ABSTRACT Sketch comedy, or xiaopin, first gained popularity in China through the Chinese Spring Festival Gala, aired by China Central Television, showcasing a variety of female comic personas, from rural wives to urban career women. Considering the long-standing gender barriers against female comedy performers, the Chinese Spring Festival Gala served as an unprecedented platform for comediennes to experiment with new possibilities of comic expression, bringing to the stage a wide range of female comic personas, from rustic country wives to metropolitan career women. However, as China’s economic and social reforms accelerated, the comic representation of women became increasingly homogenized and limiting. This paper explores the evolution of Chinese women’s representation in comedy sketches on the Spring Festival Gala from 1993 to 2020, paying particular attention to the shifting portrayals of female imagery. As xiaopin’s comedic formulas shifted from diverse rural narratives to narrower urban-centred themes, its portrayal of women also regressed – from varied rural female characters to more homogenized urban female personas. While early rural wife comedy roles may have been liberating, contemporary representations of women in sketches are more stereotyped and constrained by patriarchal norms, struggling to find their voice in an increasingly commercialized and urbanized patriarchal culture.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is an important staple crop that sustains over one-third of the global population. Powdery mildew, an economically important disease caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), significantly affects wheat production in many wheat-growing regions. Therefore, identification of novel powdery mildew resistance genes that can be easily used in wheat cultivar development is essential for meeting the needs of the increasing global human population. PI 606247 (formerly 'Samara') is a winter wheat cultivar developed in the Czech Republic in 1995 that exhibits resistance to representative U.S. Bgt isolates. An F7 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from PI 606247 × Jagalene was evaluated for responses to Bgt isolate OKS(14)-B-3-1. Genetic analysis indicated that a single gene, designated PmSA, conditions powdery mildew resistance in PI 606247. Selective genotyping of a subset of RILs identified a set of SNPs co-segregating with powdery mildew resistance in the terminal region of chromosome arm 2BL. Linkage analysis using kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers located PmSA to a 14.43 Mb interval between 686.69 Mb and 701.12 Mb in the Chinese Spring IWGSC RefSeq v2.1 reference sequence. PmSA is a new powdery mildew resistance gene differing from the others in the terminal region of 2BL in genomic location, origin, and responses to a set of Bgt differential isolates. PmSA is valuable for enhancing powdery mildew resistance, and the KASP markers closely linked to PmSA can facilitate its rapid deployment in wheat cultivars via marker-assisted selection.

Wheat stripe rust, caused by the biotrophic fungal pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is among the top crop diseases incurring huge economic losses worldwide. Identification of new stripe rust-resistant sources that can be easily used in wheat cultivar development is essential for food security. PI 622129, an Iranian wheat landrace, exhibits high resistance to the predominant U.S. Pst races. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from the cross PI 622129 × Stardust was genotyped using single-nucleotide polymorphisms generated by genotyping-by-sequencing. The RIL population was evaluated for responses to the Pst race PSTv-37 at the seedling stage in three environments, and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analysis revealed four QTLs for stripe rust resistance on chromosome arms 2DS, 5BS, 2AL, and 7BL. Of these, QYr.stars-2DS and QYr.stars-5BS are major QTLs that explained 21 to 38% and 11.6 to 27.2% of the total phenotypic variance, respectively, in three experiments. QYr.stars-2DS is a new stripe rust resistance locus that was identified in the interval of 2.58 to 5.54 Mb on chromosome arm 2DS based on the Chinese Spring IWGSC RefSeq v.2.1 reference genome. Another QTL, QYr.stars-5BS, is close to Yr47 and was delimited to the interval 8.1 to 9.0 Mb in the reference genome. QYr.stars-2AL and QYr.stars-7BL were mapped to the terminal and QTL-rich regions on chromosome arms 2AL (750.8 to 752.5 Mb) and 7BL (718.1 to 721.2 Mb), respectively. KASP markers were developed to facilitate rapid introgression of these QTLs into locally adapted lines via marker-assisted selection.

The wheat powdery mildew resistance gene PmPBDH was fine mapped to a 788.20-kb genomic interval on chromosome arm 4AL. The powdery mildew resistance gene PmPBDH was identified in wheat breeding line PBDH1607. To fine map PmPBDH, an F2:3 population of 5000 individuals derived from the cross PBDH1607 × Huixianhong was used for recombinant screening. Combining PacBio SMRT long-read genome sequencing, PmPBDH is fine mapped to a 788.20kb interval (chr4A:737865053-738653247bp) based on the reference genome of Chinese Spring (IWGSC RefSeq v2.1). Comparative genomic analysis reveals poor collinearity of this region across different Triticum species, indicating complex structural variations of this candidate interval. Within this interval, 16 high confidence genes are annotated according to IWGSC RefSeq v2.1. Expression profiling following Bgt inoculation and sequence variation analysis reveals TraesCS4A03G1174000, encoding the RPP13 nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) protein, as the pivotal candidate gene for PmPBDH. Three closely linked or co-segregated markers are screened for optimizing the efficient transfer of PmPBDH in breeding practices. This study provides valuable genetic resource and molecular tool for improving resistance against powdery mildew in wheat.

The use of wild relatives to introduce original diversity in the genome of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an interesting approach to face the challenges of sustainable agriculture and the impact of climate change on wheat production. However, the influence of these wild-species introgressions on meiosis in inter-varietal wheat hybrids remains poorly understood. We analyzed the French wheat variety Renan (Re) carrying Aegilops ventricosa (Aev)-derived 2AS/2NS and 7DL/7DvL introgressions, the reference cultivar Chinese Spring (CS), which lacks these introgressions, and their inter-varietal hybrid Chinese Spring × Renan (CSRe). This analysis combined cytogenetic approaches with the assessment of reproductive performance. Furthermore, we generated a cytological atlas of meiosis in wild tetraploid Aev, quantifying bivalent configurations and chiasma frequency. We observed a reduced pollen viability and a slight decrease in floret fertility in the hybrid CSRe. Exploration of the meiotic behavior showed that CSRe exhibited increased numbers of rod bivalents and univalents, leading to a reduced average chiasma number and frequent chromosome bridges and fragmentations, whereas the parental lines maintained stable chromosome pairing. These rearrangements indicate that homologous chromosome pairing and recombination are affected in CSRe. We applied introgression-specific oligo-Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization to localize alien segments in CSRe, providing a novel strategy to investigate the meiotic behavior of introgressed regions. The 2AS/2NS introgressed segments in CSRe were frequently located on rod bivalents or univalents, while 7DL/7DvL segments consistently formed ring bivalents. Our results provide a foundation for guiding alien gene introgression and for understanding the behavior of chromosomes with introgressions in the wheat genome.

Aegilops geniculata Roth is a valuable donor for improving common wheat (Triticum aestivum) because of their close relationship. In this study, W181009 was identified as a BC1F12 progeny resulting from the cross between 'Chinese Spring' and Ae. geniculata SY159. Cytological examination, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and functional marker analysis confirmed that W181009 carried alien chromosomes 2Mg and 6Ug from Ae. geniculata SY159. Using the specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technique, we successfully developed specific markers for W181009 with an effective rate of 54.23%. Subsequently, the deletion of chromosome 6B in W181009 was confirmed using deletion nullisomic-tetrasomic lines. Notably, W181009 showed immune resistance to powdery mildew at all growth stages. To further study the source of the powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) resistance gene in W181009, a genetic population was created using W181009 and Shaanyou225 for analysis. Both F1 and BC1F2 plants carried chromosome 6Ug, and they exhibited strong resistance against powdery mildew, indicating that the resistance in W181009 originated from chromosome 6Ug. Furthermore, the presence of only chromosome 6Ug can be easily identified by using two specific SLAF-seq markers. The study results provide the basis for further genetic research and breeding to improve powdery mildew resistance using W181009.

The epidermal patterning factor/epidermal patterning factor-like (EPF/EPFL) proteins are pivotal regulators of stomatal development and responses to abiotic stress. However, their functions in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) remain underexplored despite their critical roles in water-use efficiency and drought adaptation. This pan-genomic identification study investigated a diverse panel of 13 wheat accessions, including wild relatives and modern cultivars, to analyze the genomic diversity, evolutionary history, and functional characterization of the EPF/EPFL family. A total of 365 non-redundant EPF/EPFL genes were identified, revealing substantial structural and phylogenetic divergence between the EPF (24.9%) and EPFL (75.1%) clades. Comparative analyses demonstrated species-specific chromosomal distributions, conserved motif architectures (e.g., Stomagen domains in EPFL9 homologs), and widespread purifying selection (66% of duplicated pairs), indicating functional constraints. Promoter cis-element profiling revealed enrichment for motifs related to stress responses (ABRE, MBS) and hormonal signaling (auxin, jasmonate), consistent with their roles in drought adaptation. MicroRNA target prediction identified Tae-miR530 and Tae-miR408 as key post-transcriptional regulators of EPF/EPFL genes. Collinearity analyses across Poaceae species emphasized conserved synteny blocks, while RNA-seq and RT-qPCR validation in T. aestivum cv. Chinese Spring revealed tissue and stress-specific expression patterns, with TaCSEPFL5, TaCSEPFL8, and TaCSEPFL9 homologs exhibiting significant upregulation in spikes, leaves, and roots under PEG-induced osmotic stress. Notably, TaCSEPF1-1B and TaCSEPFL2-3 A displayed antagonistic regulatory dynamics, suggesting functional diversification. This study provides a genomic atlas of the wheat EPF/EPFL gene family, elucidating their evolutionary trajectories, regulatory networks, and drought-responsive expression landscapes. These insights can benefit wheat breeding by enhancing climate resilience through targeted stomatal optimization and the development of stress-adaptive traits. A pan-genomic approach across wild and cultivated wheat species reveals extensive structural and functional diversity within the EPF/EPFL gene family, highlighting their adaptive evolution and regulatory roles in drought response, mediated by genomic variation.

Salinity is a major constraint to wheat production in canal-irrigated regions like Pakistan. This study evaluated salt tolerance in ten wheat varieties using growth and biochemical markers under laboratory conditions. Seedlings were subjected to 0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl for 12 days. Data on root/shoot length and fresh weight revealed a progressive decline in all genotypes with increasing salinity, but with significant variation. Marvi-2000, Anmol-91, and Kiran-95 were least affected (growth reductions of 2-67%), while Mehran-89, Abadgar-93, and Moomal-2002 were most sensitive (reductions of 30-72%). Biochemical analysis showed that Anmol-91, Kiran-95, and TJ-83 maintained higher total protein content and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase). In contrast, LU-26 and Chinese Spring exhibited lower levels of these biochemical markers. The results demonstrate that wheat genotypes differ significantly in salinity tolerance at the seedling stage. The superior growth performance of Marvi-2000, Anmol-91, and Kiran-95, coupled with robust antioxidant responses in some, identifies them as promising salt-tolerant candidates. Furthermore, seedling growth parameters, total protein content, and antioxidant enzyme activity serve as effective morphological and biochemical markers for the early selection of salt-resistant wheat varieties.

As a critically important global food crop, wheat has been increasingly threatened by the frequent occurrence of extreme high-temperature events, which impairs its growth and development, resulting in reduced seed-setting rate, compromised grain quality and diminished yield. Therefore, identifying heat-tolerant genes and enhancing thermotolerance through molecular breeding are essential strategies for wheat improvement. In this study, we retrieved spatial transcriptomic data from the public database PRJNA427246, which captured gene expression profiles in flag leaves and grains of the heat-sensitive wheat cultivar Chinese Spring (CS) under 37 °C heat stress at time points of 0 min, 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, 1 h, and 4 h. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct co-expression networks for flag leaf and grain transcriptomes. One highly significant module was identified in each tissue, along with 35 hub genes that showed a strong temporal association with heat stress progression. Notably, both modules contained the previously characterized thermotolerance gene TaMBF1c, suggesting that additional heat-responsive genes may be present within these modules. Simultaneous analysis of the expression data from four groups (encompassing different tissues and high-temperature treatments) for the 35 core genes revealed that genes from the TaHSP20 family, TaMBF1c family, and other related genes exhibit coordinated expression patterns in terms of the temporal dynamics and tissue distribution of stress responses. Additionally, 27 genes of the small heat shock protein (HSP20) family are predicted to be involved in the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. They assist in clearing misfolded proteins induced by stress, thereby helping to maintain endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and cellular functions under stress conditions. Finally, the expression levels of three core genes, TaHSP20-1, TaPCDP4, and TaMBF1c-D, were validated by qRT-PCR in two wheat cultivars with distinct thermotolerance: S116 (Zhehuamai 2008) and S128 (Yangmai 33). These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying heat tolerance in wheat and offer valuable genetic resources for breeding thermotolerant varieties.

This cross-sectional empirical study evaluates the Chinese Hot Spring Medical and Long-term Care Integration with Rehabilitation Services Model (Hot Spring MLR Model). By quantifying the demographic characteristics, behavioral determinants, and multidimensional value perceptions of the target population ( ), this research elucidates developmental bottlenecks and proposes evidence-based optimization strategies. Primary empirical data were acquired from target users of the Hot Spring MLR Model ( ) utilizing a stratified random sampling strategy. The structured instrument evaluated demographic profiles, behavioral determinants, and dual-dimensional Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) metrics. Predictors of consumption tiers were isolated via univariate screening followed by generalized ordered logistic regression modeling. Furthermore, paired -tests and IPA matrices were implemented to systematically quantify the divergence between perceived importance and actual service performance. In the target population survey, the sub-health population constitutes the primary target group for the Hot Spring Medical and Long-term Care Integration with Rehabilitation Services Model (44.5%), with the highest participation rate observed in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of Hot Spring Medical and Long-term Care Integration with Rehabilitation Services Model (82.1%). The consumption behavior within the Hot Spring Medical and Long-term Care Integration with Rehabilitation Services Model is significantly correlated with age, education, consumption motivation, and social media marketing channels (p < 0.05). The Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) of the Hot Spring Medical and Long-term Care Integration with Rehabilitation Services Model reveals a positive correlation between the importance and performance of each sub-dimension. Service attitude demonstrates the highest importance, while professional-quality exhibits the highest performance. Significant discrepancies exist between the importance and performance of the dimensions of affordable pricing and convenient transportation. Empirical evidence indicates that the optimal service configuration for the Hot Spring MLR Model lies in preventive interventions and holistic health management for sub-health populations. Furthermore, mitigating the quantified behavioral determinants and resolving the supply-demand discrepancies identified via the IPA matrix provide a strictly data-driven framework to optimize resource allocation and enhance overall service efficacy.

The first hexaploid bread wheat reference genome from Chinese Spring was released in 2018 by the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium and is considered as the industry standard reference. To explore the effects of different reference genomes on variant discovery, 29 hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars from the Southern Great Plains of the United States with varying whole genome sequencing depth were aligned to three reference genomes. The reference genomes varied in evolutionary similarity to the cohort of the germplasm analyzed: (1) Jagger, a Kansas State University cultivar, a reference with high similarity, (2) Chinese Spring, a Chinese landrace, the current industry standard, (3) Durum‐tauschii, an “in silico” hybridization of the reference genomes of tetraploid durum wheat and wild Aegilops tauschii, for an unrepresentative reference. The Jagger reference genome retained more informative variants after filtering. Synteny regions and large introgressions were identified by read alignment coverage, using diverse reference genomes to identify lines containing Aegilops ventricosa (2NvS), 1AL:1RS and 1BL:1RS (Secale cereale) rye translocations, and a 2.8 Mb contig from TAM 112 known to contain a haplotype harboring greenbug [Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)] resistance gene Gb3. The choice of reference genome is important, but any single reference can induce bias. This study with US Southern Great Plains germplasm demonstrated the importance of multiple reference genomes to capture genetic diversity.

BackgroundYABBYs are plant-specific transcription factors that play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Despite extensive studies in various plant species, a systematic analysis of YABBYs in wheat grains is still lacking.ResultsIn this study, 21 TaYABBYs were identified using the Chinese Spring wheat genome database and were divided into four subfamilies through phylogenetic analysis. Gene collinearity analysis revealed the evolutionary characteristics of the TaYABBYs. Analysis of cis-acting elements in the promoter region identified elements related to endosperm development. SNP analysis uncovered genetic variations within the YABBY gene family. Meanwhile, RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR techniques were employed to explore the expression patterns of TaYABBYs, and the results showed that these genes are differentially expressed in different wheat tissues. Additionally, we selected TaYABBY4A from the CRC subfamily for overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana to verify the function of TaYABBYs. Overexpression of the TaYABBY4A in Arabidopsis resulted in delayed bolting and flowering, as well as reductions in the number and diameter of rosette leaves and seed size.ConclusionsThis study further confirms that the YABBY gene family plays an important regulatory role in the growth and development of wheat, providing a reference for in-depth exploration of the functions of YABBYs in wheat.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12870-025-07920-w.

Canadian spring wheat cultivars AAC Concord and Lillian possess Lr30, a gene that confers resistance against leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt). The objectives of this study were to generate the first linkage map of Lr30, and develop Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers linked to Lr30 for marker-assisted breeding. Two doubled haploid (DH) populations were generated from the crosses Lillian × Glenlea (LG) and CDC Hughes × AAC Concord (HC). The LG population was phenotyped for seedling leaf rust reaction using the Lr30 avirulent Pt isolates 96–12-3 MBDS, 74–2 MGBJ, 06–1-1 TDBG, and 77–2 TJBJ, and both populations were phenotyped with Pt isolate 21–21-1 TNBJ. The 90k iSelect SNP array was used to genotype the populations for linkage mapping. The LG population showed a 1:1 resistant to susceptible monogenic segregation ratio for all five Pt isolates, where the resistance to each race co-segregated. The HC population also showed a 1:1 phenotypic ratio when inoculated with Pt isolate 21–21-1 TNBJ. Lr30 was localized to genetic intervals of 2.7 cM and 1.6 cM on chromosome 4A of the LG and HC linkage maps, respectively. The physical location of Lr30 in the Chinese Spring wheat RefSeq.V.2.1 spans approximately between positions 522.0 Mb and 548.0 Mb of chromosome 4A. KASP markers were designed and validated for functionality using the LG and HC populations, backcross lines of wheat cultivar Pasqua with Thatcher, and a panel of 193 wheat cultivars. These new KASP markers are well-suited to marker-assisted breeding.

Gene expression diversity is crucial for crop breeding, yet population genomics has focused primarily on sequence polymorphisms. A single reference genome for RNA-seq cannot handle introgression bias. Here, we conduct RNA-seq for 328 wheat lines, including landraces and elite cultivars from China and the United States, to investigate the expression variation underlying agronomic traits. Leveraging pan-genome resources, we identify 23,296 more transcripts than using the Chinese Spring reference. We construct a pan-gene regulatory atlas through eQTL analysis, revealing the tight regulation of introgressed genes. We identify 299 high-confidence candidate genes for 34 agronomic traits and resistance to 8 Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici isolates, more than one-fifth of which were absent from the Chinese Spring. Utilizing the Kenong 9204 mutant library, 73.7% of the candidates show significant phenotypic effects. Our work mitigates the reference bias and highlights the impact of breeding-driven directional expression changes on wheat adaptation and improvement.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum) globally. Utilizing resistance genes from wild relatives like Thinopyrum elongatum offers a promising approach for genetic improvement. We introgressed FHB resistance from Th. elongatum chromosome 1E into common wheat by inducing homoeologous recombination with wheat chromosome 1B using the ph1b mutant. From a population of 376 BC1F2 individuals, we identified 19 independent 1E-1B recombinant lines using KASP markers and fluorescence genomic in situ hybridization (FGISH). High-resolution genotyping with a 130K SNP array precisely mapped recombination breakpoints, revealing a hotspot in the distal long arm. Further phenotypic evaluation revealed that 11 recombinants exhibited significantly enhanced FHB resistance compared to the susceptible Chinese Spring (CS) control. Cytogenetic and physical mapping localized the resistance to a ~48 Mb subtelomeric interval on the long arm of chromosome 1E. This study provides novel wheat germplasm with improved FHB resistance, delineates the physical location of the resistance gene(s) on chromosome 1E, and demonstrates an efficient strategy for precise introgression of valuable genes from wild relatives into cultivated wheat.

The GLABROUS1 Enhancer Binding Protein (GeBP) family, plant-specific transcription factors with a non-classical Leu-zipper motif, plays crucial roles in plant development and stress responses. Although GeBP genes have been characterized in several Gramineae crops, including a preliminary genome-wide identification of 11 GeBP genes in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the TaGeBP family remains lacking. In this study, 37 TaGeBP genes were identified in the wheat genome (cv. Chinese Spring), representing a substantially higher number than the 11 reported in the prior study. This discrepancy is likely attributable to the integration of updated genome assemblies, refined gene identification criteria, and comprehensive domain validation. Phylogenetic analysis classified these 37 TaGeBPs into four distinct groups, with members within the same subgroup sharing conserved exon–intron architectures and protein motif compositions. Promoter cis-acting element analysis revealed significant enrichment of motifs associated with abiotic stress responses and phytohormone signaling, implying potential involvement of TaGeBPs in mediating plant adaptive processes. Evolutionary analysis indicated that TaGeBP family expansion was primarily driven by allopolyploidization and segmental duplication, with purifying selection constraining their sequence divergence. Members within the same subgroup shared similar exon–intron structures and conserved protein motifs. Promoter analysis revealed that TaGeBP genes are enriched with cis-elements related to stress and phytohormone responses, suggesting their potential involvement in adaptive processes. Gene expansion in the TaGeBP family was mainly driven by allopolyploidization and segmental duplication, with evolution dominated by purifying selection. Tissue-specific expression profiling demonstrated that most TaGeBPs are preferentially expressed in roots and spikes, with varying expression patterns across different tissues. Under salt and drought stresses, qRT-PCR results indicated diverse response profiles among TaGeBPs. Furthermore, subcellular localization confirmed the nuclear presence of selected TaGeBPs, supporting their predicted role as transcription factors. These findings offer important insights for further functional characterization of TaGeBP genes, particularly regarding their roles in abiotic stress tolerance.

Reverse genetics methods are actively used in plant biology to study the functions of specific genes responsible for the adaptation of plants to various environmental stresses. The present study describes the production and primary characterization of transgenic bread wheat with silenced expression of allen oxide synthase (AOS). AOS is a key enzyme involved in the initial step of biosynthesis of stress-related phytohormones known as jasmonates. To induce silencing of AOS in wheat, we designed the RNA interference (RNAi) vector containing an inverted repeat region of the TaAOS2 gene cloned from genome DNA of cv. Chinese Spring. With the help of biolistic-mediated transformation, a number of transgenic Chinese Spring plants have been produced. Real-Time PCR analysis confirmed the suppression of target gene expression, since transgenic dsRNAi lines accumulated only 21–44 % mRNA of TaAOS2 after leaf wounding compared to the wound-induced level in non-transgenic control. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that the silencing of TaAOS2 substantially reduced the accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA) and jasmonoyl-isoleucine conjugate (JA-Ile), while the production of other phytohormones, such as abscisic acid and salicylic acid, was not affected. TaAOS2-silenced lines were characterized by shorter leaves at the juvenile stage, demonstrated a tendency towards reduced plant height and decreased grain weight, while the average flowering time and plant fertility (number of seeds per spike) were not affected. The obtained transgenic lines in combination with AOS-overexpressing lines can be used for further detailed analysis of the adaptive responses controlled by the jasmonate hormonal system.

ABSTRACTWheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a globally significant cereal crop, plays a crucial role in human nutrition and agricultural systems. Recent studies have extensively examined the role of transcription factors across various plant genomes. However, comprehensive comparative genomic analyses of the WRKY gene family across various diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid wheat genomes remain limited. Here, we conducted a detailed analysis of the WRKY gene family in one diploid, two tetraploid, and five hexaploid wheat genomes, identifying a total of 1912 WRKY genes. Consistent with previous reports, the genes were classified into three groups according to their conserved domain and motif architectures. Phylogenetic reconstruction resolved clear clades, with Group II forming the largest and most diverse branch. Tandem duplication events were found to significantly impact the expansion of the WRKY gene family, particularly in the T. aestivum acc. Chinese Spring genome, which exhibited the highest number of tandemly duplicated genes. Analysis of A subgenomes in polyploid wheat genomes suggested potential gene loss following polyploid formation. Expression profiling of WRKY genes in bread wheat under salt stress and autophagy inhibition conditions uncovered differential expression patterns and significant divergence among tandemly duplicated genes. This study provides valuable insights into the distribution, phylogenetic relationships, and expression patterns of WRKY genes in wheat. Our findings highlight the role of tandem duplication in driving functional divergence, offering important genetic resources for wheat gene editing and genome‐assisted breeding.

BACKGROUNDThe WX gene encodes the granule‐bound starch synthase I or waxy protein, which is the sole enzyme responsible for amylose synthesis in wheat seeds. Wild einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. aegilopoides Link em. Thell.) could be an important source of variation for this gene.RESULTSThis study assessed the WX gene variability in 14 accessions representative of the variation for waxy proteins detected in a collection of 170 accessions and compared their nucleotide sequences with the Wx‐A1a allele of common wheat (cv. Chinese Spring). Thirteen different alleles were found in this species, of which 11 were novel (Wx‐Am1c to Wx‐Am1m). A comparison between the deduced proteins from the novel alleles and the Wx‐A1a protein showed that there were up to 35 amino acid changes in both the transit peptide and the mature protein; some of them exhibited deleterious effects on the enzymatic function of these proteins.CONCLUSIONThe results obtained in the present study show that this species could be a potential source of new waxy variants. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

BackgroundDemand for dental emergency services has increased in recent years, creating an imbalance between service capacity and patient needs. To assess the status of dental emergency resources and provide insights for optimizing service allocation, this study examined the characteristics of visits to the largest dental emergency center in China.Materials and methodsThis retrospective, repeated, cross-sectional study analyzed 396,383 dental emergency visits across all age groups at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from 2011 to 2020. Medical records, including age, sex, time, day, and disease type, were collected and analyzed.ResultsA total of 206,006 male and 190,377 female patients were included in the study, with a sex ratio of 1.082:1. The most common age group was 19–39 years (35.25%), and infections and swelling were the most frequent emergencies (36.12%). Trauma was more prevalent in males (61.3%), whereas temporomandibular joint disease was more common in females (61.5%). The peak time period for significant differences in patient numbers was observed during the Chinese National Day Holiday compared to other holidays (p = 0.002), with similar trends observed for the Chinese Spring Festival (p = 0.049).ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive overview of dental emergency visits to China’s largest center and highlights a substantial increase in cases during holidays, particularly the National Day Holiday. These findings support the need for optimizing emergency service allocation, including strategic dentist scheduling during peak periods.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-025-07219-0.