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Social Impact Statement Tomato fruit is an important and popular commodity producing $95.62 billion worldwide. Tomato fruit losses in the supply chain vary between 25% and 42% depending on the production area and the availability of postharvest technologies. For many decades, conventional tomato breeding programs have focused on extending the shelf‐life of fresh‐market varieties. However, in many instances, consumer‐based quality traits were not considered a priority. Consumers are now demanding safe, nutrient‐rich, high‐flavor, and convenient fruit. Here, we demonstrate the use of gene editing to improve fruit shelf‐life and positively impact quality, which can help significantly reduce tomato fruit losses and meet consumer expectations. Summary Finding alternative ways to extend tomato fruit shelf‐life without reducing the quality is critical to ensure the accessibility and likeability of this commodity worldwide. Improving fruit firmness in tomato fresh‐market varieties directly impacts their shelf‐life potential. We simultaneously knocked out two pectin‐degrading enzymes, polygalacturonase (SlPG2a) and pectate lyase (SlPL), key for tomato fruit softening. We expected this gene‐editing approach to result in longer‐lasting fruit without negatively impacting consumer‐based quality attributes. By generating the double clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) knockout PGPL, we evaluated the combined functions of SlPG2a and SlPL on fruit quality, including shelf‐life attributes like firmness and water loss, fruit marketability, and disease incidence. We also assessed additional attributes impacting consumer acceptance, such as taste and aroma. We revealed that the enzymes SlPG2a and SlPL act additively, significantly impacting fruit firmness and shelf‐life, with the double CRISPR knockout PGPL outperforming the wild‐type fruit. Additionally, fruit quality traits, such as sugar: acid ratio, aroma volatiles, and skin color, were improved or not affected in the double CRISPR knockout PGPL compared to the wild‐type. The discoveries of this research provide new insights into the influence of pectin backbone degradation on fruit physiology and postharvest quality, which can be used in crop improvement programs to make fruit more resilient in the supply chain without compromising quality.

Abstract Background Internet use is a double-edged sword for older adults’ health. Whether internet use can prevent cardiometabolic diseases and death in older adults remains controversial. Methods Four cohorts across China, Mexico, the United States, and Europe were utilized. Internet use was defined using similar questions. Cardiometabolic diseases included diabetes, heart diseases, and stroke, with 2 or more denoting cardiometabolic multimorbidity. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and Europe-depression scale. The competing risk analysis based on subdistribution hazard regression, random-effects meta-analysis, and mediation analysis were utilized. Results A total of 104,422 older adults aged 50 or older were included. Internet users (vs. digital exclusion) were at lower risks of diabetes, stroke, and death, with pooled sHRs (95% CIs) of 0.83 (0.74–0.93), 0.81 (0.71–0.92), and 0.67 (0.52–0.86), respectively, which remained significant in sensitivity analyses. The inverse associations of internet use with new-onset cardiometabolic diseases and death were progressively significant in Mexico, China, the United States, and Europe. For instance, older internet users in Europe were at 14-30% lower cardiometabolic risks and 40% lower risk of death. These associations were partially mediated by reduced depressive symptoms and were more pronounced in those with high socioeconomic status and women. Furthermore, patients with prior cardiometabolic conditions were at about 30% lower risk of death if they used the internet, which was also mediated by reduced depressive symptoms. However, certain cardiometabolic hazards of internet use in those aged

Abstract Introduction As they age, people living with HIV (PLWH) must face new challenges, such as accelerated ageing and higher rates of comorbidities. This study described the characteristics of HIV acquisition among treatment‐naïve PLWH aged ≥50 years and

Abstract Aim The study aimed to explore learning achievement and students' satisfaction with a blended learning (BL) electrocardiogram (ECG) education programme in undergraduate nursing education. Design This was a quasi‐experimental post‐test design. Methods The study was conducted during semester one of the academic year 2020/2021. Participants were divided into two groups: the BL group and face‐to‐face (FTF) group. The BL group received the newly designed BL programme. The FTF group received the traditional learning methods. Post‐test measures of the study variables such as knowledge, study time and satisfaction were conducted. Chi‐square (χ2) test was used to evaluate categorical variables. The Mann–Whitney test was used to analyse continuous variables. Results Participants in BL group had significantly higher scores in ECG interpretation and total score. No significant differences in foundational knowledge between the two groups were found. Study time was significantly longer in the BL group. Regarding satisfaction, significant differences were found in structure rationality and promotion of self‐learning.

In the present study, a dual-phase Ti-5.2Mo-4.8Al-2.5Zr-1.7Cr alloy was hot-rolled at 980 °C with a thickness reduction of 65% and then heat-treated with the strategy of 920 °C/1 h/water quenching +550 °C/6 h/air cooling, and a hierarchical microstructure was prepared, which contained micro-scale equiaxed primary α phase (αp), sub-micro scale rod-like α phase (αr), nano-scale acicular secondary α phase (αs) and β matrix segmented by αs and αr. In addition, the dislocation densities of α phase and β phase were determined as 0.3652 × 1015/m2 and 2.2502 × 1015/m2, respectively. Contributing to αr and αs, the hierarchical microstructure exhibited higher strength (yield strength: 1228 MPa, ultimate tensile strength: 1389 MPa, dynamic compressive strength: 1661 ± 27 MPa). Simultaneously, αp and αr were helpful to the strain transfer, and thus the plasticity was maintained at a considerable level (elongation: 13.4 ± 0.2%, critical fracture strain: 18.9 ± 0.2%). Such hierarchical microstructure overcame the limitation of the strength-ductility trade-off to a certain extent and exhibited a superior combination of strength and ductility. The ballistic impact behavior of the titanium alloy plates with the thickness of 20.3 mm (1#), 19.3 mm (2#) and 18.4 mm (3#) against 7.62 mm armour piercing projectiles illustrated that as the titanium alloy thicknesses decreased from 20.3 mm to 18.4 mm, more ASB-induced cracks were formed near the rear face and connected to form catastrophic cracks in the 2# and the 3# titanium alloy plates, even resulting in the failure for the 3# titanium alloy plate. Ultimately, the 1# and 2# titanium alloy plates exhibited preferable ballistic impact properties.

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (B. dorsalis) is an important agricultural invasive pest that causes significant economic losses in tropical and subtropical fruit and vegetable crops. In this study, the proteins related to the sense of smell and taste of B. dorsalis, such as OBP, PBP, OR, IR, SNMP and CSP, were screened based on B. dorsalis transcriptome data. By integrating the compounds that were reported to be attractive to B. dorsalis, similar compounds of hydrocarbon compounds were obtained. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding between the similar compounds and the OBP, PBP, OR, IR, SNMP and CSP proteins. Network pharmacology was used to screen the potentially attractive compounds, and ecological experiments with B. dorsalis were finally conducted to verify the effect of these potentially attractive compounds on B. dorsalis. The results showed that the G protein-coupled receptor [BR: KO04030] and ion channel [BR: KO04040] pathways were closely related to the odor tropism of B. dorsalis. A total of 84 compounds, such as mitemcinal, exemestane and midecamycin, have potential binding effects on the B. dorsalis odor receptor proteins. The results of the ecological experiments showed that 1 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL 19-norandrostenedione, 1 mg/mL progesterone compounds was significantly attractive to B. dorsalis males, while 0.1 mg/mL exemestane was significantly attractive to B. dorsalis females. In this study, network pharmacology technology was used to discover the potential attractive compounds for B. dorsalis, which is important for the development and subsequent prevention and control of B. dorsalis. It can provide a reference in improving the success rates of clinical trials of new pest control products and in reducing the time and cost of drug development.

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) (B. dorsalis) is an important agricultural, major invasive, and quarantine pest that can cause significant damage to the economic value of the fruit and vegetable industry. Male bait is one of the most effective methods of surveying, monitoring, and controlling B. dorsalis. In our study, we constructed cDNA libraries using total RNA extracted independently from the antennae, mouthparts, and thoracic legs of male and female adults and the ovipositors of female adults and screened out four aldehyde-oxidase-related genes (AOX-related), C58800, C66700, C67485, and C67698. Molecular docking predictions showed that eight compounds, including 3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl alcohol, 3,4-dimethoxy-cinnamaldehyde, deet, ethyl N-acetyl-N-butyl-β-alaninate, n-butyl butyrate, n-butyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, methyl eugenol, and ethyl acetate, could combine with proteins encoded by the four B. dorsalis AOX-related genes. Furthermore, QPCR was performed to confirm that four compounds, including 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamic aldehyde, butyl levulinic acid ethyl ester (mosquito repellent), butyl butyrate, and methyl eugenol, induced significant changes in the AOX-related genes of B. dorsalis. These results provide useful information and guidance for the batch screening of potentially useful compounds and the search for effective attractants of B. dorsalis.

Objective: The plantar pressure analysis technique was used to explore the static balance ability and stability of healthy adult males under the influence of visual and step height factors during bipedal and unipedal stances.Methods: Thirty healthy adult males volunteered for the study. Experiments used the F-scan plantar pressure analysis insoles to carry out with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) at four different step heights. The plantar pressure data were recorded for 10 s and pre-processed to derive kinematic and dynamic parameters.Results: For unipedal stance, most of kinematic parameters of the subjects’ right and left feet were significantly greater when the eyes were closed compared to the EO condition and increased with step height. The differences in toe load between right and left feet, open and closed eyes were extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001). The differences in midfoot load between the EO and EC conditions were statistically significant (p = 0.024) and extremely statistically significant between the right and left feet (p < 0.001). The difference in rearfoot load between EO and EC conditions was extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001) and statistically significant (p = 0.002) between the right and left feet. For bipedal stance, most of kinematic parameters of the subjects’ EO and EC conditions were statistically significant between the right and left feet and increased with step height. The overall load’s difference between EO and EC states was statistically significant (p = 0.003) for both feet. The overall load’s difference between the right and left feet was extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001) in the EC state. The differences between the right and left feet of the forefoot and rearfoot load with EO and EC suggested that the right foot had a smaller forefoot load, but a larger rearfoot load than the left foot (p < 0.001). The differences between the forefoot and rearfoot load of the subjects’ both feet with EO and EC were extremely statistically significant (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Both visual input and step height factors, even the dominant foot, act on kinematic and dynamic parameters that affect the maintenance of static balance ability.

Improvement of urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE) in the context of sustained economic growth is a major challenge for the regional sustainable development and ecological civilization construction in China. This study measures the ULGUE of 263 cities in China at the prefecture or above level, clarifies its spatio-temporal changes, investigates the effect of ecological civilization pilot demonstration area construction on ULGUE with the multi-period PSM-DID model and spatial Durbin difference model, and evaluates the spatial spillover effect of the policy. The results show that: 1) In terms of spatio-temporal changes, ULGUE shows a steady upward trend with time. From 2006 to 2019, the national mean value of ULGUE increases from 0.5284 to 0.6439, with an increase rate of 21.86%; in the spatial dimension, ULGUE is characterized by a pattern of eastern > national > central > western. 2) Ecological civilization pilot demonstration area construction has significantly improved the ULGUE of pilot cities by about 0.12% relative to that of non-pilot cities, which was validated by the robustness test. 3) Ecological civilization pilot demonstration area construction has significant positive spillover effects on the ULGUE of neighboring cities, which are related to the urban characteristics such as geographical location, resource endowment, and environmental protection intensity. 4) Ecological civilization pilot demonstration area construction has certain heterogeneity in its effect on ULGUE in different regions and cities, with a more significant promoting effect for non-eastern regions, non-resource-based cities, and non-key cities of environmental protection. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the successful experience of ecological civilization pilot demonstration area construction and fully consider differential policies, so as to maximize the policy dividends while strengthening regional linkage, and further contribute to national popularization of this policy.

Abstract We review the latest information related to the control of fruit softening in tomato and where relevant compare the events with texture changes in other fleshy fruits. Development of an acceptable texture is essential for consumer acceptance, but also determines the postharvest life of fruits. The complex modern supply chain demands effective control of shelf life in tomato without compromising colour and flavour. The control of softening and ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are discussed with respect to hormonal cues, epigenetic regulation and transcriptional modulation of cell wall structure-related genes. In the last section we focus on the biochemical changes closely linked with softening in tomato including key aspects of cell wall disassembly. Some important elements of the softening process have been identified, but our understanding of the mechanistic basis of the process in tomato and other fruits remains incomplete, especially the precise relationship between changes in cell wall structure and alterations in fruit texture.

The important but highly complex α/β Burgers orientation relationship and slip behavior of a Ti–5.5Mo–7.2Al–4.5Zr–2.6Sn–2.1Cr titanium alloy plate were obtained and elaborated, which was subjected to hot rolling with 20%, 40%, and 60% reductions in thickness. The electron backscatter diffraction statistical results showed that the Burgers orientation relationship was strictly maintained in the initial microstructure and exhibited a slight deviation of ∼10° at 20% reduction. With the thickness reduction increasing to 40% and 60%, this classical relation between α- and β-Ti will be gradually broken. Furthermore, the low-angle grain boundaries fractions of the β phase were 94.95% and 92.77% at 20% and 40% reductions, respectively, indicating that the β phase had a significant contribution to the overall plastic deformation. For the α phase, the relative frequencies of the {0001}α and {101¯0}α slip systems were 32.81% and 44.43% at 20% reduction, respectively. Noticeably, under the applied loading of normal direction, the {0001}α slip system became more pronounced at 60% reduction (i.e., 59.01%) and, hence promoted a considerable strain partitioning in the α phase. In terms of typical α grains, an obvious intragranular misorientation diversity at 60% reduction was further traced, thereby reasonably leading to the Schmid factor gradient within grain interior and the breakdown of Burgers orientation relationship.

Brassica napus L. (rapeseed) is one of the most important oil crops with large cultivated area in China. Seed size and seed weight play crucial roles for yield and harvest. In this study, a type of 15 bp-deletion in BnaGRF7.C02 coding region was identified through sequence alignment of BnaGRF7.C02 in 42 rapeseed varieties, and association analysis indicated that the 15 bp-deletion was related to the rapeseed Thousand-Seed Weight (TSW) phenotype. Furthermore, we developed two InDel markers to identify this 15 bp InDel. The tissue-specific expression patterns showed that BnaGRF7.C02 prominently expressed in the late stage of seed development. These findings may assist in InDel markers-based breeding efforts to select higher TWS varieties and improve the crop yield of B. napus.

Pectin methylesterase inhibitors (PMEIs) modulate the status of pectin methylesterification by inhibiting the activity of pectin methylesterase (PME). Recent advances indicate PMEIs play an important role in regulating plant cell wall properties and defense responses. In this study, a genome-wide analysis of PMEI gene family in Brassica napus (B. napus) was conducted and the expression patterns of PMEI genes in response to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum) was investigated. A total of 190 PMEI proteins were identified from the genome of B. napus. Chromosomal location, gene structure and properties of the PMEI family were analyzed, and these features were compared with Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana). A total of 123 syntenic ortholog pairs were detected from BnPMEI family by synteny analysis. Results showed the expansion of BnPMEI genes was likely predominately from whole-genome duplication (WGD) or segmental duplications. Multiple cis-elements related to plant growth and development, environmental stress responses, hormone responses were detected in the promoters of BnPMEI genes, implying they were regulated by both internal and external factors. Furthermore, expression analysis of transcriptome data combined with quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) validation identified several candidates that were strongly responsive to S. sclerotiorum infection. These BnPMEI genes are candidates for manipulation to breed novel and improved genotypes that are more resistant to sclerotinia stem rot (SSR). Extensive interactions were detected among 30 BnPMEI proteins, forming complex protein-protein interaction networks. Besides, 48 BnPMEIs showed interactions with other proteins including a range of cell wall structure-related enzymes. This study provides new insights into the evolution and function of PMEIs in B. napus and lays a foundation for breeding novel genotypes for crop improvement.

Fungi represent an important source of bioactive secondary metabolites (SMs), which have wide applications in many fields, including medicine, agriculture, human health, and many other industries. The genes involved in SM biosynthesis are usually clustered adjacent to each other into a region known as a biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). The recent advent of a diversity of genetic and genomic technologies has facilitated the identification of many cryptic or uncharacterized BGCs and their associated SMs. However, there are still many challenges that hamper the broader exploration of industrially important secondary metabolites. The recent advanced CRISPR/Cas system has revolutionized fungal genetic engineering and enabled the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. In this review, we firstly introduce fungal BGCs and their relationships with associated SMs, followed by a brief summary of the conventional strategies for fungal genetic engineering. Next, we introduce a range of state-of-the-art CRISPR/Cas-based tools that have been developed and review recent applications of these methods in fungi for research on the biosynthesis of SMs. Finally, the challenges and limitations of these CRISPR/Cas-based systems are discussed and directions for future research are proposed in order to expand their applications and improve efficiency for fungal genetic engineering.

The plant cell wall is dynamically modified during host–pathogen interactions and acts as a crucial factor controlling plant immunity. In the context of recently revised models of plant primary cell walls (PCWs), pectin is considered to be important in determining the mechanical properties of PCWs. A secondary cell wall is present in some cell types and lignin is normally present and acts to strengthen wall rigidity. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding cell-wall-mediated defense responses against pathogens in Brassica napus L. (B. napus). A major part of this response involves pectin and lignin, and these two major cell wall components contribute greatly to immune responses in B. napus. Crosstalk between pectin and lignin metabolism has been detected in B. napus upon pathogen infection, suggesting a synergistic action of pectin and lignin metabolism in regulating cell wall integrity as well as wall-mediated immunity. The transcriptional regulation of cell-wall-mediated immunity in B. napus along with that in Arabidopsis is discussed, and directions for future work are proposed for a better understanding of wall-mediated plant immunity in B. napus.

Genome editing with sequence-specific nucleases, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9), is revolutionizing crop improvement. Developing efficient genome-editing protocols for highly polyploid crops, including sugarcane (x = 10–13), remains challenging due to the high level of genetic redundancy in these plants. Here, we report the efficient multiallelic editing of magnesium chelatase subunit I (MgCh) in sugarcane. Magnesium chelatase is a key enzyme for chlorophyll biosynthesis. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted co-mutagenesis of 49 copies/alleles of magnesium chelatase was confirmed via Sanger sequencing of cloned PCR amplicons. This resulted in severely reduced chlorophyll contents, which was scorable at the time of plant regeneration in the tissue culture. Heat treatment following the delivery of genome editing reagents elevated the editing frequency 2-fold and drastically promoted co-editing of multiple alleles, which proved necessary to create a phenotype that was visibly distinguishable from the wild type. Despite their yellow leaf color, the edited plants were established well in the soil and did not show noticeable growth retardation. This approach will facilitate the establishment of genome editing protocols for recalcitrant crops and support further optimization, including the evaluation of alternative RNA-guided nucleases to overcome the limitations of the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) site or to develop novel delivery strategies for genome editing reagents.

A Berkovich indentation test was performed in a single primary α-phase grain of an equiaxed TC6 titanium alloy, to reveal the complex local lattice-rotation process under nano-indentation loading. Numerical simulations using an in-house-developed crystal plasticity finite element method code were also conducted. A high-resolution inverse pole figure of a slice across the nano-indention was obtained via the focused ion beam technique coupled with precession electron diffraction. The simulation results corresponded closely to the experimental observations. In the slice, the region beneath the indentation inner-edge and the region beneath the indentation facet underwent the greatest degree and the second-greatest degree of lattice rotation, respectively. In contrast, for the region directly below the indentation center, the lattice rotated first, but the orientation changed only slightly during the entire process. The bright field transmission electron microscopy and the geometrically necessary dislocation densities provided experimental confirmation of such orientation features. Furthermore, the nucleation and continuous growth process of subgrains was numerically predicted by virtually tracking the misorientation angle (>10°) map at different indentation depths in three-dimensional space. Thereafter, the evolution of each slip system type was captured at typical local regions of the indentation, leading to an in-depth understanding of the underlying mechanism. Keywords: Titanium alloy, Nano-indentation, CPFEM, Lattice rotation, Plastic deformation mechanism

A three-dimensional (3D) microscopic structural finite element model reflecting the realistic pore distribution of as-cast Ti-5Al-5Nb-1Mo-1V-1Fe titanium alloy was built through micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The model was then introduced into ANSYS LS-DYNA software to investigate the 3D spatial evolution process of damage and failure under quasi-static uniaxial tension. To validate the simulation results, we tested the uniaxial tensile responses of Ti-5Al-5Nb-1Mo-1V-1Fe and quantitatively characterized the tensile fracture morphology with a 3D profilometer. To reveal the underlying mechanism of damage and failure, we took the triaxiality of Rσ into consideration. Local principal stress concentration was found to exist around two micro-pores at the initial stage, thus inducing two crack sources; as the load increased, more crack sources were generated and steadily propagated through void growth and coalescence under the influence of multiaxial principal stress concentration, thus leading to the local tensile failure of the model. When cracks reached a critical size, the shear stress concentration became the dominant factor affecting failure, thus inducing severe effective plastic strain between cracks. The cracks rapidly connected through plastic slip and cleavage, thereby resulting in the final shear failure of the model. The simulation results were in good agreement with the observed experimental results. Keywords: As-cast titanium alloy, Microstructures, Triaxiality, Failure mode

The crystal plasticity finite element method, modeled on a realistic microstructure image, was developed to investigate the evolution of slip systems in grains of α/β titanium alloys during quasi-static tensile testing. By analyzing the data of slip evolution of simulation during the overall plastic deformation process, it was found that the prismatic slip systems in the α phase and the {112} slip systems in the β phase played a leading role. By calculating the Schmid factors, it was found that the values calculated from the local stress, which was represented by major principal stress, were larger than the values calculated from the primary uniaxial tensile direction, which was due to the deviation of the local stress direction from the primary uniaxial tensile direction. Furthermore, the deviation of local stress of α phase was different from that of β phase, which was related to the deformation mechanism. During the deformation, the stress and strain were concentrated in the grains of the α phase, producing a driving effect on the neighboring grains of the β phase. Subsequently, the incompatible deformation produced the concentration of strain at the grain/interphase boundary, thus strengthening the grain interactions and leading to the deviation.

In this work, a near β-type Ti5.1Al2.5Cr0.5Fe4.5Mo1.1Sn1.8Zr2.9Zn alloy was hot-rolled at the temperature of 800–880 °C with a thickness reduction of 87.5% and then heat-treated with the strategy of 880 °C/1 h/air cooling (AC) + 650 °C/3 h/AC. The microstructure difference between the hot-rolled and heat-treated titanium alloys and its influence on the ballistic impact behavior of the hot-rolled and heat-treated titanium alloys were analyzed. The microstructural investigation revealed that the average size of the acicular secondary α phase (αs) dropped from 75 to 42 nm, and the corresponding amount of this phase increased significantly after heat treatment. In addition, the dislocation density of the α and β phases decreased from 0.3340 × 1015/m2 and 4.6746 × 1015/m2 for the hot-rolled titanium alloy plate to 0.2806 × 1015/m2 and 1.8050 × 1015/m2 for the heat-treated one, respectively. The high strength of the heat-treated titanium alloy was maintained, owing to the positive contribution of the acicular secondary α phase. Furthermore, the critical fracture strain increased sharply from 19.9% for the hot-rolled titanium alloy plate to 23.1% for the heat-treated one, thereby overcoming (to some extent) the constraint of the strength–ductility trade-off. This is mainly attributed to the fact that the dislocation density and the difference between the dislocation densities of the α and β phases decreased substantially, and deformation localization was effectively suppressed after heat treatment. Damage to the hot-rolled and heat-treated titanium alloy plates after the penetration of a 7.62 mm ordinary steel core projectile at a distance of 100 m was assessed via industrial computer tomography and microstructure observation. The results revealed that a large crack (volume: 2.55 mm3) occurred on the rear face and propagated toward the interior of the hot-rolled titanium alloy plate. The crack tip was connected to a long adiabatic shear band with a depth of 3 mm along the thickness direction. However, good integrity of the heat-treated titanium alloy plate was maintained, owing to its excellent deformation capability. Ultimately, the failure mechanism of the hot-rolled and heat-treated titanium alloy plates was revealed by determining the crack-forming reasons in these materials.

To investigate the modification of cell wall polysaccharides in relation to aril breakdown in harvested longan fruit, three pectin fractions (WSP, water soluble pectin; CSP, CDTA-soluble pectin; ASP, alkali soluble pectin) and one hemicellulose fraction (4 M KOH-SHC, 4 M KOH-soluble hemicellulose) were extracted, and their contents, monosaccharide compositions and molecular weights were evaluated. As aril breakdown intensified, CSP content increased while ASP and 4 M KOH-SHC contents decreased, suggesting the solubilization and conversion of cell wall components. Furthermore, the molar percentage of arabinose (Ara), as the main component of the side-chains, decreased largely in CSP and ASP while that of rhamnose (Rha), as branch point for the attachment of neutral sugar side chains, increased during aril breakdown. Analysis of (Ara + Gal)/Rha ratio showed that the depolymerization of CSP and ASP happened predominantly in side-chains formed of Ara residues. For 4 M KOH-SHC, more backbones were depolymerized during aril breakdown. Moreover, it was found that the molecular weights of CSP, ASP and 4 M KOH-SHC polysaccharides tended to decrease as aril breakdown intensified. These results suggest that both enhanced depolymerization and structural modifications of polysaccharides in the CSP, ASP and 4 M KOH-SHC fractions might be responsible for aril breakdown of harvested longan fruit.

Fruit softening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is closely associated with cell wall disassembly, which is brought about through the action of a range of cell wall structure-related enzymes and other proteins such as expansins. Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) (EC 2.4.1.207 and/or EC 3.2.1.151) has been proposed to be key player involved in xyloglucan metabolism. SlXTH5 showed the highest expression level among all SlXTHs during tomato ripening. In this study, the role of SlXTH5 involved in tomato softening was investigated in CRISPR-based knockout mutants of SlXTH5. Loss-of-function of SlXTH5 in transgenic tomato lines resulted in slightly firmer fruit pericarp, but significantly decreased their color index compared with azygous wild type (WT) control fruits. Increased paste viscosity was detected in CRISPR mutants, indicating that the activity of SlXTH5 is responsible for maintaining cell wall structural integrity. Immunocytochemistry studies were performed using the monoclonal antibody probe LM25 to examine the localization and distribution of xyloglucan in the pericarp cells of the CRISPR mutant fruits. The data indicated more xyloglucan was retained in the pericarp of CRISPR mutant fruit than in WT control fruit. This study revealed the link between SlXTH5 and xyloglucan metabolism and indicated the potential of manipulating SlXTH5 to regulate fruit softening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important crop with an economic value in the tens of billions of dollars, and a significant supplier of essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in the human diet. Shelf life is a key quality trait related to alterations in cuticle properties and remodeling of the fruit cell walls. Studies with transgenic tomato plants undertaken over the last 20 years have indicated that a range of pectin-degrading enzymes are involved in cell wall remodeling. These studies usually involved silencing of only a single gene and it has proved difficult to compare the effects of silencing these genes across the different experimental systems. Here we report the generation of CRISPR-based mutants in the ripening-related genes encoding the pectin-degrading enzymes pectate lyase (PL), polygalacturonase 2a (PG2a), and ß-galactanase (TBG4). Comparison of the physiochemical properties of the fruits from a range of PL, PG2a, and TBG4 CRISPR lines demonstrated that only mutations in PL resulted in firmer fruits, although mutations in PG2a and TBG4 influenced fruit color and weight. Pectin localization, distribution, and solubility in the pericarp cells of the CRISPR mutant fruits were investigated using the monoclonal antibody probes LM19 to deesterified homogalacturonan, INRA-RU1 to rhamnogalacturonan I, LM5 to ß-1,4-galactan, and LM6 to arabinan epitopes, respectively. The data indicate that PL, PG2a, and TBG4 act on separate cell wall domains and the importance of cellulose microfibril-associated pectin is reflected in its increased occurrence in the different mutant lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia is associated with resistance to chemotherapy in a number of human cancer types; particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a highly vascularized tumor. To develop a potential combination therapy strategy that is capable of overcoming the hypoxia-induced insensitivity to chemotherapy, the HCC cell SMMC-7721 was employed to investigate the hypoxia-induced chemoresistance to etoposide. Increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were observed when SMMC-7721 cells were exposed to hypoxia, and exposure of tumor cells to hypoxia impaired etoposide-induced DNA damage, as indicated by the failure of upregulation of γHA2X. Etoposide-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of SMMC-7721 was also impaired in hypoxia. However, co-treatment with anti-VEGF significantly restored etoposide-induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, as indicated by the elimination of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), procaspase 3, cyclin B1 and Cdc2. Furthermore, anti-VEGF eliminated phosphorylation of AKT, ERK and IκB-α resulting from hypoxia, suggesting the involvement of VEGF in the activation of the survival pathways. In conclusion, the present study suggests a significant role of VEGF in the chemoresistance of etoposide in hypoxia. A rational chemotherapy should be developed based on a combination of etoposide and anti-VEGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Tumor hypoxia has been reported to be a negative prognostic factor in a number of tumor sites, which suggests a positive correlation between tumor hypoxia and increased metastatic efficiency. Evidence shows that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates angiogenesis in tumor growth and mediates neuroprotection to prevent an apoptotic cell death. Human neuroblastoma cells (CHP126) were exposed to moderate hypoxia for different time spans to explore the molecular stress responses. Apoptotic features as an increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase 3 were observed at early period of exposure time, but these effects were reversed with the extension of hypoxic treatment. Hypoxia also activated MAPKs signaling pathways in a time-relative manner, which were involved in the regulation of hypoxia-related resistance of CHP126 cells. Meanwhile, VEGF and its receptor KDR were found to interact with MAPKs signaling pathways except the effect of hypoxia. Furthermore, rhVEGF165 was utilized to discern that VEGF increased Bcl-2 and procaspase 3 expressions, contributing to a synergistic relationship of an angiogenic response with Bcl-2 in hypoxia via a cross talk, while the activation of ERK MAPK is important for both productions. These altered signals may be critical to predict a poor outcome; therefore, our knowledge provides new insight into apoptosis and angiogenesis control of tumor cells and suggests a strategy based on the blockade of hypoxia-induced VEGF signaling under hypoxia in neuroblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most prevalent chronic diseases around the world. Additionally, they contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Tuina manipulation played a crucial role in treating musculoskeletal diseases from ancient times to the present. However, there are no systematic investigations on the efficacy characteristics of Tuina manipulation for alleviating musculoskeletal pain. Objective To objective of the study was to investigate the factors that have an influence on the effectiveness of Tuina manipulation in treating musculoskeletal pain. Methods In October 2021, we interviewed physicians from Beijing's Tuina Department using the purpose sampling method and the snowball sampling strategy. Interviews were carried out following a semi-structured format to determine the factors influencing Tuina manipulation for musculoskeletal pain. In accordance with the study's aims, the interview outline was drafted and discussed with the research group, and the interview was ended when saturation of information had been reached. To develop a theoretical model, the interview content is organized into text using three-level coding and rooted theory using the qualitative analysis software NVivo 11. Results A total of 16 interviewees were interviewed effectively. The interviews were open coded to obtain 21 initial categories. And The 21 initial categories were summarized into five main categories: "health care providers" "patients" "medical environment" "regional divergence" and "advantages of disease" . In addition to selective coding, the factors of musculoskeletal pain are summarized as the intrinsic factors of "people" ( "health care provider" and "patients" ) , the external factors of "environment" ( "medical environment" and "regional divergence" ) , and the causative factors of "disease" ( "advantages of disease" ) . By combing these factors with Tuina manipulation, it becomes a tree-like model of influencing factors in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion The factors affecting the treatment of musculoskeletal pain by Tuina manipulation are composed of three factors: the internal factors of "people" , the external factors of "environment" and the causative factors of "diseases" . "Health care providers" constitute the most critical factors, as their diagnosis, treatment plan, and technical level significantly affect the final result of treatment. The patient's compliance is largely a secondary factor, while external factors indicate that good doctor-patient communication leads to success. From the causative factors of "disease" , it can be seen that Tuina has a more prominent effect in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.