Seeds respond to multiple different environmental stimuli that regulate germination. Nitrate stimulates germination in many plants but how it does so remains unclear. Here we show that the Arabidopsis NIN-like protein 8 (NLP8) is essential for nitrate-promoted seed germination. Seed germination in nlp8 loss-of-function mutants does not respond to nitrate. NLP8 functions even in a nitrate reductase-deficient mutant background, and the requirement for NLP8 is conserved among Arabidopsis accessions. NLP8 reduces abscisic acid levels in a nitrate-dependent manner and directly binds to the promoter of CYP707A2, encoding an abscisic acid catabolic enzyme. Genetic analysis shows that NLP8-mediated promotion of seed germination by nitrate requires CYP707A2. Finally, we show that NLP8 localizes to nuclei and unlike NLP7, does not appear to be activated by nitrate-dependent nuclear retention of NLP7, suggesting that seeds have a unique mechanism for nitrate signalling.

Background Remote health monitoring with wearable sensor technology may positively impact patient self-management and clinical care. In individuals with complex health conditions, multi-sensor wear may yield meaningful information about health-related behaviors. Despite available technology, feasibility of device-wearing in daily life has received little attention in persons with physical or cognitive limitations. This mixed methods study assessed the feasibility of continuous, multi-sensor wear in persons with cerebrovascular (CVD) or neurodegenerative disease (NDD). Methods Thirty-nine participants with CVD, Alzheimer’s disease/amnestic mild cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (median age 68 (45–83) years, 36% female) wore five devices (bilateral ankles and wrists, chest) continuously for a 7-day period. Adherence to device wearing was quantified by examining volume and pattern of device removal (non-wear). A thematic analysis of semi-structured de-brief interviews with participants and study partners was used to examine user acceptance. Results Adherence to multi-sensor wear, defined as a minimum of three devices worn concurrently, was high (median 98.2% of the study period). Non-wear rates were low across all sensor locations (median 17–22 min/day), with significant differences between some locations ( p = 0.006). Multi-sensor non-wear was higher for daytime versus nighttime wear ( p < 0.001) and there was a small but significant increase in non-wear over the collection period ( p = 0.04). Feedback from de-brief interviews suggested that multi-sensor wear was generally well accepted by both participants and study partners. Conclusion A continuous, multi-sensor remote health monitoring approach is feasible in a cohort of persons with CVD or NDD.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted society. Vulnerable populations are at heightened risk for exposure, as well as adverse health and social consequences. Policymakers are operating under difficult circumstances, making crucial policy decisions to maximize impact and mitigate harm, with limited scientific evidence. This article examines the pronounced vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples in Canada to the pandemic. We highlight the importance of moving beyond individual-level risk factors associated with COVID-19 by identifying and classifying Indigenous communities most vulnerable to the pandemic. We propose the use of a social diagnostic tool, the Community Well-Being Index, rooted in the social determinants of health, to predict community vulnerability and potentially guide policy decision-making in the fight against COVID-19.

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