bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal and postnatal determinants in shaping offspring's microbiome in the first year of life. Preliminary results.
Authors: Raspini Benedetta , Porri Debora , Giuseppe Rachele De , Chieppa Marcello , Liso Marina , Cerbo Rosa Maria , Civardi Elisa , Garofoli Francesca , Monti Cristina , Vacca Mirco , Angelis Maria De , Cena Hellas
Published: October 2019

Background Fetal programming during in utero life defines the set point of physiological and metabolic responses that lead into adulthood; events happening in “the first 1,000 days” play a role in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The infant gut microbiome is a highly dynamic organ, which is sensitive to maternal factors and environmental insults; it modifies its composition over the host’s lifespan and is one of the elements driving this intergenerational NCDs' transmission. The A.MA.MI (Alimentazione MAmma e bambino nei primi MIlle giorni) project aims at investigating the possible correlation between pre-natal and post-natal factors and the infant gut microbiome composition, during the first year of life at different follow-up. We describe the study design of the A.MA.MI Study and present some preliminary results.Methods A.MA.MI is a longitudinal, prospective, observational study that includes a group of mother-infant pairs (n=63) attending the Neonatal Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia (Italy). The study was planned to provide data collected before discharge (T0) and at 1,6,12 months after birth (T1,T2,T3). Maternal and infant anthropometric measurements are assessed at each time. Other variables evaluated are pre-pregnancy/gestational weight status (T0), maternal dietary habits/physical activity (T1-T3); infant medical history, type of feeding, antibiotics/probiotics/supplements use, environment exposures (e.g cigarette smoking, pets, environmental temperature) (T1-T3). A child stool sample was planned to be collected at each time and analyzed using metagenomics 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence-based methods. Maternal urine samples were planned to be collected at T3 to investigate pollutants exposure (Phthalates, Bisphenol A and Hydroxypyrene).Results Concerning the birth mode (cesarean section vs. vaginal delivery) significant differences were found only at genera and species levels (T0). A significantly higher relative abundance of Firmicutes was found in meconium of infants born from mothers affected by overweight/obesity, when compared to women with normal weight before pregnancy (T0). Regards type of feeding (breastfed vs formula-fed) the gut microbiota composition differed significantly only at genus and species level (T1).Conclusion These preliminary and explorative results confirmed that pre-pregnancy BMI, mode of delivery and infant factors could affect the infant microbiota composition at different levels.
Research transparency promotion by surgical journals publishing randomised controlled trials: a survey
Authors: Lombard Nicolas , Gasmi Anis , Sulpice Laurent , Boudjema Karim , Naudet Florian , Bergeat Damien
Published: October 2019

Objective To describe the surgical journal position statement on data-sharing policies (primary objective) and to describe the other features of their research transparency promotion.Methods Only “SURGICAL” journals with an impact factor superior to 2 (Web of Science) were eligible for the study. They were not included if there were no explicit instructions for clinical trial publication in the instructions for authors and if there were no RCT published between January 2016 and January 2019. The primary outcome was the existence of a data-sharing policy in the instructions for authors. Details on research transparency promotion were also collected, namely the existence of a “prospective registration of clinical trials requirement” policy; a “COIs” disclosure requirement and a specific reference to reporting guidelines such as CONSORT for RCT.Results Among the 87 surgical journals eligible, 82 (94%) were included in the analysis: 67 (77%) had explicit instructions for RCT and of the remaining, 15 (17.2%) had published at least one RCT between 2016-2019. The median impact factor was 2.98 [IQR=2.48-3.77] and in 2016 and 2017, the journals published a median of 11.5 RCT [IQR=5-20.75]. Data-sharing statement instructions (primary outcome) were ICMJE-compliant in four cases (4.88%), weaker in 45.12% (n=37) and inexistent in 50% (n=41) of the journals. As for data-sharing statements, no association was found between journal characteristics and the existence of data-sharing policies (ICMJE-compliant or weaker). A “prospective registration of clinical trials requirement” was associated with ICMJE allusion or affiliation and higher impact factors. Journals with specific RCT instructions in their OIA and journals referenced on the ICMJE website more frequently mandated the use of CONSORT guidelines.Conclusion Research transparency promotion is still limited in surgical journals. Uniformization of journal requirements vis-à-vis ICMJE guidelines could be a first step forward for research transparency promotion in surgery.
Identification of Significant Climatic Risk Factors and Machine Learning Models in Dengue Outbreak Prediction
Authors: Nejad Felestin Yavari , Varathan Kasturi Dewi
Published: October 2019

Background: Dengue fever is a widespread viral disease and one of the world’s main pandemic vector-borne infections and serious hazard to humanity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of dengue has grown dramatically worldwide in recent decades. The WHO currently estimates an annual incidence of 50–100 million dengue infections worldwide. Until today there is no tested vaccine or treatment to stop or prevent dengue fever thus the importance of dengue outbreak prediction is significant. The current issue in dengue outbreak prediction is accuracy. There are a limited number of studies that look at in depth analysis of climate factors in dengue outbreak prediction. Methods: In this study, the most significant and important climatic factors that contribute to dengue outbreak were identified. These factors were used as input parameters on machine learning models. The models were trained and evaluated based on four-year data from January 2010 to December 2013 in Malaysia. Results: This work provides two main contributions. A new risk factor, which was called TempeRain Factor (TRF), was determined and used as an input parameter for dengue prediction outbreak model. Moreover, the TRF was applied to demonstrate that its strong impact on dengue outbreaks. Experimental results showed that Support Vector Machine (SVM) with the newly identified meteorological risk factor in this study resulted in higher accuracy of 98.09% and reduced the root mean square error to 0.098 for predicting dengue outbreak. Conclusions: This research managed to explore on the factors that are being used in dengue outbreak prediction systems. The main contribution of this paper is in identifying new significant factors that contribute in dengue outbreak prediction. From the evaluation, we managed to obtain a significant improvement in accuracy of the machine-learning model in dengue outbreak prediction.
Multi-drug resistance and nosocomial infections of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among patients hospitalized at Felegehiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Motbinor Hilina , Mulu Wondemagegn , Bereded Fetlework
Published: October 2019

Background:Multi-drug resistant(MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are major causes of nosocomial infections globally. They are the current World Health Organization critical priority pathogens for resistance and discovery of new antibiotics. However, there is paucity of data on nosocomial infections caused by such superbugs in Ethiopia.Therfore, this study determined the magnitude and profile of nosocomial MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections among patients hospitalized at Felegehiwot referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Felegehiwot referral hospital from April 1 to July 31, 2018.A total of 238 patients presumptive for blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site nosocomial infections were enrolled using convenient sampling technique.Either blood, urine and wound swab specimens were collected and processed using standard bacteriological procedures.A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa isolates were identified using standard bacteriological techniques and confirmed by automated Vitek2 Compact.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing on isolates was performed using the disk diffusion technique.The results interpreted as per the standard zone sizes of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.Chi-square test was done to determine associations among variables.P.value< 0.05 was considered statistical significant. Results:The median age of participants was 29 years.Overall, 20(8.4%) of patients had nosocomial MDR A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa infections.The proportion of nosocomial MDR blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site infections were 13(8.9%),5(8.3%) and 2(6.3%), respectively. The mean age of patients with nosocomial infection was significantly lower (24.9 years) than their counter parts (29.6years) (P=0.035). All isolates of nosocomial infections were from patients with intravenous catheterization.The frequency of nosocomial MDR A.baumannii infection was 9(3.8%) and for P.aeruginosa nosocomial infections was 11(4.6%). A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa isolates were 100% MDR.MDR A.baumannii isolates were 100% resistant to ampicillin and piperacillin.MDR P.aeruginosa isolates was 100% resistant to ampicillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone.On the other hand, A.baumannii isolates showed 36.4% and 44.5% resistance against ciprofloxacin and meropenem while P.aeruginosa isolates revealed 33.3% and 45.5% resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Conclusions:Health care associated MDR A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa infections are critical problems in the study area.Therefore,urgent focused interventions required to contain the spreading of MDR NIs.Treatment of NIs for patients on health care should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Bactericidal Efficacy of Meropenem in Combination with Cefmetazole against IMP-producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Abe Ryuichiro , Hagiya Hideharu , Akeda Yukihiro , Yamamoto Norihisa , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tomono Kazunori
Published: October 2019

Objective: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are among the most severe threats to public and clinical health because of their high levels of resistance to various antibiotics. We assessed the efficacy of combination therapy with meropenem (MEM) and cefmetazole (CMZ) against IMP-producing CRE, using the checkerboard method and time-killing assay on 13 Enterobacteriaceae isolates harboring blaIMP-1 (4 Enterobacter hormaechei, 5 Escherichia coli, and 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates) and 13 isolates harboring blaIMP-6 (8 E. coli and 5 K. pneumoniae isolates). Results: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MEM and CMZ ranged from 2 to 64 and 64 to 2048 μg/mL, respectively. Checkerboard method demonstrated the synergy of the MEM/CMZ combination in all the tested IMP-producing CRE isolates, and the time-kill assay indicated a bactericidal effect for both blaIMP-1 and blaIMP-6 positive CRE when MEM/CMZ combination was used. In vitro, the MEM/CMZ combination was potentially effective against IMP-1- or IMP-6-producing CRE. Further investigations including in vivo animal studies and clinical studies are warranted to corroborate the clinical utility of the novel combination therapy.
Right ventricular dysfunction in patients with non-severe idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a cross-sectional prospective single-center study
Authors: Cobra Sandra de Barros , Rodrigues Marcelo Palmeira , de Melo Felipe Xavier , Ferreira Nathali Mireise Costa , Soares Viviane Vieira Passini , Amado Verônica Moreira , Silva César Augusto Melo e
Published: October 2019

Background: Pulmonary hypertension worsens the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is associated with chronic respiratory failure in advanced disease. However, little is known about the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension and subsequent right ventricular dysfunction in non-advanced IPF patients without hypoxemia at rest. We evaluated right ventricular dysfunction in non-advanced IPF patients and examined the association of right ventricular dysfunction with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) at rest and during exercise. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with blood oxygen saturation levels ≥92% at rest, Gender-Age-Physiology Index ≤5, modified Medical Research Council scale score ≤3, and no history of oxygen therapy. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography at rest and during cardiopulmonary exercise. Ventricular function was analyzed by measuring conventional parameters and right ventricular global longitudinal strain using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The t-test was used to compare means of independent samples. Results: Abnormal speckle-tracking echocardiography findings were identified in 10/27 patients (37%), indicating right ventricular dysfunction (mean mPAP: 21.6 ± 5.5 mmHg at rest, 42.2 ± 14.1 mmHg during maximal exercise). Significant differences in mPAP were observed between patients with right ventricular dysfunction and those without dysfunction (at rest: 26.0 ± 4.8 vs. 19.1 ± 4.2 mmHg, p = 0.001; during exercise: 51.3 ± 6.4 vs. 36.9 ± 14.7 mmHg, p = 0.002). Right ventricular dysfunction was detected in 37% of non-advanced IPF patients and was associated with increased mPAP at rest and during exercise. Early recognition was only possible using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Conclusions: Right ventricular dysfunction was detected in 37% of non-advanced IPF patients and was associated with increased mPAP at rest and during exercise. Special attention should be given to these patients, as right ventricular dysfunction is suggestive of worse prognosis. These patients could benefit from new specific drugs or even oxygen therapy for transitory hypoxia.
Assessment of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Sterile Pyuria among Antenatal Attendants in hospitals in Northern Ghana
Authors: Karikari Akosua Bonsu , Saba Courage Kosi Setsoafia , Yamik David Yembilla
Published: October 2019

Background Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and sterile pyuria (SP) are complexities of UTI whose prevalence are not known in the northern sector of Ghana. Our aim was to determine the occurrence of sterile pyuria and asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women accessing antenatal care at a secondary and tertiary care hospitals in Tamale, northern Ghana.Methods A cross sectional study was conducted by screening 530 pregnant women with no signs of acute urinary tract infection attending antenatal clinic for a period of 6 months. Midstream urine was collected for microscopy, quantitative urine culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.Results Of the 390 and 90 women screened for ASB, prevalence was 20% and 35.5% respectively at Tamale Central and Tamale Teaching Hospital. Sterile pyuria was found among 66% of the 50 women presenting at Tamale Central Hospital. More than 64% of isolates recovered from ASB patients were S. aureus and coagulase negative Staph. ( CoNS ). Escherichia coli was the dominant species among members of the enterobacteriaceae isolated. Highest susceptibility was recorded against gentamicin and amikacin while most resistance was to Ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin. Resistance to imipenem and vancomycin were 28.8% and 52%, with strains showing multiple drug resistance of between 81-92%.Conclusion The prevalence of asymptomac bacteriuria is appreciably higher (20-35.5%) than documented rates in the southern sector of the country. The presence of sterile pyuria which may be an indication of asymptomatic renal impairment and most often overlooked in antenatal management is 66%. Empirical treatment of UTIs at the Tamale Central and Teaching Hospital without confirmation of susceptibility may result in treatment failure. It is necessary to screen and treat pregnant women for ASB and SP due to the complications associated with these conditions.
Growth, Gas Exchange, and Mineral Nutrients of Ornamental Grasses Irrigated with Saline Water
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Sun Youping , Niu Genhua , Deng Chaoyi , Wang Yi , Gardea-Torresdey Jorge
Published: October 2019

Ornamental grasses are commonly used in urban landscapes in Utah and the Intermountain West of the United States. The relative salt tolerance of Eragrostis spectabilis (Pursh) Steud. (purple love grass), Miscanthus sinensis Andersson ‘Gracillimus’ (maiden grass), Panicum virgatum L. ‘Northwind’ (switchgrass), and Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash (little bluestem) were evaluated in a greenhouse. Plants were irrigated with a nutrient solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 dS·m–1 (control), or saline solution at an EC of 5.0 or 10.0 dS·m–1. At harvest (65 days after the initiation of treatment), P. virgatum and S. scoparium exhibited no foliar salt damage, and E. spectabilis and M. sinensis had minimal foliar salt damage when irrigated with saline solution at an EC of 5.0 dS·m–1. At an EC of 10.0 dS·m–1, P. virgatum and S. scoparium still had no foliar salt damage, but E. spectabilis and M. sinensis displayed slight foliar salt damage, with visual scores greater than 3 (0 = dead; 5 = excellent). Compared with the control, saline solution at an EC of 5.0 and 10.0 dS·m–1 reduced the shoot dry weight of all ornamental grasses by 25% and 46%, respectively. The leaf sodium (Na+) concentration of E. spectabilis, M. sinensis, P. virgatum, and S. scoparium irrigated with saline solution at an EC of 10.0 dS·m–1 increased 14.3, 52.6, 5.3, and 1.7 times, respectively, and the chloride (Cl–) concentration increased by 9.4, 11.1, 2.8, and 2.7 times, respectively. As a result of the salt-induced water deficit, plant height, leaf area, number of inflorescences and tillers, net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gS), and transpiration rate of four tested ornamental grasses decreased to some extent. Although high Na+ and Cl– accumulated in the leaf tissue, all ornamental grass species still had a good visual quality, with average visual scores greater than 3. In conclusion, all ornamental grasses showed a very strong tolerance to the salinity levels used in this research.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Production in Northern Latitudinal Aquaponic Growing Conditions
Authors: Abbey Marie , Anderson Neil O. , Yue Chengyan , Schermann Michele , Phelps Nicholas , Venturelli Paul , Vickers Zata
Published: October 2019

Aquaponics, the combination of hydroponics and aquaculture into one growing system, is a controlled environment production system that potentially has increased environmental and consumer benefits over traditional production methods. There are many different ways to configure aquaponics systems that include different fish species, water circulation, lighting, plant species/density, and more. We tested three cultivars of lettuce, a common aquaponically produced crop, for yield in multiple aquaponic systems and conditions over a 13-month period in Minnesota. Four different aquaponic configurations and four types of fish were tested over the course of the experiment. There was no addition of supplemental nutrients to the systems to evaluate the differences between treatments and set a baseline. There was no difference in yield between lettuce produced aquaponically and those grown in soilless medium. However, there was a difference in yield between lettuce grown with different fish treatments. The tilapia treatment produced higher average yield than yellow perch. There was a difference between cultivars, with higher average yield from loose-leaf bunch cultivars (Salanova, Skyphos) than the bibb type (Rex). Average yield for all but one treatment was above that of reported commercial field production, making lettuce a competitive aquaponic crop in most systems.
Breaking Onion Bulb Endodormancy with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: D’Angelo Christopher J. , Goldman Irwin L.
Published: October 2019

Long-day storage onion bulbs (Allium cepa) undergo a period of endodormancy that begins before harvest and lasts for several weeks, depending on the genotype. Onion seed production relies on cold treatment to break endodormancy and vernalize the bulbs. When bulbs are planted shortly after harvest, endodormancy results in delayed growth and, in turn, slower flowering and seed production. Through this work we sought to explore the use of hydrogen peroxide as a treatment to break dormancy in onion bulbs. Endodormant bulbs of two long-day cultivars, Cortland and Sherman, were treated with hydrogen peroxide solutions at various concentrations in a series of experiments over a 3-year period and were monitored for root and leaf (sprout) development. We found a 2- to 4-hour exogenous treatment of 20% (weight by volume) hydrogen peroxide to be highly effective at initiating uniform root growth in endodormant bulbs. When compared with a purified water control, the 20% treatment resulted in a 61.3% average reduction in the time to rooting in 2016. We also observed improved uniformity in rooting time between ‘Cortland’ and ‘Sherman’ in all 3 years of this work. We propose this novel method as a tool for breeders, researchers, and seed producers seeking rapid, uniform endodormancy release in onion bulbs to hasten seed production.
Pumpkin Yield Affected by Soil Nutrients and the Interactions of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizers
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhou Xianzhi , Lin Yongsheng , Ma Lina
Published: October 2019

To study the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers on the yield of ‘Jianbao’ pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duch), we conducted experiments using the “3414” optimal design scheme in Dehua County, Quanzhou, Fujian, China. Overall, three fertilizer factors (N, P, K) were tested with four fertilization levels (level 0, no fertilizer; level 1, 0.5-times the typical fertilizing amount; level 2, typical fertilizer application; level 3, 1.5-times the typical application), with a total of 14 different fertilization treatments. Based on the results of this study, a corresponding fertilization performance model was established to provide a practical basis for ensuring highly efficient cultivation of pumpkin in the field. Our results showed that the experimental data could not be fitted with a ternary quadratic polynomial fertilizer model, but that it could be fitted with a single-variable quadratic fertilizer model. According to the fitted model, pumpkin yield first increased and then decreased with the increasing amount of N, P, and K used. We identified significant regression relationships between ‘Jianbao’ pumpkin yield and the amount of N, P, and K in the fertilizer. Finally, based on the single-variable quadratic fertilizer model, we suggest that the quantities of N, P, and K fertilizer used for growing 1 ha of ‘Jianbao’ pumpkin should be 390.5, 213.8, and 371.3 kg, respectively.
Sit Back or Dig In: The Role of Activity Level in Landscape Market Segmentation
Authors: Knuth Melinda , Behe Bridget K. , Hall Charles R. , Huddleston Patricia T. , Fernandez R. Thomas
Published: October 2019

Activity level, or the amount of action/interaction with a product, can be an indication of interest in a product category and influences purchases. Our goal was to assess the overall market for landscape plants using consumers’ activity level from the active/passive continuum proposed by Pine and Gilmore (2011). An online survey instrument was administered to invitees from a national online panel from 7 to 13 Sept. 2016 yielding 1543 useful responses. Factor analysis of 23 items adapted from a previous study revealed five factors, including one active factor and a separate passive factor. These two factors were used in the present study as a basis for a k-means cluster analysis. Two clusters emerged and were labeled “Active Engagement” and “Obligatory Passive Engagement” in landscape activities. We compared cluster means for all five factors and found the Active cluster purchased more plants of all types as well as had greater landscape pride and desire for a low (water) input landscape. Members of the Active cluster were from higher income and education households which were slightly larger and more likely to have Caucasian residents compared with the Passive cluster. In practice, retail employees and landscape professionals might initially ask about consumers’ activity level desired in the landscape as a screening question. Subsequent assistance in design and/or plant selection/purchase could then be tailored toward the desired activity level.
Identification of Resistance to Citrus Black Spot Using a Novel In-field Inoculation Assay
Authors: Miles Andrew K. , Smith Malcolm W. , Tran Nga T. , Shuey Timothy A. , Dewdney Megan M. , Drenth André
Published: October 2019

Citrus black spot is an important fungal disease of citrus resulting in fruit drop and rind blemish in tropical and subtropical production areas. The disease is incited by the fungus Phyllosticta citricarpa (McAlpine) van der Aa (synonym: Guignardia citricarpa Kiely), with control currently relying on the application of fungicides. Because the presence and expression of resistance is poorly understood, we sought to develop a method for inoculating fruit in the field that gives reproducible symptoms of citrus black spot consistent with natural field infection. We subsequently validated this method by screening 49 citrus accessions and characterized their qualitative expression of citrus black spot symptoms. Challenge inoculations were undertaken with a known isolate of P. citricarpa, and control fruit were inoculated with water or the endophyte P. paracapitalensis Guarnaccia & Crous. Our results showed that all mandarin, sweet orange, lemon and papeda types were susceptible; pummelo, lime, and sour orange types expressed immunity; while various hybrids were susceptible, resistant and immune. Hybrid progeny from crosses using pummelo [Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.] as a parent showed preliminary evidence of segregation for citrus black spot immunity. The implications of these results to achieve genetic improvement for citrus black spot resistance in citrus breeding programs are discussed.
Growth, Nutritional Quality, and Energy Use Efficiency of Hydroponic Lettuce as Influenced by Daily Light Integrals Exposed to White versus White Plus Red Light-emitting Diodes
Authors: Yan Zhengnan , He Dongxian , Niu Genhua , Zhou Qing , Qu Yinghua
Published: October 2019

Few researchers examined different red light amounts added in white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with varied daily light integrals (DLIs) for hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). In this study, effects of DLI and LED light quality (LQ) on growth, nutritional quality, and energy use efficiency of hydroponic lettuce were investigated in a plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL). Hydroponic lettuce plants (cv. Ziwei) were grown for 20 days under 20 combinations of five levels of DLIs at 5.04, 7.56, 10.08, 12.60, and 15.12 mol·m−2·d−1 and four LQs: two kinds of white LEDs with red to blue ratio (R:B ratio) of 0.9 and 1.8, and two white LEDs plus red chips with R:B ratio of 2.7 and 3.6, respectively. Results showed that leaf and root weights and power consumption based on fresh and dry weights increased linearly with increasing DLI, and light and electrical energy use efficiency (LUE and EUE) decreased linearly as DLI increased. However, no statistically significant differences were found in leaf fresh and dry weights and nitrate and vitamin C contents between DLI at 12.60 and 15.12 mol·m−2·d−1. Also, no effects of LQ on leaf dry weight of hydroponic lettuce were observed at a DLI of 5.04 mol·m−2·d−1. White plus red LEDs with an R:B ratio of 2.7 resulted in higher leaf fresh weight than the two white LEDs. LUE increased by more than 20% when red light fraction increased from 24.2% to 48.6%. In summary, white plus red LEDs with an R:B ratio of 2.7 at DLI at 12.60 mol·m−2·d−1 were recommended for commercial hydroponic lettuce (cv. Ziwei) production in PFALs.
Megasporogenesis, Microsporogenesis, and Development of Female and Male Gametophytes of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. ‘Zhongqiusucui’
Authors: Shao Fengxia , Wang Sen , Chen Juan , Hong Rongyan
Published: October 2019

To investigate whether reproductive disorders exist in the sexual reproduction of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. ‘Zhongqiusucui’ and to understand the reproductive biology of ‘Zhongqiusucui’ and genetic improvements in jujube trees, we used ‘Zhongqiusucui’ flowers at different developmental stages as materials and conducted field and microscopic observations on the developmental pattern of mega- and microsporogenesis, as well as on the development of male and female gametophytes. The results show the following. 1) From the inflorescence development stage to flowering, the grade 0 bud on the inflorescence exhibited an increase in horizontal diameter, longitudinal diameter, peduncle length, and bud weight, but the rates of increase were different. From day 1 to day 5 after the inflorescence had developed, floral buds mostly grew horizontally. Day 5 was the floral bud flattening stage. From day 6 to day 8 after the inflorescence had developed, floral buds mostly grew longitudinally, and day 8 was the floral bud enlarging stage. 2) The stamens of ‘Zhongqiusucui’ had five anthers, and there were four locules per anther. The anther wall consisted of epidermis, endothecium, one- to two-layered middle layer, and a secretory-type tapetum. In addition, the development of the anther wall belonged to the basic type. The cytokinesis of the microsporocytes was synchronous, the tetrads mostly arranged as a tetrahedron, and the mature pollen had three germ pores, three grooves, and was bicellular pollen. During meiosis, the microsporocytes in each locule were at the same phase and therefore exhibited synchrony. Among the different anthers in the same floral bud, as well as the four locules in the same anther, the microsporocytes had asynchronous meiosis. 3) The pistils in the ‘Zhongqiusucui’ had two ovaries, two anatropous ovules, inner and outer integument, crassinucellate tetrads formed by the meiosis of megasporocytes aligned linearly along the nucellus, megaspore at the chalazal end that developed into the functional megaspore, which underwent mitotic division three times and developed into the mature embryo sac containing seven cells and eight nuclei, and embryo sac development of the Polygonum type. 4) The external morphology of the ‘Zhongqiusucui’ floral buds correlated with the internal developmental stage of the male and female gametophyte. Therefore, the internal developmental progress of the stamen and pistil can be determined by the external morphological characteristics of the floral buds.
Photosynthesis, Morphology, Yield, and Phytochemical Accumulation in Basil Plants Influenced by Substituting Green Light for Partial Red and/or Blue Light
Authors: Dou Haijie , Niu Genhua , Gu Mengmeng
Published: October 2019

Green light penetrates deeper into the plant canopy because of its high transmittance and reflectance, and may potentially increase light interception and whole-canopy photosynthesis, whereas red and blue light is absorbed primarily by upper leaves. Moreover, green light induces shade avoidance responses and regulates secondary metabolism in plants. In this study, we investigated the effects of substituting partial red and/or blue light with green light on plant growth and development in basil (Ocimum basilicum) ‘Improved Genovese Compact’ (green) and ‘Red Rubin’ (purple) plants. There were four treatments: one combined red and blue (R&B) light treatment, R76B24 [the proportion of red (R) and blue (B) light was 76% and 24%, respectively]; and three green (G) light treatments—R44B24G32, R74B16G10, and R42B13G45—with green light proportions of 32%, 10%, and 45%, respectively. The experiment was conducted in a growth room and the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of all treatments was set at 220 μmol·m−2·s−1 with a 16-h photoperiod. Plants were subirrigated as needed using a nutrient solution with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.0 dS·m−1 and a pH of 6.0. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in lower leaves was unaffected by green light treatments in green basil plants, whereas in purple basil plants it increased by 59% and 45% under treatments R44B24G32 and R74B16G10, respectively, compared with the combined R&B light. In green basil plants, treatments R44B24G32 and R42B13G45 induced stem elongation, but green light treatments showed no effects on petiole elongation, leaf expansion, leaf thickness, or plant yield. In purple basil plants, treatments R44B24G32 and R42B13G45 induced stem elongation and decreased leaf thickness and plant yield, but only the R42B13G45 treatment induced petiole elongation, and green light treatments showed no effects on leaf expansion. Concentrations of anthocyanin, phenolics, and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity in green basil leaves showed no differences between treatments R76B24 and R44B24G32, but decreased under treatments R74B16G10 and R42B13G45. Concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity in purple basil leaves showed no differences between treatments R76B24 and R74B16G10, but decreased under treatments R44B24G32 and R42B13G45. Combining plant yield, nutritional values, and the working environment for growers, a white light with low green light proportion (≈10%) is recommended for basil production in a controlled environment.
Nutritional Disorders of Macronutrients in Bletia catenulata
Authors: Oliveira de David Carlos Henrique , de Paiva Neto Vespasiano Borges , Silva Campos Cid Naudi , Lopes Priscilla Maria da Silva Liber , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , de Mello Prado Renato
Published: October 2019

This study evaluated the impact of macronutrient omission on nutritional disorders and the in vitro growth of Bletia catenulata. The experiment was performed in a growth room, with a controlled environment, in the biotechnology laboratory of the Campus of Chapadão do Sul (CPCS/UFMS). The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design, with seven treatments and four replications, corresponding to the following treatments: complete treatment (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mo), nitrogen omission (–N), phosphorus omission (–P), potassium omission (–K), calcium omission (–Ca), magnesium omission (–Mg), and sulfur omission (–S) in B. catenulata. After detecting the symptoms, plant height, leaf area, dry weight, micronutrient content in the shoot, micronutrient accumulation in the shoot, and visual symptoms of nutritional deficiency were evaluated. The –N, –P, –Ca, and –Mg treatments hindered plant growth and dry weight yield. The deficiency of each nutrient resulted in morphological changes, which were verified by typical visual symptoms of nutritional disorder for each nutrient.
Etiology of Elderberry Cane Dieback Disease and Its Influence on Plant Growth and Flowering
Authors: Warmund Michele R. , Mihail Jeanne D.
Published: October 2019

Cane dieback and foliar necrosis caused by an unknown pathogen were observed in elderberry (Sambucus nigra subspecies) plantings in early Spring 2016. Studies were conducted to identify the causal organism and determine the effects of infection on vegetative growth and fruiting of selected elderberry cultivars under controlled conditions. A Heterophoma sp. was isolated from symptomatic ‘Ranch’ elderberry canes growing in a commercial planting in Missouri. In the subsequent 2017 experiments, all canes of ‘Bob Gordon’ plants inoculated with this Heterophoma isolate had reduced cane lengths, reduced numbers of leaves and leaflets, and failed to produce fruit. In a study using ‘Scotia’, none of the 32 inoculated canes had symptomatic tissue; but in a subsequent study, one of 16 inoculated canes had slight cane dieback, indicating a potential difference in cultivar susceptibility to the pathogen. In 2018, seven elderberry cultivars (‘Adams II’, ‘Bob Gordon’, ‘Marge’, ‘Ozark’, ‘Scotia’, ‘Wyldewood’, and ‘York’) were inoculated with the same Heterophoma isolate, which was subsequently reisolated from the boundary of symptomatic and asymptomatic tissue, thereby confirming pathogenicity of the fungus. The fungus was tentatively identified as H. novae-verbascicola (Aveskamp, Gruyter & Verkley) Q. Chen & L. Cai based on analysis of genomic DNA from the internal transcribed space (ITS) region. Only two of 16 ‘Scotia’ inoculated canes had cane dieback in 2018, whereas inoculated canes of all other cultivars developed symptoms. Cane and foliar growth of each inoculated cultivar was less than the associated noninoculated control at 14, 30, and 60 days after treatment (DAT). Among inoculated symptomatic plants, ‘Marge’ canes produced more vegetative growth than all other cultivars, and ‘Adams II’, ‘Ozark’, and ‘York’ canes generally produced the fewest number of leaves and leaflets at 60 DAT. Flowering was observed on canes of noninoculated control plants, but not on inoculated symptomatic canes by 60 DAT. Thus, the newly reported cane dieback disease of elderberry, caused by Heterophoma sp., adversely affected plant growth and fruiting of Sambucus nigra subspecies. However, ‘Scotia’ elderberry plants were less susceptible to the fungal infection than other cultivars, indicating that it may be possible to use ‘Scotia’ to develop new elderberry cultivars with improved resistance to infection by Heterophoma.
The bankrupt entity’s assets valuation methods: Polish approach
Authors: Gawron Krzysztof , Yakymchuk Alina , Tyvonchuk Olena
Published: October 2019

The assets of a business entity that is subject to bankruptcy proceedings form bankruptcy estate. The correct assessment of its value is a necessary pre-condition to save time and cost effective bankruptcy proceedings. The article presents the valuation methods applied in Poland for assets consisting of real estate and movables that collectively constitute the bankruptcy estate. The main objective of this study is to assess the reliability and efficiency of the appraisals of book, market and forced sale value in relation to the possibility of correct estimation of funds obtained from the sale of individual assets in the course of liquidation proceedings. The article presents the results of a study conducted in 15 intentionally selected enterprises in bankruptcy operating on the territory of Lubelskie Voivodeship in Poland. It offers the analysis of applied valuation methods and the description of specific conditions of sale of bankrupt entity’s assets in accordance with legal regulations and applied practices. In particular, it compares the differences in the value of the examined assets determined by different methods and identifies the reasons for these differences. The most important conclusion of the study is the fact that neither the market value nor the book value allow for reliable estimation of the revenues that could be obtained from the sale of the bankruptcy estate, which makes it impossible to determine the probable level of satisfaction of creditors’ claims. The specific nature of sale under bankruptcy justifies the use of the forced sale value despite difficulties connected with its estimation. The basic recommendation is the necessity to supplement the valuation report with the estimation of the forced sale value along with the comprehensive description of the algorithm of its calculation.
The Lollipop with Lemon Aroma May Be Promising in Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Authors: Biyik Ismail , Keskin Fatih
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of lemon-flavored lollipop on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.STUDY DESIGN: This prospective case-control study included 67 first trimester pregnant women. The 12-hour Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea score was calculated at the time of presentation to the hospital. The study group (32 cases) was given lemon-flavored lollipops while the control group (35 cases) did not receive lollipops. The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea scores of the patients were recalculated on the morning of the post-treatment day.RESULTS: The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea scores of the study group were higher (p=0.013) than in the control group on the day of admission. Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea scores were similar between the groups on the day after hospital admission (p > 0.005). The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea difference values obtained by extracting the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea score on the day after hospital admission from the presentation Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea score were higher in the study group (p=0.0046). Lemon-flavored lollipops were found to decrease nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.CONCLUSION: Lemon-flavored lollipops can be given especially to pregnant women who are concerned about the possible teratogenic effects of drug use in pregnancy. Lemon-flavored lollipops are cheap and easily accessible and therefore promising as a non-pharmacological complementary treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
Development of Silver Nanoparticles/Gelatin Thermoresponsive Nanocomposites: Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Galdopórpora Juan M. , Morcillo Marina F. , Ibar Angelina , Perez Claudio J. , Tuttolomondo Maria V. , Desimone Martin F.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Skin and soft tissue infections involve microbial invasion of the skin and underlying soft
tissues. To overcome this problem, nanocomposites were obtained using gelatin as a biopolymer scaffold and
silver nanoparticles as a wide spectrum antimicrobial agent. Water and glycerol have been used as solvents for the
gelatin hydrogel synthesis. This mixture led to a stable and homogeneous biomaterial with improved mechanical
properties.

Methods:

Silver nanoparticles were characterized using SEM, EDS and TEM. Moreover, the AgNp/gelatin nanocomposite
obtained using these nanoparticles was characterized using SEM and FTIR. Moreover, mechanical and
swelling properties were studied.

Results:

The storage modulus was 3000 Pa for gelatin hydrogels and reached 5800 Pa for AgNp/gelatin nanocomposite.
Silver nanoparticles have been studied as an alternative to antibiotics. Importantly, the rate of silver
release was modulated as a function of the temperature of the nanocomposite. Thus, the silver release from the
nanocomposites at 24 °C and 38 °C was analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The silver release reached
25% after 24 h at 24 °C, while a 75% release was achieved at 38°C in the same period, showing the material
thermoresponsive behavior. AgNp/gelatin nanocomposite showed a deleterious effect over 99.99% of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, leading to a material with antimicrobial properties.

Conclusion:

AgNp/gelatin nanocomposite with improved mechanical properties and silver nanoparticles as a
source of silver ions has been synthesized. The properties of the nanocomposite with controlled silver delivery
result in a more efficient topical pharmaceutical form for wound healing applications.
Recent Achievements in the Hydrogenation of Nitriles Catalyzed by Transitional Metals
Authors: Lévay Krisztina , Hegedűs László
Published: October 2019

Amines are important and valuable intermediates in the pharmaceutical, plastic
and agrochemical industry. Hence, there is an increasing interest in developing improved
process for the synthesis of amines. The heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles
is one of the most frequently applied methods for the synthesis of diverse amines, but the
homogeneous catalysis has also received a growing attention from the catalysis
community. This mini-review provides an overview of the recent achievements in the selective
reduction of nitriles using both homogeneous and heterogeneous transition metal
catalysts.
Cytochalasin D Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of MC3T3-E1 Cells via p38-MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Qingcheng , Zhuang Yu , Ouyang Ningjuan , Yu Hongbo
Published: October 2019

Background:

Bone defect caused by trauma, tumor resection, infection or
congenital malformation is a common clinical disease. Bone tissue engineering is
regarded as a promising way of bone defect reconstruction. Thus, agents that can
promote osteogenesis have received great attention. Cytochalasin D (Cyto D), a
metabolite derived from molds, proves to be able to modify actin, reorganize
cytoskeleton, and then promote the osteogenic differentiation.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism of Cyto
D on osteogenic differentiation of mouse pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells.

Methods:

The optimum concentration of Cyto D was explored. The osteogenic
differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells induced by Cyto D was assessed by alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, western blotting and
quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, a specific
pathway inhibitor was utilized to explore whether MAPK pathways were involved in this
process.

Results:

The results showed that the optimized concentration of action was 10-2µg/ml.
The expression of Runx2, OCN and OSX was up-regulated by the supplement of Cyto
D. ALP activity, calcium deposition, and phosphorylation level of p38 protein were also
improved. Inhibition of the pathway significantly reduced the activation of p38, and the
expression of osteogenic-related genes.

Conclusion:

Cyto D can promote the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3 cells via the
p38-MAPK signaling pathway, but not the ERK1/2 or JNK, and it is a potential agent to
improve the osteogenesis of MC3T3 cells.
Bryophyllum Pinnatum: A Review on Medicinal Benefits and Potent Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Kumar Punit , Malik Sujata , Dubey Kashyap K.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Since its inception, people are using herbal extracts as natural remedies for the treatment of various diseases. Bryophyllum pinnatum, also known as the air plant, is a well-recognized herb used in folk medicine. It is native to Madagascar and further planted in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. It is known for the profusion of miniature plantlets which arise from the margins of phylloclade.

Objective:

The aim of this review is to provide the information regarding local and traditional uses, pharmacological activities and different phytochemicals reported from leaves extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum.

Methods:

This review article contains a detailed survey of the literature about Bryophyllum pinnatum available in different online databases, such as; PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, etc. In this review, authors have focused on ethnopharmacological importance and phytochemicals present in Bryophyllum pinnatum and their structure. The structures of the phytochemical were prepared by the ChemDraw tool.

Results:

This plant is used as a traditional herbal medicine around the globe due to medicinal properties like; anthelmintic, immunosuppressive, hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, anticonvulsant and antipyretic. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of many bioactive compounds like; alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, glycosides, bufadienolides, lipids, and organic acids, etc. which are associated with different medicinal properties.

Conclusion:

Bryophyllum pinnatum possesses diverse pharmacological importance and remarkable medicinal properties. Investigators have reported a large number of phytochemicals exhibiting different medicinal properties and correlation of medicinal properties.