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Objective To investigate the effects of colostrum oral immunotherapy combined with oral massage stimulation on oral motor function and growth and development in premature infants. Methods A total of 98 premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from September 2021 to October 2022 were selected and divided into the observation group and the control group according to the envelope method, with 49 cases in each group. The control group received oral stimulation intervention, while the observation group received colostrum oral immunotherapy combined with oral massage stimulation. The oral motor function, development and complications of premature infants in the two groups were compared. Results After intervention, the oral motor function improved in both groups of preterm infants compared to the post-intervention period, and the normal sucking pattern in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, whereas the impaired sucking pattern and disordered sucking pattern were lower than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P <0. 05). After intervention, the development of premature infants in the two groups was improved compared with that before intervention, and the weight, head circumference and height of premature infants in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant(P <0. 05). The total incidence of complications in the observation group [4. 08%(2/49)] was significantly lower than that in the control group [24. 49%(12/49)], and the difference was statistically significant (P <0. 05). Conclusion The implementation of colostrum oral immunotherapy combined with oral massage stimulation can effectively improve the sucking behavior of premature infants, improve their oral motor function, and promote development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Key message: MePMTR1 is involved in plant development and production as well as photosynthesis in plant. Melatonin is widely involved in plant growth and development as well as stress responses. Compared with the extending studies of melatonin in stress responses, the direct link between melatonin and plant development in the whole stages remains unclear. With the identification of phytomelatonin receptor PMTR1 in plants, melatonin signalling is becoming much clearer. However, the function of MePMTR1 in tropical crop cassava remains elusive. In this study, we found that overexpression of MePMTR1 showed larger biomass than wild type (WT), including higher number and area of leaves, weight, and accompanying with higher photosynthetic efficiency. Consistently, exogenous melatonin accelerated photosynthetic rate in Arabidopsis. In addition, MePMTR1-overexpressed plants exhibited more resistance to dark-induced senescence compared with WT, demonstrated by higher chlorophyll, lower hydrogen peroxide and superoxide content. In summary, this study illustrated that melatonin and its receptor regulate growth, development and senescence in plants, highlighting the potential application of melatonin and its receptor in improving crop yield and photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effects of vitamin D deficiency in early life on growth and development and subclinical bone health in neonatal rats. Methods Twenty-seven healthy adult SD rats (9 males and 18 females) were selected. All female SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, vitamin D deficiency group (VDD group) and vitamin D supplement group (VDS group), with 6 rats in each group. Rats in the VDD and VDS groups were fed with vitamin D deficiency diet, while rats in the control group and all male mice were fed with standard diet. They were fed for 4 weeks and mated at a male-to-female ratio of 2∶1. After successful mating, rats in the control group and VDS group were fed with standard diet and illuminated by incandescent light, and rats in the VDD group continued to be fed with vitamin Ddeficient diet and illuminated by white LED light. After delivery, rats in the VDD group continued to be fed with vitamin D deficient diets and illuminated by bright white LED lighting, while rats in the control and VDS groups continued to be fed with standard diets and illuminated by incandescent lighting. The young mice were fed 21 days after lactating and were fed according to the above conditions until the 7th weekend of birth. At the 1st,2nd,3rd and 4th weekends after birth, the body mass and tail length were measured. At the 7th weekend after birth, blood was taken from the heart after anesthesia and serum was retained by centrifugation. Serum Ca2+ was detected by azo-arsenic Ⅲ method, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) was detected by two-site enzyme immunoassay, and serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D［25-(OH) D］ was detected by ELISA. The whole body bone mineral content and bone mineral density were measured by dual-energy X-ray bone densitometer. Serum phosphorus was detected by enzyme assay, serum insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) was detected by ELISA, and serum type I procollagen N-terminal lengthening peptide (P1NP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results The body weight, body length and tail length of rats in the control group and VDS group were higher than those in the VDD group at the 1st to 4th weekends after birth (all P<0. 05), and the body weight, body length and tail length of rats in the VDS group were higher than those in the VDD group at the 1st to 4th weekends after birth (all P<0. 05). At the end of the 7th week, serum Ca2+,25-(OH) D, ALP, phosphorus, IGF-1 levels, bone mineral content and density of rats in the control group and VDS group were higher than those in the VDD group, while serum PTH and P1NP levels were lower than those in the VDD group (all P<0. 05). Serum ALP, phosphorus, IGF-1, bone mineral content and density of the VDS group were higher than those of the control group, and serum P1NP level was lower than that of the control group (all P<0. 05). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency in early life can affect the growth and development of offspring rats and lead to subclinical bone health, while timely supplementation of vitamin D can promote the growth and development, and reverse the subclinical bone health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wrapping of the newborn in an orthopedic tubular mesh, simulating a cocoon, can allow the infant to regain the feeling of security and stability experienced in the uterus given that the movement of one of the parts of the body exerts tactile and pressure variation in others. We aimed to evaluate the influence of an orthopedic tubular mesh, simulating a cocoon, in therapeutic positioning, on the variables of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems of preterm newborns. A controlled and randomized clinical trial was conducted with preterm newborns positioned in dorsal decubitus and divided into two groups: (a) cocoon – newborns covered with an orthopedic tubular mesh, and (b) control – newborns positioned according to the sector's routine and without the use of an orthopedic mesh. During the follow-up, each newborn was placed in the position for 30 min and was recorded for a total of 2 min, once at the beginning and again at the end of the observation period. Variables related to the autonomous system (heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation), motor system (general movements), and regulatory system (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale) were evaluated before and after the intervention. The videos were evaluated by a researcher blind to the purpose of the study, and the resulting data were analyzed using SPSS. Of the 40 preterm newborns evaluated (32.5 ± 1.83 weeks), 21 were female, and 20 were allocated to the cocoon group. The variables related to the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems remained unchanged following the positioning in the cocoon, as compared to the typical positioning employed in the neonatal unit. The simulation of a cocoon, utilizing an orthopedic tubular mesh, when applied to preterm newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit can contribute to maintaining low levels of stress, without altering variables of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioarchaeology lacks a system for recording the morphology of muscle and ligament attachment sites, called entheses, in growing individuals. Such information is useful in investigating factors that affect bone growth and development, including sex, age, puberty, pathology, and activity. This paper presents a standardized recording method for nonadult entheses based on 29 archaeological individuals of archivally known sex and age-at-death, ranging from two to 17 years. This paper (a) assesses the range of osseous changes of 16 entheses in the upper and lower limbs of growing individuals, and (b) presents a scoring method for each enthesis, which is evaluated through inter-and intra-observer comparisons. Nonadult entheses show a wide range of morphological variation. Method reproducibility is established. This method will allow researchers to further investigate factors affecting bone development in nonadult skeletal remains. [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]

Objectives: The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the effect of Cr supplementation on morphological changes and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus and on developmental parameters. Methods: Male Wistar rat pups were submitted to an experimental model of CP. Cr was administered via gavage from the 21st to the 28th postnatal day, and in water after the 28th, until the end of the experiment. Body weight (BW), food consumption (FC), muscle strength, and locomotion were evaluated. Expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were assessed in the hippocampus by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Iba1 immunoreactivity was assessed by immunocytochemistry in the hippocampal hilus. Results: Experimental CP caused increased density and activation of microglial cells, and overexpression of IL-6. The rats with CP also presented abnormal BW development and impairment of strength and locomotion. Cr supplementation was able to reverse the overexpression of IL-6 in the hippocampus and mitigate the impairments observed in BW, strength, and locomotion. Discussion: Future studies should evaluate other neurobiological characteristics, including changes in neural precursor cells and other cytokines, both pro- and anti-inflammatory. [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]

[Objective] To explore the practical significance of organic fertilizer combined with biochar in the production of flue-cured tobacco in Dali, Yunnan Province, the study was carried out from four aspects: the transformation of soil nutrients, the growth and development of tobacco plants, the carbon and nitrogen metabolism in tobacco plants and the yield and quality of tobacco leaves. [Method] The field experiment was conducted, and three treatments were set up: applying only organic fertilizer (Y), applying only biochar (S) and applying organic fertilizer with biochar (Y+S). The input amount of C, N, P and K elements in each treatment room was consistent. [Result] Y+S and Y treatments were more beneficial to the formation of plant height, stem circumference and leaf area than S treatments;the activities of nitrogen metabolism-related enzymes and carbon metabolism-related enzymes in the plant were the best in Y+S, and the biomass of the tobacco plant was the largest. Compared with Y and S treatments, the water soluble sugar and reducing sugar in the upper flue-cured tobacco leaves were increased by 8. 30-8. 95 and 4. 90-6. 09 percentage points, respectively, and the ratio of sugar to alkali and potassium to chlorine was 6. 29- 6. 97 and 0. 22-0. 27, significantly reducing the nicotine content by 0. 82%; Compared with Y treatment, Y+S treatment significantly reduced the nicotine content by 0. 38 percentage points and increased the proportion of equal tobacco, with an increase of 0. 09 and 0.24 respectively; the output of flue-cured tobacco increased by 186. 15 and 510. 9 kg/hm² respectively, and the output value of flue-cured tobacco increased significantly by 20 391. 45 and 27 688. 8 yuan/hm² respectively. [Conclusion] The treatment of organic fertilizer combined with biochar is higher than other treatments in agronomic traits and related enzyme activities, organic matter content in soil, total nitrogen and other nutrients, significantly increasing the yield and output value. The application of organic fertilizer combined with biochar is beneficial to further improve the quality of tobacco leaves in Dali Bay Bridge tobacco planting area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to screen out the seedling tray specifications which could not only meet the needs of well cellar type seedling transplanting in Yibin tobacco-growing area, but also reduce the amount of substrate and seedling rearing site, the effects of different seedling tray specifications on the growth and development of tobacco seedlings and tobacco yield and quality were studied by means of wet seedling rearing. The results showed that the seedlings grew faster in 128 pores per tray and 162 pores per tray, and the agronomic characters, material accumulation and qualified seedling rate were higher. The agronomic characters and economic characters of tobacco plants in the field were higher, but the amount of matrix and the required seedling area were larger, and the input cost of seedling rearing increased obviously. The quality, agronomic characters and economic characters of tobacco plants cultivated in 200 pores per tray were similar to that of 128 pores per tray, but the substrate consumption and the required seedling tray area were 39. 88% lower than that of 128 pores per tray, 30. 77% lower than that of 128 pores per tray, and the cost of seedling rearing was significantly reduced. The seedling quality, agronomic characters and economic characters of tobacco plant in the field were significantly lower than those of other treatments, although the substrate consumption and seedling area required by 288 pores per tray were the lowest. In summary, 200 pores per tray is an ideal choice in Yibin tobacco area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panonychus citri McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae), a destructive citrus pest, causes considerable annual economic losses due to its short lifespan and rapid resistance development. MicroRNA (miRNA)‐induced RNA interference is a promising approach for pest control because of endogenous regulation of pest growth and development. To search for miRNAs with potential insecticidal activity in P. citri, genome‐wide analysis of miRNAs at different developmental stages was conducted, resulting in the identification of 136 miRNAs, including 73 known and 63 novel miRNAs. A total of 17 isomiRNAs and 12 duplicated miRNAs were characterized. MiR‐1 and miR‐252‐5p were identified as reference miRNAs for P. citri and Tetranychus urticae. Based on differential expression analysis, treatments with miR‐let‐7a and miR‐315 mimics and the miR‐let‐7a antagomir significantly reduced the egg hatch rate and resulted in abnormal egg development. Overexpression or downregulation of miR‐34‐5p and miR‐305‐5p through feeding significantly decreased the adult eclosion rate and caused molting defects. The 4 miRNAs, miR‐let‐7a, miR‐315, miR‐34‐5p, and miR‐305‐5p, had important regulatory functions and insecticidal properties in egg hatching and adult eclosion. In general, these data advance our understanding of miRNAs in mite biology, which can assist future studies on insect‐specific miRNA‐based green pest control technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

14-3-3 proteins are a highly conserved family of acidic proteins encoded by different genes in eukaryotic organisms. After interacting with the target proteins through the phosphorylation sites, 14-3-3 proteins influence the stability, subcellular localization, or interactions with other proteins of the target protein, thereby regulating its function. Various isoforms of 14-3-3 proteins have been found in different species, and these isoforms influence the processes such as plant growth and development. In this review, we summarize the type, subcellular localization, and expression patterns of 14-3-3 proteins in plants, with a specific focus on the functions of 14-3-3 proteins in plant hormone signaling, growth and development, and stress response. The aim of this review is to provide a theoretical foundation for further systematic research on 14-3-3 proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth parameters are an essential metric in the growth and development of pediatric patients. Thousands of children internationally are adopted in the United States and are at high risk for poor growth and development. The authors describe the 7-year experience of an international adoption clinic to provide descriptive anthropometric measures to assist in understanding expected growth norms for pediatric patients across 41 different countries. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe anthropometric measures from internationally adopted children. Internationally adopted children are at risk for poor growth and development and there is no standardized growth chart evaluation for internationally adopted children due to variations in growth, genetics, and environmental exposures. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of 882 patients seen in an international adoption clinic between 2010 and 2017. Anthropometric measurements were converted to Z scores for weight, height, head circumference, and body mass index. Results: A total of 41 countries and 16 subregions were represented. Central America, northern Africa, southern Africa, and southern Europe were the only subregions that had positive mean Z scores for weight, and southeast Asia had the lowest mean Z score for weight (n = 40, −1.76). No subregion had a positive mean Z score for height, and western Asia had the lowest overall mean Z score for height (n = 2, −2.44). Mean Z score for body mass index was positive in several subregions. Conclusions: Growth is an important predictor of health and development, and this study adds to the literature on growth patterns of internationally adopted children. [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]

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]

Microplastics (MPs) refer to plastics with a diameter of less than 5 mm. As a new environmental pollutant, MPs can enter the body through the respiratory tract, digestive tract and skin, and then deposit in multiple tissues such as the intestine, liver and ovary. MPs exposure has toxic effects on the female reproductive system by affecting follicle development, oocyte quality and sex hormone levels through apoptosis, oxidative stress and disorders of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, thereby reducing female fertility. Moreover, recent studies have found that MPs can enter the placenta and lead to the abnormal placental metabolism, immune imbalance at the maternal and fetal interface, and the impaired placental structure. MPs can further enter the offspring through the placental barrier after maternal exposure to MPs, causing adverse effects on the neural, digestive, reproductive and other multiple systems of the offspring. Given the toxicity of MPs and the persistence in environment, the exposure to MPs should be reduced in daily life to prevent human from the harm of MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the influence of relative age effect (RAE) on motor competences (MC) and physical fitness (PF) of preschool children. The search was conducted through three different databases: Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO up to 11 August 2023. This study was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA statement. Out of 2494 studies, 10 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Five studies investigated the influence of RAE on MC, while five examined its influence on PF in children aged 3–6 years. According to the main results of these studies, children born in the first quarter had significantly higher scores in MC and PF. However, there is a tendency for RAE decreases as age increases. Due to method and sample differences of the studies, further research are required to understand better the existence of RAE on motor performance skills in preschoolers. [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]

Objective: To analyze the effects of central precocious puberty on the growth and development of children and its risk factors. Methods: 105 children with central precocious puberty admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were selected as the observation group, and 105 children with normal development in the same period were selected as the control group.Growth and development indicators, serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3(IGF-BP3) expression levels were compared between the two groups. The dietary pattern, living conditions and family status of the participants were investigated by questionnaire. Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used. Results: The height, weight, body mass index and bone age of observation group were higher than those of control group (P<0.05). The expression levels of serum IGF-1 and IGF-BP3 in observation group were higher than those in control group(P<0.05). After univariate analysis, napping habits, exercise time, sleep with light on, schoolwork load, frequent use of plastic products, adult toiletries and skin care products, watching emotional TV, maternal education, occupation, age of menstruating, parental relationship, companionship, balanced diet pattern and high-calorie and high-fat diet pattern were all associated with central precocious puberty(P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that balanced dietary pattern, napping habit, and long exercise time were all protective factors for central precocious puberty(P<0.05), while high-calorie and high-fat dietary pattern, young age of mother at menarche, disharmonious relationship between parents, and little parental companionship were all risk factors for central precocious puberty(P<0.05). Conclusion: Central precocious puberty can affect the growth and development progress of children and is closely related to high-calorie and high-fat dietary patterns, maternal age at menarche, parental relationship and companionship. Family relationships should be improved and children should be helped to develop good habits of balanced meals, naps and exercise that are beneficial to normal growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental influences on children's eating and physical activity (PA) and consequently on their weight are fundamental. The present study aimed to identify the predominant correlates of childhood overweight/obesity among a variety of parental practices and children's lifestyle indices in a large sample of children in Europe. Methods: Families from low socio‐economic status regions were recruited through schools, located in six European countries (Belgium, Finland, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria and Hungary). Seven thousand three hundred ninety‐seven children 4–12 years old and their parents were selected using the FINDRISC‐questionnaire. Parental practices assessed included parental role modelling, permissiveness and reward. Children's dietary intake and lifestyle behaviours were assessed through parent‐reported questionnaires. Results: Regarding parental practices, it was revealed that being sometimes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.43) or rarely (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.21–1.69) physically active with the child was associated with greater overweight/obesity risk, whereas rare permission of computer/mobile/tablet (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67–0.98) and sometimes (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.68–0.88) or rare (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.66–0.91) reward with PA were associated with lower risk. Regarding children's lifestyle factors, consuming > 3 cups/week fresh fruit juices (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.13–1.45), skipping breakfast (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.17–1.61), absence of 1 h of daily PA (OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.24–1.58) and increased daily screen time (ST) (OR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.09–1.39) were associated with greater overweight/obesity risk. All the variables were adjusted for maternal education, child's sex and age. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the necessity of family‐centered approaches in health promotion and obesity prevention programs for children. Such programs should focus on parents as the primary role models in exerting positive influence and encouraging healthy eating habits, PA, and ST behaviors in their children, which in turn, may have a substantial impact on children's overall weight status. Key points: Being physically active with the child is associated with reduced obesity riskOmission of breakfast and high fresh fruit juices consumption may increase childhood obesity riskParental control on children's screen time is linked with lower childhood obesity risk [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]

[Objective] To analyze the effects of different densities on the emergence of seed seedlings, growth and yield of Astragalus membranaceus, and to screen out the suitable seed seedling density and seedling transplanting density of Astragalus membranaceus. [Method] A randomized block experiment design was used. The seedling density of Astragalus membranaceus seed was divided into 3 ways (60, 75, 90 kg / hm²). The transplanting density of annual Astragalus membranaceus seedlings was divided into 3 ways(8 cm× 25 cm, 12 cm× 25 cm and 15 cm× 25 cm). The effects of different densities on the growth and yield of Astragalus membranaceus were studied, and the optimal seedling density and transplanting density of Astragalus membranaceus seeds were obtained. [Result]The seedling density experiment showed that 60 kg / hm² was the best, with plant height of 16. 10 cm, stem diameter of 1. 50 mm, number of functional leaves of 16. 93, primary root length of 27. 34 cm, root diameter of 4. 35 cm. The results of seedling density experiment showed that 12 cm×25 cm was the best planting density, and the seedling emergence rate was 90. 67%. Compared with 8 cm×25 cm and 15 cm×25 cm, the root growth index and the yield of seeds of annual and biennial Astragalus membranaceus were all improved. [Conclusion]The optimal seedling density of Astragalus membranaceus was 60 kg / hm², and the optimal transplanting density was 12 cm×25 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] In order to understand the effects of feeding with sweet potato residue and unhatched eggs on the growth and development of black soldier fly, and determine its optimal ratio. [Method] Under the feeding conditions of temperature 25 ℃, humidity 70%-80% and photoperiod L ∶ D= 16∶8, sweet potato residue and unhatched eggs were compounded in different proportions to study the growth difference between different treatments. [Result] The feeding with 10% shelled eggs + 90% sweet potato residue had significant effects on the body weight, pre-pupal weight, pre-pupal body length, mortality, pupation rate, feed coefficient of black soldier fly (P<0. 05), but it had no significant effect on the duration of prepupa, pupa and adult (P>0. 05). [Conclusion] 10% shelled egg + 90% sweet potato residue can significantly promote the growth and development of black soldier fly (P<0. 05). In the production practice, this ratio was recommended. [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]

In order to investigate the growth and development of Spheniscus demersus chicks, we measured the body mass, body length, bill length, foot length and wing length of 0−7 months old chicks of S. demersus in Shanghai Zoo. Two nonlinear models, Logistic and Gompertz, were used to fit and analyze each body size index of the hatchlings. The results show that both Logistic and Gompertz models had a high fitting degree for each growth indicator of S. demersus, and the fit⁃ ting coefficient (r ²) was above 0. 970. The Logistic model was used to better fit the growth process of the body mass, body length, bill length and foot length of S. demersus (r ² >0. 980), while Gompertz model was more suitable for fitting the growth process of wing length. There was a significant correlations between the body size indexes (p<0. 01). It is suggested that the body weight and body length could be used as important indicators to monitor and evaluate the health status of S. demersus chicks. [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]

The migration and large-scale outbreak of green tides are not only related to the biological characteristics such as the strong stress resistance of algae and the environmental conditions of the sea area, but also inseparable from the participation of algal microorganisms. The microbial community plays an important role in algal growth and extinction. Under different environmental conditions, the community structure of symbiotic and epiphytic microorganisms of Ulva prolifera are diverse. The promotion to algae growth is mainly reflected in the processes of algae morphogenesis, growth, nutrient absorption and photosynthesis. During the occurrence of algal blooms, U. prolifera could help the algae to efficiently absorb nutrients, promote algae proliferation, and thus increase the formation of green tides. Based on previous researching results, we summarized the current research status of symbiotic and epiphytic bacteria of U. prolifera, the dominant species of green tide, described the establishment process of the separation technology of symbiotic and epiphytic bacteria of U. prolifera, and pointed out the importance of molecular biology techniques such as high-throughput sequencing in the analysis of microbial community structure and diversity, analyzed the influence of these bacteria on the physiological characteristics of the growth, reproduction, morphogenesis of U. prolifera and the outbreak of the green tides, and explored the utilization value of symbiotic and epiphytic bacteria in future production and life, aiming to express new ideas for predicting and preventing and controlling the outbreak of green tides and for the algal utilization as a resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling leads to the nuclear accumulation of the BRASSINAZOLE-RESISTANT 1 (BZR1) transcription factor, which plays dual roles in activating or repressing the expression of thousands of genes. BZR1 represses gene expression by recruiting histone deacetylases, but how it activates transcription of BR-induced genes remains unclear. Here, we show that BR reshapes the genome-wide chromatin accessibility landscape, increasing the accessibility of BR-induced genes and reducing the accessibility of BR-repressed genes in Arabidopsis. BZR1 physically interacts with the BRAHMA-associated SWI/SNF (BAS)-chromatin-remodeling complex on the genome and selectively recruits the BAS complex to BR-activated genes. Depletion of BAS abrogates the capacities of BZR1 to increase chromatin accessibility, activate gene expression, and promote cell elongation without affecting BZR1's ability to reduce chromatin accessibility and expression of BR-repressed genes. Together, these data identify that BZR1 recruits the BAS complex to open chromatin and to mediate BR-induced transcriptional activation of growth-promoting genes. [Display omitted] • Brassinosteroid has dual roles in reshaping the chromatin accessibility landscape • BZR1 physically interacts with the BAS complex • The BAS complex determines BR-induced transcriptional activation • BZR1 recruits the BAS complex for chromatin opening and BR-mediated skotomorphogenesis The mechanism that dictates the transcriptional activation ability of the brassinosteroid (BR) hormone remains largely unclear. Zhu et al. find that the BAS-chromatin-remodeling subcomplexes are major determinants of the transcriptional activation activity of the BR signaling pathway for allowing plants to shape their growth and development trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Five MARVEL proteins are identified and functionally characterized in B. bassiana. • Five MARVEL proteins are localized in cytomembrane and vesicles. • Five MARVEL proteins convergently contribute to fungal virulence. • Five proteins play different roles in growth, stress tolerance, and development. Beauveria bassiana is one of the most extensively studied entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and is widely used as a biocontrol agent against various insect pests. Proteins containing the MARVEL domain are conserved in eukaryotes, typically with four transmembrane structures. In this study, we identified the five MARVEL domain proteins in B. bassiana. Five MARVEL domain proteins were localized to cytomembrane and vacuoles in B. bassiana , but had different roles in maintaining the lipid-droplet homeostasis. These proteins were required for fungal virulence, but differentially contributed to fungal utilization of nutrients, stress tolerance, and development under aerial and submerged conditions. Notably, BbMARVEL2 was essential for conidial surface morphology. Additionally, these five MARVEL domain proteins contributed to fungal interaction with the host immune defense. This study provides new mechanistic insights into the life cycle of B. bassiana as a biocontrol agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponentially increasing population and the demand for food is inextricably linked. This has shifted global attention to improving crop plant traits to meet global food demands. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major non-grain food crop that is grown all over the world. Currently, some of the major global potato research work focuses on the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in potato. miRNAs are a type of non-coding RNAs that regulate the gene expression of their target mRNA genes by cleavage and/or their translational inhibition. This suggests an essential role of miRNAs in a multitude of plant biological processes, including maintenance of genome integrity, plant growth, development and maturation, and initiation of responses to various stress conditions. Therefore, engineering miRNAs to generate stress-resistant varieties of potato may result in high yield and improved nutritional qualities. In this review, we discuss the potato miRNAs specifically known to play an essential role in the various stages of the potato life cycle, conferring stress-resistant characteristics, and modifying gene expression. This review highlights the significance of the miRNA machinery in plants, especially potato, encouraging further research into engineering miRNAs to boost crop yields and tolerance towards stress. • Potato, being the third most important crop to sustain the hunger and nutritional needs of the world's exponentially growing population. • The environmental stresses brought on by the change in climate induce the nutritional imbalance in potato plants, which ultimately affects the plant growth and tuber yield. • microRNAs have emerged as versatile players in mitigating stress and architecture the potato life cycle. Therefore, decoding the role of miRNAs helps in developing the novel potato cultivar with enhanced stress tolerance and yield. • Keeping this in view we highlight the significance of the miRNA machinery in plants, especially potato, encouraging further research into engineering miRNAs to boost crop yields and tolerance towards stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A comparative analysis of three brinjal genotypes under drought stress revealed significant variations in their morphophysiological, biochemical, and metabolomic profiles. • Arka Harshitha, drought stress tolerant genotype, demonstrated overall better growth, along with heightened sugar accumulation under drought stress conditions. • Elevated concentrations of glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannose, inositol, and fucose have a major role in enhancing drought tolerance. • First report of role of sugar accumulation dynamics conferring drought stress response in brinjal. Drought stress is a major abiotic factor affecting the growth and productivity of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). In this study, we evaluated the effect of drought stress on morphological, physiological and metabolomic response in susceptible genotypes Solanum melongena var. insanum , CO-2 and tolerant genotype Arka Harshitha at three timepoints. The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced the shoot length, root length, biomass, leaf area, photosynthetic rate and intrinsic water use efficiency in susceptible genotypes, while the tolerant genotype Arka Harshitha maintained comparatively higher growth rates, leaf area, photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency. Further, Arka Harshitha exhibited lower lipid peroxidation and higher antioxidant enzyme activity at all the time interval compared to the susceptible genotypes. Additionally, genotype specific sugar accumulation patterns were observed in root and leaf sugars under control and drought conditions. In the presence of drought stress, the tolerant genotype Arka Harshitha exhibited elevated concentrations of glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannose, inositol, and fucose. Conversely, the susceptible genotype Solanum melongena var. insanum accumulated xylose, arabinose, mannose, fructose, glucose, and sucrose sugars. Higher content of these sugars may positively regulate energy metabolism, osmotic adjustment, and signaling under drought conferring response to drought stress. The results from principal component analysis indicate that fructose, glucose, ribose, xylose, sucrose, sorbitol, arabinose, mannose, ribose, and fucose are expected to play a positive and significant role in the drought tolerance of brinjal. These findings provide an initial insight on importance of differential responses in sugar accumulation under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meat production of broilers is crucial to economic benefits of broiler industries, while the slaughter performance of broilers is directly determined by skeletal muscle development. Hence, the broiler breeding for growth traits shows a great importance. As a kind of small noncoding RNA, microRNA (miRNA) can regulate the expression of multiple genes and perform a wide range of regulation in organisms. Currently, more and more studies have confirmed that miRNAs are closely associated with skeletal muscle development of chickens. Based on our previous miR-seq analysis (accession number: PRJNA668199), miR-460b-5p was screened as one of the key miRNAs probably involved in the growth regulation of chickens. However, the regulatory effect of miR-460b-5p on the development of chicken skeletal muscles is still unclear. Therefore, miR-460b-5p was further used for functional validation at the cellular level in this study. The expression pattern of miR-460b-5p was investigated in proliferation and differentiation stages of chicken primary myoblasts. It was showed that the expression level of miR-460b-5p gradually decreased from the proliferation stage (GM 50%) to the lowest at 24 h of differentiation. As differentiation proceeded, miR-460b-5p expression increased significantly, reaching the highest and stabilizing at 72 h and 96 h of differentiation. Through mRNA quantitative analysis of proliferation marker genes, CCK-8 and Edu assays, miR-460b-5p was found to significantly facilitate the transition of myoblasts from G1 to S phase and promote chicken myoblast proliferation. mRNA and protein quantitative analysis of differentiation marker genes, as well as the indirect immunofluorescence results of myotubes, revealed that miR-460b-5p significantly stimulated myotube development and promote chicken myoblast differentiation. In addition, the target relationship was validated for miR-460b-5p according to the dual-luciferase reporter assay and mRNA quantitative analysis, which indicates that miR-460b-5p was able to regulate RBM19 expression by specifically binding to the 3′ UTR of RBM19. In summary, miR-460b-5p has positive regulatory effects on the proliferation and differentiation of chicken myoblasts, and RBM19 is a target gene of miR-460b-5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underlying cause for metric differences in antimeric tooth pairs is an important question for understanding dental variation. We hypothesize that localized variation in crown dimensions will be reflected in localized variation in daily enamel secretion rate. Casts of pairs of human premolars from a tissue bank were 3D scanned using an optical scanning system (n = 32). Histological slides were created, and daily secretion rates (DSRs) were recorded in two areas of enamel that corresponded to scanner measurements. Antimeres were compared for both metric measurements and DSRs. Outliers for scanner measures were compared to significant differences in DSRs measurements in right and left teeth in corresponding areas. Thirteen of the 16 individuals differed significantly in antimeric metric measurements, but only ten of those also differed in the underlying DSR. Fifteen of the 16 total individuals differed significantly in at least one DSR area. While some individuals were outliers for metric measurements and had multiple areas of DSR differences, the majority of individuals had antimeric DSR differences regardless of metric differences. While there was no conclusive correlation between 3D metric analysis and underlying DSR differences, the most important result of this study is that DSR differences between antimeres are common. • Is variation in crown dimension reflected in variation in daily secretion rate? • Most individuals had antimeric daily secretion rate differences regardless of metrics. • Daily secretion rate differences between antimeres are common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]