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Sugarcane, the world's most harvested crop by tonnage, has shaped global history, trade and geopolitics, and is currently responsible for 80% of sugar production worldwide1. While traditional sugarcane breeding methods have effectively generated cultivars adapted to new environments and pathogens, sugar yield improvements have recently plateaued2. The cessation of yield gains may be due to limited genetic diversity within breeding populations, long breeding cycles and the complexity of its genome, the latter preventing breeders from taking advantage of the recent explosion of whole-genome sequencing that has benefited many other crops. Thus, modern sugarcane hybrids are the last remaining major crop without a reference-quality genome. Here we take a major step towards advancing sugarcane biotechnology by generating a polyploid reference genome for R570, a typical modern cultivar derived from interspecific hybridization between the domesticated species (Saccharum officinarum) and the wild species (Saccharum spontaneum). In contrast to the existing single haplotype ('monoploid') representation of R570, our 8.7 billion base assembly contains a complete representation of unique DNA sequences across the approximately 12 chromosome copies in this polyploid genome. Using this highly contiguous genome assembly, we filled a previously unsized gap within an R570 physical genetic map to describe the likely causal genes underlying the single-copy Bru1 brown rust resistance locus. This polyploid genome assembly with fine-grain descriptions of genome architecture and molecular targets for biotechnology will help accelerate molecular and transgenic breeding and adaptation of sugarcane to future environmental conditions.

We present chromosome-level genome assemblies from representative species of three independently evolved seagrass lineages: Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, Thalassia testudinum and Zostera marina. We also include a draft genome of Potamogeton acutifolius, belonging to a freshwater sister lineage to Zosteraceae. All seagrass species share an ancient whole-genome triplication, while additional whole-genome duplications were uncovered for C. nodosa, Z. marina and P. acutifolius. Comparative analysis of selected gene families suggests that the transition from submerged-freshwater to submerged-marine environments mainly involved fine-tuning of multiple processes (such as osmoregulation, salinity, light capture, carbon acquisition and temperature) that all had to happen in parallel, probably explaining why adaptation to a marine lifestyle has been exceedingly rare. Major gene losses related to stomata, volatiles, defence and lignification are probably a consequence of the return to the sea rather than the cause of it. These new genomes will accelerate functional studies and solutions, as continuing losses of the savannahs of the sea are of major concern in times of climate change and loss of biodiversity.

BackgroundNon-sputum-based triage tests for tuberculosis are a priority for ending tuberculosis. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the late-prototype Xpert MTB Host Response (Xpert HR) blood-based assay.MethodsWe conducted a prospective diagnostic accuracy study among outpatients with presumed tuberculosis in outpatient clinics in Viet Nam, India, the Philippines, Uganda, and South Africa. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older and reported cough lasting at least 2 weeks. We excluded those receiving tuberculosis treatment in the preceding 12 months and those who were unwilling to consent. Xpert HR was performed on capillary or venous blood. Reference standard testing included sputum Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and mycobacterial culture. We performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to identify the optimal cutoff value for the Xpert HR to achieve the target sensitivity of 90% or more while maximising specificity, then calculated diagnostic accuracy using this cutoff value. This study was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04923958.FindingsBetween July 13, 2021, and Aug 15, 2022, 2046 adults with at least 2 weeks of cough were identified, of whom 1499 adults (686 [45·8%] females and 813 [54·2%] males) had valid Xpert HR and reference standard results. 329 (21·9%) had microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis. Xpert HR had an area under the ROC curve of 0·89 (95% CI 0·86-0·91). The optimal cutoff value was less than or equal to -1·25, giving a sensitivity of 90·3% (95% CI 86·5-93·3; 297 of 329) and a specificity of 62·6% (95% CI 59·7-65·3; 732 of 1170). Sensitivity was similar across countries, by sex, and by subgroups, although specificity was lower in people living with HIV (45·1%, 95% CI 37·8-52·6) than in those not living with HIV (65·9%, 62·8-68·8; difference of 20·8%, 95% CI 13·0-28·6; p

Homosporous lycophytes (Lycopodiaceae) are a deeply diverged lineage in the plant tree of life, having split from heterosporous lycophytes (Selaginella and Isoetes) ~400 Mya. Compared to the heterosporous lineage, Lycopodiaceae has markedly larger genome sizes and remains the last major plant clade for which no chromosome-level assembly has been available. Here, we present chromosomal genome assemblies for two homosporous lycophyte species, the allotetraploid Huperzia asiatica and the diploid Diphasiastrum complanatum. Remarkably, despite that the two species diverged ~350 Mya, around 30% of the genes are still in syntenic blocks. Furthermore, both genomes had undergone independent whole genome duplications, and the resulting intragenomic syntenies have likewise been preserved relatively well. Such slow genome evolution over deep time is in stark contrast to heterosporous lycophytes and is correlated with a decelerated rate of nucleotide substitution. Together, the genomes of H. asiatica and D. complanatum not only fill a crucial gap in the plant genomic landscape but also highlight a potentially meaningful genomic contrast between homosporous and heterosporous species.

Abstract Background Gastric cancer is a prevalent form of malignancy among many common carcinoma cases globally. This study was designed to assess the anticancer potential of the crude ethanolic seed extract from Mucuna pruriens against the gastric cancer cell line (AGS). Various assays were employed to assess the anticancer properties, including examinations of cell viability, nuclear morphology, apoptosis using AO/EB staining, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, lactate dehydrogenase activity, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest. Results The crude extract exhibited significant anticancer activity against the human gastric cancer cell line (AGS), as determined by the MTT assay, with an inhibition concentration (IC50) of 600 µg/mL at 24 h. Distinct cellular and nuclear morphological changes were observed with different concentrations of crude ethanolic seed extract. The LDH release assay reveals cell death in AGS cells, as evidenced by a significant increase in the release of LDH enzyme. DNA fragmentation analysis and flow cytometry results indicate that the extract induces chromatin condensation, apoptotic cell death, and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in the AGS cancer cell line. These results highlight the potential therapeutic advantages of Mucuna pruriens seed extract against gastric cancer cells. Conclusion This study could pave the way for identifying diverse natural bioactive compounds sourced from Mucuna pruriens seed, leading to the development of novel drug with potential anticancer properties.

Background: Nutri Crackle rusk, developed using an innovative pigmented variety of black rice flour, possesses a rich nutritional profile with essential amino acids, dietary fibers, and antioxidants, offering unique health benefits beyond traditional rice varieties. Establishing healthy eating habits during childhood cancer treatment is crucial for long-term well-being. Mindful consumption, incorporating Nutri Crackle rusk instead of empty-calorie snacks, can significantly improve the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors during their survivorship period. Materials and Methods: The novel Nutri Crackle rusk using black rice flour was developed under proper hygienic conditions. Semi-trained panel and consumer panel members evaluated the organoleptic properties of the developed product. Nutrient components of the formulated Nutri Crackle rusk were examined through an organoleptic assessment. Results: The nutrient composition of the formulated Nutri Crackle rusk was analyzed using a standard procedure. Sensory evaluation indicated positive feedback, with an overall acceptability score of 8.01. Nutrient analysis revealed a well-rounded profile, emphasizing energy provision (464.285 kcal), (11.97 g protein), (11.29 g fiber), and essential micronutrients (zinc, iron, and vitamins B1 and B2). Nutri Crackle rusk is a favorable and potentially beneficial snack for this vulnerable group. Conclusion: The study signifies that the novel healthy Nutri Crackle rusk is rich in fiber, zinc, iron, protein, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. Intake of the developed Nutri Crackle rusk could be a healthy alternative for pediatric cancer patients and cancer survivors.

Natural fillers have received great attention among researchers due their its light weight, high strength, degradability, and eco-friendly behavior. This work is focused on developing a laminate of date palm seed powder and neem gum powder reinforced epoxy resin. Epoxy resin is an excellent thermoset polymer with anoutstanding cost to performance ratio. Date palm seeds have highly competitive properties in improving the mechanical and thermal properties of composites by their good adherence to polymer matrix. Neem gum powder is used as a binder in increasing ratios of 0 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, 25 %, and 30 % to test their strength in different compositions. Date seed powder has been reinforced in decreasing weight percent as 30 %, 25 %, 20 %, 15 %, 10 %, 5 %, and 0 %. The specimens prepared through the compression moulding technique were subjected to various mechanical tests like a tensile test, flexural test, and impact test as per the ASTM standards. Fractography analysis using FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy) and FT-IR(Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) test have determined the surface characteristics and chemical composition of the samples. The result shows that, by adding neem gum powder in increasing quantities the mechanical properties like tensile and flexural decreases. However, it does not affect the impact strength of the material. A detailed study of their behavior is discussed in this work.

Background: Hamstring strain injuries remain a challenge for both athletes and clinicians given the high incidence rate, slow healing, and persistent symptoms. Increased tension in the neural structures is a known causative factor for hamstring tightness for which neural mobilization has emerged as a significant adjunct to routine stretching techniques. Objective: To compare the short-term effects of neural sliding and neural tensioning on hamstring length in male recreational soccer players with hamstring tightness. Methods: Sixty-two participants between ages 18 and 30 years were randomly assigned to one of the two groups viz. neural sliding or neural tensioning. Participants in either group performed the given stretching protocol in three sets. The Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) and Sit and Reach Test (SRT) were recorded before intervention, immediately after intervention, and after 60[Formula: see text]min. between- and within group-analysis was done using analysis of variance. Results: Between-group analysis showed that neural tensioning was more effective than neural sliding in improving hamstring length on both measures, however this difference was negligible. Within-group analysis demonstrated that the mean post-test scores on the AKET test and SRT were significantly greater than the pre-test scores in both groups ([Formula: see text]). A reduction in the post-test scores was observed after 60 min, irrespective of the type of stretching ([Formula: see text]). Conclusion: There was no difference in short-term effects of neural sliding or neural tensioning on hamstring flexibility in male recreational soccer players. Both groups showed improved flexibility immediately after the intervention with reduction in the effect after 60[Formula: see text]min.

In the past few years, there has been a considerable growth in the utilization of solar cells to produce electrical power to fulfil the growing worldwide energy demands. An optical loss is a crucial factor that impacts the performance of the photovoltaic conversion process. This loss occurs when incoming sunlight is reflected back on the outer layer of the photovoltaic cells. The application of antireflective materials on the photovoltaic substrates can enhance the absorption of sunlight and minimize the reflection. Currently, there is no ideal anti-reflective coating for solar cells that can allow the transmission of sunlight without any reflection. In this research, a transparent cyclic-olefin-copolymer (COC) was used to fabricate anti-reflection (AR) coversheet by fused deposition modelling process (3D printing). Further, the aluminium oxide Al2O3 powder was added at the proportions of 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, and 4 wt% to the COC polymer to increase the anti-reflection characteristics. The structural, morphological, mechanical (tear strength), electrical and temperature characteristics were studied. The performance of COC with aluminium oxide (COCA) coversheets was evaluated, and the findings revealed a considerable increment in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.21% (sunlight exposure) and 18.34% (neodymium light) for COCA3 coversheets. As seen, the COCA3 sample exhibit lower electrical resistance of 3.88 × 10−3 Ω cm, carrier concentration (36.91 × 1020 cm−3) and higher hall mobility (13.67 cm2/Vs). The findings from the investigations demonstrated that the utilization of COC with Al2O3 powder (COCA) can be a suitable antireflective coversheet material for boosting the performance of polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

Background: Breast lumps, a concern often surrounded by cultural taboos in India, demand effective diagnostic strategies, particularly with the prevalence of breast malignancy on the rise. Objectives: The primary objective is to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and trucut biopsy concerning postoperative biopsy in breast lumps. Subjects and Methods:: The study conducted at MGMCRI, Pondicherry, was a prospective diagnostic accuracy study involving 36 patients presenting with breast lumps. Participants were selected based on inclusion criteria of being over 18 years old and consenting to undergo both ultrasound and trucut biopsy, followed by definitive surgery. Exclusion criteria included patients unwilling to undergo surgery. Data were collected through detailed clinical examinations, ultrasound, and trucut biopsy, followed by histopathological examination after surgery. Statistical analysis involved calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall diagnostic accuracy, with significant results considered at P < 0.05. Results: Analysis across various age groups revealed a correlation between benign and malignant diagnoses made by ultrasound and trucut biopsy, demonstrating high diagnostic effectiveness for both methods. The sensitivity for both ultrasound and trucut biopsy was 100%, indicating excellent detection of true-positive cases. Specificity differed between the two, with ultrasound achieving 93.33% and trucut biopsy reaching 100%, highlighting its superior precision in identifying nonmalignant cases. Additionally, both positive and negative predictive values were exceptionally high, underscoring the reliability of these diagnostic tools in clinical practice. Conclusions: Ultrasound and trucut biopsy proved complementary and vital in diagnosing breast lumps, showcasing substantial correlation with postoperative histopathological outcomes. The study underscores the importance of these diagnostic methods in guiding appropriate surgical interventions for accurate diagnosis and management of breast lumps.

Methylene blue is not easily biodegradable, and its persistence in water can contribute to long-term contamination if not properly treated. Numerous adsorption kinetic study successes were achieved utilizing activated carbons of coconut shell, especially the Pseudo-First and Pseudo-Second order models with little/no regards to the unique behavior described by the Avrami, Bangham and the Fractional Power kinetic models. The parameters in those models are determined to describe the sorption mechanism. Avrami model fitting results suggests a complex adsorption process, which does not follow the first-order kinetic. Obtained results show that the Fractional Power model best described the Coconut Shell-Activated Carbon Methylene blue bio-sorption process at constant adsorption capacity of 15937.8 mg/g. Findings show that Bangham kinetic model does not fit the experimental data for Methylene blue sorption from aqueous solution. Methylene blue exposure issues like gastrointestinal discomfort, skin and eye irritation, and imbalances in the populations of various species in aquatic ecosystems due to impacts on their growth, reproduction and survival, may be solved using a very effective adsorbent, such as the Coconut Shell -Activated Carbon used here.

Introduction: With an increasing number of dental implants being placed each year, there has been a consequent rise in the frequency of peri-implant diseases. Ozone, a potent antibacterial agent, eliminates the microbes that cause infections around implants. Aim: To assess ozone therapy’s effectiveness of ozone therapy as an adjunct in the treatment of peri-implant diseases. Materials and Methods: A complete search was conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, employing the eligibility criteria. After a thorough review, six studies published from 2013 to 2023 that evaluated the effectiveness of ozone therapy in clinical trials for the management of peri-implant diseases were included in this systematic review. Results: The six selected studies evaluated ozone therapy as a treatment for peri-implant diseases and evaluated relevant clinical indices. Four studies were in-vivo, out of which one evaluated peri-implantitis and three on peri-implant mucositis. Three studies showed a reduction in the Plaque Index (PI) during follow-up, while one study stated that it showed improvement at one month, with no significant further reduction seen. Two in-vitro studies stated that ozone therapy helped reduce bacterial adherence to the implant surface. Conclusion: Considering the findings of the previous studies, the present systematic review concludes that ozone therapy shows progressive improvement in the management of peri-implant diseases.

Background: Complex renal calculi, characterized by their size, location, and composition, pose a significant challenge to urologists due to the potential for complications and the difficulty in achieving complete stone clearance. Conventional percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) are two established techniques for managing these complex renal calculi. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives are to compare the effectiveness, safety, and outcomes of PCNL versus ECIRS in managing complex renal calculi in a cohort of 60 cases treated at GMKMCH-Salem. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients with complex renal calculi who underwent either conventional PCNL or ECIRS during a specified period at GMKMCH-Salem. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, procedural details, intraoperative and post-operative parameters, and complications were analyzed and compared between the two treatment groups. Results: The study found that both PCNL and ECIRS techniques were effective in treating complex renal calculi. However, significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of outcomes. The ECIRS technique exhibited superior outcomes with higher stone clearance rates (P

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is the third most common cause of vascular death. Data on APE from India and other low-and middle-income countries is sparse. Objectives: Study the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, in-hospital mortality (IMH) and 12 months mortality of patients with APE in India. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 186 consecutive patients diagnosed with APE between November 2016 and November 2021 in Madras Medical College Pulmonary Embolism Registry (M-PER). All patients had electrocardiography and echocardiography. High risk patients and selected intermediate risk patients underwent fibrinolysis. Results: 75 % of our patients were below 50 years of age. 35 % were women. The mean time to presentation from symptom onset was 6.04 ± 10.01 days. 92 % had CT pulmonary angiography. Intermediate risk category (61.3 %) was the more common presentation followed by high risk (26.9 %). Electrocardiography showed S1Q3T3 pattern in 56 %. 76 % had right ventricular dysfunction and 12.4 % had right heart thrombi(RHT) by echocardiography. 50.5 % received fibrinolysis. Patients with RHT received fibrinolysis more frequently (78.3 % vs 46.6 %; p = 0.007). In-hospital mortality (IHM) was 15.6 %. Systemic arterial desaturation and need for mechanical ventilation independently predicted IHM. Ten patients (5.3 %) were lost to follow up. One year mortality was 26.7 % (47/176). One year mortality of patients discharged alive was similar among high, intermediate and low risk groups(14.8 % vs 1.9 % vs 10.5 %; p = 0.891). Conclusions: Patients with PE are often young and present late in India. The in-hospital and 12 months mortality were high. Low and intermediate risk groups had a high post discharge mortality similar to high risk patients.

Abstract Crude oil hydrocarbons are considered major environmental pollutants and pose a significant threat to the environment and humans due to having severe carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. Bioremediation is one of the practical and promising technology that can be applied to treat the hydrocarbon-polluted environment. In this present study, rhamnolipid biosurfactant (BS) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PP4 and green synthesized iron nanoparticles (G-FeNPs) from Lawsonia inermis was used to evaluate the biodegradation efficiency (BE) of crude oil. The surface analysis of G-FeNPs was carried out by using FESEM and HRTEM to confirm the size and shape. Further, the average size of the G-FeNPs was observed around 10 nm by HRTEM analysis. The XRD and Raman spectra strongly confirm the presence of iron nanoparticles with their respective peaks. The BE (%) of mixed degradation system-V (PP4+BS+G-FeNPs) was obtained about 82%. FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of major functional constituents (C=O, –CH3, C–O, and OH) in the residual oil content. Overall, this study illustrates that integrated nano-based bioremediation could be an efficient approach for hydrocarbon-polluted environments. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the G-FeNPs with rhamnolipid biosurfactant on the biodegradation of crude oil.

ObjectiveUtilization of evidence-based specialty guidelines is low in primary care settings. Early use of ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing and a validated wound classification system allows prompt referral of patients for specialty care. We implemented a program to teach providers ABI testing and the use of the Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification tool. Here, we report program outcomes and provider perceptions.MethodsPhysicians and non-physicians from wound care centers, nursing and physician education programs, primary care offices, and federally qualified health centers were invited to participate in the educational program teaching ABI testing and the use of the WIfI tool. Pretest and posttest responses and intention to use content in the future were assessed with descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 101 subjects completed the ABI module, and 84 indicated their occupation (59 physicians, 25 non-physicians). Seventy-nine subjects completed the WIfI module, and 89% indicated their occupation (50 physicians, 20 non-physicians). Physicians had lower pre-test knowledge scores for the ABI module than non-physicians (mean scores of 7.9 and 8.2, respectively). Both groups had improved knowledge scores on the post-test (physicians, 13.4; non-physicians, 13.8; P < .001). Non-physicians in practice longer than 10 years at wound care centers had the lowest baseline knowledge scores, whereas physicians in practice for over 10 years had the highest. In the ABI module, the largest knowledge gap included accurately calculating the ABI, followed by the correct use of the Doppler, and management of incompressible vessels. For the WIfI module, providers struggled to accurately score patients based on wound classification. The greatest barriers to the implementation of ABI testing were the availability of trained personnel, followed by limited time for testing. Barriers to the use of the WIfI tool for physicians included lack of time and national guideline support. For non-physicians, the most notable barrier was a lack of training.ConclusionsProvider understanding of ABI and WIfI tools are limited in wound care centers, primary care offices, and federally qualified health centers. Further barriers include a lack of training in the use of tools, limited potential for point-of-care testing reimbursement, and insufficient dissemination of WIfI guidelines. Such barriers discourage widespread adoption and result in delayed diagnosis of arterial insufficiency.

The Ag-ZnO/Fu nanocomposites were successfully synthesized in an environmentally friendly manner using an aqueous Clove buds extract from the Syzygium aromaticum plant. They were then examined for antibacterial activity against bacterium strains of Escherichia coli, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. The UV–Visible spectrophotometry analysis confirmed the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles at 334 nm, silver oxide (Ag) nanoparticles at 416 nm, and fucoidan at 589 nm in the synthesized nanocomposites. The FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of five different functional linkages in the synthesized nanocomposites. The positions of diffraction peaks in pure Ag-ZnO/Fu nanocomposite patterns were identified using XRD analysis. The Ag-ZnO/Fu nanocomposites synthesized are more crystalline (77 %), and less amorphous (22.2 %). Silver, O, and Zn signals were detected in the SEM and EDX spectra of the Ag-ZnO/Fu nanocomposite. Different strains of Ag-ZnO/Fu nanocomposites showed stronger antibacterial properties. The DPPH technique was used to perform the antioxidant assay. Cytotoxicity testing was carried out on zebrafish embryos treated with several groups of Clove Ag ZnO/Fucoidan. The combination Ag-ZnO/Fucoidan (300 mg/mL) showed a marginally significant difference in survival (94 %).

The rationale of this research was to explore the genetic divergence of 54 kantakari accessions (Solanum virginianum L. syn. S. surattense Burm. f.), to identify their significant traits, and unravel their genetic variations. Kantakari is a widely used medicinal plant in traditional medicine worldwide and is also known for its allopathic properties. The morphological descriptors and molecular markers (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) used to characterize these samples revealed significant within-accession heterogeneity, indicating the possibility of future selection. Twenty-three morphological and biochemical features were examined to assess taxonomic traits. Accessions were classified into six clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics of 23 quantitative traits. Clusters V and VI had the largest intercluster distance (1183.81), whereas Cluster IV had the largest intracluster distance (D2 = 275.67) (Cluster V and VI). Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA marker amplification using 10 polymorphic primers revealed 79 alleles with an overall mean of 7.90 alleles per marker, with Polymorphism Information Content values varying from 0.11 to 0.37 (Mean = 0.30). Cluster assessment produced three distinct groups. In conclusion, the investigation underscores that substantial diversity was observed among the surveyed kantakari accessions. Using molecular markers in tandem with morphological characterization, presents a robust approach for elucidating the intricacies of species-specific genetic variation with greater accuracy and depth.