Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture

Gibberellins (GAs) promote growth and developmental transitions throughout the plant life cycle. A hallmark of GA action is the control of DELLA proteins, master repressors of GA responses. In the canonical pathway, bioactive GA binds the soluble receptor GID1, enabling formation of a GA–GID1–DELLA complex that recruits SCF-type E3 ubiquitin ligases (e.g., SLY1/SNE (SNEEZY; also called SLY2) in Arabidopsis and GID2 in rice) and triggers ubiquitination and 26S proteasome-mediated DELLA degradation (McGinnis et al. 2003; Dill et al. 2004; Gomi et al. 2004; Ariizumi et al. 2011). However, recent work shows that GA can neutralize DELLA output beyond simple proteolysis. Structural analyses reveal proteolysis-independent suppression of DELLA by GA–GID1 binding (Ariizumi et al. 2008; Dahal et al. 2025), chromatin studies show that phosphorylation can activate DELLA by promoting histone H2A binding at chromatin, and nutrient starvation studies identify ATG8-dependent autophagic DELLA degradation during dark skotomorphogenesis. Together, these findings support a hub model in which DELLA output depends on abundance, conformation, post-translational modifications, interaction partners, and chromatin engagement. We highlight how this expanded view of the GA–DELLA module informs precision strategies for crop improvement that tune growth–stress trade-offs with reduced pleiotropy.

Global oncology trials face increasing scrutiny over regional enrollment imbalances, as regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency demand data reflective of population diversity. This push is grounded in evidence that genetic polymorphisms (eg, UGT1A1*28, CYP2D6), human leukocyte antigen-related toxicities, and biomarker prevalence (eg, epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in approximately 15% of Western v approximately 50% of Asian patients with lung cancer) can significantly influence treatment outcomes. We reviewed scientific literature, regulatory case studies, and methodological innovations addressing regional heterogeneity in oncology trials. Particular focus was given to statistical tools such as adaptive randomization for real-time enrollment balancing, Bayesian hierarchical models for data borrowing across regions, and Multi-Regional Clinical Trial designs for structured consistency assessments. Control arm variability because of regional differences in standard of care and drug access was also examined. Recent regulatory setbacks, especially involving Asia-centric trials, underscore the consequences of insufficient regional planning. Emerging statistical approaches, including adaptive and Bayesian methods, show promise in managing heterogeneity while preserving trial integrity. Persistent challenges include disparities in trial infrastructure, molecular subtype distributions, and comorbidity patterns. Broader regional inclusion and integration of real-world evidence are increasingly critical to overcoming these limitations. Regional enrollment should be viewed not as a regulatory formality, but as a scientific and ethical priority. The future of global oncology trials hinges on proactive regional planning, innovative methodology, and cross-sector collaboration. Aligning global efficiency with local relevance can enhance scientific robustness, support regulatory alignment, and expand equitable access to novel cancer therapies worldwide.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder posing major global health challenges due to its complex pathophysiology and increasing prevalence among the elderly. In the present work, the molecular hybridization technique was utilized to design and synthesize nicotinic hydrazide-1,3,5-triazine hybrids. Accordingly, this study aimed to design, perform in silico screening, synthesize, and evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anti-AD potential of the proposed compounds. Docking studies revealed that the compounds displayed key interactions with catalytic site and peripheral anionic site residues. Based on binding affinity, ten compounds were synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic techniques. In vitro AChE and BChE inhibitory assays revealed that the compound 4A36 showed the highest inhibitory ability with log IC50 values of 5.97 μM against AChE and 4.57 μM against BChE. In addition, cytotoxicity screening revealed that 4A36 was non-toxic in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in the concentration range of 15.625-250 µg/mL. Acute oral toxicity evaluation of the compound revealed no adverse effects up to 175 mg/kg b.w. Further, in vivo studies using the scopolamine-induced model further validated the therapeutic promise of the compound. At a dose of 30 mg/kg b.w., the compound demonstrated significant improvements in learning and memory, reduced MDA levels with concurrent elevation of antioxidant enzymes SOD and Catalase, and reduced AChE activity in hippocampal tissue. Histopathological observations revealed that treatment groups, especially at higher dose (30 mg/kg b.w.), preserved the granular layer of the dentate gyrus and improved neuronal integrity compared to the disease control. These findings indicate that 4A36 at a dose of 30 mg/kg b.w. may be considered as a promising lead compound in AD.

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is gaining renewed importance as a climate-resilient andnutritionally rich cereal capable of supporting food and nutritional security under marginal and rainfed conditions.With increasing emphasis on millet-based cropping systems, ensuring the availability of high-quality seed throughoutthe planting season has become critical, necessitating a re-examination of existing seed certification validitynorms. The present study evaluated the storability and revalidation requirements of certified Proso millet seedvarieties GPUP-25 and GPUP-28 stored under ambient conditions in cloth and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)bags for nine months. The investigation was conducted during 2024–2025 at the Notified State Seed TestingLaboratory, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj. Progressive declines in germinationpercentage, seedling dry weight and vigour indices were observed with increasing storage duration, irrespectiveof packaging material. However, seeds stored in HDPE bags consistently maintained superior physiological qualitycompared to those stored in cloth bags. By the ninth month of storage, germination in cloth bags declined belowthe Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards (IMSCS) minimum of 75% (72.63%), whereas HDPE-storedseeds retained acceptable germination (83.05%). Higher moisture content and electrical conductivity values incloth bags indicated accelerated seed deterioration. The findings demonstrate that packaging material significantlyinfluences seed longevity and suggest that uniform certification validity periods may not adequately reflect cropand storage-specific seed behaviour. HDPE bags are recommended for medium- to long-term storage of Prosomillet seeds under ambient conditions, while seeds stored in cloth bags require revalidation beyond eight months.The study provides empirical evidence to support the need for revisiting and refining seed certification andrevalidation standards for Proso millet based on storability performance.

The demand and value for underutilized vegetables, particularly leafy vegetables like basella (Basella alba) and mustard green (Brassica juncea var. rugosa), have been gaining momentum as a source of nutritional substitutes. Information on seed testing protocols, including their dormancy management, are meagre. The seed testing protocols are neither available in ISTA rules, AOSA rules, nor in the IBPGR compendium. In the absence of prescribed seed testing protocols, practical difficulties are faced in the seed quality evaluation and/or by its end users (farmers) when raising a good crop. The presence of seed dormancy is beneficial in arresting seed germination; however, a long period of seed dormancy poses a problem in immediate sowing and its proper evaluation. In view of the above, the present study was conducted to standardize the seed testing protocol in basella and mustard green at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, India, using 5 genotypes of basella and 4 genotypes of mustard green during 2023 and 2024. The results showed that basella seed germinated best on between paper (BP) at 20 to 25°C. The ninth day and 21st day were found suitable for the first and final count, respectively. As basella seed exhibits physical dormancy, the dormancy management treatments are recommended. Among various dormancy management treatments, presoaking in 1.0% KNO3 for 12 hrs significantly improved the seed germination. Whereas, in the case of mustard green suitable substratum is the top of the paper (TP) and temperatures of 20 to 30°C, are recommended, with the 5th and 7th day as the first and final count and the seeds of mustard green do not possess any dormancy.

Breast cancer (BC) presents a considerable global health challenge and is characterized by increasing mortality and morbidity rates. Prompt screening and accurate diagnosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes. For the assessment of BC, radiographic imaging modalities such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), ultrasound, digital mammography (DM), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine procedures are commonly used. The gold standard for confirming cancer is histopathology. To effectively support the segmentation, diagnosis, and prognosis of BC. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies show great promise for the quantitative depiction of medical images.This review explores recent strides in AI applications for BC. The literature search from 2018 to 2025 was performed with the PubMed database. It includes rapid breast lesion detection, segmentation, cancer diagnosis and enhanced imaging quality through data augmentation. It also discusses the biological characterization of BC via AI-based classification tools, including subtyping and staging. Furthermore, this review also explores the use of multiomics data to predict clinical outcomes such as survival, treatment response, and metastasis in BC. Additionally, we recognized the challenges faced by AI in BC in real-world applications, including organizing data, model interpretability, and regulatory compliance.