bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winter resistance of sour cherry and sweet cherry flower buds in extreme winter 2009-2010 and 2020-2021
Authors: Gulyaeva A.A. , Berlova T.N. , Galkova A.A. , Bezlepkina E.V. , Efremov I.N.
Published: June 2022

This article is devoted to the problem of field winter hardiness of sour cherry and sweet cherry flower buds as the main element of winter hardiness of fruit plants in the Oryol region. The issue is considered from the point of view of winter hardiness in extremely cold winters of 2009-2010. and 2020-2021, which allow you to more accurately determine the level of winter hardiness of each individual variety, which is rarely possible in mild comfortable winters. More than 30 varieties of sour cherries and sweet cherries from the gene pool of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding were taken as objects of study. In both cultures, a number of varieties with high winter hardiness of flower buds were identified – sour cherry varieties Griot Ostgeimsky, Volochaevka, Otrada, Shokoladnitsa, Otrada, Uifekhertoy Furtosh and sweet cherry varieties – Zarya Vostoka and Orlovskaya Yantarnaya.
Effect of colchicine on meristematic tissues of diploid apple varieties in in vitro culture
Authors: Tashmatova L.V. , Khromova T.M.
Published: June 2022

For apple tree selection, it is of great importance to transfer diploid varieties and hybrids with already known valuable properties to the polyploid level. Tetraploid apple varieties are of interest for breeding as donors of non-reduced gametes in the production of triploids. The purpose of these studies was to study the effect of colchicine on the viability of explants in in vitro culture and their further growth and development. The objects of the study were diploid apple varieties. Polyploidization was carried out by cultivation on an agarized nutrient medium containing colchicine in concentrations of 0.01% and 0.02% and by drip method. The study showed that prolonged exposure to colchicine causes the death of explants. The genotypic reaction of the varieties to the processing methods, the concentration of amitotic, and the duration of its exposure were noted. Explants of the Imrus variety turned out to be more sensitive to the action of colchicine.
Optimization of berry crop genotype regeneration systems at the in vitro crop initiation stage
Authors: Khromova T. M. , Matsneva О. V.
Published: June 2022

The article presents data obtained during the study of the effectiveness of the initial stage of in vitro introduction of berry crops into culture: black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) and pine strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) depending on the period of implementation and sterilizing agents used. The objects of research are varieties of black currant (Azhurnaya, Orlovskaya Serenada, Ocharovanie, Chudnoye Mgnovenye); pine strawberry (Asia, Alba, Bereginya, Darselekt, Kimberly, Klery, Marmolada Onebor, Siria, Honeoye, Florence, Frida, Tsaritsa, Urozhajnaya CGL). Introduction into culture in vitro was carried out in several periods characterized by different physiological state of explants: dormancy release, active growth, and retardation. Cultivation was carried out on Murashige-Skoog medium with the addition of 6-BAP (0.5 mg/l). It is noted that the survival rate of berry crop explants is determined by the physiological state of the source material, due to the period of introduction, and the genotypic characteristics of the varieties. The study of various sterilization modes of the initial plant material showed the effectiveness of such sterilizing agents as hydrogen peroxide (12.0%), merthiolate (0.01%), mercury bichloride (sulema, 0.1%), argentic nitrate (0.2%).
Effect of Fusarium blight, Phoma rot, and Sclerotinia blight on rapeseed and mustard plant productivity
Authors: Serdyuk O.A. , Trubina V.S. , Gorlova L.A.
Published: June 2022

The article presents the research data on the effect of Fusarium blight, Phoma rot, and Sclerotinia blight on the plant productivity of winter and spring rapeseed, brown mustard, and white mustard. As a result of studies, we found that Fusarium blight (the pathogens are fungi of the genus Fusarium Link) was the most harmful for the spring rapeseed, brown and white mustard – affection by it significantly decreased plant productivity. At 4 points of affection degree of plants, the harmfulness of the disease reached 71.2, 82.4, and 87.2 %, respectively. On winter rapeseed and mustard, plant productivity was considerably decreased by affection by Phoma rot in the form of a stem cancer (the pathogen is a fungus Leptosphaeria maculans (Desm.) Ces. et. De Not) and the stem form of Sclerotinia blight (the pathogen is a fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) De Bary.). The harmfulness of these diseases at 4 points of affection degree of plants reached 56.7 % and 66.7 % on rapeseed, and 56.6 % and 70.7 % on mustard, respectively.
Evaluation of sensitivity of apple scab pathogen to difenoconazole using the discriminatory dose technique
Authors: Nasonov Andrey , Yakuba Galina , Marchenko Nikita , Lobodina Elena , Astapchuk Irina
Published: June 2022

The most serious disease of the apple tree in all areas of its growth is scab. In the integrated apple tree protection system, the main method is chemical. However, the use of chemical fungicides is characterized by the risk of developing resistance to them by pathogen. The sensitivity of 118 monospore isolates of Venturia inaequalis was studied from three orchards of Jeromine, Reinette Simirenko and Gala cultivars, differing in the frequency of application of difenoconazole. Sensitivity was determined using the discriminatory dose technique (0.01 mg/l of active substance) in terms of RG, the relative growth of the mycelium. RG was expressed as the degree of change in mycelium growth in a nutrient medium with fungicide relative to the control variant in percent. All pathogen populations studied differed significantly in mean RG values. Populations treated three times per season with difenoconazole had higher RG values compared to populations treated two times. From Gala orchard, for some isolates, a stimulating effect of a discriminatory dose of difenoconazole on their growth was observed, that is, a hormesis effect was manifested. The proportion of isolates with RG values above the cutoff value, which was 84 and 100 % for the Reinette Simirenko and Gala orchards, may indicate that the pathogen populations studied are resistant, and in these orchards, there may be a decrease in the effectiveness of protection against apple scab. The discriminatory dose technique allowed us to objectively and promptly assess the sensitivity of V. inaequalis populations from orchards with varying intensity use of difenoconazole.
Resistance of Hibiscus x moscheutos L. to biostressors in the south of Russia
Authors: Tyshchenko Evgenia , Prakh Svetlana , Podgornaya Marina
Published: June 2022

16 varieties and 2 hybrid forms of Hibiscus x moscheutos L. have been studied for adaptability to biostressors. It was found that in the conditions of the south of Russia, root rot is most often found from pathogens (Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc., Phytophthora sp.) on hibiscus plants. An assessment of the field resistance of hibiscus varieties to root rot and phytophagans was carried out. It was revealed that the maximum harmfulness to Hibiscus x moscheutos L. was noted in pests: Hilicoverpa armigera L., Padagrica fuscicornis L., and Altica oleracea L. Helicoverpa zea caterpillars primarily damage varieties with red and bright pink flowers: Cranberry Crush, Heartthrob, etc. (2-3 points). Varieties with white, white-pink petals:Old Yella, Peppermint Shnaps, etc. were damaged by helicoverpa zea to a weak degree (0-1 point). The main harmfulness of ground psylla is noted in June, the maximum damage score was recorded in varieties with a thin leaf blade: Heartthrob, Robert Fleming, hybrid D-200 (4 points), varieties with dense leaf texture were slightly damaged: Peppermint Shnaps, Fantasia (1 point). The obtained data on the degree of impact of biostressors on hibiscus plants allows to develop an effective protection system for growing hibiscus.
Ernährungsförderliche Politikmaßnahmen
– eine Übersicht der Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten
für Deutschland im internationalen Vergleich
Authors: Geffert Karin , Klinger Carmen , Hebestreit Antje , Rehfuess Eva , von Philipsborn Peter
Published: June 2022

Ziel der Studie Der Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) gilt als
methodischer Goldstandard für die systematische Erfassung und Bewertung
der politischen Rahmenbedingungen einer gesundheitsförderlichen
Ernährung; er wurde 2020–2021 erstmals in Deutschland
umgesetzt.

Methodik Die Umsetzung des Food-EPI in Deutschland umfasste sieben
Schritte von der systematischen Analyse der Ausgangssituation, über den
Vergleich mit internationalen Best Practice Beispielen bis hin zur
Identifizierung und Priorisierung von Handlungsoptionen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag
werden die Ergebnisse zusammengefasst und im Kontext aktueller politischer
Entwicklungen diskutiert.

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse zeigen deutliche Lücken bei der
Umsetzung von Politikmaßnahmen für eine gesunde
Ernährung in Deutschland. Die folgenden prioritären
Reformmaßnahmen wurden identifiziert: eine flächendeckende,
qualitativ hochwertige und gebührenfreie Schul- und Kitaverpflegung;
eine gesundheitsförderliche Mehrwertsteuerreform; eine Herstellerabgabe
auf Süßgetränke; sowie eine effektive, verbindliche
Regulierung von Kinder-Lebensmittelmarketing.

Schlussfolgerung Deutschland bleibt bei der Förderung einer
gesunden Ernährung durch geeignete Politikmaßnahmen deutlich
hinter internationalen Best Practices zurück. Der im November
2021 beschlossene Koalitionsvertrag eröffnet Möglichkeitsfenster
für evidenzinformierte Reformen.
MRSA, HPV, Tuberkulose und Co
Authors: Büttner Ruth , Bushuven Stefan , Salm Florian
Published: June 2022

Die Versorgung von Patienten mit Infektionskrankheiten und multiresistenten Erregern führt im OP-Alltag immer wieder zu Unsicherheiten und zeitraubenden Diskussionen. Das kann den Ablauf in OP-Sälen stören und die Sicherheit der Mitarbeiter und Patienten gefährden. Im Schwerpunkt erläutern wir anhand von fiktiven Fallbeispielen, wie Sie solche Situationen individuell bewerten und eigene Verfahrensanweisungen entwickeln. Außerdem erfahren Sie, wie Hygienemaßnahmen festgelegt und implementiert werden können.
Zeitliche Veränderung der Prävalenz von
Parkinson-Diagnosen in Deutschen Hausarzt- und Neurologischen Praxen von 2010
bis 2019
Authors: Bohlken Jens , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Kramer Antje , Kostev Karel , Schrag Anette
Published: June 2022

Hintergrund Bis 2040 wird mit einer erheblichen Prävalenzzunahme
der Parkinson-Erkrankung und damit einhergehend mit einer erheblichen Belastung
der Versorgungssysteme gerechnet. Ziel der Studie war es deshalb, eine
Veränderung der Anzahl an Parkinson-Patienten bereits im Zeitraum 2010
bis 2019 in deutschen Haus- und neurologischen Facharztpraxen zu
untersuchen.

Methode Die vorliegende Querschnittstudie basiert auf den Daten von 411
Hausarzt- (HA) und 56 neurologischen Facharzt-Praxen (FA) aus der IQVIA Disease
Analyzer Datenbank. Die Anzahl der etablierten und neu diagnostizierten
Patienten mit Parkinson-Erkrankung wurde in den Jahren 2010 und 2019 mit Alters-
und Geschlechtsstruktur und der Anteil therapierten Patienten
untersucht.Ergebnisse Die Zahl der Parkinson-Patienten
veränderte sich geringfügig zwischen 2010 bis 2019 von 3352
(0,36% aller Patienten) auf 3541 (0,33%) in den HA-Praxen und
von 4976 (3,48%) auf 4826 (3,34%) in den FA-Praxen. Die Anzahl
der neu diagnostizierten Fälle fiel bei den HA-Praxen leicht von 862
(0,09% aller Patienten) auf 836 (0,08%) und bei den FA-Praxen
von 1818 (1,27%) auf 1372 (0,95% aller Patienten). Der Anteil an
Frauen unter allen Parkinson-Erkrankten sank sowohl in HA- und FA- Praxen von
52,0% bzw. 50,2% auf 47,3% bzw. 46,0%. Das
Durchschnittsalter stieg bei den HA-Praxen von 77,1 (SD 10,4) im Jahr 2010 auf
77,7 (SD 9,3) Jahre im Jahr 2019 und in FA-Praxen von 74,6 (SD 9,9) auf 75,8 (SD
9,9) Jahre.

Diskussion Die prognostizierte Zunahme von Parkinson-Patienten in der
ambulanten Versorgung lässt sich für den Zeitraum 2010 bis 2019
nicht bestätigen. Es gab jedoch eine Verschiebung der Altersstruktur zu
höheren Altersgruppen und eine Verringerung des Anteils an Frauen mit
einer Parkinson-Erkrankung. Neben ätiologischen Erklärungen
sollten Besonderheiten des Versorgungssystems und methodische Limitationen
berücksichtigt werden.
Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie auf das Informationsmanagement und die Therapieadhärenz von substituierten Patienten mit Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-Mangel (AATM)
Authors: Köhnlein Thomas , Wilkens Marion , Eydt Katharina
Published: June 2022

Einleitung COVID-19 hat sich zu einer weltweiten Bedrohung für die öffentliche Gesundheit entwickelt und wurde im März 2020 von der WHO zur Pandemie erklärt. Das erhöhte Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätsrisiko bei Menschen mit chronischen Erkrankungen, einschließlich Lungenerkrankungen, ist gut dokumentiert. In dieser Studie wurden Patienten mit Alpha1-Antitrypsin-Mangel (AATM) befragt, wie sich die COVID-19-Pandemie auf ihren Alltag, ihr Krankheitserleben und ihre Therapieadhärenz ausgewirkt hat.

Im März 2021 wurde ein 19-Fragen umfassender Fragebogen an 420 AATM-Patienten verschickt, die mit einer AAT-Substitutionstherapie behandelt (Prolastin, Alpha-1-Proteinase-Inhibitor [human], Grifols, Barcelona, Spanien) und im deutschen AlphaCare-Patientenprogramm eingeschrieben waren.

Ergebnisse Von 276 ausgewerteten Fragebögen wurde ein AATM bei einer Mehrheit der Befragten (55,9%, 138) bereits 10 Jahre vor der Befragung diagnostiziert, und ein Großteil (93,5%; 231) fühlte sich durch ihren Arzt, AlphaCare und Alpha1 Deutschland ausreichend über die Krankheit informiert. Der überwiegende Teil der Befragten war eher besorgt/sehr besorgt, sich mit COVID-19 zu infizieren. Nur 1,2% der Befragten gaben an, mit SARS-CoV-2 infiziert worden zu sein, das ist weniger als die Infektionsrate in der Allgemeinbevölkerung zum damaligen Zeitpunkt (3,4%). Fast alle Befragten (94,4%) stimmten voll und ganz zu, dass sie ihre sozialen Kontakte aufgrund der Pandemie eingeschränkt hatten. Ein erheblicher Prozentsatz der antwortenden Patienten gab an, dass sie besorgt waren, während eines Besuchs in ihrer Arztpraxis oder Klinik mit COVID-19 infiziert zu werden. In Bezug auf die Therapieadhärenz gaben nur 18 der Befragten an, die Substitutionstherapie mit AAT während der Pandemie abgebrochen zu haben. Die meisten dieser Abbrüche waren aber kurzfristig – einer war dauerhaft.

Schlussfolgerungen Diese Umfrageergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass AATM-Patienten über die Risiken von COVID-19 und ihre Erkrankung gut informiert sind und Selbstschutzmaßnahmen praktizieren. Dies könnte zu einer COVID-19-Infektionsrate geführt haben, die niedriger ist als in der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Obwohl die Befragten besorgt über eine Exposition gegenüber COVID-19 in ihrer Arztpraxis oder Klinik waren, unterbrachen nur sehr wenige vorübergehend die Therapie.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Women Using Combined Oral Contraceptive: A Systematic Review
Authors: dos Santos Priscilla Araújo , de Oliveira Alice Miranda , Alves Caroline Queiroz , Souza Filho Clóvis Figueiredo , Ladeia Ana Marice Teixeira , Petto Jefferson
Published: June 2022

Objective To describe the effects of combined oral contraceptives (COC) on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

Data sources This is a systematic review according to the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), registered in PROSPERO under the ID: CRD42020200019. Searches were performed between August 2020 and December 2021, in the following databases: Medline via Pubmed, Cochrane Central Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences via Virtual Health Library. The effects of the combined oral contraceptive on plasma renin activity values, plasma renin values, angiotensinogen values— also known as plasma renin substrate— angiotensin, and/or aldosterone values.

Study selection A total of 877 studies were selected and, of these, 10 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review.

Data collection Data were combined through qualitative synthesis and included in a spreadsheet previously prepared by the authors.

Data synthesis The collected samples ranged from 18 to 137 participants, totaling 501 women aged between 18 and 49 years throughout all studies. The studies showed increased activity of plasma renin, plasma renin substrate, angiotensin II, and aldosterone in this population.

Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that the COC promotes greater activation of the RAAS. Supporting the idea that its use is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including systemic arterial hypertension.
Knowledge of the Health Implications of Oral Sex among Registered Nurses in Nigeria: An Online Pilot Study
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Nwafor Jacob Njideka , Amoo Babatunde Abiodun , Nnyanzi Lawrence Achilles , Ogbeide Mike Eghosa , Hundeji Abdullahi Adamu
Published: June 2022

Introduction Oral sex is a pleasurable act that has its health implications, particularly sexually transmitted oral infections. In Nigeria, nurses constitute one of the at-risk population groups due to reports of risky sexual behavior among them. This study seeks to investigate the knowledge of nurses in Nigeria on the health implications of oral sex.

Methods This study was a survey of a pilot volunteer sample (n = 129) of registered nurses in Nigeria. The study tool was an anonymous questionnaire that was circulated electronically to nurses via social media platforms. Data collected was analyzed using the SPSS Version 20 software (IBM Corp, New York, New York, United States).

Results The majority (90.7%) of the 129 respondents had received training on oral health, 49.6% had engaged in oral sex before, and 58.1% were willing to engage in oral sex in future. History of previous oral health training was the only background characteristic found to be statistically significantly associated with the knowledge of oral sex-related health implications among nurses (p-value = 0.004); other characteristics (such as gender, age, and marital status) were not statistically significant (p-values >0.05). From multivariate analysis, history of oral health training was also found to be a statistically significant predictor of such knowledge (p-value = 0.015).

Conclusion Oral health knowledge is a significant determinant of the knowledge of oral sex-related health implications. This study also provides the preliminary evidence that forms the base on which further research should be conducted in this area.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Endometrial Cancer – A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment of Meta-Analyses
Authors: Mariño Mario Arturo González
Published: June 2022

Objective To assess the quality of recent meta-analyses reviewing the diagnostic utility of sentinel node biopsy in endometrial cancer.

Methods With the MeSH terms endometrial neoplasms and sentinel lymph node biopsy, PubMed and Embase databases were searched on October 21, 2020, and again on November 10, 2021, with meta-analysis and publication date filters set to since 2015. The articles included were classified with the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) assessment tool.

Results The database searches found 17, 7 of which, after the screening, were selected for full review by the author, finally extracting six meta-analyzes for quality analysis. The rating with the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool found that overall confidence in their results was critically low.

Conclusion This study found that the quality of recent meta-analyses on the utility of the staging of endometrial cancer with sentinel node biopsy, evaluated by the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool, is classified as critically low, and, therefore, these meta-analyses are not reliable in the summary of their studies.
Effect of molasses on fermentation quality of wheat straw ensiled with perennial ryegrass
Authors: Dong Dong , Xu Guofeng , Dai Tongtong , Zong Cheng , Yin Xuejing , Bao Yuhong , Shao Tao
Published: June 2022

Context Insufficient supply of silage has limited the development of animal husbandry in Tibet, where natural pasture may not meet requirements. Although wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw could be a supplementary forage, it is difficult to ensile. Mixing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and adding molasses may help to facilitate successful ensilage. Aims The objectives were to determine the proper mixing ratios of wheat straw and perennial ryegrass for silage, and to evaluate the effects of different levels of molasses on fermentation quality. Methods In Experiment 1, wheat straw was ensiled without perennial ryegrass or mixed at ratios of 4:1, 3:2 and 2:3 (fresh-weight basis). Fermentation quality was evaluated when the laboratory silos were opened after 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. In Experiment 2, a mixture of wheat straw and perennial ryegrass (2:3) was treated with 0%, 3%, 4% and 5% molasses (fresh-weight basis) and ensiled. Fermentation quality was determined at 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. Key results In Experiment 1, inclusion of perennial ryegrass significantly (P < 0.05) increased lactic acid and water-soluble carbohydrate contents and the lactic acid:acetic acid ratio, and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased pH and contents of ammonia-nitrogen, acetic acid, butyric acid and total volatile fatty acids. The 2:3 mixture of wheat straw ensiled with perennial ryegrass was judged the best, with the highest lactic acid content and lowest pH and butyric acid content (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, molasses addition significantly (P < 0.05) increased lactic acid, water-soluble carbohydrate and dry matter contents, and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased pH and ammonia-nitrogen content compared with the control. Trace amounts of propionic and butyric acids were observed in all silages. Fermentation quality was similar among all treatments with added molasses. Conclusions Considering the costs of additives, 3% molasses was most suitable for practical application when ensiling wheat straw with perennial ryegrass at an optimum ratio of 2:3. Implications This work may help to inform producers on efficient utilisation of wheat straw for silage making by demonstrating successful ensiling with perennial ryegrass and added molasses.
Metal contaminants of emerging concern in aquatic systems
Authors: Batley Graeme E. , Campbell Peter G. C.
Published: June 2022

Environmental context There is potential for a range of metals being used in emerging industries to pose a risk if they reach aquatic environments. This is assessed by evaluating known environmental concentrations against available toxicity data. In most instances risks are low with current usage. Areas are identified where additional data are needed. Abstract The environmental concentrations and aquatic toxicity of a range of technology-critical metals comprising platinum group and rare earth group elements, together with gallium, germanium, indium, lithium, niobium, rhenium, tantalum, tellurium and thallium, have been reviewed to determine whether they pose a risk to aquatic ecosystem health. There is a reasonable body of toxicity data for most, but the quality is quite variable, and more data are required. Chronic toxicity EC10 or NOEC values are generally in the low mg L–1 range, far higher than the current environmental concentrations in the ng L–1 range, meaning that the existing risks to ecosystem health are extremely low. Missing are reliable toxicity data for niobium and tantalum, while confounding results for lanthanum toxicity need to be resolved. There is a likelihood that the currently low concentrations of most of these elements will increase in future years. Whether these concentrations are in bioavailable forms remains to be reliably determined. For most of the elements, measured speciation information is scarce, and unfortunately the thermodynamic data required to calculate their speciation are incomplete. In addition to this problem of uncertain speciation for some of these metals, notably those present in oxidation states of III or higher, there is also a need to explore the links between speciation and bioavailability for these higher valence metals. For circumneutral solutions, the calculated concentrations of the free metal ion tend to be very low for these metals and under such conditions the link between metal speciation and bioavailability is unclear.
Seeing is believing: what visualising bubbles in the xylem has revealed about plant hydraulic function
Authors: Cardoso Amanda A. , Kane Cade N. , Rimer Ian M. , McAdam Scott A. M.
Published: June 2022

Maintaining water transport in the xylem is critical for vascular plants to grow and survive. The drought-induced accumulation of embolism, when gas enters xylem conduits, causes declines in hydraulic conductance (K) and is ultimately lethal. Several methods can be used to estimate the degree of embolism in xylem, from measuring K in tissues to directly visualising embolism in conduits. One method allowing a direct quantification of embolised xylem area is the optical vulnerability (OV) technique. This method has been used across different organs and has a high spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we review studies using the OV technique, discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of this method, and summarise key advances arising from its use. Vulnerability curves generated by the OV method are regularly comparable to other methods, including the centrifuge and X-ray microtomography. A major advantage of the OV technique over other methods is that it can be simultaneously used to determine in situ embolism formation in leaves, stems and roots, in species spanning the phylogeny of land plants. The OV method has been used to experimentally investigate the spreading of embolism through xylem networks, associate embolism with downstream tissue death, and observe embolism formation in the field.
Investigating young Finnish CLIL pupils’ perceptions of foreign language use through visual narratives
Authors: Mäntylä Katja , Roiha Anssi , Dufva Hannele
Published: June 2022

This article explores how pupils in early CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) education perceive language skills and use. The participants were 25 French-medium and 16 English-medium CLIL pupils in Grade 2 (aged 8 years). They had received CLIL education since the 1st Grade. The data were visual narratives drawn by the pupils and some associated open-ended questions they answered in writing. The data were analyzed using visual and content analysis. The results show that the pupils’ perceptions of language were a combination of traditional and modern views of language. The pupils compartmentalized the different languages as separate entities. They mostly saw language being used with native speakers. Technological artefacts were absent even though they are an integral part of children’s life in Finland. Also, the pupils considered language being a vehicle for oral communication outside school. The results bear implications for CLIL education and early language teaching in general.
The effects of different small‐sided games configurations on heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and running demands in professional soccer players
Authors: Gantois Petrus , Piqueras‐Sanchiz Francisco , Cid Miguel José Ferreira Andrade , Pino‐Ortega José , Castillo Daniel , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo
Published: June 2022

We examined the effects of different small‐sided games (SSG) configurations on heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and running demands in soccer players. Twelve male soccer players (U18) participated in this randomized cross‐over study. Players performed three SSG in different “fixed” and “dynamic” pitch sizes (3v3 in large (SSGL) and small (SSGS) fixed area; or 3v3 in dynamic dimensions [SSGD]), with 4x4 minutes interspersed by 2 minutes of rest. HR measures (maximum [HRmax], average [HRavg], and percentage of maximum [%HRmax]), RPE, and running demands were collected across the SGG sessions. The following running activities were recorded: total distance covered (TD), distance covered (DC) at 6–12 km·h−1, ≥ 12–18 km·h−1, and >18 km·h−1, peak running speed, acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) at 1–2 m·s−2 and 2–3 m·s−2, player load, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD). SSGL displayed higher HRavg, %HRmax, and RPE values than SSGS (p < 0.05). SSGL resulted in higher TD, DC at 6–12 km·h−1, ≥ 12–18 km·h−1, > 18 km·h−1, and higher peak speed than SSGS and SSGD (p < 0.05). Moreover, SSGD presented higher TD and DC at 6–12 km·h−1 and ≥ 12–18 km·h−1 than SSGS (p < 0.05). In contrast, SSGD and SSGS showed higher number of ACC and DEC at 1–2 m·s−2 than SSGL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the pitch size and playing area of the SSG can be manipulated to promote desired physiological and physical demands in young soccer players.
A hybrid computing approach to design the novel second order singular perturbed delay differential Lane-Emden model
Authors: Sabir Zulqurnain , Baleanu Dumitru , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Hincal Evren
Published: June 2022

In this study, the mathematical form of the second order perturbed singular delay differential system is presented. The comprehensive features using the singular-point, perturbed factor and pantograph term are provided together with the shape factor of the second order perturbed singular delay differential system. The novel model is simulated numerically through the artificial neural networks (ANNs) based on the global/local optimization procedures, i.e., genetic algorithm (GA) and sequential quadratic programming (SQP). An activation function is constructed by using the differential model based on the second order perturbed singular delay differential system. The optimization of fitness function is performed through the hybrid computing strength of the ANNs-GA-SQP to solve the second order perturbed singular delay differential system. The exactness, substantiation, and authentication of the novel system is observed to solve three different variants of the novel model. The convergence, robustness, correctness, and stability of the numerical approach is performed using the comparison procedures of the available exact solutions. For the reliability, the statistical performances with necessary processes are provided using the ANNs-GA-SQP.
Modulation instability gain and modulated wave shape incited by the acoustic longitudinal vibrations in molecular chain model
Authors: Houwe Alphonse , Saliou Youssoufa , Djorwe Philippe , Abbagari Souleymanou , Akinyemi Lanre , Doka Serge Yamigno
Published: June 2022

The propagation of the modulated wave (MW) pattern and its instability in the nonlinear medium is an important study from where experimental results are obtained. In this work, we use the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) with saturation nonlinearity (SN) which describes the solitonic waves in the molecular chain (MC) model. We set our study on the effectiveness of the acoustic longitudinal velocity (ALV) which is related to the acoustic longitudinal vibration to investigate the behavior of the MW patterns as well as the modulation instability (MI) gain. Its results are that the ALV creates instability zones, increases MI bands, and shortens the transition regime of the MW pattern. For a long time of simulation and a great enough value of the ALV, the MWs feature chaos-like motion. Alongside these results the ALV obvious itself as a tool control of MWs as well as an energy source for the propagation of diverse MW-shaped in the MC.
Multiple-order rogue wave solutions to a (2+1)-dimensional Boussinesq type equation
Authors: Zheng Mengqi , Dong Xiaona , Chen Caifeng , Li Maohua
Published: June 2022

In this paper, based on the Hirota bilinear method and symbolic computation approach, multiple-order rogue waves of (2+1)-dimensional Boussinesq type equation are constructed. The reduced bilinear form of the equation is deduced by the transformation of variables. Three kinds of rogue wave solutions are derived by means of bilinear equation. The maximum and minimum values of the first-order rogue wave solution are given at a specific moment. Furthermore, the second-order and third-order rogue waves are explicitly derived. The dynamic characteristics of three kinds of rogue wave solutions are shown by three-dimensional plot.
The SAGEX review on scattering amplitudes Chapter 13: Post-Minkowskian expansion from scattering amplitudes
Authors: Bjerrum-Bohr N E J , Damgaard P H , Planté L , Vanhove P
Published: June 2022

The post-Minkowskian expansion of Einstein’s general theory of relativity has received much attention in recent years due to the possibility of harnessing the computational power of modern amplitude calculations in such a classical context. In this brief review, we focus on the post-Minkowskian expansion as applied to the two-body problem in general relativity without spin, and we describe how relativistic quantum field theory can be used to greatly simplify analytical calculations based on the Einstein–Hilbert action. Subtleties related to the extraction of classical physics from such quantum mechanical calculations highlight the care which must be taken when both positive and negative powers of Planck’s constant are at play. In the process of obtaining classical results in both Einstein gravity and supergravity, one learns new aspects of quantum field theory that are obscured when using units in which Planck’s constant is set to unity. The scattering amplitude approach provides a self-contained framework for deriving the two-body scattering valid in all regimes of energy. There is hope that the full impact of amplitude computations in this field may significantly alter the way in which gravitational wave predictions will advance in the coming years.
Effect of localised tooth spall defect on dynamic performance of a high-contact-ratio spur gear system
Authors: Cheng Zhenbang , Huang Kang , Xiong Yangshou , Han Guangzhi
Published: June 2022

This study considers the tooth spall morphology and establishes a kinetic model of a high contact ratio gear pair system with an ellipsoid tooth spall defect. The mesh stiffness of the spalled gear system is evaluated using the potential energy method. To obtain the accurate dynamic response, the friction force was incorporated into the gear kinetic model. The dynamic transmission error and dynamic meshing force under different rotational speeds are acquired by the proposed model. The dynamics of a healthy gear system and spalled gear system was compared. The results reveal that the presence of the tooth spall defect alters the motion state of the system, making it prone to instability. The study provides a theoretical foundation for future research on spall defect diagnosis of gear transmission devices.
Surface roughness and microstructure analysis on drilling of titanium diboride in-situ aluminium metal matrix composite
Authors: Rajaravi C , Elaiyarasan U , Gobalakrishnan B , Ganapathy Srinivasan R
Published: June 2022

Aluminium and its alloys are widely used for fabricating components are used in aircraft, automobile, defence and structural applications. Due to its light weight and high strength, it is applied in the various commercial purposes such as window, doors, construction member etc. However, machining of aluminium alloys using conventional machining methods is difficult. In this present investigation, an endeavour has been made to drill TiB2
in situ aluminium metal matrix composite alloy developed using stir casting method. During the casting two different salts namely K2TiF6 and KBF4 are added with matrix materials to form TiB2. The paper is studied the surface roughness (SR) of drilled TiB2
in situ aluminium metal matrix composite viz speed, feed rate and TiB2 addition. Empirical relationship is developed for SR in order to identify the dominating factors. The percentage contribution of SR is 96.35% that showed the empirical model is adequate. The normal probability plot showed the points of residuals are equally distributed over the straight line. The lack of fit value was 3.65 which is less than the standard point. Therefore, the SR model is satisfactory. SR increased with increasing of speed, feed rate and addition of TiB2. The removal of TiB2 particles causes small pits and voids due to the inclusion of reinforcement. The minimum SR was achieved at lowest speed (1260 rpm), feed rate (0.05 mm rev−1) and TiB2 addition (2%). As speed and feed increased, the surface hardness increased.
Swimming energetics of Atlantic salmon in relation to extended fasting at different temperatures
Authors: Hvas Malthe
Published: June 2022

Predicted future warming of aquatic environments could make fish vulnerable to naturally occurring fasting periods during migration between feeding and spawning sites, as these endeavours become energetically more expensive. In this study, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) acclimated to midrange (9°C) or elevated suboptimal (18°C) temperatures were subjected to critical (Ucrit) and sustained (4 hours at 80% Ucrit) swimming trials before and after 4 weeks of fasting. Fasting caused weight losses of 7.3% and 8.3% at 9°C and 18°C, respectively. The Ucrit was unaffected by fasting, but higher at 18°C. Fatigue was associated with higher plasma cortisol, osmolality, Na+ and Cl− at 18°C, and ionic disturbances were higher in fasted fish. All fish completed the sustained swim trials while maintaining constant oxygen uptake rates (ṀO2), indicating strictly aerobic swimming efforts. At low swimming speeds ṀO2 was downregulated in fasted fish by 23.8% and 15.6% at 9°C and 18°C, respectively, likely as an adaptation to preserve resources. However, at higher speeds ṀO2 became similar to fed fish showing that maximum metabolic rates were maintained. The changes in ṀO2 lowered costs of transport and optimal swimming speeds in fasted fish at both temperatures, but these energetic alterations were smaller at 18°C while routine ṀO2 was 57% higher than at 9°C. As such, this study shows that Atlantic salmon maintain both glycolytic and aerobic swimming capacities after extended fasting, even at elevated suboptimal temperatures, and adaptive metabolic downregulation provides increased swimming efficiency in fasted fish. Although, improved swimming energetics were smaller when fasting at the higher temperature while metabolism becomes elevated. This could affect migration success in warming climates, especially when considering interactions with other costly activities such as coping with parasites obtained when passing aquaculture sites during seaward travel or gonad development while being voluntarily anorexic during upriver travel to spawning grounds.
Cine magnetic resonance imaging detects shorter cardiac rest periods in postcapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Lin Kai , Sarnari Roberto , Pathrose Ashitha , Gordon Daniel Z , Markl Michael , Carr James C
Published: June 2022

Aims

A shorter cardiac rest period within a cardiac cycle is usually thought to be a result of a fast heart rate, and its clinical relevance has long been ignored. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the length of cardiac rest periods is altered in postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods and results

Twenty-six patients with postcapillary PH and 20 healthy controls were recruited for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. All participants had a heart rate no higher than 80 beats/minute. Cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, acquired at a four-chamber view) was analyzed to determine the length of cardiac rest periods at end-systole and mid-to-late diastole. PH patients had a shorter rest period at mid-to-late diastole than controls (17.5 ± 8.7% vs. 24.2 ± 4.2%, P = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the proportion of the rest period in diastole (defined as the length of diastasis/diastole) can discriminate PH patients from controls [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71–0.96]. The existence of postcapillary PH was a significant contributor (β = −5.537, P = 0.023) to shorter cardiac rest periods at mid-to-late diastole after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, sex, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Conclusions

Postcapillary PH is independently associated with shorter cardiac rest periods at mid-to-late diastole. The length of cardiac rest periods has the potential to become a novel quantitative imaging biomarker for indicating cardiovascular health.
Identification of UDP-rhamnosyltransferases and UDP-galactosyltransferase involved in flavonol glycosylation inMorella rubra
Authors: Ren Chuanhong , Guo Yan , Xie Linfeng , Zhao Zhikang , Xing Mengyun , Cao Yunlin , Liu Yilong , Lin Jing , Grierson Donald , Zhang Bo , Xu Changjie , Chen Kunsong , Li Xian
Published: June 2022

Flavonol glycosides are health-promoting phytochemicals important for human nutrition and plant defense against environmental stresses. Glycosylation modification greatly enriches the diversity of flavonols. Morella rubra, a member of the Myricaceae, contains high amounts of myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside (M3Rha), quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside (Q3Rha), and quercetin 3-O-galactoside (Q3Gal). In the present study, MrUGT78R1 and MrUGT78R2 were identified as two functional UDP-rhamnosyltransferases, while MrUGT78W1 was identified as a UDP-galactosyltransferase. Site-directed mutagenesis identified Pro143 and Asn386 as important residues for rhamnosyl transfer activity of MrUGT78R1, while the two corresponding positions in MrUGT78W1 (i.e. Ser147 and Asn370) also play important roles in galactosyl transfer activity. Transient expression data for these three MrUGTs in Nicotiana benthamiana tested the function of MrUGT78R1 and MrUGT78R2 as rhamnosyltransferases and MrUGT78W1 as a galactosyltransferase in glycosylation of flavonols. This work enriches knowledge of the diversity of UDP-rhamnosyltransferase in planta and identifies two amino acid positions important for both rhamnosyltransferase and galactosyltransferase.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Laboratory Test Utilization at a Pediatric Medical Center
Authors: Lin David C , Parakati Isaac , Haymond Shannon
Published: June 2022

Background

The epidemiology and clinical manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the pediatric population is different from the adult population. The purpose of this study is to identify effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on laboratory test utilization in a pediatric hospital.

Methods

We performed retrospective analysis on test utilization data from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, an academic pediatric medical center. Data between two 100-day periods prior to (prepandemic) and during the pandemic (mid-pandemic) were analyzed to evaluate changes in test volume, lab utilization, and test positivity rate. We also evaluated these metrics based on in- vs outpatient testing and performed modeling to determine what variables significantly impact the test positivity rate.

Results

During the pandemic period, there was an expected surge in COVID-19 testing, while over 84% of lab tests studied decreased in ordering volume. The average number of tests ordered per patient was not significantly different during the pandemic for any of the laboratories (adjusted P value > 0.05). Thirty-three studied tests showed significant change in positivity rate during the pandemic. Linear modeling revealed test volume and inpatient status as the key variables associated with change in test positivity rate.

Conclusions

Excluding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 tests, the COVID-19 pandemic has generally led to decreased test ordering volume and laboratory utilization. However, at this pediatric hospital, the average number of tests performed per patient and test positivity rates were comparable between pre- and mid-pandemic periods. These results suggest that, overall, clinical test utilization at this site remained consistent during the pandemic.
Specificity and Confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 Serological Test Methods in Emergency Department Populations across the United States
Authors: Daghfal David J , Schneider Randal J , Mohr Phaedre , Frias Edwin C , Prostko John C , Sokoll Lori J
Published: June 2022

Background

Serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 is integral for understanding prevalence of disease, tracking of infections, confirming humoral response to vaccines, and determining timing and efficacy of boosters. The study objective was to compare the specificity of serology assays in emergency department populations across the United States in 2019 (pre-pandemic) and early 2020, incorporating an automated confirmatory assay.

Methods

Patient specimens (n = 1954) were from 4 regions in the United States: New York, NY; Milwaukee, WI; Miami, FL; and Los Angeles, CA. Specimens were tested with SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike receptor-binding domain assays: SARS-CoV-2 IgG on the Abbott Alinity i (AdviseDx SARS-Cov-2 IgG II) and Beckman Coulter Access 2 (SARS-CoV-2 IgG II), and SARS-CoV-2 IgM on the Abbott Alinity i (AdviseDx SARS-CoV-2 IgM). Reactive samples were tested with a research use only angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 binding inhibition assay (Abbott ARCHITECT) for confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. Assay specificity was determined and comparisons performed with Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Overall SARS-CoV-2 IgG specificity was 99.28% (95% confidence interval, 98.80%–99.61%), 99.39% (98.93%–99.68%), and 99.44% (98.99%–99.72%) for SARS-CoV-2 IgG by Abbott and Beckman, and SARS-CoV-2 IgM, respectively. Overall agreement for the two IgG assays was 99.28% (range for the 4 sites: 98.21% to 100%). There were no specificity differences between assays or sites.

Conclusions

The specificity of the serological assays evaluated in a large, diverse emergency department population was >99% and did not vary by geographical site. A confirmatory algorithm with an automated pseudo-neutralization assay allowed testing on the same specimen while reducing the false positivity rate and increasing the value of serology screening methods.