Root-knot nematode feeding site development is impaired by cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors

Plant-parasitic nematodes of the genera Meloidogyne trigger the formation of giant cells that undergo recurring acytokinetic mitosis and endocycles. Expression analyses of key cell cycle genes showed their early induction in the nematode feeding site (NFS). Additionally, disturbance in NFS development and juvenile maturation were observed during treatment of infected roots with cell cycle inhibitors. Intense DNA synthesis and enlarged nuclei demonstrated that giant cells undergo additional endocycles. How precisely nematodes manipulate the cell cycle in their favour remains to be understood. A systematic comparison of the temporal and spatial expression pattern of core cell cycle genes between uninfected roots and in galls of Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in the identification of a collection of genes up- or downregulated in NFC. Among them, negative regulators are candidates to control the cell cycle in NFC. Previous work has shown that KRP2, a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase/kip-related proteins (ICK/KRP), regulate mitosis-to-endocycle transition in plant cells, and is expressed in endoreduplicating cells. The KRP2 gene showed to be expressed during gall development. Therefore to study the relevance of the KRP cell cycle inhibitor genes (7 in Arabidopis) for NFS ontogeny, mutant lines over-expressing and knocked-out are being tested to determine their effect on feeding site development. In vivo subcellular localization studies have been carried out to better understand the dynamics of these proteins during giant cell development. Based on these data, three KRP genes are perceived to control giant cell size and consequently nematode reproduction

Methodo geografico facil : donde se demuestra el modo de govierno de todos los paises, sus qualidades, las costumbres ...

H. pleg. de grab. calc. : "Laurent sculp. ", mapaSegún Barbier, A.A. en Obras anónimas, III, 290, el autor es el Abad A. Le FrançoisExiste emisión con pie de imp.: "Impreso en Paris : a costa de Pedro Gendron. Se hallara en Cadiz. y [en Liboa]Sign. : a12, A-S12, T

Conserved DNA motifs, including the CENP-B box-like, are involved in satellite DNA array rearrangements

Satellite DNAs (satDNAs), despite rapid evolution that continuously remodel the genomic landscape, occupy functionally essential centromeric regions. Difficult to be explored due to their repetitive nature and divergence, satDNAs are still hardly accessible frontiers of eukaryotic genomes and knowledge concerning functional significance of satellite DNAs is rather limited. In this work, we provide a comprehensive analysis of six satDNAs in the library of recently separated root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax. We disclosed two different conserved regions common for analyzed satDNAs. One appeared to be highly similar to the CENP-B box of human alpha satDNA, which emerged, in sequence alignment, as a conserved segment common for six divergent satDNAs shared by closely related genomes. Observed results emphasize it as the most prominent example of the CENP-B box-like motif out of mammals. The proposed feature of the CENP-B box-like motif is to act as a promoter in the hypothesized cut-and-paste transposition-related mechanism. This observation could represent a novel role of the CENP-B box, in addition to the known function in centromere protein binding. We propose that the second conserved sequence motif detected in explored satDNAs is involved in illegitimate recombination. In parallel to alpha satDNAs, we found organization of satDNA arrays in nematodes comparable to that found in human and primates, in the form of simple and complex higher order repeats (HORs). In contrast to human satDNA organization, characterized by phylogenetically distinct HOR and monomeric forms, organizational patterns observed in nematodes are consistent with frequent and continuous shuffling of sequences between HORs and monomeric arrays. Our results suggest the role of conserved domains in mechanisms that cause rapid shuffling of sequences among divergent satDNAs, on the level of short-segment tracts. In context of satDNA evolution, our finding provides, for the first time, an experimentally verified link between conserved domains and satDNA rearrangement events

Contribution of lateral gene transfers to the genome composition and parasitic ability of root-knot nematodes.

International audienceLateral gene transfers (LGT), species to species transmission of genes by means other than direct inheritance from a common ancestor, have played significant role in shaping prokaryotic genomes and are involved in gain or transfer of important biological processes. Whether LGT significantly contributed to the composition of an animal genome is currently unclear. In nematodes, multiple LGT are suspected to have favored emergence of plant-parasitism. With the availability of whole genome sequences it is now possible to assess whether LGT have significantly contributed to the composition of an animal genome and to establish a comprehensive list of these events. We generated clusters of homologous genes and automated phylogenetic inference, to detect LGT in the genomes of root-knot nematodes and found that up to 3.34% of the genes originate from LGT of non-metazoan origin. After their acquisition, the majority of genes underwent series of duplications. Compared to the rest of the genes in these species, several predicted functional categories showed a skewed distribution in the set of genes acquired via LGT. Interestingly, functions related to metabolism, degradation or modification of carbohydrates or proteins were substantially more frequent. This suggests that genes involved in these processes, related to a parasitic lifestyle, have been more frequently fixed in these parasites after their acquisition. Genes from soil bacteria, including plant-pathogens were the most frequent closest relatives, suggesting donors were preferentially bacteria from the rhizosphere. Several of these bacterial genes are plasmid-borne, pointing to a possible role of these mobile genetic elements in the transfer mechanism. Our analysis provides the first comprehensive description of the ensemble of genes of non-metazoan origin in an animal genome. Besides being involved in important processes regarding plant-parasitism, genes acquired via LGT now constitute a substantial proportion of protein-coding genes in these nematode genomes

High and low suicidality in Europe: a fine-grained comparison of France and Spain within the ESEMeD surveys

Background: Suicidality risk-factors between countries with similar economic and religious background have been rarely compared, especially within genders. Methods: Lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation, plans, and attempts in the ESEMeD surveys were stratified on four separate groups: French women, Spanish women, French men, and Spanish men. Outcome odds-ratios (OR) were modelled within each group using logistic regression including demographic characteristics, lifetime mood/anxiety disorders, parental bonding, marital status, and health service-use. Results: Lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts was 3.4% in France (1.1% men, 5.4% women) and 1.5% in Spain (1.2% men, 1.7% women), with a significantly greater gender difference in France (p = 0.001). Regarding risk-factors, French women reported suicide attempt more commonly with authoritarian mothers (OR = 1.51; 95%CI = 1.04-2.18), unlike Spanish women (OR = 0.77; 95%CI = 0.51-1.15) (p < 0.001). Spanish men showed more than eight-times higher odds of suicide attempt with overprotecting mothers than French men (p = 0.03). General practitioner-(GP)-use was significantly protective of suicide attempt among Spanish women (OR = 0.08; 95%CI = 0.02-0.35) with no effect in French women (OR = 1.03; 95%CI = 0.54-2.00) (p = 0.01). No significant differences in the effect of marital status, any lifetime antidepressant use, mental disorders, or religiosity on suicide attempt were observed between France and Spain within gender-stratum. Limitations: Parental bonding is retrospective and potentially influenced by mental state. Response rate was considerably lower in France than in Spain. Conclusions: Suicidality risk-factors play different roles across genders between France and Spain. Parental bonding dimensions may be interpreted differently according to country, underlining cultural importance. As recommended by WHO, mental health decisions must involve GPs in conjunction with psychiatrists or psychologists

Petrophysical and petrothermal dataset of the sedimentary succession in the Oliana anticline (Southern Pyrenees)

The petrophysical and petrothermal characterization of the sedimentary succession of the Oliana anticline in the Southern Pyrenees has been performed on the basis of mineral density, connected porosity, permeability, P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity measurements of rock samples distributed along this anticline. This dataset was used to explain: (I) the variability of petrophysical rock properties along the Oliana anticline, (II) the distribution of thermal conductivity along the sedimentary units of the anticline, (III) the relationships between the fold and petrology concerning the mineral density, connected porosity, permeability, P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity of rocks and (IV) the tectonic and diagenetic controls underlying the observed relationships, as described in the research article: 'Petrological, petrophysical and petrothermal study of a folded sedimentary succession: the Oliana anticline (Southern Pyrenees), outcrop analogue of a geothermal reservoir - Global and Planetary Change Journal (2023)". This contribution presents here the raw and statistical datasets used to discuss the potential of the Oliana anticline as a geothermal reservoir analogue and also includes an extended methodological section that proposes a new procedure to measure the thermal conductivity of highly heterogeneous coarse-grained sedimentary rocks using the Modified Transient Source Plane (MTPS) method on a TCi C-Therm thermal analyzer. These complete datasets can be used to better discuss and understand the principal limitations of outcrop analogue studies applied to unconventional geothermal reservoirs in foreland basins on the basis of the analysis of rock petrophysical and petrothermal properties. Furthermore, the data obtained in the Oliana anticline can be used to understand the structural, diagenetic and petrological factors that can modify the petrophysical and petrothermal properties of rocks and to discuss the potential of foreland basin margins to be used as geothermal reservoirs, comparing the data obtained in Oliana with studies developed in similar geological settings worldwide.</p

Petrological, petrophysical and petrothermal study of a folded sedimentary succession: the Oliana anticline (Southern Pyrenees), outcrop analogue of a geothermal reservoir

The Oliana anticline (Southern Pyrenees) has been characterized as an outcrop analogue of a geothermal reservoir using field data (stratigraphy and fracturing) and petrological, petrophysical and petrothermal analyses. Five lithofacies were established including conglomerates, hybrid arenites, lithic arenites, carbonates and evaporites. Petrophysical measurements indicate widely dispersed values of bulk density, connected porosity, permeability and velocity of compressional acoustic waves. Connected porosity is the factor that mostly influences bulk density, compressional wave velocity and permeability. In turn, diagenetic processes (such as dissolution and cementation) and fracturing, coupled with petrological features such as mineral composition, matrix content and grain size, are the most critical factors controlling rock porosity along the Oliana anticline. Thermal conductivity measures reveal a compositional control on the thermal properties of rocks. Thermal characterization of the structure reveals a low conductive area that matches the carbonate and evaporite succession of the anticline core and a highly conductive zone associated with the detrital succession of the fold limbs. The Oliana anticline has been classified as a petrothermal system due to the low permeability values of the studied sedimentary succession. Despite such classification, this contribution provides a useful exploration tool for future studies of non-conventional geothermal and CO2 storage sites located in folded sedimentary successions in the proximal domain of foreland basins

Insights from quantitative and mathematical modelling on the proposed WHO 2030 goals for Chagas disease

article publié sur la plateforme Gates Open researchChagas disease (CD) persists as one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with a particularly large impact in the Americas. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently proposed goals for CD elimination as a public health problem to be reached by 2030 by means of achieving intradomiciliary transmission interruption (IDTI), blood transfusion and transplant transmission interruption, diagnostic and treatment scaling-up and prevention and control of congenital transmission. The NTD Modelling Consortium has developed mathematical models to study Trypanosoma transmission dynamics and the potential impact of control measures. cruzi Modelling insights have shown that IDTI is feasible in areas with sustained vector control programmes and no presence of native triatomine vector populations. However, IDTI in areas with native vectors it is not feasible in a sustainable manner. Combining vector control with trypanocidal treatment can reduce the timeframes necessary to reach operational thresholds for IDTI (<2% seroprevalence in children aged <5 years), but the most informative age groups for serological monitoring are yet to be identified. Measuring progress towards the 2030 goals will require availability of vector surveillance and seroprevalence data at a fine scale, and a more active surveillance system, as well as a better understanding of the risks of vector re-colonization and disease resurgence after vector control cessation. Also, achieving scaling-up in terms of access to treatment to the expected levels (75%) will require a substantial increase in screening asymptomatic populations, which is anticipated to become very costly as CD prevalence decreases. Further modelling work includes refining and extending mathematical models (including transmission dynamics and statistical frameworks) to predict transmission at a sub-national scale, and developing quantitative tools to inform IDTI certification, post-certification and re-certification protocols. Potential perverse incentives associated with operational thresholds are discussed. These modelling insights aim to inform discussions on the goals and treatment guidelines for CD

Ultra‐thin GaAs solar cells with nanophotonic metal‐dielectric diffraction gratings fabricated with displacement Talbot lithography

Funder: Cambridge Trust; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003343Funder: Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003141Funder: Isaac Newton Trust; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100004815Abstract: Ultra‐thin photovoltaics enable lightweight flexible form factors, suitable for emerging terrestrial applications such as electric vehicle integration. These devices also exhibit intrinsic radiation tolerance and increased specific power and so are uniquely enabling for space power applications, offering longer missions in hostile environments and reduced launch costs. In this work, a GaAs solar cell with an 80‐nm absorber is developed with short circuit current exceeding the single pass limit. Integrated light management is employed to compensate for increased photon transmission inherent to ultra‐thin absorbers, and efficiency enhancement of 68% over a planar on‐wafer equivalent is demonstrated. This is achieved using a wafer‐scale technique, displacement Talbot lithography, to fabricate a rear surface nanophotonic grating. Optical simulations definitively confirm Fabry‐Perot and waveguide mode contributions to the observed increase in absorption and also demonstrate a pathway to short circuit current of 26 mA/cm2, well in excess of the double pass limit

Engineering conductive protein films through nanoscale self-assembly and gold nanoparticles doping

Protein-based materials are usually considered as insulators, although conductivity has been recently shown in proteins. This fact opens the door to develop new biocompatible conductive materials. While there are emerging efforts in this area, there is an open challenge related to the limited conductivity of protein-based systems. This work shows a novel approach to tune the charge transport properties of protein-based materials by using electron-dense AuNPs. Two strategies are combined in a unique way to generate the conductive solid films: (1) the controlled self-assembly of a protein building block; (2) the templating of AuNPs by the engineered building block. This bottom-up approach allows controlling the structure of the films and the distribution of the AuNPs within, leading to enhanced conductivity. This work illustrates a promising strategy for the development of effective hybrid protein-based bioelectrical materialsThis work was partially supported by the European Research Council ERC-CoG-648071-ProNANO, ERC-PoC-841063-NIMM, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Spain (PID2019- 111649RB-I00; and MAT2017-88693-R), and the Basque Government (Elkartek KK-2017/00008), E.L-M thanks the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for the FPI grant (BES-2017-079646). This work was performed under the Maria de Maeztu Units of Excellence Program from the Spanish State Research Agency – Grant No. MDM-2017-0720 (CIC biomaGUNE) and SEV-2016-0686 (IMDEA Nanociencia