The bZIP transcription factor SPA Heterodimerizing Protein represses glutenin synthesis in Triticum aestivum

The quality of wheat grain is mainly determined by the quantity and composition of its grain storage proteins (GSPs). Grain storage proteins consist of low- and high-molecular-weight glutenins (LMW-GS and HMW-GS, respectively) and gliadins. The synthesis of these proteins is essentially regulated at the transcriptional level and by the availability of nitrogen and sulfur. The regulation network has been extensively studied in barley where BLZ1 and BLZ2, members of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family, activate the synthesis of hordeins. To date, in wheat, only the ortholog of BLZ2, Storage Protein Activator (SPA), has been identified as playing a major role in the regulation of GSP synthesis. Here, the ortholog of BLZ1, named SPA Heterodimerizing Protein (SHP), was identified and its involvement in the transcriptional regulation of the genes coding for GSPs was analyzed. In gel mobility shift assays, SHP binds cis-motifs known to bind to bZIP family transcription factors in HMW-GS and LMW-GS promoters. Moreover, we showed by transient expression assays in wheat endosperm that SHP acts as a repressor of the activity of these gene promoters. This result was confirmed in transgenic lines overexpressing SHP, which were grown with low and high nitrogen supply. The phenotype of SHP-overexpressing lines showed a lower quantity of both LMW-GS and HMW-GS, while the quantity of gliadin was unchanged, whatever the nitrogen availability. Thus, the gliadin/glutenin ratio was increased, which suggests that gliadin and glutenin genes may be differently regulated

Effects of exergames and cognitive-motor dual-task training on cognitive, physical and dual-task functions in cognitively healthy older adults: An overview

International audienceThis overview aims to summarize the effectiveness of cognitive-motor dual-task and exergame interventions on cognitive, physical and dual-task functions in healthy older adults, as well as the feasibility, safety, adherence, transfer and retention of benefits of these interventions. We searched for systematic reviews or meta-analyses assessing the effects of cognitive-motor dual-task and exergame interventions on cognitive, physical and dual-task functions in cognitively healthy older adults through eight databases (CDSR (Cochrane), MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest and SportDiscus). Two reviewers performed the selection, data extraction and risk of bias evaluation independently (PROSPERO ID: CRD42019143185). Eighteen reviews were included in this overview. Overall, positive effects of cognitive-motor dual-task interventions on cognitive, physical and dual-task functions, as well as exergames on cognitive functions only, were observed in cognitively healthy older adults. In contrast, the effects of exergames on physical functions are more controversial, and their effects on dual-task functions have not been studied. The feasibility, safety, adherence, transfer and retention of benefits for both intervention types are still unclear. Future studies should follow more rigorous methodological standards in order to improve the quality of evidence and provide guidelines for the use of cognitive-motor dual-task and exergame interventions in older adults

Equations for estimating the oxygen cost of walking in stroke patients: a systematic review.

International audienceTo report all equations that can potentially be used to estimate the oxygen cost of walking (Cw) without using a respiratory gas exchange analyzer and to provide the level of reliability of each equation

Postural control is associated with cognition and fear of falling in patients with multiple sclerosis.

International audienceMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease affecting various neurological domains, such as postural control, cognition, fear of falling, depression-anxiety, and fatigue. This study examined the associations of cognitive functions, fear of falling, depression-anxiety, and fatigue with postural control in patients with MS. Postural control (sway velocity) of 63 patients with MS (age 39.0 ± 8.9 years; %female 57%; Expanded Disability Status Scale score median (interquartile range) 2.0 (1.5)) was recorded on two platforms at stable and unstable conditions. Cognition, fear of falling, depression-anxiety, and fatigue were evaluated by a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. The associations between these domains and postural control have been measured by multivariable linear regression (adjusted for age, gender, disability, and education). In stable condition, only working memory was associated with postural control (p < 0.05). In unstable condition, working memory, executive functions, attention/processing speed, and fear of falling were associated with postural control (p < 0.05). Specific cognitive domains and fear of falling were associated with postural control in MS patients, particularly in unstable condition. These findings highlight the association of cognitive functions and fear of falling with postural control in MS

Effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation using active video games on quality of life, cognitive and motor functions in people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review

International audienceWe summarized the effectiveness of home-based active video game interventions on physical and cognitive functions, as well as quality of life in adults with Parkinson's disease. We also assessed the feasibility, safety, adherence, and retention of benefits of these interventions

The influence of age in women in visuo-spatial memory in reaching and navigation tasks with and without landmarks

International audienceSpatial memory and navigation capabilities tend to decline in normal aging, but few studies have assessed the impact of landmarks on route learning in a large-scale environment. The objectives were to examine age-related effects on visuo-spatial working memory capabilities in various environments and to determine the impact of landmarks in navigation skills in normal aging. 42 young women (23.6 ± 4.9 years) and 37 older women (70.7 ± 4.7 years) with no cognitive impairment have performed three visuo-spatial working memory tests: one in reaching space (computerized Corsi-Block-Tapping test) and two in locomotor navigation space (a condition without landmarks: Virtual Walking Corsi Test and a condition with landmarks: Virtual Room Walking Test). A two-way mixed ANOVA test showed that the young subjects performed better in all conditions than older subjects. The performance in visuo-spatial working memory thus decreases with age. Visuo-spatial working memory performances were identical in reaching and navigation spaces for both groups. The integration of landmarks into a navigational task decreases performance in older women, while this performance is not altered in younger women

Biopsychosocial determinants of visuospatial memory performance according to different spaces

International audienceVisuospatial memory (VSM) performance depends on intrinsic (biopsychosocial parameters) and extrinsic (space) factors. We aimed at characterizing the determinants of VSM performance according to space. Young healthy adults, 20 males and 41 females (23 ± 3 years old), were assessed for VSM performance through a pathway learning task, in reaching (eCorsi Block Tapping task) and walking space (Virtual Walking Corsi Task). We evaluated psychosocial factors through seven questionnaires - Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Severity Scale, Profile of the Mood States, 2nd edition, short version, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, Measurement of Ambiguity Tolerance, Motives for Physical Activities Measure-Revised, mental rotation capabilities and locomotor characteristics (physical activity level through embedded trackers and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and gait parameters). The most explanatory biopsychosocial determinants of VSM performance were i) mental rotation capabilities and fatigue indicator in reaching space, and ii) mental rotation capabilities and physical activity level (tracked active energy expenditure only) in walking space. These results suggest that specific parameters should be preferred for the evaluation and strengthening of VSM capabilities in both reaching or walking spaces

Proteomic and peptidomic tools combined with immuno-chemistry to analyze in vitro gastrointestinal digestibility of bread wheat

International audienc