SummaryAnthocyanin biosynthesis in flowers of Petunia hybrida is controlled by the regulatory genes an1, an2 and an11. Seven classes of cDNA clones homologous to transcripts that are down-regulated in an1-, an2-and an11-mutants were isolated via differential cDNA cloning. Genetic mapping, antisense RNA experiments and analyses of mutant alleles demonstrated that one class of clones originated from the Rt locus. The rt gene has no introns and encodes a protein with homology to mammalian glucuronosyl transferases and flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UF3GT) encoded by the bzl gene from Zea mays. As the Rt locus controls the rhamnosylation of reddish anthocyanin-3-O-glucosides which is the first in a series of modifications that finally yield magenta or blue/purple coloured anthocyanins, this suggests that rt encodes an anthocyanin rhamnosyl transferase. Molecular analysis of two mutant rt alleles showed that their expression is blocked by different DNA insertion elements. Mutability of the rt-vu15 allele results from the presence of a 284 bp transposable element (dTphl) in the rt promoter region, causing a block in transcription. The protein coding region of the rt.r27 allele contains a 442 bp insertion (dTph3) resulting in premature polyadenylation of rt transcripts. Although dTph3 cannot transpose, it has sequence characteristics of transposable elements, suggesting that it is a defective member of a new family of transposable elements.

Introduction In the past decade, millions of Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring countries and Europe. Refugees are at increased risk for the development of common mental disorders (CMD), such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but only a small percentage access mental health services. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a brief, scalable intervention targeting symptoms of CMDs that can be delivered by non-specialist helpers in communities affected by adversity, such as refugees. Objectives The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the effectiveness of PM+ among Syrian refugees in the Netherlands. Methods Adult Syrian refugees and other Arabic-speaking refugees of 18 years and older with self-reported psychological distress (K10 >15) and functional impairment (WHODAS 2.0 >16) are included. Participants are randomized into PM+ or care as usual. Follow-up assessments are conducted at one-week, three-month and twelve-month follow-ups. Clinical outcomes are symptoms of depression/anxiety (HSCL-25), PTSD (PCL-5), and functional impairment (WHODAS 2.0). Results By November 2021 [recruitment ends by December 2021], 214 participants were screened for eligibility and 184 participants were included. Participants are M=36.5yrs old (range 18-69yrs), and 73 participants are female (39.7%). We will present preliminary results for the effects of PM+ on depression, anxiety, PTSD, and functional impairment at one-week follow-up, as well as barriers and facilitators for implementing PM+ in a European country. Conclusions After positive evaluation of peer-refugee delivered PM+, the Arabic manual and training materials will be made available through WHO to encourage scaling-up. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Self-report questionnaires to screen for symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) are commonly used as inexpensive, easy-to-administer tools in research and clinical practice. However, their validity to detect the presence of any CMD across cultures and languages is unclear. Psychometrically sound and brief case-finding instruments are vital for the identification of individuals with mental health needs. With the increasing number of Arabic-speaking refugees in Europe, we aim to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Arabic-language screening instruments. Objectives The aim of this systematic review/meta-analysis is to synthesize the diagnostic accuracy of self-report questionnaires to detect depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Arabic-speaking populations. Methods Five databases were searched (inception-January 2021) (PROSPERO: CRD42018070645) for studies on the diagnostic accuracy of brief questionnaires in Arabic-speaking populations, with a clinical interview as reference standard. Data on sensitivity/specificity were extracted/calculated. Multi-threshold meta-analyses were performed (R diagmeta package). Study quality was assessed using QUADAS-2. Results We included 32 studies (N=4042 participants) reporting on questionnaires targeting depression/anxiety (14 questionnaires), distress (2 questionnaires), and PTSD (1 questionnaire). Optimal thresholds were identified for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; cut-off 11, sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 85.1%), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety subscale (cut-off 7, sensitivity 81.9%, specificity 87.6%), depression subscale (cut-off 6, sensitivity 73.0%, specificity 88.6%), and Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20; cut-off 8, sensitivity 86.0%, specificity 83.9%). Conclusions We present optimal thresholds that can be used by clinicians and researchers for the EPDS, HADS and SRQ-20. More research on Arabic-language questionnaires, especially those targeting PTSD, is needed. Disclosure No significant relationships.