bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twilight foraging enables European shags to survive the winter across their latitudinal range
Authors: Moe B , Daunt F , Bråthen VS , Barrett RT , Ballesteros M , Bjørnstad O , Bogdanova MI , Dehnhard N , Erikstad KE , Follestad A , Gíslason S , Hallgrimsson GT , Lorentsen SH , Newell M , Petersen A , Phillips RA , Ragnarsdóttir SB , Reiertsen TK , Åström J , Wanless S , Anker-Nilssen T
Published: April 2021

Species breeding at high latitudes face a significant challenge of surviving the winter. Such conditions are particularly severe for diurnal marine endotherms such as seabirds. A critical question is therefore what behavioural strategies such species adopt to maximise survival probability. We tested 3 hypotheses: (1) they migrate to lower latitudes to exploit longer day length (‘sun-chasing’), (2) they forage at night (‘night-feeding’), or (3) they target high-quality food patches to minimise foraging time (‘feasting’). We studied the winter migration and foraging strategies of European shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis from 6 colonies across a latitudinal gradient from temperate regions to north of the Arctic Circle using geolocators deployed over 11 winters. We found evidence for ‘sun-chasing’, whereby average southerly movements were greatest from colonies at higher latitudes. However, a proportion of individuals from higher latitudes remained resident in winter and, in the absence of daylight, they foraged during twilight and only very occasionally during the night. At lower latitudes, there was little evidence that individuals migrated south, nocturnal feeding was absent, and twilight feeding was infrequent, suggesting that there was sufficient daylight in winter. There was no evidence that winter foraging time was lowest at higher latitudes, as predicted by the ‘feasting’ hypothesis. Our results suggest that shags adopt different behavioural strategies to survive the winter across their latitudinal range, dictated by the differing light constraints. Our study highlights the value of multi-colony studies in testing key hypotheses to explain population persistence in seabird species that occur over large latitudinal ranges.
Unified natural mortality estimation for teleosts and elasmobranchs
Authors: Dureuil M , Aeberhard WH , Burnett KA , Hueter RE , Tyminski JP , Worm B
Published: April 2021

Natural mortality, M, is a key parameter for the assessment and management of living resources but is difficult to observe directly. Therefore, M is often estimated indirectly from life history traits, and it is typically assumed to be invariant over size, age, and time. Such indirect estimators are particularly relevant for data-poor species, including many elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays). However, as commonly used estimators were developed largely with teleost (bony fish) data, their performance for elasmobranchs is currently unknown. Here, we show that the relationship between observed maximum age, tmax, and mean adult M is not significantly different between teleosts (n = 105) and elasmobranchs (n = 15). Furthermore, data on 16 teleosts and 2 elasmobranchs suggest that juvenile M can be estimated from adult M when juvenile M is inversely proportional to body length and when a reference length can be provided. We introduce this reference length as the length at the age after which M is assumed to be constant and demonstrate how it can be estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth function and the proportion surviving to tmax, which is shown to be approximately 1-2%. The data utilized here also suggest that if tmax is unknown it can be estimated from growth information by assuming that 99% of the asymptotic maximum length is reached at tmax. Based on these life history parameters, the same indirect M estimators can be utilized for teleosts and elasmobranchs, which may contribute to more reliable assessments of data-poor species.
The Belarusian Orthodox Church at grassroots’ level: the organisation, functioning and role of Orthodox brotherhoods and sisterhoods in Belarus
Authors: Mudrov Sergei A. , Zakharov Nikolay V.
Published: April 2021

This article is devoted to the analysis of the growing importance of brotherhoods and sisterhoods of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. Currently these organisations perform important social, educational, informational and charitable functions, up to and including at regional level. This article analyses how the conditions and the logic of their operation are dependent on local religious contexts and how they are inscribed in the broader context of the growing role of the church in emerging community welfare in contemporary Belarus. In this article, special attention is given to the analysis of activities of the Union of Sisterhoods and the sisterhoods in Lida and Novogrudok. These sisterhoods mainly work to achieve important social and charitable objectives. In the case of brotherhoods, their main activities have been confined to educational and missionary work, as seen in the example of the Three Martyrs of Vilna brotherhood in Minsk.
Biosynthesis of an extracellular siderophore is essential for maintenance of mutualistic endophyte-grass symbioses
Authors: Johnson L.J. , Steringa M. , Koulman A. , Christensen M. , Johnson R.D. , Voisey C.R. , Bryan G. , Lamont I. , Rasmussen S.
Published: April 2021

We have identified a novel siderophore from the mutualistic grass symbiont EpichloÃ« festucae. Targeted gene replacement of a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (termed sidF) from E. festucae eliminated biosynthesis of this extracellular siderophore. Structural characterisation, based on extensive mass spectrometry showed similarities to fusarinine-type siderophores. Plants inoculated with strains carrying a targeted deletion in sidF have a dramatic phenotype. Siderophore loss changed a mutualistic symbiont into an antagonistic fungus, causing de-regulation and proliferation of fungal hyphae, plant stunting and sometimes even tiller death. We hypothesise that loss of the biosynthesis of the siderophore disrupts iron homeostasis within the whole symbiotum, which is a critical factor for maintenance of mutualistic endophyte-grass symbioses. Keywords: siderophore, iron homeostasis, NRPS
Differential expression of loline alkaloids in perennial ryegrass infected with endophyte isolated from tall fescue
Authors: Easton H.S. , Lyons T.B. , Mace W.J. , Simpson W.R. , De Bonth A.C.M. , Cooper B.M. , Panckhurst K.A.
Published: April 2021

Twenty half-sibling families of perennial ryegrass inoculated with a strain of endophyte isolated from tall fescue were analysed for loline concentrations. Inoculation success varied between families. Frequency of loline expression of different families varied moderately. Family effect on loline concentrations was significant. In another set of material, derived from plants exposed to field selection, endophyte infection frequency in seed harvested from plants verified as infected was close to 100%. Loline concentrations varied significantly between families. For nine of 23 families, none of the three plants sampled showed any measurable loline. As in other data sets, the results show variation in concentrations of endophyte alkaloids controlled by the genetics of the host plant. Keywords: Neotyphodium, host variation, adaptation, symbiosis, lolines
Herbicide applications for replacing toxic tall fescue with AR542 tall fescue - can summer smother crops be eliminated
Authors: Andrae J.G. , Hill N.S.
Published: April 2021

Recent commercial development of tall fescue containing a nontoxic endophyte has renewed producer interest in replacing stands of toxic tall fescue
Fungal grass endophytes, grass cultivars, nitrogen deposition and the association with colonising insects
Authors: Krauss J. , HÃ¤rri S.A. , Bush L. , Power S.A. , MÃ¼ller C.B.
Published: April 2021

Fungal endophytes associated with pasture grasses can have community-wide effects on insect consumers. Here we asked the question to what degree endophyte infection, simulated nitrogen deposition and grass cultivar influence the abundance of colonising herbivores and their natural enemies. In a fully randomised field experiment, consisting of four Lolium perenne monocultures of known endophyte infection status and a nitrogen addition treatment, we determined the abundance of colonising aphids, their parasitoids and predators, and other grass herbivores. The three colonising cereal aphid species did not respond to endophyte infection, possibly because peramine concentrations were relatively low (3.9 ÃŽÂ¼g/g). There was a significant interaction between nitrogen addition and plant cultivar on the abundance of Sitobion avenae, suggesting a cultivar-specific response to nitrogen addition. Aphid predators were affected by an interaction between endophyte and plant cultivar, but abundance of aphid parasitoids and other grass herbivores was not affected by any treatment. The fungus Claviceps purpurea naturally infected our experimental plants and infection rates differed among cultivars and were more likely to occur on endophyte-infected plants, in particular on wild-type Samson. We conclude that strong effects of endophytes on insect abundance may not occur in systems built upon L. perenne because overall peramine levels rarely reach threshold levels for insect toxicity. Keywords: fungal endosymbionts, multitrophic interactions, field experiment, insect food webs, alkaloids
Using a multidisciplinary approach with undergraduate students to study the grass endophyte system
Authors: Bultman T.L. , Sullivan T.J. , Swarthout D. , Brown K. , Pennings T.
Published: April 2021

We have been collaborating on a multidisciplinary research programme with undergraduate (baccalaureate) students for the past 3 years, funded by the National Science Foundation in the USA. The project focuses on the ecological interaction between endophytic fungi and the grasses they inhabit and involves students (10-15 annually) and faculty (5 and 1 post-doc) from the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. We briefly present some of our results from ongoing projects on stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates in tall fescue, wound-induced responses at the molecular level, and modelling tri-trophic level interactions. We also discuss how we came together to initiate the project; challenges, pitfalls, and advantages of doing multidisciplinary, multi-investigator research with undergraduates. We will present our assessment results, which are focused on how students feel their involvement in multidisciplinary research differs from what it would be in disciplinary research. Keywords: Neotyphodium coenophialum, tall fescue, woundinduced response, tri-trophic interactions, water use efficicency, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis
'Staggers' in Australian alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Sampaio N.G. , Gishen M. , Reed K.F.M. , Brown M. , Gregory D. , Munyard K.A.
Published: April 2021

In a random survey of 107 alpaca producers across Australia, 23% had observed staggers over the previous 3 years with signs usually persisting 3-4 months
Where do we go from here?
Authors: Bouton J.H.
Published: April 2021

The viability of this international symposium on grass/fungal endophytes is a direct measure of the nature and strength of the underlying science itself. The symposium's past was dominated by a multidiscipline approach and a geographic focus in New Zealand, USA, and Australia, due mainly to the economic impact of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) when infected with Neotyphodium endophytes. There have been many research and technological findings reported during the past five symposia, with novel endophytes as an example of one having positive on-farm impact. In the future, it is anticipated that 1) the multidisciplinary approach will continue; 2) patenting issues will cause disruptions (hopefully small) in information sharing; 3) funding will drive the underlying science thereby continuing a concentration of work in New Zealand, Australia, and the USA, but opportunities will arise in these major countries for collaborative research with scientists in other geographies; 4) commercialisation and on-farm use of novel endophytes will expand; 5) sequencing and gene expression data will be available for the main fungal genomes, and microarray, genomics, and transciptome approaches will grow in importance; and 6) development of a "mind map" will help identify knowledge gaps for determining endophyte effects on animals. However, it was the inspiration, leadership, confidence, and even boldness of individual scientists in the field that pushed both this symposium and the science to the level it is today. Therefore, as the symposium moves forward, younger scientists need to assume leadership roles, and then be bold and confident in pushing forward; especially with continuing the symposium. Keywords: Neotyphodium, fungal endophytes, symposium, grasses, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, biotechnologies
Body weight gain and voluntary feed intake in meat goat does fed endophyte-infected and endophyte-free tall fescue seed
Authors: Browning R. , Author J.R. , Donnelly B. , Payton T. , Pandya P. , Byars M.
Published: April 2021

Tall fescue is the primary pasture forage offered to goats in the southeastern United States. Data on how tall fescue endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) affects meat goat performance are lacking. In three summers, yearling does were fed diets containing tall fescue seed to assess the effect of endophyte infection on goat growth and feed intake. In 2004 and 2005, does were fed endophyte-infected (EI) or endophyte-free (EF) tall fescue seeds added to the diets for 10 wk. Feed refusals were weighed daily. The EI diet reduced (P
Towards the elimination of ergot alkaloid biosynthesis genes in Neotyphodium Coenophialum
Authors: Florea S. , Machado C. , Zhang D. , Panaccione D.G. , Schardl C.L.
Published: April 2021

Neotyphodium coenophialum strain e19 from tall fescue cv. Kentucky 31 carries dmaW1 and dmaW2, two gene homologues that encode dimethylallyltryptophan synthase, the enzyme for the first step in ergot-alkaloid biosynthesis. In our effort to disrupt both homologues and ultimately obtain marker-free mutants, we are using a marker-exchange strategy employing the Cre/ loxP site-specific recombination system. Of 1522 transformants obtained and screened, three were likely dmaW2 disruptants because they gave no PCR product from the wild-type locus, but yielded the larger PCR fragment from the disruption construct. The putative dmaW2-knockouts were also transformed with pKAES186, a plasmid with a cassette containing the cre and ble genes in between loxP sequences. The transformants obtained were screened for the presence of hph, cre and ble genes. The preliminary results indicate a loop-out of the hph gene. The transformants inoculated into endophyte-free tall fescue preserved their compatibility with the plant. The fungus grown from these plants will be further analysed for the presence of hph, cre and ble genes. Keywords: Cre/LoxP, dimethylallyltryptophan synthase, dmaW, EpichloÃ«, ergot alkaloids, Festuca arundinacea, gene knockouts, Lolium arundinaceum, Neotyphodium coenophialum, tall fescue
Heterologous synthesis of the fungal alkaloid peramine
Authors: Pirlo S.D. , Johnson R.D. , Voisey C.R. , Koulman A. , Bryan G.T.
Published: April 2021

Endophytic fungi of temperate grasses form stable symbiotic associations that provide mutual benefits for both species.
Development of a bovine model to evaluate administration routines for endophyte-infected tall fescue
Authors: Wax L.E. , Rottinghaus G.E. , Spiers D.E.
Published: April 2021

Fescue toxicosis in cattle is characterised by a reduction in feed intake and hyperthermia during the summer in Southeast to Midwest regions of the United States. Several studies were performed using these endpoints to evaluate different administration routines that might produce a reliable model for this condition. Endophyte-infected (E+) or uninfected (E- ) fescue seed was administered in the standard diet as ground or whole seed during thermoneutral and heat stress periods to determine which seed form produced the greater response in different thermal environments. Time of administration was also tested by comparing response to whole seed administered either before or during heat stress. In each study, a high and low level of ergovaline in the diet was evaluated to identify potential dose differences. Ground E+ seed at either level produced a rapid decrease in feed intake in both environments, with no effect on core body temperature. Whole E+ seed treatment prior to heat stress resulted in a greater daily rise in core body temperature than E- with no effect on feed intake. In contrast, whole E+ seed administration during heat stress produced a dose-dependant upward shift in body temperature and reduction in daily feed intake to suggest that this is the more reliable routine for generating these characteristics of fescue toxicosis in cattle. Keywords: fescue toxicosis, cattle, heat stress
Risk assessment of endophyte toxins
Authors: Finch S.C. , Munday R. , Munday J.S. , Fletcher L.R. , Hawkes A.D.
Published: April 2021

Lolitrem B and epoxy-janthitrem residues were found in the fat of sheep grazing wild-type and AR37 endophyte-infected pastures, respectively. Epoxy-janthitrems were also detected in the milk of cows grazing AR37 pastures. In order to give preliminary information on the possibility that these endophyte toxins could pose a threat to human health, a 3-week toxicological trial has been conducted in mice. The results of this experiment suggest that, at the levels found in food, the endophyte toxins are unlikely to cause any safety concern. Keywords: lolitrem, epoxy-janthitrem, endophyte, AR37, fat, milk, toxin residues, toxicology
Comparison of ergovaline determinations between laboratories in the United States and Japan
Authors: Craig Morrie , Rottinghaus G. , Walker K. , Ishikuro E.
Published: April 2021

Quality assurance and quality control is the foundation of any diagnostic test. The two laboratories in the United States that use HPLC to quantitate endophyte toxins in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) are Oregon State University (OSU) and University of Missouri (MU). Japan, the major importer of grass straw has six new laboratories that will test agricultural imports for endophyte toxins. A quality assurance program was set up between the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and the State of Oregon. The latter includes both OSU and the MU. All units are using an accurate crystalline standard and have exchanged "check" samples among themselves. To date OSU and MU have values that differ by 10%. OSU has identified a contaminating and coeluting peak as the cause of the differences. Both laboratories are changing to a Gemini column to rectify the differences. Japanese laboratories are in the process of evaluating their split check samples. Keywords: quality assurance, quality control, endophyte, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass
Determination of the toxic threshold of lolitrem B in cattle eating endophye-infected perennial ryegrass
Authors: Blythe L. , Estill C. , Males J. , Craig A.M.
Published: April 2021

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) straw is used as a feed for livestock and horses. Some straw is infected with the endophyte, Neotyphodium lolii, which produces lolitrem tremorgens. Ingesting of the toxin produces clinical "ryegrass staggers." A 28 day feeding trail was conducted using 61 Black Angus, pure and crossbred cattle. The cattle were fed one of three levels of lolitrem B in chopped perennial ryegrass straw ranging from 0 ppb up to 3058 ppb. Four Japanese Wagyu crossbred cattle were fed chopped ryegrass straw containing 1400 ppb lolitrem B. The cattle were evaluated and scored twice a day for clinical signs of gait difficulties. Cattle consuming 1400 ppb lolitrem B did not show any overt clinical signs. After 14 days, 7 out of 15 cattle in the 1954 ppb lolitrem B group showed clinical signs of ataxia, stiffness, and tremors as seen in ryegrass staggers. All of the cattle in the positive control group of up to 3058 ppb lolitrem B with a 4 week mean of 2574 ppb developed clinical signs of staggers. None of the Wagyu cattle at 1400 ppb lolitrem B developed clinical signs. A dose response curve was developed based on the results of this study coupled with a prior study for use in the testing laboratory. Keywords: lolitrem B, perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne, endophyte fungus, Neotyphodium lolii, cattle, threshold levels
An overview of current and potential hill country livestock systems
Authors: Morris S.T. , Hickson R.E.
Published: April 2021

This paper reviews current production trends for sheep and beef cattle production in New Zealand and gives some insight into the opportunities for improvement. The New Zealand climate favours pasture growth and this is the key to sheep and beef cattle production with over 95% of the diet being grazed pasture or crop. Exports are the focus of the industry with 92% of sheep meat and 82% of beef exported. There has been a 72% increase in sheep meat production since 1990, but there still remains opportunity for further increases through breeding sheep at an earlier age, increasing the weight of lambs weaned per ewe per year, increased efficiency of breeding cows and utilisation of calves from the dairy industry for beef production. Keywords: Sheep meat, beef cattle, pasture, intensification, environment
Increasing lamb survival and lamb weaning weight through feeding high fecundity crossbred sheep
Authors: Johns C. , Johns J. , Stevens D.R.
Published: April 2021

The monitoring of a high fecundity ewe flock in the Te Anau basin demonstrates the process of improved feeding to improve lamb survival and growth to weaning. Feed budgeting was changed from traditional to tailored feed requirements based on measured ewe liveweight with wastage of 15% factored in. Feed allocation was changed from monthly to weekly increases during late pregnancy, and set stocking was delayed until the planned start of lambing. This increased late pregnancy feed allocation from 99 kg DM/ewe to 128 and 144 kg DM/ewe for twin and triplet bearing ewes, respectively. Ewe body condition score was maintained at between 3 and 3.5, with condition score loss between scanning and lambing being reduced to zero. Lamb survival and lamb liveweight gain to weaning increased in both twin and triplet bearing ewes. Pregnancy scanning increased from 200 to 222 lambs per 100 ewes, between 2007 and 2012, while lambing percentage (lambs weaned/ ewe mated) rose from 132% to 165%, with more ewes rearing lambs and rearing multiples. Lamb wastage declined from 37% in 2007 and 2008, to 25% in 2011 and 2012, though scanning percentage rose by 20%. Lamb weights increased from 27.5 to 36 kg/lamb at 100 days of age. The increase in the liveweight of lambs and ewes at weaning reduced the calculated feed requirements over summer and autumn, potentially releasing 70 to 110 kg DM/ewe to provide feed to meet the extra winter feed requirements. Keywords: ewe body condition score, feed allocation, lamb survival, lamb weaning weight
Lorne Peak Station - achieving sustainable profitability in challenging Southland hill country
Authors: Tayler M. , Donnelly L. , Frater P. , Stocker N.
Published: April 2021

Lorne Peak Station, near Garston in Northern Southland is a 5650 ha station, which until recently, has been run as an extensive store sheep and beef property. Major constraints for this hill country property, like many others in the region, are long winters with occasional snowfall, low pasture growth rates, dry summers, unpredictable autumns and limited cash flow to develop and improve the land. The intensification of New Zealand's hill country farms is a critical aspect in ensuring financial viability. Since 2009, Lorne Peak has undergone a rigorous intensification program, initially aided by income produced from wintering dairy cows on the property. With careful selection of crops and pastures, farm profitability has increased, through selection of different stock breeds/classes and high utilisation of feed supply over the year. FARMAXÂ® modelling software has been used retrospectively to analyse these changes, and compare it with the current scenario. The analysis clearly shows that the use of lucerne for grazing, fodder beet for beef production, subdivision and increasing soil fertility have been real game changers for Lorne Peak. A 292% increase in farm profit before tax is testament to this achievement. However, an increase of 26% for total farm working expenses, highlights the need for investment to be planned to build resilience into the farming operation. Keywords: hill country, intensification, dryland, lucerne, fodder beet, sheep, beef, FARMAXÂ®, profitability
High UMFÂ® honey production from manuka plantations
Authors: Millner J.P. , Hamilton G. , Ritchie C. , Stephens J.
Published: April 2021

High UMFÂ® (unique manuka factor) manuka honey is in demand because of its strong anti-bacterial properties. However, production is limited and variable; establishing manuka plantations using seedlings grown from seed sourced from areas producing high quality honey is a potential solution. This study compared establishment, growth and nectar dihydroxyacetone content of four manuka provenances (geographically localised varieties) and indigenous manuka at Maxwell and Tutira. Survival was >90% in most provenances. Normalised (80 oBx) nectar dihydroxyacetone content in plantation manuka was generally higher than the indigenous. At Maxwell provenances A (7757 mg/ kg) and C (10 561 mg/kg) had significantly higher normalised dihydroxyacetone than indigenous manuka (4173 mg/kg) and at Tutira provenance D (12 157 mg/ kg) was significantly higher than indigenous (5111 mg/ kg). The results confirm the potential to produce high UMFÂ® honey from manuka plantations. Keywords: manuka, nectar, dihydroxyacetone, sugar, provenances
Brief Evolution of Children’s Literature: from Folklore to Epic Novels
Authors: Sattorova Yu.
Published: April 2021

The article examines the evolution of children’s literature as an independent part of literature. When did the children’s literature become a satisfying branch of literature and scholars find it distinct for being researched? An understanding of children’s literature is a central issue in the development of every sphere of our life: from home sittings to ELT classrooms. While teachers are all wound up with teaching young learners in ELT classrooms reading tales, stories and poems remain unnoticing part of education, overall, knowing what evolutionary way children’s literature passed through gives us an opportunity to develop ELT classrooms better and hence straighten out our young learners with correct motivation into literature.
Sosyal Medya Özelinde Kamusal Alan Doktrini ve “Knight First Amendment Institute et al v. Donald J. Trump” Kararının Amerika Birleşik Devletleri Anayasası 1. Ek Maddesi Kapsamında Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: YILDIZ Ceren
Published: April 2021

Sosyal medya, bireylerin kendilerini ifade edebilme imkânına sahip olarak, görüşlerini paylaşabildikleri, böylece demokratik bir kültürün gerçekleştirilmesi olanaklarının büyük ölçüde genişlediği bir alan haline gelmiştir. Dijital çağın sağladığı bu imkânlar aynı zamanda, bu katılımı sınırlandırabilecek yeni denetim yöntemlerini de üretmeye başlamıştır. Bu durum öncelikle kendisini yasal düzenlemelerde göstermeye başlamış, ardından bugüne kadar konuya ilişkin verilmiş kararların mevcut durum bakımından yeniden yorumlanması gerekliliğini ortaya çıkarmıştır. Özellikle son yıllarda siyasilerin sosyal medya kullanma oranındaki artış, izledikleri politikaları bu araçlarla duyurma yolunu tercih etmeleri ve kendi medyalarını yaratma istekleri, kendi iradeleriyle açtıkları bir alanın yapısında ve özellikle ifade özgürlüğünün kullanımı bakımından yeni sorunları ortaya çıkarmaya başlamıştır. Amerikan Başkanı Donald J. Trump’ın, Twitter sayfasından yorumlarını beğenmediği bazı kullanıcıları engellemesi üzerine başlatılan yargılama sürecinin sonucunda, kamusal forum doktrini, sosyal medya hesaplarının kullanım şekli de göz önünde bulundurularak yeniden yorumlanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, ifade özgürlüğü bakımından sosyal medya özelinde kamusal forum doktrini ve Amerikan Anayasasının ek 1. maddesi, Yüksek Mahkeme içtihatlarıyla birlikte incelenmiştir. Bu bağlamda karşılaşılan yeni kamusal forumun, Anayasa Mahkemesi’nin ifade özgürlüğü çerçevesinde mağdur statüsüne ilişkin kararları bakımından uygulanabilirliği değerlendirilmeye çalışılmıştır.
Brown Spot and Stalk Rot Diseases of Maize (Zea Mays) and Susceptibility of Two Varieties to Physoderma Maydis in Far North Cameroon
Authors: Dooh Jules P. N , Bouba Djile , Gabriel Djongnang , Brice Tchoupou T. D. , Rita Yamagui , Durel Ntatsinda C. , Alain Heu , Zachee Ambang
Published: April 2021

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the most widely grown cereals in the world. However, in Cameroon, particularly in the Far North Region, yields remain low because of diseases increasing due to farming practices and climate change. This work aimed to characterize Brown Spot and Stalk Rot of corn and evaluate the susceptibility of two maize varieties to Physoderma maydis in field conditions. Two maize varieties, CMS9015, and CMS8704 were evaluated in a randomized block design. Disease symptoms were observed and described using identification keys. Microscopic characteristics of pathogens were performed using a microscope. Incidence, severity, and areas under disease curve progress (AUIPC and AUSiPC) were calculated.  Brown spot occurred 3 or 4 weeks after sowing (WAS) at the growing stage in CMS8704 variety first, and stalk rot 7 WAS. Brown spot appeared in leaves and is characterized by oval yellowish spots in the leaf blade and brownish spots in the midrid. Stalk rot infects stem nodes and is characterized by brownish spots, leading to the broken stem. The incidence of brown spot increased with time and environmental conditions (rainfall). The highest incidence of Physoderma Brown Spot was recorded with CMS8704 variety 53.06 % against 51.72 % with CMS9015. Severity was respectively 54.40 % and 47.12 % with CMS8704 and CMS9015. The incidence and severity of stalk rot were almost identical in both varieties. AUIPC of PBS and PSR was higher in CMS9015 than in CMS 8704, 63 DAS. PBS and PSR infect maize production, and both varieties are susceptible to P. maydis.
O psicólogo nas políticas públicas a partir da correlação entre a clínica ampliada e a redução de danos
Authors: Silva Rafael Bianchi , Miani Luiza Farias , Bonatti Graziela Lastória
Published: April 2021

O presente artigo objetiva percorrer a concepção de clínica ampliada e redução de danos com o intuito de acrescentar formas de pensar e atuar que divergem das práticas tradicionais no contexto de trabalho do psicólogo. A partir disso, construiremos aproximações dessas propostas quanto ao cuidado integral em saúde, pensando nestas estratégias enquanto formas de permitir a garantia dos direitos dos usuários e sua autonomia/ protagonismo. Tomaremos enquanto estratégia de pesquisa um estudo de caráter qualitativo, e como instrumento de coleta de dados utilizamos a Análise Documental, com o objetivo de descrever e representar o conteúdo dos documentos de uma forma que garanta a retomada de informações e a possibilidade de correlações entre os conteúdos. Conclui-se que, a concepção de clinica ampliada e as práticas de redução de danos se aproximam em alguns aspectos, principalmente nas suas concepções de sujeito/usuário Quanto ao trabalho do psicólogo, entendemos que ambas as perspectivas podem potencializar problematizações e ampliações dos modos de atuação de forma a produzir ações mais participativas e inclusivas.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Aspergillus terreus: Characterization, Optimization, and Biological Activities
Authors: Lotfy Walid A. , Alkersh Basma M. , Sabry Soraya A. , Ghozlan Hanan A.
Published: April 2021

In this study, mycelial filtrate of Aspergillus terreus BA6 was used to reduce AgNO3 to form silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The effect of seven independent variables on the diameter of AgNPs was studied by applying design of experiments (DOE). At optimal conditions, the diameter of AgNPs was reduced by approximately 26.7% compared to the basal culture condition and AgNO3 concentration was found to be the most significant factor affecting the diameter of AgNPs. A. terreus nano-Ag was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Zeta potential. The maximum UV absorption was obtained at 420 nm and the microscopic results showed particles with narrow size distribution ranging from 7 to 23 nm. XRD pattern of AgNPs revealed four diffraction peaks of metallic silver and the EDX spectrum showed a strong signal attributed to Ag nano-crystals. AgNPs mycofabricated by A. terreus showed potent minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and broad minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) against 12 reference microorganisms. The MIC and MBC/MFC values of AgNPs were 0.312 to 1.25 μg/ml and 0.625 to 10 μg/ml, respectively. Nevertheless, AgNPs did not demonstrate any antagonistic activity against Coxsackie B virus. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the mycosynthesized AgNPs showed significant antitumor activity against adenocarcinoma epithelial cells from human breast cancer (Mcf-7) cell line with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 87.5 μg/ml.
Immobilization of Bacterial Cells on Natural Minerals for Self-Healing Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Sandalci Ilgin , Tezer Mustafa Mert , Basaran Bundur Zeynep
Published: April 2021

Recent research in the field of concrete materials showed that it might be possible to develop a smart cement-based material that is capable of remediating cracks by Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). The early remediation of microcracks enables the design of cement-based systems with an elongated service life with a sustainable approach. However, the main challenge of the application is to extend the viability of the cells against the restrictive environment of cement-paste. These cells have to tolerate the highly alkaline conditions of cement paste, survive the mixing process, and remain viable even when access to nutrients is limited. This paper summarizes a novel study undertaken to investigate the self-healing efficiency of Sporosarcina pasteurii (S. pasteurii) cells immobilized on zeolite and sepiolite minerals having the same particle size. This manuscript reports an extensive experimental study to understand the factors influencing the efficiency of immobilization barriers, such as composition and reactivity. To obtain the bio-additive, the bacterial cells were immobilized without nutrients and additional nutrients were only provided during the curing stage after crack initiation. Screening of the healing process was done with ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) testing and stereomicroscopy. Further evaluation on performance was done by evaluating the decrease in water absorption capacity. The healing precipitate was characterized through Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). With this approach, the cracks on mortar surface were sealed and the water absorption capacity of the so-called self-healed mortar decreased compared to its counterpart cracked mortar samples. Sepiolite was found to be a more suitable bedding for the microorganisms compared to zeolite, therefore samples containing sepiolite exhibited a higher performance in terms of crack healing. The results showed that while vegetative cell immobilization on locally available materials is a simple and economically feasible approach the healing capacity of bacterial cells can be hindered due to the reactivity of the mineral.
The Pharmacological Effect and Mechanism of Lanthanum Hydroxide on Vascular Calcification Caused by Chronic Renal Failure Hyperphosphatemia
Authors: Zhao Lulu , Wang Shengnan , Liu Hong , Du Xiaoli , Bu Ren , Li Bing , Han Ruilan , Gao Jie , Liu Yang , Hao Jian , Zhao Jianrong , Meng Yan , Li Gang
Published: April 2021

Objective

The present work aimed to explore the efficacy of lanthanum hydroxide in managing the vascular calcification induced by hyperphosphate in chronic renal failure (CRF) as well as the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Rats were randomly allocated to five groups: normal diet control, CKD hyperphosphatemia model, CKD model treated with lanthanum hydroxide, CKD model receiving lanthanum carbonate treatment, together with CKD model receiving calcium carbonate treatment. The serum biochemical and kidney histopathological parameters were analyzed. The aortic vessels were subjected to Von Kossa staining, CT scan and proteomic analysis.In vitro, the calcium content and ALP activity were measured, and RT-PCR (SM22α, Runx2, BMP-2, and TRAF6) and Western blot (SM22α, Runx2, BMP-2, TRAF6, and NF-κB) were performed.

Results

In the lanthanum hydroxide group, serum biochemical and kidney histopathological parameters were significantly improved compared with the model group, indicating the efficacy of lanthanum hydroxide in postponing CRF progression and in protecting renal function. In addition, applying lanthanum hydroxide postponed hyperphosphatemia-mediated vascular calcification in CKD. Furthermore, lanthanum hydroxide was found to mitigate vascular calcification via the NF-κB signal transduction pathway. For the cultured VSMCs, lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) alleviated phosphate-mediated calcification and suppressed the activation of NF-κB as well as osteo-/chondrogenic signal transduction. Lanthanum hydroxide evidently downregulated NF-κB, BMP-2, Runx2, and TRAF6 expression.

Conclusion

Lanthanum hydroxide protects against renal failure and reduces the phosphorus level in serum to postpone vascular calcification progression.
Neurotransmitters Modulate Intrathymic T-cell Development
Authors: Francelin Carolina , Veneziani Luciana Peixoto , Farias Alessandro dos Santos , Mendes-da-Cruz Daniella Arêas , Savino Wilson
Published: April 2021

The existence of a crosstalk between the nervous and immune systems is well established. Neurotransmitters can be produced by immune cells, whereas cytokines can be secreted by cells of nervous tissues. Additionally, cells of both systems express the corresponding receptors. Herein, we discuss the thymus as a paradigm for studies on the neuroimmune network. The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ responsible for the maturation of T lymphocytes. Intrathymic T-cell development is mostly controlled by the thymic microenvironment, formed by thymic epithelial cells (TEC), dendritic cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts. Developing thymocytes and microenvironmental cells can be influenced by exogenous and endogenous stimuli; neurotransmitters are among the endogenous molecules. Norepinephrine is secreted at nerve endings in the thymus, but are also produced by thymic cells, being involved in controlling thymocyte death. Thymocytes and TEC express acetylcholine receptors, but the cognate neurotransmitter seems to be produced and released by lymphoid and microenvironmental cells, not by nerve endings. Evidence indicates that, among others, TECs also produce serotonin and dopamine, as well as somatostatin, substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the typical pituitary neurohormones, oxytocin and arg-vasopressin. Although functional data of these molecules in the thymus are scarce, they are likely involved in intrathymic T cell development, as exemplified by somatostatin, which inhibits thymocyte proliferation, differentiation, migration and cytokine production. Overall, intrathymic neuroimmune interactions include various neurotransmitters, most of them of non-neuronal origin, and that should be placed as further physiological players in the general process of T-cell development.
Immune Profile in Patients With COVID-19: Lymphocytes Exhaustion Markers in Relationship to Clinical Outcome
Authors: Bobcakova Anna , Petriskova Jela , Vysehradsky Robert , Kocan Ivan , Kapustova Lenka , Barnova Martina , Diamant Zuzana , Jesenak Milos
Published: April 2021

The velocity of the COVID-19 pandemic spread and the variable severity of the disease course has forced scientists to search for potential predictors of the disease outcome. We examined various immune parameters including the markers of immune cells exhaustion and activation in 21 patients with COVID-19 disease hospitalised in our hospital during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia. The results showed significant progressive lymphopenia and depletion of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+and CD19+) in correlation to the disease severity. Clinical recovery was associated with significant increase in CD3+and CD3+CD4+T-cells. Most of our patients had eosinopenia on admission, although no significant differences were seen among groups with different disease severity. Non-survivors, when compared to survivors, had significantly increased expression of PD-1 on CD4+and CD8+cells, but no significant difference in Tim-3 expression was observed, what suggests possible reversibility of immune paralysis in the most severe group of patients. During recovery, the expression of Tim-3 on both CD3+CD4+and CD3+CD8+cells significantly decreased. Moreover, patients with fatal outcome had significantly higher proportion of CD38+CD8+cells and lower proportion of CD38+HLA-DR+CD8+cells on admission. Clinical recovery was associated with significant decrease of proportion of CD38+CD8+cells. The highest AUC values within univariate and multivariate logistic regression were achieved for expression of CD38 on CD8+cells and expression of PD1 on CD4+cells alone or combined, what suggests, that these parameters could be used as potential biomarkers of poor outcome. The assessment of immune markers could help in predicting outcome and disease severity in COVID-19 patients. Our observations suggest, that apart from the degree of depletion of total lymphocytes and lymphocytes subsets, increased expression of CD38 on CD3+CD8+cells alone or combined with increased expression of PD-1 on CD3+CD4+cells, should be regarded as a risk factor of an unfavourable outcome in COVID-19 patients. Increased expression of PD-1 in the absence of an increased expression of Tim-3 on CD3+CD4+and CD3+CD8+cells suggests potential reversibility of ongoing immune paralysis in patients with the most severe course of COVID-19.
Challenging Anatomies for TAVR—Bicuspid and Beyond
Authors: Saad Mohammed , Seoudy Hatim , Frank Derk
Published: April 2021

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has emerged as the standard treatment for the majority of patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis. As transcatheter aortic valve replacement expands to patients across all risk groups, optimal patient selection strategies and device implantation techniques become increasingly important. A significant number of patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement present with challenging anatomies and clinical indications that had been historically considered a contraindication for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This article aims to highlight and discuss some of the potential obstacles that are encountered in clinical practice with a particular emphasis on bicuspid aortic valve disease.
Benefits, Facilitators, and Recommendations for Digital Health Academic-Industry Collaboration: A Mini Review
Authors: Ford Kelsey L. , Portz Jennifer D. , Zhou Shuo , Gornail Starlynne , Moore Susan L. , Zhang Xuhong , Bull Sheana
Published: April 2021

Digital health remains a growing and challenging niche in public health practice. Academic-industry collaboration (AIC) offers a mechanism to bring disparate sectors together to alleviate digital health challenges of engagement, reach, sustainability, dissemination, evaluation, and equity. Despite the ongoing endorsements for AIC in digital health, limited understanding exists of successful AIC exists. Most published research highlights the barriers of collaboration rather than efficacy, leaving collaborators asking: What are the benefits and facilitators of AIC and do they apply in digital health? As an initial effort to fill the gap in the literature, the purpose of this mini review outlines the benefits and facilitators from previous AIC and offers recommendations specific to digital health.
Case Report: Hyperplastic Callus of the Femur Mimicking Osteosarcoma in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type V
Authors: Deng Ying , Huo Yanan , Li Jinfeng
Published: April 2021

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V is a rare form of OI which is often characterized by hyperplastic callus. Misdiagnosis is a possibility due to its rarity and because patients involved are mostly in adolescence, a predisposing age for osteosarcoma. Here, we report this case and aim to improve understanding of patients with OI type V and avoid misdiagnosis.

Case Presentation

A male, 14-year-old patient was admitted to Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital affiliated to Nanchang University in August 2020 due to repeated fractures for more than 11 years and swelling in his right leg for more than 4 years. The patient was diagnosed with OI in 2014 due to repeated fracture and was treated with bisphosphonates. The swelling was accompanied by huge callus formation. Prior to admission to our hospital in 2016 osteosarcoma was suspected by imaging and pathology, and amputation was recommended. OI-V was confirmed after more than four years of follow-up and genetic diagnosis, and the affected limb was preserved.

Conclusion

The history of OI and lack of rapid progression suggested OI-V with a hyperplastic callus. Combined with genetic testing, the diagnosis was OI-V. Although the patient was at a predisposing age for osteosarcoma, diagnosis and treatment should be based on the medical history of the patient, imaging,and genetic testing, and sometimes even time-consuming retrospective observation.
Pituitary Apoplexy: A Retrospective Study of 33 Cases From a Single Center
Authors: Falhammar Henrik , Tornvall Sofia , Höybye Charlotte
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Acute symptomatic pituitary apoplexy is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. However, pituitary apoplexy can also present with milder symptoms and stable hemodynamics. Due to the rarity of this inhomogeneous condition, clinical studies are important to increase the knowledge.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive cases of pituitary apoplexy being admitted between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2019 at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, for symptoms, results of magnetic resonance (MRI), biochemistry, management and mortality.

Results

Thirty-three patients were identified with pituitary apoplexy, 18 were men (55%) and mean age was 46.5 (17.2) years. The incidence of symptomatic pituitary apoplexy was 1.6 patients/year (0.76 patients/1,000,000 inhabitants/year). The majority presented with headache (n=27, 82%) and hormonal deficiencies (n=18, 55%), which were most frequent in men. ACTH deficiency was present in nine patients (27% but 50% of those with hormonal deficiencies). All had the characteristic findings on MRI. Only three patients (9%) required acute pituitary surgery, while eight were operated after more than one week. Seven (21%) were on antithrombotic therapy. None of the patients died in the acute course. During follow-up (7.6 ± 4.3 years) none of the hormonal deficiencies regressed and 3 patients died from non-related causes.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the rarity and the symptoms of this condition. Surprisingly, only 3 patients needed acute neurosurgical intervention, perhaps due to milder cases and a general intensified treatment of precipitating factors. An early awareness and in severe cases decision on pituitary surgery is of utmost importance to avoid severe complications.