Search

Abiotic and biotic factors have considerable impact on the plasticity of plant functional traits, which influences forest structure and productivity; however, their inter-relationships have not been quantified for fragmented tropical dry forest (TDF) ecosystems. We asked the following questions: (1) what are the variations in the plasticity of functional traits due to soil moisture availability in TDF fragments? (2) what are the roles of soil nutrients and forest disturbances in influencing variations in the plasticity of functional traits in the TDF fragments? and (3) how do the variations in the plasticity of functional traits influence the structure and productivity of TDF fragments? Based on linear mixed-effects results, we observed significant variations among tree species for soil moisture content (SMC) under the canopy and selected functional traits across forest fragments. We categorized tree species across fragments by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) analyses into three functional types, viz., low wood density high deciduous (LWHD), high wood density medium deciduous (HWMD), and high wood density low deciduous (HWLD). Assemblage of functional traits suggested that the LWHD functional type exhibits a drought-avoiding strategy, whereas HWMD and HWLD adopt a drought-tolerant strategy. Our study showed that the variations in functional trait plasticity and the structural attributes of trees in the three functional types exhibit contrasting affinity with SMC, soil nutrients, and disturbances, although the LWHD functional type was comparatively more influenced by soil resources and disturbances compared to HWMD and HWLD along the declining SMC and edge distance gradients. Plasticity in functional traits for the LWHD functional type exhibited greater variations in traits associated with the conservation of water and resources, whereas for HWMD and HWLD, the traits exhibiting greater plasticity were linked with higher productivity and water transport. The cumulative influence of SMC, disturbances, and functional trait variations was also visible in the relative abundance of functional types in large and small sized fragments. Our analysis further revealed the critical differences in the responses of functional trait plasticity of the coexisting tree species in TDF, which suggests that important deciduous endemic species with drought-avoiding strategies might be prone to strategic exclusion under expected rises in anthropogenic disturbances, habitat fragmentation, and resource limitations.

Ferroptosis, a genetically and biochemically distinct form of programmed cell death, is characterised by an iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides. Therapy-resistant tumor cells display vulnerability toward ferroptosis. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) play a critical role in cancer cells to become therapy resistant. Tweaking the balance of UPR to make cancer cells susceptible to ferroptotic cell death could be an attractive therapeutic strategy. To decipher the emerging contribution of ER stress in the ferroptotic process, we observe that ferroptosis inducer RSL3 promotes UPR (PERK, ATF6, and IRE1α), along with overexpression of cystine-glutamate transporter SLC7A11 (System Xc-). Exploring the role of a particular UPR arm in modulating SLC7A11 expression and subsequent ferroptosis, we notice that PERK is selectively critical in inducing ferroptosis in colorectal carcinoma. PERK inhibition reduces ATF4 expression and recruitment to the promoter of SLC7A11 and results in its downregulation. Loss of PERK function not only primes cancer cells for increased lipid peroxidation but also limits in vivo colorectal tumor growth, demonstrating active signs of ferroptotic cell death in situ. Further, by performing TCGA data mining and using colorectal cancer patient samples, we demonstrate that the expression of PERK and SLC7A11 is positively correlated. Overall, our experimental data indicate that PERK is a negative regulator of ferroptosis and loss of PERK function sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to ferroptosis. Therefore, small molecule PERK inhibitors hold huge promise as novel therapeutics and their potential can be harnessed against the apoptosis-resistant condition.

Introduction: Long-term or even indefinite retention is routinely prescribed after orthodontic treatment as a preventive safeguard against post-treatment changes induced by tooth movement, physiological healing, and the aging process. Though both fixed and removable versions of retainers may be equally effective in terms of results, sufficient research to support this assumption is missing at the moment. Objectives: Long-term effects of fixed and removable retention on the periodontium, and the compliance level when used for an extended period of time. Methods: For 4 years participants were given a supply of canine-to-canine retainers and vacuum-formed canine-to-canine retainers. The inter-canine, as well as inter-molar widths, the length, and the extraction space opening of the mandibular anterior portion, were measured. Gingival inflammation, calculus, and plaque were observed, as well as the attachment of clinical and the case of bleeding during probing. 42 members had returned in the follow-up period, with 21 from each of the two groups. Measurements of the modified gingival index and plaque scoring were performed on the 10 intra-oral photographs that were taken at 4-week intervals in this study to investigate the intra-examiner reliability. Results: After controlling for confounding variables, there was a 1.64 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30, 2.98 mm) median between-groups difference among patients who utilized vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs). The treatment groups did not vary in inter-canine and intermolar widths (P = 0.52; 95% CI, −1.07, 1.05), arch length (P = 0.99; 95% CI, −1.15, 1.14), or opening of extraction spaces (P = 0.84). Conclusion: A long-term study demonstrates that fixed retention can preserve the alignment of the mandibular anterior over time for the first time. Gingival discomfort and higher plaque scores were reported in both types of retainers.

Abstract Owing to its ability to induce cellular senescence, inhibit PCNA, and arrest cell division cycle by negatively regulating CDKs as well as being a primary target of p53, p21 is traditionally considered a tumor suppressor. Nonetheless, several reports in recent years demonstrated its pro-oncogenic activities such as apoptosis inhibition by cytosolic p21, stimulation of cell motility, and promoting assembly of cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex. These opposing effects of p21 on cell proliferation, supported by the observations of its inconsistent expression in human cancers, led to the emergence of the concept of “antagonistic duality” of p21 in cancer progression. Here we demonstrate that p21 negatively regulates basal autophagy at physiological concentration. Akt activation, upon p21 attenuation, driven ROS accumulation appears to be the major underlying mechanism in p21-mediated modulation of autophagy. We also find p21, as a physiological inhibitor of autophagy, to have oncogenic activity during early events of tumor development while its inhibition favors survival and growth of cancer cells in the established tumor. Our data, thereby, reveal the potential role of autophagy in antagonistic functional duality of p21 in cancer.

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been associated with poor prognosis in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, the authors suggest a potential role for trimethylation function of EZH2 in driving peritoneal metastasis in TNBC.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is described as the break in natural functioning of the brain caused due to any kind of trauma to the head. The injury to head can cause distinctive types of haemorrhages namely, Epidural Haematoma (EDH), subdural haematoma (SDH), Subarachnoid Haematoma (SAH) and Intra-Parenchymal Haematoma (IPH), SAH and SDH being the more common ones. Acute subdural haematomas often occur in patients suffering from falls and motor vehicle crashes, resulting in compression, and swelling of the brain that increases the intracranial pressure. When both compression and swelling occur, mortality and morbidity can be high. In the following case, the patient presented with both intracranial as well as extracranial haematomas in moderation and got cured during a week of hospital stay with almost minor functional and neurological disability as indicated by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and other variables. As per current evidence the best way to minimise long-term disability in moderate and severe TBI is extensive multidisciplinary post TBI rehabilitation.

People of all ages are affected by anaemia which is a serious global health problem. Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) seems to be the most commonly occurring type of anaemia in women. Elderly people with anaemia have higher morbidity and mortality. The purpose of treatment is to tackle the disorder’s underlying cause. Older people with persistent anaemia may need regular blood transfusions. The authors present a case report of a 55-year-old woman who visited the Emergency Department with primary complaints of convulsions and subsequent unconsciousness. She had generalised oedema and weakness since eight days. On examination she was afebrile with pulse 92 beats/min, Blood Pressure (BP) of 80 mmHg systolic. Laboratory results showed haemoglobin of 1.3 g/dL, increased White Blood Cells (WBC) and peripheral smear showed pencil-shaped cells and teardrop cells. Radiological investigation showed grade III renal parenchymal disease, cirrhosis of liver, gross ascites with bilateral pleural effusion, and splenic cyst. A 2D Echocardiography was done, which was suggestive of left ventricular hypertrophy, mild to moderate systolic dysfunction, along with dilated left ventricle. She was intubated in view of low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and unconsciousness. On further stay in the hospital, she received blood transfusion. Hence, this case is a rare finding of severe anaemia.

Urban areas generate high demand for urban areas to accommodate a broader range of functions associated with growth, given the rising rate of urbanization with more than two-thirds of the human population in 2050 projected to be city-dwellers. As a result, urban areas have been undergoing vigorous spatial, social, and ecological transitions. This generates a direct impact on nature, multiplicity, and the use of space. With the onset of drives focused on limiting the urbanization of space like “net zero land-take by 2050” by the European Union [11], it is evident that global authorities have realized the need to aid these spatial transitions. Such urban ecological transitions are primarily focused on territorial borders where sprawling infrastructure reservoirs and vital natural ecosystem services conflict. ‘Fallowscape’ has been seen as a tool to assist transition at peri-urban borders and form a link between brownfield and greenfield development. However, to justify the practice as a sustainable approach, there are various economic and social aspects to be accounted for, which influence the feasibility of fallow lands. Recent urban development projects (by the public as well as private sector) have seen a rise in the desirability of sustainable and ecologically sensitive approaches. Developers are keen on building dynamic environments that incorporate environmental transitions. However, with the perspective of profitability in mind, such projects often face challenges in authorization and execution. The research intends to introduce Fallowscapes as innovative practice for urban development projects, evaluating its position as a profit-driving tool by preparing an inventory of actors and ecologically sensitive parameters for urban development projects. The paper undertakes literature review of Fallowing as an ecologically sustainable practice, conducting empirical research by comparing case studies that implement Fallowscapes as an approach to market ecologically sensitive project visions.

Pyrethroids are synthetic or man-made versions of natural pyrethrins discovered in the flowers of a plant species of the Compositae family called "Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium". The plant was transported into Europe and America after it was discovered in the Near East. Commercial insecticides such as pyrethrin and synthetic pyrethroid are available. These are used to control agricultural pests as well as non-agricultural insects. They are also commercially used in personal care items such as shampoo and as a scent in insect repellent to boost efficacy and persistence in the environment, these insecticides are frequently combined with additional chemicals in diverse formulations, known as synergists. Nerve toxins, known as pyrethroids, although their chemical mechanism of action is unknown. Pyrethroids are neurotoxins, which interfere with the messages sent along nerves by maintaining sodium and chloride channels in an open position. This review presents perspectives, commercial uses and other useful characteristics features of pyrethroids based on human benefits and environmental friendly.

Abstract Chemokine receptor CXCR4 overexpression in solid tumors has been strongly associated with poor prognosis and adverse clinical outcome. However, blockade of CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis by inhibitors like Nox-A12, FDA approved CXCR4 inhibitor drug AMD3100 have shown limited clinical success in cancer treatment. Therefore, exclusive contribution of CXCR4-CXCL12 signaling in pro-tumorigenic function is questionable. In our pursuit to understand the impact of chemokine signaling in carcinogenesis, we reveal that instead of CXCR4-CXCL12 signaling, presence of CXCR4 intracellular protein augments paclitaxel resistance and pro-tumorigenic functions. In search of pro-apoptotic mechanisms for CXCR4 mediated drug resistance; we discover that DR5 is a new selective target of CXCR4 in breast and colon cancer. Further, we detect that CXCR4 directs the differential recruitment of transcription factors p53 and YY1 to the promoter of DR5 in course of its transcriptional repression. Remarkably, inhibiting CXCR4-ligand-mediated signals completely fails to block the above phenotype. Overexpression of different mutant versions of CXCR4 lacking signal transduction capabilities also result in marked downregulation of DR5 expression in colon cancer indeed confirms the reverse relationship between DR5 and intracellular CXCR4 protein expression. Irrespective of CXCR4 surface expression, by utilizing stable gain and loss of function approaches, we observe that intracellular CXCR4 protein selectively resists and sensitizes colon cancer cells against paclitaxel therapy in vitro and in vivo. Finally, performing TCGA data mining and using human breast cancer patient samples, we demonstrate that expression of CXCR4 and DR5 are inversely regulated. Together, our data suggest that targeting CXCR4 intracellular protein may be critical to dampen the pro-tumorigenic functions of CXCR4.

Drug resistance is one of the trademark features of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). We and others have recently shown that paucity of functional death receptors (DR4/5) on the cell surface of tumour cells is one of the major reasons for drug resistance, but their involvement in the context of in CSCs is poorly understood. By harnessing CSC specific cytotoxic function of salinomycin, we discovered a critical role of epigenetic modulator EZH2 in regulating the expression of DRs in colon CSCs. Our unbiased proteome profiler array approach followed by ChIP analysis of salinomycin treated cells indicated that the expression of DRs, especially DR4 is epigenetically repressed in colon CSCs. Concurrently, EZH2 knockdown demonstrated increased expression of DR4/DR5, significant reduction of CSC phenotypes such as spheroid formation in-vitro and tumorigenic potential in-vivo in colon cancer. TCGA data analysis of human colon cancer clinical samples shows strong inverse correlation between EZH2 and DR4. Taken together, this study provides an insight about epigenetic regulation of DR4 in colon CSCs and advocates that drug-resistant colon cancer can be therapeutically targeted by combining TRAIL and small molecule EZH2 inhibitors.

Nowadays, neural networks (NN) are being utilized in different control problems because of their excellent ability to model any nonlinear process. NN is suitable for the process having a wide range of operating conditions. In this work, the neural network-based internal model control (NN-IMC) scheme has been considered as a secondary controller for the load frequency control (LFC) problem in the restructured electricity market in order to meet Poolco and bilateral transactions. The proposed control scheme has been implemented on a 75-bus, 15-generator power system. The test system is divided into four areas. It is seen that area frequency errors have been eliminated at a steady state in all cases, and Gencos/Discos shared the increase in demand as per their involvement in the frequency regulation market. The results show that the NN-IMC control scheme has good performance and improves system responses effectively. Further, the performance of the NN-IMC control scheme has also been compared with the fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FO-PID) control scheme It is observed that the performance of the FO-PID controller is superior to the NN-IMC scheme in terms of settling time and similar to the NN-IMC control scheme in terms of maximum overshoots/undershoots. The compliance of the NN-IMC scheme has also been checked with NERC standards. It is seen that the NN-IMC scheme also satisfied the CPS1 and CPS2 control standards.

A fractional order PID (FOPID) control technique for automatic generation control (AGC) in a multi-area power system is presented in this study. To create a reliable controller, a variety of control strategies were used. The load frequency control (LFC) problem in a power system implementing different power transactions, such as bilateral and Poolco transactions, are investigated here. Because any control scheme’s performance is only as good as its parameters, the parameters of the designed control scheme were determined using the big bang big crunch (BBBC) algorithm. Furthermore, in this work, the effect of a superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES) unit is addressed in the given test (two and four area) systems. When confronted with a fluctuation in immediate load, the SMES unit is thought to follow the initial drop in frequency and tie-line power in order to increase LFC. It is evident that the performance of an FOPID control scheme is improved in the presence of an SMES unit and it provides frequency, tie-line power, change in generation with reduced oscillations and settling time.

Abstract Autophagy, a regulated nutrient recycling program can affect both cell survival and cell death. Here, we show that Ormeloxifene (ORM), a selective estrogen receptor modulator approved for oral contraceptive use induces autophagic flux in ovarian cancer cells, which is activated by an ER stress response upstream of autophagy. The ER stress response is characterized by activation of IRE1α, PERK and ATF6 and is under regulation of JNK. Pharmacological inhibition of either autophagy or ER stress increased cell survival, as did silencing of autophagy proteins LC3 and Beclin 1, implying that ORM-induced autophagy is pro-death in nature. Ultrastructural observations of treated cells confirmed stages of autophagic maturation. Caspase-dependent apoptosis succeeded these events and was characterized by generation of reactive oxygen species and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. A concomitant inhibition of the Akt/mTOR axis was also observed with possible regulation of Akt by ORM. ORM inhibited tumor growth in ovarian xenograft model and displayed autophagic activity. In summary, in vitro and in vivo results reveal that ORM induces autophagy-associated cell death to attenuate proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that using ORM in combination with ER stress and autophagy modulators could offer better therapeutic outcome in ovarian cancer.

Overdose with calcium channel blockers is uncommon, but is associated with high mortality. The management includes fluid resuscitation, calcium gluconate, glucagon, vasopressors, and high-dose insulin-euglycemia therapy. We describe a rare case of massive overdose of lercanidipine with shock, refractory to conventional therapies and multi-organ failure. Charcoal hemoperfusion with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration was then used successfully and the patient showed remarkable recovery.

Diastematomyelia is a rare dysraphic lesion of spinal cord and the defect occurs as a result of an incorrect development of notochord between 15th and 18th day of pregnancy. In this defect, the spinal cord splits into two hemicords in sagittal plane. We hereby present a case of 30 years old female who had been experiencing spine pain without any neurological deficit for over 10 years. Despite the confirmed osseous anomalies of the lumbar spine, the correct diagnosis was established only after performing the MRI. She was treated surgically and was asked to come for regular neurological examinations after discharge.

Inability to intubate and/or ventilate either due to distorted neck anatomy or restricted mouth opening is uncommon but potentially hazardous clinical scenario in head and neck cancer patients. Emergency cricothyroidotomy in such patients may provide a means of oxygenating the patient, but in practice has limitations and does not establish a definitive airway. We report 2 cases who had distorted face and neck anatomy in which percutaneous tracheostomy was done as an emergency life-saving procedure when other measures to obtain a definitive airway failed.

Energy is an indispensable resource for economic development and the well‐being of society. Due to heterogeneity in socioeconomic conditions, households consume direct energy and produce emissions differently. Analysing energy emissions from heterogeneous socioeconomic groups helps to identify foci for intervention and create policies for sustainable cities. This study aimed to measure household emissions in Varanasi city and investigate the impact of heterogeneous socioeconomic variables on household emissions. Varanasi represents a million‐plus rapidly urbanising city. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and non‐parametric regression revealed the relationship between end‐use energy emissions and socioeconomic variables for five income classes. Biomass‐based fuels constituted a significant proportion of energy (about 16%–20%) in low‐ to middle‐income groups, however, electricity consumption dominated in upper‐middle‐ and high‐income groups. A fuel‐stacking pattern was found, particularly in cooking activities. LPG was critical to replace solid biomass‐based fuels. To meet the present needs and absorb the impact of a growing population, energy policies and infrastructure should focus on accessibility and efficiency. An inclusive low‐carbon policy with a specialised focus on socioeconomic differences is needed for energy sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We test the hypothesis that wind dispersal is more common among emergent tree species given that being tall increases the likelihood of effective seed dispersal. Location: Americas, Africa and the Asia‐Pacific. Time period: 1970–2020. Major taxa studied: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms. Methods: We used a dataset consisting of tree inventories from 2821 plots across three biogeographic regions (Americas, Africa and Asia‐Pacific), including dry and wet forests, to determine the maximum height and dispersal strategy of 5314 tree species. A web search was used to determine whether species were wind‐dispersed. We compared differences in tree species maximum height between biogeographic regions and examined the relationship between species maximum height and wind dispersal using logistic regression. We also tested whether emergent tree species, that is species with at least one individual taller than the 95% height percentile in one or more plots, were disproportionally wind‐dispersed in dry and wet forests within each biogeographic region. Results: Our dataset provides maximum height values for 5314 tree species, of which more than half (2914) had no record of this trait in existing global databases. We found that, on average, tree species in the Americas have lower maximum heights compared to those in Africa and the Asia Pacific. The probability of wind dispersal increased significantly with tree species maximum height and was significantly higher among emergent than non‐emergent tree species in both dry and wet forests in all three biogeographic regions. Main conclusion: Wind dispersal is more prevalent in tall, emergent tree species than in non‐emergent species and may thus be an important factor in the evolution of tree species maximum height. By providing the most comprehensive dataset so far of tree species maximum height and wind dispersal strategies, this study paves the way for advancing our understanding of the eco‐evolutionary drivers of tree size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]