Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term that incorporated a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels and the heart. CVD is a foremost cause of fatalities around the world. Multiple ...pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in CVD; however, oxidative stress plays a vital role in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress occurs when the concentration of oxidants exceeds the potency of antioxidants within the body while producing reactive nitrogen species (RNS). ROS generated by oxidative stress disrupts cell signaling, DNA damage, lipids, and proteins, thereby resulting in inflammation and apoptosis. Mitochondria is the primary source of ROS production within cells. Increased ROS production reduces nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which elevates vasoconstriction within the arteries and contributes to the development of hypertension. ROS production has also been linked to the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Antioxidants can decrease oxidative stress in the body; however, various therapeutic drugs have been designed to treat oxidative stress damage due to CVD. The present review provides a detailed narrative of the oxidative stress and ROS generation with a primary focus on the oxidative stress biomarker and its association with CVD. We have also discussed the complex relationship between inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in CVD as well as oxidative stress-induced obesity in CVD. Finally, we discussed the role of antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress in CVD.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of dopaminergic striatal neurons in basal ganglia. Treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) through dopamine replacement strategies may ...provide improvement in early stages and this treatment response is related to dopaminergic neuronal mass which decreases in advanced stages. This treatment failure was revealed by many studies and levodopa treatment became ineffective or toxic in chronic stages of PD. Early diagnosis and neuroprotective agents may be a suitable approach for the treatment of PD. The essentials required for early diagnosis are biomarkers. Characterising the striatal neurons, understanding the status of dopaminergic pathways in different PD stages may reveal the effects of the drugs used in the treatment. This review updates on characterisation of striatal neurons, electrophysiology of dopaminergic pathways in PD, biomarkers of PD, approaches for success of neuroprotective agents in clinical trials. The literature was collected from the articles in database of PubMed, MedLine and other available literature resources.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the circulating Swine flu virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the unique blending strain of influenza A H1N1 2009 ...(Swine Flu) is a pandemic affecting several geographical regions, including India. Previous literature indicates that children are "drivers" of influenza pandemics. At present, satisfactory data were not available to accurately estimate the role of children in the spread of influenza (in particular 2009 pandemic influenza). However, the role of children in the spread of pandemics influenza is unclear. Several studies in children have indicated that the immunization program decreased the occurrence of influenza, emphasizing the significance of communities impacted by global immunization programs. This article provides a brief overview on how children are a key contributor to pandemic Influenza A (2009 H1N1) and we would like to draw your attention to the need for a new vaccine for children to improve disease prevention and a positive impact on the community.
COVID-19 infection has been linked with erectile dysfunction, which has also raised apprehensions about the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on male sexual functions. The purpose of this study was to ...investigate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on male sexual functions, such as erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction.
We used International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire for data collection. Mixed methods were adopted for this study, which consisted of Google online form distribution and the distribution of hard copies of the form to those who were not internet friendly. All data were entered in a spreadsheet and scores were assigned to each response according to the standard scores given in the IIEF questionnaire. Fifteen questions, one corresponding to each question in the IIEF questionnaire, were included to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on each sexual function.
In the first part of analysis, we calculated sexual function scores and men reporting low sexual function scores (~ 15%) were excluded, providing us with 465 individuals for further analysis. Regarding the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on male sexual functions, 71% individuals reported no impact, 3% reported a decline, 2.7% reported an improvement, and 23.3% could not assess the impact. We also performed analysis on the basis of age-groups of the participants and the duration after vaccination, finding that there was no impact irrespective of the age of subjects or the length of period after vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination does not affect male sexual functions, including erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall sexual satisfaction.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Esophageal cancer is a highly aggressive and deadly disease, ranking as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis remains poor. A ...multidisciplinary approach is crucial for achieving complete remission, with treatment options varying based on disease stage. Surgical intervention and endoscopic treatment are used for localized cancer, while systemic treatments like chemoradiotherapy and targeted drug therapy play a crucial role. Molecular markers such as HER2 and EGFR can be targeted with drugs like trastuzumab and cetuximab, and immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab and nivolumab show promise by targeting immune checkpoint proteins. Epigenetic modifications offer new avenues for targeted therapy. Treatment selection depends on factors like stage, tumor location, and patient health, with post-operative and rehabilitation care being essential. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and supportive care are key to improving outcomes. Continued research is needed to develop effective targeted drugs with minimal side effects. This review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers dedicated to enhancing esophageal cancer treatment outcomes.
In recent years, foliar applications of nanoparticles are increasingly being employed in agricultural fields as fertilizers to enhance crop yields. However, limited studies are available on the ...foliar uptake of nanoscale nutrients and their interaction with plants. In this study, we reported the effects of foliar spray with varied concentrations of nanoscale silica (N-SiO2) and bulk tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS at 2000 ppm) on the growth and yield of groundnut. Nanosilica was prepared by a sol–gel method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray diffraction. The size and zeta potential of N-SiO2 were found to be 28.7 nm and 32 mV, respectively. The plant height, number of branches, total dry weight, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, number of nodules, and ascorbic acid content were increased significantly with the N-SiO2 foliar application at 400 ppm over control. The number of filled pods increased significantly by 38.78 and 58.60% with N-SiO2 at 400 ppm application over TEOS and control, respectively. The pod yield per plant in N-SiO2 at 400 ppm increased by 25.52 and 31.7% higher over TEOS and control, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities enhanced significantly in N-SiO2 at 200 and 400 ppm over control, indicating a stimulatory effect on the plant growth. In addition, confocal microscopy revealed that fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-N-SiO2 entered through stomata and then transported to vascular bundles via apoplastic movement. Our study for the first time demonstrated that N-SiO2 can significantly modulate multiple complex traits in groundnut through an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.
Evolutionary dynamics of AP2/ERF and WRKY genes, the major components of defense response were studied extensively in the sesame pan-genome. Massive variation was observed for gene copy numbers, ...genome location, domain structure, exon-intron structure and protein parameters. In the pan-genome, 63% of AP2/ERF members were devoid of introns whereas >99% of WRKY genes contained multiple introns. AP2 subfamily was found to be micro-exon rich with the adjoining intronic sequences sharing sequence similarity to many stress-responsive and fatty acid metabolism genes. WRKY family included extensive multi-domain gene fusions where the additional domains significantly enhanced gene and exonic sizes as well as gene copy numbers. The fusion genes were found to have roles in acquired immunity, stress response, cell and membrane integrity as well as ROS signaling. The individual genomes shared extensive synteny and collinearity although ecological adaptation was evident among the Chinese and Indian accessions. Significant positive selection effects were noticed for both micro-exon and multi-domain genes. Splice variants with changes in acceptor, donor and branch sites were common and 6-7 splice variants were detected per gene. The study ascertained vital roles of lipid metabolism and chlorophyll biosynthesis in the defense response and stress signaling pathways. 60% of the studied genes localized in the nucleus while 20% preferred chloroplast. Unique cis-element distribution was noticed in the upstream promoter region with MYB and STRE in WRKY genes while MYC was present in the AP2/ERF genes. Intron-less genes exhibited great diversity in the promoter sequences wherein the predominance of dosage effect indicated variable gene expression levels. Mimicking the NBS-LRR genes, a chloroplast localized WRKY gene, Swetha_24868, with additional domains of chorismate mutase, cAMP and voltage-dependent potassium channel was found to act as a master regulator of defense signaling, triggering immunity and reducing ROS levels.
Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) is the major insect pest of pigeonpea and prediction of number of generations (no. of gen.) and generation time (gen. time) using growing degree days (GDD) ...approach during three future climate change periods viz., Near (NP), Distant (DP) and Far Distant (FDP) periods at eleven major pigeonpea growing locations of India was attempted. Multi-model ensemble of Maximum (Tmax) and Minimum (Tmin) temperature data of four Representative Concentration Pathways viz., RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 of Coupled Model Inter comparison Project 5 (CMIP5) models was adopted here. The increase in projected Tmax and Tmin are significant during 3 climate change periods (CCPs) viz., the NP, DP and FDP over base line (BL) period under four RCP scenarios at all locations and would be higher (4.7-5.1 °C) in RCP 8.5 and in FDP. More number of annual (10-17) and seasonal (5-8) gens. are expected to occur with greater percent increase in FDP (8 to 38%) over base line followed by DP (7 to 22%) and NP (5to 10%) periods with shortened annual gen. time (4 to 27%) across 4 RCPs. The reduction of crop duration was substantial in short, medium and long duration pigeonpeas at all locations across 4 RCPs and 3 CCPs. The seasonal no.of gen. is expected to increase (5 to 35%) with shortened gen. time (4 to 26%) even with reduced crop duration across DP and FDP climate periods of 6.0 and 8.5 RCPs in LD pigeonpea. More no. of gen. of H. armigera with reduced gen. time are expected to occur at Ludhiana, Coimbatore, Mohanpur, Warangal and Akola locations over BL period in 4 RCPs when normal duration of pigeonpeas is considered. Geographical location (66 to 72%), climate period (11 to 19%), RCPs (5-7%) and their interaction (0.04-1%) is vital and together explained more than 90% of the total variation in future pest scenario. The findings indicate that the incidence of H. armigera would be higher on pigeonpea during ensuing CCPs in India under global warming context.
In the present study, the impact of four metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) viz.Ag, ZnO),ZVI and TiO2 on physiological seed quality attributes of green gram (Vigna radiata) were evaluated. The ...synthesized NPs characterized and evaluated the germination percentage, vigour indices and physiological responses like catalase and peroxidase activities (seed quality parameters) of fresh, naturally aged and fresh accelerated aged seed lots of green gram. In naturally aged seeds, zinc oxide-NPs (1000 mg kg−1) treated seeds showed 14.96% higher germination percentage, 24.81% higher vigour index I and (3696) and 33.33% higher vigour index II than the controls. The treated seeds with ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg−1) under fresh accelerated aged conditions resulted in higher than 15.15% of germination percentage, 23.61% of vigour index I and 24.11% of vigour index II over controls. Moreover, ZnO-NPs treated naturally aged seeds showed lower electrical conductivity (EC) of 20.10 μ S cm−1g−1 than the control (26.60 μ S cm−1 g−1). Pertinent to catalase enzyme activity, ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg−1) treated naturally aged seed lots resulted in 356.89 μmol H2O2 mg−1 min−1 activity, 216.05 μmol H2O2 mg−1 min−1 activity in fresh accelerated aged seed lots.. Similarly, ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg−1) enhanced peroxidase enzyme activity in naturally aged seed lots (3.21 μg/FW/10 min) than control (0.72 μg/FW/10 min) that depicts 63.35% of increased enzyme activity. The present results showcases the ZnO-NPs as potent nano-priming agents in maintaining the seed quality parameters that ultimately establish better crop stand and field performance.
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•ZnONPs treated green gram seeds showed 14.96% higher G% than control.•Higher V-I (24.81%) & V-II (33.33%) observed with the ZnONPs treated seeds.•ZnONPs treated seeds shown 356.89 μg H2O2 mg−1 min−1 catalase activity.•A 3.89 μg/FW/10 min higher peroxidase activity observed with the NPs treated seeds.
Oil bodies or lipid droplets (LDs) in the cytosol are the subcellular storage compartments of seeds and the sites of lipid metabolism providing energy to the germinating seeds. Major LD-associated ...proteins are lipoxygenases, phospholipaseD, oleosins, TAG-lipases, steroleosins, caleosins and SEIPINs; involved in facilitating germination and enhancing peroxidation resulting in off-flavours. However, how natural selection is balancing contradictory processes in lipid-rich seeds remains evasive. The present study was aimed at the prediction of selection signatures among orthologous clades in major oilseeds and the correlation of selection effect with gene expression. The LD-associated genes from the major oil-bearing crops were analyzed to predict natural selection signatures in phylogenetically close-knit ortholog clusters to understand adaptive evolution. Positive selection was the major force driving the evolution and diversification of orthologs in a lineage-specific manner. Significant positive selection effects were found in 94 genes particularly in oleosin and TAG-lipases, purifying with excess of non-synonymous substitution in 44 genes while 35 genes were neutral to selection effects. No significant selection impact was noticed in Brassicaceae as against LOX genes of oil palm. A heavy load of deleterious mutations affecting selection signatures was detected in T-lineage oleosins and LOX genes of Arachis hypogaea. The T-lineage oleosin genes were involved in mainly anther, tapetum and anther wall morphogenesis. In Ricinus communis and Sesamum indicum > 85% of PLD genes were under selection whereas selection pressures were low in Brassica juncea and Helianthus annuus. Steroleosin, caleosin and SEIPINs with large roles in lipid droplet organization expressed mostly in seeds and were under considerable positive selection pressures. Expression divergence was evident among paralogs and homeologs with one gene attaining functional superiority compared to the other. The LOX gene Glyma.13g347500 associated with off-flavor was not expressed during germination, rather its paralog Glyma.13g347600 showed expression in Glycine max. PLD-alpha genes were expressed on all the tissues except the seed,delta genes in seed and meristem while beta and gamma genes expressed in the leaf. The genes involved in seed germination and lipid metabolism were under strong positive selection, although species differences were discernable. The present study identifies suitable candidate genes enhancing seed oil content and germination wherein directional selection can become more fruitful.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK