Exploring Novel Applications for Hydrogels Derived from Modified Celluloses.

The valorization of lignocellulosic biomass by-products holds significant economic and ecological potential, considering their global overproduction. This paper introduces the fabrication of a novel wheat-straw-based hydrogel and a new microcellulose-based hydrogel through 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (TEMPO) oxidation. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was employed for the detection of carboxyl groups, neutralization titration was conducted using a conductivity meter, viscosity analysis was performed using a rheometer, and transmittance analysis was carried out using a spectrophotometer. Two novel hydrogels based on TEMPO oxidation have been developed. Among them, the bio-based hydrogel derived from oxidized wheat straw exhibited exceptional printability and injectability. We found that the oxidation degree of microcellulose reached 56-69%, and the oxidation degree of wheat straw reached 56-63%. The cross-linking of 4% oxidized wheat straw and calcium chloride was completed in 400 seconds, and the viscosity exceeded 100,000 Pa·s. In summary, we have successfully created low-cost hydrogels through the modification of wheat straw and microcellulose, transforming lignocellulosic biomass by-products into a sustainable source of polymers. This paper verifies the future applicability of biomass materials in 3D printing.

In silico analysis of the Seven IN Absentia (SINA) genes in bread wheat sheds light on their structure in plants.

Seven IN Absentia (SINA) is a small family of genes coding for ubiquitin-ligases that play major roles in regulating various plant growth and developmental processes, as well as in plant response to diverse biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we studied the SINA genes family in bread wheat Triticum aestivum which is a culture of major importance for food security worldwide. One hundred and forty-one SINA family genes have been identified in bread wheat and showed that their number is very high compared to other plant species such as A. thaliana or rice. The expansion of this family seems to have been more important in monocots than in eudicots. In bread wheat, the chromosome 3 distal region is the site of a massive amplification of the SINA family, since we found that 83 of the 141 SINA genes are located on this chromosome in the Chinese Spring variety. This amplification probably occurred as a result of local duplications, followed by sequences divergence. The study was then extended to 4856 SINA proteins from 97 plant species. Phylogenetic and structural analyses identified a group of putative ancestral SINA proteins in plants containing a 58 aminoacid specific signature. Based on sequence homology and the research of that "Ancestral SINA motif" of 58 amino acids, a methodological process has been proposed and lead to the identification of functional SINA genes in a large family such as the Triticae that might be used for other species. Finally, tis paper gives a comprehensive overview of wheat gene family organization and functionalization taken the SINA genes as an example.

Insights into Four NAC Transcription Factors Involved in Grain Development and in Response to Moderate Heat in the Triticeae Tribe.

NAC (NAM (no apical meristem)−ATAF (Arabidopsis transcription activation factor)−CUC (cup-shaped cotyledons)) are among the largest transcription factor families in plants, involved in a plethora of physiological mechanisms. This study focused on four NAC genes previously identified in bread wheat as specifically grain-expressed which could be considered as candidate genes for yield improvement under climate changes. Using in silico analyses, the Triticum aestivum "Grain-NAC" (TaGNAC) orthologs in 14 cereal species were identified. A conserved protein motif was identified only in Triticeae. The expression of TaGNAC and einkorn TmGNAC was studied in response to moderate heat stress during grain development and showed a similar expression pattern that is accelerated during cell division stages under heat stress. A conserved structure was found in the promoter of the Triticeae GNAC orthologs, which is absent in the other Poaceae species. A specific model of promoter structure in Triticeae was proposed, based on the presence of key cis-elements involved in the regulation of seed development, hormonal regulation and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. In conclusion, GNAC genes could play a central role in the regulation of grain development in the Triticeae tribe, particularly in the accumulation of storage proteins, as well as in response to heat stress and could be used as candidate genes for breeding.

Induction of Defense Gene Expression and the Resistance of Date Palm to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Albedinis in Response to Alginate Extracted from Bifurcaria bifurcata.

In many African countries, the Bayoud is a common disease spread involving the fungus Fusarium oxusporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa). The induction of plant natural defenses through the use of seaweed polysaccharides to help plants against pathogens is currently a biological and ecological approach that is gaining more and more importance. In the present study, we used alginate, a natural polysaccharide extracted from a brown algae Bifurcaria bifurcata, to activate date palm defenses, which involve phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), a key enzyme of phenylpropanoid metabolism. The results obtained showed that at low concentration (1 g·L-1), alginate stimulated PAL activity in date palm roots 5 times more compared to the negative control (water-treated) after 24 h following treatment and 2.5 times more compared to the laminarin used as a positive stimulator of plant natural defenses (positive control of induction). Using qRT-PCR, the expression of a selection of genes involved in three different levels of defense mechanisms known to be involved in response to biotic stresses were investigated. The results showed that, generally, the PAL gene tested and the genes encoding enzymes involved in early oxidative events (SOD and LOX) were overexpressed in the alginate-treated plants compared to their levels in the positive and negative controls. POD and PR protein genes selected encoding ß-(1,3)-glucanases and chitinases in this study did not show any significant difference between treatments; suggesting that other genes encoding POD and PR proteins that were not selected may be involved. After 17 weeks following the inoculation of the plants with the pathogen Foa, treatment with alginate reduced the mortality rate by up to 80% compared to the rate in control plants (non-elicited) and plants pretreated with laminarin, which agrees with the induction of defense gene expression and the stimulation of natural defenses in date palm with alginate after 24 h. These results open promising prospects for the use of alginate in agriculture as an inducer that triggers immunity of plants against telluric pathogens in general and of date palm against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis in particular.

The Landscape of the Genomic Distribution and the Expression of the F-Box Genes Unveil Genome Plasticity in Hexaploid Wheat during Grain Development and in Response to Heat and Drought Stress.

FBX proteins are subunits of the SCF complex (Skp1-cullin-FBX) belonging to the E3 ligase family, which is involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome 26S (UPS) pathway responsible for the post-translational protein turnover. By targeting, in a selective manner, key regulatory proteins for ubiquitination and 26S proteasome degradation, FBX proteins play a major role in plant responses to diverse developmental and stress conditions. Although studies on the genomic organization of the FBX gene family in various species have been reported, knowledge related to bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is scarce and needs to be broadened. Using the latest assembly of the wheat genome, we identified 3670 TaFBX genes distributed non-homogeneously within the three subgenomes (A, B and D) and between the 21 chromosomes, establishing it as one of the richest gene families among plant species. Based on the presence of the five different chromosomal regions previously identified, the present study focused on the genomic distribution of the TaFBX family and the identification of differentially expressed genes during the embryogenesis stages and in response to heat and drought stress. Most of the time, when comparing the expected number of genes (taking into account the formal gene distribution on the entire wheat genome), the TaFBX family harbors a different pattern at the various stratum of observation (subgenome, chromosome, chromosomal regions). We report here that the local gene expansion of the TaFBX family must be the consequence of multiple and complex events, including tandem and small-scale duplications. Regarding the differentially expressed TaFBX genes, while the majority of the genes are localized in the distal chromosomal regions (R1 and R3), differentially expressed genes are more present in the interstitial regions (R2a and R2b) than expected, which could be an indication of the preservation of major genes in those specific chromosomal regions.

Dynamics of the Transcriptome Response to Heat in the Moss, Physcomitrella patens.

Thermal stress negatively impacts crop yields, and as the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere is gradually increasing, the identification of the temperature transduction pathway of the heat signal is essential in developing new strategies in order to adapt plant breeding to warmer climates. Heat stress damages the molecular structures and physiological processes in plants in proportion to the level and duration of the stress, which leads to different types of responses. In general, plants respond more efficiently when they are first subjected to a moderate temperature increase before being subjected to a higher temperature stress. This adaptive response is called the acclimation period and has been investigated in several plant species. However, there is a lack of information on the dynamic of the Heat Shock Response (HSR) over a continuous period of temperature rise without an acclimation period. In this paper, we investigated the effects of mild (30 °C) and high (37 °C) continuous heat stress over a 24-h period. Through RNA-Seq analysis, we assessed the remodeling of the transcriptome in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Our results showed that the 30 °C treatment particularly affected the expression of a few genes at 1 and 24 h, suggesting a biphasic response. Up-regulated genes at 1 h encode mainly HSR proteins (protein folding and endoplasmic reticulum stress), indicating an early heat response; while the up-regulated genes at 24 h belong to the thiamine biosynthesis pathway. In contrast, the genes involved in photosynthesis and carbon partitioning were repressed by this treatment. Under a higher temperature stress (37 °C), the induction of the HSR occurred rapidly (1 h) and was then attenuated throughout the time points investigated. A network approach (Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis, WGCNA) was used to identify the groups of genes expressing similar profiles, highlighting a HsfA1E binding motif within the promoters of some unrelated genes which displayed rapid and transient heat-activation. Therefore, it could be suggested that these genes could be direct targets of activation by a HsfA1E transcription factors.

Expansion and Functional Diversification of SKP1-Like Genes in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The ubiquitin proteasome 26S system (UPS), involving monomeric and multimeric E3 ligases is one of the most important signaling pathways in many organisms, including plants. The SCF (SKP1/Cullin/F-box) multimeric complex is particularly involved in response to development and stress signaling. The SKP1 protein (S-phase kinase-associated protein 1) is the core subunit of this complex. In this work, we firstly identified 92 and 87 non-redundant Triticum aestivum SKP1-like (TaSKP) genes that were retrieved from the latest release of the wheat genome database (International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) RefSeq v1.0) and the genome annotation of the TGAC v1 respectively. We then investigated the structure, phylogeny, duplication events and expression patterns of the SKP1-like gene family in various tissues and environmental conditions using a wheat expression platform containing public data. TaSKP1-like genes were expressed differentially in response to stress conditions, displaying large genomic variations or short insertions/deletions which suggests functional specialization within TaSKP1-like genes. Finally, interactions between selected wheat FBX (F-box) proteins and putative ancestral TaSKP1-like proteins were tested using the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system to examine the molecular interactions. These observations suggested that six Ta-SKP1 genes are likely to be ancestral genes, having similar functions as ASK1 and ASK2 in Arabidopsis, OSK1 and OSK20 in rice and PpSKP1 and PpSKP2 in Physcomitrella patens.

Genome-wide analysis, expansion and expression of the NAC family under drought and heat stresses in bread wheat (T. aestivum L.).

The NAC family is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor families, and some of its members are known to play major roles in plant development and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we inventoried 488 NAC members in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). Using the recent release of the wheat genome (IWGS RefSeq v1.0), we studied duplication events focusing on genomic regions from 4B-4D-5A chromosomes as an example of the family expansion and neofunctionalization of TaNAC members. Differentially expressed TaNAC genes in organs and in response to abiotic stresses were identified using publicly available RNAseq data. Expression profiling of 23 selected candidate TaNAC genes was studied in leaf and grain from two bread wheat genotypes at two developmental stages in field drought conditions and revealed insights into their specific and/or overlapping expression patterns. This study showed that, of the 23 TaNAC genes, seven have a leaf-specific expression and five have a grain-specific expression. In addition, the grain-specific genes profiles in response to drought depend on the genotype. These genes may be considered as potential candidates for further functional validation and could present an interest for crop improvement programs in response to climate change. Globally, the present study provides new insights into evolution, divergence and functional analysis of NAC gene family in bread wheat.

Coexpression network and phenotypic analysis identify metabolic pathways associated with the effect of warming on grain yield components in wheat.

Wheat grains are an important source of human food but current production amounts cannot meet world needs. Environmental conditions such as high temperature (above 30°C) could affect wheat production negatively. Plants from two wheat genotypes have been subjected to two growth temperature regimes. One set has been grown at an optimum daily mean temperature of 19°C while the second set of plants has been subjected to warming at 27°C from two to 13 days after anthesis (daa). While warming did not affect mean grain number per spike, it significantly reduced other yield-related indicators such as grain width, length, volume and maximal cell numbers in the endosperm. Whole genome expression analysis identified 6,258 and 5,220 genes, respectively, whose expression was affected by temperature in the two genotypes. Co-expression analysis using WGCNA (Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis) uncovered modules (groups of co-expressed genes) associated with agronomic traits. In particular, modules enriched in genes related to nutrient reservoir and endopeptidase inhibitor activities were found to be positively associated with cell numbers in the endosperm. A hypothetical model pertaining to the effects of warming on gene expression and growth in wheat grain is proposed. Under moderately high temperature conditions, network analyses suggest a negative effect of the expression of genes related to seed storage proteins and starch biosynthesis on the grain size in wheat.

Beyond PTSD and Fear-Based Conditioning: Anger-Related Responses Following Experiences of Forced Migration-A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Experiences of forced migration include traumas that are interpersonal in nature, as well as ongoing emotional responses, stress, and frustration in post-migration setti ngs. Open questions exist, regarding anger/anger-like responses following experiences of persecution and ongoing stress. The aim of this study was to explore the adaptive and maladaptive underlying mechanisms of anger/anger-like responses, cultural, linguistic, and social contingencies, and possible interventions for problematic anger behavior. Method: We searched two databases (PsycINFO and PILOTS) with the following search terms: (refugee OR "asylum seek*" OR IDP OR "internal* displac*" OR "forced migra*" OR "involuntary migra*") AND anger. Findings: This search yielded 34 studies that were included in the final review. Although, anger is a moral, adaptive, and prosocial response, dysfunctional anger/anger-like responses arise from PTSD, "moral injury," complicated grief, and independent forms of anger behavior. Cultural, linguistic, and social issues also emerged from the search. Finally, considerations for treatment and intervention are discussed. Discussion: Anger responses following experiences of forced migration may require assessment beyond PTSD models currently framed by DSM and ICD. A very promising framework is the Adaptation and Development after Persecution and Trauma (ADAPT) model. Implications: Further longitudinal and epidemiological research will be necessary to continue testing the ADAPT model and to begin the process of assessing its cross-cultural coherence in other refugee populations (e.g., see Hinton et al., 2003). As anger behavior is also a societal issue, avenues for reconciliation, expression of grievances, employment, civic participation, and integration are needed.

Enhanced patient support services improve patient persistence with multiple sclerosis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (sc IFN ß-1a) therapy (44 µg or 22 µg, three times weekly) improves relapse rates and disability progression in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). While early treatment with disease-modifying drugs may maximize therapeutic benefit, patients with low adherence or long treatment gaps are at increased risk of relapse. MySupport is an industry-sponsored program that provides support to patients with MS who have been prescribed sc IFN ß-1a in the UK or Republic of Ireland (ROI), via telephone and text messaging, website access, and (in some cases) face-to-face support from a dedicated MySupport Nurse. The aim of this audit was to assess if the MySupport program in the ROI could improve persistence to sc IFN ß-1a therapy. METHODS: Anonymized data were supplied retrospectively from the MySupport program, for ROI patients who were registered in January 2010 to receive sc IFN ß-1a three times weekly. Patients were recorded as "new" at their first drug delivery; "active", if they continued to receive scheduled deliveries; "interrupted", if their medication delivery was halted; or "stopped", if no deliveries were made for 12 months. The number of "active" patients was recorded monthly for 24 months. Results were compared with data from UK patients with MS, who were receiving National Health Service (NHS) support only, or this support plus MySupport. RESULTS: A greater proportion of ROI patients receiving MySupport (compared against UK patients receiving NHS support only) were on treatment at 12 months (87.8% versus 79.3%) and at 24 months (76.2% versus 61.8%). The odds of being on treatment were significantly greater, at all time points, for ROI patients receiving MySupport, versus UK patients receiving NHS support only (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: A personalized support program, utilizing one-to-one nursing support and additional support materials, can increase the probability of patients with MS remaining on disease-modifying drug treatment.

Genetic analysis of phytosterol content in sunflower seeds.

Interest in phytosterol contents due to their potential benefits for human health has been largely documented in several crop species. Studies were focused mainly on total sterol content and their concentration or distribution in seed. This study aimed at providing new insight into the genetic control of total and individual sterol contents in sunflower seed through QTL analyses in a RIL population characterized over 2 years showing contrasted rainfall during seed filling. Results indicated that 13 regions on 9 linkage groups were involved in different phytosterol traits. Most of the QTL mapped were stable across years in spite of contrasted growing conditions. Some of them explained up to 30 % of phenotypic variation. Two QTL, located on LG10, near b1, and on LG14, were found to co-localize with QTL for oil content, indicating that likely, a part of the genetic variation for sterol content is only the result of genetic variation for oil content. However, three other QTL, stable over the 2 years, were found on LG1, LG4 and LG7 each associated with a particular class of sterols, suggesting that some enzymes known to be involved in the sterol metabolic pathway may determine the specificity of sterol profiles in sunflower seeds. These results suggest that it may be possible to introduce these traits as criteria in breeding programmes for quality in sunflower. The molecular markers linked to genetic factors controlling phytosterol contents could help selection during breeding programs.

Real-time PCR monitoring of signal transduction related genes involved in water stress tolerance mechanism of sunflower.

The study deals with the quantitative expression pattern of genes involved in signaling transduction pathways in response to water stress in leaves and embryos of a water stress tolerant genotype compared to a non-tolerant genotype using real-time quantitative PCR. The experiment was conducted in the field. The results showed a high quantitative up-regulation of genes belonging to protein kinase, phosphatase and transcription factor pathways (from two to 70 fold) only in leaves of the tolerant genotype compared to the non-tolerant genotype. Moreover, genes related to the protein kinase pathway were down-regulated in leaves of the non-tolerant genotype. On the contrary, in seeds, our study showed that the positive regulation of genes related to the signal transduction pathway observed in leaves of the tolerant genotype is turned off, suggesting different transcriptional control of signaling water stress in reproductive organs compared to vegetative organs.

Transcriptional profiles of primary metabolism and signal transduction-related genes in response to water stress in field-grown sunflower genotypes using a thematic cDNA microarray.

A sunflower cDNA microarray containing about 800 clones covering major metabolic and signal transduction pathways was used to study gene expression profiles in leaves and embryos of drought-tolerant and -sensitive genotypes subjected to water-deficit stress under field conditions. Using two-step ANOVA normalization and analysis models, we identified 409 differentially expressed genes among genotypes, water treatment and organs. The majority of the cDNA clones differentially expressed under water stress was found to display opposite gene expression profiles in drought-tolerant genotype compared to drought-sensitive genotype. These dissimilarities suggest that the difference between tolerant and non-tolerant plants seems to be associated with changes in qualitative but not quantitative mRNA expression. Comparing leaves and embryos, 82 cDNA clones showing organ-specific variation in gene expression levels were identified in response to water stress across genotypes. Genes related to amino acids and carbohydrates metabolisms, and signal transduction were induced in embryos and repressed in leaves; suggesting that vegetative and reproductive organs respond differentially to water stress. Adaptive mechanisms controlling water deficit tolerance are proposed and discussed.