A unique miR775-GALT9 module regulates leaf senescence in Arabidopsis during post-submergence recovery by modulating ethylene and the abscisic acid pathway.

The submergence-induced hypoxic condition negatively affects the plant growth and development, and causes early onset of senescence. Hypoxia alters the expression of a number of microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the molecular function of submergence stress-induced miRNAs in physiological or developmental changes and recovery remains poorly understood. Here, we show that miR775 is an Arabidopsis thaliana-specific young and unique miRNA that possibly evolved non-canonically. miR775 post-transcriptionally regulates GALACTOSYLTRANSFERASE 9 (GALT9) and their expression is inversely affected at 24 h of complete submergence stress. The overexpression of miR775 (miR775-Oe) confers enhanced recovery from submergence stress and reduced accumulation of RBOHD and ROS, in contrast to wild-type and MIM775 Arabidopsis shoot. A similar recovery phenotype in the galt9 mutant indicates the role of the miR775-GALT9 module in post-submergence recovery. We predicted that Golgi-localized GALT9 is potentially involved in protein glycosylation. The altered expression of senescence-associated genes (SAG12, SAG29 and ORE1), ethylene signalling (EIN2 and EIN3) and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis (NCED3) pathway genes occurs in miR775-Oe, galt9 and MIM775 plants. Thus, our results indicate the role for the miR775-GALT9 module in post-submergence recovery through a crosstalk between the ethylene signalling and ABA biosynthesis pathways.

Conserved LBL1-ta-siRNA and miR165/166-RLD1/2 modules regulate root development in maize.

Root system architecture and anatomy of monocotyledonous maize is significantly different from dicotyledonous model Arabidopsis The molecular role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is poorly understood in maize root development. Here, we address the role of LEAFBLADELESS1 (LBL1), a component of maize trans-acting short-interfering RNA (ta-siRNA), in maize root development. We report that root growth, anatomical patterning, and the number of lateral roots (LRs), monocot-specific crown roots (CRs) and seminal roots (SRs) are significantly affected in lbl1-rgd1 mutant, which is defective in production of ta-siRNA, including tasiR-ARF that targets AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ARF3) in maize. Altered accumulation and distribution of auxin, due to differential expression of auxin biosynthesis and transporter genes, created an imbalance in auxin signalling. Altered expression of microRNA165/166 (miR165/166) and its targets, ROLLED1 and ROLLED2 (RLD1/2), contributed to the changes in lbl1-rgd1 root growth and vascular patterning, as was evident by the altered root phenotype of Rld1-O semi-dominant mutant. Thus, LBL1/ta-siRNA module regulates root development, possibly by affecting auxin distribution and signalling, in crosstalk with miR165/166-RLD1/2 module. We further show that ZmLBL1 and its Arabidopsis homologue AtSGS3 proteins are functionally conserved.

Selective Synthesis of 3D Aligned VO2 and V2O5 Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Materials by Chemical Vapor Deposition.

3D carbon nanotube hybrid materials containing VO2 and V2O5 evenly distributed onto vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) is reported. Adjustable loading of particles in controllable sizes onto the VACNTs was developed via a stepwise chemical vapour deposition (CVD) approach. Solid VO(acac)2 is chosen as vanadium source. CO2 acts as reactive gas for the pre-functionalisation of the VACNTs. The process temperature was identified as key parameter to control the deposited vanadium oxide phase. A temperature of 550°C results in monoclinic VO2, while 600 °C results in the deposition of V2O5 onto the VACNT support. The morphology and the amount of deposited material was found to be dependent on the reactor dimensions and the degree of functionalization of the carbon support. An increase of the D/G ratio of the VACNT from 0.75 to 1.08 caused by a CO2 treatment step within the process led to an increase of the particle coverage from a scarce coverage without prior CO2 treatment to a dense coverage of the VACNT support after 15 min of CO2 exposure time. Size and crystallinity of the as deposited particles can be further adjusted by a controlled heat treatment after VO(acac)2 precursor deposition.

Rituximab as add-on therapy in patients with resistant lupus nephritis who have failed induction or maintenance therapy with other agents: A real-world experience from a single center in Mumbai.

BACKGROUND: Lupus nephritis (LN) is associated with poor outcomes and a significant risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Some patients with resistant LN do not respond adequately to current treatment options and need alternative strategies or therapies. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab as a re-induction therapy (Re-RTX) followed by maintenance therapy for patients with resistant LN. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with resistant LN (failed initial induction therapy or severe relapse after remission) were analyzed. Re-RTX was co-administered with other immunosuppressants. The primary KDIGO criteria outcomes included renal response (complete and partial), disease progression, relapses, and infections. RESULTS: The median age was 28 years (IQR 24.5-42), and the female-to-male ratio was 11:1. All patients had active LN, and 91.3% had proliferative LN. Baseline creatinine was 1.075 mg% (IQR 0.7-1.38), and mean urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) was 4.9 (IQR 2.8-6.65). Of the patients receiving RTX as re-induction therapy, 66.6% (16/24) had failed initial induction therapy with other immunosuppressants, whereas 33.3% (8/24) had severe relapse during maintenance therapy.Re-RTX had a favorable renal response at 6 months, with 91.7% of the patients responding (20.8% complete response and 70.8% partial response). At 12 months, 58.3% of the patients maintained a renal response (25% complete response and 33.3% partial response). Approximately one-third of patients relapsed within a year.Fourteen patients (58.3%) continued RTX maintenance therapy with two different treatment regimens. At 6 months, Regimen-1 (500 mg every 6 months) resulted in a partial response in 43% (3/7) and relapse in 57% (4/7) of patients. Regimen 2 (1 g dose per year) achieved a complete response in 28.5% (2/7) and a partial response in 71.5% (5/7) with no relapses at 6 months.At a median follow-up of 29 months, adverse renal outcomes were observed in 29.16% of the patients with progression to advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The overall use of Re-RTX was considered safe, with a reported infection prevalence of 16%, which is comparable to the existing data. CONCLUSION: Re-RTX demonstrated efficacy and safety as an induction therapy for resistant LN. However, the response waned after 1 year, underscoring the need for optimized maintenance therapy.

An insight for the inhibition of anxiolytic and anti-convulsant effects in zebrafish using the curcumins via exploring molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

In the contemporary landscape, anxiety and seizures stand as major areas of concern, prompting researchers to explore potential drugs against them. While numerous drugs have shown the potential to treat these two neurological conditions, certain adverse effects emphasize the need for development of safer alternatives. This study seeks to employ an in silico approach to evaluate natural compounds, particularly curcumins, as potential inhibitors of GABA-AT to mitigate anxiety and seizures. The proposed methodology includes generating a compound library, minimizing energy, conducting molecular docking using AutoDock, molecular dynamics simulations using Amber, and MM-GBSA calculations. Remarkably, CMPD50 and CMPD88 exhibited promising binding affinities of - 9.0 kcal/mol and - 9.1 kcal/mol with chains A and C of GABA-AT, respectively. Further, MM-GBSA calculations revealed binding free energies of - 10.88 kcal/mol and - 10.72 kcal/mol in CMPD50 and CMPD88, respectively. ADME analysis showed that these compounds contain drug-likeness properties and might be considered as potential drug candidates. The findings from this study will have practical applications in the field of drug discovery for the development of safer and effective drugs for treatment of anxiety and seizures. Overall, this study will lay the groundwork for providing valuable insights into the potential therapeutic effects of curcumins in alleviating anxiety and seizures, establishing a computational framework for future experimental validation.

Investigating the Potential of 2-Ethylbutyl-(Phenoxy)phosphoryl-D-Alaninate Against RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2.

There was an emergency call globally when COVID-19 was detected in December 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, a modified virus, causes this contagious disease. Although research is being conducted throughout the world, the main target is still to find the promising candidate to target RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to provide possible drug against COVID-19. Aim of this work is to find a molecule to inhibit the translational process of viral protein synthesis. Density Functional Theory calculations revealed information about the formation of the desired ligand (RD). Molecular docking of RD with RdRp was performed and compared with some reported molecules and the data revealed that RD had the best docking score with RdRp (-6.7 kcal/mol). Further, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of RD with RdRp of SARS-CoV-2 revealed the formation of stable complex with a maximum number of seven hydrogen bonds. Root mean square deviations values are in acceptable range and root mean square fluctuations are also low, indicating stable complex formation. Further, based on MM-GBSA calculation, RD formed a stable complex with RdRp of nCoV with ΔG° of -12.28 kcal mol-1.

Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Synthesized Thiazole-Isatin-1,2,3-triazole Hybrids as Promising Inhibitors for DNA Gyrase and Sterol 14α-Demethylase.

In the present work, a new class of thiazole-isatin-1,2,3-triazole hybrids (5 a-5 p) and precursor alkyne hybrids (6 a-6 d) has been reported with their in-silico studies. After structural identifications using different spectroscopic technique such as FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR and HRMS, the synthesized hybrids were explored for their biological potential using molecular docking and molecular dynamics calculations. Molecular docking results revealed that compound 5 j showed maximum binding energy i. e. -10.3 and -12.6 kcal/mol against antibacterial and antifungal enzymes; 1KZN (E. coli) and 5TZ1 (C. albicans), respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations for the best molecule (100 ns) followed by PBSA calculations suggested a stable complex of 5 j with 5TZ1 with binding energy of -118.760 kJ/mol as compared to 1KZN (-94.593 kJ/mol). The mean RMSD values for the 1KZN with 5 j complex remained approximately 0.175 nm throughout all the time span of 100 ns in the production stages and is in the acceptable range. Whereas, 5TZ1 with 5 j complex, RMSD values exhibited variability within the range of 0.15-0.25 nm.

Analytic and In Silico Methods to Understand the Interactions between Dinotefuran and Haemoglobin.

This work lies in the growing concern over the potential impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment. Pesticides are extensively used to protect crops and control pests, but their interaction with essential biomolecules like haemoglobin (Hb) remains poorly understood. Spectrofluorometric, electrochemical, and in silico investigations have been chosen as potential methods to delve into this issue, as they offer valuable insights into the molecular-level interactions between pesticides and haemoglobin. The research aims to address the gaps in knowledge and contribute to developing safer and more sustainable pesticide practices. The interaction was studied by spectroscopic techniques (UV-Visible & Fluorescence), in silico studies (molecular docking & molecular dynamics simulations) and electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry and tafel). The studies showed effective binding of dinotefuran with the Hb which will cause toxicity to human. The formation of a stable molecular complex between ofloxacin and Haemoglobin was shown via molecular docking and the binding energy was found to be -5.37 kcal/mol. Further, molecular dynamics simulations provide an insight for the stability of the complex (Hb-dinotefuran) for a span of 250 ns with a binding free energy of -53.627 kJ/mol. Further, cyclic voltammetry and tafel studies show the interaction of dinotefuran with Hb effectively.

A systemic review and meta-analysis of pararectus versus ilioinguinal approach for the management of acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: The complex anatomy of acetabular fracture needs a surgical approach that can achieve anatomical reduction with fewer complications for the fixation of these fractures. Current literature suggests that both Pararectus (PR) approach and Ilioinguinal (IL) approach can be used for the fixation of these fractures safely. However, superiority of the PR approach over the IL approach is not established. Hence, this meta-analysis aimed to compare the PR versus IL approach. METHODOLOGY: A literature search was performed on five databases Medline/PubMed, Scopus Embase, Cinhal, and Cochrane Library, from the inception to January 14, 2023. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was done for the five eligible studies from the literature search. Individual study characteristics data and outcomes were extracted, and Software version 5.4.1 of Review Manager was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Five articles, one Randomized trial (RCT), and four retrospective articles were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis. PR approach has a shorter surgical time [mean difference (MD) -48.4 with 95% CI -74.49, -22.30; p = 0.0003], less intraoperative blood loss (MD -123.22 with 95% CI -212.28, -34.15; p = 0.007), and smaller surgical incision (MD -9.87 with 95% CI -15.21, -4.52; p = 0.0003) than the IL approach. However, the meta-analysis failed to show a difference between the two surgical approaches concerning the quality of reduction, overall complications, nerve injury, vascular injury, heterotopic ossification, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: The PR approach has a shorter surgical duration, less blood loss, and a smaller surgical incision than the IL approach. However, both surgical approaches have equivocal results regarding fracture reduction quality, complication rates, and functional outcomes for acetabular fracture fixation. Hence, for acetabular fractures fixation, PR approach can be considered a safe and feasible alternative to the IL approach.

Does the pararectus approach have better outcomes and fewer complications than the modified Stoppa approach for the fixation of acetabular fractures in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis?

BACKGROUND: The pararectus approach is a minimally invasive surgical approach for anterior acetabulum fracture, with an advantage of the medial window of the modified Stoppa approach (MSA). However, it is unclear whether the pararectus approach is superior to MSA. We aimed this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the outcomes and complications of pararectus and MSA. METHODS: We performed a data search by conducting an electronic search across databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cinahl, CNKI, and Cochrane Library and included seven comparative studies for analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan software 5.4.1. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool for RCTs and the MINORS tool for non-RCTs. RESULTS: Two randomized control trials (RCTs), one prospective study, and four retrospective studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed a better Matta's reduction quality [OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.06, 2.37; p = 0.03] and radiological outcome [OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.03, 4.60; p = 0.04] in MSA than in pararectus approach. However, the pararectus approach has less intraoperative blood loss [MD - 9.79 (95% CI - 176.75, - 6.83; p = 0.03)] and a shorter hospital stay [MD - 2.61 (95% CI - 5.03, - .18; p = 0.04)] than MSA. Both approaches have failed to show a difference concerning overall complication rates [OR 0.66 (95% CI 0.28, 1.55; p = 0.34)], postoperative infection, DVT, duration of surgery [MD - 15.09 (95% CI - 35.38, 5.20; p = 0.15)], functional outcome, and incision length. CONCLUSION: The pararectus approach offers an advantage with lesser operative blood loss and shorter hospital stay, whilst MSA stands out with better reduction quality and radiological outcomes. Nevertheless, both approaches exhibit no difference in complication rates, duration of surgery, incision length, and functional outcome. Hence, the pararectus approach can be considered an alternative to MSA; however, the existing literature fails to demonstrate a distinct advantage over MSA.

Functional outcome and analysis of factors affecting health-related quality of life of surgically managed pelvic ring fractures: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic ring fractures, particularly those involving the posterior pelvis, pose significant challenges due to their inherent instability. The posterior pelvic ring is critical in providing structural support and stability to the pelvis. This study evaluates the functional outcomes and health-related Quality of life (HRQOL) of patients who underwent internal fixation for unstable pelvic fractures. Various factors influencing the outcomes are also investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with unstable sacral fractures treated with posterior tension band plate or sacroiliac plating with or without symphyseal plating between 2016 and 2020. Patient demographics, injury mechanisms, associated injuries, surgical details, complications, and return-to-work data were collected. HRQOL was assessed using specific pelvic fracture instruments and general HRQOL questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with lower SF-12 and SF-36 scores RESULTS: The study included 54 patients, predominantly males (55.6%), aged 18-70 years, with high-energy trauma mechanisms, such as road traffic accidents and occupational injuries. The majority of patients had lateral compression pelvic fractures. Overall, the functional outcomes were favorable, with excellent or good outcomes observed in 86.1% of cases. Patients with associated injuries, such as abdominal, chest, or head injuries, were likelier to have lower SF-12 physical component scores. Sexual satisfaction scores remained stable for most patients post-surgery. DISCUSSION: This study highlights the favorable functional outcomes and HRQOL for patients undergoing fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures. Younger, working-age males were the most commonly affected demographic. Associated injuries significantly affected physical HRQOL scores. Despite high-energy trauma, patients generally reported satisfactory sexual function post-surgery.

Auxin as an architect of the pectin matrix.

Auxin is a versatile plant growth regulator that triggers multiple signalling pathways at different spatial and temporal resolutions. A plant cell is surrounded by the cell wall, a complex and dynamic network of polysaccharides. The cell wall needs to be rigid to provide mechanical support and protection and highly flexible to allow cell growth and shape acquisition. The modification of the pectin components, among other processes, is a mechanism by which auxin activity alters the mechanical properties of the cell wall. Auxin signalling precisely controls the transcriptional output of several genes encoding pectin remodelling enzymes, their local activity, pectin deposition, and modulation in different developmental contexts. This review examines the mechanism of auxin activity in regulating pectin chemistry at organ, cellular, and subcellular levels across diverse plant species. Moreover, we ask questions that remain to be addressed to fully understand the interplay between auxin and pectin in plant growth and development.

Synthesis, antimicrobial, antibiofilm and computational studies of isatin-semicarbazone tethered 1,2,3-triazoles.

In present era, heterocyclic compounds containing two or three nitrogen atoms play a vital role in drug discovery. In this context, a new class of isatin-semicarbazone tethered 1,2,3-triazole hybrids was synthesized via Cu(I)-mediated azide alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Structural characteristics of the newly derived compounds were identified by various spectral techniques like FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS and single crystal X-ray crystallography. Synthesized derivatives were also screened for in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against different microbial species. Triazole hybrid 7e showed significant efficacy towards E. coli having MIC of 0.0063 µmol/mL, whereas 6a, 6b, 7a, 7c, 7e, and 7f showed highest percentage of biofilm inhibition against P. aeruginosa. Bioassay results suggested that these triazole hybrids could act as biomaterial for antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications and may constitute a new promising class of antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents. These results were further supported by in silico docking, DFT calculations and ADME studies.

Bioactive Thiosemicarbazone Coordination Metal Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Theoretical analysis, Biological Activity, Molecular Docking and ADME analysis.

Mn(II) and Cu(II) complexes having the formula [M(L)2 ]X2 of ligand, i. e., 2-acetyl-5-methylfuranthiosemicarbazone were synthesized. Various analytical and spectroscopic techniques described the structure of synthesized complexes. Molar conductance confirmed the electrolytic nature of the complexes. The theoretical study of the complexes explained the structural property and reactivity. The chemical reactivity, interaction and stability of the ligand and metal complexes were studied with the help of global reactivity descriptors. MEP analysis was used to investigate the charge transfer in the ligand. The biological potency was evaluated against two bacteria and two fungi. Complexes demonstrated superior inhibitory action to ligand. The inhibitory effect was also checked at the atomic scale using molecular docking, which confirmed the experimental results. Cu(II) complex was shown to have the most inhibitory effect in experimental and theoretical studies. To check the bioavailability and drug-likeness, ADME analysis was also done.

Contribution of organokines in the development of NAFLD/NASH associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Globally the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is on an upsurge. Evidence is accumulating that liver disorders like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more progressive form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are associated with increased risk of developing HCC. NAFLD has a prevalence of about 25% and 50%-90% in obese population. With the growing burden of obesity epidemic worldwide, HCC presents a major healthcare burden. While cirrhosis is one of the major risk factors of HCC, available literature suggests that NAFLD/NASH associated HCC also develops in minimum or noncirrhotic livers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the pathogenesis and risk factors associated with NAFLD and NASH related HCC that would help in early diagnosis and favorable prognosis of HCC secondary to NAFLD. Adipokines, hepatokines and myokines are factors secreted by adipocytes, hepatocytes and myocytes, respectively, playing essential roles in cellular homeostasis, energy balance and metabolism with autocrine, paracrine and endocrine effects. In this review, we endeavor to focus on the role of these organokines in the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH and its progression to HCC to augment the understanding of the factors stimulating hepatocytes to acquire a malignant phenotype. This shall aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies and tools for early diagnosis of NAFLD/NASH and HCC.

Long-term outcome and predictors of long-term outcome in patients with lupus nephritis managed at a tertiary hospital in Mumbai.

AIM: Study the long-term outcome of the patients with LN and identify the baseline factors that can predict the long-term outcome of these patients. METHODS: All biopsy-proven LN patients who attended our regular 'lupus nephritis' clinic from 2013 to 2021 were studied. Data of these patients were collected from the hospital patient records. Standard therapy was given as per the KDIGO guidelines, and the renal response was evaluated according to KDIGO outcome criteria. Cox' regression analysis was used to determine predictors of chronic kidney disease (persistent doubling of serum creatinine with creatinine ≥1.5 mg%). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for renal survival. RESULTS: Eighty patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. Median age of onset was 24 years (IQR18-35). Median follow up was 6.5 years (IQR 3-10). World Health Organisation renal biopsy profile was Class I 1(1.2 %), Class II 6(7.5 %), Class III 9(11.2 %), Class IV 36(45 %), Class V 18(22.5 %) and Mixed Class IV + V 10 (12%). Complete remission was achieved in 63.75%, 70 % and 66.6% patients at 1, 2 and 5 years, respectively. Survival with normal renal function was 88.5 %, 85.8% and 60 % at 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively. Risk factors for poor outcome on univariate analysis were presence of Raynaud's phenomena-hazard ratio(HR) 7.78 (CI 1.944-31.207; p < .004), baseline hypertension-HR 5.356 (CI 1.479-19.403; p < .011), tubulointerstitial involvement-HR 1.076 (CI 1.032-1.222; p < .001), time to complete response-HR 1.036 (CI 1.036-1.067; p < .02 ), serum creatinine at 6 months HR 10.51 (CI 2.19-50.39; p < .003), failure to achieve complete response at 2 years HR 6.271 (CI 1.567-25.092; p < .009) and the number of nephritic flares HR 1.868(CI 1.103-3.164 ; p < .02). Renal relapses were quite common, with 1.8 flares per 10 patient-years of follow up. Infection was the most common cause of death, with bacterial lower respiratory infections and pulmonary tuberculosis being the most common. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from conventional risk factors, other predictive factors like the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy on kidney biopsy, and initial response to induction therapy by 6 months have a significant impact on the long-term outcome in patients with LN.

CRISPR-Cas9 directed genome engineering for enhancing salt stress tolerance in rice.

Crop productivity in rice is harshly limited due to high concentration of salt in the soil. To understand the intricacies of the mechanism it is important to unravel the key pathways operating inside the plant cell. Emerging state-of-the art technologies have provided the tools to discover the key components inside the plant cell for salt tolerance. Among the molecular entities, transcription factors and/or other important components of sensing and signaling cascades have been the attractive targets and the role of NHX and SOS1 transporters amply described. Not only marker assisted programs but also transgenic approaches by using reverse genetic strategies (knockout or knockdown) or overexpression have been extensively used to engineer rice crop. CRISPR/Cas is an attractive paradigm and provides the feasibility for manipulating several genes simultaneously. Here, in this review we highlight some of the molecular entities that could be potentially targeted for generating rice amenable to sustain growth under high salinity conditions by employing CRISPR/Cas. We also try to address key questions for rice salt stress tolerance other than what is already known.

Auxin signaling modulates LATERAL ROOT PRIMORDIUM1 (LRP1) expression during lateral root development in Arabidopsis.

Auxin signaling mediated by various auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAAs) and AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORs (ARFs) regulate lateral root (LR) development by controlling the expression of downstream genes. LATERAL ROOT PRIMORDIUM1 (LRP1), a member of the SHORT INTERNODES/STYLISH (SHI/STY) family, was identified as an auxin-inducible gene. The precise developmental role and molecular regulation of LRP1 in root development remain to be understood. Here we show that LRP1 is expressed in all stages of LR development, besides the primary root. The expression of LRP1 is regulated by histone deacetylation in an auxin-dependent manner. Our genetic interaction studies showed that LRP1 acts downstream of auxin responsive Aux/IAAs-ARFs modules during LR development. We showed that auxin-mediated induction of LRP1 is lost in emerging LRs of slr-1 and arf7arf19 mutants roots. NPA treatment studies showed that LRP1 acts after LR founder cell specification and asymmetric division during LR development. Overexpression of LRP1 (LRP1 OE) showed an increased number of LR primordia (LRP) at stages I, IV and V, resulting in reduced emerged LR density, which suggests that it is involved in LRP development. Interestingly, LRP1-induced expression of YUC4, which is involved in auxin biosynthesis, contributes to the increased accumulation of endogenous auxin in LRP1 OE roots. LRP1 interacts with SHI, STY1, SRS3, SRS6 and SRS7 proteins of the SHI/STY family, indicating their possible redundant role during root development. Our results suggested that auxin and histone deacetylation affect LRP1 expression and it acts downstream of LR forming auxin response modules to negatively regulate LRP development by modulating auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Evaluating a Modified High Purity Polysorbate 20 Designed to Reduce the Risk of Free Fatty Acid Particle Formation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a modified high purity polysorbate 20 (RO HP PS20)-with lower levels of stearate, palmitate and myristate esters than the non-modified HP PS20-as a surfactant in biopharmaceutical drug products (DP). RO HP PS20 was designed to provide functional equivalence as a surfactant while delaying the onset of free fatty acid (FFA) particle formation upon hydrolytic degradation relative to HP PS20. METHODS: Analytical characterization of RO HP PS20 raw material included fatty acid ester (FAE) distribution, higher order ester (HOE) fraction, FFA levels and trace metals. Functional assessments included 1) vial and intravenous bag agitation; 2) oxidation via a placebo and methionine surrogate study; and 3) hydrolytic PS20 degradation studies to evaluate FFA particle formation with and without metal nucleation. RESULTS: Interfacial protection and oxidation propensity were comparable between the two polysorbates. Upon hydrolytic degradation, FFA particle onset was delayed in RO HP PS20. The delay was more pronounced when HOEs of PS20 were preferentially degraded. Furthermore, the hydrolytic degradants of RO HP PS20 formed fewer particles in the presence of spiked aluminum. CONCLUSION: This work highlights the criticality of having tighter control on long chain FAE levels of PS20 to reduce the occurrence of FFA particle formation upon hydrolytic degradation and lower the variability in its onset. By simultaneously meeting compendial PS20 specifications while narrowing the allowable range for each FAE and shifting its composition towards the shorter carbon chain species, RO HP PS20 provides a promising alternative to HP PS20 for biopharmaceutical DPs.

Ecological health and water quality of village ponds in the subtropics limiting their use for water supply and groundwater recharge.

Ponds are a typical feature of many villages in the subtropics, and have been widely used as important sources of water for agriculture, aquaculture and groundwater recharge, as well as enhancing village resilience to floods and drought. Currently many village ponds are in a very poor state and in dire need of rejuvenation. This paper assesses the current water quality status and ecological health of twelve sub-tropical village ponds, situated in western Uttar Pradesh, India. This assessment is used to evaluate their wastewater treatment needs in relation to potential village uses of the water. Physico-chemical (Secchi depth, Total phosphorus and Total nitrogen) and biological (Phytoplankton chlorophyll-a) indicators highlight hypertrophic conditions in all the ponds. The study indicates that the status of village ponds requires significant investments in wastewater treatment to restore their use for many purposes, including aquaculture, although some may still be acceptable for irrigation purposes, as long as pathogenic bacteria are not abundant. We propose increased implementation of decentralised systems for wastewater treatment, such as septic tanks and constructed wetlands, to reduce the organic and nutrient loads entering village ponds and allow their use for a wider range of purposes.