The frequent occurrence of heat and drought stress can severely reduce agricultural production of field crops. In comparison to a single stress, the combination of both heat (H) and drought (D) further reduce plant growth, survival and yield. This study aimed to explore the transcriptional responses of heat shock protein (HSP) and antioxidant genes under H combined D stress in perennial rye grass (PRG). The results demonstrated that oxidative stress indicators (hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation) significantly increased, particularly in the case of combined H and D treatment, suggesting that oxidative stress-induced damage occurred in plants under the combined stresses. Transcriptional responses of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heat shock protein 90-6 (HSP90-6), and the mitochondrial small heat shock protein HSP26.2 (HSP26.2) occurred rapidly, and showed high level of expression particularly under H and D stress. Antioxidant genes including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), catalase (CAT), copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD), peroxidase (POD), ferredoxin–thioredoxin (FTR), thioredoxin (Trx), 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin (2-Cys Prx) showed response to combined H and D, followed by either D or H stress alone in rye grass. An interactome map revealed the close partnership of these heat shock protein genes and antioxidant genes, respectively. These candidate genes were predominantly linked to stress responses and antioxidant defense in plants. These findings may advance our understanding about the HSP and the antioxidant genes underlying combined abiotic stress response and tolerance in perennial rye grass.

Cancer is an umbrella term used to define various diseases with abnormal cell proliferation at the focal point. According to the WHO, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with lung cancer being the second most common perpetrator after breast cancer. There are several proteins acting in harmony that lead to cancer. EGFR has been identified as one of the proteins that is linked to cell division, even when it is cancerous in nature. Cancer can be treated using therapeutic agents that target EGFR or their signaling networks. Available drugs that could inhibit EGFR have acquired resistance in most cases and multiple side effects on the human body. That is why phytochemicals are being studied for their role in this case. Around 8000 compounds were retrieved from our previously created phytochemdb database for their drug activity, and the 3D protein structure was collected from the protein data bank. The selected dataset of ligands was virtually screened through HTVS, SP, and XP to retain the top 4 hits. Molecular dynamics revealed the stability and flexibility of protein-(selected)ligand interactions. The non-bond interactions of each of the compounds with EGFR, such as Gossypetin interacting with active site MET769 and ASP831; Muxiangrine III interacting with MET769 and ASP831; Quercetagetin showing non-bonded interactions with GLU738, GLN767, and MET769 for >100% of the simulation timeframe These findings suggest further research into these compounds, which can yield a potential phytochemical drug against cancer. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Background: The first major outbreak in Bangladesh was reported in 2008 in Rajshahi and Chapainawabgonj. It then re-emerged in 2013, 2014 and 2015 mostly in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, with a notable outbreak in December 2016 according to a report. It is a statistical report on the data retrieved from chikungunya patients in the Chittagong area, specifically in relation to age, gender, location, symptoms and to assess the magnitude of the outbreak with an interest in identifying the potential socio-environmental factors which may be responsible for chikungunya in respect to Chittagong.Methods: Collection of reports from well-established diagnostic laboratories, as well as, limited survey data during July to December, 2017. There were 188 clinically suspected chikungunya cases in both genders ranging from 2-70 years of age.Results: The total chikungunya cases in the study area it has been found that the highest number of cases were found in the age group of 41-50 years (25%), almost equally distributed in both genders. The least (5.3%) was found in children less than 10 years of age; males having only 3 positive cases and females being 7. Amongst the total present study population, 44.4% were suffering from chikungunya.Conclusions: From our study we found that this outbreak took place in Chittagong due to consciousness. Educating the general population about its causes, effects, treatment and preventive methods should be the main target in the prevention of chikungunya.

Background: The most underdiagnosed electrolyte disorder is hypomagnesemia, which occurs due to a lack of magnesium in the body. Hypomagnesemia is a common condition in severely ill patients, along with many other electrolyte abnormalities, such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hyponatremia. Hypomagnesemia, if not identified and corrected at the appropriate time, can cause life-threatening complications and an increase in mortality. Aims and objectives: To investigate the relationship between hypomagnesemia and patient outcomes in critically ill individuals, along with other criteria: age, sex, primary medical conditions, electrolytes, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II (APACHE II) scores, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, Charlson Comorbidity Index, ventilator support, intensive care unit (ICU) stay length, and mortality rate in the critical care unit after admission. Materials and methods: A single-center, prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU department of a tertiary care hospital. The study duration was from 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024. Patients aged 18–80 years, of either gender, who were among the severely ill patients admitted to the ICU, were included in the study. Within 24 hours of hospitalization, serum magnesium levels and other tests were performed. Patient care and progress were closely monitored until the outcome was achieved. SPSS 27 was used to analyze the data. Results: Of the 81 patients in critical condition, 32 (39.5%) had hypomagnesemia, 40 (47.3%) had normomagnesemia, and 9 (11.1%) had hypermagnesemia. In patients with hypomagnesemia, the mean serum magnesium level was 1.26 ± 0.28 mg/dl. The mean APACHE II score was 16.96 ± 7.19, SOFA was 5.59 ± 2.83, and the mean ICU stay was 6.21 ± 2.09 days. Common comorbidities were hypertension in 27 patients (54%) and diabetes mellitus in 21 patients (41.2%) in the hypomagnesemia group. Higher mortality (11 patients, 34.37%) was associated with hypomagnesemia, and sepsis (12.3%) was the most common cause. Conclusions: A longer ICU length of stay was associated with hypomagnesemia, APACHE II and SOFA scores, other electrolyte abnormalities, and high mortality.