Crosstalk between Lys63- and Lys11-polyubiquitin signaling at DNA damage sites is driven by Cezanne.

The establishment of polyubiquitin conjugates with distinct linkages play important roles in the DNA damage response. Much remains unknown about the regulation of linkage-specific ubiquitin signaling at sites of DNA damage. Here we reveal that Cezanne (also known as Otud7B) deubiquitinating enzyme promotes the recruitment of Rap80/BRCA1-A complex by binding to Lys63-polyubiquitin and targeting Lys11-polyubiquitin. Using a ubiquitin binding domain protein array screen, we identify that the UBA domains of Cezanne and Cezanne2 (also known as Otud7A) selectively bind to Lys63-linked polyubiquitin. Increased Lys11-linkage ubiquitination due to lack of Cezanne DUB activity compromises the recruitment of Rap80/BRCA1-A. Cezanne2 interacts with Cezanne, facilitating Cezanne in the recruitment of Rap80/BRCA1-A, Rad18, and 53BP1, in cellular resistance to ionizing radiation and DNA repair. Our work presents a model that Cezanne serves as a "reader" of the Lys63-linkage polyubiquitin at DNA damage sites and an "eraser" of the Lys11-linkage ubiquitination, indicating a crosstalk between linkage-specific ubiquitination at DNA damage sites.

'Emerging into the World' - the regulation and control of dormancy and sprouting in geophytes.

Geophytic plants synchronize growth and quiescence with the external environment to survive and thrive under changing seasons. Besides seasonal growth adaptation, dormancy and sprouting are critical factors determining crop yield and market supply as various geophytes also serve as major food, floriculture, and ornamental crops. Dormancy in such crops decides crop availability in the market, as most of such crops are consumed during the dormant stage. On the other hand, uniform/maximal sprouting is crucial for maximum yield. Thus, dormancy and sprouting regulation have great economic importance. Dormancy-sprouting cycles in geophytes are regulated by genetic, exogenous (environmental), and endogenous (genetic, metabolic and hormonal, etc.) factors. Comparatively, the temperature is more dominant in regulating dormancy and sprouting in geophytes, unlike aboveground tissues, where both photoperiod and temperature control are involved. Despite huge economic importance, studies concerning the regulation of dormancy and sprouting are scarce in the majority of geophytes. To date, only a few molecular factors involved in the process have been suggested. Recently, omics studies on molecular and metabolic factors involved in dormancy and growth regulations of underground vegetative tissues have provided more insight into the mechanism. Here, we discuss current knowledge of the environmental and molecular regulation and control of dormancy and sprouting in geophytes and discuss challenges/questions that need to be addressed in the future for crop improvement.

Transcriptional dynamics in source-sink tissues identifies molecular factors regulating the corm development process in saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

AIMS: Geophytic plants have evolved to develop underground storage organs (USO) in the active growing season to withstand harsh environments as well as to coordinate growth and reproduction when conditions are favourable. Saffron is an autumn flowering geophyte and an expensive spice crop restricted to certain geographical locations in the world. Saffron, being sterile, does not produce seeds and thus propagates only through corms, the quality of which determines its yield. Corm development in saffron is unexplored and the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive. In this study, we performed an extensive characterisation of the transcriptional dynamics in the source (leaf) and sink (corm) tissues during corm development in saffron. KEY RESULTS: Via morphological and transcriptome studies, we identified molecular factors regulating corm development process in saffron, which defined corm development into three stages: the initiation stage demonstrates enhanced vegetative growth aboveground and swelling of shoot base belowground due to active cell division & carbohydrate storage; the bulking stage comprises of increased source and sink strength, active photosynthesis, circadian gating and starch accumulation; the maturation stage represents reduced source and sink strength, lowered photosynthesis, sugar transport, starch synthesis and cell cycle arrest. UTILITY: The global view of transcriptional changes in source and sink identifies similar and new molecular factors involved in the saffron corm development process compared to USO formation in other geophytes and provides a valuable resource for dissecting the molecular network underlying the corm development. We propose a hypothetical model based on data analysis, of how molecular factors via environmental cues can regulate the corm development process in saffron.

Do different exosome biogenesis pathways and selective cargo enrichment contribute to exosomal heterogeneity?

Exosomes are emerging intercellular communicators essential for cellular homeostasis during development and differentiation. The dysregulation in exosome-mediated communication alters cellular networking leads to developmental defects and chronic diseases. Exosomes are heterogeneous in nature depending on differences in size, membrane protein abundance, and differential cargo load. In this review, we have highlighted the latest developments in exosome biogenesis pathways, heterogeneity, and selective enrichment of various exosomal cargoes including proteins, nucleic acids, and mitochondrial DNA. Furthermore, the recent developments in the isolation techniques of exosome subpopulations have also been discussed. The comprehensive knowledge of extracellular vesicle (EV) heterogeneity and selective cargo enrichment during specific pathology may provide a clue for disease severity and early prognosis possibilities. The release of specific exosome subtypes is associated with the progression of specific disease type and hence a probable tool for therapeutics and biomarker development.

Evaluation of telomere length, reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis in spermatozoa of patients with oligospermia.

50% of cases of infertility are caused by male factor, which acquired or congenital problems may bring on. Male infertility can be caused by oligospermia and asthenozoospermia, which are common. Since the same mutations that cause azoospermia in some people also cause oligozoospermia in others, oligozoospermia may be thought of as a less severe form of azoospermia. Studies have demonstrated telomere length, catalase activity, super oxide dismutase (SOD), and DNA fragmentation can be influential factors for male infertility. The amount of apoptosis, oxidative stress factors, telomere length, and DNA fragmentation were some aspects of healthy sperm that we chose to look into in this study and compare to oligospermia individuals. Oligospermia patients (n = 24) and fertile men (n = 27) semen samples were collected, and the apoptosis rate of sperms in both groups was analyzed (Flow cytometry). Also, gene expression of apoptotic and antiapoptotic markers and telomere length were examined (real-time polymerase chain reaction). The sperm DNA fragmentation kit was used to determine DNA fragmentation and to evaluate catalase and SOD activity; the specific kits and methods were utilized. Higher expression levels of caspase3 (p = .0042), caspase8 (p = .0145), caspase9 (p = .0275), and BAX (p = .0202) mRNA were observed in patients who had oligospermia. In contrast, lower mRNA expression of BCL-2 (p = .0009) was detected in this group. In addition, telomere length was decreased in the oligospermia group (p < .0001) compared to the health group. Moreover, the frequency of apoptosis is induced in patients (p = .0026). The catalase activity is low (p = .0008), but the SOD activity is high (p = .0015) in the patient group. As a result of our findings, we may list the sperm cell apoptosis rate, telomere length, the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation, and lastly, the measurement of significant and efficient oxidative stress markers like SOD and catalase in semen plasma among the principal diagnostic characteristics for oligospermia. Future studies will be better able to treat oligospermia by showing whether these indicators are rising or falling.

Hypermethylation and down-regulation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) as contributing factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a case-control study from Kashmir, North India.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevailing endocrinopathy affecting a significant population of women of reproductive age across the globe. A myriad set of complex intertwined factors ranging from etiological, genetic, and epigenetic reasons cause this disorder. Out of the different factors, vitamin D shows an imperative aspect in health and fertility of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The importance of vitamin D is facilitated by vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor in the steroid/ thyroid hormone receptor superfamily that controls the pleiotropic biological properties of vitamin D. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of promoter methylation of the VDR gene, a transcription factor with numerous biological utilities, with its relative expression and clinico-pathological findings and outcomes. METHODOLOGY: A total of 200 blood samples were collected, 100 from PCOS case subjects, and 100 from the normal healthy controls respectively, which were assessed by qRT-PCR for determining the expression summary. MS-PCR technique was used for analyzing the promoter methylation status of the VDR gene. Blood samples were withdrawn, respectively, for each case and the control study separately experimented for different stages for the given study, of which estimation of vitamin D was also a part. RESULTS: In this test-versus-control study, first, the promoter methylation status of VDR gene was identified which was found more prominent i.e., hyper-methylation of the VDR gene was identified in 84 cases (84%), and in the normal healthy controls, it was found (62%). The promoter methylation status of the VDR gene has remarkably shown the results with a significant difference (p value < 0.0001*). Second, the expression analysis of VDR gene was found to be strongly downregulated in majority (64%) of PCOS case samples analyzed by means fold change of 0.8743 (± 0.06466) (p value 0.0054**). This result is, therefore, indicative of VDR gene role in PCOS pathogenesis as the said gene is downregulated. Moreover, compared to the vitamin D parameter, hyper-methylation and expression analysis of the VDR promoter gene were found to correspond to some associations with PCOS. Certain case-and-control study analyses showed that patients with normal vitamin D levels showed less indicative effects of PCOS and vice versa. CONCLUSION: Our study, being exclusive from Kashmir, one of the foremost specified that VDR confirms anomalous methylation configuration in PCOS with subsequent downregulation in the gene expression i.e., there is an inverse correlation among VDR gene expression (downregulated) and methylation status (hyper-methylated) from the conclusion of our PCOS case-versus-control study.

Tobacco rattle virus-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) as an aid for functional genomics in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

Several limitations in genetic engineering interventions in saffron exist, hindering the development of genetically modified varieties and the widespread application of genetic engineering in this crop. Lack of genome sequence information, the complexity of genetic makeup, and lack of well-established genetic transformation protocols limit its in planta functional validation of genes that would eventually lead toward crop optimization. In this study, we demonstrate agro infiltration in leaves of adult plants and whole corm before sprouting are suitable for transient gene silencing in saffron using Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) targeting phytoene desaturase (PDS). Silencing of PDS resulted in bleached phenotype in leaves in both methods. TRV-mediated VIGS could be attained in saffron leaves and corms, providing an opportunity for functional genomics studies in this expensive spice crop. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01459-0.

Postharvest handling of ethylene with oxidative and absorptive means.

Fruit ripening is an unfolding of a series of genetically-programmed modifications and tend to be highly orchestrated irrevocable phenomenon mediated by ethylene. Phytohormone ethylene also leads to over-ripening, senescence, loss of texture, microbial attack, reduced post-harvest life and other associated problems during storage and transportation of fruits. Its harmful impacts on fresh fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals result in substantial product losses even up to 80%. Curbing of this inevitable menace is therefore need of the hour. Accrual of ethylene in packaging system should fundamentally be ducked to extend the shelf-life and uphold an adequate superiority of perishables in visual and organoleptic terms. The current review discusses about properties, factors affecting and impact of ethylene, intimidation of its impact at gene vis-à-vis activity level using gene-modification/inhibition techniques, chemical/physical in conjunction with other suitable approaches. It also entails the most commercially cultivated approaches worldwide viz. KMnO4-based oxidation together with adsorption-based scrubbing of ethylene in thorough details. Future ethylene removal strategies should focus on systematic evaluation of KMnO4-based scavenging, exploring the mechanism of adsorption, adsorbent(s) behavior in the presence of other gases and their partial pressures, volatiles, temperature, relative humidity, development of hydrophobic adsorbents to turn-up under high RH, regeneration of adsorbent by desorption, improvement in photocatalytic oxidation etc. and further improvements thereof. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05777-1.

"Millet Models" for harnessing nuclear factor-Y transcription factors to engineer stress tolerance in plants: current knowledge and emerging paradigms.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The main purpose of this review is to shed light on the role of millet models in imparting climate resilience and nutritional security and to give a concrete perspective on how NF-Y transcription factors can be harnessed for making cereals more stress tolerant. Agriculture faces significant challenges from climate change, bargaining, population, elevated food prices, and compromises with nutritional value. These factors have globally compelled scientists, breeders, and nutritionists to think of some options that can combat the food security crisis and malnutrition. To address these challenges, mainstreaming the climate-resilient and nutritionally unparalleled alternative crops like millet is a key strategy. The C4 photosynthetic pathway and adaptation to low-input marginal agricultural systems make millets a powerhouse of important gene and transcription factor families imparting tolerance to various kinds of biotic and abiotic stresses. Among these, the nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) is one of the prominent transcription factor families that regulate diverse genes imparting stress tolerance. The primary purpose of this article is to shed light on the role of millet models in imparting climate resilience and nutritional security and to give a concrete perspective on how NF-Y transcription factors can be harnessed for making cereals more stress tolerant. Future cropping systems could be more resilient to climate change and nutritional quality if these practices were implemented.

Vaccination and associated factors among tribal children of 1 year age in nine Indian districts: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To report on vaccination status by 12 months of age among tribal children from nine districts of India. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 2631 tribal women having a child aged 12 months or below from nine Indian districts with a considerable proportion of the tribal population. Socio-demographic details, reception of various vaccines by 12 months of age, mother's antenatal care utilisation and health system-related details were collected through a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire from mothers. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with complete vaccination by 12 months of age. RESULTS: Only 52% of children were fully vaccinated by the age of 12 months among the tribal populations; 11% did not receive any vaccine, and 37% of the tribal children received some vaccines. The age-appropriate vaccination was unsatisfactory as only 75% of the infants received all birth dose vaccines, and only 60.5% received all doses by 14 weeks. Only 73% were vaccinated against measles. Illness of the child, home births and communication gaps concerning vaccination were the main reasons for an infant not being vaccinated appropriately. Frequency of health worker's visits to the village, hospital birth, reception of advice on vaccination and educational status of the head of the households were significantly associated with full vaccination status. CONCLUSION: A relatively low proportion of children were fully vaccinated among the tribal populations. Health systems factors, mainly the outreach services and advice by the health workers, were positively and significantly associated with a child being fully vaccinated by 12 months of age. Improving outreach services is crucial to improve vaccination coverage in tribal areas, and there is a need to address the social determinants in the long run.

Evaluation of selected antidiabetics in cardiovascular complications associated with cancer cachexia.

So far, the cardio-protective potential of antidiabetics is proved, but their effect on cardiovascular complications associated with cancer cachexia is not explored until now. Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance along with systemic inflammation are prominent in cachexia but the potential effect of antidiabetic agents especially those belonging to biguanide, DPP4 inhibitors and SGLT2 on the heart are not studied till now. In present study, the effect of metformin, vildagliptin, teneligliptin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin on cardiovascular complications associated with cancer cachexia by using B16F1 induced metastatic cancer cachexia and urethane-induced cancer cachexia was studied. These antidiabetic agents proved to be beneficial against cachexia-induced atrophy of the heart, preserved ventricular weights, maintained cardiac hypertrophic index, preserved the wasting of cardiac muscles assessed by HE staining, Masson trichrome staining, periodic acid Schiff staining and picro-Sirius red staining. Altered cardiac gene expression was attenuated after treatment with selected antidiabetics, thus preventing cardiac atrophy. Also, antidiabetic agents treatment improved the serum creatinine kinase MB, Sodium potassium ATPase and collagen in the heart. Reduction in blood pressure and heart rate was observed after treatment with antidiabetic agents. Results of our study show that the selected antidiabetics prove to be beneficial in attenuating the cardiac atrophy and helps in regulation of hemodynamic stauts in cancer cachexia-induced cardiovascular complications. Our study provides some direction towards use of selected antidiabetic agents in the management of cardiovascular complications associated with cancer cachexia and the study outcomes can be useful in desiging clinical trials.

Novel roles of HSFs and HSPs, other than relating to heat stress, in temperature-mediated flowering.

The thermotolerant ability of heat shock factors (HSFs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in plants has been shown. Recently, focus has been on their function in plant growth and development under non-stress conditions. Their role in flowering has been suggested given that lower levels of HSF/HSPs resulted in altered flowering in Arabidopsis. Genetic and molecular studies of Arabidopsis HSF/HSP mutants advocated an association with temperature-mediated regulation of flowering, but the fundamental genetic mechanism behind this phenomenon remains obscure. Here we outline plausible integration between HSFs/HSPs and temperature-dependent pathways in plants regulating flowering. Moreover, we discuss how similar pathways can be present in thermoperiodic geophytic plants that require ambient high temperatures for flowering induction.

Triple-line dynamics of a soft colloid-laden drop on a hydrophobic surface.

Evaporation of fluid from a pinned drop placed on solid surface proceeds via constant contact radius (CCR) mode, with a continuous reduction in the contact angle. The reduction of contact angle leads to an imbalance of interfacial tensions at the three-phase contact line. When the unbalanced force is sufficiently strong, the drop slips from the pinned contact line and slides inward. Depinning of the drop alters the mode of evaporation to constant contact angle (CCA) mode till it repins onto the surface. The change in evaporation mode from CCR to CCA is usually achieved by tuning the pinning energy barrier by controlling the surface properties of the substrate. Here, we demonstrate that the evaporation mode can be controlled by solely tailoring the surface tension of the drop, which is achieved in microgel particle-laden sessile drops that show spontaneous adsorption of microgels to the air/water interface, leading to a decrease in the interfacial tension. We show that droplets containing a sufficient number of microgels evaporate predominantly in CCR mode even on a hydrophobic surface, and the contact line remains pinned throughout the evaporation of the drop. Interestingly, the contact line dynamics can be controlled by tuning the softness of the microgels and the particle concentration in the drops.

Nitrate-Stimulated Release of Naturally Occurring Sedimentary Uranium.

Groundwater uranium (U) concentrations have been measured above the U.S. EPA maximum contaminant level (30 µg/L) in many U.S. aquifers, including in areas not associated with anthropogenic contamination by milling or mining. In addition to carbonate, nitrate has been correlated to uranium groundwater concentrations in two major U.S. aquifers. However, to date, direct evidence that nitrate mobilizes naturally occurring U from aquifer sediments has not been presented. Here, we demonstrate that the influx of high-nitrate porewater through High Plains alluvial aquifer silt sediments bearing naturally occurring U(IV) can stimulate a nitrate-reducing microbial community capable of catalyzing the oxidation and mobilization of U into the porewater. Microbial reduction of nitrate yielded nitrite, a reactive intermediate, which was further demonstrated to abiotically mobilize U from the reduced alluvial aquifer sediments. These results indicate that microbial activity, specifically nitrate reduction to nitrite, is one mechanism driving U mobilization from aquifer sediments in addition to previously described bicarbonate-driven desorption from mineral surfaces, such as Fe(III) oxides.

VE-MMODE - A randomized controlled trial of Venlafaxine versus Escitalopram for treatment of mild to moderate depression in persons with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: Depression in persons with epilepsy (PWE) goes undiagnosed and untreated. Despite being common, there are no direct efficacy comparisons of available antidepressants in PWE. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of Venlafaxine (VEN) and Escitalopram (ESCIT) in comorbid depression in PWE. METHODS: In a single-center, prospective, double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) 90 PWE (age ≥18 years) with mild to moderate depression, were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive ESCIT (5-20 mg/day) or VEN (37.5-150 mg/day) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was to study differences in the efficacy, based on the change in scores of the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) at 8 weeks. Seizure frequency, QOLIE-31, adverse event profile, and medication adherence were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Using the NDDI-E scale, we screened 350 PWE, 90 were enrolled. ITT analysis included all participants and the PP analysis included 40 participants to VEN group and 42 to ESCIT group. Baseline mean (±SD) HAM-D scores for both groups were similar (13.53 ± 3.27; 13.02 ± 3.57). The mean difference (95%CI) on HAM-D scores at 8 weeks was found to be significant within both groups (ITT/PP- VEN: 7.75(6.75, 8.79)/7.92 (7.06, 8.78); p < 0.001, ESCIT: 8.21 (7.39, 9.03)/8.23(7.43, 9.04); p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the efficacy of VEN versus ESCIT at 8 weeks. A significant improvement in QOLIE-31 index and seizure frequency was observed from baseline in both the groups. 90% of those on VEN and 92.9% of those using ESCITadhered to the treatment at week 8. Adverse events were more in VEN group than the ESCIT group. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that HAMD scores improved significantly in the ESCIT and VEN groups, despite the fact that there was no clinically meaningful difference observed between the two groups. Trials with a larger sample size and longer duration are required to establish whether ESCIT or VEN is superior.

Global distribution of pesticides in freshwater resources and their remediation approaches.

The role of pesticides in enhancing global agricultural production is magnificent. However, their unmanaged use threatens water resources and individual health. A significant pesticide concentration leaches to groundwater or reaches surface waters through runoff. Water contaminated with pesticides may cause acute or chronic toxicity to impacted populations and exert adverse environmental effects. It necessitates the monitoring and removing pesticides from water resources as prime global concerns. This work reviewed the global occurrences of pesticides in potable water and discussed the conventional and advanced technologies for the removal of pesticides. The concentration of pesticides highly varies in freshwater resources across the globe. The highest concentration of α-HCH (6.538 µg/L, at Yucatan, Mexico), lindane (6.08 µg/L at Chilka lake, Odisha, India), 2,4, DDT (0.90 µg/L, at Akkar, Lebanon), chlorpyrifos (9.1 µg/L, at Kota, Rajasthan, India), malathion (5.3 µg/L, at Kota, Rajasthan, India), atrazine (28.0 µg/L, at Venado Tuerto City, Argentina), endosulfan (0.78 µg/L, at Yavtmal, Maharashtra, India), parathion (4.17 µg/L, at Akkar, Lebanon), endrin (3.48 µg/L, at KwaZuln-Natl Province, South Africa) and imidacloprid (1.53 µg/L, at Son-La province, Vietnam) are reported. Pesticides can be significantly removed through physical, chemical, and biological treatment. Mycoremediation technology has the potential for up to 90% pesticide removal from water resources. Complete removal of the pesticides through a single biological treatment approach such as mycoremediation, phytoremediation, bioremediation, and microbial fuel cells is still a challenging task, however, the integration of two or more biological treatment approaches can attain complete removal of pesticides from water resources. Physical methods along with oxidation methods can be employed for complete removal of pesticides from drinking water.

Clinical and radiological spectrum of anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody encephalitis: single-center observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe the clinical presentations, radiologic features, and outcomes of patients with autoimmune encephalitis associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG). BACKGROUND: During the past decade, the spectrum of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated diseases (MOGAD) has expanded. Recently, patients with MOG antibody encephalitis (MOG-E) who do not fulfill the criteria for ADEM have been reported. In this study, we aimed to describe the spectrum of MOG-E. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with MOGAD were screened for encephalitis-like presentation. We collected the clinical, radiological, laboratory, and outcome data of the patients who presented with encephalitis and compared it with the non-encephalitis group. RESULTS: We identified sixteen patients (nine males and seven females) with MOG-E. The median age of the encephalitis population was significantly lower than the non-encephalitis group (14.5 years (11.75-18) vs. 28 years (19.75-42), p = 0.0004). Twelve out of sixteen patients (75%) had fever at the time of encephalitis. Headache and seizure were present in 9/16 (56.2%) and 7/16 (43.75%) patients, respectively. FLAIR cortical hyperintensity was present in 10/16 (62.5%) patients. Supratentorial deep gray nuclei were involved in 10/16 (62.5%) patients. Three patients had tumefactive demyelination, and one patient had a leukodystrophy-like lesion. Twelve of 16 (75%) patients had a good clinical outcome. Patient with leukodystrophy pattern and other with generalized CNS atrophy showed a chronic progressive course. CONCLUSION: MOG-E can have heterogeneous radiological presentations. FLAIR cortical hyperintensity, tumefactive demyelination, and leukodystrophy-like presentations are novel radiological presentations associated with MOGAD. Though majority of MOG-E have a good clinical outcome, few patients can have chronic progressive disease even on immunosuppressive therapy.

Prevalence and determinants of post-stroke sleep disorders: a cross-sectional hospital-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Post-stroke sleep disorders (PSSD) are an important part of post-stroke disability. PSSD is neglected as a part of stroke rehabilitation. We aimed to study the prevalence and determinants of PSSD in a hospital based, single center setting. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, adult patients (≥ 18 years) with stroke (one month to one year after the onset), were enrolled in the study. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and motor and functional disabilities were assessed. Sleep quality was assessed with Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and STOP BANG questionnaire (for obstructive sleep apnea [OSA]). Patients with poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) were analyzed for risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were recruited in the study period (January 2021 to June 2022). The self-reported prevalence of PSSD was 16% which increased to 72% when the PSQI was administered. High risk of OSA was present in 33%. In bivariate analysis, factors associated with PSQI > 5 were involvement of ≥ 2 lobes, lower body mass index (BMI), worse modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL). In multivariate analysis, only depression was associated with PSQI > 5 (OR: 1.3 (1.0; 1.7); p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSION: PSSD had a prevalence of 72%. In multivariate analysis, the factor associated with PSQI > 5 was worse HAM-D score.

Utilisation of rural primary health centers for outpatient services - a study based on Rajasthan, India.

INTRODUCTION: Outpatient services are crucial for strengthening primary healthcare and reducing out-of-pocket spending, which has been one of the major causes of impoverishment. So it is also critical to comprehend the people's preferences in accessing primary healthcare facilities, as government primary healthcare facilities in India are underutilized. The current paper explores the factors that construct the individual's decision to seek outpatient care in primary healthcare facilities in India's largest state Rajasthan. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 72 primary sample units of 24 primary health centers in 11 districts of Rajasthan, India, from November 2019 to January 2020. The study selected 368 households through purposive sampling. Out of 368 households, 460 people reported any illness and 326 reported outpatient visit to any health facility in the last 30 days from the date of the survey. ANALYSIS: The focus was on analyzing the data in the context of public and private health facilities to understand the factors influencing people's choice to access outpatient services. The principal component analysis is used to understand the relationship between facility preparedness and OPD uptake. Also, multivariate logistic regression is applied to assess the significant predictors in using primary health facility services. RESULT: Except for the 29% of patients who received no care, the proportion of patients attended public health facilities was 35%, and the rest were utilizing private health facilities. Those who sought care at PHCs were mostly over 45 years age, non-literate, and from the lowest wealth quintile. Logistic regression suggests that people belong to upper wealth quintile (OR = 0.298; 95% 0.118-0.753) are less likely to visit PHCs for treatment. Also, increase in distance of PHC (OR = 0.203; 95% CI 0.076-0.539) reduces the likelihood of their visit outpatient care. People are 9.7 times (OR = 9.740; 95% CI 2.856-33.217) more likely to visit a PHCs that are better equipped in terms of human resources, equipment, and medicine. CONCLUSION: The uptake of PHCs depends on several factors, which should be considered to ensure that all segments of society have equitable access to them. Through improved accessibility and quality of service, PHCs can be made more appealing to the larger population.

A genetic framework for regulation and seasonal adaptation of shoot architecture in hybrid aspen.

Shoot architecture is critical for optimizing plant adaptation and productivity. In contrast with annuals, branching in perennials native to temperate and boreal regions must be coordinated with seasonal growth cycles. How branching is coordinated with seasonal growth is poorly understood. We identified key components of the genetic network that controls branching and its regulation by seasonal cues in the model tree hybrid aspen. Our results demonstrate that branching and its control by seasonal cues is mediated by mutually antagonistic action of aspen orthologs of the flowering regulators TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) and APETALA1 (LIKE APETALA 1/LAP1). LAP1 promotes branching through local action in axillary buds. LAP1 acts in a cytokinin-dependent manner, stimulating expression of the cell-cycle regulator AIL1 and suppressing BRANCHED1 expression to promote branching. Short photoperiod and low temperature, the major seasonal cues heralding winter, suppress branching by simultaneous activation of TFL1 and repression of the LAP1 pathway. Our results thus reveal the genetic network mediating control of branching and its regulation by environmental cues facilitating integration of branching with seasonal growth control in perennial trees.