Growth Period Research Articles

In Good Times and in Bad, in Sickness and in Health: The Continuous Rise in Adoption of Labour-Saving Agricultural Technologies in Myanmar

Agriculture is rapidly transforming in many low- and middle-income countries – most often driven by the adoption of new agricultural technologies – but changes remain poorly understood in fragile and conflict-affected states. We look at the case of Myanmar, a prime example of such a state. After decades of isolationism and economic stagnation, it opened its economy in the beginning of the 2010s, leading to rapid economic growth. But the COVID-19 health crisis and a military coup in the beginning of 2021 – leading to heightened conflicts, forced displacements, and increased migration – dramatically reversed that outlook. Based on large-scale farm surveys, we find that adoption of labour-saving agricultural technologies – measured by the use of mechanization, herbicides, and direct seeding of rice – increased rapidly over the economic growth period and that the increase surprisingly persisted during the crisis years, but at a slower rate. This uptake was lower, however, for households in the most conflict-affected areas, partly due to differential agricultural input availability. Smallholders and more remote farmers also participated less. This finding suggests an increasing labour productivity gap for remote and conflict-affected smallholders, with important implications for their welfare.

Characterization Studies on the sugC Gene of Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 in Adhesion, Invasion, and Virulence in Mice.

The sugC gene of Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a coding gene for the ATP-binding transporter-associated protein with strong pathogenicity. In order to reveal the effect of the sugC gene on the virulence of S. suis serotype 2, a wild-type strain of TJS75, isolated from fattening pigs' brain tissue samples, was used as a parent strain, and a knockout sugC gene (ΔsugC) and complementary strain (CΔsugC) were successfully constructed via homologous recombination technology. The biological characteristics of TJS75, ΔsugC and CΔsugC were compared and analyzed through growth curves, biochemical characteristics, hemolysis characteristics, cell infection tests and pathogenicity tests on BALB/c mice. The results of the growth characteristic experiments in vitro showed that the plateau stage growth period of ΔsugC was delayed compared to the TJS75 strain, but there was no difference in the total number of bacteria. The biochemical characteristics and hemolysis ability of ΔsugC in sheep blood had no difference compared with TJS75, but its adhesion and invasion abilities in PK-15 cells were decreased. Knockout of the sugC gene had no impact on the expression levels of adhesion-related genes in TJS75 in real-time PCR analysis. In addition, the LD50 of ΔsugC in BALB/c mice was 1.47 × 108 CFU, seven times higher than that of TJS75 (LD50 = 2.15 × 107 CFU). These results illustrate that the deletion of sugC reduced the virulence of TJS75 to BALB/c mice, but its role in the adhesion and invasion of PK-15 cells in this strain needs to be further explored. In summary, this study provides evidence that the sugC gene is a virulence-related gene in the S. suis serotype 2 strain and plays a crucial role in the adhesion and invasion of S. suis. This study lays a foundation for the further exploration of the potential virulence factors and pathogenesis of S. suis.

Effect of Delayed Irrigation at the Jointing Stage on Nitrogen, Silicon Nutrition and Grain Yield of Winter Wheat in the North China Plain.

Water scarcity is a key limitation to winter wheat production in the North China Plain, and it is essential to explore the optimal timing of spring irrigation to optimize N and Si uptake as well as to safeguard yields. The aim of this study was to systematically study the effect mechanism of nitrogen and silicon absorption of winter wheat on yield under spring irrigation and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing irrigation strategy during the growth period of winter wheat. In this experiment, the winter wheat 'Heng 4399' was used. Five irrigation periods, i.e., 0 d (CK), 5 d (AJ5), 10 d (AJ10), 15 d (AJ15), and 20 d (AJ20) after the jointing stage, were set up to evaluate the nitrogen (N) and silicon (Si) absorption and grain yield (GY). The results showed that delayed irrigation for 5-10 days at the jointing stage had increased the GY. With the delay of irrigation time, the N/Si content of the entire plant at the maturity period increased first and then decreased; among that, the maximum N contents appeared in AJ15 and AJ5 in 2015 and 2020, respectively, while the Si concentrations appeared in AJ5 and AJ10 in sequence. Compared with AJ15 and AJ20, the N accumulation of vegetative organs in AJ5 increased by 3.05~23.13% at the flowering stage, 14.12~40.12% after the flowering stage, and a 1.76~6.45% increase in the N distribution rate at maturity stage. A correlation analysis revealed that the GY was significantly and positively correlated with the N/Si accumulation at the anthesis and N translocation after the anthesis stage. In conclusion, under limited irrigation conditions, delaying watering for 5 to 10 days at the jointing stage can improve the nitrogen and silicon absorption and nutrient status of wheat plants and increase wheat yield.

The Impacts of Phenological Stages within the Annual Cycle on Mapping Forest Stock Volume Using Multi-Band Dual-Polarization SAR Images in Boreal Forests

SAR images with two polarizations show strong potential for mapping forest stock volume (FSV) combined with limited samples. However, accurately mapping FSV still presents challenges in selecting the optimal acquisition date to obtain the SAR images during specific phenological stages within the annual forest cycle (growth and dormant stages). To clarify the impacts of phenological stages within the annual cycle on FSV mapping, SAR images with various polarization models and bands (Sentinel-1(S), GaoFen-3(GF-3 (G)) and ALOS-2(A)) were acquired within the growth and dormant stages of an annual cycle in a boreal evergreen coniferous forest (Chinese pine) and a deciduous coniferous forest (Larch). Subsequently, single-band (G, S, and A) and multi-band combined alternative variable sets (A + G, A + S, S + G, and A + S + G) were extracted within the same stage, respectively. Finally, the forward selection approach was utilized in conjunction with four different models (MLR, KNN, RF, and SVR) to obtain the most suitable variable sets and generate FSV mapping. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between the intensity of backscattering coefficients and the phenological stages of the forest. Within the dormant stage, there was a significant decrease in the gaps of backscattering coefficients obtained from the same polarization compared to those within the growth stage. Furthermore, the results also revealed that more signals from inside the canopy could be detected during the dormant stage in both evergreen coniferous forests and deciduous coniferous forests. Subsequently, the accuracy in mapping FSV obtained from single-band SAR images within the dormant stage are slightly higher than that within the growth stage, and the accuracy was still significantly affected by both overestimation and underestimation. Moreover, the combined effects of different bands significantly improve the reliability of mapped FSV. The rRMSE values in four multi-band combinations ranged from 22.37% to 29.40% for Chinese pine forests and from 21.27% to 34.38% for Larch forests, and the optimal result was observed from combinations of A + S + G acquired within the dormant stage. It is confirmed that SAR signal and their sensitivity to FSV depends on the stages of forest annual growth cycle. In comparison to the growth period, dual-polarization SAR data acquired during the dormant stage is more suitable for estimating FSV in boreal forests.

Harnessing UAVs and deep learning for accurate grass weed detection in wheat fields: a study on biomass and yield implications

Weeds are undesired plants competing with crops for light, nutrients, and water, negatively impacting crop growth. Identifying weeds in wheat fields accurately is important for precise pesticide spraying and targeted weed control. Grass weeds in their early growth stages look very similar to wheat seedlings, making them difficult to identify. In this study, we focused on wheat fields with varying levels of grass weed infestation and used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to obtain images. By utilizing deep learning algorithms and spectral analysis technology, the weeds were identified and extracted accurately from wheat fields. Our results showed that the precision of weed detection in scattered wheat fields was 91.27% and 87.51% in drilled wheat fields. Compared to areas without weeds, the increase in weed density led to a decrease in wheat biomass, with the maximum biomass decreasing by 71%. The effect of weed density on yield was similar, with the maximum yield decreasing by 4320 kg·ha− 1, a drop of 60%. In this study, a method for monitoring weed occurrence in wheat fields was established, and the effects of weeds on wheat growth in different growth periods and weed densities were studied by accurately extracting weeds from wheat fields. The results can provide a reference for weed control and hazard assessment research.

De novo assembly of Idesia polycarpa transcriptome and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis candidate genes Mining and functional Identification

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in lipids are the key to nutraceutical oil applications, with various potential applications in nutraceutical functional foods and pharmaceutical industries. In Idesia polycarpa (Salicaceae), more than 80 % of UFA have been found in the fruits; yet, the underlying genetic mechanism remains poorly understood. Due to the lack of theoretical research on the genes related to lipid biosynthesis and the complete genetic transformation system of I. polycarpa fruit, the selection and breeding of I. polycarpa, an excellent oil tree, has been severely restricted. In-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism and gene function of lipid biosynthesis of I. polycarpa fruit is therefore of great significance for the development of I. polycarpa resources. This is not only conducive to the genetic improvement of I. polycarpa by molecular breeding technologies but can also provide a reference for the study of the gene functions of other oil plants. In this study, the FA accumulation patterns of I. polycarpa fruits during 8 growth periods were analysed. Fruit from two developmental periods with different UFA levels were analysed for RNA sequencing by an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 HiSeq platform. De novo transcriptome assembly presented 115,350 unigenes and 4382 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional annotation in the KEGG pathway and combined with DEG data revealed candidate genes potentially involved in UFA biosynthesis. Expression analysis of q-PCR of IpDGAT2, IpGPAT, IpKASII, IpSAD, IpFAD2, IpFAD3 and IpFAD8 suggested that these genes are highly involved in UFA biosynthesis. Full-length candidate genes were cloned and analysed by bioinformatic tools, and function analysis of IpSAD and IpFAD3 showed that these genes regulated the products of linoleic acid metabolism. This study provides a foundation for UFA biosynthesis in Idesia polycarpa, facilitating its genetic breeding in the future.

Hybridization and growth characteristics of interspecific crosses between Crassostrea hongkongensis and Crassostrea iredalei

Interspecific hybridization of oysters is a highly efficient breeding strategy that can produce commercially viable phenotypes. Crassostrea hongkongensis, the primary cultivar in southern China, faces increasing summer mortality risks and slow growth rates, which elevate commercial risks for farmers. C. iredalei, a commercially cultivated species in Southeast Asia, has been expanding its ecological niche northward in recent years, providing opportunities for interspecific hybridization with C. hongkongensis. This study conducted a 2 × 2 factorial cross between C. hongkongensis and C. iredalei (II: C. iredalei ♀ × C. iredalei ♂, HH: C. hongkongensis ♀ × C. hongkongensis ♂; IH: C. iredalei ♀ × C. hongkongensis ♂, HI: C. hongkongensis ♀ × C. iredalei ♂) and set up 6 salinity treatments (14, 17, 20, 23, 26 and 29 ppt) to explore the optimal salinity for embryo hatching. The results showed that the hybridization was successful, despite bidirectional fertilization and pronounced asymmetry in fertilization success. The optimal hatching salinity for C. iredalei and C. hongkongensis was 23 ppt and 17–20 ppt, respectively, while the optimal salinity for reciprocal hybrids was 20 ppt. Notably, the hatching rate of IH was lower than that of the control group at the optimal salinity. During the pelagic larval stage, hybrid larvae exhibited significant hybrid inferiority, with slower growth rates and higher mortality rates compared to intraspecific hybridization. It is worth noting that IH failed to overcome genetic incompatibility, resulting in complete mortality during the pelagic larval stage and failure to enter the growth stage. At the 360th day of the growth period, HI hybrids grown in Sanbaimen Sea exhibited significant hybrid vigor in shell height (15.65 %), and in Daya Bay Marine Biology Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences (MBRS), they showed significant single-parent hybrid advantages in shell height (28.44 %) and cumulative survival rate (58.11 %) compared to C. hongkongensis. In terms of gonadal development, HI hybrids were able to produce functional and viable gametes, although with some delay compared to their parents. The hybrid offspring inherited the phenotypic traits of their parents, with a grayish-yellow flesh color intermediate between the two oyster species. HI is a valuable genetic resource for oyster breeding, and its growth potential should be further explored to meet commercialization demands.

Higher peak height velocity in early maturing girls depends on insulin rather than fat mass or IGF-I

Abstract Objective Age at pubertal onset has decreased over the recent decades. Early maturing girls have longer puberty duration, and higher peak height velocity (PHV) than late maturing girls. To what extent this is generated by increased insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), fat mass, or fasting insulin levels is currently unknown. Design, setting, participants A population-based study—part of the COPENHAGEN puberty study—longitudinal part. Eighty-one girls evaluated biannually for a median of 10 (2-15) visits for a total of 815 evaluations. Methods Pubertal staging, anthropometric measures, PHV, skin fold thickness (SFT), and IGF-I and fasting insulin levels were measured. Results Early maturing girls achieved similar final height compared to late maturing girls (166.1 vs 167.1 cm, P = .36). Early pubertal onset was associated with significantly greater PHV (8.7 vs 7.4 cm/year, P < .001) and a longer puberty duration (age at onset of breast development to age at PHV [1.8 vs 1.1 years, P < .001]) compared with late maturation. After correcting for age at pubertal onset, neither body mass index, SFT, nor IGF-I levels differed between early vs late maturing girls. By contrast, fasting insulin levels were significantly higher in early compared with late maturing girls 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 years after pubertal onset (all P = .039). Conclusion Growth velocity was higher and more prolonged in early compared with late maturing girls and associated with higher insulin levels. Thus, the higher insulin levels may compensate for the shorter total growth period by intensifying the pubertal growth period. Clinical trial registration number NCT01411527.

Oro-facial Cleft in Nasomaxillo-acrodysostosis (Binder): Orthopaeddontics and Surgery

Nasomaxillo-acrodysostosis or Binder’s syndrome in a patient with a cleft lip and palate anomaly is infrequent. This case report underscores a unique surgical outcome achieved through an integrated orthopaeddontic and maxillofacial surgical approach within a multidisciplinary team. The treatment, initiated during a significant paediatric growth phase, was remarkably successful during the orthopaeddontic phase. The result obtained due to the successful early orthopaeddontic intervention significantly altered the initial plan for major midfacial orthognathic surgical reconstruction. As a result, the child born with this twin facial anomaly experiences a more typical development trajectory with fewer disruptions from extensive oro-facial reconstructions. The case underscores the importance of early maxillary expansion across multiple dimensions during the critical paediatric growth period. This approach was pivotal in achieving a positive outcome, ultimately reducing the need for major invasive surgical procedures. The success of the treatment was also attributed to the dedicated collaboration among the healthcare professionals, the patient’s commitment and the family’s strong support.

Effect of Group Mixing and Available Space on Performance, Feeding Behavior, and Fecal Microbiota Composition during the Growth Period of Pigs.

Stress significantly affects the health, welfare, and productivity of farm animals. We performed a longitudinal study to evaluate stress's effects on pig performance, feeding behavior, and fecal microbiota composition. This study involved 64 Duroc pigs during the fattening period, divided into two experimental groups: a stress group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 32). Stressed groups had less space and were mixed twice during the experiment. We monitored body weight, feed efficiency, feeding behavior, and fecal microbiota composition. Compared to the control group, the stressed pigs exhibited reduced body weight, feed efficiency, fewer feeder visits, and longer meal durations. In the fecal microbiota, resilience was observed, with greater differences between groups when sampling was closer to the stressful stimulus. Stressed pigs showed an increase in opportunistic bacteria, such as Streptococcus, Treponema and members of the Erysipelotrichaceae family, while control pigs had more butyrate- and propionate-producing genera like Anaerobutyricum, Coprococcus and HUN007. Our findings confirm that prolonged stress negatively impacts porcine welfare, behavior, and performance, and alters their gut microbiota. Specific microorganisms identified could serve as non-invasive biomarkers for stress, potentially informing both animal welfare and similar gut-brain axis mechanisms relevant to human research.

Exploring the Effects of Irrigation Schedules on Evapotranspiration Partitioning and Crop Water Productivity of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in North China Plain Using RZWQM2

ABSTRACTA significant basis for winter wheat production in China is the North China Plain (NCP). However, winter wheat production is severely hampered by water shortages in this area. Transpiration co‐occurs with photosynthesis, affecting crop water productivity (CWP). The purpose of this experiment is to use Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) to study actual transpiration (AT) and evaporation (AE) under different irrigation schedules and then determine its impact on grain yield and CWP. In the 2019–2022 winter wheat growing seasons, four experimental treatments were set up: no irrigation during growth period (I0), irrigation at jointing stage (I1), irrigation at jointing and anthesis stage (I2) and irrigation at jointing, anthesis and filling stage (I3), and the RZWQM2 model was calibrated and verified in this experiment. A higher yield (7840.90 kg/ha for an average of 3 years) and the highest CWP can be obtained in I2 treatment (increased by 12.72%, 5.98% and 4.28% for an average of 3 years, respectively, compared to the other three treatments). The model has a good simulation effect on soil water dynamic change and plant physiological performance of the four treatments; the model showed that irrigation increased the simulated AE and AT; however, reduced AE/actual evapotranspiration. For the whole growth period, AT in I3, I2, I1 and I0 was 351.70, 317.30, 271.50 and 223.70 mm, respectively. Especially in the late growth stage of winter wheat, the AT in I3 was 65.20 mm for an average of 3 years, which was significantly higher than I2, I1 and I0 by 31.60, 13.50 and 10.00 mm, respectively. Thus, I3 increased AT at the late growth stage of winter wheat and resulted in an increase in grain yield; however, it did not significantly increase CWP. This study demonstrated that irrigation at winter wheat jointing and anthesis stages can improve the CWP to achieve the goal of stable grain yield and water saving.

Edukasi Pentingnya 1000 HPK dalam Pencegahan Gangguan Tumbuh Kembang Anak di Kampung KB Rawa Makmur Bengkulu

The First 1000 Days of Life is a period of 270 days (nine months) in the womb plus the first 730 days (two years) of a child's life. The first 1,000 days of life are important because this is a period of growth and development for children who are in a risky period. This community service aims to find out the level of understanding of teenagers and women, especially pregnant women, about the importance of nutrition for children's growth and development and minimizing unwanted diseases that occur in children in KB Rawa Makmur Village RT 12 RW 01. This community service is Community Service, community description, using audio (visual) methods, using instruments in the form of questionnaires (pre-test and post-test). A total of 30 respondents in this community service were residents of KB Rawa Makmur Village RT 12 RW 01, Bengkulu City. The results of this percentage show that there is progress or advancement in the knowledge that has been obtained by mothers and young women in Rawa Makmur KB Village, Bengkulu City. The conclusion from this activity is that education and counseling can increase knowledge in the community about the importance of the first 1000 days of life for children.

Enhancing smile in class II division 2 malocclusion using utility arch – A Case report

Class II Division 2 malocclusion is a dental condition characterized by retroclined maxillary central incisors, often accompanied by a deep bite and a Class II skeletal relationship. The utility arch, an orthodontic appliance designed to exert controlled forces on the dentition, offers a promising approach for correcting this type of malocclusion. By making strategic adjustments, such as a V bend in the vestibular bridge, the utility arch can be effectively used to procline incisors. This case report details the application of a utility arch in treating a growing patient with Class II Division 2 malocclusion. The treatment plan aimed to leverage the patient's growth period to enhance the stability of the correction, ensuring a favorable long-term outcome.

PSLBII-23 Effects of alternative production systems on growth and circulating blood profiles in Berkshire grower pigs

Abstract In this study, we compared the growth performance and circulating blood profiles of Berkshire grower pigs maintained in two different alternative swine production systems, the dry-lot production system, and the hoop structure production system. This study was conducted during a 75-d period spanning from May to July at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Swine Facility in Greensboro, N.C. Protein expression profiles associated with growth (FGF-19, PDGF-BB, IGF-1), feed intake (CCK), stress (cortisol) and the ability to handle oxidative stress (T-AOC) were analyzed in blood plasma obtained from 24 Berkshire nursery/grower pigs. Berkshire pigs (n = 12) were managed in a 12.19 m x 18.28 m hoop structure with the end walls removed for ventilation and a straw deep bedding system. Twelve additional Berkshire nursery/grower pigs were managed in a 0.08-ha dry-lot. These animals were provided with a canopy for shade and a wallowing area for evaporative cooling. All animals were provided with ad libitum ration and water. Individual body weights (BW) and blood samples were collected at 25-d intervals throughout the 75-d trial, culminating in three different time points. Plasma was isolated from the blood samples and used for ELISA and colorimetric assays. The BioTek 800 TS absorbance reader and Gen5 Microplate Reader and Imager software (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, CA) were used to obtain and calculate the optical densities of the plasma samples, respectively. The data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA feature of JMP 17.2.0 software (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with production system and growth period considered fixed variables, while either growth rate or protein concentration were considered as the response variable. There were four significant treatment effects observed (P < 0.05). Significantly greater concentrations of IGF-1, CCK, and T-AOC were detected in the plasma collected from Berkshire pigs managed in the dry-lot. Whereas those managed in the hoop structure production system had heavier BW. The results show that exposing pigs to higher temperatures can reduce feed intake and growth rates. However, this same stress elicits the release of hormones that promote growth, while enhancing the total antioxidant capacity in these animals. The results support the adoption of the hoop structure production system over the dry-lot production system when managing swine in regions that experience higher temperatures.

Sabellaria wilsoni Lana and Gruet, 1989 on the Brazilian Amazon coast: Fast growth with high mortality, production, and turnover rate

Given the enormous ecological importance of sabellariid (Annelida: Sabellariidae) reefs for marine environments, data on the life history traits of these reef builders are essential for understanding ecosystem function. We assessed the functional parameters of a population of Sabellaria wilsoni (Annelida: Sabellariidae) on the Brazilian Amazon coast, where this polychaete builds extensive reef systems. The species had fast growth, a relatively short life span (1.30 years), and a high mortality rate (3.87 year−1). The mean annual biomass (58 g AFDM m−2) and production (233 g AFDM m−2 year−1) were very high and resulted in a high production-to-biomass ratio (P/B ratio: 4.02 year−1). The months with the highest productivity were those with the greatest reef coverage and density of worms, which coincided with the periods of reef growth. The high P/B ratio indicates the rapid replacement of biomass in this tropical population. These data support the hypothesis that S. wilsoni is an r-strategist, which is favored by the elevated temperatures and abundance of feeding resources and grains (for tube building) found on the Amazon coast. The present study is the first to produce systematic data on the population dynamics and production of a sabellariid species in the Western Atlantic Ocean. These data provide a baseline for understanding how shallow-water trophic webs function, as well as for monitoring these coastal habitats in the tropics.

Puberty changes the natural history of idiopathic scoliosis: three prediction models for future radiographic curve severity from 1563 consecutive patients.

Understanding idiopathic scoliosis (IS) natural history during growth is essential for shared decision-making between patients and physicians. We developed a retrospective model with the largest available sample in the literature and we aimed to investigate if using three peri-pubertal growth periods provides better prediction than a unique model. Secondary analysis of a previous study on IS natural history data from radiographs before and at the first consult. Three groups: BEFORE (age 6-10), AT (age 11-Risser 2) and AFTER (from Risser 3) the pubertal growth spurt. Available predictors: Cobb angle, curve type, sex, observation time, and Risser score. We used linear mixed-effects models to predict future Cobb angles in each group. We internally validated prediction accuracy with over 100 patients per group (3 to 5-fold cross-validation). We included 1563 participants (275 BEFORE, 316 AFTER, 782 females and 190 males AT). Curves increased over time mostly in AT, importantly in BEFORE, but also in AFTER. All models performed better than the general one. In BEFORE, 74.2% of the predictions were within ± 5o, 71.8% in AFTER, 68.2% in AT females, and 60.4% in males. The predictors (baseline curve, observation time also squared and cubic, and Risser score) were similar in all the models, with sex influencing only AFTER. IS curve severities increase differently during growth with puberty stages. Model accuracy increases when tailored by growth spurt periods. Our models may help patients and clinicians share decisions, identify the risk of progression and inform treatment planning.

Carbon allocation dynamics of Spartina alterniflora in Georgia saltmarsh, USA

We developed a phenology-based growth model(PG model) for Spartina alterniflora that incorporates the effects of light, temperature, and salinity on plant production. The PG model is the first to quantify carbon translocation between both above- and below-ground biomass across three phenological periods: growth, senescence, and dormancy periods. This model, fitted to field data from short, medium, and tall S. alterniflora types, estimates physiological parameters such as mass-specific rates of carbon translocation. Once parameterized, the model is applied in forward mode to predict whole-plant production, growth, respiration, mortality, and translocation. Model results reveals that short forms allocate 82 % of photosynthate to below-ground biomass during the growing season, compared to tall (52 %) and medium (22 %) types. However, tall forms, with extensive above-ground biomass, show the highest absolute carbon translocation to below-ground tissues during growth(ave. 3940 g dry weight m−2) and senescence(ave. 265 g dry weight m−2) period. An average mortality rate of 52 % of net production in the tall form below-ground biomass throughout the year indicates a substantial contribution to organic carbon sequestration within the habitat sediment. Model results also reveal that the carbon translocation from below- to above-ground tissues may not be required for survival during winter in milder climate like Sapelo Island, Georgia.

Integrating S1A microwave remote sensing and DSSAT CROPGRO simulation model for groundnut area and yield estimation

This study sought to corroborate microwave remote sensing and simulation models to efficiently delineate groundnut cultivation area and to estimate the yield by integration. Near real-time information on crop acreage and yield estimation is essential for making policy decisions. S1A SAR data were downloaded for entire crop growth period of groundnut during Kharif monsoon seasons (June – October) of 2019 and 2020 and were processed using MAPSCAPE RIICE software to extract groundnut cultivated area in the study districts of Tamil Nadu. Spectral dB curve groundnut generated using multi-date Sentinel 1 A SAR data showed a minimum at sowing, reached a peak at the pod development stage and decreased after that towards maturity. Groundnut area map was generated with a classification accuracy of 85.2 and 84.8 per cent with a kappa coefficient of 0.70, and total groundnut area of 104343 and 116199 ha was mapped during Kharif monsoon season 2019 and 2020, respectively. The mean agreement of 75.01 and 84.94 per cent was observed between DSSAT model simulated LAI and observed LAI at thirty monitoring locations in the study area during Kharif monsoon season 2019 and 2020, respectively, whereas agreement for yield was 82.11 and 83.70 per cent with RMSE of less than 20 per cent. Spatial distribution of groundnut LAI and yield was estimated by assimilating dB from satellite image and from DSSAT model, respectively. The estimated mean spatial LAI was 2.81 and 3.52, whereas mean spatial pod yield was 2124 and 2195 Kg ha−1 during Kharif monsoon season 2019 and 2020, respectively with RMSE of less than 20 per cent and R2 for integrating satellite products and simulation model for spatial estimates during both the year was >0.70, it shows the fitness of products towards increased accuracy of estimation.

Decoding the Root Lignification Mechanism of Angelica sinensis through Genome-wide Methylation Analysis.

Angelica sinensis is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with significant economic and medicinal value. However, early bolting and flowering can occur during the second year of the vegetative growth period, rendering the roots unviable for medicinal use and resulting in substantial economic losses. Consequently, the growing interest in studying the molecular mechanisms underlying early bolting or increased root lignification in A. sinensis. Here, we conducted whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and observed an increase in whole-genome DNA methylation levels on chromosomes after bolting in A. sinensis. Comparative analysis revealed methylation patterns in the upstream, gene body, and downstream regions in the context of CG, CHG, and CHH, suggesting a possible association between CHH-type methylation of promoters and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, joint analysis of transcriptomic and methylomics data revealed a positive correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression. We identified the hyperDMR gene in the CHH background within the promoter region; this gene is also a key gene (AsCOMT1), exhibiting dual catalytic activity and facilitating the synthesis of both ferulic acid and lignin. Enzyme kinetic analysis demonstrated that AsCOMT1 preferentially catalyzes the synthesis of lignin monomer precursors. These findings highlight the important regulatory role of DNA methylation in bolting and the synthesis of secondary metabolites in A. sinensis, providing valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. Therefore, as DNA methylation plays an important regulatory role in A. sinensis bolting and secondary metabolite synthesis, it has potential significance in the analysis of the underlying molecular mechanism.

Artificial intelligence empowering rare diseases: a bibliometric perspective over the last two decades

ObjectiveTo conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in Rare diseases (RDs), with a focus on analyzing publication output, identifying leading contributors by country, assessing the extent of international collaboration, tracking the emergence of research hotspots, and detecting trends through keyword bursts.MethodsIn this bibliometric study, we identified and retrieved publications on AI applications in RDs spanning 2003 to 2023 from the Web of Science (WoS). We conducted a global research landscape analysis and utilized CiteSpace to perform keyword clustering and burst detection in this field.ResultsA total of 1501 publications were included in this study. The evolution of AI applications in RDs progressed through three stages: the start-up period (2003–2010), the steady development period (2011–2018), and the accelerated growth period (2019–2023), reflecting this field’s increasing importance and impact at the time of the study. These studies originated from 85 countries, with the United States as the leading contributor. “Mutation”, “Diagnosis”, and “Management” were the top three keywords with high frequency. Keyword clustering analysis identified gene identification, effective management, and personalized treatment as three primary research areas of AI applications in RDs. Furthermore, the keyword burst detection indicated a growing interest in the areas of “biomarker”, “predictive model”, and “data mining”, highlighting their potential to shape future research directions.ConclusionsOver two decades, research on the AI applications in RDs has made remarkable progress and shown promising results in the development. Advancing international transboundary cooperation is essential moving forward. Utilizing AI will play a more crucial role across the spectrum of RDs management, encompassing rapid diagnosis, personalized treatment, drug development, data integration and sharing, and continuous monitoring and care.