Assessing the effect of soil cultivation methods and genotypes on crop yield components, yield and soil properties in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system.

BACKGROUND: The rice-wheat cropping system is the prevailing agricultural method in the North-Western states of India, namely in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The practice of open burning of rice residue is frequently employed for expedient land preparation, but it has significant adverse impacts on both the environment and human health. These include the emission of greenhouse gases, loss of nutrients, elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM), and disruption of the biological cycle. This research aims to investigate the implementation of effective management strategies in the rice-wheat cropping system, namely via the use of tillage-based crop cultivation techniques, stubble retention, and integration approaches. The objective is to enhance soil health features in order to augment crop yield and improve its attributes. RESULTS: The research was carried out using a split plot experimental design, consisting of three replications. The main plot consisted of four different cultivation methods, while the subplot included three genotypes of both rice and wheat. The research demonstrates the enhanced efficacy of residue application is significantly augmenting soil nutrient concentrations compared to standard tillage practices (P < 0.05). This was accomplished by an analysis of soil nutrient levels, namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic carbon (OC), at a depth of 0-15 cm. The implementation of natural farming, zero tillage, and reduced tillage practices resulted in decreases in rice grain yields of 34.0%, 16.1%, and 10.8%, respectively, as compared to conventional tillage methods. Similarly, the implementation of natural farming, zero tillage, and reduced tillage resulted in reductions in wheat grain yields of 59.4%, 10.9%, and 4.6% respectively, in comparison to conventional tillage practices. CONCLUSION: Regarding the individual crop genotypes investigated, it was continuously observed that Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 and HPW 368 displayed considerably greater grain yields for both rice and wheat during the two-year experimental period. Furthermore, when considering different cultivation methods, conventional tillage emerged as the most effective approach for obtaining higher productivity in both rice and wheat. Additionally, Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 and HPW 368 exhibited superior performance in terms of various crucial yield components for rice (such as panicle density, grains per panicle, panicle weight, and test weight) and wheat (including effective tiller density, grains per spike, spike weight, and 1000-grain weight).

Paradoxical effects of nanomaterials on plants: Phytohormonal perspective exposes hidden risks amidst potential benefits.

The rapid growth of nanotechnology has led to the production of a significant amount of engineered nanomaterials (NMs), raising concerns about their impact on various domains. This study investigates the negative interactions between NMs and phytohormones in plants, revealing the changes in signaling crosstalk, integrated responses and ecological repercussions caused by NM pollution. Phytohormones, which include auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, ethylene, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and brassinosteroids are essential for plant growth, development, and stress responses. This review examines the intricate relationships between NMs and phytohormones, highlighting disruptions in signaling crosstalk, integrated responses, and ecological consequences in plants due to NM pollution. Various studies demonstrate that exposure to NMs can lead to alterations in gene expression, enzyme functions, and ultimately affect plant growth and stress tolerance. Exposure to NMs has the capacity to affect plant phytohormone reactions by changing their levels, biosynthesis, and signaling mechanisms, indicating a complex interrelation between NMs and phytohormone pathways. The complexity of the relationships between NMs and phytohormones necessitates further research, utilizing modern molecular techniques, to unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms and develop strategies to mitigate the ecological consequences of NM pollution. This review provides valuable insights for researchers and environmentalists concerned about the disruptive effects of NMs on regulating phytohormone networks in plants.

Modulation of plant photosynthetic processes during metal and metalloid stress, and strategies for manipulating photosynthesis-related traits.

Metals constitute vital elements for plant metabolism and survival, acting as essential co-factors in cellular processes which are indispensable for plant growth and survival. Excess or deficient provision of metal/metalloids puts plant's life and survival at risk, thus considered a potent stress for plants. Chloroplasts as an organelle with a high metal demand form a pivotal site within the metal homeostasis network. Therefore, the metal-mediated electron transport chain (ETC) in chloroplasts is a primary target site of metal/metalloid-induced stresses. Both excess and deficient availability of metal/metalloids threatens plant's photosynthesis in several ways. Energy demands from the photosynthetic carbon reactions should be in balance with energy output of ETC. Malfunctioning of ETC components as a result of metal/metalloid stress initiates photoinhiition. A feedback inhibition from carbon fixation process also impedes the ETC. Metal stress impairs antioxidant enzyme activity, pigment biosynthesis, and stomatal function. However, genetic manipulations, nutrient management, keeping photostasis, and application of phytohormones are among strategies for coping with metal stress. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of metal/metalloid stress, as well as the exploration of potential strategies to mitigate its impact on plants are imperative. This review offers a mechanistic insight into the disruption of photosynthesis regulation by metal/metalloids and highlights adaptive approaches to ameliorate their effects on plants. Focus was made on photostasis, nutrient interactions, phytohormones, and genetic interventions for mitigating metal/metalloid stresses.

Revelations on photosystem II, thermoluminescence, and artificial photosynthesis: a retrospective of Govindjee from fundamentals to applications.

Photosynthesis, as one of the most important chemical reactions, has powered our planet for over four billion years on a massive scale. This review summarizes and highlights the major contributions of Govindjee from fundamentals to applications in photosynthesis. His research included primary photochemistry measurements, in the picosecond time scale, in both Photosystem I and II and electron transport leading to NADP reduction, using two light reactions. He was the first to suggest the existence of P680, the reaction center of PSII, and to prove that it was not an artefact of Chlorophyll a fluorescence. For most photobiologists, Govindjee is best known for successfully exploiting Chlorophyll a fluorescence to understand the various steps in photosynthesis as well as to predict plant productivity. His contribution in resolving the controversy on minimum number of quanta in favor of 8-12 vs 3-4, needed for the evolution of one molecule of oxygen, is a milestone in the area of photosynthesis research. Furthermore, together with Don DeVault, he is the first to provide the correct theory of thermoluminescence in photosynthetic systems. His research productivity is very high: ~ 600 published articles and total citations above 27,000 with an h-index of 82. He is a recipient of numerous awards and honors including a 2022: Lifetime Achievement Award of the International Society of Photosynthesis Research. We hope that the retrospective of Govindjee described in this work will inspire and stimulate the readers to continue probing the photosynthetic apparatuses with new discoveries and breakthroughs.

Inflammatory mediators for predicting the risk of trauma-induced root resorption: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND/AIM: External inflammatory root resorption (EIRR) and external replacement root resorption (ERRR) are the most common adverse outcomes after luxation injuries or dental injuries. They are usually detected radiographically after considerable progression. It can be envisaged that evaluation of inflammatory mediators might serve as an objective and reliable method of predicting the risk of resorption. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence regarding the risk of resorption and to provide future research directions. METHODS: An a priori protocol was prepared by a multidisciplinary expert group, as per the Cochrane handbook and PRISMA guidelines. The systematic search was conducted in six databases and grey-literature sources. Scrutiny of titles and abstracts, and later full-text articles was performed, and data were extracted. Risk of bias analysis was done by using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical cross-sectional and cohort studies. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the systematic review and could be categorized as per the source of biomarkers, namely epithelial cells from mucosa, gingival crevicular fluid and extracted teeth. The studies utilizing epithelial cells had been conducted between 2015 and 2018 in Brazil and did not find any correlation with EIRR. Two of the studies with extracted teeth found differences in the immunologic profiles of teeth with resorption. Three studies evaluating gingival crevicular fluid found increased levels of dentine sialoprotein and Interleukin-1-α. CONCLUSION: Among the three sources, the inflammatory gingival crevicular fluid appeared to be the most non-invasive source of biomarkers for predicting trauma-induced root resorption, although the evidence about this came from two studies with moderate and one study with high risk of bias. The primary studies in this systematic review showed variability in terms of the sample sizes, age of the patients, the grading/classification of trauma-induced resorption and the evaluation methods which must be addressed by future researchers.

COVID-19 infection, and reinfection, and vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection among health care workers in the setting of omicron variant transmission in New Delhi, India.

Background: Surge of SARS CoV-2 infections ascribed to omicron variant began in December 2021 in New Delhi. We determined the infection and reinfection density in a cohort of health care workers (HCWs) along with vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic infection within omicron transmission period (considered from December 01, 2021 to February 25, 2022. Methods: This is an observational study from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Data were collected telephonically. Person-time at risk was counted from November 30, 2021 till date of infection/ reinfection, or date of interview. Comparison of clinical features and severity was done with previous pandemic periods. VE was estimated using test-negative case-control design [matched pairs (for age and sex)]. Vaccination status was compared and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were computed by conditional logistic regression. VE was estimated as (1-adjusted OR)X100-. Findings: 11474 HCWs participated in this study. The mean age was 36⋅2 (±10⋅7) years. Complete vaccination with two doses were reported by 9522 (83%) HCWs [8394 (88%) Covaxin and 1072 Covishield (11%)]. The incidence density of all infections and reinfection during the omicron transmission period was 34⋅8 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 33⋅5-36⋅2] and 45⋅6 [95% CI: 42⋅9-48⋅5] per 10000 person days respectively. The infection was milder as compared to previous periods. VE was 52⋅5% (95% CI: 3⋅9-76⋅5, p = 0⋅036) for those who were tested within 14-60 days of receiving second dose and beyond this period (61-180 days), modest effect was observed. Interpretation: Almost one-fifth of HCWs were infected with SARS CoV-2 during omicron transmission period, with predominant mild spectrum of COVID-19 disease. Waning effects of vaccine protection were noted with increase in time intervals since vaccination. Funding: None.

Modulations in Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Based on Intensity and Spectral Variations of Light.

Photosynthetic efficiency is significantly affected by both qualitative and quantitative changes during light exposure. The properties of light have a profound effect on electron transport and energy absorption in photochemical reactions. In addition, fluctuations in light intensity and variations in the spectrum can lead to a decrease in photosystem II efficiency. These features necessitate the use of a simple and suitable tool called chlorophyll a fluorescence to study photosynthetic reactions as a function of the aforementioned variables. This research implies that chlorophyll a fluorescence data can be used to determine precise light conditions that help photoautotrophic organisms optimally function.

Success of medicaments and techniques for pulpotomy of primary teeth: An overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Pulpotomy is an effective, vital pulp therapy procedure for caries-affected or traumatized primary teeth. Though its efficacy is widely accepted, the superiority of medicaments and techniques remains debatable. AIM: The aims of this review were to compare the success rates of various pulpotomy medicaments or techniques, assess the methodological quality of reviews, and grade the level of evidence for each comparison. DESIGN: This review followed the principles of evidence-based medicine and recommendations for the overview of systematic reviews. An a priori protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42021244489). A comprehensive literature search was performed by two reviewers, and studies were selected from various databases according to predefined criteria. Two reviewers independently used a self-designed pilot-tested form to extract data from the selected studies. A quality analysis was performed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) and the ROBIS tool. Reporting characteristics and overlap of the primary studies were also assessed. We used modified Köhler's criteria for evaluating the quality of evidence for outcomes of included systematic reviews and meta-analyses. RESULTS: The scrutiny of 62 full-text articles resulted in the inclusion of eight systematic reviews. The quality of four of the reviews was found to be critically low, and the overlap of primary studies in the meta-analyses was found to be high. Pulpotomy medicaments/techniques, except calcium hydroxide, had success rates of more than 80% for all domains and time periods. Most of the comparisons revealed no differences in the clinical, radiographic, or overall success rates. Mineral trioxide aggregate, however, was found to have better radiographic and overall success rates than calcium hydroxide at periods greater than 12 and 18 months. It also had a greater radiographic success rate than full-strength/1:5 diluted and full-strength formocresol at 24 months. Formocresol was found to have better overall success rates than calcium hydroxide at all time periods and better radiographic success rates at 12 months. Only 12 of the 63 comparisons had suggestive or weak evidence, whereas all others had either negligible evidence or insufficient data. CONCLUSIONS: The pulpotomy medicaments/techniques, except calcium hydroxide, showed success rates of more than 80%, whereas most comparisons revealed no differences. Mineral trioxide aggregate, however, was found to be better than calcium hydroxide and formocresol in several respects. This study highlights the lack of evidence regarding the choice of pulpotomy agents for the treatment of caries-affected primary teeth and elucidates the domains that require primary studies in the future.

Exploring Telehealth Readiness in a Resource Limited Setting: Digital and Health Literacy among Older People in Rural India (DAHLIA).

An ageing population, disproportionally affecting developing countries, increases demand on healthcare systems. Digital health offers access to healthcare for older people, particularly those residing in rural areas, as is the case for 71% of older adults in India. This research examined technology uptake and digital and health literacy (eHEALS) among a sample of 150 older adults in rural Mysore and Suttur, India. The study utilised mixed-method, with descriptive analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data. Low rates of digital (11%) and health literacy (3-27% across domains) were identified. Mobile phone ownership was 50%, but very few owned or used a smartphone and less than 10% used the Internet to contact health professionals. Qualitative analysis found low technology usage, driven by limited exposure and confidence in using digital devices. Barriers to usage included poor traditional literacy and physical aspects of ageing like poor vision. Social support from neighbours, family and local primary healthcare staff may enable adoption of digital health. Access to healthcare through digital means among Indian rural older adults needs to consider low rates of both digital and health literacy and leverage the value of support from family and primary healthcare providers.

Metal/Metalloid-Based Nanomaterials for Plant Abiotic Stress Tolerance: An Overview of the Mechanisms.

In agriculture, abiotic stress is one of the critical issues impacting the crop productivity and yield. Such stress factors lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species, membrane damage, and other plant metabolic activities. To neutralize the harmful effects of abiotic stress, several strategies have been employed that include the utilization of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials are now gaining attention worldwide to protect plant growth against abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heavy metals, extreme temperatures, flooding, etc. However, their behavior is significantly impacted by the dose in which they are being used in agriculture. Furthermore, the action of nanomaterials in plants under various stresses still require understanding. Hence, with this background, the present review envisages to highlight beneficial role of nanomaterials in plants, their mode of action, and their mechanism in overcoming various abiotic stresses. It also emphasizes upon antioxidant activities of different nanomaterials and their dose-dependent variability in plants' growth under stress. Nevertheless, limitations of using nanomaterials in agriculture are also presented in this review.

Potassium in plants: Growth regulation, signaling, and environmental stress tolerance.

Potassium (K) is an essential element for the growth and development of plants; however, its scarcity or excessive level leads to distortion of numerous functions in plants. It takes part in the control of various significant functions in plant advancement. Because of the importance index, K is regarded second after nitrogen for whole plant growth. Approximately, higher than 60 enzymes are reliant on K for activation within the plant system, in which K plays a vital function as a regulator. Potassium provides assistance in plants against abiotic stress conditions in the environment. With this background, the present paper reviews the physiological functions of K in plants like stomatal regulation, photosynthesis and water uptake. The article also focuses upon the uptake and transport mechanisms of K along with its role in detoxification of reactive oxygen species and in conferring tolerance to plants against abiotic stresses. It also highlights the research progress made in the direction of K mediated signaling cascades.

Seed priming as a cost effective technique for developing plants with cross tolerance to salinity stress.

Salinization is one of the greatest threats in agriculture field limiting the growth and productivity of crops. Soil salinization directly affects the physiological, biochemical, and molecular functions of plants. The Plants adopt various tolerance mechanisms to combat salinity stress by involving complex physiological traits, metabolic pathways, and molecular or gene networks. Various techniques have been used to improve plant growth and productivity through genetic approach, genetic engineering and plant breeding. However, economic feasibility and ease of application can create a huge scope for priming techniques as a "stress reliever" in agricultural crop production. Seed priming is a simple, low-cost technique that enhances germination and seedling establishment by activating various physiological and metabolic processes. Priming regulates molecular mechanisms through increased expression of various stress related genes and proteins, which accelerates stress and cross tolerance. Priming memory and epigenetic changes enables the plants to withstand salinity stress by alterations in key signaling molecules, transcription factors, and change in chromatin states, that will be crucial for the second stress. In this way, priming can both mediate stress tolerance and initiate overarching stress tolerance to a wide range of stresses that further modify gene expression and enhance crop production. This review paper addresses some physiochemical, molecular and trans-generational mechanisms regulating plant adaptation and tolerance/cross tolerance to salinity in primed seeds/seedlings.

Global status of knowledge for prevention and emergency management of traumatic dental injuries in sports persons and coaches: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sports-related dental injuries can cause pain, disfigurement, and broken teeth which may affect the athlete's well-being and psychological status. Such injuries may also lead to the fear of re-injury and other problems. Since a delay in adequate emergency treatment can have adverse effects, it is imperative that athletes and coaches have sufficient awareness of emergency treatment options. Hence, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the global status of knowledge among athletes and coaches regarding the prevention and emergency management of traumatic dental injuries. METHODS: The protocol was designed using the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020184956). A broad-based search using text words and MeSH terms was performed in established databases according to a predefined strategy without any distinction of language and year of publication. Studies without details of the questionnaire, knowledge score, validity, and reliability were excluded. Data extraction was performed and risk-of-bias assessment was done by means of the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool. RESULTS: Nine studies published between 2005 and 2020 were included for qualitative synthesis. They were primarily from Asia with none from North America and Australia. Most of them were cross-sectional, used convenience sampling, and were interview-based. Less than 10% of the participants in two studies had adequate knowledge of the immediate emergency management of tooth avulsion, while only 2.4% of basketball players and coaches knew that it was necessary to collect the avulsed tooth or broken tooth fragments. The overall level of knowledge was reported as poor or insufficient in all studies, with moderate or high risk-of-bias in six studies. CONCLUSION: The knowledge regarding emergency management of TDI was found to be low globally. Along with the choice of the sport, there was a high level of variability in the study design and sampling characteristics.