bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin receptors increase Momordica’s anticancer effects against PC-3 and HT-29
Authors: TAGHİZADEHGHALEHJOUGHİ Ali , YENİ Yeşim , GENÇ Sıdıka , WALLACE David R , HACİMUFTUOGLU Ahmet , ÇAKIR Zeynep
Published: March 2021

Aim: The aim of our study is to the evaluation of melatonin (MLT) and Momordica charantia (MC) combination on PC-3 and HT-29 cancer lines and to address the question of where or not MLT increases MC antitumor effect in the PC-3 and HT-29 cancer lines.

Material and Method: The PC-3 and HT-29 cell lines were grown in a manufacturer-specified culture medium. Cisplatin, MLT, increasing concentrations of MC, 40 μg/ml MLT + increasing concentrations MC were applied to PC-3 and HT-29 cell lines for 72 hours. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) cell viability, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Cellular Migration (Wound Healing test), and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) tests were done 72 hours after drug administration.

Results: The combination of MLT 40 μg/ml + MC 100 µg/ml reduced cell viability in both PC-3 and HT-29 cells. Besides, TAC and TOS levels showed a correlation with LDH and MTT assays and were found to be statistically significant (P
It's not always appendicitis: relatively uncommon conditions of acute abdomen in children
Authors: DEMİREL Berat Dilek , YAĞIZ Beytullah
Published: March 2021

Aim: To evaluate the acute surgical conditions beyond acute appendicitis in children.

Material and method: The children who underwent urgent abdominal surgery between January 2017-December 2020 are retrospectively evaluated. The newborns and patients with acute appendicitis are excluded.

Results: A total of 595 patients underwent urgent abdominal surgery. Acute appendicitis was the final diagnosis in 468 of them (78.7%). The median age of the rest of the 127 patients (21.3%) was 8 years (0.96-17.75 years). Fourteen patients admitted with trauma (11%) (12 boys and 2 girls, median age; 12.66 years), and the most common cause was firearm injuries with the most common injured system was the gastrointestinal system. Among the patients without trauma, 62 were boys (54.6%) and 51 were girls (45.1%) (median age; 6.41 years). Intussusception was most common in the Infant and Young Child Group. Adhesive small bowel obstruction was most common in adolescent boys and the Child Group while adnexal torsion was most common in adolescent girls. Intussusception, adhesive small bowel obstruction and gastrointestinal perforation were encountered in all age groups

Conclusion: Although acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen in children, other causes are not uncommon and some need special attention as differential diagnosis and intervention are "more urgent" than others. Awareness of these "more urgent" conditions with respect to age groups may prevent complications, morbidity, and even mortality.
Foliar fungi of the enigmatic desert plant Welwitschia mirabilis show little adaptation to their unique host plant
Authors: Kemler Martin , Wingfield Michael J. , Cowan Don A. , Slippers Bernard
Published: March 2021

Foliar fungi, especially endophytic fungi, constitute an important part of the microbiome of plants. Yet little is known about the composition of these communities. In this study, we isolated fungi from leaf tissues of the desert plant Welwitschia mirabilis to determine the culturable diversity of the foliar fungal community. The isolated fungal taxa, which grouped into 17 distinct lineages, were identified by sequencing elongation factor 1 alpha, beta-tubulin 1, beta-tubulin 2 and the internal transcribed spacer region. The culturable community was mainly composed of cosmopolitan fungal genera despite the unique taxonomic position of the plant and its geographic isolation. To test for endemism in two of the common fungal genera, Alternaria and Aureobasidium, we built haplotype networks using a global data set. Even this broad data set showed little evidence for specialisation within this unique host or its geographical location. The data suggest that the culturable members of communities of leaf-associated fungi in habitats with little plant coverage, such as the Namib Desert, are mainly established by long-distance aerially distributed fungal inocula and few of these taxa co-evolve with the host within the habitat.Significance:

The culturable members of fungal communities associated with an ecological and evolutionary isolated plant have not co-speciated with their hosts, but to a large extent are composed of globally distributed fungal species.
Harsh environmental conditions and the geographic isolation of host plants seem to favour ubiquitous fungal species over more specialist fungal species.

Open data sets*: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank
*see accession numbers in text
Evaluating South African Weather Service information on Idai tropical cyclone and KwaZulu-Natal flood events (with corrigendum)
Authors: Bopape Mary-Jane M. , Sebego Ezekiel , Ndarana Thando , Maseko Bathobile , Netshilema Masindi , Gijben Morne , Landman Stephanie , Phaduli Elelwani , Rambuwani Gift , Van Hemert Louis , Mkhwanazi Musa
Published: March 2021

Severe weather events associated with strong winds and flooding can cause fatalities, injuries and damage to property. Detailed and accurate weather forecasts that are issued and communicated timeously, and actioned upon, can reduce the impact of these events. The responsibility to provide such forecasts usually lies with government departments or state-owned entities; in South Africa that responsibility lies with the South African Weather Service (SAWS). SAWS is also a regional specialised meteorological centre and therefore provides weather information to meteorological services within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). We evaluated SAWS weather information using near real-time observations and models on the nowcasting to short-range forecasting timescales during two extreme events. These are the Idai tropical cyclone in March 2019 which impacted Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi resulting in over 1000 deaths, and the floods over the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province in April 2019 that caused over 70 deaths. Our results show that weather models gave an indication of these systems in advance, with warnings issued at least 2 days in advance in the case of Idai and 1 day in advance for the KZN floods. Nowcasting systems were also in place for detailed warnings to be provided as events progressed. Shortcomings in model simulations were shown, in particular on locating the KZN flood event properly and over/-underestimation of the event. The impacts experienced during the two events indicate that more needs to be done to increase weather awareness, and build disaster risk management systems, including disaster preparedness and risk reduction.Significance:
This paper is relevant for all South Africans and the SADC region at large because it provides information on:

the weather forecasting processes followed at the South African Weather Service,
available early warning products in South Africa and for the SADC region made possible through the public purse,
the performance of nowcasting and modelling systems in the case of predicting two extreme weather events that had adverse impacts on southern African society, and
the dissemination of warnings of future extreme weather events.
Low nitrogen and phosphorus effects on wheat Fe, Zn, phytic acid and phenotypic traits
Authors: Tóth Brigitta , Moloi Makoena J. , Szöke Lóránt , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: March 2021

In sub-Saharan Africa, crops are often grown under low nitrogen (N) and low phosphorus (P) conditions, which may impact on the nutritional components of the grains. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low N and low P and a combination of the two on iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and phytic acid content in two commercial South African spring wheat cultivars (PAN3497 and SST806). Phenotypic traits were also investigated. Although cultivar effects were not significant, treatment effects were highly significant for the phenotypic and nutritional traits. Low P stress increased Fe and Zn levels, whereas low N stress had the opposite effect. In addition, low P stress inhibited phytic acid accumulation the most, suggesting that under this treatment, Fe and Zn were more available because of less interaction with phytic acid. Compared to the low N treatment, the low P treatment led to lower reductions in the number of tillers, plant height, stem thickness, number of seeds, weight of seeds and dry weight for both cultivars. While low P had positive effects on the nutritional value of wheat, the combination of low N and P treatment had a negative impact on most of the measured characteristics. Low N conditions had more negative effects on all measured characteristics than low P conditions and was very detrimental to wheat nutritional value and yield.Significance:

Results from this study emphasise the impact of fertilisation and the impact of insufficient nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser on wheat productivity.
Low nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisation impact grain microelement content and bioavailability which impact nutritional value.
Pleistocene reptile swim traces confirmed from South Africa’s Cape south coast
Authors: Helm Charles W. , Lockley Martin G.
Published: March 2021

Large Pleistocene reptile tracks and traces were described from the Cape south coast of South Africa in 2020, including ‘probable swim traces’. These trace fossils were found on loose slabs and blocks of the Klein Brak Formation. Subsequently, another surface has become exposed on this coastline, also on a loose slab. It exhibits more definitive evidence of swim traces in epirelief, probably made by the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) or water monitor (Varanus niloticus), although a chelonian origin cannot be excluded. Length of a possible crocodylian trackmaker was estimated from measurements of interdigital distance in the swim traces. These provide a compelling example of reptile swim traces from Africa.Significance:

Pleistocene reptile swim traces have now been confidently confirmed from the Cape south coast of South Africa.

The findings complement the suite of recently identified large reptile tracks.

Trackmaker size can be estimated from the dimensions of reptile swim traces.

These are the first compelling non-dinosaurian reptile swim traces to be described from Africa.
Shark–seal interaction off South Africa’s west coast during the early Pliocene (5 Ma) (with corrigendum)
Authors: Govender Romala
Published: March 2021

A study of the Mio-Pliocene marine palaeoenvironment on South Africa’s west coast revealed aspects of the biology and behaviour of fossil marine mammals. Close examination showed that seals from Langebaanweg suffered from pathologies and bore marks of marine carnivore activity. This study adds to our knowledge of shark feeding behaviour in the geological past and is one of a few studies of sharks feeding on seals in the fossil record. Two incomplete seal humeri with shark tooth marks are the first documented evidence from South Africa’s Mio-Pliocene of such behaviour. These injuries show no healing, which suggests that the animals were most likely scavenged.Significance:

Fossil rich deposits at Langebaanweg contribute to the knowledge of South African Mio-Pliocene fossils by placing them in a global context.
This study is one of five globally that have documented marine carnivores feeding on seals.
This is the first description of white sharks feeding on seals from South Africa’s geological past.
This study shows this behaviour was in place on South Africa’s coast as early as 5 million years ago.
The injuries show no signs of healing, suggesting the most parsimonious explanation is that white sharks were scavenging seal carcasses.
COVID-19 amplifies urban inequalities
Authors: Turok Ivan , Visagie Justin
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 has had asymmetrical spatial impacts across South Africa. New evidence from the National Income Dynamics Study: Coronavirus Rapid Mobile (NIDS-CRAM) survey shows that the pandemic and lockdown reflex have magnified pre-existing divisions within cities. Although COVID-19 has severely impacted the whole country, townships and informal settlements have proved more vulnerable than suburbs. As South Africa was already one of the most unevenly developed countries in the world, COVID-19 has widened the gap between places, which face very different levels of risk and resilience.Significance:

We present original evidence that COVID-19 has affected poor urban communities more than it has suburbs in South Africa. This is apparent in terms of employment and hunger. The effect has been to magnify territorial divisions and exacerbate social discontent. Premature withdrawal of government relief will aggravate the hardships facing poor communities that rely on these resources following the slump in jobs.
Coombs Hill: A Late Devonian fossil locality in the Witpoort Formation (Witteberg Group, South Africa)
Authors: Harris Christopher , Gess Robert W. , Penn-Clarke Cameron , Rubidge Bruce S.
Published: March 2021

Coombs Hill, a new fossil locality in the Witpoort Formation (Witteberg Group) of South Africa, preserves a record of Famennian (Late Devonian) life in Gondwana. Fossil plants collected at Coombs Hill are preliminarily assigned to several classes. Shelly invertebrates include a variety of bivalve mollusc forms, some of which appear to be preserved in life position. Biodiversity at Coombs Hill is comparable to that of the well-known Waterloo Farm lagerstätte in ordinal diversity, but exhibits differences in species composition. Ongoing taxonomic analysis will provide a rare window into the ecology of high-latitude environments during this pivotal stage of Earth history, which immediately preceded the end-Devonian extinction. Sandstone dominated sedimentary facies at Coombs Hill suggest a high-energy coastal marine setting, with brackish back-barrier estuarine/lagoonally derived fossiliferous mudstones. Exact stratigraphic placement within the Witpoort Formation is hampered by structural deformation, and precise age comparisons with Waterloo Farm are currently tenuous.Significance:

A new fossil locality at Coombs Hill comprises the second known site with a suite of well preserved continental and marginal marine fossils from the Witpoort Formation, providing an exceptionally rare example of high-latitude life during the critical latest Devonian Famennian age.
Several new plant taxa will be diagnosed from this locality, which also gives important insights into the morphology of Archaeopteris notosaria, South Africa’s earliest known tree.
Discovery of a second palaeontologically significant site in the Witpoort Formation provides impetus for further structural and sedimentary facies analyses to align the unit with datable global eustatic events, and to clarify its internal chronology.
Human and Mouse Islet Single-cell Dispersion for Patch-clamp and Imaging v1
Authors: F Spigelman Aliya , B Austin , Dai Xiaoqing , Gomes Amanda , E Macdonald Patrick
Published: March 2021

Detailed protocol for dispersing human and mouse islets into single cells for patch clamp and imaging experiments
How Sub-Saharan African Countries Students Choose Where to Study Abroad: The Case of Benin
Authors: Magbondé Gildas Kadoukpè
Published: March 2021

This article provides new evidence on how students choose a country of destination to conduct their academic studies. Based on a multinomial logistic model, it examines the contribution of the quality of education, institutions and the host country’s economic factors to the choice of the destination country. The results indicate that quality education and institutions in the host country are the reasons why students show preference for Western countries—North America and the EU. On the other hand, China is chosen as a destination country for its quality of education—compared to Benin—and not because of its institutional infrastructure. Furthermore, the results do not confirm the hypothesis that African student migration is poverty-driven, as economic factors do not affect the choice of any destination country.
Perceived Impact of Border Closure due to Covid-19 of Intending Nigerian Migrants
Authors: Cheri Lawan
Published: March 2021

With few exceptions, the European Council closed Europe for non-citizen travellers on 17 March 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many African countries, including Nigeria, have placed travel restrictions on or completely shut their borders to both travellers who want to enter the country and citizens who want to leave. These decisions affect many intending migrants seeking a way to reach Europe. Health and socioeconomic uncertainties related to lockdowns, border closure, and in some cases travel restrictions directly affect the dynamics of decision-making by migrants. This article employs in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to explore the perception of Nigerians who intend to migrate considering the influence of Covid-19. The study focuses on Nigerian migrants but touches on Nigerians in transit who are trapped in Niger en route to Europe through Libya and Morocco. While border closure by most of the sending and receiving countries led to a decrease in the intention of migrants to travel, Covid-19 as a pandemic does not significantly influence migrants’ decisions primarily because of its global presence, merely leading to delays. In conclusion, after border reopening, intercontinental migration is expected to increase in both volume and intensity.
“I Have to Further My Studies Abroad”: Student Migration in Ghana
Authors: Kyei Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu
Published: March 2021

The literature on migration intentions of university students and their decisions to travel abroad as student migrants is limited. This article outlines how the thought of student migration is created and nurtured. It investigates how facilitators and/or constraints influence the decision to migrate as students. Using a multi-sited approach, fieldwork in Ghana focused on prospective student migrants, while fieldwork in the Netherlands provided a retrospective perspective among student migrants. Life story interviews were adopted in the collection of data. In the minds of the respondents, there is a clear distinction between the idea of ‘migration’ and the idea of ‘student migration.’ The article concludes that childhood socialization shapes the idea of ‘migration’ that culminates in the thought of ‘student migration.’ Apart from studies, experiencing new cultures and networking are among the notableexpectations that inform the thought of studentmigration. Religiosity categorised as prayers and belonging to religious community is a cultural principle employed to facilitate the fulfilment of student migration intentions. With a shift from the classical economic models of understanding the decision to migrate, this article elucidates the fears, anxiety, joys and perplexities that are embedded in the thought of student migration.
Abdominal obesity and ten-year prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: German A. I. , Sedykh D. Yu. , Hryachkova O. N. , Kashtalap V. V.
Published: March 2021

Aim. To assess the relationship of abdominal obesity with left ventricular systolic function and to predict outcomes in patients with MI within 10 years.Methods. 581 medical records of patients enrolled in the Acute coronary Syndrome Registry between 2008 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed for the period of 10 years. The following clinical endpoints were collected: all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization due to unstable angina and decompensated heart failure. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the presence of abdominal obesity measured as waist-to-hip ratio were collected in all patients.Results. Abdominal obesity was found in 392 (67.4%) patients admitted with MI. The presence of abdominal obesity did not affect main outcomes within 10 years after the indexed event. Cardiovascular mortality was the lowest among patients with abdominal obesity., an association between abdominal obesity and low cardiovascular mortality was found in patients with intermediate LVEF using the risk stratification data based on the severity of systolic dysfunction at discharge. The highest rate of recurrent hospitalization due to unstable angina was found in patients with abdominal obesity and intermediate LVEF.Conclusion. The prevalence of abdominal obesity in MI patients was high (67%). Abdominal obesity appeared to confer protective effects on the 10-year clinical outcomes in patients with low and intermediate LVEF based on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The waist-to-hip ratio were significant in the generation of 10-year allcause and cardiovascular disease mortality prediction models in patients with MI.
Approaches to reduce the risk of progression of peripheral artery disease from the standpoint of a cardiologist
Authors: Sumin A. N. , Medvedeva Yu. D. , Shcheglova A. V. , Barbarash L. S.
Published: March 2021

Aim. To determine the factors contributing to the progression of peripheral artery diseases in patients receiving outpatient care within the 3-year follow-up.Methods. 585 patients with peripheral artery disease undergoing outpatient treatment in the period from 2010 to 2016 were recruited in a study. The follow-up period was three years. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 patients (n = 225) with a favorable course of peripheral atherosclerosis, and Group 2 patients (n = 303) with an unfavorable course of peripheral atherosclerosis. Patients were assigned to the groups based on their medical history (a decrease in pain-free walking distance within three years, amputation) and/or data of duplex scanning of the lower extremity arteries (significant progression of stenosis >20% over three years).Results. 87.1% of patients from Group 1 and 70.63% of patients from Group 2 visited cardiologists regularly within 3 years (p<0.0001). A total of 69.33% of patients from Group 1 and 61.39% of patients from Group 2 (p = 0.058) visited vascular surgeons within the follow-up period. Within three years, 47 (8.9%) patients achieved hard endpoints. Of them, 18 deaths, 14 myocardial infarctions, and 15 ischemic strokes. 25 patients underwent myocardial revascularization. Adherence to treatment within 3-years follow-up was significantly higher in patients with a favorable course (57.33% vs. 45.21%, p = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression reported that adherence to treatment years (р=0.0009) and regular visits to cardiologists (p<0.001) significantly improved the 3-year prognosis in patients with peripheral artery disease.Conclusion. 57% of patients had an adverse course of peripheral atherosclerosis within 3-years follow-up. These results show that regular outpatient examinations of patients with peripheral atherosclerosis by cardiologists allow prescribing optimal drug therapy and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis progression.
Diagnostic prediction models of stratifying chronic heart failure patients based on the underlying disease
Authors: Samoilova E. V. , Fatova M. A. , Mindzaev D. R. , Zhitareva I. V. , Zhirov I. V. , Nasonova C. N. , Tereschenko C. N. , Korotaeva A. A.
Published: March 2021

Aim. To develop classification criteria for stratifying congestive heart failure (CHF) patients based on the underlying disease.Methods. 61 patients with CHF were recruited in a study. All patients were assigned to three groups according to the underlying disease: patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 29), patients with arterial hypertension (AH) (n = 19), and those present with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n = 13). Patients underwent routine clinical examination. Biochemical and inflammatory markers (IL-6, its soluble receptor sIL-6R, and sgp130) were measured in all patients. The Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, the Pearson χ2 test, and Fischer exact test were used to analyze the selected variables. Discriminant analysis was used for generating prediction models. The quality of the models was evaluated with the ROC analysis.Results. Statistically significant variables identified by the pairwise comparison of patients with CAD and AH, CAD and DCM, AH and DCM were included in the discriminant analysis along with clinically valid parameters. Clinical prediction models of stratifying patients to different etiological groups were based on these parameters. The optimal cut-off values were determined for each model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the quality of the model. The AUC value for CAD and AH groups was 1, for AH and DCM - 72±0.024, and for CAD and DCM - 0.907±0.053.Conclusion. Diagnostic prediction models were developed using the discriminant analysis. These models allow stratifying CHF patients according to the underlying disease (CAD, AH, and DCM). The ROC curves have confirmed the good classifying quality of the models.
May-Thurner syndrome: modern methods of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Gitelson D. G. , Faibushevich A. G. , Maximkin D. A. , Veretnik G. I. , Baranovich V. Yu. , Gitelzon E. A. , Astahov M. N. , Izvekov M. P. , Vasiliev A. E. , Danishian K. I.
Published: March 2021

May-Turner syndrome is a condition where the left common iliac vein is compressed between the lumbar spine and the overlying right common iliac artery. Left iliac vein compression is common (up to 24%) in the general population, but clinical manifestations occur in a few patients. This syndrome should be considered in case of unexplained edema of the left lower extremity since routine duplex ultrasound does not possess optimal sensitivity and specificity in the study of the iliac veins and the inferior vena cava. Intravascular ultrasound is the most accurate diagnostic method. However, the advent of computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography providing high-quality images of the vasculature have become a promising alternative to invasive intravascular ultrasound. Treatment for May-Turner syndrome usually involves stenting of the left common iliac vein along with medical therapy, including antithrombotic (anticoagulant and antiplatelet) therapy combined with phlebotonics. Our review reports modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of May-Turner syndrome.
A Química no Cotidiano: uma Sequência Didática como Ferramenta para a Aprendizagem de Conceitos Químicos Envolvidos nos Primeiros Socorros
Authors: Yamaguchi Klenicy Kazumy de Lima , Silva Brenna Souza da
Published: March 2021

Resumo A Química é uma ciência que envolve uma série de situações do cotidiano, como os mecanismos envolvidos nas ações de Primeiros Socorros. O presente estudo teve como objetivo relacionar as ações de primeiros socorros ao ensino de química. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido em uma Escola Estadual no município de Coari-Amazonas/Brasil. Foram utilizadas ferramentas qualitativas e quantitativas, sendo essas divididas em aplicação do questionário inicial, aula expositiva, apresentação de trabalhos, jogos didáticos, aula prática e questionário final. Pôde-se verificar a importância de metodologias que estimulem os alunos, tornando os conteúdos simples e didáticos, sendo aplicados a exemplos rotineiros. Concluiu-se que o ensino de química aliado à realidade dos estudantes, por meio da temática primeiros socorros, proporcionou uma aprendizagem mais eficiente e uma maior compreensão da aplicação das reações químicas nas atividades do cotidiano.
Palavras chaves: Amazonas. Ensino de Química. Contextualização.
AbstractChemistry is a science that involves a series of everyday situations, as mechanisms in First Aid actions. This research aimed to relate the emergency first aid in Chemistry teaching. This work was developed in a state school in Coari city, Amazonas, Brazil. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used, being divided in application of the initial questionnaire, lecture class, presentation of assignments, ludic activity, practical class and final questionnaire. It was possible to verify the importance of methodologies that stimulate the students to make the contents simple and didactic, being applied to routine examples. It was concluded that the chemistry teaching combined with the students’ reality through the thematic first aid provided an efficient learning and a greater understanding on the application of chemical reactions in daily activities.
Keywords: Amazonas. Chemistry Learning. Contextualization. PLB.
Transcriptome Analysis of Salt Stress Response in Roots of Halophyte Zoysia macrostachya
Authors: Hu Huaguang
Published: March 2021

Zoysia macrostachya Franch. et Sav. is a halophyte with very strong tolerance to salinity, which can serve as an alternative turfgrass for landscaping in saline-alkali land and provide the salt-tolerance genes for turfgrass breeding. To further illustrate the salt-tolerance mechanisms in this species at molecular level, the roots transcriptome of Z. macrostachya was investigated under salt stress using the Illumina sequencing platform. Altogether 47,325 unigenes were assembled, among which, 32,542 (68.76%) were annotated, and 87.61% clean reads were mapped to the unigenes. Specifically, 14,558 unigenes were shown to be the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following exposure to 710 mM NaCl stress compared with control, including 7972 up-regulated and 6586 down-regulated DEGs. Among these DEGs, 24 were associated with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system, 61 were found to be related to K+ and Na+ transportation, and 16 were related to the metabolism of osmotic adjustment substances. Additionally, 2327 DEGs that encoded the transcription factors (TFs) were also identified. The expression profiles for 10 DEGs examined through quantitative real-time PCR conformed to the individual alterations of transcript abundance verified through RNA-Seq. Taken together, results of transcriptome analysis in this study provided useful insights for salt-tolerance molecular mechanisms of Z. macrostachya. Furthermore, these DEGs under salt stress provided important clues for future salt-tolerance genes cloning of Z. macrostachya. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Critical Harvest Stage Improves Alfalfa Production Performance, Overwintering Rate and Economic Benefits under Drip Irrigation
Authors: Liu Xuanshuai
Published: March 2021

Alfalfa is an important legume forage with high nutritional quality. Harvest stage has an essential impact on alfalfa hay yield and nutritional quality. However, there is no clear indication about the effects of harvest time on the production performance, overwintering rate and economic benefits of alfalfa under drip irrigation. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the impact of harvesting at bud stage (FB), 5% flowering stage (F5%), 15% flowering stage (F15%), and full bloom stage (F50%) on hay yield and quality, and economic benefits of two alfalfa cultivars i.e.,WL354HQ and Magnum551. Harvesting time had significant effect on hay yield of both cultivars (P ≤0.05) and the order of total dry matter yield (TDMY)was: F5%> F15%> F50%> FB. The alfalfa crude protein (CP)content of each cutting in alfalfa decreased gradually with the advance of the harvest stage, while the neutral detergent fiber (NDF)and acid detergent fiber (ADF)contents gradually increased. A comprehensive analysis of alfalfa dry matter yield(DMY), quality and overwintering rate was used to analyze the fuzzy similarity priority ratio, and the priority ranking was as follows: FB> F5%> F15%> F50%.Maximum economic benefits of both alfalfa cultivars were obtained atF5%harvest time, reaching 2703$ha-1 (WL354HQ) and 2585 $ha-1(Magnum551), followed by FB, F15%, and F50%. Therefore, in order to get more hay yield and economic returns, harvesting at 5% flowering stage of alfalfa seemed viable option under drip irrigation.© 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Genetic Diversity of Cercospora arachidicola Associated with Peanut Early Leaf Spot in Shandong Province of China
Authors: Geng Yun
Published: March 2021

Early leaf spot caused by Cercospora arachidicola is the major destructive foliar disease of cultivated peanut in Shandong province of China. Understanding the genetic variability of this pathogen is crucial for evolutionary comprehension and breeding strategies. The genetic diversity of C. arachidicola isolates obtained from different peanut growing regions of Shandong province were assessed using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. Thirteen ISSR primers generating polymorphic, clearly discernible and reproducible patterns were screened out for further analysis. A total of 113 distinct bands were amplified, of which 85.8% were polymorphic, suggesting high values of polymorphism among the isolates. Cluster analysis using UPGMA indicated that all the isolates tested were separated into three distinct generic groups. The genetic relatedness of C. arachidicola isolates roughly coincided with geographical origin. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the observed genetic variation mainly existed within populations, and the variation among populations was weak. This study characterized the genetic diversity of C. arachidicola isolates for the first time, which will provide necessary genetic information for effective management practices. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers © 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers© 2021 Friends Science Publishers©
Expression of OsPSTOL1 Improves the Phosphorus Utilization Efficiency of Transgenic Populus tomentosa
Authors: Litang Lu
Published: March 2021

OsPSTOL1encodesa phosphorus (P) deficiency-tolerant protein expressed in the ausrice variety, Kasalash, which functions by enhancing the ability of the plant to obtain P and other nutrients; however, its role in woody plants remains unknown. In the present study, we isolated OsPSTOL1from Oryza sativa L. and subsequently generated OsPSTOL1-overexpressing transgenic Populus tomentosa. It was found that in the state of P deficiency, the transgenic P. tomentosahad a greater root length, the symptoms of P-deficiencyappeared much later, and the total nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) content was higher as compared with that of wild type plants. Upregulation of P-tolerance genes in transgenic P. tomentosaunder P-deficient conditions was analyzed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR),the results of which were consistent with the physiological traits. In summary, these findings show thatOsPSTOL1 plays a positive role in the regulation of P uptake and utilization in transgenicP. tomentosatrees under P-deficient conditions and provide evidence for the potential application of OsPSTOL1in woody plants to overcome soil P deficiency.© 2021 Friends Science Publishers
A Semi-Quantitative Bulked Segregant Analysis Preliminarily Localizes a Maize Male-Sterility Gene
Authors: Wu Mingbo
Published: March 2021

Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) assists in map-based cloning of mutant genes. However, a traditional BSA requires many high-density markers for successful linkage analysis which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this study, a semi-quantitative DNA analysis program was optimized and combined it with BSA, resulting in a semi-quantitative BSA (sq-BSA). The sq-BSA approach allowed evaluation of the proportions of marker-defined individuals (dominant or recessive marker types) in bulks. The sq-BSA method was used to map a male-sterility (ms) gene, ms2016, in maize. Forty polymorphic markers were screened from one-third of each chromosome (from the head or tail) for mapping. Among these markers, seven were identified as candidate gene-linked markers, of which four markers (bnlg1046, umc1563, umc1171 and umc1722) were located on chromosome 5. Using group validation, ms2016 was anchored on chromosome 5 and was most closely linked to bnlg1046. Furthermore, four new InDel markers located near bnlg1046 were screened to map the preliminary location of ms2016. The ms2016 gene was mapped to an 8.7 Mb interval flanked by the InDel polymorphic markers I5-3 (chr5:14588060) and I5-12 (chr5:23308445). Thus, this improved BSA method (sq-BSA) requires only a small number of molecular markers to quickly localize a target gene, representing a high-efficiency tool for mutant gene mapping. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Genetic Diversity and Structure Analysis of a Worldwide Collection of Faba bean (Vicia faba) Genotypes using ISSR Markers
Authors: Qahtan Ahmed A.
Published: March 2021

The success of breeding programs depends on the extent of genetic variability. Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) have been widely utilized in investigations, including the characterization of many plant species genetically. This research aimed to examine both the genetic diversity and relationships of 92 faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes from different geographical areas using ISSR markers. Eleven ISSR primers generated a total of 189 repeatable amplified bands, of which 109 were polymorphic. Values of polymorphism information content (PIC) and gene diversity averaged 0.3484 and 0.1438 and ranged 0.089–0.715 and 0.0742–0.2065, respectively. The studied accessions of faba bean plant differentiated into four main clusters, prevalently based on geographical origin through UPGMA clustering analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), deriving four major groupings based on pedigree and origin relationships. The STRUCTURE software analysis results were significantly aligned with the PCA and showed five main clusters; each one represents one continent. AMOVA showed high variation and differentiation among nations from different continents. The discrimination power of ISSR markers obtained in this study suggests that they could be used to examine the diversity of faba bean genotypes efficiently and precisely and encourage targeted crossing strategies. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates can be Lowered without Compromising Cotton Yield under Drip Irrigation System
Authors: Yang Tao
Published: March 2021

The effects of reducing N fertilizer use on soil NO3--N content and cotton yield were studied through a three-year (2015 to 2017) field experiment in South Xinjiang of China. Cotton was sown under drip irrigation system using five N fertilizer reduction treatments as: conventional N application rate (N100), N application rate reduced by 16.67% (N-16.67), 33.33% (N-33.33), 50% (N-50), and 100% (N-100). The data were recorded for changes in soil NO3--N content, and the SPAD value of cotton leaves was recorded at the peak bolling stage. The total N content of the plant was recorded at the boll formation stage, while yield was recorded at maturity. The results revealed that the soil NO3--N content in N-16.67, N-33.33, N-50, and N-100 treatments decreased by 10.8, 45.5, 60.7 and 72.3% compared to N100 treatment, respectively. The SPAD values of N-16.67 and N-33.33 treatments were significantly higher than those of N100 treatment, while the SPAD values of N-50 and N-100 treatments were significantly decreased. The total N content of cotton was significantly decreased with the increase in the proportion of N fertilizer reduced. The seed cotton yield in N-16.67 and N-33.33 treatments increased by 9.2 and 7.9% compared to the N100 treatment, respectively. However, the cotton yield decreased significantly when the N application rate was reduced by 50 and 100%. The relationship between the N fertilizer reduction rate and cotton yield suggested that the N application rate can be reduced by 18.47–45.50% without compromising the cotton yield in South Xinjiang of China. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Presentación #6
Authors: Fernández-Cobián Esteban
Published: March 2021

El tema de la renovación de los lugares de culto —de los presbiterios, baptisterios y otros espacios sacramentales— apenas ha sido tratado por la literatura científica, a pesar de su enorme trascendencia para los edificios antiguos. De hecho, todavía nos preguntamos si realmente existieron normas generales sobre el tema —o, en cualquier caso, sugerencias o recomendaciones— que pudieran orientar a los distintos actores implicados.En distintos países existieron voces autorizadas que fomentaron experiencias paradigmáticas, crearon comisiones de estudio, publicaron manuales de referencia o criticaron excesos. Muchos de ellos no han tenido suficiente reconocimiento público, o bien su aportación al debate no ha sido divulgada.El VI Congreso Internacional de Arquitectura Religiosa Contemporánea, que se celebró en Oporto entre el 10 y el 12 de octubre de 2019, fue, sin duda, un buen momento para intercambiar puntos de vista sobre todas estas cuestiones.
Herança sufixal: os sufixos -ático, -ádig- (-ádeg-) e -agem
Authors: Do Céu Caetano María
Published: March 2021

Neste breve artigo, procurarei mostrar que -agem é, em português, o herdeiro sobrevivente do sufixo latino ‑atĭcu‑, do qual também descenderam -átic‑ e -ádig- (‑ádeg‑), discutindo a não possibilidade de ocorrência de sufixos isofuncionais, sobretudo nos casos em apreço, em que os sufixos têm a mesma origem etimológica, e apontando algumas causas que terão contribuído para a improdutividade de -ádig- (-ádeg-).
Recensión: Jaume Corbera Pou: La Unió Europea, un mosaic lingüístic
Authors: Mosquera Castro Estefanía
Published: March 2021

Recensión: Jaume Corbera Pou: La Unió Europea, un mosaic lingüístic. Illes Balears, Edicions Documenta Balear. 2013, 313 páxinas.
La negociación: Una opción gerencial en las organizaciones educativas
Authors: Piña Ferrer Lenys Senovia , Jiménez Rodríguez Luis Alfredo , Vera Pirela Carlos Alberto , Gamboa Suarez Ramiro
Published: March 2021

Ser parte de la sociedad y su organización parece natural y simple, sin embargo, participar de ella no es cosa fácil, ya que involucra normas establecidas, en este sentido resulta necesario estudiar la organización y los individuos por separado. La investigación analizó la negociación como alternativa gerencial en organizaciones educativas, tal como acotan Lussier R., Achua C. (2002) y Sastre V. Rosa (2006). Se asume la tendencia epistemológica positivista y su orientación desde el método empírico-experimental, correspondiente al paradigma cuantitativo, tipificado el estudio bajo un enfoque descriptivo, con un diseño de campo ex post facto. Se tomaron 69 directores docentes de las Instituciones de III Etapa de Educación Básica. Se utilizó un cuestionario, con escala tipo Likert, conformado por 46 ítems. Se utilizó el coeficiente estadístico de alfa cronbach, logrando un resultado de 0,81. Las respuestas de directores y docentes no tienen un estilo de negociación ni estrategias definidas. Un aspecto fundamental del constructo fue Identificar los tipos de conflictos en instituciones de III etapa de educación básica.
CHANGES IN EATING BEHAVIOURS FOLLOWING BARIATRIC SURGERY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors:   Medical Education, Research and Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia, Subramaniam Kavitha ,   Department of Physical and Mathematical Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900, Kampar, Malaysia, Low Wah-Yun ,   Dean’s Office, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia, Lau Peng-Choong ,   Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia, Chinna Karuthan ,   School of medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, Taylor’s, University Malaysia, Kosai Nik Ritza ,   Minimally Invasive, Upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Taher Mustafa ,   Minimally Invasive, Upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Rajan Reynu ,   Minimally Invasive, Upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia
Published: March 2021

Adopting healthy eating behavior is important in achieving successful weight loss after bariatric surgery. This study aims to determine the changes in eating behaviors 6 months after surgery. Fifty-seven patients who went through bariatric surgery in two tertiary referral hospitals were recruited and interviewed before surgery (T0), three (T1), and six (T2) months after surgery. Eating behaviors were assessed using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), which measured emotional, external, and restrained eating. Higher subscale scores indicate strong behavioral traits. Other information including psychological distress, quality of life, socio-demography, and morbidity were collected. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was developed to study the change in eating behaviors and its’ predictors over time. Participants of the study were mostly women, from the Malay ethnic group and the average age at the time of surgery was 39.4 years. Emotional and external eating scores changed significantly over time with the values recorded at various time intervals as follows: 2.06 and 2.86 before surgery; 1.64 and 2.25 three months after surgery; and 1.81 and 2.40, 6 months after surgery. Reduction in the third month followed by a slight increase at the sixth was noted. Restrained eating did not show a significant change. The presence of diabetes was also associated with higher emotional and external eating scores. Further, higher anxiety scores were associated with higher external eating. Favorable changes in eating behaviors were noted after bariatric surgery. However, a risk of a reversal in the improvement was present. The emotional and external eating behaviors in surgical candidates should be identified and addressed accordingly with special attention to diabetic patients.