bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Cv. Winter Dawn under Open Field Conditions of South Gujarat
Authors: Rathod K.D. , Ahlawat T.R. , Kumar Sanjeev , Sarkar M. , Chakraborty B.
Published: January 2021

Background: The South Gujarat hilly part is considered to be a non-traditional area of strawberry cultivation in India. The poor farmers of this region are cultivating strawberries under open field condition. Both, the yield and quality of strawberry fruits of this region are not up-to-the-mark as there in other parts of the country. Hence, a low-cost improved production technology is required to maximize yield as well as improve the quality of strawberry fruits. Methods: Uniform runners of strawberry cv. Winter Dawn were grown in open field under paddy straw as bedding material. Foliar spraying of plant growth regulators viz. NAA (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg l-1) and GA3 (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg l-1) were done at 30 and 60 days after planting. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with control plants receiving no spray treatments and replicated thrice. Result: The plant growth parameters like plant spread, number of leaves, number of crowns, leaf area, length of petiole, number of runners were recorded maximum with the application of 100 mg l-1 GA3. This treatment was also found to be the best in respect of number of flowers, number of fruits, fruit weight, marketable and total fruit yield of strawberry. Strawberry fruits with the highest total soluble solid, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and total sugar content were recorded in the plants which received 125 mg l-1 NAA. However, the plant growth regulator treatments failed to influence any significant effect on days taken to 50.0% flowering, fruit firmness and acidity content of strawberry fruits.
Pod Trichome Characterisation Using Foldscope, Morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Among Indigenous Collections of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]
Authors: Satish K. , Muniswamy S. , Girish G. , Kulkarni Vikas , Diwan J.R. , . Geeta , Singh Neeta , Pandey Sushil , Singh I.P.
Published: January 2021

Background: Association of several morphological traits such as trichome length and trichome density on the pod surface have been found to influence host plant resistance to insect pests. Genetic diversity analysis is used to identify the divergent genotypes and to utilize these genotypes to exploit heterosis. Further, morphological characters are stable across environments owing to oligogeneic nature, they serve as morphological markers in breeding which can be used in varietal or genotypic identification, varietal purification and even in seed production. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate on host plant resistance using portable paper microscope ‘foldscope’, genetic diversity and morphological characters. Methods: A total of 154 germplasm lines with three checks were evaluated in Augmented Block Design (ABD) at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), Kalaburagi, during kharif, 2018 to study their genetic diversity. Trichome length and trichome density were recorded using ‘foldscope’ 75 randomly selected genotypes, then correlated with shrivelled seed yield per plot due to pod fly incidence. Morphological characterization of 14 qualitative traits were recorded. Result: Grouping of 157 germplasm lines into twelve clusters indicated a wider genetic diversity for the traits studied, of which 7 clusters were solitary with one entry each. The genotypes with more trichome density and length had less damage by the pod fly. Large variations for morphological characters was observed among the genotypes for qualitative traits such as pod colour, stem colour, flower colour, seed morphology and pod trichomes.
Evaluating the resulting products with the use of basic design elements and principles
Authors: Yurttas N. Basak , Terece Tuba
Published: January 2021

The basic design course is carried out in most institutions providing design education regardless of the area. The goal of this training process is to introduce students to the design elements and principles and to carry out intellectual activities such as observation, perception, impression, experience, research, memory, evaluation, the emergence of creativity and the end with the product. The student is expected to gain competencies such as gaining a different perspective and freedom of expression by communicating with the field and using different materials with new meanings. During the lesson, the students get acquainted with a workplace (studio space) that they are not familiar with. It is aimed that students create original works with different materials and expression techniques, sometimes by doing individual and sometimes group works. It is the first time that the student encounters with the concept of design, observing the social–physical environment from a different perspective, discovering and developing the ability to produce forms. In this study, the experiences of two-dimensional and three-dimensional outcome products shared by the Biruni University Interior Architecture and Environmental Design Department’s first-year students in the 'Basic Design I' course, which transfer the basic design elements and principles they learned during the semester to the final applications, are presented.

 

Keywords: Basic design, design, studio space, experience, creativity.
Advances in understanding plant root responses to root-feeding insects
Authors:   Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment – Western Sydney University, Australia, Johnson Scott N. , Cibils-Stewart Ximena ,   Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment – Western Sydney University, Australia,   Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Uruguay
Published: January 2021

This chapter presents an overview of the interactions between plant roots and root-feeding insect herbivores, focussing on changes in growth and physiology and crucially how roots are defended against insect attack. Several reviews have covered the ecology and management of insect root herbivores, together with their interactions with the abiotic and biotic soil environment. Therefore, the chapter focuses particularly on advances in our understanding of how plant mutualistic fungi may affect root-herbivores. This is an emerging area of research, with many attendant knowledge gaps, but we argue that this is an important component of how plants resist attack by belowground insect herbivores.
Advances in the understanding of nitrogen (N) uptake by plant roots
Authors:   Rothamsted Research, UK, Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Whalley William R. ,   Rothamsted Research, UK
Published: January 2021

Efficient use of nitrogen (N) by plants and particularly crops, is of global importance. In agriculture, high crop yields and protein content depend upon extensive N-inputs, however fertilizer N is costly to the farmer, and overuse can be damaging to the environment. A critical component of optimised usage is efficient capture by crop root systems. This chapter focusses on principal mechanisms of uptake and factors influencing efficiency. Genetic variation in root architecture and in an array of transporters known to be involved in nitrogen capture is detailed. The impacts of abiotic stress factors such as soil structure are described. Finally prospects and opportunities for crop improvement are discussed.
Understanding and exploiting the genetics of plant root traits
Authors:   University of Bologna, Italy, Tuberosa Roberto , Frascaroli Elisabetta ,   University of Bologna, Italy, Maccaferri Marco ,   University of Bologna, Italy, Salvi Silvio ,   University of Bologna, Italy
Published: January 2021

This chapter illustrates how genomics and other -omics approaches coupled with new-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have been deployed to dissect the genetic make-up of RSA traits and better understand their functions, particularly under environmentally constrained conditions that commonly occur in most farmed soils. The major emphasis is devoted to studies during the past two decades in crops and only occasional reference is provided to the vast literature from RSA studies conducted in Arabidopsis and other model plants. The chapter also provides examples on how, in some cases, this knowledge is already benefiting farmers and how it can help in reducing the environmental impact of agriculture worldwide.
Investigation into a Link between Personal Resilience and Academic Achievement of English Education Study Program Students at State Islamic University in Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: MARTIANI RATI
Published: January 2021

This study was aimed at investigating the link between personal resilience and academic achievement. This study used correlational research method. 613 students of English Education Program Study in one state Islamic university in Palembang, South Sumatera were chosen as the population. Purposive sampling was used as a sampling technique which took 157 students as the sample. Furthermore, this study had two variables: students’ personal resilience and students’ academic achievement. The students’ personal resilience score was taken from questionnaire, while the students’ academic achievement in English was taken from their GPA documentation. The data was checked by using One Sample Kolmogrorov Smirnov Test by using SPSS to check whether the data were normal or not and for linearity, the data was checked by using One Way ANOVA Statistic analysis. From the data analysis, the correlation coefficient or the r-obtained (.211) was higher than r-table (0.1557). It means that p (0.0168) was higher than 0.05. In other words, there was significant link between students’ personal resilience and academic achievement. It implied that academic achievement was not affected by personal resilience dominantly.
Ta'dib
Authors: Chief Editor In
Published: January 2021

Journal of Islamic Education: Full_Vol 24_No_1_December_2018
Voice from Within: Student Teachers’ Perception on Factor Influencing Willingness to Speak English in Language Classroom at English Education Study Program of UIN Raden Fatah Palembang
Authors: KURNIA ZAKIAH
Published: January 2021

The need for good communication skill in English has become a demand that continues to increase. One frustration is that they have spent years studying English, but they still cannot speak it. Therefore in this case, it is necessary to know what are the things that influence willingness of the students to speak English in the language class. This study investigated the student teachers’ perception on factor influencing willingness to speak English in language classroom at English Education Study Program of UIN Raden Fatah Palembang. I used qualitative study with case study design. The participants of this study were nine students of English Education Study Program of UIN Raden Fatah Palembang in the academic year of 2016/2017. The participants were chosen by using purposeful sampling technique. I employed interview technique to collect the data. The result showed that a number of factors contributed to student teachers’ willingness to speak. These factors included motivation, selfbeliefs’, collocutor, and object discussion.
INTRAOPERATIVE NEUROMONITORING DURING SURGICAL CORRECTION OF SPRENGEL’S DEFORMITY
Authors: Kaczmarek Agata Maria , Huber Juliusz , Daroszewski Przemysław , Głowacki Maciej Zbigniew , Szymankiewicz-Szukała Agnieszka , Kalek Anna
Published: January 2021

Introduction Neuromonitoring (IOM) is a procedure for verification of the nerve impulse transmission along structures of central and peripheral nervous system during surgical procedures. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) recordings from muscles induced with electrical pulses transcranially to motor cortex centers are especially useful during the surgery with an increased risk of iatrogenic damage to efferent nerve structures. Aim of the study The aim of this report is to present the scenario of the reversible inhibition in pathways transmitting nerve impulses during surgical correction of Sprengel’s deformity with the assessment of IOM. Material and methods Nine-year old girl was admitted to the hospital due to congenital high scapula. Corrective surgery was performed using the Woodward technique with an assessment of IOM. Results The amplitudes and latencies of the MEPs from muscles of upper right extremity were recorded as decreased and increased, respectively at about 20% during the final fixation of scapula. Thanks to these recordings surgeons could prevent the permanent damage of the brachial plexus fibers, by partial releasing of applied sutures. After surgery and subsequent rehabilitation the patient returned to the normal activity in right upper extremity. Association of electromyography and MEPs results helped with ordering and controlling the course of treatment. Conclusions The benefit of IOM relay on the safety of orthopedic surgery and decreasing the number of iatrogenic perioperative complications. This diagnostic procedure is also a strong point for argumentation in hospital administration during negotiations with lawyer representing the patient when iatrogenic complication appear.
Aciertos y falencias de los modelos analógicos asociados a terremotos utilizados en enseñanza
Authors: Sellés-Martínez José
Published: January 2021

Expõem-se brevemente os fundamentos teóricos das relações entre força, esforço e deformação, bem como sobre natureza e propagação de ondas a partir de experimentos simples e rápidos, que empregam materiais simples e de baixo custo, bastante úteis para atividades didáticas. Examinam-se os modelos quanto a: alcance; diferentes níveis de profundidade e, principalmente, quanto às limitações. Este é o aspecto menos abordado nas análises, apesar do potencial de induzir falsas concepções ou simplificações excessivas, em quem aprende, quanto ao fenômeno real. O estudo abre novas possibilidades para abordar experiências tradicionais de ensino sobre terremotos, ao incorporar a nova dimensão da análise de modelos usados, seus resultados e conceitos teóricos associados, permitindo aproximar os estudantes dos métodos de ação e reflexão utilizados na investigação científica.
The Role of Yemen's Awqaf in Solving the Problem of Low Income Housing: A Case Study of Sana'a Capital
Authors: Al-Mamary Abdul Karim Ali , Al-Kabab Abdul Aziz Ahmed
Published: January 2021

This research deals with the extent to which the Waqf has contributed since the mid-1970s to solving the problem of low income housing in cooperation with the public and private sectors, and discusses the multi-faceted aspects of the endowments of land, capital, or both. The factors that led to the decline of the investment sector in the Ministry of Awqaf to continue to adopt this type of projects and most importantly not to achieve the investment return desired. The research aims to highlight the role of the Waqf in contributing to solving the problem of housing in the Municipality of the capital in particular by highlighting the projects of the residential stay in which it was built and the reasons that led to its decline. The importance of the research is to highlight the role of the Waqf in contributing to solving societal problems. The Municipality of the capital, such as the problem of housing with low income, and the possibility of returning again to contribute effectively and achieve the desired objectives, while achieving economic feasibility so as to be able to achieve comprehensive and balanced sustainable development that achieve the interest of the parties endowment and society. The research focuses on the identification and adoption of modern scientific methods in the field of investment. The study concluded several recommendations that contribute to restoring the role of the Waqf in the service of society, especially in the provision of housing for people with low income.

Keywords: Waqf, Aian (land, building), Prevention, Low income, Housing.
Studi Pengaruh Paparan Radiasi Gamma Dan Ekstrak Kulit Manggis (Garcinia Mangostana) Terhadap Gambaran Mikroskopis Dan Kadar Sgpt Organ Hepar Mencit (Mus Musculus)
Authors: Adelia Kadek Ayu Cintya
Published: January 2021

Abstract: This study examines the effect of the use of gamma radiation in the health sector, one of which is the use of gamma rays in the radiotherapy process. Irradiation into the body can cause the emergence of free radicals in the body which can harm other organs around the irradiation target. This study aims to determine the effect of exposure to gamma radiation on the liver of mice and the hepatoprotective properties of mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana) in reducing the resulting cell damage. This study was conducted by giving mice mangosteen peel extract with 5 different doses from those given 40 minutes of radiation exposure with a total dose of 268 μSv for 14 days, then the SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) levels were measured and cell damage figures from histopathological preparations. The results showed that before being given mangosteen peel extract, total damage to hepatocyte cells was 47.34%. After being given mangosteen peel extract, total damage to hepatocyte cells was 23.42%. Meanwhile, the SGPT level decreased to 77.7 U/L from the initial level of 128.67 U/L. This proves that mangosteen peel extract has hepatoprotective properties that can reduce cell damage due to exposure to gamma radiation.

Abstrak: Penelitian ini mengkaji pengaruh penggunaan radiasi gamma di bidang kesehatan, salah satunya adalah penggunaan sinar gamma dalam proses radioterapi. Penyerapan energi radiasi ke dalam tubuh dapat menyebabkan munculnya radikal bebas dalam tubuh yang dapat merugikan organ lain di sekitar target penyinaran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh paparan radiasi gamma terhadap hepar mencit dan sifat hepatoprotektif ekstrak kulit manggis(Garcinia mangostana) dalam mengurangi kerusakan sel yang ditimbulkan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan memberikan ekstrak kulit manggis 5 dosis varian berbeda ke mencit dan diberi paparan radiasi selama 40 menit dengan dosis total 268 μSv selama 14 hari, kemudian diukur kadar SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) dan jumlah kerusakan sel dari preparathistopatologis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebelum diberikan ekstrak kulit manggis, kerusakan total sel hepatosit sebesar 47,34%. Setelah diberikan ekstrak kulit manggis, kerusakan total sel hepatosit sebesar 23,42%. Sementara itu, kadar SGPT turun menjadi 77,7 U/L dari kadar awal 128,67 U/L. Hal ini membuktikan bahwa ekstrak kulit manggis memiliki sifat hepatoprotektif yang dapat mengurangi kerusakan sel akibat paparan radiasi gamma.
Prediksi Rembesan Pada Dinding Embung UNNES Berdasarkan Data Geolistrik
Authors: Supriyadi Supriyadi , Wirayuda Hizbulwathon , Khumaedi Khumaedi
Published: January 2021

Abstract: The background of this research is the physical condition of the UNNES reservoir which needs attention after so many years of construction. This is an effort to maintain the sustainability of the reservoir function to capture rainwater so that it can be used in the dry season, and an effort to maintain the embung as one of the identities of UNNES as a university with a conservation perspective. In general, this study aims to determine the physical condition of the embung walls. This research was conducted at the edge of the reservoir at the State University of Semarang to determine the subsurface structure of the local location. The method used is resistivity resistivity by mapping or horizontally. The configuration used is the Wenner configuration. Based on the geoelectric survey, the resistivity value ranges from 2.7 Wm - 177 Wm, it can be seen that the most layers are sand and gravel. These two layers are easy to penetrate, allowing water in the embung to seep into the embung walls. Evidence of seepage is not visible on the wall of the embung, this is because the wall of the embung is in the ground, it does not appear on the ground.

Abstrak: Latar belakang penelitian ini adalah kondisi fisik embung UNNES yang perlu mendapat perhatian setelah sekian tahun dibangun. Hal ini sebagai upaya menjaga keberlangsungan fungsi embung untuk menangkap air curah hujan sehingga dapat dimanfaatkan pada musim kemarau, dan upaya mempertahankan embung sebagai salah satu identitas UNNES sebagai universitas yang berwawasan konservasi.   Penelitian ini secara umum bertujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi fisik dinding embung.Penelitian ini dilakukan di sisi pinggir embung Universitas Negeri Semarang untuk mengetahui struktur bawah permukaan lokasi setempat. Metode yang digunakan adalah resistitivitas tahanan jenis dengan cara mapping atau secara horisontal. Konfigurasi yang digunakan adalah konfigurasi Wenner. Berdasarkan survei geolistrik, nilai resistivitas berkisar antara 2,7 Wm - 177 Wm, terlihat secara keseluruhan lapisan yang paling banyak adalah lapisan pasir dan kerikil. Kedua lapisan ini mudah untuk ditembus sehingga memungkinkan air dalam embung rembes pada dinding embung. Bukti rembesan tidak nampak pada dinding embung, hal ini dikarenakan karena dinding embung berada di dalam tanah, tidak muncul di permukaan tanah.
Perbandingan Metode Klasifikasi pada Pengolahan Citra Mata Ikan Tuna
Authors: Novianto Toni Dwi , Erawan I Made Susi
Published: January 2021

Abstract: Fish eye color is an important attribute of fish quality. The change in eye color during the storage process correlates with freshness and has a direct effect on consumer perception. The process of changing the color of the fish eye can be analyzed using image processing. The purpose of this study was to obtain the best classification method for predicting fish freshness based on image processing in fish eyes. Three tuna fish were used in this study. The test was carried out for 20 hours with an eye image every 2 hours at room temperature. Fish eye image processing uses Matlab R.2017a software while the classification uses Weka 3.8 software. The image processing stages are taking fish eye image, segmenting ROI (region of interest), converting RGB image to grayscale, and feature extraction. Feature extraction used is the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). The classification techniques used are artificial neural networks (ANN), k-neighborhood neighbors (k-NN), and support vector machines (SVM). The results showed the value using ANN = 0.53, k-NN = 0.83, and SVM = 0.69. Based on these results it can be determined that the best classification technique is to use the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN).

Abstrak: Warna mata ikan merupakan atribut penting pada kualitas ikan. Perubahan warna mata ikan selama proses penyimpanan berhubungan dengan tingkat kesegaran dan memiliki efek langsung pada persepsi konsumen. Proses perubahan warna mata ikan dapat dianalisis menggunakan pengolahan citra. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendapatkan metode klasifikasi terbaik untuk memprediksi kesegaran ikan berbasis pengolahan citra pada mata ikan. Tiga ekor ikan tuna digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Pengujian dilakukan selama 20 jam dengan pengambilan citra mata setiap 2 jam pada suhu ruang. Pengolahan citra mata ikan menggunakan software matlab R.2017a sedangkan pengklasifiannya menggunakan software Weka 3.8. Tahapan pengolahan citra meliputi pengambilan citra mata ikan, segmentasi ROI (region of interest), konversi citra RGB menjadi grayscale, dan ekstraksi fitur. Ekstraksi fitur yang digunakan yaitu gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM).  Teknik klasifikasi yang digunakan yaitu, artificial neural network (ANN), k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), dan support vector machine (SVM). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai korelasi menggunakan ANN = 0,53, k-NN = 0,83, dan SVM = 0,69. Berdasarkan hasil tersebut dapat disimpulkan teknik klasifikasi terbaik adalah menggunakan k-nearest neighbors (k-NN).
Analisis Time Series Pendekatan Error Correction Mechanism: Pengaruh Penerapan ACFTA Terhadap Ekspor Kopi Indonesia ke China Periode 2006-2018
Authors: Konita Iladini  , Neli Agustina
Published: January 2021

Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara dengan produksi dan ekspor kopi terbesar di dunia. Beberapa negara yang menjadi tujuan utama ekspor kopi Indonesia merupakan importir kopi terbesar di dunia. China sebagai salah satu negara importir kopi terbesar di dunia, belum menjadi negara tujuan utama ekspor kopi Indonesia padahal konsumsi kopi di China semakin meningkat. Selain itu, diketahui bahwa Indonesia dan China memiliki kesepakatan perdagangan bebas yang disebut ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi ekspor kopi Indonesia ke China, termasuk adanya penerapan kebijakan ACFTA. Hasil penelitian dengan menggunakan analisis data time series pendekatan Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) menunjukkan bahwa harga teh dunia, harga ekspor kopi Indonesia ke China, dan kurs rupiah terhadap yuan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap volume ekspor kopi Indonesia ke China pada jangka pendek. Pada jangka panjang, variabel nilai ekspor kopi Vietnam ke China, harga teh dunia, harga ekspor kopi Indonesia ke China, kurs rupiah terhadap yuan, dan pemberlakuan ACFTA berpengaruh signifikan terhadap volume ekspor kopi Indonesia ke China. Dibutuhkan waktu 2 triwulan agar ketidakseimbangan terkoreksi menuju keseimbangan jangka panjang.
Validation and psychometric evaluation of the Dutch Person-centred care of Older People with cognitive impairment in Acute Care (POPAC)
Authors: Keuning-Plantinga Annette , Finnema Evelyn J , Krijnen Wim , Edvardsson David , Roodbol Petrie F
Published: January 2021

Background: Person-centred care is the preferred model for caring for people with dementia. Knowledge of the level of person-centred care is essential for improving the quality of care for patients with dementia. The person-centred care of older people with cognitive impairment in acute care (POPAC) scale is a tool to determine the level of person-centred care. This study aimed to translate and validate the Dutch POPAC scale and evaluate its psychometric properties to enable international comparison of data and outcomes.Methods: After double-blinded forward and backward translations, a total of 159 nurses recruited from six hospitals (n=114) and via social media (n=45) completed the POPAC scale. By performing confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity was tested. Cronbach’s alpha scale was utilized to establish internal consistency.Results: The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the comparative fit index (0.89) was slightly lower than 0.9. The root mean square error of approximation (0.075, p=0.012, CI 0.057-0.092) and the standardized root mean square residual (0.063) were acceptable, with values less than 0.08. The findings revealed a three-dimensional structure. The factor loadings (0.69-0.77) indicated that the items to be strongly associated with their respective factors. The results also indicated that deleting Item 5 improved the Cronbach’s alpha of the instrument as well as of the subscale ‘using cognitive assessments and care interventions’. Instead of deleting this item, we suggest rephrasing it into a positively worded item.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the Dutch POPAC scale is sufficiently valid and reliable and can be utilized for assessing person-centred care in acute care hospitals. The study enables nurses to interpret and compare person-centred care levels in wards and hospital levels nationally and internationally. The results form an important basis for improving the quality of care and nurse-sensitive outcomes, such as preventing complications and hospital stay length.
A Feasibility Trial of HoloLens 2™; Using Mixed Reality Headsets to Deliver Remote Bedside Teaching During COVID-19
Authors: Sivananthan Arun , Gueroult Aurelien , Zijlstra Geiske , Martin Guy , Baheerathan Aravindhan , Pratt Philip , Darzi Ara , Patel Nisha , Kinross James
Published: January 2021

Background COVID-19 has had a catastrophic impact measured in human lives. Medical education has also been impacted: appropriately stringent infection control policies have precluded medical trainees from attending clinical teaching. Lecture-based education has been easily transferred to a digital platform, but bedside teaching has not transitioned so well. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using a mixed reality (MR) headset to deliver remote bedside teaching to trainee doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods Two MR sessions were led by senior specialty registrars (the clinical trainers) wearing the HoloLens™ headset. The trainers selected patients admitted with pathology requiring their specialist input; thus, the educational sessions were opportunistic. The headset allowed bi-directional video and audio communication between the trainer and trainee doctors during the consultation. Trainee doctor conceptions of bedside teaching, impact of COVID-19 on bedside teaching and technical success of the session was evaluated using pre- and post-round questionnaires using 1 (‘strongly disagree’ or ‘never’) to 7 (‘strongly agree’ or ‘always’) Likert scales and white space questions. Feedback on acceptability of the round was collected verbally from patients after each encounter. Data related to clinician exposure to at risk patients and use of PPE were also collected.Results Pre-questionnaire respondents (n=24) strongly agreed that bedside teaching is key to educating clinicians (7, IQR 6-7). It was also apparent that bedside teaching had become a rarity during COVID-19 (2, IQR 2-4). Session 1 feedback (n=6) was adversely affected by a loose microphone connection. With the issue rectified for session 2 (n=4), most respondents strongly agreed that they felt like they were physically present for the session (7, IQR 6.75-7). Mixed-reality versus in-person teaching led to a 79.5% reduction in cumulative clinician exposure time and 83.3% reduction in PPE use. Conclusions This study is proof of principle that HoloLens™ can be used effectively to deliver high-quality clinical bedside teaching. This novel format confers significant advantages in terms of: minimising exposure of trainees to COVID-19; saving PPE; enabling larger attendance; and convenient accessible real-time clinical training.
Attenuated Asthma Phenotype in Mice With a Fetal-Like Antigen Receptor Repertoires
Authors: Stutz Regine , Meyer Christopher , Kaiser Elisabeth , Goedicke-Fritz Sybelle , Schroeder Harry , Bals Robert , Haertel Christoph , Rogosch Tobias , Kerzel Sebastian , Zemlin Michael
Published: January 2021

We hypothesized that the scarcity of N-nucleotides might contribute to the inability of the neonate to mount a robust allergic immune response. To test this, we used terminal deoxyribunucleotidyl Transferase deficient (TdT-/-) mice, which express “fetal like” T cell receptor and immunoglobulin repertoires with largely germline-encoded CDR3 regions.Intraperitoneal sensitization was followed by aerosol provocation with either PBS or the allergen OVA in both Tdt-/- mice and wild-type mice to develop allergic respiratory inflammation. The effects of this procedure were investigated by lung function test, immunological analysis of serum and brochoalveolar lavage. The local TH2 cytokine milieu was significantly attenuated in Tdt-/- mice. Within this group, the induction of total IgE levels was also significantly reduced after sensitization. Tdt-/- mice showed a reduced eosinophilic inflow into the bronchial tubes, which was associated with the elimination of respiratory hyperreactivity. In conclusion, in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation, the expression of fetal-like antigen receptors was associated with a reduced ability to mount an asthma phenotype. This underlines the importance of somatically-generated antigen-receptor repertoire diversity in type one allergic immune responses and suggests that the fetus may be protected from allergic responses, at least in part, by controlling N addition.
Molecular Detection and Epidemiology of Equine Herpesvirus 2 and 5 in Working Equids in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimagegnehu Kifle , Leta Samson , Amenu Kebede , Negussie Haileleul
Published: January 2021

Background: Equine respiratory illness is a common problem that impacts the performance of the working capacity of equids. In Ethiopia, respiratory disease is the most common presenting complaint at veterinary clinics and a priority concern for equid owners and veterinary practitioners. Although studies had been conducted in EHV-2 and EHV-5 elsewhere in the world, many unknowns remained. Thus, a detailed study is needed to understand more about the epidemiology of the viruses. This study aimed to detect EHV-2 and EHV-5 from working equids in central Ethiopia. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 58 horses and donkeys to detect EHV-2 and EHV-5 using PCR. Viral DNA was extracted and PCR amplification was performed using virus-specific primers targeting the conserved region of glycoprotein B (gB) genes.Results: From 58 equids, EHV-5 and EHV-2 were detected in 20 (34.5%) and 19 (32.8%) equids, respectively. Concurrent infection with EHV-2 and EHV-5 was found in 6 (10.3%) diseased equids. EHV-2 was detected in a significantly higher proportion (P = 0.002) in horses (54.5%; n = 18) than donkeys (4%; n = 1). In contrast, a significantly higher (P = 0.004) proportion of EHV-5 was detected in donkeys (56%; n =14) than horses (18.2%; n = 6). EHV-2 was detected in a significantly higher (P = 0.006) proportion in equids displaying signs of respiratory disease (16/33; 48.5%) compared to those without disease (3/25; 12%). EHV-2 positive equids were seven times more likely to display clinical signs of respiratory disease than EHV-2-negative equids (OR = 6.9; 95% CI: 1.72-27.60). For EHV-5, the observed difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.832). A significantly higher (P = 0.041) proportion of EHV-2 was detected in equids living in midland (52.9%; n = 9) compared with highland (24.4%; n = 10). Equids residing in the midland were four times more likely to be exposed to EHV-2 than highland equids (OR = 3.97; 95% CI: 1.05 - 14.89). Conclusion: EHV-2 and EHV-5 are highly prevalent both in horses and donkeys residing in central Ethiopia. Species-specific susceptibility differences in EHV-2 and EHV-5 infection are observed. The observed causal association between EHV-2-test-positive and the appearance of clinical signs of respiratory disorders should be further investigated.
Linking Social Vulnerability and Adverse Birth Outcomes in the Southeast United States
Authors: Fotovvat Hoda , Emrich Christopher T.
Published: January 2021

Background

This study aims to explore the relationship between social vulnerability (SoVI)indicators (race/ethnicity, population structure, socioeconomic status, housing structure, and access/functional needs) with low birth weight (LBW) and preterm delivery (PTD) rates across the Southeastern United States.
Methods

Annual low birth weight and premature birth rates for all counties were collected between 2000 and 2015. LBW and PTD were recoded into two categories below (0) and above (1) the annual national average for each year. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) was employed to conduct regression analysis to investigate the relationship.
Results

Twenty-six and twenty-four different social vulnerability indicators were influential in predicting low birth weight rates and preterm delivery across the SE United States from 2005–2015, respectively. Racial and ethnic variables were among the most frequent influential social vulnerability indicators of low birth weights. Like race and ethnicity, counties with low and medium house values have a higher likelihood of low LBW compared to counties with higher house values. Unlike LBW, race and ethnic characteristics influence PTD rates across the study area in different ways. Whereas LBW rates are driven up in counties with low/medium Hispanic populations compared to high percentage counties, PTD is more strongly associated with Black communities. Further, population structure and socioeconomic status indicators provide the most robust indication of counties more likely to have higher PTD than the national average.
Conclusion

Influential variables point toward a dire need to comprehensively understand the links between social vulnerability and LBW and PTD. Moving toward a comprehensive view of social vulnerability borne out of the hazards literature provides a more robust understanding of the drivers of adverse birth outcomes that has rarely been addressed in the literature.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers Improve Survival in Patients With Locally Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma- A Propensity-Score-Matched Study
Authors: Wu Ching-Nung , Wu Shao-Chun , Chen Wei-Chih , Yang Yao-Hsu , Chien Chih-Yen , Fang Fu-Min , Li Shau-Hsuan , Luo Sheng-Dean , Chiu Tai-Jan
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) improve the survival rates of patients with various cancers. However, it remains unclear whether ARBs confer a survival benefit on patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, we assessed the associations between ARB use and survival in patients with OSCC of different stages.Materials and Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective cohort study of OSCC patients. We enrolled 7,763 patients diagnosed with oral cancer between January 2007 and December 2017 whose details had been entered into the Chang Gung Research Database. A total of 930 patients receiving surgery were recruited from the Chang Gung Research Database after performing 1:4 propensity score-matching between ARB users and non-users. Cox’s regression models with adjusted covariates were employed to detect factors influencing the survival rates of patients with OSCC.Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the overall survival(OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates of 180-day ARB users increased. Cox’s regression models indicated that ARB use, early-stage OSCC, and only surgical intervention were independently prognostic of improved OS and DSS. An increased survival rate was also observed in 180-day ARB users in the stage III, Iva, and IVb categories.Conclusions: ARB use for more than 180 days is associated with an increased survival rate and is a positive, independent prognostic factor in patients with OSCC. These findings highlight the clinical usefulness of ARBs in OSCC patients with advanced disease.
Jianpi Qushi Heluo Formula Alleviates Renal Damages in Passive Hemann Nephritis Rats by Upregulating Parkin-Mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy
Authors: Wang Xin-hui , Lang Rui , Zeng Qin , Chen Nan , Ma Zhi-zhong , Yu Ren-huan
Published: January 2021

Jianpi Qushi Heluo Formula (JQHF) is an empirical traditional Chinese medicine prescription for treating membranous nephropathy (MN) clinically in China. The therapeutic effect of JQHF has been reported in our previous studies. However, the exact mechanism is still unknown. In this study, by establishing an experimental rat model of MN induced by Sheep anti-rat Fx1A serum, we evaluated the effects of JQHF and Tetrandrine(TET), and Benazepril was used as a positive control group. As an autophagy agonist, TET is one of the most active components in JQHF. After 4 weeks, significant kidney damage was observed in the rats in the Model group; comparatively, JQHF markedly decreased 24 hour urinary protein, total cholesterol (TC) and increased serum albumin (ALB). Histology showed that JQHF significant improvements of glomerular hyperplasia, renal tubular damage, IgG immune complex deposition and the ultrastructure of mitochondria in MN rats. Flow cytometry analysis showed that treatment with JQHF decreasing the level of Reactive Oxygen Species and apoptosis rate, upregulating the level of mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis demonstrated that JQHF could protect against mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis by upregulating the expression of Parkin and LC3II, and downregulating the expression of Cytochrome c and Cleaved caspase-3 in the kidneys of MN rats. Similarly, TET treatment significantly upregulates the mitochondrial autophagy and decrease the apoptosis of rats after 4 weeks compared with the Model group. Notably, combined with the above results, the ability to alleviates renal damages of JQHF was significantly better than those of Benazepril and TET. It was demonstrated that JQHF could delay pathology damage to the kidney and hold back from the progression of MN by inhibiting apoptosis and upregulating the mitochondrial autophagy by Parkin pathways.
Serum sIL-2R May Predict the Prognosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation
Authors: Yue Zhang , Ren Lianping , Sun Jinyuan , Guo Xuejun , Han Fengfeng
Published: January 2021

Background: The exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous phenomenon associated with inflammation and clinical parameters. Knowing the predictors of poor prognosis in patients with COPD could help to provide adequate intensive therapy and closer follow-up. The aim of this study was to disclose the correlation between the serum soluble IL-2R (sIL-2R) and prognosis in COPD exacerbation. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-four patients with COPD exacerbation were recruited between December 2017 and December 2019. Patients underwent lung function (spirometry) assessment, demographic and clinical parameters were collected, and a metabolic profile and inflammatory profile were created. Adverse outcomes included the following: death during hospitalisation or 1-month follow-up, intensive care unit admission, invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilation and COPD-related emergency visit or readmission within 1 month after discharge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors related to adverse outcomes in COPD exacerbation. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal diagnostic threshold for the predictors. Results: We enrolled 294 patients, of whom 157 and 137 had good outcomes and adverse outcomes, respectively. We demonstrated that patients with poor outcomes in COPD exacerbation had a higher smoking index or concomitant congestive heart disease, and patients with hypercapnia were more likely to have a worse prognosis. An elevated level of sIL-2R at admission was an independent risk predictor for poor prognosis in COPD exacerbation with a cut-off value of 860 U/mL. Hypercapnia was the strongest predictor with a cut-off value of 54.25 mmHg. Conclusions: The presence of hypercapnia and elevated level of sIL-2R increased the risk of the adverse outcomes in COPD exacerbation. Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbation, hypercapnia, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, predictive factor
The Value of Body Surface Area Used in Postpartum Hemorrhage Define Postpartum Hemorrhage 
Authors: Lu Xianyan , Liu Tao , Zhou Yan , Qiu Lili , Dai Yimin
Published: January 2021

Background: Blood loss as a percentage of total blood volume for redefining PPH may be more appropriate compared to the 500ml cutoff for every pregnant woman. This study is to investigate the value of body surface area in redefining PPH.Methods: In our prospective clinical observational study, we calculated the total blood volume using body surface area and measured blood loss at delivery using gravimetric and volumetric methods for all pregnant women included in our cohort (n=1715). For the five different body surface area groups, we determined different percentages of blood loss in total blood volume among 1201 participants. Furthermore, we compared the prediction values in blood transfusion based on the quantification of bleeding or proportion of blood loss in total blood volume at different quintiles among 514 severe PPH cases. Results: The median total blood volume and body surface area were 4639ml and 1.73 m2, respectively. The median total blood volume increased with increasing body surface area, and the different proportions of total blood volume increased accordingly. The median blood loss was 380ml and represented 8.28% of total blood volume. The median measured 24h blood loss across quintile 1 to 5 was 363ml, 360ml, 390ml, 380ml, 440ml, respectively. Using the definition with blood loss of 500 ml and 13% percentage of total blood volume, the incidence of PPH was 30% and 19%. However, the changes of the circulatory system secondary to obstetric hemorrhage was not significantly different at each quintile. Additionally, use of blood loss or the percentage of blood loss in total blood volume has high specificity and sensitivity as the indicators to predict blood transfusion.Conclusions: Our results suggest that blood loss exceeds 13% of total blood volume as a definition of postpartum hemorrhage. Blood loss above 30% of total blood volume may be recommended for blood transfusion.
Malignant Transformation of Oral Lichen Planus: A Retrospective Study of 565 Japanese Patients
Authors: Tsushima Fumihiko , Sakurai Jinkyo , Uesugi Atsushi , Oikawa Yu , Ohsako Toshimitsu , Mochizuki Yumi , Hirai Hideaki , Kayamori Kou , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

Objective Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosa disease that is recognized as an oral potentially malignant disorder. However, the potentially malignant nature of OLP remains unclear.Materials and Methods We designed this study to examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of OLP and evaluate its malignant potential. A total of 565 patients with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of OLP who presented at our department between 2001 and 2017 were retrospectively studied. Patients who had clinical and histopathological features of oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs) classified as oral lichenoid contact lesions (OLCLs), oral lichenoid drug reactions (OLDRs) and oral lichenoid lesions of graft-versus-host disease (OLL-GVHD) were excluded.Results The study population included 123 men and 442 women aged 21-93 years (median, 62 years). The 565 patients were followed up for an average duration of 55.9 months, during which 4 (0.7%) patients developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In three of these 4 patients who developed SCC, the clinical type of OLP was the red type.Conclusions Our results suggested that OLP was associated with a low risk of malignant transformation. Further investigation of the clinical risk factors associated with malignant transformation is necessary.Clinical relevance We recommend regular follow-up for OLP patients and clear differentiation of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and OLLs to enable early detection of malignant transformation.