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Organisms require micronutrients, and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1) is essential for iron (Fe2+) acquisition into root cells. Uptake of reactive Fe2+ exposes cells to the risk of membrane lipid peroxidation. Surprisingly little is known about how this is avoided. IRT1 activity is controlled by an intracellular variable region (IRT1vr) that acts as a regulatory protein interaction platform. Here, we describe that IRT1vr interacted with peripheral plasma membrane SEC14-Golgi dynamics (SEC14-GOLD) protein PATELLIN2 (PATL2). SEC14 proteins bind lipophilic substrates and transport or present them at the membrane. To date, no direct roles have been attributed to SEC14 proteins in Fe import. PATL2 affected root Fe acquisition responses, interacted with ROS response proteins in roots, and alleviated root lipid peroxidation. PATL2 had high affinity in vitro for the major lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E compound α-tocopherol. Molecular dynamics simulations provided insight into energetic constraints and the orientation and stability of the PATL2-ligand interaction in atomic detail. Hence, this work highlights a compelling mechanism connecting vitamin E with root metal ion transport at the plasma membrane with the participation of an IRT1-interacting and α-tocopherol-binding SEC14 protein.

This research proposes to take advantage of waste generated in the kitchen to be added into bread-making. The main findings were as follows: 1) family members of the population studied (more than 80%) had diabetes or cancer, their diet is based on high glycemic index foods, including bread. It is necessary to modify its characteristics through fiber and bioactive compounds. 2) Bread added with wastes showed changes in the color (L*a*b*). Those that presented the highest difference with respect to (control) were coriander (30.5), cabbage (30.8) and parsley (22.1) breads; followed by tomato bread (19.6). The porosity increased with the addition of waste, presenting the highest in the breads added with parsley and coffee grain. The bread with lowest hardness after control was the tomato bread, and this was also the of highest sensory acceptance. 3) Bronfenbrenner model was proposed for the evaluation of impacts and self-change to use waste.

Small GTPases comprise key proteins in signal transduction that function by conformational switching ability between GDP- and GTP-bound states. The ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) family is involved in vesicle trafficking and cellular functions. Though evolutionarily well conserved, little is known about ARF and ARF-like GTPases in plants. Here, we characterized functional properties and cellular localization of the essential small ARF-like GTPase TITAN5/HALLIMASCH/ARL2/ARLC1 (hereafter termed TTN5) fromArabidopsis thaliana. TTN5 showed rapid guanine nucleotide exchange capacity comparable to that of human counterparts, but a remarkably low GTP hydrolysis reaction. A TTN5Q70Lmutant had enhanced nucleotide exchange activity, indicative of intracellular activation, while TTN5T30Nwith fast nucleotide dissociation can be considered a dominant-negative form. This suggests that TTN5 is present in GTP-loaded active form in the cells. YFP-tagged TTN5 and the two derived mutant variants were located at multiple sites of the endomembrane system in the epidermis of Arabidopsis seedlings andNicotiana benthamianaleaves. While YFP-TTN5 and YFP-TTN5Q70Lwere highly mobile in the cells, mobility was reduced for TTN5T30N. Colocalization with endomembrane markers in combination with pharmacological treatments resolved localization at membrane sites and showed that YFP-TTN5 and YFP-TTN5Q70Lwere located in Golgi stacks, multivesicular bodies, while this was less the case for YFP-TTN5T30N. On the other hand, all three TTN5 forms were located at the plasma membrane. Hence, the unusual capacity of rapid nucleotide exchange activity of the small ARF-like GTPase TTN5 is linked with cell membrane dynamics, likely associated with vesicle transport pathways in the endomembrane system.HighlightsThe small ARF-like GTPase TTN5 has a very rapid intrinsic nucleotide exchange capacity with a conserved nucleotide switching mechanismBiochemical data classified TTN5 as a non-classical small GTPase, likely present in GTP-loaded active form in the cellYFP-TTN5 is dynamically associated with vesicle transport and different processes of the endomembrane system, requiring the active form of TTN5

The endomembrane system is the central sorting machinery for membrane proteins where signals can be integrated to control plant nutritional responses. IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1) is tightly controlled through trafficking between the endomembrane system and the plasma membrane to balance the demands for iron (Fe) and toxic effects that may arise from excess of this micronutrient in roots. Small GTPases of the Ras superfamily regulate signaling inputs in endomembrane trafficking, but their functions and activities are poorly known in plants. One plant endomembrane system-associated regulatory component is the small ARF-like GTPase TITAN 5/ARL2/ARLC1/HALLIMASCH (hereafter termed TTN5). TTN5 is required during early embryo development but many open questions remain with regard to its physiological function during the later life cycle or in response to environmental cues. Here, we demonstrate that TTN5 interacts with IRT1vr, the large cytoplasmic variable region and protein-regulatory platform of IRT1. TTN5 also interacts with peripheral membrane proteins that are components of the IRT1 regulation machinery and can be involved in protein trafficking, like SNX1, the C2 domain protein EHB1 and the SEC14-GOLD domain-containing PATL2. We show that heterozygousttn5-1+/-plants have a Fe reduction phenotype. Fluorescent fusion proteins of TTN5 and IRT1 colocalize at the plasma membrane and in endosomes/multivesicular bodies, where IRT1 sorting and cycling between the plasma membrane and the vacuole are coordinated. Hence, this work links IRT1 and iron nutritional regulation with a small GTPase. This opens up the possibility that iron nutrient levels are controlledviathe cellular regulation of the endomembrane system.HighlightsThe small GTPase TITAN 5 (TTN5/ARL2) is linked to iron homeostasisTTN5 interacts with the large intracellular loop and variable region of IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER 1 (IRT1) and has a positive effect on root iron (Fe) reductionTTN5 interacts with peripheral membrane proteins of the IRT1 interactome, EHB1, PATL2 and SNX1 suggesting a coordinating role in IRT1 regulationTTN5 and IRT1 colocalize at the plasma membrane and the endomembrane system related to vesicle transportOne-sentence summaryADP-ribosylation factor-like small GTPase TITAN 5 (TTN5/ARL2) links vesicle transport and iron homeostasis by binding the intracellular regulatory protein interaction region of IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER 1 (IRT1).

Phenolic compounds of breads added with turmeric at different concentrations (A: 0, B: 1.25, C: 2.5, D: 5 and E:10%) and radiated by UV-C (I. 0, II. 15, III. 30 and IV. 60 s), have been evaluated by HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography). It is shown that: (i) UV-C radiation modifies the content of phenolic compounds as a function of the percentage of addition of turmeric and the exposure time. There were significant differences (ρ ≤ 0.05) in the concentration of phenolic acids of the turmeric bread (TB): 0 s (sinapic, chlorogenic, protocatechuic), 15 s (chlorogenic, ferulic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, gallic), 30 s (chlorogenic and gallic) and 60 s (chlorogenic). (ii) In TB without radiation appeared, the sinapic, beta resorcylic, syringic and ferulic acids. In the radiation of bread at 15 s, the phenolic acids chlorogenic, ferulic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, gallic, had the highest concentration in the breads added with turmeric at 10% (0.02 μg mL−1), 10% (0.38 μg mL−1), 1.25, 2.5, 5% (0.39 μg mL−1), 10% (1.06 μg mL −1) and 0% (1.10 μg mL−1). (iii) There was a degradation of phenolic acids due to UV-C radiation at 30 and 60 s. At 15 s radiation, sinapic, beta resorcylic, syringic and ferulic acids were not detected in turmeric breads from breads added with turmeric at (1.25, 1.25, 0 and 0%). In radiation at 60 s, beta resorcylic, syringic and ferulic acids were not detected in any bread added with turmeric. In addition, measurements of proximate chemistry, color, sensory analysis, and number of fungal colonies were performed. It is important to mention that the sanitary quality is improved by both UV-C radiation and turmeric. However, the highest results in sanitary quality improvement were due to turmeric.

Background: One of the major objectives of the Multiple Sclerosis Data Alliance (MSDA) is to enable better discovery of multiple sclerosis (MS) real-world data (RWD). Methods: We implemented the MSDA Catalogue, which is available worldwide. The current version of the MSDA Catalogue collects descriptive information on governance, purpose, inclusion criteria, procedures for data quality control, and how and which data are collected, including the use of e-health technologies and data on collection of COVID-19 variables. The current cataloguing procedure is performed in several manual steps, securing an effective catalogue. Results: Herein we summarize the status of the MSDA Catalogue as of January 6, 2021. To date, 38 data sources across five continents are included in the MSDA Catalogue. These data sources differ in purpose, maturity, and variables collected, but this landscaping effort shows that there is substantial alignment on some domains. The MSDA Catalogue shows that personal data and basic disease data are the most collected categories of variables, whereas data on fatigue measurements and cognition scales are the least collected in MS registries/cohorts. Conclusions: The Web-based MSDA Catalogue provides strategic overview and allows authorized end users to browse metadata profiles of data cohorts and data sources. There are many existing and arising RWD sources in MS. Detailed cataloguing of MS RWD is a first and useful step toward reducing the time needed to discover MS RWD sets and promoting collaboration.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:46:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-11-09 Background and ObjectivesPeople with multiple sclerosis MS are a vulnerable group for severe coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19, particularly those taking immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies DMTs. We examined the characteristics of COVID-19 severity in an international sample of people with MS.MethodsData from 12 data sources in 28 countries were aggregated sources could include patients from 1-12 countries. Demographic age, sex, clinical MS phenotype, disability, and DMT untreated, alemtuzumab, cladribine, dimethyl fumarate, glatiramer acetate, interferon, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, rituximab, siponimod, other DMTs covariates were queried, along with COVID-19 severity outcomes, hospitalization, intensive care unit ICU admission, need for artificial ventilation, and death. Characteristics of outcomes were assessed in patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, MS phenotype, and Expanded Disability Status Scale EDSS score.ResultsSix hundred fifty-seven 28.1% with suspected and 1,683 61.9% with confirmed COVID-19 were analyzed. Among suspected plus confirmed and confirmed-only COVID-19, 20.9% and 26.9% were hospitalized, 5.4% and 7.2% were admitted to ICU, 4.1% and 5.4% required artificial ventilation, and 3.2% and 3.9% died. Older age, progressive MS phenotype, and higher disability were associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Compared to dimethyl fumarate, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.41; aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.48-4.02 and ICU admission aOR 2.30, 95% CI 0.98-5.39; aOR 3.93, 95% CI 1.56-9.89, although only rituximab was associated with higher risk of artificial ventilation aOR 4.00, 95% CI 1.54-10.39. Compared to pooled other DMTs, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.29-2.38; aOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.87-4.07 and ICU admission aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.49-4.36; aOR 4.32, 95% CI 2.27-8.23, but only rituximab was associated with artificial ventilation aOR 6.15, 95% CI 3.09-12.27. Compared to natalizumab, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalization aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.13-3.07; aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.68-4.92 and ICU admission aOR 2.13, 95% CI 0.85-5.35; aOR 3.23, 95% CI 1.17-8.91, but only rituximab was associated with ventilation aOR 5.52, 95% CI 1.71-17.84. Associations persisted on restriction to confirmed COVID-19 cases. No associations were observed between DMTs and death. Stratification by age, MS phenotype, and EDSS score found no indications that DMT associations with COVID-19 severity reflected differential DMT allocation by underlying COVID-19 severity.DiscussionUsing the largest cohort of people with MS and COVID-19 available, we demonstrated consistent associations of rituximab with increased risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and need for artificial ventilation and of ocrelizumab with hospitalization and ICU admission. Despite the cross-sectional design of the study, the internal and external consistency of these results with prior studies suggests that rituximab/ocrelizumab use may be a risk factor for more severe COVID-19. CORe Department of Medicine and Neuroepidemiology Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania ESAT-STADIUS KU Leuven Department of Neurology Melbourne MS Centre Royal Melbourne Hospital MS International Federation Department of Clinical Neuroscience Swedish MS Registry Department of Neurology CHU Pontchaillou Karolinska Institutet Biomedical Research Institute-Data Science Institute Hasselt University Department of Medical Informatics University Medical Center Department of Computer Science and AI KU Leuven QMENTA Medpace Reference Laboratories Molecular Unit IConquerMS People-Powered Research Network Accelerated Cure Project for MS NeuroTransData Study Group NeuroTransData German MS-Register by the National MS Society MS Forschungs- und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH MS Register Swansea University COViMS Division of Biostatistics Washington University in St. Louis Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Cleveland Clinic Department of Neuroscience Central Clinical School Monash University Al-Amiri Hospital Kuwait City Dokuz Eylul University Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de CEMIC RELACOEM Australian MS Longitudinal Study Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Bulgarian SmartMS COVID-19 Dataset ABEM-Brazilian MS Patients Association Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry Department of Neurology University Hospital Rigshospitalet Universidade Estadual Paulista Unesp Faculdade de Medicina REDONE.br-Brazilian Registry of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo Multiple Sclerosis University Center Ramos Mejia Hospital-EMA Imperial College Swansea University Mental Health Area MS and Demyelinating Diseases Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires EMA Servei de Neurologia-Neuroimmunologia Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya Cemcat Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Institute of Experimental Neurology Ospedale San Raffaele Universidade Estadual Paulista Unesp Faculdade de Medicina

Some nuclear proteins undergo condensation, but the functional importance remains often unclear. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) FER-LIKE IRON DEFICIENCY-INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR (FIT) integrates internal and external signals to control iron acquisition and growth. The previously described C-terminal residues Ser271/272 allow FIT to form active complexes with subgroup Ib bHLH factors such as bHLH039. FIT has lower nuclear mobility than mutant FITmSS271AA. Here, we show that FIT undergoes a light-inducible subnuclear partitioning into nuclear condensates that we termed FIT nuclear bodies (NBs). FIT NB characteristics were examined using a standardized FIT NB analysis procedure coupled with different types of quantitative and qualitative microscopy-based approaches. FIT condensates were reversible and likely formed by liquid-liquid phase separation. FIT accumulated preferentially in FIT NBs versus nucleoplasm when engaged in protein complexes with itself and with bHLH039. FITmSS271AA, instead, localized to NBs with different dynamics. FIT colocalized with splicing and light signaling NB markers. The light conditions inducing NBs were linked with active FIT and elevated FIT target gene expression in roots. Hence, the inducible highly dynamic FIT condensates link active transcription factor complexes with posttranscriptional regulation processes and light. Inducible FIT nuclear condensates may affect nuclear mobility and integrate environmental and Fe nutrition signals.HighlightsFIT undergoes light-induced, reversible condensation and localizes to nuclear bodies (NBs), likely via liquid-liquid phase separationFunctionally relevant Ser271/272 defines an intrinsically disordered region and influences NB formation dynamicsNBs are preferential sites for FIT dimerization with FIT and bHLH039, dependent on Ser271/272FIT NBs colocalize with NB markers related to splicing and light signalingLight conditions inducing NBs are linked with active FIT, in agreement with elevated FIT target gene expression in roots

The contribution of amino acids (AAs) to soil nitrogen (N) fluxes is higher than previously thought. The fact that AA uptake is pivotal for N nutrition in boreal ecosystems highlights plant AA transporters as key components of the N cycle. At the same time, very little is known about AA transport and respective transporters in trees. Tree genomes may contain 13 or more genes encoding the lysine histidine transporter (LHT) family proteins, and this complicates the study of their significance for tree N-use efficiency. With the strategy of obtaining a tool to study N-use efficiency, our aim was to identify and characterize a relevant AA transporter in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x tremuloides Michx.). We identified PtrLHT1.2, the closest homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh AtLHT1, which is expressed in leaves, stems and roots. Complementation of a yeast AA uptake mutant verified the function of PtrLHT1.2 as an AA transporter. Furthermore, PtrLHT1.2 was able to fully complement the phenotypes of the Arabidopsis AA uptake mutant lht1 aap5, including early leaf senescence-like phenotype, reduced growth, decreased plant N levels and reduced root AA uptake. Amino acid uptake studies finally showed that PtrLHT1.2 is a high affinity transporter for neutral and acidic AAs. Thus, we identified a functional AtLHT1 homolog in hybrid aspen, which harbors the potential to enhance overall plant N levels and hence increase biomass production. This finding provides a valuable tool for N nutrition studies in trees and opens new avenues to optimizing tree N-use efficiency.

En esta investigación se planteó como objetivo caracterizar color, textura y calidad sanitaria de pan adicionado con maíz criollo y cúrcuma. Se realizaron 14 diferentes panes empleando seis tipos de maíces (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 y M6). Los principales hallazgos fueron a) El color de los maíces, harinas nixtamalizada y masas tuvieron diferencia significativa (p < 0.05) al comparar valores medios de parámetros de Luminosidad, a* y b*. Los maíces azules y rojizo M2 (37.01), M3 (44.06) y M6 (41.07) y, amarillos y amarillo-naranja M1 (21.26), M4 (15.92) y M5 (26.01) presentaron los valores inferiores en L* y superiores en b*, respectivamente. La menor diferencia en color ?E encontrada en el proceso de transformación de maíz a harina y masa, fue para maíces amarillos. b) En el pan de maíz se encontraron diferencias significativas en variable a* al compararse el mismo tipo de pan durante tres días consecutivos, en los panes BM1, BM5 y BM6, con una disminución de 7.5, 2.6 y 16.9%, con respecto al primer día. c) La calidad sanitaria del pan de trigo mejora con la adición de maíz nixtamalizado y cúrcuma. En los panes adicionados de maíz los que presentaron menor cantidad de colonias de hongos fueron los maíces azules y rojo (M2, M3 y M6). d) La dureza del pan de maíz criollo y cúrcuma no presentó diferencias durante tres días consecutivos beneficiando su conservación. El pan de maíz amarillo y cúrcuma BM1-C mostró incrementos en la dureza en los días 2 y 3.

Key message SEC14L-PITPs guide membrane recognition and signaling. An increasingly complex modular structure of SEC14L-PITPs evolved in land plants compared to green algae. SEC14/CRAL-TRIO and GOLD domains govern membrane binding specificity. Abstract SEC14-like phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (SEC14L-PITPs) provide cues for membrane identity by exchanging lipophilic substrates, ultimately governing membrane signaling. Flowering plant SEC14L-PITPs often have modular structure and are associated with cell division, development, and stress responses. Yet, structure–function relationships for biochemical–cellular interactions of SEC14L-PITPs are rather enigmatic. Here, we evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of the SEC14L-PITP superfamily in the green lineage. Compared to green algae, land plants have an extended set of SEC14L-PITPs with increasingly complex modular structure. SEC14-GOLD PITPs, present in land plants but not Chara, diverged to three functional subgroups, represented by the six PATELLIN (PATL) proteins in Arabidopsis. Based on the example of Arabidopsis PATL2, we dissect the functional domains for in vitro binding to phosphoinositides and liposomes and for plant cell membrane association. While the SEC14 domain and its CRAL-TRIO-N-terminal extension serve general membrane attachment of the protein, the C-terminal GOLD domain directs it to the plasma membrane by recognizing specific phosphoinositides. We discuss that the different domains of SEC14L-PITPs integrate developmental and environmental signals to control SEC14L-PITP-mediated membrane identity, important to initiate dynamic membrane events. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11103-020-01067-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Eukaryotic organisms share many common features in terms of endomembrane trafficking. This fact has helped plant scientists to propose testable hypotheses on how plant intracellular membrane trafficking is achieved and regulated based on knowledge from yeast and mammals. However, when a new compartment has been identified in a plant cell that has a vesicle tethering complex located at a position which is completely different to its counterpart in yeast and mammalian cells, caution is demanded when interpreting possible interactions with other trafficking elements. This is exemplified by the recently discovered EMAC (ER and microtubule-associated compartment). It has been postulated that this compartment is the recipient of vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) transported retrogradely via “retromer vesicles” from a post-Golgi location. Unfortunately, this suggestion was based entirely on our knowledge of retromer from yeast and mammalian cells, and did not take into account the available literature on the composition, localization, and function of the plant retromer. It also lacked reference to recent contradictory findings on VSR trafficking. In this short article, we have tried to rectify this situation, pointing out that plant retromer may not function as a pentameric complex of two subunits: the retromer core and the sorting nexins.

Background People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are a vulnerable group for severe COVID-19, particularly those taking immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). We examined the characteristics of COVID-19 severity in an international sample of people with MS. Methods Data from 12 data-sources in 28 countries were aggregated (sources could include patients from 1-12 countries). Demographic (age, sex), clinical (MS phenotype, disability), and DMT (untreated, alemtuzumab, cladribine, dimethyl-fumarate, glatiramer-acetate, interferon, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, rituximab, siponimod, other) covariates were queried, alongside COVID-19 hospitalisation, admission to ICU, requiring artificial ventilation, and death. Characteristics of outcomes were assessed in patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, MS phenotype, and EDSS. Results 657 (28.1%) with suspected and 1,683 (61.9%) with confirmed COVID-19 were analysed. Among suspected+confirmed/confirmed-only COVID-19, 20.9%/26.9% were hospitalised, 5.4%/7.2% were admitted to ICU, 4.1%/5.4% required artificial ventilation, and 3.2%/3.9% died. Older age, progressive MS-phenotype, and higher disability were associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Compared to dimethyl-fumarate, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalisation (aOR=1.56,95%CI=1.01-2.41; aOR=2.43,95%CI=1.48-4.02) and ICU admission (aOR=2.30,95%CI=0.98-5.39; aOR=3.93,95%CI=1.56-9.89), though only rituximab was associated with higher risk of artificial ventilation (aOR=4.00,95%CI=1.54-10.39). Importantly, associations persisted on restriction to confirmed COVID-19 cases. No associations were observed between DMTs and death. Conclusions Despite the cross-sectional design of this study, the internal and external consistency of these results with prior studies suggests their use may be a risk factor for more severe COVID-19. Key messages Anti-CD20 DMTs may be associated with worse COVID-19 severity amongst people with multiple sclerosis.

International audience; Photoacoustic spectroscopy is applied to evaluate the impact of Moringa at different concentrations (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10%) on the elaboration, sanity, texture, and color of wheat bread. It was found that: i) Photoacoustic signal amplitude values of bread significantly increase from 37 to 90% when moringa powder concentration raises from 1.25% to 10%, at 300 nm wavelength. ii) Comparing the photoacoustic signal values at 300, 330, and 370 nm wavelengths, produced by the different bread types, there were statistically significant differences. iii) The sanitary quality of bread mixed with a 2.5% of moringa is relatively higher than the ones obtained for other concentrations, such that the number of fungal colonies were reduced by 99% in comparison with the control bread without moringa, after six days of storage. Moringa at 2.5% of concentration could thus improve the sanitary quality of wheat bread. iv) The addition of moringa for making bread slows down its textural changes (hardness, elasticity, cohesiveness, resilience, and chewiness) during storage. v) Finally, the highest correlation between the photoacoustic amplitude and the moringa concentration occurs at the wavelengths of 300 and 330 nm, which could be related to significant changes in the content of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Active thermography is an experimental technique used to analyze samples of materials or entire structures without destroying them, by means of a heat source, such as a laser beam of a given power.

In her 1929 essay A Room of One's Own, Virginia Wolf famously wrote, "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." While this popular quote is perhaps not the most inspiring, it is an elegant reminder that food and the cultural practices surrounding food are paramount for our wellbeing. However, in our quest to feed a growing global population, we have become focused on increasing the production of a few staple crops and overlooked hundreds or thousands of locally and regionally important crops that may represent the future of agriculture. The growing interest in identifying and developing promising new crops and novel food sources prompted the 1st Cologne Conference on Food for Future, which took place between the 5 and 7th of September 2018 at the Rautenstrauch-Joest museum in Cologne, Germany. It offered a unique platform for researchers, journalists, politicians, and entrepreneurs to present and discuss their views, visions, and concerns on the topics of Food Security. This interdisciplinary meeting acted as a stage to cover diverse aspects of crop science, food research, and food production in the context of global food and nutrition security. Three sessions accommodated scientific contributions on the topics of "Orphan Crops", "Functional food", and "Innovative food sources and production systems", and two public events (a public lecture and a plenary discussion) engaged the citizens with informative discussions on relevant and mediatic topics. With delegates from Africa, Europe, and the United States of America, the conference aimed at building bridges between different communities through scientific exchange.

Iron is a key transition element in the biosphere and is crucial for living organisms, although its cellular excess can be deleterious. Maintaining the balance of optimal iron availability in the model plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) requires the precise operation of iron import through the principal iron transporter IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1). Targeted inhibition of IRT1 can prevent oxidative stress, thus promoting plant survival. Here, we report the identification of an IRT1 inhibitor, namely the C2 domain-containing peripheral membrane protein ENHANCED BENDING1 (EHB1). EHB1 interacts with the cytoplasmically exposed variable region of IRT1, and we demonstrate that this interaction is greatly promoted by the presence of calcium. We found that EHB1 binds lipids characteristic of the plasma membrane, and the interaction between EHB1 and plant membranes is calcium-dependent. Molecular simulations showed that EHB1 membrane binding is a two-step process that precedes the interaction between EHB1 and IRT1. Genetic and physiological analyses indicated that EHB1 acts as a negative regulator of iron acquisition. The presence of EHB1 prevented the IRT1-mediated complementation of iron-deficient fet3fet4 yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Our data suggest that EHB1 acts as a direct inhibitor of IRT1-mediated iron import into the cell. These findings represent a major step in understanding plant iron acquisition, a process that underlies the primary production of bioavailable iron for land ecosystems.

Since its proposal the Ronchi “ruling” test has been considered as the most remarkable technique of the Schlieren family. Despite being based on fringe pattern generation and commonly interpreted in a qualitative way, it was capable of achieving outstanding results in the detection of aberrations in optical surfaces. Given its theoretical straightforwardness, experimental simplicity and economic affordability in comparison to other methodologies in the field, in the present work is addressed the lingering issue of how to extract quantitative information from digital captures of this test. Such task was accomplished taking advantage of the improved Ronchi test with a square grid, from which it was possible to develop a mathematical model with foundation in the Fourier theory to describe its observations. Thereupon, it was devised a novel iterative algorithm grounded in Fourier phase measuring able to compute fairly accurate wavefront gradient estimations from a single “bironchigram” sample with grid defocus. This procedure is complemented by a mandatory integration algorithm that is based on the regularization theory. The overall proposed methodology was put to test in a large aspherical mirror, estimating a surface aberration profile with a P–V (peak to valley) ratio of 155 nm, value well in accord with the one reported by the commercial interferometric system used for validation.

BackgroundPeople with multiple sclerosis (MS) are a vulnerable group for severe COVID-19, particularly those taking immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). We examined the characteristics of COVID-19 severity in an international sample of people with MS.MethodsData from 12 data-sources in 28 countries were aggregated. Demographic and clinical covariates were queried, alongside COVID-19 clinical severity outcomes, hospitalisation, admission to ICU, requiring artificial ventilation, and death. Characteristics of outcomes were assessed in patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression.Results657 (28.1%) with suspected and 1,683 (61.9%) with confirmed COVID-19 were analysed. Older age, progressive MS-phenotype, and higher disability were associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Compared to dimethyl fumarate, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalisation (aOR=1.56,95%CI=1.01-2.41; aOR=2.43,95%CI=1.48-4.02) and ICU admission (aOR=2.30,95%CI=0.98-5.39; aOR=3.93,95%CI=1.56-9.89), though only rituximab was associated with higher risk of artificial ventilation (aOR=4.00,95%CI=1.54-10.39). Compared to pooled other DMTs, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalisation (aOR=1.75,95%CI=1.29-2.38; aOR=2.76,95%CI=1.87-4.07) and ICU admission (aOR=2.55,95%CI=1.49-4.36; aOR=4.32,95%CI=2.27-8.23) but only rituximab with artificial ventilation (aOR=6.15,95%CI=3.09-12.27). Compared to natalizumab, ocrelizumab and rituximab were associated with hospitalisation (aOR=1.86,95%CI=1.13-3.07; aOR=2.88,95%CI=1.68-4.92) and ICU admission (aOR=2.13,95%CI=0.85-5.35; aOR=3.23,95%CI=1.17-8.91), but only rituximab with ventilation (aOR=5.52,95%CI=1.71-17.84). Importantly, associations persisted on restriction to confirmed COVID-19 cases. No associations were observed between DMTs and death.ConclusionsUsing the largest cohort of people with MS and COVID-19 available, we demonstrated consistent associations of rituximab with increased risk of hospitalisation, ICU admission, and requiring artificial ventilation, and ocrelizumab with hospitalisation and ICU admission, suggesting their use may be a risk factor for more severe COVID-19.

International audience; The removal of transmembrane proteins from the plasma membrane via endocytosis has emerged as powerful strategy in the regulation of receptor signalling and molecule transport. In the last decade, IRON-REGULATED TRANSPORTER1 (IRT1) has been established as one of the key plant model proteins for studying endomembrane trafficking. The use of IRT1 and additional other metal transporters has uncovered novel factors involved in plant endocytosis and facilitated a better understanding of the role of endocytosis in the fine balancing of plant metal homoeostasis. In this review, we outline the specifics of plant endocytosis compared to what is known in yeast and mammals, and based on several examples, we demonstrate how studying metal transport has contributed to extending our knowledge of endocytic trafficking by shedding light on novel regulatory mechanisms and factors.

Reactive oxygen species play a central role in the regulation of plant responses to environmental stress. Under prolonged iron (Fe) deficiency, increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) initiate signaling events, resulting in the attenuation of Fe acquisition through the inhibition of FER-LIKE IRON DEFICIENCY-INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR (FIT). As this H2O2 increase occurs in a FIT-dependent manner, our aim was to understand the processes involved in maintaining H2O2 levels under prolonged Fe deficiency and the role of FIT. We identified the CAT2 gene, encoding one of the three Arabidopsis catalase isoforms, as regulated by FIT. CAT2 loss-of-function plants displayed severe susceptibility to Fe deficiency and greatly increased H2O2 levels in roots. Analysis of the Fe homeostasis transcription cascade revealed that H2O2 influences the gene expression of downstream regulators FIT, BHLH genes of group Ib, and POPEYE (PYE); however, H2O2 did not affect their upstream regulators, such as BHLH104 and ILR3. Our data shows that FIT and CAT2 participate in a regulatory loop between H2O2 and prolonged Fe deficiency., Journal of Experimental Botany, 72 (6), ISSN:1460-2431, ISSN:0022-0957

A precise measurement in plants is necessary to know in detail the functions and processes of these living beings, which are a fundamental part for the development of life on the planet. The optimal growth conditions for any plant generated in a controlled atmosphere are very helpful to make measurements of the variable that may be the highest hierarchy: light. This paper describes the design of a growth sphere for optical measurements in plants (GSOMP), which fulfills two primary functions; generate the optimal conditions for the growth of the plant during its whole life cycle and perform incident light absorption measurements taking advantage of the geometric shape (spherical) and the coating of the device surface, so it is possible to obtain the light absorption spectrum in each phenological stage of any plant. Due to the aforementioned, this device is unique and represents a very useful option for research and experimentation in vegetables.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:15:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-09-01 Multiple Sclerosis International Federation Background: We need high-quality data to assess the determinants for COVID-19 severity in people with MS (PwMS). Several studies have recently emerged but there is great benefit in aligning data collection efforts at a global scale. Objectives: Our mission is to scale-up COVID-19 data collection efforts and provide the MS community with data-driven insights as soon as possible. Methods: Numerous stakeholders were brought together. Small dedicated interdisciplinary task forces were created to speed-up the formulation of the study design and work plan. First step was to agree upon a COVID-19 MS core data set. Second, we worked on providing a user-friendly and rapid pipeline to share COVID-19 data at a global scale. Results: The COVID-19 MS core data set was agreed within 48 hours. To date, 23 data collection partners are involved and the first data imports have been performed successfully. Data processing and analysis is an on-going process. Conclusions: We reached a consensus on a core data set and established data sharing processes with multiple partners to address an urgent need for information to guide clinical practice. First results show that partners are motivated to share data to attain the ultimate joint goal: better understand the effect of COVID-19 in PwMS. Biomedical Research Institute and Data Science Institute Hasselt University Department of Medical Informatics University Medical Center Göttingen MS International Federation ESAT-STADIUS KU Leuven Biomedical Research Institute and Data Science Institute Hasselt University Diepenbeek Belgium/ESAT-STADIUS KU Leuven Clinical Outcomes Research (CORe) Unit The University of Melbourne Department of Neurology CHU Pontchaillou Neuroepidemiology Unit Melbourne School of Population Global Health The University of Melbourne Department of Computer Science and Leuven.AI KU Leuven QMENTA Department of Clinical Neuroscience Swedish MS Registry iConquerMS People-Powered Research Network Accelerated Cure Project for MS NeuroTransData Study Group NeuroTransData MS Forschungs- und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH UK MS Register COViMS St Louis USA/ Division of Biostatistics Washington University in St. Louis COViMS USA/National Multiple Sclerosis Society Neurology Department Hospital Universitario de CEMIC MSBase Registry Department of Neuroscience Central Clinical School Monash University The Australian MS Longitudinal Study (AMSLS) Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Bulgarian SmartMS COVID-19 Dataset LEOSS Department of Neurology Katholisches Klinikum Bochum Brazilian Multiple Sclerosis Association (ABEM) Cleveland Clinic MS COVID-19 Registry Mellen MS Center Cleveland Clinic Icometrix – Icompanion OptimiseMS Preventive Neurology Unit Queen Mary University of London The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry Department of Neurology University Hospital Rigshospitalet Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Faculdade de Medicina Botucatu/REDONE – Brazilian Registry of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders RELACOEM Mental Health Area EMA MS and Demyelinating Diseases Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires – EMA Department of Neurology Strasbourg University Hospital COVISEP Institute of Experimental Neurology Ospedale San Raffaele Melbourne MS Centre Department of Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital Institut du Cerveau ICM APHP – Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière Sorbonne University Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Imperial College London Swansea University Multiple Sclerosis University Center Ramos Mejia Hospital – EMA Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) Faculdade de Medicina Botucatu/REDONE – Brazilian Registry of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

In this documentary investigation, we review literature about the transdisciplinary perspective (TD) to generate knowledge, locating its origin, evolution and characteristic features. It is found that: i) This origin is located in France and the United States, although some characteristic features related to self-knowledge, participatory research and the unity of knowledge, were proposed before the creation of this TD term introduced in 1970. ii) The concept of transdisciplinarity has evolved over time involving a transition of vision towards the application of perspective to investigate. Switzerland was the first country to apply the transdisciplinarity in research in the 1990s. iii) The key world events that gave impetus to the transdisciplinarity are the world (1994) and Zurich (2000) congresses, as well as the special edition entitled “the foundation of Academy of Transdisciplinary Learning of Advanced Studies (ATLAS)” of the Journal "Futures" (2004) and the 10th anniversary edition of the Transdisciplinarity Journal of Engineering & Science (TJES) in 2010. iv) the main features of transdisciplinary research are: a) research for society and with society, i.e. participatory research, b) scientific research under systemic thinking, c) communication of results to the scientific community and disseminated to non-scientific population. v). The number of transdisciplinary research publications have increased over time, along with the quantity of authors per publication and citations thereof. Some contributions from the 90s were the most impactful due to the number of cites today. The transdisciplinary approach could be the best pathway to develop research in Latin American countries and the world, for solving the diverse problems of society.

Due to its redox properties, iron is both essential and toxic. Therefore, soil iron availability variations pose a significant problem for plants. Recent evidence suggests that calcium and reactive oxygen species coordinate signaling events related to soil iron acquisition. Calcium was found to affect directly IRT1-mediated iron import through the lipid-binding protein EHB1 and to trigger a CBL-CIPK-mediated signaling influencing the activity of the key iron-acquisition transcription factor FIT. In parallel, under prolonged iron deficiency, reactive oxygen species both inhibit FIT function and depend on FIT through the function of the catalase CAT2. We discuss the role of calcium and reactive oxygen species signaling in iron acquisition, with post-translational mechanisms influencing the localization and activity of iron-acquisition regulators and effectors.

In this paper, the front detection (also called inverse configuration) photopyroelectric method for thermal effusivity measurement in liquids is improved by adding a viscous liquid to the front face of the pyroelectric sensor, on which the intensity modulated excitation light beam impinges, while the sample is attached to the rear side of the sensor. This viscous liquid will act as an optical transparent window. This configuration avoids problems related with the piezoelectric contribution to the photopyroelectric signal at high modulation frequencies that can be present in conventional approaches due to thermoelastic waves generated in the heated sample or by thermally induced deformations of the detector material itself. The theoretical and experimental principles behind the proposed method are presented and its usefulness is demonstrated with measurements on test samples.

Regulation of iron (Fe) acquisition and homeostasis is critical for plant survival. In Arabidopsis, Fe deficiency‐induced bHLH039 forms a complex with the master regulator FIT and activates it to upregulate Fe acquisition genes. FIT is partitioned between cytoplasm and nucleus, whereby active FIT accumulates more in the nucleus than inactive FIT. At the same time, there is so far no information on the subcellular localization of bHLH039 protein and how it is controlled. We report here that the bHLH039 localization pattern changes depending on the presence of FIT in the cell. When expressed in cells lacking FIT, bHLH039 localizes predominantly in the cytoplasm, including cytoplasmic foci in close proximity to the plasma membrane. The presence of FIT enhances the mobility of bHLH039 and redirects the protein toward primarily nuclear localization, abolishing its accumulation in cytoplasmic foci. This FIT‐dependent change in localization of bHLH039 found in transient fluorescent protein expression experiments was confirmed in both leaves and roots of Arabidopsis transgenic plants, stably expressing hemagglutinin‐tagged bHLH039 in wild‐type or fit mutant background. This posttranslational mechanism for intracellular partitioning of Fe‐responsive transcription factors suggests a signaling cascade that translates Fe sensing at the plasma membrane to nuclear accumulation of the transcriptional regulators.

Summary The key basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor in iron (Fe) uptake, FER‐LIKE IRON DEFICIENCY‐INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR (FIT), is controlled by multiple signaling pathways, important to adjust Fe acquisition to growth and environmental constraints. FIT protein exists in active and inactive protein pools, and phosphorylation of serine Ser272 in the C‐terminus, a regulatory domain of FIT, provides a trigger for FIT activation.Here, we use phospho‐mutant activity assays and study phospho‐mimicking and phospho‐dead mutations of three additional predicted phosphorylation sites, namely at Ser221 and at tyrosines Tyr238 and Tyr278, besides Ser 272.Phospho‐mutations at these sites affect FIT activities in yeast, plant, and mammalian cells. The diverse array of cellular phenotypes is seen at the level of cellular localization, nuclear mobility, homodimerization, and dimerization with the FIT‐activating partner bHLH039, promoter transactivation, and protein stability. Phospho‐mimicking Tyr mutations of FIT disturb fit mutant plant complementation.Taken together, we provide evidence that FIT is activated through Ser and deactivated through Tyr site phosphorylation. We therefore propose that FIT activity is regulated by alternative phosphorylation pathways.

Dicotyledonous plants, such as Arabidopsis, acquire soil iron using a reduction-based mechanism, named Strategy I, where the final step involves Fe2+ import by the ZIP-family transporter AtIRT1. The universal presence of IRT1-like genes, suggests that Strategy I represents a basic process in the green lineage. However, for some green organisms, like Chlamydomonas and rice, alternative iron-acquisition mechanisms are known. We aimed to outline potential interactions between Strategy I and alternative iron acquisition mechanisms. We investigated gene-coexpression networks in Chlamydomonas, rice and Arabidopsis, and used the sequences of the variable regions of the selected IRT proteins to identify the conservation of key amino acids. IRT genes in Chlamydomonas and rice were found to be closely coexpressed with components of alternative available iron-acquisition systems. On protein level, we could observe conservation of potential phosphorylation sites in close proximity to predicted or experimentally-demonstrated ubiquitination sites. Data suggest that the regulation of Strategy I is closely connected to alternative existing iron-acquisition strategies. Transciptional control, together with potential post-transcriptional modifications of IRT transporters, may be involved in fine-tuning iron import. This study provides a basis for experimentally analyzing the regulation of iron acquisition in an evolutionary context.

Diversos laseres han demostrado ser potencialmente utiles a determinados parametros de irradiacion y podrian beneficiar el establecimiento de siembra en condiciones adversas por radiacion UV-B, sequia, frio, salinidad, contaminacion por cadmio, etc. Esta revision de literatura cientifica exhibe las aplicaciones posibles de los laseres en los ultimos anos, como tratamiento de semillas y plantas, destacando el uso de los laseres de He-Ne, Ar, Neodimio-YAG, CO y los diodos laser. Es evidente que las aplicaciones de laseres a parametros de irradiacion especificos en semillas y plantas han adquirido cada vez mayor importancia debido a la necesidad de incrementar la produccion de alimentos a nivel global mediante metodos que protejan el medio ambiente y contribuyan a combatir los efectos del cambio climatico y a la conservacion de la biodiversidad, mejorando la calidad de vida humana y animal. De esta manera, en este Ano Internacional de "la Luz y las tecnologias basadas en la luz", fue importante tomar conciencia del posible uso potencial de la luz laser en la agricultura, ya que podria coadyuvar a un desarrollo sostenible y ofrecer soluciones a problematicas diversas. Los avances encontrados por diversos cientificos lo evidencian y en los proximos anos podria tener un auge en su aplicacion en la agricultura como un elemento "bioestimulador" de semillas, plantulas y plantas.