Growth Pattern Research Articles

Life history and growth dynamics of a peirosaurid crocodylomorph (Mesoeucrocodylia; Notosuchia) from the Late Cretaceous of Argentina inferred from its bone histology.

Notosuchia were a successful lineage of Crocodyliformes that achieved a remarkable diversity during the Cretaceous of Gondwana, particularly in South America. Although paleohistology has expanded our knowledge of the paleobiology of notosuchians, several clades of this lineage remain poorly understood in this aspect. Here we help to address this gap by conducting the first histological analysis of appendicular bones of a peirosaurid. To increase our knowledge about growth dynamics and examine intraeskeletal and interspecific histological variation, we analyze the microstructure of a tibia, fibula, phalanx, fragment of ornamented element (possible osteoderm or skull bone) and a possible long bone of an individual assigned to Peirosauridae indet. (MAU-Pv-437). The peirosaurid studied here appears to have reached sexual but not somatic maturity and the minimum age inferred from appendicular bones results in a lower estimated than the age inferred from osteoderms in a previous study on the same individual. The cortical bone in MAU-Pv 437 is formed by vascularized parallel fibered bone/lamellar bone which indicates that this individual experienced a moderate growth rate. This indicates different growth dynamics from what has been observed for other notosuchians specimens, suggesting a lack of a uniform growth pattern for this clade.

Sex-specific growth and morphometric sexing of chicks of the Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

In birds, sexual size dimorphism often becomes evident as early as chicks’ growth stage. A larger sex usually has an advantage in food competition among siblings. In the smaller sex, the lesser ultimate size can be compensated by faster growth or earlier fledging. As a consequence, sex differences can manifest themselves not only in body size but also in the body condition or the rate of weight gain. This phenomenon provides additional opportunities for sexing of chicks by discriminant analysis of growth parameters. Our work deals with the influence of sex on the growth of Black-headed Gull chicks. Using logistic models, we examined growth patterns of 80 males and 76 females from hatching to departure from breeding colonies during three seasons. In males, the total head length, tarsus length, and body mass were greater than those in females from the first days of life and reached large asymptotic values. Tarsus length was a better predictor of sex than head length or body mass was. The sex of chicks did not have a significant effect on global growth rates; however, compared to males, females had a lower body condition (the difference between observed and expected chick body mass) at age 8 days and gained less weight between 21 and 28 days. Using these differences, we developed a discriminant function that allowed to correctly predict the sex of 88.5% of Black-headed Gull chicks before fledging.

Development of the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), on pork tissue at two temperatures.

The house fly, Musca domestica, L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a filth fly that is often associated with criminal and civil investigations surrounding abuse, neglect, and death of humans and other vertebrates. However, development data, which are crucial for determining the age of immatures collected under forensically relevant circumstances, are limited. Given the lack of data and the recognition of population-specific growth patterns, the aim of this study was to generate data for development of a M. domestica population from Texas, USA, on decomposing lean pork at 24.0°C (i.e., approximate room temperature in Texas) and 37.0°C (i.e., approximate human body temperature). As expected, fly development significantly differed between temperatures with development at the higher temperature taking significantly less time (development from egg to adult emergence occurred c. 48.5% faster at 37.0°C than at 24.0°C). The value of this dataset is demonstrated through an applied comparison with previously published data for the house fly. Differences in development times across life stages for the studies are evident, with shorter time of colonization estimations using the data published by Wang etal. (2018), especially in later life stages. These data represent the first development dataset for the house fly on decomposing flesh in North America. Furthermore, the comparison with the previously published dataset demonstrate data from this study are of value for future forensic investigations in Texas or possibly other parts of the United States where this species is encountered, as they can be used to determine time of colonization.

Supporting the Advancement of a National Agenda for Pediatric Healthcare Reform: A multi-year Evaluation of a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program.

To evaluate the implementation and sustainability of the effect of a 1-year Leadership in Education for Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) program in a southeastern state, and to examine its impact on advancing the Maternal Child Health Bureau's (MCHB) Blueprint for Change-a national agenda for pediatric healthcare reform. This study applies the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to rigorously evaluate LEND implementation and impact between 2018 and 2022. In-depth interviews (N = 24) were conducted among long-term (1-year) LEND trainees, via Zoom, in a southeastern state. A hybrid approach of deductive and inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify emergent patterns and themes from trainees' experiences, related to the EPIS constructs and national priorities. Exploration and Preparation. Trainees identified insights from multidisciplinary discussions and family panels as key facilitators to their development. Trainees reported growth in confidence and communication and improving their service delivery, including implementation of a collaborative approach to patient care, family-centered care, and occasionally facilitating their obtainment of leadership positions. Trainees also reported systemic barriers to implementation, including time and financial constraints. Sustainability. Trainees identify their experienced shift in mindset and statewide connections as drivers for sustained change, with suggestions for follow-up events and networking opportunities to enhance the effect of LEND training. These results may inform LEND objectives to enhance the statewide network and to advance a national framework for prioritizing family well-being and quality of life and access to services.

Study on the Optimal Harvesting Age of Astragalus Mongholicus Under Wild-Simulated Cultivation in Inner Mongolia

The harvesting age is a critical factor influencing the quality of medicinal crops, as it significantly affects the content of active compounds and clinical efficacy, which vary across different cultivation years. This study aims to clarify the growth and development patterns of wild-simulated and cultivated Astragalus mongholicus at different ages and provide theoretical and practical guidance for determining its optimal harvesting age. The morphological indicators, photosynthetic performance, stress resistance enzyme activities, medicinal compounds, and yields of Astragalus mongholicus cultivated and wild-simulated for one, two, three, and four years were analyzed. Results showed that the harvesting age influenced the various measurement indicators of wild-simulated Astragalus mongholicus. The underground growth of the two-year-old plants was the most vigorous, with a stronger photosynthetic capacity and the highest content of calycosin-7-O-glucoside. Both two-year-old and three-year-old plants exhibited higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. The three-year-old plants had the highest astragaloside IV content and the greatest economic benefit. Considering both the quality of the medicinal material and the economic returns, this study suggests that the optimal harvesting age for wild-simulated cultivated Astragalus mongholicus in Inner Mongolia is three years, though harvesting at two years may also be feasible under practical conditions.

Study of Histotripsy With Subsequent Heating on In Vitro VX2 Cancer Cells.

Focused ultrasound has emerged as a precise and minimally invasive modality for effective cancer treatment. In this study, we propose a novel method that integrates the mechanical effects of focused ultrasound, known as histotripsy, with heating to enhance both the immediate and sustained cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Our investigation focused on VX2 cancer cells in suspension, examining five experimental groups: blank control, negative control, heating alone, histotripsy alone, and histotripsy with subsequent heating. B-mode ultrasound imaging was utilized to visualize cavitation bubble cloud formation and its motion during histotripsy. The suspension was contained in individually sealed compartments obtained from bubble wrap (referred to as bubble wrap compartments) embedded within the agarose phantom. Residual living cells were examined immediately after treatment and cultured for 96 hours to analyze the growth patterns. Additionally, CFDA SE staining was employed to assess cell proliferation. Furthermore, both intracellular and extracellular heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were measured to investigate the potential initiation of an immune response. The combination of histotripsy and subsequent heating significantly reduced the normalized concentration of living cells immediately after treatment. It also decreased the proliferation rate of residual cells compared with the other experimental groups. Histotripsy with subsequent heating also increased the generation and release of HSP70, which might potentially enhance an innate anti-tumor immune response in vivo. Histotripsy and subsequent heating improved the immediate lethal impact on VX2 cancer cells and curtailed the proliferation of residual cancer cells in suspension. This study presents a promising strategy for cancer therapy in the future.

Reference Standards for Stretched Penile Length in Indian Boys

ABSTRACT Introduction: Stretched penile length (SPL) is a vital anthropometric measurement for providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic information. SPL variations can indicate congenital anomalies or systemic disorders and are influenced by genetic, ethnic, and environmental factors. Despite its clinical importance, comprehensive age-stratified reference data for SPL in Indian children are lacking. Objective: The objective is to systematically compile and analyse the existing data on SPL in Indian children providing reference values and centile curves in children to improve clinical assessment, diagnostic accuracy and healthcare outcomes. Materials and Methods: The evidence-synthesis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Data from six eligible studies (2,221 participants aged 28 weeks–16 years) representing different parts of the country were pooled to calculate the combined mean and standard deviation. Reference values and centile curves (5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th) were generated using R software. Results: The data were collected using consistent methodologies across studies, though with minor differences in measurement techniques and age stratification. The SPL is shown to increase in a non-linear fashion with the age of the participant with distinct growth patterns during infancy, childhood, and puberty. Two “isomeric” nomograms were developed due to overlapping age groups in the data. Notable growth was observed at ages 1–4, slower growth from 4 to 10 years and a pubertal growth spurt was witnessed thereafter. Wide variability in SPL was observed between ages 5 and 9 years. Conclusions: The study provides new, population-specific reference standards and centile curves for SPL in Indian children, aiding in the clinical assessment and diagnosis of genital development disorders.

Peak Assessment and Driving Factor Analysis of Residential Building Carbon Emissions in China’s Urban Agglomerations

Urban agglomerations, as hubs of population, economic activity, and energy consumption, significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The interconnected infrastructure, energy networks, and shared economic systems of these regions create complex emission dynamics that cannot be effectively managed through isolated city-level strategies. However, these regions also present unique opportunities for innovation, policy implementation, and resource optimization, making them crucial focal points in efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This study examines China’s three major urban agglomerations: the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Utilizing data from 2005 to 2020 and a comprehensive evaluation model (BCPCAM), the research offers more profound insights into the socio-economic factors and collaborative mechanisms influencing emission trends, facilitating the development of targeted strategies for sustainable development and carbon neutrality. The findings indicate that (1) economic development and carbon control can progress synergistically to some extent, as economically advanced cities like Beijing and Shanghai have achieved their carbon peaks earlier; (2) natural resource endowment significantly affects urban carbon emissions, with resource-rich cities such as Tangshan and Handan, where fossil fuels dominate the energy mix, facing considerable challenges in reducing emissions; and (3) notable differences exist in the growth patterns of carbon emissions between urban and rural buildings, underscoring the need for tailored carbon reduction policies.

Dynamics of inland saline ground water and associated growth potential of common carp Cyprinus carpio for a sustainable aquaculture

Natural and anthropogenic causes have led to soil degradation, salinisation of inland areas, and groundwater. The degraded soils are unsuitable for primary agriculture, but can be utilised for saline aquaculture. ICAR-CIFE has initiated a selective breeding program for faster growth in common carp cultured at low salinity (6–8 ppt). The present study demonstrates the dynamic nature of physico-chemical parameters of Inland Saline Ground Water (ISGW) and the growth potential of selectively bred F1 generation of common carp using ISGW. About 1560 common carp fingerlings were stocked in two ponds, each representing a unique size class (> 100 g and < 100 g). "The water quality parameters, viz., temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium recorded during the culture period had mean values of 30.27 ℃, 6.73 ppt, 8.48, 5.02 mg L−1, 1544.83 mg L−1, 217.29 mg L−1, 177.22 mg L−1 and 332.33 mg L−1, respectively". The average body weight of common carp at stocking in Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 42.43 g and 180.86 g, respectively. The average standard length at stocking for Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 10.57 cm and 16.57 cm, respectively. The overall means for harvest body weight and standard length at 200 days of culture in summer months were 432.48 ± 4.14 g and 22.72 ± 3.04 cm, respectively. The effects of standard length, sex of fish, and sex by pond interaction were found to be significant on the harvest body weight. The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE), and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) obtained for Pond 1 and Pond 2 were 2.19, 45.8, 1.53; 2.25, 44.44, and 1.48, respectively. The daily weight gain for Pond 1 and Pond 2 was 1.58 g and 1.61 g, respectively. In conclusion, the common carp reared in an inland saline environment showed a similar growth pattern in both size classes as reported in freshwater culture. Thus, the present study recommends common carp as a potential candidate species for inland saline aquaculture in degraded soils and advocates its scientific propagation.

Assessment of Some Culture Media for Optimum Growth and Sporulation of Bipolaris sorokiniana Causing Spot Blotch of Wheat

An experiment was conducted during January–June, 2022 at Department of Plant Pathology, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya for the evaluation of the different culture media on the growth of the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana causing spot blotch disease in wheat. Five different growth media, viz., Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), wheat seed extract+PDA (WSPDA), wheat leaf decoction+PDA (WLPDA), carrot juice extract+PDA (CPDA), and oatmeal agar (OMA), were used in the experiment. PDA supplemented with different plant extracts exhibited differential growth and sporulation patterns on B. sorokiniana. The maximum colony diameter of 8.09 mm at 9 days after inoculation demonstrated that the OMA provided the best growth conditions. Moreover, based on the Tukey HSD test, the AUGPC of OMA was found to be the highest (34.68±1.3 cm2) and significantly different from all the other media used in the study. The OMA was followed by the WLPDA, which had an AUGPC of 22.6±1.79 cm2. The fungus sporulated in all the media considered for the present study, with OMA recording the highest sporulation with 44×104 spores ml-1, followed by WLPDA with 41×104 spores ml-1. The lowest level of sporulation was seen in CPDA, with a concentration of 15×103 spores ml-1. Based on the aforementioned results, it can be inferred that oatmeal agar was the most suitable medium for the development and sporulation of B. sorokiniana, followed by a mixture of wheat leaf decoction and PDA. On the other hand, PDA alone and carrot juice PDA were shown to be the least suitable media.

Fascin structural plasticity mediates flexible actin bundle construction.

Fascin cross-links actin filaments (F-actin) into bundles that support tubular membrane protrusions including filopodia and stereocilia. Fascin dysregulation drives aberrant cell migration during metastasis, and fascin inhibitors are under development as cancer therapeutics. Here, we use cryo-EM, cryo-electron tomography coupled with custom denoising and computational modeling to probe human fascin-1's F-actin cross-linking mechanisms across spatial scales. Our fascin cross-bridge structure reveals an asymmetric F-actin binding conformation that is allosterically blocked by the inhibitor G2. Reconstructions of seven-filament hexagonal bundle elements, variability analysis and simulations show how structural plasticity enables fascin to bridge varied interfilament orientations, accommodating mismatches between F-actin's helical symmetry and bundle hexagonal packing. Tomography of many-filament bundles and modeling uncover geometric rules underlying emergent fascin binding patterns, as well as the accumulation of unfavorable cross-links that limit bundle size. Collectively, this work shows how fascin harnesses fine-tuned nanoscale structural dynamics to build and regulate micron-scale F-actin bundles.

Classroom data science: data and dataing for making sense of multivariate plant growth

Abstract What is considered data and how it is communicated publicly is rapidly changing. Participation in society involves multiple opportunities to engage with complex statistical concepts in media, in personal health, and regarding climate change. Children also are engaging with evolving data types in social media interactions and in educational contexts where they are the data. Yet little time is spent in classrooms supporting children to explore and make their own data decisions about various data types. This study investigates the role that fourth graders’ use of graphing conventions played in supporting their conceptual development of: non-traditional data and dataing during one lesson. The author hopes to contribute a new perspective in conceptualising dataing as enculturating statistical practices around data that involves multiple features, to communicate key information, involving tools for engaging with statistics to communicate a story. In this case study, a video clip presented an entrance point in exploring multivariate data (multiple variables). Video observation and student graphs revealed insights into children’s data and dataing experiences and processes involved with multivariate data, supported by a classroom culture that valued statistical processes as a creative and meaningful, story-telling endeavour. When students were tasked with representing plant growth using a graph, displays included a wide range of variables such as patterns of leaf growth and qualitative stages of plant growth. Engaging with multivariate data in exploratory ways supported students in this study to play with graphing conventions, establishing local mathematical practices involving non-traditional data.

An unsupervised automatic texture classification method for ultrasound images of thyroid nodules

Objective.Ultrasound is the predominant modality in medical practice for evaluating thyroid nodules. Currently, diagnosis is typically based on textural information. This study aims to develop an automated texture classification approach to aid physicians in interpreting ultrasound images of thyroid nodules. However, there is currently a scarcity of pixel-level labeled datasets for the texture classes of thyroid nodules. The labeling of such datasets relies on professional and experienced doctors, requiring a significant amount of manpower. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop an unsupervised method for classifying nodule textures.Approach.Firstly, we develop a spatial mapping network to transform the one-dimensional pixel value space into a high-dimensional space to extract comprehensive feature information. Subsequently, we outline the principles of feature selection that are suitable for clustering. Then we propose a pixel-level clustering algorithm with a region growth pattern, and a distance evaluation method for texture sets among different nodules is established.Main results.Our algorithm achieves a pixel-level classification accuracy of 0.931 for the cystic and solid region, 0.870 for the hypoechoic region, 0.959 for the isoechoic region, and 0.961 for the hyperechoic region. The efficacy of our algorithm and its concordance with human observation have been demonstrated. Furthermore, we conduct calculations and visualize the distribution of different textures in benign and malignant nodules.Significance.This method can be used for the automatic generation of pixel-level labels of thyroid nodule texture, aiding in the construction of texture datasets, and offering image analysis information for medical professionals.

GPNMB expression differentiates subependymal giant cell astrocytoma from other mimickers.

Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are neoplasms that exhibit slow growth patterns and are closely associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Recent research indicates that TFE3/TFEB-targeted biomarker glycoprotein nonmetastatic B (GPNMB) is upregulated inTSC1/2-related tumours. In this study, we performed molecular analysis on SEGAs and analyzed GPNMB expression in 6 SEGAs, 10 PXAs, 9 GBMs, 8 eGBMs, 8 diffuse astrocytomas, 8 oligodendrogliomas and 7 glioneuronal tumours through immunohistochemistry, 100% (6/6) of the SEGA cases exhibited positive GPNMB expression, whereas it was negative in all other CNS tumours. The results indicated that GPNMB is specifically expressed in all SEGAs, distinguishing it from other morphologically similar tumours. The findings demonstrate specific GPNMB expression in SEGA, underscoring its promise as a diagnostic biomarker.

Non-myxoid solid variant of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: An underrecognized subtype.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare sarcoma defined by NR4A3 gene rearrangements, typically featuring uniform cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and mild atypia, arranged in cords or clusters within a chondromyxoid stroma. A cellular variant, characterized by increased cellular density and a solid growth pattern, has been recognized. We encountered three cases of round cell sarcomas, diagnosed as EMC based on NR4A3 or NR4A2 rearrangements. To identify additional pure solid EMC cases, we performed a retrospective review of our institutional files spanning 22 years, focusing on cases labeled as "myxoid chondrosarcoma" with "cellular" features. Histologic slides and clinical data were reviewed. In addition to the three study cases, 43 cases of EMC with cellular features were identified, none of which exhibited the exclusive round-to-spindle cell morphology seen in the study cases. The three unique cases involved two females and one male (ages 42-62) with tumors in the proximal extremities and trunk. The tumors (3.5-10cm) were well-circumscribed and densely cellular. One tumor exhibited a biphasic pattern with distinct round and spindle cell areas, whereas the other two were composed purely of round/epithelioid cells. High-grade nuclear atypia and brisk mitotic activity (9-13 per 10 HPFs) were observed, with necrosis identified in one case. Next-generation sequencing revealed TCF12::NR4A3, EWSR1::NR4A3, and EWSR1::NR4A2 fusions. Two patients developed metastases (lymph nodes and lungs), whereas one remained disease-free at last follow-up. We describe a round cell subtype of EMC, distinct from the traditional cellular variant, characterized by a sheet-like proliferation of large, uniform round-to-epithelioid cells and the absence of chondromyxoid stroma. This potentially underrecognized subtype requires molecular testing for accurate diagnosis. Moreover, the presence of NR4A2 fusions, although rare, suggests that the absence of NR4A3 rearrangements does not entirely exclude EMC.

The Immunopeptidomic Landscape of Ependymomas Provides Actionable Antigens for T Cell-Based Immunotherapy

Abstract Background Ependymoma are primary tumors of the nervous system. Due to their growth pattern, many ependymomas can be managed with neurosurgical resection alone. A substantial proportion of these tumors recurs or displays infiltrative growth patterns. Further established therapeutic options include radiation therapy. Systemic treatment options include platinum-based therapeutic regimes or a combination of lapatinib and temozolomide. Peptide-based immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic strategy relying on the induction of tumor-specific T cells targeting human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-presented peptides. Our work aimed to analyze the landscape of naturally presented HLA class I and II ligands of primary ependymomas (EPN) to delineate EPN-associated antigens. Methods We investigated 22 EPN tissue samples using a comparative mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomic approach. Additionally, EPN-specific antigens were functionally characterized in T cell-based immunogenicity assays. Results We discovered a subset of EPN-exclusive peptides including HLA-A*02 and HLA-A*25/HLA-A*26–restricted HLA ligands and identified a small panel of cancer/testis antigens (CTAs)-derived HLA ligands. Furthermore, we outlined immunopeptidomic alterations in different ependymoma subgroups and progressive ependymoma. Subsequently, we performed functional characterization of the previously identified HLA-A*02:01 restricted peptide FLDS to demonstrate immunogenicity in vitro. Conclusion The immunopeptidome landscape of EPNs provides actionable targets that could further be explored as a T-cell-based immunotherapeutic strategy in this tumor entity.

Influence of temperature on growth, and sporulation of local EPF strains of &lt;i&gt;Penicillium&lt;/i&gt; sp. and their efficacy against &lt;i&gt;Spodoptera litura&lt;/i&gt; (Fabricius)

The research work was conducted to study the influence of temperature on the growth, and sporulation of local EPF strains of Penicillium spp. and their efficacy against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) at Biological Control Laboratory, College of Agriculture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra - India. Observations were recorded on the effect of different temperature (20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C) on varying patterns of radial growth and CFU count of Penicillium camponotum and Penicillium citrinum (Raper and Thom) and their efficacy against S. litura. The study found that both fungal species exhibited optimal radial growth and CFU count at 25 - 30°C. Specifically, P. camponotum displayed the highest cumulative radial growth (76.80 mm) and CFU count (452.80) at 30°C, whereas P. citrinum showed peak radial growth at 30°C (88.20 mm) and CFU count at 25°C (449.60) after 4 days, and 48 h of incubation, respectively. These conditions also correlated with the highest mortality rates of S. litura when treated with a concentration of 1 × 106 of Penicillium sp. strains, resulting in mortality percentages between 64.00 - 69.00 per cent at 7 days of post-treatment. Conversely, extreme temperatures such as 40°C drastically reduced fungal growth and efficacy, resulting in minimal mortality rates of 5.00 - 8.00 per cent. At 27 ± 3°C, both Penicillium strains showed the highest cumulative radial growth and CFU count, likely due to temperature fluctuation, resulting in increased cumulative mortality percentages against S. litura. The probit analysis of EPF strains P. camponotum, and P. citrinum revealed that LT50 and LT95 values varied significantly with temperature and culture type. For P. camponotum, the LT50 values from 5.4 - 24.3 days and, LT95 values ranged from 17.0 - 217.4 days, indicating substantial sensitivity to temperature (except 40°C). In contrast, P. citrinum showed narrower ranges of LT50 from 4.9 - 10.8 days, and LT95 values ranged from 14.5 - 46.6 days for all radial growth, and CFU count cultures at all tested temperatures except 40°C. These results demonstrate the significant influence of temperature on the radial growth and CFU count cultures, mortality percentage, and lethal time to cause 50 and 90 per cent mortality rates of S. litura.

The interventions of physical education by using augmented reality based mobile learning can significantly improve gross motor skills in elementary school students

Introduction: Physical education interventions outside of school that use augmented reality mobile learning can be an effective method to improve students' gross motor skills in primary school. The novelty of this study, learning media is packaged into an application that runs on a mobile device. Objective: The aims of the study was to prove that interventions of physical education by using augmented reality based mobile learning can significantly improve gross motor skills in elementary school students. Methodology: The study examined the effects of physical education by using augmented reality based mobile learning. This study used 60 participants who were divided into two groups: the intervention group and the control group. The instrument used was the Test of Gross Motor Development Second Edition (TGMD-2) to evaluate the growth pattern of gross motor skills. The data analysis techniques used were normality test, influence test, and independent samples t-test. Results: The results showed that interventions of physical education by using augmented reality based mobile learning, provided a greater improvement in gross motor skills. The control group showed the least change. Discussion: The interventions of physical education by using augmented reality based mobile learning can significantly improve gross motor skills in elementary school students. Conclusions: These findings may guide options for those looking for effective ways to improve gross motor skills especially for early childhood. The interventions of physical education by using augmented reality based mobile learning can significantly improve gross motor skills in elementary school students.

First Report of Phytopythium vexans Causing Root Rot on Tulip Poplar in Tennessee and the United States.

Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a member of the Magnolia family, is a large, fast-growing, long-lived, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. One-year-old tulip poplar seedlings grown under field conditions in a commercial nursery in Warren County, Tennessee, exhibited severe root rot in May 2024. Dark brown to black lesions were observed on the affected roots. Disease severity was 60% of the affected root area, and disease incidence was 45% of 300 plants. Symptomatic root tissues were surface-disinfected with 70% ethanol and washed twice with distilled water. Small sections of root tissue were placed in Petri dishes containing V8-PARPH (V8 juice agar amended with pimaricin, ampicillin, rifampicin, pentachloronitrobenzene, and hymexazol) agar and incubated at 24°C in an 8-hour photoperiod cycle. After 3 days of incubation, whitish cottony mycelia with radiate and chrysanthemum flower-like growth patterns were observed (Supplementary Fig. 1a). The hyphae were coenocytic and 5.5 μm wide. Sporangia were subglobose with papillate, filamentous to globose smooth oogonia (18.35 to 23.86 μm; n = 50), bell-shaped antheridia, and spherical zoospores that are characteristic of Phytopythium vexans (de Cock et al. 2015) (Supplementary Fig. 1b and c). Total DNA was extracted (DNeasy PowerLyzer Microbial Kit) from 7-day-old isolates FBG7781-1 and FBG7781-2 and amplified using the ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), NL1/NL4 (Baten et al. 2014), Levup/Fm85mod (Robideau et al. 2011) and Cox2F/Cox2RC4 (Hudspeth et al. 2000) primer pairs. Isolates were sequenced using for genetic markers, including the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the 28S large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal RNA, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COXII), respectively. The sequences (GenBank accession nos. PQ555199 and PQ555200 for ITS, PQ555205 and PQ555206 for LSU, PQ562067 and PQ562068 for COXI, and PQ562065 and PQ562066 for COXII) were 100% identical to the ITS, LSU, COX1, and COXII genetic markers of P. vexans isolates in GenBank (ITS: PQ050141, LSU: AB468723, COXI: GU133478, COXII: AB468910). Pathogenicity tests were performed on 1-year-old tulip poplar seedlings grown in 1-gal containers (3.8 L) to fulfill Koch's postulates. Tulip poplar seedlings were drenched and inoculated (150 ml/plant) with a pathogen slurry (two plates of 7-day-old culture/liter) as described in Panth et al. 2021, using isolates FBG7781-1 and FBG7781-2 (five plants per isolate). Five plants were drenched with V8-PARPH agar slurry without the pathogen and served as controls. The study was conducted in a greenhouse maintained at 21 to 23°C and 70% relative humidity and watered twice daily for 2 min using an overhead irrigation system. Fifteen days after inoculation, dark brown lesions developed in the roots of all inoculated plants (Supplementary Fig. 2a). No symptoms were observed in the control plants (Supplementary Fig. 2b). Isolates resembling the morphological characteristics of P. vexans were recovered from inoculated plants using the method described above, and their identity as P. vexans was confirmed by DNA sequencing with the same four primer pairs previously described. Phytopythium vexans has been reported to cause root rot in flowering cherry, ginkgo, red maple, and redbud in Tennessee (Baysal-Gurel et al. 2021, Liyanapathiranage et al. 2023, Panth et al. 2021). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. vexans causing root rot of tulip poplar in Tennessee, the United States and worldwide. This finding is significantly important for the development of a successful disease management strategy for P. vexans in tulip poplar.

Growth and development patterns of Noonan syndrome and advances in the treatment of short stature

Patients with Noonan syndrome (NS) are born with normal or slightly lower body length and weight compared to the normal ranges. However, their height gradually falls behind that of the general population, leading to growth retardation and delayed puberty. In China, the incidence of short stature in patients with NS is approximately 65%. Short stature in these patients arises from multiple causes, including feeding difficulties in infancy, comorbidities such as congenital heart disease, genetic heterogeneity, and disorders of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis. Growth hormone is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of short stature. This article reviews the growth and development patterns at different stages of NS, analyzes the causes of short stature, and summarizes the latest advances in treatment to provide new insights for the diagnosis and management of short stature in patients with NS.