bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevating plant immunity by translational regulation of a rice WRKY transcription factor
Authors: Zheng Chao , Zhou Jie , Yuan Xiaoya , Zheng Ersong , Liu Xiuli , Cui Weijun , Yan Chengqi , Wu Yueyan , Ruan Wenyuan , Yi Keke , Chen Jianping , Wang Xuming 
Published: November 2023

SummaryPlants have intricate mechanisms that tailor their defence responses to pathogens. WRKY transcription factors play a pivotal role in plant immunity by regulating various defence signalling pathways. Many WRKY genes are transcriptionally activated upon pathogen attack, but how their functions are regulated after transcription remains elusive. Here, we show that OsWRKY7 functions as a crucial positive regulator of rice basal immunity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). The activity of OsWRKY7 was regulated at both translational and post‐translational levels. Two translational products of OsWRKY7 were generated by alternative initiation. The full‐length OsWRKY7 protein is normally degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system but was accumulated following elicitor or pathogen treatment, whereas the alternate product initiated from the downstream in‐frame start codon was stable. Both the full and alternate OsWRKY7 proteins have transcriptional activities in yeast and rice cells, and overexpression of each form enhanced resistance to Xoo infection. Furthermore, disruption of the main AUG in rice increased the endogenous translation of the alternate stabilized form of OsWRKY7 and enhanced bacterial blight resistance. This study provides insights into the coordination of alternative translation and protein stability in the regulation of plant growth and basal defence mediated by the OsWRKY7 transcription factor, and also suggests a promising strategy to breed disease‐resistant rice by translation initiation control.
Development of TALE‐adenine base editors in plants
Authors: Zhang Dingbo , Boch Jens 
Published: November 2023

SummaryBase editors enable precise nucleotide changes at targeted genomic loci without requiring double‐stranded DNA breaks or repair templates. TALE‐adenine base editors (TALE‐ABEs) are genome editing tools, composed of a DNA‐binding domain from transcription activator‐like effectors (TALEs), an engineered adenosine deaminase (TadA8e), and a cytosine deaminase domain (DddA), that allow A•T‐to‐G•C editing in human mitochondrial DNA. However, the editing ability of TALE‐ABEs in plants apart from chloroplast DNA has not been described, so far, and the functional role how DddA enhances TadA8e is still unclear. We tested a series of TALE‐ABEs with different deaminase fusion architectures in Nicotiana benthamiana and rice. The results indicate that the double‐stranded DNA‐specific cytosine deaminase DddA can boost the activities of single‐stranded DNA‐specific deaminases (TadA8e or APOBEC3A) on double‐stranded DNA. We analysed A•T‐to‐G•C editing efficiencies in a β‐glucuronidase reporter system and showed precise adenine editing in genomic regions with high product purity in rice protoplasts. Furthermore, we have successfully regenerated rice plants with A•T‐to‐G•C mutations in the chloroplast genome using TALE‐ABE. Consequently, TALE‐adenine base editors provide alternatives for crop improvement and gene therapy by editing nuclear or organellar genomes.
Stomatal cell fate commitment via transcriptional and epigenetic control: Timing is crucial
Authors: Kim Eun‐Deok , Torii Keiko U. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe formation of stomata presents a compelling model system for comprehending the initiation, proliferation, commitment and differentiation of de novo lineage‐specific stem cells. Precise, timely and robust cell fate and identity decisions are crucial for the proper progression and differentiation of functional stomata. Deviations from this precise specification result in developmental abnormalities and nonfunctional stomata. However, the molecular underpinnings of timely cell fate commitment have just begun to be unravelled. In this review, we explore the key regulatory strategies governing cell fate commitment, emphasizing the distinctions between embryonic and postembryonic stomatal development. Furthermore, the interplay of transcription factors and cell cycle machineries is pivotal in specifying the transition into differentiation. We aim to synthesize recent studies utilizing single‐cell as well as cell‐type‐specific transcriptomics, epigenomics and chromatin accessibility profiling to shed light on how master‐regulatory transcription factors and epigenetic machineries mutually influence each other to drive fate commitment and maintenance.
Beneath the blooms: Unearthing the effect of rhizospheric bacteria on floral signals and pollinator preferences
Authors: Magalhães Diego M. , Lourenção André L. , Bento José Maurício S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe relationship between plants and pollinators is known to be influenced by ecological interactions with other community members. While most research has focused on aboveground communities affecting plant–pollinator interactions, it is increasingly recognized that soil‐dwelling organisms can directly or indirectly impact these interactions. Although studies have examined the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on floral traits, there is a gap in research regarding similar effects associated with plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), particularly concerning floral scent. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of the PGPR Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the floral traits of wild (Solanum habrochaites, Solanum pimpinellifolium and Solanum peruvianum) and cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), as well as the impact of microbially‐driven changes in floral scent on the foraging behaviour of the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata. Our findings revealed that inoculating tomatoes with PGPR led to an increased number of flowers and enhanced overall floral volatile emission. Additionally, we observed higher flower biomass and pollen levels in all species, except S. peruvianum. Importantly, these changes in volatile emissions influenced the foraging behaviour of M. quadrifasciata significantly. Our results highlight the impact of beneficial soil microbes on plant–pollinator interactions, shedding light on the multiple effects that plant–microbial interactions can have on aboveground organisms.
The soybean sugar transporter GmSWEET6 participates in sucrose transport towards fungi during arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Zheng Linsheng , Zhao Shaopeng , Zhou Yifan , Yang Guoling , Chen A , Li Xinxin , Wang Jinxiang , Tian Jiang , Liao Hong , Wang Xiurong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, sugars in root cortical cells could be exported as glucose or sucrose into peri‐arbuscular space for use by AM fungi. However, no sugar transporter has been identified to be involved in sucrose export. An AM‐inducible SWEET transporter, GmSWEET6, was functionally characterised in soybean, and its role in AM symbiosis was investigated via transgenic plants. The expression of GmSWEET6 was enhanced by inoculation with the cooperative fungal strain in both leaves and roots. Heterologous expression in a yeast mutant showed that GmSWEET6 mainly transported sucrose. Transgenic plants overexpressing GmSWEET6 increased sucrose concentration in root exudates. Overexpression or knockdown of GmSWEET6 decreased plant dry weight, P content, and sugar concentrations in non‐mycorrhizal plants, which were partly recovered in mycorrhizal plants. Intriguingly, overexpression of GmSWEET6 increased root P content and decreased the percentage of degraded arbuscules, while knockdown of GmSWEET6 increased root sugar concentrations in RNAi2 plants and the percentage of degraded arbuscules in RNAi1 plants compared with wild‐type plants when inoculated with AM fungi. These results in combination with subcellular localisation of GmSWEET6 to peri‐arbuscular membranes strongly suggest that GmSWEET6 is required for AM symbiosis by mediating sucrose efflux towards fungi.
Cella: 3D data visualization for plant single‐cell transcriptomics in Blender
Authors: Su Chang , Lyu Munan , Mähönen Ari Pekka , Helariutta Ykä , De Rybel Bert , Muranen Sampo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimsRecent advancements in single‐cell transcriptomics have facilitated the possibility of acquiring vast amounts of data at single‐cell resolution. This development has provided a broader and more comprehensive understanding of complex biological processes. The growing datasets require a visualization tool that transforms complex data into an intuitive representation. To address this challenge, we have utilized an open‐source 3D software Blender to design Cella, a cell atlas visualization tool, which transforms data into 3D heatmaps that can be rendered into image libraries. Our tool is designed to support especially research on plant development.Data resources generatedTo validate our method, we have created a 3D model representing the Arabidopsis thaliana root meristem and mapped an existing single‐cell RNA‐seq dataset into the 3D model. This provided a user‐friendly visual representation of the expression profiles of 21,489 genes from two perspectives (42,978 images).Utility of the resourceThis approach is not limited to single‐cell RNA‐seq data of the Arabidopsis root meristem. We provide detailed step‐by‐step instructions to generate 3D models and a script that can be customized to project data onto different tissues.Key resultsOur tool provides a proof‐of‐concept method for how increasingly complex single‐cell RNA‐seq datasets can be visualized in a simple and cohesive manner.
Glutamate dehydrogenase in “Liverworld”—A study in selected species to explore a key enzyme of plant primary metabolism in Marchantiophyta
Authors: Brambilla Martina , Chiari Giorgio , Commisso Mauro , Nerva Luca , Musetti Rita , Petraglia Alessandro , Degola Francesca 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn plants, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is an ubiquitous enzyme that catalyzes the reversible amination of 2‐oxoglutarate in glutamate. It contributes to both the amino acid homeostasis and the management of intracellular ammonium, and it is regarded as a key player at the junction of carbon and nitrogen assimilation pathways. To date, information about the GDH of terrestrial plants refers to a very few species only. We focused on selected species belonging to the division Marchantiophyta, providing the first panoramic overview of biochemical and functional features of GDH in liverworts. Native electrophoretic analyses showed an isoenzymatic profile less complex than what was reported for Arabidposis thaliana and other angiosperms: the presence of a single isoform corresponding to an α‐homohexamer, differently prone to thermal inactivation on a species‐ and organ‐basis, was found. Sequence analysis conducted on amino acid sequences confirmed a high similarity of GDH in modern liverworts with the GDH2 protein of A. thaliana, strengthening the hypothesis that the duplication event that gave origin to GDH1‐homolog gene from GDH2 occurred after the evolutionary bifurcation that separated bryophytes and tracheophytes. Experiments conducted on Marchantia polymorpha and Calypogeia fissa grown in vitro and compared to A. thaliana demonstrated through in gel activity detection and monodimensional Western Blot that the aminating activity of GDH resulted in strongly enhanced responses to ammonium excess in liverworts as well, even if at a different extent compared to Arabidopsis and other vascular species. The comparative analysis by bi‐dimensional Western Blot suggested that the regulation of the enzyme could be, at least partially, untied from the protein post‐translational pattern. Finally, immuno‐electron microscopy revealed that the GDH enzyme localizes at the subcellular level in both mitochondria and chloroplasts of parenchyma and is specifically associated to the endomembrane system in liverworts.
Biochemical composition changes can be linked to the tolerance of four grassland species under more persistent precipitation regimes
Authors: Zi Lin , Reynaert Simon , Nijs Ivan , De Boeck Hans , Verbruggen Erik , Beemster Gerrit T. S. , Asard Han , AbdElgawad Hamada 
Published: November 2023

AbstractClimate models suggest that the persistence of summer precipitation regimes (PRs) is on the rise, characterized by both longer dry and longer wet durations. These PR changes may alter plant biochemical composition and thereby their economic and ecological characteristics. However, impacts of PR persistence have primarily been studied at the community level, largely ignoring the biochemistry of individual species. Here, we analyzed biochemical components of four grassland species with varying sensitivity to PR persistence (Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Lychnis flos‐cuculi, Plantago lanceolata) along a range of increasingly persistent PRs (longer consecutive dry and wet periods) in a mesocosm experiment. The more persistent PRs decreased nonstructural sugars, whereas they increased lignin in all species, possibly reducing plant quality. The most sensitive species Lychnis seemed less capable of altering its biochemical composition in response to altered PRs, which may partly explain its higher sensitivity. The more tolerant species may have a more robust and dynamic biochemical network, which buffers the effects of changes in individual biochemical components on biomass. We conclude that the biochemical composition changes are important determinants for plant performance under increasingly persistent precipitation regimes.
Optimizing foliar N‐fertilization in sugarcane depends on plant genotype and nitrogen concentration
Authors: Quassi de Castro Saulo Augusto , Sermarini Renata Alcarde , Rossi Monica Lanzoni , Linhares de Castro Renata Rebellato , Trivelin Paulo Cesar Ocheuze , Linhares Francisco Scaglia 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFoliar N‐fertilization (FNf) has emerged as a promising approach to synchronize plant nitrogen (N) demands and application timing, reducing the N losses to the environment associated with traditional soil‐based fertilization methods. However, limited information exists regarding the effectiveness of FNf in sugarcane. This study aimed to optimize FNf in sugarcane by evaluating N‐fertilizer recovery by the plant (NRP) and assessing potential toxicity effects. Four sugarcane genotypes were subjected to FNf using 15N‐urea at five nitrogen concentrations. NRP was assessed at five time points for roots, stalk, old leaves, 15N‐urea‐fertilized leaves (15NL), and unexpanded leaves (UEL). Leaf scorching, indicating FNf toxicity, was analyzed using morpho‐anatomical and histochemical techniques. The results showed that FNf promoted high NRP, with an average recovery of 62.3%. Surprisingly, the redistribution of 15N‐urea did not follow the nitrogen uptake rate by sugarcane leaves, with an average of 41.3% of the total‐NRP. The stalk emerged as the primary sink for 15N‐urea, followed by the UEL. Genotypes differed in the leaf scorching intensity, which increased with higher concentration of 15N‐urea. Genotypes also differed in the 15N‐urea uptake rate, down‐regulated by the N content in the 15NL. These findings emphasize that by carefully choosing the appropriate genotype and nitrogen concentration, FNf can significantly enhance N‐fertilizer uptake, resulting in potential environmental and economic benefits.
Genotypic differences in systemic root responses to mechanical obstacles
Authors: Colombi Tino , Eitelberg Leah , Kolb Evelyne , Legué Valérie , Bogeat‐Triboulot Marie‐Béatrice 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs roots grow through the soil to forage for water and nutrients, they encounter mechanical obstacles such as patches of dense soil and stones that locally impede root growth. Here, we investigated hitherto poorly understood systemic responses of roots to localised root impedance. Seedlings of two wheat genotypes were grown in hydroponics and exposed to impenetrable obstacles constraining the vertical growth of the primary or a single seminal root. We deployed high‐resolution in vivo imaging to quantify temporal dynamics of root elongation rate, helical root movement, and root growth direction. The two genotypes exhibited distinctly different patterns of systemic responses to localised root impedance, suggesting different strategies to cope with obstacles, namely stress avoidance and stress tolerance. Shallower growth of unconstrained seminal roots and more pronounced helical movement of unconstrained primary and seminal roots upon localised root impedance characterised the avoidance strategy shown by one genotype. Stress tolerance to localised root impedance, as exhibited by the other genotype, was indicated by relatively fast elongation of primary roots and steeper seminal root growth. These different strategies highlight that the effects of mechanical obstacles on spatiotemporal root growth patterns can differ within species, which may have major implications for resource acquisition and whole‐plant growth.
Trade and credit: Revisiting the evidence
Authors: Gutiérrez Eduardo , Moral‐Benito Enrique 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper explores the effects of bank lending shocks on the export behavior of Spanish firms. For that purpose, we combine data on exports at the firm‐product‐destination level with a matched bank‐firm dataset incorporating information on the universe of corporate loans from 2002 to 2013. Armed with this dataset, we identify bank‐year specific credit supply shocks and estimate their impact on firms' exports at the product‐destination level. According to our estimates, credit supply shocks have sizable effects on both the intensive margin (amount exported) and the extensive margin of trade (decision to export).
KP reductions and various soliton solutions to the Fokas–Lenells equation under nonzero boundary condition
Authors: Zhang Yujuan , Ma Ruyun , Feng Bao‐Feng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we clarify the connection of the Fokas–Lenells (FL) equation to the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP)–Toda hierarchy by using a set of bilinear equations as a bridge and confirm multidark soliton solution to the FL equation previously given by Matsuno (J. Phys. A 2012 45 (475202). We also show that the set of bilinear equations in the KP–Toda hierarchy can be generated from a single discrete KP equation via Miwa transformation. Based on this finding, we further deduce the multibreather and general rogue wave solutions to the FL equation. The dynamical behaviors and patterns for both the breather and rogue wave solutions are illustrated and analyzed.
Epidemiology of quadriceps muscle strain injuries in elite male Australian football players
Authors: Pietsch Samuel , Green Brady , Schache Anthony G. , Pizzari Tania 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of quadriceps muscle strain injury (QMSI) in elite Australian Football League (AFL) players, explore recovery milestones and determine whether recovery is impacted by factors such as injury type (index vs. re‐injury), the primary muscle injured and the mechanism of injury.MeasuresAll QMSI data reported to the Soft Tissue Injury Registry of the AFL from the 2014 to 2020 seasons were evaluated. Player demographic data, circumstances of injury, MRI reports and recovery outcomes following injury were extracted. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions are presented. Recovery outcomes for injury type, primary muscle injured and the mechanism of injury were compared using univariate analyses.ResultsThere were 164 QMSIs from 122 players reported (134 index; 30 re‐injuries). Almost all (91.3%) QMSIs involved the rectus femoris. Half (48.4%) of the QMSIs occurred during kicking and most commonly affected the dominant kicking leg (72%). The majority occurred at training (64.6%). All re‐injuries involved the rectus femoris, most occurred from kicking (63.0%) and within 6 months of the preceding injury (70%). The mean return to play (RTP) time was 25.4 days (95%CI = 22.6–28.2) and rectus femoris injuries took around 14 days longer to RTP than vastii injuries (p = 0.001). QMSIs with a kicking mechanism took the longest to RTP of all injury mechanisms.ConclusionIn AFL players, QMSIs occur mostly in the dominant leg from a kicking mechanism. Rectus femoris injuries are more prevalent and result in longer RTP time frames. Re‐injuries exclusively involved the rectus femoris, primarily from kicking.
Welfare state regimes and social policy resistance to fiscal consolidations
Authors: Jacques Olivier 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe study how welfare states regimes influence the effect of episodes of fiscal consolidations on the four main components of the welfare state: social investment, pensions, healthcare and labour market insurance. Welfare state regimes are associated with distinct social policy legacies that feedback into political competition by shaping the size and influence of different coalitions of constituents. Using data from 1980 to 2014 in 16 OECD countries, we find that labour market insurance is more vulnerable to consolidations in Liberal regimes, while social investments are more resistant to consolidations in Nordic regimes. In the Continental regime, which overlaps with Social Health Insurance systems, healthcare is more resistant to consolidations. Finally, pensions are more resistant to consolidations in the Southern regime. These findings contribute to the study of the comparative political economy of welfare state retrenchment.
A randomized, double‐blind, controlled study evaluating the effects of two facial serums on skin aging
Authors: Banov Daniel , Carvalho Maria , Schwartz Steve , Frumento Robert 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundSkin aging is a natural process that occurs because of oxidative stress. Facial skin aging is often concerning for individuals due to the exposure of the face.ObjectivesTo assess and compare the effects of two anti‐aging facial serums on the following characteristics associated with facial skin aging: fine lines/wrinkles, age spots, firmness, elasticity, texture, radiance, tone, lifting, clarity, and complexion.MethodsA 24‐week, double‐blind controlled study was conducted on 130 participants who were randomized into two groups: facial serum with Liposomal Blend and facial serum without Liposomal Blend. Clinical evaluations (Visual Analog Scale) and instrumental evaluations (Cutometer, SIAscope, and Clarity Pro image analysis) were performed at weeks 0 (baseline), 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 to assess for changes in skin aging characteristics.ResultsA total of 123 participants completed the study; participants that used the facial serum with Liposomal Blend had significantly greater improvements in skin aging characteristics compared to those that used the facial serum without Liposomal Blend. This study shows that Liposomal Blend is a vehicle with the ability to enhance the anti‐aging properties of the ingredients within the facial serum by facilitating its delivery into the underlying layers of the skin. Higher concentration of ingredients at the site of action could potentially lead to greater damage repair and improvements in signs of facial skin aging.ConclusionBy using Liposomal Blend, practitioners and pharmacists could potentially improve the delivery of the ingredients within their formulations into the skin, which may lead to increased treatment efficacy.