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Two OsDGAT1 genes showed the ability to restore TAG and LB synthesis in yeast H1246. Alterations in the N-terminal region of OsDGAT1-1 gene revealed its regulatory role in gene function. Accumulation of triacylglycerol (TAG) or oil in vegetative tissues has emerged as a promising approach to meet the global needs of food, feed, and fuel. Rice (Oryza sativa) has been recognized as an important cereal crop containing nutritional rice bran oil with high economic value for renewable energy production. To identify the key component involved in storage lipid biosynthesis, two type-1 diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT1) from rice were characterized for its in vivo function in the H1246 (dga1, lro1, are1 and are2) yeast quadruple mutant. The ectopic expression of rice DGAT1 (designated as OsDGAT1-1 and OsDGAT1-2) genes restored the capability of TAG synthesis and lipid body (LB) formation in H1246. OsDGAT1-1 showed nearly equal substrate preferences to C160-CoA and 181-CoA whereas OsDGAT1-2 displayed substrate s lipid biosynthesis, two type-1 diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT1) from rice were characterized for its in vivo function in the H1246 (dga1, lro1, are1 and are2) yeast quadruple mutant. The ectopic expression of rice DGAT1 (designated as OsDGAT1-1 and OsDGAT1-2) genes restored the capability of TAG synthesis and lipid body (LB) formation in H1246. OsDGAT1-1 showed nearly equal substrate preferences to C160-CoA and 181-CoA whereas OsDGAT1-2 displayed substrate selectivity for C160-CoA over 181-CoA, indicating that these enzymes have contrasting substrate specificities. In parallel, we have identified the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) at the N-terminal domains of OsDGAT1 proteins. The regulatory role of the N-terminal domain was dissected. Single point mutations at the phosphorylation sites and truncations of the N-terminal region highlighted reduced lipid accumulation capabilities among different OsDGAT1-1 variants.Epigenetics is defined as changes in gene expression that are not associated with changes in DNA sequence but due to the result of methylation of DNA and post-translational modifications to the histones. These epigenetic modifications are known to regulate gene expression by bringing changes in the chromatin state, which underlies plant development and shapes phenotypic plasticity in responses to the environment and internal cues. This review articulates the role of histone modifications and DNA methylation in modulating biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as crop improvement. It also highlights the possibility of engineering epigenomes and epigenome-based predictive models for improving agronomic traits.

Ireland has the highest rates of overnight hospitalisations for COPD in the OECD, yet lacks estimates of the prevalence of this disease or its pharmacological management. We aimed to estimate the age and sex-specific prevalence of symptomatic COPD and to identify patterns of respiratory medication use to inform interventions to improve pharmacotherapy in this condition.

We used the national pharmacy claims database, with data on a publically insured cohort in 2016. We restricted to those aged ≥ 45years with full eligibility for that year and examined the age and sex distribution of respiratory medications, and patterns of medication use in those suggestive of COPD.

In this cohort, 23% filled at least one prescription for a respiratory medication; 14% of males and 16% of females received at least one dispensing of an ICS inhaler. The proportion dispensed a long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist (LAMA) was considerably lower. Of those newly initiated on a LAMA, 24% did not receive another within 60days of the last covered day. The prevalence of medication use suggestive of COPD was 15% in males and 16% in females.

The prevalence of medication use consistent with the management of symptomatic COPD mirrors international prevalence estimates. selleck compound Several patterns raise concern high ICS use in older adults, under use of LAMA therapy and poor persistence of those newly initiated. We recommend the development of an intervention to assist in the implementation of new national prescribing guidelines for the management of COPD.

The prevalence of medication use consistent with the management of symptomatic COPD mirrors international prevalence estimates. Several patterns raise concern high ICS use in older adults, under use of LAMA therapy and poor persistence of those newly initiated. We recommend the development of an intervention to assist in the implementation of new national prescribing guidelines for the management of COPD.

Headache is the most common reason for referral to neurology outpatient clinics in Ireland and represents approximately 30% of all new appointments.

To evaluate diagnoses and outcomes of all patients newly referred with headache to a consultant neurologist at an Irish university teaching hospital over a 2-year period.

A retrospective analysis and audit.

Data including patient demographics, red flags, investigations, diagnosis, and outcome were collected on consecutive patients newly referred with headache to a consultant neurologist’s outpatient clinic over a 2-year period.

Two hundred and seventy patients with headache were seen; 75% were women with mean age of 39years. 89.26% (241/270) were diagnosed with a primary headache disorder alone; 4.44% (12/270) with a secondary headache disorder alone; 3.33% (9/270) with both a primary and secondary headache disorders; and 2.96% (8/270) with a painful cranial neuropathy. Migraine was the most common diagnosis, frequently associated with medication overuse. Non-attendance rates were high. Although imaging abnormalities were frequently found, on no occasion was it thought to be the cause of the headache.

Most patients referred to a neurology outpatient clinic with headache have a primary headache disorder. Alternate pathways should be considered to reduce the burden on Ireland’s limited neurology resources without compromising patient safety.

Most patients referred to a neurology outpatient clinic with headache have a primary headache disorder. Alternate pathways should be considered to reduce the burden on Ireland’s limited neurology resources without compromising patient safety.