Search Results (139)

Plantations of the valuable Chinese timber species, Chamaecyparis hodginsii, established by planting, primarily rely on seed orchards for propagation. Therefore, effective management of the genetic composition of these orchards is essential to ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality seeds. However, the mating system and pollen dispersal mechanisms in its high-generation seed orchards remain unclear, limiting precise genetic management. To address this, we analyzed 30 parental clones and 75 of their open-pollinated progeny from a second-generation seed orchard using 15 polymorphic EST-SSR markers. Compared to reported natural populations of C. hodginsii, both parental and progeny populations maintained high genetic diversity (mean uHe = 0.438 and 0.449, respectively), with a significant excess of heterozygotes (mean Fis = −0.084 and −0.066, respectively). Population genetic structure analysis indicated weak genetic differentiation among the parental genetic groups (mean Fst = 0.012), which was further reduced in the progeny population (mean Fst = 0.003) due to open pollination, reflecting a trend toward genetic homogenization. The mating system was characterized exclusively by outcrossing (tm = 1.000). However, paternity analysis revealed highly skewed paternal contributions, a low effective number of pollen donors (Nep = 8.13), and contributions of S5, S11, and S17 as dominant pollen parents, with 17.33% external pollen flow. These findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying sustained genetic diversity despite unequal paternal contributions and provide a theoretical basis for optimizing parental configuration and pollen management. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate potential regulatory mechanisms of hybridization increased the meat production performance in sheep. Thirty-six 3-month-old male lambs of Suffolk sheep (SFK, n = 12), Hu sheep (HH, n = 12), and their F₁ hybrids (SH, n = 12) were selected and raised in individual pens under identical nutritional supply and husbandry management regimes over a 95-day (including a 15-day pre-trial period) experimental period. At the end of the feeding trial, six sheep closest to the average body weight were selected from each group for the subsequent trial, involving the collection of Longissimus dorsi samples and the determination of production performance, muscle fiber characteristic and transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that the SH sheep had significantly higher pre-slaughter live weight and carcass weight than the HH sheep, while lower than those of the SFK sheep (p < 0.05). The muscle fiber density of the SH group was significantly higher than that of the parental groups, while the muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional area were significantly smaller (p < 0.05). The collagen fiber content of the SH group was intermediate between the two parental groups and significantly higher than that of the SFK group (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified 2920 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were mainly enriched in the AMPK, PI3K-Akt, and PPAR signaling pathways. Metabolomic analysis detected 1617 differential metabolites (DMs), which were enriched in the fatty acid degradation and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Integrated analysis revealed that core genes SESN3 and metabolites (malate, testosterone) enhance energy supply capacity through AMPK pathway, thereby promoting muscle fiber proliferation and increasing meat yield in the hybrid sheep. In conclusion, the heterosis of the SH group originates from the remodeling of muscle fiber structure and the synergistic regulation of related pathways, which provides a theoretical basis for sheep crossbreeding. Full article

Sweetpotato genotypes, often known by regional names, are easily propagated via cuttings, which can lead to mixing and misidentification of cultivars. This complicates traceability and commercialization. Accurate characterization of common genotypes would support their formal registration and strengthen the sweetpotato value chain. Sweetpotato is a staple crop in Brazil, and in this study, four states, representing different geographic regions in Brazil, were selected. A total of 37 samples were collected in these states, and the samples were evaluated by SSR molecular markers and morphological traits. The samples were cleaned of virus and compared to the global sweetpotato collection held at the International Potato Center under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. SSR markers effectively distinguished among accessions. The genotype locally known as “Canadense” matched closely both genetically and morphologically to the CIP accession ‘Blesbok’. This alignment paves the way for formalizing cuttings and root production of “Canadense”/‘Blesbok’ for commercial use. In contrast, several accessions marketed in Sergipe as “white skin sweetpotato” did not correspond to any known CIP accession, suggesting that they may be unique regional genotypes or acquired from other sources, since sweetpotato is an exotic crop in Brazil. Overall, the research identified key genotypes, supporting their official registration with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, thereby enhancing the legal commercialization of cuttings and roots. Additionally, the clear molecular and trait-based classification will assist sweetpotato crop improvement programs in selecting appropriate parent lines for future crosses. Full article

Background: Antipsychotic medication (APM) can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and an increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among youth. The study sought to increase water consumption, reduce sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, and prevent unhealthy weight gain via a healthy lifestyle intervention among youth newly started on a second-generation APM for psychiatric treatment. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 148 Medicaid-insured youth (ages 8–17) recently starting APM. The treatment group received both a biweekly home-delivery of bottled water and parental phone support from a family navigator. In-home visits conducted at baseline, three months, and six months assessed the participants’ height/weight and dietary intake. All participants received basic healthy lifestyle education emphasizing increased water intake and decreased SSB consumption. Longitudinal linear mixed models were conducted to examine between-group and within-group changes in BMI z-scores, and water/SSB intake. Results: No significant between-group differences in BMI z-score were found at three (p = 0.908) and six months (p = 0.919). However, the within-group increase in BMI z-score in the control group was significant from baseline to three months (p = 0.029). A between-group comparison found the treatment group significantly increased their water intake at three (p = 0.006) and six months (p = 0.002). No between-group differences were identified at three and six months for the reduction in SSB, although the treatment group did demonstrate a decrease from baseline to three months (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Neither group experienced unhealthy increases (>0.5%) in BMI z-score over the six months. Providing a safe/free water supply showed a superior improvement in water consumption in the treatment group, and an initial decrease in SSB. Further studies are needed to identify feasible, effective, and sustainable lifestyle interventions tailored to this at-risk population. Full article

The aim of this study is to determine the spatial distribution of geochemical anomalies of selected potential toxic elements in the soils of the river basins in the Northeastern Caucasus—specifically the Ulluchay, Sulak, and Sunzha Rivers. A concentration of 25 chemical elements was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Petrogenic elements commonly found in the Earth’s crust (Al, Na, Ca, Fe, Mg) showed high concentrations (Na up to 306,600.70 mg/kg). Conversely, concentrations of Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, and Te at many sampling sites were extremely low, falling below the detection limits of analytical instruments. The geochemical indicators Cf (contamination factor) and Igeo (geoaccumulation index) indicate that the regional characteristics of the territory, such as lithological conditions, hydrochemical schedules, and the history of geological development of the territory, affect the concentration of elements. Anomalous concentrations were found for seven elements (Ba, Na, Zn, Ag, Li, Sc, As), whereas no anomalies were identified for Be, Mg, Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pb, Te, and Cs. For the most part (8 of 10), the sampling sites with anomalous chemical element content are located in the basin of the Sunzha River. Two sites with anomalous chemical element content have been identified in the Sulak River Basin. Anomalous values in the Sulak River Basin are noted for two chemical elements—Ba and Na. Natural features such as geological structure, parent rock composition, vertical climatic zonation, and landscape diversity play a major role in forming geochemical anomalies. The role of anthropogenic factors increases in localized areas near settlements, industrial facilities, and roads. The spatial distribution of geochemical anomalies must be considered in agricultural management, the use of water sources for drinking supply, the development of tourist routes, and comprehensive spatial planning. Full article

Nitric esters are among the compounds that can liberate nitrogen monoxide (NO) in the organism. Due to the vasodilatation caused by nitrogen monoxide, NO-donors have been shown to protect endothelial function, acting as vasodilators, promoting efficient oxygen supply to tissues, to lower blood pressure, and to inhibit platelet aggregation. Incorporation of a NO-liberating moiety in the structure of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs results in anti-inflammatory agents that are safer for the gastrointestinal system. In this research, ibuprofen and naproxen, two commonly applied non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), non-selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenases, were used to design novel anti-inflammatory agents able to release NO in the organism. Thus, the NSAIDs were amidated with beta-alanine and L-proline, which were able to incorporate the 2-nitro-oxyethyl moiety as the NO donor. The resulting compounds were anti-inflammatory agents, found to be more potent than the mother drugs, demonstrating remarkable inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 over cyclooxygenase-1 and the ability to release NO in vitro. Furthermore, two of the most active anti-inflammatory compounds proved to be effective hypolipidemic agents, decreasing plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol in hyperlipidemic rats significantly. The most effective compound in all the above tests was the ibuprofen derivative 5, which inhibited COX-2 by 95%, decreased inflammation by 73%, and reduced all lipidemic indices by more than 50%. Furthermore, docking experiments of compound 5 on the active sites of COX-1 and COX-2 showed that it interacts intensely with the binding site of COX-2, and the binding energy is equivalent to that of the relevant to celecoxib selective COX-2 inhibitor 4-[5-(4-bromophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl] benzenesulfonamide (SC-5580). In conclusion, the performed structural modifications resulted not only in the improvement of the anti-inflammatory activity, compared with the parent NSAID, but also acquired strong hypolipidemic activity. Thus, the combination of structural characteristics resulting in a decrease in lipidemia, with possible inhibition of atherosclerosis, due to their anti-inflammatory activity and vasodilatation ability, via the liberated NO, may constitute a useful rationale for new compounds. Full article

This study investigates the critical link between child care accessibility and local labor force participation, addressing a gap in current research that often lacks local spatial granularity. While over half of the U.S. population resides in child care deserts, disproportionately affecting rural, low-income, and minority communities, the economic implications for local labor markets remain underexplored. Leveraging Michigan child care license data and Census tract-level demographic and employment characteristics, this research employs a spatial econometric approach to estimate the impact of geographic distance to child care facilities on labor supply using descriptive data. Our findings consistently demonstrate that increased distance to child care is significantly associated with reduced labor force participation. While female labor force participation is lower in areas with constrained access to child care, we also found that households with two parents are also less likely to have full labor force participation when access to child care is constrained. The cost-effective framework used here can be replicated to identify specific communities most impacted by child care-related employment disruptions. The analytical findings can be instrumental in targeting and prioritizing child care policy interventions. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical mineral resources that play a pivotal role in modern technology and industry. Currently, the global supply of light rare earth elements (LREEs) remains adequate. However, the supply of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) is associated with substantial risks due to their limited availability. Ion-adsorption type rare earth deposits (IAREDs), which represent the predominant source of HREEs, have become a focal point for exploration activities, with a notable increase in global interest in recent years. This study systematically collected stream sediments and stream water samples from the Jiaping IARED in Guangxi, as well as from adjacent granitic and carbonate background areas, to investigate the exploration significance of geochemical surveys for IAREDs. Additionally, mineralized soil layers, non-mineralized soil layers, and bedrock samples from the weathering crust of the Jiaping deposit were analyzed. The results indicate that stream sediments originating from the Jiaping IARED and granite-hosted background regions display substantially elevated REE concentrations relative to those from carbonate-hosted background areas. Moreover, δEu values in stream sediments can serve as an effective indicator for differentiating weathering products derived from granitic and carbonate lithologies. Within the mining area, three coarse-grained fractions of stream sediments (i.e., +20 mesh, 20–60 mesh, and 60–150 mesh) exhibit REE concentrations comparable to those observed in both granite-hosted and carbonate-hosted background regions. However, the HREEs content in the finer -150-mesh stream sediments from Jiaping IARED is markedly higher than that in the two background regions. The (La/Sm)_N versus (La/Yb)_N ratios of -150-mesh stream sediments in the Jiaping IARED may reflect the mixing processes involving HREE-enriched ore layer, non-mineralized layer, and LREE-enriched ore layer. This observation implies that fine-grained (-150-mesh) stream sediments can partially inherit the REE characteristics of mineralized layers within IAREDs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations indicate that the enrichment of REEs in fine-grained stream sediments primarily originates from REE-rich accessory minerals derived from parent rocks and mineralized weathering crusts. A comparative analysis reveals that the concentrations of REEs in stream water collected during the rainy season are significantly higher than those collected during the dry season. Moreover, the levels of REEs, especially HREE, in stream water from the Jiaping IARED substantially exceed those in background areas. Collectively, these findings suggest that the geochemical signatures of REEs in rainy season stream water possess diagnostic potential for identifying IAREDs. In conclusion, the integrated application of geochemical surveys of stream water and -150-mesh stream sediments can effectively delineate exploration targets for IAREDs. Full article

Introduction: Divergent theories exist concerning the constructs of adaptation and acceptance for chronic conditions. Understanding these processes is essential to improving care. The aim of this study is to describe these concepts from the perspective of people living with type 1 diabetes. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted on data from a qualitative study, including interviews with 101 people in 13 countries across all continents, with participants of varying ages, genders, and diabetes durations as well as participants who were parents with children with type 1 diabetes. The initial study included a topic guide with open questions and interviews were analyzed using grounded theory resulting in a pyramid of needs for type 1 diabetes. This pyramid included the concepts of adaptation and acceptance. This study explores these themes in more depth. Results: Adaptation and acceptance processes vary from one person to another. Adaptation includes both adjustment to daily care and a change in perspective. Acceptance is explained as a process relying on adaptation, with no defined standardized stages. Diabetes acceptance positively impacts health, daily life, and relationships. The study identifies several factors that help acceptance, such as medical supplies, a caring healthcare environment, family and peer support, parental acceptance of diabetes, and diabetes camps. Discussion: Some of the elements required for adaptation and acceptance can be provided directly by the healthcare system, such as medical supplies, while others outside the healthcare system still need to be considered by caregivers, such as the individual’s social environment. The psychological well-being of people with type 1 diabetes and parents should be investigated as often as possible with the provision of adaptative, integrated, and holistic care. Full article

Organic farming is becoming increasingly important in agricultural production, especially in mountain and foothill areas. In organic farms, unlike conventional ones, no mineral fertilization or chemical plant protection is used, which often limits the economic efficiency of production. It is commonly believed that conventional farming poses a threat to biodiversity due to the use of mineral fertilization, chemical plant protection, and highly productive crop varieties, and the products obtained are in many respects of lower quality than those from organic farms. The aim of this work is to compare the quality and fertility of soils and the biodiversity of grasslands in organic and conventional farms, using the example of a foothill area within the commune of Kamienna Góra located in the Western Sudetes. Thirty-three areas representing 11 farms that produce dairy cattle in a grazing system were selected for analysis. The properties of soils in organic and conventional farms and their nutrient status did not differ significantly, except for the content of available potassium, which was higher in the group of organic farms. This fact seems to be related to the type of parent rock. All soils had acidic, slightly acidic, or strongly acidic pH levels. The greatest differences between pastures in organic and conventional farms concerned the sward species composition and biodiversity indices. Grasslands in organic farms were much richer in species, which was reflected by the species richness (SR) index and the F-fidelity index. The species inventoried clearly formed two groups that are characteristic of organic and conventional grasslands. The greater biodiversity of grasslands in organic farms did not have a significant effect on the fodder value of the sward, which should be considered good, allowing producers to participate in short supply chains. However, in all farms, regardless of their type, it would be advisable to carry out gentle liming. Full article

Many rapidly expanding food crops, including avocado (Persea americana Mill.), are dependent on animal pollination but there is a growing shortfall in global pollinator supply. Avocado flowers are insect-pollinated and yields of the main cultivar, ‘Hass’, are often pollen-limited, especially in the middle of single-cultivar orchard blocks, where there is limited deposition of cross-pollen from another cultivar. We analysed two avocado cultivars of alternate flowering types, ‘Maluma’ (Type A) and ‘Shepard’ (Type B), using SNP-based DNA markers to identify the pollen parent of fruit at different distances from the other cultivar. We aimed to determine whether the numbers of cross-fertilised fruit and tree yields decline at increasing distances from a cross-pollen source, and whether cross-fertilised fruit are larger than self-fertilised fruit. We found that the number of cross-fertilised fruit produced by each tree declined in the middle of the blocks of each cultivar. Trees in the middle of the ‘Maluma’ block compensated for low levels of cross-pollination by producing more self-fertilised fruit, and their yields did not appear to be pollen-limited. However, yields in the middle of the ‘Shepard’ block declined by 25% as a direct result of a 43% reduction in the number of cross-fertilised fruit produced by each tree. ‘Shepard’ trees did not compensate for poor cross-pollination by producing more self-fertilised fruit. Cross-fertilisation of ‘Maluma’ by ‘Shepard’ increased fruit mass by 8% and cross-fertilisation of ‘Shepard’ by ‘Hass’ increased fruit mass by 5%, compared with self-fertilisation. Our results confirm that yields of avocado trees are sometimes, but not always, pollen-limited. Low levels of both self-pollination and cross-pollination resulted in pollen limitation of yield in the middle of the ‘Shepard’ block, but high levels of self-pollination were sufficient to generate high yields in the middle of the ‘Maluma’ block. Closer interplanting of Type A and Type B avocado cultivars increases the opportunities for cross-pollination, which can often increase tree yield and fruit size, and improve the financial returns for growers. Improving the pollination efficiency of foraging insects by providing them with the optimal pollen genotypes is increasingly important as we experience a growing demand for managed pollinators and a declining abundance of wild pollinators. Full article

Over recent years, location-routing problems have become popular, since they tackle multiple major decisions in supply chains. With the focus now on sustainable supply chains, the problem has become sought-after, with the emphasis on complying with goals set by world leaders such as complying with environmental rules and social equity. As a result, this has opened multiple research directions within the location-routing problem. In the literature, the focus has merely been on two of the sustainability pillars, the environmental and economic pillars, with no integration of the social pillar. In this article, the aim is to integrate the social pillar alongside the environmental and economic ones by modeling the system as a capacitated two-echelon location-routing problem tackling multiple scenarios. Under the umbrella of optimization technology, the algorithm used to solve the problem is a genetic algorithm. This article also demonstrates the process of designing the experimentation phase and selecting variables aiming to fine-tune the models. Multiple parent selection methods and crossover methods were tested, among other variables. The algorithm has proven its success in finding a near-optimum value when compared to the benchmark solution, with an error less than 0.05%. Tournament has performed better as a parent selection method in contrast to stochastic universal sampling, and has proved to be more stable in the face of the stochastic noise induced in the models. This study shows that the social pillar, like the other two pillars, can be integrated in the location-routing problem at an extensive level, beyond what is normally implemented. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are reported to have lower rates of participation in community and home tasks than typically developing children. Little is known about the participation levels of children with CP and the environmental factors influencing their participation in the community within the Saudi context. This study aimed to determine the degree of participation in community and home tasks in children with CP in Saudi Arabia, as well as the level of support received, and the obstacles faced by children in this context. Methods: Parents of 5–16-year-old children with CP (n = 50) completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY), and their scores were compared with those of typically developing children of the same ages (n = 50). This study was conducted in a hospital setting. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regression analyses, controlling for potential confounders. Results: Participation in community activities as well as home activities was reported to be significantly lower in children with CP compared to their typically developing peers in multiple domains (p < 0.05). Additionally, physical, cognitive, and social demands were identified as factors that made community participation more difficult for children with CP (p = 0.002, p = 0.017, and p = 0.029 for physical, cognitive, and social demands, respectively). The availability of personal transportation, programs, services, and financial support were identified by parents as the factors that lowered community participation levels in children with CP (p > 0.005). Conclusions: Physical, cognitive, and social demands are the main obstacles to participation for children with CP. A lack of home supplies and financial support lowered the participation of children with CP. Recognizing environmental barriers as well as providing individualized practical solutions in collaboration with the families of children with CP can assist in developing meaningful participation in community and home activities for children with CP. Full article

The western side of the Vertiskos Unit crystalline basement in northern Greece is fringed by a Permo–Triassic low-grade metamorphic volcano-sedimentary complex that belongs to the Circum-Rhodope Belt (CRB), which is an important part of the Vardar/ Axios oceanic suture zone. The silicic volcanic rocks from the CRB are mainly rhyolitic to rhyodacitic lavas with aphyric and porphyritic textures as well as pyroclastic deposits. In this study, geochemical data obtained with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for the CRB silicic volcanic rocks are reported and discussed to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. The rocks are peraluminous and show enrichment in K, Rb, Th, Zr, Y, and Pb while being depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, P, and Ti, and they have Zr + Nb + Y + Ce > 350 ppm, which are characteristic features of anorogenic A-type granites. They have a Y/Nb ratio > 1.2 and belong to A2-subtype granitoids, implying crust-derived magma in a post-collisional tectonic setting. The high Rb/Sr ratio (3.45–39.14), the low molar CaO/(MgO + FeO_t) ratio, and the CaO/Na₂O ratio (<0.5), which they display, indicate that metapelites are the magma sources. Their low Al₂O₃/TiO₂ ratio (<100), consistent with their high zircon saturation temperatures (average T_Zr = 886 °C), and their low Pb/Ba ratio (average 0.06) reveal that they were generated by biotite dehydration melting. The increased Rb/Sr ratio relative to that of presumable parental metapelites of the Vertiskos Unit, coupled with their low Sr/Y ratio (0.12–1.08), reflects plagioclase and little or no garnet in the source residue, indicating magma derivation at low pressures of 0.4–0.8 GPa that correspond to a depth of ~15–30 km. The nearby tholeiitic basalts and dolerites, interstratified with the Triassic pelagic sediments, indicate bimodal volcanism in the region. They also support a model involving an upwelling asthenosphere that underplated the Vertiskos Unit basement, supplying the heat required for crustal melting at low pressures. The Permo–Triassic magmatism marks the transition from an orogenic to an anorogenic environment during the initial stage of continental breakup of the Variscan basement in a post-collision extensional tectonic framework, leading to the formation of the nascent Mesozoic Neo-Tethyan Maliac–Vardar Ocean. This apparently reveals that the Variscan continental collision between the Gondwana-derived Vertiskos and Pelagonian terranes must have been completed by at least the earliest Late Permian. Full article

The root system plays an important role in the efficient absorption of nitrogen (N), but there is limited understanding of the growth characteristics of maize roots of different genotypes and their dynamic response to N supply. In this study, landraces in the 1950s and modern hybrids, modern hybrids and their parents, inbred lines with different N efficiency and standard inbred line B73 were used, combined with the dynamic culture method, to observe the dynamic changes in root growth under long-term N stress conditions. The results showed that there were genotypic differences in the response of maize roots to low N. Low N enhances root growth earlier than the increases in shoot-to-root dry matter allocation. With the extension of low N stress, the root biomass of each genotype basically increased significantly from 3 to 6 days and then was gradually reversed by high N on the 12th day. As for shoot biomass, 11 genotypes began to decrease significantly from 6 to 9 days after low-N stress. The total axial root length, primary root length, seminal root length, and the first and second whorl crown root length of seven genotypes were increased more or less under low N. With the extension of N stress, the number of third and fourth whorl crown roots decreased significantly, which indicated that regulation of root elongation is earlier than that of crown root initiation. As the degree of low-N stress increased, the trend of total lateral root length changes in different genotypes could be divided into three categories, indicating that the response of lateral root growth to low-N stress is genotype-dependent. With the advancement of the breeding process, the roots of modern hybrids become smaller but more responsive to low-N stress. The root phenotypes of Zhengdan958 and Xianyu335 come from different genetic models. Compared with embryonic roots, the crown roots of B73 have a more active role in adapting to low-N stress. Shoot N concentration may reflect plant internal N status, which plays a regulatory role in root morphogenesis. Full article