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Background: Although growth delays and disruption are a well described medical complication of restrictive eating disorders in children and young adolescents, this complication has received less attention in patients with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Patients with ARFID have challenges with adequacy of food volume and variety that are not related to body image but are instead related to lack of interest in eating, sensory concerns, and/or fears of aversive consequences. Because onset of ARFID is commonly before puberty, concerns regarding growth adequacy may present an additional treatment challenge and a unique opportunity for support. Review: Child and adolescent patients with other restrictive eating disorders are at risk of irreversible deleterious impact on growth and development, particularly when onset is before or around puberty. Although faltering growth is a defining feature of ARFID, less attention has been paid to methods for examining growth concerns in young patients with ARFID and training providers to assess growth adequacy when prepubertal and peripubertal patients present with this diagnosis. Providers working with patients under 18 years of age with eating disorders will benefit from the tools discussed in this narrative review to adequately assess growth and development against genetic potential, recognize alterations in growth that are a result of nutritional deficiencies, and support and maximize catch-up growth and development when it has been impaired. Conclusion: Established pediatric growth monitoring tools and techniques to assess adequacy of growth can be applied to child and adolescent patients presenting with ARFID. These tools can improve long term outcomes in linear height for these patients and allow for monitoring during and after treatment until growth and development is complete. Medical providers caring for patients presenting with ARFID will need to establish best practices for assessing and monitoring growth. Plain English Summary: Providers caring for younger patients with eating disorders must remember that children should be growing, and adolescents must progress through puberty. Linear height gain, as well as bone and brain development, hinge upon adequate nutrition. Patients with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) are at risk for inadequate nutrition and will need an assessment of growth at presentation, as well as ongoing medical support to assure that growth is on track to achieve predicted adult height. Lack of attention to these developmental concerns in a critical window may allow growth to be lost. For medical providers, additional skills will be needed to assess young patients with ARFID and assist them in resuming and achieving growth that matches their genetic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a vital role in insects' growth and development and have significant potential value in pest control. Previously, we identified miR-306 from small RNA libraries within the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, a devasting insect pest for wheat. miR-306 not only involves in wing morphogenesis, but also is critically important for aphid survival. Its specific impacts on the life history traits, however, remain unclear. Here, we evaluate the impact of miR-306 perturbation on S. avenae populations using a two-sex life table approach. This comprehensive analysis revealed that miR-306 perturbation significantly prolongs the developmental stages (9.64% and 8.20%) and adult longevity of S. avenae, while decreasing pre-adult survival rate (41.45% and 38.74%) and slightly reducing average fecundity (5.80% and 13.05%). Overall, miR-306 perturbation negatively affects the life table parameters of the aphid population. The population prediction models show a significant decline in the aphid population 60 days post interference, compared to the control groups (98.14% and 97.76%). Our findings highlight the detrimental effects of miR-306 perturbation on S. avenae population growth and suggest potential candidate genes for the development of RNAi-based biopesticides targeted specifically at this pest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The insect epidermis covers multiple parts of the insect body, fulfilling both structural and protective roles. Primarily composed of chitin and epidermal proteins, the insect epidermis displays considerable diversity among insects. The CPR family, the largest and most diverse group of cuticular protein (CP) genes identified to date, plays crucial roles in insect development, including body length regulation and cuticle formation. Steroid hormones, such as ecdysteroids, regulate the expression of epidermal proteins. In addition, the insecticide Methoxyfenozide mimics the action of 20E, thereby affecting insect growth. Our study on Heortia vitessoides Moore elucidates the role of HvCP3L and offers novel insights into pest management strategies for Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. Cuticle proteins (CPs) constitute a multifunctional family; however, the physiological role of Cuticle Protein 3-like (CP3L) in Heortia vitessoides Moore remains largely unclear. In this study, we cloned the HvCP3L gene from the transcriptional library of Heortia vitessoides Moore. RT-qPCR results revealed that HvCP3L exhibited high expression levels during the larval stage of Heortia vitessoides Moore, particularly at the L5D1 stage, observed in both larval and adult heads. Through RNA interference, we successfully silenced the HvCP3L gene, resulting in a significant reduction in the survival rate of Heortia vitessoides Moore, with the survival rate from larvae to adults plummeting to a mere 17.7%, accompanied by phenotypic abnormalities. Additionally, we observed that the knockdown of HvCP3L led to the inhibition of genes in the chitin pathway. Following exposure to methoxyfenozide stress, the HvCP3L gene exhibited significant overexpression, coinciding with phenotypic abnormalities. These findings underscore the pivotal role of HvCP3L in the growth and development of Heortia vitessoides Moore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The present study investigated the effects of different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C) on the growth and development of Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Ephestia elutella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. Habrobracon hebetor could complete growth and development when E. elutella larvae were used as hosts, and the developmental duration decreased with increasing temperature at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. Taking into account factors such as the total number of eggs laid, egg hatchability, the number of emerged adults, emergence ratio, percentage of female offspring, innate rate of increase, and net reproductive rate, the optimal temperature for rearing of H. hebetor is 30 °C. Augmentative release of parasitoids has been an important component of integrated insect management for stored product protection. Understanding the effect of different temperatures on the growth and development of parasitoids is in favor of mass rearing of parasitoids. Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a highly cosmopolitan, gregarious ecto-parasitoid of a variety of Lepidopterous larvae. Thus, the growth and development of H. hebetor reared on Ephestia elutella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae were investigated at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. Habrobracon hebetor could complete growth and development, and the developmental duration decreased with increasing temperature at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. The development threshold temperatures of H. hebetor eggs, larvae, pupae, and egg-to-adult stages were 13.89, 6.39, 9.24, and 9.29 °C, and the effective accumulated temperatures were 23.33, 46.40, 142.68, and 240.31 °C·d, respectively. The total number of eggs laid by H. hebetor, the hatching rate of H. hebetor eggs, and the percentage of female offspring reached the maximum of 192.39, 83.89%, and 74.04% at 30 °C, respectively. There was no significant difference in pupal survival rate in the temperature range of 15 °C to 35 °C. At 30 °C, the pre-oviposition duration of H. hebetor was the shortest (0.87 d). Therefore, the optimal rearing temperature of H. hebetor was 30 °C. The present results are useful for the large-scale rearing of H. hebetor using E. elutella larvae as hosts and effectively implementing the biological control of stored-product insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calmodulin-binding protein 60 (CBP60) family is a gene family unique to plants, and its members play a crucial role in plant defense responses to pathogens and growth and development. Considering that cotton is the primary source of natural cotton textile fiber, the functional study of its CBP60 gene family members is critical. In this research, we successfully identified 162 CBP60 members from the genomes of 21 species. Of these, 72 members were found in four cotton species, divided into four clades. To understand the function of GhCBP60B in cotton in depth, we conducted a detailed analysis of its sequence, structure, cis-acting elements, and expression patterns. Research results show that GhCBP60B is located in the nucleus and plays a crucial role in cotton growth and development and response to salt and drought stress. After using VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing) technology to conduct gene silencing experiments, we found that the plants silenced by GhCBP60B showed dwarf plants and shortened stem nodes, and the expression of related immune genes also changed. In further abiotic stress treatment experiments, we found that GhCBP60B-silenced plants were more sensitive to drought and salt stress, and their POD (peroxidase) activity was also significantly reduced. These results imply the vital role of GhCBP60B in cotton, especially in regulating plant responses to drought and salt stress. This study systematically analyzed CBP60 gene family members through bioinformatics methods and explored in depth the biological function of GhCBP60B in cotton. These research results lay a solid foundation for the future use of the GhCBP60B gene to improve cotton plant type and its drought and salt resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as undesirable by‐products of metabolism in various cellular compartments, especially in response to unfavorable environmental conditions, throughout the life cycle of plants. Stress‐induced ROS production disrupts normal cellular function and leads to oxidative damage. To cope with excessive ROS, plants are equipped with a sophisticated antioxidative defense system consisting of enzymatic and non‐enzymatic components that scavenge ROS or inhibit their harmful effects on biomolecules. Nonetheless, when maintained at relatively low levels, ROS act as signaling molecules that regulate plant growth, development, and adaptation to adverse conditions. Here, we provide an overview of current approaches for detecting ROS. We also discuss recent advances in understanding ROS signaling, ROS metabolism, and the roles of ROS in plant growth and responses to various abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization of livestock can be used to improve varieties, and different hybrid combinations produce unique breeding effects. In this study, male Southdown and Suffolk sheep were selected to hybridize with female Hu sheep to explore the effects of male parentage on muscle growth and the development of offspring. Using data-independent acquisition technology, we identified 119, 187, and 26 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between Hu × Hu (HH) versus Southdown × Hu (NH), HH versus Suffolk × Hu (SH), and NH versus SH crosses. Two DAPs, MYOZ2 and MYOM3, were common to the three hybrid groups and were mainly enriched in muscle growth and development-related pathways. At the myoblast proliferation stage, MYOZ2 expression decreased cell viability and inhibited proliferation. At the myoblast differentiation stage, MYOZ2 expression promoted myoblast fusion and enhanced the level of cell fusion. These findings provide new insights into the key proteins and metabolic pathways involved in the effect of male parentage on muscle growth and the development of hybrid offspring in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a continuous search for an effective intervention to help preterm low birth weight neonates overcome their poor growth and developmental outcomes. Most researchers have examined the effect of Oromotor Stimulation (OMS) on feeding performance. Studies exploring Multimodal Sensory Stimulation (MSS) on various outcome parameters are sparse and reveal inconsistent results. Aim: To analyse the effectiveness of MSS in improving weight gain, length of hospitalisation, and feeding performance in preterm Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted between June 2021 and December 2022 in the Paediatrics Department of Agartala Government Medical College, Agartala, Tripura, India. A total of 104 hospitalised neonates with gestational age from 28 to less than 37 weeks and birth weight from 1000 to less than 1500 grams (VLBW) were included in the study. All neonates received standard care and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). On the advice of some faculties, several of them also received MSS. All neonates were divided into two groups: those who received MSS and those who did not, and they were monitored until discharge. Mean hospitalisation length, weight gain, and transition time were derived and statistically analysed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: In the present study, the mean gestational age was 32.04±1.75 and 32.679±1.19 weeks, and the M:F ratio was 1.43:1 and 1.30:1 in the MSS-given and MSS-not given groups, respectively. Mean weight gain was significantly higher in the MSS-given group (97.00±123.09 g versus-23.42±43.96 g). Mean hospitalisation length was longer in the MSS-given group, but transition time did not differ significantly across the groups. Conclusion: Multimodal sensory stimulation is effective in promoting weight gain in preterm VLBW neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfin-like (AL) proteins are an important class of transcription factor (TF) widely distributed in eukaryotes and play vital roles in many aspects of plant growth and development. AL proteins contain an Alfin-like domain and a specific PHD-finger structure domain at the N-terminus and C-terminus, respectively. The PHD domain can bind to a specific (C/A) CAC element in the promoter region and affect plant growth and development by regulating the expression of functional genes. This review describes a variety of AL transcription factors that have been isolated and characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica rapa, Zea mays, Brassica oleracea, Solanum lycopersicum, Populus trichocarpa, Pyrus bretschenedri, Malus domestica, and other species. These studies have focused mainly on plant growth and development, different abiotic stress responses, different hormonal stress responses, and stress responses after exposure to pathogenic bacteria. However, studies on the molecular functional mechanisms of Alfin-like transcription factors and the interactions between different signaling pathways are rare. In this review, we performed phylogenetic analysis, cluster analysis, and motif analysis based on A. thaliana sequences. We summarize the structural characteristics of AL transcription factors in different plant species and the diverse functions of AL transcription factors in plant development and stress regulation responses. The aim of this study was to provide a reference for further application of the functions and mechanisms of action of the AL protein family in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée), is one of the most serious pests on rice. At present, chemical control is the main method for controlling this pest. However, the indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides has non-target effects and may cause environmental pollution. Besides, leaf curling behavior by C. medinalis may indirectly reduce the efficacy of chemical spray. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate efficient rice varieties resistant to this pest. Previous studies have found that three different rice varieties, Zhongzao39 (ZZ39), Xiushui134 (XS134), and Yongyou1540 (YY1540), had varying degrees of infestation by C. medinalis. However, it is currently unclear whether the reason for this difference is related to the difference in defense ability of the three rice varieties against the infestation of C. medinalis. To explore this issue, the current study investigated the effects of three rice varieties on the growth performance and food utilization capability of the 4th instar C. medinalis. Further, it elucidated the differences in defense responses among different rice varieties based on the differences in leaf physiological and biochemical indicators and their impact on population occurrence. The results showed that the larval survival rate was the lowest, and the development period was significantly prolonged after feeding on YY1540. This was not related to the differences in leaf wax, pigments, and nutritional components among the three rice varieties nor to the feeding preferences of the larvae. The rate of superoxide anion production, hydrogen peroxide content, and the activity of three protective enzymes were negatively correlated with larval survival rate, and they all showed the highest in YY1540 leaves. Compared to other tested varieties, although the larvae feeding on YY1540 had higher conversion efficiency of ingested food and lower relative consumption rate, their relative growth was faster, indicating stronger food utilization capability. However, they had a lower accumulation of protein. This suggests that different rice varieties had different levels of oxidative stress after infestation by C. medinalis. The defense response of YY1540 was more intense, which was not conducive to the development of the larvae population. These results will provide new insights into the interaction mechanism between different rice varieties and C. medinalis and provide a theoretical basis for cultivating rice varieties resistant to this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is a class of transcription factors consisting of NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC subunits, which are widely distributed in eukaryotes. The NF-YC subunit regulates plant growth and development and plays an important role in the response to stresses. However, there are few reports on this gene subfamily in tea plants. In this study, nine CsNF-YC genes were identified in the genome of 'Longjing 43'. Their phylogeny, gene structure, promoter cis-acting elements, motifs and chromosomal localization of these gene were analyzed. Tissue expression characterization revealed that most of the CsNF-YCs were expressed at low levels in the terminal buds and at relatively high levels in the flowers and roots. CsNF-YC genes responded significantly to gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. We further focused on CsNF-YC6 because it may be involved in the growth and development of tea plants and the regulation of response to abiotic stresses. The CsNF-YC6 protein is localized in the nucleus. Arabidopsis that overexpressed CsNF-YC6 (CsNF-YC6-OE) showed increased seed germination and increased root length under ABA and GA treatments. In addition, the number of cauline leaves, stem lengths and silique numbers were significantly higher in overexpressing Arabidopsis lines than wild type under long-day growth conditions, and CsNF-YC6 promoted primary root growth and increased flowering in Arabidopsis. qPCR analysis showed that in CsNF-YC6-OE lines, flowering pathway-related genes were transcribed at higher levels than wild type. The investigation of the CsNF-YC gene has unveiled that CsNF-YC6 plays a pivotal role in plant growth, root and flower development, as well as responses to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the outcome of nutritional intervention in child health care on infant growth and disease prevention. Methods: It was a retrospective study. Ninty-two infants who received child health intervention in The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from September 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the research objects. According to the random number table method, they were divided into control group (46 cases, routine health intervention) and observation group (46 cases, nutritional intervention based on the control group) using the sealed envelope system. The growth and development, nutritional diseases and guardian satisfaction of the two groups were compared. Results: The scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group in gross motor, fine motor, language and individual-social aspects. The total incidence of nutritional diseases in the observation group (2.17%) was lower than that in the control group (17.39%); In terms of total satisfaction rate, the observation group (100.00%) was higher than the control group (86.96%), with a statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: Applying nutrition intervention to child health care plays an important role in maintaining the healthy growth and development of infants and reducing the incidence of nutritional diseases such as anemia and rickets. It needs to be promoted in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene is an essential plant hormone, critical in various physiological processes. These processes include seed germination, leaf senescence, fruit ripening, and the plant's response to environmental stressors. Ethylene biosynthesis is tightly regulated by two key enzymes, namely 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO). Initially, the prevailing hypothesis suggested that ACS is the limiting factor in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway. Nevertheless, accumulating evidence from various studies has demonstrated that ACO, under specific circumstances, acts as the rate-limiting enzyme in ethylene production. Under normal developmental processes, ACS and ACO collaborate to maintain balanced ethylene production, ensuring proper plant growth and physiology. However, under abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, or pathogen attack, the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis becomes critical for plants' survival. This review highlights the structural characteristics and examines the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational regulation of ACS and ACO and their role under abiotic stress conditions. Reviews on the role of ethylene signaling in abiotic stress adaptation are available. However, a review delineating the role of ACS and ACO in abiotic stress acclimation is unavailable. Exploring how particular ACS and ACO isoforms contribute to a specific plant's response to various abiotic stresses and understanding how they are regulated can guide the development of focused strategies. These strategies aim to enhance a plant's ability to cope with environmental challenges more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically review studies on the effects of early stimulation on the neuropsychomotor development of children with microcephaly. Data source: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed/ MEDLINE, Virtual Health Library, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies that addressed the use of early stimulation in playful and interactive environments in children with microcephaly were included. There were no restrictions on the publication date or language of the studies. The outcomes assessed were muscle tone, social interaction, fine and gross motor skills, intelligence quotient, socioemotional and adaptive behavior of the child. The methodological quality and the scientific evidence level were assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions, the Revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Data synthesis: 264 articles were identified, but only 7 met the eligibility criteria. The included studies had a total population of 125 individuals, with sample sizes ranging from 1 to 71 participants. Conclusions: The studies showed low evidence of an effect of early intervention on the outcomes muscle tone, social interaction, fine and gross motor skills, intelligence quotient, and socioemotional and adaptive behavior in children with microcephaly. However, further randomized clinical trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brassinolide, known as the seventh plant hormone, can improve the photosynthetic capacity of plants, promote plant growth and development, promote the formation of horticultural crop yield, improve the quality of horticultural crops, and also improve the ability of plants to resist biological and abiotic stresses. Results: The effects of different concentrations of exogenously sprayed 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) on growth, physiological and photosynthetic characteristics of 'All-round large leaf coriander' were studied in substrate culture. The results showed that 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR promoted the growth of coriander and increased the aboveground fresh and dry weights, with 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR having the most significant effect. Spraying 0.1 mg.L− 1 EBR increased the content of soluble sugars and protein of coriander leaves. Spraying 0.1 and 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR significantly increased the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters of coriander leaves, and 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR also significantly increased the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of coriander leaves. Spraying 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR upregulated the expression of CsRbcS, CsFBPase, and CsAld. Correlation analysis showed that aboveground fresh weight under exogenous EBR treatment was significantly positively correlated with aboveground dry weight, plant height, Pn, Gs, Ci, and CsAld (P < 0.05), and soluble sugar content was significantly positively correlated with the number of leaves, Y(II), qP, and CsRbcS. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed that there was a significant separation between the treatment and the control groups. Spraying 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR can promote the growth of coriander, improve the quality of coriander leaves, and strengthen coriander leaf photosynthetic capacity. This study provides new insights into the promotion of coriander growth and development following the application of exogenous EBR. Conclusion: Exogenous EBR treatment increased coriander plant height, leaf growth and aboveground dry weight, and enhanced photosynthesis. Exogenous spraying of 0.5 mg.L− 1 EBR had the most significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immature central nervous system, extended stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, and sensory experience deficiency may contribute to oral and gross motor delay in preterm infants. Current study aimed to investigate oral and motor development in preterm infants. Methods: Twenty-nine preterm infants and 28 term infants were evaluated within the scope of the study. Oral motor feeding development was assessed with the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment, and motor development was evaluated with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. All analyses were performed using SPSS 22. The study was approved by the Gazi University Clinical Researches Ethics Committee (no: 25901600–23). Results: There was a correlation between the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment categories (solid, semisolid, cracker, puree, bottle, and cup) and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale score (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups in the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment's solid, semisolid, cracker, and puree categories and total score (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups regarding the Alberta Infant Motor Scale score (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Preterm infants come behind their term peers in motor and oral motor feeding performance. These two areas of development can influence each other. For this reason, oral motor feeding problems should be emphasized as well as motor problems in physiotherapy rehabilitation evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effect of individualised nutritional intervention on the postpartum nutritional status of patients with the growth and development of their offspring. This study included pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at Hangzhou Women's Hospital in 2019. At 42 days after childbirth, the HbA1c (95% CI: 0.44-0.56%, p < 0.001), the FPG (95% CI: 0.01–0.26 mmol/L, p < 0.05), 2HPG (95% CI: −0.01–0.73 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and TCH (95% CI: −0.34–0.00 mmol/L, p < 0.05) level of the control group were 0.14, 0.36, and 0.17 mmol/L higher than in the intervention group. There were no differences in TG and HGB between the two groups (all p > 0.05). There were significant differences in the number of macrosomia and neonatal weight between the two groups (both p < 0.05). Differences in WHZ after childbirth were not statistically significant between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Individualised nutritional intervention could improve blood glucose levels 42 days after childbirth and reduce macrosomia incidence in pregnant women with GDM. What is already known on this subject? Individualised nutrition intervention can improve blood glucose status and complications during pregnancy, thus improving pregnancy outcomes. What the results of this study add? Individual nutrition intervention improved the blood glucose and nutritional status of patients at 42 days postpartum, but there was no difference in the growth and development indicators of their offspring at 0–24 months. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Improve nutritional intervention programs for gestational diabetes, improve blood glucose during pregnancy and postpartum, to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the occurrence of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases; Extend the monitoring range of the growth and development of the offspring of gestational diabetes, find the problems and timely carry out the nutritional intervention, to improve the development of the offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to observe the dynamic measurement of growth and development in children (0–3 years) after transplantation of low-quality frozen-thawed single blastocysts. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2016 to December 2019 at a single center. The follow-up data of the children were obtained from the Jiangsu Province Maternal and Child Database. A total of 350 singleton live births were included. Based on the blastocyst score, the live births were divided into good-quality blastocyst embryo (GQE) group (315 live births) and poor-quality blastocyst embryo (PQE) group (35 live births). To improve statistical efficiency and control for potential confounding factors, singletons conceived from PQEs were matched with a 3:1 ratio according to couple ages, BMI, occupation and women AMH levels. Ultimately, 32 children in the PQE group and 95 children (with one missing data) in the GQE group were included in the final analysis. After matching for parents' age, BMI, occupation and maternal serum AMH level, there was no significant difference in growth and development of children between the PQE group and GQE group. However, the E2 level on trigger days, the rate of 2PN oocyte, and blastocyst formation rate in the PQE group were significantly lower than in the GQE group (p <.05). The number of embryo transfers (ETs) in the PQE group was higher than in the GQE group (p <.0001). The rate of cesarean section in the PQE group was significantly higher than in the GQE group (p <.05). The height (at 3 months) and head circumference (at 12 months) in the PQE group were lower than in the GQE group (p <.05). Transplantation of PQEs did not affect the growth and development of offspring (0–3 years) compared to good-quality blastocysts. However, the oocyte and embryo development potential was lower in the PQE group than in the GQE group. These results provide clinical reference that the transfer of PQE could be acceptable for patients with only PQE embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WRKY is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants and plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as in abiotic and biological stresses. However, there is little information about the WRKY family in Melastoma dodecandrum. In this study, 126 WRKY members were identified in M. dodecandrum. According to phylogenetic analysis, they were divided into three major groups, and group II was further divided into five subgroups. MedWRKY genes were unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes. Additionally, the gene structure and sequence composition were similar within the same group and differed between groups, suggesting their functional diversity. The promoter sequence analysis identified a number of cis-acting elements related to plant growth and development, stress response, and secondary metabolite synthesis in the WRKY gene family. The collinearity analysis showed that gene replication events were the main driving force of MedWRKY gene evolution. The transcriptome data and RT-qPCR analysis suggested that MedWRKY genes had higher expression in the roots and ripe fruit of M. dodecandrum. In short, this paper lays a foundation for further study of the functions and molecular mechanism of M. dodecandrum WRKY gene family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in controlling growth, development, and lifespan. Molecular regulation of GH is accomplished via the GH receptor (GHR), which is the main factor influencing human development and is essential to optimal functioning of the GH/IGF-I axis. Two GHR isoforms have been studied, according to the presence (flGHR) or absence (d3GHR) of exon 3. The d3GHR isoform, which lacks exon 3 has recently been related to longevity; individuals carrying this isoform have higher receptor activity, improved signal transduction, and alterations in the treatment response and efficacy compared with those carrying the wild type (WT) isoform (flGHR). Further, studies performed in patients with acromegaly, Prader–Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, small for gestational age (SGA), and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) suggested that the d3GHR isoform may have an impact on the relationship between GH and IGF-I levels, height, weight, BMI, and other variables. Other research, however, revealed inconsistent results, which might have been caused by confounding factors, including limited sample sizes and different experimental methods. In this review, we lay out the complexity of the GHR isoforms and provide an overview of the major pharmacogenetic research conducted on this ongoing and unresolved subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been extensively studied in plant abiotic stress responses and growth and development. However, the role of MYB TFs in the heat stress response and growth and development of Pleurotus ostreatus remains unclear. To investigate the function of PoMYB12, PoMYB15, and PoMYB20 TFs in P. ostreatus, mutant strains of PoMYB12, PoMYB15, and PoMYB20 were generated using RNA interference (RNAi) and overexpression (OE) techniques. The results indicated that the mycelia of OE-PoMYB12, OE-PoMYB20, and RNAi-PoMYB15 mutant strains exhibited positive effects under heat stress at 32 °C, 36 °C, and 40 °C. Compared to wild-type strains, the OE-PoMYB12, OE-PoMYB20, and RNAi-PoMYB15 mutant strains promoted the growth and development of P. ostreatus. These mutant strains also facilitated the recovery of growth and development of P. ostreatus after 24 h of 36 °C heat stress. In conclusion, the expression of PoMYB12 and PoMYB20 supports the mycelium's response to heat stress and enhances the growth and development of P. ostreatus, whereas PoMYB15 produces the opposite effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various plant species contain terpene secondary metabolites, which disrupt insect growth and development by affecting the activity of juvenile hormone-degrading enzymes, and the juvenile hormone (JH) titers maintained in insects. Nerolidol, a natural sesquiterpenol belonging to the terpenoid group, exhibits structural similarities to insect JHs. However, the impact of nerolidol on insect growth and development, as well as its underlying molecular mechanism, remains unclear. Here, the effects of nerolidol on Spodoptera exigua were investigated under treatment at various sub-lethal doses (4.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.25 mg/mL). We found that a higher dose (4.0 mg/mL) of nerolidol significantly impaired the normal growth, development, and population reproduction of S. exigua, although a relatively lower dose (0.25 mg/mL) of nerolidol had no significant effect on this growth and development. Combined transcriptome sequencing and gene family analysis further revealed that four juvenile hormone esterase (JHE)-family genes that are involved in juvenile hormone degradation were significantly altered in S. exigua larvae after nerolidol treatment (4.0 mg/mL). Interestingly, the juvenile hormone esterase-like (JHEL) gene Sexi006721, a critical element responsive to nerolidol stress, was closely linked with the significant augmentation of JHE activity and JH titer in S. exigua (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.01). Taken together, we speculate that nerolidol can function as an analog of JH by modulating the expression of the enzyme genes responsible for degrading JH, resulting in JH disorders and ultimately disrupting the development of insect larvae. This study ultimately provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable control of S. exigua in the field whilst proposing a new perspective for the development of novel biological pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores, and offers recommendations to address, the factors impeding small business development in the City of Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), Gauteng Province, South Africa. It also examines small business development in the broader context of South Africa and other emerging economies. The research adopted a qualitative case study approach based on a systematic analysis of documents concerning governance and small business development in Tshwane. Obstacles for small businesses identified in this study include red tape and regulatory failure, inadequate infrastructure and support services, supply chain management challenges and a lack of markets, as well as inadequate vocational, educational and skills training opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The City of Tshwane needs to foster synergies between small businesses and the market to sustain growth and development. Its Integrated Development Plan should incorporate targeted measures to support competitive emerging businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to create a novel machine learning (ML) algorithm for predicting the post-pubertal mandibular length and Y-axis in females. Cephalometric data from 176 females with Angle Class I occlusion were used to train and test seven ML algorithms. For all ML methods tested, the mean absolute errors (MAEs) for the 2-year prediction ranged from 2.78 to 5.40 mm and 0.88 to 1.48 degrees, respectively. For the 4-year prediction, MAEs of mandibular length and Y-axis ranged from 3.21 to 4.00 mm and 1.19 to 5.12 degrees, respectively. The most predictive factors for post-pubertal mandibular length were mandibular length at previous timepoints, age, sagittal positions of the maxillary and mandibular skeletal bases, mandibular plane angle, and anterior and posterior face heights. The most predictive factors for post-pubertal Y-axis were Y-axis at previous timepoints, mandibular plane angle, and sagittal positions of the maxillary and mandibular skeletal bases. ML methods were identified as capable of predicting mandibular length within 3 mm and Y-axis within 1 degree. Compared to each other, all of the ML algorithms were similarly accurate, with the exception of multilayer perceptron regressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project aims to improve the wheat growth and development simulation model (WheatSM) V4.0, a renowned wheat model, by addressing limitations in its structure and modules. The WheatSM V4.0 excelled numerically but lacked modularity, hindering maintenance, improvement, and secondary development. Therefore, the project undertook a software framework redesign, adopting a modular approach and implementing WheatSM V5.0 entirely in Python. Furthermore, the project conducted a sensitivity analysis of model parameters. Additionally, WheatSM V5.0 was seamlessly integrated into AgroStudio, an agricultural model system integration platform, enabling the provision of online cloud services. The Morris analysis indicated that photoperiod parameters significantly impacted the jointing and mature stages. Furthermore, biomass was highly sensitive to pmax (the maximum photosynthetic intensity at light saturation point), while yield was influenced by tr1 (the transfer rate of photosynthate to grain before heading). The simulated results demonstrated favorable performance in soil water storage, soil nitrate nitrogen content, winter wheat nitrogen accumulation, the development period, biomass, and yield. The NRMSE ranged from 1.2% to 15.1% for calibration and 1.0% to 18.7% for validation. The project successfully transformed WheatSM into a cloud-based service on AgroStudio, migrating from a PC-based application. Generally, this enhanced model exhibits potential for climate change assessment, wheat production optimization, and digital design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic fertilizers could be useful for agricultural sustainability. Therefore, this study explored green cultivation techniques to improve the grain yield of oilseed flax in dry areas of the Loess Plateau of China. With no fertilization (CK) as the control, the effects of sheep manure (S1: 12.5 t ha−1; S2: 25 t ha−1), poultry manure (C1: 5.8 t ha−1; C2: 11.6 t ha−1), and chemical fertilizers (F1: N 112 kg ha−1, P 75 kg ha−1, K 67.5 kg ha−1; F2: N 225 kg ha−1, P 150 kg ha−1, K 135 kg ha−1) on the growth and development, the grain filling characteristics, and the yield of the Zhangya 2 oilseed flax (Linum usitatisimum L.) variety were compared and analyzed based on a two-factor split plot experiment. The results showed that the application of manure significantly increased the emergence rate (ER) of oilseed flax. Poultry manure increased plant height while sheep manure increased stem diameter. The dry matter production was higher in the 25 t ha−1 sheep manure treatment by 2.47–40.11% compared with that of the other treatments, and it promoted the distribution ratio of dry matter to grains after anthesis. The observed relationship was in accordance with that presented by the logistic equation between grain weight and days after anthesis, and there were significant positive correlations between the 1000-grain weight and the average filling rate (V-ave), the maximum filling rate (V-max), and the growth at the maximum filling rate (W-max). The application of organic manure accelerated the grain filling rate (GFR); under the treatment with 25 t ha−1 sheep manure, V-ave, V-max, and W-max increased by 4.84–22.72%, 1.16–17.54%, and 4.58–22.63%, respectively, and the grain yield and the net income per unit area increased by 6.35–39.25% and 3.04–95.07%, respectively, compared with those under the other treatments. Consequently, the treatment with 25 t ha−1 sheep manure can significantly promote the growth and development of oilseed flax plants, optimize the grain filling characteristics, and increase the grain yield and net income, making it a suitable fertilization technique for oilseed flax in dry areas of the Loess Plateau of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Significant challenges remain in the early identification of child developmental disabilities in the community. Implementing supports and services early in the life course has been shown to promote positive developmental outcomes for children at high likelihood of developmental disabilities, including autism. As part of a cluster randomised controlled trial, this study seeks to examine and compare the perspectives and experiences of Australian general practitioners (GPs) in relation to a digital developmental surveillance program for autism and usual care pathway, in general practice clinics. Methods: A qualitative research methodology with semi-structured interviews and thematic inductive analysis underpinned by grounded theory was utilised. All GPs from South Western Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (Victoria) who participated in the main program ("GP Surveillance for Autism") were invited to the interview. GPs who provided consent were interviewed either over online or in-person meeting. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using NVivo12 software. Inductive interpretive approach was adopted and data were analysed thematically. Results: Twenty-three GPs across the two sites (NSW: n = 11; Victoria: n = 12) agreed to be interviewed; data saturation had reached following this number of participants. Inductive thematic coding and analysis yielded eight major themes and highlighted common enablers such as the role of GPs in early identification and subsequent supports, enhanced communication between clinicians/professionals, relationship-building with patients, and having standardised screening tools. Specific facilitators to the feasibility and acceptability of a digital screening program for the early identification of developmental disabilities, including the early signs of autism, and encouraging research and education for GPs. However, several practical and socioeconomic barriers were identified, in addition to limited knowledge and uptake of child developmental screening tools as well as COVID-19 lockdown impacts. Common and specific recommendations involve supporting GPs in developmental/paediatrics training, streamlined screening process, and funding and resources in the primary healthcare services. Conclusions: The study highlighted the need for practice and policy changes, including further training of GPs alongside sufficient time to complete developmental checks and appropriate financial remuneration through a Medicare billing item. Further research is needed on implementation and scale up of a national surveillance program for early identification of developmental disabilities, including autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free play in kindergarten can be roughly divided into fine and gross motor activities, but the effects of these activities on improving handgrip strength are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to compare one-year changes in handgrip strength and forearm flexor muscle size in children separated by preferred play in a kindergarten. One hundred and eleven children were recruited from a local kindergarten. They underwent handgrip strength and forearm muscle thickness measurements, and 95 (49 boys and 46 girls) underwent a second measurement one year after the first measurement. Class teachers assessed the physical activity of everyone in their class after the second measurement. Using three evaluation scores by the class teachers, we divided children into three groups based on the children's preference to play in kindergarten (fine movement vs. gross motor movement). Handgrip strength did not change differently between groups across one year. However, children who liked active playing outside (i.e., gross motor activity) were stronger than others. Furthermore, children who like playing outside observed greater changes than the other groups in the ulna (right hand) and radius muscle thickness (left hand), suggesting that changes in forearm muscle size might be incongruent with changes in handgrip strength among the three activity groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TATA box‐binding protein (TBP)‐associated factor 14 (Taf14), a transcription‐associated factor containing a conserved YEATS domain and an extra‐terminal (ET) domain, is a multifunctional protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the role of Taf14 in filamentous phytopathogenic fungi is not well understood. In this study, the homologue of ScTaf14 in Botrytis cinerea (named BcTaf14), a destructive phytopathogen causing grey mould, was investigated. The BcTaf14 deletion strain (ΔBcTaf14) showed pleiotropic defects, including slow growth, abnormal colony morphology, reduced conidiation, abnormal conidial morphology, reduced virulence, and altered responses to various stresses. The ΔBcTaf14 strain also exhibited differential expression of numerous genes compared to the wild‐type strain. BcTaf14 could interact with the crotonylated H3K9 peptide, and mutation of two key sites (G80 and W81) in the YEATS domain disrupted this interaction. The mutation of G80 and W81 affected the regulatory effect of BcTaf14 on mycelial growth and virulence but did not affect the production and morphology of conidia. The absence of the ET domain at the C‐terminus rendered BcTaf14 unable to localize to the nucleus, and the defects of ΔBcTaf14 were not recovered to wild‐type levels when BcTaf14 without the ET domain was expressed. Our results provide insight into the regulatory roles of BcTaf14 and its two conserved domains in B. cinerea and will be helpful for understanding the function of the Taf14 protein in plant‐pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root architecture development, an agronomic trait that influences crop yield, is regulated by multiple plant hormones. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a stress hormone that responds to multiple stresses, including salt, drought, and cold stress, and modulates various aspects of plant growth and development. In recent years, it has been found that ABA synthesized under mild stress or well-watered conditions can support plant growth and stress resistance by positively regulating root architecture development. In this review, we summarize the molecular, cellular, and organismal basis of ABA homeostasis in the root and how ABA signaling affects root architecture development both as an inhibitor and as an activator. We discuss the implications of these studies and the potential for exploiting the components of ABA signaling in designing crop plants with improved root system development and stress resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastication is a fundamental function critical for human health. Controlled by the central nervous system (CNS), it influences CNS development and function. A poor masticatory performance causes cognitive dysfunction in both older adults and children. Improving mastication may prevent cognitive decline. However, no study has determined the period of masticatory dysfunction that impairs children's later acquisition of cognitive function. Herein, we developed an animal model wherein a soft diet was switched to a normal diet at early and late time points in young mice. We aimed to investigate the impact of restored mastication on learning and memory function. Behavioral studies were conducted to evaluate learning and memory. Micro-CT was used to evaluate orofacial structural differences, while histological and biochemical approaches were employed to assess differences in the hippocampal morphology and function. Correction to a hard-textured diet before adolescence restored mastication and cognitive function through the stimulation of neurogenesis, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element-binding protein pathway, and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tyrosine receptor B. In contrast, post-adolescent diet normalization failed to rescue full mastication and led to impaired cognitive function, neuronal loss, and decreased hippocampal neurogenesis. These findings revealed a functional linkage between the masticatory and cognitive function in mice during the juvenile to adolescent period, highlighting the need for adequate food texture and early intervention for mastication-related cognitive impairment in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

erg4 is a key gene for ergosterol biosynthesis in filamentous fungi, but its function in Penicillium expansum remains unknown. Our results showed that P. expansum contains three erg4 genes, including erg4A, erg4B and erg4C. The expression levels of the three genes showed differences in the wild-type (WT) strain, and the expression level of erg4B was the highest, followed by erg4C. Deletion of erg4A, erg4B or erg4C in the WT strain revealed functional redundancy between them. Compared to the WT strain, erg4A, erg4B or erg4C knockout mutants reduced ergosterol levels, with erg4B deletion having the greatest effect. Furthermore, deletion of the three genes reduced sporulation of the strain, and Δerg4B and Δerg4C mutants showed defective spore morphology. In addition, Δerg4B and Δerg4C mutants were found to be more sensitive to cell wall integrity and oxidative stress. However, deletion of erg4A, erg4B or erg4C had no significant effect on colony diameter, spore germination rate, conidiophore structure of P. expansum or pathogenicity to apple fruit. Taken together, erg4A, erg4B and erg4C have redundant functions and are all involved in ergosterol synthesis and sporulation in P. expansum. In addition, erg4B and erg4C contribute to spore morphogenesis, cell wall integrity and response to oxidative stress in P. expansum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ashidan yak is a new breed of hornless yak developed by Chinese scientists, which has an important economic value. However, little is known about the growth of Ashidan yaks. This study analyzed the body weight and body size measurements of 260 female Ashdan yaks and compared the performance of five nonlinear models (Logistic model, Gompertz model, Brody model, von Bertalanffy model and Richards model). Our results showed that the early growth and development of Ashidan yak change with the seasons, and the Richards model performs better among the five models. Understanding animal growth plays an important role in improving animal genetics and breeding. In order to explore the early growth and development law of Ashidan yak, the body weight (BW), wither height (WH), body oblique length (BL) and chest girth (CG) of 260 female Ashidan yaks were measured. These individuals grew under grazing conditions, and growth traits were measured at 6, 12, 18 and 30 months of age. Then the absolute growth and relative growth of Ashidan yak were calculated, and five nonlinear models (Logistic model, Gompertz model, Brody model, von Bertalanffy model and Richards model) were used to fit the growth curve of Ashidan yak. The fitting effect of the model was evaluated according to MSE, AIC and BIC. The results showed that the growth rate of Ashidan yak was the fastest from 12 to 18 months old, and the growth was slow or even stagnant from 6 to 12 months old. The AIC and BIC values of the Richards model were the lowest among the five models, with an AIC value of 4543.98 and a BIC value of 4563.19. The Richards model estimated body weight at 155.642 kg. In summary, the growth rate of female Ashidan yak changes with the seasons, growing faster in warm seasons and slower in cold seasons. Richards model is the best model to describe the growth curve of female Ashidan yak in five nonlinear models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to predict the post-pubertal mandibular length and Y axis of growth in males by using various machine learning (ML) techniques. Cephalometric data obtained from 163 males with Class I Angle malocclusion, were used to train various ML algorithms. Analysis of variances (ANOVA) was used to compare the differences between predicted and actual measurements among methods and between time points. All the algorithms revealed an accuracy range from 95.80% to 97.64% while predicting post-pubertal mandibular length. When predicting the Y axis of growth, accuracies ranged from 96.60% to 98.34%. There was no significant interaction between methods and time points used for predicting the mandibular length (p = 0.235) and Y axis of growth (p = 0.549). All tested ML algorithms accurately predicted the post-pubertal mandibular length and Y axis of growth. The best predictors for the mandibular length were mandibular and maxillary lengths, and lower face height, while they were Y axis of growth, lower face height, and mandibular plane angle for the post-pubertal Y axis of growth. No significant difference was found among the accuracies of the techniques, except the least squares method had a significantly larger error than all others in predicting the Y axis of growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Intermaxillary elastics, anchored skeletally, represent a promising concept for treatment in adolescent patients with skeletal Class III anomalies. A challenge in existing concepts is the survival rate of the miniscrews in the mandible or the invasiveness of the bone anchors. A novel concept, the mandibular interradicular anchor (MIRA) appliance, for improving skeletal anchorage in the mandible, will be presented and discussed. Clinical case: In a ten-year-old female patient with a moderate skeletal Class III, the novel MIRA concept, combined with maxillary protraction, was applied. This involved the use of a CAD/CAM-fabricated indirect skeletal anchorage appliance in the mandible, with interradicularly placed miniscrews distal to each canine (MIRA appliance), and a hybrid hyrax in the maxilla with paramedian placed miniscrews. The modified alt-RAMEC protocol involved an intermittent weekly activation for five weeks. Class III elastics were worn for a period of seven months. This was followed by alignment with a multi-bracket appliance. Discussion: The cephalometric analysis before and after therapy shows an improvement of the Wits value (+3.8 mm), SNA (+5°), and ANB (+3°). Dentally, a transversal postdevelopment in the maxilla (+4 mm) and a labial tip of the maxillary (+3.4°) and mandibular anterior teeth (+4.7°) with gap formation is observed. Conclusion: The MIRA appliance represents a less invasive and esthetic alternative to the existing concepts, especially with two miniscrews in the mandible per side. In addition, MIRA can be selected for complex orthodontic tasks, such as molar uprighting and mesialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the background of long-term climate change, quantifying the response of maize growth and development to climate change during critical growth stages will contribute to future decision-making in maize production. However, there have been few reports on the impact of climate change on maize dry matter accumulation and yield formation using long-term field trial data. In this study, field trial data from 13 agricultural meteorological stations in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 1981 to 2017 were analyzed using partial correlation analysis and multiple regression models to investigate the effects of climate change on maize growth and yield. The results showed that the average temperature (Tavg) and accumulated effective precipitation (EP) during the maize growing season increased while the accumulated solar radiation (SRD) decreased from 1981 to 2017. During the seedling stage (GS1, VE-V8) and ear development stage (GS2, V8-R1), Tavg increased by 0.34 °C and 0.36 °C/decade, respectively, and EP increased by 1.83 mm and 3.35 mm/decade, respectively. The significant increase in Tavg during GS1 was the main reason for the inhibitory effect of climate change on maize growth, development, and biomass accumulation. However, the increase in SRD during the grain formation stage (GS3, R1–R3) and grain filling stage (GS4, R3–R6) was favorable for yield formation, increasing the grain number per ear (GN) and grain weight (GW) by 5.00% and 2.84%, respectively. SRD significantly increased after the silk stage, partially offsetting the adverse effects of temperature on maize yield formation, but the final result was a 0.18% and 0.94% reduction in maize plant dry weight (TDW) and grain yield (GY), respectively, due to the combined effects of the three climate factors. Spatially, climate change mainly had a negative impact on maize in the eastern and western parts of the central region of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, with a maximum GY reduction of up to 34.06%. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for future decision-making in maize production against the background of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber is a warm climate vegetable that is sensitive to chilling reactions. Chilling can occur at any period of cucumber growth and development and seriously affects the yield and quality of cucumber. Hydrogen (H2) is a type of antioxidant that plays a critical role in plant development and the response to stress. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is the main way to use exogenous hydrogen. This study explored the role and mechanism of HRW in the cucumber defense response to chilling stress. The research results showed that applying 50% saturated HRW to the roots of cucumber seedlings relieved the damage caused by chilling stress. The growth and development indicators, such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, dry weight, fresh weight, and root length, increased under the HRW treatment. Photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll content, and Fv/Fm also improved and reduced energy dissipation. In addition, after HRW treatment, the REC and MDA content were decreased, and membrane lipid damage was reduced. NBT and DAB staining results showed that the color was lighter, and the area was smaller under HRW treatment. Additionally, the contents of O2− and H2O2 also decreased. Under chilling stress, the application of HRW increased the activity of the antioxidases SOD, CAT, POD, GR, and APX and improved the expression of the SOD, CAT, POD, GR, and APX antioxidase genes. The GSSG content was reduced, and the GSH content was increased. In addition, the ASA content also increased. Therefore, exogenous HRW is an effective measure for cucumber to respond to chilling stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After being discovered over a century ago, insulin was long considered to be a hormone exclusively produced by the pancreas. Insulin presence was later discovered in the brain, which was originally accounted for by its transport across the blood-brain barrier. Considering that both insulin mRNA and insulin were detected in the central nervous system (CNS), it is now known that this hormone is also synthesized in several brain regions, including the hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebral and cerebellar cortex, and olfactory bulb. Although many roles of insulin in the CNS have been described, it was initially unknown which of them could be attributed to brain-derived and which to pancreatic insulin or whether their actions in the brain overlap. However, more and more studies have been emerging lately, focusing solely on the roles of brain-derived insulin. The aim of this review was to present the latest findings on the roles of brain-derived insulin, including neuroprotection, control of growth hormone secretion, and regulation of appetite and neuronal glucose uptake. Lastly, the impairment of signaling initiated by brain-derived insulin was addressed in regard to memory decline in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moso bamboo is a rapidly growing species with significant economic, social, and cultural value. Transplanting moso bamboo container seedlings for afforestation has become a cost-effective method. The growth and development of the seedlings is greatly affected by the quality of light, including light morphogenesis, photosynthesis, and secondary metabolite production. Therefore, studies on the effects of specific light wavelengths on the physiology and proteome of moso bamboo seedlings are crucial. In this study, moso bamboo seedlings were germinated in darkness and then exposed to blue and red light conditions for 14 days. The effects of these light treatments on seedling growth and development were observed and compared through proteomics analysis. Results showed that moso bamboo has higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency under blue light, while it displays longer internode and root length, more dry weight, and higher cellulose content under red light. Proteomics analysis reveals that these changes under red light are likely caused by the increased content of cellulase CSEA, specifically expressed cell wall synthetic proteins, and up-regulated auxin transporter ABCB19 in red light. Additionally, blue light is found to promote the expression of proteins constituting photosystem II, such as PsbP and PsbQ, more than red light. These findings provide new insights into the growth and development of moso bamboo seedlings regulated by different light qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounting evidence in the literature indicates an important role of endogenous and exogenous melatonin in driving physiological and molecular adaptations in livestock. Melatonin has been extensively studied in seasonally polyestrous animals whereby supplementation studies have been used to adjust circannual rhythms in herds of animals under abnormal photoperiodic conditions. Livestock undergo multiple metabolic and physiological adaptation processes throughout their production cycle which can result in decreased immune response leading to chronic illness, weight loss, or decreased production efficiency; however, melatonin's antioxidant capacity and immunostimulatory properties could alleviate these effects. The cardiovascular system responds to melatonin and depending on receptor type and localization, melatonin can vasodilate or vasoconstrict several systemic arteries, thereby controlling whole animal nutrient partitioning via vascular resistance. Increased incidences of non-communicable diseases in populations exposed to circadian disruption have uncovered novel pathways of neurohormones, such as melatonin, influence health, and disease. Perturbations in immune function can negatively impact the growth and development of livestock which has been examined following melatonin supplementation. Specifically, melatonin can influence nutrient uptake, circulating nutrient profiles, and endocrine profiles controlling economically important livestock growth and development. This review focuses on the physiological, cellular, and molecular implications of melatonin on the health and disease of domesticated food animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fatty acids play essential roles in insect growth and development. The key fatty acid synthesis reaction is catalyzed by fatty acid synthase (FAS). As a cofactor of fatty acid synthesis, however, little is known about the functions of acyl carrier protein (ACP) in insects and how it modulates the composition of fatty acids. We isolated an ACP from the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) and investigated the expression patterns as well as functions in fatty acid synthesis and growth of insects. HiACP has a classical conserved region of DSLD. Based on the RNAi approach, we found that HiACP could regulate the fatty acid synthesis, in particular, reducing the composition of saturated fatty acids. Meanwhile, HiACP could also affect the growth and mortality of H. illucens. Acyl carrier protein (ACP) is an acyl carrier in fatty acid synthesis and is an important cofactor of fatty acid synthetase. Little is known about ACP in insects and how this protein may modulate the composition and storage of fatty acids. We used an RNAi-assisted strategy to study the potential function of ACP in Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). We identified a HiACP gene with a cDNA length of 501 bp and a classical conserved region of DSLD. This gene was highly expressed in the egg and late larval instars and was most abundant in the midgut and fat bodies of larvae. Injection of dsACP significantly inhibited the expression level of HiACP and further regulated the fatty acid synthesis in treated H. illucens larvae. The composition of saturated fatty acids was reduced, and the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) was increased. After interfering with HiACP, the cumulative mortality of H. illucens increased to 68.00% (p < 0.05). H. illucens growth was greatly influenced. The development duration increased to 5.5 days, the average final body weights of larvae and pupae were decreased by 44.85 mg and 14.59 mg, respectively, and the average body lengths of larvae and pupae were significantly shortened by 3.09 mm and 3.82 mm, respectively. The adult eclosion rate and the oviposition of adult females were also severely influenced. These results demonstrated that HiACP regulates fatty acid content and influences multiple biological processes of H. illucens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The medical complications of eating disorders are often approached through an age-neutral lens. However, children and young adolescents may have unique medical complications related to the energy needs and timing of growth and development. Providers caring for patients in this vulnerable age range should understand how to identify, approach, and manage these potential age-related complications. Review: Evidence continues to accumulate that increasingly younger patients are being diagnosed with eating disorders. These children and young adolescents have significant risk for unique and potentially irreversible medical complications. Without early identification and treatment, restrictive eating disorders may negatively impact linear growth, bone development and brain maturation in children and young adolescents. Additionally, due to the energy needs of growth and development, unique considerations exist for the use of acute medical stabilization and the identification of patients at risk for refeeding syndrome with initial nutritional rehabilitation. This review presents an approach to the evaluation and management of children and young adolescents with eating disorders. Conclusion: Children and young adolescents with restrictive eating disorders may have unique medical complications related to the energy needs and timing of linear growth and pubertal development. Significant risk exists for irreversible medical complications of impaired growth, bone, and brain health. Increased awareness of the energy needs for growth and development may improve early recognition, appropriate intervention, and future outcomes for children and young adolescents with restrictive eating disorders. Plain English summary: Eating disorders are affecting increasingly younger patients, with ages of onset that now include children and young adolescents. This brings new risk, as children and young adolescents with eating disorders may develop unique medical complications related to the energy needs for the growth that should occur during this developmental stage. Inadequate energy intake during eating disorders in children and young adolescents can have long-term consequences including negative impacts on final height and bone and brain health. Children and young adolescents with eating disorders may present to care with acute concerns that require medical hospitalization and significant support to begin feeding again safely. Providers caring for children and young adolescents with eating disorders should be familiar with these unique complications and understand critical factors in the initial assessment, medical stabilization, and nutritional rehabilitation of children. The clock is ticking, and the goal of care of children and young adolescents with restrictive eating disorders should be to safely restore normal growth and puberty as quickly as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Sulawesi Provincial Government, through the health Office, stated that South Sulawesi currently has a fairly high infant mortality rate. From January to September 2018, a total of 870 infants died. According to these data, the highest mortality rate was recorded in Bone District. High maternal and neonatal mortality rates have a major impact on families and communities. Therefore, it is highly expected that women's participation as housewives will directly determine the survival of their infants. This study aims to determine the effect of child survival strategies (CSS) on the growth and development of infants of employed and unemployed mothers aged 0-6 months. It is an observational study with a case-control design. This study involved employed and unemployed mothers who had infants aged 0-6 months. The sample was determined by the simple random sampling method in the case and control groups. The Data was collected through interviews using a questionnaire and then analyzed statistically. This study is expected to provide input for the Indonesian Government (Health Office) as a consideration in formulating policies to reduce infant mortality rates, especially in South Sulawesi. The results indicated a significant correlation between mothers' occupations and their infants' fine motor skill development category (p < 0.05 or = 0.033). The anthropometry of infants of employed and unemployed mothers indicated no significant differences, both in terms of age, body weight, and body length (with p > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between mothers' occupations and their infants' fine motor skill development category. The infants of employed mothers tend to have good fine motor skill development than those of unemployed mothers. The percentage of growth and development of other infants that fall into the good category was found to be higher in employed mothers than in unemployed mothers, although it was not statistically significant. Employed mothers have better CSS than unemployed mothers, although it is not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a major concern to people all over the world. Most studies have considered singular or dual effects of climate change implications on plant growth and development; however, the combination of multiple factors has received little attention. We therefore studied the single and combined effects of two environmental stress factors (high temperature and water stresses) and abscisic acid on tomato seedlings (Solanum lycoperscum L.). Plants were grown in controlled environment growth chambers under two temperatures (22/18 °C or 28/24 °C; 16 h light/8 h dark), two watering regimes (well-watered or water-stressed), and two abscisic acid treatments (0 and 100 µL of 1mM abscisic acid solution, every other day). Plants were placed under experimental conditions for a total of 33 days, including a 13-day period of initial growth and hardening. Morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters were measured to assess the growth and development of plants in response to the three factors. ANOVA and Scheffé's multiple-comparison procedures were used to establish significant differences among treatments and among the three factors being manipulated. All three factors decreased plant height and growth rate. Dry mass accumulation was negatively affected by high temperatures. Transpiration, stomatal conductance, and gas exchange parameters were negatively affected by all three factors; additionally, net carbon dioxide assimilation was reduced by water stress and abscisic acid application. Non-photochemical quenching was decreased in plants grown under higher temperature and in abscisic acid-treated plants. Though it was not significant, abscisic acid appears to mitigate the negative effect of higher temperature and water stress on the nitrogen balance index and total chlorophyll content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The YABBY gene family plays an important role in plant growth and development, such as response to abiotic stress and lateral organ development. YABBY TFs are well studied in numerous plant species, but no study has performed a genome-wide investigation of the YABBY gene family in Melastoma dodecandrum. Therefore, a genome-wide comparative analysis of the YABBY gene family was performed to study their sequence structures, cis-acting elements, phylogenetics, expression, chromosome locations, collinearity analysis, protein interaction, and subcellular localization analysis. A total of nine YABBY genes were found, and they were further divided into four subgroups based on the phylogenetic tree. The genes in the same clade of phylogenetic tree had the same structure. The cis-element analysis showed that MdYABBY genes were involved in various biological processes, such as cell cycle regulation, meristem expression, responses to low temperature, and hormone signaling. MdYABBYs were unevenly distributed on chromosomes. The transcriptomic data and real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) expression pattern analyses showed that MdYABBY genes were involved in organ development and differentiation of M. dodecandrum, and some MdYABBYs in the subfamily may have function differentiation. The RT-qPCR analysis showed high expression of flower bud and medium flower. Moreover, all MdYABBYs were localized in the nucleus. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the functional analysis of YABBY genes in M. dodecandrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low Phosphate Root (LPR) encodes a protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cell wall. This gene plays a key role in responding to phosphate (Pi) deprivation, especially in remodeling the root system architecture (RSA). An identification and expression analysis of the OsLPR family in rice (Oryza sativa) has been previously reported, and OsLPR5, functioning in Pi uptake and translocation, is required for the normal growth and development of rice. However, the role of OsLPR3, one of the five members of this family in rice, in response to Pi deficiency and/or in the regulation of plant growth and development is unknown. Therefore, in this study, the roles of OsLPR3 in these processes were investigated, and some functions were found to differ between OsLPR3 and OsLPR5. OsLPR3 was found to be induced in the leaf blades, leaf sheaths, and roots under Pi deprivation. OsLPR3 overexpression strongly inhibited the growth and development of the rice but did not affect the Pi homeostasis of the plant. However, oslpr3 mutants improved RSA and Pi utilization, and they exhibited a higher tolerance to low Pi stress in rice. The agronomic traits of the oslpr3 mutants, such as 1000-grain weight and seed length, were stimulated under Pi-sufficient conditions, indicating that OsLPR3 plays roles different from those of OsLPR5 during plant growth and development, as well as in the maintenance of the Pi status of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between skeletal sagittal nasal profile morphology and sagittal skeletal malocclusions. Regarding lateral cephalometric films, the study was conducted in a total of 135 individuals without any prior orthodontic treatment (mean age of 17.91 ± 1.91), including 49 males (mean age 17.91 ± 1.16) and 86 females (mean age 17.78 ± 1.91 years). The groups were divided into two groups as male and female according to gender, and three groups as skeletal Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 according to the Steiner's ANB angle. In addition, skeletal groups were compared within groups by dividing into two groups of male and female. A total of eight parameters, three skeletal sagittal angular (SNA, SNB, and ANB angles), four nasal linear (R-A, N-A, N-ANS, and N-R distances) and one nasal angular (N1-N2/N2-R angle), were measured on each cephalometric film. The arithmetic mean and standard deviation of all measured nasal parameters were calculated. For statistical analysis, independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (One-Way ANOVA) were used for normally distributed data, and Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for data that did not show normal distribution. For statistical analysis, p < 0.05 was considered significant. R-A, N-A, and N-ANS linear nasal parameters differed significantly between the male and female groups, which were evaluated regardless of the skeletal groups, with a higher rate in males (p < 0.05). N-R linear nasal parameter showed a statistically significant difference between skeletal malocclusion groups, which were evaluated regardless of gender. N-R distance was found to be significantly longer in skeletal Class 3 individuals than in Class 1 and 2 individuals (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in nasal bone concavity angle in all groups (p > 0.05). R-A and N-A linear nasal parameters showed statistically significant differences between male and female sex groups in all skeletal malocclusion classes (p < 0.05). At first, results showed that males had longer measurements than females in all linear nasal parameters. Second, longer measurements were found in all linear nasal parameters in skeletal Class 3 individuals than those in skeletal Class 1 and Class 2 individuals. Third, the nasal bone concavity angle was greater in skeletal Class 2 individuals than the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicoverpa armigera is a polyphagous destructive lepidopteran pest with strong Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) resistance. Cholesterol, a vital component for insect growth, can only be obtained from food, and its transfer and metabolism are regulated by sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2). This study examined whether H. armigera SCP-2 (HaSCP-2) gene expression, involved in cholesterol absorption, can be silenced by nanocarrier fluorescent nanoparticle-RNA interference (FNP-RNAi) by larval feeding and whether the silencing affected H. armigera development. Fluorescence microscopy showed that nanoparticle-siRNA was distributed in Ha cells and the larval midgut. FNP-HaSCP-2 siRNA suppressed HaSCP-2 expression by 52.5% in H.armigera Ha cells. FNP can effectively help deliver siRNA into cells, protect siRNA, and is not affected by serum. FNP-siRNA in vivo biological assays showed that HaSCP-2 transcript levels were inhibited by 70.19%, 68.16%, and 67.66% in 3rd, 4th, and 5th instar larvae, leading to a decrease in the cholesterol level in the larval and prepupal fatbodies. The pupation rate and adult emergence were reduced to 26.0% and 56.52%, respectively. This study demonstrated that FNP could deliver siRNA to cells and improve siRNA knockdown efficiency. HaSCP-2 knockdown by FNP-siRNA in vivo hindered H. armigera growth and development. FNP could enhance RNAi efficiency to achieve pest control by SCP-2-targeted FNP-RNAi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth-regulating factor (GRF) is a kind of transcription factor unique to plants, playing an important role in the flowering regulation, growth, and development of plants. Melastoma dodecandrum is an important member of Melastomataceae, with ornamental, medicinal, and edible benefits. The identification of the GRF gene family in M. dodecandrum can help to improve their character of flavor and continuous flowering. The members of the GRF gene family were identified from the M. dodecandrum genome, and their bioinformatics, selective pressure, and expression patterns were analyzed. The results showed that there were 20 GRF genes in M. dodecandrum. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the 71 GRF genes from M. dodecandrum, Arabidopsis thaliana, Camellia sinensis, and Oryza sativa can be divided into three clades and six subclades. The 20 GRF genes of M. dodecandrum were distributed in twelve chromosomes and one contig. Furthermore, the gene structure and motif analysis showed that the intron and motif within each clade were very similar, but there were great differences among different clades. The promoter contained cis-acting elements related to hormone induction, stress, and growth and development. Different transcriptomic expression of MdGRFs indicated that MdGRFs may be involved in regulating the growth and development of M. dodecandrum. The results laid a foundation for further study on the function and molecular mechanism of the M. dodecandrum GRF gene family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the effect of individualised nutritional intervention on the postpartum nutritional status of patients with the growth and development of their offspring. This study included pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at Hangzhou Women's Hospital in 2019. At 42 days after childbirth, the HbA1c (95% CI: 0.44-0.56%, p < 0.001), the FPG (95% CI: 0.01–0.26 mmol/L, p < 0.05), 2HPG (95% CI: −0.01–0.73 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and TCH (95% CI: −0.34–0.00 mmol/L, p < 0.05) level of the control group were 0.14, 0.36, and 0.17 mmol/L higher than in the intervention group. There were no differences in TG and HGB between the two groups (all p > 0.05). There were significant differences in the number of macrosomia and neonatal weight between the two groups (both p < 0.05). Differences in WHZ after childbirth were not statistically significant between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Individualised nutritional intervention could improve blood glucose levels 42 days after childbirth and reduce macrosomia incidence in pregnant women with GDM. What is already known on this subject? Individualised nutrition intervention can improve blood glucose status and complications during pregnancy, thus improving pregnancy outcomes. What the results of this study add? Individual nutrition intervention improved the blood glucose and nutritional status of patients at 42 days postpartum, but there was no difference in the growth and development indicators of their offspring at 0–24 months. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Improve nutritional intervention programs for gestational diabetes, improve blood glucose during pregnancy and postpartum, to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the occurrence of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases; Extend the monitoring range of the growth and development of the offspring of gestational diabetes, find the problems and timely carry out the nutritional intervention, to improve the development of the offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]