Adverse Environment Research Articles

A compact and stable diagnostic system for major species concentration and temperature in the combustion flow field by Raman scattering

A compact and stable diagnostic system is established using Raman scattering to measure parameters such as major species concentration and temperature in the combustion flow field. Despite an engine’s huge vibration, the prototype works stably and has an uncertainty level below 5%. A standard Hencken burner validates the results. From our perspective, the prototype represents a novel practical application of mature Raman spectroscopy technology, warranting interaction with engineering experts in relevant fields. The background and signal are distinguished with the half-wave plate. The orthogonality and angle between excitation and signal contribute to a good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The compactness of the device is fully considered. The device exhibits good resistance to adverse environments. The system’s temperature is minimally affected by external conditions, and it has good vibration resistance features. The temporal resolution of a single pulse of the device is 10 ns. The spatial resolution is 3 mm × 0.2 mm × 0.2 mm with one-dimension measurement available.

Exercise as a mediator between childhood adversity and psychological distress: Can BDNF moderate the mediating effect?

Adverse childhood events (ACEs) have been associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in young adulthood. To identify at-risk individuals and potential strategies to combat the negative impacts of ACE, this study investigated the mediating role of exercise in the relationship between psychological distress and ACEs. Further, we examined the moderating effect of the BDNF polymorphism in the mediation relationship. Participants (N=750, Mage=20.1 years) completed questionnaires assessing ACEs divided into adverse environment (AE) and childhood maltreatment (CM), exercise, and psychological distress. Salivary genomic DNA was used for genotyping. The significance of the moderated mediation model was assessed using bootstrapping. There was a significant association between ACEs and psychological distress mediated by exercise. After addition of BDNF polymorphism, we found that the effect of ACEs on psychological distress through exercise was moderated by the BDNF polymorphism (index of moderated mediation=-0.19, [-0.48, -0.04], p-value ≤0.05). Further dividing ACE into AE and CM, the moderated mediation relationship remains significant only with AE (index of moderated mediation=-0.41, [-0.99, -0.10], p-value ≤0.05). The interaction between BDNF polymorphism and exercise may be a suitable target for interventions in ACEs-experienced individuals for the prevention or reduction of psychological distress.

Adverse childhood experiences in firstborns and mental health risk and health-care use in siblings: a population-based birth cohort study of half a million children in England.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) often affect multiple children within families, yet studies tend to focus on the health outcomes of individual children, underestimating the needs of affected families. We aimed to examine the association between firstborns exposed to ACEs between 1 year before and 2 years after birth (the first 1000 days) and the risks of mental health problems, mental health-related health-care contacts, and all-cause hospital admissions in multiple children from the same mother, compared to firstborns without ACEs. We derived a population-based birth cohort in England using linked electronic health records for first-time mothers (aged 14-55 years) with their children (born 2002-18). We followed up the cohort from 1 year before birth up to 18 years after birth across the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD and Aurum databases (primary care), Hospital Episode Statistics (secondary care), and the Office of National Statistics (death registrations) between April 1, 2001, and March 31, 2020. We included six different ACE domains, including child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, maternal substance misuse, maternal mental health problems, adverse family environments, and high-risk presentations of child maltreatment, in the records of the mother or the firstborn in the first 1000 days. The primary outcome was the number of children (aged 5-18 years) with recorded mental health problems per mother. We used adjusted and weighted negative binomial regression models to estimate incidence rate ratios. Of 333 048 firstborns and their mothers, 123 573 (37·1%) had any ACEs between 1 year before and 2 years after birth, and 65 941 (19·8%) of all mothers had at least one child with a mental health problem between ages 5 years and 18 years (median follow-up 11·4 years [IQR 9·2-14·1]). Mothers with firstborns with ACEs had 1·71 (95% CI 1·68-1·73) times as many children in total with mental health problems (mean 29·8 children per 100 mothers, 29·4-30·1) compared with mothers without firstborns with ACEs (mean 17·4 children per 100 mothers, 17·3-17·6), translating into a mean difference of 12·3 (95% CI 11·9-12·7) additional children with mental health problems per 100 mothers. These mothers also had increased incidence rates of children with all-cause emergency admissions and mental health-related contacts. There was no significant difference in the risk of mental health problems between firstborn and later-born children. ACEs in firstborns during the first 1000 days were associated with increased mental health problems and health-care needs in multiple children in the same family. The findings highlight the importance of early identification of vulnerable first-time parents and firstborns and increased policy focus on sustained support beyond the first 1000 days to promote healthier long-term family outcomes. Future evaluations of interventions should include the health outcomes of multiple children within families. NIHR Policy Research Programme.

Effects of low-salt stress on biological characteristics and transcriptomic profiles of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Studies have proved that halophilic Vibrio parahaemolyticus is widely detected in freshwater environments (salinity <0.5%). However, the growth and colonization of V. parahaemolyticus in low-salt environments remain unclear. This study was envisaged to assess the effects of low-salt stress on the growth, motility and biofilm formation of V. parahaemolyticus and the transcriptomic changes that the bacterium responds to such stress. The results indicated that low salt concentrations supported the growth (allowing growth to proceed, though at a lower speed) of V. parahaemolyticus, prolonged the lag time (LT), and decreased the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) of V. parahaemolyticus. Additionally, this low salinity inhibited its motility and enhanced its biofilm formation capacity. Notably, the growth of V. parahaemolyticus on both freshwater and marine-cultured Litopenaeus vannamei exhibited a similar trend, suggesting that V. parahaemolyticus might have adapted to thrive in freshwater food. Furthermore, the reasons for the support of V. parahaemolyticus growth in 0.25% NaCl was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). RNA-seq revealed that V. parahaemolyticus can improve resistance to adverse environments by reducing energy consumption and enhancing oxidative stress resistance to adapt to a low-salt environment. This study revealed that the freshwater environment supported the growth of V. parahaemolyticus and its influence on the growth of V. parahaemolyticus, providing valuable theoretical support for risk assessment.

Childhood family environment and μ-opioid receptor availability in vivo in adulthood.

Animal studies have reported associations of early maternal separation with altered μ-opioid receptor function but data on humans are scarce. We now investigated whether childhood family environment is related to μ-opioid receptor availability in the human brain in adulthood. Healthy participants (n = 37-39 in the analyses) were recruited from the prospective population-based Young Finns Study (YFS) that started in 1980. Childhood family environment was evaluated in 1980, including scores for stress-prone life events, disadvantageous emotional family atmosphere, and adverse socioeconomic environment. We used positron emission tomography (PET) with radioligand [11C]carfentanil to measure μ-opioid receptor availability in adulthood. Age- and sex-adjusted analyses showed that exposure to stress-prone life events in childhood was related to lower μ-opioid receptor binding in the orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, putamen, amygdala, insula, thalamus, anterior cingulate cortex, and dorsal caudate in adulthood (when compared to participants not exposed to stress-prone life events). Unfavorable socioeconomic family environment or disadvantageous emotional family atmosphere was not associated with μ-opioid receptor availability in adulthood. In conclusion, exposure to environmental instability (i.e., to stress-prone life events below traumatic threshold) during early development is associated with dysregulation of the u-opioid receptor transmission in adulthood. The findings increase understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms involved in the associations between childhood adversities and adulthood mental disorders.

Genome-Wide Analysis, Identification, and Transcriptional Profile of the Response to Abiotic Stress of the Purple Acid Phosphatases (PAP) Gene Family in Apple

Purple acid phosphatases (PAPs) play a significant role in plant phosphorus nutrition and can not only release phosphorus from the soil but also regulate the distribution of phosphorus in plants throughout their entire growth and development process. Moreover, members of the PAP protein family exert a more extensive influence on plant mineral homeostasis, developmental processes, and stress responses. Three clusters of purple acid phosphatases, including 31 putative genes, were identified in apples (Malus domestica) by searching the Genome Database for Rosaceae. The structure, chromosomal distribution and location, phylogeny, motifs, and cis-acting elements in the gene promoter regions of the MdPAP gene family are reviewed. These genes exhibit different expression patterns in different tissues. For example, almost all MdPAP genes are strongly expressed in the roots, except for MdPAP10, MdPAP12, and MdPAP27. Similarily, all MdPAPs were expressed in the leaves while the transcript levels of MdPAP7, MdPAP10, MdPAP15, MdPAP21, MdPAP24, MdPAP26, MdPAP29, and MdPAP30 were highest in apple flowers. Overall, the expression of the 31 genes significantly changed in either the roots or leaves following the application of phosphorus and/or drought stress. These results indicate that MdPAP family members play a role in plant adaptation to adverse environments. This work explores the adaptative responses to phosphorus and/or drought conditions in apple and establishes a foundation for an enhanced comprehension of the evolution of PAP families and the exploration of the genes of interest.

Construing the resilience to osmotic stress using endophytic fungus in maize (Zea mays L.).

In a wake of shifting climatic scenarios, plants are frequently forced to undergo a spectrum of abiotic and biotic stresses at various stages of growth, many of which have a detrimental effect on production and survival. Naturally, microbial consortia partner up to boost plant growth and constitute a diversified ecosystem against abiotic stresses. Despite this, little is known pertaining to the interplay between endophytic microbes which release phytohormones and stimulate plant development in stressed environments. In a lab study, we demonstrated that an endophyte isolated from the Kargil region of India, a Fusarium equiseti strain K23-FE, colonizes the maize hybrid MAH 14 - 5, promoting its growth and conferring polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress tolerance. To unravel the molecular mechanism, maize seedlings inoculated with endophyte were subjected to comparative transcriptomic analysis. In response to osmotic stress, genes associated with metabolic, photosynthesis, secondary metabolites, and terpene biosynthesis pathways were highly upregulated in endophyte enriched maize seedlings. Further, in a greenhouse experiment, maize plants inoculated with fungal endophyte showed higher relative leaf water content, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and catalase (CAT) under 50% field capacity conditions. Osmoprotectant like proline were higher and malondialdehyde content was reduced in colonized plants. This study set as proof of concept to demonstrate that endophytes adapted to adverse environments can efficiently tweak non-host plant responses to abiotic stresses such as water deficit stress via physiological and molecular pathways, offering a huge opportunity for their deployment in sustainable agriculture.

WRKY transcription factors: Hubs for regulating plant growth and stress responses.

As sessile organisms, plants must directly face various stressors. Therefore, plants have evolved a powerful stress resistance system and can adjust their growth and development strategies appropriately in different stressful environments to adapt to complex and ever-changing conditions. Nevertheless, prioritizing defensive responses can hinder growth; this is a crucial factor for plant survival but is detrimental to crop production. As such, comprehending the impact of adverse environments on plant growth is not only a fundamental scientific inquiry but also imperative for the agricultural industry and for food security. The traditional view that plant growth is hindered during defense due to resource allocation trade-offs is challenged by evidence that plants exhibit both robust growth and defensive capabilities through human intervention. These findings suggest that the growth‒defense trade-off is not only dictated by resource limitations but also influenced by intricate transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Hence, it is imperative to conduct thorough investigations on the central genes that govern plant resistance and growth in unfavorable environments. Recent studies have consistently highlighted the importance of WRKY transcription factors in orchestrating stress responses and plant-specific growth and development, underscoring the pivotal role of WRKYs in modulating plant growth under stressful conditions. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the dual roles of WRKYs in the regulation of plant stress resistance and growth across diverse stress environments. This information will be crucial for elucidating the intricate interplay between plant stress response and growth and may aid in identifying gene loci that could be utilized in future breeding programs to develop crops with enhanced stress resistance and productivity.

Impact of Osmotic Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Osmotic stress is one of the major constraints in the global production of economically important crops by adversely affecting their yield, quality and energy costs. Cicer arietinum L. commonly known as Chickpea is an important pulse crop worldwide due to its high protein content and agronomic significance. Chickpea is susceptible to osmotic stress and effects its productivity on a large scale. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of osmotic stress on seed germination and seedling growth. Methods: Osmotic stress was induced using three different concentrations of PEG-6000 (5%, 10% and 15%). Distilled water treatment was used as control. Percentage of seed germination, seedling growth, enzymatic activity of amylase and protease and protein content of chickpea was evaluated after a week. Result: Osmotic stress considerably affected seed germination as well as all other allied traits. Studies showed that increase in osmotic stress decreased the percentage of seed germination. Seeds treated with 5% PEG considerably improved the length of the plumule and radicle, fresh and dry weight when compared to control in Cicer arietinum. The enzymatic activity of protease increased with increasing osmotic gradients. Seeds treated with 15% PEG showed maximum protein content. This study contributes to current knowledge of the physiological responses of chickpea to osmotic stress and may assist in the development of strategies to enhance crop resilience and productivity under adverse environment conditions.

Unlocking biochar impacts on abiotic stress dynamics: a systematic review of soil quality and crop improvement.

Global agricultural challenges, especially soil degradation caused by abiotic stresses, significantly reduce crop productivity and require innovative solutions. Biochar (BC), a biodegradable product derived from agricultural and forestry residues, has been proven to significantly enhance soil quality. Although its benefits for improving soil properties are well-documented, the potential of BC to mitigate various abiotic stresses-such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity-and its effect on plant traits need further exploration. This review aims to elucidate BC production by highlighting primary feedstock's and synthesis techniques, and examining its role in boosting soil decomposition efficiency and fertility, which are pivotal for sustainable crop growth. This review also discuss how BC can enhance the nutritional and chemical properties of soil under different abiotic stress conditions, emphasizing its capacity to foster crop growth and development in adverse environments. Furthermore, this article serves as a comprehensive resource for agricultural researchers in understanding the importance of BC in promoting sustainable agriculture, and addressing environmental challenges. Ultimately, this review highlights critical knowledge gaps and proposes future research avenues on the bio-protective properties of BC against various abiotic stresses, paving the way for the commercialization of BC applications on a large scale with cutting-edge technologies.

Longitudinal DNA methylation profiles in saliva of offspring from mothers with gestational diabetes: associations with early childhood growth patterns

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising globally, particularly among children exposed to adverse intrauterine environments, such as those associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation, have emerged as mechanisms by which early environmental exposures can predispose offspring to metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate DNA methylation differences in children born to mothers with GDM compared to non-GDM mothers, using saliva samples, and to assess the association of these epigenetic patterns with early growth measurements.MethodsThis study analyzed saliva DNA methylation patterns in 30 children (15 born to GDM mothers and 15 to non-GDM mothers) from the EPIDG cohort. Samples were collected at two time points: 8–10 weeks postpartum and at one year of age. Epigenome-wide analysis of over 850,000 CpG sites was conducted using the Illumina Methylation EPIC Bead Chip. Differential methylation positions (DMPs) were identified with the limma package, using a significance threshold of p < 0.01 and delta β ≥ 5%. Correlation analysis examined associations between methylation and growth variables (weight, height, BMI and annual growth) using Spearman tests.ResultsWe identified 6,968 DMPs at the postpartum stage and 5,132 after one year, with 50 sites remaining differentially methylated over time, 16 of which maintained consistent methylation directionality. Functional analysis linked several of these DMPs to genes involved in inflammation and metabolic processes, including CYTH3 and FARP2, both implicated in growth and metabolic pathways. Significant correlations were found between specific CpG sites and growth-related variables such as weight, head circumference, height, and BMI.ConclusionsThis study’s longitudinal design reveals stable DNA methylation patterns in saliva samples that differentiate GDM-exposed children from controls across the first year of life, highlighting the feasibility of saliva as a minimally invasive biomarker source. The persistence of these epigenetic signatures underscores their potential as early indicators of metabolic risk, offering valuable insights into the long-term impact of maternal GDM on child health. Although the use of saliva offers a practical and non-invasive tool for pediatric epigenetic research, further studies are necessary to validate these findings in larger populations.

Regulatory mechanisms and applications of Lactobacillus biofilms in the food industry.

Lactobacillus is widely recognized for its probiotic benefits and has been widely used in food production. While biofilms are typically associated with pathogenic bacteria, they also served as a self-protective mechanism formed by microorganisms in an adverse environments. In recent years, relevant studies have revealed the excellent characteristics of Lactobacillus biofilms, offering new insights into their potential applications in the food industry. The Lactobacillus biofilms is important in improving fermentation processes and enhancing the resilience of Lactobacillus in various conditions. This paper reviews how quorum sensing regulates the formation of Lactobacillus biofilms and explores their roles in stress resistance, bacteriostasis and food production. Additionally, it highlights the emerging concept of fourth-generation probiotics, developed through biofilm technology, as a novel approach to probiotic applications.

Biomimetic Nanomaterials Based on Peptide InSitu Self-Assembly for Immunotherapy Applications.

Cancer remains the leading cause of patient death worldwide and its incidence continues to rise. Immunotherapy is rapidly developing due to its significant differences in the mechanism of action from conventional radiotherapy and targeted antitumor drugs. In the past decades, many biomaterials have been designed and prepared to construct therapeutic platforms that modulate the immune system against cancer. Immunotherapeutic platforms utilizing biomaterials can markedly enhance therapeutic efficacy by optimizing the delivery of therapeutic agents, minimizing drug loss during circulation, and amplifying immunomodulatory effects. The intricate physiological barriers of tumors, coupled with adverse immune environments such as inadequate infiltration, off-target effects, and immunosuppression, have emerged as significant obstacles impeding the effectiveness of oncology drug therapy. However, most of the current studies are devoted to the development of complex immunomodulators that exert immunomodulatory functions by loading drugs or adjuvants, ignoring the complex physiological barriers and adverse immune environments of tumors. Compared with conventional biomaterials, biomimetic nanomaterials based on peptide insitu self-assembly with excellent functional characteristics of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity have emerged as a novel and effective tool for cancer immunotherapy. This article presents a comprehensive review of the latest research findings on biomimetic nanomaterials based on peptide insitu self-assembly in tumor immunotherapy. Initially, we categorize the structural types of biomimetic peptide nanomaterials and elucidate their intrinsic driving forces. Subsequently, we delve into the insitu self-assembly strategies of these peptide biomimetic nanomaterials, highlighting their advantages in immunotherapy. Furthermore, we detail the applications of these biomimetic nanomaterials in antigen presentation and modulation of the immune microenvironment. In conclusion, we encapsulate the challenges and prospective developments of biomimetic nanomaterials based on peptide insitu self-assembly for clinical translation in immunotherapy.

Effect of black highland barley polysaccharides and low frequency-static magnetic field on casein-based coacervates: Formation, characterization, and probiotic encapsulation capacity.

To evaluate the combination effects of highland barley polysaccharides (HBP) and low-frequency static magnetic field (LF-SMF) treatment on the structure and properties of acid-induced casein (CS) coacervates, this study conducted a comprehensive investigation at various stages- before, during, and after coacervation-for the first time. Compared with native CS, adding HBP caused CS to denature owing to hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, and LF-SMF treatment further promoted these changes. During the acidification (pH7.0-2.0) and coacervation processes, the integration of LF-SMF treatment with the addition of HBP enhanced the rate and extent of casein (CS) aggregation and crosslinking, attributable to alterations in the ζ-potential of CS. Among the formed coacervates, the yield and particle size of CS/HBP complex coacervates after being treated with LF-SMF (M-CS/HBP) increased from 67.9% to 78.4% and from 803.12nm to 1253.43nm, respectively. Additionally, M-CS/HBP demonstrated improved viscoelasticity and a more uniform, compact microstructure with denser packing. The alterations observed in CS-based coacervates were due to non-covalent interactions between CS and HBP, further promoted by LF-SMF treatment, leading to the unfolding and disordering of protein secondary structure. Consequently, M-CS/HBP complex coacervates demonstrated superior encapsulation efficiency for L. plantarum and provided enhanced protection for probiotics under adverse environments.

Resilience in adversity: Exploring adaptive changes in cancer cells under stress.

Cancer cells undergo adaptive processes that favor their survival and proliferation when subjected to different types of cellular stress. These changes are linked to oncogenic processes such as genetic instability, tumor proliferation, therapy resistance, and invasion. Therefore, this study aimed to review studies that discuss possible morphological and genetic changes acquired by neoplastic cells under stressful conditions. The articles used in this integrative review were searched on PubMed, Web of Science, CAPES, BVS and Scopus. Studies that discussed how cells undergo morphogenetic changes as an adaptive response to stress in cancer were included. This article reviewed 82 studies that highlighted multiple types of stress to which cancer can be subjected, such as oxidative, thermal and mechanical stress; glucose and other nutrients deficiency; hypoxia and chemotherapy. Neoplastic cells under stress can undergo adaptive changes that make it possible to overcome this obstacle. In this adaptive process, the acquisition of certain mutations implies cellular morphological changes such as Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, polyploidy, mitochondrial and cytoskeletal changes. These adaptive changes occur concomitantly with processes related to oncogenesis such as gene instability, tumor proliferation, resistance to therapy and invasion. This study reveals that adaptations to cellular stress promote morphological and functional changes that accompany or accelerate oncogenesis. It has been revised how epithelial-mesenchymal transition, polyploidy and mitochondrial dysfunctions not only reinforce the survival of tumor cells in adverse environments, but also increase therapeutic resistance and invasive capacity. Also noteworthy are the contributions on genomic instability associated with stress and the potential of senescent cells in tumor heterogeneity, both as factors of tumor resistance and progression. These insights suggest new therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers, expanding the possibilities for more effective strategies to combat cancer.

LiDAR Denoising Methods in Adverse Environments: A Review

LiDAR Denoising Methods in Adverse Environments: A Review

Longitudinal mental health associations of relocation to supportive versus adverse neighborhood environments in the Netherlands

BackgroundMental health status may be associated with residential neighborhoods’ physical and social characteristics; however, longitudinal evidence is limited, and the findings are inconsistent. ObjectivesTo examine the longitudinal associations between neighborhood physical and social environments and mental health among adults after residential relocation. MethodsWe used national-representative panel data of 3,000 adults between 2008 and 2013 in the Netherlands. We included movers relocating to neighborhood environments identified as health-supportive or adverse; non-movers served as the control group. Mental health was measured pre- and post-move using the Mental Health Inventory. Time-varying exposure to physical environmental factors (i.e., green space, blue space, air pollution, and population density) and social environmental factors (i.e., socioeconomic deprivation and social fragmentation) were assigned based on adults’ residential neighborhood histories. We used propensity score matching to select non-movers from the control group and difference-in-difference regressions to estimate the associations between environmental changes and mental health. ResultsOur results showed that decreases in fine particulate matter (β = -3.869, 95% CI: [-7.583, -0.155]), population density (β = -5.893, 95% CI: [-9.468, -2.319]), and socioeconomic deprivation (β = -4.756, 95% CI: [-7.800, -1.712]) were significantly associated with improvements in mental health. An increase in neighborhood social fragmentation was significantly associated with improvements in mental health (β = -3.520, 95% CI: [-6.742, -0.298]). We observed null associations between changes in mental health due to changes in green and blue space. ConclusionsFollowing relocation, changed neighborhood environmental conditions appear to have longitudinal mental health associations. Moving to a neighborhood with less air pollution, lower population density, and reduced socioeconomic deprivation was mental health-supportively associated. However, the finding that greater social fragmentation contributes to mental health improvements requires further investigation.

‘We are all children of war’: a qualitative inquiry into parenting following adolescents’ recent traumatic exposure in a multiple crisis setting in Beirut, Lebanon

ABSTRACT Background: Strong familial bonds are crucial to building resilience among youth exposed to traumatic events in socially adverse environments. Exploring parental experiences in the aftermath of adolescents’ traumatic exposure in these settings would help tailor early interventions. Objective: We qualitatively explored experiences and perceived needs among parents of teenagers aged 11–16 years who were exposed in the last three months to a potentially traumatic event in Beirut, Lebanon. Method: We purposively sampled 28 parents of 24 adolescents meeting the inclusion criteria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was applied combined with a grounded theory approach. Results: The most frequent traumatic event was direct exposure to the violent clashes that happened in Beirut on 14 October 2021. Parents identified that the recent event exacerbated pre-existing mental health difficulties caused by cumulative stress. They were reminded of their own war experiences and tended to reject the ‘sick role’ associated with trauma. A majority of participants viewed resilience as a fixed trait characteristic of the Lebanese and avoided communication with their children about traumatic memories, while a significant minority criticised resilience as a myth that added pressure on them and had more open communication about trauma. Parenting styles oscillated between controlling behaviours, warmth, and avoidance, which impacted the family dynamic. Despite adversity, most parents tried to cope through social connectedness, humour, and living day by day. Conclusions: Our findings hold implications for contextual adaptations of early posttraumatic interventions aimed at strengthening family support, such as addressing parental mental health; increasing awareness among first-line responders on parents’ potential representations of trauma and resilience; addressing the issue of controlling parenting; and including a component in psychoeducation on traumatic stress that validates the impact of daily stressors on mental health while avoiding direct labelling. Further research is needed to validate the impact of these domains.

Identification and Characterization of the LecRLKs Gene Family in Maize, and Its Role Under Biotic and Abiotic Stress.

Plant lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) are plant membrane protein receptor kinases. Lectin-like receptor kinases play a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. It can rapidly respond to both biotic and abiotic stresses while mediating mechanisms of plant immune responses. This study represents the first identification of the LecRLK family genes in maize. It analyzes the gene structure, chromosomal locations, phylogenetic classification, promoter homoeotropic elements, and expression patterns under both biotic and abiotic stresses. The results indicate that these genes possess kinase and transmembrane domains, along with specific L-type or G-type extracellular domains. Most ZmLecRLK gene promoters contain cis-acting elements that are responsive to known hormones and stressors. Furthermore, these genes have been identified as being sensitive to both biotic and abiotic stresses. This discovery establishes a significant theoretical foundation for the selection of corn varieties in adverse environments. Additionally, it provides a basis for further in-depth exploration of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of LecRLK family genes.

Diffraction-free partially coherent Pearcey beam.

Partially coherent beams are renowned for their inherent resilience against environmental perturbations. However, traditional versions are prone to distortion due to light diffraction, which presents significant challenges for related applications such as information transfer. In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally construct a non-diffraction, partially coherent Pearcey beam. The results clearly demonstrate such a beam remains invariant during propagation under different coherence conditions. The experimental results align closely with the theoretical predictions. We believe that this beam has the potential to offer new insights as an information carrier for optical communication and information transmission, particularly in adverse environments.