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Phosphate (Pi) deficiency leads to the induction of purple acid phosphatases (PAPs) in plants, which dephosphorylate organic phosphorus (P) complexes in the rhizosphere and intracellular compartments to release Pi. In this study, we demonstrate that OsPAP3b belongs to group III low-molecular weight PAP and is low Pi-responsive, preferentially in roots. The expression of OsPAP3b is negatively regulated with Pi resupply. Interestingly, OsPAP3b was found to be dual localized to the nucleus and secretome. Furthermore, OsPAP3b is transcriptionally regulated by OsPHR2 as substantiated by DNA–protein binding assay. Through in vitro biochemical assays, we further demonstrate that OsPAP3b is a functional acid phosphatase (APase) with broad substrate specificity. The overexpression (OE) of OsPAP3b in rice led to increased secreted APase activity and improved mineralization of organic P sources, which resulted in better growth of transgenics compared to the wild type when grown on organic P as an exogenous P substrate. Under Pi deprivation, OsPAP3b knock-down and knock-out lines showed no significant changes in total P content and dry biomass. However, the expression of other phosphate starvation–induced genes and the levels of metabolites were found to be altered in the OE and knock-down lines. In addition, in vitro pull-down assay revealed multiple putative interacting proteins of OsPAP3b. Our data collectively suggest that OsPAP3b can aid in organic P utilization in rice. The APase isoform behavior and nuclear localization indicate its additional role, possibly in stress signaling. Considering its important roles, OsPAP3b could be a potential target for improving low Pi adaptation in rice.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic activity of Acacia catechu heartwood extracts on Swiss albino mice using hot plate and tail immersion method. Methods: In this study, we used the aqueous and methanol extracts of heartwood of A. catechu to evaluate its analgesic activity. The aqueous extract was achieved by doubled distillation method and the methanol extract was achieved by cold maceration method. The mice were divided into four groups, each group consisting of six animals. Doses of 50, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o. of both the extracts of A. catechu were given to the mice. The responses were noted at 0, 15, 30, and 60 min. Results: The results of both the methods were quick similar but differ based on extracts. The aqueous extract of A. catechu showed a much better yield of analgesic activity as compared to the methanol extract. The data were analyzed by graph using two-way analysis of variance, which showed the dose-dependent pain resistance. Conclusion: The study confirmed the potency of A. catechu in pain management and points the future development to be conducted on it.

Background: Pain is defined physical or mental depending on it source of origin and pain treated with anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and analgesic medicine. Andrographis paniculata locally called kalmegh of Acanthaceae family and Vitex negundo locally called nirgundi of Lamiaceae, both medicinal plants which yield the therapeutic compound and herbal drug used cure diseases. Methods: The analgesic activity was performed by hot plat and tail immersion method. The present study extract performs models plants 50 Swiss albino mice four groups of each five animals. This experimental animal administered with extract intraperitoneal at dose level 50, 100, and 300 mg/kg used as reference drugs diclofenac sodium-induced time test using albino mice as experimental animal. Results: Medicinal plants ethanolic extract contains reducing carbohydrate, flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenoids. The sample comparable antibacterial cytotoxic activity. The different solvent soluble and mild activity herbal drug analgesic highest activity compared to standard drug, diclofenac sodium. Conclusion: Analgesic models based different parameter for studies bioactive compounds further for isolation and purification compounds.

Introduction: Pediatric dental management is difficult in its own way which was even more challenging during COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown period. Constrained dental providing clinics and hospitals severely compromised the pediatric dental needs and services. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe pattern of dental emergencies encountered and services provided to the pediatric patients visiting a dental hospital during the first lockdown period in Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: A cross sectional study was done from 24 March 2020 to 21 July 2020 among the pediatric patients who visited dental hospital during lockdown. Data was collected from questionnaire and dental case history sheet, and statistically analyzed in Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: Of the total 172 pediatric patients of mean age 8.3± 2.60 years, majority were males (59.3%) and of 6-12 age group (76.2%). Major complain was mobile/retained teeth (38.4%) and most common diagnosis was exfoliating mobility (23.3%). According to American Dental Association (ADA, 2020) guidelines, urgent dental care (46.5%) followed by non-emergency dental care (43.6%) were mostly found. The predominant procedures were emergency (68.6%) and least was elective (9.3%) and treatment given to majority was extraction (51.8%).There was a statistically significant association between age group and pediatric dental care (ADA). Conclusions: The findings of this study regarding dental emergency encountered and definitive treatment received even during pandemic lockdown can be helpful in finding out how dental care was provided and can be applicable in similar future pandemics.

The dentigerous cyst is a developmental odontogenic cyst, accounting for 10% of all cysts of the jaws, being the vast majority of current odontogenic cyst. Its characteristic features are unilocular radiolucent lesion which encloses permanent tooth buds or, under certain circumstances, displaced tooth buds. This paper presents a case of an infected dentigerous cyst associated with right mandibular unerupted third molar in a pediatric patient with various clinical and radiographic characteristics. The treatment comprised of proper evaluation of the past medical history, clinical, radiographic, histological examinations that helped to administer appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan; followed by complete removal of the cyst along with the involved tooth structure under general anesthesia.

Under field conditions, plants are often simultaneously exposed to several abiotic and biotic stresses resulting in significant reductions in growth and yield; thus, developing a multi-stress tolerant variety is imperative. Previously, we reported the neofunctionalization of a novel PNP family protein, Putranjiva roxburghii purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PRpnp) to trypsin inhibitor to cater to the needs of plant defense. However, to date, no study has revealed the potential role and mechanism of either member of this protein group in plant defense. Here, we overexpressed PRpnp in Citrus aurantifolia which showed nuclear-cytoplasmic localization, where it functions in maintaining the intracellular purine reservoir. Overexpression of PRpnp significantly enhanced tolerance to salt, oxidative stress, alkaline pH, drought, and two pests, Papilio demoleus and Scirtothrips citri in transgenic plants. Global gene expression studies revealed that PRpnp overexpression up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to ABA- and JA- biosynthesis and signaling, plant defense, growth, and development. LC-MS/MS analysis validated higher endogenous ABA and JA accumulation in transgenic plants. Taken together, our results suggest that PRpnp functions by enhancing the endogenous ABA and JA, which interact synergistically and it also inhibits trypsin proteases in the insect gut. Also, like other purine salvage genes, PRpnp also regulates CK metabolism and increases the levels of CK-free bases in transgenic Mexican lime. We also suggest that PRpnp can be used as a potential candidate to develop new varieties with improved plant vigor and enhanced multiple stress resistance.

From the dawn of time, plants have been utilized for medical purposes and people have been using them to treat a variety of ailments. Natural products made from various plants used in disease treatment have gone on to reaffirm that nature has always and shall continue to construct a golden mark to demonstrate the interdependence of man and his surroundings. Ayurveda has been an integral part of Indian healing practices since time immemorial and has now been adopted by countries throughout the world. Medicinal plants have provided humanity with a wide diversification of powerful drugs to ease or, in some cases, eradicate infections, that too with the least side effects, low cost, and a good pharmacokinetic profile. Further, the products from herbal extracts are not just good for treating diseases but also prevent them too. At present medicinal plants are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and plant-based medicines. These medicinal plants contain several diverse groups of phytochemicals which are important sources of new and biologically active molecules. This paper aims to review the commonest diseases that can be cured, managed, and controlled by a variety of medicinal plants.&nbsp

The intra-granular fission gas release during post-irradiation annealing tests cannot be predicted if bubble motion is not taken into account. Indeed, without irradiation, the equilibrium between trapping and resolution is completely shifted in favor of trapping, the dynamic resolution due to fission spikes no longer existing. Moreover, the sink strength of the population of intragranular bubbles is greater by a factor ∼ 10 0 0 than the sink strength of the grain surface. Trapped in supposedly immobile bubbles, the gas would not escape from the grain, which is in contradiction with experimental observations. Several alternative scenarios involving bubble movement emerged to explain the observed fission gas release. The purpose of our work is to assess these scenarios using simulation. In a previous article, it was demonstrated that neither the movement of bubbles in a vacancy gradient, nor the Brownian movement of bubbles, nor the combination of them, could explain the large fission gas release obtained during postirradiation annealing in our reference experiment. This demonstration was performed using a mesoscale model, called BEEP, where individual bubbles are described, along with the diffusion of vacancies from each bubble to the other, as well as from the free surface. In this paper, we extend the BEEP model to assess the role of dislocations in interaction with highly pressurized bubbles. It is concluded that a mechanism of dislocation climb coupled with the growth of highly pressurized pinned bubbles may explain the large intra-granular fission gas release in annealing conditions.

Al based alloys (metallic glasses) are promising because of special properties such as better corrosion resistance and also high specific strength. On the other hand these alloys have a limited glass forming ability, which becomes a major road block for the synthesis of these alloys. In the present study mechanical alloying using high energy ball milling resulted in a nanocrystalline Al-13Fe-17.4Si (at%) alloy with Al0.5Fe3Si0.5 as one of the phase at higher milling times. Xray difrraction results indicated that the alloy exhibited crystalline nature and no clear indication of glass transition was observed even after 72 h of milling this was also confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry plots. The TEM images confirmed the nano crystalline nature of the powders.

Galactolipids are essential to compensate for the loss of phospholipids by ‘membrane lipid remodelling’ in plants under phosphorus (P) deficiency conditions. Monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) synthases catalyse the synthesis of MGDG which is further converted into digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG), later replacing phospholipids in the extraplastidial membranes. However, the roles of these enzymes are not well explored in rice. In this study, the rice MGDG synthase 3 gene (OsMGD3) was identified and functionally characterized. We showed that the plant phosphate (Pi) status and the transcription factor PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 2 (OsPHR2) are involved in the transcriptional regulation of OsMGD3. CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and overexpression lines of OsMGD3 were generated to explore its potential role in rice adaptation to Pi deficiency. Compared with the wild type, OsMGD3 knockout lines displayed a reduced Pi acquisition and utilization while overexpression lines showed an enhancement of the same. Further, OsMGD3 showed a predominant role in roots, altering lateral root growth. Our comprehensive lipidomic analysis revealed a role of OsMGD3 in membrane lipid remodelling, in addition to a role in regulating diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid contents that affected the expression of Pi transporters. Our study highlights the role of OsMGD3 in affecting both internal P utilization and P acquisition in rice.

Membrane lipid remodeling helps in the efficient utilization of phosphorus (P) by replacing phospholipids with galactolipids during P deficiency. Previous studies have shown lipid remodeling in rice under P deficiency; however, main lipid classes did not show association with superior P-use-efficiency in rice genotypes. Here, diverse rice genotypes were extensively phenotyped in normal (NP) and low P (LP) conditions. Based on the phenotypic response to P deficiency, genotypes were identified as tolerant and sensitive. Further, bulks were generated differing in their physiological P-use-efficiency (PPUE) during LP condition. Shoot lipidome profiling of genotypes was performed and used to correlate the abundance of various lipid classes and their constituent species with the PPUE of the genotypes. Lipid remodeling was observed as a P-starvation-induced response in all the genotypes. However, neither total galacto- and phospholipids nor the lipid classes correlated with PPUE during P deficiency. However, the difference in PPUE in the two bulks correlated with specific lipid species of galactolipids (DGDG, MGDG). Further, DGDG34:3 had the highest Mol% among the differentially accumulated lipid species between the two bulks. Our study reveals the importance of specific galactolipids species in rice adaptation to P deficient soils and thus opens new targets for future research.

Main conclusion OsJAZ11 regulates phosphate homeostasis by suppressing jasmonic acid signaling and biosynthesis in rice roots. Abstract Jasmonic Acid (JA) is a key plant signaling molecule which negatively regulates growth processes including root elongation. JAZ (JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN) proteins function as transcriptional repressors of JA signaling. Therefore, targeting JA signaling by deploying JAZ repressors may enhance root length in crops. In this study, we overexpressed JAZ repressor OsJAZ11 in rice to alleviate the root growth inhibitory action of JA. OsJAZ11 is a low phosphate (Pi) responsive gene which is transcriptionally regulated by OsPHR2. We report that OsJAZ11 overexpression promoted primary and seminal root elongation which enhanced Pi foraging. Expression studies revealed that overexpression of OsJAZ11 also reduced Pi starvation response (PSR) under Pi limiting conditions. Moreover, OsJAZ11 overexpression also suppressed JA signaling and biosynthesis as compared to wild type (WT). We further demonstrated that the C-terminal region of OsJAZ11 was crucial for stimulating root elongation in overexpression lines. Rice transgenics overexpressing truncated OsJAZ11ΔC transgene (i.e., missing C-terminal region) exhibited reduced root length and Pi uptake. Interestingly, OsJAZ11 also regulates Pi homeostasis via physical interaction with a key Pi sensing protein, OsSPX1. Our study highlights the functional connections between JA and Pi signaling and reveals JAZ repressors as a promising candidate for improving low Pi tolerance of elite rice genotypes.

Neurological complications are common in patients with acute or chronic renal failure, especially when there is marked reduction in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). One such clinical syndrome, uremic encephalopathy (UE), occurs due to widespread dysfunction of central nervous system (CNS). It manifests with myriad clinical features and usually is suggested by bedside elicitation of asterixis (flapping tremor). Symptomatic involvement of the basal ganglia manifesting as choreoathetosis and clinical and radiological resolution with hemodialysis has been reported in the medical literature, but only rarely. The present report details such a case.

Fission gases (Xe, Kr) produced during irradiation in a nuclear fuel can contribute to significant effects such as swelling and fission gas release which may affect the overall performance of the fuel. The effective diffusion theory, which is generally used in the modelling of base-irradiation of nuclear fuel, cannot predict the intra-granular fission gas release during post-irradiation annealing tests. From the several scenarios proposed, we discuss and analyze three such mechanisms: the directed movement of pressurized intra-granular gas bubbles in a vacancy concentration gradient towards the grain surface, the Brownian movement of these intra-granular bubbles via volume and surface diffusion mechanisms, a scenario of gas bubble movement along with the dislocations via the mechanism of dislocation climb. A new spatially resolved model, BEEP Model, has been developed for gas bubble migration and its interaction with point defects. Analyses done using the BEEP model show that neither of the directed or random movement, nor their combination, could explain the large fission gas release obtained during post-irradiation annealing in our reference experiment. The dislocation climb mechanism has been demonstrated as a prominent gas release mechanism, however, the values for diffusion of vacancies on the dislocations are not known and were chosen to allow gas release. The work carried out in this thesis has provided a better insight to the transport of intra-granular gas bubbles and its impact on fission gas release. This work also emphasized the questions that need to be answered at the lower scales.; Les gaz de fission (Xe, Kr) produits pendant l'irradiation d'un combustible nucléaire peuvent provoquer du gonflement et la libération de gaz de fission, qui peut affecter la performance globale du combustible. La théorie de la diffusion effective, qui est généralement utilisée dans la modélisation de l’irradiation de base du combustible nucléaire, ne permet pas de prédire le dégagement de gaz de fission intra-granulaire pendant les essais de recuit post-irradiation. Parmi les différents scénarios proposés, nous discutons et analysons trois des mécanismes possibles: le mouvement dirigé vers la surface du grain de bulles de gaz intra-granulaires pressurisées dans un gradient de concentration de lacunes, le mouvement brownien de ces bulles intra-granulaires via des mécanismes de diffusion en volume et en surface des bulles, un scénario de mouvement de bulles de gaz avec les dislocations via le mécanisme de montée de dislocation. Un nouveau modèle spatialisé, le modèle BEEP, a été mis au point pour la migration des bulles de gaz et leur interaction avec les défauts ponctuels. Les analyses effectuées à l'aide du modèle BEEP montrent que ni le mouvement dirigé ou aléatoire, ni leur combinaison ne peuvent expliquer le relâchement important de gaz de fission obtenu lors du recuit post-irradiation dans notre expérience de référence. Il a été démontré que le mécanisme de montée peut constituer un mécanisme de relâchement de gaz important, cependant, le coefficient de diffusion de lacunes le long d’une dislocation, non connu, a été pris comme paramètre ajustable. Les travaux menés dans le cadre de cette thèse ont permis de mieux comprendre le transport des bulles de gaz intra-granulaires et son impact sur le relâchement des gaz de fission. Ce travail permet aussi de mieux cerner les questions aux quelles il serait utile de répondre aux plus basses échelles.

Present investigation demonstrated the effect of central histaminergic transmission on the compulsive-like marble burying and spontaneous alteration behavior (SAB) in mice. Result demonstrates that on enhancement of endogenous histaminergic transmission in mice achieved by central (i.c.v.) administration of histamine or central histamine neuronal releaser, H3 receptor antagonist or on intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of histamine precursor, l-histidine significantly attenuated the number of marble buried in marble burying behavior (MBB) test as well as obliterated the persistent behavior induced by 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT in T-Maze test. Furthermore, central injection of histamine H1 receptor agonist, FMPH or H2 receptors agonist, amthamine also attenuated the MBB in mice. On the other hand, prior i.c.v administration of H1 but not H2 receptor antagonist attenuated the effects exhibited in MBB test on mice by all the above agents capable of enhancing the endogenous central histaminergic transmission. Thus, the results of the present investigation delineate the attenuating effect of central histaminergic transmission predominantly via H1 receptor on compulsive-like behavior in mice.

The present study elucidated the role of histamine H1 receptor in the caffeine induced locomotor sensitization. Intermittent administration of caffeine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) on alternate days (induction phase) i.e. 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th resulted in the development of locomotor sensitization. In addition, challenge with sub-stimulant dose of caffeine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) directly on 17th day to induction group animals resulted in expression to locomotor sensitization to caffeine. I.c.v. injection of histaminergic agents concomitantly with caffeine during induction phase i.e. histamine H1 receptor agonist, FMPH (6.5 μg/mouse) significantly potentiated while H1 receptor antagonist, cetirizine (0.1 μg/mouse) attenuated the locomotor sensitization induced by caffeine (15 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, challenge with caffeine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on the expression day (17th) to the induction group mice on FMPH + caffeine treatment showed enhanced, while those on cetirizine + caffeine treatment exhibited lesser expression to locomotor sensitization. Therefore, a possible contributory role of the central histaminergic system via H1 receptor stimulation or up-regulation in the caffeine-induced locomotor sensitizing effect is proposed.

Purple acid phosphatases (PAPs) play important roles in phosphate (Pi) acquisition and utilization. These PAPs hydrolyze organic Phosphorus (P) containing compounds in rhizosphere as well as inside the plant cell. However, roles of PAPs in one of the most widely cultivated legumes, chickpea (Cicer arietnum L.), have not been unraveled so far. In the present study, we identified 25 putative PAPs in chickpea (CaPAPs) which possess functional PAP motifs and domains. Differential regulation of CaPAPs under different nutrient deficiencies revealed their roles under multiple nutrient stresses including Pi deficiency. Interestingly, most of the CaPAPs were prominently expressed in flowers and young pods indicating their roles in flower and seed development. Association mapping of SNPs underlying CaPAPs with seed traits revealed significant association of low Pi inducible CaPAP7 with seed weight and phytate content. Biochemical characterization of recombinant CaPAP7 established it to be a functional acid phosphatase with highest activity on most abundant organic-P substrate, phytate. Exogenous application of recombinant CaPAP7 enhanced biomass and Pi content of Arabidopsis seedlings supplemented with phytate as sole P source. Taken together, our results uncover the PAPs in chickpea and potential roles of CaPAP7 in seed phytate accumulation.

Ensuring post accident decay heat removal with high degree of reliability following a Core Disruptive Accident (CDA) is very important in the design of sodium cooled fast reactors (SFR). In the recent past, a lot of research has been done towards the design of an in-vessel core catcher below the grid plate to prevent the core debris reaching the main vessel in a pool type SFR. However, during an energetic CDA, the entire core debris is unlikely to reach the core catcher. A significant part of the debris is likely to settle in core periphery between radial shielding subassemblies and the inner vessel. Failure of inner vessel due to the decay heat can lead to core debris reaching the main vessel and threatening its integrity. On the other hand, retention of a part of debris in core periphery can reduce the load on main core catcher. Towards achieving an optimum design of SFR and safety evaluation, it is essential to quantify the amount of heat generating core debris that can be retained safely within the primary vessel. This has been performed by a mathematical simulation comprising solution of 2-D transient form of the governing equations of turbulent sodium flow and heat transfer with Boussinesq approximations. The conjugate conduction-convection model adopted for this purpose is validated against in-house experimental data. Transient evolutions of natural convection in the pools and structural temperatures in critical components have been predicted. It is found that 50% of the core debris can be safely accommodated in the gap between radial shielding subassemblies and inner vessel without exceeding structural temperature limit. It is also established that a single plate core catcher can safely accommodate decay heat arising due to ∼70% of the core debris by establishing natural circulation in the lower sodium pool. The influence of heat removal rate by natural circulation on availability of the number of decay heat exchangers (DHX) dipped in the upper pool is also analyzed. It is seen that the temperatures in the inner vessel, source plate and the maximum debris temperature do not increase significantly even when the DHXs are deployed 5 h after the accident, demonstrating the benefit of large thermal inertia of the pool.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of Si and SiC addition on the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Al matrix-based composites. Al–Si (2 wt% fixed) alloy reinforced SiC composites were prepared by stir-casting process using SiC reinforcement contents from 0 to 20 wt% at an interval of 5%. A uniform dispersion of SiC particles in the Al matrix was observed from the scanning electron microscopic analysis. Maximum hardness is found for composites having 15 wt% reinforcement content. Pin-on-disc wear test reveals that SiC particles increase the wear resistance of composites. Corrosion test reveals that composites reinforced with 20% reinforcement content shows the minimum i corr among all the compositions, attributing to the maximum corrosion resistance. Tribological and corrosion behaviour were found to be dependent on the reinforcement content. However, they were not interdependent on each other. It is expected that the present study would be helpful in the development of lightweight composites for aerospace and shipping industries applications.

Intrigued by the report demonstrating an increase in brain histamine levels by ethanol administration and central histamine transmission to affect the anxiety related behaviors, the present study examined the permissive role of central histaminergic transmission in the acute anxiolytic-like effect of the ethanol on elevated plus maze (EPM) in mice. Results demonstrated that prior administration of the agents that are known to enhance the brain histamine transmission, i.e. low dose of histamine (0.1μg/mouse, i.c.v.) or histamine precursor, l-histidine (500, 1000mg/kg, i.p.) or low dose of histamine releasing agent (H3 receptor inverse agonist), thioperamide (2μg/mouse) attenuated the acute anitanxiety-like effect of ethanol (2g/kg, i.p, 8% w/v) in mice on EPM. However, pre-treatment with the H1 receptor antagonist, cetirizine (0.1μg/mouse, i.c.v.) or H2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine (50μg/mouse, i.c.v.) failed to affect the attenuating effect of low dose of histamine on ethanol induced anxiolysis. On the other hand, only H1 receptor antagonist, cetirizine (0.1μg/mouse, i.c.v.) was able to partially reverse the attenuation of ethanol induced anxiolysis by l-histidine (1000mg/kg, i.p.). Surprisingly, in mice pre-treated with the higher dose of histamine (50μg/mouse, i.c.v.) or thioperamide (10μg/mouse, i.c.v.), the ethanol (2g/kg, i.p.) induced antianxiety-like effect was further enhanced on EPM. Furthermore, this potentiating effect of high dose of histamine on the ethanol (2g/kg, i.p.) was exacerbated on pre-treatment with the H1 receptor antagonist, cetirizine, while H2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine completely reversed this action of high dose of histamine on ethanol. Supportive to these results, i.c.v. pre-treatment with H1 receptor agonist, FMPH (2, 6.5μg/mouse, i.c.v.) attenuated while H2 receptor agonist, amthamine (0.1, 0.5μg/mouse, i.c.v.) enhanced the ethanol induced anxiolysis in mice. Thus, it is reasonable to contemplate that central histaminergic transmission functions to negatively modulate the acute ethanol-induced anxiolysis probably via stimulation of postsynaptic H1 receptor and histamine might contribute to the anxiolytic action of ethanol via H2 receptor activation.

The antipsychotic properties of haloperidol are primarily attributed to its ability to block dopamine D2 receptors. Histaminergic transmission modulates some of the behavioral effects of haloperidol. Hence, the present study investigated the contribution of central histaminergic transmission in the cataleptic and neuroleptic effect of haloperidol respectively, using bar test and conditioned avoidance response (CAR) in a two-way shuttle box. The studies revealed that haloperidol (0.50 or 1 mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited cataleptic behavior and inhibited conditioned avoidance response (CAR) in the doses 0.25 or 0.50 mg in rats. The rats, pretreated centrally (i.c.v.) with histamine precursor, L-histidine (1, 2.5 μg) or histamine neuronal inducer (H3 receptor antagonist), thioperamide (20, 50 μg/rat), showed an enhanced cataleptic effect with sub-maximal dose of haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Similarly, the neuroleptic effect of haloperidol (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) in CAR was also potentiated in the rats pretreated with L-histidine (2.5 μg) or thioperamide (50 μg/rat). Further, the cataleptic effect of haloperidol (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was attenuated in rats pretreated with the H1 receptor antagonist, chlorpheniramine (60, 80 μg/rat, i.c.v.) or H2 receptor antagonist, ranitidine (60 μg/rat, i.c.v.). However, the neuroleptic effect of haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was completely reversed by pretreatment with ranitidine (60 μg/rat, i.c.v.), and partially attenuated by chlorpheniramine (80 μg/rat, i.c.v.). These findings suggest the possible involvement of histaminergic transmission in the cataleptic and neuroleptic effects of haloperidol probably via H1 or H2 receptor stimulation.

Soft tissue tumors account for a small percentage of malignancies and synovial sarcomas account for 10% of soft tissue tumors in our body, among them are the synovial sarcomas (SS).These arise from various sites and are of mesenchymal origin, Primary pleural synovial sarcomas are very rare tumours and account for not more than 0.5% of lung malignancies, they are being diagnosed mainly by the immunohistochemistry and classical cytogentic translocation t(x;18). This tumor has no sex preference and is commonly seen in the age group of 30-45.Our case is of a elderly male with massive pleural effusion who was diagnosed as having biphasic variant of synovial sarcoma of pleura by the help of immunohistochemistry. Treatment is mainly surgical resection and chemotherapy with ifosfamide/ adriamycin or radiotherapy. It must be considered as differential for biopsy proven malignant mesothelioma and hence immunohistochemistry should be must for all biopsy proven mesotheliomas.

Chickpea cultivation experiences huge losses due to several biotic and abiotic stresses. Deficiency of mineral nutrients such as phosphorus is a major limiting factor for chickpea production. In this chapter, we summarize our current understanding about phosphorus deficiency responses in chickpea and explore probable strategies to improve low P tolerance of chickpea. Phosphate being a key macronutrient provides the energy demand for cellular growth, patterning, differentiation and regulates the plant growth from germination to ultimate senescence. Therefore, slight variation of P status in plants switches different morphological, physiological and biochemical adaptations in chickpea to replenish the normal P status. In legumes like chickpea, seed phytate content correlates with seed size. Different approaches have targeted multifaceted roles of P nutrition in improving seed quality and size of phytate-rich chickpea seeds. Emerging evidences reveal a larger role of P levels in altering plants response to environmental stresses. We here discuss these recent advances in deciphering cross talks between phosphorus nutrition and various other stresses. We finally discuss how low P condition in plants affects other abiotic and biotic stresses to comply with the fine trade-off between plant growth and suppression of stress/defence response.

The present study elucidated the role of histamine H

Phosphorus (P) deficiency limits plant growth and yield. Since plants can absorb only the inorganic form of P (Pi), a large portion of soil P (organic and inorganic P complexes) remains unused. Here, we identified and characterized a PHR2-regulated, novel low-Pi-responsive haloacid dehalogenase (HAD)-like hydrolase, OsHAD1. While OsHAD1 is a functional HAD protein having both acid phosphatase and phytase activities, it showed little homology with other known low-Pi-responsive HAD superfamily members. Recombinant OsHAD1 is active at acidic pH and dephosphorylates a broad range of organic and inorganic P-containing substrates, including phosphorylated serine and sodium phytate. Exogenous application of recombinant OsHAD1 protein in growth medium supplemented with phytate led to marked increases in growth and total P content of Pi-deficient wild-type rice (Oryza sativa) seedlings. Furthermore, overexpression of OsHAD1 in rice resulted in enhanced phosphatase activity, biomass, and total and soluble P contents in Pi-deficient transgenic seedlings treated with phytate as a restricted Pi source. Gene expression and metabolite profiling revealed enhanced Pi starvation responses, such as up-regulation of multiple genes involved in Pi uptake and solubilization, accumulation of organic acids, enhanced secretory phosphatase activity, and depletion of ATP in overexpression lines as compared with the wild type. To elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms of OsHAD1, we performed in vitro pull-down assays, which revealed the association of OsHAD1 with protein kinases such as OsNDPKs. We conclude that, besides dephosphorylation of cellular organic P, OsHAD1 in coordination with kinases may regulate the phosphorylation status of downstream targets to accomplish Pi homeostasis under limited Pi supply.

Saber sheath trachea is defined as an anteroposterior (sagittal) diameter of intrathoracic trachea exceeding to lateral (coronal) by a ratio of 2:1 as measured at the site 1 cm above the aortic arch and the extra thoracic trachea being normal. It is most commonly seen in males and is considered to be a diagnostic sign of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The present investigation explored the modulatory role of serotonergic transmission in the acute ethanol-induced effects on immobility time in the mouse forced swim test (FST). Acute i.p. administration of ethanol (20% w/v, 2 or 2.5 g/kg, i.p.) decreased the immobility time in FST of mice, indicating its antidepressant-like effect while lower doses of ethanol (1, 1.5 g/kg, i.p.) were devoid of any effect in the FST. The mice pre-treated with a sub-effective dose of 5-HT2A agonist, DOI (10 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) or 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY 100635 (0.1 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) but not with the 5-HT2A/2C antagonist, ketanserin (1.5 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) exhibited a synergistic reduction in the immobility time induced by sub-effective dose of ethanol (1.5 g/kg, i.p.). On the other hand, ethanol (2.5 g/kg, i.p.) failed to decrease the immobility time in mice, pre-treated with 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 μg/mouse, i.c.v.) or ketanserin (1.5 μg/mouse, i.c.v.). In addition, pre-treatment with a 5-HT neuronal synthesis inhibitor, p-CPA (300 mg/kg, i.p. × 3 days) attenuated the anti-immobility effect ethanol (2.5 g/kg, i.p.) in mouse FST. Thus, the results of the present study points towards the essentiality of the central 5-HT transmission at the synapse for the ethanol-induced antidepressant-like effect in the FST wherein the regulatory role of the 5-HT1A receptor or contributory role of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor-mediated mechanism is proposed in the anti-immobility effect of acute ethanol in mouse FST.