Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the PHD Finger Gene Family in Pea (Pisum sativum).

The plant homeodomain finger (PHD finger) protein, a type of zinc finger protein extensively distributed in eukaryotes, plays diverse roles in regulating plant growth and development. While PHD finger proteins have been identified in various species, their functions remain largely unexplored in pea (Pisum sativum). In this study, we identified 84 members of the PHD finger gene family in pea, which displayed an uneven distribution across seven chromosomes. Through a comprehensive analysis using data from Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula, we categorized the PHD finger proteins into 20 subfamilies via phylogenetic tree analysis. Each subfamily exhibited distinct variations in terms of quantity, genetic structure, conserved domains, and physical and chemical properties. Collinearity analysis revealed conserved evolutionary relationships among the PHD finger genes across the three different species. Furthermore, we identified the conserved and important roles of the subfamily M members in anther development. RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization revealed high expression of the pea subfamily M members PsPHD11 and PsPHD16 in microspores and the tapetum layer. In conclusion, this analysis of the PHD finger family in pea provides valuable guidance for future research on the biological roles of PHD finger proteins in pea and other leguminous plants.

Larger deep white matter hyperintensity volume correlates with more severe social behavioral changes in patients with subacute ischemic stroke.

Background: Changes in social behavior can occur after ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the potential correlations between neuroimaging variables and changes in social behavior in patients who experienced subacute ischemic stroke. Methods: We prospectively screened patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. Three months after the index stroke, changes in patients' social behavior were investigated by the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI), which consists of both deficit and positive groups of behaviors. The protocol of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including the baseline MRI at the acute stage and additional MRI with three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging on follow-up. Using these MRI scans, we assessed the acute infarction and the volumes of various brain structures by an automatic volumetry tool. Results: Eighty patients were enrolled. In univariate analyses, patients with deficit behavioral changes had more left cortical infarction (r = 0.271, p = 0.015), Cholinergic Pathways Hyperintensities Scale scores (r = 0.227, p = 0.042), DWMH volumes (r = 0.349, p = 0.001), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (r = 0.392, p < 0.001). Patients with positive behavioral changes had more frequency of men (r = 0.229, p = 0.041) and a history of hypertension (r = 0.245, p = 0.028). In multiple stepwise linear regression models, after adjusting for age, deep WMH volumes (ß = 0.849, 95% confidence interval = 0.352-1.346, p = 0.001) and mRS scores on follow-up (ß = 1.821, 95% confidence interval = 0.881-2.76, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with deficit behavioral changes (R2 = 0.245). Conclusion: Larger deep WMH volumes and poorer mRS scores on follow-up were significantly correlated with deficit behavioral changes in patients with subacute ischemic stroke.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the VILLIN Gene Family in Soybean.

The VILLIN (VLN) protein is an important regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, which orchestrates many developmental processes and participates in various biotic and abiotic responses in plants. Although the VLN gene family and their potential functions have been analyzed in several plants, knowledge of VLN genes in soybeans and legumes remains rather limited. In this study, a total of 35 VLNs were characterized from soybean and five related legumes. Combining with the VLN sequences from other nine land plants, we categorized the VLN gene family into three groups according to phylogenetic relationships. Further detailed analysis of the soybean VLNs indicated that the ten GmVLNs were distributed on 10 of the 20 chromosomes, and their gene structures and protein motifs showed high group specificities. The expression pattern analysis suggested that most GmVLNs are widely expressed in various tissues, but three members have a very high level in seeds. Moreover, we observed that the cis-elements enriched in the promoters of GmVLNs are mainly related to abiotic stresses, hormone signals, and developmental processes. The largest number of cis-elements were associated with light responses, and two GmVLNs, GmVLN5a, and GmVLN5b were significantly increased under the long light condition. This study not only provides some basic information about the VLN gene family but also provides a good reference for further characterizing the diverse functions of VLN genes in soybeans.

Right Cortical Infarction and a Reduction in Putamen Volume May Be Correlated with Empathy in Patients after Subacute Ischemic Stroke-A Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Empathy has not been well studied in patients following ischemic stroke. We aimed to evaluate the relationships of multimodal neuroimaging parameters with the impairment of empathy in patients who had experienced subacute ischemic stroke. Patients who had experienced a first-event acute ischemic stroke were recruited, and we assessed their empathy using the Chinese version of the Empathy Quotient (EQ) 3 months after the index stroke. Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted in all the participants to identify acute infarction and assess brain volumes, white matter integrity, and other preexisting abnormalities. We quantified the brain volumes of various subcortical structures, the ventricles, and cortical lobar atrophy. The microstructural integrity of the white matter was reflected in the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), and the regional mean values of FA and MD were quantified after mapping using the ICBM_DTI_81 Atlas. Twenty-three (56.1%) men and 18 (43.9%) women (mean age: 61.73 years, range: 41-77 years) were included. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at discharge was 1 (range: 0-4). On univariate analysis, the EQ was correlated with right cortical infarction (r = -0.39, p = 0.012), putamen volume (r = 0.382, p = 0.014), right putamen volume (r = 0.338, p = 0.031), and the FA value of the right sagittal stratum. EQ did not correlated with the MD value in any region of interest or pre-existing brain abnormalities. Multiple stepwise linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with EQ. After adjusting for age and the NIHSS score on admission, the frequency of right cortical infarcts negatively correlated with EQ (standardized ß = -0.358, 95% confidence interval =-0.708 to -0.076, p = 0.016), and the putamen volume positively correlated with EQ (standardized ß = 0.328, 95% confidence interval =0.044 to 0.676, p = 0.027). In conclusion, in patients who have experienced subacute ischemic stroke, right cortical infarction and a smaller putamen volume are associated with the impairment of empathy.

The Organ Size and Morphological Change During the Domestication Process of Soybean.

Soybean is one of the most important legume crops that can provide the rich source of protein and oil for human beings and livestock. In the twenty-one century, the total production of soybean is seriously behind the needs of a growing world population. Cultivated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was domesticated from wild soybean (G. soja Sieb. and Zucc.) with the significant morphology and organ size changes in China around 5,000 years ago, including twisted stems to erect stems, small seeds to large seeds. Then it was spread worldwide to become one of the most popular and important crops. The release of the reference soybean genome and omics data provides powerful tools for researchers and breeders to dissect the functional genes and apply the germplasm in their work. Here, we summarized the function genes related to yield traits and organ size in soybean, including stem growth habit, leaf size and shape, seed size and weight. In addition, we also summarized the selection of organ traits during soybean domestication. In the end, we also discussed the application of new technology including the gene editing on the basic research and breeding of soybean, and the challenges and research hotspots in the future.