bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of the Cabbage Looper and Imported Cabbageworm on Collards, 1982
Authors: Linduska James J.
Published: March 2022

'Vates' collards were direct seeded in 4 row plots 37.5 ft long on Jul 8. Plants were spaced 6-8 inches apart in the row and 36 inches between rows. Each plot was buffered by 2 guard rows. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. The soil was a Norfolk 'A' loamy sand. All spray treatments were mixed in 10 gal of water and applied with a custom-built row crop sprayer. Each row was covered by 3 drop nozzles delivering 50 gal/acre at 90 psi. Treatments were applied on Aug 13, 18, and 25; Sep 2. Foliage injury ratings ranged from 1-5 and were indexed as follows: 1) 0-3 damage - odd holes on leaves; 2) 4-10% damage - few leaves with holes; 3) 11-25% damage - moderate number of leaves with holes; 4) 26-50% damage - most leaves with holes; and 5) 51-100% damage -crown damage and/or all leaves with holes.
Sweetcorn, Control of a Mixed Infestation of Corn Earworm and Fall Armyworm, 1982
Authors: All J. N. , Javid A. , Dix D. E.
Published: March 2022

‘Funks G80’ was planted Jun 8 at the University of Georgia Experiment Station, Oconee Co. The soil type was Appling coarse sandy loam. A randomized complete block experimental design was used with 2 row plots x 20-ft long x 38-inch row width x 2-ft alleys. There were 5 replicates. Plants were treated with a full cone spray using an air pressure sprayer at 30 psi in a final volume of 50 gal/acre directed on the plant ears. Plots were sprayed 12 times on Jul 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30, Aug 2, 4, 6, and 9. All ears in the center 18 ft of row were examined on Aug 11 for the presence of corn earworm and fall armyworm larvae or damage.
Cabbage Looper and Green Peach Aphid Control on Lettuce, 1982
Authors: Robbins P. S. , Hessney M. L. , Eckenrode C. J.
Published: March 2022

Each treatment consisted of two 25-ft rows bordered on each side by 2 rows of sweet corn replicated 4 times and planted Jul 29 in a randomized complete block design. Plants were thinned to ca 12 inches. Row spacing was 35 inches. Prior to the test, the entire plot was sprayed 2 times with carbaryl at 1 lb ai/acre to increase aphid populations. Treatment applications were made Sep 20 using a 2-row tractor-mounted sprayer delivering 30 GPA through 3 flat fan SS110015 TeeJet nozzles/row. Counts were made Sep 22 by removing 3 heads from each plot and dissecting them.
Control Of Euorpean Corn Borer on Peppers Interplanted with Other Vegetables, 1981
Authors: Latheef M. A. , Ortiz J. H.
Published: March 2022

‘California Wonder’ pepper was transplanted on May 15 at Virginia State University’s Randolph Farm, Chesterfield Co., VA. Soil type was a Goldsboro fine sandy loam. The field plots were assembled as a randomized complete block design with 4 rows, each 3 m long. Pepper was planted in one of these rows while eggplant, collard and squash were planted in the remaining 3 rows. These plots were replicated 4 times with 1.5 m alley between plots. The pepper plants were treated 2 wk after planting with a piston pump sprayer mounted with a single hollow cone nozzle. Spray solutions were prepared at the rate of 100 gal/acre. Spraying was initiated on May 20 and was continued at biweekly intervals thereafter until a total of 5 sprayings were completed. Peppers were harvested on Jul 14, 21, 27, Aug 5, 18, 31 and Sep 15. On each sampling date, number of fruits infested were counted and the data converted to arcsin-%transformation. These data were pooled and variance analysis was performed.
Synthetic Pyrethroid Effects on Potato Chipping Color and Yield, 1980
Authors: Dripps James E. , Smilowitz Zane , Gronceski Mark E.
Published: March 2022

FMC-45806 was evaluated separately from tuber samples collected at the Southeastern Field Research Lab in Lancaster County, PA. At Rock Springs, a randomized complete block design with 4 replications was used. Treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of the 4 insecticides and 3 schedules of application. The insecticides were applied early in the season (Jul 20 and 27), all season (Jul 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, and 17), or late in the season (Aug 10 and 17). Tractor movement was equal through all plots. Label rates were used for all compounds. Plots consisted of six 18 ft rows planted 34 inches apart, 9 inches between plants. Certified, class B ‘Norchip’ seed potatoes were planted May 27. Temik 15G at 3.0 lb ai/acre was applied in furrow to all treatments. Dithane M-45 was applied at 1.5 lb ai/acre on a 5-7 day schedule for potato late blight control. Sampling on Jul 31 and Aug 13 indicated that all plots were essentially pest-free. Two rows per plot were harvested on Oct 8 and stored at 55-60 0F. On Nov 4-6 and Jan 26-27, 1981, samples from each treatment were chipped under standard conditions at the Potato Quality Lab at Rock Springs, PA. The samples were compared to color standards and rated from 1 (light) to 5 (dark). The FMC-45806 samples were taken from an insecticide trial in Lancaster County and both the control and FMC-45806 plots had Colorado potato beetle damage.
Field Test of Pydrin Plus Piperonyl Butoxide for Colorado Potato Beetle Control, 1982
Authors: Silcox Charles , Lashomb James , Ng Y.S.
Published: March 2022

Test was conducted on a grower’s farm in Dayton, NJ. Potato seed pieces were planted in rows 36 inches apart on Mar 29. Single row plots were 10 ft long and each ft treatment was replicated 6 times in a randomized complete block design. A guard row buffered each treated row. Sprays were applied with a hand-held compressed air sprayer using a single nozzle calibrated to deliver 40 gal/acre. A single spray was applied Jun 2 and Colorado potato beetle larvae were counted 1 day later.
Irish Potato, Foliar Sprays for Control of Colorado Potato Beetle, 1981
Authors: Sorensen Kenneth A. , Johnson Eric M.
Published: March 2022

‘Superior’ Irish potato seed pieces were planted on raised beds on Mar 11 near Benson, NC. Single-row plots 10 ft long on 42-inch centers were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Five ft alleys separated blocks. A single application was made on May 4 when approximately 75% of the CPB were in early larval instars. Treatments were applied using a 2.5 gal, CO- pressurized, backpack sprayer with a single hollow cone nozzle operated at 40 psi at a rate equivalent to 100 gal of water per acre. Ortho X-77 surfactant was added to all treatments. CPB pressure was moderate. Pretreatment counts were made for CPB eggs, larvae and adults on 3 plants on May 4. Post-treatment counts were made similarly on May 11. Foliar damage ratings were made on Jun 3. Yield data was taken on Jun 16.
Potato Leafhopper and Pea Aphid Control on Alfalfa Study, Block II, 1982
Authors: Flessel John K.
Published: March 2022

A 2-year-old stand of ‘Saranac AR’ at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at Wooster, Ohio was used for this study. Treatments were applied using a tractor-mounted Myers hydraulic sprayer, calibrated to deliver 20 gpa at 20 psi. Plots were 30 x 60 ft and arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. The alfalfa was 10 in tall at treatment and 25 in tall at the completion of the study. Cygon was the standard.
Pea Aphid Control on Alfalfa, 1982
Authors: Manglitz George R.
Published: March 2022

This test was conducted at the Nebraska Agric Exp Stn Mead Field Laboratory, Mead, NE in a second year stand of ‘Vernal’ alfalfa. Plots were 2.7 m x 4.6 m, arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated 3 times. A single application of 5 insecticides, at various rates, was applied on May 18. Insecticides were applied with a CO2activated pressure sprayer calibrated to deliver 140.3 1/ha at 1.41 kg/cm and equipped with a 1.7-m boom with NF #12 nozzles. Each plot was sampled twice, 9 and 14 days post treatment, by taking 5 sweeps per plot with a 38.1-cm diameter insect net.
Cereal Leaf Beetle Control in Barley, 1982
Authors: McPherson Robert M.
Published: March 2022

Small plots, 6.1 x 7.4 m, were established in ‘Boone’ barley planted in early Oct., 1981, on the Joe Hicks Farm in Richmond County, VA. Plots were sprayed on May 14 with Malathion 57% EC or left untreated, when cereal leaf beetle populations reached 14.5 larvae/0.3 row-m. The spray concentrate was applied with a CO2 compressed air sprayer at 32 psi that delivered 29 gal of finished formulation per acre. A randomized experimental block desrgn was employed with 6 replications. Efficacy of the treatment was determined 3, 7 and 14 days after application by inspecting whole plants for the presence of live larvae per 0.3 row-m. Yield estimates were obtained from 4.9 row-m samples collected from the center of each plot. Yields were adjusted to 14% moisture.
Miticide Efficacy Test, 1982
Authors: Buschman L.L.
Published: March 2022

This experiment was conducted in a late-planted, flood-irrigated corn field in northern Grant Co, KS. Ten treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Each plot was 3 m wide (4 rows) and 15.2 m long surrounded by a 3 m-wide border of untreated corn. The treatments were applied on 1 of 2 dates except for 1 treatment that received 2 applications. The early treatments were applied on Jul 30 when the corn was in the 16-leaf stage (pre-tassel) and the late treatments were applied on Aug 10 when the corn was in the tassel stage. The chemical treatments were made with a high clearance sprayer using a 3-m boom with 3 nozzles directed at each row (1 nozzle directly over the row and 2 suspended on 46 cm drop hoses). The equipment was calibrated to deliver 20 gal of water/acre at 30 psi of CO2pressure. Counts were made by searching the leaves on 1 side of 2 plants in each of the 2 center rows to give 4 half-plant samples per plot. Plants were selected at random on the first sampling date and flagged so that the same plant could be counted on each sampling date. A visual search was used to record adult female spider mites and active stages of predator mites. Representative samples of spider mites were mounted for microscopic examination and all were determined to be the Banks grass mite.
Late Season In-Whorl Treatments for Control of Fall Armyworm in Field Corn, 1982
Authors: Shamiyeh N.B. , Pless CD.
Published: March 2022

‘Pioneer 3147’ corn was planted on Jun 15 (experiment I) and 28 (experiment II) at the Highland Rim Experiment Station, Springfield. Plots were 20 ft x 4 rows with 5 ft alleys between blocks. Rows were spaced 40 in apart. Five treatments in each test were replicated 4 times in a randomized complete block design. Corn was thinned to 26 plants/20 row ft. Liquid formulations were sprayed with 2.5 gal compressed air sprayers at 40 gal/acre with portable CO2tanks supplying constant sprayer tank pressure of 30 psi. In the first experiment treatments were applied on Jul 21 when the infestation level was 9.08 larvae/plant, and extended plant height was 46.3 in. In the second experiment the first treatments were applied on Jul 21 when there were 4.22 larvae/plant and extended plant height was 22.5 in. Treatments were applied again on Jul 28. Yield determinations in both tests were made on Oct 27 when moisture levels were 24.35 in the first planting and 30.13% in the second planting.
Leafhopper Control in Tall Fescue Pasture, 1980 AND 1981
Authors: Kelly R.E. , Klostermeyer L.E.
Published: March 2022

An established mixed tall fescue pasture at the University of Tennessee’s Plateau Experiment Station, Grasslands Farm, Crossville, TN, was treated with foliar and granular insecticides for control of leafhoppers. Three treatments, replicated 12 times in a randomized complete block design, each were applied to 5.5 m by 1.6 m plots. The foliar insecticides, malathion and Cygon, were applied in 234 1 of water per hectare at 206.8 kPa with a CO2-pressurized boom sprayer mounted on bicycle wheels. The granular insecticde, Counter, was spread evenly using shaker jars. In 1980 Counter was applied monthly on May 27, Jul 1, Aug 19, and Sep 16; malathion was applied biweekly on May 27, Jun 10, Jul 1, 15, Aug 19, Sep 2 and 16. In 1981 Counter was applied monthly on May 22, Jun 24, Jul 22 and Aug 19; Cygon was appliwf biweekly on May 22, Jun 24, Jul 8, 22, Aug 5 and 9. Leafhopper samples were taken with a D-Vac suction sampler with a 0.09 m2 head from 4 Replicates only. Five spots per plot were sampled for 30 sec each. Yield was taken from all 12 replicates from a 53-cm swath cut out of the center of each plot using a Sensation lawn mower. In 1980 total rainfall for Jun, Jul and Aug was 7.9 cm, 3.7 cm and 6.4 cm, respectively; in 1981 rainfall amounts for the same months were 11.5 cm, 7.1 cm and 12.0 cm, respectively.
Control of Grasshoppers on Rangeland with Carbaryl, 1982
Authors: Onsager Jerome A. , Mazuranich Philip C.
Published: March 2022

A new FR formulation of carbaryl was applied at 4 dosage rates (4, 5, 6, and 8 oz ai/acre) to square 40-acre plots replicated 4 times near Douglas, WY on Jul 21-23. The primary objective was to compare 2 basic formulations; the secondary objective was to evaluate effects of replacing toxicant with ‘PA-3’, a confidential anti-evaporant that theoretically could also act as an attractant, feeding stimulant, or feeding arrestant. All treatments were applied in 20 oz of liquid/acre, comprised of 4 oz of water, plus either 16 fl oz of FR in the case of the highest dosage rate or 16 fl oz of a mixture containing FR diluted with sufficient PA-3 to provide the 4, 5, and 6 oz dosages. These treatments were compared to a standard treatment of 16 fl oz of Sevin 4.0 Oil (8 oz ai) diluted with 4 fl oz of diesel oil/acre. All treatments were applied with a Cessna Ag-Husky aircraft at 28 psi through Spraying Systems 0-5 nozzles and no. 45 course swirl plates. Flight speed was 125 mph, flight height was 100 ft, and swath width was 100 ft. Nozzles were directed straight down for the 6 and 8 oz FR treatments, and were directed slightly backwards for the other 3 treatments. Actual application rates were calculated to range from 19.1 to 20.2 fl oz/acre.
Greenbug (Biotype E) Control on Grain Sorghum, 1982
Authors: Kindler, S.D. , Spomer S.M.
Published: March 2022

This test was conducted at Nebraska Agric. Exp. Sta. Field Laboratory, Mead, NE in grain sorghum planted Jun 4. Plots were 3 rows, 9.15 m long. Plots were separated by 2 untreated buffer rows to minimize spray drift between treatments. Treatments were^repl icated 3 times in a randomized complete block design. Sprays were applied by a bicycle-wheeled plot sprayer at 2.109 kg/cm2 and 246.8 1/ha through a boom filtered with 1 top nozzle and 2 drop nozzles/row. The liquids were propelled with pressurized CO2. Sprays were applied Aug 4 at which time plants were in the boot stage. The efficacy of each insecticide was evaluated by counting live greenbugs on each of 5 plants selected at random from the center row of each plot at 1, 6, and 14 days post treatments. Rainfall during the sampling period was measurable on Aug 9 (1.0 in), Aug 10 (3.20 in), Aug 12 (0.20 in), Aug 13 (2.60 in), and Aug 14 (0.40 in).
Cattle, Atroban Ear Tags for Face Fly and Horn Fly Control, 1982
Authors: Herald Freddie , Knapp F.W.
Published: March 2022

Five Atroban permethrin ear tag formulations were tested on beef cattle for face fly and horn fly control. These differed as to the DOP plasticizer percentages, permethrin concentration, cis:trans isomer ratio and dyes. They were compared on mixed cow-calf herds ranging in size from 23 to 35 cows. Only the cows were treated with 1 tag per ear. One treatment was applied by stapling ear tag strips containing the commercial Atroban formulation onto the backside of the cattle identification ear tags and allowing the strip to extend 0.5 in below the ID tags. Treatments were applied during the first week in Jul. Each Atroban treatment was tested on 1 herd of cattle. A similar herd of untreated beef cattle within the area was used as the untreated check for evaluating the effectiveness of the tags. Face fly and horn fly counts were made on 10 cows in each treatment before tagging and at regular post-treatment intervals.
Apple, Insecticide Tests, 1982
Authors: Pfeiffer Douglas G. , Ponton Leo F. , Darrell Eldridge M.
Published: March 2022

Materials were applied Apr 13 (1/2 in green) and Apr 23 (pink) at Steeles Tavern. Four single-tree replicates were included for each treatment in a randomized complete block design. Trees were of the varieties Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Stayman and York. Applications were made with a truck-mounted hydraulic sprayer with a handgun attachment. On Apr 21 and May 18, 10 spurs/tree were examined for RAA infestation. On May 18 mites were sampled by processing 20 leaves/tree with a leaf-brushing machine.
Slurry Treatments for Insect Control on Grain Seeds, 1981
Authors: Strong R. G.
Published: March 2022

The primary objective of these tests was to evaluate the effectiveness of Lorsban and Reldan in comparison to methoxychlor and malathion treatments for protection of seeds against insect infestations in storage. Gustafson Captan 30 DD was applied to 10-lb lots of corn, grain sorghum, and wheat seed prepared in a Batch Lab Treater. Calculated rates of insecticides were added to the slurry treatment mixture as needed. Following application of slurry, 100-g samples of seed were taken at random from each treatment lot. Each sample was put into a 1-pt mason jar equipped with a filter paper cover held in place with the jar ring. Each of 10 total samples of each kind of cereal grain seed tested for each treatment was exposed to 50 laboratory-reared adults of the following: the red flour beetle, the sawtoothed grain beetle, and the rice weevil. A total of five 100-g samples of each kind of seed tested for each treatment were exposed to 20 young Indianmeal moths; likewise, 5 sample replications of seed were exposed to 20 young Angoumois grain moths. All test seeds were held in a room maintained at 80 F and 50-60* RH. Initial counts of live moths were made 3 days after infestation; counts of beetles were made 7 days after initial infestation of seed with insects. When the F. generation of moths began emerging in untreated samples of seed, moth counts were made at regular intervals, and moths were removed as counted. All F, generation emergence was complete by the end of 45 days. A second or reproductive count of beetles was made 60 days after initial infestation.
Candidate Aerosol and Dust Formulations for Disinfesting Transport Yehicles, 1982
Authors: Kirkpatrick Robert L. , Witherell Peter C.
Published: March 2022

Laboratory-reared stored-product insects were exposed to insecticidal formulations in transport trailers (ca 32m or 71m) in Baltimore, MD and Miami, FL. For each test, 40 insects of each species were held in 10-cm diameter open petri dishes placed on the floor at the midsection of each trailer ca 30 cm from a side wall. The aerosols were propelled by freon 11/12 and released within closed trailers by an individual walking the length of the trailer and releasing the aerosol from the pressurized can for the required amount of time. Dusts were formulated with HiSil 233 as a carrier and introduced into the trailer by C0? propellant through an open rear door. The exposure period was 5 h; 10 min in the closed trailer after each aerosol or dust appnication, 20 min with one door of the trailer opened for aeration, and 4.5 h in the original containers after their removal from the trailers and before the insects (treated and untreated) were transferred to clean petri dishes. Insects were observed after 24 h for knockdown (KD) (those that could not walk or remain in an upright position) and at 14 days post-exposure for mortality, expressed as dead plus moribund (D+M) insects (those that showed little or no movement when lightly stimulated with a small camel-hair brush). Each test was replicated 3 times. The average air temperature inside the trailer at treatment was 25 ± 5 C.
Application Timing and Efficacy of Oftanol for Control of Masked Chafer Grubs in Kentucky Bluegrass, 1982
Authors: Potter D. A. , Hyatt J. P.
Published: March 2022

The study was conducted in a heavily infested (ca 10-20 grubs/0.1m2) golf course rough in Lexington, Kentucky. Thatch accumulation was < 0.5 cm. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications, with individual plots measuring 3 × 3 m. The granular insecticides were mixed with sand and hand-shaken over the plots. The August applications of Oftanol and Diazinon (as a standard) were immediately irrigated with 1.5 - 2.0 cm of water. Earlier Oftanol treatments (Apr 29, Jun 7, Jul 10) were not watered.in. Surviving grubs were sampled on Sep 2, 1 mo after the last applications, by cutting a 2.4 m × 30 cm × 4 cm deep strip (0.74 m2) with a mechanical sod cutter, and examining the sod and underlying soil for grubs.
Japanese Beetle Grub Control on Golf Course Turf, 1979
Authors: Swier Stanley R.
Published: March 2022

Six insecticides were evaluated on Kentucky Bluegrass for the control of grubs on golf course turf in Keene, New Hampshire. Chemicals were applied Aug 28, and plots were rated Oct 9. Foliar sprays were applied at 30 psi at a rate of 1 gal/100 sq ft with a 1 gal B & G sprayer. Granules were applied with a homemade salt shaker with the exception of Ethoprop and Diazinon. These were applied with Scotts drop type spreader. Aqua-gro was applied with chemicals at the rate of 8 oz/1000 sq. ft. All insecticides were watered in with 0.5 in of water following treatment. Four 0.28 ft samples were taken per 10 × 10 ft plot. Tests were replicated 4 times. Thatch was 0.5 in thick.
Phytotoxicity Tests on Greenhouse Ornamental Peppers, Massachusetts, 1982:
Authors: Vittum P. J. , Mimms R. A.
Published: March 2022

'Christmas Candle' ornamental peppers were treated on Jun 7 and again on Jun 30 with 10 different insecticides, with 3 plants treated for each material tested. Plants were sprayed to run-off with a 2-liter capacity hand pump sprayer. Plants were in 10-cm pots and fruiting when treated. Plants were rated for visible pesticide residue and foliar damage 2, 4, 9, 15, 22, and 29 days after first treatment. All insecticides tested reduced an indigenous greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporiorum) population 50 to 100% relative to untreated plants.
Control of Diamondback Moth, Imported Cabbageworm, and Cabbage Looper on Cabbage by Pydrin and Dipel, 1982:
Authors: Shelton A. M. , Wilsey W. T.
Published: March 2022

Cabbage was transplanted Jul 2 at the Vegetable Research Farm near Geneva, NY. Plots consisted of two 10-ft rows, each with 36-inch centers and 16-inch plant spacing. Treatments were replicated 4 times in a RCB design. A 2-row tractor-mounted boom operating at 60 psi and delivering 31 gal/acre with 3 nozzles/row was used to apply a single application to each trial. Agway sticker-spreader (2.5 ml/gal) was added to all treatments. Treatments were applied Sep 9. Evaluations were made on Sep 14 by randomly selecting 3 plants/plot, removing all leaves, and counting the above mentioned species. Infestations were considered moderate.
Combined surgical correction of pectus carinatum and juvenile kyphosis
Authors: Iwaiwi Bashaer , Hamdi Shaqqura Bisanne , Sabbah Alaeddin , Abu Akar Firas Emad
Published: March 2022

Pectus carinatum may rarely be associated with kyphosis. However, the correlation between both conditions is not well reported. Therefore, there are no reports for combined correction of both deformities in the same patient. Moreover, studies estimating the kyphosis prevalence in patients with pectus carinatum are lacking. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to present such a case. We report an 18-year-old boy with both pectus carinatum and kyphosis that were surgically corrected in a combined procedure. The indication of surgery is cosmetic, and the postoperative recovery included pneumothorax but was otherwise uneventful and satisfactory.
Clinical Pharmacology of Entacapone (Comtan) From the FDA Reviewer
Authors: Habet Sam
Published: March 2022

This new drug application was first submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the Orion Corporation from Finland on January 2, 1998. The final clinical pharmacology review was completed on September 3, 1999. Entacapone is a potent and specific peripheral catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor. It has been shown to improve the clinical benefits of levodopa plus an aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor when given to patients with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-dose deterioration in the response to levodopa (the “wearing-off” phenomenon). The drug indication is for Parkinson’s disease as an adjunct therapy to levodopa/carbidopa. This is a combination drug with carbidopa (aromatic amino acid decarboxylation inhibitor) and entacapone. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration of a single dose, with peak time generally reached within 1 hour. It is noted that no accumulation of plasma entacapone was detected after 8 daily doses. The maximum daily dose is 2000 mg. In this paper, the clinical pharmacology review of the drug is presented from the perspective of a clinical pharmacologist who reviewed this new drug application at the FDA. It should be noted that all the information in this paper is publicly available on the FDA website and in its literature.
Using mobile health applications to enhance physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study on users’ perceptions
Authors: Al Ansari Fatimah Salah , Alfayez Asma , Alsalman Demah , Alanezi Fahad , Alhodaib Hala , Al-Rayes Saja , Aljabri Duaa , Alrawiai Sumaiah , Alakrawi Zahraa , Saadah Amjad , Al-Juwair Mona M , Aljaffary Afnan , AlThani Bashair , Mushcab Hayat , Alanzi Turki M , AlNujaidi Heba , Al-Saif Atheer K , Attar Razaz , Alumran Arwa , Al-Mubarak Sama'a , Alyousef Seham
Published: March 2022

Background

This research aims to assess the users’ perceptions of usability and quality of mobile health applications used for promoting physical activity in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a quantitative cross-sectional study. A survey was developed based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and distributed among the Saudi population through social media to assess the users’ perceptions of using mobile applications to enhance physical activity. The survey questionnaire consisted of 27 questions in six sections, including demographics (nine items), perceived usefulness (three items), perceived ease of use (three items), attitudes (three items), user experience (six items) and subjective quality (three items). All the participants were in Saudi Arabia and >15 y of age.

Results

A total of 195 m-Health users participated in the survey. Of the total participants, 25.1% were overweight and 21.0% were obese. The workout frequency of most users was rarely (32.3%) and three to four times a week (29.2%). In addition, 55.9% of the users agreed that the application they use served all fitness levels and >80% either agreed or strongly agreed that it was easy for them to learn how to use the application. More than 70% of users agreed or strongly agreed that the application enhanced their knowledge of workouts and physical activity and >90% would recommend the application to others. There were no differences identified between the male and female participants and younger (<40 y) and older (>40 y) participants with respect to perceived usefulness and ease of use, attitudes, experiences and subjective quality. However, significant differences were observed between participants <40 y and >40 y of age in terms of perceived ease of use of mHealth applications.

Conclusion

mHealth users across Saudi Arabia believe that the mHealth applications have good usability and quality factors. As a result, they can motivate people and help them achieve their goals in relation to physical activities.
Pyruvate enhances oral tolerance via GPR31
Authors: Liu Qizhi , Umemoto Eiji , Morita Naoki , Kayama Hisako , Baba Yoshihiro , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Okumura Ryu , Takeda Kiyoshi
Published: March 2022

CX3CR1high myeloid cells in the small intestine mediate the induction of oral tolerance by driving regulatory T (Treg) cells. Bacterial metabolites, e.g. pyruvate and lactate, induce a dendrite extension of CX3CR1high myeloid cells into the intestinal lumen via GPR31. However, it remains unclear whether the pyruvate–GPR31 axis is involved in the induction of oral tolerance. Here, we show that pyruvate enhances oral tolerance in a GPR31-dependent manner. In ovalbumin (OVA)-fed Gpr31-deficient mice, an OVA-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity response was substantially induced, demonstrating the defective induction of oral tolerance in Gpr31-deficient mice. The percentage of RORγt+ Treg cells in the small intestine was reduced in Gpr31-deficient mice. In pyruvate-treated wild-type mice, a low dose of OVA efficiently induced oral tolerance. IL-10 production from intestinal CX3CR1high myeloid cells was increased by OVA ingestion in wild-type mice, but not in Gpr31-deficient mice. CX3CR1high myeloid cell-specific IL-10-deficient mice showed a defective induction of oral tolerance to OVA and a decreased accumulation of OVA-specific Treg cells in the small intestine. These findings demonstrate that pyruvate enhances oral tolerance through a GPR31-dependent effect on intestinal CX3CR1high myeloid cells.
Integrative Taxonomy Reveals a New Melitaea (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Species Widely Distributed in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Hinojosa Joan C , Tóth János P , Monasterio Yeray , Sánchez Mesa Luis , Muñoz Sariot Miguel G , Escobés Ruth , Vila Roger
Published: March 2022

The Melitaea phoebe group is constituted by six species distributed throughout the Palearctic. One of the most widespread species is Melitaea ornata Christoph, 1893, present from France (Provence) to Central Asia. Recently, populations of M. ornata were discovered in a mountainous region of south-eastern Iberia, although doubts about their taxonomy existed. To clarify the taxonomic status of these populations and to revise the distribution of this taxon in Iberia, we have sequenced mitochondrial (COI barcode region) and nuclear (wg, RPS5, MDH, and EF-1α) markers, and analyzed the male genitalia for 72 Iberian individuals and for all the species of the M. phoebe group. This information was complemented with phenological and ecological data. Our results unveiled that the Iberian M. ornata-like taxon is in fact distributed through most of the Iberian Peninsula, except for the south-west and north-east. In contrast to the univoltine M. ornata, the Iberian taxon can be bivoltine in the wild. The Iberian taxon was retrieved to be related to M. ornata, but the differences in the genetic markers and genitalia were comparable to those found between species in the group. Based on the evidence here presented and according to species delimitation results, we propose to consider the Iberian taxon as a novel species, tentatively named Melitaea pseudornata Muñoz Sariot & Sánchez Mesa, 2019, stat. nov.
Antimicrobial stewardship capacity and infection prevention and control assessment of three health facilities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Amponsah Obed Kwabena Offe , Owusu-Ofori Alex , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Attakorah Joseph , Opare-Addo Mercy Naa Aduele , Buabeng Kwame Ohene
Published: March 2022

Background

Addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires the rational use and optimization of available resources for prevention and management of infections. Structures in health facilities to support optimal antimicrobial therapy and AMR containment therefore need assessment and strengthening.

Objectives

To assess antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) capacity and conformance to National and WHO Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines in three hospitals in Ashanti region of Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using WHO’s hospital questionnaire for AMS capacity assessment, and Infection Prevention and Control Framework (IPCAF) to assess IPC practices in the three hospitals.

Results

All the facilities had Drug and Therapeutics and IPC Committees with microbiology laboratory services. H3 and H1 did not have a formal AMS programme or an organizational structure for AMS. However, both institutions had a formal procedure to review antibiotics on prescriptions for quality assessment and relevance. H2 and H1 did not participate in any surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns or consumption. H1 had basic, while H2 and H3 had intermediate-level IPC systems scoring 385, 487.5 and 435.8 out of 800 respectively.

Conclusions

All the facilities assessed had AMS capacity and IPC conformity gaps that require strengthening to optimize antimicrobial use (AMU) and successful implementation of IPC protocols. Regular surveillance of antimicrobial consumption and microbial resistance patterns should be an integral part of activities in health institutions to generate evidence for impactful actions to contain AMR and improve AMU.
Reference Intervals for Clinical Chemistry Analytes for Transgender Men and Women on Stable Hormone Therapy
Authors: Humble Robert M , Greene Dina N , Schmidt Robert L , Winston McPherson Gabrielle , Rongitsch Jessica , Imborek Katherine L , Nisly Nicole , Dole Nancy J , Dane Susan K , Frerichs Janice , Krasowski Matthew D
Published: March 2022

Background

Gender-affirming hormone therapy with either estradiol or testosterone is commonly prescribed for transgender individuals. Masculinizing or feminizing hormone therapy may impact clinical chemistry analytes, but there is currently a lack of published reference intervals for the transgender population.

Methods

Healthy transgender and nonbinary individuals who had been prescribed either estradiol (n = 93) or testosterone (n = 82) for at least 12 months were recruited from primary care and internal medicine clinics specializing in transgender medical care. Electrolytes, creatinine, urea nitrogen, enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, ALK; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate aminotransferase, AST; gamma-glutamyltransferase, GGT), hemoglobin A1c, lipids [total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured on 2 clinical chemistry platforms. Reference intervals (central 95%) were calculated according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

Results

There was minimal impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on electrolytes, urea nitrogen, hemoglobin A1c, and hsCRP. In general, the enzymes studied shifted toward affirmed gender. Creatinine values for both transgender cohorts overlaid the reference interval for cisgender men, with no shift toward affirmed gender for the estradiol cohort. The effects on lipids were complex, but with a clear shift to lower HDL values in the testosterone cohort relative to cisgender women.

Conclusions

Transgender individuals receiving either masculinizing or feminizing hormone therapy showed significant changes in some analytes that have sex-specific variation in the cisgender population. The clearest shifts toward affirmed gender were seen with enzymes for the estradiol and testosterone cohorts and with creatinine and HDL in the testosterone cohort.
HPLC/Fluorescence-Diode Array Detection for Rapid and Reliable Determination of Illegal Synthetic Drugs in Male Sexual Herbal and Honey Remedies: Comparative Study with UFLC–MS
Authors: Aboras Sara I , Korany Mohamed A , Abdine Heba H , Ragab Marwa A A
Published: March 2022

Background

Nutraceuticals (NTCs), as honey and tablets with herbal extract are subjected to adulteration.

Objective

For NTCs claimed to enhance sexual performance, synthetic drugs (sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, vardenafil, and dapoxetine) are common adulterants, so they were selected to be simultaneously analyzed in the current study. Natural aphrodisiacs (icariin and yohimbine) are claimed to be present in many fake NTCs, so they were also included in the study.

Methods

In order to achieve the target of the current study, three liquid chromatographic methods with different unique detectors were developed and validated.

Results

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection enables rapid and reliable determination of natively fluorescent yohimbine, tadalafil vardenafil, and dapoxetine and it is the first report to analyze these compounds as adulterants in counterfeit NTC. Although the diode-array detector (DAD) enables the analysis of the seven adulterants, the fluorescence detector (FLD) shows better sensitivity and selectivity with lower LOQs and LODs. On the other hand, ultra-fast liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UFLC–MS) offers the advantages of peak identity confirmation, and it is of comparable sensitivity and selectivity to HPLC–FLD.

Conclusion

One or more of these synthetic drugs were found in the analyzed NTCs while natural aphrodisiacs were absent.

Highlights

Aphrodisiac nutraceuticals, NTCs, were analyzed for adulterants: five aphrodisiac synthetic drugs (adulterants) and two natural claimed aphrodisiacs. UFLC–MS and HPLC–DAD/FLD were compared for illicit NTCs analysis; all NTCs show the presence of synthetic aphrodisiacs and the absence of natural ones.
The protection of Harmont & Blaine’s dachshund in a recent decision of the Milan Court of First Instance
Authors: Grippiotti Luca
Published: March 2022

The Milan Court of First Instance ruled in favour of Harmont & Blaine (H&B) and its stylized logo trade marks of a dachshund depicted in profile, in the context of non-infringement proceedings brought by Thom Browne Inc and Thom Browne Retail Italy Srl (also TB and TBRI) against H&B. TB and TBRI were using several stylized dachshunds in profile as distinctive sign arguing that they were different from H&B’s dachshund and also stating that the image of such a dachshund could not be, in any case, monopolized. The court recognized the similarity between H&B’s trade marks and TB and TBRI’s logos since they were reproducing the H&B trade mark’s core, ie the stylized logo of a dachshund.
Overview of clinical management for older patients with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Numakura Kazuyuki , Nakai Yasutomo , Kojima Takahiro , Osawa Takahiro , Narita Shintaro , Nakayama Masashi , Kitamura Hiroshi , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: March 2022

The rapidly increasing pool of older patients being diagnosed with and surviving their cancer is creating many challenges. Regarding localized renal cell carcinoma, surgery is considered as gold standard treatment options even in older men, whereas active surveillance and ablation therapy are alternative options for a proportion of these patients. With regard to advanced disease, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKI) and immune check point inhibitor are standard treatment modalities, although treatment choice from multiple regimens and prevention of adverse events need to be considered. Better assessment techniques, such as comprehensive geriatric assessment to meet the unique needs of older patients, are a central focus in the delivery of high-quality geriatric oncology care. Through this process, shared decision-making should be adopted in clinical care to achieve optimal goals of care that reflect patient and caregiver hopes, needs and preferences. It is necessary to continue investigating oncological outcomes and complications associated with treatment in this population to ensure appropriate cancer care. In this narrative review, we completed a literature review of the various treatments for renal cell carcinoma in older patients that aimed to identify the current evidence related to the full range of the treatments including active surveillance, surgery, ablation therapy and systemic therapy. Prospectively designed studies and studies regarding geriatric assessment were preferentially added as references. Our goals were to summarize the real-world evidence and provide a decision framework that guides better cancer practices for older patients with renal cell carcinoma.
Accumulation of Nonfibrillar TDP-43 in the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum Is the Early-Stage Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Kon Tomoya , Mori Fumiaki , Tanji Kunikazu , Miki Yasuo , Nishijima Haruo , Nakamura Takashi , Kinoshita Iku , Suzuki Chieko , Kurotaki Hidekachi , Tomiyama Masahiko , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: March 2022

Transactivation response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43)-immunoreactive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) are the histopathological hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). They are classified as skein-like inclusions, round inclusions, dot-like inclusions, linear wisps, and diffuse punctate cytoplasmic staining (DPCS). We hypothesized that TDP-43-immunoreactive DPCS may form the early-stage pathology of ALS. Hence, we investigated phosphorylated TDP-43 pathology in the upper and lower motor neurons of patients with ALS and control participants. We designated patients whose disease duration was ≤1 year as short-duration ALS (n = 7) and those whose duration equaled 3–5 years as standard-duration ALS (n = 6). DPCS and skein-like inclusions were the most common NCIs in short-duration and standard-duration ALS, respectively. The density of DPCS was significantly higher in short-duration ALS than that in standard-duration ALS and was inversely correlated with disease duration. DPCS was not ubiquitinated and disappeared after proteinase K treatment, suggesting that it was not aggregated. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that DPCS corresponded to nonfibrillar TDP-43 localized to the ribosomes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These findings suggest that nonfibrillar TDP-43 accumulation in the rough ER is the earliest TDP-43 pathology in ALS, which may be helpful in developing future TDP-43 breakdown strategies for ALS.
Root system size and root hair length are key phenes for nitrate acquisition and biomass production across natural variation in Arabidopsis
Authors: De Pessemier Jérôme , Moturu Taraka Ramji , Nacry Philippe , Ebert Rebecca , De Gernier Hugues , Tillard Pascal , Swarup Kamal , Wells Darren M , Haseloff Jim , Murray Seth C , Bennett Malcolm J , Inzé Dirk , Vincent Christopher I , Hermans Christian
Published: March 2022

The role of root phenes in nitrogen (N) acquisition and biomass production was evaluated in 10 contrasting natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana L. Seedlings were grown on vertical agar plates with two different nitrate supplies. The low N treatment increased the root to shoot biomass ratio and promoted the proliferation of lateral roots and root hairs. The cost of a larger root system did not impact shoot biomass. Greater biomass production could be achieved through increased root length or through specific root hair characteristics. A greater number of root hairs may provide a low-resistance pathway under elevated N conditions, while root hair length may enhance root zone exploration under low N conditions. The variability of N uptake and the expression levels of genes encoding nitrate transporters were measured. A positive correlation was found between root system size and high-affinity nitrate uptake, emphasizing the benefits of an exploratory root organ in N acquisition. The expression levels of NRT1.2/NPF4.6, NRT2.2, and NRT1.5/NPF7.3 negatively correlated with some root morphological traits. Such basic knowledge in Arabidopsis demonstrates the importance of root phenes to improve N acquisition and paves the way to design eudicot ideotypes.
3D models of the circumstellar environments of evolved stars: Formation of multiple spiral structures
Authors: Aydi Elias , Mohamed Shazrene
Published: March 2022

We present 3D hydrodynamic models of the interaction between the outflows of evolved, pulsating, Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars and nearby (<3 stellar radii) substellar companions (Mcomp ≲ 40 MJ). Our models show that due to resonances between the orbital period of the companion and the pulsation period of the AGB star, multiple spiral structures can form; the shocks driven by the pulsations are enhanced periodically in different regions as they encounter the denser material created by the substellar companion’s wake. We discuss the properties of these spiral structures and the effect of the companion parameters on them. We also demonstrate that the gravitational potential of the nearby companion enhances the mass-loss from the AGB star. For more massive (Mcomp > 40 MJ) and more distant companions (>4 stellar radii), a single spiral arm forms. We discuss the possibility of observing these structures with the new generations of high-resolution, high-sensitivity instruments, and using them to ‘find’ substellar companions around bright, evolved stars. Our results also highlight possible structures that could form in our Solar system when the Sun turns into an AGB star.
Comparing the frequentist and Bayesian periodic signal detection: rates of statistical mistakes and sensitivity to priors
Authors: Baluev Roman V
Published: March 2022

We perform extensive Monte Carlo simulations to systematically compare the frequentist and Bayesian treatments of the Lomb–Scargle periodogram. The goal is to investigate whether the Bayesian period search is advantageous over the frequentist one in terms of the detection efficiency, how much if yes, and how sensitive it is regarding the choice of the priors, in particular in case of a misspecified prior (whenever the adopted prior does not match the actual distribution of physical objects). We find that the Bayesian and frequentist analyses always offer nearly identical detection efficiency in terms of their trade-off between type-I and type-II mistakes. Bayesian detection may reveal a formal advantage if the frequency prior is non-uniform, but this results in only ∼1 per cent extra detected signals. In case if the prior was misspecified (adopting non-uniform one over the actual uniform) this may turn into an opposite advantage of the frequentist analysis. Finally, we revealed that Bayes factor of this task appears rather overconservative if used without a calibration against type-I mistakes (false positives), thereby necessitating such a calibration in practice.
Gas-phase metallicity determinations in nearby AGNs with SDSS-IV MaNGA: evidence of metal-poor accretion
Authors: do Nascimento Janaína C , Dors Oli L , Storchi-Bergmann Thaisa , Mallmann Nícolas D , Riffel Rogério , Ilha Gabriele S , Riffel Rogemar A , Rembold Sandro B , Deconto-Machado Alice , da Costa Luiz N , Armah Mark
Published: March 2022

We derive the metallicity (traced by the O/H abundance) of the narrow-line region (NLR) of 108 Seyfert galaxies as well as radial metallicity gradients along their galaxy discs and of these of a matched control sample of no active galaxies. In view of that, observational data from the SDSS-IV MaNGA survey and strong emission-line calibrations taken from the literature were considered. The metallicity obtained for the NLRs was compared to the value derived from the extrapolation of the radial oxygen abundance gradient, obtained from H ii region estimates along the galaxy disc, to the central part of the host galaxies. We find that, for most of the objects ($\sim 80\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$), the NLR metallicity is lower than the extrapolated value, with the average difference ($\langle$D$\rangle$) between these estimates ranging from 0.16 to 0.30 dex. We suggest that $\langle$D$\rangle$ is due to the accretion of metal-poor gas to the AGN that feeds the nuclear supermassive black hole (SMBH), which is drawn from a reservoir molecular and/or neutral hydrogen around the SMBH. Additionally, we look for correlations between D and the electron density (Ne), [O iii]λ5007, and H α luminosities, extinction coefficient (AV) of the NLRs, as well as the stellar mass (M*) of the host galaxies. Evidence of an inverse correlation between the D and the parameters Ne, M*, and Av was found.