bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A neutralizing monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA for classical swine fever C-strain post–vaccination monitoring
Authors: Wang Lihua , Mi Shijiang , Madera Rachel , Ganges Llilianne , Borca Manuel V. , Ren Jingqiang , Cunningham Chase , Cino-Ozuna Ada G. , Li Hongwei , Tu Changchun , Gong Wenjie , Shi Jishu
Published: November 2019

Background: Virus neutralization test (VNT) is widely used for serological survey of classical swine fever (CSF) and efficacy evaluation of CSF vaccines. However, VNT is a time consuming procedure that requires cell culture and live virus manipulation. C-strain CSF vaccine is the most frequently used vaccine for CSF control and prevention. In this study, we presented a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) with the emphasis on the replacement of VNT for C-strain post–vaccination monitoring. Results: One monoclonal antibody (6B211) which has potent neutralizing activity against C-strain was generated. A novel cELISA was established and optimized based on the strategy that 6B211 can compete with C-strain induced neutralizing antibodies in pig serum to bind capture antigen C-strain E2. By testing C-strain VNT negative pig sera (n=445) and C-strain VNT positive pig sera (n=70), the 6B211 based cELSIA showed 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval: 94.87 to 100%) and 100% specificity (95% confidence interval: 100 to 100%). The C-strain antibody can be detected in pigs as early as 7 days post vaccination with the cELISA. By testing pig sera (n=139) in parallel, the cELISA showed excellent agreement (Kappa=0.957) with VNT. The inhibition rate of serum samples in the cELISA is highly correlated with their titers in VNT (r 2 =0.903, p<0.001). In addition, intra- and inter-assays of the cELISA exhibited acceptable repeatability with low coefficient of variations (CVs). Conclusions: This novel cELISA demonstrated excellent agreement and high level correlation with VNT. It is a reliable tool for sero-monitoring of C-strain vaccination campaign because it is a rapid, simple, safe and cost effective assay that can be used to monitor vaccination-induced immune response at the population level.
A novel virtual barcode strategy for accurate panel-wide variants calling in circulating tumor DNA
Authors: wu leilei , Deng Qinfang , Xu Ze , Zhou Songwen , Author) Chao Li(New Corresponding , Li yixue
Published: November 2019

Background Hybrid capture-based next generation sequencing of DNA has been widely applied in the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Various methods have been proposed for ctDNA detection, while still a great challenging present for these low allelic fraction (AF) variants. In addition, no panel-wide calling algorithm is available, which hider the fully usage of ctDNA based ‘liquid biopsy’. Thus, we developed VBCALAVD in silico to overcome these limits. Results Based on understanding of ctDNA fragmentation nature, a novel platform-independent virtual barcode strategy was established to eliminate random sequencing errors by clustering sequencing reads into virtual family. Polishing stereotypical background artifacts through constructing AF distributions. And additional three robust fine-tuning filters were obtained to eliminate stochastic mutant-family-level noises. The performance of our algorithm was validated using cell-free DNA reference standard samples (cfDNA RSDs) with AFs ranging from 0.1% to 5%. For the RSDs with AFs of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% and 5%, the mean F1 scores were 0.27 (0~0.56), 0.77, 0.92, 0.926 (0.86~1.0) and 0.89 (0.75~1.0), respectively, which indicates that the proposed approach significantly outperforms the published algorithms. Also, no false positives were detected among 14 normal healthy cfDNA samples. Meanwhile, characteristics of mutant-family-level noise and quantity determinant of its divergence between samples with high and low templates were clearly depicted. Conclusions Due to its good performance in the detection of low-AF mutations, our algorithm will greatly facilitate the noninvasive panel-wide detection of mutations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in clinical settings. The whole pipeline is available at https://github.com/zhaodalv/VBCALAVD.
Comparative evaluation of nested PCR for diagnosis of human brucellosis
Authors: rahbarnia leila , Farajnia Safar , Naghili Behrooz , Saeedi Nazli
Published: November 2019

Objectives: Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease with high morbidity in the absence of treatment. The early diagnosis of brucellosis is efficient to prevent chronic infections. The aim of this study is evaluation of nested PCR efficiency in comparison with conventional methods for diagnosis of human brucellosis. A total of 120 patients with brucellosis symptoms were included in this study. Serological and microbiological tests and nested PCR were used for detection of Brucella bacteria. Results: Based on serological tests, 60.83% (73/120) of individuals were positive for brucellosis which only 8.33% of cases were confirmed by blood culture. Among them, 55% of cases were positive in serum agglutination test (SAT≥1:160) and Coombs (C-SAT≥1:160) tests. Furthermore, 7 negative SAT cases were positive in C-SAT as evidence for chronic brucellosis. Also, 68.18% and 56.06% of SAT positive samples were positive in blood nested PCR and serum nested PCR respectively. The sensitivity of blood nested PCR was more than serum nested PCR, SAT≥1:160 and blood culture (P<0.001). The specificity of the blood and serum nested PCR was 100% compared with blood culture and SAT≥ 1:160. Our findings highlight high performance of nested PCR for diagnosis of both acute and chronic brucellosis.
The role of peer influence on oral health knowledge and behaviors among adolescents
Authors: Khoshnevisan Mohammad Hossein , Shariatpanahi Seyed Peyman , Roudsari Maryam Sadeghipour , Namdari Mahshid , Malek-Mohamadi Mahsa , Foroughmand Mohammad Hadi
Published: November 2019

Background : Although many researchers, in different social sciences fields, are being attracted to the new potential promotional phenomenon, the influence of peer connections, the literature in dental public health is very poor. This article investigates the role of peer influence on individuals’ oral health knowledge and behavior among adolescents. Methods: The purpose of the study was to explore the correlation of secondary school students’ oral health behaviors and knowledge within friendship groups. A valid and reliable questionnaire was developed. A total of 421 students (228 boys and 193 girls) aged between 12-13 years old participated in the study. Ordinal regression analysis was used to identify the correlation between an individual’s oral health knowledge and behaviors and his/her friends. Results: The results demonstrated a strong relationship between students’ oral health behaviors and their peer connections within their friendship groups at school. Specifically, tooth brushing frequency of a student had a strong correlation with similar behavior of his/her friends. In addition, investigation of the role of the second level connections (friends of one’s friend with no direct connection) showed a significant correlation in brushing behavior. However, the results revealed no strong correlation of oral health knowledge among friends within their social network. Conclusion: This paper highlighted the importance of the role of peer influence on oral health behavior. Understanding the relation between oral health behavior and social network would help policy makers for more cost effective oral health promotion programs among adolescents.
Correlation analysis of periodontal tissue dimensions in esthetic zone using a non-invasive digital method
Authors: Kim Yun-Jeong , Park Ji-Man , Cho Hyun-Jae , Ku Young
Published: November 2019

Background. Recently, direct intraoral scanning and superimposing methods have been applied to measure the dimensions of periodontal tissues. The aim of this study was to analyze various correlations between labial gingival thickness and underlying alveolar bone thickness as well as clinical parameters among the three tooth types (central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines) using the digital method. Methods. In 20 periodontally healthy subjects, cone-beam computed tomography (CB-CT) images and intraoral scanned files were obtained. Measurements of labial alveolar bone and gingival thickness at the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines were performed at 0–5 mm points from the alveolar crest on the superimposed images. Clinical parameters including the crown width/crown length ratio (CW/CL), gingival width (GW), gingival scallop (SC), and transparency of the periodontal probe through the gingival sulcus (TRAN) were examined. Results. Gingival thickness at the alveolar crest level was positively correlated with the thickness of the alveolar bone plate (p<0.05). The central incisors revealed a strong correlation between A1 and A2 (labial alveolar bone thickness at 1 and 2 mm, respectively, inferior to the alveolar crest) with the thickness of the gingiva at the G0, whereas G0 and labial bone thickness at every level were positively correlated at the lateral incisors and canines. The correlation analyses revealed no significant correlation between the clinical parameters and the hard and soft tissue thicknesses. Conclusions. The gingival thickness at the alveolar crest level revealed a positive correlation with labial alveolar bone thickness, although this correlation at identical depth levels was not significant. The measurement of gingival thickness at, or under the alveolar crest level, was not associated with the clinical parameters of the gingival features, such as the crown form and the gingival scallop, or the keratinized gingival width. Therefore, it is recommended that, in future studies, accurate measuring methods of the supracrestal gingival area should be developed, and the predictive potential of clinical parameters on tissue thickness should be verified.
'If you can’t make it, you're not tough enough to do medicine’: A qualitative study of Sydney-based medical students’ experiences of bullying and harassment in clinical settings
Authors: Colenbrander Laura , Causer Louise , Haire Bridget
Published: November 2019

Background : Media exposés and academic literature reveal high rates of bullying and harassment of medical students, most commonly by consultant physicians and/or surgeons. Recent reports reveal the medical profession to be characterised by hierarchy, with verbal abuse a ‘rite of passage’, as well as sexist and racist behaviours. Methods : Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten current or recently graduated medical students from Sydney-based medical schools. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed. Results : Hierarchy, and a culture of self-sacrifice, resilience and deference, were identified as problematic elements of the medical profession. In the minds of participants, these factors created barriers to reporting mistreatment, as participants felt reporting led to being labelled a ‘troublemaker’, affecting career progression. Additionally, participants stated that avenues of recourse were unclear and did not guarantee confidentiality or desired outcomes. Conclusions : Mistreatment is continuing in clinical teaching and has negative consequences on medical students’ mental health and learning. Structural change is needed to combat institutionalised mistreatment to ensure the wellbeing of future doctors and high quality patient care.
Functional Adrenal Insufficiency among Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infected patients: A Cross-section study in Uganda
Authors: Naggirinya Agnes Bwanika Bwanika , Biraro Irene Andia , Meya David B. , Mupere Ezekiel , Mujugira Andrew , Worodria William , Manabe Yukari C.
Published: November 2019

Objective:Tuberculosis is the leading cause of adrenal insufficiency in resource-limited settings. The adrenal gland is the most commonly affected endocrine organ in tuberculosis infection. We assessed prevalence and factors associated with functional adrenal insufficiency among human immunodeficiency virus infected patients with multidrug-resistant and drug-susceptible tuberculosis in Uganda. Patients with drug-sensitive and resistant tuberculosis were enrolled, examined for clinical signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, an early morning serum cortisol level obtained. Functional adrenal insufficiency was defined as early morning serum cortisol below 414/nmol//L. Associations with functional adrenal insufficiency were estimated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 311 tuberculosis patients were screened, and 272 enrolled. Of these, 117 (43%) had multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Median age was 32 years (IQR 18-66) and 66% were men. Prevalence of functional adrenal insufficiency was 59.8%. Mean cortisol levels were lower in participants with multi-drug resistant than drug-susceptible tuberculosis (317.4 versus 488.5 nmol/L; p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (aOR 36.60; 95% CI 8.30-161.42; p<0.001) and skin hyperpigmentation (aOR 9.63; 95% CI: 2.83-32.8; p<0.001) were significantly associated with functional adrenal insufficiency. Early morning serum cortisol levels should be quantified in TB-HIV co-infected patients.
Prediction of pre-eclampsia in nulliparous women using routinely collected maternal characteristics: A model development and validation study
Authors: Al-Rubaie Ziad TA , Hudson H Malcolm , Jenkins Gregory , Mahmoud Imad , Ray Joel G , Askie Lisa M , Lord Sarah J
Published: November 2019

Background Guidelines recommend identifying early in pregnancy women at elevated risk of pre-eclampsia. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a pre-eclampsia risk prediction model for nulliparous women attending routine antenatal care “the Western Sydney (WS) model”; and to compare its performance with the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) risk factor-list approach for classifying women as high-risk.Methods This retrospective cohort study included all nulliparous women who gave birth in three public hospitals in the Western-Sydney-Local-Health-District, Australia 2011-2014. Using births from 2011-2012, multivariable logistic regression incorporated established maternal risk factors to develop and internally validate the WS model. The WS model was then externally validated using births from 2013-2014, assessing its discrimination and calibration. We fitted the final WS model for all births from 2011-2014, and compared its accuracy in predicting pre-eclampsia with the NICE approach.Results Among 12,395 births to nulliparous women in 2011-2014, there were 293 (2.4%) pre-eclampsia events. The WS model included maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, multiple pregnancy, family history of pre-eclampsia, autoimmune disease, chronic hypertension and chronic renal disease. In the validation sample (6201 births), the model c-statistic was 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.65–0.75). The observed:expected ratio for pre-eclampsia was 0.91, with a Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test p-value of 0.20. In the entire study sample of 12,395 births, 374 (3.0%) women had a WS model-estimated pre-eclampsia risk ≥8%, the pre-specified risk-threshold for considering aspirin prophylaxis. Of these, 54 (14.4%) developed pre-eclampsia (sensitivity 18% (14–23), specificity 97% (97–98)). Using the NICE approach, 1173 (9.5%) women were classified as high-risk, of which 107 (9.1%) developed pre-eclampsia (sensitivity 37% (31-42), specificity 91% (91–92)). The final model showed similar accuracy to the NICE approach when using lower risk-threshold of ≥4% to classify women as high-risk for pre-eclampsia.Conclusion The WS risk model that combines readily-available maternal characteristics achieved modest performance for prediction of pre-eclampsia in nulliparous women. The model did not outperform the NICE approach, but has the advantage of providing individualised absolute risk estimates, to assist with counselling, inform decisions for further testing, and consideration of aspirin prophylaxis.
A global analysis of CNVs in Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep populations using whole-genome resequencing
Authors: yuan chao , Lu Zengkui , Guo Tingting , Yue yaojing , Wang Xijun , Wang Tianxiang , Zhang Yajun , Hou Fujun , Niu Chune , Sun Xiaopin , Zhao Hongchang , Zhu Shaohua , Liu Jianbin , Yang Bohui
Published: November 2019

Background Copy number variation (CNV) is an important source of genetic variation that has a significant influence on phenotypic diversity, important economic traits and the evolution of livestock species. In this study, the genome-wide CNV distribution characteristics of 32 fine-wool sheep from three breeds were analyzed using resequencing.Results A total of 1747604 CNVs were detected in this study, and 7228 CNV regions (CNVR) were obtained after merging overlapping CNVs; these regions accounted for 2.17% of the sheep reference genome. The average length of the CNVRs was 4307.17 bp. “Deletion” events took place more frequently than “duplication” or “both” events. The CNVRs obtained overlapped with previously reported sheep CNVRs to variable extents (4.39%–55.46%). Functional enrichment analysis showed that the CNVR-harboring genes were mainly involved in sensory perception systems, nutrient metabolism processes, and growth and development processes. Furthermore, 1855 of the CNVRs were associated with 166 quantitative trait loci (QTL), including milk QTLs, carcass QTLs, and health-related QTLs, among others. In addition, the 32 fine-wool sheep were divided into horned and polled groups to analyze for the selective elimination of CNVRs, and it was found that the RXFP2 gene was strongly influenced by selection.Conclusions In summary, we constructed a genomic CNV map for Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep using resequencing, thereby providing a valuable genetic variation resource for sheep genome research, which will contribute to the study of complex traits in sheep.
Detection of Atypical porcine pestivirus in Swedish pigs with congenital tremor type A-II
Authors: Stenberg Hedvig , Jacobson Magdalena , Malmberg Maja
Published: November 2019

Background Congenital tremor type A-II is a neurological disorder characterized by tremor of the head and body of new-born piglets. The suggestive causative agent of the disease is the recently found atypical porcine pestivirus. The virus has been detected in piglets suffering from congenital tremor in central Europe, South and North America and in China but no studies has so far not been performed in the Nordic countries, hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of atypical porcine pestivirus in Swedish piglets. From June 2017 – June 2018, 15 piglets from four Swedish farms with ongoing outbreaks of congenital tremor, and 13 piglets with splay leg, from four different farms, were investigated for presence of APPV RNA in brain tissue. Matched healthy control piglets (n=8) were also studied. Two APPV-specific RT-qPCR:s targeting the NS3 and NS5B region, respectively, were used. A retrospective study was performed in the same manner on material from Swedish piglets with congenital tremor sampled in 2004 (n=11) and 2011/2012 (n=6). Results Atypical porcine pestivirus-RNA was detected in 93% (27/29) of the piglets suffering from congenital tremor. All samples from piglets with congenital tremor from 2004 (n = 11) and 2012 (n = 3) were PCR-positive with respect to APPV. All of the healthy controls (n=8) were negative for APPV. The piglets with congenital tremor sampled 2017-2018 had an odds ratio of 271 (95% CI 12.1 to 6096.8, z = 3.5, P = 0.0004) to test positive for APPV by qRT-PCR compared to the healthy piglets (Fishers exact test p < 0.0001). These findings make it interesting to continue investigating APPV in pigs in Sweden, as most of the virus details is unknown to date. Conclusion This is the first description of atypical porcine pestivirus in piglets with congenital tremor type A-II in Sweden and the Nordic countries. The virus has been present in the Swedish pig population since at least 2004.
Quality of care in Hunan Province nursing homes: relationship to staffing and organizational climate
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Yunxia , XIAO Lily Dongxia , A. Wiley James , Chen Huijing , Liao Lulu , Hu Hengyu , Peng Linlin , Feng Hui
Published: November 2019

Background: Confounding factors, such as staff characteristics and organizational features, are neglected in most studies when assessing the relationship between staffing levels and quality of care,and previous research provides inconsistent conclusions.The aim of this study wasto examine the quality of care perceived by nursing staff and its relationship with the staffing and organizational climate in nursing homes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. This study included 358 nursing staff from 52 units in 26 nursing homesin Hunan Province, China. Organizational climate was assessed with the Nursing Home adaptation Shortell scale and work stress scale. Staffing levels were studied by interviewing unit managers. Self-reported quality of care was measured with a single item.
Results: The interaction effect between nursing staff to resident ratio and physician to resident ratio was significant on quality of care (p<0.05). Higher score on the relationships and communication scale (OR=4.771, p=0.002) and lower score on the work stress scale (OR=0.980, p=0.050) were also associated with better quality of care. More work experience was related to lower quality of care (OR=0.942, p=0.044), and work experience was associated with relationships and communication (Beta=0.115, p= 0.037) and work stress (Beta=0.234, p=0.000).
Conclusions: Staffing level, work experience, work stress, relationships and communication are key factors to consider when the objective is to provide higher quality of care in nursing homes.
The effect of problem-based learning after coronary heart disease – A randomised study in primary health care (COR-PRIM)
Authors: Köhler Anita Kärner , Jaarsma Tiny , Tingström Pia , Nilsson Staffan
Published: November 2019

Background The hypothesis tested was that one year of problem-based learning (PBL) improves patients’ self-efficacy, and empowerment to change self-care significantly compared to one year of standardised home-sent patient information after an event of coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods We randomly assigned 157 patients (78% male; age 68±8.5 years) with CHD verified by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (70.1%) or coronary artery by-pass surgery (CABG) and CABG+PCI or myocardial infarction (29.9%) to either PBL (experimental group; n = 79) or home-sent patient information group (controls; n = 78). The PBL intervention consisted of a patient education in primary health care by trained district nurses who tutored groups of 6-9 patients on 13 occasions over one year. Controls received home- sent patient information on 11 occasions during the study year. Results At the one-year follow-up, the primary outcome, patient empowerment, did not significantly differ between the experimental group and controls. We found no significant differences between the groups regarding the secondary outcomes e.g. self-efficacy, although we found significant differences for body mass index (BMI) [-0.17 (SD 1.5) vs. 0.50 (SD 1.6), P=0.033 ], body weight [-0.83 (SD 4.45 vs. 1.14 kg (SD 4.85), P=0.026 ] and HDL cholesterol [0.1 (SD 0.7) vs. 0.0 mmol/L (SD 0.3), P=0.038 ] for the experimental group compared to controls. Conclusions The PBL and the home-sent patient information interventions had similar results regarding patient empowerment. However, PBL exhibited significant effects on weight loss, BMI, and HDL cholesterol levels, indicating that the PBL intervention positively affected risk factors compared to the home-sent patient information intervention. Trial registration : NCT01462799 (August 2019, date last accessed) Keywords: Problem-based learning, Coronary Heart Disease, Primary Health Care, Patient empowerment, Risk factors, Self-care
Adjuvant chemotherapy could not bring survival benefit to HR-positive, HER2-negative, pT1b-c/N0-1/M0 invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast: a propensity score matching study based on SEER database
Authors: Hu Guangfu , Hu Guangxia , Zhang Chengjiao , Lin Xiaoyan , Shan Ming , Yu Yanmin , Lu Yongwei , Niu Ruijie , Ye Hui , Xu Cheng , Wang Cheng
Published: November 2019

Background : The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is still unclear. The objective of the current study was to elucidate the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, pT1b-c/N0-1/M0 ILC.
Methods: Based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) database, we identified original 13996 HR-positive, HER2-negative, pT1b-c/N0-1/M0 ILC patients, who were then divided into adjuvant chemotherapy group and control group. End-points were overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific mortality (BCSM). Aiming to minimize the selection bias of baseline characteristics, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method was used.
Results : In a total of 13996 patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative, pT1b-c/N0-1/M0 ILC, 1800 patients (12.9%) were allocated into adjuvant chemotherapy group and 12196 (87.1%) into control group. Used PSM, the 1800 patients in adjuvant chemotherapy group matched to the 1800 patients in control group. By Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, we observed beneficial effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on OS in original samples ( P =0.001) but ineffectiveness in matched samples ( P =0.400), however, ineffective or even contrary results of adjuvant chemotherapy on BCSM both in original samples (P =0.001) and in matched samples ( P= 0.033). In both original and matched multivariate Cox models, we observed ineffectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy on OS (hazard ratio (HR) for overall mortality = 1.243, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.954-1.619]; P =0.108 and HR=1.227, 95%CI [0.870-1.731]; P =0.244, respectively), unexpectedly promoting effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on BCSM (HR=2.446, 95%CI [1.598-3.742]; P =0.001 and HR=1.791, 95%CI [1.056-3.037]; P = 0.031, respectively). Lymph node metastasis was detrimental to survival in original samples, but had unobvious effect in matched samples. Radiotherapy and standard surgery were beneficial to the survival of patients.
Conclusion: Adjuvant chemotherapy could bring no survival benefit to HR-positive, HER2-negative, pT1b-c/N0-1/M0 ILC, even contribute to BCSM.
Predictors of catheter-related bladder discomfort after gynaecological surgery
Authors: Li Shuying , Song Liping , Ma Yushan , Lin Xuemei
Published: November 2019

Background: Urinary catheterization is universally used during surgery, and the incidence of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is very high during recovery. We conducted this study to identify the incidence and predictors of postoperative CRBD after gynaecological surgery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients undergoing gynaecological surgery under general anesthesia with intra-operative urinary catheterization were enrolled. We collected the clinical data, incidence and severity of CRBD, and postoperative pain for the patients. Predictive factors of CRBD were analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 407 patients were included in this study. The incidence of CRBD after gynaecological surgery was 64.6% (mild CRBD: 22.8%; moderate CRBD: 34.2%; and severe CRBD: 7.6%). Univariate analysis showed that age, type of surgery, type of laparoscopic surgery, additional analgesics, and postoperative pain were influencing factors for CRBD. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≥50 years, uterus-related laparoscopic surgery, and lack of additional analgesics were independent predictors of moderate or severe CRBD. Conclusions: This observational study revealed that the incidence of CRBD after gynaecological surgery in PACU was very high. Age ≥50 years, uterus-related laparoscopic surgery, and lack of additional analgesics were independent predictors of CRBD. We suggested that drug prophylaxis should be used to the patients with high risk of CRBD in gynaecological surgery.
Germination of Pulsatilla Seeds as Influenced by Seed Morphology, Moist 5 °C and Gibberellin (GA3) Treatment, and Detection of Nickel in Seeds
Authors: Yuan Tao , Wei Qiuying , Bauchan Gary
Published: November 2019

Seeds of Pulsatilla turczaninovii were categorized to full and empty seeds based on observations under a light microscope and on X-ray images. A germination test for full or empty seeds was evaluated as affected by the duration of gibberellin GA3 and the moist 5 °C cold stratification (CS) treatment. The morphological and elemental components of P. turczaninovii and P. cernua var. koreana seeds were analyzed using low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analysis. The results showed that 64% of full and semifull P. turczaninovii seeds 10 weeks after harvesting germinated in 17 to 19 days; however, the germination rate, including empty and semiempty seeds, was lower (52.6%). Full seeds with damaged or dried vegetative organs (embryo or endosperm) and semifull seeds with severely damaged vegetative organs were observed, and this result could be related to low germination rates. Germination patterns of seeds stored dry at 5 °C for 44 weeks that showed a sigmoid pattern were increased by immersing seeds in a GA3 solution for 8 hours and treating seeds with 16 or 32 days of CS. More seeds germinated between 12 and 17 days (as compared with 17 to 29 days), especially when they were treated with GA3 and received 32 days of CS. Comparison of germination rates of visually full seeds upon harvest (52.6%) with those that had been stored dry for 44 weeks (26.3% to 29.7%) suggested that the viability of seeds may have decreased. Dormancy could be a factor that decreased germination and can be removed by low temperature and GA3 treatment. LT-SEM revealed a valley-like, sunken streak in empty seeds of P. cernua var. koreana. The nickel content in the trichome and seedcoat of full and empty seeds of both taxa ranged from 2.98 to 4.62 (weight %), as determined on X-ray images. Our study suggested that the low germination rate was due to either the presence of dormancy, damage to either embryo or endosperm, a loss in viability, or the presence of nickel in the seeds.
Nitrogen Accumulation and Root Distribution of Grafted Tomato Plants as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Djidonou Desire , Zhao Xin , Koch Karen E. , Zotarelli Lincoln
Published: November 2019

Growth and yield typically increase when tomato plants are grafted to selected interspecific hybrid rootstocks from which distinctive root system morphologies are envisioned to aid nutrient uptake. We assessed these relationships using a range of exogenous nitrogen (N) supplies under field production conditions. This study analyzed the impact of N on growth, root distribution, N uptake, and N use of determinate ‘Florida 47’ tomato plants grafted onto vigorous, interspecific, hybrid tomato rootstocks ‘Multifort’ and ‘Beaufort’. Six N rates, 56, 112, 168, 224, 280, and 336 kg·ha−1, were applied to sandy soil in Live Oak, FL, during Spring 2010 and 2011. During both years, the leaf area index, aboveground biomass, and N accumulation (leaf blade, petiole, stem, and fruit) responded quadratically to the increase in N fertilizer rates. Averaged over the two seasons, the aboveground biomass, N accumulation, N use efficiency (NUE), and N uptake efficiency (NUpE) were ≈29%, 31%, 30%, and 33% greater in grafted plants than in nongrafted controls, respectively. More prominent increases occurred in the root length density (RLD) in the uppermost 15 cm of soil; for grafted plants, RLD values in this upper 15-cm layer were significantly greater than those of nongrafted plants during both years with an average increase of 69% over the two seasons. Across all the grafted and nongrafted plants, the RLD decreased along the soil profile, with ≈60% of the total RLD concentrated in the uppermost 0 to 15 cm of the soil layer. These results demonstrated a clear association between enhanced RLD, especially in the upper 15 cm of soil, and improvements in tomato plant growth, N uptake, and N accumulation with grafting onto vigorous rootstocks.
Influence of Increasing Fines on Soil Physical Properties of U.S. Golf Association Sand
Authors: Brown Philip J. , McCarty Lambert B. , Quisenberry Virgil L. , Hubbard L. Ray , Addy M. Brad
Published: November 2019

Drainage is important to golf and athletic facilities trying to avoid lost play time. Native soil containing clay is sometimes incorporated into sand profiles with the intent to increase water and nutrient holding capacities. However, mixes high in silt and/or clay often have drainage problems. Research was conducted on soil physical properties from incremental 10% v/v additions of silt and clay (fines) to a U.S. Golf Association (USGA)-specification sand. Soils were evaluated based on volumetric water retention from 0 to 50 cm matric potential, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), porosity, and bulk density. The soil water characteristic (SWC) for 100:0 (sand:fines) had lower volumetric water content (θv) throughout the profile than any other mixture. Addition of 10% fines increased θv to more than 0.17 cm3·cm–3 throughout the 0- to 50-cm matric potential range, whereas 20% fines increased θv to more than 0.26 cm3·cm–3. The 70:30 mixture had greater θv throughout the profile than mixtures containing more than 70% sand. Mixtures with less than 70% sand produced similar SWCs. Increasing sand content increased bulk density, which altered saturated volumetric water content. Ksat was reduced from more than 265 cm·h–1 in 100:0 mixtures to 43 cm·h–1 for 90:10 mixtures, and to less than 5 cm·h–1 with ≥20% fines. The addition of ≥20% by volume of fines to a USGA sand increased water content in the soil to the point it was rendered unacceptable for trafficked turf sites. This research illustrates the influence fine particles, even in small amounts, can have on a USGA sand, and why they should not be added without prior evaluation.
Water and Air Relations in Propagation Substrates
Authors: Yafuso Erin J. , Fisher Paul R. , Bohórquez Ana C. , Altland James E.
Published: November 2019

Greenhouse propagation of unrooted plant cuttings is characterized by short container cell height and high irrigation frequency. These conditions can result in high moisture level and low air content in soilless container substrates (“substrates”), causing delayed growth of adventitious roots and favoring root disease. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare substrate water and air relations for three propagation substrates (peat, rockwool, and phenolic foam) that varied widely in physical characteristics using four methods: 1) evaporation method with a tensiometer, 2) frozen column method, 3) gravimetric analysis, and 4) X-ray computed tomography (CT) analysis. Moisture retention curves based on evaporation (1) and the frozen column (2) resulted in differences for peat, but similar curves for rockwool and foam. The frozen column method was simple and low cost, but was constrained by column height for peat, which had a higher water potential compared with the other two substrates. Substrate porosity analysis at container capacity by gravimetric or CT methods were similar for volumetric water and air content (VWC and VAC) in rockwool and foam, but differed for peat for VWC and VAC. Gravimetric analysis was simple, rapid, and low cost for whole-cell analysis, but CT further quantified spatial water and air relations within the cell and allowed visualization of complex water and air relations in an image. All substrates had high water content at container capacity ranging from 67% to 91% VWC with 5% to 11% VAC in the short propagation cells, emphasizing the need for careful irrigation management.
Red and Brown Soils Increase the Development and Content of Nutrients in Habanero Pepper Subjected to Irrigation Water with High Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Medina-Lara Fátima , Souza-Perera Ramón , Martínez-Estévez Manuel , Ramírez-Sucre Manuel O. , Rodríguez-Buenfil Ingrid M. , Machado Ileana Echevarría
Published: November 2019

The characteristics of the soil in the Peninsula of Yucatán confer unique organoleptic properties to the habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.), and thus this entity possesses the denomination of origin of the species, making these chilis the most coveted, nationally and internationally. However, the extreme microtopographic variation distinguishing the Peninsula complicates the transfer of technologies and the successful establishment of agricultural practices. Maya farmers of the region identify the brown soils as preferable for the cultivation of this chili, although there is some controversy among the farmers regarding the best yields when the quality of the water used for irrigation is poor. No studies of the effect of soil type on this plant have been carried out. This work evaluated the impact of three types of soil of the Peninsula (red, brown, and black) on growth, fruit production, and nutrient content in soils and plants, during different phenological stages. The results indicate that the red and brown soils were the best for the growth and production of the fruit. In the black soil, it was possible to observe greater retention and accumulation of sodium applied in the water used for irrigation and in the macronutrients N, P, K, which may have led to a negative effect in the development of the fruit in these plants. Moreover, the plants growing in red and brown soils seem to make a more efficient use of the nutrients, presenting higher values of N, P, and K in their tissues in the flowering-fructification stage. These results are particularly useful in the realization of agricultural plans with a lower consumption of fertilizers, which allows an increase in yield, particularly if we take into account the enormous problems of saline intrusion worldwide and in this region.
A Cost–Benefit Analysis of DNA Informed Apple Breeding
Authors: Wannemuehler Seth D. , Luby James J. , Yue Chengyan , Bedford David S. , Gallardo R. Karina , McCracken Vicki A.
Published: November 2019

Incorporating DNA-informed breeding techniques can improve selection efficiency for desired traits as compared with conventional breeding methods that do not use DNA-informed techniques. Incorporation of DNA technologies requires additional costs associated with reagents, equipment, and labor. To elucidate the cost-effectiveness of DNA-informed breeding in perennial crops with multiple years per generation, we conducted a cost–benefit analysis examining incorporation of marker-assisted selection (MAS), a type of DNA-informed breeding, applied to an apple breeding program. Annual operational costs for a midwest apple breeding program were used to develop a simulation with inputs including itemized costs and per unit costs for procedures at each breeding program stage. Simulations compared costs of MAS breeding techniques to conventional breeding methods to identify the break-even point (BEP) where cost-savings associated with MAS equals the accrued additional costs. Additional sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine changes in laboratory costs, seedling maintenance costs, and seedling evaluation costs. We found the BEP for this program occurs when MAS results in a removal rate of 13.18%, and changes to other costs (i.e., maintenance costs) result in a smaller percent decrease to the overall program budget. Our findings are useful to perennial crop breeding programs in which managers are considering incorporating DNA-informed breeding techniques.
Impact of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculation and Growth Substrate on Biomass and Content of Polyphenols in Eclipta prostrata
Authors: Vo Au Trung , Haddidi Imane , Daood Hussein , Mayer Zoltan , Posta Katalin
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of mycorrhizal inoculation and sand-peat composition as growth substrate on the biomass, and individual polyphenol concentration of Eclipta prostrata. Mycorrhizal inoculation alters some secondary metabolites of E. prostrata, showing significant differences in polyphenol contents between the treatments. Moreover, varying peat and sand rates, representing different nutrient supplies, had significant impacts on both mycorrhizal colonization and growth responses. Our results highlight that 60/40% (v/v) sand and peat ration is the best for a large-scale cultivation of E. prostrata, moreover supporting the highest total phenolic content. Through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, nine individual phenolic components were analyzed, including wedelolactone and demethyl-wedelolactone at the highest concentration. Some of the identified compounds, such as 5-o-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin-3-arabinoside, 4-o-caffeoylquinic acid, and protocatechuic acid have not been reported previously in E. prostrata cultivars. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, multiple groups are represented, suggesting the role of mycorrhizal inoculation, growth substrate, and their interaction on secondary metabolites of E. prostrata. Better understanding of the phenolic composition of E. prostrata and factors influencing it help to identify new industrial applications of this medicinal plant (together with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), and moreover, help to develop new strategies for the prevention and treatment of different diseases.
Potential of Integrating Biochar and Deficit Irrigation Strategies for Sustaining Vegetable Production in Water-limited Regions: A Review
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Saini Rupinder Kaur , Singh Sukhbir , Sharma Sat Pal
Published: November 2019

Water shortage is one of the major challenges faced by the current agricultural systems worldwide, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Deficit irrigation (DI), a water-saving strategy of applying less water than crop evapotranspiration (ETc) demands, has been extensively investigated in different crops, including water-intensive vegetables. The DI strategies such as regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root zone drying (PRD) generally increase water use efficiency (WUE) and have emerged as potential practices to save water for agricultural sustainability. However, in view of the sensitivity of shallow-rooted vegetable crops to water stress, DI is often associated with yield losses. A review of 134 DI reports of vegetable crops revealed significant reductions in yield under all DI levels in 52% of cases and yields statistically similar to those of full irrigation (100% ETc in most cases) under small water deficits in 44% of cases, thereby raising concerns about the sustainability of vegetable production under DI. Biochar, a carbon-rich co-product of pyrolysis of organic matter, is increasingly undergoing study as a soil amendment to mitigate drought stress and is being explored as an additional practice with DI to minimize the yield losses due to water deficits. This work reviews the effects of biochar application on growth, yield, physiology, and WUE of different vegetable crops under DI regimes to determine the potential of biochar and DI used in combination to sustain vegetable productivity in water-limited areas. Overall, the addition of biochar under DI has helped to compensate for yield losses of vegetables and further enhanced WUE. However, field studies investigating long-term soil–biochar interactions that strongly conclude the impact of biochar under moisture stress conditions are lacking.
Blue versus Red Light Can Promote Elongation Growth Independent of Photoperiod: A Study in Four Brassica Microgreens Species
Authors: Kong Yun , Kamath Devdutt , Zheng Youbin
Published: November 2019

An elongated stem has beneficial effects on microgreen production. Previous studies indicate that under 24-hour light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, monochromatic blue light, compared with red light, can promote plant elongation for some species. The objective of this study was to investigate whether shortened photoperiod can change blue vs. red light effects on elongation growth. The growth and morphology traits of arugula (Brassica eruca, ‘Rocket’), cabbage (Brassica oleracea, unknown variety name), mustard (Brassica juncea, ‘Ruby Streaks’), and kale (Brassica napus, ‘Red Russian’) seedlings were compared during the stage from seeding to cotyledon unfolding under two light quality × two photoperiod treatments: 1) R, monochromatic red light (665 nm) and 2) B, monochromatic blue light (440 nm) using continuous (24-hour light/0-hour dark) or periodic (16-hour light/8-hour dark) LED lighting. A photosynthetic photon flux density of ≈100 μmol·m−2·s−1 and an air temperature of ≈22 °C was used for the preceding treatments. After 7 to 8 days of lighting treatment, regardless of photoperiod, B promoted elongation growth compared with R, as demonstrated by a greater stem extension rate, hypocotyl length, or petiole length in the tested microgreen species, except for mustard. The promotion effects on elongation were greater under 24- vs. 16-hour lighting in many cases. Among the tested species, mustard showed the lowest sensitivity in elongation response to B vs. R, which was independent of photoperiod. This suggests that the blue-light-promoted elongation is not specifically from 24-hour lighting, despite the varying promotion degree under different photoperiods or for different species. The elongation growth promoted by blue LED light under a photoperiod of either 24 hours or 16 hours can potentially benefit indoor production of microgreens.
Characterization of Ethylene-mediated Curling of Japanese Radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) Cotyledons
Authors: Kubo Yusuke , Satoh Shinobu , Suzuki Haruka , Kinoshita Toshinori , Nakajima Nobuyoshi
Published: November 2019

During the transport of vegetables, it is important to maintain quality. The cotyledons of Japanese radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) sprouts curl during transport, lowering quality. It is known that ethylene causes the leaf curling of some true leaves by promoting cell growth on the adaxial side (epinasty); however, the mechanism of cotyledon curling is unknown. We investigated the effect of ethylene on cotyledon curling of Japanese radish sprouts. Curling was promoted by exogenous treatment with ethylene and repressed by treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene, an inhibitor of ethylene perception. Microscopic observation of ethylene-exposed curled cotyledons and normal cotyledons indicates that ethylene did not affect cell number but did inhibit transverse (lateral) cell growth on the abaxial side of the cotyledons, causing cotyledon curling through differential growth. Ethylene inhibition of cell growth on the abaxial side of leaves has not been reported before. We show a new mechanism responsible for curling.