Glucose uptake from the rhizosphere mediated by MdDOF3-MdHT1.2 regulates drought resistance in apple.

In plants under drought stress, sugar content in roots increases, which is important for drought resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms for controlling the sugar content in roots during response to drought remain elusive. Here, we found that the MdDOF3-MdHT1.2 module-mediated glucose influx into the root is essential for drought resistance in apple (Malus × domestica). Drought induced glucose uptake from the rhizosphere and up-regulated the transcription of hexose transporter MdHT1.2. Compared with the wild-type plants, overexpression of MdHT1.2 promoted glucose uptake from the rhizosphere, thereby facilitating sugar accumulation in root and enhancing drought resistance, whereas silenced plants showed the opposite phenotype. Furthermore, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq and biochemical analysis demonstrated that MdDOF3 directly bound to the promoter of MdHT1.2 and was strongly up-regulated under drought. Overexpression of MdDOF3 in roots improved MdHT1.2-mediated glucose transport capacity and enhanced plant resistance to drought, but MdDOF3-RNAihr apple plants showed the opposite phenotype. Moreover, overexpression of MdDOF3 in roots did not attenuate drought sensitivity in MdHT1.2-RNAi plants, which was correlated with a lower glucose uptake capacity and glucose content in root. Collectively, our findings deciphered the molecular mechanism through which glucose uptake from the rhizosphere is mediated by MdDOF3-MdHT1.2, which acts to modulate sugar content in root and promote drought resistance.

Research on Sea State Signal Recognition Based on Beluga Whale Optimization-Slope Entropy and One Dimensional-Convolutional Neural Network.

This study introduces a novel nonlinear dynamic analysis method, known as beluga whale optimization-slope entropy (BWO-SlEn), to address the challenge of recognizing sea state signals (SSSs) in complex marine environments. A method of underwater acoustic signal recognition based on BWO-SlEn and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) is proposed. Firstly, particle swarm optimization-slope entropy (PSO-SlEn), BWO-SlEn, and Harris hawk optimization-slope entropy (HHO-SlEn) were used for feature extraction of noise signal and SSS. After 1D-CNN classification, BWO-SlEn were found to have the best recognition effect. Secondly, fuzzy entropy (FE), sample entropy (SE), permutation entropy (PE), and dispersion entropy (DE) were used to extract the signal features. After 1D-CNN classification, BWO-SlEn and 1D-CNN were found to have the highest recognition rate compared with them. Finally, compared with the other six recognition methods, the recognition rates of BWO-SlEn and 1D-CNN for the noise signal and SSS are at least 6% and 4.75% higher, respectively. Therefore, the BWO-SlEn and 1D-CNN recognition methods proposed in this paper are more effective in the application of SSS recognition.

Dual-Mode Imaging System for Early Detection and Monitoring of Ocular Surface Diseases.

The global prevalence of ocular surface diseases (OSDs), such as dry eyes, conjunctivitis, and subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH), is steadily increasing due to factors such as aging populations, environmental influences, and lifestyle changes. These diseases affect millions of individuals worldwide, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and continuous monitoring for effective treatment. Therefore, we present a deep learning-enhanced imaging system for the automated, objective, and reliable assessment of these three representative OSDs. Our comprehensive pipeline incorporates processing techniques derived from dual-mode infrared (IR) and visible (RGB) images. It employs a multi-stage deep learning model to enable accurate and consistent measurement of OSDs. This proposed method has achieved a 98.7% accuracy with an F1 score of 0.980 in class classification and a 96.2% accuracy with an F1 score of 0.956 in SCH region identification. Furthermore, our system aims to facilitate early diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a primary factor causing dry eyes, by quantitatively analyzing the meibomian gland (MG) area ratio and detecting gland morphological irregularities with an accuracy of 88.1% and an F1 score of 0.781. To enhance convenience and timely OSD management, we are integrating a portable IR camera for obtaining meibography during home inspections. Our system demonstrates notable improvements in expanding dual-mode image-based diagnosis for broader applicability, effectively enhancing patient care efficiency. With its automation, accuracy, and compact design, this system is well-suited for early detection and ongoing assessment of OSDs, contributing to improved eye healthcare in an accessible and comprehensible manner.

Investigation of Pipeline CO2 Leakage and Diffusion on Offshore Platforms Based on Numerical Simulation.

Pipeline transportation of CO2 is the key link to realize carbon capture, utilization, and storage. CO2 pipeline transportation may face the risk of leakage, which poses a great threat to the production process and personnel safety. It is of great significance to study the leakage and diffusion characteristics of CO2 in pipeline transportation for the safety design and personnel protection of the offshore CO2 storage platform. In order to study the leakage and diffusion characteristics of CO2 in pipeline transportation on offshore platforms, a physical model of a target platform and several numerical models were built, and a series of pipeline CO2 leakage and diffusion simulations were carried out using the method of numerical simulation. Based on the simulation results, the temperature distribution and CO2 concentration distribution on the offshore platforms after leakage were measured and analyzed. The influence of leakage direction (horizontal and oblique 45° upward) was also studied. Dangerous areas on the platform and suggestions for staff evacuation were given according to the simulation results. The research results of this work can provide guidance for the safe operation of offshore CO2 storage platforms.

γ-Aminobutyric acid enhances salt tolerance by sustaining ion homeostasis in apples.

Soil salinization had become a global ecological problem, which restricts the plant growth, and the quantity and quality of fruits. As a signaling molecule, γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediates a series of physiological processes and stress responses. Our previous research showed that GABA could alleviate drought, low phosphorus, cadmium stresses in apples, but the further research about its physiological mechanisms under salt stress was even more needed. The present study showed that the inhibition of salt stress on plant growth might be effectively alleviated by the treatment of 0.5 mM GABA, and the osmotic balance and photosynthetic capacity of plants could be maintained. Exogenous GABA could effectively inhibit the enrichment of reactive oxygen species and the uptake of Na+, while maintaining ion homeostasis. The experiment results indicated GABA could markedly promote the expression amount of Na+ and K+ transport-related genes (e.g., HKT1, AKT1, NHX1, SOS1, SOS2, and SOS3) in apples under salt stress. Overexpression and interference (RNAi) of MdGAD1 in apple roots, which is a crucial enzyme in the GABA biosynthesis, affected the salt tolerance of plants. Transgenic apple plants with roots of overexpression MdGAD1 showed less relative electrolyte leakage and more expression level of related ion transport genes than CK group, but RNAi MdGAD1 led to the opposite results. These results indicated that GABA accumulation could effectively strengthen the resistance of apple plants to salt stress and alleviate the injury of apple seedlings resulted from salinity.

High-throughput microplastic assessment using polarization holographic imaging.

Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global environmental concern due to its ubiquity and harmful impacts on ecosystems and human health. MP assessment has therefore become increasingly necessary and common in environmental and experimental samples. Microscopy and spectroscopy are widely employed for the physical and chemical characterization of MPs. However, these analytical methods often require time-consuming pretreatments of samples or expensive instrumentation. In this work, we develop a portable and cost-effective polarization holographic imaging system that prominently incorporates deep learning techniques, enabling efficient, high-throughput detection and dynamic analysis of MPs in aqueous environments. The integration enhances the identification and classification of MPs, eliminating the need for extensive sample preparation. The system simultaneously captures holographic interference patterns and polarization states, allowing for multimodal information acquisition to facilitate rapid MP detection. The characteristics of light waves are registered, and birefringence features are leveraged to classify the material composition and structures of MPs. Furthermore, the system automates real-time counting and morphological measurements of various materials, including MP sheets and additional natural substances. This innovative approach significantly improves the dynamic monitoring of MPs and provides valuable information for their effective filtration and management.

Transcriptome Analysis of Brain and Skin Reveals Immune Responses to Acute Hypoxia and Reoxygenation in Pseudobagrus ussuriensis.

Pseudobagrus ussuriensis is an unscaled fish that is more susceptible to skin damage than scaled fish. To investigate the impacts of hypoxia and reoxygenation on skin and brain immunity, juvenile P. ussuriensis were subjected to hypoxia conditions (DO: 0.8 ± 0.05 mg/L) for durations of 0, 3, 6, and 12 h, followed by 12 h of reoxygenation (DO > 6 mg/L). Histological analysis showed a significant increase in the number of skin mucosal cells after 12 h of hypoxia and a significant decrease after 12 h of reoxygenation when compared to the control group. As the duration of hypoxia increased, an increase in antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA) and immune (cortisol, LZM) physiological parameters of the skin and brain appeared. The results of transcriptomic studies showed that the number of differential genes was greater in skin than in brain. Most of the immune pathways in both tissues under hypoxia conditions were all nonspecific immunity (TNF, IL-17, chemokines), while both tissues maintained their homeostasis through active energy supply and cell cycle regulation. Meanwhile, both physiological parameters and RNA transcriptome results showed that 12 h of reoxygenation could not completely eliminate the negative effects of 12 h of hypoxia. This study offers new insights into the immune responses of P. ussuriensis skin and brain during acute hypoxia and reoxygenation.

Innovative regression model-based decision support tool for optimizing radiotherapy techniques in thoracic esophageal cancer.

Background: Modern radiotherapy exemplified by intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), has transformed esophageal cancer treatment. Facing challenges in treating thoracic esophageal cancer near vital organs, this study introduces a regression model-based decision support tool for the optimal selection of radiotherapy techniques. Methods: We enrolled 106 patients diagnosed with locally advanced thoracic esophageal cancer in this study and designed individualized IMRT and VMAT radiotherapy plans for each patient. Detailed dosimetric analysis was performed to evaluate the differences in dose distribution between the two radiotherapy techniques across various thoracic regions. Single-factor and multifactorial logistic regression analyses were employed to establish predictive models (P1 and P2) and factors such as TLV/PTV ratio. These models were used to predict the compliance and potential advantages of IMRT and VMAT plans. External validation was performed in a validation group of 30 patients. Results: Using predictive models, we developed a data-driven decision support tool. For upper thoracic cases, VMAT plans were recommended; for middle/lower thoracic cases, the tool guided VMAT/IMRT choices based on TLV/PTV ratio. Models P1 and P2 assessed IMRT and VMAT compliance. In validation, the tool showed high specificity (90.91%) and sensitivity (78.95%), differentiating IMRT and VMAT plans. Balanced performance in compliance assessment demonstrated tool reliability. Conclusion: In summary, our regression model-based decision support tool provides practical guidance for selecting optimal radiotherapy techniques for thoracic esophageal cancer patients. Despite a limited sample size, the tool demonstrates potential clinical benefits, alleviating manual planning burdens and ensuring precise, individualized treatment decisions for patients.

2-Aminopyridines as Potent and Selective Nav1.8 Inhibitors Exhibiting Efficacy in a Nonhuman Primate Pain Model.

Herein we describe the discovery of a 2-aminopyridine scaffold as a potent and isoform selective inhibitor of the Nav1.8 sodium channel. Parallel library synthesis, guided by in silico predictions, rapidly transformed initial hits into a novel 2-aminopyridine lead class possessing good ADME and pharmacokinetic profiles that were able to display activity in a clinically translatable nonhuman primate capsaicin-sensitized thermode pharmacodynamic assay. Progress toward the lead identification, optimization, and in vivo efficacy of these compounds will be discussed.

MdSINA2-MdNAC104 Module Regulates Apple Alkaline Resistance by Affecting γ-Aminobutyric Acid Synthesis and Transport.

Soil alkalization is an adverse factor limiting plant growth and yield. As a signaling molecule and secondary metabolite, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) responds rapidly to alkaline stress and enhances the alkaline resistance of plants. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the GABA pathway adapts to alkaline stress remain unclear. In this study, a transcription factor, MdNAC104 is identified, from the transcriptome of the alkaline-stressed roots of apple, which effectively reduces GABA levels and negatively regulates alkaline resistance. Nevertheless, applying exogenous GABA compensates the negative regulatory mechanism of overexpressed MdNAC104 on alkaline resistance. Further research confirms that MdNAC104 repressed the GABA biosynthetic gene MdGAD1/3 and the GABA transporter gene MdALMT13 by binding to their promoters. Here, MdGAD1/3 actively regulates alkaline resistance by increasing GABA synthesis, while MdALMT13 promotes GABA accumulation and efflux in roots, resulting in an improved resistance to alkaline stress. This subsequent assays reveal that MdSINA2 interacts with MdNAC104 and positively regulates root GABA content and alkaline resistance by ubiquitinating and degrading MdNAC104 via the 26S proteasome pathway. Thus, the study reveals the regulation of alkaline resistance and GABA homeostasis via the MdSINA2-MdNAC104-MdGAD1/3/MdALMT13 module in apple. These findings provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of alkaline resistance in plants.

Knockdowns of CD3zeta Chain in Primary NK Cells Illustrate Modulation of Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1.

Multifaceted natural killer (NK) cell activities are indispensable for controlling human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 transmission and pathogenesis. Among the diverse functions of NK cells, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been shown to predict better HIV-1 protection. ADCC is initiated by the engagement of an Fc γ receptor CD16 with an Fc portion of the antibody, leading to phosphorylation of the CD3 ζ chain (CD3ζ) and Fc receptor γ chain (FcRγ) as well as downstream signaling activation. Though CD3ζ and FcRγ were thought to have overlapping roles in NK cell ADCC, several groups have reported that CD3ζ-mediated signals trigger a more robust ADCC. However, few studies have illustrated the direct contribution of CD3ζ in HIV-1-specific ADCC. To further understand the roles played by CD3ζ in HIV-1-specific ADCC, we developed a CD3ζ knockdown system in primary human NK cells. We observed that HIV-1-specific ADCC was inhibited by CD3ζ perturbation. In summary, we demonstrated that CD3ζ is important for eliciting HIV-1-specific ADCC, and this dynamic can be utilized for NK cell immunotherapeutics against HIV-1 infection and other diseases.

Design and test of potato seeding apparatus based on double-layer seed picking scoop structure.

At present, potato seeders in China generally have poor uniformity of seed rows and high coefficients of variation in plant spacing during seed rows, causing difficulties for subsequent mechanized plant protection and harvesting. Based on the effect of seed discharge to analyze the sowing process, a potato seed discharger with a double-layer seed picking spoon structure was designed. By analyzing the seed discharging mechanism and its operation process, the shape and size structural parameters of the seed picking spoon were determined. Finite element simulation of the seed pickup process and seed carrying process of the seed discharging mechanism was carried out by EDEM software to determine the double-layer seed scoop scheme and the range of factors for subsequent tests. A two-factor test was conducted with seeding line speed and seed drop height as test factors, and plant spacing coefficient of variation and seed potato lateral offset dispersion as test indexes. The test results showed that the double-layer seeding spoon chain seeder reduced the coefficient of variation in plant spacing by 5.8%, and the dispersion in lateral offset by 5.5 mm, compared with the single seeding spoon seeder, when the seeding speed was 0.184 m/s and the height of falling seed was 9 cm.

Effects of high-intensity interval training on the anaerobic capacity of wrestlers

ABSTRACT Introduction Since the Wingate anaerobic experiment was proposed in the 1970s, it has come to be used as an important detection method to evaluate athletes' high-power sport capacity, the effect of training, and the training method. Therefore, it is often used to measure and evaluate the anaerobic work capacity of the human body. Objective Analyze the effects of high-intensity interval training on the anaerobic capacity of male wrestlers. Methods Professional wrestlers from a sports college were selected, as well as 30 college students majoring in physical education at a sports college, to compare the anaerobic power test. Results When evaluated by the Wingate anaerobic experiment, the value level of anaerobic power of training effects is best reflected in the first 10 s of the wrestling anaerobic experiment. The 30 s Wingate mainly reflects the effect of wrestling training on human anaerobic power, but the evaluation of anaerobic capacity from this period was not evidenced. Conclusion The Wingate anaerobic experiment is an important method for evaluating the level of wrestling training and can be used as a basis for evaluating the effect of training and the level of wrestling. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução Desde que o experimento anaeróbico Wingate foi proposto nos anos 70, ele passou a ser utilizado como um importante método de detecção para avaliar a capacidade esportiva de alta potência dos atletas, o efeito do treinamento e o método de treinamento. Com isso, ele é frequentemente usado para medir e avaliar a capacidade de trabalho anaeróbico do corpo humano. Objetivo Analisar os efeitos do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade sobre a capacidade anaeróbica dos lutadores livres masculinos. Métodos Foram selecionados lutadores profissionais de uma faculdade de esportes, além de 30 estudantes universitários graduados em educação física em uma faculdade de esportes para comparar o teste de potência anaeróbica. Resultados Quando avaliado pelo experimento anaeróbico Wingate, o nível de valor da potência anaeróbica dos efeitos do treinamento é melhor refletido nos primeiros 10 segundos de luta livre do experimento anaeróbico. O Wingate de 30 segundos reflete principalmente o efeito do treinamento de luta livre na potência anaeróbica humana, mas a avaliação da capacidade anaeróbica desde período não foi evidenciada. Conclusão O experimento anaeróbico Wingate é um método importante para avaliar o nível de treinamento da luta livre, podendo ser utilizado como base para avaliar o efeito do treinamento e o nível da luta livre. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción Desde que se propuso el experimento anaeróbico de Wingate en los años 70, comenzó a utilizarse como un importante método de detección para evaluar la capacidad deportiva de alta potencia de los atletas, el efecto del entrenamiento y el método de entrenamiento. Por ello, se utiliza con frecuencia para medir y evaluar la capacidad de trabajo anaeróbico del cuerpo humano. Objetivo Analizar los efectos del entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad sobre la capacidad anaeróbica de los luchadores masculinos. Métodos Se seleccionaron luchadores profesionales de una escuela de deportes, además de 30 estudiantes universitarios graduados en educación física en una escuela de deportes para comparar la prueba de potencia anaeróbica. Resultados Cuando se evalúa mediante el experimento anaeróbico de Wingate, el nivel de valor de la potencia anaeróbica de los efectos del entrenamiento se refleja mejor en los primeros 10 segundos del experimento anaeróbico de lucha. El Wingate de 30 segundos refleja principalmente el efecto del entrenamiento de lucha en la potencia anaeróbica humana, pero no se evidenció la evaluación de la capacidad anaeróbica a partir de este periodo. Conclusión El experimento anaeróbico de Wingate es un método importante para evaluar el nivel de entrenamiento de lucha, y puede utilizarse como base para evaluar el efecto del entrenamiento y el nivel de lucha. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.