Synthesis, structural characterization, DFT and molecular dynamics simulations of dinuclear (µ-hydroxo)-bridged triethanolamine copper(II) complexes: efficient candidates towards visible light-mediated photo-Fenton degradation of organic dyes.

Multinuclear (di/tri) copper(II) complexes bridged through hydroxyl groups are very interesting coordination complexes owing to their potential applications in various fields. In this work, three novel dinuclear (µ-hydroxo)-bridged copper(II) complexes in the crystal form, namely, [Cu2(3,5-DIFLB)2(H2tea)2](H2O) (1), [Cu2(4-ClB)2(H2tea)2](H2O) (2), and [Cu2(4-ETHB)2(H2tea)2](H2O)2 (3) (where DIFLB = difluorobenzoate, CLB = chlorobenzoate, ETHB = ethoxybenzoate, and H3tea = triethanolamine), were isolated at room temperature using methanol and water in a 4 : 1 v/v ratio as a solvent. Furthermore, all three complexes (1-3) were characterised using spectroscopic (UV-vis, DRS, and FT-IR), electrochemical (CV) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Structural insights gained by packing analysis revealed the role of steric constraints of substituents and various non-covalent interactions in lattice stabilization, which were indeed supported by theoretical and molecular electrostatic potential illustrations. Hirshfeld surface analysis provided quantitative verification about various non-covalent interactions (interatomic contacts) involved in the packing of molecules. Interestingly, as a potential application, complexes 1-3 all exhibited remarkable visible light-mediated photo-Fenton degradation of approximately 98% for 50 ppm concentration of organic dyes (fuchsin basic (FB) and methyl orange (MO)) in 90 minutes with the optimized conditions of 1 mg mL-1 of dye solution. In all the cases, dye degradation by these materials was ascribed to the symbiotic relations among the molecular structures of complexes 1-3, which were endowed with various electron-withdrawing and electron-releasing substituents and ionic strength, with respect to the structure, shape and interacting patterns of dye molecules. The adsorption mechanism indicates that various weak interactions between the donor and acceptor groups of complexes and dyes, such as electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and direct coordination to metal sites, play a crucial role, which is confirmed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Theoretical studies by DFT-based descriptors, molecular electrostatic potentials, and band gaps provided deep insights into various electronic and reactivity parameters. For subsequent processes of dye degradation, complexes 1-3 were stable and recoverable. The successful integration of experimental and theoretical approaches sheds light on copper-based dinuclear stable coordination complexes, showcasing a significant step towards the development of novel heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Leptospirosis in High-Risk Occupational Groups in the State of Gujarat as Determined by IgM ELISA and MAT Test: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Leptospirosis is a reemerging zoonosis affecting humans and animals worldwide in tropical and subtropical countries. The study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in high-risk occupational groups (cattle farm workers, poultry farm workers, and slaughterhouse workers) in the state of Gujarat and to determine related risk factors for leptospirosis. Methods: Using an interview-guided questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 123 people in high-risk occupational groups (namely, cattle farm workers, poultry farm workers, and slaughterhouse workers) from five districts of the state of Gujarat, India. The participants' serum samples were screened for antileptospiral antibodies by using Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) followed by a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The Chi-square (χ2) test and odds ratio were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA) to ascertain the associated risk factors. Results: Regarding demographic information, this study included 104 men and 19 women in high-risk occupational groups. The overall seroprevalence of antileptospiral antibodies in these high-risk workers was 46.3%. The seroprevalence was the highest among poultry farm workers (56.6%), followed by cattle farm workers (54.5%) and slaughterhouse workers (25.6%). The MAT in combination with IgM is adequate for the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis, but we have also employed IgG ELISA to understand the chronic infection in these high-risk occupational groups as exposure was both past and present. Tests were conducted for antibodies against various Leptospira serovars in the major serogroups; frequent serovars included Hurstbridge, Panama, Javanica, Tarassovi, Copenhageni, Pomona, and Weaveri, among others. The significant (P < 0.05) risk factors associated with leptospirosis in these high-risk occupations reported to be living in field areas, the presence of livestock in the neighborhood, working in slaughterhouses, drinking water from natural water resources, contact with animals such as dogs or livestock, and wounds during occupational practice. Conclusion: Considering the high seroprevalence of leptospirosis, high-risk occupational groups should be regularly screened for potential development of the fatal disease. Hurstbridge was found to be the most prevalent serovar in the studied population, followed by Panama, Javanica, and Tarassovi.

A Novel Minimally Invasive and Cost-Effective Internal Fixation of the Le Fort I Fracture by Using Intermaxillary Fixation Screw and Wire: A Technical Note.

Introduction: Le Fort I fractures represent a significant proportion of craniofacial trauma, often occurring alongside other injuries to the craniomaxillofacial region. Management options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or skeletal suspension, each with its limitations and considerations. Material and Methods: This technical note presents a novel technique for managing isolated Le Fort I fractures using intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screws, offering a minimally invasive alternative to ORIF. The technique involves the strategic placement of IMF screws in the stable zygomatic bone, coupled with arch bar fixation and wire manipulation for maxillary fragment reduction. Results: This approach is cost-effective, can be performed under local anesthesia, and provides stability without the need for prolonged maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Conclusion: The simplicity and efficacy of this technique make it suitable for emergency settings and cases where traditional approaches may not be feasible. However, this technique is only feasible in isolated Le Fort I fractures and is contraindicated in comminuted Le Fort I fractures and in edentulous patients with upper jaw involvement.

Morphological variants of Rouviere's sulcus and its significance in a patient undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An emerging paradigm.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold-standard treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. To prevent bile duct injuries, various practices are recommended, one of which is the identification of Rouviere's sulcus (RS) and starting dissection above its level. So far, no uniform anatomical description of RS is available in the literature. After prospective observation of 302 patients, we have proposed a new classification based solely on gross morphology. The purpose of this study is to make surgeons well acquainted with its different anatomical variations and its significance for the prevention of complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective analysis of 302 patients during LC, and various morphological variants of RS and its relationship with hepatobiliary anatomy were recorded. We have used the nomenclature as described by previous authors and added a few. RESULTS: A total of 330 patients were included in our study. We could not visualise the sulcus due to dense adhesion in 28 patients. RS was absent in 24.1% of cases and was present in various forms in 75.8% of cases. Amongst these, the open type was found in 28.8% of cases, fused type was found in 4.8% of cases, groove type was found in 24.8% of cases, pit type was found in 8.2% of cases, close type was found in 14.4% of cases, slit type was found in 8.7% of cases and scar type was found in 10% of cases. Using RS as a landmark, we could perform surgery safely in all cases. CONCLUSION: The RS can be described as closed, slit, open, fused, groove, pit or scar type.

Biofortification of Triticum species: a stepping stone to combat malnutrition.

BACKGROUND: Biofortification represents a promising and sustainable strategy for mitigating global nutrient deficiencies. However, its successful implementation poses significant challenges. Among staple crops, wheat emerges as a prime candidate to address these nutritional gaps. Wheat biofortification offers a robust approach to enhance wheat cultivars by elevating the micronutrient levels in grains, addressing one of the most crucial global concerns in the present era. MAIN TEXT: Biofortification is a promising, but complex avenue, with numerous limitations and challenges to face. Notably, micronutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu) can significantly impact human health. Improving Fe, Zn, Se, and Cu contents in wheat could be therefore relevant to combat malnutrition. In this review, particular emphasis has been placed on understanding the extent of genetic variability of micronutrients in diverse Triticum species, along with their associated mechanisms of uptake, translocation, accumulation and different classical to advanced approaches for wheat biofortification. CONCLUSIONS: By delving into micronutrient variability in Triticum species and their associated mechanisms, this review underscores the potential for targeted wheat biofortification. By integrating various approaches, from conventional breeding to modern biotechnological interventions, the path is paved towards enhancing the nutritional value of this vital crop, promising a brighter and healthier future for global food security and human well-being.

Multi-location evaluation of field pea in Indian climates: eco-phenological dynamics, crop-environment relationships, and identification of mega-environments.

Characterization of crop-growing environments in relation to crop's genotypic performance is crucial to harness positive genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) in systematic breeding programs. Given that, the study aimed to delineate the impact of diverse environments on crop phenology and yield traits of dwarf-statured field pea, pinpointing location(s) favoring higher yield and distinctiveness within breeding lines. We tested twelve field pea breeding lines across twenty locations in India, covering Central Zone (CZ), North Western Plain Zone (NWPZ), North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ), and Northern Hill Zone (NHZ). Across these locations, maximum and minimum temperatures during flowering (TMAXF, TMINF) and reproductive period (TMAXRP, TMINRP) ranged 18.9-28.3, 3.3-18.0, 15.0-30.8, and 7.9-22.1oC, respectively. Meanwhile, notable variations in phenological and agronomic traits (coefficient of variation) were observed: flowering (31%), days to maturity (21%), reproductive period (18%), grain yield (48%), and 100-seed weight (18%). Combined ANOVA demonstrated an oversized impact of environment (81%) on yield, while genotype and GEI effects were 2% and 14%, respectively. The variables TMINF, TMINRP, and cumulative growing degree-day showed positive correlations with yield, while extended vegetative and maturity durations negatively influenced yield (p < 0.05). Additionally, linear mixed-models and PCA results explained that instability in crop phenology had significant influence on field pea yield. Seed weight was markedly varied within the locations (9.9-20.8 g) and both higher and lower seed weights were associated with lower yields (Optimal = 17.1 g). HA-GGE biplot-based on environment focus-scaling demonstrated three mega-environments and specific locations viz. Kota (CZ), SK Nagar (CZ), Raipur (CZ), Sehore (CZ), and Pantnagar (NWPZ) as the ideal testing-environments with high efficiency in selecting new genotypes with wider adaptability. The study findings highlight distinct impact of environments on crop phenology and agronomic traits of field pea (dwarf-type), hold substantial value in designing efficient field pea (dwarf-type) breeding program at mega-environment scale.

Charge Trapping and Defect Dynamics as Origin of Memory Effects in Metal Halide Perovskite Memlumors.

Large language models for artificial intelligence applications require energy-efficient computing. Neuromorphic photonics has the potential to reach significantly lower energy consumption in comparison with classical electronics. A recently proposed memlumor device uses photoluminescence output that carries information about its excitation history via the excited state dynamics of the material. Solution-processed metal halide perovskites can be used as efficient memlumors. We show that trapping of photogenerated charge carriers modulated by photoinduced dynamics of the trapping states themselves explains the memory response of perovskite memlumors on time scales from nanoseconds to minutes. The memlumor concept shifts the paradigm of the detrimental role of charge traps and their dynamics in metal halide perovskite semiconductors by enabling new applications based on these trap states. The appropriate control of defect dynamics in perovskites allows these materials to enter the field of energy-efficient photonic neuromorphic computing, which we illustrate by proposing several possible realizations of such systems.

Evidence-based management of isolated dentoalveolar fractures: a systematic review.

Dentoalveolar (DA) trauma, which can involve tooth, alveolar bone, and surrounding soft tissues, is a significant dentofacial emergency. In emergency settings, physicians might lack comprehensive knowledge of timely procedures, causing delays for specialist referral. This systematic review assesses the literature on isolated DA fractures, emphasizing intervention timing and splinting techniques and duration in both children and adults. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and involved a thorough search across PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from January 1980 to December 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria guided study selection, with data extraction and analysis centered on demographics, etiology, injury site, diagnostics, treatment timelines, and outcomes in pediatric (2-12 years) and adult (>12 years) populations. This review analyzed 26 studies, categorized by age into pediatrics (2-12 years) and adults (>12 years). Falls were a common etiology, primarily affecting the anterior maxilla. Immediate management involved replantation, repositioning, and splinting within 24 hours (pediatric) or 48 hours (adult). Composite resin-bonded splints were common. Endodontic treatment was done within a timeframe of 3 days to 12 weeks for children and 2-12 weeks for adults. Tailored management based on patient age, tooth development stage, time elapsed, and resource availability is essential.

Throat packing via nasopharyngeal airway for severe trismus cases requiring surgical intervention under general anesthesia: A simplified and innovative approach.

Throat packing is essential in oral and maxillofacial surgeries to prevent blood and tissue debris aspiration, reducing postoperative complications. Traditional oral route methods are often inadequate, especially in severe trismus cases like Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), TMJ Ankylosis, and post-traumatic conditions due to limited mouth opening. This study introduces a novel technique using a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) for throat packing. The method involves inserting a hemostatic dressing through an NPA, ensuring minimal invasiveness and effective airway management. Proper positioning is confirmed with a laryngoscope or fiberoptic scope, and the dressing is secured to prevent dislodgement. This technique is easy, reproducible, and less injurious compared to traditional methods. At our center, throat packing via NPA was performed on 35 patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, resulting in high satisfaction and no reported complications.

Time to implement tailored interventions in Chhattisgarh, east-central India to reach malaria elimination.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Despite significant progress in malaria control throughout India, Chhattisgarh state continues to be a significant contributor to both malaria morbidity and mortality. This study aims to identify key factors associated with malaria endemicity, with a goal of focusing on these factors for malaria elimination by 2030. METHODS: We employed an analysis and narrative review methodology to summarize the existing evidence on malaria epidemiology in Chhattisgarh. Data encompassing environmental conditions, dominant malaria vectors and their distribution, and the impact of previous interventions on malaria control, were extracted from published literature using PubMed and Google Scholar. This information was subsequently correlated with malaria incidence data using appropriate statistical and geographical methods. RESULTS: Much of the malaria burden in Chhattisgarh state is concentrated in a few specific districts. The primary malaria vectors in these regions are Anopheles culicifacies and An. fluviatilis. High transmission areas are found in tribal belts which are challenging to access and are characterized by densely forested areas that provide a conducive habitat for malaria vectors. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: Conducive environmental conditions characterized by high forest cover, community behavior, and insurgency, contribute to high malaria endemicity in the area. Challenges include insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and asymptomatic malaria. Allocating additional resources to high-endemic districts is crucial. Innovative and focused malaria control programs of the country, such as DAMAN and Malaria Mukt Abhiyan, hold immense importance.

Diurnal rail noise measurement, analysis, and evaluation of associated health impacts on residents living in the proximity of rail track area.

In India, railway is the major transportation mode for carrying goods and people. The tracks for the movement of the rail were initially constructed in the city for the pre-eminence and expediency of the vantage of the people. Rapid modernization and increasing population in the city crammed the area around the railway tracks. Moving rail on the tracks passing through the city is not compatible, which is creating problems for the nearby residents. In the urban and suburban regions, the railway noise has become a major problem. This study was conducted to examine the perception of the physiological and psychological effects of railway noise in the nearby areas of railway stations in Delhi, India. For this purpose, 10 sites near the railway station were selected for the study. To assess the impact of railway noise pollution on the health of humans, a questionnaire survey was conducted. The data of 344 individuals were collected through the questionnaire survey and analyzed to get the perception towards railway noise. Noise level was monitored by a Sound Level Meter (SLM) and the equivalent noise level (Leq) in dB(A) was used to compute the noise pollution in three shifts, i.e., morning, noon, and evening time. Results showed that 57.65% of female and 86.11% of male respondents in the survey reported the disturbance due to railway noise. The level of noise pollution was found higher in the evening time as compared to the noon and morning period, which exceeds the limit set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at all the monitored locations. Findings of the study show that the primary cause of the health problems is railroad noise, which is negatively impacting the health of the residents, who are living in the proximity of the rail track region. The perception survey reported that headache, sleep disturbance, irritation, and stress are common health issues among the locals residing around the railway track proximity in Delhi.

Molecular docking based comparative study of antiviral compounds on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

The urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 has prompted extensive exploration of potential drug candidates. Among the viral proteins, the spike (S) protein presents an attractive target due to its critical role in viral entry and infection. In this study, we employed molecular docking techniques to investigate the binding affinities and interaction profiles of a panel of active compounds against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Utilising computational simulations, we assessed the binding properties of these compounds within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and other key regions of the spike protein. Our comparative analysis elucidates the differential binding patterns and identifies promising lead compounds with high binding affinity and favourable interaction profiles. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for the development of potential therapeutics targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Using molecular docking and the Lipinski five rule, this study illustrates possible compounds with strong binding affinities, their molecular interactions, for both naturally occurring and man-made drugs. Computational approach is applied, and it is concluded that, drugs like Withanolide, Dihydroergocristine, Fenebrutinib, and Ergotamine shows binding energies between -8.3 and -9.1 kcal/mol, and are possible candidate for anti covid drug.

Trade-off analysis between gm/ID and fT of GNR-FETs with single-gate and double-gate device structure.

This study examines the operational parameters of field-effect transistors (FETs) using single-gate (SG) and double-gate (DG) graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) within the analog/RF domain. A detailed exploration is conducted through an atomistic pz orbital model, derived from the Hamiltonian of graphene nanoribbons, employing the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism (NEGF) for analysis. The atomic characteristics of the GNRFETs channel are accurately described by utilizing a tight-binding Hamiltonian with an atomistic pz orbital basis set. The primary focus of the analysis revolves around essential analog/RF parameters such as transconductance, transconductance generation factor (TGF), output resistance, early voltage, intrinsic gain, gate capacitance, cut-off frequency, and transit time. Furthermore, the study assesses the gain frequency product (GFP), transfer frequency product (TFP), and gain transfer frequency product (GTFP) to evaluate the balance between transistor efficiency, gain, and cut-off frequency. The research outcomes indicate that double-gate GNRFETs exhibit superior analog/RF performance in comparison to their single-gate counterparts. However, both types of devices demonstrate cut-off frequencies in the gigahertz range. The extensive data presented in this study provides valuable insights into the characteristics of SG and DG GNRFETs, particularly in terms of the figure-of-merit (FoM) for analog/RF performance, offering a comprehensive analysis of the trade-offs in analog applications. In addition, the analysis has been extended be performing a high-performance hybrid 6T static random-access memory (SRAM) to get the impact in their circuit level variation as well as improvement in their circuit performance.

Deciphering the Drug Delivery Potential of Milk Exosome Nanovesicles for Aminobenzylpenicillin Therapeutic Efficacy against Contagious Staphylococcus Aureus in Bovine Mastitis.

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and failure of antibiotic treatment are challenging tasks for managing bovine mastitis, which is mainly caused by the contagious Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).To overcome these difficulties, there is an urgent need for a novel drug system. In the present study, the aim is to develop next-generation therapeutics against S. aureus by harnessing the drug delivery potential of milk nanovesicles called milk exosomes (mENs). In the present work, a drug system is developed by encapsulating aminobenzylpenicillin (AMP) in mENs (mENs-AMP). Electron microscopy and zeta-sizer results indicate that the size of mENs-AMP ranged from 55.79 ± 2.8 to 85.53 ± 7.4 nm. The AMP loading efficiency in mENs is 88.61% with its sustained release. Fluorescence spectroscopy results indicated that mENs are biocompatible with mammary epithelial cells. In vitro studies show that the antibacterial activity and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of mENs-AMP are eleven times greater and four times lower than that of unencapsulated AMP, respectively. The mENs-AMP exhibit significantly higher therapeutic efficacy than AMP at the same dosage and treatment frequency. Validation of this approach is demonstrated in mastitis-affected animals through an observation in the reduction of somatic cell counts and bacterial loads in the milk of treated animals.

Furanocoumarins promote proteasomal degradation of viral HBx protein and down-regulate cccDNA transcription and replication of hepatitis B virus.

Nucleot(s)ide analogues, the current antiviral treatments against chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, are non-curative due to their inability to eliminate covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from the infected hepatocytes. Preclinical studies have shown that coumarin derivatives can effectively reduce the HBV DNA replication. We evaluated the antiviral efficacy of thirty new coumarin derivatives in cell culture models for studying HBV. Furanocoumarins Fc-20 and Fc-31 suppressed the levels of pre-genomic RNA as well as cccDNA, and reduced the secretion of virions, HBsAg and HBeAg. The antiviral efficacies of Fc-20 and Fc31 improved further when used in combination with the hepatitis B antiviral drug Entecavir. There was a marked reduction in the intracellular HBx level in the presence of these furanocoumarins due to proteasomal degradation resulting in the down-regulation of HBx-dependent viral genes. Importantly, both Fc-20 and Fc-31 were non-cytotoxic to cells even at high concentrations. Further, our molecular docking studies confirmed a moderate to high affinity interaction between furanocoumarins and viral HBx via residues Ala3, Arg26 and Lys140. These data suggest that furanocoumarins could be developed as a new therapeutic for CHB infection.

Exploring the Role of Non-synonymous and Deleterious Variants Identified in Colorectal Cancer: A Multi-dimensional Computational Scrutiny of Exomes.

Introduction: Colorectal cancers are the world's third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Currently, there are several diagnostic and treatment options to combat it. However, a delay in detection of the disease is life-threatening. Additionally, a thorough analysis of the exomes of cancers reveals potential variation data that can be used for early disease prognosis. Methods: By utilizing a comprehensive computational investigation, the present study aimed to reveal mutations that could potentially predispose to colorectal cancer. Ten colorectal cancer exomes were retrieved. Quality control assessments were performed using FastQC and MultiQC, gapped alignment to the human reference genome (hg19) using Bowtie2 and calling the germline variants using Haplotype caller in the GATK pipeline. The variants were filtered and annotated using SIFT and PolyPhen2 successfully categorized the mutations into synonymous, non-synonymous, start loss and stop gain mutations as well as marked them as possibly damaging, probably damaging and benign. This mutational profile helped in shortlisting frequently occurring mutations and associated genes, for which the downstream multi-dimensional expression analyses were carried out. Results: Our work involved prioritizing the non-synonymous, deleterious SNPs since these polymorphisms bring about a functional alteration to the phenotype. The top variations associated with their genes with the highest frequency of occurrence included LGALS8, CTSB, RAD17, CPNE1, OPRM1, SEMA4D, MUC4, PDE4DIP, ELN and ADRA1A. An in-depth multi-dimensional downstream analysis of all these genes in terms of gene expression profiling and analysis and differential gene expression with regard to various cancer types revealed CTSB and CPNE1 as highly expressed and overregulated genes in colorectal cancer. Conclusion: Our work provides insights into the various alterations that might possibly lead to colorectal cancer and suggests the possibility of utilizing the most important genes identified for wet-lab experimentation.

Exploring Genetic Diversity within aus Rice Germplasm: Insights into the Variations in Agro-morphological Traits.

The aus (Oryza sativa L.) varietal group comprises of aus, boro, ashina and rayada seasonal and/or field ecotypes, and exhibits unique stress tolerance traits, making it valuable for rice breeding. Despite its importance, the agro-morphological diversity and genetic control of yield traits in aus rice remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the genetic structure of 181 aus accessions using 399,115 SNP markers and evaluated them for 11 morpho-agronomic traits. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we aimed to identify key loci controlling yield and plant architectural traits.Our population genetic analysis unveiled six subpopulations with strong geographical patterns. Subpopulation-specific differences were observed in most phenotypic traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) of agronomic traits showed that principal component 1 (PC1) was primarily associated with panicle traits, plant height, and heading date, while PC2 and PC3 were linked to primary grain yield traits. GWAS using PC1 identified OsSAC1 on Chromosome 7 as a significant gene influencing multiple agronomic traits. PC2-based GWAS highlighted the importance of OsGLT1 and OsPUP4/ Big Grain 3 in determining grain yield. Haplotype analysis of these genes in the 3,000 Rice Genome Panel revealed distinct genetic variations in aus rice.In summary, this study offers valuable insights into the genetic structure and phenotypic diversity of aus rice accessions. We have identified significant loci associated with essential agronomic traits, with GLT1, PUP4, and SAC1 genes emerging as key players in yield determination.

Groundwater quality assessment using water quality index and principal component analysis in the Achnera block, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, Northern India.

The qualitative and quantitative assessment of groundwater is one of the important aspects for determining the suitability of potable water. Therefore, the present study has been performed to evaluate the groundwater quality for Achhnera block in the city of Taj, Agra, India, where groundwater is an important water resource. The groundwater samples, 50 in number were collected and analyzed for major ions along with some important trace element. This study has further investigated for the applicability of groundwater quality index (GWQI), and the principal component analysis (PCA) to mark out the major geochemical solutes responsible for origin and release of geochemical solutes into the groundwater. The results confirm that, majority of the collected groundwater samples were alkaline in nature. The variation of concentration of anions in collected groundwater samples were varied in the sequence as, HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > F- while in contrast the sequence of cations in the groundwater as Na > Ca > Mg > K. The Piper diagram demonstrated the major hydro chemical facies which were found in groundwater (sodium bicarbonate or calcium chloride type). The plot of Schoellar diagram reconfirmed that the major cations were Na+ and Ca2+ ions, while in contrast; major anions were bicarbonates and chloride. The results showed water quality index mostly ranged between 105 and 185, hence, the study area fell in the category of unsuitable for drinking purpose category. The PCA showed pH, Na+, Ca2+, HCO3- and fluoride with strong loading, which pointed out geogenic source of fluoride contamination. Therefore, it was inferred that the groundwater of the contaminated areas must be treated and made potable before consumption. The outcomes of the present study will be helpful for the regulatory boards and policymaker for defining the actual impact and remediation goal.

The Arctic Plant Aboveground Biomass Synthesis Dataset.

Plant biomass is a fundamental ecosystem attribute that is sensitive to rapid climatic changes occurring in the Arctic. Nevertheless, measuring plant biomass in the Arctic is logistically challenging and resource intensive. Lack of accessible field data hinders efforts to understand the amount, composition, distribution, and changes in plant biomass in these northern ecosystems. Here, we present The Arctic plant aboveground biomass synthesis dataset, which includes field measurements of lichen, bryophyte, herb, shrub, and/or tree aboveground biomass (g m-2) on 2,327 sample plots from 636 field sites in seven countries. We created the synthesis dataset by assembling and harmonizing 32 individual datasets. Aboveground biomass was primarily quantified by harvesting sample plots during mid- to late-summer, though tree and often tall shrub biomass were quantified using surveys and allometric models. Each biomass measurement is associated with metadata including sample date, location, method, data source, and other information. This unique dataset can be leveraged to monitor, map, and model plant biomass across the rapidly warming Arctic.

P66Shc Mediates SUMO2-induced Endothelial Dysfunction.

Sumoylation is a post-translational modification that can regulate different physiological functions. Increased sumoylation, specifically conjugation of SUMO2/3 (small ubiquitin like modifier 2/3), is detrimental to vascular health. However, the molecular mechanism mediating this effect is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that SUMO2 modifies p66Shc, which impairs endothelial function. Using multiple approaches, we show that p66Shc is a direct target of SUMO2. Mass spectrometry identified that SUMO2 modified lysine-81 in the unique collagen homology-2 domain of p66Shc. SUMO2ylation of p66Shc increased phosphorylation at serine-36, causing it to translocate to the mitochondria. Notably, sumoylation-deficient p66Shc (p66ShcK81R) was resistant to SUMO2-induced p66ShcS36 phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation. Ingenuity pathway analysis showed that majority of effects of p66Shc SUMO2ylation were mediated via p66ShcK81. Finally, p66ShcK81R knockin mice were resistant to SUMO2-induced endothelial dysfunction. Collectively, our work uncovers a posttranslational modification of redox protein p66Shc and identifies SUMO2-p66Shc signaling as a regulator of vascular endothelial function.