5 research outputs found

    Optimization and Application of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing in a Cosmopolitan Pest, Diamondback Moth

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    The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an efficient tool for reverse genetics validation, and the application of this system in the cell lines provides a new perspective on target gene analysis for the development of biotechnology tools. However, in the cell lines of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, the integrity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and the utilization of this cell lines still need to be improved to ensure the application of the system. Here, we stabilize the transfection efficiency of the P. xylostella cell lines at different passages at about 60% by trying different transfection reagents and adjusting the transfection method. For Cas9 expression in the CRIPSPR/Cas9 system, we identified a strong endogenous promoter: the 217–2 promoter. The dual-luciferase and EGFP reporter assay demonstrated that it has a driving efficiency close to that of the IE1 promoter. We constructed pB-Cas9-Neo plasmid and pU6-sgRNA plasmid for CRISPR/Cas9 system and subsequent cell screening. The feasibility of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in P. xylostella cell lines was verified by knocking out endogenous and exogenous genes. Finally, we generated a transgenic Cas9 cell line of P. xylostella that would benefit future exploitation, such as knock-in and multi-threaded editing. Our works provides the validity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in the P. xylostella cell lines and lays the foundation for further genetic and molecular studies on insects, particularly favoring gene function analysis

    Chinese mental health workers’ family-focused practices: a cross-sectional survey

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    Abstract Background Mental disorders impose heavy burdens on patients’ families and children. It is imperative to provide family-focused services to avoid adverse effects from mental disorders on patients’ families and children. However, implementing such services requires a great deal of involvement of mental health workers. This study investigated the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and practices in respect to family-focused practices (FFP) in a sample of Chinese mental health workers. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed to examine the attitudes, knowledge, skills, and practices of a convenience sample of Chinese mental health workers in respect to FFP, using the Chinese version of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire (FFMHPQ). Results In total, 515 mental health workers participated in our study, including 213 psychiatrists, 269 psychiatric nurses, and 34 allied mental health professionals (20 clinical psychologists, 9 mental health social workers, and 4 occupational therapists). Compared with psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists and allied mental health professionals provided more support for families and children of patients with mental illness and were more willing to receive further training in FFP. However, there were no significant differences on knowledge, skills, and confidence across different profession types. After adjusting for demographic and occupational variables, previous training in FFP was positively associated with mental health workers’ knowledge, skills, and confidence about FFP, but not actual support to families and children. Conclusions Professional differences on FFP exist in Chinese mental health workers. Training is needed to engage psychiatrists and other allied workforce in dissemination and implementation of FFP in China
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