Toward the development of Ac/Ds transposon-mediated gene tagging system for functional genomics in oat (Avena sativa L.).

Cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.) is an important cereal grown worldwide due to its multifunctional uses for animal feed and human food. Oat has lagged behind other cereals in the genetic and genomic studies attributed to its large and complex genomes. Transposon-based genome characterization has been utilized successfully for identifying and determining gene function in large genome cereals. To develop gene tagging and gene-editing resources for oat, maize Activator (Ac) and Dissociation (Ds) transposons were introduced into the oat genome using the biolistic delivery system. A total of 2035 oat calli were bombarded and twenty-four independent, stable transgenic events were obtained. Transformation frequencies were up to 19.0%, and 1.9% for bialaphos and hygromycin selection, respectively. Re-mobilization of the non-autonomous Ds element, by introducing Ac transposase source, led to a transposition frequency up to 16.8%. The properties of ten unique flanking sequences have been characterized to reveal the Ds-tagged sites in the oat genome. Genes at Ds insertion sites showed homology to gibberellin 20-oxidase 3, (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan synthase, and aspartate kinase. This Ac/Ds transposon-based gene tagging system could facilitate and expedite functional genomic studies in oat.

Mindfulness, Social Support, and Psychological Distress Among Jordanian Burn Patients.

Burn is associated with psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. Social support and mindfulness are considered a strength source for postburn survivors to resume their daily living activities. There is a lack of literature that supported the direct impact of mindfulness on social support and psychological distress among burn survivors. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of mindfulness and social support in enhancing the psychological well-being of burn survivors in Jordan. A cross-sectional descriptive design and convenience sampling technique were utilized to meet the study goal. A self-reported questionnaire was completed by a sample of 212 burn survivors. The questionnaire consists of 3 tools to measure psychological distress, social support, and mindfulness. A significant correlation was found between social support and psychological distress among the Jordanian burn survivors. Mindfulness revealed a distinctive variance in psychological distress among the study participants. In addition, some sociodemographic and clinical data have a relationship with psychological distress. Several factors among burn survivors have influenced their psychological and social support status. Also, mindfulness is important for enhancing psychological well-being and affecting the social support among burn patients.

Mindfulness and its Positive Effect on Quality of Life among Chronic Burn Survivors: A descriptive Correlational Study.

BACKGROUND: Burns are a global public health phenomenon accounting for 180,000 deaths yearly. Burn wounds were considered among the most devastating injuries worldwide and is the fourth most common type of injury globally. It is also negatively associated with the quality of life of those patients. Improving the quality of life and mindfulness could be helpful in those survivors after burn injury to deal with others. Based on the findings of the study, there remains limited knowledge about the unique role of mindfulness in improving the quality of life of burn survivors. Therefore, this study aims to identify the role of mindfulness in improving the QOL of Jordanian burn survivors. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design was used to answer the research questions. A convenience sample of 212 participants took part in the study. Participants completed measures regarding the quality of life and mindfulness. RESULTS: Some demographic and clinical variables were associated with quality of life. The burn-related QOL was significantly and positively correlated with mindfulness (r = .294, p < 0.01). Mindfulness explained a distinctive variance in burn-related quality of life among the study participants. CONCLUSION: This study identified the role of various factors in the burn-related quality of life among burn survivors. Mindfulness could have an important role in improving the burn-related quality of life among burn survivors.

Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus polymyxa Strain HOB6, Isolated from Hemp Seed Oil.

Paenibacillus polymyxa strain HOB6 was isolated from hemp seed oil. The strain displays antimicrobial activity against fungal pathogens and has potential for development as a biopesticide against cannabis diseases. Its genome was sequenced and annotated, uncovering the ability to encode the biosynthetic pathways for antimicrobial lanthipeptides and nonribosomal peptides.