Large conformational changes in MutS during DNA scanning, mismatch recognition and repair signalling: Conformations of MutS during DNA MMR activation

MutS protein recognizes mispaired bases in DNA and targets them for mismatch repair. Little is known about the transient conformations of MutS as it signals initiation of repair. We have used single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements to report the conformational dynamics of MutS during this process. We find that the DNA-binding domains of MutS dynamically interconvert among multiple conformations when the protein is free and while it scans homoduplex DNA. Mismatch recognition restricts MutS conformation to a single state. Steady-state measurements in the presence of nucleotides suggest that both ATP and ADP must be bound to MutS during its conversion to a sliding clamp form that signals repair. The transition from mismatch recognition to the sliding clamp occurs via two sequential conformational changes. These intermediate conformations of the MutS:DNA complex persist for seconds, providing ample opportunity for interaction with downstream proteins required for repair

Advancement in Tissue Culture Techniques for Fruit Crops

Tissue culture is a highly promising approach that enables the efficient propagation of many plants from tiny fragments of the parent plant within a relatively brief timeframe and confined area. Tissue culture, a contemporary approach, is primarily employed for the efficient and extensive replication of many commercially significant plant species, such as the date palm. Utilizing the tissue culture technique presents a potential approach for generating a substantial quantity of genetically homogeneous palm plants that resemble other plants and yield typical fruit within four years from initial planting. Furthermore, this technique allows to produce date palm plants devoid of diseases, exhibiting an exceptionally high survival rate of nearly 100% when compared to the traditional vegetative propagation of shoots, owing to the robustness of their root system. The process of surface sterilization holds significant importance in the production of explants for in vitro studies, as it effectively addresses the issue of bacterial and fungal contamination originating from field sources, which might vary considerably across different fruit plant species. The efficacy of tissue culture techniques for date palm acclimatization in vitro is contingent upon the observation of leaf count prior to transplantation in the greenhouse. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the determinants that govern the tissue culture of fruit trees. India is known for being the native land of various fruit crops that are both significant and minor in terms of their importance. These crops include Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Karonda (Carissa carandas L.), Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.), Jamun (Syzygium cuminii L.), and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.), etc. These fruits possess considerable nutritional, medicinal, and therapeutic value, making them highly valuable in commercial sectors such as medicine, food, and cosmetics. The limited availability of suitable planting materials imposes constraints on the commercial production process for these crops. Using plant tissue culture techniques holds promise in substantially augmenting the number of novel cultivars or genotypes inside fruit crops. The primary aim of this review study is to consolidate and synthesize the extant body of knowledge about the tissue culture techniques employed in cultivating various fruit crops

An Overview of Precision Farming

With respect to conventional farming precision agriculture increases average yields by limiting the wastage by calculating the exact required quantities of inputs. One major issue in India is the relatively small and scattered landholdings. In India 58% of the cultivable land is less than 1ha under single owner. The agricultural production system is the result of a complex interplay between seed, soil, water, and agrochemicals (including fertilizers). As a result, judicious control of all inputs is critical for the long-term viability of such a complex system. Precision agriculture is the use of technology and techniques to control the geographical and temporal variability associated with all aspects of agricultural production to improve output and environmental quality. Precision agricultural success is dependent on an accurate assessment of variability, its management, and evaluation in the space-time continuum of crop production. Precision agriculture's agronomic performance has been highly impressive in sugar beet, sugarcane, tea, and coffee crops. Due to lack of knowledge of space-time continuum the economic benefits environmental and social advantages are not explored yet. Precision agriculture is a relatively new field that integrates cutting-edge geographic technology with farming scenarios to optimize inputs, eliminate waste, and maximize returns. Precision farming systems are intended for use in many sorts of agricultural systems, ranging from row crops to dairy, and the technology has experienced extensive acceptance in the United States and across the globe

Preserving for the Future: The Critical Role of Germplasm Conservation in Fruit Crop Resilience

Germplasm conservation in fruit crops is indispensable for securing global food systems and safeguarding agricultural biodiversity. The conservation of genetic diversity within fruit crops is paramount, given the escalating threats posed by climate change, emerging diseases, and habitat loss. This review encapsulates the multifaceted challenges and innovative strategies in fruit crop germplasm conservation, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge technologies. The proactive preservation of diverse varieties through in situ and ex situ methods is essential for developing resilient, adaptive fruit crops. Global collaboration and heightened public awareness play pivotal roles in overcoming financial constraints and ethical considerations. The future of germplasm conservation in fruit crops hinges on a holistic approach, incorporating community engagement, advanced technologies, and international cooperation to ensure sustainable agriculture and the resilience of these crops in the face of dynamic environmental challenges

COVID-somnia: Sleep disturbance among Indian nurses during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Sleep is vital for every aspect of human life. Inadequate sleep has a massive negative impact on health and work. There is very limited information about the impact of COVID-19 on the sleep disturbance of health-care workers. In our current study, we aim to find answers to certain questions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep patterns on nurses working in COVID care area. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 305 health-care workers who were purposively enrolled for this study. The study was conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India, from April to June 2021. An e-survey method was used to collect data. A questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, queries about sleep disturbances, and the patient health questionnaire-9 scale to assess anxiety among participants are among the research tools. Results: Mean age of health-care workers was 26.3 years (SD = 6.3). Most of them were women (81%) with a bachelor's degree in nursing (62%), nursing interns (46%), and married (71%). The majority of nurses (85%) were not infected with COVID and were given suitable personal protective equipment (46%) in the hospital. The majority of participants (45%) got 6–8 h of sleep per night did not receive any sleep therapy (90%). The most of participants (42%) reported that they did not enjoy performing activities and were under moderate stress (15.4). Conclusion: Health-care workers are struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic with limited and almost hackneyed resources. Healthy sleep is everyone's right. The current situation of the pandemic has a great impact on the psychological health of frontline health-care workers by affecting their professional performance