bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Study of the Epidermes and Cross-Sections of Stems, Petioles and Leaves, and a Study of Pollen Grains of the Species Rubus Sanctus L. in Diwania
Authors: Sosa Azhar Abdulameer
Published: August 2022

The current research dealt with a morphological and anatomical study of the species Rubus sanctus L. in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate of Iraq. The morphological characteristics of the roots, stems, leaves, flowering and fruit parts were studied. It became clear that some of its characteristics are important in the diagnosis and discrimination of the species, and the research included an anatomical study of the characteristics of the epidermis of leaves and the transverse sections of the stems, petiole and leaves, and it was found that some of the characteristics have a taxonomic value, as the shape of the guard cells and stomata complexes and the characteristics of the transverse sections in addition to the surface covering and its diversity are important in distinguishing and diagnosing the species Under research, the study also included the characteristics of pollen, as it turned out that it is of the type that contains three germinating pores and its shape was elongated oval in the equaterial view and semi-angular in the polar view.
Effect of Bud Load and Foliar Spraying of Putrescine on Vegetative Growth of Two Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Cultivars Halawani and Zaitoni
Authors: Rashid Zeina Sami , Alshemmary Ghalib Naser , Al-Hayany Ali Mohamed
Published: August 2022

The study was carried out during the growing season 2020 in a private orchards in the Uthmaniya village, Diyala governorate, Iraq on the two grape cultivars (Halawani and Zaitoni) to evaluate the response these cultivars to three levels of pruning( 80, 100 and 120 buds.vine-1) with a fixed number of canes (10 canes vine-1) and spraying with Putrescine 0, 200 and 400 mg.l-1in the growth of the studied cultivars. The results showed that the bud load 80 buds vine-1led to a significant increase in leaf area, chlorophyll content and content of NPK in leaf petioles, while spraying 400 mg.l-1of Putrescine recorded significant increase in leaf area, leaves dry matter percentage, chlorophyll content, and NPK content in leaf petioles, as for the cultivars, the Halawani cultivar was significantly superior to the Zaitoni cultivar in the leaf area, dry matter percentage in the leaves, chlorophyll content and phosphorous content in leaf petioles, the interaction treatments gave a significant effect on all the studied traits over untreated control treatment.
Use a Mixture of Wood Lignin and Some Fertilizer to Improve the Chemical Content of Olive Seedlings
Authors: Fathi Al-Rubaie Omar Ahmed , Sheet Hamid Esam Mohammed
Published: August 2022

The study was conducted during the season 2021-2020 and was distributed on two main axes: the first is to extract the lignin from the trees ofMilea azedarach L.The extraction process was carried out in the chemistry laboratory belonging to the College of agricultural technology/Mosul according to the basic method used in the manufacture of paper and paper paste. the second is the selection of one of the olive fields in the Nineveh forest nursery belonging to the Department of Agriculture of Nineveh and combating desertification, to find out the effect of the extract of lignin added to types of fertilizers and the overlap between them in the chemical content of the leaves. The three-factor experiment with three iterators was designed according to the design of complete random sectors (RCBD), This experiment was carried out on her from the cuttings of olive cultivar Arbequina if the factor on the concentrations of the extract accent (0,60%), while the second three types of fertilizer(compound fertilizer NPK, fertilizer nitrogen of Urea, compost mixture (Urea50%+NPK50%), the second factor was four levels of the proportion of mixing shellac with the quality( 0,10%,15%,25%), Proceedings of the spraying process early in the morning until the pallet is full, using the spray device sales capacity 2 liters. The results of the study showed that the treatment of seedlings with lignin extract concentration (60%) has a significant effect on both the content of the leaves (percentage of nitrogen, percentage of phosphorus, percentage of potassium), while the treatment with compound fertilizer was superior and at a concentration of 129 g.l-1significant in the percentage of carbohydrates, and to spray the olive seedlings with nitrogen fertilizer (Urea) especially the concentration of 10 g.l-1While the treatment with mixed fertilizer (NPK 50%+ Urea 50%) showed significant effects in most of the studied chemical qualities, as for the two-and three-way interactions of the study transactions gave a significant effect in improving all the chemical qualities of the leaves and various concentrations, which led to the emergence of positive effects on the seedlings of olive trees for the transactions understudy, which led to increased activity and growth of seedlings throughout the research period.
Differentiation in Some of Cytokines Levels of Holstein Cows Exposure to Heat Stress
Authors: Judi Rasha Ali , Abed Shubar Safa Nihad , Hadi Alsherify Bahaa AbdulAmeer , AL- Taiy Mohammed Kreem
Published: August 2022

The current study was conducted in the private station for Holstein cows farming that located in the middle of Iraq through the years 2020 – 2021 by select 125 cows with 3rd parity and divide the selected groups (pregnant and calved). Results that the IL-4 concentration differed significantly (P ≤ 0.01) at 40 days before calving, the concentration (400 pg/ml0 in heat stressed cows and at 20 days before calving, the concentration was 433 pg/ml in cows under heat stress. Results indicated that the concentrations of IL-6 differed significantly (P ≤ 0.01) because of heat stress during the period before calving, the concentrations of IL-6 were increased significantly in the cow’s blood that suffer from heat stress namely, 7.22 ng/ml and 8.39 ng/ml at 40 and 20 days respectively before calving compared with 5.11 ng/ml and 4.97 ng/ml respectively in cows that reared under comfort zone of ambient temperature. The results indicated that a significant difference in IFN-ϒ concentrations in cow blood suffer from heat stress compared with cows reared under normal ambient temperature. IFN-ϒ levels before 40 days of calving were 68.39 ng/ml and 47.66 ng/ml in cows stressed and unstressed respectively while were71.18 ng/ml and 49.5 ng/ml before 20 days of calving respectively.
Chemical Analysis of Phytochemical for the Anethum Graveolens L. Fresh and Commercial Dry by Gas Chromatography Mass- Spectrometer
Authors: Al-Ibrahemi Nibras , Al-Laith Zainab Naser , Al-Yasssiry Ayat Shanshol , Al-Masaoodi Nadia N.H
Published: August 2022

Anethum graveolens L. is a plant belong to umbelliferae family. The aim of this study compare the phytochemical of different volatile oil extract from fresh air plant and commercial dry A. graveolens from market in Karbala Iraq, by soxhlet apparatus for a bout 24 hours, The results indicated the percentage of volatile oils differed significantly as a result of being affected by the type of plant, The fresh A.graveolens gave the height percentage of the volatile oils extract (4. 17%, while the dry A. graveolens gave the lower percentage of the volatile oils extract (2. 5%), Then phytochemical screen wer performed for fresh A. graveolens extract and revealed positive results for Saponin, Phenol and Tanin, Glycoside, Alkaloid and Flavonoid while the dry showed positive results for Saponin, Phenol and Tanin while Glycoside, Alkaloid and Flavonoid negative results. The Gas chromatography mass-spectrometer analysis were done for the fresh results showed that essential oil of fresh A.graveolens 30 compounds and had the highest compound concentration Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester reaching it is percentage (28.93%) followed 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (27.60%), Then 9.12-Octadecadienoic acid compound concentration (10.52%). concentration the dry A.graveolens, the study showed that it contain 30 compound and that the compound Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, pentad has the highest compound concentration of (21.41%) followed by the Thymol 12.41%, then 2-Dodecylcycobutanone with concentration of (8.81%).
Efficiency of Extracted Propolis with Four Solvents Against Third Instar Larvae of Culex Pipiens Molestus Forskal (Diptera:Culcidae)
Authors: Yaseen Aulfat Tahseen , Mohamed Ali Younis Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

The effect of ethanolic, acetonic, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of propolis against 3rd instar larvae of Culex pipiens molestus Forskal (Diptera:Culicidae) in various concentrations was investigated in this work. A con. of (300 ppm) of ethanolic extract of propolis on a 3rd day of treatment, had a lethal effect on mosquito 3rd instar larvae, resulting in a mortality rate of 100%, followed by a con. of (250 ppm), which caused in a morality rate of 91.52 percent of larva during the seventh day of experiment. The acetone extract con. of (1000 ppm), on the other hand, killed almost all of the larvae during the 3rd day of experiment, while the (750 ppm) con., killed 89.65 percent of the larva on the seventh day of experiment. On a fourth day of experiment, a con. of (1000 ppm) of methanol extract of propolis caused 100 percent mortality of larvae, followed by a con. of (750 ppm) that caused 90 percent fatality of larvae during the seventh day of experiment. In the status of the aqueous extract, the mortality percentage reached 100% on the 6th day of experiment at a con. of (5000 ppm), followed by 66.66 percent mortality of larvae during the 7th day of experiment at a con. of (4000 ppm), compared to the control group, where the highest percentage was 3.33 percent in the acetonic extract of propolis.
Isolation and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi from of Green Peach Aphid Myzus Persicae and Evaluation of Their Activity for Insect Control
Authors: Al-Shindah Raghad S. D. , Hassan Abdullah A. , Mansour Muhammad S.
Published: August 2022

Twenty-one different fungal isolates were isolated from samples of infected insects from different areas in Salah El-Din Governorate. A preliminary screening of the isolated fungi was carried out using different stages of green peach insect for the purpose of estimating its pathogenicity. The results showed that the fungal spores suspension and fungal filtrates of isolates (RA-4, RA-5, RA-9, RA-10, RA-12, RA-13, RA-14, RA-16, RA-23, RA-24) significantly superior on other isolates in killing green peach insects, the isolate (RA-5) achieved the highest mortality rate of 95.3% during the 72 hours period. All the selected (highest pathogenic) isolates showed their production of chitinase, the fungal isolates (RA-24, RA-4, RA-12, RA-14) superior on other isolates in the activity of chitinase, reaching 6.62, 3.31, 2.53, and 2.15 units/ml, respectively compared to 1.76 units/ml in the commercial fungicide strain B.bassiana. The isolates (RA-5, RA-24, RA-4, RA-9) were significantly superior to the protease activity, which reached 2.42, 1.88, 1.86, and 1.83 units/ml, respectively, compared to 1.64 units/ml in the commercial fungicide strain B. bassiana. These isolates were phenotypically and molecularly identified to the species level based on the nucleotide sequences of the ITS1 and ITS4 region within the 5.8 S rRNA gene. To study the compatibility of the highest pathogenic fungal isolates with different concentrations of the chemical pesticide Dominant, the results showed that all fungal isolates were able to grow in the presence of this pesticide, the highest compatibility was in present of Dominant at 1%, with P. oxalicum (RA-13), M. anisopliae(RA-24) and T. longibrachiatum (RA-5) in which the fungal growth rate reached 89, 88.57 and 83.44%, respectively. The results also showed that there was a significant superiority of all treatments that included M. anisopliae (RA-24) and T. longibrachiatum (RA-5) with the pesticide Dominant (0.5%) in the mortality rate of green peach insect stages compared with the other treatments, the highest mortality rate reached 100% after 3 days of treatment (M. anisopliae + Dominant 0.5) and (T. longibrachiatum + Dominant 0.5) while the lowest mortality rate was 66.66% in the treatment of M.anisopliae.
Production of Synthetic Seeds in Vegetable Crops: A Review
Authors: Abbas Majeed Kadhim , Mahood Huda E. , Alhasan Ali Sabah
Published: August 2022

Over the last few decades, biotechnology research has advanced to the point where it is now possible to improve essential agricultural crops. Synthetic seed manufacturing has opened up new possibilities of in vitro plant propagation technique since it has various practical benefits on a commercial scale for the cultivation of a wide range of agricultural crops. It is one of the most important tools for plant tissue culture breeders and scientists, since it provides significant benefits for massive production of distinct (elite) plant species. Synthetic seeds offer a promising strategy for mass plant production in a way of encapsulation of non-embryonic or embryonic (somatic embryos) tissues in a gel-like matrix, such as shoot buds, shoot tips, microshoots, protocoms and nodal segments. When the strategies minimize the cost of the production of elite plant genotypes, this strategy can be adapted for commercial production. The technology of the synthetic seed necessitates the use of in vitro growth systems in order to produce viable materials that can be converted into plants on a wide scale. The discovery of an artificial seed technology opens up new possibilities of a promising strategy for improving a wide range of commercially significant plant species, including cereals, fruit crops, medicinal plants, and vegetable crops, which we focus on in this review article.
The Effect of Spinosade on Three Species of Stored Product Insects
Authors: Qader F.A. , Ameen H.N.H. , Mohammed B.M.H.
Published: August 2022

The relative efficacy of the biological compound Spinosad was tested in five concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) mg / kg of covered food mixed with the food of the southern cowpea weevil and the grain beetle of vermicelli and the rusty flour beetle. The results of the study showed The highest killing rates are 100%, 89.7% and 59.7% for each of the siren beetles, the southern cowpea weevil and the rusty flour beetle, respectively, after the exposure period of 196 hours. The results of the study also showed that there was no development in the life of the three species of insects. The stores and for all the concentrations of spinosad used, with a high significant difference with the comparison factor. Also, the compound spinosad gave good protection for cowpea seeds, wheat and pulp. The rate of food loss was reduced compared with the comparison treatment in which the loss rate increased very clearly as a result of the activity of the population of the insect species of the three studied beetles.
Effects of Crude Terpene Extarcts from Ammi majus L. Leaves and Flowers on some Aspects of Life Performance of Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. (Coleoptera; Silvanidae)
Authors: Barhi Zaman Razak , Rashid Youssef Dakhil
Published: August 2022

The current study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effects of crude terpene extracts of leaves and flowers collected from of Ammi majus on some aspects of the biological performance of Oryzaephilus surinamensis grain beetle. The results revealed that the crude terpene extract of flowers at concentrations of 10, 20 and 30 mg / ml had a significant effects on the cumulative mortality rate of the beetle’s different life stages. The highest mortality rate values reached (73.3, 46.7)% at the concentration 30 mg / ml after 72 hours treatment for the second larval instars and adults, respectively. While the mortality rates achieved from treatment with the same concentrations of the crude terpene leaf extract reached (53.3, 33.3)% after 72 hours for the second larval instars and adults.
Effect of Some Biological Control Fungi on Life Stages of the Two-Spot Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranchidaea) on Eggplant
Authors: Meteab Husham R. , Kadhim Jamaal H. , AL-Abedy Aqeel N. , AL-Musawi Balqees H.
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of some filtrate of bio-fungi (Trichoderma harzianum, T. asperelloides, Beauveria bassiana and Penicillium sp.) in controlling the two-spot spider mite that infects eggplant. Fungi filtrates have been tested against all roles of the red mite (eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults). The results showed that T. harzianum was the most effective among other fungi in controlling T. urticae, recording the lowest egg hatching of 55.42% and the highest mortality rate for motile instars, which reached 69.37 60.04 and 62.33 for larvae, nymphs and adults, respectively, with a significant difference from the fungi. T. asperelloides, B. bassiana, and Penicillium sp. respectively. As for the concentration of the filtrate, in general, the efficiency of the filtrate increased with increasing concentration. The concentration of 100% recorded the highest reduction in the number of hatched eggs with a hatching rate of 59.33% and an increase of the dead individuals with mortality rates of 60.00, 55.37 and 51.58% for larvae, nymphs and adults, respectively, compared to concentration 25%, which led to a hatching rate of 79.67% and significantly less mortality for all stages.
Effect of Three Growth Stages of Sorghum Residues on Lolium temulentum Weeds Associated with the Barley Crop
Authors: Jassim Anwar Akram , Abbas Al-Khaldy Rafid Ahmed , Mohmed Ahmed Saeed
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate phytochemical compounds of aqueous extracts leaves of three growth stages of Sorghum., and the study the effect of those three aqueous extracts on the darnel weed associated with the barley. The GC-MS method was used to screen the phytochemical compounds of three-stage of growth Sorghum which showed diagnosis a number of compounds depending on the retention time such as Daucol, 13-Octadecenal, and Oleic Acid for growth stage 4-6 leaves, and 2,2-Dimethylpropanoic acid, 1-Eicosanol, and Batilol for growth stage 8-10 leaves, and Hexadecanoic acid, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and 1-Docosene for growth stage 12-14 leaves. The results showed significant effects of aqueous extracts leaves of Sorghum in the percentage of control dernal weed where recorded 64.133, 85.360, and 86.427% after 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment at growth stage 12-14 leaves of Sorghum compared with 0.00,0.00 and 0.00 in the control treatment.
Drought and Maize Breeding
Authors: Hassan Wajeeha Abed , Hadi Banan Hassan
Published: August 2022

Tension caused by a lack of water (water stress or drought stress) represents the continuous and continuous threat to the survival of the plant, as many of the plants in which phenotypic or physiological modification takes place may not be able to continue and remain in the environment in which they live due to the water stress on it or the low soil moisture content. This of course is related to the prevailing weather conditions (lack of rain, high temperature, increased wind speed, low relative humidity in the atmosphere … etc.), so dry soil is defined as the shortage of soil water needed to the extent that its readiness for the plant decreases (that is, the threshold at which the plant cannot absorb Or drain the water at a speed that meets its requirements for vital activities, and photosynthesis that meets the requirements of evapotranspiration does not occur. Conversely, water tightening may be the result of increased water. An example of stretching as a result of increased water is flooding, which results in suffocation resulting from Reduced concentration of oxygen-prepared oxygen to the roots, which in turn will impair breathing. In general, tension due to a lack of water is the most common, which led specialists to call it “water deficit stress.” Because water tension occurs in natural environments as a result of rain entrapping, Such conditions are known as drought conditions and therefore drought stress is terme In laboratory conditions, water stress conditions can be achieved through the loss of water by transpiration from the leaves, a circumstance that is due to what is termed as a desiccation stress. That is, in the sense that water stress is one of the components of salt tension and osmotic tension, and in order to unify these differences according to the concept of water tension, it termed the concept of low water potential.
RAPD Technique to Determine the Genetic Divergence of Barley Genotypes
Authors: Fadel Aqeel A. , Abdulhamed Zeyad A. , Yousif Shatha A.
Published: August 2022

The experiment was carried out in 2022 in the biotechnology laboratories of the Agricultural Research Department - Ministry of Science and Technology with the aim of studying the molecular variations between 5 barley cultivars (Samir, Aksad, Amal, Buraq and IPA 265) in order to estimate the genetic divergence and determine the degree of genetic kinship between them. In order to be used for the production of hybrids, the RAPD technology was used, based on PCR technology and 12 primers. A 20 with a molecular weight that ranged between 150 - 2000 bp The total number and %age of differentiated cuts were 92 and 80% respectively The starter H 9 gave the highest %age of differentiated cuts amounting to 90.9% while the primer A 20 showed the lowest %age of differentiated cuts amounting to 57.1% The highest primers efficiency was 11.3% in the A15 primer and the highest differentiating ability was 11.9% in the H9 and A15 primers, and based on the data of the molecular index and genetic similarity using the UPGMA method in the linkage scheme, the two were separated. Varieties in two main groups, one group containing S5 (class Aba 265), and the second group containing the rest of the varieties according to the nearest neighbor method. The lowest genetic similarity and the degree of genetic kinship (the highest genetic divergence) between the cultivars was 0.61 between the two cultivars S1 x S5 (IPA 265 x Samir) as well as 0.62 between the two cultivars S2 x S5 (Aksad x IPA 265) and the highest genetic similarity (ie, the lowest genetic dimension)) It was between the two categories S3 x S4 (Amal x Buraq) and it amounted to 0.86. The results indicated that RAPD parameters are highly efficient in diagnosing purity and genetic divergence between barley genotypes.
Nematodes That Transmit Plant Pathogenic Viruses
Authors: Abdalreda Estabraq Mohammed , Mohammed Liqaa Hussein
Published: August 2022

Nematodes (nematodes) are worms of Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Nematode, the second largest group after insects in terms of number and diversity, and does not have a respiratory and circulatory system but They contain a pseudo body cavity and are found in all humid environments in the world and their parasitic species are not visible to the naked eye. So far, more than 4100 species of plant-parasitic nematodes are known, belonging to about 200 genera to more than 30 families. However, the types that transmit viruses do not constitute more than 1% of the number of parasitic nematodes on plants. The mouth parts of nematodes that transmit viruses, represented by the Stylet, are the body structures important in transmitting viruses, and the shaft is usually elongated. Which enables it to feed deeply inside the root of the plant.
Bioassay of Some Vegetable Oils on Saw-Toothed Grain Beetel Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. (Silvanidae : Coleoptera)
Authors: Mohammad Emad Q. , Hamad Hamad M.
Published: August 2022

Our aim was to study the attractiveness and the replant effect ion for crucifer oil, celery oil, carnation oil, essential oil and castor oil on the saw-toothed grain beetel Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. Result showed that carnation oil gave the highest mean of attractive for the adults which were 17%. All oils had significant replant effect for the adults and the celery oil was the first in replant percentage which achieve to 73%, then the castor oil by 63%, and crucifer oil and essential oil by 50%, while the carnation oil had the latest percentage which was 47%.
Studying the Effect of Spraying Time with Different Concentrations of Atlantis Hebicide in Controlling the Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) Associated with the Wheat Crop.
Authors: Mawlood Ghadeer Mukhles , Hayawi Jassim Abdullah
Published: August 2022

The research was carried out in the Agricultural Technical College / Mosul during the agricultural season (2021-2022) in plastic pods with a height of 30 cm and a diameter of 30 cm, and according to the system of global experiments and with a complete random design and with two factors, the first factor: the stages of spraying the herbicide and at three levels (the early growth stage, The tillers stage, the booting stage) and the second factor were concentrations of the herbicide at four levels (zero, 200, 300, 400) g. ha-1and with three replicates, The results showed: that spraying the herbicide in the early growth stage had a significant effect on all studied traits, and that the comparison treatment was significantly superior to all treatments in plant height of wheat yield, while the concentration was superior to (200) g. ha-1on the rest of the concentrations in each of the number of pods of wheat plants, the area of the flag leaf, the length of the spike and the number of grains in the spike, which were (3.94 tillers, 13.27 cm2, 7.24 cm, 34.07 grains) respectively. The interaction between spraying in the early growth stage and concentration was (200) g. ha-1was significantly superior in all studied traits, while the interaction between spraying at the end stage and concentration caused (400) g. ha-1in giving the lowest height of wheat plants, the least leaf area, the least length of the spike, and the lowest number of grains.spike-1.
Studying Some Technical Indicators of the Local Manufactured Machine and Its Effect on the Wheat Crop “Tamuz cultivar”
Authors: Jebur Hussein A. , AL-Halfi Kasem M.
Published: August 2022

The effect of compound machine on wheat "Tamuz cultivar" was studied based on some technical indicators which were tested under three practical speed (PS) of 2.015, 3.143, and 4.216 km.hr-1 and three tillage depth (TD) of 11, 13, and 15cm. The split-split plot arrangement in RCBD with three replications was used. The results showed that the PS of 2.015km.hr-1 was major best than other two speed in all studied conditions, physical properties (SBD and TSP), mechanical parameters (FD, (DP and LAS), and yield and growth parameters (PVI, BY and HI). The TD of 11cm was major effect to the other two levels TD of 13 and TD of 15cm in all studied conditions. All interactions were significant, the best interaction was between the first speed 2.015 km.hr-1 and TD of 11cm for all studied properties.
Attitude of Al-Qasimia Village Farmers in Hawija District/ Kirkuk Province Toward Cultivation and Consumption White Eggplant
Authors: Mohammed Khattab Abdullah , Mahmood Ekhlas Thaer
Published: August 2022

The research aims to identify the attitude of Al-Qasimia village farmers in Hawija district/ Kirkuk province toward cultivation and consumption white eggplant. As the study of the relationship of the relationship between farmers’ attitudes towards the cultivation and consumption of white eggplant with the variables specific to the farmers represented by (age, educational level, agricultural experience, the size of the farm holding, the area of land planted with eggplant, the income from eggplant cultivation in year). The research included all the farmers of Al-Qasimiyah village in Hawija district / Kirkuk governorate. Their number is (40) farmers. The researchers used the descriptive method in conducting the research. A questionnaire was prepared for collecting research data, which included in the first part questions about some of the distinctive characteristics of farmers in the research area. The second part included a tripartite scale using Likert method consisting of (24) items, its apparent validity was confirmed by presenting it to the experts, its stability was confirmed by the split-half method, which means validity and readiness for measurement. Data was analyzed by using the SPSS program. The results showed that the attitudes of the majority of farmers were neutral to positive towards cultivating and consuming white eggplant. In addition, the results showed the existence of a significant correlation relationship between the attitudes of farmers of the village of Al-Qasimia in Hawija district / Kirkuk governorate and their educational level, while there was no significant correlation with the other variables that were studied.
A Bespoke Instrumental Variable Approach to Correction for Exposure Measurement Error
Authors: Richardson David B , Keil Alexander P , Edwards Jessie K , Cole Stephen R , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J
Published: August 2022

A covariate-adjusted estimate of an exposure-outcome association may be biased if the exposure variable suffers measurement error. We propose an approach to correct for exposure measurement error in a covariate-adjusted estimate of the association between a continuous exposure variable and outcome of interest. Our proposed approach requires data for a reference population in which the exposure was a priori set to some known level (e.g., 0, and is therefore unexposed); however, our approach does not require an exposure validation study or replicate measures of exposure, which are typically needed when addressing bias due to exposure measurement error. A key condition for this method, which we refer to as “partial population exchangeability,” requires that the association between a measured covariate and outcome in the reference population equals the association between that covariate and outcome in the target population in the absence of exposure. We illustrate the approach using simulations and an example.
Cost-Efficient Multiply Matched Case-Control Study Designs
Authors: Sandoval Grecio J , Bebu Ionut , Lachin John M
Published: August 2022

In multiply matched case-control studies, a number of cases and controls may be included in each matched set. However, when per-participant costs between cases and controls differ, investigators should be aware of how the numbers of cases and controls per matched set affect the overall total study cost. Traditional statistical approaches to designing case-control studies do not account for study costs. Given an effect size, the power to detect differences is typically a function of the numbers of cases and controls within each matched set. Therefore, the same level of statistical power will be achieved based on various combinations of the numbers of cases and controls. Typical matched case-control studies match a case to a number of controls by levels of 1 or more known factors. Several authors have shown that for study designs with 1 case per matched set, the optimal number of controls within each matched set that minimizes the total study cost is the square root of the ratio of the cost of a case to the cost of a control. Herein, we extend this result to the setting of a multiply matched case-control study design, when 1 or more cases are matched to controls within each matched set. A Shiny web application implementation of the proposed methods is presented.
The Association of Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level With the Risk of Site-Specific Cancer Mortality: The Health Examinees (HEXA) Study Cohort
Authors: Lee Sang-Ah , Kwon Sung-Ok , Song Minkyo , Choi Ji-Yeob , Shin Aesun , Shu Xiao-Ou , Zheng Wei , Lee Jong-Koo , Kang Daehee
Published: August 2022

Few studies have investigated the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level and site-specific cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to examine the associations of hsCRP with overall and site-specific cancer mortality among South Koreans using data on the Health Examinees (HEXA) Study cohort (41,070 men and 81,011 women aged ≥40 years). We obtained mortality information from the National Statistical Office of Korea, which provided the dates and causes of all deaths occurring through December 31, 2015, by linking mortality data with each participant’s unique national identifier. Cox proportional hazards and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the association between hsCRP and cancer mortality with adjustment for covariates. An analysis of site-specific cancer mortality was focused on 5 major cancers (lung, liver, gastric, colorectal, and breast/prostate). Median hsCRP levels were 0.77 mg/L and 0.59 mg/L for men and women, respectively. A dose-response association between hsCRP and overall cancer mortality was observed in men but disappeared in women after exclusion of deaths occurring in the first 1 or 2 years of follow-up. Elevated hsCRP levels increased the risks of lung, liver, and gastric cancer mortality in men, but the risks of colorectal and breast cancer mortality were not increased. The dose-response association between hsCRP and cancer mortality was observed differently depending on site-specific cancer mortality by sex.
Paraneoplastic syndromes: A focus on pathophysiology and supportive care
Authors: Chung Clement , Allen Emily , Umoru Godsfavour
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This article aims to increase awareness of, outline pathophysiology for, and offer guidance on supportive care strategies for specific endocrine, neurological, and immunological syndromes associated with paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs).

PNS refers to remote effects that cannot be attributed to the direct or invasive effects of a malignancy. These syndromes are considered clinically important because they may provide early recognition, diagnosis, and management of the malignancy in a timely manner. Many of their presenting symptoms such as ectopic Cushing’s syndrome, hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM), syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), neurological dysfunctions, and paraneoplastic autoimmune thrombocytopenia overlap with those of nonneoplastic disorders, yet their pathogenesis and responses to treatments differ. Management of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome due to a PNS consists of treatment of the underlying malignancy and its comorbidities. Drug therapies may include ketoconazole, mitotane, metyrapone, somatostatin analogs, and dopamine agonists. Hypercalcemia may be classified into cases with parathyroid hormone (PTH)–dependent causes or PTH-independent causes such as HCM, in which osteoclast inhibitors may be deployed. Treatments of PNS-mediated SIADH include treatment of the underlying malignancy and strategies to increase serum sodium levels. Amifampridine is now considered the first-line agent for paraneoplastic Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, whereas steroids, intravenous immune globulin, thrombopoietin receptor agonists (eg, romiplostim, eltrombopag, and avatrombopag), fostamatinib, and rituximab may find their niche in treatment of PNS-mediated autoimmune thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion

Supportive care for PNSs lends opportunities to pharmacists to add quality, value, and safety.
Computational models, databases and tools for antibiotic combinations
Authors: Lv Ji , Liu Guixia , Hao Junli , Ju Yuan , Sun Binwen , Sun Ying
Published: August 2022

Antibiotic combination is a promising strategy to extend the lifetime of antibiotics and thereby combat antimicrobial resistance. However, screening for new antibiotic combinations is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. In recent years, an increasing number of researchers have used computational models to predict effective antibiotic combinations. In this review, we summarized existing computational models for antibiotic combinations and discussed the limitations and challenges of these models in detail. In addition, we also collected and summarized available data resources and tools for antibiotic combinations. This study aims to help computational biologists design more accurate and interpretable computational models.
Nonunique UPGMA clusterings of microsatellite markers
Authors: Segura-Alabart Natàlia , Serratosa Francesc , Gómez Sergio , Fernández Alberto
Published: August 2022

Agglomerative hierarchical clustering has become a common tool for the analysis and visualization of data, thus being present in a large amount of scientific research and predating all areas of bioinformatics and computational biology. In this work, we focus on a critical problem, the nonuniqueness of the clustering when there are tied distances, for which several solutions exist but are not implemented in most hierarchical clustering packages. We analyze the magnitude of this problem in one particular setting: the clustering of microsatellite markers using the Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Mean. To do so, we have calculated the fraction of publications at the Scopus database in which more than one hierarchical clustering is possible, showing that about 46% of the articles are affected. Additionally, to show the problem from a practical point of view, we selected two opposite examples of articles that have multiple solutions: one with two possible dendrograms, and the other with more than 2.5 million different possible hierarchical clusterings.
Letter on the results of the BASiNET method in the paper ‘A systematic evaluation of computational tools for lncRNA identification’
Authors: Martins Lopes Fabrício , Pimenta-Zanon Matheus H
Published: August 2022

This letter points out a conceptual error made by the authors of a published paper, which presents a review and evaluation of computational methods in lncRNA identification. The error was made in the execution of the BASiNET method when considering an example file (toy model) made available by the authors with the aim of showing how a classification model could be stored in a file for later use. In this letter, this error is contextualized, the correct use of the BASiNET method is pointed out and the results of its correct execution to one of the datasets used in the review article are presented. The results clearly show the misuse of the method and present its correct use so that it can be fairly compared with other methods in the literature and prevent its misuse from being replicated by new studies.
Population level variation in silk chemistry but not web architecture in a widely distributed orb web spider
Authors: Henneken Jessica , Blamires Sean J , Goodger Jason Q D , Jones Therésa M , Elgar Mark A
Published: July 2022

Spider webs are iconic examples of extended phenotypes that are remarkably plastic across different environments. Orb webs are not only effective traps for capturing prey, but can also provide information to potential mates and, in some cases, potential predators and prey through silk-based chemicals. As with regular phenotypic traits, variability in the properties of spider webs is thought to be mediated by a combination of genetic and environmental effects. Here, we examined variation in several key features of the webs of the orb-weaving spider Argiope keyserlingi across five geographically disparate populations. We documented variation in web architecture and chemical properties of webs collected directly from the field. We then probed the potential for the underlying environmental driver of local insect abundance to explain this variation, by analysing the properties of orb webs constructed by the spiders from these different populations, but under identical laboratory conditions. We found no evidence of variation across populations in the architecture of webs constructed in the laboratory, despite the large geographic distances. Nonetheless, we discovered between population variation in the composition of chemicals found on the surface of silk and in the taxonomic distribution of available prey. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the quantity of nitrogenous compounds in web silks and female body condition. When combined, these findings suggest that environmental mechanisms can drive variation in web traits across spider populations.
Enhancing the relevance of social work education in Nigeria
Authors: Amadasun Solomon , Gray Mel
Published: August 2022

Quality locally relevant social work education is essential in social workers’ professional development and, in Nigeria, in the profession’s struggle for legitimacy and connection with local families and communities. It is also pivotal to efficient and effective service delivery in the contemporary digitally connected world, where myriad social issues warrant the professional intervention of skilled practitioners in diverse fields. Social workers’ responsiveness and effectiveness depend crucially on the quality and relevance of the education and training they receive at the start of and throughout their professional careers. This article examines social work education, its relatively recent origins and issues in contemporary Nigerian society highlighting the ongoing need for socio-cultural relevance in the interests of professional recognition. It proposes that social work educators and administrators have a crucial role to play in enhancing the profession’s relevance and suggests a way forward.
Feminist accountability: deconstructing feminist praxes, solidarities and LGBTQI+ activisms in Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Wunpini Fatimata
Published: July 2022

This article examines how mainstream feminist organizations in Ghana worked to support LGBTQI+ communities when they were subjected to state and institutionalized violence in February 2021. Through an African feminist critical discourse analysis (FCDA) of the solidarity statements issued by feminist and gender advocacy organizations, I highlight the way that mainstream feminist groups relate to LGBTQI+ communities. I argue that although there is increasing visibility in activism and organizing around issues affecting queer and trans Ghanaians, feminist and gender advocacy groups which have dominated the organizing space in the country are actively working to undermine the work that radical activists are doing to create a better society for LGBTQI+ people. I contextualize the study within recent theory and praxis around queer and trans issues while drawing attention to the ways that feminist groups are falling short when it comes to LGBTQI+ organizing in the country and what they could do better.
Construction of prediction models for growth traits of soybean cultivars based on phenotyping in diverse genotype and environment combinations
Authors: Manggabarani Andi Madihah , Hashiguchi Takuyu , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Hayashi Atsushi , Kikuchi Masataka , Mustamin Yusdar , Bamba Masaru , Kodama Kunihiro , Tanabata Takanari , Isobe Sachiko , Tanaka Hidenori , Akashi Ryo , Nakaya Akihiro , Sato Shusei
Published: August 2022

As soybean cultivars are adapted to a relatively narrow range of latitude, the effects of climate changes are estimated to be severe. To address this issue, it is important to improve our understanding of the effects of climate change by applying the simulation model including both genetic and environmental factors with their interactions (G×E). To achieve this goal, we conducted the field experiments for soybean core collections using multiple sowing times in multi-latitudinal fields. Sowing time shifts altered the flowering time (FT) and growth phenotypes, and resulted in increasing the combinations of genotypes and environments. Genome-wide association studies for the obtained phenotypes revealed the effects of field and sowing time to the significance of detected alleles, indicating the presence of G×E. By using accumulated phenotypic and environmental data in 2018 and 2019, we constructed multiple regression models for FT and growth pattern. Applicability of the constructed models was evaluated by the field experiments in 2020 including a novel field, and high correlation between the predicted and measured values was observed, suggesting the robustness of the models. The models presented here would allow us to predict the phenotype of the core collections in a given environment.
Outcomes of valve-sparing surgery in heritable aortic disorders: results from the AVIATOR registry
Authors: Chauvette Vincent , Kluin Jolanda , de Kerchove Laurent , El Khoury Gebrine , Schäfers Hans-Joachim , Lansac Emmanuel , El-Hamamsy Ismail
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES

Root reimplantation has been the favoured approach for patients with heritable aortic disorder requiring valve-sparring root replacement. In the past few years, root remodelling with annuloplasty has emerged as an alternative to root reimplantation in the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the late outcomes of patients with heritable aortic disorder undergoing valve-sparring root replacement and compare different techniques.

METHODS

Using the AVIATOR registry (Aortic Valve Insufficiency and ascending aorta Aneurysm InternATiOnal Registry), data were collected from 5 North American and European centres. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the technique of valve-sparing used (root reimplantation, root remodelling with ring annuloplasty, root remodelling with suture annuloplasty and root remodelling alone). The primary endpoints were freedom from aortic regurgitation (AR) ≥2 and freedom from reintervention on the aortic valve. Secondary endpoints were survival and changes in annular dimensions over time.

RESULTS

A total of 237 patients were included in the study (reimplantation = 100, remodelling + ring annuloplasty = 76, remodelling + suture annuloplasty = 34, remodelling alone = 27). The majority of patients had Marfan syndrome (83%). Preoperative AR ≥2 was present in 41% of the patients. Operative mortality was 0.4% (n = 1). No differences were found between techniques in terms of postoperative AR ≥2 (P = 0.58), reintervention (P = 0.52) and survival (P = 0.59). Changes in aortic annulus dimension were significantly different at 10 years (P < 0.05), a difference that started to emerge 4 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, valve-sparring root replacement is a safe and durable procedure in patients with heritable aortic disorder. Nevertheless, root remodelling alone is associated with late annular dilatation. The addition of an annuloplasty, however, results in similar freedom from AR, reintervention, survival and changes in annulus size compared to reimplantation.
Nature versus nurture—on the origins of a specious argument
Authors: Wright Robert O
Published: August 2022

The concept of heritability parses out genetic and environmental causes of diseases and does not fit the underlying biology of complex diseases that arise from interactions among genetics and environment. Exposomics places environment on a similar scale as genomics and allows for more modern research approaches that estimate time-varying genome by exposome interactions. By addressing the biological underpinnings of disease comprehensively, we will find the “missing heritability” which is not solely based on genetic variation but is instead driven by time, life stage, and geographic variability in our exposome as it interacts with our genome.
Utilization of phosphonic acid compounds by marine bacteria of the genera Phaeobacter, Ruegeria, and Thalassospira (α-Proteobacteria)
Authors: Urata Shinpei , Kurosawa Yuki , Yamasaki Naoto , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi , Hongo Yuki , Adachi Masao , Yamaguchi Haruo
Published: July 2022

Phosphonic acid (phosphonate) that possesses a carbon-phosphours bond is a chemically stable form of organic phosphorus. Various phosphonic acids are widely distributed in oceanic waters; in particular, methylphosphonic acid (namely methylphosphonate) is believed to be responsible for global methane production. To discuss the microbial degradation of phosphonic acids, we investigated the utilization of phosphonic acid compounds by cultures of marine bacteria, Phaeobacter sp., Ruegeria sp. (Rhodobacterales), and Thalassospira sp. (Rhodospirillales). These bacterial cultures were able to grow on methylphosphonic acid as well as on the tested alkyl-, carboxy-, aminoalkyl-, and hydroxyalkyl-phosphonic acid compounds. Cell yields and growth rates of Ruegeria and Thalassospira cultures grown on methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-phosphonic acid compounds tended to decrease with increasing alkyl chain length. In contrast, Phaeobacter sp. grew well on such alkyl-phosphonic acids. Our results suggest that these marine bacteria, which exhibit varied utilization, are involved in microbial degradation of various phosphonic acid compounds.