Guideline No. 445: Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of chronic pelvic pain in females. TARGET POPULATION: This guideline is specific to pelvic pain in adolescent and adult females and excluded literature that looked at pelvic pain in males. It also did not address genital pain. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: The intent is to benefit patients with chronic pelvic pain by providing an evidence-based approach to management. Access to certain interventions such as physiotherapy and psychological treatments, and to interdisciplinary care overall, may be limited by costs and service availability. EVIDENCE: Medline and the Cochrane Database from 1990 to 2020 were searched for articles in English on subjects related to chronic pelvic pain, including diagnosis, overlapping pain conditions, central sensitization, management, medications, surgery, physiotherapy, psychological therapies, alternative and complementary therapies, and multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care. The committee reviewed the literature and available data and used a consensus approach to develop recommendations. Only articles in English and pertaining to female subjects were included. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: Family physicians, gynaecologists, urologists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Management of chronic pelvic pain should consider multifactorial contributors, including underlying central sensitization/nociplastic pain, and employ an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial approach that includes pain education, physiotherapy, and psychological & medical treatments. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Medication errors in veterinary anesthesia: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of medication errors (MEs) in veterinary medicine, with a focus on the perianesthetic period; to compare MEs in veterinary medicine with human anesthesia practice, and to describe factors contributing to the risk of MEs and strategies for error reduction. DATABASES USED: PubMed and CAB abstracts; search terms: [("patient safety" or "medication error∗") AND veterin∗]. CONCLUSIONS: Human anesthesia is recognized as having a relatively high risk of MEs. In veterinary medicine, MEs were among the most commonly reported medical error. Predisposing factors for MEs in human and veterinary anesthesia include general (e.g. distraction, fatigue, workload, supervision) and specific factors (e.g. requirement for dose calculations when dosing for body mass, using several medications within a short time period and preparing syringes ahead of time). Data on MEs are most commonly collected in self-reporting systems, which very likely underestimate the true incidence, a problem acknowledged in human medicine. Case reports have described a variety of MEs in the perianesthetic period, including prescription, preparation and administration errors. Dogs and cats were the most frequently reported species, with MEs in cats more commonly associated with harmful outcomes compared with dogs. In addition to education and raising awareness, other strategies described for reducing the risk of MEs include behavioral, communication, identification, organizational, engineering and cognitive aids.

Differential metabolic rearrangements in the roots and leaves of Cicer arietinum caused by single or double nitrate and/or phosphate deficiencies.

Nitrate (NO3 - ) and phosphate (Pi) deficiencies are the major constraints for chickpea productivity, significantly impacting global food security. However, excessive fertilization is expensive and can also lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop chickpea cultivars that are able to grow on soils deficient in both NO3 - and Pi. This study focused on the identification of key NO3 - and/or Pi starvation-responsive metabolic pathways in the leaves and roots of chickpea grown under single and double nutrient deficiencies of NO3 - and Pi, in comparison with nutrient-sufficient conditions. A global metabolite analysis revealed organ-specific differences in the metabolic adaptation to nutrient deficiencies. Moreover, we found stronger adaptive responses in the roots and leaves to any single than combined nutrient-deficient stresses. For example, chickpea enhanced the allocation of carbon among nitrogen-rich amino acids (AAs) and increased the production of organic acids in roots under NO3 - deficiency, whereas this adaptive response was not found under double nutrient deficiency. Nitrogen remobilization through the transport of AAs from leaves to roots was greater under NO3 - deficiency than double nutrient deficiency conditions. Glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate accumulated in the roots under single nutrient deficiencies, but not under double nutrient deficiency, and higher glycolytic pathway activities were observed in both roots and leaves under single nutrient deficiency than double nutrient deficiency. Hence, the simultaneous deficiency generated a unique profile of metabolic changes that could not be simply described as the result of the combined deficiencies of the two nutrients.

New platinum (II) complexes based on schiff bases: synthesis, specification, X-ray structure, ADMET, DFT, molecular docking, and anticancer activity against breast cancer.

Acylpyrazolone-based Schiff base ligands (HLn) and their corresponding Pt(II) complexes with the general formula [Pt(Ln)(Cl)] (n = 1-3) were synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques including 1H-NMR, 195Pt-NMR, LC-Mass, FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. The crystal structure of one of the Schiff base ligands was also obtained. Based on the ADMET comparative results and the bioavailability radar charts, the complexes are completely drug-like. The Schiff base complexes with a structural difference of one methyl group in ligand were used as anticancer agents against human breast cancer cell lines SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231. The IC50 values after treatment by [Pt(L1)Cl] and [Pt(L2)Cl] were obtained more than cisplatin and less than carboplatin on cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3, while the IC50 value of [Pt(L3)Cl] was more than both other complexes and clinical Pt drugs. Molecular docking data showed that the groove binding is the main interaction with DNA double strands with a minor contribution from electrostatic interactions. To investigate the structure-activity relationship, DFT computational was done. All quantum chemical parameters display the drug approaching biomacromolecule and more biological activity of [Pt(L1)Cl] > [Pt(L2)Cl] > [Pt(L3)Cl]. So, three Schiff base platinum complexes can be suitable candidates as anticancer drugs. Schiff-base ligands (HLn) and their Pt(II) complexes ([Pt(Ln)(Cl)], n=1-3) were obtained. To investigate their biological property and main interactions with DNA, ADMET, and cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3, DFT, and Molecular docking were done.

Cardioembolic stroke, the most common subtype of stroke in COVID 19: A single center experience from Isfahan, Iran.

Background: Some studies showed the cerebrovascular manifestation in patients with recently pandemic coronavirus 2 named the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are rare reports about stroke subtypes in these patients. Here, we reported the stroke subtype in patients with laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and treated at our hospitals, which are located in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, observational case series. Data were collected from March 01, 2020, to May 20, 2020, at three designated special care centers for COVID-19 of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The study included 1188 consecutive hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Results: Of 1188 COVID-19 patients, 7 (0.5%) patients developed stroke. Five (0.4%) had ischemic arterial stroke, 1 (0.08%) hemorrhagic stroke and 1(0.08 %) cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis. Sixty percent of ischemic stroke were cardioembolic stroke (CE) and the rest 2 (40%) were embolic stroke of undetermined source. Three male patients (40%) had stroke as a presenting and admitted symptom of COVID-19. Four patients (57%) had severe COVID-19. Conclusion: Stroke was an uncommon manifestation in COVID-19 patients. CE was a common subtype of stroke in COVID-19 patients in our centers.

The protective effect of resveratrol on diazinon-induced oxidative stress and glucose hemostasis disorder in rats' liver.

This study was intended to assess the possible protective effect of resveratrol (Res) against oxidative stress and glucose hemostasis disorder in rats exposed to diazinon (DZN) for 4 weeks. Totally 25 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into five groups: Control (orally received corn oil), DZN group (orally received 70 mg/kg/day), and Res groups (received DZN 70 mg/kg/day plus Res doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg bodyweight/-day), respectively. DZN significantly inhibited serum acetylcholinesterase enzyme (Ach E), serum and liver catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, also total antioxidant capacities. On the other hand, DZN increased serum and liver malondialdehyde. DZN significantly increased Forkhead box protein O1 (Foxo1) expression and decreased phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1) expression. DZN impaired glucose hemostasis. Instead, Res treatment significantly reversed status of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activities induced by DZN. Also, Res improved glucose hemostasis. Res increased PTEN and Sirt-1 expression and reduced Foxo1 expression. Res administration ameliorated liver histopathological changes induced by DZN. These data confirmed that DZN significantly enhances oxidative stress and impairs glucose hemostasis. While Res showed a protective effect against the toxicity induced by DZN in rats.

Synthesis and crystal structures of new mixed-ligand schiff base complexes containing N-donor heterocyclic co-ligands: Molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling studies on the main proteases of SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19 disease).

Three new mixed-ligand copper(II) complexes (1-3) with NN'O type unsymmetrical tridentate Schiff base ligands (SB) and N-donor heterocyclic co-ligands, with general formula [Cu(SB)(L)]ClO4, were synthesized and characterized using single crystal x-ray diffraction (SCXRD), FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The SB ligand is the half-unit form of the condensation of 1,3-propanediamine with 5-methoxysalicylaldehyde and the co-ligands (L) are pyridine (py in (1)), 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy in (2)) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen in (3)). Crystal structures of (2) and (3) were obtained by SCXRD. Molecular docking and pharmacophore studies were performed to study the interactions between the synthesized complexes and SARS-CoV-2 virus main proteases (PDB IDs: 6LU7, 6WQF and 6W9C). Results revealed that complex (3) with phen co-ligand showed better docking scores with the three receptors, i.e. 6LU7 (-8.05 kcal.mol-1), 6W9C (-7.70 kcal.mol-1) and 6WQF (-7.75 kcal.mol-1). The order of the binding best energies for (3) was also as follows: 6LU7 > 6WQF > 6W9C. All of the studied complexes showed considerable performance, comparable to the standard drug, Favipiravir.

Phosphate or nitrate imbalance induces stronger molecular responses than combined nutrient deprivation in roots and leaves of chickpea plants.

The negative effects of phosphate (Pi) and/or nitrate (NO3- ) fertilizers on the environment have raised an urgent need to develop crop varieties with higher Pi and/or nitrogen use efficiencies for cultivation in low-fertility soils. Achieving this goal depends upon research that focuses on the identification of genes involved in plant responses to Pi and/or NO3- starvation. Although plant responses to individual deficiency in either Pi (-Pi/+NO3- ) or NO3- (+Pi/-NO3- ) have been separately studied, our understanding of plant responses to combined Pi and NO3- deficiency (-Pi/-NO3- ) is still very limited. Using RNA-sequencing approach, transcriptome changes in the roots and leaves of chickpea cultivated under -Pi/+NO3- , +Pi/-NO3- or -Pi/-NO3- conditions were investigated in a comparative manner. -Pi/-NO3- treatment displayed lesser effect on expression changes of genes related to Pi or NO3- transport, signalling networks, lipid remodelling, nitrogen and Pi scavenging/remobilization/recycling, carbon metabolism and hormone metabolism than -Pi/+NO3- or +Pi/-NO3- treatments. Therefore, the plant response to -Pi/-NO3- is not simply an additive result of plant responses to -Pi/+NO3- and +Pi/-NO3- treatments. Our results indicate that nutrient imbalance is a stronger stimulus for molecular reprogramming than an overall deficiency.

Genotype- and tissue-specific physiological and biochemical changes of two chickpea (Cicer arietinum) varieties following a rapid dehydration.

In nature, plants may suffer rapid dehydration (RD), which causes significant loss of the annual global chickpea production. Thus, ascertaining more knowledge concerning the RD-tolerance mechanisms in chickpea is crucial for developing high drought-tolerant varieties to assure sustainable chickpea production under sudden water deficit. Here, we focused on genotype-driven variation in leaf relative water content (RWC) and associated differences in RD-responsive physiological and biochemical attributes in roots and leaves of two chickpea varieties, FLIP00-21C and FLIP02-89C, subjected to well-watered and RD conditions. FLIP00-21C showed higher RD-tolerance than FLIP02-89C, evident by its higher leaf RWC during RD. Consistently, FLIP00-21C exhibited lower membrane injury due to lower hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) accumulation than FLIP02-89C during RD, indicating reduced RD-induced oxidative damage. Under RD conditions, total phenolics in roots and flavonoids in roots and leaves increased more in FLIP02-89C compared to FLIP00-21C; however, the increased activities of superoxide dismutase and H2 O2 -scavenging enzymes were more properly coordinated in FLIP00-21C than in FLIP02-89C, which might contribute to more efficient antioxidant defense in FLIP00-21C than in FLIP02-89C. The higher leaf RWC of FLIP00-21C versus FLIP02-89C under RD might be associated with greater increases in the levels of the osmo-regulators proline and total free amino acids (TFAAs) in FLIP00-21C than in FLIP02-89C. Collectively, the higher RD-tolerance of FLIP00-21C is mainly associated with the maintenance of higher RWC, stronger antioxidant defense, and greater accumulation of proline and TFAAs. These traits could be useful for evaluating the drought-tolerance of chickpea varieties and further marker-assisted breeding approaches for improvement of chickpea productivity.

Botulinum toxin injection for chronic pelvic pain: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin has proven therapeutic effects in alleviating pain in several myofascial disorders, with an expanding potential in chronic pelvic pain. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injection as an off-label treatment for female chronic pelvic pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, PubMed, CINAHL, TRIP Database, EMBASE, Web of Science and gray literature were searched. Studies assessing the efficacy of botulinum toxin for chronic pelvic pain in adult females, with 10 or more women, published in English up to 13 January 2020, were included. All eligible studies were reviewed and data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a standardized form. Quality of evidence was graded using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized controlled trials and the Ottawa-Newcastle scale for observational studies. RESULTS: In all, 491 records were screened. Seventeen articles were included in the final review: 5 randomized controlled trials and 12 observational studies. The quality of evidence ranged from low to high. There was a large degree of heterogeneity in study designs, and thus a meta-analysis was not feasible. All observational studies concluded that botulinum toxin was an effective treatment for chronic pelvic pain, with the greatest change in visual analog scale from 8.69 at baseline to 3.07 at 24 months post-injection. However, only one of the five randomized controlled trials found statistical significant differences favoring botulinum toxin in the reporting of the EQ-5D (botulinum 0.78 [0.69-1.00], control 0.69 [0.25-0.81], P = .03) and frequency of intercourse (botulinum 1 [1-1.75], placebo 1 [0-1], P = .025). The most common adverse effect was transient localized pain at injection site (6%-88%). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Although observational studies were encouraging, there is insufficient high quality evidence to recommend botulinum toxin injection for chronic pelvic pain. However, it appears to be safe to use. Future studies of higher quality in its treatment efficacy are indicated.

Adaptation of the symbiotic Mesorhizobium-chickpea relationship to phosphate deficiency relies on reprogramming of whole-plant metabolism.

Low inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability is a major constraint for efficient nitrogen fixation in legumes, including chickpea. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in nodule acclimation to low Pi availability, two Mesorhizobium-chickpea associations exhibiting differential symbiotic performances, Mesorhizobium ciceri CP-31 (McCP-31)-chickpea and Mesorhizobium mediterranum SWRI9 (MmSWRI9)-chickpea, were comprehensively studied under both control and low Pi conditions. MmSWRI9-chickpea showed a lower symbiotic efficiency under low Pi availability than McCP-31-chickpea as evidenced by reduced growth parameters and down-regulation of nifD and nifK These differences can be attributed to decline in Pi level in MmSWRI9-induced nodules under low Pi stress, which coincided with up-regulation of several key Pi starvation-responsive genes, and accumulation of asparagine in nodules and the levels of identified amino acids in Pi-deficient leaves of MmSWRI9-inoculated plants exceeding the shoot nitrogen requirement during Pi starvation, indicative of nitrogen feedback inhibition. Conversely, Pi levels increased in nodules of Pi-stressed McCP-31-inoculated plants, because these plants evolved various metabolic and biochemical strategies to maintain nodular Pi homeostasis under Pi deficiency. These adaptations involve the activation of alternative pathways of carbon metabolism, enhanced production and exudation of organic acids from roots into the rhizosphere, and the ability to protect nodule metabolism against Pi deficiency-induced oxidative stress. Collectively, the adaptation of symbiotic efficiency under Pi deficiency resulted from highly coordinated processes with an extensive reprogramming of whole-plant metabolism. The findings of this study will enable us to design effective breeding and genetic engineering strategies to enhance symbiotic efficiency in legume crops.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of nodules of two Mesorhizobium-chickpea associations with differential symbiotic efficiency under phosphate deficiency.

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency is known to be a major limitation for symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF), and hence legume crop productivity globally. However, very little information is available on the adaptive mechanisms, particularly in the important legume crop chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), which enable nodules to respond to low-Pi availability. Thus, to elucidate these mechanisms in chickpea nodules at molecular level, we used an RNA sequencing approach to investigate transcriptomes of the nodules in Mesorhizobium mediterraneum SWRI9-(MmSWRI9)-chickpea and M. ciceri CP-31-(McCP-31)-chickpea associations under Pi-sufficient and Pi-deficient conditions, of which the McCP-31-chickpea association has a better SNF capacity than the MmSWRI9-chickpea association during Pi starvation. Our investigation revealed that more genes showed altered expression patterns in MmSWRI9-induced nodules than in McCP-31-induced nodules (540 vs. 225) under Pi deficiency, suggesting that the Pi-starvation-more-sensitive MmSWRI9-induced nodules required expression change in a larger number of genes to cope with low-Pi stress than the Pi-starvation-less-sensitive McCP-31-induced nodules. The functional classification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was examined to gain an understanding of how chickpea nodules respond to Pi starvation, caused by soil Pi deficiency. As a result, more DEGs involved in nodulation, detoxification, nutrient/ion transport, transcriptional factors, key metabolic pathways, Pi remobilization and signalling were found in Pi-starved MmSWRI9-induced nodules than in Pi-starved McCP-31-induced nodules. Our findings have enabled the identification of molecular processes that play important roles in the acclimation of nodules to Pi deficiency, ultimately leading to the development of Pi-efficient chickpea symbiotic associations suitable for Pi-deficient soils.

A novel compound-primed multiplex ARMS-PCR (CPMAP) for simultaneous detection of common PAH gene mutations.

In this study, we introduce a novel compound-primed multiplex ARMS PCR (CPMAP) for simultaneous detection of common PAH gene mutations. This approach was used successfully for simultaneous identification of six most common PAH gene mutations in 137 phenylketonuria patients in the Iranian population. A total of six normal and six mutant allele-specific primers and 4 common primers containing a tag sequence of 12 base pair at the 5'-end were designed and used in two separate optimized multiplex ARMS reactions followed by hot-start PCR. The products were separated and visualized on 3% agarose gel. The CPMAP genotyping data were completely in accordance with the direct sequencing results. The CPMAP suggests a reliable, economical and rapid method for simultaneous detection of PAH point mutations using conventional PCR, which could be applied for diagnosis of other gene mutations.

Salusin-α Attenuates Inflammatory Responses in Vascular Endothelial Cells.

Atherosclerosis accounts for numerous cardiovascular diseases, and cytokines have a critical role in acceleration or suppression of disease. Salusin-α presents a new class of bioactive peptides that can have anti-atherogenic properties. Therefore, the effects of salusin-α on the expression of some pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and on TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were examined. The involvement of the NF-κB pathway in effects of salusin-α in HUVECs was checked using Bay 11-7082 as an NF-κB inhibitor. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1Ra was assessed by real-time PCR. The protein levels of cytokines were measured by the ELISA method. Salusin-α suppressed both mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and induced mRNA and protein expression of IL-1Ra in HUVECs. Salusin-α suppressed TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses in HUVECs. The down-regulatory or up-regulatory effects of salusin-α on expression of cytokines could not be influenced by Bay 11-7082 pretreatment. Our findings indicate anti-inflammatory effects of salusin-α and suggest a novel peptide-based therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.

Mechanisms of physiological adjustment of N2 fixation in Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea) during early stages of water deficit: single or multi-factor controls.

Drought negatively impacts symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea), thereby limiting yield potential. Understanding how drought affects chickpea nodulation will enable the development of strategies to biotechnologically engineer chickpea varieties with enhanced SNF under drought conditions. By analyzing carbon and nitrogen metabolism, we studied the mechanisms of physiological adjustment of nitrogen fixation in chickpea plants nodulated with Mesorhizobium ciceri during both drought stress and subsequent recovery. The nitrogenase activity, levels of several key carbon (in nodules) and nitrogen (in both nodules and leaves) metabolites and antioxidant compounds, as well as the activity of related nodule enzymes were examined in M. ciceri-inoculated chickpea plants under early drought stress and subsequent recovery. Results indicated that drought reduced nitrogenase activity, and that this was associated with a reduced expression of the nifK gene. Furthermore, drought stress promoted an accumulation of amino acids, mainly asparagine in nodules (but not in leaves), and caused a cell redox imbalance in nodules. An accumulation of organic acids, especially malate, in nodules, which coincided with the decline of nodulated root respiration, was also observed under drought stress. Taken together, our findings indicate that reduced nitrogenase activity occurring at early stages of drought stress involves, at least, the inhibition of respiration, nitrogen accumulation and an imbalance in cell redox status in nodules. The results of this study demonstrate the potential that the genetic engineering-based improvement of SNF efficiency could be applied to reduce the impact of drought on the productivity of chickpea, and perhaps other legume crops.

Psychometric assessment of beck scale for suicidal ideation (BSSI) in general population in Tehran.

BACKGROUND: Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) is a widely used instrument to assess suicidality. However, there is only limited information about the psychometric characteristics of BSSI in the Persian language. In this study, we investigated the validity, reliability and factor structure of the BSSI in the general population of Tehran. METHODS: Initially, 900 questionnaire packages were distributed to the general population of Tehran (response rate: 59 percent), using cluster random sampling method. The questionnaire package consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Persian translation of the BSSI, Symptom checklist-90- Revised (SCL-90-R), Beck Hopelessness Inventory (BHI) and Philips Social Support Appraisal Scale. Internal consistency and correlations of the BSSI scores with other constructs were investigated. Factor analysis was done using principal component method. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the screening part and the whole scale were satisfactory (>0.8). The scores of both the screening part and the total scale in individuals who experienced suicidal attempt were higher than others. Both the screening part and the total scale had a positive correlation with depression and Global Severity Index in SCL-90-R, and a negative correlation with social support. The scores of the screening part had a positive correlation with anxiety, psychoticism, hostility and hopelessness as well. The screening part consisted of a single factor which explains 60% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: The Persian translation of the BSSI has desirable psychometric properties in research setting. However, the clinical usage of the scale remains to be explored, and the factor structure of the whole questionnaire should be assessed in a clinical sample.

Approaches for enhancement of N2 fixation efficiency of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under limiting nitrogen conditions.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is an important pulse crop in many countries in the world. The symbioses between chickpea and Mesorhizobia, which fix N2 inside the root nodules, are of particular importance for chickpea's productivity. With the aim of enhancing symbiotic efficiency in chickpea, we compared the symbiotic efficiency of C-15, Ch-191 and CP-36 strains of Mesorhizobium ciceri in association with the local elite chickpea cultivar 'Bivanij' as well as studied the mechanism underlying the improvement of N2 fixation efficiency. Our data revealed that C-15 strain manifested the most efficient N2 fixation in comparison with Ch-191 or CP-36. This finding was supported by higher plant productivity and expression levels of the nifHDK genes in C-15 nodules. Nodule specific activity was significantly higher in C-15 combination, partially as a result of higher electron allocation to N2 versus H⁺. Interestingly, a striking difference in nodule carbon and nitrogen composition was observed. Sucrose cleavage enzymes displayed comparatively lower activity in nodules established by either Ch-191 or CP-36. Organic acid formation, particularly that of malate, was remarkably higher in nodules induced by C-15 strain. As a result, the best symbiotic efficiency observed with C-15-induced nodules was reflected in a higher concentration of the total and several major amino metabolites, namely asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and aspartate. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the improved efficiency in chickpea symbiotic system, established with C-15, was associated with the enhanced capacity of organic acid formation and the activities of the key enzymes connected to the nodule carbon and nitrogen metabolism.

Unlocking dynamic root phenotypes for simultaneous enhancement of water and phosphorus uptake.

Phosphorus (P) and water are crucial for plant growth, but their availability is challenged by climate change, leading to reduced crop production and global food security. In many agricultural soils, crop productivity is confronted by both water and P limitations. The diminished soil moisture decreases available P due to reduced P diffusion, and inadequate P availability diminishes tissue water status through modifications in stomatal conductance and a decrease in root hydraulic conductance. P and water display contrasting distributions in the soil, with P being concentrated in the topsoil and water in the subsoil. Plants adapt to water- and P-limited environments by efficiently exploring localized resource hotspots of P and water through the adaptation of their root system. Thus, developing cultivars with improved root architecture is crucial for accessing and utilizing P and water from arid and P-deficient soils. To meet this goal, breeding towards multiple advantageous root traits can lead to better cultivars for water- and P-limited environments. This review discusses the interplay of P and water availability and highlights specific root traits that enhance the exploration and exploitation of optimal resource-rich soil strata while reducing metabolic costs. We propose root ideotype models, including 'topsoil foraging', 'subsoil foraging', and 'topsoil/subsoil foraging' for maize (monocot) and common bean (dicot). These models integrate beneficial root traits and guide the development of water- and P-efficient cultivars for challenging environments.

Unveiling the regulatory of miR-101-3p on ZNF746 in a Parkinson's disease cell model: Implications for therapeutic targeting.

In this study, we explored the regulatory role of microRNA miR-101-3p on the zinc finger protein 746 (ZNF746), also known as PARIS, which is implicated in both sporadic and familial forms of Parkinson's disease. In a Parkinson's disease cell model, utilizing SH-SY5Y cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+), we observed that miR-101-3p was downregulated, while ZNF746 was upregulated. To investigate the direct impact of miR-101-3p on ZNF746, our team conducted overexpression experiments, successfully reversing ZNF746's expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, as confirmed through quantitative PCR and western blotting. We also performed luciferase assays, providing compelling evidence that ZNF746 is a direct target of miR-101-3p. Additionally, we noted that miR-101-3p overexpression resulted in increased expression of PGC1α, a gene targeted by ZNF746. Functionally, we assessed the implications of miR-101-3p overexpression through MTS assays and flow cytometry, revealing significant promotion of cell viability, inhibition of ROS production, and reduced apoptosis in the Parkinson's disease cell model. In conclusion, this study highlights the role of miR-101-3p in regulating ZNF746 expression and suggests its potential as a therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. These findings provide valuable molecular insights that could pave the way for innovative treatment strategies in combating this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder.