Molecular basis of herbivore resistance in brassica napus

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is a commercially important agricultural crop susceptible to damage from invertebrate herbivores, such as caterpillars, aphids and slugs. Plants can detect the presence of invertebrates via physical contact, tissue consumption, and on recognition of compounds in saliva. Plant retaliation includes the production of proteinase inhibitors to impair gut function and the accumulation of phenylpropanoids and potentially toxic glucosinolates to decrease plant palatability. Previous work has shown that a component of sunlight, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, can regulate defence related responses in a manner similar to that of pests and the plant wound-response hormone, Jasmonic acid (JA). The molecular basis behind UV-B- enhanced plant defence against invertebrates, however, remains elusive. This project aims to better understand invertebrate resistance in oilseed rape along with the genetic and metabolic basis of UV-B-enhanced defence against two agricultural pests, the grey field slug and caterpillars of the Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). UV-B treatment of B.napus and Arabidopsis thaliana has been found to enhance their resistance to these pests, and gene expression analysis of B.napus identified several genes similarly regulated by UV-B radiation, JA application, and/or slug or Plutella grazing. It is thought that these genes are important in UV-B enhanced plant resistance. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines over-expressing three of these oilseed rape genes have been generated to evaluate their role in UV-B-mediated defence. If found to be more resistant to pests, these lines will serve as ‘proof of concept’ that manipulation of the UV-B response pathway in members of the Brassica family could be used to develop new invertebrate resistant varieties

Significant others, situations and infant feeding behaviour change processes: a serial qualitative interview study

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding until six months followed by the introduction of solids and continued breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organisation. The dominant approach to achieving this has been to educate and support women to start and continue breastfeeding rather than understanding behaviour change processes from a broader perspective.MethodSerial qualitative interviews examined the influences of significant others on women’s feeding behaviour. Thirty-six women and 37 nominated significant others participated in 220 interviews, conducted approximately four weekly from late pregnancy to six months after birth. Responses to summative structured questions at the end of each interview asking about significant influences on feeding decisions were compared and contrasted with formative semi-structured data within and between cases. Analysis focused on pivotal points where behaviour changed from exclusive breastfeeding to introducing formula, stopping breastfeeding or introducing solids. This enabled us to identify processes that decelerate or accelerate behaviour change and understand resolution processes afterwards.ResultsThe dominant goal motivating behaviour change was family wellbeing, rather than exclusive breastfeeding. Rather than one type of significant other emerging as the key influence, there was a complex interplay between the self-baby dyad, significant others, situations and personal or vicarious feeding history. Following behaviour change women turned to those most likely to confirm or resolve their decisions and maintain their confidence as mothers.ConclusionsApplying ecological models of behaviour would enable health service organisation, practice, policy and research to focus on enhancing family efficacy and wellbeing, improving family-centred communication and increasing opportunities for health professionals to be a constructive influence around pivotal points when feeding behaviour changes. A paradigm shift is recommended away from the dominant approach of support and education of individual women towards a more holistic, family-centred narrative approach, whilst acknowledging that breastfeeding is a practical skill that women and babies have to learn

Significant others, situations and their influences on infant feeding. Secondary analysis of data from: A prospective study exploring the early infant feeding experiences of parents and their significant others during the first 6 months of life: what would make a difference?

This study examines the range of influences on infant feeding behaviour from late pregnancy until six months after birth, which lead parents to introduce formula or solids, or to stop breastfeeding prior to the recommended six months. It reveals that a complex and dynamic combination of people, situations and personal experiences affect feeding behaviour initiation and maintenance and precipitate or prevent change

Significant others, situations and their influences on infant feeding. Secondary analysis of data from: A prospective study exploring the early infant feeding experiences of parents and their significant others during the first 6 months of life: what would make a difference?

This study examines the range of influences on infant feeding behaviour from late pregnancy until six months after birth, which lead parents to introduce formula or solids, or to stop breastfeeding prior to the recommended six months. It reveals that a complex and dynamic combination of people, situations and personal experiences affect feeding behaviour initiation and maintenance and precipitate or prevent change

Citizen perceptions and values associated with ecosystem services from European grassland landscapes

European permanent grasslands are multifunctional landscapes that deliver an important mix of ecosystem services. The effectiveness of future policies linked to landscape and agricultural practices requires consideration of citizen perceptions of, and priorities for, benefits (e.g. ecosystem services) demanded from permanent grasslands. This exploratory research aimed to expand understanding of citizens' perceptions and socio-cultural valuation of grassland landscapes, ecosystem service provision and management across Europe in order to inform future research. Fifteen focus groups with residents of rural areas, urban areas, and young adults from rural areas (aged 18-26) (N = 104), were conducted across five European countries (Spain, Sweden, UK, Switzerland and the Czech Republic) between 2020 and 2021. Overall, participants perceived grassland landscapes positively, describing connection to the landscape through experience, emotions, environmental characteristics, activity, access, and cultural identity. Prioritisation of ecosystem services from grassland varied between countries, influenced by grassland system diversity, and complex socio-cultural and socio-economic differences. Rural dwellers, including rural youth, perceived more benefits from grasslands than urban dwellers. Perceptions of problems were related to reduction, degradation and abandonment of grassland, and varied between urban and rural dwellers. Consumer education about the value of grasslands was perceived as vital in ensuring sustainable management and use of these landscapes. Citizens across different countries shared farming ideals relating to farming for biodiversity. These findings can help ensure that policies surrounding landscape and agricultural practices align with societal perspectives and priorities to effectively deliver multifunctional, valued, sustainable grassland systems

Assessment of murine collagen-induced arthritis by longitudinal non-invasive duplexed molecular optical imaging

In the present study we evaluated the use of four commercially available fluorescent probes to monitor disease activity in murine CIA and its suppression during glucocorticoid therapy.  Arthritis was induced in male DBA/1 mice by immunization with type II collagen in Complete Freund's Adjuvant, followed by a boost of collagen in PBS. Four fluorescent probes from PerkinElmer in combination [ProSense 750 fluorescent activatable sensor technology (FAST) with Neutrophil Elastase 680 FAST and MMPSense 750 FAST with CatK 680 FAST] were used to monitor disease development from day 5 through to day 40 post-immunization. Fluorescence generated in vivo by the probes was correlated with clinical and histological score and paw measurements.  The fluorescence intensity emitted by each probe was shown to correlate with the conventional measurements of disease. The highest degree of correlation was observed with ProSense 750 FAST in combination with Neutrophil Elastase 680 FAST; these probes were then used to successfully assess CIA suppression during dexamethasone treatment.  We have demonstrated that longitudinal non-invasive duplexed optical fluorescence imaging provides a simple assessment of arthritic disease activity within the joints of mice following the induction of CIA and may represent a powerful tool to monitor the efficacy of drug treatments in preclinical studies

Building social capital through breastfeeding peer support: Insights from an evaluation of a voluntary breastfeeding peer support service in North-West England

Background: Peer support is reported to be a key method to help build social capital in communities. To date there are no studies that describe how this can be achieved through a breastfeeding peer support service. In this paper we present findings from an evaluation of a voluntary model of breastfeeding peer support in North-West England to describe how the service was operationalized and embedded into the community. This study was undertaken from May, 2012 to May, 2013. Methods: Interviews (group or individual) were held with 87 participants: 24 breastfeeding women, 13 peer supporters and 50 health and community professionals. The data contained within 23 monthly monitoring reports (January, 2011 to February 2013) compiled by the voluntary peer support service were also extracted and analysed. Results: Thematic analysis was undertaken using social capital concepts as a theoretical lens. Key findings were identified to resonate with ’bonding’, ‘bridging’ and ‘linking’ forms of social capital. These insights illuminate how the peer support service facilitates ‘bonds’ with its members, and within and between women who access the service; how the service ‘bridges’ with individuals from different interests and backgrounds, and how ‘links’ were forged with those in authority to gain access and reach to women and to promote a breastfeeding culture. Some of the tensions highlighted within the social capital literature were also identified. Conclusions: Horizontal and vertical relationships forged between the peer support service and community members enabled peer support to be embedded into care pathways, helped to promote positive attitudes to breastfeeding and to disseminate knowledge and maximise reach for breastfeeding support across the community. Further effort to engage with those of different ethnic backgrounds and to resolve tensions between peer supporters and health professionals is warranted

Spondylarthropathies (including psoriatic arthritis): 244. Validity of Colour Doppler and Spectral Doppler Ultrasound of Sacroilicac Joints Againts Physical Examination as Gold Standard

Background: Sacroiliac joints (SJ) involvement is a distinctive and charasteristic feature of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) and x-ray is the test routinely used to make a diagnosis. However, x-ray reveals late structural damage but cannot detect active inflammation. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of Doppler ultrasound in SJ. Methods: Prospective blinded and controlled study of SJ, in which three populations were compared. We studied 106 consecutive cases, who were divided into three groups: a) 53 patients diagnosed with SpA who had inflammatory lumbar and gluteal pain assessed by a rheumatologist; b) 26 patients diagnosed with SpA who didn't have SJ tenderness and had normal physical examination; c) control group of 27 subjects (healthy subjetcs or with mechanical lumbar pain). All patients included that were diagnosed with SpA met almost the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) classification criteria. Physical examination of the SJ included: sacral sulcus tenderness, iliac gapping, iliac compression, midline sacral thrust test, Gaenslen's test, and Patrick s test were used as gold standard. Both SJ were examined with Doppler ultrasound (General Electric Logiq 9, Wauwatosa WI, USA) fitted with a 9-14 Mhz lineal probe. The ultrasonographer was blinded to clinical data. Doppler in SJ was assessed as positive when both Doppler colour and resistance index (RI) < 0.75 within the SJ area were present. Statistical analysis was performed estimating sensitivity and specificity against gold standard. The Kappa correlation coefficient was used for reliability study. Results: 106 cases (53 female, 55 male; mean age 36 10 years) were studied. There were no statistical differences between groups related to age or sex. Physical examination of SJ was positive in 38 patients (59 sacroiliac joints). US detected Doppler signal within SJ in 37 patients (58 SJ): 33 of them were symptomatic SpA (52 SJ), one of them were asymptomatic SpA (1 SJ) and one was a healthy control (1 SJ). The accuracy of US when compared to clinical data as gold standard at subject level in the overall group was: sensitivity of 68.6% and specificity of 85.7%, positive predictive value of 70.5% and negative predictive value of 84.5%. A positive likelihood ratio of 4.8, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.36 and a kappa coefficient of 0.55 were achieved. Conclusions: Doppler US of SJ seems to be a valid method to detect active SJ inflammation. Disclosure statement: The authors have declared no conflicts of interes

Convergence of Genes and Cellular Pathways Dysregulated in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

International audienceRare copy-number variation (CNV) is an important source of risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We analyzed 2,446 ASD-affected families and confirmed an excess of genic deletions and duplications in affected versus control groups (1.41-fold, p = 1.0 × 10(-5)) and an increase in affected subjects carrying exonic pathogenic CNVs overlapping known loci associated with dominant or X-linked ASD and intellectual disability (odds ratio = 12.62, p = 2.7 × 10(-15), ∼3% of ASD subjects). Pathogenic CNVs, often showing variable expressivity, included rare de novo and inherited events at 36 loci, implicating ASD-associated genes (CHD2, HDAC4, and GDI1) previously linked to other neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as other genes such as SETD5, MIR137, and HDAC9. Consistent with hypothesized gender-specific modulators, females with ASD were more likely to have highly penetrant CNVs (p = 0.017) and were also overrepresented among subjects with fragile X syndrome protein targets (p = 0.02). Genes affected by de novo CNVs and/or loss-of-function single-nucleotide variants converged on networks related to neuronal signaling and development, synapse function, and chromatin regulation

RA-MAP, molecular immunological landscapes in early rheumatoid arthritis and healthy vaccine recipients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with poorly defined aetiology characterised by synovial inflammation with variable disease severity and drug responsiveness. To investigate the peripheral blood immune cell landscape of early, drug naive RA, we performed comprehensive clinical and molecular profiling of 267 RA patients and 52 healthy vaccine recipients for up to 18 months to establish a high quality sample biobank including plasma, serum, peripheral blood cells, urine, genomic DNA, RNA from whole blood, lymphocyte and monocyte subsets. We have performed extensive multi-omic immune phenotyping, including genomic, metabolomic, proteomic, transcriptomic and autoantibody profiling. We anticipate that these detailed clinical and molecular data will serve as a fundamental resource offering insights into immune-mediated disease pathogenesis, progression and therapeutic response, ultimately contributing to the development and application of targeted therapies for RA.</p