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Objectives: Previous studies generally used cross‐sectional data and focused on under‐five children to assess the risk factors for malnutrition among Indian children. Some recent studies have reported that recovery from or faltering in malnutrition is possible after five years of age, but socio‐demographic subgroup disparities have not been explored. This study aims to find the longitudinal disparity in height‐for‐age Z‐scores (HAZ) and body‐mass‐index‐for‐age Z‐scores (BMIAZ scores) across various sub‐groups of a cohort from childhood to adolescence. Methods: This study used a cohort from the Young Lives Survey, which followed children aged of 1–15 years between 2002 and 2016–17 in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India. Mixed‐effect models were applied to find the main, time, and interaction effects of HAZ scores and BMIAZ scores. In addition, an extended Kitagawa–Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition approach to assess group‐based differences over time was used. Results: The cross‐sectional prevalence of stunting reduced across all subgroups, while thinness rose during the same period. The interactions of child sex, mother's education, place of residence, wealth index, and antenatal care with time were statistically significant at p <0.05. The gender disparity in adjusted HAZ score decreased from 0.214 units at 1 year to 0.011 units at 15 years, whereas BMIAZ score differential increased from 0.106 to 0.538 units over same timeframe. Disparities in scores were also observed across rural–urban, maternal education, social group, religion, socioeconomic status, maternal age at birth, antenatal care, and premature birth status. Conclusion: The study sheds light on the nuanced dynamics of paediatric growth, emphasising the importance of longitudinal approaches in understanding and addressing the health disparities across different stages of childhood and adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Many arid lands across the globe are experiencing more frequent and extreme droughts due to warmer temperatures resulting from climate change, less predictable precipitation patterns, and decreased soil moisture. Approximately 60-90% of household water is used for urban landscape irrigation in the western United States, necessitating the establishment of landscapes using drought-tolerant plants that conserve water. Shepherdia ×utahensis (hybrid buffaloberry) is a drought-tolerant plant with dense leaf trichomes (epidermal appendages) that may limit excessive water loss by transpiration. However, little is known about how S. ×utahensis regulates leaf heat balance when transpirational cooling is limited. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of substrate water availability on plant growth and development and trichome density of S. ×utahensis. Ninety-six clonally propagated plants were grown using an automated irrigation system, and their substrate volumetric water contents were controlled at 0.05-0.40 m3·m-3 for 2 months. Results showed that water stress impaired plant growth and increased the proportion of visibly wilted leaves. Shepherdia ×utahensis acclimates to drought by reducing cell dehydration and canopy overheating, which may be accomplished through decreased stomatal conductance, smaller leaf development, leaf curling, increased leaf thickness, and greater root-to-shoot ratio. Leaf trichome density increased when stem water potential decreased, resulting in greater leaf reflectance of visible light. Cell and leaf expansion were restricted under water stress, and negative correlations were exhibited between epidermal cell size and trichome density. According to our results, plasticity in leaves and roots aids plants in tolerating abiotic stresses associated with drought. Acclimation of S. ×utahensis to water stress was associated with increased trichome density due to plasticity in cell size. Dense trichomes on leaves reflected more lights which appeared to facilitate leaf temperature regulation.

One hundred and thirty five chilli landraces belonging to Capsicum annuum, C. chinense and C. frutescens species were analyzed for 20 unit characters. Temporal and spatial gene expression patterns of anthocyanin pigmentation and pubescence were analyzed which revealed species specific fixation of alleles and differential response of each species to the external environment. Relative fixation of alleles across species was used to frame taxonomic key based on seed and seedling characters which will be helpful for species alignment in the vegetative stage and will be complementary to the existing key. The relationship between C. chinense and C. frutescens was evident from many phenotypic character states with similar expression patterns in both the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Leaf surface phenotypes can indicate plant health and relate to a plant’s adaptations to environmental stresses. Identifying these phenotypes using non-invasive techniques can assist in high-throughput phenotyping and can improve decision making in plant breeding. Identification of these surface phenotypes can also assist in stress identification. Incorporating surface phenotypes into leaf optical modelling can lead to improved biochemical parameter retrieval and species identification. Results In this paper, leaf surface phenotypes are characterized for 349 leaf samples based on polarized light reflectance measured at Brewster’s Angle, and microscopic observation. Four main leaf surface phenotypes (glossy wax, glaucous wax, high trichome density, and glabrous) were identified for the leaf samples. The microscopic and visual observations of the phenotypes were used as ground truth for comparison with the spectral classification. In addition to surface classification, the microscope images were used to assess cell size, shape, and cell cap aspect ratios; these surface attributes were not found to correlate significantly with spectral measurements obtained in this study. Using a quadratic discriminant analysis function, a series of 10,000 classifications were run with the data randomly split between training and testing datasets, with 150 and 199 samples, respectively. The average correct classification rate was 72.9% with a worst-case classification of 60.3%. Conclusions Leaf surface phenotypes were successfully correlated with spectral measurements that can be obtained remotely. Remote identification of these surface phenotypes will improve leaf optical modelling and biochemical parameter estimations. Phenotyping of leaf surfaces can inform plant breeding decisions and assist with plant health monitoring.

The resistance of regenerate Populus alba×P. bolleana no.7, P. alba×P. bolleana no.12, and P. davidiana×P. bolleana cv. Baicheng 1 plants cultured in vitro to osmotic stress is examined. It is found that hybrid no. 7 tolerates d-mannitol in the nutrient medium at concentrations up to 250 mM after a 30-day culturing period, while the Baicheng 1 variety tolerates it only in concentrations up to 50 mM. Hybrid no. 12 remains viable at d-mannitol concentrations up to 150 mM. The application of d-mannitol statistically significantly reduces leaf blade parameters (length, width, and leaf area) only in hybrid no. 7; in the rest of the studied specimens, the differences are statistically insignificant (p < 0.05). The introduction of the osmotic component reduces the fresh and dry weight of all studied specimens by 1.7–2.2 times; the water content in their tissues remains virtually unchanged. In relation to drought tolerance, the results are confirmed by micromorphological parameters (stomatal apparatus and pubescence). The Baicheng 1 poplar variety features the lowest pubescence and the highest stomatal density (155.44 pcs/mm2), while poplar hybrid no. 7 features the highest pubescence and the lowest stomatal density (127.75 pcs/mm2). No direct relationship between the osmotic stress and the number and size of stomata was identified in the studied specimens. Our data indicate that the studied poplar hybrids feature different resistance to osmotic stress when cultured in vitro. Hybrid no. 7 is more drought-resistant and can be recommended for urban landscaping in arid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasses are major agricultural products worldwide and they are critical to ecosystem function in many terrestrial habitats. Despite their global importance, we know relatively little about their defenses against herbivory. Grasses tend to be tolerant of leaf loss because their valuable meristems are located underground, out of reach for above ground herbivores. Many grasses have unidirectional leaf hairs, prickles, and spines that make moving up the leaf blade easy, but make moving down, toward the meristem, difficult. We tested the hypothesis that unidirectional grass hairs direct small arthropod herbivores away from the meristems. In a field survey of the distribution of herbivore damage, we found that leaf tips received five times more damage than leaf bases for Avena barbata. Early-instar grasshoppers fed three times as often on leaf tops as on leaf bases of pubescent individuals in a common garden laboratory experiment. This effect was not observed for glabrous individuals where grasshoppers damaged leaf bases as often as leaf tops. A common generalist caterpillar, Heliothus virescens, was more than twice as likely to turn in the direction of the hairs, away from the meristems, when it encountered pubescent leaves of A. barbata. However, larger caterpillars of the generalist feeder Arctia virginalis showed no directional bias when they encountered pubescent leaves. In common garden experiments, selection on pubescence was weak and inconsistent over space and time. Under some circumstances, individuals of A. barbata with pubescent leaves were more likely to produce seeds than were individuals with fewer hairs. The surveys, behavioral experiments with small insects, and estimates of lifetime reproduction all support the hypothesis that unidirectional leaf hairs on A. barbata, and perhaps other grasses, serve as an unstudied defense that direct small herbivores away from the meristems.

Background: Leaf surface phenotypes can indicate plant health and relate to a plant's adaptations to environmental stresses. Identifying these phenotypes using non-invasive techniques can assist in high-throughput phenotyping and can improve decision making in plant breeding. Identification of these surface phenotypes can also assist in stress identification. Incorporating surface phenotypes into leaf optical modelling can lead to improved biochemical parameter retrieval and species identification. Results: In this paper, leaf surface phenotypes are characterized for 349 leaf samples based on polarized light reflectance measured at Brewster's Angle, and microscopic observation. Four main leaf surface phenotypes (glossy wax, glaucous wax, high trichome density, and glabrous) were identified for the leaf samples. The microscopic and visual observations of the phenotypes were used as ground truth for comparison with the spectral classification. In addition to surface classification, the microscope images were used to assess cell size, shape, and cell cap aspect ratios; these surface attributes were not found to correlate significantly with spectral measurements obtained in this study. Using a quadratic discriminant analysis function, a series of 10,000 classifications were run with the data randomly split between training and testing datasets, with 150 and 199 samples, respectively. The average correct classification rate was 72.9% with a worst-case classification of 60.3%. Conclusions: Leaf surface phenotypes were successfully correlated with spectral measurements that can be obtained remotely. Remote identification of these surface phenotypes will improve leaf optical modelling and biochemical parameter estimations. Phenotyping of leaf surfaces can inform plant breeding decisions and assist with plant health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the peculiarities of morphological-anatomical structure of the organs, which are diagnostic traits of herbal raw materials (HRM) of the commonest species of Thymus L. genus in the moderate climatic zone. We determined that the studied species develop a subshrub life form, which grows monopodially in Th. pulegioides and Th. marschallianus, and sympodially with mono-, di- and polycyclic types of monocarpic shoots in Th. serpyllum. Inflorescence is of thyrsoid type with opposite partial inflorescences, which are constituents of simple dichasia with monochasia. Macroscopic and microscopic diagnostic features of the HRM are structure and pubescence on the stem, leaves and flowers, the anatomical structure of which was studied on 20 µm thick transversal sections using a light microscope. In Th. pulegioides, stems are tetrahedral, pubescent on ribs with unicellular and two-cellular elbow-shaped hairs. Leaves are ovoid, covered by multiangular epidermis that bears diacytic stromas, sharpened capitate unicellular and two-cellular hairs and 10–12 cellular essential oil glandules. In Th. marschallianus, the stems are poorly tetrahedral, rounded, pubescent on the entire surface. Leaves are elliptic, the cells of the epidermis are elongated, significantly tortuous, with 10–12 cellular glandules, diacytic stromas, capitate and unicellular hairs. In Th. serpyllum, the stems are cylindric, pubescent all round. The leaves are elongated-elliptic, epidermis cells are oval, tortuous, stromas are diacytic, essential oil glandules are 8–10 cellular, number of papilla-like hairs is low. The petioles and lamina base of the studied species are pubescent on the sides with short, coned and elbow-shaped, 2–3 cellular hairs, among which there are long, 4–8 cellular hairs; the hairs in Th. serpyllum are multicellular, interrupted. In mesophyll, there are schizogenous essential oil reservoirs. In Th. marschallianus and Th. pulegioídes, the calyx is campanulate, bilabiate, and pubescent. The flower corolla is purple-violet, bilabiate, has tube and outward bend, pubescent inside with coned unicellular hairs, has essential oil glandules and glandular capitate hairs, and pubescence in the fauces comprises long unicellular hairs. In Th. pulegioídes, cells of the corolla epidermis are multiangular-shaped with insignificantly wavy walls, in Th. marschallianus ‒ rectangular with significantly wavy walls. Cells of the tube epidermis are rectangular, tortuous. Surface of the corolla of Th. serpyllum is pubescent on both sides with short, cone-like and three-cellular, interrupted hairs, and also capitate hairs, and has essential oil glandules. Epidermis cells are multi-angular, tubes – rectangular and narrow. The obtained results may be used for diagnostics of HRM of morphologically similar species during their preparation.

Abstract Background Leaf hairiness (pubescence) is an important plant phenotype which regulates leaf transpiration, affects sunlight penetration, and provides increased resistance or susceptibility against certain insects. Cotton accounts for 80% of global natural fibre production, and in this crop leaf hairiness also affects fibre yield and value. Currently, this key phenotype is measured visually which is slow, laborious and operator-biased. Here, we propose a simple, high-throughput and low-cost imaging method combined with a deep-learning model, HairNet, to classify leaf images with great accuracy. Results A dataset of $$\sim $$ ∼ 13,600 leaf images from 27 genotypes of Cotton was generated. Images were collected from leaves at two different positions in the canopy (leaf 3 & leaf 4), from genotypes grown in two consecutive years and in two growth environments (glasshouse & field). This dataset was used to build a 4-part deep learning model called HairNet. On the whole dataset, HairNet achieved accuracies of 89% per image and 95% per leaf. The impact of leaf selection, year and environment on HairNet accuracy was then investigated using subsets of the whole dataset. It was found that as long as examples of the year and environment tested were present in the training population, HairNet achieved very high accuracy per image (86–96%) and per leaf (90–99%). Leaf selection had no effect on HairNet accuracy, making it a robust model. Conclusions HairNet classifies images of cotton leaves according to their hairiness with very high accuracy. The simple imaging methodology presented in this study and the high accuracy on a single image per leaf achieved by HairNet demonstrates that it is implementable at scale. We propose that HairNet replaces the current visual scoring of this trait. The HairNet code and dataset can be used as a baseline to measure this trait in other species or to score other microscopic but important phenotypes.

The aim of the research is to comprehensively compare the anatomical and morphological structures of plants of Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis ('Krymchanka' and 'Lada' varieties) and of M. officinalis subsp. Sltissima (Sm.) Arcang. These plants have pronounced differences in morphological features and production indexes. They are grown in the collection of aromatic plants of the Research Institute of Agriculture of the Crimea (Krymskaya Roza village, Belogorsky district of Crimea). These studies will allow us to supplement the botanical characteristics of both subspecies of M. officinalis, and also to evaluate their plasticity and possibilities of adaptation to growing conditions. For examination we collected plants in the flowering phase. Anatomical study was carried out using a fixed (alcohol: glycerin: water in a ratio of 1: 1: 1) and native preparation. A complex of mesomorphic and xeromorphic characters is established, that confirms the high plasticity and determines the adaptive capabilities of the species when introduced into various soil and climatic conditions. A variety of epidermal structures was revealed, which are represented by single and multicellular non-glandular trichomes and various types of glandular structures. Among them, trichomes with a multicellular pedicle and a unicellular head, which we found only in M. officinalis subsp. officinalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 4-year follow-up study investigated which profile of motor competence (MC) in early childhood more strongly correlated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in early pubescence. A total of 247 first-grade children (152 boys) aged 6 to 7 years old participated in the baseline measurement. MVPA was measured using an accelerometer annually until the fifth grade. Body fat percentage was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline. MC included fundamental movement skills (FMS) and motor performance, which were assessed in terms of locomotor and object control. FMS was assessed by the Test of Gross Motor Development-2, while motor performance (locomotor: run, hop, jump, and side-step, object control: throw, kick, and hand dribble) was assessed by Japanese Physical Fitness and Motor Abilities Test at baseline. Multiple regression analysis showed that locomotor and object control performance were significant predictors of MVPA in later grades in boys but not in girls. These associations between locomotor performance and MVPA mainly remained significant after controlling for body fat and MVPA at baseline. FMS in both genders was not a significant predictor of MVPA in early pubescence. This study suggests that appropriate strategies for increasing MVPA from prepubescence to early pubescence may differ between boys and girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correlations of non-monocot woody angiosperm leaf traits to macroclimate are often used to reconstruct terrestrial paleoclimate under the assumption that macroclimate correlates with leaf phenotype are globally uniform, regardless of evolutionary history. Here, we evaluate if global trends in leaf trait variation with macroclimate are observed in the predominantly evergreen indigenous flora of New Zealand. A dataset of 557 indigenous woody dicot species and over 100,000 occurrences was employed to investigate community-level relationships of four leaf characters (leaf pubescence, margin teeth, area and length-to-width ratio) with geographic variation in temperature, precipitation, water deficit and solar radiation. Leaf area and the frequency of toothed leaves decline at higher latitudes in New Zealand. Variation in leaf pubescence and leaf teeth is associated primarily with measures of water availability, such as annual rainfall and annual water deficit; whereas leaf size is associated primarily with temperature. Variation in leaf length-to-width ratio was weakly correlated to climate parameters. The New Zealand relationship of leaf area with temperature aligns with global patterns, highlighting the importance of small leaves in limiting night-time chilling. The global negative correlation of leaf teeth with temperature is apparent in New Zealand trees and vines, but not in shrubs or all woody dicots combined. However, the primary correlate of leaf teeth in New Zealand is water availability, showing that the response of this trait to macroclimate is not globally uniform. The high occurrence of pubescent leaves in low rainfall and drought-prone environments in New Zealand suggests that the trait is associated with water retention in drier climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the peculiarities of morphological-anatomical structure of the organs, which are diagnostic traits of herbal raw materials (HRM) of the commonest species of Thymus L. genus in the moderate climatic zone. We determined that the studied species develop a subshrub life form, which grows monopodially in Th. pulegioides and Th. marschallianus, and sympodially with mono-, di- and polycyclic types of monocarpic shoots in Th. serpyllum. Inflorescence is of thyrsoid type with opposite partial inflorescences, which are constituents of simple dichasia with monochasia. Macroscopic and microscopic diagnostic features of the HRM are structure and pubescence on the stem, leaves and flowers, the anatomical structure of which was studied on 20 µm thick transversal sections using a light microscope. In Th. pulegioides, stems are tetrahedral, pubescent on ribs with unicellular and two-cellular elbow-shaped hairs. Leaves are ovoid, covered by multiangular epidermis that bears diacytic stromas, sharpened capitate unicellular and two-cellular hairs and 10– 12 cellular essential oil glandules. In Th. marschallianus, the stems are poorly tetrahedral, rounded, pubescent on the entire surface. Leaves are elliptic, the cells of the epidermis are elongated, significantly tortuous, with 10–12 cellular glandules, diacytic stromas, capitate and unicellular hairs. In Th. serpyllum, the stems are cylindric, pubescent all round. The leaves are elongated-elliptic, epidermis cells are oval, tortuous, stromas are diacytic, essential oil glandules are 8–10 cellular, number of papilla-like hairs is low. The petioles and lamina base of the studied species are pubescent on the sides with short, coned and elbow-shaped, 2–3 cellular hairs, among which there are long, 4– 8 cellular hairs; the hairs in Th. serpyllum are multicellular, interrupted. In mesophyll, there are schizogenous essential oil reservoirs. InTh.marschallianus and Th. pulegioídes, the calyx is campanulate, bilabiate, and pubescent. The flower corolla is purple-violet, bilabiate, has tube and outward bend, pubescent inside with coned unicellular hairs, has essential oil glandules and glandular capitate hairs, and pubescence in the fauces comprises long unicellular hairs. In Th. pulegioídes, cells of the corolla epidermis are multiangular-shaped with insignificantly wavy walls, in Th. marschallianus ‒ rectangular with significantly wavy walls. Cells of the tube epidermis are rectangular, tortuous. Surface of the corolla of Th. serpyllum is pubescent on both sides with short, cone-like and three-cellular, interrupted hairs, and also capitate hairs, and has essential oil glandules. Epidermis cells are multi-angular, tubes – rectangular and narrow. The obtained results may be used for diagnostics of HRM of morphologically similar species during their preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many arid lands across the globe are experiencing more frequent and extreme droughts due to warmer temperatures resulting from climate change, less predictable precipitation patterns, and decreased soil moisture. Approximately 60–90% of household water is used for urban landscape irrigation in the western United States, necessitating the establishment of landscapes using drought-tolerant plants that conserve water. Shepherdia ×utahensis (hybrid buffaloberry) is a drought-tolerant plant with dense leaf trichomes (epidermal appendages) that may limit excessive water loss by transpiration. However, little is known about how S. ×utahensis regulates leaf heat balance when transpirational cooling is limited. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of substrate water availability on plant growth and development and trichome density of S. ×utahensis. Ninety-six clonally propagated plants were grown using an automated irrigation system, and their substrate volumetric water contents were controlled at 0.05–0.40 m3·m−3 for 2 months. Results showed that water stress impaired plant growth and increased the proportion of visibly wilted leaves. Shepherdia ×utahensis acclimates to drought by reducing cell dehydration and canopy overheating, which may be accomplished through decreased stomatal conductance, smaller leaf development, leaf curling, increased leaf thickness, and greater root-to-shoot ratio. Leaf trichome density increased when stem water potential decreased, resulting in greater leaf reflectance of visible light. Cell and leaf expansion were restricted under water stress, and negative correlations were exhibited between epidermal cell size and trichome density. According to our results, plasticity in leaves and roots aids plants in tolerating abiotic stresses associated with drought. Acclimation of S. ×utahensis to water stress was associated with increased trichome density due to plasticity in cell size. Dense trichomes on leaves reflected more lights which appeared to facilitate leaf temperature regulation.

Aims: This study explored a possibility that leaf silicious trichomes slow down leaf mass loss by soil meso- and macrofauna. Methods: We focused on closely related Moraceae tree species (Broussonetia papyrifera and Morus australis) with different leaf trichome densities. First, we conducted microscopic analyses of leaf trichomes and investigated nine other leaf traits. We then performed a 25-day decomposition experiment with bags of different mesh sizes that excluded and included meso- and macrofauna. A cafeteria experiment was also implemented to examine palatability of leaf powder (i.e. trichome effects removed) to the most abundant macrofauna (Armadillidium vulgare) in our decomposition site. Results: Broussonetia papyrifera exhibited a 150-fold higher silicious trichome density on the lower leaf surface than M. australis. The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio was significantly lower in B. papyrifera than M. australis. In decomposition, the ash-free mass loss of B. papyrifera was significantly higher than that of M. australis in the <0.2-mm mesh bag. Similarly, in the cafeteria experiment with A. vulgare, mass loss of B. papyrifera leaf powder was significantly higher than that of M. australis. In the 5-mm mesh bag, however, the ash-free mass loss of B. papyrifera was significantly lower than that of M. australis. Conclusions: Despite rich nutrient quality of B. papyrifera leaves, leaf decomposition of B. papyrifera with greater trichome densities was slower than that of M. australis only in the 5-mm mesh bag that permitted the entry of meso- and macrofauna. This suggests a suppressive effect of leaf silicious trichomes on decomposition by the large decomposers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leaf hairiness (pubescence) is an important plant phenotype which regulates leaf transpiration, affects sunlight penetration, and provides increased resistance or susceptibility against certain insects. Cotton accounts for 80% of global natural fibre production, and in this crop leaf hairiness also affects fibre yield and value. Currently, this key phenotype is measured visually which is slow, laborious and operator-biased. Here, we propose a simple, high-throughput and low-cost imaging method combined with a deep-learning model, HairNet, to classify leaf images with great accuracy. Results: A dataset of ∼ 13,600 leaf images from 27 genotypes of Cotton was generated. Images were collected from leaves at two different positions in the canopy (leaf 3 & leaf 4), from genotypes grown in two consecutive years and in two growth environments (glasshouse & field). This dataset was used to build a 4-part deep learning model called HairNet. On the whole dataset, HairNet achieved accuracies of 89% per image and 95% per leaf. The impact of leaf selection, year and environment on HairNet accuracy was then investigated using subsets of the whole dataset. It was found that as long as examples of the year and environment tested were present in the training population, HairNet achieved very high accuracy per image (86–96%) and per leaf (90–99%). Leaf selection had no effect on HairNet accuracy, making it a robust model. Conclusions: HairNet classifies images of cotton leaves according to their hairiness with very high accuracy. The simple imaging methodology presented in this study and the high accuracy on a single image per leaf achieved by HairNet demonstrates that it is implementable at scale. We propose that HairNet replaces the current visual scoring of this trait. The HairNet code and dataset can be used as a baseline to measure this trait in other species or to score other microscopic but important phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Create a new source material of soybeans without pubescence, determine its selection value for the efficient use of processed products in animal nutrition, which will ensure high productivity of the latter. Quantitative and qualitative indicators of seeds are important economic and valuable features. The lack of pubescence on plants is unique. Methods. Field, special, laboratory and mathematical-statistical. Results. The minimum fat content of 20.88% was observed in the seeds of the non-pubescent variety ‘Kobra’, 23.73% in the line No 305, and 25.02% in the line No 22. The varieties ‘Diamant’ and ‘Antratsyt’ had a high fat content – 24.08–25.83%. The protein content in the green mass of promising lines was very low – up to 16%. The fat content was in the range of 2.1–5.3% with the maximum value in the lines No 3 and No 7 – 4.67–5.26%. The protein content in ‘Anakonda’ seeds and No 1 and No 9 lines was 36–37%, in standard varieties – at the level of 29.5–35.63%. A comparison of new non-pubescent lines with standard varieties and the most productive varieties ‘Diamant’ and ‘Adamos’, which are included in the Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine and meet the requirements for efficient use in fodder production. Conclusions. Lack of pubescence in soybean plants is an extremely rare and atypical phenomenon. There are no such varieties in the state register of plant varieties of Ukraine. More than 50 non-pubescent lines exceed the indicators of economic suitability of national standards and modern varieties. Lines No 4, No 5, No 7, No 8, which had more than 15% protein in the green mass, should be involved in the selection process to create fodder varieties. The ‘Anakonda’ line has a nutritional value with a minimum content of linolenic acid in the oil (6.08%). Increased oleic acid content was observed in varieties ‘Adamos’ (35.01%), ‘Diamant’ (33.53%), ‘Ametyst’ (31.39%).

Background. Physical activity is a well-known means of obesity prevention, but the relationship between exercise frequency and body composition in children has not been thoroughly investigated. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the body composition of children aged 11–12 who regularly performed swimming and other sports as an organized extra-curricular physical activity for a 12-week period. Methods: The study included 46 students who attended swimming classes and 42 students who participated in training activities in other sports, including, but not limited to, football, basketball and athletics. Body height and body composition were measured using a Tanita BC 418 MA analyzer. The students individually reported their rate of perceived exertion during training using the Pictorial Children’s Effort Rating Table PCERT scale. Results: The weekly volume of training was substantially higher in the group of swimmers than in that playing other sports (12.3 h/week vs. 5.2 h/week, p < 0.01). After 12 weeks of training, body height and weight significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.001). However, the BMI value and adipose tissue content only increased in the group of non-swimmers. Swimmers perceived greater exertion during training than non-swimmers (7.1 vs. 5.8 on the PCERT scale, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In early pubescent children, engaging in vigorous exercise such as swimming for at least 10 h a week may restrain the growth of adipose tissue. However, the variety of exercises that are typical of team sports, if performed for no more than 5 h a week, may be insufficient to restrain adipose tissue growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate sex difference in the functional movement in the adolescent period. Seven hundred and thirty adolescents (365 boys) aged 16–17 years participated in the study. The participants performed standardized Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM) protocol and a t-test was used to examine sex differences in the total functional movement screen score, while the chi-square test was used to determine sex differences in the proportion of dysfunctional movement and movement asymmetries within the individual FMSTM tests. Girls demonstrated higher total FMSTM score compared to boys (12.7 ± 2.3 and 12.2 ± 2.4, respectively; p = 0.0054). Sex differences were present in several individual functional movement patterns where boys demonstrated higher prevalence of dysfunctional movement compared to girls in patterns that challenge mobility and flexibility of the body (inline lunge: 32% vs. 22%, df = 1, p = 0.0009; shoulder mobility: 47% vs. 26%, df = 1, p < 0.0001; and active straight leg raise: 31% vs. 9%, df = 1, p < 0.0001), while girls underperformed in tests that have higher demands for upper-body strength and abdominal stabilization (trunk stability push-up: 81% vs. 44%, df = 1, p < 0.0001; and rotary stability: 54% vs. 44%, df = 1, p = 0.0075). Findings of this study suggest that sex dimorphisms exist in functional movement patterns in the period of mid-adolescence. The results of this research need to be considered while using FMSTM as a screening tool, as well as the reference standard for exercise intervention among the secondary school-aged population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichome is a natural trait related with plant defense and seed yield, however, the genetic control of this trait has not been extensively studied in soybean. In this study, a cross was made between a soybean landrace "Aijiaomaodou" with normal pubescence and a glabrous soybean line "39002". The segregation ratio of the F2 population was fit to the expected value and the glabrous phenotype was controlled by a single dominant gene. Association analysis was conducted to identify candidate genes for the glabrous trait using a high-throughput sequencing technology, specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing. A total of 6,961 polymorphic specific-locus amplified fragments were analyzed and a region of 2.76 Mb at nucleotides 47,315,610-50,072,564 on chromosome 9 containing 551 candidate genes was identified. Four specific genes (Glyma09G280500, Glyma09G282600, Glyma09G259400 and Glyma09G283400) in the region appeared to be most important candidate genes that are highly related to the glabrous trait. Further studies of these genes may lead to isolation and cloning of the glabrous gene and facilitate the selection procedures in soybean breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton possesses certain physical features, including leaf and stem trichomes that help plants deter damage caused by insect pests, and to some extent, from abiotic factors as well. Among those features, trichomes (pubescence) hold a special place as a first line of defense and a managemental tool against sucking insect pests of cotton. Different insect pests of cotton (whiteflies, aphids, jassids, and boll weevil) severely damage the yield and quality of the crop. Likewise, whiteflies, aphids, jassids, and other insect pests are considered as potential carriers for cotton leaf curl viruses and other diseases. Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) study was conducted to understand and explore the genomic regions governing hairy (Pubescence) leaves and stem phenotypes. A total of 224 individuals developed from an intraspecific cross (densely haired cotton (Liaoyang duomao mian) × hairless cotton (Zong 128)) and characterized phenotypically for leaf and stem pubescence in different environments. Here we identify and report significant QTLs (quantitative trait loci) associated with leaf and stem pubescence, and the response of plant under pest (aphid) infestation. Further, we identified putative genes colocalized on chromosome A06 governing mechanism for trichome development and host–pest interaction. Our study provides a comprehensive insight into genetic architecture that can be employed to improve molecular marker-assisted breeding programs aimed at developing biotic (insect pests) resilient cotton cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Physical activity is a well-known means of obesity prevention, but the relationship between exercise frequency and body composition in children has not been thoroughly investigated. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the body composition of children aged 11–12 who regularly performed swimming and other sports as an organized extra-curricular physical activity for a 12-week period. Methods: The study included 46 students who attended swimming classes and 42 students who participated in training activities in other sports, including, but not limited to, football, basketball and athletics. Body height and body composition were measured using a Tanita BC 418 MA analyzer. The students individually reported their rate of perceived exertion during training using the Pictorial Children’s Effort Rating Table PCERT scale. Results: The weekly volume of training was substantially higher in the group of swimmers than in that playing other sports (12.3 h/week vs. 5.2 h/week, p < 0.01). After 12 weeks of training, body height and weight significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.001). However, the BMI value and adipose tissue content only increased in the group of non-swimmers. Swimmers perceived greater exertion during training than non-swimmers (7.1 vs. 5.8 on the PCERT scale, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In early pubescent children, engaging in vigorous exercise such as swimming for at least 10 h a week may restrain the growth of adipose tissue. However, the variety of exercises that are typical of team sports, if performed for no more than 5 h a week, may be insufficient to restrain adipose tissue growth.

This study aimed to investigate sex difference in the functional movement in the adolescent period. Seven hundred and thirty adolescents (365 boys) aged 16–17 years participated in the study. The participants performed standardized Functional Movement Screen™ (FMSTM) protocol and a t-test was used to examine sex differences in the total functional movement screen score, while the chi-square test was used to determine sex differences in the proportion of dysfunctional movement and movement asymmetries within the individual FMSTM tests. Girls demonstrated higher total FMSTM score compared to boys (12.7 ± 2.3 and 12.2 ± 2.4, respectively; p = 0.0054). Sex differences were present in several individual functional movement patterns where boys demonstrated higher prevalence of dysfunctional movement compared to girls in patterns that challenge mobility and flexibility of the body (inline lunge: 32% vs. 22%, df = 1, p = 0.0009; shoulder mobility: 47% vs. 26%, df = 1, p < 0.0001; and active straight leg raise: 31% vs. 9%, df = 1, p < 0.0001), while girls underperformed in tests that have higher demands for upper-body strength and abdominal stabilization (trunk stability push-up: 81% vs. 44%, df = 1, p < 0.0001; and rotary stability: 54% vs. 44%, df = 1, p = 0.0075). Findings of this study suggest that sex dimorphisms exist in functional movement patterns in the period of mid-adolescence. The results of this research need to be considered while using FMSTM as a screening tool, as well as the reference standard for exercise intervention among the secondary school-aged population.

The World of Girls Seen Trough the Women Eyes on the Two Examples:Królestwo dziewczynki Iwony Chmielewskiej and Pierwsze koty robaczywkiKariny Bonowicz Thie article presents two works writen for young people, that is drawing out the subject of girls adolescence. The former is the picture book by Iwona Chmielewska Królestwo dziewczynki. Authoress tries to show within it how to cope with changes and emotions due to the passage from children’s world to kingdom of femininity. The latter is Pierwsze koty robaczywki by Karina Bonowicz, that shows in light and humorous way pitfalls of adolescent teenager. It appeared that only confrontation with carnality and pubescence can lead young girls to finding their own identity.

Highlights • Phenotypic plasticity is exceptionally high in A. adscensionis. • Survival in environmental heterogeneity is due to specific anatomical modifications. • Sclerification protects plants organs from collapse and desiccation. • Water conservation is a prime strategy in A. adscensionis for survival. Abstract Aristida adscensionis L. is a widely distributed grass species that particularly invades Potohar region (arid/semi-arid conditions) of the country. Exploration of adaptive components in this grass in relation to altitudinal gradient is the first attempt. Plant samples were collected from 6 different altitudinal ranges, viz. 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 m a.s.l. Morpho-anatomical and physiological features along altitudinal gradient varied significantly that showed phenotypic plasticity in this species to inhabit a variety of environmental conditions. Stomata at 400 m altitude were larger and rhomboid-shaped, which changed to narrowly elliptic at moderate elevations and circular at high elevations. Growth and biomass production were maximum at 800–1000 m a.s.l. along with most of the morpho-anatomical and physiological features like proportion of vascular tissue, nutrient uptake, and chlorophyll pigments. Xeromorphy was high in plants colonisng at 1200 m elevations, which was indicated by an intensive sclerification, increased amount of storage parenchyma, increased vascular bundle number, deeply grooved bulliform cells, and dense pubescence on adaxial leaf surface. Leaf succulence was the unique feature in plants inhabiting 1400 m elevation. Another prominent feature was the development of chlorenchyma inner to stem epidermis. All these features reflect the tolerance capacity of A. adsecnsionis against environmental adversaries like salinity, aridity and low temperatures of the Potohar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helianthemum oelandicum var. oelandicum is an endemic taxon on the Baltic island of Öland, SE Sweden. Plants can be classified into two morphs: the bristled morph (with bristles and with or without scattered stellate hairs) and the glabrous morph (without bristles and stellate hairs). In crosses between plants assumed to be homozygous for the trait that characterises the phenotypes of the two morphs, offspring in F1 could not be distinguished from the bristled morph. Segregation in F2 did not deviate from the expected 3:1 ratio (bristled morphs/glabrous morphs), indicating one major gene with a dominant allele for the phenotype of the bristled morph and a recessive allele for the phenotype of the glabrous morph. Besides the Mendelian inheritance of presence/absence of hairs, the density of hairs appeared to be further modified by quantitative genes. The frequency of the recessive allele for the phenotype of the glabrous morph varied among local populations and showed a geographical structure, both on local and regional scales. Possible mechanisms behind the spatial variation in indumentum are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research study focuses on verification of the relationship between individual components of parenting and pubescent self-concept. The aim is also to examine gender differences in perceived parenting and self-concept in pubescent youth. It is a correlation-comparative study with the research sample consisting of 119 pubescent youth aged 11-15. Research tools: the Parenting Style Questionnaire (Čáp & Boschek) and the Piers-Harris Children's and Adolescents' Self-Concept Scale 2. Research results allow for stating that perceived parenting significantly correlates with pubescent self-concept. Gender differences in perceived parenting appear only in mothers, in the negative emotional component and in the component of demands, with girls scoring significantly higher. A gender difference in favour of boys can be stated in the overall pubescent self-concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helianthemum oelandicum var. canescens (Hartm.) Fr. is an endemic taxon with a restricted distribution (less than 10 km) in the southernmost part of the Baltic island of Öland, SE, Sweden. The taxon varies with respect to stellate hairs. Most plants can be classified into two morphs, the stellated morph (with a dense carpet of stellate hairs on the abaxial surface of the leaves) and the bristled morph (without a carpet of stellate hairs). In crosses between plants assumed to be homozygous for the trait that characterises the phenotypes of the two morphs, F1 offspring was indistinguishable from the bristled morph. Segregation in F2 did not deviate from the expected 3:1 ratio (bristled morph/stellated morph), indicating one major gene with a dominant allele for the phenotype of the bristled morph and a recessive allele for the phenotype of the stellated morph. Besides the Mendelian inheritance of the presence/absence of a whitish cover of stellate hairs, the density of hairs appeared to be further modified by quantitative genes. The frequency of the recessive allele for the phenotype of the stellated morph varied among populations and showed a geographical structure. Possible mechanisms behind the spatial variation in indumentum are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus) are well known for their important inter- and intra-specific variation in hair (or pubescence) color patterns, but the chemical nature of the pigments associated with these patterns is not fully understood. For example, though melanization is believed to provide darker colors, it still unknown which types of melanin are responsible for each color, and no conclusive data are available for the lighter colors, including white. Methods By using dispersive Raman spectroscopy analysis on 12 species/subspecies of bumblebees from seven subgenera, we tested the hypothesis that eumelanin and pheomelanin, the two main melanin types occurring in animals, are largely responsible for bumblebee pubescence coloration. Results Eumelanin and pheomelanin occur in bumblebee pubescence. Black pigmentation is due to prevalent eumelanin, with visible signals of additional pheomelanin, while the yellow, orange, red and brown hairs clearly include pheomelanin. On the other hand, white hairs reward very weak Raman signals, suggesting that they are depigmented. Additional non-melanic pigments in yellow hair cannot be excluded but need other techniques to be detected. Raman spectra were more similar across similarly colored hairs, with no apparent effect of phylogeny and both melanin types appeared to be already used at the beginning of bumblebee radiation. Discussion We suggest that the two main melanin forms, at variable amounts and/or vibrational states, are sufficient in giving almost the whole color range of bumblebee pubescence, allowing these insects to use a single precursor instead of synthesizing a variety of chemically different pigments. This would agree with commonly seen color interchanges between body segments across Bombus species.

Obesity, low level of physical activity and dysfunctional movement patterns presents one of the leading health issues that can contribute to increased risk for developing not only metabolic and cardiovascular disease, but also musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this paper is to summarize literature and evidence about relationship between functional movement (FM) patterns, physical activity (PA) level and weight status in average adolescent population. In addition, this paper summarized current evidence about relations between maturation effects and functional movement among athletic adolescent populations. Summary of current evidence suggests that decreased physical activity level is negatively correlated to functional movement in adolescence. Additionally, most studies suggest that weight status is negatively correlated to functional movement patterns although there is conflicting evidence in this area. Evidence consistently showed that overweight and obese adolescents exhibit poorer functional movement compared to normal weight adolescents. In addition, it appears that maturation has effects on functional movement in athletic populations of adolescents. It is therefore important that practitioners consider interventions which develop optimal functional movement alongside physical activity and weight management strategies in children, in order to reduce the risks of injuries and pathological abnormality arising from suboptimal movement patterns in later life.

Movement behavior of two mite species: two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and European red mite (Panonychus ulmi) on leaves of some apple cultivars (´Greensleeves´, ´Spartan' and SA 455-2 selection) with different density of pubescence was analysed. Assessment of the leaf pubescence density was performed using an originally developed quick method based on digital pubescence mage analysis. For P.ulmi, both stop time and average speed did not depend on kind of leaf. In contrary. T.urticae revealed higher movement activity on slight pubescent leaves compared to leaves with high leaf hair density.

Polylepis cuadrijuga es una especie leñosa endémica de la cordillera oriental de Colombia, donde la agricultura y el pastoreo han generado la fragmentación de sus bosques. Para determinar si existe un efecto borde en fragmentos ubicados en el Páramo de la Rusia, se establecieron diferencias ambientales y se evaluó las respuestas ecofisiológicas de P. cuadrijuga entre matriz de pastura, borde e interior de los fragmentos, a través de la medición de temperatura ambiental, humedad relativa, capacidad de retención de agua del suelo y radiación fotosintéticamente activa, a lo largo de dos transectos de 50m desde la matriz hacia el interior. En cada sitio se escogieron seis árboles para evaluar el contenido de clorofila, área foliar, biomasa foliar, área foliar específica, anatomía foliar, sanidad y pubescencia. En matriz fue mayor la temperatura y la radiación, condiciones relacionadas con la disminución del AFE y el aumento del contenido de clorofilas, evidenciado por la presencia de un parénquima en empalizada biestratificado. Características ecofisiológicas similares a las expuestas en borde, confirman un efecto de borde que podría penetra unos 17m en el interior de los fragmentos. Se concluye que P. cuadrijuga es una especie plástica, capaz de enfrentar condiciones de estrés generadas por actividades antropogénicas.Polylepis cuadrijuga is an endemic woody species from the Colombian Eastern range, being the only tree species with capacity to live on mountainous environments beyond 4 000m of altitude. Grazing and agriculture have transformed at least 30% of the Guantiva-La Rusia region, turning continuous extensions of high Andean forest in a fragmented landscape, and P. cuadrijuga remnants have become smaller and more isolated. The aim of this study was to establish the environmental differences between a matrix of grazing pastures and the interior of fragments, to evaluate the physiological responses of P. cuadrijuga and determining the edge effect. Air temperature and humidity, soil water holding capacity and photosynthetic active radiation, were measured along two 50X2m transects from the matrix toward the center of fragment. Six trees inside the transects were chosen in each one of three sites (matrix, edge and interior) to measure the index chlorophyll content and to sample leaves to assess the leaf area, leaf biomass, specific leaf area, anatomy, health condition and pubescence. Results showed significantly differences between the matrix and the interior and intermediate conditions in the edge. Radiation, temperature and air desiccation were higher in the matrix than in the interior, submitting P. cuadrijuga trees to a stressing environment, where they presented stratification of epidermis and palisade parenchyma, and a higher leaf area, leaf thickness, chlorophyll content and pubescence than in the interior of fragments. All these physiological traits allow avoiding the photoxidation and damages by freezing or desiccation to which trees are exposed in a grazing pasture matrix. Nevertheless, there was a higher frequency of healthy leaves in the interior of fragments, showing that high irradiations and extreme air temperature and humidity reach adversely affect to P. cuadrijuga. Individuals in the edge had ecophysiological traits similar to the matrix ones, which confirm an edge effect that could penetrate 17m inside the fragments. We conclude that P. cuadrijuga is a plastic species, able to overcome the stress conditions from anthropogenic transformations, species able to be used in high Andean forest restoration programs.

Highlights • Physiologic pituitary hyperplasia during adolescence can cause visual disturbance. • Physiologic pituitary hyperplasia occurs in patients with a shallow sellar turcica. • Physiologic pituitary hyperplasia occurs during vigorous exercise. Abstract We report for the first time two cases of physiologic pituitary hyperplasia causing visual disturbance during adolescence. Case 1. A 15-year-old boy visited our department with a pituitary mass lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) associated with headache and transient bitemporal hemianopsia repeating. A visual field defect became apparent on the bitemporal upper side, and the area of the visual field defect enlarged to hemianopsia. The visual defect usually occurred in relation to exercise and continued for approximately 10 min. MRI showed the mass effect of pituitary hyperplasia to the optic chiasm. At six months later after the initial onset of the symptom, the visual field defect disappeared. Case 2. A 14-year-old girl came to our emergency department with a pituitary mass lesion on MRI associated with acute headache and visual disturbance occurring during exercise. MRI revealed the possibility of pituitary hyperplasia compressing the optic chiasm; however, her clinical course showed pituitary apoplexy. We conducted emergency transsphenoidal surgery to decompress her optic chiasm. The operative findings and histological examinations revealed a normal pituitary gland. Her visual disturbance immediately recovered after the surgery. Physiologic pituitary hyperplasia during adolescence can cause visual disturbance. Surgery should be carefully conducted, given the possibility of physiologic pituitary hyperplasia with visual symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]