Mycorrhization in trees: ecology, physiology, emerging technologies and beyond.

Mycorrhization has been an integral part of plants since colonization by the early land plants. Over decades, substantial research has highlighted its potential role in improving nutritional efficiency and growth, development and survival of crop plants. However, the focus of this review is trees. Evidence have been provided to explain ecological and physiological significance of mycorrhization in trees. Advances in recent technologies (e.g., metagenomics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, agricultural drones) may open new windows to apply this knowledge in promoting tree growth in forest ecosystems. Dual mycorrhization relationships in trees and even triple relationships among trees, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria offer an interesting physiological system to understand how plants interact with other organisms for better survival. Besides, studies indicate additional roles of mycorrhization in learning, memorizing and communication between host trees through a common mycorrhizal network (CMN). Recent observations in trees suggest that mycorrhization may even promote tolerance to multiple abiotic (e.g., drought, salt, heavy metal stress) and biotic (e.g. fungi) stresses. Due to the extent of physiological reliance, local adaptation of trees is heavily impacted by the mycorrhizal community. This knowledge opens the possibility of a non-GMO avenue to promote tree growth and development. Indeed, mycorrhization could impact growth of trees in nurserys and subsequent survival of the inoculated trees in field conditions. Future studies might integrate hyperspectral imaging and drone technologies to identify tree communities that are deficient in nitrogen and spray mycorrhizal spore formulations on them.

Trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior como forma de presentación de una parálisis supranuclear progresiva: descripción de un vídeo caso / Higher-level gait disorder as a presenting manifestation of progressive supranuclear palsy: a video case report

Introducción: El trastorno de la marcha frontal/apraxia de la marcha es un déficit motor del nivel superior con diversas causas, caracterizado por dificultades en el inicio de la marcha (congelación). Nuestro objetivo es presentar una paciente con un trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior con episodios de caídas como manifestaciones iniciales de una parálisis supranuclear progresiva (PSP). Sus datos se obtuvieron de los registros médicos del Servicio de Medicina General del Burdwan Medical College & Hospital (Burdwan, Bengala Occidental, India). Caso clínico: Mujer de 58 años sana que consultó por un trastorno de la marcha con caídas. La exploración neurológica mostró una apariencia facial característica (mirada fija, ojos muy abiertos, ceño fruncido y expresión fija hemifacial inferior), e hipocinesia-rigidez simétrica de predominio axial (postura retrocólica del tronco y el cuello). La exploración de la marcha reveló un trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior, caracterizado por una significativa vacilación inicial, que precisaba ayuda de objetos/personas cercanos. Al iniciar la marcha, los pasos mejoraban relativamente, pero reaparecía una deambulación inefectiva al girar. Presentaba zancadas cortas, congelación, base amplia de sustentación, desequilibrio, movimiento lento de las piernas, arrastre de los pies, y pérdida de la cadencia normal del tronco y las extremidades. Los reflejos posturales estaban alterados. La resonancia magnética cerebral desveló atrofia mesencefálica, dilatación de acueducto de Silvio y III ventrículo, atrofia frontal bilateral y el signo típico del colibrí. Finalmente, la paciente fue diagnosticada de una PSP probable. Conclusiones: Varias etiologías, incluida la PSP, deben considerarse, en el contexto clínico apropiado, si la exploración de la deambulación demuestra un trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior.(AU)

Introduction: In the evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy, a detailed analysis of the semiology is essential to establish a diagnostic hypothesis of the location of the epileptogenic zone. Cross-sign (CS) is a very infrequent complex manual automatism described for the first time in 2008 and rarely reported in the literature. Case report: We present two cases from our series of patients monitored by video-EEG, one of whom also studied with deep electrodes, in which we describe the location of the discharge while performing the CS. A bibliographic review is also carried out to try to establish a localizing and/or lateralizing value of this sign. Conclusion: The sign of the cross is a rare ictal automatism that occurs in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The hand used to make the sign of the cross is the dominant one, regardless of the origin of the crises.(AU)

Higher-level gait disorder as a presenting manifestation of progressive supranuclear palsy: a video case report. / Trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior como forma de presentación de una parálisis supranuclear progresiva: descripción de un vídeo caso.

INTRODUCTION: Frontal gait disorder/gait apraxia is a higher-order motor deficit with various causes, characterized by difficulties with gait initiation, such as freezing or ignition failure. We aimed to report a patient who presented with progressive higher-level gait disorder and fall episodes as the initial manifestations of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Patient data were obtained from medical records from the Department of General Medicine, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital (Burdwan, West Bengal, India). CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old previously healthy woman presented with a gait disorder and fall episodes. Detailed neurological examination highlighted characteristic facial appearance (wide-eyed staring, furrowing of the forehead with a frowning expression, and fixed expression of the lower face). She was hypokinetic-rigid with symmetrical signs and predominant axial rigidity with retrocolic trunk and neck posture. Gait examination revealed a higher-level gait pattern characterized by an exhibition of profound start hesitation requiring assistance from nearby objects/persons. Once walking was underway, steps became relatively better, but ineffective gait re-emerged when she attempted turning. She had short strides, freezing, broad stance base, disequilibrium, slow leg movement, shuffling, and loss of normal fluidity of trunk and limbs. Postural reflexes were impaired. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed atrophy of the midbrain, dilated aqueduct of Sylvius and third ventricle, atrophy of frontal lobes and typical hummingbird sign. Diagnosis of probable PSP was finally made. CONCLUSIONS: Several etiologies, including PSP, should be considered in appropriate clinical contexts if gait examination demonstrates a higher-order gait disorder.

TITLE: Trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior como forma de presentación de una parálisis supranuclear progresiva: descripción de un vídeo caso.Introducción. El trastorno de la marcha frontal/apraxia de la marcha es un déficit motor del nivel superior con diversas causas, caracterizado por dificultades en el inicio de la marcha (congelación). Nuestro objetivo es presentar una paciente con un trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior con episodios de caídas como manifestaciones iniciales de una parálisis supranuclear progresiva (PSP). Sus datos se obtuvieron de los registros médicos del Servicio de Medicina General del Burdwan Medical College and Hospital (Burdwan, Bengala Occidental, India). Caso clínico. Mujer de 58 años sana que consultó por un trastorno de la marcha con caídas. La exploración neurológica mostró una apariencia facial característica (mirada fija, ojos muy abiertos, ceño fruncido y expresión fija hemifacial inferior), e hipocinesia-rigidez simétrica de predominio axial (postura retrocólica del tronco y el cuello). La exploración de la marcha reveló un trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior, caracterizado por una significativa vacilación inicial, que precisaba ayuda de objetos/personas cercanos. Al iniciar la marcha, los pasos mejoraban relativamente, pero reaparecía una deambulación inefectiva al girar. Presentaba zancadas cortas, congelación, base amplia de sustentación, desequilibrio, movimiento lento de las piernas, arrastre de los pies, y pérdida de la cadencia normal del tronco y las extremidades. Los reflejos posturales estaban alterados. La resonancia magnética cerebral desveló atrofia mesencefálica, dilatación de acueducto de Silvio y III ventrículo, atrofia frontal bilateral y el signo típico del colibrí. Finalmente, la paciente fue diagnosticada de una PSP probable. Conclusiones. Varias etiologías, incluida la PSP, deben considerarse, en el contexto clínico apropiado, si la exploración de la deambulación demuestra un trastorno de la marcha del nivel superior.

Porphyrias: Uncommon disorders masquerading as common childhood diseases.

Porphyrias are a rare group of inborn errors of metabolism due to defects in the heme biosynthetic pathway. The biochemical hallmark is the overproduction of porphyrin precursors and porphyrin species. Afflicted patients present with a myriad of symptoms causing a diagnostic odyssey. Symptoms often overlap with those of common diseases and may be overlooked unless there is heightened clinical suspicion. We are reporting clinical features and diagnostic challenges in four pediatric patients having variegate porphyria, congenital erythropoietic porphyria, acute intermittent porphyria, and erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), who presented with diverse multisystem manifestations. This case series illustrates a logical analysis of symptoms and judicious selection of investigations and the role of genotyping in successfully diagnosing porphyrias.

Comparative study between GRA and MEREC technique on an agricultural-based MCGDM problem in pentagonal neutrosophic environment.

In this research article, an improved Multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) strategy has been developed in pentagonal neutrosophic environment incorporating grey relational analysis and method on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC) techniques to address the relative advantages and disadvantages of these aspects in MCGDM. The aim of the study is to improve MCGDM technique which can capture the underlying uncertainties in robust way and can produce consistent results in a more rigorous way. Here, the conception of Hamming distance between two pentagonal neutrosophic number (PNN)s is introduced and the weighted arithmetic and geometric averaging operators in PNN arena are deployed to craft our computational technique more progressive and robust. An agriculture-based numerical problem is illustrated to demonstrate the ranking results of the alternatives by both of the techniques. After evaluating the problem by two aggregation operators, it is found that "plantation crop" is the best alternative under certain circumstances. Lastly, the sensitivity investigation is performed which reveals that with the appliance of arithmetic and geometric aggregation operators the best ranked alternative preserves its position by both of the ranking methods, which definitely exhibit the consistency and robustness of our executed methodology.

Overview of diagnostics on a small-scale RF source for fusion (ROBIN) and the one planned for the diagnostic beam for ITER.

India is responsible for the supply of diagnostic neutral beam systems for ITER to diagnose its helium ash during the deuterium-tritium plasma phase using the charge exchange recombination spectroscopy technique. Considering the many first of its kind in terms of technologies and beam development aspects, ITER Indian domestic agency has adopted a strategy of developing the technology and beam experimentation in parallel. On the beam development front three test beds, namely, the ROBIN (Rf Operated Beam source in India for Negative ion research), the TWIN (TWo rf driver-based Indigenously built Negative ion source), and the INTF (INdian Test Facility) are presently in their various phases of operation, optimization, and setting up at IPR, respectively. Experiments related to plasma production, beam production, and acceleration up to 30 keV in volume and surface mode have been performed on ROBIN. The maximum negative hydrogen ion current density to a tune of 27 mA/cm2 is obtained in the surface mode with Cs injection. Optimal source performance requires optimal surface conditions, minimum impurities, careful characterization of the plasma, cesium feed and its redistribution, and optimal wall temperatures of the surfaces of the plasma box and the plasma grid. A combination of probe, optical, vacuum, laser based, electrical, and calorimetric diagnostic measurements enables such a control. At ROBIN, the above diagnostics are being used regularly. The operational and diagnostic experiences on ROBIN shall provide the desired experience and database for operations of TWIN and INTF in the coming years. A large number of conventional and advanced diagnostic techniques are used for plasma and beam characterization. These diagnostics are suitable not only to detect and understand the plasma but also for studies related to impurity evolution. The temporal evolution of impurities significantly impacts the plasma and beam properties. The studies help in establishing correlations between physical parameters and operational parameters to optimize the source performance ensuring adequate safety and investment protection. This paper will present a brief overview of various diagnostics implemented, lessons learned, and the results obtained from ROBIN. In addition, an outline of the diagnostics planned for INTF based on the experience and understandings developed during the present experiments on ROBIN and TWIN and considering the requirements of large systems shall be discussed.

Collisions between Ultracold Molecules and Atoms in a Magnetic Trap.

We prepare mixtures of ultracold CaF molecules and Rb atoms in a magnetic trap and study their inelastic collisions. When the atoms are prepared in the spin-stretched state and the molecules in the spin-stretched component of the first rotationally excited state, they collide inelastically with a rate coefficient k_{2}=(6.6±1.5)×10^{-11} cm^{3}/s at temperatures near 100 µK. We attribute this to rotation-changing collisions. When the molecules are in the ground rotational state we see no inelastic loss and set an upper bound on the spin-relaxation rate coefficient of k_{2}<5.8×10^{-12} cm^{3}/s with 95% confidence. We compare these measurements to the results of a single-channel loss model based on quantum defect theory. The comparison suggests a short-range loss parameter close to unity for rotationally excited molecules, but below 0.04 for molecules in the rotational ground state.

Melanoma-associated glycosyltransferase GCNT2 as an emerging biomarker and therapeutic target.

In metastatic melanoma, with a dismal survival rate and propensity for treatment resistance and recurrence, it is critical to establish biomarkers that better predict treatment response and disease severity. The melanoma glycome, composed of complex carbohydrates termed glycans, is an under-investigated area of research, although it is gaining momentum in the cancer biomarker and therapeutics field. Novel findings suggest that glycans play a major role in influencing melanoma progression and could be exploited for prognosticating metastatic activity and/or as therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the role of aberrant glycosylation, particularly the specialized function of ß1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 2 (GCNT2), in melanoma pathogenesis and summarize mechanisms of GCNT2 regulation to illuminate its potential as a predictive marker and therapeutic target.

Risk factors for early mortality in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to the emergency room.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mortality of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) admitted to emergency departments is high. This study was aimed at analysing the risk factors associated with early mortality and designing a risk score based on simple parameters. METHODS: This prospective case-control study enrolled patients admitted to the emergency department of a referral TB hospital. Clinical, radiological, biochemical and microbiological risk factors associated with death were compared among patients dying within one week from admission (cases) and those surviving (controls). RESULTS: Forty-nine of 250 patients (19.6%) experienced early mortality. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that oxygen saturation (SaO2) ≤90%, severe malnutrition, tachypnoea, tachycardia, hypotension, advanced disease at chest radiography, severe anaemia, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia and hypercapnia were independently and significantly associated with early mortality. A clinical scoring system was further designed to stratify the risk of death by selecting five simple parameters (SpO2 ≤ 90%, tachypnoea, hypotension, advanced disease at chest radiography and tachycardia). This model predicted early mortality with a positive predictive value of 94.88% and a negative predictive value of 19.90%. CONCLUSIONS: The scoring system based on simple parameters may help to refer severely ill patients early to a higher level to reduce mortality, improve success rates, minimise the need for pulmonary rehabilitation and prevent post-treatment sequelae.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella: a potential anticancer agent.

Use of bacteria in cancer therapy, despite being considered as a potent strategy, has not really picked up the way other methods of cancer therapies have evolved. However, in recent years, the interest on use of bacteria to kill cancer cells has renewed considerably. The standard and widely followed strategies of cancer treatment often fail either due to the complexity of tumour biology or because of the accompanying side effects. In contrast, these limitations can be easily overcome in a bacteria-mediated approach. Salmonella is a bacterium, which is known for its ability to colonize solid or semisolid tumours more efficiently than any other bacteria. Among more than 2500 serovars of Salmonella, S. Typhimurium has been widely studied for its antagonistic effects on cancer cells. Here in, we review the current status of the preclinical and the clinical studies with a focus on the mechanisms that attribute the anticancer properties to nontyphoidal Salmonella.

Seasonal fluctuation in three mode of greenhouse gases emission in relation to soil labile carbon pools in degraded mangrove, Sundarban, India.

Tropical mangrove represents one of the most threatened ecosystems despite their huge contribution to ecosystem services, carbon (C) sequestration and climate change mitigation. Understanding the system in light of seasonal fluctuations on greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions due to human interferences and the tidal effect is important for devising site-specific real-time climate change mitigation strategies. In order to capture the seasonal variations, the three modes of transport of GHGs through pneumatophore, ebullition as bubbles and water-soluble diffusion was quantified. The three unique techniques for the gas collection were used to estimate the GHGs [methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2)] emission, at three degraded-mangrove sites in Sundarban, India. We identified three degraded mangrove ecologies based on the remote sensing data of 1930 and 2013 (mangrove-covered area in Sundarban; 2387, 2136 km2, respectively). Samples were collected and analyzed for four seasons [winter (November-January), summer (February-April), pre-monsoon (May-June) and monsoon (July-October)], at three representative sites (Sadhupur, Dayapur, and Pakhiralaya). Monsoonal CH4 and CO2 fluxes (0.353 ± 0.026 and 64.5 ± 6.1 mmol m-2 d-1, respectively) were higher than winter and summer. However, the soil labile C pools showed the opposite trend i.e. more in summer followed by winter and monsoon. In contrast, the N2O fluxes were more during summer (54.2 ± 3.2 µmol m-2 d-1). The stagnant water had higher dissolved GHGs concentration compared to tidewater due to less salinity and a long time of stagnation. The mode of transport of GHGs through pneumatophore, ebullition, and water-soluble diffusion was also significantly varied with seasons, soil­carbon status and tidewater intrusion. Therefore, seasonal fluctuations of GHGs emission and tidal effect must be considered along with soil labile C pools for GHG-C budgeting and climate change mitigation in the mangrove ecosystem.

Quantification of atomic hydrogen anion density in a permanent magnet based helicon ion source (HELEN) by using pulsed ring down spectroscopy.

In the present work, a permanent magnet-based helicon plasma source (HELEN) is characterized as a negative ion source. A noninvasive diagnostic technique based on cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) is developed to measure the line-integrated negative hydrogen ion (H-) density in HELEN. This paper discusses the experimental results in which negative hydrogen ion density is measured for different magnetic field, pressure, and RF (13.56 MHz) power configurations. It is observed that in high power range (800-850 W), the source is operating in helicon wave heating mode with a background plasma density of ∼1018 m-3 and electron temperature of ∼2 eV. Negative hydrogen ion density is measured by CRDS method and also by optical emission spectroscopic technique. The measured negative ion density is in the range of ∼1016 m-3 under volume mode operational condition even without any use of standard magnetic filter or cesium seeding in the downstream region. The influence of pressure variation (pressure range from 4 × 10-3 mbar to 4 × 10-2 mbar) on negative ion density production is not significant, except for a particular axial magnetic field configuration (55 G) and at 8 × 10-3 mbar pressure, where ∼34% hike is observed.

A virome from ornamental flowers in an Australian rural town.

Samples of leaves exhibiting symptoms resembling those caused by virus infection were collected from ornamental street flowers in a rural town in Western Australia. Thirty-seven leaf samples were collected from plants of iris, tulip, lily, daffodil, stock and grape hyacinth. Shotgun sequencing of cDNA derived from leaf samples was done, and analysis showed that about 6% of the sequences obtained were of viral origin. Assembly of virus-like sequences revealed complete or partial genome sequences of 13 virus isolates representing 11 virus species. Eight of the isolates were of potyviruses, one was of a macluravirus, three were of potexviruses, and one was of a bunya-like virus. The complete genome of an isolate originally classified as ornithogalum mosaic virus was genetically divergent and differed in polyprotein cleavage motifs, and we propose that this isolate represents a distinct species. The implications of importing to Australia live plant propagules infected with viruses are discussed.

Identification of a novel cluster of PCV2 isolates from Meghalaya, India indicates possible recombination along with changes in capsid protein.

Documentation of the emergence of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection and economic losses incurred due to high mortality has been reported worldwide. The prevalence and genetic diversity of the virus has been reported in Northeast India including the possible chances of Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) vaccine failure in pig population in this region resulting in major disease outbreak. Irrespective of the genetic variability, the emergence of a novel cluster (based on the ORF2 phylogeny) was reported last year. The present study describes a state-wide (Meghalaya, India) molecular epidemiological investigation of PCV2 strains in pig population by amplification, sequencing and undertaking phylogenetic analyses. The results indicate the identification of a novel cluster of PCV2 originating from the inter-genotypic recombination between PCV2c and PCV2d. Multiple sequence alignment of amino acids indicates possible substitution in the A, B and C domains of the capsid protein. Molecular structural modelling of the capsid protein of PCV2 indicated possible motif variations in the secondary structure including presence of a tunnel, encountered at the interface region on each chain facilitating in transportation of molecules and acting as an active site for attachment and penetration. The baseline data strengthens the existing control programme of PCV2 and is possibly helpful in the planning of active surveillance strategy in this region.

Activation of RyR2 by class I kinase inhibitors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Kinase inhibitors are a common treatment for cancer. Class I kinase inhibitors that target the ATP-binding pocket are particularly prevalent. Many of these compounds are cardiotoxic and can cause arrhythmias. Spontaneous release of Ca2+ via cardiac ryanodine receptors (RyR2), through a process termed store overload-induced Ca2+ release (SOICR), is a common mechanism underlying arrhythmia. We explored whether class I kinase inhibitors could modify the activity of RyR2 and trigger SOICR to determine if this contributes to the cardiotoxic nature of these compounds. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The impact of class I and II kinase inhibitors on SOICR was studied in HEK293 cells and ventricular myocytes using single-cell Ca2+ imaging. A specific effect on RyR2 was confirmed using single channel recordings. Ventricular myocytes were also used to determine if drug-induced changes in SOICR could be reversed using anti-SOICR agents. KEY RESULTS: Class I kinase inhibitors increased the propensity of SOICR. Single channel recording showed that this was due to a specific effect on RyR2. Class II kinase inhibitors decreased the activity of RyR2 at the single channel level but had little effect on SOICR. The promotion of SOICR mediated by class I kinase inhibitors could be reversed using the anti-SOICR agent VK-II-86. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Part of the cardiotoxicity of class I kinase inhibitors can be assigned to their effect on RyR2 and increase in SOICR. Compounds with anti-SOICR activity may represent an improved treatment option for patients.

Assessment of trace metal contamination of wetland sediments from eastern and western coastal region of India dominated with mangrove forest.

Ecosystem and biodiversity of India's coastal areas dominated with mangrove forest have been threatened by growing anthropogenic activities. The present work aims to investigate the contamination of wetland sediments with trace elements and assess the sediment quality at different sampling locations in eastern and western costal region dominated with mangrove forest. The longitudinal profile of trace elements in sediments from different sampling locations analyzed by employing Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer shows variations in distribution of elements like Al, Si, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb. The enrichment factor (EF) and Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) values suggested depletion of clay minerals and enrichment of heavy metals like Cr, Cu Fe and Mn. Depending on the variations in Igeo values, the elements are put into Igeo Class 0 to 3 levels of contamination. Contamination factor (Cf) and pollution load index (PLI) suggested deterioration of sediments analyzed in the present study. Assessment of ecological risk potential of elements suggests that few elements (Cr and Cu) are moderately contaminated and may cause environmental stress on the exposed flora and fauna.

Detection of classical swine fever virus E2 gene in cattle serum samples from cattle herds of Meghalaya.

The present study focused on the detection and genetic characterisation of 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) and E2 gene of classical swine fever virus (CSFV, family Flaviviridae, genus Pestivirus) from bovine population of the northeastern region of India. A total of 134 cattle serum samples were collected from organised cattle farms and were screened for CSFV antigen with a commercial antigen capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 10 samples were positive for CSFV antigen by ELISA, while all of them were positive in PCR for 5'UTR region. Full length E2 region of CSFV were successfully amplified from two positive samples and used for subsequent phylogenetic analysis and determination of protein 3D structure which showed similarity with reported CSFV isolate from Assam of sub-genogroup 2.1, with minor variations in protein structure.