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Background: Continuous cropping of the same crop leads to land degradation. This is also called the continuous-cropping obstacle. Currently, intercropping tobacco with other crops can serve as an effective strategy to alleviate continuous cropping obstacles. Results: In this study, tobacco K326 and insectary floral plants were used as materials, and seven treatments of tobacco monoculture (CK), tobacco intercropped with Tagetes erecta, Vicia villosa, Fagopyrum esculentum, Lobularia maritima, Trifolium repens, and Argyranthemum frutescens respectively, were set up to study their effects on rhizosphere soil chemical properties and composition and structure of rhizosphere soil microbial community of tobacco. The 16 S rRNA gene and ITS amplicons were sequenced using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. tobacco/insectary floral plants intercropping can influence rhizosphere soil chemical properties, which also change rhizosphere microbial communities. The CK and treatment groups tobacco rhizosphere soil microorganisms had significantly different genera, such as tobacco intercropping with T. repens and A. frutescens significantly increased the number of Fusarium and intercropping T. erecta, V. villosa, L. maritima, T. repens, and A. frutescens significantly increased the number of Sphingomonas and unknown Gemmatimonadaceae. Additionally, intercropping T. erecta, V. villosa and L. maritima changed the rhizosphere fungal and bacteria community and composition of tobacco and the positive correlation between tobacco rhizosphere the genera of fungi and bacterial were greater than CK. The pathway of the carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism in rhizosphere bacteria were significantly decreased after continuous cropping. Fungal symbiotic trophic and saprophytic trophic were significantly increased after intercropping V. villosa, L. maritima and plant pathogen and animal pathogen were increased after intercropping T. repens and A. frutescens. Additionally, bacterial and fungal communities significantly correlated with soil chemical properties, respectively. Conclusion: This study reveals that intercropping tobacco with insectary floral plants, particularly T. erecta, V. villosa, L. maritima and A. frutescens significantly affects soil chemical properties and alters rhizosphere microbial communities, increasing the abundance of certain microbial genera. Additionally, intercropping enhances pathways related to carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism in rhizosphere bacteria. These findings suggest that intercropping could provide a promising strategy to overcome challenges associated with continuous tobacco cropping by regulating the rhizosphere environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tobacco production faces ongoing challenges due to soil degradation, leading to a persistent decline in yield. Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) have been recognized as an environmentally friendly agricultural strategy. However, many commercial PGPF products exhibit instability due to insufficient environmental compatibility. Results: In this study, Penicillium sp. PQxj3 was isolated and assessed for its potential to enhance tobacco productivity under field conditions. The results demonstrated that Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment significantly promoted the tobacco growth and improved the crop yield. The height of tobacco in Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment group significantly increased by 50.19% and 24.05% compared with CK at exuberant and maturity period (P < 0.05). The average yield of tobacco significantly increased by 36.16% compared to CK (P < 0.05). Fungal microbiome analysis revealed that phylogenetically similar probiotic taxa were recruited by Penicillium sp. PQxj3 and reassembled tobacco rhizosphere fungal microbiome. The key chemical indicators of tobacco such as alkaloid, total sugar, and phosphorus were significantly enhanced in Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment. The recruited probiotic taxa (Penicillium brasilianum, Penicillium simplicissimum, Penicillium macrosclerotiorum and Penicillium senticosum) were significantly associated with alkaloid, total sugar etc. (P < 0.05), which were identified as the key drivers for improving the chemical components of tobacco. Transcriptome analysis indicated that Penicillium sp. PQxj3 promoted up-regulation of key functional genes involved in alkaloid, indoleacetic, and gibberellin biosynthesis pathways. Conclusion: In summary, this study assessed the biopromotion mechanism of PGPF Penicillium sp. PQxj3 linking chemical traits, rhizosphere fungal microbiome, and transcriptome profiling. The findings provide a fundamental basis and a sustainable solution for developing fungal fertilizers to enhance agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to statistically compare two methods for determining 210Pb in tobacco: the molecular recognition sorbent method (AnaLig Sr01) and the extraction chromatography sorbent method (Sr Resin). The TriCarb 3100 TR liquid scintillation spectrometer was used to measure and determine 210Pb activity in the tobacco solution. Statistical analysis confirmed the accuracy and precision of the 210Pb measurements, with high detection efficiencies of 82% for both AnaLig Sr01 and Sr Resin. The linear model demonstrated that the residuals followed the Gaussian model, without any autocorrelation or trend. Paired t tests showed consistent results across all methods, and all solid-phase extraction methods proved efficient for 210Pb separations in tobacco samples. These findings provide support for the suitability of both methods and lay a foundation for future articles on tobacco and cigarette samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Begomovirus infections have threatened the global production of multiple crops, including Solanaceae species. Recombination, a frequent phenomenon in begomoviruses, has profound effects on viral populations, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. We previously isolated pepper yellow leaf curl Aceh virus (PepYLCAV) from pepper (Capsicum annuum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants in Aceh Province, Indonesia, and determined that it is a recombinant of the widespread pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (PepYLCIV). To compare PepYLCAV with its major putative parent PepYLCIV in terms of virulence, multiple solanaceous species (Nicotiana benthamiana, pepper, and tomato) were inoculated with the two viruses. Symptom severity, growth inhibition, and viral DNA levels were greater with PepYLCAV than with PepYLCIV infection in N. benthamiana and tomato plants. In pepper plants, PepYLCAV caused severe leaf distortion rather than yellowing and greater growth inhibition than PepYLCIV did but with no increase in viral DNA. Inoculation with PepYLCAV compromised Ty-1-mediated resistance in tomato, resulting in moderate symptoms, which were not present in plants infected with PepYLCIV. A re-analysis of samples collected from fields in Indonesia from 2012 to 2019 using PCR showed that PepYLCAV rather than PepYLCIV has been the predominant species since 2017. The recombinant bipartite begomovirus PepYLCAV is more widespread and more virulent than its major putative parent PepYLCIV and can overcome the Ty-1-mediated resistance of commercial F1 hybrid tomato cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is still difficult to manipulate the nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) class disease resistance genes because of their large multigenic family. Here, we report the successful application of CRISPR/Cas9 to resurrect a functional allele from a susceptible allele of the N′ tobamovirus resistance gene. The susceptible alleles of N′ from some Nicotiana tabacum cultivars (Nt-n′) have a partial duplication of the N′ coding sequence upstream of a complete coding sequence of the N′ gene, which likely abolished the N′-mediated resistance. We first established a transgenic tobacco line expressing Cas9 under the control of a chemically inducible promoter. The plant line was retransformed with a construct expressing a guide RNA targeting the sequences common to the duplicated partial sequence in the upstream and the complete sequence in the downstream. The T0 transformants had different ratios of the sequences devoid of the duplicated partial sequence. Sequencing proved that some of them had sequences identical to that of the functional N′ gene, suggesting the successful resurrection of the functional N′ gene. The resurrected allele, N′-R, was inherited by a few T1 progenies and subsequent generations with the least mutation at the target site under Cas9-uninduced conditions. The plants homozygous for N′-R showed resistance to a tobamovirus, indicating that the resurrected N′-R allele is functional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Evidence has emerged on the health dangers of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among pregnant women and neonates. We examined whether rural residence is a risk factor for smoking and e-cigarette use among women during the peripartum period in the United States. Methods: This study was based on pooled cross-sectional 2015-2020 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. The outcome was exclusive smoking, exclusive e-cigarette use, and use of both products (ie, dual use) versus use of neither tobacco product by women with live infants aged 2 to 6 months. We examined rural–urban differences in outcome by using univariate and multivariable multinomial logistic regressions with post hoc contrasts and marginal analyses, adjusting for complex survey design and nonresponse. Results: During the peripartum period, 5.0% of women were smoking combustible cigarettes, 5.0% were using e-cigarettes, and 1.9% were using both tobacco products. The crude prevalence of e-cigarette use was 1.1 percentage point higher, and the adjusted prevalence was 0.8 percentage points lower for rural versus urban women (P <.001 for both). Among rural women, 6.7% (95% CI, 6.3%-7.1%) smoked combustible cigarettes exclusively and 2.6% (95% CI, 2.3%-2.8%) used both products, as compared with 4.5% (95% CI, 4.4%-4.8%) and 1.7% (95% CI, 1.6%-1.8%) of urban women, respectively, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Conclusions: Maternal sociodemographic and health-related characteristics differed by combustible smoking versus e-cigarette use during the peripartum period. The effect of residence on e-cigarette use was significantly confounded by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, resulting in clinically comparable prevalence of e-cigarette use in rural and urban mothers with live infants aged 2 to 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I test for gender differences in intra-household allocative efficiency through a laboratory experiment with established married couples in India. The experiment presents the couple with the opportunity to earn 50 per cent of daily household expenditure. Spouses played an investment game where one spouse was randomly assigned to the role of sender and the other to receiver. The setting of the game is unique in several ways. There is perfect information over strategies, actions, and final payoffs. Second mover spouses can react to the first movers' actions, which is rare in intra-household experiments. The unitary and cooperative models of the household are rejected as only 5 per cent of men and 2 per cent of women in the sender role play the household earnings maximising strategy. Women send significantly less money than their male counterparts. Women (senders) who keep more money are those in households where husbands' tobacco consumption is largest costing households the equivalent of 30 per cent of daily household expenditure. The results indicate that households operate under non-cooperative bargaining contracts where women are willing to incur costs to maintain control over money. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Overactive bladder and its hallmark symptom, urgency, are thought to be multifactorial in pathogenesis. Smoking is a particularly important risk factor to understand because it is modifiable; studies evaluating an association between smoking and urgency have been inconclusive. We therefore sought to rigorously assess the relationship between smoking and urgency in terms of both a temporal and quantitative pack year history of smoking while controlling for other possible confounding factors. Methods: Community‐based adult women were recruited using the ResearchMatch website to participate in an online survey of bladder health which included questions to assess urgency symptoms, medical comorbidities, and detailed smoking history. Smoking history was studied as the independent variable in three different formulations: smoking status (never vs. former vs. current), continuous pack year history, and categorical pack year history. The outcomes studied included urgency (any urgency in the past 7 days), moderate urgency (urgency at least half the time), and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). Chi‐square tests were performed to detect associations between smoking and these outcomes, and multivariate regression was then performed to control for possible confounders and to help determine the comparative influence of temporality versus quantity of smoking history. Results: In 1720 women who completed the questionnaire, current smoking status was associated with a 23% increase in the risk of experiencing urgency (RR 1.23) and a 78% increase in the risk of experiencing moderate urgency (RR 1.78) relative to never smokers. The risk of experiencing UUI was 40% higher (RR 1.40). Lifetime pack year history was also significantly associated with urgency outcomes, although only in smokers/former smokers who had a 20+ pack year history (RR 1.15, 1.60, and 1.25 for urgency, moderate urgency, and UUI, respectively). The presence of former smoking history was not significantly associated with urgency outcomes, even when controlling for cumulative pack years. Conclusions: This analysis of a large cross‐sectional database of women suggests a strong, consistent link between current smoking status and urinary urgency and UUI. By contrast, no increased risk of urgency was attributed to former smoking status. Analysis of pack year history suggests a dose–response relationship wherein ≥ 20 pack years was significantly associated with a higher risk of all urgency outcomes. In models controlling for pack year history, the association of current smoking with urgency remained significant and former smoking remained nonsignificant. Taken together, this supports greater attention being given to the contribution of current smoking to urgency symptoms, and to the need for further longitudinal work to determine if smoking cessation can be a strategy to treat urgency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco pictorial warnings could employ a variety of emotional appeals to enhance effectiveness; however, little research exists to guide the selection of discrete emotional appeals. Further, it remains unclear how contextual pro-smoking norms might influence the persuasive impacts of discrete emotional appeals within pictorial warnings, especially in China, where the overall smoking rate and social acceptance remain high. To fill these gaps, this study leveraged the largest set of pictorial warnings (K = 510) tested to date. Using a randomized large-K multiple-message design, we evaluated the impacts of disgust, fear, self-anger, contempt, shame, and hope appeals among Chinese adult male smokers (N = 2,306) on perceived message effectiveness (PME). Results showed that fear, self-anger, shame, and hope appeals significantly increased PME, while disgust and contempt appeals appeared less effective. Importantly, the PME of nearly all emotional appeals – except hope appeals – was weakened for Chinese adult male smokers with higher pro-smoking normative perceptions, highlighting the importance of considering local contextual influences when implementing pictorial warnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family is the cornerstone of many concepts in the social sciences, especially in demography and sociology. It is generally regarded as a major social institution and is positioned as the locus of much of an individual's life-course decisions. This study's aim was to investigate families in multi-problem situations and their determinants in India. National Family Health Survey round fifth was used. A total of 19,763 samples of families were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression. More than half of Indian families are facing multiple problems. In India, 23.2% of families suffer from three and more problems. Those families with one problem have more domestic violence (25.6%) among women. The use of tobacco (36.4%) and alcohol (35.7%) among men is more in families having two problems. Families facing three problems have more women consuming tobacco (31.8%), more men consuming alcohol (31.4%), and more underweight and alcohol-consuming women (30.2% and 30.9%) in the family. The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that more than two problems were associated with the men's age groups, wealth index, status of shared toilet facilities, educational level of men and women, and caste. Findings suggest the importance of addressing multiple problems in Indian families. Inclusion of education, sanitation, violence, use of alcohol and tobacco, malnutrition among women, and children management strategies services needs to be taken into consideration by the program and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Tobacco product excise taxes are a cost‐effective method for reducing tobacco consumption, but industry pricing and marketing strategies encourage consumers to engage in price‐minimizing behaviours (PMBs). We investigated the relationship between tobacco tax increases and PMBs, measuring whether PMBs intensify following tax increases, whether low‐income consumers with higher nicotine dependence are more likely to engage in PMBs and whether PMBs are negatively related to smoking cessation. Method: This was a systematic review with meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies from seven databases up to March 2023, using studies that reported any product‐ and purchasing‐related smoking behaviours post‐tobacco tax increase in a general representative population. Sixty‐eight studies were quality‐assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. All studies were narratively synthesized, with five studies involving 13 068–26 575 participants providing data for pooled analyses on PMBs [purchasing lower‐priced brands, roll‐your‐own (RYO) tobacco and cartons] pre‐ and post‐tax increases using a random effects meta‐analytical model. Results: Fifty‐seven studies reported on legal PMBs, and 17 studies reported illicit cigarette purchasing. Meta‐analysis showed that consecutive tax increases were positively associated with purchasing RYO [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–2.46], especially in higher tobacco taxing environments, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96%). Lower income and higher nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing lower‐priced brands and RYO, whereas higher income and nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing cartons, large‐sized packs and cross‐border sales. Less evidence associated illicit tobacco purchases with tax increases or PMBs with smoking cessation. Conclusions: Tobacco purchasers' PMBs vary widely by state, country and time‐period within countries. Both legal and illegal PMBs, potentially influenced by industry pricing tactics, may exacerbate health inequalities and dilute the public health benefits of tobacco tax increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pesticide application show promising potential in tobacco pest management. However, the impact of flight parameters on spray efficacy requires further investigation. Three field experiments were conducted from the rosette to the maturation stage of tobacco to systematically assess spray efficacy under varying flight heights, speeds, and application volumes. Using a multi‐index weight analysis method, optimal operational parameter combinations for different tobacco growth stages were evaluated and compared with backpack electric sprayers. RESULTS: For the rosette stage, the recommended parameter is a flight speed of 5 m s−1, a flight height of 2 m, and a liquid application volume of 30 L hm−2; during the vigorous growth stage, the suggested parameter includes a flight speed of 3 m s−1, a flight height of 2 m, and a liquid application volume of 22.5 L hm−2. In the maturing stage, optimal parameter consists of a flight speed of 3 m s−1, a flight height of 3.5 m, and a liquid application volume of 30 L hm−2. Furthermore, UAV spraying achieves higher droplet deposition on both sides of tobacco leaves compared to traditional electric backpack sprayers. CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting UAV spraying parameters for different tobacco growth stages is crucial. These results can provide the methods for the precise control technology of tobacco pests at different growth stages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the decrease in cigarette smoking among American youths, which is considered one of the great public health victories of the century, as of November 2024. Topics include causes of the decrease in youth smoking, public perceptions of tobacco and nicotine, and the legacy of the disappearance of youth smoking.

Background: E-cigarettes are the most-used tobacco product among US adolescents and are associated with nicotine addiction. This qualitative investigation aimed to understand adolescents' experiences and perceptions with nicotine addiction, and related influences of addiction, to inform product regulation, health communication, and cessation resource development. Methods: Between May 2020 and December 2021, in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 47 California (United States) adolescents ages 13–17 who reported recent tobacco use (primarily e-cigarette use). The topic of addiction both arose organically and followed specific interviewer questions. Researchers used thematic analysis techniques to identify unifying themes related to addiction. Results: Adolescents described e-cigarette addiction in ways that reflected a loss of control over their routines and activities and as physical symptoms, including reward and withdrawal. While some viewed addiction risk as a reason not to vape, others perceived it possible to use e-cigarettes and avoid or manage addiction. Specific characteristics of e-cigarette devices, particularly disposable nicotine-salt products, including flavors, "cool" designs, concealable size and odor, low price, and ease-of-use, were seen as enhancing addiction risk. Quit attempts were difficult and usually unsupported by adults or formal cessation aids. Conclusions: For many adolescents, addiction is a major component of their experience with e-cigarettes, often in ways that disrupt their routines and reduce their quality of life. Tobacco control or regulation could target e-cigarette product characteristics to decrease potential for addiction among adolescents. Needed are youth-targeted public communication about nicotine addiction and adolescent-tailored, evidence-based cessation support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco, a extensively consumed plant recognized for its adverse health effects in humans, comprises various toxic compounds. Previous researches have solely delved into the impact of nicotine exposure on the reproductive and developmental aspects of fruit flies. Consequently, our investigation seeks to broaden the comprehension of the detrimental impacts encompassing all constituents of tobacco extract on the lifespan of fruit flies. Varied concentrations of tobacco extract (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.1 g) were employed to establish a spectrum of exposure levels and the data included the number of fruit flies at each developmental stage in the new generation and the lifespan in each concentration group over the time. Our findings demonstrate a decline in population size within the first and second filial generations when transitioning from a normal condition to a high concentration of tobacco. Furthermore, our results reveal an inverse relationship between pupa size and tobacco concentration, resulting in smaller fruit flies when exposed to higher concentrations of tobacco extract. This suggests a detrimental impact of tobacco toxins on the embryonic development and overall well-being of fruit flies. The implications of our study extend to a broader understanding of potential risks associated with tobacco exposure in various organisms, including humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate based on SiO2@Ag core-shell with a QuEChERs pretreatment method were constructed for the determination of carbendazim residue in tobacco leaves. The SERS substrate was formed by self-assembly of monolayer homogeneous SiO2 nanospheres onto silicon wafer following by vacuum thermal evaporation of silver film. The QuEChERs pretreatment method was used to eliminate the interfering effects of pigments and organic acids in tobacco leaves. The results for carbendazim in tobacco leaves show the limit of detection (LOD) of the SERS substrate was 0.1 mg/kg and the recovery rate was from 82.56% to 95.93%. The proposed low-cost sensitive SERS substrates provide potential application for tobacco safety monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth, crop yield, and pest and disease control are enhanced by PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria), which are beneficial microorganisms found in a close symbiosis with plant roots. Phytohormones are secreted, nutrient uptake is improved, and soil properties along with the microbiological environment are regulated by these microorganisms, making them a significant focus in agricultural research. In this study, the efficient PGPR strain T1 was isolated and screened from tobacco inter-root soil, and identified and confirmed by ITS sequencing technology. Tobacco growth indicators and soil property changes were observed and recorded through potting experiments. The activities of key enzymes (e.g., sucrase, catalase, urease) in soil were further determined. High-throughput sequencing technology was utilized to sequence the soil microbial community, and combined with macro-genomics analysis, the effects of T1 strain on soil microbial diversity and metabolic pathways were explored. Following the application of T1, significant improvements were observed in the height, leaf length, and width of tobacco plants. Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of the soil were notably enhanced, including a 26.26% increase in phosphorus availability. Additionally, the activities of key soil enzymes such as sucrase, catalase, and urease were significantly increased, indicating improved soil health and fertility. Comprehensive joint microbiomics and macrogenomics analyses revealed a substantial rise in the populations of beneficial soil microorganisms and an enhancement in metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, synthesis, and production of secondary metabolites. These increase in beneficial microorganisms and the enhancement of their metabolic functions are crucial for plant growth and soil fertility. This study provides valuable references for the development of innovative microbial fertilizers and offers programs for the sustainable development of modern agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mulch film (MF) management model of the agricultural field affects the physical and chemical properties of soil (PCPS) and the structure of the microorganism community; however, studies on the relationship between the rhizosphere microorganism community structure and the thickness of MF are still limited. To understand the interactions among the MF thickness, PCPS, and rhizosphere microorganism, a study was conducted by using an integrated metagenomic strategy, where tobacco rhizosphere soil was treated with four commonly representative and used thicknesses of MFs (0.004, 0.006, 0.008, and 0.010 mm) in Yunnan laterite. The results showed that agronomic traits such as the tobacco plant height (TPH), leaf number (LN), fresh leaf weight (FLW), and dry leaf weight (DLW) were significantly (p < 0.01) improved in the field mulched with the thickest film (0.010 mm) compared with the exposed field (CK), and there was a 6.81 and 5.54% increase in the FLW and TPH, separately. The correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation of the MF thickness with the soil water content (SWC), soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP; all p < 0.01), while the MF thickness was negatively correlated with the soil temperature (ST; p < 0.01). In addition, the community structure of the rhizosphere soil bacteria was significantly changed overall by the MF thickness, which also interfered with the function of the rhizosphere soil bacteria. The correlation analyses also showed that the abundance of Bradyrhizobium and Nitrospira was positively correlated with the MF thickness, while the abundance of Sphinsinomonas and Massilia was negatively correlated with it. This indicated that with the increase of the MF thickness, the ability of the rhizosphere soil to utilize N and remove harmful molecules was strengthened, while the capacity of the rhizosphere soil to degrade pollutants was greatly reduced. These findings provide additional insights into the potential risks of the application of different thicknesses of MFs, particularly concerning the PCPS and soil microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil acidification represents a severe threat to tobacco cultivation regions in South China, exacerbating bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The comprehension of the underlying mechanisms that facilitate the restoration of rhizosphere microbial communities in “healthy soils” is imperative for ecologically managing tobacco bacterial wilt. This study focuses on acidified tobacco soils that have been subjected to continuous cultivation for 20 years. The experimental treatments included lime (L), biochar (B), and a combination of lime and biochar (L+B), in addition to a control group (CK). Utilizing rhizosphere biology and niche theory, we assessed disease suppression effects, changes in soil properties, and the co-evolution of the rhizosphere bacterial community. Each treatment significantly reduced tobacco bacterial wilt by 16.67% to 20.14% compared to the control group (CK) (p < 0.05) and increased yield by 7.86% to 27.46% (p < 0.05). The biochar treatment (B) proved to be the most effective, followed by the lime-biochar combination (L+B). The key factors controlling wilt were identified through random forest regression analysis as an increase in soil pH and exchangeable bases, along with a decrease in exchangeable acidity. However, lime treatment alone led to an increase in soil bulk density and a decrease in available nutrients, whereas both biochar and lime-biochar treatments significantly improved these parameters (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the abundance of Ralstonia and wilt incidence. Nonetheless, all treatments significantly expanded the ecological niche breadth and average variation degree (AVD), enhanced positive interactions and cohesion within the community, and intensified negative interactions involving Ralstonia. This study suggests that optimizing community niches and enhancing pathogen antagonism are key mechanisms for mitigating tobacco wilt in acidified soils. It recommends using lime-biochar mixtures as soil amendments due to their potential ecological and economic benefits. This study offers valuable insights for disease control strategies and presents a novel perspective for research on Solanaceous crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to characterise patterns of tobacco smoking and vaping among older adults (≥ 65 years) in England, to explore harm perceptions of e-cigarettes among those who smoke, and to estimate the real-world effectiveness of e-cigarettes for helping older adults to stop smoking. Methods: Data were collected as part of a representative monthly cross-sectional household survey in England between April 2014 and April 2024 (n = 197,219). We analysed differences between older (≥ 65 years) and younger/middle-aged adults (18–64 years) in (a) time trends in tobacco smoking and vaping, (b) harm perceptions of e-cigarettes vs. cigarettes (adjusting for gender, socioeconomic position, and vaping status), and (c) the real-world effectiveness of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation (adjusting for gender, socioeconomic position, characteristics of the quit attempt, and use of other evidence-based cessation aids). Results: Tobacco smoking prevalence remained relatively unchanged over time among older adults (at ~ 9%; 9.5% [8.5–10.6%] in April 2014 and 8.7% [7.7–9.8%] in April 2024) but vaping prevalence increased (from 2.1% [1.6–2.7%] to 3.7% [3.0–4.6%], respectively). These trends differed from those observed among younger/middle-aged adults, among whom there was a clear decline in smoking (from 21.8% [21.0–22.7%] to 18.2% [17.3–19.0%]) and a larger increase in vaping (from 5.6% [5.2–6.1%] to 16.2% [15.3–17.0%]). Older adults were consistently less likely than younger/middle-aged adults to use e-cigarettes to support attempts to quit smoking (26.8% [17.2–39.3%] vs. 43.7% [39.6–48.0%] in April 2024). Older smokers reported greater uncertainty about the harms of e-cigarettes compared with cigarettes (ORadj = 2.48 [2.28–2.69]). E-cigarettes appeared to be effective for helping older adults to stop smoking (ORadj = 1.50 [0.96–2.34]); whether effectiveness was lower than for younger/middle-aged adults was inconclusive. Conclusions: Over the past decade, smoking prevalence has remained stable among older adults while decreasing among the rest of the adult population in England. Older adults are more unsure about the relative harms of e-cigarettes and less likely to use them to support attempts to quit smoking, despite evidence that they are effective for smoking cessation in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tobacco use is a global public health threat and a leading preventable cause of death in the world. While cigarette use among youth has been decreasing in high-income countries, low- and middle-income countries have contrastingly high rates of adolescent smoking. In Ghana, smoking prevalence is lower than in other parts of the African continent and more common among men than women; however the gender gap in tobacco use among adolescents has narrowed, with shisha use among girls recently surpassing boys. These trends toward increased relative use among adolescent girls are a cause for concern and highlight the need for interventions to prevent and/or reduce tobacco use in this population. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with girls aged 13–20 (n = 148) and their parents (n = 7) in Ghana's largest two cities – Accra and Kumasi, to explore the physical, social, and psychological context underlying smoking perceptions and behavior. Results: We identified 11 key insights into influences on smoking behavior, organized into the broader themes of perceptions of smoking, environmental factors, and internal factors. Findings underscore that perceptions around smoking are very much driven by girls' social world, which is generally small and parent-centric for non-smokers at younger ages but can start to expand as girls get farther along in school or leave school entirely. After what may have been a sheltered adolescence, many older girls in Ghana look for ways to express their independence in decision-making and a few may use their developing agency to rationalize limited or infrequent tobacco use if they perceive the benefits to them outweigh the potential consequences. Conclusions: Our findings highlight strong social influences on girls' perceptions, exposure to opportunities, and decision-making in ways that can often be protective against smoking, particularly at younger ages, but may also leave girls unprepared to manage challenging situations later in life. Understanding this context in Ghana will be important for any future programming aiming to prevent smoking initiation among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tobacco vein mottling virus (TVMV) is a member of the family Potyviridae. The 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of viral genomic RNA has been reported to significantly impact viral infection. Nevertheless, the role of the TVMV 3'UTR during viral infection remains unknown. Methods: Here, a 3'UTR-GFP expression vector was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, in which the 3'UTR of TVMV was introduced upstream of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze the genes associated with plant resistance. The effect of the TVMV 3'UTR on GFP expression was studied using an Agrobacteriummediated transient expression assay, revealing that the TVMV 3'UTR significantly inhibited GFP expression. Transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes in 3'UTR-GFP in N. benthamiana was performed to elucidate the why the TVMV 3'UTR inhibited GFP expression. Results: Eighty genes related to plant disease resistance were differentially expressed, including 29 upregulated and 51 downregulated genes. Significantly upregulated genes included those encoding the calcium-binding protein CML24, leucine-rich repeat receptor-like tyrosine-protein kinase, and respiratory burst oxidase homolog protein E. The significantly downregulated genes included calcium-binding protein 7, ethylene-responsive transcription factor 10, endoglucanase 5, and receptor-like protein kinase. Discussion: These findings indicate that the 3'UTR of TVMV may inhibit the expression of GFP gene by inducing the expression of plant resistance genes. This study provides a theoretical basis for further research on the function and mechanism of the TVMV 3'UTR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoking causes serious complications and diseases in a person's life, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and some cancers, including lung cancer. On the other hand, studies have shown that smokers do not have a real understanding of the health hazards of smoking. This study was conducted to determine the perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD in current smokers. This cross-sectional study which was conducted between January-May 2023, recruited 380 current smokers by convenience sampling in community setting. The data were collected face to face using three questionnaires (1) the risk perception for lung cancer and COPD questionnaire, (2) the smoking stage of change questionnaire, and (3) the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence. We examined the relationship between the included variables and the smokers' perceived risk of lung cancer and COPD by using multiple linear regression. We found that lower education (coefficient = 3.60, 95%CI [1.00, 6.19], P < 0.0001) for elementary level and (coefficient = 2.81, 95% CI [0.36, 5.26], P < 0.05) for secondary level had greater lung cancer perceived risk. Besides, smoking age onset for 20 + years (coefficient=-1.36, 95%CI [-2.42, -3.17], P < 0.0001) lower than those who started before the age of 20 were associated with lower perceived risk for lung cancer. Regarding COPD, results indicated that lower education (coefficient = 4.54, 95% CI [1.87, 7.21], p < 0001) for elementary level (coefficient = 3.35, 95% CI [0.83, 5.87], p < 0.001) for secondary level and (coefficient = 3.03, 95% CI[-0.67, 4.25], P < 0.05) for high school dropout, and employment status (coefficient = 3.62, 95% CI[0.66, 6.59], p < 0.05) of employer and (coefficient = 3.23, 95% CI [0.14, 6.33], p < 0.05) for homemaker reported greater perceived risk. This study's results showed that participants' perceived risk was relatively low. It seems necessary to carry out interventions to inform about the harms of smoking and to enhance public awareness about the heightened risks of diseases such as lung cancer and COPD among cigarette smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India bears the highest global burden of oral cancer, despite having an operational tobacco cessation framework. Occupational groups like solid waste management personnel face significant health challenges due to prevalent tobacco use, leading to oral potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer. Enhanced tobacco control strategies are essential for these groups. Methods: A pre-post interventional, community-based study enrolled 1200 municipal workers in Varanasi, India, from July 2022 to August 2023. 858 tobacco users underwent screening and were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: Very Brief Advice, Individual Behavioral Counseling, or Group Behavioral Therapy. Follow-up was conducted one year after the baseline interventions Effectiveness was measured by nicotine dependence reduction using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores and cessation rates defined as at least 6-month abstinence. Appropriate statistical tests assessed the burden of tobacco use, oral potentially malignant lesions, and pre-post differences in FTND scores within and between groups. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Municipal workers exhibited a high prevalence (71.5%) of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use. One-third (32.9%) of the participants screened positive for oral potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer. Leukoplakia was the most common lesion. Screened positivity correlated with significant nicotine dependence. Among 494 follow-up participants, 47.1% reported a significant reduction in nicotine dependence across all intervention groups. Quade's ANCOVA indicated significant differences in post-test FTND scores, with individual behavioral counselling showing the greatest reduction. However, no cessation was achieved in any group despite the significant decline in dependence. Conclusion: Solid waste management personnel in Varanasi show heightened SLT use and associated oral potentially malignant lesions. The persistent tobacco use in these high-risk occupational populations undermines government tobacco control efforts and highlights the need for robust policy and implementation strategies. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in nicotine dependence following interventions, though tobacco cessation was not achieved. More frequent interventions and addressing quitting barriers—such as cultural norms, lack of awareness, easy accessibility, and adverse working conditions—are crucial. Developing a tailored workplace model to tackle tobacco use in occupational settings may facilitate cessation. Clinical trial registration number: Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry India CTRI/2020/07/026479. Date of registration 10/07/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: • Tobacco use was highest, followed by alcohol and marijuana use. • The prevalence of substance use was higher in male than female adolescents. • Parental homework supervision significantly lowered the odds of alcohol and tobacco use. • Parental free-time supervision significantly reduced the odds of alcohol and tobacco use. • No significant association was found between parent-child connectedness and marijuana use. Background: Adolescent substance use is recognized as a global health crisis that threatens adolescents' physical and mental health worldwide. Alcohol is the most available one; WHO findings suggest that more than 155 million adolescents, representing over a quarter of the adolescent population aged between 11 and 15, use alcohol-based drinks worldwide. Since adolescents are the future of the world, protecting them from substance use is of paramount importance. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of adolescent substance use (alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco) among Bhutanese adolescents and examine the association with parent-child connectedness as a protective factor while controlling sociodemographic, socio-emotional distress, and other contextual factors. Methods: A total of 7576 school-going adolescents' data from the 2016 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) Bhutan dataset were used in this study. To analyze the relationship between predictor and outcome variables, both univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were constructed utilizing the "complex samples" tool of SPSS 25. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was used for the analyses. Results: An estimated 30.7% of the Bhutanese school-going adolescents used tobacco, 25.8% consumed alcohol, and 12.7% used marijuana. Parent-child connectedness: (i) child's homework supervision and (ii) child's free time supervision by parents significantly lower the odds of using tobacco and alcohol consumption, while parents understanding child's problem showed no significant association with substance use among the respondents. However, no significant association was found between parent-child connectedness and marijuana use. Besides parental connectedness, anxiety, bullying, passive smoking, school truancy, being involved in fights, or being attacked were also significantly associated with adolescents' substance use. Conclusion: Parental connectedness has been found to be an important factor that can lead to a substantive reduction in substance use among the adolescents of Bhutan. However, the lesson is pertinent for any global initiatives aiming to prevent the harmful use of substances among global adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences is the property of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences is the property of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soil acidification represents a severe threat to tobacco cultivation regions in South China, exacerbating bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The comprehension of the underlying mechanisms that facilitate the restoration of rhizosphere microbial communities in "healthy soils" is imperative for ecologically managing tobacco bacterial wilt. This study focuses on acidified tobacco soils that have been subjected to continuous cultivation for 20 years. The experimental treatments included lime (L), biochar (B), and a combination of lime and biochar (L+B), in addition to a control group (CK). Utilizing rhizosphere biology and niche theory, we assessed disease suppression effects, changes in soil properties, and the co-evolution of the rhizosphere bacterial community. Each treatment significantly reduced tobacco bacterial wilt by 16.67% to 20.14% compared to the control group (CK) (p < 0.05) and increased yield by 7.86% to 27.46% (p < 0.05). The biochar treatment (B) proved to be the most effective, followed by the lime-biochar combination (L+B). The key factors controlling wilt were identified through random forest regression analysis as an increase in soil pH and exchangeable bases, along with a decrease in exchangeable acidity. However, lime treatment alone led to an increase in soil bulk density and a decrease in available nutrients, whereas both biochar and limebiochar treatments significantly improved these parameters (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the abundance of Ralstonia and wilt incidence. Nonetheless, all treatments significantly expanded the ecological niche breadth and average variation degree (AVD), enhanced positive interactions and cohesion within the community, and intensified negative interactions involving Ralstonia. This study suggests that optimizing community niches and enhancing pathogen antagonism are key mechanisms for mitigating tobacco wilt in acidified soils. It recommends using lime-biochar mixtures as soil amendments due to their potential ecological and economic benefits. This study offers valuable insights for disease control strategies and presents a novel perspective for research on Solanaceous crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term continuous cropping of tobacco causes dysbiosis of soil microbial communities, the imbalance of soil nutrients, and the increase of pathogenic bacteria, which will slow the growth and development of tobacco plants, reduce the production quality, and cause significant losses to tobacco production and tobacco farmers. The application of Potassium fulvic acid can not only provide nutrients, but also inhibit the propagation of pathogens in soil along with raising the amount of organic matter in the soil, which is an effective way to improve soil health. In this experiment, Tobacco variety SNT60 was used as the test material, and 6 treatments were set up by pot test, they were: no fertilisation control group (CK), tobacco special fertiliser (NPK), 3.45 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T1), 4.65 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T2), 5.85 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T3), 7.05 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T4), Ten replications were set up for each treatment and the soil and fertiliser were mixed and potted before transplanting, 70% as basal fertiliser and 30% as supplementary fertiliser. We also analyzed soil properties, soil microorganisms and agronomic traits of tobacco plants in different treatments to provide reference for mitigating tobacco succession barrier. The test results are as follows: 4.65 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T2) treatment was the best, soil organic matter, quick nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, soil catalase, soil sucrase, and soil urease content, compared to CK control, increased by 22.04%, 43.12%, 96.21%, 381.79%, 25.43%, 91.69%, 262.07% and 93.16%. In terms of microbial community, application of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser significantly increased the relative abundance of Ascomycetes, Chlorobacterium, Bacillus, Proteobacteria and Tephritobacterium in the soil. Meanwhile, 4.65 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T2) promoted the growth of tobacco plants, improved leaf photosynthetic capacity, and enhanced plant disease resistance. This experiment provides practical measures to improve the microbial community of tobacco continuous cropping soils and to reduce the incidence of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nicotine dependence is associated with glutamatergic neurotransmission in the caudate and putamen (CPu) of the forebrain which includes alterations in the structure of dendritic spines at glutamate synapses. These changes after nicotine exposure can lead to the development of habitual behaviors such as smoking. The present study investigated the hypothesis that cofilin, an actin-binding protein that is linked to the GluN2B subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors regulates the morphology of dendritic spines in the neurons of the CPu after repeated exposure to nicotine. Results: Adult male rats received subcutaneous injections of nicotine (0.3 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for seven consecutive days. DiI staining was conducted to observe changes in dendritic spine morphology. Repeated subcutaneous injections of nicotine decreased the phosphorylation of cofilin while increasing the formation of thin spines and filopodia in the dendrites of medium spiny neurons (MSN) in the CPu of rats. Bilateral intra-CPu infusion of the cofilin inhibitor, cytochalasin D (12.5 µg/µL/side), restored the thin spines and filopodia from mushroom types after repeated exposure to nicotine. Similar results were obtained from the bilateral intra-CPu infusion of the selective GluN2B subunit antagonist, Ro 25-6981 (4 µM/µL/side). Bilateral intra-CPu infusion of cytochalasin D that interferes with the actin-cofilin interaction attenuated the repeated nicotine-induced increase in locomotor sensitization in rats. Conclusions: These findings suggest that active cofilin alters the structure of spine heads from mushroom to thin spine/filopodia by potentiating actin turnover, contributing to behavioral sensitization after nicotine exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotine exhibits obvious heterosis, which can be used to create Nicotiana tabacum L. (tobacco) varieties with varying nicotine content. However, the reasons for the formation of nicotine heterosis and its relationship to nicotine transport and accumulation remain unknown. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of six tobacco hybrids with varying heterosis levels and their parent materials from various aspects, such as phenotype, physiology, and transcriptomics. The results showed that the direct path coefficient of transport heterosis to nicotine heterosis was highest in hybrids, at 0.98, and a highly significant positive correlation between the two. The plant height, thick stalk circumference, large flow of tissue fluid in the stalk, and high nicotine concentration of tobacco were the underlying factors that led to the strong nicotine transport capacity of hybrids. The formation of nicotine transport heterosis in hybrids was mainly influenced by non-additive gene effects (accounting for 89.93%), with over-dominant effects playing a dominant role (accounting for 58.79%). Among non-additive expression DEGs, nicotine transporter related multi antimicrobial extrusion protein, drug/metabolite transporter, ABC family transporter, and glutathione S-transferase were significantly upregulated in hybrid strains. The RT-qPCR results indicated that these genes related nicotine transport also exhibited heterosis at the expression level. Our results revealed that the formation of nicotine heterosis is mainly achieved by enhancing the nicotine transport capacity in hybrids. The results are not only beneficial for promoting the theoretical study of nicotine heterosis in tobacco and the breeding and utilization of hybrids, but are also of great significance for guiding nicotine production and promoting its multipurpose utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, tobacco (nicotine) addiction among youth has increased, leading to substantial socioeconomic burdens, mortality, and morbidity. While minimal short-term nicotine consumption may have antioxidant effects, chronic exposure results in various adverse health outcomes. This study examines the impact of chronic nicotine consumption on cellular oxidative stress and psychological stress, and their correlation with Homocysteine (Hcy) levels in unemployed tobacco consumers. This case-control study included 156 healthy, educated, unemployed male volunteers aged 20–40 years, divided into nicotine-addicted (n = 80) and non-addicted (n = 76) groups. Psychological stress was assessed using perceived stress scales (PSS) and coping self-efficacy (CSE) scales. Oxidative stress markers, including Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Catalase, were measured. Hcy levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Nicotine-addicted participants exhibited significantly higher perceived stress (p = 0.0001) and lower coping self-efficacy (p = 0.0001) compared to non-addicted individuals. MDA levels in erythrocytes were significantly increased (p = 0.0006), while SOD (p = 0.0001) and Catalase (p = 0.02) activities were significantly decreased in the addicted group. Nicotine intake influenced Hcy concentrations, with 55% of addicted individuals falling into moderate, 27.5% into intermediate, and 7.5% into severe Hcy categories. Chronic nicotine intake also reflected the hematological parameters (WBCs, RBCs, HGB, and Platelets). Chronic tobacco consumption induces oxidative stress and perceived psychological stress, leading to elevated Hcy levels in nicotine consumers. The study highlights the detrimental effects of nicotine addiction on cellular defensive mechanisms, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address this growing health issue among unemployed Indian youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term continuous cropping of tobacco causes dysbiosis of soil microbial communities, the imbalance of soil nutrients, and the increase of pathogenic bacteria, which will slow the growth and development of tobacco plants, reduce the production quality, and cause significant losses to tobacco production and tobacco farmers. The application of Potassium fulvic acid can not only provide nutrients, but also inhibit the propagation of pathogens in soil along with raising the amount of organic matter in the soil, which is an effective way to improve soil health. In this experiment, Tobacco variety SNT60 was used as the test material, and 6 treatments were set up by pot test, they were: no fertilisation control group (CK), tobacco special fertiliser (NPK), 3.45 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T1), 4.65 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T2), 5.85 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T3), 7.05 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T4), Ten replications were set up for each treatment and the soil and fertiliser were mixed and potted before transplanting, 70% as basal fertiliser and 30% as supplementary fertiliser. We also analyzed soil properties, soil microorganisms and agronomic traits of tobacco plants in different treatments to provide reference for mitigating tobacco succession barrier. The test results are as follows: 4.65 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T2) treatment was the best, soil organic matter, quick nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, soil catalase, soil sucrase, and soil urease content, compared to CK control, increased by 22.04%, 43.12%, 96.21%, 381.79%, 25.43%, 91.69%, 262.07% and 93.16%. In terms of microbial community, application of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser significantly increased the relative abundance of Ascomycetes, Chlorobacterium, Bacillus, Proteobacteria and Tephritobacterium in the soil. Meanwhile, 4.65 g/kg of potassium fulvic acid fertiliser (T2) promoted the growth of tobacco plants, improved leaf photosynthetic capacity, and enhanced plant disease resistance. This experiment provides practical measures to improve the microbial community of tobacco continuous cropping soils and to reduce the incidence of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: TOBAMOVIRUS MULTIPLICATION 1 (TOM1) and its homolog TOBAMOVIRUS MULTIPLICATION 3 (TOM3) play a prominent role in the multiplication of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in higher plants. Although homologs of NtTOM1/TOM3 genes have been identified in several plant species, little is known about the characteristics and functions of NtTOM1/TOM3 at the genome-wide level in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Results: In this study, we performed genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of the tobacco NtTOM1/TOM3 gene family. Twelve NtTOM1/TOM3 genes were identified and classified into four groups based on phylogenetic analysis. Sequence and conserved domain analyses showed that all these genes contained a specific DUF1084 domain. Expression pattern analysis showed that NtTOM1a, NtTOM1b, NtTOM1d, NtTOM3a, NtTOM3b, and NtTOM3d were induced by TMV at 1-, 3-, and 9 dpi, whereas the expression of other genes was not responsive to TMV at the early infection stage. TMV virion accumulation showed no obvious difference in either nttom1a or nttom3a mutants compared with the wild type. However, the virus propagation was significantly, but not completely, inhibited in the nttom1atom3a double mutant, indicating that other gene family members may function redundantly, such as NtTOM1b and NtTOM1d. In addition, overexpression of NtTOM1a or NtTOM3a also inhibited the TMV replication to some extent. Conclusions: The present study performed genome-wide analysis of the NtTOM1/TOM3 gene family in tobacco, and identified NtTOM1a and NtTOM3a as important genes involved in TMV multiplication based on functional analysis. These results provide a theoretical basis for further improving TMV resistance in tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nectar is offered by numerous flowering plants to attract pollinators. To date, the production and secretion of nectar have been analyzed mainly in eudicots, particularly rosids such as Arabidopsis. However, due to the enormous diversity of flowering plants, further research on other plant species, especially monocots, is needed. Ananas comosus (monocot) is an economically important species that is ideal for such analyses because it produces easily accessible nectar in sufficient quantities. In addition, the analyses were also carried out with Nicotiana tabacum (dicot, asterids) for comparison. Results: We performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses of the nectaries of Ananas comosus and Nicotiana tabacum, to test whether the mechanisms described for nectar production and secretion in Arabidopsis are also present in these plant species. The focus of these analyses is on carbohydrate metabolism and transport (e.g., sucrose-phosphate synthases, invertases, sucrose synthases, SWEETs and further sugar transporters). In addition, the metabolites were analyzed in the nectar, nectaries and leaves of both plant species to address the question of whether concentration gradients for different metabolites exist between the nectaries and nectar The nectar of N. tabacum contains large amounts of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and the sucrose concentration in the nectar appears to be similar to the sucrose concentration in the nectaries. Nectar production and secretion in this species closely resemble corresponding processes in some other dicots, including sucrose synthesis in nectaries and sucrose secretion by SWEET9. The nectar of A. comosus also contains large amounts of glucose, fructose and sucrose and in this species the sucrose concentration in the nectar appears to be higher than the sucrose concentration in the nectaries. Furthermore, orthologs of SWEET9 generally appear to be absent in A. comosus and other monocots. Therefore, sucrose export by SWEETs from nectaries into nectar can be excluded; rather, other mechanisms, such as active sugar export or exocytosis, are more likely. Conclusion: The mechanisms of nectar production and secretion in N. tabacum appear to be largely similar to those in other dicots, whereas in the monocotyledonous species A. comosus, different synthesis and transport processes are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences is the property of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The mulch film (MF) management model of the agricultural field affects the physical and chemical properties of soil (PCPS) and the structure of the microorganism community; however, studies on the relationship between the rhizosphere microorganism community structure and the thickness of MF are still limited. To understand the interactions among the MF thickness, PCPS, and rhizosphere microorganism, a study was conducted by using an integrated metagenomic strategy, where tobacco rhizosphere soil was treated with four commonly representative and used thicknesses of MFs (0.004, 0.006, 0.008, and 0.010mm) in Yunnan laterite. The results showed that agronomic traits such as the tobacco plant height (TPH), leaf number (LN), fresh leaf weight (FLW), and dry leaf weight (DLW) were significantly (p < 0.01) improved in the field mulched with the thickest film(0.010mm) compared with the exposed field (CK), and there was a 6.81 and 5.54% increase in the FLW and TPH, separately. The correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation of the MF thickness with the soil water content (SWC), soil organicmatter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP; all p < 0.01), while the MF thickness was negatively correlated with the soil temperature (ST; p < 0.01). In addition, the community structure of the rhizosphere soil bacteria was significantly changed overall by the MF thickness, which also interfered with the function of the rhizosphere soil bacteria. The correlation analyses also showed that the abundance of Bradyrhizobium and Nitrospira was positively correlated with the MF thickness, while the abundance of Sphinsinomonas and Massilia was negatively correlated with it. This indicated that with the increase of the MF thickness, the ability of the rhizosphere soil to utilize N and remove harmful molecules was strengthened, while the capacity of the rhizosphere soil to degrade pollutants was greatly reduced. These findings provide additional insights into the potential risks of the application of different thicknesses of MFs, particularly concerning the PCPS and soil microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth, crop yield, and pest and disease control are enhanced by PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria), which are beneficial microorganisms found in a close symbiosis with plant roots. Phytohormones are secreted, nutrient uptake is improved, and soil properties along with the microbiological environment are regulated by these microorganisms, making them a significant focus in agricultural research. In this study, the efficient PGPR strain T1 was isolated and screened from tobacco inter-root soil, and identified and confirmed by ITS sequencing technology. Tobacco growth indicators and soil property changes were observed and recorded through potting experiments. The activities of key enzymes (e.g., sucrase, catalase, urease) in soil were further determined. High-throughput sequencing technology was utilized to sequence the soil microbial community, and combined with macro-genomics analysis, the effects of T1 strain on soil microbial diversity and metabolic pathways were explored. Following the application of T1, significant improvements were observed in the height, leaf length, and width of tobacco plants. Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of the soil were notably enhanced, including a 26.26% increase in phosphorus availability. Additionally, the activities of key soil enzymes such as sucrase, catalase, and urease were significantly increased, indicating improved soil health and fertility. Comprehensive joint microbiomics and macrogenomics analyses revealed a substantial rise in the populations of beneficial soil microorganisms and an enhancement in metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, synthesis, and production of secondary metabolites. These increase in beneficial microorganisms and the enhancement of their metabolic functions are crucial for plant growth and soil fertility. This study provides valuable references for the development of innovative microbial fertilizers and offers programs for the sustainable development of modern agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to increase the antifungal and insecticidal activities of NaD1, as an antimicrobial peptides (AMP), by improving its interaction with the fungal cell wall and chitin monomeric units in insect midguts. Hence, the chitin-binding domains (CBDs) of wheat germ agglutinin protein (WGA) were fused to either N- or C-terminus of NaD1 generating transgenic Nicotiana tabacum hairy roots (HRs). Molecular assessments confirmed the integration of NaD1 transgenes, their transcription and production of recombinant peptides in the HR lines. Total protein of (CBD)4-NaD1 and NaD1-(CBD)4 transgenic lines inhibited the growth of Pyricularia oryzae mycelium, suggesting that fusion of CBD to NaD1 can increase NaD1 half-life, leading to higher affinity toward cell wall chitin. Furthermore, feeding the third-instar larvae of Chilo suppressalis with both (CBD)4-NaD1 and NaD1-(CBD)4 extracts exhibited a higher mortality rate. Both NaD1-CBDs caused a significant decrease in trypsin (TRY) and chymotrypsin (CTR) activities in the larvae, while enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes CAT, POD, APX, and SOD. Therefore, feeding the larvae by total extract of NaD1-(CBD)4 and (CBD)4-NaD1 HR lines probably increased affinity to midgut chitin in C. suppressalis, enhancing insecticidal activities. Overall, the results indicate that recombinant peptides are effective in enhancing fungal and insect resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco product use rates among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI), Asian American, and Filipino American young adults in Hawai'i have risen rapidly in recent years following the introduction of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Though some research has examined tobacco use correlates for these demographics of young adults, research examining protective factors, such as cultural connectedness, is lacking. Additionally, research that disaggregates Asian Americans from Pacific Islanders is scarce, despite the differing risk and protective factors that have been determined for each group. This study separately examined cultural connectedness among NHPIs, Asian Americans, and Filipino Americans to help fill the gaps in the current tobacco product literature. The findings indicated that Asian Americans and Filipino Americans who identify more with their own cultures are less likely to use e-cigarettes; however, this relationship was not supported for NHPIs. No significant evidence was found to indicate a relationship between cultural connectedness and combustible cigarette use among any of the sampled groups. The lack of relationship between cultural connectedness and e-cigarette use among Native Hawaiians may be explained by measurement limitations in the study, and suggest the need for more culturally competent scales (e.g., an enculturation scale) that account for Indigenous status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the prevalence of and factors associated with "hardcore" use of smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT) products in Bangladesh and the variation in the ages people started using them daily. Data from the 2009 and 2017 rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey for Bangladesh were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression. The prevalence of "hardcore" use of smoked tobacco among current smokers decreased from 15.5% in 2009 to 13.1% in 2017. Almost all hardcore smokers were male in both rounds. Among the current users of SLT, 7.0% were "hardcore" users in 2009, with a higher proportion of females (8.9%) than males (4.8%) and these percentages remained similar in 2017. The current smokers in the age-group 25-64 and the current SLT users in the age-group 45-65+ were more likely than their counterparts to be "hardcore" users. The earlier the participants started using daily, the more likely they were to become "hardcore" users. There was regional variation in the prevalence of "hardcore" use. Coordinated preventive interventions and comprehensive treatment programmes and their equitable geographical distribution are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the use of tobacco in the state of Punjab is below the national statistics of India, according to Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016 Report, its consumption has increased. Also, what sets it apart from rest of the nation is the cultural as well as the religious taboo associated with tobacco use. The case of Punjab is also peculiar because of the socio demographic profile of the region which has changed since Green Revolution. Having said that, use of tobacco is a social phenomenon and it becomes important to place tobacco use in a social and cultural context. The aim of the study is to explore the socio -cultural determinants of tobacco use within local and migrant groups in a district of Punjab. The tobacco users in the district were divided into groups of local and migrant labourers and focus group discussion was carried out with them. There were various social correlates of tobacco use in the district which saw variations within and across these groups. The socio demographic factors of age, gender, religion and place of residence were related to the use of tobacco and presented similarities and variations across the groups. The study concluded that tobacco prevention and control policies should include cultural interventions to change current traditional practices and social determinants which influence the use of tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified contributing factors for tobacco-related inequities among parents (N = 331) during COVID-19. Compared to non-Hispanic White parents, Asian, Black, and multiracial parents experienced greater discrimination. Parents with a nicotine use history experienced greater discrimination and substance use coping relative to tobacco abstainers. Among parents who used nicotine during the pandemic (n = 45), experiencing financial loss, having COVID-19, and greater worries were positively associated with nicotine reductions during COVID-19. Being female, increased family members with COVID-19, discrimination, and substance use coping were negatively associated with nicotine reductions. Tobacco interventions that reduce substance use coping and increase alternative coping are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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After the outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) strongly linked to vitamin E acetate found in some tetrahydrocannabinol-containing vaping products in 2019, several states passed emergency bans on the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products. We use a fixed-effect panel regression model with an embedded difference-in-differences design to evaluate the unintended effects of state-level ENDS bans. Besides eliminating ENDS sales, our results indicate that a full ENDS ban is associated with a 94.5 percent increase in volume sales of ENDS refills in neighboring counties compared with the pre-ban average. We find similar but weaker spatial spillover impacts of flavor (non-tobacco) ENDS bans. As these flavor bans did not restrict tobacco-flavored ENDS sales, we observe an overall 55.4 percent decline in sales of ENDS refills but more-than-doubled sales of tobacco-flavored ENDS refills in the states subject to the flavor bans. Relative increases in cigarette sales can be observed when states implemented either full or flavor ENDS bans. This study improves our understanding of the unintended consequences of ENDS bans, as our results suggest significant spillover effects from cross-border purchasing behavior, switching across flavors of ENDS, and substitution between ENDS and cigarettes after states implemented such bans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity, alcohol use and hypertension place military service members at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The current study utilised the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database (DMED) data to conduct a retrospective cohort study on the incidence rate trends of CVD and six risk factors (per 10 000) in active duty service members from 2016 to 2021. The average incidence rates of CVD diagnoses in active service members decreased except for angina. Specifically, aortic aneurysm and tear, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), stroke and heart attack incidence rates decreased (-31.94%, -29.91%, -19.58%, -9.36%, and -3.49%, respectively). However, incidence rates of angina increased by 14.77%. When examining CVD and risk factors, the incidence rate of inappropriate diet increased (54.58%). The remaining risk factors, such as diagnoses of overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus (types 1 & 2), hypertension, high cholesterol and tobacco use (-21.42, -39.31%, -30.08%, -24.41%, and -36.85%, respectively) decreased between the years 2016 and 2021. The decrease in incidence rates of CVD warrants further investigation into the explanations for this decline. The large overrepresentation of specific demographics signals a warranted need to increase screening efforts for those at increased risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CHOICES-TEEN is a bundled intervention aimed at reducing the risks of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and alcohol- and tobacco-exposed pregnancies for adolescent girls involved in the juvenile justice system. We examined youths' (N = 22) elicited pros and cons concerning alcohol, tobacco, condom, and contraception use to inform future iterations of CHOICES-TEEN and other prevention programming during a one-arm pilot study. Content analysis was used to identify recurring themes elicited and recorded during a decisional balance exercise with a counselor. The most recurrent pros and cons were factors that directly affected these adolescents, with more immediate consequences. The results provide insight into motivations for engaging in substance use and risky sexual behaviors for these youth, as well as barriers to change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early life adversity (ELA) is associated with earlier initiation and maintenance of tobacco smoking and with a greater risk of subsequent relapse. There is growing evidence that appetite hormones, including peptide YY (PYY), which modulates craving and satiety responses, play a role in stress and addiction processes. This study employed a quasi‐experimental design to examine the association between ELA and circulating PYY stress responses in smokers and nonsmokers (N = 152, ages 19–73 years) to examine the effects of nicotine addiction. Smokers initiated a quit attempt as part of the study and were classified as either abstinent smokers or relapsed smokers based on their nicotine use during the follow‐up period. PYY levels were measured at five timepoints during three lab sessions and compared between nonsmokers and the two smoking groups (abstainers, relapsers): while smokers were using nicotine ad libitum, 24 h after smokers initiated a quit attempt, and 4 weeks after smokers initiated a quit attempt. Multivariate analyses showed the main effects of time on PYY, which decreased over time within each session. The main effects of ELA during the first (ad libitum smoking) and second (24‐h post‐cessation for smokers) sessions indicated that experiencing ELA was associated with lower PYY. No systematic effect of nicotine addiction or relapse was observed in this study. These findings suggest that adults with higher ELA may experience lower PYY. Additional research is needed to further explore the role of PYY in stress and addiction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Agrometeorology is the property of Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Agrometeorology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Simultaneous substance use is associated with worse outcomes than concurrent use. Further investigations into simultaneous use are warranted because there is limited knowledge about the co-use of substances other than alcohol and cannabis. Study aims were to examine: (1) the prevalence of simultaneous use of substances with alcohol, (2) the extent to which use patterns are related to key correlates (i.e., psychological functioning, sensation seeking), and (3) differences by college status. Methods: Participants were 623 young adult drinkers who were recruited online to complete a one-time survey. Results: Cannabis (54.3%), tobacco (53.7%), and stimulants (46.5%) were most frequently used with alcohol. Moderation analyses showed the positive association between simultaneous use and psychological distress was stronger for students whereas the positive association with sensation seeking was stronger for nonstudents. Conclusions: Results highlight the need for future research and intervention efforts that consider the link between simultaneous use and psychological wellbeing while acknowledging that educational attainment may differentially influence these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]