Estimation of Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) and Range of Normality (RN) Norms for Mineral Diagnosis of Almonds Trees in Spain

To ensure good fertilization, it is necessary to know the optimum nutrient levels for each crop. The most common method for obtaining this information for almond trees is to perform a foliar analysis coupled with the use of interpretive tools such as the traditional range of normality. However, currently, there are other, more sophisticated methods such as the DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) and the CND (Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis) which take into account the relationship between nutrients. However, little information is available with respect to these methods in the case of almond trees. In the present work, 288 samples of three contrasting varieties of almond were analyzed—Ferraduel, Ferragnes, and Garrigues (Prunus dulcis, Mill.)—corresponding to bi-weekly sampling between the months of May and September. Leaf analysis data, run with different mathematical and statistical models, lead to knowledge of the optimum period for harvesting samples and the determination of the ranges of normality and norms of DRIS and CND for the Ferraduel, Ferragnes, and Garrigues varieties. Data gained from the leaf nutrient content reported that the best season to harvest and interpret leaf samples was July. In addition, Ferraduel and Ferragnes had higher N, P, and K (2.22, 0.14, and 1.04 mg Kg−1 dw, respectively) than Garrigues (2.00, 0.09. 0.67 mg Kg−1 dw). The norms obtained with the leaf mineral data showed similar values between the Ferraduel and Ferragnes varieties but different values for Garrigues variety. Therefore, Garriges had the highest N/P, N/K, P/K, and P × Mg norms in the DRIS method and the highest VN and VCa norms in the CND method.

A Prepubertal Mice Model to Study the Growth Pattern of Early Ovarian Follicles

Early folliculogenesis begins with the activation of the follicle and ends with the formation of the follicular antrum, which takes up most of the time of folliculogenesis. In this long process, follicles complete a series of developmental events, including but not limited to granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, theca folliculi formation, and antrum formation. However, the logical or temporal sequence of these events is not entirely clear. This study demonstrated in a mouse model that completion of early folliculogenesis required a minimum of two weeks. The oocyte reached its largest size in the Type 4–5 stage, which was therefore considered as the optimum period for studying oogenesis. Postnatal days (PD) 10–12 were regarded as the crucial stage of theca folliculi formation, as Lhcgr sharply increased during this stage. PD13–15 was the rapid growth period of early follicles, which was characterized by rapid cell proliferation, the sudden emergence of the antrum, and increased Fshr expression. The ovarian morphology remained stable during PD15–21, but antrum follicles accumulated gradually. Atresia occurred at all stages, with the lowest rate in Type 3 follicles and no differences among early Type 4–6 follicles. The earliest vaginal opening was observed at PD24, almost immediately after the first growing follicular wave. Therefore, the period of PD22–23 could be considered as a suitable period for studying puberty initiation. This study objectively revealed the pattern of early folliculogenesis and provided time windows for the study of biological events in this process.

Parametric studies on the properties of geopolymer concrete

In the current study, effect of Alkali Activator solution (AAS) / Fly ash (FA) ratios and various molarities of NaOH on the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete (GPC) is studied keeping Na2SiO3/NaOH=2.5 and SiO2/Na2O=2.0 optimal ratios constant. For AAS/FA=4.0 and 16M NaOH combination yields better strength so this combination is chosed as optimal. From studies it is found that the optimum temperature for curing is 60°C and optimum period of curing is 24 h based on the compressive strengths achieved.

Stigma receptivity in Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.)

The cashew is widely and commercially cultivated throughout the nation for its nut. Cashew is a polygamo – monoecious plant with both male and bisexual flowers developing in same inflorescence. Experimental study was conducted at Kesiary Cashew Plantation Sector, Medinipur as per the guidelines Regional Research Station, Jhargram and National Research Centre of Cashew, Karnataka (2014 – 2018). Changes in stigma receptivity were studied by over 100 panicles chosen at random taken from the commercially cultivated germplasms (WBDC – 4, Kottakerala – 2/97, Dicherla – 2/9, Vetore – 56 and Ullal – 2). The study was continued as for one day before, on the day of flower opening, one day & two days after flowering. It indicates that one day prior to opening & two days after of flowering, stigma receptivity was maximum in the plants of Vetore – 56. But on the day & one day after of flowering it was highest in Dicherla – 2/9. The optimum period of receptivity was at 12 noon on the day of anthesis.

Evaluation of Current Equine Influenza Vaccination Protocols Prior to Shipment, Guided by OIE Standards

To facilitate the temporary importation of horses for competition and racing purposes, with a minimum risk of transmitting equine influenza, the World Organisation for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties, or OIE), formally engaged in a public–private partnership with the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Federation for Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) to establish, within the context of existing OIE standards, a science-based rationale to identify the ideal time period for equine influenza vaccination prior to shipment. Field trials using vaccines based on different technologies were carried out on three continents. The antibody response post-booster vaccination at intervals aligned with the different rules/recommendations of the OIE, FEI, and IFHA, was monitored by single radial haemolysis. It was determined that 14 days was the optimum period necessary to allow horses adequate time to respond to booster vaccination and for horses that have previously received four or more doses of vaccine and are older than four years, it is adequate to allow vaccination within 180 days of shipment. In contrast, the results indicate that there is a potential benefit to younger (four years old or younger) horses in requiring booster vaccination within 90 days of shipment, consistent with the current OIE standard.

Determining optimum period of withholding irrigation for inducing maturity of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) in Southern Ethiopia

Withholding irrigation before harvesting is important for inducing maturity in sugarcane. The study was carried out to determine the optimum period of withholding irrigation for inducing maturity in sugarcane in southern Ethiopia. Field experiments were conducted on two sugarcane varieties, N Co 334 and B 52 298 by five treatments of withholding irrigation periods for 20, 30, 40 50 and 60 days in randomized complete block design at the crop age of 11.3 months during 2014-15. The data on soil moisture content, top to bottom ratio of Brix in cane juice by hand refractometer, Brix, pol, purity and reducing sugars percent juice, and recoverable sugar percent cane, estimated sugar yield were recorded. Error variances for all characters except top to bottom ratio of Brix and reducing sugars in canes in experiments of both varieties were homogeneous and thus the data were also analyzed in split-plot design with varieties as the main plot and withholding irrigation period (WIP) treatments as subplots. The soil moisture percent differed at different WIPs with lowest at WIP for 60 days. Quality characters, top to bottom ratio of Brix in juice, Brix, pol or sucrose, purity, and sugar recovery percent cane increased significantly with the increase in WIPs, being highest at 50 and 60 days. Reducing sugars percent juice declined significantly with lowest at WIPs for 60 days. Estimated sugar yield increased significantly with the maximum at WIP for 50 and 60 days. The optimum period for withholding irrigation was 50 to 60 days for inducing maturity in sugarcane if not offset by rains. It was, therefore, suggestive that the irrigation could be withheld to sugarcane crop of about 12 months for 50 to 60 days but the quality of sugarcane should be determined before harvesting for obtaining maximum sugar yield in southern Ethiopia

OPTIMASI EKSTRAKSI DAN PENENTUAN KANDUNGAN KATEKIN DALAM TEH HIJAU (Camellia sinensis) MENGGUNAKAN METODA HPLC

This research was designed to determine the optimum period extraction time for catechin green tea using boiling water and ethyl acetate as a solubilizing agent, whereas the composition and the content of catechin green tea were measured using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). A single factor experiment design was used. The period extraction time of green tea using boiling water and ethyl acetate were 5, 20, 35 and 60 minutes. The proportion of green tea at the extraction process was 1:15 (weight/volume). The extraction process using boiling water was done twice to get the maximum extracted catechin yield. The extracted catechin of green tea were, therefore, compared with epi-catechin as standard solution. The research’s results show that the optimum period for extraction time of green tea using boiling water and ethyl acetate were 35 and 20 minutes, respectively. The extracted green tea using boiling water was 41.39 % of its dry weight, and those extracted green tea contained catechin as high as 60.62-61.78 %. Catechin compound in green tea residues extracted using ethyl acetate was 5.31 % from 58.35 % the total green tea residues. The composition of catechin in the first boiling water extraction, the second boiling water extraction and pressure extraction consisted of epigallocatechin (EGC), epigallocatechin-gallat (EGCG), epicatechin (EC) and epicatechin-gallat (ECG). ECG was only found in green tea residue extracted using ethyl acetate. The total catechin compound in green tea extracted using boiling water and ethyl acetate was 27.73 % of dry weight, consisted of EGC, EGCG, EC and ECG were 14.74, 1.73, 8,35 and 2.91 % of green tea dry weight, respectively

Use of the embedded peritoneal dialysis catheter

Introduction The use of embedded peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters is purported to offer numerous benefits over standard placement. However, the optimum period of embedment and the effect of prolonged embedment on subsequent catheter function remain unclear. Methods This retrospective observational study looked at adult patients undergoing embedded PD catheter insertion in a large tertiary referral centre in the UK. Possible predictors for catheter non-function at externalisation were investigated. These included patient factors (age, sex, diabetic status, body mass index, ethnicity, smoking status, previous surgery, estimated glomerular filtration rate), procedural factors (modality of surgery, concurrent surgical procedure), duration of catheter embedment and catheter damage at externalisation. Outcomes examined were proportion of catheters functioning after externalisation, futile placement rate, surgical reintervention rate, infectious complication rate and proportion of externalised catheters lost owing to malfunction. Results Sixty-six catheters were embedded and two-thirds (n=47, 63.6%) were externalised after a median embedment period of 39.4 weeks. Of these, 25 (53.2%) functioned on externalisation. Fourteen (63.6%) of the 22 non-functioning catheters were salvaged. The overall utilisation of PD was 34/47 (72.3%) and the futile placement rate was 12.1%. Over half of the externalised catheters (n=27, 57.4%) were lost directly as a result of catheter related complications, with a median survival time of 39.4 weeks. In adjusted analysis, increasing embedment duration was significantly predictive of catheter non-function at externalisation (adjusted odds ratio: 0.957, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.929–0.985, p=0.003) while subsequent catheter loss was highly dependent on catheter function at externalisation (hazard ratio: 0.258, 95% CI: 0.112–0.594, p=0.001). Conclusions Prolonged embedment of PD catheters is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of catheter dysfunction following externalisation, which is in turn associated with subsequent catheter loss. We have discontinued the use of this technique in our unit.