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The presented paper investigates the creation of chitosan-based composites on the surface of chemically modified poly-D-lactic acid (PDLA). PDLA was dissolved in chloroform and cast into a glass dish until the complete evaporation of the solvent. The surface of the created PDLA films was modified with 1,6-hexanediamine and glutaraldehyde for the creation of free aldehyde side groups. Composite layers of chitosan (CH) were deposited on the surface of the modified films. The mechanical properties of the composite films were investigated using a dynamometer. The surface morphology of the created composite films was studied with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sessile drop method was used to determine the surface free energy of the created chitosan-based composite layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives as cell probes, DNA targeting agents, and anti-tumor drugs is one of the research hotspots in the field of medicine. Naphthalimide compounds are a kind of DNA embedder, which can change the topological structure of DNA by embedding in the middle of DNA base pairs, and then affect the recognition and action of topoisomerase on DNA. Aminofide and mitonafide are the first 2 drugs to undergo clinical trials. They have good DNA insertion ability, can embed DNA double-stranded structure, and induce topoisomerase II to cut part of pBR322DNA, but not yet entered the market due to their toxicity. In this paper, the design and structure-activity relationship of mononaphthalimide and bisaphthalimide compounds were studied, and the relationship between the structure of naphthalimide and anti-tumor activity was analyzed and discussed. It was found that a variety of structural modifications were significant in improving anti-tumor activity and reducing toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Supramolecular gels with metal ion-responsiveness are an important kind of smart materials due to their potential application in environmental monitoring. In this study, a novel l -glutamine-contained 1,8-naphthalimide derivative (NDG) has been designed and synthesized as an organogelator. NDG could self-assemble into stable supramolecular organogels in different kind of solvents, and the gelation process showed bright blue aggregation-induced emission (AIE). The self-assembly behavior, morphology and structure of NDG gels were thoroughly studied by various techniques. Interestingly, the obtained NDG organogel exhibited a fluorescence "turn-off" response for Fe3+ and formed a stable metallogel NDG -Fe3+. The detection limit (LOD) of NDG in diluted solution and gel states for Fe3+ was calculated to be 30.8 nM and 11.5 nM, respectively, indicating high sensitivity. In addition, the blue fluorescence emission of the gel system was restored in the presence of ascorbic acid and then quenched again with oxygen, which showed reversible fluorescence sensing effect and employed as a logic gate at the molecular level. Furthermore, xerogel-based film of NDG emitted strong blue emission and could be utilized as paper-based chemosensor to detect Fe3+. And also, the NDG gel had potential application in fluorescence display material. [Display omitted] • A l -glutamine-contained 1,8-naphthalimide gelator was synthesized with AIE effect. • The organogel exhibited a fluorescence response for Fe3+ by gel-gel transition. • The gel system was potentially constructed as a molecular logic gate. • Paper-based gel film was used in Fe3+ recognition and as display material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the RoboCup, a robotics soccer tournament, the Small Size League (SSL) is one of its leagues. The thought of a mechanism in this league that could perform unpredictable kicks and passes inspired study into both the physical mechanism required to do it and the algorithms needed to make the most of it.By introducing new ideas and utilizing a Deep Neural Network, this work contributes by improving a prior algorithm that aims to carry out a real-time inversion of the non-linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) that models the ball’s path in order to determine the parameters to hit a target with a curved kick mechanism (DNN). New techniques are also presented. The two suggested DNN achieved accuracy levels of more than 92% in the outcomes of simulation runs in MATLAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we first examine the relationships between a double sequence and its arithmetic means in different senses (i. e. (C, 1, 0), (C, 0,1) and (C, 1,1) means) in terms of slow oscillation in certain senses and investigate some properties of oscillatory behaviors of the difference sequence between the double sequence and its arithmetic means in different senses. Next, we give an alternative proof of the generalized Littlewood Tauberian theorem for Cesaro summability method as an application of the results obtained in the first part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3-Dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO) is a kind of structured triglyceride which could instead human milk fat (HMF) for the fat of infant formula, this kind of structured triglyceride is good at absorbing easily. The aim of this paper was to produce OPO though three different processing technologies. The raw material for the first method (Method 1) and second method (Method 2) was palm oil, and their catalyst is Novozym 435 and Lipozyme TL IM. The difference was the Method 1, which obtained tripalmitin (PPP) by acidolysis palm oil and palmitic acid (PA), then obtained OPO by acidolysis PPP and oleic acid (OA), Method 2 was acidolysis palm oil and mixed fatty acids directly without crystallization. The third method (Method 3) produced palm stearin (PS) enriched in PA by catalyzing palm stearin with sodium methoxide firstly, and then palm stearin enriched in PA and mixed vegetable oils catalyzed by Lipozyme TL IM. The content of OPO and sn-2 position PA of three methods was higher than 40.34% and 39.34%. The relative content of PA located at the sn-2 position and OA located at the sn-1, 3 position was higher than 59.97% and 66.01%. Among the three methods, the methods related to enzyme appeared safer, and Method 3 was easier for manufacturing OPO and saved time, so it should be more suitable for industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the synthesis and photophysical investigation of a novel 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore containing 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole fragment at C-4 position. Absorption and fluorescence characteristics of the dye as a function of pH were investigated in water/ethanol (1:1, v/v) solution. It was found that the synthesized 1,8-naphthalimide did not show significant changes in the emission properties in a wide pH range. Furthermore the ability of the synthesized compound to detect cations was evaluated by the changes in its fluorescence intensity in the presence of metal ions (Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+ and Hg2+). Only Hg2+, among the tested metal ions, was efficiently detected due to the aggregation caused quenching process. The results obtained indicate the potential of the novel compound acting as a fluorescent "onoff" switch for selective determination of Hg2+ in a wide pH window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: 24-Hydroxylase, encoded by the CYP24A1 gene, is a crucial enzyme involved in the catabolism of vitamin D. Loss-of-function mutations in CYP24A1 result in PTH-independent hypercalcaemia with high levels of 1,25(OH) 2D3. The variety of clinical manifestations depends on age, and underlying genetic predisposition mutations can lead to fatal infantile hypercalcaemia among neonates, whereas adult symptoms are usually mild. Aim of the study: We report a rare case of an adult with primary hyperparathyroidism and loss-of-function mutations in the CYP24A1 gene and a review of similar cases. Case presentation: We report the case of a 58-year-old woman diagnosed initially with primary hyperparathyroidism. Preoperatively, the suspected mass adjoining the upper pole of the left lobe of the thyroid gland was found via ultrasonography and confirmed by 99mTc scintigraphy and biopsy as the parathyroid gland. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy (a histopathology report revealed parathyroid adenoma), which led to normocalcaemia. After 10 months, vitamin D supplementation was introduced due to deficiency, and the calcium level remained within the reference range. Two years later, biochemical tests showed recurrence of hypercalcaemia with suppressed parathyroid hormone levels and elevated 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations. Further investigation excluded the most common causes of PTH-independent hypercalcaemia, such as granulomatous disease, malignancy, and vitamin D intoxication. Subsequently, vitamin D metabolites were measured using LC-MS/MS, which revealed high levels of 25(OH)D3, low levels of 24,25(OH)2D3 and elevated 25(OH)2D3/24,25 (OH)2D3 ratios, suggesting a defect in vitamin D catabolism. Molecular analysis of the CYP24A1 gene using the NGS technique revealed two pathogenic variants: p.(Arg396Trp) and p.(Glu143del) (rs114368325 and rs777676129, respectively). Conclusions: The diagnostic process for hypercalcaemia becomes complicated when multiple causes of hypercalcaemia coexist. The measurement of vitamin D metabolites using LC-MS/MS may help to identify carriers of CYP24A1 mutations. Subsequent molecular testing may contribute to establishing the exact frequency of pathogenic variants of the CYP24A1 gene and introducing personalized treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article covers almost 130 Pt(ii) complexes with an inner coordination sphere of cis-PtP2Cl2. The P-donor ligands are organodiphosphines that create four-, five-, and six-membered metallocyclic rings. There are two types of four-membered rings: PCP and PNCP, and four types of five-membered rings: PC–CP, PC═CP, PNNP, and PCOP. There are wide varieties of the six-membered metallocyclic rings: PC3P (most common), PCNCP, PCSCP, PCSiCP, PNCNP, PCCOP, PCCNP, POPNP, POSiOP, P(CNC)2P, and P(CNC)(CCC)P. The P–Pt–P bite angles open with the size of the metallocyclic rings in the order (total mean values 72.4° [PXP] < 86.4° [PXXP] < 94.0° [PXXNP]). There are complexes that are examples of distortion and ligand isomerism. The structural data are analyzed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops some deeper consequences of an extended definition, proposed previously by the author, of pseudo-differential operators that are of type 1, 1 in Hörmander's sense. Thus, it contributes to the long-standing problem of creating a systematic theory of such operators. It is shown that type 1, 1-operators are defined and continuous on the full space of temperate distributions, if they fulfil Hörmander's twisted diagonal condition, or more generally if they belong to the self-adjoint subclass; and that they are always defined on the temperate smooth functions. As a main tool the paradifferential decomposition is derived for type 1, 1-operators, and to confirm a natural hypothesis the symmetric term is shown to cause the domain restrictions; whereas the other terms are shown to define nice type 1, 1-operators fulfilling the twisted diagonal condition. The decomposition is analysed in the type 1, 1-context by combining the Spectral Support Rule and the factorisation inequality, which gives pointwise estimates of pseudo-differential operators in terms of maximal functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the synthesis of precursors with a benzo[b]furan skeleton for the intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides prepared from N-substituted 3-allylaminobenzo[ b]furan-2-aldehydes and secondary amines derived from α-amino acid esters. Reactions were initiated by heating. The products consisted of four fused rings with three stereogenic centers. Their structure and stereochemistry were determined by NMR spectra and X-ray measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer, the biggest cause of death globally, remains a tough illness despite enormous advances in therapy. In the present study, 1,3-benzodioxole-tagged dacarbazine derivates were investigated as microtubule inhibitors in order to control cancer as microtubules are involved in cell proliferation. The tubulin protein was analyzed and its structure was validated by various protein validation tools. The binding potential of 1,3-benzodioxole-based dacarbazine-tagged derivatives with tubulin was checked using molecular docking software HEX 8.0 CUDA and AutoDock Vina. Swiss ADME online Web server and pkCSM are used for studying pharmacokinetic and pharmacological studies of compounds. The docking analysis ADME studies displayed that Compounds 1 and 2 bind effectively with the tubulin protein and showed potential properties to use as a potent anticancer drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to contribute to drug design and development by analyzing protein-drug interactions. It has been reported that 1,3-benzodioxole-based ionic liquid derivatives possess cytotoxic effects against human cancer cell lines. The derivatives are microtubule-targeted chemotherapeutic agents that can suppress microtubule dynamics leading to apoptosis and mitotic blocking. We have focused attention on neomycin-based Ionic Liquids. We report here the screening of a set of derivatives to identify suitable inhibitors against protein function based on binding affinity, and physicochemical and pharmacokinetic studies. The tubulin protein structure was evaluated and validated using various validation tools for proteins viz. VADAR, Verify3D. The molecular docking of 1,3-benzodioxole-based neomycin-tagged ionic liquids was accomplished with tubulin protein to illustrate the interactions of the most potent compound, followed by pharmacokinetic and pharmacological studies. 3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-nitro-1H-imidazol-3-ium dimethyl phosphate was found to be a tubulin polymerization inhibitor revealing the binding energy -327.18 kcal/mol. 3-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-nitro-1H-imidazol-3-ium dimethyl phosphate has shown 69.78% intestinal absorption, -1.29 log BB, -2.73 logKp, maximum tolerated dose: 0.22 log mg/kg/day, LD50: 2.89 mol/kg. The results revealed that these compounds interact efficiently with the receptor and that compound 1 can be evaluated as a potential therapeutic candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a highly conserved enzyme involved in the ubiquitous process of glycolysis and presents a loop (residues 208-215 of Escherichia coli GAPDH) in two alternative conformations (I and II). It is uncertain what triggers this loop rearrangement, as well as which is the precise site from which phosphate attacks the thioacyl intermediate precursor of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG). To clarify these uncertainties, we determined the crystal structures of complexes of wild-type GAPDH (WT) with NAD and phosphate or G3P, and of essentially inactive GAPDH mutants (C150S, H177A), trapping crystal structures for the thioacyl intermediate or for ternary complexes with NAD and either phosphate, BPG, or G3P. Analysis of these structures reported here lead us to propose that phosphate is located in the new Pi site attacks the thioester bond of the thioacyl intermediate to generate 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid (BPG). In the structure of the thioacyl intermediate, the mobile loop is in conformation II in subunits O, P, and R, while both conformations coexist in subunit Q. Moreover, only the Q subunit hosts bound NADH. In the R subunit, only the pyrophosphate part of NADH is well defined, and NADH is totally absent from the O and P subunits. Thus, the change in loop conformation appears to occur after NADH is produced, before NADH is released. In addition, two new D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) binding forms are observed in WT.NAD.G3P and C150A+H177A.NAD.G3P. In summary, this paper improves our understanding of the GAPDH catalytic mechanism, particularly regarding BPG formation.

Plant growth and development rely heavily on cyclins, which comprise an important class of cell division regulators. D-type cyclins (CYCDs) are responsible for the rate-limiting step of G1 cells. In the plant kingdom, despite the importance of CYCDs in herbaceous plants, there is little knowledge of these proteins in perennial woody plants. Here, the gene of a nucleus-localized cyclin, PsnCYCD1;1 , was cloned from Populus simonii × P. nigra. PsnCYCD1;1 was highly expressed in tissues with active cell division, especially the leaf buds, and could be induced by sucrose and phytohormones. Moreover, overexpression of PsnCYCD1;1 in poplar could stimulate cell division, resulting in the generation of small cells and causing severe morphological changes in the vascular bundles, resulting in 'S'-shaped tortuous stems and curled leaves. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that endogenous genes related to cell division and vascular cambium development were significantly up-regulated in the transgenic plants. In addition, using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays PsnCDKA1, PsnICK3, and PsnICK5 were identified as proteins interacting with PsnCYCD1;1. Our study demonstrates that PsnCYCD1;1 accelerates plant cell division and participates in secondary growth of vascular bundles in poplar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarises evidence relating to a potential role for vitamin D supplementation in the prevention or treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Laboratory studies show that the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D induces innate antiviral responses and regulates immunopathological inflammation with potentially favourable implications for the host response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Meta-analyses of cross-sectional, case-control and longitudinal studies report consistent protective associations between higher circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations or vitamin D supplement use and reduced risk and severity of COVID-19. However, Mendelian randomisation studies testing for associations between genetically predicted circulating 25(OH)D concentrations and COVID-19 outcomes have yielded consistently null results. Positive findings from observational epidemiological studies may therefore have arisen as a result of residual or unmeasured confounding or reverse causality. Randomised controlled trials of prophylactic or therapeutic vitamin D supplementation to reduce risk or severity of COVID-19 reporting to date have yielded inconsistent findings. Results of further intervention studies are pending, but current evidence is insufficient to support routine use of vitamin D supplements as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for COVID-19, or as an adjunct to augment immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Accordingly, national and international bodies have not made any recommendations regarding a role for vitamin D in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An L(2, 1, 1)-labeling of a graph G is an assignment of non-negative in- tegers (labels) to the vertices of G such that adjacent vertices receive labels with difference at least 2, and vertices at distance 2 or 3 receive distinct labels. The span of such a labelling is the difference between the maximum and minimum labels used, and the minimum span over all L(2, 1, 1)-labelings of G is called the L(2, 1, 1)-labeling number of G, denoted by λ2,1,1(G). It was shown by King, Ras and Zhou in [The L(h, 1, 1)-labelling problem for trees, European J. Combin. 31 (2010) 1295-1306] that every tree T has Δ2(T) - 1 ≤ λ2,1,1(T) ≤ Δ2(T), where Δ2(T) = maxuv∊E(T)(d(u) + d(v)). And they conjectured that almost all trees have the L(2, 1, 1)-labeling num- ber attain the lower bound. This paper provides some sufficient conditions for λ2,1,1(T) = Δ2(T). Furthermore, we show that the sufficient conditions we provide are also necessary for trees with diameter at most 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart city is one of the fastest growing socio-economic and scientific initiative in the world. Still, it is only in principle and a mere blueprint for many developing countries. This study reviews literature on smart city in Nigeria and developing countries. Our aim is to explore ways to improve the quality of Nigeria's urban areas, based on recent research on the concept of smart city and its implementation. We summarise key research findings, and gather evidence that shows what composition of urban governance, social, economic, and environmental factors, that would influence actualising a smart city in Nigeria. Although knowledge has grown tremendously in the current literature on the definition, significance, governance, policy, and implementation of a smart city, its significance in Nigeria and other developing countries is supplemental. As an environmentally friendly initiative, a smart city will support urban sustainability and livelihood in Nigeria in a myriad of ways—environmental protection, and mainstream urban services, including public security and safety, access to quality health care, efficient power supply, clean water distribution, assets management, smart transportation, etc. However, despite her unique traditional urban agglomeration trends, Nigeria is unambitious and constrained towards actualising a smart city. Actualising a smart city in Nigeria and other developing countries would require radical and ambitious policies on development of human and infrastructural capacity, as well as institutional reinforcement. This highlights the need for more research, of which we are optimistic that the findings of this research will support with its new insight and clear guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is concerned with chemistry of thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives bearing a 1,3-diazapropenylidene fragment at position 2 and an oxygen or a mobile chlorine atom at position 7. These compounds are obtained in three steps: (i) cycloaddition of malononitrile to available 1,2,4-thiadiazol-5(2H)-imines to form N-(4-amino-5-cyanothiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)amidines; (ii) their acylation or condensation with DMF dimethyl acetal followed by; (iii) pyrimidine ring closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The short-term mortality of hypostatic pneumonia (HP) is very high, and the treatment outcome is poor. The clinical diagnosis and treatment are primarily focused on bacterial and viral infection, ignoring the role of fungal infection at present. This study aims to validate the relationship between Invasive Fungal Infections (IFI) and HP. Methods: In the cross-sectional study, a total of 11,371 participants have been enrolled. In the prospective cohort study, 4,441 individuals have been included at baseline and followed up from 2015 to 2019 with a total person years of 8,484.65. The standard procedures were used to assess questionnaire investigations, laboratory testing, and anthropometric indicators. For data analysis, logistic regression, restricted cubic spline, log-rank regression, Cox regression, and linear mixed effects model were applied to assess the relationship between IFI and HP risk longitudinally. Results: In the cross-sectional study, elevated β-D-Glucan (BDG) concentrations are associated with a higher risk of HP prevalence in the total population, men, and women (OR T 3 vs . T 1 [95% CI s]: 2.12 [1.55, 2.91]; 2.01 [1.35, 2.99]; 2.34 [1.39, 3.94]), which were verified by a dose–effect relationship in the restricted cubic spline model. In the cohort study, Cox and Log-rank regression showed that the elevated BDG concentrations are associated with a significantly higher risk of HP incidence than participants with lower BDG concentrations (HR T 3 vs .T1 [95% CIs ]: 2.72 [1.36, 5.43], p Log – rank = 0.0086). During 5 years, the globulin (GLB) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were always on the top in the highest category of BDG concentrations. Between low and high BDG concentration, the total trend of GLB concentration was falling and the total trend of CRP concentration was rising with the increase of years (all the p -values < 0.0001). Conclusion: In this study, IFI is associated with a higher risk of HP, with time sequence and related mechanisms requiring further investigation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oscillatory behavior was observed in both experiments and mathematical simulation during continuous fermentation of Klebsiella pneumoniae, in which biomass, product and substrate oscillations existed under certain operating conditions. These oscillations were caused by the existence of Hopf bifurcations in the system. Multiple steady states were also observed in this process. To design a stable process and achieve high product quality, these potential oscillations and unstable operating condition points should be avoided. In this paper, a quantitative index to describe potential risk distribution of operating point around Hopf point is proposed, and then the operating conditions were optimized to identify stable operating points with the Hopf singularity and unstable operating points range as a constraint. In addition, a framework of operating condition optimization considering Hopf singularity points and unstable operating points is proposed for inherently stable process design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study is to comparatively evaluate the Vitamin D supplementation and stabilization splint therapy in patients exhibiting temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Settings and Design The study design was double-blinded, parallel-group, randomized and placebo-controlled trial conducted in patients with low Vitamin D and TMDs, which were allocated to two groups, Study group S + D (Stabilization splint with Vitamin D supplementation) and Control Group S (Stabilization Splint with placebo drug). Subjects and Methods: Thirty-six participants of 18-45 years of age gap with Vitamin D deficiency and TMD were included in the study. Preoperative values of Vitamin D levels in ng/ml, comfort mouth opening (CMO) in mm, maximum mouth opening (MMO) in mm, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tenderness (grading 0-3), Visual analog scale score (VAS Score 0-10 cm), and total energy (TE) integral values of both left and right TMJ's in Hertz (Hz) were recorded using joint vibration analysis All the values of CMO, MMO, TMJ Tenderness and VAS were recorded at each follow-up at 1st week, 1st month, 2nd month, and 3rd month, respectively. Postoperative Vitamin D levels and TE of both TMJs were recorded at end of 3 months. Statistical Analysis Used: For intergroup comparison, Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson Chi-square tests were done. For Intragroup comparison, Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for comparison. Results: In Intergroup comparison, a significant difference was seen in CMO, VAS score and MMO (P < 0.05) but not among mean values of TE of right and left TMJ, and Vitamin D levels (P < 0.05). In both groups, there were significant statistical variations in CMO, VAS score, MMO, and TE integral before and after treatment in the right and left TMJs (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The study concludes centric stabilization splint helps in improving symptoms of TMD patients and Vitamin D supplementation provided faster relief in those cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black shank disease caused by Phytophthora nicotianae causes losses in tobacco crops up 100%. In Colombia, P. nicotianae populations are poorly known causing wrong diagnostics and erratic management. Amplification of the Ypt1 gene and morphological characteristics of colonies, sporangia, chlamydospores and hyphae were used to identify P. nicotianae isolates. Races were identified according to the reaction induced by each isolate on the differential tobacco varieties Hicks, L8, KY 14 x L8 and NC 1071. As results, 71 isolates of P. nicotianae were identified and classified by races. Colonies of P. nicotianae were of white color, cottony and fluffy texture with smooth, non-swollen hyphae; spherical papillae with an average of 1.26 ìm and non-papillated and intercalary chlamydospores of medium size of 1.02 ìm that are typical characteristics of P. nicotianae. A species-specific PCR-amplified band of 389 bp was detected in all isolates tested. The presence of races 0,1 and 3 of P. nicotianae were determined in the Colombian departments of Huila and Santander. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of physiological races 0,1 and 3 of P. nicotianae in Colombia. Results are of relevance for disease management and tobacco breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Due to the risk of gastrointestinal damage and various tissue toxicity associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use, investigating new anti-inflammatory agents with efficacy comparable to that of NSAIDs but reduced toxicity is still a major challenge and a clinical need. Based on our previous study, new 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives of pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinone, especially 6-butyl-3,5,7-trimethyl-1-[[4-[[4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl]-5-thioxo-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]methoxy]pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazin-4-one and 6-butyl-1-[[4-[[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-piperidyl]methyl]-2-thioxo-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl]methoxy]-3,5,7-trimethyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazin-4-one (hereafter referred to as the compounds 10b and 13b , respectively) seem to be promising anti-inflammatory agents. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of these two new derivatives on the course of experimental rat inflammation, liver and kidney function, and gastric mucosa. Methods: The anti-inflammatory effect of compounds 10b and 13b was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test in rats. The increase in paw volume (paw edema), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, histological alterations, and inflammatory cell infiltration in paw tissue were determined. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities, serum urea and creatinine levels, as well as changes in gastric mucosa, were measured as indicators of hepatic, renal, and gastric toxicity. Results: Pretreatment with both novel derivatives at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg doses reduced paw edema, counteracted the increased PGE2 and TNF-α levels, reduced the influx of inflammatory cells, and decreased histopathological alterations in paw tissue. Compound 13b at a dose of 20 mg/kg was more effective than indomethacin in reversing the increased TNF-α levels and reducing the influx of inflammatory cells. Only compound 13b at all studied doses (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) counteracted the increased MPO level in paw tissue. Both compounds neither caused alterations in ALT, AST, urea, creatinine parameters nor gastric mucosal lesions. Conclusion: New compounds exert an anti-inflammatory effect, presumably via inhibiting inflammatory mediators release and inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, both possess a more favorable benefit–risk profile than indomethacin, especially compound 13b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida acquires all of its nutrients from an elaborate feeding site that it establishes in a host plant root. Normal development of the root cells is re-programmed in a process coordinated by secreted nematode effector proteins. The biological function of the G. pallida GpIA7 effector was investigated in this study. GpIA7 is specifically expressed in the subventral pharyngeal glands of pre-parasitic stage nematodes. Ectopic expression of GpIA7 in potato plants affected plant growth and development, suggesting a potential role for this effector in feeding site establishment. Potato plants overexpressing GpIA7 were shorter, with reduced tuber weight and delayed flowering. We provide evidence that GpIA7 associates with the plant growth regulator StEBP1 (ErbB-3 epidermal growth factor receptor-binding protein 1). GpIA7 modulates the regulatory function of StEBP1, altering the expression level of downstream target genes, including ribonucleotide reductase 2 , cyclin D3;1 , and retinoblastoma related 1 , which are down-regulated in plants overexpressing GpIA7. We provide an insight into the molecular mechanism used by the nematode to manipulate the host cell cycle and demonstrate that this may rely, at least in part, on hindering the function of host EBP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quiescent centre (QC) cells represent an integral part of the root stem cell niche. They typically display a low division frequency that has been reported to be controlled by hormone signaling and different regulators, including the ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 115 (ERF115) transcription factor and D-type cyclins. Here, we applied a three-dimensional (3D) imaging to visualize the Arabidopsis QC cell number, volume and division patterns, including visualization of anticlinal divisions that cannot be deduced from longitudinal 2D imaging. We found that 5-day-old seedlings possess on average eight QC cells which are organized in a monolayered disc. In a period of 7 d, half of the QC cells undergo anticlinal division in a largely invariant space. Ectopic expression of ERF115 and CYCLIN D1;1 (CYCD1;1) promote both anticlinal and periclinal QC cell divisions, the latter resulting in a dual-layered QC zone holding up to 2-fold more QC cells compared with the wild type. In contrast, application of cytokinin or ethylene results in an increase in the number of periclinal, but a decrease in anticlinal QC divisions, suggesting that they control the orientation of QC cell division. Our data illustrate the power of 3D visualization in revealing unexpected QC characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundBranched polymers of glucose are universally used for energy storage in cells, taking the form of glycogen in animals, fungi, Bacteria, and Archaea, and of amylopectin in plants. Some enzymes involved in glycogen and amylopectin metabolism are similarly conserved in all forms of life, but some, interestingly, are not. In this paper we focus on the phylogeny of glycogen branching and debranching enzymes, respectively involved in introducing and removing of the α(1-6) bonds in glucose polymers, bonds that provide the unique branching structure to glucose polymers.ResultsWe performed a large-scale phylogenomic analysis of branching and debranching enzymes in over 400 completely sequenced genomes, including more than 200 from eukaryotes. We show that branching and debranching enzymes can be found in all kingdoms of life, including all major groups of eukaryotes, and thus were likely to have been present in the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) but have been lost in seemingly random fashion in numerous single-celled eukaryotes. We also show how animal branching and debranching enzymes evolved from their LUCA ancestors by acquiring additional domains. Furthermore, we show that enzymes commonly perceived as orthologous, such as human branching enzyme GBE1 and E. coli branching enzyme GlgB, are in fact related by a gene duplication and consequently paralogous.ConclusionsDespite being usually associated with animal liver glycogen and plant starch, energy storage in the form of branched glucose polymers is clearly an ancient process and has probably been present in the last universal common ancestor of all present life. The evolution of the enzymes enabling this form of energy storage is more complex than previously thought and illustrates the need for explicit phylogenomic analysis in the study of even seemingly "simple" metabolic enzymes. Patterns of conservation in the evolution of the glycogen/starch branching and debranching enzymes hint at some as yet unknown mechanisms, as mutations disrupting these patterns lead to a variety of genetic diseases in humans and other mammals.

Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the electrochemical behavior of Sudan II (SuII) using a screen-printed gold electrode (SPGE) modified with 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT) and to determine the amount of Sudan II by voltammetry. Materials and Methods A DTT-modified screen-printed gold electrode (DTT/SPGE) was fabricated and its application for differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) determination of SuII was reported. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for the characterization of the modified electrode. The effects of instrumental and chemical parameters were optimized for the determination of SuII. The fabricated electrode was used for the analysis of SuII in fortified and real samples. High-performance liquid chromatography was preferred as a reference method for the evaluation of the obtained voltammetric results. Results The electrochemical studies and FT-IR demonstrated that the SPGE was modified with DTT. The obtained peak current at DTT/SPGE was 6.67 times higher than that recorded with SPGE. At the optimized conditions of DPV in pH = 2.5 of H2SO4, the oxidation peak current of SuII was proportional to its concentration in range: 0.001–1.500 μmol l–1 with a detection limit of 0.0002 μmol l–1 (S/N = 3). For the analysis of SuII, 101.67%–104.33% of recovery percentage was obtained. Conclusions A new electrode was successfully improved for the determination of SuII. This highly selective and sensitive electrode supplied the fast determination of SuII in ketchup, chili sauce and salsa dip sauce. In addition, voltammetric and chromatographic results are found to be consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation of solubility and solution thermodynamics of 1, 2-diphenylethane in different pure solvents has been studied. The mole fraction solubilities of 1, 2-diphenylethane in acetone, chloroform, dichloromethane, and ethanol increase with temperature. The mole fraction solubility in acetone, chloroform and dichloromethaneare much higher than that in ethanol and the mole fraction solubilities in chloroform and dichloromethane are higher than that in acetone. The solubility data were well correlated by the modified Apelblat,the semi-empirical Buchowski-Ksiazczak λh equation, and the ideal solution equation.The enthalpy, entropy and apparent free Gibbs energy of solution in different solvents were calculated. The dissolving process of 1,2-diphenylethane was endothermic, entropy-driving and not spontaneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the 1 d and 2 d bicomplex analogues of the classical Fourier–Wigner transform. Their basic properties, including Moyal's identity and characterization of their ranges giving rise to new bicomplex–polyanalytic functional spaces are discussed. Details concerning a special window function are developed explicitly. An orthogonal basis for the space of bicomplex-valued square integrable functions on the bicomplex numbers is constructed by means of a specific class of bicomplex Hermite functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiency of the essential nutrient boron (B) in the soil is one of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, leading to developmental defects in root and shoot tissues of plants, and severe yield reductions in many crops. Despite this agricultural importance, the underlying mechanisms of how B shapes plant developmental and morphological processes are still not unequivocally understood in detail. This review evaluates experimental approaches that address our current understanding of how B influences plant morphological processes by focusing on developmental defects observed under B deficiency. We assess what is known about mechanisms that control B homeostasis and specifically highlight: (i) limitations in the methodology that is used to induce B deficiency; (ii) differences between mutant phenotypes and normal plants grown under B deficiency; and (iii) recent research on analyzing interactions between B and phytohormones. Our analysis highlights the need for standardized methodology to evaluate the roles of B in the cell wall versus other parts of the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the genus Eucalyptus are potential sources of number of commercial essential oils and aromachemicals. In present study, the essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Eucalyptus alba were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Essential oil yields ranged from 2.41 to 4.35%. In total 18 constituents were identified, accounting for 99.0 to 99.7% of the total compositions. 1,8-cineole was present in all samples as the major component (76.5-88.1%). In addition to this compound, others that were found including limonene (3.8-8.6%), α-terpineol (1.4-2.8%), globulol (1.3-6.3%) and α-pinene (1.5-1.8%). The essential oil showed a strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213 which is translated by an MIC of 1.25 mg/mL and good activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 (6.25 mg/mL) and E. faecalis ATCC 29212 (6.25 mg/mL). To our knowledge, our study is the first report of E. alba essential oils characterized by a high 1,8-cineole content (>76.5%). They may have potential applications in food and pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,25(OH)2D3 has already been reported to function in some diseases. However, its role in hyperlipidemia (HLP) remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on HLP rats. Rat models were established by high-fat diet feeding, perfusion of different doses of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and injection of TGF-β1 siRNA. Whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, and erythrocyte aggregation index were detected, together with levels of biochemical indexes, 6-keto-PGF1α, and TXB2 in serum. Levels of oxidative stress indexes and inflammatory factors in serum and liver tissues were determined. TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression in serum, liver tissues, and aorta was detected. 1,25(OH)2D3 lowered HLP-induced rise of whole blood viscosity, red blood cell aggregation index, plasma viscosity, and hematocrit, TC, TG, LDL-C, apoB, ALT, AST, TXB2, MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, and increased HLP-induced decrease of HDL-C, apoAI, 6-keto-PGF1α, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and T-AOC. TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression in serum, liver tissue, and aorta of 1,25(OH)2D3-treated rats reduced. High 1,25(OH)2D3 dose and inhibited TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway alleviated lipid metabolism, liver function, and atherosclerotic injury in HLP rats. Our study found that 1,25(OH)2D3 improves blood lipid metabolism, liver function, and atherosclerosis injury by constraining the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in rats with HLP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Direitos Fundamentais & Democracia is the property of Revista de Direitos Fundamentais & Democracia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Leaf bacterial diseases (bacterial spot and speck) infect leaves, stems and fruit of tomatoes and cause both poor yield and fruit grade losses due to defoliation and fruit lesions. Natural populations of causative agents differ in species and race composition. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, races R0 and R1 (bacterial speck) and Xanthomonas vesicatoria (pepper-and-tomato (PT), tomato (T) pathotype, races T1,T2,T3), X. gardneri and X. euvesicatoria (PT,T1,T2,T3) are widely distributed across tomato crops in Bulgaria. Fifteen interspecific hybrid tomato lines derived from crosses with the following wild species from genus Solanum: S. cheesmaniae, S. pimpinellifolium, S. racemigerum, S. chilense and S. hirsutum were studied in this experiment in order to establish their response to diseases. Development of intraspecific hybrid tomato lines (crosses between S. lycopersicum and S. chilense, S. pimpinellifolium or S. racemigerum) is a prerequisite for improving the resistance to X. vesicatoria and X. gardneri. Two lines - L1052 (S. lycopersicum x S. pimpinellifolium) and L1791 (S. lycopersicum x S. racemigerum) were found to be resistant to the races of X. vesicatoria. Performed sequentially individual plant selection in L1787 (S. racemigerum), L1927 and L1921 (S. chilense) reduced the mean disease score and stabilized resistance to the races of X. vesicatoria. The lines L1787 and L1791 were found to be resistant to X. gardneri are S. racemigerum. The wild species S. racemigerum (L1787) was found to have multiple resistance to X. gardneri, the races of X. vesicatoria and P. syringae pv. tomato. This is the first study reporting on the influence of wild species S. racemigerum on the resistance of interspecific hybrid tomato lines towards X. gardneri races of X. vesicatoria and P. syringae pv. tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was undertaken to study the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on 1, 2-dimethyhydrazine (DMH) induced colon cancer and role of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways (CAP) in the same. Groups of rats were randomly divided into ten groups (n = 8). DMH administration was very well apparent for autonomic dysfunction as observed through distorted hemodynamic (electrocardiogram and heart rate variability), increased aberrant crypt foci and flat neoplastic lesions (methylene blue staining, scanning electron microscopy and Hematoxylin and eosin staining). DMH administration was also recorded for per-oxidative damage. taVNS application restored the autonomic function, cellular morphology and curtailed the oxidative damage. DMH application conspicuously inhibited the mitochondrial apoptosis which was restored back after taVNS application, when scrutinized through immunoblotting and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction studies. taVNS application up-regulated the CAP as perceived through increased expression for α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAchR) and decreased expression for nuclear factor kappa-ligand-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκBp65), tissue necrosis factor-α and high mobility group box-1 at protein and mRNA levels. All in all, taVNS up-surged the CAP to counteract DMH induced colon carcinogenesis. Among all the stimulation parameters used, taVNS 3 (pulse width-1 ms, frequency-6 Hz, voltage-6 v, duration-240 min) was observed to be the most effective. Since only chemotherapy and surgery are available options for management of CRC, which are troublesome and painful, there is currently no non-invasive method available for management of CRC. Results of the current study affirmed the effectiveness of taVNS against DMH induced colon cancer. The present study established taVNS as a novel and non-invasive approach toward the management of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendritic cells (DC) are specialized sentinel cells that bridge the innate and adaptive immune response and play a crucial role in shaping the adaptive immune response. Vitamin D, a known epidemiological risk factor for the development of several autoimmune diseases, influences the development of dendritic cells. Consequently, vitamin D metabolites are frequently used in protocols to develop therapeutic dendritic cell therapies for autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms by which vitamin D modulates DC function remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of vitamin D on murine CD11c+ bone marrow derived DC (BMDC) function by analyzing global gene expression in CD11c+ BMDC generated in the presence (VitD-CD11c+BMDC) or absence (Veh-CD11c+BMDC) of the active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). Seven genes were significantly increased in expression in both immature and LPS-matured VitD-CD11c+BMDC, one of which was CD31, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Gene knockdown of CD31 enhanced the ability of VitD-CD11c+BMDC to prime naïve CD4+ T cells in vitro ; conversely, increased expression of CD31 on vehicle treated CD11c+BMDC restrained their T cell priming abilities. Time-lapse imaging of BMDC and CD4+ T cells during in vitro priming revealed that CD31 reduced the BMDC–T cell interaction time. Finally, we confirmed a similar effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on human CD34+ cell-derived CD11c+DC, whereby DC generated in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 had increased CD31 expression. In summary, we show that both mouse and human DC generated in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 upregulate CD31 expression, resulting in a reduced ability to prime CD4+ T cells by impairing a stable cell-cell contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An efficient and facile method has been developed for the synthesis of alkyl bromides from various alcohols under mild conditions using a triphenylphosphine (PPh3) /1,2-dibromotetrachloroethane (DBTCE) complex in excellent yields and very short time (5 min). This method can also be applied for the transformation of chiral alcohols to their corresponding bromides in very high enantiomeric excess. The PPh3 /DBTCE complex is also successfully applied to ring-opening reactions of cyclic ethers in mild conditions. Esterification, amidation, and formation of acid anhydrides under very mild experimental conditions are also successfully accomplished by following a modification of the Appel reaction protocol in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexes of peripherally tetra-substituted metal-free (8), lead(II) (9), and zinc(II) (10) phthalocyanine derivatives were synthesized for the first time in this work. The structures of these new complex compounds have been elucidated using many spectral methods such as electronic absorption, FT-IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, elemental analysis, and mass spectra. The thermogravimetric behavior of compounds 8-10 was determined by thermogravimetric analysis method in addition to these spectral methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A practical and transition metal-free one-pot domino synthesis of diversified (1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)anilines has been developed employing isatins and hydrazides as the starting materials, in the presence of molecular iodine. The prominent feature of this domino process involves consecutive condensation, hydrolytic ring cleavage, and an intramolecular decarboxylation, in a one-pot process that leads to the oxidative formation of a C-O bond. Fluorescence properties of some of the representative molecules obtained in this way were studied. The synthesised 2-(1,3,4-oxadiazolo-2-yl)aniline-benzene sulphonamides (8a-o) were screened for their carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitory activity. Most of the compounds exhibited low micromolar to nanomolar activity against human (h) isoforms hCA I, hCA II, hCA IV, and XII, with some compounds displaying selective CA inhibitory activity towards hCA II with KIs of 6.4-17.6 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the role of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) expression in the course of brain edema induced by subacute poisoning with 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE). Mice were randomly divided into five groups: the control group, the 1,2-DCE poisoned group, and the low-, medium- and high-dose diallyl sulfide (DAS) intervention groups. The present study found that CYP2E1 expression levels in the brains of the 1,2-DCE-poisoned group were upregulated transcriptionally; in contrast, the levels were suppressed by DAS pretreatment in the intervention groups. In addition, the expression levels of both Nrf2 and HO-1 were also upregulated transcriptionally in the brains of the 1,2-DCE-poisoned group, while they were suppressed dose-dependently in the intervention groups. Moreover, compared with the control group, MDA levels and water contents in the brains of the 1,2-DCE-poisoned group increased, whereas NPSH levels and tight junction (TJ) protein levels decreased significantly. Conversely, compared with the 1,2-DCE- poisoned group, MDA levels and water contents in the brains of the intervention groups decreased, and NPSH levels and TJ protein levels increased significantly. Furthermore, pathological changes of brain edema observed in the 1,2-DCE-poisoned group were markedly improved in the intervention groups. Collectively, our results suggested that CYP2E1 expression could be transcriptionally upregulated in 1,2-DCE-poisoned mice, which might enhance 1,2-DCE metabolism in vivo , and induce oxidative damage and TJ disruption in the brain, ultimately leading to brain edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plant extracts contains multiple active constituents which leads to the production of new drugs from plants and chemicals derived from various parts of plants. The objective of present study was to investigate the GC-MS analysis and antibacterial activity of L. inermis leaves extracts. Material and Methods: Crude methanol extract and its fractions were tested for the presence of active phytochemicals and GC-MS analysis of hexane; ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol fractions was performed. Antimicrobial activity against six bacterial strain's Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtelis, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also tested. Results: Phytochemical screening of extract confirmed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, quinones, steroids and phenol. In GC-MS chromatograms, 56, 108 and 19 peaks were obtained and out of these, 13, 17 and 7 compounds were identified in hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol fractions, respectively. Conclusion: For best of our knowledge in L. inermis leaves extract, Celidoniol and Vitamin E has not been reported earlier in hexane fractions. While 2, 3 dihydrobenzo furan, 1-H indole -1, 3 (2H)-dione, 1 (3H)-Isobenzofuranone, 1H Isoindole-1, 3 (2H) Dione, Napthelene, 2 ethoxy, 2 (4H) Benzofuranone, Vitamin E, Benzene, 1 isocyano 4 methyl are also identified for the first time in ethyl acetate fraction. Also, in aq. Methanol fraction 1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, Squalene and Vit E were not previously identified. Highest antibacterial activity was confirmed in crude methanol extract which might be due to all the antibacterial compounds present in its fractions. The present study helped in identifying phytoconstituents present in the extract and its fractions which are responsible for various biological and antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies showed that high salt tolerance in Tibetan wild barley accessions was associated with HvHKT1;1, a member of the high-affinity potassium transporter family. However, molecular mechanisms of HvHKT1;1 for salt tolerance and its roles in K+/Na+ homeostasis remain to be elucidated. Functional characterization of HvHKT1;1 was conducted in the present study. NaCl-induced transcripts of HvHKT1;1 were significantly higher in the roots of Tibetan wild barley XZ16 relative to other genotypes, being closely associated with its higher biomass and lower tissue Na+ content under salt stress. Heterologous expression of HvHKT1;1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and Xenopus laevis oocytes showed that HvHKT1;1 had higher selectivity for Na+ over K+ and other monovalent cations. HvHKT1;1 was found to be localized at the cell plasma membrane of root stele and epidermis. Knock-down of HvHKT1;1 in barley led to higher Na+ accumulation in both roots and leaves, while overexpression of HvHKT1;1 in salt-sensitive Arabidopsis hkt1-4 and sos1-12 loss-of-function lines resulted in significantly less shoot and root Na+ accumulation. Additionally, microelectrode ion flux measurements and root elongation assay revealed that the transgenic Arabidopsis plants exhibited a remarkable capacity for regulation of Na+, K+, Ca2+ and H+ homeostasis under salt stress. These results indicate that HvHKT1;1 is critical in radial root Na+ transport, which eventually reduces shoot Na+ accumulation. Additionally, HvHKT1;1 may be indirectly involved in retention of K+ and Ca2+ in root cells, which also improves plant salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]