bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban-rural differences in long-term care service status and needs among home-based elderly people in China
Authors: Zhang Liangwen , Zeng Yanbing , Han Ying , Wang Lixia , Fang Ya
Published: October 2019

Background: Long-term care (LTC) needs for the elderly have become increasingly crucial policy concerns in rapidly aging Asia, especially in China, the most populous nation. However, very few studies have examined the cohort differences in terms of their existing and expected utilization of LTC services, above all urban-rural differences. This study aims to evaluate the differences of LTC current status and needs between urban-rural areas and to identify influencing factors causing the different LTC needs. Methods: The data comes from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey in 2014. 7192 home-based elderly aged ≥65 years by multistage sampling were enrolled. The Andersen Model was applied to categorize the influential factors into three components including predisposing, enabling and needs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influential factors of the three levels of LTC needs. Results: A total of 6909 valid sample sizes were included in this study. The overall LTC needs of the elderly showed a rapidly increasing trend among which older people had the highest needs for bathing (27.29%) and toileting (15.8%). It was also demonstrated the aged cohort between urban and rural exerted an impact on all aspects of LTC status and needs to varying degrees (P＜0.05). Compared with urban areas, the LTC needs for the elderly in rural areas was more vigorous, but the supply was seriously inadequate. The elderly who were older, living in rural areas, unmarried, non-farming, with low income, in poor health, and less autonomy had higher anticipated needs for LTC services (ORs>1, P＜0.01). Compared with the young-old in rural, the young-old in urban were prone to live alone (ORs=1.61, P＜0.01). The elderly who were older, living in rural areas, farming, with low income, lonely and depressed had higher anticipated needs for community-based services (1＜ORs＜1.69, P＜0.05).Conclusions: The aged cohort in urban-rural distinction were facing an increasing need of immediate care due to the inadequate supports being provided, especially among rural elderly. The oldest old in rural areas had higher LTC needs, and different levels of needs were affected by age, economic level, family support and health status and other related effects. This study provides evidence-based recommendation for further improving the construction and development of the LTC system in China.
Ocular Trauma Pattern in the North Bund Area of Shanghai Pinpoints Risk Factors and Predicts Visual Outcomes
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chen Shimei , Suo Yan , Yao Xieyi , Wei Fang , Chen Fenge
Published: October 2019

Background: To identify the ocular trauma pattern in the north Bund area of Shanghai.Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients between January 2016 and December 2018 with trauma in one eye and being hospitalized for at least one day in Shanghai General Hospital were selected in this study. All patients received first evaluation at the emergency room, followed by careful eye examination by one of attending ophthalmologists and reevaluation by one of the authors. Demographics and related patient’s clinical data at the time when trauma occurred were recorded, including age, gender, occupation, cause and type of trauma, location and size of injury, type of surgery, and hospitalization time. Results: 206 patients were reviewed. We found that gender and age are two mutually correlated risk factors for ocular trauma. We also identified occupation as a major risk factor, which is closely associated with penetrating/ intraocular foreign body injuries. Moreover, season change adds an additional layer of risk factor for ocular trauma, showing a significantly higher peak of ocular trauma percentage in hot summer months. Furthermore, retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage were identified as two prevailed types of complications. Importantly, we found that complications, along with location and/or size of injuries, determine the visual outcomes. Conclusions: We identified a clear ocular trauma pattern in the north Bund area of Shanghai. Importantly, complications, location and/or size of injuries determine the visual outcomes. Our findings pinpoint risk factors for ocular trauma, which predict visual outcomes and might be further applied in eye injury prevention.
Comparison of Optical Quality and Distinct Macular Thickness in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted versus Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Jinling , Qin Miaomiao , Miao Jianguo , Chen Wei , Huang Yemeng , Wu Jian , Guan Yu , Guan Huaijin
Published: October 2019

Background: Optical quality and macular thickness changing optical quality is rarely reported after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. In current research, we evaluated optical quality recovery and distinct macular thicknesschanges after FLACS and phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS). Methods: A total of 100 cataract patients (100 eyes) were included (50 eyes for the FLACS group and 50 eyes for the PCS group). Modulation transfer function (MTF), point spread function (PSF) and dysfunctional lens index (DLI) were measured by a ray-tracing aberrometer (iTrace). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were also assessed pre-operation and 1 month after surgery. The MTF values at spatial frequencies of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cycles/degree (c/d) were selected. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the macular thickness of different regions pre-operatively and1month after the surgery. Results: In PCS group, we found the statistically significant differences between pre-operation and post-operation in DLI ( p <0.0001), PSF(strehl ratio, SR) ( p= 0.027) and MTF ( p =0.028), but not intraocular pressure (IOP) ( p =0.857). The differences between pre-operation and post-operation for DLI ( p =0.031), SR ( p =0.01) and IOP ( p =0.03), but not MTF ( p =0.128) were also found in FLACS group. The differences were statistically significant when the spatial frequencies were at 5, 10 and 25 ( p =0.013, 0.031 and 0.048) between pre-operation and post-operation in PCS group but not FLACS group. In PCS group, we found the differences between pre-operation and post-operation in nasal inter macular ring thickness (NIMRT) ( p =0.03), foveal volume (FV) ( p =0.034) and average retinal thickness (ART) ( p =0.025) but not FLACS group. Conclusion: FLACSis safe that did not cause significant increase of macular thickness in current study. However, it also cannot produce better optical quality. In contrast,PCS can produce macular thickness changes, but better optical quality recovery. The slightly retinal change may not affect optical quality.
Displacement in root apex and changes in incisor inclination affect alveolar bone remodeling in adult bimaxillary protrusion patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Mao Huimin , Yang Andi , Pan Yue , Li Houxuan , lei lang
Published: October 2019

Background Periodontal risk is of great concern for periodontists and orthodontists in the inter-disciplinary management of patients with bimaxillary protrusion. The aim of present study is to investigate changes in the alveolar bone in the maxillary incisor region and to explore its relationship with displacement of root apex as well as changes in the inclination of maxillary incisors during incisor retraction.Methods Samples in this retrospective study consisted of 38 patients with bimaxillary protrusion. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images was taken before(T0) and after (T1) treatment. Alveolar bone thickness (ABT), height (ABH) and area (ABA) were utilized to evaluate changes in the alveolar bone, while incisor inclination and apex displacement were used to assess changes in the position of maxillary central and lateral incisors. Correlations between alveolar bone remodeling and apex displacement as well as changes in the inclination were investigated.Results The labial ABT of central and lateral incisors at the mid-root third was increased. In contrast, the palatal ABT at crestal, mid-root and apical third level were consistently decreased. ABH was not altered on the labial side, while significantly decreased on the palatal side. ABA was not significantly increased on the labial side, but significantly decreased on the palatal side, leading to a significantly reduced total ABA. Orthodontic treatment significantly reduced inclination of upper incisors. Changes in the amount (T1-T0) of ABA was remarkably correlated with apex displacement and changes of inclination (T1-T0); in addition, using the multivariate linear regression analysis, changes of ABA on the palatal side (T1-T0) can be described by following equation: Changes of palatal ABA (T1-T0) = -3.258- 0.139× changes of inclination (T1-T0) + 2.533×apex displacement (T1-T0).Conclusions Retraction of incisors in bimaxillary protrusion patients may compromise periodontal bone support on the palatal side. An equation that incorporated the displacement of root apex and change in the incisor inclination may enable periodontist-orthodontist interdisciplinary coordination in assessing treatment risks and developing an individualized treatment plan for adult patients with bimaxillary protrusion.
Identification of two duplicate etiolation genes (py1, py2) in pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis)
Authors: Zhang Kun , Mu Yu , Li Weijia , Shan Xiaofei , Wang Nan , Feng Hui
Published: October 2019

We identified a stably inherited yellow leaf mutant derived from ‘Huaguan’ pakchoi variety via isolated microspore culture and designated as pylm . This mutant displayed yellow leaves after germination. Its etiolated phenotype was nonlethal and stable during the whole growth period. Its growth was weak and its hypocotyls were markedly elongated. Two recessive nuclear genes named py1 and py2 had a duplicate effect on etiolation. BSR-Seq revealed that py1 and py2 were mapped on chromosomes A09 and A07, respectively. The genes were single Mendelian factors in F 3:4 populations based on a 3:1 phenotypic segregation ratio. The py1 was localized to a 258.3-kb interval on a 34-gene genome. The differentially expressed gene BraA09004189 was detected in the py1 mapping region and regulated heme catabolism. One single-nucleotide polymorphism of BraA09004189 occurred in pylm. A candidate gene-specific SNP marker in 1,520 F 3:4 yellow-colored individuals co-segregated with py1 . For py2 , 1,860 recessive homozygous F 3:4 individuals were investigated and localized py2 to a 4.4-kb interval. Of the five genes in this region, BraA07001774 was predicted as a candidate for py2. It encoded an embryo defective 1187 and a phosphotransferase related to chlorophyll deficiency and hypocotyl elongation. One single-nucleotide polymorphism of BraA07001774 occurred in pylm. It caused a single amino acid mutation from Asp to Asn. According to qRT-PCR, BraA07001774 was downregulated in pylm. Thus, BraA09004189 and BraA07001774 are candidate genes for py1 and py2 . These findings will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the gene interactions controlling pakchoi etiolation.
Association Between Dietary Consumption, Anthropometric Measures And Body Composition Of Rural And Urban Ghanaian Adults; A Cross Sectional Study.
Authors: Agyapong Nana Ama Frimpomaa , Annan Reginald Adjetey , Apprey Charles , Aduku Linda Nana Esi , Swart Catherina Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Background Overweight and obesity have become threats to public health in all regions across the globe including sub-Saharan Africa where prevalence used to be low. Policies to regulate the food environment and promote healthy food consumption look promising to reducing the prevalence obesity but in Ghana there is not enough data to elicit a policy response. This study assessed the association between dietary consumption, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body composition among rural and urban Ghanaian adults.Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 565 Ghanaian adults. Structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on socio-demographics. Dietary consumption was assessed using household food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall. Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference and body composition of all participants were determined. Mann Whitney U test was used to analyze differences in anthropometric measures, body composition and consumption among rural and urban participants. Principal component analysis was used to analyze household food frequency data. Chi-square was used to measure differences in obesity prevalence by community and gender. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model the risk factors associated with obesity.Results The prevalence of overweight and obesity using BMI were 29.9 and 22.9 respectively. Use of waist circumference measurement resulted in the highest overall obesity prevalence of 41.5%. Prevalence of obesity was higher among females compared to males across all measures with the exception of visceral fat that showed no significant difference. Four different patterns were derived from principal component analysis. Vegetable convenience dietary pattern showed significant negative correlation with visceral fat (r=-0.142, p 0.002), body fat (r=-0.102, p 0.209) and BMI (r=-0.136, p 0.003). Multinomial logistic regression revealed that males (OR 21.968, CI 10.876-44.373, p-value < 0.001) and rural participants (OR 1.684, CI 1.039-2.729, p-value <0.05) had higher odds of being of normal weight.Conclusion Prevalence of overweight and obesity continue to rise in Ghana, especially among females. Public education and screening as well as interventions that regulate the food environment and makes affordable and available healthy food options are needed to control the rise in obesity prevalence.
Analysis of cognitive characteristics and influencing factors of mass sports rehabilitation in Taiyuan
Authors: He Yaye , Wang Jiangong , Zhao Liangyuan
Published: October 2019

Background: To assess the awareness regarding sports rehabilitation among residents of Taiyuan. Method: From September 27, 2018 to March 29, 2019, 1200 residents who met the inclusion/ criteria were selected using convenient sampling method. The population was surveyed by self-designed questionnaires, and single factor and two-category logistic regression analysis (stepwise forward method) was used to identify the factors influencing awareness of mass sports rehabilitation in Taiyuan. Results: A total of 1200 questionnaires were issued, of which 1167 were collected and 1101 were valid. The corresponding recovery and effective recovery rates were 97.25% and 94.34% respectively. The overall rate of awareness of exercise rehabilitation was 80.7%, and education level, occupation, income and health status were significant influencing factors (R<0.05). The results of two-class logistic regression analysis showed that age, occupation, education level, income level and health status were the influencing factors affecting the public's perception of the sports rehabilitation concept (R<0.05), whereas gender, occupation, education level and health status influenced understanding of the establishment of the rehabilitation department in Taiyuan (R<0.05), and gender, age, education level and health status affected understanding of the types of patients receiving rehabilitation (R<0.05). Conclusion: There is a high general awareness regarding sports rehabilitation, and is influenced by various socio-economic factors.
Variants in RETN gene are associated with Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head risk among Han Chinese People
Authors: An Feimeng , Zhang Litian , Gao Hongyan , Wang Jiaqi , Liu Chang , Tian Ye , Ma Chao , Zhao Jian , Wang Kunzheng , Wang Jianzhong
Published: October 2019

Introduction Gene polymorhisms has an important influence on RETN gene expression level, and the increased level of resistin encoded in RETN will lead to metabolic disorder, especially lipid metabolism. Moreover, steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (steroid-induced ONFH) is closely related to lipid metabolism level, so this study aims to explore the association of RETN Polymorphisms with susceptibility to steroid-induced ONFH in the Chinese Han Population.Methods In this case-control study, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of RETN were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY system in 199 steroid-induced ONFH patients and 200 healthy controls. The association between RETN polymorphisms and steroid-induced ONFH risk was evaluated using genetic models and haplotype analyses. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by logistic regression adjusted for age.Results We found significant differences in the distribution of HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C between the patients and the control group (p < 0.05). In allele model and genotype model analysis, rs34861192, rs3219175, rs3745368 and rs1477341 could reduce the risk of steroid-induced ONFH. Further stratified analysis showed that rs3745367 was related to the clinical stage of patients, and rs1477341 was significantly correlated with an increased TG level and a decreased TC/ HDL-C level. The Linkage analysis showed that three SNPs (rs34861192, rs3219175) in RETN even significant linkage disequilibrium.Conclusions Our results provide the firstly evidence that RETN gene polymorphisms were associated with a reduced risk of steroid-induced ONFH in Chinese Han Population.
Involvement of p75NTR in the alteration of neuronal network activity by Aβ
Authors: zhao hucheng
Published: October 2019

Background：The aberrant accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the neocortex and hippocampus is one of the initial causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) has been proposed to mediate Aβ-induced neuronal cell death. Whether p75NTR is required for the effects of Aβ on neuronal network activity，remains unclear.
Results: Our results show that low concentrations of Aβ42 did not affect neuronal viability and synapse number. However, the Aβ42 treatment decreased the neuronal network activity of cultured wild-type hippocampal neurons, including a significant decrease of Ca2+ oscillations, spontaneous postsynaptic activity and synaptic connectivity. Moreover, the Aβ42 treatment did not affect the neuronal network activity of Tg2576/p75NTR+/− and p75NTR+/− hippocampal neurons.
Conclusion: These studies will shed new light on the pathogenesis of AD and aid the development of related drugs.
Fluoroquinolone resistance and mutational profile of gyrA gene in pulmonary MDR tuberculosis patients
Authors: Kabir Saba , Tahir Zarfishan , Mukhtar Nadia , Sohail Muhammad , Saqalein Muhammad , Rehman Abdul
Published: October 2019

Background
In recent year’s high proportion of flouroquinolone (FQs) resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates has been observed. The multidrug resistant TB is a serious risk for its transition to XDR-TB.
Methods
A total of 562 samples were included in the study from patients with pulmonary TB which had been on anti-tuberculosis therapy. MTBDRsl assay was performed for molecular detection of mutations. Sequence analysis was performed for characterization and mutational profiling of FQ resistant isolates.
Results
FQs resistance was observed in 104 (18.5%) samples and most of them were previously treated and treatment failure cases. A total of 102 isolates had mutations in gyr A gene, D94G and A90V being the most prevalent while gyr B gene mutations were observed in only two isolates. Some substitutions in amino acid D, A and T were also determined by sequence analysis in hybridization pattern of both co-existence cases which appeared with both wild type and mutant probe and with missing wild type probe as well.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that the genotypic studies for FQs resistance should be carried out at time of initial diagnosis, before starting treatment, to rule out all type of mutations for potential use in the treatment and to control its resistance.
Effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of severe asthmatic patients
Authors: Sun Yun , Gu Bin , Qian Yan , Chen Yi , Mao Zheng-dao , Shi Yu-jia , Cao Qi , Wu Di , Zhang Qian
Published: October 2019

Backgroud To explore the Effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract（GSPE） in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of severe asthmatic patients. Methods 40 severe asthmatic patients were randomly and averagely divided into 2 groups: DXM group (n=20) and GSPE+DXM group (n=20), and 20 healthy volunteers as control gorup. Heparinized peripheral venous blood from each subject was collected in a sterile vacuum tube. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 were detected by ELISA. The protein and mRNA expressions of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutamatecysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM) inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and inactivation of histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR respectively. Glutathion(GSH) was measured by using Glutathione Fluorometric Detection Kit, and Nrf2-ARE binding ability was measured by using TransAM Nrf2 Transcription Factor ELISA Kit. Results The results showed that the levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 in normal control group were lower than those in severe asthma group (P <0.05). Treatment with GSPE+DXM reduced the levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 significantly when compared with DXM only ( P <0.05).The mRNA expression of iNOS in DXM group was significantly higher than that in control group. However, after adding GSPE treatment, the expression dramatically decreased ( P <0.001). On the contrary, lower mRNA expressions of Nrf2, GCLM and HDAC2 were found in DXM group than in control group ( P <0.001). Accordingly, when treated with GSPE, these expressions elevated and reached a statistical significance ( P <0.05). Consistently, the results from western blot analysis confirmed the role of GSPE on the protein expressions of iNOS, Nrf2, GCLM and HDAC2 in PBMCs of patients with severe asthma ( P <0.001). The PBMCs from patients with severe asthma exhibited lower Nrf2-ARE binding ability and produced less GSH than normal controls. GSPE treatment effectively augmented the Nrf2-ARE binding ability and the expression of GSH, which demonstrated the biological antioxidant potential of GSPE ( P <0.001). Conclusion GSPE can alleviate glucocorticoid resistance by regulating Nrf2-iNOS-HDAC2 signaling pathway in severe asthma, suggesting that GSPE have potential clinical application prospects in the treatment of severe asthma.
DNA methylation and miRNA-1296 act in concert to mediate spatiotemporal expression of KPNA7 during bovine oocyte and early embryonic development
Authors: Wang Lei , Hand Jacqelyn M. , Fu Liyuan , Smith George W. , Yao Jianbo
Published: October 2019

Background Epigenetic regulation of oocyte-specific maternal factors is essential for oocyte and early embryonic development. KPNA7 is an oocyte-specific maternal factor, which controls transportation of nuclear proteins important for early embryonic development. To elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the controlled expression of KPNA7, both DNA methylation associated transcriptional silencing and miRNA-mediated mRNA degradation of KPNA7 were examined. Results Comparison of DNA methylation profiles at the proximal promoter of KPNA7 gene between oocyte and 6 different somatic tissues identified 3 oocyte-specific differentially methylated CpG sites. Expression of KPNA7 mRNA was reintroduced in bovine kidney-derived CCL2 cells after treatment with the methylation inhibitor, 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Aza). Analysis of the promoter region of KPNA7 gene in CCL2 cells treated with 5-Aza showed a lighter methylation rate in all the CpG sites. Bioinformatic analysis predicted 4 miRNA-1296 binding sites in the coding region of KPNA7 mRNA. Ectopic co-expression of miRNA-1296 and KPNA7 in HEK293 cells led to reduced expression of KPNA7 protein. Quantitative real time PCR analysis revealed that miRNA-1296 is expressed in oocytes and early stage embryos, and the expression reaches a peak level in 8-cell stage embryos, coincident with the time of embryonic genome activation and the start of declining of KPNA7 expression. Conclusions These results suggest that DNA methylation may account for oocyte-specific expression of KPNA7, and miRNA-1296 targeting the coding region of KPNA7 is a potential mechanism for KPNA7 transcript degradation during the maternal-to-zygotic transition.
Supplemental and Synchronized Pollination May Increase Yield in Cacao
Authors: Forbes Samantha Jay , Mustiga Guiliana , Romero Alberto , Northfield Tobin David , Lambert Smilja , Motamayor Juan Carlos
Published: October 2019

Artificial pollination management strategies are a potential solution to improving the livelihoods of smallholder cacao farmers by increasing crop productivity in situations when pollination services are limiting. However, field-based research trials evaluating the yield benefits of artificial pollination management strategies within intensified cacao systems are lacking. Thus, in an intensively managed cacao system, we evaluated the effects of artificial pollination condition (i.e., pollen genotype, pollination intensity, and pollination synchrony) on fruit development and yield in three high-yielding cacao clones. Artificial pollination, regardless of intensity, significantly increased fruit set and yield. Pollination synchrony had a significant effect on cherelle survivorship; older cherelles had greater survival rates across all developmental stages than younger cherelles. Yield differed between genotype crosses and varied according to the pollen donor used, highlighting the importance of understanding self- and cross-compatibility when selecting clones for cultivation. Pollination intensity had no significant effect on harvested yield, indicating that more rigorous research is needed to identify the pollination intensity required for optimized yield under artificial pollination conditions. We conclude that strategies to enhance flowering, pollination rates, and pollination synchrony while ensuring adequate tree nutrition may increase productivity in cacao. Future research evaluating numerous cacao clones across multiple years and locations may help us to understand the region-specific effects of intensive management strategies on the long-term sustainability of enhancing cacao tree productivity.
Pepper Photosynthesis, Stomatal Conductance, Transpiration, and Water Use Efficiency Differ with Variety, Indigenous Habitat, and Species of Origin
Authors: Erwin John , Hussein Tanveer , Baumler David J.
Published: October 2019

The instantaneous photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (gS) were measured for 33 outdoor-grown Capsicum varieties (varying in species of origin and indigenous habitat) between 29 July and 22 Aug. 2017 using a portable gas exchange meter. Cuvette leaf temperature (Tleaf) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded at that same time. Pn differed from 3.6 to 3.7 for ‘Malawi Piquante’ and ‘Korean Long Green’ peppers to 16.3 μmol CO2/m2/s (fixed) for ‘Thai Hot’ peppers. The gS differed from 0.01 to 0.05 among 13 varieties to 0.28 mmol H2O/m2/s for ‘Thai Hot’ peppers. E differed from 0.43 to 0.59 among three varieties to 4.14 to 4.20 mmol H2O/m2/s for ‘CGN 22091’ and ‘Peruvian Purple’ peppers. Water use efficiency (WUE; Pn/E) varied from 2.92 to 3.43 among three varieties to 5.10 to 7.20 for 16 other varieties. C. annuum derived varieties had higher Pn (9.4 μmol CO2/m2/s fixed) than varieties derived from other species (4.5–8.6 μmol CO2/m2/s fixed). Varieties originating from dry climates had higher Pn (12.5 μmol CO2/m2/s fixed) than those originating from temperate or tropical climates (8.0–8.8 μmol CO2/m2/s fixed). Tleaf (27 to 33 °C) and RH (38% to 39% and 57% to 59%) differed among varieties. Pn was positively correlated with gS, E, and RH and was negatively correlated with WUE. We found that Capsicum Pn, E, and gS varied more than has been previously reported, and our data suggested that Pn, gS, and E data of outdoor-grown peppers should be used only when selecting parents for a breeding program (unless progeny is intended for greenhouse production).
Host Response to Black Leaf Streak and Agronomic Performance of Banana Genotypes in Puerto Rico
Authors: Irish Brian M. , Goenaga Ricardo , Montalvo-Katz Sirena , Chaves-Cordoba Bernardo , Van den Bergh Inge
Published: October 2019

Bananas are one of the most important fruits, serving as a cash crop and staple food in many regions of the world. In Puerto Rico, bananas are an important agricultural industry, supplying all the fruit needed for local demand. Diseases significantly limit production, and the evaluation and adoption of improved genetic resistance in bananas might provide an avenue for long-term sustainable production. To this end, nine enhanced genotypes from international selection and breeding programs were introduced and evaluated for their response to black leaf streak (BLS) (Pseudocercospora fijiensis Morelet) and for their agronomic performance. Bananas were evaluated as part of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) and Bioversity International’s International Musa Testing Program (IMTP). Improved genotypes were compared with disease-resistant and disease-susceptible reference genotypes across two cropping cycles. Field plants were grown following commercial production practices with no BLS management. Significant differences in disease reactions were observed during both cropping cycles for test and reference genotypes. Under high disease pressure, ‘FHIA-21’, ‘FHLORBAN 916’, and ‘FHLORBAN 920’ test genotypes showed higher numbers of functional leaves and lower disease severity at harvest in both cycles. Short cycling times were also observed for the two FHLORBAN genotypes. Larger bunches with a high number of fruits were produced by the ‘IBP 12’, ‘IBP 5-B’, and ‘IBP 5-61’ selections. Several of the GCTCV test genotypes were extremely susceptible to BLS, did not perform as expected, and appeared to be off-types. Several of the test genotypes performed well, although currently none possessed all needed traits for a commercial banana substitute. Regardless, several test genotypes have agronomic potential because they have been selected for disease resistance to other important pathogens (e.g., fusarium wilt) and therefore have become part of the permanent TARS collection. Future efforts will continue to focus on the IMTP collaboration and introduction of promising banana genotypes for evaluations.
Source and Sink Relations Mediate Depletion of Intrinsic Cycad Seed Carbohydrates by Aulacaspis yasumatsui Infestation
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Cruz Gil N.
Published: October 2019

Ubiquitous Aulacaspsis yasumatsui Takagi infestations of Guam’s Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill trees cause direct herbivory of most exposed organ surfaces, including developing naked ovules and seeds. The nonstructural carbohydrates of infested vs. noninfested seeds were quantified to understand more fully the influences on seed quality for propagation purposes. Two studies compared seeds from healthy trees with those of unhealthy trees suffering from whole-tree A. yasumatsui infestations. The sugars fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose were in greater concentrations and herbivory reduced these free sugars by a greater percentage in sarcotesta tissue than in sclerotesta and gametophyte tissues. Starch concentration was greatest in gametophyte tissue, but herbivory reduced starch by a greater percentage in sarcotesta tissue. A third study was used to manipulate seeds of unhealthy infested trees such that some seeds were uninfested and some seeds were infested and revealed the nonstructural carbohydrates of the uninfested seeds were greater than those of the infested seeds in patterns that were similar to those when the entire tree was protected from herbivory. The combined results indicated that both source and sink relations were involved in the reductions of seed carbohydrates by A. yasumatsui herbivory. The reduction in seed resource pool by the herbivore feeding may be one of the mechanisms that results in reduced germination percentage and increased seedling mortality.
Growth Response of Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) to Calcium:Magnesium Ratio, Magnetic Field, and Mycorrhizae
Authors: Nyakane Neo Edwin , Sedibe Moosa Mahmood , Markus Elisha
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Ca:Mg ratio, magnetic field (MF), and mycorrhizal amendment on the yield and mineral composition of rose geranium. The experiment was structured as a 3 × 2 factorial experimental design, with three levels of the Ca:Mg ratio (2.40:6.78, 4.31:4.39, and 6.78:2.40 meq·L−1), 6.78 Ca:2.40 Mg meq·L−1 denoted by “High-Ca:Low-Mg,” equal proportion of Ca and Mg (4.31 Ca:4.39 Mg meq·L−1) represented by “EP-Ca:Mg,” and 2.32 Ca:6.38 Mg meq·L−1 denoted by “Low-Ca:High-Mg,” two levels of MF (no MF, denoted by “0 MF,” and 110 mT, denoted by “1 MF”) and split treatments of mycorrhizae (zero mycorrhizae denoted by “0 Myco,” and 20 mL mycorrhizae denoted by “1 Myco”) were used in this study. The results show that the plant height and branch dry mass were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the Ca:Mg ratio. No significant effect of Ca:Mg ratio, MF, or mycorrhizae on the number of leaves, foliar mass, leaf dry mass, or yield was detected. Phosphorus, K, S, Fe, and B accumulation in the stem were unaffected, as were leaf N, P, K, Ca, S, Fe, B, and Cu. However, some agronomic attributes (plant height, number of branches, root length, and chlorophyll content) and mineral composition (Stem-N) were optimized when the 1 MF exposed nutrient solution was used with about equal proportions of Ca and Mg. This Ca:Mg ratio in the nutrient solution, together with the exposure of rose geranium plants to 1 MF, yielded positive results. The findings of this study can be applied to improve the production of rose geranium by enhancing the growth and mineral concentration of this crop.
Flowering Persistence and Pollinator Attraction of Early-spring Bulbs in Warm-season Lawns
Authors: Wisdom Michelle M. , Richardson Michael D. , Karcher Douglas E. , Steinkraus Donald C. , McDonald Garry V.
Published: October 2019

Early-spring flowering bulbs can increase biodiversity while adding color to lawns and other grassy areas. However, few studies have investigated whether bulbs can flower and persist in warm-season lawns or provide feeding habitat for pollinating insects. Thirty early-spring flowering bulbs, including species of Anemone, Chionodoxa, Crocus, Eranthis, Hyacinthus, Ipheion, Iris, Leucojum, Muscari, and Narcissus, were established in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers) and buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) J.T. Columbus] lawns in late autumn 2015 in Fayetteville AR. Bulbs were assessed over three growing seasons for flowering characteristics, persistence, and their ability to attract pollinating insects. A growing degree day model was also developed to predict peak flowering times in our region. Numerous bulb entries produced abundant flowers in bermudagrass and buffalograss lawns in the first year after planting, but persistence and flower production were reduced in both the second and third years of the trial. Five bulbs persisted for multiple years in both turfgrass species and continued to produce flowers, including Crocus flavus Weston ‘Golden Yellow’ (crocus), Leucojum aestivum L. (spring snowflake), Narcissus (daffodil) ‘Baby Moon’, Narcissus ‘Rip Van Winkle’, and Narcissus ‘Tete-a-Tete’. Several bulbs, primarily crocuses and Muscari spp. (grape hyacinth), were also observed to attract pollinating insects, principally honey bees (Apis mellifera). These results demonstrate that some early-spring bulbs can persist in competitive warm-season turfgrasses, while providing pollinator forage, but species and cultivar selection is critical for long-term success.
Effect of the Intensity and Spectral Quality of LED Light on Yield and Nitrate Accumulation in Vegetables
Authors: Nájera Cinthia , Urrestarazu Miguel
Published: October 2019

At present, trends exist in the production of food for the benefit of human health. The negative effect of an excessive intake of nitrates accumulated in vegetables is well known, causing worldwide concern. Light plays an important role in the accumulation of this ion. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) spectra used in artificial lighting for horticulture on the accumulation of nitrates in leafy and root vegetables compared with the effects with white LED lights. Two independent experiments were carried out in the culture chamber. In Expt. 1, six species of nitrate accumulators were used: arugula, spinach, lettuce, endive, radish, and beetroot. In Expt. 2, four lettuce cultivars were used. In both experiments, the treatments were two spectra—T1 = AP67 Valoya® and the control (T0) = white Roblan®—at two illumination intensities [high (H) and low (L)] with a 16/8-hour (day/night) photoperiod. The fresh biomass and the concentration of nitrates were measured at 35 days of treatment posttransplantation. An important and significant increase of 50% of the mean fresh weight was obtained in all the species when the light intensity increased. Except for spinach in the low-intensity treatment, all nitrate content values were less than the maximum limits of European regulation. The nitrate content generally decreased with increasing intensity, and this benefit was greater in the T1 treatment. T0 showed a reduction in the nitrate content compared with T1 in only one case, which was the H in beetroot. A large and significant reduction was observed in the nitrate content in T1. For L in Expt. 1, the nitrate decrease was 18%, whereas for H, it was 35%. In Expt. 2, the decrease in the nitrate content was 10% for L and 21% for H. A greater benefit was derived when using the photosynthetic spectrum in the growing chambers under low light intensity.
Differences in Drought Tolerance among Gisela® Cherry Rootstocks Determined Using Automated Weighing Lysimeters
Authors: Stott Lance V. , Black Brent , Bugbee Bruce
Published: October 2019

The Gisela® series of dwarfing rootstock are widely used because they enable high-density production, but they may be sensitive to drought. Drought tolerance may be associated with root-zone distribution and depth or with physiological adaptation to low water potential. Here we describe a novel technique for determining physiological tolerance to drought when root distribution is held constant. In two matching studies, we continuously measured transpiration of two groups of eight trees using a 16-container automated weighing lysimeter system in a greenhouse. With this system, Gisela® 3, 5, and 12 (G.3, G.5, and G.12) rootstocks were subjected to multiple, controlled drought cycles based on reductions in whole-tree transpiration. To provide an equivalent amount of stress for each tree, water was withheld until the daily transpiration rate had decreased to less than 250 g of water transpired per tree per day. Each tree was then drip-irrigated to bring the root-zone back to about field capacity. G.3 and G.12 rootstocks more rapidly recovered to maximum transpiration rates compared with G.5 (an indication of ability to resume normal growth after a drought). At harvest, G.3 and G.12 rootstocks also had greater leaf area and trunk diameter. Both transpiration data and harvest data indicate physiological differences among rootstocks. Because root-zone volume was constant, these differences are not associated with changes in root distribution or depth. These data indicate that G.5 is less adapted for regulated deficit irrigation strategies that include long irrigation intervals.
A falência do romance a partir dos limites da sua criação estética em Pornopopéia de Reinaldo Moraes
Authors: Santos da Silva Felipe , Felix José Carlos
Published: October 2019

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o romance Pornopopéia (2008) do escritor brasileiro Reinaldo Moraes.  Discutiremos, por meio de dois excertos narrativos, de que modo Zeca, personagem e protagonista, ensaia o ofício de ser romancista mediante a ausência de uma proposta de escrita literária contemporânea. Na segunda seção, redimensionamos a discussão estritamente do objeto para refletir acerca das implicações do gênero romance após o Modernismo e suas modulações no cenário contemporâneo. Partiremos das reflexões e postulados de Barth (1986), Compagnon (1999), Eagleton (2006) e Silviano Santiago (2002) e Todorov (2009). Como resultado, percebemos que Pornopopéia prescinde qualquer possibilidade analítica externa ao romance, deixando como saída para a literatura contemporânea o afastamento de mediação e a reconciliação entre texto-leitor.
Okul Öncesi Dönem Çocuklarının Öz Düzenleme Becerileri ile Benlik Algıları Arasındaki İlişkisinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Tuzcuoğlu Necla , Efe Azkeskin Kadriye , İlçi Küsmüs Gülşen , Cengiz Özge
Published: October 2019

Okul
öncesi dönem çocukları içinde bulundukları aile ve çevrede kazandıkları deneyimler
yoluyla, günlük yaşamda karşılaştıkları problemleri izleme, tahminlerde
bulunma, planlamalar yapma gibi adımlarla çözmeye çalışırlar. Duygu ve
davranışlarında kendini kontrol etme ve düzenleme becerileri kazanan çocukta,
olumlu benlik algısının oluşumu desteklenebilir. Dolayısıyla çocuklarda olumlu
benlik algısının geliştirilmesi ve desteklenmesi açısından, söz konusu iki
kavramın birbirlerine etkileri üzerine araştırmalar yapılması gerektiği
düşünülmektedir. Bu nedenle araştırmanın amacını; okul öncesi dönem
çocuklarının öz düzenleme becerileri ile benlik algıları arasındaki ilişkisinin
incelenmesi ve çocukların öz düzenleme becerileri ile benlik algılarının
demografik özelliklere göre (cinsiyet, yaş, kardeş sayısı, anne ve baba öğrenim
durumu, okul öncesi eğitim kurumuna devam etme süresi) incelenmesi
oluşturmuştur. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu; devlete ait okul öncesi kurumuna
devam etmekte olan 220 çocuk oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı
olarak, “Öz Düzenleme Becerileri Ölçeği” ve “DeMoulin Çocuklar İçin Benlik
Algısı Ölçeği” uygulanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, okul öncesi dönem çocuklarının
öz düzenleme becerileri ile benlik algıları arasında orta düzeyde ve pozitif
yönde anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Ayrıca çocukların öz düzenleme becerilerinin
cinsiyet, yaş ve okul öncesi eğitim kurumuna devam etme süresi değişkenlerine
göre farklılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Çocukların benlik algılarının ise
anne ve baba öğrenim durumu ve okul öncesi eğitim kurumuna devam etme süresi
değişkenlerine göre farklılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir.
Akademisyenlerin Algıladıkları Mobbing ve Mesleki Tükenmişlik Düzeylerinin Çeşitli Değişkenlere Göre İncelenmesi
Authors: Öztürk Ayfer
Published: October 2019

Amaç: Bu
araştırmada akademisyenlerin algıladıkları mobbing ile mesleki tükenmişlik
düzeylerinin çeşitli değişkenlere göre incelenmesi amaçlandı.

Gereç ve Yöntem:
Araştırma bir devlet üniversitesinde görev yapan araştırmaya katılmaya gönüllü
90 akademisyen ile gerçekleştirildi. Araştırma verileri ‘Kişisel Bilgi Formu’,
‘Akademisyenlere Yönelik Mobbing Ölçeği (AYMÖ)’, ve ‘Maslach Tükenmişlik Ölçeği
(MTÖ)’ kullanılarak e-posta yolu ve yüz yüze olarak toplandı.

Bulgular:
Akademisyenlerin %57’si kadın, %54,4’ü evli, %45,5’i 30-39 yaş aralığındaydı.
%54,4’ü daha önce mobbinge maruz kaldıklarını bildirdi. Mobbing uygulayanların
çoğunluğunun ( %68,8) yöneticilik görevleri olduğu, bu yöneticilik görevlerinin
ise daha çok Bölüm Başkanı/müdür/dekan olduğu belirlendi. Algılanan mobbing ve
tükenmişlik düzeyinin yaş, cinsiyet, medeni durum, ve akademik ünvan değişkeni
açısından farklılaşmadığı saptandı. Ancak akademisyenlerin kıdem yılına göre
algıladıkları moobing düzeyleri (p=0,017) ile tükenmişlik (p=0,001) düzeyleri
arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark saptandı (p<0,05).
Akademisyenlerin %55,6’sı uygulanan mobbing karşısında sessiz kaldıklarını,
%24,4’ü işi bırakmak istediğini belirtti. Akademisyenlerin algıladıkları
mobbing puan ortalaması 56,76, duygusal tükenme altboyutu puan ortlaması 17,36
ve duyarsızlaşma altboyutu puan ortlaması ise 12,37 olarak saptandı.

Sonuç:
Araştırma sonucunda, akademisyenlerin algıladıkları mobbing ve tükenmişlik
düzeylerinin ortalamanın üstünde olduğu, kıdem yılının ise bu düzeyleri
etkilediği görüldü. Çalışmanın daha geniş örneklem gruplarıyla ve farklı
üniversitelerde uygulanması önerilmektedir.
Gynura Segetum Related Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome: A Liver Disease with High Mortality and Misdiagnosis Rate
Authors: Ou Pengcheng , Liu Xinyu , Tang Zhiqun , Hou Zhouhua , Liu Li , Liu Jun , Zhou Shangchen , Fang Zhixiong , Sun Kewei , Chen Yue , Chen Xiaobei , Li Yi , Chen Jun
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim:

Gynura segetum (Tusanqi or Jusanqi) is widely used in China as a herbal remedy,
however, it has often been associated with hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS). Its extent in
inducing hepatotoxicity is not sufficiently understood. Hence, we aimed to identify the characteristic features of
Gynura segetum associated HSOS.

Methods:

A total of 64 patients diagnosed with HSOS induced by gynura segetum were enrolled from eight Chinese
tertiary care hospitals between 2008 and 2018. General information regarding diagnosis, disease history,
suspected drug use, symptoms and signs, biochemical index, imaging data, liver histology, treatment methods,
severity and prognosis were collected and analyzed.

Results:

The mean age of the enrolled patients were 58.07±11.44 years. Male patients accounted for 64.1% of HSOS
patients. The median latency period was 75 days. The number of patients with a definite diagnosis from the eight
hospitals was 5 (7.81%), with a misdiagnosis rate of 92.18%. Hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites and lower limbs
edema were present in 89.1%, 76.6%, 81.3% and 43.8% of the patients, respectively. The imaging characteristic
changes were liver parenchyma echo thickening, uneven density, and hepatic vein stenosis and occlusion.
Liver biopsies had characteristic pathological changes. Except for ALT and D-Dimer, liver function and coagulation
index at admission and before discharge were not significantly different (p>0.05). The 6-month mortality rate was
77.55%, with upper-gastrointestinal bleeding being the leading cause of death (42.11%). The second leading cause of
death was a secondary infection (36.84%), while the third was hepatorenal syndrome (21.05%).

Conclusion:

Gynura segetum related HSOS often presents as progressive hepatic congestion, portal hypertension
and liver failure, and has a high mortality and misdiagnosis rate.