Modification of the plant retinoblastoma-related protein (RBR1) by SUMO : structural and functional studies

The retinoblastoma protein (Rb) is a transcription regulator and key component of the Rb/E2F/DP pathway which regulates progression of the cell cycle in plants and animals. Within the pathway, Rb blocks E2F transcriptional activity consequently ensuring restricted cell proliferation. Of great importance too, is a family of posttranslational modifiers referred to as small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMO), whose modification consequences include; sub cellular localization of proteins, alteration of protein to protein interaction and regulation of transcriptional activity. In order to study and depict the plant retinoblastoma related protein (RBR1) as a SUMO substrate; its modification site was mutated to address the effect of the mutation on protein localization. Additionally, an in-vitro assay was used to further illustrate the consequences of the mutation. In protoplasts transfected with wild type RBR1 the protein was solely present in the nucleus while those transfected with mutated RBR1, the protein was seen in both the nucleus and the cytosol. From the in vitro SUMOylation assay it was evident that while wild type RBR1 could be modified by SUMO, its mutated version could not undergo modification. The results from this study don’t only show RBR1 as a SUMO substrate; they also suggest that modification by SUMO could be needed for its sub-cellular localization

Regulation of metabolic events during embryo development in Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst)

The overall aim of this thesis was to identify and characterize metabolic and biochemical events that are involved in regulation of embryo development in Norway spruce. Embryogenesis involves coordination of multicellular patterning events which are critical for establishment of the apical-basal plan of the plant. Due to similarities with zygotic embryogenesis, the process of somatic embryogenesis (SE) provides an excellent in vitro model system for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of embryo development. Recent progress in metabolomics provides new tools for innovative approaches for elucidating the metabolic pathways present in in vitro samples. Gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/TOFMS) was used to identify important metabolic changes during development of somatic embryos in embryogenic cell lines of Norway spruce. The studied cell lines exhibited normal, aberrant and blocked development of embryos. The results of the metabolic analyses indicated that endogenous sucrose is beneficial for proliferation of proembryogenic masses (PEMs), early embryo differentiation and normal late embryo development. In contrast, aberrant late embryo formation was associated with elevated levels of endogenous fructose during embryo differentiation. A subsequent study found that embryogenic cultures of Norway spruce exhibited blocked development of embryos when cultured on medium containing fructose. Furthermore, the embryogenic cultures displayed elevated levels of protein fluorescence, protein carbonyl content, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and alterations in antioxidant (glutathione) content. These results led to a hypothesis that the inhibitory effect of fructose on embryo development may be linked to the Maillard reaction. Assessment of the biochemical effect of carbohydrates and osmoticum on embryo development revealed that, maltose and polyethylene glycol (PEG) inhibit the germination of embryos by restricting the accumulation of sucrose, raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. These compounds are important for the acquisition of desiccation tolerance. Taken together, these findings show that carbohydrates play an important role during development and germination of embryos

A Review of ICT Integration in Agricultural Extension Services. A Global Perspective

The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services is transforming knowledge dissemination, addressing challenges of accessibility, efficiency, and inclusiveness. Traditional extension systems, constrained by resource limitations and outdated methods, struggle to meet modern agricultural demands. ICT tools such as mobile phones, internet-based platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain provide real-time, localised, and cost-effective solutions. This review examines the impact of ICT in enhancing agricultural extension services, highlighting initiatives like India’s mKisan, Africa’s e-Agriculture programs, and the global Digital Green initiative. These platforms have improved access to timely information on weather, pest management, and market trends, boosting productivity and resilience. However, several barriers hinder ICT adoption, including the digital divide, limited smartphone and internet access, unreliable electricity, and socioeconomic inequalities, particularly affecting women and marginalised groups. Low digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and weak policy support further constrain scalability. Addressing these challenges requires investments in rural connectivity, affordable technology, and capacity-building initiatives. Public-private partnerships, ICT funding, and participatory, farmer-centred approaches are crucial for long-term success. Future prospects include AI-driven predictive analytics, blockchain for transparent supply chains, and augmented/virtual reality for training

Evaluation of a New Temporary Immersion Bioreactor System for Micropropagation of Cultivars of Eucalyptus, Birch and Fir

The use of liquid instead of solid culture medium for the micropropagation of plants offers advantages such as better access to medium components and scalability through possible automation of the processes. The objective of this work was to compare a new temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) to solid medium culture for the micropropagation of a selection of tree species micropropagated for commercial use: Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach), Eucalyptus (E. grandis x E. urophylla), Downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh), and Curly birch (Betula pendula var. carelica). Cultivation of explants in the TIB resulted in a significant increase of multiplication rate and fresh weight of Eucalyptus and B. pendula, but not Betula pubescens. In addition, the fresh weight of embryogenic tissue and the maturation frequency of somatic embryos increased significantly when an embryogenic cell line of A. nordmanniana was cultivated in the TIB compared to solid culture medium. These results demonstrate the potential for scaling up and automating micropropagation by shoot multiplication and somatic embryogenesis in commercial tree species using a temporary immersion bioreactor

Evaluation of a New Temporary Immersion Bioreactor System for Micropropagation of Cultivars of Eucalyptus, Birch and Fir

The use of liquid instead of solid culture medium for the micropropagation of plants offers advantages such as better access to medium components and scalability through possible automation of the processes. The objective of this work was to compare a new temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) to solid medium culture for the micropropagation of a selection of tree species micropropagated for commercial use: Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach), Eucalyptus (E. grandis x E. urophylla), Downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh), and Curly birch (Betula pendula var. carelica). Cultivation of explants in the TIB resulted in a significant increase of multiplication rate and fresh weight of Eucalyptus and B. pendula, but not Betula pubescens. In addition, the fresh weight of embryogenic tissue and the maturation frequency of somatic embryos increased significantly when an embryogenic cell line of A. nordmanniana was cultivated in the TIB compared to solid culture medium. These results demonstrate the potential for scaling up and automating micropropagation by shoot multiplication and somatic embryogenesis in commercial tree species using a temporary immersion bioreactor

Metabolome and transcriptome profiling reveal new insights into somatic embryo germination in Norway spruce (Picea abies)

Transcriptome, metabolome and histological profiling were performed on normal and aberrant somatic embryo germinants of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) providing a simplistic systems biology description of conifer germination. Aberrant germinants (AGs) formed periderm-like tissue at the apical pole and lacked shoot growth above the cotyledons. Transcriptome profiling (RNA-Sequencing) revealed a total of 370 differentially expressed genes at >= 1 or <=-1 log(2)-fold change, where 92% were down-regulated in AGs compared with normal germinants (NGs). Genes associated with shoot apical meristem formation were down-regulated in AGs, or not differentially expressed between AGs and NGs. Genes involved in hormone signaling and transport were also down-regulated. Metabolite profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) and liquid chromatography-MS revealed biochemical difference between AGs and NGs, notably increased levels of sugars including glucose in AGs. Genes involved in glucose signaling were down-regulated and genes involved in starch biosynthesis were up-regulated, suggesting involvement of sugar signaling during late embryo development and germination. The overall results provide new data enabling further studies to confirm potential markers for a normal germination process in conifers

The effect of carbohydrates and osmoticum on storage reserve accumulation and germination of Norway spruce somatic embryos

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) represents a useful experimental system for studying the regulatory mechanisms of embryo development. In this study, the effect of carbohydrates and osmoticum on storage reserve accumulation and germination of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst] somatic embryos were investigated. Using time lapse photography, we monitored development from proliferation of proembryogenic masses (PEMs) to maturation of somatic embryos in two P. abies cell lines cultured on two maturation treatments. A combination of sugar assays, metabolic and proteomic analyses were used to quantify storage reserves in the mature somatic embryos. The maturation treatment containing a nonpermeating osmoticum, polyethylene glycol (PEG, 7.5%) and maltose (3%) as the carbohydrate gave significantly high maturation and low germination frequencies of somatic embryos compared to the treatment with only 3% sucrose. Somatic embryos treated with 3% sucrose contained high levels of sucrose, raffinose and late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins. These compounds are known to be involved in the acquisition of desiccation tolerance during seed development and maturation. In addition the sucrose treatment significantly increased the content of starch in the somatic embryos while the maltose and PEG treatment resulted in somatic embryos with a high content of storage proteins. The high levels of sucrose, raffinose and LEA proteins in the embryos treated with 3% sucrose suggest that sucrose may improve the germination of somatic embryos by promoting the acquisition of desiccation tolerance

A Review of ICT Integration in Agricultural Extension Services. A Global Perspective

The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services is transforming knowledge dissemination, addressing challenges of accessibility, efficiency, and inclusiveness. Traditional extension systems, constrained by resource limitations and outdated methods, struggle to meet modern agricultural demands. ICT tools such as mobile phones, internet-based platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain provide real-time, localised, and cost-effective solutions. This review examines the impact of ICT in enhancing agricultural extension services, highlighting initiatives like India’s mKisan, Africa’s e-Agriculture programs, and the global Digital Green initiative. These platforms have improved access to timely information on weather, pest management, and market trends, boosting productivity and resilience. However, several barriers hinder ICT adoption, including the digital divide, limited smartphone and internet access, unreliable electricity, and socioeconomic inequalities, particularly affecting women and marginalised groups. Low digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and weak policy support further constrain scalability. Addressing these challenges requires investments in rural connectivity, affordable technology, and capacity-building initiatives. Public private partnerships, ICT funding, and participatory, farmer-centred approaches are crucial for long-term success. Future prospects include AI-driven predictive analytics, blockchain for transparent supply chains, and augmented/virtual reality for training

Evaluation of a New Temporary Immersion Bioreactor System for Micropropagation of Cultivars of Eucalyptus, Birch and Fir

The use of liquid instead of solid culture medium for the micropropagation of plants offers advantages such as better access to medium components and scalability through possible automation of the processes. The objective of this work was to compare a new temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) to solid medium culture for the micropropagation of a selection of tree species micropropagated for commercial use: Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Steven) Spach), Eucalyptus (E. grandis x E. urophylla), Downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh), and Curly birch (Betula pendula var. carelica). Cultivation of explants in the TIB resulted in a significant increase of multiplication rate and fresh weight of Eucalyptus and B. pendula, but not Betula pubescens. In addition, the fresh weight of embryogenic tissue and the maturation frequency of somatic embryos increased significantly when an embryogenic cell line of A. nordmanniana was cultivated in the TIB compared to solid culture medium. These results demonstrate the potential for scaling up and automating micropropagation by shoot multiplication and somatic embryogenesis in commercial tree species using a temporary immersion bioreactor

Managing hypertension in a Rohingya refugee camp: a brief report

Non-communicable diseases have overtaken communicable diseases as the most common cause of death worldwide, with the majority of these deaths in low-income and middle-income countries. Hypertension alone causes over nine million deaths per year.Since 2017, around 750 000 Rohingya refugees have fled violence in Myanmar into Cox’s Bazar District in Bangladesh. We describe a quality improvement project focused on the management of hypertension in Rohingya refugees in three primary health facilities within the Rohingya refugee camps. The aim of the project was to create a sustainable hypertension service within existing primary care services.A number of plan–do–study–act cycles were performed to improve care, with methods including: creating a specialised clinic, writing a treatment algorithm, training of pharmacists, engaging community health workers and educational programmes for staff and patients.In 2020, 554 patients were engaged in the new hypertension service. Of these, 358 (64.6%) returned for follow-up at least once. Mean systolic blood pressure (BP) was 141.7 (SD 60.0) mm Hg and mean diastolic BP was 88.1 (SD 11.1) mm Hg. Patients engaged in treatment had a significant reduction of BP of 8.2 (95% CI 5.4 to 11.0)/6.0 (95% CI 4.1 to 7.9) mm Hg (p&lt;0.0001).Our project shows that it is possible to create a hypertension service in a challenging humanitarian crisis, which can successfully improve the control of hypertension, although retention in care can be difficult