Proper Root Research Articles

Adaptation of Drought Stress by use of Silicon Element in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Drought stress is a menacing type of abiotic stress caused by low rainfall, high temperature, etc., where water sparsity condition occurs in soil, affecting the process of plant growth and development. Drought stress has become a serious issue that must be considered before it becomes a significant threat to agricultural production. Wheat is India's second most crucial cereal crop; even its production is affected due to prevailing drought conditions in the fields, which causes many physiological, morphological & biochemical changes in the plant, indirectly affecting yield. Many methods are adopted to improve wheat crop efficiency even under drought-stress conditions, such as releasing resistant varieties, following advanced agronomic practices, using elements, etc. Still, the most recent method is to use the silicon element to mitigate the drought stress conditions in wheat crops. Silicon had not been regarded as an essential plant element; However, when applied to plants, it still promotes proper root growth, provides resistance against many diseases, decreases the abiotic stress effect on plants & increases the crop's growth and yield. So, in recent times, many research experiments have been performed in pots & laboratories where silicon is applied to wheat crops in the form of priming, fertilization & foliar spray in different stages of the crop to know its efficiency. Even silicon is also supplied to wheat crops in the form of nanoparticles. In the end, though, the silicon can be sprayed in any form and prevents the harm that drought stress does to wheat crops. Ultimately, Silicon is helping the wheat crop mitigate drought stress and produce better yields by enhancing its growth.

Response of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus sp.) Cuttings to Different Plant Growth Regulators.

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp.) is an exotic crop with a great potential for its cultivation in semi arid tracts throughout India. Its planting is mainly confined to harsh climates and degraded lands facing challenges in its establishment. Hence, availability of quality planting material is essential for attaining success. Due to long juvenile phase of the sexually propagated seedlings it can be propagated asexually by stem cuttings but proper rooting is not possible without exogenous auxin application. Hence, during 2022-2023 a research was carried out at the Horticultural Experimental area of Khalsa College, Amritsar to standardize the concentration of plant growth regulators viz. IBA, NAA and PHB for rooting and success rate in stem cuttings comprising of sixteen treatments with three replications arranged in randomized block design. The results revealed that the stem cuttings treated with IBA 4000 ppm proved to be superior for the sprouting and survival of the cuttings resulting in the improved vegetative growth with profuse, longer, thicker and the heaviest roots. Hence, the cutting treatment of IBA 4000 ppm can be proposed for dragon fruit plant propagation to meet the market demand in India.

Experimental Evaluation of a Novel Device to Quantify Canal Cleanliness: An In Vitro Study

Endodontic treatments are performed to avoid extractions and maintain the natural dentition. Root canal treatments are undertaken to eliminate or prevent an infection within the root canal system. Chemical and mechanical root canal debridement are the main methods used in endodontics to remove necrotic tissue, microorganisms, and microbial byproducts from the canal. However, to date there is no objective method to clinically determine the proper root canal disinfection level and thus proceed with the obturation. Clinicians just rely on their experience and habits or can trust in empirical methods such as the insertion of paper cones inside the canal and then check their appearance after the removal. Even in the in vitro and ex vivo scientific studies there is no objective method to analyze and compare the efficacy of different endodontic chemo-mechanical techniques and materials. The most frequently used method is to visually analyze some areas with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), even if the resulting images are hardly quantifiable and could greatly vary according to the analyzed area. A new device to clinically test the cleanliness of a root canal and display the result in an objective score was recently developed. The device analyzes the luminescence generated by an enzyme cycling method that process the adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) present in organic residues. The aim of the present in vitro study was to test the efficacy and reliability of this novel device (Endocator) in a controlled in vitro environment, before using it in clinical practice. The device sensitivity was tested on 5 single canal resin blocks. Three consecutive sampling were executed by one operator for each block to test the device repeatability. Results were recorded according to Endoscore (ES) and relative light unit (RLU) scales. Descriptive analysis and comparison between the 5 resin blocks and the 3 consecutive sampling were performed. Only the comparison between the first and third measurements both for ES (p = 0.00115999) and RLU (p = 0.00532749) resulted significant. Endocator was able to determine small variations of canal contamination in a controlled laboratory environment, showing high sensitivity and repeatability.

Bone Regeneration on Chronic Apical Abscess After Root Canal Treatment

Chronic Apical Abscess is explained as an inflammatory reaction to pulp infection and necrosis. It is characterized by intermittent discharge of pus through an intraoral sinus tract and usually associated with little or no discomfort. On radiograph examination showed radiolucency as signs of periapical bone destruction. Root canal treatment can elimination bacteria as source of the infection in root canal system. Purpose: these two case report aims to present the management of chronic apical abscess with bone destruction in periapical area. Case report: (1) A 21-years-old female came to complained of a lack of self-confidence due to her upper-front tooth was broken about 8 years ago. Clinical examination showed no discomfort on percussion test, negative on palpation and vitality test. Periapical radiography showed a radiolucent with clear but indistinct boundaries, oval in shape with a diameter of approximately 4 mm. (2) A 20-years-old male complained that his front teeth were broken and discoloured. This complaint had been felt for a long time about 7 years ago. The patient had felt spontaneous pain in the tooth that was hit during the accident for a week. Currently, the tooth is no longer painful. There is no swelling in the gum area where the tooth has changed colour. Radiological examination showed bone damage with a periapical radiolucent appearance with diffuse oval borders with a diameter of 5-6 mm. The diagnosis of these two cases were pulp necrosis with chronic apical abscess. Root canal treatment were performed to elimination bacteria of source infection. First case was restoration using composite resin crown with fiber post intracanal restoration and the second case was restoration using direct restoration. Conclusion: proper root canal treatment resulting bone regeneration and periapical lesions healing in chronic apical abscess cases.

System of Wheat Intensification: An Innovative and Futuristic Approach to Augment Yield of Wheat Crop

There is a new method of wheat production called the System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) that manages seed treatment, seed rate, spacing, weeding, and watering. The SWI and traditional methods of wheat sowing differ from each other in terms of potential yield. In comparison to the traditional method of wheat sowing, SWI allows seed treatment, which increases the number of tillers, the number of grains in spike, and the weight of the grain. Wheat seeding in the traditional approach is done at a much closer distance than in the SWI method, which results in faulty germination as a result of increased competition between the plants. In SWI, proper root formation in the early stages of crop growth can be encouraged by increasing the space between plants and rows, as well as increasing the density of plants. For small and medium-sized farmers, it is a great way to boost productivity and income while reducing food poverty at the same time. Using organic manure instead of chemical fertilizer is a new strategy that helps support sustainable agriculture. To help the poorest farmers and enhance their productivity and profit, SWI should be recommended.

PHYTOCHROME A controls the DNA damage response and cell death tolerance within the Arabidopsis root meristem.

The DNA damage response avoids mutations into dividing cells. Here, we analysed the role of photoreceptors on the restriction of root growth imposed by genotoxic agents and its relationship with cell viability and performance of meristems. Comparison of root growth of Arabidopsis WT, phyA-211, phyB-9, and phyA-211phyB-9 double mutants unveiled a critical role for phytochrome A (PhyA) in protecting roots from genotoxic stress, regeneration and cell replenishment in the meristematic zone. PhyA was located on primary root tips, where it influences genes related to the repair of DNA, including ERF115 and RAD51. Interestingly, phyA-211 mutants treated with zeocin failed to induce the expression of the repressor of cell cycle MYB3R3, which correlated with expression of the mitotic cyclin CycB1, suggesting that PhyA is required for safeguarding the DNA integrity during cell division. Moreover, the growth of the primary roots of PhyA downstream component HY5 and root growth analyses in darkness suggest that cell viability and DNA damage responses within root meristems may act independently from light and photomorphogenesis. These data support novel roles for PhyA as a key player for stem cell niche maintenance and DNA damage responses, which are critical for proper root growth.

Adaptation of the maize seedling seminal roots to srought: Essential role of plasma membrane H+-ATPases activity

To understand how maize plants adapt to drought, this study examines the role of plasma membrane proton pumps in root growth. This study delves into the physiological mechanisms through which maize plants respond to drought conditions, with a particular emphasis on elucidating the crucial role played by plasma membrane proton pumps in facilitating adaptive changes in root growth. Our results underscore the indispensable nature of these pumps in orchestrating precise modulation of root growth patterns during drought stress, highlighting their profound significance in stress responses. Additionally, the study reveals that osmotic stress alters lipid profiles in the plasma membrane, potentially impacting its functioning and the activity of membrane proteins. To understand the role of plasma membrane (PM) H<sup>+</sup>-ATPases in the adaptative response to osmotic stress and in the regulation of root growth in maize, we studied the gene expression and enzyme activity of PM H<sup>+</sup>-ATPases, as well as the changes in plant biomass and total root growth, in the seedlings of two maize cultivars: the drought-tolerant Calo cultivar and the drought-sensitive Abelardo. The seedlings were exposed to simulated drought for 24 h (treatment with 20% PEG). The enzyme activity and gene expression of the <i>MHA4</i> H<sup>+</sup>-ATPase increased in the Calo variety but declined in Abelardo plants treated with PEG. The growth of roots in Abelardo plants exposed to 24 h of PEG treatment was reduced to almost 50% of the control. Conversely, for the Calo cultivar, there was no remarkable morpho-physiological difference between the roots of stressed and non-stressed plants. Therefore, the activity of the PM H<sup>+</sup>-ATPase seems to be an important factor for proper root growth during the adaptation of maize to drought. In addition, osmotic stress also induced changes in the levels of saturated polyisoprenoid alcohols in the plasma membrane fraction of maize roots. The increased levels of this class of lipids might modulate the physico-chemical properties of the PM lipid bilayer and thus affect its functioning and modify the activity of membrane proteins, such as PM H<sup>+</sup>-ATPases.

Effectiveness of potassium humate and endophytic bacteria from Serratia marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 in increasing root weight of paddy cultivation in acidic soil

Abstract. Sutio G, Iskandar, Indriyati LT, Djajakirana G. 2023. Effectiveness of potassium humate and endophytic bacteria from Serratia marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 in increasing root weight of paddy cultivation in acidic soil. Biodiversitas 24: 6316-6322. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a significant factor limiting rice agricultural production in acidic soil. The availability of P in acidic soil is generally insufficient because a substantial portion of P is absorbed by Al³? and Fe²?, rendering it inaccessible to plants. This P deficiency in acidic soil hampers proper root growth. However, this limitation can be overcome by the application of potassium humate and endophytic bacteria. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of phosphate fertilizer with and without potassium humate and/or endophytic bacteria on root growth in acidic fields. The research involved two treatment factors. The first factor comprised four levels of ex-madura phosphate rock fertilizer: 100% (1), 75% (2), 50% (3), 25% (4), and no application of phosphate rock fertilizer (5) and the second factor included potassium humate (A), endophytic bacteria from Serratia marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21 (B), a combination of potassium humate and S. marcescens endophytic bacteria (C), and the absence of both potassium humate and S. marcescens endophytic bacteria (D). The results revealed a positive interaction between phosphate fertilizer, the combination of potassium humate, and S. marcescens endophytic bacteria. Therefore, utilizing endophytic bacteria from S. marcescens and potassium humate could be an effective strategy for increasing root biomass in rice plants grown in acidic soil with a deficiency in available P.

Propagation of rose varieties by cuttings under the effect of different rooting hormones

Abstract Roses are one of the oldest and perhaps most noble and beautiful plants in the world. The propagation of roses by stem cutting is the simplest and a largely used method to multiply them. For the present experiment, seven varieties of roses were selected as follows: ‘Monika’, ‘Mr. Lincoln’, ‘Queen Elisabeth’, ‘The Fairy’, ‘Peace’, ‘King’s Ransom’, and ‘Don Juan’. To assess the differences between the varieties, growth, root length, root number, and frost damage were determined. The aim of the experiment is to determine which rose varieties are better suited to propagation by cuttings, which varieties have a higher rooting tendency, and to what extent the rooting could be influenced by rooting hormones [Incit-8 (0.8% of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) and Radi-Stim®]. From our results, it could be determined that the Incit-8 positively influenced the number of roots of all varieties. In conclusion, our research suggests that the rooting hormones increase the rooting of the rose varieties; moreover, that proper rooting could also be depending on the appropriate conditions.

Influence of heat treated files on conserving the remaining dentin thickness during endodontic retreatment – An invitro CBCT study

ObjectivesNon-surgical endodontic retreatment is to be a conservative option over endodontic surgery in case of recurrent infections. Root canal retreatment procedures needs to be initiated faster and proficiently with proper root canal retreatment files. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the remaining root dentin thickness post Gutta Percha (GP) retrieval from the root canal after using two different rotary instruments. Materials and methodsA total of sixty extracted single rooted teeth were chosen. Shaping and Cleaning was done Step Back (Telescopic) technique with apical preparation ofsize 40 k File. Irrigation was carried out using NaOCl (3 %)and Ethyelenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) to clear the smear layer. The canals were dried using paper points and obturation was completed using lateral compaction technique with AH plus resin sealer. Upon completing the obturation, it was categorized into two groups: Group I- ProTaper retreatment files (PTR) and Group II- Solite RS3(S-RS3) Retreatment files. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was used to assess the remaining dentin thickness post gutta-percha retrieval at 3,5 and 7 mm respectively. To test the significance between groups independent t test was used. ResultsIt can be noted from the results that more amount of remaining dentin thickness was seen after using Solite RS3 files at 3 mm, 5 mm and 7 mm on the mesial side compared to ProTaper retreatment files (p < 0.05). There is no statistically significant difference seen between the files at three levels on the distal side (p > 0.05). ConclusionWithin the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that Solite RS3 files have the potential to preserve the remaining dentin thickness. However, more studies including various other parameters should be performed to arrive at a definitive conclusion.

Failure investigation of a water-wall tube of fossil-fuel fired boiler

Failure investigation of water tube failure in boilers, especially in thermal power stations, is of paramount importance because it plays a crucial role in supplying energy to the dependent processing units in refineries. The failure investigation of the water-wall tube at the roof position in a boiler is presented in this work. In order to identify the root cause of the rupture, various destructive and non-destructive analyses were performed at multiple locations on the failed tubes. Visual inspection revealed a fish mouth-type rupture opening with excessive wall thinning about 60% before its failure and a diametrical growth of up to 150 % from the nominal diameter at the bulge location.From the chemical composition analysis, mechanical testing, and hardness measurements, the material was found to meet the requirement of SA 210 Grade A standards. This is a typical steel grade for high-pressure and temperature systems widely used in boilers. The microscopic examination revealed that the structure of the sound part of the tubes consisted of ferrite and pearlite structures. Whereas the microstructure of the bulged area exhibited a partial decomposition of the pearlite colonies, as well as formations of bainitic structures indicates localized overheating beyond the lower critical temperature (Ac1) of 723 °C for phase transformation. The absence of significant internal deposits and multiple bulges, ductile mode of failure, spheroidization in the ferrite matrix, and violent rupture are indications of short-term overheating. The failure mechanism of localized short-term overheating is identified as a result of the flame impingement due to the burner misalignment. A rupture of a tube in a high-pressure steam boiler can be catastrophic. A proper root cause analysis of the failure provides insight into the operating window for process variables, the interval of tracking feed water quality, and a planned shutdown inspection to avert any unpredictable shutdown in high-temperature applications. Understanding boiler-tube failures may improve stream-generating equipment performance, safety, availability, and reliability.

A probabilistic approach to stormwater runoff control through permeable pavements beneath urban trees

One of the most current and urgent challenges is making cities sustainable and resilient to climate change. From this perspective, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are well-recognized strategies for stormwater control and water cycle restoration. Urban trees are an example of NBS. However, the high degree of soil sealing typically found in urban environments limits natural processes such as infiltration and hinders the water and nutrient supply for proper root development, which weakens tree stability. Permeable pavements at the base of urban trees, on the one hand, facilitate infiltration, which helps runoff control, and on the other hand, improve stormwater retention and soil humidity, which enhance root feeding.This paper proposes an analytical-probabilistic approach to estimate the contribution of permeable pavements to stormwater management. The equations developed in this study relate the runoff probability to the storage volume, the infiltration rate into the underlying soil, and the average values of the hydrological variables in the input. The model allows us to select different runoff thresholds and considers the possibility that residual volume from previous rainfall events prefills the storage capacity.An application to a case study in Sao Paulo (Brazil) has been presented. It investigates the influence of the different parameters used in the model on the results. The comparison of the outcomes obtained using the developed equations with those obtained from the continuous simulation of measured data confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed analytical-probabilistic approach and the suitability of using permeable pavements at the base of urban trees for improving stormwater retention.

Optimizing Micropropagation Protocol of Rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cv. ‘Double Delight’

An experiment was conducted to develop a suitable in vitro plant regeneration technique for Rosa hybrida L. cv. ‘Double Delight’ using nodal segments and leaf tissues as explants through direct and indirect organogenesis. Aseptic explants were inoculated onto gelled MS medium contained various strengths of plant growth regulators alone and in combinations for callus and direct shoot induction. MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP was found to be the most effective for direct shoot induction from nodal explants (87.5%) as it produced the maximum number of shoots per explant. The highest callus induction frequency was found to be 80% in leaf tissue, 72% in nodal segments and 96% in leaf and intermodal segments of in vitro raised plantlets in MS medium containing 2.5 mg/l 2, 4-D. The best percentage of indirect shoot organogenesis (93.33%) with maximum number and length of shoot were found when the different explant-derived callus was transferred in 3.0 mg/l BAP supplemented medium. The direct and indirectly induced shoots were multiplied on MS medium containing 3.0 mg/l BAP, where the average number and length of shoots per culture were 7.20 ± 0.80 and 5.22 ± 0.47 cm, respectively. Maximum rooting (80%) was observed in ½-strength of gelled MS medium containing 15.0 g/l sucrose with 1.0 mg/l IBA. Plantlets with the proper root system were then placed in a polybag with a 1:1:1 ratio of sand, garden soil, and compost, and they had a survival rate of about 76%. Plant Tissue Cult. &amp; Biotech. 33(1): 25-36, 2023 (June)

Andy’s ‘T-pin’Crown and root aligning auxillary

Orthodontists strive for accurate bracket positioning as it helps in achieving an ideal occlusion more easily. For accurate bracket positioning in direct bonding, various hand-held dental instruments are used. Instruments such as, the Boone and Dougherty gauges, MBT gauges, A-KAM and various other modifications, are used for accurate positioning of brackets. Sometimes the bracket can easily slip when the instrument is removed. So, position adjustments are difficult with such an instrument. Indirect bonding is an easy solution, but it is time-consuming and there is no precise repositioning of brackets that fall off and it does not provide proper root paralleling. This led us to develop an auxiliary which can be used for crown and root paralleling or aligning, horizontal, vertical and axial positioning of bracket (Pre-Treatment assessment) during direct bonding. This will avoid the step of repositioning of the bracket at mid or end of the treatment.

New PEO-IAA-Inspired Anti-Auxins: Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Possible Application in Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) Micropropagation

AbstractAuxins play an important role in plant physiology and are involved in numerous aspects of plant development, such as cell division, elongation and differentiation, fruit development, and phototropic response. In addition, through their antagonistic interaction with cytokinins, auxins play a key role in the regulation of root growth and apical dominance. Thanks to this capacity to determine plant architecture, natural and synthetic auxins have been successfully employed to obtain more economically advantageous plants. The crosstalk between auxins and cytokinins determines plant development and thus is of particular importance in the field of plant micropropagation, where the ratios between these two phytohormones need to be tightly controlled to achieve proper rooting and shoot generation. Previously reported anti-auxin PEO-IAA, which blocks auxin signalling through binding to TIR1 receptor and inhibiting the expression of auxin-responsive genes, has been successfully used to facilitate hemp micropropagation. Herein, we report a set of new PEO-IAA-inspired anti-auxins capable of antagonizing auxin responses in vivo. The capacity of these compounds to bind to the TIR1 receptor was confirmed in vitro by SPR analysis. Using DESI-MSI analysis, we evaluated the uptake and distribution of the compounds at the whole plant level. Finally, we characterized the effect of the compounds on the organogenesis of hemp explants, where they showed to be able to improve beneficial morphological traits, such as the balanced growth of all the produced shoots and enhanced bud proliferation.

Comparison of mesiodistal root angulation of teeth by conventional panoramic and cone beam computed tomography images – A cross-sectional study

Accurate bracket positioning is required for proper root parallelism and for stable orthodontic treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the difference in mesiodistal root angulation of teeth measured on three radiographic images. A cross-sectional study was conducted using orthopantomogram (OPG), panoramic images of cone beam computed tomography (Pan-CBCT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). An occlusal plane was constructed in OPG and Pan-CBCT for angular measurements. The axial and sagittal views were used for assessing the mesiodistal root angulation on CBCT. Mesiodistal root angulation differences among three radiographs were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Mann-Whitney U test was applied for pairwise comparison and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the association of sexual dimorphism with the direction of root angulation. On comparing the mesiodistal root angulation in degrees (DE) among all three groups, upper right (UR2) and left lateral incisors (UL2) were found to be statistically significant with P=0.033 and P=0.050 respectively. On pair-wise comparison, we found a statistically significant difference for upper right lateral incisor (UR2) between OPG and Pan-CBCT (P=0.045). Upper left lateral (UL2) (P=0.024) was significant in OPG and Pan-CBCT while upper left first molar (UL6) (P=0.043) in OPG and CBCT group. On comparing the sexual dimorphism in the direction of root angulation, females showed a greater tendency of mesial root angulation (5.62) times for upper right second premolar (UR5) as compared to males. There were no significant difference in mesiodistal root angulation between panoramic CBCT and CBCT images. The angulation of the upper lateral incisors was found to be significant between OPG and panoramic CBCT images, whereas the angulation of the upper right lateral incisors and left first molars was significant between OPG and CBCT images. In terms on sexual dimorphism, females showed greater mesial angulation of teeth than males.

OsPEX1, an extensin-like protein, negatively regulates root growth in a gibberellin-mediated manner in rice

Leucine-rich repeat extensins (LRXs) are required for plant growth and development through affecting cell growth and cell wall formation. LRX gene family can be classified into two categories: predominantly vegetative-expressed LRX and reproductive-expressed PEX. In contrast to the tissue specificity of Arabidopsis PEX genes in reproductive organs, rice OsPEX1 is also highly expressed in roots in addition to reproductive tissue. However, whether and how OsPEX1 affects root growth is unclear. Here, we found that overexpression of OsPEX1 retarded root growth by reducing cell elongation likely caused by an increase of lignin deposition, whereas knockdown of OsPEX1 had an opposite effect on root growth, indicating that OsPEX1 negatively regulated root growth in rice. Further investigation uncovered the existence of a feedback loop between OsPEX1 expression level and GA biosynthesis for proper root growth. This was supported by the facts that exogenous GA3 application downregulated transcript levels of OsPEX1 and lignin-related genes and rescued the root developmental defects of the OsPEX1 overexpression mutant, whereas OsPEX1 overexpression reduced GA level and the expression of GA biosynthesis genes. Moreover, OsPEX1 and GA showed antagonistic action on the lignin biosynthesis in root. OsPEX1 overexpression upregulated transcript levels of lignin-related genes, whereas exogenous GA3 application downregulated their expression. Taken together, this study reveals a possible molecular pathway of OsPEX1mediated regulation of root growth through coordinate modulation of lignin deposition via a negative feedback regulation between OsPEX1 expression and GA biosynthesis.

NAC1 regulates root ground tissue maturation by coordinating with the SCR/SHR–CYCD6;1 module in Arabidopsis

Precise spatiotemporal control of the timing and extent of asymmetric cell divisions (ACDs) is essential for plant development. In the Arabidopsis root, ground tissue maturation involves an additional ACD of the endodermis that maintains the inner cell layer as the endodermis and generates the middle cortex to the outside. Through regulation of the cell cycle regulator CYCLIND6;1 (CYCD6;1), the transcription factors SCARECROW (SCR) and SHORT-ROOT (SHR) play critical roles in this process. In the present study, we found that loss of function of NAC1, a NAC transcription factor family gene, causes markedly increased periclinal cell divisions in the root endodermis. Importantly, NAC1 directly represses the transcription of CYCD6;1 by recruiting the co-repressor TOPLESS (TPL), creating a fine-tuned mechanism to maintain proper root ground tissue patterning by limiting production of middle cortex cells. Biochemical and genetic analyses further showed that NAC1 physically interacts with SCR and SHR to restrict excessive periclinal cell divisions in the endodermis during root middle cortex formation. Although NAC1–TPL is recruited to the CYCD6;1 promoter and represses its transcription in an SCR-dependent manner, NAC1 and SHR antagonize each other to regulate the expression of CYCD6;1. Collectively, our study provides mechanistic insights into how the NAC1–TPL module integrates with the master transcriptional regulators SCR and SHR to control root ground tissue patterning by fine-tuning spatiotemporal expression of CYCD6;1 in Arabidopsis.

Perception of Dental House Officers regarding Endodontic File Separation during Endodontic Treatment.

Despite of having improved endodontic file designs as well as the reinforced metal alloy file structure, intracanal endodontic file separation (EFS) is still a very problematic and worrisome dental incident, which usually occurs without any visible signs of permanent deformation. Further, there have been conflicting reports regarding the clinical significance of leaving separated files within root canals. The aim of this study was to look into the current perceptions and awareness about file separation during endodontic treatment among the dental house officers (DHOs). A novel validated questionnaire comprising of 15 close-ended questions was distributed anonymously via Google Forms through email to 1100 DHOs across Pakistan. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first component (Section I) collected demographic data and the second component (Section II) investigated the causes of EFS during root canal treatment. Following the completion of socioeconomic information, including age and gender, the DHOs were asked to answer a few questions about the various reasons for endodontic instrument fracture. A total of 800 responses were recorded, with an effective rate of 72.8%. The majority of the DHOs (p value < 0.001) perceived that endodontic instrument fracture occurred in the posterior (61.5%) and apical third of the canal (50.5%) and in older permanent dentition (67.3%), possibly due to patient anxiety (62%). Better choice of instrument (61.15%), operators' experience (95.3%), knowledge (87.5%), and proper root canal cleaning (91.1%) are believed to be the vital steps in reducing endodontic file separation/fracture. Furthermore, majority of them (p value < 0.001) perceived that stainless steel was a superior alloy for filing instruments. Manual files tend to be more prone to fractures due to repeated use than rotary files. This study demonstrated that young DHOs had adequate knowledge and awareness regarding the potential predisposing factors and handling techniques for EFS. This study thereby provides an evaluating tool to access the insights of the current perceptions and awareness of DHOs concerning EFS.

Effect of zinc and protein content in different barley cultivars: use of controlled release matrices

Abstract Barley is one of the most consumed cereals, with many different cultivars available worldwide. Like other crops, its yield has been affected by climate change and soil degradation. This work proposes controlled-release protein-based matrices with incorporated zinc to improve barley seed germination and zinc content in the plant. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the use of controlled-release protein-based matrices for massive crops, such as barley. Different barley cultivars of barley were studied: Barke, Golden Promise, Morex, WB-200, WB379, and WB-446. The seeds of each cultivar were also analyzed in order to explain the behavior of plants observed during the growth. To this end, the physico-chemical (FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, and Zn concentration) and microstructural (SEM) properties of the different seeds were firstly evaluated to establish differences between the studied cultivars. In addition, the use of controlled-release soybean protein-based matrices without zinc (M) or with zinc incorporated (MZ) was evaluated as fertilizers in the different barley cultivars. In this sense, the use of these matrices as a zinc carrier improved seed germination and zinc content in the plants, indicating that the use of matrices improves the amount of zinc assimilated by the crops (up to 30 and 50% with M and MZ, respectively) and allows the proper root growth of all cultivars of barley. In conclusion, this article shows the potential of controlled-release protein-based matrices as substitutes for conventional fertilization.