A novel plant tissue that controls seed size.

Seed size is important for crop yield. Recently, Liu et al. discovered a fertilization-dependent 'gate' in ovules that opens only upon central cell fertilization and remains closed when fertilization fails.

Reactive Oxygen Species in the Activation of Plant Immunity.

The plant immune system works against pathogens and seems to have co-evolved with plants. Perception of pathogens by plant receptors leads to the initiation of signaling cascades that drive plant immunity. In events of plant-pathogen interaction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as first-line warriors in triggering plant immunity.

Boron nanoparticles combined with auxin alleviate salinity-induced oxidative stress in Oryza sativa L.

The agriculture sector is encountering a range of challenges globally, driven by global climate changes and resource constraints. Crop production is restricted by numerous abiotic factors including salinity stress which negatively influences the physiological, biochemical and molecular responses of plants. Several studies demonstrated that some nanoparticles may enhance crop production by directly boosting the tolerance of plants aganist the salinity stress.

MpRR-MYB2 and MpRR-MYB5: New players of chloroplast biogenesis.

Photosynthesis is an essential biological process that occurs within chloroplasts. Recently, Frangedakis et al. (2024) reported that transcription factors- MpRR-MYB2 and MpRR-MYB5 work along with GLK, and also play a role in chloroplast development.

Microplastic characterization and transport mode -A flow-integrated approach to sampling urban waterways.

Concentrations of microplastics are both temporally and spatially variable in streamflow. Yet, an overwhelming number of published field studies do not target a range of flow conditions and fail to adequately capture particle transport within the full flow field. Since microplastic flux models rely on the representativeness of available data, current predictions of riverine exports contain substantial error.

Microplastic pollution in the water column and benthic sediment of the San Pedro Bay, California, USA.

The concentration, character, and distribution of microplastics in coastal marine environments remain poorly understood, with most research focusing on the abundance of microplastics at the sea surface. To address this gap, we conducted one of the first comprehensive assessments of microplastic distribution through the marine water column and benthic sediment during the wet and dry season in the coastal waters of the San Pedro Bay Southern California, USA. Microplastic concentrations in the water column did not vary significantly across season but were significantly higher in nearshore environments and at the surface of the water column.

Arsenite in plant biology: How plants tackle it?

Among toxic elements, arsenic (As) comes under group 1 carcinogenic metalloid. Its presence in the soil and irrigation water in a higher concentration than permissible limit has become a threat to crop production and human livelihood. Crop plants, specifically those used as staple foods, exhibit the highest As accumulation which subsequently accumulates in the human body after their consumption, leading to severe fatal diseases.

Hydrogen Sulphide: A Key Player in Plant Development and Stress Resilience.

Based on the research conducted so far, hydrogen sulphide (HS) plays a crucial role in the development and stress resilience of plants. HS, which acts as a signalling molecule, responds to different stresses such as heavy metals, drought, and salinity, and it regulates various aspects of plant growth and development including seed germination, root development, stomatal movement, flowering, and fruit ripening. Additionally, HS is involved in mediating legume-Rhizobium symbiosis signalling.

Structured Counselling and Regular Telephonic follow up to improve Referral flow and compliance in Nepal for Diabetic Retinopathy(SCREEN-D Study): a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is an emerging public health issue, leading to severe visual impairment or blindness. Early identification and prompt treatment play a key role in achieving good visual outcomes. The objective of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of SCREEN package on improving referral compliance from peripheral centres to a tertiary eye centre in Nepal.

Does MPK4/12-HT1 function as a CO/bicarbonate sensor to regulate the stomatal conductance under high CO levels?

Recently, a HT1 protein has been identified which causes continuous opening of stomata because of its kinase activity. However, reversible interaction between MAP4/12 and HT1 protein acts as a CO/bicarbonate sensor and causes the closing of stomata by inhibiting HT1 kinase activity.

Zinc induced regulation of PCR1 gene for cadmium stress resistance in rice roots.

In this study, the interaction between zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) was investigated in rice roots to evaluate how Zn can protect the plants from Cd stress. Rice seedlings were treated with Cd (100 μM) and Zn (100 μM) in different combinations (Cd alone, Zn alone, Zn+ Cd, Zn+ Cd+ L-NAME, Zn+ Cd+ L-NAME+ SNP). Rice roots treated with only Zn also displayed similar toxic effects, however when combined with Cd exhibited improved growth.

The influence of complex matrices on method performance in extracting and monitoring for microplastics.

Previous studies have evaluated method performance for quantifying and characterizing microplastics in clean water, but little is known about the efficacy of procedures used to extract microplastics from complex matrices. Here we provided 15 laboratories with samples representing four matrices (i.e.

Evaluation of Dakshata, a scale-up WHO SCC and mentoring-based program, for improving quality of intrapartum care in public sector in Rajasthan, India: repeated mixed-methods surveys.

Background: The Dakshata program in India aims to improve resources, providers' competence, and accountability in labour wards of public sector secondary care hospitals. Dakshata is based on the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist coupled with continuous mentoring. In Rajasthan state, an external technical partner trained, mentored and periodically assessed performance; identified local problems, supported solutions and assisted the state in monitoring implementation.

Nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide mediated regulation of chromium (VI) toxicity in wheat seedlings involves alterations in antioxidants and high affinity sulfate transporter.

Chromium contamination of the soil is a major scientific concern with reference to crop productivity and human health. In recent years, several approaches are being employed in managing metal toxicity in crop plants. Here, we have investigated about potential and probable crosstalk of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) in mitigating hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] toxicity in wheat seedlings.

Effect of WHO-SCC based intra-department mentoring program on quality of intrapartum care in public sector secondary hospitals in Andhra Pradesh, India: Pre-post mixed methods evaluation.

Quality of intrapartum care is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes; several models for improving performance are tested, globally. Dakshata is one such WHO SCC-based national program-improving resources, providers' competence, and accountability-in public sector secondary care hospitals of India. Andhra Pradesh state devised strategy of mentoring by the handpicked member from within the obstetric team, supported by external technical partner.

GABA: a key player of abiotic stress regulation.

Abiotic stress is considered as the main culprit for reduction of global food production. Recent studies have reported GABA as a major regulator of abiotic stress and thus opening new avenues in research on emerging roles of GABA in abiotic stress acclimation in plants.

Quantitative assessment of visual microscopy as a tool for microplastic research: Recommendations for improving methods and reporting.

Microscopy is often the first step in microplastic analysis and is generally followed by spectroscopy to confirm material type. The value of microscopy lies in its ability to provide count, size, color, and morphological information to inform toxicity and source apportionment. To assess the accuracy and precision of microscopy, we conducted a method evaluation study.

Nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide independently act in mitigating chromium stress in Triticum aestivum L. seedlings: Regulation of cell death, chromium uptake, antioxidant system, sulfur assimilation and proline metabolism.

In this study, we have explored potential of a nitric oxide (NO) donor (SNP, sodium nitroprusside) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) in curtailing stress of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in wheat seedlings. Cr(VI) stress caused a significant decline in growth (30%) and photosynthesis (13%) as a result of enhanced uptake of Cr(VI) and root tips cell death. Further, Cr(VI) stress also accelerated indices of oxidative stress but differentially regulated antioxidant system.

Regulation of ascorbate-glutathione cycle by exogenous nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in soybean roots under arsenate stress.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (HO) is well known for regulating plant abiotic stress responses. However, underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the involvement of NO and HO signalling in the regulation of arsenate toxicity (As) in soybean roots employing a pharmacological approach.

Effect of collaborative quality improvement on stillbirths, neonatal mortality and newborn care practices in hospitals of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India: evidence from a quasi-experimental mixed-methods study.

Background: Improving quality of care is a key priority to reduce neonatal mortality and stillbirths. The Safe Care, Saving Lives programme aimed to improve care in newborn care units and labour wards of 60 public and private hospitals in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, using a collaborative quality improvement approach. Our external evaluation of this programme aimed to evaluate programme effects on implementation of maternal and newborn care practices, and impact on stillbirths, 7- and 28-day neonatal mortality rate in labour wards and neonatal care units.

Additional calcium and sulfur manages hexavalent chromium toxicity in Solanum lycopersicum L. and Solanum melongena L. seedlings by involving nitric oxide.

In recent years, nutrient management has gained much attention for mitigating metal stress. But, role of nutrients like calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S) in mitigating Cr(VI) toxicity along with their mechanism of action are still limited. Therefore, the present study was performed to explore role of Ca and S in ameliorating Cr(VI) toxicity in 21 days old seedlings of Solanum lycopersicum L.

A brief appraisal of ethylene signaling under abiotic stress in plants.

For years, ethylene has been known to humankind as the plant hormone responsible for fruit ripening. However, the multitasking aspect of ethylene is still being investigated as ever. It is one of the most diversified signaling molecules which acclimatize plant under adverse conditions.

Diabetic retinopathy screening uptake after health education with or without retinal imaging within the facility in two AYUSH hospitals in Hyderabad, India: A nonrandomized pilot study.

Purpose: In India, people with diabetes (PwDM) often seek care in the government-approved alternative medicine system, AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess whether health education plus retinal imaging for diabetic retinopathy (DR) within an AYUSH hospital increased the uptake of screening for DR compared with health education and referral.

Methods: The study was a nonrandomized pilot conducted in two AYUSH hospitals.

Care practices and neonatal survival in 52 neonatal intensive care units in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The Indian government supports both public- and private-sector provision of hospital care for neonates: neonatal intensive care is offered in public facilities alongside a rising number of private-for-profit providers. However, there are few published reports about mortality levels and care practices in these facilities. We aimed to assess care practices, causes of admission, and outcomes from neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in public secondary and private tertiary hospitals and both public and private medical colleges enrolled in a quality improvement collaborative in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh-2 Indian states with a respective population of 35 and 50 million.