Isolation, characterization, and circulation sphere of a filovirus in fruit bats.

Bats are associated with the circulation of most mammalian filoviruses (FiVs), with pathogenic ones frequently causing deadly hemorrhagic fevers in Africa. Divergent FiVs have been uncovered in Chinese bats, raising concerns about their threat to public health. Here, we describe a long-term surveillance to track bat FiVs at orchards, eventually resulting in the identification and isolation of a FiV, Dehong virus (DEHV), from Rousettus leschenaultii bats. DEHV has a typical filovirus-like morphology with a wide spectrum of cell tropism. Its entry into cells depends on the engagement of Niemann-Pick C1, and its replication is inhibited by remdesivir. DEHV has the largest genome size of filoviruses, with phylogenetic analysis placing it between the genera Dianlovirus and Orthomarburgvirus, suggesting its classification as the prototype of a new genus within the family Filoviridae. The continuous detection of viral RNA in the serological survey, together with the wide host distribution, has revealed that the region covering southern Yunnan, China, and bordering areas is a natural circulation sphere for bat FiVs. These emphasize the need for a better understanding of the pathogenicity and potential risk of FiVs in the region.

Effects of CICARE model combined with traditional Chinese medicine encapsulation on muscle strength and depression levels in hemiplegic patients with sequelae of cerebrovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the combination of CICARE (C - Connect, I - Introduce, C - Communicate, A - Ask, R - Respond, E - Exit) communication model and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) poultice on muscle strength and depression levels in patients. METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups: basic treatment group, basic treatment + TCM poultice group, and combined treatment group. Conventional rehabilitation therapy, TCM poultice external application, and the combination of both with the CICARE communication model were applied in the respective groups. Muscle strength (AMA muscle strength grading scale), self-care abilities (Barthel Index), depression symptoms (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale), neurological deficit status (NIHSS score) and serum inflammatory factor levels were assessed at admission, 3 weeks, and 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: After 3 and 8 weeks of treatment, the combined treatment group had higher AMA muscle strength scores and improved Barthel Index scores compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Depressive symptoms also improved significantly in the combined treatment group, with lower HDRS scores at 3 and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). After 8 weeks, IL-1, IL-6, and hs-CRP levels decreased in all groups, with the combined treatment group showing the lowest levels (p < 0.05). NIHSS scores decreased significantly in all groups post-intervention, with the combined treatment group showing the greatest improvement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The integration of CICARE communication model with TCM poultice shows notable benefits in enhancing muscle strength, daily living self-care abilities, reducing depression, neurological impairment, and inflammatory factors in post-stroke hemiplegia patients.

Optimization Design of CMUT Sensors with Broadband and High Sensitivity Characteristics Based on the Genetic Algorithm.

In this study, we propose a method for optimizing the design of CMUT sensors using genetic algorithms. Existing CMUT sensors face frequency response and sensitivity limitations, necessitating optimization to enhance their sensing performance. Traditional optimization methods are often intricate and time-consuming and may fail to yield the optimal solution. Genetic algorithms, which simulate the biological evolution process, offer advantages in global optimization and efficiency, making them widely utilized in the optimization design of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) devices. Based on the theoretical framework and finite element model of CMUT sensors, we propose a CMUT array element optimization design method based on genetic algorithms. The optimization and validation results demonstrate that we have successfully designed a broadband CMUT array element consisting of four microelements with a 1-2 MHz frequency range. Compared with a randomly arranged array element, the optimized array shows a 63.9% increase in bandwidth and a 7.5% increase in average sensitivity within the passband. Moreover, the sensitivity variance within the passband is reduced by 50.2%. Our proposed method effectively optimizes the design of high sensitivity CMUT sensors with the desired bandwidth, thereby offering significant reference value for the optimization design of CMUT sensors.

Evaluation of the pan-class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor copanlisib in the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Consortium in vivo models of osteosarcoma.

Copanlisib is a pan-class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, with activity against all four PI3K class I isoforms (PI3Kα, PI3Kß, PI3Kγ, and PI3Kδ). Whole-genome and RNA sequencing data have revealed several PI3K aberrations in osteosarcoma tumor samples. The in vivo anticancer effects of copanlisib were assessed in a panel of six osteosarcoma models. Copanlisib induced prolonged event-free survival in five of six osteosarcoma models; however, all models demonstrated progressive disease suggesting minimal activity. While copanlisib did not result in tumor regression, more data are needed to fully explore the role of the PI3K pathway in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma.

Effects of motor imagery based brain-computer interface on upper limb function and attention in stroke patients with hemiplegia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Seeking positive and comprehensive rehabilitation methods after stroke is an urgent problem to be solved, which is very important to improve the dysfunction of stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of motor imagery-based brain-computer interface training (MI-BCI) on upper limb function and attention in stroke patients with hemiplegia. METHODS: Sixty stroke patients with impairment of upper extremity function and decreased attention were randomly assigned to the control group (CR group) or the experimental group (BCI group) in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the CR group received conventional rehabilitation. Patients in the BCI group received 20 min of MI-BCI training five times a week for 3 weeks (15 sessions) in addition to conventional rehabilitation. The primary outcome measures were the changes in Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Assessment of Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and Attention Network Test (ANT) from baseline to 3 weeks. RESULTS: About 93% of the patients completed the allocated training. Compared with the CR group, among those in the BCI group, FMA-UE was increased by 8.0 points (95%CI, 5.0 to 10.0; P < 0.001). Alert network response time (32.4ms; 95%CI, 58.4 to 85.6; P < 0.001), orienting network response (5.6ms; 95%CI, 29.8 to 55.8; P = 0.010), and corrects number (8.0; 95%CI, 17.0 to 28.0; P < 0.001) also increased in the BCI group compared with the CR group. Additionally, the executive control network response time (- 105.9ms; 95%CI, - 68.3 to - 23.6; P = 0.002), the total average response time (- 244.8ms; 95%CI, - 155.8 to - 66.2; P = 0.002), and total time (- 122.0ms; 95%CI, - 80.0 to - 35.0; P = 0.001) were reduced in the BCI group compared with the CR group. CONCLUSION: MI-BCI combined with conventional rehabilitation training could better enhance upper limb motor function and attention in stroke patients. This training method may be feasible and suitable for individuals with stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with Portal Number ChiCTR2100050430(27/08/2021).

Meat-derived Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fragi manage to co-exist in dual-species biofilms by adjusting gene-regulated competitive strength.

Pseudomonas fragi and Escherichia coli are considered as common colonizers of fresh and spoilage meat, where they tend to live in the proximity. In this study, we primarily tested interplay patterns between different isolates of these two species in two-by-two combinations grown on stainless steel surfaces as dual-species biofilms. Results showed that these two species presented competition as major observed interplay patterns as biofilms progressed independent of bacterial strains and growth temperatures (15 °C and 25 °C). One dual-species combination was proposed as a representative to further explore dynamic patterns of interaction strength between these two species, with species colonization order taken into consideration as a biological effector. We firstly reported that prior colonization of one species significantly decreased the initiatively colonized cell counts of counterpart species by one to three orders of magnitude when competing for limited adhesion surface, under which E. coli was observed to be more aggressive in surface colonization as compared to P. fragi. However, the spatial structure and microbial composition of mature dual-species biofilms were not observed to be significantly affected. Our findings also shed new light on the evidence that E. coli and P. fragi, respectively, enhanced their biofilm formation capabilities by upregulating expression level of genes that encoded Type 1 fimbriae and phosphate response regulator as dual-species consortia progressed, which could serve as a crucial factor that improved the difficulty of food biocontrol.

Evaluation of the coracoid bone tunnel placement on Dog Bone™ button fixation for acromioclavicular joint dislocation: a cadaver study combined with finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dog Bone™ button fixation is frequently used to treat acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. However, various studies have reported complications after fixation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the coracoid bone tunnel location on the treatment of ACJ dislocation through single-tunnel coracoclavicular (CC) ligament fixation with the Dog Bone™ button. METHODS: Six cadaveric shoulders were used. Each specimen was subjected to five testing conditions in the following order: (1) normal ACJ (Gn); (2) acromioclavicular and CC ligaments were removed (G0); (3) CC ligament reconstruction was performed using the Dog Bone™ technique, and the coracoid bone tunnel was at the center of the coracoid base (G1); (4) reconstruction was performed at 5 mm distal from the G1 site, along the axis of the coracoid (G2); (5) reconstruction was performed at 10 mm distal from the G1 site, along the axis of the coracoid (G3). The angles of pronation and supination of the clavicle under the same load (30 N) were measured. Next, a finite element (FE) model was created using computed tomography (CT) images of the normal shoulder. Model 1 (M1), model 2 (M2), and model 3 (M3) correspond to G1, G2, and G3, respectively. A force of 70 N was applied as a vertical upward load to the distal clavicle. Subsequently, the von Mises stress, the strain LE along the FiberWire, and the displacement nephogram of the three models were obtained. RESULTS: After single-tunnel CC ligament fixation using the Dog Bone™ technique, the clavicle in the G2 group (20.50 (19.50, 21.25) °, 20.00 (18.75, 21.25) °) had the best rotational stability. The peak von Mises stress, the strain LE along the FiberWire, and the maximum displacement were smaller in M2 than in M1 and M3. CONCLUSIONS: When the coracoid bone tunnel was located 5 mm anterior to the center of the coracoid base (along the axis of the coracoid), the clavicle showed greater rotational stability.

Effects of high manganese-cultivated seedlings on cadmium uptake by various rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in paddy soil threatens rice growth and food safety, enriching manganese (Mn) in rice seedlings is expected to reduce Cd uptake by rice. The effects of 250 µM Mn-treated seedlings on reducing Cd uptake of four rice genotypes (WYJ21, ZJY1578, HHZ, and HLYSM) planted in 0.61 mg kg-1 Cd-contaminated soil, were studied through the hydroponic and pot experiments. The results showed that the ZJY1578 seedling had the highest Mn level (459 µg plant-1), followed by WYJ21 (309 µg plant-1), and less Mn accumulated in the other genotypes. The relative expression of OsNramp5 (natural resistance-associated macrophage protein) was reduced by 42.7 % in ZJY1578 but increased by 23.3 % in HLYSM. The expressions of OsIRT1 (iron-regulated transporter-like protein) were reduced by 24.0-56.0 % in the four genotypes, with the highest reduction in ZJY1578. Consequently, a greater reduction of Cd occurred in ZJY1578 than that in the other genotypes, i.e., the root and shoot Cd at the tillering were reduced by 27.8 % and 48.5 %, respectively. At the mature stage, total Cd amount and distribution in the shoot and brown rice were also greatly reduced in ZJY1578, but the inhibitory effects were weakened compared to the tillering stage. This study found various responses of Cd uptake and transporters to Mn-treated seedlings among rice genotypes, thus resulting in various Cd reductions. In the future, the microscopic transport processes of Cd within rice should be explored to deeply explain the genotypic variation.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal conotruncal defects by using 2D ultrasound and HD live flow combined with spatiotemporal image correlation.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the diagnostic value of spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) for different types of fetal conotruncal defects (CTDs). METHODS: The clinical data and STIC images of 174 fetuses with CTDs diagnosed via prenatal ultrasound were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Among the 174 cases of CTDs, 58 were tetralogy of Fallot (TOF); 30, transposition of great arteries (TGA) (D-TGA, 23 cases; cc-TGA, 7 cases); 26, double outlet of the right ventricle (DORV); 32, persistent arterial trunk (PTA) (type A1, 15 cases; type A2, 11 cases; type A3, 5 cases; type A4, 1 case); and 28, pulmonary atresia (PA) (ventricular septal defect, 24 cases; ventricular septal integrity, 4 cases). Among the cases, 156 were complicated with complex congenital intracardiac and extracardiac malformations. The abnormal display rate of the four-chamber view of two-dimensional echocardiography was low. The display rate of the permanent arterial trunk was the highest (90.6%) in STIC imaging. CONCLUSIONS: STIC imaging can be used in the diagnosis of different types of CTDs, especially in persistent arterial trunks, and thus has great value for the clinical treatment and prognosis of these defects.

Histopathological image recognition of breast cancer based on three-channel reconstructed color slice feature fusion.

Although computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) have shown excellent performance in Breast cancer (BC) histopathological image, it commonly requires a high-level network, and the recognition efficiency is frequently unsatisfied due to the complex structure of histopathological image. In this study, a ten-layers convolutional neural network (CNN) model called "ColorDeep" is used to extract color features corresponding to the different tissue parts in cell, pure color image slices obtained by a three-channel separation and reconstruction method are used as model input. Two models are tested on the BreaKHis dataset show that images under four magnifications achieved the recognition accuracy of 96.89%-99.67% at the image level, which is better than many state-of-the-art methods. The characteristics contained by the B channel have the largest effect on BC recognition, and compared to other research results, the proposed model improves the recognition speed on a single image by about 0.1s. More importantly, instead of using large histopathological images to input into the model for BC diagnosis, and instead of segmenting the nuclei, only the reconstructed B-channel features containing the nuclei region in the stained BC image need to be input into the model to enable accurate diagnosis of BC.

A PDMS-based microneedle array electrode for long-term ECG recording.

To acquire high-quality electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, traditional Ag/AgCl wet electrodes used together with conductive gel can effectively reduce electrode-skin interface impedance (EII) in a short term. However, their weaknesses of poor flexibility and instability can no longer meet the long-term monitoring requirements of intelligent wearable devices. Owing to the flexible dry electrode without conductive gel, it is a good choice to solve the critical problem on drying-out of conductive gel. Therefore, we develop a flexible microneedle array electrode (FMAE) based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, which obtains reliable bioelectrical signals by way of penetrating into the stratum corneum (SC) of the skin. The fabrication process, including silicon mold, twice PDMS shape-transferring and encapsulation, has advantages of low cost, repeatable production and good biocompatibility. Afterwards, by comparing the performance with different electrodes, impedance test results indicate that the impedance of FMAE are smaller and more stable, and ECG tests in long term and at resting/jogging states also verify that FMAE can obtain durable, stable and reliable signals. In conclusion, FMAE is promising in long-term ECG monitoring.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is challenged by the presence of Pseudomonas, but successfully co-existed in dual-species microbial communities.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas were considered as common colonizers of fresh and spoilage meat, where they tended to live in the proximity. In this study, we tested the interplay between different isolates of E. coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas in random two-by-two combinations grown as dual-species consortia. Results showed that the growth fitness of E. coli was not facilitated by the presence of all tested Pseudomonas strains, and vice versa. Representative combinations were further selected to investigate the property changes following the time course of biofilms formation as compared to single species. Cell counting confirmed that the growth of E. coli O157:H7 was challenged by the presence of Pseudomonas strains as previously described. Our findings shed new light on the evidence that the pathogenicity of E. coli O157:H7 was negatively affected by the presence of Pseudomonas according to the evaluation of spatial organization and genetic expression of virulence factors, which might be a naturally existing biological phenomenon constraining the safety risk of former strains in meat processing and preservation. Intriguingly, we observed that E. coli managed to stably co-exist at low cellular abundance in the progress of dual-species consortia, indicating successful adaptive mechanisms that need further investigations to uncover.

Mechanism of [CO2] Enrichment Alleviated Drought Stress in the Roots of Cucumber Seedlings Revealed via Proteomic and Biochemical Analysis.

Cucumber is one of the most widely cultivated greenhouse vegetables, and its quality and yield are threatened by drought stress. Studies have shown that carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) enrichment can alleviate drought stress in cucumber seedlings; however the mechanism of this [CO2] enrichment effect on root drought stress is not clear. In this study, the effects of different drought stresses (simulated with 0, 5% and 10% PEG 6000, i.e., no, moderate, and severe drought stress) and [CO2] (400 µmol·mol-1 and 800 ± 40 µmol·mol-1) on the cucumber seedling root proteome were analyzed using the tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics method. The results showed that after [CO2] enrichment, 346 differentially accumulating proteins (DAPs) were found only under moderate drought stress, 27 DAPs only under severe drought stress, and 34 DAPs under both moderate and severe drought stress. [CO2] enrichment promoted energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and secondary metabolism, induced the expression of proteins related to root cell wall and cytoskeleton metabolism, effectively maintained the balance of protein processing and degradation, and enhanced the cell wall regulation ability. However, the extent to which [CO2] enrichment alleviated drought stress in cucumber seedling roots was limited under severe drought stress, which may be due to excessive damage to the seedlings.

A general equilibrium assessment of COVID-19's labor productivity impacts on china's regional economies.

This study introduces a database for analyzing COVID-19's impacts on China's regional economies. This database contains various sectoral and regional economic outcomes at the weekly and monthly level. In the context of a general equilibrium trade model, we first formulate a mathematical representation of the Chinese regional economy and calibrate the model with China's multi-regional input-output table. We then utilize the monthly provincial and sectoral value-added and national trade series to estimate COVID-19's province-by-month labor-productivity impacts from February 2020 to September 2020. As a year-on-year comparison, relative to February 2019 levels, we find an average 39.5% decrease in labor productivity (equivalent to around 305 million jobs) and an average 25.9% decrease in welfare. Labor productivity and welfare quickly returned to the recent high-growth trends for China in the latter half of 2020. By September 2020, relative to September 2019, average labor productivity increased by 12.2% (equivalent to around 94 million jobs) and average welfare increased by 8.2%.

Enhanced solar water splitting using plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer and unidirectional charge carrier transport.

Solar water splitting by photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactions is promising for hydrogen production. The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are often applied to promote the visible response of wideband photocatalysts. However, in a typical TiO2/AuNPs structure, the opposite transfer direction of excited electrons between AuNPs and TiO2 under visible light and UV light severely limits the solar PEC performance. Here we present a unique Pt/TiO2/Cu2O/NiO/AuNPs photocathode, in which the NiO hole transport layer (HTL) is inserted between AuNPs and Cu2O to achieve unidirectional transport of charge carriers and prominent plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET) between AuNPs and Cu2O. The measured applied bias photon-to-current efficiency and the hydrogen production rate under AM 1.5G illumination can reach 1.5% and 16.4 µmol·cm-2·h-1, respectively. This work is original in using the NiO film as the PIRET spacer and provides a promising photoelectrode for energy-efficient solar water splitting.

Efficacy and Safety of Cetuximab Plus Cisplatin Alone or in Combination With Paclitaxel in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of cetuximab and cisplatin alone or in combination with paclitaxel as the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODOLOGY: Three hundred patients with confirmed HNSCC from 20 different hospitals were included in this study. Patients in group I underwent a 2-hour infusion of 400 mg/m2 cetuximab (day 1), followed by a 1-hour infusion of 250 mg/m2 cetuximab weekly and 1-hour infusion of 100 mg/m2 cisplatin (days 1 and 21) per treatment cycle. Patients in group II were treated with a combination of cetuximab, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. Patients received 6 cycles of 175 mg/m2 paclitaxel given on days 1 and 21. The primary outcome of the study was progression-free survival (PFS); overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR) were the secondary endpoints. RESULTS: The median PFS was 5 months and 8 months for patients in groups I and II, respectively (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85-1.78; P > 0.05). Similarly, we found no significant differences in OS between the 2 groups (median OS, 13 vs. 11 months, respectively; HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.42-1.43; P = 0.198). Moreover, we observed no significant difference in ORR between the 2 groups (ORR, 63.3% vs 69.9%, respectively; HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.36-1.67; P = 0.231). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of paclitaxel with cetuximab and cisplatin did not improve patient outcomes compared to cetuximab plus cisplatin alone. Therefore, the 2-drug regimen could be used as first-line treatment in patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.

Water transport in fleshy fruits: Research advances, methodologies, and future directions.

Fruits are reproductive organs in flowering plants and the harvested products of many agricultural crops. They play an increasingly important role in the human diet due to their nutritional values. Water is the most abundant component of most fleshy fruits, and it is essential for fruit growth and quality formation. Water is transported to the fruit via the vascular system (xylem and phloem) and lost to the air through the fruit surface due to transpiration. This minireview presents a framework for understanding water transport in fleshy fruits along with brief introductions of key methodologies used in this research field. We summarize the advances in the research on the patterns of water flow into and out of the fruit over development and under different environmental conditions and cultural practices. We review the key findings on fruit transpiration, xylem transport, phloem transport, and the coordination of water flows in maintaining fruit water balance. We also summarize research on post-vascular water transport mediated by aquaporins in fruits. More efforts are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which different environmental conditions impact fruit water transport at the micro-level and to better understand the physiological implications of the coordination of water flows. Incorporating fruit water transport into the research area of plant hydraulics will provide new insights into water transport in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum.

Facile synthesis of catalase@ZIF-8 composite by biomimetic mineralization for efficient biocatalysis.

Enzymes immobilized in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great attention as a promising hybrid material. In the study, a novel biomimetic mineralization encapsulation process for a highly stable and easily reusable catalase (CAT)@ZIF-8 composite has been designed. This immobilization process provides a high enzyme loading of 70 wt %. The CAT@ZIF-8 composites exhibited a much lower Km value and better enzyme activity than those of free CAT, exhibiting good stability against enzymatic hydrolysis and protein denaturation under harsh conditions. The inhibitory effects of pesticides such as pH, temperature, solvent (i.e., methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide and tetrahydrofuran) and storage at room temperature (6 months) on the activity of free and immobilized catalase enzyme were investigated. The CAT@MOF composites also exhibited excellent reusability, an obvious advantage for treating a wastewater from food processing. The CAT@MOF developed is promising for the efficient removal of H2O2 under harsh conditions.

Initial in vivo testing of TPO-receptor agonist eltrombopag in osteosarcoma patient-derived xenograft models by the pediatric preclinical testing consortium.

Eltrombopag is a small molecule, thrombopoietin receptor agonist approved for the treatment of patients with aplastic anemia and chronic immune thrombocytopenia. It is also a polyvalent cation chelator and inhibits leukemia cell proliferation via reduction of intracellular iron. The in vivo efficacy of eltrombopag was tested against a panel of six Pediatric Preclinical Testing Consortium osteosarcoma xenografts at doses of 5 mg/kg/day (moderate dose) and 50 mg/kg/day (high dose). Eltrombopag, at moderate doses, failed to significantly improve event-free survival (EFS) in 6/6 models. At high doses, eltrombopag significantly prolonged EFS in 2/2 models, though the effect size was small. All models tested demonstrated progressive disease. While eltrombopag did not meaningfully inhibit osteosarcoma growth, it also did not stimulate tumor growth, suggesting it may be safely investigated as a supportive care agent to enhance platelet recovery post chemotherapy.

Responses of water accumulation and solute metabolism in tomato fruit to water scarcity and implications for main fruit quality variables.

Fruit is important for human health, and applying deficit irrigation in fruit production is a strategy to regulate fruit quality and support environmental sustainability. Responses of different fruit quality variables to deficit irrigation have been widely documented, and much progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of these responses. We review the effects of water shortage on fruit water accumulation considering water transport from the parent plant into the fruit determined by hydraulic properties of the pathway (including xylem water transport and transmembrane water transport regulated by aquaporins) and the driving force for water movement. We discuss water relations and solute metabolism that affect the main fruit quality variables (e.g. size, flavour, nutrition, and firmness) at the cellular level under water shortage. We also summarize the most recent advances in the understanding of responses of the main fruit quality variables to water shortage, considering the effects of variety, the severity of water deficit imposed, and the developmental stage of the fruit. We finally identify knowledge gaps and suggest avenues for future research. This review provides new insights into the stress physiology of fleshy fruit, which will be beneficial for the sustainable production of high-quality fruit under deficit irrigation.