Rab7 GTPase-Mediated stress signaling enhances salinity tolerance in AlRabring7 tobacco transgenics by modulating physio-biochemical parameters.

The RING-type E3 ligases play a significant role in stress signaling, primarily through post-translational regulation. Ubiquitination is a crucial post-translational modification that regulates the turnover and activity of proteins. The overexpression of AlRabring7, RING-HC E3 Ub ligase in tobacco provides insights into the regulation of salinity and ABA signaling in transgenic tobacco. The seed germination potential of AlRabring7 transgenics was higher than WT, with NaCl and ABA treatments. The transgenics showed improved morpho-physio-biochemical parameters in response to salinity and ABA treatments. The photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars, reducing sugars and proline increased in transgenics in response to NaCl and ABA treatments. The decreased ROS accumulation in transgenics on NaCl and ABA treatments can be co-related to improved activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The potential of transgenics to maintain ABA levels with ABA treatment, highlights the active participation of ABA feedback loop mechanism. Interestingly, the ability of AlRabring7 transgenics to upregulate Rab7 protein, suggests its role in facilitating vacuolar transport. Furthermore, the improved potassium accumulation and reduced sodium content indicate an efficient ion regulation mechanism in transgenic plants facilitating higher stomatal opening. The expression of downstream ion transporter (NbNHX1 and NbVHA1), ABA signaling (NbABI2 and NbABI5) and vesicle trafficking (NbMON1) responsive genes were upregulated with stress. The present study, reports that AlRabring7 participates in maintaining vacuolar transport, ion balance, ROS homeostasis, stomatal regulation through activation of Rab7 protein and regulation of downstream stress-responsive during stress. This emphasizes the potential of AlRabring7 gene for improved performance and resilience in challenging environments.

Deciphering the potential of Sargassum tenerrimum extract: metabolic profiling and pathway analysis of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in response to Sargassum extract and Sclerotium rolfsii.

Seaweed extracts have enormous potential as bio-stimulants and demonstrated increased growth and yield in different crops. The presence of physiologically active component stimulate plant stress signaling pathways, enhances growth and productivity, as well as serve as plant defense agents. The seaweed extracts can reduce the use of chemicals that harm the environment for disease management. In the present study, the Sargassum tenerrimum extract treatment was applied, alone and in combination with Sclerotium rolfsii, to Arachis hypogea, to study the differential metabolite expression. The majority of metabolites showed maximum accumulation with Sargassum extract-treated plants compared to fungus-treated plants. The different classes of metabolite compounds like sugars, carboxylic acids, polyols, showed integrated peaks in different treatments of plants. The sugars were higher in Sargassum extract and Sargassum extract + fungus treatments compared to control and fungus treatment, respectively. Interestingly, Sargassum extract + fungus treatment showed maximum accumulation of carboxylic acids. Pathway enrichment analysis showed regulation of different metabolites, highest impact with galactose metabolism pathway, identifying sucrose, myo-inositol, glycerol and fructose. The differential metabolite profiling and pathway analysis of groundnut in response to Sargassum extract and S. rolfsii help in understanding the groundnut- S. rolfsii interactions and the potential role of the Sargassum extract towards these interactions. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01418-9.

A pilot non-randomized trial of smartphone-based anaglyph system for treatment of adult amblyopia through VR (Virtual Reality).

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of amblyopia treatment through a smartphone-based anaglyph system by virtual reality (VR) in adult patients. Methods: A total of 10 subjects diagnosed with anisometropic amblyopia were enrolled during the study period. Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), stereoacuity, and contrast acuity were evaluated during three visits (at presentation, 3 months and 6 months) of smartphone-based anaglyph video run in the VR mode. All the amblyogenic factors including stereopsis, color vision, and contrast acuity were compared using Friedman two-way analysis of variance. Statistical significance was considered if P < 0.05. Results: Mean BCVA in amblyopic eye improved significantly from a logMAR value of 0.73 ± 0.64 before Virtual reality vision therapy (VRVT) to a post-training VRVT value of 0.48 ± 0.44 (P < 0.01). Mean stereoacuity changed from a value of 560.00 ± 301.58 before VRVT to a value of 263.00 ± 143.58 seconds of arc after training (VRVT) (P < 0.01). Mean accommodation changes from a value of 15.00 ± 7.40 before training or VRVT to value of 12.60 ± 6.10 cm after training (P < 0.01). Mean contrast acuity changes from a value of 1.21 ± 0.72 at presentation to a value of 1.52 ± 0.49 log unit after VRVT. Conclusion: A smartphone-based anaglyph system using VR vision therapy appears to be an effective treatment option for amblyopia in adults.

Non-pathologic components are associated with reduced visual acuity in myopes after spectacle correction.

Purpose: To find the association between reduced best-corrected visual acuity and non-pathologic components after optical correction in individuals with low to high myopia. Methods: Myopic children under 16 years of age were reviewed using electronic medical records and the following data were extracted and recorded: participant's age, gender, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Spherical equivalent and cylinder were classified into low, moderate, and high categories based on the magnitude range. Similarly, astigmatism was defined into with-the-rule, against-the-rule, and oblique based on the location of the steepest meridian. Reduced BCVA was defined when the decimal visual acuity was less than 0.66 (equivalent to Snellen's acuity of 6/9 or 20/30). Logistic regression was performed to test the factors associated with reduced visual acuity after optical correction in the absence of myopic pathologic changes. Statistical significance was considered if P < 0.05. Results: Overall 44.9% (N = 242/538) of myopes had reduced best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and none of the patients had pathologic myopic lesions. Using logistic regression, we found that high spherical refraction (OR 27.98, 95% CI 14.43-54.25, P < 0.001) and moderate spherical refraction (OR 5.52, 95% CI 2.56-11.91, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with reduced best corrected visual acuity despite any pathological lesions. Additionally, oblique and ATR astigmatism were associated with reduced visual acuity in myopic children with (OR 2.05, 95% CI 0.77-5.42) and (OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.82-3.08). Conclusion: Higher magnitude of refractive error components causes reduced visual acuity in the absence of pathologic changes.

Transcriptomic analysis towards identification of defence-responsive genes and pathways upon application of Sargassum seaweed extract on tomato plants infected with Macrophominaphaseolina.

The charcoal-rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is one of the major disease in many economically important crop plants including tomato. The molecular responses of the host plant against the M. phaseolina are poorly stated. In the present study, for the first time the molecular insight of tomato-Macrophomina interaction and Sargassum tenerrimum extract (SE) toward managing disease through RNA-seq approach is established. A total of 449 million high-quality reads (HQRs) were obtained and aligned to the tomato genome with an average mapping of 89.12%. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated across the different treatment pairs were identified. Several DEGs, such as receptor-like kinases (SlRLKs), transcription factors including SlWRKY70, SlGRAS4, SlERF4, SlERF25, pathogenesis related-1 (SlPR1), SlPR2, endochitinase and peroxidase were significantly up-regulated in SE + Macrophomina treated sample as compared to only Macrophomina treated sample. The crosstalk between salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) was a key factor to regulate resistance in tomato during SE + Macrophomina treatment. The KEGG pathway including plant hormone signal transduction, plant-pathogen interaction and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were significantly enriched. The RNA-seq data were validated through qPCR using 12 disease-responsive genes and correlated significantly with R2 = 0.73. The present study suggests that SE act as an elicitor molecule and activate the defence-related pathways similar to PAMP-triggered immunity in tomato. The jasmonic acid (JA) mediated signaling pathway was identified as a key factor to induce resistance in tomato against Macrophomina infection. The present study depicts the beneficial effects of SE by regulating molecular mechanism towards defence responses in tomato against Macrophomina infection. The application of SE brings out new prospects to induce disease tolerance in the agricultural crops. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03565-4.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of childhood myopia among Indian optometrists: A questionnaire-based study.

Purpose: To investigate the knowledge of myopia and its natural history including complications and clinical approaches for management adopted by optometrists across India. Methods: An online survey was distributed to Indian optometrists. A pre-validated questionnaire was adopted from previous literature. Respondents provided information about their demographics (gender, age, practice location, and modality), myopia knowledge, self-reported practice behaviors relating to childhood myopia, the information and evidence base used to guide their practice, and perceived extent of adult caregiver engagement in making management decisions for myopic children. Results: A total of 302 responses were collected from different regions of the country. Most respondents demonstrated knowledge of the association between high myopia and retinal breaks, retinal detachment and primary open-angle glaucoma. Optometrists used a range of techniques to diagnose childhood myopia, with a preference for non-cycloplegic refractive measures. The most common approaches to management were single-vision distance despite most optometrists identifying orthokeratology and low-dose (0.01%) topical atropine as two potentially more effective therapeutic interventions for controlling childhood myopia progression. Almost 90% of respondents considered increasing the time spent outdoors to be beneficial for reducing the rate of myopia progression. The main sources of information used to guide clinical practice were continuing education conferences, seminars, research articles, and workshops. Conclusion: : Indian optometrists appear to be aware of emerging evidence and practices, but are not routinely adopting measures. Clinical guidelines, regulatory approval, and sufficient consultation time may be of value for assisting practitioners in making clinical decisions based on the current available research evidence.

Role of 0.01% atropine in high myopic children of Moradabad, India (RAMCOM Study).

Purpose: Low-concentration atropine is an emerging therapy for myopia progression, but its efficacy remains uncertain among high myopic children. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-concentration atropine eye drop (0.01%) in high myopic children. Methods: A non-randomized, parallel-group, longitudinal interventional cohort study. Myopic children were divided into two groups: (1) the intervention arm of children who received one drop of topical 0.01% atropine once a day at bedtime and (2) the control arm, in which enrolled children who were on observation only. Repeated measurements of spherical equivalent refractive errors (SERs) were performed at baseline and 1 and 2 years after treatment. Results: A total of 37 eyes were enrolled in the intervention arm (allocated to 0.01% atropine at year 1 follow-up) and 23 eyes in the control arm. After 1 year of 0.01% atropine therapy, the myopia progression was 0.15 ± 0.9 D in the intervention group versus 1.1 ± 1 D in the control group (P = 0.001). Similarly, after 2 years of treatment, the myopia progression was 0.3 ± 1.1 D in the intervention group versus 1.4 ± 1.1 D in the control group (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Compared to no treatment, 0.01% atropine treatment had shown better effect on myopia progression in high myopic children.

Cerebral visual impairment in children: Multicentric study determining the causes, associated neurological and ocular findings, and risk factors for severe vision impairment.

Purpose: To evaluate the causes, associated neurological and ocular findings in children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI), and to identify risk factors for severe vision impairment. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was carried out from January 2017 to December 2019 on patients less than 16 years of age with a diagnosis of CVI. Results: A total of 405 patients were included of which 61.2% were male and 38.8% were female. The median age at presentation was 4 years (range 3 months to 16 years). Antenatal risk factors were present in 14% of the cases. The most common cause of CVI was hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (35.1%), followed by seizure associated with brain damage (31.3%). The most common neurological finding was seizure (50.4%), followed by cerebral palsy (13.6%). Associated ophthalmological findings were significant refractive error (63.2%), esotropia (22.2%), exotropia, (38%), nystagmus (33.3%), and optic nerve atrophy (25.9%). Severe visual impairment (<20/200) was associated with optic atrophy (odds ratio: 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.4-6.0; P = 0.003) and seizure disorder (odds ratio: 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-3.3; P = 0.012). Conclusion: The various ophthalmic, neurological manifestations and etiologies could guide the multidisciplinary team treating the child with CVI in understanding the visual impairment that affects the neuro development of the child and in planning rehabilitation strategies.

The Jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus on infection in Jatropha regulates the sugar and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolic pathways.

Jatropha, a popular biodiesel crop, suffers severe losses due to Jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus (JLCuGV) infection in Gujarat (India). Metabolite profiling can help to understand the plant's innate immune response to geminivirus infection. Our study aims to compare metabolic profiles of an infected and healthy plant to unravel the changes in biochemical pathways on geminivirus infection in Jatropha. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed in healthy and infected tissue of Jatropha field plants which were identified to be infected with geminivirus. GC-MS analysis revealed that the metabolites like sugars, polyols, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, polyphenols, and amino acids were regulated on JLCuGV infection. The sugars (glucose, sucrose, and fructose) increased, while carboxylic acids (malic acid, citric acid and quinic acid) and polyols (galactinol, butanetriol, triethylene glycol, myo-inositol, erythritol) decreased remarkably in infected Jatropha tissue. All these metabolic variations indicated that sugar metabolism and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathways are regulated as a defense response and a disease development response to geminivirus infection in Jatropha.

Expression of B. subtilis Phytase gene driven by fruit specific E8 promoter for enhanced minerals, metabolites and phytonutrient in cucumber fruit.

The fruit nutrigenomics is an interesting and important research area towards nutrition enhancement. The phytic acid is one of the major antinutrient compound, present in seeded fruits and crops. It hinders the absorption of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca), causing mineral deficiencies. In the present study, the BsPhy gene was overexpressed in the cucumber fruits using the tomato fruit specific E8 and constitutive CaMV 35S promoter. The E8 promoter imparted heterologous expression of GUS gene in cucumber fruits, furthermore, the fruit specific expression of E8 promoter with BsPhy gene was confirmed in transgenics (E8::BsPhy) using anti rabbit-phytase antibody. The physio-biochemical analysis of transgenics revealed, maximum phytase activity in E8::BsPhy cucumber fruits at 10 days after anthesis (DAA) compared to 35S::BsPhy and wild-type (WT) fruits. Consequently, E8::BsPhy fruits also showed increased amount of inorganic phosphorus (Pi), total phosphorus (P), minerals (Zn, Fe, Mg, K, Ca), total carotenoid and other macronutrients at 10 DAA compared to 35S::BsPhy fruits. The metabolite profiling of fruits (10 DAA) showed increased sugars, amino acids, sugar acids and polyols, in both E8::BsPhy and 35S::BsPhy transgenics suggesting higher phytate metabolism, compared to WT fruits. Interestingly, both the transgenic fruits showed higher fruit biomass and yield along with improved nutritional quality, which can be attributed to increased P and Zn contents in transgenic fruits, compared to WT fruits. Our findings reveal that the BsPhy gene enhances minerals and macronutrients in transgenic cucumber fruits making it nutritious and healthy.

Mechanism of high affinity potassium transporter (HKT) towards improved crop productivity in saline agricultural lands.

Glycophytic plants are susceptible to salinity and their growth is hampered in more than 40 mM of salt. Salinity not only affects crop yield but also limits available land for farming by decreasing its fertility. Presence of distinct traits in response to environmental conditions might result in evolutionary adaptations. A better understanding of salinity tolerance through a comprehensive study of how Na+ is transported will help in the development of plants with improved salinity tolerance and might lead to increased yield of crops growing in strenuous environment. Ion transporters play pivotal role in salt homeostasis and maintain low cytotoxic effect in the cell. High-affinity potassium transporters are the critical class of integral membrane proteins found in plants. It mainly functions to remove excess Na+ from the transpiration stream to prevent sodium toxicity in the salt-sensitive shoot and leaf tissues. However, there are large number of HKT proteins expressed in plants, and it is possible that these members perform in a wide range of functions. Understanding their mechanism and functions will aid in further manipulation and genetic transformation of different crops. This review focuses on current knowledge of ion selectivity and molecular mechanisms controlling HKT gene expression. The current review highlights the mechanism of different HKT transporters from different plant sources and how this knowledge could prove as a valuable tool to improve crop productivity.

Suture Selection for Incision Closure in Pediatric Cataract Surgery: A Dilemma for Pediatric Ophthalmologists.

PURPOSE: To measure and compare suture-related complications in children undergoing cataract surgery with a surgical incision closure performed by either a 10-0 nylon suture followed by suture removal within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery or a 10-0 polyglactin suture left in situ. METHODS: This was a prospective, non-randomized cohort study. All children with bilateral cataracts who underwent cataract surgery with a surgical incision closure by non-absorbable 10-0 nylon sutures followed by suture removal within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery in their first eye and incision closure by absorbable 10-0 polyglactin sutures left in situ after their second eye surgery. The frequency of suture-related complications (vascularization near to suture, loosening of suture, mucus accumulation, early rupture, and infective keratitis) was noted for 10-0 nylon and 10-0 polyglactin sutures. RESULTS: Eighty-two eyes of 41 children were enrolled in the study. All children were observed until 3 months after surgery. Of the 10-0 nylon sutures, 2 (4.9%) were loose and 2 (4.9%) had underlying corneal edema. The remaining sutures (n = 37, 90.2%) were removed within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Of the 10-0 polyglactin sutures, 5 (12.2%) were loose, 2 (4.9%) were vascularized, and 3 (7.3%) had mucus infiltration. These sutures (n = 10, 24.3%) were removed 2 to 5 weeks after the second eye surgery. The remaining polyglactin sutures (n = 31, 75.6%) were left in situ. CONCLUSIONS: A higher frequency of suture-related complications was observed with the 10-0 polyglactin sutures than the 10-0 nylon sutures. The authors recommend using 10-0 nylon sutures with suture removal within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery over using 10-0 polyglactin sutures for incision closure in pediatric cataract surgeries. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(4):243-247.].

Assessment of Serum Minerals in Subclinical Hypothyroid and Overt Hypothyroid Patients.

Background Hypothyroidism, the commonest form of hormonal dysfunction, is due to thyroid hormone deficiency or its impaired activity. Homeostasis of the metabolism of minerals is regulated by thyroid hormones. If there is any disorder of the thyroid it will lead to disturbances of metabolism of minerals. Aim To study and compare serum calcium and serum phosphorus levels in patients of subclinical hypothyroidism and correlation of these parameters with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Materials and methods This study included 70 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, 70 patients with overt hypothyroidism, and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Thyroid profile (estimation of free triiodothyronine [FT3], free thyroxine [FT4], TSH) was done. In both cases and controls serum calcium and serum phosphorus levels were estimated. Results Serum calcium and phosphorus levels in patients of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8.75 ± 0.40 mg/dL and 3.80 ± 0.62 mg/dL, respectively. In patients with hypothyroidism it was 8.37 ± 0.52 mg/dL and 4.10 ± 0.75 mg/dL, respectively, and in controls it was 9.67 ± 0.97 mg/dL and 3.70 ± 0.71 mg/dL, respectively. Difference between these groups was statistically significant (p<0.05 ). Mean serum calcium and phosphorus for patients with TSH level <10 was 8.81 ± 0.33 mg/dL and 3.67 ± 0.60 mg/dL, respectively, and for TSH level >10 was 8.59 ± 0.51 mg/dL and 4.12 ± 0.54 mg/dL, respectively. The difference between both groups was statistically significant (p<0.05) for calcium, phosphorus . Conclusions In subclinical hypothyroidism serum calcium and serum phosphorus levels are significantly altered. Regular follow-up and estimating serum levels of these minerals in subclinical hypothyroidism patients should be done so it is beneficial to give mineral supplementations to prevent bone complications during the treatment of the disease.

Prevalence of Dengue Serotypes and Its Correlation With the Laboratory Profile at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northwestern India.

Background and aim Dengue fever is an emerging arboviral public health problem in a large endemic population in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, with varying degrees of clinical presentation. This study was aimed at analyzing the clinical and laboratory dynamics of the four dengue serotypes. Methods This institutional review board (IRB)-approved hospital-based observational study was performed with 100 in-patients with dengue infection above 12 years of age, without co-morbidities or known malignancy, in a tertiary care center in Northern India. Results Out of 100 patients, four had concurrent infection with two serotypes. Dengue virus serotype-2 (DENV 2) was the most common serotype (34%) and had the maximum percentage of cases of severe dengue (20.6%). The mean total leukocyte count did not differ between the serotypes. DENV 4 had a significantly higher mean neutrophil percentage and a significantly lower mean lymphocyte percentage than DENV 1 (p-value 0.001 and 0.02, respectively), with a higher percentage of cases of severe dengue (20% vs 14.3%, non-significant). Thrombocytopenia was present in all serotypes of infection. There was a significant difference in the derangement of liver function in DENV 2, 3, and 4 as compared to DENV 1. Mean serum albumin levels were significantly lower in DENV 3 and 4 infections. Cases with co-infection had a much higher derangement of liver function and lower mean serum albumin than infections with a single serotype. The mean blood urea and creatinine levels were in the normal range for all serotypes. No mortality occurred in our study. Conclusion DENV 2 is the most common serotype with maximum severity at our hospital. DENV 2 and DENV 4 have a high percentage of cases with severe dengue (20.6% and 20%, respectively). The mean lymphocyte percentage was significantly lower while hepatic involvement and hypoalbuminemia were greater in DENV 4. Initial serotyping in patients with dengue can help monitor the epidemiological trends and help estimate the clinical and laboratory trends of the different serotypes of dengue infection. Particular care should be taken in patients with co-infection.

AlRab7 from Aeluropus lagopoides ameliorates ion toxicity in transgenic tobacco by regulating hormone signaling and reactive oxygen species homeostasis.

The plants endomembrane system of the cellular compartments with its complex membrane trafficking network facilitates transport of macromolecules. The endomembrane dynamics are essential for maintaining basic and specific cellular functions including adaptation to the extracellular environment. The plant vacuole serves as a reservoir for nutrients and toxic metabolites and performs detoxification processes to maintain cellular homeostasis. The overexpression of AlRab7, a vesicle trafficking gene from Aeluropus lagopoides, improved germination and growth and reduced ionic and oxidative stress in transgenics. Moreover, the root and shoot of transgenic tobacco showed differential accumulation of phytohormone ABA and IAA with different ionic stresses. The improved growth (root and shoot length) can be co-related with higher IAA accumulation with NaCl stress. The low Na+ /K+ ratio with different NaCl stress treatments indicates better ion homeostasis in transgenics. Furthermore, the increased stomatal density and higher number of open stomata on both leaf surfaces in transgenics during NaCl stress suggest better gaseous exchange/functioning of guard cells. The maintained or increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and glutathione reductase antioxidative enzyme activities suggest that an extensive reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system was triggered to detoxify cellular ROS, which remained at low levels in transgenics during the different stress treatments. Our results suggest that the AlRab7 transgenic tobacco ameliorates ionic stress by facilitating differential and selective ion transport at vacuolar membrane regulating hormone signaling, ROS homeostasis, stomatal development, and movement.