Establishment and validation of a risk score model based on EUS: assessment of lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lymph node metastasis significantly affects the prognosis of early gastric cancer patients. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) plays a crucial role in the preoperative assessment of early gastric cancer. This study evaluated the efficacy of EUS in identifying lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer patients and developed a risk score model to aid in choosing the best treatment options. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the effectiveness of EUS for detecting lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer patients. A risk score model for predicting lymph node metastasis preoperatively was created using independent risk factors identified through binary logistic regression analysis and subsequently validated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for both the development and validation cohorts. RESULTS: The overall accuracy of EUS in identifying lymph node metastasis was 85.3%, although its sensitivity (29.2%) and positive predictive value (38.7%) were relatively low. Patients were categorized based on preoperative risk factors for lymph node metastasis, including tumor size ≥20 mm, lymph nodes ≥10 mm, BMI ≥24 kg/m2, and lymph node metastasis on CT scans. A 7-point risk score model was developed to assess the likelihood of lymph node metastasis. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for the development and validation sets were 0.842 and 0.837, respectively, with sensitivities of 64% and 79%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We developed a practical risk score model based on preoperative factors to help EUS predict lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer patients, guiding the selection of optimal treatment approaches for these patients.

Social contacts patterns relevant to the transmission of infectious diseases in Suzhou, China following the COVID-19 epidemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected human social contact patterns, but there is limited understanding regarding the post-pandemic social contact patterns. Our objective is to quantitatively assess social contact patterns in Suzhou post-COVID-19. METHODS: We employed a diary design and conducted social contact surveys from June to October 2023, utilizing paper questionnaires. A generalized linear model was utilized to analyze the relationship between individual contacts and covariates. We examined the proportions of contact type, location, duration, and frequency. Additionally, age-related mixed matrices were established. RESULTS: The participants reported an average of 11.51 (SD 5.96) contact numbers and a total of 19.78 (SD 20.94) contact numbers per day, respectively. The number of contacts was significantly associated with age, household size, and the type of week. Compared to the 0-9 age group, those in the 10-19 age group reported a higher number of contacts (IRR = 1.12, CI: 1.01-1.24), while participants aged 20 and older reported fewer (IRR range: 0.54-0.67). Larger households (5 or more) reported more contacts (IRR = 1.09, CI: 1.01-1.18) and fewer contacts were reported on weekends (IRR = 0.95, CI: 0.90-0.99). School had the highest proportion of contact durations exceeding 4 h (49.5%) and daily frequencies (90.4%), followed by home and workplace. The contact patterns exhibited clear age-assortative mixing, with Q indices of 0.27 and 0.28. CONCLUSIONS: We assessed the characteristics of social contact patterns in Suzhou, which are essential for parameterizing models of infectious disease transmission. The high frequency and intensity of contacts among school-aged children should be given special attention, making school intervention policies a crucial component in controlling infectious disease transmission.

Prognostic Evaluation of HER2-positive Early Breast Cancers Using Clinico-pathological Criteria.

Background/Aim: HER2-positive breast carcinomas (BCs) generally behave more aggressively and show higher cytological and histological grade than HER2-negative BCs. However, the clinical properties of HER2-positive early BCs have not been studied extensively. Hence, the therapeutic significance of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for this BC remains debatable. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively examined the clinicopathological features of 94 HER2-positive early BCs who perioperatively received anti-HER2 drugs, without undergoing NAC prior to surgery. Results: The patients' five year-disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 95.6% and 100%, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated significant differences in distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) between clinical and pathological tumor stages (T stages). Pathological T1 stage and clinical T1 stage tumors showed significantly higher DMSF than pT2-3 and cT2-3 (p=0.0002 and 0.0294). Multivariate analysis disclosed no significant differences in DFS, OS, and DMFS with respect to preoperative clinical tumor stage, patient age, type of surgery, postoperative therapy, and pathological factors. Recurrences occurred in nine patients: four (4.3%) and five (5.3%) patients showed local and distant recurrences, respectively. One patient with cT2 BC died of disease. Interestingly, four of the five BCs with distant recurrence pathologically demonstrated lymph vessel invasion. The prognoses of patients with HER2-positive stage cT1/2N0M0 BC were highly favorable. Conclusion: The indications for NAC in small, localized, and node-negative HER2-positive BC should be carefully assessed based on the presence of a larger tumor size, postoperative pathological evaluation of tumor size, and lymph vessel invasion.

Electropositive Citric Acid-Polyethyleneimine Carbon Dots Carrying the PINK1 Gene Regulate ATP-Related Metabolic Dysfunction in APP/PS1-N2a Cells.

(1) Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by ß-amyloid (Aß) peptide accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction during the early stage of disease. PINK1 regulates the balance between mitochondrial homeostasis and bioenergy supply and demand via the PINK1/Parkin pathway, Na+/Ca2+ exchange, and other pathways. (2) Methods: In this study, we synthesized positively charged carbon dots (CA-PEI CDs) using citric acid (CA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) and used them as vectors to express PINK1 genes in the APP/PS1-N2a cell line to determine mitochondrial function, electron transport chain (ETC) activity, and ATP-related metabolomics. (3) Results: Our findings showed that the CA-PEI CDs exhibit the characteristics of photoluminescence, low toxicity, and concentrated DNA. They are ideal biological carriers for gene delivery. PINK1 overexpression significantly increased the mitochondrial membrane potential in APP/PS1-N2a cells and reduced reactive-oxygen-species generation and Aß1-40 and Aß1-42 levels. An increase in the activity of NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I, CI) and cytochrome C oxidase (complex IV, CIV) induces the oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria, increasing ATP generation. (4) Conclusions: These findings indicate that the PINK gene can alleviate AD by increasing bioenergetic metabolism, reducing Aß1-40 and Aß1-42, and increasing ATP production.

Abundant Edge Active Sites-Modified High-Crystalline g-C3N5 for Hydrogen Peroxide Production from Pure-Water via a Quasi-Homogeneous Photocatalytic Process.

Ultrathin carbon nitride pioneered a paradigm that facilitates effective charge separation and acceleration of rapid charge migration. Nevertheless, the dissociation process confronts a disruption owing to the proclivity of carbon nitride to reaggregate, thereby impeding the optimal utilization of active sites. In response to this exigency, the adoption of a synthesis methodology featuring alkaline potassium salt-assisted molten salt synthesis is advocated in this work, aiming to craft a nitrogenated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N5) photocatalyst characterized by thin layer and hydrophilicity, which not only amplifies the degree of crystallization of g-C3N5 but also introduces a plethora of abundant edge active sites, engendering a quasi-homogeneous photocatalytic system. Under visible light irradiation, the ultra-high H2O2 production rate of this modified high-crystalline g-C3N5 in pure water attains 151.14 µm h-1. This groundbreaking study offers a novel perspective for the innovative design of highly efficient photocatalysts with a quasi-homogeneous photocatalytic system.

The cell cycle regulator p16 promotes tumor infiltrated CD8+ T cell exhaustion and apoptosis.

The therapeutic efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy is largely restricted by reduced viability and dysfunction of CD8+ T cells. Continuous antigen stimulation disrupts the expansion, effector function, and metabolic fitness of CD8+ T cells, leading to their differentiation into an exhausted state within the tumor microenvironment (TME). While the function of the cell cycle negative regulator p16 in senescent cells is well understood, its role in T cell exhaustion remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that TCR stimulation of CD8+ T cells rapidly upregulates p16 expression, with its levels positively correlating with TCR affinity. Chronic TCR stimulation further increased p16 expression, leading to CD8+ T cell apoptosis and exhaustion differentiation, without inducing DNA damage or cell senescence. Mechanistic investigations revealed that p16 downregulates mTOR, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) associated gene expression, resulting in impaired mitochondrial fitness, reduced T cell viability, and diminished effector function. Furthermore, the deletion of p16 significantly enhances the persistence of CD8+ T cells within tumors and suppresses the terminal exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating T cells. Overall, our findings elucidate how increased p16 expression reshapes T cell intracellular metabolism, drives T cell apoptosis and exhaustion differentiation, and ultimately impairs T cell anti-tumor function.

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by robot esophagectomy has no effect on short-term results compared with surgery alone.

BACKGROUND: To determine the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCI). METHODS: Data from patients who underwent RAMIE between January 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The oncological and operative outcomes of the NCI and surgery-only (S) groups were compared by both unmatched and 1:1 propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients with ESCC who underwent three-incision RAMIE were included in this study (143 patients in the S group and 58 patients in the NCI group). Of the 58 patients who underwent NCI, a pathologically complete response (pCR) (ypT0N0) was identified in 14 (24.1%) patients. The patients in the NCI group were younger than those in the S group (p = 0.017), and had more advanced cT (p < 0.001) and cN stage diseases (p = 0.002). After 1:1 PSM of the confounders, 55 patients were allocated to each of the NCI and S groups. No significant differences were found in oncological and operative results, including surgical blood loss, operative time, and lymph node harvest (all p > 0.05). However, the NCI group exhibited a lower rate of pulmonary complications than the S group (3.6% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.047). No significant difference between the groups was found for other complications (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that NCI could result in a high pCR rate without increased complications in locally advanced ESCC. RAMIE is safe and feasible in patients with ESCC after NCI.

Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of the mitogenome in endangered giant nuthatch Sitta magna (Passeriformes, Sittidae).

The Giant Nuthatch Sitta magna (family Sittidae) is a passerine bird, the quantification of the number of habitats and species on a global scale remains low. Most species are restricted to low elevations in southwest China, eastern Myanmar, and northern Thailand. To characterize the mitochondrial genome sequence of S. magna and its phylogenetic relationships with other members within the genus Sitta, the mitochondrial genome of S. magna was sequenced using the whole genome shotgun method. The sequencing results showed that the mitochondrial genome was 16,829 bp long and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and one control region (D-loop). All tRNAs were predicted to form a typical clover secondary structure. Among the 13 PCGs, only the start codon in COI was ATC, the start codon by the remaining 12 PCGs was ATG, and the stop codons were TAG, TAA, AGG, AGA, and TA. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of 17 species generated consistent well-supported phylogenies. The family Polioptilidae and the family Troglodytidae were closely related, and the family Sittidae was confined to a single branch. The genus Sitta in the family Sittidae was mainly clustered into three branches. Our findings provide new mitochondrial genomic data that could be used for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies; our results also certificate into the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Sitta ((S. himalayensi+(S. nagaensis + S. europaea))+(S. villosa + S. yunnanensis))+(S. carolinensis + S. magna).

Metastatic stomach lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PLELC) is a rare type of non-small-cell lung cancer. Stomach lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) metastasis secondary to PLELC has not been reported recently. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for a regular gastroscopy examination with a 6-year history of surgical resection for left PLELC. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography suggested high accumulation of 18F-fludeoxyglucose in the gastric cardia region. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed a large mass at the stomach fundus. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the biopsy suggested metastatic stomach LELC. Proximal gastrectomy showed that this 6.5 cm × 5.0 cm mass was located in the stomach fundus near the cardia. Histopathological examination showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma with prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. IHC demonstrated that the tumor was positive for CK (AE1/AE3), p63, p40, p53, Ki-67 (70%), and EGFR (3+) and negative for CK7, CK20, Her2, and CD10. In situ hybridization analysis showed positive staining Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA. Tumor programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression score was 98%, and the combined positive score was 100, with no evidence of microsatellite instability. Thus, the patient was unequivocally diagnosed with metastatic stomach LELC secondary to pulmonary LELC. After discharge, this patient underwent PD-1 inhibitor treatment (toripalimab, 240 mg) every 3 wk for ten cycles, and she has had no tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: For gastric LELC metastasis, PD-1 inhibitor therapy could become a new therapeutic approach, though there is still no evidence from large data sets to support this.

Boosting photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 production over black g-C3N4 nanosheet photocatalyst via incorporation with carbon dots.

Although photocatalytic H2 production based on semiconductor materials has a wide potential application, it still facing challenges such as slow reaction kinetics or complex synthesis processes. To meet these challenges, the carbon dots loaded black g-C3N4 (CN-B-CDs) was synthesized by simple calcination method to achieve efficient photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 production. Photothermal imaging experiments confirmed the photothermal effect of CN-B and CDs as dual heat sources to increase the temperature of the composite system, thus improving the effective separation of photo-generated charges. In addition, multiple photocatalytic H2 production tests exhibited that CN-B-CDs photocatalysts not only have strong stability but also can accommodate a variety of complex water bodies, which displayed the potential for industrial application. This study combined the photothermal effect and the mechanism by which the CDs promote the charge transfer to design a new photocatalytic H2 production system and provided a new scheme for achieving efficient photothermal-assisted photocatalytic H2 production using carbon-based materials.

An update on chronic complications of diabetes mellitus: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies with a focus on metabolic memory.

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disease, often leads to numerous chronic complications, significantly contributing to global morbidity and mortality rates. High glucose levels trigger epigenetic modifications linked to pathophysiological processes like inflammation, immunity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, senescence and various kinds of cell death. Despite glycemic control, transient hyperglycemia can persistently harm organs, tissues, and cells, a latent effect termed "metabolic memory" that contributes to chronic diabetic complications. Understanding metabolic memory's mechanisms could offer a new approach to mitigating these complications. However, key molecules and networks underlying metabolic memory remain incompletely understood. This review traces the history of metabolic memory research, highlights its key features, discusses recent molecules involved in its mechanisms, and summarizes confirmed and potential therapeutic compounds. Additionally, we outline in vitro and in vivo models of metabolic memory. We hope this work will inform future research on metabolic memory's regulatory mechanisms and facilitate the development of effective therapeutic compounds to prevent diabetic complications.

Reducing carbon emissions in prefabricated buildings supply chains: a focus on component manufacturing processes.

The construction sector accounts for 23% of CO 2 emissions from global economic activity, with China responsible for nearly 41%. Although China has vigorously promoted the development of prefabricated buildings (PBS) in pursuit of cleaner production, the carbon emissions from prefabricated component factories (PCF) should not be underestimated. So, the focus of this research was on how to promote the decarbonization of PCF. Based on the carbon trading market mechanism, the carbon emissions trading tax and revenue tax collection, the authors established a differential game model consisting of the local government and the PCF, studied the equilibrium solutions under different decision models, and analyzed the roles of the two tax systems, carbon trading revenue, and market preferences. The results are as follows: (1) The PCF's low-carbon technology (LCT) innovation efforts can be directly affected by the carbon price, component price, and tax rate and indirectly affected by influencing the local government's efforts. Besides, the local government and the PCF strategies can be changed through the central government's regulation of carbon prices and tax rates. (2) PCF should set reasonable prices for components, improving economic efficiency and the LCT stocks. (3) Cost-sharing contracts can encourage PCF to increase their LCT innovation, which is conducive to increasing the optimal benefits of the PCF. (4) The local government cannot be motivated by cost-sharing contracts. They can increase their optimal benefits only if the cost-sharing coefficient is below a threshold or if the environmental benefits from low-carbon production are above a specific value.

Ultrasound­guided erector spinae plane block in posterior lumbar surgery (Review).

The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel fascial planar block technique, which is used to reduce postoperative pain in several surgical procedures, including breast, thoracic, spine and hip surgery. Due to its recognizable anatomy and low complication rate, the application of ESPB has been significantly increased. However, it is rarely used in clinical practice for postoperative analgesia after posterior lumbar spine surgery, while the choice of adjuvant drugs, block levels and drug doses remain controversial. Based on the current literature review, ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine could be considered as the best available drug combination. The present review aimed to analyze the currently available clinical evidence and summarize the benefits and challenges of ESPB in spinal surgery, thus providing novel insights into the application of ESPB in the postoperative management of posterior lumbar surgery.

Exploiting Sound for Emerging Applications of Extracellular Vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles are nano- to microscale, membrane-bound particles released by cells into extracellular space, and act as carriers of biomarkers and therapeutics, holding promising potential in translational medicine. However, the challenges remain in handling and detecting extracellular vesicles for disease diagnosis as well as exploring their therapeutic capability for disease treatment. Here, we review the recent engineering and technology advances by leveraging the power of sound waves to address the challenges in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of extracellular vesicles and biomimetic nanovesicles. We first introduce the fundamental principles of sound waves for understanding different acoustic-assisted extracellular vesicle technologies. We discuss the acoustic-assisted diagnostic methods including the purification, manipulation, biosensing, and bioimaging of extracellular vesicles. Then, we summarize the recent advances in acoustically enhanced therapeutics using extracellular vesicles and biomimetic nanovesicles. Finally, we provide perspectives into current challenges and future clinical applications of the promising extracellular vesicles and biomimetic nanovesicles powered by sound.

NFATc4 Knockout Promotes Neuroprotection and Retinal Ganglion Cell Regeneration After Optic Nerve Injury.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), neurons transmitting visual information via the optic nerve, fail to regenerate their axons after injury. The progressive loss of RGC function underlies the pathophysiology of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies, often leading to irreversible blindness. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify the regulators of RGC survival and the regenerative program. In this study, we investigated the role of the family of transcription factors known as nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), which are expressed in the retina; however, their role in RGC survival after injury is unknown. Using the optic nerve crush (ONC) model, widely employed to study optic neuropathies and central nervous system axon injury, we found that NFATc4 is specifically but transiently up-regulated in response to mechanical injury. In the injured retina, NFATc4 immunolocalized primarily to the ganglionic cell layer. Utilizing NFATc4-/- and NFATc3-/- mice, we demonstrated that NFATc4, but not NFATc3, knockout increased RGC survival, improved retina function, and delayed axonal degeneration. Microarray screening data, along with decreased immunostaining of cleaved caspase-3, revealed that NFATc4 knockout was protective against ONC-induced degeneration by suppressing pro-apoptotic signaling. Finally, we used lentiviral-mediated NFATc4 delivery to the retina of NFATc4-/- mice and reversed the pro-survival effect of NFATc4 knockout, conclusively linking the enhanced survival of injured RGCs to NFATc4-dependent mechanisms. In summary, this study is the first to demonstrate that NFATc4 knockout may confer transient RGC neuroprotection and decelerate axonal degeneration after injury, providing a potent therapeutic strategy for optic neuropathies.

Geniposide Attenuates Oxygen-glucose Deprivation/Recovery-induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Injury via Akt/Nrf-2 Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is an eye disease. Its pathological process involves retinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), which causes irreversible blindness in patients. Geniposide (Gen), a bioactive iridoid glycoside extracted from the fruit of gardenia, exhibits many biological effects, such as anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, anti-endoplasmic reticulum stress, and anti-thrombotic effects. However, its therapeutic potential for the retinal I/R injury remains unclear. This study investigated the protective effect of Gen against I/R injury by inhibiting abnormal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and retinal neuron apoptosis. METHODS: We used oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to induce R28 cells to mimic the pathological process of I/R in glaucoma. We conducted CCK-8 analysis and TUNEL staining to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis in glaucoma. Western blotting was used to assay the expressions of apoptosis and Akt/Nrf-2 pathway-related proteins. RESULTS: The production of ROS was detected by using the corresponding kit. Cell viability decreased, whereas TUNEL staining-positive cells and ROS production increased after the OGD/R injury. The contents of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 increased after the OGD/R injury. Treatment with 200 µM of Gen effectively improved the cell viability and suppressed cell apoptosis and ROS production. In addition, Gen could significantly promote the activation of the Akt/Nrf-2 signaling pathway in R28 cells, which was blocked by the inhibition of Akt/Nrf-2. We in vivo verified the neuroprotective effect of Gen by establishing an acute high intraocular pressure (aHIOP) model and obtained similar results to those of the in vitro experimental results. CONCLUSION: Hence, it can be suggested that Gen provides neuroprotection against the OGD/R-induced injury of R28 cells by activating the Akt/Nrf-2 signaling pathway, which is beneficial for the clinical treatment of glaucoma.

Associations between life's essential 8 and metabolic health among us adults: insights of NHANES from 2005 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic unhealth (MUH) is closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Life's Essential 8 (LE8), a recently updated cardiovascular health (CVH) assessment, has some overlapping indicators with MUH but is more comprehensive and complicated than MUH. Given the close relationship between them, it is important to compare these two measurements. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional survey included 20- to 80-year-old individuals from 7 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles between 2005 and 2018. Based on the parameters provided by the American Heart Association, the LE8 score (which ranges from 0 to 100) was used to classify CVH into three categories: low (0-49), moderate (50-79), and high (80-100). The MUH status was evaluated by blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids. The associations were assessed by multivariable regression analysis, subgroup analysis, restricted cubic spline models, and sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: A total of 22,582 participants were enrolled (median of age was 45 years old), among them, 11,127 were female (weighted percentage, 49%) and 16,595 were classified as MUH (weighted percentage, 73.5%). The weighted median LE8 scores of metabolic health (MH) and MUH individuals are 73.75 and 59.38, respectively. Higher LE8 scores were linked to lower risks of MUH (odds ratio [OR] for every 10 scores increase, 0.53; 95% CI 0.51-0.55), and a nonlinear dose-response relationship was seen after the adjustment of potential confounders. This negative correlation between LE8 scores, and MUH was strengthened among elderly population. CONCLUSIONS: Higher LE8 and its subscales scores were inversely and nonlinearly linked with the lower presence of MUH. MUH is consistent with LE8 scores, which can be considered as an alternative indicator when it is difficult to collect the information of health behaviors.

Population genomics highlights structural variations in local adaptation to saline coastal environments in woolly grape.

Structural variations (SVs) are a feature of plant genomes that has been largely unexplored despite their significant impact on plant phenotypic traits and local adaptation to abiotic and biotic stress. In this study, we employed woolly grape (Vitis retordii), a species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia with both coastal and inland habitats, as a valuable model for examining the impact of SVs on local adaptation. We assembled a haplotype-resolved chromosomal reference genome for woolly grape, and conducted population genetic analyses based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from coastal and inland populations. The demographic analyses revealed recent bottlenecks in all populations and asymmetric gene flow from the inland to the coastal population. In total, 1,035 genes associated with plant adaptive regulation for salt stress, radiation, and environmental adaptation were detected underlying local selection by SVs and SNPs in the coastal population, of which 37.29% and 65.26% were detected by SVs and SNPs, respectively. Candidate genes such as FSD2, RGA1, and AAP8 associated with salt tolerance were found to be highly differentiated and selected during the process of local adaptation to coastal habitats in SV regions. Our study highlights the importance of SVs in local adaptation; candidate genes related to salt stress and climatic adaptation to tropical and subtropical environments are important genomic resources for future breeding programs of grapevine and its rootstocks.

Effects of executive load on crashes and near-crashes for young versus older drivers.

With the increasing use of infotainment systems in vehicles, secondary tasks requiring executive demand may increase crash risk, especially for young drivers. Naturalistic driving data were examined to determine if secondary tasks with increasing executive demand would result in increasing crash risk. Data were extracted from the Second Strategic Highway Research Program Naturalistic Driving Study, where vehicles were instrumented to record driving behavior and crash/near-crash data. executive and visual-manual tasks paired with a second executive task (also referred to as dual executive tasks) were compared to the executive and visual-manual tasks performed alone. Crash/near-crash odds ratios were computed by comparing each task condition to driving without the presence of any secondary task. Dual executive tasks resulted in greater odds ratios than those for single executive tasks. The dual visual-manual task odds ratios did not increase from single task odds ratios. These effects were only found in young drivers. The study shows that dual executive secondary task load increases crash/near-crash risk in dual task situations for young drivers. Future research should be conducted to minimize task load associated with vehicle infotainment systems that use such technologies as voice commands.