Ear Length Research Articles

Physiological Auricular and Cornual Asymmetries of the Sanmartinero Creole Bovine.

Asymmetric studies can indicate disturbances in the developmental process. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is considered an indicator of stress. The Sanmartinero (SM) creole bovine is native to the department of Meta (Colombian Orinoquia) and its adaptation process has allowed it to live in extreme tropical environments. The aim of this cross-sectional and descriptive study was to present the current state of the knowledge of asymmetries in some cephalic characters of the SM creole bovine. A total of 94 animals were studied (18 uncastrated males and 76 females) from three different farms, with an age range of 0.5-10 years. For each animal, two measurements of the ear (width and length) and two measurements of the horn (perimeter and length) were obtained in vivo. The degree of asymmetry was calculated as (R - L)/(R + L). Bilateral differences pointed towards a fluctuating asymmetry (e.g., a random variation in the trait that is expected to be perfectly symmetrical) biased towards right for ear width and horn perimeter, and towards left for ear and horn length. Since the development of these structures-ears and horns-is under the control of the same set of genes, the fluctuating asymmetry could constitute a reflection of a normal condition.

Effect of pH on Development of the Zebrafish Inner Ear and Lateral Line: Comparisons between High School and University Settings.

Increasing carbon dioxide levels associated with climate change will likely have a devastating effect on aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic environments sequester carbon dioxide, resulting in acidic conditions that can negatively affect fish development. Increasing climate change impacts in the coming decades will have an outsized effect on younger generations. Therefore, our research had two interconnected goals: 1) understand how aquatic acidification affects the development of zebrafish, and 2) support a high school scientist's ability to address environmental questions of increasing importance to her generation. Working with teachers and other mentors, the first author designed and conducted the research, first in her high school, then in a university research laboratory. Zebrafish embryos were reared in varying pH conditions (6.7-8.2) for up to 7 days. We assessed fish length and development of the inner ear, including the otoliths; structures that depend on calcium carbonate for proper development. Although pH did not affect fish length, fish reared in pH 7.75 had smaller anterior otoliths, showing that pH can impact zebrafish ear development. Furthermore, we demonstrate how zebrafish may be used for high school students to pursue open-ended questions using different levels of available resources.

Desempenho agronômico de genótipos de trigo em manejo de fungicidas

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the agronomic response of wheat genotypes to fungicide management. The experiment took place at Escola Fazenda of the Regional University of the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, located in the municipality of Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, organized in a factorial scheme, with four fungicide managements (Management I: no application; Management II: one fungicide application; Management III: two fungicide applications and Management IV: three fungicide applications) x seven cultivars of wheat (TBIO Audaz, ORS Madre Pérola, BRS Bela Joia, TBIO Ponteiro, TBIO Trunfo, OR Agile, TBIO Toruk), in two replications. Three meters wide and five meters long formed the experimental units, totaling 15 m2 per plot. Evaluation of each plot, morphological and productive wheat traits. Use of Tukey's test at 5% probability for analysis of variance and linear correlation analysis to verify linear relationships between pairs of characters. Application of principal component analysis and euclidean distance to verify associations between treatments. The TBIO Trunfo cultivar enhances ear length with two fungicide applications. The management of fungicides did not influence the grain yield of wheat cultivars. The cultivars TBIO Trunfo and ORS Madre Pérola present the highest productive performance. Ear weight and number of grains per ear can select wheat cultivars with higher grain yield indirectly.

ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY OF LEFT EXTERNAL EAR: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN MEDICAL STUDENTS OF UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

Objective: The human ears are specific to an individual because the auricle is also a distinctive feature of a person like other identification features so it is used in various areas of science like forensic medicine, anthropology, and biology. The ear lobule is the last part of the auricle to develop. Methods: This study was carried out among 100 students (50 Male and 50 Female) with age range from 18 to 25 years. The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Results: Total ear length and ear width were significantly higher in male than female (p value<0.0001) in this study. Lobule length and lobule width of left ear were compared by independent t-test, it was found nonsignificant (p value 0.5706) and significantly higher in male than female (p 0.0017) respectively. The mean value of lobule index of left ear was found significant with higher value in male while the mean value of ear index of left ear was found nonsignificant. Conclusion: Results according to genders who participated in the study where all dimensions (total ear length, ear width, lobule width and lobule index) were higher in male as compared to the female subjects. Although there was no significant difference observed in lobule length and ear index of left ear of male and female subjects.

Adaptability of winter bread wheat varieties in the competitive variety testing in the Udmurt Republic

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the adaptive properties of winter wheat varieties in the competitive variety testing, to identify the best ones for the soil and climatic conditions of the Udmurt Republic based on a set of economically valuable traits. In 2020–2023 seven winter wheat varieties were tested in comparison with the standard ‘Volzhskaya K’ and the variety ‘Moskovskaya 39’. The adaptability of the varieties was determined according to the method of A.V. Kilchevsky and L.V. Khotyleva (1985), S.A. Eberhart, W.A. Russell (1966). Weather conditions during the years of study (drought in 2021 and 2023, excessive moisture in 2022) made it possible to evaluate varieties for drought resistance, determine their resistance to lodging, and the ability to use favorable conditions to form high yields. It was revealed that the most adapted varieties were ‘Cheberina’ and ‘26.12/6’, in 2021–2023 they formed the highest yield (50.0–50.1 hwt/ha) and provided a significant increase of 5.5–5.6 hwt/ha to the standard variety ‘Volzhskaya K’. These varieties significantly exceeded the standard variety in general adaptive capacity (GAC). There was found that the varieties ‘Lyubava’, ‘2.05/3’ and ‘Cheberina’ were the most valuable breeding varieties that combined high productivity with a stable yield. The varieties ‘Cheberina’, ‘26.12/6’, ‘Volzhskaya K’, ‘A-332/2’ were highly responsive to improved environmental conditions (bi > 1). Based on the study results, the adaptable, highly productive variety ‘Cheberina’ was sent to the state variety testing. There has been established that the variety forms a strong elastic stem of medium height, resistant to lodging, and increases ear weight and length, and its grain content in favorable conditions of the spring-summer period. An estimation of disease infection during the spring-summer growing season in 2022 showed that the variety possesses complex resistance to powdery mildew, leaf rust, and blotch of an ear and leaves. The variety formed grain of the third class with such indicators as 66 % of kernel hardness, 779 g/l of grain nature weight, 28 % of gluten of the first quality group, 12.8 % of protein in grain.

Desempenho reprodutivo, características da lactação e medidas biométricas de caprinos Manavlı

This study determined reproductive performance, milking traits and body measurements in 630 Manavlı goats that were reared purely in the Denizli province of Türkiye in six goat flocks. In this study, live weights and zoometrical body measurements of does and bucks were defined. Additionally, flock reproductive traits and milk yield were determined for six flocks. Overall, birth rate, twin birth rate, kidding rate and litter size in six flocks were determined as 98.34%, 43.42%, 1.41 and 1.44, respectively. The mean of the lactation milk yield, lactation period and daily milk yield were 160.48 kg, 198 days and 0.810 kg, respectively. The live weights of does ranging in age from 4.1 to 4.7 were between 74.59 and 86.30 kg, while the live weights of bucks ranging in age from 2.1 to 2.7 were between 101.19 and 118.23 kg . Some body measurements of does, such as height at withers, rump height, rump width, body length, heart girth, ear length, tail length, and front and back wrist girth, were measured as 92.80, 93.07, 22.86, 91.97, 105.02, 26.83, 20.19, 12.35 and 12.31 cm, respectively, before mating season. The same values at the abovementioned period were measured as 98.27, 98.71, 23.87, 100.48, 109.89, 26.97, 22.30, 14.46 and 14.41 cm, respectively. This study is the first research related to Manavlı goats, for which no features have been reported to date. The obtained results will help to contribute to livestock diversity.

Exploring Craniofacial Anthropometry in the Ethnic Adult Population of Meghalaya, Northeast India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Craniofacial anthropometry is important for identity, diagnosis of congenital anomalies etc. The incidence of craniofacial abnormalities is high in the Southeast Asian region. The population of Meghalaya differs in features from other states of Northeast India and the neighbouring East Asia. The objective was to study the craniofacial anthropometric features of the ethnic adults in the Meghalaya state of Northeast India. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in the ENT OPD. OPD patients of Meghalayan ethnicity were included in the study. Head length (HL), head breadth (HB), Cephalic index (CI), intercanthal distance (ICD), lateral canthal distance (LCD) and ear length (EL) were measured. A total of 104 adults were included. The majority of the individuals belonged to the Khasi community 51 (49%) followed by the Garo community 27 (26%) and the Jaintia community 26 (25%). The mean ± S.D age of the total sample population was 29.5 ± 8.4 years. The mean CI of the total sample population was 79.13 (mesocephalic). No statistically significant difference was noted between male-female CI in the total and subpopulation groups. In our study, the common head types were dolichocephalic (29%), brachycephalic (29%), mesocephalic (21%), hyperbrachycephalic (16%) and ultrabrachycephalic (5%). A statistically significant difference was noted between Khasi and Jaintia in HL, HW, CI, LCD; between Khasi and Garo in HL, ICD, LCD and between Garo and Jaintia in HW, CI, ICD. We believe our conventional craniofacial anthropometry data could add to the pool of regional anthropometry data and be used for future scientific purposes like anthropology, maxillofacial surgeries, designing helmets, forensic analysis, and gender differentiation.

Morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analyses of Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)

The genetic diversity among the genotypes were useful resources that enabled breeders to comprehend the performance of attributes or genotypes. This understanding is crucial in selecting appropriate genotypes or traits for hybridization programmes. A total of 15 sweet corn genotypes were utilized to assess the characteristics of genetic diversity, correlation, path coefficient and genetic divergence study. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits examined, suggesting certain degree of interaction with the environment. The heritability estimates for all variables examined in this study were found to be high. The genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) identified a significant difference between high and low values. The traits ear weight with husk, ear weight without husk, husk ratio, chlorophyll content, ear length, ear girth, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100 kernel weight, shelling percentage, cob yield per plot and fodder yield per plot exhibited high heritability and high GAM. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive association for the aforementioned attributes. Additionally, the path coefficient analysis for these traits indicated a favourable direct influence. A total of 15 genotypes were categorized into seven clusters based on their genetic distance. The features that made the biggest contribution to divergence were fodder yield per plot (21%) and shelling percentage (21%), followed by ear weight (14%) and cob yield per plot (10%). The results of this study would be valuable for identifying the desirable characteristics and genetic makeup that can be used in future breeding programmes aimed at enhancing the production of corn cobs in sweet corn.

WSTĘPNE OKREŚLENIE MOŻLIWOŚCI REDUKCJI NAWOŻENIA AZOTOWEGO POD WPŁYWEM PREPARATÓW BAKTERYJNYCH W UPRAWIE TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.

The use of microorganisms in agriculture is attracting increasing interest. Thus, the state of knowledge on this issue and biotechnological advances are significantly increasing. A field research was conducted during the 2022–2023 growing season to evaluate the influence of the combined application of bacterial formulation and mineral nitrogen fertilization on grain and straw yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the structure of the obtained yield. The factors of the conducted field experiment were bacterial formulations: control (no application of bacterial formulations), I – Azotobacter and Arthrobacter, II – Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus azotofixans, III – Bacillus azotofixans; B – mineral nitrogen fertilization: control (no mineral nitrogen fertilization), 43 kg N·ha−1, 86 kg N·ha−1, 130 kg N·ha−1. Research was conducted demonstrating the most favorable effects after applying a bacterial formulation containing Azotobacter and Arthrobacter bacteria. It was statistically significant increase in grain yield by an average of 17%, number of ears per m2 by 15%, ear length by 5% and thousand grain weight by 3% The application of other formulations also caused an increase in the analyzed traits, but they were lower than those given for Azotobacter and Arthrobacter bacteria. A gradual increase in the level of mineral nitrogen fertilization also had a positive effect on the analyzed traits. The research conducted in the field found a possible reduction in mineral nitrogen fertilization under the conditions of the conducted experiment by about 33% without yield losses when using a bacterial formulation containing Azotobacter and Arthrobacter. Thus, it is appropriate to recommend the use of these bacteria in winter wheat cultivation, but due to the possible variable effectiveness of application under different soil and climatic conditions, the presented research should be continued in different areas both in wheat and other crops.

Unlocking the Green Potential: Enhancing Maize (Zea mays L.) Germination, Growth, and Yield through Innovative Seed Priming in Taplejung, Nepal

A cheap and ecologically friendly pre-sowing method that increases germination rates and seedling vigor, which in turn enhances growth and productivity, is considered seed priming. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 in farmer’s field to evaluate the effective priming method suitable for the balanced germination, growth, and yield of maize. An experiment consists of a single-factor randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 8 treatments. The analysis of the data was conducted with R Studio software at the p <0.05 level of significance, and a mean comparison was done using DMRT (Duncan's Multiple Range Test). According to this study, seed priming increased the germination, growth, and yield of crop growth parameters such as germination percentage, germination index, days to 100% germination, stem diameter at 35 days, days to 100% tasseling, days to 100% silking, plant population/ha, number of cobs per plant, ear length, ear girth, kernels per cob, 1000 kernel weight, fresh grain yield, adjusted grain yield, fresh Stover yield, and fresh biomass yield. The highest germination percentage (98.61%) and index (11.89 days), the earliest days to 100% germination (12.00 days), early tassel emergence (63.00 days), early silking emergence (66.00 days), the highest number of kernels per cob (529.37), 1000 kernel weight (337.10 g), harvest index (0.62), ear length (22.38 mm), and ear girth (49.72mm) were recorded on the treatment primed with cow urine for 18 hours. However, the highest fresh Stover yield (2954.07 kg/ha) and fresh biomass yield (6336.29 kg/ha) are recorded on stoves primed with DAP for 18 hours. Cow-urine priming for 18 hours improved the germination and economic yield of maize. Efficient cow-urine priming is a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and finest alternative approach to increasing the maize yield.

Principal Component Analysis of Morphological Traits in Udaipuri Goats in Uttarakhand, India

Aims: To study the principal component analysis (PCA) of morphological traits in Udaipuri goats. Place and Duration of Study: Pauri, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. Methodology: Eight traits were measured in 407 adult (doe) and (buck) goats over a period of 2021-2022. The traits considered in the study were Horn Length (HL), Face length (FL), Ear Length (EL), Height at Withers (HW), Body Length (BL), Chest Girth (CG), Tail Length (TL) and Body Weight (BW). The data were analyzed for the estimation of mean, coefficient of variation (CV %), phenotypic correlation and PCA by using the software SPSS version 24. Results: The descriptive statistics including the mean and CV % were estimated which revealed the lowest average and the highest average for horn length and chest girth, respectively. The horn length and ear length showed the highest and lowest CV %, respectively, and the phenotypic correlations were significant (P<0.01) for all the characters included in the study. Principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation method was applied and extracted a total variation of 66.01%. In all adult males and females, HL, HW, BL and CG were loaded as first component while FH, EL, TL and BW were loaded as second component. Conclusion: Therefore, these findings indicated that PCA could serve as a valuable tool in breeding programmes, allowing for a significant reduction in the number of traits while still effectively capturing morphometric trends in Udaipuri goats.

IMPACT OF WATER STRESS CONDITIONS ON ASSOCIATION OF AGRO-MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSIO-CHEMICAL AND KERNEL QUALITY-RELATED TRAITS IN MAIZE HYBRIDS

Changing climatic conditions, especially high temperatures and droughts are one of the major factors hindering sustainable maize production in major maize-growing areas of the world. The current study was designed to determine the association between different morphological, physiological, biochemical, and kernel quality-related traits in maize hybrids under water-deficient conditions. The experiment material was comprised of seven indigenously developed maize hybrids from Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yusafwala-Sahiwal (YH-5482, YH-5427, YH-5404, YH-1899, FH-949, YH-5577, and YH-5395), one maize hybrid developed by local seed company i.e., Kissan Seed Corporation (SB-9663) and two maize hybrids developed by multinational seed companies i.e., Corteva Seeds Pvt Ltd. (P-1543) and Syngenta Seed Pvt Ltd. (NK-8441). The experiment was executed under a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results revealed that highly significant genetic variations were present among maize hybrids for morphological, physiological, biochemical, and kernel quality traits under water-deficient conditions except for ear length for which variations were found to be non-significant. Moreover, correlation coefficient analysis depicts a strong positive correlation of kernel yield with days to 50% silking, days to 50% tasseling, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, total chlorophyll contents, 1000-kernel weight, ear length, and plant height. However, kernel yield was found to be negatively correlated with hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase, and proline contents. Similarly, path coefficient analysis showed that days to 50% silking had the highest direct positive effect on kernel yield followed by 1000-grain weight, starch contents percentage, and ear height. Therefore, parental material selection must be done using these yield-associated trades under water-deficient conditions.

Heterologous synthesis of poly-γ-glutamic acid enhanced drought resistance in maize (Zea mays L.)

Drought stress is the main factor restricting maize yield. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), as a water-retaining agent and fertilizer synergist, could significantly improve the drought resistance and yield of many crops. However, its high production costs and unclear long-term impact on soil ecology limit its large-scale application. In this study, an environmentally friendly green material γ-PGA was heterologous synthesized in maize for the first time using the synthetic biology method. The genes (PgsA, PgsB, PgsC) participated in γ-PGA synthesis were cloned from Bacillus licheniformis and transformed into maize to produce γ-PGA for the first time. Under drought stress, transgenic maize significantly increased the ear length, ear weight and grain weight by 50 % compared to the control, whereas the yield characteristic of ear weight, grain number per ear, grain weight per ear and 100-grain weight increased by 1.67 %–2.33 %, 3.78 %–13.06 %, 8.41 %–22.06 %, 6.03 %–19.28 %, and 11.85 %–18.36 %, respectively under normal growth conditions. γ-PGA was mainly expressed in the mesophyll cells of maize leaf rosette structure and improved drought resistance and yield by protecting and increasing the expression of genes for the photosynthetic and carbon fixation. This study is an important exploration for maize drought stress molecular breeding and building resource-saving agriculture.

CRUZAS SIMPLES PROGENITORAS E HÍBRIDO TRILINEAL DE MAÍZ H-53 AE: DENSIDADES Y PRODUCTIVIDAD

<p><strong>Background</strong>. The use of improved seeds in Mexico is limited. To increase its use and improve its supply, it is necessary to promote the generation of micro-enterprises; for this, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) work in a coordinated manner on the development of new varieties. <strong>Objective</strong>. To determine the seed productivity by effect of the population density of the trilinear hybrid of H-53 AE maize and its simple progenitor crosses in two environments of Valles Altos. <strong>Methodology</strong>. In the spring-summer cycle of 2014, in Cuautitlán Izcalli and Texcoco, State of Mexico, three genotypes were evaluated: the simple female cross androsterile (M53AE x M59) and fertile version (M53F x M59), as well as the trilineal hybrid H-53 AE. Population densities were 55,000, 70,000, and 85,000 ha<sup>-1</sup> plants, respectively. The variables evaluated were male and female flowering, plant and ear height, volumetric weight, weight of 200 grains, ear length, grains per row, dry matter percentage, and grain percentage. The experimental design employed a factorial design with random complete blocks, and the Tukey method was used for mean comparison. <strong>Results</strong>. The simple crosses, androsterile and fertile, exceeded the performance of the hybrid trilineal H-53 AE (7280 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>). The population density where genotypes expressed a higher yield was 70, 000 ha<sup>-1</sup> plants, with 8602 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, significantly different to 7813 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, and 7748 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup> for 85,000 and 55, 000 ha<sup>-1</sup> plants, respectively. <strong>Implications</strong>. Further analysis of other environmental factors should be carried out to strengthen the recommendation of the evaluated trilinear hybrid. <strong>Conclusion. </strong>The best responses were presented in the population density of 70,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>, and the highest average yield of three genotypes and three population densities with 8768 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup> was in the FESC environment (Cuautitlán Izcalli).</p>

Unveiling Drought-Resilient Latin American Popcorn Lines through Agronomic and Physiological Evaluation.

Water stress can lead to physiological and morphological damage, affecting the growth and development of popcorn. The objective of this study was to identify the yield potential of 43 popcorn lines derived from a Latin American germplasm collection, based on agronomic and physiological traits, under full irrigation (WW) and water deficit conditions (WS), aiming to select superior germplasm. The evaluated agronomic traits included the ear length and diameter, number of grains per row (NGR) and rows per ear (NRE), grain yield (GY), popping expansion (EC), volume of expanded popcorn per hectare (VP), grain length (GL), width, and thickness. The physiological traits included the chlorophyll, anthocyanin, and flavonoid content in the leaves. The genetic variability and distinct behavior among the lines for all the agronomic traits under WW and WS conditions were observed. When comparing the water conditions, line L292 had the highest mean for the GY, and line L688 had the highest mean for the EC, highlighting them as the most drought-tolerant lines. A water deficit reduced the leaf greenness but increased the anthocyanin content as an adaptive response. The GY trait showed positive correlations with the VP, NGR, and GL under both water conditions, making the latter useful for indirect selection and thus of great interest for plant breeding targeting the simultaneous improvement of these traits.

Genotyping-by-Sequencing Analysis Reveals Associations between Agronomic and Oil Traits in Gamma Ray-Derived Mutant Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) holds significant commercial value as one of the leading oil crops, with its agronomic features and oil quality being crucial determinants. In this investigation, 73,226 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 95 rapeseed mutant lines induced by gamma rays, alongside the original cultivar ('Tamra'), using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis were examined. This study encompassed gene ontology (GO) analysis and a genomewide association study (GWAS), thereby concentrating on agronomic traits (e.g., plant height, ear length, thousand-seed weight, and seed yield) and oil traits (including fatty acid composition and crude fat content). The GO analysis unveiled a multitude of genes with SNP variations associated with cellular processes, intracellular anatomical structures, and organic cyclic compound binding. Through GWAS, we detected 320 significant SNPs linked to both agronomic (104 SNPs) and oil traits (216 SNPs). Notably, two novel candidate genes, Bna.A05p02350D (SFGH) and Bna.C02p22490D (MDN1), are implicated in thousand-seed weight regulation. Additionally, Bna.C03p14350D (EXO70) and Bna.A09p05630D (PI4Kα1) emerged as novel candidate genes associated with erucic acid and crude fat content, respectively. These findings carry implications for identifying superior genotypes for the development of new cultivars. Association studies offer a cost-effective means of screening mutants and selecting elite rapeseed breeding lines, thereby enhancing the commercial viability of this pivotal oil crop.

Evaluation of the Reproducibility of Auricular Subunit Markers Based on Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography.

As a facial feature, the auricle plays an important role in the integrity and aesthetics of the whole face. Auricular subunits are associated with patient satisfaction in auricular reconstruction, but there are few studies on auricular subunits. We want to evaluate the reproducibility of auricular subunits by measuring the coordinates of the marker points of auricular subunits, accordingly provide a reference for the improvement of auricular reconstruction and the aesthetics of auricular injection. Mimics 19.0 was used to carry out three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the computed tomography (CT) scan data of patients' brains; measure the three-dimensional coordinates of the 13 auricular subunit markers, the morphological auricle length and width, and the physiological auricle length and width; and analyze the reproducibility as well as the differences between group. Reproducibility of auricle subunit markers: There are 1124 (58.82%) high reproducibility, 580 (30.35%) moderate reproducibility, and 207 (10.83%) low reproducibility. The superior tragus notch, tragus, and antitragus had the highest reproducibility. There was no significant difference between the groups in the marking points on the helix, and there were no statistically significant differences in the measurement values of the auricles on the two sides. The physiological ear length and width and the morphological ear length of males were larger than those of females. These showed significant differences between the age groups. Most auricular subunit markers have high reproducibility. The subunits with higher reproducibility are the structures that need to be optimized during auricle reconstruction surgery or auricle injection in the future. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Success rate and complication prevalence of peripheral catheterization of the cephalic, lateral saphenous and marginal ear veins in pet rabbits

BackgroundIntravenous catheter placement is a routine procedure in exotic pet medicine, yet the selection of the optimal venous site for catheterization in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) remains controversial. Recommendations differ between countries and authors, and lack evidence-based data. This prospective study aimed to document and compare the prevalence and types of complications secondary to peripheral venous catheterization in domestic rabbits as related to the vein catheterized. MethodsCatheterization events (n=151) were randomly attributed to three groups, named according to the venous site selected: cephalic (n=39), lateral saphenous (n=58) and marginal ear vein (n=54). Rabbits that needed a catheter for fluid therapy, surgery, or imaging, were included in the study. Catheters were placed by three veterinarians following a standardized method. Data regarding the patient, the type of catheter, and the treatment were recorded. Complications were evaluated every day after the catheter placement, at removal and after 15 days. ResultsMinor complications that were observed included catheters which were bent at the elbow or removed by the rabbit, and twisted or chewed tubing. Ear necrosis and signs of phlebitis were considered major complications. Catheter placement failure was significantly higher in the “cephalic” group (odds ratio = 4, 95% Confidence Interval = [16.67,1.04], p = 0.048), without differences between the operators. For the marginal ear vein, there was also a significant association between the failure rate and the length of the rabbit's ear (Wilcoxon effect size = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.14,0.64], p = 0.003). No major complication was observed in any groups. Minor complications occurred without significant differences between the groups. Conclusionsand clinical relevance: The results suggest that intravenous catheters in rabbits do not carry significant complications irrespective of the chosen site, but cephalic vein placement carries the highest risk of failure.

The additive function of YIGE2 and YIGE1 in regulating maize ear length.

Ear length (EL) is a key trait that greatly contributes to yield in maize. Although dozens of EL quantitative trait loci have been mapped, very few causal genes have been cloned, and the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Our previous study showed that YIGE1 is involved in sugar and auxin pathways to regulate ear inflorescence meristem (IM) development and thus affects EL in maize. Here, we reveal that YIGE2, the paralog of YIGE1, regulates maize ear development and EL through auxin pathway. Knockout of YIGE2 causes a significant decrease of auxin level, IM length, floret number, EL, and grain yield. yige1 yige2 double mutants had even shorter IM and ears implying that these two genes redundantly regulate IM development and EL. The genes controlling auxin levels are differential expressed in yige1 yige2 double mutants, leading to lower auxin level. These results elucidated the critical role of YIGE2 and the redundancy between YIGE2 and YIGE1 in maize ear development, providing a new genetic resource for maize yield improvement.

Assessing the Influence of Planting Dates on Sustainable Maize Production under Drought Stress Conditions

Water is one of the most precious resources and is essential to agricultural output; the biggest user of water is the agricultural sector. Several societal sectors are impacted by the problem of climate change, including agriculture, water resources, and irrigation water demand. A key element in determining sustainable crop production potential is choosing the right cultivars at the right time of year to plant. The dates on which maize is sown are greatly impacted by high summer temperatures and low spring temperatures. Water stress and the timing of sowing can have a significant impact on maize crop yield and water use efficiency. As a result, figuring out the ideal irrigation volume and sowing dates depending on local conditions is essential. A split plot layout was used to create a randomized complete block design for an experiment with five sowing dates (A, B, C, D, and E) and six hybrids (KWS3376, Xinyu 65, KWS9384, Huamei No. 1, Xinyu 102, and Heyu 187). All sowing dates and hybrids had a significant impact on the yield and yield-contributing features (leaf length, ear diameter, grain number per spike, grain breadth, hundred-grain weight, etc.) of maize crops according to the data analysis. A higher grain yield with yield features, such as ear length, number of grains per ear, and hundred-grain weight, was obtained with early-season sowing. Delayed seeding resulted in a lower crop yield. The seasonally delayed seeding of maize reduces yield and yield characteristics. Xinyu 65 produced the highest yield and yield component values of any hybrid. For improved yield and yield traits in the examined area, the study recommended planting maize hybrid Xinyu 65 early in the growing season.