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Hordeum jubatum is a halophyte ornamental plant wildly distributed in the Northeast of China, where the low water potential induced by various abiotic stresses is a major factor limiting plant growth and development. However, little is known about the comparative effects of salt, alkali, and drought stresses at uniform water potential on the plants. In the present study, the growth, gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and chlorophyll fluorescence in the seedlings of H. jubatum under three low water potentials were measured. The results showed that the growth and photosynthetic parameters under these stresses were all decreased except for carotenoid (Car) with the increasing of stress concentration, and alkali stress caused the most damaging effects on the seedlings. The decreased net photosynthetic rate ( P n), stomatal conductance ( G s), and intercellular CO 2 concentrations ( C i) values under salt stress were mainly attributed to stomatal factors, while non-stomatal factors were dominate under drought and alkali stresses. The reduced chlorophyll and slightly increased Car contents occurred under these stresses, and most significant changed under alkali stress. In addition, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII), and photochemical quenching coefficient (q P ) under the stresses were all decreased, indicating that salt, alkali, and drought stresses all increased susceptibility of PSII to photoinhibition, reduced the photosynthetic activity by the declined absorption of light for photochemistry, and increased PSII active reaction centers. Moreover, the non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) of alkali stress was different from salt and drought stresses, showing that the high pH of alkali stress caused more damaging effects on the photoprotection mechanism depending on the xanthophyll cycle. The above results suggest that the H. jubatum has stronger tolerance of salt than drought and alkali stresses, and the negative effects of alkali stress on the growth and photosynthetic performance of this species was most serious.

With the rapid development of machine-to-machine (M2M) mobile smart terminals, M2M services can be used in a wide range of industries, including such as tele-medicine, remote meter reading and public security. Since different industries and enterprise users have different requirements for M2M specific applications, the security identity authentication of M2M mobile terminals is particularly worthy of attention. Existing methods can effectively solve the unsustainable problem of one-time verification, however they cannot address the dynamic relevance characteristics of user behavior sufficiently. Thus, the accuracy of user identity authentication needs to be further improved. In this paper, we propose a terminal identity authentication technology based on user association behavior analysis. In order to identify the abnormal login during each behavior process of authenticated user, we take largest coincident part of the user behavior sequence and short coincide into consideration. In addition, we propose Behavior Common Subsequence Sequence Similarity Algorithm based on the traditional sequence pattern of Behavior Common Subsequence(BCS). The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively improve the accuracy of user’s behavioral sequence, and prove the uniqueness of different sequences on the other hand.

Germplasm resources within the Medicago genus are highly regarded for their value as forage crops and their critical roles in nitrogen cycling, ecosystem restoration, and soil structure improvement. Therefore, understanding the diversity of seed morphology in this genus is essential for advancing its development and utilization. This study analyzed seed samples from 587 germplasm accessions representing 77 species within Medicago genus, as well as 32 accessions from 21 species within the closely related genus Trigonella . A statistical analysis was conducted on twelve traits, including seven quantitative traits-straight length (SL), straight width (SW), width-to-length ratio (WL), perimeter (PE), radicle length (RL), hilum length (HL), and 100-seed weight (SY)-and five qualitative traits, including seed coat condition, radicle characteristics, seed size, shape, and color. The results revealed that: (1) there was significant diversity ( P  < 0.05) in SL, SW, WL, PE, RL, HL, and SY across Medicago species; (2) principal component analysis of the 587 Medicago accessions identified SL, SW, PE, HL, RL, and SY as the primary contributors to morphological diversity; and (3) high-resolution images of seeds from various accessions were captured for future research. This study provides a solid foundation for the establishment of seed banks and the enhancement of germplasm resources through the systematic analysis of these morphological traits.

Background Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), play multiple roles in plant development, growth and response to bio- or abiotic stresses. Calmodulin-like domains typically contain four EF-hand motifs for Ca²⁺ binding. The CDPK gene family can be divided into four subgroups in Arabidopsis , and it has been identified in many plants, such as rice, tomato, but has not been investigated in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa subsp. sativa ) yet. Results In our study, 38 non-redundant MsCDPK genes were identified from the “XinJiangDaYe” alfalfa genome. They can be divided into four subgroups which is the same as in Arabidopsis and Medicago truncatula , and there were 15, 12,10 and 1 in CDPK I, II, III and IV, respectively. RNA-seq analysis revealed tissue-specificity of 38 MsCDPK genes. After researching the transcriptome data, we found these 38 MsCDPK members responsive to drought, salt, and cold stress treatments. Further analysis showed that the expression of almost all the MsCDPKs is regulated by abiotic stresses. In addition, we chose MsCDPK03 , MsCDPK26 , MsCDPK31 and MsCDPK36 for RT-qPCR validation which was from CDPK I-IV subgroups respectively. The result showed that the expression of these four genes was significantly induced by drought, salt and cold treatments. The subcellular location experiment showed that these four proteins were all located in nucleus. Conclusion In our study, we identified 38 distinct MsCDPK genes within the alfalfa genome, which were classified into four groups. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of various gene features, including physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, exon-intron structures, conserved motifs, chromosomal locations, gene duplication events, cis -regulatory elements, 3D structures, and tissue-specific expression patterns, as well as responses to drought, salt, and cold stresses. These results also provide a solid foundation for further investigations into the functions of MsCDPKs aimed at improving drought tolerance in autotetraploid cultivated alfalfa through genetic engineering.

Background This study seeks to elucidate the clinical and biochemical features of Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), a pleomorphic congenital hyperammonemia disorder with a non-specific clinical phenotype. Additionally, the research aims to analyze the mutation spectrum of the OTC gene and its potential association with phenotype, as well as to perform an in silico analysis of novel OTC variants to elucidate their structure-function relationship. Methods In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical and biochemical features of 12 patients with OTCD and examined their metabolite profiles. Additionally, we reviewed existing literature to explore the range of mutations in the OTC gene and their possible associations with phenotypic outcomes. Furthermore, we employed the high ambiguity-driven protein-protein docking (HADDOCK) algorithm and protein-ligand interaction profiler (PLIP) to predict the pathogenicity of these mutations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis in novel variants of the OTC gene. Results Nine cases, all of which were male, presented with early onset, while two cases, all of which were female, exhibited late onset. Additionally, one male case was asymptomatic. The ages of the patients at the time of diagnosis ranged from 1 day to 12 years. Peak plasma ammonia levels were found to be higher in patients with early onset compared to those with late onset. Molecular analyses identified a total of 12 different mutations, including two novel mutations (V323G and R320P). In silico analysis indicated a potential difference in affinity between wild-type and mutant OTCase, with V323G and R320P mutations leading to a decreased binding ability of OTCase to the substrate, potentially disrupting its function. Conclusion This study broadened the genetic variation spectrum of OTCD and provided substantial evidence for genetic counselling to affected families. Additionally, we elucidated variant data of OTC in Chinese patients through comprehensive literature review. Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the genotype-phenotype correlation of OTCD, the results of our in silico analysis can contribute to a deeper understanding of this complex, rare, and severe genetic disorder.

In this paper, NdFeO 3 nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The particle size of NdFeO 3 nanoparticles was controlled by changing the NaOH concentration in the co-precipitation method, mainly because NaOH concentration could control grain growth. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and filed-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). They were found that with the change of NaOH concentration, the lattice parameters and cell volume of NdFeO 3 nanoparticles changed little, but the average particle size ranged from ~ 100 to ~ 142 nm. And the influence of particle size on electrical properties of samples was also explored. The results showed that the dielectric constant of the sample increased with the decrease of the average particle size, and the dielectric loss decreases. When the average particle size was ~ 100 nm and the frequency was 10 3  Hz, the dielectric constant ( ε ′) was at most (~ 1.4 × 10 4 ) at room temperature, indicating that it had potential applications in dielectric capacitors. In addition, the conduction mechanism of NdFeO 3 nanoparticle was studied by frequency dependence of AC conductivity. The effect of the grain and grain boundaries of NdFeO 3 nanoparticles on the electrical properties of material was observed in complex impedance spectroscopy. The grain boundary resistance played a leading role in the resistance of the material, and the values of resistance increased with the decrease of the particle size.

Background This study aimed to compare the blood metabolism status of newborns with maternal-isolated oligohydramnios (IO) and normal amniotic fluid and investigate the relationship between IO and fetal health. Methods Blood metabolites of 60 neonates with maternal IO and 60 healthy controls (HC) admitted to The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (a discovery set), were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify differential metabolites. Pathway analysis was performed to identify the most enriched metabolic pathways in discovery set. The discriminant metabolites were further verified in an independent set consisting of 50 neonates with maternal IO and 60 HC admitted to The Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Huadu. Results The blood metabolic profile of newborns with IO was significantly different from that of HC. Differential metabolites were mainly enriched in Phe, Tyr and Trp biosynthesis. Levels of Phe, Tyr and Trp were significantly lower in IO neonates which found in the discovery set, and were verified in the validation set. Conclusions The difference in the blood metabolomics profiles between neonates with maternal IO and HC was mainly in the pathway of Phe, Tyr and Trp biosynthesis. Phe, Tyr, and Trp biosynthesis may be involved in the physiological processes related to the nervous system and digestive system. Continuous attention to changes in blood metabolites in IO neonates and the effect on body growth and development is necessary.

Background Hearing loss (HL) is a prevalent disease in children, and conventional neonatal hearing screening has a limited effect. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency of frequent deafness-associated variants [ GJB2 , GJB3 , SLC26A4 , and MTRNR1 (12 S rRNA) ] in neonates from South China and determine the risk of hereditary HL through combined genetic and hearing screening. Methods A cohort of 38,589 neonates was enrolled between November 2019 and June 2022 in South China. All participants underwent genetic and hearing screenings. High-risk neonates were followed up, and data were analyzed to evaluate the correlation between genetic results and hearing outcomes. Results The high-risk rate was 1.80% (694/38589), and the carrier rate was 24.20% (9338/38589). The most frequent allele was GJB2 c.109G > A (10.43%, 8049/77178), followed by GJB2 c.235delC (0.77%, 594/77178) and SLC26A4 c.919–2 A > C (0.50%, 385/77178). Of the 694 high-risk neonates, 403 participated in follow-up. The failure or recommended reexamination rate at the first hearing screening (48–72 h) was 50.38% (203/403), and the HL diagnosis rate at three months was 30.48% (42/140). Conclusions The carrier rates of deafness-related gene mutations in South China were determined. Additionally, certain high-risk neonates developed HL and benefited from follow-up and intervention. Genetic screening can improve early diagnosis and facilitate identification of late-onset cases, resulting in timely clinical recommendations.

Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is ubiquitous in animals, humans, and the environment, facilitating the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence traits. Most studies are primarily focused on human clinical isolates, leaving critical gaps in understanding non-human reservoirs and cross-species transmission risks. Methods We combined large-scale genomic analyses with in vitro and in vivo infection models to characterize the evolutionary dynamics of 2809 K. pneumoniae isolates sourced from 8 host species across 57 countries. We examined the potential for cross-host transmission of K. pneumoniae , explored its AMR and virulence characteristics across different hosts, and evaluated the temporal evolution of AMR and virulence. Results Here, we demonstrate that the rise in AMR strongly correlates with the global expansion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) sequence types, while the increase in virulence is partially driven by the acquisition of key virulence loci in certain MDR clones. Population structure analyses show no distinct genetic boundaries between human- and animal-derived strains, strengthening the evidence for cross-species transmission potential. Conclusions These findings underscore the urgent need for a One Health approach to address the dual threat of AMR and hypervirulence, providing critical insights to guide global surveillance and public health interventions. Plain language summary Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that can be found in different hosts, including livestock, humans and the environment. They can develop antibiotic resistance (making medicines less effective) and make infections harder to treat. Past studies mainly focused on bacterial strains that infect humans, leaving a knowledge gap about their presence in animals or whether they can spread between animals and humans. Here, we studied over 2800 bacterial strains from 8 hosts (including cows, pigs, and humans) across 57 countries, examining how they change, spread, and become more harmful. We found that antibiotic-resistant strains are spreading globally, fueling resistance. Some antibiotic-resistant bacteria acquire genes that render them more infectious. We also found that K. pneumoniae strains found in humans and animals are genetically similar, suggesting potential for cross-host transmission. This calls for careful surveillance of K. pneumoniae strains to prevent crossover. Huang, Yao et al. analyse Klebsiella pneumoniae genomes originating from human, animal, and environmental sources across the globe, demonstrating overlapping populations and increasing antibiotic resistance. The rise of strains with both high virulence and multidrug resistance calls for coordinated One Health surveillance.

The early seedling stage is considered the most vulnerable period for plants, especially under salinity conditions. The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is a well-known oil and energy crop worldwide that can survive under stressful conditions. However, the specific mechanisms of this species during its early seedling stage under salt stress are still not clearly understood. Here, the physiological and transcriptome changes in the cotyledons and roots of the castor plant were evaluated. The results indicated that salt stress (150 mM NaCl, 6 d) increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline content, whereas it decreased dry weight (DW) and soluble sugar content. The Illumina Hiseq 2500 platform was used to analyze transcriptome profiles in the cotyledons and roots under salt stress conditions. The results showed that 1580 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in the cotyledons (880 upregulated and 700 downregulated) and 1502 DEGs in the roots (732 upregulated and 770 downregulated). Furthermore, we found that salt stress significantly regulated 22 genes (e.g., 29520.t000005, 29633.t000030, and 29739.t000024) involved in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum of the cotyledons. However, salt stress induced the expression of 25 genes (e.g., 30068.t000101, 30076.t000022, 29970.t000022, and 29957.t000027) involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in the roots. In addition, a large number of genes participating in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolisms, and arginine and proline metabolisms were induced in both cotyledons and roots. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the different expression patterns in cotyledons and roots as well as their synergic relationship contributed to enhancing the salt tolerance of castor plants.