Root Size Research Articles

On the size of roots of a family of polynomials related to linear recurrence sequences

On the size of roots of a family of polynomials related to linear recurrence sequences

The Classical 6-P of Acute Limb Ischemia

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a surgical emergency and often threatens limb viability. This is a case of a 45-year-old patient who presented with the classical six Ps of ALI. A 45-year-old lady with underlying hypertension and heart failure presented with acute right leg pain arriving by ambulance at the Emergency Department within 4 hours of the symptom. The patient was clinically obese and seemed very uncomfortable as evidenced by her writhing in pain. She was borderline tachycardic and hypertensive. The cardiopulmonary and abdominal examinations were unremarkable. On extremity examination, she was unable to move her right leg starting from the knee caudally. The leg appeared mottling and cold. On vascular examination, there was no abdominal or femoral bruit but there was a diminished pulsation of the right femoral, dorsalis-pedis and posterior-tibialis arteries as confirmed by Doppler compared to the contralateral side. On the neurological examination, the sensation was absent and no pain upon the passive stretch. Ankle-Brachial-Systolic Index (ABSI) was 0.7. As evidenced by pain, pallor, pulselessness, poikilothermia, paralysis, and paresthesia, clinical diagnosis of acute right leg ischemia was established with most likely vascular occlusion proximal to the left femoral artery. The vascular team was urgently referred. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia. Bedside ultrasound revealed normal aortic root size and neither aortic dissection nor aneurysm. 2-point compression tests were fully compressible and X-ray films showed no fracture. Creatinine Kinase was 65 units/litre whereas other blood parameters were unremarkable. She was then classified as Rutherford IIB and underwent a right femoral thromboembolectomy. The presentation of ALI requires rapid diagnosis and appropriate management as it is time-sensitive and limb-threatening. Emergency physicians should be aware of advances in endovascular therapies as a recommended option for the treatment of ALI. International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2023 Page: S23

A New Tool to Aid the Differential Diagnosis of Physiological Remodelling from Cardiac Pathology When Assessing Left Ventricle, Left Atrial and Aortic Structure and Function in Male Arab and Black Paediatric Athletes.

Aim: To determine if published Z-scores for left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA) and aortic structure as well as indices of LV function (Doppler and TDI) in paediatric athletes and non-athletes are appropriate for application in male Arab and black paediatric athletes. If inappropriate, we aim to provide new nomograms and Z-scores for clinical application. Methods: 417 (297 Arab, 120 black) male paediatric (11-18 years) athletes, were evaluated by 2D echocardiography as per British Society of Echocardiography recommendations, and biological age (by radiological X-ray) assessment. Z-scores were tested by residual and correlation analysis together with visual inspection. New Z-scores involved allometric (a*BSA(b+c*chronological age)) and second-order polynomial (y=a*chronological age2+b*chronological age+c) equations for measures of cardiac size and indices of LV function, respectively. Results: Residual linear regression, correlation analysis and visual inspection revealed published z-scores in white peri-pubertal footballers and paediatric non-athletes to be inappropriate for application in male Arab and black paediatric athletes. Residual linear regression revealed new Z-scores for measures of LV, LA and aortic root size to be independent of BSA, ethnicity, chronological and biological age. Residual linear regression revealed new Z-scores for measures of function to be independent of chronological age. Conclusion: Our new z-scores may aid differential diagnosis of suspected pathology versus physiology remodelling, in cardiac screening of the Arab and black paediatric athlete. Nomograms are provided to assist the tracking of the paediatric athlete necessitating annual follow-up and Excel z-score calculation to facilitate use in day-to-day practice.

Multi-frequency complex conductivity sparse imaging of plant root zone based on space-frequency correlation

The root zone provides indispensable water and nutrients for plants and monitoring the dynamics of the root zone is highly important. However, due to the opacity and complexity of this zone, in situ characterization of the root zone poses many challenges. A sparse Bayesian learning complex model based on spatial frequency correlation (SF-SBLC) was proposed for fast nondestructive imaging of the growth trends in the root zone of plants, and multi-frequency electrical impedance tomography (mfEIT) was used to reconstruct the complex conductivity distribution of the root zone. To achieve the best sparse coefficients and enhance the quality of the reconstructed images, the SF-SBLC learned and utilized the spatial and frequency correlations of the complex conductivities at different frequencies. The reconstruction algorithm was further optimized using a concave-convex process method and a multi-measure vector model, which decreased its time complexity. When compared to conventional mfEIT reconstruction algorithms, the experimental findings demonstrated that the SF-SBLC could greatly reduce imaging artifacts, generate higher reconstruction performance (in terms of the image correlation coefficient, relative image error, resolution, position error, shape deformation, and ringing), and shorten imaging time. Moreover, the SF-SBLC was able to recreate the root zone's shape, size, and location in both a nutrient solution and a horticulture substrate. Finally, the effective volume of the root zone is defined and calculated based on the 3D EIT image. This technique offers a prospective tool that might be useful for monitoring the root growth trends and expansion rates of potted plants.

Effects of Microplastic Contamination on the Aquatic Plant Lemna minuta (Least Duckweed)

Microplastics are widely spread in aquatic environments. Although they are considered among the most alarming contaminants, toxic effects on organisms are unclear, particularly on freshwater plants. In this study, the duckweed Lemna minuta was grown on different concentrations (50, 100 mg/L) of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) microplastics (MP) and exposure times (T0, T7, T14, T28 days). The phytotoxic effects of MP were investigated by analyzing several plant morphological and biochemical parameters (frond and root size, plant growth, chlorophyll, and malondialdehyde content). Observations by scanning electron microscope revealed MP adsorption on plant surfaces. Exposition to MP adversely affected plant growth and chlorophyll content with respect to both MP concentrations and exposure times. Conversely, malondialdehyde measurements did not indicate an alteration of oxidative lipid damage in plant tissue. The presence of MP induced root elongation when compared to the control plants. The effects of MP on L. minuta plants were more evident at T28. These results contribute to a better understanding of MP's impact on aquatic plants and highlight that MP contamination manifests with chronic-type effects, which are thus detectable at longer exposure times of 7 days than those traditionally used in phytotoxicology tests on duckweeds.

EMERGÊNCIA DE SEMENTES E DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MUDAS DE ALFACE EM DIFERENTES SUBSTRATOS

INTRODUCTION: The production of lettuce seedlings is one of the most important steps in the production system. The substrate used in the production of lettuce seedlings plays a key role, and the quality depends on its physical structure and chemical composition. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of different substrates on germination and development of Verônica variety lettuce seedlings. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in Seedling Nursery Vale Verde, located in the municipality of Patrocínio, state Minas Gerais, Brazil, average altitude of 945 meters, geographic coordinates 18°54'14.4" south latitude and 46°59'40.9" west longitude. For this experiment, polystyrene trays were used. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme 3 x 1 x 7, and 28 seeds per plot, being considered for evaluation 12 seedlings of each plot. The substrates used were: phenolic foam, coconut fiber and compost. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and, subsequently, the means of treatments were subjected to multiple comparison analysis, by Tukey's test. RESULTS: There was a highly significant difference for emergence speed index, root size, leaf size, and significant difference for number of leaves. Germination, dry mass and green mass, on the other hand, did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSION: The phenolic foam substrate provided greater speed of emergence. The new world composite and coconut fiber substrate features a greater number of leaves and root size. The largest leaves and consequently the accumulation of green mass and dry mass were obtained in seedlings cultivated in the coconut fiber substrate. KEYWORDS: : emergency; hardwood; source; transplant; nursery.

Farmers’ selection criteria for sweet potato varieties in Benin: An application of Best-Worst Scaling

Summary Integrating farmers’ preferences into the breeding and dissemination of new genotypes is a effective approach to enhance their successful adoption by farmers. In the case of sweet potato, a staple crop in many parts of West Africa, there is a need for more research on the selection criteria used by farmers when choosing which varieties to grow. This study aims to highlight farmers’ selection criteria for sweet potato varieties in the main production areas in Benin. A total of 480 farmers from the top three sweet potato production areas were surveyed. The relative importance of various traits for sweet potato farmers was evaluated using best-worst scaling methods. Latent class analysis was applied to find groups of farmers with similar preferences. Best-Worst Scaling analysis revealed that high root yield, root size, marketability, and early maturing were the most important variety selection criteria. Latent class analysis revealed three farmers’ groups referred to as ‘Yield potential’, ‘Market value’, and ‘Plant resilience’ classes. ‘Yield potential’ farmers were more likely to be from Atlantique and Alibori departments; they significantly committed more acreage to sweet potato production. The ‘Market value’ farmers highlighted the variety of root size and commercial value as the main selection criteria and consisted of farmers with primary education levels from the Ouémé department. ‘Plant resilience’ refers to a group of Alibori farmers who prioritize environmental issues and primarily grow sweet potatoes for self-consumption. Our findings shed light on farmers’ preferences and suggested that heterogeneity in sweet potato selection criteria was highly influenced by various socio-economic factors and location.

Bi-directional Dual-flow-RootChip for Physiological Analysis of Plant Primary Roots Under Asymmetric Perfusion of Stress Treatments.

Due to technical limitations, research to date has mainly focused on the role of abiotic and biotic stress-signalling molecules in the aerial organs of plants, including the whole shoot, stem, and leaves. Novel experimental platforms including the dual-flow-RootChip (dfRC), PlantChip, and RootArray have since expanded this to plant-root cell analysis. Based on microfluidic platforms for flow stream shaping and force sensing on tip-growing organisms, the dfRC has further been expanded into a bi-directional dual-flow-RootChip (bi-dfRC), incorporating a second adjacent pair of inlets/outlet, enabling bi-directional asymmetric perfusion of treatments towards plant roots (shoot-to-root or root-to-shoot). This protocol outlines, in detail, the design and use of the bi-dfRC platform. Plant culture on chip is combined with guided root growth and controlled exposure of the primary root to solute changes. The impact of surface treatment on root growth and defence signals can be tracked in response to abiotic and biotic stress or the combinatory effect of both. In particular, this protocol highlights the ability of the platform to culture a variety of plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana benthamiana, and Solanum lycopersicum, on chip. It demonstrates that by simply altering the dimensions of the bi-dfRC, a broad application basis to study desired plant species with varying primary root sizes under microfluidics is achieved. Key features Expansion of the method developed by Stanley et al. (2018a) to study the directionality of defence signals responding to localised treatments. Description of a microfluidic platform allowing culture of plants with primary roots up to 40 mm length, 550μm width, and 500 μm height. Treatment with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to permanently retain the hydrophilicity of partially hydrophobic bi-dfRC microchannels, enabling use with surface-sensitive plant lines. Description of novel tubing array setup equipped with rotatable valves for switching treatment reagent and orientation, while live-imaging on the bi-dfRC. Graphical overview Graphical overview of bi-dfRC fabrication, plantlet culture, and setup for root physiological analysis.(a) Schematic diagram depicting photolithography and replica molding, to produce a PDMS device. (b) Schematic diagram depicting seed culture off chip, followed by sub-culture of 4-day-old plantlets on chip. (c) Schematic diagram depicting microscopy and imaging setup, equipped with a media delivery system for asymmetric treatment introduction into the bi-dfRC microchannel root physiological analysis under varying conditions.

The harmfulness ofwestern corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) under the conditions of perennial repeated maize sowing

Kukuruzna zlatica (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) pripada najvažnijim štetnicima kukuruza. Istraživanje je provedeno u Gorjanima tijekom 2020. godine s ciljem utvrđivanja kako ponovljena sjetva kukuruza utječe na pojavu i brojnost kukuruzne zlatice, razinu oštećenja korijena, tolerantnost biljaka te prinos. Zasijan je hibrid kukuruza OS 378 u dva tretmana (ponovljena sjetva i monokultura tri godine). Štete uzrokovane hranidbom ličinaka utvrđene su očitanjem oštećenja korijena. Tolerantnost biljaka utvrđena je očitanjem veličine korijena i razvoja sekundarnoga korijenja, a let imaga pratio se žutim ljepljivim pločama. Prisutnost kukuruzne zlatice zabilježena je na objema istraživanim parcelama. Prosječna brojnost imaga po danu i mamcu u ponovljenoj sjetvi iznosila je 1,07, a u trogodišnjoj monokulturi 0,99. Oštećenje korijena ocijenjeno je prosječnom ocjenom 0,75 (ponovljena sjetva), odnosno 1,25 (trogodišnja monokultura). Veličina korijena ocijenjena je prosječnim ocjenama 2,50 (ponovljena sjetva) i 3,70 (trogodišnja monokultura), a prosječni porast sekundarnoga korijenja s 3,20 (ponovljena sjetva), odnosno 3,05 (trogodišnja monokultura). Lošije ocjene korijena bile su kod uzgoja kukuruza u trogodišnjoj monokulturi, što ukazuje kako dodatna godina monokulture može uzrokovati veće štete. Prinos kukuruza u ponovljenoj sjetvi bio je viši za 2,53 t/ha u odnosu na trogodišnju monokulturu. Preporuča se izbjegavanje daljnje sjetve kukuruza na ovim površinama te poštivanje višegodišnjega plodoreda.

Physical and chemical characterization of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) roots cultivated with different doses of potassium fertilization

The already marked tendency for functional food consumption, low in calories, and with biologically active properties, has been increasing. In this scenario, yacon tuberous roots, with high levels of nutraceutical fructooligosaccharides, gain importance. However, these nutraceutical properties depend on fertilization management. Thus, our study aims to evaluate different doses of potassium fertilization on the physicochemical characteristics of yacon roots. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with 4 replications and 5 treatments: four doses of potassium fertilization (50%; 100%; 150%; 200%) of the reference value, corresponding to 178.7 kg.ha-1; 357.4 kg.ha-1; 536.1 kg.ha-1; 714.8 kg.ha-1 of potassium chloride – (KCl), and a control (soil without fertilization). The chemical features evaluated were pH, total titratable acidity, soluble solids, conductivity, turbidity, moisture and ashes. The texture profile was analyzed through toughness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, chewability index, elasticity, and gooeyness. Most of the variables were influenced by potassium soil fertilization. Only turbidity, conductivity and gumminess showed no response to the applied doses, not fitting the tested models. Potassium fertilization improved both chemical (higher levels of soluble solids and less acidity) and physical characteristics (less hardness, chewability, cohesiveness, and adhesion) of yacon tuberous roots, bringing greater quality to the final product. Highlights Yacon is considered a prebiotic food. Several immunostimulatory characteristics promote antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Potassium is associated with root size, shape, texture, color, flavor, acidity, nutrient transport resistance, nutritional value, and even market value. Texture constitutes an important factor and quality criterion for the sensory acceptance of food. Thus, the results obtained show that potassium fertilization improves both physical and chemical characteristics of yacon roots. The best results were observed with the maximum dose of potassium fertilization (357.4 kg.ha-1 of KCl).

708 PATTERNS OF BIOLOGICAL AGING OF THE HEART AND THEIR PROGNOSTIC VALUE: THE SARDI-NIA STUDY

Abstract Background As people age at different rates, the concept of biological age has been introduced as a measure of functional deterioration. Associations of echocardiographic traits with age were analyzed to detect different biological aging rates of the heart and their prognostic value. Methods Echocardiographic left ventricular mass, geometry, left atrial volume, diastolic function, and aortic root size were measured in 3817 adults (58% females). Sex-specific correlations of age with six cardiac traits were assessed in 2614 healthy subjects. According to two-sided 95% tolerance intervals, three patterns of heart aging rates were identified in the whole cohort: slow aging pattern (n=287), normal aging pattern (n=2669), and accelerated aging pattern (n=796). The phenotypic (biological) age of the heart (HeartPhAge) was estimated from the cardiac traits by multiple linear regression. Cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular incident events at follow-up (46 months (IQR 34–64 months) were grouped into three endpoints and analyzed in survival analyses. Results Compared to chronological age, HeartPhAge was nine years younger (p<0.0001) in the slow aging pattern, similar in the normal pattern, and three years older (p<0.0001) in the accelerated pattern. The incidence of all endpoints was higher in the accelerated pattern than in the normal and slow aging patterns (p<0.0001 to p=0.0003). In Cox proportional-hazards analysis, the heart aging patterns significantly predicted all endpoints in both the whole cohort and the healthy subset, independent of chronological age and risk factors. Conclusion Heart aging patterns reflect the rate of biological aging and independently predict cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular events.

Morphological and Anatomical Comparison between Tetraploid Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni and its Parental Diploid

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni is a perennial herbaceous plant that produces natural low glycemic-index sweeteners alternative to sugar cane. The genetic improvement of Stevia needs to be investigated to increase its productivity. Although this plant has a narrow genetic diversity, genetic improvement through polyploidization may succeed. Meanwhile, genotypic characters of tetraploid Stevia were previously reported. This study then observed the phenotypic characters of the tetraploid plants, which aimed to evaluate the morphological and anatomical characteristics of tetraploid Stevia clones compared to its wild-type parental diploid plant. Three tetraploids and one diploid clone were grown in the field for 12 weeks. The results of qualitative descriptive characters showed that the tetraploid clones B60.3H8, P1T22 and P3T5 had habitus type, shoot bud shape, leaf margin, leaf venation, shape, and type of stem, type of flower, and seed similar to the diploid parental clone. However, the quantitative characters showed that the tetraploid clones had leaf size, stem diameter, root size, length of the single flower, length of the flower stalk, and length of fruit which were more extensive than those of the parental diploid clone. The leaf color of tetraploids was a darker green, and the range of initial flowering times was earlier. This finding gives more understanding of the phenotypic and anatomical characteristics of Stevia tetraploids compared to their parental diploid plant.

Size dependent allocation to vegetative and reproductive organs of the orchid <i>Lankesterella ceracifolia</i> (Spiranthinae)

How functional organ traits vary with increasing plant size reveals the strategies of plants to acquire, store and utilize resources that ensure vegetative growth and reproduction. Plant size can influence fitness; thus, the relationships of organ traits should be evaluated together with reproductive allocation, but this is rarely the case. The relationship among plant size, functional organ traits (number and size of roots, leaves and flowers, and scape size), and dry mass partitioning was analyzed intraspecifically using 35 reproductive individuals of the epiphytic orchid Lankesterella ceracifolia. The relationships between vegetative and reproductive organ traits were evaluated using different regression models. Size-dependent allocation to reproduction was evaluated through reproductive versus vegetative (RV) regressions for the entire inflorescence and separately for scape and flowers. The four regression models included simple (slope only), linear (slope and intercept), allometric (without intercept), and non-linear (allometric with intercept), were fitted to RV and compared via a log likelihood-ratio test. Preferential allocation to leaves instead of roots influenced how rosette frontal area changed with increasing plant size. Flower dry mass represented 70% of the inflorescence dry mass, an unusual result as scape dry mass generally represents most of the reproductive structure in plants. The allometric model was suitable for the entire inflorescence or only the scape, while the isometric model was best for flowers. Dry mass investment in the scape influenced the final reproductive allometry found for the orchid L. ceracifolia.

Soil Fertility, Growth, Yield and Root Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

ABSTRACT Radish is a popular root vegetable grown worldwide and young fresh tender tuberous roots can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. The haphazard use of inorganic fertilizers for long period deteriorates fertility and productivity of soil. Therefore, this study was proposed for an extensive evaluation of different combinations of organic manure, bio fertilizer with inorganic fertilizers and influence on growth, yield, quality, and soil health. This study was carried out on radish cv. Japanese white with 13 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications. Soil quality was increased in terms of availability of N(Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus) and K (Potassium) to the tune of 15.17, 18.66 and 13.0%, respectively by integrated module 90% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) + 10% SMC (Spent Mushroom Compost) + FYM (Farm Yard Manure) + AZB (Azotobacter) + PSB (Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria). Application of 90% Recommended dose of Fertilizers +10% Spent Mushroom Compost + Farm Yard Manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteriarecorded maximum number of leaves (15.68), leaf size (21.01 x 9.88 cm), root size (18.80 x 2.86 cm), root weight (130.42 g), root yield (341.68q/ha) while, 60% Recommended dose of fertilizers +40% Spent Mushroom Compost+ Farm Yard Manure + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria proved best for quality attributes. Increase in yield under T6 was to the tune 11.44% over standard practices. Our findings of integrated nutrient management approaches may effectively address the present notion of “farming for health” to maintain soil health for sustainable crop production.

Root Electrical Capacitance Can Be a Promising Plant Phenotyping Parameter in Wheat.

As root electrical capacitance (CR*) was assumed to depend on the stem properties, the efficiency of measuring CR* at flowering for whole-plant phenotyping was assessed in five wheat cultivars in three replicate plots over two years. Linear regression analysis was used to correlate CR* with plant-size parameters and flag-leaf traits (extension and SPAD chlorophyll content) at flowering, and with yield components at maturity. The plot-mean CR* was correlated with the plot leaf area index (LAI), the chlorophyll quantity (LAI×SPAD), and the grain yield across years. At plant scale, CR* was found to show the strongest positive regression with total chlorophyll in the flag leaf (flag leaf area × SPAD; R2: 0.65-0.74) and with grain mass (R2: 0.55-0.70) for each cultivar and year (p < 0.001). Likewise, at plot scale, the regression was strongest between CR* and the LAI×SPAD value (R2: 0.86-0.99; p < 0.01) for the cultivars. Consequently, CR* indicated the total plant nutrient and photosynthate supply at flowering, which depended on root uptake capacity, and strongly influenced the final yield. Our results suggested that the polarization of the active root membrane surfaces was the main contributor to CR*, and that the measurement could be suitable for evaluating root size and functional intensity. In conclusion, the capacitance method can be applied for nondestructive whole-plant phenotyping, with potential to estimate root and shoot traits linked to the nutrient supply, and to predict grain yield. CR* can be incorporated into allometric models of cereal development, contributing to optimal crop management and genetic improvement.

LBSUN161 Relationship Of Shape Of Glucose OGTT Curves With Measures Of Cardiometabolic Health In African American Adolescents

Abstract Background and Aims Studies in youth and adults have shown that the shape of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) response curve may be a biomarker for insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity (IS). Individuals with monophasic (MPh) glucose response curve have lower IS and decreased beta-cell function compared to those with biphasic (BPh) pattern. The aim of this study was to assess if the shape of the glucose response curve of OGTT is associated with 2-D ECHO based indices of heart structure and function. Methods In a cross-sectional study, African American (AA) adolescents with and without obesity between the ages of 13-18 years were recruited to assess the relationship of blood pressure, obesity, and measures of cardiac health. Metabolic and inflammatory markers, 2-D ECHO and OGTT data were collected. The shape of the OGTT glucose response was classified based on a change from nadir to glucose-120 min of ≥ 4.5 mg/dL, and its association with cardiac health indices was calculated. R v.4.1.2 was used for analysis. Results Of the 276 individuals with available OGTT data (mean age 16.18 ± 1.70 years, 47.5% females), 39 (14.1%) had BPh curve. The individuals with BPh were lower in age (15.61 ± 1.68 vs 16.28 ± 1.68, p=0. 02), but similar in sex, BMI, BMIz and metabolic parameters. There was no difference in impaired glucose tolerance (27% [BPh] vs 15% [MPh], p=. 08). At 120 min, glucose (6.96 ± 0. 07 vs 6.31 ± 0. 07 mmol/L, p=. 05), and insulin (362.86 ± 13.69 vs 276.48 ± 13.61 uIU/mL, p=. 04) levels were higher in BPh. The glucose area under the curve (AUC) was lower in individuals with BPh (13.2 ± 1.23 vs 14.7 ± 1.16 mmol/L/hr, p <. 001) while the insulinogenic index (1.5 ± 3.79 vs 1.17 ± 2.74, p =. 03) and oral glucose disposition index were higher in both univariate analyses and after adjusting for age, sex and BMIz. The aortic root size was associated with the shape of the curve adjusting for age, sex and BMIz (p=. 03), but not ventricular or atrial mass, systolic or diastolic function. Conclusions There was lower proportion of individuals with BPh in this cohort of AA adolescents compared to published studies. Individuals with BPh had healthier beta-cell function indices. No significant relationship of the shape of the OGTT curve was seen with the metrics of heart structure or function at this age. Replication of results in adult cohort(s) is ongoing. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Cardiac function in adolescents and young adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome without congenital heart disease

BackgroundDiagnosis and treatment of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have led to improved life expectancy and achievement of adulthood. Limited data on long-term outcomes reported an increased risk of premature death for cardiovascular causes, even without congenital heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to assess the cardiac function in adolescents and young adults with 22q11.2DS without CHDs. MethodsA total of 32 patients (20M, 12F; mean age 26.00 ± 8.08 years) and a healthy control group underwent transthoracic echocardiography, including Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) and 2-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (2D-STE). ResultsCompared to controls, 22q11.2DS patients showed a significant increase of the left ventricle (LV) diastolic and systolic diameters (p = 0.029 and p = 0.035 respectively), interventricular septum thickness (p = 0.005), LV mass index (p < 0.001) and aortic root size (p < 0.001). 2D-STE analysis revealed a significant reduction of LV global longitudinal strain (p < 0.001) in 22q11.2DS than controls. Moreover, several LV diastolic parameters were significantly different between groups. ConclusionsOur results suggest that an echocardiographic follow-up in 22q11.2DS patients without CHDs can help to identify subclinical impairment of the LV and evaluate a potential progression of aortic root dilation over time, improving outcomes, reducing long-term complications and allowing for a better prognosis.

The role of climatic factors in seasonal differences of CO2 emission from the soil and litter of broadleaf forest phytocoenoses

The article presents the results of the study of the intensity of carbon dioxide emission from the forest bedding and soil in the broad-leaved phytocoenosis of the National Nature Park “Holosiivskyi” (Kyiv green belt) in the spring and autumn periods of the year. The research was conducted in the autumn period in October, and in the spring period in April. Site coordinates: 50°17′52.7″N, 30°32′34.4″E. The experimental plot (50 × 50 m) was represented by the association Convallario majali-Quercetum roboris Shevchyk &amp; V. Sl. in Shevchyk &amp; al. 96, union Convallario majali-Quercion roboris Shevchyk, V. Sl. 96. It has been established that more intensive emission of CO2 occurs in the spring period compared to the autumn period. In the spring period of the year, the intensity of carbon dioxide emission from the forest litter and soil in the broad-leaved phytocoenosis ranged from 56.12 to 99.27 μmol CO2·m-2·min-1 and averaged 74.51 μmol of CO2·m-2·min-1. These differences depended on the amount of organic matter in the soil, the density of soil composition, the presence and size of tree roots, as well as the thickness of the forest bedding at the measurement points. In the autumn period of the year, the intensity of carbon dioxide emission from the forest bedding and soil was lower and in average was 68.52 μmol CO2·m-2·min-1. It was found out that higher values of carbon dioxide emissions in the spring period were determined by differences in temperature and humidity. Important factors were the increase in the supply of organic substances in the soil and more intensive processes of decomposition of these substances in the spring. Correlational analysis of the influence of climatic factors on the intensity of carbon dioxide emission proved the predominant role of temperature (r = 0.45) and a smaller influence of humidity (r = 0.15) of air and soil. In general, the conducted research confirmed the importance of monitoring the CO2 emission index of the forest bedding and soil respiration as indicators of the stability of forest ecosystems in the face of climate change.

Nutritional Parameters, Biomass Production, and Antioxidant Activity of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Conditioned with Selenium Nanoparticles.

Festuca arundinacea Schreb. is a widely used type of forage due to its great ecological breadth and adaptability. An agricultural intervention that improves the selenium content in cultivated plants has been defined as bio-fortification, a complementary strategy to improve human and non-human animals’ nutrition. The advancement of science has led to an increased number of studies based on nanotechnologies, such as the development of nanoparticles (NPs) and their application in crop plants. Studies show that NPs have different physicochemical properties compared to bulk materials. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the behavior of F. arundinacea Schreb. plants cultivated with Se nanoparticles, (2) to identify the specific behavior of the agronomic and productive variables of the F. arundinacea Schreb. plants, and (3) to quantify the production and quality of the forage produced from the plant (the bioactive compounds’ concentrations, antioxidant activity, and the concentration of selenium). Three different treatments of SeNPs were established (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mg/mL). The effects of a foliar fertilization with SeNPs on the morphological parameters such as the root size, plant height, and biomass production were recorded, as well as the effects on the physicochemical parameters such as the crude protein (CP), lipids (L), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), carbohydrates (CH), the content of total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, quantification of selenium and antioxidant activity 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between treatments in all the response variables. The best results were obtained with foliar application treatments with 3.0 and 4.5 mg/mL with respect to the root size (12.79 and 15.59 cm) and plant height (26.18 and 29.34 cm). The F. arundinacea Schreb. plants fertilized with 4.5 mg/L had selenium contents of 0.3215, 0.3191, and 0.3218 mg/Kg MS; total phenols of 249.56, 280.02, and 274 mg EAG/100 g DM; and total flavonoids of 63.56, 64.96, and 61.16 mg QE/100 g DM. The foliar biofortified treatment with a concentration of 4.5 mg/mL Se NPs had the highest antioxidant capacities (284.26, 278.35, and 289.96 mg/AAE/100 g).

The Higher Water Absorption Capacity of Small Root System Improved the Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Maize.

The root system in plants absorbs water and minerals. However, the relationship among root size, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) is controversial. Two pot experiments were conducted to explore these relationships by using two maize varieties with contrasting root sizes and reducing the root–shoot ratio (R/S) through root pruning to eliminate genotypic effects. Maize plants were grown in an open rainout shelter under both water-sufficient and deficient conditions. Yield-related parameters, root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr), and WUE were determined. The results showed that the small root variety (XY) has a higher yield and WUE compared to large root variety (QL) under both soil moisture conditions, likely related to the higher Lpr of XY. XY also had a higher leaf water potential than QL under drought stress, indicating that small root system could provide enough water to the shoot. Further pot experiment showed that both small and large root pruning on QL (cut off about 1/5 roots, RP1; and cut off about 1/3 roots, RP2, respectively) improved WUE and Lpr, and the RP1 yield increased by 12.9% compared to the control under well-watered conditions. Root pruning decreased transpiration and increased photosynthesis. Thus, this study reveals that it is possible to increase water absorption, yield, and WUE by reducing R/S in modern maize varieties, which may be important for the future breeding of new cultivars suitable for arid regions.