bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial performance of ‘Gem’ avocado trees in the Central-Western region of São Paulo State
Authors:   Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Micheletti Lígia Broglio , Avilés Tatiana Cantuarias ,   Autônomo, Baptista Edypol Guilherme ,   Universidade de São Paulo, Alberti Mariana Freire ,   Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Nacata Guilherme ,   Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Brogio Bruna do Amaral ,   Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Silva Simone Rodrigues da ,   Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo
Published: August 2021

The introduction of new avocado cultivars into producing countries of the Southern Hemisphere may extend the offer period of fresh fruit for export. The ‘Gem’ (‘3-29-5’) avocado is known for extending the marketing period of ‘Hass’-like avocados. This study aimed to evaluate the horticultural performance of ‘Gem’ avocado trees between the 4th and 6th years after planting (2016-2018), in a commercial orchard in the Central-Western region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. ‘Gem’ avocado trees grafted onto seedling rootstocks were evaluated regarding tree size, shoot growth, flowering, and fruit yield, quality and maturation. In the evaluated biennium, the trees showed a strong upright growth habit and compact tree size. Flowering occurred mainly in indeterminate inflorescences. Fruit yield varied between 106.89 to 116.89 kg tree-1, and 75-91% of the fruit classified within size counts 12 (306 to 365 g/fruit) to 18 (211 to 235 g/fruit), and reached physiological maturity in late June, but could be picked until October, i.e, four to eight months later than ‘Hass’. ‘Gem’ is a new alternative for extending fruit offer of late-maturity avocado cultivars and allowing higher profit to the farmers.
Physical-physiological quality and early performance of sorghum plants under different boron doses via seed
Authors:   Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Batista Vanessa Aparecida Pereira , Vieira Henrique Duarte ,   Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Pires José Inácio Coelho ,   Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Correia Laísa Zanelato ,   Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro
Published: August 2021

Boron (B) deficiency is commonly found in tropical crops, among which sorghum stands out for its limited yield under B shortage. However, as a micronutrient, the range between its adequate and toxic levels is narrow, thus fertilization should be cautiously applied. Our goal was to evaluate the physiological and physical quality, as well as early performance, of grain sorghum seedlings under different B doses applied via seeds. Treatments consisted of six doses of boric acid (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 g Kg-1 seeds) plus a control (uncoated seeds). Boron doses were applied to seeds by coating, in which dolomitic limestone and glue were used for pellet formation. Coated seeds were assessed for physical, physiological, and nutritional characteristics in the laboratory, and early seedling performance was evaluated in a greenhouse. Seed tests were carried out in a fully randomized design, while seedling evaluations were carried out in a randomized block design. Boron application to seeds had no significant effect on seed physical characteristics, despite increases in coated seed sizes. Boron doses had a negative effect on the length and dry mass accumulation of both plant shoot and root. Seed-applied B accumulated mainly in roots and significantly interfered with Ca and Mg accumulations in sorghum seeds, shoots, and roots.
Immune response in Santa Inês sheep during Fasciola hepatica infection
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Mendes Eveline Albuquerque , Pereira Cíntia Aparecida de Jesus ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Lima Walter dos Santos ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Published: August 2021

In the present study, we describe the proliferative response and the IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4 cytokine expression profiles in peripheral blood, and IgG production, after the experimental infection of Santa Inês sheep with 250 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae that were evaluated at 60 and 210 days post-infection(dpi). The cytokine expression profile at 60 dpi was characterized by the production of IFN-γ and IL-10, which is indicative of an initial mixed Th1/Th2 response. The modulation of the response occurred at 210 dpi with a predominance of IL-10 and IL-4 over IFN-γ. Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood stimulated with F. hepatica antigen exhibited proliferative capacity at 60 dpi, whereas the response was consistent with modulation from Th1 to Th2 in the chronic phase. The IgG antibody response was more marked at 60 days than at 210 dpi, confirming the mixed-response profile. The late modulation of the T lymphocyte response in association with the predominance of IL-10 and IL-4 at 210 dpi suggests the involvement of these cytokines after the establishment of the parasites in the bile ducts. The transition from a mixed to a regulatory response in the chronic phase was also accompanied by a reduced number of eggs per gram of feces.
Effect of bentonite on the health and dairy production of cows submitted to a diet naturally contaminated by mycotoxins
Authors:   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Oliveira Mirodion Santos , Di Domenico Dalvane ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Thomaz Gabriela Rodrigues ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Garbossa Gabriela ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Depaol Carolina Rodrigues ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Abreu Ana Carolina Araujo ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, Bertagnon Heloisa Godoi ,   Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste
Published: August 2021

Mycotoxins often contaminate cattle food, which can cause liver damage, immunosuppression, and reduced milk production. Although previous studies have shown the benefits of adsorbents in farm animals, knowledge regarding their mechanism of action is limited, especially when intoxication occurs due to naturally contaminated diets. The present study aimed to assess whether the daily oral administration of mycotoxin adsorbent bentonite clay based on aluminosilicate for 56 days, would attenuate these changes in 18 dairy cows, which were multiparous in the middle of the lactation stage, and were consuming a diet containing fumonisin B1 and B2, zearalenone, and desoxynivalenol. The animals were divided into treatment (TG, n = 9) and control (CG, n = 9) groups, and subjected to assessment of liver functions, hematological assessments, assessment of oxidative leucocyte metabolism by the tetrazolium nitroazul (NBT) technique, and physical chemical analysis of milk, every week for two months, totaling eight analyses. It was observed that the use of the adsorbent caused a reduction in the milk excretion of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), an increase in levels of serum protein (p = 0.03) and albumin (p = 0.0001), an increase in leukocyte oxidative metabolism from day 24 of treatment(p = 0.05), and increased milk production from the day 16 of treatment (p = 0.08). There was no improvement in the physicochemical indices of the milk. It was concluded that the use of an aluminosilicate-based adsorbent was able to attenuate the effects of mycotoxins on the function of leukocytes and increase milk production.
Encounters with Tadeusz Różewicz 1990–2014
Authors: Howard Tony , Bogoczek Barbara
Published: August 2021

This essay contains recollections of the working relationship between Tadeusz Różewicz and
two of his British translators between 1990 and his death in 2014. It includes quotations from
their correspondence. The essay is particularly focused on the fi rst London production of Kartoteka,
over forty years after its Warsaw premiere, and on the British reception of Różewicz’s late works
recycling and Mother Departs.
Influence of the chemical composition on the hardness of defibrator plate segments
Authors: Barlak Marek , Wilkowski Jacek , Danecki Leszek , Werner Zbigniew
Published: August 2021

Influence of the chemical composition on the hardness of defibrator plate segments. The paper presents the results of the hardness measurements of the material of defibrator plate segments, in connection with their chemical composition. The investigations of the chemical composition were performed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The hardness was measured using the Rockwell method. The increased number of the alloy components leads to an increase in hardness by approx. 3%, in comparison with the normalized L210H21S cast steel. Changes of the chemical composition and increase in the number of alloy components are ineffective from the viewpoint of the alloy hardness.
Investigating the Relationships Between Spiritual Well-being and Other Well-being Dimensions, and Attitude Toward High-risk Behaviors in Adolescents, with Emphasis on the Mediating Role of Personality Traits
Authors: Vaezipour Fatima , Atef-Vahid Mohammad-Kazem , Amini Mehdi , Ramezani Farani Abbas
Published: August 2021

Background: Research indicates the increasing prevalence of high-risk behaviors among adolescents, which may have many causes. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being and other dimensions of well-being and the tendency for high-risk behaviors in adolescents, with an emphasis on the mediating role of personality traits. Methods: This is a descriptive and correlational study. The statistical population of the study consisted of all high school students in the second semester of the academic year 2018 - 2019 in the city of Tehran. Data collection tools were Spiritual, Psychological, Social, and Physical Well-being questionnaires, Iranian Adolescent Risk questionnaire, and PID-5 Personality Characteristics questionnaire-short version. SPSS V.22, R programming V.3.6, and AMOS V.24 were used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that there is a significant relationship between spiritual well-being and other aspects of well-being, i.e., physical health (r = 0.28), social well-being (r = 0.39), psychological well-being (r = 0.44), with P < 0.01 for all. There was also a significant negative relationship between spiritual well-being and components of high-risk behavior (r = 0.48, P < 0.01). In addition, personality traits were found to play a significant role as a mediating variable in the relationship between spiritual well-being and high-risk behaviors. Conclusions: Spiritual well-being is a factor affecting other aspects of well-being and reducing risky behaviors, and personality traits play an important role in mediating the relationship between spiritual well-being and other dimensions of well-being and high-risk behaviors.
The Effects of Artemisia Plant and Its Components Against Respiratory Viruses Like Influenza and Their Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Shojaii Asie , Ghods Roshanak
Published: August 2021

Context: Artemisia genus and its chemical constituents show antiviral activity against different viruses. The aim of this study was to review the effects of selected Artemisia species and their components against respiratory viruses like influenza and coronavirus. Methods: All the articles published in English or Persian related to the effects of Artemisia and its components on viral respiratory infections and relevant mechanisms of action were searched throughout Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, Ebsco, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library Database from 1966 up to April 2020. Results: A few numbers of Artemisia species such as A. scoparia, A. rupestris, and A. annua and their components showed efficacy against the influenza virus and coronaviruses. Furthermore, some chemical compounds isolated from Artemisia species, like rupestonic acid, showed potent anti-influenza activity. The mechanism of antiviral activity was also determined for some of these compounds. Conclusions: The present study summarized the efficacy of a number of Artemisia species and their components against respiratory viruses like influenza and coronavirus. Future studies on other Artemisia species may lead to the discovery of new antiviral drugs against the influenza virus and coronaviruses.
Language Processing in Individuals with Non-fluent Aphasia: Evidence from Root and Synthetic Compound Nouns
Authors: Ghonchepour Mousa , Azad Omid
Published: August 2021

Background: Neurolinguists are increasingly inclined to study the language behavior of patients with aphasia (PWAs) to discover more about the relationship between the brain and language. Objectives: This study investigated the production of synthetic and root compound nouns in the PWAs to discover how these lexemes were processed. Methods: Using a confrontation naming task, four PWAs (two patients with Broca aphasia and two patients with transcortical motor aphasia) named 80 random black and white drawings of simple and compound nouns. They also repeated the nouns through an auditory repetition task. Compound nouns were of two root and synthetic types. Root nouns belonged to the noun-noun, and synthetic compounds belonged to the noun-verb category. Results: There was a significant difference between the affected components in naming and repetition of compound nouns. Moreover, there was a significant difference between naming and repetition of simple and compound nouns. There was no significant difference between naming and repetition of root and synthetic nouns. Conclusions: PWAs process compound nouns through the dual-route model. They cannot retrieve the phonological forms of compound nouns, but they retain their knowledge of word-formation, indicating the modularity of linguistic ability. Morphological structure plays a role in word processing.
Varieties of Philosophical Misanthropy
Authors: Kidd Ian James ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2021

I argue that misanthropy is systematic condemnation of the moral character of humankind as it has come to be. Such condemnation can be expressed affectively and practically in a range of different ways, and the bulk of the paper sketches the four main misanthropic stances evident across the history of philosophy. Two of these, the Enemy and Fugitive stances, were named by Kant, and I call the others the Activist and Quietist. Without exhausting the range of ways of being a philosophical misanthrope, these four suffice to justify my main claim that misanthropy should not be seen specifically in terms of hatred and violence. We should attend to the varieties of philosophical misanthropy, especially since doing so reveals a deeper phenomenon I call the misanthropic predicament.
A review of the Himalayan genus Trypheridium Brancucci (Coleoptera: Cantharidae: Chauliognathinae) with description of a new species
Authors: Zubair R.M. , Maqbool Amir , Wachkoo Aijaz Ahmad , Biffi Gabriel
Published: August 2021

The genus Trypheridium Brancucci, 1985 is endemic to the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region, and is currently known from a single species, T. nuristanicum (Wittmer, 1956). Here, the genus is reviewed, T. nuristanicum nom. emend. is re-described and T. kashmiricum sp. nov. is described from Kashmir Himalayan Region of India. Descriptions, diagnoses, high quality images, distribution maps and identification keys are presented. The morphology and distribution of Trypheridium are discussed and compared with those of the closely related genus Trypherus LeConte, 1851.
The Troubling Epidemic of Wife-Battering in Ogbaru and Onitsha North Local Government Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Edith AREH, Chinwe , Ajah Benjamin Okorie , Ezeanya Oguejiofo C.P. , Ugomma EZE, Ann , Onwuchekwe Stanley Ikenna , Onyejegbu Chukwuemeka Dominic ,   Social Sciences Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, PMB = 410002, Enugu State, Nigeria
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Debates and assumptions on the trend, motives/causes and implications of wife-battering in Nigeria are largely speculative. The purpose of this article is to explore in a raw form, the socio-economic determinants of wife-battering, on the sub-areas of family violence. Methods: Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, a sample of 364 respondents comprising 196 males and 168 females was drawn from Anambra State, Nigeria. Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used to reach the respondents. Questionnaire and in-depth interviews were instruments for data collection. Results: Findings confirmed that wife-battering in Ogbaru and Onitsha-North Local Government Areas is most often caused by denial of sex and infidelity. Conclusion: The policy implications calls for the creation of local government welfare units to be holding periodic talk shows for married couples on the imperative of living happily.
Healthcare Utilization and End-of-Life Outcomes in Patients Receiving CAR T-Cell Therapy
Authors: Johnson P. Connor , Jacobson Caron , Yi Alisha , Saucier Anna , Dhawale Tejaswini M. , Nelson Ashley , Lavoie Mitchell W. , Reynolds Mathew J. , Topping Carlisle E.W. , Frigault Matthew J. , El-Jawahri Areej
Published: August 2021

Background: CAR T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies, but it can result in prolonged hospitalizations and serious toxicities. However, data on the impact of CAR T-cell therapy on healthcare utilization and end-of-life (EoL) outcomes are lacking. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 236 patients who received CAR T-cell therapy at 2 tertiary care centers from February 2016 through December 2019. We abstracted healthcare utilization and EoL outcomes from the electronic health record, including hospitalizations, receipt of ICU care, hospitalization and receipt of systemic therapy in the last 30 days of life, palliative care, and hospice referrals. Results: Most patients (81.4%; n=192) received axicabtagene ciloleucel. Overall, 28.1% of patients experienced a hospital readmission and 15.5% required admission to the ICU within 3 months of CAR T-cell therapy. Among the deceased cohort, 58.3% (49/84) were hospitalized and 32.5% (26/80) received systemic therapy in the last 30 days of life. Rates of palliative care and hospice referrals were 47.6% and 30.9%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, receipt of bridging therapy (odds ratio [OR], 3.15; P=.041), index CAR-T hospitalization length of stay >14 days (OR, 4.76; P=.009), hospital admission within 3 months of CAR T-cell infusion (OR, 4.29; P=.013), and indolent lymphoma transformed to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (OR, 9.83; P=.012) were associated with likelihood of hospitalization in the last 30 days of life. Conclusions: A substantial minority of patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy experienced hospital readmission or ICU utilization in the first 3 months after CAR T-cell therapy, and most deceased recipients of CAR T-cell therapy received intensive EoL care. These findings underscore the need for interventions to optimize healthcare delivery and EoL care for this population.
NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Uterine Neoplasms, Version 3.2021
Authors: Abu-Rustum Nadeem R. , Yashar Catheryn M. , Bradley Kristin , Campos Susana M. , Chino Junzo , Chon Hye Sook , Chu Christina , Cohn David , Crispens Marta Ann , Damast Shari , Diver Elisabeth , Fisher Christine M. , Frederick Peter , Gaffney David K. , George Suzanne , Giuntoli Robert , Han Ernest , Howitt Brooke , Huh Warner K. , Lea Jayanthi , Mariani Andrea , Mutch David , Nekhlyudov Larissa , Podoll Mirna , Remmenga Steven W. , Reynolds R. Kevin , Salani Ritu , Sisodia Rachel , Soliman Pamela , Tanner Edward , Ueda Stefanie , Urban Renata , Wethington Stephanie L. , Wyse Emily , Zanotti Kristine , McMillian Nicole R. , Motter Angela D.
Published: August 2021

The NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms provide recommendations for diagnostic workup, clinical staging, and treatment options for patients with endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on the recent addition of molecular profiling information to aid in accurate diagnosis, classification, and treatment of uterine sarcomas.
Research and Improvement of the Performance of Road Transport Wireless Communication Networks
Authors:   , Ancāns Arnis
Published: August 2021

Global development trends such as the increase in the number of cars, an increased number of smart devices with wireless network connections, and the rapid increase in the amount of transmitted information promote the demand for higher data exchange speed, mobility, and higher level of connectivity. Consequently, data transmission services are also required when users travel by vehicle. As the number of vehicles increases, the problems related to road safety and traffic flow management need to be addressed as well. These problems underline the need for modern, technically, and economically justified communication solutions for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). One of the wireless network technologies that can be used for ITS needs, in particular for providing car passengers with access to the data transmission network, is WLAN IEEE 802.11n/ac. The implementation of such WLAN-based automotive wireless access networks requires several issues to be addressed, mainly related to fast-moving objects. In practice, a two-rank wireless network is used, which can provide access to the Internet. Several testbeds of a two-rank road transport communication network using WLAN IEEE 802.11n and LTE technologies were created and studied in the developed Doctoral Thesis. The change in the traffic characteristics of a two-rank communication network was experimentally assessed using LTE hardware from various manufacturers. The performance of such hybrid communication channels was studied depending on the velocity of mobile customers, the number of customers, and the traffic scenarios used. New relationships characterising the performance of the integrated IEEE 802.11n and LTE road transport networks and describing the dependence of network throughput on the velocity of mobile client movement were obtained. A single-rank IEEE 802.11ac technology-based automotive communications testbed has also been developed and studied within the Doctoral Thesis. An improved handover algorithm based on the IEEE 802.11v protocol has been developed and implemented during the research. The relationships describing the performance of such single-rank automotive communication network were theoretically evaluated.
Elektroenerģijas un siltumenerģijas sektoru sasaiste – iespēja siltumapgādes attīstībai
Authors:   , Grāvelsiņš Armands
Published: August 2021

Eiropas Savienības definētie dekarbonizācijas mērķi saistībā ar Zaļo kursu ir ambiciozi, tāpēc Latvijai ir nepieciešams meklēt risinājumus, kā sasniegt šos mērķus. Lai gan atjaunojamo energoresursu īpatsvara rādītājs Latvijā ir viens no augstākajiem Eiropā, tas galvenokārt ir, pateicoties vēsturiskajam mantojumam, nevis mērķtiecīgu politiku īstenošanas rezultātā. Būtisku lomu AER īpatsvaram elektroenerģijas sektorā dod trīs lielās Daugavas hidroelektrostacijas, kas ir palikušas mantojumā no Padomju Savienības laikiem. Centralizētajā siltumapgādē vērojams pakāpenisks AER īpatsvara pieaugums, tomēr tas balstās uz biomasas izmantošanas pieaugumu, un, visticamāk, nav ilgtspējīgs risinājums. Ņemot vērā, ka nākotnē, visticamāk, strauji attīstīsies bioekonomika, koksnes resursu izmantošana zemas pievienotās vērtības produktu ražošanā tiks pakāpeniski pātraukta, kas nozīmē to, ka enerģētikas sektoram būs jāmeklē citi papildu risinājumi fosilo degvielu aizstāšanai. Ja citās Eiropas valstīs, piemēram, Dānijā, Vācijā, Nīderlandē, Lietuvā, Igaunijā u. c., vēja un saules tehnoloģiju jauda pēdējās desmitgades laikā ir būtiski augusi, tad Latvijā šis pieaugums ir niecīgs. Tikai pēdējos pāris gados sāk parādīties saules tehnoloģiju jaudas pieaugums. Latvijai ir jāmeklē risinājumi, kā veicināt atjaunojamo energoresursu straujāku ieviešanu energosistēmā, lai virzītos uz Eiropas noteikto klimatneitralitāti 2050. gadā. Darba mērķis ir izveidot visaptverošu sistēmdinamikas modeli, ar kuru būtu iespējams analizēt enerģētikas sektora attīstību gan valstiskā, gan lokālā mērogā, iekļaujot gan siltumapgādes, gan elektroapgādes sektorus, kā arī izvērtējot to sastarpējās sasaistes iespējamību un ietekmi uz kopējo sistēmu. Mērķa sasniegšanai definētie uzdevumi: izstrādāt sistēmdinamikas modeļa struktūru siltumapgādes sistēmas attīstības modelēšanai; analizēt siltumapgādes sistēmu gan nacionālā, gan lokālā mērogā; izvērtēt elektroapgādes sektora elastības nozīmīgumu sistēmas attīstībā; iestrādāt energosistēmas modelī sektoru sasaistes elementus; analizēt sektoru sasaisti kā elektroapgādes sistēmas elastību veicinošu pasākumu gan nacionālā, gan lokālā mērogā.
ORGANIC CARBON STOCKS IN ARABLE LAND OF REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA - BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: PREDIĆ Tihomir , NIKIĆ – NAUTH Petra , TANASIĆ Bojana , VIDOJEVIĆ Dragana
Published: August 2021

On the territory of Republic of Srpska (RS – Entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina), in the period 2014 - 2017, the fertility control of arable land was performed in 4125 average samples (taken from top soil, 0 - 30 cm) representing the surface area of 5776 ha. All samples were geo-positioned and linked to the SOTER database (soil and terrain databases). RS is divided into 262 SOTER units. In each soil sample humus was analysed (colorimetric method, wet burning with K2Cr2O7 and conc H2SO4). Soil organic carbon (SOC) was calculated from humus (% humus x factor 0.58). SOC stock (t ha-1) for each plot were calculated on the basis of the volume mass (mg m-3) of the soil type on which the plot was located, the soil weights up to 30 cm (kg ha-1) and the area of the plot (ha). SOC stock on 5776 ha of agricultural land was 225168 t ha-1. The analyzed area was represented by 24 types of soil (FAO class). The highest average SOC stocks of 130 t ha-1 (based on 31 samples) was found in Calacaric Cambisol and the lowest in Stagnic Luvisol 38 t ha-1 (based on 464 samples). In 84% of the tested samples, representing 89% of researched area, the SOC stocks were less than 57 t ha-1. Estimation of the SOC stocks on the total arable land was prepared by GIS analysis interpolation of the SOC results for 4125 samples on the agricultural land area (arable land, gardens, orchards, vineyards and meadows). Estimated SOC stocks on 578894 ha of arable land were 32833549 t. The result of this research is the first step towards the establishment of SOC monitoring system in RS.
Alterations in brain structure and function in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a multimodal MRI study
Authors: Ma Jie , Wu Jia-Jia , Hua Xu-Yun , Zheng Mou-Xiong , Huo Bei-Bei , Xing Xiang-Xin , Feng Sheng-Yi , Li Bo , Xu Jianguang
Published: August 2021

Background

Pain, a major symptom of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), is a complex sensory and emotional experience that presents therapeutic challenges. Pain can cause neuroplastic changes at the cortical level, leading to central sensitization and difficulties with curative treatments; however, whether changes in structural and functional plasticity occur in patients with ONFH remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 23 ONFH inpatients who did not undergo surgery (14 males, nine females; aged 55.61 ± 13.79 years) and 20 controls (12 males, eight females; aged 47.25 ± 19.35 years) were enrolled. Functional indices of the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and a structural index of tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were calculated for each participant. The probability distribution of fiber direction was determined according to the ALFF results.

Results

ONFH patients demonstrated increased ALFF in the bilateral dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, right medial superior frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and right supplementary motor area. In contrast, ONFH patients showed decreased ReHo in the left superior parietal gyrus and right inferior temporal gyrus. There were no significant differences in TBSS or probabilistic tractography.

Conclusion

These results indicate cerebral pain processing in ONFH patients. It is advantageous to use functional magnetic resonance imaging to better understand pain pathogenesis and identify new therapeutic targets in ONFH patients.
Effects of drip tape modes on soil hydrothermal conditions and cotton yield (Gossypium hirsutumL.) under machine-harvest patterns
Authors: Wang Dongwang , Wang Zhenhua , Lv Tingbo , Zong Rui , Zhu Yan , Zhang Jinzhu , Wang Tianyu
Published: August 2021

Background

The layout of drip tapes under mulch has changed in Xinjiang, China, with the development of machine-harvest cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) planting technology. This study aims to demonstrate the effects of drip tape modes on soil hydrothermal conditions, cotton yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) of machine-harvest cotton under mulch in Xinjiang.

Methods

A field experiment was conducted to set up two machine-harvest cotton planting patterns (T1: the cotton planting model with one film, two drip tapes and six rows; T2: the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows), and a conventional planting mode (T3: the cotton planting model with one film, two drip tapes and four rows) as a control.

Results

Our results showed that the heat preservation and warming effects of the cotton planting model with one film, two drip tapes and six rows and the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows were better than that of the conventional planting mode. Soil temperature under the mulching film quickly increased and slowly decreased, which was beneficial to the early growth and development of cotton. The mean soil moisture content of the 0–60 cm soil layer in the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows was significantly higher than the other two treatments at the middle and late stage of cotton growth (90 days after sowing (DAS) and 135 DAS). Moreover, the water holding capacity of the middle and upper part of the tillage layer in the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows was the best. At the medium cotton growth stage, the main root layer in the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows formed a desalination zone. At the late cotton growth stage, the soil salinity content of the 0–60 cm soil layer showed that the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows was the lowest, the cotton planting model with one film, two drip tapes and six rows was the highest, and the conventional planting pattern was in the middle. Among these three modes, the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows was more efficient in controlling soil salt accumulation. The agronomic traits and cotton quality in the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows were better than that for the other two treatments. Compared with the other treatments, the cotton yield in the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows increased by 6.15% and 11.0% and 8.1% and 12.3%, in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and WUE increased by 17.4% and 22.7% and 20.9% and 22.8%, in 2017 and 2018 respectively. In conclusion, the cotton planting model with one film, three drip tapes and six rows can be recommended for machine-harvest cotton planting for arid areas in Xinjiang, considering water conservation and improving cotton yield.
Inflammatory gene expression profiling in peripheral blood from patients with Alzheimer’s disease reveals key pathways and hub genes with potential diagnostic utility: a preliminary study
Authors: Cardona Kelly , Medina Javier , Orrego-Cardozo Mary , Restrepo de Mejía Francia , Elcoroaristizabal Xabier , Naranjo Galvis Carlos Andrés
Published: August 2021

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease caused by central nervous system disorders. Late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Differences at the expression level of certain genes, resulting from either genetic variations or environmental interactions, might be one of the mechanisms underlying differential risks for developing AD. Peripheral blood genome transcriptional profiling may provide a powerful and minimally invasive tool for the identification of novel targets beyond Aβ and tau for AD research.

Methods

This preliminary study explores molecular pathogenesis of LOAD-related inflammation through next generation sequencing, to assess RNA expression profiles in peripheral blood from five patients with LOAD and 10 healthy controls.

Results

The analysis of RNA expression profiles revealed 94 genes up-regulated and 147 down-regulated. Gene function analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) and KOBAS-Kyoto Encyclopedia of DEGs and Genomes (KEGG) pathways indicated upregulation of interferon family (INF) signaling, while the down-regulated genes were mainly associated with the cell cycle process. KEGG metabolic pathways mapping showed gene expression alterations in the signaling pathways of JAK/STAT, chemokines, MAP kinases and Alzheimer disease. The results of this preliminary study provided not only a comprehensive picture of gene expression, but also the key processes associated with pathology for the regulation of neuroinflammation, to improve the current mechanisms to treat LOAD.
An investigation of concrete stress-strain behavior by the image analysis method
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Karabük University, 78000, Karabük (Turkey), Pekgöz Mahfuz , Günaydın Osman ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Adıyaman University, 02030, Adıyaman (Turkey)
Published: August 2021

Concrete is a composite load-bearing building material. The deformation behavior of load-bearing materials under load is vital for the building system. Investigation of these brittle and quasi-brittle behavior patterns at various load levels provides an advantage in the evaluation of mechanical properties. In this study, the deformations occurring within the concrete samples in different stress-strain regions were investigated using an image analysis technique. The experimental samples experienced elastic-limit loading for two hours to clearly monitor the deformations at elastic, plastic, and breaking points. For the microstructure studies, the samples were prepared with epoxy for image analysis. Thin-sections were taken from each series of epoxy-impregnated concrete test samples, examined under a microscope, and photographed. Deformation studies on the digital photographs were carried out by the image analysis method. The results show that crack formation and crack types change because of increased stress and deformations. Crack formations within the concrete are parallel to the loading direction and occurred mainly in the aggregate–cement-paste interface. At 85% of the ultimate stress, crack length was measured as 0.665-29.505 mm and crack width 0.180-4.128 mm, while the crack length was 0.305-32.688 mm and crack width were 0.106-2.906 mm at fracture stress.
Impact of Socio-demographic and Anthropometric Variables on Eruption Time of Permanent Teeth among Kurds Aged 5-15 Years in Duhok Governorate-Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Authors: Najman Hoger Mustafa , Aldabbagh Samim Ahmad , Omer Zana Qadir
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Many variables affect tooth eruption time. Eruption time and sequence of teeth is important as part of dental treatment planning in paediatric dentistry, orthodontics treatment, and forensic dentistry to estimate age of the child. Aim: The aim was to study the effect of different socio-demographic and anthropometric variables on eruption time of permanent teeth among Kurds aged 5-15 years in Duhok governorate-Kurdistan Region-Iraq. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1418 randomly selected healthy Kurdish students aged 5-15 years of both genders in Duhok governorate. All were clinically examined for tooth emerging through the oral mucosa. Normally and delayed teeth eruption time was correlated to different variables such as gender, residency, socioeconomic status, Body Mass Index (BMI), parents’ job, smoking habits, education, consanguinity, nutritional details, feeding pattern, birth weight, and pregnancy outcomes. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 22.0). Numerical variables were presented and summarised as means and standard deviations. Categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to test association between categorical variables. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were a statistically significant differences with p-value<0.05 between permanent teeth eruption time in relation to gender, BMI, second year nursing pattern variables, while there were no statistically significant association (p>0.05) among eruption time and socioeconomic status, residence, parent’s (education, job, smoking habit), several nutritional details, pregnancy outcome, birth weight, nursing at first year, and finally the introduction of supplementary food for the child. Conclusion: Normal and delayed Eruption time and factors affecting it will be useful in treatment planning in paediatric and orthodontic dentistry as well as in forensic dentistry.
A Rare Case of a Radicular Dens Invaginatus Associated with an Inflammatory Periapical Cyst
Authors: Oliveira Helder Fernandesde , Silva Brunno Santos DE Freitas , Paiva Rogerio Ribeiro , Gomes Carolina Cintra , Guedes Orlando Aguirre
Published: August 2021

Radicular Dens Invaginatus (RDI) represent a rare form of dens invaginatus which develops in the root of the tooth after the crown development is completed that can sometimes cause complex pathological conditions that are difficult to diagnose. This case report describes a case of a RDI associated with an inflammatory periapical cyst. A 17-year-old female complained of mobility in tooth 22. The tooth showed gyroversion and colour change and no evidence of caries or root fracture. Axial slices and tridimensional reconstruction of the cone-beam computed tomography revealed the presence of a RDI on the distal surface of the root that extended from cervical to the apical third. The diagnostic hypothesis was symptomatic infectious apical periodontitis, and conventional root canal treatment was performed. Subsequently, it was opted for a complementary surgical approach, which involved an aspiration puncture bulletin with a collection of yellow-citrus liquid, periapical curettage, apicectomy, retro-preparation and retrofilling with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Histopathological examination revealed was inflammatory periapical cyst. After 3-years, repair of the area was evident. Surgical management of this rare condition can be favourable for resolving endodontic infection related to this dental anomoly.
Prevalence of Sub-Clinical Hypothyroidism in Diagnosed Cases of Gallstone Disease
Authors: Kamalakkhannan C.
Published: August 2021

Thyroid issues have long been debated as a possible cause of gall stone disease. The link between hypothyroidism and gallstone disease could be explained in a variety of ways. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism in gallstone patients and to rule out hypothyroidism as a probable cause of gallstone formation. A prospective study was conducted in surgical wards of Department of surgery sree balaji medical college from 2016 to 2017. All patients were evaluated using a comprehensive clinical history and examination, as well as suitable investigations such as abdominal USG, thyroid function tests, and lipid profiles. Out of 22 patients 19 patients (86.4%) had normal TSH, 2 patients (9.1%) had increased TSH, 1 patient (4.5%) had decreased TSH. Raised TSH was more in the AGE Group of 61- 75 years, which is comparable to other studies. Out of 22 patients, (100%) had normal T3 levels. 19 patients (86.4%) had normal T4 levels and Ultrasound examination of neck, 2 patients (9.1%) had decreased T4 level and 1 patient (4.5%) had increased T4 levels and 3 patients (13.6%) had abnormal Ultrasound Neck findings. Hence In this Study Cholelithiasis is most commonly seen in Females of age group of 41-60 years and prevalence of raised TSH level in cholelithiasis patient was 9% and most were found in the age group of 61-80 years.
Association between Diabetic Macular Edema and Capillary Non Perfusion; An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Waly Mostafa A. , Ghoraba Hammouda Hamdi , El-Bradey Mohamed Hosni , Einen Mostafa Abd El Latif Abo El
Published: August 2021

Aims: The aim is to use of OCTA to describe the retinal structural damages observed in DME and the relationship between the edema and the capillary non perfusion and to quantify VD and the FAZ area.

Study Design: prospective, cross sectional, observational study

Place and Duration of Study: University Hospitals in the period between March 2018 to March 2020.

Methodology: OCTA images were obtained using the AngioVue (Optovue Inc., CA, USA). For quantitative analysis of the VD and the FAZ area with the help of the manufacturer’s automated software.

Results: The study included included 160 eyes of 135 diabetic patients, 61 (45%) females and 74 (55%) males and 20 eyes from 20 age-matched healthy individuals (12 males and 8 females). A significantly worse visual acuity was found in diabetic eyes with CME (mean (x̅) ± SD LogMAR 0.61 ± 0.33), than NPDR eyes without macular edema (0.25 ± 0.19), and controls (Mean ± SD LogMAR 0.02 ± 0.05),the values of VD of the SCP were significantly affected more than the DCP very early in the diabetic course (No DR stage) (P=0.040). Moving one stage more in the disease (mild to moderate NPDR with no edema stage) the deep layer got significantly more affected than the superficial layer (P=0.038). In the more advanced stages of the disease and as the macular edema develop and progress (spongy edema and CME) the two plexuses showed decreased VD values nearly to the same degree with the deep plexus affected slightly more (low VD values) than the superficial plexus

Conclusion: Using the OCTA machine with AngioAnalytics parameters (vessel density and non-flow area) aided in the objective quantification of macular perfusion and accurate measurement of the FAZ area in diabetic eyes with and without macular edema. Both parameters were significantly correlated with visual function in treatment-naive diabetic eyes with macular edema.
Optometric Screening of Elementary Students in Greece
Authors: Bollano-Lazaridis Melinta , Chandrinos Aristeidis
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of this study is to provide a wide screening test in elementary school students in Greece in order to trace undiagnosed visual deficiencies, which can affect the visual performance and efficiency.

Methods: Examination procedures were approved by the Ministry of Education for the optometric team to enter the school premises and perform the assessments. The researchers performed optometric testing according to standard protocols to evaluate visual acuity (VA), near point of convergence (NPC), accommodative amplitude and facility, vergence facility, stereopsis, and pursuit and saccade oculomotor function.

Results: The 835 students that were examined came from a total number of 14 schools so as to enable social stratification of high, medium, and low living standards. Fewer than 17% of the children managed to pass all visual tests at published goal levels. Testing identified a significant number of students who had undiagnosed visual deficiencies (83%).

Conclusion: Visual Function in elementary students needs to be evaluated on a regular basis following a comprehensive Optometric screening so that a wide range of visual dysfunctions can be detected. Our ultimate goal is to ensure adequate conditions for every student to develop vision skills needed to meet academic demands.
Thoracoscopic Surgery Shows Non-Inferiority to Open Surgery for Clinical N0-N2 and Pathologic N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yamashita Shin-ichi , Tokuishi Keita , Moroga Toshihiko , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Kawahara Katsunobu , Iwasaki Akinori
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Controversy has remained over the primary surgical management for stage IIIA-N2 non–small cell lung cancer. Minimal or non-bulky N2 disease defined as single-station nodal involvement may still be a candidate of radical surgery. The aim of this study was thus to assess the outcome of thoracoscopic surgery in clinical N0-N2 and pathologic N2 disease.

Methods

Seventy-nine cases of pathologic N2 diseases without induction therapy (clinical N0, 27; N1, 13; N2, 39) were operated on between September 2003 and December 2010 in our institute. Forty-seven patients underwent thoracoscopic surgery (group T) and 32 patients underwent standard thoracotomy (group S). Perioperative and oncologic outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding dissected number of lymph nodes, operative time, morbidity, and mortality. However, blood loss in group T was less than in group S (Mean: T, 229 versus S, 534 mL, respectively; P = 0.0004). Although disease-free survival in group T did not differ from that in group S, overall survival in group T was better than in group S after propensity score matching to adjust confounding factors including tumor size and T factor (P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that multinodal stations was significantly worse prognostic factor [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) = (1.6–14.3); P = 0.005) in disease-free and overall survivals [HR = 8.21; 95% CI = (1.9–35.4); P = 0.005]. Thoracoscopic surgery was favorable prognostic factor in overall survivals [HR = 0.13; 95% CI = (0.03–0.6); P = 0.009].

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that thoracoscopic surgery for non-bulky N2 disease was feasible and not inferior to standard thoracotomy in terms of oncologic outcome.
A Case of Valentino's Syndrome Presenting as Possible Appendicitis
Authors: Cherry Brandon H. , Patel Denish , Ronaghan Joseph E.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

We present a case of a 24-year-old female who presented with the signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis.

Case report

When computed tomography and ultrasound were not definitive for the diagnosis, the decision was made to perform a laparoscopic appendectomy. The appendix showed no gross signs of inflammation, so intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy was used to examine for a perforated peptic ulcer. When no perforations were found, exploratory laparotomy was performed and revealed purulent fluid in the right colic gutter and a pinhole perforation in the first part of the duodenum. The defect was repaired and the abdominal space was washed thoroughly and closed. The patient recovered well and was discharged from the hospital in good health.

Conclusion

Valentino's syndrome is an uncommon cause of right lower quadrant pain and symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis.