6 research outputs found

    The tomato subtilase family includes several cell death-related proteinases with caspase specificity

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    Phytaspases are Asp-specific subtilisin-like plant proteases that have been likened to animal caspases with respect to their regulatory function in programmed cell death (PCD). We identified twelve putative phytaspase genes in tomato that differed widely in expression level and tissue-specific expression patterns. Most phytaspase genes are tandemly arranged on tomato chromosomes one, four, and eight, and many belong to taxon-specific clades, e.g. the P69 clade in the nightshade family, suggesting that these genes evolved by gene duplication after speciation. Five tomato phytaspases (SlPhyts) were expressed in N. benthamiana and purified to homogeneity. Substrate specificity was analyzed in a proteomics assay and with a panel of fluorogenic peptide substrates. Similar to animal caspases, SlPhyts recognized an extended sequence motif including Asp at the cleavage site. Clear differences in cleavage site preference were observed implying different substrates in vivo and, consequently, different physiological functions. A caspase-like function in PCD was confirmed for five of the seven tested phytaspases. Cell death was triggered by ectopic expression of SlPhyts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in tomato leaves by agro-infiltration, as well as in stably transformed transgenic tomato plants. SlPhyts 3, 4, and 5 were found to contribute to cell death under oxidative stress conditions

    The tomato subtilase family includes several cell death-related proteinases with caspase specificity

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    Phytaspases are Asp-specific subtilisin-like plant proteases that have been likened to animal caspases with respect to their regulatory function in programmed cell death (PCD). We identified twelve putative phytaspase genes in tomato that differed widely in expression level and tissue-specific expression patterns. Most phytaspase genes are tandemly arranged on tomato chromosomes one, four, and eight, and many belong to taxon-specific clades, e.g. the P69 clade in the nightshade family, suggesting that these genes evolved by gene duplication after speciation. Five tomato phytaspases (SlPhyts) were expressed in N. benthamiana and purified to homogeneity. Substrate specificity was analyzed in a proteomics assay and with a panel of fluorogenic peptide substrates. Similar to animal caspases, SlPhyts recognized an extended sequence motif including Asp at the cleavage site. Clear differences in cleavage site preference were observed implying different substrates in vivo and, consequently, different physiological functions. A caspase-like function in PCD was confirmed for five of the seven tested phytaspases. Cell death was triggered by ectopic expression of SlPhyts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in tomato leaves by agro-infiltration, as well as in stably transformed transgenic tomato plants. SlPhyts 3, 4, and 5 were found to contribute to cell death under oxidative stress conditions

    Organisational and student characteristics, fidelity, funding models, and unit costs of recovery colleges in 28 countries:a cross-sectional survey

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    Background: Recovery colleges were developed in England to support the recovery of individuals who have mental health symptoms or mental illness. They have been founded in many countries but there has been little international research on recovery colleges and no studies investigating their staffing, fidelity, or costs. We aimed to characterise recovery colleges internationally, to understand organisational and student characteristics, fidelity, and budget. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we identified all countries in which recovery colleges exist. We repeated a cross-sectional survey done in England for recovery colleges in 28 countries. In both surveys, recovery colleges were defined as services that supported personal recovery, that were coproduced with students and staff, and where students learned collaboratively with trainers. Recovery college managers completed the survey. The survey included questions about organisational and student characteristics, fidelity to the RECOLLECT Fidelity Measure, funding models, and unit costs. Recovery colleges were grouped by country and continent and presented descriptively. We used regression models to explore continental differences in fidelity, using England as the reference group. Findings: We identified 221 recovery colleges operating across 28 countries, in five continents. Overall, 174 (79%) of 221 recovery colleges participated. Most recovery colleges scored highly on fidelity. Overall scores for fidelity (β=–2·88, 95% CI 4·44 to –1·32; p=0·0001), coproduction (odds ratio [OR] 0·10, 95% CI 0·03 to 0·33; p&lt;0·0001), and being tailored to the student (OR 0·10, 0·02 to 0·39; p=0·0010), were lower for recovery colleges in Asia than in England. No other significant differences were identified between recovery colleges in England, and those in other continents where recovery colleges were present. 133 recovery colleges provided data on annual budgets, which ranged from €0 to €2 550 000, varying extensively within and between continents. From included data, all annual budgets reported by the college added up to €30 million, providing 19 864 courses for 55 161 students. Interpretation: Recovery colleges exist in many countries. There is an international consensus on key operating principles, especially equality and a commitment to recovery, and most recovery colleges achieve moderate to high fidelity to the original model, irrespective of the income band of their country. Cultural differences need to be considered in assessing coproduction and approaches to individualising support. Funding: National Institute for Health and Care Research.</p

    Recovery College characteristics, fidelity, commissioning models and unit costs: a cross-sectional global survey of 28 countries

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    Background Recovery Colleges (RCs) support the recovery of individuals who have mental health issues, using the principles of coproduction and adult learning. There has been little international research on RCs and none investigating costs, staffing, or fidelity to these and other principles. We aimed to characterise RCs internationally. Methods We conducted an observational study integrating two equivalent cross-sectional surveys, one conducted within England in 2021 and one in all other countries in 2022. We included all RCs meeting recovery orientation, coproduction and adult learning criteria. Managers completed a survey capturing organisational and student characteristics, fidelity and budget. RCs were grouped by country and continent to allow for regression models exploring continental differences in fidelity. Outcomes We identified 221 RCs operating across 28 countries, spanning five continents. Overall, 174 (79%) RCs participated in the survey. Most scored high on fidelity. Compared with England, RCs in Asia scored lower on overall fidelity, ‘coproduction’ and ‘tailored to the student’. Annual budgets in the 133 (60%) colleges providing economic data were €0-2,550,000, varying extensively within and between continents. Among the RCs who provided data, annual budgets totalled €30m, providing 19,864 courses for 55,161 students. Interpretation RCs exist in many countries. There is an international consensus on key operating principles, especially equality and a commitment to recovery, and most RCs achieve moderate to high fidelity, irrespective of the income band of their country. Cultural differences need to be considered in assessing coproduction and approaches to individualising support

    Cross-cultural insights from two global mental health studies: self-enhancement and ingroup biases

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    This Commentary highlights two cross-cultural issues identified from our global mental health (GMH) research, RECOLLECT (Recovery Colleges Characterisation and Testing) 2: Selfenhancement and ingroup biases. Self-enhancement is a tendency to maintain and express unrealistically positive self-views. Ingroup biases are differences in one’s evaluation of others belonging to the same social group. These biases are discussed in the context of GMH research using self-report measures across cultures. GMH, a field evolving since its Lancet series introduction in 2007, aims to advance mental health equity and human rights. Despite a 16.5- fold increase in annual GMH studies from 2007 to 2016, cross-cultural understanding remains underdeveloped. We discuss the impact of individualism versus collectivism on selfenhancement and ingroup biases. GMH research using concepts, outcomes, and methods aligned with individualism, may give advantages to people and services oriented to individualism. GMH research needs to address these biases arising from cross-cultural differences to achieve its aim
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