Reduction In Height Research Articles

Cadmium exposure on physiological responses of Erythrophleum fordii seedlings: A comparative study

The adaptability and tolerance of native species to heavy metal-contaminated soils can provide crucial insights for the development of effective heavy metal remediation strategies. Erythrophleum fordii (E. fordii) is a native hardwood species endemic to southern China that exhibits nitrogen fixation and soil improvement capabilities. This study examined the growth and physiological responses of E. fordii seedlings to varying cadmium (Cd) concentrations (control, Cd50, Cd100, Cd150, corresponding to 0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm), aimed to ascertain its potential role in phytoremediation efforts. Current results demonstrated that a moderate concentration of Cd (Cd50) significantly enhanced several plant characteristics, including plant height, root biomass, stem biomass, net photosynthetic rate, maximum net photosynthetic rate, and light saturation point. These observed improvements ranged from 12.15 % to 32.88 %, compared with control. Conversely, the highest Cd level (Cd150) resulted in substantial reductions in plant height, root biomass, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange parameters. Furthermore, malondialdehyde content increased markedly at Cd100 and Cd150 levels by 68.86 % and 118.92 %, respectively. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) and the content of osmotic regulatory substances (soluble protein and soluble sugar) reached their peaks at Cd100 level, increased by 32.61–88.39 %. This indicated E. fordii's capacity to mitigate Cd-induced stress. Significant correlations were observed between growth indicators, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate, as well as between antioxidant enzymes and osmotic substances. The principal component analysis highlighted the superior performance of E. fordii in Cd50 treatment. The results revealed that moderate Cd promoted growth, photosynthetic activity, and physiological resilience in E. fordii, whereas the highest concentration of Cd (Cd150) was detrimental. These findings offer perceptiveness to the cultivation of E. fordii and its tolerance to heavy metals, with implications for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Analysis of the Bending Height of Flexible Marine Vegetation

Marine vegetation is increasingly viewed as a living shoreline that protects coastal communities and ecosystems from the damaging effects of wave energy. Many studies have explored the potential of marine vegetation in terms of reducing wave height, but more work is needed. Here, we used particle image velocimetry, fluid–structure interaction simulation, and multiple regression analysis to estimate the bending behaviors of flexible marine vegetation in water flow, and we predicted the wave height reduction in the downstream vegetation meadow. We considered different vegetation types and water flow velocities, constructed a total of 64 cases, and derived a multiple regression equation that simply estimates the vegetation bending height with a tolerance of ~10%. When the bending height rather than the vegetation height was applied, wave height reduction was alleviated by 1.08–9.23%. Thus, flexible vegetation reduced wave height by up to ~10% less than rigid vegetation in our investigation range. This implies that the impact of bending behavior becomes more pronounced with a larger vegetation meadow. The relative % decrease in wave height reduction was greater for fully submerged vegetation compared to partially submerged vegetation.

Development of a semi-empirical bond strength model for multi-pass hot roll bonding based on the characterizations using the truncated-cone experiment

With special reference to the modelling of hot roll bonding, new experimental procedures to measure the resulting bond strength for a combination of AA6016 and AA8079 aluminum alloys at elevated temperatures and various strain rates using laboratory tests are proposed. The data acquired by this procedure is used to developed and calibrate a semi-empirical model, which accurately predicts the resulting bond strength within an error of 2 MPa on average. It is shown that the bond strength generally follows the flow stress regarding the dependency on temperature and strain. Additionally, inter-pass times can increase the bond strength, provided that both a suitable temperature and timespan are realized. Contrary, multiple consecutive height reductions were found to reduce the bond strength.

Comparison of temporomandibular joint osseous components in unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate patients and normal controls: A CBCT study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the components of the temporomandibular joint in individuals with unilateral, bilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP), and in healthy individuals, utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Method and materialThe present study employed a cross-sectional design and recruited participants aged 18 to 30 years. The participants were categorized into three groups: a control group consisting of 36 individuals without any cleft, a group of 35 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), and a group of 15 patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP). The analysis of CBCT images encompassed the examination of condylar height and angulation, glenoid fossa height and width, articular eminence inclination, as well as joint spaces across all three groups. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were employed to ascertain the significant differences among the three groups. ResultsThe UCLP and BCLP groups demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in condylar height and articular eminence inclination in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, a significant difference in the width of the glenoid fossa was seen between the group with clefts and the control group. ConclusionThe CBCT images showed significant differences in several aspects of the temporomandibular joint, including condylar height, articular eminence inclination, and glenoid fossa width, in individuals with cleft palate. These abnormalities can contribute to the development of temporomandibular joint diseases. Therefore, recognizing these distinctions can help prevent further deterioration and progression of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in CLP patients.

Development of ropivacaine hydrochloride-loaded dissolving microneedles as a local anesthetic agent: A proof-of-concept

Ropivacaine hydrochloride (RPL) is a local anesthetic agent that has been widely used for the treatment of pain during or after surgery. However, this drug is only available in parenteral dosage form and may contribute to the infiltration of RPL into the plasma, causing some undesirable side effects. Intradermal delivery of RPL using dissolving microneedles may become a promising strategy to deliver such drugs into the skin. This research aimed to develop RPL-loaded dissolving microneedles (DMN-RPLs) as a proof of the concept of intradermal delivery of a local anesthetic. The DMN-RPLs were fabricated using either centrifugation or air-pressurized chamber methods. Several polymers, such as poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and sodium hyaluronate (SH), were utilized for manufacturing the DMN-RPLs. The prepared DMN-RPLs were assessed for their thermal properties, chemical bonds, mechanical strength, insertion ability, skin-dissolution study, and drug content. Furthermore, in-skin deposition and dermatokinetic studies were also performed. The results showed that F9 (30 % w/w PVP-4 % w/w SH) and F10 (30 % w/w PVP-5 % w/w PVA) containing 5 % w/w of RPL were the most promising formulations, as shown by their needle height reduction (<10 %) and insertion depth (∼400 μm). Both formulations were also able to deliver more than 60 % of the RPL contained in the DMNs into the epidermis, dermis, and receiver compartment. This study, for the first time, has provided a proof concept to deliver RPL as a local anesthetic using DMNs and the intradermal route, aiming to minimize pain and discomfort during administration and improve the patient's experience.

Evaluation of oryzalin-induced putative polyploids of &lt;i&gt;Jasminum sambac&lt;/i&gt; cv. Ramanathapuram Gundumalli

The aim of the research was to create genetic variations in Jasminum sambac using oryzalin as a polyploidizing agent. Rooted stem cuttings of J. sambac were treated with oryzalin (0.005, 0.01 and 0.05%) and their vegetative and flowering parameters were recorded on 150 days after treatment. The study revealed that the higher concentration of oryzalin (0.05%) caused reduction in plant height, internodal length, number of flowering cymes per plant and number of flower buds per cyme. However, the same treatment significantly enhanced certain vegetative parameters viz., number of secondary branches, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area, and flowering parameters namely flower bud length, corolla tube length, flower bud girth, diameter of open flower and hundred flower bud weight. High GCV was recorded in major yield attributing traits, i.e. number of flowering cymes per plant and hundred flower bud weight. High heritability and genetic advance registered for the traits viz., plant height, number of secondary branches, internodal length, number of flowering cymes, flower bud girth and hundred flower bud weight per plant indicates least influence by environment and selection such characters may be useful.

Evaluation of oryzalin-induced putative polyploids of &lt;i&gt;Jasminum sambac&lt;/i&gt; cv. Ramanathapuram Gundumalli

The aim of the research was to create genetic variations in Jasminum sambac using oryzalin as a polyploidizing agent. Rooted stem cuttings of J. sambac were treated with oryzalin (0.005, 0.01 and 0.05%) and their vegetative and flowering parameters were recorded on 150 days after treatment. The study revealed that the higher concentration of oryzalin (0.05%) caused reduction in plant height, internodal length, number of flowering cymes per plant and number of flower buds per cyme. However, the same treatment significantly enhanced certain vegetative parameters viz., number of secondary branches, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area, and flowering parameters namely flower bud length, corolla tube length, flower bud girth, diameter of open flower and hundred flower bud weight. High GCV was recorded in major yield attributing traits, i.e. number of flowering cymes per plant and hundred flower bud weight. High heritability and genetic advance registered for the traits viz., plant height, number of secondary branches, internodal length, number of flowering cymes, flower bud girth and hundred flower bud weight per plant indicates least influence by environment and selection such characters may be useful.

Comprehensive clinical and histological evaluation of bovine hydroxyapatite bone graft with polypropylene membrane versus leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin for alveolar preservation after tooth extraction.

Osseointegrated implant placement in the ideal prosthetic position necessitates a sufficient residual alveolar ridge. Tooth extraction and the subsequent healing process often lead to bony deformities, characterized by a reduction in alveolar ridge height and width, resulting in unfavorable ridge architecture for dental implant placement. Several materials, including allografts, alloplastics, xenografts, and autogenous bone, are commonly used to address these concerns. In this context, leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) emerges as a promising solution. This case report aims to compare the clinical and histological efficacy of bovine hydroxyapatite bone graft covered with polypropylene membrane (BHAG-PM) and leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in preserving dental alveoli following tooth extraction. Extraction, graft placement in the alveoli, and the anterior border between extracted elements were performed for both treatment groups. Up to 24 months of follow-up revealed satisfactory and comparable clinical and histological outcomes. These results suggest that both BHAG-PM and L-PRF effectively promote alveolar preservation, paving the way for ideal implant placement. In general, bone-substitute materials are effective in reducing alveolar changes after tooth extraction. Xenograft materials should be considered as among the best of the available grafting materials for alveolar preservation after tooth extraction. Both techniques effectively preserve the alveolar bone and facilitate the placement of osseointegrated implants in ideal positions, paving the way for successful oral rehabilitation.

Hysterectomy - a possible risk factor for operative intervention in female patients for degenerative lumbar spine conditions: a case control and cohort study

Researchers have recently linked hysterectomy, which alters sex hormone levels, to diseases like osteoporosis, lumbar spondylolisthesis, hypertension and diabetes etc. However, the association between hysterectomy and lumbar disc herniation (LDH)/lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) remains unclarified. To determine whether there is a correlation between hysterectomy and surgical intervention for LDH/LSS in women, further substantiated through imaging and clinical research. A case control and cohort study. The study group comprised 1202 female patients aged 45 and older who had undergone operative treatment due to LDH/LSS (825 for LDH and 377 for LSS), and the comparison group comprised 1168 females without lumbar diseases who visited health examination clinic during the same period. One hundred and 2 hysterectomized patients were further selected (Hysterectomy cohort) and matched approximately with the control cohort at a 1:2 ratio from the study group with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between hysterectomy and surgical intervention for LDH/LSS in women after adjusted by confounding factors. Patients from both the hysterectomy and control cohorts underwent a comprehensive assessment. This assessment included the evaluation of several parameters: the functional cross-sectional area, fat infiltration rate, relative functional cross-sectional area of the lumbar paravertebral muscles, facet joint degeneration grade, cartilage endplate damage, Modic changes for the L3/4-L5/S1 segments, Pfirrmann grade of lumbar disc degeneration, and disc height index for the L1/2-L5/S1 segments. Additionally, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were recorded preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Associations between hysterectomy and patients treated surgically for LDH or LSS were analyzed using multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Lumbar X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to evaluate the imaging variables. Imaging and clinical variables were compared. Hysterectomized women were associated with requiring surgery due to LDH/LSS, with ORs of 2.613 (p<.001) and 2.084 (p=.006), respectively. The imaging evaluation further revealed that the hysterectomy cohort had more severe degeneration of the paraspinal muscles, facet joints, endplates, and intervertebral discs, Modic changes at L3/4-L5/S1 segments, and intervertebral height reduction at L1/2-L5/S1 segments when compared to the control cohort (p<.01). Compared to the control cohort, the hysterectomy cohort exhibited higher preoperative and last follow-up VAS scores for low back pain, and last follow-up JOA scores (p<.01). Based on the findings of this study, it seems that women who have had a hysterectomy are correlated with requiring surgical intervention due to LDH/LSS. Imaging and clinical studies also indicate that hysterectomized patients exhibited more severe lumbar degeneration and back pain.

Fasting-Induced Molting Impacts the Intestinal Health by Altering the Gut Microbiota.

Fasting-induced molting (FIM) is a common method used to improve the laying performance of aged laying hens. Nevertheless, this approach may impose various stresses on chickens, such as disruptions in intestinal flora and inflammation issues within the intestines. However, the impact of an imbalance in intestinal flora on intestinal health during the FIM process remains elusive. Therefore, intestinal injury, the microbiome, and the metabolome were analyzed individually and integrated to elucidate the impact of the intestinal flora on intestinal health during the FIM process. The findings indicated that fasting resulted in a notable reduction in villus height and villus/crypt ratio, coupled with elevated levels of intestinal inflammation and permeability. During the fasting period, microbiota compositions changed. The abundance of Escherichia_Shigella increased, while the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 and Lactobacillus decreased. Escherichia_Shigella was positively correlated with Citrinin and Sterobilin, which lead to intestinal inflammation. Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013 and Lactobacillus exhibited positive correlations with Lanthionine and reduced Glutathione, thereby reducing intestinal inflammation. This study screened the intestinal probiotics, Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 and Lactobacillus, that influence gut health during the fasting period, providing an experimental basis for improving gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation during the FIM process.

BnaC03.BIN2 regulates plant height by affecting the main inflorescence length and first effective branch height in Brassica napus L.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the main oil crops in the world, and increasing its yield is of great significance for ensuring the safety of edible oil. Presently, improving rapeseed plant architecture is an effective way to increase rapeseed yield with higher planting density. However, the regulatory mechanism of rapeseed plant architecture is poorly understood. In this study, a dwarf rapeseed mutant dwarf08 (df08) is obtained by ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)-mutagenesis. The decrease in plant height of df08 is mainly caused by the reduction in main inflorescence length and first effective branch height and controlled by a single semi-dominant gene. The hybrid plants (F1) show a semi-dwarf phenotype. Through map-based cloning and transgenic assay, we confirm that the nonsynonymous single nucleotide variant (SNV) (C to T) in BnaC03.BIN2, which is homologous with Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) BIN2, is responsible for the dwarfism of df08. BnaC03.BIN2 interacts with BnaBZR1/BES1 and involves in brassinosteroids (BRs) signal transduction. Proline to Leucine substitution in 284 (P284L) enhances the protein stability of BnaC03.bin2-D, disrupts BRs signal transduction and affects the expression of genes regulating cell division, leading to dwarfism of df08. This study provides a new insight for the mechanism of rapeseed plant height regulation and creates an elite germplasm that can be used for genetic improvement of rapeseed architecture.

Multi-Objective optimisation of oil demisters geometry for Ultra-Low charge ammonia chillers

Driven by global climate objectives, the pursuit for eco-friendly refrigeration solutions has catalysed impressive advancements in the sector. Ammonia, a historically utilized refrigerant, is now widely adopted in light industrial applications, largely due to the growth of Ultra-Low Charge package chillers. Opportunities, however, persist for refining system components to further diminish refrigerant charge, fostering safer and more efficient solutions. This paper focuses on optimizing the oil separator geometry of an experimentally tested Ultra-Low Charge ammonia chiller. The principal aim and novelty is to lower the specific refrigerant charge while enhancing the separation efficiency and the pressure drop performance. Assessing the separation efficiency involves an analytical model grounded in the “orbit-equilibrium” concept, while the pressure drop is evaluated with consideration of liquid particles presence. Utilizing the validated model, a Multi-Objective Optimization process driven by the eaMuPlusLambda algorithm produces geometries able to reduce the cut-size diameter by 1.4 % up to 15.4 %, pressure drop by 66.7 % up to 89.1 %, and internal volume by 51.3 % up to 68.9 %, compared to the baseline setup. This accomplishment stems from meaningful parameter adjustments, encompassing a 12.1 – 30.0 % decrease in the main diameter, 35.8 % reduction in the main height, 25.4 – 41.2 % contraction in the outlet diameter, 10.9 – 47.1 % augmentation in the inlet diameter, and the vortex finder elimination. Consequently, this translates to a 5% to 14% decrease in the chiller’s specific charge. This study intends an initial step in optimizing oil separators for Ultra-Low Charge ammonia chillers, presenting prospects for specific charge reduction and inciting further exploration through experimental testing or Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy for treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

To describe the clinical and imaging features of circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas (CCH) and their treatment outcomes with Ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy. Retrospective study of 24 patients (24 eyes) diagnosed with CCH and treated with 106Ru plaque between 2017 and 2022. Analysis included pre- and post-treatment clinical and imaging features such as tumor regression, reduction in height, subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution, and change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The mean age at presentation was 36 years (range, 16-57). The most common tumor location was the temporal quadrant (n = 19) with macular involvement (n = 13). Associated features were macular SRF (n = 22) and inferior exudative retinal detachment (n = 10). Nineteen of the 24 patients underwent primary treatment, whereas 5 patients underwent plaque as a salvage treatment. The mean tumor apex dose was 40 Gy. At a median follow-up of 7.5 months (range 3-65 months), 18 eyes showed complete regression, whereas 6 eyes showed partial regression. The mean height decreased from 4.8 (SD 1.28) mm at presentation to 2.5 (SD 1.63) mm. Median BCVA improved from logMAR 1.2 (IQR 0.4-2) at baseline to logMAR 1.05 (IQR 0.1-1.95) (p = 0.4). Complete resolution of the macula and tumor SRF was observed in 15 (68%) and 13 (57%) eyes, respectively. The radiation-related complications observed were radiation maculopathy (4 eyes), retinopathy (1 eye), and vitreous hemorrhage (1 eye). Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy is effective for CCH (> 3 mm height) as a primary and salvage treatment for tumors unresponsive to other modalities.

The effect of grain size on diode parameters of Ag/p-NiOx/n-Si/Al based Schottky diode

The effect of grain size on optical properties and designed Ag/p-NiOx/n-Si/Al-based Schottky diode have been investigated. The XRD patterns are used to calculate the grain size of NiOx film, which increases with increasing thickness. Fractal dimensions were estimated from the power spectral density (PSD) algorithm using AFM images. The band gaps were calculated from recorded transmission spectra, showing the reduction of band gap from 3.88 eV to 3.67 eV with increasing grain size. The effect of grain size on the performance of Ag/p-NiOx/n-Si/Al-based Schottky-diodes are analyzed through I-V measurement. The diode parameters of the designed device were calculated using the thermionic emission, Norde, and Cheung models. It is found that the reduction of barrier height of the Schottky diode from 0.95 eV to 0.84 eV with increasing grain size of NiOx films. It is found that the grain size of film strongly impacted on the diode parameters, such as ideality factor (η), potential barrier (φh), series resistance (Rs) performance.

Influence of freeze-dried bone allograft on free gingival graft survival and alveolar ridge maintenance in socket seal procedures: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

This study aimed to investigate the viability of free gingival grafts (FGG) and assess clinical and radiographic changes in the alveolar ridge following socket seal surgery with or without freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA). Twenty-eight anterior and premolar tooth extractions were randomly allocated to 2 groups: socket graft of FDBA sealed with FGG (n = 15) and control with empty sockets sealed solely with FGG (n = 13). Photographs taken at 3, 7, 14, and 30 days post-surgery assessed FGG viability. Alveolar ridge volume was clinically evaluated via intraoral scanners before surgery and at 1 and 3 months post-surgery. CBCT scans taken immediately post-surgery and 3 months later assessed alveolar ridge dimensions. FGG viability in both groups increased from day 3 and reached the maximum score on day 14. Alveolar ridge volume reduction at 3 months in the FDBA group was comparable to the control group. Buccal alveolar bone height reduction was significantly higher in the FDBA group than the control group, while palatal alveolar bone height was comparable. Alveolar bone width reduction was evident but not statistically significant between the groups. The FDBA group exhibited a significant alteration in bone volume compared to the control group. Viability of FGG was not affected by graft filling materials. Sealing the socket with FGG effectively preserved socket integrity and ridge volume in minor socket defects using either graft filling material or not. This study was registered on 4 January 2021 on Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20210104001).

Grain Sorghum Response to Simulated Fomesafen and Terbacil Carryover from Watermelons in Georgia

Abstract Georgia growers can benefit from double-cropping grain sorghum following watermelon to maximize land use and add economic value to their operations. However, capitalizing on the economic advantages of harvesting two crops within a single season must account for potential herbicide injury to rotational crops. An integrated weed management strategy that includes a preplant application of fomesafen and terbacil is recommended for weed control in watermelon production systems. However, currently labeled plant-back restrictions for grain sorghum require a minimum of 10 and 24 months for fomesafen and terbacil, respectively. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the tolerance of grain sorghum to fomesafen and terbacil following soil applications applied 90 to 100 d before planting (DBP). Experiments were conducted at the University of Georgia Ponder Research Farm from 2019 to 2023. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Five rates of fomesafen (35, 70, 140, 210, 280 g ai ha-1), four rates of terbacil (3.5, 7.0, 10.5, 14.0 g ai ha-1) and a non-treated control, were evaluated. In 2019, fomesafen caused significant sorghum leaf necrosis, plant density reductions, height reductions, and yield reductions of at least 16%, especially when applied at rates ≥ 210 g ai ha-1. Terbacil had little to no effect on sorghum injury, density, height, or yield in any year. These results suggest that sorghum has sufficient tolerance to terbacil when applied 90-100 DBP. In 4 of 5 years, sorghum had an acceptable tolerance to fomesafen when applied 90 to 100 DBP. However, yield losses observed in 2019 suggest that caution should be taken when fomesafen is applied 90 to 100 DBP grain sorghum at ≥ 210 g ai ha-1.

Analysis of the Effects of the Vrn-1 and Ppd-1 Alleles on Adaptive and Agronomic Traits in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Wheat heading time is primarily governed by two loci: VRN-1 (response to vernalization) and PPD-1 (response to photoperiod). Five sets of near-isogenic lines (NILs) were studied with the aim of investigating the effect of the aforementioned genes on wheat vegetative period duration and 14 yield-related traits. Every NIL was sown in the hydroponic greenhouse of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS. To assess their allelic composition at the VRN-1 and PPD-1 loci, molecular markers were used. It was shown that HT in plants with the Vrn-A1vrn-B1vrn-D1 genotype was reduced by 29 and 21 days (p < 0.001) in comparison to HT in plants with the vrn-A1Vrn-B1vrn-D1 and the vrn-A1vrn-B1Vrn-D1 genotypes, respectively. In our study, we noticed a decrease in spike length as well as spikelet number per spike parameter for some NIL carriers of the Vrn-A1a allele in comparison to carriers of the Vrn-B1 allele. PCA revealed three first principal components (PC), together explaining more than 70% of the data variance. Among the studied genetic traits, the Vrn-A1a and Ppd-D1a alleles showed significant correlations with PCs. Regarding genetic components, significant correlations were calculated between PC3 and Ppd-B1a (-0.26, p < 0.05) and Vrn-B1 (0.57, p < 0.05) alleles. Thus, the presence of the Vrn-A1a allele affects heading time, while Ppd-D1a is associated with plant height reduction.

Study on the water retention curve of shredded municipal solid waste considering the compressibility of specimens based on the centrifuge method.

The water retention curve (WRC) of municipal solid waste (MSW) is the important hydraulic parameter for the study of unsaturated seepage analysis in landfills. Due to the compressibility and degradability of the waste, the search for a method to quickly and accurately test its water retention curve (WRC) is a current problem that needs to be solved. In this paper, considering the volume change of the waste specimens in test, the test principle of centrifuge testing of WRC is corrected to make it applicable to the testing of waste WRC. In addition, the WRCs of 20 MSW specimens with typical landfill compositions and porosities are measured using the corrected centrifuge test. The effects of compositions and porosities of waste specimens on WRC parameters were analyzed. The results are summarized as follows. Disregarding the height reduction of specimens resulted in overestimated matric suction values and underestimating volume water content values. By comparing uncorrected and corrected values, the maximum difference of the matric suction and volumetric water content reach 233kPa and 11%, respectively. This study can provide a reference for accurately measuring the WRC of MSW using a centrifuge. For the waste specimen without kitchen and yard waste, composition had less of an effect on the WRC of waste compared to porosity. The effect of the content of the non-absorbable fraction on the residual volumetric water content θr and the parameter nv in the van Genuchten model was significant. The initial porosity n had a great effect on the parameter α.

A Combined Ventral Extraoral and Intraoral Approach for Mandibulectomy in 9 Cats: A Case Series.

This retrospective case series describes a combined ventral extraoral and intraoral approach for mandibulectomy in cats and highlights the importance of prompt management of the postoperative iatrogenic malocclusion through dental extraction, crown height reduction with vital pulp therapy or root canal therapy of the contralateral mandibular canine tooth. Nine cats were reviewed for signalment, history and physical examination, diagnostic workup, tumor type, mandibulectomy extension, lymph node removal as well as both intraoperative and postoperative complications. The performed surgical procedure was a combination of an extraoral approach ventrally to the mandible and an intraoral approach to remove the whole or a part of the mandible. Lymphadenectomy was achieved using the same surgical access. None of the cats had intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications were limited to regional swelling and drooling lasting a week. Seven cats were able to eat immediately after the surgery. Of the other 2 cats, 1 regained the ability to eat within a month and 1 only ate from the owner's hands. The surgical approach for mandibulectomy described allowed better access and visualization of the caudal part of the mandible and direct access to regional lymph nodes. Moreover, if the expected postoperative malocclusion is managed during the same surgical procedure, there is a higher rate of postoperative eating ability compared to what is reported in the literature.

Effect of Supplementation with Black Soldier Fly Extract on Intestinal Function in Piglets Infected with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has developed as a global problem for the pig business, resulting in significant financial losses. Black soldier fly extract (BFE) has been proven to improve intestinal growth in pigs after weaning. Consequently, the goal of the present investigation was to explore the effects of BFE supplementation on intestinal function in PEDV-infected piglets. Eighteen piglets were randomly allocated to three groups: control, PEDV, and BFE + PEDV. The piglets in the BFE + PEDV group received 500 mg/kg BW of BFE orally for seven days from day 4 to 10 of the study. On day 9 of the study, six pigs from each group received either clean saline or PEDV solution at a dosage of 106 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious dose) per pig. On day 11, samples of blood and intestine were taken for additional investigation. The results indicated a significant decrease in the average daily gain (ADG) of piglets infected with PEDV (p < 0.05). Additionally, PEDV infection led to an alteration of blood indexes and a reduction in plasma D-xylose concentration and villi height in the small intestine, while it increased plasma diamine oxidase activity and small intestinal crypt depth in piglets (p < 0.05). The PEDV infection significantly reduced antioxidant enzyme activity in plasma and the gut, including total superoxide dismutase and catalase, while increasing contents of oxidation-relevant products such as malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in piglets. Moreover, PEDV infection increased the mRNA expression level of antiviral-related genes (p < 0.05). Nutritional supplementation with BFE improved intestinal histomorphological indicators and reduced oxidative stress produced by PEDV infection in piglets. Interestingly, BFE could significantly promote the mRNA expression level of antiviral-related genes in the ileum (p < 0.05). Overall, the preliminary results suggest that dietary BFE could improve intestinal function in piglets after PEDV infection. Currently, the findings put a spotlight on the role of BFE in the prevention and treatment of PED in piglets.