Lobe Length Research Articles

Spectral Index Asymmetries in Double Radio Sources from the VLA Sky Survey

A sample of double radio sources was selected from the Very Large Array Sky Survey to investigate correlations of spectral asymmetries with lobe length ratios and jet-sidedness. The lobe length ratio informs us about the correlation between the lobe pressure and spectral index of FRII lobes from Active Galactic Nuclei. A second analysis was done on the subset with identifiable jets. The correlation of lobe length ratio with spectral index difference was weakly positive, although statistically insignificant. Similarly, there were no statistically significant trends of spectral index difference with jet-sidedness. Further testing with a larger data set may produce a more significant result.

Temporal lobe evolution in Hominidae and the origin of human lobe proportions.

Objectives Evolutionary changes in hominin social complexity have been associated with increases in absolute brain size. The temporal lobes are nestled in the middle cranial fossae (MCF) of the skull, the dimensions of which allow estimation of temporal lobe volume (TLV) in extant and fossil taxa. Materials and Methods The main aim of this study is to determine where along the hominid phylogeny, major temporal lobe size transitions occurred. We used computed tomography (CT) scans of crania, 3D photogrammetry data, and laser surface scans of endocranial casts to measure seven MCF metrics in 11 extant anthropoid taxa using multiple regressions to estimate TLV in 5 extant hominids and 10 fossil hominins. Phylogenetic comparative methods mapped temporal lobe size, brain size, and temporal lobe proportions onto phylogenetic trees broadly for Hominidae and specifically for Hominini. Results Extant Homo sapiens were not an outlier in relative brain size, temporal lobe size, or proportions of the temporal lobes, but some proportions within the lobe were uniquely altered. The most notable changes in relative temporal lobe size and proportions saw a decrease in relative temporal lobe size and proportions in the genus Pan compared to other extant great apes and fossil hominins while there was a relative increase in the temporal lobe width and length in Australopithecus-Paranthropus clade compared to the genus Homo and other extant great apes including modern humans. Discussion We do not find support for the social brain, environmental or functional craniology hypotheses alone but think it prudent to consider the implications of cerebral reorganization between the temporal lobes and other regions of the brain within the context of these hypotheses and with future investigation is warranted.

MYB52 negatively regulates ADF9-meditated actin filament bundling in Arabidopsis pavement cell morphogenesis.

It has been proposed that cortical fine actin filaments are needed for the morphogenesis of pavement cells (PCs). However, the precise role and regulation mechanisms of actin filaments in PC morphogenesis are not well understood. Here, we found that Arabidopsis thaliana ACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTOR9 (ADF9) is required for the morphogenesis of PC, which is negatively regulated by the R2R3 MYELOBLASTOSIS (MYB) transcription factor MYB52. In adf9 mutants, the lobe number of cotyledon PCs was significantly reduced, while the average lobe length did not differ significantly compared to that of wild type (Col-0), except for the variations in cell area and circularity, whereas the PC shapes in ADF9 overexpression seedlings showed different results. ADF9 decorated actin filaments, and colocalized with plasma membrane. The extent of filament bundling and actin filament bundling activity in adf9 mutant decreased. In addition, MYB52 directly targeted the promoter of ADF9 and negatively regulated its expression. The myb52-2 mutant showed increased lobe number and cell area, reduced cell circularity of PCs, and the PC phenotypes were suppressed when ADF9 was knocked out. Taken together, our data demonstrate that actin filaments play an important role in the morphogenesis of PC and reveal a transcriptional mechanism underlying MYB52 regulation of ADF9-mediated actin filament bundling in PC morphogenesis.

Snailfishes of the genus Careproctus (Perciformes: Liparidae) with a reduced pelvic disk: three new species and new records from the western North Pacific with comments on their phenotypic diversity

A taxonomic review of the snailfish genus Careproctus (Liparidae) with a reduced pelvic disk—the Careproctus gilberti species group—from the western North Pacific recognized three new species from the southern Sea of Okhotsk, and confirmed the validity of Careproctus gilberti, Careproctus mederi, Careproctus ostentum, and Careproctus parvidiscus. One of the newly described species, Careproctus longibarbatus sp. nov., had been previously confused with C. mederi, but was readily distinguishable on the basis of counts of vertebrae (61–66 vs. 57–63), dorsal- (56–60 vs. 52–56) and anal-fin rays (50–54 vs. 47–52), as well as length of the pectoral fin lower lobe (extending past anus vs. not reaching anus) and color of the peritoneum (dark vs. pale with black dots). Careproctus barbatulus sp. nov. and Careproctus spinulosus sp. nov. were diagnosed by pectoral fin lower lobe length, anus position, and vertebral, and dorsal- and anal-fin ray counts. The validities of the three new species were also confirmed by mitochondrial sequence data. Careproctus mederi was redescribed based on specimens from the southern Sea of Okhotsk, representing the first Japanese, as well as southernmost record of the species. Furthermore, the full description of an unidentified Careproctus species, most similar to C. gilberti, from the Pacific coast of Hokkaido was provided. Significant morphological variation within the C. gilberti species group, possibly resulting from reproductive interference among sympatric species, was also discussed.

Evaluation of Select Monarda Taxa in Montane and Piedmont Regions of Georgia: II. Floral Morphology and Nectar Production

We analyzed the floral morphology and nectar production of several cultivars and species of Monarda representing five cultivars and four species grown in Georgia Piedmont and Montane regions. Over the course of two seasons, we detected significant differences among the samples in terms of inflorescence size, petal lobe and corolla widths and lengths, and total sugar content. M. didyma had larger glomerules, longer corollas and petal lobes, and higher nectar volume and total sugar content per flower. M. fistulosa and M. punctata had smaller glomerules, corolla and petal lobe lengths, and total sugar content per flower. Petal lobe and corolla length strongly correlated with sucrose and nectar production. Combined with data on horticultural performance, these results could be valuable in informing breeding goals for conservation-oriented landscape plants.

Prevalence of African Mosaic and Morphological Characterization of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Cranz) Varieties in Two Agroecological Zones of Cameroon

The objective of this work is to conduct an epidemiological study of African cassava mosaic and to characterize the diversity of local cultivars in circulation in the monomodal and bimodal rainforest zones of Cameroon. Disease-related parameters (incidence and severity index) were studied as well as morphological parameters (plant height, leaflet color, petiole color, lobe length, number of lobes, number of branches, petiole length). The results show that 96 cassava varieties were identified with 89 local varieties and 07 improved varieties. Diseased plants showed a symptom severity index of 1 to 5, which could reduce production by half in the areas considered. The leaf color was dark green, the number of branches was 3, the lobe and petiole lengths were 16.46 and 22 cm respectively, while the number of lobes was 5 the disease incidence for the two agro-ecological zones as a whole is 57.58% for a symptom severity index of 3. The epidemiological study reveals that the desease incidence of both agro-ecological zones was 57.58 % for a symptom severity index of 2 corresponding to 40 %. In the humid forest zone with monomodal spray the average incidence was 49.74% and a leaf attack rate was 29.03 % in the locality of Njombé (Cameroon's littoral region). At Ekona in southwestern Cameroon, the average incidence was 63% and leaf attack index was 1 corresponding to 20 %. In the bimodal rainforest zone (central Cameroon region), the average incidence was 60 % for a leaf attack rate was 37.11%. The expected results highlight a relatively worrying situation. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirms the convergence of tolerance towards the mosaic and grouped the different varieties into more or less homogeneous groups according to the morphological and epidemiological cassava descriptors. The results of the present work show that the introduction of cassava local varieties tolerant to mosaic disease in middling could be an alternative for the control of the cassava mosaic disease.

The correlation between ultrasonographic morphology and structure of the left atrial appendage, blood flow velocity, and plasma galectin-3 levels with thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage of patients with atrial fibrillation.

To explore the correlation between left atrial appendage morphology, blood flow velocity and plasma galectin-3 and thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation who received treatment and completed ultrasound examination in hospital from 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled. According to whether there was left atrial appendage thrombosis, the patients were divided into a control group (no left atrial appendage thrombosis was found) and a study group (left atrial appendage thrombosis was found). The morphology and structure of the left atrial appendage, blood flow velocity and plasma galectin-3 level were recorded exploring its correlation with left atrium thrombosis. A total of 330 patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled, including 278 in the control group and 52 in the study group. Left group and the control group of morphological structure differences (P < 0.05). The main lobe length, ostial area, longest diameter, shortest diameter, left atrial appendage volume and left atrial volume in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The left atrial appendage emptying velocity, filling velocity and left ventricular ejection fraction of the study group were lower than those of the control group, and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Group of white blood cell count, neutrophils/lymphocyte ratio, plasma galactose lectin-3 levels were higher than control group (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis of left atrial appendage emptying velocity, left atrial appendage filling velocity, left atrial enddiastolic diameter and left atrial ejection fraction had higher diagnostic value (P < 0.05). Left atrial appendage morphology, blood flow velocity and plasma galectin-3 level are important factors to evaluate the risk of left atrial appendage thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation. This study improves the understanding of thrombosis, further elucidates the risk factors for thrombosis, and improves patient prognosis.

Search for protostellar jets with UWISH2 in the molecular cloud complexes Vulpecula and IRDC G53.2

Abstract Jets and outflows are the early signposts of stellar birth. Using the UKIRT Wide Field Infrared Survey for H2 (UWISH2) at 2.12 μm, 127 outflows are identified in molecular cloud complexes Vulpecula OB1 and IRDC G53.2 covering 12 square degrees of the Galactic plane. Using multi-wavelength datasets, from 1.2 to 70 μm, 79 young stellar objects (YSOs) are proposed as potential driving sources, where, ∼79 % are likely Class 0/I protostars, 17 % are Class II YSOs and the remaining 4 % are Class III YSOs. The outflows are characterized in terms of their length, flux, luminosity and knot-spacing. The identified outflows have a median lobe length of 0.22 pc and 0.17 pc for outflows in Vulpecula OB1 and IRDC G53.2, respectively. Our analysis, from the knot spacing, reveals a typical ejection frequency of ∼1.2 kyr suggesting an intermediate type between the FU-Ori and EX-Ori type of eruptions in both cloud complexes. Furthermore, the physical parameters of the driving sources are obtained by performing radiative transfer modelling to the observed spectral energy distributions (SEDs), which suggest that the outflows are driven by intermediate mass stars. Various observed trends between the outflow properties and the corresponding driving sources, and various interesting outflows and star forming sites, including sites of triggered star formation and protocluster forming clump with clusters of jets, are discussed. The obtained results and the identified jet-bearing protostellar sample will pave the way to understand many aspects of outflows with future high-resolution observations.

Morphological features of the causative agent of chorioptic mange isolated from cattle

Providing veterinary care against parasitic diseases is one of the factors that affect the possibility of effective and profitable introduction of the livestock sector. Chorioptic mange is one of the globally spread invasive diseases of cattle caused by persistent ectoparasites. The diagnosis of chorioptosis is based on the microscopic detection of mites in scrapings from the skin of the affected animal with mandatory identification of the parasites. The aim of the research was to investigate the morphological features and metric parameters of Chorioptes mites isolated from cattle. Mites isolated from cattle were morphometrically identified as Chorioptes texanus. Morphological features of male Ch. texanus mites include peculiarities in the structure of the opisthosomal lobes and of the setae located on the opisthosomal lobes, opisthosoma and tarsus of leg III. 14 morphometric parameters characterizing the general structure of the body (length, width and their ratio, length and width of the gnathosoma, length of the idiosoma, proterosoma, podosoma, propodosoma, metapodosoma, hysterosoma, opisthosoma, length and width of the propodosomal shield) were identified and suggested for use in identification of male and female Ch. texanus. In male mites of this species, 5 additional parameters were also determined, which describe the length and width of the opisthomal lobes, their ratio, the diameter of the adanal suckers and the distance between them. The morphological features, location and length of 6 setae, which are species-specific in Chorioptes mites, namely 4 setae of the opisthosomal lobe, 1 opisthosomal seta, 1 ventral seta of tarsus III, were described. The parameters of Ch. texanus eggs in the bodies of female mites and on the body of the host animal were determined. The scientific data obtained in this study expand the already existing data on the differential identification of Ch. texanus mites and proves their parasitism in cattle on the territory of Ukraine.

Modifications in floral morphology of Coffea spp. genotypes at two distinct elevations

Floral traits are influenced by elevation in various species, but no information is available for the Coffea canephora and C. arabica. It was hypothesized that: 1) number of stamens and petals can vary depending on the species and genotype within the same species; 2) variations in the morphological traits occur in response to the difference in elevation, 3) greater variability in flower morphology among C. canephora genotypes is expressed at high- than at low-elevation, due to environmental pressure, and 4) the changes in floral morphology due to alterations in elevation are more pronounced in C. canephora than in C. arabica. This study aimed to investigate the G × E interaction for morphological traits of coffee flowers and, based in genetic parameters estimation, explore the potential use of these traits in breeding programs. Experiment comprised of coffee plantations under full sun of both species at two elevations. The number of petals and stamens varied between five and six in C. canephora. At two elevations, Beira Rio 8 (C. canephora) genotype stood out for presenting the highest averages for all size traits related to corolla, and stigmatic lobes. The variability in floral morphology among C. canephora genotypes was not greater at high- than at low- elevation. Overall, flower size of all studied C. canephora and C. arabica genotypes was larger at low- than at high-elevation, but the stigmatic lobes length, the ratio between stigmatic lobe length and style length, and partially the ratio between anther length and stamen length were greater at high-elevation. C. arabica flowers were smaller and mostly irresponsive to elevation, in contrast with C. canephora flowers. There was a significant genotype by environment interaction for seven out of the nine traits, with a predominance of complex-type interactions. Conducting studies on morphological traits of flowers at a greater number of environments with distinct elevations can provide better insights into the potential use of these traits in studies of adaptability and stability of Coffea spp. genotypes to different environmental conditions, contributing to genetic improvement efforts to achieve resilience of coffee cultivation in the scenarios of climate change.

Age-related anatomical variation and morphometric studies on the optic tectum in post-hatch broiler chicken.

In this investigation the morphological and morphometrical features of the optic tectum in post-hatch broiler chicken were studied macroscopically and microscopically. The present study was conducted on 70 day old broiler chicks which were reared up to 42 days. The whole experimental period of study was divided into seven groups (from group I to VII) at weekly interval (days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42). The optic lobes were paired and spherical to oval eminences located on the ventro-lateral part of the midbrain in broiler chicken. There was significant increase in length and width of the optic lobes with the advancement of age. Histological analysis of optic tectum shows six basic layers from the external surface to internal one towards the optic ventricle. Different layers of optic tectum were identified as stratum opticum, stratum griseum superficial, stratum griseum central, stratum album central, stratum griseum periventriculare and stratum fibrosum periventriculare with several types of neurons. Among all six layers of the optic tectum the stratum griseum superficial layer showed very high degree of secondry differentiation and evolved into nine sub- layers in all age groups of broiler chickens. Three main cell types had been identified that is, small to medium sized stellate shaped neuron, pyramidal neuron and fusiform neuron, beside these multipolar neuron were also evident. The thickness of all layers of optic tectum significantly increases with the advancement of age of the birds. The optic ventricle was lined with a layer of cuboidal ependymal cells.

Fetal cortical development and neurosonographic findings in obese pregnant women: a case control study from a tertiary hospital.

To investigate the effect of obesity on fetal cortical development. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 91 pregnant women. Fetal neurosonography scans were performed in the third trimester, and according to body mass index (BMI) values, the patients were evaluated in two groups: obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2) and normal weight (BMI < 30kg/m2). During neurosonography, fetal insular depth and Sylvian fissures, parieo-occipital and cingulate fissure depth, frontal lobe length, and the sizes of the corpus callosum and cavum septum pellucidum were measured using a transvaginal approach. Fetal cortical development and Sylvian fissure operculization were graded. The number of patients with grade 2 fetal cortical development was significantly higher among the pregnant women in the obese group compared to the normal weight group (n = 17, 41.5% and n = 8, 16.0%, respectively; p = 0.007). In the obese group, the number of pregnant women with grade 4 or below fetal Sylvian fissure operculization was significantly higher (n = 13, 31.7%), and the number of those with grade 9 or above operculization was significantly lower (n = 1, 2.5%) (p = 0.003). The fetal insular depth, frontal lobe anterior-posterior diameter, cingulate fissure depth, and corpus callosum thickness were lower in the obese group, albeit with no significant difference. Parieto-occipital depth significantly decreased in the obese group [6.8 (6) mm)] compared to the control group [10.5 (7.2) mm)] (p = 0.008). The fetal Sylvian fissure ratio and the cavum septum pellucidum ratio were found to be similar between the groups. The data obtained from this study showed that obesity caused fetal cortical changes in pregnant women.

Generic concepts and species diversity within the Gynoxyoid clade (Senecioneae, Compositae).

The Gynoxyoid clade of the Senecioneae (Asteraceae) until now included the five genera Aequatorium, Gynoxys, Nordenstamia, Paracalia and Paragynoxys as diagnosed using selected morphological characters. In their pre-phylogenetic circumscription, the genera Aequatorium and Paragynoxys were considered to inhabit the northern Andes in contrast to Nordenstamia and Paracalia that occur in the central Andes. The most species-rich genus, Gynoxys, was believed to be distributed throughout the Andes. We use a recently established plastid phylogenomic framework that rendered Gynoxys paraphyletic to further evaluate the delimitation of genera in the Gynoxyoid clade. We examine the morphological variation of all members of the Gynoxyoid to identify characters potentially informative at genus level. This results in a matrix of eleven, mostly multistate characters, including those originally used to diagnose these genera. The ancestral character state inference displays a high level of homoplasy, but nevertheless supports the recognition of four genera. Aequatorium is characterised by white radiate capitula. Paracalia and Paragynoxys share white flowers and floral characteristics, such as flower opening and length of disc flowers lobes, as plesiomorphic states, but differ in habit (scandent shrubs vs. trees). Paracalia also retained white flowers, but its two species are characterised by the absence of outer phyllaries. The genera Gynoxys and Nordenstamia comprise species with yellow capitula which appear to be a derived feature in the Gynoxyoids. The genus Nordenstamia, with eight species, is synonymised under Gynoxys since molecular evidence shows its species nested within various parts of the Gynoxys subclade and the morphological variation of Nordenstamia falls well within that of Gynoxys. With the goal to assign all species to four genera (Aequatorium, Gynoxys, Paracalia and Paragynoxys), we assess the states for the eleven characters for all members of the Gynoxyoids and generate new ETS and ITS sequences for 171 specimens belonging to 49 species to further support their generic placement. We provide a taxonomic treatment for the four genera recognised here including amended diagnoses and morphological descriptions. Furthermore, a species-level taxonomic backbone is elaborated for all genera using electronic tools that list 158 currently accepted names and synonyms (209 names in total) with the respective protologue and type information, as well as notes on the current understanding of species limits. Eleven names are newly synonymised, two are lectotypified and eight are newly transferred to other genera.

Agro-productive response of pepper hybrids in a tropical sheltered production system

The present work aimed to evaluate the agro-productive response of bell pepper 'Robur F1' and 'Clair F1' hybrids. The experiment was conducted in a tropical sheltered production system at the "Valle del Yabú" Agricultural Enterprise. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replicates. The height and diameter of the main stem, length of internodes, and number of days to flowering were evaluated. Additionally, the number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and yield, and fruit quality attributes (thickness of the pericarp, length, top width, color, shape, and number of lobes) were recorded. Results showed that 'Robur F1' reached a higher height (33.9 cm), the diameter of the main stem (12.9 mm) and the length of the internodes (9.84 cm). 'Clair F1' showed the highest number of fruits per plant (12), average fruit weight (273.60 g), and yield (3.87 kg/m2). A higher pericarp thickness and fruit width were observed in 'Clair F1', while the fruit was longer in 'Robur F1 (13 cm). Both hybrids had green bell peppers and fruits. With the knowledge of agro-productive characteristics of both pepper hybrids, Cuba may select the most remarkable genotype under a tropical sheltered production system. Keywords: agricultural yield, Capsicum annuum, fruit quality, morphological traits.

Experimental realization of Airy beams on incoherent background

We report an experimental realization of recently introduced Airy beams on incoherent background (ABIBs). The ABIBs are structured random beams that defy diffraction in free space, making them attractive to free-space optical communications, information transfer and imaging. We demonstrate here that the (truncated) laboratory realizations of ABIBs are more resilient to diffraction and far more capable of self-healing after having been obstructed by defects than are truncated coherent Airy beams of the same width of the main lobe and truncation length. The combination of remarkable propagation invariance and self-healing potential of ABIBs carries promise for their applications to optical communications in randomly inhomogeneous environments and biological tissue imaging.

Regimes hídricos no desenvolvimento de acessos do gênero Manihot

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to select water deficittolerant accessions of the genus Manihot, through morphological characters under different water regimes. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, using a split-plot arrangement with plots consisting of tree water regimes (simulated rainfall and water depth of 100 and 20% crop evapotranspiration (ETc)), and subplots consisting of eight accessions of the genus Manihot (Gema-de-Ovo and Engana-Ladrão from the species M. esculenta Crantz, and BGMS-115, BGMS-110, BGMS-102, BGMS- 79, BGMS-24, and BGMS-48 from Manihot sp.). The accessions were evaluated considering two crop cycles: the first had 120 and 60 days from the application of the treatments. Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf lobe length and shoot dry mass production were evaluated. For each cropping cycle, a split-plot analysis of variance was performed. The highest genotypic means were expressed by the accessions BGMS-115, BGMS-102, BGMS- 79 and BGMS-24 for most of the analyzed variables, regardless of the cultivation cycle. For the characteristic shoot dry mass production, accessions BGMS-102 and BGMS-79 showed the best performances under conditions of limited water regime (20% ETc), regardless of the cropping cycle. Accession BGMS-102 was also grouped in the group with the highest genotypic means, for this trait, in treatments with rain simulation and 100% ETc, in the first cycle, demonstrating that, under stress conditions, this accession is an option to tolerate low water precipitation and responds well when higher precipitation occurs.

Влияние стимуляторов на всхожесть семян и рост сеянцев сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is a potential introduced plant that can be used for reforestation in the southern part of Primorsky Krai. This plant is valuable for water regulation and mountain strengthening. It is widely used in the national economy. However, the growing area of the stands reduces with logging. It is possible to speed up the regeneration process by applying growth stimulants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of natural (Zircon, Ekopin, Ribav-Extra) and synthetic (Krezatzin, Epin-Extra) growth stimulants on seed germination and biometric parameters of annual and biennial Scots pine seedlings (height, root collar diameter, length of root lobes, and biomass). Before cultivation, the seeds were soaked for 1 hour in a solution of KMnO4 (0.5 %) followed by 20 hours in growth stimulant solutions with concentrations 1.4·10–3 ml/l. The control group was presented with seeds without stimulant treatment. The soil germination was controlled on day 15. It was also determined the effectiveness of the stimulants as root top dressing for annual and biennial seedlings. The concentrations of the solutions were 0.2 and 0.1 ml/l with water as a solvent. The referentce group was seedlings without fertilization. Krezatzin, Ribav-Extra, and Ecopin had a significant impact on seed germination (92.7–94.0 %), exceeding the control group by 5.7–7.2 %. Krezatzin, Ribav-Extra, Zircon and Ecopin were most effective for Scots pine seedlings. In the first year of growth, seedling height increased by 20.3–43.5 %, root collar diameter by 22.2–38.9 %, root lobe length by 23.5–52.9 %. In the second year, these indicators exceeded the control group by 18.4–75.5, 2.9–11.8 and 15.0–36.1 %, respectively. The biomass of biennial seedlings increased by 63.7–185.2 % compared to the control group with the use of these stimulants. The solution concentration of 0.1 ml/l was more effective. The biennial seedlings grown using the stimulants as root top dressing according to biometric indicators meet the requirements of the Reforestation Regulations 2020, significantly exceeding the values specified in them. These seedlings can be used for planting woodlands and landscaping in populated areas. For citation: Ostroshenko V.Yu., Ostroshenko L.Yu. Influence of Growth Stimulants on Seed Germination and Seedlings Growth of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 4, pp. 93–104. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-4-93-104

IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CASSAVA MUTANT GENOTYPES WITH HIGH LEAF MINERAL CONTENT AT THE MV10 GENERATION

Cassava leaves’ consumption as vegetables are common in several Asian countries. They contain various nutrients, such as, anthocyanins, carotene, minerals, and vitamins. New varieties with high mineral contents in leaves need development to increase the leaves’ quality as vegetables. This study aimed to identify and characterize cassava genotypes of the MV10 generation resulting from gammaray- induced mutations based on the leaves' morphology, growth characteristics, and mineral contents, using two cultivars and 10 cassava genotypes. All genotypes planted in a randomized complete block design had three replications. The leaf's morphology and mineral contents underwent scrutiny on the third to fifth leaf below the apical shoot. The mineral content analysis used the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. Data analysis comprised the ANOVA test and descriptive analysis. This study revealed petiole length, leaf lobe length, and leaf lobe width were significantly different between genotypes at four months after planting (MAP). However, no meaningful difference showed for the plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves among genotypes. In general, the leaf morphology consisted of purplish green apical leaves with present pubescence; the shape of the central leaflet is lanceolate; the petiole color is reddish to greenish; leaves are dark green with five to seven leaf lobes; leaf veins are reddish-green; smooth lobe margins; and horizontal petiole orientation. The genotypes affect mineral contents, as the genotype with the highest Mg contents was G6-2-15-5-3, and the one with the highest Zn contents was G2D1-422. Fe contents showed more variations between genotypes, and no genotype showed consistently high Fe contents. This research produced promising genotypes for Mg or Zn contents in leaves for future cassava varieties for vegetable production.

Variation and phenetic relationships of Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. from various host trees based on morphological characters

Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq.; Loranthaceae) is a shrub parasitic on various host tree species. This species is often used for herbal medicinal ingredients by local communities based on the spesies of host tree. The morphological characteristics of D. pentandra are important to study because their adaptation to different host trees may resulting population of ecotypes. This study aims to determine the variation of D. pentandra accession characters on different host tree species based on morphological characters and to determine morphological phenetic relationships between accessions. Besides studies of D. pentandra accessions in Yogyakarta Province have never been conducted in full. Sample collection (accession) of D. pentandra was conducted for various host tree species from various locations, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Morphological characterization and scoring of each accession were conducted to create a similarity matrix using the Jaccard Coefficient formula. Based on the similarity matrix between OTUs and the UPGMA algorithm, it can be formed into a dendrogram. The results showed that the morphological variations of D. pentandra were found in phyllotaxis, leaf thickness, petiole length, number of stomata density per field of view, flower color, crown tube length, corolla lobe length, petal length, stamen : corolla lobe ratio, fruit color, and seed color. The population of D. pentandra in Yogyakarta can be divided into two groups, D. pentandra which has alternate and opposite arrangements in phyllotaxis. The accession dendrogram of D. pentandra in Yogyakarta was divided into five clusters starting from a similarity index of 0.089 to 0.952. Thus, the diversity of morphological variations of D. pentandra on host trees is high.

Effects of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) on fetal brain and cranial measurements

BackgroundThe use and misuse of opioids, as well as opioid use disorder (OUD) have increased remarkably among reproductive-aged and pregnant women. As many as 25% of pregnant women who report non-medical opioid use in the past month also report concurrent alcohol use. While teratogenic effects of alcohol are well established, there are limited studies evaluating fetal intracranial effects associated with medications for OUD (MOUD) and concurrent use of MOUD and alcohol during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of MOUD, with and without concomitant alcohol use, on fetal intracranial measurements. The type of maternal MOUD therapy (methadone vs. buprenorphine) was also examined. MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study among participants (n = 196) assigned into three groups (MOUD [n = 94], MOUD+Alcohol [n = 47], and unexposed controls [n = 55]). Co-exposure with either methamphetamines or cocaine were exclusionary criteria; other co-exposures were carefully characterized with prospective repeated self-report measures and biomarkers. Fetal ultrasound measurements at 18–22 weeks (2nd trimester) and 28–32 weeks (early 3rd trimester) were compared among study groups. In addition to standard morphometrics, we performed specialized intracranial measurements of caval-calvarial distance (CCD), frontal lobe width (FLW), frontal lobe length (FLL), and fronto-thalamic distance (FTD). ResultsBrain and cranial measurements between MOUD, with or without alcohol co-exposure, and unexposed controls were generally not significantly different in multivariable analyses. Subjects in the MOUD groups had earlier gestational age at delivery and lower birth weight and birth weight percentile compared to unexposed controls with differences driven primarily by the methadone subgroup. Significant differences in standard and specialized intracranial indices at both second and third trimester as well as differences in the change of HC percentile over time were observed in the methadone subgroup compared to controls, while no differences between buprenorphine subgroup and controls were observed for any measures. ConclusionPatients receiving methadone therapy might require closer monitoring during pregnancy; however, detailed imaging of the fetal brain other than the standard measurements might not be warranted.