Neuroprotective Effects of N-methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (NMP) against Amyloid-ß-Induced Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that involves the deposition of ß-amyloid plaques and the clinical symptoms of confusion, memory loss, and cognitive dysfunction. Despite enormous progress in the field, no curative treatment is available. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine the neuroprotective effects of N-methyl-(2S, 4R)-Trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (NMP) obtained from Sideroxylon obtusifolium, a Brazilian folk medicine with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Here, for the first time, we explored the neuroprotective role of NMP in the Aß1-42-injected mouse model of AD. After acclimatization, a single intracerebroventricular injection of Aß1-42 (5 µL/5 min/mouse) in C57BL/6N mice induced significant amyloidogenesis, reactive gliosis, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and synaptic and memory deficits. However, an intraperitoneal injection of NMP at a dose of (50 mg/kg/day) for three consecutive weeks remarkably decreased beta secretase1 (BACE-1) and Aß, activated the astrocyte and microglia expression level as well as downstream inflammatory mediators such as pNF-ĸB, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. NPM also strongly attenuated oxidative stress, as evaluated by the expression level of NRF2/HO-1, and synaptic failure, by improving the level of both the presynaptic (SNAP-25 and SYN) and postsynaptic (PSD-95 and SNAP-23) regions of the synapses in the cortexes and hippocampi of the Aß1-42-injected mice, contributing to cognitive improvement in AD and improving the behavioral deficits displayed in the Morris water maze and Y-maze. Overall, our data suggest that NMP provides potent multifactorial effects, including the inhibition of amyloid plaques, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits.

Biopolymer based film loaded with Cholecalciferol: A novel technique to enhance nutritional supplement absorbance.

In terms of delivery systems for active compounds, orally disintegrating films are a great option. The initial stage in creating an oral disintegrating film is selecting a film-forming polymer. The basic polymers combination Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC), which is co-processed with Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium (CMC) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose were used to create an oral disintegrating film that contains cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The goal of the current inquiry was to develop orally disintegrating films of vitamin D3 to improve patient comfort and compliance for pediatric or elderly patients due to its simplicity of administration. Films containing drugs and made of the appropriate plasticizer and chosen polymers demonstrated outstanding film forming and folding endurance. The dissolution test showed that Vitamin D3 has a rapid disintegration property, with the majority of it dissolving in the medium (pH 6.8) in less than two minutes after being inserted. To verify that the films were successfully formed, a variety of procedures including HPLC, FT-IR and microscopic studies were employed. When kept at 40oC with humidity of 75%, the film showed good stability for at least three months.

The Role of Vitamin D Supplementation Before Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Preventing Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Vitamin D Deficiency or Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aims to evaluate the role of preoperative vitamin D supplementation before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in vitamin D deficient or insufficient patients. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 448 subjects were selected after a detailed search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Embase in December 2022. Analysis was run using RevMan (version 5.4.1; Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014). The analysis collected risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) data from the relevant studies, which were then pooled using a random effects model. A significance level of less than 0.05 (p<0.05) was considered significant. Our analysis showed that compared with the standard of care, preoperative vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient and insufficient patients effectively reduced POAF after CABG surgery (RR=0.6, 95% CI=0.4-0.9, P=0.01). There was no significant difference in the duration of hospitalization between the vitamin D supplementation group compared with the control following CABG (mean difference -0.85, 95% CI -2.13 to 0.43, P = 0.19). This meta-analysis shows that preoperative vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient and insufficient patients undergoing CABG can reduce the rate of POAF. As POAF is associated with many complications, providing vitamin D supplementation to individuals with a vitamin D deficiency undergoing CABG can improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes following surgery.

Spinach-derived boron-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 composites for efficient photo-degradation of methylene blue dye.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles can be beneficial due to their low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and environment-friendliness. Its synthesis involves the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials such as plant extracts, natural products, and microorganisms to reduce the negative environmental impacts of traditional nanoparticle synthesis methods. Herein, Spinacia oleracea leaves are used as a boron source, and a visible light active photo-catalyst is produced. The effect of Co-Catalyst Boron in Graphitic carbon nitride based nanocomposites for methylene blue dye photo-degradation in water is examined. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was activated by changing the hydrogen potential value while utilizing a typical orange dye as a sensitizer. The graphitic carbon nitride/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized through a hydrothermal technique. To improve their performance, Boron used as a co-catalyst and B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2nanocomposites prepared through wet chemical co-percipitate mathod. UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy were used to analyze the photocatalyst and boron-doped composites in detail. The photocatalytic performance of pristine photocatalyst CNTx (x = 2%,4%,6%,8%) and B-doped CNTx composites were examined for Methylene Blue degradation in the presence of a light source. The spectroscopy analysis showed that B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 -8% nano-composites performed better than all other synthesized pristine catalysts and composites in this research. This research has demonstrated that B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 composites can provide an ideal solution for treating polluted water using visible light as a source to activate these photocatalysts.

Self-medication dilemma in dengue fever.

This paper focuses on the trends of self-medication practices in treating symptoms that may lead to fatal complications in dengue. As dengue is a viral infection with increasing incidence, decision regarding its treatment is mostly affected by public health believes and practices to self-treat the condition by different home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or using outdated prescription drugs that proved beneficial in the past experience. Poverty, lack of education, and poor access to health facilities pave the way for making such decisions. Future complications can be averted by raising awareness, counseling the patients and dispensing of pharmaceuticals with strict monitoring.

Ce-Loaded HZSM-5 Composite for Catalytic Deoxygenation of Algal Hydrolyzed Oil into Hydrocarbons and Oxygenated Compounds.

Despite the extensive research into the catalytic uses of zeolite-based catalysts, these catalysts have a limited useful lifetime because of the deactivating effect of coke production. This study looks at the use of Cerium (Ce) loaded HZSM-5 zeolite catalysts in the hydrocarbon and oxygenated chemical conversion from Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae crude oil. Characterization of structure, morphology, and crystallinity was performed after the catalysts were manufactured using the impregnation technique. Soxhlet extraction was carried out to extract the crude oil of microalgae. Transesterification reaction was used to produce algal hydrolyzed oil (HO), and the resulting HO was put to use in a batch reactor at 300 °C, 1000 rpm, 7 bars of nitrogen pressure, a catalyst to the algal HO ratio of 15% (wt. %), and a retention time of 6 h. To determine which Ce-loaded HZSM-5 catalysts would be most effective in converting algal HO into non-oxygenated molecules (hydrocarbons), we conducted a series of tests. Liquid product characteristics were analyzed for elemental composition, higher heating value (HHV), atomic ratios of O/C and H/C, and degree of deoxygenation (DOD%). Results were categorized into three groups: product yield, chemical composition, and carbon number distribution. When Cerium was added to HZSM-5 zeolite at varying loading percentages, the zeolite's acid sites became more effective in facilitating the algal HO conversion. The results showed that 10%Ce/HZSM-5 had the greatest conversion of the algal HO, the yield of hydrocarbons, HHV, and DOD% (98.2%, 30%, 34.05 MJ/Kg, and 51.44%, respectively) among all the synthesized catalysts in this research. In conclusion, the physical changes seen in the textural characteristics may be attributed to Cerium-loading on the parent HZSM-5; nevertheless, there is no direct association between the physical features and the hydrocarbons yield (%). The primary impact of Cerium alteration of the parent HZSM-5 zeolite was to change the acidic sites required to boost the conversion (%) of the algal HO in the catalytic deoxygenation process, which in turn increased the hydrocarbons yield (%), which in turn increased the HHV and DOD%.

Catalytic Deoxygenation of Hydrolyzed Oil of Chlorella Vulgaris Microalgae over Lanthanum-Embedded HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalyst to Produce Bio-Fuels.

Microalgae is one of the most important sources of green hydrocarbons because it contains a high percentage of lipids and is likely to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Several zeolite-based catalysts have a short lifetime due to coke-formation deactivation. In this study, a lanthanum-modified HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst for the conversion of crude oil into non-oxygenated compounds (hydrocarbons) and oxygenated compounds has been investigated. The crude oil of Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae was extracted using Soxhlet and converted into hydrolyzed oil (HO) through a transesterification reaction. The experiments were conducted in a batch reactor (300 °C, 1000 rpm, 7 bar of N2, the catalyst to the algal HO ratio of 15% (wt.%) and 6 h). The results were organized into three groups: product yield, chemical composition, and carbon number distribution. The liquid products were investigated, including their elemental composition, higher heating value (HHV), atomic ratios of O/C and H/C, and degree of deoxygenation (DOD%). The loading of lanthanum into HZSM-5 zeolite with different loading percentages enhanced the acid sites needed for the algal HO conversion. Among all the synthesized catalysts, 10%La/HZSM-5 produced the highest conversion of the algal HO, the highest yield of hydrocarbons, the highest HHV, and the highest DOD%; those were 100%, 36.88%, 34.16 MJ/kg, and 56.11%, respectively. The enhanced catalytic conversion was due to the presence of lanthanum, which alters the active sites for the desired reactions of catalytic deoxygenation. The main effect of the modification of the parent HZSM-5 zeolite with lanthanum led to adjusting the acidic sites needed to increase the conversion (%) of the algal HO in the catalytic deoxygenation process and thus increase the hydrocarbon yield (%), which in turn led to an increase in the HHV and DOD%. The proposed La-based zeolite composite is promising for different energy applications due to its unique benefits compared to other expensive and less-stable catalysts.

Diagnostic dilemma of celiac disease presenting with weight loss and secondary amenorrhea: A case report.

RATIONALE: Celiac disease (CD) is autoimmune enteropathy affecting the proximal small intestinal mucosa. It is caused by insensitivity to gluten, a protein predominantly presented in wheat. CD is classically associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. The non-classic clinical presentation of CD can present with other organ involvement. Non-human leukocyte antigens genes are associated with atypical forms. PATIENTS CONCERN: We reported a case of 30-year-old female who presented with progressive pallor, amenorrhea, and unexplained weight loss with generalized body weakness. Her body mass index was 20. The patient was having no other systemic manifestations. DIAGNOSIS: This paper reports a case of a female patient having CD without its typical features. Her laboratory evaluation revealed microcytic anemia. Anti-TTg IgA and Anti-TTG IgG antibodies were raised, ferritin and folate were low, and there was mild hyperbilirubinemia. However, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and serum estradiol levels were normal. She was diagnosed with a case of anemia resulting from malabsorption caused by CD. INTERVENTIONS: A management plan was devised based on a strict gluten-free diet. The patient received supplements containing folates, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins A, D, E, B6, and B12. OUTCOMES: After 3 months of treatment with strict gluten-free diet patient showed remarkable improvement. Her hemoglobin level raised with weight gain. Her normal menstrual cycle was restored with complete resolution of symptoms at 1 year follow-up. LESSONS: The pathogenesis of the atypical CD is multifactorial, but impaired uptake of micronutrients from the duodenum is the most likely cause, even if other common features of classical forms, such as bloating and diarrhea, are absent. Lack of awareness about atypical forms may lead to under-diagnoses of the disease. The physicians should consider the atypical presentations of CD to avoid the under-diagnoses of this multisystem disorder.

Harzianopyridone Supplementation Reduced Chromium Uptake and Enhanced Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Vigna radiata Seedlings Exposed to Chromium Toxicity.

This study explains the scarce information on the role of harzianopyridone (HZRP) in the alleviation of chromium (Cr) stress alleviation in Vigna radiata (L.). To this end, V. radiata seedlings primed with HZRP at 1 and 2 ppm were exposed to 50 mg kg-1 Cr for 30 days. Cr stress reduced growth, chlorophyll (Chl) content, net photosynthetic rate, gas-exchange attributes along with enhanced oxidative damages, i.e., electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Application of HZRP enhanced intercellular carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthetic rate with decreased activity of the chlorophyllase (Chlase) enzyme in V. radiata seedlings exposed to Cr stressed conditions. To maintain Cr-induced oxidative damages, HZRP treatment increased the levels of antioxidant metabolites (phenolic and flavonoids) and the activity of antioxidative enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD)] in V. radiata seedlings grown in normal and Cr-polluted potted soil. In addition to this, glycine betaine content was also increased in plants grown in Cr-contaminated soil. It is proposed the potential role of supplementation of HZRP in mitigating Cr stress. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the potential of HZRP in the mitigation of abiotic stresses in plants.

Aloperine: A Potent Modulator of Crucial Biological Mechanisms in Multiple Diseases.

Aloperine is an alkaloid found in the seeds and leaves of the medicinal plant Sophora alopecuroides L. It has been used as herbal medicine in China for centuries due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Recently, aloperine has been widely investigated for its therapeutic activities. Aloperine is proven to be an effective therapeutic agent against many human pathological conditions, including cancer, viral diseases, and cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders. Aloperine is reported to exert therapeutic effects through triggering various biological processes, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, suppressing cell migration, and invasion. It has also been found to be associated with the modulation of various signaling pathways in different diseases. In this review, we summarize the most recent knowledge on the modulatory effects of aloperine on various critical biological processes and signaling mechanisms, including the PI3K, Akt, NF-κB, Ras, and Nrf2 pathways. These data demonstrate that aloperine is a promising therapeutic candidate. Being a potent modulator of signaling mechanisms, aloperine can be employed in clinical settings to treat various human disorders in the future.

Novel acetamide derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole prevent inflammatory arthritis in rats via suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Benzimidazole ring system is an important pharmacophore with diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, we explored the anti-arthritic effects of newly synthesized acetamide derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole (N1 and N2) in rats. FTIR and NMR spectroscopies were used to characterize these compounds. Carrageenan (CRG) induced paw edema model was used to test the acute anti-inflammatory activity of various doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) of N1 and N2 compounds. Based on acute anti-inflammatory effects, the most potent dose of each compound was selected and investigated in complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammatory arthritis (RA) model (n = 4 in each group). Histopathological, hematological, radiographic, and RT-qPCR analyses were performed to assess the progression or resolution of inflammatory arthritis. The tested compounds produced a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity against CRG induced paw inflammation and similarly reduced edema in CFA induced inflammatory arthritis model. Histopathological and X-ray analyses of ankle joints revealed minimal inflammation and normal joint structures in N1 and N2 treated groups. The tested compounds also reduced the levels of autoantibodies and restored hematological parameters. Interestingly, the tested compounds did not elevate aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels and displayed a better safety profile than methotrexate. N1 and N2 compounds also attenuated the transcript levels of IRAK1, NF-kB1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL17 and MMP1. In addition, N1 displayed a greater inhibition of mRNA levels of COX1, COX2, mPGES1 and PTGDS as compared to N2. Our findings demonstrate that N1 and N2 compounds possess strong anti-arthritic activity which can be attributed to the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Recovery Observations from Alkali, Nanoparticles and Polymer Flooding as Combined Processes.

We have studied wettability alterations through imbibition/flooding and their synergy with interfacial tension (IFT) for alkalis, nanoparticles and polymers. Thus, the total acid number (TAN) of oil may determine the wetting-state of the reservoir and influence recovery and IFT. Data obtained demonstrate how the oil TAN number (low and high), chemical agent and reservoir mineralogy influence fluid-fluid and rock-fluid interactions. We used a laboratory evaluation workflow that combines complementary assessments such as spontaneous imbibition tests, IFT, contact angle measurements and selected core floods. The workflow evaluates wettability alteration, IFT changes and recovery when injecting alkalis, nanoparticles and polymers, or a combination of them. Dynamics and mechanisms of imbibition were tracked by analyzing the recovery change with the inverse bond number. Three sandstone types (outcrops) were used, which mainly differed in clay content and permeability. Oils with low and high TANs were used, the latter from the potential field pilot 16 TH reservoir in the Matzen field (Austria). We have investigated and identified some of the conditions leading to increases in recovery rates as well as ultimate recovery by the imbibition of alkali, nanoparticle and polymer aqueous phases. This study presents novel data on the synergy of IFT, contact angle Amott imbibition, and core floods for the chemical processes studied.

Ophthalmic manifestations of nutritional deficiencies: A mini review.

Balanced nutrition is crucial for a healthy eye and vision. Many nutritional deficiencies can result in vision impairment. This article reviews the ocular manifestations of vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin A, vitamin B1 and B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, and minerals such as zinc. It discusses different ophthalmic symptoms and signs, including dry eye disease, corneal xerosis, decreased night vision, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and retinal changes similar to retinitis pigmentosa. We strongly recommend using multi-vitamin supplements for treating many diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

Raphanus sativus Seeds Oil Arrested in vivo Inflammation and Angiogenesis through Down-regulation of TNF-α.

BACKGROUND: Raphanus sativus is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent. OBJECTIVES: The current study was designed to explore the in vivo anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties of Raphanus sativus seeds oil. METHODS: Cold press method was used for the extraction of oil (RsSO) and was characterised by using GC-MS techniques. Three in vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) were performed to explore the antioxidant potential of RsSO. Disc diffusion methods were used to study in vitro antimicrobial properties. In vivo anti-inflammatory properties were studied in both acute and chronic inflammation models. In vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay was performed to study antiangiogenic effects. Molecular mechanisms were identified using TNF-α ELISA kit and docking tools. RESULTS: GC-MS analysis of RsSO revealed the presence of hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acid. Findings of DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP models indicated relatively moderate radical scavenging properties of RsSO. Oil showed antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacterial and fungal strains tested. Data of inflammation models showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory effects of RsSO in both acute and chronic models. 500 mg/kg RsSO halted inflammation development significantly better (p < 0.05) as compared with lower doses. Histopathological evaluations of paws showed minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells in RsSO-treated animals. Findings of TNF-α ELSIA and docking studies showed that RsSO has the potential to down-regulate the expression of TNF-α, iNOS, ROS, and NF-κB respectively. Moreover, RsSO showed in vivo antiangiogenic effects. CONCLUSION: Data of the current study highlight that Raphanus sativus seeds oil has anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic properties and can be used as an adjunct to standard NSAIDs therapy which may reduce the dose and related side effects.

Role of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf extract on productive parameters, humoral immunity and lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks.

The plants originated from an agroforestry system have gained immense importance in livestock health and production. The trial was planned to examine the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) supplementation on the performance, blood metabolites, immunity and lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks. A total of 350 day old broiler chicks were divided into negative control (MLE0), positive control (antibiotic; AB-enro), M. oleifera supplementation at the concentration of 60 (MLE60), 90 (MLE90) and 120 mL/L (MLE120) of drinking water. Performance parameters such as feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio, antibody titer against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis, heterophils and lymphocytes ratio, blood glucose, protein, and malanodialdehyde were determined. The results showed that carcass yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MLE90 followed by MLE120 and AB-enro. MLE60 and MLE90 showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in antibody titer against New-castle (ND) and Infectious-bronchitis (IB) respectively. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower Heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio was observed in MLE90 and MLE120 compared to the negative control. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower blood glucose concentration and significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean serum protein value were found in MLE120. The MLE120 showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower concentration of malanodialdehyde (MDA). It was concluded that M. oleifera leaf extract supplementation at the concentration of 120 mL/L of drinking water improved carcass yield, immunity, blood metabolites and reduced lipid peroxidation in broiler chicks.HighlightsMoringa improved the carcass yield of broilerMoringa is an excellent immune potentiating agent in broilerMoringa enhanced the antioxidant potential of broiler.

Genome-wide promoter analysis, homology modeling and protein interaction network of Dehydration Responsive Element Binding (DREB) gene family in Solanum tuberosum.

Dehydration Responsive Element Binding (DREB) regulates the expression of numerous stress-responsive genes, and hence plays a pivotal role in abiotic stress responses and tolerance in plants. The study aimed to develop a complete overview of the cis-acting regulatory elements (CAREs) present in S. tuberosum DREB gene promoters. A total of one hundred and four (104) cis-regulatory elements (CREs) were identified from 2.5kbp upstream of the start codon (ATG). The in-silico promoter analysis revealed variable sets of cis-elements and functional diversity with the predominance of light-responsive (30%), development-related (20%), abiotic stress-responsive (14%), and hormone-responsive (12%) elements in StDREBs. Among them, two light-responsive elements (Box-4 and G-box) were predicted in 64 and 61 StDREB genes, respectively. Two development-related motifs (AAGAA-motif and as-1) were abundant in StDREB gene promoters. Most of the DREB genes contained one or more Myeloblastosis (MYB) and Myelocytometosis (MYC) elements associated with abiotic stress responses. Hormone-responsive element i.e. ABRE was found in 59 out of 66 StDREB genes, which implied their role in dehydration and salinity stress. Moreover, six proteins were chosen corresponding to A1-A6 StDREB subgroups for secondary structure analysis and three-dimensional protein modeling followed by model validation through PROCHECK server by Ramachandran Plot. The predicted models demonstrated >90% of the residues in the favorable region, which further ensured their reliability. The present study also anticipated pocket binding sites and disordered regions (DRs) to gain insights into the structural flexibility and functional annotation of StDREB proteins. The protein association network determined the interaction of six selected StDREB proteins with potato proteins encoded by other gene families such as MYB and NAC, suggesting their similar functional roles in biological and molecular pathways. Overall, our results provide fundamental information for future functional analysis to understand the precise molecular mechanisms of the DREB gene family in S. tuberosum.

Deciphering distinct biological control and growth promoting potential of multi-stress tolerant Bacillus subtilis PM32 for potato stem canker.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent a set of microorganisms that play significant role in improving plant growth and controlling the phytopathogens. Unpredictable performance after the application of PGPR has been observed when these were shifted from in-vitro to in-vivo conditions due to the prevalence of various abiotic stress conditions. During growing period, the potato crop is subjected to a combination of biotic and abiotic stresses. Rhizoctonia solani, a soil-borne plant pathogen, causes reduced vigor and yield of potato crop worldwide. In the current study, multi-stress-tolerant rhizobacterial strain, Bacillus subtilis PM32, was isolated from field-grown potato with various plant growth promoting (PGP) traits including zinc and potassium solubilization, biological nitrogen fixation, ammonia and siderophore, as well as extracellular enzyme productions (cellulase, catalase, amylase, protease, pectinase, and chitinase). The strain PM32 exhibited a distinct potential to support plant growth by demonstrating production of indole-3-acetic acid (102.6 µM/mL), ACC-deaminase activity (1.63 µM of α-ketobutyrate/h/mg protein), and exopolysaccharides (2.27 mg/mL). By retarding mycelial growth of R. solani the strain PM32 drastically reduced pathogenicity of R. solani. The strain PM32 also suppressed the pathogenic activity significantly by impeding mycelial expansion of R. solani with inhibition co-efficient of 49.87. The B. subtilis PM32 also depicted significant tolerance towards salt, heavy metal (Pb), heat and drought stress. PCR based amplification of ituC and acds genes coding for iturin and ACC-deaminase activity respectively indicated potential of strain PM32 for lipopeptides production and ACC deaminase enzyme activity. Results of both in-vitro and pot experiments under greenhouse conditions depicted the efficiency of B. subtilis PM32 as a promising bio-control agent for R. solani infection together with enhanced growth of potato plants as deciphered from biomass accumulation, chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid contents. Therefore, it was envisioned that application of indigenous multi-stress tolerant PGPR may serve to induce biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in crops/plants for pathogen control and sustainable global food supply. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01067-2.

Physiological insights into sulfate and selenium interaction to improve drought tolerance in mung bean.

The present study involved two pot experiments to investigate the response of mung bean to the individual or combined SO4 2- and selenate application under drought stress. A marked increment in biomass and NPK accumulation was recorded in mung bean seedlings fertilized with various SO4 2- sources, except for CuSO4. Compared to other SO4 2- fertilizers, ZnSO4 application resulted in the highest increase in growth attributes and shoot nutrient content. Further, the combined S and Se application (S + Se) significantly enhanced relative water content (16%), SPAD value (72%), photosynthetic rate (80%) and activities of catalase (79%), guaiacol peroxidase (53%) and superoxide dismutase (58%) in the leaves of water-stressed mung bean plants. Consequently, the grain yield of mung bean was markedly increased by 105% under water stress conditions. Furthermore, S + Se application considerably increased the concentrations of P (47%), K (75%), S (80%), Zn (160%), and Fe (15%) in mung bean seeds under drought stress conditions. These findings indicate that S + Se application potentially increases the nutritional quality of grain legumes by stimulating photosynthetic apparatus and antioxidative machinery under water deficit conditions. Our results could provide the basis for further experiments on cross-talk between S and Se regulatory pathways to improve the nutritional quality of food crops. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-00992-6.

HD2-type histone deacetylases: unique regulators of plant development and stress responses.

Plants have developed sophisticated and complex epigenetic regulation-based mechanisms to maintain stable growth and development under diverse environmental conditions. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are important epigenetic regulators in eukaryotes that are involved in the deacetylation of lysine residues of histone H3 and H4 proteins. Plants have developed a unique HDAC family, HD2, in addition to the RPD3 and Sir2 families, which are also present in other eukaryotes. HD2s are well conserved plant-specific HDACs, which were first identified as nucleolar phosphoproteins in maize. The HD2 family plays important roles not only in fundamental developmental processes, including seed germination, root and leaf development, floral transition, and seed development but also in regulating plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Some of the HD2 members coordinate with each other to function. The HD2 family proteins also show functional association with RPD3-type HDACs and other transcription factors as a part of repression complexes in gene regulatory networks involved in environmental stress responses. This review aims to analyse and summarise recent research progress in the HD2 family, and to describe their role in plant growth and development and in response to different environmental stresses.

Primary and Secondary Prevention Strategies for Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Our study aimed to estimate the comparative efficacy of different pharmacologic interventions for the prevention of GIB, through a network meta-analysis (NMA). A total of 13 observational studies comparing six strategies. Among those, 4 were for primary, and 9 were for secondary prevention of GIB. On NMA, thalidomide (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.016, Credible interval [CrI]I: 0.00053-0.12), omega-3-fatty acid (HR:0.088, CrI: 0.026-0.77), octreotide (HR: 0.17, CrI: 0.0589-0.41) and danazol (HR:0.17, CrI: 0.059-0.41) reduced the risk of GIB. The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB) and digoxin were not associated with any significant reduction. Based on NMA, combining indirect treatment comparisons, thalidomide, danazol, and octreotide treatments were associated with decreased risk of recurrent GIB. Additionally, Omega 3 fatty acids were associated with a lower risk of the primary episode of GIB in the LVAD patient population.