bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagação vegetativa de amoreira-preta das cultivares Tupy e BRS Cainguá
Authors: Crosa Claudia  Farela Ribeiro , Souza Rafaela Schmidt de , Silveira Tatieli , Marco Rudinei De , Antunes Luis Eduardo Correa , Martins Carlos Roberto
Published: April 2021

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial de enraizamento e brotação de estacas caulinares lenhosas e de raiz das cultivares Tupy e BRS Cainguá de amoreira-preta. Para a realização desse experimento foram coletadas estacas caulinares e radiculares das plantas matrizes de amoreira-preta. Posteriormente, essas estacas foram levadas para a casa de vegetação e colocadas em bandejas de poliestireno expandido (72 células) contendo mistura do substrato comercial Turfa fértil® e vermiculita expandida na proporção 2:1 (v:v). Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes tipos de estacas (caulinar e radicular) e duas cultivares (‘Tupy’ e ‘Cainguá’). O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizados, sendo um bifatorial (cultivares X tipo de estaca) com quatro repetições, contendo 10 estacas cada. Após 97 dias da instalação do experimento foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: porcentagem de estacas enraizadas (%), porcentagem de sobrevivência (%), número de folhas, área foliar (cm²), comprimento de parte aérea e da maior raiz (cm), massa fresca e seca de parte aérea e do sistema radicular (g). A propagação da amoreira-preta da cultivar BRS Cainguá pode ser realizada de forma eficaz tanto por estaca caulinar como radicular. No caso da cultivar Tupy teve menor potencial de enraizamento, quando comparada com a Cainguá. As estacas radiculares apresentaram maiores resultados no enraizamento de amoreira-preta.
Cobertura de solo modifica a performance de coentro
Authors: Pamplona Letícia Junnyane Costa , Ferreira Luiz Leonardo , Silva Felipe Bruno Morais Dantas da , Morais Carlos Daniel Oliveira , Alencar Renato Dantas , Porto Vania Christina Nascimento , Alves Camila de Souza
Published: April 2021

No Semiárido brasileiro, a água é um aspecto restringente tanto para o consumo familiar e dos animais, como para o cultivo de alimentos. A cobertura do solo com restos vegetais pode diminuir a evaporação da água disponibilizada às plantas. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se com o trabalho, determinar uma cobertura morta de solo que atenda as exigências da cultura do coentro (Coriandrum sativum) e melhore a performance produtiva desta apiácea. Os tratamentos constaram de quatro coberturas mortas, utilizando as espécies: Leucena (Leucaena leucocephala), Nim (Azadirachta indica), Flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera), Carnaúba (Copernicia prunifera), e uma testemunha (sem cobertura morta). Analisou-se a influência das coberturas no coentro aos 10, 20 e 30 dias após a semeadura. Os diferentes tipos de cobertura do solo, associado as épocas de avaliação, alteraram o comportamento da cultura do coentro. Recomenda-se para a cobertura do coentro a utilização de palhada de Leucena) para altos rendimentos. Demais trabalhos que envolvam a temática de cobertura morta para o semiárido devem ser desenvolvidos, para melhor utilização do recurso hidrológico desta região, haja vista a sua escassez. Perspectivas como outras espécies para cobertura morta, densidade de cobertura e nível de decomposição da palhada são atributos que podem ser analisados e vir a somar a este estudo.
HEMŞİRELİK EĞİTİMİNDE ANALİTİK DÜŞÜNME BECERİSİ: FENOMENOLOJİK BİR ÇALIŞMA
Authors: ADIBELLİ Derya , KIRCA Nurcan
Published: April 2021

Hemşirelik bilimsel metotlardan yararlanarak problemleri değerlendirmeyi, analiz etmeyi ve problemlere çözüm getirmeyi amaçlar. Bu çalışma hemşirelik öğrencilerinin analitik düşünme becerisine ilişkin görüşlerini değerlendirmek için yapılmıştır. Husserlian fenomenolojik yaklaşım ile gerçekleştirilen bu çalışma 13 hemşirelik öğrencisi ile yürütülmüştür. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde Colaizzi’nin yedi adım içerik analizi metodu kullanılmıştır. Karşılaştırmalı uyumun güvenilirliğini ölçmek için Kappa Analizi yapılmıştır. İçerik analizine dayanarak, dört tema ve 14 alt tema ortaya çıkmıştır. Öğrenciler analitik düşünmeyi genel olarak matematiksel ve mantıksal yaklaşım, sonuca bağlı düşünme, detaylı düşünme, pratik düşünme ve etik düşünme olarak tanımlamışlardır. Analitik düşünme becerisini etkileyen faktörleri vaka sunumları/tartışmaları, müfredattaki dersler, laboratuvar ve klinik uygulamaları, bilimsel etkinlikler, sosyal etkinlikler ve üniversite eğitimi olarak belirtmişlerdir. Aldıkları eğitimlerin analitik düşünme becerisini geliştirdiğini ifade etmişlerdir. Bu becerinin geliştirilmesi için laboratuvar ve klinik uygulama saatlerinin ve vaka tartışmalarının arttırılmasını önermişlerdir. Hemşirelik eğitiminde vaka sunumları/tartışmalarının, müfredattaki derslerin, laboratuvar ve klinik uygulamalarının, bilimsel ve sosyal etkinliklerin analitik düşünme becerisini geliştirmede önemli olduğu bulunmuştur.
MicroRNA-155 Regulates MAIT1 and MAIT17 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wang Jie , Subedi Kalpana , Yi Qijun , Zhou Li , Mi Qing-Sheng
Published: April 2021

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells that develop in the thymus through three maturation stages to acquire effector function and differentiate into MAIT1 (T-bet+) and MAIT17 (RORγt+) subsets. Upon activation, MAIT cells release IFN-γ and IL-17, which modulate a broad spectrum of diseases. Recent studies indicate defective MAIT cell development in microRNA deficient mice, however, few individual miRNAs have been identified to regulate MAIT cells. MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is a key regulator of numerous cellular processes that affect some immune cell development, but its role in MAIT cell development remains unclear. To address whether miR-155 is required for MAIT cell development, we performed gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies. We first generated a CD4Cre.miR-155 knock-in mouse model, in which miR-155 is over-expressed in the T cell lineage. We found that overexpression of miR-155 significantly reduced numbers and frequencies of MAIT cells in all immune organs and lungs and blocked thymic MAIT cell maturation through downregulating PLZF expression. Strikingly, upregulated miR-155 promoted MAIT1 differentiation and blocked MAIT17 differentiation, and timely inducible expression of miR-155 functionally inhibited peripheral MAIT cells secreting IL-17. miR-155 overexpression also increased CD4–CD8+ subset and decreased CD4–CD8– subset of MAIT cells. We further analyzed MAIT cells in conventional miR-155 knockout mice and found that lack of miR-155 also promoted MAIT1 differentiation and blocked MAIT17 differentiation but without alteration of their overall frequency, maturation and function. Overall, our results indicate that adequate miR-155 expression is required for normal MAIT1 and MAIT17 cell development and function.
Concurrent Improvement Observed in Patient-Reported Burden and Sensor-Collected Medication Use Among Patients Enrolled in a COPD Digital Health Program
Authors: Kaye Leanne , Gondalia Rahul , Barrett Meredith A. , Williams Melissa , Stempel David A.
Published: April 2021

Background: The COPD assessment test (CAT) is an 8-item questionnaire widely used in clinical practice to assess patient burden of disease. Digital health platforms that leverage electronic medication monitors (EMMs) are used to track the time and date of maintenance and short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhaler medication use and record patient-reported outcomes. The study examined changes in CAT and SABA inhaler use in COPD to determine whether passively collected SABA and CAT scores changed in a parallel manner.

Methods: Patients with self-reported COPD enrolled in a digital health program, which provided EMMs to track SABA and maintenance inhaler use, and a companion smartphone application (“app”) to provide medication feedback and reminders. Patients completing the CAT questionnaire in the app at enrollment and at 6 months were included in the analysis. Changes in CAT burden category [by the minimally important difference (MID)] and changes in EMM-recorded mean SABA inhaler use per day were quantified at baseline and 6 months.

Results: The analysis included 611 patients. At 6 months, mean CAT improved by −0.9 (95% CI: −1.4, −0.4; p < 0.001) points, and mean SABA use decreased by −0.6 (−0.8, −0.4; p < 0.001) puffs/day. Among patients with higher burden (CAT ≥ 21) at enrollment, CAT improved by −2.0 (−2.6, −1.4; p < 0.001) points, and SABA use decreased by −0.8 (−1.1, −0.6; p < 0.001) puffs/day.

Conclusion: Significant and parallel improvement in CAT scores and SABA use at 6 months were noted among patients enrolled in a digital health program, with greater improvement for patients with higher disease burden.
A Case Study on Research Postgraduate Students’ Understanding of Academic Integrity at a Hong Kong University
Authors: Lau Peter
Published: April 2021

This case study aims to understand how research postgraduate (RPg) students at a Hong Kong university perceive academic integrity before and after participating in the Trail of Integrity and Ethics on the general issues of academic misconduct (TIE-General learning trail), which makes use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology and mobile application to help students acquire abstract concepts (Wong et al., 2018). A total of 33 RPg students, who had completed the mandatory courses on research ethics and teaching skills, successfully completed the TIE-General learning trail. The participants were required to demonstrate their levels of understanding of academic integrity and ethics before and after going through the learning trail. Results of the thematic analysis on the participants’ responses indicated that the RPg students were generally able to show some understanding of the six fundamental values of academic integrity defined by the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI), namely honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. Among these six values, the findings suggested that honesty and respect might be the most familiar values to the participants. However, the other four values seemed to be less familiar to them. On top of the above six values, empathy and mindfulness were considered as two other important attributes of academic integrity from the participants’ perspectives. This article analyses the possible impacts of empathy and mindfulness on the academic integrity development of university students.
Room Temperature Metal Hydrides for Stationary and Heat Storage Applications: A Review
Authors: Modi Poojan , Aguey-Zinsou Kondo-Francois
Published: April 2021

Hydrogen has been long known to provide a solution toward clean energy systems. With this notion, many efforts have been made to find new ways of storing hydrogen. As a result, decades of studies has led to a wide range of hydrides that can store hydrogen in a solid form. Applications of these solid-state hydrides are well-suited to stationary applications. However, the main challenge arises in making the selection of the Metal Hydrides (MH) that are best suited to meet application requirements. Herein, we discuss the current state-of-art in controlling the properties of room temperature (RT) hydrides suitable for stationary application and their long term behavior in addition to initial activation, their limitations and emerging trends to design better storage materials. The hydrogen storage properties and synthesis methods to alter the properties of these MH are discussed including the emerging approach of high-entropy alloys. In addition, the integration of intermetallic hydrides in vessels, their operation with fuel cells and their use as thermal storage is reviewed.
Climate Change Affects Vegetation Differently on Siliceous and Calcareous Summits of the European Alps
Authors: Nicklas Lena , Walde Janette , Wipf Sonja , Lamprecht Andrea , Mallaun Martin , Rixen Christian , Steinbauer Klaus , Theurillat Jean-Paul , Unterluggauer Peter , Vittoz Pascal , Moser Dietmar , Gattringer Andreas , Wessely Johannes , Erschbamer Brigitta
Published: April 2021

The alpine life zone is expected to undergo major changes with ongoing climate change. While an increase of plant species richness on mountain summits has generally been found, competitive displacement may result in the long term. Here, we explore how species richness and surface cover types (vascular plants, litter, bare ground, scree and rock) changed over time on different bedrocks on summits of the European Alps. We focus on how species richness and turnover (new and lost species) depended on the density of existing vegetation, namely vascular plant cover. We analyzed permanent plots (1 m × 1 m) in each cardinal direction on 24 summits (24 × 4 × 4), with always four summits distributed along elevation gradients in each of six regions (three siliceous, three calcareous) across the European Alps. Mean summer temperatures derived from downscaled climate data increased synchronously over the past 30 years in all six regions. During the investigated 14 years, vascular plant cover decreased on siliceous bedrock, coupled with an increase in litter, and it marginally increased on higher calcareous summits. Species richness showed a unimodal relationship with vascular plant cover. Richness increased over time on siliceous bedrock but slightly decreased on calcareous bedrock due to losses in plots with high plant cover. Our analyses suggest contrasting and complex processes on siliceous versus calcareous summits in the European Alps. The unimodal richness-cover relationship and species losses at high plant cover suggest competition as a driver for vegetation change on alpine summits.
G2S: A New Deep Learning Tool for Predicting Stool Microbiome Structure From Oral Microbiome Data
Authors: Rampelli Simone , Fabbrini Marco , Candela Marco , Biagi Elena , Brigidi Patrizia , Turroni Silvia
Published: April 2021

Deep learning methodologies have revolutionized prediction in many fields and show the potential to do the same in microbial metagenomics. However, deep learning is still unexplored in the field of microbiology, with only a few software designed to work with microbiome data. Within the meta-community theory, we foresee new perspectives for the development and application of deep learning algorithms in the field of the human microbiome. In this context, we developed G2S, a bioinformatic tool for taxonomic prediction of the human fecal microbiome directly from the oral microbiome data of the same individual. The tool uses a deep convolutional neural network trained on paired oral and fecal samples from populations across the globe, which allows inferring the stool microbiome at the family level more accurately than other available approaches. The tool can be used in retrospective studies, where fecal sampling was not performed, and especially in the field of paleomicrobiology, as a unique opportunity to recover data related to ancient gut microbiome configurations. G2S was validated on already characterized oral and fecal sample pairs, and then applied to ancient microbiome data from dental calculi, to derive putative intestinal components in medieval subjects.
Factors Affecting Infant Feeding Practices Among Women With Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Baker Natasha , Potts Laura , Jennings Stacey , Trevillion Kylee , Howard Louise M.
Published: April 2021

Background: The health benefits of breastfeeding are well-established but for mothers with severe mental illness (SMI), the decision to breastfeed can be complex. Very few prior studies have investigated the infant feeding choices of women with SMI, or the factors associated with this. Our aims were to examine antenatal infant feeding intentions and infant feeding outcomes in a cohort of women admitted for acute psychiatric care in the first postpartum year. We also aimed to examine whether demographic and clinical characteristics associated with breastfeeding were similar to those found in previous studies in the general population, including age, employment, education, BMI, mode of delivery, smoking status, and social support.

Methods: This study was a mixed-methods secondary analysis of a national cohort study, ESMI-MBU (Examining the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of perinatal mental health services). Participants had been admitted to acute care with SMI in the first postpartum year. Infant feeding outcomes were retrospectively self-reported by women during a 1-month post-discharge interview. Free-text responses to questions relating to infant feeding and experience of psychiatric services were also explored using thematic analysis.

Results: 144 (66.1%) of 218 women reported breastfeeding (mix feeding and exclusive breastfeeding). Eighty five percentage of the cohort had intended to breastfeed and of these, 76.5% did so. Factors associated with breastfeeding included infant feeding intentions, employment and non-Caucasian ethnicity. Although very few women were taking psychotropic medication contraindicated for breastfeeding, over a quarter (n = 57, 26.15%) reported being advised against breastfeeding because of their medication. Women were given this advice by psychiatry practitioners (40% n = 22), maternity practitioners (32.73% n = 18) and postnatal primary care (27.27% n = 15). Most women stopped breastfeeding earlier than they had planned to as a result (81.1% n = 43). Twenty five women provided free text responses, most felt unsupported with infant feeding due to inconsistent information about medication when breastfeeding and that breastfeeding intentions were de-prioritized for mental health care.

Conclusion: Women with SMI intend to breastfeed and for the majority, this intention is fulfilled. Contradictory and insufficient advice relating to breastfeeding and psychotropic medication indicates that further training is required for professionals caring for women at risk of perinatal SMI about how to manage infant feeding in this population. Further research is required to develop a more in-depth understanding of the unique infant feeding support needs of women with perinatal SMI.
A New C-Type Lectin Homolog SpCTL6 Exerting Immunoprotective Effect and Regulatory Role in Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Qiu Wanlei , Chen Fangyi , Chen Roushi , Li Shuang , Zhu Xuewu , Xiong Ming , Wang Ke-Jian
Published: April 2021

C-type lectin (CTL), a well-known immune-related molecule, has received more and more attention due to its diverse functions, especially its important role in development and host defense of vertebrate and invertebrate. Since the research on crab CTLs is still lack, we screened a new CTL homolog, named SpCTL6 from mud crab Scylla paramamosain. The full-length cDNA sequence of SpCTL6 was 738 bp with a 486 bp of ORF, and the deduced amino acids were 161 aa. SpCTL6 was predicted to have a 17 aa signal peptide and its mature peptide was 144 aa (MW 16.7 kDa) with pI value of 5.22. It had typical CTL structural characteristics, such as a single C-type lectin-like domain, 4 conserved cysteines, similar tertiary structure to that of vertebrate CTLs and a mutated Ca2+ binding motif Gln-Pro-Thr (QPT), clustering into the same branch as the crustacean CTLs. SpCTL6 was highly expressed in the entire zoeal larval stages and widely distributed in adult crab tissues with the highest transcription level in testis. During the molting process of juvenile crabs, the expression level of SpCTL6 was remarkably increased after molting. SpCTL6 could be significantly upregulated in two larval stages (Z1 and megalopa) and adult crab testis under immune challenges. Recombinant SpCTL6 (rSpCTL6) was successfully obtained from eukaryotic expression system. rSpCTL6 exhibited binding activity with PAMPs (LPS, lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan, and glucan) and had a broad spectrum bacterial agglutination activity in a Ca2+-dependent manner. In addition, rSpCTL6 could enhance the encapsulation activity of hemocytes and has no cytotoxic effect on hemocytes. Although rSpCTL6 had no bactericidal activity on Vibrio alginolyticus, rSpCTL6 treatment could significantly reduce the bacterial endotoxin level in vitro and greatly improved the survival of S. paramamosain under V. alginolyticus infection in vivo. The immunoprotective effect of rSpCTL6 might be due to the regulatory role of rSpCTL6 in immune-related genes and immunological parameters. Our study provides new information for understanding the immune defense of mud crabs and would facilitate the development of effective strategies for mud crab aquaculture disease control.
Frequency and Risk Factors for Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Rodriguez-Arciniega Tania Guadalupe , Sierra-Diaz Erick , Flores-Martinez Jesus Armando , Alvizo-Perez Maria Elena , Lopez-Leal Irlanda Nataly , Corona-Nakamura Ana Luisa , Castellanos-Garcia Hermes Ernesto , Bravo-Cuellar Alejandro
Published: April 2021

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is an uncommon condition in COVID-19 patients. No information about outcome or risk factors is available at the time. The aim of this research is to report on the frequency and risk factors of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods: An unmatched case-control study was carried out in a tertiary health-care facility for patients with COVID-19. Electronic files were reviewed to identify patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection by RT-PCR. Univariate analysis was used to describe demographic data. Mean differences were calculated using the Mann-Whitney test. Frequency and odds ratios were calculated by standard operations.

Results: A total of 271 patients were included in the study. Nine patients showed spontaneous pneumomediastinum and four of them presented associated spontaneous pneumothorax. The most common risk factors associated with poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients were not considered as risk factors for spontaneous pneumomediastinum development.

Conclusion: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon clinical feature in COVID-19 patients. More research is necessary to formulate statements regarding prevalence, risk factors, and outcome.
The Dual Role of the Glycolipid Envelope in Different Cell Types of the Multicellular Cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413
Authors: Garg Ritu , Maldener Iris
Published: April 2021

Anabaena variabilis is a filamentous cyanobacterium that is capable to differentiate specialized cells, the heterocysts and akinetes, to survive under different stress conditions. Under nitrogen limited condition, heterocysts provide the filament with nitrogen by fixing N2. Akinetes are spore-like dormant cells that allow survival during adverse environmental conditions. Both cell types are characterized by the presence of a thick multilayered envelope, including a glycolipid layer. While in the heterocyst this glycolipid layer is required for the maintenance of a microoxic environment and nitrogen fixation, its function in akinetes is completely unknown. Therefore, we constructed a mutant deficient in glycolipid synthesis and investigated the performance of heterocysts and akinetes in that mutant strain. We chose to delete the gene Ava_2595, which is homolog to the known hglB gene, encoding a putative polyketide synthase previously shown to be involved in heterocyst glycolipid synthesis in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, a species which does not form akinetes. Under the respective conditions, the Ava_2595 null mutant strain formed aberrant heterocysts and akinete-like cells, in which the specific glycolipid layers were absent. This confirmed firstly that both cell types use a glycolipid of identical chemical composition in their special envelopes and, secondly, that HglB is essential for glycolipid synthesis in both types of differentiated cells. As a consequence, the mutant was not able to fix N2 and to grow under diazotrophic conditions. Furthermore, the akinetes lacking the glycolipids showed a severely reduced tolerance to stress conditions, but could germinate normally under standard conditions. This demonstrates the importance of the glycolipid layer for the ability of akinetes as spore-like dormant cells to withstand freezing, desiccation, oxidative stress and attack by lytic enzymes. Our study established the dual role of the glycolipid layer in fulfilling different functions in the evolutionary-related specialized cells of cyanobacteria. It also indicates the existence of a common pathway involving HglB for the synthesis of glycolipids in heterocysts and akinetes.
Antimicrobial Resistance Glides in the Sky—Free-Living Birds as a Reservoir of Resistant Escherichia coli With Zoonotic Potential
Authors: Skarżyńska Magdalena , Zaja̧c Magdalena , Bomba Arkadiusz , Bocian Łukasz , Kozdruń Wojciech , Polak Marcin , Wia̧cek Jarosław , Wasyl Dariusz
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important global health concerns; therefore, the identification of AMR reservoirs and vectors is essential. Attention should be paid to the recognition of potential hazards associated with wildlife as this field still seems to be incompletely explored. In this context, the role of free-living birds as AMR carriers is noteworthy. Therefore, we applied methods used in AMR monitoring, supplemented by colistin resistance screening, to investigate the AMR status ofEscherichia colifrom free-living birds coming from natural habitats and rescue centers. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of strains enabled to determine resistance mechanisms and investigate their epidemiological relationships and virulence potential. As far as we know, this study is one of the few that applied WGS of that number (n= 71) of strains coming from a wild avian reservoir. The primary concerns arising from our study relate to resistance and its determinants toward antimicrobial classes of the highest priority for the treatment of critical infections in people, e.g., cephalosporins, quinolones, polymyxins, and aminoglycosides, as well as fosfomycin. Among the numerous determinants,blaCTX–M–15,blaCMY–2,blaSHV–12,blaTEM–1B,qnrS1,qnrB19,mcr-1,fosA7,aac(3)-IIa,ant(3”)-Ia, andaph(6)-Idand chromosomalgyrA,parC, andparEmutations were identified. Fifty-two sequence types (STs) noted among 71E. coliincluded the global lineages ST131, ST10, and ST224 as well as the three novel STs 11104, 11105, and 11194. Numerous virulence factors were noted with the prevailingterC,gad,ompT,iss,traT,lpfA, andsitA. SingleE. coliwas Shiga toxin-producing. Our study shows that the clonal spread ofE. colilineages of public and animal health relevance is a serious avian-associated hazard.
Low-Dose vs. Standard-Dose Intravenous Alteplase in Bridging Therapy Among Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: Experience From a Stroke Center in Vietnam
Authors: Mai Duy Ton , Dao Viet Phuong , Nguyen Van Chi , Vu Dang Luu , Nguyen Tien Dung , Vuong Xuan Trung , Bui Quoc Viet , Phan Ha Quan , Pham Quang Tho , Le Hoang Kien , Tran Anh Tuan , Nguyen Quang Anh , Dang Phuc Duc , Nguyen Hoang , Phan Hoang Thi
Published: April 2021

Background: To date, the role of bridging intravenous thrombolysis before mechanical thrombectomy (MTE) is controversial but still recommended in eligible patients. Different doses of intravenous alteplase have been used for treating patients with acute ischemic stroke from large-vessel occlusion (LVO-AIS) in Asia, largely due to variations in the risks for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and treatment affordability. Uncertainty exists over the potential benefits of treating low-dose alteplase, as opposed to standard-dose alteplase, prior to MTE among patients with LVO-AIS.

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare outcomes of low- vs. standard-dose of bridging intravenous alteplase before MTE among LVO-AIS patients.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of LVO-AIS patients who were treated with either 0.6 mg/kg or 0.9 mg/kg alteplase prior to MTE at a stroke center in Northern Vietnam. Multivariable logistic regression models, accounting for potential confounding factors including comorbidities and clinical factors (e.g., stroke severity), were used to compare the outcomes between the two groups. Our primary outcome was functional independence at 90 days following stroke (modified Rankin score; mRS ≤ 2). Secondary outcomes included any ICH incidence, early neurological improvement, recanalization rate, and 90-day mortality.

Results: We analyzed data of 107 patients receiving bridging therapy, including 73 with low-dose and 34 with standard-dose alteplase before MTE. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in functional independence at 90 days (adjusted OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.29–3.52) after accounting for potential confounding factors. Compared to the standard-dose group, patients with low-dose alteplase before MTE had similar rates of successful recanalization, early neurological improvement, 90-day mortality, and ICH complications.

Conclusion: In the present study, patients with low-dose alteplase before MTE were found to achieve comparable clinical outcomes compared to those receiving standard-dose alteplase bridging with MTE. The findings suggest potential benefits of low-dose alteplase in bridging therapy for Asian populations, but this needs to be confirmed by further clinical trials.
No Tillage With Plastic Re-mulching Maintains High Maize Productivity via Regulating Hydrothermal Effects in an Arid Region
Authors: Yin Wen , Chai Qiang , Guo Yao , Fan Hong , Fan Zhilong , Hu Falong , Zhao Cai , Yu Aizhong , Coulter Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2021

Plastic is a valuable mulching measure for increasing crop productivity in arid environments; however, little is known about the main mechanism by which this valuable technology actuates spatial–temporal changes in soil hydrothermal effect. So a 3-year field experiment was conducted to optimize soil hydrothermal effect of maize field with three plastic mulched management treatments: (1) no tillage with plastic re-mulching (NM), (2) reduced tillage with plastic mulching (RM), and (3) conventional tillage with annual new plastic mulching (CM). The results showed that NM treatment increased soil water content by 6.6–8.4% from maize sowing to seedling stage, than did CM, and it created a good soil moisture environment for sowing of maize. Also, NM had greater soil water content by 4.8–5.6% from maize silking to early-filling stage than had CM, and it made up for the abundant demand of soil moisture for the vigorous growth of maize filling stage. The NM treatment increased water consumption (WC) before maize big-flare stage, decreased WC from big-flare to early-filling stage, and increased WC after early-filling stage. So NM treatment effectively coordinated water demand contradiction of maize at entire growing season. NM decreased soil accumulated temperature (SAT) by 7.0–13.0% at maize sowing to early-filling stage than did CM, but NM had little influence on the SAT during filling stage. In particular, the treatment on NM had smaller absolute values of air–soil temperature differences than RM and CM treatments during maize filling stage, indicating that NM treatment maintains the relative stability of soil temperature for ensuring grain filling of maize. The NM treatment allowed the maize to grow in a suitable hydrothermal status and still maintained high yield. In addition, NM treatment obtained higher net income and rate of return by 6.4–11.0% and 44.1–54.5%, respectively, than did CM, because NM treatment mainly decreased the input costs for plastic and machine operations. Therefore, the NM treatment can be recommended as a promising technique to overcome simultaneous heat stress and water shortage in arid environments.
Visual–Spatial Ability Predicts Academic Achievement Through Arithmetic and Reading Abilities
Authors: Liu Saifang , Wei Wenjun , Chen Yuan , Hugo Peyre , Zhao Jingjing
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to investigate how visual–spatial ability predicted academic achievement through arithmetic and reading abilities. Four hundred and ninety-nine Chinese children aged from 10.1 to 11.2 years were recruited and measured visual–spatial, arithmetic, and reading abilities. Their mathematical and Chinese language academic achievements were collected for two consecutive school years, respectively, during the same year as cognitive tests and 1 year after the cognitive tests. Correlation analysis indicated that visual–spatial, arithmetic, and reading abilities and academic achievements were significantly correlated with each other. The structural equation modelling analyses showed that there were two paths from visual–spatial ability to academic achievement: a major path mediated by arithmetic ability and a minor serial mediation path from visual–spatial ability to arithmetic ability to reading ability, then to academic achievement. Results shed light on the importance of visual–spatial ability in education.
The Psychological and Academic Effects of Studying From the Home and Host Country During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wilczewski Michał , Gorbaniuk Oleg , Giuri Paola
Published: April 2021

Objective:This study explored the psychological and academic effects of studying online from the home vis-à-vis host country during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the experience of international students at the University of Warsaw, Poland.

Methods:A total of 357 international students from 62 countries (236 in the host country and 121 in the home country) completed an online questionnaire survey 2 months after transition to online learning. We studied students' levels of loneliness, life and academic satisfaction, acculturative stress, academic adjustment, performance, loyalty, and perceptions of the online learning experience.

Results:The country-of-residence variable had no statistically significant effects on most psychological and academic variables. Significant effects were observed only for two academic variables. Specifically, students who returned to the home country found online communication with other students more contributing to their online learning experience and exhibited higher academic adjustment than students who remained in the host country. This suggests the positive influence of (peer and familial) support on online learning experience from the home country. Furthermore, a significant difference in experiencing acculturative stress occurred for students in quarantine/self-isolation in the host country, which expands prior literature on the disruptive effects of social distancing on students' mental health. Finally, this study confirmed the expected increased levels of loneliness among self-isolating students in both countries, hence extending prior results to the home- and host-country contexts. No relationship between self-isolation and students' life or academic satisfaction was found, which is explained by the specific nature of the learning-from-home experience.
Coping With COVID-19: The Benefits of Anticipating Future Positive Events and Maintaining Optimism
Authors: Leslie-Miller Calissa J. , Waugh Christian E. , Cole Veronica T.
Published: April 2021

In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a large portion of the world into quarantine, leading to an extensive period of stress making it necessary to explore regulatory techniques that are effective at stimulating long-lasting positive emotion. Previous research has demonstrated that anticipating positive events produces increases in positive emotion during discrete stressors. We hypothesized that state and trait positive anticipation during the COVID-19 pandemic would be associated with increased positive emotions. We assessed how often participants thought about a future positive/negative/neutral event, activity, or goal through a daily reconstruction method that represented a “day in the life” of people in the United States during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of multi-level modeling and mediational analyses demonstrated that higher optimism, one form of trait positive anticipation, was related to higher state positive anticipation, which was in turn related to higher positive emotions during the current episode, which persisted to the next episode. In addition, both optimism and state positive anticipation were related to adaptive responses to the pandemic. These findings suggest that anticipation of future emotional experiences and hopefulness for the future can be a powerful predictor of positive emotions during global pandemics and perhaps other similar chronic stressors.
Understanding Melanoma in Kids and Adults
Authors: Neale Holly , Richmond Jillian M.
Published: April 2021

Did you know the reason behind wearing sunscreen is more than just preventing a sunburn? Sun damage to the skin over a lifetime can lead to the most dangerous type of skin cancer, called melanoma. Melanoma is abnormal growth of the pigment-producing cells of the skin, the same types of cells that make up moles. Though rare in young people, the risk for melanoma increases with age. Melanoma in kids looks and acts differently than it does in adults, often making the diagnosis challenging for doctors. Early diagnosis is important so that the melanoma can be removed and treated before it spreads to other parts of the body. Protective actions done in childhood, such as wearing sunscreen, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing when out in the sun, will help to prevent melanoma later in life.
Why Is Grandma Walking Strangely?
Authors: Van Criekinge Tamaya , Hallemans Ann
Published: April 2021

Walking is an activity you do every day without even thinking about it. But have you ever wondered how we walk or why some people walk a bit strangely? We all limp when we hit a toe against the table or when we sprain a foot. But some people seem to walk even more strangely. Having difficulties with walking is not always the result of weak legs or a painful foot; some people walk differently because of trunk impairments. Besides having strong legs, it is important to have a stable trunk during walking to keep balanced. For instance, most people who have had strokes have problems with their legs and trunk, resulting in clear walking impairments. In this article, we explain how the trunk moves during walking in stroke survivors, and whether the observed walking impairments result from an unstable trunk or weakness in the legs.
Perspective on Energetic and Thermal Atmospheric Photoelectrons
Authors: Peterson W. K.
Published: April 2021

Atmospheric photoelectrons are central to the production of planetary ionospheres. They are created by photoionization of the neutral planetary atmosphere by solar EUV and soft X-ray irradiance. They provide the energy to heat the thermosphere. Thermalized photoelectrons permeate magnetospheres creating polarization electric fields and plasma waves as they interact with ions to maintain charge neutrality. Energetic photoelectrons (>1 eV) have a distinctive energy spectral shape as first revealed in data from the Atmosphere Explorer satellites. Energetic photoelectrons escaping the ionosphere follow local magnetic fields illuminating the planet's magnetic topology. Current models using state-of-the-art EUV observations accurately capture their production and transport. However, in spite of 60 years of space research the electron thermalization processes occurring below 1 eV at low altitudes in planetary thermospheres are not understood quantitatively. Results from event analysis of data from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission are not consistent with current models of photoelectron thermalization. The lack of quantitative understanding reflects the complexity of the physics and the lack of a large data base of simultaneous neutral, ion, and electron densities and temperatures in lower planetary thermospheres.
Tributyltin Exposure Is Associated With Recognition Memory Impairments, Alterations in Estrogen Receptor α Protein Levels, and Oxidative Stress in the Brain of Female Mice
Authors: Ferraz da Silva Igor , Merlo Eduardo , Costa Charles S. , Graceli Jones B. , Rodrigues Lívia C. M.
Published: April 2021

Tributyltin (TBT) is a persistent organometallic pollutant widely used in several agricultural and industrial processes. TBT exposure is associated with various metabolic, reproductive, immune, and cardiovascular abnormalities. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of TBT on behavior. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether TBT exposure results in oxidative, neuroendocrine, and behavioral alterations. TBT was administered to adult female mice (250, 500, or 750 ng/kg/day or veh for 14 days), and their recognition memory was assessed. We have also evaluated estrogen receptor (ER)α protein expression and oxidative stress (OS) in brain areas related to memory, as well as the correlation between them. A reduction in short- and long-term recognition memory (STM and LTM) performance, as well as in total exploration time was observed in TBT mice. Reduced ERα protein expression was observed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus of TBT mice, while an increase in TBARS concentration was observed in the PFC of treated animals. Collectively, these data suggest that TBT exposure impairs recognition memory in female mice as a result of, at least in part, its toxicological effects on ERα expression and OS in specific brain areas related to memory.
Adoption and Dis-Adoption of Sustainable Agriculture: A Case of Farmers’ Innovations and Integrated Fruit Fly Management in Kenya
Authors: Wangithi Charity M. , Muriithi Beatrice W. , Belmin Raphael
Published: April 2021

The invasive fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis poses a major threat to the production and trade of mango in sub-Saharan Africa. Farmers devise different innovations to manage the pest in an attempt to minimize yield loss and production costs while maximizing revenues. Using survey data obtained from Embu County, Kenya, we analyzed farmers’ knowledge and perception as regards the invasive fruit fly, their innovations for the management of the pest, and the determinants of their adoption and dis-adoption decisions of recently developed and promoted integrated pest management (IPM) technologies for suppression of the pest. The results show that farmers consider fruit flies as a major threat to mango production (99%) and primarily depend on pesticides (90%) for the management of the pest. Some farmers (35%) however use indigenous methods to manage the pest. Though farmers possess good knowledge of different IPM strategies, uptake is relatively low. The regression estimates show that continued use of IPM is positively associated with the gender and education of the household head, size of a mango orchard, knowledge on mango pests, training, contact with an extension officer, and use of at least one non-pesticide practice for fruit fly management, while IPM dis-adoption was negatively correlated with the size of the mango orchard, practice score and use of indigenous innovations for fruit fly management. We recommend enhancing farmer′s knowledge through increased access to training programs and extension services for enhanced adoption of sustainable management practices for B. dorsalis.
Physiochemical Characterization of Biochars from Six Feedstocks and Their Effects on the Sorption of Atrazine in an Organic Soil
Authors: Gaffar Shagufta , Dattamudi Sanku , Baboukani Amin Rabiei , Chanda Saoli , Novak Jeffrey M. , Watts Donald W. , Wang Chunlei , Jayachandran Krishnaswamy
Published: April 2021

Application of biochars in agricultural soils has the potential to reduce groundwater contamination of atrazine, a widely used herbicide in the US, therefore sustaining environmental quality and reducing human health issues. This study was conducted to characterize biochars produced from six feedstocks and investigate their ability to remove and retain atrazine in an organic-rich soil. Australian pine (AP), Brazilian pepper (BP), coconut husk (CH), cypress (Cy), loblolly pine (L), and pecan shell (P) feedstocks were pyrolyzed at 350 °C and 500 °C. Adsorption and desorption behaviors of atrazine were explained using Freundlich isotherms. Higher pyrolysis temperature increased specific surface area (5 times), total pore volume (2.5 times), and aromaticity (1.4 times) of the biochars. CH feedstock produced the most effective biochars (CH350 and CH500), which adsorb 8–12% more atrazine than unamended soils. CH350 biochar performed the best (Kd ads = 13.80, KOC = 153.63, Kd des = 16.98) and had significantly higher (p < 0.05) adsorption than unamended soil, possibly resulting from its highest cation exchange capacity (16.32 cmol kg−1). The Kd des values for atrazine desorption were greater than the Kd ads for adsorption, indicating retention of a considerable amount of atrazine by the biochar-amended soils following desorption.
Breeding and Genetics of Forages for Semi-Arid and Arid Rangelands
Authors: Robins Joseph G.
Published: April 2021

Rangelands are the Earth’s largest land type and provide the feed source for the extensive grazing of beef and dairy cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries), goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), horse (Equus ferus caballus), camel (Camelus spp [...]
Nitrogen Uptake from Different Sources by Soybean Grown at Different Sowing Densities
Authors: Radzka Elżbieta , Rymuza Katarzyna , Wysokinski Andrzej
Published: April 2021

The objective of the research reported here was to determine the amount of nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere and taken up from mineral fertilizer and soil reserves by soybean cv. Abelina grown at three densities (per 1 m2) under central European conditions. Moreover, an attempt was made to determine what amount of nitrogen taken up from the individual sources was removed from the field with seed yield and was introduced to the soil with post-harvest residues and that will be the source of this macronutrient for the following plants. The following densities were used: A1–50 seeds, A2—70 seeds and A3—90 seeds per 1 m2. The share of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere, soil reserves and mineral fertilizer and taken up by the total plant biomass was 46.28, 45.52 and 8.2%, respectively. The whole biomass accumulated 58.51, 52.85 and 9.71 kg N∙ha−1 from the respective sources. An average of 95.24 kg N∙ha−1 was removed from the field with seeds, it being 46.17, 42.20 and 6.68 kg N∙ha−1 for an uptake from the atmosphere, soil reserves and mineral fertilizer, respectively. An incorporation into soil of residues and roots provided over 25.82 kg N∙kg−1 associated with all the sources.
Combined Use of Two Trichoderma Strains to Promote Growth of Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.)
Authors: Chen Dawei , Hou Qinzheng , Jia Lingyun , Sun Kun
Published: April 2021

Trichoderma spp., which widely exist in nature, are always used as plant growth-promoting stimulants. However, there is little reporting about the combined use of Trichoderma strains to promote growth of plants. We explored two different Trichoderma strains (Trichoderma atroviride LX-7 and Trichoderma citrinoviride HT-1) and a mixture of the two on the growth-promoting effects of pakchoi. In this study, in vitro-promoting traits of two Trichoderma strains were determined, and six treatments were used: T. atroviride LX-7, T. citrinoviride HT-1, different mixtures of these two (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) and no inoculation in the seed germination and pot experiment. The results showed that T.atroviride LX-7 and T. citrinoviride HT-1 had the ability of siderophore and indol acetic acid (IAA) production, and LX-7 had the capacity for potassium solubilization. The highest seed germination percentage (GP), germination energy (GE), germination index (GI), vitality index (VI) and growth of radicles and plumules was observed in the LX-7 + HT-1 (1:1) combination, the highest biomass and quality of plants was observed in the LX-7 + HT-1 (1:2) inoculation (followed by a single LX-7 or HT-1 strain inoculation), while the lowest values were obtained in the untreated seeds or plants. On the basis of this study, combined use of two Trichoderma strains had greater benefits for growth and quality of pakchoi, making this formulation attractive for future field applications.