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Plants constantly perceive and process environmental signals and balance between the energetic demands of growth and defense. Growth arrest upon pathogen attack was previously suggested to result from a redirection of the plants' metabolic resources towards the activation of plant defense. The energy sensor Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase is a conserved master coordinator of growth and development in all eukaryotes. Although TOR is positioned at the interface between development and defense, little is known about the mechanisms by which TOR may potentially regulate the relationship between these two modalities. The plant hormones cytokinin (CK) and gibberellin (GA) execute various aspects of plant development and defense. The ratio between CK and GA was reported to determine the outcome of developmental programmes. Here, investigating the interplay between TOR‐mediated development and TOR‐mediated defense in tomato, we found that TOR silencing resulted in rescue of several different aberrant developmental phenotypes, demonstrating that TOR is required for the execution of developmental cues. In parallel, TOR inhibition enhanced immunity in genotypes with a low CK/GA ratio but not in genotypes with a high CK/GA ratio. TOR‐inhibition mediated disease resistance was found to depend on developmental status, and was abolished in strongly morphogenetic leaves, while being strongest in mature, differentiated leaves. CK repressed TOR activity, suggesting that CK‐mediated immunity may rely on TOR downregulation. At the same time, TOR activity was promoted by GA, and TOR silencing reduced GA sensitivity, indicating that GA signalling requires normal TOR activity. Our results demonstrate that TOR likely acts in concert with CK and GA signalling, executing signalling cues in both defense and development. Thus, differential regulation of TOR or TOR‐mediated processes could regulate the required outcome of development‐defense prioritisation. Summary Statement: Target of Rapamycin (TOR) is positioned at the interface between development and defense, but little is known about the mechanisms by which TOR may regulate shifts between them. Here, we demonstrate that TOR likely acts in concert with cytokinin and gibberellin to execute signalling cues in both defense and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Among all face masks, N95 masks have been recommended for medical professionals involved mainly in patients with severe respiratory illnesses. Studies showing a decrease in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpD3) and an increase in heart rate after N95 mask usage have already created panic/concern among medical professionals. On the contrary, a few studies have shown no such negative impact of N95 mask usage, thereby urging scientific communities to investigate/explore these contrasting results. Aim: To study the effect of wearing an N95 mask continuously for three hours on SpD3 and heart rate specifically in Indian medical professionals. Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted for a period of 2 months from June 15, 2022, to August 15, 2022, at Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India, with a total of 105 healthy Indian medical professionals aged 18-40 years (55 males, 50 females) (12 study participants dropped from the study midway). In each participant, SpD3 and heart rate were recorded first without a mask (M0) and then with a mask (M3) after three hours of routine work in the hospital. Using Mystat statistical software (version 12.0), results were expressed as mean±Standard Deviation (SD), and Student's paired t-test was used to compare the pairs of means. Results: Among the 105 eligible participants, 93 successfully completed the study, whereas 12 participants were excluded (dropout rate=11.42%). The study included 55 males (52.38%) and 50 females (47.61%) with an age range of 18-40 years and a mean age of 30.2±6.4 years. The SpD3 levels statistically showed a highly significant decrease after three hours of wearing an N95 mask (96.5±0.83% in M0 vs. 93.98±0.6% in M3). Similarly, the heart rate statistically showed a highly significant increase after three hours of using an N95 mask (73.45±3.6 in M0 vs. 89.6±6.1 beats/min in M3). Conclusion: The authors highlighted lower SpD3 levels and an increase in heart rate after three hours of N95 mask usage specifically in Indian medical professionals and thereby appeal to develop/upgrade the N95 mask by lowering its humidity, thermal stress, and breathing resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper suggests the Chebyshev pseudo-spectral approach to solve the variable-order fractional Lane–Emden differential equations (VOFLEDE). The variable-order fractional derivative (VOFD) is defined in the Caputo sense. The proposed method transforms the problem into a set of algebraic equations that can be solved for unknowns. Few examples are discussed to exhibit the viability and effectiveness of the approach. The present study indicates the accuracy, efficiency, and powerfulness of the Chebyshev collocation method in solving the VOFD Lane–Emden equation. Error bound and convergence analysis of the method is also discussed. It is worth noticing that using lesser collocation nodes in computation is another advantage of the technique, which eventually reduces the computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms underlying the ability of plants to differentiate between pathogens and commensals in their environment are currently unresolved. It has been suggested that spatiotemporal regulation of pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) content could be one of the components providing plants with the ability to distinguish between pathogens and nonpathogenic microbes. The LeEIX PRRs recognize xylanases derived from beneficial or commensal plant colonizers of Trichoderma species, including the xylanase known as EIX. Here, we investigated possible general roles of PRRs from the LeEIX locus in immunity and pathogen resistance in tomato. Mutating the inhibitory PRR LeEIX1, or overexpressing the activating PRR LeEIX2, resulted in resistance to a wide range of pathogens and increased basal and elicited immunity. LeEIX1 knockout caused increases in the expression level of several tested PRRs, including FLS2, as well as bacterial pathogen resistance coupled with an increase in flg22-mediated immunity. The wild tomato relative Solanum pennellii contains inactive LeEIX PRR variants. S. pennellii does not respond to elicitation with the LeEIX PRR ligand EIX. Given that EIX is derived from a mostly nonpathogenic microbe, the connection of its PRRs to disease resistance has not previously been investigated directly. Here, we observed that compared with S. lycopersicum cultivar M82, S. pennellii was more sensitive to several fungal and bacterial pathogens. Our results suggest that the LeEIX locus might determine resistance to fungal necrotrophs, whereas the resistance to biotrophs is effected in combination with a gene/quantitative trait locus not within the LeEIX locus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient elements play essential roles in plant growth, development, and reproduction. Balanced nutrition is critical for plant health and the ability to withstand biotic stress. Treatment with essential elements has been shown to induce disease resistance in certain cases. Understanding the functional mechanisms underlying plant immune responses to nutritional elements has the potential to provide new insights into crop improvement. In the present study, we investigated the effect of various elements--potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na)--in promoting resistance against the necrotrophic fungus Botiytis cinerea and the hemibiotrophic bacterium Xanthomonas euvesicatoria in tomato. We demonstrate that spray treatment of essential elements was sufficient to activate immune responses, inducing defense gene expression, cellular leakage, reactive oxygen species, and ethylene production. We report that different defense signaling pathways are required for induction of immunity in response to different elements. Our results suggest that genetic mechanisms that are modulated by nutrient elements can be exploited in agricultural practices to promote disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocontrol agents can control pathogens by reenforcing systemic plant resistance through systemic acquired resistance (SAR) or induced systemic resistance (ISR). Trichoderma spp. can activate the plant immune system through ISR, priming molecular mechanisms of defense against pathogens. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) can infect a wide range of arthropod pests and play an important role in reducing pests' population. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which EPF contiol plant diseases. We tested two well studied EPF, Metarhizium brunneum isolate Mb7 and Beauveria bassiana as the commercial product Velifer, for their ability to induce systemic immunity and disease resistance against several fungal and bacterial phytopathogens, and their ability to promote plant growth. We compared the activity of these EPF to an established biocontrol agent, Trichoderma harzianum T39, a known inducer of systemic plant immunity and broad disease resistance. The three fungal agents were effective against several fungal and bacterial plant pathogens and arthropod pests. Our results indicate that EPF induce systemic plant immunity and disease resistance by activating the plant host defense machinery, as evidenced by increases in reactive oxygen species production and defense gene expression, and that EPF promote plant growth. EPF should be considered as control means for Tuta absoluta. We demonstrate that, with some exceptions, biocontrol in tomato can be equally potent by the tested EPF and T. harzianum T39, against both insect pests and plant pathogens. Taken together, our findings suggest that EPF may find use in broad-spectrum pest and disease management and as plant growth promoting agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUNDPresbyosmia, or aging-related olfactory loss, occurs in a majority of humans over age 65 years, yet remains poorly understood, with no specific treatment options. The olfactory epithelium (OE) is the peripheral organ for olfaction and is subject to acquired damage, suggesting a likely site of pathology in aging. Adult stem cells reconstitute the neuroepithelium in response to cell loss under normal conditions. In aged OE, patches of respiratory-like metaplasia have been observed histologically, consistent with a failure in normal neuroepithelial homeostasis.MethodsAccordingly, we have focused on identifying cellular and molecular changes in presbyosmic OE. The study combined psychophysical testing with olfactory mucosa biopsy analysis, single-cell RNA-Sequencing (scRNA-Seq), and culture studies.ResultsWe identified evidence for inflammation-associated changes in the OE stem cells of presbyosmic patients. The presbyosmic basal stem cells exhibited increased expression of genes involved in response to cytokines or stress or the regulation of proliferation and differentiation. Using a culture model, we found that cytokine exposure drove increased TP63, a transcription factor acting to prevent OE stem cell differentiation.ConclusionsOur data suggest aging-related inflammatory changes in OE stem cells may contribute to presbyosmia via the disruption of normal epithelial homeostasis. OE stem cells may represent a therapeutic target for restoration of olfaction.FundingNIH grants DC018371, NS121067, DC016224; Office of Physician-Scientist Development, Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Research Fellowship for Medical Students Award, Duke University School of Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The interaction of plants with the complex microbial networks that inhabit them is important for plant health. While the reliance of plants on their microbial inhabitants for defense against invading pathogens is well documented, the acquisition of data concerning the relationships between plant developmental stage or aging, and microbiome assembly, is still underway. The plant hormone cytokinin (CK) regulates various plant growth and developmental processes. Here, examining the relationships between plant development and microbiome assembly, we observed developmental-age dependent changes in the phyllopshere microbiome. We show that age-related shifts in microbiome content vary based on content of, or sensitivity to, CK. Results: We found a developmental age associated decline in microbial richness and diversity, accompanied by a decline in the presence of growth promoting and resistance inducing Bacilli in the phyllosphere. This decline was absent from CK-rich or CK-hypersensitive genotypes. Bacillus isolates we obtained from CK rich genotypes were found to alter the expression of developmental genes to support morphogenesis and alter the leaf developmental program when applied to seedlings, and enhance yield and agricultural productivity when applied to mature plants. Conclusions: Our results support the notion that CK supports developmental functions in part via the bacterial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants employ systemic‐induced resistance as part of their defence arsenal against pathogens. In recent years, the application of mild heating has been found to induce resistance against several pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the effect of root zone warming (RZW) in promoting tomato's resistance against the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Bc), the hemibiotrophic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) and the biotrophic fungus Oidium neolycopersici (On). We demonstrate that RZW enhances tomato's resistance to Bc, On and Xcv through a process that is dependent on salicylic acid and ethylene. RZW induced tomato immunity, resulting in increased defence gene expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ethylene output when plants were challenged, even in the absence of pathogens. Overall, the results provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of warming‐induced immune responses against phytopathogens with different lifestyles in tomato. Plants are often exposed to several stresses simultaneously, particularly in agricultural settings; here, we investigate the relationships between heat and pathogen stresses. We demonstrate that root zone warming induces systemic immunity and promotes resistance to several tomato pathogens, through a process that is dependent on salicylic acid and ethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytohormones are involved in the regulation of plant responses to biotic stress. How a limited number of hormones differentially regulate defence responses and influence the outcome of plant–biotic interactions is not fully understood. In recent years, cytokinin (CK) was shown to induce plant resistance against several pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CK in inducing tomato resistance against the hemibiotrophic pathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). We demonstrate that CK enhances tomato resistance to Xcv and Pst through a process that relies on salicylic acid and ethylene signalling. CK did not directly affect the growth or biofilm formation ability of these pathogens in vitro. Overall, our work provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of CK‐induced immune responses against bacterial pathogens in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant immunity is often defined by the immunity hormones: salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET). These hormones are well known for differentially regulating defence responses against pathogens. In recent years, the involvement of other plant growth hormones such as auxin, gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, and cytokinins (CKs) in biotic stresses has been recognized. Previous reports have indicated that endogenous and exogenous CK treatment can result in pathogen resistance. We show here that CK induces systemic immunity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), modulating cellular trafficking of the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) LeEIX2, which mediates immune responses to Xyn11 family xylanases, and promoting resistance to Botrytis cinerea and Oidium neolycopersici in an SA‐ and ET‐dependent mechanism. CK perception within the host underlies its protective effect. Our results support the notion that CK promotes pathogen resistance by inducing immunity in the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Phenosafranine immobilized –SO 3 − functionalized mesoporous silica microspheres, PSF+-MS-SO 3 − is prepared and characterized. • PSF+-MS-SO 3 − shows stable redox behavior. • PSF+-MS-SO 3 − electrocatalytically reduces Cr(VI) to Cr(III). • Highly selective and sensitive determination of Cr(VI) is achieved. • Real sample analysis was demonstrated with different water samples. This work presents an easy, highly specific, and sensitive route for the electrochemical reduction of Cr(VI) by phenosafranine (PSF+) integrated sulfonic acid functionalized mesoporous silica microspheres (MS-SO 3 −), denoted as PSF+-MS-SO 3 −. The synthesized material is characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic methods. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is modified with this material (represented as GCE/PSF+-MS-SO 3 −) and employed for electroanalytical applications. The electrochemical characteristics of PSF+-MS-SO 3 − are established by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Further, it is exploited for the electrocatalytic reduction of, Cr(VI). Superior electron transfer kinetics and stable electrochemical response for Cr(VI) are observed at the GCE/PSF+-MS-SO 3 − electrode. Moreover, the quantitative estimation of Cr(VI) at the GCE/PSF+-MS-SO 3 − done using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Dual linear calibration ranges (1 to 20 µM and 20 to 100 µM) is obtained from the LSV response. A low limit of detection (0.5 µM) and superior sensitivity (1.1 µA µM−1 cm−2) are recognized at this electrode. In addition, significant selectivity in the existence of other interfering ions is also shown by fabricated sensing scaffold. The precise measurement of Cr(VI) in spiked water samples with simple matrix is also demonstrated successfully with sufficient durability and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • An enzyme-free H 2 O 2 amperometric sensor is developed. • Pd nanoparticles supported on sulfonic acid functionalized mesoporous silica microspheres (Pd@SO 3 H-MSM) is employed. • Pd@SO 3 H-MSM is used for real-time detection of H 2 O 2 released from living tumor cells and healthy normal cells. • Pd@SO 3 H-MSM exhibits no toxicity to living cells. Abstract An enzyme-free sensitive hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) amperometric sensor is developed to detect H 2 O 2 released from living cells using palladium nanoparticles supported on sulfonic acid functionalized mesoporous silica microspheres (Pd@SO 3 H-MSM). It is synthesized by an easy and facile method and is subsequently used for fabrication of an electrochemical sensing scaffold via drop-casting modification of a glassy carbon electrode (represented as GC/Pd@SO 3 H-MSM). Comprehensive characterizations including transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis spectrophotometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to confirm the existence and nature of Pd nanoparticles in Pd@SO 3 H-MSM. GC/Pd@SO 3 H-MSM electrode demonstrates electrocatalytic activity for H 2 O 2 reduction in phosphate buffer, leading to a sensitive H 2 O 2 amperometric sensor with wide linear range (47.0 nM-1.0 mM), low detection limit (14.0 nM) and high sensitivity (0.36 μA mM−1 cm-2). It exhibits high selectivity, good reproducibility and long-term stability. More importantly, Pd@SO 3 H-MSM exhibits no toxicity to living cells and based on its remarkable analytical advantages, it is further unswervingly used to execute real-time detection of H 2 O 2 released from living tumor cells and healthy normal cells. Thus Pd@SO 3 H-MSM acts as promising material for amperometric determination of H 2 O 2 as well as used to accomplish real-time quantitative detection of H 2 O 2 in biological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO2 nanorods incorporated MCM‐41 nanocomposite (MnO2@MCM‐41) is synthesized and employed as an electrode modifier for individual as well as simultaneous detection of purine bases, guanine (GU) and adenine (AD). For this purpose MnO2 nanorods are encapsulated within MCM‐41 by simple one pot synthetic approach. FT‐IR, UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical methods are employed to characterize the nanocomposite and other materials. The electrochemical attributes of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the MnO2@MCM‐41 (represented as GCE/MnO2@MCM‐41) towards the determination of GU and AD is studied in detail. Upon incorporation of MnO2 nanorods on MCM‐41, noticeable upsurge in anodic peak current with a decline in peak potential is observed for both GU and AD oxidations in cyclic voltammetry studies. Individual as well as simultaneous determination of GU and AD are performed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique which offered a linear range of 100 nM to 100 μM for GU and AD with respective limit of detections, 44 and 66 nM. The practical applicability of the GCE/MnO2@MCM‐41 for real world samples analysis is satisfactorily demonstrated with certain DNA samples by DPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation for the first time explains the anti biofilm and anti virulence potential of Kaffir lime oil (KLO) and its major constituent, Citronellal (3,7-dimethyloct-6-enal) against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae , causal organism of bacterial blight disease of rice. KLO at 500 ppm showed potential activity against X. oryzae pv. oryzae . Among the major components identified, citronellal (CIT) at 75 μM concentration was found to significantly inhibit biofilm along with the swimming and swarming potential of X. oryzae pv. oryzae . In contrary, CIT did not affect the metabolic status and growth kinetics of the bacterial cells. Gene expression analysis showed down regulation in motA, cheD, cheY, flgF, gumC, xylanase, endogluconase, cellulose, cellobiosidase, virulence and rpfF transcript levels by citronellal treatment. However, an insignificant effect of 75 μM CIT treatment was observed on motB, flgE, pilA, estY, pglA , protease and lytic genes expression. Finally, the observations recorded were in confirmity with the virulence leaf clip test as lesion length was significantly decreased (39%) in CIT treatment as compared to the control leaves inoculated with only X. oryzae pv. oryzae . Overall, the findings obtained advocate the use of CIT for promising anti biofilm and anti virulence activity which in turn can be used for managing the blight disease in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants possess an efficient, two-tiered immune system to combat pathogens and pests. Several decades of research have characterized different features of these two well-known tiers, PTI and ETI (Pattern/ Effector-triggered Immunity). NLR (Nucleotide-binding domain Leucine-rich Repeat) receptors have been found to link PTI to ETI, and be required for full potentiation of plant immune responses in several systems. Intra-cellular helper-NLRs (h-NLRs) mediate ETI and have been focused on extensively in recent research. Previously, we investigated the roles of the h-NLR SlNRC4a in tomato immunity, finding that a specific mutation in this gene results in gain of function constitutive defense activation and broad disease resistance. Deletion of the entire NRC4 clade, which contains 3 genes, can compromise tomato immunity. Here, we decided to investigate the role of an additional clade member, SlNRC4b , in basal immunity. We generated a gain of function mutant in SlNRC4b using CRISPR-Cas9, as well as a double gain of function mutant in both genes. Similarly to the slnrc4a mutant, a slnrc4b mutant also possessed increased basal immunity and broad spectrum disease resistance. The double mutant displayed additive effects in some cases, with significant increases in resistance to fungal phytopathogens as compared with each of the single mutants. Our work confirms that the NRC4 family h-NLRs are important in the plant immune system, suggesting that this gene family has the potential to be promising in targeted agricultural adaptation in the Solanaceae family, promoting disease resistance and prevention of yield loss to pathogens. • h-NLR receptors mediate ETI and link ETI to PTI within the plant immune system. • A gain of function mutation in the h-NLR SlNRC4a activates defense constitutively. Here, we investigated the role of SlNRC4b in basal immunity. • A slnrc4b mutant possessed increased basal immunity and disease resistance. • The double slnrc4a/b mutant displayed additive effects. • The NRC4 family shows promise for targeted agricultural adaptation for disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A voltammetric sensor for both the individual and the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA) and folic acid (FA) is described. It is based on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) that was modified with bentonite (Bnt) that was first functionalized with cysteine (Cys) to which gold nanoparticles were linked. The resulting material (referred to as Au-Cys-Bnt) and the other materials were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray analysis and electrochemical methods. The XRD peak positions of bentonite and Cys-functionalized bentonite prove the incorporation of Cys into bentonite. The XPS spectrum of Au-Cys-Bnt confirms the interaction of gold nanoparticles with the thiol group of Cys. The modified GCE displays high electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of AA, UA and FA, typically at 0.19, 0.41, and 0.73 V (vs. SCE), respectively. Differential pulse voltammetric data show a linear response that covers the 1 μM to 25 mM concentration range for AA, the 1 to 200 μM concentration range for UA, and two linear ranges for FA, one from 5 to 100 μM and one from 100 μM to 1.5 mM. The sensor was applied to the determination of AA, UA and FA in (spiked) multi-vitamin syrup, bird serum and milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial interference plays an imperative role in plant development and response to various stresses. However, its involvement in mitigation of oxidative stress generated by plant parasitic nematode in plants remains elusive. In the present investigation, the efficacy of microbe’s viz. , Chitiniphilus sp. MTN22 and Streptomyces sp. MTN14 single and in combinations was examined to mitigate oxidative stress generated by M. incognita in medicinal plant, Bacopa monnieri . Microbial combination with and without pathogen also enhanced the growth parameters along with secondary metabolites (bacoside) of B. monnieri than the pathogen inoculated control. The study showed that initially the production of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was higher in dual microbes infected with pathogen which further declined over M. incognita inoculated control plants. Superoxide dismutase and free radical scavenging activity were also highest in the same treatment which was linearly related with least lipid peroxidation and root gall formation in B. monnieri under the biotic stress. Microscopic visualization of total reactive oxygen species (ROS), H 2 O 2 , superoxide radical and programmed cell death in host plant further extended our knowledge and corroborated well with the above findings. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy confirmed good microbial colonization on the host root surface around nematode penetration sites in plants treated with dual microbes under pathogenic stress. The findings offer novel insight into the mechanism adopted by the synergistic microbial strains in mitigating oxidative stress and simultaneously stimulating bacoside production under pathogenic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne incognita(Kofoid and White) Chitwood a calamitous plant pathogen affects almost all the commercial crops, especially medicinal plants viz.Bacopa monnieriL. In this study, the efficacy of indigenous chitinolytic microbes againstM. incognitainB. monnieriwas evaluated under sterilised and natural soil conditions. The plant growth was observed for various parameters viz. nutrient uptake, phytochemical activities and secondary metabolites (bacoside). In the natural soil under green house conditions, the isolates significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reducedM. incognitainfestation (1.38–2.78-folds) with significant increase in secondary metabolites (1.28–1.88-fold) over the untreated control. The potential strains were identified through 16S-rRNA asStreptomycessp., Microbacterium arabinogalactanolyticum, Cellulosimicrobium cellulans, Actinomycetales bacterium,Chitiniphilussp. andFlavobacterium johnsoniae.These findings thus highlight the potential of indigenous chitinolytic microbes that can be utilised for overall fitness of the plant along with the reduced root-knot nematode infestation inB. monnieri. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this report, an electrochemical sensing scaffold (ESS) for hydrazine (HZ) and nitrobenzene (NB) have been developed based on gold nanoparticles decorated mesoporous silica microspheres (Au-MSM) modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode (represented as GC/Au-MSM). The presence and formation of gold nanoparticles in Au-MSM composite material is verified by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and by electrochemical methods. The textural and thermal properties are studied by nitrogen adsorption-desorption and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The electrocatalytic sensing behavior of GC/Au-MSM towards HZ and NB are investigated in detail employing various electrochemical techniques. Amperometry measurements as a function of HZ concentration exhibit two linear calibration ranges of 5.0 μM to 0.5 mM and 0.5–18.0 mM. Similarly, the differential pulse voltammetry measurements as a function of NB concentration show a linear calibration range of 0.1 μM to 2.5 mM. The limit of detection is evaluated to be 0.11 μM and 15.0 nM for HZ and NB, respectively. The kinetic parameters for HZ oxidation and NB reduction are discussed using chronoamperometry. The proposed GC/Au-MSM ESS shows good selectivity over potent interferences and applied to determine HZ and NB in various water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferaL. Dunal), a therapeutically imperative herb is known for its useful steroidal lactones (withanolide and withaferin) and acyl steryl glycosides. The plant is a highly susceptible host for the plant parasitic nematode,Meloidogyne incognita. Selected chitinolytic microbes, namelyCellulosimicrobium cellulansMTN13,Flavobacterium johnsoniaeMTN 20,Chitiniphilussp. MTN22 andStreptomycessp. MTN14, alone and in combination forM. incognitamanagement and enhancement of secondary metabolites inW. somniferacv. Poshita were evaluated. A significant enhancement in biomass yield (1.9-fold) and disease diminution (2.7-fold) was found in the dual microbial treatmentStreptomycessp. andChitiniphilussp. with respect to the untreated inoculated control plants. A significant augmentation (2.7- and 2.0-fold, respectively) in withanolide A and withaferin A was also found in the same treatment. The studies revealed increment of defence variables 1.1- to 1.3-fold and 1.6- to 2.1-fold in single- and dual-microbe treatments, respectively, than the untreated inoculated plants. The stimulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway and phenolics accumulation was the maximum at 5 days post inoculation (dpi), whereas antioxidant enzymes activities were the highest at 7 dpi. The results thus highlight a possible new function of chitinolytic microbes alone and in combinations that can effectively manageM. incognita-induced stress along with enhanced active molecules ofW. somnifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing interest in natural products of plant origin for medicinal and health care benefits there is added emphasis on the quality of the source raw material. In most cases the vegetative tissues and organs are the source of the required raw material. However, such tissues/organs may become infested/susceptible to many diseases causing deterioration of the quality of the desired economic product and loss of genetic resources. Considerable progress has been made with respect to the identification of disease causing organisms, and their pathogenic impact at organ, cellular and biochemical level. This review focuses on various diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, nematodes, viruses and phytoplasmas threatening the yield, biomass, bioactive potential of medicinal and aromatic plants of the sub-tropics. Several studies suggest that management of diseases through biological measures is more effective to check multiple diseases. Necessary management strategies for efficient disease management to realize quality raw material and enhanced metabolite productive potential have been outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Despite the vast exploration of microbes for plant health, there is a lack of knowledge about the synergistic effects of specific microorganisms in sustainable agriculture, especially in medicinal plants such as Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. The aim of this study was to evaluate how synergistic microbes Trichoderma harzianum ThU, Glomus intraradices and Bacillus subtilis CIM affected crop productivity, secondary metabolites and glandular trichome number in P. graveolens. RESULTS The results demonstrated a significant ( P < 0.05) increase in plant growth, secondary metabolites, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, carbohydrates, total phenolics, total flavonoids, free radical-scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity of P. graveolens treated with synergistic bioinoculants as compared with the control. Most interestingly, an increase in essential oil by 32% in the treatment with all three microbes was observed. Furthermore, the principal aroma compounds citronellol and geraniol also increased in the same treatment. A positive and direct correlation was observed between essential oil content and number of glandular trichomes in all treatments. CONCLUSION The present study highlights an explicit amalgamation of prospective microbes showing potential for synergism that act as biostimulants in enhancing plant production and improving the antioxidant and aroma profile of P. graveolens. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of rutin, a bioflavonoid on the growth and biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis strain CIM was investigated. In addition to swimming, swarming, and twitching potentials of B. subtilis CIM (BS), one picomolar (1 pM) of rutin was also observed to boost the biofilm forming ability of the bacterium. Bio-priming of rice seeds with BS and rutin not only augmented root and shoot lengths but also the photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoid. Similarly, high accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid contents was observed in the leaves. Fluorescent microscopic images revealed that BS plus rutin enhanced callose deposition in the leaves. It was also established that the least formation of reactive oxygen species in BS plus rutin treated rice plants was due to higher free radicals scavenging activity and total antioxidant potential. The results highlight chemo attractant nature of BS towards rutin, which by enhancing biofilm formation and root colonization indirectly strengthened the plants’ defensive state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocatalytic activity of silver nanoparticle-incorporated bentonite clay (Ag-Bt) for hydrogen peroxide (HO) reduction is investigated in 0.1 M pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution. Ag-Bt material-coated glassy carbon (GC) electrode displays high electrocatalytic activity for HO reduction with increased current response in comparison with GC/Bt electrode. The catalytic current increases linearly with incremental addition of HO from 10 µM to 5.0 mM (based on the amperometric experiments at an applied potential −0.3 V). The apparent diffusion coefficient for HO and catalytic rate constant for HO reduction at the GC/Ag-Bt platform are calculated to be 2.3 × 10 cm s and 2.20 × 10 M s, respectively. The practical application using the Ag-Bt material is shown for the determination of HO in real sample. The GC/Ag-Bt platform exhibits low detection limit (9.1 µM), high selectivity, reproducibility and stability. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the individual as well as simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) by glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a nanocomposite film of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) inclusively adhered to MCM-41 type mesoporous silica spheres (Au-MSS). The impregnation of Au NPs into mesoporous silica spheres (MSS) is well established by surface characterization and electrochemical techniques. The Au-MSS modified GCE (GCE/Au-MSS) exhibits stable redox peaks, characteristics of Au NPs. Further, GCE/Au-MSS shows effective electrocatalytic oxidation of both AA and UA diminishing the overpotentials by 580 and 405 mV, respectively, than at bare GCE. Similarly, GCE/Au-MSS diminishes the oxidation overpotentials of AA and UA by 200 and 210 mV, respectively, relative to GCE/MSS. Differential pulse voltammetry technique is employed for the simultaneous determination of AA and UA in the presence of one another. The limit of detection is found to be 1.65 μM and 2.14 μM for AA and UA, respectively. The kinetic parameters like diffusion coefficient and the catalytic rate constant for the AA and UA electro-oxidations have been computed using chronoamperometric techniques. High sensitivity is displayed by the modified electrode and has been successfully employed for the analysis of UA in human blood serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the vast exploration of bioinoculants for disease resistance and crop yield enhancement, knowledge about their impact on quality and quantity of essential oil as well as induction of antioxidant is scarce, especially in medicinal and aromatic crops. In the present two-year field experimentation, a subset ofBacillusspp., namelyBacillus flexus, B. subtilis,B. megateriumandB. aryabhattai, was evaluated against the most devastating root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne incognita(Kofoid and White) Chitwood infestation and essential oil yield enhancement inOcimum basilicumvar. CIM-Soumya (Sweet basil). The plants treated withB. subtilisshowed significant (P< 0.05) enhancement in fresh biomass (42%), essential oil content (121%), nutrient uptake (83%) and reduced root-knot infestation (54%) as compared to untreated control. The defence afforded by bioinoculants was observed based on augmentation of the phenolic (97%), flavonoid (93%), free radical scavenging activity (34%) and total antioxidant (33%) inBacillus-treated infected plants as compared to untreated infected plants. The higher concentration of essential oil constituents, namely linalool (54%) and methyl chavicol (33%), was also recorded in same treatment. An increase in essential oil yield was reflected by induction of antioxidant machinery. The present study for the first time delineates nematicidal potentials ofB. flexusandB. aryabhattai. Altogether these findings suggest that exploitation of bioinoculants could be helpful for effective management of the root-knot nematode infestation along with higher qualitative and quantitative essential oil yield with augmented antioxidants in sweet basil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endometrial cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women worldwide with Age Standardised Incidence Rate (ASIR) of 8.4 per lac. In Indian subcontinent, the incidence is lesser and the ASIR is 2.1/100,000 women. However, its incidence is on the steady rise in developing part of the world including India. Surgery is the primary treatment and adjuvant radiotherapy is given in patients with high-risk of recurrence and significant change has happened in the management in the last 20 years. From India limited literature is available for management practices for endometrial cancer. Aim: To assess the referral patterns, demography, staging, surgical practices, adjuvant treatment and follow-up policies for endometrial cancer in a tertiary care hospital in northern India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was done for patients having endometrial cancer treated between January 2000-December 2015 in a tertiary care hospital in northern India in January 2022. A total of 93 patients having endometrial cancer were referred for radiotherapy. For these patients, their referral patterns, demography, staging, surgical practices, adjuvant treatment and follow-up policies were analysed, retrospectively. Disease Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS) were computed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The median age at presentation was 55 years. Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding was the commonest symptom 78 (83.87%). Ultrasonography 23 (24.73%) was the preferred first imaging modality. Type 1 endometroid carcinoma was 75 (80.64%) and total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy was done in 82 (88.17%). Adjuvant External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) with Brachytherapy (BT) was given in 61 (65.59%), EBRT alone in 7(7.52%) and BT alone given in 11 (11.83%). Median EBRT dose was 50.4 Gy. Vaginal cylinder applicator was used in 69 (95.83%) out of 72 patients receiving BT. A 6.0 Gy/# to a total of 2 fractions were given in 57 (79.16%). Median treated length of vagina was 3 cm (range 2-8 cm). Five year DFS and OS was 25% and 25% and 64% and 62% respectively in worst and best case scenario. Ten (10.75%) patients, all having high-risk had multiple visceral and local recurrence. Conclusion: In patients with endometrial cancer, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy is commonest surgical practice with adjuvant radiotherapygiven in patients with high risk of recurrence. In a developing country like India, assuring uniformity of treatment protocols is a challenging task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant hormones act as chemical messengers, transducing cellular and organ-level cues, executing plant growth, development, reproduction, metabolism, and response to environmental stress. In addition to the production of hormones by plants, fungi can also produce compounds that are similar to phytohormones, and may modulate growth, physiology, and immunity in both plants and fungi. The "classical" plant growth hormone, cytokinin (CK) is known to have roles in plant-fungi interactions. In plants, CKs are involved in various processes including plant growth and development, seed germination, apical dominance, balance between shoot and root tissue, leaf senescence, and plant-pathogen-interactions. We recently reported that CK can also affect fungal development. CK is not produced solely by plants, as can be synthesized by plant-associated microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Fungal phytopathogens may also activate plant CK signalling/sensing via secretion of effector molecules. Fungal CKs secreted by (hemi)biotrophic pathogens can serve as virulence factors, however, most necrotrophic fungal plant pathogens have not been reported to secrete CKs during plant infection. Though a lifestyle-dependent role for CK signalling/perception was suggested for fungal plant pathogens, little is known about CK perception, sensing, and signalling in fungal organisms. In this review, we focus on the production of fungal CKs and their role in development and virulence, as well as the possibilities for CK perception and signalling in the fungal kingdom, where CHASE-domain containing proteins are largely absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the vast exploration of rhizospheric microbial wealth for crop yield enhancement, knowledge about the efficacy of microbial agents as biocontrol weapons against root-knot disease is scarce, especially in medicinal plants, viz., Bacopa monnieri. In the present investigation, rhizospheric microbes, viz., Bacillus megaterium, Glomus intraradices, Trichoderma harzianum ThU, and their combinations were evaluated for the management of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood and bacoside content enhancement in B. monnieri var CIM-Jagriti. A novel validated method Fourier transform near infrared was used for rapid estimation of total bacoside content. A significant reduction (2.75-fold) in root-knot indices was observed in the combined treatment of B. megaterium and T. harzianum ThU in comparison to untreated control plants. The same treatment also showed significant enhancement (1.40-fold) in total bacoside contents (plant active molecule) content using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) method that analyses samples rapidly in an hour without solvent usage and provides ample scope for natural product studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The foundation of any nation is children. Malnutrition in children is global issue that may have both short- and long-term irreversible negative health consequences and thus associated with morbidity and mortality. Aims and Objectives: The study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of under-nutrition among under-five children in rural area of Haldwani. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted on Four hundred children residing in the rural field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Haldwani. Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 7.75%, 9.25%, and 4%, respectively among under five children. The risk factors found significantly associated with undernutrition and sociodemographic profile were family size, parent's education, mother's occupation, and the socioeconomic class. The maternal factors found significantly associated with undernutrition were intake of iron folic acid tablets during antenatal care and postnatal care period, duration of pregnancy, site of delivery. Prelacteal, colostrum given, exclusive breastfeeding, and age of introducing complementary feeding and occurrence of recurrent diarrhea, recurrent acute respiratory infection, and worm infestation were child characteristics and medical illness found significantly associated with undernutrition. Conclusion: In this study, 17.5% of children were found undernourished. Factors determining undernourishment were parents literacy, social class, type and size of family, iron folic acid taken during pregnancy, feeding practices, immunization status, history of recurrent diarrhea, and other infections in the past 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of heavy metals such as hexavalent chromium, Cr (VI) with the environment drastically influences living organisms leading to an ecological imbalance. Caenorhabditis elegans, a saprophytic nematode having 60-80% homology with human genes offers a distinct advantage to be used as a biosensor for the appraisal of heavy metal-induced environmental toxicity and risk monitoring. The present study examines the toxicity effects of K2Cr2O7 as Cr (VI) on stress-related gene expression and morphometric parameters of C. elegans under in vitro conditions to identify genetic markers for environmental pollution. Alterations in growth and modified gene expression were observed in Cr (VI)-exposed N2 worms. The 24-h median lethal concentration for Cr (VI) was observed as 158.5 mgl−1. Use of the responses of stress-related gene expression suggests that C. elegans can be used as an efficient biosensor for figuring out the precise route of Cr (VI)-induced environmental toxicity in a quick, simple, and inexpensive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All organisms need to sense and process information about the availability of nutrients, energy status, and environmental cues to determine the best time for growth and development. The conserved target of rapamycin (TOR) protein kinase has a central role in sensing and perceiving nutritional information. TOR connects environmental information about nutrient availability to developmental and metabolic processes to maintain cellular homeostasis. Under favourable energy conditions, TOR is activated and promotes anabolic processes such as cell division, while suppressing catabolic processes. Conversely, when nutrients are limited or environmental stresses are present, TOR is inactivated, and catabolic processes are promoted. Given the central role of TOR in regulating metabolism, several previous works have examined whether TOR is wired to plant defence. To date, the mechanisms by which TOR influences plant defence are not entirely clear. Here, we addressed this question by testing the effect of inhibiting TOR on immunity and pathogen resistance in tomato. Examining which hormonal defence pathways are influenced by TOR, we show that tomato immune responses and disease resistance to several pathogens increase on TOR inhibition, and that TOR inhibition‐mediated resistance probably requires a functional salicylic acid, but not jasmonic acid, pathway. Our results support the notion that TOR is a master regulator of the development–defence switch in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auxin response factors (ARFs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate auxin-dependent developmental processes. Class A ARFs function as activators of auxin-responsive gene expression in the presence of auxin, while acting as transcriptional repressors in its absence. Despite extensive research on the functions of ARF transcription factors in plant growth and development, the extent, and mechanisms of their involvement in plant resistance, remain unknown. We have previously reported that mutations in the tomato AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR8 (ARF8) genes SlARF8A and SlARF8B result in the decoupling of fruit development from pollination and fertilization, leading to partial or full parthenocarpy and increased yield under extreme temperatures. Here, we report that fine-tuning of SlARF8 activity results in increased resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens. This resistance is mostly preserved under fluctuating temperatures. Thus, fine-tuning SlARF8 activity may be a potent strategy for increasing overall growth and yield. • In addition to its growth-regulation activities, auxin has reported roles in plant immunity and microbial pathogenesis. • Auxin response factors (ARFs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate auxin-dependent developmental processes. • We have previously reported that mutations in the tomato ARF8 genes led to increased yield under extreme temperatures. • Here, we report that reducing ARF8 activity results in increased resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens. • This resistance is mostly preserved under fluctuating temperatures. • Thus, fine-tuning SlARF8 activity may be a potent strategy for increasing overall growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important phytohormone, well‐known for its regulatory role in shaping plant immune responses. In recent years, significant progress has been made in unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying SA biosynthesis, perception, and downstream signalling cascades. Through the concerted efforts employing genetic, biochemical, and omics approaches, our understanding of SA‐mediated defence responses has undergone remarkable expansion. In general, following SA biosynthesis through Avr effectors of the pathogens, newly synthesized SA undergoes various biochemical changes to achieve its active/inactive forms (e.g. methyl salicylate). The activated SA subsequently triggers signalling pathways associated with the perception of pathogen‐derived signals, expression of defence genes, and induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) to tailor the intricate regulatory networks that coordinate plant immune responses. Nonetheless, the mechanistic understanding of SA‐mediated plant immune regulation is currently limited because of its crosstalk with other signalling networks, which makes understanding this hormone signalling more challenging. This comprehensive review aims to provide an integrated overview of SA‐mediated plant immunity, deriving current knowledge from diverse research outcomes. Through the integration of case studies, experimental evidence, and emerging trends, this review offers insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing SA‐mediated immunity and signalling. Additionally, this review discusses the potential applications of SA‐mediated defence strategies in crop improvement, disease management, and sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Bacterial fruit blotch, caused by Acidovorax citrulli, is a serious disease of melon and watermelon. The strains of the pathogen belong to two major genetic groups: group I strains are strongly associated with melon, while group II strains are more aggressive on watermelon. A. citrulli secretes many protein effectors to the host cell via the type III secretion system. Here we characterized AopW1, an effector that shares similarity to the actin cytoskeleton‐disrupting effector HopW1 of Pseudomonas syringae and with effectors from other plant‐pathogenic bacterial species. AopW1 has a highly variable region (HVR) within amino acid positions 147 to 192, showing 14 amino acid differences between group I and II variants. We show that group I AopW1 is more toxic to yeast and Nicotiana benthamiana cells than group II AopW1, having stronger actin filament disruption activity, and increased ability to induce cell death and reduce callose deposition. We further demonstrated the importance of some amino acid positions within the HVR for AopW1 cytotoxicity. Cellular analyses revealed that AopW1 also localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplasts, and plant endosomes. We also show that overexpression of the endosome‐associated protein EHD1 attenuates AopW1‐induced cell death and increases defense responses. Finally, we show that sequence variation in AopW1 plays a significant role in the adaptation of group I and II strains to their preferred hosts, melon and watermelon, respectively. This study provides new insights into the HopW1 family of bacterial effectors and provides first evidence on the involvement of EHD1 in response to biotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants rely on innate immunity to perceive and ward off microbes and pests, and are able to overcome the majority of invading microorganisms. Even so, specialized pathogens overcome plant defenses, posing a persistent threat to crop and food security worldwide, raising the need for agricultural products with broad, efficient resistance. Here we report a specific mutation in a tomato (S. lycopersicum) helper nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat H-NLR, SlNRC4a, which results in gain of function constitutive basal defense activation, in absence of PRR activation. Knockout of the entire NRC4 clade in tomato was reported to compromise Rpi-blb2 mediated immunity. The SlNRC4a mutant reported here possesses enhanced immunity and disease resistance to a broad-spectrum of pathogenic fungi, bacteria and pests, while lacking auto-activated HR or negative effects on plant growth and crop yield, providing promising prospects for agricultural adaptation in the war against plant pathogens that decrease productivity. Lorena Pizarro, Meirav Leibman-Markus et al. explore the genetic mechanisms for plant innate immunity. They functionally characterize a gain of function mutation in SlNRC4a in tomato. They characterize the structure of the mutant protein and functionally demonstrate that it confers broad-spectrum resistance without triggering a hypersensitive response or negatively impacting plant growth and crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) present in face bleach cream is fabricated using a composite based on bentonite (Bt) clay and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (CuO-Bt). The CuO nanoparticles’ immobilization into Bt was carried out by a two-step process in which Cu2+ is ion-exchanged into Bt layers (Cu2+-Bt) in the first step followed by the chemical reaction of NaOH with Cu2+-Bt in the second step to get the target material, CuO nanoparticles immobilized Bt (CuO-Bt). The successful immobilization of CuO nanoparticles into Bt is investigated by a variety of techniques like scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. The CuO-Bt composite is coated on a glassy carbon electrode and used as a selective electrochemical sensing platform for the determination of H2O2 based on the significant electrocatalytic property of CuO-Bt towards the H2O2 oxidation. This amperometric electrochemical sensor shows two linear detection ranges (5–50 μM and 50–10000 μM) with a limit of detection of 4.9 μM. The sensitivity is calculated to be 0.06 µA µM−1 cm−2. This electrochemical sensor exhibits high selectivity, stability, and practical applicability for the H2O2 determination in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sacrificial template, Fe-MIL-88 is used to synthesize Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide (Ni–Fe LDH). The metal-organic framework (Fe-MIL-88) is synthesized from the precursors, ferric nitrate and terephthalic acid. Electrocatalytic oxidation of kojic acid (KA) is realized by Ni–Fe LDH film which is coated on a glassy carbon electrode (GC). Under the optimized conditions, amperometry measurements at the Ni–Fe LDH coated GC as a function of KA concentration demonstrates a sensitive determination of KA. The calibration curve shows two linear ranges, 1–1500 µM and 1500–4500 µM for the KA determination. Detection limit for the KA determination is estimated as 0.73 µM. The practical applicability of this method is confirmed by measuring the KA concentration present in various real samples. A new sensor for the determination kojic acid is developed based on Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide which is synthesized through the Fe-MIL-88 templated route. Further, the synthesized material is used for the determination of kojic acid present in different brands of commercial tomato sauces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-situ electrochemical deposition of cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) on graphene oxide (GO) and its application for the electrocatalytic hydrazine determination in real samples are described in this research study. Co2+ is immobilized on GO and the resulting material, GO-Co2+ is coated on the surface of glassy carbon (GC) electrode. The fabricated electrode (GC/GO-Co2+) is subjected to a continuous potential cycling in the range of 0.0–1.0 V which results in the formation of a thin CoHCF film on the surface of GO coated on the GC electrode (abbreviated as GC/GO-CoHCF). The synthesized GO-CoHCF composite material is characterized by Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. GC/GO-CoHCF electrode electrocatalytically oxidizes hydrazine at low overpotential (0.63 V) and this phenomenon is subsequently utilized for the sensitive determination of hydrazine in aqueous solutions. It exhibits a wide linear calibration range (0.1–400 µM), high sensitivity (0.93 µA µM−1 cm−2) and low limit of detection (17.5 nM) for the determination of hydrazine. Further, this electrode is employed for hydrazine determination in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-associated beneficial microbes have been explored to fulfill the imperative function for plant health. However, their impact on the host secondary metabolite production and nematode disease management remains elusive. Our present work has shown that chitinolytic microbes viz., Chitiniphilus sp. MTN22 and Streptomyces sp. MTN14 singly as well as in combination modulated the biosynthetic pathway of bacoside A and systemic defense mechanism against Meloidogyne incognita in Bacopa monnieri. Interestingly, expression of bacoside biosynthetic pathway genes (3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, and squalene synthase) were upregulated in plants treated with the microbial combination in the presence as well as in absence of M. incognita stress. These microbes not only augmented bacoside A production (1.5 fold) but also strengthened host resistance via enhancement in chlorophyll a, defense enzymes and phenolic compounds like gallic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid and cinnamic acid. Furthermore, elevated lignification and callose deposition in the microbial combination treated plants corroborate well with the above findings. Overall, the results provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of priming by beneficial microbes and underscore their capacity to trigger bacoside A production in B. monnieri under biotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain is a harmful sensation that arises from noxious stimuli. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is one target for studying pain mechanisms. TRPA1 is activated by various stimuli such as noxious cold, pungent natural products and environmental irritants. Since TRPA1 is an attractive target for pain therapy, a few TRPA1 antagonists have been developed and some function as analgesic agents. The responses of TRPA1 to agonists and antagonists vary among species and these species differences have been utilized to identify the structural basis of activation and inhibition mechanisms. The TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 (HC) failed to inhibit frog TRPA1 (fTRPA1) and zebrafish TRPA1 activity induced by cinnamaldehyde (CA), but did inhibit human TRPA1 (hTRPA1) in a heterologous expression system. Chimeric studies between fTRPA1 and hTRPA1, as well as analyses using point mutants, revealed that a single amino acid residue (N855 in hTRPA1) significantly contributes to the inhibitory action of HC. Moreover, the N855 residue and the C-terminus region exhibited synergistic effects on the inhibition by HC. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that HC stably binds to hTRPA1-N855. These findings provide novel insights into the structure-function relationship of TRPA1 and could lead to the development of more effective analgesics targeted to TRPA1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study demonstrates the hydrothermal synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co 3 O 4) nanocrystals on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) which is further utilized to construct an electrochemical sensing scaffold for precise determination of chloramphenicol (CP). CP is an antibiotic used for the treatment of typhoid fever and infections including salmonellosis. Due to its antibacterial property, low cost and availability it was extensively used in the fields of agriculture, but its presence in animal derived food products create detrimental effects on consumers. Therefore it is important to monitor the level of CP in different food products. The formation of Co 3 O 4 on rGO (Co 3 O 4 @rGO) is characterized with FT-IR, XRD, TEM and SEM techniques. The working electrode is fabricated by drop coating the catalyst (0.1% Co 3 O 4 @rGO in DMF) on glassy carbon (GC) electrode (symbolized as GC/Co 3 O 4 @rGO) and further used for electrochemical sensing of CP with cyclic voltammetry (CV), amperometry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The calibration curve for the determination of CP through CV shows a linear range from 1 to 2000 μM with two different slopes. Sensitivity of the CP determination and limit of detection (LOD) are calculated to be 1.32 μA μM cm−2 and 0.55 μM, respectively. Further the sensing scaffold, GC/Co 3 O 4 @rGO is successfully applied for the CP determination present in real samples like milk products. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Cobalt oxide decorated reduced grapheme oxide sheets (Co 3 O 4 @rGO) are synthesized. • Co 3 O 4 @rGO electrocatalytically reduces chloramphenicol (CP). • Sensitive determination of CP is achieved (Sensitivity: 1.32 μA μM cm−2 and limit of detection: 0.55 μM) using the Co 3 O 4 @rGO. • CP present in real samples are satisfactorily determined using Co 3 O 4 @rGO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Efficient, durable and low cost electrocatalysts for O 2 and CO 2 reductions are required as alternate to expensive metal based catalysts in fuel cells and in the CO 2 reduction process. Herein, we describe the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) composite (rGO-NiPc) as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for O 2 and CO 2 reductions. The composite material, rGO-NiPc is coated on glassy carbon (GC) electrode (GC/rGO-NiPc) and used as a low cost efficient electrocatalyst for O 2 and CO 2 reductions. The results show that the addition of rGO to NiPc increases the catalytic efficiency and electrochemical charge transfer rate of NiPc. GC/rGO-NiPc provides the low potentials, +0.25 and −0.11 V (vs RHE) for O 2 and CO 2 reductions, respectively in 0.1 M HClO 4. Kinetic interpretation based on rotating disc electrode studies provides the support for the two electron pathway for CO 2 reduction to CO in 0.1 M HClO 4. Product analysis by 13C NMR confirms CO as the CO 2 reduction product. GC/rGO-NiPc shows a facile four electron pathway for O 2 reduction which can be exploited in fuel cells, metal-air batteries, chlor-alkali electrolyzers and oxygen sensing. In addition, GC/rGO-NiPc has efficient methanol tolerance capability for O 2 reduction process which is suitable to use in fuel cells. Moreover, GC/rGO-NiPc shows the high operational stability more than an hour for both O 2 and CO 2 reductions in 0.1 M HClO 4. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) composite (rGO-NiPc) is prepared. • Synergistic electrocatalysis is observed between rGO and NiPc. • rGO-NiPc enhances O 2 and CO 2 reductions at low overpotential. • rGO-NiPc exhibits 4 and 2 electron pathway for O 2 and CO 2 reductions, respectively. • CO 2 is selectively reduced to CO which is confirmed by 13C NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: According to the WHO, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death and is a global issue and measures to halt this is the need of the hour. Aims and Objectives: This study aims at identifying awareness as well as knowledge, attitude, perception, and practice regarding AMR and antibiotic use among medical undergraduate students, so to get insight and take appropriate actions to enhance their knowledge that will help in reducing AMR as they are the future prescribers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 undergraduate medical students enrolled in government medical college, Haldwani. A pretested, semi structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from participants through Google forms regarding sociodemographic profile, and behavior of the participants regarding antibiotic use which comprises: Attitude, perceptions, and practice. Results: Majority of study participants have heard about AMR before (97%) of which most of them got information about antibiotic resistance by web/internet (35%). Majority of study participants were aware (>90%) of phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, 98.9% of them were correctly able to identify Amoxicillin and Penicillin as antibiotics, most of them had correct knowledge about role of antibiotics. Majority (83.6%) of participants take antibiotic only after the prescription of doctor, 78.9% of them reported use of antibiotics in the last year. Conclusion: A fair good amount of awareness, knowledge, attitude, perception, and practice regarding AMR and its use was found among study participants. Still, there is scope of improvement in it that can be addressed through giving more emphasis on this in undergraduate teaching curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anionic redox mediator-incorporated polymer scaffold on glassy carbon (GC) electrode has been used for the electrocatalytic determination of nitrite. The polymer based on branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) crosslinked with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) (BPEI-EGDE) has been employed as the potent scaffold. BPEI-EGDE film on GC electrode has been used to immobilize anionic redox mediator [Fe(CN)] by ion-exchange and utilized as the scaffold for the electrochemical determination of nitrite. The voltammetric analysis confirms the confinement of the redox mediator inside the polymer film. This polymeric scaffold, GC/BPEI-EGDE/[Fe(CN)] exhibits a reversible redox response for [Fe(CN)] and retains its redox activity and stability even in strong acidic conditions. The redox mediator confined into the polymer scaffold catalyzes the reduction of nitrite. Significant enhancement in the cathodic current associated with the concomitant decrease in the anodic current was observed in the presence of nitrite. The electrocatalytic response of the scaffold was exploited for the amperometric sensing of nitrite at the potential of 450 mV. The polymer scaffold is highly sensitive (28.5 µA mM cm) and it could detect nitrite at micromolar levels (detection limit is 4.8 µM). The scaffold has been successfully used for the real sample analysis and high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility have been achieved. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] An electrochemical sensing platform based on new anion exchange polymer is constructed. [•] Ion exchange voltammetry and electrocatalysis are used for ascorbic acid (AA) determination. [•] Kinetic parameters of electrocatalytic oxidation of AA are evaluated. [•] Low detection limit with moderate sensitivity is achieved for AA determination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Chikungunya is an arboviral disease caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. • Till date no treatment is available for chikungunya. • Andrographolide (Andro) is a major bioactive compound of plant Andrographis paniculata. • Andro inhibits CHIKV multiplication and symptoms associated with chikungunya. Andrographolide, the major bioactive compound of the plant Andrographis paniculata , exerts anti-inflammatory, cyto-, neuro- and hepato-protective effects. Traditional remedies for infectious diseases include A. paniculata for maladies like fever, pain, rashes which are associated with chikungunya and other arboviral diseases. Since andrographolide and A. paniculata have potent antiviral properties, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive report of symptoms and immunological molecules involved in chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and the therapeutic role of andrographolide in the mitigation of chikungunya and associated symptoms. Studies on the therapeutic role of A. paniculata and andrographolide in chikungunya and other viral infections published between 1991 and 2021 were searched on various databases. The havoc created by chikungunya is due to the associated debilitating symptoms including arthralgia and myalgia which sometimes remains for years. The authors reviewed and summarized the various symptoms and immunological molecules related to CHIKV replication and associated inflammation, oxidative and unfolded protein stress, apoptosis and arthritis. Additionally, the authors suggested andrographolide as a remedy for chikungunya and other arboviral infections by highlighting its role in the regulation of molecules involved in unfolded protein response pathway, immunomodulation, inflammation, virus multiplication, oxidative stress, apoptosis and arthritis. The present review demonstrated the major complications associated with chikungunya and the role of andrographolide in alleviating the chikungunya associated symptoms to encourage further investigations using this promising compound towards early development of an anti-CHIKV drug. Chemical Compound studied: andrographolide (PubChem CID: 5318517) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hormones are crucial to plant life and development. Being able to follow the plants hormonal response to various stimuli and throughout developmental processes is an important and increasingly widespread tool. The phytohormone cytokinin (CK) has crucial roles in the regulation of plant growth and development. Results: Here we describe a version of the CK sensor Two Component signaling Sensor (TCS), referred to as TCSv2. TCSv2 has a different arrangement of binding motifs when compared to previous TCS versions, resulting in increased sensitivity in some examined tissues. Here, we examine the CK responsiveness and distribution pattern of TCSv2 in arabidopsis and tomato. Conclusions: The increased sensitivity and reported expression pattern of TCSv2 make it an ideal TCS version to study CK response in particular hosts, such as tomato, and particular tissues, such as leaves and flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of cost-effective, durable, and efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is still required for efficient fuel cells, metal-air-batteries, and water electrolysis. For that purpose we have prepared tetrakis(3′,5′-dimethoxyphenyl)porphyrinato cobalt(II) (CoDMTPP) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3′,5′-dihydroxyphenyl)porphyrinato cobalt(II) (CoDHTPP). Further, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based composites of CoDMTPP (MWCNTs-CoDMTPP) and CoDHTPP (MWCNTs-CoDHTPP) are also prepared and characterized through spectroscopy (UV–vis, FTIR, and XPS), microscopy (SEM, TEM with EDAX), X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and electrochemical techniques. The materials, MWCNTs-CoDMTPP and MWCNTs-CoDHTPP are immobilized on glassy carbon (GC) electrodes, represented as GC/MWCNTs-CoDMTPP and GC/MWCNTs-CoDHTPP. They show efficient ORR activity in acidic, basic, and neutral (pH 7.0 buffer) mediums. Further, both of these electrodes exhibit significant OER activity in 0.1 M KOH, indicating the bifunctional activity in basic medium. Based on the kinetic studies, the presence of –OH in the CoDHTPP is found to enhance the ORR activity. The electrodes, GC/MWCNTs-CoDMTPP and GC/MWCNTs-CoDHTPP exhibit high methanol tolerance capacity. A very small change in onset potential of 12 mV at GC/MWCNTs-CoDMTPP and 3 mV at GC/MWCNTs-CoDHTPP electrodes are observed for the ORR after 3000 continuous potential cycles indicating the high operational stability of the modified electrodes. Image 1 • MWCNTs-CoDMTPP and MWCNTs-CoDHTPP composites were prepared and characterized. • They show efficient ORR and OER activities with high operational stability. • Thus, they act as bifunctional electrocatalysts. • They could be promising alternatives to replace Pt and Ir based electrocatalysts. • The –OH group present in the CoDHTPP is found to enhance the ORR activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]