Deciphering recent transposition patterns in plants through comparison of 811 genome assemblies

Summary Transposable elements (TEs) are significant drivers of genome evolution, yet their recent dynamics and impacts within and among species, as well as the roles of host genes and non‐coding RNAs in the transposition process, remain elusive. With advancements in large‐scale pan‐genome sequencing and the development of open data sharing, large‐scale comparative genomics studies have become feasible. Here, we performed complete de novo TE annotations and identified active TEs in 310 plant genome assemblies across 119 species and seven crop populations. Using 811 high‐quality genomes, we detected 13 844 553 TE‐induced structural variants (TE‐SVs), providing unprecedented resolution in delineating recent TE activities. Our integrative analysis revealed a mutual evolutionary relationship between TEs and host genomes. On one hand, host genes and ncRNAs are involved in the transposition process, as evidenced by their colocalization and coactivation with TEs, and may play a role in chromatin regulation. On the other hand, TEs drive genetic innovation by promoting the duplication of host genes and inserting into regulatory regions. Moreover, genes influenced by active TEs are linked to plant growth, nutrient absorption, storage metabolism and environmental adaptation, aiding in crop domestication and adaptation. This TE dynamics atlas not only reveals evolutionary and functional features linked to transposition activity but also highlights the role of TEs in crop domestication and adaptation, paving the way for future exploration of TE‐mediated genome evolution and crop improvement strategies.

A Role for the Plastidial GPT2 Translocator in the Modulation of Lignin Biosynthesis

ABSTRACT Engineering plants with reduced lignin content can result in pleiotropic growth defects. In stems of Arabidopsis plants with reduced expression of hydroxycinnamoyl CoA: shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT), the plastidial glucose 6‐phosphate: phosphate co‐transporter GPT2 is highly overexpressed, and this coincides with reduced lignin levels and extensive transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming. To explore the potential relationship between GPT2 expression and lignin accumulation, GPT2 transcript levels were evaluated in a suite of Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicago truncatula lignin‐defective lines. We also examined lignin levels and composition, and transcriptomic and metabolic profiles in GPT2 loss‐of‐function, GPT2 overexpression, and wild‐type Arabidopsis plants. Loss of GPT2 had no effect on lignin, but its overexpression caused a decrease in stem lignin levels due to reduced accumulation of both guaiacyl and syringyl lignins and their associated monolignol pools. HCT transcript levels were diminished in 35S‐GPT2 lines, indicating a potential transcriptional regulatory connection between lignin biosynthesis and GPT2. Based on our transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we suggest that GPT2 operates to balance the flux between the biosynthesis of lignin and light‐protective phenylpropanoid derivatives.

A Novel Multi‐Layer Attention Boosted YOLOv10 Network for Landslide Mapping Using Remote Sensing Data

ABSTRACT Detecting landslides is a critical challenge within the remote sensing fraternity, especially given the need for timely and accurate hazard assessment. Traditional methods for identifying landslides from remote sensing data are often manual or partially automated; however, with the progress of computer vision technology, the automated methods based on deep learning algorithms have gained significant attention. Furthermore, attention mechanisms, inspired by human visual structure, have grown remarkably in various applications, including hazard studies. In this study, we leverage the capabilities of YOLO models, especially YOLOv10 and its variants, to automate the detection of landslides. We applied four prevailing attention mechanisms: CBAM, ECA, GAM, and SA. Models are trained using the Bijie landslide detection database. Moreover, the best results are unveiled based on the evaluation criteria, that is, precision, recall, f‐score, and mAP. The YOLOv10m+CBAM showed the best performance with map@50‐95 of 78.5%. Our results demonstrate a robust system capable of rapidly identifying and localizing landslide events with significant detection speed and accuracy improvements. This advancement augments the process of landslide detection and supports more effective disaster response and management.

The impact of Asian‐Indian criteria for higher body mass index and preservative solutions on haemolysis of stored red blood cells: A prospective observational study

Abstract Introduction The quality of packed red blood cells (PRBC) is influenced by various factors such as the collection and processing method, storage conditions, type of bag materials used, anticoagulant properties, and donor characteristics. Studies have indicated that haemolysis in stored RBC bags is linked to male sex, older age, high haemoglobin count, and increased body mass index (BMI). The study's primary objective was to investigate whether a high BMI, as per Asian Pacific criteria among donors, is associated with an elevated haemolysis rate in stored RBC. Additionally, the study aimed to examine any protective effects of different types of preservatives added to blood bags against RBC haemolysis during storage. Methods Stored RBCs from 100 blood donors with different BMI are analysed for haemolysis on 0, 21, and last day (35/42 days) of storage. A BMI cut‐off of 23 was taken for healthy and overweight consideration in blood donors. The blood bags selected for storage were either with additive solution (SAGM) or without additive along with an anticoagulant. The association of the percentage of haemolysis with different variables like age, BMI, and Haemoglobin of the donor were analysed. The correlation between the haematocrit of the bag and haemolysis was determined. Results This study did not find any significant increase in the percentage of haemolysis in blood bags with higher BMI on the last day of storage ( p  = 0.424). The haemolysis percentage was higher in bags without SAGM than in bags with an additive solution ( p  = 0.000). The high haematocrit of the bag has a significant positive correlation with the percentage of haemolysis ( p  = 0.002). Significantly higher haemolysis in CPDA‐1 bags of donor RBC units of BMI >23 groups was observed ( p  = 0.000) compared to those stored in CPD‐SAGM bags. Conclusion Indian population for higher BMI, as per Asia Pacific cut‐off criteria, did not significantly impact the haemolysis of blood bags. Stored RBCs with SAGM, especially of donors having BMI > 23, had a protective effect against haemolysis in blood bags. The percentage of haemolysis was positively correlated with the haematocrit of stored RBC in bags.

Insecticide‐treated nets distribution campaign: Physical integrity, usage and sustainable disposal of end‐of‐life insecticide‐treated nets under operational settings in Odisha, India

Abstract Objectives Prior to 2017, Odisha accounted for 50% of all Plasmodium falciparum cases in India. The ‘National Strategic Plan’ for malaria elimination had distributed 11.3 million insecticidal treated nets (ITNs) to 23 million individuals in Odisha's 17 malaria‐endemic districts by 2017. In 2021, the National Centre for Vector‐Borne Disease Control replaced end‐of‐life ITNs. India needs official regulations on end‐of‐life ITNs collection and disposal mechanisms. A pilot study was undertaken to understand community practices and perceptions on end‐of‐life ITNs. Methods The 2021 study was conducted during mass ITN replenishment in a campaign mode at Koksara Community Health Centre in Odisha's Kalahandi region. ITN conditions were evaluated using structured questionnaires and household interviews. End‐of‐life ITNs were evaluated for chemical analyses. Door‐to‐door assessments of net conditions included noting their presence, attrition rates and fabric integrity. Officials from the Department of Health were consulted on eco‐friendly disposal techniques. Results In the study region, 6022 ITNs were distributed, of which 5879 (97.6%) were available and 143 (2.4%) were reported as missing 43 months after the campaign (2017). One net per 2.1 persons was distributed. Of the 5879 ITNs, 84.2% were torn, 931 (15.8%) were in good condition and 3472 (59.1%) were serviceable. When combining the ITNs in good condition and those that were serviceable, 74.9% were deemed usable. A total of 3050 respondents were interviewed. Most respondents (98%, 2935/3050) were willing to exchange old ITNs for new ones (92.5%, 5437/5879) when replaced with new ones, highlighting the need for a disposal mechanism at both programme and household levels. Additionally, 61.6% of respondents chose to keep their ITNs, while others repurposed them (7.3% for covering items, 3.0% for fencing, 4.6% for nursery saplings, 5.6% for fishing, 0.4% for other uses). The end‐of‐life PermaNet 2.0 nets contained an average of 0.33 ± 0.35 g/kg (15.3 mg/m 2 ), while the new nets contained an average of 1.4 g/kg ± 25% (55 mg/m 2 ). Conclusions Community input on end‐of‐life ITN disposal contributes to the development of evidence‐based decision support materials, facilitating the formulation of a strategy for the systematic collection and safe disposal of used nets. The lack of an operationally viable solution for the secure disposal of end‐of‐life ITNs within the National Programs underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive policy framework.

Role of instant messaging applications in Indian blood banking

Abstract Background and Objectives Instant messaging applications (IMAs) have revolutionized the means of communication. Like various disciplines in medicine, transfusion medicine and blood banking have also utilized these applications for connecting with donors for recruitment, routine blood centre work and clinical consulting. We aim to study the pattern of usage of IMAs by the Indian blood bank community. Materials and Methods This was a descriptive cross‐sectional survey (27 questions) of doctors and technicians working in the blood centres. The target was to collect at least 100 responses from blood bank staff. The survey was open from 28 March 2024 to 28 May 2024. Results One hundred and thirty‐nine out of 575 individuals dealing with blood banking responded to the survey (24% response rate). The responders were mainly doctors (85.6%), young professionals (<40 years; 53.2%) and males (53.9%). WhatsApp® on smartphones seems to be one of the most preferred ways (~95% responders) of IMAs among the Indian blood bank community. IMAs were mainly used to communicate with the blood centre staff (83%) as well as clinical counter colleagues (68.5%). More than 50% of our responders were members of more than five chat groups dealing with blood bank. IMAs were also used to disseminate knowledge, such as sharing recent guidelines (81%) and research articles (69%). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the blood bank community has embraced the internet‐based IMA (mainly WhatsApp) and uses it mainly on their mobile devices.

International Forum on the Use of Irradiated Blood in Patients With Haematological Malignancy: Responses

International Forum on the Use of Irradiated Blood in Patients With Haematological Malignancy: Summary

Factors influencing transfusion reactions in paediatric patients: Active haemovigilance data from a children's hospital in India

Abstract Background and Objectives Because of inherent differences, reports on paediatric transfusion reactions are more heterogeneous than those seen in the adult population. In this study, we aimed to prospectively (active haemovigilance) study the incidence, clinical presentation and factors influencing transfusion reactions among paediatric patients. Materials and Methods This was a prospective descriptive study in a teaching children's hospital from the public healthcare system in North India over 1 year. The study involved active monitoring, reporting and analysis of the data related to acute transfusion reactions (i.e., within 24 h of transfusion). Results During the study period, there were a total of 5198 transfusions in 1401 paediatric patients (876 male; 525 female); among them, 621 patients received multiple transfusions. A total of 93 acute transfusion reactions were analysed (1.7 for every 100 paediatric transfusions and 6.6 for every 100 paediatric patients transfused) with similar incidences in both genders. Febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR ; n  = 80), followed by allergic reaction ( n  = 12), was the most common transfusion reaction reported. The incidence of transfusion reactions was significantly higher ( p  < 0.05) in patients with a history of previous transfusion (12.7) compared to patients receiving transfusion for the first time (1.7). Overall, the majority of transfusion reactions in paediatric populations were due to platelet transfusions (49% of all reported reactions). The majority of FNHTRs were reported with red cell transfusions (51%), whereas the majority of allergic reactions were due to platelet transfusions (63.6%). Conclusion The study highlights the need for active surveillance to accurately report and study the factors influencing transfusion reactions in paediatric patients.

Exercise‐induced arterial hypoxaemia in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract Some patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have demonstrated evidence of exercise‐induced arterial hypoxaemia (EIAH). However, EIAH was not quantified usingS a O 2${{S}_{}}_2 ,P a O 2${{P}_{}}_2 , andP A − a O 2${{P}_{- a }}_measurements as previously conducted in healthy adults nor was EIAH quantified alongside simultaneous measurements of pulmonary vascular pressures, cardiorespiratory responses, or dyspnoea on exertion (DOE) in these patients. Given the effects of hypoxaemia on pulmonary vasoconstriction, cardiorespiratory responses, and DOE, we tested the hypothesis that patients with HFpEF and EIAH (EIAH + ) would demonstrate higher pulmonary vascular pressures, worse oxygen uptake, and greater DOE compared with patients without EIAH (EIAH − ). Sixty patients with HFpEF underwent invasive (pulmonary and radial artery catheters) constant‐load (20 W) and maximal incremental cycle testing. Pulmonary vascular measures (pulmonary artery catheter), arterial blood (radial artery catheter) and expired gases, and ratings of breathlessness (RPB, Borg 0–10) were assessed. EIAH was characterized by one or more of the following criteria: (1)S a O 2${{S}_{}}_2  < 93% during exercise, (2)P A − a O 2${{P}_{- a }}_ ≥ 25 mmHg from rest to exercise or (3)P a O 2${{P}_{}}_2  ≥ 10 mmHg from rest to exercise. About 25 patients had EIAH (EIAH + ) and 35 did not have EIAH (EIAH − ). mPAP, PCWP, and pulmonary vascular resistance were similar between groups at rest, 20 W, and peak exercise. Although all cardiorespiratory responses were similar between groups at rest, 20 W, and peak exercise, RPB was greater in EIAH + throughout rest and peak exercise. Our findings suggest that EIAH has no effect on central haemodynamics and is likely to be a consequence of pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities including ventilation‐perfusion mismatch.Key points Patients with HFpEF present with a high incidence (42%) of exercise‐induced arterial hypoxaemia, which is likely to be a consequence of hypoventilation and ventilation‐perfusion mismatching of the lung during exercise. Despite significant impairment in gas exchange and reductions in arterial oxygen, patients with exercise‐induced arterial hypoxaemia did not have an augmented haemodynamic response to exercise but consistently reported increased feelings of breathlessness.