bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis of Floral, Yield and its Component Traits of Maintainer Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Hossain MS , Ivy NA , Raihan MS , Kayesh E , Maniruzzaman S 
Published: June 2021

Direct selection based on crop yields is paradox in breeding programmes because of its complex polygenically inherited character, which is influenced by its component traits. A field experiment was conducted to establish the extent of association between yield and yield components and other characters in maintainer lines of rice. Analysis of variance revealed that significant amount of genetic variability was present in the entire characters studied except grain length, grain width and flag leaf breadth. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for number of tillers per hill, number of panicles per plant, number of grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight (TGW), filled grains per panicle, flag leaf length, stigma breadth, filament length suggesting preponderance of additive gene action in the expression of these characters. The correlation coefficient between grain yield per plant and other quantitative characters attributing to yield showed that grain yield was significantly and positively associated with number of grains per panicle, TGW, spikelet fertility, filament length and pollen fertility at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient at genotypic level revealed that panicle length, number of effective tillers/plant, number of grains per panicle, TGW, filled grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, stigma length, stigma breadth, filament length and pollen fertility had direct positive effect on grain yield indicating importance of these parameters as the main contributors to yield. Thus, a genotype with higher extent of these traits could be selected as parents from existing genotypes for genetic improvement of yield in hybrid rice.
Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (1): 1-9, 2020
Assessing the Effectiveness of Rice Procurement Programme and Farmers’ Profitability in some Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahaman MS , Sarkar MAR , Kabir MJ , Deb L , Rahman MC , Islam MA , Siddique MAB 
Published: June 2021

Using cross-sectional data obtained through carrying out a sample survey conducted during 2018, we examined the perception of farmers and millers about the paddy and rice procurement system and its feasibility. A probit model was employed to ascertain the factors influencing the likelihood of participating in the procurement system by farmers from two districts of Bangladesh. The results showed that the government procurement system has significant impacts on both the participant farmers and millers. The farmers and millers' net profit was TK 4,205 and TK 3,930 by selling a ton of paddy and cleaned rice, respectively, to the procurement center rather than in the local market. The probit regression analysis revealed nine different factors that significantly influenced farmers' participation in the paddy procurement programme. Results further implied that educated farmers had procurement cards with sufficient system knowledge, residing near the hub with improved road access, and association with political parties get preference in participating in the programme. The findings also indicate that lucrative prices, programme scheduling and good conduct of procurement employees inspire farmers to participate in the programme. The government procurement programme has several drawbacks such as anomalies in selecting farmers, taking extra paddy by the employees, corruption, unsuitable payment system, and procurement capacity. Therefore, the government would be vigilant to ensure that the procurement system will provide farmers with price support. A well-functioning procurement system is crucial for guaranteeing the country's food security by ensuring a fair price for the producers. Finally, the study proposed some policy guidelines based on the findings to establish a sound paddy and/or rice procurement system in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (1): 31-46, 2020
Biological Control of Rice Sheath Blight Disease (Rhizoctonia solani) Using Bio-pesticides and Bio-control Agents
Authors: Rashid MM , Bhuiyan MR , Dilzahan HA , Hamid MA , Hasan N , Khan MAI , Latif MA 
Published: June 2021

A series of experiments were conducted in Plant Pathology Laboratory at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur to know the efficacy of four bio-pesticides Recharge, Microtech1, Agroplus and Chitin and two bio-control agents (Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis) on the major rice disease sheath blight (ShB) caused by Rhizoctonia solani in in-vitro and field condition. One fungicide Nativo (Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25%) and one disease control (without any treatments) were also included as treatment for comparison. Radial mycelia growth of R. solani was mostly inhibited by a Bangladesh Trichoderma harzianum (BT1), Recharge and chemical fungicide Nativo 75 G at 48 hours of dual contact of R. solani and tested bio-pesticides or bio-control agents in in-vitro. The other bio-pesticides along with B. subtilis didn’t show any inhibition effect on the mycelia growth of R. solani which was similar to control (only water) treatment. Fungal inhibition 87.5% and 86.3% of Rhizoctonia solani was obtained by Recharge and Trichoderma harzianum (BT1), respectively which was nearly similar to the chemical treatment Nativo (96.3%) in in-vitro dual culture method compared to control treatment. In net house condition, 74% sheath blight disease was inhibited by soil application of Recharge (0.3 g/m2 with 50 ml water) for two times at the time of transplanting and 30 days after transplanting (DAT), whereas similar soil application of B. subtilis (OD600=0.3) was not found effective to control the ShB disease (< 30% disease reduction). The highest ShB disease was reduced by the chemical control Nativo 75 G (94.2%) followed by BT1 (89%), bio-pesticide Recharge (70.8%), Microtech1 (37.4%) and Chitin (61.3%) compared with the disease control when the tested materials were sprayed for two times (3 days before and 4 days after inoculation).
Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (1): 47-58, 2020
Estimating the Risk of Severe Peanut Allergy Using Clinical Background and IgE Sensitization Profiles
Authors: Datema Mareen R. , Lyons Sarah A. , Fernández-Rivas Montserrat , Ballmer-Weber Barbara , Knulst André C. , Asero Riccardo , Barreales Laura , Belohlavkova Simona , de Blay Frédéric , Clausen Michael , Dubakiene Ruta , Fernández-Perez Cristina , Fritsche Philipp , Gislason David , Hoffmann-Sommergruber Karin , Jedrzejczak-Czechowicz Monika , Jongejan Laurian , Kowalski Marek L. , Kralimarkova Tanya Z. , Lidholm Jonas , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Popov Todor A. , Prado Nayade del , Purohit Ashok , Reig Isabel , Seneviratne Suranjith L. , Sinaniotis Athanassios , Vassilopoulou Emilia , Versteeg Serge A. , Vieths Stefan , Welsing Paco M. J. , Mills E. N. Clare , Le Thuy-My , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , van Ree Ronald 
Published: June 2021

Background:It is not well-understood why symptom severity varies between patients with peanut allergy (PA).Objective:To gain insight into the clinical profile of subjects with mild-to-moderate and severe PA, and investigate individual and collective predictive accuracy of clinical background and IgE to peanut extract and components for PA severity.Methods:Data on demographics, patient history and sensitization at extract and component level of 393 patients with probable PA (symptoms ≤ 2 h + IgE sensitization) from 12 EuroPrevall centers were analyzed. Univariable and penalized multivariable regression analyses were used to evaluate risk factors and biomarkers for severity.Results:Female sex, age at onset of PA, symptoms elicited by skin contact with peanut, family atopy, atopic dermatitis, house dust mite and latex allergy were independently associated with severe PA; birch pollen allergy with mild-to-moderate PA. The cross-validated AUC of all clinical background determinants combined (0.74) was significantly larger than the AUC of tests for sensitization to extract (0.63) or peanut components (0.54–0.64). Although larger skin prick test wheal size, and higher IgE to peanut extract, Ara h 1 and Ara h 2/6, were associated with severe PA, and higher IgE to Ara h 8 with mild-to-moderate PA, addition of these measurements of sensitization to the clinical background model did not significantly improve the AUC.Conclusions:Models combining clinical characteristics and IgE sensitization patterns can help establish the risk of severe reactions for peanut allergic patients, but clinical background determinants are most valuable for predicting severity of probable PA in an individual patient.
A Comparison of Ultrasound Guided Curettage With and Without Uterine Artery Embolization on Controlling Intraoperative Blood Loss for a Cesarean Scar Pregnancy Treatment: Study Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tang Yunhui , Zhang Yi , Tang Hanqing , Che Jiahui , Feng Hua , Yao Xiaoying , Chen Qi 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionCesarean scar pregnancy affects 6% of all ectopic pregnancies in women with prior cesarean section, and there is currently no consensus on the optimal treatment. Options of surgical treatment have a risk of intraoperative blood loss; therefore, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been considered as an option of reducing intraoperative blood loss. However, UAE may be overused in clinical practice, especially in China. We present this protocol for a randomized clinical trial investigating the necessity of performing UAE for cesarean scar pregnancy, in combination with surgical suction curettage, taking into account the different subtypes of cesarean scar pregnancy. We recently developed a risk-scoring system (QRS) to estimate intraoperative blood loss, with 93.8% sensitivity and 6.3% false negative. Through this randomized clinical trial, we will retrospectively validate the QRS score on predicting intraoperative blood loss.Methods and AnalysisWe propose undertaking a randomized clinical trial sequentially recruiting 200 patients. All the patients will randomly receive ultrasound guided curettage with or without UAE. Data on the subtypes of cesarean scar pregnancy (Types 1 and II and III) detected by ultrasound will be collected before operation. The score on estimating intraoperative blood loss assessed by our recently developed quantitative risk-scoring system (QRS) will be collected before the operation. We will primarily compare the duration of the operation, intraoperative blood loss, and complications between the two groups. We will also retrospectively analyze the association of subtypes of cesarean scar pregnancy and the options of treatment and validate the QRS score. Outcomes of subsequent pregnancy within the 2-year follow-up will be secondary outcomes.Trial Registration Number[website], identifier ChiCTR2100041654.
Tropical Rainforest Successional Processes can Facilitate Successfully Recovery of Extremely Degraded Tropical Forest Ecosystems Following Intensive Mining Operations
Authors: Zhao Yang , Zou Yike , Wang Lu , Su Rui , He Qifang , Jiang Kai , Chen Bin , Xing Yuting , Liu Tiedong , Zhang Hui , Cui Jie , Wang Chen 
Published: June 2021

Reforestation is an effective way to alleviate deforestation and its negative impacts on ecosystem services. In tropical rainforest ecosystem, however, frequent typhoons and heavy rainfall can result in landslides and uprooting of many seedlings, making reforestation efforts very difficult, especially within extremely degraded sites where soil conditions cannot support any plant life. Here, we described a reforestation protocol which is based on tropical rainforest successional processes to not only prevent landslides and tree uprooting due to frequent typhoon and heavy rain, but also accelerate tropical forest succession. This protocol first used the slope and soil layer of the undisturbed old-growth tropical rainforest as a reference to reconstruct slope and soil layers. Then multiple tropical tree species with high growth and survival rate were separately monocultured in the reconstructed soil layers. In the year of 2015 and 2016, we tested the effectiveness of this protocol to recover a 0.2 km2 extremely degraded tropical rainforest which consists of bare rock and thus does not support any plant life, in Sanya city, China. Our results showed that, both typhoons and heavy rains did not result in landslide or any tree damages in the area this reforestation protocol was used. Moreover, our separately monocultured eight fast-growing tree species have much higher fast-growing related functional traits than those for tree species in the adjacent undisturbed tropical seasonal forest, which in turn resulted in large soil water and nutrient loss within 3 years. This seemed to simulate a quick transition from primary succession (consist of bare rock and cannot support any plant life) to mid-stage of secondary tropical rainforest succession (many fast-growing pioneer tree species induced high soil water and nutrient loss). Thus, mixing the late-successional tropical tree species with each of the separately monocultured eight fast-growing tree species can accelerate recovery to the undisturbed tropical rainforest as soon as possible. Overall, based on tropical rainforest successional processes, our research provides an effective protocol for quickly and effectively restoring an extremely degraded tropical rainforest ecosystem. We expect that this work will be important for the future recovery of other extremely degraded tropical rainforest ecosystems.
Automated Facial Recognition for Noonan Syndrome Using Novel Deep Convolutional Neural Network With Additive Angular Margin Loss
Authors: Yang Hang , Hu Xin-Rong , Sun Ling , Hong Dian , Zheng Ying-Yi , Xin Ying , Liu Hui , Lin Min-Yin , Wen Long , Liang Dong-Po , Wang Shu-Shui 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundNoonan syndrome (NS), a genetically heterogeneous disorder, presents with hypertelorism, ptosis, dysplastic pulmonary valve stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and small stature. Early detection and assessment of NS are crucial to formulating an individualized treatment protocol. However, the diagnostic rate of pediatricians and pediatric cardiologists is limited. To overcome this challenge, we propose an automated facial recognition model to identify NS using a novel deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) with a loss function called additive angular margin loss (ArcFace).MethodsThe proposed automated facial recognition models were trained on dataset that included 127 NS patients, 163 healthy children, and 130 children with several other dysmorphic syndromes. The photo dataset contained only one frontal face image from each participant. A novel DCNN framework with ArcFace loss function (DCNN-Arcface model) was constructed. Two traditional machine learning models and a DCNN model with cross-entropy loss function (DCNN-CE model) were also constructed. Transfer learning and data augmentation were applied in the training process. The identification performance of facial recognition models was assessed by five-fold cross-validation. Comparison of the DCNN-Arcface model to two traditional machine learning models, the DCNN-CE model, and six physicians were performed.ResultsAt distinguishing NS patients from healthy children, the DCNN-Arcface model achieved an accuracy of 0.9201 ± 0.0138 and an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.9797 ± 0.0055. At distinguishing NS patients from children with several other genetic syndromes, it achieved an accuracy of 0.8171 ± 0.0074 and an AUC of 0.9274 ± 0.0062. In both cases, the DCNN-Arcface model outperformed the two traditional machine learning models, the DCNN-CE model, and six physicians.ConclusionThis study shows that the proposed DCNN-Arcface model is a promising way to screen NS patients and can improve the NS diagnosis rate.
Sodium Thiosulfate Improves Intestinal and Hepatic Microcirculation Without Affecting Mitochondrial Function in Experimental Sepsis
Authors: Schulz Jan , Kramer Sandra , Kanatli Yasin , Kuebart Anne , Bauer Inge , Picker Olaf , Vollmer Christian , Truse Richard , Herminghaus Anna 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionIn the immunology of sepsis microcirculatory and mitochondrial dysfunction in the gastrointestinal system are important contributors to mortality. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) optimizes gastrointestinal oxygen supply and mitochondrial respiration predominantly via K(ATP)-channels. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that sodium thiosulfate (STS), an inducer of endogenous H2S, improves intestinal and hepatic microcirculation and mitochondrial function via K(ATP)-channels in sepsis.MethodsIn 40 male Wistar rats colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP) surgery was performed to establish sepsis. Animals were randomized into 4 groups (1: STS 1 g • kg-1 i.p., 2: glibenclamide (GL) 5 mg • kg-1 i.p., 3: STS + GL, 4: vehicle (VE) i.p.). Treatment was given directly after CASP-surgery and 24 hours later. Microcirculatory oxygenation (µHBO2) and flow (µflow) of the colon and the liver were continuously recorded over 90 min using tissue reflectance spectrophotometry. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption in tissue homogenates was determined with respirometry. Statistic: two-way ANOVA + Dunnett´s and Tukey post - hoc test (microcirculation) and Kruskal-Wallis test + Dunn’s multiple comparison test (mitochondria). p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsSTS increased µHbO2 (colon: 90 min: + 10.4 ± 18.3%; liver: 90 min: + 5.8 ± 9.1%; p &lt; 0.05 vs. baseline). Furthermore, STS ameliorated µflow (colon: 60 min: + 51.9 ± 71.1 aU; liver: 90 min: + 22.5 ± 20.0 aU; p &lt; 0.05 vs. baseline). In both organs, µHbO2 and µflow were significantly higher after STS compared to VE. The combination of STS and GL increased colonic µHbO2 and µflow (µHbO2 90 min: + 8.7 ± 11.5%; µflow: 90 min: + 41.8 ± 63.3 aU; p &lt; 0.05 vs. baseline), with significantly higher values compared to VE. Liver µHbO2 and µflow did not change after STS and GL. GL alone did not change colonic or hepatic µHbO2 or µflow. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption and macrohemodynamic remained unaltered.ConclusionThe beneficial effect of STS on intestinal and hepatic microcirculatory oxygenation in sepsis seems to be mediated by an increased microcirculatory perfusion and not by mitochondrial respiratory or macrohemodynamic changes. Furthermore, the effect of STS on hepatic but not on intestinal microcirculation seems to be K(ATP)-channel-dependent.
Hyper-Enriched Anti-RSV Immunoglobulins Nasally Administered: A Promising Approach for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis
Authors: Jacque Emilie , Chottin Claire , Laubreton Daphné , Nogre Michel , Ferret Cécile , de Marcos Sandrine , Baptista Linda , Drajac Carole , Mondon Philippe , De Romeuf Christophe , Rameix-Welti Marie-Anne , Eléouët Jean-François , Chtourou Sami , Riffault Sabine , Perret Gérald , Descamps Delphyne 
Published: June 2021

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a public health concern that causes acute lower respiratory tract infection. So far, no vaccine candidate under development has reached the market and the only licensed product to prevent RSV infection in at-risk infants and young children is a monoclonal antibody (Synagis®). Polyclonal human anti-RSV hyper-immune immunoglobulins (Igs) have also been used but were superseded by Synagis® owing to their low titer and large infused volume. Here we report a new drug class of immunoglobulins, derived from human non hyper-immune plasma that was generated by an innovative bioprocess, called Ig cracking, combining expertises in plasma-derived products and affinity chromatography. By using the RSV fusion protein (F protein) as ligand, the Ig cracking process provided a purified and concentrated product, designated hyper-enriched anti-RSV IgG, composed of at least 15-20% target-specific-antibodies from normal plasma. These anti-RSV Ig displayed a strong in vitro neutralization effect on RSV replication. Moreover, we described a novel prophylactic strategy based on local nasal administration of this unique hyper-enriched anti-RSV IgG solution using a mouse model of infection with bioluminescent RSV. Our results demonstrated that very low doses of hyper-enriched anti-RSV IgG can be administered locally to ensure rapid and efficient inhibition of virus infection. Thus, the general hyper-enriched Ig concept appeared a promising approach and might provide solutions to prevent and treat other infectious diseases.ImportanceRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the major cause of acute lower respiratory infections in children, and is also recognized as a cause of morbidity in the elderly. There are still no vaccines and no efficient antiviral therapy against this virus. Here, we described an approach of passive immunization with a new class of hyper-enriched anti-RSV immunoglobulins (Ig) manufactured from human normal plasma. This new class of immunoglobulin plasma derived product is generated by an innovative bioprocess, called Ig cracking, which requires a combination of expertise in both plasma derived products and affinity chromatography. The strong efficacy in a small volume of these hyper-enriched anti-RSV IgG to inhibit the viral infection was demonstrated using a mouse model. This new class of immunoglobulin plasma-derived products could be applied to other pathogens to address specific therapeutic needs in the field of infectious diseases or even pandemics, such as COVID-19.
Major Characteristics of Severity and Mortality in Diabetic Patients With COVID-19 and Establishment of Severity Risk Score
Authors: Xiao Yu-Feng , He Jia-Lin , Xu Yu , Liu Xi , Lin Hui , Li Qi , Xu Zhi , Hu Ming-Dong , Ren Xiao-Bao , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Wen-Jing , Duan Wei , Tian Yong-Feng , Li Ping , Wu Hao , Song Cai-Ping , Liu En , Yang Shi-Ming 
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Diabetes is a risk factor for poor COVID-19 prognosis. The analysis of related prognostic factors in diabetic patients with COVID-19 would be helpful for further treatment of such patients.Methods: This retrospective study involved 3623 patients with COVID-19 (325 with diabetes). Clinical characteristics and laboratory tests were collected and compared between the diabetic group and the non-diabetic group. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to explore risk factors associated in diabetic patients with COVID-19. A prediction model was built based on these risk factors.Results: The risk factors for higher mortality in diabetic patients with COVID-19 were dyspnea, lung disease, cardiovascular diseases, neutrophil, PLT count, and CKMB. Similarly, dyspnea, cardiovascular diseases, neutrophil, PLT count, and CKMB were risk factors related to the severity of diabetes with COVID-19. Based on these factors, a risk score was built to predict the severity of disease in diabetic patients with COVID-19. Patients with a score of 7 or higher had an odds ratio of 7.616.Conclusions: Dyspnea is a critical clinical manifestation that is closely related to the severity of disease in diabetic patients with COVID-19. Attention should also be paid to the neutrophil, PLT count and CKMB levels after admission.