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Nitrogen accelerates salt accumulation in the root zone of an euhalophyte, which might be beneficial for inhibiting the salt damage and interspecific competition for nutrients of non-halophytes in intercropping. However, the variations in the effect of euhalophyte/non-halophyte intercropping with nitrogen supply are poorly understood. Here, we selected the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa (suaeda) and non-halophyte Zea mays L. (maize) as the research objects, setting up three cropping patterns in order to explore the influence of nitrogen application on the intercropping effect in the suaeda/maize intercropping. The results showed that the biomass of maize in the intercropping was significantly lower than that in the monoculture, while for suaeda, it was higher in the intercropping than that in the monoculture. The biomass of maize under NO3−-N treatment performed significantly higher than that under no nitrogen treatment. Moreover, under suitable NO3−-N treatment, more salt ions (Na+, K+) gathered around the roots of suaeda, which weakened the salt damage on maize growth. In the intercropping, the effect of NO3−-N on the maize growth was enhanced when compared with the non-significant effect of NH4+-N, but a positive effect of NH4+-N on suaeda growth was found. Therefore, the disadvantage of maize growth in the intercropping suaeda/maize might be caused by interspecific competition to a certain extent, providing an effective means for the improvement of saline–alkali land by phytoremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) application might exert a great impact on root (biomass, length) distribution, which possibly contributes to ion and nutrient uptakes. Here, we address the effects of N application on these characteristics to detect how N improves its salt tolerance. Suaeda salsa was subjected to four salt levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) and three N treatments ( NO 3 − -N: 0, 0.25, and 0.50 g·kg−1) in soil column experiments. The N applications performed a "dose effect" that significantly enhanced the growth of Suaeda at low salt levels, while negative effects were displayed at high salt levels. Moderate N markedly benefited from Na + and Cl − uptake, which was approximately 111 mg and 146 mg per plant at a salt level of 1.0%. Exposure to a certain N application significantly enhanced topsoil root length at salt levels of 0.5% and 1.0%, and it was higher by 0.766 m and 1.256 m under N50 treatment than that under N0 treatment, whereas the higher salt levels accelerate subsoil root growth regardless of N treatment. Therefore, its interactive effects on root development and ion uptake were present, which would provide further theoretical basis for improving saline soil amelioration by N application. Regression analysis always showed that topsoil root length generated more positive and significant influences on ion uptake and vegetative growth than total root length. The results suggested that N application is beneficial to salt tolerance by altering root allocation so as to raise its elongation and gather more ions for halophyte in the topsoil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halophytes are capable of resisting salinity, and their root system is the part in direct contact with the saline soil environment. The aim of this study was to compare the responses of root morphology and rhizosphere characteristics to salinity between a halophyte, Suaeda salsa (suaeda), and a glycophyte, Beta vulgaris L. (sugar beet). The soil salt content was set to four levels (0.7, 1.2, 1.7, and 2.7%) by NaCl-treated plants. We investigated the soil pH, EC, nutrients and soil, plant ion (Na+, Cl−, K+, and Mg2+) concentration to evaluate the rhizospheric processes, and salt tolerance of suaeda by the root mat method. The highest biomass was in the 1.2% salt level for suaeda and in the 0.7% salt level for sugar beet. The root length and root surface area of suaeda showed similar trends to biomass, but the root diameter decreased by 11.5–17.9% with higher salinity. The Na+, Cl−, and K+ accumulations in the shoot of suaeda displayed higher than that in sugar beet, while the Mg2+ accumulation was lower in suaeda than that in sugar beet. High salinity resulted in increased pH and EC values in the rhizosphere for suaeda, but lower values of these parameters for sugar beet. Under high salinity, the Olsen phosphorus content was 0.50 g·kg−1 and 0.99 g·kg−1 higher in the rhizosphere than in the non-rhizosphere for suaeda and sugar beet. We concluded that the two species [halophyte, Suaeda salsa (suaeda), and a glycophyte, B. vulgaris L. (sugar beet)] showed diverse approaches for nutrient absorption under salinity stress. Suaeda altered its root morphology (smaller root diameter and longer roots) under salt stress to increase the root surface area, while sugar beet activated rhizospheric processes to take up more nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To better understand the role of sensory loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, this study examined cognitive decline in relation to single modality hearing or vision loss and dual sensory loss. DESIGN: Longitudinal secondary data analysis. SETTING: The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and its supplement: The Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 73 and older (N = 295). MEASUREMENTS: Hearing loss was defined by an inability to hear sounds of 25 dB at frequencies between 0.5 and 4.0 kHz in either ear. Vision loss was defined as having corrected binocular vision worse than 20/40. Dual sensory loss was defined as having both hearing and vision loss. We used one time point of hearing and vision data objectively measured in ADAMS Wave C (June 2006–May 2008) and five waves of cognitive function data measured by the HRS version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status in HRS (2006–2014). Multilevel mixed models were used. RESULTS: Among the participants, 271 completed a hearing assessment and 120 had hearing loss; 292 completed a vision assessment and 115 had vision loss; 52 had dual sensory loss. Older adults with hearing loss had a significantly faster rate of cognitive decline as they aged compared to those with normal hearing (β= −0.16, P <.05). No significant association was found between vision loss and the rate of cognitive decline (β= −0.06, P =.41). Older adults who had dual sensory loss likewise had a significantly faster rate of cognitive decline as they age (β = −0.23, P <.05) compared to those with no sensory loss. CONCLUSION: Older adults with hearing loss and dual sensory loss have faster rates of cognitive decline than those with normal sensory function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the value of the application of the Engaging With Aging (EWA) framework to examine the daily living challenges and coping solutions used by community-living older adults amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVES Dry mouth is a common condition among older adults that negatively influences oral health, general health, and quality of life. The role of psychosocial factors in oral health conditions and diseases remains largely unknown. We conducted a study to examine the relationship between perceived stress and dry mouth among US older Chinese adults and further investigated the potential moderating role of social support and social strain from different sources in the relationship. DESIGN Cross‐sectional analysis. SETTING Baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago, a community‐engaged, population‐based longitudinal study of health and well‐being among community‐dwelling US older Chinese adults. PARTICIPANTS Individuals 60 years or older (N = 3157). MEASUREMENTS Perceived stress was measured by the 10‐item Chinese Perceived Stress Scale to evaluate the degree to which life situations were perceived as stressful during the preceding month on a 5‐point scale, ranging from 0 ("never") to 4 ("very often"). Dry mouth was a binary self‐reported outcome variable (1 = "dry mouth"). Social support was measured by the Health and Retirement Study's social support and strain scale from sources including spouse, other family members, and friends with a 3‐point response set, ranging from 0 ("hardly ever") to 2 ("often"). Sociodemographics and disease processes were assessed as covariates. We conducted stepwise logistic regressions with interaction terms. RESULTS: Having higher levels of perceived stress was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of reporting dry mouth (odds ratio = 1.03; 95% confidence interval = 1.02‐1.04). The effect of perceived stress on dry mouth may vary by levels of family and friend support. CONCLUSION: Perceived stress may influence dry mouth either directly or indirectly. To prevent or reduce dry mouth, in addition to disease processes, interventions need to consider psychosocial factors in dry mouth, especially perceived stress and social support, in this growing population. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S551–S556, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to cross-validate a structural model depicting the effects of individual and environmental factors on diabetes self-management in Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of 209 Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes in the Midwest of the United States. Structural equation modeling was used to cross-validate the model fit. Results: Provider–patient communication indirectly influenced self-management via belief in treatment. Knowledge indirectly influenced self-management via belief in treatment and self-efficacy. Social support indirectly influenced self-management via belief in treatment and knowledge. Discussion: This study demonstrated that the structural model, previously tested with Chinese diabetes patients in China, also fits Chinese Americans in the United States with few modifications. The cross-validated model provides a theoretical basis for developing culturally relevant diabetes self-management interventions for Chinese Americans, which may lead to health improvements in this ethnic population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited research is available on the relationship between social support, social strain, and cognitive function among community-dwelling U.S. Chinese older adults. This study aims to examine the associations between social support/strain and cognitive outcomes.Methods: Data were drawn from the Population-Based Study of Chinese Elderly (N = 3,159). Cognitive function was measured by a battery of tests including the East Boston Memory Test, the Digit Span Backwards assessment, and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Social support and strain were measured by the scales drawn from the Health and Retirement study. Multiple regression analyses were conducted.Results: Social support was significantly associated with global cognitive function (β = .11, SE = .02, p < .001), episodic memory (β = .11, SE = .03, p < .001), working memory (β = .18, SE = .08, p < .05), and executive function (β = 1.44, SE = .37, p < .001). Social strain was significantly associated with global cognitive function (β = .23, SE = .05, p < .001), episodic memory (β = .27, SE = .07, p < .001), working memory (β = .34, SE = .17, p < .05), and executive function (β = 2.75, SE = .85, p < .01). In terms of sources of social support/strain, higher support from friends was significantly associated with higher global cognitive function (β = .04, SE = .02, p < .05), higher episodic memory (β = .05, SE = .02, p < .05), and higher executive function (β = .71, SE = .29, p < .05). Higher strain from spouse was significantly associated with higher global cognitive function (β = .10, SE = .03, p < .01), higher episodic memory (β = .11, SE = .04, p < .01), and higher executive function (β = 1.28, SE = .49, p < .01). Higher strain from friends was significantly associated with higher executive function (β = 3.59, SE = 1.17, p < .01).Conclusions: Social support and strain were associated with cognitive outcomes. Future longitudinal studies should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the challenges encountered by older adults with dual sensory loss (DSL). It mentions that Older adults with DSL may has encountered psychological difficulties, such as embarrassment when encountering difficulties communicating. It discusses that caring for older adults with DSL.

Halophytes possess the capacity to uptake high levels of salt through physiological processes and their root architecture. Here, we investigated whether halophyte/non-halophyte intercropping in saline soil benefits plant growth and contains root-dialogue between interspecific species. Field and pot experiments were conducted to determine the plant biomasses and salt and nutrient distributions in three suaeda (Suaeda salsa)/maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping systems, set up by non-barrier, nylon-barrier, and plastic-barrier between plant roots. The suaeda/maize intercropping obviously transferred more Na+ to the suaeda root zone and decreased salt and Na+ contents. However, the biomass of the non-barrier-treated maize was significantly lower than that of the nylon and plastic barrier-treated maize. There was lower available N content in the soil of the non-barrier treated groups compared with the plastic barrier-treated groups. In addition, the pH was lower, and the available nutrient content was higher in the nylon barrier, which suggested that rhizospheric processes might occur between the two species. Therefore, we concluded that the suaeda/maize intercropping would be beneficial to the salt removal, but it caused an adverse effect for maize growth due to interspecific competition, and also revealed potential rhizospheric effects through the role of roots. This study provides an effective way for the improvement of saline land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, long-term discharge data and climate records, such as temperature and precipitation during 1977-2006, have been used to define basin climatic and hydrologic regimes and changes. Discharge analyses at four key gauging stations (Eagle, Stevens Village, Nenana, and Pilot Station) in the Yukon River Basin show that the runoff in the cold season (November to April) is low with small variations, whereas it is high (28 500-177 000 ft3/s; 810-5000 m3/s) with high fluctuations in the warm season (May to October). The Stevens Village Station is in the upper basin and has similar changes with the flow near basin outlet. Flow increases in May (61 074 ft3/s; 1729 m3/s) and September (23 325 ft3/s; 660 m3/s); and decreases in July (35 174 ft3/s; 996 m3/s) and August (6809 ft3/s; 193 m3/s). Discharge in May at the Pilot Station (near the basin outlet) shows a positive trend (177 000 ft3/s; 5010 m3/s). Daily flow analyses show high fluctuation during the warm season and very low flow during the cold season; the 10-year average analyses of daily flow at Pilot Station show a small increase in the peak and its timing shifted to a little earlier date. The annual flow, average of 227 900 ft3/s (6450 m3/s) with high inter-annual fluctuations, has increased by 18 200 ft3/s (or 8%; 520 m3/s) during 1977-2006. From 1977 to 2006, basin air temperature in June has increased by 3.9 °F (2.2 °C) and decreased by 10.5 °F (5.8 °C) in January. A strong and positive correlation exists between air temperature in April and discharge in May, whereas a strong and negative correlation relates August temperature and September discharge. Negative trend during 1977-2006 is observed for precipitation in June (0.6 in.; 15 mm) with a confidence over 93%. Precipitation in August and September has strong and positive correlations with discharge in September and October at basin outlet; the precipitation in other months has weak correlation with the discharge. The mean annual precipitation during 1977-2006 increased by 1.1 in. (or 8%; 28 mm), which contributes to the annual flow increase during the study period. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to understand the associations between acculturation and oral health among older Chinese immigrants in the United States. Method: We used data from the PINE study, which included the foreign-born older Chinese immigrants (N = 3,128). We measured acculturation by measuring participants' length of stay and behavioral acculturation. Participants' tooth and gum symptoms were the outcome variables. Results: Longer stay in the United States was significantly associated with fewer gum symptoms but not with tooth symptoms. Behavioral acculturation was not significantly associated with either tooth or gum symptoms. The middle tertile of behavioral acculturation, compared with its upper and lower tertiles, deemed to be a more significant risk factor of tooth/gum symptoms. In addition, older immigrants with more social interactions with the Americans were more likely to have tooth symptoms. Discussion: In the future, we will conduct a study using longitudinal data to help us better understand the relationship between acculturation and oral health in Chinese American population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple studies have reported that hearing and vision impairment are linked to cognitive decline. Yet little is known about factors that may influence the association between sensory impairment and cognitive decline. This study examined if loneliness mediates or moderates the impact of sensory impairment on cognitive decline as individuals age., Methods: This was a longitudinal study using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and The Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) ( N = 243). We used one timepoint of hearing and vision (ADAMS 2006-2008), one timepoint of loneliness (HRS 2006-2008), and five waves of cognition (HRS 2006-2014). Hearing impairment was defined by an inability to hear pure-tone stimuli of 25 dB at frequencies between 0.5 and 4.0 kHz in either ear. Visual impairment was defined as having corrected binocular vision worse than 20/40. Longitudinal parallel-process (LPP) analysis was conducted at a significance level of α = 0.05 (one-tailed)., Results: Loneliness moderated but did not mediate the association between visual impairment and the rate of cognitive decline (standardized β =-0.108, p < 0.05). No moderation or mediation effect of loneliness was found for the association between hearing impairment and cognitive decline. Both vision and hearing impairment were significantly associated with increased severity of loneliness., Conclusion: Visual impairment combined with an elevated level of loneliness may produce a more synergistic, deleterious impact on older adults' cognitive function than visual impairment alone. This study highlights the importance of promoting a healthy social and psychological status for older adults with sensory impairment., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Ge, Pan, Wu, Plassman, Dong and McConnell.)

Background: Limited research is available on the relationship between social support, social strain, and cognitive function among community-dwelling U.S. Chinese older adults. This study aims to examine the associations between social support/strain and cognitive outcomes., Methods: Data were drawn from the Population-Based Study of Chinese Elderly (N = 3,159). Cognitive function was measured by a battery of tests including the East Boston Memory Test, the Digit Span Backwards assessment, and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Social support and strain were measured by the scales drawn from the Health and Retirement study. Multiple regression analyses were conducted., Results: Social support was significantly associated with global cognitive function (β = .11, SE = .02, p < .001), episodic memory (β = .11, SE = .03, p < .001), working memory (β = .18, SE = .08, p < .05), and executive function (β = 1.44, SE = .37, p < .001). Social strain was significantly associated with global cognitive function (β = .23, SE = .05, p < .001), episodic memory (β = .27, SE = .07, p < .001), working memory (β = .34, SE = .17, p < .05), and executive function (β = 2.75, SE = .85, p < .01). In terms of sources of social support/strain, higher support from friends was significantly associated with higher global cognitive function (β = .04, SE = .02, p < .05), higher episodic memory (β = .05, SE = .02, p < .05), and higher executive function (β = .71, SE = .29, p < .05). Higher strain from spouse was significantly associated with higher global cognitive function (β = .10, SE = .03, p < .01), higher episodic memory (β = .11, SE = .04, p < .01), and higher executive function (β = 1.28, SE = .49, p < .01). Higher strain from friends was significantly associated with higher executive function (β = 3.59, SE = 1.17, p < .01)., Conclusions: Social support and strain were associated with cognitive outcomes. Future longitudinal studies should be conducted., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)