bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radial Neck–to–Humerus Transposition for Elbow Reconstruction Following Oncologic Resection of the Proximal Ulna
Authors: Houdek Matthew T. , Gupta Sanjay , Griffin Anthony M. , Wunder Jay S. , Ferguson Peter C.
Published: November 2019

Case:

Two young adult (aged 25 and 21 years) patients presented with sarcomas of the proximal ulna. To achieve an oncological margin, the proximal ulna required resection. Owing to the complex biomechanics of the elbow joint, reconstructive options are limited and have a high complication rate. The elbow was reconstructed with a transposition of the radial neck to the trochlea of the humerus in both patients. At over 2 years of follow-up, both patients have a stable and functional elbow.

Conclusions:

Transposition of the radial neck to the trochlea of the humerus provides a biological reconstruction in this complex problem.
DAYA SAING KOMODITAS EKSPOR (KARET) INDONESIA KE CHINA
Authors: Muslika Ria , Tamami Novi Diana Badrut
Published: November 2019

China merupakan negara tujuan ekspor Karet Indonesia. Produsen Karet ke China selain Indonesia adalah Thailand dan Malaysia. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk menganalisis daya saing dan pangsa pasar ekspor karet Indonesia ke China. Metode yang digunakan adalah Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) dan Market Share untuk menganalisis daya saing dan pangsa pasar Karet Indonesia ke China. Hasil dari analisis RCA menunjukkan bahwa Karet Indonesia di China memiliki daya saing dengan nilai rata-rata sebesar 0,528 (nilai RCA1) dan pangsa pasar ekspor Karet Indonesia di China rata-rata sebesar 0,491% selama tahun 2003-2017.
Analisis Preferensi Konsumen Kopi di Lingkungan Akademik Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati Cirebon Pada Era Revolusi Industri 4.0
Authors: Wachdijono Wachdijono , Trisnaningsih Umi , Wahyuni Siti
Published: November 2019

Preferensi konsumen menunjukkan tingkat kesukaan seseorang terhadap suatu produk dan penentuan kesukaannya berdasarkan atribut-atribut yang ada pada produk tersebut.  Namun demikian, diantara atribut-atribut selalu ada yang paling dipertimbangkan sebagai dasar pengambilan keputusan pembeliannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui preferensi konsumen terhadap keseluruhan atribut pada produk minuman kopi saset dan mengetahui atribut mana yang paling dipertimbangkan konsumen dalam memutuskan pembeliannya pada era revolusi industri 4.0.  Lokasi penelitian ditentukan secara sengaja, di lingkungan akademik kampus 1 Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati Cirebon dan waktu penelitian selama bulan Januari–April  2019.  Metode penelitian yang digunakan kuantitatif deskriptif dengan desain penelitian survai. Populasi penelitiannya pegawai, dosen dan mahasiswa yang minum kopi dalam menjalani tugas hariannya. Jumlah sampel ditentukan secara sengaja 50 orang dan penarikannya secara acak quota. Analisis data menggunakan kaidah penghitungan skala Likert. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, preferensi konsumen terhadap keseluruhan atribut  pada produk minuman kopi saset adalah suka dan  atribut yang paling dipertimbangkannya  adalah merek. Disarankan, pihak pemasar menjual produk minuman kopi saset dengan atributnya yang paling dipertimbangkan  konsumen yaitu merek (kopi merek Good Day) agar omset penjualannya meningkat, sedangkan kepada produsen/industri kopi untuk menguatkan  branding yang positif  agar produknya selalu disukai konsumen pada era revolusi industri 4.0.
Intermittent Gas Lift Used in Hydrate Mitigation and Flare Reduction in Algeria
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: November 2019

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 191542, “Hydrate Mitigation and Flare Reduction Using Intermittent Gas Lift in Hassi Messaoud, Algeria,” by Ala Eddine Aoun, SPE, Faouzi Maougal, and Lahcene Kabour, Sonatrach, and Tony Liao, SPE, Brahim AbdallahElhadj, and Sabrina Behaz, Halliburton, prepared for the 2018 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, 24–26 September. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Hassi Messaoud is a mature oil field with more than 1,100 production wells. Approximately half of the wells are natural flow and the other half use continuous gas lift (CGL) with concentric (CCE) strings. To reduce the usage of the high volume of lift gas, intermittent gas lift (IGL) was selected in a pilot project to evaluate its applicability in the field for wells characterized by high gas/oil ratio (GOR) and without continuous concurrent water injection (with lift gas) to dissolve salt•deposited•downhole.

Production Overview

Field production began in 1957. During the first 20 years, all production wells were naturally flowing; in 1980, gas lift was introduced into the field development and has remained the only artificial-lift method. Electrical submersible pumping systems have been introduced into the field recently. Of the production wells, 795 are flowing while 376 are shut in for a variety of reasons. Among the flowing production wells, 409 are naturally flowing and 386 are artificial-lift wells.

Production fluids are processed by 25 separator stations throughout the field. Gas usually is compressed first at the satellite level; then, at the central processing facilities, the gas is further compressed to the pressure required for injection into the reservoir. Water is treated by the addition of surfactants. The treated water is pumped into the water-injection network to be used in both reservoir-pressure maintenance and salt wash in wells.

In the field’s first years, the oil-production rate increased quickly as the number of wells grew. Since 2007, oil production has declined quickly in naturally flowing wells. The steady increase in oil production from gas-lift wells offset the fast production decline in the full field. However, the oil production from gas-lift wells has leveled off during the past 2 years, while the production from naturally flowing wells recovered slightly. The gas lift wells contribute approximately 40% of the field production.

Combined Gas Network for•Reservoir Gas Injection and Gas Lift

A specific challenge of the Hassi Messaoud field operation is the highly complex gas network, in which the gas-lift network is attached to the gas- injection network for reservoir-pressure maintenance. The gas lift was grown organically out of the reservoir gas-injection network. Initially, when only a small number of wells needed gas lift, this approach might have been cost- effective, but the increasing number of gas-lift wells meant that different methods had to be•considered.
The gut microbiota profile of adults with kidney disease: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Stanford Jordan , Charlton Karen , Stefoska-Needham Anita , Ibrahim Rukayat , Lambert Kelly
Published: November 2019

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Discrimination of mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes in NSCLC based on radiomic features in different phases of CT imaging
Authors: Sha Xue , Gong Guan Zhong , Qiu Qing Tao , Duan Jing Hao , Li Deng Wang , Yin Yong
Published: November 2019

Background: We aimed to develop radiomic models based on different phases of computed tomography (CT) imaging and to investigate the efficacy of models for diagnosing mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We selected 231 mediastinal LNs confirmed by pathology results as the subjects, which were divided into training (n=163) and validation cohorts (n=68). The regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated on CT scans in the plain phase, arterial phase and venous phase, respectively. Radiomic features were extracted from the CT images in each phase. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to select features, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to build models. We constructed six models (orders 1-6) based on the radiomic features of the single- and dual-phase CT images. The performance of the radiomic model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Results: A total of 846 features were extracted from each ROI, and 10, 9, 5, 2, 2, and 9 features were chosen to develop models 1-6, respectively. All of the models showed excellent discrimination, with AUCs greater than 0.8. The plain CT radiomic model, model 1, yielded the highest AUC, specificity, accuracy and PPV, which were 0.926 and 0.925; 0.860 and 0.769; 0.871 and 0.882; and 0.906 and 0.870 in the training and validation sets, respectively. When the plain and venous phase CT radiomic features were combined with the arterial phase CT images, the sensitivity increased from 0.879 and 0.919 to 0.949 and 0979 and the NPV increased from 0.821 and 0.789 to 0.878 and 0.900 in the training group, respectively. Conclusions: All of the CT radiomic models based on different phases all showed high accuracy and precision for the diagnosis of LN metastasis (LNM) in NSCLC patients. When combined with arterial phase CT, the sensitivity and NPV of the model was be further improved.
Effects of sugammadex plus rocuronium vs neostigmine plus cisatracurium during renal transplantation on graft function: a retrospective, case-control study
Authors: Vargas Maria , Buonanno Pasquale , Sica Andrea , Sabatella Emanuele , D’Alessio Francesco P. , Alfieri Simone , Iacovazzo Carmine , Carrano Rosa , Servillo Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

Background: Rocuronium can be used in patients with severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min), but the duration of muscle relaxation is longer and results in an increased risk of postoperative residual curarization. Rocuronium can be antagonized by sugammadex, but the elimination of the complex they make (rocuronium-sugammadex complex) varies according to the renal function. Two case reports/series have reported the use of rocuronium-sugammadex complex during renal transplantation. This retrospective case-control study aims to investigate the effects of rocuronium-sugammadex, used during renal transplantation, on transplanted kidney function. Methods: We analyzed 113 medical records of patients undergoing kidney transplantation from January 2015 to December 2018. Forty-seven medical records were excluded because they did not report the administration of rocuronium + sugammadex (roc + sug) or cisatracurium + neostigmine (cis + neo) during the transplantation. The demographics of patients and donors were collected along with the following data: blood urea and creatinine, serum and urinary electrolytes, and diuresis. Marginal, single or double kidney transplantations, Karpinsky score and histologic evaluation of transplanted kidney were collected. Results: We finally collected data from 66 medical reports from January 2015 to December 2018. Blood creatinine levels at 6 hrs, 12 hrs and 24 hrs were significantly lower in the roc + sug group than in the cis + neo group (crea 6 hrs =0.05, crea 12 hrs p=0.038, crea 24 hrs p= 0.049). Blood urea levels for 24 hrs after transplantation were significantly lower in the roc + sug group than in the cis + neo group (urea 0 hrs p=0.025, urea 6 hrs p= 0.011, urea 12 hrs p=0.03, urea 24 hrs p=0.011). We found no statistically significant differences in blood sodium, blood potassium, blood calcium, diuresis, urinary sodium, or urinary potassium levels before and after transplantation. Conclusions: In this retrospective case-control study, the use of rocuronium and sugammadex during renal transplant surgery did not affect the recovery of the graft function during the first week after transplantation.
Sciatic obturator femoral technique versus spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for fixation of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator: A randomised trial
Authors: Shokri Hoda , Kasem Amr
Published: November 2019

Background Peripheral nerve block is an ideal choice for lower limb surgery because of the peripheral site of the surgical procedure and the ability to block pain pathways at multiple levels. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of SOFT (sciatic-obturator-femoral nerve block technique) compared with spinal anaesthesia in patients undergoing surgery for fixation of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixatorMethods This study was conducted over 107 patients ASA I, II scheduled for fixation of open tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either spinal anaesthesia or SOFT block. In spinal anaesthesia group, patients received spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (7.5-10mg). In SOFT group, patients received SOFT block with bupivacaine 0.25%. Primary endpoint included the duration of analgesia. The secondary endpoints included patient satisfaction scores, time of first analgesic dose, visual analogue scale scores, incidence of adverse events as vomiting, systemic toxicity from local anaesthetic, paresthesia observed within 48 hours of the block.Results The duration of soft block and time to first analgesic dose in SOFT group was significantly longer (p<0.001). The incidence of headache (p=0.028) and back pain (p=0.012) was significantly higher in spinal group. There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding satisfaction scores, the incidence of cardiovascular collapse, seizures and parathesia. Pain scores were significantly lower in SOFT group at 3,6,12 hours postoperative (p<0.001).Time to the first effect was significantly longer in SOFT (P<0.001).Conclusion Our results showed that SOFT is a feasible technique of local anaesthesia for control of postoperative pain with unremarkable adverse events compared with spinal anaesthesia, in patients undergoing elective fixation of tibial fractures using Ilizarov external fixator.
Association between the need for normative and self-perceived dental treatment in young Brazilian students
Authors: Delela Fernanda Crestina Leitenski , Martins Aline Blaya , Ely Helenita Correa , Abegg Claides
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To assess the level of agreement and association between clinical and self-perceived need for dental treatment in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1470 adolescents aged 15-19 years in 36 cities in southern Brazil. The data were collected in 2011 from a questionnaire and clinical oral examination. The clinical criteria used to determine the need for dental treatment were the positive result of clinical examination for one or more variables of presence of caries, gingival bleeding, trauma, need for restorative treatment and need for aesthetic treatment. The question: "Do you think you currently need dental treatment?" was used to assess the self-perceived need for treatment. Results: Of the adolescents, 55.9% were female and 47.1% had an average family income of 1-3 minimum wages. The majority (87.40%) presented normative needs. Regarding self-perception, 74.60% reported a need for dental treatment. There was significant positive agreement between positive self-perceived assessment of dental treatment needs and normative assessment. The sensitivity value was 76.90%, and specificity was 40.90%. The positive predictive value was 90%, whereas the negative predictive value was 20.30%. Adolescents presenting dental caries had a 24% higher prevalence of self-perceived need for dental treatment. The results of this study showed strong agreement between the need for self-perceived treatment and the need for clinical treatment. Conclusions: The positive self-perception of the need for dental treatment in young people can be used as an instrument to evaluate oral health conditions, since it can be used to meet their normative needs.
Decompensated islet beta cell function in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Liu Dafeng , Zhou Lingyun , Zhang Xinyi , Zeng Yilan , Bai Lang , Wu Dongbo , Tang Hong
Published: November 2019

Background

Dysglycometabolism is often accompanied with decreased islet β cell function based on the homeostasis model assessment of β cell function (HOMA-β). In this study, we aimed to identify the difference in HOMA-β values between Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-hepatitis B virus (non-HBV) patients.Methods

The study included 110 CHB and 110 non-HBV patients matched according to gender, age, and body mass index. HOMA-β values were evaluated.Results

Under the normal glucose tolerance(NGT) condition, the HOMA-β value of the CHB group was in the decompensated stage, and HOMA-β value of CHB was always lower than non-HBV patients (NGT, impaired glucose regulation, and diabetes mellitus: 47.53vs.124.19, 41.59vs.80.17, and 36.46vs.62.92mIU/mmol; t =−4.709, −2.042, and −2.091; P=0.000, 0.047, and 0.046, respectively).Conclusion

Clinicians should focus on dysglycometabolism of patients with CHB.
A Novel LNP-based Chlamydia subunit vaccine formulation that induces Th1 responses without upregulating IL-17 provides equivalent protection in mice as formulations that induced IL-17 and Th1 cytokines
Authors: Boddicker Melissa Ann , Kaufhold Robin M. , Cox Kara S. , Lucas Bob J. , Xie Jinfu , Nahas Deborah D. , Touch Sinoeun , Espeseth Amy S. , Vora Kalpit , Skinner Julie M.
Published: November 2019

Sexually transmitted Chlamydia infections can lead to the development of debilitating diseases such as chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. It has been proposed that immunity against Chlamydia infection and disease may be determined by a balance of IL-17 signaling. We sought to evaluate novel formulations for a candidate Chlamydia vaccine, consisting of Chlamydia major outer membrane protein (MOMP) alone or in combination with polymorphic membrane protein D (PmpD) and polymorphic membrane protein G (PmpG) as target immunogens. Native MOMP (nMOMP) isolated from C. muridarum elementary bodies (EBs) and recombinant PmpD and PmpG proteins were adjuvanted with Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), in one of two formulations containing either lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or the cationic lipid dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA). Antibody titers to C. muridarum, nMOMP, and EBs were evaluated by ELISA, and T-cell responses by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS). Protection from challenge was determined by qPCR and gross pathology. All mice immunized with the new vaccine formulations showed significantly higher antibody titers to nMOMP (P<0.001) and C. muridarum EBs (P<0.001), when compared to the negative control group (adjuvant alone). Antibody titers in vaccine groups with Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA)+LNP were higher as compared to the MPLA+DDA group (P<0.001) except for groups 6 (Cm nMOMP+PmpG+PmpD p73+PmpD p82+MPLA+DDA) vs 7 (Cm nMOMP+PmpG+PmpD p73+PmpD p82+MPLA+LNP) for both C. muridarum EBs and PmpG; the groups were not statistically significant. ICS analysis showed more robust CD4+ T-cell responses (IFN-γ/IL-2/TNF-α) in the dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA) and LNP groups compared to the adjuvant alone group. The combination of DDA and MPLA gave robust Th17 responses in comparison to MPLA and LNP group. Immunized groups also showed protection from challenge with C. muridarum , as evidenced by a reduction in bacterial shedding from the vagina for all groups (P<0.003) compared to shedding from the adjuvant control, Group 1. Both vaccine formulations generated robust immunological responses and both vaccine formulations were protective by reducing bacterial shedding after challenge. This data indicates equal protection can be achieved without the induction of Th17 responses.
Opium is an important risk factor for coronary artery ectasia; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Masoumi Moohammad
Published: November 2019

Introduction Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare cardiovascular disorder with unknown mechanisms and related risk factors. The roles played by homocysteine in induction of cardiovascular diseases have also been documenetd previously. This project was designed to explore the roles played by opium in the pathogenesis of CAE disorder and the roles of the plausible risk factors on the homocysteine and other biochemical factors.Material and methods This cross-sectional study was performed on the 46 patients with CAE, 30 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 42 cases without CAE and CAD (controls). Demographic data and information regarding opium consuming and also smoking were collected using standard chek list. Serum levels of homocysteine, creatinin (Cr), urea, fasting blood glucose (FBG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG) and cholestrol (Chol) were determined.Results Statistical analysis revealed that opium consumers were significantly higher in CAD and CAE patients when compared to healthy controls. Opium increased serum levels of Cr in the normal controls, and decreased HDL in the CAD patients. Homocysteine serum levels were not altered among the groups.Discussion Due to the results it appears that opium may be considered as a risk factor for either CAE or CAD independent of homocysteine and also may be the risk factor for kidney diseases in the normal population.
An in vitro comparison of a novel Self-Assembling Peptide Matrix Gel and selected desensitizing toothpastes in reducing fluid flow by dentine tubular occlusion
Authors: Hill Robert G , Chen Helen , Lysek Dominikus A , Gillam David
Published: November 2019

Background: The objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the ability of a novel self-assembling peptide matrix gel with calcium phosphate in effectively occluding dentine tubules compared to selected desensitizing toothpastes. Methods: Mid-coronal dentine discs with a thickness of 1 mm were sectioned from caries-free human molars. The discs were etched with 6% citric acid for 2 minutes, halved and subjected to a 2-minute brushing with a novel gel (SAPM) and three selected desensitizing toothpastes ([SRP], [SRR] and [CSP]). The ability of the desensitizing gel and toothpastes to occlude the dentine tubules was assessed and compared before and after brushing using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on both etched and fractured dentine surfaces. The SEM observations were supplemented by hydraulic conductance measurements using a modified Pashley model before and after tooth brushing (n=5). Results: The results demonstrated that there was a reduction in both the number and the diameter of the open dentine tubules, which was evident for all the treated dentine discs. The particles that occluded the open dentine tubules, however had different morphologies and distribution. The self-assembling peptide matrix gel (SAPM) demonstrated the greater reduction in the number of open tubules compared to the other desensitizing toothpastes. Reductions in the hydraulic conductance measurements were observed for all tested materials (mean [SD, %]: SAPM 55.1 [12.5], SRP 64.9 [18.5], SRR 39.1 [17.1] and CSP 27.6 [6.8]). No statistically differences were observed between the SAPM and SRP, SRR toothpastes (paired t-Test; ≤0.05) although a significant difference was noted between the SAPM and the CSP toothpastes. There was an overall trend for reduction for the SAPM compared to the SRR toothpaste. Conclusion: The results would suggest that a novel self-assembling peptide matrix gel (SAPM) was effective in blocking the dentine tubules and may therefore have the potential to be an effective desensitizing product for the treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity.
Growth and Development of Basil Species in Response to Temperature
Authors: Walters Kellie J. , Currey Christopher J.
Published: November 2019

Basil (Ocimum sp.) is the most popular fresh culinary herb, but the effects of air temperature on growth and development of basil have not been well characterized. Our objective was to quantify the effects of air temperature on growth and development of three basil species. Seedlings of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Nufar’), holy basil (O. tenuiflorum), and lemon basil (O. ×citriodorum ‘Lime’ and O. basilicum ‘Sweet Dani’) were placed in five different growth chambers with target air temperatures of 11, 17, 23, 29, or 35 °C. After 3 weeks, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), plant height, node and branch number, fresh and dry weight, and flowering data were recorded. For all species, Fv/Fm increased as temperature increased to 17 or 23 °C, then plateaued, whereas height increased with temperature to 23 or 29 °C. Also, the percentage of plants with flowers or flower buds increased with temperature to 17 or 23 °C for all species, with the exception of sweet basil, of which all plants were vegetative and node appearance rate was calculated. Sweet basil node appearance increased from 0.03 to 0.30 node/day as the temperature increased from 11 to 29 °C. Fresh weight gain increased with increasing temperature to 29 °C, but then decreased at 35 °C. Data from plants grown within the linear air temperature range were used to develop models for calculating the base temperature (Tb) and predicting growth in response to air temperature. These models can be applied by commercial producers to schedule crops and predict yields.
Distribution of Rutin and Protodioscin in Different Tissue Parts of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.)
Authors: Motoki Satoru , Tang Tianli , Taguchi Takumi , Kato Ayaka , Ikeura Hiromi , Maeda Tomoo
Published: November 2019

Asparagus is a popular vegetable rich in healthy functional components. Asparagus spears are known to contain a large amount of rutin, which has been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antibacterial/viral properties, and protodioscin, which is an antitumor substance and present in the bottom parts (8 cm from the cut end). However, the process of its production leaves fern in the aboveground parts and roots in the underground parts as significant amounts of nonusable parts, and this issue should be solved. This study was conducted to examine the distributions of rutin and protodioscin, representative functional components in different parts of asparagus. The results suggested that large amounts of rutin were noted in the cladophylls and storage roots (brown and epidermis), and the protodioscin content was high in the buds, the soil-covered section of the spear, and the rhizome. A significant amount of rutin was detected in the aboveground parts, which is consistent with the results of previous studies, but it was also found in the storage roots. The largest amount of protodioscin was found in the buds, as well as in young fruits and seeds of the aboveground parts. Injury by continuously cropping asparagus may be associated with high rutin content in the storage roots of asparagus.
Growth, Photosynthesis, and Nutrient Uptake at Different Light Intensities and Temperatures in Lettuce
Authors: Zhou Jing , Li PingPing , Wang JiZhang , Fu Weiguo
Published: November 2019

Light and temperature are two crucial factors affecting plant growth. Light intensities vary considerably with season and weather conditions. Reasonable light regulation at different temperatures is a key issue in environmental regulation. In this study, we determined the effects of light intensity and temperature on crop growth and development. Furthermore, we determined an optimal light value and a suitable light range at different temperatures for producing the lettuce Lactuca sativa L. Artificial climate chamber experiments were conducted at five light intensities (100, 200, 350, 500, and 600 μmol·m−2·s−1), as well as at low (15 °C/10 °C), medium (23 °C/18 °C), and high (30 °C/25 °C) temperatures. In these experiments, we investigated the photosynthetic rate; chlorophyll fluorescence parameters; total N, P, and K uptake; and growth of lettuce plants. The results indicated that at a low temperature, the values of effective quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (ΦPSII), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gS), and transpiration rate (Tr) —as well as those of N, K, and P uptake—were the highest at 350 μmol·m−2·s−1, followed by 500 μmol·m−2·s−1, which resulted in higher values for leaf number (LN), leaf area (LA), dry weight (DW), and fresh weight (FW). At the medium temperature, the values of ΦPSII, Pn, gS, and Tr, as well as those of N, K, and P uptake were higher at 350, 500, and 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 than at other light intensities, resulting in high values for LN, LA, DW, and FW of lettuce plants. The LN, LA, and FW of lettuce plants were the highest at 500 μmol·m−2·s−1, whereas DW was the highest at 600 μmol·m−2·s−1. At a high temperature, lettuce plants exhibited the highest values of Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, Pn, gS, and Tr, as well as those of N, K, and P uptake for the 500 μmol·m−2·s−1 treatment; whereas LN, LA, FW, and DW were the highest at 600 μmol·m−2·s−1. In addition, the values of Fv/Fm indicated that lettuce plants were under stress under the following combinations: 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 at the low temperature, 100 μmol·m−2·s−1 at the medium temperature, and 100–350 μmol·m−2·s−1 at the high temperature. Based on these results, an optimal regulation strategy for light intensity at different temperature environments was proposed for lettuce cultivars similar to L. sativa L. in some regions, such as the subtropical regions of China. Specifically, for low temperatures, light intensities of 350 to 500 μmol·m−2·s−1are recommended for production, and an intensity of 350 μmol·m−2·s−1 provides optimal supplementary light during early spring and winter in greenhouses. For medium temperatures, light intensities of 350 to 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 are recommended, and 500 μmol·m−2·s−1 is the optimal value during the middle of spring and autumn. For high temperatures, light intensities of 500 to 600 μmol·m−2·s−1are recommended, and 600 μmol·m−2·s−1 is the optimal value of light intensity during late spring and early autumn.
Leaf Anatomy of Apple Trees during Seasonal Periods under Subtropical Conditions
Authors: Locatelli Guilherme , Pio Rafael , Bisi Rayane Barcelos , Machado de Souza Filipe Bittencourt , Rodrigues Viana Mariana Thereza , da Hora Farias Daniela , Mauro de Castro Evaristo , Zambon Carolina Ruiz
Published: November 2019

Water deficits are considered the primary environmental stress in agriculture, and improving the growth and production of plants under this stress is one of the primary goals of breeding and crop management programs. The apple tree is a plant that is negatively affected by water stress. Plants that develop under a water deficit may develop physiological and anatomical strategies to survive or even produce fruits in these environments. In view of the importance of and lack of studies of the leaf anatomy of apple trees in areas with a water deficit that are intended to support genetic improvement programs for this fruit either to introduce cultivars in regions with water deficits or to select potential progenies for future crosses, the aim of this study was to compare the anatomical characteristics of apple leaves from two distinct environments (water deficit and precipitation) under tropical conditions. Twelve fully expanded leaves were collected from seven apple cultivars (Eva, Rainha, Princesa, Julieta, Imperatriz, Baronesa, and Gala Real), which are planted in the experimental orchard at Universidade Federal de Lavras, during water deficit (September) and precipitation (February) seasons. Sixteen anatomical characteristics were evaluated in addition to the anatomical description of the apple leaves. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 7×2 factorial arrangement. The means were analyzed using the Scott-Knott method for grouping means at the 5% level of error probability. Genetic divergence, cultivar clustering and principal component analyses were also performed based on the anatomical characteristics evaluated during the two seasons. The apple leaves had anatomical characteristics that can favor the production of this fruit tree in areas experiencing water deficits within subtropical regions. According to their anatomical characteristics, there was genetic divergence among the apple cultivars studied here. The cultivars Gala Real, Eva, and Baronesa presented anatomical and morphological characteristics that showed adaptation potential in areas with water deficits.
Effect of Oyster Shell Supplementation to the Culture Medium on Anthocyanin Content in the Spathe of Anthurium andraeanum Lind.
Authors: Chun-hua Xia , Jian-hua Chen
Published: November 2019

Anthurium andraeanum Lind. is an economically important potted and fresh-cut flower species. However, reduced anthocyanin content under shaded cultivation impacts the color of the spathe, which has negative implications for the marketability of A. andraeanum. Thus, the present study evaluates the use of oyster shell supplementation to the cultivation medium for improving anthocyanin content. Appropriate calcium (Ca) can improve the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and PAL activity is positively correlated with anthocyanin content; nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients are closely related to anthocyanin synthesis. N and P nutrients and Ca can alleviate the color symptoms of A. andraeanum when anthocyanin content decreases under weak light (under 220 μmol·m−2·s−1). Microdissolution of calcium carbonate, the main component of oyster shell, can provide better exogenous Ca and adsorb slow-release N and P. Selecting appropriate oyster shell fragments will be the key to A. andraeanum experimental cultivation under low light conditions. Using regression models and response surface methodology (RSM), the relationships between oyster shell fragments and anthocyanin content are promulgated. The main findings indicated that the Ca released from 286-mg oyster shell fragments at pH 5.5 significantly increased the activity of PAL in the pedicel under weak light within 8 hours. At pH 5.9, 375-mg oyster shell fragments could significantly adsorb N and P nutrients within 4 to 14 hours. In conclusion, 286 to 375 mg oyster shell fragments at pH 5.5 to 5.9 could stabilize slow-release fertilizer source and significantly increase anthocyanin content in A. andraeanum spathe.
Spring-seeded Green Manures Continue to Demonstrate Variable Benefits on Sandy Soil
Authors: Ivancic Kate A. , Ruark Matthew D. , Arriaga Francisco J. , Silva Erin M.
Published: November 2019

Spring-planted green manure cover crops may provide a nitrogen (N) benefit to a subsequent sweet corn (Zea mays L.) crop, but spring growth and lack of consistent benefits documented in previous studies provide limitations to adoption. Berseem clover (BC; Trifolium alexandrinum) and chickling vetch (CV; Lathyrus sativus L.) are two legumes that could be beneficial when spring-seeded, but they have not been well studied in this context. The objectives of this study were to measure spring-seeded cover crop biomass and N yield, and the subsequent effects on sweet corn yield and response to N fertilizer. The study was conducted in 2014 and 2015, and the experimental design was a randomized complete block split-plot design with cover crop as whole-plot treatments [CV, BC, berseem clover and oat (Avena sativa) mixture (BC + O), oats, and no cover crop] and N rate as split-plot treatments. Cover crop growth and effects on sweet corn production varied greatly between years, with both cover crop and sweet corn biomass greater in 2015, although BC produced very little biomass (<0.7 Mg·ha–1) and thus is not recommended for spring seeding. In 2014, CV resulted in the lowest agronomically optimum N rates (AONRs) compared with no cover crop, suggesting a potential N credit when only having an N yield of 11.6 kg·ha–1, but this effect was not seen in 2015. There was also no evidence that oat would supply N to the subsequent crop. Overall, evidence is lacking that any spring-seeded cover crop will provide a consistent N benefit on sandy soil, and limitations to spring growth may preclude widespread adoption.
Evaluation of Horticultural Practices for Sustainable Tomato Production in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Tusiime Sharon M. , Nonnecke Gail R. , Masinde Dorothy M. , Jensen Helen H.
Published: November 2019

Tomato cultivars (Heinz 1370, MT 56, and Nuru F1), fungicide application (±), staking (±), and mulching (±) were tested for their effect on yield, disease severity, and gross margin in tomato production in the Kamuli District of Uganda. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with a factorial and split-plot arrangement in field plots in two growing seasons during 2013. Total and marketable fruit number, marketable fruit weight, gross margin, and disease severity, assessed using the area under disease progress curve, were measured. Disease-resistant and open-pollinated ‘MT 56’ in combination with fungicide application and soil mulch provided the highest marketable fruit number and marketable fruit weight and had a positive gross margin in the first growing season. A combination of ‘MT 56’ and treatments without applying fungicide and soil mulch resulted in the only positive gross margin in season two. Application of fungicides reduced disease severity (early blight, Alternaria solani Sorauer) for all cultivars in season one and for ‘Heinz 1370’ and ‘Nuru F1’ in season two, but did not affect disease severity for ‘MT 56’ in the second season. Using soil mulch reduced the severity of early blight disease, but decreased the gross margin when purchased. Staking did not affect yield, disease severity of plants, and decreased the gross margin. Cultivar MT 56 had the highest gross margin and marketable fruit and least disease severity, and seeds should be made available to small-landholder tomato farmers in Uganda to enhance their sustainable livelihoods.
Estimating Apple Fruit Size Distribution from Early-season Fruit Diameter Measurements
Authors: Marini Richard P. , Schupp James R. , Baugher Tara Auxt , Crassweller Robert
Published: November 2019

In three experiments, diameters of apples representing 7% to 30% of the fruit on a tree were measured at ≈60 days after full bloom. Using previously published regression equations, the early-season fruit diameter values were used to estimate apple fruit weight at harvest (FWH). At harvest, all fruit on sample trees were weighed and the distributions of estimated FWH for fruit measured early in the season were compared with distributions of the actual FWH for whole trees. Actual FWH was normally distributed for only one of the three experiments. Although the estimated mean FWH averaged for the 10 trees was within 9% of the actual mean FWH for all three experiments, the distribution of estimated FWH differed significantly from the actual distribution for all three experiments. All fruit were then assigned to appropriate commercial fruit sizes or box counts (number of fruit/19.05 kg). Fruit size tended to peak on the same four box counts for the estimated and actual populations, but the estimated populations had too few fruits in the small- and large-size box counts. Using early-season estimates of FWH, commercial apple growers and packers can predict fairly accurately the percentage of the crop that will fall into the peak box counts, but a more accurate early-season estimate of the fruit size distribution will likely require measuring 50% of the fruit on a tree.
Silicon Reduces the Incidence of Venturia oleaginea (Castagne) Rossman & Crous in Potted Olive Plants
Authors: Nascimento-Silva Kelly , Roca-Castillo Luis , Benlloch-González María , Fernández-Escobar Ricardo
Published: November 2019

Silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It is a nonessential element for plant growth, but it is considered beneficial because it can prevent biotic and abiotic stresses. Because nothing is known about the effects of Si in the olive, two experiments were performed with young plants of ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Picual’ cultivars to evaluate the effect of continuous Si applications on the incidence of olive leaf spot, the main foliar disease affecting this crop. Plants were grown in pots containing a mixture of washed sand and peat. In the first experiment, Si was foliar sprayed (foliar treatment) or applied to the soil through irrigation water (soil treatment) at the concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 or 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg·L−1, respectively. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design for each cultivar. In the second experiment, the experimental design was a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, consisting of two forms of Si application (foliar vs. soil) and four concentrations (0, 5, 10, or 20 mg·L−1). Leaf Si concentration significantly increased with the amount of Si applied. After 5 months of treatments, plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension of the pathogen, and the disease index (DSI) was calculated. Shoot growth only increased in ‘Picual’ after Si application. The DSI showed a significant reduction in both cultivars treated with Si when compared with control plants, although differences between cultivars were observed.
Changes in Morphological Characteristics, Regeneration Ability, and Polysaccharide Content in Tetraploid Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Pham Phu-Long , Li Ying-Xue , Guo He-Rong , Zeng Rui-Zhen , Xie Li , Zhang Zhi-Sheng , Chen Jianjun , Su Qing-Lian , Xia Qing
Published: November 2019

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo is a famous traditional Chinese medicinal plant. It produces various phytochemicals, particularly polysaccharides, which have nutraceutical and pharmaceutical values. To increase its biomass production and polysaccharide content, our breeding program has generated a series of polyploid cultivars through colchicine treatment of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs). The present study compared two tetraploid cultivars, 201-1-T1 and 201-1-T2, with their diploid parental cultivar, 201-1, in an established in vitro culture system. Tetraploid ‘201-1-T1’ and ‘201-1-T2’ had shorter leaves and shorter and thicker stems and roots, and they produced higher biomass compared with the diploid cultivar. The length and width of stomata significantly increased, but stomatal density decreased in tetraploid cultivars. The PLB induction rates from the stem node explants of the tetraploid cultivars were significantly higher than those of diploid. However, the PLB proliferation of tetraploids was lower than that of the diploid. The mean number of plantlets regenerated from tetraploid PLBs was also lower than that of the diploid after 4 months of culture. Polysaccharide contents in stems, leaves, and roots of 6-month-old tetraploid plantlets were significantly higher than those of diploids. The polysaccharide content in the stem of ‘201-1-T1’ was 12.70%, which was a 2-fold increase compared with the diploid cultivar. Our results showed that chromosome doubling could be a viable way of improving D. officinale in biomass and polysaccharide production.
Response of Potted Red Raspberry Cultivars to Double-cropping under High Tunnels
Authors: Hanson Eric , Crain Brent , Hanson Katherine
Published: November 2019

Red raspberry cultivars that produce fruit on current-season canes (primocanes) can produce additional fruit the following year as second-year floricanes, termed double-cropping. The purpose of this study was to compare raspberry cultivars for double-cropping potential in a potted growing system under high tunnels in southwest Michigan. The cultivars Encore (floricane fruiting only), Imara, Josephine, Kwanza, Kweli, Nantahala, Nova, and Prelude were grown for 3 years in 11-L pots under a high tunnel. ‘Imara’, ‘Kweli’, and ‘Prelude’ produced the greatest total yields, averaging 2.7 kg/plant during the last 2 years. ‘Imara’ and ‘Kweli’ also produced large fruit that retained high fruit quality after storage. ‘Prelude’ was the earliest to ripen floricane fruit, and ‘Encore’, ‘Josephine’, and ‘Nanatahala’ were the latest. The start of primocane fruit harvest varied by year, but ‘Prelude’ was consistently one of the earliest. Overall, maintaining potted plants for multiple years reduced the cost of annual replacement, but older plants managed for floricane and primocane fruit production required additional pruning and training to control vigor.
Drought-tolerant Common Bush Bean Physiological Parameters as Indicators to Identify Susceptibility
Authors: Sánchez-Reinoso Alefsi David , Ligarreto-Moreno Gustavo Adolfo , Restrepo-Díaz Hermann
Published: November 2019

Bean crops can be displaced to marginal areas or face abiotic stresses such as water deficit. Physiological responses allow the identification of tolerant genotypes and lead to more precise breeding strategies. The objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological (leaf gas exchange properties, leaf water content, and leaf thickness) and biochemical [proline and malondialdehyde (MDA)] responses of five common bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars (ICA-Cerinza, ICA-Bachue, NUA35, Bianca, and Bacatá) under a water shortage period by irrigation suspension (15 days) at two different phenological stages [vegetative: 40–55 days after seed emergence (DAE) or reproductive: (50–65 DAE)]. A completely randomized block design was carried out with a factorial arrangement (the phenological stage as the main factor and the cultivars as the secondary factor) for a total of 10 treatments with four repetitions per treatment. Leaf photosynthesis (Pn) showed equal photosynthesis values in control plants of all cultivars (≈20 μmol·m−2·s−1). The water deficit period reduced Pn close to 55% (≈12 μmol·m−2·s−1) at both, vegetative, or reproductive stage in all cases. Similar results were also observed on leaf thickness, with a reduction of ≈10% in water-stressed plants at either vegetative or reproductive stage in all evaluated cultivars. A higher MDA and proline production were observed in plants affected by a 15-day water deficit period, mainly at the vegetative stage. The obtained results suggest that the vegetative stage presented a more negative impact on the evaluated physiological variables in most of the cultivars used. Cultivar Bachue showed lower gas exchange properties affectation and higher proline content, which may indicate that this cultivar can be tolerant to water deficit stress conditions. This study allows suggesting that proline and MDA estimation are simple, fast, and low-cost techniques to screen cultivars to obtain more precise breeding selection in common bean. Finally, common bean cultivar selection through the use of biochemical markers can be complemented by the estimation of leaf gas exchange parameters at different phenological stages.
Genome-wide characterization and expression patterns of chitinase genes in the pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) genome
Authors: Mahato Ajay Kumar , Sharm Ajay Kumar , Singh Nagendra Kumar
Published: November 2019

Plant chitinases are involved in defense as well as a wide range of physiological functions in plants, including germination, embryogenesis, flowering, and senescence. This study was conducted to identify and annotate the chitinase-related genes from the pigeonpea genome version 2.0, their chromosomal localization and phylogenetic relationship with chitinase genes from 13 different plant species. Here, we report the identification of 34 putative chitinase genes in the pigeonpea genome. These 34 genes encode proteins belonging to two functional domain families, and are subdivided into four classes matching four of the five chitinase classes in Arabidopsis. These chitinase genes are present in clusters on the chromosome. We investigated the expression patterns of these chitinases in 29 different tissues at five developmental stages. There was clear clustering of the chitinase genes into three groups based on their expression patterns in tissues. We identified two chitinase genes C_caj-24 and C_caj-25 that were highly expressed in all tissues as well as other chitinase genes with tissue-specific expression, which suggests that they play important roles in plant defense at specific developmental stages. This information on pigeonpea chitinases could be useful for the development of pigeonpea varieties that are resistant to insect pests and fungal diseases.