Region Of Arm Research Articles

HPV self-sampling in organized cervical cancer screening program: A randomized pilot study in Estonia in 2021.

Cervical cancer incidence in Estonia ranks among the highest in Europe, but screening attendance has remained low. This randomized study aimed to evaluate the impact of opt-in and opt-out human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling options on participation in organized screening. A random sample of 25,591 women were drawn from the cervical cancer screening target population who were due to receive a reminder in autumn 2021 and thereafter randomly allocated to two equally sized intervention arms (opt-out and opt-in) receiving a choice between HPV self-sampling or clinician sampling. In the opt-out arm, a self-sampler was sent to home address by regular mail; the opt-in arm received an e-mail containing a link to order a self-sampler online. The remaining 30,102 women in the control group received a standard reminder for conventional screening. Participation by intervention arm, age and region of residence was calculated; a questionnaire was used to assess self-sampling user experience. A significant difference in participation was seen between opt-out (41.7%) (19.8% chose self-sampling and 21.9% clinician sampling), opt-in (34.1%) (7.9% self-sampling, 26.2% clinician sampling) and control group (29.0%, clinician sampling only). All age groups and regions in the intervention arms showed higher participation compared to the control group, but the size of the effect varied. Among self-sampling users, 99% agreed that the device was easy to use and only 3.5% preferred future testing at the clinic. Providing women with a choice between self-sampling and clinician sampling significantly increased participation in cervical cancer screening. Opt-in and opt-out options had a different effect across age groups, suggesting the need to adapt strategies.

Does tranexamic acid reduce elbow swelling and improve early function following arthroscopic arthrolysis? A double-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTranexamic acid (TXA) reduces bleeding and hematoma rates in open elbow arthrolysis. However, its effects on arthroscopic elbow arthrolysis remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effect of TXA on elbow arthroscopic procedures and compare bleeding volume, hemarthrosis, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion (ROM), and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) in the early postoperative period between patients who received intra-articular TXA and those who did not. MethodsA prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolling 80 patients with stiff elbows who underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis was performed from January 2021 to December 2022. Intra-articularly, 1 g of TXA in 100 ml of saline or placebo (control group) was administered after the arthroscopic operation according to randomization. Parameters were recorded and compared between the groups, including bleeding volume of drainage, hemoglobin (Hgb) level, ratio of arm and forearm circumference of the surgical side to the contralateral side, grading of hematoma, VAS, ROM and MEPS within one week postoperatively. And during one year follow-up, ROM and MEPS were recorded. ResultsAll patients enrolled in this study demonstrated significant improvements in ROM (flexion-extension) and MEPS one week postoperatively, with no significant differences observed between the two groups. Compared to the control group, the TXA group exhibited significant differences in the bleeding volume of drainage (61.45±47.7 ml vs. 89.8±47.0 ml, p=0.030) and a higher Hgb level 24 hours postoperatively (13.5±1.5 g/dL vs. 12.6±1.8 g/dL p=0.049). While the ratio of arm and forearm circumferences significantly increased 24 hours postoperatively compared to preoperative values in TXA group (1.05±0.06 vs. 1.02±0.04 and 1.02±0.06 vs. 0.98±0.04, with p=0.019 and p=0.005, respectively), this difference vanished one week postoperatively for the ratio of arm circumference. However, it persisted for the ratio of forearm circumference (1.02±0.07 vs. 0.98±0.04, p=0.003). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in MEPS, VAS or ROM between the two groups one week postoperatively. ConclusionPatients with stiff elbows who underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes very early postoperatively. Compared to the control group, patients who underwent arthroscopic elbow arthrolysis with intra-articular administration of TXA exhibited significantly less bleeding volume of drainage and slightly higher Hgb levels postoperatively. One week postoperatively, slightly more swelling in the upper arm region was noted in the control group compared to the TXA group. These findings suggest that the intra-articular injection of TXA after arthroscopic release for elbow stiffness may statistically reduce complications related to postoperative bleeding. However, it’s clinical relevance needs further investigation.

De La Chapelle Syndrome: Clinical and Physical Performance Implications

Gynecomastia in adolescence is a benign condition that mostly disappears spontaneously within approximately two years from onset. When it is associated with hypogonadism, it may suggest a disorder of sexual differentiation. We report the case of a young man (18 years old) with gynecomastia associated with azoospermia, small testes, hyperestrogenism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. A karyotype 46,XX was found, and searching for SRY (sex-determining region Y) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) highlighted the presence of the gene on the terminal region of the short arm, with breakpoints likely in Xp22.3 and Yp11.3. Implications of testosterone replacement therapy with respect to sex differentiation disorder and to physical performance are discussed.

Gravity field and crustal structure of the Eastern Arm of Sulawesi and the Banggai Archipelago, Eastern Indonesia

The occurrence of extensive ophiolite masses and the development of the Batui-Balantak foreland thrust-fold belt on the Eastern Arm of Sulawesi can be attributed to the geologic process in the Neogene period when the Sulawesi Island Arc and the Banggai-Sula collided. Following the convergence, crustal fragments were further adjusted on a regional scale. This adjustment involved the rotation of crustal fragments into strike-slip faults on Sulawesi Island and the formation of extensional faults in the Banggai Archipelago. The analyses of the gravity field in the region of the eastern Sulawesi and Banggai Archipelago have yielded models that can potentially be interpreted as a representation of the underlying crustal structure in the region. The models can also be understood in a way that has consequences for tectonics. The tectonic episodes have played a significant role in the formation and development of sedimentary basins within the region. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the crustal structures of the Eastern Arm of Sulawesi and the Banggai Archipelago by means of analyzing gravity profiles. The findings of the analysis suggest that there is a slight thickening observed in the crustal block beneath the central portion of the eastern arm region. In addition, this area exhibits significant fracturing and severe attenuation. Furthermore, the crustal block has a dipped north-eastward trend in response to the ascent of the Molucca Sea oceanic crust.

3D directional tuning in the orofacial sensorimotor cortex during natural feeding and drinking.

Directional tongue movements are essential for vital behaviors, such as feeding and speech, to position food for chewing and swallowing safely and to position the tongue for accurate sound production. While directional tuning has been well-studied in the arm region of the sensorimotor cortex during reaching tasks, little is known about how 3D tongue direction is encoded in the orofacial region during natural behaviors. Understanding how tongue direction is represented in the brain has important implications for improving rehabilitation for people with orolingual dysfunctions. The goal of this study is to investigate how 3D direction of tongue movement is encoded in the orofacial sensorimotor cortex (OSMCx) during feeding and drinking, and how this process is affected by the loss of oral sensation. Using biplanar video-radiography to track implanted markers in the tongue of behaving non-human primates (Macaca mulatta), 3D positional data was recorded simultaneously with spiking activity in primary motor (MIo) and somatosensory (SIo) areas of the orofacial cortex using chronically implanted microelectrode arrays. In some sessions, tasks were preceded by bilateral nerve block injections to the sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve. Modulation to the 3D tongue direction was found in a majority of MIo but not SIo neurons during feeding, while the majority of neurons in both areas were modulated to the direction of tongue protrusion during drinking. Following sensory loss, the proportion of directionally tuned neurons decreased and shifts in the distribution of preferred direction were observed in OSMCx neurons. Overall, we show that 3D directional tuning of MIo and SIo to tongue movements varies with behavioral tasks and availability of sensory information.

Carica papaya L. sex chromosome review and physical mapping of the serk 2, svp-like and mdar 4 sequences

Physical mapping evidences the chromosome organization and structure. Despite the data about plant cytogenomics, physical mapping has been conducted from single-copy and/or low-copy genes for few species. Carica papaya cytogenomics has been accomplished from BAC-FISH and repeatome sequences. We aimed to map the serk 2, svp-like and mdar 4 sequences in C. papaya. The sequences were amplified and the amplicons sequenced, showing similarity in relation to serk 2, svp-like and mdar 4 genes. Carica papaya diploidy was confirmed and the mitotic chromosomes characterized. The chromosome 1 exhibited the secondary constriction pericentromeric to the centromere of the long arm. So, we concluded that it is the sex chromosomes. serk 2 was mapped in the long arm interstitial portion of the sex chromosomes, and the interphase nuclei showed two fluorescence signals. Considering these results and the sequencing data from the C. papaya sex chromosomes, svp-like and mdar 4 genes were mapped in the interstitial region of the sex chromosome long arm. Both sequences showed only one fluorescence signal in the interphase nuclei. The procedure adopted here can be reproduced for other single-copy and/or low-copy genes, allowing the construction of cytogenetic maps. In addition, we revisited the cytogenomics data about C. papaya sex chromosomes, presenting a revised point of view about the structure and evolution to these chromosomes.

Cryo-EM structures of Smc5/6 in multiple states reveal its assembly and functional mechanisms.

Smc5/6 is a member of the eukaryotic structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) family of complexes with important roles in genome maintenance and viral restriction. However, limited structural understanding of Smc5/6 hinders the elucidation of its diverse functions. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of the budding yeast Smc5/6 complex in eight-subunit, six-subunit and five-subunit states. Structural maps throughout the entire length of these complexes reveal modularity and key elements in complex assembly. We show that the non-SMC element (Nse)2 subunit supports the overall shape of the complex and uses a wedge motif to aid the stability and function of the complex. The Nse6 subunit features a flexible hook region for attachment to the Smc5 and Smc6 arm regions, contributing to the DNA repair roles of the complex. Our results also suggest a structural basis for the opposite effects of the Nse1-3-4 and Nse5-6 subcomplexes in regulating Smc5/6 ATPase activity. Collectively, our integrated structural and functional data provide a framework for understanding Smc5/6 assembly and function.

NSE5 subunit interacts with distant regions of the SMC arms in the Physcomitrium patens SMC5/6 complex.

Structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) complexes play roles in cohesion, condensation, replication, transcription, and DNA repair. Their cores are composed of SMC proteins with a unique structure consisting of an ATPase head, long arm, and hinge. SMC complexes form long rod-like structures, which can change to ring-like and elbow-bent conformations upon binding ATP, DNA, and other regulatory factors. These SMC dynamic conformational changes are involved in their loading, translocation, and DNA loop extrusion. Here, we examined the binding and role of the PpNSE5 regulatory factor of Physcomitrium patens PpSMC5/6 complex. We found that the PpNSE5 C-terminal half (aa230-505) is required for binding to its PpNSE6 partner, while the N-terminal half (aa1-230) binds PpSMC subunits. Specifically, the first 71 amino acids of PpNSE5 were required for binding to PpSMC6. Interestingly, the PpNSE5 binding required the PpSMC6 head-proximal joint region and PpSMC5 hinge-proximal arm, suggesting a long distance between binding sites on PpSMC5 and PpSMC6 arms. Therefore, we hypothesize that PpNSE5 either links two antiparallel SMC5/6 complexes or binds one SMC5/6 in elbow-bent conformation, the later model being consistent with the role of NSE5/NSE6 dimer as SMC5/6 loading factor to DNA lesions. In addition, we generated the P.patens Ppnse5KO1 mutant line with an N-terminally truncated version of PpNSE5, which exhibited DNA repair defects while keeping a normal number of rDNA repeats. As the first 71 amino acids of PpNSE5 are required for PpSMC6 binding, our results suggest the role of PpNSE5-PpSMC6 interaction in SMC5/6 loading to DNA lesions.

AstroSat observations of interacting galaxies NGC 7469 and IC 5283

Aims. We carry out deep near-ultrviolet (NUV) and far-ultrviolet (FUV) imaging of an interacting galaxy system, comprised of a Seyfert type 1 galaxy NGC 7469 and its companion IC 5283. Our aim is to resolve and map the star-forming regions in the outer arms and look for signs of interaction between the two galaxies. Methods. We used AstroSat Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) to obtain NUV and FUV images of NGC 7469 in a range of filters. We have carried out photometry of star-forming regions in the two galaxies and found their spatial distributions. We also obtained the distributions of star formation rates (SFR) in NGC 7469 and IC 5283 using the estimates obtained from the FUV and NUV bands. We also carried out Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests to look for differences in the SFRs in the two galaxies. We derived the spectral energy distribution (SED), leading to the determination of physical parameters, including the overall SFR, stellar mass (M*), dust mass (MDust), and specific star formation rates (sSFRs) in both the galaxies. Results. Our NUV and FUV images show the presence of an outer spiral arm that is better resolved. We have identified 33 new star-forming regions out of 51 total identified in the UVIT composite image. Enhanced star formation activity is observed to coincide with the interaction, and KS tests show that there are no significant differences in the SFR distributions of NGC 7469 and IC 5283, indicating that the interaction between the galaxies has not influenced their star formation processes differently. The SED plots and the photometric results demonstrate that most of the star formation activity is confined inside the central starburst (SB) ring.

Heterochromatic 3D genome organization is directed by HP1a- and H3K9-dependent and independent mechanisms

Whether and how histone post-translational modifications and the proteins that bind them drive 3D genome organization remains unanswered. Here, we evaluate the contribution of H3K9-methylated constitutive heterochromatin to 3D genome organization in Drosophila tissues. We find that the predominant organizational feature of wild-type tissues is the segregation of euchromatic chromosome arms from heterochromatic pericentromeres. Reciprocal perturbation of HP1a⋅H3K9me binding, using a point mutation in the HP1a chromodomain or replacement of the replication-dependent histone H3 with H3K9R mutant histones, revealed that HP1a binding to methylated H3K9 in constitutive heterochromatin is required to limit contact frequency between pericentromeres and chromosome arms and regulate the distance between arm and pericentromeric regions. Surprisingly, the self-association of pericentromeric regions is largely preserved despite the loss of H3K9 methylation and HP1a occupancy. Thus, the HP1a⋅H3K9 interaction contributes to but does not solely drive the segregation of euchromatin and heterochromatin inside the nucleus.

Discovery of the Goat Horn complex: a ~1000 deg2 diffuse X-ray source connected to radio loop XII

A dozen patches of polarized radio emission spanning tens of degrees in the form of coherent and stationary arcs and loops are observed at radio frequencies across the sky. Their origin is usually associated with nearby shocks, possibly arising from nearby supernova explosions. The origin of radio loop XII remains unknown. We report an anticorrelation of the radio-polarized emission of loop XII with a large patch of soft X-ray emission found with SRG/ in excess of the background surface brightness in the same region. This seemingly coherent patch of soft X-ray emission, which we call the extends over a remarkable area of $ 1000$ deg$^2$ and includes an arc-shaped enhancement that might trace a cold front. An anticorrelation of the X-ray intensity with the temperature of the plasma that causes the X-ray emission is also observed. The X-ray bright arc seems to anticipate radio loop XII by some degrees on the sky. This behavior can be recast in terms of a correlation between X-ray surface brightness and radio depolarization. We explore and discuss different possible scenarios for the source of the diffuse emission in the Goat Horn complex: a large supernova remnant, an outflow from active star-forming regions in nearby Galactic spiral arms, and a hot atmosphere around the Large Magellanic Cloud. In order to probe these scenarios further, a more detailed characterization of the velocity of the hot gas is required.

Effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on body fat: a retrospective case‒control study in Chinese transwomen

BackgroundThere is insufficient research on how gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) affects body fat modifications in transwomen from China. It is unclear whether hormone therapy affects the prevalence of obesity and blood lipid levels within this population. The current research aimed to assess how GAHT and treatment duration had an impact on the change in and redistribution of body fat in Chinese transwomen.MethodsThis study included 40 transwomen who had not received GAHT and 59 who had. Body fat, blood lipid, and blood glucose levels were measured. GAHT is mainly a pharmacologic (estrogen and anti-androgen) treatment. The study also stratified participants based on the duration of GAHT to assess its impact on body fat distribution. The duration of GAHT was within one year, one to two years, two to three years, or more than three years.ResultsAfter receiving GAHT, total body fat increased by 19.65%, and the percentage of body fat increased by 17.63%. The arm, corrected leg, and leg regions showed significant increases in fat content (+ 24.02%, + 50.69%, and + 41.47%, respectively) and percentage (+ 25.19%, + 34.90%, and + 30.39%, respectively). The total visceral fat content decreased (-37.49%). Based on the diagnostic standards for a body mass index ≥ 28 or total body fat percentage ≥ 25% or 30%, the chance of developing obesity did not change significantly. Blood glucose levels significantly increased (+ 12.31%). Total cholesterol levels (-10.45%) decreased significantly. Fat changes in those who received GAHT for one to two years were significantly different from those who did not receive GAHT.ConclusionAfter receiving GAHT, total body fat and regional fat increased in Chinese transwomen, and the body fat distribution changed from masculine to feminine, especially during the first two years. However, neither the increase in total body fat percentage nor the decrease in visceral fat content didn’t bring about significant changes in the incidence of obesity, nor did triglycerides or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.

The recent star formation histories of nearby galaxies on resolved scales

ABSTRACT Star formation histories (SFHs) of galaxies are affected by a variety of factors, both external (field versus cluster/group) and internal [presence of a bar and active galactic nucleus (AGN), morphological type]. In this work, we extend our previous study and apply the $\langle \mathrm{SFR}_{\textnormal {5}} \rangle \big / \langle \mathrm{SFR}_{\textnormal {200}} \rangle$ metric to a sample of 11 nearby galaxies with Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer observations. Based on a combination of H α and ultraviolet photometry, $\langle \mathrm{SFR}_{\textnormal {5}} \rangle \big / \langle \mathrm{SFR}_{\textnormal {200}} \rangle$ is sensitive to star formation time-scales of ∼5–200 Myr and therefore measures the present-day rate of change in the star formation rate (SFR), dSFR/dt. Within this limited galaxy sample, we do not observe systematic variations between the global value of $\langle \mathrm{SFR}_{\textnormal {5}} \rangle \big / \langle \mathrm{SFR}_{\textnormal {200}} \rangle$ and the presence of an AGN, stellar bar, or group or cluster membership. Within some of the individual galaxies, we, however, observe significant differences in $\langle \mathrm{SFR}_{\textnormal {5}} \rangle \big / \langle \mathrm{SFR}_{\textnormal {200}} \rangle$ between the arm and interarm regions. In half of the galaxies, the recent SFH of both arm and interarm regions has been very similar. However, in the galaxies with higher bulge-to-total light ratios and earlier morphological type, the SFR is declining more rapidly in the interarm regions. This decline in SFR is not a result of low molecular gas surface density or a decrease in the star formation efficiency, implying that other factors are responsible for this SFR decrease.

Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Assessed via Tissue Dielectric Constant Measurements.

This review describes the use of tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements mainly in the assessment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were initially searched using criteria that included the terms "dielectric" and "lymphedema." The initial search yielded a total of 131 titles. After removing studies not focused on upper extremity lymphedema, 56 articles remained. These articles, together withrelevant articles from their bibliographies, formed the basis of the review. The findings show the potential utility and applications of TDC measurements to help detect and track BCRL, whether present in limbs, breasts, or trunks. It is reported as a non-invasive, simple-to-use method, with each measurement requiring less than 10 seconds, suggesting its practicality and useability as an in-office or in-clinic screening and tracking method. Although there are various ways to quantitatively evaluate lymphedema, most, if not all, are restricted to measurements on limbs. Thus, one significant advantage of the TDC approach is that almost any local region of interest can be effectively measured and tracked, which, for BCRL, could include specific regions of arms or hands, breasts, and truncal areas.

Minimal operation region prediction for networked control robotic manipulators subject to time‐varying delays and disturbances

AbstractDue to the disturbances and varying latency, a teleoperated robotic manipulator might not comply with the master control commands. Although prior studies on minimising the impact of network latency and disturbances on teleoperated robots were conducted, there has been very little research on the prediction of minimal operation regions of robotic arms, especially in the worst‐case scenarios when the disturbances and time delays still prevail even after impact minimisation. This study investigates the problem and proposes a novel solution to predicting minimal operation regions of networked control robotic manipulators. The proposed method can be used to forecast safe operation regions in which the manipulators will certainly enter and exclude regions that the robots will never penetrate. Leveraging on a Lyanonov Krasovskii criterion, the method performs region prediction by establishing minimal reachable bounding sets of the nonlinear, perturbed robotic arm's state vectors guided via a time‐varying delay‐dominant network. Though predominantly nonlinear, the entire prediction process is formulated as a tractable Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) optimisation problem, which can be solved efficiently and effectively. Efficacy of the proposed method is validated with simulations where a simulated robotic arm is distorted with time‐varying delays and disturbances.

Experimental study on the micro-mechanical parameters of Ni-based single-crystal superalloys using nanoindentation and element distribution analysis

Ni-based single-crystal superalloys are normally prepared by directional solidification. Due to different solidification sequences, Ni-based single-crystal superalloys exhibit a typical dendritic arm structure, and the element segregation in the dendritic arm can affect the high temperature mechanical properties of the alloy. Solid solution treatment has a certain extent to reduce the inter-dendritic and dendritic arm between the concentrations of the elements, thereby changing the alloy micro-nano view parameters to improve the high temperature mechanical properties of the alloy. In this study, nanoindentation experiments were carried out on the inter-dendritic and dendritic arm of the cast and solid solution samples. The micromechanical parameters were calculated. The amounts of changes in elemental concentration were discussed with the results of the energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron probe microanalysis, so as to analyse the relationship between the micromechanical parameters and the changes in elemental concentration. The results show that solid solution treatment has a significant impact on the elastic modulus, with an increase of 114.7% of the inter-dendritic region and an increase of 142.7% of the dendritic arm. However, solid solution treatment has little effect on the hardness, with no significant change in the hardness of the inter-dendritic region and an increase of 43.86% of the dendritic arm. Solid solution treatment has a more significant effect on improving the segregation behavior of Al and Co elements, with the segregation coefficients of Al and Co elements in the inter-dendritic region decreasing and increasing by 36% and 19%, and the segregation coefficients of Al and Co elements in the dendritic arm region decreasing and increasing by 29% and 34%.

Possible anastomoses between the long branches of the brachial plexus and their clinical significance.

The brachial plexus consists of nerves that supply the upper limb and some nerves of the back, torso, and neck. It is formed by the ventral rami of C5 to T1 (in some cases, C4 or T2 also contribute). The anterior rami of the spinal nerves unite to the roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and terminal branches that innervate muscles and skin. An example is associated with terminal branches of the long nerves. Knowledge of this variation is necessary for enabling surgeons, orthopedists, and neurologists to avoid injury during surgical exploration in the arm or axilla region, and for achieving correct diagnoses, because such variability can evoke nonspecific responses. Awareness of this anastomosis is also mandatory for anesthetists performing anesthesia in the upper limb region. The aim of this article is to describe anastomoses between long nerves from the brachial plexus and to consider their clinical significance.

Türkiye'ye endemik Pseudophoxinus anatolicus (Hankó 1925)'un karyolojik analizi

The karyological characteristics of nearly half of the Pseudophoxinus species in Türkiye were determined. In this study, it is planned to determine the karyological characteristics of P. anatolicus, which is common in Beyşehir Lake, specimens were caught from the coast at Çiftlik village. The captured specimen were karyological analysed and Giemsa staining, C-banding and Ag-NOR staining were applied to the slides that obtained. The chromosome set of this species consists of 12 pairs of metacentric, eight pairs of submetacentric, two pairs of subtelocentric and three pairs of acrocentric chromosomes. Dark and slightly C-bands were observed in the centromeric regions of some chromosomes. Active Ag-NORs were detected in the telomeric region of the short arm of two pairs of chromosomes. Our results are similar to those of other Pseudophoxinus species except for some differences and it was determined that Anatolian minnow has a conserved karyotype like other Pseudophoxinus species.

Genome-wide association study of drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) identifies SNP markers and candidate genes

Drought stress poses a severe threat to global wheat production, necessitating an in-depth exploration of the genetic basis for drought tolerance associated traits. This study employed a 90 K SNP array to conduct a genome-wide association analysis, unravelling genetic determinants of key traits related to drought tolerance in wheat, namely plant height, root length, and root and shoot dry weight. Using the mixed linear model (MLM) method on 125 wheat accessions subjected to both well-watered and drought stress treatments, we identified 53 SNPs significantly associated with stress susceptibility (SSI) and tolerance indices (STI) for the targeted traits. Notably, chromosomes 2A and 3B stood out with ten and nine associated markers, respectively. Across 17 chromosomes, 44 unique candidate genes were pinpointed, predominantly located on the distal ends of 1A, 1B, 1D, 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 7D chromosomes. These genes, implicated in diverse functions related to plant growth, development, and stress responses, offer a rich resource for future investigation. A clustering pattern emerged, notably with seven genes associated with SSI for plant height and four genes linked to both STI of plant height and shoot dry weight, converging on specific regions of chromosome arms of 2AS and 3BL. Additionally, shared genes encoding polygalacturonase, auxilin-related protein 1, peptide deformylase, and receptor-like kinase underscored the interconnectedness between plant height and shoot dry weight. In conclusion, our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms governing wheat drought tolerance, identifying promising genomic loci for further exploration and crop improvement strategies.Graphical (1) A diverse panel of wheat genotypes was cultivated under both well-watered and drought stress conditions; (2) Phenotyping involved washing, scanning, drying and weighing plants to evaluate the stress susceptibility (SSI) and stress tolerance (STI) indices for four drought tolerance-related traits; (3) Genotyping was performed by extracting DNA and using the wheat 90 K Illumina iSelect array; (4) Phenotypic and genotypic data were utilized in a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) using a mixed linear model (MLM); (5) Population structure assessment, principal component analysis (PCA), and kinship analysis were conducted; (6) Candidate genes were identified, and (7) their molecular functions were analysed and discussed.

ALMA-LEGUS. II. The Influence of Subgalactic Environments on Molecular Cloud Properties

We compare the molecular cloud properties in subgalactic regions of two galaxies, barred spiral NGC 1313, which is forming many massive clusters, and flocculent spiral NGC 7793, which is forming significantly fewer massive clusters despite having a similar star formation rate to NGC 1313. We find that there are larger variations in cloud properties between different regions within each galaxy than there are between the galaxies on a global scale, especially for NGC 1313. There are higher masses, line widths, pressures, and virial parameters in the arms of NGC 1313 and the center of NGC 7793 than in the interarm and outer regions of the galaxies. The massive cluster formation of NGC 1313 may be driven by its greater variation in environment, allowing more clouds with the necessary conditions to emerge, although no one parameter seems primarily responsible for the difference in star formation. Meanwhile NGC 7793 has clouds that are as massive and have as much kinetic energy as the clouds in the arms of NGC 1313, but have densities and pressures more similar to those in the interarm regions and so are less inclined to collapse and form stars. The cloud properties in NGC 1313 and NGC 7793 suggest that spiral arms, bars, interarm regions, and flocculent spirals each represent distinct environments with regard to molecular cloud populations. We see surprisingly little difference in surface density between the regions, suggesting that the differences in surface densities frequently seen between arm and interarm regions in lower-resolution studies are indicative of the sparsity of molecular clouds, rather than differences in their true surface density.