bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Phytophthora Blight in Sweet Pepper Depends on Biochar Amendment and Soil Type
Authors: Shoaf Nathan , Hoagland Lori , Egel Daniel S.
Published: February 2019

Phytophthora blight has become one of the most serious threats to the vegetable industry. Managing this disease is challenging, because the oomycete pathogen responsible, Phytophthora capsici, can move rapidly through crop fields, has a wide host range, is resistant to many commonly used fungicides, and produces resilient spores that can survive in soil for up to 10 years. Recent studies have demonstrated that biochar amendments can suppress infection by many soil-borne pathogens—indicating that these amendments could have the potential to help control phytophthora blight. In this study, greenhouse trials were conducted to determine whether two commercially available biochar amendments could suppress P. capsici infection in sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) using three naturally infested field soils. Soil biological and chemical assays were conducted to evaluate whether potential changes induced by biochar amendments were correlated with suppressive activity. Amending soil with a biochar product that included a proprietary mix of beneficial microorganisms and enriched substrates resulted in lower soil P. capsici abundance in all soils, and lower percent root infection in two of the soils tested. This product also resulted in higher soil pH, and lower soil nitrogen availability and leaf chlorophyll content. The other biochar product did not suppress P. capsici, and had few effects on soil chemical and biological properties. Results of this study indicate that some commercially available biochar amendments have the potential to help mediate phytophthora blight, but further trials are needed to confirm that suppressive effects will be observed in field trials. Additional research is also recommended to identify the mechanisms regulating biochar-mediated suppression of phytophthora blight to develop products that can reliably suppress soil-borne diseases in the field.
Weed Suppression in Pumpkin by Mulches Composed of Organic Municipal Waste Materials
Authors: Splawski Caitlin E. , Regnier Emilie E. , Harrison S. Kent , Bennett Mark A. , Metzger James D.
Published: February 2019

Field studies were conducted in 2011 and 2012 to compare mulch treatments of shredded newspaper, a combination of shredded newspaper plus turfgrass clippings (NP + grass), hardwood bark chips, black polyethylene plastic, and bare soil on weeds, insects, soil moisture, and soil temperature in pumpkins. Newspaper mulch or black plastic reduced total weed biomass ≥90%, and woodchip or NP + grass mulch each reduced total weed biomass 78% compared with bare soil under high rainfall conditions in 2011. In 2012, under low rainfall, all mulches reduced weed biomass 97% or more compared with bare soil. In both years, all mulches resulted in higher squash bug infestations than bare soil. The woodchip, newspaper, and NP + grass mulches retained higher soil moistures than bare soil or black plastic over the course of each growing season, and the woodchip and NP + grass mulches caused greatest fluctuations in soil temperature. Pumpkin yields were abnormally low in 2011 and did not differ among treatments. In 2012, all mulches produced greater total marketable pumpkin fruit weights compared with bare soil, but only black plastic, newspaper, and NP + grass mulches resulted in greater total numbers of marketable pumpkins. Overall results indicate that shredded newspaper or NP + grass mulches may be useful for organic and/or small-scale urban crop producers as sustainable alternatives to black plastic mulch; however, their weed suppression efficacy may require higher application rates with increasing moisture conditions, and they may require greater squash bug control measures than under bare soil conditions.
Pretreatment Effects on Seed Germination of Two Nyssa Species
Authors: Balestri Frank , Graves William R.
Published: February 2019

The genus Nyssa L. includes several woody species with traits valued by horticulturists, but only black gum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.) is prevalent in the nursery trade. A congener, swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora Walt.), might be a marketable shade tree, but little is known about propagating it from seeds. Because cold, moist stratification overcomes embryo dormancies of black gum, we compared germination of cleaned seeds (surrounding pulp of fruits removed) of swamp tupelo and black gum that were stratified at 5 °C for 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, and 112 days. Seeds of swamp tupelo within intact drupes were also stratified. Across all durations of stratification, 79% of cleaned seeds of swamp tupelo germinated, whereas 11% of seeds within drupes germinated. Germination value of cleaned seeds of swamp tupelo increased from 1.26 to 3.23 as duration of stratification increased. Although cleaned seeds of black gum responded similarly, the benefit of stratification was more pronounced, and the mean germination percentage was lower than for swamp tupelo (66% vs. 79%). In a second experiment, irrigation with low and high concentrations of an extract of fruit pulp of swamp tupelo reduced germination of seeds of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ‘Superbo’), spinach (Spinacea oleracea L. ‘Bloomsdale’), zinnia (Zinnia ×marylandica Spooner, Stimart, and Boyle ‘Double Zahara Cherry’), and swamp tupelo by 25% to 63% (low concentration) and 40% to 70% (high concentration). Propagators should remove the surrounding pulp from seeds of swamp tupelo and cold stratify them at least for 4 weeks.
Cultivar, Seeding Rate, or Date Has Little Effect on Establishment of Dormant Seeded Buffalograss
Authors: Li Luqi , Sousek Matthew D. , Amundsen Keenan L. , Reicher Zachary J.
Published: February 2019

Little information exists on dormant seeding of buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.]. The objectives of these two studies were to determine how seeding rate affects establishment of ‘Sundancer’ buffalograss when dormant and spring-seeded, and to evaluate if cultivar or seeding date affects establishment of ‘Cody’, ‘Bowie’, or ‘Sundancer’ buffalograss when seeded at various dates during the winter and spring. In the first study, ‘Sundancer’ buffalograss was dormant seeded at 146, 244, or 293 kg·ha−1 in late November in 2012 and 2013 or spring-seeded in early May in 2013 and 2014. In the second study, ‘Sundancer’, ‘Bowie’, or ‘Cody’ was seeded at 146 kg·ha−1 in late November in 2013 and 2014, late January, March, and May in 2014 and 2015. Dormant seeding of buffalograss resulted in >80% cover by the following August in all studies. Increasing seeding rate had no effect on establishment of ‘Sundancer’, regardless of seeding date. Furthermore, there was no difference in turf cover by August following seeding of ‘Sundancer’, ‘Bowie’, or ‘Cody’ at 146 kg·ha−1 in late November, January, March, or May. Our results suggest that ‘Sundancer’, ‘Bowie’, or ‘Cody’ can be successfully dormant seeded at 146 kg·ha−1 from late November through late March, which allows establishment before the following winter.
Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) Control with Thiencarbazone-methyl, Foramsulfuron, and Halosulfuron-methyl in Bermudagrass Turf
Authors: Johnston Christopher R. , Henry Gerald M.
Published: February 2019

Dallisgrass control in response to various timings and frequencies of single and combination herbicide treatments was evaluated from 2010 to 2012 in Lubbock, TX. Treatments included thiencarbazone-methyl + foramsulfuron + halosulfuron-methyl (TFH) at 15 + 31 + 47 or 22 + 45 + 70 g a.i./ha, foramsulfuron at 106 g a.i./ha, and foramsulfuron + thiencarbazone-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium + dicamba (foramsulfuron + TID) at 106 + (22 + 5 + 147) g a.i./ha. Applications of TFH provided ≤65% dallisgrass control by 10 weeks after initial treatment (WAIT) across two rates (15 + 31 + 47 or 22 + 45 + 70 g a.i./ha) and three application timings [September, October, or September followed by (fb) a sequential October application]. At 37 WAIT, sequential applications of TFH at 15 + 31 + 47 g a.i./ha resulted in 92% dallisgrass control. Similarly, application of TFH at 22 + 45 + 70 g a.i./ha provided 94% and 97% dallisgrass control when applied in September or September fb October, respectively. However, single October applications of TFH only provided ≤55% dallisgrass control 37 WAIT. Sequential combinations of foramsulfuron + TID at 106 + (22 + 5 + 147) g a.i./ha provided 93% dallisgrass control 37 WAIT, equivalent to single applications of TFH at 15 + 31 + 47 g a.i./ha and sequential treatments at 15 + 31 + 47 or 22 + 45 + 70 g a.i./ha. However, initial control (10 WAIT) with foramsulfuron + TID was moderate (63%). Sequential foramsulfuron applications (106 g a.i./ha) resulted in inadequate dallisgrass control (35% and 48%) 10 and 37 WAIT, respectively. Results from this study suggest that long-term dallisgrass control may be achieved when TFH is applied in September or September fb October. Applications initiated in October resulted in inadequate control, regardless of rate, which may be linked to reduced herbicidal absorption and translocation due to the onset of dallisgrass dormancy in late fall. Chemical names used: methyl 4-[(4,5-dihydro-3-methoxy-4-methyl-5-oxo-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)carbonylsulfamoyl]-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate (thiencarbazone-methyl); 2-[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]-4-formamido-N,N-dimethylbenzamide (foramsulfuron); methyl 3-chloro-5-[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]-1-methylpyrazole-4-carboxylate (halosulfuron-methyl); sodium (5-iodo-2-methoxycarbonylphenyl)sulfonyl-[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)carbamoyl]azanide (iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium); and 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba).
Ontogeny of Crown Bud Clusters and Dormancy-breaking Treatments Influence Productivity and Spread of Harvest Maturity of Gentian ‘Showtime Diva’
Authors: Samarakoon Uttara C. , Woolley David J. , Morgan Ed R. , Funnell Keith A.
Published: February 2019

Cut flower productivity and quality of gentian is associated with growth and development of crown buds. Experiments were carried out with the gentian cultivar Showtime Diva to identify the response to treatments that break dormancy [cold temperature (chilling), gibberellic acid (GA3)] applied at different stages of development of crown buds (plants with nonemerged crown buds, shoots recently emerged, or shoots emerged and elongated). The comparative growth potential of crown buds within the cluster was also investigated. At the stages of development examined, the application of GA3 (100 ppm) increased emergence of crown buds as shoots, leading to development of more flowering shoots. A similar response was observed with exposure to cold, but only on plants with nonemerged crown buds. Shoot emergence increased in response to increased duration of cold from 0 to 42 days (5 °C). Both chilling and GA3 could potentially be used to reduce the duration to, and spread of, harvest maturity if applied before shoot emergence. The hierarchical relationship of buds in crown bud clusters led to differential responses to application of GA3. Buds ontogenetically positioned at the proximal end of the bud cluster took a similar duration to reach shoot emergence or harvest maturity. For buds located at the distal end there was a positive correlation between ontogenetic bud position and the duration to reach shoot maturity. Shoot length and number of nodes at harvest maturity showed slight negative correlations with the position of the bud in the bud cluster. The results provide an explanation for possible sources of the variation in quality and quantity of floral shoots, and spread in time to harvest maturity within a single plant, and with development stage.
Growth, Strobile Yield, and Quality of Four Humulus lupulus Varieties Cultivated in a Protected Open-sided Greenhouse Structure
Authors: Pearson Brian J. , Smith Richard M. , Chen Jianjun
Published: February 2019

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial, herbaceous crop cultivated for its strobiles, or cones, which contain a resinous compound used for flavoring and aroma in food, tea, and beer. The United States is the second largest global producer of hops with greater than 15,000 ha in production. Increased demand for hop products has recently resulted in production of hops in nontraditional production areas (non-Pacific northwest U.S. region). To examine cultivation potential of hops within the southeastern United States, 60 hop rhizomes consisting of four varieties were transplanted into native, deep sand soil (Candler and Tavares-Millhopper soil series) within a protected, open-sided greenhouse and evaluated for growth, strobile yield, and brewing values for a period of 2 years. Plant bine length was recorded weekly for 20 weeks throughout year 1 with mean bine lengths of 609, 498, 229, and 221 cm at harvest for ‘Chinook’, ‘Columbus’, ‘Amalia’ and ‘Neo1’, respectively. Mean harvested strobile dry weight recorded for year 1 was 21.2, 17.9, 9.0, and 8.2 g/plant for ‘Columbus’, ‘Chinook’, ‘Neo1’ and ‘Amalia’, respectively. With the exception of ‘Neo1’, mean strobile mass was lower for all cultivars during year 2 with 16.6, 10.3, 25.8, and 2.6 g/plant for ‘Columbus’, ‘Chinook’, ‘Neo1’ and ‘Amalia’, respectively. Alpha acid concentrations by percentage strobile mass for year 1 were 6.8%, 9.7%, 3.8%, and 4.3% for ‘Columbus’, ‘Chinook’, ‘Amalia’, and ‘Neo1’, respectively. Alpha acids varied year 2 with concentrations of 4.8%, 10.4%, and 5.6% for ‘Columbus’, ‘Chinook’, and ‘Neo1’, respectively. Findings support viability of hop production in the southeastern United States and establish the benchmark for future varietal trialing investigations.
Cranberry Gas Exchange under Short-term Hypoxic Soil Conditions
Authors: Pelletier Vincent , Pepin Steeve , Laurent Thomas , Gallichand Jacques , Caron Jean
Published: February 2019

Cranberries were grown under controlled environmental conditions to determine the effects of soil waterlogging on cranberry gas exchange in three growth stages and to investigate the recovery time after waterlogging. Photosynthesis declined by 28% after the first day of waterlogging at the bud elongation stage and was 46% lower after the fifth day. At the flowering stage, the reduction in photosynthesis started to be significant only after the fifth day, whereas no reduction was observed at the fruit development stage. Stomatal limitations were responsible, in part, for the observed decrease in photosynthesis since stomatal conductance (gS) declined by 68% and 45% after the fifth day of waterlogging during bud elongation and flowering, respectively. After water drained away in the saturated treatments, leaf photosynthesis remained lower than in the unsaturated control treatment for 1 to more than 10 days at the bud elongation stage. Our results demonstrate that short-term hypoxic soil conditions can alter cranberry gas exchange depending on plant growth stage, and suggest that adequate drainage or control of the water table depth is required to avoid the negative effects of soil waterlogging on cranberry yield.
Growth Response and Gene Expression to Deficit Irrigation and Recovery of Two Perennial Ryegrass Accessions Contrasting in Drought Tolerance
Authors: Jiang Yiwei , Cui Yu , Pei Zhongyong , Liu Huifen , Sun Shoujun
Published: February 2019

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is an important cool-season forage and turfgrass species. Growth and physiological responses of perennial ryegrasses to chronic deficit irrigation (DI) and recovery following a water deficit event are not well understood. The objective of this study was to characterize plant growth, water status, and gene expression in response to DI and recovery of perennial ryegrass. Two accessions, PI598453 (drought tolerant) and PI403847 (drought susceptible), were subjected to irrigation treatments with 100% evapotranspiration (ET) replacement every other day as the control (100% ET) and 70% ET replacement as DI treatment for 21 days in a greenhouse. After the treatment period, the DI-treated plants were shifted back to 100% ET for 7 days for recovery. The grasses were cut every 7 days, for a total of three times. Leaf relative water content (LRWC) significantly decreased at 21 days of 70% ET for both accessions, compared with the control; but to a greater extent in the more susceptible PI403847. Water-use efficiency (WUE) significantly increased 1.6-fold for PI598453 and 1.3-fold for PI403847 under 70% ET, whereas 33% reduction of leaf dry weight (LDW) was found only in PI403847. Plant height (HT) and leaf length (LL) were unaffected by 70% ET after the first two cuttings, but decreased after the third cut and did not recover to the control level for both accessions. Reductions in leaf width (LW) under 70% ET were found at 8 and 6 days after cutting for PI598453 and for PI403847, respectively. The transcript levels of heat shock protein (HSC70), iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD), and plasma membrane intrinsic protein type 1 (PIP1) in both leaves and stems were generally downregulated during 70% ET treatment with a few exceptions but fully recovered to 100% ET after rewatering. The expression levels of cytosolic copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (cyto Cu/Zn SOD) and light-harvesting Chl a/b-binding proteins (LHCB) did not alter under 70% ET for both accessions. Differential growth and physiological responses of perennial ryegrass accessions to DI could be used for further studying of molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in perennial ryegrass.
Antioxidant Metabolism and Gene Expression during “Stain” Development on ‘Fuji’ Apples during Cold Storage
Authors: Torres Carolina A. , Hernandez Omar , Moya-León Maria A. , Razmilic Ivan , Rudell David R.
Published: February 2019

A distinct type of postharvest skin browning on apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruit called “stain” is a frequent disorder in ‘Fuji’ grown under high light and elevated temperatures. Symptoms typically develop only on sun-exposed sections of the fruit regardless of the presence of sunburn symptoms, and sometimes only in the margins of this area. The role of different antioxidant systems in tissue exposed to different levels of sunlight and having different degrees of sun injury were investigated during cold storage [1 °C, >90% (relative humidity) RH]. Ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations, AsA–GSH recycling enzyme activities and gene expression, and flavonoids and carotenoid concentrations were determined every 30 days. “Stain” incidence increased with sun exposure and sunburn level. Both shaded and exposed fruit peel without sunburn symptoms had the highest AsA content. The AsA–GSH recycling enzyme activities and gene expression levels had no clear relationship with sun exposure during cold storage. Chlorophyll a (chl a) and chlorophyll b (chl b) levels diminished over time and were higher in tissue without any type of sun injury. In contrast, carotenoid levels increased as sun injury incidence increased and remained relatively stable during storage. Total phenolics and quercetin glycoside levels changed coincidently during storage. Results indicate that the AsA–GSH cycle does not have a clear role in “stain” development. Nevertheless, reduced ascorbate levels may reduce the capacity to prevent oxidative stress–provoked damage which may, in turn, result in oxidation of quercetin glycosides, which would then lead to skin browning.
Tillage System and Cover Crop Management Impacts on Soil Quality and Vegetable Crop Performance in Organically Managed Production in Tennessee
Authors: Butler David M. , Bates Gary E. , Eichler Inwood Sarah E.
Published: February 2019

Research is lacking on the impact of alternative reduced tillage (RT) systems on vegetable crop performance and soil quality, especially in organic production systems, where weed control cannot rely on synthetic herbicides. A 2-year field study was implemented in Aug. 2010 in Knoxville, TN, to evaluate cover crop–based systems for organic vegetable production either with or without spring tillage. Treatments, all organically managed, included 1) Till (+ACC), spring tillage of a winter cover crop with aboveground cover crop biomass (ACC) retained and soil covered by polyethylene mulch; 2) Till (−ACC), spring tillage of a winter cover crop with aboveground cover crop biomass (ACC) removed before tillage and soil covered by polyethylene mulch; and 3) RT system with no spring tillage and mechanically terminated winter cover crop residue on the soil surface. Vegetable crops of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. et Nakai] were planted in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Crop yield, cover crop biomass accumulation, soil N and C dynamics, and weed density were assessed. Marketable eggplant yield and marketable watermelon yield did not differ among treatments, but weed density was higher in the RT system. Measures of soil quality after 2 years of the study indicated that particulate organic matter-carbon (POM-C) and -nitrogen (POM-N) were highest in the RT treatment, a significant increase as compared with values at the beginning of the study. As a measure of the active fraction of soil organic matter, this indicates that the RT system may best maintain and improve soil quality in similar regional organic vegetable cropping systems. As indicated by measures of soil quality and crop yield, removal of aboveground cover crop biomass did not negatively impact the Till (−ACC) system as compared with the Till (+ACC).
Carbon Footprint and Variable Costs of Production Components for a Container-grown Evergreen Shrub Using Life Cycle Assessment: An East Coast U.S. Model
Authors: Ingram Dewayne L. , Hall Charles R. , Knight Joshua
Published: February 2019

The production components of an evergreen shrub (Ilex crenata ‘Bennett’s Compacta’) grown in a no. 3 container in an east coast U.S. nursery were analyzed for their costs and contributions to carbon footprint, as well as the product impact in the landscape throughout its life cycle. A life cycle inventory was conducted of input materials, equipment use, and all cultural practices and other processes used in a model production system for this evergreen shrub. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the model numerated the associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), carbon footprint, and variable cost of each component. The LCA also included the transportation and transplanting of the final product in the landscape as well as its removal after a 40-year useful life. GHG from input products and processes during the production (cutting-to-gate) of the evergreen shrub were estimated to be 2.918 kg CO2e. When considering carbon sequestration during production weighted over a 100-year assessment period, the carbon footprint for this model system at the nursery gate was 2.144 kg CO2e. Operations, combining the impact of material and equipment use, that contributed most of GHG during production included fertilization (0.707 kg CO2e), the liner and transplanting (0.461 kg CO2e), the container (0.468 kg CO2e), gravel and ground cloth installation (0.222 kg CO2e), substrate materials and preparation (0.227 kg CO2e), and weed control (0.122 kg CO2e). The major contributors to global warming potential (GWP) were also major contributors to the cutting-to-gate variable costs ($3.224) except for processes that required significant labor investments. Transporting the shrub to the landscaper, transporting it to the landscape site, and transplanting it would result in GHG of 0.376, 0.458, and 0 kg CO2e, respectively. Variable costs for postharvest activities were $6.409 and were dominated by labor costs (90%).
Horticultural Aspects for the Cultivated Production of Piquin Peppers (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum)—A Review
Authors: Mares-Quiñones María Daniela , Valiente-Banuet Juan Ignacio
Published: February 2019

Piquin pepper [Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum (Dunal) Heiser and Pickergill] is a semidomesticated pepper with high commercial value and wide applications as fresh or processed products. Piquin pepper plants have been difficult to domesticate and cultivate because of low seed germination, genetic and morphologic variability, insect and disease susceptibility, and limited environmental physiology information. Currently, seed sterility is no longer considered a limiting factor as hormonal, chemical, and thermal treatments have been developed to overcome seed dormancy. In vitro propagation (primarily by direct organogenesis) is still not reliable for seedling production. Cropping systems of piquin pepper plants include traditional methods such as agroforestry and full sunlight, and under protected horticulture conditions, mainly shade nets. Shade levels and water availability affect yield and vegetative growth. Piquin pepper plants can be grown under diverse geographic and edaphic conditions. Nutrition and fertilization studies are limited. Biotic stresses that can cause economic damage to piquin pepper plants include most that affect other pepper cultivars. Piquin pepper is also considered an important genetic resource as it reports resistance to some viral groups, which could be used for genetic improvement of other cultivated peppers. Current research needs involve the development of dependable plant materials (cultivated varieties) with reduced labor needs, particularly during the harvest period. In addition, research is needed to reduce the susceptibility of piquin pepper plants to other plant diseases. This review presents an analysis of the aspects related to the production of piquin peppers under cultivated conditions.
Management of Apple Maturity and Postharvest Storage Conditions to Increase Polyphenols in Cider
Authors: Ewing Brianna L. , Peck Gregory M. , Ma Sihui , Neilson Andrew P. , Stewart Amanda C.
Published: February 2019

Hard cider production in the United States has increased dramatically during the past decade, but there is little information on how harvest and postharvest practices affect the chemistry of the resulting cider, including concentrations of organoleptically important flavanols. For 2 years we assessed fruit, juice, and cider from a total of five apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars in two experiments: sequential harvests and postharvest storage. Different cultivars were used in 2015 and 2016 with the exception of ‘Dabinett’, which was assessed in both years. There were no differences in polyphenol concentrations in cider made from fruit that was harvested on three separate occasions over a 4-week period in either 2015 or 2016. Fruit storage durations and temperatures had little influence on the chemistry when the experiment was conducted in 2015, but polyphenol concentration was greater after storage in the 2016 experiment. In 2016, total polyphenols in ‘Dabinett’ ciders were 51% greater after short-term storage at 10 °C and 67% greater after long-term storage at 1 °C than the control, which was not subjected to a storage treatment. In 2016, total polyphenols in ‘Binet Rouge’ ciders were 67% greater after short-term storage at 10 °C and 94% greater after long-term storage at 1 °C than the control. Although results varied among cultivars and harvest years, storing apples for longer periods of time and at warmer temperatures may be a strategy to increase polyphenol, particularly flavanol, concentrations in hard cider.
Aggregation but Not Organo‐Metal Complexes Contributed to C Storage in Tidal Freshwater Wetland Soils
Authors: Maietta Christine E. , Bernstein Zachary A. , Gaimaro Joshua R. , Buyer Jeffrey S. , Rabenhorst Martin C. , Monsaint-Queeney Victoria L. , Baldwin Andrew H. , Yarwood Stephanie A.
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Water‐stable aggregates may assist in the preservation of organic carbon in wetland soils.

Soil C was more evenly distributed among the aggregate‐size classes in the restored but not the natural site.

Macroaggregate‐C more closely resembled plan detritus whereas mineral‐C was enriched with N‐containing compounds.

One of the many goals of wetland restoration is to promote the long‐term storage of carbon (C) in the terrestrial biosphere. Unfortunately, soil C reservoirs in restored wetlands are slow to accumulate even after hydrology and plant communities are reestablished. Oftentimes wetland restoration changes the soil matrix and thus can dramatically alter how soil C is stored and processed. Our research investigated whether soil organic matter (SOM) preservation theories derived from studies in non‐wetland soil systems can be extended to wetland soils. We examined C associated with water‐stable soil aggregates, minerals, and metal oxides within habitats of one natural and one restored tidal freshwater wetland. This study revealed that a majority of the soil C in the natural site was associated with large macroaggregates (>2000 μm), and soils from the restored site stored more C in small macroaggregates (≥250 to <2000 μm). Despite these different associations, the chemical composition of SOM followed similar patterns across each aggregate‐size class. Results from the sequential extraction procedure suggest organo‐metal oxide complexes do not contribute to C stabilization in these habitats. This research is one of the few studies that have examined C stabilization related to soil structure in wetland soils. Our results suggest soil aggregate formation may be an important mechanism driving C stabilization, and that disruption to macroaggregates may limit C accumulation in restored wetlands. Additional empirical research and long‐term field monitoring are needed to confirm linkages between aggregate‐C stabilization and accumulation in wetland soils.
Cover Crops and Corn Residue Removal: Impacts on Soil Hydraulic Properties and Their Relationships with Carbon
Authors: Sindelar Michael , Blanco-Canqui Humberto , Jin Virginia L. , Ferguson Richard
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Cover crop generally had no effect on water infiltration, water retention, and available water after 5 and 6 yr.

Corn residue removal reduced water infiltration, water retention, and available water after 5 and 6 yr.

Cover crop partially mitigated the negative impacts of corn residue removal on soil hydraulic properties.

Reductions in soil micropores and soil C concentration due to corn residue removal partly explained the reduction in plant‐available water.

Large‐scale crop residue removal may negatively affect soil water dynamics. Integrating cover crop (CC) with crop residue management can be a strategy to offset potential adverse effects of residue removal. We studied: (i) the impact of corn (Zea mays L.) residue removal (56%) with and without the use of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) CC on soil hydraulic properties, (ii) whether CC would ameliorate residue removal effects on hydraulic properties, and (iii) relationships of hydraulic properties with soil organic C (SOC) and other properties under irrigated no‐till continuous corn on a silt loam in south central Nebraska after 5 and 6 yr of management. Cover crops did not affect soil hydraulic properties. However, residue removal reduced cumulative water infiltration by about 45% in one year. Across years, residue removal reduced plant available water (PAW) by 32% and mean weight diameter of water‐stable aggregates (MWD) by 23% for the upper 5‐cm soil depth. Under no CC, residue removal reduced SOC concentration by 25% in the 0‐ to 5‐cm and by 11% in the 5‐ to 10‐cm depths. Under residue removal, CC increased SOC concentration by 18% in the 0‐ to 5‐cm and by 8% in the 5 to 10‐cm depths. Cover crop did not completely offset the residue removal‐induced decrease in SOC concentration in the upper 5‐cm depth. Plant available water decreased as SOC concentration and MWD decreased. After 6 yr, corn residue removal adversely affected soil hydraulic properties and SOC concentration, but CC was unable to fully offset such adverse impacts.
Safety of New Oral Anticoagulants for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zbigniew Krasiński , Hubert Stępak , Andrzej Jawień , Michal Stanisic
Published: February 2019

In daily practice, chemical substances called “direct oral anticoagulants” or DOACs are more convenient
to administer when set beside vitamin K antagonists (VKA) due to improved pharmacologic properties, fewer
drug interactions and rapid onset of action. The objective of this review was to assess whether DOACs are the
alternative for VKA in subjects with mild-to-moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). An analysis of current
DOAC trials and studies was performed focusing on subjects with CKD. This review concludes that although
DOACS are not recommended in the course of advanced chronic kidney disease (CrCl<30mL/min) or during
dialysis, DOACS are a reasonable choice for individuals with mild to moderate CKD.
Intracranial Aneurysms in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Jabbarli Ramazan , Dinger Thiemo F. , Pierscianek Daniela , Oppong Marvin D. , Chen Bixia , Dammann Philipp , Wrede Karsten H. , Kaier Klaus , Köhrmann Martin , Forsting Michael , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Sure Ulrich
Published: February 2019

Background:

The exact causes of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are still unknown. However,
certain diseases are known to be associated with IAs.

Objective:

To analyze the differences in IA characteristics in the general population and in
individuals with sickle-cell disease (SCD).

Methods:

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library
for Data on SCD patients with IAs. We compared IA characteristics of SCD patients with those
from 2451 healthy IA carriers from our observational cohort.

Results:

129 SCD patients with IAs were identified in 42 studies. The SCD patient cohort was
characterized by younger age (mean 27.1 vs 54.9 years, p<0.0001) and lower female prevalence
(57.7% vs 68.4%, p=0.0177). The prevalence (47% vs 34.5%, p=0.004) and the number (3.02 vs
2.56 IAs/patient, p=0.004) of multiple IAs were also higher in the SCD cohort. Unruptured IAs
(3.27 vs 6.16 mm, p<0.0001), but not ruptured IAs (7.8 vs 7.34 mm, p=0.9086) were significantly
smaller in the SCD cohort. In addition, IAs were more frequently located in the internal carotid artery
(45% vs 29%, p<0.0001) or posterior circulation (43% vs 20%, p<0.0001). Higher age (≥30
years, p=0.007), IA size ≥7 mm (p=0.008), and location in posterior circulation (p=0.01) were independently
associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage in SCD.

Conclusion:

There is a distinct demographic and radiographic pattern of IA in SCD. Risk factors
for IA rupture in SCD are mostly congruent with those in healthy individuals.
Glucose Levels and Outcome After Primary Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Authors: Guo Rui , Chen Ruiqi , You Chao , Ma Lu , Li Hao , Fang Yuan
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose:

Hyperglycemia is reported to be associated with poor outcome
in patients with spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH), but the association between
blood glucose level and outcomes in Primary Intraventricular Hemorrhage (PIVH) remains unclear.
We sought to identify the parameters associated with admission hyperglycemia and analyze
the impact of hyperglycemia on clinical outcome in patients with PIVH.

Methods:

Patients admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital with PIVH between
2010 and 2016 were retrospectively included in our study. Clinical, radiographic, and laboratory
data were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to
identify independent predictors of poor outcomes.

Results:

One hundred and seventy patients were included in the analysis. Mean admission blood
glucose level was 7.78±2.73 mmol/L and 10 patients (5.9%) had a history of diabetes mellitus.
History of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.01; Odds Ratio [OR], 9.10; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.64
to 50.54) was independent predictor of admission critical hyperglycemia defined at 8.17 mmol/L.
Patients with admission critical hyperglycemia poorer outcome at discharge (P < 0.001) and 90
days (P < 0.001). After adjustment, admission blood glucose was significantly associated with discharge
(P = 0.01; OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.59) and 90-day poor outcomes (P = 0.03; OR, 1.27;
95% CI, 1.03 to 1.58), as well as mortality at 90 days (P = 0.005; OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.78).
In addition, admission critical hyperglycemia showed significantly increased the incidence rate of
pneumonia in PIVH (P = 0.02; OR, 6.04; 95% CI 1.27 to 28.80) even after adjusting for the confounders.

Conclusion:

Admission blood glucose after PIVH is associated with discharge and 90-day poor
outcomes, as well as mortality at 90 days. Admission hyperglycemia significantly increases the
incidence rate of pneumonia in PIVH.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Induced Hypertension: Role of Hypertension as a Biomarker in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Budolfsen Cecilie , Faber Julie , Grimm Daniela , Krüger Marcus , Bauer Johann , Wehland Markus , Infanger Manfred , Magnusson Nils Erik
Published: February 2019

:

Cancer treatment is an area of continuous improvement. Therapy is becoming more targeted and the use of anti-angiogenic agents in multiple cancers, specifically tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), has demonstrated prolonged survival outcomes compared with previous drugs. Therefore, they have become a well-established part of the treatment.

:

Despite good results, there is a broad range of moderate to severe adverse effects associated with treatment. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most frequent adverse effects and has been associated with favourable outcomes (in terms of cancer treatment) of TKI treatment.

:

High blood pressure is considered a class effect of TKI treatment, although the mechanisms have not been fully described. Three current hypotheses of TKI-associated HTN are highlighted in this narrative review. These include nitric oxide decrease, a change in endothelin-1 levels and capillary rarefaction.

:

Several studies have investigated HTN as a potential biomarker of TKI efficacy. HTN is easy to measure and adding this factor to prognostic models has been shown to improve specificity. HTN may become a potential biomarker in clinical practice involving treating advanced cancers. However, data are currently limited by the number of studies and knowledge of the mechanism of action.
From Antimicrobial to Anticancer Peptides: The Transformation of Peptides
Authors: Qin Yuan , Qin Zuo D. , Chen Jing , Cai Che G. , Li Ling , Feng Lu Y. , Wang Zheng , Duns Gregory J. , He Nong Y. , Chen Zhe S. , Luo Xiao F.
Published: February 2019

Background: Antimicrobial peptides play an important role in the innate immune system. Possessing broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, antimicrobial peptides can quickly treat and kill various targets, including gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and tumor cells.

Objective:

An overview of the state of play with regard to the research trend of antimicrobial peptides in recent years and the situation of targeting tumor cells, and to make statistical analysis of the patents related to anticancer peptides published in recent years, is important both from toxicological and medical tumor therapy point of view.

Methods:

Based on the Science Citation Index Expanded version, the Derwent Innovation Index and Innography as data sources, the relevant literature and patents concerning antimicrobial peptides and anticancer peptides were analyzed through the Thomson Data Analyzer. Results of toxicologic and pharmacologic studies that brought to the development of patents for methods to novel tumor drugs were analyzed and sub-divided according to the specific synthesis of anticancer peptides.

Results:

The literature and patent search data show that the research and development of global antimicrobial peptides and anticancer peptides has been in an incremental mode. Growing patent evidence indicate that bioinformatics technology is a valuable strategy to modify, synthesize or recombine existing antimicrobial peptides to obtain tumor drugs with high activity, low toxicity and multiple targets.

Conclusion:

These findings may have important clinical implications for cancer treatment, especially in patients with conditions that are not currently treatable by other drugs, or that are resistant to existing cancer drugs.
Seeds, Leaves and Roots of Thapsia garganica as a Source of New Potent Lipases Inhibitors: In vitro and In silico Studies
Authors: Nebeg Halima , Benarous Khedidja , Serseg Talia , Lazreg Asma , Hassani Hafidha , Yousfi Mohamed
Published: February 2019

Background and Objective:

Lipase inhibitors have gained great interest because they could
help in the therapy of many diseases, however, unfortunately, only a few drugs are currently available
on the market. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate for the first time the lipase inhibition
effect of Thapsia garganica extracts from seeds, leaves and roots.

Methods:

Polyphenols and flavonoids contents were determined using spectrophotometric method.
Inhibitory activity of ethyl acetate extracts from seeds, leaves and roots of T. garganica against Candida
rugosa lipase was determined. To uncover the active constituents responsible for this anti-lipase
activity, further investigations were performed by employing theoretical docking simulations, using
AutoDock Vina program to discuss the nature of interactions and the inhibition mechanism by major
bioactive compounds synthesized by this plant.

Results:

Seeds, leaves and roots extracts of T. garganica showed appreciable contents of polyphenols
and flavonoids which is most in seeds extract with 2.90±0.02mg GAE/gdw and 1.53±0.05mg QE/gdw,
respectively. Hence, their inhibitory activities against Candida rugosa lipase were determined as IC50
of 1.19mg/ml, 1.96mg/ml and 1.87mg/ml, respectively. Docking simulations have shown that
nortribolid and tribolid are best inhibitors for both lipases (Candida rugosa and human pancreatic lipases).

Conclusion:

Testing the anti-lipase activity of the ethyl acetate extracts of T. garganica revealed a
potent lipase inhibition activity, which suggests the use of these molecules as anti-obesity drugs.
AU Content in the MicroRNA Sequence Influences its Stability after Heat Treatment
Authors: López Agnès Garcias , Brogaard Louise , Heegaard Peter Mikail Helwag , Cirera Susanna , Skovgaard Kerstin
Published: February 2019

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules which regulate
gene expression post-transcriptionally and are involved in a multitude of cellular processes.
MiRNAs are known to be very stable compared to messenger RNAs (mRNAs), making them excellent
candidates as biomarkers for disease. Recently, studies have suggested that miRNA stability in
formalin fixed samples might depend on their nucleotide composition.

Objective:

To explore the stability of a panel of miRNAs isolated from porcine blood and lung tissue
after heat and enzyme treatment.

Method:

Porcine RNA isolated from lung tissue and blood leukocytes was used for this study. RNA
samples were exposed to heat treatment and RNAse A digestion. The levels of selected miRNAs
were measured by means of qPCR before and after heat and enzyme treatment.

Results:

Fourteen miRNAs were successfully analysed, and they were found to degrade differently
after exposure to heat or RNAse A. MiRNAs with <60% of adenine (A) and uracil (U) in their sequence
were found to be more stable.

Conclusion:

This is the first study showing that different miRNAs isolated from lung tissue display
unequal stability after heat treatment, probably based on their nucleotide composition, highlighting
the importance of considering the miRNA sequence when investigating their value as biomarkers.
Comparing the methods of vertical equating for the math learning achievement tests for junior high school students
Authors: Nisa Chairun , Retnawati Heri
Published: February 2019

Developing the students’ mathematical ability needs to be carried out to improve the teaching process. This is very important for continuous education. This study aimed to describe: (1) the characteristics of the mathematics achievement tests for grades VII and VIII; (2) the equity constant of the vertical equating result of the mathematics achievement; (3) the accuracy of the mean mean method, mean and sigma, Haebara characteristics curve, Stocking Lord characteristics curve methods in the vertical equating of the tests for grades VII and VIII. The data were the students’ scores for the Higher Order Thinking tests collected with the anchor test design. The analysis technique utilized was the descriptive quantitative analysis. The findings of the study show that: (1) the learning achievement tests for grades VII and VIII have the difficulty level (location) in the fair category (0.190 and 0.451), and the discrimination index (slope) in the category of good with the mean of 0.700 and 0.633; (2) the vertical equating result shows an equation of Y’ = 0.88X-0.27 with the mean and mean method, Y’ = 0.19X-0.02 with the mean and sigma method, Y’ = 0.38X-0.12 with the Haebara characteristics curve method, and Y’ = 0.57X-0.18 with the Stocking and Lord characteristics curve; (3) the lowest Root Mean Square Different (RMSD) belongs to the mean and mean method, followed by the Stocking and Lord characteristics curve method, mean and sigma method, and the Haebara characteristics curve method.
Examining cost measurements in production and delivery of three case studies using eLearning for Applied Health Sciences: A cross-case synthesis (Preprint)
Authors: Meinert Edward , Alturkistani Abrar , Foley Kimberley , Brindley David , Car Josip
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Report (2006) conveys that a significant increase is needed in global healthcare resourcing to meet current and future demand for health professionals. eLearning (defined as asynchronous/synchronous online learning delivered via the internet) presents a possible opportunity to change and optimise training by providing a scalable means for instruction, thus reducing the costs necessary for implementation. Research literature often suggests a benefit of eLearning is its cost-effectiveness compared to face to face instruction, yet there is limited evidence comparing costs to other forms of instruction, or the establishment of standards for budgeting of implementation costs.

OBJECTIVE

In order to determine potential cost favourability of eLearning in contrast to other learning, there must first be understanding of the components and ingredients to build online learning implementations. Without first taking this step, studies lack essential financial accounting rigour for course planning and have an inconsistent basis for comparison. This study’s objectives are to A) establish standard ingredients for the cost of the production of eLearning, B) determine the variance instructional design has on the costs of production of eLearning.

METHODS

This project makes use of a cross-case method among three case studies using mixed-methods, including cost accounting and budget variance analysis. The different implementation-specific aspects of these cases are used to establish common principles in the composition of budgets in production and delivery of applied health professions eLearning.

RESULTS

Two case studies reported significant negative budget variances due to issues surrounding underreporting of personnel costs, inaccurate resource task estimation, lack of contingency planning, challenges in 3rd party resource management and the need to update health-related materials that went out of date during course production. A third study reported a positive budget variance due to cost-efficiency derived from previous implementation, strong working relationship of the course project team and the use of iterative project management methods.

CONCLUSIONS

This research suggests that the costs of delivery eLearning is often underestimated or underreported and identifies factors that could be used to control budgets better. Through consistent management of factors impacting cost in production in courses, further research could be undertaken using standard economic evaluation methods to evaluate the advantages of using eLearning.

CLINICALTRIAL

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