Wound-induced small-peptide-mediated signaling cascade, regulated by OsPSKR, dictates balance between growth and defense in rice.

Wounding is a general stress in plants that results from various pest and pathogenic infections in addition to environment-induced mechanical damages. Plants have sophisticated molecular mechanisms to recognize and respond to wounding, with those of monocots being distinct from dicots. Here, we show the involvement of two distinct categories of temporally separated, endogenously derived peptides, namely, plant elicitor peptides (PEPs) and phytosulfokine (PSK), mediating wound responses in rice. These peptides trigger a dynamic signal relay in which a receptor kinase involved in PSK perception named OsPSKR plays a major role. Perturbation of OsPSKR expression in rice leads to compromised development and constitutive autoimmune phenotypes. OsPSKR regulates the transitioning of defense to growth signals upon wounding. OsPSKR displays mutual antagonism with the OsPEPR1 receptor involved in PEP perception. Collectively, our work indicates the presence of a stepwise peptide-mediated signal relay that regulates the transition from defense to growth upon wounding in monocots.

Mobile Health Apps in OB-GYN-Embedded Psychiatric Care: Commentary.

This paper explores the potential benefits of the use of mobile health (mHealth) apps in obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN)-embedded psychiatric clinics in the United States. First, we highlight the increasing trend of integrating mental health care within the OB-GYN context. Second, we provide examples of successful uses of mHealth in the global health context and highlight the dearth of available research in the United States. Finally, we provide a summary of the shortcomings of currently available apps and describe the upcoming trial of a novel app currently underway at the Mother-Child Wellness Clinical and Research Center at Boston Medical Center.