Specific Traits Research Articles

Bilirubin Reductase Shows Host-Specific Associations in Animal Large Intestines.

Animal gastrointestinal tracts contain diverse metabolites, including various host-derived compounds that gut-associated microbes interact with. Here, we explore the diversity and evolution of bilirubin reductase, a bacterial enzyme that metabolizes the host-derived tetrapyrrole bilirubin, performing a key role in the animal heme degradation pathway. Through an analysis of the bilirubin reductase phylogeny and predicted structures, we found that the enzyme family can be divided into three distinct clades with different structural features. Using these clade definitions, we analyzed metagenomic sequencing data from multiple animal species, finding that bilirubin reductase is significantly enriched in the large intestines of animals and that the clades exhibit differences in distribution among animals. Combined with phylogenetic signal analysis, we find that the bilirubin reductase clades exhibit significant associations with specific animals and animal physiological traits like gastrointestinal anatomy and diet. These patterns demonstrate that bilirubin reductase is specifically adapted to the anoxic lower gut environment of animals and that its evolutionary history is complex, involving adaptation to a diverse collection of animals harboring bilirubin-reducing microbes. The findings suggest that bilirubin reductase evolution has been shaped by the host environment, providing a new perspective on heme metabolism in animals and highlighting the importance of the microbiome in animal physiology and evolution.

Analysing Digital Engagement Patterns: A Machine Learning Investigation into Social Anxiety Among Adolescents with ADHD.

Background: The relationship between screen time and mental health among adolescents, particularly those identified as "digital natives", has become increasingly pertinent, especially in the context of heightened digital engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the associations between digital engagement patterns, ADHD severity, and anxiety symptoms in adolescents aged 11-18. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a sample of 97 adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing daily digital activities and anxiety symptoms while caregivers provided additional contextual information. Data were analyzed using Random Forest regression to identify relationships between screen time, ADHD severity, and anxiety symptoms. Results: The findings indicate an average screen time of 6.6 h on weekdays and 8.1 h on weekends, with social media emerging as the primary activity, particularly among female participants. Notable gender differences were identified, with family dynamics influencing digital engagement; family disputes had a more significant impact on girls than boys. Furthermore, specific anxiety traits, i.e., physical symptoms and harm avoidance, significantly predicted time spent on social media across all genders considered in the study, while others, namely social anxiety and separation anxiety, were less valuable. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex interplay between screen time, ADHD, and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions that address the nuanced relationships between digital engagement and mental health in this population, warranting further research to develop effective management strategies.

Difference in summer heatwave-induced damage between desert native and urban greening plants in an arid desert region.

Summer heatwaves have caused a distinct mortality between urban greening and native plants. However, there are insufficient studies revealing the underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that differentiation in hydraulic traits and their integration cause the varied heatwave-induced damages between the two plant types. To prove it, three desert native species and five urban greening species were selected as the experimental objects. Then, the number of damaged individuals caused by summer heatwaves were investigated based on the 100 individuals for each species. The hydraulic traits (including hydraulic transport, photosynthetic and leaf traits) of 3-5 mature individuals were measured for each species. The comparative analysis (independent sample t test and one-way ANOVA) and the collaborative analysis (Pearson correlation and network analysis) were used to reveal the differences in heatwave-induced damage, hydraulic traits and their integration between urban greening and native plants. Our results showed that the heatwave-induced damage to urban greening plants was larger than that to native species. Water potentials of leaf and branch in pre-dawn and midday, P50, leaf dry matter content, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance of desert native species were significantly lower than those of urban greening plants (P < 0.05), while twig specific hydraulic conductivity, Huber value, wood density, intrinsic water use efficiency and the specific leaf area showed opposite patterns (P < 0.05). Trait integration of desert native species (0.63) was much higher than greening plants (0.24). Our results indicate that artificial urban greening plants are more susceptible to drought stress caused by heatwaves than native desert species. In the context of global climate change, in order to maintain the stability and function of urban ecosystems in extreme climate, the screening of greening plants should start from the perspective of hydraulics and trait integration, and more native species with strong drought adaptability should be planted.

Exploration and Practice of a Graded, Flat, and Flexible Teaching Model for Cultivating Cyber Defense and Offense Capabilities

In alignment with the educational requirements for the multifaceted nature of knowledge, the comprehensiveness of skills, the adversarial nature of practice, and the specificity of thinking in cyber defense and offense capabilities, this paper adopts a student-centric pedagogical philosophy. Guided by educational theories such as constructivism, connectivism, and group dynamics, we have established a graded, flat, and flexible teaching model. This model is characterized by a progressively challenging teaching framework, the construction of contextually linked case scenarios through a flat knowledge network, the organization of a multidimensional and elastic teaching process, and the support of skill training through multimodal hybrid collaboration. It synergistically transforms the relationship between teaching and learning across four dimensions: framework structure, content arrangement, process organization, and training methods. This systematic shift has led to a significant increase in the knowledge capacity and diversity of the curriculum, an optimization of the flexibility and adaptability of teaching organization, an enhancement of students' understanding and learning capabilities, an improvement in students' comprehensive skills and practical combat effectiveness, and the stimulation of innovative thinking and specific cognitive traits.

Protected Areas Do Not Outweigh the Species Richness or Functional Diversity and Traits of Birds in Brazil

Protected areas (PAs) are widely recognized as being essential for maintaining global biodiversity. In this study, I aimed to determine whether PAs support a greater richness of forest bird species than unprotected habitats and whether they exhibit functional diversity indices and traits comparable to those found in protected forests in the eastern Brazilian Semideciduous Atlantic Forest. I conducted bird surveys across 20 forest fragments of varying sizes (43 to 37,000 ha), 12 of which were legally designated as PAs. The results indicated that species richness was not significantly higher in PAs and that there were no significant differences in functional diversity indices and traits between unprotected and protected forests. In eastern Brazil, some forest remnants were designated as PAs merely because they were among the last remaining patches within a heavily fragmented landscape. Therefore, protected areas do not necessarily serve as accurate proxies for well-preserved habitats.

För finlandssvenska unga läsare, på deras språk

For Finland-Swedish Young Readers, in Their Language: The Evaluation of Literary Multilingualism in Reviews of Finland-Swedish Young Adult Novels from the Early 2000s The article is a study of the evaluation of literary multilingualism in reviews of Finland-Swedish YA novels from the early 2000s. It investigates the evaluation of multilingualism in the literary field and, furthermore, contributes to the field of research into children’s literature reviews. The material consists of reviews of Annika Luther’s Ivoria (2005) and Brev till världens ände (Letters to the end of the world, 2008), as well as of Marianne Backlén’s Kopparorm (Copper snake, 2008), in Finland-Swedish newspapers and periodicals. The novels all feature literary multilingualism, for example instances of Finnish, specific Finland-Swedish linguistic traits, and/or multilingual slang, and these features are discussed in the majority of the reviews. With a theoretical background in literary multilingualism studies, children’s literature research, and studies of literary reviews, and by using textual analysis, the article shows that classic questions regarding literary multilingualism, authenticity, and comprehensibility, as well as different readerships, feature heavily in the material. There are also new elements to the discussion regarding the temporal durability of literary multilingualism and the age gap between author and readers. The reviewers’ evaluation of literary multilingualism is mixed; however, literary multilingualism is recognized as a valuable and multifaceted literary device in Finland-Swedish YA literature of the early 2000s.

Contribution of childhood lead exposure to psychopathology in the US population over the past 75 years.

More than half of the current US population was exposed to adverse lead levels in childhood as a result of lead's past use in gasoline. The total contribution of childhood lead exposures to US-population mental health and personality has yet to be evaluated. We combined serial, cross-sectional blood-lead level (BLL) data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) with historic leaded-gasoline data to estimate US childhood BLLs from 1940 to 2015 and calculate population mental-health symptom elevations from known lead-psychopathology associations. We utilized five outcomes: (1) General Psychopathology "points",reflecting an individual's liability to overall mental disorder, scaled to match IQ scores (M = 100, SD = 15); (2) Symptoms of Internalizing disorders (anxiety and depression) and Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), both z-scored (M = 0, SD = 1); and (3) Differences in the personality traits of Neuroticism and Conscientiousness (M = 0, SD = 1). Assuming that published lead-psychopathology associations are causal and not purely correlational: We estimate that by 2015, the US population had gained 602-million General Psychopathology factor points because of exposure arising from leaded gasoline, reflecting a 0.13-standard-deviation increase in overall liability to mental illness in the population and an estimated 151 million excess mental disorders attributable to lead exposure. Investigation of specific disorder-domain symptoms identified a 0.64-standard-deviation increase in population-level Internalizing symptoms and a 0.42-standard-deviation increase in AD/HD symptoms. Population-level Neuroticism increased by 0.14 standard deviations and Conscientiousness decreased by 0.20 standard deviations. Lead-associated mental health and personality differences were most pronounced for cohorts born from 1966 through 1986 (Generation X). A significant burden of mental illness symptomatology and disadvantageous personality differences can be attributed to US children's exposure to lead over the past 75 years. Lead's potential contribution to psychiatry, medicine, and children's health may be larger than previously assumed.

Effect of gamma rays induced mutagenesis on the agronomical and biochemical traits of acid lime

One of the indigenous citrus crops of India is acid lime, which has a high economic value and unique flavour compared to other citrus fruits. The current study was intended to ascertain the gamma ray dosage that proves lethal for the acid lime variety PKM1. The acid lime seeds were exposed to nine distinct gamma radiation dosages ranging from 5 to 45 Gy with an interval of 5 Gy and compared to untreated control. Different irradiation doses demonstrated substantial differences in morphological and biochemical traits. Increased dosage of gamma radiation leads to significant changes in various agronomic parameters of plant germination, number of plants, plant height, and change in biochemical traits. Various gamma radiation doses revealed a low survival rate after 35 Gy, with LD 50 at 27.86 Gy.

Contrasting strategies in morphological and physiological response to drought stress among temperate forest understory forbs and graminoids.

Drought stress can profoundly affect plant growth and physiological vitality, yet there is a notable scarcity of controlled drought experiments focused on herbaceous species of the forest understorey. In this study, we collected seeds from five forb and four graminoid species common in European temperate forests. Seeds were germinated under controlled glasshouse conditions and subjected to moderate drought stress for 5 weeks. We assessed biomass partitioning, stomatal and leaf morphology, leaf gas exchange, minimum leaf conductance (gmin), and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Comparison of the two ecological guilds revealed that graminoids had a higher R/S, improved WUE, greater carboxylation efficiency, and enhanced non-photochemical quenching under drought conditions compared to forbs. In contrast, forbs had significantly lower gmin, with higher total biomass and total leaf area. Despite these differences in morpho-physiological functional traits, both groups experienced a similar relative reduction in biomass after drought stress. Key predictors of biomass accumulation under drought included photochemical quenching, stomatal traits, total leaf area and gmin. A negative correlation between biomass and gmin suggests that plants with lower residual water loss after stomatal closure can accumulate more biomass under drought stress. Additionally, gmin was positively correlated with guard cell length, suggesting that larger stomata contribute to higher residual water loss. Contrasting strategies in morpho-physiological responses to drought define the differences between the two groups. In graminoids, drought resistance suggests greater emphasis on stress tolerance as a survival strategy. In contrast, forbs were able to maintain higher biomass and total leaf area, indicating a competitive strategy for maximizing resource acquisition.

Tree species controls over nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in a wet tropical forest

AbstractWet tropical forests play an important role in the global carbon (C) cycle, but given current rates of land‐use change, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitation could reduce productivity in regenerating forests in this biome. Whereas the strong controls of climate and parent material over forest recovery are well known, the influence of vegetation can be difficult to determine. We addressed species‐specific differences in plant traits and their relationships to ecosystem properties and processes, relevant to N and P supply to regenerating vegetation in experimental plantations in a single site in lowland wet forest in Costa Rica. Single‐tree species were planted in a randomized block design, such that climate, soil (an Oxisol), and land‐use history were similar for all species. In years 15–25 of the experiment, we measured traits regarding N and P acquisition and use in four native, broad‐leaved, evergreen tree species, including differential effects on soil pH, in conjunction with biomass and soil stocks and fluxes of N and P. Carbon biomass stocks increased significantly with increasing soil pH (p = 0.0184, previously reported) as did biomass P stocks (p = 0.0011). Despite large soil N pools, biomass P stocks were weakly dependent on traits associated with N acquisition and use (N2 fixation and leaf C:N, p &lt; 0.09). Mass‐balance budgets indicated that soil organic matter (SOM) could supply the N and P accumulated in biomass via the process of SOM mineralization. Secondary soil P pools were weakly correlated with biomass C and P stocks (R = 0.47, p = 0.08) and were large enough to have supplied sufficient P in these rapidly growing plantations, suggesting that alteration of soil pH provided a mechanism for liberation of soil P occluded in organo‐mineral soil complexes and thus supply P for plant uptake. These results highlight the importance of considering species' effect on soil pH for restoration projects in highly weathered soils. This study demonstrates mechanisms by which individual species can alter P availability, and thus productivity and C cycling in regenerating humid tropical forests, and the importance of including traits into global models of element cycling.

Key competencies and role profiles for sports managers: a multi-dimensional analysis

Sports organizations, to be profitable and competitive, become structures that demand the integration of competent personnel with certain characteristics and specific attributes determined by the job profile. This position rests on the purpose of productivity through good performance to fulfill the mission, vision, policies, goals, or objectives of the organization. Preceding from the above, there is diversification regarding the competencies, attributes, elements, and operational components that a sports manager must adopt to practice their profession successfully. In this sense, the aim of this study is to determine the elements and ideal holistic components that integrate the competencies and job profiles of the sports manager in the professional context. The research methodology uses nine variables in three dimensions: one related to six levels of mastery in sports management, another that refers to competencies, and one more that focuses on the job profile, resulting in 15 specific traits that a sports manager must develop to be professionally competent.

Adaptations of Rice Seed Germination to Drought and Hypoxic Conditions: Molecular and Physiological Insights

Seed germination is crucial for plant survival, crop stand establishment, and achieving optimal grain yield. The main objective of this review is to explore the physiological and molecular mechanisms governing rice seed germination under aerobic (water stress) and anaerobic (hypoxic) conditions in direct-seeded rice (DSR) systems. Moreover, it discusses the recent genomic advancements and innovations to improve rice seed germination. Here, we discuss how coleoptile and mesocotyl elongation plays a vital role in anaerobic germination (AG) and the function of raised antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in maintaining Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) homeostasis for stabilizing seed germination in water-scarce conditions. This study comprehensively highlights the functions and dynamics of phytohormones—GA (gibberellic acid) and ABA (abscisic acid)—key regulatory genes, transcription factors (TFs), key proteins, and regulatory metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), in regulating seed germination under both conditions. Conventional agronomic and cultural practices, such as seed selection, seed priming, seed coating, and hardening, have proven to improve seed germination. Moreover, the utilization of molecular and novel approaches—such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR-Cas9) mediated genome editing, marker-assisted selection (MAS), genome-wide associations studies (GWAS), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), multi-omics, RNA sequencing—combined with beneficial quantitative trait loci (QTLs) has expanded knowledge of crop genomics and inheritance. These advancements aid the development of specific traits for enhancing seed germination in DSR.

Assessing the drought-tolerance and growth-promoting potential of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) rhizobacteria for consortium bioformulation

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to influence plant root cells to regulate and induce specific traits related to growth promotion and survival. In the present study, rhizobacteria from strawberry plants were screened for stress tolerance under osmotic stress in TSB-mediated PEG 6000 (-0.73 MPa) and tested their ability to produce proline, exopolysaccharide, and free amino acids, all of which induce and regulate stress tolerance. The rhizobacteria were also distinguished for the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCd) for the mitigation of drought stress. Among the 111 rhizobacterial isolates, 41 isolates grow above threshold limit in osmotic stress tolerance, 33 of which exhibited stress tolerance. Further characterization screened 27 isolates as capable growth promoters. Among the experimentally screened rhizobacteria, the isolates SBU4 and SDK8 [Pseudomonas fluorescens (OP627557) (PGPR1) and Pseudomonas glycinae (OP627558) (PGPR2)] exhibited the most promising phyto-beneficial potential. Both the isolates grew exponentially well during the log phase, with increased growth in Log CFU ml-1 under experimentally produced osmotic stress. The drought stress tolerance test results of the SBU4 and SDK8 isolates revealed the presence of proline (1.93 μg mL-1, 2.05 μg mL-1), exopolysaccharide (2.19 mg mg-1 protein, 2.58 mg mg-1 protein), and free amino acid (11.47 μmol g-1, 13.32 μmol g-1) and positive growth in ACCd-enriched DF media, an ACCd assay (α-ketobutyrate (0.56 μmol/ml, 0.64 μmol/ml) and ammonia (0.37 μg mL-1, 0.53 μg mL-1)). The isolates SBU4 and SDK8 performed well in qualitative tests for P solubilization, N fixing ability, siderophore chelation, HCN, and ammonia production, as well as in assays involving P producers (94.57 μg mL-1 and 92.86 μg mL-1), siderophore units (52.14% SU and 63.12% SU), and IAA producers (74.63 μg mL-1 and 72.64 μg mL-1). These rhizobacterial isolates were optimized under various growth factors (pH, temperature, incubation) to achieve a relatively high log CFU ml-1. The isolates achieved maximum Log CFU mL-1 when cultured in either a specific range of pH or temperature or growth period (incubation) under standard test conditions. The growth of cultures on cross-streaked nutrient agar plates was tested for an efficient, effective consortium bioformulation that enhances growth and specific traits (drought stress mitigation) in strawberry plants.

IIIVmrMLM.QEI: An effective tool for indirect detection of QTN-by-environment interactions in genome-wide association studies

Although 3VmrMLM-MEJA and several indirect indicators have been employed to identify QTN-by-environment interactions (QEIs) in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), there is no convenient, flexible, and accurate method to comprehensively identify QEIs. To address this issue, 3VmrMLM-random was first extended to 3VmrMLM-fixed. Next, the two single-environment QTN detection methods were integrated with trait differences and regression parameters to indirectly detect QEIs. Finally, these indirect indicators were extended to include environmental factors (EFs, such as temperature) and four environmental variation indicators. As a result, both 3VmrMLM-random and 3VmrMLM-fixed, alongside all the indirect indicators, were incorporated into a new tool, IIIVmrMLM.QEI, designed for effective QEI identification. Simulation studies demonstrated that 3VmrMLM-fixed showed significantly higher powers than existing fixed-SNP-effect methods (MLM and EMMAX) because it takes into account all the possible effects and controls for all the possible polygenic backgrounds. 3VmrMLM-random and 3VmrMLM-fixed exhibited superior combination power to 3VmrMLM-MEJA. In the re-analysis of Arabidopsis flowering time across three temperatures, 3VmrMLM-fixed (12) detected more known gene-by-environment interactions (GEIs) than both MLM (1) and EMMAX (1). Additionally, IIIVmrMLM.QEI (18) detected more known GEIs than 3VmrMLM-MEJA (6), when all indirect indicators were analyzed. All 18 GEIs were confirmed by haplotype analysis and associated with temperature variation in previous studies. Two and five GEIs were identified only by 3VmrMLM-fixed and 3VmrMLM-random, respectively, and 12 GEIs were identified only by indirect indicators, indicating the need to expand models and indirect indicators. This study provides a novel tool (https://github.com/YuanmingZhang65/IIIVmrMLM.QEI) for more comprehensive QEI detection.

Collective Diagnostic Prototypical in Internet of Medical Things for Depression Identification using Deep Learning Algorithm

Background:: The majority of wearable technology is employed in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) health monitoring systems to recognize various bodily indicators. All monitored values are sent to a central server, where they are all treated by experts at the appropriate moment. Therefore, by expanding the use of wireless devices, it has been discovered that such communication technologies can recognize specific depression traits and mood swings. Objectives:: The major objective of the proposed method is to analyze the disputes that arise in the characteristics of an individual by observing the leveling periods that are identified from the processed image. In addition, the rate of data transfer in case of any dispute is maximized therefore recognition problem is solved at a minimized distance. Further, the steady state probability values are achieved at low delay thus minimizing the dropout packets in the monitored system using IoMT and LSTM. Methods:: A balanced record with four distinct parameters—such as livelihood, self-reliance, correlation, and precision—is employed with the projected model on IoMT for depression identification. As a result, high data transfer rates and low distance separation are used to process the identification framework. Additionally, by combining an original matrix representation with the input feature set using LSTM, a novel framework with great efficiency is created. Results:: In order to assess the results of IoMT using LSTM, four situations are split apart and their probability ratios are calculated. The results of each situation are then contrasted with the current methodology, and it is found that when there is a low dropout ratio, depression in a person is quickly diagnosed. Conclusion:: The comparison analysis demonstrates that the proposed method, when compared to the current method, offers the best-compromised outcomes at roughly 64%.

Antigenic switch potential of influenza D virus

The antigenic variability of Influenza D virus (IDV), a recently identified pathogen with significant implications for livestock and zoonotic diseases, presents unique challenges in virology, epidemiology, and public health. This review stands out by focusing explicitly on IDV's distinct antigenic shift and drift mechanisms, which are underexplored compared to other influenza viruses. Unlike previous studies that broadly address influenza evolution, this research emphasizes IDV’s specific molecular and ecological traits, particularly its hemagglutinin-esterase fusion (HEF) protein, which plays a critical role in antigenic reconfiguration. The study integrates genomic sequencing, structural bioinformatics, and epidemiological surveillance to deliver a comprehensive understanding of IDV's evolutionary potential and cross-species transmission risks. This review uniquely highlights IDV’s moderate propensity for antigenic switching, particularly in livestock reservoirs such as cattle and swine, which act as amplification hosts for viral dissemination. By rigorously mapping the virus’s antigenic architecture, this work provides novel insights into its adaptive mechanisms and evolutionary trajectory, offering practical implications for vaccine development, immune evasion strategies, and interspecies transmission control. The methodological foundation includes an exhaustive review of peer-reviewed literature, in silico simulations, and phylogenetic analyses, setting this study apart as a detailed exploration of IDV’s antigenic dynamics. Findings emphasize the challenges posed by IDV variability for sustainable vaccine development, necessitating regular updates to address ongoing antigenic shifts. This study significantly advances global efforts to understand and manage IDV evolution, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced surveillance in agricultural, veterinary, and public health systems. By doing so, it bridges critical knowledge gaps and informs future diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies tailored to mitigate zoonotic threats.

Optimizing Sorghum for California: A Multi-Location Evaluation of Biomass Yield, Feed Quality, and Biofuel Feedstock Potential

Sorghum cultivars, particularly those used for forage and biomass, present significant potential as drought-resistant crops suitable for animal feed and biofuel production. This study evaluated 59 sorghum hybrids over five years (2019–2023) across three University of California research farm locations in the Central Valley: Kearney REC (KARE), West Side REC (WSREC), and Davis. The primary aim was to identify genotypes that exhibit high yield and stability across diverse environments in California, which is crucial for meeting the state’s significant feed needs associated with dairy operations and animal production. The evaluation focused on biomass yields, forage quality traits such as Relative Feed Quality (RFQ) and milk yield per ton (milk/ton), and biofuel-relevant chemical compositions like Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and starch. A multi-trait stability index was employed to pinpoint superior genotypes that combine high yield with desirable quality traits. Results indicated significant genotypic, environmental, and genotype-by-environment (GxE) interaction effects for all traits except fat and water-soluble sugars. Eight hybrids were notable for maintaining high and stable biomass yields across different locations. Additionally, high fat and starch content were found to correlate with improved milk/ton potential, while lower fiber content (ADF, NDF) was associated with enhanced RFQ. Specifically, nine hybrids were identified as optimal for dairy forage due to their combination of high yield, RFQ, and milk/ton. Furthermore, distinct hybrids were identified for first-generation (starch-based) and second-generation (NDF-based) biofuel strategies. Three hybrids stood out as having desirable traits for both feed and biofuel applications, underscoring their versatility. This study highlights the utility of a multi-trait stability index in selecting superior sorghum genotypes for specific trait combinations. The identified candidates for forage and biofuel use, especially the multipurpose varieties, offer valuable insights that can aid growers and industry stakeholders in developing more sustainable and versatile sorghum production systems in California. Findings from this study contribute significantly to the development of more resilient sorghum production systems. By identifying hybrids that excel in both yield and quality across various environments, this research supports future cropping decisions aimed at enhancing water use efficiency and drought resilience in sorghum cultivation. These advancements are crucial for maintaining competitive dairy operations and advancing biofuel production in the face of climate change-induced challenges.

A Comparative Study of Health and Well-being in Street Dogs Versus Pet Dogs

This study compares the health and well-being of street dogs and pet dogs, considering factors such as diet, exercise, healthcare access, and environmental influences. While pet dogs benefit from consistent care, vaccinations, and controlled environments, they are prone to lifestyle-related health issues like obesity and behavioural problems. Street dogs, despite limited access to medical care and regular nutrition, display stronger immune systems, higher adaptability, and resilience due to exposure to varied environments. Using a sample of 10 street dogs and 10 pet dogs, the study evaluates differences in body condition, coat health, immune resilience, behavioural traits, and veterinary care. Results indicate that street dogs exhibit better immune response and higher activity levels but suffer from malnutrition and untreated injuries. Conversely, pet dogs show fewer injuries and better coat conditions but face challenges like anxiety and sedentary lifestyles. The findings highlight the unique health profiles of both groups, shaped by their environments. A balanced approach that combines the resilience of street dogs with the structured care of pet dogs could optimize canine health outcomes. Future research with larger samples is recommended to enhance these insights and inform intervention strategies.

О возбудителях ржавчины подсолнечника (обзор)

There is presented a review of literary sources devoted to studies of sunflower rust. Sunflower rust caused by an obligative parasite Puccinia helianthi Schwein. is again a limiting factor in the sunflower seed production. Such situation is caused by weather conditions and the development of new virulent patho-types of the pathogen. We identified 27 biotypes of P. helianthi Schwein., which infect sunflower in different regions of Russia. Such diversity of virulent biotypes can be connected with the intensive cultivation of sunflower hybrids of foreign breeding during last thirty years. From the literary sources, we know about four species of rust pathogen; theoretically, they can be introduced on sunflower fields of the Russian Federation. These species, even seldom, caused rust on cultivated and wild sunflower in different countries. Species P. enceliae and P. massalis are differed from P. helianthi on sunflower by morphological traits of teliospores. We did not find them on sunflower leaves infected by rust, that we collected in the different regions of the Russian Federation. P. xanthii, also known as burdock rust, is microcyclic and able to form only telia. P. canaliculata forms uredinia and telia only on the own alternative host – a hazel. During observations a life cycle of the rust pathogen in sunflower crops, we detected only specific morphological traits of teliospores and five-step development cycle, which fully corresponded to the description of P. helianthi, done by L.D. Schweinitz and added by his followers. Dominance of this species of the rust pathogen in sunflower crops in the Russian Federation certifies that only its virulent biotypes should be obligatory to use in sunflower breeding for immunity.

A single-base deletion in exon 2 of Hd1 delineates monogenic recessive photoperiod insensitivity in aromatic Joha rice: a novel allele for seasonal adaptability

BackgroundAssam's aromatic Joha rice is a unique rice class famous for its aroma, taste, and nutritional benefits, which fetch high market prices in domestic and international markets. Joha landraces are inherently poor yielders due to their strong aroma and predominantly photoperiod sensitivity. Hybridization involving non-aromatic HYVs improves yield with concomitant loss of quality. In this context, mutation breeding, a sustainable approach where genetic mutations are induced to create desirable traits, often provides useful allelic variation in specific morpho-agronomic traits. The present study delves into the genetic characterization of a photoperiod-insensitive mutant. As part of our mutation breeding programme, this mutant was isolated from a gamma ray-induced M2 population of a Joha rice landrace, Kon Joha.ResultsThe mutant was unique, and a single recessive gene conditions the induced photoperiod insensitivity. Mutant gene tagging involved 402 SSR and InDel markers, and later polymorphic markers were used for bulk segregant analysis (BSA) in the F2 population of ‘mutant × Kalijeera (distant parent)’. BSA revealed an association between the SSR marker RM527 and this mutant trait. This marker is present on chromosome 6 of the rice genome. Using chromosome 6-specific SSR markers in polymorphic screening and BSA revealed another associated marker, RM19725, for the mutant trait. The genomic interval between RM527 and RM19725 harbors a photoperiod-insensitive gene, Hd1, on chromosome 6. Cloning and sequencing of Hd1 genomic fragments from the parents and mutants revealed a single-base deletion in exon 2, leading to a frameshift mutation in the Hd1 protein. This mutation in exon 2 leads to severe structural abnormalities in the CCT domain of the Hd1 protein that is critical for the interaction of the repressing complex with conserved response elements in the florigen gene under long-day conditions, thereby causing photoperiod insensitivity.ConclusionsThe mutant's pleasant aroma and other quality characteristics, comparable to those of the parent cultivar, hold significant promise. They expand its potential use in a structured breeding programme aimed at developing high-value aromatic Joha rice. This rice, resilient to winter- and summer-growing environments and with broad seasonal adaptability, could revolutionize the rice market. The practical value of our research is underscored by this exciting possibility.