Strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa ) production in controlled environments often exhibits cyclical fruiting patterns, or “flushes,” which complicate labor, resource, and market planning. This study aimed to develop a yield forecasting tool for greenhouse strawberry production using flower mapping, a technique that characterizes floral bud development through meristem dissection. Using a soilless culture system with hanging gutters, we grew a widely used cultivar Albion in a greenhouse maintained at 22.5 ± 3.1 °C daytime and 18.2 ± 2.8 °C nighttime air temperatures, 20.0 ± 3.0 mol·m −2 ·d −1 daily light integral, 16-hour photoperiod, 580 ± 207 µmol·mol −1 daytime CO 2 , and 1.0 ± 0.6 kPa. Plants were grown in a commercial strawberry substrate composed of 100% coconut coir fiber and irrigated with a nutrient solution delivered by a drip irrigation system. Plants were transplanted on 17–18 Aug 2023 and flower mapping occurred weekly on randomly sampled plants during a 19-week crop cycle from 21 Jan to 26 May 2024. We found the number of primary buds at floral developmental stage 3 (when secondary buds differentiate) exhibited a significant positive correlation with weekly fruit yield occurring 11 weeks later. In addition, we found the number of primary buds at floral developmental stages 4 and 5 (when calyx and trichomes differentiate on the floral bud, respectively) exhibited significant positive correlations with weekly yield occurring 9 weeks later. In addition, stage 11 flower buds (flowers at anthesis) showed a significant positive correlation with yield occurring 3 weeks later. The remaining developmental stages exhibited weaker correlations and were less reliable predictors of upcoming yield. In addition, a similar correlation analyses performed using fruit number per plant as the outcome variable showed consistent results with the yield-based analyses but with generally weaker correlations, indicating that fruit number may be more variable than yield. Key developmental stages 3, 4, 5, and 11 can be used for developing a methodology for forecasting near-future yield. This will help US greenhouse strawberry growers to make informed decisions about resource allocation, labor scheduling, and market planning, ultimately optimizing yield and production efficiency in controlled environment agriculture systems.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability and is characterized by early-onset delays in motor, cognitive, and language development. The molecular mechanisms underlying these neurodevelopmental impairments remain poorly understood. We used single-nucleus multiomic sequencing to simultaneously profile gene expression and chromatin accessibility in the Down syndrome prefrontal cortex during early postnatal development, a critical period for synaptogenesis, neural maturation, and developmental neuroimmune interactions. Our findings reveal widespread dysregulation of chromatin accessibility and gene expression, with deficits spanning metabolic and synaptic pathways, oligodendrocyte lineage progression, and a pronounced neuroinflammatory signature. We present a molecular atlas of Down syndrome neuropathology at a critical stage of brain development, highlighting convergent neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathways and informing potential targeted therapies for Down syndrome-associated neuroinflammation.

Growth media for human cell culture were developed in the twentieth century, when the first immortal human cell lines were established. The nutrient compositions of these media arose not from a desire to reproduce the microenvironment of the cells in vivo, but rather to encourage continuous replicative growth. Armed with comprehensive datasets detailing the metabolomes of the various fluid compartments within which cells reside, cell culturists are now exploring the effects of media designed to reproduce the in vivo environment on cell biology. The early results of this research indicate the media composition has profound impacts on cell form and function. In parallel, taking care to maintain oxygen at the relatively low levels found in vivo also affects many cellular activities. The lessons learned from ‘physiological cell culture’ should be applied to the culture of human embryos in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic, where a critical stage of growth and development might be best supported by recreating, to the greatest extent possible, the environment of the oviduct and uterus. In this review, we translate recent advancements in physiological cell culture to emerging approaches in human embryo culture.

Abstract Background Cell fate determination during brain development, encompassing both neural stem cells (NSCs) and immature neurons, is orchestrated by complex mechanical signals. While mechanical sensing during forebrain development is gaining recognition, the underlying regulatory genes remain underexplored. Results In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the expression patterns of the mechanosensitive channel Tentonin 3 (TMEM150C, TTN3) across critical stages of embryonic brain development (E12.5, E14.5, E16.5, and E18.5) using RNAscope technology. We investigated Ttn3 expression in NSCs and immature neurons through co-staining with Nestin, Eomesodermin, and Doublecortin probes. Ttn3 transcripts were detected across multiple embryonic brain regions and layers, with a higher expression in the superficial layers compared to the ventricular and subventricular zones. In addition, we demonstrate that TTN3 is involved in the proliferation and migration of progenitor cells. Conclusions Our findings suggest that TTN3 may play a critical role in embryonic brain development, potentially contributing as a mechanotransduction mediator.

During its lifetime, the plant undergoes transitions between critical developmental stages, such as seed-to-seedling and adult-to-flowering stages. The changes between stages are strictly controlled by genetic and epigenetic factors that act together during the transition. The developmental transition involves repressing active genes in the first stage and activating genes in the next stage. Thus, repression appears to be essential for terminating the previous developmental program, and among the repressors, the VAL genes play a central role. The VALs are B3-domain DNA-binding proteins that regulate LAFL genes during the seed-to-seedling transition, during which VALs downregulate LAFL expression, thereby terminating the embryogenic program in seedlings. Moreover, the VAL also affects the expression of MIR156C, FLC, or FT in the regulation of flowering. These proteins interact with numerous chromatin remodeling factors, such as PRC1, PRC2, and HDAC, which perform distinct histone modifications, ubiquitination, methylation, or deacetylation to negatively regulate the expression of target genes. This review examines the recent advances in studies on the VALs genetic network, which is involved in the developmental transition via diverse epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, a future perspective on studies of these essential regulators was discussed.

Juvenile delinquency has always been one of the issues that society attaches great importance to. Compared to adults, minors are in a critical stage of growth and development, so the reasons behind their illegal activities are more complex and diverse. By analyzing the psychological characteristics of juvenile delinquents, reasonable and feasible corrective strategies are proposed based on this, which is of great significance for preventing juvenile delinquency and rescuing minors who have fallen behind and returning to society. On the premise of discussing the necessity of valuing the mental health of juvenile delinquents, this article discusses the manifestations of their mental health in four aspects: cognitive characteristics, emotional characteristics, willpower characteristics, and personality characteristics. Based on this, it proposes psychological correction methods for juvenile delinquents in the discovery stage, trial stage, prison stage, and post release stage, aiming to provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for the prevention and correction of juvenile delinquency.

Human peri-gastrulation is a critical developmental stage, yet challenging to study directly. Stem cell-based embryo models have emerged as promising tools for probing early human embryogenesis. Here we report a transgene-free human embryo model, namely peri-gastrulation trilaminar embryonic disc (PTED) embryoid, derived exclusively from primed human pluripotent stem cells, recapitulating certain features of peri-gastrulation human development, which include the formation of trilaminar embryonic layers positioned between the dorsal amnion and ventral definitive yolk sac, as well as primitive haematopoiesis. Our lineage tracing showed that, in PTED embryoids, embryonic and extraembryonic mesoderm as well as embryonic and extraembryonic endoderm arise from gastrulating epiblast-like cells, which provides support for extraembryonic lineage potential of peri-gastrulation human epiblast. Notably, active haematopoiesis and blood-cell generation occurred within the definitive yolk sac-like structure of PTED embryoids. Together, PTED embryoids offer a tractable and ethically less complex model for investigating the self-organizing properties of human peri-gastrulation development.

Reward-Related Neural Substrates of Irritability: A Task-Based fMRI Study of Early Childhood.

The preschool period is a critical stage of rapid development in motor and cognitive skills, and this development has significant implications for future academic success. During this period, the relationship between cognitive domains such as visual-motor integration, executive function, and memory may play a decisive role in children's school readiness. However, studies examining the multidimensional relationships between these skills in early childhood are relatively limited. This study aims to explore the relationship between visual-motor integration scores and the levels of executive function and memory in children aged 48-66 months. The study was conducted with children attending public and private preschools in Kırşehir and Yozgat during the 2024-2025 academic year. The data collection process involved the Preschool Visual-Motor Integration Assessment (PVMIA), the Preschool Executive Functions Teacher Form, and a memory game designed by the researchers. The data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses. The findings showed that the scores of children in the 60-66 month age group were significantly higher than those of other age groups. Furthermore, significant positive relationships were found between visual motor integration and executive function and memory. These results emphasize the need for a holistic approach in developmental assessments.

Adolescence is a critical stage of development marked by various significant changes, both physically and cognitively. These changes influence adolescents’ self-perception, particularly regarding their body image and appearance. This study aims to explore the implications of body perception on self-confidence in adolescents, utilizing a literature review method. The research is based on an analysis of 20 scientific articles published between 2020 and 2026, all of which address body perception and self-confidence. The findings reveal a generally positive relationship between body perception and self-confidence, as most studies indicate that adolescents with positive body image tend to exhibit higher levels of self-confidence. However, some studies highlight the challenges faced by adolescents with negative body image, often correlating with lower self-confidence levels. This discrepancy suggests that while positive body perception can enhance self-confidence, negative body image may hinder the development of healthy self-esteem. In conclusion, body perception plays a crucial role in shaping adolescents' self-confidence, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive body image during this developmental stage to support psychological well-being.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the morphological-developmental characteristics of the pupal stage in Drosophila, a model organism for metamorphosis research. We have delineated the critical stages of pupal development, from the late third-instar larvae to adult emergence, through continuous photography and time-lapse imaging. Our findings include the identification of the head-movement phase and head-static phase as distinct transitional states preceding the pupal stage. We document pupal shell dynamics, including color transitions and spiracle development as staging markers, along with internal transformations like larval tracheal degeneration, mouthpart retraction, and the formation of the compound eyes, wings, appendages, and bristles. In conclusion, we have identified several critical periods: P12 serves as a definitive marker for the onset of segmentation during the pupal stage, P40-P50 represents an optimal period for observing the initiation of changes in eye and wing coloration, and P70 marks the beginning of the investigation into the morphological changes of the adult within the Drosophila pupal case. We also found that compared with Canton-S (CS) wild-type flies, dneurexin (dnrx) and dneuroligins (dnlgs) mutants showed some differences in development time and pupal tissue organization. These observations offer a detailed developmental map of the Drosophila pupal stage, which is essential for accurate experimental staging and sampling. This study's findings not only contribute to the fundamental understanding of insect metamorphosis but also provide a valuable resource for researchers utilizing Drosophila as a model system to study gene expression, development, and behavior.

The soilless culture technique, widely used for vegetables and ornamentals, has also proven advantageous for grapevine cultivation under protected conditions. This study investigated the effects of foliar applications of different organic compounds diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), amino acids, humic acid, and fulvic acid on yield, fruit quality, and plant nutrition in soilless table grape production under greenhouse conditions in Çukurova, a warm Mediterranean region in 2021 and 2022 years. Four-year-old cv. Black Magic ( Vitis vinifera L . ) grapevines were grown under plastic cover in a pumice:cocopeat (1:1, v/v) substrate and irrigated with modified Hoagland nutrient solution. Organic substances were applied foliar at a concentration of 0.2% at three phenological stages (pre-flowering, fruit set, and veraison). The application concentration and phenological timing were chosen to coincide with critical stages of grapevine development and to maximize foliar uptake efficiency without inducing phytotoxicity. Control vines were sprayed with water only. Humic acid application increased yield by approximately 10–18% compared to the control in two growing seasons and also improved cluster weight, length, and size. Based on mean values, humic acid application increased berry weight by approximately 3–7% compared to the control across the two growing seasons. Significant treatment effects on must quality were observed mainly in the first growing season, in which amino acid and humic acid applications improved total soluble solids and maturity index compared to the control. Humic and fulvic acids enhanced leaf macro and micro nutrient concentrations by 15–35%, several nutrients into sufficient range during veraison. Humic acid and EDTA increased stomatal length by up to 45% and reduced stomatal density by approximately 15% compared to the control. Humic acid increased ascorbic acid content by approximately 150–170% and enhanced DPPH antioxidant activity by up to 8%. Fulvic acid increased total phenolic content by approximately 10–20% compared to the control.

Adolescence is a critical stage of human development characterized by significant psychological, social, and emotional changes that often expose individuals to a range of psychosocial challenges. This study examines the role of school counseling services in addressing psychosocial problems among adolescents in rural and urban school contexts in Sri Lanka, adopting a sociological perspective. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of 70 students (Grades 9–12) selected through simple random sampling from two purposively chosen schools in the Galle District one rural and one urban. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The findings reveal that adolescents experience a wide range of psychosocial problems influenced by family background, economic conditions, school environment, peer relationships, and academic pressures. Family-related factors, such as parental absence, limited emotional support, and household conflicts, were found to significantly contribute to students’ psychological distress. Economic hardship, particularly among rural students, further intensified these challenges, although psychosocial problems were also observed among urban students from higher-income families, indicating the multidimensional nature of adolescent vulnerability. Academic stress, especially examination anxiety and fear of failure, emerged as one of the most prominent issues across both contexts. Peer relationships played a dual role by providing emotional support while also exposing students to risks such as substance use and sexual influences. Physical symptoms such as headaches and sleep disturbances were also reported, highlighting the link between psychological stress and physical well-being. School-related factors, including disciplinary practices and teacher–student relationships, contributed to students’ dissatisfaction and discomfort within the learning environment. The study further reveals that school counseling services play a significant role in supporting adolescents, with a majority of students reporting positive outcomes such as improved academic performance and emotional well-being. However, the effectiveness of these services is constrained by limitations such as lack of privacy, insufficient resources, limited professional training, and low awareness among students. The findings emphasize the need for strengthening school counseling services through improved infrastructure, professional development, increased awareness, and enhanced parental and institutional support. Overall, the study highlights the importance of a holistic and multi-level approach in addressing adolescents’ psychosocial challenges within the Sri Lankan education system.

Developmental nicotine exposure eliminates the ventilatory response to a brief episode of severe hypoxia, independently of sex.

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage during which health behaviours with long-term consequences are often established. Psychoactive substance (PAS) use commonly begins during this period, necessitating continuous monitoring and understanding of associated risk factors. Objective: To compare the prevalence, perceptions, and social determinants of PAS use among adolescents in public and private secondary schools in Uyo, Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 844 adolescents selected through multistage sampling from public and private secondary schools. Data were collected using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO Global Assessment Programme. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Ethics Committee. Results: A total of 416 private-school and 428 public-school students participated. Mean ages were 13.1 ± 2.0 years (private) and 13.7 ± 2.2 years (public). Lifetime alcohol use was significantly higher in public schools (4.7%) than private schools (2.2%) (p<0.05). Other PAS use was low and occurred only among students with prior alcohol use. Key predictors of PAS use included family substance use and peer influence in both school types. Conclusion: PAS use was generally low but higher among public-school students. Alcohol appears to act as a gateway substance. Family and peer influences are significant determinants, highlighting the need for targeted school-based and community interventions.

This review investigates the impact of early-life vitamin D deficiency on future glucose and lipid metabolism, examining how insufficient vitamin D during critical developmental stages, including the fetal period (pregnancy), infancy, childhood, and adolescence, can contribute to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in the future. This review compiles evidence from both human studies and animal models, highlighting the global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, especially among high-risk groups such as pregnant women, infants, and children. The review identifies potential pathways through which early vitamin D deficiency affects glucose and lipid metabolism, including insulin resistance and lipid accumulation, and discusses the role of vitamin D in regulating metabolic pathways through mechanisms involving the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Key findings suggest that current vitamin D intake recommendations may not adequately prevent long-term metabolic disorders. Consequently, the study advocates for updating public health policies, highlighting that, in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, early-life vitamin D supplementation may be a viable strategy for preventing future metabolic diseases in high-risk populations. Further research is required to refine dosage guidelines across diverse populations and life stages.

Pubertal neuroendocrine network characteristics and sex differences: A hair-based hormone network study.

Neurons in developing sensory organs exhibit prolonged burst firing before the onset of sensory experience. This activity promotes neuronal survival and maturation in central sensory pathways. Within the auditory system, periodic bursts of synaptic glutamate release activate metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) on astrocytes, resulting in spatially and temporally correlated calcium transients; however, whether this phenomenon occurs in other sensory modalities is unknown. Using invivo calcium imaging in the midbrain of awake mouse pups before eyelid opening, we show that retina wave-induced burst firing of visual afferents induces correlated waves of astrocyte activity in the superior colliculus (SC), a visual processing region. Glutamate sensor imaging revealed that each neuronal burst resulted in glutamate transients at astrocyte membranes in both developing sensory regions. Calcium transients in SC astrocytes resulted from activation of astrocytic mGluR5 and mGluR3, similar to astrocyte events in the nearby inferior colliculus (IC), which are induced by neuronal burst firing in the cochlea. Astrocyte calcium increased with each neuronal wave in the SC, but only the largest neuronal events triggered astrocyte responses in the IC. Astrocyte transcriptomic analysis suggested differential expression of mGluR3 and mGluR5 between these sensory regions, in accordance with the greater dependence on mGluR5 in IC astrocytes. Despite differences in receptor contribution and temporal features of activity, astrocytes in these different regions exhibited similar overall calcium activity. Thus, neuronal burst firing in developing sensory organs provides a conserved mechanism to synchronize neuronal and astrocyte activity in the brain at a critical stage of development.

Antibiotics are prevalent environmental pollutants with documented plant uptake and effects. Germination and seedling emergence are critical stages of plant development, making toxicity tests valuable for assessing the terrestrial risk. This study aims to address the need to understand species and antibiotic-dependent effects of 10 antibiotics across 23 plant species, including non-cultivated and geographically diverse species, through a Tier I phytotoxicity screening in which all antibiotics were tested at a single nominal concentration of 1 mg L-1, an upper-bound environmentally relevant scenario. Results revealed that antibiotic toxicity is highly species and antibiotic-dependent, highlighting the need to evaluate effects on under-studied species. Some global trends were observed; fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin) stimulated germination and root growth in legumes and grasses, while black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) consistently exhibits germination reductions (30-53%) and root growth inhibition under all antibiotic exposures. Florfenicol exposure decreased root length and biomass in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subs. Pekinensis) by nearly 100%, contrasting with stimulation observed in rice (Oryza sativa). The importance of assessing sublethal effects, as root and biomass changes, in addition to germination, for a more comprehensive phytotoxicity assessment is demonstrated. Standardized test conditions may overlook species requiring specific germination conditions. Sorption of antibiotics to filter paper affected exposure concentrations, emphasizing the importance of chemical quantification before and after tests. This study highlights the need for adaptive phytotoxicity protocols, careful experimental design to obtain statistically significant results, and inclusion of non-cultivated species as bioindicators to better assess antibiotic risks to terrestrial plants.

Rare earth elements (REE), such as gadolinium (Gd) and erbium (Er), are increasingly recognised as emerging environmental contaminants due to their widespread use in industrial processes, electronics, and medical imaging applications. Despite their extensive presence in aquatic ecosystems, little is known about their developmental toxicity. In this study, Xenopus laevis embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Gd and Er during critical early developmental stages. The assessed endpoints included survival, malformations, growth (body length), and heart rate. Both Gd and Er caused significant sublethal effects, including increased axial malformations, reduced growth, and altered cardiac activity. To explore potential mechanisms of toxicity, the expression patterns of key developmental genes (fgf8, bmp4, sox9, egr2, rax1, pax6) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tnfα, il1β, p65) were analysed using Real-Time PCR. The results showed dysregulation of gene expression, indicating disruption to pathways involved in morphogenesis and neurodevelopment. Elevated reactive oxygen species levels suggested that oxidative stress was a contributing factor. Raman spectroscopy confirmed biochemical changes affecting proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, providing evidence of cellular stress and metabolic imbalance. Overall, our findings demonstrate that even low-level exposure to Gd and Er can impair amphibian embryonic development and disturb molecular homeostasis. These results emphasise the ecological risks of REE pollution and highlight the importance of ongoing environmental monitoring and long-term toxicological research.