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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]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from closed-head trauma is a leading cause of disability, with limited effective interventions. Many TBI models impact brain parenchyma directly, and are limited by the fact that these forces do not recapitulate clinically relevant closed head injury. However, applying clinically relevant injury mechanics to the intact skull may lead to variability and as a result, preclinical modeling TBI remains a challenge. Current models often do not explore sex differences in TBI, which is critically important for translation to clinical practice. We systematically investigated sources of variability in a murine model of closed-head TBI and developed a framework to reduce variability across severity and sex. We manipulated pressure, dwell time, and displacement to determine effects on motor coordination, spatial learning, and neuronal damage in 10-week-old male and female mice. Increasing pressure beyond 70 psi had a ceiling effect on cellular and behavioral outcomes, while manipulating dwell time only affected behavioral performance. Increasing displacement precisely graded injury severity in both sexes across all outcomes. Physical signs of trauma occurred more frequently at higher displacements. Stratifying severity based on day-1 rotarod performance retained histological relationships and separated both sexes into injury severity cohorts with distinct patterns of behavioral recovery. Utilizing this stratification strategy, within-group rotarod variability over 6 days post-injury was reduced by 50%. These results have important implications for translational research in TBI and provide a framework for using this clinically relevant translational injury model in both male and female mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

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]

Background: Menstruation is one of the most significant social, and psychological changes that a female experiences. A mixture of incomplete and erroneous information about the safe and hygienic menstrual practices, as well as improper menstrual management at home or school can be a significant barrier to girls' school attendance and educational experience quality. Menstrual hygiene being a multi-sectoral public health issue needs to be dealt in integration with education, health, women and child development and water sanitation hygiene (WASH). Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices towards menstruation and menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls and its association with the school environment. Method: This study was an analytical cross sectional study, conducted among the 850 adolescent girls of government and private schools in Haldwani. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 16). Results: More than half of the participants from government and private school showed average knowledge and practices regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Facilities in school related to menstrual hygiene management was found to be associated with menstrual hygiene practices among the study participants. (p<0.05) Conclusion: These findings indicate the need for education about safe and correct menstrual hygiene practices. School environment related to menstrual hygiene management should be improved and strengthened as per the need of adolescent population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND. Presbyosmia, 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. METHODS. Accordingly, 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. RESULTS. We 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. CONCLUSIONS. Our 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. FUNDING. NIH grants DC018371, NS121067, DC016224; Office of Physician-Scientist Development, Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Research Fellowship for Medical Students Award, Duke University School of Medicine., Introduction The olfactory system detects volatile odors, providing chemosensory input via the first cranial nerve. Olfaction contributes to daily social interactions and quality of life, is important in the detection [...]

Developmental phytohormones regulate many physiological responses in plants, including growth and immunity in response to pathogens. Disease resistance mediated by developmental phytohormones such as cytokinin (CK), gibberellin (GA), and auxin (Aux), is the result of complex interactions between these phytohormones with the salicylic acid (SA)-jasmonate (JA)-ethylene (ET) backbone of immune signaling circuitry. Based on the available findings concerning phytohormone mediated plant resistance, this review attempts to develop the understanding of the defense roles of CKs, GAs, and Auxs, and their interplay with pathogen targeted defense hormones such as SA, JA and ET in plants, during biotic stress. Several phytohormone pathway genes and proteins have been reported to influence biotic stress resistance. In our analysis, we relate to specific roles uncovered for the Aux pathway TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESISTANT 1 (TIR)/AUXIN SIGNALING F-BOX (AFB) and Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3) proteins, the CK pathway isopentenyl transferase (IPT), CK oxidase (CKX), and Arabidopsis histidine kinase (AHK) proteins, and the GA pathway DELLA and GA20 oxidase proteins, in plant immunity and disease resistance. Additionally, we discuss microbial phytohormones that can enhance plant growth and resistance against pathogens, and the effect of phytohormones on modulation of the plant microbiome. Finally, we provide a concise overview of the possible approaches for modulating hormonal cross talk to improve plant health and resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the factors influencing the adoption of health insurance and buy intention among Generation Z in India during the period after the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of healthcare readiness and fiscal stability, hence emphasizing the crucial role of health insurance in the lives of individuals and households. Generation Z, encompassing individuals born approximately from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, constitutes a noteworthy demographic cohort characterised by distinct inclinations and conduct. This study investigates the demographic features of individuals, their level of knowledge and awareness regarding health insurance, their attitudes towards risk, and the influence of the pandemic on their perceptions. Preliminary data suggest that the Gen Z population in India understands the significance of health insurance. However, some obstacles impede their adoption of such insurance, including a lack of comprehensive knowledge, budgetary limitations, and a tendency to prioritise immediate financial objectives. Moreover, the ongoing global pandemic has significantly impacted individuals' perception of healthcare risks and financial planning, potentially affecting their inclination to allocate resources towards health insurance investments. This study enhances our comprehension of the changing patterns of health insurance adoption in India, specifically among the youngest cohort, and offers valuable insights for insurers, policymakers, and healthcare providers to customise their offerings and communication approaches in order to effectively address the requirements of Generation Z in the aftermath of the pandemic. In conclusion, promoting the adoption of health insurance among this particular cohort has the potential to enhance financial resilience and facilitate improved access to healthcare for future generations in India. [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]

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]

Background: Malnutrition in children is global issue that may have both short- and long-term irreversible negative health consequences. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of under-nutrition among the under-five children inrural area of Haldwani. Material and methods: Community-based cross-sectional study. Results: Four-hundred children were examined. The prevalence of undernutrition among children was depicted as underweight, stunting and wasting was 7.75%, 9.25% and 4% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea is the causative agent of gray mold disease, and infects more than 1400 plant species, including important crop plants. In tomato, B. cinerea causes severe damage in greenhouses and post-harvest storage and transport. Plant viruses of the Tobamovirus genus cause significant damage to various crop species. In recent years, the tobamovirus tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has significantly affected the global tomato industry. Most studies of plant-microbe interactions focus on the interaction between the plant host and a single pathogen, however, in agricultural or natural environments, plants are routinely exposed to multiple pathogens. Here, we examined how preceding tobamovirus infection affects the response of tomato to subsequent infection by B. cinerea. We found that infection with the tobamoviruses tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) or ToBRFV resulted in increased susceptibility to B. cinerea. Analysis of the immune response of tobamovirus-infected plants revealed hyperaccumulation of endogenous salicylic acid (SA), upregulation of SA-responsive transcripts, and activation of SA-mediated immunity. Deficiency in SA biosynthesis decreased tobamovirus-mediated susceptibility to B. cinerea, while exogenous application of SA enhanced B. cinerea symptoms. These results suggest that tobamovirus-mediated accumulation of SA increases the plants' susceptibility to B. cinerea, and provide evidence for a new risk caused by tobamovirus infection in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]