Growth Period Research Articles

Alfalfa Cultivation Patterns in the Yellow River Irrigation Area on Soil Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Establishing lucerne field is an efficient way to protect natural steppes, alleviate conflicts between meadows and livestock, and promote the development of animal husbandry. However, problems such as extensive field management, valuing yield over quality, and low resource utilization are endemic in production. Exploring reasonable cultivation patterns can contribute to improving the current situation of artificial grassland production and promoting the high-quality development of husbandry and prataculture. Lucerne the field experiment was carried out in Jingtai, Gansu Province, China in 2021–2022; this study compared and analyzed the effects of three cultivation patterns—ridge tillage with plastic film mulching (PM), ridge tillage with biodegradable film mulching (BM), and traditional flat planting (FP)—on soil water, heat, and fertilizer, as well as lucerne growth, yield, quality, and water and nitrogen use efficiency. The results show that: (1) during the growth period of lucerne, PM and BM treatments augment the average moisture content of the soil layer of 0–120 cm by 31.19% and 24.03% compared to the FP treatment, respectively. In the soil layer of 0–40 cm, PM and BM treatments abate the soil moisture content of the ridges by an average of 19.29% and 7.89% compared to that in the ditches, respectively. In the soil layer of 40–120 cm, PM and BM treatments elevate the soil moisture content of the ridges by 4.40% and 4.65% on average compared to that in the ditches, respectively. The average soil temperature in a soil layer of 5–25 cm shows PM > BM > FP. In contrast with the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments increase the soil temperature of the ridges by an average of 1.87 °C and 0.96 °C and decrease that of the ditches by an average of 0.47 °C and 0.46 °C, respectively. After two years of planting, the three cultivation patterns all promote the soil nutrient content. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments increase the organic matter content by 9.94% and 19.94%, respectively. (2) Ridge tillage with film mulching can evidently stimulate the growth of lucerne and enhance yield and quality. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments enhance plant height by an average of 15.37% and 4.04%, stem diameter by an average of 34.14% and 14.58%, yield by an average of 21.20% and 14.77%, crude protein content by an average of 13.47% and 7.68%, and relative feed value by an average of 8.71% and 4.41%, respectively. (3) During the two-year growing period, the irrigation amount of lucerne was 508.60–615.30 mm, and the evapotranspiration was 563.70–761.80 mm. Compared to the FP treatment, PM and BM treatments hoist water use efficiency by an average of 43.50% and 17.56%, nitrogen partial factor productivity by an average of 21.20% and 15.22%, and net income by an average of 14.78% and 11.05%, respectively. In summary, in ridge tillage, both ordinary film mulching and biodegradable film mulching can create a favorable soil environment for lucerne growth and heighten production effect. The former has a better effect on advancing the lucerne production effect, and the latter exhibits superior performance in improving soil fertility.

Development of Regenerative Tea Cultivation Models through Dual Approach of Soil and Plant Health Management towards Crop Sustainability, Soil Quality Development, Pesticide Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation: A Case Study from Lakhipara Tea Estate,

Climate change is a reality and its impact on the tea plantations is apparent in the rise of pest intensity, higher agrochemical use, inconsistent crop yields, declining grand growth period, increased abiotic stress and various other challenges; that threaten long-term sustainability of the Indian tea sector. The urgency to adopt sustainable practices is increasing by the day but to gain time bound results a comprehensive focus encompassing soil and plant health development will be crucial. To deal with climate challenge head-on, the Indian tea industry is making changes at various levels of operations. The sustainable tea initiative at Lakhipara tea estate, was one such attempt by the Goodricke Group Limited in their Dooars tea growing region of West Bengal. The program was initiated in 2014 with an aim to reduce pesticide use, improve soil quality, and produce quality teas while sustaining crop yields, improving renewable energy use and lowering the carbon footprint. Adoption of Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology and taking the essence from ‘Trophobiosis Theory’ of French Scientist F. Chaboussou, the program focused on management of soil and plant health. Three years evaluation of crop yields in respect of the budgeted crop, revealed on an average an excess of 78 kg/ha/year in the project area. In rest of the garden area a contrasting crop loss of 118 kg was recorded per ha during the same period. The higher crop performance positively correlated with the higher nutrient use efficiency which was 17.7 percent higher in the project area (NUENPK : 8.86) as compared to the general garden area (NUENPK : 7.53), which reflected the impact of plant health management towards enhanced nutrient uptake, assimilation and utilization. Assessment of pesticide usage, revealed up to 77% decrease in usage in the project area during 2014-16, as compared to the pre- project year. Comparison with pesticide usage of the Dooars tea growing region during this same period, indicated a 62% lower Crop Pesticide Pollution Index (CPPI) in the project area. The finding indicated a 52 to 77% reduction in the accumulated toxicity potential of the applied pesticides in the project area; thereby accrediting safer tea development under this program, when adjudged in terms of pesticide residue. Assessment of soil quality revealed an overall eight percent increment in Soil Fertility Index (FI) value, with significant improvement in soil microbial activity potential (MAP) values i.e., by almost four times. The finding pointed towards the favourable impact of soil health management primarily through Novcom composting towards enhancement of soil microbial interactions. Post three years of experimentation the overall Soil Quality Iindex (SQI) value increased by 6% in the project area. The finding corroborated a concurrent 6.72% increase in the soil organic carbon stock during the same period. Reduction in use of non- renewable inputs viz. chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the project area was indicated by approximately 40 percent enhancement in energy use efficiency and energy productivity post the assessment period. Carbon assessment in terms of kg CO2 equivalents/ kg made tea (using ACFA version 1.0) indicated approx. 65 to 70 % lower footprint in the project area, primarily due to 20 to 30 % reduction in chemical fertilizers and 60 to 70 % reduction in the use of synthetic pesticides. The results indicated that while integrated soil management is the pre-requisite criteria towards rejuvenation of soil health and for restoration of the habitat for predators, it does not play a direct role in reducing the pest pressure and simultaneously the requirement of pesticides. Physiologically activated plants/ bushes on the other hand; due to their higher nutrient assimilation capacity and efficient protein synthesis are always lesser susceptible to pest attack. Hence, focus on activation of plant physiology can reduce the plant- pest interaction leading to a natural reduction in the requirement for pesticides vis-à-vis the pesticide usage.

Effects of peppermint essential oil and artifier on growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibilities in broiler chickens fed with low energy diets

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of peppermint essential oil (PEO) and an emulsifier called artifier on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed low-energy diets. A total of 240 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into five treatments: control, low-energy diet, low-energy diet + 150 ppm PEO, low-energy diet + 300 ppm artifier, and low-energy diet + 150 ppm PEO + 300 ppm artifier. Each treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized design. The chickens were fed these treatments during the starter, grower, and finisher periods for a total of 42 days. The results indicated that broiler chickens receiving the low-energy diet supplemented with PEO + artifier had similar body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and breast percentage, but exhibited significantly lower abdominal fat percentage compared to those fed the control diet (P < 0.05). Furthermore, birds receiving PEO and artifier in low-energy diets, either individually or in combination, demonstrated higher digestibility of dry matter and fat during the starter and grower periods in comparison to those receiving the low-energy diet without any additives (P < 0.05). Over the entire rearing period, the simultaneous inclusion of 150 ppm PEO and 300 ppm artifier in the low-energy diet resulted in comparable growth performance to the control diet. Additionally, the concurrent use of PEO and artifier in the low-energy diet for broiler chickens led to a decrease in abdominal fat, increased digestibility of fat and dry matter, and enhanced nutrient utilization compared to the control diet.

Temporal dynamics of lignin degradation in Quercus acutissima sawdust during Ganoderma lucidum cultivation

Despite a fair amount of lignin conversion during mycelial growth, previous structural analyses have not yet revealed how lignin changes continuously and what the relationship is between lignin and ligninolytic enzymes. To clarify these aspects, Quercus acutissima sawdust attaching Ganoderma lucidum mycelium collected from different growth stage was subjected to analysis of lignin structure and ligninolytic enzyme activity. Two key periods of lignin degradation are found during the cultivation of G. lucidum: hypha rapid growth period and primordium formation period. In the first stage, laccase activity is associated with the opening of structures such as methoxyls, β-O-4′ substructures and guaiacyl units in lignin, as well as the shortening of lignin chains. Manganese peroxidases and lignin peroxidases are more suitable for degrading short chain lignin. The structure of phenylcoumarans and syringyl changes greatly in the second stage. The results from sawdust attaching mycelium provide new insights to help improve the cultivation substrate formulation of G. lucidum and understand biomass valorization better.

The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Anxiety Disorders

This paper investigates the relationship between childhood trauma and anxiety disorders. Incorporating evidence from several previous studies about childhood trauma, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship connecting childhood trauma and numerous anxiety disorders. External factors influencing the relationship between the two are discussed as well. Traumatic childhood experiences have a significant impact on a child's well-being. As children are undergoing a period of substantial growth and development, protecting them from experiencing such trauma is crucial. Therefore, significant figures in a child’s life should be aware of the relationship between childhood trauma and anxiety disorders to prevent children from future mental health conditions. Throughout this paper, focus is placed on how raising awareness of this relationship can be considerably beneficial in preventing further trauma and its major consequences on an individual. Numerous studies cited in this paper demonstrate a relationship between childhood trauma and anxiety. On this basis, future research should further examine the severity of the effects of childhood trauma rather than merely determining whether there is a link.

Effect of Lithium Slag Application on Saline–Alkali Soil Amelioration and Vegetable Growth

Increased attention has been attracted to saline–alkali soil amelioration due to the growing serious salinization of soils in the world. Lithium slag (LS) is an acid by-product of lithium production with potential properties to ameliorate alkalinity in saline–alkali soils. In this study, LS was reused as a saline–alkali soil amendment and potted plant experiments in a greenhouse were performed to evaluate the effect of LS application on the soil amelioration and the growth of vegetables (roquette and radish) in the saline–alkali soil during the 5-week growth period. LS was added at the amount of 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 5.0%, 8.0% and 10.0% (w/w) levels. Results showed that saline–alkali soil pH dropped obviously with the increase in LS application. Accordingly, the germination, survival and growth of roquette and radish were significantly improved by LS addition, especially at the optimum amount of 0.5% and 1.0% (w/w) in the saline–alkali soil. In contrast to the untreated saline–alkali soil, LS addition at 0.5% and 1.0% (w/w) levels increased the roquette’s height by 49.7% and 36.1% and increased the radish’s height by 54.6% and 53.7%, respectively. However, the soil electrical conductivity (EC) and soluble salt content increased with the addition of LS, and the salt stress induced by excessive LS (over 5.0% level) could inhibit the growth of plants. This study proposes a new way for the effective application of LS in the amelioration of saline–alkali soil in order to realize environment and resource sustainability.

The dynamic changes in volatile metabolites provide a new understanding for the special flavor formation in z. Mioga flower buds during the growth stages

Although Z. mioga flower buds are popular among consumers for its unique spicy flavor, high nutritional and medicinal value, there are few reports on the formation and changes of the flavor during its growth and maturation process. The understanding of the profile of volatile compounds would help to unravel the flavor formation for Z. mioga flower buds during growth. The volatile changes in Z. mioga flower buds were analyzed by GC–MS and a total of 182 volatile compounds identified, and the terpenoids accounted for the most abundant volatile substances. Almost all the identified volatiles presented an intuitive upward trend throughout the growth period and reached the maximum at the later stage of development (DS3 or DS4). Regarding the PCA and HCA results, there were significant differences found among the four stages, and the DS3 was the critical node. The top 50 differential volatiles screened by OPLS-DA and PLS-DA were all up-regulated, and the correlation analysis indicated that terpenoids might synergize with other chemical types of volatiles to jointly affect the flavor formation of Z. mioga flower buds during growth. The association network for flavor omics revealed that the most important sensory flavor for Z. mioga flower buds were woody and sweet, and the main contribution compounds for the unique flavor contained β-guaiene, β-farnesene, δ-cadinene and citronellyl isobutanoate. Taken together, the results of this study provided a reference for flavor quality evaluation of flower buds and determination of the best harvest period.

Effects of biochar on soil properties and agricultural runoff nutrients in new cultivated farmland in the Yellow River Basin

[Objective] Biochar was used as a soil conditioner to analyze the effects of biochar on soil moisture, conductivity and nutrients in new cultivated land and agricultural runoff nutrients in the Yellow River Basin. [Methods] In Caoxian County, Heze City, Shandong Province, a field experiment was conducted with rice as the test crop, and the biochar application rates were set at 0 t/hm2 (CK), 4.5 t/hm2 (C1), 9 t/hm2 (C2) and 13.5 t/hm2 (C3) treatments were used to determine soil water content, electrical conductivity, soil nutrients and agricultural runoff nutrients under different treatments, and to analyze the effects of biochar on rice yield, as well as its correlation with soil physicochemical properties and agricultural runoff nutrients. [Results] Compared with the control, the application of biochar had a significant effect on soil water content, and the increase of soil volume water content decreased with the increase of biochar application amount. In August and September, the soil conductivity treated by C1 and C2 was significantly higher than CK, and there was no significant difference in the rest of the rice growth period. The application of biochar could promote the absorption and utilization of soil nutrients, but had no significant effect on soil pH. C1 and C2 treatments generally increased the nutrient content of farmland regression water, and C3 treatments generally reduced the nutrient content of farmland regression water. The application of biochar could increase the yield of rice, especially the C2 treatment, which was 8.49%. The correlation analysis showed that soil total phosphorus, total potassium and available phosphorus were significantly positively correlated with rice yield, and soil nitrate nitrogen and SO2- 4 contents were significantly negatively correlated with rice yield. The total nitrogen, total potassium and nitrate nitrogen in agricultural runoff were significantly positively correlated with rice yield. [Conclusion] The application of biochar can increase soil moisture, affect soil nutrients and electrical conductivity, and help to increase nutrient content in new created cropland in the Yellow River basin, and can be used as a soil amendment for new created cropland in the Yellow River basin. The recommended application amount is 9 t/hm2.

Experimental study on the cold-seep methane hydrate formation kinetics

Cold-seep methane hydrates are widespread in the natural environment. A comprehensive understanding of the cold-seep methane hydrate formation kinetics is crucial for the knowledge of formation mechanisms and the development and utilization of natural gas hydrate. This study monitored the kinetics of methane hydrate formation in cold-seep fluids using continuous time-series Raman spectroscopy. A novel spectroscopic method was proposed to accurately determine the nucleation time of gas hydrates with a ten-second accuracy. Experimental results showed a smooth transition from dissolved methane to hydrated methane. Rapid hydrate nucleation and growth initiation were observed at the gas–liquid interface, forming hydrate films wrapping gas bubbles and suspending hydrate microcrystals in cold-seep fluids. Furthermore, a model for cold-seep methane hydrate formation kinetics was proposed, which indicated three distinct stages including an induction period, a metastable nucleation period, and a stable growth period.

Meteorological disaster disturbances on the main crops in the north‒south transitional zone of China

Global climate change, with warming as its main feature, has altered the spatial-temporal evolution of factors such as precipitation and temperature that can cause meteorological disasters. The complex and changeable climate has led to frequent natural disasters, while the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events have also significantly increased, posing an enormous threat to societal production and human life. As the most important geoecological transitional zone of mainland China, the stability of agricultural production in China’s north–south transitional zone is crucial for ensuring food security under climate change. With the use of daily precipitation and potential evapotranspiration data from 1961 to 2018, this study focused on analysing disturbances such as extreme precipitation and drought disasters at different time scales during the winter wheat and summer maize growing seasons in the north–south transitional zone of China from an agricultural production perspective and attempted to answer the following questions: first, from an agricultural production perspective, what are the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of extreme precipitation and arid climate events in the north–south transitional zone? Second, which areas are at high risk of being disturbed by different types of meteorological disasters and require increased attention? The results indicated that (1) in terms of the overall temporal variation, the degree of extreme precipitation and drought stress faced by agricultural production in the region is decreasing. However, the temporal variation at each station in the north–south transitional zone was not completely consistent with the overall trend, and both increasing and decreasing trends were observed. The sites exhibiting an increase overlapped with typical regions of the north–south transitional zone to varying degrees, indicating that the typical regions represented not only theoretical potential risk areas under climate change but also suffered from meteorological disaster disturbances. (2) The precipitation distribution during the winter wheat growth period in the south–north transitional zone was uneven and varied significantly. High values of extreme precipitation indices during the winter wheat growth period were mainly concentrated in the southern part of the eastern section of the north‒south transitional zone. The precipitation distribution during the summer maize growth period significantly differed, with the highest amount of heavy rain and largest number of rainstorm days concentrated in the southeastern part of the north‒south transitional zone. The spatial distribution of the drought frequency in the north–south transitional zone, as indicated by the monthly standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI1), showed that the areas with high total drought frequencies were mainly concentrated in northeast Jiangsu, southeast Henan, and north Anhui, which primarily experienced light drought. The central part of Jiangsu Province exhibited a high frequency of moderate drought, while southern Jiangsu Province and southwestern Shaanxi Province were prone to severe drought. Additionally, southeastern Hebei and eastern Henan were identified as areas with a high frequency of extreme drought. Finally, the central region of Sichuan Province was characterized by both severe and extreme drought conditions. Based on the SPEI12-derived spatial distribution of the drought frequency in the north–south transitional zone, the areas with a high total drought frequency were mainly concentrated in central and eastern Henan, southeast Shaanxi, southeast Shandong, and central Sichuan, which primarily experienced light to moderate drought. The northwestern part of Jiangsu, the southern part of Hebei, and the western part of Shandong are regions with a high frequency of severe drought, while the eastern part of Henan is an area with high frequencies of both severe and extreme drought. (3) High-value areas of extreme precipitation and drought disturbance in the north–south transitional zone overlapped with the edge of the transitional zone to varying degrees. Approximately 63.58% of the north‒south transitional zone of China was characterized by moderate or high stress levels, primarily concentrated along the southern boundary and central core area, and nearly 39.5% of all counties experienced two or more types of disaster stresses.

Projecting expected growth period of bivalves in a coastal temperate sea

AbstractThe impact of climate warming on coastal benthic fauna is already observed, but forecasting their long‐term fate remains challenging. This study uses δ18Oshell data of specimens of five bivalve species collected at six locations and results from kilometer‐scale atmosphere–ocean climate model for the time intervals of 1987–2017 and 2070–2100, to estimate changes in bivalve growth phenology. All species will benefit from climate warming during winter, experiencing a longer growing season than currently. The growth of Aequipecten opercularis, Flexopecten glaber, and Pecten jacobaeus will decrease in summer, resulting in up to 3 months of reduced growth per year. Glycymeris pilosa and Venus verrucosa in the southern Adriatic Sea will be more affected than those in the north, with up to 4 months longer annual growth. These findings can inform adaptation plans for bivalve management in the Adriatic Sea but also in areas where the studied species are present.

Effects of psychogenic stress on oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity at different growth stages of rats: Experimental study.

This study examined the psychogenic stress (PS) effects on changes in oxidative stress and the antioxidant capacity of an organism at different growth stages. The experimental animals were male Wistar rats of five different ages from growth periods (GPs) to old age. The growth stages were randomly classified into control (C) and experimental (PS) groups. The PS was performed using restraint and water immersion once daily for 3 h for 4 weeks. Reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were measured before and after the experiment. In addition, the liver and adrenal glands were removed, and the wet weight was measured. The d-ROM and BAP of all growth stages given PS increased significantly. The d-ROM in the C group without PS increased significantly in GPs while decreased significantly in old-aged rats. In addition, the BAP of the C group in GP and early adulthood were all significantly elevated. There were significant differences in organ weights between the C and PS groups at all growth stages. Oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity differed depending on the organism's developmental status and growth stage, and PS also showed different effects. In particular, the variability in oxidative stress was remarkable, suggesting that the effect of PS was more significant in the organism's immature organs.

Estimating genetic parameters of digital behavior traits and their relationship with production traits in purebred pigs

BackgroundWith the introduction of digital phenotyping and high-throughput data, traits that were previously difficult or impossible to measure directly have become easily accessible, offering the opportunity to enhance the efficiency and rate of genetic gain in animal production. It is of interest to assess how behavioral traits are indirectly related to the production traits during the performance testing period. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of behavior data extracted from day-wise video recordings and estimate the genetic parameters of behavior traits and their phenotypic and genetic correlations with production traits in pigs. Behavior was recorded for 70 days after on-test at about 10 weeks of age and ended at off-test for 2008 female purebred pigs, totaling 119,812 day-wise records. Behavior traits included time spent eating, drinking, laterally lying, sternally lying, sitting, standing, and meters of distance traveled. A quality control procedure was created for algorithm training and adjustment, standardizing recording hours, removing culled animals, and filtering unrealistic records.ResultsProduction traits included average daily gain (ADG), back fat thickness (BF), and loin depth (LD). Single-trait linear models were used to estimate heritabilities of the behavior traits and two-trait linear models were used to estimate genetic correlations between behavior and production traits. The results indicated that all behavior traits are heritable, with heritability estimates ranging from 0.19 to 0.57, and showed low-to-moderate phenotypic and genetic correlations with production traits. Two-trait linear models were also used to compare traits at different intervals of the recording period. To analyze the redundancies in behavior data during the recording period, the averages of various recording time intervals for the behavior and production traits were compared. Overall, the average of the 55- to 68-day recording interval had the strongest phenotypic and genetic correlation estimates with the production traits.ConclusionsDigital phenotyping is a new and low-cost method to record behavior phenotypes, but thorough data cleaning procedures are needed. Evaluating behavioral traits at different time intervals offers a deeper insight into their changes throughout the growth periods and their relationship with production traits, which may be recorded at a less frequent basis.

Spatial distribution of tumor-associated macrophages in an orthotopic prostate cancer mouse model.

Mounting evidence suggests that the immune landscape within prostate tumors influences progression, metastasis, treatment response, and patient outcomes. In this study, we investigated the spatial density of innate immune cell populations within NOD.SCID orthotopic prostate cancer xenografts following microinjection of human DU145 prostate cancer cells. Our laboratory has previously developed nanoscale liposomes that attach to leukocytes via conjugated E-selectin (ES) and kill cancer cells via TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed on tumor samples to identify and quantify leukocyte infiltration for different periods of tumor growth and E-selectin/TRAIL (EST) liposome treatments. We examined the spatial-temporal dynamics of three different immune cell types infiltrating tumors using QuPath image analysis software. IHC staining revealed that F4/80+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were the most abundant immune cells in all groups, irrespective of time or treatment. The density of TAMs decreased over the course of tumor growth and decreased in response to EST liposome treatments. Intratumoral versus marginal analysis showed a greater presence of TAMs in the marginal regions at 3 weeks of tumor growth which became more evenly distributed over time and in tumors treated with EST liposomes. TUNEL staining indicated that EST liposomes significantly increased cell apoptosis in treated tumors. Additionally, confocal microscopy identified liposome-coated TAMs in both the core and periphery of tumors, highlighting the ability of liposomes to infiltrate tumors by "piggybacking" on macrophages. The results of this study indicate that TAMs represent the majority of innate immune cells within NOD.SCID orthotopic prostate tumors, and spatial density varies widely as a function of tumor size, duration of tumor growth, and treatment of EST liposomes.

Angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors during the post-hatching growth of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) spleen.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members are responsible for endothelial cells' growth, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and differentiation and proliferation of non-endothelial cell types. VEGF and its receptors are found in mammalian lymphoid organs. The present study was conceived to determine (a) the presence and localization of angiogenic VEGF and its receptors (Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 [Flt1/fms], fetal liver kinase 1 [Flk1]/kinase insert domain receptor [KDR], Fms-like tyrosine kinase 4 [Flt4]) and vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI) in the quail spleen; and (b) whether their expressions in the spleen components change during the post-hatching growth of the organ, using immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical stainings showed that VEGI, VEGF, and VEGF receptors were expressed in many components, including the vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, ellipsoid-associated cells (EACs), and immune cells, of quail spleen and that VEGF and its receptors' immunostaining intensity scores (ISs) varied depending on the post-hatching growth period, while VEGI-IS did not change. In addition, ISs of VEGI, VEGF, Flt1/fms, and Flt4 in EACs were weak to moderate, while flk1/KDR-IS in EACs adjacent to the capsule of Schweigger-Seidel sheaths (ellipsoids) was higher than other proteins, supports a more important and specific role of Flk1/KDR in the EAC function. These specific expressions of VEGI, VEGF, flt1/fms, flk1/KDR, and flt4 proteins in splenic cell types suggest their particular roles, in the functional development of splenic components and thus, are critical to post-hatching maturation of quail spleen. These findings indicate that the expression levels of VEGF, Flt1/fms, and Flt4, except Flk1/KDR, are low in the quail spleen, and only a few components of the spleen express VEGF, Flt1/fms, and Flt4 under normal conditions.

An open-source, three-dimensional growth model of the mandible

The available reference data for the mandible and mandibular growth consists primarily of two-dimensional linear or angular measurements. The aim of this study was to create the first open-source, three-dimensional statistical shape model of the mandible that spans the complete growth period. Computed tomography scans of 678 mandibles from children and young adults between 0 and 22 years old were included in the model. The mandibles were segmented using a semi-automatic or automatic (artificial intelligence-based) segmentation method. Point correspondence among the samples was achieved by rigid registration, followed by non-rigid registration of a symmetrical template onto each sample. The registration process was validated with adequate results. Principal component analysis was used to gain insight in the variation within the dataset and to investigate age-related changes and sexual dimorphism. The presented growth model is accessible globally and free-of-charge for scientists, physicians and forensic investigators for any kind of purpose deemed suitable. The versatility of the model opens up new possibilities in the fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery, forensic sciences or biological anthropology. In clinical settings, the model may aid diagnostic decision-making, treatment planning and treatment evaluation.

Regularities of Growth and Development of Buffaloes

Based on the research, an analysis of the biological characteristics of the growth and development of buffaloes in certain periods and stages was carried out. The growth rate of animals of all ages depends on feeding conditions, time of year and other environmental factors. The stage of onset of sexual activity in animals differs sharply from all periods of growth and development. It has been revealed that timely mating of animals, on the contrary, naturally lengthens the maturation period and makes it possible to breed larger animals and obtain greater productivity in the future. For normal processes of growth and development in the body of animals, it is necessary to improve the external environmental conditions and, above all, the conditions of feeding, housing and care. It is necessary to build a breeding business in an exemplary manner and thus increase the weight and milk and meat productivity of livestock.

Effect of Soil Water and Nutrient Uptake on Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Yield of Winter Wheat

The application of nitrogen (N) improves the winter wheat yield. Excessive N application affects winter wheat yields, leading to low net incomes and negative environmental impacts, therefore, optimizing N application is essential. In this study, the effects of N rates on crop growth yield, net income (NI), water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the irrigated districts of the eastern loess plateau, China, were investigated using seven N application rates (N0, N90, N180, N210, N240, N270, and N300 kg ha−1) during the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 seasons. N application significantly increased the total water consumption at 0–200 cm during the growth period, the aboveground dry matter at maturity, the grain nitrogen accumulation, yield, NI, and WUE. However, N exceeding 240 kg ha−1 did not favor dry matter and nitrogen accumulation or translocation from the anthesis stage to the maturity stage, thus leading to reduced yield, NI, and WUE. The transpiration rate and stomatal conductance N240 was highest 21–28 day after anthesis, at 187–276 kg ha−1, which can achieve a high yield and profitability with relatively low environmental costs.

Feasibility exploration and comparative analysis of interspecific hybridization between Crassostrea hongkongensis and Crassostrea dianbaiensis

Interspecific hybridization plays a significant role in the genetic improvement of oysters in aquaculture, with the main objective being to obtain progeny that inherit the desirable traits of both parents and establish a stable inheritance pattern. Crassostrea hongkongensis is well-known for its large size and excellent meat quality. However, it exhibits poor resistance to external environmental changes and a high mortality rate. To address these shortcomings, this study conducted a 2 × 2 interspecific hybridization between Crassostrea dianbaiensis and C. hongkongensis. D larvae from C. hongkongensis ♀ × C. dianbaiensis ♂ (HD) and C. dianbaiensis ♀ × C. hongkongensis ♂ (DH) crosses were successfully hatched. However, the hatching index of both groups was lower than that of C. hongkongensis ♀ × C. hongkongensis ♂ (HH) and C. dianbaiensis ♀ × C. dianbaiensis ♂ (DD) groups. The average shell height of DH on the 15th day was only 111.50 ± 6.31 μm, and all individuals were dead by the 18th day. Despite experiments being repeated many times, no attached DH larvae were obtained. Compared with intraspecific hybridization, HD grew slower in the larval stage and had a lower survival rate, but the shell height of HD was slightly higher than that of HH on the 450th day (P > 0.05). The cumulative survival rate of HD throughout the growth period was higher than that of HH and DD, demonstrating a clear hybrid advantage in terms of relative yield and survival rate, especially higher than that of C. hongkongensis. Moreover, the gonads of HD can develop normally and produce gametes, and the color of the inner shell and body is between that of C. hongkongensis and C. dianbaiensis. These results indicate that HD effectively improved the survival rate of C. hongkongensis, demonstrating its great application potential and promising prospects in aquaculture.

Relationship of Nutritional Intake to Nutritional Status and Teenagers Learning Concentration in the Ahludz Dzikri Al-Qur’an Assembly

Adolescence, which lasts from ten to twelve years, is a period of growth and development of the body that requires adequate nutritional intake to prevent problems such as malnutrition and decreased concentration in studies. According to basic data collected in October 2020, 30% of teenagers had normal nutritional status and 70% had poor nutritional status or were underweight. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how nutritional status and intake are related the focus of adolescent learning at the Ahludz Dzikri Al-Qur'an Assembly. This research uses an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional approach. Thirty students from the Ahludz Dzikri Al-Qur'an Council participated in this study. The Spearman test was employed to examine the non-probability sampling methods used in this investigation. The research results showed that there is a relationship between nutritional status and nutrient intake, and that nutrient intake and nutritional status are related, and then learning should be focused, so it is better for students to consume a variety of foods to improve the students' nutritional status and concentration.