bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Radiologists in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shammari Malak Al , Hassan Ali , Dandan Omran Al , Qadeeb Mohammed Al , Bubshait Dalal
Published: September 2019

Background : Musculoskeletal disorders account for the majority of work-related illnesses resulting in a significant economic burden on society. Computer users are subject to unique repetitive strains, predisposing them to musculoskeletal symptoms. In the digitalized field of radiology, radiologists tend to spend long hours interpreting medical images on computers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia and to the factors that contribute to these symptoms.
Methods : An online survey was sent to radiologists practicing in hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The survey addressed demographic characteristics, workload, and workstation environments, and included an evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results were analyzed descriptively using the Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.
Results : The survey was completed by 198 participants (111 men and 87 women). Most participants were aged below 40 years. The proportions of radiology residents, specialists, and consultants who completed the survey were 40.9%, 27.3%, and 27.3%, respectively. Most participants spent 7-9 hours per day reviewing medical images. In total, 140 (70.7%) participants had experienced musculoskeletal symptoms in the week preceding the survey, whereas 176 (88.9%) participants reported having symptoms in the last 12 months preceding the survey. The normal daily activities of 15.2%, 14.6%, and 14.6% of survey participants were restricted in the last 12 months, due to neck, lower back, and shoulder pain respectively. Significant contributing factors for musculoskeletal symptoms included age, sex, number of hours spent reviewing medical images, and the type of medical images predominantly reviewed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that radiologists who spent most of their time performing ultrasound scanning or reviewing computed tomography images were at higher risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms.
Conclusions : Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among radiologists. The high prevalence rate among our study participants indicates the need for preventive actions, such as increasing awareness of this issue among practicing radiologists, educating practitioners about the adverse effects of prolonged sitting, and providing training to ensure proper ergonomic practices.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for kernel traits in a wheat cultivar Chuannong16
Authors: Ma Jian , Zhang Han , Li Shuiqin , Zou Yaya , Li Ting , Liu Jiajun , Ding Puyang , Mu Yang , Tang Huaping , Deng Mei , Liu Yaxi , Jiang Qiantao , Chen Guoyue , Kang Houyang , Li Wei , Pu Zhien , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Lan Xiujin
Published: September 2019

Background

Kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW) and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) are key agronomic traits in wheat breeding. Chuannong16 (‘CN16’) is a commercial cultivar with significantly longer kernels that the line ‘20828’. To identify and characterize potential alleles from CN16 controlling KL, the previously developed recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross ‘20828’ × ‘CN16’ and the genetic map constructed by the Wheat55K SNP array and SSR markers were used to perform quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) analyses for kernel traits.Results

A total of 11 putative QTL associated with kernel traits were identified and they were located on chromosomes 1A (2 QTL), 2B (2 QTL), 2D (3 QTL), 3D, 4A, 6A, and 7A, respectively. Among them, three major QTL, QKL.sicau-2D , QKW.sicau-2D and QTKW.sicau-2D , controlling KL, KW and TKW, respectively, were detected in three different environments. Respectively, they explained 10.88-18.85%, 17.21-21.49% and 10.01-23.20% of the phenotypic variance. Further, they were genetically mapped in the same interval on chromosome 2DS. A previously developed kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker KASP-AX-94721936 was integrated in the genetic map and QTL re-mapping finally located the three major QTL in a 1- cM region flanked by AX-111096297 and KASP-AX-94721936 . Another two co-located QTL intervals for KL and TKW were also identified. A few predicated genes involved in regulation of kernel growth and development were identified in the intervals of these identified QTL. Significant relationships between kernel traits and spikelet number per spike and anthesis date were detected and discussed.Conclusions

Three major and stably expressed QTL associated with KL, KW, and TKW were identified. A KASP marker tightly linked to these three major QTL was integrated. These findings provide information for subsequent fine mapping and cloning the three co-localized major QTL for kernel traits.
Prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults at Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Assefa Natnael Lakachew , Admas Addisu , Adimasu Nebiyat
Published: September 2019

Introduction Visual impairment refers to presenting distance visual acuity worse than 6/18 in either or both eyes. Globally 285 million (4.25%) people had visual impairment and among those 266.4 million were adults. It has become a global challenge that greatly affects the mobility, social participation and the quality of life of the people.Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults at Debre Berhan town.Methods and materials A community-based cross sectional study was conducted at Debre Berhan town. Data was collected by interview with pre-tested semi structured questionnaire and ocular examinations. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors and p value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Result A total of 416 participants were involved in the study with a 98.6% response rate. The prevalence of visual impairment among adults was 16.8% (95% CI: 13.5%-20.2%). Age 40-60years (AOR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.22-7.58), age>64 years (AOR=12.18, 95%CI: 4.47-33.20), illiterate (AOR=3.02, 95% CI: 1.36-6.72), previous eye trauma (AOR=4.44, 95% CI: 1.64-12.04), family size >5 (AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.43-13.75) and family history of eye problem (AOR=7.02, 95% CI: 1.95-25.22) had statistically significant association with visual impairment.Conclusion Prevalence of visual impairment among adults was found to be a significant public health problem. Older age, illiterate, previous eye trauma, large family size and family history eye problem were positively associated with visual impairment.
Home parenteral nutrition with an omega-3 fatty acid enriched MCT/LCT lipid emulsion in patients with chronic intestinal failure (the HOME study): Study protocol for a randomized, controlled, multicenter, international clinical trial
Authors: Klek Stanislaw , Chambrier Cecile , Cooper Sheldon C , Gabe Simon , Kunecki Marek , Pironi Loris , Rahman Farooq , Sobocki Jacek , Szczepanek Kinga , Wanten Geert , Lincke Nicole , Glotzbach Bernhard , Forbes Alastair
Published: September 2019

Background Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a life-preserving therapy for patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) indicated for patients who cannot achieve their nutritional requirements by enteral intake. Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are an essential component of HPN providing energy and essential fatty acids, but can become a risk factor for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). In HPN patients, major effort is taken in the prevention of IFALD. Novel ILEs containing a proportion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) could be of benefit, but the data on the use of n-3 PUFA in HPN patients are still limited.Methods The HOME study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter, international clinical trial conducted in European hospitals that treat HPN patients. A total of 160 patients (80 per group) will be randomly assigned to receive the n-3 PUFA enriched medium/long-chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) ILE (Lipidem / Lipoplus ® 200 mg/ml, B. Braun Melsungen AG) or the MCT/LCT ILE (Lipofundin ® MCT/LCT / Medialipide ® 20%, B. Braun Melsungen AG) for a projected period of eight weeks. The primary endpoint is the combined change of liver function parameters (total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) from baseline to final visit. Secondary objectives are the further evaluation of safety and tolerability as well as the efficacy of the ILEs.Discussion Currently, there are only very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of ILEs in HPN, and there are very few data at all on the use of n-3 PUFAs. The aim of the HOME study is to demonstrate that the n-3 PUFA enriched ILE is safe and well tolerated especially with regard to liver function in patients requiring HPN. The study will provide data from a considerable number of CIF patients and thus contribute to broaden the present evidence on the use of ILEs in HPN.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03282955, registered on September 14, 2017
Maternal Health and Access to Healthcare among Migrant Workers Engaged in Informal Construction Work, Ahmedabad, India
Authors: Ravindranath Divya , Iannotti Lora
Published: September 2019

Background:A large proportion of migrant women in India are employed in the urban informal economy, which is often characterized by low wages, precarious work conditions, poor living conditions and lack of social security. Circumstances such as these have deep implications for the health and overall wellbeing of workers. Our paper focuses on the intersection of migration, informal work and maternal health among female workers in the construction sector. We specifically seek to understand women’s perception and experience of morbidity and examine their ability to seek and access maternal healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth and during the postpartum period.Methods:The field work for this study was undertaken in Ahmedabad, India. We recorded anthropometric measurements and conducted in depth interviews with our primary sample of female migrant workers. We also conducted two focus group discussions (FGDs) with male workers and reached out to other stakeholders.Results:Anthropometric measurements (N=55) suggested that a significant proportion of women (47%) suffered from low BMI (M= 18.36, SD= 1.7). Participants reported that physical ailments, diseases and illnesses were a constant feature of their lives. Women associated morbidity with poor work and living conditions, exposure to pollution and lack of safety measures during work. Women reported working until the last month of pregnancy and returned to work within few weeks of childbirth. Only 32% of the women (N=50) in our study sample had received two or more antenatal care check-ups, 64% had had an institutional delivery and 62% had received postpartum care within two days of childbirth. Women suggested that their access to seek healthcare services in the city was limited due to time constraints, inability to take break from work, irregular wage patterns and lack of familiarity with urban health systems. Pregnant women expressed desire to go to the village for childbirth and postpartum care as there was likely to be familial support for care. Conclusion: Our study finds that informal work conditions and migration have diverse and complex implications for women in need of maternal health care. Future policy needs to take into account particular and peculiar needs of migrant women to address their health needs.
Social Network Analysis for the Implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Iran
Authors: Khoshsabegheh Homa Yousefi , Ardalan Ali , Takian Amir Hossein , Hedayatifar Leila , Ostadtaghizadeh Abbas , Saeedi Behnam
Published: September 2019

Background: Over recent years, the exposure of people and assets to disasters has been faster than reducing vulnerability in all countries. As a result, new risks have been formed and losses due to disaster are progressively increasing. Suffering from significant losses in the aftermath of disasters every year, Iran is no exception. Governmental and non-governmental stakeholders are jointly responsible for managing the risks of disasters. Hence, appropriate, collaborative and timely interactions of involved organizations will play an important role in their operation, especially during disasters. Methods: In this study, we used the Social Network Analysis (SNA) to analyze the network of stakeholders in disaster risk management in Iran. Our review of literature, laws, and regulations of disaster risk management plus brainstorming identified a list of 85 stakeholders. We used the Delphi method among purposefully selected experts to score the relationship between the stakeholders. We then used the modularity optimization method to identify groups with greater interaction. Organizations with key-roles in the network and the ones in need of stronger relationships were identified through centrality measurements. Results: The density of this network was 0.75, which represented that not all the stakeholders were connected. Among all organizations identified, the National Disaster Management Organization and Civil Defense Organization showed higher influences considering their responsibilities. Conclusion: To provide a visual and tangible picture of the status and interrelationships among the stakeholders, this method identified groups with better interaction using community/cluster detection and modularity optimization methods. Understanding the current structure of the network and strengths and weaknesses of the interactions among stakeholders may help improve disaster risk management in Iran. Results of this research determine the role and importance of different organizations, their weakness, and strong points. Also, results help them to plan to strengthen their roles and solve their problems.
Health system challenges to hypertension and related non-communicable diseases prevention and treatment: perspectives from Ghanaian stakeholders
Authors: Laar Amos K. , Adler Alma J. , Kotoh Agnes M. , Legido-Quigley Helena , Lange Isabelle L. , Perel Pablo , Lamptey Peter
Published: September 2019

Background Hypertension, itself a cardiovascular condition, is a significant risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is recognised as a major public health challenge in Ghana. Beginning in 2014, a collaborative team launched the community-based hypertension improvement program (ComHIP) in one health district in Ghana. The ComHIP project, a public-private partnership, tests a community-based model that engages the private sector and utilizes information and communication technology (ICT) to control hypertension. This paper, however, focuses on the various challenges associated with managing hypertension in Ghana, as reported by ComHIP stakeholders. Methods A total of 55 informants – comprising patients, health care professionals, licensed chemical sellers (LCS), national and sub-national policy makers – were purposively selected for interview and focus group discussions (FGDs). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Where applicable, transcriptions were translated directly from local language to English. The data were then analysed using two-step thematic analysis. The protocol was approved by the two ethics review committees based in Ghana and the third, based in the United Kingdom. All participants were interviewed after informed consent. Results Our data have implications for the on-going implementation of ComHIP, especially the importance of policy maker buy-in, the benefits, as well as drawbacks of the program to different stakeholders. While our data show that the ComHIP initiative is acceptable to patients and healthcare providers – increasing providers’ knowledge on hypertension and patients’ awareness of same, there were implementation challenges identified by both patients and providers. Policy level challenges relate to task-sharing bottlenecks, which precluded nurses from prescribing or dispensing antihypertensives, and LCS from stocking same. Medication adherence, and the phenomenon of medical pluralism in Ghana, were identified challenges. The perspectives from the national level stakeholders enable elucidation of whole of health system challenges to ComHIP and therefore similarly designed future programmes. Conclusions This paper sheds important light on the patient/individual, and system level challenges to hypertension and related non-communicable disease prevention and treatment in Ghana. The data show that although the ComHIP initiative is acceptable to patients and healthcare providers, policy level task-sharing bottlenecks preclude optimal implementation of ComHIP.
Public trust and Global Biobank Networks
Authors: Dive Lisa , Critchley Christine , Otlowski Margaret , Mason Paul , Wiersma Miriam , Light Edwina , Kerridge Ian , Lipworth Wendy
Published: September 2019

Biobanks provide an important foundation for genomic and personalised medicine. In order to enhance their scientific power and scope, they are increasingly becoming part of national or international networks. Public trust is essential in fostering public engagement, encouraging donation to, and facilitating public funding for biobanks. Globalisation and networking of biobanking may challenge this trust. We report the results of an Australian study examining public attitudes to the networking and globalisation of biobanks in order to determine factors that may contribute to, and threaten, trust. Our results indicate a generally high level of trust in biobanks and in medical research more broadly. Key factors that can reduce perceived trustworthiness of biobanks are commercialisation and involvement in global networking. However, robust ethical oversight and governance standards can both promote trust in global biobanking and ensure that this trust is warranted.
Solitary Fibrofolliculoma of the Upper Eyelid in a 68-year Old Female: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Wenqiu , Cheng Jinwei
Published: September 2019

Background : Fibrofolliculoma is a benign, perifollicular, connective tissue tumor, and it usually arises in the form of multiple lesions, but rarely as a solitary lesion. We report a case of solitary fibrofolliculoma on the eyelid.
Case presentation: A 68-year-old female presented with an asymptomatic mass on the right upper eyelid. The lesion appeared as a flesh-colored, dome-shaped, smooth nodule being the size of 5×5×4 mm, with eyelashes protruding from the surface, and located on the upper lid margin. Shave excision was performed, and the diagnosis of fibrofolliculoma was confirmed finally through histological exam.
Conclusions: Solitary fibrofolliculomas rarely arises on the eyelid. However, it should be suspected when a flesh-colored and doom-shaped lesion of the eyelid is encountered. The benign tumor on the lid margin can be removed by shave biopsy.
Increased Duration of Drying–Rewetting Cycles Increases Nitrate Removal in Woodchip Bioreactors
Authors: Maxwell Bryan M. , Birgand François , Schipper Louis A. , Christianson Laura E. , Tian Shiying , Helmers Matthew J. , Williams David J. , Chescheir George M. , Youssef Mohamed A.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Nitrate removal in woodchips increased linearly with drying–rewetting duration.

Nitrate removal increased up to 172% in the longest drying–rewetting duration.

Nitrate removal rates increased proportionally with dissolved organic C leaching.

A previously reported experiment showed weekly drying–rewetting (DRW) cycles increase nitrate removal rates in woodchip‐based denitrifying bioreactors. A follow‐up experiment determined the effect of duration of unsaturated conditions on nitrate removal after rewetting. Three different levels of DRW duration were tested in a 105‐d column experiment (n = 2), with woodchips left unsaturated once a week for either 2 h, 8 h, or 24 h. Increasing duration of unsaturated conditions significantly increased nitrate removal rates. The longest DRW duration of 24 h resulted in the greatest increase in nitrate removal rates, relative to constantly saturated woodchips, with mean rate increases reaching 172% by the end of the experiment. Results suggest nitrate removal in denitrifying bioreactors is carbon limited, with labile carbon made available during aerobic periods of DRW cycles the most likely cause of observed rate increases. Both studies show DRW cycles dramatically increase the nitrate removal efficiency of denitrifying bioreactors.
Lasting Effects of Wildfire on Disinfection By‐Product Formation in Forest Catchments
Authors: Chow Alex T. , Tsai Kuo‐Pei , Fegel Timothy S. , Pierson Derek N. , Rhoades Charles C.
Published: September 2019

Severe wildfires often have dramatic short‐term effects on water quality, although there is increasing evidence that in some catchments their effects can persist for many years. Forest recovery after the 2002 Hayman Fire burned catchments that supply drinking water to over a half million users in Denver, CO, has been extremely slow and has caused persistent water quality concerns. To evaluate whether postfire water quality changes increase the potential to form undesirable by‐products of water disinfection, we compared stream water from eight burned catchments within the Hayman Fire and five adjacent unburned catchments. We tested dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and the formation of disinfection by‐products (trihalomethanes [THMs], haloacetonitriles [HANs], chloral hydrate [CHD, and haloketones [HKTs]) in stream water monthly during 2014 and 2015. Stream DOC, THMs, and CHD and specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254) were elevated in catchments with a moderate extent of high‐severity wildfire (8–46% of catchment area) relative to catchments that were unburned and those that burned more extensively (>74% of catchment area) 14 yr after the fire. In contrast, formation of highly toxic but unregulated nitrogenous HANs increased linearly with wildfire extent. Although these findings should not raise concern regarding drinking water safety, they highlight the long‐term influences of high severity wildfire on source water C content, composition, and treatability.

Core Ideas

Wildfire impacts on source water quality could last over a decade.

Formation of highly toxic nitrogenous DBP precursors increased linearly with wildfire extent.

DBP formation was highest in streams draining moderately burned catchments.
Minimum Light Requirements for Indoor Gardening of Lettuce
Authors: Paz Maria , Fisher Paul R. , Gómez Celina
Published: September 2019

Indoor food‐gardening is an important trend in horticulture. However, most research‐based light recommendations are oriented towards commercial production, with recommended daily light integrals (DLI) significantly higher than those found inside a home environment. The objective was to evaluate growth (fresh and dry mass), accumulation of key phytochemical constituents (leaf photosynthetic pigment and nitrate content), and aesthetic quality (elongation and pigmentation) of red‐leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown from transplant to a harvest stage in an indoor environment using different (i) light sources (light‐emitting diode [LED] vs. fluorescent lamps), and (ii) light quantities (from 1.6 to 9.7 mol m−2 d−1). In the first experiment, four broadband white light sources were compared in a growth chamber using 5.2 mol∙m−2∙d−1: (i) ‘neutral‐white’ 4000‐K LED lamps, (ii) ‘day‐white’ 5000‐K LED lamps, (iii) ‘neutral‐white’ 4100‐K fluorescent lamps, or (iv) ‘daylight’ 6500‐K fluorescent lamps. Lettuce grown under LED lamps produced more shoot fresh and dry mass than those grown under fluorescent lamps. However, all light sources resulted in comparable growth and quality attributes. In two separate experiments, plants were grown under one of four DLI. As DLI increased, plants had more growth, higher aesthetic quality (more compact leaves and higher pigment content), and superior nutritional quality (increased leaf concentrations of anthocyanin and carotenoid, and reduced nitrate). Based on these results, a minimum DLI of 6.5 to 9.7 mol m−2 d−1 is recommended when designing indoor gardening systems for red‐leaf lettuce plants.
Forage Accumulation, Nutritive Value, and Botanical Composition of Grass–Cicer Milkvetch Mixtures under Two Harvest Managements
Authors: Foster Allan , Biligetu Bill , Darambazar Enkhjargal
Published: September 2019

Limited information is available on cicer milkvetch (CMV, Astragalus cicer L.) performance in mixtures with grasses. A field trial was sown at Melfort, SK, Canada, in May 2013 to evaluate forage accumulation, nutritive value, and botanical composition of different mixtures of grasses and CMV under two‐cut and three‐cut harvest management from 2014 to 2017. Thirteen forage mixtures consisted of (i) monocultures of Bromus riparius Rehm. (MB), Bromus riparius Rehm. × B. inermis Leyss. (HB), Agropyron cristatum (L.) (CWG), Agropyron intermedium Beauv. (IWG), and CMV; (ii) binary mixtures of each of the grass + CMV; (iii) a four‐grass mixture (MB, HB, CWG, and IWG) (Mix 4); (iv) Mix 4 + CMV (Mix 5); (v) a six‐grass mixture (Mix 4) + Dactylis glomerata L. and Phleum pratense L. (Mix 6); and (vi) Mix 6 + CMV (Mix 7). The two‐cut system resulted in greater total forage accumulation (10.3 ± 2.8 Mg ha−1) compared with the three‐cut system (8.6 ± 2.3 Mg ha−1) with the exception of 2017. On average, grass mixtures containing CMV and CMV monoculture (11.1 ± 1.7 Mg ha−1) had greater forage accumulation than grass monocultures and grass only mixtures (7.5 ± 2.4 Mg ha−1). Cicer milkvetch dominated in all mixtures (44.0–68.8% of forage mass) in 2016 compared with its initial proportion of 2.1 to 31.2%. Concentration of crude protein was significantly increased with the inclusion of CMV compared with the grass‐only treatments. Acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations were similar, but mixtures without CMV tended to have a greater NDF concentration. In conclusion, the inclusion of CMV in forage mixtures increased forage accumulation and protein concentration. Binary CMV–grass mixtures produced similar or greater forage accumulation than more complex CMV–grass mixtures.
Vegetation Restoration Alters the Diversity and Community Composition of Soil Nitrogen‐Fixing Microorganisms in the Loess Hilly Region of China
Authors: Xu Yadong , Zhang Wei , Zhong Zekun , Guo Shujuan , Han Xinhui , Yang Gaihe , Ren Chengjie , Chen Zhengxing , Dai Yinyue , Qiao Wenjing
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Vegetation restoration altered the diversity and structure of the N‐fixing microbial community.

Dominant phyla changed from Actinobacteria in farmland to Proteobacteria in revegetation types.

The N to P ratio was the key environmental factor regarding the composition of N‐fixing microorganisms.

Study data can be a reference for developing N‐fixing microbial fertilizers suitable for this region.

In this study, we determined the variations in the diversity and structure of nitrogen‐fixing microorganisms during afforestation and how this variability correlates with the soil physicochemical factors. Soils were sampled from replicated plots representing three revegetation types (Robinia pseudoacacia L. [Rp], Caragana korshinskii Kom [Ck], and abandoned land) with adjacent farmland as the control at a research site in Ansai District, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province, China. Using high‐throughput sequencing of the nifH rRNA gene, we found that revegetation significantly increased the Shannon diversity index, and for the richness index Chao1 was highest in Ck and have no significant difference in other three lands. From farmland to vegetation types abandoned land, Ck, and Rp, the dominant phylum of nifH microorganisms changed from Actinobacteria to Proteobacteria. Furthormore, variation in the Chao1 richness index was significantly influenced by pH (p = 0.002), soil organic carbon (SOC; p = 0.025) and total nitrogen (TN; p = 0.015). The Shannon diversity index was significantly influenced by SOC, nitrate nitrogen (NN), C to P ratio, TN, AN, N to P ratio, TP, and sand. The changes of nifH microorganism composition at the phylum level were significantly correlated with the soil N to P ratio, which explained 53.1% of the variation among environmental factors (F = 11.8, p = 0.002). The ratio of N to P (interpretation rate 65.2%, F = 18.8, p = 0.002) was also a key factor that influenced the composition at the genus level. Based on the diversity and composition, Ck was a more advantageous recovery method to increase the capacity for N fixation. This study provides a basis for the study of N‐fixation characteristics in the Loess Hilly Region.
Biochar, Manure, and Sawdust Alter Long‐Term Water Retention Dynamics in Degraded Soil
Authors: Lentz Rodrick D. , Ippolito James A. , Lehrsch Gary A.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Biochar's long‐term water retention effects on soil are poorly understood.

The temporal effects of biochar, manure, and sawdust on water differed.

Biochar and nonpyrolized organics all had long‐lasting effects on water.

Water retention dynamics were influenced by the repellency and particle size of the material.

Water retention in the first or second years may not reflect the material's long‐term potential.

Biochars are porous but more recalcitrant than nonpyrolyzed organic materials, possibly causing more persistent alterations to soil water dynamics. In this 6‐yr outdoor study, we amended an irrigated calcareous silt loam with a single 1 or 2% dry weight application of hardwood biochar, manure, sawdust, or acidified sawdust; 1% biochar + 2% manure; or a control. Soil water retention and plant‐available water (PAW, g H2O per g dry soil) were measured in spring. Across all years, 1% biochar + 2% manure produced the greatest PAW (0.262), with PAW in the order: 1% biochar + 2% manure > 2% rates > 1% rates > control (0.222). In most years, the 2% treatments increased PAW relative to the control. The PAW ratios (treatment PAW/mean annual control PAW) for the 2% rates varied with amendment and year (P < 0.0001): 2% manure peaked in Year 1, declining to a minimum in Year 3; the other 2% treatments were least in Year 1 and peaked between Years 3 and 5; 1% biochar + 2% manure consistently had a ratio near the maximum. Amendment effects on soil water retention were immediate but the peak benefits were delayed because of the differing hydrophobicity of the original materials and their particle sizes, where greater sizes slowed the removal of hydrophobic surface coatings. Biochar's effects on PAW were no more persistent than those of nonpyrolyzed amendments; however, adding biochar and manure had a mutually stabilizing effect, producing a large, more consistent retention increase over time.
Returning Cotton Stalks to the Field Increases Residual Plastic Film in Oasis Agroecosystems under Long‐term Mulched Drip Irrigation
Authors: Zhang Jinzhu , He Huaijie , Wang Zhenhua , Fan Bihang , Zheng Xurong , Li Wenhao , Lin Henry , Guo Li
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

Residual plastic film (RPF) was measured in cotton fields following varied years of mulched drip irrigation.

The amount of large RPF pieces >30 cm2 (or 50–100 mg) at 0 to 15 cm increased by 20% (or 10%) after cotton stalks were returned.

Small film fragments accumulated in the tillage layer as the number of years of drip mulching increased.

Returning cotton stalks to the field benefits yield, but strongly impacted the amount and distribution of RPF.

The difficult recovery of RPF should be taken into account for ensuring sustainable oasis agriculture and reducing soil pollution.

After the long‐term practice of dripping irrigation under plastic film (also called mulched drip irrigation) in Xinjiang, efficient recovery of the residual plastic film (RPF) becomes a grand challenge. This is especially true for cotton fields where RPF amount has significantly exceeded China's National Standard and caused severe soil pollution. Here, we examined the RPF in cotton fields in a typical oasis agroecosystem in Xinjiang with different lengths of time of mulching practice (5, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 19 yr). We documented the amount and distribution of the RPF at 0‐ to 40‐cm depth via six field sampling events in 2016 and 2017, before and after cotton stalks were returned to the field. The density of the RPF of six sampling plots in 2016 was 121.85, 215.85, 250.63, 294.17, 327.83, and 352.38 kg ha−1, rising from 5 to 19 yr of mulched drip irrigation, which further increased by 18.92, 16.75, 16.59, 17.82, 19.25, and 16.95 kg ha−1 in 2017. As years of mulching increased, small RPF fragments accumulated in the tillage layer due to low efficient recovery of the film. In addition, returning cotton stalks to the field intensified the downward movement of RPF to deeper soil depths. The amount of large RPF of 30 cm2 per piece in the 0‐ to 15‐cm soil depth increased by 20% after cotton stalks were returned to the field; those of weight 50 to 100 mg per piece similarly increased by 10%. The fragmentation and accumulation of larger RPF pieces at depth could further challenge film recovery. To mitigate the soil pollution problems caused by the RPF and to ensure the sustainable development of the oasis agriculture, biodegradable film or thicker plastic film are suggested as an alternative of the thin plastic film in mulching practice.
Modeling Inorganic Soil Nitrogen Status in Maize Agroecosystems
Authors: Banger Kamaljit , Nafziger Emerson D. , Wang Junming , Pittelkow Cameron M.
Published: September 2019

Core Ideas

DSSAT was calibrated for simulating soil N concentration during the maize growing season.

Two‐step validation included research experiments and 49 commercial maize fields.

Model performance was fair in predicting SOM mineralization and N management impacts.

The model captured effects of early season rainfall on soil N variability across sites.

Farmers have limited knowledge of inorganic soil nitrogen (N) concentration during maize (Zea mays L.) growth in the US Midwest, particularly after periods of wet spring weather. The objectives of this study were to calibrate the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model for predicting inorganic soil N concentration using data from three field experiments in Illinois, to evaluate model performance against three independent sites and additional data from 49 commercial maize fields, and to assess the impacts of rainfall variability on the predicted decrease in soil N concentration early in the growing season. Model calibration included adjustments to soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition parameters based on predicted soil organic carbon concentration (obtained from gSSURGO) and soil drainage rates. Model performance was considered “fair” in predicting SOM mineralization dynamics and the effects of fall vs. spring N fertilizer application across the validation datasets (normalized RMSE, 21.2–25.7%). The model also captured the variability in soil N concentration across 49 commercial fields (R2 = 0.68–0.88; slope, 0.99–1.24), with higher cumulative rainfall from January to July (>800 mm) reducing predicted soil N availability compared with fields receiving less rainfall (500–600 mm). Results suggest that DSSAT has the potential to estimate soil N availability across variable weather patterns, soil properties, and fertilizer management scenarios in Illinois. However, future work is needed to further improve model accuracy, especially if it is to be used as a decision support tool for farmers.
Antropologia Simétrica da Técnica (s) e da Tecnologia (s):
Authors: Soares da Silveira Diego
Published: September 2019

Neste artigo desenvolvo uma reflexão sobre as noções de técnica e tecnologia inspirada na abordagem da antropologia simétrica, tendo como referência a etnografia de uma pesquisa na área de farmacognosia de plantas medicinais, envolvendo farmacólogos e uma comunidade ribeirinha localizada na região do Alto Amazonas. Essa iniciativa visa à produção de fitoterápicos e outros produtos naturais a partir de substâncias e compostos bioquímicos encontrados em espécies vegetais amazônicas, processo que envolve um conjunto de atividades de tradução de saberes.
Clinical Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Where do we Stand Now?
Authors: Divyashree Mithoor , Mani Madhu K. , Reddy Dhanasekhar , Kumavath Ranjith , Ghosh Preetam , Azevedo Vasco , Barh Debmalya
Published: September 2019

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In this era of multi-drug resistance (MDR), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the
most promising classes of potential drug candidates to combat communicable as well as noncommunicable
diseases such as cancers and diabetes. AMPs show a wide spectrum of biological
activities which include antiviral, antifungal, anti-mitogenic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory
properties. Apart from these prospective therapeutic potentials, the AMPs can act as food
preservatives and immune modulators. Therefore, AMPs have the potential to replace conventional
drugs and may gain a significant global drug market share. Although several AMPs have shown
therapeutic potential in vitro or in vivo, in most cases they have failed the clinical trial owing to
various issues. In this review, we discuss in brief (i) molecular mechanisms of AMPs in various
diseases, (ii) importance of AMPs in pharmaceutical industries, (iii) the challenges in using AMPs
as therapeutics and how to overcome, (iv) available AMP therapeutics in market, and (v) AMPs
under clinical trials. Here, we specifically focus on the therapeutic AMPs in the areas of
dermatology, surgery, oncology and metabolic diseases.
A Brief Review of Cardiovascular Diseases, Associated Risk Factors and Current Treatment Regimes
Authors: Flora Gagan D. , Nayak Manasa K.
Published: September 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of premature death and disability in humans and their incidence is on the rise globally. Given their substantial contribution towards the escalating costs of health care, CVDs also generate a high socio-economic burden in the general population. The underlying pathogenesis and progression associated with nearly all CVDs are predominantly of atherosclerotic origin that leads to the development of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, venous thromboembolism and, peripheral vascular disease, subsequently causing myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias or stroke. The aetiological risk factors leading to the onset of CVDs are well recognized and include hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and, lack of physical activity. They collectively represent more than 90% of the CVD risks in all epidemiological studies. Despite high fatality rate of CVDs, the identification and careful prevention of the underlying risk factors can significantly reduce the global epidemic of CVDs. Beside making favorable lifestyle modifications, primary regimes for the prevention and treatment of CVDs include lipid-lowering drugs, antihypertensives, antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies. Despite their effectiveness, significant gaps in the treatment of CVDs remain. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology and pathology of the major CVDs that are prevalent globally. We also determine the contribution of well-recognized risk factors towards the development of CVDs and the prevention strategies. In the end, therapies for the control and treatment of CVDs are discussed.
α-Alkoxyalkyl Triphenylphosphonium Salts: Synthesis and Reactions
Authors: Gondal Humaira Y. , Cheema Zain M. , Raza Abdul R. , Abbaskhan Ahmed , Chaudhary M. I.
Published: September 2019

Following numerous applications of Wittig reaction now functionalized phosphonium
salts are gaining attention due to their characteristic properties and diverse reactivity.
This review is focused on α-alkoxyalkyl triphenylphosphonium salts: an important
class of functionalized phosphonium salts. Alkoxymethyltriphenylphosphonium salts are
majorly employed in the carbon homologation of carbonyl compounds and preparation of
enol ethers. Their methylene insertion strategy is extensively demonstrated in the total
synthesis of a wide range of natural products and other important organic molecules. Similarly
enol ethers prepared thereof are important precursors for different organic transformations
like Diels-Alder reaction, Claisen rearrangement, Coupling reactions, Olefin metathesis
and Nazarov cyclization. Reactivity of these α-alkoxyalkylphosphonium salts
have also been studied in the nucleophilic substitution reactions. A distinctive application of this class of phosphonium
salts was recently reported in the phenylation of carbonyl compounds under very mild conditions.
Synthesis of structurally diverse alkoxymethyltriphenylphosphonium salts with variation in alkoxy groups as
well as counter anions are reported in literature. Here we present a detailed account of different synthetic
methodologies for the preparation of this unique class of quaternary phosphonium salts and their applications
in organic synthesis.
The Chemistry and Applications of the Quinoxaline Compounds
Authors: Soleymani Mousa , Chegeni Mahdieh
Published: September 2019

The quinoxaline derivatives are beneficial compounds because of their various
medicinal and industrial applications. They are well-known for application in organic light
emitting devices, polymers and pharmaceutical agents. The quinoxaline-containing polymers
are applicable in optical devices due to their thermal stability and low band gap.
There are many reported procedures for the synthesis of bis- and polyquinoxalines and
quinoxaline-containing macrocycles. The quinoxaline-based compounds as fascinating
structures are important subjects of interest in either basic or applied sciences. This review
summarizes the latest progresses related to the quinoxalines, quinoxaline-containing macrocycles,
and bis- and poly quinoxalines, including the synthesis, functionalization and
modification methods and applications of these compounds.
Protein Aggregation in a Nutshell: The Splendid Molecular Architecture of the Dreaded Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Horváth Dániel , Menyhárd Dóra K. , Perczel András
Published: September 2019

The recent high-resolution structures of amyloid fibrils show that the organization of peptide segments into amyloid aggregate architecture is a general process, though the morphology is more complex and intricate than suspected previously. The amyloid fibrils are often cytotoxic, accumulating as intracellular inclusions or extracellular plaques and have the ability to interfere with cellular physiology causing various cellular malfunctions. At the same time, the highly ordered amyloid structures also present an opportunity for nature to store and protect peptide chains under extreme conditions – something that might be used for designing storage, formulation, and delivery of protein medications or for contriving bio-similar materials of great resistance or structure-ordering capacity. Here we summarize amyloid characteristics; discussing the basic morphologies, sequential requirements and 3D-structure that are required for the understanding of this newly (re)discovered protein structure – a prerequisite for developing either inhibitors or promoters of amyloid-forming processes
Achieving Functionality Through Modular Build-up: Structure and Size Selection of Serine Oligopeptidases
Authors: Kiss-Szemán Anna J. , Harmat Veronika , Menyhárd Dóra K.
Published: September 2019

Enzymes of the prolyl oligopeptidase family (S9 family) recognize their substrates not only by the specificity motif to be cleaved but also by size - they hydrolyze oligopeptides smaller than 30 amino acids. They belong to the serine-protease family, but differ from classical serine-proteases in size (80 kDa), structure (two domains) and regulation system (size selection of substrates). This group of enzymes is an important target for drug design as they are linked to amnesia, schizophrenia, type 2 diabetes, trypanosomiasis, periodontitis and cell growth. By comparing the structure of various members of the family we show that the most important features contributing to selectivity and efficiency are: (i) whether the interactions weaving the two domains together play a role in stabilizing the catalytic triad and thus their absence may provide for its deactivation: these oligopeptidases can screen their substrates by opening up, and (ii) whether the interaction-prone β-edge of the hydrolase domain is accessible and thus can guide a multimerization process that creates shielded entrance or intricate inner channels for the size-based selection of substrates. These cornerstones can be used to estimate the multimeric state and selection strategy of yet undetermined structures.
Recent Updates on Antifungal Peptides
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Bisht Gopal Singh
Published: September 2019

The current trend of increment in the frequency of antifungal resistance has brought
research into an era where new antifungal compounds with novel mechanisms of action are required.
Natural antimicrobial peptides, which are ubiquitous components of innate immunity, represent their
candidature for novel antifungal peptides. Various antifungal peptides have been isolated from different
species ranging from small marine organisms to insects and from various other living species.
Based on these peptides, various mimetics of antifungal peptides have also been synthesized using
non-natural amino acids. Utilization of these antifungal peptides is somehow limited due to their toxic
and unstable nature. This review discusses recent updates and future directions of antifungal peptides,
for taking them to the shelf from the bench.
Effects of Huangkui Capsule on the Expression of SPARC in the Kidney Tissue of a Rat Model with Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Yang Xiaoyao , Luo Meng , Jiang Qinghua , Wang Yiwei
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The objective of the research is to investigate the effects of Huangkui capsule on
the expression of SPARC in the kidney tissues of diabetic nephropathy.

Methods:

SD rats were divided into three groups: normal control group, untreated DN group and
HKC-treated DN group. The therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanism of HKC on DN
rats induced by streptozotocin were evaluated by the levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen,
24-hour urinary protein and the expression of SPARC. Pathological changes in kidney tissues were
observed through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Moreover, western blot and quantitative real-time
polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were applied to detect the variation of SPARC.

Results:

This study was performed to investigate the effects of HKC on DN in SD rats model and its
molecular mechanism. Our results showed that the rats treated with HKC had an improved general
state and reduced creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and 24-hour urinary protein levels. The deterioration
of renal function was delayed due to treatment with HKC. HE staining was utilized to observe that
HKC can improve histopathological findings in the kidney tissues of DN rats, including kidney fibrosis.
Results of western blot and qRT-PCR showed that HKC can inhibit the expressions of SPARC in
the rat model of DN.

Conclusion:

The present findings demonstrated that HKC inhibited SPARC level and had significant
therapeutic effects on DN.