bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between Host Plants and Biofertilizers: Contact Effect on Biological Parameters of the Mite Brevipalpus phoenicis
Authors: Medeiros Marcos Barros de , Alves Sergio Batista , Maia Aline de Holanda Nunes , Wanderley Maria Jose Araujo , Silveira Neto Sinval
Published: January 2020

This study was conducted aiming to evaluate interactions between deleterious action of biofertilizers on Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) and host plants. In the first bioassay the following concentrations were tested: 0% (control), 5%, 15%, 30% and 50%. The experimental unit was a leaf of Ligustrum lucidum plant (six leaves per treatment). Twelve mites were liberated in arenas on each leaf. The second bioassay was run on 20 days old Canavalia ensiformis plants, using ten plants per treatment. Ten mites were transferred for arenas on each host plant cotyledonal leaf. Five concentrations were also tested: 0%, 5%; 10%; 20% and 30%. The adult female mortality and the number of eggs laid in each arena were quantified daily during 72 h in the first assay and 120 h in the second one. The mite survivorship and oviposition were significantly reduced with the increase of biofertilizer concentration in both experiments. The LC25 estimates for the 24, 48 and 72 h periods were respectively 50,04; 15,70 and 4,95% in L. lucidum. The LC25 andLC50 estimates for the 24, 48, 72,96 and 120 h periods in C. ensiformis were 8,15; 7,78; 0,63; 0,68 and 0,63 and of 19,64; 19,03; 2,38; 2,60 and 2,67, respectively. No LC50estimates were obtained in L. lucidum, due the low mortality rates. The biofertilizer had deleterious action on fertility and survival of B. phoenicison both host plants, being more severe on C. ensiformis. The mites dead by the biofertilizer action showed evidences of microbial colonization. A colloidal compound of the biofertilizer induced mite immobilization and obstruction in its digestive tract.
Volume of containers and the organic substrates in the production of guava rootstocks
Authors: Oliveira Francisco Tomaz  de , Mendonça Vander , Hafle Oscar Mariano , Moreira Joserlan Nonato , Pereira Júnior Ednaldo Barbosa , Medeiros Aline Carla de , Silva Marcelo Cleon de Castro , Maracaja Patricio Borges
Published: January 2020

The volume of containers and the organic substrates are factors directly linked to the quality of seedlings. At this work, we conducted an experiment aiming to evaluate the effect of different organic sources and volumes of containers on the production of guava rootstocks. The experiment was realized from June to November 2011, at the Experimental Farm of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba (IFPB), Sousa-PB, Brazil. We used a randomized block in a 3x4 factorial design. The first factor was the organic substrate, with three treatments (cattle manure, sheep manure and earthworm castings), and the second factor consisted of four container volumes (635 mL, 1285 mL, 1800 mL and 3300 mL). Each treatment was replicated four times. The evaluated characteristics were: shoot length, shoot diameter, dry shoot matter and macronutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) in the aerial dry shoot mass. Based on the results, we recommend a volume of containers of 1285 mL for guava rootstocks, regardless of the organic substrate. The variation in the volume of the containers provided differences in the growth of the rootstocks and the accumulation of N, P, Ca and Mg in the dry mass of the aerial part.
MAPEAMENTO DOS TEORES DE PROTEÍNA E ÓLEO EM CAMPO PRODUTOR DE SOJA
Authors: Müller Danielle Helena , Camili Elisangela Clarete , Lacerda Matos Pereira Scaramuzza Walcylene , Forte Daltro Eliane Maria
Published: January 2020

Os teores de proteína e óleo são governados geneticamente, contudo fortemente influenciados pelo ambiente. Assim objetivou-se avaliar a distribuição espacial dos teores de proteína e óleo de sementes de soja cultivada em um campo de produção. Foram realizadas amostragens de sementes, em pontos georreferenciados, para obtenção do teor de proteína e óleo pela técnica da Refletância do Infravermelho Próximo (NIR). Os teores médios de proteína e óleo foram de 35,92% e 20,65%, respectivamente. As variáveis estudadas apresentaram dependência espacial moderada e ajuste ao semivariograma esférico. Os valores do alcance de dependência espacial variaram de 249,99 m, para o teor de óleo, a 414,92 m para o teor de proteína. Foram elaborados mapas de distribuição espacial das variáveis. Existe dependência espacial dos teores de proteína e óleo avaliados nas sementes de soja. A avaliação da qualidade bioquímica das sementes pode indicar parâmetros para o setor de melhoramento genético na escolha do material a ser utilizado nas próximas safras na área de produção.
PENAFSIRAN SAB’ SAMAWAT DALAM KITAB TAFSIR AL-QUR’AN AL-AZIM KARYA IBNU KATSIR (KAJIAN INTERTEKSTUALITAS JULIA CRISTEVA)
Authors: FATMAWATI FATIMAH
Published: January 2020

This paper found that there is intertextuality in Ibn Kathir's Work, Al-Qur’an Al-Azim. When Ibn Katsir interpret Sab 'samawat in seven surahs, Qs. Al-Baqarah: 29, al-Isra ': 44, al-Mu'minun: 86, Fussilat: 12, at -Talaq: 12, al-Mulk: 3, and N h: 15, his  interpretation has a correlation with previous texts. Related interpretations contained in the Al-Jami 'Li Ahkam al-Qur'an by Qurthubi, Jami' al bayan an ta'wil ay al-Quran by Thabari , and Ibn Mas'ud's exegesis. Furthermore, Al-Qur'an's Al-Azim's work, as a phenotext, has a lot of similarity with The Book of Enoch, as its genotext. The similarity is found in three points. First, the sky consists of seven layers, some of which are above the others. Second, every sky inhabit by the angels. Third, the angels in first sky give an honour to second sky habitant, the angels in second sky give an honour to third sky habitant, and so on. So, this paper attest Kristeva's theory that there is no independent text, one text with another is always related. And the other hand, this paper prove al-Quran as a cultural product, muntaj as-Saqafi.
TRANSMISI KEILMUAN PADA ERA MILENIAL MELALUI TRADISI SANADAN DI PONDOK PESANTREN AL-HASANIYAH
Authors: Suhendra Ahmad
Published: January 2020

The process of knowledge transmission in boarding school (pesantren) is done by maintaining tradition of giving ‘ijazah sanad’ (license on chain of transmission) . It enables that the teaching delivered in Pesantren continued to the authors of book (kitab) up to prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In millennial era today, some people study about religion to unclear teacher. They learn through social media, such as Facebook and YouTube. People are easily to access cross-regional studies. However, in millennial life, one of pesantren in Tangerang still maintains sanadan tradition. Pondok pesantren Al-Hasaniyah used to hold sanadan at the end of the year. This article explains the urgency of sanad for scholarship in the millennial era and describes the sanadan tradition in the Pesantren al-Hasaniyah in the transmission of religious knowledge. This study uses qualitative approach and data collected through observations and interviews. This results found that Pondok Pesantren Al-Hasaniyah formalizes sanadan tradition into an annual agenda so that students have a clear knowledge and connected until prophet Muhammad saw. However, it needs innovation in order to continuosly exist and not only for annual rituals.
New interpretation of the basal Bambuí Group, Sete Lagoas High (Minas Gerais, E Brazil) by sedimentological studies and regional implications for the aftermath of the Marinoan glaciation: Correlations across Brazil and Central Africa
Authors: DELPOMDOR Franck R.A , ILAMBWETSI Archange M. , CAXITO Fabricío A. , PEDROSA-SOARES Antonio C.
Published: January 2020

Along the preserved southeast border (i.e., the Sete Lagoas High) of the Bambuí basin, the Pedro Leopoldo Member, basal succession of the Sete Lagoas Formation, unconformably overlies the Archean basement, and mostly includes carbonates with thin pelite intercalations and rare ruditic deposits. One of these, the so-called Carrancas conglomerate in its type-section, has been considered one of the lowermost rudite deposits of the Bambuí basin, being frequently ascribed to a Neoproterozoic glaciation. However, our detailed study, based on facies analysis, reveals that the Carrancas conglomerate was deposited by sediment gravity flow currents within the basal Pedro Leopoldo Member. Two outcrop sections in the São José de Lapa and Vespasiano areas, including thirteen abandoned quarry-cut and cliff outcrops, display eight distinct lithofacies (LF1 to LF8) forming a shallowing-upward carbonate ramp succession. It is composed, from the base to the top, by a mixed siliciclastic-carbonate outer ramp distally bounded by a slope-outer ramp system with sediment gravity flow deposits, a deep outer ramp developed below storm-wave base environments, an outer-middle ramp with aragonite pseudomorph crystal fans developed in a CaCO3 oversaturated below storm-wave base environment in suboxic/anoxic conditions. According to published isotope data correlating δ13C trends and values in basal carbonates of the Pedro Leopoldo Member of the Sete Lagoas and Januária highs, the relatively deep outer-slope ramp mixed siliciclastic-carbonate units of the study area appear to be coeval in age with the cap dolostone of shallow-water inner ramp of the Januária High. The absence of a cap dolostone in the Sete Lagoas High could be explained by lack of accommodation space or a regional erosion due to the tectonically driven forebulge uplift of the Sete Lagoas High. The Pedro Leopoldo Member in the Sete Lagoas High was accumulated in a brine-seawater bottom waters under suboxic/anoxic conditions in the relatively deeper portion of the carbonate ramp system, whilst the cap dolostone in the Januária High was developed in oxygenated mixed layer and intermediate water near the surface water in the shallower portion of the carbonate ramp system. Such lateral variations of facies and δ13C fluctuations are similar to those recorded by the cap carbonate sequences of the basal Schisto-Calcaire/Lukala (Sub)Group in the West Congo Belt and the basal Araras Group in the Paraguay Belt, which display a similar wide range of sub-environments like the studied part of the Pedro Leopoldo Member.
Characteristics of Corn Cobs Waste Activated Carbon for Slow Release Micro Fertilizer Carrier
Authors: Priyadi Priyadi , Mangiring Windu
Published: January 2020

The problem of Fertilization, especially micro fertilizers, is toxication due to the excessive application. Using the concept of slow release fertilizer is a very possible solution to overcome the problem. The objectives of this study are 1) to characterize corn cobs activated carbon for slow release micro fertilizer carrier, 2) to produce and to test of slow release micro fertilizer.The research was carried out by converting corn cobs into activated carbon with an activation temperature of 600 ˚C and water vapor for 90 minutes. Production of slow release fertilizer was carried out by soaking activated carbon in a solution of CuSO4, FeSO4 and ZnSO4 1N for 24 hours. The results of micro fertilizer were then characterized, then the solubility test was carried out. The results of the characteristic analysis showed that some parameters that could be used as fertilizer carriers include, iodine adsorption 404.21 mg g-1, adsorption of methylene blue 16.88 mg g-1, the pore volume of 0.19 cc mg-1 and surface area of 315.77 m2 g-1. While, based on the results of micronutrient solubility test the highest nutrient content that can be absorbed by activated carbon (AA) is found in Cu, followed by Zn and Fe. It relates to the characteristics possessed by activated carbon namely specific surface area, pore volume, and nutrient diameter size.
 
Effect of Container Culture Types on The Success of Cacao Somatic Embryos Formation
Authors: Ajijah Nur , Tresniawati Cici , Syafaruddin Syafaruddin
Published: January 2020

Container culture have an important role in determining the success of in vitro culture since it will affect the development of culture, such as the formation of embryonic structures. The study aimed to determine the effect of culture container types on cacao somatic embryogenesis. The study was conducted at Tissue Culture Laboratory, Superior Seed Development Unit of IAARD, Bogor, from April to September 2016. The tests were conducted on the effect of container and explant types as well as the effect of container types and genotypes. The effects of container and explant types were tested using callus induced from petal and staminoid explants of Sca 6, whereas the effects of container types and genotypes were tested using callus induced from petal explants of Sca 6 and ICCRI 4. Afterwards, the somatic embryos were induced using petri dishes or culture bottles according to treatment. The results showed no significant interaction between container and explant types on the average percentage of the formation and number of somatic embryos (10.28% embryos/explants in culture bottles and 7.89% embryos/explants in petri dishes). Meanwhile, there was significant interaction between genotypes and container types in the initial period of somatic embryos formation (15 and 18 weeks after culture), but the effect was not significant in the final period of observation (21 weeks after culture). The results indicate that culture bottles, which have lower prices, can be used to replace petri dishes to induce the formation of somatic embryos in cacao.
Effect of Daesiho-tang on obesity with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
Authors: Han Kyungsun , Kwon Ojin , Park Hyo-ju , Jung So-Young , Yang Changsop , Son Chang-Gue
Published: January 2020

Background: The high prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty acid disease has become an important public health problem. Daesiho-tang (DST) is an herbal medicine widely used to treat obesity, metabolic syndrome and liver diseases. This pilot study will assess the feasibility of using DST in obese patients with a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prior to undertaking a full-scale clinical trial.
Methods: This is a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, stratified, placebo-controlled pilot trial. We will recruit a total of 60 participants with body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and will have NAFLD. They will take either DST or placebo (3 g, three times daily) for 12 weeks with a 4-week follow-up period. The effects of DST will be evaluated by the mean change in body weight as the primary measurement and other secondary parameters (body composition, anthropometric measurements, blood tests, hepatic fat quantification through transient elastography and a physical symptoms questionnaire). Faecal samples will be collected before and after the intervention for a gut microbial analysis.
Discussion: This study will explore the effect of DST on weight loss and obesity-related markers, along with NAFLD-related clinical parameters in obese patients with NAFLD to conduct further large-scale trials. Furthermore, it will provide insight into the DST pharmacological mechanism of action through a gut microbiome analysis
Trial registration: Korean Clinical Trial Registry, KCT0003554. Registered on 25 February 2019, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_en.jsp?seq=13379
Immunohistochemical expression of Cyclin D1 among Sudanese patients diagnosed with benign and malignant prostatic lesions
Authors: Ahmed Eiman Siddig , Elnour Lubna S. , Hassan Rowa , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Chacko Mintu Elsa , Ali Eman Taha , Mohamed Mona A. , Munir Abdalla , Muneer Mohamed S. , Mohamed Nouh Saad , Edris Ali Mahmoud Mohammed
Published: January 2020

Objectives: Prostate cancer (PC) is common cancer worldwide. Several markers have been developed to differentiate between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from PC. A descriptive retrospective hospital-based study aimed at determining the expression of Cyclin D1 in BPH and PC. the study took place at different histopathology laboratories in Khartoum state, Sudan, from December 2016 to January 2019. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks were sectioned and fixed in 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane coated slides incubated into primary antibody for Cyclin D1. The assessment of immunoreactivity of Cyclin D1 of each section was done using the Gleason scoring system. Results: A total of 153 males’ prostate sections included in this study, of them, 120 (78.4%) were PC, and 33 (21.6%) were BPH. Their age ranged from 45 to 88 years, mean age was 66.19 ± 8.599. 142 (92.8%) did not have a family history of PC, while 11 (7.2%) patients reported having a family history. The Gleason scoring showed a total of 81 (52.9%) patients with high-grade and 39 (25.5%) with low-grade. 118 (97.5%) patients had PC showed positive results for Cyclin D1, while BPH was 3 (2.5%). P value < 0.001. Cyclin D1 staining was associated with high-grade Gleason score and perineural invasion, P value 0.001.
Relationship between caesarean section and breastfeeding: evidence from the 2013 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Erbaydar Nuket Paksoy , Erbaydar Tuğrul
Published: January 2020

Background: The mode of delivery influences breastfeeding practices. High rates of caesarean section and low breastfeeding rates are important public health concerns for all developing countries. This study aimed to determine the relationship between caesarean section and early breastfeeding practices among primiparae.
Methods: Data for primiparae with a singleton birth (N = 777) obtained from the 2013 Turkey Demographic and Health Survey were used in this retrospective cohort study. Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of delivery and exclusive breastfeeding during the first three days following birth were evaluated. Standardised incidence rates and standardised rate ratios of non-early initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding were calculated according to the mode of delivery.
Results: The late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding incidence rates were 42.7% and 41.0%, respectively. The standardised incidence rate of late initiation of breastfeeding among women with vaginal delivery was 35.34%, versus 50.49% among those with caesarean delivery. The standardised rate ratios for late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding were 1.428 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.212-1.683) and 1.468 (95% CI: 1.236-1.762), respectively. Women who underwent caesarean section had a higher risk of late initiation of breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding during the three days following delivery, after controlling for sociodemographic and delivery-related factors.
Conclusions: This study provides useful evidence for the implementation of strategies to prevent unnecessary caesarean sections, which negatively affect not only maternal health but also neonatal health. The promotion of mother-friendly policies by healthcare institutions, implemented in a baby-friendly manner, is essential.
The Influence of Experiential Knowledge and Societal Perceptions on Decision-Making Regarding Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Authors: Montgomery Sophie , Thayer Zaneta M.
Published: January 2020

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) allows women to access genetic information about their fetuses without the physical risk inherent to prior testing methods. The advent of NIPT technology has yielded concerns among bioethicists regarding the quality and process of informed consent, as the routinization of this technology could degrade the intentionality of women choosing whether to undergo testing. Prior studies evaluating the NIPT decision-making process have focused on the clinical encounter as the primary environment for acquisition of biomedical information and decision formation. While important, this conceptualization fails to consider how additional sources of knowledge, including both embodied and empathetic experiential knowledge, shape perceptions of risk and the societal use of NIPT.
In order to address this issue, qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 25 women who had been offered NIPT were performed. Women were categorized by NIPT use/non-use, as well as whether their described decision-making process was routinized. Qualitative analysis of the data using a phenomenological approach was used to explore themes in the data, develop a framework of NIPT decision-making, and compare the perceptions of women with differential decision-making processes and outcomes.
A framework for decision-making regarding NIPT was developed based on three emergent factors: perceptions of the societal use of NIPT, expected emotional impact of genetic information, and perceived utility of genetic information. Qualitative analysis revealed that perceptions of widespread use of NIPT, pervasive societal narratives of NIPT use as progressive and “forward-thinking,” and a perception of information as anxiety-relieving contributed to routinized uptake of NIPT. In contrast, women who displayed a lack of routinization expressed fewer stereotypes regarding the audience for NIPT and relied on communication with their social networks in-person and online to consider how they might use the information provided by NIPT.
The findings of this study reveal the societal narratives and perceptions that shape differential decision-making regarding NIPT. Understanding and addressing these perceptions that influence NIPT decision-making, especially routinized uptake of NIPT, is important as the use and scope of this technology increases.
Radial peripapillary capillary density in superior segmental optic hypoplasia measured with OCT angiography.
Authors: Abe Maiko , Omodaka Kazuko , Kikawa Tsutomu , Nakazawa Toru
Published: January 2020

Background: To investigate the diagnostic power of radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density, measured with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), in patients with superior segmental optic hypoplasia (SSOH).
Methods: Forty subjects with SSOH and 40 age- and axial length-matched control subjects were retrospectively registered for this study. SSOH was defined as intraocular pressure less than 21 mmHg with the presence of two of the following: superior rim thinning, superior entrance of the central retinal artery, scleral halo, and pale optic disc; as well as non-progressive visual field loss. RPC density was measured with swept-source OCT-A (Triton, Topcon) overall, in the quadrants, and in the 12 clock-wise sectors. Changes in RPC density were also compared in SSOH patients and age-matched patients with mild- or moderate-stage of glaucoma. RPC density was compared in pairs of groups with Welch’s t-test. Diagnostic power was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC).
Results: Overall cpRNFLT was significantly different in the normal (106.7 ± 9.5 μm) and SSOH (77.2 ± 13.7 μm, p < 0.001) subjects. RPC density overall and in the superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants was significantly lower in the SSOH group (all, p < 0.001), but not in the temporal (p = 0.756) quadrant. The diagnostic power of RPC density was highest in the superior quadrant (AUC = 0.928) and the 1 o’clock sector (0.896). Comparing the SSOH and glaucoma patients showed that there were no significant differences in RPC density either overall (p=0.391) or in the superior quadrant (p = 0.268), while RPC density was significantly higher in the inferior (p = 0.005) and temporal quadrants (p < 0.001) and lower in the nasal quadrant (p = 0.029).
Conclusions: Low RPC density was found in the three non-temporal quadrants of the optic nerve head in SSOH patients, in comparison to normal subjects. Regionally, RPC density in SSOH was lower in the nasal quadrant and higher in the inferior and temporal quadrants in comparison to glaucoma patients. Measuring RPC density with OCT-A may help the diagnosis of SSOH and may improve the management of glaucoma.
Application of Freire’s Adult Education Model for Modifying the Psychological Constructs of Health Belief Model in Self-medication Behaviors of Elderly: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bakhtiar Katayon , Ardalan Arash , Araban Marzieh , Ebrahimzadeh Farzad , Almasian Mohammad , bastami Fatemeh
Published: January 2020

Background: As people age, they are more likely to engage in self-medication and suffer from its adverse effects. The present study aimed to modifying knowledge, psychological constructs of Health Belief Model (HBM), and self-medication behaviors using Freire’s Adult Education Model (FAEM) among elderlies in Khorramabad, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. Methods: This research was of a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted on 132 elderly individuals older than 60 who were referred from health care centers. The participants were selected using multistage sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. The data collection instruments included a questionnaire which was designed based on both HBM and the self-medication behaviors questionnaires. The phases of the adult education approach were used to modify the psychological constructs of HBM and self-medication behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 with a significance level of 0.05. Descriptive statistical tests, the chi-squared test, paired t-test, independent t-test, and univariate modeling were employed for this purpose. Results: The mean age of the elderly was 66.28 ± 7.18 years. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of self-medicating. Unawareness of the effects of medicines were the most important causes of self-medication (p=0.50). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of knowledge, HBM constructs, and self-medication behaviors (p>0.05). However, they came up to be considerably different for the above variables after the intervention was completed (p<0.05). When the findings were adjusted for the effects of confounding variables, there were significant differences between almost all constructs of HBM and their behaviors (p < 0.05). However, the perceived barrier modality of HBM did not reach to a significant level of difference between two groups. Conclusion: The psychological constructs of HBM were affected at the phases of listening to the problem and reflecting on it. Self-medication was tempered at the action-reflection phase with shared creation and evaluation of the action plan geared towards the achievement of the behavioral objectives. The results might be of importance for healthcare professionals involved incare of older patients.
Cold priming uncouples light- and cold-regulation of gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bittner Andras , Buer Jörn van , Baier Margarete
Published: January 2020

Background The majority of stress-sensitive genes responds to cold and highlight in the same direction, if plants face the stresses for the first time. As shown recently for a small selection of genes of the core environmental stress response cluster, pre-treatment of Arabidopsis thaliana with a 24 h long 4 °C cold stimulus modifies cold regulation of gene expression for up to a week at 20 °C, although the primary cold effects are reverted within the first 24 h. Such memory based regulation is called priming. Here, we show the effect of 24 h cold priming on cold regulation of gene expression on a transcriptome-wide scale and test if and how cold priming effects light regulation of gene expression. Results 304 genes were differently regulated between cold-primed and non-primed plants after a second 24 h long 4 °C cold treatment. After triggering the plants with a heat-filtered highlight stimulus (800 µmol quanta m -2 s -1 ), 1011 genes showed priming dependent regulation. Only 32 of the priming-sensitive genes responded similarly to cold and light triggering. The majority of the priming-sensitive genes were regulated in a stressor-specific manner. 29 genes were even inversely regulated by the two triggering stimuli. Cold priming preferentially supported expression of genes involved in the defense against plant pathogens upon cold triggering. The regulation took place on the cost of the expression of genes involved in growth regulation and transport. On the contrary, cold priming resulted in stronger expression of genes regulating metabolism and development and weaker expression of defense genes in response to highlight triggering. qPCR in several independently cultivated and treated samples confirmed the trends observed by RNA-Sequencing. Conclusion The 24 h long priming cold stimulus activates a several day lasting stress memory that controls cold and light regulation of gene expression and adjusts growth and defense regulation in a stressor-specific manner.
Detection of CNV in the SH3RF2 gene in chickens and its effects on growth and carcass traits
Authors: Jing Zhenzhu , Wang Xinlei , Cheng Yingying , Wei Chengjie , Hou Dan , Li Tong , Li Wenya , Han Ruili , Li Hong , Sun Guirong , Tian Yadong , Liu Xiaojun , Kang Xiangtao , Li Zhuanjian
Published: January 2020

Background﻿SH3RF2 gene was a protein-coding gene located in the quantitative trait locus associated with body weight , and its deletion was positively correlated with body weight in chickens.ResultsIn the present study, the SH3RF2 genotype of the “Gushi ×Anka” F2 resource population , as well as local chickens and commercial layers and broilers in China was detected , and the relationship between the genotype and chicken production traits was further studied by molecular biology technology. The results showed that the local chickens and commercial layers were all homozygous for the wild-type allele. In commercial broiler breeds, deletion mutation individuals were detected in all commercial broiler breeds except Hubbard breeds.In addition , 798 individuals in the F2 resource group were used to analyze the effects of different genotypes (DD\ ID\ II) on chicken production traits. The results showed that the mutation was associated with 2 , 6 , 10 , and 12-week body weight and a significant correllation with 8-week breast bone length (P<0.05);The mutation was significantly correlated with 8-week body weight and 4-week breast bone length (P<0.01).Additionally , evisceration weight , legs muscle weight , carcass weight and other significant correlations (P<0.05) and breast muscle weight and gizzard weight were significantly correlated (P<0.01).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that the copy number variation of the SH3RF2 gene contributed to the growth and weight gain of chickens.
How Are Systematic Reviews of Prevalence Conducted? A Methodological Study
Authors: Migliavaca Celina Borges , Stein Cinara , Colpani Verônica , Barker Timothy Hugh , Munn Zachary , Falavigna Maicon
Published: January 2020

Background There is a notable lack of methodological and reporting guidance for systematic reviews of prevalence data. This information void has the potential to result in reviews that are inconsistent and inadequate to inform healthcare policy and decision making. The aim of this meta-epidemiological study is to describe the methodology of recently published prevalence systematic reviews.Methods We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed) from February 2017 to February 2018 for systematic reviews of prevalence studies. We included systematic reviews assessing the prevalence of any clinical condition using patients as the unit of measurement and we summarized data related to reporting of and methodology of the reviews.Results A total of 235 systematic reviews of prevalence were analyzed. The median number of authors was 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 4-7), the median number of databases searched was 4 (3-6) and the median of studies included in each review was 24 (IQR 15-41.5). Search strategies were presented for 68% of reviews. Forty five percent of reviews received external funding, and 24% did not provide funding information. Twenty three percent of included reviews had published or registered the systematic review protocol. Reporting guidelines were used in 72% of reviews. The quality of included studies was assessed in 80% of reviews. Only 12 reviews assessed the overall quality of evidence (50% of them using GRADE). Meta-analysis was conducted in 65% of reviews; only 1% used Bayesian methods. Random effect meta-analysis was used in 94% of reviews; among them, 75% did not report the variance estimator used. Among the reviews with meta-analysis, 70% did not report how data was transformed; 59% percent conducted subgroup analysis, 38% conducted meta-regression and 2% estimated prediction interval; I2 was estimated in 95% of analysis. Publication bias was examined in 48%. The most common software used was STATA (55%).Conclusions Our results indicate that there are significant inconsistencies regarding how these reviews are conducted. Many of these differences arose in the assessment of methodological quality and the formal synthesis of comparable data. This variability indicates the need for clearer reporting standards and consensus on methodological guidance for systematic reviews of prevalence data.
COX5A over-expression protects cortical neurons from hypoxic ischemic injury in neonatal rats associated with TPI up-regulation
Authors: Jiang Ya , Bai Xue , Zhao Qiong , Hawwas Mohammed AL , Jin Yuan , Zou Yu , Hu Yue , Li Ting-Ting , Liu Lin-Yi , Zhang Ying , Liu Qing , Yang Hao , Wang Tinghua , Ma Jun , Liu Jia , Xiong Liu-Lin
Published: January 2020

Background: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a destructive condition that constitutes a main cause of death in newborns. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms in brain damage are still not fully elucidated. Results: Here, we established hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury and primary cortical neurons subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to mimic HIE model in-vivo and in - vitro . Zea-longa scores, Triphenyte-trazoliumchloride (TTC) staining the Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferased Utp Nick End Labeling (tunel) and immunofluorescent staining were used to detect the neurological injuries after HI. Then the expression of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5a (COX5A) was determined by immunohistochemistry, western blotting (WB) and quantitative real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) techniques. Moreover, HSV-mediated COX5A over-expression virus was administrated in - vitro to explore the role of COX5A in OGD neurons. Subsequently, the underlying mechanism was predicted by GeneMANIA and confirmed by WB and qRT-PCR. The results showed that HI induced a severe behavioral dysfunction, brain infarction, and cell apoptosis as well as obvious neuron loss in neonatal rats, in corresponding to the decrease on the expression of COX5A in both sides of the brain . What’s more, COX5A over-expression significantly promoted the neuron survival, reduced the apoptosis rate, and markedly increased the neurites length after OGD. Moreover, Triosephosephate isomerase (TPI) was predicted as physical interactions with COX5A, and COX5A over-expression largely increased the expressional level of TPI. Conclusions: Together, these data suggest that COX5A plays an important role in promoting neurological recovery after HI, and this process is related to TPI up-regulation.
NFKB1/NR3C1-MAPK4 axis regulates the pathology of acute lung injury
Authors: Mao Ling , Zhou Ya , Hu Lin , Liu Shiming , Zhao Juanjuan , Guo Mengmeng , Chen Chao , He Zhixu , Xu Lin
Published: January 2020

BackgroundAcute lung injury (ALI) is a serious disease with highly morbidity and mortality that causes serious health problems worldwide. MAPK4, a member of atypical MAPK family, has been implicated in the development of cancer. Herein, the current study aimed to investigate the possible role of MAPK4 in the pathology of ALI to identify potential candidates for ALI therapy.MethodsMurine ALI model was established in WT or MAPK4-/- mice and the expressions of MAPK4 were measured. The survival ratio of ALI model mice was observed. Moreover, the changes of pathologic injury and infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as the related signaling pathways, in lung tissues were analyzed. Furthermore, the possible molecular mechanism of MAPK4 expression in ALI was analyzed by massARRAY and EMSA assay. Finally, the effect of MAPK4 silencing using shRNA interference on the pathology of ALI was identified.ResultsData showed that MAPK4 was up-regulated in lung tissues in LPS-induced murine ALI model. Importantly, MAPK4 deficiency mice exhibited prolonged survival time after LPS challenge, accompanied by alleviated inflammatory injury in lung tissues characterized with reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, infiltration of immune cells and altered transduction of related signaling pathways. Besides, massARRAY results showed no aberrant change in CpG methylation levels between control and ALI mice. Bioinformatics analysis and EMSA assay showed that transcriptional factor NFKB1 and NR3C1 could negatively regulate the expression of MAKP4. Finally, MAPK4-shRNA treatment could ameliorate the pathology of lung tissues and prolong the survival time of mice after LPS challenge.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that MAPK4, orchestrated by NFKB1 and NR3C1, could regulate the pathology of ALI, indicating that MAPK4 might be a new therapeutic target for ALI treatment.
Barriers and opportunities for management of shared sanitation facilities in low-income settlements in Kenya
Authors: Simiyu Sheillah , Kweyu Raphael M. , Antwi-Agyei Prince , Adjei Kwaku A.
Published: January 2020

Background Sharing of sanitation is commonly being practiced in low income areas in Sub Saharan Africa. However, the JMP categorizes shared sanitation as a limited sanitation service due to concerns of cleanliness and safety. The shared facilities are often the only option available for most of the residents in low income settlements, and improving the management is key to reducing open defecation and risk of disease. This study sought to investigate barriers and opportunities for improved management of shared sanitation in low income settlements of Kisumu in Kenya.Methods Thirty nine In-depth interviews and 11 Focus group discussions were held with residents, including tenants and landlords. Analysis followed a thematic approach to define the problem, specify the target behaviour and define what needs to change.Results Pit latrines were commonly shared among landlords and tenants. Shared sanitation facilities were unclean due to poor use and lack of cleaning. As respondents specified attributes of clean and useable shared toilets, they also identified behavioural, physical, social and motivational opportunities for improvement, and the key stakeholders that should be involved in shared sanitation interventions. Social opportunities such as clear cleaning plans, communication, and problem solving mechanisms between landlords and tenants were most commonly reported.Conclusion The results highlight the need to focus on social aspects for improvement of shared sanitation management in low income settlements. Through a social approach, shared sanitation facilities can be managed appropriately to afford the millions of low income dwellers an opportunity to access sanitation. This study provides further evidence on approaches for improved management of shared sanitation facilities in line with the JMP’s recommendation for well managed shared facilities.
The development of a questionnaire to assess leisure time screen-based media use and its proximal correlates in children (SCREENS-Q)
Authors: Klakk Heidi , Wester Christian Tolstrup , Olesen Line Grønholt , Rasmussen Martin Gillies , Kristensen Peter Lund , Pedersen Jesper , Grøntved Anders
Published: January 2020

Background: The screen-media landscape has changed drastically during the last decade with wide-scale ownership and use of new portable touchscreen-based devices plausibly causing changes in the volume of screen media use and the way children and young people entertain themselves and communicate with friends and family members. This rapid development is not sufficiently mirrored in available tools for measuring children’s screen media use. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a parent-reported standardized questionnaire to assess 6-10-year old children’s multiple screen media use and habits, their screen media environment, and its plausible proximal correlates based on a suggested socio-ecological model.
Methods: An iterative process was conducted developing the SCREENS questionnaire. Informed by the literature, media experts and end-users, a conceptual framework was made to guide the development of the questionnaire. Parents and media experts evaluated face and content validity. Pilot and field testing in the target group was conducted to assess test-retest reliability using Kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity of relevant items was assessed using pairwise non-parametric correlations (Spearman’s). The SCREENS questionnaire is based on a multidimensional and formative model.
Results: The SCREENS questionnaire covers six domains validated to be important factors of screen media use in children and comprises 19 questions and 92 items. Test-retest reliability (n=37 parents) for continuous variables was moderate to substantial with ICC’s ranging from 0.67 to 0.90. For relevant nominal and ordinal data, kappa values were all above 0.50 with more than 80 percent of the values above 0.61 indicating good test-retest reliability. Internal consistency between two different time use variables (from n=243) showed good correlations with rho ranging from 0.59 to 0.66. Response-time was within 15 min for all participants.
Conclusions: SCREENS-Q is a comprehensive tool to assess children’s screen media habits, the screen media environment and possible related correlates. It is a feasible questionnaire with multiple validated constructs and moderate to substantial test-retest reliability of all evaluated items. The SCREENS-Q is a promising tool to investigate children screen media use.
Keywords: screen-media use, children, questionnaire, correlates
Unmasking Anxiety in Autism: Explicit and Implicit Threat Dissociate Amygdala-centered Functional Connectivity
Authors: Chen Yu-Chun , Chen Chenyi , Liu Chia-Chien , Martínez Róger Marcelo , Fan Yang-Tang , Cheng Yawei
Published: January 2020

Background Anxiety is the most prevalent comorbidity in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Amygdala reactivity to explicit and implicit threat processing offers a platform to assess anxiety. The neural mechanisms underlying the link between anxiety and ASD remains elusive.Methods In this fMRI study, we recruited young adults with ASD (N = 31) and matched them with controls, then proceeded to assess their autistic and anxiety traits by the use of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), respectively; and scanned their amygdala reactivity in response to explicit and implicit (backward masking) perception of threatening faces.Results As compared to controls, the amygdala reactivity in ASD subjects was significantly reduced to explicit threat, but comparable to implicit threat. The correlations of the amygdala reactivity with the AQ and STAI-S were dissociated depending on threat processing (explicit or implicit). Furthermore, the amygdala in ASD relative to controls had a more negative functional connectivity with the superior parietal cortex, fusiform gyrus, and hippocampus for explicit threat, whereas a more positive connectivity with the medial prefrontal cortex, temporal pole, and hippocampus for implicit threat.Conclusion In ASD, the transmission of socially relevant information along dorsal and ventral neural pathways centered on the amygdala is dissociated depending on explicit and implicit threat processing. This dissociation, ascribed to their failure to compromise pre-existing hyperarousal, might contribute to anxiety in ASD.
Development of a novel method for the quantification of tyrosine 39 phosphorylated alpha-synuclein in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Na Chan Hyun , Sathe Gajanan , Rosenthal Liana S. , Moghekar Abhay R. , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: January 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Biomarkers that can help monitor the progression of PD or response to disease-modifying agents will be invaluable in making appropriate therapeutic decisions. Further, biomarkers that could be used to distinguish PD from other related disorders with PD-like symptoms will be useful for accurate diagnosis and treatment. C-Abl tyrosine kinase is activated in PD resulting in increased phosphorylation of the tyrosine residue at position 39 of a-synuclein (a-syn) (pY39 a-syn), which contributes to the death of dopaminergic neurons. Because pY39a-syn may be pathogenic, monitoring pY39 a-syn could allow us to diagnose presymptomatic PD and help monitor disease progression and response to treatment. We sought to investigate if increased phosphorylation of pY39 a-syn can be detected in the CSF of PD patients by targeted mass spectrometry. Methods: Here, we report a two-step enrichment method in which phosphotyrosine peptides including pY39 a-syn containing peptide were first enriched with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody followed by a second round of enrichment by titanium oxide (TiO2) beads. Accurate quantification was achieved by the addition of a synthetic heavy version of pY39 a-syn peptide added before enzymatic digestion. Results: Using the developed enrichment methods and optimized parallel reaction monitoring assays, we detected pY39 a-syn peptide in human CSF and demonstrate that the ratio of pY39 a-syn to total a-syn was significantly increased in the CSF of patients with PD. Conclusions: We anticipate that this optimized two-step enrichment-based PRM detection method will help monitor c-Abl activation in PD patients and can also be used to quantify other phosphotyrosine peptides of low abundance in biological samples.