Nitrate Transport Rate in the Xylem of Tomato Plants Grafted onto a Vigorous Rootstock

Vigorous interspecific rootstocks increase nitrogen (N) uptake in tomato plants but limited information is available on xylem transport rate. Non-grafted and self-grafted tomato plants cv. Attiya and plants grafted onto an interspecific hybrid, Kaiser, were grown under growth chamber conditions and subjected to two light levels, 400 or 800 µmol PAR m−2 s−1. Plant water uptake, xylem sap NO3− content, and stem hydraulic conductance (ks) were measured after two weeks of growth. Xylem vessel number and diameter were evaluated in cross-sectional stem cuts and the theoretical xylem hydraulic conductance (kh) was calculated. Only the light level modified the xylem NO3− content. Grafting reduced ks by 84% in comparison to non-grafted plants. The water uptake rate and xylem sap NO3− content were 4.02 ± 0.66 g H2O kg−1 DW h−1 and 12.78 ± 1.16 mM, respectively, across all grafting treatments. The rootstock has a higher kh because the vessel diameter is 79.3 ± 14.4 µm while in non-grafted plants it is 62.0 ± 10.1 µm. Nitrate concentration and transport rate changes accordingly to the plant’s growth rate. The vigorous rootstock relies on larger vessels to supply the required amounts of N.

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Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24776 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽

Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽

Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽

Thanh Vo Van ◽

Toi Phung Lam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

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A Call for a Reform of the Influenza Immunization Program in Mexico: Epidemiologic and Economic Evidence for Decision Making

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9030286 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 286

Author(s):

Roberto Tapia-Conyer ◽

Miguel Betancourt-Cravioto ◽

Alejandra Montoya ◽

Jorge Abelardo Falcón-Lezama ◽

Myrna María Alfaro-Cortes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Decision Analytic Model ◽

Limited Information ◽

Vaccination Policy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Influenza Case ◽

One Year ◽

Effectiveness Studies

Limited information is available to determine the effectiveness of Mexico’s national influenza vaccination guidelines and inform policy updates. We aim to propose reforms to current influenza vaccination policies based on our analysis of cost-effectiveness studies. This cross-sectional epidemiological study used influenza case, death, discharge and hospitalization data from several influenza seasons and applied a one-year decision-analytic model to assess cost-effectiveness. The primary health outcome was influenza cases avoided; secondary health outcomes were influenza-related events associated with case reduction. By increasing vaccination coverage to 75% in the population aged 12–49 years with risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, morbid obesity, chronic renal failure, asthma, pregnancy), and expanding universal vaccination coverage to school-aged children (5–11 years) and adults aged 50–59 years, 7142–671,461 influenza cases; 1–15 deaths; 7615–262,812 healthcare visits; 2886–154,143 emergency room admissions and 2891–97,637 hospitalizations could be prevented (ranges correspond to separate age and risk factor groups), with a net annual savings of 3.90 to 111.99 million USD. Such changes to the current vaccination policy could potentially result in significant economic and health benefits. These data could be used to inform the revision of a vaccination policy in Mexico with substantial social value.

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A cross-sectional study reporting concussion exposure, assessment and management in Western Australian general practice

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-021-01384-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Elizabeth Thomas ◽

HuiJun Chih ◽

Belinda Gabbe ◽

Melinda Fitzgerald ◽

Gill Cowen

Keyword(s):

General Practice ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Limited Information ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Usual Practice ◽

Exact Test ◽

Concussion Management ◽

Practice Knowledge ◽

Western Australian

Abstract Background General Practitioners (GPs) may be called upon to assess patients who have sustained a concussion despite limited information being available at this assessment. Information relating to how concussion is actually being assessed and managed in General Practice is scarce. This study aimed to identify characteristics of current Western Australian (WA) GP exposure to patients with concussion, factors associated with GPs’ knowledge of concussion, confidence of GPs in diagnosing and managing patients with concussion, typical referral practices and familiarity of GPs with guidelines. Methods In this cross-sectional study, GPs in WA were recruited via the RACGP WA newsletter and shareGP and the consented GPs completed an electronic survey. Associations were performed using Chi-squared tests or Fisher’s Exact test. Results Sixty-six GPs in WA responded to the survey (response rate = 1.7%). Demographics, usual practice, knowledge, confidence, identification of prolonged recovery as well as guideline and resource awareness of GPs who practised in regional and metropolitan areas were comparable (p > 0.05). Characteristics of GPs were similar between those who identified all symptoms of concussion and distractors correctly and those who did not (p > 0.05). However, 84% of the respondents who had never heard of concussion guidelines were less likely to answer all symptoms and distractors correctly (p = 0.039). Whilst 78% of the GPs who were confident in their diagnoses had heard of guidelines (p = 0.029), confidence in managing concussion was not significantly associated with GPs exposure to guidelines. It should be noted that none of the respondents correctly identified signs of concussion and excluded the distractors. Conclusions Knowledge surrounding concussion guidelines, diagnosis and management varied across GPs in WA. Promotion of available concussion guidelines may assist GPs who lack confidence in making a diagnosis. The lack of association between GPs exposure to guidelines and confidence managing concussion highlights that concussion management may be an area where GPs could benefit from additional education and support.

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Evaluation of the Nutrients Uptake by Tomato Plants in Different Phenological Stages Using an Electrical Conductivity Technique

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture11040292 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 292

Author(s):

Ilie Bodale ◽

Gabriela Mihalache ◽

Vladut Achiţei ◽

Gabriel-Ciprian Teliban ◽

Ana Cazacu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electrical Conductivity ◽

Xylem Sap ◽

Plant Growth And Development ◽

Phenological Stages ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Bulb Formation ◽

High Consumption ◽

Nutrients Uptake ◽

Nutrient Consumption ◽

Flow Through

Nutrient consumption by plants depends on the growth stage and environmental conditions. In general, plants take up species of elements at different speeds. We monitored and recorded the electrical charge flow through xylem sap of tomato plants (Brillante F1) using femto/picoammeter equipment (Keysight B2981A). This technique evaluates the nutrient uptake of tomato treated with the most common macronutrients (KNO3; KH2PO4; Ca(NO3)2; KCl) by monitoring the electrical conductivity for 24 h. The electrical conductivity of each treatment correlated with the plant growth and development stages. The results showed that the tomato plants had a high consumption of nutrients in the vegetative stage, while in other stages, they had a specific consumption, like phosphorus for bulb formation, potassium for increasing the number of flowers and water for the ripening of fruits. The quantitative evaluation of the ions absorbed by the plant was based on the magnitude and shape of the electrical conductivity curves. Our technique is an efficient method to determine nutrient consumption and is useful in predicting the deficiency of a certain element in tomato plants.

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Identification of the biomechanical factors associated with the perception of distension in the human esophagus

AJP Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpgi.00134.2001 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 282 (4) ◽

pp. G683-G689 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

J. D. Barlow ◽

H. Gregersen ◽

D. G. Thompson

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Area ◽

Sectional Area ◽

Limited Information ◽

Butyl Bromide ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impedance Planimetry ◽

Sensory Responses ◽

Human Esophagus ◽

Biomechanical Factors ◽

The Relationship

Current techniques used to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the sensory responses to distension of the human esophagus provide limited information because the degree of circumferential stretch required to determine tension can only be inferred. We used impedance planimetry to measure the cross-sectional area during esophageal distension to ascertain the degree of stretch and tension that initiated motor and sensory responses. Hyoscine- N-butyl bromide (HBB), a cholinergic muscarinic receptor blocker, was also used to alter esophageal tension during distension. Motor activity was initiated at a lower degree of stretch and tension than that which initiated sensory awareness; both increased directly with increasing distension. HBB reduced both esophageal motility and tension during distension without altering the relationship between sensation intensity and cross-sectional area. Esophageal stretch, rather than tension, thus appears to be the major factor influencing sensory responses to esophageal distension.

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Testing for ion-mediated enhancement of the hydraulic conductance of the leaf xylem in diverse angiosperms

Journal of Plant Hydraulics ◽

10.20870/jph.2017.e004 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. e004 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Christine Scoffoni ◽

Grace John ◽

Herve Cochard ◽

Lawren Sack

Keyword(s):

Water Solution ◽

Pure Water ◽

Xylem Sap ◽

Hydraulic Conductance ◽

Membrane Pores ◽

Whole Plant ◽

Pit Membrane ◽

Major Bottleneck ◽

The Difference ◽

Xylem Conduits

Replacing ultra-pure water solution with ion solution closer to the composition of natural xylem sap increases stem hydraulic conductance by up to 58%, likely due to changes in electroviscosity in the pit membrane pores. This effect has been proposed to contribute to the control of plant hydraulic and stomatal conductance and potentially to influence on carbon balance during dehydration. However, this effect has never been directly tested for leaf xylem, which constitutes a major bottleneck in the whole plant. We tested for an ion-mediated increase in the hydraulic conductance of the leaf xylem (Kx) for seven species diverse in phylogeny and drought tolerance. Across species, no significant changes in Kx were observed between 0 and 15 mM KCl. We further tested for an effect of ion solution during measurements of Kx vulnerability to dehydration in Quercus agrifolia and found no significant impact. These results for leaf xylem contrast with the often strong ion effect reported for stems, and we suggest several hypotheses to account for the difference, relating to the structure of xylem conduits across vein orders, and the ultrastructure of leaf xylem pores. A negligible ion response in leaves would weaken xylem sap ion-mediated control of plant hydraulic conductance, facilitating modeling of whole plant hydraulic behavior and its influence on productivity.

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Assessment of non-progressive dysarthria: practice and attitude of speech and language therapists in Lebanon

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/s12883-021-02484-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marwa Summaka ◽

Hayat Harati ◽

Salem Hannoun ◽

Hiba Zein ◽

Nour Koubaisy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Neurological Diseases ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

World Health ◽

International Classification Of Functioning ◽

Assessment Practices ◽

Limited Information ◽

Speech And Language ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Non-progressive dysarthria is an acquired motor speech disorder resulting from neurological diseases such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. The evidence base for the assessment of non-progressive dysarthria remains limited with professional practices relying mainly on therapists’ clinical experience. Limited information on the assessment practices of Lebanese speech and language therapists (SLTs) is available. Such information is crucial for the development of adequate therapy services for clients with non-progressive dysarthria. This study aims to explore the assessment practices and attitudes of Lebanese SLTs working with adults with non-progressive dysarthria and to investigate their adherence to the framework of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between March and May 2021. Data was collected through an online survey that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, practices, and attitudes of SLTs who assess adults with non-progressive dysarthria. Results A total of 50 Lebanese SLTs responded to the survey. The majority of SLTs (78%) assessed clients with non-progressive dysarthria across all ICF domains. SLTs reported dissatisfaction with the available assessment tools (64%) and reliance on informal tools (84%). In addition, 68% of the SLTs suggested the crucial need for the development of Arabic formal assessments that can quantitatively evaluate dysarthria and determine severity. The survey also showed that the respondents demonstrated a preference for the use of impairment-based tools. Conclusion It can be concluded that the assessment practices of Lebanese SLTs, generally, follow the international trend and the recommended professional guidelines. Further research initiatives should be held to develop Arabic formal assessment tools for non-progressive dysarthria.

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Trehalose induces tomato defenses and increases drought tolerance and bacterial wilt disease resistance

10.1101/2021.07.26.453814 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

April M MacIntyre ◽

Valerian Meline ◽

Zachary Gorman ◽

Steven P Augustine ◽

Carolyn J Dye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Resistance ◽

Stomatal Conductance ◽

Water Use ◽

Bacterial Wilt ◽

Xylem Sap ◽

Wilt Disease ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Bacterial Wilt Disease ◽

Infected Tomato ◽

Use Efficiency

Ralstonia solanacearum causes plant bacterial wilt disease, leading to severe crop losses. Xylem sap from R. solanacearum-infected tomato is enriched in host produced trehalose. Water stressed plants accumulate the disaccharide trehalose, which increases drought tolerance via abscisic acid (ABA) signaling networks. Because infected plants have reduced water flow, we hypothesized that bacterial wilt physiologically mimics drought stress, which trehalose could mitigate. Transcriptomic responses of susceptible vs. resistant tomato plants to R. solanacearum infection revealed differential expression of drought-associated genes, including those involved in ABA and trehalose metabolism. ABA was enriched in xylem sap from R. solanacearum-infected plants. Treating roots with ABA lowered stomatal conductance and reduced R. solanacearum stem colonization. Treating roots with trehalose increased ABA in xylem sap and reduced plant water use by reducing stomatal conductance and temporarily improving water use efficiency. Further, trehalose-treated plants were more resistant to bacterial wilt disease. Trehalose treatment also upregulated expression of salicylic acid (SA)-dependent defense genes, increased xylem sap levels of SA and other antimicrobial compounds, and increased wilt resistance of SA-insensitive NahG tomato plants. Additionally, trehalose treatment increased xylem concentrations of jasmonic acid and related oxylipins. Together, these data show that exogenous trehalose reduced both water stress and bacterial wilt disease and triggered systemic resistance. This suite of responses revealed unexpected linkages between plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress and suggests that that R. solanacearum-infected tomato plants produce more trehalose to improve water use efficiency and increase wilt disease resistance. In turn, R. solanacearum degrades trehalose as a counter-defense.

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Career Intention Among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Single-center Cross-Sectional Study in Hubei Province

10.21203/rs.3.rs-622888/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xue-lin Wang ◽

Ming-xiu Liu ◽

Shuai Peng ◽

Lei Yang ◽

Chen Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Health Worker ◽

Large Scale ◽

Career Planning ◽

Limited Information ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Career Intentions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Career Intention ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background：Undergraduate medical (UM) students faced the realities of the difficulties inherent in medical careers due to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Thus imperative containment measures could affect UM students’ career intentions. There is limited information regarding the factors potentially associated with these students’ career change intentions.Methods：we conducted a cross-sectional survey to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on career intention and the associated factors in UM students in August 2020. Univariate analyses and logistic regression analysis were used to identify the factors that contributed to any change of career intention.Results: A total of 2,040 medical students were contained from Hubei University of Medicine. The change of career intention was related to grade, attitude towards being a health worker and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Conclusions: Changes in career intentions were particularly influenced by grade, attitude towards being a health worker, and the degree of COVID-19’s impact on the participants’ lives. Treating large-scale public health emergencies in rational way, setting up correct views of occupation choice and building reasonable career planning may reduce the loss of medical talents.

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Blood donation practice and associated factors among health professionals working at heath centers in Nefas Silk Lafto sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

International Journal of Scientific Reports ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20203550 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (9) ◽

pp. 357

Author(s):

Mentamir Abe ◽

Mesafint Abeje Tiruneh ◽

Kidanemariam Beyene

Keyword(s):

Health Professionals ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Blood Donation ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Limited Information ◽

Collection Site ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Accessibility of a safe and adequate blood transfusion is a challenge worldwide and even more critical in Africa. Even though blood donation is lifesaving practice, current blood supply is far less compared to the demand in Ethiopia. However, there is limited information in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess blood donation practice and associated factors among health professionals working at heath center in Nefas Silk Lafto sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals working at health centers in Nefas Silk Lafto sub city, Addis Ababa from 23 August 2019 to 20 September 2019. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected used self-administered structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for data analysis. Results: 459 health professionals were included in the study with a response rate of 98.4%. Only 157 (34.2%) of them donated blood in the last five years. Age (AOR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.79), blood collection site (AOR=3.46, 95% CI: 2.03, 5.89), blood collection working (AOR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.44) and knowledge (AOR=0.32, 95% CL: 0.14, 0.76) were significantly associated with blood donation practice.Conclusions: Blood donation practice was low. Age of health professionals, blood collection site, blood collection working hour and knowledge were significantly associated with blood donation practice. Therefore, establish fixed and mobile collection site and convenient time for blood donors and awareness creation is crucial.

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