Interventions for Postextubation Dysphagia in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of dysphagia interventions for patients with prolonged endotracheal intubation (⩾48 h) in critical care units. DATA SOURCES: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, OVID, CINAHL, Wanfang (China), CNKI (China), and ProQuest Dissertations for studies published up to December 31, 2023. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized trials, and cohort studies comparing dysphagia rehabilitation - such as swallowing stimulation, swallowing and respiratory muscle exercise, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation - with standard care or no treatment. The primary outcomes assessed were dysphagia severity, time to resume oral intake, and incidence of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. DATA EXTRACTION: Detailed information on study design, setting, participant demographics, interventions, and outcomes was systematically extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Our analysis included ten studies with a total of 1031 participants. The findings demonstrate a significant reduction in dysphagia severity, time to oral intake and the risk of aspiration pneumonia, and an improvement in quality of life among patients receiving swallowing therapy. However, no substantial difference was found in nutritional status. Limited data availability necessitated a descriptive presentation of outcomes like the risk of aspiration, ICU/hospital stay duration, pharyngeal/oral residue severity, and intervention-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: The current evidence for the effectiveness of dysphagia interventions in critically ill patients with prolonged endotracheal intubation is limited. There is a pressing need for future research, particularly high-quality RCTs employing standardized outcome measures, to substantiate these findings.

Fear of disease in patients with epilepsy - a network analysis.

Background: Disease-related fear among patients with epilepsy has significantly impacted their quality of life. The Disease-Related Fear Scale (D-RFS), comprising three dimensions, serves as a relatively well-established tool for assessing fear in these patients. However, certain problems potentially exist within the D-RFS's attribution of items, and its internal structure is still unclear. To establish an appropriate dimensional structure and gain deeper comprehension of its internal structure-particularly its core variables-is vital for developing more effective interventions aimed at alleviating disease-related fear among patients with epilepsy. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional survey involving 609 patients with epilepsy. All participants underwent assessment using the Chinese version of the D-RFS. We used exploratory network analysis to discover a new structure and network analysis to investigate the interrelationships among fear symptom domains. In addition to the regularized partial correlation network, we also estimated the node and bridge centrality index to identify the importance of each item within the network. Finally, it was applied to analyze the differences in network analysis outcomes among epilepsy patients with different seizure frequencies. Results: The research findings indicate that nodes within the network of disease-related fear symptoms are interconnected, and there are no isolated nodes. Nodes within groups 3 and 4 present the strongest centrality. Additionally, a tight interconnection exists among fear symptoms within each group. Moreover, the frequency of epileptic episodes does not significantly impact the network structure. Conclusion: In this study, a new 5-dimension structure was constructed for D-RFS, and the fear of disease in patients with epilepsy has been conceptualized through a network perspective. The goal is to identify potential targets for relevant interventions and gain insights for future research.

Root topological order drives variation of fine root vessel traits and hydraulic strategies in tropical trees.

Vessel traits contribute to plant water transport from roots to leaves and thereby influence how plants respond to soil water availability, but the sources of variation in fine root anatomical traits remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the variations of fine root vessel traits along topological orders within and across tropical tree species. Anatomical traits were measured along five root topological orders in 80 individual trees of 20 species from a tropical forest in southwestern China. We found large variations for most root anatomical traits across topological orders, and strong co-variations between vessel traits. Within species, theoretical specific xylem hydraulic conductivity (Kth) increased with topological order due to increased mean vessel diameter, size heterogeneity, and decreased vessel density. Across species, Kth was associated with vessel fraction in low-order roots and correlated with mean vessel diameter and vessel density in high-order roots, suggesting a shift in relative anatomical contributors to Kth from the second- to fifth-order roots. We found no clear relationship between Kth and stele: root diameter ratios. Our study shows strong variations in root vessel traits across topological orders and species, and highlights shifts in the anatomical underpinnings by varying vessel-related anatomical structures for an optimized water supply.

Characterization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in a community-based sample of infants from Samoa.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants with documented harmful health effects. Despite increasing research, little attention has been given to studying PFAS contamination in low- and middle-income countries, including Samoa. Using data and biosamples collected through the Foafoaga o le Ola ("Beginning of Life") Study, which recruited a sample of mothers and infants from Samoa, we conducted an exploratory study to describe concentrations of 40 PFAS analytes in infant cord blood collected at birth (n = 66) and infant dried blood spots (DBS) collected at 4 months post-birth (n = 50). Of the 40 PFAS analytes tested, 19 were detected in cord blood, with 10 detected in >50% of samples (PFBA, PFPeA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFTrDA, PFHxS, PFOS, and 9Cl-PF3ONS); and 12 analytes were detected in DBS, with 3 detected in >50% of samples (PFBA, PFHxS, and PFOS). PFAS concentrations were generally lower than those reported in existing literature, with the exception of PFHxS, which was detected at higher concentrations. In cord blood, we noted suggestive (p < 0.05) or significant (p < 0.006) associations between higher PFHxS and male sex; higher PFPeA and residence in Northwest 'Upolu (NWU) compared to the Apia Urban Area (AUA); lower PFUnA and 9Cl-PF3ONS and greater socioeconomic resources; lower PFOA and higher parity; higher PFDA and higher maternal age; and lower PFUnA, PFTrDA, and 9Cl-PF3ONS and higher maternal BMI. In DBS, we found suggestive (p < 0.05) or significant (p < 0.025) associations between lower PFBA and residence in NWU versus AUA; lower PFBA and PFHxS and higher maternal age; and higher PFBA and higher maternal BMI. Finally, we observed associations between nutrition source at 4 months and DBS PFBA and PFHxS, with formula- or mixed-fed infants having higher concentrations compared to exclusively breastfed infants. This study represents the first characterization of PFAS contamination in Samoa. Additional work in larger samples is needed to identify potentially modifiable determinants of PFAS concentrations, information that is critical for informing environmental and health policy measures.

Understanding Comorbidity Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Depressive Symptoms in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents: A Network Analysis.

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and depression often co-occur among adolescents with more severe clinical symptoms. This study examined the network structures of NSSI and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Methods: Participants were recruited in the psychiatric outpatient clinics of three tertiary hospitals between April 10 and July 10, 2023. All participants been already found with self-injury behaviors in outpatient when enrolled. NSSI diagnostic criteria and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were utilized to collect NSSI and depressive symptoms separately. We performed a network analysis to visualize the correlation between each symptom and to identify core and bridging symptoms in comorbidities. Results: A total of 248 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 15.48 (SD = 1.62). Based on the PHQ-9 scores and grades, our results showed that the incidence of depression in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury behavior was relatively high (N=235, 94.76%), with the majority having severe depression. The network analysis revealed that nodes D-6 "feeling bad, failing or letting yourself or your family down", D-1 "little interest or pleasure" and D-4 "feeling tired" were the most vital and most central symptoms. The most crucial bridging symptom is the node NSSI-8 "frequent thinking about self-injury", which connects the NSSI to the depression comorbid network. Conclusion: This study offers a significant symptom-level conceptualization of the association between NSSI and depressive symptoms in a clinical sample of adolescents, which not only enhances our understanding of the comorbid but also identifies potential treatment targets to prevent and treat comorbidity between adolescent NSSI and depression.

High power, broad tuning quantum cascade laser at λ ∼ 8.9 µm.

Many molecules have broad fingerprint absorption spectra in mid-wave infrared range which requires broadly tunable lasers to cover the interested spectrum in one scan. We report a strain-balanced, InAlAs/InGaAs/InP quantum cascade laser structure based on diagonal transition active region with high output power and and wide tuning range at λ ∼ 8.9 µm. The maximum pulsed optical power and the wall-plug efficiency at room temperature are 4 W and 11.7%, respectively. Maximum continuous wave double-facet power is 1.2 W at 25 °C for a 4 mm by 9 µm laser mounted epi-side down on a diamond/copper composite submount. The maximum pulsed and continuous wave external-cavity tuning range are from 7.71 µm to 9.15 µm and from 8 µm to 8.9 µm, respectively. The continuous wave power of the external cavity mode exceeds 200 mW across the entire spectrum.

Characterization of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) concentrations in a community-based sample of infants from Samoa.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants with documented harmful health effects. Despite increasing research, little attention has been given to studying PFAS contamination in low- and middle-income countries, including Samoa, where there is more recent modernization and potential window to examine earlier stages of PFAS exposure and consequences. Using data and biosamples collected through the Foafoaga o le Ola ("Beginning of Life") Study, which recruited a sample of mothers and infants from Samoa, we conducted an exploratory study to describe concentrations of 40 PFAS analytes in infant cord blood collected at birth (n=66) and dried blood spots (DBS) collected at 4 months post-birth (n=50). Of the 40 PFAS analytes tested, 19 were detected in cord blood, with 11 detected in >10% of samples (PFBA, PFPeA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFTrDA, PFHxS, PFOS, and 9Cl-PF3ONS); 12 analytes were detected in DBS, with 3 detected in >10% of samples (PFBA, PFHxS, and PFOS). PFAS concentrations were generally lower than those reported in existing literature, with the exception of PFHxS, which was detected at higher concentrations. In cord blood, we noted associations between higher PFHxS and male sex, higher PFPeA and residence in Northwest 'Upolu (NWU) compared to the Apia Urban Area (AUA), and lower PFUnA and 9Cl-PF3ONS with greater socioeconomic resources. In DBS, we found associations between higher PFBA and greater socioeconomic resources, and between lower PFBA and PFHxS and residence in NWU versus AUA. However, the latter association did not hold when controlling for socioeconomic resources. Finally, we observed associations between nutrition source at 4 months and DBS PFBA and PFHxS, with formula- or mixed-fed infants having higher concentrations compared to exclusively breastfed infants. This study presents the first evidence of PFAS contamination in Samoa. Additional work in larger samples is needed to identify potentially modifiable determinants of PFAS concentrations, information that is critical for informing environmental and health policy measures.

Indole produced during dysbiosis mediates host-microorganism chemical communication.

An imbalance of the gut microbiota, termed dysbiosis, has a substantial impact on host physiology. However, the mechanism by which host deals with gut dysbiosis to maintain fitness remains largely unknown. In Caenorhabditis elegans, Escherichia coli, which is its bacterial diet, proliferates in its intestinal lumen during aging. Here, we demonstrate that progressive intestinal proliferation of E. coli activates the transcription factor DAF-16, which is required for maintenance of longevity and organismal fitness in worms with age. DAF-16 up-regulates two lysozymes lys-7 and lys-8, thus limiting the bacterial accumulation in the gut of worms during aging. During dysbiosis, the levels of indole produced by E. coli are increased in worms. Indole is involved in the activation of DAF-16 by TRPA-1 in neurons of worms. Our finding demonstrates that indole functions as a microbial signal of gut dysbiosis to promote fitness of the host.

Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the disease-related fear scale in patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to test the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Disease-Related Fear Scale (D-RFS) in order to understand the experience of fear in patients with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS: The researchers obtained translation permission and followed international guidelines to develop a Chinese version of the D-RFS. A total of 609 PWE were recruited from a general tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, China, between January 2023 and June 2023. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the D-RFS, including content validity, reliability, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted on two separate samples with a sample size of 307 and 302. The results of EFA indicated that the scale could be divided into three dimensions, which were supported by the structure in CFA. We named the three dimensions as follows: "fear of seizure consequences", "fear of poor epilepsy management", and "fear of social restrictions", respectively. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.960, with a coefficient of 0.907, 0.953, and 0.917 on three dimensions. CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the D-RFS was found to be an effective and reliable tool to measure the experience of fear in adult PWE in China. The study could lay the foundation for future investigations to explore associated factors of epilepsy-related fear and establish intervention strategies to alleviate patients' fear in clinical practice.

A State-of-the-Science Review of Interactions of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) with Renal Transporters in Health and Disease: Implications for Population Variability in PFAS Toxicokinetics.

BACKGROUND: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous in the environment and have been shown to cause various adverse health impacts. In animals, sex- and species-specific differences in PFAS elimination half-lives have been linked to the activity of kidney transporters. However, PFAS molecular interactions with kidney transporters are still not fully understood. Moreover, the impact of kidney disease on PFAS elimination remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This state-of-the-science review integrated current knowledge to assess how changes in kidney function and transporter expression from health to disease could affect PFAS toxicokinetics and identified priority research gaps that should be addressed to advance knowledge. METHODS: We searched for studies that measured PFAS uptake by kidney transporters, quantified transporter-level changes associated with kidney disease status, and developed PFAS pharmacokinetic models. We then used two databases to identify untested kidney transporters that have the potential for PFAS transport based on their endogenous substrates. Finally, we used an existing pharmacokinetic model for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in male rats to explore the influence of transporter expression levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and serum albumin on serum half-lives. RESULTS: The literature search identified nine human and eight rat kidney transporters that were previously investigated for their ability to transport PFAS, as well as seven human and three rat transporters that were confirmed to transport specific PFAS. We proposed a candidate list of seven untested kidney transporters with the potential for PFAS transport. Model results indicated PFOA toxicokinetics were more influenced by changes in GFR than in transporter expression. DISCUSSION: Studies on additional transporters, particularly efflux transporters, and on more PFAS, especially current-use PFAS, are needed to better cover the role of transporters across the PFAS class. Remaining research gaps in transporter expression changes in specific kidney disease states could limit the effectiveness of risk assessment and prevent identification of vulnerable populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11885.

A Modeling Approach for Assessing Ecological Risks of Neonicotinoid Insecticides from Emission to Nontarget Organisms: A Case Study of Cotton Plant.

The use of neonicotinoid insecticides in agriculture has posed threats to ecological systems, and there is a need to assess the ecological risks of neonicotinoids from emission to nontarget organisms. We introduced a modeling approach to assess the ecological risks of neonicotinoids using honeybee and earthworm as model organisms, and the simulation was flexible under different environmental conditions. Using the cotton plant as an example, the simulation results demonstrated that under current recommended application rates, the use of common neonicotinoid insecticides posed no threat to earthworms, with the simulated risk quotients (RQs) much lower than 1. However, the simulation for some neonicotinoid insecticides (e.g., acetamiprid) indicated that using these insecticides on cotton plants could threaten honeybees, with simulated RQs higher than 1. The variability analysis showed that in high-latitude regions, the unacceptable risk to honeybees posed by insecticide application can be further elevated due to cold, wet weather that results in relatively high insecticide levels in pollen and nectar. The model evaluation showed large overlaps of simulated risk intervals between the proposed and existing (BeeREX) models. Because the proposed and existing models have different simulation mechanisms, we recommend that these two models be used together to complement each other in future studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:928-938. © 2023 SETAC.

Understanding impacts of organic contaminants from aquaculture on the marine environment using a chemical fate model.

As demand for sustainable marine aquaculture (mariculture) and marine food supply surges worldwide, there is a growing need for new tools to assess mariculture impacts on local ecosystems, including the cycling of toxic organic contaminants. With this in mind, we developed the Contaminant Fate in Aquaculture-Modified Ecosystems (CFAME) model. The current model was designed to explore the fate of mariculture-derived organic contaminants in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, known for its Chinook salmon farming industry. Model evaluation indicated robust model design, with 80% of modeled concentrations falling within a factor of ten of measured ones for native biota. Model results showed that mariculture was a source of organic contaminants in the sediment even at the Marlborough Sounds regional level and in wild marine fishes with high trophic levels near the farm area. Future research attention should be directed toward measuring chemicals with low log KAW (<0) and high log KOW values (e.g., >3) in sediment, and chemicals with log KOW values of 3-9 in wild fish.

Understanding inter-individual variability in short-chain chlorinated paraffin concentrations in human blood.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), particularly short-chain CPs (SCCPs), have been reported in human blood with high detection frequency and often high variation among individuals. However, factors associated with and their contributions to inter-individual variability in SCCP concentrations in human blood have not been assessed. In this study, we first measured SCCP concentrations in 57 human blood samples collected from individuals living in the same vicinity in China. We then used the PROduction-To-Exposure model to investigate the impacts of variations in sociodemographic data, biotransformation rates, dietary patterns, and indoor contamination on inter-individual variability in SCCP concentrations in human blood. Measured ∑SCCP concentrations varied by a factor of 10 among individuals with values ranging from 122 to 1230 ng/g, wet weight. Model results show that age, sex, body weight, and dietary composition played a minor role in causing variability in ∑SCCP concentrations in human blood given that modeled ∑SCCP concentrations ranged over a factor of 2 - 3 correlated to the variations of these factors. In contrast, variations in the modeled ΣSCCP concentrations increased to factors of 6 and 8 when variability in biotransformation rates and indoor contamination were considered, respectively, indicating these two factors could be the most influential on inter-individual variability in SCCP concentrations in human blood.

Medium- and long-chain chlorinated paraffins in air: A review of levels, physicochemical properties, and analytical considerations.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are synthetic chemicals that are produced at high volumes and have a global presence. CPs are generally divided into three groups based on their carbon chain lengths: short-chain CPs (SCCPs, C10-13), medium-chain CPs (MCCPs, C14-17), and long-chain CPs (LCCPs, C≥18). SCCPs have been formally recognized as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and have been listed under the Stockholm Convention on POPs. Concerns about increases in MCCP and LCCP production as replacements for SCCP products are rising, given their similar properties to SCCPs and the fact that they remain relatively understudied with only a few reported measurements in air. Passive air samplers with polyurethane foam disks (PUF-PAS), which have been successfully applied to SCCPs, provide an opportunity to expand the existing body of data on MCCP and LCCP air concentrations, as they are inexpensive and require little maintenance. The uptake of MCCPs and LCCPs by PUF disk samplers is characterized in this paper based on newly derived PUF-air partitioning coefficients using COSMOtherm. The ability of PUF disk samplers to capture both gas-phase and particle fractions is important because MCCPs and LCCPs have reduced volatility compared to SCCPs and therefore are mainly associated with particulate matter in air. In addition, due to their use as additives in plastics and rubber products, they are associated with micro- and nanoplastics, which are considered to be potential vectors for the long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) of these chemicals. The review has highlighted other limitations to reporting of MCCPs and LCCPs in air, including the lack of suitable analytical standards and the requirement for advanced analytical methods to detect and resolve these complex mixtures. Overall, this review indicates that further research is needed in many areas for medium- and long-chain chlorinated paraffins in order to better understand their occurrence, transport and fate in air.

Chromosome-Scale Assembly of the Dendrobium nobile Genome Provides Insights Into the Molecular Mechanism of the Biosynthesis of the Medicinal Active Ingredient of Dendrobium.

Orchids constitute approximately 10% of flowering plant species. However, only about 10 orchid genomes have been published. Metabolites are the main way through which orchids respond to their environment. Dendrobium nobile, belonging to Dendrobium, the second largest genus in Orchidaceae, has high ornamental, medicinal, and ecological value. D. nobile is the source of many popular horticultural varieties. Among the Dendrobium species, D. nobile has the highest amount of dendrobine, which is regarded as one of the criteria for evaluating medicinal quality. Due to lack of data and analysis at the genomic level, the biosynthesis pathways of dendrobine and other related medicinal ingredients in D. nobile are unknown. In this paper, we report a chromosome-scale reference genome of D. nobile to facilitate the investigation of its genomic characteristics for comparison with other Dendrobium species. The assembled genome size of D. nobile was 1.19 Gb. Of the sequences, 99.45% were anchored to 19 chromosomes. Furthermore, we identified differences in gene number and gene expression patterns compared with two other Dendrobium species by integrating whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomic analysis [e.g., genes in the polysaccharide biosynthesis pathway and upstream of the alkaloid (dendrobine) biosynthesis pathway]. Differences in the TPS and CYP450 gene families were also found among orchid species. All the above differences might contribute to the species-specific medicinal ingredient biosynthesis pathways. The metabolic pathway-related analysis will provide further insight into orchid responses to the environment. Additionally, the reference genome will provide important insights for further molecular elucidation of the medicinal active ingredients of Dendrobium and enhance the understanding of orchid evolution.

Organic contaminants in imported salmon feed and their effects on reef ecosystems in New Zealand.

Organic matter from salmon farms has been shown to be assimilated by soft sediment and rocky reef communities within the ecological footprint of salmon farms. Given these findings, another question arises - What other chemicals in salmon feed may be assimilated into wild communities via organic waste from salmon farms? Here we measured a suite of organic contaminants in salmon feed, in organisms used in a controlled feeding experiment, and in reef species collected within the depositional footprint of salmon farms. Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry was used to quantify trace concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and current-use (CPUs) and historic-use pesticides (HUPs) in salmon feed imported to New Zealand. The effect of assimilation of farm-derived organic matter on contaminant profiles differed among species during the controlled feeding experiment and demonstrated that migration of individuals to a farm-associated site has the potential to increase or decrease organic contaminant concentrations. Concentrations of PCBs in Parapercis colias (blue cod), a highly resident, long-lived fish, were significantly higher at farm sites than at reference sites. While these concentrations were relatively low in a global context, this result presents blue cod as an important candidate for future monitoring of organic contaminants around point sources. PCBs and PBDEs measured in wild marine species were all below limits set by the European Union, whereas concentrations of certain HUPs, specifically dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its degradation products and endosulfan, may be of concern as a consequence of alternative anthropogenic activities. Overall, feed imported to New Zealand had relatively low levels of most organic contaminants that, at current levels, are unlikely to result in significant ecological effects to wild communities in adjacent habitats.

R2R3-MYB genes coordinate conical cell development and cuticular wax biosynthesis in Phalaenopsis aphrodite.

Petals of the monocot Phalaenopsis aphrodite (Orchidaceae) possess conical epidermal cells on their adaxial surfaces, and a large amount of cuticular wax is deposited on them to serve as a primary barrier against biotic and abiotic stresses. It has been widely reported that subgroup 9A members of the R2R3-MYB gene family, MIXTA and MIXTA-like in eudicots, act to regulate the differentiation of conical epidermal cells. However, the molecular pathways underlying conical epidermal cell development and cuticular wax biosynthesis in monocot petals remain unclear. Here, we characterized two subgroup 9A R2R3-MYB genes, PaMYB9A1 and PaMYB9A2 (PaMYB9A1/2), from P. aphrodite through the transient overexpression of their coding sequences and corresponding chimeric repressors in developing petals. We showed that PaMYB9A1/2 function to coordinate conical epidermal cell development and cuticular wax biosynthesis. In addition, we identified putative targets of PaMYB9A1/2 through comparative transcriptome analyses, revealing that PaMYB9A1/2 acts to regulate the expression of cell wall-associated and wax biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, a chemical composition analysis of cuticular wax showed that even-chain n-alkanes and odd-chain primary alcohols are the main chemical constituents of cuticular wax deposited on petals, which is inconsistent with the well-known biosynthetic pathways of cuticular wax, implying a distinct biosynthetic pathway occurring in P. aphrodite flowers. These results reveal that the function of subgroup 9A R2R3-MYB family genes in regulating the differentiation of epidermal cells is largely conserved in monocots and dicots. Furthermore, both PaMYB9A1/2 have evolved additional functions controlling the biosynthesis of cuticular wax.

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Sustainable intensification in agriculture (SI) is a realistic pathway to ensure global food security and deal with famine, poverty, and climate change. We constructed a SI research framework using methods such as literature, induction, and deduction. We reviewed the progress of SI research from four aspects, including the conceptual origin, index system, research scale, and evaluation methods. We discussed the future development path to provide reference for deepening related research of SI and its relation from the multi-disciplinary angle. There are many kinds of research on SI across the world, which give rich connotations to SI based on multiple dimensions of productivity, economy, environment, and society. The evaluation of SI involves productivity, economy, environment, human and society. It has formed a comprehensive evaluation system such as material input, resource productivity, environmental and economic efficiency, and other multiple indicators. Moreover, the evaluation methods of SI mainly include the factor comprehensive evaluation method and index model evaluation method. Studies on SI are not abundant in China, which needs to be enriched. We should break through the constraints of traditional theoretical and methodological frameworks, focus on the transformative scientific issues brought by international development, and explore the research paradigm of SI from the cross-disciplinary perspective.

Improving screening model of pesticide risk assessment in surface soils: Addressing regional specific human exposure risks and regulatory management.

In this study, a simple screening approach was proposed to evaluate region-specific population health risks of soil pesticides, which was achieved by introducing region-specific factors of pesticides, including fate factors (FFs), environmental distribution factors (DFs), and intake factors (IFs). These region-specific factors were characterized using simple weather variables and calculated the characterization factors (CFs) to link pesticide emissions to population exposure risks. The CF at the reference state indicates the potential of a pesticide entering the human body. Simulations for over 700 pesticides showed that pesticides that are thermodynamically stable in soil organics have large CFs. In addition, we conducted a case study on the region-specific risk assessment of malathion in the United States. The results indicated that colder regions have larger CFs of malathion than those of the warmer regions due to the large FF values for the same emission rates. However, from a regulatory perspective, colder regions should have less strict malathion soil standards than those of warmer regions as children in colder regions spend limited time outdoors. Although other region-specific factors such as soil type and population density need to be considered to improve the model, the approach proposed in this study can be used as a simple screening tool to evaluate region-specific population health risks and manage soil residues for different regions.

Chromosome-scale assembly of the Dendrobium chrysotoxum genome enhances the understanding of orchid evolution.

As one of the largest families of angiosperms, the Orchidaceae family is diverse. Dendrobium represents the second largest genus of the Orchidaceae. However, an assembled high-quality genome of species in this genus is lacking. Here, we report a chromosome-scale reference genome of Dendrobium chrysotoxum, an important ornamental and medicinal orchid species. The assembled genome size of D. chrysotoxum was 1.37 Gb, with a contig N50 value of 1.54 Mb. Of the sequences, 95.75% were anchored to 19 pseudochromosomes. There were 30,044 genes predicted in the D. chrysotoxum genome. Two whole-genome polyploidization events occurred in D. chrysotoxum. In terms of the second event, whole-genome duplication (WGD) was also found to have occurred in other Orchidaceae members, which diverged mainly via gene loss immediately after the WGD event occurred; the first duplication was found to have occurred in most monocots (tau event). We identified sugar transporter (SWEET) gene family expansion, which might be related to the abundant medicinal compounds and fleshy stems of D. chrysotoxum. MADS-box genes were identified in D. chrysotoxum, as well as members of TPS and Hsp90 gene families, which are associated with resistance, which may contribute to the adaptive evolution of orchids. We also investigated the interplay among carotenoid, ABA, and ethylene biosynthesis in D. chrysotoxum to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the short flowering period of orchids with yellow flowers. The reference D. chrysotoxum genome will provide important insights for further research on medicinal active ingredients and breeding and enhances the understanding of orchid evolution.