Simultaneous suppression of lignin, tricin and wall-bound phenolic biosynthesis via the expression of monolignol 4-O-methyltransferases in rice

Grass lignocelluloses feature complex compositions and structures. In addition to the presence of conventional lignin units from monolignols, acylated monolignols and flavonoid tricin also incorporate into lignin polymer; moreover, hydroxycinnamates, particularly ferulate, cross-link arabinoxylan chains with each other and/or with lignin polymers. These structural complexities make grass lignocellulosics difficult to optimize for effective agro-industrial applications. In the present study, we assess the applications of two engineered monolignol 4-O-methyltransferases (MOMTs) in modifying rice lignocellulosic properties. Two MOMTs confer regiospecific para-methylation of monolignols but with different catalytic preferences. The expression of MOMTs in rice resulted in differential but drastic suppression of lignin deposition, showing more than 50% decrease in guaiacyl lignin and up to an 90% reduction in syringyl lignin in transgenic lines. Moreover, the levels of arabinoxylan-bound ferulate were reduced by up to 50%, and the levels of tricin in lignin fraction were also substantially reduced. Concomitantly, up to 11 μmol/g of the methanol-extractable 4-O-methylated ferulic acid and 5-7 μmol/g 4-O-methylated sinapic acid were accumulated in MOMT transgenic lines. Both MOMTs in vitro displayed discernible substrate promiscuity towards a range of phenolics in addition to the dominant substrate monolignols, which partially explains their broad effects on grass phenolic biosynthesis. The cell wall structural and compositional changes resulted in up to 30% increase in saccharification yield of the de-starched rice straw biomass after diluted acid-pretreatment. These results demonstrate an effective strategy to tailor complex grass cell walls to generate improved cellulosic feedstocks for the fermentable sugar-based production of biofuel and bio-chemicals.

A Study on Community needs, perceptions and demand regarding the use of the health services during COVID-19 pandemic in district Kathua, J and K

Introduction

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential health services is a source of great concern. Health gains made during the last 2-3 decades have been halted due to shifting of resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim and Objective

This study was conducted to identify community needs, demands, and perceptions regarding the effectiveness of using health services during the pandemic.

Methodology

This was a qualitative study which was conducted through focus group discussions. The participants comprised of three groups: community leaders, healthcare providers, and field workers. Discussion among the participants was conducted using the standardized World Health Organization community assessment tool.

Result

In our study, it was reported that most of the essential health services were disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic. The barriers to accessing essential health services have been exacerbated and the provision of community-based services is effected due to this. In regard to COVID-19 vaccination also, there remain individuals who are reluctant to be vaccinated.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the community faced barriers in accessing and using health services during the pandemic. To ensure the public's access to health services and strengthen healthcare preparedness strategies like health budget allocation, manpower, infrastructure, trainings, integration with primary healthcare, etc., need to be carried out during and after the pandemic. Thus, participation and inter-sectoral coordination across levels are required to overcome these barriers.

A Study on Quality of Life among the Elderly at Urban Health Center in North Delhi

Background

Elderly population in India is growing around 3% annually and is supposed to triple by 2050 than that at the time of 2011 census, according to a country report published by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA, 2017). A better quality of life (QOL) of the elderly has become a major public health challenges of the 21st century, so timely emphasis on maintenance of physical health and psychological issues is crucial. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to measure QOL among the elderly population and to find out the association with sociodemographic factors.

Materials and Methods

This is a cross-sectional study done among the elderly population of an urban health training center. The study includes the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief version and a questionnaire for sociodemographic variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine associations and P value.

Results

The overall QOL scores ranged between 52 and 110, with a mean score of 78.59 ± 12.6. Good QOL was observed among 64.9%of the elderly, excellent was observed among 19.8%; and the rest 15.3% had fair/average, while none of the elderly had poor QOL. Determinants significantly associated with QOL with P < 0.05 are age, educational status, professional status, marital status, and behavior of children with them and the elderly with comorbidities.

Conclusion

This study shows the association of multiple factors with QOL among the elderly. Factors such as age, educational status, professional status, marital status, and behavior of children with them and the elderly with comorbidities significantly affect the QOL of the elderly. Hence, strengthening the health-care system, increase in level of education, encouraging social interaction, social security systems, and better environmental infrastructure could potentially increase QOL of the elderly population.

Association of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene rs4680 Polymorphism and Levodopa Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Long-term levodopa therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) can cause levodopa induced dyskinesia (LID). Genetic predisposition has a significant role to play in inter-individual heterogeneity in the clinical manifestation of LID. Despite accumulating evidence for the role of COMT gene polymorphism (rs4680) as a genetic basis for LID, to date results have been inconsistent. Early assessment of the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) genotype might be helpful to stratify PD patients concerning their individual risk for LID.

METHOD

In this meta-analysis, we have used 9 studies, which were selected through online databases. Statistical analysis was performed using R (v-3.6) software. 5 genetic models have been used in the present study: Allele model (A vs. G), Dominant model (AA+AG vs. GG), Homozygote model (AA vs. GG), Co-dominant/heterozygote model (AG vs. GG), and Recessive model (AA vs. AG + GG).

RESULTS

The results indicated a significant association between COMT rs4680 (Val158Met) polymorphism and LID risk. The genotype AA of COMT rs4680 is a risk factor for LID in PD patients under the recessive model (AA vs GG+AG) in the random-effect model. Analysis based on ethnicity showed that COMT rs4680 SNP allele A is a risk factor for LID development in Asian PD patients, while GG genotype is a risk factor for LID development in non-Asian PD patients using different genetic models.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present meta-analysis support that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism is a risk factor for the development of LID in PD patients having ethnic variations.

The tryptophan-metabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 regulates polycystic kidney disease progression

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common monogenic nephropathy, is characterized by phenotypic variability that exceeds genic effects. Dysregulated metabolism and immune cell function are key disease modifiers. The tryptophan metabolites, kynurenines, produced through indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), are known immunomodulators. Here, we study the role of tryptophan metabolism in PKD using an orthologous disease model (C57BL/6J Pkd1RC/RC). We found elevated kynurenine and IDO1 levels in Pkd1RC/RC kidneys versus wild type. Further, IDO1 levels were increased in ADPKD cell lines. Genetic Ido1 loss in Pkd1RC/RC animals resulted in reduced PKD severity, as measured by cystic index and percentage kidney weight normalized to body weight. Consistent with an immunomodulatory role of kynurenines, Pkd1RC/RC;Ido1-/- mice presented with significant changes in the cystic immune microenvironment (CME) versus controls. Kidney macrophage numbers decreased and CD8+ T cell numbers increased, both known PKD modulators. Also, pharmacological IDO1 inhibition in Pkd1RC/RC mice and kidney-specific Pkd2-knockout mice with rapidly progressive PKD resulted in less severe PKD versus controls, with changes in the CME similar to those in the genetic model. Our data suggest that tryptophan metabolism is dysregulated in ADPKD and that its inhibition results in changes to the CME and slows disease progression, making IDO1 a therapeutic target for ADPKD.

Myofibroblast depletion reduces kidney cyst growth and fibrosis in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) involves the development and persistent growth of fluid filled kidney cysts. In a recent study, we showed that ADPKD kidney cyst epithelial cells can stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of peri-cystic myofibroblasts. Although dense myofibroblast populations are often found surrounding kidney cysts, their role in cyst enlargement or fibrosis in ADPKD is unclear. To clarify this, we examined the effect of myofibroblast depletion in the Pkd1RC/RC (RC/RC) mouse model of ADPKD. RC/RC;αSMAtk mice that use the ganciclovir-thymidine kinase system to selectively deplete α-smooth muscle actin expressing myofibroblasts were generated. Ganciclovir treatment for four weeks depleted myofibroblasts, reduced kidney fibrosis and preserved kidney function in these mice. Importantly, myofibroblast depletion significantly reduced cyst growth and cyst epithelial cell proliferation in RC/RC;αSMAtk mouse kidneys. Similar ganciclovir treatment did not alter cyst growth or fibrosis in wild-type or RC/RC littermates. In vitro, co-culture with myofibroblasts from the kidneys of patients with ADPKD increased 3D microcyst growth of human ADPKD cyst epithelial cells. Treatment with conditioned culture media from ADPKD kidney myofibroblasts increased microcyst growth and cell proliferation of ADPKD cyst epithelial cells. Further examination of ADPKD myofibroblast conditioned media showed high levels of protease inhibitors including PAI1, TIMP1 and 2, NGAL and TFPI-2, and treatment with recombinant PAI1 and TIMP1 increased ADPKD cyst epithelial cell proliferation in vitro. Thus, our findings show that myofibroblasts directly promote cyst epithelial cell proliferation, cyst growth and fibrosis in ADPKD kidneys, and their targeting could be a novel therapeutic strategy to treat PKD.

MEDIATOR SUBUNIT17 integrates jasmonate and auxin signaling pathways to regulate thermomorphogenesis

Plant adjustment to environmental changes involves complex crosstalk between extrinsic and intrinsic cues. In the past two decades, extensive research has elucidated the key roles of PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) and the phytohormone auxin in thermomorphogenesis. In this study, we identified a previously unexplored role of jasmonate (JA) signaling components, the Mediator complex, and their integration with auxin signaling during thermomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Warm temperature induces expression of JA signaling genes including MYC2, but, surprisingly, this transcriptional activation is not JA dependent. Warm temperature also promotes accumulation of the JA signaling receptor CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) and degradation of the JA signaling repressor JASMONATE-ZIM-DOMAIN PROTEIN9, which probably leads to de-repression of MYC2, enabling it to contribute to the expression of MEDIATOR SUBUNIT17 (MED17). In response to warm temperature, MED17 occupies the promoters of thermosensory genes including PIF4, YUCCA8 (YUC8), INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE19 (IAA19), and IAA29. Moreover, MED17 facilitates enrichment of H3K4me3 on the promoters of PIF4, YUC8, IAA19, and IAA29 genes. Interestingly, both occupancy of MED17 and enrichment of H3K4me3 on these thermomorphogenesis-related promoters are dependent on PIF4 (or PIFs). Altered accumulation of COI1 under warm temperature in the med17 mutant suggests the possibility of a feedback mechanism. Overall, this study reveals the role of the Mediator complex as an integrator of JA and auxin signaling pathways during thermomorphogenesis.

Weight loss and cystic disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is modified by metabolic defects and obesity. Indeed, reduced food intake slows cyst growth in preclinical rodent studies. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of daily caloric restriction (DCR) and intermittent fasting (IMF) in a cohort of overweight or obese patients with ADPKD. Clinically significant weight loss occurred with both DCR and IMF; however, weight loss was greater and adherence and tolerability were better with DCR. Further, slowed kidney growth correlated with body weight and visceral adiposity loss independent of dietary regimen. Similarly, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of DCR, IMF, and time restricted feeding (TRF) using an orthologous ADPKD mouse model. Only ADPKD animals on DCR lost significant weight and showed slowed cyst growth compared to ad libitum, IMF, or TRF feeding. Collectively, this supports therapeutic feasibility of caloric restriction in ADPKD, with potential efficacy benefits driven by weight loss.

Potential of graphene-based materials to combat COVID-19: properties, perspectives, and prospects

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new virus in the coronavirus family that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), emerges as a big threat to the human race. To date, there is no medicine and vaccine available for COVID-19 treatment. While the development of medicines and vaccines are essentially and urgently required, what is also extremely important is the repurposing of smart materials to design effective systems for combating COVID-19. Graphene and graphene-related materials (GRMs) exhibit extraordinary physicochemical, electrical, optical, antiviral, antimicrobial, and other fascinating properties that warrant them as potential candidates for designing and development of high-performance components and devices required for COVID-19 pandemic and other futuristic calamities. In this article, we discuss the potential of graphene and GRMs for healthcare applications and how they may contribute to fighting against COVID-19.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibits tubular regeneration in acute kidney injury by a FoxM1-dependent mechanism

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by injury to the tubular epithelium that leads to the sudden loss of renal function. Proper tubular regeneration is essential to prevent progression to chronic kidney disease. In this study, we examined the role of FoxM1, a forkhead box family member transcription factor in tubular repair after AKI. Renal FoxM1 expression increased after renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced AKI in mouse kidneys. Treatment with thiostrepton, a FoxM1 inhibitor, reduced FoxM1 regulated pro-proliferative factors and cell proliferation in vitro, and tubular regeneration in mouse kidneys after AKI. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) was found to be an upstream regulator of FoxM1 because GSK3 inhibition or renal tubular GSK3β gene deletion significantly increased FoxM1 expression, and improved tubular repair and renal function. GSK3 inactivation increased β-catenin, Cyclin D1, and c-Myc, and reduced cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27. Importantly, thiostrepton treatment abolished the improved tubular repair in GSK3β knockout mice following AKI. These results demonstrate that FoxM1 is important for renal tubular regeneration following AKI and that GSK3β suppresses tubular repair by inhibiting FoxM1.

Epithelial Vasopressin Type-2 Receptors Regulate Myofibroblasts by a YAP-CCN2-Dependent Mechanism in Polycystic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Fibrosis is a major cause of loss of renal function in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In this study, we examined whether vasopressin type-2 receptor (V2R) activity in cystic epithelial cells can stimulate interstitial myofibroblasts and fibrosis in ADPKD kidneys.

METHODS

We treated Pkd1 gene knockout (Pkd1KO) mice with dDAVP, a V2R agonist, for 3 days and evaluated the effect on myofibroblast deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). We also analyzed the effects of conditioned media from primary cultures of human ADPKD cystic epithelial cells on myofibroblast activation. Because secretion of the profibrotic connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) increased significantly in dDAVP-treated Pkd1KO mouse kidneys, we examined its role in V2R-dependent fibrosis in ADPKD as well as that of yes-associated protein (YAP).

RESULTS

V2R stimulation using dDAVP increased the renal interstitial myofibroblast population and ECM deposition. Similarly, conditioned media from human ADPKD cystic epithelial cells increased myofibroblast activation in vitro, suggesting a paracrine mechanism. Renal collecting duct-specific gene deletion of CCN2 significantly reduced cyst growth and myofibroblasts in Pkd1KO mouse kidneys. We found that YAP regulates CCN2, and YAP inhibition or gene deletion reduces renal fibrosis in Pkd1KO mouse kidneys. Importantly, YAP inactivation blocks the dDAVP-induced increase in myofibroblasts in Pkd1KO kidneys. Further in vitro studies showed that V2R regulates YAP by an ERK1/2-dependent mechanism in human ADPKD cystic epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which cystic epithelial cells stimulate myofibroblasts in the pericystic microenvironment, leading to fibrosis in ADPKD. The V2R-YAP-CCN2 cell signaling pathway may present a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis in ADPKD.

Targeting the vasopressin type-2 receptor for renal cell carcinoma therapy

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and its type-2 receptor (V2R) play an essential role in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis by the kidneys. V2R activation also stimulates proliferation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines in vitro. The current studies investigated V2R expression and activity in human RCC tumors, and its role in RCC tumor growth. Examination of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database, and analysis of human RCC tumor tissue microarrays, cDNA arrays and tumor biopsy samples demonstrated V2R expression and activity in clear cell RCC (ccRCC). In vitro, V2R antagonists OPC31260 and Tolvaptan, or V2R gene silencing reduced wound closure and cell viability of 786-O and Caki-1 human ccRCC cell lines. Similarly in mouse xenograft models, Tolvaptan and OPC31260 decreased RCC tumor growth by reducing cell proliferation and angiogenesis, while increasing apoptosis. In contrast, the V2R agonist dDAVP significantly increased tumor growth. High intracellular cAMP levels and ERK1/2 activation were observed in human ccRCC tumors. In mouse tumors and Caki-1 cells, V2R agonists reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation, while dDAVP treatment had the reverse effect. V2R gene silencing in Caki-1 cells also reduced cAMP and ERK1/2 activation. These results provide novel evidence for a pathogenic role of V2R signaling in ccRCC, and suggest that inhibitors of the AVP-V2R pathway, including the FDA-approved drug Tolvaptan, could be utilized as novel ccRCC therapeutics.

Interaction map of Arabidopsis Mediator complex expounding its topology

Understanding of mechanistic details of Mediator functioning in plants is impeded as the knowledge of subunit organization and structure is lacking. In this study, an interaction map of Arabidopsis Mediator complex was analyzed to understand the arrangement of the subunits in the core part of the complex. Combining this interaction map with homology-based modeling, probable structural topology of core part of the Arabidopsis Mediator complex was deduced. Though the overall topology of the complex was similar to that of yeast, several differences were observed. Many interactions discovered in this study are not yet reported in other systems. AtMed14 and AtMed17 emerged as the key component providing important scaffold for the whole complex. AtMed6 and AtMed10 were found to be important for linking head with middle and middle with tail, respectively. Some Mediator subunits were found to form homodimers and some were found to possess transactivation property. Subcellular localization suggested that many of the Mediator subunits might have functions beyond the process of transcription. Overall, this study reveals role of individual subunits in the organization of the core complex, which can be an important resource for understanding the molecular mechanism of functioning of Mediator complex and its subunits in plants.

Systematic Evaluation of Published Research Studies Conducted Among Medical Undergraduate Students on Learning Environment in Medical Colleges of India Using the DREEM Inventory Tool

Objective: To evaluate original studies conducted among medical undergraduate students to assess education and learning environment in India using DREEM (Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure) tool. Material & Methods: The online search engine PUBMED and Google scholar were utilized to short list original published research studies on learning environment. The eligibility criteria included: study conducted in India upon medical students using DREEM tool; information on sample size, total, and sub-domain DREEM score available. Fourteen original research publications with a total sample size of 4215 medical students were considered. Results: Total DREEM score (range, 0-200) was 119.5 that indicated that there was more positive education environment in selected medical colleges of country. The average score of different sub domains of DREEM also supported the positive environment. Sub-domain DREEM mean scores derived through this analysis was SPL-28.7 (range, 0-48); SPA-28.4 (range, 0-48); SPT-25.8 (range, 0-44); SASP-20.2 (range, 0-32); and SSSP-16.4 (range, 0-28). The scores of all the studies were in the similar range except two. Mean score of most (80%) of the items (40/50) lied between 2 and 3 (range, 0-4) indicating that these areas were ‘neither strong nor weak’ but could be ‘enhanced’. Some aspect of the learning and education environment with average score of less than 2 include inherent challenges of the extensive medical course; the teaching over-emphasizes factual learning (item-25); students are able to memorize all the matter (item-27); and rarely feel bored (item-14) require attention. However, issues like teaching is too teacher centered (item-48); the teachers are authoritarian (item-9); and the teachers get angry in class (item-39) requires sensitization and introspection by the esteem faculty members. Conclusion: Overall students perceived progressive and positive developmental milieu in the learning environment in the selected medical colleges of India.

The Mediator subunit OsMED15a is a transcriptional co-regulator of seed size/weight-modulating genes in rice

Although several transcription factors (TFs) that regulate seed size/weight in plants are known, the molecular landscape regulating this important trait is unclear. Here, we report that a Mediator subunit, OsMED15a, links rice grain size/weight-regulating TFs to their target genes. Expression analysis and high-resolution quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping suggested that OsMED15a is involved in rice seed development. OsMED15a has an N-terminal, three-helical KIX domain. Two of these helices, α1 and α3, and three amino acids, 76LRC78, within OsMED15a helix α3 were important for its interaction with several proteins, including interactions with the transactivation domains of two NAC-type TFs, OsNAC024 and OsNAC025. Moreover, OsMED15a, OsNAC024, and OsNAC025 all exhibited increased expression during seed development, and we identified several grain size/weight-associated SNPs in these genes in 509 low- and high-grain-weight rice genotypes. RNAi-mediated repression of OsMED15a expression down-regulated the expression of the grain size/weight regulating genes GW2, GW5 and DR11 and reduced grain length, weight, and yield. Of note, both OsNAC024 and OsNAC025 bound to the promoters of these three genes. We conclude that the transactivation domains of OsNAC024 and OsNAC025 target the KIX domain of OsMED15a in the regulation of grain size/weight-associated genes such as GW2, GW5, and D11. We propose that the integrated molecular-genetics approach used here could help identify networks of functional alleles of other regulator and co-regulator genes and thereby inform efforts for marker-assisted introgression of useful alleles in rice crop improvement.

Gender-based violence in New Delhi, India: forecast based on secondary data analysis

Background

Violence against women is a global phenomenon.

Aims

To estimate and forecast cognizable crime against women in New Delhi, India, from 2016 to 2020.

Methods

Reported cognizable crime against women in New Delhi for 2009-2015 was extracted for statistical analysis, synthesis and modelling. The cognizable crimes reported are rape, attempt to commit rape, kidnapping and abduction, dowry deaths, assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty, insult to modesty of women, cruelty by husband or his relative, importation of girls from foreign countries, abetment of suicide of women and indecent representation of women.

Results

The actual number of registered cases of crime against women ranged from 4251 (2009) to 17 104 (2015). The projected number of cases ranged between 18 991 [95% confidence interval (CI): 13 092-24 889) in 2016 to 28 663 (95% CI: 22 314-35 013)] in 2020. A rising trend in crime against women was noticed in New Delhi, ranging from 204.6 (2016) to 308.8 (2020) per 100 000 women. After witnessing a substantive increase (116.2%) in reported crime against women in New Delhi in 2013, the subsequent actual and projected rise appears to be incremental in nature, with an annual percentage point change ranging between 9% and 18%.

Conclusion

Within limitations, it is concluded that the safety of women will continue to be a concern in the near future.

KIX domain of AtMed15a, a Mediator subunit of Arabidopsis, is required for its interaction with different proteins

Med15 is an important subunit of Mediator Tail module and is characterized by a KIX domain present towards amino terminal. In yeast and metazoans, Med15 KIX domain has been found to interact with various transcription factors regulating several processes including carbohydrate metabolism, lipogenesis, stress response and multidrug resistance. Mechanism of Med15 functioning in Arabidopsis is largely unknown. In this study, interactome of KIX domain of Arabidopsis Med15, AtMed15a, was characterized. We found 45 proteins that interact with AtMed15a KIX domain, including 11 transcription factors, 3 single strand nucleic acid-binding proteins and 1 splicing factor. The third helix of the KIX domain was found to be involved in most of the interactions. Mapping of the regions participating in the interactions revealed that the activation domain of a transcription factor, UKTF1 interacted with AtMed15a KIX domain. Thus, our results suggest that in Arabidopsis, activation domain of transcription factors target KIX domain of AtMed15a for their transcriptional responses.

Published research studies conducted amongst Indian medical undergraduate students: Bibliometric Analysis

Objective: Evaluation of published original research conducted amongst Indian medical undergraduate students. Methodology: A systematic review was undertaken using keywords “MBBS students” or “medical students” or “health students” or “university students” and “India” through search engines, PUBMED and Google scholar. Considering feasibility, time frame of published original research article was restricted to one-year only i.e. 2016. Research domain, research design, author and other bibliometric details of research manuscript were captured using check-list and analysis carried out using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 99 suitable original research articles were identified under certain criteria and considered in present analysis. With regard to thematic research domain, highest, 29 (29.2%) articles were related to teaching and learning process followed by 13 (13.1%) to mental health (depression, anxiety, sleep, spirituality) of students; 07 (7.0%) were based on physical fitness/ exercise/yoga; and substance abuse (6.0%) amongst medical students etc. Nearly, 86 (86.8%) of articles were cross-sectional descriptive based studies while 13 (13.1%) had intervention based research design. A total of 34 (34.3%) research articles could be labeled as “KAP” (knowledge, attitude and practice) survey. Department wise detail of corresponding author was largely dominated by faculty from pre and para-clinical departments. Highest was community medicine in (35.3%) articles, pharmacology (23.2%), physiology (17.1%), microbiology (6.0%), and biochemistry (4.0%) etc. The studies covered an average sample size of 188.8 MBBS students (20-360, range); 57.5% of research article covered students from only one professional year. However, in 42 (42.4%) articles there was no further mention of gender based sample information. Out of all the references used in research articles, only 57.3% were of recent (2005-2015) origin while the rest were from older time-frame. Conclusion: A systematic evaluation of published original research articles conducted upon MBBS undergraduate students studying in Indian medical colleges was undertaken, probably first of its kind in India. In conclusion, diverse topics of research have been conducted by the teaching faculties and this study provides the over-view of the same

An Integrated Genomic Strategy Delineates Candidate Mediator Genes Regulating Grain Size and Weight in Rice

The present study deployed a Mediator (MED) genes-mediated integrated genomic strategy for understanding the complex genetic architecture of grain size/weight quantitative trait in rice. The targeted multiplex amplicon resequencing of 55 MED genes annotated from whole rice genome in 384 accessions discovered 3971 SNPs, which were structurally and functionally annotated in diverse coding and non-coding sequence-components of genes. Association analysis, using the genotyping information of 3971 SNPs in a structured population of 384 accessions (with 50–100 kb linkage disequilibrium decay), detected 10 MED gene-derived SNPs significantly associated (46% combined phenotypic variation explained) with grain length, width and weight in rice. Of these, one strong grain weight-associated non-synonymous SNP (G/A)-carrying OsMED4_2 gene was validated successfully in low- and high-grain weight parental accessions and homozygous individuals of a rice mapping population. The seed-specific expression, including differential up/down-regulation of three grain size/weight-associated MED genes (including OsMED4_2) in six low and high-grain weight rice accessions was evident. Altogether, combinatorial genomic approach involving haplotype-based association analysis delineated diverse functionally relevant natural SNP-allelic variants in 10 MED genes, including three potential novel SNP haplotypes in an OsMED4_2 gene governing grain size/weight differentiation in rice. These molecular tags have potential to accelerate genomics-assisted crop improvement in rice.

Highly stable naphthalene core based novel cleft-shaped strain molecule: influence of intermolecular H-bonding architectures

High thermal stability of a 8 membered naphthalene core based fused nitrogen bridged 1,5-dioxocin is found to be due to the coexistence of several weak interactions. Catalytic property of this molecule for a condensation reaction is also explored.

Anion directed structural diversity in zinc complexes with conformationally flexible quinazoline ligand: structural, spectral and theoretical studies

In this paper, we report the synthesis, and structure of four new complexes of conformationally flexible 6-chloro-4-phenyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinazoline ligand (L) with Zn(ii). Significance of ring twisting on supramolecular assembly and photophysical properties have also been highlighted.

Manipulating the proton transfer process in molecular complexes: synthesis and spectroscopic studies

The proton transfer process in carefully designed molecular complexes has been investigated directly in the solid and solution phase.

Tuning the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process in push–pull systems: effect of nitro groups

The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process in donor–acceptor systems has tremendous importance in various physical and biological systems.

Evolution of disorder in Mediator complex and its functional relevance

Mediator, an important component of eukaryotic transcriptional machinery, is a huge multisubunit complex. Though the complex is known to be conserved across all the eukaryotic kingdoms, the evolutionary topology of its subunits has never been studied. In this study, we profiled disorder in the Mediator subunits of 146 eukaryotes belonging to three kingdoms viz., metazoans, plants and fungi, and attempted to find correlation between the evolution of Mediator complex and its disorder. Our analysis suggests that disorder in Mediator complex have played a crucial role in the evolutionary diversification of complexity of eukaryotic organisms. Conserved intrinsic disordered regions (IDRs) were identified in only six subunits in the three kingdoms whereas unique patterns of IDRs were identified in other Mediator subunits. Acquisition of novel molecular recognition features (MoRFs) through evolution of new subunits or through elongation of the existing subunits was evident in metazoans and plants. A new concept of ‘junction-MoRF’ has been introduced. Evolutionary link between CBP and Med15 has been provided which explain the evolution of extended-IDR in CBP from Med15 KIX-IDR junction-MoRF suggesting role of junction-MoRF in evolution and modulation of protein–protein interaction repertoire. This study can be informative and helpful in understanding the conserved and flexible nature of Mediator complex across eukaryotic kingdoms.

Significance of weak interactions in imidazolium picrate ionic liquids: spectroscopic and theoretical studies for molecular level understanding

The effects of interionic hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions on the physical properties of a new series of picrate anion based ionic liquids (ILs) have been investigated experimentally and theoretically. The existence of aromatic (C2-HO) and aliphatic (C7-HO-N22 and C6-HO-N20) hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions in these ILs has been observed using various spectroscopic techniques. The aromatic and aliphatic C-HO hydrogen bonding interactions are found to have a crucial role in binding the imidazolium cation and picrate anion together. However, the π-π stacking interactions between two successive layers are found to play a decisive role in tight packing in ILs leading to differences in physical properties. The drastic difference in the melting points of the methyl and propyl derivatives (mmimPic and pmimPic respectively) have been found to be primarily due to the difference in the strength and varieties of π-π stacking interactions. While in mmimPic, several different types of π-π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings (such as picrate-picrate, picrate-imidazole and imidazolium-imidazolium cation rings) are observed, only one type of π-π stacking interaction (picrate-picrate rings) is found to exist in the pmimPic IL. NMR spectroscopic studies reveal that the interaction of these ILs with solvent molecules is different and depends on the dielectric constant of the solvent. While an ion solvation model explains the solvation in high dielectric solvents, an ion-pair solvation model is found to be more appropriate for low dielectric constant solvents. The enhanced stability of these investigated picrate ILs compared with that of inorganic picrate salts under high doses of γ radiation clearly indicates the importance of weak interionic interactions in ILs, and also opens up the possibility of the application of picrate ILs as prospective diluents in nuclear separation for advanced fuel cycling process.

Sub-chronic exposure to arsenic and dichlorvos on erythrocyte antioxidant defense systems and lipid peroxidation in rats

The effect of combined exposure to arsenic (25 ppm in drinking water) and dichlorvos (2.5 mg kg1, orally) for 56 days on biochemical variables, indicative of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme system and AChE activity in erythrocytes of rats, were examined. While arsenic caused a significant increase in AChE, DDVP produced marked depletion. Combined exposure to arsenic and DDVP produced no additional decrease in AChE activity, which was comparable to DDVP. Arsenic and DDVP also increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), suggesting free radical generation. Interestingly, glutathione linked enzymes (GSH, GPx, GST and GR) significantly increased on arsenic and DDVP exposure. SOD activity also increased significantly in the individually exposed groups, while catalase activity remained unchanged. Blood arsenic level increased significantly on coexposure to arsenic alone and with DDVP exposed group. However, arsenic content in co-exposed group depleted marginally as compared to arsenic alone group, indicating possible arsenic redistribution. It might be concluded from the study that the combined exposure to arsenic and DDVP may lead to synergistic effects on certain biochemical indicators of oxidative stress like ROS, GSH and SOD, suggesting a more pronounced induction of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes.

First report of the application of simple molecular complexes as organo-catalysts for Knoevenagel condensation

A series of molecular complexes have been designed, synthesized and used as organo-catalysts for the first time for very efficient Knoevenagel condensation.

Chondrolipoma: Report of a rare intra oral variant with review of histiogenetic concepts

Chondrolipomas are benign mesenchymal tumors characterized by the proliferation of mature adipocytes associated with variable amounts of mature cartilaginous tissue. Herein, we describe a case of chondrolipoma of the tongue in a 35-year-old Indian male. The lesion presented as a nodular, sessile, pink mass on posterio-dorsal surface of left side of the tongue since approximately 20 years. Histopathologically, the mass revealed a well circumscribed, encapsulated proliferation of mature adipocytes with islands of well formed mature cartilaginous tissue. Chondrolipomas are uncommon in the oral cavity, with only 14 cases being reported in the English literature.

Alpha-lipoic acid protects oxidative stress, changes in cholinergic system and tissue histopathology during co-exposure to arsenic-dichlorvos in rats

We investigated protective efficacy of α-lipoic acid (LA), an antioxidant against arsenic and DDVP co-exposed rats. Biochemical variables suggestive of oxidative stress, neurological dysfunction, and tissue histopathological alterations were determined. Male rats were exposed either to 50 ppm sodium arsenite in drinking water or in combination with DDVP (4 mg/kg, subcutaneously) for 10 weeks. α-Lipoic acid (50mg/kg, pos) was also co-administered in above groups. Arsenic exposure led to significant oxidative stress along, hepatotoxicity, hematotoxicity and altered brain biogenic amines levels accompanied by increased arsenic accumulation in blood and tissues. These altered biochemical variables were supported by histopathological examinations leading to oxidative stress and cell death. These biochemical alterations were significantly restored by co-administration of α-lipoic acid with arsenic and DDVP alone and concomitantly. The results indicate that arsenic and DDVP induced oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction can be significantly protected by the supplementation of α-lipoic acid.

Latent lip print development and its role in suspect identification

Aims and Objective:

The study aims to develop latent lip prints on glass surface using fingerprint black powder and its comparison with standard lipstick prints and also determines the effectiveness of the technique.

Materials and Methods:

This study included a total of 100 subjects, comprising of 50 males and 50 females with age ranging from 17 to 38 years. Latent lipprint was developed by pressing the lips against a glass slab with lips together and the print formed was developed by sprinkling the black finger print powder and transferred to a bond sheet. Subsequently, standard lipstick print was developed from the same subject. All the samples were coded and graded according to the patterns suggested in the literature.

Results:

Out of 100 latent prints only 29 prints showed lip patterns in all four quadrants. The percentage matching with self lipstick print of good latent prints ranged from 25% to 100% and those of random prints ranged from 8% to 92%. Quadrant wise matching ranged from 52.67% to 57.67%. Statistically significant difference was observed between males and females.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates the usefulness of latent lip print in personal identification.

Suprabasal expression of Ki-67 as a marker for the severity of oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background:

Transition of the normal oral epithelium to dysplasia and to malignancy is featured by increased cell proliferation. To evaluate the hypothesis of distributional disturbances in proliferating and stem cells in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Aim:

To evaluate layer wise expression of Ki-67 in oral epithelial dysplasia and in OSCC.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty histologically confirmed cases of oral epithelial dysplasia, fifteen cases of OSCC and five cases of normal buccal mucosa were immunohistochemically examined and nuclear expression of Ki-67 was counted according to basal, parabasal, and suprabasal layers in epithelial dysplasia and number of positive cells per 100 cells in OSCC as labeling index (LI).

Results:

Suprabasal expression of Ki-67 increased according to the severity of epithelial dysplasia and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean Ki-67LI was 12.78 for low risk lesions, 28.68 for high risk lesions, 39.45 for OSCC and 13.6 for normal buccal mucosa.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study demonstrate the use of proliferative marker Ki-67 in assessing the severity of epithelial dysplasia. Suprabasal expression of Ki-67 provides an objective criteria for determining the severity of epithelial dysplasia and histological grading of OSCC.

Dose-dependent effects of ethanol on lead-induced oxidative stress in rats

This study explored the dose-dependent effects of ethanol ingestion during co-exposure with lead in rats. Lead was administered orally, once daily at a dose of 10 mg/kg whereas ethanol was given in drinking water at 3 different doses: 1%, 2%, and 5% along with lead. The exposure continued for 3 months, after which the animals were decapitated and various biochemical assays were carried out. The results show increased oxidative stress in animals co-exposed to lead and ethanol compared with either lead or ethanol alone. A significant decrease in blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, glutathione (GSH), GSH peroxidase, adenosine triphosphatase, and catalase but a significant increase in reactive oxygen species, oxidized GSH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and intracellular calcium was noted in lead and ethanol co-exposed animals. The changes were found to be dose dependent in lead plus ethanol exposed animals. Decrease in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in blood was noted, with no significant changes in liver and kidney. Aldehyde dehdrogenase activity decreased significantly in animals exposed to either lead or ethanol but a pronounced depletion was seen in rats co-exposed to lead and ethanol (5%). The results suggest that the combined exposure to lead and ethanol leads to increased oxidative stress and possible initiation of apoptosis in rats.