Genome-wide and molecular characterization of the DNA replication helicase 2 (DNA2) gene family in rice under drought and salt stress

Rice plants experience various biotic (such as insect and pest attack) and abiotic (such as drought, salt, heat, and cold etc.) stresses during the growing season, resulting in DNA damage and the subsequent losses in rice production. DNA Replication Helicase/Nuclease2 (DNA2) is known to be involved in DNA replication and repair. In animals and yeast DNA2 are well characterized because it has the abilities of both helicase and nuclease, it plays a crucial role in DNA replication in the nucleus and mitochondrial genomes. However; they are not fully examined in plants due to less focused on plants damage repair. To fill this research gap, the current study focused on the genome-wide identification and characterization of OsDNA2 genes, along with analyses of their transcriptional expression, duplication, and phylogeny in rice. Overall, 17 OsDNA2 members were reported to be found on eight different chromosomes (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11). Among these chromosomes (Chr), Chr4 contained a maximum of six OsDNA2 genes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the OsDNA2 gene members were clustered into three different groups. Furthermore, the conserved domains, gene structures, and cis-regulatory elements were systematically investigated. Gene duplication analysis revealed that OsDNA2_2 had an evolutionary relationship with OsDNA2_14, OsDNA2_5 with OsDNA2_6, and OsDNA2_1 with OsDNA2_8. Moreover, results showed that the conserved domain (AAA_11 superfamily) were present in the OsDNA2 genes, which belongs to the DEAD-like helicase superfamily. In addition, to understand the post-transcriptional modification of OsDNA2 genes, miRNAs were predicted, where 653 miRNAs were reported to target 17 OsDNA2 genes. The results indicated that at the maximum, OsDNA2_1 and OsDNA2_4 were targeted by 74 miRNAs each, and OsDNA2_9 was less targeted (20 miRNAs). The three-dimensional (3D) structures of 17 OsDNA2 proteins were also predicted. Expression of OsDNA2 members was also carried out under drought and salt stresses, and conclusively their induction indicated the possible involvement of OsDNA2 in DNA repair under stress when compared with the control. Further studies are recommended to confirm where this study will offer valuable basic data on the functioning of DNA2 genes in rice and other crop plants.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Receptor-Like Protein Kinase 1 (RPK1) Gene Family in Triticum aestivum Under Drought Stress

Receptor-like protein kinase1 (RPK1) genes play crucial roles in plant growth and development processes, root architecture, and abiotic stress regulation. A comprehensive study of the RPK1 gene family has not been reported in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Here, we reported the genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression patterns of the RPK1 gene family in wheat. Results confirmed 15 TaRPK1 genes, classified mainly into three sub-clades based on a phylogenetic tree. The TaRPK1 genes were mapped on chromosomes 1–3 in the respective A, B, and D genomes. Gene structure, motif conservation, collinearity prediction, and synteny analysis were carried out systematically. A Gene ontology study revealed that TaRPK1 genes play a vital role during molecular and biological processes. We also identified 18 putative miRNAs targeting TaRPK1 genes, suggesting their roles in growth, development, and stress responses. Cis-Regulatory elements interpreted the presence of light-related elements, hormone responsiveness, and abiotic stress-related motifs in the promoter regions. The SWISS_MODEL predicted the successful models of TaRPK1 proteins with at least 30% identity to the template, a widely accepted threshold for successful modeling. In silico expression analysis in different tissues and stages suggested that TaRPK1 genes exhibited the highest expression in root tissues. Moreover, qRT-PCR further validated the higher expression of TaRPK1 genes in roots of drought-tolerant varieties compared to the drought-susceptible variety. Collectively, the present study renders valuable information on the functioning of TaRPK1 genes in wheat that will be useful in further functional validation of these genes in future studies.

Fixed-dose combination in management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Expert opinion from an international panel

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disease with multifactorial etiology. The first-line therapy includes monotherapy (with metformin), which often fails to provide effective glycemic control, necessitating the addition of add-on therapy. In this regard, multiple single-dose agents formulated as a single-dose form called fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) have been evaluated for their safety, efficacy, and tolerability. The primary objective of this review is to develop practice-based expert group opinion on the current status and the causes of concern regarding the irrational use of FDCs, in Indian settings. After due discussions, the expert group analyzed the results from several clinical evidence in which various fixed combinations were used in T2DM management. The panel opined that FDCs (double or triple) improve patient adherence, reduce cost, and provide effective glycemic control and, thereby, play an important role in the management of T2DM. The expert group strongly recommended that the irrational metformin FDC's, banned by Indian government, should be stopped and could be achieved through active participation from the government, regulatory bodies, and health ministry, and through continuous education of primary care physicians and pharmacists. In T2DM management, FDCs play a crucial role in achieving glycemic targets effectively. However, understanding the difference between rational and irrational FDC combinations is necessary from the safety, efficacy, and tolerability perspective. In this regard, primary care physicians will have to use a multistep approach so that they can take informed decisions.

Elliptical metallic rings-shaped fractal metamaterial absorber in the visible regime

Achieving the broadband response of metamaterial absorbers has been quite challenging due to the inherent bandwidth limitations. Herein, the investigation was made of a unique kind of visible light metamaterial absorber comprising elliptical rings-shaped fractal metasurface using tungsten metal. It was found that the proposed absorber exhibits average absorption of over 90% in the visible wavelength span of 400-750 nm. The features of perfect absorption could be observed because of the localized surface plasmon resonance that causes impedance matching. Moreover, in the context of optoelectronic applications, the absorber yields absorbance up to ~ 70% even with the incidence obliquity in the range of 0°-60° for transverse electric polarization. The theory of multiple reflections was employed to further verify the performance of the absorber. The obtained theoretical results were found to be in close agreement with the simulation results. In order to optimize the results, the performance was analyzed in terms of the figure of merit and operating bandwidth. Significant amount of absorption in the entire visible span, wide-angle stability, and utilization of low-cost metal make the proposed absorber suitable in varieties of photonics applications, in particular photovoltaics, thermal emitters and sensors.

Unravelling the utility of modern sulfonylureas from cardiovascular outcome trials and landmark trials: expert opinion from an international panel

AIM

The primary objective of this review is to develop practice-based expert group opinions on the cardiovascular (CV) safety and utility of modern sulfonylureas (SUs) in cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs).

BACKGROUND

The United States Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance to the pharmaceutical industry in 2008 regarding the development of new antihyperglycemic drugs. The guidance expanded the scope for the approval of novel antihyperglycemic drugs by mandating CVOTs for safety. A few long-term CVOTs on dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have been completed, while others are ongoing. SUs, which constitute one of the key antihyperglycemic agents used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have been used as comparator agents in several CVOTs. However, the need for CVOTs on modern SUs remains debatable. In this context, a multinational group of endocrinologists convened for a meeting and discussed the need for CVOTs of modern SUs to evaluate their utility in the management of patients with T2DM. At the meeting, CVOTs of modern SUs conducted to date and the hypotheses derived from the results of these trials were discussed.

REVIEW RESULTS

The expert group analyzed the key trials emphasizing the CV safety of modern SUs and also reviewed the results of various CVOTs in which modern SUs were used as comparators. Based on literature evidence and individual clinical insights, the expert group opined that modern SUs are cardiosafe and that since they have been used as comparators in other CVOTs, CVOTs of SUs are not required.

CONCLUSION

Modern SUs can be considered a cardiosafe option for the management of patients with diabetes mellitus and CV disease; thus CVOTs among individuals with T2DM are not required.

Pharmacological evaluation of Acacia modesta bark for antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant and anticoagulant activities in Sprague Dawley rats

In this study the bark of Acacia modesta was evaluated for anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antidepressant and anticoagulant activity by carrageenan, hot plat, forced swim and capillary tube method respectively in rats. Highest anti-inflammatory activity was exhibited by chloroform (AMC) extract (74.96% inhibition) while other two active fractions being n-hexane (AMH) and ethyl acetate (AME) exhibited 71.26% and 52.87% inhibition of edema respectively. On the other hand, the aqueous (AMA) fraction showed most effective response with 67.06% analgesic activity. Additionally, the significant (p<0.05) post-treatment antipyretic effect was found by all fractions in time dependent manner. The current findings showed that AMC, AME and AMA had significant reduction in immobility time in the antidepressant test, while AMH showed mild antidepressant activity. In anticoagulant assay, the coagulation time of crude extract A. modesta and its all fractions were comparable to that of positive control aspirin (208s). Moreover, neither mortality nor lethality was observed in the tested animals. Overall, the plant extracts showed potent anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antidepressant and anticoagulant activities which concludes that the bark of A. modesta have significant therapeutic potential.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Alnus nitida leaves in alloxan induced diabetic rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Leaves of Alnus nitida are used by local communities for the management of diabetes and in inflammatory disorders.

METHODS

Powder of shade dried leaves of A. nitida was extracted with methanol (ANME) and fractionated in escalating polarity i.e n-hexane (ANHE), chloroform (ANCE), ethyl acetate (ANEE) and soluble residual aqueous fraction (ANAE). The extract/fractions were evaluated for antidiabetic in vitro assays; α-amylase, α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). The in vivo investigations were carried out on ANEE and ANAE (100 mg/kg; 200 mg/kg, p.o.) in alloxan (125 mg/kg i.p.) induced hyperglycemic rats. Serum analysis was performed on liver, pancreas and kidney function markers. Analysis of antioxidant enzymes and genotoxic studies were carried out on pancreas, liver and kidneys tissues. GC-MS analysis was performed on ANME whereas HPLC analysis was carried out on ANME, ANEE and ANAE.

RESULTS

Preliminary in vitro assays indicated appreciable antidiabetic activity of ANEE and ANAE against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and DPP-4 assay. Furthermore, in vivo antidiabetic effect of ANEE and ANAE was inveterate by anti-hyperglycemic action in normal glucose loaded and diabetic glucose loaded animals. Single dose of alloxan (125 mg/kg) decreased the level of insulin and high density lipoprotein while raised the level of amylase and lipase, ALT, AST, total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, BUN, CPK, CK-Mb in serum. Concentration of H₂O₂, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and nitrite was increased (P < 0.05) whereas level of tissue protein, glutathione content (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes decreased in pancreas, liver and kidneys as compared to control group. Administration of ANEE and ANAE for 14 days after induction of diabetes decreased the hyperglycemia and restored the level of these parameters. Histopathological and genotoxic studies also endorsed the defensive strategies of ANEE and ANAE. GC-MS analysis of ANME demonstrated the presence of antidiabetic constituents i.e. linalool, Vitamin E and phytol.

CONCLUSION

Results obtained in this study suggests antidiabetic and antioxidant abilities and provides the scientific proof of the folklore medicine.

Efficient gene delivery to the adult and fetal CNS using pseudotyped non-integrating lentiviral vectors

Non-integrating lentiviral vectors show considerable promise for gene therapy applications as they persist as long-term episomes in non-dividing cells and diminish risks of insertional mutagenesis. In this study, non-integrating lentiviral vectors were evaluated for their use in the adult and fetal central nervous system of rodents. Vectors differentially pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus, rabies and baculoviral envelope proteins allowed targeting of varied cell populations. Efficient gene delivery to discrete areas of the brain and spinal cord was observed following stereotactic administration. Furthermore, after direct in utero administration (E14), sustained and strong expression was observed 4 months into adulthood. Quantification of transduction and viral copy number was comparable when using non-integrating lentivirus and conventional integrating vector. These data support the use of non-integrating lentiviral vectors as an effective alternative to their integrating counterparts in gene therapy applications, and highlight their potential for treatment of inherited and acquired neurological disorders.

Significance of tumour markers in colorectal carcinoma associated with Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis as well as Colorectal Carcinoma are equally prevalent in Egypt. However, the role of Schistosomiasis as a risk factor for Colorectal Carcinoma is not well established. Three tumour markers have been assessed in 69 patients with large bowel disease. They were classified into five groups. Group 1 (A) included 21 cases with Schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. Group 2 (B) included 6 cases of ulcerative colitis. Group 3 (C) included 10 cases of adenomatous polypi of which 12 cases had Schistosomiasis. Group 4 (D) consisted of 21 cases of colorectal carcinoma, 12 cases had schistosomiasis in association with colorectal carcinoma constituting group 5 (E). Elevated CEA was observed in benign tumours but showed non significant difference in G4 and G5. Significantly increased AFP levels were evident in G1, G4, and G5. Significant increase of B-HCG was observed only in G4 and G5 indicating its significance as diagnostic index in case of malignancy. It has been observed that Schistosomal hepatic fibrosis induced increased levels of some of the tumour markers. Therefore, the factor of Schistosomal hepatic fibrosis should be considered during the assessment of tumour markers in colorectal carcinoma cases.