Physiological Maturity Research Articles

Quality of coffee dried on suspended terrace with different layers

Seeking to improve the final quality of coffee, producers began to improve and innovate in all stages of this segment to meet the demanding market. Hence, this study evaluated the physicochemical and sensory quality of dried unripe, cherry and over-ripe coffee cherries on suspended terraces in different layers. The experiment involved drying coffee in all layers of the suspended terraces, consisting of seven treatments and four replications as follows: T1– concrete terrace; T2 – conventional “single-layer” suspended terrace; T3 – first layer “suspended terrace with two layers”; T4 – second layer “suspended terrace with two layers”; T5 – first layer “suspended terrace with three layers”; T6 – second layer “suspended terrace with three layers”; and T7 – third layer “suspended terrace with three layers.” All treatments used identical samples composed of a mixture of coffee cherries in the three different physiological maturation stages (unripe, cherry and over-ripe). Percentage of each stage was evaluated in a one-liter container with coffee. Physicochemical and sensory quality of unripe, cherry and overripe coffees is influenced by the terrace structure. Treatments T5 and T6, represented by the first layer “suspended terrace with three layers” and second layer “suspended terrace with three layers,” presented the best results for the beneficial fermentation caused by the terrace structure, providing a more shaded environment and resulting in desirable sensory attributes.

Unveiling the influences of P fertilization on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in grains of four sorghum cultivars.

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient in agriculture, influencing plant growth and nutritional quality. This study, uniquely designed to investigate the effects of phosphorus (P) fertilization levels, sorghum cultivars, and growing locations on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in sorghum grains, employed four sorghum cultivars (Hakeka, P954063, Tabat, and Tetron) grown under three P levels (0P, 1P, 2P) in two locations (Gezira and White Nile) in Sudan. In this study, four sorghum cultivars were grown in two distinct locations in Sudan, employing a split-plot design with three (P) fertilization levels. P was applied as triple super phosphate directly with the seeds, and additional fertilization included urea applied in two split doses. At physiological maturity, representative sorghum panicles were harvested, processed, and analyzed for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities using standard extraction and quantification techniques such as Folin-Ciocalteu for phenolics and colorimetric flavonoid assays. Antioxidant activities were assessed through various assays, including DPPH and FRAP. Statistical analyses were performed using a three-way ANOVA to examine the effects of cultivar, P level, and location on the measured parameters, supplemented by multivariate analysis to further elucidate the interactions between these factors. Significant interactions (p<0.001) were observed among cultivars, P levels, and locations for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), carotenoids, tannins, and various antioxidant activity measures (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, TRP, H2O2). P fertilization significantly increased all measured phytochemicals and antioxidant activities compared to non-treated cultivars, except for H2O2, which decreased with P application. Among cultivars, Hakeka consistently exhibited the highest TFC, carotenoid content, and antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP, TRP, ABTS), particularly at the 2P level. P954063 showed the highest TPC and tannin concentrations. Tetron generally had the lowest phytochemical and antioxidant levels. White Nile showed higher TPC, carotenoids, DPPH, FRAP, TRP, and ABTS levels, while Gezira had higher TFC, tannins, and H2O2 concentrations. The impact of phosphorus fertilization often varies between locations. Strong positive correlations were found between TPC and all antioxidant assays (r = 0.68-0.90) and total carotenoids and antioxidant activities (r = 0.73-0.93). This study recommended cultivating the Tabat variety with 2P doses in Gezira. In addition, the Hakeka cultivar showed the highest increases in total flavonoid content, carotenoids, and antioxidant activities, particularly under the highest P level (2P). The findings highlight that P plays a critical role in enhancing sorghum's nutritional and health-promoting qualities, which are essential for leveraging this staple crop for food and nutrition security strategies in semi-arid regions.

Performance of bread wheat advanced lines under late sowing and hydric stress during the crop season 2020-2021

Thirty four advanced bread wheat lines and cultivar Borlaug 100 were sown on January 15 and 30, 2021, at the Norman E. Borlaug Experimental Station, in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora, México. Plots consisted of 1 bed 2 m long with two rows and 0.80 m apart with two replications, and a seed density of 100 kg ha-1 with two complementary irrigations. Average daily temperature (°C), maximum, minimum, relative humidity, rainfall, heat and cold units were recorded from January 1 to May 15, 2021. The average days for heading of the group was 69 for the first sowing date and 66 for the second one, while days for physiological maturity were 99 and 90, respectively. The average plant height of the group for the first date was 97.5 cm and 94 for the second one; the sister line SOKOLL/5/W15.92/4/PASTOR//HXL7573/2*BAU/3/ WBLL1/6/SOKOLL/3/PASTOR//HXL7573/2*BAU (PTSS12SHB00020T-0TOPB-099Y-099B-25Y-020Y-0B) consistently reached the maximum height with 107.5 and 110 cm in each date, respectively. The average grain yield per plot was 294 g; line BAJ #1*2/4/BETTY/3/CHEN/AE.SQ//2*OPATA showed the highest yield with 345.4 g which was above 4.3 t ha-1, followed by SOKOLL/3/PASTOR//HXL7573/2*BAU/4/ASTREB/5/PIHA//WORRAKATTA/2*PASTOR /3/PRL/2*PASTOR, also above 4.3 t ha-1. The average hourly temperature was 18.4 °C with a maximum of 40.8 °C and a minimum of 3.9 °C, and the number of heat and cold units was 203 and 393, respectively.

Effects of Weather Conditions on Pod Yield in Groundnut Varieties

Experiments were conducted at the Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the Summer of 2015 and 2016 with four varieties of groundnut (GG-2, GG-20, GJG-31 and TG-26) sown on three different dates to study the effect of weather parameters and agrometeorological indices on pod yield of groundnut. The results of the present investigation indicated that pod yield of groundnut was negatively correlated with maximum, minimum and mean temperature during most of the phenophases except P9 (pod maturity to physiological maturity), where the mean temperature has varied between 32.70C to 35.10C during pod maturity to physiological maturity. In our experiment, we have found that more than 33.90C is required for adequate seed development, resulting in higher test weight and higher pod yield. Agrometeorological indices have a significant and positive correlation with pod yield only during P7 (pod initiation to pod development) phase.

Assessment of sowing environment for wheat cultivars and evaluation of growing degree days for phenological stages in the Northwest Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh

BackgroundThe date of sowing is a non-monetary input factor that plays a crucial role in field crop management. Based on the sowing time, management practices of crop production affect crop growth, development, and yield. Under varied environmental conditions, this factor may be useful in addressing low yields and combating/escaping stresses either due to diseases or due to any unfavourable environment.ResultsA field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 to study the accumulated growing degree days (GDD) and performance of six wheat cultivars (HS 562, HD 2967, HD 3086, HI 1544, MACS 6222 and WR 544) under four sowing dates (5th November, 25th November, 15th December and 5th January). The study revealed that 5th November is the best date for sowing resulting in higher pooled grain yield of 4.85 Mg ha−1 and 3.94 Mg ha−1 at Bajaura and Malan, respectively. Significant reductions in the grain yield and yield attributes were observed when the date of sowing was set beyond 5th November. Among the cultivars tested, HS 562 gave a significantly higher pooled grain yield of 4.46 and 3.75 Mg ha−1 at Bajaura and Malan, respectively. Pooled data on physiological maturity revealed that variety HS 562 took the highest calendar days (168 days) and GDD (1573.42 °C days) to attain physiological maturity at Bajaura while at Malan HI 1544 and HD 3086 took the highest calendar days (156 and 155 days, respectively) and GDD (2055.41 and 2051.81 °C days, respectively) to attain their physiological maturity.ConclusionFrom the study, it can be concluded that the early date of sowing provides the crop with ample duration to accumulate growing degree days resulting in a higher accumulation of photosynthates resulting in significantly higher yield attributes and grain yield. Therefore, 5th November is recommended as the best time for sowing of wheat crop whereas the sowing must not be delayed beyond 25th November. HS 562 was superior among the cultivars and is recommended for Malan and Bajaura regions for attaining higher yield.

Mapping and cloning of pepper fruit color-related genes based on BSA-seq technology.

Fruit color is an important qualitative trait that greatly influences the marketability of peppers. Fruit color can be divided into two categories. Green fruit color denotes commercial maturity, whereas ripe fruit indicates physiological maturity. Herein, segregation populations were created using the 'D24' with pale green in the green fruit stage, orange in the mature fruit stage, and 'D47' with green in the green fruit stage and red in the mature fruit stage. BSA-seq and genetic linkage map analysis revealed green fruit color was linked to (gyqtl1.1) on Chr1 and (gyqtl10.1) on Chr10, while mature fruit color was linked to Chr6. Using functional annotation, sequence, and expression analysis, we speculate that an SNP mutation in the CapGLK2 gene at the gyqtl10.1 interval could initiate premature termination of translation, thus yielding green to pale green fruits in D47. Conversely, the orange color in mature D24 fruits is due to the Indel-mediated premature termination of translation of the CapCCS gene. Our research offers a theoretical foundation for choosing different varieties of pepper fruit based on their color.

Long-term effects of a double hit murine model for schizophrenia on parvalbumin expressing cells and plasticity-related molecules in the thalamic reticular nucleus and the habenula

The exposure to aversive experiences during early-life affects brain maturation and induces changes in behavior. Additionally, when these experiences coincide with subtle neurodevelopmental alterations, they may contribute to the emergence of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. Studies in patients and animal models have identified changes in parvalbumin (PV) expressing inhibitory neurons, highlighting their significance in the etiology of this disorder. Most studies have been focused on the cortex, but PV+ neurons also provide inhibitory input to diencephalic regions, particularly to the thalamus (through cells in the thalamic reticular nucleus, TRN) and the habenula. Remarkably, alterations in both nuclei have been described in schizophrenia. Some of these changes in PV+ cells may be mediated by perineuronal nets (PNN), specialized regions of the extracellular matrix that often surround them and regulate their synaptic input and activity. Interestingly, the physiological maturation and integration of PV+ neurons, which involves the assembly of PNN, occurs during early postnatal life. Plasticity molecules associated to inhibitory neurons, such as PSA-NCAM, or NMDA receptors (NMDAR) can also influence the structure and function of these cells. Growing evidence also indicates that glial cells regulate the physiology of PV+ neurons by influencing their maturation and modulating their synaptic connectivity. To explore the impact of early-life aversive experiences and concomitant subtle neurodevelopmental alterations on diencephalic PV+ cells, we analyzed adult male mice subjected to a double-hit model (DHM) of schizophrenia, combining a single injection of an NMDAR antagonist at P7 and post-weaning social isolation. We observed that exploratory behavior, PV+ neurons and their associated PNN, as well as PSA-NCAM and NMDAR expression and glial cells, in the TRN and the habenula were affected by the DHM or one of its factors. To our knowledge, this is the first report on such alterations in these diencephalic structures in an animal model combining neurodevelopmental alterations and early-life stress during adolescence. Our findings complement previous work on PV+ neurons in cortical regions and underscore the importance of studying diencephalic inhibitory networks and their intricate interactions with aversive experiences and neurodevelopmental alterations during early life in the context of schizophrenia.

Screening of the Candidate Metabolite to Evaluate the Mycelium Physiological Maturation of Lyophyllum decastes Based on Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis

Lyophyllum decastes is a commercially cultivated rare edible mushroom with high dietary and medicinal value. The mycelium physiological maturation was an important factor to the yield and quality of mushrooms obtained. However, it was impossible to obtain discriminative characteristics represented the maturity level of the mycelia from morphological features. In this article, we screened a candidate metabolite for evaluating the mycelium physiological maturation by metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis during mycelial vegetative growth stages of L. decastes. The results showed that mycelial vegetative growth 55 d had reached to physiological maturation according to the yield and quality of L. decastes, which the single bottle yield (307 g/bottle), the contents of flavonoids (2.94 mg/g dry weight), and 5 flavor amino acids (glutamate 177.90 μg/g, aspartate 95.74 μg/g, phenylalanine 31.68 μg/g, tyrosine 13.79 μg/g, and alanine 10.99 μg/g) were the highest. In addition, the metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis results showed that biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and amino acid had significant different during mycelial vegetative growth stages, and glutamine may be a candidate indicator to evaluate the mycelial physiological maturation. These findings contribute to improve our knowledge of mycelium physiological maturation and it will be used to increase mushroom yield and quality.

Morpho–Molecular Characterization of Brazilian Common Bean Landraces Varieties and Commercial Cultivars

This study aimed to characterize forty genotypes (31 landrace varieties and nine commercial cultivars) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) morphologically and molecularly. Morphological descriptors were evaluated during seedling, flowering, physiological maturation and post-harvest stages. Ten microsatellite markers were used for molecular screening. The markers were analyzed according to the number of alleles per locus, the allele frequency per locus and the polymorphism in content (PIC). Genetic distances and cluster analysis were performed using Bayesian inference and the UPGMA method. All black beans evaluated have anthocyanin in the cotyledons, hypocotyls and stems, and their flowers are purple. For the growth habit, 50% of the evaluated genotypes belong to type III, and at the physiological maturation stage, yellow color is predominant in the pods (85%). Through the genetic dissimilarity, three groups were observed for the likelihood reason, and five groups were observed through the UPGMA method, a strong indication of the wide genetic diversity among the evaluated genotypes. All genotypes from the Andean center of origin were grouped into the same cluster.

The Effect of Simulated Physiological Oocyte Maturation (SPOM) and L-Carnitine on Bovine Oocyte Developmental Competence

Background: Simulated Physiological Oocyte Maturation (SPOM) mimics in vitro the physiological events of oocyte maturation in the presence of cAMP modulators. These modulators increase the intracellular concentrations of cAMP, which inhibits the immediate resumption of meiosis and gives the oocyte more time to gain optimal developmental competence. In addition, L-carnitine helps to increase the energy supply of cells through the β-oxidation of fatty acids. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SPOM and L-carnitine supplementation during In Vitro Maturation (IVM) and In Vitro Culture (IVC) on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Methods: Ovarian Cumulus Complexes (COCs) were cultured in the presence or absence of forskolin+IBMX during the first 2 hr of IVM (pre-IVM) with or without L-carnitine (LC) during IVM or IVC in six experimental groups as follows: I) pre-IVM (pre-IVM group), II) pre-IVM with L-carnitine supplementation during IVM (pre-IVM/LC group), III) L-carnitine supplementation during IVM (IVM/LC group), IV) L-carnitine supplementation during in vitro culture (IVC/LC group), V) pre-IVM+ IVC/LC group, and VI) no treatment during IVM and IVC (Control group). The cleavage and blastocyst rates, the blastocysts’ total cells number, and the expression of Nanog, Bax, Oct4, Cdx2, and Ifnt genes in resulting blastocysts were assessed. To assess differences among experimental groups, a one-way analysis of variance was initially employed, followed by post hoc Fisher LSD. The difference between groups was considered statistically significant when p&lt;0.05. Results: The cleavage and blastocyst rates in the Pre-IVM and Pre-IVM/LC groups was higher than control group and other groups (p≤0.05) except for IVC/LC and IVM/LC groups, respectively. The number of blastocyst’s Inner Cell Mass (ICM) in pre-IVM and Pre-IVM/LC groups as well as the ratio of ICM/TE were higher than control group (p&lt;0.05). The expression of OCT4, CDX2, and IFNT increased in both the pre-IVM and pre-IVM/LC groups compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the application of SPOM-adapted IVM and L-carnitine during IVM of bovine oocyte improves the quantity and quality of the resulting embryos.

Determination of Seed Physiological Maturity and Invigoration using Plasma-Activated Water and Ultrafine Bubble Water on Okra Seeds

Seeds physical and physiological qualities are primarily determined by seed physiological maturity. Seed enhancement technology has developed rapidly, including using ultrafine bubbles (UFB) and plasma-activated water (PAW) to increase seed viability. This study aimed to determine seed physiology maturity on okra seed to get the optimal harvesting period seeds and to examine the most effective seed enhancement plasma-activated water and ultrafine-bubble Water. The first experiment was arranged using completely randomized design with fruit maturity as the single factor, harvested at 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks after anthesis (WAA), with three replications. The second experiment used factorial completely randomized design; the first factor is seed lots with different storage times (fresh seed and one-year storage seed), and the second factor seed invigoration using UFB (20 ppm dissolved oxygen) and PAW (10-, 20-, and 30-min exposure) as the second factor. Untreated seeds were used as control. Fifty seeds were used in each treatment. Okra seed physiological maturity was reached at 5 WAA based on seed dry weight, germination capacity, seedling vigor, and speed of germination. The pod color at 5 WAA is olive brown, and seed testa has dark greyish purple. Plasma-activated water at 10 minutes exposure increased the vigor index of seed lots stored for one year by 86% and PAW20 by 87%. Plasma activated water at 10-, 20- and 30-minutes exposures significantly increased the seedling vigor index and germination speed of fresh seeds harvested at 5 WAA.

Impacts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers on maize yields, nutrient use efficiency, and soil nutrient balance: Insights from a long-term diverse NPK omission experiment in the North China Plain

Context or problemSoil nutrient deficiency is one of the significant challenges in grain production, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These deficiencies not only reduce crop yields but also cause associated environmental issues, such as soil structure deterioration and ecosystem services diminution. ObjectivesThis research aimed to investigate the long-term effects of NPK fertilizers on soil nutrient properties and maize phenology, further on the grain yield, and to evaluate the nutrient use efficiency and soil nutrient balance under different fertilization managements. MethodsA long-term field experiment was initiated in 1990 in a summer maize field in the North China Plain, including five fertilizer treatments: CK (control), NP, NK, PK, and NPK. The soil nutrient properties, maize yields, crop nutrient uptake amount, nutrient recovery efficiency (NRE), nutrient harvest index (NHI), and soil nutrient balance were annually evaluated from 2005 to 2022. ResultsSignificant improvements in maize yields were found under NPK (9081 kg ha−1), NP (6426 kg ha−1), and PK (2668 kg ha−1) compared with CK (1809 kg ha−1) and NK (1656 kg ha−1). The yield increase was mainly attributed to: (1) enhancing in soil nutrient properties, such as soil organic carbon, soil total N (TN), available N (AN), total P (TP), available P (AP), and available K (AK), and (2) the shortened vegetative period, leading to greater sunshine hours (SH) and accumulative growing degree days (GDD) during the reproductive period. Furthermore, a random forest analysis quantified their importance to grain yield, showing that the edaphic factors (mainly SOC, TN, AK, AN, TP, AP, C:N, and N:P) explained a much greater proportion of yield variation compared with phenological factors (mainly GDD during tasseling and physiological maturity stages, and SH during tasseling stage). Additionally, the significantly higher response ratio of both N and P to NRE and NHI implied that N and P fertilizers having a more pronounced impact on improving nutrient use efficiency than K fertilizer. In terms of soil nutrient balance, a most relative soil nutrient balance was detected under NPK treatment, avoiding either substantial nutrient depletion or accumulation under any nutrient deficiency conditions. ConclusionsSoil deficiencies in N and P had more severe impacts on maize yields and nutrient use efficiency compared with K deficiency. Additionally, a balanced NPK fertilizer regime effectively managed soil nutrient balance. Implications or significanceThese findings elucidate the roles of N, P, and K fertilizers in maize production and soil nutrient conditions from a long-term field experiment, which could provide valuable insights for optimizing fertilization management strategies.

Effect of Sowing Dates and Wheat Cultivars on Agro Meteorological Indices of Wheat under Conditions of North-western Himalayas, India

Climate change in recent times have presented a scenario of elevated susceptibility of wheat to rising temperatures. Agro-meteorological indices can present a scenario of variable response of wheat to diverse conditions. A field investigation was conducted in rabi season of 2016-17 at Research farm, Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur to evaluate the influence of sowing dates and wheat cultivars on agro-meteorological indices such as growing degree days, photothermal units, Helio thermal units and phenothermal index of wheat crop. The field investigation involved five sowing dates (15th October, 30th October, 15th November, 30th November and 15th December) and wheat cultivars (HPW-349 and HPW-155) which were studied in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results of the investigation revealed that timely sown crop i.e., on 15th October recorded the highest values for agro-meteorological indices for both the wheat cultivars such as growing degree days, Helio thermal units, photothermal units and phenothermal index across various wheat development stages such as complete emergence, crown root initiation, tillering, ear emergence and physiological maturity. Therefore, timely sowing of wheat by 15th October was concluded to be the best for optimized agro-meteorological indices such as growing degree days, photothermal units, Helio thermal units and phenothermal index under conditions of North-Western Himalayas.

Micronutrients concentration and content in corn as affected by nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization

AbstractThe interaction between nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers significantly impacts the uptake of micronutrients in corn, influencing their availability in soil and uptake by plants. Understanding the interaction of macro‐ and micronutrients is a prerequisite to targeting nutrient balance in crop production. Therefore, a 2‐year field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of NPK fertilization on micronutrient uptake of rain‐fed corn (Zea mays L.). A randomized complete block design was employed with 12 treatments replicated three times. Different combinations of N, P, and K fertilizer rates were investigated for micronutrient concentration and uptake in rain‐fed corn. Findings revealed the order of nutrient accumulation in corn plants: iron (Fe) &gt; manganese (Mn) &gt; zinc (Zn) &gt; copper (Cu). Nitrogen application influenced nutrient concentrations and uptake. Increasing N rates increased micronutrient concentrations in corn grain, except for Cu. Interestingly, Cu content in grains exhibited no correlation with nutrient supply, biomass, or other concentrations. As the N application rate increased, micronutrient content increased at early growth stage and physiological maturity. Phosphorus application showed negligible impact on grain micronutrient concentration and uptake. However, K application notably increased Mn, Fe, and Cu uptake in grains. This study underscores the need to consider not only grain yield but also nutritional quality when determining optimal NPK rates in rain‐fed corn cultivation.

7802 A Review of 21 Cases of Kallmann Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: T. Kashima: None. M. Ishimaru: None. E. Tanimoto: None. S. Fukui: None. C. Nakamura: None. N. Ujita: None. H. Miyagi: None. M. Igarashi: None. H. Doi: None. K. Yoshii: None. Y. Naiki: None. R. Horikawa: None. Kallmann syndrome is the most common form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The incidence is estimated to be 1 in 10,000 birth boys and 1 in 50,000 birth girls. The goals of treatment for childhood puberty are to induce the progression of secondary sexual characteristics close to physiological sexual maturity, to improve psychosocial problems caused by delayed puberty, and to achieve fertility. Methods.Twenty-one patients (fifteen males and six females) with a diagnosis of Kallmann syndrome who visited our Department between August 2004 and November 2023 were included in the study. The electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Results.The median age at first visit was 15 years and 11 months (13 years and 3 months to 17 years and 7 months). The chief complained were secondary sexual characteristics not yet developed, olfactory disturbance, amenorrhea, decreased growth rate, and micropenis. Three adults had symptoms of Kallmann's syndrome and were seen for close examination. 6 had a history of hearing loss. Family history included 2 cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and a sibling with Sjogren-Larsson syndrome. 9 cases had genetic testing, including KAL1, KAL2, FGF8, IL17D, 1 case each, and 2 gene variants of CHD2.At the time of initial examination, the median testicular volume in males was 1.0 mL (1.0-3.0 ml). Five of the six female patients had no breast enlargement.Endocrine examination revealed that the mean basic LH and LHRH test peak values were 0.25 and 3.40 mIU/mL, respectively; the mean basic FSH and peak FSH values were 0.91 and 4.47 mIU/m, respectively; the mean testosterone level in males was 0.09 ng/mL; and the mean estradiol level in females was 5.58 pg/mL.For the 20 patients, excluding children, gonadotropins (HCG+rFSH) for men and estrogen patches for women were both started at low doses and titrated up to Kaufman therapy in women. Median age at initiation of treatment was 16 years and 5 months (14 years and 1 month to 18 years and 6 months). Bone density increased after the start of treatment. One patient diagnosed with micropenis in infancy was treated with testosterone for micropenis at 2 years and 5 months. Two male patients had a baby with their partners. Discussion.The age of diagnosis (age of first examination) is considerably older than the average age of onset of secondary sexual characteristics, so it is necessary to educate the public so that patients can be examined earlier. The patient's fertility was partially confirmed, and a smooth transition to adult/reproductive medical care can be expected through earlier intervention. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Residue management and overwinter survival in winter canola (Brassica napus L.)

Winter canola production in eastern Canada is a growing segment of the Canadian canola industry. Crop establishment and survival overwinter have been identified as two of the major challenges associated with the production of winter canola. Environmental conditions can interact with agronomic practices, including seeding date, plant population density, fertility, and residue management, to influence stand establishment in autumn and overwinter survival. The objective of the current research was to evaluate the impact and interaction of preceding crop residue and tillage practices on the establishment, overwinter survival, and yield of winter canola in southern Ontario. Winter canola was seeded following either winter wheat or soybean and using conventional, no-till, or strip-till practices. Over the course of the 3 years of study, the annual decline in winter canola plant population density was influenced by the type of tillage practice used but not by the preceding crop. The overwinter decrease in plant population density was largest in no-till, followed by strip-till, and finally conventional tillage. At physiological maturity, winter canola yields in reduced tillage practices (i.e., no-till and strip-till) were equivalent to those achieved utilizing conventional tillage practices. When grain yields were standardized as a function of the spring plant population density, the highest and lowest yield per plant coincided with the lowest and highest plant population densities and were observed in strip-till (14.2 g plant−1) and no-till (9.1 g plant−1), respectively. Results of this research have established that winter canola can be successfully produced in Ontario utilizing a range of tillage practices.

Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Tools for Preterm Infants

Due to their underdeveloped physiological maturity, preterm infants often face challenges related to sucking, breathing, and swallowing coordination during initial feeding. This lack of coordination may lead to episodes of apnea and choking, resulting in unstable vital signs. Preterm infants with this issue must gradually learn oral feeding skills appropriate to their developmental stage. Registered nurses play a critical role in assessing the right time to transition from tube to oral feeding and in providing a safe and positive oral feeding experience. In this article, three validated assessment tools for feeding premature infants are introduced, accompanied by clinical research data demonstrating their use in clinical practice. These three tools include: (1) the Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale, which is applied to evaluate oral motor skills using observations of nonnutritive sucking and the sucking state during the two minutes before feeding; (2) the Premature Oral Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale, which is used to assess readiness for oral feeding in preterm infants; and (3) the Early Feeding Skills assessment, which is used to evaluate the oral feeding skills of preterm infants. These tools aid nurses in helping preterm infants achieve independent oral feeding, facilitating earlier discharge and return to home. The clinical implications and effectiveness of these tools are also discussed to provide to nurses the means and confidence necessary to apply them appropriately in clinical settings.

Effect of packaging materials on seed quality parameters during storage in soybean (Glycine max L.) seed harvested at physiological maturity stage in offseason

Effect of packaging materials on seed quality parameters during storage in soybean (Glycine max L.) seed harvested at physiological maturity stage in offseason

Temperature increase may not necessarily penalize future yields of three major crops in Xinjiang, Northwest China

Future food production is at risk due to climate change, particularly in arid regions with limited water resources and extensive irrigated agriculture. This study utilized the DSSAT model in conjunction with downscaled data from 21 global climate models (GCMs) under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5) to assess the impact of projected climate change on irrigated crop phenology, yield, and evapotranspiration (ETc) of cotton, maize, and winter wheat in the Shihezi region of Xinjiang, China. The results indicated that temperature and precipitation in the region were expected to increase gradually from 2021 to 2100. Climate change has resulted in earlier anthesis and physiological maturity of all three crops. Future climatic conditions could reduce maize yields to 16.02 %. Conversely, the yields of cotton and winter wheat increased, with cotton yields rising by 1.23–10.94 % and winter wheat yields by 3.19–14.07 %. Additionally, ETc for cotton, maize, and winter wheat could rise in the future. The irrigation water demands could increase by 41.1–96.4 mm for cotton and 27.3–37.9 mm for maize, while the demand for winter wheat could decrease by 0.5–36.2 mm. Warming was significantly correlated with the changes in the yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of cotton, maize, and winter wheat. The temperature increases of +0.5°C to +3.0°C (relative to baseline) at 0.5°C intervals were analyzed to evaluate their effects on yield and WUE. The yields varied from −0.93 % to 6.15 % for cotton, −43.42 % to −7.99 % for maize, and 4.28–9.92 % for winter wheat. The WUE changes ranged from −29.03 % to −1.08 % for cotton, −43.06 % to −7.66 % for maize, and 0.69–3.47 % for winter wheat. Contrary to the common belief that rising temperatures generally harm crop yields, our study suggests that temperature fluctuations may benefit certain crops in specific regions. These results could provide theoretical guidance for implementing adaptive measures to future climate change in regions with conditions similar to Shihezi, Xinjiang, China, to ensure crop security and sustainable water management.

Identifying the Numerical Components Affecting Soybean (Glycine max) Yield Under Waterlogging at Reproductive Stages

ABSTRACTWaterlogging is a critical abiotic stress increasing in importance due to more intense, erratic rainfall associated with climate change. Waterlogging leads to significant yield losses in sensitive crops, such as soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). Identifying soybean genotypes and traits associated with better waterlogging tolerance is of high interest. We assessed the response of six soybean genotypes, selected from a field screening of over 190 genotypes, to 10 days of waterlogging at the R1 (onset of flowering) and R4 (grain filling) stages. We evaluated yield and its components, as well as shoot and root dry weights (DW) at the end of the waterlogging treatments and at maturity, along with morphological traits such as plant branch number, stem diameter and plant height. By integrating all these traits, a waterlogging tolerance index (WTI) was calculated for each genotype to rank their sensitivity. The WTI showed variations among genotypes from 0.61 to 0.77, indicating genotypic variation in response to waterlogging. Greater reductions in root DW compared to shoot DW were observed immediately after waterlogging. By maturity, shoot DW of waterlogged plants was more severely reduced than root DW in all genotypes. Despite similar DW losses at R1 and R4 at physiological maturity, seed number per plant and 100‐seed weight responses differed between the treatments. Genotypes that performed well under control conditions suffered significant yield reductions of 70%–85% after waterlogging, mainly due to fewer fertile nodes and seeds per pod, with some also experiencing a notable decrease in 100‐seed weight. In contrast, other genotypes had milder responses, with less severe reductions in seed and pod traits. Identifying breeding soybean genotypes tolerant to waterlogging during reproductive stages that maintain the number of fertile nodes and pods per node without changes in seeds per pod could significantly mitigate yield losses from waterlogging.