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Byline: S. Prabhakara, H. Hanumantha Rao, L. Prashanth, K. Anbazhagan, Rochette. Jacques, Basanth. Reddy To Editor, Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is an involuntary movement disorder belonging to the category of [...]

Byline: B. Chandrashekar, S. Prabhakara, T. Mohan, D. Shabeer, Basavaraj. Bhandare, M. Nalini, P. Sharmila, D. Meghana, Basanth. Reddy, H. Hanumantha Rao, H. Sahajananda, K. Anbazhagan OBJECTIVES: Rubia cordifolia L. [...]

Earthquake prediction is a very important problem in seismology, the success of which can potentially save many human lives. Various kinds of technologies have been proposed to address this problem, such as mathematical analysis, machine learning algorithms like decision trees and support vector machines, and precursors signal study. Unfortunately, they usually do not have very good results due to the seemingly dynamic and unpredictable nature of earthquakes. In contrast, we notice that earthquakes are spatially and temporally correlated because of the crust movement. Therefore, earthquake prediction for a particular location should not be conducted only based on the history data in that location, but according to the history data in a larger area. In this paper, we employ a deep learning technique called long short-term memory (LSTM) networks to learn the spatio-temporal relationship among earthquakes in different locations and make predictions by taking advantage of that relationship. Simulation results show that the LSTM network with two-dimensional input developed in this paper is able to discover and exploit the spatio-temporal correlations among earthquakes to make better predictions than before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, raw peanuts are obtained by aggregators from smallholder farms in the form of whole pods and the price is based on a manual estimation of basic peanut pod and kernel characteristics. These methods of raw produce evaluation are slow and can result in procurement irregularities. The procurement delays combined with the lack of storage facilities lead to fungal contaminations and pose a serious threat to food safety in many regions. To address this gap, we investigated whether X-ray technology could be used for the rapid assessment of the key peanut qualities that are important for price estimation., Results: We generated 1752 individual peanut pod 2D X-ray projections using a computed tomography (CT) system (CTportable160.90). Out of these projections we predicted the kernel weight and shell weight, which are important indicators of the produce price. Two methods for the feature prediction were tested: (i) X-ray image transformation (XRT) and (ii) a trained convolutional neural network (CNN). The prediction power of these methods was tested against the gravimetric measurements of kernel weight and shell weight in diverse peanut pod varieties 1 . Both methods predicted the kernel mass with R 2  > 0.93 (XRT: R 2  = 0.93 and mean error estimate (MAE) = 0.17, CNN: R 2  = 0.95 and MAE = 0.14). While the shell weight was predicted more accurately by CNN (R 2  = 0.91, MAE = 0.09) compared to XRT (R 2  = 0.78; MAE = 0.08)., Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the X-ray based system is a relevant technology option for the estimation of key peanut produce indicators (Figure 1). The obtained results justify further research to adapt the existing X-ray system for the rapid, accurate and objective peanut procurement process. Fast and accurate estimates of produce value are a necessary pre-requisite to avoid post-harvest losses due to fungal contamination and, at the same time, allow the fair payment to farmers. Additionally, the same technology could also assist crop improvement programs in selecting and developing peanut cultivars with enhanced economic value in a high-throughput manner by skipping the shelling of the pods completely. This study demonstrated the technical feasibility of the approach and is a first step to realize a technology-driven peanut production system transformation of the future., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Achieving global goals for sustainable nutrition, health, and wellbeing will depend on delivering enhanced diets to humankind. This will require instantaneous access to information on food-source quality at key points of agri-food systems. Although laboratory analysis and benchtop NIR spectrometers are regularly used to quantify grain quality, these do not suit all end users, for example, stakeholders in decentralized agri-food chains that are typical in emerging economies. Therefore, we explored benchtop and portable NIR instruments, and the methods that might aid these particular end uses. For this purpose, we generated NIR spectra for 328 grain samples from multiple cereals (finger millet, foxtail millet, maize, pearl millet, and sorghum) with a standard benchtop NIR spectrometer (DS2500, FOSS) and a novel portable NIR-based instrument (HL-EVT5, Hone). We explored classical deterministic methods (via winISI, FOSS), novel machine learning (ML)-driven methods (via Hone Create, Hone), and a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based method for building the calibrations to predict grain protein out of the NIR spectra. All of the tested methods enabled us to build relevant calibrations out of both types of spectra (i.e., R 2 ≥ 0.90, RMSE ≤ 0.91, RPD ≥ 3.08). Generally, the calibration methods integrating the ML techniques tended to enhance the prediction capacity of the model. We also documented that the prediction of grain protein content based on the NIR spectra generated using the novel portable instrument (HL-EVT5, Hone) was highly relevant for quantitative protein predictions (R 2 = 0.91, RMSE = 0.97, RPD = 3.48). Thus, the presented findings lay the foundations for the expanded use of NIR spectroscopy in agricultural research, development, and trade.

We describe the first report on spontaneous Avian Nephritis Virus (ANV) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) concurrent infection in broiler chicks. On necropsy, the kidneys were found swollen with its parenchyma and ureters stuffed with urate flakes. Histopathologically, the renal tubular damage and inflammatory response were severe in concurrently infected birds compared to the cases infected only with ANV, which had direct correlation with significantly (p < 0.001) increased expression of IL-1 β, IL-4, IL-12, IL-13, iNOS and IFN-γ transcripts in the kidneys of concurrently infected birds. Relative decrease in IFN-β transcript levels in the concurrently infected birds indicates suppression of antiviral response; the iNOS level was manifold increased which can be attributed to the enhanced macrophage response. Nucleotide sequencing of S1-spike glycoprotein gene of IBV and RNA dependent RNA polymerase gene of ANV confirmed etiologies as Igacovirus of Gammacoronavirus and ANV-2 of Avastrovirus 2, respectively. Both ANV and IBV virus affect kidneys. Our findings suggested that concurrent infections of these two viruses might have enhanced the transcripts of Th1, Th2 and proinflammatory cytokines with reduced IFN-β transcripts resulting in decreased host innate antiviral mechanisms leading to exacerbated renal lesions. Future experimental co-infection studies could throw more lights on pathology and pathogenesis during concurrent infections of ANV and IBV in poultry., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Key Message: We demonstrate the role of DREB1A transcription factor in better root and shoot partitioning and higher transpiration efficiency in transgenic chickpea under drought stress Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is mostly exposed to terminal drought stress which adversely influences its yield. Development of cultivars for suitable drought environments can offer sustainable solutions. We genetically engineered a desi-type chickpea variety to ectopically overexpress AtDREB1A, a transcription factor known to be involved in abiotic stress response, driven by the stress-inducible Atrd29A promoter. From several transgenic events of chickpea developed by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation, four single copy events (RD2, RD7, RD9 and RD10) were characterized for DREB1A gene overexpression and evaluated under water stress in a biosafety greenhouse at T6 generation. Under progressive water stress, all transgenic events showed increased DREB1A gene expression before 50 % of soil moisture was lost (50 % FTSW or fraction of transpirable soil water), with a faster DREB1A transcript accumulation in RD2 at 85 % FTSW. Compared to the untransformed control, RD2 reduced its transpiration in drier soil and higher vapor pressure deficit (VPD) range (2.0-3.4 kPa). The assessment of terminal water stress response using lysimetric system that closely mimics the soil conditions in the field, showed that transgenic events RD7 and RD10 had increased biomass partitioning into shoot, denser rooting in deeper layers of soil profile and higher transpiration efficiency than the untransformed control. Also, RD9 with deeper roots and RD10 with higher root diameter showed that the transgenic events had altered rooting pattern compared to the untransformed control. These results indicate the implicit influence of rd29A::DREB1A on mechanisms underlying water uptake, stomatal response, transpiration efficiency and rooting architecture in water-stressed plants.

Classical and non-classical monocytes are two well-defined subsets of monocytes displaying distinct roles. They differentially express numerous genes relevant to their primary role. Using five independent transcriptomic microarray datasets, we ruled out several inconsistent genes and identified common genes consistently overexpressed either in classical or non-classical monocytes. One hundred and eight genes were significantly increased in classical monocytes and are involved in bacterial defense, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Whereas the 74 genes overexpressed in non-classical monocytes are involved in cytoskeletal dynamics and invasive properties for enhanced motility and infiltration. These signatures unravel the biological functions of monocyte subsets. HIGHLIGHTS We compared five transcriptomic GEO datasets of human monocyte subsets. 108 genes in classical and 74 genes in non-classical monocytes are upregulated. Upregulated genes in classical monocytes support anti-bacterial and inflammatory responses. Upregulated genes in non-classical monocytes support patrolling and infiltration functions.

Hyperoxaluria is a major risk factor for urinary stone disease, where calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the most prevalent type of kidney stones. Systemic treatments of CaOx kidney stone patients are limited and comprise drawbacks including recurrence of stone formation and kidney damages. In the present work Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) was engineered to constitutively secrete oxalate decarboxylase (OxdC) for the degradation of intestinal oxalate. The homologous promoter PldhL and signal peptide Lp&#95;0373 of L. plantarum were used for constructing recombinant vector pLdhl0373OxdC. Results showed that homologous promoter PldhL and signal peptide Lp&#95;0373 facilitated the production, secretion, and functional expression of OxdC protein in L. plantarum. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that 44 kDa protein OxdC was seen exceptionally in the culture supernatant of recombinant L. plantarum (WCFS1OxdC) harboring the plasmid pLdhl0373OxdC.The culture supernatant of L. plantarum WCFS1OxdC showed OxdC activity of 0.06 U/mg of protein, whereas no enzyme activity was observed in the supernatant of the wild type WCFS1 and the recombinant NC8OxdC strains. The purified recombinant OxdC from the WCFS1OxdC strain showed an activity of 19.1 U/mg protein. The recombinant L. plantarum strain secreted 25 % of OxdC protein in the supernatant. The recombinant strain degraded more than 70 % of soluble oxalate in the culture supernatant. Plasmid segregation analysis revealed that the recombinant strain lost almost 70-89 % of plasmid in 42nd and 84th generation, respectively. In conclusion, recombinant L. plantarum strain containing plasmid pLdhl0373OxdC showed constitutive secretion of bioactive OxdC and also capable of degrading externally available oxalate under in vitro conditions.

Background: Calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the major constituent of about 75% of all urinary stone and the secondary hyperoxaluria is a primary risk factor. Current treatment options for the patients with hyperoxaluria and CaOx stone diseases are limited. Oxalate degrading bacteria might have beneficial effects on urinary oxalate excretion resulting from decreased intestinal oxalate concentration and absorption. Thus, the aim of the present study is to examine the in vivo oxalate degrading ability of genetically engineered Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) that constitutively expressing and secreting heterologous oxalate decarboxylase (OxdC) for prevention of CaOx stone formation in rats. The recombinants strain of L. plantarum that constitutively secreting (WCFS1OxdC) and non-secreting (NC8OxdC) OxdC has been developed by using expression vector pSIP401. The in vivo oxalate degradation ability for this recombinants strain was carried out in a male wistar albino rats. The group I control; groups II, III, IV and V rats were fed with 5% potassium oxalate diet and 14th day onwards group II, III, IV and V were received esophageal gavage of L. plantarum WCFS1, WCFS1OxdC and NC8OxdC respectively for 2-week period. The urinary and serum biochemistry and histopathology of the kidney were carried out. The experimental data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple-range test., Results: Recombinants L. plantarum constitutively express and secretes the functional OxdC and could degrade the oxalate up to 70-77% under in vitro. The recombinant bacterial treated rats in groups IV and V showed significant reduction of urinary oxalate, calcium, uric acid, creatinine and serum uric acid, BUN/creatinine ratio compared to group II and III rats (P < 0.05). Oxalate levels in kidney homogenate of groups IV and V were showed significant reduction than group II and III rats (P < 0.05). Microscopic observations revealed a high score (4+) of CaOx crystal in kidneys of groups II and III, whereas no crystal in group IV and a lower score (1+) in group V., Conclusion: The present results indicate that artificial colonization of recombinant strain, WCFS1OxdC and NC8OxdC, capable of reduce urinary oxalate excretion and CaOx crystal deposition by increased intestinal oxalate degradation.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the potential to degrade intestinal oxalate and this is increasingly being studied as a promising probiotic solution to manage kidney stone disease. In this study, oxalate degrading LAB were isolated from human faeces and south Indian fermented foods, subsequently assessed for potential probiotic property in vitro and in vivo. Based on preliminary characteristics, 251 out of 673 bacterial isolates were identified as LAB. A total of 17 strains were found to degrade oxalate significantly between 40.38% and 62.90% and were subjected to acid and bile tolerance test. Among them, nine strains exhibited considerable tolerance up to pH 3.0 and at 0.3% bile. These were identified as Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius using 16S rDNA sequencing. Three strains, Lactobacillus fermentum TY5, Lactobacillus fermentum AB1, and Lactobacillus salivarius AB11, exhibited good adhesion to HT-29 cells and strong antimicrobial activity. They also conferred resistance to kanamycin, rifampicin, and ampicillin, but were sensitive to chloramphenicol and erythromycin. The faecal recovery rate of these strains was observed as 15.16% (TY5), 6.71% (AB1), and 9.3% (AB11) which indicates the colonization ability. In conclusion, three efficient oxalate degrading LAB were identified and their safety assessments suggest that they may serve as good probiotic candidates for preventing hyperoxaluria.

Terminal drought causes major yield loss in chickpea, so it is imperative to identify genotypes with best suited adaptive traits to secure yield in terminal drought-prone environments. Here, we evaluated chickpea (At) rd29A:: (At) DREB1A transgenic events (RD2, RD7, RD9 and RD10) and their untransformed C235 genotype for growth, water use and yield under terminal water-stress (WS) and well-watered (WW) conditions. The assessment was made across three lysimetric trials conducted in contained environments in the greenhouse (2009GH and 2010GH) and the field (2010F). Results from the greenhouse trials showed genotypic variation for harvest index (HI), yield, temporal pattern of flowering and seed filling, temporal pattern of water uptake across crop cycle, and transpiration efficiency (TE) under terminal WS conditions. The mechanisms underlying the yield gain in the WS transgenic events under 2009GH trial was related to conserving water for the reproductive stage in RD7, and setting seeds early in RD10. Water conservation also led to a lower percentage of flower and pod abortion in both RD7 and RD10. Similarly, in the 2010GH trial, reduced water extraction during vegetative stage in events RD2, RD7 and RD9 was critical for better seed filling in the pods produced from late flowers in RD2, and reduced percentage of flower and pod abortion in RD2 and RD9. However, in the 2010F trial, the increased seed yield and HI in RD9 compared with C235 came along only with small changes in water uptake and podding pattern, probably not causal. Events RD2 (2010GH), RD7 (2010GH) and RD10 (2009GH) with higher seed yield also had higher TE than C235. The results suggest that DREB1A, a transcription factor involved in the regulation of several genes of abiotic stress response cascade, influenced the pattern of water uptake and flowering across the crop cycle, leading to reduction in the percentage of flower and pod abortion in the glasshouse trials.

Pre-BCR acts as a critical checkpoint in B cell development. However, its signalling cascade still remains indistinctly characterised in human. We investigated pre-BCR signalling pathway to examine its regulation in normal primary pre-B lymphocytes and pre-B cell lines. In cell lines, early signalling events occurring after pre-BCR stimulation include phosphorylation of Lyn, Blk and Syk together with ZAP70, Btk, Vav, PLC-γ2 and various adaptor proteins, such as BLNK, LAB, LAT and SLP-76. Further downstream, these molecules induced activation of the PI3K/AKT and MAP-kinase resulting in an augmentation of canonical NF-κB pathways and cFos/AP1 activation. PI3K and MAPK exerted opposing effects on the pre-BCR-induced activation of the canonical NF-κB and c-Fos/AP1 pathways. Immediate nuclear export of FoxO3A and delayed import of IRF4 were additional events observed after pre-BCR crosslinking in primary cells. Pre-BCR-induced down-regulation of Rag1, Rag2, E2A and Pax5 transcripts occurred in a PI3K-dependent manner. Finally we bring evidence that pre-BCR stimulation or co stimulation with CD19 enhances cell cycle signal.

Background: Brugada syndrome is a genetic heart disease with autosomal dominant inheritance. Family screening commonly detects one parent responsible for transmission of the disease., Aims: To describe atypical transmission of Brugada syndrome., Methods: Between 2001 and 2007, systematic screening, including an electrocardiogram, ajmaline challenge and DNA sequencing of the SCN5A gene, of the first-degree relatives of 62 probands with Brugada syndrome was performed (Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique)., Results: In two families, both parents transmitted Brugada syndrome to their offspring. In the first family, the proband presented Brugada electrocardiogram features with ajmaline challenge and carried a new SCN5A mutation (p.V1281F). The mutation was also identified in the mother, who had a type 1 aspect on inferior leads with ajmaline. The proband's father presented a typical Brugada electrocardiogram pattern on lead V2 with ajmaline and no SCN5A gene mutation. In the second family, the proband was a boy aged 2.5 years who had been resuscitated from sudden cardiac death. Ajmaline challenge revealed a typical Brugada electrocardiogram pattern in both parents but with no mutation in the genes studied., Conclusion: Family studies should always be exhaustive and discovery of one parent with Brugada syndrome does not eliminate the need for screening of the other parent., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Current treatment options for patients with hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate stone diseases are limited and do not always lead to sufficient reduction in urinary oxalate excretion. Oxalate degrading bacteria have been suggested for degrading intestinal oxalate for the prevention of calcium oxalate stone. Here, we reported a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 (L. plantarum) secreting heterologous oxalate decarboxylase (OxdC) that may provide possible therapeutic approach by degrading intestinal oxalate. The results showed secretion and functional expression of OxdC protein in L. plantarum driven by signal peptides Lp&#95;0373 and Lp&#95;3050. Supernatant of the recombinant strain containing pLp&#95;0373sOxdC and pLp&#95;3050sOxdC showed OxdC activity of 0.05 U/mg and 0.02 U/mg protein, while the purified OxdC from the supernatant showed specific activity of 18.3 U/mg and 17.5 U/mg protein, respectively. The concentration of OxdC protein in the supernatant was 8-12 μg/mL. The recombinant strain showed up to 50% oxalate reduction in medium containing 10 mM oxalate. In conclusion, the recombinant L. plantarum harboring pLp&#95;0373sOxdC and pLp&#95;3050sOxdC can express and secrete functional OxdC and degrade oxalate up to 50% and 30%, respectively.