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Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP) is a newly defined entity with distinct histomorphology and recurrent KRAS mutation. In this study, we aimed to identify and analyze the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and molecular features of PRNRP in our center and to evaluate its differential diagnosis with other tumors with which it is easily confused: clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC), oncocytic papillary renal cell carcinoma (OPRCC), and papillary renal cell carcinoma type 1 (PRCC1). Nephrectomy specimens of PRNRP (n = 15), CCPRCC (n = 11), and OPRCC (n = 12) were retrieved from our pathology archives. We also selected typical cases of PRCC1 (n = 15) as a control group. PRNRP accounted for 3.05% (15/492) of all PRCC cases at our center. The median follow-up period was 41.3 months. All PRNRP cases were pT1N0M0, and only one involved recurrence (1 year after surgery). IHC analysis showed diffuse staining of CK7, EMA, and GATA3 but weak or negative staining of CD10, CD117, p504s, and vimentin in the PRNRP samples and distinctive IHC features in the other three tumor types. KRAS mutation was detected in 4/10 PRNRP cases. Among the 40 most commonly mutated genes identified, 5 (BCLAF1, PDE4DIP, NCOR1, PARP4, and PABPC1) have actionable alterations. Our study supports the suggestion that PRNRP is an entity distinct from CCPRCC, OPRCC, and PRCC1.

Major fertility restorer locus for Aegilops kotschyi cytoplasm in wheat, Rfk1 , was mapped to chromosome arm 1BS. Most likely candidate gene is TraesCS1B02G197400LC , which is predicted to encode a pectinesterase/pectinesterase inhibitor. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is widely used for heterosis and hybrid seed production in wheat. Genes related to male fertility restoration in the presence of Aegilops kotschyi cytoplasm have been reported, but the fertility restoration-associated gene loci have not been investigated systematically. In this study, a BC1F1 population derived from a backcross between KTP116A, its maintainer line TP116B, and its restorer line LK783 was employed to map fertility restoration by bulked segregant RNA-Seq (BSR-Seq). A major fertility allele restorer locus for Ae. kotschyi cytoplasm in wheat, Rfk1, was mapped to chromosome arm 1BS, and it was contributed by LK783. Morphological and cytological studies showed that male fertility restoration occurred mainly after the late uninucleate stage. Based on simple sequence repeat and single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping, the gene locus was located between Xnwafu_6 and Xbarc137 on chromosome arm 1BS. To further isolate the specific region, six Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction markers derived from BSR-Seq were developed to delimit Rfk1 within physical intervals of 26.0 Mb. After searching for differentially expressed genes within the candidate interval in the anthers and sequencing analysis, TraesCS1B02G197400LC was identified as a candidate gene for Rfk1 and it was predicted to encode a pectinesterase/pectinesterase inhibitor. Expression analysis also confirmed that it was specifically expressed in the anthers, and its expression level was higher in fertile lines compared with sterile lines. Thus, TraesCS1B02G197400LC was identified as the most likely candidate gene for Rfk1, thereby providing insights into the fertility restoration mechanism for K-type CMS in wheat.

Plant-derived nanovesicles (NVs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered to be the next generation of nanocarrier platforms for biotherapeutics and drug delivery. However, EVs exist not only in the extracellular space, but also within the cell wall. Due to the limitation of isolation methods, the extraction efficiency is low, resulting in the waste of a large number of plants, especially rare and expensive medicinal plants.There are few studies comparing EVs and NVs. To overcome these challenges, we proposed and validated a novel method for the isolation of plant EVs by degrading the plant cell wall with enzymes to release the EVs in the cell wall, making it easier for EVs to break the cell wall barrier and be collected. We extracted EVs from the roots of Morinda officinalis by enzymatic degradation(MOEVs) and nanoparticles by grinding method (MONVs) as a comparison group. The results showed smaller diameter and higher yield of MOEVs.Both MOEVs and MONVs were readily absorbed by endothelial cells without cytotoxicity and promoted the expression of miR-155. The difference is that the promotion of miR-155 by MOEVs is dose-effective. More importantly, MOEVs and MONVs are naturally characterized by bone enrichment. These results support that EVs in plants can be efficiently extracted by enzymatic cell wall digestion and also confirm the potential of MOEVs as therapeutic agents and drug carriers.

An increasing number of studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in regulating plant fertility, however, they are less studied in wheat. Here, we analyzed lncRNA sequencing data and showed that the fixation carbon sequestration pathway was closely associated with pollen development and fertility conversion in KTM3315A, and eight differentially expressed genes under different fertility conditions were significantly regulated by TCONS_00093333 (designed as TaHTMAR) and transcription factors TaBBX25 and TaOBF1. Among them, TaBBX25 and TaOBF1 were located in the nucleus and expressed in the early stage of fertile anther development. Gene silencing experiments of TaHTMAR showed that TaHTMAR positively regulated the expression of TaBBX25 and TaOBF1 under fertile conditions, thereby reducing male fertility of KTM3315A. This study confirms the effective roles of TaHTMAR, TaBBX25, and TaOBF1 in the regulation of male fertility in wheat and provides a valuable molecular basis for hybrid wheat breeding.

Thermo-sensitive cytoplasmic male sterility is of great significance to heterosis and hybrid seed production in wheat. Consequently, it is worthwhile to research the genes associated with male sterility. Although polygalacturonases (PGs) have been studied to play a crucial role in male reproduction of many plants, their functions in the reproductive development of wheat remain unclear. Here, TaPG (TraesCS7A02G404900) encoding a polygalacturonase was isolated from the anthers of KTM3315A, a wheat thermo-sensitive cytoplasmic male sterile with Aegilops kotschyi cytoplasm. Expression pattern analyses showed that TaPG was strongly expressed in fertile anthers and its protein was localized in the cell wall. Further verification via barley stripe mosaic virus revealed that the silencing of TaPG exhibited abnormal anthers, premature degradation of tapetum, pollen abortion, and defective pollen wall formation, resulting in the declination of fertility. Conclusively, our research suggested that TaPG contributed to the pollen development and male fertility, which will provide a novel insight into the fertility conversion of thermo-sensitive cytoplasmic male sterility in wheat.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been exposed to increased risks of insomnia and fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we identify important risk factors associated with insomnia symptoms and fatigue among HCWs, and evaluate the effect of organizational support on insomnia and fatigue symptoms.Methods: This is an online cross-sectional survey of HCWs in China administered during the COVID-19 epidemic (from February 27, 2020 to March 12, 2020). We employed the AIS-8 scale for insomnia screening, and a self-reported ten-point scale to evaluate subjects' degrees of fatigue. We also designed a four-point scale to assess the degree of social support provided on an organizational level. Additionally, we conducted logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors.Results: This study included a total of 3,557 participants, 41% of which consisted of non-frontline HCWs and 59% of which was frontline HCWs. Of the non-frontline HCWs, 49% reported insomnia symptoms, and 53.8% reported a moderate to high degree of fatigue. Meanwhile, among the frontline HCWs, the percentages for insomnia and moderate to high fatigue were 63.4% and 72.2%, respectively. Additionally, frontline HCWs and HCWs employed at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) had elevated risks of insomnia and fatigue. However, with increased organizational support, insomnia symptoms decreased among frontline HCWs. Also, organizational support mitigated the positive correlation between daily working hours and degree of fatigue among HCWs.Conclusion: Frontline HCWs and staff in Chinese CDCs have been at a high risk of insomnia symptoms and fatigue during the fight against COVID-19. This study provides evidence for the positive effects of organizational support in relation to insomnia and fatigue among HCWs. This sheds light on government responses to the COVID-19 epidemic for other countries.

Bioinformatic analysis identified the function of genes regulating wheat fertility. Barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing verified that the genes TaMut11 and TaSF3 are involved in pollen development and related to fertility conversion. Environment-sensitive genic male sterility is of vital importance to hybrid vigor in crop production and breeding. Therefore, it is meaningful to study the function of the genes related to pollen development and male sterility, which is still not fully understand currently. In this study, YanZhan 4110S, a new thermo-sensitive genic male sterility wheat line, and its near-isogenic line YanZhan 4110 were analyzed. Through comparative transcriptome basic bioinformatics and weighted gene co-expression network to further identify some hub genes, the genes TaMut11 and TaSF3 associated with pollen development and male sterility induced by high-temperature were identified in YanZhan 4110S. Further verification through barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing elucidated that the silencing of TaMut11 and TaSF3 caused pollen abortion, finally resulting in the declination of fertility. These findings provided data on the abortive mechanism in environment-sensitive genic male sterility wheat.

Background: Environment-sensitive genic male sterility is of vital importance to hybrid vigor in crop production and breeding, therefore, it is meaningful to identify and study the function of the genes related to pollen development and male sterility, which still not fully understanding currently. In this study, Yanzhan 4110S, a new thermo-sensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) wheat line, and its near isogenic line Yanzhan 4110 were carried out cytological features observation, bioinformatics analysis to investgate the abortion state and identified the genes involved in pollen development which have fertility regulation function. Barely stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing was used to verify the genes function.Results: Cytological analysis showed pollen abortion event of Yanzhan 4110S occur at the later uninucleate stage (Lun) under higher temperature induction (day/night temperatures of 22 °C/20 °C), when the anthers were collected and assessed for transcriptomic profiling through high-throughput sequencing. We then in-depth analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, the results showed that the occurrence of Yanzhan 4110S male-sterility most likely related to metabolic pathway, including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, starch and sucrose metabolism in carbohydrate metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms as well as carbon metabolism in energy metabolism. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis in the transcriptome profiles further identified some hub genes, where the key genes involved in those pathways were intersection between the unique DEGs of Yanzhan 4110S in anther and hub genes, totally 228 genes, which were highly related to pollen development including TaMut11 and TaSF3. Moreover, further verification through barely stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing elucidated that the silencing of TaMut11 and TaSF3 caused pollen abortion, finally resulting in the declination of fertility. So, the genes TaMut11 and TaSF3 are related to fertility conversion of Yanzhan 4110S.Conclusion: Through comparative transcriptome bioinformatics analysis, the genes TaMut11 and TaSF3 associated with pollen development and male sterility induced by high temperature were identified in Yanzhan 4110S, and verificated by barely stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing. These findings provided researching the abortive mechanism in environment-sensitive genic male sterility wheat.

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon that causes biased expression of maternally and paternally inherited alleles. In flowering plants, genomic imprinting predominantly occurs in the triploid endosperm and plays a vital role in seed development. In this study, we identified 248 candidate imprinted genes including 114 maternally expressed imprinted genes (MEGs) and 134 paternally expressed imprinted genes (PEGs) in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) endosperm using deep RNA sequencing. These imprinted genes were neither clustered in specific chromosomal regions nor well conserved among flax and other plant species. MEGs tended to be expressed specifically in the endosperm, whereas the expression of PEGs was not tissue-specific. Imprinted single nucleotide polymorphisms differentiated 200 flax cultivars into the oil flax, oil-fiber dual purpose flax and fiber flax subgroups, suggesting that genomic imprinting contributed to intraspecific variation in flax. The nucleotide diversity of imprinted genes in the oil flax subgroup was significantly higher than that in the fiber flax subgroup, indicating that some imprinted genes underwent positive selection during flax domestication from oil flax to fiber flax. Moreover, imprinted genes that underwent positive selection were related to flax functions. Thirteen imprinted genes related to flax seed size and weight were identified using a candidate gene-based association study. Therefore, our study provides information for further exploration of the function and genomic variation of imprinted genes in the flax population.

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon caused by the biased expression of maternally and paternally inherited alleles. In flowering plants, genomic imprinting predominantly occurs in triploid endosperm and plays a vital role in seed development. In this study, we identified 241 candidate imprinted genes including 143 maternally expressed imprinted genes (MEGs) and 98 paternally expressed imprinted genes (PEGs) in flax (Linum usitatissimumL.) endosperm using deep RNA sequencing. The conservation of imprinting in plants is very limited and imprinting clustering is not a general feature. MEGs tends to be endosperm expression specific, while PEGs are non-tissue specific. Imprinted SNPs differentiated 200 flax cultivars into oil flax, oil-fiber dual purpose flax (OF) and fiber flax subgroups, suggesting that genomic imprinting contributes to intraspecific variation in flax. The nucleotide diversity (π) of imprinted genes in oil flax subgroup is significantly higher than that in fiber flax subgroup, indicating that some imprinted genes undergo positive selection during flax domestication from oil flax to fiber flax. Imprinted genes undergo positive selection is related to the functions. Eleven imprinted genes related to seed size and weight were identified using the candidate gene-based association study. Our study provides information for further exploring the function and genomic variation of imprinted genes in flax population.

Objectives To examine the association between local health departments' (LHDs') engagement in accreditation and their staffs' perceptions of workplace environment and the overall satisfaction with their jobs. Design Data from the 2014 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) (local data only) and the 2014 Forces of Change survey were linked using LHDs' unique ID documented by the National Association of County & City Health Officials. The Forces of Change survey assessed LHDs' accreditation status. Local health departments were classified as "formally engaged" in the Public Health Accreditation Board accreditation process if they had achieved accreditation, submitted an application, or submitted a statement of intent. The PH WINS survey measured employees' perception of 3 aspects of workplace environment, including supervisory support, organizational support, and employee engagement. The overall satisfaction was measured using the Job in General Scale (abridged). There are 1884 LHD employees who completed PH WINS and whose agencies responded to the question on the accreditation status of the Forces of Change survey. Results When compared with employees from LHDs less engaged in accreditation, employees from LHDs that were formally engaged in accreditation gave higher ratings to all 3 aspects of workplace environment and overall job satisfaction. Controlling for employee demographic characteristics and LHD jurisdiction size, the agency's formal engagement in accreditation remained related to a higher score in perceived workplace environment and job satisfaction. After controlling for perceived workplace environment, accreditation status was marginally associated with job satisfaction. Conclusion The findings provide support for previous reports by LHD leaders on the benefits of accreditation related to employee morale and job satisfaction. The results from this study allow us to further catalog the benefits of accreditation in workforce development and identify factors that may moderate the extent of the benefits. Findings from this study show that engagement in public health accreditation is associated with overall job satisfaction. This link may be explained by the hypotheses that meeting accreditation standards could increase staff satisfaction or that having higher job satisfaction could lead to a higher likelihood that a health department would apply for accreditation. Further research to explore this relationship is critical as many health departments are weighing the value of accreditation as they face constrained financial resources.

Four polygalacturonase gene family members were highlighted that contribute to elucidate the roles of polygalacturonase during the fertility conversion process in male-sterile wheat. Polygalacturonase (PG) belongs to a large family of hydrolases with important functions in cell separation during plant growth and development via the degradation of pectin. Specific expressed PGs in anthers may be significant for male sterility research and hybrid wheat breeding, but they have not been characterized in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, we systematically studied the PG gene family using the latest published wheat reference genomic information. In total, 113 wheat PG genes were identified, which could be classified into six categories A–F according to their structure characteristics and phylogenetic comparisons with Arabidopsis and rice. Polyploidy and segmental duplications in wheat were proved to be mainly responsible for the expansion of the wheat PG gene family. RNA-seq showed that TaPGs have specific temporal and spatial expression characteristics, in which 12 TaPGs with spike-specific expression patterns were detected by qRT-PCR in different fertility anthers of KTM3315A, a thermo-sensitive cytoplasmic male-sterile wheat. Four of them specific upregulated (TaPG09, TaPG95, and TaPG93) or downregulated (TaPG87) at trinucleate stage of fertile anthers, and further aligning with the homologous in Arabidopsis revealed that they may undertake functions such as anther dehiscence, separation of pollen, pollen development, and pollen tube elongation, thereby inducing male fertility conversion in KTM3315A. These findings facilitate function investigations of the wheat PG gene family and provide new insights into the fertility conversion mechanism in male-sterile wheat.

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play crucial roles in resisting heat stress and regulating plant development. Recently, HSFs have been shown to play roles in anther development. Thus, investigating the HSF family members and identifying their protective roles in anthers are essential for the further development of male sterile wheat breeding. In the present study, 61 wheat HSF genes (TaHsfs) were identified in the whole wheat genome and they are unequally distributed on 21 chromosomes. According to gene structure and phylogenetic analyses, the 61 TaHsfs were classified into three categories and 12 subclasses. Genome-wide duplication was identified as the main source of the expansion of the wheat HSF gene family based on 14 pairs of homeologous triplets, whereas only a very small number of TaHsfs were derived by segmental duplication and tandem duplication. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), HSP70, and another class of chaperone protein called htpG were identified as proteins that interact with wheat HSFs. RNA-seq analysis indicated that TaHsfs have obvious period- and tissue-specific expression patterns, and the TaHsfs in classes A and B respond to heat shock, whereas the C class TaHsfs are involved in drought regulation. qRT-PCR identified three TaHsfA2bs with differential expression in sterile and fertile anthers, and they may be candidate genes involved in anther development. This comprehensive analysis provides novel insights into TaHsfs, and it will be useful for understanding the mechanism of plant fertility conversion.

Seed size and weight are key traits determining crop yield, which often undergo strongly artificial selection during crop domestication. Although seed sizes differ significantly between oil flax and fiber flax, the genetic basis of morphological differences and artificial selection characteristics in seed size remains largely unclear. Here we re-sequenced 200 flax cultivated accessions to generate a genome variation map based on chromosome assembly reference genomes. We provide evidence that oil flax group is the ancestor of cultivated flax, and the oil-fiber dual purpose group (OF) is the evolutionary intermediate transition state between oil and fiber flax. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were combined with LD Heatmap to identify candidate regions related to seed size and weight, then candidate genes were screened based on detailed functional annotations and estimation of nucleotide polymorphism effects. Using this strategy, we obtained 13 candidate genes related to seed size and weight. Selective sweeps analysis indicates human-involved selection of small seeds during the oil to fiber flax transition. Our study shows the existence of elite alleles for seed size and weight in flax germplasm and provides molecular insights into approaches for further improvement.

Background: Polygalacturonase (PG) belongs to a large family of hydrolases with important functions in cell separation during plant growth and development via the degradation of pectin. The specific expression of PG genes in anthers may be significant for male sterility research and hybrid wheat breeding, but it has not been characterized in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Results: We systematically studied the PG gene family using the latest published wheat reference genomic information. In total, 113 wheat PG genes were identified and renamed as TaPG01–113 based on their chromosomal positions. The PG genes are unequally distributed on 21 chromosomes and classified according to six categories from A–F. Analysis of the gene structures and conserved motifs demonstrated that the Class C and D TaPGs have relatively short gene sequences and a small number of introns. Class E TaPGs are the least conserved and lack conserved domain III. Polyploidy and segmental duplications in wheat were mainly responsible for the expansion of the wheat PG gene family. Predictions of cis-elements indicate that TaPGs have a wide range of functions, including the responses to light, hypothermia, anaerobic conditions, and hormonal stimulation, as well as being involved in meristematic tissue expression. RNA-seq showed that TaPGs have specific temporal and spatial expression characteristics. Twelve spike-specific TaPGs were screened using RNA-seq data and verified by qRT-PCR in the sterile and fertile anthers of thermo-sensitive male-sterile wheat. Four important candidate genes were identified as involved in the male fertility determination process. In fertile anthers, TaPG09 may be involved in the separation of pollen. TaPG87 and TaPG95 could play important roles in anther dehiscence. TaPG93 may be related to pollen development and pollen tube elongation. Conclusions: We analyzed the wheat PG gene family and identified four important TaPGs with differential expression levels in the wheat fertility conversion process. Our findings may facilitate functional investigations of the wheat PG gene family and provide new insights into the fertility conversion mechanism in male-sterile wheat.

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play crucial roles in resisting heat stress and regulating plant development. Recently, HSFs have been shown to play roles in anther development. Thus, investigating the HSF family members and identifying their protective roles in anthers are essential for the further development of male sterile wheat breeding. In the present study, 61 wheat HSF genes (TaHsfs) were identified in the whole wheat genome and they are unequally distributed on 21 chromosomes. According to gene structure and phylogenetic analyses, the 61 TaHsfs were classified into three categories and 12 subclasses. Genome-wide duplication was identified as the main source of the expansion of the wheat HSF gene family based on 14 pairs of homeologous triplets, whereas only a very small number of TaHsfs were derived by segmental duplication and tandem duplication. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), HSP70, and another class of chaperone protein called htpG were identified as proteins that interact with wheat HSFs. RNA-seq analysis indicated that TaHsfs have obvious period- and tissue-specific expression patterns, and the TaHsfs in classes A and B respond to heat shock, whereas the C class TaHsfs are involved in drought regulation. qRT-PCR identified three TaHsfA2bs with differential expression in sterile and fertile anthers, and they may be candidate genes involved in anther development. This comprehensive analysis provides novel insights into TaHsfs, and it will be useful for understanding the mechanism of plant fertility conversion.

Background: Polygalacturonase (PG) belongs to a large family of hydrolases that undertake many important functions in cell separation during plant growth and development by degrading pectin. The specific expression of PG genes in pollen may have great significance for plant male sterile research and hybrid wheat breeding. However, it has not been reported in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Results: Therefore, we systematically studied the PG gene family using the latest published wheat reference genomic information. A total of 113 PGs were identified and renamed as TaPG01 - 113 based on their position on the chromosome. They were unequally distributed on 21 chromosomes and were classified into six categories of A-F. Analysis of gene structures and conserved motifs revealed that the TaPGs of Class C and D had relatively short gene sequences and a small number of introns, and Class E TaPGs were the least conserved and all members did not have III conserved domain. Segmental duplication has been shown to be one of the major drivers of the expansion of the wheat PG gene family. The cis-element predictions indicate that wheat PGs had a wide range of functions, including response to light, hypothermia, anaerobic and hormonal stimulation, and also involved in meristematic tissue expression. In addition, twelve spike-specific expressions of TaPGs were screened using RNA-seq data, and finally three important genes were identified by expression analysis in the sterile and fertile anthers of thermo-sensitive male sterile wheat. TaPG93 was involved in the pollen development and elongation of pollen tubes, and TaPG87 and TaPG95 played important roles in the separation of pollen grains and the cracking of anthers dehiscence. Conclusions: This study, we performed a thorough analysis of the wheat PG gene family and finally obtained three TaPGs that affect wheat fertility. This will lay a solid foundation for the function exploration of wheat PG gene family and provide new enlightenment for the fertility conversion mechanism of male sterile wheat.

Background: Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) play crucial roles in resisting heat stress and regulating plant development. Investigating the HSF family is essential for understanding the fertility conversion mechanism in thermo-sensitive male sterile wheat. Previous studies have investigated the HSF family in wheat but it is necessary to conduct more in-depth and systematic analyses based on the newly published reference genome. Results: In the present study, 61 wheat Hsf (TaHsf) genes were identified using two main strategies and renamed based on their physical locations on chromosomes. According to the gene structure and phylogenetic analyses, the 61 TaHsf genes were classified into three categories and eleven subclasses. The genes were unequally distributed on 21 chromosomes, including two pairs of tandem duplication genes and 52 TaHsf segmental duplication genes. According to the cis-elements identified, most of the TaHsfs can be activated by Ca++ and MYB, and they respond to drought, light, copper, and other stresses as well as heat shock. RNA-seq analysis indicated that the A2 class TaHsf genes exhibited persistently upregulated expression levels in the leaves/shoots, roots (except in the vegetative growth and reproductive growth stages), spikes, and grains in wheat under normal conditions. The A and B class TaHsf genes were positively regulated during the resistance to heat, whereas the C class genes were involved in drought regulation in wheat. Only the A and B class TaHsf genes were upregulated under fertile conditions in thermo-sensitive male sterile wheat. Conclusion: In this study, 61 wheat Hsf genes were identified based on the complete wheat reference genome. This comprehensive analysis provides novel insights into the TaHsf genes, including their diverse functions and involvement in metabolic pathways.

Objectives. To develop a local board of health (LBoH) classification scheme and empirical definitions to provide a coherent framework for describing variation in the LBoHs. Methods. This study is based on data from the 2015 Local Board of Health Survey, conducted among a nationally representative sample of local health department administrators, with 394 responses. The classification development consisted of the following steps: (1) theoretically guided initial domain development, (2) mapping of the survey variables to the proposed domains, (3) data reduction using principal component analysis and group consensus, and (4) scale development and testing for internal consistency. Results. The final classification scheme included 60 items across 6 governance function domains and an additional domain—LBoH characteristics and strengths, such as meeting frequency, composition, and diversity of information sources. Application of this classification strongly supports the premise that LBoHs differ in their performance of governance functions and in other characteristics. Conclusions. The LBoH taxonomy provides an empirically tested standardized tool for classifying LBoHs from the viewpoint of local health department administrators. Future studies can use this taxonomy to better characterize the impact of LBoHs.

CONTEXT Local health departments (LHDs) are crucial components in the public health system. As with their state counterparts, operating since the 2008 recession has proven financially difficult for the majority of the nation's 2800 LHDs. These health departments have elected to employ a variety of strategies to maintain operations and public-facing services and programs. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess strategies used by LHDs to minimize the negative impact on services to community and to examine variation in these strategies by the size of population in LHD jurisdiction. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS The design of this research brief report is observational, based on cross-sectional data from a nationally representative sample of 957 LHDs that enumerates and characterizes the nature of their responses to austerity. OUTCOMES MEASURES The main outcome measures included 19 strategies. We used descriptive and bivariate analyses to highlight our study findings. RESULTS LHDs use a variety of strategies to mitigate negative impacts on the public health services in their communities, focusing on workforce, funding, service referral, and several other areas. The most frequently used strategies include cross-training staff, increasing work hours, pursuing new funding, resource sharing, and seeking fees for services provided. Some minor variation by the size of jurisdiction population existed in frequency of top 10 strategies used by LHDs. CONCLUSIONS Some of the LHD strategies to deal with the impact of recession address immediate issues caused by budget cuts and might be short-term fixes, including increasing workload of employees, and pay freezes. Other strategies, such as seeking new sources of revenues and resource sharing, can have potentially positive effects in the long run.

Beginning in 2008, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) periodically surveyed local health departments (LHDs) to assess the impact of the economic recession on jobs and budgets (1). In 2014, the survey was expanded to assess a wider range of factors affecting programs, services, and infrastructure in LHDs and renamed the Forces of Change survey (2). The survey was administered in to January-February 2015 to 948 LHDs across the United States to assess budget changes, job losses, changes in services, and collaboration with health care partners; 690 (73%) LHDs responded. Findings indicated a change in LHD infrastructure: compared with the previous fiscal year.* Overall, LHDs reported 3,400 jobs lost; 25% of LHDs reported budget decreases; 36% reported a reduction in at least one service area; and 35% reported serving fewer patients in clinics. In addition, up to 24% of LHDs reported expanding population-based prevention services, and LHDs reported exploring new collaborations with nonprofit hospitals and primary care providers (PCPs).

Objective This article examines local health department (LHD) participation and intentions to participate in national voluntary accreditation and reasons for not seeking accreditation. Specifically, it compares the results of national surveys among LHDs in 2010, 2013, and 2014. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Setting United States. Participants LHDs that responded to the 2014 Forces of Change Survey and the 2010 and 2013 National Association of County and City Health Officials Profile studies. Main outcome measures LHD level of engagement in Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) accreditation. Results Data of 2014 indicated that 1% of LHDs achieved accreditation and 11% had submitted an application or a statement of intent, compared with 6% of LHDs that submitted an application or a statement of intent in 2013. The percent of LHDs that indicated they planned to apply for accreditation but had not submitted a statement of intent declined from 27% in 2013 to 22% in 2014. In multivariate models, controlling for governance category and jurisdiction population size, LHDs in states where the state health department (SHD) participated in e-PHAB had higher odds of being favorably inclined toward accreditation than those located in states where the SHD was not in the e-PHAB system (odds ratio = 2.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.81-4.41). Across 2013 and 2014, and across small and large LHDs, the top 2 reasons for deciding not to apply for accreditation were the time/effort required exceeded the benefits (67%) and fees were too high (46%). Conclusions SHDs are powerful mediators of LHDs' perceptions of the PHAB accreditation program. Health department governance structure and jurisdiction population size are associated with LHD accreditation participation decisions. With the launch of PHAB's program, fewer LHDs are undecided about accreditation participation and many have taken affirmative steps to become accredited. The top 2 reasons LHDs indicated for not proceeding with accreditation were time/effort exceed benefit and fees perceived as too high.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to understand how tuberculosis (TB) control institutes raise awareness of TB among domestic migrants in China, specifically whether migrants have received TB information and how they received it. Methods: This multi-level analysis included both county-level data and individual-level data covering 31 provinces in mainland China. Multi-level logistic models were used to explore the factors associated with receiving TB information. Results: This analysis included 205 990 migrants from 31 provinces and municipalities. Only 77 460 (37.60%) migrants reportedly received any TB information in mainland China. The center for disease control and prevention (CDC), the center for tuberculosis control (CTC), and the center for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases (CPTCD) were the most likely to provide TB information for migrants in comparison to other types of TB control institutes, such as general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and community healthcare centers. The odds ratios were calculated as: 1.563 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.246–1.959) for CDCs, 1.385 (95% CI 1.063–1.804) for CTCs, and 1.723 (95% CI 1.424–2.085) for CPTCDs. Conclusions: China has not achieved universal coverage of TB awareness. TB awareness levels are higher in regions with CDC, CTC, and CPTCD institutes. Domestic migrants who have moved to western areas are more likely to have received TB information. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Transients and migrants, Health awareness

Environment-sensitive genic male sterility is a valid tool for hybrid production and hybrid breeding, but there are no previous reports of the molecular mechanism of fertility conversion. In this study, RNA-seq, phenotypic and cytological observations, and physiological indexes were applied to analyze thermo-sensitive genic male sterility line 4110S under different temperature conditions to explore the fertility transformation mechanism. In total, 3420 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified comprising 2331 upregulated genes and 1089 downregulated genes. The DEGs were apparently distributed among 54 Gene Ontology functional groups. The phenylpropanoid, long-chain fatty acid, and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis pathways were related to male sterility, where their downregulation blocked the synthesis of sporopollenin and JA. Phenotypic and cytological analyses showed that pollen wall defects and anther indehiscence at high temperatures induced sterility. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results indicated that the abundance of JA was lower in 4110S under restrictive conditions (high temperature) than permissive conditions (low temperature). A possible regulated network of pathways associated with male sterility was suggested. These results provided insights into the molecular mechanism of fertility conversion in the thermosensitive male sterility system.

Figure S1. Breeding procedure of near-isogenic lines. (DOCX 1939 kb)

A “two-line hybrid system” was developed, previously based on thermo-sensitive cytoplasmic male sterility in Aegilops kotschyi (K-TCMS), which can be used in wheat breeding. The K-TCMS line exhibits complete male sterility and it can be used to produce hybrid wheat seeds during the normal wheat-growing season; it propagates via self-pollination at high temperatures. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-based quantitative proteome and bioinformatics analyses of the TCMS line KTM3315A were conducted under different fertility conditions to understand the mechanisms of fertility conversion in the pollen development stages. In total, 4639 proteins were identified, the differentially abundant proteins that increased/decreased in plants with differences in fertility were mainly involved with energy metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, protein synthesis, translation, folding, and degradation. Compared with the sterile condition, many of the proteins that related to energy and phenylpropanoid metabolism increased during the anther development stage. Thus, we suggest that energy and phenylpropanoid metabolism pathways are important for fertility conversion in K-TCMS wheat. These findings provide valuable insights into the proteins involved with anther and pollen development, thereby, helping to further understand the mechanism of TCMS in wheat.

A “two-line hybrid system” was developed, previously based on thermo-sensitive cytoplasmic male sterility in Aegilops kotschyi (K-TCMS), which can be used in wheat breeding. The K-TCMS line exhibits complete male sterility and it can be used to produce hybrid wheat seeds during the normal wheat-growing season; it propagates via self-pollination at high temperatures. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-based quantitative proteome and bioinformatics analyses of the TCMS line KTM3315A were conducted under different fertility conditions to understand the mechanisms of fertility conversion in the pollen development stages. In total, 4639 proteins were identified, the differentially abundant proteins that increased/decreased in plants with differences in fertility were mainly involved with energy metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, protein synthesis, translation, folding, and degradation. Compared with the sterile condition, many of the proteins that related to energy and phenylpropanoid metabolism increased during the anther development stage. Thus, we suggest that energy and phenylpropanoid metabolism pathways are important for fertility conversion in K-TCMS wheat. These findings provide valuable insights into the proteins involved with anther and pollen development, thereby, helping to further understand the mechanism of TCMS in wheat.