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Τhe importance of the gut microbiome and its functions has only recently been recognized and researched in greater depth. The establishment of the human gut microbiome begins in utero, forming its adult-like phenotype in the first 2–3 years of life. Several factors affect and alter the gut microbiome composition and its metabolic functions, such as early onset of breastfeeding, mode of delivery, antibiotic administration, or exposure to chemical substances, among others. Existing data support the important connection between health status and gut microbiome homeostasis. In cases when this balance is disturbed, several disorders may arise, such as inflammatory reactions that lead to atopy, eczema, or allergic asthma. The so-called gut-brain axis refers to the complex biochemical pathways between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. One of the most fascinating areas of ongoing research is the broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and how gut health may be associated with such disorders. The prevalence of NDDs, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, has increased over recent years. Whether gut microbiota homeostasis plays a role in these disorders is not yet fully understood. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an account of current knowledge on how gut health is linked with these disorders. We performed a literature review in order to identify and synthesize available data that highlights the potential association between NDDs and a balanced gut microbiome in terms of composition and proper function. The connection between the gut microbiome and NDDs offers promising new opportunities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) is an important zoonotic pathogen. In addition to lung lesions, necropsies have revealed macroscopic lesions in the heart in clinical cases. However, most previous studies focused on lung lesions while ignoring heart lesions. Therefore, to investigate the immune response of the P. multocida-infected heart, two murine infection models were established by using P. multocida serotype A (Pm HN02) and D (Pm HN01) strains. Histopathological examination revealed heterogeneous inflammatory responses, including immune cell infiltration in the epicardial and myocardial areas of the heart. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on infected cardiac tissues. To explore the traits of immune responses, we performed the functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes, gene set enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis. The results showed that the innate immune pathways were significantly regulated in both groups, including the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, the complement and coagulation cascade and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction. The Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was only significantly activated in the Pm HN02 group. For the Pm HN02 group, immunohistochemistry analysis further verified the significant upregulation of the hub component MyD88 at the protein level. In conclusion, this study reveals critical pathways for host heart recognition and defense against P. multocida serotypes A and D. Moreover, MyD88 was upregulated by P. multocida serotype A in the heart, providing a theoretical basis for future prevention, diagnosis and treatment research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phagocytosis is one of the most polarised of all cellular activities. Both the stimulus (the target for phagocytosis) and the response (its internalisation) are focussed at just one part of the cell. At the locus, and this locus alone, pseudopodia form a phagocytic cup around the particle, the cytoskeleton is rearranged, the plasma membrane is reorganised, and a new internal organelle, the phagosome, is formed. The effect of signals from the stimulus must, thus, both be complex and yet be restricted in space and time to enable an effective focussed response. While many aspects of phagocytosis are being uncovered, the mechanism for the restriction of signalling or the effects of signalling remains obscure. In this review, the details of the problem of restricting chemical intracellular signalling are presented, with a focus on diffusion into the cytosol and of signalling lipids along the plasma membrane. The possible ways in which simple diffusion is overcome so that the restriction of signalling and effective phagocytosis can be achieved are discussed in the light of recent advances in imaging, biophysics, and cell biochemistry which together are providing new insights into this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this meta‐synthesis was to identify and synthesize qualitative research evaluating the real feelings, inner needs and emotional experience of women undergoing hysterectomy. Design: Meta‐synthesis. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, Ovid Medline and Sino Med were systematically searched until November 2021 and updated until June 2022. Two reviewers independently extracted data into a Microsoft Excel sheet. Qualitative meta‐synthesis was performed by coding relevant citations, organizing codes into descriptive themes and developing analytical themes. Results: Qualitative meta‐synthesis yielded three themes and nine sub‐themes: comprehensive consideration before hysterectomy (a. disease factors; b. fertility factors; c. opinions of others); emotions and experience after hysterectomy (a. postoperative physical condition; b. psychological resilience to the loss of the uterus; c. changes in the couple's relationship); coping strategies (a. self‐denial and avoidance; b. change of perception and self‐adjustment; c. seek help from others). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the accelerating climate change, it is crucial to understand how plants adapt to rapid environmental changes. Such adaptation may be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation, which could heritably alter phenotypes without changing the DNA sequence, especially across clonal generations. However, we are still missing robust evidence of the adaptive potential of DNA methylation in wild clonal populations. Here, we studied genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic variation of Fragaria vesca, a predominantly clonally reproducing herb. We examined samples from 21 natural populations across three climatically distinct geographic regions, as well as clones of the same individuals grown in a common garden. We found that epigenetic variation was partly associated with climate of origin, particularly in non-CG contexts. Importantly, a large proportion of this variation was heritable across clonal generations. Additionally, a subset of these epigenetic changes affected the expression of genes mainly involved in plant growth and responses to pathogen and abiotic stress. These findings highlight the potential influence of epigenetic changes on phenotypic traits. Our findings indicate that variation in DNA methylation, which can be environmentally inducible and heritable, may enable clonal plant populations to adjust to their environmental conditions even in the absence of genetic adaptation., (© 2023 The Authors New Phytologist © 2023 New Phytologist Foundation.)

In this study, the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method is mainly used for Mendelian randomization analysis, and the heterogeneity test is conducted using the IVW method. SNPs with strong correlation and independence between gut microbiota and outcome factors, and with genome-wide significance, are selected as instrumental variables, with a SNP selection threshold set at I P i < 5 × 10 SP -5 sp . The ending factors were OM, including acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) and chronic suppurative otitis media(CSOM), and the populations in this dataset were all derived from European populations, with a sample size of about 180,000 cases and several SNPs of about 16,380,000. [Extracted from the article]

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is the major cause of bacterial pneumonia in the US and worldwide. Studies have shown that the differing chemical make-up between serotypes of its most important virulence factor, the capsule, can dictate disease severity. Here we demonstrate that control of capsule synthesis is also critical for infection and facilitated by two broadly conserved transcription factors, SpxR and CpsR, through a distal cis-regulatory element we name the 37-CE. Strikingly, changing only three nucleotides within this sequence is sufficient to render pneumococcus avirulent. Using in vivo and in vitro approaches, we present a model where SpxR interacts as a unique trimeric quaternary structure with the 37-CE to enable capsule repression in the airways. Considering its dramatic effect on infection, variation of the 37-CE between serotypes suggests this molecular switch could be a critical contributing factor to this pathogen's serotype-specific disease outcomes. Author summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a Gram-positive pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality in the US and worldwide. The pneumococcus first colonizes the upper respiratory tract asymptomatically, and then drops into the lung to cause pneumonia, followed by sepsis (blood infection), where patient mortality rates exceed 20%. Studies have indicated that the reason S. pneumoniae can survive in the blood so well is due to its protective polysaccharide capsule. This vital virulence factor acts as a sugary coat which shields the bacterium from immune detection, opsonization, and phagocytosis. However, how this metabolically expensive virulence factor is regulated during colonization, lung infection, and sepsis has remained enigmatic. Here we describe two transcription factors, SpxR and CpsR, which repress capsule biosynthesis in the airways through a small, conserved, regulatory piece of DNA (the 37-CE) until the onset of sepsis–where repression is relieved, allowing for increased capsule biosynthesis, and by association, the high mortality associated with this condition. The 37-CE varies considerably among the 100+ pneumococcal serotypes, each of which has a chemically-distinct capsule composition. This may, in part, explain the variation in serotype-dependent disease severity we have observed for decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The typical food traceability system's data layer is made up of relational databases managed by core businesses, which cannot ensure data security. It is inefficient and requires a lot of upkeep. The food supply chain has numerous actors, making it difficult for consumers to safeguard their rights when purchasing food with quality issues. Due to the numerous organizations involved in the food supply chain, food safety monitoring and traceability have become challenging. The supply chain's major organizations have control and administrative authority over the data under the current food traceability system, which is overly centralized for traceability information. The safety and dependability of food may be ensured by using the food traceability system to track food information. We can witness a series of detailed insights into food from the manufacturing source to the consumption terminal. A blockchain-based food tracking system is created as a solution to these issues. On the Ethereum platform, the system was created. It was also employed in the blockchain system, in addition to its features of decentralization, tamper-proof, and traceability. To implement the data update service and the food recall function, introduce the Food and Drug Administration node. Consumers have the option to not only enquire about food traceability throughout the manufacturing process but also to file complaints regarding the traceability system's rights protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rose (Rosa sp.) is a widely used raw material for essential oil extraction and fragrance production. The carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases pathway is one of the main metabolic pathways for the degradation of carotenoids, which is located downstream of the terpenoids biosynthesis pathway and is closely related to the biosynthesis of volatile compounds. We performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the rose CCD family genes (RcCCDs) in terms of phylogeny, sequence characterization, gene structure, gene duplication events, and transcriptome. Finally, 15 CCD family members were identified from the rose genome, and they were classified into three clades: nine for the CCD clade, four for the NCED clade, and two for the CCD-LIKE clade. The RcCCDs were distributed on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and were concentrated on both ends of the chromosomes. RcCCDs did not have paralogous genes or whole genome duplication events (WGD), eleven of them were single-copy genes, and their repetitive sequences were mainly dispersed and tandem. Ten RcCCDs were differentially expressed in the transcriptomes of different flowering stages. The expression of four of them increased and then decreased, which was the same process as the accumulation of volatile compounds, and it was speculated that these genes might be involved in the biosynthesis of volatile compounds. A total of fifteen modules were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis of eighteen volatile compounds-related genes, of which six modules were a highly significant positive correlation with volatile compounds, and 20 hub genes in the modules were predicted. These hub genes all exercised their functions in the early flowering stage with strict temporal specificity. This study provided a theoretical basis for further exploring the biological functions of RcCCDs and hub genes regulating the synthesis and metabolism of volatile compounds in rose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit species contribute to nutritional and health security by providing micronutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive phytoconstituents, and hence fruit-based products are becoming functional foods presently and for the future. Although conventional breeding methods have yielded improved varieties having fruit quality, aroma, antioxidants, yield, and nutritional traits, the threat of climate change and need for improvement in several other traits such as biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and higher nutritional quality has demanded complementary novel strategies. Biotechnological research in fruit crops has offered immense scope for large-scale multiplication of elite clones, in vitro, mutagenesis, and genetic transformation. Advanced molecular methods, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), QTLomics, genomic selection for the development of novel germplasm having functional traits for agronomic and nutritional quality, and enrichment of bioactive constituents through metabolic pathway engineering and development of novel products, are now paving the way for trait-based improvement for developing genetically superior varieties in fruit plant species for enhanced nutritional quality and agronomic performance. In this article, we highlight the applications of in vitro and molecular breeding approaches for use in fruit breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographically isolated populations, specifically island‐mainland counterparts, tend to exhibit phenotypic variation in many species. The so‐called island syndrome occurs when different environmental pressures lead to insular divergence from mainland populations. This phenomenon can be seen in an island population of Nova Scotia masked shrews (Sorex cinereus), which have developed a specialized feeding habit and digestive enzyme compared to their mainland counterparts. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), can impact phenotypes by altering gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Here, we used a de novo masked shrew genome assembly and a mammalian methylation array profiling 37 thousand conserved CpGs to investigate morphological and DNA methylation patterns between island and mainland populations. Island shrews were morphologically and epigenetically different than their mainland counterparts, exhibiting a smaller body size. A gene ontology enrichment analyses of differentially methylated CpGs implicated developmental and digestive system related pathways. Based on our shrew epigenetic clock, island shrews might also be aging faster than their mainland counterparts. This study provides novel insight on phenotypic and epigenetic divergence in island‐mainland mammal populations and suggests an underlying role of methylation in island‐mainland divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION How should fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma be performed? SUMMARY ANSWER Forty-eight recommendations were formulated on fertility-sparing treatment of patients with endometrial carcinoma. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The standard surgical treatment of endometrial carcinoma consisting of total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy drastically affects the quality of life of patients and creates a challenge for clinicians. Recent evidence-based guidelines of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) and the European Society of Pathology (ESP) provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment in endometrial carcinoma in a multidisciplinary setting. While addressing also work-up for fertility preservation treatments and the management and follow-up for fertility preservation, it was considered relevant to further extend the guidance on fertility-sparing treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A collaboration was set up between the ESGO, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), aiming to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based guidelines focusing on key aspects of fertility-sparing treatment in order to improve the quality of care for women with endometrial carcinoma across Europe and worldwide. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESGO/ESHRE/ESGE nominated an international multidisciplinary development group consisting of practising clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of endometrial carcinoma (11 experts across Europe). To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature published since 2016, identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgement was based on the professional experience and consensus of the development group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 95 independent international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The multidisciplinary development group formulated 48 recommendations in four sections; patient selection, tumour clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and special issues. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Of the 48 recommendations, none could be based on level I evidence and only 16 could be based on level II evidence, implicating that 66% of the recommendations are supported only by observational data, professional experience and consensus of the development group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These recommendations provide guidance to professionals caring for women with endometrial carcinoma, including but not limited to professionals in the field of gynaecological oncology, onco-fertility, reproductive surgery, endoscopy, conservative surgery and histopathology, and will help towards a holistic and multidisciplinary approach for this challenging clinical scenario. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from ESGO, ESHRE and ESGE funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. G.S. has reported grants from MSD Italia S.r.l. advisory boards for Storz, Bayer, Astrazeneca, Metronic, TESARO Bio Italy S.r.l and Johnson & Johnson, and honoraria for lectures from Clovis Oncology Italy S.r.l. M.G. has reported advisory boards for Gedeon Richter and Merck. The other authors have reported no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This document represents the views of ESHRE, ESGO and ESGE which are the result of consensus between the relevant stakeholders and where relevant based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation. The recommendations should be used for informational and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care, or be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care nor exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. They do not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, nor variations based on locality and facility type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the growth and development of plants, some non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) not only mediate RNA interference at the post-transcriptional level, but also play an important regulatory role in chromatin modification at the transcriptional level. In these processes, the protein factors Argonaute (AGO), Dicer-like (DCL), and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) play very important roles in the synthesis of sRNAs respectively. Though they have been identified in many plants, the information about these gene families in strawberry was poorly understood. In this study, using a genome-wide analysis and a phylogenetic approach, 13 AGO, six DCL, and nine RDR genes were identified in diploid strawberry Fragaria vesca. We also identified 33 AGO, 18 DCL, and 28 RDR genes in octoploid strawberry Fragaria × ananassa, studied the expression patterns of these genes in various tissues and developmental stages of strawberry, and researched the response of these genes to some hormones, finding that almost all genes respond to the five hormone stresses. This study is the first report of a genome-wide analysis of AGO, DCL, and RDR gene families in Fragaria spp., in which we provide basic genomic information and expression patterns for these genes. Additionally, this study provides a basis for further research on the functions of these genes and some evidence for the evolution between diploid and octoploid strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saline–alkali stress is a universal abiotic stress factor limiting fruit tree cultivation worldwide. Apple (Malus×domestica Borkh.) is one of the fruits with the largest yields worldwide. Tea crabapple (Malus hupehensis Rehd. var. pingyiensis Jiang) is a type of common apple rootstock in China. Because facultative apomixis occurs in this species, it is often used in molecular research. The present study investigated the molecular mechanism of the response of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and cytokinins [zeatin, trans-zeatin riboside (tZR), isopentenyladenine (iP), and isopentenyladenosine (iPA)] to mixed saline–alkali stress (MSAS) in tea crabapple leaves. The endogenous hormone content of tea crabapple leaves under MSAS was measured, and the expression of stress response-related genes was analyzed by RNA sequencing. The results showed that the concentration of IAA was initially higher and then lower than that in the control, whereas the concentration of zeatin, tZR, iP, and iPA was higher than that in the control. A total of 1262 differentially expressed genes were identified in the three comparison groups. Further analyses suggested that IAA and cytokinin biosynthetic genes were mostly upregulated in tea crabapple leaves, indicating that auxin and cytokinin signaling pathway regulation occurred in response to MSAS. These findings suggest that IAA and cytokinins play an important role in the response of tea crabapple to MSAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: A fiber length QTL, qFL-c10-1, was fine-mapped to a 96.5-kb region containing one gene that has not been characterized in plants. Fiber length is an important component of cotton fiber quality, which is associated with other quality properties such as fiber strength, fiber maturity, and fineness. In our previous studies, a stable QTL qFL-c10-1 controlling fiber length had been identified on chromosome A10 in an upland cotton recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from a cross between Jimian5 and DH962. To fine-map qFL-c10-1, an F2 population with 1081 individual plants from a cross between a recombinant line DJ61 and Jimian5 was established. Using linkage analysis and progeny recombination experiment, qFL-c10-1 was mapped into a 96.5-kb genomic region that just contained one proper transcript Ghir_A10G022020 (described as GhFL10), an undescribed gene in plants. One 214-bp deletion was identified in the promoter region of DJ61 compared with Jimian5. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and comparative analysis of parental sequences suggested that GhFL10 was the most promising candidate gene for qFL-c10-1. According to RNA-seq, yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), we speculate that GhFL10 interacts with NF-YA transcription factors to negatively regulate fiber elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Identification and genomic characterization of major resistance locus against cotton bacterial blight (CBB) using GWAS and linkage mapping to enable genomics-based development of durable CBB resistance and gene discovery in cotton. Cotton bacterial leaf blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum (Xcm), has periodically been a damaging disease in the USA. Identification and deployment of genetic resistance in cotton cultivars is the most economical and efficient means of reducing crop losses due to CBB. In the current study, genome-wide association study (GWAS) of CBB resistance using an elite diversity panel of 380 accessions, genotyped with the cotton single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 63 K array, and phenotyped with race-18 of CBB, localized the CBB resistance to a 2.01-Mb region in the long arm of chromosome D02. Molecular genetic mapping using an F6 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population showed the CBB resistance in cultivar Arkot 8102 was controlled by a single locus (BB-13). The BB-13 locus was mapped within the 0.95-cM interval near the telomeric region in the long arm of chromosome D02. Flanking SNP markers, i04890Gh and i04907Gh of the BB-13 locus, identified from the combined linkage analysis and GWAS, targeted it to a 371-Kb genomic region. Candidate gene analysis identified thirty putative gene sequences in the targeted genomic region. Nine of these putative genes and two NBS-LRR genes adjacent to the targeted region were putatively involved in plant disease resistance and are possible candidate genes for BB-13 locus. Genetic mapping and genomic targeting of the BB13 locus in the current study will help in cloning the CBB-resistant gene and establishing the molecular genetic architecture of the BB-13 locus towards developing durable resistance to CBB in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Error detection and error significance form essential mechanisms that influence error processing and action adaptation. Error detection often is assessed by an immediate self-evaluation of accuracy. Our study used cognitive neuroscience methods to elucidate whether self-evaluation itself influences error processing by increasing error significance in the context of a complex response selection process. In a novel eight-alternative response task, our participants responded to eight symbol stimuli with eight different response keys and a specific stimulus-response assignment. In the first part of the experiment, the participants merely performed the task. In the second part, they also evaluated their response accuracy on each trial. We replicated variations in early and later stages of error processing and action adaptation as a function of error detection. The additional self-evaluation enhanced error processing on later stages, probably reflecting error evidence accumulation, whereas earlier error monitoring processes were not amplified. Implementing multivariate pattern analysis revealed that self-evaluation influenced brain activity patterns preceding and following the response onset, independent of response accuracy. The classifier successfully differentiated between responses from the self- and the no-self-evaluation condition several hundred milliseconds before response onset. Subsequent exploratory analyses indicated that both self-evaluation and the time on task contributed to these differences in brain activity patterns. This suggests that in addition to its effect on error processing, self-evaluation in a complex choice task seems to have an influence on early and general processing mechanisms (e.g., the quality of attention and stimulus encoding), which is amplified by the time on task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on pathogen-associated muscle degeneration (PAMD) seem not to progress despite the recent advancements in omics. The limited and outdated literature about pathogen-associated muscle degeneration in different animal models contradicts the thorough understanding of their genome. In this paper, we review the pathophysiology of pathogen infection through association with the physiologic, biochemical, and molecular changes happening in the skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles of different well-established mammalian models, namely rats (Rattus sp.), mice (Mus musculus), and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The use of model organisms is beneficial to the advances in muscle degeneration research since they are inexpensive, low maintenance, and can be used for genetic screenings. This review illuminated an understanding of the potential application of well-established model organisms in advancing the current knowledge about pathogen-associated muscle degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammation is instigated by the misfiring of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) involving microglia and astrocytes as key cell-types. Neuroinflammation is a consequence of CNS injury, infection, toxicity, or autoimmunity. It is favorable as well as a detrimental process for neurodevelopment and associated processes. Transient activation of inflammatory response involving release of cytokines and growth factors positively affects the development and post-injury tissue. However, chronic or uncontrolled inflammatory responses may lead to various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. These diseases have variable clinical and pathological features, but are underlaid by the aggregation of misfolded proteins with a cytotoxic effect. Notably, abnormal activation of glial cells could mediate neuroinflammation, leading to the neurodegenerative condition. Microglia, a type of glial cell, a resident immune cell, form the forefront defense of the CNS immune system. Dysfunctional microglia and astrocyte, a different kind of glial cell with homeostatic function, impairs the protein aggregate (amyloid-beta plaque) clearance in AD. Studies have shown that microglia and astrocytes undergo alterations in their genetic profile, cellular and molecular responses, and thus promote dysfunctional immune cross-talk in AD. Hence, targeting microglia and astrocytes-driven molecular pathways could resolve the particular layers of neuroinflammation and set a reliable therapeutic intervention in AD progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, legume genomics research has seen a paradigm shift due to advances in genome sequencing technologies, assembly algorithms, and computational genomics that enabled the construction of high-quality reference genome assemblies of major legume crops. These advances have certainly facilitated the identification of novel genetic variants underlying the traits of agronomic importance in many legume crops. Furthermore, these robust sequencing technologies have allowed us to study structural variations across the whole genome in multiple individuals and at the species level using 'pangenome analysis.' This review updates the progress of constructing pangenome assemblies for various legume crops and discusses the prospects for these pangenomes and how to harness the information to improve various traits of economic importance through molecular breeding to increase genetic gain in legumes and tackle the increasing global food crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton genus Gossypium L., especially its wild species, is rich in genetic diversity. However, this valuable genetic resource is barely used in cotton breeding programs. In part, due to photoperiod sensitivities, the genetic diversity of Gossypium remains largely untapped. Herein, we present a genetic analysis of morphological, cytological, and genomic changes from radiation-mediated mutagenesis that induced plant photoperiod insensitivity in the wild cotton of Gossypium hirsutum. Several morphological and agronomical traits were found to be highly inheritable using the progeny between the wild-type G. hirsutum subsp. purpurascens (El-Salvador) and its mutant line (Kupaysin). An analysis of pollen mother cells (PMCs) revealed quadrivalents that had an open ring shape and an adjoining type of divergence of chromosomes from translocation complexes. Using 336 SSR markers and 157 F2 progenies that were grown with parental genotypes and F1 hybrids in long day and short night conditions, five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with cotton flowering were located on chromosomes At-05, At-11, and Dt-07. Nineteen candidate genes related to the flowering traits were suggested through molecular and in silico analysis. The DNA markers associated with the candidate genes, upon future functional analysis, would provide useful tools in marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cotton breeding programs for early flowering and maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification plays important regulatory roles in plant development and adapting to the environment, which requires methyltransferases to achieve the methylation process. However, there has been no research regarding m6A RNA methyltransferases in cotton. Here, a systematic analysis of the m6A methyltransferase (METTL) gene family was performed on twelve cotton species, resulting in six METTLs identified in five allotetraploid cottons, respectively, and three to four METTLs in the seven diploid species. Phylogenetic analysis of protein-coding sequences revealed that METTL genes from cottons, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Homo sapiens could be classified into three clades (METTL3, METTL14, and METTL-like clades). Cis-element analysis predicated the possible functions of METTL genes in G. hirsutum. RNA-seq data revealed that GhMETTL14 (GH_A07G0817/GH_D07G0819) and GhMETTL3 (GH_A12G2586/GH_D12G2605) had high expressions in root, stem, leaf, torus, petal, stamen, pistil, and calycle tissues. GhMETTL14 also had the highest expression in 20 and 25 dpa fiber cells, implying a potential role at the cell wall thickening stage. Suppressing GhMETTL3 and GhMETTL14 by VIGS caused growth arrest and even death in G. hirsutum, along with decreased m6A abundance from the leaf tissues of VIGS plants. Overexpression of GhMETTL3 and GhMETTL14 produced distinct differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in A. thaliana, indicating their possible divergent functions after gene duplication. Overall, GhMETTLs play indispensable but divergent roles during the growth of cotton plants, which provides the basis for the systematic investigation of m6A in subsequent studies to improve the agronomic traits in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare cold inducible 2 (RCI2) proteins are a group of low molecular weight proteins that widely exist in various tissues of plants and play crucial roles in plant growth and development and abiotic stress responses. Genome-wide identification and analysis of RCI2 have not been documented in Rosaceae plants. Therefore, we identified 23 RCI2 genes from seven Rosaceae plants, which were classified into three subfamilies. The RoRCI2 protein encodes a highly conserved domain of Pmp3. Three homologous PmRCI2s genes from Prunus mume were cloned and named PmRCI2-1, PmRCI2-2, and PmRCI2-3. The results of subcellular localization prediction showed that three PmRCI2s localized to membrane structures, and the abscisic acid response element were found to have the largest number in the promoter sequences of PmRCI2s. The results of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that PmRCI2-3 was significantly induced by low temperature and highly expressed in stems and buds during the endodormancy stage. Our study improves the understanding of the RCI2 family of Rosaceae plants regarding the cold responses and provides a theoretical basis for the cold-resistant breeding of P. mume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is accountable for high mortality in both pediatric and adult populations worldwide, about one-third of hospitalized patients pass away within a year of being discharged from the facility. The high mortality and morbidity rates are closely related to cardiovascular complications that are consequent or concomitant to the acute episode of pneumonia. An updated perspective on the major pathophysiological mechanisms, prevalence, risk factors, outcomes, and relevant treatments of cardiovascular events in CAP patients is provided in the current study. It is possible to evaluate the pathophysiology of cardiac disease in this population based on plaque-related events, such as acute myocardial infarction, or events unrelated to plaque, such as arrhythmias and heart failure. With an absolute rate of cardiovascular problems ranging broadly from 10% to 30%, CAP raises the risk of both plaque-related and plaque-unrelated events. Both in- and out-patients may experience these issues at admission, throughout hospitalization, or even up to a year following discharge. At long-term follow-up, cardiac events account for more than 30% of deaths in CAP patients, making them a significant cause of mortality. If patients at risk for cardiac events are stratified, diagnostic tools, monitoring, and preventive measures may be applied to these patients. A prospective evaluation of cardioprotective treatments is urgently required from a research point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutation is a source of genetic diversity widely used in breeding programs for the acquisition of agronomically interesting characters in commercial varieties of the Prunus species, as well as in the rest of crop species. Mutation can occur in nature at a very low frequency or can be induced artificially. Spontaneous or bud sport mutations in somatic cells can be vegetatively propagated to get an individual with the mutant phenotype. Unlike animals, plants have unlimited growth and totipotent cells that let somatic mutations to be transmitted to the progeny. On the other hand, in vitro tissue culture makes it possible to induce mutation in plant material and perform large screenings for mutant's selection and cleaning of chimeras. Finally, targeted mutagenesis has been boosted by the application of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9 and Transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) editing technologies. Over the last few decades, environmental stressors such as global warming have been threatening the supply of global demand for food based on population growth in the near future. For this purpose, the release of new varieties adapted to such changes is a requisite, and selected or generated Prunus mutants by properly regulated mechanisms could be helpful to this task. In this work, we reviewed the most relevant mutations for breeding traits in Prunus species such as flowering time, self-compatibility, fruit quality, and disease tolerance, including new molecular perspectives in the present postgenomic era including CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN editing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collaboration of heterogeneous robots is a hot topic in multi-intelligent agents, characterized by wide-area coverage and high environmental adaptability. Compared with a single-intelligent agent, multi-intelligent agent collaboration presents superior data matching, system redundancy, and robustness. At the same time, the complementarity of heterogeneous multi-robot is formed a cross-domain, which inherently improves its perception capability, execution capability, and operational efficiency in the complex environment. Therefore, multi-intelligent agents’ organic coordination and cross-domain collaboration will lead to a new paradigm of future robotics and applications. This paper reviews air-ground collaboration, the Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) collaborative system as the research targets. Firstly, the essential elements of UGVs and UAVs are introduced. Secondly, the types of equipment, sensors, missions, environments, metrics under heterogeneous robotic platforms, and how to make device selections in which tasks and scenarios are classified. Thirdly, several vital roles in the air-ground collaborative systems are identified. Finally, a multi-level classification of air-ground collaboration in funded projects, competitions, unique scenarios, inspirations, platforms, and challenges is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the effects of aging on post-error behavioral adjustments from the perspective of cognitive control. A modified error awareness task was administered to young (n = 50) and older (n = 50) adults. In this task, two buttons were placed on the left and right sides in front of the participants, who were instructed to use the right button to perform a go/no-go task, and were notified if they made an error. There were three experimental conditions (A, B, and C): participants had to push the right button once in Condition A and twice in Condition B and C when a go-stimulus was presented. Conversely, participants were asked to withhold their response when a no-go stimulus was presented. Response inhibition differed depending on the experimental condition. The participants were asked to push the left button as quickly as possible when an error occurred. The results showed relatively longer reaction times to sudden errors among older adults compared with young adults. Furthermore, the difference in the error responses (i.e., accidentally pushing the right button once or twice when a no-go stimulus was presented) strongly influenced older adults’ response time after an error. These results suggest that the shift from proactive to reactive control may significantly influence post-error behavioral adjustments in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF)‐BB combined with a cross‐linked collagen matrix (CCM) for the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recession type 1 defects (MAGRs) in combination with the coronally advanced flap (CAF). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in this triple‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial and treated with either CAF + CCM + rhPDGF, or CAF + CCM + saline. The primary outcome was mean root coverage (mRC) at 6 months. Complete root coverage, gain in gingival thickness (GT), keratinized tissue width, volumetric and ultrasonographic changes, and patient‐reported outcome measures were also assessed. Mixed‐modelling regression analyses were used for statistical comparisons. Results: At 6 months, the mRC of the CCM + rhPDGF and CCM alone groups were 88.25% and 77.72%, respectively (p =.02). A significant gain in GT was consistently observed for both treatment arms, and more so for the patients receiving the matrix containing rhPDGF through time (0.51 vs. 0.80 mm, on average, p =.01). The rhPDGF + CCM treated patients presented greater volume gain, higher soft tissue thickness, and a superior aesthetic score. Conclusion: rhPDGF enhances the clinical, volumetric, and aesthetic outcomes of MAGRs above the results achieved with CAF + CCM alone (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04462237). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aroma is an important factor in fruit quality. Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) is popular among consumers because of its rich flavor and nutritional value. Esters are the main components of the volatile aroma of passion fruit. Lipoxygenase (LOX), as the first key enzyme upstream of esters, may play an important role in the formation of passion fruit aroma. In this study, a total of 12 passion fruit LOX (PeLOX) members were screened out based on the Passiflora edulis genome database, which were distributed unevenly on 6 chromosomes, all containing the highly conserved lipoxygenase domain and some containing the PLAT domain. The gene structure, evolutionary analysis and cis-acting elements of the family members were predicted in this study. Transcriptome analysis showed that 12 PeLOX genes had different degrees of response to different abiotic stresses (drought stress, salt stress, cold stress, and high temperature). PeLOX1, PeLOX2, PeLOX7, PeLOX11, and PeLOX12 responded significantly to various abiotic stresses, while PeLOX8 and PeLOX9 had little change in expression in all stresses. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in six tissues revealed that the 12 PeLOX genes exhibited tissue expression specificity, and the relative expression of most genes were particularly high in the roots, stems, and fruits. Focusing on passion fruit ripening and ester synthesis, the transcriptomic analysis showed that with the increase in fruit development and fruit maturity, the expression levels of PeLOX1, PeLOX9, PeLOX11, and PeLOX12 showed downregulated expression, while PeLOX2 and PeLOX4 showed upregulated expression. In particular, the upregulation trend of PeLOX4 was the most obvious, and the qRT-PCR results were consistent with the transcriptome result. Pearson correlation analysis showed that with the development and ripening of fruit, the expression level of PeLOX4, LOX enzyme activity and total ester content all showed an increasing trend, in particular during the period when the peel was red and shrank (from T2 to T3 stage), the esters' contents increased by 37.4 times; the highest expression levels were all in the T3 period. The results indicated that PeLOX4 may be a candidate gene involved in fruit ripeness and the formation of volatile aroma compounds, with the increase in fruit ripening, the expression level of PeLOX4 increased and the LOX enzyme activity increased accordingly, thereby promoting the synthesis of volatile esters in fruit pulp. Our discovery lays the foundation for the functional study of LOX in passion fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plums are widely consumed, contain high levels of phenolic compounds, and have strong antioxidant activity. In this study, the main Sichuan cultivars 'Qiangcuili' and 'Cuihongli' were used to study the changes in the appearance, internal quality, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities during fruit development and the expression of phenolic-compound-related structural genes. The results showed that, during development of the two plums, the total soluble solid and soluble sugar contents were highest at the mature stage. The phenolic contents (total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total flavanol content (TFAC)) trended gradually downward as the fruits of the two cultivars matured, while the total anthocyanin content gradually increased in 'Cuihongli'. The main phenolic components were neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, benzoic acid, rutin, and proanthocyanidin B1. The changes in the DPPH and FRAP scavenging activities decreased with fruit ripening. The antioxidant capacity was positively correlated with the TPC, TFC, and TFAC. In the two cultivars, the total phenols, phenolic components, and antioxidant capacity were higher in the peel than in the pulp. CHS, PAL3, and HCT1 may be the regulatory genes related to the accumulation of phenolic substances in the pericarp and pulp of 'Qiangcuili' and 'Cuihongli'. HCT1 may be an important regulator involved in the accumulation of chlorogenic acid in plums. The changes in the quality of the phenols, phenolic components, and antioxidant activity were elucidated during the development of the main plum cultivars in Sichuan, particularly the changes that provided a theoretical basis for the development of bioactive substances in local plum cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auxin is an important endogenous plant hormone that is usually present as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The flavin monooxygenase YUCCA is the rate-limiting enzyme of IAA biosynthesis and plays an important regulatory role in plant growth and development. To further investigate the function of the YUCCA gene family in weeping peach trees, members of the YUCCA gene family were identified via bioinformatics analysis. The gene structure and conserved domains of the weeping peach YUCCA genes were investigated, and phylogenetic analysis and gene annotation were carried out. Fourteen PpYUCCAs were identified in the weeping peach variety 'Hongchuizhi' and were found to be randomly located on five different chromosomes. Moreover, the prediction of subcellular localization showed that most of the YUCCA proteins were localized in the cytoplasm. Based on our transcriptome analysis, only nine PpYUCCAs, including PpYUCCA1, PpYUCCA3/4/5/6, PpYUCCA9, and PpYUCCA12/13/14, were expressed in the weeping peach branches, which could result in the accumulation of auxin. PpYUCCA6/12 may play a critical role in the appearance of the weeping trait, as indicated by the higher expression levels found in the Hongchuizhi variety compared with the Xiahui 6 variety. The results of this study provide a foundation for further research on the biological functions of PpYUCCAs in weeping peach trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bud dormancy is a genotype-dependent mechanism observed in Prunus species in which bud growth is inhibited, and the accumulation of a specific amount of chilling (endodormancy) and heat (ecodormancy) is necessary to resume growth and reach flowering. We analyzed publicly available transcriptome data from fifteen cultivars of four Prunus species (almond, apricot, peach, and sweet cherry) sampled at endo- and ecodormancy points to identify conserved genes and pathways associated with dormancy control in the genus. A total of 13,018 genes were differentially expressed during dormancy transitions, of which 139 and 223 were of interest because their expression profiles correlated with endo- and ecodormancy, respectively, in at least one cultivar of each species. The endodormancy-related genes comprised transcripts mainly overexpressed during chilling accumulation and were associated with abiotic stresses, cell wall modifications, and hormone regulation. The ecodormancy-related genes, upregulated after chilling fulfillment, were primarily involved in the genetic control of carbohydrate regulation, hormone biosynthesis, and pollen development. Additionally, the integrated co-expression network of differentially expressed genes in the four species showed clusters of co-expressed genes correlated to dormancy stages and genes of breeding interest overlapping with quantitative trait loci for bloom time and chilling and heat requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SQUAMOSA Promoter-Binding Protein-Like (SPL) genes encode plant-specific transcription factors which bind to the SQUAMOSA promoter of the MADS-box genes to regulate its expression. It plays important regulatory roles in floral induction and development, fertility, light signals and hormonal transduction, and stress response in plants. In this study, 32 PySPL genes with complete SBP (squamosa promoter binding protein) conserved domain were identified from the genome of Prunus × yedoensis 'Somei-yoshino' and analyzed by bioinformatics. 32 PySPLs were distributed on 13 chromosomes, encoding 32 PySPL proteins with different physical and chemical properties. The phylogenetic tree constructed with Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa can be divided into 10 subtribes, indicating PySPLs of different clusters have different biological functions. The conserved motif prediction showed that the number and distribution of motifs on each PySPL is varied. The gene structure analysis revealed that PySPLs harbored exons ranging from 2 to 10. The predictive analysis of acting elements showed that the promoter of PySPLs contain a large number of light-responsive elements, as well as response elements related to hormone response, growth and development and stress response. The analysis of the PySPLs expressions in flower induction and flower organs based on qRT-PCR showed that PySPL06/22 may be the key genes of flower development, PySPL01/06 and PySPL22 may play a role in the development of sepal and pistil, respectively. The results provide a foundation for the study of SPL transcription factors of Prunus × yedoensis 'Somei-yoshino' and provide more reference information of the function of SPL gene in flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) such as quadcopters are ideal for aerial surveillance because of their runway independence, terrain-agnostic maneuverability, low cost, and simple hardware. However, battery capacity constraints limit the effective range and endurance of sUASs, requiring human intervention to replace batteries or perform manual recharging for longer operations. To increase their range, an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) may provide recharging depot as needed. The problem is then to find optimal paths for the UGV and sUASs to visit mission points and sUAS-UGV rendezvous points for recharging. We present a three-tiered heuristics to solve this computationally hard combinatorial optimization problem: (1) K-means clustering is used to find UGV waypoints, (2) a traveling salesman formulation (TSP) is used to solve the optimal UGV route, and (3) vehicle routing problem formulation (VRP) with capacity constraints, time windows, and dropped visits is used to solve for sUAS routes. We use constraint programming for optimization of the TSP and VRP, achieving a solution for 25 mission points and up to 4 sUASs in about a minute on a standard desktop computer. We also found that constraint programming solvers are 7 − 30 times faster, but 4 − 15% sub-optimal compared to mixed-integer solvers, which provide exact solutions. Further, we used constraint programming solvers in a Monte-Carlo approach to evaluate the role of mission spread, number of clusters, and number of sUASs on the optimal solution. Our contribution is the development of heuristics for route selection of sUAS-UGVs that produces high quality solutions as more mission points and sUASs are added without substantially increasing the computational time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is the gold standard treatment for root coverage procedure; however, this technique has limitations such as the need for a donor site and the difficulty of the harvesting procedure. The potential benefits of Mucoderm®, a collagen matrix derived from porcine dermis, as an alternative treatment for root coverage can be investigated. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Mucoderm® for root coverage and compare its results with SCTG. Materials and Method: This double-blind split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted on seven patients with 12 bilateral gingival recessions (24 recession sites). Coronally advanced flap + Mucoderm® was applied on one side and coronally advanced flap + connective tissue graft (CTG) was applied on the contralateral side. We measured the periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), recession depth (RD), keratinized tissue width (KTW) and gingival thickness (GT) with a surgical stent at baseline (preoperatively) and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The Wilcoxon and Friedman tests were used to analyse the data. Results: The mean percentage of root coverage was 26% in the Mucoderm® group and 60% in the SCTG group at 6 months, compared with baseline. The mean percentage of root coverage was significantly different between the two groups (p Value<0.05). The results indicated that Mucoderm® did not increase the KTW, while CTG significantly increased the KTW (p Value< 0.05 at 1, 3 and 6 months). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Mucoderm® might not be an appropriate alternative for the CTG in root coverage procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have deficits in verbal and non‐verbal processing relative to typically developing (TD) peers, potentially reflecting difficulties in working memory, processing speed and inhibition of interference. We examined working memory in children with DLD using the serial‐order‐in‐a‐box–complex span (SOB‐CS) interference‐based model, which posits a time‐based mechanism, free time, that governs how interference affects processing performance. Aims: (1) To determine the degree to which children with DLD and TD children differ in the amount of free time available during working memory tasks, and whether potential group differences in free time differ depending on the domain of task demands? (2) To determine the relationship between free time and interference effects on working memory accuracy in children with DLD relative to TD peers. Methods & Procedures: We examined the relationship between free time and working memory in children aged 9–13 years with DLD relative to age‐matched TD peers. Working memory tasks involved five conditions that varied verbal versus non‐verbal task demands in an interference processing phase relative to a recall test phase. Free time was the time between response on the interference processing task and onset of the recall test phase. Outcomes & Results: DLD and TD groups did not differ in total free time in any condition. Results indicated group differences in the relationship between free time and accuracy in the conditions involving verbal recall, but not non‐verbal recall. In the verbal‐only condition, relatively more free time was associated with worse accuracy for the DLD group, but with better accuracy for the TD group. In the condition with verbal recall paired with non‐verbal interference processing, relatively more free time was associated with better accuracy for the DLD group, but not for the TD group. Conclusions & Implications: The overall findings suggest that free time between cognitive operations is positively associated with working memory for both verbal and non‐verbal recall, except in the presence of high verbal interference for the DLD group (i.e., verbal interference paired with verbal recall). This finding may reflect poor encoding and attention under particularly challenging verbal processing demands for the DLD group. This study also demonstrates the importance of considering the interrelationships between processing speed and interference in working memory performance. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: DLD is characterized by core deficits in verbal processing, but also deficits in non‐verbal processing. Processing‐based hypotheses of DLD—limited verbal working memory, slowed processing speed and inefficient inhibition—do not fully account for behavioural profiles in DLD when considered separately, yet there is evidence suggesting interrelationships among these factors. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: The current study tests the key mechanism posited by a theoretical framework that has the potential to integrate these processing‐based hypotheses. Our findings indicate that the effect of this mechanism differed in DLD relative to TD peers in the presence of high verbal task demands. Our findings also demonstrate the importance of considering the interrelationships among cognitive processes in children with DLD. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: In practice, results from the current study suggest that children with DLD may benefit from supplementing verbal information with non‐verbal information and from pauses between successive presentations of verbal information. These strategies may support their ability to maintain and act on information during verbal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The aim is to compare the volumetric changes between pouch technique versus the modified pouch technique in pontic site development using connective tissue graft in patients that have Seibert class I ridge defects in the maxillary esthetic zone. Methodology. This randomized, controlled, double-blinded, parallel-grouped clinical trial included sixteen patients with a single pontic site in the maxillary esthetic area presenting Seibert Class I ridge defects. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups: test group (n: 8) received soft tissue augmentation with connective tissue graft using the modified pouch technique and control group (n: 8) received soft tissue augmentation with connective tissue graft using pouch technique. The volumetric evaluation was carried out by taking impressions at baseline, 3 and 6 months after the surgery. Keratinized tissue thickness was also measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months after the surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded by the patients at day 3, day 7, and day 14 after the surgery. Results. The test group had more increase in soft tissue volume than the control group at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The keratinized tissue width at baseline in the test group had a higher value than that of the control group. At 3 months, both groups had the same mean value, while at 6 months, the test group had a higher value than the control group. Regarding postoperative pain, the visual analogue scale shown at day 3 in the test group had a higher value than that of the control group, while at day 7, the control group had a higher value than the test group. At day 14, both groups had the same mean value. Conclusions. Soft tissue augmentation using both the traditional pouch technique and the modified pouch technique led to successful soft tissue volume augmentation in pontic site development in Seibert Class I ridge defects with no statistically significant difference between the two techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Epigenetic inheritance can drive adaptive evolution independently of DNA sequence variation. However, to what extent epigenetic variation represents an autonomous evolutionary force remains largely elusive.Through gene ontology and comparative analyses of genomic and epigenomic variation of wild strawberry plants raised in distinct drought settings, we characterised genome‐wide covariation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs).Covariation between SNPs and DMCs was independent of genomic proximity, but instead associated with fitness‐related processes such as stress responses, genome regulation and reproduction. We expected this functional SNP–DMC covariation to be driven by adaptive evolution canalising SNP and DMC variation, but instead observed significantly lower covariation with DMCs for adaptive rather than for neutral SNPs. Drought‐induced DMCs frequently co‐varied with tens of SNPs, suggesting high genomic redundancy as a broad potential basis for polygenic adaptation of gene expression.Our findings suggest that stress‐responsive DMCs initially co‐vary with many SNPs under increased environmental stress, and that natural selection acting upon several of these SNPs subsequently reduces standing covariation with stress‐responsive DMCs. Our study supports DNA methylation profiles that represent complex quantitative traits rather than autonomous evolutionary forces. We provide a conceptual framework for polygenic regulation and adaptation shaping genome‐wide methylation patterns in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages use an array of innate immune sensors to detect intracellular pathogens and to tailor effective antimicrobial responses. In addition, extrinsic activation with the cytokine IFN‐γ is often required as well to tip the scales of the host‐pathogen balance toward pathogen restriction. However, little is known about how host‐pathogen sensing impacts the antimicrobial IFN‐γ‐activated state. It was observed that in the absence of IRF3, a key downstream component of pathogen sensing pathways, IFN‐γ‐primed macrophages more efficiently restricted the intracellular bacterium Legionella pneumophila and the intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This effect did not require IFNAR, the receptor for Type I IFNs known to be induced by IRF3, nor the sensing adaptors MyD88/TRIF, MAVS, or STING. This effect also did not involve differential activation of STAT1, the major signaling protein downstream of both Type 1 and Type 2 IFN receptors. IRF3‐deficient macrophages displayed a significantly altered IFN‐γ‐induced gene expression program, with up‐regulation of microbial restriction factors such as Nos2. Finally, we found that IFN‐γ‐primed but not unprimed macrophages largely excluded the activated form of IRF3 from the nucleus following bacterial infection. These data are consistent with a relationship of mutual inhibition between IRF3 and IFN‐γ‐activated programs, possibly as a component of a partially reversible mechanism for modulating the activity of potent innate immune effectors (such as Nos2) in the context of intracellular infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization and preservation of genetic variation in crops is critical to meeting the challenges of breeding in the face of changing climates and markets. In recent years, the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has become routine, allowing us to understand the population structure, find divergent lines for crosses, and illuminate the origin of crops. However, the focus on SNPs overlooks other forms of variation, such as copy number variation (CNVs). Lentil is the third most important cold‐season legume and was domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. We genotyped 324 accessions that represent its global diversity, and using both SNPs and CNVs, we dissected the population structure and genetic variation, and identified candidate genes. Eight clusters were detected, most of them located in or near the Fertile Crescent, even though different clusters were present in distinct regions. The cluster from South Asia was particularly differentiated and presented low diversity, contrasting with the clusters from the Mediterranean and the northern temperate. Accessions from North America were mainly assigned to one cluster and were highly diverse, reflecting the efforts of breeding programs to integrate variation. Thirty‐three genes were identified as candidates under selection and among their functions were sporopollenin synthesis in pollen, a component of chlorophyll B reductase that partially determines the antenna size, and two genes related to the import system of chloroplasts. Eleven percent of all lentil genes and 21% of lentil disease resistance genes were affected by CNVs. The gene categories overrepresented in these genes were "enzymes," "Cell Wall Organization," and "external stimuli response." All the genes found in the latter were associated with pathogen response. CNVs provided information about population structure and might have played a role in adaptation. The incorporation of CNVs in diversity studies is needed for a broader understanding of how they evolve and contribute to domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentils provide a rich plant‐based protein source and staple food in many parts of the world. Despite numerous nutritional benefits, lentil seeds also possess undesirable elements, such as anti‐nutritional factors. Understanding the genetic networks of seed metabolism is of great importance for improving the seed nutritional profile.We applied RNA sequencing analysis to survey the transcriptome of developing lentil seeds and compared this with that of the pod shells and leaves. In total, we identified 2622 genes differentially expressed among the tissues examined. Genes preferentially expressed in seeds were enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with development, nitrogen and carbon (N/C) metabolism and lipid synthesis.We further categorized seed preferentially expressed genes based on their involvement in storage protein production, starch accumulation, lipid and suberin metabolism, phytate, saponin and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis.The availability of transcript profile datasets on lentil seed metabolism and a roadmap of candidate genes presented here will be of great value for breeding strategies towards further improvement of lentil seed quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of plant genomes is of great importance for basic research and practical breeding. In 1977, F. Sanger proposed a DNA sequencing method, which allowed the complete sequences of a number of genomes to be determined. Then high-throughput and cost-effective next-generation/second-generation sequencing methods, producing up to billions of short reads, made it possible to sequence genomes of a significant number of species and provided a breakthrough in plant genetic studies. Finally, third-generation sequencing technologies allowed the determination of single-molecule sequences up to a million nucleotides in length, which is key for high-quality genome assemblies. An important task is to obtain a pan-genome, which includes an entire set of nucleotide sequences presented in various genotypes of the same species. The sequencing of plant genomes made it possible to assess intraspecific polymorphism, identify key genes influencing the formation of significant features, and develop molecular markers of economically valuable traits and this has become the basis for the development of marker-assisted and genomic selection. This review provides information on the latest advances in sequencing technologies and the assembly of plant genomes, as well as the opportunities that they open up for basic and applied works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivated hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida var. major) is an important medicinal and edible plant with a long history of use for health protection in China. Herein, we provide a de novo chromosome‐level genome sequence of the hawthorn cultivar "Qiu Jinxing." We assembled an 823.41 Mb genome encoding 40 571 genes and further anchored the 779.24 Mb sequence into 17 pseudo‐chromosomes, which account for 94.64% of the assembled genome. Phylogenomic analyses revealed that cultivated hawthorn diverged from other species within the Maleae (apple tribe) at approximately 35.4 Mya. Notably, genes involved in the flavonoid and triterpenoid biosynthetic pathways have been significantly amplified in the hawthorn genome. In addition, our results indicated that the Maleae share a unique ancient tetraploidization event; however, no recent independent whole‐genome duplication event was specifically detected in hawthorn. The amplification of non‐specific long terminal repeat retrotransposons contributed the most to the expansion of the hawthorn genome. Furthermore, we identified two paleo‐sub‐genomes in extant species of Maleae and found that these two sub‐genomes showed different rearrangement mechanisms. We also reconstructed the ancestral chromosomes of Rosaceae and discussed two possible paleo‐polyploid origin patterns (autopolyploidization or allopolyploidization) of Maleae. Overall, our study provides an improved context for understanding the evolution of Maleae species, and this new high‐quality reference genome provides a useful resource for the horticultural improvement of hawthorn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex chromosomes play an outsized role in adaptation and speciation, and thus deserve particular attention in evolutionary genomics. In particular, fusions between sex chromosomes and autosomes can produce neo-sex chromosomes, which offer important insights into the evolutionary dynamics of sex chromosomes. Here, we investigate the evolutionary origin of the previously reported Danaus neo-sex chromosome within the tribe Danaini. We assembled and annotated genomes of Tirumala septentrionis (subtribe Danaina), Ideopsis similis (Amaurina), Idea leuconoe (Euploeina) and Lycorea halia (Itunina) and identified their Z-linked scaffolds. We found that the Danaus neo-sex chromosome resulting from the fusion between a Z chromosome and an autosome corresponding to the Melitaea cinxia chromosome (McChr) 21 arose in a common ancestor of Danaina, Amaurina and Euploina. We also identified two additional fusions as the W chromosome further fused with the synteny block McChr31 in I. similis and independent fusion occurred between ancestral Z chromosome and McChr12 in L. halia. We further tested a possible role of sexually antagonistic selection in sex chromosome turnover by analysing the genomic distribution of sex-biased genes in I. leuconoe and L. halia. The autosomes corresponding to McChr21 and McChr31 involved in the fusions are significantly enriched in female- and male-biased genes, respectively, which could have hypothetically facilitated fixation of the neo-sex chromosomes. This suggests a role of sexual antagonism in sex chromosome turnover in Lepidoptera. The neo-Z chromosomes of both I. leuconoe and L. halia appear fully compensated in somatic tissues, but the extent of dosage compensation for the ancestral Z varies across tissues and species., (© 2024 The Authors. Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)