and CDC25C and under-expression of DUSP16 was observed in tumor samples of ER-/HER2- patients and breast cancer cells. Similar expression patterns of these candidate genes were observed in MCF7 cells resistant to paclitaxel and adriamycin and also correlated with poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. Increased CDC25A and CDC25C in ER-/HER2- cells was found to be regulated epigenetically by histone H3K4 methylation. Overall, the present study establishes increased expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase CDC25C as a poor prognostic marker for breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the role of CDC25C in chemoresistance to taxane and anthracycline based therapy and proposes CDC25C as a potential predictive marker for these cancer therapies.

Background High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) accounts for nearly 60% of total cases of epithelial ovarian cancer. It is the most aggressive subtype, which shows poor prognosis and low patient survival. For better management of HGSOC patients, new prognostic biomarkers are required to facilitate improved treatment strategies and ensure suitable healthcare decisions. Methods We performed genome wide expression analysis of HGSOC patient samples to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using R based Limma package, Clust and other statistical tools. The identified DEGs were subjected to weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify co-expression patterns of relevant genes. Module trait and gene ontology analyses were performed to establish important gene co-expression networks and their biological functions. Overlapping the most relevant DEG cluster 4 with prominent WGCNA cyan module identified strongest correlation of UBE2Q1 with ovarian cancer and its prognostic significance on survival probability of ovarian cancer patients was investigated. The predictive value of UBE2Q1 as a potential biomarker was analysed by correlating its expression with 12-months relapse free survival of patients in response to platin/taxane, the standard first-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, and analysing area under the ROC curve. Results An integrated gene expression analysis and WGCNA, identified UBE2Q1 as a potential prognostic marker associated with poor relapse-free survival and response outcome to platin/taxane treatment of patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer. Conclusions Our study identifies a potential UBE2Q1 – B4GALT3 functional axis in ovarian cancer, where only the E2 conjugating enzyme showed a poor prognostic impact on the disease.

The rapid progress India has made in the last couple of years on the economic parameters is extraordinary and enthusiastic. Ease of doing trade or get rid of intensive inspector system, India now have a positive environment for foreign investors, NRIs and other countries. Economic parameters are more concrete than political rules, that is, whose status across the globe increases, its international strength increases automatically. Economic status is not a matter of biased opinion or bizarre conjecture, it is decided on the basis of solid data, facts and figure. India\'s economic status is steadily increasing, it does not mean that the problems are over. Increasing status simply means that the necessary strength to deal with problems is increasing. In the last decade, with the advent of technology there is a qualitative and radical change occurred in India\'s economy from agricultural activities to manufacturing and service-oriented activities. Similarly, this also made impact on the employment factors. Skill initiatives going through a difficult situation in INDIA, where the youth of the country stepping into the labour market and are looking for jobs; on the opposite hand, industries are complaining of unavailability of correctly and cutting-edge professional manpower. This paradox reflects the criticality of skill development in context of need identification, to boost the employability of the developing young population and also to gear-up the economic system to understand the target of faster and inclusive increase with innovative ideas. Keywords: Economic parameters, Industrial Paradox, Skill initiative, Livelihood with skill.

World is facing a critical situation this time. A pandemic declared by World Health Organization; COVID-19 caused by new corona virus. It is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered virus. Most people infected with the Covid-19 virus will experiences mild to moderate respiratory illness and some cases have caused death. This virus can be spread from person to person. There is no corona virus vaccine yet. Prevention involves frequent hand washing, coughing into the bend of your elbow, staying home, wear face mask and practice social distancing.India is not untouched by this. The character of the rule of a nation is reflected only in times of calamity and disaster. The Corona virus disaster has also told what the character of a person, society and nation can be. Now it is time for tragedy, it will pass definitely. The marks that will remain after the passing of time, they will tell how world dealt with this time. Then perhaps this confusion will break who is the most powerful country in the world.In India, there were different dimensions of government activism and society's sensitivity. The society got involved in discharging its role with the government. Community sets out to show excitement, solidarity, on a call in a time of calamity. &nbsp

Aim Periodontitis, a chronic infectious disease, affects most of the population at one time or the other and its expression is a combination of hosts, microbial agents, and environmental factors. Extensive literature exists for the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Only a few studies performed in a limited number of patients have reported periodontal health status in chronic renal failure patients. Hence, the aim of the present study is to assess and compare the periodontal status of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis, predialysis with systemically healthy individuals. Materials and methods A total of 90 patients were divided into three groups. Group I: 30 renal dialysis patients. Group II: 30 predialysis patients. Control group comprised 30 systemically healthy patients who formed group III. Periodontal examination was carried out using oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth, and clinical attachment loss. Results The results of the study showed that the periodontal status of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis (dialysis group) and patients with chronic renal failure not undergoing renal dialysis (predialysis) when compared with systemically healthy subjects showed significantly higher mean scores of OHI-S, PI, and clinical attachment loss. Conclusion Thus, patients with chronic renal failure showed poor oral hygiene and higher prevalence of periodontal disease. Clinical significance The dental community’s awareness of implications of poor health within chronic renal failure patients should be elevated. How to cite this article Gupta R, Kumar U, Mallapragada S, Agarwal P. Comparative Evaluation of Periodontal Status of Chronic Renal Failure Patients and Systemically Healthy Individuals. J Contemp Dent Pract 2018;19(3):324-330.

Background COVID-19, a severe global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as one of the most threatening transmissible disease. As a great threat to global public health, the development of treatment options has become vital, and a rush to find a cure has mobilized researchers globally from all areas. Scope and approach This review focuses on deciphering the potential of different secondary metabolites from medicinal plants as therapeutic options either as inhibitors of therapeutic targets of SARS-CoV-2 or as blockers of viral particles entry through host cell receptors. The use of medicinal plants containing specific phytomoieties could be seen in providing a safer and long-term solution for the population with lesser side effects. Key Findings and Conclusions: Considering the high cost and time-consuming drug discovery process, therapeutic repositioning of existing drugs was explored as treatment option in COVID-19, however several molecules have been retracted as therapeutics either due to no positive outcomes or the severe side effects. These effects call for exploring the alternate treatment options which are therapeutically effective as well as safe. Keeping this in mind, phytopharmaceuticals derived from medicinal plants could be explored as important resources in the development of COVID-19 treatment, as their role in the past for treatment of viral diseases like HIV, MERS-CoV, and influenza has been well reported. Considering this fact, different phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides etc. Possessing antiviral properties against coronaviruses and possessing potential against SARS-CoV-2 have been reviewed in the present work., Graphical abstract Image 1

Six-membered cyclopalladated N,N′,N″-triarylguanidines, [{κ2(C,N)Pd}2(μ-OAc)(μ-Pz)] (1–4), [κ2(C,N)Pd(μ-Pz)]2 (5–11), and [AgNO3⊂{{κ2(C,N)Pd}2(μ-NO3)(μ-Pz)}] (12) have been isolated in good yields and characterized by micro-analytical, IR, and NMR (1H, 19F, and 13C) spectroscopic techniques. Molecular structures of ten complexes were determined by SCXRD, which revealed cisoid in–out (1–4), transoid out–out (5, 6, 8 and 11), transoid in–in (7) and cisoid (12) conformations. VT 1H NMR spectra of 1 revealed the presence of cisoid in–in as the major species and an equilibrating mixture of cisoid in–out and cisoid out–out as the minor species in solution and this was verified by DFT calculations. In solution, 4 indicated the presence of a mixture of cisoid, and transoid conformers, [κ3(C,N,O)Pd(OAc)], and [κ2(C,N)Pd(κ2O,O′-OAc)] (VT 1H NMR), and a mixture of three conformers of each cisoid and transoid, and [κ3(C,N,O)Pd(Pz)] (VT 19F NMR). Palladacycles 5 and 10 revealed the presence of a mixture of four and five species, respectively in solution and these species are a mixture of cisoid and transoid conformers as revealed by VT 1H NMR. Factors that dictate the solid state conformations and number and nature of solution species of the new complexes are outlined.

The reactions of six-membered cyclopalladated N,N′,N″-triarylguanidines [κ2(C,N)Pd(μ-X)]2 (3–7) with 2 equiv of pyrazole (pzH) and 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (3,5-dmpzH) in CH2Cl2 at RT for 24 h afforded a new class of cyclopalladated N,N′,N″-triarylguanidines, [κ2(C,N)Pd(PzH)2X] (Ar = 2-MeC6H4; X = Br; PzH = 3,5-dmpzH (8), pzH (9); X = OC(O)CF3; PzH = 3,5-dmpzH (10); Ar = 2-(MeO)C6H4; X = Br; PzH = 3,5-dmpzH (11); OC(O)CF3 (12); Ar = Ph; X = OC(O)CF3; PzH = 3,5-dmpzH (13)) in good yields. The reaction of 8 with NH4PF6 in CH2Cl2 at RT for 24 h afforded [κ2(C,N)Pd(3,5-dmpzH)2(PF6)] (14) in 83% yield. Complexes 8–14 were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, NMR (1H, 13C, and 19F) spectroscopic techniques, and conductivity measurements. Molecular structures of six-membered cyclopalladated N,N′,N″-triphenylguanidine [κ2(C,N)Pd(μ-OC(O)CF3)]2·PhMe (7·PhMe), 8, 10, 12, and 14 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed transoid in-in (7·PhMe), β-out (10 and 14), and α-out (12) conformations...

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) technology has come out as an important research field over the last few years. VANETs are the likely an influencing approach to provide safety of driver and other applications for the traffic conditions as well as passengers. Being dynamic in nature, it establishes the network, according to the situation and need of the users and provides reliable communication among the vehicles. Due to its great benefits, it is highly vulnerable to various attacks and security in VANET should be taken into consideration. This paper presented the security attacks between vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I). Many research works have been done to improve the performance and security of this network. The main aim of this paper is the security using hashing and techniques to calculate the trust in VANETs.

In vehicular ad hoc network (VANETs), the applications mainly focused on the road and making their journey safe and comfortable to fulfill the users’ requirements. It is a challenging subclass of Mobile Ad-hoc Network, which empowers smart transmission among vehicles and between vehicles and roadside frameworks. It is an optimistic methodology for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS). There are numerous difficulties to be tended while utilizing VANET. It is flexible and has a high dynamic topology and flexibility which makes the conventional MANET protocols unacceptable for VANET. Trust is a principal element which is used to create a trustful environment to improve the security in vehicular networks. Trust can be calculated by observing the human behavior which creates a trusted communicating environment. In this paper, we define the architecture of VANET, then the communication establishment and various challenges. Some trust models had been defined in this paper to enforce honest information sharing between communicating nodes. Trust establishment is compulsory among communicating vehicles to build a secure messages exchange and reliability.

This study aims to evaluate the change in serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery for weight loss.In this prospective observational study, 75 patients of reproductive age (20-35 years) undergoing bariatric surgery for morbid obesity were followed up after six months to determine the changes in weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), menstrual pattern and serum AMH. The results were further studied on basis of pre operative classification of patients in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS group.The serum AMH levels were statistically higher in patients of PCOS group pre operatively and at the end of six months in comparison to non-PCOS patients. The AMH values reduced post operatively in both groups significantly so much in the values though not significant statistically. Non-PCOS patients had lower AMH values pre operatively and showed a trend towards reducing ovarian reserve after six months. The overall change in AMH values in both groups was statistically significant as was the normalization of menstrual irregularity.Morbidly obese patients with PCOS appear to benefit from bariatric surgery both in terms of regularization of menstrual function and normalization of serum AMH values.

Introduction: Chlamydia is an important cause of sexually transmitted diseases leading to tubal factor infertility. Background: This study aims to define the role of chlamydial antibody detection in predicting presence, nature and type of tubal pathology in laparoscopy. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 200 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopy as a part of infertility work-up. Preoperatively, serological determination of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) specific antibodies against Chlamydia Trachomatis was done by Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Findings of laparoscopy were evaluated against presence or absence of chlamydial antibodies in serum. Results: Out of 200 patients,10 patients tested positive for chlamydial antibody. Chlamydial antibody was found positive in 20% and 22.7% of patients with tubal pathology and peri-hepatic adhesions of patients, respectively. The sensitivity of chlamydial antibody for diagnosing tubal pathology was found to be 20%, while specificity was 100%. The positive chlamydial antibody test was not statistically associated with involvement of one or both tubes and site of tubal block. Conclusion: Chlamydia antibody test does not appear to be good screening test for tubal pathology especially in Indian subcontinent. In view of its high specificity, this test can be used to identify patients with higher chances of tubal pathology requiring operative intervention.

Background: This study seeks to evaluate concurrent use of clomiphene to block spontaneous LH surge in controlled ovarian stimulation in patients with good ovarian reserve. Methods: Thirty five fertile donors with good antral count were stimulated from day 1 or 2 of spontaneous or withdrawal bleeds with clomiphene citrate and recombinant FSH. Transvaginal oocyte retrieval was done after 34 hours of trigger. An LH surge was defined as an LH level ≥10 mIU/ml with progesterone elevation (≥1.0 ng/ml). Fertilization and Embryo quality was assessed from day 2 onwards. Each recipient was transferred a maximum of 3 embryos and remaining were cryopreserved. Results: After an average stimulation of 8.65 days, 15.4 oocytes were retrieved per stimulation. LH surge was noted in 3 cases (9.68%) though oocyte retrieval was done in all cases. Fresh embryo transfer was done in respective recipients of all cases with an implantation rate of 61.29% and a cumulative live birth rate of 42%. Conclusions: Controlled ovarian stimulation using clomiphene and gonadotropin is a viable option to prevent LH surge without additional use of antagonist.

Background: Singleton pregnancy with a live birth beyond 37 weeks of gestation is the ultimate goal of any assisted reproductive technology. However, singletons conceived after ART are found to have a poor perinatal outcome in comparison to naturally conceived singletons. It was hypothesized that the outcome of singleton conceived after transfer of two or more embryos may be dependent on the sharing of uterine space with other embryos. Methods: Patients who had single gestational sac visualized at 6 weeks after transfer of 4, 3 or 2 embryos were considered for the study. 195 singleton pregnancies were selected for final evaluation such that as per implantation rates of 25%, 33%, and 50%, they were divided into 3 groups of 50, 82 and 63 cases, respectively. The basic characteristics of pregnancy (gestational age, birth weight) were compared using analysis of variance (continuous variables), and categorical variables were evaluated with chi-squared test. The p

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improve plant growth by altering the root architecture, although the mechanisms underlying this alteration have yet to be unravelled. Through microarray analysis of PGPR-treated rice roots, a large number of differentially regulated genes were identified. Ectopic expression of one of these genes, OsASR6 (ABA STRESS RIPENING6), had a remarkable effect on plant growth in Arabidopsis. Transgenic lines over-expressing OsASR6 had larger leaves, taller inflorescence bolts and greater numbers of siliques and seeds. The most prominent effect was observed in root growth, with the root biomass increasing four-fold compared with the shoot biomass increase of 1.7-fold. Transgenic OsASR6 over-expressing plants showed higher conductance, transpiration and photosynthesis rates, leading to an ˜30% higher seed yield compared with the control. Interestingly, OsASR6 expression led to alterations in the xylem structure, an increase in the xylem vessel size and altered lignification, which correlated with higher conductance. OsASR6 is activated by auxin and, in turn, increases auxin responses and root auxin sensitivity, as observed by the increased expression of auxin-responsive genes, such as SAUR32 and PINOID, and the key auxin transcription factor, ARF5. Collectively, these phenomena led to an increased root density. The effects of OsASR6 expression largely mimic the beneficial effects of PGPRs in rice, indicating that OsASR6 activation may be a key factor governing PGPR-mediated changes in rice. OsASR6 is a potential candidate for the manipulation of rice for improved productivity.

Skin fibrosis is characterized by activated fibroblasts and an altered architecture of the extracellular matrix. Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and altered cytokine levels in the dermal collagen matrix are common to several pathological situations such as localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis, keloids, dermatosclerosis associated with venous ulcers and the fibroproliferative tissue surrounding invasively growing tumors. Which factors contribute to altered organization of dermal collagen matrix in skin fibrosis is not well understood. We recently demonstrated that cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) functions as organizer of the dermal collagen I network in healthy human skin (Agarwal et al., 2012). Here we show that COMP deposition is enhanced in the dermis in various fibrotic conditions. COMP levels were significantly increased in fibrotic lesions derived from patients with localized scleroderma, in wound tissue and exudates of patients with venous leg ulcers and in the fibrotic stroma of biopsies from patients with basal cell carcinoma. We postulate enhanced deposition of COMP as one of the common factors altering the supramolecular architecture of collagen matrix in fibrotic skin pathologies. Interestingly, COMP remained nearly undetectable in normally healing wounds where myofibroblasts transiently accumulate in the granulation tissue. We conclude that COMP expression is restricted to a fibroblast differentiation state not identical to myofibroblasts which is induced by TGFβ and biomechanical forces.

Highlights • Cancer cell growth inhibition screen with epigenetic chemical probes and phleomycin. • G9a inhibitor UNC0638 hypersensitises tumour cells to DNA-damaging agents. • Under low-level damage, G9a inhibitor induces p53-independent tumour cell death. • G9a depletion induces tumour cell death by impairing DNA double-strand repair. • G9a promotes DSB repair by non-homologous end joining., Cancer cells often exhibit altered epigenetic signatures that can misregulate genes involved in processes such as transcription, proliferation, apoptosis and DNA repair. As regulation of chromatin structure is crucial for DNA repair processes, and both DNA repair and epigenetic controls are deregulated in many cancers, we speculated that simultaneously targeting both might provide new opportunities for cancer therapy. Here, we describe a focused screen that profiled small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulators in combination with DNA double-strand break (DSB) inducing agents. We identify UNC0638, a catalytic inhibitor of histone lysine N-methyl-transferase G9a, as hypersensitising tumour cells to low doses of DSB-inducing agents without affecting the growth of the non-tumorigenic cells tested. Similar effects are also observed with another, structurally distinct, G9a inhibitor A-366. We also show that small-molecule inhibition of G9a or siRNA-mediated G9a depletion induces tumour cell death under low DNA damage conditions by impairing DSB repair in a p53 independent manner. Furthermore, we establish that G9a promotes DNA non-homologous end-joining in response to DSB-inducing genotoxic stress. This study thus highlights the potential for using G9a inhibitors as anti-cancer therapeutic agents in combination with DSB-inducing chemotherapeutic drugs such as etoposide.

The tensile and scaffolding properties of skin rely on the complex extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds cells, vasculature, nerves, and adnexus structures and supports the epidermis. In the skin, collagen I fibrils are the major structural component of the dermal ECM, decorated by proteoglycans and by fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helices such as collagens XII and XIV. Here we show that the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), an abundant component of cartilage ECM, is expressed in healthy human skin. COMP expression is detected in the dermal compartment of skin and in cultured fibroblasts, whereas epidermis and HaCaT cells are negative. In addition to binding collagen I, COMP binds to collagens XII and XIV via their C-terminal collagenous domains. All three proteins codistribute in a characteristic narrow zone in the superficial papillary dermis of healthy human skin. Ultrastructural analysis by immunogold labeling confirmed colocalization and further revealed the presence of COMP along with collagens XII and XIV in anchoring plaques. On the basis of these observations, we postulate that COMP functions as an adapter protein in human skin, similar to its function in cartilage ECM, by organizing collagen I fibrils into a suprastructure, mainly in the vicinity of anchoring plaques that stabilize the cohesion between the upper dermis and the basement membrane zone.

Despite the importance of personal factors in information search behaviour, very few researches have been conducted that explore the influence of personal characteristics such as consumer self-confidence on information source preference in the Indian context. To fill the gap, this study aims to investigate the information source preference of Indian consumers. After analysing quantitative data from a cross-sectional survey of 527 Indian consumers, we have revealed several interesting findings. Consumer's utilisation of internal search is significantly different as per the level of previous experience in case of goods but not in the case of services. In addition, consumers, high in self-confidence, are more likely to search for information from different sources as compared to consumers who have a low level of self-confidence. The study contributes to the existing literature of consumer behaviour in the Indian context.