Current insights and advances into plant male sterility: new precision breeding technology based on genome editing applications

Plant male sterility (MS) represents the inability of the plant to generate functional anthers, pollen, or male gametes. Developing MS lines represents one of the most important challenges in plant breeding programs, since the establishment of MS lines is a major goal in F1 hybrid production. For these reasons, MS lines have been developed in several species of economic interest, particularly in horticultural crops and ornamental plants. Over the years, MS has been accomplished through many different techniques ranging from approaches based on cross-mediated conventional breeding methods, to advanced devices based on knowledge of genetics and genomics to the most advanced molecular technologies based on genome editing (GE). GE methods, in particular gene knockout mediated by CRISPR/Cas-related tools, have resulted in flexible and successful strategic ideas used to alter the function of key genes, regulating numerous biological processes including MS. These precision breeding technologies are less time-consuming and can accelerate the creation of new genetic variability with the accumulation of favorable alleles, able to dramatically change the biological process and resulting in a potential efficiency of cultivar development bypassing sexual crosses. The main goal of this manuscript is to provide a general overview of insights and advances into plant male sterility, focusing the attention on the recent new breeding GE-based applications capable of inducing MS by targeting specific nuclear genic loci. A summary of the mechanisms underlying the recent CRISPR technology and relative success applications are described for the main crop and ornamental species. The future challenges and new potential applications of CRISPR/Cas systems in MS mutant production and other potential opportunities will be discussed, as generating CRISPR-edited DNA-free by transient transformation system and transgenerational gene editing for introducing desirable alleles and for precision breeding strategies

The New Green Challenge in Urban Planning: The Right Genetics in the Right Place

The creation of green areas within urban centers was born as a response to profoundly different problems, such as the demographic increase and the progressive urbanization of landscapes. Moreover, up to date, the genetics of plants has not been considered for urban contexts. The purpose of this review is to discuss the state of the art and the advantages in planning genetic improvement for plants for urban destinations, also providing technical information, that may contribute in a concrete way. Firstly, recent genomic sources and their potential contribution to breeding programs are discussed. Then, dividing the urban scenarios into four macro areas (i.e., urban/metropolitan parks, urban gardens, road verges and roofs/terraces/balconies), we described the role of genetics in the adaptability and sustainability of plants in these different contexts. In addition, we analyzed the genetic traits plants need to provide services for a city environment and population (e.g., pollution reduction, biodiversity conservation, soil stability, and food production)

The New Green Challenge in Urban Planning: The Right Genetics in the Right Place

The creation of green areas within urban centers was born as a response to profoundly different problems, such as the demographic increase and the progressive urbanization of landscapes. Moreover, up to date, the genetics of plants has not been considered for urban contexts. The purpose of this review is to discuss the state of the art and the advantages in planning genetic improvement for plants for urban destinations, also providing technical information, that may contribute in a concrete way. Firstly, recent genomic sources and their potential contribution to breeding programs are discussed. Then, dividing the urban scenarios into four macro areas (i.e., urban/metropolitan parks, urban gardens, road verges and roofs/terraces/balconies), we described the role of genetics in the adaptability and sustainability of plants in these different contexts. In addition, we analyzed the genetic traits plants need to provide services for a city environment and population (e.g., pollution reduction, biodiversity conservation, soil stability, and food production)

Long-Term Mental and Physical Quality of Life after Radical and Conservative Surgeries and in Relation to Childbirth in Patients with Severe Endometriosis

Aim: This study aimed to investigate which surgery (conservative, radical) is the most effective in improving quality of life and if childbirth after conservative one affects outcomes. Method: 79 women who underwent radical or conservative surgery for severe endometriosis were assessed by means of a semistructured interview and completed the SF-36. Results: Our findings showed that in the whole model of Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses, surgery group explained significantly 10.7% of variance for bodily pain, 7.2% for general health, and 7.9% for vitality, independently of age and months spent since surgery. Groups of childbirth differed significantly for vitality (p .018, Cohen’s d .939) and role emotional (p .034, Cohen’s d .786). Discussion: Findings suggested that women with endometriosis who underwent radical surgery showed better quality of life in long term, independently of age and time spent since treatment. Moreover, women who gave birth to a child had a better mental quality of life, especially concerning vitality and role limitations due to emotional problems

Quality of life and mental health of infertile women affected by endometriosis: A narrative review

Objective: Infertility has a severe impact on quality of life and mental health. This condition could be exacerbated by the existence of comorbid medical disease, like endometriosis. The aim of this critical narrative review is the examination of the state of the art about the quality of life and mental health in infertile women with endometriosis. Methods: We performed a rigorous and systematic search for studies on multiple electronic databases. A total of 6 papers were included in the review and were subjected to interpretative and critical narrative synthesis. Results and Discussion: Major findings are resumed in the following points: (a) infertile women with endometriosis when compared to infertile ones without endometriosis show higher depression, stress perception, and anxiety, and lower general quality of life; (b) quality of life specifically related to infertility is similar among women with and without endometriosis and seems to be related to personality and beliefs factors; (c) giving birth to a child is related to better mental quality of life; (d) during assisted reproductive treatment (ART) stimulation, infertile women with endometriosis have a decrease of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia; (e) satisfaction of ART is related to the number of attempts, treatment accomplishment and pregnancy test outcomes. Clinical implications of these findings and suggestions for future researches were discussed. Conclusion: Concluding, it is crucial to assess the psychological factors related to endometriosis and infertility to reduce the impact of these diseases on quality of life and mental health, provide adequate support to these patients, improve their satisfaction and increase the change to get pregnant