bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic feasibility of potato production influenced by intra-row plant spacing under mango-based agroforestry system
Authors: Amin Md. Hafiz All , Das Babul Kumar , Akter Most. Mottakina , Thainiramit Panu , Jutidamrongphan Warangkana , Techato Kua-anan , Sangkakool Tachaya
Published: May 2021

For ensuring the food security and maximum use of land, the potato production under a mango-based agroforestry system is an effective production approach. The purpose of this study was to assess the yield potential and the economic benefits of potato production under a mango-based agroforestry system. The potato tubers were planted in a 10-year-old mango orchard and open field condition. The experiment was laid out following a split plot design with three (3) replications. Potato production system under mango orchard and open field were arranged in main plots T0 = potato sole cropping (control) and T1 = potato under mango-based agroforestry system. On the other hand, potato intra-row plant spacing were in sub-plots S0 = 60 × 20 cm2, S1 = 60 × 25 cm2 and S2 = 60 × 30 cm2. The data of yield characters of potatoes were investigated. The cost of production, gross & net return and benefit-cost ratio was calculated for economic analysis. The results show that the closest (60 x 20 cm2) intra-row plant spacing produced the highest yield while the economic returns from potatoes grown under the mango-based agroforestry system were higher than those derived from cropped grown as a sole crop or potatoes cultivation alone (gross returns US$3508/ha, net returns US$1642/ha). Further, the benefit-cost ratio from the combined cultivation of potatoes and mangos was 2.14, which was 20 % higher than growing potatoes as a sole crop. Thus, the cultivation of potatoes under a mango-based agroforestry system offers a significant financial benefit to farmers while ensuring the sustainable use of vacant space in mango orchards
Salinity levels in growth and production of curly lettuce (Elba, Cristina and Veneranda) grown in hydroponic system
Authors: Xavier Josilda de França , Azevedo Carlos Alberto Vieira de , Sales Julio Cesar Rodrigues de , Azevedo Marcia Rejane de Queiroz Almeida , Fernandes Josely Dantas , Lima Vera Lúcia Antunes de , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , Filho Antônio Fernandes Monteiro
Published: May 2021

The objective of this research was to evaluate the different salinity levels on growth and production of three cultivars (Elba, Cristina and Veneranda) of curly lettuce in a hydroponic system using the Nutrient film technique (NFT). The design was randomized blocks in a split plot scheme, in which treatments constituted of nutrition solutions: S1 = Furlani (1.9 dS m-1) and six solutions prepared from Furlani solution in order to present the electrical conductivities of (S2 = 2.4; S3 = 2.9; S4 = 3.4; S5 = 3.9; S6 = 4.4 and S7 = 4.9 dS m-1) with three repetitions. The electrical conductivities were obtained by addition of NaCl. The subplots corresponded to the cultivars Elba, Cristina and Veneranda. The following variables were evaluated: Number of leaves per plant (NLP); Total production (TP); Commercial production (CP); Stem diameter (SD); Fresh leaf mass (FLM), Dry leaf mass (DLM) and Dry stem mass (DSM). Nutritional solutions (S1 and S2) promoted the best results for all variables studied. The highest number of sheets (NS) were found in cultivars Elba and Veneranda when the solutions were used (S1 and S2). The highest yields for (TP) (PC) and (FLM) were found in the cultivar Veneranda with nutrient solutions (S1 and S2). The highest value for dry leaf mass (DLM) and dry stem mass (DSM) was found in the cultivar Veneranda
Nitric oxide as a way to mitigate copper (Cu) toxicity in the emergence and initial growth of maize seedling (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Brito Ana Ecidia de Araújo , Albuquerque Gerson Diego Pamplona de , Palheta Juscelino Gonçalves , Teixeira Jessica Suellen Silva , Sousa Diana Jhulia Palheta de , Teixeira Keila Beatriz Silva , Nogueira Glauco André dos Santos , Neto Cândido Ferreira de Oliveira , Viégas Ismael de Jesus Matos , Okumura Ricardo Shigueru
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of sodium nitroprusside-NPS (nitric oxide donor) on the emergence and initial growth of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) subjected to different copper concentrations. The study followed a completely randomized design at 4 x 3 factorial arrangement, with 12 treatments and 8 repetitions, totally 96 trays with 25 seedlings per repetition. Seedlings were soaked in sodium nitroprusside (SNP) solution (0.75 and 150 µM - donor), sodium ferrocyanide (SF) (0.75 and 150 µM - compensator) and deionized water (control) on Germitest paper for 48 hours. Next, they were placed on sand saturated with CuSO4.5H2O at concentrations of 0, 100 and 200 µM. The results showed that SNP doses were not capable of mitigating copper toxicity in seedling emergence, influencing emergence speed coefficient and prolonging the mean emergence time of plants subjected to copper concentrations of 100 µM and 200 µM. Copper concentrations rose the number of abnormal seedlings and had negative influence on plant biometrics and biomass. Copper concentration of 200 µM increased proline content in the roots. NPS and sodium ferrocyanide application had effect on emergence speed index, shoot and root dry mass and on proline content in the shoot and roots. This outcome highlights that such effects were caused by treatments related to release of cyanide found in sodium nitroprusside (SNP), rather than to nitric oxide (NO)
Use of P for three potato clones in soil and in soilless cultivation
Authors: Sausen Darlene , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Schorr Márcio Renan Weber , Tavares Miriam da Silva , Pereira Aline Soares , Dorneles Athos Odin Severo , Bernardy Daniele , Lautenchleger Francine , Bisognin Dilson Antônio , Nicoloso Fernando Teixeira
Published: May 2021

The objective of this work was to verify the nutritional efficiency to phosphorus (P) as well as the responses of the use of P for three potato clones in soil and soilless cultivation (semi hydroponic). For this purpose, the Asterix, SMIC 148-A and SMINIA 793101-3 clones were evaluated under high and low P levels in soil growing (70 and 560kg P2O5 ha-1) and in soilless cultivation using sand as substrate (2.32 and 23.2mg P L-1 of nutritive solution). Rooting efficiency, absorption, translocation and use of P, fresh tuber mass, total dry mass and harvest index were evaluated in the clones. Each clone responds differently to the growing systems used in terms of nutritional efficiency for P. In both growing systems, the Asterix, SMIC 148-A and SMINIA 793101-3 clones did not show any increase in the absorption efficiency and in the efficiency of using P to compensate for the low level of P, which may have caused the reduction in total dry mass under low P. The restriction of P causes a reduction in tuber fresh mass for the Asterix and SMINIA 793101-3 clones in the two growing systems tested and for the SMIC 148-A clone only in soilless cultivation. Asterix is the clone with the highest harvest index under low P in the field, even without differing from the others in soilless cultivation
Efficiency of phosphorus use in potato clones in two contrasting growing seasons
Authors: Sausen Darlene , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Tavares Miriam da Silva , Schorr Márcio Renan Weber , Mambrin Ritieli Baptista , Alves Jover da Silva , Tarouco Camila Peligrinotti , Lucio Alessandro Dal`Col , Lautenchleger Francine , Nicoloso Fernando Teixeira
Published: May 2021

In Rio Grande do Sul the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) can be grown in fall and spring. However, due to the contrasting weather conditions between these two seasons, which directly influence the growth of plants and the formation of tubers, it is necessary to identify potato clones adapted to such growing conditions. Thus, this work was carried out to characterize the efficiency of P use in potato clones grown in two contrasting seasons, in an off-soil growing system using sand as a substrate. The treatments were combined in a 2 x 4 x 2 factorial, consisting of two levels of P in the nutrient solution (2.32 and 23.2 mg P L-1), four potato clones (Asterix, Atlantic, SMIC 148-A and SMINIA 793101-3) and two growing seasons (spring and fall). The number of leaves and tubers per plant, the fresh and dry mass of the tubers, fresh mass of the shoot, P concentration in shoot and tubers, and efficiency of P use were determined. There is a difference between the potato clones in terms of the efficiency of P use in the spring and autumn crops of Rio Grande do Sul. Asterix and SMINIA 793101-3 clones show higher productivity in the spring growing and without P. restriction. SMIC 148-A clone was not influenced by the growing season, as long as the availability of P is not a limiting factor. Atlantic clone shows good production when grown in the fall, regardless of the level of P used
Characterizing the photosynthetic ability of the submergence-tolerant rice variety of Inpari30 via maximum quantum yield performance during transient flooding stress and recovery
Authors: Nurrahma Arinal Haq Izzawati , Yabuta Shin , Junaedi Ahmad , Sakagami Jun-Ichi
Published: May 2021

Submergence is an environmental challenge for crop cultivation which causes physiological perturbation and yield loss. Tolerant genotypes are characterized by the ability to maintain physiological processes, especially photosynthesis, minimizing the negative effects of flooding stress. This experiment was aimed to examine the photosynthetic ability during submergence and a recovery period in rice variety of Inpari30 (carrying gene Sub1) compared to IR72442 (an elongation type) under control and submergence treatment. A randomized complete block design was employed in this experiment with three replications. The first factor was the environmental condition consisting of control and submergence. The second factor was rice varieties consisting of Inpari30 and IR72442. Fourteen-day-old seedlings were submerged under 35 cm of water depth for 6 days and re-aerated by lowering the water level up to the stem base for 6 days of recovery. Measurement of plant height, SPAD, Fv/Fm and photosynthetic rate were taken continuously from the same plant sample following the experimental stage. The results showed that shoot length increased significantly more in IR72442 than in the quiescent Inpari30. The noticeable decline was observed in the photosynthetic rate of both varieties during submergence with chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) decreased more severely in IR72442 than in Inpari30. After flooding, Inpari30 adapted quickly to the aerobic environment, as shown by a recovery in Fv/Fm and accumulated dry weight more quickly than IR72442. We concluded that the Sub1 genotype of Inpari30 confers the ability to maintain maximum quantum yield of PSII under conditions of limiting gas exchange for photosynthesis for adapting post submergence
The potential of nutrient cycling in cover plants in response to phosphate fertilization
Authors: Araújo Érica de Oliveira , Neto Vitório Macieski , Catânio José Vanor Felini , Silva Rodrigo Alvarenga da , Paula Nélio Ranieli Ferreira de , Freitas Diogo de Souza , Ribeiro Jiovane Anderson da Silva , Venturim Daniele Jesus
Published: May 2021

Residues of crops and cover crops contain considerable amounts of phosphorus (P) in their tissues, which through their mineralization can meet much of the requirement of crops. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the biomass production, P absorption and use of different cover crops subjected to phosphate fertilization, and its effects on the absorption and use of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The experiment was conducted in a protected environment from August to December 2019. The experimental design was completely randomized, arranged in a 7 x 3 scheme, consisting of the planting of seven species of cover crops (Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria breviflora, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Mucuna aterrima, Mucuna pruriens, Dolichos lablab and Canavalia ensiformis), three P rates (0, 80 and 160 kg ha-1 of P2O5) and four replicates. At the time of full flowering, the cover species were cut and divided into root and shoot for subsequent determination of dry mass production, nutrient content and absorption efficiency and nutrient utilization. The results showed that Canavalia ensiformis promoted higher yield of shoot fresh and dry mass, P content in the shoots and higher N and P absorption efficiency. N and P contents in Dolichos lablab roots were higher at the highest P rates (160 kg ha-1 of P), without close relationship with the supply of shoot dry mass. The P dose of 160 kg ha-1 had an increasing and significant effect on the production of shoot fresh mass and dry mass, N, P and K contents in the shoots, N, P and K contents in the roots and efficiency of N, P and K use by the different cover crops. The P rates of 80 kg ha-1 increased the N, P and K contents in the shoots of Crotalaria ochroleuca, Crotalaria breviflora and Crotalaria spectabilis; and at higher P rates, there was a reduction in nutrient accumulation. The species Mucuna pruriens and Mucuna aterrima were efficient in the use of N, P and K at P rates of 160 kg ha-1.
Absorption of nutrients and chemical reconditioning of red latosol by cover plants cultivated in Amazon environment
Authors: Araújo Érica de Oliveira , Ribeiro Jiovane Anderson da Silva , Venturim Daniele Jesus , Catânio José Vanor Felini , Neto Vitório Macieski , Freitas Diogo de Souza , Moreira Aline Ottes , Paula Nélio Ranieli Ferreira de , Costa José Henrique de Souza , Costa Willian Junior Silva , Santos Klariston Rodrigues dos
Published: May 2021

Maintaining the balance of the system using cover crops is a promising alternative for the Amazon region. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the absorption of nutrients by cover crops and the reconditioning of soil chemical attributes after management with different cover crops. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondonia, Colorado do Oeste Campus, in the municipality of Colorado do Oeste, RO, Brazil. The experimental design used was completely randomized, arranged in a 7x4 factorial scheme, consisting of seven species of cover crops (Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria breviflora, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Mucuna aterrima, Mucuna pruriens, Dolichos lablab and Canavalia ensiformis) and four sampling depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm and 30-40 cm), with four replicates. The results concluded that the cultivation of Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria ochroleuca and Crotalaria breviflora provided higher dry matter yield. The species Dolichos lablab stood out in the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and sulfur in the leaves at full flowering. The contents of organic matter, total carbon, C/N ratio, N-total, P, K, Ca2+ and Mg2+ of the soil were higher at the depth of 0-10 cm with a decrease in subsurface layers. The species Dolichos lablab and Mucuna pruriens are efficient in terms of supplying organic matter, organic carbon, C/N ratio, N-total, phosphorus, calcium and Ca/Mg ratio of the soil, promoting a direct impact on the fertility of its surface layers up to 10 cm deep. Cultivation of Crotalaria breviflora and Crotalaria spectabilis caused variation in soil exchangeable bases, being directly correlated with the values of pH, SB and CEC
A Longitudinal Analysis of Social Skills and Adolescent Depression: A Multivariate Latent Growth Approach
Authors: Yao Zhuojun , Enright Robert
Published: May 2021

Ample research has shown that the link between social skills and adolescent depression is significant. However, how the changes in different domains of social skills influence the change in depression from early to middle adolescence remains largely unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, the current research used longitudinal data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 1061) to examine the influences of the changes in cooperation, assertion, responsibility, and self-control on the change in depression from early to middle adolescence. Univariate latent growth modeling showed that, from early to middle adolescence, adolescents experience decreases in cooperation and assertion, increases in responsibility and depression, and stability in self-control. Multivariate latent growth modeling suggested that adolescents who had more increases in responsibility and self-control tended to experience a slower increase in depression from early to middle adolescence; while adolescents who had more decreases in cooperation and assertion tended to experience a faster increase in depression from early to middle adolescence. The results suggested that promoting adolescents social skills might be particularly salient for the prevention of adolescent depression.
Un nuevo cuestionario de empatía multidimensional en español para adolescentes tempranos y medios
Authors: Lemos Viviana , Richaud María Cristina
Published: May 2021

El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar un Cuestionario Multidimensional de Empatía para Adolescentes, desde un modelo de neurociencia social cognitiva, operacionalizando las dimensiones de contagio emocional, autoconciencia, toma de perspectiva, regulación emocional y actitud empática. Para el estudio psicométrico del instrumento participaron 320 jóvenes adolescentes escolarizados, de ambos sexos (125 varones, 195 mujeres), de 13 a 16 años (M = 14.23; DT = .95). Se evaluó el poder discriminativo de los ítems, así como la estructura subyacente del instrumento, su consistencia interna y diferentes evidencias de validez externa, convergente, discriminante y de comparación de grupos. Los resultados indicaron que todos los ítems eran discriminativos. Los índices de ajuste del análisis factorial confirmatorio permitieron confirmar la estructura pentafactorial de la escala, compuesta por 15 ítems. Los índices de consistencia interna de las diferentes dimensiones estuvieron entre moderados y adecuados. Asimismo, se analizaron diferencias en la empatía entre hombres y mujeres, cuyos resultados indicaron diferencias a favor de las mujeres. Las diferentes evidencias de validez recopiladas fueron consistentes con lo esperado teóricamente. De esta forma se puede concluir que este Cuestionario Multidimensional de Empatía para Adolescentes (CMEA) es una medida válida y confiable para la evaluación de la empatía en adolescentes.
Epilepsy and electroencephalographic abnormalities in patients with diagnosis of idiopathic autism spectrum disorder in Medellín
Authors: Arteaga Angélica , Vélez Elizabeth , Cornejo William , Solarte Rodrigo , Lobo Angélica , Jaramillo Verónica , Otero Julissa
Published: May 2021

The objective of the present study was to make a clinical and electroencephalographic characterization of the electrical findings and types of seizures in patients with idiopathic autism. Pediatric patients of any age, with the diagnosis of idiopathic ASD, contained within the database of the research “Genetic in autism” were included. An electroencephalographic recording with epilepsy protocol was performed in all the patients. 20 pediatric patients were included with an age media of 10.5 years, SD 5.48 years. The median age for the diagnosis of ASD was 53 months, and epileptic seizures were documented in 45%. 66.6% of patients with epileptic events had anti-epileptic treatment, and only 33.3% had achieved seizure control with medication. Interictal abnormal EEG records were found in 8 patients (40%), with 6 of them having epileptic seizures. The abnormal EEG activity was multifocal in 62.5%, focal in 25% and generalized in 12.5% of the cases. The most frequently compromised location was the temporal lobe.
Pengaruh Suhu dan Lama Penyimpanan terhadap Kadar Glukosa pada Nasi Putih
Authors: Purbowati Purbowati , Anugrah Riva Mustika
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to understand the difference of glucose levels in electrical strored rice i.e. rice cooker and the glucose level of rice stored at room temperature at 0, 6, and 12 hours. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 treatment groups (electrical stored rice and room temperature stored rice). Storage time is 0, 6, and 12 hours. Each treatment was conducted with 3 repetitions. The glucose levels were measured using spectrophotometry method. The Kruskal Wallis test was used to analyze the glucose level difference of 2 treatment groups. The glucose level electrical stored rice at 6, and 12 hours storage were 3,31%, and 2,16% consecutively. Whereas the glucose level room temperature stored rice at 6 and 12 hours storage were 2,60% and 2,16% respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that there were significant differences of the glucose levels at 6 hours storage, however there was no significant difference at 12 hours storage. There was a massive decrease of the glucose levels during storage for both of the treatment groups. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui perbedaan kadar glukosa nasi yang disimpan di rice cooker dan nasi yang disimpan pada suhu ruang dengan waktu simpan selama 0, 6, dan 12 jam. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan 2 kelompok perlakuan (nasi yang disimpan di dalam rice cooker dan nasi yang disimpan pada suhu ruang). Variabel waktu penyimpanan adalah 0, 6, dan 12 jam. Masing-masing pengujian dilakukan dengan 3 kali pengulangan. Kadar glukosa diukur menggunakan metode spektrofotometri. Uji Kruskal Wallis digunakan untuk menganalisa perbedaan kadar glukosa nasi yang disimpan di dalam rice cooker dan nasi yang disimpan pada suhu ruang. Kadar glukosa nasi yang disimpan di rice cooker pada penyimpanan selama 6 dan 12 jam yaitu berturut-turut 3,31 %, dan 2,16 %. Sedangkan kadar glukosa nasi yang disimpan pada suhu ruang selama 6 dan 12 jam adalah 2,60 % dan 2,16 %. Analisis bivariat menunjukkan adanya perbedaan kadar glukosa pada nasi yang disimpan di dalam rice cooker dan nasi yang disimpan pada suhu ruang pada penyimpanan selama 6 jam, tetapi tidak ada perbedaan kadar glukosa yang signifikan pada penyimpanan selama 12 jam. Terjadi penurunan kadar glukosa pada nasi selama penyimpanan, baik yang disimpan di dalam rice cooker maupun pada di suhu ruang.
Rasio Lingkar Pinggang-Pinggul dan Kaitannya dengan Kadar Kolesterol Total pada Wanita Dewasa
Authors: Nurohmi Susi , Marfu'ah Nurul , Naufalina Mira Dian , Farhana Siti Awalisanah Hani , Riza Muhammad El
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to analyze the association between anthropometric assessments and total cholesterol levels among adult women. The research design was cross sectional study with purposive sampling methode involving 92 adult women in Sambirejo village, Mantingan, Ngawi, East Java. Anthropometric assessments consisted of BMI, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio. Data analysis consisted of univariate and bivariate using Pearson Product Moment. Bivariate analysis was performed by the correlation of anthropometric assessment with total cholesterol levels. The results showed that 15.2% subjects were overweight and 54.1% subjects had obesity. There were 80,4 % subjects had waist circumference 80 cm and 71,7% subjects had waist-hip ratio ≥0,85. Subjects with cholesterol levels 200 mg / dL were 31,5 %. The BMI and waist circumference had no correlation to total cholesterol level. The waist-hip ratio had a significant correlation to cholesterol level. The conclusion of this study was waist-hip ratio in women related to high total cholesterol level.Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis hubungan penilaian antropometri dengan kadar kolesterol total pada wanita dewasa. Desain penelitian adalah studi potong lintang dengan melibatkan sebanyak 92 orang wanita dewasa. Sampel dipilih secara purposive sampling di desa Sambirejo Kecamatan Mantingan Kabupaten Ngawi Jawa Timur. Penilaian antropometri yang dilakukan meliputi IMT, lingkar pinggang dan rasio lingkar pinggang-pinggul. Analisis data terdiri atas univariat dan bivariat  melalui uji Pearson Product Moment untuk melihat korelasi hasil penilaian antropometri dengan kadar kolesterol total. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 15,2% dan 54,1% subjek memiliki status gizi lebih dan obesitas. Sebanyak 80,4 % memiliki lingkar pinggang 80 cm dan sebanyak 71,7% memiliki rasio lingkar pinggang dan pinggul ≥0,85. Subjek dengan kadar kolesterol  200 mg/dL sebanyak 31,5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa IMT dan lingkar pinggang tidak berkaitan dengan kadar kolesterol total. Rasio lingkar pinggang-pinggul berhubungan signifikan (p-value=0,29; r=0,227) dengan kadar kolesterol. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah rasio lingkar pinggang-pinggul pada wanita berkaitan dengan tingginya kadar kolesterol total.
Cytotoxicity and Target Modulation in Pediatric Solid Tumors by the Proteasome Inhibitor Carfilzomib
Authors: Thakur Satbir , Ruan Yibing , Jayanthan Aarthi , Boklan Jessica , Narendran Aru
Published: May 2021

Background:

Most children with recurrent metastatic solid tumors have high mortality
rates. Recent studies have shown that proteasome inhibition leads to effective tumor killing in cells
that have acquired treatment resistance and metastatic properties.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to test the potential of Carfilzomib (CFZ), a proteasome
inhibitor, in refractory pediatric solid tumors which is currently unknown.

Methods:

A panel of pediatric solid tumor cell lines, including neuroblastoma, Ewing’s sarcoma,
osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), was used to evaluate
the cytotoxic and proteasomal inhibitory effects of CFZ. A drug scheduling experiment was performed
to determine the optimal dose and time to obtain effective cell killing. Combination studies
of CFZ with chemotherapeutic drugs of different classes were performed to determine the extent of
synergy.

Results:

CFZ showed effective cytotoxicity against all cell lines tested (mean IC50 = 7nM, range =
1-20nM) and activity in a fluorophore-tagged cell-based proteasome assay. Drug scheduling experiments
showed that the minimum exposure of 4-8 hours/day is needed for effective cumulative
killing. CFZ, when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs of different classes, synergistically enhanced
the extent of cell death.

Conclusions:

CFZ showed cytotoxic activity against all the solid pediatric cancer cell lines tested.
This study provides initial in vitro data on the potential of CFZ to treat pediatric solid tumors and
supports further investigations into the components of drug scheduling, biological correlates and
drug combinations for future early phase clinical trials in children.
Method Development and Validation of a Novel UHPLC Coupled with
MS/MS System for the Estimation of Brivaracetam in Human (K2EDTA)
Plasma Samples and its Application to Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Aalapati Kiran Kumar , Singh Amit , Patnaik Ranjana S.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Brivaracetam is a novel antiepileptic drug clinically approved for the treatment
of partial onset seizures in adults and adolescents. It has some abuse potential and assigns to
Schedule V category under the Controlled Substance Act by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
It is essential to develop a faster, simple, and highly sensitive method for the quantification of
Brivaracetam in human plasma by employing simple liquid-liquid extraction.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to develop and validate a novel UHPLC-MS/MS method
for the estimation of brivaracetam in human plasma samples and application to pharmacokinetic
study.

Methods:

An ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was
developed and validated according to current regulatory guidelines for bioanalytical methods. Sample
processing (50 μL) involved only a simple liquid-liquid extraction by ethyl acetate as extraction
solvent. Brivaracetam-d7 was used as an internal standard. The chromatographic analysis was
performed by a Unisol C18 (4.6 X 100 mm, 5μm) column using 0.1% formic acid in water/acetonitrile
(20/80 V/V) as an isocratic mobile phase, at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with a run time of 2.2
min. Brivaracetam and its internal standard Brivaracetam D7 were detected and quantified in positive
ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring transitions at m/z 213.100→168.100 and m/z
220.000→175.100, respectively. The developed method was applied to assess pharmacokinetic parameters
like Cmax, Tmax, t1/2 and AUC for Brivaracetam in healthy, male, and adult humans.

Results:

The method was validated over a concentration range of 20.000 ng/mL to 4000. 000
ng/mL. Both intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy were <15% for all quality control samples.
No matrix effect was observed. Pharmacokinetic results showed that test formulation is bioequivalent
with reference formulation.

Conclusion:

The present assay is faster, highly sensitive and simpler than previously published analytical
reports for brivaracetam in human plasma samples and is suitable for pharmacokinetic evaluation
of any marketed formulation.
Guided Relaxation–Based Virtual Reality for Acute Postoperative Pain and Anxiety in a Pediatric Population: Pilot Observational Study
Authors: Olbrecht Vanessa A , O'Conor Keith T , Williams Sara E , Boehmer Chloe O , Marchant Gilbert W , Glynn Susan M , Geisler Kristie J , Ding Lili , Yang Gang , King Christopher D
Published: May 2021

Background

Distraction-based therapies, such as virtual reality (VR), have been used to reduce pain during acutely painful procedures. However, distraction alone cannot produce prolonged pain reduction to manage sustained postoperative pain. Therefore, the integration of VR with other pain-reducing therapies, like guided relaxation, may enhance its clinical impact.

Objective

The goal of this pilot study was to assess the impact of a single guided relaxation–based VR (VR-GR) session on postoperative pain and anxiety reduction in children. We also explored the influence of pain catastrophizing and anxiety sensitivity on this association.

Methods

A total of 51 children and adolescents (7-21 years) with postoperative pain and followed by the Acute Pain Service at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital were recruited over an 8-month period to undergo a single VR-GR session. Prior to VR, the patients completed 2 questionnaires: Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Children (PCS-C) and the Child Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI). The primary outcome was a change in pain intensity following the VR-GR session (immediately, 15 minutes, and 30 minutes). The secondary outcomes included changes in pain unpleasantness and anxiety.

Results

The VR-GR decreased pain intensity immediately (P<.001) and at 30 minutes (P=.04) after the VR session, but not at 15 minutes (P=.16) postsession. Reductions in pain unpleasantness were observed at all time intervals (P<.001 at all intervals). Anxiety was reduced immediately (P=.02) but not at 15 minutes (P=.08) or 30 minutes (P=.30) following VR-GR. Patients with higher CASI scores reported greater reductions in pain intensity (P=.04) and unpleasantness (P=.01) following VR-GR. Pain catastrophizing was not associated with changes in pain and anxiety.

Conclusions

A single, short VR-GR session showed transient reductions in pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, and anxiety in children and adolescents with acute postoperative pain. The results call for a future randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of VR-GR.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04556747; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04556747
Predicting Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay and Mortality Using Patient Vital Signs: Machine Learning Model Development and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Alghatani Khalid , Ammar Nariman , Rezgui Abdelmounaam , Shaban-Nejad Arash
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Patient monitoring is vital in all stages of care. In particular, intensive care unit (ICU) patient monitoring has the potential to reduce complications and morbidity, and to increase the quality of care by enabling hospitals to deliver higher-quality, cost-effective patient care, and improve the quality of medical services in the ICU.

OBJECTIVE

We here report the development and validation of ICU length of stay and mortality prediction models. The models will be used in an intelligent ICU patient monitoring module of an Intelligent Remote Patient Monitoring (IRPM) framework that monitors the health status of patients, and generates timely alerts, maneuver guidance, or reports when adverse medical conditions are predicted.

METHODS

We utilized the publicly available Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database to extract ICU stay data for adult patients to build two prediction models: one for mortality prediction and another for ICU length of stay. For the mortality model, we applied six commonly used machine learning (ML) binary classification algorithms for predicting the discharge status (survived or not). For the length of stay model, we applied the same six ML algorithms for binary classification using the median patient population ICU stay of 2.64 days. For the regression-based classification, we used two ML algorithms for predicting the number of days. We built two variations of each prediction model: one using 12 baseline demographic and vital sign features, and the other based on our proposed quantiles approach, in which we use 21 extra features engineered from the baseline vital sign features, including their modified means, standard deviations, and quantile percentages.

RESULTS

We could perform predictive modeling with minimal features while maintaining reasonable performance using the quantiles approach. The best accuracy achieved in the mortality model was approximately 89% using the random forest algorithm. The highest accuracy achieved in the length of stay model, based on the population median ICU stay (2.64 days), was approximately 65% using the random forest algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS

The novelty in our approach is that we built models to predict ICU length of stay and mortality with reasonable accuracy based on a combination of ML and the quantiles approach that utilizes only vital signs available from the patient’s profile without the need to use any external features. This approach is based on feature engineering of the vital signs by including their modified means, standard deviations, and quantile percentages of the original features, which provided a richer dataset to achieve better predictive power in our models.
Peer Review of “Why We Are Losing the War Against COVID-19 on the Data Front and How to Reverse the Situation” (Preprint)
Authors: Krukowski Rebecca
Published: May 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

This is a peer review report.
Authors’ Response to Peer Reviews of “Why We Are Losing the War Against COVID-19 on the Data Front and How to Reverse the Situation” (Preprint)
Authors: Prieto-Merino David , Costa Rui Bebiano Da Providencia E , Bacallao Gallestey Jorge , Sofat Reecha , Chung Sheng-Chia , Potts Henry
Published: May 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

These are author responses to peer reviews.
Effectiveness of a Smartwatch App in Detecting Induced Falls: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Brew Bruce , Faux Steven G , Blanchard Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Older adults are at an increased risk of falls with the consequent impacts on the health of the individual and health expenditure for the population. Smartwatch apps have been developed to detect a fall, but their sensitivity and specificity have not been subjected to blinded assessment nor have the factors that influence the effectiveness of fall detection been fully identified.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess accuracy metrics for a novel fall detection smartwatch algorithm.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of 22 healthy adults comparing the detection of induced forward, side (left and right), and backward falls and near falls provided by a smartwatch threshold-based algorithm, with a video record of induced falls serving as the gold standard; a blinded assessor compared the two. Three different smartwatches with two different operating systems were used. There were 226 falls: 64 were backward, 51 forward, 55 left sided, and 56 right sided.

RESULTS

The overall smartwatch app sensitivity for falls was 77%, the specificity was 99%, the false-positive rate was 1.7%, and the false-negative rate was 16.4%. The positive and negative predictive values were 98% and 84%, respectively, while the accuracy was 89%. There were 249 near falls: the sensitivity was 89%, the specificity was 100%, there were no false positives, 11% were false negatives, the positive predictive value was 100%, the false-negative predictive value was 83%, and the accuracy was 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

Falls were more likely to be detected if the fall was on the same side as the wrist with the smartwatch. There was a trend toward some smartwatches and operating systems having superior sensitivity, but these did not reach statistical significance. The effectiveness data and modifying factors pertaining to this smartwatch app can serve as a reference point for other similar smartwatch apps.
Investigation of antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysate derived from baby clam (Corbiculidae sp.) broth
Authors: Vo Dinh Le Tam , Tran Cao Minh , Le Duc Hoai , Duong Lap Khang , Nguyen Ngoc Quynh Anh
Published: May 2021

This study is aimed to bring baby clam broth (BCB) into antioxidant proteolysate utilizing enzymatic hydrolysis. Chemical compositions of BCB were firstly analyzed, followed by investigating the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis parameters involving in enzyme type, pH, temperature, enzyme:substrate (E:S) ratio and hydrolysis time on antioxidant of BCB proteolysate. It can be seen from the result that the BCB owned the moisture content, protein content, lipid content, and ash content of 97.55±0.89%, 1.52±0.16%, 0.09±0.02%, and 0.37±0.04%, respectively. The BCB proteolysate, under the hydrolysis condition including Flavourzyme, pH 7, 50°C, E:S ratio of 5 U/g protein and hydrolysis time of 50 min, exhibited the highest 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation ratio (ABTS●+) scavenging activity of 770.67±28.33 µM Trolox Equivalent (µM TE) (7.1 and 2.5 times lower than those of vitamin C and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), in order) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value of 245.26±7.37 µM TE (11.6 and 4.0 folds lower than those of vitamin C and BHT, respectively). This study suggests a new use of the BCB, antioxidant proteolysate which could be applied as a functional food or natural antioxidant additive, substituting for synthetic compounds.
Teaching English online at a center for foreign languages: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Luu Nguyen Quoc Hung
Published: May 2021

With the rapid development of technology for the past decades, online instruction has emerged as an alternative mode of teaching and learning and a substantial supplement to traditional teaching. At the Center for Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, online teaching has been growing recently, particularly due to many schools’ closures because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This small-scale study was conducted with a group of online teachers of English of the Center for Foreign Languages with the aim to understand the teachers’ challenges as well as their opportunities to develop online courses. The results revealed that the primary challenge of online teaching was about technology impacts on both teachers and learners. There were also suggestions for both administrators and teachers for enhancing quality of online teaching.
Análisis económico en el derecho
Authors: Osorio Morales Hugo Alberto
Published: May 2021

The methodological and normative foundations of the economic analysis of law are critically addressed, sets forth its main challenges and presents some preliminary assessments. In particular, the model of rational choice, the proposal of value neutrality, the concept of efficiency, and the reasons that could justify the use of efficiency as a social policy guide are discussed in the article. Thus, it’s possible to realize that economic analysis of law provides a new research program with its theoretical framework, methodology and analytical tools.
Diagnóstico radiológico del síndrome de interrupción del tallo hipofisario Neurohipófisis ectópica
Authors: Martell González Mario Roberto , Bailón Cuevas Mario Axel
Published: May 2021

Pituitary stalk disruption syndrome is a congenital anomaly characterized by neuroradiologic demonstration of an absent, interrupted, or hypoplastic pituitary stalk, aplastic/hypoplastic adenohypophysis, and ectopic neurohypophysis. This syndrome has been related to severe forms of congenital hypopituitarism, associated with multiple deficiencies of pituitary hormones. Perinatal signs and symptoms presented by patients include hypoglycemia in up to 61%, jaundice in 38%, micropenis in 77% and cholestasis in 19%, neonatal seizures occurred in 75% of children. During childhood, they tend to have short stature and a decrease in growth speed, as well as a delay in the expression of secondary sexual characteristics. In our clinical case, an adolescent patient was presented whose main clinical manifestations were delayed secondary sexual characteristics, the main findings were found in nuclear magnetic resonance, including absence of the pituitary stalk, ectopic neurohypophysis, located adjacent to the tuber cinereum and hypoplastic adenohypophys.
Keywords: Sella turcica; pituitary stalk; neurohypophysis; adenohypophysis; hyperintense; magnetic resonance imaging
An empirical model for estimating horizontal acceleration Fourier spectra for the Imperial-Mexicali Valley region
Authors: Castro Raúl R.
Published: May 2021

An empirical model for'e~timatint~he horizontal acceleration spectra is obtained using strong motion records from stations located in the Imperial Valley, California and the Mexicali Valley, Baja California regions. The functional form of the model is based on the regression relation used by Joyner and Boore (1981) to derive attenuation relations for peak horizontal velocity and acceleration. The model adopted scales the acceleration spectra in terms of the magnitude, and the closest distance to the surface projection of the fault that generated the earthquake. To account for the effect of the local site conditions, a frequency-dependent correction term for each station is also incorporated in the model. The coefficients of the model were determined using a two-stage regression procedure. The data set used consists of 44 events, in the magnitude range between 2.9 and 6.8, and distances between 0.2 and 136 km. The dependence of the spectral amplitudes on magnitude was tested using linear and squared dependence. The use of a squared term to scale the amplitudes improved the accuracy of the model. In addition, the site corrections show a considerable variation with frequency and between sites. This observation emphasizes the importance of using site specific corrections for predicting ground motion spectra if-they are available.
The earthquake of 16 November, 1925 (Ms=7.0) and the reported tsunami in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Authors: Singh S. K. , Pacheco J. , Shapiro N.
Published: May 2021

A feasibility study to develop a tsunami alert system for Mexican earthquakes, using broadband seismograms from the National Seismological Service, is currently under way. A first step in this direction is a revision of the Mexican tsunami catalogs. In these catalogs, one of the largest tsunamis of this century is reported in the Port of Zihuatanejo and has been re- lated to an earthquake which occurred on November 16, 1925. This earthquake was located at a distance of about 600 km from Zihuatanejo and had a surface-wave magnitude, Ms, of 7.0. In developing a tsunami alert system, it is important t o know if the tsunami was indeed related to the earthquake of 1925. In this note we examine available evidence and find thatthe tsunami was not related to the earthquake. There is no evidence of a local earthquake near Zihuatanejo which may have resulted in the tsunami. We conclude that the tsunami was either caused by slumping of the sea floor near Zihuatanejo or by a meteorological phenomenon in the region.
Prediction of interplanetary shock waves using cosmic ray fluctuations
Authors: Pérez Peraza J. , Leyva Contreras A. , Libin I. Ya. , Ishkov V. , Yudakhin K. , Gunlinsky O.
Published: May 2021

En el trabajo se propone usar métodos espectrales y autorregresivos para mejorar los procesos de detección de variaciones en la composición espectral de la intensidad de rayos cósmicos y de la componente del campo magnético interplanetario. Usando esta metodología, se determinaron algunas regularidades en la variación del espectro de potencias de la intensidad de los rayos cósmicos antes del arribo de una onda de choque a la Tierra. Así, el arribo de la onda de choque es precedido por la aparición de una onda con período de 4 a 8 horas en el espectro de potencias de la componente del campo magnético. Los resultados confirman la posibilidad de usar los rayos cósmicos y la actividad geomagnética para el diagnóstico del medio interplanetario y la predicción del arribo de ondas de choque a la Tierra, con una anticipación de 1 a 2 días.
A comparative analysis between transient electromagnetic soundings and resistivity soundings in the Tres Virgenes geothermal zone, Mexico
Authors: Flores Carlos , Velasco Néctor
Published: May 2021

Las zonas geotérmicas en áreas volcánicas están caracterizadas por relieves topográficos abruptos y resistividades superficialesvariables, representadas por manantiales termales, zonas fósiles y actuales de alteración hidrotermal y la presencia de diferentesepisodios de volcanismo explosivo y lávico. En este trabajo examinamos los resultados de la aplicación de sondeos electromagnéticostransitorios (TEM) de bobina central y de sondeos eléctricos verticales (SEV) en una zona geotérmica con estas características. Lainversión de 62 SEV y 55 sondeos TEM da como resultado modelos estratificados promedio similares. Sin embargo, la evaluaciónde los modelos usando el método de descomposición en valores singulares demuestra que los sondeos TEM tienen un mayor poderresolutivo. Los factores que contribuyen al mejor desempeño del método TEM son: una mayor redundancia de datos, una mejorcalidad de los datos, una menor sensibilidad a la topografía y a heterogeneidades superficiales y una menor sensibilidad a problemasde equivalencia asociados con capas conductoras delgadas.
Pn-wave observations in Costa Rica
Authors: Quintero Ronnie , Kulhanek Ota
Published: May 2021

Tiempos de arribos, medidos en la Red Sismográfica de Costa Rica, fueron empleados para extraer información sobre la cortezay el manto por debajo de Costa Rica. Datos de tiempos de arribo de la onda P y S de 100 sismos locales y regionales ocurridosdurante el período 1984-1990 fueron usados para obtener la velocidad Pn, la razón de Poisson, la anisotropía de la velocidad Pn y lacorreción de las estaciones. La razón de Poisson para la capa superior del manto por debajo de Costa Rica es 0.265 y la velocidad dePn encontrada es de 7.81 km/sec. La presente investigación no muestra variaciones anisotrópicas significantes para la onda Pn. Laprofundidad del Moho se calcula en 34 km, aproximadamente.
Geochemistry of hydrothermally altered rocks from Los Azufres geothermal field, Mexico
Authors: Torres-Alvarado Ignacio S. , Satir Muharrem
Published: May 2021

Estudios cualitativos y semicuantitativos fueron realizados para profundizar en el conocimiento de los efectos impuestospor la alteración hidrotermal en las rocas volcánicas del campo geotérmico de Los Azufres (Michoacán, México). Estos estudiosincluyeron el análisis químico por fluorescencia de rayos X de muestras de canal y núcleos, provenientes de los pozos Az-3, Az-26 y Az-52 a diferentes profundidades. Con estos análisis se estudió una secuencia volcánica de 2000 m de espesor. Las rocasvolcánicas estudiadas forman una secuencia calco-alcalina cuya composición varía de la basáltica a la riolítica. La comparación dela composición química de las rocas alteradas por los procesos hidrotermales, con aquélla de las rocas frescas (muestreadas en lasuperficie), muestra una movilidad elemental relativamente baja. El cálculo simple de pérdida y ganancia de elementos indica unasilicificación débil, así como una movilidad baja de álcalis.