bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) used in childhood caries management has potent antifungal activity against oral Candida species
Authors: Fakhruddin Kausar Sadia , Samaranayake Lakshman , Egusa Hiroshi , Ngo Hien Chi , Thenmozhi Venkatachalam , Panduwawala Chamila
Published: November 2019

Background The microbiome of Severe-Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC), is characterized by an ecosystem comprising bacterial and fungal species, with a predominance of Candida species. Hence, an anti-cariogen effective against both bacteria and fungi would be valuable in the management of S-ECC.Methods Here we evaluate the antifungal effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) against 35-clinical yeast isolates (Ten-each of C. albicans , C. krusei, C. tropicalis and five C. glabrata strains) from dentinal caries-lesions from S-ECC.Results Disc-diffusion and time-kill assays as well as MIC 50 and MIC 90 evaluations against therapeutic concentrations confirmed the broad-spectrum anti-candidal potency of SDF. Ultrastructural images revealed morphologic aberrations of yeast-cell walls on exposure to SDF. All C. krusei and C. glabrata isolates were significantly more sensitive to SDF, relative to the standard antifungal fluconazole.Conclusions Our data, for the first time, elucidate the antifungal potency of SDF, in addition to its known antibacterial activity, in the management of S-ECC.
Effects of Cellulase on the Chemical Compositions Characteristics and Microbial Community of Saline-alkali Land Alfalfa Silage
Authors: Lu Qiang , Ge Gentu , Cheng Qiming , Hou Meiling , Jia shan Yu
Published: November 2019

Background We aim to assess the nutritional quality of alfalfa in saline-alkali and the main fermenting microorganisms acting on alfalfa in saline-alkali soils.Results In this study, We tested the nutrient composition and microbial community of Zhongmu No. 3 (salt-tolerant) alfalfa, including the nutritional fermentation quality and microbial diversity analysis of alfalfa before and after ensiling (30 days and 60 days). Then we got closely genus that related to saline-alkali soils.The validity of the microbiological data was confirmed by alpha diversity analysis. From the Microbial network, we obtained the difference of the saline-type mantle type.Conclusions we found that the silage quality of Saline-alkali alfalfa can be ensured by anaerobic fermentation with addition. The LABs that play a major role in the saline alkaline alfalfa silage are Lactobacillus, lactococcus and enterococcus.
Biocontrol of tomato bacterial wilt by a new strain Bacillus velezensis FJAT-46737 and its lipopeptides
Authors: Chen Meichun , Wang Jieping , Liu Bo , Zhu Yujing , Xiao Rongfeng , Yang Wenjing , Ge Cibin , Chen Zheng
Published: November 2019

Background There is an urgent need to discover alternative antimicrobial agents to control bacterial wilt. The objectives of this study were to report a new lipopeptide-producding biocontrol strain FJAT-46737 and its lipopeptides, and to investigate their antagonistic effects.Results Based on the whole genome sequence analysis, the new strain FJAT-46737 was finally identified as Bacillus velezensis and seven gene clusters that responsible for synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolite in the FJAT-46737 were predicted. Antimicrobial results demonstrated that FJAT-46737 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities in vitro against bacteria and fungi. The pot experiments showed that the tomato bacterial wilt control efficiencies of the whole cultures, the 2-fold diluted supernatants and the crude lipopeptide of FJAT-46737 were 66.2%, 82.0%, and 96.2%, respectively. The above results suggested that one of the antagonistic mechanisms of FJAT-46737 was secretion of lipopeptides that consisted of iturins, fengycins and surfactins. The crude lipopeptides had significant antagonistic activities on several pathogen in a dosage-dependent manner, and the fengycins confirmed to play a major role in antibacterial abilities in vitro of the lipopeptides against Ralstonia solanacearum . Furthermore, it was found that the rich organic nitrogen sources (expecially yeast extracts) in the media were benificial for FJAT-46737 to produce fengycin and surfactin. The secretion of these two lipopeptides were also adjusted by the culture temperature: the content of the fengycins decreased by 96.6% and that of the surfactins ascended by 59.9% from 20 o C to 40 o C. And 20 o C~25 o C is the suitable temperature for FJAT-46737 to produce lipopeptide.Conclusions The B. velezensis strain FJAT-46737 and its lipopeptides would used as new sources of potential biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, especially the bacterial wilt pathogen R. solanacearum .
The adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancy: a cross sectional study in Hebei, China
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhang Yingkui , Wang Huien , Yang Yue , Tang Zengjun , Wang Li
Published: November 2019

Background Adolescent pregnancy was a serious problem in the world, especially in developing countries. While Chinese adolescent population were about 1/4 of the total population, but have few studies focused on adolescence pregnancy in China. Thus, we aimed to clarify pregnant adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes among adolescent women by analyzing the data of childbirth in Hebei Province, a large population province in China.Methods We used the Hebei Provincial Maternal and Child Health Center Perinatal Database, including 238,598 singleton pregnancy women aged 10-34 between 2013 and 2017. They were divided into two groups: Adolescent group (10-19 years) and adult group (20-34 years), compared risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes using Poisson regression, Univariate and Multivariate Logistic Regression.Results Adolescents pregnancy women had a lower risk of cesarean delivery [adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.70-0.80] and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (aRR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.41-0.73). Adolescent pregnancy had an increased risk of preterm birth (aRR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.54-2.01), small for gestational age (SGA) (aRR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08-1.30), stillbirth (aRR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.83-3.62), neonatal death (aRR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.60-4.32). And the risk of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placenta previa, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage were negatively associated with adolescent pregnancy. There was a lower morbidity of anemia and a higher maternal mortality in adolescent pregnancy (P<0.05). However, there were no difference in the effects of anemia (aRR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.96-1.12) and maternal mortality (aRR: 2.61, 95% CI: 0.20-33.77) after adjusting for confounding factors.Conclusions Adolescent pregnancy was related to perinatal adverse outcomes, but was not related to maternal adverse outcomes. Adolescent pregnancy was a protective factor for caesarean section and GDM, independent risk factor for preterm birth, SGA, stillbirth and neonatal death.
Radial peripapillary capillary density in superior segmental optic hypoplasia measured with OCT angiography.
Authors: Abe Maiko , Omodaka Kazuko , Kikawa Tsutomu , Nakazawa Toru
Published: November 2019

Background: To investigate the diagnostic power of radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density, measured with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), in patients with superior segmental optic hypoplasia (SSOH), a disease which is important to differentiate from glaucoma. Methods: Forty subjects with SSOH and 40 age- and axial length-matched control subjects were retrospectively registered for this study. SSOH was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 21 mmHg with the presence of two of the following: superior rim thinning, superior entrance of the central retinal artery, scleral halo, and pale optic disc; as well as non-progressive visual field loss. RPC density was measured with swept-source OCT-A (Triton, Topcon) in the overall, quadrants, and 12 clock-wise sectors. RPC density was compared in normal and SSOH subjects with Welch’s t-test. Diagnostic power was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve. Results: Overall cpRNFLT was significantly different in the normal (106.7 ± 9.5 μm) and SSOH (77.2 ± 13.7 μm, p < 0.001) subjects. RPC density in the overall area (p < 0.001) and superior (p < 0.001), nasal (p < 0.001), and inferior (p < 0.001) quadrants was significantly lower in the SSOH group, but not in the temporal (p = 0.756) quadrant. The diagnostic power of RPC density was highest in the superior quadrant (AUC = 0.928) and the 1 o’clock sector (0.896). Conclusions: Low RPC density was found in the three non-temporal quadrants of the optic nerve head. Measuring RPC density with OCT-A may help the diagnosis of SSOH and may improve the management of glaucoma.
Role of vascular endothelial growth factor-165b in the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier after acute high intraocular pressure in rats
Authors: Shen Jing , Yi Xi-Nan , Liu Zheng-Hai , Li Min , Liu Wei-Xian , Sun Hong-Liang , Wang Ling , Zhang Quan-peng
Published: November 2019

Background: The blood-retinal barrier (BRB) is essential in maintaining the retinal homeostasis of the microenvironment, previous studies have found that BRB breakdown occurs after acute high intraocular pressure (HIOP) in rats, elevated intraocular pressure can induce upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-165b (VEGF-165b) protein in the retina, but the role of VEGF-A165b in BRB breakdown after acute HIOP is still undetermined. Methods: In this study, the rat acute HIOP model was established before and after intravitreous injection of anti-VEGF-165b antibody. The expression of VEGF-165b and ZO-1 in rat retina was detected by immunohistochemistry or western blotting, and the breakdown of BRB was detected by Evans blue (EB) dye. Results: The normal retina of rats expressed VEGF-165b protein, which was mainly located in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer and the inner nuclear layer and was coexpressed with tight junction protein ZO-1. After acute HIOP, the expression of VEGF-165b was upregulated (P < 0.01); The expression of ZO-1 was downregulated (P < 0.01) at 12 h and then recovered at 3 d; EB leakage increased, peaking at 12 h (P < 0.01). After intravitreous injection of anti-VEGF-165b antibody, the expression of VEGF-165b protein was significantly downregulated (P < 0.01); and the downregulation of the expression of ZO-1 was more obvious (P < 0.01); EB leakage became more serious, peaking at 3 d (P < 0.01). EB analysis also showed that EB leakage in the peripheral retina was greater than that in the central retina (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The endogenous VEGF-165b protein may protect the BRB from acute HIOP by regulating the expression of ZO-1. The differential destruction of BRB after acute HIOP may be related to the selective loss of RGCs.
Pseudonajide is an antibiotic peptide derived from snake venom that alter cell wall and membrane integrity interfering on biofilm formation.
Authors: Schneider Rafael , Primon-Barros Muriel , Von Borowski Rafael Gomes , Chat Sophie , Gillet Reynald , Macedo Alexandre José
Published: November 2019

Background
The increase of bacterial resistance phenotype cases is a global health problem. New strategies in scientific community must be explored in order to create new treatment alternatives. Animal venoms are a good source for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are excellent candidates for new antimicrobial drug development. These molecules have highly diverse targets in prokaryotic cells, making resistance phenotype development more difficult.
Results
In this study we present a peptide of just 11 amino acids which has antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Staphyloccocus epidermidis. Named pseudonajide, it is derived from Pseudonaja textilis venom. Pseudonajide was selected based on the sequence alignments of various snake venom peptides that displayed activity against bacteria. Several concentrations of pseudonajide were tested in antibiofilm activity essay, it was detected that 25 µM was the best minimal concentration for biofilm inhibiting activity. Microscopy analysis demonstrates that pseudonajide interacts with the bacterial cell envelope, disrupting the cell wall and membrane leading to morphological defects in prokaryotes.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that pseudonajide’s positives charges interacts with negative charged cell wall components of S. epidermidis. Leading to cell damage and biofilm formation inhibition.
Prevalence and risk factors for micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women at Cayenne maternity, French Guiana
Authors: Duclau Amandine , Abad Fanny , Adenis Antoine , Leneuve-Dorilas Malika , Nacher Mathieu
Published: November 2019

Background Involved in physical and brain development, immune system functioning and various metabolic processes, micronutrients have profound health effects. The nutritional status of the pregnant woman is a major determinant of fetal health. French Guiana has the highest annual population growth rate. Social inequalities, cultural practices and parasitoses in French Guiana could affect the prevalence of these deficiencies. The main objective was to estimate the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency among pregnant women in French Guiana. The secondary objective was to identify socio-demographic, dietary, obstetric and neonatal risk factors associated with deficiencies.Methods Pregnant woman over 22 weeks of pregnancy hospitalized for delivery at the Obstetrical Emergency Department of the Hospital Center in Cayenne from May 2018 to March 2019. A socio-demographic and food questionnaire was administered. Medical data were collected from the medical records. Blood and urine samples were taken. The descriptive analysis used the Student and Chi2 tests. Prevalence ratios were obtained a Poisson regression.Results A total of 341 women were included. The majority were born in Haiti (39%) and French Guiana (34%). At least one micronutrient deficiency was documented in 81% of women. Women receiving State Medical Aid had a 35% greater risk of deficiency during pregnancy compared to those with both normal and complementary health insurance. (PR=1.35 95% CI (1.12;1.63) p-value=0. 002)Conclusions Micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women in French Guiana are a real public health problem, a fact that was previously overlooked in a context of rising obesity. A varied and balanced diet remains the most effective solution to prevent these deficiencies. In French Guiana, a region where precariousness and obesity are widespread, nutritional care seems urgent.
Plasmodium vivax severe imported malaria in two migrants in France
Authors: Izri Arezki , Cojean Sandrine , Leblanc Claire , Cohen Yves , Bouchaud Olivier , Durand Remy
Published: November 2019

Background: With less than one severe case per year in average, P. vivax is very rarely associated with severe imported malaria in France. We report two cases of P. vivax severe malaria in patients with no evident co-morbidity. Interestingly, both cases did not occur at the primary infection but during relapses. Case presentations Patient 1 A 27-year old male, born in Afghanistan and living in France since 2012, was admitted on August 2015 to our hospital because of abdominal pain, intense headache, fever and hypotension. The patient was hemodynamically unstable despite 5 liters of filling solution. A thin blood film showed Plasmodium vivax trophozoites within the red blood cells. To take care of the septic shock, the patient was given rapid fluid resuscitation, norepinephrine (0.5 mg/h), and intravenous artesunate. Nested polymerase chain reactions of the SSUrRNA gene were negative for P. falciparum but positive for P. vivax. The patient became apyretic in less than 24H and the parasitaemia was negative at the same time. Patient 2 A 24-year old male, born in Pakistan and living in France, was admitted on august 2016 to our hospital because of fever, abdominal pain, headache, myalgia, and nausea. The last travel of the patient in a malaria endemic area occurred in 2013. A thin blood film showed Plasmodium vivax trophozoites within the red blood cells. The patient was treated orally by artenimol-piperaquine and recovered rapidly. Nine months later, the patient returned to our hospital with a relapse of P. vivax malaria. The malaria episode was uncomplicated and the patient recovered rapidly. Three months later, the patient came back again to our hospital with a third episode of P. vivax malaria. Following a rapid hemodynamic deterioration, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit of the hospital. In all the patient received 10 liters of filling solution to manage the septic shock. After 5 days of hospitalization and a specific treatment, the patient was discharged in good clinical conditions. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the potential severe complications associated with P. vivax in imported malaria, even though the primary infection is uncomplicated.
Ultrasound versus manipulation to determine an intercostal space for single-port thoracoscopy surgery: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: li chenxi , Wang Jianjun , Ma Zeheng , Li Bing , Kang Kang , Wei Li , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2019

Background:Malposition of the intercostal space used for single-port thoracoscopy surgery can lead to severe problems for patients under general anesthesia. The focus of this study was to assess the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound in verifying the correct position of the intercostal space used for single-port thoracoscopy surgery.
Methods:
A total of 200 patientsaged18 to 65 years and classified as ASA status I-Ⅲ who underwent selective single-port thoracoscopic lobectomy were enrolled. After the induction of anesthesia, the patients were placed in a lateral position. An independent thoracic team left the operating room after confirming the incision position. First, the intercostal space was located by a young resident thoracic surgeon (working experience less than 1 year),andthe young thoracic surgeon left the operating room after he or she determined the location. Second, the intercostal space was located by a highly experienced thoracic surgeon (working experience more than 20 years) by manipulation; afterwards, the highly experienced thoracic surgeon left the operating room.Finally, the operation was started by a fixed independent thoracic team. After the chest cavity was opened, the final investigator verified the location of the intercostal space under direct vision through thoracoscopy.The timerequired by ultrasound and manipulation were also recorded.
Results:
There wereno differences between the manipulation and ultrasound methods in terms of accuracy, which was 87.2%(95% CI0.871-0.873) and 85.6%(95% CI0.854-0.857),respectively (p> 0.05). The inter-relationships between ultrasound and the standard method and between manipulation and the standard method were consistent (p<0.05). Manipulation positioning showed a sensitivity of 90.6% (95% CI0.862-0.950) and specificity of 30%(95% CI0.016-0.584), while ultrasound positioning showed a sensitivity of 87.1%(95% CI0.820-0.921) and specificity of 60%(95% CI0.296-0.904).Compared with that of manipulation positioning, the specificity of ultrasound positioning was higher (p<0.05).No differences inPPV and NPV were found between manipulation and ultrasound positioning (p> 0.05). The timerequired by ultrasound (30.37±17.01s) was significantly shorter than that required by manipulation (41.31±35.42 s)(p<0.05).
Conclusions:
Compared with the manipulation method, the ultrasound-guided methodcould accurately locate the intercostal space for single-port thoracoscopy surgery.Ultrasound requires less time than manipulation.

Trial registration:ISRCTN10722758. Registered 04 June 2019
Keywords：Intercostal space; Positioning; Ultrasound; Manipulation;
The relationship between symptom burden and systemic inflammation differs between male and female athletes following concussion.
Authors: Battista Alex P Di , Churchill Nathan , Rhind Shawn G. , Richards Doug , Hutchison Michael G.
Published: November 2019

Background: Inflammation appears to be an important component of concussion pathophysiology. However, its relationship to symptom burden is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers measured in the blood of male and female athletes following sport-related concussion (SRC). Results Forty athletes (n = 20 male, n = 20 female) from nine interuniversity sport teams at a single institution provided blood samples within one week of an SRC. Twenty inflammatory biomarkers were quantitated by immunoassay. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool version 5 (SCAT-5) was used to evaluate symptoms. Partial least squares (PLS) analyses were used to evaluate the relationship(s) between biomarkers and symptoms. In males, a positive correlation between interferon (IFN)-g and symptom severity was observed following SRC. The relationship between IFN-g and symptoms was significant among all symptom clusters, with cognitive symptoms displaying the largest effect. In females, a significant negative relationship was observed between symptom severity and cytokines IFN-g, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and myeloperoxidase (MPO); a positive relationship was observed between symptom severity and MCP-4. Inflammatory mediators were significantly associated with all symptom clusters in females; the somatic symptom cluster displayed the largest effect. Conclusion: These results provide supportive evidence for a divergent role of inflammation on symptom burden in male and female athletes following SRC. Future investigations in SRC should be cognizant of the potentially sex-specific pathophysiology underlying symptom presentation.
Electric vagal nerve stimulation inhibits inflammation and improves early postoperation cognitive dysfunction in aged rats
Authors: Xiong Jun , Wang Huijun , Bao Yin , Guo Yuliang , Sun Yongxing
Published: November 2019

Background This study aimed to evaluate effects of electric vagal nerve stimulation on early postoperation cognitive dysfunction in aged rats. Methods: A total of 33 male Sprague Dawley rats were selected and assigned randomly to three groups, control group (C, n=10), splenectomy group (S, n=10) and splenectomy+vagal nerve stimulation group (SV, n=13). Behavior and memory of rats were evaluated by Open Field Test and Morris Water Maze. Levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum were measured by ELISA. The level of TNF-α protein in hippocampus was assessed by Western blotting. rt-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of NF-κB in hippocampus. Results: During anesthesia/operation, vital life signs of rats were stable. In SV group, vagal nerve stimulation decreased heart rate lower than 10% of basic level and kept it at a stable range by regulating stimulation intensity. After stimulation stop, heart rate returned to the basic level again. This indicated that the model of vagal nerve stimulation was successful. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 increased by the operation/anesthesia, but they decreased with vagal nerve stimulation (all P<0.05). TNF-α protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB in hippocampus were also eliminated by vagal nerve stimulation compared to S group (P<0.05). Results of Morris Water Maze showed escape latency of postoperation in S group was significantly longer than C group (P<0.05), and times of crossing platform in S group was lower than that of C group (P<0.05). Although escape latency of postopration in SV group was shorter than that of S group, there was no significant difference between two groups. Meanwhile there were no significant differences of behavior test in Open Field test between three groups, although vagal nerve stimulation improved partly active explore behavior compared to S group. Conclusion The inflammation caused by operation and general anesthesia was an important reason of early postoperation cognitive dysfunction, and electric vagal nerve stimulation could inhibit the inflammation. Meanwhile, vagal nerve stimulation could ameliorate early postoperation cognitive dysfunction partly, but its protective effects were not enough and should be studied and improved in future.
Assessment of tourist satisfaction index: evidence from Armenia
Authors: Tovmasyan Gayane
Published: November 2019

he paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of tourist satisfaction evaluation. Satisfaction is the fulfilment of human needs. The distinction between tourist expectations and perceived performance shows the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. If expectations exceed perceived performance, this means that the customer is satisfied. Satisfaction leads to loyalty and revisits. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate the satisfaction level of tourists and find out gaps. Systematization literary sources and approaches for solving the problem indicate that many countries have their indexes to measure customer satisfaction. The main purpose of the research is to measure tourist satisfaction in Armenia. Investigation of the topic in the paper is carried out in the following logical sequence: the main literature was observed, the index and model of tourist satisfaction evaluation were elaborated for Armenia, and a survey was conducted among 385 incoming tourists during 2018. Methodological tools of the research methods were sociological survey, IPA analysis, CSAT, NPS methods. As a result of the calculations, the main issues of service quality were detected. The main results were analyzed using Importance-performance matrix. Also Customer satisfaction score and Net promoter score were calculated. The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis that shows the main gaps in the quality of tourism services
MODELLING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CLOUD COMPUTING IMPLEMENTATION AT
ENTERPRISES
Authors: Zatonatska Tetiana , Dluhopolskyi Oleksandr
Published: November 2019

The article describes the main characteristics, types and properties of cloud computing. The most widespread cloud technologies in Ukraine are analyzed. It is identified that the largest share among users of cloud technologies in Ukraine currently belong to large holdings, IT companies, commercial enterprises and banks, but other sectors of business are also involved in the development of these services. The aim of the article is to develop the methodology for evaluating the efficiency of cloud technologies implementation at enterprises and its experimental verification. The economic component of the cloud computing implementation at enterprises (expenditures and revenues of both cloud technology owners and users) is considered. The efficiency of using cloud computing at enterprises is proved. It is found that organizations usually do not use the power of their personal data centers to a full extent. This leads to idle equipment, extra cost on maintenance and servicing of hardware, amortization, staff salaries and etc. The feasibility of transition of enterprises to cloud computing in such situations has been proved, which considerably reduce the costs of the enterprise due to the absence of need for hardware and necessary staff to support the operation of information systems. Usability of the methodology of total cost of ownership in evaluating the effectiveness of using services for the enterprise has been proved. The proposed methodology compares the main costs of using personal data centers and the cost of using cloud computing. It is experimentally proven that in most cases, the cost of maintaining personal data center (PDC) is higher than the cost of cloud services. It is also proved that the efficiency of cloud technology operation depends on the internal structure and organization of computing processes inside the systems, as well as on external factors such as the size of enterprises-clients, industries, costs for the organization of data centers, etc. Cloud computing is an advanced technology which has future prospects and is cost-effective for both enterprise users and provider organizations.
Assessing Nitrogen Limitation in Inoculated Soybean in Southern Brazil
Authors: Ambrosini Vítor Gabriel , Vieira Fontoura Sandra Mara , Paulo de Moraes Renato , Carciochi Walter , Ciampitti Ignacio A. , Bayer Cimélio
Published: November 2019

Core Ideas

Soybean yield did not respond to low starter fertilizer N rates in soils with high organic matter content.

Nitrogen limitation tended to be greater in low compared with medium‐high yield levels.

Nitrogen limitation is potentially related to lower contribution of N coming from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and mineralization.

Overcoming potential N limitation in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a critical factor for sustaining plant nutrient demand and improving productivity. Following this rationale, a set of studies were executed in southern Brazil with the goals of quantifying yield response to early season fertilizer N rates (up to 40 kg ha−1), “starter N fertilization,” and to understand if soybean seed yields are limited by N (testing a non‐limiting N scenario) when grown in soils with medium to high organic matter content. The main key outcomes of this research were: (i) starter N fertilization did not increase yields compared with non‐fertilized soybean, potentially highlighting the absence of an early season N limitation; and (ii) N limitation was observed when soybean yields were compared with non‐limiting N scenario and it tended to be greater in low compared with medium‐high yield levels, potentially connected with co‐limitations on both N sources (N2 fixation and mineralization) to satisfy soybean N demand. Producing soybean in a sustainable manner implies focus on production practices to conserve and, potentially, to increase soil organic matter on a long‐term basis. Furthermore, it requires enhancing the biological N2 fixation process for satisfying the large plant N demand for achieving high soybean yields. Future research should be focused on understanding factors governing biological N2 fixation and N mineralization processes in soybean grown in soils with medium‐high organic matter content.
Nitrogen‐15 Evaluation of Fall‐Applied Anhydrous Ammonia: I. Efficiency of Nitrogen Uptake by Corn
Authors: Griesheim Kelsey L. , Mulvaney Richard L. , Smith Tim J. , Henning Shelby W. , Hertzberger Allan J.
Published: November 2019

Fall application of anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is a common practice for corn (Zea mays L.) production in the midwestern United States, but evaluations to date have relied entirely on yield comparisons that provide no means of distinguishing fertilizer from soil N uptake. To quantify fertilizer N uptake efficiency (FNUE) when using this practice, field trials using 15NH3 were conducted between 2016 and 2018 at four sites in a corn–soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) rotation and at two sites under continuous corn. At each site, 224 kg N ha−1 was applied with and without the use of nitrapyrin (NP) to inhibit nitrification. Relative to grain yields without fertilizer N, response to fall N fertilization occurred at four of the six sites studied, averaging 53% (4.0 Mg ha−1) in two growing seasons with below‐normal rainfall. The use of NP was beneficial at only one site for increasing total N uptake, but resulted in a decrease at another, along with a significant reduction in grain yield. Isotopic estimates of FNUE (i.e., F15NUE) ranged from 12 to 34% (21% on average) for grain and from 16 to 42% (28% on average) for total aboveground biomass, and N derived from fertilizer ranged from 20 to 46% (32% on average). Both isotopic parameters were highest for the site lowest in native N availability, demonstrating the potential of site‐specific N management to improve fall NH3 fertilization by accounting for soil N mineralization.
Negevite, the pyrite-type NiP2, a new terrestrial phosphide
Authors: Britvin Sergey N. , Murashko Michail N. , Vapnik Yevgeny , Polekhovsky Yury S. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Vereshchagin Oleg S. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G.
Published: November 2019

Negevite, ideally NiP2, is a new phosphide mineral from pyrometamorphic complex of the Hatrurim Formation (the Mottled Zone), Southern Levant. It is found in phosphide assemblages of the Hatrurim Basin, south Negev Desert, Israel, and Daba-Siwaqa complex, Jordan. The mineral occurs as tiny isometric grains reaching 15 μm in size and forms intimate intergrowths with other phosphides related to the Fe-Ni-P system. In reflected light, negevite is white with yellowish tint and isotropic. Reflectance values for COM recommended wavelengths [R (%), λ (nm)] are as follows: 54.6 (470), 55.0 (546), 55.3 (589), 55.6 (650). Chemical composition of the holotype specimen (electron micro-probe, wt%): Ni 42.57, Co 3.40, Fe 2.87, P 42.93, S 8.33, total 100.10, corresponding to the empirical formula (Ni0.88Co0.07Fe0.06)Σ1.01(P1.68S0.31)Σ1.99. The crystal structure of negevite was solved and refined to R1 = 1.73% based on 52 independent observed [I >2σ(I)] reflections. The mineral is cubic, space group Pa3, a = 5.4816(5) Å, V = 164.71(3) Å3, and Z = 4. Dx = 4.881(1) g/cm3 calculated on the basis of the empirical formula. Negevite is a first natural phosphide belonging to the pyrite structure type. It is a chemical and structural analog of vaesite, NiS2, krutovite, NiAs2, and penroseite, NiSe2. The well-explored catalytic and photocatalytic properties of a synthetic counterpart of negevite could provide new insights into the possible role of higher phosphides as a source of low-valent phosphorus in prebiotic phosphorylation processes.
Okul Yöneticilerinin Özel Gereksinimli Öğrencilere Bireyselleştirilmiş Eğitim Planı (BEP) Hazırlanması/Uygulanması Hakkındaki Görüşleri
Authors: AYANOĞLU Çiğdem , GÜR ERDOĞAN Duygu
Published: November 2019

Bu araştırmada, okul yöneticilerinin (müdür/müdür yardımcısı) özel gereksinimli öğrencilere Bireyselleştirilmiş Eğitim Planı (BEP) hazırlanması ve uygulanması hakkındaki görüşlerinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, 20 okulda görev yapan 36 gönüllü yönetici oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın verileri araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulmuş açık uçlu sorulardan oluşan soru formları ile elde edilmiş, verilerinanalizinde betimsel analiz kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda, yöneticilerin çoğunluğunun özel gereksinimli öğrenciler için BEP hazırlanması/uygulanmasının gerekliliğine inandığı, BEP hazırlanması/uygulanması konusunda bilgilerinin kısmen yeterli olduğu, bu konuda daha önce eğitim almadıkları ve eğitime ihtiyaç duydukları belirlenmiştir. Okulların büyük çoğunluğunda BEP geliştirme birimi kurulduğu, bu birimlerin çalışmalarının kısmen amacına ulaştığı, ancak özel gereksinimli öğrenciler için hazırlanan/uygulanan BEP’lerden öğretmen ve yöneticilerden, eğitim durumlarından (öğrenme-öğretme süreci), Rehberlik Araştırma Merkezlerinden (RAM) ve özel gereksinimli öğrencilerin velilerinden kaynaklanan birtakım sorunlar nedeniyle kısmen yarar sağlandığı belirlenmiştir. Karşılaşılan bu sorunlara görüşülen yöneticiler tarafından çözüm önerileri getirilmiş ve bir takım yasal düzenlemelerin gerekliliği belirtilmiştir.
Homofobia: o que a psicologia brasileira tem a dizer? Artigo de revisão
Authors: Santos Sobral Helenizia , Vicente da Silva Maria Lúcia , Santos Fernandes Sheyla Christine
Published: November 2019

O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre os estudos que abordam a homofobia no contexto da psicologia brasileira. Para isso utilizamos cinco bases de dados: SciELO (Scientific Eletronic Library Online), PePSIC, Index Psi, LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), e PsycINFO. Contamos com um total de 74 artigos científicos, sendo 35 artigos teóricos e 39 artigos derivados de investigações empíricas. Neste último tipo de artigo verificamos que o tema mais presente foi a relação de alguns fatores com a homofobia, por exemplo, avaliar e analisar a homofobia através da Escala de Homofobia Explícita e Implícita e do Inventário de Sexismo. A psicologia brasileira tem contribuído para ampliação do conhecimento acerca da temática homofobia, dada a quantidade de artigos encontrados nas últimas décadas acerca do tema em estudos da psicologia. Os construtos associados à homofobia que surgiram durante a pesquisa foram os aspectos psicossociais, a saúde, a educação e as políticas públicas. Os periódicos que se destacaram na publicação de artigos sobre a temática homofobia foram aqueles que abordaram os aspectos psicossociais, envolvendo as percepções psicopolíticas, o comportamento e a ideação suicida, a religiosidade, as representações sociais sobre a natureza da homossexualidade e a adoção de crianças por famílias homoafetivas. Conclui-se que as pesquisas realizadas no Brasil sobre homofobia estão pautadas no conhecimento e explanação de valores, ideias e comportamentos em relação à homofobia, comparando grupos e relacionando fatores na tentativa de melhor conhecer os aspectos pouco tratados sobre o tema.
Mecanismos de desarrollo de la atención selectiva en población infantil
Authors: Introzzi Isabel , Aydmune Yesica , V. Zamora Eliana , Vernucci Santiago , Ledesma Rubén
Published: November 2019

La atención selectiva es la función cognitiva que orienta la atención hacia los objetos o estímulos que resultan relevantes evitando la distracción frente a aquellos que son irrelevantes. En general la literatura indica que el desempeño de la atención selectiva mejora notablemente con la edad, sin embargo, las diferencias vinculadas a esta variable no se cumplen para todas las condiciones de cantidad de estímulos distractores ni para todos los grupos de edad. Asimismo, aun no se ha explorado la contribución del control inhibitorio y la velocidad de procesamiento a esta mejora progresiva. Por este motivo, y debido a la escasez de estudios en población infantil, se propuso analizar la contribución relativa de la velocidad de procesamiento y de la inhibición al desempeño en una tarea de atención selectiva y búsqueda visual en esta etapa evolutiva. Para ello, se administró una tarea de búsqueda de conjunciones y una tarea simple de velocidad de respuesta a 295 niños de 6 a 13 años de edad. Los resultados permitieron plantear dos conclusiones principales: por un lado, que la atención selectiva mejora consistentemente durante la niñez y, por otro lado, que no existe un mecanismo general y exclusivo capaz de explicar estas diferencias durante esta etapa vital. Así, tanto la velocidad de procesamiento como el control inhibitorio contribuyen al desarrollo de la atención selectiva y ambos mecanismos cognitivos actúan de manera complementaria más que excluyente.
Flood prediction based on weather parameters using deep learning
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Suresh , Prabhakar Malavika , Satish Sreesta , Jain Prerna , Ramprasad Anjali , Krishnan Aiswarya
Published: November 2019

Today, India is one of the worst flood-affected countries in the world, with the recent disaster in Kerala in August 2018 being a prime example. A good amount of work has been carried out by employing Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) techniques in the past for flood occurrence based on rainfall, humidity, temperature, water flow, water level etc. However, the challenge is that no one has attempted the possibility of occurrence of flood based on temperature and rainfall intensity. So accordingly Deep Neural Network has been employed for predicting the occurrence of flood based on temperature and rainfall intensity. In addition, a deep learning model is compared with other machine learning models (support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN) and Naïve Bayes) in terms of accuracy and error. The results indicate that the deep neural network can be efficiently used for flood forecasting with highest accuracy based on monsoon parameters only before flood occurrence.
Distorted Key Theory and its Implication for Drug Development
Authors: Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: November 2019

During the last three decades or so, many efforts have been made to study the protein cleavage
sites by some disease-causing enzyme, such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) protease
and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus main proteinase. It has become increasingly
clear via this mini-review that the motivation driving the aforementioned studies is quite wise,
and that the results acquired through these studies are very rewarding, particularly for developing peptide
drugs.
Managing Febrile Illness in Malaria-endemic Areas: Developing Novel Diagnostics Using Host Immunological Signatures as Surrogate Markers of Infection
Authors: Omitola Olaitan O. , Mogaji Hammed O. , Taylor-Robinson Andrew W.
Published: November 2019

Recent research has highlighted the growing public health concern arising from
mismanagement of malarial and non-malarial febrile illnesses that present with similar clinical
symptoms. A retrospective examination of patient records suggests that a syndrome-based diagnosis
results in over-diagnosis of malaria. Consequently, interventions to mitigate the frequency of
presumptive treatment of fever in malaria-endemic settings have been sought, especially for resourcelimited
areas. Guidelines that promote the use of microbiological tests and modern diagnostic kits have
demonstrated laudable progress in the ongoing challenge of febrile illness management. However, this
has brought attention to other factors like the complication of mixed infections. These issues, which
remain significant limitations to current tools and methods in the accurate diagnosis and subsequent
therapy of febrile illnesses, call for innovative diagnostic interventions. Advancements in biomedical
research over the last decade have led to the introduction of state-of-the-art molecular techniques of
omics origin that provide the possibility of diverse applications in disease diagnostics. Here, we
present notable challenges in febrile illness management, describe currently available tools and
methods for diagnosis, and discuss the opportunities for future progress, including harnessing cuttingedge
transcriptional profiling and proteomics technology to detect host immunological signatures
during infection.
Nano-ZrO2/TiO2 Impregnated Orange Wood Sawdust and Peach Stone Shell Adsorbents for Cr (VI) Removal
Authors: Parlayıcı Şerife , Sezer Kübra Tuna , Pehlivan Erol
Published: November 2019

Background:

In this work, Cr (VI) adsorption on nano-ZrO2๏TiO2 impregnated orange wood sawdust (Zr๏Ti/OWS) and nano-ZrO2๏TiO2 impregnated peach stone shell (Zr๏Ti/PSS) was investigated by applying different adsorption parameters such as Cr (VI) concentrations, contact time, adsorbent dose, and pH for all adsorbents.

Methods:

The adsorbents were characterized by SEM and FT-IR. The equilibrium status was achieved after 120 min of contact time and optimum pH value around 2 were determined for Cr (VI) adsorption. Adsorption data in the equilibrium is well-assembled by the Langmuir model during the adsorption process.

Results:

Langmuir isotherm model showed a maximum adsorption value of OWS: 21.65 mg/g and Zr๏Ti/OWS: 27.25 mg/g. The same isotherm displayed a maximum adsorption value of PSS: 17.64 mg/g, and Zr๏Ti/PSS: 31.15 mg/g. Pseudo-second-order kinetic models (R2=0.99) were found to be the best models for describing the Cr (VI) adsorption reactions.

Conclusıon:

Thermodynamic parameters such as changes in ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° have been estimated, and the process was found to be spontaneous.
Pharmacotherapy of Down’s Syndrome: When and Which?
Authors: Tayebati Seyed K. , Cecchi Alessandro , Martinelli Ilenia , Carboni Elisa , Amenta Francesco
Published: November 2019

:

Down Syndrome (DS) is an essential genetic disease that involves many other body systems
along with cerebral functions. The postnatal approach to treat this genetic disease includes intervention
on various related disorders (e.g., heart failure, respiratory, oral, ear, and hearing disorders). However,
different proposed treatments do not significantly improve the quality of life of these subjects. Another
approach to the treatment of DS considering the possibility to intervene on the embryo was recently
introduced. As of this, the current study has reviewed different outcomes regarding DS treatment in an
animal model, namely the Ts65Dn mouse. The obtained results encouraged spending more time, efforts,
and resources in this field. Besides, various treatment strategies were tried to include genetic
modification, treatment with vasoactive intestinal peptide derivatives or fluoxetine. However, the main
obstacle to the use of these possible treatments is the ethical issues it raises. The progression of the
pregnancy in spite of awareness that DS affects the unborn and prenatal treatment of DS injured embryo
are relevant dilemmas. Thus, talented researchers should spend more efforts to improve the quality
of life for people affected by DS, which will allow probably a better approach to the ethical issues.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Druggable Therapeutics for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Chitre Neha M. , Moniri Nader H. , Murnane Kevin S.
Published: November 2019

:

Neurodegenerative disorders are commonly associated with a complex pattern of pathophysiological hallmarks, including increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which makes their treatment challenging. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (O3FA) are natural products with reported neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These effects have been attributed to their incorporation into neuronal membranes or through the activation of intracellular or recently discovered cell-surface receptors (i.e., Free-Fatty Acid Receptors; FFAR). Molecular docking studies have investigated the roles of O3FA as agonists of FFAR and have led to the development of receptor-specific targeted agonists for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, novel formulation strategies for targeted delivery of O3FA to the brain have supported their development as therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the compelling evidence of the beneficial effects of O3FA for several neuroprotective functions, they are currently only available as unregulated dietary supplements, with only a single FDA-approved prescription product, indicated for triglyceride reduction. This review highlights the relative safety and efficacy of O3FA, their drug-like properties, and their capacity to be formulated in clinically viable drug delivery systems. Interestingly, the presence of cardiac conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia is associated with brain pathophysiological hallmarks of neurodegeneration, such as neuroinflammation, thereby further suggesting potential therapeutic roles of O3FA for neurodegenerative disorders. Taken together, this review article summarizes and integrates the compelling evidence regarding the feasibility of developing O3FA and their synthetic derivatives as potential drugs for neurodegenerative disorders.