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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]

Nociception is an important physiological process that detects harmful signals and results in pain perception. In this review, we discuss important experimental evidence involving some TRP ion channels as molecular sensors of chemical, thermal, and mechanical noxious stimuli to evoke the pain and itch sensations. Among them are the TRPA1 channel, members of the vanilloid subfamily (TRPV1, TRPV3, and TRPV4), and finally members of the melastatin group (TRPM2, TRPM3, and TRPM8). Given that pain and itch are pro-survival, evolutionarily-honed protective mechanisms, care has to be exercised when developing inhibitory/modulatory compounds targeting specific pain/itch-TRPs so that physiological protective mechanisms are not disabled to a degree that stimulus-mediated injury can occur. Such events have impeded the development of safe and effective TRPV1-modulating compounds and have diverted substantial resources. A beneficial outcome can be readily accomplished via simple dosing strategies, and also by incorporating medicinal chemistry design features during compound design and synthesis. Beyond clinical use, where compounds that target more than one channel might have a place and possibly have advantageous features, highly specific and high-potency compounds will be helpful in mechanistic discovery at the structure-function level. [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]

The effect of rutin and gallic acid on growth, phytochemical and defense gene activation of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) was investigated. The seeds of rice were primed with different concentrations of rutin and gallic acid (10-60 µg mL) to explicate the effect on germination on water agar plates. Further, to study the effect of most effective concentrations of gallic acid (60 µg mL) and rutin (50 µg mL), greenhouse pot experiment was set up to determine the changes in growth, antioxidant and defense parameters. The results revealed more pronounced effect of gallic acid on total chlorophyll and carotenoids as well as on total flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activities. Gene expression analysis of OsWRKY71, PAL, CHS and LOX genes involved in strengthening the plant defense further validated the results obtained from the biochemical analysis. Microscopic analysis also confirmed reduction in total reactive oxygen species, free radicals like HO and O by exogenous application of gallic acid and rutin. The data obtained thus suggest that both gallic acid and rutin can affect the growth and physiology of rice plants and therefore can be used to develop effective plant growth promoters and as substitute of biofertilizers for maximizing their use in field conditions. [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]

Padding is an essential component in a multilayer compression bandaging system, used inside the compression bandage through which substantial amount of pressure is exerted on the limb of patient for treatment of venous leg ulcers. As a result, the liquid transmission behavior of padding is also critical in managing body fluids or sweat exuded from the affected limb, reducing the excessive moisture build-up around the wound and thereby ensuring comfort to and hence a better compliance from the patients. This study investigates the in-plane fluid transport characteristics of needle-punched nonwoven padding bandages. It first reviewed the existing studies related to the problems, and discussed their limits and possible improvements in dealing with complex fluid transport issues in textile porous media. The measurement of fluid transport under different pressure levels was then done using a newly designed apparatus capable of simultaneously tracing the liquid in-plane spreading along different directions, and obtaining several transport characteristics of a testing sample, e.g. the liquid flow anisotropy, the rate of movement, the area of wet surface with time, etc. Also the effects of several important factors, such as the levels of pressure applied, the specimen bulk density, and needling density of the padding products, have been experimentally investigated. In addition, based on an extended Lucas–Washburn theory, we calculated the liquid flow distance, both instantaneous speed and a more useful time-averaged speed vav at any given direction, and also defined a flow anisotropy index IA as a convenient parameter to represent the material flow anisotropy. The applications of vav and IA to actual samples have demonstrated the usefulness of these parameters in characterizing the flow nature and behavior of the materials. [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]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Karanj seed in solution and percentage microbial reduction of dyed cotton samples against Streptococus, a Gram-positive organism and Escherichia coli, a Gramnegative organism by using micro broth dilution method, disc diffusion assay and growth curve studies. The dyed and its components showed excellent antimicrobial activity against both bacteria. [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]

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]