Genome-wide transcriptional profiling and physiological investigation elucidating the molecular mechanism of multiple abiotic stress response in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.

Considering the major source of plant-derived low/non-calorie steviol glycosides (SGs), comprehensive physiological, biochemical, and deep transcriptional investigations were conducted to explicit deeper insight into multiple abiotic stress responses in Stevia rebaudiana. The physiological indicators including photosynthesis, chlorophyll, relative water content, shoot growth, electrolyte leakage, and SG biosynthesis were negatively impacted under drought (DS), followed by salinity (SS) and waterlogging (WS). Global transcriptional analysis revealed significant upregulated expression of the genes encoding for ROS detoxification (GST, SOD, APX, glutathione peroxidase), osmotic adjustment (alpha-trehalose-phosphate and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase), ion transporters (CAX, NHX, CNGS, VPPase, VATPase), water channel (PIP1, TIP) and abiotic stress-responsive candidate genes (LEA, HSPs, and Dehydrins) regulating abiotic stress response in S. rebaudiana. These inferences were complemented with predicted interactome network that revealed regulation of energy metabolism by key stress-responsive genes (GST, HKT1, MAPKs, P5CSs, PIP), transcription factors (HSFA2, DREB1A, DREB2A), and abiotic stress responsive pathways (ABA, ethylene, ion stress). This is the first detailed study to comprehend the molecular regulation of stress response and their interplay under DS, SS, and WS. The key genes and regulators can be functionally validated, and will facilitate targeted gene editing for genetic improvement of crop sustainability under changing environmental conditions in S. rebaudiana.

An Integrative Transcriptional Network Revealed Spatial Molecular Interplay Underlying Alantolactone and Inulin Biosynthesis in Inula racemosa Hook f.

Inula racemosa Hook. f. (Pushkarmula), a perennial Himalayan herb known for its aromatic and phytopharmaceutical attributes, is not yet explored at genomic/transcriptomic scale. In this study, efforts were made to unveil the global transcriptional atlas underlying organ-specific specialized metabolite biosynthesis by integrating RNA-Seq analysis of 433 million sequenced reads with the phytochemical analysis of leaf, stem, and root tissues. Overall, 7242 of 83,772 assembled nonredundant unigenes were identified exhibiting spatial expression in leaf (3761), root (2748), and stem (733). Subsequently, integration of the predicted transcriptional interactome network of 2541 unigenes (71,841 edges) with gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed isoprenoid, terpenoid, diterpenoid, and gibberellin biosynthesis with antimicrobial activities in root tissue. Interestingly, the root-specific expression of germacrene-mediated alantolactone biosynthesis (GAS, GAO, G8H, IPP, DMAP, and KAO) and antimicrobial activities (BZR1, DEFL, LTP) well-supported with both quantitative expression profiling and phytochemical accumulation of alantolactones (726.08 µg/10 mg) and isoalantolactones (988.59 µg/10 mg), which suggests "roots" as the site of alantolactone biosynthesis. A significant interaction of leaf-specific carbohydrate metabolism with root-specific inulin biosynthesis indicates source (leaf) to sink (root) regulation of inulin. Our findings comprehensively demonstrate the source-sink transcriptional regulation of alantolactone and inulin biosynthesis, which can be further extended for upscaling the targeted specialized metabolites. Nevertheless, the genomic resource created in this study can also be utilized for development of genome-wide functionally relevant molecular markers to expedite the breeding strategies for genetic improvement of I. racemosa.

Evaluation of the Role of Routine Laboratory Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients: Perspective from a Tertiary Care Hospital in India.

To evaluate the role of routine laboratory biomarkers like C Reactive Protein (CRP), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Interleukin 6 (IL6), Ferritin, Creatinine, Procalcitonin (PCT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Serum Albumin, Total Bilirubin (T Bil), High Sensitive Troponin I (hs troponin I), N Terminal-pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT proBNP), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Blood Gases in COVID 19 patients who are admitted with SARS CoV-2 positive test results by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT PCR) in Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute, Mumbai, India. 100 individuals detected with COVID-19 belonging to the age group 12-83 years (median age 62 years) within the period of 1st March 2020 to 10th July 2020 were studied. The case group consisted of 72 males and 28 females. 40 healthy adults without any history or clinical evidence suggestive of COVID-19 and without any comorbidities, like diabetes, hypertension chronic lung disease, cardiac disease, cancer, and immune-compromised individuals were considered as a control group for the study. Routine laboratory findings of these 100 patients were used to evaluate the abnormalities found in COVID-19 patients. Statistical analysis was carried out on the data after determining whether the data had a normal/log-normal distribution and their significance was determined by calculating the p-value. The percentage of patients showing a decrease or increase from the normal value was calculated. Trend analysis was carried out for the 100 patients considered in the case group. Among them, 6 patients were used as representatives to show the trend in these biomarkers during the course of hospital stay. These 5 severe cases consisted of 2 adult males, 2 adult females, and 1 adolescent girl. This selection is to demonstrate the representation of COVID-19 infection in adult males and females and pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 in the younger age group. One mild case (adult male) was also selected in the case study. We found a significant increase in mean values of AST, ALT, Total Billirubin, Creatinine, CRP, PCT, LDH, IL6, Ferritin, Lactate, hsTroponin I, NT Pro BNP and decrease in mean values of Albumin, SO2, and PO2 in COVID 19 cases than control. We applied Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) curve to discriminate case population more precisely than the control population. Therefore, Routine laboratory biomarkers appear to play a significant role in COVID-19 patients.

Early Experience of a Multidisciplinary Group Pain Program with Cognitive Behavioural Strategies, Physiotherapy and Peer Support for Patients with Chronic Noncancer Pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic non-cancer pain affects about 20% of the population worldwide. The effect of medical treatment in isolation is often limited. A multidisciplinary approach has been strongly advocated to help manage patients' pain more effectively. AIMS: The primary purpose was to reduce pain severity, pain interference on patients'daily activities and improve their levels of self-efficacy despite pain. The secondary aim was to evaluate the possible changes in patients' depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms after amultidisciplinary group pain program. The program content and structure were also evaluated. DESIGN: This scholarly project used within-subject pre- and post-test design. SETTINGS/SUBJECTS: Fifty-six patients were recruited from the project center pain clinic. METHODS: An evidence-based eight-hour multidisciplinary group pain program was implemented. Data was collected before and 3 months after the program. INTERVENTIONS: The program covered pain physiology, cognitive behavioural strategies, demonstration of various exercises, self-management skills, medication management, and peer support. RESULTS: Three months postprogram, there was a statistically significant improvement in patients' pain severity (ß = -0.9, 95% CI: -1.73 to -0.14, p = .023) and self-efficacy (ß = 5.6, 95% CI: 0.85 to 10.41, p = .023). Pain interference on their daily activities was also significantly reduced (ß = -2.0, 95% CI: -2.90 to -0.83, p = .001). Patients provided positive and encouraging feedback about the program. CONCLUSION: Initial improvements in patients' ability to cope with pain and to perform daily activities were demonstrated following participation in the brief multidisciplinary group pain program. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm that the results are due to patients' participation in the program.

Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed gamma-irradiation mediated disruption of floral integrator gene(s) leading to prolonged vegetative phase in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.

Stevia rebaudiana Bert. is getting global attention because of its ability to synthesize commercially important low/no calorie natural sweeteners (LNCSs) steviol glycosides (SGs). Considering, higher accumulation of SGs in vegetative phase followed by decrement during reproductive phase necessitate the understanding of different molecular components of floral transition to develop superior varieties/cultivars with prolonged vegetative phase in Stevia. Current comparative transcriptional analysis of low dose (5 kR) gamma-irradiated mutant genotype (SMG) with prolonged vegetative phase vis-à-vis background genotype (SBG) identified DGEs of major floral transition pathways, and expressed according to their physiological fate irrespective to SMG & SBG. Contrarily, reduced expression of floral integrator genes (FT and LEAFY) in mutant genotype suggests their involvement in prolonged vegetative phase phenotype. Likewise, GO and KEGG enrichment of photosynthesis and carbon assimilation efficiency might be associated with prolonged vegetative phase and higher accumulation of Stevioside content in mutant genotype. Furthermore, deviation of flowering related transcription factors (higher expressions except MIKS-type MADS-box SMG_PV compared to SBG_F) may possibly be correlated with low expression of floral integrator genes. Findings of current studies will facilitate the genetic manipulations and crop improvement efforts in Stevia through conventional breeding and genome editing approaches for increased SGs biosynthesis.

The interaction between skill, postures, forces and back pain in wool handling.

Wool handling is an important rural occupation where workers process 200 or more fleeces daily, separating them into various quality components. Loads and postures they experience carry substantial risk of low back pain (LBP). Although a formal skill training structure exists, interaction with loads and LBP is unknown. We examined whether skill and LBP influenced trunk postures and loads of 60 wool handlers representing 3 skill levels. LBP prevalence ranged from 20% for junior (lowest skill) to 45% for open class (highest skill) wool handlers. Open class wool handlers demonstrated increased lateral bend and more axially twisted postures, generating greater medio-lateral shear forces and lateral bend and axial twist moments. LBP was associated with open class wool handlers spending more time in severe axially twisted postures. These findings suggest that skill-based training needs to be reviewed to reduce the quantity of axially twisted posture which may help reduce the prevalence of LBP in this workforce.

The influence of skill and low back pain on trunk postures and low back loads of shearers.

Shearing is a rural occupation developing considerable spinal loads and carrying a high risk of low back pain (LBP). Although the workforce has a skill structure, interaction between skill, spinal loads and LBP is unknown. We examined whether skill and LBP influenced trunk postures and loads within a sample of 80 shearers representing shear skill levels. A progression from junior to open class demonstrated a 100% increase in productivity, less time in severe flexion, more time in neutral lateral bend, and more time in axially twisted postures, with no increase in cumulative compressive and anterior shear forces. LBP prevalence increased linearly from 10% for junior through to 76% for open class shearers. Shearers with a history of LBP generated greater cumulative right medio-lateral shear forces, greater left lateral bend and left axial twist moments. Skill-based training that reduces asymmetric forces may help reduce such high prevalence levels of LBP. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Shearing is an important and physically demanding rural occupation. It requires sustained flexed postures that generate considerable spinal loads and a high risk of LBP. This research examines how skill and a history of LBP it carries interact to influence trunk postures and spinal loads within a sample of shearers.

An examination of shoulder postures and moments of force among different skill levels in the wool harvesting industry.

The wool harvesting industry employs workers of varying skill levels that differ in both quality and number of harvested fleeces. As it was unknown how skill affected parameters such as joint posture and loading, the current study comparatively examined 140 wool harvesting workers representing 4 skill levels during wool harvesting competitions. Three-dimensional upper limb postures and peak and cumulative shoulder moments were calculated for each worker. Results indicated that elite wool harvesters, in general, used different shoulder postures to perform the harvesting tasks and were thus exposed to different shoulder moments as compared to the lower skill levels. It is plausible that these adopted postures allow the higher class workers to perform their job with higher quality and greater speed as compared to the lower ranked workers. Posturalbased training may help improve technique in lower ranked workers and enable these workers to achieve higher ranked status.

The effect of age on lumbar range of motion: a systematic review.

A systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of age on lumbar range of motion (ROM). Assessment of lumbar ROM is commonly used in spinal clinical examination. Although known to reduce with advancing age, it is unclear how this occurs across different age bands; how this compares between movement planes; and what differences exist between males and females. Ten electronic databases were searched to find studies matching predetermined inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed with a quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. Evidence for effect of age on ROM in all planes was investigated with meta-analyses. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria with results showing age-related reductions in flexion, extension and lateral flexion particularly from 40 to 50 and after 60 years of age. There was very little age effect on lumbar rotation. There is strong evidence for a non-linear age-related reduction in lumbar sagittal and coronal ROM after 40 years of age that also appears to be asymmetric in the coronal plane. These factors should be considered during the evaluation of spinal ROM in patients who present with lumbar disorders.

An examination of shoulder kinematics and kinetics when using a commercial trunk harness while sheep shearing.

Sheep shearing is a very physically demanding occupation, especially on the low back, such that many commercial harnesses have been developed to help reduce the load on the back. Such harnesses have been shown to significantly reduce peak and cumulative low back loads; however, the effect that these harnesses have on the shoulders, which are also highly involved during sheep shearing, has not been previously examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the shoulder postures and cumulative shoulder moments of 12 New Zealand sheep shearers. The use of the trunk harness reduced the percentage of time spent in shoulder flexion greater than 90 degrees and the time spent in shoulder abduction greater than 45 degrees as well as reduced the cumulative net joint flexor, abductor, and adductor shoulder moments by a minimum of 21%, 14%, and 42%, respectively. Therefore, the use of a commercial trunk harness to reduce low back injury may also help to reduce the risk of shoulder injury while sheep shearing.

Kinematic and temporal interactions of the lumbar spine and hip during trunk extension in healthy male subjects.

Kinematic properties of trunk extension are considered sensitive differentiators of movement between asymptomatic and low back pain subjects. The aim of this study was to quantify the continuous interaction of the hip and lumbar spine kinematics and temporal characteristics as a function of direction during the task of trunk bending backwards and returning to the upright position in healthy young subjects. The sagittal hip and lumbar spine kinematics during the extension task were examined in 18 healthy male subjects. Five trials of trunk extension were recorded for each subject and paired t-tests were then used to determine significant differences (P < 0.05) between the mean lumbar and the hip time-normalized kinematic and temporal variables. The data from the full cycle of trunk extension was analyzed with respect to movement initiation, time to reach peak velocity and peak angular displacement during the full cycle of trunk extension. Three distinct phases of movements were identified based on the continuous movement trajectories of velocity and angular displacement in the lumbar spine and hip; that of extension, return and, a terminal overcorrection phase. There were significant differences identified in the respective mean peak angular velocities of the lumbar spine (21.7 +/- 8.6, 37.0 +/- 14.7, 8.3 +/- 5.0 deg/s) when compared with those of hip (14.6 +/- 6.1, 21.7 +/- 8.5, 5.4 +/- 3.5 deg/s) in each of these three phases. The lumbar spine initiated the movement of trunk extension when bending backwards and returning to the upright position significantly early than that of the hip. These results highlight that in normal healthy adults there is the tendency for the lumbar spine to dominate over the hip during the task of backward trunk bending in terms of the amount and velocity of movement. At the end of extension the kinematics of the lumbar spine and hip kinematic are characterized by a terminal overcorrection phase marking the completion of the movement.

Hip and lumbar continuous motion characteristics during flexion and return in young healthy males.

Studies describing the movement patterns, relative contributions and kinematic characteristics of the lumbar spine and hip present conflicting results. Differences could be due to sample characteristics, methodological issues and descriptive methods. The purpose of this study was to describe the amount and pattern of lumbar spine and hip movement during flexion and return using a range of kinematic and temporal variables. Our aim is to gain a more complete picture of movement patterns taking place at the hip and lumbar spine in asymptomatic individuals. Ultimately the development of a normative database of movement patterns will help to clarify comparative movement interpretation in patients with lumbar back pain. This study analysed lumbar spine and hip motion in group of young healthy males (n = 20) during the flexion and return movement. A motion analysis system captured continuous movement profiles in the sagittal plane. Each participant performed five trials of flexion and return. The angular and velocity data were averaged and used for statistical and descriptive analysis. The kinematic and temporal variables distinguishing statistically significant differences in the lumbar spine and hip movement patterns are not the same for the flexion and return movement. However, within this group four (20%) demonstrated a pattern angular change between the lumbar spine and hip which was different from the other participants. Even within a healthy group of participants individual differences exist in the lumbar spine and hip movement patterns during flexion and return.