HY5 and PIF antagonistically regulate HMGR expression and sterol biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Secondary metabolites play multiple crucial roles in plants by modulating various regulatory networks. The biosynthesis of these compounds is unique to each species and is intricately controlled by a range of developmental and environmental factors. While light's role in certain secondary metabolites is evident, its impact on sterol biosynthesis remains unclear. Previous studies indicate that ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5), a bZIP transcription factor, is pivotal in skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis transition. Additionally, PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs), bHLH transcription factors, act as negative regulators. To unveil the light-dependent regulation of the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway, a precursor for sterol biosynthesis, mutants of light signaling components, specifically hy5-215 and the pifq quadruple mutant (pif 1,3,4, and 5), were analyzed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Gene expression analysis in wild-type and mutants implicates HY5 and PIFs in regulating sterol biosynthesis genes. DNA-protein interaction analysis confirms their interaction with key genes like AtHMGR2 in the rate-limiting pathway. Results strongly suggest HY5 and PIFs' pivotal role in light-dependent MVA pathway regulation, including the sterol biosynthetic branch, in Arabidopsis, highlighting a diverse array of light signaling components finely tuning crucial growth pathways.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and emergence of XBB.1.16 variant in Rajasthan.

PURPOSE: Genomic surveillance of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples is important to monitor the genetic changes occurring in virus, this was enhanced after the WHO designation of XBB.1.16 as a variant under monitoring in March 2023. From 5th February till May 6, 2023 all positive SARS-CoV-2 samples were monitored for genetic changes. METHODS: A total of 1757 samples having Ct value <25 (for E and ORF gene) from different districts of Rajasthan were processed for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The FASTA files obtained on sequencing were used for lineage determination using Nextclade and phylogenetic tree construction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sequencing and lineage identification was done in 1624 samples. XBB.1.16 was the predominant lineage in 1413 (87.0%) cases while rest was other XBB (207, 12.74%) and other lineages (4, 0.2%). Of the 1413 XBB.1.16 cases, 57.47% were males and 42.53% were females. Majority (66.53%) belonged to 19-59 year age. 84.15% of XBB.1.16 cases were infected for the first time. Hospitalization was required in only 2.2% cases and death was reported in 5 (0.35%) patients. Most of the cases were symptomatic and the commonest symptoms were fever, cough and rhinorrhea. Co-morbidities were present in 414 (29.3%) cases. Enhanced genomic surveillance helped to rapidly identify the spread of XBB variant in Rajasthan. This in turn helped to take control measures to prevent spread of virus and estimate public health risks of the new variant relative to the previously circulating lineages. XBB variant was found to spread rapidly but produced milder disease.

HY5-dependent light-mediated regulation of galactinol synthase gene, AtGolS1, modulates galactinol biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.

The Raffinose Family of Oligosaccharides (RFOs), including Galactinol, Raffinose, and Stachyose, are pivotal carbohydrates with significant roles in abiotic stress tolerance and growth within dynamic environments. Plant development is profoundly influenced by light, a major environmental signal. Despite this, the interconnections between the biosynthesis of secondary sugars and light signaling have remained unexplored. This study reveals that exposure to light induces the expression of Galactinol synthase (AtGolS1), a key enzyme in the RFO biosynthesis pathway. The light-inducible response of AtGolS1 operates downstream of ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), a central regulator in light signaling. Mutant seedlings with disrupted HY5 function (hy5-215) exhibit reduced AtGolS1 transcript accumulation compared to wild-type (WT) and HY5 overexpression seedlings. DNA-protein interaction studies demonstrate that HY5 directly binds to light-responsive cis-elements in the promoter region of AtGolS1, thereby mediating its light responsiveness. Quantification of galactinol revealed a diminished accumulation in the hy5-215 mutant compared to wild-type (WT) and HY5 overexpression seedlings. Consequently, these findings shed light on the intricate crosstalk between RFO biosynthesis and light signaling in Arabidopsis.

Co-infection of respiratory pathogens in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients at North West India, Rajasthan.

PURPOSE: Infection due to SARS-CoV-2 shows wide spectrum of disease from asymptomatic to severe disease and death. Coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory pathogens may affect the severity of disease and its outcome. Identification of other respiratory pathogens may help to initiate proper management and avoid unnecessary complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 250 SARS-COV-2 positive patients admitted in S.M.S hospitalwere included in study. Throat and nasopharyngeal swabs samples were collected in Viral Transport Medium (VTM) and nucleic acid extraction was done by automated EasyMag extractor and tested for 20 respiratory viruses and two bacteria by real time PCR. RESULTS: Out of 250 SARS CoV2 positive samples, 176 (70%) were positive for other respiratory pathogens also. The highest co-infection was due to HCoVOC43 (32.8%) virus followed by bacterial co-infection with S. pneumoniae (14.8%). Six (2.4%) patients with co-infection were on ventilator with age >65yr and three (1.2%) died during treatment. All three cases were found to have other co-morbid diseases like; asthma, Parkinson's and hypertension. CONCLUSION: High number of patients were found to have coinfection with other viruses and bacteria, timely identification and providing specific treatment to these patients can help improve outcome.

Genomic profile of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its correlation with disease severity in Rajasthan.

Background: Omicron, a new variant of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first detected in November 2021. This was believed to be highly transmissible and was reported to evade immunity. As a result, an urgent need was felt to screen all positive samples so as to rapidly identify Omicron cases and isolate them to prevent the spread of infection. Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 was planned to correlate disease severity with the genomic profile. Methods: All the SARS-CoV-2 positive cases detected in the state of Rajasthan were sent to our Lab. Samples received from 24 November 2021 to 4 January 2022 were selected for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Processing was done as per protocol on the Ion Torrent S5 System for 1,210 samples and bioinformatics analysis was done. Results: Among the 1,210 samples tested, 762 (62.9%) were Delta/Delta-like and other lineages, 291 (24%) were Omicron, and 157 (12.9%) were invalid or repeat samples. Within a month, the proportion of Delta and other variants was reversed, 6% Omicron became 81%, and Delta and other variants became 19%, initially all Omicron cases were seen in international travelers and their contacts but soon community transmission was seen. The majority of patients with Omicron were asymptomatic (56.7%) or had mild disease (33%), 9.2% had moderate symptoms, and two (0.7%) had severe disease requiring hospitalization, of which one (0.3%) died and the rest were (99.7%) recovered. History of vaccination was seen in 81.1%, of the previous infection in 43.2% of cases. Among the Omicron cases, BA.1 (62.8%) was the predominant lineage followed by BA.2 (23.7%) and B.1.529 (13.4%), rising trends were seen initially for BA.1 and later for BA.2 also. Although 8.9% of patients with Delta lineage during that period were hospitalized, 7.2% required oxygen, and 0.9% died. To conclude, the community spread of Omicron occurred in a short time and became the predominant circulating variant; BA.1 was the predominant lineage detected. Most of the cases with Omicron were asymptomatic or had mild disease, and the mortality rate was very low as compared to Delta and other lineages.

Evaluation of GeneXpert and liquid culture for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of GeneXpert in comparison to liquid culture using Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) as gold standard for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in children. METHODS: A total of 8123 samples, both pulmonary (5830) and extra pulmonary (2293) received from pediatric patients were processed for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) smear, GeneXpert and MGIT culture simultaneously. RESULTS: Out of 8123 samples, 493 (6.1%) samples were found positive by GeneXpert and 508 (6.2%) samples by MGIT culture, 371 (4.6%) were found positive by both GeneXpert and MGIT culture. MGIT detected 137 (1.7%) extra positive than GeneXpert while GeneXpert detected 122 (1.5%) extra samples more positive than by MGIT. Sensitivity of GeneXpert was 73% and concordance between both methods was 96.8%. Rifampicin resistance was found in 49 (9.9%) samples among MTB positive by GeneXpert. Turnaround time for GeneXpert was approx. 2 â€‹h and for MGIT, it was 12-28 days. CONCLUSION: Good sensitivity (73%) and concordance (96.8%) were observed for GeneXpert against MGIT culture in this study. GeneXpert can simultaneously detect MTB and rifampicin resistance in less than 2 â€‹h while MGIT takes 12-28 days for MTB detection only.

Toxic effects of purified phenolic compounds from Acacia nilotica against common cutworm.

Phenolics are the most abundant secondary metabolites of plants that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. In the last few years, the development and identification of phenolic compounds from various plants have become a major area of the environment and health-related research. In the present study, different phenolic compounds were purified from the bark of the medicinally important plant Acacia nilotica which is rich in polyphenols and were evaluated for their insecticidal potential against a polyphagous pest, Spodoptera litura (Fab.). The compounds viz. Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, and Umbelliferone were purified from ethyl acetate-acetone (E-AE) fraction using Semi-preparative HPLC and were identified using melting point determination, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Mass Spectroscopy (MS). These phenolic compounds recorded detrimental effects on the growth and development of second instar larvae (6 days old) of S. litura. The larval growth, survival, adult emergence, pupal weight, and different nutritional indices were adversely affected by the various concentrations of these purified compounds. The findings revealed the insecticidal potential of polyphenols obtained from the bark of A. nilotica, which can provide an alternative for resistance management, as these plant phytochemicals are highly effective against insecticide-resistant insect pests.

Saliva as a Potential Diagnostic Tool to Evaluate Relationship between Oral Microbiome and Potentially Malignant Disorders for Prevention of Malignant Transformation.

OBJECTIVE: The current research was conducted with an aim to assess the association of oral microbiome with Potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) because usage of tobacco in any form alters the normal microbiome and shifts it towards dysbiosis. Thus, our definitive knowledge of the oral commensal bacteria and oral cancer link can definitely be used as a potential adjunct to early diagnosis and management of PMDs and prevent it's malignant transformation. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 100 individuals of minimum 18 years of age were included in the study which, were classified into 2 groups of tobacco users (50) and non-tobacco users (50). The tobacco users had a history of tobacco consumption for at least 5 years. RESULTS: The present study, showed highest percentage (72%) of anaerobic bacteria, followed by aerobic (22%) and lowest count of yeast (4%). CONCLUSION: The ecological shift to dysbiosis is a significant finding in oral carcinogenesis. Further investigation on a larger group of altered microbiomes will definitely help in establishing relationship of altered microbiome and PMDs, which can help in appropriate treatment and better prognosis.

Solitary neurofibroma of maxilla: a rare clinical entity.

Neurofibroma (NF) is a benign tumour of the peripheral nervous system which is rare in head and neck region. Head and neck NF are mostly located in the soft tissue and rarely seen intraosseously. These may present either as solitary lesions or as part of the generalised syndrome of neurofibromatosis or von Recklinghausen's disease of the skin. The intraosseous ones are most commonly seen as solitary lesions, rather than part of neurofibromatosis. The following report describes a unique case of a solitary neurofibroma of the maxilla without generalised syndrome of neurofibromatosis in a male patient.

Aggressive type of central giant cell granuloma in a woman on hormone replacement therapy: a histopathological insight.

Quite a few lesions of the oral cavity specifically of the gingiva have a greater inclination towards women and mostly occur during the first four decades of life, the cause of which may be credited to the changing levels of sex hormones. Out of all such lesions, one lesion whose aetiology is still unclear and which originats from the periosteum or periodontal ligament is central giant cell granuloma. Repeatedly, it is has been described as a reactive lesion, the cause of which may be secondary to local irritants or trauma, specifically plaque or calculus, which is not considered to be a true neoplasm. Here we present a case of a 51-year-old female patient with aggressive gingival growth within 10-13 months of hormonal replacement therapy. The aetiology, histological features and appropriate treatment are discussed in the light of current literature.

Serum Vitamin D Level as a Risk Factor for Female Genital Tuberculosis (FGTB).

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D is now known to be essential to Mycobacterium tuberculosis containment and killing through activation of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D receptors (VDRs) present on all immune cells or obtained from dietary food stuffs as either vitamin D3 or vegetable vitamin D2 (also known as ergocalciferol). AIM: To evaluate the association of serum vitamin D level between the Female Genital Tuberculosis (FGTB) cases and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 120 cases and 120 controls enrolled for the study following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed clinical history was taken from each subjects. Total of 3 ml of the blood was collected in EDTA vial from each subject (case and control). Quantification of serum vitamin D level was measured by active human vitamin D ELISA kit using an ELISA reader. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A total of 120 confirmed FGTB cases and 120 healthy control enrolled for study. Out of 120 women 97.5%, 10.0%, 3.3%, 3.3% were detected positive for M. tuberculosis respectively. Comparing the mean demographic value of age and BMI were (29.03±3.127, 28.03±3.00) and (22.92±3.33, 24.15±3.97) respectively with the p=0.012* and p=0.010* found to be significant among cases and controls. The mean serum vitamin D level was 14.96±8.81 in cases and 23.00±8.83 in controls with p-value<0.001. There was a significant positive association found in low serum vitamin D level among FGTB cases than controls. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D is important for normal immune cell function, as well as regression of FGTB disease. FGTB may be controlled by regulating the serum vitamin D level concentration. This study suggests that, vitamin D deficiency and BMI is strongly associated with the progression of active FGTB disease which alters the expression of antimicrobial peptide and lead to the persistence of TB infection. Therefore, serum vitamin D level may play an important role in treatment of FGTB.