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Polyamines (PAs) and nitric oxide (NO) are crucial signalling molecules that exhibit a promising role in improving stress tolerance in plants, maintaining their growth and development. They act as protecting agents for plants through activation of stress adaptation strategies such as membrane stabilisation, acid neutralisation and suppression of ROS generation. NO interacts with PAs during several developmental processes and stress responses. External supplementation of PAs to plants is also reported to cause an increase in NO content. However, it is unclear whether PAs promote synthesis of NO by either as substrates, cofactors, or signals. Impact of NO on synthesis of PAs has been also reported in some studies, yet the exact governing mechanisms of the interrelation between NO and PAs is currently obscure. Understanding the crosstalk between PAs and NO during growth and stress condition in plants can aid in providing better tolerance to plants against stressful environment.

Global climate change has threatened world crop production and food security. Decoding the adaptive genetic basis of wild relatives provides an invaluable genomic resource for climate-smart crop breedinG. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 185 diverse wild soybean (

The UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) gene is an essential regulatory factor of class B genes and plays a vital role in the process of inflorescence primordial and flower primordial development. The role of UFO genes in soybean was investigated to better understand the development of floral organs through gene cloning, expression analysis, and gene knockout. There are two copies of UFO genes in soybean and in situ hybridization, which have demonstrated similar expression patterns of the GmUFO1 and GmUFO2 genes in the flower primordium. The phenotypic observation of GmUFO1 knockout mutant lines (Gmufo1) showed an obvious alteration in the floral organ number and shape and mosaic organ formation. By contrast, GmUFO2 knockout mutant lines (Gmufo2) showed no obvious difference in the floral organs. However, the GmUFO1 and GmUFO2 double knockout lines (Gmufo1ufo2) showed more mosaic organs than the Gmufo1 lines, in addition to the alteration in the organ number and shape. Gene expression analysis also showed differences in the expression of major ABC function genes in the knockout lines. Based on the phenotypic and expression analysis, our results suggest the major role of GmUFO1 in the regulation of flower organ formation in soybeans and that GmUFO2 does not have any direct effect but might have an interaction role with GmUFO1 in the regulation of flower development. In conclusion, the present study identified UFO genes in soybean and improved our understanding of floral development, which could be useful for flower designs in hybrid soybean breeding.

Key message Plant height of soybean is associated with a haplotype block on chromosome 19, which classified 211 soybean accessions into five distinct groups showing significant differences for the target trait. Abstract Genetic variation is pivotal for crop improvement. Natural populations are precious genetic resources. However, efficient strategies for the targeted utilization of these resources for quantitative traits, such as plant height (PH), are scarce. Being an important agronomic trait associated with soybean yield and quality, it is imperative to unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying PH in soybean. Here, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with PH in a natural population of 211 cultivated soybeans, which was genotyped with NJAU 355 K Soy SNP Array and evaluated across six environments. A total of 128 SNPs distributed across 17 chromosomes were found to be significantly associated with PH across six environments and a combined environment. Three significant SNPs were consistently identified in at least three environments on Chr.02 (AX-93958260), Chr.17 (AX-94154834), and Chr.19 (AX-93897200). Genomic regions of ~ 130 kb flanking these three consistent SNPs were considered as stable QTLs, which included 169 genes. Of these, 22 genes (including Dt1) were prioritized and defined as putative candidates controlling PH. The genomic region flanking 12 most significant SNPs was in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD). These SNPs formed a single haplotype block containing five haplotypes for PH, namely Hap-A, Hap-B, Hap-C, Hap-D, and Hap-E. Deployment of such superior haplotypes in breeding programs will enable development of improved soybean varieties with desirable plant height.

This study aims to understand the dynamics of aggregate and sectorial employment elasticity of output growth in the Kazakhstan economy from 1996 to 2019. To serve our purpose, a rolling regression method with a window of 6 years has been used to estimate aggregate and sectoral employment elasticity, and an ARDL bounds testing approach has been incorporated to assess the impact of various macroeconomics determinants. The results indicate the existence of a cointegration relationship, and the employment elasticity of output growth in Kazakhstan's economy has declined at aggregate and sectoral levels, thus indicating jobless growth. More specifically, the results reveal that inflation, trade openness and the exchange rate are negatively associated with employment elasticity. In contrast, a positive association is established between service sector employment share, the population growth rate and employment elasticity of output growth. The study recommends strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals such as inflation and exchange rate stabilization coupled with robust development of human capital.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses substantial leadership and governance challenges and opportunities for organizations. This chapter intends to better understand the role of public leadership during the crisis and calls for public health professionals to play a more active role in crisis management. This chapter is a thoughtful reflection on how executives and boards respond to crises. This chapter focuses on three critical activities needed to understand public officials' involvement in the current crisis: values and purpose, rapid decision-making, and thinking outside the box. Understanding public leadership as a key to crisis management, particularly important when developing policy solutions to public health crises. This chapter broadens our understanding of human resource management's roles in crisis response and recovery. As a result of this, we can better identify the shifting leadership roles necessary for crisis management and learn about potential public health issues in the future.

Yellow-green variegation leaf phenotype adds more value to ornamental plants, but it is regarded as an undesirable trait in crop plants, affecting their yields. Until recently, the underlying mechanism regulating the yellow-green variegation phenotype has remained largely unexplored in soybean. In the present study, we indentified four Glycine max leaf yellow/green variegation mutants, Gmvar1, Gmvar2, Gmvar3, and Gmvar4, from artificial mutagenesis populations. Map-based cloning, together with the allelic identification test and CRISPR-based gene knockout, proved that mutated GmCS1 controls yellow-green variegation phenotype of the Gmvar mutants. GmCS1 encodes a chorismate synthase in soybean. The content of Phe, Tyr, and Trp were dramatically decreased in Gmcs1 mutants. Exogenous supply of three aromatic amino acid mixtures, or only Phe to Gmvar mutants, leads to recovery of the mutant phenotype. The various biological processes and signalling pathways related to metabolism and biosynthesis were altered in Gmvar mutants. Collectively, our findings provide new insights about the molecular regulatory network of yellow-green variegation leaf phenotype in soybean.

The UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) gene is an essential regulatory factor of class B genes and plays a vital role in the process of inflorescence primordial and flower primordial development. We investigated the role of UFO genes in soybean to better understand the development of floral organs through gene cloning, expression analysis, and gene knockout. In situ hybridization demonstrated predominant expression of the GmUFO1 gene in the flower primordium. Phenotypic observation of GmUFO1 knockout mutant lines (Gmufo1) showed obvious alteration in floral organ number and shape, and mosaic organ formation. In contrast, GmUFO2 knockout mutant lines (Gmufo2) showed no obvious difference in floral organs. However, the GmUFO1 and GmUFO2 double knockout lines (Gmufo1ufo2) showed a more severe mutant phenotype than the Gmufo1 lines. Gene expression analysis also showed differences in the expression of major ABC function genes in the knockout lines. Based on the phenotypic and expression analysis, our results suggest the major role of GmUFO1 in the regulation of flower organ formation in soybean and that GmUFO2 does not have any direct effect, but it might have an interaction role with GmUFO1 in the regulation of flower development. In conclusion, the present study identified UFO genes in soybean and improved our understanding of floral development that could be useful for flower design in hybrid soybean breeding.

The proper and efficient utilization of natural genetic diversity can significantly impact crop improvements. Plant height is a quantitative trait governing the plant type as well as the yield and quality of soybean. Here, we used a combined approach including a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and haplotype and candidate gene analyses to explore the genetic basis of plant height in diverse natural soybean populations. For the GWAS analysis, we used the whole-genome resequencing data of 196 diverse soybean cultivars collected from different accumulated temperature zones of north-eastern China to detect the significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with plant height across three environments (E1, E2, and E3). A total of 33 SNPs distributed on four chromosomes, viz., Chr.02, Chr.04, Chr.06, and Chr.19, were identified to be significantly associated with plant height across the three environments. Among them, 23 were consistently detected in two or more environments and the remaining 10 were identified in only one environment. Interestingly, all the significant SNPs detected on the respective chromosomes fell within the physical interval of linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay (± 38.9 kb). Hence, these genomic regions were considered to be four quantitative trait loci (QTLs), viz., qPH2, qPH4, qPH6, and qPH19, regulating plant height. Moreover, the genomic region flanking all significant SNPs on four chromosomes exhibited strong LD. These significant SNPs thus formed four haplotype blocks, viz., Hap-2, Hap-4, Hap-6, and Hap-19. The number of haplotype alleles underlying each block varied from four to six, and these alleles regulate the different phenotypes of plant height ranging from dwarf to extra-tall heights. Nine candidate genes were identified within the four haplotype blocks, and these genes were considered putative candidates regulating soybean plant height. Hence, these stable QTLs, superior haplotypes, and candidate genes (after proper validation) can be deployed for the development of soybean cultivars with desirable plant heights.

Chromium (Cr) is a serious environmental contaminant that drastically limited the crop yields. Nitric oxide (NO) and spermine (Spm) portrayal significance in improving the plant tolerance against abiotic stresses. Therefore, we investigate the protective efficacy of seed priming with NO (100 μM) and/or Spm (0.01 mM) in minimising the Cr-induced toxic effects in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants. Our outcomes revealed that Cr alone treatments (100 μM) notably reduced the seed germination rate, plant growth, photosynthetic apparatus, nutrients uptake and antioxidant defence system, but extra generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, the combine applications of NO and Spm significantly reversed the Cr-induced toxic effects by reducing the Cr-accumulation, maintaining the nutrient balance, improving the germination indices, levels of photosynthetic pigments (chl a by 24.6%, chl b by 36.3%, chl (a + b) by 57.2% and carotenoids by 79.4%), PSII, photosynthesis gas exchange parameters and total soluble sugar (74.9%) by improving antioxidative enzyme activities. As a result, NO + Spm lowered the accumulation of oxidative markers (H2O2 by 93.9/70.4%, O2˙− by 86.3/69.9% and MDA by 97.2/73.7% in leaves/roots), electrolyte leakage (71.4% in leaves) and improved the plant growth traits. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that NO triggers Spm to minimise the Cr-accumulation and its adverse effects on rice plants. Additionally, combined treatments (NO + Spm) were more effective in minimising the Cr-induced toxic effects in comparison to NO and Spm alone treatments. Thus, co-exposure of NO and Spm may be utilised to boost rice tolerance under Cr stress conditions.

Abstract: Over the past two decades, the advances in the next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have led to the identification of numerous genes/QTLs at high-resolution for their potential use in crop improvement. The genomic resources generated through these high-throughput sequencing techniques have been efficiently used in screening of particular gene of interest particularly for numerous types of plant stresses and quality traits. Subsequently, the identified-markers linked to a particular trait have been used in marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) activities. Besides, these markers are also being used to catalogue the food crops for detection of adulteration to improve the quality of food. With the advancement of technologies, the genomic resources are originating with new markers; however, to use these markers efficiently in crop breeding, high-throughput techniques (HTT) such as multiplex PCR and capillary electrophoresis (CE) can be exploited. Robustness, ease of operation, good reproducibility and low cost are the main advantages of multiplex PCR and CE. The CE is capable of separating and characterizing proteins with simplicity, speed and small sample requirements. Keeping in view the availability of vast data generated through NGS techniques and development of numerous markers, there is a need to use these resources efficiently in crop improvement programmes. In summary, this review describes the use of molecular markers in the screening of resistance genes in breeding programmes and detection of adulterations in food crops using high-throughput techniques.

Class III peroxidases (PODs) are plant-specific glycoproteins, that play essential roles in various plant physiological processes and defence responses. To date, scarce information is available about the POD gene family in soybean. Hence, the present study is the first comprehensive report about the genome-wide characterization of GmPOD gene family in soybean (Glycine max L.). Here, we identified a total of 124 GmPOD genes in soybean, that are unevenly distributed across the genome. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into six distinct sub-groups (A-F), with one soybean specific subgroup. Exon-intron and motif analysis suggested the existence of structural and functional diversity among the sub-groups. Duplication analysis identified 58 paralogous gene pairs; segmental duplication and positive/Darwinian selection were observed as the major factors involved in the evolution of GmPODs. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that 23 out of a total 124 GmPODs showed differential expression between drought-tolerant (DTL and DTP) and drought-sensitive (DSL and DSP) genotypes under stress conditions; however, two of them (GmPOD40 and GmPOD42) revealed the maximum deregulation in all contrasting genotypes. Overexpression (OE) lines of GsPOD40 showed considerably higher drought tolerance compared to wild type (WT) plants under stress treatment. Moreover, the OE lines showed enhanced photosynthesis and enzymatic antioxidant activities under drought stress, resulting in alleviation of ROS induced oxidative damage. Hence, the GsPOD40 enhanced drought tolerance in soybean by regulating the key physiological and biochemical pathways involved in the defence response. Lastly, the results of our study will greatly assist in further functional characterization of GsPODs in plant growth and stress tolerance in soybean.

Key Message Endophytes are crucial for the promotion of rice growth and stress tolerance and can be used to increase rice crop yield. Endophytes can thus be exploited in biotechnology and genetic engineering as eco-friendly and cost-effective means for the development of high-yielding and stress-tolerant rice plants. Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa) crop is continuously subjected to biotic and abiotic stresses, compromising growth and consequently yield. The situation is exacerbated by climate change impacting on ecosystems and biodiversity. Genetic engineering has been used to develop stress-tolerant rice, alongside physical and chemical methods to mitigate the effect of these stresses. However, the success of these strategies has been hindered by short-lived field success and public concern on adverse effects associated. The limited success in the field of stress-tolerant cultivars developed through breeding or transgenic approaches is due to the complex nature of stress tolerance as well as to the resistance breakdown caused by accelerated evolution of pathogens. It is therefore necessary to develop novel and acceptable strategies to enhance rice stress tolerance and durable resistance and consequently improve yield. In the last decade, plant growth promoting (PGP) microbes, especially endophytes, have drawn the attention of agricultural scientists worldwide, due to their ability to mitigate environmental stresses in crops, without causing adverse effects. Increasing evidence indicates that endophytes effectively confer fitness benefits also to rice under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Endophyte-produced metabolites can control the expression of stress-responsive genes and improve the physiological performance and growth of rice plants. This review highlights the current evidence available for PGP microbe-promoted tolerance of rice to abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought and to biotic ones, with special emphasis on endophytes. Associated molecular mechanisms are illustrated, and prospects for sustainable rice production also in the light of the impending climate change, discussed.

Whether or not hydrogen gas (H2) can reduce cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Ganoderma lucidum has remained largely unknown. Here, we report that Cd-induced growth inhibition in G. lucidum was significantly alleviated by H2 fumigation or hydrogen-rich water (HRW), evaluated by lower oxidative damage and Cd accumulation. Moreover, the amelioration effects of H2 fumigation were better than of HRW in an optimum concentration of H2 under our experimental conditions. Further results showed that H2-alleviated growth inhibition in G. lucidum was accompanied by increased nitric oxide (NO) level and nitrate reductase (NR) activity under Cd stress. On the other hand, the mitigation effects were reversed after removing endogenous NO with its scavenger cPTIO or inhibiting H2-induced NR activity with sodium tungstate. The role of NO in H2-alleviated growth inhibition under Cd stress was proved to be achieved through a restoration of redox balance, an increase in cysteine and proline contents, and a reduction in Cd accumulation. In summary, these results clearly revealed that NR-dependent NO might be involved in the H2-alleviated Cd toxicity in G. lucidum through rebuilding redox homeostasis, increasing cysteine and proline levels, and reducing Cd accumulation. These findings may open a new window for H2 application in Cd-stressed economically important fungi.

The present study was aimed to investigate copper (Cu) toxicity alleviatory potential of silicon in Vigna radiata L. (mung bean) seedlings. Moreover, attention has also been paid to find out whether endogenous nitric oxide (NO) has any role in Si-governed alleviation of Cu stress. The length of root and shoot, fresh weight, and biochemical attributes were adversely affected by Cu exposure. However, application of Si rescued negative effects of Cu. Cu exposure decreased cell viability, and enhanced cell death and levels of oxidative stress markers (O2•‾, H2O2 and MDA), but Si significantly mitigated these effects of Cu. Application of Cu substantially stimulated the activities of superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase while inhibited activity of catalase. However, Si addition reversed this effect of Cu. Ascorbate and glutathione contents in roots and shoots were declined by Cu but stimulated by Si. Moreover, we noticed that addition of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and sodium tungstate (Tung) further augmented Cu toxicity but addition of sodium nitroprusside rescued adverse effects of L-NAME and Tung. Altogether, data suggest that though Si was able in alleviating Cu toxicity in mung bean seedlings but it requires endogenous nitric oxide.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) or heart failure is associated with an unacceptably high in-hospital mortality of 33%–55% and a lost chance to accept PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention). Aim: The aim of the study was to find out whether percutaneous hemodynamic support device Impella 2.5 improves prognosis of high-risk PCI patients or not. Methods: This study was a case series involving six patients who underwent a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD, Impella 2.5, Abiomed, Danvers, MA) implantation after suffering from AMI with a very low ejection fraction and acute heart failure. The clinical experience and outcomes of the patients are hereby discussed. Results: All PCI procedures were safely completed under LVAD support. The hemodynamic parameters of all patients improved clinically over the next 30 days and following 12 months after Impella insertion except in two patients, of which one patient (Case number 6) died 4 days post-Impella protected PCI procedure due to acute left ventricle heart failure with cardiogenic shock and pulmonary oedema; and another one died at 12 months after Impella protected PCI procedure (Case number 4) due to decompensated heart failure and infected pneumonia. Conclusion: Percutaneous hemodynamic support is favorable and feasible during high risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). A bigger study is needed to substantiate the claims of the current study.

Silicon (Si) is widely accepted as a beneficial element for plants. Despite the substantial progress made in understanding Si transport mechanisms and modes of action in plants, several questions remain unanswered. In this review, we discuss such outstanding questions and issues commonly encountered by biologists studying the role of Si in plants in relation to Si bioavailability. In recent years, advances in our understanding of the role of Si-solubilizing bacteria and the efficacy of Si nanoparticles have been made. However, there are many unknown aspects associated with structural and functional features of Si transporters, Si loading into the xylem, and the role of specialized cells like silica cells and compounds preventing Si polymerization in plant tissues. In addition, despite several 1,000 reports showing the positive effects of Si in high as well as low Si-accumulating plant species, the exact roles of Si at the molecular level are yet to be understood. Some evidence suggests that Si regulates hormonal pathways and nutrient uptake, thereby explaining various observed benefits of Si uptake. However, how Si modulates hormonal pathways or improves nutrient uptake remains to be explained. Finally, we summarize the knowledge gaps that will provide a roadmap for further research on plant silicon biology, leading to an exploration of the benefits of Si uptake to enhance crop production.

The present study was carried out to explore the possible role of kinetin and gibberellic acid (GA3) on faba bean under chromium (Cr) stress. Cr treatment negatively affected growth and biomass production, reduced photosynthetic pigments, and inhibited photosynthesis, gas exchange parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and the glyoxylase cycle. Moreover, Cr stress enhanced the production of malondialdehyde (MDA, 216.11%) and hydrogen peroxide (H

Chromium (Cr) phytotoxicity severely inhibits plant growth and development which makes it a prerequisite to developing techniques that prevent Cr accumulation in food chains. However, little is explored related to the protective role of brassinosteroids (BRs) against Cr-induced stress in soybean plants. Herein, the morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of soybean cultivars with/without foliar application of BRs under Cr toxicity were intensely investigated. Our outcomes deliberated that BRs application noticeably reduced Cr-induced phytotoxicity by lowering Cr uptake (37.7/43.63%), accumulation (63.92/81.73%), and translocation (26.23/38.14%) in XD-18/HD-19, plant tissues, respectively; besides, improved seed germination ratio, photosynthetic attributes, plant growth, and biomass, as well as prevented nutrient uptake inhibition under Cr stress, especially in HD-19 cultivar. Furthermore, BRs stimulated antioxidative defense systems, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, the compartmentalization of ion chelation, diminished extra production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and electrolyte leakage in response to Cr-induced toxicity, specifically in HD-19. In addition, BRs improved Cr stress tolerance in soybean seedlings by regulating the expression of stress-related genes involved in Cr accumulation, and translocation. Inclusively, by considering the above-mentioned biomarkers, foliar spray of BRs might be considered an effective inhibitor of Cr-induced damages in soybean cultivars, even in Cr polluted soil.

Sheehan's Syndrome (SS) is one of the most important causes of hypopituitarism in developing countries with patients having varying degrees and severity of anterior pituitary hormone deficiency including growth hormone deficiency (GHD). SS is characterized by increased clustering of metabolic and proinflammatory risk factors predisposing them to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Coronary calcium deposits (CCD), a marker for significant coronary atherosclerosis, is used for evaluation in asymptomatic individuals of global cardiac risk to develop events related to coronary heart disease (CHD). This study therefore aimed to evaluate the prevalence of coronary artery disease in patients with SS appropriately replaced for pituitary hormone deficiencies but untreated for GHD.Thirty patients previously diagnosed with SS and stable on a conventional replacement treatment for at least 6 months before the study and thirty age and Body Mass Index (BMI) matched controls were enrolled in this observational study. The subjects underwent detailed clinical, biochemical, and hormone analysis. Coronary multidetector computed tomography was performed in 19 SS patients and 19 healthy participants by a 16-row multislice scanner. Non contrast acquisitions were performed to detect coronary calcifications. Calcium was quantified by the Agatston score (AS) in all subjects. AS 10 indicates increased CHD risk.The mean (± SD) age was 38.30 ± 10.73 years and the diagnostic delay was 11.35 ± 4.74 years. Patients with SS had significantly higher mean triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol concentrations on conventional replacement therapy. The prevalence of CCD was significantly higher in patients of SS compared to controls (42.1% vs. 5.3%; P = 0.023). The presence of CCD and AS 10 were detected in 42.1% and 31.6% of patients respectively. The presence of significant calcification (Agatston score 10) was documented in 75% of patients (6/8) of the SS patients with CCD compared to none in the control group (P = 0.019). (Left anteriordescending, 1; left circumflex, 2; right coronary artery, 2 and posterior descending, 1) CONCLUSION: Since coronary artery calcium is an independent predictor of CHD events, the presence of significant prevalence of CCD in patients with SS compared to healthy matched controls, undermines the importance of early risk stratification of SS individuals with plethora of conventional cardiovascular risk factors that are at relatively high risk to avoid the adverse vascular consequences.

Purpose: The lactate level is being increasingly used as a marker of severity of illness and prognosis in multitude of critical conditions. However, its role in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is not well defined. Aim: To determine the prevalence and clinical importance along with the underlying role of metformin in lactic acidosis (LA) in patients admitted with DKA. Methods: A 2-year prospective and observational study involving 62 consenting in hospital DKA patients. Plasma lactate level on arrival, its clinical significance and relationship with morbidity and mortality in patients with DKA was evaluated. Results: The prevalence of LA (lactate ≥2.5 mmol/l) among the study cohort was found to be 55% with significant LA (≥5 mmol/l) documented in 16%. The median lactate level was 2.55 mmol/l (interquartile range, 1.70–3.20). No significant difference in the severity of LA was seen with metformin use. Lactate correlated positively with initial plasma glucose (IPG) (P = 0.001) and APACHE-II Score (P = 0.002); correlated negatively with systolic blood pressure (P = 0.003), pH (P = 0.002) and severity of DKA (P = 0.001). After controlling for AKI, APACHE II score and blood pressure, lactate continued to correlate positively with IPG (P = 0.002). No mortality or significant morbidity was documented in the entire cohort. Conclusions: LA has a significant presence in patients with DKA; however, it is not associated with mortality or significant morbidity. Moreover, there was no significant difference in severity of LA with metformin use. Elevated lactate levels may be an adaptation to provide alternate substrate for metabolism in the presence of hypoinsulinemic state. The study results provide rationale for large well-designed studies evaluating in-depth clinical relationship of lactate in DKA.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) has been demonstrated to positively regulate plant tolerance to multiple environmental stresses. However, till date little information has been gained regarding the role of ZnO-NPs in the salt stress regulation in plants. Hence, the objective of our study was to investigate the role of ZnO-NPs in the regulation of salt tolerance in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). In this regard, the tomato plants were subjected to salt stress by using NaCl (150 mM) at the time of transplantation [15 days after sowing (DAS)]. Foliar application of ZnO-NPs at different levels viz., 10, 50 and 100 mg/L in the presence/absence of NaCl (150 mM) was carried out at 25 DAS and sampling was done at 35 DAS. Results of our study revealed that foliar spray of ZnO-NPs significantly increased shoot length (SL) and root length (RL), biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic attributes of tomato plants in the presence/absence of salt stress. Besides, the application of ZnO-NPs mitigates the negative impacts of salt stress on tomato growth, and enhanced protein content and antioxidative enzyme activity such as peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) under salt stress. In conclusion, the ZnO-NPs plays an important role in the alleviation of NaCl toxicity in tomato plants. Hence, the ZnO-NPs can be used to boost the growth performance and mitigate the adverse effects caused by NaCl in tomato.

Rupture is one long love letter to a partially lost relationship. The text resonates with a frail longing for deep bonds of centuries that were severed; the bonds that had somehow survived many a test in the past. However, with the storm which hit Kashmir in the 1990s, these bonds of common affection and love between Hindus and Muslims were violently shattered, to the overall discomfort and disadvantage of both. The stories in this collection yearn to reflect and expand on those connections which permeate collective memories. The characters in the stories are alive to the possibility of rift and tension in the bonds but long to maintain the bond nevertheless. The severance of the bond also re-characterizes the stories as gentle prose elegies to a homeland. Though members of the migrant Hindu community try to recreate home away from home but the pain remains. The issues of lost identity, home, nostalgia, every day ties between the two communities are immanent in this collection. Some of the characters, especially the elderly people, are on the verge of insanity because of a confusing feeling of alienation in a foreign place. They just bide their time in daily trivia in tents, rented accommodations or even ‘homes’ away from Kashmir. They watch helplessly as the younger generation slowly strays away from the antique rites and rituals and adopt a different identity. There is separation at several levels: the young from the old, Hindu from Muslim, home from its inhabitants, rituals from their connoisseurs, and sacred landscape from its enthusiasts. The hope is that this separation is not permanent but a temporary strain in the eternal bond.

Identifying the genetic components underlying yield-related traits in soybean is crucial for improving its production and productivity. Here, 211 soybean genotypes were evaluated across six environments for four yield-related traits, including seed yield per plant (SYP), number of pods per plant number of seeds per plant and 100-seed weight (HSW). Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and genomic prediction (GP) analyses were performed using 12,617 single nucleotide polymorphism markers from NJAU 355K SoySNP Array. A total of 57 SNPs were significantly associated with four traits across six environments and a combined environment using five Genome-wide association study models. Out of these, six significant SNPs were consistently identified in more than three environments using multiple GWAS models. The genomic regions (±670 kb) flanking these six consistent SNPs were considered stable QTL regions. Gene annotation and in silico expression analysis revealed 15 putative genes underlying the stable QTLs that might regulate soybean yield. Haplotype analysis using six significant SNPs revealed various allelic combinations regulating diverse phenotypes for the studied traits. Furthermore, the GP analysis revealed that accurate breeding values for the studied soybean traits is attainable at an earlier generation. Our study paved the way for increasing soybean yield performance within a short breeding cycle.

The classical approach to treating Graves’ hyperthyroidism involves rapid control of the symptoms, generally with a beta adrenergic blocker, and reduction of thyroid hormone secretion by antithyroid drugs (ATDs) and/or using one of the several modalities available, including radioactive iodine therapy (RAI), and surgery; the selection of the treatment modalities often varies according to different guidelines, patient preferences and local traditions. Thionamides are invariably used as first-line medication to control hyperthyroidism and induce remission of the disease, thereby relieving the symptoms. In case of failure of the medical therapy, which is not uncommon, definitive treatment with surgery or RAI is the standard modality of management after due consideration and discussion with the patients. However, the therapeutic options available for patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism have remained largely unchanged for the past several decades despite the current treatments having either limited efficacy or significant adverse effects. The clinical demand for new therapeutic regimens of Graves’ disease has led to the emergence of several new therapeutic ideas/options like biologic, peptide immunomodulation and small molecules, currently under investigations which may lead to the restoration of a euthyroid state without the requirement for ongoing therapy, but the potential risk of immunocompromise and cost implications needs careful consideration.

Chromium (Cr) is an important environmental constraint effecting crop productivity. Spermine (SPM) is a polyamine compound regulating plant responses to abiotic stresses. However, SPM-mediated tolerance mechanisms against Cr stress are less commonly explored in plants. Thus, current research was conducted to explore the protective mechanisms of SPM (0.01 mM) against Cr (100 µM) toxicity in two rice cultivars, CY927 (sensitive) and YLY689 (tolerant) at the seedling stage. Our results revealed that, alone, Cr exposure significantly reduced seed germination, biomass and photosynthetic related parameters, caused nutrient and hormonal imbalance, desynchronized antioxidant enzymes, and triggered oxidative damage by over-accretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage in both rice varieties, with greater impairments in CY927 than YLY689. However, seed priming with SPM notably improved or reversed the above-mentioned parameters, especially in YLY689. Besides, SPM stimulated the stress-responsive genes of endogenous phytohormones, especially salicylic acid (SA), as confirmed by the pronounced transcript levels of SA-related genes (OsPR1, OsPR2 and OsNPR1). Our findings specified that SPM enhanced rice tolerance against Cr toxicity via decreasing accumulation of Cr and markers of oxidative damage (H2O2, O2•− and MDA), improving antioxidant defense enzymes, photosynthetic apparatus, nutrients and phytohormone balance.

Plants coevolved with their antioxidant defense systems, which detoxify and adjust levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under multiple plant stresses. We performed whole-genome identification of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) families in cultivated and wild soybeans. In cultivated and wild soybean genomes, we identified 11 and 10 APX genes, respectively, whereas the numbers of identified CAT genes were four in each species. Comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed more homology among cultivated and wild soybeans relative to other legumes. Exon/intron structure, motif and synteny blocks are conserved in cultivated and wild species. According to the Ka/Ks value, purifying selection is a major force for evolution of these gene families in wild soybean; however, the APX gene family was evolved by both positive and purifying selection in cultivated soybean. Segmental duplication was a major factor involved in the expansion of APX and CAT genes. Expression patterns revealed that APX and CAT genes are differentially expressed across fourteen different soybean tissues under water deficit (WD), heat stress (HS) and combined drought plus heat stress (WD + HS). Altogether, the current study provides broad insights into these gene families in soybeans. Our results indicate that APX and CAT gene families modulate multiple stress response in soybeans.

Silicon (Si), a beneficial element for plants, is known for its prophylactic effect under stress conditions. Many studies have documented the role of biogenic silica (bulk-Si) in alleviating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. The scarce amount of the plant-available form of Si (monosilicic acid) in most of the cultivated soil and the limited efficacy of silicate fertilizers (bulk-Si) are the major concerns for the exploration of Si-derived benefits. In this regard, recent advances in nanotechnology have opened up new avenues for crop improvement, where plants can derive benefits associated with Si nanoparticles (SiNPs). Most of the studies have shown the positive effect of SiNPs on the growth and development of plants specifically under stress conditions. In contrast, a few studies have also reported their toxic effects on some plant species. Hence, there is a pertinent need for elaborative research to explore the utility of SiNPs in agriculture. The present review summarizes SiNP synthesis, application, uptake, and role in stimulating plant growth and development. The advantages of SiNPs over conventional bulk-Si fertilizers in agriculture, their efficacy in different plant species, and safety concerns have also been discussed. The gaps in our understanding of various aspects of SiNPs in relation to plants have also been highlighted, which will guide future research in this area. The increased attention towards SiNP-related research will help to realize the true potential of SiNPs in agriculture.