Acceleration and transport of relativistic electrons in the jets of the microquasar SS 433

SS 433 is a microquasar, a stellar binary system that launches collimated relativistic jets. We observed SS 433 in gamma rays using the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) and found an energy-dependent shift in the apparent position of the gamma-ray emission from the parsec-scale jets. These observations trace the energetic electron population and indicate that inverse Compton scattering is the emission mechanism of the gamma rays. Our modeling of the energy-dependent gamma-ray morphology constrains the location of particle acceleration and requires an abrupt deceleration of the jet flow. We infer the presence of shocks on either side of the binary system, at distances of 25 to 30 parsecs, and that self-collimation of the precessing jets forms the shocks, which then efficiently accelerate electrons.

Antimicrobial to anti-herbivore: Sakuranetin in rice efficiently inhibits brown planthopper by targeting their beneficial endosymbionts

In rice, biosynthesis of specialized metabolites active against insect herbivores is elusive. The major known defense metabolites in rice against the destructive phloem-sucking herbivore brown planthoppers (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens) are proteinase inhibitors, phenolamides and some terpenes (Xiao et al., 2012), which are induced during the invasion. Specifically, phenolamides were found to be induced upon herbivory with different feeding guild, including chewing and phloem-sucking, but could only provide defense against phloem-sucking BPH, though the clear mode of action of phenolamides has not been explored yet. Moreover, the jasmonic acid-mediated modulation of biosynthesis of these specialized metabolites in rice is not elucidated yet. However, a recent study by Liu et al. (2023) demonstrated that sakuranetin, a phytoalexin in rice, was induced upon BPH invasion and showed significant detrimental effect on herbivore's performance by targeting their beneficial endosymbionts. This is the first report on a strong bioactive anti-herbivore molecule observed in rice with an unusual mode of action. In this article, a view has been presented on this work, its impact and exceptionality.

Monoclonal antibody and protein therapeutic formulations for subcutaneous delivery: high-concentration, low-volume vs. low-concentration, high-volume

Biologic drugs are used to treat a variety of cancers and chronic diseases. While most of these treatments are administered intravenously by trained healthcare professionals, a noticeable trend has emerged favoring subcutaneous (SC) administration. SC administration of biologics poses several challenges. Biologic drugs often require higher doses for optimal efficacy, surpassing the low volume capacity of traditional SC delivery methods like autoinjectors. Consequently, high concentrations of active ingredients are needed, creating time-consuming formulation obstacles. Alternatives to traditional SC delivery systems are therefore needed to support higher-volume biologic formulations and to reduce development time and other risks associated with high-concentration biologic formulations. Here, we outline key considerations for SC biologic drug formulations and delivery and explore a paradigm shift: the flexibility afforded by low-to-moderate-concentration drugs in high-volume formulations as an alternative to the traditionally difficult approach of high-concentration, low-volume SC formulation delivery.

Molecular mechanisms of Piriformospora indica mediated growth promotion in plants

Piriformospora indica is a root endophyte having a vast host range in plants. Plant growth promotion is a hallmark of the symbiotic interaction of P. indica with its hosts. As a plant growth-promoting microorganism, it is important to know the mechanisms involved in growth induction. Hitherto, multiple reports have demonstrated various molecular mechanisms of P. indica-mediated growth promotion, including protein kinase-mediated pathway, enhanced nutrient uptake and polyamine-mediated growth phytohormone elevation. Here, we briefly present a discussion on the state-of-the-art molecular mechanisms of P. indica-mediated growth promotion in host plants, in order to obtain a future prospect on utilization of this microorganism for sustainable agriculture.

Gap Statistics for Confined Particles with Power-Law Interactions

We consider the N particle classical Riesz gas confined in a one-dimensional external harmonic potential with power-law interaction of the form 1/r^{k}, where r is the separation between particles. As special limits it contains several systems such as Dyson's log-gas (k→0^{+}), the Calogero-Moser model (k=2), the 1D one-component plasma (k=-1), and the hard-rod gas (k→∞). Despite its growing importance, only large-N field theory and average density profile are known for general k. In this Letter, we study the fluctuations in the system by looking at the statistics of the gap between successive particles. This quantity is analogous to the well-known level-spacing statistics which is ubiquitous in several branches of physics. We show that the variance goes as N^{-b_{k}} and we find the k dependence of b_{k} via direct Monte Carlo simulations. We provide supporting arguments based on microscopic Hessian calculation and a quadratic field theory approach. We compute the gap distribution and study its system size scaling. Except in the range -1<k<0, we find scaling for all k>-2 with both Gaussian and non-Gaussian scaling forms.

Piriformospora indica recruits host-derived putrescine for growth promotion in plants

Growth promotion induced by the endosymbiont Piriformospora indica has been observed in various plants; however, except growth phytohormones, specific functional metabolites involved in P. indica-mediated growth promotion are unknown. Here, we used a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolite analysis to identify tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) metabolites whose levels were altered during P. indica-mediated growth promotion. Metabolomic multivariate analysis revealed several primary metabolites with altered levels, with putrescine (Put) induced most significantly in roots during the interaction. Further, our results indicated that P. indica modulates the arginine decarboxylase (ADC)-mediated Put biosynthesis pathway via induction of SlADC1 in tomato. Piriformospora indica did not promote growth in Sladc1-(virus-induced gene silencing of SlADC1) lines of tomato and showed less colonization. Furthermore, using LC-MS/MS we showed that Put promoted growth by elevation of auxin (indole-3-acetic acid) and gibberellin (GA4 and GA7) levels in tomato. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) adc knockout mutants, P. indica colonization also decreased and showed no plant growth promotion, and this response was rescued upon exogenous application of Put. Put is also important for hyphal growth of P. indica, indicating that it is co-adapted by both host and microbe. Taken together, we conclude that Put is an essential metabolite and its biosynthesis in plants is crucial for P. indica-mediated plant growth promotion and fungal growth.

National prevalence and outcomes of coronary chronic total occlusion revascularization in patients with congestive heart failure

Background

There is limited data on the prevalence and outcomes of coronary artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization in patients with congestive heart failure.

Purpose

Our goal is to study the prevalence and outcomes of CTO revascularization in terms of in-hospital mortality, re-admission rate, and complications in patients stratified by their heart failure status.

Methods

Patients with CTO who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included for the years 2010 - 2018 from the national readmission database. We compared the national trends, prevalence and outcomes of CTO revascularization in patients with no heart failure, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) using one-way ANOVA and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 166,244 (69±11 years, 26% women) patients with coronary CTO who underwent PCI were identified. Of these, 131,664 (79%) patients had no clinical diagnosis of HF, while 26,612 (16%) patients had HFpEF, and 7,968 (5%) patients had HFrEF. Majority of patients with HFpEF and HFrEF had a moderate to high Elixhauser comorbidity score, while those with no HF had mostly low to moderate score (p&lt;0.001). We observed a steady decrease in annual CTO revascularization from a total of 24,708 in 2010 to 13,505 in 2018. However, the percentage of CTO revascularization in patients with HFrEF has increased during this period from 2% in 2010 to 8% in 2018. Interestingly, patients with HFpEF had higher rates of cardiac arrest (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.2; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.8–2.7, p&lt;0.001), ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (OR 3.7; 95% CI 3.4–4.0, p&lt;0.001), use of mechanical support (OR 5.5; 95% CI 4.9–6.2, p&lt;0.001), and death during admission (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.8–2.7, p&lt;0.001) than those with no HF and with HFrEF. Similarly, patients with HFpEF had higher rates of intensive care unit admission (9%), than those with HFrEF (5%), and no HF (2%) (p&lt;0.001). Readmission rates were similar across all three groups (0.5–0.7%, p=0.06). The median cost of hospitalization was significantly higher in the HFpEF group compared to the other groups ($98,366, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

In this cohort of patients, we observed an overall annual decline in CTO revascularization over the 8-year study period. Despite this decline, we observed an increase in CTO revascularization in patient with HFrEF. Interestingly, patients with HFpEF had elevated in hospital mortality and higher rates of cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmias, mechanical circulatory support, and admission to the cardiac care unit than those with no HF, or those with HFrEF. Despite their persevered ejection fraction, our findings suggest that CTO revascularization in with patients with HFpEF carry a significant risk, thus risks versus benefits in this group of patients should be weighed considerably before attempting revascularization.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Active microrheology using pulsed optical tweezers to probe viscoelasticity of lamin A

Lamins are nucleoskeletal proteins of mammalian cells that stabilize the structure and maintain the rigidity of the nucleus. These type V intermediate filament proteins which are predominantly of A and B types provide necessary tensile strength to the nucleus. Single amino acid missense mutations occurring all over the lamin A protein form a cluster of human diseases termed as laminopathies, most of which principally affect the muscle and cardiac tissues responsible for load bearing functionalities of the body. One such mutation is A350P which causes dilated cardiomyopathy in patients. It is postulated that a change from alanine to proline in the α-helical coiled-coil forming 2B rod domain of the protein might severely disrupt the propensity of the filaments to polymerise into functional higher order structures required to form a fully functional lamina with its characteristic elasticity. In this study, we have elucidated for the very first time, the application of active microrheology employing oscillating optical tweezers to investigate any alterations in the viscoelastic parameters of the mutant protein meshwork in vitro, which might translate into possible changes in nuclear plasticity. We confirmed our findings from this robust yet fast method by imaging both the wild type and mutant lamin A networks using a super resolution microscope, and observed changes in the mesh size which corroborate our measured changes in the viscoelastic parameters of the lamins. This method could thus be extended to conduct microrheological measurements on any intermediate filament protein thus bearing significant implications in laminopathies and other diseases associated with intermediate filaments.

Origin, genetic diversity and evolution of Andaman local duck, a native duck germplasm of an insular region of India

Domestic ducks are of paramount importance as a cheap source of protein in rural India. Andaman local duck (ALD) is an indigenous avian genetic resource of Andaman and Nicobar islands (ANI) and is mainly distributed in Middle and Northern parts of these islands. Negligence has brought this breed on the edge of extinction necessitating immediate conservation efforts. Here, we report the genetic diversity, population structure and matrilineal genetic root of ALD. Partial mtDNA D-loop sequences were analyzed in 71 ALD samples and analysis revealed 19 polymorphic sites and 13 haplotypes. Estimated haplotype (Hd ± SD) and nucleotide diversity (π ± SD) were 0.881 ± 0.017 and 0.00897 ± 0.00078 respectively. The high genetic diversity of ALD indicates introgression of genetic material from other local duck breeds. In addition, it can be postulated that ALD bearing high genetic diversity has strong ability to adapt to environmental changes and can withstand impending climate change. Phylogenetic and network analysis indicate that ALD falls under Eurasian clade of mallard and ALD forms three clusters; one cluster is phylogenetically close to Southeast Asian countries, one close to Southern part of mainland India and the third one forms an independent cluster. Therefore, ALD might have migrated either from Southeast Asian countries which enjoy a close cultural bondage with ANI from time immemorial or from Southern part of India. The independent cluster may have evolved locally in these islands and natural selection pressure imposed by environmental conditions might be the driving force for evaluation of these duck haplotypes; which mimics Darwin’s theory of natural selection. The results of the study will be beneficial for formulating future breeding programme and conservation strategy towards sustainable development of the duck breed.

Role of seminal MDA, ROS, and antioxidants in cryopreservation and their kinetics under the influence of ejaculatory abstinence in bovine semen

Despite many cryopreservation techniques in bovine semen, various stressors' detrimental effects remain a significant issue. The present study targeted to assess the role of semen quality parameters, sperm function tests, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and different antioxidants in the cryopreservation of bovine semen. Further, the kinetics of lipid peroxidation, ROS, and antioxidants on repeated semen collection under short ejaculatory abstinence were studied. We designed a comparative study where bulls were grouped into good and low freezable semen groups (Freeze-groups) based on their post-thaw motility. All the bulls included had similar initial motility and qualified minimum standards for initial semen parameters viz. semen volume and sperm concentration. The present study detected a higher lipid peroxidation and ROS viz. superoxide anions (•O2-) and a lower total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the low freeze-group compared to the good freeze-group. The ROS and antioxidants showed unique kinetics on repeated semen collection at short intervals, and no significant change was detected in semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm concentration. This study detected higher head abnormalities and poor acrosome integrity in the low freeze-groups. The present study results indicated that the sperm head might be the most vulnerable part of the sperm to cryopreservation stress. The present study finds significantly higher lipid peroxidation and ROS levels and reduced antioxidant capacity as the primary reasons for low cryopreservability. Further, repeated semen collection with a shorter or lack of abstinence does not impose any significant change in the semen volume and sperm concentration; moreover, it could be beneficial for higher antioxidant levels and lower lipid peroxidation levels. As seminal plasma has both inhibitory and stimulatory roles in sperm function and cryopreservation, identifying the critical role players of seminal plasma and identifying sperm related changes in cryopreservation could predict the cryopreservability potential of semen.

Development of a position-sensitive fast scintillator (LaBr3(Ce)) detector setup for gamma-ray imaging application

We have characterized a Cerium doped Lanthanum Bromide (LaBr3(Ce) ) crystal coupled with the position-sensitive photo-multiplier system for the gamma-ray imaging application. One can use this detector set-up for the scanning of high purity germanium detectors for pulse shape analysis in gamma-ray spectroscopy experiments and the image formation of an object by Compton back-scattering . The sensor has been tested for energy, timing and position information of the gamma-rays interacting within the detector crystal. The GEANT4 simulation results are consistent with the experimental results. We have reconstructed the image of irradiation spots in different positions throughout the detector crystal. Position resolution is found to be around 3.5 mm with the 2 mm collimated gamma-rays. The 2-d image of hexagonal Bismuth Germanate (BGO) crystal and a cylindrical LaBr3(Ce) crystal have been reconstructed in coincidence technique. The performance of the detector for imaging application has been investigated by coincidence technique in GEANT4 simulation and compared with the experimental data. We have reconstructed the 2-d images of objects with various geometrical shapes by Compton back-scattered events of the gamma-rays. This position-sensitive detector can be used as an absorber of a Compton camera for the image reconstruction of an extended radioactive source. One can also use this kind of set-up as in radiation imaging and many other applications where the energy and source position of the gamma-ray is the main interest.

Calcium channel CNGC19 mediates basal defense signaling to regulate colonization by Piriformospora indica in Arabidopsis roots

The activation of calcium signaling is a crucial event for perceiving environmental stress. Colonization by Piriformospora indica, a growth-promoting root endosymbiont, activates cytosolic Ca2+ in Arabidopsis roots. In this study, we examined the role and functional relevance of calcium channels responsible for Ca2+ fluxes. Expression profiling revealed that CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE GATED CHANNEL 19 (CNGC19) is an early-activated gene, induced by unidentified components in P. indica cell-wall extract. Functional analysis showed that loss-of-function of CNGC19 resulted in growth inhibition by P.indica, due to increased colonization and loss of controlled fungal growth. The cngc19 mutant showed reduced elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ in response to P. indica cell-wall extract in comparison to the wild-type. Microbe-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity was compromised in the cngc19 lines, as evidenced by unaltered callose deposition, reduced cis-(+)-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, jasmonate, and jasmonoyl isoleucine levels, and down-regulation of jasmonate and other defense-related genes, which contributed to a shift towards a pathogenic response. Loss-of-function of CNGC19 resulted in an inability to modulate indole glucosinolate content during P. indica colonization. CNGC19-mediated basal immunity was dependent on the AtPep receptor, PEPR. CNGC19 was also crucial for P. indica-mediated suppression of AtPep-induced immunity. Our results thus demonstrate that Arabidopsis CNGC19 is an important Ca2+ channel that maintains a robust innate immunity and is crucial for growth-promotion signaling upon colonization by P. indica.

Tracing the genetic root of Trinket cattle: an endangered cattle population of a small isolated island of Nicobar group of islands

Trinket cattle are the inhabitant of a small island called Trinket, which is one of the picturesque islands of Andaman. This herd is thought to be of Danish leftover during their dynasty in Nicobar archipelago. When the island was abandoned by foreign invaders, indigenes utilized the animals for the purpose of meat. As a result, the cattle became semi-feral in nature. After the Great Sumatra earthquake and tsunami of Indian Ocean in 2004, Trinket island was left abandoned by indigenes and the cattle became totally feral in nature. To trace the genetic root of the cattle, this study has been undertaken based on the sequence information of the mitochondrial D-loop and cytochrome b gene. The genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples of the Trinket cattle and was used for amplification of mitochondrial markers, and the sequence information was generated by Sanger sequencing. The analysis of sequence information revealed that the Trinket cattle belongs to Bos indicus (I) haplotype, sub-haplotype I2. The presence of I2 sub-haplotype in Trinket cattle may be due to the expansion of this I2 haplotype towards Southeast Asian countries. This is a novel input for the formulation of breeding strategy towards conservation of eco-friendly sustainable livestock in the isolated island ecosystem.

Complete mitogenome sequencing of Andaman buffalo: an endangered germplasm of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Andaman buffalo is an indigenous buffalo of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Over the last decade, it has witnessed a rapid decline in population, necessitating its immediate characterization and conservation. The present study reports the complete mitogenome profile of Andaman buffalo which is 16,359 bp in length and comprised of 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs and two ribosomal RNAs. In addition, one A + T rich region (D-loop) was also present. A biasness towards A and T base was observed in all the genes. All the PCGs except ND6 were present on heavy strand. Start codons for all the 13 PCGs were ATN codon and abbreviated/truncated stop codons were observed in ND1, ND2, COX3, ND3 and ND4. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Andaman buffalo is closely related to buffalo from India and China. The results from this study will help in sketching the conservation plan of the threatened breed.

Harmonically Confined Particles with Long-Range Repulsive Interactions

We study an interacting system of N classical particles on a line at thermal equilibrium. The particles are confined by a harmonic trap and repel each other via pairwise interaction potential that behaves as a power law ∝∑[under i≠j][over N]|x_{i}-x_{j}|^{-k} (with k>-2) of their mutual distance. This is a generalization of the well-known cases of the one-component plasma (k=-1), Dyson's log gas (k→0^{+}), and the Calogero-Moser model (k=2). Because of the competition between harmonic confinement and pairwise repulsion, the particles spread over a finite region of space for all k>-2. We compute exactly the average density profile for large N for all k>-2 and show that while it is independent of temperature for sufficiently low temperature, it has a rich and nontrivial dependence on k with distinct behavior for -2<k<1, k>1 and k=1.

Mitochondrial landscape of indigenous pig germplasm of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Nicobari pig and Andaman Desi pig are indigenous pig germplasm of Andaman and Nicobar islands, India. Over the last two decades, the pig breeds witnessed a rapid decline in population, necessitating immediate characterization and conservation. The present study depicts the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Nicobari pig and Andaman Desi pig. The mitogenomes of both the breeds encode 37 genes including 13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and two ribosomal RNA genes. In addition, a control region (D-loop) was also present. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Nicobari is phylogenetically close to Banna mini and Breed I pig, whereas Andaman Desi pig is close to Mong cai and Jinhua pig breeds. The results of the study will be helpful for formulating of conservation strategy of the native swine breeds.

Chlorogenic acid-mediated chemical defence of plants against insect herbivores

Chlorogenic acid is one of the most abundant beneficial polyphenols in plants and is well known as a nutritional antioxidant in plant-based foods. Apart from its dietary antioxidant activity, it has been proved to be an efficient defence molecule against a broad range of insect herbivores. In the last two decades, several reports have shown the effectiveness of chlorogenic acid in insect growth deterrence. The pathway for chlorogenic acid biosynthesis in plants was previously elucidated, and metabolic engineering of the principal pathway showed high chlorogenic acid production in tomato plants. Herbivore-mediated induction of chlorogenic acid biosynthesis was also demonstrated both at metabolite and transcript level, although herbivore-mediated molecular regulation of chlorogenic acid biosynthesis is not yet fully elucidated. In this communication, we present our views on the efficacy of chlorogenic acid as an anti-herbivore defence molecule in plants and also discuss its future outlook.

GhSTOP1, a C2H2 type zinc finger transcription factor is essential for aluminum and proton stress tolerance and lateral root initiation in cotton

Aluminum (Al) and proton (H⁺ ) ions are major acid soil stress factors deleteriously affecting plant root growth and crop yield. In our preliminary studies, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings displayed very sensitive phenotypes to Al and H⁺ rhizotoxicities. Based on previous Arabidopsis results, we aimed to characterise the Al stress responsive Sensitive to Proton rhizotoxicity 1 (GhSTOP1) transcription system in cotton using RNAi-mediated down-regulation. With the help of seed embryo apex explants, we developed transgenic cotton plants overexpressing a GhSTOP1-RNAi cassette with NPTII selection. Kanamycin-tolerant T1 seedlings were further considered for Al and H⁺ stress tolerance studies. Down-regulation of the GhSTOP1 increased sensitivity to Al and proton rhizotoxicities, and root growth was significantly reduced in RNAi lines. The expression profile of GhALMT1 (Aluminum-activated Malate Transporter 1), GhMATE (Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion), GhALS3 (Aluminium Sensitive 3) and key genes involved in the GABA shunt were down-regulated in the transgenic RNAi lines. Additionally, the lateral root initiation process was delayed and expression of GhNAC1, which is involved in lateral roots, was also suppressed in transgenic lines. Besides, overexpression of GhSTOP1 in Arabidopsis accelerated root growth and AtMATE and AtALMT1 expression under Al stress conditions. These analyses indicate that GhSTOP1 is essential for the expression of several genes which are necessary for acid soil tolerance mechanisms and lateral root initiation.

Design and assessment of stimulation parameters for a novel peripheral nerve interface

Bi-directional interfaces for peripheral nerve stimulation and recording aim to improve control and acceptance of sensorized prosthetic limbs. The implantable multimodal peripheral recording and stimulation system (IMPRESS) is an intraneural interface technology supporting a high-density transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (hd-TIME). Herein we report on in vivo selectivity studies using a passive hd-TIME, and computational modeling towards optimal stimulation parameters for fiber recruitment.

Spodoptera litura-mediated chemical defense is differentially modulated in older and younger systemic leaves of Solanum lycopersicum

Metabolite profiling, biochemical assays, and transcript analysis revealed differential modulation of specific induced defense responses in local, older, and younger systemic leaves in Solanum lycopersicum upon Spodoptera litura herbivory. Plants reconfigure their metabolome upon herbivory to induce production of defense metabolites involved in both direct and indirect defenses against insect herbivores. Herbivory mediated leaf-to-leaf systemic induction pattern of primary and non-volatile secondary metabolites is not well studied in tomato. Here, we show that, in cultivated tomato Solanum lycopersicum herbivory by generalist insect, Spodoptera litura results in differential alteration of primary metabolites, majorly sugars and amino acids and specific secondary metabolites in local, younger, and older systemic leaves. Cluster analysis of 55 metabolites identified by GC-MS showed correlation between local and younger systemic leaves. Re-allocation of primary metabolites like glucose and amino acids from the local to systemic leaf was observed. Secondary metabolites chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and catechin were significantly induced during herbivory in systemic leaves. Among specific secondary metabolites, chlorogenic acid and catechin significantly inhibits S. litura larval growth in all stages. Local leaf exhibited increased lignin accumulation upon herbivory. Differential alteration of induced defense responses like reactive oxygen species, polyphenol oxidase activity, proteinase inhibitor, cell wall metabolites, and lignin accumulation was observed in systemic leaves. The metabolite alteration also resulted in increased defense in systemic leaves. Thus, comparative analysis of metabolites in local and systemic leaves of tomato revealed a constant re-allocation of primary metabolites to systemic leaves and differential induction of secondary metabolites and induced defenses upon herbivory.

Effect of Asymmetric, Charge Balanced Stimuli on Elicited Compound Neural Action Potentials

Whether via cuff or intrafascicular electrode, peripheral neural stimulations often rely on symmetric, charge balanced paradigms. To date, few investigations have been carried out which systematically decompose the features of a stimulus waveform. Factors such as pulse-width, amplitude, and the timing with which they are presented may have significant effects on the quality of the stimuli. This work seeks to fill this gap in knowledge and share insight into how selection of electrical stimuli may affect the resultant neural activation in peripheral nerves. In particular, we found that, although there is some variance, over the parameter range tested there was not a significant effect on neural fiber recruitment percent due to waveform selection.

Vanillin biosynthetic pathways in plants

The present review compiles the up-to-date knowledge on vanillin biosynthesis in plant systems to focus principally on the enzymatic reactions of in planta vanillin biosynthetic pathway and to find out its impact and prospect in future research in this field. Vanillin, a very popular flavouring compound, is widely used throughout the world. The principal natural resource of vanillin is the cured vanilla pods. Due to the high demand of vanillin as a flavouring agent, it is necessary to explore its biosynthetic enzymes and genes, so that improvement in its commercial production can be achieved through metabolic engineering. In spite of significant advancement in elucidating vanillin biosynthetic pathway in the last two decades, no conclusive demonstration had been reported yet for plant system. Several biosynthetic enzymes have been worked upon but divergences in published reports, particularly in characterizing the crucial biochemical steps of vanillin biosynthesis, such as side-chain shortening, methylation, and glucoside formation and have created a space for discussion. Recently, published reviews on vanillin biosynthesis have focused mainly on the biotechnological approaches and bioconversion in microbial systems. This review, however, aims to compile in brief the overall vanillin biosynthetic route and present a comparative as well as comprehensive description of enzymes involved in the pathway in Vanilla planifolia and other plants. Special emphasis has been given on the key enzymatic biochemical reactions that have been investigated extensively. Finally, the present standpoint and future prospects have been highlighted.

Generation and application of LET calibration curve for neutron dosimetry using CR-39 detector and microwave induced chemical etching

Microwave induced chemical etching (MICE) has been established as a faster and improved technique compared to other contemporary etching techniques for the development of tracks in a CR-39 detector. However, the methodology could not be applied for LET (linear energy transfer) spectrometry due to lack of a calibration curve using this method. For this purpose, a new LET calibration curve in the range of 12 keV/μm-799 keV/μm was generated considering different ions such as H, Li, C, O, and F on CR-39 having different LETs in water. An empirical relation was established from the obtained calibration curve for determining the value of LET (in water) from the value of V, the ratio of track etch rate to bulk etch rate. For application of this calibration curve in neutron dosimetry, CR-39 detectors were irradiated to neutrons generated from 120 and 142 MeV ¹⁶O+²⁷Al systems followed by a similar MICE procedure. The absorbed dose (D_LET) and the dose equivalent (H_LET) were obtained from the LET spectra and were found to be 13% and 10% higher for 142 MeV ¹⁶O+²⁷Al system than those for 120 MeV ¹⁶O+²⁷Al system, respectively. The outcome of the study demonstrates the possibility of using the MICE technique for neutron dose estimation by CR-39 via LET spectrometry.

Use of transcutaneous ultrasonography to characterize ovarian status, size distribution, and hierarchical status of follicles in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the ovarian status of matured breeding female Japanese quail by means of B Mode portable ultrasound scanning. Active ovaries in various stages of hierarchical development and different morphological structure were observed. The large yellow follicles appeared as a cluster of dark circles with various intensity of hyperechoic concentric ring. Sonographically, these follicles were classified into F1, F2, and F3 measuring 16.20 ± 0.06 mm, 12.48 ± 0.09 mm, and 7.95 ± 0.16 mm, respectively. A comparative study on preslaughter and postslaughter ovarian follicular status revealed accuracy of follicles less than 10 mm, 10-15 mm, 15-18 mm, and greater than 18 mm as 26.31%, 78.9%, 93.75%, and 100%, respectively, with an overall accuracy of 71%. This is the first report on the application of transcutaneous ultrasonographic technique to monitor ovarian status on Japanese quail reporting that the ovarian follicular activity and morphological structure can be monitored nonintrusively throughout quail life which can used as model for reproductive and biomedical research.

Caudal anesthesia in a patient with peritonitis: Is it safe??

Neuraxial anesthesia combined with general anesthesia has become a widely accepted method of providing effective postoperative analgesia and decreasing intraoperative anesthetic needs in the pediatric population. In clinical practice, there still appears to be hesitancy for the use of a neuraxial technique (spinal or epidural) in patients at risk for bacteremia or with an on-going systemic infection. However, evidence-based medicine lacks any data to support an increase in the risk of infectious complications following neuraxial anesthesia. We present two pediatric patients with intra-abdominal infectious processes who received caudal epidural blockade for postoperative operative analgesia. The use of neuraxial techniques in patients at risk for bacteremia is reviewed, evidence-based medicine regarding the risks of infection discussed, and the potential favorable effects of neuraxial blockade on the neurohumoral response to sepsis and the systemic inflammatory responses presented.

Energy versus information based estimations of dissipation using a pair of magnetic colloidal particles

Using the framework of stochastic thermodynamics, we present an experimental study of a doublet of magnetic colloidal particles that is manipulated by a time-dependent magnetic field. Because of hydrodynamic interactions, each bead experiences a state-dependent friction, which we characterize using a hydrodynamic model. In this work, we compare two estimates of the dissipation in this system: the first one is energy based since it relies on the measured interaction potential, while the second one is information based since it uses only the information content of the trajectories. While the latter only offers a lower bound of the former, we find it to be simple to implement and of general applicability to more complex systems.

Simultaneous HPLC determination of 22 components of essential oils; method robustness with experimental design

The aim of the present study was the development and validation of a simple, precise and specific reversed phase HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of 22 components present in different essential oils namely cinnamon bark oil, caraway oil and cardamom fruit oil. The chromatographic separation of all the components was achieved on Wakosil-II C18 column with mixture of 30 mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 4.7), methanol and acetonitrile in different ratio as mobile phase in a ternary linear gradient mode. The calibration graphs plotted with five different concentrations of each component were linear with a regression coefficient R(2) >0.999. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were estimated for all the components. Effect on analytical responses by small and deliberate variation of critical factors was examined by robustness testing with Design of Experiment employing Central Composite Design and established that this method was robust. The method was then validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity and demonstrated to be applicable to the determination of the ingredients in commercial sample of essential oil.

Flavoring extracts of Hemidesmus indicus roots and Vanilla planifolia pods exhibit in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are important for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Search for potent and safe AChEIs from plant sources still continues. In the present work, we explored fragrant plant extracts that are traditionally used in flavoring foods, namely, Hemidesmus indicus and Vanilla planifolia, as possible sources for AChEI. Root and pod extracts of H. indicus and V. planifolia, respectively, produce fragrant phenolic compounds, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (MBALD) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin). These methoxybenzaldehydes were shown to have inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Vanillin (IC50 = 0.037 mM) was detected as more efficient inhibitor than MBALD (IC50 = 0.047 mM). This finding was supported by kinetic analysis. Thus, plant-based food flavoring agents showed capacity in curing Alzheimer's disease and other neurological dysfunctions.

A complete genetic linkage map and QTL analyses for bast fibre quality traits, yield and yield components in jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

We report the first complete microsatellite genetic map of jute (Corchorus olitorius L.; 2n = 2x = 14) using an F6 recombinant inbred population. Of the 403 microsatellite markers screened, 82 were mapped on the seven linkage groups (LGs) that covered a total genetic distance of 799.9 cM, with an average marker interval of 10.7 cM. LG5 had the longest and LG7 the shortest genetic lengths, whereas LG1 had the maximum and LG7 the minimum number of markers. Segregation distortion of microsatellite loci was high (61%), with the majority of them (76%) skewed towards the female parent. Genomewide non-parametric single-marker analysis in combination with multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL)-models (MQM) mapping detected 26 definitive QTLs for bast fibre quality, yield and yield-related traits. These were unevenly distributed on six LGs, as colocalized clusters, at genomic sectors marked by 15 microsatellite loci. LG1 was the QTL-richest map sector, with the densest colocalized clusters of QTLs governing fibre yield, yield-related traits and tensile strength. Expectedly, favorable QTLs were derived from the desirable parents, except for nearly all of those of fibre fineness, which might be due to the creation of new gene combinations. Our results will be a good starting point for further genome analyses in jute.