bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of the Minnesota Low Vision Reading Test (MNRead) Acuity Chart for the Asante Twi Language
Authors: Boadi-Kusi Samuel Bert , Kwarteng Michael Agyemang , Asubonteng Emmanuel
Published: October 2020

Aim: To design and validate a MNREAD Asante Twi version reading chart, to aid in the assessment of near visual acuity of natives Ghanaians.Methods: Cross-sectional and experimental designs were employed in phases I and II respectively of this study. The chart was developed using 20 transited pupils in class four in the Kumasi metropolis in phase I and validated in a clinical setting at the Manhyia District Hospital, Kumasi, using students in phase II.Results: A total of 100 participants (mean age; 22.19 ± 1.61 years) were involved in the second phase of this study. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was computed to assess the relationship between MNREAD Asante Twi charts logMAR scores in both eyes. The MNREAD-Asante Twi acuity charts had very strong correlations (r = 0.94, p < 0.001) for MNREAD set 1A (black on white background) scores and MNREAD set 2A (black on white background) for acuity scores. Correlation between MNREAD set 1B (white on black background) scores and MNREAD set 2B (white on black background) scores was r = 0.95, p < 0.001.Conclusion: MNREAD Asante Twi reading chart will enhance the measurement of near visual function in native Ghanaians.Keywords: Asante Twi, MNREAD, Visual Acuity, Near chart, Ghana.
High risk human papillomavirus (HPV) common among a cohort of women with female genital mutilation
Authors: Ogah Jeremiah , Kolawole Olatunji , Awelimobor Daniel
Published: October 2020

Background: Nigeria accounts for 25% of cases of Female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide, with increased incidence of cervical cancer.Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between FGM and HPV in a locality with high prevalence of FGM.Methods: Papanicolaou test, DNA hybridization using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and flow-through hybridization was done to determine the genotypic variants of the HPV. Physical examination and questionnaires were also used to ascertain presence of FGM.Results: FGM was found among 98(49%) subjects, while 23(11.5%) had one or more genotype of HPV. Majority of the cases of HPV (78.3%) occurred in FGM subjects. Seventeen Genotypes of HPV were found among subjects with FGM consisting of 11 high risk (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 52, 56, 73, 81, 82) and 6 low risk (43, 44, 6, 26, 84, 70). A correlation (p value = 0.0052 at 95% CI) was found between FGM and HPV prevalence with a positive result for post hoc analysis. Results show the first reported case of quintuple HPV infection in a single subject in Nigeria.Conclusion: FGM needs to be halted as it has no known health benefit yet may increase the risk for cervical cancer.Keywords: HPV, female genital mutilation.
Association of Vitamin D deficiency and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Type 2 diabetes mellitus Saudi patients
Authors: Al-Hazmi Ayman S
Published: October 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global problem. Association of multiple genes in T2DM becomes a hot point recently. This study was aimed to evaluate association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to T2DM. Subjects and methods: One hundred T2DM Saudi male patients were included in this study and one hundred healthy Saudi men were used as control. For each individual, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, HbA1c, insulin and 25-(OH) vitamin D were measured. In addition, Apal, BsmI and TaqI genotypes were performed for each subject. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16, using Spearman's rho and ANOVA tests. Results: There was significant inverse correlation between 25-(OH) vitamin D level and T2DM (p<0.01). HbA1c was inversely correlated with 25-(OH) vitamin D level (P<0.05). Genotype study showed that tt of TaqI genotype was higher in T2DM group compared with control group (p<0.05). Moreover, tt genotype has higher HbA1c than both TT and Tt genotypes (p<0.05). Conclusion: An association was confirmed between TaqI genotypes and T2DM but there is no correlation between BsmI, ApaI and T2DM. In addition, HbA1c is positively correlated with tt genotype of TaqI.Keywords: Vitamin D receptor, diabetes type 2, polymorphism.
Attitude of women in a Nigerian local government to reproductive health following health education intervention
Authors: Idoko Chinedu Arthur , Idoko Chinelo Ifeoma , Chidolue Ikechukwu Christian
Published: October 2020

Background: Health Education on reproductive health issues is indispensible in fostering safe sexual and reproductive health more so in rural populations. This study aimed at reflecting the role of health education in improvement of attitude of women to reproductive health in a rural Nigerian Local Government (LG).Methods: There was a pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention stages in this cross-sectional study. Baseline data was collected from study and control groups after which health education was only administered to study group. Post-intervention data was collected thereafter. Chi-square Test was used to test for any significant differences while multiple regression analysis was done for factors affecting reproductive health.Results: We found a statistically significant increase in parameters relating to study respondents’ attitude to reproductive health post intervention, (p = 0.000 for condoms use and concern about risk of STIs). This was not same for the control group.Conclusion: A significant number of women proved a better and positive attitude to reproductive health after intervention such as improved use of condoms to evade risks associated with unprotected sex, concern about risk of HIV and STIsKeywords: Health Education, Reproductive Health, Attitude, women, Nigerian LG.
An empirical study exploring the determinants of stress among medical healthcare professionals
Authors: Anjum Amna , Anjum Ali , Anjum Umaira , Ming Xu
Published: October 2020

Background: Medical profession is considered as one of the stressful professions. Work related stress level among the general working population is around 18% while the stress level among the healthcare practitioners is around 28%. Multiple stressors contribute to the stress of doctors resulting in negative consequences.Objective: The objective of the current study was to determine, categorize and to rank the existing stressors according to their significance for medical healthcare professionals in Pakistan.Method: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 327 doctors. 47.2% were males while 52.8% were females. A structured questionnaire was developed and convenience sampling technique was applied to collect the data from the different positions of healthcare professionals. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to categorize and to analyse the underlying structure of stressors. Finally, the stressors were ranked according to their significance.Results: Appropriateness of factor model was judged through Kaiser, Meyer and Olkin (KMO) index which was 0.905, and by Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity which resulted significant (Approx. Chi- Square= 1111.529, Df =136, Sig.=0.000). Seventeen stressors were converted into four categories by factor analysis and were supported by both scree plot and eigen values. The variance explained by the first, second, third and fourth component was 20.89%, 19.09%, 16.33%, and 11.72% respectively. The 4 components cumulatively explained 68.03% of the total variability in the data, hence supported the extraction of 4 components.Conclusion: There are number of factors which enhance the stress of healthcare professionals. In Pakistan, the major stressor of medical healthcare professionals is “career & reward prospects” followed by “workplace environmental stressor”. “Job demand & performance stressor’’ ranks third among the list of stressors and “interpersonal stressor’’ ranks fourth according to significance for healthcare professionals.Keywords: Stress, stressors, medical healthcare professionals, Pakistan.
Pseudoscience in medicine: cautionary recommendations
Authors: Callaghan Chris
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Certain real life applications of scientific and social science ideas that knowingly reject accumulated empirical biomedical evidence have been termed ‘pseudoscience,’ or empirical rejectionism. An uncritical acceptance of empiricism, or even of evidence-based medicine, however, can also be problematic.Objectives: With reference to a specific type of medical denialism associated with moral failure, justified by dissident AIDS and anti-vaccine scientific publications, this paper seeks to make the argument that this type of denialism meets certain longstanding definitions for classification as pseudoscience.Methods: This paper uses a conceptual framework to make certain arguments and to juxtapose arguments for evidence-based approaches to medicine against literature that highlights certain limitations of an unquestioning approach to empiricism. Results: Discussions of certain real life examples are used to derive the important insight that, under certain conditions, moral failure can result in the violation both Type I and Type II scientific error types, with catastrophic consequences.Conclusion: It is argued that the validity of all theory should not be assumed before sufficient empirical evidence has accumulated to support its validity across contexts. However, caution is required, to avoid the consequences of an unquestioning approach to empiricism.Keywords: Pseudoscience; denialism; medical practice; medical theory; empiricism.
Intra-operative low-dose ketamine does not reduce the cost of post-operative pain management after surgery: a randomized controlled trial in a low-income country
Authors: Ragazzoni Luca , Kwizera Arthur , Caviglia Marta , Bodas Moran , Franc Jeffrey Michael , Ssemmanda Hannington , Ripoll-Gallardo Alba , Della-Corte Francesco , Alenyo-Ngabirano Annet
Published: October 2020

Background: In developing countries, post-operative pain remains underestimated and undertreated due to economic constraints, lack of awareness and limited resources. In contrast, ketamine is an effective, readily available, easy to use and inexpensive drug frequently used in poor settings.Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the overall reduction in the medication treatment cost of acute post-operative pain by adding intra-operative low-dose ketamine to traditional intravenous morphine for surgery in a low-income country.Methods: A double blind randomized controlled trial with placebo-controlled parallel group was performed in Mulago National Hospital (Uganda). Consenting adults scheduled for elective surgery were randomized into two study arms: Group K received ketamine 0.15mg/kg bolus at induction and a continuous infusion of 0.12 mg/kg/hour till start of skin closure; Group C (control) received normal saline. Both groups received Morphine 0.1 mg/kg IV at debulking. The total medication cost was registered. NRS pain scores and other measurements such vital signs and incidence of major and minor side effects were also recorded.Results: A total of 46 patients were included. Patients’ baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups concerning the overall medication cost of post-operative pain management. Pain scores, patients’ satisfaction in the first 24 hours after surgery and hospital length of stay were similar in both groups.Conclusion: Our results do not support the utilization of intra-operative low dose ketamine as a cost-saving post-operative pain treatment strategy for all types of surgery in low-resource settings.Keywords: Post-operative pain management, ketamine, low-income country, RCT.
Prevalence of ECG abnormalities among adults with metabolic syndrome in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Abiodun Adeoye , Oladimeji Adebayo , Bamidele Tayo , Adewole Adebiyi , Mayowa Owolabi
Published: October 2020

Background: Co-existence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities heightens the risk of sudden cardiac death. However, there is a gap in evidence of how ECG changes cluster among continental Africans with or without MetS.Methods: We included 491 participants with interpretable ECG tracings who were consecutively recruited into the Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Registry (CRP). CRP is a registry of newly presenting patients into cardiology clinic of the University College Hospital, Nigeria, with a main objective of cardiovascular risk stratification to prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Using the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) criteria they were divided into those with metabolic syndrome and non-metabolic syndrome.Results: Four hundred and ninety-one participants comprising 48.3% women with mean age 53.72±15.2 years who met the IDF criteria with complete ECG interpretations were analyzed with 44.2% (men 38.6%; women 50.2%) of the participants having MetS while 74% had ECG abnormalities. Compared to women, men had higher mean serum total cholesterol, creatinine, smoking, and alcohol use, family history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, QT prolongation, LVH plus or minus strain pattern, and ECG abnormalities in general. Women were heavier, had higher heart rate and proportions of MetS. ECG findings among those with or without MetS were not significantly different. In men, IDF metabolic score was associated with conduction abnormalities (p=0.039) and combined ECG abnormality (p=0.042) which became more significant with an exclusion of QT prolongation (p=0.004). Also, IDF abdominal obesity was associated with QT prolongation (p=0.017), combined ECG abnormality (p=0.034) while HDLc correlated with ECG abnormalities (0.037) in men. There was no significant associations of components of metabolic syndrome with ECG abnormalities among women.Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of MetS and abnormal ECG among the studied population. Abnormal ECG findings were more common in men with no differential association in people with or without MetS. However, a significant association existed between certain components of MetS and ECG abnormalities in men only. Male gender and HDLc were independent predictors of ECG Abnormalities.Keyword: Electrocardiography, metabolic syndrome, africans.
Psychometric validity of the distress thermometer and problem check list in ART-naïve HIV infected patients in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Obiajulu Victor Olisah , Abiola Tajudeen , Izehinosen Christopher Okpataku , Obiako Reginald O , Aveka Ishaq Audu , Adam Bashir Yakasai , Lateef Taiwo Sheikh
Published: October 2020

Background: HIV diagnosis comes with a lot of worry and distress. Ability to objectively estimate this distress by non-psychiatrist will enhance early detection of psychological distress for intervention. Objectives: To investigate the validity of the Distress Thermometer (DT) and its problem checklist in achieving early detection of mental distress among ART-naïve HIV infected patient. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 ART-naïve HIV infected patients completed the DT and its problem check list, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Oslo Social Support Scale and the 14-item Resilience Scale. Results: The DT was positively correlated with all the measures of distress and reversely correlated with all the positive wellness in this study. The correlations were only significant for the negative measures of psychological wellness. The internal consistency of the DT’s problem list overall and sub-categories were within acceptable range (i.e. α > 0.50). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Area Under the Curves (AUC) analysis were significant and found the DT and Problem List to respectively differentiate between cases of distress, anxiety and depression. The DT’s cut-off was >5.0 with AUC range (0.754 – 0.709); sensitivity range (81.0% – 70.4%); specificity range (68.3% – 65.2%) for distress, anxiety and depression as determined by HADS. And the Problem List cut-off was >6.0 with AUC range (0.854 – 0.821); sensitivity range (90.5% - 85.7%); specificity range (68.3% - 65.2%) for distress, anxiety and depression as measured by HADS. Conclusion: The DT and Problem List were found to be valid measures of distress in ART-naïve HIV infected patients. Keywords: Distress thermometer, validity, psychological distress, ART-naïve, Northern Nigeria.
Seroprevalence, risk factors and comorbidities associated with Helicobacter pylori infection amongst children receiving care at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center
Authors: Msekandiana Amos , Msuya Levina , Philemon Rune , M'mbaga Blandina , Kinabo Grace
Published: October 2020

Background: Helicobacter pylori frequently causes gastritis and peptic ulcers, and affected children are at risk of developing gastric carcinoma later in adulthood.Methods: This was a Hospital based cross sectional study. A total of 200 children aged 6 months to 14 years were enrolled. Study subjects were tested for H. pylori using a standard serology rapid test measuring immunoglobulin G for H. pylori. For risk factors, Chi-square tests were used to test for association and then, odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values were computed using logistic regression.Results: The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori was 11.5%. The following factors were associated with H. pylori infection: Age group above 10 years, keeping a dog and household size. The independent predictors of H. pylori were: Fathers’ occupation, keeping a dog, indoor tap water, age group, household size and diabetes mellitus type 1.Conclusion: The seroprevalence of H. pylori antibodies was lower compared to most developing countries. Keeping a dog, household size, indoor tap water, fathers’ occupation and diabetes mellitus type 1 were found to be independent predictors of presence of H. pylori antibodies.Keywords: Helicobacter Pylori.
Generalized lymphadenopathy: an unusual presentation of Burkitt lymphoma in a Nigerian child: a case report
Authors: Ezenwosu Osita U , Chukwu Barth F , Okafor Okechukwu C , Ikefuna Anthony N , Emodi Ifeoma J
Published: October 2020

Intoduction: Burkitt Lymphoma is the fastest growing tumor in human and the commonest of the childhood malignancies. Generalized lymphadenopathy is a common feature of immunodeficiency associated Burkitt lymphoma but an uncommon presentation of the endemic type in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) negative children.Case presentation: The authors report a 6 year old HIV negative boy who presented with generalized lymphadenopathy, cough, weight loss, fever and drenching night sweat and had received native medication as well as treatment in private hospitals. His examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly, bull neck with generalized significant massive lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis was missed initially until a lymphnode biopsy for histology confirmed Burkitt lymphoma. He was managed on combination chemotherapy with complete resolution and now on follow up.Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented report of its kind of endemic Burkitt lymphoma involving lymphnodes generally as the primary site. High index of suspicion and early biopsy are the key in this uncommon presentation.Keywords: Burkitt lymphoma, generalized lymphadenopathy, Nigerian child.
Título en español.
Authors: J. Adsuar  , A. S. Amy  , L. López Matos
Published: October 2020

El mosaico común del tabaco y el moteado son las dos enfermedades más importantes del tabaco en Puerto Rico. Ambas enfermedades son causadas por virus. Se estableció un experimento en la Subestación de Tabaco en Caguas, para determinar qué efecto ejercen estos dos virus en el rendimiento del tabaco. El tabaco sano produjo más que los afectados por cada uno de los virus bajo estudio. No hubo diferencia significativa en cuanto al rendimiento entre las plantas afectadas por uno u otro virus. Las pérdidas en ingreso bruto ocasionadas por el efecto de los virus en el experimento pueden estimarse en alrededor de $114 por acre.
Título en español.
Authors: M. A. Lugo-López  , B. G. Capó
Published: October 2020

En este trabajo se presentan datos que demuestran cómo influye la altitud a que se siembra la caña de azúcar sobre sus rendimientos de sacarosa. Cuando se hace un estudio de estos datos se percibe el hecho de que la caña que se siembra a más de 10 m. sobre el nivel del mar produce jugos más ricos en sacarosa que la de sitios más bajos. Este efecto de la altura sobre el mayor o menor contenido de sacarosa en la caña es con toda probabilidad una acción refleja de los efectos del clima. Específicamente se aportan datos que señalan que la caña de azúcar en sitios altos, además de recibir los efectos beneficiosos de la radiación solar de igual manera que la que crece a menor altitud, también recibe los efectos de una temperatura más baja durante la noche.
Título en español.
Authors: M. A. Lugo-López  , B. G. Capó
Published: October 2020

En un esfuerzo por investigar el efecto específico que pudiera tener algún factor climático sobre el contenido de sacarosa en la caña de azúcar, al tiempo de cosecharse, se examinó y evaluó la información referente a algunas variedades comerciales de Puerto Rico, tales como las P.R. 902, M. 28, P.R. 905, P.O.J. 2878 y otras. Se registran en este trabajo las variaciones significativas en el contenido de sacarosa de una variedad que se ha venido cosechando en la misma región en años distintos. Estas variaciones estuvieron relacionadas con las condiciones del tiempo. Las cañas producidas en los plantíos bajo riego de la zona sur, donde la lluvia es muy escasa, produjeron siempre jugos de mayor contenido de sacarosa que las de todas las otras zonas, mientras que las cañas del oeste resultaron con mayor contenido de sacarosa que las producidas en las zonas del interior, norte y este. Es práctica rutinaria en la zona sur suspender los regadíos 45 ó 60 días antes de la cosecha. En las otras zonas donde no se riega la caña, se cosecha durante la época más seca del año.
Título en español.
Authors: A. González-Chapel  , Ismael Carlo
Published: October 2020

Este trabajo incluye un estudio sobre el por ciento de mortandad, antes del destete, de 382 lechigadas. Estas sumaron 3,841 cerditos, hijos de diferentes cerdas cruzadas y de pura raza. El por ciento de mortandad promedio fué 35.7. Cerca del 70 por ciento de los casos de muerte comprendió los animales nati-muertos y los que nacieron muy débiles y que murieron durante la primera semana. La debilidad congenita fué una de las causas más destacadas de la muerte de los cerditos. Se consideraron algunos factores que influyeron sobre el por ciento de mortandad antes del destete. Los cerditos nacidos durante el verano tuvieron una mortandad más baja que los nacidos en otras estaciones del año; los cruzados también tuvieron una mortandad más baja que los de pura raza. La mortandad en las lechigadas de cerdas de 16 a 23 meses de edad fué más baja que las de las de cerdas de mayor edad. Las segundas lechigadas fueron más vigorosas que las de los partos sucesivos. El peso de los cerditos al tiempo de su nacimiento influyó grandemente sobre la mortandad antes del destete; murió un menor número de los cerditos de mayor peso. Las lechigadas de 12 ó más cerditos tuvieron un mayor por ciento de mortandad que las de menor número de cerditos. Se estudió estadísticamente la relación entre la edad, el número de cerditos en la lechigada, el peso al nacer y el número de lechigadas. La edad y el número de lechigadas influyó sobre el por ciento de mortandad antes del destete principalmente, a través de su efecto sobre el tamaño de la lechigada, y éste a la vez a través de la relación con el peso al nacer. Relativamente, el peso al nacer fué el factor más importante, influyendo así más directamente sobre el por ciento de mortandad.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE POLYBASIC ORGANIC ACIDS PRESENT IN GUAVAS AND ACEROLA BY PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Rafael Santini, Jr.  , Alice S. Huyke
Published: October 2020

IDENTIFICATION OF THE POLYBASIC ORGANIC ACIDS PRESENT IN GUAVAS AND ACEROLA BY PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY
TRANSMISSION OF CUCUMBER MOSAIC (CUCUMBER VIRUS 9) FOUND IN PUERTO RICO TO CARICA PAPAYA
Authors: J. Adsuar
Published: October 2020

TRANSMISSION OF CUCUMBER MOSAIC (CUCUMBER VIRUS 9) FOUND IN PUERTO RICO TO CARICA PAPAYA
Comparative Productivity of Merker Grass and of a Kudzu-Merker Grass Mixture as Affected by Season and Cutting Height
Authors: Caro-Costas Ruben , Vicente-Chandler José
Published: October 2020

The yields of a tropical kudzu-Merker grass association were compared to those of Merker grass growing alone and fertilized with 300 pounds of nitrogen per acre yearly. The effect of two heights of cutting and of season of the year on the productivity of these forages was also studied. Merker grass produced 23,652 pounds of dry matter and 1,773 pounds of crude protein per acre yearly, or about twice as much dry matter and protein as did the kudzu-Merker grass association. Kudzu contributed about 19 percent of the dry matter and almost 40 percent of the protein produced by the association. The Merker grass growing alone had a higher protein content than that growing with kudzu. Merker grass both alone and in association with kudzu yielded more when cut at a height of 2 inches from the ground than when cut at a 10-inch height. The reverse was true with tropical kudzu. Because of this compensating effect cutting height had no significant effect on yields of the kudzu-Merker grass mixture. Because of a higher proportion of kudzu, the protein content of the mixture was greater with high cutting, however. Both Merker grass and the kudzu-Merker grass association yielded about twice as much forage during the "summer" months as during the "winter" months. Lower rainfall, cooler temperature, and shorter days during the "winter" months appeared to be responsible for the reduction in growth occurring during this season. The latter two factors were apparently responsible for most of the difference in growth rates which suggest that only limited benefits may accrue from supplemental irrigation of forages during the "winter" months in the humid areas of Puerto Rico.
Título en español.
Authors: G. Samuels  , S. Alers Alers  , P. Landrau, Jr.
Published: October 2020

Cuando se compararon distintas técnicas para tomar las muestras en cuanto al diagnóstico foliar de la caña de azúcar, las diferencias fueron las siguientes: 1. Los métodos que usan en Hawaii, en la Guayana Inglesa y en Mauricio para tomar las muestras indicaron valores similares. 2. El método en uso en Puerto Rico, en el cual se incluye la vena central de la hoja, dio valores más bajos para nitrógeno y fósforo, pero más altos para potasa. 3. Las hojas de caña individuales, desde el número 3(+l) a 6(+4) no demostraron variación apreciables alguna para nitrógeno, pero los valores bajaron para fósforo, potasio y humedad de la vaina, según se aumentaba el número de hojas. 4. El análisis de las distintas partes de la hoja demostraron que la lámina tiene un mayor contenido de nitrógeno y fósforo, pero menor de potasio que la vena central. 5. Los valores óptimos de los nutrimientos en las hojas fueron comparados entre varios países, después que se hicieron los ajustes requeridos para someter estos valores a una norma igual sobre una base común. En términos generales, los valores en cuanto a las hojas fueron similares, sin tener que ver en nada con el país, el método o la variedad de caña.
Título en español.
Authors: John P. Decker  , Marco A. Tió
Published: October 2020

Este estudio presenta los resultados de una investigación para determinar los efectos de ciclos alternados de luz-sombra-luz en la respiración y la función fotosintética de las hojas de café. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la mayor parte del producto de la fotosíntesis de una hoja es cancelada inmediatamente por la fotorespiración y como consecuencia, una pequeña parte del producto fotosintético permanece como ganancia neta y pasa a ser parte del peso seco de la planta.
Título en español.
Authors: Fritz Fromm
Published: October 2020

1. El contaje de las frondas de Lemna minor se presta más para determinar el promedio de crecimiento que el número de plantas. 2. El volumen mínimo de la solución nutritiva de Clark para una planta con dos frondas es de 1 ml. diario. 3. El crecimiento de Lemna minor en solución de nutrientes produce cambios mensurables en la concentración de nutrientes en un período de 24 horas. Un cambio diario de la solución es, en consecuencia, aconsejable. Esto también se aplica al nutriente que contiene el agente tóxico, así como es posible que ocurra una reducción en la concentración. 4. La historia previa de las plantas se evidencia en un promedio de crecimiento irregular durante los primeros días del experimento, siempre que la historia sea diferente de las condiciones del experimento. Las plantas que van a usarse en una prueba deben cultivarse bajo condiciones que vayan a aplicarse para el control, hasta que el promedio de crecimiento de ellas sea razonablemente constante. 5. Se describe aquí el método modificado para la prueba de fitotoxicidad con Lemna.
The Effect of Chemical Pretreatment on the Quality of Dehydrated Pigeonpeas
Authors: Rahman Abdul R.
Published: October 2020

A study was undertaken to determine the effect of soaking pigeonpeas in a 0.2-percent solution of sodium hydroxide for 4 hours before dehydration, upon the quality of the dehydrated product. The results showed that: 1. The treated pigeonpeas contained less moisture, but had a higher rehydration ratio upon reconstitution than the untreated ones, regardless of their stage of maturity. 2. The percentage of breakage in the seedcoats of the treated pigeonpeas was higher than that for the untreated ones. 3. The protein content was almost the same in the treated and untreated peas, but the treated pigeonpeas were higher in starch and lower in total sugars than the untreated ones. 4. The organoleptic tests established a definite difference in color and texture between the products, but no difference in flavor. The two products were equally acceptable to the taste panel. Similar results were obtained when comparing both treated and untreated dehydrated pigeonpeas with the canned ones. 5. The shear-press and the Hunter Color and Color Difference Meter tests indicated that the treated pigeonpeas were more tender and greener than the untreated ones.
THE ABSORPTION OF WATER BY WASHED PARCHMENT COFFEE WHEN STORED UNDER WATER
Authors: Boyce D. S.
Published: October 2020

THE ABSORPTION OF WATER BY WASHED PARCHMENT COFFEE WHEN STORED UNDER WATER
The Effects of some Processing Variables on the Quality of Canned Pigeonpeas
Authors: Sánchez Nieva F. , González M. A. , Benero J. R.
Published: October 2020

The effect of a number of processing variables on the quality of canned pigeonpeas was studied. Storage of the unshelled peas at 45° F. for 9 days had no appreciable effect on the quality of the canned product. The length of the blanching treatment was found to determine to a certain degree the color and turbidity of the brines. The longer the blanching treatment the clearer and less turbid are the brines. The rate of flow of make-up water to the blancher had no effect on the color and turbidity of the brine, provided the blanched peas were thoroughly washed and drained before canning. Holding-time before retorting and length of cooling of the cans had no effect on the quality of the canned product. Contact of pigeonpeas with iron, brass, or copper surfaces was found to result in brine discoloration. Excessive head-space was found to result in highly colored and turbid brines and peas discolored bluish. The type of can used, whether plain tin with C-enameled ends, or the fully enameled, had no appreciable effect on the quality of the canned product. When the pigeonpeas are blanched in calcium chloride solutions or calcium chloride is added to the can, the number of cracks in the canned peas can be reduced, but the peas become so tough as to render them inedible. The addition of 2 percent of sugar to the brine was found to have no effect on the flavor or the overall quality of canned pigeonpeas. Based on the results of the experiments reported, recommendations are given about the best process to use in canning high-quality pigeonpeas.
ABORTIVE FLOWER-CLUSTER MUTANT IN TOMATOES
Authors: H. Azzam
Published: October 2020

ABORTIVE FLOWER-CLUSTER MUTANT IN TOMATOES
Título en español.
Authors: John Hayward Sanfiorenzo
Published: October 2020

Este estudio comprende un análisis de los récords de producción de leche y de mortandad en cabritos con el propósito de evaluar las siguientes seis líneas de cabras: Saanen, Nativa, 1/2 Saanen X 1/2 Nativa, 3/4 Saanen X 1/4 Nativa, 7/8 Saanen X 1/8 Nativa y 1/2 Saanen X 3/4 Barbada X 1/4 Nativa. Las fuentes de variación estudiadas fueron como sigue: Líneas de cruzamiento; año, edad de las cabras, y edad de los cabritos. La información incluyó 155 récords de 73 cabras lecheras y 375 récords de cabritos. El estudio cubre el período de 1955 al 1959, ambos años inclusive. Todas las líneas superaron significativamente la producción de leche de las cabras nativas. El promedio de producción de leche más alto lo tuvo el cruce triple: 1/2 Saanen X 1/4 Barbada X 1/4 Nativa. Le siguieron en orden descendente la raza Saanen, y los cruces 3/4 Saanen X 1/4 Nativa y 7/8 Saanen X 1/8 Nativa. Las diferencias en producción de leche entre las diferentes edades fueron altamente significativas. La producción de leche aumentó con la edad hasta los 6 años. No hubo información en cuanto a edades mayores de 6 años. La producción máxima se obtuvo de cabras de los 4 a los 6 años de edad. Se observaron variaciones entre la producción de leche de algunos años. Estas variaciones se atribuyen, en parte, a la tendencia de las cabras a aumentar su producción de leche según van teniendo más edad, y en parte, a las variaciones ambientales que son incontrolables. Las diferencias en el porcentaje de mortandad entre las líneas no fueron significativas. El porcentaje de mortandad más bajo ocurrió en el cruce triple: 1/2 Saanen X 1/4 Barbada X 1/4 Nativa, mientras que el más alto ocurrió en el cruce 1/2 Saanen X 1/2 Nativa. Las diferencias en mortandad entre años se consideraron de menor importancia. El aumento en competencia, al agrupar un número alto de cabritos en corrales pequeños, contribuyó a las variaciones observadas. El porcentaje mortandad fué mayor en cabritos de 2 a 6 meses de edad, que en los de hasta 1 mes; y que en los de 7 a 12 meses. Estas diferencias fueron significativas al nivel del 5 por ciento.
Título en español.
Authors: Bernardo G. Capó
Published: October 2020

Al presente no existen métodos de análisis de suelos que ofrezcan información que permita estimar con precisión las cantidades de los distintos nutrientes que se requiere añadir a un suelo para una ganancia máxima por el agricultor. Aunque los resultados de experimentos de campo permiten estimar estos requisitos óptimos de abonamiento para la producción comercial de una cosecha, es necesario aguardar a cosechar e interpretar los resultados de dichos experimentos para disponer de esta información. Los datos suministrados por experimentos realizados con plantas indicadoras con antelación a la época de abonamiento de las cosechas comerciales adolecen de la misma falta de precisión que la información suministrada pollos análisis químicos de los suelos. El autor ha descubierto la existencia de una relación matemática que puede utilizarse para representar con un alto grado de precisión la relación entre el contenido de un nutriente por el tejido vegetal en cierta etapa del ciclo de producción y el rendimiento de la planta cuyo tejido se analiza. Utilizando esta relación conjuntamente con la relación entre el contenido asimilable de nutrientes por el suelo y el rendimiento del cultivo sembrado en dicho suelo, es posible estimar con un alto grado de precisión las cantidades de nutrientes que deben añadirse a un campo comercial para que el agricultor obtenga un beneficio económico máximo.
Título en español.
Authors: Niilo Virkki
Published: October 2020

Gunnera insignis (Oersted) D.C. es una planta de gran tamaño de Costa Rica con valor potencial como planta ornamental. Las relaciones cromosómicas en el género Gunnera eran prácticamente desconocidas. El complemento cromosómico diploide se compone de 34 cromosomas acrocéntricos de tamaño bastante diferente. El proceso meiótico es normal y vigoroso, tanto en las PMC, así como también en las MMC. Aparecen 17 bivalentes en la primera división. La localización procéntrica absoluta de la primera (o única) quiasma ocurre en las MMC. La misma tendencia se nota en algunos más grandes bivalentes de las PMC. El curso de la terminalización de los quiasmas en los demás bivalentes de las PMC es lento. El saco embriónico maduro de G. insignis es tetraespórico, 16-nuclear, 2-fásico y multipolar; tiene una célula huevo, un núcleo gigante poliplóideo formado por la fusión de 7 núcleos polares, y 6 células antipodales. Excepcionalmente, 2 núcleos de fusión más pequeños ocurren en lugar de 1 grande. Esto se considera como una señal de la repolarización incompleta de los núcleos del saco embriónico.
Influence of the Inclination of Sugarcane Stalks on Their Sucrose Content
Authors: Alers Alers Severiano , Samuels George
Published: October 2020

A field test was conducted with a ratoon of P.R. 980 to determine the influence that the degree of inclination of sugarcane from the vertical, or lodging, has on the sucrose components. The sugarcane was inclined at angles of 30°, 60°, and 90° from the vertical for 30, 60, and 120 days. There was no appreciable difference in sucrose components that could be attributed to the degree of inclination from the vertical. There were small increases in sucrose-percent-cane, sucrose-percent-juice, and polarization for the 30° and 60° treatments at 30 and 60 days. However, the purity and Brix tended to show very little variation that could be attributed to the degree of inclination.
Glomerella Gummosis of Citrus Species in Puerto Rico
Authors: Alvarez García Luis A.
Published: October 2020

This article deals with the results of research on a serious gummosis disease found in the Isabela region, especially attacking citron, grapefruit, sour orange, and orange. Further studies indicated a rapid spread of the disease in the vicinities of Isabela, Adjuntas, and Jayuya, seen now "in scions and grafting stocks in nurseries and groves" of citrus. Inoculations of the fungus on these citrus fruits proved the pathogenicity of this organism. Then accurate control methods were adopted by inoculating spore suspensions into the injured tissues and keeping these seedlings at a temperature range of 24° to 26° C. and a relative humidity of 60 to 80 percent. Control seedlings with stem injuries, but no fungus spores inoculated into them were also held under these scientific conditions until they healed well, thus developing healthy callus around the inactivated diseased areas. However, the "Glomerella gummosis", as it is called, is not necessarily a foot rot. It attacks through stem wounds and even causes leaf infections that then invade the petioles and enter stems where it causes pitchy lesions, and "teardrops" ooze from cankers.
Relation of Maturity to Some Fruit Characters of the West Indian Cherry
Authors: Pérez López Agripino
Published: October 2020

An experiment was conducted on West Indian Cherries of the B-17 variety at the Isabela Agricultural Experiment Substation to study the relationships between ripeness and chemical composition of the fruit at various harvesting dates. Most of the trees bloomed practically at the same time, so that it was easy to replicate the harvesting dates: May 3, May 7, May 10, May 14, and May 17. The fruit characters studied in this experiment were: Percentage of ripe fruits, total solids, ascorbic acid, and fruit produced per tree. The major results of this experiment were as follows: 1. The percentage of ripe fruits increased as the season progressed. Eight percent of nonripe fruits were still found on the last harvesting date, May 17. 2. The total solids were much higher at the end of the season, indicating that the mature fruits had more total solids than the immature. 3. The ascorbic acid content was much lower at the end of the season, indicating that the percentage of this vitamin is reduced as the fruits mature. 4. The highly significant correlation coefficient between percentage of ripe fruits and total solids and ascorbic acid suggests that these characters are affected by ripeness.
DIAPREPES ABBREVIATA LINNAEUS ON PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.
Authors: Jackson George C.
Published: October 2020

DIAPREPES ABBREVIATA LINNAEUS ON PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.
Factors Affecting the Stability of Vitamin C in Tropical Fruit Juices and Nectars
Authors: Rahman Abdul R. , Anziani J. , Cruz-Cay J. R.
Published: October 2020

Studies were conducted on the effect of certain factors such as temperature, pH, degrees Brix, concentration of vitamin C, and storage in sealed as well as in open containers, on the stability of vitamin C in tropical fruit juices and nectars. They were fortified with different quantities of synthetic vitamin C (1-ascorbic acid) ranging between 10 and 4,000 mg. per 100 ml.
Yields of Four Cucumber Varieties After Treatment with a Nematocide
Authors: Pérez López A. , Mendoza Barbosa R.
Published: October 2020

The behavior of the cucumber varieties P.R. 39, Wisconsin SMR 15, Ohio MR 17, and West Indian Gherkin, after treatment with two concentrations of D.D. (dichloropropene, dichloropropane) was studied in the Isabela area. The following major results were obtained: 1. The variety P.R. 39 produced much more fruit than any of the other varieties studied. 2. Many more fruits were produced in all plots treated with D.D. than in those not treated. 3. Visual observations in the field demonstrated that, as reported by Rico Ballester et al. (6), the P.R. 39 was more resistant to the downy mildew disease than any of the other varieties studied.
Inheritance of an Induced Chlorophyll Mutant in Oats (Avena Sativa)
Authors: Abrams R. , Grindeland R. , Frey K. J.
Published: October 2020

A chlorophyll-defective mutation identified as albovirescens was isolated from hexaploid oats, Clintland 60 variety, treated with ethyl methane sulfonate and P32. Study of the F2 and F3 , and M2 and M3 generations in which this mutation was segregating showed that the albovirescens character was conditioned by a recessive gene in the homozygous condition. A deficiency of progenies in the segregating classes of the F3 and M3 probably resulted from the many cases of inadequate sample size within progenies.
Relationship between Ethyl Methanesulphonate Concentration and Immersion Interval, and Germination and Seedling Vigor in Oats
Authors: Abrams R. , Frey K. J.
Published: October 2020

Seed of Clintland 60 variety of oats were immersed for 2- and 24-hour intervals in water and in EMS solutions of 0.04-, 0.08-, and 0.12-mol strength, and for 2- and 4-hour intervals in 0.04- and 0.12-mol solutions. None of the EMS concentrations reduced germination percentages or seedling heights markedly when the immersion interval was 2 hours. However, the 24-hour immersion was lethal, with the 0.08- and 0.12-mol solutions, and reduced germination percentage to 33 with the 0.04-mol solution. Reduction in germination percentage and seedling height after treatment with 0.12-mol EMS solution for 4 hours closely approximated the M1 damage for treating oat seed with 1.4-2.0 X 1013 neutrons per square centimeter.
Antibody Titers of Dairy Heifers following Vaccination with a Staphylococcal Toxoid
Authors: Rivera Anaya José D. , Berrocal Carlos M. , Rosado Carbó G.
Published: October 2020

Five milliliters of Slanetz No. 7 Staphylococcal Toxoid were injected intramuscularly into 43 pregnant heifers in 3 herds; a booster dose was given 1 month later. The antibody level in both the blood sera and the milk wheys of these heifers was determined through a 13-month period. The average blood-serum titer reached a 1:50 level 1 month after vaccination, and remained around that level until the fifth postvaccinal month. Thereafter, a continuous and rapid decrease in titer was observed until the 11th postvaccinal month. An increase in titer was observed after the annual booster dose was given. Although the staphylococcal antibody titers in milk wheys from two herds showed a peak in the third month, the levels went steeply down at the 5th-month observation. The general average trend was a steady and steep decrease in milk-whey antibody titer through the 11-month postvaccinal observation period, with a very feeble response after the annual booster dose.
Productivity of Nine Coffee Varieties Growing under Intensive Management in Full Sunlight and Partial Shade in the Coffee Region of Puerto Rico
Authors: Abruña Fernando , Vicente-Chandler José , Silva Servando , Gracia William
Published: October 2020

The productivity of nine varieties of coffee, grown with intensive management in full sunlight and beneath shade trees under typical conditions in the Coffee Region of Puerto Rico, were determined. Much higher yields were produced by all varieties when grown in full sunlight than in about a 30-percent shade provided by trees. The Mundo Nuevo and Puerto Rico 401 varieties were the highest yielders in full sunlight, averaging well over 2,000 pounds of market coffee per acre yearly. Columnaris was lowest. There was little difference in yields of the Red and Yellow Bourbon, Kent, Caturra, Pacas, and Villalobos varieties under these conditions. There was little difference in the productivity of the various varieties when grown under shade trees. Somewhat larger beans were produced by all varieties when grown under shade than in full sunlight. The Mundo Nuevo and Puerto Rico 401 varieties yielded a high proportion of large-sized beans. There was no sharp difference in the proportion of commercial-grade beans, >15/64 inch in width, produced by the different varieties either in full sunlight or under shade trees. Shading had no appreciable effect on the ratio of berries to market coffee, but there were marked varietal differences. The Mundo Nuevo and Puerto Rico 401 varieties had the narrowest ratios, producing about 5 pounds of market coffee for every 28 pounds (20 liters or 1 almud) of berries. Neither shading nor varieties had any important effect on the proportion of abnormal beans. Shading considerably delayed ripening of the coffee berries and berries of the Caturra variety ripened considerably later than those of the other varieties studied.
RADIATION EFFECTS ON BANANA CORMS, MUSA SAPIENTUM
Authors: Azzam H. , Linden D. B.
Published: October 2020

RADIATION EFFECTS ON BANANA CORMS, MUSA SAPIENTUM