Relative Injury Rate Research Articles

Assessment of Germination and Seedling Development Factors of Soybean Cultivars in Different Salinity Levels

Salinity poses a significant abiotic stress factor that exerts detrimental effects on plant growth during germination and early seedling stages. The global prevalence of high salt concentration has transformed salinity into a serious problem, impacting vast expanses of land worldwide. This experiment aims to examine the effects of various concentrations of Sodium chloride (NaCl), including 200 mM, 150 mM, 50 mM, and 50 mM, on the seed development at early stage and germination of different cultivars of soybean to determine the variety with the highest value of tolerance, while exploring the underlying mechanisms responsible for salt tolerance in these plants. The parameters considered for measurement included relative injury rate, mean germination time, germination percentage, water uptake percentage, seedling height reduction, seedling biomass, and salt tolerance. Among these parameters, seedling height was highly affected with up to 72.58% reduction in 200 mM, followed by fresh weight and water uptake percentage. The parameters with minimum changes from 0 mM to 200 mM were mean germination time and relative injury rate. By assessing these parameters, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of salinity on soybean genotypes can be obtained. In conclusion, the study suggests that seedling traits are a reliable way to identify genotypes with increased tolerance to salinity stress by farmers according to the salinity situation in their soils.

Comparative Risk of Injury with Concurrent Use of Opioids and Skeletal Muscle Relaxants.

Concurrent use of skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs) and opioids has been linked to an increased risk of injury. However, it remains unclear whether the injury risks differ by specific SMR when combined with opioids. We conducted nine retrospective cohort studies within a US Medicaid population. Each cohort consisted exclusively of person-time exposed to both an SMR and one of the three most dispensed opioids-hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol. Opioid users were further divided into three cohorts based on the initiation order of SMRs and opioids-synchronically triggered, opioid-triggered, and SMR-triggered. Within each cohort, we used Cox proportional hazard models to compare the injury rates for different SMRs compared to methocarbamol, adjusting for covariates. We identified 349,543, 139,458, and 218,967 concurrent users of SMRs with hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol, respectively. In the oxycodone-SMR-triggered cohort, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.86 (95% CI, 1.23-2.82) for carisoprodol and 1.73 (1.09-2.73) for tizanidine. In the tramadol-synchronically triggered cohort, the adjusted HRs were 0.69 (0.49-0.97) for metaxalone and 0.62 (0.42-0.90) for tizanidine. In the tramadol-SMR-triggered cohort, the adjusted HRs were 1.51 (1.01-2.26) for baclofen and 1.48 (1.03-2.11) for cyclobenzaprine. All other HRs were statistically nonsignificant. In conclusion, the relative injury rate associated with different SMRs used concurrently with the three most dispensed opioids appears to vary depending on the specific opioid and the order of combination initiation. If confirmed by future studies, clinicians should consider the varying injury rates when prescribing SMRs to individuals using hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol.

Investigation of Vegetative High Temperature Tolerance of Some Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Varieties

Our aims to scan the harmful effects of high temperature stress on vegetative development on cotton varieties registered in our country. The experiment was established in the GAPUTAEM trial area in 2020, with 4 blocks according to the Augmented design. Six standards (Tamcot Spnhix, SJU86, AGC208, STV468, ST474, Carmen) and 88 cotton varieties registered in the national variety list were used as trial material. In this study, relative cell injury rate (RCI) and leaf high temperature stress index values (LHTSI) were investigated. Our investigation results show cell membrane damage (%RCI) varied between 41.81% and 74.84%. While the average of the standards used in the experiment was 68.15%, the overall average was found to be 62.42%. Leaf high temperature stress index (LHTSI) values varied between 0.48 and 1.85, while the LHTSI average of the standards was 0.98, and the overall LHTSI average of the experiment was found to be 1.02. It was determined that there was a wide variation among the genotypes screened for vegetatively high temperature stress. Using LHTSI and RCI features, it has been concluded that it is an important, effective, easy, and applicable selection criterion for screening genotypes regarding tolerance or sensitivity to high temperature stress vegetatively in cotton plants. Applying these two parameters together is recommended to obtain more accurate results. It was determined that only the Teksa415 cotton variety was vegetatively tolerant. Vegetatively, 31 cotton genotypes were found in the medium tolerant group and 62 cotton genotypes in the sensitive group.

Toxicity assessment of potassium bromate and the remedial role of grape seed extract

In this study, the multiple toxic effects of potassium bromate were investigated in Allium cepa L., an indicator test material. In addition, the toxicity-reducing effects of grape seed extract (GSE) were tested. The toxicity was investigated by some physiological (germination percentage, root length, weight gain, relative injury rate), cytogenetic [mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), and chromosomal abnormalities (CAs)], biochemical [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) levels] and anatomical parameters. A. cepa bulbs were divided into 6 groups as control and five treatment groups (Group II: 465 mg/L GSE, Group III: 930 mg/L GSE, Group IV: 100 mg/L potassium bromate, Group V: 100 mg/L potassium bromate + 465 mg/L GSE, Group VI: 100 mg /L potassium bromate + 930 mg/L GSE). The bulbs were germinated for 72 h and at the end of the period the bulbs were subjected to routine preparations and made ready for analysis and measurements. As a result, potassium bromate exposure caused statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in all physiological parameter values. Potassium bromate application decreased MI by 41.6%, and increased the MN and CAs frequencies. CAs such as fragment, sticky chromosome, and vagrant chromosome, unequal distribution of chromatin, reverse polarization, nuclear bud and disordered mitosis were induced in root meristem cells. The mechanism of potassium bromate genotoxicity has been associated with DNA-potassium bromate interaction supported by spectral shift. Potassium bromate caused a decrease in GSH levels and an increase in MDA, SOD and CAT levels, thereby disrupting the antioxidant/oxidant balance in root tip cells. GSE administration in two different doses together with potassium bromate reduced the toxic effects and caused improvements in all parameters examined. The most significant reduction in toxicity was in group VI, which received 930 mg/L GSE, and there was an improvement about 18% in MI levels and an improvement about 44% in GSH levels in this group. While GSE application increased physiological parameters and GSH levels, it decreased MDA, SOD, CAT levels, MN and CAs frequencies. As a result, it has been determined that potassium bromate causes multi-directional toxicity at high doses and A. cepa is a very reliable indicator in determining this toxicity. In addition, GSE extract has been found to have a strong role in reducing the toxicity induced by potassium bromate.

Relationship between seed morphology, storage substance and chilling tolerance during germination of dominant maize hybrids in Northeast China

<p id="C3">Seed germination is the initial stage of crop morphology, which is determined by its own properties and environmental factors. Low temperature is one of the most important factors affecting seed germination. It is crucial to explore the relationship between seed properties and germination under low temperature environmental conditions for maize production in Northeast China. In the present study, 36 maize hybrids released in Northeast China were selected and the germination culture experiment was conducted under 6℃ (low temperature stress) and 15℃ (the control). The seedling vigor, seed germination rate, seed morphology and storage substances content were determined. The germination potential and germination rate of 36 maize hybrids were evaluated by the principal component analysis (PCA), the comprehensive evaluation value of cold tolerance (CL-value), and the membership function value (<italic>R</italic>-value). The relationship between the seed morphology (kernel length, kernel width, kernel thickness, kernel length/kernel width ratio, 100-kernel volume, and 100-kernel weight) and the seed storage substances (starch, protein, and fat) of 36 maize varieties were investigated. The results showed that the seedling vigor and germination rate of 36 maize hybrids were inhibited to some content, and the variation of relative seedling vigor cold injury rate and relative germination cold injury rate was the largest under low temperature stress. There was a significant correlation among the seven individual indicators that characterized cold tolerance. Principal component analysis could transform seven individual indicators into two independent comprehensive indicators. Among them, relative seedling vigor and relative germination rate had the largest positive contribution rate, which could be used as the key indicators for cold resistance evaluation at germination stage in maize. We classified 36 hybrids into four types of strong cold tolerance (19.4%), cold tolerance (30.6%), medium cold tolerance (33.3%), and cold sensitive (16.7%) by cluster analysis. Among them, Jidan 56, Kenji 267, Suiyu 23, Jidan 953, Kenji 268, Jidan 96, and Jidan 95 were strong cold-tolerant hybrids. The correlation analysis revealed that there was no significant correlation between seed morphology and cold tolerance. Starch content was significantly correlated with relative seedling vigor, relative germination rate, relative seedling vigor chilling injury rate, relative germination chilling injury rate, and relative germination time (<italic>r </italic>= 0.396^**, <italic>r </italic>= 0.404 ^**, <italic>r </italic>= -0.401 ^**, <italic>r </italic>= -0.391 ^**, and <italic>r </italic>= 0.362 ^**). There was a significant negative correlation between protein content and relative seedling vigor (<italic>r </italic>= -0.379^**). Regression analysis indicated that the types with high starch content had higher relative seedling vigor, relative germination rate, relative germination time, and lower relative seedling vigor, relative germination rate, and chilling injury rate. The regression model demonstrated that the seed starch content was 72.0%-74.0%, the relative seedling vigor was ≥70.0%, the relative germination rate was ≥80.5%, and the chilling injury rate of relative seedling vigor and relative germination rate was ≤50.0% under 6℃ stress. Under low temperature stress, the higher seed starch content was helpful to improve seed germination and reduce chilling injury. The varieties with starch content of 72.0%-74.0% were recommended to meet the requirements of seed germination in Northeast China.

Genotoxic effects and molecular docking of 1,4-dioxane: combined protective effects of trans-resveratrol.

In this study, the protective effects of trans-resveratrol (t-resv) against 1,4-dioxane-induced toxicity in meristematic cells were investigated. For this purpose, Allium test was used and the alterations in all experimental groups were examined by using physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical, and anatomical parameters. In order to elucidate the toxicity mechanism, interactions of 1,4-dioxane and intracellular antioxidant molecules were investigated by molecular docking. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that 1,4-dioxane causes serious abnormalities in Allium cepa meristematic cells. In 1,4-dioxane-treated group, germination percentage was regressed 1.6 times, root length was reduced 12.7 times, and weight gain was decreased 7.7 times compared to control group. T-resv administration with 1,4-dioxane resulted in an improvement in physiological parameters and reduced the relative injury rate from 0.4 to 0.16. Mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), and chromosomal abnormality (CAs) frequencies were investigated as cytogenetic parameters. 1,4-Dioxane decreased MI index, and increased CAs and MN frequency. In addition, it was determined by the comet test that 1,4-dioxane caused deterioration in DNA integrity. T-resv treatment was found to cause a dose-dependent improvement in genotoxic effects. Changes in the antioxidant system in all experimental groups were determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities. 1,4-Dioxane caused alterations in all tested parameters, causing deterioration in the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the cell. A 200-mg/L t-resv+1,4-dioxane treatment caused a 1.9-fold decrease in MDA level which is indicator of lipid peroxidation compared to only 1,4-dioxane-treated group. The mechanism of the disruption in antioxidant/oxidant dynamics and genetic integrity was elucidated by molecular docking analysis of 1,4-dioxane with antioxidant molecules and DNA. In 1,4-dioxane treatment group, anatomical changes such as cell deformation, flattened cell nucleus, and thickening of cortex cell wall were observed. The frequency of these changes decreased with t-resv administration. As a result, it was determined that 1,4-dioxane caused a versatile toxicity in A. cepa meristematic cells, while t-resv was found to have a dose-dependent protective feature against 1,4-dioxane-induced toxicity.

Leg Stiffness, Joint Stiffness, and Running-Related Injury: Evidence From a Prospective Cohort Study.

Background:The spring-like behavior of the leg and the joints of the lower body during running are thought to influence a wide range of physiologic and mechanical phenomena, including susceptibility to overuse injury. If leg and joint stiffness are associated with running-related injuries, altering joint or leg stiffness may be a useful avenue for injury rehabilitation and injury prevention programs.Purpose:To test the associations between running-related injury and leg stiffness, knee stiffness, and ankle stiffness in a prospective study of recreational runners.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A total of 49 healthy recreational runners took part in a year-long study. Participants completed a 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic biomechanical assessment at baseline and reported training volume and injury status in a weekly survey during the follow-up period. Relationships between stiffness and injury were assessed at the level of individual legs (n = 98) using spline terms in Cox proportional hazards models.Results:During follow-up, 23 participants (29 legs) sustained injury. The median time to injury was 27 weeks (53.27 hours of training). Relative injury rate as a function of knee stiffness displayed a weak and nonsignificant U-shaped curve (P = .187-.661); ankle and leg stiffness displayed no discernable associations with relative injury rate (leg stiffness, P = .215-.605; ankle stiffness, P = .419-.712).Conclusion:Leg and joint stiffness may not be important factors in the development of running-related injuries. Moderate changes in leg and joint stiffness are unlikely to substantially alter injury risk.

In vivo toxicological assessment of diquat dibromide: cytotoxic, genotoxic, and biochemical approach.

Diquat dibromide is a comprehensive herbicide commonly used in the cultivation of cotton, soybeans, and other crops to combat unwanted weeds. In this study, the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of diquat dibromide was determined 60 mg/L in the Allium root growth inhibition test. ½ × EC50 (30 mg/L), EC50 (60 mg/L), and 2 × EC50 (120 mg/L) concentrations of diquat dibromide were applied to Allium cepa L. bulbs for 72 h to investigate the dose-dependent toxic effects. To determine the toxic effects cytogenetic, biochemical and physiological parameters were used. Physiological effects were investigated by determination of the percentage of rooting, relative injury rate, root length, and weight gain. Genetic effects were evaluated by the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), micronucleus (MN) formation, mitotic index (MI) rate, and comet assay. Biochemical parameters were evaluated with antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and glutathione (GSH) level. Also, chlorophyll pigment contents (a, b, and total) in green leaves were calculated to elucidate the effect of diquat dibromide on plants and the biosphere. The findings show that increasing doses of diquat dibromide caused a decrease in all physiological parameters and MI ratio, promoting MN and CAs and tail DNA formation in genetic parameters. It was determined by the increases in MDA level, SOD, and CAT activities and decreases in GSH levels that diquat dibromide administration caused oxidative stress depending on the dose. Also, chlorophyll pigment levels (a, b, and total) measured in leaf tissues decreased with the application dose. Considering that the toxic effects caused by diquat dibromide and that organisms other than unwanted plants will be exposed during the application, its use should be abandoned and biocontrol methods should be used instead. In cases where use is compulsory, doses that will not harm the environment and organisms should be determined and used.

Therapeutic effects of royal jelly against sodium benzoate-induced toxicity: cytotoxic, genotoxic, and biochemical assessment.

In this study, the protective role of royal jelly (RJ) against the potential toxic effects of sodium benzoate was investigated in Allium cepa L. test material with physiological, genetic, and biochemical parameters. Physiological changes were evaluated by determining weight gain, rooting percentage, root length, and relative injury rate. The genetic evaluations were carried out with chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), micronucleus (MN), tail DNA formation, and mitotic index (MI) ratio parameters. The biochemical evaluations were carried out by determining lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities by determining levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Further, the interaction of sodium benzoate with antioxidant enzymes was evaluated with molecular docking analysis. The antimutagenic effect of RJ was evaluated as the inhibition of chromosomal abnormalities (CAs) and tail DNA formations. A total of six groups were formed in the study. A. cepa L. bulbs in the control group were treated with tap water; the bulbs in the administration groups were treated with sodium benzoate (100 mg/L), RJ (25 mg/L and 50 mg/L doses), and sodium benzoate-RJ combinations with these doses for 72 h. As a result, it was determined that sodium benzoate application caused inhibition of physiological parameters and MI; induced MN, CAs, and DNA damage; and also caused oxidative stress. Depending on the concentration of RJ application, it reduced sodium benzoate toxicity by showing therapeutic effects in all these parameters. Also, the interaction of sodium benzoate with antioxidant enzyme residues was determined by molecular docking analysis. As a result, it has been understood that abandoning the use of sodium benzoate will be beneficial for the environment and human health and concluded that the use of RJ in the daily diet will be effective in reducing the impact of exposed toxic ingredients.

A versatile model for investigating the protective effects of Ceratonia siliqua pod extract against 1,4-dioxane toxicity.

In this study, the toxic effects of 1,4-dioxane, a common contaminant, and the protective property of Ceratonia siliqua L. pod extract (Cspe) against this toxicity are aimed to be demonstrated with a versatile model. For this purpose, Allium toxicity test was used and six different experimental groups were formed. While the control group was germinated in tap water, the application groups were germinated in mediums containing 750mg/L Cspe, 1500mg/L Cspe, 100mg/L 1,4-dioxane, 750mg/L Cspe+100mg/L 1,4-dioxane, and 1500mg/L Cspe+100mg/L 1,4-dioxane. Each group was germinated in related solution for 72h and alterations in physiological, biochemical, genetic, and anatomical parameters were investigated. Germination percentage, relative injury rate, root length, and weight gain parameters were examined as physiological parameters, and no significant difference was observed in the control group and only-Cspe-treated groups. In groups treated with 100mg/L 1,4-dioxane, germination percentage, root length, and weight gain were significantly decreased, and the relative injury rate reached the highest value as 0.48. It was determined that all physiological parameters improved in the groups where Cspe and 1,4-dioxane treated together, and the relative injury rate decreased to 0.22 in the group treated with 1500mg/L Cspe+1,4-dioxane. Genotoxic effects were tested by the micronucleus and chromosomal abnormality frequency, and statistically insignificant micronucleus formation was found in control group and Cspe-treated groups. Micronucleus frequency were found to be 58.00 ± 12.12 and 31.00 ± 07.38 in 1,4-dioxane and 1500mg/L Cspe+1,4-dioxane-treated groups, respectively. This result showed that the application of 1500mg/L Cspe had a 46.5% reduction in the frequency of 1,4-dioxane-induced micronucleus and had a protective effect on genomic integrity. It has been found that 1,4-dioxane application induces lipid peroxidation and increases malondialdehyde level 4.5 times compared with control group. Oxidative stress, which was proved by increased malondialdehyde levels in 1,4-dioxane-treated group caused induction of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes, and it was determined that enzyme activities increased by 1.99 and 4.9 times, respectively, compared with the control group. Cspe treatment with 1,4-dioxane caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde level, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzyme activities, indicating that oxidative stress formation in the cells was repressed. Abnormalities such as cell deformation, cell wall thickening, and flattened cell nuclei were seen in 1,4-dioxane-treated group in the cross sections of root tips, and the frequency of these abnormalities decreased with Cspe application. As a result, it was determined that 1,4-dioxane caused a versatile toxicity in the test material Allium cepa, whereas Cspe application had a dose-dependent protective feature against toxicity in all tested parameters.

The Potential Risk Assessment of Phenoxyethanol with a Versatile Model System

In this study, the toxic effects of phenoxyethanol (Phy-Et), which is widely used in cosmetic industry, has been investigated with Allium test by means of physiological, cytogenetic, anatomical and biochemical parameters. To determine the changes in physiological reactions weight gain, relative injury rate, germination percentage and root length were investigated. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathion and catalase levels were analyzed as biochemical parameters for determining the presence of oxidative stress. Mitotic index, micronucleus and chromosomal abnormality frequencies were studied as cytogenetic evaluation and the anatomical changes in root tip cells were investigated by cross sections. Changes in surface polarity and wettability were investigated by taking contact angle measurements of pressed root preparations. The mechanism of toxicity has been tried to be explained by these contact angles and this is the first study using contact angle measurements in toxicity tests. Consequently, exposure to Phy-Et resulted in a decrease in all measured physiological parameters and in mitotic index. In contrast, significant increases in the micronucleus and chromosomal abnormality frequencies were observed and the most significant toxic effect was found in 10 mM Phy-Et treated group. Phy-Et application induced oxidative damage and caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease in glutathione level compared to control group. Also a response occured against oxidative damage in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and the activities increased in 2.5 mM and 5 mM Phy-Et treated groups and decreased in 10 mM Phy-Et treated groups. Furthermore, Phy-Et treatment resulted in some anatomical damages and changes such as necrosis, cell deformation and thickening of the cortex cell wall in root tip meristem cells of A. cepa. In the contact angle measurements taken against water, it was found that the wettability and hydrophilicity of the root preparations treated with Phy-Et were reduced, and this was the explanation of the growth abnormalities associated with water uptake. As a result, it was found that Phy-Et application caused toxic effects on many viability parameters and A. cepa test material was a reliable biomarker in determining these effects.

Impact of salinity Seed sprout characterization of five faba bean (Vicia faba L) varieties

One of the unique properties of earlier stages of plant growth is germination. germination is morphological expression of various metabolic activities in seeds. Plants exposure to the abiotic stresses for instance salinity that influence physiological processes, anatomy, developmental systems and plant development. Agriculture production under arid and semi-arid zone is low owning to many factors for example accumulation of salts in soils and water, total of land area under salinity is about 953 million ha. The aim of this research was to evaluate the germination characters of five faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties [Nubaria (1), Giza (843), Sakha (1), Sakha (3) and, Sakha (4)] were using saline solution containing (0, 1000 and 2000 ppm NaCl), were utilized to examine their water uptake, germination percentage, germination index, relative salt injury rate, radicle length, sprout fresh and dry weight, weight losses and seed volume using saline solution . Results indicated that the higher concentrations of salt have a negative impact on water uptake, germination percentage, radical length, sprout fresh and dry weight, seed volume, and relative salt injury rate. At all salinity concentration, the five varieties showed different degrees of salt tolerance. Sakha (3), (4) and Giza (843) had a better salt tolerance index than the other Nubaria (1) and Sakha (1). Nubaria (1), Giza (843) had the highest percentage and index of germination, while Sakha (1) had the shorter radical length and susceptible to salt injury rate. Moreover, Giza (843) and Sakha (3) genotypes can be considered as tolerant to salt stress compared to the other ones. These genotypes also could be used in the breeding program for enhancing faba bean cultivation in newly reclaimed lands. Data suggest a test of seed germination may be useful to use in developing new lines of faba bean to grow in saline soils.

Screening of Chilli ( Capsicum annum L.) Genotypes for Drought Tolerant at Seedling Emergence Stage

Forty seven chilli (Capsicum annum L.) genotypes were evaluated for their genetic potential to drought tolerant at germination stage using 12.5% polyethylene (PEG, MW6000). Relative germination energy (RGE), relative germination rate (RGR), relative germination index (RGI), relative vitality index (RVI) and their relative PEG injury rate were computed to identify the most tolerant genotypes on germination stage. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes, treatments and their interactions for evaluated traits suggesting a great amount of variability for drought tolerant in chilli. Based on aggregated score of RGE, RGR, RGI and RVI parameters BD-10906, BD-10912, BD-10911, BD-10916 and BD-10913 were the top five genotypes, whereas BD-10902, RT-20, AM-29, BD-10893 and BD-10930 lowermost five genotypes in the rank of drought tolerant which is an indication of their tolerant and susceptible to drought stress. The lowest relative PEG injury rate was observed in tolerant genotypes, contrary the highest rate was recorded in susceptible genotypes. Dendrogram using Agglomerative Clustering Method grouped the 47 genotypes into four different clusters at the 0.668 co-phenetic correlation coefficient. Drought tolerant chilli genotypes grouped in cluster I, while the susceptible genotypes clustered together in group III and IV and a number of moderate tolerant genotypes gathered in cluster II. Consequently the maximum mean values of tested parameters viz. RGR (91.30), RGE (30.43), RGI (40.58) and RVI (54.10) were observed in clusters I. Positive and significant correlation values were observed between the tolerant indications parameters. RGI showed comparatively strong and positive correlation with all tested parameters. Thus, tolerant and susceptible genotypes will be progressed for further tolerant study in seedling stage.

Impact of Salinity Stress on Germination of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)

Aims: Salinity is one of the major abiotic stress that negatively affects plant growth in germination and early seedling stages. Salinity has becoming a serious problem as most of the parts of worldwide lands were affected by high salt concentration. Therefore, the effects of salinity ranging from 0 mM, 25 mM, 50 mM and 75 mM Sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations on germination and early seedling growth of water spinach and their salt tolerance mechanism.&#x0D; Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD).&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science in University Putra Malaysia (UPM) from June to August, 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: In order to study the effects of salinity on water spinach, several parameters have been taken into account for measurement which include water uptake percentage, germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, relative injury rate, seed vigor, seedling height reduction, hypocotyl and radicle length, seedling biomass, salt tolerance, total phenolic content and total flavonoids contents.&#x0D; Results: The results obtained showed that salinity adversely reduced water uptake efficiency, seed vigor, hypocotyl and radicle length, total phenolic content and total flavonoids content of water spinach. The seedling height reduction of water spinach increased significantly in relative to increasing salinity. However, seeds treated in mild salt concentration at 25 mM of NaCl showed an increment of germination percentage and germination index.&#x0D; Conclusion: Salt tolerance of water spinach increased as the response towards increasing salinity.

Genetic variability for seedling stage salinity tolerance in barnyard millet [Echinochloa frumentaceae (Roxb.) Link

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentaceae) has a potential to withstand salinity. The existing genetic variability for salinity tolerance in 32 barnyard millet accessions was assessed based on the morpho-physiological parameters governing salt tolerance viz., germination percentage, relative germination rate, root length, shoot length, seedling length, vigour index, relative salt injury rate and relative water content. Under gradual increase in the intensity of salt stress, decrease in germination percentage, relative germination rate, root length, shoot length, seedling length, vigour index, relative water content and increase in relative salt injury rate was observed. The antioxidant assay also revealed that catalase and peroxidase activity increased with rise in salt level in tolerant genotypes (ACM161, ACM295, ACM335, GECH10, IEc167) but the enzyme activity in the salt sensitive genotypes (IEc134, IEc348, IEc607) declined with increase in salt concentration, when compared to control. The salt tolerant genotypes maintained higher relative water content and enzyme activity under salt stress. Hence, this may be the underlying mechanism for salt tolerance.

Assessment of Acacia auriculiformis Cunn. Ex Benth. Seed Germination and Growth Resistance towards Arsenic Toxicity

Aim: Assess the ability of A. auriculiformis to resist arsenic (As) toxicity during germination and growth. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Department of Biology, Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang, between September 2016 and May 2017. Methodology: A. auriculiformis seeds were germinated in series of As solutions (50 ppm-100 ppm). Each As concentration contained three replicates and each replicate contained ten seeds. After 15 days, germination analysis such as germination percentage, seedling vigor index, relative injury rate and mean germination time were calculated. Meanwhile, another set of A. auriculiformis’s seeds were germinated using distilled water and planted in soil treated with different As concentration. After 60 days, the plant morphology, chlorophyll content and growth rate were also recorded. Results: The result revealed that, seed germination percentage, seedling vigor index and relative injury rate were significantly reduced at 80-100ppm As concentration, but the mean germination time showed no significant difference between controlled and treated seeds. The growth analysis showed that growth rate and chlorophyll content of treated plants decreased as much as 63.7% and 76.1% respectively. However, all the plants were able to survive up to 100 ppm exposure. Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded that A. auriculiformis is capable to resist As contamination during germination and growth, thus showing the potential of species to remove As from soil, as a phytoremediator.

Incidence and Characteristics of Meniscal Injuries in Cadets at a Military School, 2013-2015.

Meniscal injury is common among military service members. To examine the incidence and characteristics of meniscal injuries in cadets at a single military institution between 2013 and 2015. Cohort study. Meniscal-injury data were collected at the Center of Rehabilitation Training, the People's Liberation Army University of Science and Technology. A total of 2479 cadets participating in physical activities between 2013 and 2015. Injury rates, injury proportions by body mass index, risk ratios (RRs), and injury proportion ratios were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The overall incidence rate was 10.08 (95% CI = 6.84, 14.84) per 1000 person-years. A multiple-comparisons test revealed differences in the relative injury rate in overweight or obese cadets versus normal-weight cadets and underweight cadets (χ2 = 8.98, P = .01). No differences were found between injured normal-weight cadets and underweight cadets (P = .66, RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 0.32, 6.06) or between injured overweight or obese cadets and injured underweight cadets (P = .24, RR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.09, 1.91). The absolute injury rate was higher for overweight and obese cadets compared with normal-weight cadets (P < .01, RR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.13, 0.69). The overall proportional distribution for patterns of injury was 2:1 (medial to lateral) for meniscal injuries. Grade 2 injuries were the most common. The high frequency and level of severity of meniscal injuries may negatively affect the readiness and health of cadets. High body mass index was a risk factor for meniscal injury.

Injury rate and injury patterns in FIS World Cup Alpine skiing (2006–2015): have the new ski regulations made an impact?

BackgroundNew regulations for ski equipment were implemented prior to the 2012/2013 season in the International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine World Cup (WC).ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the new ski regulations...

Explaining occupational injury rates between migrant and native workers in Taiwan, 1998–2011

This study explains trends in occupational injury rates among migrant and native workers in Taiwan and evaluates the results of related regulatory protection policies for migrants between 1998 and 2011. Results indicate that the relative occupational injury rate between migrant and native workers dropped from 2.1 times to 1.1 times during the whole period; on average, the injury rates for migrant workers were 1.45 times higher compared with non-migrants. Although policies protecting migrants’ rights may have resulted in lower injury rates, the minimum wage policy has otherwise given rise to an increase in injury rates. We argue that governmental regulations regarding the monitoring and management of migrant workers’ safety have been only loosely enforced under the guest-worker policy.

Acute Injuries in Track and Field Athletes

Background: Few studies have examined acute injuries in track and field in both elite and subelite athletes. Purpose: To observe the absolute number and relative rates of injury in track and field athletes across a wide range of competition levels and ages during 3 years of the Penn Relays Carnival to assist with future medical coverage planning and injury prevention strategies. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Over a 3-year period, all injuries treated by the medical staff were recorded on a standardized injury report form. Absolute number of injuries and relative injury rates (number of injuries per 1000 competing athletes) were determined and odds ratios (ORs) of injury rates were calculated between sexes, competition levels, and events. Injuries were also broken down into major or minor medical or orthopaedic injuries. Results: Throughout the study period, 48,473 competing athletes participated in the Penn Relays Carnival, and 436 injuries were sustained. For medical coverage purposes, the relative rate of injury subtypes was greatest for minor orthopaedic injuries (5.71 injuries per 1000 participants), followed by minor medical injuries (3.42 injuries per 1000 participants), major medical injuries (0.69 injuries per 1000 participants), and major orthopaedic injuries (0.18 injuries per 1000 participants). College/elite athletes displayed the lowest relative injury rate (7.99 injuries per 1000 participants), which was significantly less than that of high school (9.87 injuries per 1000 participants) and masters athletes (16.33 injuries per 1000 participants). Male athletes displayed a greater likelihood of having a minor orthopaedic injury compared with female athletes (OR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.06-1.75]; χ2 = 5.73; P = .017) but were less likely to sustain a major medical injury (OR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.15-0.75]; χ2 = 7.75; P = .005). Of the 3 most heavily participated in events, the 4 × 400-m relay displayed the greatest relative injury rate (13.6 injuries per 1000 participants) compared with the 4 × 100-m and 4 × 200-m relays. Conclusion: Medical coverage teams for future large-scale track and field events need to plan for at least 2 major orthopaedic and 7 major medical injuries per 10,000 participants. Male track and field athletes, particularly masters male athletes, are at greater risk of injury compared with other sexes and competition levels.