Search

Abstract Background Small-secreted peptides are increasingly recognized as a novel class of intracellular signal molecules, playing crucial roles in plant growth and development. However, the precise role and mechanism governed by peptides containing Tyrosine Sulfation (PSY) are still under investigation. Currently, there is a lack of accessible information concerning the PSY gene family in wheat. Results Therefore, in this investigation, we identified 29 PSY genes in Triticum aestivum, with the aim of unraveling their significance in plant development processes and their response to a variety of stress conditions. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TaPSY genes clustered into five groups. Additionally, an analysis of the gene structure of TaPSYs displayed a conserved evolutionary path. The syntenic relationship demonstrated the 69 orthologous gene pairs in T. dicoccoides, Ae. tauschii, T. turgidum, and H. vulgare, respectively. Furthermore, the Ka/Ks analysis indicated that TaPSY genes have experienced purifying selection during their evolutionary processes. The promoters of TaPSY genes were found to contain numerous CAREs, and these elements are known to perform essential functions in various development processes, phytohormone responses, as well as defense and stress mechanisms. In addition, the identification of potential miRNAs targeting TaPSY genes was followed by an examination of their expression patterns across various tissues. Among the 29 TaPSY genes, twenty miRNAs were discovered to target eighteen of them. Moreover, TaPSY genes displayed a distinct expression across different tissues and stress conditions. Conclusions Hence, these discoveries offer a significant reference point for forthcoming molecular investigations and hold promise for bolstering wheat yield and stress resilience through targeted genetic enhancements and strategic breeding approaches. Graphical Abstract

Background: A frequent sleep condition linked to considerable morbidity and death is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is not the only noninvasive treatment option for OSA. Another option is oral appliance therapy (OAT). The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life and treatment results for OSA patients receiving OAT in a tertiary care environment. Methods: Over the course of 1 year, prospective observational research was carried out at a tertiary care facility. Patients with consecutive Obsructive Sleep apnea as per polysomnography report were enrolled in the sudy. Medical history, baseline demographics, and sleep characteristics were noted. Both before and after the start of OAT, objective sleep metrics and subjective results were evaluated. Adverse events and therapeutic compliance were tracked. To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of the medication, statistical analysis was done. Findings: The research had 150 patients in all, with a mean age of 52.4 years and a 66.7% male preponderance. Objective sleep metrics showed considerable improvements after starting OAT, with the apnea-hypopnea index decreasing from 28.7 to 9.3 episodes per hour (P < 0.001). Improvement was also evident in subjective outcomes as ESS ratings dropped from 12.6 to 6.2 (P < 0.05). Evaluations of quality of life indicated improvements in the categories of physical and mental health (P < 0.001). There were few reported adverse effects and a good level of adherence to OAT. In tertiary care settings, OAT is an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option for individuals with OSA. The noteworthy enhancements in treatment results and overall well-being highlight the practicality of OAT as a substitute for CPAP therapy. To fully understand the long-term effectiveness and cardiovascular advantages of OAT in the treatment of OSA, more investigation is necessary.

Signalling peptides play a vital role in regulating a wide range of aspects, including plant growth, development, and responses to various biotic and abiotic conditions. In recent times, small post-translationally altered peptides have garnered significant attention from plant biologists due to their crucial role as signalling molecules in various biological processes. Until now, the biological function of peptides containing Tyrosine Sulfation (PSY) gene family members has only been elucidated in Arabidopsis. However, their functions in plant developmental processes and their responses to different biotic and abiotic stress conditions remain elusive in other crops. Therefore, in this study, we identified 109 PSY genes in the rice genome for the first time. However, our detailed in silico analysis focused specifically on 7 OsPSY genes of the O. sativa Japonica Group (Nippobare). Phylogenetic analysis of PSY genes from various plant species has classified these genes into eight distinct groups, designated as Group I to VIII. Interestingly, the 7 OsPSY genes identified in rice were found to be distributed across all four groups including I, V, VI and VIII. In addition, closely linked groups of PSY genes showed more similarities in terms of gene structures, conserved motif distributions, and corresponding subcellular locations. Further, the Ka/Ks score analysis revealed that OsPSY genes have undergone significant purifying selection throughout their evolutionary history. Furthermore, multiple CAREs were discovered in the OsPSY promoters, suggesting their potential importance in regulating plant growth, responses to plant hormones, and multifactorial stress conditions. Additionally, the potential miRNAs that specifically targeted to OsPSY genes were identified and also examined their expression kinetics in different tissues and developmental stage. Out of the seven OsPSY genes, six OsPSY genes were found to be targeted by twelve miRNAs. Moreover the expression profile of OsPSY genes showed a differential expression pattern in various tissues and multifactorial stress conditions. Therefore, these findings serve as a valuable reference for further molecular studies aimed at enhancing the yield and stress tolerance of rice. The understanding the functions and regulatory mechanisms of the OsPSY genes can potentially lead to the development of targeted approaches to improve crop performance under various environmental conditions, ultimately contributing to agricultural productivity and global food security.

Introduction: In India, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is associated with significant morbidity and represents a major health problem in central India. Patients with SCD are susceptible to a variety of bacterial infections, which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The burden of disease caused by bacterial infections in patients with SCD is less studied and have long been neglected. Therefore, there is scarcity of data for the association between SCD and invasive bacterial diseases. So it becomes necessary to have knowledge of distribution of these pathogens and their susceptibility to antibiotics. Aim: To identify the most common bacterial infections among children with SCD and to check antibiotic susceptibility patterns of all the clinical isolates. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive observational study which was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, for two years from October 2013 to October 2015. Paediatric patients of age ≤12 years diagnosed with SCD and admitted in the paediatric wards of this tertiary care hospital, having body temperature ≥38.5°C were enrolled in the study. Clinical specimens i.e. blood, urine, pus, and body fluids such as Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and pleural fluids were collected aseptically and the bacteria causing the infections were isolated and identified conventionally in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines 2013 by modified Kirby-Bauer method. Data was presented as numbers and percentages. Results: A total of 824 samples, including blood, urine, CSF, pus, and pleural fluid were collected from 412 SCD patients. Prevalence of bacterial infections among patients with SCD was 17.35%. Bacteraemia was the most common infection among febrile children with SCD 84 (20.38%), followed by Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) 55 (15.02%), osteomyelitis 2 (13.34%), and meningitis 1 (5.56%). Total 143 organisms were isolated from different samples and Gram negative bacilli 106 (74.12%) were found to be the commonest cause of bacterial infections among children with SCD. Imipenem was the best antibiotic for infections with Multidrug Resistant (MDR) Gram negative bacilli. Conclusion: To identify children with SCD and prevent bacterial infections in them should be a priority target for health research as these infections make a large contribution to the morbidity and mortality among children with SCD.

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is an infectious transmissible disease resulting from tooth-adherent specific bacteria, primarily Mutans streptococci. Fluoride varnish is an effective antimicrobial agent against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of S. mutans in children following application of a fluoride varnish containing CPP-ACP in mother–child pairs. Materials and Methods: Sixty children aged 18–36 months, at high caries risk along with their mothers formed the study group. Baseline levels of S. mutans in saliva of mothers and dental plaque of children was microbiologically assessed for S. mutans using the culture method. They were divided into three groups, consisting of 20 mother–child pairs. Group 1: Application of varnish to mother and saline as a placebo to child; Group 2: Applying varnish to child and saline as a placebo to mother; Group 3: Applying varnish to both mother and child. S. mutans levels in dental plaque of children were assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using one way analysis of variance, paired t-test and multiple Post hoc tukey. The level of Significance was considered at 5% Results: In all the groups, there was a significant reduction of S. mutans levels in dental plaque of children at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The highest reduction in S. mutans was in Group 3 (95.33%) followed by (95.12%) in Group 2 and 40.6% in Group 1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Application of fluoride varnish containing CPP-ACP to the children gave equivocally significant reduction in S. mutans levels of dental plaque in children, as compared to applying in both mother and child.

Background: Preservation of pulpal vitality is of paramount importance as the vital functioning pulp is capable of initiating a unique reparative capacity. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare four regenerative materials for pulpotomy in primary molars. Materials and Methods: This in vivo study included a total of 120 primary molars from 30 healthy children aged 3–9 years for regenerative pulpotomy procedure. The teeth were then divided by the lottery method (chits with names of materials on it) into four groups so that each child received all four of the regenerative materials; Group 1: Biodentine (BD)™, Group II: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Plus (MTA Plus™), Group III: Retro MTA (Retro MTA®), and Group IV: Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM) cement. All the primary molars (1st/2nd molars) were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Data were subjected to the statistical analysis using the Chi-square test. The level of significance was considered as P < 0.05. Results: Clinical evaluation showed 100% success with BD™ and CEM cement; whereas 96.2% success was seen with MTA Plus™ and Retro MTA®. On radiographic evaluation, MTA Plus™ and CEM cement showed 96.2% success, whereas BD™ and Retro MTA® showed 92.59% success rate. Conclusion: All four regenerative materials showed high success in the pulpotomy of primary molars.