bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The performance of full-length PTH immunoassay in detecting the elevated concentration of PTH in a group of Chinese pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1 patients and its conformity with intact-PTH assay
Authors: Yang Yi , Song Ailing , Song An , Hu Yingying , Jiang Yan , Li Mei , Xia Weibo , Xing Xiaoping , Cheng Xinqi , Wang Ou
Published: May 2022

Purpose The efficacy of the third-generation PTH assay [PTH(1–84) assay] on evaluating PTH level among pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1 (PHP1) patients have so far been limited. Therefore, we aim to examine the conformity with intact PTH (iPTH) assay and ability in detecting elevated PTH level of PTH(1–84) assay in PHP1 patients.Methods PTH(1–84) and iPTH assay were conducted in PHP1 patients, primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) group and normal control group. Linear regression and conformity test was conducted within each group to examine the performance of PTH(1–84) assay against iPTH assay. ∆PTH%, 3rd/2nd ratio, iPTH/upper-limit of normal (ULN) and PTH(1–84)/ULN of each group were calculated for comparisons. Results 54 PHP1 patients, 127 PHPT patients and 65 healthy volunteers were enrolled. All the three groups presented with strong linear relationship between iPTH and PTH(1–84) (r2 = 0.9661, 0.7733 and 0.9575, respectively). Conformity examination showed the Kappa value was 0.778 and 0.395 in PHP1 and PHPT group respectively. There were no significant differences in ∆PTH% (24.4%±9.2% vs 0.76±0.09) and 3rd/2nd ratio [27.9%(-54.8%–79.7%) vs 0.72(0.20–1.55)] between PHP1 and PHPT group (p>0.05 for both). Conformity examination showed the no differences in Kappa value between PHP1A and PHP1B.Conclusion PTH(1–84) immunoassay had similar ability in examining elevated PTH level among PHP1 patients when comparing to the mostly applied iPTH assay.
Brain Tumor Segmentation Using Modified U-Net
Authors: sami eman , Ebied Hala M. , Amin Safaa , Hassaan Mosab
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Planning and evaluating the extent of the spread of brain tumors for the treatment is the main challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown as a great diagnostic tool for brain tumors without harmful radiation. We have found in using the traditional U-net, that there are some errors in identifying the tumor, so we wanted to develop this method so that it overcomes some errors in determining the tumor in the traditional method. Methods: We demonstrate a way to segment the brain tumor using modify U-net networks. Then compared with traditional U-net, modified U-net, k-means, and thresholding segmentation. The experiments were carried out using three multimodal brain tumor image segmentation datasets (FIGSHARE database), which contain 3929 abnormal (with a tumor) and normal brain MRI images, 100 images obtained from “The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA)” and BraTS 2019 challenge which include 4600 cases (normal and abnormal) of HGG (high-grade glioma) and LGG(low-grade glioma).Results: Through this study, the modified U-net achieved higher accuracy than other methods.Conclusion: Determining the tumor inside the human brain is an important matter to preserve human life. We used old and modern techniques and modified the basic form of the traditional U-net. The above-mentioned techniques were compared and the experiment was done on many data from different sources. It was found that the modified U-net is the best accurate.
Virus classification for viral genomic fragments using PhaGCN2
Authors: Jiang Jing-Zhe , Yuan Wen-Guang , Shang Jiayu , Shi Ying-Hui , Yang Li-Ling , Liu Min , Zhu Peng , Jin Tao , Sun Yanni , Yuan Li-Hong
Published: May 2022

Background: Viruses are the most ubiquitous and diverse entities in the biome. Due to the rapid growth of newly identified viruses, there is an urgent need for accurate and comprehensive virus classification, particularly for novel viruses.Results: Here, we present PhaGCN2, which can rapidly classify the taxonomy of viral sequences at family level and supports the visualization of the associations of all families. We evaluate the performance of PhaGCN2 and compare it with the state-of-the-art virus classification tools, such as vConTACT2, CAT, and VPF-Class, using the widely accepted metrics. The results show that PhaGCN2 largely improves the precision and recall of virus classification, increases the number of classifiable virus sequences in the Global Ocean Virome dataset (v2.0) by 4 times, and classifies more than 90% of the Gut Phage Database. Conclusions: Here, we present PhaGCN2, which can rapidly classify the taxonomy of viral sequences at family level and supports the conduction of high-throughput and automatic expansion of the database of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses.
Predictors of five-repetition sit-to-stand test performance in patients with lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Klukowska Anita M. , Staartjes Victor E. , Vandertop W. Peter , Schröder Marc L.
Published: May 2022

Objective: The five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5R-STS) has recently been validated as an objective measure of functional impairment in patients with lumbar degenerative disease (LDD). Knowledge of factors influencing 5R-STS performance is useful to correct for confounders, create personalized adjusted test times, and to potentially identify prognostic subgroups. We evaluate factors predicting the 5R-STS performance in patients with LDD. Methods: Patients with LDD requiring surgery were included. Each participant performed the 5R-STS and completed a questionnaire that included their age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, education level, employment type, ability to work, analgesic drug usage, history of previous spinal surgery and EQ5D Depression & Anxiety domain. Surgical indication and index level of the spinal pathology were also recorded. Predictors of 5R-STS were identified through multivariable linear regression. Results: The cohort consisted of 240 patients, 47.9% being female (mean age: 47.7±13.6 years). In the final multivariable model incorporating confounders, height (regression coefficient [RC]: 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.003/0.16, p=0.042) and being an active smoker (RC: 2.44, 95%CI: 0.56/4.32, p=0.012) were significant predictors of worse 5R-STS performance. Full ability to work (RC: -2.39, 95%CI: -4.39/-0.39, p=0.020) was associated with a better 5R-STS performance. Age, height, surgical indication, index level of pathology, history of previous spine surgery, history of pain, analgesic drug use, employment type and severity of anxiety & depression symptoms demonstrated confounding effect on the 5R-STS time.Conclusions: Greater height, being an active smoker, and inability to work are significant predictors of worse 5R-STS performance in patients with LDD. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03303300 and NCT03321357)
Don’t blame psychosis, blame the lack of services. A message for Early Intervention
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Stefanos , Stefanatou Pentagiotissa , Vlachos Ilias , Selakovic Mirjana , Xenaki Lida-Alkisti , Ralli Irene , Soldatos Rigas-Filippos , Nianiakas Nikolaos , Kosteletos Ioannis , Foteli Stefania , Mantonakis Leonidas , Kollias Costas T. , Stefanis Nikos C.
Published: May 2022

Background. Early Intervention Services (EIS) aim to reduce relapse rates and achieve better treatment and functional outcomes for first episode psychosis (FEP) patients. Reform of mental health services is underway in Greece and initial steps have been taken to shift standard care towards EIS.Methods. We examined follow-up and relapse rates one year after initial treatment contact in the first longitudinal FEP study conducted in Greece. 225 patients were enrolled between 2015-2020. Sociodemographic, clinical and functional characteristics were assessed in association with follow-up and relapse rates.Results. Within a treatment as usual follow-up setting, one year attrition rates were high. Only 87 patients (38,7%) retained contact with services after one year and within this time frame, 19 of them (21,8%) experienced a severe relapse requiring rehospitalization.Conclusion. Both follow-up and one-year rehospitalization rates in our FEP sample, highlight the need for the implementation of early intervention services, that will aim at follow-up engagement maximization and relapse prevention. These indexes also provide a benchmark against which future early intervention services for psychosis in Greece will have to demonstrate superior efficacy.
Chain Mediating Effect of Self-control and Problem Behavior on Depression among Adolescents
Authors: Jiang Maoming , Gao Kai , Wu Zhengyu , Guo Peipei
Published: May 2022

Depression has become a prominent psychological problem among young people. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between Internet addiction, family climate, academic performance, self-control, behavioral biases and depressive symptoms in adolescents. Based on the survey data of the fifth wave (2017 ~ 2018) and the sixth wave (2019 ~ 2020) of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this study used LISREL8.8 software to analyze 1577 10 ~ 15 data on adolescents. In this study, selected individuals responded to the same depressive symptoms-related questions in both waves of the survey. The study found that Internet addiction had no direct effect on depressive symptoms in adolescents. Family atmosphere was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Academic performance was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Mediating effects found that Internet addiction, family climate, and academic performance can indirectly affect depressive symptoms through the independent mediation of behavioral deviations and the chain mediation of self-control and behavioral deviations. This study also found depressive symptoms in adolescents have a certain persistence in time. Based on this study, it is necessary to pay more attention to the depression of adolescents, strengthen the training of self-control, improve the anti-frustration ability and psychological resilience, and reduce the problem behavior of adolescents. It is recommended to try to start from emotional self-regulation to promote the personality health of adolescents.
Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces enhance glycolysis to promote M2 Macrophages through PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Yaogang , Yang Zihan , Jiang Yuan , Sun Li , Huang Dengliang , Tian Meiyuan , Shen Yinhong , Deng Jun , Hou Jin , Ma Yanyan
Published: May 2022

Background: Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The primary objective of this study is to explore whether Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces (PSCs) regulate macrophage polarization and glucose metabolism by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.Methods: Macrophage polarization were analyzed by flow cytometry, PI3K, Akt, pAKT, and mTOR were detected by western blot, and cell metabolic was analyzed by seahorse.Results: Large numbers of CD68+ macrophages gathered in close liver issue from the lesion in AE patients. PSCs preferentially differentiated into M2 macrophages and the expressions of HK1, PFKL, PKM2, PI3K, pAKT, and mTOR increased with the extension of co-culture time.Conclusions: Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces enhance glycolysis to promote M2 macrophages through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Association of PFKM Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Cryptorchidism in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Long Si-Yu , Ran Zhang , Yang Qin-Ni , Wang Yan-Yun , Song Ya-Ping , Zhou Bin , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2022

Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies in newborn boys. There are various risk factors that have been verified to have relationship with cryptorchidism, including exogenous and genetic, but the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism remains unclear. PFKM gene is a critical gene encodes for a regulatory enzyme, which limits the rate in the pathway of glycolysis. In order to investigate the possible association between PFKM gene polymorphisms and cryptorchidism risk, 3 tag SNPs of PFKM gene, rs2228500 (A/G), rs4075913(A/G), and rs11168417(C/T) were selected and genotyped in a hospital-based case-control study involving 140 cryptorchidism patients and 227 healthy controls. The frequency of allele G of SNP rs2228500 is increased in cryptorchidism patients compared to that in controls (p < 0.05). Genotypic frequencies of rs2228500 are associated with the susceptibility of cryptorchidism in the codominant model (p < 0.05). And compared with G/G genotype in the dominant model, notable decreased frequencies of A carriers (A/G-A/A genotypes) were observed in cryptorchidism patients (p = 0.0069, OR = 1.80, 95% CI =1.17-2.75). This research firstly revealed that PFKM gene polymorphisms were associated with cryptorchidism in a Chinese Han population.
Health and Peacebuilding in Colombia: challenges and opportunities of a community training process for the post-accord
Authors: González-Uribe Catalina , Simbaqueba Melissa Arena , León-Giraldo Sebastián , Arias-Gómez Luis F. , Rodríguez David Alejandro , Hernández-Neuta Ginna Esmeralda , Moreno-Serra Rodrigo , Bernal Oscar
Published: May 2022

Following the peace agreement process in Colombia and to guarantee the right to health, a national educational program to train community leaders in technical education in public health was designed and implemented. Using qualitative methodologies, we sought reflections about the impact of the training process on the 'participant's life projects, collecting information from previous and current experiences and expectations after the program. Participants (n = 44) included peasants, afro-Colombian and indigenous communities, displaced people, victims of the armed conflict, and ex-combatants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - Army of the People (FARC-EP). Data collection through ethnographic observation, focus groups, and individual semi-structured interviews took place between October and November 2018. Results indicate that the participants saw the program as an opportunity to meet their goals and have better opportunities for their lives; change their way of thinking, and be reflective and open to discussion. Historical governmental and institutional abandonment was identified as a barrier for trust in the program and uncertainty on its potential benefits. Daily life co-existence during the training was a challenge between participants given their diverse backgrounds in the context of conflict in Colombia. It is important to create friendly and explanatory strategies to generate trust with and among participants accompanied with psychological support, ease successful interaction, and generate wellbeing through the program's implementation.
Exploring the Antecedents of Technostress at Work: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kotek Magdalena , Vranjes Ivana
Published: May 2022

Technostress, one of the adverse consequences of technology use, has been in the forefront of recent scientific investigations. Drawing on Tarafdar et al. ‘s (2007) framework, this study consolidated available information on personal, environmental and technology factors that lead to technostress perceptions at work: techno-complexity, techno-insecurity, techno-invasion, techno-overload and techno-uncertainty. We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of quantitative primary studies that investigated predictors of these five technostress dimensions. Systematic database searches (Web of Science, Scopus and PsychInfo), backward searches and announcements yielded 482 unique studies. We identified 21 eligible studies and extracted 254 effect sizes concerning individual differences, technological characteristics, and the organisational environment. Our results suggest that a multitude of predictors is involved in the manifestation of technostress, whereas the most prominent meta-analytic summary effects concern mindfulness, perceived complexity/effort and required technology usage. These findings imply that individual differences expose employees differently to technostress and establish technological features as well as the organisational context as determining forces in technostress formation. Yet, the dispersion of available research has led to very small subsets for analysis and subjected this study to limitations that manifested as imprecise summary effects. The current study was pre-registered on aspredicted.org (#67112).
Treatment of Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Rectum with Endoscopic Mucosal Resection: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fan Ling , Fu Yan , Liu Yi , Huang Hua
Published: May 2022

Purpose Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is an unusual plasma cell disease.We report a case of EMP arising in the rectum, which is fully removed using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).Methods The patient’s clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data were reviewed, as well as the past literature of rectal EMP with a focus on the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome.Results A 64-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with recurrent diarrhea for longer than half a month. She underwent colonoscopy which revealed a polypoid lesion. The lesion was fully excised using EMR, and histopathological examination coupled with immunohistochemistry of the endoscopic biopsy confirmed a primary EMP of the rectum. She did not receive radiotherapy or chemotherapy after being diagnosed with EMP and experienced no recurrence or progression during the 6-month follow-up period.Conclusion Rectal EMP is an extremely rare clinical entity, Only 13 cases have been reported in the English-language literature as far as we know. Clinical suspicion is infrequent owing to its location and nonspecific manifestations. The diagnosis of EMP requires biopsy-proven monoclonal plasma cell infiltration of a single lesion, and the exclusion of multiple myeloma. Although EMP is a highly radiosensitive tumor, endoscopic therapy is increasingly becoming a good option for colorectal EMP when complete endoscopic resection of the tumor is possible. Generally, rectal EMP has an indolent course and the prognosis is favorable, but occasionally it may progress to multiple myeloma, or relapse. Therefore, the patients of EMP should be followed-up for a long time.
MicrobiotaCN: an on-line, standard, convenient and comprehensive microbiome data analysis platform based on self-built gut prokaryotic genome collection
Authors: Zheng Bo , Xu Junming , Qin Junjie , Fan Tingting , Li Lulu , Chen Yan , Jiang Yuyang
Published: May 2022

Background: The quality of the metagenomic data analysis depends on the quality of the reference database; however, the current database has some shortcomings. Different studies often use different reference databases for metagenomic analysis, resulting in inconsistent results, which can only be analyzed in isolation, and the results obtained from multiple projects are difficult to compare. Our work aimed to create a novel collection of human gut prokaryotic genomes, MBCN, as a reference database in a standardized metagenomic analysis platform named MicrobiotaCN that allows researchers to perform metagenomic analysis by the same standard pipeline efficiently.Results: About 2,477 human gut metagenomic samples were screened, and 16,785 MAGs (metagenomic assembled genomes) were assembled using a standardized pipeline. In addition, MAGs were combined with the representative genomes from the RefSeq and UHGG collections to cluster with 95% ANI clusters, and pan-genome for each cluster's genomes were constructed. MBCN collection contained 14,166 genomic species-level clusters. Kraken2 database was built with pan-genomes of MBCN and mOTUs database with the representative genomes of each cluster of MBCN. Comparing the Kraken database built by MBCN with other collections like UHGG on simulated reads and virtual bio-projects, the database built by MBCN was found to have a better assignment rate and more accurate profiling. In virtual bio-project and practical applications, MBCN had the potential to discover more biomarkers than other databases. We profiled 1,082 human gut metagenomic samples with MBCN Kraken2 database and organized the profiles and metadata on the platform, allowing users to get metagenomic profiles by the same standard pipeline. Simultaneously, common statistical and visualization tools for microbiome research were integrated into the on-line analysis platform.Conclusions: The reference database built based on MBCN was more comprehensive and accurate for profiling metagenomic reads, which integrates the use of the MicrobiotaCN online analysis platform will obtain a unified, one-stop metagenomic data analysis result. Thus, this could be a valuable resource for researchers to obtain profiles by a unified comprehensive reference database from different studies for meta-analysis. All data are available for free at http://www.microbiota.cn.
Clinical characteristics of active cytomegalovirus infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus of different sexes
Authors: Dai Nini , Zhou Rong , Li Xin , Zhao Jinxia , Li Qiuyu
Published: May 2022

Objective
To investigate the clinical characteristics of active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) of different sexes.
Methods
SLE patients between September 2011 and March 2018 at Peking University Third Hospital were reviewed, and were followed up until the occurrence of active CMV infection, and their clinical data were collected. The clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and follow-up data in patients of different sexes were analyzed statistically.
Results
Among 45 SLE patients with CMV active infection, 8 were male and 37 were female. The proportion of male patients with positive anticardiolipin antibody was higher than that of female patients (62.5% vs 8.1%, P = 0.002), and male patients had a higher proportion (50%) of abnormal liver function than female patients (50% vs 13.5%, P = 0.039). After 1:1 matching, active CMV infection occurred earlier in male patients (P = 0.041).
Conclusion
In our study, the proportion of positive anticardiolipin antibody and abnormal liver function were higher in male patients with SLE combined with active CMV infection. Active CMV infection occurred earlier in the course of SLE in male patients.
Utility of pathogenicity scores as diagnostic and prognostic markers for MPS disorders: In-silico analysis in MPS I
Authors: Kadali Srilatha , Bodiga Vijaya Lakshmi , Naushad Shaik Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) is a major group of the lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) with defective degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Enzyme replacement therapy or bone marrow transplantation are the key therapeutic options available. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention improve the therapeutic efficacy. We have used FATHMM, I-Mutant, PolyPhen-2, PATHER, PHD-SNP, SNP&GO, SIFT, PROVEAN, CUPSAT, SNAP2 for in silico analysis. These in silico tools and urinary GAG levels helped in monitoring the response to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Enzyme activity was inversely associated with SNAP2 (r= -0.36, p=0.04), Polyphen-2 (r= - 0.44, p=0.009) and Evolutionary preservation time (r= -0.396, p=0.02). This suggests that subjects having mutations with higher SNAP2 and Polyphen-2 score tend to have lower enzyme activity. ERT lead to 7 – 31% decrease in urinary GAG levels in seven MPS I patients. The determined pathogenicity scores are serving as prognostic markers indicating a response to therapy. Urinary GAG excretion is the primary end point to monitor the therapeutic efficacy.
What impact have COVID-19 induced changes in working practice had on greenhouse gas emissions? A rapid review
Authors: Spear Morwenna , Willcock Simon , Ormondroyd Graham , Dimitriou Athanasios , Roberts George , Loxton Ceri , Lewis Ruth , Cooper Alison , Law Rebecca-Jane , Edwards Adrian
Published: May 2022

The changes in working practice over the pandemic went through several distinct phases: the initial ‘lockdown’ period, a period of relaxation in some restrictions, and a longer-term period where working from home (WFH) was preferred if possible but many other aspects of life returned to near-normal. This Rapid Review was accompanied by high level life cycle assessment (LCA), to quantify the environmental profile of products, processes and behaviours based on energy use and commuting activity of office workers over a 7 day period. We aimed to describe trends in environmental effects, specifically regarding greenhouse gas emissions relating to energy usage and commuting behaviour, during the pandemic. For the rapid literature review, 32 studies were identified. § Rapid Review findings corroborated the life cycle assessment findings that energy for space heating (both at home and in the office) and transport dominated the greenhouse gas emissions profile.§ Domestic energy consumption remained elevated after easing restrictions with a displacement of energy normally consumed in business premises.§ Overall, there was a net reduction in consumption and greenhouse gas emissions with greater working from home.§ There has been a shift away from public transport with a negative effect on greenhouse gas emissions.§ Travel distance and mode of transport are significant factors in determining the magnitude of benefits seen when working from home.§ Air quality is reported to have been affected by the lockdown period, but no studies have directly evaluated the working from home component of this.For the Life cycle assessment, analysis was based on 10 workers at home or in an office in typical UK housing and a typical office with two transport options for commuting (car and train), over 7 days. A clear benefit was seen in reducing greenhouse gas emissions for working from home compared to office work with travel by car, and a smaller benefit for working from home compared to office work by train. The working from home scenario had significantly lower impact than both the car and train commute scenarios on marine ecotoxicity and freshwater ecotoxicity indicators.
Numerical Solutions of (3+1)-Dimensional mKdV and (3+1)-Dimensional mBBM Equations and their Applications in Water Waves
Authors: GUPTA ARUN KUMAR , Hazarika Jyotishman
Published: May 2022

In this manuscript, the Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM) has been implimented to construct the approximate solutions of (3 + 1)-dimensional mKdV equation and (3 + 1)-dimensional mBBM equation. These (3 + 1)-dimensional differential equations are deemed more convincing from physical phenomena standpoint as opposed to the corresponding (1 + 1) and (2 + 1)-dimensional equations. The solutions obtained by OHAM are illustrated graphically to its exact solution counterpart. This paper presents new possibilities to solve higher dimensional NPDEs numerically, which has not been attempted previously in the literature as per the best possible information of the authors. The technique examined here is plausible, efficacious, and can be employed to compute new numerical solutions of NPDEs arising in mathematical physics.
Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic cortical-sparing adrenalectomy for bilateral pheochromocytomas in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
Authors: Qi Xiao-Ping , Lian Bi-Jun , Fang Xu-Dong , Dong Fang , Li Feng , Jin Hang-Yang , Zhang Ke , Wang Kang-Er , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic or open cortical-sparing adrenalectomy (LCSA or OCSA) for bilateral pheochromocytomas (bPHEO) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).Methods: A total of 31 patients (54.8% women) were diagnosed with MEN2 related bPHEO, in who 29 underwent varying specific adrenal surgery. We systematically analyzed and evaluated their clinical profiles, mutation types, tumor histopathologic features, and follow-up records. Results: All 31 patients with bPHEO associated with RET-C634 mutations, as MEN2A (90.3%) and RET-M918T, as MEN2B (9.7%), respectively, were at a median age at initial presentation of 38 years (range, 23–78). Of these, 27 (87.1%) presented with synchronous and other 4 (12.9%) with metachronous. Among 29 underwent initial CSA, and in 23 (79.3%), of whom 18 had SB-LCSA and 5 had SB-OCSA duration of the same anesthesia (synchronous surgery); whereas metachronous CSA was in 6 (20.7%). There were less bleeding volume, and shorter hospitalizations between in SB-LCSA compared with those in SB-OCSA, as well as synchronous surgery versus metachronous (hybrid) surgery (all P < 0.05). An initial bilateral postoperative corticosteroid replacement was necessary in 14 patients (45.2%). During a median follow-up period of 7 years (range, 1.8–23), 3 of these patients (10.3%) showed a persistent/recurrent disease and needed reoperation. Whereas the remaining 2 patients respectively presenting MEN2A died of MTC metastasis or MEN2B declined surgery in who chose waiting watchful.Conclusions: SB-LCSA for treatment of these synchronous bPHEO is safe and feasible, should be recommended as a prioritized surgical approach of choice.
Cotton resistance to white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) evaluated by the oxalic acid method
Authors: Martins Matheus Rodrigues , Cardoso Daniel Bonifácio Oliveira , Bortolin Daniel Inserra , Lemes Ernane Miranda , Júnior Elvécio Gomes da Silva , Nascimento Ana Flávia Oliveira , Martins Lucas Rodrigues , Sousa Larissa Barbosa de
Published: May 2022

The white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) is one of the most destructive cotton disease. Genetic resistance is one of the main strategies to control this disease. Thus, this study aimed to determine an appropriate period of exposition and concentration of oxalic acid to identify levels of physiological resistance to white mold in white fiber cotton genotypes. The study was implemented in two periods (August to October and November to January) in randomized complete block design, in a split-split-plot factorial in time, with five replications, where the plot factor was the concentration of oxalic acid (20; 40 mM) and the sub-plot factor was the 20 cotton genotypes, the sub-sub-plot factor was the time of exposure to oxalic acid (24h; 48h; 72h). The experimental units, or plots, were composed of test tubes with one cotton plant shoot partially immersed in oxalic acid solution. The biomass of the cotton shoots was evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h. The loss of water caused by the exposure to oxalic acid indirectly indicates the level of cotton resistance to white mold. The results suggest that the most appropriate exposition time and concentration of oxalic acid for cotton evaluation of resistance to white mold were 20 mM at 48 hours, respectively. In these conditions, the cotton genotypes that presented the greatest average fresh mass were: UFU-14 A, UFU-14 B, UFU-14 F, UFU-14 H, and UFU-14 S, which could be used as sources of resistance to white mold in cotton breeding programs
Using salinity to improve nutritional and market value of strawberries
Authors: Alnayef Mohammad , Hartley Joseph , Orsini Francesco , Silvestro Raffaella Di , Sanoubar Rabab , Marotti Ilaria , Gianquinto Giorgio , Dinelli Giovanni , Hartley Norhawa Puniran-
Published: May 2022

Plants respond to salinity by producing antioxidants and osmolytes; some of these are nutritionally useful to humans (e.g. phenolics), or may improve the sensory quality of produce (e.g. sugars). For the current study, strawberries were irrigated with 0, 10, 20 or 40 mM NaCl, and the responses in antioxidants, phenolics, and flavour attributes were measured. A linear positive relationship was observed between salt stress and antioxidant concentrations, and the DPPH antioxidant assay responded more clearly than the FRAP assay. Phenolics were increased with statistical significance by salinity at all treatment levels, although trends differed between total phenolics and the subclasses anthocyanins and total flavonoids. It was seen that mild salinity (10 mM) with a low impact on yield could be used to increase antioxidants (6-10% above control) and total phenolics (11-16% above control). However differences between cultivars outweighed differences due to salinity in treatments below 20 mM NaCl. We found that sugars in strawberries (unlike other fruits) weren’t increased by salinity treatment. The lack of sugar increase can be explained by suggesting that organic acids are more important osmolytes than sugars for strawberries under salinity. However it was also determined that the failure of strawberries to increase their soluble sugars during salt stress can be explained by the lean nutrient regimes used by researchers, which don’t represent commercial production practices. Practically, mild salinity (≤20 mM) can be used to increase strawberry fruit value, but should be combined with an appropriate nutrient regime to avoid harm to flavour quality. The varieties Elsanta and Elsinore are both suitable for salt treatment, but Elsanta is better for antioxidant and phenolic production, as well as being more salt tolerant
Ingestive behavior of Angus yearling steers in natural grassland subjected to fertilization and over sown of temperate species
Authors: Elejalde Denise Adelaide Gomes , Nabinger Carlos , Ferreira Eduardo Tonet , Freitas Aline Kellermann de , Missio Regis Luis , Kunrath Taíse Robinson , Devincenzi Thais , Cardoso Raquel Rolim , Pinto Cassiano Eduardo , Pinto Marcelo Fett , Ferrari Viviane Borba
Published: May 2022

The objective was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of Angus yearling steers grazing natural grasslands of Southern Brazil, submitted or not to the application of fertilizers: NG= natural grassland; FNG= fertilized natural grassland, and FONG= fertilized natural grassland improved with the over sown of temperate forage species. Three Angus yearling steers and a variable number of put-and-take animals were used per experimental unit, to maintain a forage allowance of 13 kg of dry matter/100 kg of body weight. Ingestive behavior of tester animals was visually assessed in four seasons of the year through instantaneous records of activity every ten minutes during the daytime period. There was no effect of pasture treatments on ingestive behavior. An interaction between seasons and periods of the day was observed for daily grazing and rumination time (P <0.05). The grazing activities were clustered at the beginning and the end of the day in summer, autumn and winter, while in spring it was similar in the 1st three quarters of the day, with higher activity in the period close to sunset. The animals spent more time grazing in the spring despite the better quality of forage in this season. Regardless of the season, longer residence and grazing time were found in water foci areas. We conclude that grazing time on natural pastures is influenced by forage mass and forage allowance, and bite rate is influenced by the chemical composition of the sward
Effect of herbicides on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and ALA-D in transgenic hybrid corn
Authors: Concato Ani Carla , Sutorillo Nathália Tafarel , Tamagno Wagner Antonio , Paula Maicon Ody de , Dada Renata Affeldt , Piccini Giovana Brisolla , Vanin Ana Paula , Alves Carla , Gomes Jéssica Dias , Menegat André Dalponte , Aspiazú Ignacio , Galon Leandro , Kaizer Rosilene Rodrigues
Published: May 2022

A corn cultivar with resistance to 2,4-D, glyphosate, ammonium-glufosinate, and haloxyfop-R has been developed. However, it is known that the application of herbicides generally induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative damage to plants. In this study, we applied these herbicides in Enlist™ corn hybrids, in the doses recommended for weed control of herbicides alone and in mixtures, being 0, 670, 1080 400, and 60 g ha-1 a.e. of glyphosate, 2,4-D, ammonium-glufosinate, and haloxyfop-R, respectively. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), Erechim, RS, Brazil. The plants were grown in a soil and substrate mix (proportion of 1:1), in plastic vases (0.5 L). The design was completely randomized, with four replicates and two plants per replicate. The herbicides were sprayed 22 days after corn emergence (V2 stage). At seven days after the application, all plants were collected and macerated, then maintained in an ultra-freezer at -80 ºC until the biochemical analysis could be performed. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ALA-D and the lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated to know the effects of herbicide application in these plants. The herbicides, especially the mixtures, increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes that decompose H2O2, such as CAT and APX, and also caused an inhibition of the activity of GPX and ALA-D while promoting lipid peroxidation. This may be associated with the increased generation of H2O2, which was added to the production of other ROS, causing an overload of the antioxidant defense system of transgenic corn, resulting in damage to plant lipids
Phenotypic divergence for morphological and yield-related traits in black oat (Avena strigosa)
Authors: Sordi Elisangela , Poletto Keli Olivia , Basso Simone Meredith Schefer– , Lângaro Nadia Canali , Karlinski Joelson
Published: May 2022

This study aims to evaluate the phenotypic divergence among 46 accessions of A. strigosa from Mesoregions Northwest and Northeast of Rio Grande do Sul. The experiment was carried out in the field, in a randomized block design, with three replications. The germplasm was characterized using 40 morphoagronomic, 21 of which were either binary or multicategoric, while 19 were quantitative traits as cycle (days to heading), plant length, peduncle, glume and lemma, and production of biomass and grains. The data were submitted to descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistical analysis. The accessions were monomorphic in 17 out of 21 among qualitative characters. Vegetative habit, diameter, length, and wall thickness of culm were the main quantitative traits in the discrimination of the accessions. The maximum and minimum dissimilarity, expressed by the generalized Mahalanobis distance, ranged from 2.98 up to 55.71. Based on the magnitude of divergence and performance towards agronomic traits in attributes, some accessions may be incorporated into breeding programs of the species
Adequacy of the electrical conductivity test on Libidibia ferrea seeds (Mart. Ex Tul.) L. P. Queiroz var. ferrea classified with different masses
Authors: Souto Priscila Cordeiro , Neto João Correia de Araújo , Ferreira Vilma Marques , Gonçalves Edilma Pereira , Silva Cristian Bernardo da , Santos Karolyne Priscila Oliveira dos , Junior João Luciano de Andrade Melo , Bezerra Lucas Teles
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to adapt the methodology of the electrical conductivity test to detect differences in vigor between seeds of Libidibia ferrea of different masses. The seeds were classified according to their individual mass: small seeds ≤ 0.14 g, medium seeds 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.19, large seeds ≥ 0.20 g. Subsequently, seed morphology (length, width, thickness, water content, and weight of 1000 seeds), and the initial physiological potential of the seeds (germination, first count, average time, average speed, germination rate coefficient, germination and emergence rate index, emergence percentage, seedling length, and dry mass) were determined. The electrical conductivity was conducted in a 3 × 12 factorial scheme with three seed masses and 12 immersion periods (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 h), in volumes of 50 and 75 mL of water, with 25 and 50 seeds, respectively. The physical and physiological variables of the seeds were highly correlated with the electrical conductivity test. The seed mass of L. ferrea has a direct relationship with its physiological potential, with the seeds of mass ≥ 0.20 g classified with high vigor; the seeds of mass 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.19 with intermediate vigor; and the seeds of mass ≤ 0.14 g with low vigor. The electrical conductivity test is efficient in the evaluation of the physiological potential of L. ferrea seeds of different masses when conducted with 25 seeds soaked in 50 mL of distilled water for 4 h
Drying in foam mat of mixed pulp of jambolan (Syzygium cumini L.) and acerola (Malpighia emarginata D. C.): effect of additives and temperature
Authors: Matos Joana D’arc Paz de , Figueirêdo Rossana Maria Feitosa de , Queiroz Alexandre José de Melo , Silva Luís Paulo Firmino Romão da , Silva Semirames do Nascimento , Moraes Maria Suiane de , Santos Francislaine Suelia dos , Rodrigues Larissa Monique de Sousa , Gouveia Josivanda Palmeira Gomes de
Published: May 2022

While acerola is a source of minerals and vitamins, jambolan has a high content of phenolic compounds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of the mixed jambolan, and acerola pulp obtained by drying them in a foam mat. Three foams were produced, composed of mixed pulp + 1% albumin and 0.5% additives (F1: xanthan gum; F2: carboxymethylcellulose; and F3: guar gum), subjected to agitation to form the foam and distributed in trays with 0.5 cm thick and dehydrated at 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme (3 formulations and 4 drying temperatures) with three replications for the analyses. All powders showed low water content and water activity. All dry samples showed high levels of ascorbic acid and bioactive compounds. However, the increase in drying temperatures resulted in a reduction in acidity. The powders with xanthan gum (F1) generated higher levels of proteins and flavonoids, while the samples with guar gum (F3) had higher levels of solubility and; powders with carboxymethylcellulose (F2) had higher contents of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, standing in nutritional and functional components among the formulations for drying in a foam mat
Isolation of endophytic bacteria from wild plants in dry regions and investigation of their ability to promote plant growth and inhibit pathogenic fungi
Authors: Hamed Khalid E.
Published: May 2022

In the dry regions environments such as Saudi Arabia, bacterial endophytes isolated from the roots and soil of healthy wild plants can promote plant growth by developing siderophores, phosphate solubilizing, Indole 3 Acetic Acid (IAA), and inhibit the growth of some plant fungal pathogens. This study aimed to isolate bacteria from wild plants in dry regions and to investigate their ability to be used as plant growth-promoting agent and inhibit plant pathogenic fungi. More than ninety endophytic bacterial isolates associated with the leaves, roots, and soil of healthy wild plants were collected from different sites in the Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the aim of characterizing and testing for their ability to promote plant growth activities and inhibit plant pathogenic fungi. Seventy strains were shown to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 45 isolates produced siderophores, with 16 of these exhibiting large amounts. Twelve isolates tested positive for phosphate solubilization, with two isolates (QUSA 66 and QUSA 91) exhibiting greater efficiency for phosphate solubility. Twenty-five isolates produced more than 100 µg mL-1 of IAA, with production ranging from 100.5 to 404.7 µg mL-1. Six of these bacterial isolates (QUSA 2, 7, 10, 29, 30. and 40) produced more than 200 µg mL-1. A wide spectrum of activities was noted within the pseudomonas strains, indicating promising plant growth-promoting potential (e.g., the isolates from Pulicaria crispa and Calligonum comosum). In vitro results against plant pathogenic fungi showed that fifteen of the bacterial isolates inhibited growth of fungal mycelia by producing wide antagonistic zones. The isolates QUSA 26, 27, 28, 36, and 87 were able to produce siderophores and IAA and to solubilize phosphate. In addition, these isolates delayed mycelium growth of some Fusarium, Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis, and Stemphylium spp
Identification of critical production factors in planted forests of southern Brazil
Authors: Loper Ailson Augusto , Hoeflich Vitor Afonso , Silva João Carlos Garzel Leodoro da , Siqueira Joésio Deoclécio Pierin , Oliveira Gustavo Silva
Published: May 2022

This work has analyzed the forest-based production chain in the state, especially in the segment consisting of pinus and eucalyptus producing companies, under the prism of the principles of public policy development. The critical factors of the forest production link were detected and prioritized, using the component factor analysis to determine the critical factors and the Friedman test to verify the existence of differences between factors and order them. The Wilconxon test was used to verify the existence of differences in the perception of integrated and non-integrated companies in relation to critical factors. The use of the content analysis technique, theoretically based on the Pestel framework, allowed us to analyze the external environment through the identification of challenges and opportunities and their respective generating macro-environments. Based on the analysis of this compilation of critical factors identified in bibliographical research, 30 critical factors related to forest production were structured. The use of factor analysis and its subsequent interpretation provided the reduction of 30 critical factors in 10 factors. These were considered the critical performance factors of the forest production activity. Based on the analyzes carried out, the great relevance of the application of specific statistical analyzes is verified, aiming at the compilation of critical factors, which are added to the decision-making and articulations that favor forest planning. The critical factors for this study were technology, macroeconomics, logistical and social costs, and legislation. In this context, it is recommended to encourage small and medium-sized forestry companies to take the interactions between the critical factors into account. This needs the forestry-based segment to follow through the development of a joint forestry and industrial policy. In addition, it is recommended that the articulation between the private and government sectors in the search for the development of actions take advantage of the current context of pursuit of sustainability by the end consumer and the state's forestry potential
Determining the impact of brand value on the credibility of influencers over the purchase decision of millennial consumers
Authors: Pilar Zirena-Bejarano Patricia , Myreyle Chávez Zirena Elbia , Ramón De La Gala-Velásquez Bernardo
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, social media influencers are one of the most important assets of many businesses that originate purchase decisions. The relevance of this paper is determined by the fact that it tries to fill in the research gap of literature determining the factors that might influence the purchase decisions of millennial consumers based on the theories of the constructs. The purpose is to determine the impact of brand value on the credibility of influencers over the purchase decision. Therefore, 412 millennial consumers from the city of Arequipa, Peru, were surveyed through an online form provided by Google. Then, the validation and descriptive statistics were made on the program SPSS. Additionally, the inferential statistics using the software Smart PLS. The results show a positive, significant, and direct relationship between the credibility of influencers and customers’ purchase decisions. Moreover, this relationship increases through the brand value when incorporated into the model as a mediator variable, facilitating the decision of consumers. In conclusion, it was estimated that consumers feel even more confident when social media influencers transmit the message showing specific brand attributes.
AcknowledgmentsThe authors thank the Universidad Nacional de San Agustin de Arequipa for its support in developing this project.The present study has been self-financed by the authors.