Heterologous expression of bacterial dehydrin gene in Arabidopsis thaliana promotes abiotic stress tolerance.

Salinity, low temperature, and drought are major environmental factors in agriculture leading to reduced crop yield. Dehydrins (DHNs) are induced transcriptionally during cellular dehydration and accumulate in different tissues during abiotic stresses. Here we isolated and characterized a bacterial gene BG757 in Arabidopsis, encoding a putative dehydrin type protein. ABA induces the expression of various dehydrins in plants, therefore, to elucidate the potential role, ABA sensitivity was examined in Arabidopsis transgenic lines expressing BG757. Interestingly, BG757-expressing plants showed hypersensitivity towards NaCl and ABA during seed germination. In addition to germination, BG757-expressing plants also showed root growth retardation in the presence of ABA and NaCl when compared with wild type (WT), suggesting that BG757 positively regulate salt stress and ABA response. Furthermore, BG757-expressing plants showed significant drought tolerance compared with WT. Consistent with drought tolerance, expression levels of stress inducible genes (DREB2A, RD22, RD26, LEA7 and SOS1) were strongly upregulated in transgenic plants compared with WT. All together these results suggest that heterologous expression of bacterial gene, BG757 in plants promotes resistance to environmental stresses. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01358-w.

Intravenous contrast medium extravasation: systematic review and updated ESUR Contrast Media Safety Committee Guidelines.

NEED FOR A REVIEW: Guidelines for management and prevention of contrast media extravasation have not been updated recently. In view of emerging research and changing working practices, this review aims to inform update on the current guidelines. AREAS COVERED: In this paper, we review the literature pertaining to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, risk factors and treatments of contrast media extravasation. A suggested protocol and guidelines are recommended based upon the available literature. KEY POINTS: • Risk of extravasation is dependent on scanning technique and patient risk factors. • Diagnosis is mostly clinical, and outcomes are mostly favourable. • Referral to surgery should be based on clinical severity rather than extravasated volume.

Therapeutic role of Typha elephantina leaves aqueous extract in paracetamol intoxicated rabbits.

Present study is aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective and hematopoietic effect of Typha elephantina leaves aqueous (T.E.AQ), extract in paracetamol (PCM) intoxicated rabbits. Experimental animals were divided into various groups. The blood was taken on day 7th (W1=Week 1), day 14th (W2 = week 2) and day 21st (W3 = week 3) of treatments and was analyzed for all hematological and serum biochemical markers. PCM administration caused marked increase in the levels of serum biochemical and hematological parameters. The leaves of T.E.AQ extract at dose rate 300mg/kg body weight significantly (P<0.05) reduced the elevated levels of serum biochemical and hematological indices towards normal values on third week (day 21st) of treatment while treatment in the first two weeks revealed non-significant effects even at all doses of extract. The levels of glutathione (GSH) and radical scavenging activity (RSA) were reduced and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels was high in the PCM feed animals. Administration of (T.E.AQ) extract at high dose (300mg/kg) significantly regulated and normalized these antioxidant values. The antioxidant capacity of (TE.AQ) extract, showed increase inhibition against various extract concentrations on the basis of percent scavenging of (DPPH) free radical. The histological sections of liver further supported the hepatoprotective activity of extract.

Comparative analysis of the effects of chemically and biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles on biomass accumulation and secondary metabolism in callus cultures of Fagonia indica.

Biotechnological strategies are needed to produce larger quantities of biomass and phytochemicals. In this study, callus cultures of Fagonia indica were elicited with different concentrations of chemically and biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (chem- and bioAgNPs) to compare their effects on biomass, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of the extracts from callus. The results revealed that bioAgNPs being more biocompatible produced the highest biomass initially on day 10 (FW = 4.2152 ± 0.13 g; DW = 0.18527 ± 0.01 g) and day 20 (FW = 7.6558 ± 0.10 g; DW = 0.3489 ± 0.01 g) when supplemented in media as 62.5 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Initially, the highest TPC (319.32 ± 8.28 µg GAE/g of DW) was recorded on day 20 in chemAgNPs (31.25 µg/mL) induced callus as compared to TPC = 302.85 ± 3.002 µg GAE/g of DW in bioAgNPs-induced callus. Compared to the highest values of TFC (108.15 ± 2.10 µg QE/g of DW) produced in 15.6 µg/mL chemAgNPs-induced callus on day 20, TFC produced in bioAgNPs (62.5 µg/mL) was 168.61 ± 3.17 µg GAE/g of DW on day 10. Similarly, chemAgNPs-induced callus (62.5 µg/mL) showed the highest free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) i.e. 87.18% on day 20 while bioAgNPs (125 µg/mL) showed 81.69% FRSA on day 20 compared to highest among control callus (63.98% on day 40). The highest total antioxidant capacity of chemAgNPs-(125 µg/mL) induced callus was 330.42 ± 13.65 µg AAE/g of DW on day 20 compared to bioAgNPs-(62.5 µg/mL) induced callus (312.96 ± 1.73 µg AAE/g of DW) on day 10. Conclusively, bioAgNPs are potent elicitors of callus cultures of F. indica.

The role of oral antibiotics prophylaxis in prevention of surgical site infection in colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) continues to be a challenge in colorectal surgery. Over the years, various modalities have been used in an attempt to reduce SSI risk in elective colorectal surgery, which include mechanical bowel preparation before surgery, oral antibiotics and intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis at induction of surgery. Even though IV antibiotics have become standard practice, there has been a debate on the exact role of oral antibiotics. AIM: The primary aim was to identify the role of oral antibiotics in reduction of SSI in elective colorectal surgery. The secondary aim was to explore any potential benefit in the use of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) in relation to SSI in elective colorectal surgery. METHODS: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched. Any randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies after 1980, which investigated the effectiveness of oral antibiotic prophylaxis and/or MBP in preventing SSIs in elective colorectal surgery were included. RESULTS: Twenty-three RCTs and eight cohorts were included. The results indicate a statistically significant advantage in preventing SSIs with the combined usage of oral and systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. Furthermore, our analysis of the cohort studies shows no benefits in the use of MBP in prevention of SSIs. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of oral antibiotics to systemic antibiotics could potentially reduce the risk of SSIs in elective colorectal surgery. Additionally, MBP does not seem to provide a clear benefit with regard to SSI prevention.

Canadian Cancer Programs Are Struggling to Invest in Development of Future Leaders: Results of a Pan-Canadian Survey.

Cancer agencies within Canada operate with a variety of leadership models, assuming that future leaders are identified, developed and supported by institutions other than their own. A literature review, comprehensive survey and structured interviews were conducted to illuminate the perceptions of leadership in Canadian cancer centres. The major finding from the study is the significant gap between the competencies that leaders acknowledge as being important and the lack of development programs for future and current leaders. The study also showed there is agreement on preferred leadership models and the personal traits that identify future leaders worthy of development. Given the current struggles of leadership, the authors suggest that cancer agencies need to strategize how to advance succession planning and leadership development frameworks.

Quantitative analysis of the chloroplast molecular chaperone ClpC/Hsp93 in Arabidopsis reveals new insights into its localization, interaction with the Clp proteolytic core, and functional importance.

The molecular chaperone ClpC/Hsp93 is essential for chloroplast function in vascular plants. ClpC has long been held to act both independently and as the regulatory partner for the ATP-dependent Clp protease, and yet this and many other important characteristics remain unclear. In this study, we reveal that of the two near-identical ClpC paralogs (ClpC1 and ClpC2) in Arabidopsis chloroplasts, along with the closely related ClpD, it is ClpC1 that is the most abundant throughout leaf maturation. An unexpectedly large proportion of both chloroplast ClpC proteins (30% of total ClpC content) associates to envelope membranes in addition to their stromal localization. The Clp proteolytic core is also bound to envelope membranes, the amount of which is sufficient to bind to all the similarly localized ClpC. The role of such an envelope membrane Clp protease remains unclear although it appears uninvolved in preprotein processing or Tic subunit protein turnover. Within the stroma, the amount of oligomeric ClpC protein is less than that of the Clp proteolytic core, suggesting most if not all stromal ClpC functions as part of the Clp protease; a proposal supported by the near abolition of Clp degradation activity in the clpC1 knock-out mutant. Overall, ClpC appears to function primarily within the Clp protease, as the principle stromal protease responsible for maintaining homeostasis, and also on the envelope membrane where it possibly confers a novel protein quality control mechanism for chloroplast preprotein import.

A novel chloroplast localized Rab GTPase protein CPRabA5e is involved in stress, development, thylakoid biogenesis and vesicle transport in Arabidopsis.

A novel Rab GTPase protein in Arabidopsis thaliana, CPRabA5e (CP = chloroplast localized) is located in chloroplasts and has a role in transport. Transient expression of CPRabA5e:EGFP fusion protein in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves, and immunoblotting using Arabidopsis showed localization of CPRabA5e in chloroplasts (stroma and thylakoids). Ypt31/32 in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are involved in regulating vesicle transport, and CPRabA5e a close homolog of Ypt31/32, restores the growth of the ypt31Δ ypt32(ts) mutant at 37 °C in yeast complementation. Knockout mutants of CPRabA5e displayed delayed seed germination and growth arrest during oxidative stress. Ultrastructural studies revealed that after preincubation at 4 °C mutant chloroplasts contained larger plastoglobules, lower grana, and more vesicles close to the envelopes compared to wild type, and vesicle formation being enhanced under oxidative stress. This indicated altered thylakoid development and organization of the mutants. A yeast-two-hybrid screen with CPRabA5e as bait revealed 13 interacting partner proteins, mainly located in thylakoids and plastoglobules. These proteins are known or predicted to be involved in development, stress responses, and photosynthesis related processes, consistent with the stress phenotypes observed. The results observed suggest a role of CPRabA5e in transport to and from thylakoids, similar to cytosolic Rab proteins involved in vesicle transport.

A survey of factors influencing career preference in new-entrant and exiting medical students from four UK medical schools.

BACKGROUND: Workforce planning is a central issue for service provision and has consequences for medical education. Much work has been examined the career intentions, career preferences and career destinations of UK medical graduates but there is little published about medical students career intentions. How soon do medical students formulate careers intentions? How much do these intentions and preferences change during medical school? If they do change, what are the determining factors? Our aim was to compare medical students' career preferences upon entry into and exit from undergraduate medical degree programmes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Two cohorts [2009-10, 2010-11] of first and final year medical students at the four Scottish graduating medical schools took part in career preference questionnaire surveys. Questions were asked about demographic factors, career preferences and influencing factors. RESULTS: The response rate was 80.9% [2682/3285]. Significant differences were found across the four schools, most obviously in terms of student origin [Scotland, rest of UK or overseas], age group, and specialty preferences in Year 1 and Year 5. Year 1 and Year 5 students' specialty preferences also differed within each school and, while there were some common patterns, each medical school had a different profile of students' career preferences on exit. When the analysis was adjusted for demographic and job-related preferences, specialty preferences differed by gender, and wish for work-life balance and intellectual satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first multi-centre study exploring students' career preferences and preference influences upon entry into and exit from undergraduate medical degree programmes. We found various factors influenced career preference, confirming prior findings. What this study adds is that, while acknowledging student intake differs by medical school, medical school itself seems to influence career preference. Comparisons across medical school populations must therefore control for differences in input [the students] as well as context and process [the medical school] when looking at output [e.g., performance]. A robust, longitudinal study is required to explore how medical students' career preferences change as they progress through medical school and training to understand the influence of the learning environment on training choice and outcomes.

Delphinium uncinatum mediated biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and in-vitro evaluation of their antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities.

Nanotechnology is perhaps the most widely explored scientific domain in the current era. With the advent of NPs, revolutionary changes have been observed in various scientific disciplines. Among the NPs, ZnO-NPs are the center of contemplation owing to their biocompatible nature. These nanoparticles have been prepared using a number of techniques; however, biological methods are among the most popular synthesis approaches. The current research therefore reports the phyto-fabrication of ZnO-NPs mediated by Delphinium uncinatum root extract. The resulting NPs were subjected to standard characterization methods such fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The resulting NPs are exploited to their possible antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing potency. FTIR confirmed the capping of ZnO-NPs by a variety of phytochemicals. ZnO-NPs average size was approximately 30 nm. ZnO-NPs exhibited substantial bio-potency and proved to be highly biocompatible even at higher concentrations. ZnO-NPs revealed strong antimicrobial potency for Pseudomonas aeruginosa proving to be the most susceptible strain showing inhibition of 16 ± 0.98. ZnO-NPs also showed dose dependent antidiabetic and cytotoxic potential. COX-1, COX-2, 15-LOX and sPLA2 were efficiently inhibited upon exposure to ZnO-NPs confirming the anti-inflammatory potential of ZnO-NPs. Similarly, ZnO-NPs also revealed considerable anti-aging potential. With such diverse biological potentials, ZnO-NPs can prove to be a potent weapon against a plethora of diseases; however, further study is necessary in order to discover the precise mechanism that is responsible for the biological potency of these NPs.

Delpinium uncinatum mediated green synthesis of AgNPs and its antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic and antimicrobial potentials.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is becoming a method of choice for biological research due to its environmentally benign outcomes, stability and ease of synthesis. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using stem (S-AgNPs), root (R-AgNPs) and mixture of stem and root (RS-AgNPs) of Delphinium uncinatum. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by standardized techniques and evaluated for their antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, cytotoxic and antimicrobial potentials. The AgNPs exhibited efficient antioxidant activities and considerable enzyme inhibition potential against alpha amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. S-AgNPs showed strong cytotoxicity against human hepato-cellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and high enzyme inhibitory effect (IC50 values 27.5µg/ml for AChE and 22.60 µg/ml for BChE) compared to R-AgNPs and RS-AgNPs. RS-AgNPs showed significant inhibition of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Aspergillus flavus and exhibited higher biocompatibility (<2% hemolysis) in human red blood cells hemolytic assays. The present study showed that biologically synthesized AgNPs using the extract of various parts of D. uncinatum have strong antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials.

Ganglion cyst at the proximal tibiofibular joint - A rare cause of compression neuropathy of the peroneal nerve.

Ganglion cysts are fluid filled sacs which develop near joints and tendons and are usually asymptomatic. Lower limb ganglion cysts are rare occurrences especially those situated around joint spaces causing nerve compression. We present the case of a 68 year-old female with history of progressive swelling in the left antero-lateral leg, associated with pain, and neurological symptoms of peroneal nerve compression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large proximal tibiofibular joint ganglion cyst causing peroneal nerve compression. One year following the left sided presentation, the patient presented with similar but less severe symptoms in her right antero-lateral leg. MRI revealed a small juxta-articular ganglion cyst in the right proximal tibiofibular joint space. We discuss etiology, symptoms, and management of lower limb ganglion cysts.

Genome-wide in silico identification and characterization of the stress associated protein (SAP) gene family encoding A20/AN1 zinc-finger proteins in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Stress associated proteins (SAPs) in plants have a key role in providing tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. SAP gene family in Solanum tuberosum has not been fully studied before. This study identified 17 StSAP genes in S. tuberosum which code for A20/AN1 zinc-finger proteins. All the genes were distributed on ten different chromosomes and six segmental duplication events were identified. The SAPs in S. tuberosum and its orthologs in Arabidopsis thaliana were classified into six groups through the phylogenetic analysis. Introns across StSAP genes were identified in four genes. The promotor study of the StSAP genes showed different hormone and stress-related cis-elements that could potentially have a role in environmental stress response. The expression of StSAP genes in response to heat, mannitol, and salt were analyzed through in silico transcriptomic analysis. This study could potentially help in further understanding the functions of SAP genes in S. tuberosum.

The chloroplast protein CPSAR1, dually localized in the stroma and the inner envelope membrane, is involved in thylakoid biogenesis.

Thylakoid biogenesis is a crucial step for plant development involving the combined action of many cellular actors. CPSAR1 is shown here to be required for the normal organization of mature thylakoid stacks, and ultimately for embryo development. CPSAR1 is a chloroplast protein that has a dual localization in the stroma and the inner envelope membrane, according to microscopy studies and subfractionation analysis. CPSAR1 is close to the Obg nucleotide binding protein subfamily and displays GTPase activity, as demonstrated by in vitro assays. Disruption of the CPSAR1 gene via T-DNA insertion results in the arrest of embryo development. In addition, transmission electron microscopy analysis indicates that mutant embryos are unable to develop thylakoid membranes, and remain white. Unstacked membrane structures resembling single lamellae accumulate in the stroma, and do not assemble into mature thylakoid stacks. CPSAR1 RNA interference induces partially developed thylakoids leading to pale-green embryos. Altogether, the presented data demonstrate that CPSAR1 is a protein essential for the formation of normal thylakoid membranes, and suggest a possible involvement in the initiation of vesicles from the inner envelope membrane for the transfer of lipids to the thylakoids.

Pilot Evaluation of an Online Resource for Learning Paediatric Chest Radiograph Interpretation.

Introduction and aims Assessment of chest radiographs is a fundamental clinical skill, often taught opportunistically. Medical students are taught how to read adult chest radiographs, however, in our experience, there is often a lack of structured training for the interpretation of pediatric chest radiographs. Our aim was to develop and evaluate an online approach for medical students to learn this skill.  Materials and methods Ericsson's expertise acquisition theory was used to develop 10 sets of 10 practice radiographs which were graded using the X-ray difficulty score. Medical student volunteers (from Keele University School of Medicine) were recruited in the paediatric rotation of their first clinical year. Pre- and post-training tests of identical difficulty were offered. A semistructured focus group was conducted after the tests, the transcription of which was analyzed using grounded theory. Results Of 117 students in the year, 54 (46%) originally volunteered. The engagement was initially high but fell during the year, particularly during the pre-examination block. The high drop-out rate made the quantitative measurement of effectiveness difficult. The focus group suggested that pressure of other work, exam preparation, technical factors, and inflexibility of the study protocol reduced engagement. Conclusions Although the topic covered was seen as important and relevant to exams, the current system requires development to make it more effective and engaging.

Iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles-triggered elicitation of important phenolic compounds in cell cultures of Fagonia indica.

The callus cultures of Fagonia indica could prove as factories for the production of important phytochemicals when triggered through different types of stress. In this study, we initiated callus cultures from healthy stem explants in the presence of iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Fe-ZnO-NPs). We performed experiments with the callus cultures of F. indica to determine the impact of Fe-ZnO-NPs in concentrations (15.62-250 µg/mL) on biomass accumulation, production of important phenolic and flavonoids, and antioxidative potential. Our results showed that maximum callus biomass [Fresh weight (FW) = 13.6 g and Dry weight (DW) = 0.58 ± 0.01] was produced on day 40 when the media was supplemented with 250 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. Similarly, maximum total phenolic content (268.36 µg GAE/g of DW) was observed in 40 days old callus added with 125 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. Maximum total flavonoid content (78.56 µg QE/g of DW) was recorded in 20 days old callus grown in 62.5 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs containing media. Maximum total antioxidant capacity (390.74 µg AAE/g of DW) was recorded in 40 days old callus with 125 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs treated cultures, respectively. Similarly, the highest free radical scavenging activity (93.02%) was observed in callus derived from media having 15.62 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. The antioxidant potential was observed to have positive correlation with TPC (r = 0.44). HPLC analysis showed that Fe-ZnO-NPs produced compounds (e.g., Epigallocatechin gallate) that were either absent or in lesser quantities in the control group. These results showed that Fe-ZnO-NPs elicitors could increase the biomass and activate secondary metabolism in F. indica cells. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11240-021-02123-1.

Design and Fabrication of a Fast Response Resistive-Type Humidity Sensor Using Polypyrrole (Ppy) Polymer Thin Film Structures.

In this research article, an organic polymer based polypyrrole (Ppy) composite material has been synthesized and analyzed for the design and fabrication purposes of a fast-responsive, highly sensitive, and an economical resistive-type novel humidity detection sensor. This humidity sensor most suitably serves the purpose for industrial humidity (i.e., values ranging from low to high) detection applications. First, a polypyrrole composite material (a mixture of polypyrrole, polypyrrole-NiO, polypyrrole-CeO2, and polypyrrole-Nb2O5) has been synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization method, and then is treated at various temperatures, i.e., 100, 150 and 200 °C, respectively. After this treatment, the synthesized samples were then characterized by using FTIR, SEM, and DTA/TGA techniques for analyzing humidity sensing properties. The polypyrrole samples with the best morphological structure and properties were then incorporated on interdigitated electrodes. For the fabrication purposes of this thin film structure, at first a few drops of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were placed over interdigitated electrodes (IDE) and then the synthesized polypyrrole composite was uniformly deposited in the form of a thin film over it. The plots show that this is a good resistive-type humidity detection device for the relative humidity range of 30% to 90%. The response and recovery times of this newly fabricated humidity sensor were reported to be the same as 128 s at room temperature. Additionally, the stability and the repeatability response behavior of this Ppy sensor were verified up to five cycles of multiple repetitions. This presents an excellent stability and repeatability performance of the sensor. Furthermore, the capacitances versus humidity response and recovery properties of the designed sensor were studied too. This illustrates an excellent capacitive verses humidity response and shows a linear and an active behavior. Lastly, the experimental result proves that polypyrrole composite thin film shows a reasonable best performance up to a temperature of 100 °C.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Silver Nano Fibers in Humidity, Ammonia, and Temperature Sensing.

The promising chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of silver from nano scale to bulk level make it useful to be used in a variety of applications in the biomedical and electronic fields. Recently, several methods have been proposed and applied for the small-scale and mass production of silver in the form of nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanofibers. In this research, we have proposed a novel method for the fabrication of silver nano fibers (AgNFs) that is environmentally friendly and can be easily deployed for large-scale production. Moreover, the proposed technique is easy for device fabrication in different applications. To validate the properties, the synthesized silver nanofibers have been examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Further, the synthesized silver nanofibers have been deposited over sensors for Relative humidity (RH), Ammonia (NH3), and temperature sensing applications. The sensor was of a resistive type, and found 4.3 kΩ for relative humidity (RH %) 30-90%, 400 kΩ for NH3 (40,000 ppm), and 5 MΩ for temperature sensing (69 °C). The durability and speed of the sensor verified through repetitive, response, and recovery tests of the sensor in a humidity and gas chamber. It was observed that the sensor took 13 s to respond, 27 s to measure the maximum value, and took 33 s to regain its minimum value. Furthermore, it was observed that at lower frequencies and higher concentration of NH3, the response of the device was excellent. Furthermore, the device has linear and repetitive responses, is cost-effective, and is easy to fabricate.

Evaluation of analgesic, antiamnesic and antidiarrheal potentials of Medicago denticulata extract using animal model.

The analgesic, antidiarrheal, and neuro-pharmacological potentials of Medicago denticulata leaves extract were screened in animal models. Potential analgesic response was noted (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001) in formalin, acetic acid and heat-induced pain models in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum activity by means of writhing inhibition was documented for Medicago denticulata at 300 mg/kg that was found to be 71.79% (17.43 ± 1.31). In first phase, the Medicago denticulata at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg showed analgesic activity and reduced the pain by 54.18% (18.39 ± 1.67) and 62.90% (14.89 ± 1.56), respectively. In second phase, the Medicago denticulata at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg showed analgesic activity and reduced the pain by 69.48% (19.78 ± 1.44) and 70.89% (18.86 ± 1.58), respectively. In hot plate method, the Medicago denticulata at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg showed the maximum response of 61.16% (8.47 ± 1.23) and 67.39% (10.09 ± 1.04), respectively at 60 min. Scopolamine significantly reduces spontaneous alteration in Y-maze model for antiamnesic activity. Medicago denticulata significantly increased the discrimination index in a dose-dependent manner using novel object recognition test (NORT) model. Exploration time in sec for the novel object was increased significantly (P < 0.001) by donepezil decreased for familiar one with a discrimination index (DI) of 62.18%. Medicago denticulata significantly increased the discrimination index by 60.86% and 57.24% at 300 and 150 mg/kg b.w, respectively. The lowest DI of 53.80% at 75 mg/kg was observed in comparison to the amnesic group. The Medicago denticulata significant decreased the elevated levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and malondialdehyde (MDA and enhancing level of acetylcholine (ACh), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) acting as an antioxidant agent. Medicago denticulata reduced the total number of diarrheal feces to lesser extent at dose-dependent manner. From the study results, it is suggested that the Medicago denticulata extract possess good analgesic and antiamnesic activity however the antidiarrheal effects of plant were negligible. In the current study, the traditional use of the plant as a source of medicine has been validated.

Distribution and Classification of Dehydrins in Selected Plant Species Using Bioinformatics Approach.

BACKGROUND: Plant growth, reproduction and yields are severely damaged under adverse environmental stresses. These stresses can be either biotic or abiotic, and many stress related proteins are expressed in response to these stresses. Among these proteins dehydrins are reported to have a role primarily in the abiotic stresses. Dehydrins are very diverse proteins and a uniform annotation system is needed for their functional characterization in the future research. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present work is to identify, classify and analyze the expression of dehydrin proteins under different biotic and abiotic stresses in the selected plant species by using different computational tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prosite database is used for dehydrin proteins identification, and to conform the location of conserved motifs in selected plant species. The dehydrins extracted from uniprot database were annotated, based on the ensemble plant gene id. Subcellular localization was predicted using PSI predictor tool. Dehydrin expression analyses were retrieved form the genevestigator tool. RESULTS: Dehydrins were annotated on the basis of dehydrin gene locus and conserved motifs available in different domain databases. Dehydrins were identified and annotated in Arabidopsis thaliana (13), Glycine max (12), Zea mays (05), Oryza sativa (11), Solanum tuberosum (05), Solanum lycopersicum (06), Triticum aestivum (32) and Vitis vinifera (06). It has been proposed that dehydrins are located primarily in cytosol and nucleus. Based on genevestigater expression analyses the plant species selected for this study contain all the classes of dehydrins, namely YnSKn, Kn, SKn, and YnKn; except class KnS. CONCLUSIONS: Dehydrins are diverse proteins and a uniform classification is introduced for their better characterization. The distribution of dehydrins in different tissues and developmental stages suggest an important function throughout plant growth cycle. It has also been concluded that dehydrins expressed particularly in drought, cold and salt stresses, and may have limited role in heat, anoxia, heavy-metal and biotic stresses as well.