Silicon Differently Affects Apoplastic Binding of Excess Boron in Wheat and Sunflower Leaves

Monocots and dicots differ in their boron (B) requirement, but also in their capacity to accumulate silicon (Si). Although an ameliorative effect of Si on B toxicity has been reported in various crops, differences among monocots and dicots are not clear, in particular in light of their ability to retain B in the leaf apoplast. In hydroponic experiments under controlled conditions, we studied the role of Si in the compartmentation of B within the leaves of wheat (Triticum vulgare L.) as a model of a high-Si monocot and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) as a model of a low-Si dicot, with the focus on the leaf apoplast. The stable isotopes 10B and 11B were used to investigate the dynamics of cell wall B binding capacity. In both crops, the application of Si did not affect B concentration in the root, but significantly decreased the B concentration in the leaves. However, the application of Si differently influenced the binding capacity of the leaf apoplast for excess B in wheat and sunflower. In wheat, whose capacity to retain B in the leaf cell walls is lower than in sunflower, the continuous supply of Si is crucial for an enhancement of high B tolerance in the shoot. On the other hand, the supply of Si did not contribute significantly in the extension of the B binding sites in sunflower leaves. © 2023 by the authors

Mutational Analysis and mtDNA Haplogroup Characterization in Three Serbian Cases of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies and Literature Review

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies (MEMP) are heterogeneous multisystem disorders frequently associated with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. Clinical presentation varies considerably in age of onset, course, and severity up to death in early childhood. In this study, we performed molecular genetic analysis for mtDNA pathogenic mutation detection in Serbian children, preliminary diagnosed clinically, biochemically and by brain imaging for mitochondrial encephalomyopathies disorders. Sanger sequencing analysis in three Serbian probands revealed two known pathogenic mutations. Two probands had a heteroplasmic point mutation m.3243A>G in the MT-TL1 gene, which confirmed mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episode syndrome (MELAS), while a single case clinically manifested for Leigh syndrome had an almost homoplasmic (close to 100%) m.8993T>G mutation in the MT-ATP6 gene. After full mtDNA MITOMASTER analysis and PhyloTree build 17, we report MELAS’ association with haplogroups U and H (U2e and H15 subclades); likewise, the mtDNA-associated Leigh syndrome proband shows a preference for haplogroup H (H34 subclade). Based on clinical–genetic correlation, we suggest that haplogroup H may contribute to the mitochondrial encephalomyopathies’ phenotypic variability of the patients in our study. We conclude that genetic studies for the distinctive mitochondrial encephalomyopathies should be well-considered for realizing clinical severity and possible outcomes

Results in the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry suggest disparities in access to kidney transplantation but little variation in graft survival of children across Europe

One of the main objectives of the European health policy framework is to ensure equitable access to high-quality health services across Europe. Here we examined country-specific kidney transplantation and graft failure rates in children and explore their country- and patient-level determinants. Patients under 20 years of age initiating kidney replacement therapy from January 2007 through December 2015 in 37 European countries participating in the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry were included in the analyses. Countries were categorized as low-, middle-, and high-income based on gross domestic product. At five-years of follow-up, 4326 of 6909 children on kidney replacement therapy received their first kidney transplant. Overall median time from kidney replacement therapy start to first kidney transplantation was 1.4 (inter quartile range 0.3-4.3) years. The five-year kidney transplantation probability was 48.8% (95% confidence interval: 45.9-51.7%) in low-income, 76.3% (72.8-79.5%) in middle-income and 92.3% (91.0-93.4%) in high-income countries and was strongly associated with macro-economic factors. Gross domestic product alone explained 66% of the international variation in transplantation rates. Compared with high-income countries, kidney transplantation was 76% less likely to be performed in low-income and 58% less likely in middle-income countries. Overall five-year graft survival in Europe was 88% and showed little variation across countries. Thus, despite large disparities transplantation access across Europe, graft failure rates were relatively similar. Hence, graft survival in low-risk transplant recipients from lower-income countries seems as good as graft survival among all (low, medium, and high risk) graft recipients from high-income countries.Peer reviewe

The assessment of soil availability and wheat grain status of zinc and iron in Serbia: Implications for human nutrition

The deficiency of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) is a global issue causing not only considerable yield losses of food crops but also serious health problems. We have analysed Zn and Fe concentrations in the grains of two bread wheat cultivars along native gradient of micronutrient availability throughout Serbia. Although only 13% of the soil samples were Zn deficient and none was Fe deficient, the levels of these micronutrients in grain were rather low (median values of 21 mg kg(-1) for Zn and 36 mg kg(-1) for Fe), and even less adequate in white flour. Moreover, excessive P fertilization of calcareous soils in the major wheat growing areas strongly correlated with lower grain concentration of Zn. Our results imply that a latent Zn deficiency in wheat grain poses a high risk for grain quality relevant to human health in Serbia, where wheat bread is a staple food. k