Maturation Period Research Articles

RELATIONSHIP DISSOLUTION AND BIOLOGICAL AGING IN MID LIFE

Abstract Several decades of empirical research has shown that people who experience relationship dissolution—such as romantic breakups, divorce, and bereavement—have increased risk for poor health across a range of disease outcomes. However, it remains less clear which physiological pathways might best explain links between relationship dissolution and later health. One candidate mechanism that might help explain this wide range of observed health outcomes is accelerated biological aging, which is theorized to represent a common cause of age-related chronic diseases, disability, and early mortality. The current study examined whether relationship dissolution, measured across a 20-year period of adulthood, was associated with biological age in midlife using participants (n = 910) from the Dunedin Study, a birth cohort assessed over four decades of life. Relationship dissolution was assessed using a count of romantic breakups from age 26 until age 44 from life history calendars. Biological aging was assessed using a midlife aging factor derived from four validated measures of aging—the Pace of Aging, gait speed, BrainAGE, and facial age—assessed at age 45. We found that people with more breakups in adulthood had more advanced biological age in midlife, β = 0.10, 95% CI [0.04, 0.16], p = .003. This association remained when controlling for adversity and poor health in childhood, as well as disadvantaged socioeconomic origins and time spent in romantic relationships, β = 0.09, 95% CI [0.03, 0.15], p = .007. The results suggest accelerated aging may be one physiological mechanism linking relationship dissolution to poor health.

MARITAL TRANSITIONS IN MID AND LATE LIFE

Abstract Marital transitions are common in mid and late life, yet little is known about what makes some middle aged and older adults thrive and others experience hardship through these transitions. This symposium will discuss antecedents, consequences, and moderators of adjustment to marital transitions in mid to late life. Monin and colleagues will address antecedents of divorce/separation, presenting results from a case control study showing that later stage dementia is associated with a lower likelihood of divorce/separation, and certain neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with a greater likelihood of divorce/separation. In terms of consequences of relationship dissolution, Bourassa and colleagues will present findings from a study across a 20-year period of adulthood, showing that people with more breakups in adulthood have more advanced biological age in midlife. Two studies will discuss moderators of associations between relationship transitions and well-being. Carr and Choi will discuss the experiences of childless older adults who become widowed or divorced, and whether they suffer poorer mental health than their peers with children. They will show that childless widowed men and divorced men who lost a child to death have dramatically higher levels of social loneliness, relative to other men. Finally, Scheffer and colleagues will talk about the transition out of dementia spousal caregiving. They will present findings indicating that although caregivers’ emotional well-being and energy improves from moving from being an active caregiver to moving out of the caregiving role, those with lower household income had worse outcomes after caregiving ended.

Saudi Foreign Policy Over Three Centuries: A Study of Constants

Abstract This paper aims to study Saudi foreign policy since the beginning of Saudi contact with the outside world during the 18th century, to determine the degree of continuity and change therein and to see if there was a pattern or patterns that distinguished it, despite the changes in the internal and external contexts, the different personalities involved, the growth of capabilities, as well as the difference in challenges. To accomplish this, the goals and determinants of Saudi foreign policy are presented as well as the most significant writings on the subject in order to assess the conclusions reached. Emphasis is placed on reading the features of Saudi foreign policy during the period following the unification of the Kingdom, since it is the longest time span and the most diverse and mature period.

Analysis of Height Growth Suggests Moderate Growth of Tilia cordata and Acer platanoides at the Native Hemiboreal Stands in Latvia

In the Eastern Baltics, climatic changes are expected to alter forest composition favouring broadleaved species. The height growth of trees influences the productivity of stands and the competitiveness of species, particularly in mixed sites, thus emphasising the necessity for accurate projections. Accordingly, height models are paramount for projecting productivity and yields of stands. As tree height growth dynamics vary regionally, regional or even local models are needed. Based upon 214 National Forest Inventory plots and 510 individual canopy trees, dominant height growth for small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) in Latvia were analysed. Height growth was modelled using a generalised algebraic difference approach, testing several non-linear equations. The Sloboda (for lime) and Hossfeld I (for maple) models showed the best fit and were the most realistic, predicting slower initial and middle-age (maturing period) growth, yet also displayed higher asymptotes compared to Western Europe. The predicted height at the age of 80 years was 14–33 m and 13–34 m for lime and maple, accordingly. A longer establishment period and later growth culmination suggest longer rotation, highlighting the assessment of long-term risks. In this case, supplementation of the models with climatic effects appears advantageous.

Quarterlife Crisis in Batak Women Entering the Emerging Adulthood Period: and What is the Role of Self-Concept and Social Support in It?

Quarterlife crisis is a phenomenon that makes an individual confused about how to live their life in the future. Confused about fulfilling his developmental duties. A quarterlife crisis can cause a variety of stresses and anxieties including worries about career achievements, financial opportunities, increased competition between members of a group, the rise of psychological issues, and fear of relationships. This causes stress, anxiety, and even depression. There are feelings of anxiety, pessimism, low self-esteem, helplessness. This study aims to determine the influence of self-concept on quarterlife crisis moderated by social support for Batak women entering the emerging adulthood. This research used the quantitative method. This study involved 272 Batak women entering the emerging adulthood. The measuring instruments used in this research are quarterlife crisis, self-concept, and social support scale. Data in this research were analyzed using simple regression analysis and moderated regression analysis methods. The result show that self-concept has a negative and significant effect on the quarterlife crisis among Batak women entering the emerging adulthood the value is -572 with significant .000. This means that higher the self-concept, than lowest the quarterlife crisis among Batak women entering the emerging adulthood. The second result is social support moderated the effect of self-concept on the quarterlife crisis the significant is .047. This means that social support strengthens or weakens the influence of self-concept on quarterlife crisis.Quarterlife crisis adalah fenomena yang membuat seorang individu mengalami kebingungan untuk menjalani kehidupannya ke depan. Bingung untuk memenuhi tugas perkembangannya. Adanya tekanan dan kecemasan meliputi peluang finansial, kebimbangan atas pencapaian karier, meningkatnya persaingan antar anggota dalam suatu kelompok, maraknya isu-isu psikologi, serta ketakutan menjalin hubungan merupakan dampak yang akan dirasakan pada saat seorang individu mengalami quarterlife crisis. Hal ini menimbulkan respons stres, cemas, bahkan depresi. Pada saat mengalami quarterlife crisis akan muncul perasaan gelisah, pesimis, rendah diri dan tak berdaya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh konsep diri terhadap quarterlife crisis dimoderasi oleh dukungan sosial pada wanita suku Batak yang menginjak masa emerging adulthood. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif. Penelitian ini melibatkan 272 wanita suku Batak yang menginjak masa emerging adulthood. Skala quarterlife crisis, konsep diri dan dukungan sosial merupakan alat ukur yang digunakan pada penelitian ini. Data dalam penelitian ini dianalisis dengan menggunakan regresi sederhana dan regresi moderasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konsep diri berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap quarterlife crisis pada wanita suku Batak yang menginjak masa emerging adulthood nilainya adalah -572 dengan signifikansi .000. Ini berarti semakin tinggi konsep diri maka semakin rendah quarterlife crisis pada wanita suku Batak yang menginjak masa emerging adulthood. Hasil kedua adalah dukungan sosial memoderasi pengaruh konsep diri terhadap quarterlife crisis dengan nilai signifikansi .047 Artinya dukungan sosial memperkuat atau memperlemah pengaruh konsep diri terhadap quarterlife crisis.

Apple trees varieties of VNIISPK selection in production

The creation and improvement of adaptive apple assortment for industrial gardening in the Central zone of Russia is the main goal of the continuous work of breeders and specialists of related specialties of VNIISPK. A group of apple cultivars of various maturation periods has been created for both industrial gardening and amateur household farms. These apple cultivars are characterized by high adaptability to abiotic and biotic environmental factors, suitability for modern industrial production; they have attractive fruits with excellent taste and high content of biologically active substances. Fifteen VNIISPK cultivars are immune to scab along with a complex of economically valuable traits. The presence of the gene of immunity to scab in cultivars leads to a decrease in the fungicidal load in the orchard and, as a consequence, to the ecologization of fruit products. Nineteen VNIISPK apple cultivars are triploid. This biological feature is of great economic importance. Triploid cultivars are characterized by high-quality fruits, more regular fruiting and high yield. Seven triploid cultivars are also immune to scab, which increases their value. The share of apple cultivars of our breeding recommended for the Central Chernozem region is 44%, and for the Central region - 23% of the total apple assortment. Our apple cultivars not only satisfy the traditional tastes of the population, but are also characterized by a complex of biological and economically valuable features that allow them to be successfully introduced into intensive orchards, thereby playing an important role in solving the problem of import substitution of fruit products and year-round provision of fresh apples to the population. In many areas of the Central and Central Chernozem regions of Russia, the orchards are planted with VNIISPK cultivars. In Altukhovo LLC, Tula region, these orchards occupy 540 hectares. The average level of profitability of cultivation of 6 cultivars of VNIISPK breeding in this farm has amounted to 72.8% over the past five years. In the joint-stock company "Dubovoye" (Tambov region), the total area with our apple cultivars is 167.2 hectares with a profitability of 73.7%. In the “Komsomolets” stud farm (Tambov region), the average level of profitability for three VNIISPK cultivars occupying 48 hectares has amounted to 125.7% over the past five years.&

Study of elite forms of kamchatka honeysuckle (Lonicera kamtschatika) to create a variety with a high level of economically valuable traits

The article presents the results of the primary variety study of elite forms of Kamchatka honeysuckle for the period 2019-2022. Breeding in the Kamchatka region is built on the search and accumulation of sources of genetically valuable wild forms of Kamchatka honeysuckle (Lonicera kamtschatika), as well as the improvement of source material for creating new varieties with high parameters of characteristics: winter-hardy, with different maturation periods, early-fruiting, productive, large-fruited, dessert taste. The purpose of our research was to create promising elite forms of honeysuckle - candidates for varieties with more breeding-valuable economically valuable traits for introduction into amateur horticulture in Kamchatka region. The following tasks were solved by the method of analytical breeding: to identify the regularities of the phenological phases of development and biological features of wild-growing forms of honeysuckle; to study the source material according to the characteristics: winter hardiness, general condition, early fruitfulness, yield; to evaluate the taste, biochemical parameters and weight of berries; to select the best forms for creating new varieties with a complex of valuable properties. The studies made it possible to identify the most significant and valuable elite forms from the genetic resources of wild-growing forms of Kamchatka honeysuckle - varieties that will optimize the regional assortment, and their valuable features will ensure an increase in the efficiency of the breeding process. The selected promising elite forms 1-5 (conditional name of the variety - Malka), 1-20 (conditional name of the variety - Vilyuyka), 31-35 (conditional name of the variety - Ganalochka) are candidates for cultivars and are characterized by a high degree of winter hardiness, early and medium early maturity, productivity exceeding the standard by 31.6, 38.8, 18.4%, large (1.1-1.3 g), with a pleasant dessert taste, attractive berries with various shapes, a slight dry separation without tearing the skin, with a content of sugars from 8.5 to 7.2%, ascorbic acid from 46.09 to 50.85 mg%, dry matter from 14.4 to 15.3%, acidity from 1.8 to 2.1%.

Papirovka tetraploid is a source for summer triploid apple trees creation

Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding (VNIISPK) is the oldest breeding and pomological institution of Russia and one of the main suppliers of new apple cultivars in Central Russia. To date, the Institute has created and included in the State Register 56 apple cultivars of different maturation periods for the conditions of the Middle zone of Russia. In addition, our Institute took part in the creation of a number of cultivars for the North Caucasus. We have numerously drawn attention to the value of apple varieties of folk selection in creating adaptive, competitive cultivars. In this paper we tried to show the role of the tetraploid form of Papirovka of folk selection in the creation of new summer triploid cultivars with more regular fruiting and more marketable fruits. 20 cultivars have been created with the participation of the varieties of folk selection, including six cultivars with the participation of Antonovka Krasnobochka: Zarianka, Orlovsky Pioner, Pamyat Isaeva, Patriot, Svezhest and Slavyanin; five cultivars with the participation of tetraploid Papirovka: Avgusta, Dariona, Maslovskoye, Osipovskoye and Yablochny Spas; five cultivars with the participation of folk variety Antonovka Obyknovennaya widely distributed in the central part of Russia: Zdorovie, Imrus, Morozovskoye, Orlovim and Pamyat Voinu; three cultivars with the participation of Skryzhapel: Bolotovskoye, Vavilovskoye and Nizkorosloye; Ranneye Aloye with the participation of Papirovka (diploid). Of particular interest, in our opinion, are the summer triploid cultivars obtained with the participation of the variety of folk selection Papirovka tetraploid.

Unraveling the dynamics and identifying the “superstars” of R&D alliances in IUR collaboration: a two-mode network analysis in China

The collaborations between industry, university, and research institutes have become more relevant with the trend of knowledge commercialization, while whether there exists a “superstar” in R&D alliance networks, who played a key role in the diffusion and transfer of technology and knowledge, remains unexplored. Based on R&D activities information of joint patents in China, this study applied two-mode network analysis to understand the R&D alliance network of the industry-university-research institute (IUR) collaboration. Three types of networks, collaboration networks, knowledge networks, and inter-organizational technology networks among IUR are developed, and their evolution process is analyzed at different levels, including overall structure, individual characteristics, and temporal evolution among IUR. The results show that no permanent superstar is being the dominant position. Distinct modes have been emerging in different periods: in the formation period, the mode is U-R, I-U, U, R, I; in the growth period, the mode is I-R, I-U, I-U-R; in the mature period, the mode is I-U-R. In addition, different technology classes were aggregated in different periods. This paper attempts to provide countermeasures and recommendations for enterprises, universities, and research institutions to enable the success of their collaborations.

God, space and the Spirit of Nature: Morean trialism revisited

ABSTRACT In my paper, I dispute Christian Hengstermann’s analysis of More’s philosophical system as a form of panentheistic panpsychism in which matter is alive by virtue of being the last emanation from God. I show that, in his mature period, More explicitly rejected such an emanationist doctrine and attributed the non-mechanical powers of matter to an outside immaterial principle, the Spirit of Nature. Ultimately, this leads to a system in which divine space, the Spirit of Nature and the spirit of God are representations of various aspects of the divine essence, as it is at work in the world. On the other hand, matter is not part of this triadic structure and can only be said to be alive at the cost of a rather counterintuitive redefinition of the notion of “life”.

Estimation of wheat kernel moisture content based on hyperspectral reflectance and satellite multispectral imagery

The wheat kernel moisture content (KMC) plays a pivotal role in determining the quality, storage viability, and economic profitability of wheat. Monitoring wheat KMC in-field before harvest provides decision-making information to ensure harvested wheat meeting trade standards. The study aims to expand the feasibility of spectroscopy to estimate wheat KMC at multi-scales. In addition to using ground hyperspectral reflectance for single-point measurement of wheat KMC, satellite multispectral images were also utilized to monitor the field distribution of wheat KMC on large-scale. For each estimation task, we extracted sensitive spectral features and compared the accuracy of three machine learning methods including Ridge, Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Random Forest Regression (RFR). We also adopted Two-stage Tradaboost.R2 to address the issue of uneven distribution of samples corresponding to satellite imagery. Experimental results showed that, based on optimized spectral features, the R2 of RFR model outperformed other machine learning models (Ridge and SVR) for wheat KMC estimation (R2 > 0.85). Among all spectral features, the B5 band and PSRI vegetation index from PlanetScope satellite, as well as the B11, and B12 bands and VARI vegetation index from Sentinel-2, proved to be effective features for wheat KMC estimation. Moreover, the incorporation of hyperspectral reflectance and multispectral imagery can improve the estimation accuracy on large-scale through the transfer learning algorithm of Two-stage Tradaboost.R2. Leveraging its superior temporal and spatial resolution, PS imagery emerges as an ideal data source for monitoring rapid fluctuations in wheat KMC during the physiological maturity period, which enabled a multi-day wheat KMC simulation. Overall, This study contributes a reliable and convenient spectroscopy tool for wheat KMC estimation for multi-scenes, offering scientific insights to support agricultural water management and wheat quality.

Accelerating sexual maturation of male Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) fruit flies by adding two juvenile hormone analogues.

Improving the mating competitiveness and survival of sterile males are direct means to increase the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). Some insecticide growth regulators, such as the juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) methoprene, have been used to improve the mating competitiveness of male tephritid flies by reducing their sexual maturation period. However, the application of methoprene reduces fly resistance to stress and decreases survival. Here, we compared the effects of methoprene and pyriproxyfen (PPF), another JHA, in Anastrepha ludens males. PPF is an insect growth regulator that exhibits higher negative effects on the larval molting process than methoprene or natural juvenile hormone. Both compounds were administered at two doses (0.05% and 0.10%) via the male diet immediately after emergence. Our results show that both PPF and methoprene reduced male sexual maturation. However, PPF-treated males exhibited a shorter maturation period and obtained more matings at a given age than methoprene-treated males. No significant differences were observed between the two PPF doses tested (0.05% and 0.10%). Male survival was equally reduced by the two compounds. Our results demonstrate that PPF accelerated sexual development without reducing the mating propensity of sterile male flies and can be used as a suitable alternative for methoprene. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Flowering time regulator qFT13-3 involved in soybean adaptation to high latitudes.

Soybean is a short-day plant that typically flowers earlier when exposed to short-day conditions. However, the identification of genes associated with earlier flowering time but without a yield penalty is rare. In this study, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using two re-sequencing datasets that included 113 wild soybeans (G. soja) and 1192 cultivated soybeans (G. max), respectively, and simultaneously identified a candidate flowering gene, qFT13-3, which encodes a protein homologous to the pseudo-response regulator (PRR) transcription factor. We identified four major haplotypes of qFT13-3 in the natural population, with haplotype H4 (qFT13-3H4) being lost during domestication, while qFT13-3H1 underwent natural and artificial selection, increasing in proportion from 4.5% in G. soja to 43.8% in landrace and to 81.9% in improve cultivars. Notably, most cultivars harbouring qFT13-3H1 were located in high-latitude regions. Knockout of qFT13-3 accelerated flowering and maturity time under long-day conditions, indicating that qFT13-3 functions as a flowering inhibitor. Our results also showed that qFT13-3 directly downregulates the expression of GmELF3b-2 which is a component of the circadian clock evening complex. Field trials revealed that the qft13-3 mutants shorten the maturity period by 11 days without a concomitant penalty on yield. Collectively, qFT13-3 can be utilized for the breeding of high-yield cultivars with a short maturity time suitable for high latitudes.

Bazı Ekmeklik ve Makarnalık Buğday Çeşitlerinde Sarı Pas Hastalığının Fenolojik Dönemlere göre Hastalık-Verim İlişkisinin Çok Bantlı (Hiperspektral) Veriler Kullanılarak Araştırılması

The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of yellow rust in different phenological periods by 
 subjecting bread (Bayraktar 2000, Demir 2000, Eser and Kenanbey) and durum (Çeşit-1252, Eminbey, Kızıltan 91 and Mirzabey 2000) wheat varieties to different spore doses (0%, 25%, 50% and 100%) under controlled epidemic conditions. The research was conducted in Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey during the 2018-2019 growing season. In the study, the morphological changes in yellow rust severity were determined at different phenological developmental stages of the test materials with the reflectance values obtained by using handheld spectroradiometer in different spore dose applications during the period from tillering to stalk emergence. These reflectance values were converted into vegetation index values expressed by mathematical formulae and used in determining yield estimates. Considering the results obtained, it was determined that the spectral indices calculated especially in the early flowering period (25 May 2019, Feekes 10.5.1) were effective in yield estimation for all bread varieties except Kenanbey variety (15 June 2019, Feekes 10.5.4). It was determined that the spectral band region of 25 May 2019 (Feekes 10.5.1), which includes all indices determined to predict yield in all bread and durum varieties and which is the beginning of flowering, was effective. In grain yield estimation, it was determined that there was a decrease in the correlation values of the spectral indices starting from the early flowering period (Feekes 10.5.1) towards the grain setting period (Feekes 10.5.3) and milk maturity period 
 (Feekes 10.5.4). When the correlations between these index values and yield values were examined, it was 
 determined that prominent phenological periods and high correlation indices could be calculated for these periods. Nowadays, with the use of optical sensor technology instead of traditional disease surveillance methods, the way has paved the way for the development of new approaches for early, fast and accurate yield estimation as a result of the verification of images taken by unmanned aerial vehicles on which multispectral and hyperspectral cameras are located with ground data using artificial intelligence and deep learning techniques.

Characterization of MicroRNA expression profiles in the ovarian tissue of goats during the sexual maturity period

BackgroundThe ovary is an important reproductive organ in mammals, and its development directly affects the sexual maturity and reproductive capacity of individuals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as regulators of reproductive physiological processes in various animals and have been shown to regulate ovarian development through typical targeting and translational repression. However, little is known about the regulatory role of miRNAs in ovarian tissue development during sexual maturity in goats. To comprehensively profile the different physiological stages of sexual maturation in goats, we performed small-RNA sequencing of ovarian tissue samples collected at four specific time points (1 day after birth (D1), 2 months old (M2), 4 months old (M4), and 6 months old (M6)). In addition, we used ELISAs to measure serum levels of reproductive hormones to study their temporal changes.ResultsThe results showed that serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin were lower in goats at the D1 stage than at the other three developmental stages (P < 0.05). The secretion patterns of these seven hormones show a similar trend, with hormone levels reaching their peaks at 4 months of age. A total of 667 miRNAs were detected in 20 libraries, and 254 differentially expressed miRNAs and 3 groups of miRNA clusters that had unique expression patterns were identified (|log2-fold change|> 1, FDR < 0.05) in the 6 comparison groups. RT‒qPCR was employed to confirm that the expression pattern of the 15 selected miRNAs was consistent with the Illumina sequencing results. Gene ontology analyses revealed significant enrichment of GO terms such as cell proliferation regulation, epithelial cell development, and amino acid transport, as well as important signaling pathways including the MAPK signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the oestrogen signaling pathway. Further miRNA‒mRNA regulation network analysis revealed that 8 differentially expressed miRNAs (chi-miR-1343, chi-miR-328-3p, chi-miR-877-3p, chi-miR-296-3p, chi-miR-128-5p, chi-miR-331-3p, chi-miR-342-5p and chi-miR-34a) have important regulatory roles in ovarian cell proliferation, hormone secretion and metabolism-related biological processes.ConclusionsOverall, our study investigated the changes in serum hormone and miRNA levels in the ovaries. These data provide a valuable resource for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in ovarian tissue during the sexual maturity period in goats.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN UNSUR HARA PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR DARI KOTORAN SAPI DAN DAUN Pueraria javanica

Cow dung and leaves of Pueraria javanica are organic wastes that highly available and content nutrients. Generally, there is a lot of Pueraria javanica’s leaf waste in oil palm plantations that will have mature period. Both of these wastes could be used as liquid organic fertilizer that has advantage of being easier to apply and could be watered at the same time. It will also more profitable when the application doing in the dry season. The purpose of this study are to obtain alternative organic waste and determine the nutrient content of the best liquid organic fertilizer. This research conducted at PT Rea Kaltim, East Kalimantan, from May to September 2022. This research used a descriptive method consisting of observation, literature study and interviews. Liquid organic fertilizer treatment consisted of 4 mixtures, there are P0 (1 kg of cow dung + 0 kg of Pueraria javanica), P1 (1 kg + 0,25), P2 (1 kg + 0,5 kg), P3 (1 kg + 0,75 kg), and P4 (1 kg + 1 kg). The result of research showed that cow dung and Pueraria javanica could be used as alternative organic materials for the manufacture of liquid organic fertilizer. Based on the results of analysis, the best nutrient content in liquid organic fertilizer was found in the treatment of 1 kg of cow manure and 1 kg of Pueraria javanica with 0,21% nitrogen, 0,12% phosphorus and 0,20% potassium.

Participatory On-Farm Evaluation of Improved Groundnut Genotypes in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

The on-farm mother–baby trial experimental approach was employed to evaluate the performance of elite groundnut genotypes on farmers’ fields in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana in the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. Analysis of the data from the mother trial revealed significant (p &lt; 0.05) genotypic differences for the traits measured over the two years. The genotype ICGV-IS 13842 reached physiological maturity in 88 days and was identified as the genotype with the shortest maturity period. However, in terms of pod yield and its associated components, genotype ICGV-IS 13864 emerged as the best from the mother trial. During farmer evaluation of the materials, genotype ICGV-IS 13979 was selected as the most preferred in addition to genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090. The genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090 were observed to combine both high pod yield and high haulm yield. These two traits were identified as very important by the farmers who participated in the study as the haulms serve as fodder for their animals and fetch additional household income when sold with the pods harvested. The preference for genotype ICGV-IS 13842, an early maturing genotype, can be seen as an indication of farmers responding to the changing growing season due to erratic rainfall. However, if genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090 are combined with some water management practices in the future, they could potentially withstand the changing growing season. Economic analysis showed that the improved genotypes had a greater net return on investment and higher cost–benefit ratio ranging from 2.74 to 4.84 across both years.

Ketamine causes poor maternal care in rats with postpartum depression and leads to few behavioral and neurochemical alterations on male offspring

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that also has antidepressant properties, with quick action. Despite the great number of studies showing its effectiveness as a treatment for major depression, there is little information about its effects on postpartum depression, as pharmacological treatments bring risks to the health of both mother and child. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of prolonged treatment with subanesthetic doses of ketamine in a rat model of postpartum depression. Female dams were induced to postpartum depression by the maternal separation model from lactating day (LD) 2–12. They were divided into four groups: one control and three experimental groups, which were treated with different doses of ketamine (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) from LD 2–21 i.p. Maternal studies were conducted from LD5 to LD21 and the offspring studies from postnatal day 2 through 90. Ketamine causes poor maternal care, with few neurochemical alterations. However, the highest dose used in this study had an antidepressant effect. Regarding the male offspring, indirect exposure to ketamine through breast milk caused few behavioral changes during infancy, but they were not permanent, as they faded in adulthood. Nevertheless, this exposure was able to cause alterations in their monoaminergic neurotransmission systems that were found in both infancy and adulthood periods.

Climatological variables and their influence on the quality of Vitis vinifera grapes in Dom Pedrito, region of Campanha, Brazil

The climatic aspects influence the physicochemical characteristics of the grapes, interfering in the quality of the grapes, mainly in the period of cluster maturation. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of climatic conditions and climatological variables, correlating with the physicochemical quality of viniferas Chardonnay and Tannat, from the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 harvests, to evaluate a possible interference in the composition of these grapes, and consequently, in the wines to be produced, in the municipality of Dom Pedrito, Region of the Campanha. The Chardonnay and Tannat grapes were harvested at the stage of full maturation, and then physicochemical analysis were carried out to assess the quality of the must: SS (°Babo, °Brix), pH, Total acidity, Sugar and Probable alcohol. Climate data were collected 90 days before the date of harvest, for each cultivar, these being maximum, average and minimum temperatures and precipitation for each day. All DeltaT correlated positively with °Babo, °Brix and sugar for Chardonnay. As a negative correlation, P30 and minimum temperatures influenced the sugar contents. Delta6030 was negatively correlated with total acidity. For Tannat, all the variables linked to the sugar content in the grapes were positively correlated with the pH and the Tmed30. P9060 correlated positively with all sugar-related variables. Tmin9060 was negatively correlated with sugar content. Total acidity correlated positively with Tmax6030 and Tmax9060. The weather conditions when related to the cultivation of viniferas grapes directly influence the quality of the grapes.

Changes in glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase 2 during rat physiological and pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

BackgroundPhysiological and pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy are important pathophysiological processes of adult congenital heart disease-associated ventricular hypertrophy. Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) is a vital marker of myocardial injury. This study aimed to investigate the changes in GOT levels during physiological and pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in rats.MethodsRNA-seq analysis and colorimetric methods were used to evaluate the changes in GOT mRNA and activity, respectively. GOT2 protein expression was detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Hematoxylin-eosin and wheat germ agglutinin methods were used to observe changes in rat cardiomyocyte morphology.ResultsIn juvenile rat hearts, GOT mRNA expression and activity, and GOT2 protein level increased with age-related physiological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy; however, GOT2 protein level was reduced in hypoxia-induced pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.ConclusionsGOT2 may regulate physiological and pathological myocardial hypertrophy in rats. We speculated that the low GOT2 level contributed to the rapid occurrence of pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, causing strong plasticity of right ventricular cardiomyocytes in the early postnatal period and heart failure in adulthood.