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Aim Methods Results Conclusions To determine how gestational age at birth and postnatal growth relate to body composition in childhood.We calculated conditional growth (birth‐2 years, 2 years‐6 years) and measured body composition at 2 and 6 years using bioelectrical impedance in cohorts of New Zealand children born very preterm (VPT; 23–31 weeks), late preterm (LPT; 35– <37 weeks) and term (≥37 weeks). We explored the relationships between growth and fat mass (FM) index and fat‐free mass (FFM) index at 6 years using multivariable linear regression.Of 1125 children (51% male), 202 were VPT, 114 LPT and 809 Term. Compared to Term, VPT but not LPT were lighter and shorter at 2 and 6 years and had lower FM index and FFM index. The association between weight growth from 2 to 6 years and both FM index and FFM index at 6 years was stronger than for weight growth from birth to 2 years or height growth at any period in all gestational age groups.Size and body composition at 2 and 6 years are different between infants born VPT, but not LPT, and at term. Later weight growth is more strongly associated with childhood body composition than earlier growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a worldwide polyphagous phloem-feeding agricultural pest, and it can produce offspring by sexual or asexual reproduction. Compared with dozens of generations by parthenogenesis, sexual reproduction is performed in only one generation within one year, and little is known about the sexual reproduction of A. gossypii. In this study, sexual females of A. gossypii were successfully obtained through a previously established induction platform, and the morphological characteristics, developmental dynamics, and temporal gene expression were examined. Subsequently, signaling pathways potentially involved in regulating the growth, development, and reproduction of sexual females were investigated. Results: The morphological observation showed that from the 1st instar nymph to adult, sexual females exhibited a gradually deepened body color, an enlarged body size, longer antennae with a blackened end, and obviously protruding cauda (in adulthood). The anatomy found that the ovaries of sexual females developed rapidly from the 2nd instar nymph, and the embedded oocytes matured in adulthood. In addition, time-course transcriptome analysis revealed that gene expression profiles across the development of sexual females fell into 9 clusters with distinct patterns, in which gene expression levels in clusters 1, 5, and 8 peaked at the 2nd instar nymphal stage with the largest number of up-regulated genes, suggesting that the 2nd instar nymph was an important ovary development period. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that a large number of genes in the sexual female adult were enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway and Forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway, highlighting their important role in sexual female adult development and reproduction. Conclusion: The morphological changes of the sexual female at each developmental stage were revealed for the first time. In addition, time-course transcriptomic analyses suggest genes enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway probably contribute to regulating the development and oocyte maturation of sexual females. Overall, these findings will facilitate the regulating mechanism research in the growth and development of sexual females by providing candidate genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between birth order and life satisfaction across several factors--financial stability, faith and values, career, growth and development, and life partner--among young adults in Bacoor, Cavite. Grounded in Adler's Birth Order Theory and the Bottom-Up Theory of life satisfaction, this quantitative research involved 150 respondents aged 18-25, categorized by birth position (firstborn, middleborn, lastborn, and only child). Data were collected through a self-made questionnaire, employing a Likert scale to assess responses across five life satisfaction domains. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data. Results showed a significant difference in perceived financial stability across birth orders, with firstborn and lastborn respondents showing higher financial stability than only children. However, no significant differences were found in the other factors of life satisfaction across birth orders. The study concludes that while birth order may influence financial stability, it has minimal impact on other aspects of life satisfaction. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is recommended to explore additional variables, such as family status and interpersonal relationships, to better understand how birth order affects life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the analysis of the existing case data, this study explored the application effect of predictive nursing combined with bird nest nursing in children with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. The data of 120 children with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy admitted to our hospital from May 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into A (n = 40), B (n = 40) and C (n = 40) groups according to different nursing methods. Neonatal neurobehavioral assessment (NBNA), Canadian derivatives clearing corporation (CDCC) and Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) scores were compared among the three groups. Height, body mass, daily sleep time, milk intake and the occurrence of neurological sequelae were compared among the three groups. After intervention, the score of group A was higher than that of group B and C, with group B higher than group C (P<0.05). In addition, both mental developmental index (MDI) and psychomotive development index (PDI) of the three groups were all improved, in which Group A was the highest, followed by Group B (P<0.05). Scores of GDS of group A and B were higher than those of group C, while GDS of group A were higher than those of group B (P<0.05). After intervention, increases of height, body mass and milk intake in group A and B were greater than those in group C, while the increases of height and body mass in group A were better than those in group B (P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: AtPLC1 plays a critical role in plant growth, development, and response to drought stress. Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) hydrolyzes substrates to generate secondary messengers crucial for plant growth, development, and stress responses. Drought escape (DE) response is an adaptive strategy that plants employ under drought conditions. The expression levels of the flower meristem-specific gene APETALA 1 and flowering regulatory genes FLOWERING LOCUS T and SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 were downregulated in plc1, and FLOWERING LOCUS C was upregulated. The flowering time of the plc1flc double mutant was earlier than that of the wild type. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the Gene Ontology of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was enriched in abscisic acid (ABA) response signaling, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed differential gene expression annotated to plant hormone signaling pathways. Our experiments show that AtPLC1 is upregulated by ABA in Arabidopsis. Under ABA induction and water stress, wild-type plants exhibit a DE response, and the DE response in plc1 disappears. Expression levels of ABA signaling pathway transcription factors ABA-responsive element-binding factors 3 (ABF3) and ABF4 were downregulated in plc1. In conclusion, our study suggests that AtPLC1 participates in regulating plant growth and development and participates in the DE response through the regulation of ABA signaling pathway transcription factors ABF3/ABF4. The study enhances our comprehension of the role of AtPLC1 in plant development and drought stress, providing a theoretical foundation for further investigation into DE responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studied, in the conditions of old-irrigated typical sierozem soils of the Yakkabog district in the Kashkadarya region, agrochemical, agrophysical and soil fertility, growth, development, crop formation, yield and seed qualities of potato varieties after different green manure crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible protein phosphorylation, known as the "switch" of the cell, is controlled by protein kinases (PKs) and protein phosphatases (PPs). Based on substrate specificity, PPs are classified into protein serine/threonine phosphatases and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). PTPs can dephosphorylate phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine/phosphothreonine. In plants, PTPs monitor plant physiology, growth, and development. This review summarizes an overview of the PTPs' classification and describes how PTPs regulate various plant processes, including plant growth and development, plant hormone responses, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Then, future research directions on the PTP family in plants are discussed. This summary will serve as a reference for researchers studying PTPs in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Photoperiod is an environmental signal that varies predictably across the year. Therefore, the duration of sunlight available for photosynthesis and in turn the ability of plants to accumulate carbon resources also fluctuates across the year. To adapt to these variations in photoperiod, the metabolic daylength measurement (MDLM) system measures the photosynthetic period rather than the absolute photoperiod, translating it into seasonal gene expression changes linked to photoperiodic growth. In this Tansley Insight, we briefly summarize the current understanding of the MDLM system and highlight gaps in our knowledge. Given the system's critical role in seasonal growth, understanding the MDLM system is essential for enhancing plant adaptation to different photoperiods and optimizing agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation was to examine the effects of distinct dosages of infant formula and diverse formula constituents on the growth and development of weaned rats. Fifty specific pathogen‐free (SPF) male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats aged 3 weeks were divided into the basic diet group, 20% ordinary milk powder group, 20% special formula milk powder group, 30% ordinary milk powder group, and 30% special formula milk powder group randomly. After 28 days of feeding, compared with the basic diet group, the body mass and brain/body weight of rats in the 30% ordinary and special formula milk powder groups were decreased. At the Genus level, Bacteroides in the group supplemented with 20% special formula milk powder was significantly lower than that in the basic diet group, and Parabacteroides was significantly lower than that in the 20% ordinary milk powder group. Lactobacillus was significantly higher than those in the basic diet group and the 20% ordinary milk powder group, and Blautia was significantly higher than those in the basic diet group and the 20% and 30% ordinary milk powder groups, and UBA1819 was significantly higher than those in the other groups. The abundance of Parasutterella in the basic diet group was significantly higher than those in the groups supplemented with 20% ordinary milk powder, 20% special formula milk powder, and 30% ordinary milk powder. This study found that different doses and different formula components of infant milk powder could affect body mass and intestinal flora in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, and the addition of low‐dose (20%) special formula infant milk powder can increase the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora of rats and may reduce the pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watermelon Jing xin No.4 and pumpkin Jingxinzhen No.4 were used as test materials, and LED pure white light was taken as control (CK). Five treatments were set, namely, red-blue light alternating at 1 hour interval (R/B1), red-blue mixed light (RB), red-blue light alternating at 6 hours interval (R/B6), pure blue light (B) and pure red light (R). Besides, experiments were carried out in a fully artificial light plant to delve into the optimal light formula for the growth and development of watermelon and Pumpkin seedlings. The results showed as follows: (1) the absolute growth rate of plant height, stem diameter and leaf area of watermelon seedlings under R/B6 treatment were increased by 77.2%, 110.7% and 68.5% compared with the control, respectively; the number of leaves of watermelon seedlings under R/B1 treatment was significantly increased by 78.6% compared with the control at 40d (P<0.05). Under R/B1 treatment, the absolute growth rate of pumpkin seedling height and the number of leaves at 40d after planting were significantly increased by 211% and 18% (P<0.05), respectively, and the absolute growth rate of stem diameter was increased by 85%. (2) The crude polysaccharide content of watermelon and pumpkin seedlings under R treatment was increased by 25.5% and 13.4% compared with the control (P<0.05), and the crude protein content of watermelon seedlings under B treatment was increased by 9.4% compared with the control, and the chlorophyll content of watermelon and pumpkin seedlings under RB treatment was higher than that under the control 10 to 40 days after planting. Watermelon and pumpkin seedlings treated with RB showed a 1.8% and 0.3% increase in chlorophyll content, respectively, on the 40th day after planting, compared to control plants. (3) At 40th day after implantation, PIabs of watermelon seedlings under B and R/B6 treatments were 2.8 times and 1.1 times higher than that of control, respectively. Pumpkin seedlings treated with R/B1 and R/B6 had 110% times and 34% higher PIabs, respectively, than control seedlings. In summary, alternating irradiation of watermelon and pumpkin seedlings with red and blue light effectively improved the growth and development of watermelon and pumpkin seedlings and enhanced the chlorophyll fluorescence performance, while blue light can increased the crude protein content and red light can increase the crude polysaccharide content. Thus, when watermelon and pumpkin seedlings are cultured in a uniform manner, alternating red and blue light can maximize the seedling quality and provide high-quality seedlings for factory production [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Premature infants require special attention during nursing. This study aimed to explore the effects of baby touch on the growth, immunity, sleep and communication in premature infants. Methods: This was a retrospective study. A total of 64 premature infants with a gestational age of 30-36 weeks were selected at Maternity & Child Care Center of Qinhuangdao from June 2022 to May 2023, and randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The control group received routine comprehensive nursing care for newborns, while the experimental group was additionally treated with touch intervention using the international standard touch method. The effects of the three months touch on the growth and development, immunological function, sleep quality, and emotional communication of the premature infants were observed. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in gender, gestational age, birth weight, birth length, or head circumference at birth between the two groups (p> 0.05). In the third month, the increases in body weight, body length and head circumference were significantly more obvious, the immunological function indicators including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, IgG, IgA and IgM were all significantly higher, the sleep time and sleep quality were both significantly superior, and the interaction time and intimacy with parents were significantly superior in the experimental group compared with the control group, with statistically significant differences (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Baby touch can promote growth and development, strengthen immunological function, improve sleep quality and enhance the emotional communication abilities of premature infants, and help them better adapt to the environment and grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Polyamines (PAs) are pleiotropic bioorganic molecules. Cellular PA contents are determined by a balance between PA synthesis and degradation. PAs have been extensively demonstrated to play vital roles in the modulation of plant developmental processes and adaptation to various environmental stresses. In this review, the latest advances on the diverse roles of PAs in a range of developmental processes, such as morphogenesis, organogenesis, growth and development, and fruit ripening, are summarized and discussed. Besides, the crosstalk between PAs and phytohormones or other signalling molecules, including H2O2 and NO, involved in these processes is dwelled on. In addition, the attempts made to improve the yield and quality of grain and vegetable crops through altering the PA catabolism are enumerated. Finally, several other vital questions that remain unanswered are proposed and discussed. These include the mechanisms underlying the cooperative regulation of developmental processes by PAs and their interplaying partners like phytohormones, H2O2 and NO; PA transport for maintaining homeostasis; and utilization of PA anabolism/catabolism for generating high‐yield and good‐quality crops. This review aims to gain new insights into the pleiotropic role of PAs in the modulation of plant growth and development, which provides an alternative approach for manipulating and engineering valuable crop varieties that can be used in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Light quality optimization is a cost-effective method for increasing leafy vegetable quality in plant factories. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that enable the precise modulation of light quality were used in this study to examine the effects of red-blue (RB), red-blue-green (RBG), red-blue-purple (RBP), and red-blue-far-red (RBF) lights on the growth, antioxidant capacity, and nitrogen metabolism of Chinese cabbage leaves, while white light served as the control (CK). Results showed that the chlorophyll, carotenoid, vitamin C, amino acid, total flavonoid, and antioxidant levels of Chinese cabbage were all significantly increased under RBP combined light treatment. Meanwhile, RBG combined light treatment significantly increased the levels of amino acids but decreased the nitrite content of Chinese cabbage. In addition, RBF combined light treatment remarkably increased the amino acid levels but decreased the antioxidant capacity of Chinese cabbage. In conclusion, the addition of purple light to red-blue light was effective in improving the nutritional value and antioxidant capacity of Chinese cabbage. This light condition can be used as a model for a supplemental lighting strategy for leafy vegetables in plant factory production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Drought tolerance and plant growth are critical factors affecting rice yield, and identifying genes that can enhance these traits is essential for improving crop resilience and productivity. Using a growth-depressed and drought-tolerant (gddt) mutant of the indica rice variety Huanghuazhan (HHZ) generated by radiation mutagenesis, we discovered a novel gene, GDDT, which plays a dual role in plant biology: it acts as a positive regulator of growth and development, but as a negative regulator of drought resistance. The gddt mutant displayed a marked reduction in plant growth and seed setting rate, yet exhibited an unexpected advantage in terms of drought tolerance. Our research revealed that the enhanced drought tolerance of the gddt mutant is primarily due to a decrease in stomatal size, density, and aperture, which reduces water loss, and an activation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system, which helps protect the plant from oxidative stress. These physiological changes are observed both under drought conditions and in normal growth conditions. This discovery highlights the importance of GDDT as a pleiotropic gene with significant implications for both plant growth and drought resistance. Through mapbased cloning, we determined that the protein disulfide isomerase-like (PDIL) gene OsPDIL1-5 is the GDDT gene. The protein encoded by this gene was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, consistent with its predicted function. Our findings provide new insights into the role of PDIL genes in rice and suggest that further study of GDDT could lead to a better understanding of how these genes contribute to the complex interplay between plant growth, development, and stress responses. This knowledge could pave the way for the development of rice varieties that are more resilient to drought, thereby increasing crop yields and ensuring food security in water-limited environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using chicken manure biochar organic fertilizer as the material, the effects of different dosage and biochar application on the growth, development, and quality of Shangluo flue-cured tobacco were studied, in order to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the cost of using organic fertilizer in Shangluo tobacco area. In 2022, a community experiment was conducted on the application technology of chicken manure biochar organic fertilizer in Luonan County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province. Six treatments were set up: T1 [ conventional fertilization+ commercial chicken manure (450 kg/hm²) ], T2 [conventional fertilization + commercial chicken manure (900 kg/hm²)], T3 [conventional fertilization+commercial chicken manure (1 050 kg/hm²)], N1 [conventional fertilization+70 chicken manure/30 biochar (750 kg/hm²)], N2 [conventional fertilization+80 chicken manure/20 biochar (750 kg/hm²)] and N3 [conventional fertilization+90 chicken manure/10 biochar (750 kg/hm²)], with CK(conventional fertilization, no organic fertilizer) and CK, (conventional fertilization+tobacco company set organic fertilizer) as controls. The results showed that chicken manure biochar organic fertilizer could significantly improve the agronomic traits and disease resistance of tobacco plants; chicken manure biochar organic fertilizer increased the material accumulation of tobacco plants and enriched their organic elements; chicken manure biochar organic fertilizer significantly improved the economic traits of flue-cured tobacco. The combination of chicken manure and biochar was beneficial for improving the yield and quality of Shangluo flue-cured tobacco, among which N2 treatment [conventional fertilization+80 chicken manure/20 biochar (750 kg/hm²)] has the best effect on improving the growth and development of Shangluo flue-cured tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging group of bioactive fatty acids, monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids (mmBCFAs) have sparked the interest of many researchers both domestically and internationally. In addition to documenting the importance of mmBCFAs for growth and development, there is increasing evidence that mmBCFAs are highly correlated with obesity and insulin resistance. According to previous pharmacological investigations, mmBCFAs also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and anticancer properties. This review summarized the distribution of mmBCFAs, which are widely found in dairy products, ruminants, fish, and fermented foods. Besides, we discuss the biosynthesis pathway in different species and detection methods of mmBCFAs. With the hope to unveil their mechanisms of action, we recapitulated detailed the nutrition and health benefits of mmBCFAs. Furthermore, this study provides a thorough, critical overview of the current state of the art, upcoming difficulties, and trends in mmBCFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The experiment aimed to investigate the effect of dietary methionine levels on the growth and development of Yanjin silky fowl chickens aged 1 to 42 days. A total of 200 one-day-old healthy Yanjin silky fowl chickens with similar body weights were randomly divided into five groups, with five replicates per group and eight chickens per replicate, including both males and females. Each group was fed experimental diets with methionine levels of 0.32%, 0.41%, 0.50%, 0.59%, and 0.68%. The trial period was 42 days. The results showed that there were significant differences in the body weight of chicks from 7 to 28 days old among the groups, with the 0.41% and 0.50% groups had higher body weights, and the weight gain in the 0.41% group was significantly higher than that of the 0.50% and 0.59% groups in the sixth week (P<0.05). The dietary methionine levels significantly affected the body slanting length, breast width, breast depth, keel length, tibial circumference, and pelvic width of chicks at 7 days old, as well as the body slanting length, breast width, breast depth at 42 days old, and tibial length from 14 to 42 days old. At 42 days old, the breast width of the 0.41% group was significantly higher than that of the 0.32% group (P<0.05), and the tibial length was significantly higher than that of the 0.32%, 0.59%, and 0.68% groups (P<0.05). At 42 days old, the lengths of the ileum, rectum, and total intestine, as well as the indices of the ileocecal, muscular gastrulae, cardiac, hepatic, and splenic of the chicks, showed significant differences among the groups. The length of rectum was significantly higher in the 0.41% group than that of the other groups (P<0.05). The dietary methionine levels significantly affected the length of the parafoil feathers at 28 and 35 days old, and the number of primary wing feathers at 7, 21, and 35 days old. The study indicates that when the dietary methionine level is 0.41%, the growth and development of Yanjin silky fowl chickens from 1 to 42 days old is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prenatal and perinatal experiences of the mother are known to influence infant development. Maternal exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during pregnancy has been associated with increased morbidity and mother-baby separation. However, the developmental outcomes of infants born to COVID-19-positive mothers remain unclear. This study represents an initial exploratory effort to assess the developmental risks faced by infants born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved telephonic interviews and developmental screenings of 45 infants, aged 9 to 15 months, who were born to perinatal COVID-19-positive mothers between July 2020 and May 2021. The Ages & Stages Questionnaire was used for the developmental assessment. The impacts of maternal, infant and separation-related factors on development were analyzed. Results: Within the study population, 28.8% (13 of 45 infants) presented with a risk of developmental delay. The gross motor and problem-solving domains were the most frequently impacted. Among the factors studied, prolonged separation period (exceeding 7 days), advanced maternal age, and gestational age (preterm birth) were associated with higher proportions of infants at risk of developmental delay; however, these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study suggests that infants born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 during the perinatal period face a risk of developmental delay. Factors such as maternal age, gestational age at birth, metabolic disease during pregnancy, and infant-mother separation could exacerbate this risk. Future research should prioritize objective assessments of development and long-term follow-up to monitor developmental outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoenix barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus denticulatus) is a notable fish species in South China and is valued for its ecological and economic importance. To elucidate the molecular basis underlying its growth, we collected transcriptome profiles from the brains and livers of individual fish with different growth rates and compared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 3 and 9 months after hatching (MAH). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that the pathways associated with growth were predominantly enriched in fatty acid biosynthesis, AMPK signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, estrogen signaling, and protein metabolism. Notably, a greater number of DEGs from the fast-growing group were associated with these pathways at the early growth stage (3 MAH) than at the later stage (9 MAH). Real-time quantitative PCR results further validated that the genes involved in these pathways exhibited higher expression levels in fast-growing samples. This study enhances our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying growth rate differences and provides valuable genetic resources for future growth-related molecular breeding programs of phoenix barbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to an environment containing microplastics can cause adverse effects on creatures through respiratory and digestive systems. In this paper, 50–500 μm polystyrene microplastics (exposure concentrations were 200 μg/L, 800 μg/L, and 3200 μg/L concentrations) were selected to study the distribution of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and the effects on the growth, development, tissue damage and gene expression of crucian carp juveniles. The results showed that PS-MPs were enriched in the intestinal tract (GIT) and gill tissue of crucian carp, and the average number of PS-MPs was between 0 to 2.33 items per individual. It was found that the average number of MPs in the intestine was more than in the gills, and it was independent of the PS-MP concentration. However, the specific gravity of PS-MPs in excreta was concentration-dependent. In addition, it was found that the exposure of the medium concentration group promoted the weight of the crucian carp larvae, inhibited the growth rate, and reduced the weight in the low and high concentration groups. The histopathological results indicated that the intestinal, gill, brain, and liver tissues all showed different degrees of damage, and the higher the concentration of PS-MPs, the more severe damage to the tissue cells. This experiment evaluated 15 genes in three treatments, which found that PS-MPs had different effects on gene expression in the liver, intestine, and gill tissues, and the tested genes were involved in different response pathways associated with virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a globally staple food crop, frequently encounters growth, developmental, and yield limitations due to phosphate deficiency. LOW PHOSPHATE ROOT1/2 (LPR1/2) are essential genes in plants that regulate primary root growth and respond to local phosphate deficiency signals under low phosphate stress. In rice, five LPR genes, designated OsLPR1–OsLPR5 based on their sequence identity with AtLPR1, have been identified. OsLPR3 and OsLPR5 are specifically expressed in roots and induced by phosphate deficiency, contributing to rice growth, development, and the maintenance of phosphorus homeostasis under low phosphate stress. In contrast, OsLPR2 is uniquely expressed in shoots, suggesting it may have distinct functions compared with other family members. This study employed Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing technology to generate oslpr2 mutant transgenic lines and subsequently investigated the effect of OsLPR2 gene knockout on rice growth, phosphate utilization, and salt stress tolerance in the seedling stage, as well as the effect of OsLPR2 gene knockout on rice development and agronomic traits in the maturation stage. The results indicated that the knockout of OsLPR2 did not significantly impact rice seedling growth or phosphate utilization, which contrasts significantly with its homologous genes, OsLPR3 and OsLPR5. However, the mutation influenced various agronomic traits at maturity, including plant height, tiller number, and seed setting rate. Moreover, the OsLPR2 mutation conferred enhanced salt stress tolerance in rice. These findings underscore the distinct roles of OsLPR2 compared with other homologous genes, establishing a foundation for further investigation into the function of the OsLPR family and the functional differentiation among its members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trehalases (TREs), serving as crucial enzymes regulating trehalose and chitin metabolism in insects, represent prime targets for pest control strategies. We investigated the impact of three thioxothiazolidin compounds (1G, 2G, and 11G) on TRE activity and summarized their effects on the growth and development of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). The experimental larvae of S. frugiperda were injected with the three thioxothiazolidin compounds (1G, 2G, and 11G), while the control group received an equivalent volume of 2% DMSO as a control. All three compounds had a strong effect on inhibiting TRE activity, significantly prolonging the pre-pupal development stage. However, compared with the 11G-treated group, the survival rate of larvae treated with 1G and 2G was significantly reduced by 31.11% and 27.78% respectively, while the occurrence of phenotypic abnormalities related to growth and development was higher. These results manifest that only the TRE inhibitors, 1G and 2G, modulate trehalose and chitin metabolism pathways of larvae, ultimately resulting in the failure molting and reduction of survival rates. Consequently, the thioxothiazolidin compounds, 1G and 2G, hold potential as environmentally friendly insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant transcription factors (TFs) are integral proteins associated with gene transcription. That ability arises after TFs bind to specific DNA sequences, such as promoters, responding positively or negatively to a multitude of endogenous and exogenous factors or stressors. For this reason, in plants, the vast majority of TFs are associated with growth, development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. As is commonly known, the genes coding for TFs are written in uppercase italics, whereas the resulting proteins are written in lowercase, such as OsWRKY28 and OsWRKY28, respectively for a member of the WRKY TF family in rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, despite the existence of some conventions for the nomenclature of TFs, some deviation from these norms has been observed in the literature. Several cases are highlighted, primarily related to NAC TFs. These cases emphasize the need for stricter quality control of literature pertaining to the nomenclature of plant TFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Light is crucial for higher plants, driving photosynthesis and serving as a powerful sensory signal that profoundly modulates growth, development, physiological functions, hormone activation, and biochemical pathways. Various light parameters—quality, intensity, composition, and photoperiod—exert a tremendous influence on plant growth and development, particularly in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). C. sativa, a crop of historical significance and unparalleled versatility, holds immense value in the food, fiber, and medicinal industries. The cultivation of medicinal cannabis is burgeoning in controlled environments due to evolving healthcare regulations. Optimal light conditions significantly enhance both yield and harvest quality, notably increasing the density of apical inflorescences and the ratio of inflorescence to total aboveground biomass. C. sativa metabolites, especially phenolic and terpene compounds and Phytocannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol), THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBG (cannabigerol), possess immense medicinal value. Secondary metabolites in C. sativa predominantly accumulate in the trichomes of female flowers and surrounding sugar leaves, underscoring the critical need to boost inflorescence weight and metabolite concentrations while ensuring product consistency. Different light parameters distinctly impact C. sativa's metabolic profile, providing a robust foundation for understanding the optimal conditions for synthesizing specific secondary metabolites. While the effects of light measurement on various crops are well-established, scientific evidence specifically relating to light quality effects on C. sativa morphology and secondary metabolite accumulation remains scarce. In this review, we critically summarized how different light properties can alter cannabis growth (vegetative and reproductive), physiology and metabolism. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which specific wavelengths influence growth, development, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in C. sativa are not fully elucidated, which could be a prospective task for future researchers. Our review paves the way for a profound understanding of light's influence on C. sativa growth and advancements in greenhouse settings to maximize metabolite production for commercial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a worldwide polyphagous phloem-feeding agricultural pest, and it can produce offspring by sexual or asexual reproduction. Compared with dozens of generations by parthenogenesis, sexual reproduction is performed in only one generation within one year, and little is known about the sexual reproduction of A. gossypii. In this study, sexual females of A. gossypii were successfully obtained through a previously established induction platform, and the morphological characteristics, developmental dynamics, and temporal gene expression were examined. Subsequently, signaling pathways potentially involved in regulating the growth, development, and reproduction of sexual females were investigated. Results The morphological observation showed that from the 1st instar nymph to adult, sexual females exhibited a gradually deepened body color, an enlarged body size, longer antennae with a blackened end, and obviously protruding cauda (in adulthood). The anatomy found that the ovaries of sexual females developed rapidly from the 2nd instar nymph, and the embedded oocytes matured in adulthood. In addition, time-course transcriptome analysis revealed that gene expression profiles across the development of sexual females fell into 9 clusters with distinct patterns, in which gene expression levels in clusters 1, 5, and 8 peaked at the 2nd instar nymphal stage with the largest number of up-regulated genes, suggesting that the 2nd instar nymph was an important ovary development period. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that a large number of genes in the sexual female adult were enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway and Forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway, highlighting their important role in sexual female adult development and reproduction. Conclusion The morphological changes of the sexual female at each developmental stage were revealed for the first time. In addition, time-course transcriptomic analyses suggest genes enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway probably contribute to regulating the development and oocyte maturation of sexual females. Overall, these findings will facilitate the regulating mechanism research in the growth and development of sexual females by providing candidate genes.

Purpose Prenatal and perinatal experiences of the mother are known to influence infant development. Maternal exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during pregnancy has been associated with increased morbidity and mother-baby separation. However, the developmental outcomes of infants born to COVID-19-positive mothers remain unclear. This study represents an initial exploratory effort to assess the developmental risks faced by infants born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19. Methods This cross-sectional study involved telephonic interviews and developmental screenings of 45 infants, aged 9 to 15 months, who were born to perinatal COVID-19-positive mothers between July 2020 and May 2021. The Ages & Stages Questionnaire was used for the developmental assessment. The impacts of maternal, infant and separation-related factors on development were analyzed. Results Within the study population, 28.8% (13 of 45 infants) presented with a risk of developmental delay. The gross motor and problem-solving domains were the most frequently impacted. Among the factors studied, prolonged separation period (exceeding 7 days), advanced maternal age, and gestational age (preterm birth) were associated with higher proportions of infants at risk of developmental delay; however, these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion This study suggests that infants born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 during the perinatal period face a risk of developmental delay. Factors such as maternal age, gestational age at birth, metabolic disease during pregnancy, and infant-mother separation could exacerbate this risk. Future research should prioritize objective assessments of development and long-term follow-up to monitor developmental outcomes in this population.

Protein ubiquitination, an important post-translational modification, plays a wide role in the life activities of eukaryotic cells. E3 ubiquitin ligases specifically recognize target proteins in the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation system and play a decisive role in the ubiquitination pathway. Recent studies have shown that E3 ubiquitin ligases play an extensive regulatory role in the growth, development and stress response of fruits and vegetables. This article introduces the ubiquitin system and the types of E3 ubiquitin ligase in fruit and vegetable crops, focusing on recent advances in understanding the regulatory role and mechanisms of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the growth, development, and stress response of fruits and vegetables. We anticipate that this review will provide a reference for research on the regulatory role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the life activities of fruits and vegetables.

Background: When teeth are not positioned correctly, it is referred to as malocclusion, and it frequently happens in the general population. One of the traits of malocclusion that is frequently observed in children beginning in the early mixed dentition phase is crowded teeth. This disorder will become more serious and cause speech, masticatory, and cosmetic issues if therapy is not started right away. Environmental and genetic factors have a significant impact on malocclusion. Therefore, a child's nutrition, bad habits, trauma to the main teeth, and the pattern acquired from both parents will all affect the malocclusion's characteristics. Purpose: Enhance instruction in identifying malocclusion and the stages of permanent and changing tooth growth. Methods: Forty-six students from Madrasah Tsanawiyah's classes 7A and 7B participated. Intraoral examinations and the completion of pretest and posttest questionnaires were used to collect data. Next, Stastical Package Social Science (SPSS) version 23 was used to analyze the frequency distribution data. Results: Male students had more crowded teeth (20) and less crowded teeth (2) than female students (18) and less crowded teeth (6). Class I malocclusion (41), class II malocclusion (3), and class III malocclusion (2) are the highest. Conclusion: Malocclusion class I is characterized by the greatest number of crowded teeth in males aged 8 to 10 years.

Aim: This scoping review aims to assess the utility of ultrasound as a prospective tool in measuring body composition and nutritional status in the paediatric population. We provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature, identify gaps, and propose future research directions. Methods: We conducted a systematic scoping review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. This involved screening titles and abstracts of relevant studies, followed by a detailed full‐text review and extraction of pertinent data. Results: We identified and synthesised 34 articles. The review revealed that while ultrasound has been used to assess body composition and bone properties in children, significant gaps remain in the literature. These include limited studies on ultrasound performance, insufficient attention to relevant sample characteristics, reliance on manual image measurements, and limited sample diversity. Conclusion: Point‐of‐care ultrasound shows significant promise for assessing paediatric body composition and nutritional status. To validate and enhance its effectiveness, further research is needed. Future studies should include larger and more diverse patient cohorts and conduct longitudinal investigations to evaluate nutritional interventions. Additionally, developing artificial intelligence (AI) for standardising and automating data interpretation will be crucial in improving the accuracy and efficiency of ultrasound assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesiodens usually lead to the malposition and abnormal morphology of maxillary central incisors. Aim: To evaluate the detrimental effects of single unilaterally impacted mesiodens on the three‐dimensional positions and morphology of the maxillary central incisor using cone‐beam computed tomographic (CBCT) examinations. Design: A total of 321 patients aged 5–17 years with single unilaterally impacted mesiodens were included and divided into two groups: mixed dentition group (5–10 years) and early permanent dentition group (11–17 years). CBCT data for these patients were retrospectively analyzed to compare the inclination, rotation, angulation, and morphology of maxillary central incisors between the affected and contralateral control sides. The morphology, orientation, and spatial location of mesiodens were also assessed. Results: Central incisors on the affected side showed significant palatal crown inclination, shorter root, shorter tooth, and greater crown‐to‐root ratio in both groups, whereas significant mesial crown angulation was only observed in the mixed dentition group. Conclusion: Impacted mesiodentes result in the displacement and impaired root development of central incisors, strongly suggesting timely clinical management of these abnormal teeth, such as the early removal of mesiodens and orthodontic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The study is carried out to explore the effect of mulberry leaf feeding on the growth and development of Spodoptera frugiperda, with an aim to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the potential damage of mulberry gardens caused by S. frugiperda.【Method】The populations of S. frugiperda feeding on artificial diet and mulberry leaves were established by two-sex life tables, and the growth & development and reproductive indexes were measured, including the development duration, oviposition amount, pupal weight and pupation rate. And the population parameters were calculated with the two-sex life table software TWOSEX-MS Chart 2024, followed by ANOVA and graphing. Finally, TIMING-Mschart was used to predict the future 90 d population dynamics of S. frugiperda feeding on artificial diet and mulberry leaves.【Result】The total developmental durations of S. frugiperda feeding on mulberry leaves and artificial diet were 44.18 (±0.93) and 32.30 (±0.26) d, the larval survival rates were 41.17 (±5.88)% and 55.56 (±12.73)%, the pupal weight were 174.4 (±34.2) and 225.9 (±23.7) mg per pupa, the oviposition amounts of single female moth were 499.58 (±278.67) and 877.40 (±440.79), and both of the pupation rate were 100%. The intrinsic rates of increase of S. frugiperda feeding on mulberry leaves and artificial diet were 0.10 (±0.01) and 0.14 (±0.01) per day, finite rates of increase were 1.11 (±0.01) and 1.16 (±0.01) per day, net reproduction rates were 128.57 (±36.37) and 250.64 (±77.14) eggs per single female moth, and mean generation times were 47.03 (±1.42) and 37.86 (±0.34) days, respectively.【Conclusion】S. frugiperda feeding on mulberry leaves and artificial diet could complete the generation development, and compared with feeding on artificial diet, the growth and development rate of S. frugiperda feeding on mulberry leaves is slower, and the developmental uniformity, the survival rate, and oviposition amount are all lower. In conclusion, under natural conditions, when the population density is too large or the most suitable host plant is insufficient, it may pose a threat for S. frugiperda larvae to live on mulberry leaves.

Objective To determine the normative values of the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) score for typically developing children in Korea and assess its suitability for use in children. Methods Rehabilitation physicians and occupational therapists with children were invited through an online platform to participate in a survey assessing their children’s performance of activity of daily living (ADL) using the K-MBI. The questionnaire encompassed queries on sociodemographic information of children and the assessment criteria outlined in the K-MBI. The standardized K-MBI scores by age were estimated using the nonlinear least squares method. Results The analysis incorporated responses from a total of 206 individuals. K-MBI total scores showed a rapid increase over the first 8 years of life, with 99% of children achieving a score of 90 or higher by age 8. Mobility scores exhibited a swift increase during early childhood, surpassing 90% of the maximum score at 3 years of age and nearing 100% at 7 years of age. In contrast, self-care scores demonstrated a more gradual advancement, achieving approximately 100% of the maximum score by the age of 10 years. Conclusion Age-specific normative values for K-MBI scores of typically developing children were established, which can be used as a reference in clinical care. While the K-MBI captured the overall trajectory of children’s ADL development, it did not discern subtle differences across various developmental stages. There is a need for the development of more refined assessment tools tailored specifically to children.

The temporomandibular joint is the only joint structure within the craniofacial skeletal system, responsible for performing functions related to opening and closing mouth movements, such as chewing, speaking, and facial expression in daily life. The condyle of the mandible, as a vital component of the temporomandibular joint, originates from the mandibular process formed by the first gill arch and is the key growth center at the end of the mandibular ramus. Condyle is composed of a layer of cartilage as its surface and subchondral bone below, exhibiting unique biological processes during its growth and development. In the articular fossa, the functional movement of the condyle depends on its normal physiological and anatomical structure, which plays a crucial role in establishing occlusion and shaping facial features. Abnormal growth and development can lead to the occurrence of condylar deformities, which affect the vertical height of the patient's maxillofacial region and ultimately lead to secondary skeletal class Ⅱ or Ⅲ craniofacial deformities. During the process of growth and development, the condyle is subject to complex signal regulation. In recent years, with in-depth research on the temporomandibular joint, researchers have begun to discuss the regulatory mechanisms of condyle growth and development from the perspectives of gene expression and molecular level, in order to explain the causes of temporomandibular joint diseases and condylar deformities. This article provides a review on the growth process and structure of condyle, classification and pathological manifestations of condylar deformities, and related regulatory mechanisms of the growth and development of condyle, as well as pathogenesis of condylar deformities. The aim of this article is to provide research ideas for temporomandibular joint diseases and craniofacial malformations caused by abnormal development of the mandibular condyle in clinical practice.

Objective·To analyze the anatomical and macroscopic characteristics of the pterygopalatine suture (PPS) in Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology, and to preliminarily investigate its developmental pattern and its association with the correction of maxillary underdevelopment.Methods·A total of 134 CBCT images, taken from July to August 2023 at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, were categorized into six age groups. The PPS landmarks were utilized to determine the overall transverse position (XPPS), sagittal position (YPPS), insertion angle (IAP), insertion width of the pyramidal process (IWP), and insertion depth of the pyramidal process (IDP). The pterygomaxillary junction was identified through multiplanar observations. Regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation of these parameters with age and gender, and pairwise comparisons were made to determine the stable age range for parameter changes. Paired t-tests and paired chi-squared tests were conducted to analyze the bilateral parameter differences.Results·Results showed that YPPS and IDP did not exhibit significant correlation with age, whereas XPPS, IAP, IWP, and the incidence of pterygomaxillary fusion were significantly positively correlated with age (P

Introduction: Lead is a well-documented potent environmental toxin that has various harmful effects on the body, growth, and development noticed since, birth. Despite notable advancements in the decrease of lead exposure, researchers found environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic factors associated with elevated blood lead levels in children in Chennai, India, aged 1-5 years. This underscores the necessity for additional research on correlated risk factors. Aim: To assess the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels in children and estimate its values while identifying potential sources of lead exposure to the children. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional analytical research was conducted at SRM Medical College, Hospital, and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India from July 2019 to July 2022. A total of 92 children aged 1-5 years attending the Paediatric Outpatient Department (OPD) and inpatients at the same hospital were included in the study. This study was conducted to examine the impact of lead exposure on children aged one to five years by using a lead exposure risk assessment questionnaire by World Health Organisation (WHO). Blood lead levels were measured using Lead Care II analyser equipment and lead care blood lead testing kits. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were applied to statistically analyse the data. Results: The majority, 48 (52.17%), were boys, while 44 (47.83%) were girls. The study found that 8 (8.7%) out of all the children had lead toxicity. Thumb sucking was associated with higher lead toxicity, while frequent waste material combustion was linked to higher lead toxicity. Other risk factors like age, gender, residence conditions, recent renovations, and exposure to smoke or dust were not significantly associated with increased blood lead levels. Food prepared in metal vessels, water sources, canned food, traffic near home, imported food, cosmetics, home remedies usage, and parental education status were not significantly associated with increased blood lead levels. Conclusion: Among the study population of 92 children, the prevalence of lead toxicity (>5 μg/dL) was found in 8 (8.7%) children. The results of present study point towards a significant association of lead toxicity in children with thumb sucking and combustion of waste material in surroundings. To fully understand lead exposure in primary and secondary care settings, greater sample sizes and additional research on confounding factors are required.

Tujuan: mengetahui angka infeksi Soil Transmitted Helminths pada balita pendek di Kecamatan Koto Tangah, Kota Padang. Metode: Jenis Penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif dengan desain cross-sectional. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan mengumpulkan 124 sampel feses pada balita pendek dengan rentang usia 24 – 59 bulan di Kelurahan Padang Sarai dan Kelurahan Batipuh Panjang, Kecamatan Koto Tangah, Kota Padang pada bulan September 2022 – Juni 2023. Sampel diperiksa secara mikroskopis dengan metode Kato-Katz. Hasil: subjek penelitian didominasi oleh anak dengan kategori pendek (77,4%), jenis kelamin laki-laki (50,8%), dan kelompok usia 36 – 47 bulan (43,5%). Pada pemeriksaan feses balita pendek didapatkan sebesar 6,5% terinfeksi STH. Spesies yang ditemukan Ascaris lumbricoides (50%), Trichuris trichiura (25%), dan mixed infection Ascaris lumbricoides dan Trichuris trichiura (25%). Ascaris lumbricoides masing-masing ditemukan 33% pada derajat ringan, sedang, dan berat sedangkan Trichuris trichiura ditemukan 50% pada derajat ringan, 25% pada derajat sedang dan berat. Simpulan: kejadian infeksi Soil Transmitted Helminths yang paling banyak terdapat pada spesies Ascaris lumbricoides dengan derajat infeksi yang beragam Kata kunci: Balita Pendek; infeksi soil transmitted helminths; stunting

Abstract. The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is considered as one of the most important pests of vegetables worldwide. Nowadays, alternative safe control measures are usually recommended against various insect pests. We investigated the ethanolic extracts of a medicinal plant fruit called winter cherry Withania somnifera L. (Solanaceae) against third instar larvae of cotton bollworm. The LC50, LC30, and LC10 values were estimated by feeding through larval diet at 1.33, 0.53, and 0.14 (% w/v). Later, the LC30 value (0.53 % w/v) obtained was again treated on third instar larvae to find out its sublethal effects on some important molecules and enzymes. The results showed elevated amount of uric acid and also increased activity in acid phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione S-transferase in comparison with the controls (fed artificial diet with ethanol alone). However, decreased activity of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, acetylcholinesterase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were observed. The midgut histology showed disruption in main midgut epithelial cells as well as other cell types in treated vs controls. Chemical components of the ethanolic extract of winter cherry fruits were also identified using GC-MS where the main components included 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (51.18 %) and 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl (21.86%). Our results are indicative of a promising natural product that can be regarded as a new source for insect pest control.

Recent research has highlighted the importance of Cys2/His2-type zinc finger proteins (C2H2-ZFPs) in plant growth and in responses to various stressors, and the complex structures of C2H2-ZFP networks and the molecular mechanisms underlying their responses to stress have received considerable attention. Here, we review the structural characteristics and classification of C2H2-ZFPs, and consider recent research advances in their functions. We systematically introduce the roles of these proteins across diverse aspects of plant biology, encompassing growth and development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and in doing so hope to lay the foundations for further functional studies of C2H2-ZFPs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive growth is one of the most important stages in the life history of plants and is regulated by photoperiod. However, the effect of different photoperiods after flowering on the reproductive growth stages of different plants and their roles is still unclear. For this reason, this study took the short-day plant strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Akihime) as the research object, performed different photoperiod treatments (ND: natural daylight; SD: short daylight; LD: long daylight) after flowering, and studied the effects of photoperiod on fruit growth period, fruit quality, flower opening, and plant height in different inflorescence of fruits. The results showed that different photoperiods had significantly different effects on the growth and development of strawberries after flowering, and LD and SD had opposite effects: (1) Under the condition of SD, the fruit matured after 17 days of treatment, while the LD and ND advanced this by 6 and 5 days. LD could significantly delay the development of the first inflorescence of fruits, resulting in longer ripening period and fruit appearance, and the quality traits were better. (2) The number of flowers in the secondary inflorescence and the development process was effectively accelerated by LD, and the total number of flowers under the long-day treatment was significantly more than that under the short-day treatment and the natural condition from 12 to 25 days after the end of the flowering period. Under the condition of LD, the fruits matured after 53 days of treatment, which was 5 days earlier than the other two treatments, and the period from flowering to maturity was shortened. (3) The effect of different photoperiods on the final plant height of strawberries after flowering had no significant difference (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study found that photoperiod could effectively regulate the reproductive growth stage of strawberry after flowering, which enriched the experimental material and theoretical basis for studying the photoperiod as a mechanism for regulating plant growth and development, providing technical guidance for artificial regulation of strawberry growth period and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, 0 mM NaCl was used as the control, while 75 mM NaCl (4.4‰ salt content) and 150 mM NaCl (8.8‰ salt content) were employed to simulate mild and moderate salinized soil environments, respectively. The differences in the metabolome of cotton plants under different salt stress conditions and the fitness of cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) were analyzed. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in fecundity, adult longevity, and survival rate of cotton aphids on salt-stressed cotton plants with increasing NaCl concentration. Furthermore, it was observed that higher concentrations of NaCl led to the upregulation of 49 metabolites and the downregulation of 86 metabolites closely associated with the growth, development, and fecundity of cotton aphids. Therefore, these substances present in cotton leaves play a crucial role as mediators influencing the growth and development of cotton aphids. The degree of global soil salinization is gradually deepening, which will inevitably affect agricultural ecology. It has been found that salt stress induces the resistance of host plants to phytophagous pests. However, little is known about the effects of salt-stressed cotton plants on the fitness of cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover). In this study, we investigated the differences between cotton metabolomes under mild (75 mM NaCl) and moderate (150 mM NaCl) salinity conditions and their effects on the fitness of cotton aphids. The results showed that 49 metabolites exhibited significant upregulation, while 86 metabolites were downregulated, with the increasing NaCl concentration. The duration of nymphal aphids under 150 mM NaCl significantly extended to 6.31 days when compared with the control (0 mM NaCl, 4.10 days). Meanwhile, the longevity of adult aphids decreased significantly under 75 and 150 mM NaCl, with an average of 10.38 days (0 mM NaCl) reduced to 8.55 and 4.89 days, respectively. Additionally, the total reproduction number of single females decreased from 31.31 (0 mM NaCl) to 21.13 (75 mM NaCl) and 10.75 (150 mM NaCl), whereas the survival rate of aphids decreased from 81.25% (0 mM NaCl) to 56.25% (75 mM NaCl) and 34.38% (150 mM NaCl) on the 12th day. These results support the hypothesis that plants growing under salt stress are better defended against herbivores. Furthermore, 49 differential metabolites were found to be negatively correlated with the longevity and fecundity of adult aphids, while 86 different metabolites showed the opposite trend. These results provide insights into the occurrence and control of cotton aphids amidst the escalating issue of secondary salinization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendons enable locomotion by transmitting high tensile mechanical forces between muscle and bone via their dense extracellular matrix (ECM). The application of extrinsic mechanical stimuli via muscle contraction is necessary to regulate healthy tendon function. Specifically, applied physiological levels of mechanical loading elicit an anabolic tendon cell response, while decreased mechanical loading evokes a degradative tendon state. Although the tendon response to mechanical stimuli has implications in disease pathogenesis and clinical treatment strategies, the cell signaling mechanisms by which tendon cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli within the native tendon ECM remain largely unknown. Therefore, we explored the role of cell–ECM adhesions in regulating tendon cell mechanotransduction by perturbing the genetic expression and signaling activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) through both in vitro and in vivo approaches. We determined that FAK regulates tendon cell spreading behavior and focal adhesion morphology, nuclear deformation in response to applied mechanical strain, and mechanosensitive gene expression. In addition, our data reveal that FAK signaling plays an essential role in in vivo tendon development and postnatal growth, as FAK‐knockout mouse tendons demonstrated reduced tendon size, altered mechanical properties, differences in cellular composition, and reduced maturity of the deposited ECM. These data provide a foundational understanding of the role of FAK signaling as a critical regulator of in situ tendon cell mechanotransduction. Importantly, an increased understanding of tendon cell mechanotransductive mechanisms may inform clinical practice as well as lead to the discovery of diagnostic and/or therapeutic molecular targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MVFI can display the real-time perfusion status of fetal microvessels, including blood flow velocity, volume, and other related parameters. This technology is a non-invasive method that can be used to evaluate the blood flow situation in the fetal cranial region. • Growth restricted fetuses have lower biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length than normal fetuses, and their microvascular index and peak systolic velocity of internal arteries are also lower than normal fetuses. • The larger the microvascular index and peak systolic velocity of the internal artery, the more severe the fetal growth restriction. The study conducted retrospective analysis design, aiming to explore the use of Microvascular Imaging Technique (MVFI) to assess fetal cerebral microcirculation and analyze the relationship between Microvascular Index (MVI) and fetal growth and development. 100 pregnant women who met the criteria for fetal growth restriction (FGR) provided in the Expert Consensus on Fetal Growth Restriction (2019 Edition) and underwent routine prenatal examinations at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Peking University Third Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023 were selected as the study subjects. A normal fetus with a fetal weight less than 10 % can be classified as FGR, Pregnant women with fetal umbilical artery (UA) systolic and diastolic (S/D) values ≥3 were included in the observation group, while 200 pregnant women with normal fetuses were selected as the control group during the same period. The fetuses' change in both groups were measured using color Doppler ultrasound, including bi-parietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL). The cerebral microcirculation of the fetuses in both groups was evaluated using MVFI, and the MVI values were compared. The clinical characteristics of FGR fetuses with umbilical artery S/D ratio ≥ 3 were summarized, and the correlation between fetal cerebral microvascular status and fetal growth and development was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. The outcomes told that the BPD, HC, AC, and FL values of the fetuses in the control group were lower the other's value (P < 0.05), and the MVI and peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA-PSV) values were also lower in the control group (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between fetal growth and development and MVI and MCA-PSV values in FGR fetuses. In conclusion, MVFI can monitor and quantitatively analyze fetal intracranial microcirculation, visualize slow blood flow in microvascular structures, and this study provides preliminary evidence of the close relationship between fetal cerebral microcirculation and intrauterine growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleic acid demethylases of α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (AlkB) family can reversibly erase methyl adducts from nucleobases, thus dynamically regulating the methylation status of DNA/RNA and playing critical roles in multiple cellular processes. But little is known about AlkB demethylases in filamentous fungi so far. The present study reports that Monascus purpureus genomes contain a total of five MpAlkB genes. The MpAlkB1 gene was disrupted and complemented through homologous recombination strategy to analyze its biological functions in M. purpureus. MpAlkB1 knockout significantly accelerated the growth of strain, increased biomass, promoted sporulation and cleistothecia development, reduced the content of Monascus pigments (Mps), and strongly inhibited citrinin biosynthesis. The downregulated expression of the global regulator gene LaeA, and genes of Mps biosynthesis gene cluster (BGC) or citrinin BGC in MpAlkB1 disruption strain supported the pleiotropic trait changes caused by MpAlkB1 deletion. These results indicate that MpAlkB1-mediated demethylation of nucleic acid plays important roles in regulating the growth and development, and secondary metabolism in Monascus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the correlation between dentoskeletal parameters related to craniofacial morphology and the upper airway (UA) volume. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography images of 106 randomly selected orthodontic patients were analyzed using NemoFab Ortho software. The dentoskeletal variables assessed were anterior facial height (AFH), posterior facial height (PFH), PFH/AFH ratio, hyoid position, maxillary width (MW), and palatal depth. The UA volume (evaluation in anatomical regions and as a whole) was also assessed using the same software. We also evaluated potential differences in UA variables between age and sex groups. The correlation between the dentoskeletal parameters and UA volume was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient (R). Analysis of variance and Student's t test were performed to assess differences between age and sex for UA variables. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26 for Windows). Results: This study found that PFH, AFH, and MW were the dentoskeletal parameters most strongly correlated with UA volume. However, the ANB angle did not show any significant correlation with UA volume. Additionally, differences in UA volumes were observed between age groups. Sex differences were found in both the "8-12" and "≥ 16" age groups for oropharyngeal and pharyngeal volumes. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings indicate a significant correlation between UA volume and dentoskeletal parameters, particularly those related to facial height and MW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sugars will eventually be exported transporter (SWEET) family is a novel class of sugar transporters that play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and responses to stress. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a nutritious berry with economic importance, but little is known about SWEET gene family functions in this small fruit. In this research, 13 VmSWEET genes belonging to four clades were identified in the cranberry genome for the first time. In the conserved domains, we observed seven phosphorylation sites and four amino acid residues that might be crucial for the binding function. The majority of VmSWEET genes in each clade shared similar gene structures and conserved motifs, showing that the VmSWEET genes were highly conserved during evolution. Chromosomal localization and duplication analyses showed that VmSWEET genes were unevenly distributed in eight chromosomes and two pairs of them displayed synteny. A total of 79 cis-acting elements were predicted in the promoter regions of VmSWEETs including elements responsive to plant hormones, light, growth and development and stress responses. qRT-PCR analysis showed that VmSWEET10.1 was highly expressed in flowers, VmSWEET16 was highly expressed in upright and runner stems, and VmSWEET3 was highly expressed in the leaves of both types of stems. In fruit, the expression of VmSWEET14 and VmSWEET16 was highest of all members during the young fruit stage and were downregulated as fruit matured. The expression of VmSWEET4 was higher during later developmental stages than earlier developmental stages. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results revealed a significant up-regulation of VmSWEET10.2, under osmotic, saline, salt-alkali, and aluminum stress conditions, suggesting it has a crucial role in mediating plant responses to various environmental stresses. Overall, these results provide new insights into the characteristics and evolution of VmSWEET genes. Moreover, the candidate VmSWEET genes involved in the growth, development and abiotic stress responses can be used for molecular breeding to improve cranberry fruit quality and abiotic stress resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children are an important asset for a nation, so the education and care provided must be able to improve the quality of children in the future. Child Protection Law no. 23 of 2002 explains that every child has the right to receive growth and development monitoring without exception. Early detection of deviations in growth and development needs to be done, one of which is by using digital-based growth and development e-Reports. Objective: The e-report product produced can increase efficiency and effectiveness, helping teachers, homeroom teachers, cadres or health workers in managing the SDIDTK program so that valid, practical and effective digital-based e-Report applications can be obtained. Research methods: The research design for the development of digital-based growth and development e-reports was carried out referring to the development of the 4D model which includes define, design, develop and disseminate. Results: There is an influence of perceived usefulness on interest in using the child health e- report application Conclusion: e-Report can be used to check children's health and growth and development at the PAUD unit level to increase the scope of monitoring children's health and SDIDTK [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]