We have previously reported that the expression of the wheat Cab‐1 gene is subject to phytochrome regulation and a 1.8‐kb 5′ upstream sequence of this gene is sufficient for the regulated expression. To delineate sequences for the phytochrome response we analyzed a series of 5′ deletion mutants as well as chimeric gene constructs comprising different sequences of the Cab‐1 upstream region in transgenic tobacco seedlings. We found that a deletion mutant containing a 357‐bp 5′ upstream sequence still exhibits maximal levels of phytochrome‐regulated expression. A 268‐bp enhancer‐like element, located between −89 and −357, is responsible for the phytochrome response of the Cab‐1 gene; sequences upstream from −357 to −843 and downstream from −124 to +1100 are probably not involved. Finally, we show that the Cab‐1 mRNA stability is not regulated by phytochrome.

We have investigated the effects of protein synthesis inhibitors on light-induced expression of two plant nuclear genes, Cab and rbcS, in wheat, pea and transgenic tobacco. Light activation of these two genes is very sensitive to cycloheximide, an inhibitor of cytoplasmic protein synthesis but not to chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of organeliar protein synthesis. Studies with chimeric gene constructs in transgenic tobacco seedlings show that cycloheximide exerts its effect at the transcriptional level. As a control, we show that the expression of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter is enhanced by cycloheximide treatment, irrespective of the coding sequence used. Escape-time analyses with green wheat seedlings show that the cycloheximide block for Cab gene expression is after the primary signal transduction step linked to phytochrome photoconversion. Our results suggest that phytochrome activation of Cab and rbcS is mediated by a labile protein factor(s) synthesized on cytoplasmic ribosomes.

Background The prevalence of daily cigarette smoking has dropped to 10% in Hong Kong (HK) in 2017, however, smoking still kills 5700 persons per year. Studies suggest that abstinence rates are higher with combined NRT than single NRT, although local data on safety and benefits of combined NRT are lacking. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of combined NRT with single NRT among HK Chinese. Methods This is a one-year, two-arm, parallel randomised trial. Five hundred sixty smokers, who smoked ≥10 cigarettes/day for ≥1 year, were randomized to combined and single NRT. Combined NRT group received counseling and nicotine patch & gum. Single NRT group received counselling and nicotine patch. Primary outcome was abstinence rate measured as self-reported 7-day point prevalence with CO validated at 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included smoking abstinence rates at 4, 12, & 26 weeks. Crude odds ratio and p-value were reported from logistic regression without adjustment; for trend analysis, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and p-value were reported from Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) (controlling for time). All AORs were adjusted for age, sex, baseline CO and clusters. Results Abstinence rates at 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks were all higher in the combined NRT group (35.8, 21.9, 16.8, 20.1%) compared with the single NRT group (28, 16.8, 11.2, 14.3%). At 4 weeks, combined NRT group was more likely to quit smoking (OR 1.43, 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.05) than the single NRT group. From GEE analysis, combined NRT group had a significantly higher abstinence rate (23.6%) than the single NRT group (17.6%) across repeated measures at all-time points. Combined NRT group was more likely to quit smoking (OR 1.43, 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.77). No significant difference in the side effect profile was detected between groups. Conclusions Smokers given 8 weeks of combined NRT were more likely to quit smoking at 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks compared with single NRT. Combined NRT was as well tolerated as single NRT and it should be further promoted in our community. Trial registration NCT03836560 from ClinicalTrial.gov, 9 Feb 2019.

We report on the isolation and characterization of several genes responsive to wounding in the tropical endangered tree Aquilaria malaccensis. Wounding triggers the formation of a fragrant substance inside the tree stem. Deduced amino acid of the cloned sequences exhibited sequence similarities to their respective homologs: transcription factors of the WRKY gene family (AmWRKY) and β-1,3-glucanase (AmGLU). A homolog to phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (AmPAL) from previous work was also included. All cDNA sequences were of partial lengths. We studied their expression profiles in a wounding-stress experiment. Mechanical wounding induces AmWRKY in an early response to wounding (3 h), and elevates AmPAL and AmGLU expressions after 16 h. It is possible that AmWRKY mediates early wounding response while AmPAL mediates response to fungal infection by coinducing AmGLU. Their homologs in other plants are known to inhibit fungal growth. Our data provide the first insight into the mechanisms of wounding responses in Aquilaria.