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The interaction between light and materials produces a range of phenomena within molecular systems, leading to advanced applications in the field of materials science. In this regard, metal–organic framework (MOF) materials have become superior candidates to others because of their easy tailor-made synthetic methods via incorporation of photoactive moieties into their structural assembly. Photoresponsive MOFs exhibit a massive variety of exciting properties, including photochromism, photomagnetism, photoluminescence, photon up or down conversion, photoconductivity, nonlinear optical properties, photosalient effects and photoinduced switching of conformations. These photoresponsive properties of MOFs regulate different potential applications, such as on-demand gas sorption and separation, optical sensing, fabrication of photoactuators and photosensing electronic devices, dye degradation, catalysis, cargo delivery, ink-free erasable printing, bio-imaging and drug delivery in biological systems. Therefore, judicious crystal engineering along with an understanding of their structure–property relationship will lead to the fabrication of desired photosensitive MOFs. Herein, we attempted to incorporate categorical descriptions based on advanced applications of photoresponsive MOFs considering a wide range of recent publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and utilization of coordination polymers (CPs) have drawn interest for potential applications in different fields. Detection of metal ions in efficient and selective manners is an important field of research. It paves the way to protect human health by balancing toxic metal ions and biologically active metal ions in the atmosphere. In this regard, a new one-dimensional (1D) 4-(1-naphthylvinyl)pyridine (4-nvp) based CP [Cd(NCS)2(4-nvp)2]n (1) was synthesized and characterized structurally by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, this 1D CP underwent supramolecular aggregation via π⋯π stacking interactions, which specifically generated an environment for a potent "turn on" response in the presence of trivalent cations (Fe3+, Al3+, and Cr3+) in the nanomolar range but remained silent in the presence of other metal ions. Density functional theory (DFT) computations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed to establish the sensing phenomena. Fascinatingly, utilizing the sensitivity of 1 in an aqueous medium, a hands-on portable cotton swab kit was developed for instant identification of these three important trivalent metal cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B-box or BBX gene family is a set of zinc-finger transcription factor family that regulates plant developmental characteristics like seed gemination, photomorphogenesis, hormone regulations, flowering and senescence. Although BBX gene family is reported in Glycine max, little is known about its members’ classification and family expansion. Similarly, no information is available for the BBX gene family in its closest relative Glycine soja (Siebold & Zucc.). With extensive genome diversity, G. soja can be used as an effective genetic reservoir for introgressing important agronomic traits in G. max. In the present study, we carried out a comprehensive comparative genome-wide analysis of BBX gene family in G. max and its wild progenitor, G. soja, to identify their evolutionary relationship and origin in plant lineage. Our results show an ancient BBX gene family expansion in the Glycine genome, through segmental duplication, suggesting that the G. max BBX members are the out-paralogs. These genes also show lineage-specific evolution and expansion in the ancestral Glycine genome supported by the incidences of microsynteny between G. max and G. soja. The two genomes also showed interesting evidence of conserved linkages which might be due to their common ancestor descendance, with minimum horizontal expansion in G. max after its split from G. soja. Our study suggests that the BBX gene family diverged before the split of G. max and G. soja, and that the Glycine genome harbored 55–60 BBX genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In plants, the switch to autotrophic growth involves germination followed by postgermination seedling establishment. When environmental conditions are not favorable, the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) signals plants to postpone seedling establishment by inducing the expression of the transcription factor ABI5. The levels of ABI5 determine the efficiency of the ABA‐mediated postgermination developmental growth arrest. The molecular mechanisms regulating the stability and activity of ABI5 during the transition to light are less known.Using genetic, molecular, and biochemical approach, we found that two B‐box domain containing proteins BBX31 and BBX30 alongwith ABI5 inhibit postgermination seedling establishment in a partially interdependent manner.BBX31 and BBX30 are also characterized as microProteins miP1a and miP1b, respectively, based on their small size, single domain, and ability to interact with multidomain proteins. miP1a/BBX31 and miP1b/BBX30 physically interact with ABI5 to stabilize it and promote its binding to promoters of downstream genes. ABI5 reciprocally induces the expression of BBX30 and BBX31 by directly binding to their promoter.ABI5 and the two microProteins thereby form a positive feedback loop to promote ABA‐mediated developmental arrest of seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present work style and lifestyle have increased the digital device use. Therefore, an increase in digital eyestrain is to be expected. We undertook a survey during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to investigate the practice of 20/20/20 rule and its association with digital device use and asthenopic symptoms. While this rule is commonly advised, little is known about its validity. Methods: An online survey form was disseminated through social media and emails. The questions for eye-related symptoms were similar to the convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS). Participants with age ≥5 years were included, with parents completing the survey for children (≤16 years). Results: A total of 432 participants (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 26.06 ± 13.92 years) were enrolled, of which 125 responses were for children. The 20/20/20 rule was practiced only by 34% of the participants either regularly (n = 38) or occasionally (n = 109). Those who had complaints of burning sensation and headache tended to practice this rule. Among adult participants, more females (47%) practiced this rule when compared to males (23%). Also, adult females significantly (P = 0.04) had more symptoms score when compared to males. In children, no such gender difference was found. Conclusion: Only one-third of participants practice the 20/20/20 rule at least occasionally. More number of adult females being symptomatic and practicing in greater number could be due to higher prevalence of dry eye condition in females. While the symptom of burning sensation could be related to dry eye, that of headache could be related to refractive error or binocular vision dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We quantified the eye/head (gaze) reaction time in infants to establish a normative database for the Pediatric Perimeter device. Additionally, we tested the hypothesis that gaze reaction time will reduce with age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Healthy infants between 3 to 10 months of age were recruited. Peripheral visual field stimuli (hemifield and quadrant stimuli) were presented in the Pediatric Perimeter device. Infant's gaze to these stimuli was observed, documented in real time, and video recorded for offline analysis. Results: A total of 121 infants were tested in three age group bins [3–5 months, n = 44; >5–7 months, n = 30 and >7–10 months, n = 47]. Overall, 3–5 months old had longer reaction time when compared to the older infants particularly for stimuli presented in the quadrants (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.038). A significantly asymmetric difference (p = 0.025) in reaction time was observed between the upper (median = 820ms, IQR = 659-1093ms) and lower quadrants (median = 601ms, IQR = 540-1052ms) only for the 3–5 months old infants. Conclusion: This study provides the normative gaze reaction time of healthy infants. With increase in age, there is reduction in reaction time and disappearance of reaction time asymmetry in quadrant stimuli. The longer reaction time for upward gaze could be due to delayed maturation of neural mechanisms and/or decreased visual attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Greening of cotyledons during de‐etiolation is critical for harvesting light energy and sustaining plant growth. PIF3 and HY5 antagonistically regulate protochlorophyllide synthesis in the dark. However, the mechanism by which the PIF3/HY5 module regulates genes involved in protochlorophyllide synthesis is not clear.Using genetic, molecular and biochemical techniques we identified that the B‐BOX protein BBX11 acts directly downstream of PIF3 and HY5 to transcriptionally modulate genes involved in protochlorophyllide synthesis.Dark‐grown bbx11 and 35S:BBX11 seedlings exhibit an enhanced and reduced ability to green, respectively, when exposed to light. Transcript levels of HEMA1 and CHLH are upregulated in 35S:BBX11 seedlings that accumulate high levels of protochlorophyllide in the dark and undergo photobleaching upon illumination. PIF3 inhibits BBX11 in the dark by directly binding to its promoter. bbx11 suppresses the cotyledon greening defect of pif3 after prolonged dark, indicating that the PIF3‐mediated regulation of greening is dependent on BBX11. The enhanced greening of hy5 is also suppressed in hy5 lines overexpressing BBX11. In light, HY5 directly binds to the promoter of BBX11 and activates its expression to regulate BBX11‐mediated hypocotyl inhibition.We show that a PIF3/HY5 module regulates BBX11 expression in opposite ways to optimise protochlorophyllide accumulation in the dark and promote photomorphogenesis in light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in plant development, regulating germination, seedling development and stomatal movements, especially under adverse conditions. Light interacts with the ABA signalling pathway to fine tune these processes. Here, we provide an overview of the recent investigations on ABA–light interplay during early plant development after germination. We discuss the multilayered and reciprocal interactions between ABA signalling components and several light signalling modulators, including photoreceptors, transcription factors and posttranslational modifiers. ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5 acts as a central convergence point for these interactions during postgermination seedling development. ABA also regulates the adaptation of seedlings to challenging light environments. Furthermore, we enlist the role of ABA–light cross‐talk in regulating seedling establishment in crops and highlight open questions for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Routine use of frozen section (FS) is a costly procedure and sparsely available in resource poor countries. A proper cost benefit analysis may help to reduce its routine use and would empower surgeons to perform oral cancer surgeries without having FS facility. FS is performed to identify microscopic spread beyond gross disease that cannot be assessed clinically.Objective: Our primary aim was to determine the cost benefit analysis of FS in the assessment of margins in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 1311 consecutive patients who were operated between January 2012 and October 2013. The gross and microscopic margin status of each patient was extracted from the patient's chart. The cost estimates were performed to calculate the financial burden of FS as well as expenses incurred on adjuvant treatment resulting from inadequate margins.Result: Microscopic spread changed the gross margin status in 5.2% (65/1237) patients. Of this entire cohort of 1237 patients, FS helped 29 (2.3%) patients to achieve tumor free margin, and it changed the adjuvant treatment plan in 9 (0.7%) patients. The cost of FS for each patient was INR 11052. The cost-benefit ratio of FS was 12:1. Gross examination alone could have identified majority of the inadequate margins.Conclusion: Frozen section for assessment of margin status bears poor cost-benefit ratio. Meticulous gross examination of the entire surgical specimen is sufficient to identify majority of inadequate margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE SIX-LIKE4 ( RSL4) is necessary and sufficient for root hair elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Root hair length is determined by the duration for which RSL4 protein is present in the developing root hair. The aim of this research was to identify genes regulated by RSL4 that affect root hair growth., To identify genes regulated by RSL4, we identified genes whose expression was elevated by induction of RSL4 activity in the presence of an inhibitor of translation., Thirty-four genes were identified as putative targets of RSL transcriptional regulation, and the results suggest that the activities of SUPPRESSOR OF ACTIN ( SAC1), EXOCSYT SUBUNIT 70A1 ( EXO70A1), PEROXIDASE7 ( PRX7) and CALCIUM- DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE11 ( CPK11) are required for root hair elongation., These data indicate that RSL4 controls cell growth by controlling the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in cell signalling, cell wall modification and secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The night‐flowering Jasmine, Nyctanthes arbor‐tristis also known as Parijat, is a perennial woody shrub belonging to the family of Oleaceae. It is popular for its fragrant flowers that bloom in the night and is a potent source of secondary metabolites. However, knowledge about its genome and the expression of genes regulating flowering or secondary metabolite accumulation is lacking. In this study, we generated whole genome sequencing data to assemble the first de novo assembly of Parijat and use it for comparative genomics and demographic history reconstruction. The temporal dynamics of effective population size (Ne) experienced a positive influence of colder climates suggesting the switch to night flowering may have provided an evolutionary advantage. We employed multi‐tissue transcriptome sequencing of floral stages/parts to obtain insights into the transcriptional regulation of nocturnal flower development and the production of volatiles/metabolites. Tissue‐specific transcripts for mature flowers revealed key players in circadian regulation and flower development, including the auxin pathway and cell wall modifying genes. Furthermore, we identified tissue‐specific transcripts responsible for producing numerous secondary metabolites, mainly terpenoids and carotenoids. The diversity and specificity of Terpene Synthase (TPS) and CCDs (Carotenoid Cleavage Deoxygenases) mediate the bio‐synthesis of specialised metabolites in Parijat. Our study establishes Parijat as a novel non‐model species to understand the molecular mechanisms of nocturnal blooming and secondary metabolite production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root hairs are tip-growing extensions from root epidermal cells that play important roles in nutrient uptake and in plant-soil interactions. In this review, we discuss the major environmental, physiological and genetic factors that regulate the differentiation and growth of root hairs in angiosperms. Root hair cells are arranged in a number of different patterns in the root epidermis of different species. In Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana L.), a striped pattern of hair and non-hair files is generated by an intercellular gene regulatory network that involves feedback loops and protein movement between neighbouring cells. The growth of root hairs can be broadly divided into an initiation phase, where site selection and bulge formation take place, and an elongation phase. The initiation phase is regulated by different transcription factors, GTPases and cell wall modification enzymes. During the elongation phase root hairs grow by tip growth, a type of polarised cell expansion that is restricted to the growing apex. Root hair elongation is characterized by a strong polarisation of the cytoskeleton, active cell wall modifications and dynamic ion movements. Finally, we discuss the functional and genetic similarities between the root hairs of angiosperms and the rhizoids of bryophytes and ferns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B-box containing proteins play an important role in light signaling in plants. Here, we identify LIGHT-REGULATED ZINC FINGER1/SALT TOLERANCE HOMOLOG3 (STH3), a B-box encoding gene that genetically interacts with two key regulators of light signaling, ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) and CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1). STH3 physically interacts with HY5 in vivo and shows a COPl-dependent localization to nuclear speckles when coexpressed with COP1 in plant cells. A T-DNA insertion mutant, sth3, is hyposensitive to high fluence blue, red, and far-red light and has elongated hypocotyls under short days. Analyses of double mutants between sth3, sth2, and hy5 suggest that they have partially overlapping functions. Interestingly, functional assays in protoplasts suggest that STH3 can activate transcription both independently and together with STH2 through the G-box promoter element. Furthermore, sth3 suppresses the cop1 hypocotyl phenotype in the dark as well as the anthocyanin accumulation in the light. Finally, COP1 ubiquitinates STH3 in vitro, suggesting that STH3 is regulated by COP1. In conclusion, we have identified STH3 as a positive regulator of photomorphogenesis acting in concert with STH2 and HY5, while also being a target of COP1-mediated ubiquitination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) are two major regulators of light signaling in plants. Here, we identify SALT TOLERANCE HOMOLOG2 (STH2) as a gene that interacts genetically with both of these key regulators. STH2 encodes a B-box-containing protein that interacts physically with HY5 in yeast and in plant cells. Whereas STH2 is uniformly nuclear by itself, it shows a COP1-dependent localization to speckles when coexpressed with COP1. We identified two independent T-DNA insertion lines in STH2. Both alleles are hyposensitive to blue, red, and far-red light. The sth2 mutant, like hy5, shows an enhanced number of lateral roots and accumulates less anthocyanin. Analysis of double mutants between sth2 and hy5 indicates that STH2 has both HY5-dependent and -independent functions. Furthermore, besides partially suppressing the hypocotyl phenotype of dark-grown cop1 alleles, sth2 also suppresses the reduced number of lateral roots and high anthocyanin levels in light-grown cop1 alleles. Interestingly, we found that STH2 can activate transcription. Transient transfection assays in protoplasts using a LUC reporter driven by the chalcone isomerase promoter show that the B-boxes in STH2 and a functional G-box element in the promoter are required for this activity. In conclusion, we have identified STH2, a B-box protein in Arabidopsis thaliana, as a positive regulator of photomorphogenesis and report that the B-box domain plays a direct role in activating transcription in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that represses photomorphogenesis in the dark. Therefore, proteins interacting with COP1 could be important regulators of light-dependent development. Here, we identify CONSTANS-LIKE3 (COL3) as a novel interaction partner of COP1. A green fluorescent protein-COL3 fusion protein colocalizes with COP1 to nuclear speckles when transiently expressed in plant cells. This localization requires the B-box domains in COL3, indicating a novel function of this domain. A loss-of-function col3 mutant has longer hypocotyls in red light and in short days. Unlike constans, the col3 mutant flowers early and shows a reduced number of lateral branches in short days. The mutant also exhibits reduced formation of lateral roots. The col3 mutation partially suppresses the cop1 and deetiolatedl (det1) mutations in the dark, suggesting that COL3 acts downstream of both of these repressors. However, the col3 mutation exerts opposing effects on cop1 and det1 in terms of lateral roots and anthocyanin accumulation, suggesting that COL3 also has activities that are independent of COP1 and DET1. In conclusion, we have identified COL3 as a positive regulator of photomorphogenesis that acts downstream of COP1 but can promote lateral root development independently of COP1 and also function as a daylength-sensitive regulator of shoot branching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal timing of transition from vegetative to floral reproductive phase is critical for plant productivity and agricultural yields. Light plays a decisive role in regulating this transition. The B‐box (BBX) family of transcription factors regulates several light‐mediated developmental processes in plants, including flowering. Here, we identify a previously uncharacterized group II BBX family member, BBX13/COL15, as a negative regulator of flowering under long‐day conditions. BBX13 is primarily expressed in the leaf vasculature, buds, and flowers, showing a similar spatial expression pattern to the major flowering time regulators CO and FT. bbx13 mutants flower early, while BBX13‐overexpressors exhibit delayed flowering under long days. Genetic analyses showed that BBX13 acts upstream to CO and FT and negatively regulates their expression. BBX13 physically interacts with CO and inhibits the CO‐mediated transcriptional activation of FT. In addition, BBX13 directly binds to the CORE2 motif on the FT promoter, where CO also binds. Chromatin immunoprecipitation data indicates that BBX13 reduces the in vivo binding of CO on the FT promoter. Through luciferase assay, we found that BBX13 inhibits the CO‐mediated transcriptional activation of FT. Together, these findings suggest that BBX13/COL15 represses flowering in Arabidopsis by attenuating the binding of CO on the FT promoter. Summary statement: BBX13, a previously uncharacterized protein in the B‐Box family of transcription factors, negatively regulates flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. BBX13 physically and genetically interacts with CO and inhibits the CO‐mediated transcriptional activation of FT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral cancer poses a significant health challenge due to limited treatment protocols and therapeutic targets. We aimed to investigate the invasive margins of gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (GB-OSCC) tumors in terms of the localization of genes and cell types within the margins at various distances that could lead to nodal metastasis. Methods: We collected tumor tissues from 23 resected GB-OSCC samples for gene expression profiling using digital spatial transcriptomics. We monitored differential gene expression at varying distances between the tumor and its microenvironvent (TME), and performed a deconvulation study and immunohistochemistry to identify the cells and genes regulating the TME. Results: We found that the tumor–stromal interface (a distance up to 200 µm between tumor and immune cells) is the most active region for disease progression in GB-OSCC. The most differentially expressed apex genes, such as FN1 and COL5A1, were located at the stromal ends of the margins, and together with enrichment of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and an immune-suppressed microenvironment, were associated with lymph node metastasis. Intermediate fibroblasts, myocytes, and neutrophils were enriched at the tumor ends, while cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were enriched at the stromal ends. The intermediate fibroblasts transformed into CAFs and relocated to the adjacent stromal ends where they participated in FN1-mediated ECM modulation. Conclusion: We have generated a functional organization of the tumor–stromal interface in GB-OSCC and identified spatially located genes that contribute to nodal metastasis and disease progression. Our dataset might now be mined to discover suitable molecular targets in oral cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of aluminum ions (Al3+) under acidic soil conditions inhibits primary root elongation and hinders plant growth and productivity. Al3+ alters the membrane potential, displaces critical ions in the apoplast and disrupts intracellular ionic concentrations by targeting membrane‐localized solute transporters. Here, we provide an overview of how Al3+ affects the activities of several solute transporters especially in the root. High Al3+ level impairs the functions of potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), nitrate (NO3−) and ammonium (NH4+) transporters. We further discuss the role of some key transporters in mediating Al tolerance either by exclusion or sequestration. Anion channels responsible for organic acid efflux modulate the sensitivity to Al3+. The ALUMINUM ACTIVATED MALATE TRANSPORTER (ALMT) and MULTIDRUG AND TOXIC COMPOUND EXTRUSION (MATE) family of transporters exude malate and citrate, respectively, to the rhizosphere to alleviate Al toxicity by Al exclusion. The ABC transporters, aquaporins and H+‐ATPases perform vacuolar sequestration of Al3+, leading to aluminum tolerance in plants. Targeting these solute transporters in crop plants can help generating aluminum‐tolerant crops in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion) transporters play multiple roles in plants including detoxification, secondary metabolite transport, aluminium (Al) tolerance, and disease resistance. Here we identify and characterize the role of the Arabidopsis MATE transporter DETOXIFICATION30. AtDTX30 regulates auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis roots to modulate root development and Al‐tolerance. DTX30 is primarily expressed in roots and localizes to the plasma membrane of root epidermal cells including root hairs. dtx30 mutants exhibit reduced elongation of the primary root, root hairs, and lateral roots. The mutant seedlings accumulate more auxin in their root tips indicating role of DTX30 in maintaining auxin homeostasis in the root. Al induces DTX30 expression and promotes its localization to the distal transition zone. dtx30 seedlings accumulate more Al in their roots but are hyposensitive to Al‐mediated rhizotoxicity perhaps due to saturation in root growth inhibition. Increase in expression of ethylene and auxin biosynthesis genes in presence of Al is absent in dtx30. The mutants exude less citrate under Al conditions, which might be due to misregulation of AtSTOP1 and the citrate transporter AtMATE. In conclusion, DTX30 modulates auxin levels in root to regulate root development and in the presence of Al indirectly modulates citrate exudation to promote Al tolerance. DTX30 modulates auxin level in root to regulate root development and indirectly promotes citrate exudation to alleviate aluminium toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No biomarker has yet been identified that allows accurate diagnosis and prognosis of oral cancers. In this study, we investigated the presence of key metabolites in oral cancer using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify metabolic biomarkers of gingivobuccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (GB-OSCC). NMR spectroscopy revealed that uracil was expressed in 83.09% of tumor tissues and pyrimidine metabolism was active in GB-OSCC; these results correlated well with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNA sequencing data. Based on further gene and protein analyses, we proposed a pathway for the production of uracil in GB-OSCC tissues. Uridinetriphosphate (UTP) is hydrolyzed to uridine diphosphate (UDP) by CD39 in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that UDP enters the cell with the help of the UDP-specific P2Y6 receptor for further processing by ENTPD4/5 to produce uracil. As the ATP reserves diminish, the weakened immune cells in the TME utilize pyrimidine metabolism as fuel for antitumor activity, and the same mechanism is hijacked by the tumor cells to promote their survival. Correspondingly, the differential expression of ENTPD4 and ENTPD5 in immune and tumor cells, respectively, indicatedtheir involvement in disease progression. Furthermore, higher uracil levels were detected in patients with lymph node metastasis, indicating that metastatic potential is increased in the presence of uracil. The presence of uracil and/or expression patterns of intermediate molecules in purine and pyrimidine pathways, such asCD39, CD73, and P2Y6 receptors together with ENTPD4 and ENTPD5, hold promise as biomarker(s) for oral cancer diagnosis and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most critical stresses, which causes an enormous reduction in crop yield. Plants develop various strategies like drought escape, drought avoidance, and drought tolerance to cope with the reduced availability of water during drought. Plants adopt several morphological and biochemical modifications to fine-tune their water-use efficiency to alleviate drought stress. ABA accumulation and signaling plays a crucial role in the response of plants towards drought. Here, we discuss how drought-induced ABA regulates the modifications in stomatal dynamics, root system architecture, and the timing of senescence to counter drought stress. These physiological responses are also regulated by light, indicating the possibility of convergence of light- and drought-induced ABA signaling pathways. In this review, we provide an overview of investigations reporting light–ABA signaling cross talk in Arabidopsis as well as other crop species. We have also tried to describe the potential role of different light components and their respective photoreceptors and downstream factors like HY5, PIFs, BBXs, and COP1 in modulating drought stress responses. Finally, we highlight the possibilities of enhancing the plant drought resilience by fine-tuning light environment or its signaling components in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future studies can explore the barriers for uptake to improve the teleconsultation services.{Figure 1} Teleconsultation is the second most preferred choice among the survey participants. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest REFERENCES 1 Currell R, Urquhart C, Wainwright P, Lewis R. Telemedicine versus face to face patient care: Effects on professional practice and health care outcomes. Dear Editor, Teleconsultation (TC) evolved mainly to reduce distance barriers and to provide quality medical care.[[1]],[[2]] With the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety dimension for the patient and the practitioner also got included. [Extracted from the article]

With the advent of nicotine replacement therapy, the consumption of the nicotine is on the rise. Nicotine is considered to be a safer alternative of tobacco. The IARC monograph has not included nicotine as a carcinogen. However there are various studies which show otherwise. We undertook this review to specifically evaluate the effects of nicotine on the various organ systems. A computer aided search of the Medline and PubMed database was done using a combination of the keywords. All the animal and human studies investigating only the role of nicotine were included. Nicotine poses several health hazards. There is an increased risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal disorders. There is decreased immune response and it also poses ill impacts on the reproductive health. It affects the cell proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, DNA mutation by various mechanisms which leads to cancer. It also affects the tumor proliferation and metastasis and causes resistance to chemo and radio therapeutic agents. The use of nicotine needs regulation. The sale of nicotine should be under supervision of trained medical personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary gland tumors are diagnostically challenging owing to the morphological diversity within any tumor type and overlapping histomorphology and immunohistochemistry amongst different tumours. In past two decades, rapid progress has been made in the field of understanding the pathogenesis of these tumours with the discovery of many tumour specific translocations and rearrangements. This includes CRTC1-MAML2 and CRTC-MAML2 in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, MYBNFIB and MYBL1-NFIB fusions in adenoid cystic carcinoma, PLAG1 and HMGA2 in pleomorphic adenoma, ETV6-NTRK3 in secretory carcinoma, NR4A3 rearrangements in acinic cell carcinoma, PRKD1 mutations in polymorphous adenocarcinoma and EWSR1-ATF1 in clear cell carcinoma. This review is a lens for progress made till date in the molecular pathology of salivary gland tumours with a special focus on their role as diagnostic tools and implications on clinical management of the patient as prognostic and predictive markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UV-B radiation acts as a developmental cue and a stress factor for plants, depending on dose. Activation of the transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) in a UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8)-dependent manner leads to the induction of a broad set of genes under UV-B. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating this process are less understood. Here, we use molecular, biochemical, genetic, and metabolomic tools to identify the B-BOX transcription factor BBOX PROTEIN 11 (BBX11) as a component of the molecular response to UV-B in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). BBX11 expression is induced by UV-B in a dose-dependent manner. Under low UV-B, BBX11 regulates hypocotyl growth suppression, whereas it protects plants exposed to high UV-B radiation by promoting the accumulation of photo-protective phenolics and antioxidants, and inducing DNA repair genes. Our genetic studies indicate that BBX11 regulates hypocotyl elongation under UV-B partially dependent on HY5. Overexpression of BBX11 can partially rescue the high UV-B sensitivity of hy5, suggesting that HY5-mediated UV-B stress tolerance is partially dependent on BBX11. HY5 regulates the UV-B-mediated induction of BBX11 by directly binding to its promoter. BBX11 reciprocally regulates the mRNA and protein levels of HY5. We report here the role of a BBX11-HY5 feedback loop in regulating photomorphogenesis and stress tolerance under UV-B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotyledon opening is a key morphological change that occurs in seedlings during de-etiolation. Brassinosteroids (BRs) inhibit the opening of cotyledons in darkness while light promotes cotyledon opening. The molecular regulation of the interplay between light and BR to regulate cotyledon opening is not well understood. Here, we show the B-box protein BBX32 negatively regulates light signaling and promotes BR signaling to inhibit cotyledon opening in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). BBX32 is highly expressed in the cotyledons of seedlings during de-etiolation. bbx32 and 35S:BBX32 seedlings exhibit enhanced and reduced cotyledon opening, respectively, in response to both light and brassinazole treatment in dark, suggesting that BBX32 mediates cotyledon opening through both light and BR signaling pathways. BBX32 expression is induced by exogenous BR and is upregulated in bzr1-1D (BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1-1D). Our in vitro and in vivo interaction studies suggest that BBX32 physically interacts with BZR1. Further, we found that PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 3 (PIF3) interacts with BBX32 and promotes BR-mediated cotyledon closure. BBX32, BZR1, and PIF3 regulate the expression of common target genes that modulate the opening and closing of cotyledons. Our work suggests BBX32 integrates light and BR signals to regulate cotyledon opening during de-etiolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light plays an important role in plants' growth and development throughout their life cycle. Plants alter their morphological features in response to light cues of varying intensity and quality. Dedicated photoreceptors help plants to perceive light signals of different wavelengths. Activated photoreceptors stimulate the downstream signaling cascades that lead to extensive gene expression changes responsible for physiological and developmental responses. Proteins such as ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) and CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) act as important factors which modulate light‐regulated gene expression, especially during seedling development. These factors function as central regulatory intermediates not only in red, far‐red, and blue light pathways but also in the UV‐B signaling pathway. UV‐B radiation makes up only a minor fraction of sunlight, yet it imparts many positive and negative effects on plant growth. Studies on UV‐B perception, signaling, and response in plants has considerably surged in recent times. Plants have developed different strategies to use UV‐B as a developmental cue as well as to withstand high doses of UV‐B radiation. Plants' responses to UV‐B are an integration of its cross‐talks with both environmental factors and phytohormones. This review outlines the current developments in light signaling with a major focus on UV‐B‐mediated plant growth regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Under acute stress conditions, precocious seedling development may result in the premature death of young seedlings, before they switch to autotrophic growth. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) inhibits seed germination and post‐germination seedling establishment under unfavorable conditions. Various environmental signals interact with the ABA pathway to optimize these early developmental events under stress. Here, we show that light availability critically influences ABA sensitivity during early seedling development. In dark conditions, the ABA‐mediated inhibition of post‐germination seedling establishment is strongly enhanced. COP1, a central regulator of seedling development in the dark, is necessary for this enhanced post‐germination ABA sensitivity in darkness. Despite their slower germination, cop1 seedlings establish faster than wild type in the presence of ABA in both light and dark. PHY and CRY photoreceptors that inhibit COP1 activity in light modulate ABA‐mediated inhibition of seedling establishment in light. Genetically, COP1 acts downstream to ABI5, a key transcriptional regulator of ABA signaling, and does not influence the transcriptional and protein levels of ABI5 during the early post‐germination stages. COP1 promotes post‐germination growth arrest independent of the antagonistic interaction between ABA and cytokinin signaling pathways. COP1 facilitates the binding of ABI5 on its target promoters and the ABA‐mediated upregulation of these target genes is reduced in cop1‐4. Together, our results suggest that COP1 positively regulates ABA signaling to inhibit post‐germination seedling establishment under stress. Significance Statement: Abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced inhibition of precocious seedling development is important for the survival of plants under stress conditions. We show that the light signaling protein COP1 positively regulates ABA signaling by facilitating the binding of ABI5 on its target promoters and thus inhibiting seedling establishment after germination under stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential redox-signaling molecule free radical, contributes a significant role in a diverse range of physiological processes. Photo-triggered NO donors have significant potential compared to other NO donors because it releases NO in the presence of light. Hence, an efficient visible light-triggered NO donor is designed and synthesized by coupling 2,6-dimethyl nitrobenzene moiety at the peri -position of 1, 8-naphthalimide. The NO-releasing ability is validated using various spectroscopic techniques, the photoproduct is characterized, and finally, the NO generation quantum yield is also determined. Furthermore, the photo-generated NO has been employed to Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant to examine the effect of photoreceptor-mediated NO uptake on plant root growth regulation molecule. Image 1 • Designed and synthesized a 1,8-naphthalimide-based probe (Ni–NO 2) for the visible-light-induced NO generation. • The NO release from Ni–NO 2 is fully characterized by various analytical techniques. • Photo-generated NO has been utilized for the plant root growth regulation under white and blue light irradiation. • Results confirm an effective regulation of photoreceptor-mediated root growth in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sessile organisms, plants constantly monitor environmental cues and respond appropriately to modulate their growth and development. Membrane transporters act as gatekeepers of the cell regulating both the inflow of useful materials as well as exudation of harmful substances. Members of the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family of transporters are ubiquitously present in almost all forms of life including prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In bacteria, MATE proteins were originally characterized as efflux transporters conferring drug resistance. There are 58 MATE transporters in Arabidopsis thaliana , which are also known as DETOXIFICATION (DTX) proteins. In plants, these integral membrane proteins are involved in a diverse array of functions, encompassing secondary metabolite transport, xenobiotic detoxification, aluminium tolerance, and disease resistance. MATE proteins also regulate overall plant development by controlling phytohormone transport, tip growth processes, and senescence. While most of the functional characterizations of MATE proteins have been reported in Arabidopsis, recent reports suggest that their diverse roles extend to numerous other plant species. The wide array of functions exhibited by MATE proteins highlight their multitasking ability. In this review, we integrate information related to structure and functions of MATE transporters in plants. Since these transporters are central to mechanisms that allow plants to adapt to abiotic and biotic stresses, their study can potentially contribute to improving stress tolerance under changing climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bZIP transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) represents a major hub in the light-signaling cascade both under visible and UV-B light. The mode of transcriptional regulation of HY5, especially under UV-B light, is not well characterized. B-BOX (BBX) transcription factors regulate HY5 transcription and also posttranscriptionally modulate HY5 to control photomorphogenesis under white light. Here, we identify BBX31 as a key signaling intermediate in visible and UV-B light signal transduction in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). BBX31 expression is induced by UV-B radiation in a fluence-dependent manner. HY5 directly binds to the promoter of BBX31 and regulates its transcript levels. Loss- and gain-of-function mutants of BBX31 indicate that it acts as a negative regulator of photomorphogenesis under white light but is a positive regulator of UV-B signaling. Genetic interaction studies suggest that BBX31 regulates photomorphogenesis independent of HY5. We found no evidence for a direct BBX31-HY5 interaction, and they primarily regulate different sets of genes in white light. Under high doses of UV-B radiation, BBX31 promotes the accumulation of UV-protective flavonoids and phenolic compounds. It enhances tolerance to UV-B radiation by regulating genes involved in photoprotection and DNA repair in a HY5-dependent manner. Under UV-B radiation, overexpression of BBX31 enhances HY5 transcriptional levels in a UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8-dependent manner, suggesting that BBX31 might regulate HY5 transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plant development is meticulously modulated by interactions between the surrounding environment and the endogenous phytohormones. Light, as an external signal coordinates with the extensive networks of hormones inside the plant to execute its effects on growth and development. Several proteins in plants have been identified for their crucial roles in mediating light regulated development. Among these are the B-box (BBX) family of transcription factors characterized by the presence of zinc-finger B-box domain in their N-terminal region. In Arabidopsis there are 32 BBX proteins that are divided into five structural groups on the basis of the domains present. Several BBX proteins play important roles in seedling photomorphogenesis, neighbourhood detection and photoperiodic regulation of flowering. There is increasing evidence that besides light signaling BBX proteins also play integral roles in several hormone signaling pathways in plants. Here we attempt to comprehensively integrate the roles of multiple BBX proteins in various light and hormone signaling pathways. We further discuss the role of the BBX proteins in mediating crosstalk between the two signaling pathways to harmonize plant growth and development. Finally, we try to analyse the conservation of BBX genes across species and discuss the role of BBX proteins in regulating economically important traits in crop plants. Highlights • BBX proteins contain one or two B-box domains in their N-terminal regions. • In Arabidopsis the BBX family consists of 32 members. • BBX proteins play important role in light-regulated signaling pathways and in phytohormone-mediated development. • BBX proteins play important roles in transcriptional regulation and protein-protein interactions. • BBX proteins regulate photomorphogenesis, shade avoidance, flowering in plants by integrating light and hormonal pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) BBX family comprises several positive and negative regulators of photomorphogenesis. BBX24, a member of BBX structural group IV, acts as a negative regulator of photomorphogenesis, whereas another member from the same group, BBX21, is a positive regulator. The molecular basis for the functional diversity shown by these related BBX family members is unknown. Using domain-swap lines, we show that the C-terminal regions of BBX24 and BBX21 specify their function. Because both BBX21 and BBX24 work in close association with HY5, we hypothesized that these proteins differentially regulate the levels or activity of HY5 to fulfill their opposite roles. We show that BBX21 can regulate HY5 post-transcriptionally and the two proteins can coordinate to promote photomorphogenesis. By contrast, BBX24 interferes with the binding of HY5 to the promoter of an anthocyanin biosynthetic gene, possibly by heterodimerizing with HY5 and preventing it from binding DNA. Our finding that both BBX21 and BBX24 regulate HY5 activity post-transcriptionally, in opposite ways, suggests that closely related B-box proteins execute contrasting functions through differential regulation of HY5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is essential for plants, but excessive light is damaging to plant health. Photoprotection is defined as the prevention against damaging effects of intense solar radiation. Plants have evolved morpho-physiological and biochemical adaptations to shield themselves from harmful radiations. Secondary metabolites are low molecular weight organic compounds that play manifold roles in plants including defense and interactions with the environment. Flavonoids are phenolic compounds while carotenoids are tetraterpenes that play crucial role in photoprotection. Several studies indicate that light regulates the accumulation of these metabolites. The underlying mechanistic details about the light signaling factors regulating the synthesis of these secondary metabolites have expanded over the last few years. These include the photoreceptors PHY, CRY and UVR8, light-regulated transcription factors like HY5, PIFs, MYBs and BBXs and their downstream targets PSY, CHI, CHS, FLS, that modulate carotenoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. Here we discuss these molecular mechanisms and how metabolic engineering is now being used to modulate these pathways, to enhance the production of beneficial metabolites. This can be useful for the generation of climate-resilient plants resistant to excessive radiation in the future. Additionally, optimum artificial lighting can enhance the production of these metabolites which often have nutritional and medicinal benefits. [Display omitted] • High-intensity visible light and UV radiations induce photo-oxidative stress in plants. • Photo-oxidative stress induces the accumulation of carotenoids and flavonoids in plants. • Biosynthesis of the flavonoids and carotenoids are regulated by light signalling factors. • Metabolic engineering can be utilized to enhance biosynthesis of photoprotective compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and pathological features of squamous cell carcinoma of the Tongue and Buccal Mucosa and understand their differences. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 735 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and 665 cases of carcinoma of the buccal mucosa treated by surgery at our hospital. Statistical analysis was done to examine clinical and pathological differences between carcinoma of the tongue and the buccal mucosa with regards to age, gender, clinical T stage/N stage, pathological T stage/N stage, overall stage, grade, thickness, perinodal extension (PNE), lymphovascular emboli (LVE) and perineural invasion (PNI). Statistically significant differences were found for factors like age ( p < 0.001), gender ( p < 0.001), clinical T staging ( p < 0.001) and pathological stage ( p < 0.001), grade of tumor ( p < 0.001) and perineural invasion ( p < 0.001) between carcinoma of the tongue and the buccal mucosa. Forty-eight percent patients in either subsite had pathologically proven node negative necks (pN0, p = 0.88). Multivariate analysis for occult nodal metastases revealed that predictive factors were different for the two subsites. There are significant differences between cancers of the tongue and buccal mucosa for various clinical and pathological factors. This may be a reflection of the underlying differences in their causation and pathophysiology. Squamous cell carcinoma in these two subsites should therefore be regarded as clinico-pathologically distinct entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) is a basic domain/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, central for the regulation of seedling photomorphogenesis. Here, we identified a B-BOX (BBX)–containing protein, BBX25/SALT TOLERANCE HOMOLOG, as an interacting partner of HY5, which has been previously found to physically interact with CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1). BBX25 physically interacts with HY5 both in vitro and in vivo. By physiological and genetic approaches, we showed that BBX25 is a negative regulator of seedling photomorphogenesis. BBX25 and its homolog BBX24 regulate deetiolation processes and hypocotyl shade avoidance response in an additive manner. Moreover, genetic relationships of bbx25 and bbx24 with hy5 and cop1 revealed that BBX25 and BBX24 additively enhance COP1 and suppress HY5 functions. BBX25 accumulates in a light-dependent manner and undergoes COP1-mediated degradation in dark and light conditions. Furthermore, a protoplast cotransfection assay showed that BBX24 and BBX25 repress BBX22 expression by interfering with HY5 transcriptional activity. As HY5 binds to the BBX22 promoter and promotes its expression, our results identify a direct mechanism through which the expression of BBX22 is regulated. We suggest that BBX25 and BBX24 function as transcriptional corepressors, probably by forming inactive heterodimers with HY5, downregulating BBX22 expression for the fine-tuning of light-mediated seedling development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voice rehabilitation in laryngectomized patients by tracheoesophageal puncture is a time tested technique. In some patients the tracheoesophageal puncture gets inordinately dilated leading to leakage around the prosthesis. Most of these fistulas are managed by a variety of conservative treatments like temporary removal of prosthesis, placement of silastic ring over the prosthesis, placement of nasogastric tube and airway protection by a cuffed tracheostomy tube. Intractable fistulas are tackled by surgical closure but are fraught with failures. We hereby suggest a novel temporary obturator that can be can be easily made at a very low cost in any hospital having prosthetic rehabilitation services and obviates the need for a tracheostomy tube, nasogastric tube and repeated hospital visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]