Maturity Index Research Articles

Accuracy of second and third molar maturity indices, Olze, Haavikko, and Demirjian methods for 14- and 16-year-old age thresholds assessment in Croatian children and adolescents.

This study explores the reliability of four established legal age threshold estimation approaches in a Croatian sample. We applied Haavikko stages, Demirjian stages, Olze's third molar eruption stages, and second and third molar maturity indices measurement in 593 orthopantomograms of Croatian children and adolescents aged 11.00-20.99years old. The left mandibular second and third molar were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to test the significance of predictive variables. Logistic Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to evaluate the classification ability of variables for estimating 14- and 16-year-old thresholds. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy (Acc), sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), Positive Likelihood Ratio (LR +), Negative Likelihood Ratio (LR-), and Bayes post-test probability (Bayes PTP) were calculated to evaluate classification performance. Results suggest that the combination of I2M&I3M is the best classifier for the 14-year-old threshold (AUC = 0.879); for males alone, I2M is an even better classifier (AUC = 0.881). The highest Acc 80.1% (95%CI, 75.9%-83.9%), Bayes PTP 86.5% (95%CI, 82.8%-89.7%) and Sp 88.9% (95%CI, 83.0%-93.3%) were by I3M < 0.81 & I2M < 0.03 in total samples; the highest Acc 86.1% (80.6%- 90.6%), Bayes PTP 87.2% (95%CI, 81.7%- 91.4%) and Sp 87.8% (95%CI, 78.2%- 94.3%) were by I2M < 0.01 in males, Acc of Haavikko Ac and Demirjian H stage in second molar is very close with slightly lower Bayes PTP and Sp. I3M is a good classifier for 16-year-old threshold (AUC = 0.889). The cut-off value I3M < 0.34 can be used to classify the 16-year-old threshold with Acc of 80.6% (95%CI, 77.2%-83.7%), Sp of 83.4% (95%CI, 79.0%-87.3%), and 81.7% (95%CI, 78.4%-84.8%) Bayes PTP. In conclusion, to classify the 14-year-old threshold, a pair of cut-off values I3M < 0.81 & I2M < 0.03 can be used in Croatian females; I2M < 0.01, Demirjian H stage, Haavikko Ac stage in second molar, and the pair I3M < 0.81 & I2M < 0.03 can all be used in Croatian males. I3M < 0.34 can classify the 16-year-old threshold in Croatian populations.

Design and Control of Polymeric Network Architectures Based on Network Dimension Theory

AbstractA new design policy to synthesize nanogel molecules having desired dimensions under unperturbed state is proposed. Miniemulsion copolymerization of vinyl and divinyl monomers, both conventional free‐radical polymerization and ideal living polymerization, is used to illustrate the method. For the network formation dynamics, the newly proposed model that takes into account the size and structure dependence of cross‐linking/cyclization reactions is employed. The master curve relationship that indicates the maximum average dimensions for randomly cross‐linked networks is used as a guideline and the network dimension is controlled by the magnitude of network maturity index NMI, which is the average number of cycle rank per primary chain. By appropriately sizing the NMI, it is possible to synthesize network polymers with dimensions equal to or greater than the maximum dimensions achievable with a homogeneous, randomly cross‐linked network polymer of the same cycle rank and molecular weight. The current strategy of designing and controlling 3D size is applicable regardless of the reaction mechanism of network formation and will also be applied to the synthesis of macro‐gels.

Distribution pattern of soil nematode communities along an elevational gradient in arid and semi-arid mountains of Northwest China.

Soil nematodes are the most abundant soil metazoans, occupying multiple trophic levels in the soil food web and playing an important role in soil function. Research on the biogeographic distribution patterns of soil nematode communities and their drivers has received greater attention. However, the distribution characteristics of soil nematode communities along the elevational gradient in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China remain unclear. In this study, four elevational gradients (1750-1900, 1900-2100, 2100-2350 and 2350-2560 m) were established on Luoshan Mountain, Ningxia, an arid and semi-arid region in Northwest China, and soil nematodes in the soil layers of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm were investigated using the improved Baermann funnel method. The results revealed a monotonically decreasing trend in the total number of soil nematodes along the elevational gradient and soil layer depth, decreasing by 63.32% to 79.94% and 73.59% to 86.90%, respectively, while the interactions were not obvious. A total of 1487 soil nematodes belonging to 27 families and 32 genera were identified across the elevational gradient, with Helicotylenchus as the dominant genus, accounting for 10.43% of the total number of nematodes, and bacterivore nematodes as the main trophic groups, accounting for 32.39% to 52.55% of the relative abundance at each elevation, which increased with increasing elevation. Soil nematode community diversity, richness and maturity indices were relatively low at high elevation and decreased by 44.62%, 48% and 54.74%, respectively, with increasing soil layer depth at high elevations. Compared to low elevations, high-elevation soils experienced greater disturbance, reduced structural complexity and nutrient enrichment of the soil food web, and a shift in soil organic matter decomposition from bacterial to fungal pathways as elevation increased. Finally, redundancy analysis showed that soil pH, bulk density, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium were the main soil factors affecting the composition of soil nematode communities, which well explained the differences in nematode communities at different elevations and soil depths. This study can be used as basic information for further research on soil biota in this mountainous region, expanding our further understanding of the spatial ecology of soil nematodes in the arid and semi-arid mountain ecosystems.

Circular Utilization of Coffee Grounds as a Bio-Nutrient through Microbial Transformation for Leafy Vegetables

This study explores the production of bio-nutrients from bioactive compound-rich spent coffee grounds (SCG) and biochar (BC) through composting after inoculation with a biological agent and its impact on the growth performance of garden cress and spinach. The SCG was composted with six doses of BC (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%). The compost with 10% BC exhibited the best maturity, humification, and phytotoxicity index values of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), humification index (E4/E6), and germination index (GI). A metagenome analysis showed that compost starter enhanced the bacterial community’s relative abundance, richness, and diversity in SCG and BC treatments. This improvement included increased Patescibacteria, which can break down noxious phenolic compounds found in SCG and BC. The BC enriched the compost with phosphorus and potassium while preserving the nitrogen. In plant growth experiments, the total chlorophyll content in compost-treated garden cress and spinach was 2.47 and 4.88 mg g−1, respectively, which was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) than in unfertilized plants and similar to the plants treated with traditional fertilizer. Overall, the results show that the compost of SCG + BC was well-suited for promoting the growth of garden cress and spinach, providing adequate nutrients as a fertilizer for these leafy vegetables.

Natural variation in MdNAC5 contributes to fruit firmness and ripening divergence in apple

Abstract Fruit firmness is an important trait for characterizing the quality and value of apple. It is also serves as an indicator of fruit maturity, as it is a complex trait regulated by multiple genes. Re-sequencing techniques can be employed to elucidate variations in such complex fruit traits. Here, the whole genomes of 294 F1 hybrids of ‘Fuji’ and ‘Cripp's Pink’ were re-sequenced, and a high-density bin-map was constructed using 5,014 bin markers with a total map distance of 2,213.23 cM and an average map distance of 0.44 cM. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of traits related to fruit were mapped, and an A-T allele variant identified in the coding region of MdNAC5 was found to potentially regulate fruit firmness and ripening. The overexpression of MdNAC5A resulted in higher production of methionine and 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid compared to MdNAC5T, leading to reduced fruit firmness and accelerated ripening in apples and tomatoes. Furthermore, the activities of MdNAC5A and MdNAC5T were enhanced through their differential binding to the promoter regions of MdACS1 and MdERF3. Spatial variations in MdNAC5A and MdNAC5T caused changes in MdACS1 expression following their interaction with MdERF3. Ultimately, utilizing different MdNAC5 alleles offers a strategy to manipulate fruit firmness in apple breeding.

Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and correlation in advanced breeding lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) under heat stress condition

Abstract An experiment was conducted under normal (with six irrigation during crop period) and stressed condition during Rabi 2019 in All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Wheat, MARS, Dharwad, Karnataka with the view of assessing genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic advance in 104 F4 families of the cross HD2864 × DBW14. The progenies exhibited wide range of variation for all the traits indicating the presence of enough genetic variability in the material under study. Under timely sown condition, the traits like leaf waxyness, NDVI at different stages, SPAD at different stages, number of productive tillers per plant, seeds per spike, grain filling duration, spike length, thousand grains weight and seed set percentage showed high variability. The traits like plant height, canopy temperature at different stages and membrane stability index showed low variability. Under late sown condition, the traits like leaf waxyness, plant height, NDVI at different stages, SPAD at different stages, number of productive tillers per plant, seeds per spike, yield per plant, row bulk yield and seed set percentage showed high variability. The traits like days to maturity, spike length and membrane stability index showed low variability. The findings shows that all traits related to crop yield are positively linked, except for canopy temperature at different growth stages. Promising lines identified through Heat susceptibility index (HSI) and Heat tolerance index (HTI) can be utilized in future breeding programs to enhance crop productivity. Keywords: Variability, Coefficient of variation, Heritability, Genetic advance.

7892 Longitudinal Changes in Bone Microarchitecture and Strength in Girls with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract Disclosure: R. Dhaliwal: None. R.K. Saunders: None. M. Misra: None. M.L. Bouxsein: None. D.M. Mitchell: None. Introduction: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) confers an increased fracture risk, only partly explained by low areal bone mineral density (aBMD). We have previously shown in a cross-sectional study that bone microarchitecture is altered early in the course of T1D. The goal of this study is to evaluate how T1D influences longitudinal changes in volumetric BMD (vBMD) and microarchitecture. Methods: This is a 2-year prospective study of girls ages 10-16 years (62 with T1D and 59 controls). We used dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure aBMD, and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) at the distal radius (7% site) and tibia (8% site) to measure vBMD and microarchitecture. We used linear mixed models to assess the effects of T1D on change in bone parameters over time, adjusting for bone age as an index of skeletal maturity, height, lean mass index (LMI), and fat mass index (FMI). Results: At baseline, mean duration of disease in T1D was 4.8 ± 3.2 years, and mean HbA1c was 8.6 ± 1.4%. The groups did not differ by age, bone age, and height, while T1D participants had higher LMI (p&amp;lt;0.001) and borderline higher FMI (p=0.107). Linear growth, weight gain, and changes in body composition over time did not differ between groups. Growth-mediated aBMD gains were observed in both groups at the subtotal body, total hip, femoral neck, and spine. While adjusted aBMD as well as trabecular bone score were lower in T1D, we did not observe between-group differences in changes in these endpoints over time. In both groups, at the distal radius, we observed significant increases over time in total and cortical vBMD, cortical thickness, trabecular (Tb) thickness, and estimated failure load, while cortical porosity decreased. While several microarchitectural parameters were altered in T1D participants, we did not observe significant between-group differences in changes in these measures over time. Of note, trabecular development was subtly altered, with T1D participants demonstrating a borderline significant decrease in Tb vBMD (-14.3 ± 9.0 mg HA/cm3, p=0.112) and Tb number (-0.14 ± 0.07 mm-[1], p=0.057), while control participants had no change in Tb vBMD or number, but a significant increase in Tb thickness (5.8 ± 2.5 µm, p=0.018). At the distal tibia, we observed similar overall detrimental effects of T1D at baseline. However, we did not observe between-group differences in microarchitectural change over time. Glycemic control as measured by HbA1c was not associated with changes in skeletal parameters among T1D participants. Conclusions: T1D leads to substantially altered areal and volumetric BMD as well as microarchitectural parameters in girls. While our data suggest that much of this deficit appears to occur early in the course of disease as prospective change is similar in T1D and controls, subtle changes in trabecular bone development at the radius may indicate ongoing impairment of bone accrual. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Evaluating maturity indicators in stingless bee honey: The role of soluble solids over pot condition in harvesting standards

In stingless bee honey (SBH) harvesting, beekeepers often collect honey without accurately assessing its maturation stage, which can impact its physicochemical diversity. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of storage pot condition on SBH maturity by examining honey from open pots (OP) and closed pots (CP). It is commonly assumed that honey in OP is immature and honey in CP is mature. Our physicochemical analyses, including moisture content, soluble solids (°Brix), sugars, and aliphatic organic acids (AOA), tested this hypothesis. The findings revealed that 40 % of SBH samples from OP were mature, challenging the initial assumption. Furthermore, AOA analysis showed that gluconic, acetic, and lactic acids are predominant in SBH, but no direct correlation between AOA concentration and honey maturity was observed. Based on these results, we conclude that OP and CP are not reliable indicators of SBH maturity. This was a preliminary study, providing results that can be further investigated through the validation of the applied methodology and with a larger number of samples. Nevertheless, this study is an important step towards standardizing SBH and assisting producers during the harvest, ultimately optimizing the collection process. To standardize SBH maturity, we recommend using °Brix values, with values above 55 suggesting mature honey with a moisture content below 40 g 100 g⁻¹. Implementing °Brix measurements can improve harvesting practices, enhance honey quality, reduce bee stress, and increase both honey production and market availability.

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Effect of soy isoflavones on measures of estrogenicity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundDespite recommendations to increase plant food consumption for public and planetary health and the role that soy foods can play in plant-predominant diets, controversies around the effects of soy foods and especially soy isoflavones, are a barrier to their intake. Given their cardioprotective effects and ability to alleviate menopausal symptoms, addressing these concerns is particularly relevant to women. ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to determine the effect of soy isoflavones on measures of estrogenicity in postmenopausal women. MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched through August 2024 for randomized trials 3-months investigating soy isoflavones versus non-isoflavone controls in postmenopausal women. Outcomes included endometrial thickness (ET), vaginal maturation index (VMI), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol. Independent authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias. GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) was used to assess certainty of evidence. ResultsWe included 40 trials (52 trial comparisons, n=3285) assessing the effect of a median reported dose of 75mg/day of soy isoflavones in substitution for non-isoflavone controls over a median of 24 weeks. Soy isoflavones had no statistically significant effect on any measure of estrogenicity; ET (mean difference, -0.22mm [95% confidence interval, -0.45, 0.01mm], PMD=0.059), VMI (2.31 [-2.14, 6.75], PMD=0.310), FSH (-0.02IU/L [-2.39, 2.35IU/L], PMD=0.987), and estradiol (1.61pmol/L [-1.17, 4.38pmol/L], PMD=0.256). The certainty of evidence was high-to-moderate for all outcomes. ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests that soy isoflavones do not exhibit estrogenic effects compared to non-isoflavone controls on 4 measures of estrogenicity in postmenopausal women. This synthesis supports that soy isoflavones likely act as selective estrogen receptor modulators, differing clinically from the hormone estrogen. Addressing public health concerns may promote soy foods as high-quality plant protein sources with low environmental impact and cost, particularly benefiting postmenopausal women, and aligning with sustainable dietary patterns and guidelines. RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42023439239)

The maturity indicators of legalcompetence of the ship’scommand staff specialist at the higher maritime educational institution

The article depicts the indicators of reaching the maturity of legal competence during the training of military students at the maritime higher educational institution. The criteria of maturity of professional legal competence are defined for the would-be ship’s command staff specialists.

Geochemical Characteristics and Significance of Molecular Markers in the Paleogene-Neogene Crude Oils of the Northwest Qaidam Basin.

The western Qaidam Basin is rich in oil and gas resources, constituting over 90% of the total oil and gas resources in the whole basin. However, the regional distribution characteristics of molecular markers of crude oil and the petroleum system elements relevant to the distribution of oil and gas in the northwest Qaidam Basin are still unclear, which restricts further exploration of oil and gas reservoirs. A total of 38 crude oils were collected from the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag in the northwest Qaidam Basin and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The indicators of sedimentary environment, organic matter source, and thermal maturity show regular changes from the west to the east in the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag. The nC21 -/nC22 +, n(C21 + C22)/n(C28 + C29), and C27-C28-C29 regular sterane distribution characteristics indicate that the input proportion of lower aquatic organisms in source rocks (E3-N1) gradually increases, while the input proportion of terrigenous organic matter gradually decreases. The triaromatic dinosterane index (TDSI) and methyltriaromatic steroid index (MTDSI) indicate that the input proportion of dinoflagellates gradually increases. The gradual increase in the Pr/Ph ratio indicates a decrease in the reducibility of the sedimentary environment of source rocks. The gammacerane index (Ga/C30H) and methylated-2-methyltrimethyltride-cylchromans (MTTCs) indicate that the degree of stratification and salinity of water body gradually decrease. A total of 23 thermal maturity parameters indicate that crude oil is in a mature evolution stage, and the thermal maturity of crude oil increases with depth, indicating that there are the characteristics of hydrocarbon accumulation close to source rocks. The variation features of sedimentary environment, organic matter origin, and thermal maturity indicators from the west to the east in the Xiaoliangshan Sag and Mangya Sag are controlled by the sedimentary structure characteristics of the study area.

Maturity characterization and formation mechanisms of nano-scale anisotropic pyrobitumen based on atomic force microscopy (AFM)

Highly evolved pyrobitumen is an important and realistic object for maturity characterization of ancient and deeply buried organic matter, but measurement of its reflectance is challenging due to its strong optical anisotropy and nano-scale relief. Here we conducted a case study in the Sinian (Ediacaran) Dengying Formation of the Sichuan Basin, China. High-resolution, three-dimensional, morphological imaging by atomic force microscopy (AFM), laser Raman (LRM) spectroscopy, and reflectance studies were conducted on the reservoir pyrobitumen. Our results show that Young’s modulus and adhesion, which are mechanical maturity parameter, provides effective characterization of maturity. The increase in Young’s modulus of pyrobitumen lags that of the vitrinite, given that pyrobitumen is formed by oil cracking and is more hydrogen-rich than vitrinite. A quantitative relationship between Young’s modulus, adhesion and reflectance in bright and dark areas of pyrobitumen was established, which can be used for maturity characterization. The changes in Young’s modulus of the pyrobitumen is related to the condensation of organic matter and directional arrangement of microcrystals. Young’s modulus of organic matter is a robust mechanical maturity index at high organic matter maturity (Ro > 2.0 %), but it is important to pay attention to the influence of anisotropy. Compared to Young’s modulus, adhesion is less affected by anisotropy. The nano-mechanics such as Young’s modulus and adhesion will be new maturity indicator in addition to conventional optical and spectroscopic method. The nano-mechanical properties of organic matter are expected to be applied to maturity indicators and macerals classification in the field of organic petrology in the further research.

Разработка опросника «Шкала финансовой автономности личности» и его психометрическая проверка на группе предпенсионеров

Relevance: the issues of studying subjective qualities of the pre-retiree’s personality, including their financial autonomy, are of particular relevance due to economic instability and uncertainty. The present article is devoted to the problem of measuring financial autonomy in the situation of retirement planning which is one of the indicators of economic and psychological maturity of a person. The purpose of the work is to conduct a psychometric test of the original author’s questionnaire “Individual’s Financial Autonomy Scale” (T. V. Drobysheva, I. V. Larionov, S. V. Tarasov). Hypothesis: an individual’s financial autonomy scale has a one-dimensional structure and is associated with internal locus control and autonomy interpreted as the individual’s independence. Participants: 215 pre-retirees (from 45 to 63 years old) living in different regions of the Russian Federation including 108 women and 107 men, 49% are working and 51% are unemployed. Techniques (tools): subscale “Autonomy” of K. Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Well-Being (adapted by T. D. Shevelenkova, T. P. Fesenko), the Subjective Control Level Questionnaire (compiled by E. F. Bazhin, E. A. Golynkina, L. M. Etkind); the results were processed with the help of the software packages IBM SPSS.22.0, IBM AMOS 19.0, Jamovi 2.4.11. Results: the initial standardization of the questionnaire has been carried out. A check for normality and internal consistency has been performed. The study has evaluated the factor structure, discriminatory power and convergent validity of the questionnaire. The results show that the Individual’s Financial Autonomy Scale has a one-factor structure and is characterized by high indicators of psychometric reliability. Main conclusions: the Individual’s Financial Autonomy Scale is a reliable tool that measures financial autonomy as the ability of a person to manage their finances regardless of the opinions of others, to make appropriate decisions and to take responsibility for them, as well as to monitor their financial state. The study describes differences in the degree of autonomy in different groups of pre-retirees. The practical significance of the research is determined by the necessity to provide targeted assistance to pre-retirees in planning their retirement on the basis of the financial autonomy indicators measured with the scale.

Study on Maturity Indices and Effect of Growing Substrates on Seed Germination of Litsea glutinosa

Aim: Litsea glutinosa is a multipurpose, fast-growing tree widely exploited due to its multipurpose utilisation. Species reported low seed viability, hence generally propagated through vegetative methods. We studied the maturity indices of fruits and seeds to determine the optimal collection stage. Studied the effect of different growing substrates and Gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment on the germination percent (GP), mean germination time (MGT), germination value (GV), peak value (PV), and germination index (GI). Study Design: Study was conducted at Forest Tree Seed Laboratory, ICFRE-FRI. The change in fruit colour from green, dark brown purple, and dark blue stages was compared with the seed parameters, germination percent, mean germination time, germination value, etc. to obtain the most suitable stage for fruit and seed maturity. Seed germination experiment was conducted in Complete Randomized Design with four replications of 25 seeds for each treatment. Seeds were sown directly on different germination substrates, such as filter paper, sand, and vermiculite, without treatment and also with 0.05% GA3 pretreatment. Seeds were kept in the seed germinator at 25±1ºC with a 24-hour photoperiod and high relative humidity (RH &gt; 90%). Results: The highest germination rate was observed in vermiculite with GA3 soaking . i.e., 80±3.26%, followed by vermiculite 68±8.64%. The lowest germination percent of 5±4.08% was observed in seeds plated on filter paper with GA3 soaking. No germination was recorded in the seeds plated on the filter paper. Conclusion: Most suitable germination medium to maximise the germination of L. glutinosa seed is vermiculite. Furthermore, the pretreatment of seeds in GA3 (0.05%) for 24 hours and sowing in vermiculite improves overall performance with respect to GP, MGT, GV, PV, and GI. In the context of maturity indices, the dark blue stage with a moisture content of around 50% is the right stage for the collection of seeds of the species. This stage is characterised by high GP, GV, and low MGT values as compared to other growth stages.

Sensory and organoleptic assessment from the byproducts of mamoncillo or quenepa Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq: Alternative food processing and morpho-physiological characterization of the fruit

This research aims to analyze the morpho-physiological characteristics of ripe fruit and assess the feasibility and acceptability of agro-industrial byproducts derived from mamoncillo or quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus Jacq) fruit. In addition to this, it was considered to be the optimal harvest point, which begins at 69% of the Maturity Index. In addition, evaluations of the chemical and morphological characteristics were carried out. To gather analytical scales and calibrator data, the two ripeness phases were analyzed and compared, using the maturity index to establish the optimal harvest point. Ripe fruits have increased shell, juice, pulp, seed, length, width, and thickness than unripe fruits, with 69% maturity being best. Further, it is possible to use the pulp of Melicoccus bijugatus to make syrup, jam, or jelly among other things. For this reason, the hedonic test was conducted with panelists who had not received any prior training in order to ascertain the level of acceptance of these innovative products. The analyses showed that the highest rank given through the panelists by the hedonic test and ranks of taste was "P-2 Pattern-2" with an X = 55.5 (Rank) which is a substitute pattern "Lychee in syrup", the second-highest was X = 52 which is "T-1 Treatment i.e. Melicoccus bijugatus Jelly"' followed by "T-2 Treatment i.e. M. bijugatus in syrup" with X = 51 Rank. According to the findings of the statistical analysis, the various agro-industrial byproducts derived from Melicoccus bijugatus were positively received.

Gene expression associated with chlorophyll degradation and color transformation in a spontaneous bud mutation of navel orange

Color mutations on citrus skin are a common occurrence and can serve as indicators of fruit maturation in citrus. In this study, a new early maturing navel orange cultivar, Lei Zao 1 Hao (MT), was identified as a spontaneous bud mutation from the Leibo Navel Orange (WT). To assess the differences between these two cultivars, the coloration of the fruit, the sugar content, and the levels of acid were examined throughout the ripening process. The study findings revealed that over the course of the fruit's development, the external peel color progressively turned orange. MT exacerbated the decline in H° while increasing L*, a*, and b*, and the chlorophyll level of the MT peel was continuously lower than that of WT, which coincided with a decrease in chlorophylls a and b. Compared to WT, MT had higher expression levels of genes linked to chlorophyll degradation, including CitCLH, CitNYC1, CitPPH, CitPAO, CitCAB1, and CitCAB2. The elevated expression of these genes in MT may potentially be associated with the initial color transformation process. In addition, the MT accelerated the accumulation of TSS and total sugar, especially before the 189 DAF of ripening. In short, ‘Lei Zao 1 Hao’ is a new option of navel orange available with extremely early maturity and a higher sugar content.

Non-destructive estimation of flesh oil content in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) using fluorescence images from 365-nm UV light excitation.

The flesh oil content (OC) is a crucial commercial indicator of avocado maturity and directly correlates with its nutritional quality. To meet export standards and optimize edible characteristics, avocados must be harvested at the appropriate stage of physiological maturity. The significant variability in OC during maturation, without any external morphological indicators, poses a longstanding challenge. Currently, harvesting maturity is optimized through time-consuming, destructive laboratory methods like freeze-drying and chemical extraction, which use representative samples to estimate the maturity of entire orchards. In this study, for the first time, we employed fluorescence imaging of avocado skin using 365-nm UV polarized light excitation to estimate the OC in the 'Bacon' avocado cultivar. We developed a surface fluorescence index that strongly correlates with OC, achieving correlation coefficients up to -0.91. Our non-destructive and rapid approach achieved a cross-validation accuracy with an R2 value of 0.81, enabling the classification of avocados with low and high OC. This pioneering method shows considerable potential for further improvement and refinement. This study lays the groundwork for developing a portable, cost-effective, and real-time method for non-destructive in situ monitoring of avocado OC in the field and its integration into large-scale post-harvest grading systems.

Multivariate Analysis and Optimization Scheme of the Relationship between Leaf Nutrients and Fruit Quality in ‘Bingtang’ Sweet Orange Orchards

Citrus trees require a balanced and adequate supply of macronutrient and micronutrient elements for high yield and fruit quality. Foliar nutrient analysis has been widely used in fruit-tree nutrient diagnosis and fertilization calculation. However, there is no information on ways to produce optimal fruit quality in sweet oranges. In the present study, fruit and leaf samples were collected from 120 ‘Bingtang’ sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] orchards during four consecutive years (2019–2022). Parameters of leaf nutrition and fruit quality were analyzed based on these samples. Diagnostic results based on leaf classification standards indicated that the most deficient elements were Ca, Mg, and B, followed by N and Zn. Fruit quality, determined by single fruit weight (SFW), fruit shape index (FSI), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C (Vc), and maturation index (MI = TSS/TA) during fruit maturation, exhibited inconsistent responses to leaf mineral nutrition concentrations. The leaf-nutrient optimum values for high quality of the ‘Bingtang’ sweet orange fruit were ranges of 2.41–4.92% N, 0.10–0.28% P, 1.30–2.11% K, 2.99% Ca, 0.26–0.41% Mg, 340–640 mg/kg S, 89.65–127.46 mg/kg Fe, 13.48–51.93 mg/kg Mn, 2.60–13.84 mg/kg Cu, 15.59–51.48 mg/kg Zn, and 53.95 mg/kg for B. These results suggest the leaf-nutrient optimum values for diagnosis can be used not only to identify the nutrient constraints but also to provide guidance for the establishment of fertilization regimes in citrus cultivation.

BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF Ameivula nigrigula (SQUAMATA: TEIIDAE): FEEDING HABIT, SEXUAL DIMORPHISM, REPRODUCTION AND MATURATION OF FEMALES

Life history information plays a crucial role in comprehending the evolutionary processes that shape ecological patterns within species, but there is limited information available on the reproductive and other aspects of tropical Squamata. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of dietetic and morphometric data, specifically related to the size and sex determination of Ameivula nigrigula, aiming to investigate if there is sexual dimorphism and identify the onset of sexual maturity in female individuals. By thoroughly examining the stomach contents, we observed that the majority of specimens retain food remnants, with a prevalence of small prey items such as Hymenoptera and Isoptera. Our findings reveal a lack of sexual dimorphism in terms of body size, indicating that males and females possess similar dimensions and proportions. Moreover, our investigations suggest that different color patterns do not correspond to distinct stages of female development, as chromatic variations are observed in both juvenile and ovigerous females. Consequently, dorsal coloration may not serve as a reliable indicator of sexual maturity. The observed chromatic variation is likely a form of polymorphism within the population, lacking the potential to determine life stages. Furthermore, our examination of female fertility reveals the presence of one to two eggs per female, consistent with findings in other Teiidae species.

Neutrophil phenotype, effector functions and microbicidal activity in SARS-CoV-2-associated ARDS patients.

Critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for SARS-CoV-2-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are at increased risk of bacterial and fungal secondary pulmonary infections due to acquired immune dysfunction. Given that the activity of neutrophils has not been described in these patients, we aimed to investigate the function of neutrophils at ICU admission and on Day 7 (D7) post admission. Neutrophil maturation and several functional indicators were investigated. We detected a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species production at D7, but we did not observe any other significant alterations in neutrophil function. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar lavage obtained from patients displayed no inhibitory effect on the function of neutrophils from healthy donors. These findings indicate that patients admitted to the ICU for SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS do not acquire neutrophil dysfunction within the first week of their stay, which suggests that nosocomial infections among these patients are not due to acquired neutrophil dysfunctions.