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The global population depends on fairly a small number of crops including wheat, rice and maize for food and nutrition, leaving a wealth of genetic resources neglected. Owing to ever increasing demands of the growing world, food production must be increased but research evidences suggests that climate change has adversely affected crop yields, thereby impacting whole agriculture. Exploring the potential reservoir of underutilized crops would provide a highly diversified agricultural production system in sustaining food and nutritional security under climate change. Buckwheat ( Fagopyrum sp.) is one such crop representing a broad gene pool harboring diverse genetic resources for future agriculture due to their suitability to marginalized environments. Research advancements suggest that buckwheat has immense potential of commercialization due to presence of essential nutrients and therapeutics. With a balance of bioactive components and nutraceuticals, it has the ability to withstand various environmental stresses to make it a suitable candidate crop for future nutritional security initiatives. Despite such potential, efforts pertaining to genetic improvement, including breeding and molecular techniques are not exemplary. In this review, we present a comprehensive coverage of buckwheat germplasm research done till date along with a tangible perspective of integrating breeding and omics-driven approaches to accelerate higher genetic gains. The implementation of this strategy could enhance the nutritional benefits and adaptation to changing climates for future needs.

Various glass compositions were synthesized using a melt-quenching technique doped with different concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from 0.1 to 0.7% in the glassy system SiO 2 –Al 2 O 3 –MgO–K 2 CO 3 –CaO–MgF 2 . Density was determined by employing a liquid displacement method. Several physical parameters such as molar volume ( V m ), oxygen molar volume ( V o ) were calculated and found to be decreases from 36.49 ± 0.729 to 24.28 ± 0.485 × 10 –6  m 3 /mol, and 21.86 ± 0.437 to 14.60 ± 0.292 × 10 –6  m 3 /mol, respectively. However, density and oxygen packing density (OPD) increases from 1.99 ± 0.099 to 2.98 ± 0.149 × 10 3  kg/m 3 and 45.74 ± 0.914 to 68.49 ± 1.369 × 10 –3  kg-atom/l with increasing content of CNT. In the present study, reinforcement effects of CNTs were explained using several spectroscopic techniques like Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, respectively. Based on Tauc plots of the UV–Vis spectra, the energy band gap was determined and their values decreased from 6.95 to 6.23 × 10 –19  J which is owing to the formation of non-bridging oxygen (NBO) in the glassy matrix. Contact angle measurements were also performed to check the wettability of the glasses and their values increased with CNT % from 18.14° to 77.8°. 29 Si-MAS-NMR spectroscopic study revealed the random distribution of two different cations, Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + within the glasses which lead to structural and topological frustration. To check the cell viability, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and alkaline phosphatase assay were also performed. Owing to outstanding stability in various fluids like saline water, distilled water, and hydrochloric acid, the fabricated glasses exhibited functional activities with an adequate proliferation of rat calverail osteoblast cells. Consequently, based on the various characterization techniques such as mechanical, tribological, and biological activities, the fabricated bioactive glasses can be used for biomedical and multifunctional applications.

Microscale processes are critically important to soil ecology and biogeochemistry yet are difficult to study due to soil’s opacity and complexity. To advance the study of soil processes, we constructed transparent soil microcosms that enable the visualization of microbes via fluorescence microscopy and the non-destructive measurement of microbial activity and carbon uptake in situ via Raman microspectroscopy. We assessed the polymer Nafion and the crystal cryolite as optically transparent soil substrates. We demonstrated that both substrates enable the growth, maintenance, and visualization of microbial cells in three dimensions over time, and are compatible with stable isotope probing using Raman. We applied this system to ascertain that after a dry-down/rewetting cycle, bacteria on and near dead fungal hyphae were more metabolically active than those far from hyphae. These data underscore the impact fungi have facilitating bacterial survival in fluctuating conditions and how these microcosms can yield insights into microscale microbial activities.

Endometriosis (ENDO), a chronic inflammatory disease affecting approximately 190 million women globally, is characterized by fibrosis, a feature often challenging to replicate in murine models. To identify an optimal syngeneic model exhibiting robust fibrosis and inflammation, we evaluated three inbred mouse strains: C57BL/6J ( n = 27), BALB/c ( n = 24), and Swiss albino ( n = 27). Uterine fragments from donor mice were intraperitoneally transplanted into recipient mice (1 donor: 2 recipients) using an established protocol with minor modifications. All ENDO-induced mice displayed reduced burrowing and exploratory behaviors, alongside increased mechanical hyperalgesia, indicative of ENDO-associated discomfort. Peritoneal fluid analysis revealed a pro-inflammatory environment with a tendency towards an M2 macrophage-dominant profile across all strains. Histological examination confirmed endometriotic lesions with proliferating epithelium (Ki-67+), neovascularization (CD31+), and macrophage infiltration (F4/80+). Notably, C57BL/6J mice exhibited the highest ENDO incidence and a significantly pronounced fibrotic response, evidenced by increased stromal collagen deposition and elevated Col1A1, cytokeratin, α-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA), and Nestin expression. Molecular analysis in C57BL/6J mice further supported epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-driven fibrosis, with decreased E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin and S100A4 mRNA levels, corroborated by corresponding protein changes (cytokeratin, vimentin, snail). Our findings establish the C57BL/6J strain as the most suitable syngeneic model for ENDO, consistently recapitulating the inflammatory and fibrotic pathophysiology observed in human disease, particularly its fibrotic component.

A Chlorella sp. was isolated from a brackish water high-altitude lake of the Northern-Western Himalayas and selected on the basis of its ability to secrete substantial amount of exopolysaccharide (EPS). The purified EPS was estimated to have molecular weight (Mw) of approximately 1.52 × 105 Da with polydispersity of 2.315 and showed amorphous dense morphology. The production of the EPS was maximized to ≅ 460 mg L−1 through nutrient optimisation. The monosaccharide composition of EPS showed the presence of hexose (glucose, galactose mannose), pentose (xylose, arabinose), deoxy (rhamnose), amino (galactosamine) and acid (galacturonic acid and glucuronic) sugars. The one-dimensional proton NMR and FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of aliphatic groups. The pseudo-plastic rheology and the antioxidant activity of the EPS suggested its suitability for industrial applications. Importantly, the isolated polysaccharide exhibits its potential for easy and single pot biosynthesis of polysaccharide-capped gold-nanoparticles (AuNPs). The polysaccharide-capped AuNPs displayed exceptional stability at extended pH range and high salinity and suggest that this algal EPS can be utilized for its biotechnological application.

The role of diet in the development of skin disorders is well-established, with nutritional deficiency often identified as a risk factor for skin diseases. Imbalances in the skin can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, excessive intake, insufficient nutrients, and hazardous ingredients. Patients frequently inquire about the impact of dietary patterns on skin health when consulting dermatologists in clinical settings. Simultaneously, the popularity of using nutritional supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and nutraceutical blends has been on the rise. It is crucial for dermatologists, primary care physicians, and other healthcare providers to be acquainted with evidence-based dietary interventions, distinguishing them from those that are more market-driven than truly efficacious. This review explores the modification of diet, encompassing both dietary exclusion and supplementation, as a therapeutic approach for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, bullous disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. A comprehensive literature search, utilizing the PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Medscape databases, was conducted to investigate the relationship between each nutrient and various inflammatory skin diseases. The findings emphasize the significance of a well-balanced and thoughtfully planned diet in supplying adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal skin health. Additionally, this comprehensive review navigates through various dietary recommendations, offering insights into their multifaceted impacts on the immune system, gut microbiome, and skin health. The goal is to pave the way for informed and targeted dietary interventions for individuals dealing with food allergies and associated skin conditions.

Background Single-cell (sc) sequencing performs unbiased profiling of individual cells and enables evaluation of less prevalent cellular populations, often missed using bulk sequencing. However, the scale and the complexity of the sc datasets poses a great challenge in its utility and this problem is further exacerbated when working with larger datasets typically generated by consortium efforts. As the scale of single cell datasets continues to increase exponentially, there is an unmet technological need to develop database platforms that can evaluate key biological hypotheses by querying extensive single-cell datasets. Large single-cell datasets like Human Cell Atlas and COVID-19 cell atlas (collection of annotated sc datasets from various human organs) are excellent resources for profiling target genes involved in human diseases and disorders ranging from oncology, auto-immunity, as well as infectious diseases like COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 infections have led to a worldwide pandemic with massive loss of lives, infections exceeding 7 million cases. The virus uses ACE2 and TMPRSS2 as key viral entry associated proteins expressed in human cells for infections. Evaluating the expression profile of key genes in large single-cell datasets can facilitate testing for diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine targets, as the world struggles to cope with the on-going spread of COVID-19 infections. Main body In this manuscript we describe REVEAL: SingleCell, which enables storage, retrieval, and rapid query of single-cell datasets inclusive of millions of cells. The array native database described here enables selecting and analyzing cells across multiple studies. Cells can be selected using individual metadata tags, more complex hierarchical ontology filtering, and gene expression threshold ranges, including co-expression of multiple genes. The tags on selected cells can be further evaluated for testing biological hypotheses. One such example includes identifying the most prevalent cell type annotation tag on returned cells. We used REVEAL: SingleCell to evaluate the expression of key SARS-CoV-2 entry associated genes, and queried the current database (2.2 Million cells, 32 projects) to obtain the results in < 60 s. We highlighted cells expressing COVID-19 associated genes are expressed on multiple tissue types, thus in part explains the multi-organ involvement in infected patients observed worldwide during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion In this paper, we introduce the REVEAL: SingleCell database that addresses immediate needs for SARS-CoV-2 research and has the potential to be used more broadly for many precision medicine applications. We used the REVEAL: SingleCell database as a reference to ask questions relevant to drug development and precision medicine regarding cell type and co-expression for genes that encode proteins necessary for SARS-CoV-2 to enter and reproduce in cells.

In the present paper, the modification of non-linear and linear optical constants of nanocrystalline CdTe (nc-CdTe) thin films after light soaking and annealing has been reported. Structural investigation and surface morphology are studied using XRD, Raman spectra and FESEM techniques. Photoluminescence intensity increases after light soaking and annealing without any noticeable shift in the position of the peak. The absorption coefficient ( α ) and refractive index ( n ) are calculated using the Swanepoel’s method from transmittance spectra. The optical band gap E g values decrease after light soaking and annealing in comparison to as-deposited nc-CdTe thin films. The normal refractive index dispersion is discussed using Wemple-DiDomenico single-oscillator model. The Z-scan technique is used to evaluate the non-linear optical parameters such as non-linear refractive index ( n 2 ), non-linear optical absorption coefficient ( β ) and non-linear optical susceptibility χ (3) for as-deposited, light-soaked and annealed nc-CdTe thin films. Self-defocusing effect and reverse saturable absorption (RSA) are observed in all the samples. The obtained value of the third-order optical non-linear susceptibility for as-deposited nc-CdTe thin films is ~ 6.56 × 10 −7 cm 2 /V 2 which is maximum as compared to previously reported results and is further improved by light soaking and annealing treatments. The results show that we can tune the linear and non-linear optical properties of nc-CdTe thin films by light soaking and annealing. Thus, based on the non-linear optical properties, the material exhibits great potential for its use in various optoelectronic applications.

Objectives Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) αβ T‐cell therapies have demonstrated remarkable antitumor efficacy in patients with haematological malignancies; however, not all eligible cancer patients receive clinical benefit. Emerging strategies to improve patient access and clinical responses include using premanufactured products from healthy donors and alternative cytotoxic effectors possessing intrinsic tumoricidal activity as sources of CAR cell therapies. γδ T cells, which combine innate and adaptive mechanisms to recognise and kill malignant cells, are an attractive candidate platform for allogeneic CAR T‐cell therapy. Here, we evaluated the manufacturability and functionality of allogeneic peripheral blood‐derived CAR+ Vδ1 γδ T cells expressing a second‐generation CAR targeting the B‐cell‐restricted CD20 antigen. Methods Donor‐derived Vδ1 γδ T cells from peripheral blood were ex vivo‐activated, expanded and engineered to express a novel anti‐CD20 CAR. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to evaluate CAR‐dependent and CAR‐independent antitumor activities of CD20 CAR+ Vδ1 γδ T cells against B‐cell tumors. Results Anti‐CD20 CAR+ Vδ1 γδ T cells exhibited innate and adaptive antitumor activities, such as in vitro tumor cell killing and proinflammatory cytokine production, in addition to in vivo tumor growth inhibition of B‐cell lymphoma xenografts in immunodeficient mice. Furthermore, CD20 CAR+ Vδ1 γδ T cells did not induce xenogeneic graft‐versus‐host disease in immunodeficient mice. Conclusion These preclinical data support the clinical evaluation of ADI‐001, an allogeneic CD20 CAR+ Vδ1 γδ T cell, and a phase 1 study has been initiated in patients with B‐cell malignancies (NCT04735471). The findings of our study demonstrate preclinical proof of concept for a CD20 CAR+ Vδ1 γδ T‐cell product, manufactured at clinical scale, in the treatment of CD20+ B‐cell malignancies. Complemented by innate and adaptive antitumor immunity, CD20 CAR+ Vδ1 γδ T cells have a unique advantage as an allogeneic CAR T‐cell product platform and, as a consequence, have the potential to improve clinical responses in eligible cancer patients. A phase 1 clinical study evaluating ADI‐001, an allogeneic CD20 CAR+ Vδ1 γδ T‐cell product, in relapsed/refractory B‐cell NHL patients has been initiated (NCT04735471).

The rich often perceive lower levels of inequality than the poor. In recent decades, however, notions regarding the equality or inequality of our society have progressively taken on a more political nature. Consequently, people’s perceptions of income inequality may be less associated with their actual income status and more with their political ideology. The authors visualize this “political turn” using data from the U.S. General Social Survey (1987–2021). The analysis shows that historically actual income and perceived inequality had an inverse relationship, independent of political alignment. Yet since 2000, this has changed: whereas Republicans show a deepening inverse correlation after some attenuation in prior years, Democrats reverse it. With this said, we see an increase in overall concern about inequality among those who identify strongly with either Democratic or Republican ideologies, but importantly the biggest increase is among those in the Democratic group. This invites reflections on the nature of the “political turn.”