Machine and Deep Learning: Artificial Intelligence Application in Biotic and Abiotic Stress Management in Plants.

Biotic and abiotic stresses significantly affect plant fitness, resulting in a serious loss in food production. Biotic and abiotic stresses predominantly affect metabolite biosynthesis, gene and protein expression, and genome variations. However, light doses of stress result in the production of positive attributes in crops, like tolerance to stress and biosynthesis of metabolites, called hormesis. Advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled the development of high-throughput gadgets such as high-resolution imagery sensors and robotic aerial vehicles, i.e., satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses. These High throughput (HTP) gadgets produce accurate but big amounts of data. Significant datasets such as transportable array for remotely sensed agriculture and phenotyping reference platform (TERRA-REF) have been developed to forecast abiotic stresses and early detection of biotic stresses. For accurately measuring the model plant stress, tools like Deep Learning (DL) and Machine Learning (ML) have enabled early detection of desirable traits in a large population of breeding material and mitigate plant stresses. In this review, advanced applications of ML and DL in plant biotic and abiotic stress management have been summarized.

Modulations of wheat growth by selenium nanoparticles under salinity stress.

Salinity stress is a prominent environmental factor that presents obstacles to the growth and development of plants. When the soil contains high salt concentrations, the roots face difficulties in absorbing water, resulting in water deficits within the plant tissues. Consequently, plants may experience inhibited growth, decreased development, and a decline in biomass accumulation. The use of nanoparticles has become a popular amendment in recent times for the alleviation of salinity stress. The study investigated the biological approach for the preparation of Se nanoparticles (NP) and their effect on the growth of wheat plants under saline conditions. The leaf extract of lemon (Citrus limon L.) was used for the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs). The synthesized NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and were applied foliar in the range of 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1% on wheat plants. Results showed that 0.1% SeNP alone exhibited a significantly higher yield per plant, biomass per plant, 1000 grains weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll over the SS (salt stress) control. A significant decline in MDA and H2O2 also validated the effectiveness of 0.1% SeNP over the SS control.

Can absolute arterial phase hyperenhancement improve sensitivity of detection of hepatocellular carcinoma in indeterminate nodules on CT?

OBJECTIVES: To determine if quantitative assessment of relative (R) and absolute (A) arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and washout (WO) applied to indeterminate nodules on CT would improve the overall sensitivity of detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: One-hundred and fourteen patients (90 male; mean age, 65 years) with 210 treatment-naïve HCC nodules (190 HCCs, 20 benign) who underwent 4-phase CT were included in this retrospective study. Four radiologists independently assigned a qualitative LR (LI-RADS) category per nodule. LR-3/4 nodules were then quantitatively analyzed by the 4 readers, placing ROIs within nodules and adjacent liver parenchyma. A/R-APHE and WO were calculated, and per-reader sensitivity and specificity updated. Interobserver agreement and AUCs were calculated per reader. RESULTS: Qualitative readers 1-4 categorized 57, 69, 57, and 63 nodules as LR-3/4 respectively with moderate to substantial agreement in LR category (kappa 0.56-0.69, p < 0.0001); their diagnostic performances in the detection of HCC were 80%, 73.2%, 77.4%, and 77.4% sensitivity, and 100%, 95%, 70%, and 100% specificity, respectively. A threshold of ≥ 20 HU for A-APHE increased overall sensitivity of HCC detection by 0.5-3.1% without changing specificity for the subset of nodules APHE - /WO + on qualitative read, with 2, 6, 6, and 1 additional HCC detected by readers 1-4. Relative and various A-WO formulae and thresholds all increased sensitivity, but with a drop in specificity for some/all readers. CONCLUSION: Quantitatively assessed A-APHE showed potential to increase sensitivity and maintain specificity of HCC diagnosis when selectively applied to indeterminate nodules demonstrating WO without subjective APHE. Quantitatively assessed R and A-WO increased sensitivity, however reduced specificity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: A workflow using selective quantification of absolute arterial enhancement is routinely employed in the CT assessment of renal and adrenal nodules. Quantitatively assessed absolute arterial enhancement is a simple tool which may be used as an adjunct to help increase sensitivity and maintain specificity of HCC diagnosis in indeterminate nodules demonstrating WO without subjective APHE. KEY POINTS: • In indeterminate nodules categorized as LI-RADS 3/4 due to absent subjective arterial phase hyperenhancement, a cut-off for absolute arterial phase hyperenhancement of ≥ 20 HU may increase the overall sensitivity of detection of HCC by 0.5-3.1% without affecting specificity. • Relative and various absolute washout formulae and cut-offs increased sensitivity of HCC detection, but with a drop in specificity for some/all readers.

Morpho-physiological characterization and metabolic profiling of rice lines for immunity to counter Helminthosporiumoryzae.

Heliminthosporium oryzae is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen that effect rice crops grown on millions of hectares. We evaluated nine newly establishing rice lines and one local variety for resistance against H. oryzae. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in response to pathogen attack were recorded in all rice lines. Maximum disease resistance was recorded in Kharamana under pathogen attack as compared to uninfected plants. A comparison of decline in shoot length revealed that Kharamana and Sakh experienced minimum lost (9.21%, 17.23%) in shoot length respectively against control while Binicol exhibited highest reduction (35.04%) in shoot length due to H. oryzae attack. Post-infection observations of shoot fresh weight revealed 63% decline in Binicol and declared it as the most susceptible rice line. Sakh, Kharamana and Gervex exhibited minimum fresh weight decrease (19.86%, 19.24% and 17.64% respectively) as compared to other lines under pathogen attack. Maximum chlorophyll-a contents were recorded in Kharamana under control and post pathogen attackconditions. Following the inoculation of H. oryzae, SOD was increased up to 35% and 23% in Kharamana and Sakh. However, minimum POD activity was recorded in Gervex followed by Swarnalata, Kaosen and C-13 in non-inoculated and pathogen-inoculated plants. Significant decrease in ascorbic acid contents (73.7% and 70.8%) was observed in Gervex and Binicol that later contributed in their susceptibility to H. oryzae attack. Pathogen attack caused Significant (P ≤ 0.05) changes in secondary metabolites in all rice lines but minimum total flavonoids, anthocyanin and lignin were observed in Binicol in uninfected plants and attested its susceptibility to pathogen. In post-pathogen attack conditions, Kharamana showed best resistance against pathogen by exhibiting a significantly high and maximum value of morpho-physiological, and biochemical attributes. Our findings suggest that tested resistant lines can be further explored for multiple traits including molecular regulation of defense responses to breed immunity in rice varieties.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles as potential hallmarks for enhancing drought stress tolerance in wheat seedlings.

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses which negatively affects plant growth and development. The current study evaluated the effects of drought on the growth, physiology, and biochemical attributes of wheat seedlings; and examined the role of foliar application of ZnO nanoparticles in alleviating drought-induced effects. Two wheat cultivars i.e., Anaj-2017 and FSD-2018 were grown in soil-filled pots and were subjected to 100% field capacity (FC) (well watered) and 50% of FC (drought stress). Whilst different treatments of ZnO nanoparticles spray included no spray, water spray, and 50, 100, and 150 ppm ZnO. Results demonstrated that drought caused a significant reduction in seedling fresh and dry weights, photosynthetic pigmentation, and antioxidant activities compared with a well-watered treatment. Nevertheless, the application of 100 and 150 ppm of ZnO nanoparticles effectively ameliorated the negative effects of drought and enhanced the performance of both cultivars under drought. Data revealed a significant increase in fresh and dry weight of shoot and root with the application of ZnO nanoparticles. A substantial increase of 73.68% and 28.51% in chlorophyll "a" and 26.15% and 50.02% in chlorophyll "b" was recorded with the application of 100 ppm of ZnO nanoparticles in Anaj-2017 and FSD-2018, respectively over control (0 ppm). The application of these nanoparticles also triggered the antioxidant defense system and protected the crop from oxidative damage. Averaged across different stress treatments, application of 150 and 100 ppm of ZnO nanoparticles increased the peroxidase activity by 60% and 72% in FSD-2018, and 15% and 23% in Anaj-2017, respectively compared with no spray. FSD-2018 outperformed Anaj-2017 regarding its overall performance under ZnO treatments and drought conditions. In a nutshell, it can be concluded that ZnO nanoparticles ameliorated the negative impacts of drought by improving the growth, physiology, and antioxidant defense of both wheat cultivars.

Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profiling of SlHsp70 Gene Family in Solanum lycopersicum Revealed Higher Expression of SlHsp70-11 in Roots under Cd2+ Stress.

BACKGROUND: Tomato is an important part of daily food, rich source of multitude nutrients, suitable candidate for bio-pharmaceutical production due to berry size and has numerous health benefits. Transcriptional regulation of metalloregulatory heat shock protein-70 family plays pivotal role in plants tolerance against abiotic stress factors including salinity, heat, cold, drought and trace metal elements such as cadmium (Cd2+). METHODS: Here, we provide comprehensive report on in-silico identification of SlHsp70 family genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and their expression in tomato via qPCR analysis under broad range of trace metal elements. RESULTS: In-silico analysis revealed 23 SlHsp70 family genes in tomato, phylogenetically divided into four groups I-IV and displayed expression in all tissues. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that SlHSP70 proteins were membrane localized which were involved in metal ions translocation and oxidoreductase activity to counter hyper-accumlation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). CONCLUSIONS: Cd2+ is a widespread heavy metal soil contaminent which is continously polluting fertile soils, a knotty issue which has serious implications over photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, minerals and water absorption by plants. Plants exposure to Cd2+ and subsequent qRT-PCR analysis revealed increased expression of SlHsp70-11 in tomato roots, which can be employed in breeding low Cd2+ enriched tomato varieties.

Agri-Nanotechnology and Tree Nanobionics: Augmentation in Crop Yield, Biosafety, and Biomass Accumulation.

Nanomaterials (NMs) are the leading edge as an amazing class of materials that consists of at least one dimension in the range of 1-100 nm. NMs can be made with exceptional magnetic, electrical, and catalytic properties different from their bulk counterparts. We summarized unique features of NMs, their synthesis, and advances in agri-nanotechnology and cutting-edge nanobionics. The review describes advances in NMs including their applications, dosimetry to ensure biosafety, remote sensing of agro-forestry fields, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides, and avoid post-harvest losses, gene delivery, and nanobionics. Tree nanobionics has enabled the synthesis and delivery of nanosensors, which enhance the rate of photosynthesis, detection of pathogens, and poisonous residues to ensure biosafety and biomass accumulation. Finally, we conclude by discussing challenges, future perspectives, and agro-ecological risks of using NMs.

Effect of zinc nanoparticles seed priming and foliar application on the growth and physio-biochemical indices of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under salt stress.

Salt stress is the major risk to the seed germination and plant growth via affecting physiological and biochemical activities in plants. Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) are emerged as a key agent in regulating the tolerance mechanism in plants under environmental stresses. However, the tolerance mechanisms which are regulated by ZnNPs in plants are still not fully understood. Therefore, the observation was planned to explore the role of ZnNPs (applied as priming and foliar) in reducing the harmful influence of sodium chloride (NaCl) stress on the development of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plants. Varying concentrations of ZnNPs (0.1%, 0.2% & 0.3%) were employed to the spinach as seed priming and foliar, under control as well as salt stress environment. The alleviation of stress was observed in ZnNPs-applied spinach plants grown under salt stress, with a reduced rise in the concentration hydrogen peroxide, melondialdehyde and anthocyanin contents. A clear decline in soluble proteins, chlorophyll contents, ascorbic acid, sugars, and total phenolic contents was observed in stressed conditions. Exogenous ZnNPs suppressed the NaCl generated reduction in biochemical traits, and progress of spinach plants. However, ZnNPs spray at 0.3% followed by priming was the most prominent treatment in the accumulation of osmolytes and the production of antioxidant molecules in plants.

Interactive effect of glycine, alanine, and calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)2 on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under lead (Pb) stress.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the interactive effects of glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2], and their mixture on the growth of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, i.e., var. Punjab-2011 and var. Anaj-2017 under lead [0.5 mM Pb(NO3)2] stress. A pot experiment was conducted for this purpose. Pre-sowing seed treatment with 1 mM glycine, alanine, and calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] was applied under two levels of lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2] stress, i.e., control and 0.5 mM Pb(NO3)2. Lead (0.5 mM) stress significantly decreased root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot, and chlorophyll contents, while it increased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and peroxidase (POD) in both wheat varieties. Lead (0.5 mM) stress increased the accumulation of free proline, glycinebetaine, total free amino acids, and total soluble protein contents. Although var. Punjab-2011 was higher in root fresh and dry weights, shoot length, and total leaf area per plant, however, var. Anaj-2017 showed less reduction in shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, and shoot length under lead stress. Under lead stress, Punjab-2011 was higher in grain yield and number of grain plant-1, chlorophyll a contents, membrane permeability (%), POD activity, total free amino acids, and glycinebetaine (GB) contents as compared to Anaj-2017. Pre-sowing seed treatments with glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate, and their mixture (1 mM of each) increased shoot dry weight, number of grains per plants, 100-grain weight, number of spikes, and chlorophyll a contents under normal and lead-stressed conditions. Wheat var. Anaj-2017 showed higher growth and yield attributes as compared to var. Punjab-2011. Results of the current study have shown that pre-sowing seed treatments with glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate, and their mixture (1 mM of each) can overcome the harmful effects of lead (Pb) stress in wheat plants.

Protective effects of vitexin on cadmium-induced renal toxicity in rats.

Cadmium (Cd) is an industrial contaminant that poses severe threats to human and animal health. Vitexin (VIT) is a polyphenolic flavonoid of characteristic pharmacological properties. We explored the curative role of vitexin on Cd-induced mitochondrial-dysfunction in rat renal tissues. Twenty-four rats were equally divided into four groups and designated as control, Cd, Cd + vitexin and vitexin treated groups. The results showed that Cd exposure increased urea and creatinine levels while decreased creatinine clearance. Cd reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione content in the Cd exposed group. Cd exposure significantly (p < 0.05) elevated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in rat kidney. Cd also caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the mitochondrial TCA-cycle enzymes, including isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and malate-dehydrogenase activities. Besides, mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes, including NADH-dehydrogenase, coenzyme Q-cytochrome reductase, succinic-coenzyme Q, and cytochrome c-oxidase activities were also decreased under Cd exposure. Cd exposure also damaged the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). However, VIT treatment potentially reduced the detrimental effects of Cd in the kidney of rats. In conclusion, our study indicated that the VIT could attenuate the Cd-induced renal toxicity in rats.

A study on the potential reprotoxic effects of thimerosal in male albino rats.

Thimerosal is ethyl mercury based compound which is being used as a preservative in vaccines since decades. Pharmaceutical products and vaccines that contain thimerosal are among the potential source of mercury exposure. Current research was intended to ascertain the reprotoxic effects of thimerosal on rat testes. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were sorted into four groups (n = 6). The first group was a control group. Rats of experimental Group 2, 3 and 4 were treated with various dosages of thimerosal (0.5, 10, 50 mg/kg) respectively. Rats were decapitated after thirty days of trial and different parameters were analyzed. Thimerosal exposure resulted in a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR) and increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Different doses of thimerosal significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the concentration of plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Additionally, Daily sperm production (DSP) and efficiency of daily sperm production were significantly reduced followed by thimerosal exposure. Moreover, thimerosal significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, number of spermatogonia along with spermatids. Thimerosal induced adverse histopathological and morphological changes in testicular tissues such as decreased Leydig cells, diameter of seminiferous tubules, tunica albuginea height and epithelial height. On the other hand, the increase in tubular lumen and interstitial spaces was observed due to thimerosal. These outcomes indicated that thimerosal has potential reprotoxic effects in male albino rats.

Attenuating the adverse aspects of water stress on wheat genotypes by foliar spray of melatonin and indole-3-acetic acid.

Melatonin is important due to its involvement in regulation of diverse mechanisms in plants. Its presence in plants is universal and provides primary defense against environmental stresses. In this study the effect of foliarly applied indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and melatonin (control, 100, 150 µg/g each) on wheat seedling growth under water deficit condition was examined. The mitigation of stress was seen in melatonin treated wheat plants facing abiotic stress, with less accumulation of the H2O2, MDA and anthocyanin. A marked decrease in chlorophyll, total soluble proteins, total soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, phenolic contents and yield- related attributes was noticed in stressed condition. Treatment with melatonin and IAA alleviated stress induced decrease in biochemical attributes, and growth of wheat plants in a dose-dependent manner. A significant increase in yield was achieved by melatonin treatments in Ujala-2016 under limited water supply. It is worthy to mention that melatonin spray at 150 µg/g followed by IAA proved to be the most pronounced treatment in the buildup of osmolytes and regulation of antioxidant defense system with increase in yield under water limited environment.

Modulation of growth and key physiobiochemical attributes after foliar application of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under cadmium (Cd) stress.

A pot experiment was conducted to examine the effect of foliar application of various levels of ZnSO4 on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under cadmium (Cd) stress. Seeds of two wheat varieties i.e., Ujala-2016 and Anaj-2017 were sown in sand filled plastic pots. Cadmium (CdCl2) stress i.e., 0 and 0.5 mM CdCl2 was applied in full strength Hoagland's nutrient solution after 4 weeks of seed germination. Foliar spray of varying ZnSO4 levels i.e., 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mM was applied after 2 weeks of CdCl2 stress induction (of 6 week old plants). After 3 weeks of foliar treatment leaf samples of 9 week old wheat plants were collected for the determination of changes in various growth and physiobiochemical attributes. Results obtained showed that cadmium stress (0.5 mM CdCl2) significantly decreased shoot and root fresh and dry weights, shoot and root lengths, yield attributes, chlorophyll a contents and total phenolics, while increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total soluble proteins, free proline, glycinebetaine (GB) contents, and activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e., catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD). Foliar application of varying ZnSO4 levels significantly increased various growth attributes, chlorophyll b contents, H2O2, free proline, GB and activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e., CAT, POD and APX, while decreased relative water contents and total phenolics under Cd stress or non stress conditions. Furthermore, both wheat varieties showed differential response under Cd stress and towards foliar application of ZnSO4 e.g., wheat var. Ujala-2016 was higher in shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh and dry weights, total leaf area per plant, 100 grains weight, number of tillers per plant, chlorophyll b, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), activities of APX, POD, glycinebetaine and leaf free proline contents, while var. Anaj-2017 exhibited high shoot fresh weight, grain yield per plant, no. of grains per plant, chlorophyll contents, chlorophyll a/b ratio, total phenolics, MDA and total soluble protein contents under cadmium stress or non stress conditions.

Interleukin-31 promotes pathogenic mechanisms underlying skin and lung fibrosis in scleroderma.

OBJECTIVES: Cytokines released by infiltrating T cells may promote mechanisms leading to fibrosis in scleroderma. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the Th2 cytokine IL-31, and its receptor IL-31RA, in scleroderma skin and lung fibrosis. METHODS: IL-31 was measured by ELISA of plasma, and by immunochemistry of fibrotic skin and lung tissue of scleroderma patients. The receptor, IL-31RA, was assayed by qPCR of tissue resident cells. Next-generation sequencing was used to profile the responses of normal skin fibroblasts to IL-31. In wild-type Balb/c mice, IL-31 was administered by subcutaneous mini pump, with or without additional TGFß, and the fibrotic reaction measured by histology and ELISA of plasma. RESULTS: IL-31 was present at high levels in plasma and fibrotic skin and lung lesions in a subset of scleroderma patients, and the receptor overexpressed by downstream cells relevant to the disease process, including skin and lung fibroblasts, through loss of epigenetic regulation by miR326. In skin fibroblasts, IL-31 induced next generation sequencing profiles associated with cellular growth and proliferation, anaerobic metabolism and mineralization, and negatively associated with angiogenesis and vascular repair, as well as promoting phenotype changes including migration and collagen protein release via pSTAT3, resembling the activation state in the disease. In mice, IL-31 induced skin and lung fibrosis. No synergy was seen with TGFß, which supressed IL-31RA. CONCLUSION: IL-31/IL-31RA is confirmed as a candidate pro-fibrotic pathway, which may contribute to skin and lung fibrosis in a subset of scleroderma patients.

Antibacterial activity of eco-friendly zinc nanoparticles prepared from leaf extract of Mentha piperita L.

The study aims to prepare reliable, ecofriendly and cost efficient zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) by Mentha piperita L. leaf extract and zinc sulfate heptahydrate, for four pathogenic bacteria. Synthesized NPs were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Zeta Potential. Disc diffusion method was used to check their antibacterial activity. For synthesizing Zn NPs leaf extract was used as a biological reducing agent. During reaction, appearance of cloudy white solution due to reduction in the number of zinc ions, indicated the Zn NPs formation. XRD determined the average NPs size i.e. 9.8 nm. FTIR confirmed the presence of functional groups in the leaf extract sample. Spherical shape of the NPs was confirmed by the SEM analysis. Antibacterial activity of the Zn NPs was measured by the inhibition zones against various bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and S. pneumoniae). Inhibition zones were observed in the range of 2.9 to 12.9 mm.

Cysteine-induced alterations in physicochemical parameters of oat (Avena sativa L. var. Scott and F-411) under drought stress.

INTRODUCTION: Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that drastically reduces crop yield throughout the world. Being precursor of glutathione biosynthesis and involvement in other metabolic processes, cysteine (Cys) has been shown to alter growth and development in plants. In this context, we investigated Cys-induced physicochemical alterations in oat (Avena sativa L. var. Scott and var. F-411) plants under drought stress. METHODS: There were two levels of drought stress, i.e., control (100% field capacity) and drought (50% field capacity) and three levels of foliar application of Cys, i.e., 0, 10, and 20 mM. Experimental design was completely randomized block design. RESULTS: Drought stress significantly decreased growth parameters, chlorophyll (Chi) contents, while increased leaf membrane permeability (MP), ascorbic acid (AsA), and activity of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) enzymes. Foliar application of varying Cys levels significantly increased root fresh weight, root length, photo synthetic pigments (chl. a and b), AsA contents in var. Scott, and shoot length, total free amino acids, total phenolics and free proline contents in var. F-411. DISCUSSION: Of the two oat varieties, var. Scott proved better in root fresh weight, root length, chl. a and b contents, and total phenolic contents, while var. F-411 was higher in the values of shoot length, MP (%), total free amino acids, and free proline contents. Thus, on the basis of strong root system, total phenolics, and more photosynthetic contents (chl. a and b contents), var. Scott could be grown under semi-arid environments than that of var. F-411.

Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Coriandrum sativum L.

INTRODUCTION: Nanoparticles (NPs) have become very important owing to their various uses. In this research, an environmentally friendly biological technique was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles with Coriandrum sativum L. The objective of this research to use the source for the fabrication of silver NPs from C. sativum L., and to check the activity of the fabricated silver NPs was determined versus a couple of gram negative and a couple of gram positive bacteria in the presence of antibiotic viz. gentamicin to judge their impact. METHODOLOGY: A silver nitrate solution, which served as the reducing and capping agent, was mingled with coriander leaf extract. The solution's temperature and pH were maintained at 75°C and 8.6, respectively. The observed mean particle size (z-average) and polydispersity index were 390.2nm and 0.452, respectively. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using different techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) analysis. The globular shape of the silver nanoparticles was depicted in SEM illustrations. RESULTS: XRD data revealed the mean size of the particles was 11.9nm. The FTIR analysis showed the existence of various functional groups, including CO and OH. When their antibacterial ability was tested, it was found that the fabricated Ag NPs inhibited Bacillus subtilis, Pasteurella multocida, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus, with a greater effect against B. subtilis and P. multocida compared to E. aerogenes and S. aureus. CONCLUSION: It has been concluded small silver NPs benefited from a higher surface area ratio, as shown by the results of experiments where smaller particles had a better bactericidal proficiency than large silver-based NPs. Silver-based NPs infiltrate bacterial cells, as well as interfere with their exterior membrane. Silver ions also have the potential to interact with bacterial DNA, inhibiting the reproductive system of the cell.

Effect of caffeine on anti-clotting activity of warfarin in healthy male albino rabbits.

Drug-drug interactions are most commonly occurring phenomenon in clinical practice. Many physicians are afraid of being involved in an allegation of malpractices due to the occurrence of any severe interaction. These interactions not only occur between drugs but also between any kind of food, tobacco smoke, caffeine and alcohol etc. Therefore, the present study was directed to inspect the effect of caffeine on the anticoagulation activity of warfarin in healthy adult male albino rabbits. Blank blood samples were collected from each rabbit. Rabbits were given warfarin (0.5mg kg-1) orally via stomach tube and blood samples were collected in PT/INR vials at various intervals. After a washout period of 14 days, warfarin was orally administrated at same dose rate along with caffeine (5 mg kg-1 every twelve hours for three days) and same sampling schedule was repeated. Prothrombin time (PT) and the international normalized ratio (INR) of blood samples were determined to estimate changes in the anticoagulation activity of warfarin after its concurrent administration with caffeine. The PT data revealed that Rmax and AUC increased significantly (P<0.05) from 1991.6 and 60.5 to 2124.8 and 67.5, respectively, before and after co-administration. Similarly, a significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in Rmax and AUC of INR from 6.42 and 153.7 to 7.4 and 167.5, respectively, alone and along with caffeine. However, no change was observed in Tmax associated with PT and INR either the drug was administered alone or in combination with caffeine. It was concluded that caffeine has the capacity to inhibit the metabolism of warfarin and enhance its plasma concentration and hence anticoagulant effects. Thus, patients should be advised to limit the frequent use of caffeine-rich products i.e. tea and coffee during warfarin therapy.

Interactive effect of gibberellic acid and NPK fertilizer combinations on ramie yield and bast fibre quality.

Understanding the effects of different combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers and the effects of GA3 (gibberellic acid) foliar spray on the fiber quality and yield of ramie are important for maximizing the economic value of these plants. Three pot experiments were conducted using low NPK (140:70:140 kg/ha), normal NPK (280:140:280 kg/ha), and low NPK + GA3 (10 mg/L) treatments. In each experiment, following fertilizers were applied: no fertilizer (control), N, P, K, NP, NK, PK, and NPK. Ramie was harvested three times from each plant; ramie grown without fertilizers had significantly lower biomass and yield than plants grown with fertilizers. At both normal and low fertilization rates, application of NPK resulted in greater growth and yield than application of N, P, K, NP, NK, or PK. Unfertilized plants produced the thinnest fibres (22-24 µm), with lowest elongation rate (3.0-3.1%) and breaking strength (22.7-23.3 cN). Fibre yield and fibre quality were improved by application of GA3 + fertilizers. Maximum fibre yield was obtained at low NPK + GA3 treatment, resulting in 65-81% more yield than low NPK alone. GA3 with low NPK treatment significantly improved fibre diameter, fibre elongation, and breaking strength compared to both NPK alone and control treatment.

Proteomic approach to address low seed germination in Cyclobalnopsis gilva.

Seeds play essential roles in plant life cycle and germination is a complex process which is associated with different phases of water imbibition. Upon imbibition, seeds begin utilization of storage substances coupled with metabolic activity and biosynthesis of new proteins. Regeneration of organelles and emergence of radicals lead to the establishment of seedlings. All these activities are regulated in coordinated manners. Translation is the requirement of germination of seeds via involvements of several proteins like beta-amylase, starch phosphorylase. Some important proteins involved in seed germination are discussed in this review. In the past decade, several proteomic studies regarding seed germination of various species such as rice, Arabidopsis have been conducted. We face A paucity of proteomic data with respect to woody plants e.g. Fagus, Pheonix etc. With particular reference to Cyclobalnopsis gilva, a woody plant having low seed germination rate, no proteomic studies have been conducted. The review aims to reveal the complex seed germination mechanisms from woody and herbaceous plants that will help in understanding different seed germination phases and the involved proteins in C. gilva.