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Fulltext Comparison between magnesium sulphate and esmolol in attenuating haemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation

Norhuzaimah, J., Liu, C. Y., Muhammad, M., Joanna Ooi ,S. M.

Journal of Surgical Academia, 2018;8(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

During induction of general anaesthesia, the act of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation stimulates the sympathetic
nervous system resulting in an increase in blood pressure and heart rate which may be harmful especially in elderly
patients with pre-existing ischaemic heart disease. Several drugs have therefore been used to obtund this increase
including esmolol, nicardipine, magnesium sulphate and lignocaine. This prospective, double blind randomised
clinical trial compared the efficacy of magnesium sulphate and esmolol in attenuating haemodynamic responses to
laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. One hundred and twenty six ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective surgery
requiring general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation were enrolled and randomised into two groups: Group 1 (n =
67) received MgSO4 40 mg/kg diluted in 100 ml normal saline administered over ten minutes, whereas Group 2 (n =
59) received a bolus of esmolol 1.0 mg/kg diluted to 10 ml. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate were
recorded every minute for subsequent 10 minutes following laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Attenuation of the
mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures following laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was significantly larger
in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Patients in Group 2 had significantly better suppression of heart rate response
compared to Group 1 during the first four minutes after laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation (p
Genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) from Malaysia, with description of three new species

Liu C, Wang S

Zootaxa, 2020 Mar 23;4755(1):zootaxa.4755.1.2.
PMID: 32230193 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4755.1.2

Based on the specimens collected in Mt. Trusmadi, Sabah, Malaysia, three new species of the genus Promalactis are described: P. clavivalvata sp. nov., P. abasiloba sp. nov. and P. trusmadiensis sp. nov. In addition, females of three previously known species (P. folivalva Wang, 2018, P. sectoralis Wang et al., 2013 and P. trigonilobata Wang, 2018) are described for the first time. Two species (P. sectoralis Wang et al., 2013 and P. pileata Wang, 2019) are newly recorded for Malaysia. Images of both adults and genitalia of the new species and the genitalia of the newly described females are provided.
Fulltext Relationships between parenting style and sibling conflicts: A meta-analysis

Liu C, Rahman MNA

Front Psychol, 2022;13:936253.
PMID: 36081719 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.936253

Previous studies have shown that sibling conflicts are detrimental to physical and psychological development, as well as long-term human development. Although many studies have discovered relations between parenting style and sibling conflicts, these findings were contentious and did not provide a universal solution. Therefore, the meta-analysis was used as the method to determine the nature and magnitude of the relationships. There were a total of 14,356 participants in the 16 included studies, from which 55 effect sizes were extracted. According to the overall meta-analysis results, authoritative parenting (r = -0.201) did have the potential to reduce sibling conflicts. Neglectful (r = 0.389), inconsistent (r = 0.364), indulgent (r = 0.293), and authoritarian (r = 0.235) parenting styles were related to sibling conflicts in a positive way. Moreover, the study investigated the effectiveness of several moderator variables, such as children's gender, age, region, outcome measure, and publication year. The research indicates that authoritative parenting is a protective factor of sibling conflicts. Moderator analyses found that gender, age, region, outcome measure, and publication year played moderating roles in the relationships. Finally, research limitations in the current study and expectations for future research, as well as theoretical contributions and implications for parenting practice, were presented.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: [https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-8-0020/], identifier [INPLASY202280020].
Fulltext miR-200 affects tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells through regulation of MYB

Gao Y, Zhang W, Liu C, Li G

Sci Rep, 2019 12 11;9(1):18844.
PMID: 31827114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54289-6

Resistance to tamoxifen is a major clinical challenge. Research in recent years has identified epigenetic changes as mediated by dysregulated miRNAs that can possibly play a role in resistance to tamoxifen in breast cancer patients expressing estrogen receptor (ER). We report here elevated levels of EMT markers (vimentin and ZEB1/2) and reduced levels of EMT-regulating miR-200 (miR-200b and miR-200c) in ER-positive breast cancer cells, MCF-7, that were resistant to tamoxifen, in contrast with the naïve parental MCF-7 cells that were sensitive to tamoxifen. Further, we established regulation of c-MYB by miR-200 in our experimental model. C-MYB was up-regulated in tamoxifen resistant cells and its silencing significantly decreased resistance to tamoxifen and the EMT markers. Forced over-expression of miR-200b/c reduced c-MYB whereas reduced expression of miR-200b/c resulted in increased c-MYB We further confirmed the results in other ER-positive breast cancer cells T47D cells where forced over-expression of c-MYB resulted in induction of EMT and significantly increased resistance to tamoxifen. Thus, we identify a novel mechanism of tamoxifen resistance in breast tumor microenvironment that involves miR-200-MYB signaling.
Ketamine and tramadol for the prevention of shivering during spinal anaesthesia

Hidayah MN, Liu CY, Joanna OS

Clin Ter, 2014;165(4):193-8.
PMID: 25203332 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2014.1732

INTRODUCTION: Anaesthesia and surgery promote significant thermal disorder in the human body. Spinal anaesthesia causes lower limb vasodilation and redistribution of body heat from central to the peripheral compartments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomised, double-blind clinical study to compare the effectiveness of IV ketamine and tramadol in the prevention of shivering associated with spinal anaesthesia. We prospectively studied 150 ASA classification I and II patients between 18 and 70 years old scheduled for any elective surgery performed under spinal anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either prophylactic IV ketamine 0.5 mg/kg (Group K), IV tramadol 0.5 mg/kg (Group T) or normal saline as control (Group P) after intrathecal injection of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5 mg (2.5 ml) and 25 mcg fentanyl. The frequency and degree of shivering, haemodynamic parameters, core body temperature and side effects of the studied drugs were recorded for the first 30 minutes.
RESULTS: The incidence of shivering was 8% in Group K, 16% in Group T and 24% in Group P. This result was statistically significant between Groups K and P. Patients from Group K also exhibited significantly higher mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate at 5 and 15 minutes post intrathecal injection while their mean core temperature was also significantly higher. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hallucination, agitation and sweating were comparable between all three groups. Patients from Group K however, had significant higher incidence of behavioural changes (blunted affect or catatonic state) and nystagmus.
CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic use of IV ketamine 0.5 mg/kg significantly reduced the frequency and the intensity of perioperative shivering associated with spinal anaesthesia but also exhibited some side effects of the drug. Lower doses of prophylactic ketamine should be studied.
KEYWORDS: ketamine; shivering; spinal anaesthesia; tramadol
Levobupivacaine for postoperative epidural analgesia in orthopaedic surgery

Afaf AA, Liu CY, Joanna OS

Clin Ter, 2013;164(2):91-5.
PMID: 23698199 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2013.1524

Levobupivacaine is the S(-)enantiomer of bupivacaine, a long acting amino-ester local anaesthetic agent. Cocktail mixture of levobupivacaine and fentanyl infusion is commonly given via epidural for post-operative analgesia. The concentration of levobupivacaine for optimal pain relief with least side effects remained uncertain.
Fulltext Can the use of 70% isopropyl alcohol swab or aspiration using 5 microm Filter Straw reduce bacterial contamination of fentanyl solution used for regional anaesthesia?

Roshaliza HM, Liu CY, Joanna OSM

Med J Malaysia, 2011 Jun;66(2):92-4.
PMID: 22106684

This prospective study aimed to determine the extent of contamination of fentanyl solutions used for central neuraxial injection by wiping the neck of the ampoules with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs (Kendall) before breaking open the ampoules and aspiration of fentanyl solutions using a 5 microm Filter Straw (B. Braun). In Group A, fifty fentanyl ampoules were wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol swab prior to opening and the contents were aspirated immediately using a 21G needle and a 5 microm filter straw for culture. The same steps were repeated on the remaining solutions after two hours. In Group B, all the above steps were repeated but without wiping the ampoules with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs. None of the samples from the wiped ampoules or aspiration using filter straw grew microorganisms. Six percent of the samples from unwiped group grew microorganisms when fentanyl were aspirated using a 21G needle and the contamination increased to 16% when repeated after two hours. Wiping the outsides of the fentanyl ampoules with 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs before opening or aspirating the contents using a 5 pm filter straw has been shown to be equally effective in avoiding bacterial contamination and should be practiced routinely when performing regional anaesthesia.
KEY WORDS: Fentanyl solution, Isopropyl alcohol swab, Filter straw, Contamination, Regional anaesthesia, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fulltext Comparison between LMA-Classic and AMBU AuraOnce laryngeal mask airway in patients undergoing elective general anaesthesia with positive pressure ventilation

Suzanna AB, Liu CY, Rozaidi SW, Ooi JS

Med J Malaysia, 2011 Oct;66(4):304-7.
PMID: 22299547

The LMA-Classic laryngeal mask airway (Classic LMA) is an autoclavable and reusable laryngeal mask airway with strong evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. Due to the concern of infection risk particularly of prion disease, various single-use laryngeal mask devices were developed. The Ambu AuraOnce LMA (Ambu LMA) is a single use disposable laryngeal mask airway with special design that conforms better to the anatomy of the airway.
Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA indicate that the Japanese Fasciola species is F. gigantica

Hashimoto K, Watanobe T, Liu CX, Init I, Blair D, Ohnishi S, et al.

Parasitol Res, 1997;83(3):220-5.
PMID: 9089716

For elucidation of the taxonomic status of the Japanese Fasciola species, whole mitochondrial DNA of Fasciola hepatica from Australia, F. gigantica from Malaysia, and Fasciola sp. from Japan was digested with three four-base-cutting endonucleases: HinfI, MspI, and RsaI. The resulting digestion patterns showed that for each enzyme there were some bands specific for each geographical isolate and that the Japanese Fasciola sp. shared more bands with F. gigantica than with F. hepatica. Nucleotide sequences of two regions, the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA cluster and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), were also compared among them. The ITS2 sequence was highly conserved among the three isolates. F. gigantica and the Japanese Fasciola sp. were identical, but they differed from the Australian F. hepatica at six sites, one of which was a deletion. The COI sequence was less conserved but implied a similar relationship between the isolates. There seems no reason to regard the Japanese Fasciola sp. as anything other than a strain of F. gigantica.
Fulltext Pleistocene isolation caused by sea-level fluctuations shaped genetic characterization of Pampus minor over a large-scale geographical distribution

Li Y, Liu C, Lin L, Li Y, Xiao J, Loh KH

Zookeys, 2020;969:137-154.
PMID: 33013170 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.969.52069

The southern lesser pomfret (Pampus minor) is an economically important fish, and its numbers are declining because of overfishing and environmental pollution. In addition, owing to the similarities of its external morphological characteristics to other species in the genus Pampus, it is often mistaken for grey pomfret (P. cinereus) or silver pomfret (P. argenteus) juveniles. In this study, the genetic diversity and structure of 264 P. minor individuals from 11 populations in China and Malaysia coastal waters were evaluated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, using mitochondrial cytochrome b fragments. The results showed that P. minor had moderate haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. Furthermore, two divergent lineages were detected within the populations, but the phylogenetic structure corresponded imperfectly with geographical location; thus, the populations may have diverged in different glacial refugia during the Pleistocene low sea levels. Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation originated primarily from individuals within the population. Pairwise FST results showed significant differentiation between the Chinese and Malaysian populations. Except for the Xiamen population, which was classified as a marginal population, the genetic differentiation among the other Chinese populations was not significant. During the Late Pleistocene, P. minor experienced a population expansion event starting from the South China Sea refugium that expanded outward, and derivative populations quickly occupied and adapted to the new habitat. The results of this study will provide genetic information for the scientific conservation and management of P. minor resources.
First Report of Stem-End Rot of Mango Caused by Phomopsis mangiferae in Taiwan

Ko Y, Liu CW, Chen CY, Maruthasalam S, Lin CH

Plant Dis, 2009 Jul;93(7):764.
PMID: 30764368 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-93-7-0764A

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is grown on approximately 20,000 ha in Taiwan. It is an economically important crop and the income of many fruit farmers comes primarily from mango production. During 2006 and 2007, a stem-end rot disease was observed 1 week after harvest on 28 to 36% of stored mangoes picked from six orchards in the Pingtung, Tainan, and Kaoshiung regions. Two popular mango cultivars, Keitt and Irwin, showed greater susceptibility to this disease, while 'Haden' was found to be moderately susceptible. In storage, symptoms initially appeared as light-to-dark brown lesions surrounding peduncles. Rot symptoms advanced slowly but eventually penetrated the mesocarp, which consequently reduced the commercial value of fruits. The fungus formed abundant pycnidia (0.1 to 0.6 mm in diameter) on infected fruits in advanced stages of symptom development. Pieces of symptomatic fruits plated on acidified potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25 ± 1°C consistently yielded the same fungus. A single conidial isolate was cultured. Pycnidia developed on PDA after continuous exposure to light for 9 to 14 days. On the basis of morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Phomopsis mangiferae L. (2,3). Pycnidia released two types of conidia: α-conidia (5 to 10 × 2.3 to 4.0 μm) were hyaline and oval to fusoid; and β-conidia (15.0 to 37.5 × 1.3 to 2.5 μm) were hyaline and filiform with characteristic curves. Conidiophores were hyaline, filiform, simple or branched, septate, and 15 to 75 μm long. Cultures incubated under continuous fluorescent light (185 ± 35 μE·m-2·s-1) at 25°C for 3 days were used as inoculum for pathogenicity tests. Five fruits from 'Keitt' were wounded with a sterilized scalpel and each wound (2 × 2 × 2 mm) was inoculated with either a 5-mm mycelium agar plug or a 0.5-ml spore suspension (105 conidia per ml) of the fungus. Five wounded fruits inoculated with 5-mm PDA plugs or sterile water alone served as controls. Inoculated areas were covered with moist, sterile cotton. Fruits were enclosed in plastic bags and incubated at 24°C for 3 days. The test was performed three times. The same symptoms were observed on all inoculated fruits, whereas no decay was observed on control fruits. Reisolations from the inoculated fruits consistently yielded P. mangiferae, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. This disease has previously been reported in Australia, Brazil, China, Cuba, India, Malaysia, and the United States (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. mangiferae causing stem-end rot disease on mangoes in Taiwan. Our report necessitates taking preventive strategies in the field, prior to or after harvest, to contain postharvest losses in mangoes. References: (1) G. I. Johnson. Page 39 in: Compendium of Tropical Fruit Diseases. R. C. Ploetz et al., eds. The American Phytopathological Society. St. Paul, MN, 1994. (2) R. C. Ploetz, ed. Page 354 in: Diseases of Tropical Fruit Crops. CABI Publishing. Wallingford, UK, 2003. (3) E. Punithalingam. No. 1168 in: Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria. CMI, Kew, Surrey, UK, 1993.
Neutral and ionizable per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the urban atmosphere: Occurrence, sources and transport

Wang S, Lin X, Li Q, Liu C, Li Y, Wang X

Sci Total Environ, 2022 Feb 09;823:153794.
PMID: 35150692 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153794

In the atmosphere, the photodegradation of neutral per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (n-PFASs) is a source of ionizable PFASs (i-PFASs). However, they are not frequently simultaneously analyzed to study their transport and sources. In this study, n-PFASs and i-PFASs were simultaneously analyzed in the atmosphere of China, Japan and Malaysia to investigate the occurrence, seasonal variations, sources and transport. Results showed that n-PFASs ranged from 4.8 to 1400 pg m-3, with an average value of 170 pg m-3, and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (8:2 FTOH) was the most abundant compound. i-PFASs ranged from 3.7 to 330 pg m-3, with an average value of 49 pg m-3, and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) had the highest concentration. Generally, airborne PFASs had a decreasing gradient from cities with high population density toward less industrialized sites. i-PFASs exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) seasonal variations, which were higher in the summer. 8:2 FTOH and 10:2 FTOH had significant (P < 0.05) positive correlations with perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorodecanoic acid, suggesting that they had same sources, such as co-emission and photodegradation of FTOHs. Urumqi and Selangor were far away from industry, and high percentages (>95%) but low concentrations of PFBA were found in these cities, indicating the long-range atmospheric transport of PFBA due to its high volatility. The Summer Monsoon may promote the transport of high concentrations of PFAS from coastal cities to inland cities.
Fulltext Effects of active video games on physical activity among overweight and obese college students: a systematic review

Zhao Y, Soh KG, Saad HA, Liu C, Ding C

Front Public Health, 2024;12:1320112.
PMID: 38420024 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1320112

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to critically review the existing literature on the effects of active video games (AVGs) on physical activity in overweight and obese college students to determine whether AVGs can promote and achieve recommended levels of physical activity. The results should provide constructive input for future research.
METHODS: A total of five international databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, and EBSCOhost were searched with keywords related to "active video games," "physical activity," and "obese college students" from July 2022. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Furthermore, the quality assessment of the studies was measured using the PEDro scale.
RESULTS: One thousand and twenty-three articles were retrieved, of which eight randomised controlled trial studies met the inclusion criteria. AVGs can reduce sedentary behaviour and positively affect physical activity, time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), positive psychological factors, and game attendance rate. Combining AVGs with other assistive devices (such as mini-trampolines and stationary bikes) can enhance the effects of AVGs and provide greater physiological stimulation. Different types of AVGs and game modes can achieve different emotional responses, physiological stimulation, and physical activity levels.
CONCLUSION: The research findings prove that AVGs can be a viable intervention to increase physical activity in overweight or obese college students, ultimately reaching the recommended physical activity level(PAL). Physical activity can be further increased by incorporating assistive devices or using features supported by self-determination theory (SDT). As a new modality, AVGs could be a potential alternative to traditional physical activity.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier: CRD42022363993.
Nurses compliance to hand hygiene practice and knowledge at Klang Valley hospital

Ho SE, Ho CC, Hng SH, Liu CY, Jaafar MZ, Lim B

Clin Ter, 2013;164(5):407-11.
PMID: 24217826 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2013.1604

Hand hygiene is the most important measure in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). Adherence to hand hygiene protocols in hospital by nurses enables in prevention and control the HCAI. The main aim of the present study was to assess nurses' compliance to hand hygiene practice and knowledge in a hospital.
Alcanivorax hongdengensis sp. nov., an alkane-degrading bacterium isolated from surface seawater of the straits of Malacca and Singapore, producing a lipopeptide as its biosurfactant

Wu Y, Lai Q, Zhou Z, Qiao N, Liu C, Shao Z

Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2009 Jun;59(Pt 6):1474-9.
PMID: 19502338 DOI: 10.1099/ijs.0.001552-0

A taxonomic study was carried out on strain A-11-3(T), which was isolated from an oil-enriched consortia from the surface seawater of Hong-Deng dock in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Cells were aerobic, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming irregular rods. The strain was catalase- and oxidase-negative. It grew on a restricted spectrum of organic compounds, including some organic acids and alkanes. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that strain A-11-3(T) was most closely related to the type strains of Alcanivorax jadensis (96.8 % sequence similarity), Alcanivorax borkumensis (96.8 %), Alcanivorax dieselolei (94.8 %), Alcanivorax venustensis (94.2 %) and Alcanivorax balearicus (94.0 %). The predominant fatty acids were C(16 : 0) (31.2 %), C(18 : 1)omega7c (24.8 %), C(18 : 0) (9.6 %), C(12 : 0) (8.3 %), C(16 : 1)omega7c (8.3 %) and C(16 : 0) 3-OH (5.1 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 54.7 mol%. Moreover, the strain produced lipopeptides as its surface-active compounds. According to physiological and biochemical tests, DNA-DNA hybridization results and sequence comparisons of the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer, the gyrB gene and the alkane hydroxylase gene alkB1, strain A-11-3(T) was affiliated with the genus Alcanivorax but could be readily distinguished from recognized Alcanivorax species. Therefore strain A-11-3(T) represents a novel species of the genus Alcanivorax for which the name Alcanivorax hongdengensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A-11-3(T) (=CGMCC 1.7084(T)=LMG 24624(T)=MCCC 1A01496(T)).
Fulltext Under-recognized pertussis in adults from Asian countries: a cross-sectional seroprevalence study in Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand

Koh MT, Liu CS, Chiu CH, Boonsawat W, Watanaveeradej V, Abdullah N, et al.

Epidemiol Infect, 2016 Apr;144(6):1192-200.
PMID: 26468043 DOI: 10.1017/S0950268815002393

Surveillance data on the burden of pertussis in Asian adults are limited. This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of serologically confirmed pertussis in adults with prolonged cough in Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. Adults (⩾19 years) with cough lasting for ⩾14 days without other known underlying cause were enrolled from outpatient clinics of seven public and/or private hospitals. Single blood samples for anti-pertussis toxin antibodies (anti-PT IgG) were analysed and economic impact and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) questionnaires assessed. Sixteen (5·13%) of the 312 chronically coughing adults had serological evidence of pertussis infection within the previous 12 months (anti-PT IgG titre ⩾62·5 IU/ml). Three of them were teachers. Longer duration of cough, paroxysms (75% seroconfirmed, 48% non-seroconfirmed) and breathlessness/chest pain (63% seroconfirmed, 36% non-seroconfirmed) were associated with pertussis (P < 0·04). Of the seroconfirmed patients, the median total direct medical cost per pertussis episode in public hospitals (including physician consultations and/or emergency room visits) was US$13 in Malaysia, US$83 in Taiwan (n = 1) and US$26 in Thailand. The overall median EQ-5D index score of cases was 0·72 (range 0·42-1·00). Pertussis should be considered in the aetiology of adults with a prolonged or paroxysmal cough, and vaccination programmes considered.
Study site in Malaysia: Klinik Kesihatan Seremban, Negeri Sembilan; Primary Care Clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
First Report of Fruit Rot of Strawberry Caused by an Alternaria sp. in Taiwan

Ko Y, Chen CY, Yao KS, Liu CW, Maruthasalam S, Lin CH

Plant Dis, 2008 Aug;92(8):1248.
PMID: 30769472 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-8-1248B

In March 2005, a fruit rot disease was found in several commercial strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) fields at Fongyuan, 24.25°N, 120.72°E, in Taichung County in central Taiwan. The disease was rare and was negligible in most cultivated areas. However, disease incidence has increased by 4 to 5% over the last 2 years and causes significant postharvest losses. In storage, symptoms on berries include light brown-to-black, sunken, irregularly shaped lesions. The lesions gradually enlarge and become firm with a dark green-to-black, velvety surface composed of mycelia, conidiophores, and conidia. Twelve single conidial isolates (AF-1 to AF-12) of a fungus were isolated by placing portions of symptomatic fruit from four locations onto acidified potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubating at 24 ± 1°C. One isolate from each of the four locations, AF-2, 6, 9, and 12, was selected for identification and pathogenicity studies. The fungus was identified as an Alternaria sp. according to the morphological descriptions of A. tenuissima (2,3). Conidiophores were simple or branched, straight or flexuous, septate, pale to light brown, 3.0 to 5.0 μm in diameter, and bore two to six conidia in a chain. Conidia were dark brown, obclavate or oval, and multicellular with seven transverse (in most cases) and numerous longitudinal septa. Conidia were 15.5 to 56.5 μm (average 35.0 μm) long × 6.0 to 15.0 μm (average 11.0 μm) wide at the broadest point. The pathogen was consistently isolated from berries in the field or in storage. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by inoculating 12 surface-sterilized berries with each of the four isolates. Approximately 300 μl of a spore suspension (2 × 105 conidia per ml) was placed at two points on the uninjured surface of each fruit and allowed to dry for 5 min. Control fruits were treated with sterile water. The berries were then enclosed in a plastic bag and incubated at 24 ± 1°C for 2 days. Disease symptoms similar to those described above were observed on 95% of inoculated berries 3 days after inoculation, while no symptoms developed in control berries. Reisolation from the inoculated berries consistently yielded the Alternaria sp. described above. Pathogenicity tests were performed three times. Previously, strawberry fruit rot caused by A. tenuissima was reported from Florida (2) and Malaysia (1), however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of fruit rot of strawberry caused by a species of Alternaria in Taiwan. References: (1) W. D. Cho et al. List of Plant Diseases in Korea. Korean Society of Plant Pathology, 2004. (2) C. M. Howard and E. E. Albregts. Phytopathology 63:938, 1973. (3) R. D. Milholland. Phytopathology 63:1395, 1973.
Coalescence-Induced Droplet Jumping

Liu C, Zhao M, Zheng Y, Cheng L, Zhang J, Tee CATH

Langmuir, 2021 Jan 26;37(3):983-1000.
PMID: 33443436 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c02758

When two or more droplets coalesce on a superhydrophobic surface, the merged droplet can jump spontaneously from the surface without requiring any external energy. This phenomenon is defined as coalescence-induced droplet jumping and has received significant attention due to its potential applications in a variety of self-cleaning, anti-icing, antifrosting, and condensation heat-transfer enhancement uses. This article reviews the research and applications of coalescence-induced droplet jumping behavior in recent years, including the influence of droplet parameters on coalescence-induced droplet jumping, such as the droplet size, number, and initial velocity, to name a few. The main structure types and influence mechanism of the superhydrophobic substrates for coalescence-induced droplet jumping are described, and the potential application areas of coalescence-induced droplet jumping are summarized and forecasted.
Fulltext Response of Plant Rhizosphere Microenvironment to Water Management in Soil- and Substrate-Based Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Systems: A Review

Tan B, Li Y, Liu T, Tan X, He Y, You X, et al.

Front Plant Sci, 2021;12:691651.
PMID: 34456936 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.691651

As natural agroecology deteriorates, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems become the backup support for coping with future resource consumption and potential food crises. Compared with natural agroecology, most of the environmental parameters of the CEA system rely on manual management. Such a system is dependent and fragile and prone to degradation, which includes harmful bacteria proliferation and productivity decline. Proper water management is significant for constructing a stabilized rhizosphere microenvironment. It has been proved that water is an efficient tool for changing the availability of nutrients, plant physiological processes, and microbial communities within. However, for CEA issues, relevant research is lacking at present. The article reviews the interactive mechanism between water management and rhizosphere microenvironments from the perspectives of physicochemical properties, physiological processes, and microbiology in CEA systems. We presented a synthesis of relevant research on water-root-microbes interplay, which aimed to provide detailed references to the conceptualization, research, diagnosis, and troubleshooting for CEA systems, and attempted to give suggestions for the construction of a high-tech artificial agricultural ecology.
Cost is an important factor influencing active management of extremely preterm infants

Ma L, Liu C, Cheah I, Yeo KT, Chambers GM, Kamar AA, et al.

Acta Paediatr, 2019 01;108(1):70-75.
PMID: 30080290 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14533

AIM: The attitudes of neonatologists towards the active management of extremely premature infants in a developing country like China are uncertain.
METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to neonatologists from 16 provinces representing 59.6% (824.2 million) of the total population of China on October 2015 and December 2017.
RESULTS: A total of 117 and 219 responses were received in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Compared to 2015, respondents in 2017 were more likely to resuscitate infants <25 weeks of gestation (86% vs. 72%; p < 0.05), but few would resuscitate infants ≤23 weeks of gestation in either epoch (10% vs. 6%). In both epochs, parents were responsible for >50% of the costs of intensive care, but in 2017, significantly fewer clinicians would cease intensive care (75% vs. 88%; p < 0.05) and more would request for economic aid (40% vs. 20%; p < 0.05) if parents could not afford to pay. Resource availability (e.g. ventilators) was not an important factor in either initiation or continuation of intensive care (~60% in both epochs).
CONCLUSION: Cost is an important factor in the initiation and continuation of neonatal intensive care in a developing country like China. Such factors need to be taken into consideration when interpreting outcome data from these regions.

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