bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification, characterization and functional analysis of AGAMOUS subfamily genes associated with floral organs and seed development in Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Wei Ludan , Wang Wenjing , Qi Wenquan , Cao Zhe , Li Hang , Bao Manzhu , he yanhong
Published: September 2020

Background: AGAMOUS ( AG ) subfamily genes regulate the floral organs initiation and development, fruit and seed development. At present, there has been insufficient study of the function of AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae. Marigold ( Tagetes erecta ) belongs to Asteraceae family whose unique inflorescence structure makes it an important research target for understanding floral organ development in plants. Results: Four AG subfamily genes of marigold were isolated and phylogenetically grouped into class C ( TeAG1 and TeAG2 ) and class D ( TeAGL11-1 and TeAGL11-2 ) genes. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that these four genes were highly expressed in reproductive organs of marigold. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that all these four proteins were located in the nucleus. Protein-protein interactions analysis indicated that class C proteins had a wider interaction manner than class D proteins. Function analysis of ectopic expression in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that TeAG1 displayed a C function specifying the stamen identity and carpel identity, and that TeAGL11-1 exhibited a D function regulating seed development and petal development. In addition, overexpression of both TeAG1 and TeAGL11-1 leaded to curling rosette leaf and early flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana . Conclusions: This study provides an insight into molecular mechanism of AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae species and technical support for improvement of several floral traits.
Efficacy, safety, and long-term survival of concomitant valve replacement and bipolar radiofrequency ablation in patients aged 70 years and older: A comparative study with propensity score matching from a single-centre
Authors: Lin Zhi-qin , Luo Zeng-rong , Li Qian-zhen , Chen Liang-wan , lin feng
Published: September 2020

Background Concomitant bipolar radiofrequency ablation and valve replacement in the elderly remains controversial. In the current study, we aimed to compare the outcomes of concomitant valve replacement and bipolar radiofrequency ablation with valve replacement alone in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods This was a retrospective study of patients aged ≥ 70 years who underwent valve replacement with or without bipolar radiofrequency ablation in a single-centre between January 2006 and March 2015. The early postoperative results and long-term clinical outcomes were compared after propensity score matching. Results A total of 34 pairs of patients (73.94 ± 2.64 years old; 34 in the AF with ablation group and 34 in the AF without ablation group) were enrolled in the propensity score matching analysis. There were no significant differences between the two matched groups in terms of surgical mortality (5.88% vs. 2.94%, P = 0.555) and major postoperative morbidity. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significantly better overall survival in the AF with ablation group compared to the AF without ablation group (P = 0.009). Cumulative incidence curves showed a lower incidence of cardiovascular death in the AF with ablation group (P = 0.025, Gray’s test). Patients in the AF with ablation group had a reduced incidence of stroke compared to patients in the AF with ablation group (P = 0.009, Gray’s test). The freedom from AF after 5 years was 58.0% in the AF with ablation group and 3.0% in the AF without ablation group. Conclusions The addition of bipolar radiofrequency ablation is a safe and feasible procedure, even in patients aged ≥ 70 years, with a better long-term survival and a reduced incidence of stroke compared to valve replacement alone. These findings suggest that bipolar radiofrequency ablation should always be considered as a concomitant procedure for elderly patients with AF who require cardiac surgery. However, a large-scale, prospective, multi-centre, randomized study should be performed in the future to fully validate our findings.
Total versus conventional laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in children with choledochal cysts: a case-control study
Authors: LIU FEI , Xu Xiaogang , Lan Menglong , Tao Boyuan , Li Le , Wu Qiang , Chai Chengwei , Zeng Jixiao
Published: September 2020

Background : To compare the efficacy of total and conventional laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (TLH and CLH) in children with choledochal cysts (CDCs). Methods: Patients undergoing TLH and CLH between August 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative blood loss, time for jejunum-co-jejunum anastomosis, time to oral intake, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization expenses, postoperative complications were compared. Results: All 55 patients (TLH=30, CLH=25) were successfully treated without conversion to open surgery. In the TLH and CLH groups, the time to oral intake was 3.57±0.19 d and 4.56±0.27 d, respectively ( t =3.07, P <0.01), the postoperative hospital stay was 5.50±0.28 d and 7.00±0.74 d ( t =2.03, P <0.05), the hospitalization expenses were CNY 40085±2447 and CNY 26084±2776 ( t =3.79, P <0.001). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss (9.57±3.28ml vs 8.2±1.13 ml, t =0.37, P = 0.72) and time for jejunum-co-jejunum anastomosis (80.5±2.46 min vs 75.00±2.04 min, t =1.68, P =0.10). The median follow-up periods of TLH and CLH group were 17 and 16 months respectively. Overall comlication rates were comparable between two groups (10% vs 8%, c ² =0.07, P =0.79). Conclusions: TLH in children with CDCs has the advantages of rapid gastrointestinal functional recovery and short hospitalization. However, hospitalization is relatively expensive.
Anatomical analysis of the left upper lobe of lung on three-dimensional images with focusing the branching pattern of the subsegmental veins
Authors: Isaka Tamami , Mitsuboshi Shota , Maeda Hideyuki , Kikkawa Takuma , Oyama Kunihiro , Murasugi Masahide , Kanzaki Masato , Onuki Takamasa
Published: September 2020

Background : Although a clear understanding of the anatomical characteristics of the pulmonary veins (PVs) is essential for the successful performance of segmentectomy and is important to avoid intraoperative pulmonary vessels injury, there is no report showing the relations between the branching patterns of PVs and pulmonary arteries (PAs). Moreover, internationally accepted symbols for describing the PVs remain unavailable. For anatomically assessing the branches and courses of the subsegmental veins in the left upper lobe (LUL), the diverse branching patterns of blood vessels and bronchi should be investigated. Methods : The branching patterns and intersegmental courses of PVs were assessed by performing three-dimensional image analysis of the bronchi, and PAs and PVs in the LUL in 103 patients who were scheduled to receive segmentectomy in LUL from January 2008 through August 2012. Results : Branching types of the bronchus and pulmonary vessels failed to be independent each other. Combinations of anterior extension type of bronchi with the inter-lobar type (IL-type) of arterial branching pattern were often observed, but those with the mediastinal type (M-type) were rarely observed. The combinations of apical vein dominant type with the IL-type of arteries, and intermediate and central vein type with the M-type were often observed. LUL was adjoined by various subsegments, and the intersegmental pulmonary veins showed diverse patterns. Conclusions : This study found the relationship among PA, PV, and bronchus patterns, and in the subsegment where the branching patters were fixed in 103 cases. This study discovered PVs that was difficult to be named by the conventional naming systems because of the diversity of the locations in the subsegment.
Deciphering the transcriptional changes in Escherichia coli strains C41(DE3) and C43(DE3) that makes them a superior choice for membrane protein production.
Authors: Webb Chaille Teresa , Lithgow Trevor
Published: September 2020

Background: The production of membrane proteins for functional and structural protein analysis remains a bottleneck in the continuing quest for understanding biological systems. For recombinant membrane proteins, the Walker strains C41(DE3) and C43(DE3) are a valuable tool because they are capable of producing levels of functional protein that would otherwise be toxic to the cell. At the genome level, amongst only a handful of genetic changes, mutations in the lac UV5 promoter region upstream from the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase gene distinguish these strains from BL21(DE3) but do not inform on how the strains have adapted for superior production of recombinant membrane proteins. Results: Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed a moderate change in gene expression in C41(DE3) and C43(DE3) compared to their parent strain BL21(DE3) under standard growth conditions. However, under the conditions used for membrane protein production (with plasmid carriage and addition of IPTG), the differential response of C41(DE3) and C43(DE3) compared to their parent strain BL21(DE3) was striking. Over 2000 genes were differentially expressed in C41(DE3) with a two-fold change and false discover rate < 0.01 and 1700 genes differentially expressed in C43(DE3) compared to their parent strain BL21(DE3). Conclusion : These results illuminate the cellular adaptations occurring in the Walker strains in response to minimal genetic changes. These changes in the transcriptome may help alleviate the toxic effects that can occur and improve membrane protein production. The BL21(DE3) derivatives strains C41(DE3) and C43(DE3), are adept to the process of membrane biogenesis in E. coli , making them superior to their parent strain for the production of membrane proteins and potentially other toxic proteins.
Long Term Outcomes of Colon Polyps with High Grade Dysplasia Following Endoscopic Resection
Authors: Chang Jia-Jang , Chien Cheng-Hung , Chen Shuo-Wei , Chen Li-Wei , Liu Ching-Jung , Yen Cho-Li
Published: September 2020

Background The risk of recurrent colonic adenoma associated with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) colon polyps at baseline colonoscopy remains unclear. We conducted a clinical cohort study with patients who underwent polypectomy during screen colonoscopy to assess recurrent colonic adenoma risk factors. Methods 11,565 patients at our facility underwent screen colonoscopy between September 1998 and August 2007. Data from patients with HGD colon polyps who had undergone follow-up colonoscopy were included for analysis. Results Data from 211 patients was included. Rates of metachronous adenoma and advanced adenoma at follow-up were 58% and 20%, respectively. Mean follow-up period was 5.5 ± 1.8 (3-12) years. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an adenoma count of ≥ 3 at baseline colonoscopy was strongly associated with overall recurrence, multiple recurrence, advanced recurrence, proximal recurrence, and distal adenoma recurrence with odds ratios of 4.32 (2.06-9.04 95%CI), 3.47 (1.67-7.22 95%CI), 2.55 (1.11-5.89 95%CI), 2.46 (1.16-5.22 95%CI), 2.89 (1.44-5.78 95%CI), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed gender (male) [P=0.010; OR 3.09(1.32-7.25 95% CI)] and adenoma count ≥ 3 [P=0.002; OR 3.08(1.52-6.24 95%CI)] at index colonoscopy to be significantly associated with recurrence of advanced adenoma. Conclusion Recurrence of colonic adenoma at time of follow-up colonoscopy is common in patients who undergo polypectomy for HGD colon adenomas during baseline colonoscopy. Risk of further developing advanced adenomas is associated with gender and the number of colon adenomas present.
A clinical analysis of causes of hand injuries and their countermeasures during the COVID-19 outbreak and work resumption period
Authors: Jin Qianjun , Zhou Haiying , lu hui
Published: September 2020

Background: In the new circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic, fuller knowledge of hand injury patterns may help with the injury prevention in factories and the management of related medical institutions. Methods: 95 patients were admitted to an orthopedics department with an emergent hand injury within half a year of the COVID-19 outbreak. Data was collected from January 23, 2020 to July 23, 2020. Information about demographics, types of injury, location of the injuries, side of the lesions, mechanism of the injuries, place where the injuries occurred, surgical management and outcomes was collected. Results: The number of total emergency visits due to hand injury during the COVID-19 outbreak decreased 37% from the same period of the previous year. During the resumption of work it saw an increase of 40%. In comparison with the corresponding period of the previous year, most of the injured patients during the COVID-19 outbreak stage were women (60%) with a mean age of 56.7, while during the work resumption stage they were men (82.4%) with a mean age of 44.8. Most of the injuries in the work resumption period occurred at work (64.7%), significantly more than in the same period in 2019 (37.3%), and machine injury was the most frequent injury mechanism (58.8%). Cutting injuries of different degrees comprised the majority of the total cases (82.4%), far more than simple fractures and dislocations. Fingers were the most commonly injured body part. The majority of the injuries were classified as minor or moderate (90%) during the outbreak, and major (40%) during the work resumption. The proportion of major injuries during the work resumption stage in this year (40%) was almost double that of the previous year (pre-pandemic) (21.8%). Conclusion: The resumption of work following the COVID-19 outbreak is a time of high risk for hand injuries. The overall number of patients with hand injuries admitted into our department has decreased compared to the corresponding period of last year. However, workplace injuries, especially machine injury increased greatly during the six months after the outbreak of COVID-19. The proportion of major injuries increased by a large margin. Emergency and surgical service provides should be aware of the pattern of hand injuries during this atypical time in order to prepare and plan services accordingly.
Metabolomics analysis reveals Embden Meyerhof Parnas pathway activation and flavonoids accumulation during dormancy transition in tree peony
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yuan Yanchao , Zhan Yu , Cao Xinzhe , Liu Chunying , Zhang Yuxi , Gai Shupeng
Published: September 2020

Background: Bud dormancy is a sophisticated strategy which plants evolve to survive in tough environments. Endodormancy is a key obstacle for anti-season culture of tree peony, and sufficient chilling exposure is an effective method to promote dormancy release in perennial plants including tree peony. However, the mechanism of dormancy release is still poorly understood, and there are few systematic studies on the metabolomics during chilling induced dormancy transition. Results: The tree peony buds were treated with artificial chilling, and the metabolmics analysis was employed at five time points after 0-4ºC treatment for 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d, respectively. A total of 535 metabolites were obtained and devided into 11 groups including flavonoids, amino acid and its derivatives, lipids, organic acids and its derivates, nucleotide and its derivates, alkaloids, hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives, carbohydrates and alcohols, phytohormones, coumarins and vitamins. Totally, 118 differential metabolites (VIP≥1, P <0.05) during chilling treatment process were detected, and their KEGG pathways involved in several metabolic pathways related to dormancy. Sucrose was the most abundant carbohydrate in peony bud. Starch was degradation and Embden Meyerhof Parnas (EMP) activity were increased during the dormancy release process, according to the variations of sugar contents, related enzyme activities and key genes expression. Flavonoids synthesis and accumulation were also promoted by prolonged chilling. Moreover, the variations of phytohormones (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and indole-3-acetic acid) indicated they played different roles in dormancy transition. Conclusion: Our study suggested that starch degradation, EMP activation, and flavonoids accumulation were crucial and associated with bud dormancy transition in tree peony.
Extravascular risk factors in the prognostic evaluation for spinal cord injury during thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion: a case report.
Authors: Villani Flavio , Fargion Aaron Thomas , Melani Alberto , Esposito Davide , Domenico Rossella Di , Dorigo Walter , Pratesi Carlo
Published: September 2020

Background: The etiology of delayed-onset spinal cord injury (SCI) following endovascular repair of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) is still unclear and may be related to multiple factors. Extravascular factors, such as lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), may play a significant role in the selection of patient at risk of SCI. In this report we describe a case of paraplegia following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in a patient suffering from severe and symptomatic LSS and undergoing staged endovascular repair of a TAAA. Case presentation : A 70-year-old man was admitted to our department with an asymptomatic type III TAAA in previous open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient complained of buttock and thigh claudication in the absence of defects in the pelvic perfusion; a spinal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed a severe narrowing of the lumbar canal. After 24 hours from first-step procedure (TEVAR) paraplegia was detected. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage was then placed with incomplete recovery. Conclusions : Stenotic damage to the spinal cord is thought to be the result of direct compression of the neural elements and ischemic disruption of arterial and venous structures surrounding the spinal cord. This comorbidity may constitute an additional anatomic risk factor in those patients currently recognized as prognostically associated to the development of SCI.
Salvage surgery for Stage IVa thymic carcinoma combined with aortic arch resection-Case report
Authors: Yamato Hiroyuki , Funaki Soichiro , Shimamura Kazuo , Kin Keiwa , Kuratani Toru , Sawa Yoshiki , Shintani Yasushi
Published: September 2020

Background

Although complete surgical resection of thymic carcinoma is a prognostic factor, extended surgery combined with a major blood vessel procedure remains controversial because of the increased risk of mortality. We report a case of Stage IVa thymic carcinoma successfully resected with a pneumonectomy along with aortic arch replacement after chemotherapy.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old male was diagnosed with thymic carcinoma invasion to the aortic arch and left pulmonary artery. Malignant pericardial effusion was also noted, though disappeared after chemotherapy, thus surgical options were considered. A radical resection procedure including left pneumonectomy, aortic arch replacement with total rerouting of the supra-arch vessels, and right pulmonary artery plication was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient has been disease-free for 3 years.

Conclusion

Extended salvage surgery might be a valuable option for advanced thymic carcinoma.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Studies: A Rapid Review
Authors: Chess Kathryn , Jacobson Tyler A , Smith Lauren E , Miller Corinne , Hirschhorn Lisa R , Huffman Mark D
Published: September 2020

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 serology tests have been used to understand the extent to which populations have been infected. The objective of this study was to synthesize literature on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies, including sampling frames, study characteristics, assay test performance characteristics, and proportion of participants with IgG and IgM SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.Methods: Bibliometric databases, trial registers, pre-print servers, and grey literature were searched through May 27, 2020 using a published protocol to identify eligible studies. Title and abstract screening and full-text reviewing were performed in duplicate. Study-level data were extracted, and a narrative synthesis was performed. Results: Of the 4,049 studies screened for inclusion, 27 published reports were included, and 85 studies are ongoing. Most (52%) published reports were available through pre-print servers. Sample sizes ranged from 200 to 113,033 participants. Healthcare worker (n=9 studies, 33%) and non-representative, general population (n=10 studies, 37%) sampling frames were more commonly used than representative, general population sampling frames (n=7, 26%). Mean age ranged from 18 up to 69 years, and the proportion of females ranged from 25% to 85%. Test performance characteristics varied, including IgG sensitivity (range: 63.3% to 100%) and IgG specificity (range: 97.0% to 100%). IgG seroprevalence estimates ranged from 0.5% to 21.0%, and IgM seroprevalence ranged from 1.1% to 18.9%.Conclusion: More high-quality SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies using validated assays with larger sample sizes from representative and targeted sampling frames are needed to better understand the true burden of disease, differential spread of the virus, and infection fatality rate.
Eye Care Practices, Knowledge and Attitude of Glaucoma Patients at Community Eye Screening Outreaches in Nigeria.
Authors: Olawoye Olusola , Fawole Olufunmilayo , Ashaye Adeyinka
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To assess the eye care practices, knowledge and attitudes of glaucoma patients identified at community eye outreaches (CEO) in Nigeria. Methodology: This was a mixed method study. The quantitative component was a cross sectional survey of patients with suspected glaucoma identified at routine CEO in South West Nigeria. Surveys were administered by trained personnel and gathered information on knowledge and attitudes toward glaucoma. The qualitative component consisted of structured interviews with providers to assess their knowledge and perspectives of glaucoma patients’ attitudes and behaviors. Results: A total of 1881 patients were screened at 24 outreaches in South West Nigeria, among which 120 glaucoma cases/suspects were identified. Fifty-six (46.7%) of the glaucoma patients were aware of glaucoma and only 39 (32.5%) patients could answer at least one knowledge question correctly. Predictors of awareness of glaucoma were minimum of secondary school education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 9.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.18-29-92) and having had an eye check-up in the past (adjusted OR 6.22; 95% CI 1.96 – 19.78). More than half 55.8% had attended an eye outreach in the past and 34.2% did not follow up at the main hospital. Patients said cost and ‘not knowing the disease was serious’ were reasons for not following up at the main hospital. Health workers interviewed said cost and poor knowledge were the main reasons glaucoma patients frequently attended free screening outreach events rather than seeking definitive care.Conclusion: Although community eye outreaches improves access to eye care, provision of appropriate health education programs and strengthening of the health insurance scheme are needed to improve its impact in glaucoma care.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Cotton Production: A Case Study in Diyarbakır Province, Turkey
Authors: Mikail Nazire , BARAN Mehmet Fırat
Published: September 2020

Cultivators are always curious about the factors affecting yield in plant production. Determining these factors can provide information about the yield in the future. The reliability of information is dependent on a good prediction model. According to the operating process, artificial neural networks imitate the neural network in humans. The ability to make predictions for the current situation by combining the information people have gained from different experiences is designed in artificial neural networks. Therefore, in complex problems, it gives better results than artificial neural networks.In this study, we used an artificial neural network method to model the production of cotton. From a comprehensive datum collection spanning 73 farms in Diyarbakır, Turkey, the mean cotton production was 559.19 kg da-1. There are four factors that are selected as pivotal inputs into this model. As a result, the ultimate ANN model is able to forshow cotton production, which is built on elements such as farm states (cotton area and irrigation periodicity), machinery usage and fertilizer consumption.At the end of the study, cotton yield was estimated with 84% accuracy.
High Purity and High Density Ti3SiC2/Al2O3 Composites Were Prepared at High Temperature
Authors: Wang Xuye , Qi Fangfang , Ji Jun , Shi Guopu , Li Qinggang , Wang Zhi
Published: September 2020

In this study, Ti3SiC2/Al2O3 composites were prepared via in-situ hot pressing sintering at 1550 °C. Al used as a sintering aid reduced the production of TiC impurity phase and stabilized the crystal lattice of Ti3SiC2 to inhibit its decomposiition at high temperature. This is because Al replaced some of the Si atoms to form Ti3(Si1 − xAlx)C2, which showed a crystal structure similar to that of Ti3SiC2. The addition of Al is a prerequisite for the formation of high density Ti3SiC2/Al2O3 composites at high temperature. Laminar Ti3SiC2 grains and granular Al2O3 grains were densely packed and tightly bonded, furthermore, unique mosaic structure of Ti3SiC2-Al2O3 created at high temperatures improve the mechanical properties such as hardness, bending strength and fracture toughness of Ti3SiC2/Al2O3 composites, with the highest reaching 16.97 GPa, 553.38 MPa and 9.63 MPa·m1/2, respectively. The mechanism responsible for improved mechanical properties for Ti3SiC2/Al2O3 composites were the synergistic action of grain pullout, microcrack deflection, and extend the crack growth from two different kinds of grains.
Effects of Bioaerosol Aerodynamic Size on Biodiversity in Three Kindergartens in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Chane-Yu , Chou Ying-Hsiang , Hsu Tzu-Yu , Hung Chun-Hui , Lin Tzu-Hsien
Published: September 2020

Background: Human-associated bacteria (HAB) in the microbiome can become airborne bacterial aerosols (bioaerosols). The aerodynamic sizes of bioaerosols demonstrated may significantly affect their behaviors, respiratory deposition and biodiversity.Methods: The bacterial size, biodiversity and the HAB were evaluated at three kindergartens in central Taiwan in winter and spring. Kindergartens A, B, and C were in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas, respectively. A six-stage viable Andersen cascade impactor was used to collect bioaerosols and to determine their size distributions. A BD Phoenix-100 automated interpretation system was used to identify the species in those bioaerosols. The uniformity transformation was applied to verify the distributions of bacterial concentrations in different sampling rounds.Results: The results revealed 1,425 colonies (97.6%) that corresponded to 63 species in 29 genera and 35 colonies (2.4%) that were unidentified. The most abundant phylum was Actinobacteria (56.6+22.2%), Staphylococcus spp. was found in all sampling rounds, with a range of abundance between 2.0 and 70.0%. In all rounds, the geometric mean diameter of the bioaerosol and the geometric standard deviation of the bioaerosol size ranged from 2.19 to 5.42 µm and from 1.66 to 2.70, respectively. The Shannon diversity (H) and inverse Simpson diversity index (D) of the bioaerosols at each kindergarten were positively correlated with bioaerosol size, as larger bioaerosols had higher values of the biodiversity metrics. The Pearson correlations of H with the urbanization of the area of the kindergarten, temperature, RH and CO2 concentration were statistically significant (P < 0.05), indicating that the environmental variables and biodiversity covaried. The biodiversity in the rural area exceeded that in the urban area. Multiple and stepwise regression revealed that bioaerosol size was statistically significant with H (P = 0.001) and D (P = 0.002). The study may improve our understanding of the mechanisms and epidemiological spread of airborne infections.
A modelling assessment of the maize crop growth, yield and soil water dynamics in the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Santos Marshall Victor Chagas , Carvalho André Luiz de , Souza José Leonaldo de , Silva Mauricio Bruno Prado da , Medeiros Rui Palmeira , Junior Ricardo Araújo Ferreira , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Teodoro Iêdo , Lyra Guilherme Bastos , Lemes Marco Antonio Maringolo
Published: September 2020

The present study aims to evaluate the APSIM-Maize model performance to use it as a decision-making tool to help improve production rates, reduce production costs and assess the potential impacts of climate change on crop yields in the Northeast of Brazil. The crop, soil and weather data used in the simulations were obtained from field experiments carried out in maize crops in 2008 and 2011 in two different edaphoclimatic regions in Alagoas State, Northeast Brazil. The approach we used explored the ability of APSIM to simulate growth variables and soil water dynamics of a maize variety (AL Bandeirante). During parametrization, we made some adjustments regarding the variety and soil organic matter to attain a better representation of the growth and soil water dynamics, respectively. The APSIM-Maize model predicted the leaf area index with a RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) ranging between 0.14 and 1.06 cm2 cm-2 and the biomass production with an RMSE between 2.30 and 3.34 Mg ha-1. The volumetric soil water content was satisfactorily predicted with RMSE ranging between 0.02 and 0.08 mm mm-1. Results showed that this model is a useful tool for decision-making, which can be potentially used as a support in climate risk management and policies, aiming to improve regional production, provided it has been previously validated with independent datasets.
Osmoprotectant in soybean seeds can increase the inoculation and co-inoculation time in pre-sowing
Authors: Fipke Glauber Monçon , Martin Thomas Newton , Müller Tânia Maria , Cunha Vinícius dos Santos , Munareto Janete Denardi , Schönell Alex Tagliapietra , Grando Luiz Fernando Teleken , Rossato Anderson da Costa
Published: September 2020

The practice of soybean seed inoculation cannot exceed the 24-hour prior to sowing. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of inoculation and co-inoculation of osmoprotectant soybean seeds, performed at different times of sowing. The experiments were conducted during two crop seasons at "sandy clay loam Acrisol" and "Cfa climate" in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized blocks with four replications. Nine distinct treatments of seeds inoculation were carried out with bacteria of the genus Bradyrhizobium were inoculated alone (conventional inoculation) or combined with Azospirillum brasilense (co-inoculation), associated with the use of osmoprotectants. The components of nodulation, leaf chlorophyll, plant growth and grain yield were evaluated. The number of nodules and pods per plant are the variables most correlated with grain yield. Number of grains per pod, mass of thousand grains, and A, B and total chlorophyll content were not influenced by inoculation, co-inoculation and nitrogen fertilization. All treatments that used osmoprotectant had an increased 30% (in the first year) at average number of nodules in V5 compared to the treatments that did not use it. Co-inoculation provided an increase of 31% and 16% of yield, respectively, compared to the no-inoculation treatment, for the first and second experimental years. Inoculation and co-inoculation when carried out seven days before sowing and associated with the use of the osmoprotector, provides grain yield similar to the inoculation performed at the time of sowing.
Spatial arrangement of plants on leaf growth and development and the yield potential of soybean
Authors: Winck José Eduardo Minussi , Martin Thomas Newton , Pinto Marlo Adriano Bison , Bruning Lucas Allan , Arismendi Guilherme de Almeida
Published: September 2020

This study aimed at determining the effect of a variety of plants arrangements on foliar growth and development as well as the productive potential in soybean. The field experiments were performed over two agricultural years (2015/16 and 2016/17) on Argisoil in subtropical environment. The two selected cultivars, viz., BMX Tornado RR and FPS Urano RR were sown in four spatial distribution of the plants such as conventional spacing (0.45 m spacing between rows), reduced spacing (0.225 m spacing between rows), paired spacing (two rows with 0.225 m and 0.45 m spacing from the other rows) and crossed spacing (0.45 m spacing between the rows with crosses of two rows, at a 90° angle). The randomized block design was adopted for the experiments with the treatments in a 2x4 factorial distribution and four replications. The first factor was the cultivar and the second types of plant distribution. The results showed that plant arrangement affected the plant profile regarding the behavior of the ecophysiological variables like plastochron, leaf lifetime and yield distribution. Leaf life in each stratum was caused by the foliar senescence rhythm, explained by a 4th degree polynomial model, revealing two peaks in the senescence rate, one during pre-flowering stage and the other when the grain filling stage was completed. According to the results, we do not recommend changes in conventional spacing.
Ecophysiology of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) cultivated under different saline and biofertilizer levels
Authors: Costa Rafael Santiago da , Oliveira Letícia Kenia Bessa de , Amorim Aiala Vieira , Silva Fred Denilson Barbosa , Marinho Albanise Barbosa , Filho Sebastião Medeiros , Mesquita Rosilene Oliveira
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth, physiology, and production of cowpea plants grown under different levels of salinity and doses of mixed biofertilizer. The experiment was set in a completely randomized 3 x 4 factorial design, corresponding to three levels of irrigation with saline water (ECw: 0.5, 2.5 and 4.5 dS m-1) and four doses of biofertilizer (0, 800, 1600 and 2400 milliliters - mL), with five repetitions. The biofertilizer was obtained by means of an aerobic process, using a mixture of water, goat manure, and wood ashes, and it was applied in the liquid form, once a week, and directly into the soil. After 70 days, gaseous exchanges were evaluated, and the length of the main stem, the diameter of the stem, and the leaf area were measured. Furthermore, the number of pods produced, mean pod size, total pod weight, total seed weight, hundred seed weight, and yield were estimated. It was observed that the application of mixed biofertilizer promoted increments of 28.98% in leaf area, 32.78% in length of the main stem, and 21.55% in total dry mass. Weekly doses of 1600 mL promoted significant increases in gas exchanges. The application of weekly doses of 1600 mL of mixed biofertilizer promoted growth increases in physiological and productive parameters when the plants were irrigated with saline water up to 2.5 dS m-1, suggesting that the biofertilizer reduces the deleterious effects of salinity.
Selection of sugarcane clones via multivariate models using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy data
Authors: Peternelli Luiz Alexandre , Gonçalves Mateus Teles Vital , Fernandes Jaqueline Gonçalves , Brasileiro Bruno Portela , Teófilo Reinaldo Francisco
Published: September 2020

Sugarcane production plays a fundamental role in the Brazilian economy, both for sugar production and renewable energy generation. The development of new cultivars to meet the current needs of the sugarcane industry sector requires efficient phenotyping methods, which should incorporate simplification, speed, accuracy, and consistency. In order to contribute to the development of new phenotyping strategies, this work aimed to develop multivariate regression models using Partial Least Squares (PLS) to classify sugarcane clones based on sugarcane biomass quality parameters, namely fiber (FIB) and apparent sucrose (SC) content. A NIR instrument was used to acquire the reflectance spectra of 196 sugarcane bagasse - collected in two different harvest seasons - and fresh stalk samples. The values predicted by these models allowed the construction of a vector using a confusion matrix that informs whether the clone should be selected or not. PLS models selected to predict each trait under study presented high accuracy and precision, besides small values of false-positive rate and good concordance indication by the Kappa statistic test. The results obtained indicate that the use of fresh stalk samples rather than bagasse samples for the prediction of SC and FIB is recommended as it delivered higher predictive power and is of a more straightforward usage. The utilization of NIR combined with multivariate techniques may help breeding programs in the classification of sugarcane clones based on biomass quality parameters.
Soil humidity as a productive conditioner of soybean culture through inoculation, co-inoculation and rooting
Authors: Deak Evandro Ademir , Martin Thomas Newton , Fipke Glauber Monçon , Stecca Jessica Deolinda Leivas , Cunha Vinícius dos Santos
Published: September 2020

In the soybean crop, the practice of inoculation is crucial for producing high yields. This is because biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the main supplier of the nutrient demand for this crop. However, a few environmental variables can also greatly influence the survival of the bacteria that control this process. In this context, the present work was performed to confirm the many ways in which soil moisture affects this process. In the field, we conducted two experiments at the times of the two sowing dates, 11/24/2015 and 12/17/2015, adopting the factorial 7 x 2 design, with four replications. The inoculation treatments included, non-inoculated (NI); not inoculated along with the nitrogen supplied at the 200 kg ha-1 (NI+N) dosage; inoculation with Bradyrhizobium [I (Brady)]; root enhancers (R); inoculation with Bradyrhizobium + root enhancers (I+R); co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium + Azospirillum brasilense (I+Azo); co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium + Azospirillum brasilense + root enhancers (I+Azo+R). The second factor included was the use or absence of a water jet (200 L ha-1) directed onto the seeds in the sowing furrow. Then estimations of the initial establishment of the plants, nodulation, and productivity components were measured. Water supplied to the sowing furrow had no effect on soybean nodulation and yield components. Co-inoculation promoted nodulation in soybean plants, particularly in dry mass of the nodules and number of nodules per plant.
Antagonistic potential and histopathology of Meloidogyne javanica on Macrotyloma axillare cv. Java
Authors: Miamoto Angélica , Machado Andressa Cristina Zamboni , Dorigo Orazília França , Mioranza Thaísa Muriel , Puerari Heriksen Higashi , Silva Beatriz Almeida e , Schwan Vítor Vargas , Arieira Cláudia Regina Dias
Published: September 2020

Root-knot nematodes are obligate parasites, so changes at their feeding sites can limit their development. Alterations to feeding sites is one of the main actions taken by antagonistic plants. The aim of this study was to assess the response and histopathology of interactions between Meloidogyne javanica and the roots of Macrotyloma axillare cv. Java. The penetration and development of the nematode was assessed from 8 to 30 days after inoculation (DAI) with 3000 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. javanica. The reproduction factor (RF) was assessed at 60 DAI, with two inoculation levels, 700 and 1000 eggs + J2, and the changes in the development and histopathology of M. javanica was assessed at 10, 15 and 30 DAI. Suscetible soybean was used as a control. The development of nematodes at the third (J3) and fourth juvenile (J4) stages was delay, despite the presence of J2 inside the roots, and no adult females were found in the M. axillare cv. Java roots. RF was 0.31 and 0.39 for M. axillare cv. Java and 3.40 and 4.52 for soybean at inoculation levels of 700 and 1000 eggs + J2, respectively. The feed cells in M. axillare cv. Java could not effectively nourish the nematode, which led to deformed females 30 DAI. The feed cells and nematode development, however, were normal in soybean. M. axillare cv. Java was resistant to M. javanica and had an antagonistic potential, because it did not prevent the nematode from penetrating the roots but had a negative effect on M. javanica due to the inefficiency of the feeding site.
Sweet corn in no-tillage system on cover crop residues in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Miranda Kaiê Fillipe Guedes , Torres José Luiz Rodrigues , Charlo Hamilton Cesar de Oliveira , Junior Valdeci Orioli , Favaro João Henrique de Souza , Souza Zigomar Menezes de
Published: September 2020

In recent years, the growth of the cultivated area with sweet corn in conventional tillage system in Brazil expanded, although crops can be grown on different residues of cover crops, which improve nutrient cycling and crop productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomass production and to quantify the rate of plant residues decomposition of different cover crops, and correlate the results with the production and grain yield of sweet corn in an area located in the Cerrado biome. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with eight treatments: PM - pearl millet; SH - sunn hemp; SG - signal grass; PM + SH; PM + SG; SH + SG; PM+ SH + SG; FW - fallow (spontaneous vegetation), which preceded the cultivation of sweet corn. Fresh biomass (FB) and dry biomass (DB) of the cover crops were evaluated, as well as the rate of plant residue decomposition. Sweet corn productivity, straw and corncob weight, and grain yield were also determined. Pearl millet presented a better performance in FB production, decomposition rate, residue half-life (T½ life) in soil, yield, corn cob strawweight and yield of sweet corn. Pearl millet, when mixed with other plants, presented reduced rate of residue decomposition and increased residue T½ life. The FW presented the lowest biomass production, with great rate of decomposition and low T½ life. Cover crops grown before sweet corn in soils of good fertility did not affect crop agronomic characteristics. Pearl millet is the best cover crop adapted to Cerrado Brazilian climatic conditions to be used in monoculture or in mixtures with other plants.
Application of tamarind seed starch as edible coating in the post-harvest quality of grapes ‘Isabel’ (Vitis labrusca × Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Santos Bárbara Genilze Figueiredo Lima , Teodosio Albert Einstein Mathias de Medeiros , Araújo Railene Hérica Carlos Rocha , Onias Elny Alves , Oliveira Agda Malany Forte de , Santos Elidayane da Nóbrega , Marcelino Rita Magally Oliveira da Silva , Santos Jaína Geovana Figueiredo Lima
Published: September 2020

The Isabel grape (Vitis labrusca × Vitis vinifera L.) is the most produced grape in Brazil, however, it has a short postharvest period due to rapid degradation during storage. The use of coating has been an alternative to prolong the shelf-life of fruits. The objective of this work was to evaluate the postharvest quality of 'Isabel' grapes coated with tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed starch. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments with edible coating based on tamarind seed starch, at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% and five replications. The grapes were immersed in the solutions with different concentrations and stored in B.O.D. at 12 ± 2 ° C and 85 ± 5% relative humidity for 12 days. Weight loss, color, pH, soluble solids, total titratable acidity, relationship between soluble solids and acidity, anthocyanins, flavonoids and vitamin C were evaluated. The 2% coating of tamarind seed starch was the most efficient, providing shelf life in 12-day grapes when stored at 12 ± 2 ° C and 85 ± 5% RH, and maintaining the main quality aspects, with higher SS / TA ratio and vitamin C.
Morphological and phytochemical analysis of leaves and stems of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa CAV.
Authors: Facco Gilberto Gonçalves , Schleder Eloty Justina , Vidis Natalia Yoshioka de , Halverson Maristela , Matias Rosemary , Ferreira Marcos Barbosa , Dourado Doroty Mesquita , Fernandes Carlos Eurico dos Santos
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to carry out morphoanatomical, histochemical and phytochemical analysis of leaves and stems of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa Cav. (Malpighiaceae), a native plant responsible for abortion and sudden death in beef cattle. Plant specimens underwent anatomical study, in which leaves and stems were dried and ground with aqueous and ethanol extracts subjected to histochemical and phytochemical analysis. Anatomical observation of vegetative organs detected the presence of simple columnar cells in the adaxial epidermis, palisade mesophyll, parenchyma with a layer of cells and paracitic type stomata. Stem cross-sections presented circular section, single layer (uniseriate) epidermis with thick cuticle and Malpighi’s trichomes, the phelogen was in differentiation. The cortex showed angular collenchyma, parenchyma with exogenous channels and druse shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Phytochemical tests of aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaves and stems indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and cardiotonic heterosides. Potentially phytotoxic secondary metabolites evidenced in the leaves and stems, including saponins and cardiotonic heterosides were correlated with clinical signs observed in intoxicated animals.
Root biomass and production of cotton cultivars subjected to saline water irrigation
Authors: Silva André Alisson Rodrigues da , Pereira Márcia Cristina de Araújo , Veloso Luana Lucas de Sá Almeida , Nascimento Ronaldo do , Nascimento Elka Costa Santos , Bezerra Carlos Vailan de Castro , Batista Mateus Costa , Lima Robson Felipe de
Published: September 2020

Water scarcity and high levels of salinity in irrigation water limit irrigated cotton cultivation in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. So, it is necessary to adopt cultivation strategies that make the production system feasible. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the biomass and production of cotton cultivars subjected to different levels of saline water irrigation. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions, with treatments distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, corresponding to five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity - ECw (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 dS m-1) and two cotton cultivars (BRS 368 RF and BRS Safira), with 4 replicates. Treatment effects were measured by the number of bolls per plant, lint weight, number of seeds per plant, total weight of seeds and dry and fresh biomass of stem, roots and leaves. Irrigation using water with electrical conductivity from 1.5 dS m-1 negatively affects the production of the cotton cultivars BRS SAFIRA and BRS 368 RF, causing reductions in all production variables analyzed. The cultivar BRS Safira has better production performance than BRS 368 RF when exposed to water salinity.