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Plant Reproduction Jul 2024This comprehensive review underscores the application of genome editing in plant reproductive biology, including recent advances and challenges associated with it.... (Review)
Review
This comprehensive review underscores the application of genome editing in plant reproductive biology, including recent advances and challenges associated with it. Genome editing (GE) is a powerful technology that has the potential to accelerate crop improvement by enabling efficient, precise, and rapid engineering of plant genomes. Over the last decade, this technology has rapidly evolved from the use of meganucleases (homing endonucleases), zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases to the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas), which has emerged as a popular GE tool in recent times and has been extensively used in several organisms, including plants. GE has been successfully employed in several crops to improve plant reproductive traits. Improving crop reproductive traits is essential for crop yields and securing the world's food supplies. In this review, we discuss the application of GE in various aspects of plant reproductive biology, including its potential application in haploid induction, apomixis, parthenocarpy, development of male sterile lines, and the regulation of self-incompatibility. We also discuss current challenges and future prospects of this technology for crop improvement, focusing on plant reproduction.
PubMed: 38954018
DOI: 10.1007/s00497-024-00506-w -
Archives of Microbiology Jul 2024Two Gram-staining-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped and phosphate-solubilizing strains designated SG2303 and SG2305, were isolated from paddy soil in China....
Two Gram-staining-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped and phosphate-solubilizing strains designated SG2303 and SG2305, were isolated from paddy soil in China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16 S rRNA gene sequences indicated that SG2303 and SG2305 represented a member of the genus Crenobacter within the family Neisseriaceae of the phylum Pseudomonadota. Strain SG2303 displayed higher 16 S rRNA gene sequence similarities with members of the genus Crenobacter ranging from 93.5 to 94.0%. Strains C. luteus YIM 78141 and C. cavernae K1W11S-77 were closest related to the isolated strains and were considered as type strains. Growth of strain SG2303 occurred at 10-55 °C (optimum 37 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum pH 6.0-7.0) and 0-1% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0%). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain SG2303 and its closely related taxa were 76.1-78.2% and 20.5-22.1%, respectively. The genomic DNA G + C content was 62.2%. The quinone of strain SG2303 was Q-8. The major fatty acids (> 10%) of strain SG2303 were C (30.6%), summed feature 3 (Cω7c and/or Cω6c) (26.0%) and C 3OH (12.1%). The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phospholipids (PL), glycolipid (GL) and unidentified lipids (UL). Based on the results of the phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical, and morphological analysis, strain SG2303 is recognized as a novel species of the genus Crenobacter, for which the name Crenobacter oryzisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG2303 (= GDMCC 1.3970 = JCM 36468). In addition, SG2303 was also able of phosphorus solubilization and promoting the growth of rice seeds. Strain SG2303 exhibited a relatively high dissolvable phosphorus content of 2.52 µg·mL.
Topics: Soil Microbiology; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; DNA, Bacterial; Base Composition; Fatty Acids; China; Phosphates; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Phospholipids; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Oryza
PubMed: 38954015
DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04070-9 -
Current Microbiology Jul 2024Spiroplasma, belonging to the class Mollicutes, is a small, helical, motile bacterium lacking a cell wall. Its host range includes insects, plants, and aquatic... (Review)
Review
Spiroplasma, belonging to the class Mollicutes, is a small, helical, motile bacterium lacking a cell wall. Its host range includes insects, plants, and aquatic crustaceans. Recently, a few human cases of Spiroplasma infection have been reported. The diseases caused by Spiroplasma have brought about serious economic losses and hindered the healthy development of agriculture. The pathogenesis of Spiroplasma involves the ability to adhere, such as through the terminal structure of Spiroplasma, colonization, and invasive enzymes. However, the exact pathogenic mechanism of Spiroplasma remains a mystery. Therefore, we systematically summarize all the information about Spiroplasma in this review article. This provides a reference for future studies on virulence factors and treatment strategies of Spiroplasma.
Topics: Spiroplasma; Animals; Humans; Virulence Factors; Virulence; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Plants
PubMed: 38953991
DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03730-9 -
Cell and Tissue Research Jul 2024Erythroid cells, the most prevalent cell type in blood, are one of the earliest products and permeate through the entire process of hematopoietic development in the... (Review)
Review
Erythroid cells, the most prevalent cell type in blood, are one of the earliest products and permeate through the entire process of hematopoietic development in the human body, the oxygen-transporting function of which is crucial for maintaining overall health and life support. Previous investigations into erythrocyte differentiation and development have primarily focused on population-level analyses, lacking the single-cell perspective essential for comprehending the intricate pathways of erythroid maturation, differentiation, and the encompassing cellular heterogeneity. The continuous optimization of single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology, or single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), provides a powerful tool for life sciences research, which has a particular superiority in the identification of unprecedented cell subgroups, the analyzing of cellular heterogeneity, and the transcriptomic characteristics of individual cells. Over the past decade, remarkable strides have been taken in the realm of single-cell RNA sequencing technology, profoundly enhancing our understanding of erythroid cells. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent developments in single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology and emphasize their substantial impact on the study of erythroid cells, highlighting their contributions, including the exploration of functional heterogeneity within erythroid populations, the identification of novel erythrocyte subgroups, the tracking of different erythroid lineages, and the unveiling of mechanisms governing erythroid fate decisions. These findings not only invigorate erythroid cell research but also offer new perspectives on the management of diseases related to erythroid cells.
PubMed: 38953986
DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03903-9 -
Clinical Neuroradiology Jul 2024We conducted a matched-control analysis to compare the outcomes of large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) plus Intra-arterial...
AIM
We conducted a matched-control analysis to compare the outcomes of large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) plus Intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) versus those treated with MT alone.
METHODS
The subjects of this study were chosen from ANGEL-ACT registry. All patients who received MT were identified and categorized into two groups: "MT + IAT" and "MT," based on whether or not they received additional intra-arterial medication IAT during the MT procedure. After being subjected to 1:1 propensity score matching, the outcome measures, including modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days, successful recanalization at the final angiogram, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 36 h, and death within 90 days, were compared.
RESULTS
The study encompassed a total of 1607 patients, with 641 individuals assigned to the MT + IAT group and 966 to the MT group. After applying propensity score matching, a total of 524 pairs were identified for comparison. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (median: 3 vs. 3 points; P = 0.83), successful recanalization (89.9 vs. 88.9%; P = 0.62), sICH (8.3 vs. 8.7%; P = 0.79), and death (15.5 vs. 16.4%; P = 0.70).
CONCLUSIONS
IAT during MT does not confer an elevated risk of sICH or mortality. Furthermore, the combination of MT and IAT may produce comparable functional outcomes in comparison to MT alone, when treating acute LVO patients.
PubMed: 38953962
DOI: 10.1007/s00062-024-01431-1 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Apr 2024Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, a large public health program, addresses the needs of young children with Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) as frontline...
"The Early Years are Like a Foundation for the Future" Perspectives, Facilitators, and Challenges of Anganwadi Workers in Supporting Early Child Development Interventions in Hyderabad, India: Qualitative Findings from a Scalable Program Incorporating Early Child Development Interventions.
BACKGROUND
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, a large public health program, addresses the needs of young children with Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) as frontline agents of delivery. A scalable program incorporating early child development interventions (ASPIRE) has been developed to complement the program and address some of its gaps.
OBJECTIVES
This paper describes formative work done with AWWs, as part of ASPIRE to assess their understanding of early childhood development (ECD) and acceptability of a novel ECD intervention using digital technology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 31 AWWs, using a semi-structured guide.
RESULTS
Framework analysis of their responses from FGDs led to the identification of three themes: (1) time use, (2) understanding of ECD, and (3) delivering messages using videos. The findings suggest that AWWs tight schedules often leave them feeling overburdened with work. They are aware of factors that can aid as well as hinder child growth and development, but their understanding of play is limited to games played by older children. They expressed acceptability in using a video intervention, specifying features that would increase relevance for families.
CONCLUSION
Integration of novel ECD interventions delivered by frontline workers needs to take into account their existing work schedules and associated challenges. Training on ECD interventions will need to broaden AWWs understanding of the critical foundational experiences which responsive caregiving and early child stimulation can provide.
Topics: Humans; India; Focus Groups; Child Development; Female; Male; Child, Preschool; Qualitative Research; Adult; Early Intervention, Educational; Child Health Services; Infant
PubMed: 38953808
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_868_23 -
Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine Jul 2024Worldwide, 3.7% (144.7 million) of people diagnosed with COVID-19 developed Post-COVID Conditions (PCC). Therefore, creating and implementing multidisciplinary...
INTRODUCTION
Worldwide, 3.7% (144.7 million) of people diagnosed with COVID-19 developed Post-COVID Conditions (PCC). Therefore, creating and implementing multidisciplinary rehabilitation clinics is important to address the needs of patients and improve overall recovery. This study was made possible with support from the United States Agency for International Development funded RISE program, under the terms of the cooperative agreement 7200AA19CA00003.
METHODS
This case study was conducted in Ecuador and describes the creation and implementation of 21 PCC rehabilitation clinics in primary healthcare centers and secondary level hospitals in 7 provinces across the country. Data was gathered for the identification of partnering health facilities and needs, for the evaluation of knowledge enhancement in health professionals after a specific training program, and for the measurement of key performance indicators. This article emphasizes the organization, educational strategies, and implementation of rehabilitation programs tailored specifically for the management of Post-COVID Conditions in Ecuador.
RESULTS
The implementation of PCC rehabilitation clinics involved a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), the private sector and a non-governmental organization (Jhpiego). Twenty-one health facilities from the primary and secondary level of care were selected, and PCC rehabilitation implemented in 7 provinces of Ecuador. Additionally, 133 health providers were trained and a total of 13,846 patients treated, among whom 859 had a diagnosis of PCC. Medical doctors outperformed nurses in both pre- and post-tests scores. However, all healthcare professionals demonstrated comparable improvement in knowledge acquisition. Rehabilitation manuals were developed and adopted by the MOPH, rehabilitation equipment was donated and a mobile application, "RESPIRA", was developed and disseminated free of charge.
CONCLUSION
The establishment of PCC rehabilitation clinics in Ecuador was successful in identifying patients in need of early rehabilitation. The insights of this study can serve as a guide for the development of similar initiatives in other countries. Tailored courses are essential to address disparities and ensure comprehensive skill development and promote equitable healthcare delivery.
PubMed: 38953789
DOI: 10.5826/mrm.2024.974 -
Journal of Integrative Plant Biology Jul 2024NAC transcription factors (TFs) are pivotal in plant immunity against diverse pathogens. Here, we report the functional and regulatory network of MNAC3, a novel NAC TF,...
NAC transcription factors (TFs) are pivotal in plant immunity against diverse pathogens. Here, we report the functional and regulatory network of MNAC3, a novel NAC TF, in rice immunity. MNAC3, a transcriptional activator, negatively modulates rice immunity against blast and bacterial leaf blight diseases and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immune responses. MNAC3 binds to a CACG cis-element and activates the transcription of immune-negative target genes OsINO80, OsJAZ10, and OsJAZ11. The negative function of MNAC3 in rice immunity depends on its transcription of downstream genes such as OsINO80 and OsJAZ10. MNAC3 interacts with immunity-related OsPP2C41 (a protein phosphatase), ONAC066 (a NAC TF), and OsDjA6 (a DnaJ chaperone). ONAC066 and OsPP2C41 attenuate MNAC3 transcriptional activity, while OsDjA6 promotes it. Phosphorylation of MNAC3 at S163 is critical for its negative functions in rice immunity. OsPP2C41, which plays positive roles in rice blast resistance and chitin-triggered immune responses, dephosphorylates MNAC3, suppressing its transcriptional activity on the target genes OsINO80, OsJAZ10, and OsJAZ11 and promoting the translocation of MNAC3 from nucleus to cytoplasm. These results establish a MNAC3-centered regulatory network in which OsPP2C41 dephosphorylates MNAC3, attenuating its transcriptional activity on downstream immune-negative target genes in rice. Together, these findings deepen our understanding of molecular mechanisms in rice immunity and offer a novel strategy for genetic improvement of rice disease resistance.
PubMed: 38953747
DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13727 -
Journal of Integrative Plant Biology Jul 2024Aporphine alkaloids have diverse pharmacological activities; however, our understanding of their biosynthesis is relatively limited. Previous studies have classified...
Aporphine alkaloids have diverse pharmacological activities; however, our understanding of their biosynthesis is relatively limited. Previous studies have classified aporphine alkaloids into two categories based on the configuration and number of substituents of the D-ring and have proposed preliminary biosynthetic pathways for each category. In this study, we identified two specific cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP80G6 and CYP80Q5) with distinct activities toward (S)-configured and (R)-configured substrates from the herbaceous perennial vine Stephania tetrandra, shedding light on the biosynthetic mechanisms and stereochemical features of these two aporphine alkaloid categories. Additionally, we characterized two CYP719C enzymes (CYP719C3 and CYP719C4) that catalyzed the formation of the methylenedioxy bridge, an essential pharmacophoric group, on the A- and D-rings, respectively, of aporphine alkaloids. Leveraging the functional characterization of these crucial cytochrome P450 enzymes, we reconstructed the biosynthetic pathways for the two types of aporphine alkaloids in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for the de novo production of compounds such as (R)-glaziovine, (S)-glaziovine, and magnoflorine. This study provides key insight into the biosynthesis of aporphine alkaloids and lays a foundation for producing these valuable compounds through synthetic biology.
PubMed: 38953746
DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13724 -
Autism Research : Official Journal of... Jul 2024This study examined the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses and traits. A total sample of 11,570 children (ages...
Examining the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and child autism traits: A multi-cohort investigation in the environmental influences on child health outcome program.
This study examined the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses and traits. A total sample of 11,570 children (ages 1-18; 53% male; 25% Hispanic; 60% White) from 34 cohorts of the National Institutes of Health-funded environmental influences on child health outcomes consortium were included in analyses. Results from generalized linear mixed models replicated previous studies showing that associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and ASD traits in children are not significant when controlling for relevant covariates, particularly tobacco exposure. Child biological sex did not moderate the association between prenatal cannabis exposure and ASD. In a large sample and measuring ASD traits continuously, there was no evidence that prenatal cannabis exposure increases the risk for ASD. This work helps to clarify previous mixed findings by addressing concerns about statistical power and ASD measurement.
PubMed: 38953698
DOI: 10.1002/aur.3185