Hormone Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Cultivated and Wild Tomato Seedlings under Low-Temperature Stress

Low temperature is a major limiting factor for the growth and reproduction of some plant species, such as tomato. So far, few studies have been conducted on the effects of low temperature, and the mechanisms of plants' response to this type of stress is not fully clear. In the current study, the effects of low, nonfreezing temperature (10 °C for three days) on the hormone content, antioxidant activity, and expression patterns of cold-related genes in the leaves of cold-tolerant species (Solanum habrochaites Accession 'LA1777′) and cold-susceptible species (Solanum lycopersicum cultivar 'Moneymaker') were investigated. Low temperature increased the abscisic acid (ABA) content in both tomato species, while the content of zeatin-type cytokinins (ZT) increased in the cold-tolerant species. However, the content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA) reduced in response to low temperature in susceptible species. Accordingly, cytokinin (CK) is identified as an important hormone associated with low-temperature stress in tomato. In addition, our results indicate that the C-repeat/DRE binding factor 1 (CBF1) gene is less induced in response to low temperature in tomato, although transcription of the inducer of CBF expression 1 (ICE1) gene was upregulated under low temperature in both tomato species. It seems that ICE1 may modulate cold-regulated (COR) genes in a CBF-independent way. In addition, in response to low temperature, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and membrane stability index (MSI) increased in the susceptible species, indicating that low temperature induces oxidative stress. Additionally, we found that glutathione peroxidase is highly involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging induced by low temperature, and antioxidants are more induced in tolerant species. Overall, our results suggest that sub-optimal temperatures promote oxidative stress in tomato and CK is introduced as a factor related to the response to low temperature that requires deeper attention in future breeding programs of tomato

Magnesium transporter Gene Family: Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization in Theobroma cacao, Corchorus capsularis, and Gossypium hirsutum of Family Malvaceae

Magnesium (Mg) is an element involved in various key cellular processes in plants. Mg transporter (MGT) genes play an important role in magnesium distribution and ionic balance maintenance. Here, MGT family members were identified and characterized in three species of the plant family Malvaceae, Theobroma cacao, Corchorus capsularis, and Gossypium hirsutum, to improve our understanding of their structure, regulatory systems, functions, and possible interactions. We identified 18, 41, and 16 putative non-redundant MGT genes from the genome of T. cacao, G. hirsutum, and C. capsularis, respectively, which clustered into three groups the maximum likelihood tree. Several segmental/tandem duplication events were determined between MGT genes. MGTs appear to have evolved slowly under a purifying selection. Analysis of gene promoter regions showed that MGTs have a high potential to respond to biotic/abiotic stresses and hormones. The expression patterns of MGT genes revealed a possible role in response to P. megakarya fungi in T. cacao, whereas MGT genes showed differential expression in various tissues and response to several abiotic stresses, including cold, salt, drought, and heat stress in G. hirsutum. The co-expression network of MGTs indicated that genes involved in auxin-responsive lipid metabolism, cell wall organization, and photoprotection can interact with MGTs

The BAHD gene family in cacao (Theobroma cacao, Malvaceae) : Genome-wide identification and expression analysis

BAHD enzymes play a critical role in regulating plant metabolites and affecting cell stability. In the present study, BAHD gene family members were recognized in the genome of Theobroma cacao and characterized using available bioinformatics tools. We found 27 nonredundant putative tcBAHD genes in cacao for the first time. Our findings indicate that tcBAHD genes are diverse based on sequence structure, physiochemical properties, and function. In addition, tcBAHDs and their orthologous in G. raimnodii, and C. capsularis were clustered into five groups. According to phylogenetic analysis, BAHD family genes were probably evolve drastically after divergence. The divergence time of duplication events with purifying selection pressure was predicted to range from 1.82 MYA to 15.50 MYA. Pocket analysis revealed that SER amino acids play a key role in regulating the activity of tcBAHDs. Furthermore, cis-acting elements related to responsiveness of stress and hormone, especially ABA and MeJA, were observed in the promoter region of tcBAHD genes. RNA-seq analysis revealed that tcBAHD13 and tcBAHD26 are more involved in response to P. megakarya fungi. In conclusion, it seems that evolutionary processes, such as duplication events, caused a high diversity in the structure and function of tcBAHD genes.Peer reviewe

Effect of Positive Mindfulness and Emotion-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Fibromyalgia Patients’ Response to Stress and Subjective Well-Being

AbstractIntroduction: Fibromyalgia disease has a considerable effect on anxiety disorders such as subjective well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of positive mindfulness therapy (PMT) and emotion-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (EFCBT) in fibromyalgia patients’ response to stress and subjective well-being.Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design, and a control group. The statistical population included 160 women with fibromyalgia, visiting Red Cross affiliated physiotherapy clinics in Tehran in 2020. The sample consisted of 60 patients with fibromyalgia selected by convenience sampling and randomly divided into two experimental groups (PMT and EFCBT) and a control group (n= 20 per group). Data were collected using the Self-Regulation Inventory (SRI) and the Subjective Well-Being Scale. The validity and reliability of the research instruments were confirmed. Data were analyzed at descriptive and inferential levels using SPSS software version 20.Results: The results showed that the PMT produced significant improvements in subjective well-being and response to stress (P = 0.001) in patients with fibromyalgia. Furthermore, EFCBT was effective in improving subjective well-being and response to stress (P = 0.001) in the patients compared to the control group. The results did not imply a significant difference between the two treatment interventions.Conclusions: PMT and EFCBT were effective in reducing response to stress and improving subjective well-being in patients with fibromyalgia. Based on the results, holding PMT and EFCBT workshops may exert beneficial effects on reducing response to stress and increasing subjective well-being in patients with fibromyalgia. According to the results, using positive mindfulness therapy and emotion-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy was effective in reducing response to stress and improving subjective well-being in patients with fibromyalgia

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis: Successful Treatment with Acyclovir

Introduction: One of the most common causes of encephalitis is due to viral infections, such as herpes simplex. Traditionally, brain biopsy was required for the diagnosis of HSV encephalitis; however, here CSF PCR detection for herpes simplex encephalitis is reported which was successfully treated with Acyclovir.Case presentation:A 52 year old female patient was brought to emergency department with fever (400C), constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, disorientation and agitation for the last two days. DNA extraction and Real Time PCR was performed on CSF sample for HSV-1/2 and HSV-1 was positive. Moreover, the brain MRI report showed left and basal temporal oppression, together with left and basal frontal pus. The patient was discharged after 20 days of hospitalization and treatment with acyclovir and normal physiological indexes and had a good clinical and neurologic outcome with resolution of all the symptoms.Conclusion:It is worthy to emphasize that despite the normal biochemical CSF, imaging results and PCR are proved evidence of HSV encephalitis.

Relationship between Perceived Organizational Justice and Quality of Working Life Mediated by Job Involvement among the Iranian Red Crescent Society Staff

Introduction: Organizations attempt to retain and grow their employees while improving organizational performance by improving their quality of working life. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived organizational justice and quality of working life mediated by job involvement among the Iranian Red Crescent Society staff.Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling to investigate the relationship between variables. The statistical population consisted of all staff of the Red Crescent Society of Yazd Province in 2022-2023. In this study, 304 people were selected as participants through convenience sampling. The participants were asked to fill out the research measurement tools (i.e., quality of working life questionnaire, perceived organizational justice questionnaire, and job involvement scale). The proposed model was evaluated using structural equation modeling. The bootstrap test was used to test indirect relationships between the research variables.Results: The analysis of demographic data showed that the mean age of participants was 32.52±4.16 years. Moreover, 265 (87.17%) participants were male and 39 (12.83%) were female. The results demonstrated a significant relationship of perceived organizational justice with quality of working life and job involvement (P<0.001). A significant relationship also existed between job involvement and quality of working life among the Iranian Red Crescent Society staff (P=0.002). The results also demonstrated the significant relationship of perceived organizational justice with the quality of working life mediated by job involvement (P=0.014).Conclusions: Perceived organizational justice and job involvement had a positive, significant relationship with the quality of working life. Hence, organizational managers are advised to pay more attention to perceived organizational justice and job attachment

Investigation and Computational Analysis of the Sulfotransferase (SOT) Gene Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum): Insights into Sulfur Adjustment for Proper Development and Stimuli Responses

Various kinds of primary metabolisms in plants are modulated through sulfate metabolism, and sulfotransferases (SOTs), which are engaged in sulfur metabolism, catalyze sulfonation reactions. In this study, a genome-wide approach was utilized for the recognition and characterization of SOT family genes in the significant nutritional crop potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Twenty-nine putative StSOT genes were identified in the potato genome and were mapped onto the nine S. tuberosum chromosomes. The protein motifs structure revealed two highly conserved 5′-phosphosulfate-binding (5′ PSB) regions and a 3′-phosphate-binding (3′ PB) motif that are essential for sulfotransferase activities. The protein–protein interaction networks also revealed an interesting interaction between SOTs and other proteins, such as PRTase, APS-kinase, protein phosphatase, and APRs, involved in sulfur compound biosynthesis and the regulation of flavonoid and brassinosteroid metabolic processes. This suggests the importance of sulfotransferases for proper potato growth and development and stress responses. Notably, homology modeling of StSOT proteins and docking analysis of their ligand-binding sites revealed the presence of proline, glycine, serine, and lysine in their active sites. An expression essay of StSOT genes via potato RNA-Seq data suggested engagement of these gene family members in plants’ growth and extension and responses to various hormones and biotic or abiotic stimuli. Our predictions may be informative for the functional characterization of the SOT genes in potato and other nutritional crops

Sugar transporter gene family: structure, evolution, and expression analysis in Beta vulgaris

Sugar transporters are key mediators of the distribution of photosynthesis products in plant organs and play a key role in maintaining the sugar balance in cells. In this study, for the first time, all sugar transporters in Beta vulgaris (BvSUTR) were identified and compared based on their structure and function. A total of 61 BvSUTR genes were identified, and they were classified into four subfamilies: sugar/inositol transporter, sucrose/H+ symporter, nucleotide-sugar transporter, and sweet sugar transporter. Gene structures and physiochemical characteristics varied significantly across the phylogenetic groups, with a lower prevalence of phosphorylation regions detected in individuals belonging to group I and group V, which are part of the sweet sugar transporter subfamily. Additionally, there was a variation in the number of transmembrane helices from 5 to 12, notably fewer in the sweet sugar transporter subfamily. Moreover, the BvSUTR proteins displayed distinct three-dimensional structures and binding sites, where serine and leucine residues were found to be more prevalent in the binding locations. Analysis of the upstream region revealed that cis-regulatory elements related to growth, light, and abscisic acid (ABA) responsiveness are repeated in the promoter region of BvSUTRs. The expression profile revealed that SUTRs are less expressed in response to abiotic stresses. Analysis of the interaction network revealed that there is a strong interaction between sugar transporters and members of this gene family, which further influences the function of their other paralogs. The results of this research can be used in molecular research related to sugar beet breeding programs

Comparative plastome analysis of Blumea, with implications for genome evolution and phylogeny of Asteroideae

The genus Blumea (Asteroideae, Asteraceae) comprises about 100 species, including herbs, shrubs, and small trees. Previous studies have been unable to resolve taxonomic issues and the phylogeny of the genus Blumea due to the low polymorphism of molecular markers. Therefore, suitable polymorphic regions need to be identified. Here, we de novo assembled plastomes of the three Blumea species B. oxyodonta, B. tenella, and B. balsamifera and compared them with 25 other species of Asteroideae after correction of annotations. These species have quadripartite plastomes with similar gene content and genome organization comprising 113 genes, including 80 protein-coding, 29 transfer RNA, and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. The contraction and expansion of inverted repeats also show high similarities among the species. The comparative analysis of codon usage, amino acid frequency, microsatellite repeats, oligonucleotide repeats, and transition and transversion substitutions has revealed high resemblance among the newly assembled species of Blumea. We identified 10 highly polymorphic regions with nucleotide diversity above 0.02, including rps16-trnQ, ycf1, ndhF-rpl32, rps15, petN-psbM, and rpl32-trnL, and they may be suitable for the development of robust, authentic, and cost-effective markers for bar coding and inference of the phylogeny of the genus Blumea. Among these highly polymorphic regions, five regions also co-occurred with oligonucleotide repeats and support use of repeats as a proxy for the identification of polymorphic loci. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between Blumea and Pluchea within the tribe Inuleae. Our study supports a sister relationship between “Astereae and Anthemideae,” while Gnaphalieae roots these two tribes, whereas in a previous study a sister relationship was reported between “Senecioneae and Anthemideae” and “Astereae and Gnaphalieae” using nuclear genome sequences. The conflicting phylogenetic signals observed at the tribal level between chloroplast and nuclear genome data require further investigation.Peer reviewe

Investigation and Computational Analysis of the Sulfotransferase (SOT) Gene Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum): Insights into Sulfur Adjustment for Proper Development and Stimuli Responses

Various kinds of primary metabolisms in plants are modulated through sulfate metabolism, and sulfotransferases (SOTs), which are engaged in sulfur metabolism, catalyze sulfonation reactions. In this study, a genome-wide approach was utilized for the recognition and characterization of SOT family genes in the significant nutritional crop potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Twenty-nine putative StSOT genes were identified in the potato genome and were mapped onto the nine S. tuberosum chromosomes. The protein motifs structure revealed two highly conserved 5′-phosphosulfate-binding (5′ PSB) regions and a 3′-phosphate-binding (3′ PB) motif that are essential for sulfotransferase activities. The protein–protein interaction networks also revealed an interesting interaction between SOTs and other proteins, such as PRTase, APS-kinase, protein phosphatase, and APRs, involved in sulfur compound biosynthesis and the regulation of flavonoid and brassinosteroid metabolic processes. This suggests the importance of sulfotransferases for proper potato growth and development and stress responses. Notably, homology modeling of StSOT proteins and docking analysis of their ligand-binding sites revealed the presence of proline, glycine, serine, and lysine in their active sites. An expression essay of StSOT genes via potato RNA-Seq data suggested engagement of these gene family members in plants’ growth and extension and responses to various hormones and biotic or abiotic stimuli. Our predictions may be informative for the functional characterization of the SOT genes in potato and other nutritional crops