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Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires quick and accurate diagnoses. The gold standard for diagnosis is for laryngoscopic visualisation of the epiglottis. However, this may not be well-tolerated in a patient with impending airway collapse, and lateral neck radiographs may support the diagnosis. The thumb sign is a recognized radiological feature of epiglottitis. We present a case of a 57-year-old gentleman with epiglottitis, whose lateral neck radiograph had the interesting feature of a double thumb sign. In spite of the significant airway oedema, he was conservatively managed with subsequent full recovery. The objective of this case report is to highlight the severity of airway narrowing with this radiological finding of double thumb sign, to alert the clinician to have closer monitoring or to consider artificial airway support.

Introduction: Functional heterogeneity, defined as variations between and within tumours, is the underlying cause for malignant tumour processes such as tumour progression, metastasis and treatment resistance. In particular, cancer stem cells (CSCs) could be important contributors to functional heterogeneity within tumours, as CSCs can differentiate into different tumorous cells. This study aims to identify models for the genesis of functional heterogeneity among cancer cells and strategies for targeting CSCs. Methods: Using an integrated review process, various models for functional heterogeneity genesis in cancer and cancer stem cell treatments were explored. Papers that explicitly focused on either explaining a model for the genesis of functional heterogeneity in cancer or on describing targeting strategies for CSCs were included. To conduct our search the following databases were used: PubMed, OVID (Medline), and Web of Science. Results: Several prominent models for genesis of cancer functional heterogeneity were identified, including the hierarchy model, stochastic model, and plasticity model. There is no definitive model as different types of cancer may follow different models of functional heterogeneity. However, multiple models suggest that CSCs, tumor cells with acquired or innate multipotency, are responsible for enhancing tumour progression. Hence, many therapeutic methods have been explored to target CSCs including: interfering with signalling pathways, targeting biomarkers, exerting transcriptional control, damaging quiescence, disrupting the microenvironment and immunotherapy. Discussion: This study identified a gap in current literature to be the lack of clinical studies, with the majority of experiments being conducted on mice models or in vitro. As such the applicability of the findings on a human in vivo level are unclear. Strengths of this paper include the extensive scope of literature reviewed, while limitations include the lack of a quality assessment stage. Conclusion: This study suggests that CSCs are involved in the development of functional heterogeneity in tumours and identifies some preliminary strategies to target them. However, more clinical trials are needed to further validate current proposed treatments. By developing CSC-specific therapies, functional heterogeneity amongst cancer cells can be decreased, which will prevent cancer cells from continuing to progress. As a result, these treatments will be more likely to effectively treat cancer.

We investigate the question of dynamic allocation across a diversified range of alternative risk premia. By using a set of point-in-time indicators across macro, sentiment and valuation dimensions, we find that a majority of indicators deliver a positive information ratio for a majority of alternative risk premia over the period 2005-2020. In our empirical simulations, the macro dimension seems to have worked well, notably during recession periods. Sentiment (based on market stress and momentum) struggled during recovery periods, but added value elsewhere. Valuation has worked well from 2005 to 2013 and lost part of its appeal since then. The combination of indicators allows to deliver a higher information ratio thanks to the low correlation among them. Our research also finds that point-in-time macroeconomic variables (“nowcasters”) can add value over traditional indicators, while this improvement is not significant in the case of the market stress indicator. Forthcoming in Journal of Systematic Investing.

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a major global health concern as many fatalities occur each year due to severe infections associated with it, such as sepsis. This research protocol hopes to address the issue of antibiotic resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by using an alternative antibiotic therapy. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have antibiotic properties and low antibiotic resistance potential, will be administered in conjunction with stable and biocompatible branched amphiphilic peptide capsules (BAPCs). Surface functionalized ligands will be attached to the peptide capsules to target iron receptors essential to MRSA survival. By targeting its iron receptors, the bacteria will be unable to mutate in such a way that would attenuate its uptake of this antibiotic. Methods: Testing will begin in vitro on MRSA cultures to assess the minimum inhibitory concentration of the various AgNP treatment groups. Constraints determining the minimum inhibitory concentration include a minimum 3-hour delay in bactericidal effect from application, and a 95% eradication efficacy. Drug efficacy will be evaluated via ex vivo and in vivo mice experiments, with off-target toxicity effects measured via BAPC targeted immunohistochemistry, and both serological and organ-based tests. Repeated in vivo treatments will be performed against a control to measure the relative antibiotic resistance advantages this treatment proposes. As this protocol requires the use of mice, ethics approval from the Canadian Council on Animal Care will be obtained prior to experimentation. Results: It is expected that the AgNPs will be successfully encapsulated within the structurally-sound BAPCs and that the AgNPs will eradicate a significant amount of the MRSA present in the human body with minimal side effects. The in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo tests are likely to yield results that demonstrate that the most effective protocol in eradicating MRSA is to use AgNPs in BAPCs in conjunction with a vancomycin treatment. The proposal will likely satisfy the criteria for appropriate AgNP doses, which includes bactericidal effect in a time frame of hours, over 95% efficacy, and statistically significant reproducibility. Discussion: Successful BAPC mediated delivery of AgNPs prove the potential for targeted antibiotic application against multidrug bacteria with lower risk of antibiotic resistance compared to conventional antibiotics. This proof of concept protocol demonstrates the potential for applying rational design of BAPCs as a delivery vector. Certain limitations, including off-target toxicity and redundant targeting are issues to be cognizant of and controlled. Conclusion: This novel therapy can be considered as a preliminary step in overcoming antibiotic resistance. With appropriate modifications to the functional ligands attached to the BAPCs, the proposed drug mechanism could be applied to treat other bacterial strains.

Objectives This study prospectively evaluated endomyocardial biopsies in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) to identify histopathologic phenotypes and their association with clinical characteristics. Background Myocardial tissue analysis from a prospectively defined HFpEF cohort reflecting contemporary comorbidities is lacking. Methods Patients with HFpEF (EF ≥50%) referred to the Johns Hopkins HFpEF Clinic between August 2014 and September 2018 were enrolled for right heart catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy. Clinical features, echocardiography, hemodynamics, and tissue histology were determined and compared with controls (unused donor hearts) and HF with reduced EF (HFrEF). Results Of the 108 patients enrolled, median age was 66 years (25th to 75th percentile: 57 to 74 years), 61% were women, 57% were African American, 62% had a previous HF hospitalization, median systolic blood pressure was 141 mm Hg (25th to 75th percentile: 125 to 162 mm Hg), body mass index (BMI) was 37 kg/m2 (25th to 75th percentile: 32 to 45 kg/m2), and 97% were on a loop diuretic. Myocardial fibrosis and myocyte hypertrophy were often present (93% and 88%, respectively); however, mild in 71% with fibrosis and in 52% with hypertrophy. Monocyte infiltration (CD68+ cells/mm2) was greater in patients with HFpEF versus controls (60.4 cells/mm2 [25th to 75th percentile: 36.8 to 97.8] vs. 32.1 cells/mm2 [25th to 75th percentile: 22.3 to 59.2]; p = 0.02) and correlated with age and renal disease. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) was diagnosed in 15 (14%) patients (HFpEF-CA: 7 patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis [ATTR], 4 patients with hereditary ATTR, 3 patients with light-chain amyloidosis, and 1 patient with AA (secondary) amyloidosis), of which 7 cases were unsuspected. Patients with HFpEF-CA were older, with lower BMI, higher left ventricular mass index, and higher N-terminal pro−B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin I levels. Conclusions In this large, prospective myocardial tissue analysis of HFpEF, myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy were common, CD68+ inflammation was increased, and CA prevalence was 14%. Tissue analysis in HFpEF might improve precision therapies by identifying relevant myocardial mechanisms.

Many transcription factors contain intrinsically disordered transcription activation domains (TADs), which mediate interactions with coactivators to activate transcription. Historically, DNA-binding domains and TADs have been considered as modular units, but recent studies have shown that TADs can influence DNA binding. Whether these results can be generalized to more TADs is not clear. Here, we biophysically characterized the NFκB p50/RelA heterodimer including the RelA TAD and investigated the TAD's influence on NFκB-DNA interactions. In solution, we show the RelA TAD is disordered but compact, with helical tendency in two regions that interact with coactivators. We determined that the presence of the TAD increased the stoichiometry of NFκB-DNA complexes containing promoter DNA sequences with tandem κB recognition motifs by promoting the binding of NFκB dimers in excess of the number of κB sites. In addition, we measured the binding affinity of p50/RelA for DNA containing tandem κB sites and single κB sites. While the presence of the TAD enhanced the binding affinity of p50/RelA for all κB sequences tested, it also increased the affinity for nonspecific DNA sequences by over 10-fold, leading to an overall decrease in specificity for κB DNA sequences. In contrast, previous studies have generally reported that TADs decrease DNA-binding affinity and increase sequence specificity. Our results reveal a novel function of the RelA TAD in promoting binding to nonconsensus DNA, which sheds light on previous observations of extensive nonconsensus DNA binding by NFκB invivo in response to strong inflammatory signals.

Many transcription factors contain intrinsically disordered transcription activation domains (TADs), which mediate interactions with co-activators to activate transcription. Historically, DNA-binding domains and TADs have been considered as modular units, but recent studies have shown that TADs can influence DNA binding. We biophysically characterized the NFκB p50/RelA heterodimer including the RelA TAD and investigated the TAD’s influence on NFκB-DNA interactions. In solution the RelA TAD is disordered but compact, with helical tendency in two regions that interact with co-activators. The presence of the TAD increased the stoichiometry of NFκB-DNA complexes containing promoter DNA sequences with tandem κB recognition motifs by promoting the binding of NFκB dimers in excess of the number of κB sites. We measured the binding affinity of p50/RelA for DNA containing tandem κB sites and single κB sites. While the presence of the TAD enhanced the binding affinity of p50/RelA for all κB sequences tested, it increased the affinity for non-specific DNA sequences by over 10-fold, leading to an overall decrease in specificity for κB DNA sequences. Our results reveal a novel function of the RelA TAD in promoting binding to non-consensus DNA previously observed by in vivo studies of NFκB-DNA binding in response to strong inflammatory signals.

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 12, Number 1 Bed Mani Dahal, Kathmandu University, Nepal Chaterina Agusta Paulus, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Indonesia Minfeng Tang, Kansas State University, USA Murtazain Raza, Hamdard University, Pakistan Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon Olabisi Omodara, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria Omnia Mohamed Mohamed Helmy Arief, Benha University, Egypt Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Sait Engindeniz, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, Turkey Waqar Majeed, University of Agriculture, Pakistan

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common comorbid condition in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The effect of AF on heart failure (HF) exacerbation in HFpEF has not been well described. This study investigated how AF modifies the clinical trajectory of HFpEF patients after hospitalization for decompensated HF.We stratified HFpEF subjects by AF diagnosis and performed longitudinal analysis to compare risk for HF hospitalization after index hospitalization for decompensated HF. All-cause mortality, 30 day all-cause readmissions, and response to inpatient diuresis were also evaluated. Of 90 subjects enrolled, 35.6% (n = 32) had AF. Subjects with AF were older (72.5 vs. 60.5 years; P 0.01), more often male (46.9% vs. 24.1%; P = 0.03), and had greater left atrial diameter (4.9 vs. 3.8 cm; P 0.01) compared with those without AF. Subjects with AF had a higher risk for HF hospitalization than their counterparts without AF (P = 0.02); this relationship remained significant following multivariable competing risk regression with propensity score weighting (hazard ratio 2.53, P = 0.04 and hazard ratio 2.91, P = 0.04, with overlap and inverse probability weighting, respectively). Although having AF appeared to increase the risk of all-cause hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge (37.5% vs. 17.5%; P = 0.036), this relationship failed to remain significant following propensity score adjustment for clinical covariates.Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for HF rehospitalization in HFpEF. Further understanding of the interplay between AF and HFpEF will be critical to guide the selection of appropriate rhythm management strategies in this population.

Adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) is a lipid and glucose metabolism regulator that possesses intrinsic ceramidase activity. Mutations of the ADIPOR1 gene have been associated with nonsyndromic and syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Here, we show that the absence of AdipoR1 in mice leads to progressive photoreceptor degeneration, significant reduction of electroretinogram amplitudes, decreased retinoid content in the retina, and reduced cone opsin expression. Single-cell RNA-Seq results indicate that ADIPOR1 encoded the most abundantly expressed ceramidase in mice and one of the 2 most highly expressed ceramidases in the human retina, next to acid ceramidase ASAH1. We discovered an accumulation of ceramides in the AdipoR1-/- retina, likely due to insufficient ceramidase activity for healthy retina function, resulting in photoreceptor death. Combined treatment with desipramine/L-cycloserine (DC) lowered ceramide levels and exerted a protective effect on photoreceptors in AdipoR1-/- mice. Moreover, we observed improvement in cone-mediated retinal function in the DC-treated animals. Lastly, we found that prolonged DC treatment corrected the electrical responses of the primary visual cortex to visual stimuli, approaching near-normal levels for some parameters. These results highlight the importance of ADIPOR1 ceramidase in the retina and show that pharmacological inhibition of ceramide generation can provide a therapeutic strategy for ADIPOR1-related retinopathy.

Background: Gastrostomy tube (g-tube) complications are typically minor and site related with major complications related to dislodgment before tract establishment. With the recent adoption of 12F ...

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 4 Boutheina Zougari, Regional Research Centre of Oasis Agriculture-Degache, Tunisia Darwin Pangaribuan, Lampung University, Indonesia Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Luis F. Pina, Universidad de Chile, Chile Minfeng Tang, Kansas State University, USA Momin Momin, Istanbul University, Bangladesh Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon Patrice Ngatsi Zemko, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia

Accounting professionals today operate in an increasingly complex world, which increases the likelihood that they will encounter multiple dilemmas, both technical and ethical, over the course of their careers. Recent researchers have expressed concern that the pressures associated with these complexities have led to a decrease in professionalism among accountants. Thus, it is critical to the future of the profession that accountants address ethical dilemmas with the same degree of professionalism with which they address technical accounting challenges. In this chapter, we review and critique the extant ethical decision-making models in accounting, and share a new model, dubbed the ‘RADAR’ model. The letters in the acronym ‘RADAR’ refer to the five steps at the core of the model: Research, Analyze, Decide, Act, Reflect. The ‘RADAR’ model provides a more complete model for addressing ethical dilemmas, and explicitly incorporates affect, something lacking in the prior models. As such, the “RADAR” model provides a robust framework to navigate ethical potholes in an accounting context.

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 3 Bed Mani Dahal, Kathmandu University, Nepal Boutheina Zougari, Regional Research Centre of Oasis Agriculture-Degache, Tunisia Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Luis F. Pina, Universidad de Chile, Chile Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Minfeng Tang, Kansas State University, USA Patrice Ngatsi Zemko, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia Waqar Majeed, University of Agriculture, Pakistan

The purpose of this research was to use direct observation of the physical examination to elucidate the role physical examination technique plays in diagnostic accuracy. Physical examination is important for quality clinical care and requires multiple interrelated skills. The relationship of physical examination technique to related skills is poorly understood. Current methods of teaching and assessing physical examination skills provide few opportunities to evaluate physical examination technique and accuracy.The authors developed a clinical examination assessment using volunteer patients and direct observation. Trained faculty preceptors rated resident performance in 7 domains: 1) physical examination technique, 2) identification of physical signs, 3) clinical communication, 4) differential diagnosis, 5) clinical judgment, 6) managing patient concerns, and 7) maintaining patient welfare. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine relationships between performance in each of these domains. Data on residents' self-assessed competency in the physical examination and perceptions of feedback received during the assessment were collected.From December 2018 to February 2020, 113 interns from 2 internal medicine residency programs participated in the assessment. Physical examination technique was significantly correlated with accurate identification of physical signs, differential diagnosis and clinical judgment. Time spent in graduate medical education was negatively correlated with performance. Interns more highly rated the feedback received from this assessment than traditional clinical skills feedback.Our findings emphasize the necessity of multi-dimensional physical examination assessment. Observed deterioration of physical examination skill during internship may reflect contemporary practice patterns, which deprioritize the physical examination. Future research on physical examination education should focus on the interface between physical examination technique and related clinical skills.

Objectives: A wealth of literature has established risk factors for social isolation among older people, however much of this research has focused on community-dwelling populations. Relatively little is known about how risk of social isolation is experienced among those living in long-term care (LTC) homes. We conducted a scoping review to identify possible risk factors for social isolation among older adults living in LTC homes. Methods: A systematic search of five online databases retrieved 1535 unique articles. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Thematic analyses revealed that possible risk factors exist at three levels: individual (e.g., communication barriers), systems (e.g., location of LTC facility), and structural factors (e.g., discrimination). Discussion: Our review identified several risk factors for social isolation that have been previously documented in literature, in addition to several risks that may be unique to those living in LTC homes. Results highlight several scholarly and practical implications.

INTRODUCTION Cranial vault surgery in children with ventricular shunts is more complex due to the possible interference of shunt location with surgical planning and increased risk of shunt related complications. The study evaluated the management of ventricular shunts during cranial vault remodeling (CVR) and subsequent outcomes and complications following CVR. METHODS An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was performed including patients who underwent CVR in presence of a ventricular shunt. Measured outcomes were number of shunt revisions following CVR, 30-day complication rate, 3-month complication rate, and post-CVR Whitaker classification. Finally, a review of the literature was performed, and our results were compared to previous reports. RESULTS Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria. Ventricular shunt was not exposed in 18%; exposed and not revised in 54%; exposed and left on a bone peninsula in 18% and simultaneously exposed and revised in 18%. Two patients experienced complications within 30-days. Three additional patients experienced complications within 3-months. An average of 2.2 shunt revisions per patient were performed following CVR. Whitaker classification was I in 7 patients, II in 1 patient and III in 2 patients. Shunt revision rate for patients undergoing CVR for hydrocephalic macrocephaly was on average of 1.2 and 1.9 for shunt-induced craniosynostosis in literature. CONCLUSIONS Cranial vault abnormalities in the presence of a ventricular shunt can be effectively treated with CVR. The presence of a shunt does not seem to interfere with final head shape. While leaving the shunt unexposed may appear less morbid, shunt related complications can still occur with this approach.

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 2 Aaron Norris, Texas Tech University, USA Bed Mani Dahal, Kathmandu University, Nepal Darwin Pangaribuan, Lampung University, Indonesia Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon Patrice Ngatsi Zemko, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Roberto José Zoppolo, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (Uruguay), Uruguay Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia Waqar Majeed, University of Agriculture, Pakistan

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 1 Aaron Norris, Texas Tech University, USA Bed Mani Dahal, Kathmandu University, Nepal Darwin Pangaribuan, Lampung University, Indonesia Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Patrice Ngatsi Zemko, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Roberto José Zoppolo, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (Uruguay), Uruguay Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia Waqar Majeed, University of Agriculture, Pakistan

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 4 Aaron Norris, Texas Tech University, USA Bed Mani Dahal, Kathmandu University, Nepal Darwin Pangaribuan, Lampung University, Indonesia Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Patrice Ngatsi Zemko, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon Roberto José Zoppolo, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (Uruguay), Uruguay Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia Waqar Majeed, University of Agriculture, Pakistan

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Plant Studies, Vol. 10, No. 2, 2021.

Background Feedback based on direct observation of the physical examination (PE) is associated with enhanced educational outcomes, yet attending physicians do not frequently observe graduate trainees performing the PE. Methods We recruited volunteer patients (VPs), each with an abnormality of the cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological system. Interns examined each VP, then presented a differential diagnosis and management plan to two clinician educators, who, themselves, had independently examined the VPs. The clinician educators assessed interns along five domains and provided post-examination feedback and teaching. We collected data on intern performance, faculty inter-rater reliability, correlation with a simulation-based measure of clinical skill, and resident and VP perceptions of the assessment. Results A total of 72 PGY-1 interns from a large academic training program participated. Performance on the cardiovascular and respiratory system was superior to performance on the neurologic exam. There was no correlation between results of an online test and directly observed cardiovascular skill. Interns preferred feedback from the direct observation sessions. VPs and faculty also rated the experience highly. Inter-rater reliability was good for the respiratory exam, but poor for the cardiovascular and neurologic exams. Conclusions Direct observation of trainees provides evidence about PE skill that cannot be obtained via simulation. Clinician educators’ ability to provide reliable PE assessment may depend on the portion of the PE being assessed. Our experience highlights the need for ongoing training of clinician educators in direct observation, standard setting, and assessment protocols. This assessment can inform summative or formative assessments of physical exam skill in graduate medical education.

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 3 Giuseppina Migliore, University of Palermo, Italy Inder Pal Singh, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University(GADVASU), India Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Maria Lúcia Pato, CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Portugal Murtazain Raza, Subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich, Pakistan Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon Nicusor-Flavius Sima, University of Agricultural Studies and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Samuel Obae, University of Connecticut, United States Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 2 Araya Ranok, Department of Applied Biology, Faculty Science and Liberal Arts, Thailand Cristina B. Pocol, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj Napoca, Romania Daniel L Mutisya, Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, Kenya Darwin Pangaribuan, Lampung University, Indonesia Gunnar Bengtsson, Sweden Inder Pal Singh, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU), India Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Khaled Sassi, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Tunisia Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Murtazain Raza, Subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich, Pakistan Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Roberto José Zoppolo, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (Uruguay), Uruguay Subhash Chand, Central Agricultural Research Institute CARI Port Blair, India

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Plant Studies, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2021.

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are carcinogenic, neurotoxic environmental pollutants generated during incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and other organic material. PAH exposure has been associated with adverse fetal development and epigenetic alterations in cord blood. Several molecular epidemiology studies have established PAH-DNA adducts as biomarkers of PAH exposure. Objectives: We investigated the relationship between LINE1 DNA methylation and PAH-DNA adduct levels in cord blood, and with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods: In Tongliang County, China, the current study enrolled two population-based cohorts of nonsmoking pregnant women before (2002) and after (2005) the closure of a local coal-fired power plant in May 2004. We analyzed cord blood samples collected from mothers in the two cohorts (n = 110 from 2002 cohort and n = 107 from 2005 cohort) for PAH-DNA adducts and genomic LINE1 DNA methylation. Neurodevelopmental data on children were collected using the Gesell Developmental Scales (GDS) at age 2 and using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) at age 5. Results: A significant inverse relationship was observed between PAH-DNA adducts and LINE1 DNA methylation (β = −0.010, p

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery can provide an effective therapy for treating viral diseases by silencing genes involved in viral replication. In this study, a liver-targeting formulation of lipidoid nanoparticle for delivery of siRNA that targets protein kinase C-related kinase 2 (PRK2) to inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication is reported. The most effective, minimally cytotoxic lipidoid for siRNA delivery to hepatic cells is identified from a small library of alkyl epoxide-polyamine conjugates. In vitro transfection of PRK2 siRNA (siPRK2) using this lipidoid induces significant silencing of PRK2 (≈80%), suppressing HCV replication in human hepatic cells transfected with the HCV subgenomic replicon. Systemic administration of siPRK2 using the lipidoid nanoparticles results in significant reduction of host PRK2 in the mouse liver (≈60%). This treatment significantly suppresses HCV replication in an HCV-xenograft mouse model. siRNA delivery to the liver is further improved via galactosylation of the lipidoid. Compared with the unmodified lipidoid formulation, galactosylated lipidoids induce greater silencing of host PRK2 in mouse livers (≈80%) and more rapid suppression of HCV replication in an HCV-xenograft mouse. This study suggests that galactosylated lipidoid nanoparticles could provide a treatment for hepatitis C by mediating delivery of anti-viral RNA interference therapeutics to the liver.

The quantity and quality of collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix (ECM) have a pivotal role in dictating biological processes. Several collagen-binding proteins (CBPs) are known to modulate collagen deposition and fibril diameter. However, limited studies exist on alterations in the fibril ultrastructure by CBPs. In this study, we elucidate how the collagen receptor, discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) regulates the collagen content and ultrastructure in the adventitia of DDR1 knock-out (KO) mice. DDR1 KO mice exhibit increased collagen deposition as observed using Masson’s trichrome. Collagen ultrastructure was evaluated in situ using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Although the mean fibril diameter was not significantly different, DDR1 KO mice had a higher percentage of fibrils with larger diameter compared with their wild-type littermates. No significant differences were observed in the length of D-periods. In addition, collagen fibrils from DDR1 KO mice exhibited a small, but statistically significant, increase in the depth of the fibril D-periods. Consistent with these observations, a reduction in the depth of D-periods was observed in collagen fibrils reconstituted with recombinant DDR1-Fc. Our results elucidate how DDR1 modulates collagen fibril ultrastructure in vivo, which may have important consequences in the functional role(s) of the underlying ECM.

Carotenoids exert a rich variety of physiological functions in mammals and are beneficial for human health. These lipids are acquired from the diet and metabolized to apocarotenoids, including retinoids (vitamin A and its metabolites). The small intestine is a major site for their absorption and bioconversion. From here, carotenoids and their metabolites are distributed within the body in triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins to support retinoid signaling in peripheral tissues and photoreceptor function in the eyes. In recent years, much progress has been made in identifying carotenoid metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and binding proteins. A diet-responsive regulatory network controls the activity of these components and adapts carotenoid absorption and bioconversion to the bodily requirements of these lipids. Genetic variability in the genes encoding these components alters carotenoid homeostasis and is associated with pathologies. We here summarize the advanced state of knowledge about intestinal carotenoid metabolism and its impact on carotenoid and retinoid homeostasis of other organ systems, including the eyes, liver, and immune system. The implication of the findings for science-based intake recommendations for these essential dietary lipids is discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 4 Aaron Norris, University of Nevada Reno, USA Bed Mani Dahal, Kathmandu University, Nepal Daniel L Mutisya, Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, Kenya Giuseppina Migliore, University of Palermo, Italy Gunnar Bengtsson, Sweden Inder Pal Singh, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University(GADVASU), India Jiun-Yan Loh, UCSI University, Malaysia Kaveh Ostad Ali Askari, Islamic Azad University, Iran Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Mirela Kopjar, University of Osijek, Croatia Murtazain Raza, Subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich, Pakistan Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Subhash Chand, Central Agricultural Research Institute CARI Port Blair, India

Journal of Plant Studies wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Journal of Plant Studies is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: jps@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 2 Adriana F. Sestras, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Romania Alejandra Matiz, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil Fardausi Akhter, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Khyati Hitesh Shah, Stanford University, United States Kirandeep Kaur Mani, California seed and Plant Labs, USA Malgorzata Pietrowska-Borek, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Massimo Zacchini, National Research Council of Italy, Italy Md. Asaduzzaman, Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh Melekber Sulusoglu, Arslanbey Vocational School Kocaeli University, Turkey Milana Trifunovic-Momcilov, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, Serbia Mohamed Ahmed El-Esawi, Tanta University, Egypt Rakesh Ponnala, Zoetis Inc, United States Romina A. Marc, Univ. of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania Slawomir Borek, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland Tomoo misawa, Donan Agricultural Experiment Station, Hokkaido Research Organization, Japan

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 3 Bed Mani Dahal, Kathmandu University, Nepal Cristina Bianca Pocol, Univ. of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj Napoca, Romania Daniel L. Mutisya, Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, Kenya Entessar Mohammad Al JBawi, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria Gunnar Bengtsson, Sweden Inder Pal Singh, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU), India Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Mirela Kopjar, University of Osijek, Croatia Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Samuel Obae, University of Connecticut, United States Vishwambhar Prasad Sati, Government KRG Post Graduate College, India

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 2 Adel Khashaveh, Islamic Azad University, Iran Darwin Pangaribuan, Lampung University, Indonesia Dietrich Darr, Hochschule Rhein-Waal, Germany Entessar Mohammad Al JBawi, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria Francesco Sunseri, Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Italy Gema Parra, Universidad de Jaén, Spain Giuseppina Migliore, University of Palermo, Italy Gunnar Bengtsson, Sweden Inder Pal Singh, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University (GADVASU), India Isaac Danso, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Oil Palm Research Institute, Ghana Kassim Adekunle Akanni, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Maren Langhof, Julius Kühn-Institut, Germany Murtazain Raza, Subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich, Pakistan Nehemie T. Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon Nicusor-Flavius Sima, University of Agricultural Studies and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania Sait Engindeniz, Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, Turkey Stefano Marino, University of Molise, Italy Subhash Chand, Central Agricultural Research Institute CARI Port Blair, India Suheb Mohammed, University of Virginia, United States Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia

Journal of Plant Studies wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Journal of Plant Studies is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: jps@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 1 Aashima Khosla, University of California, United States Alireza Valdiani, University of Copenhagen, Denmark Ana Simonovic, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", Serbia Andreea Stanila, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Bingcheng Xu, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, China Florence S Mus, Montana State University, United States Guzel R. Kudoyarova, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia Hui Peng, Guangxi Normal University, China Kirandeep Kaur Mani, California seed and Plant Labs, Pleasant Grove, United States Konstantinos Vlachonasios, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Biology, Greece Lorenza Dalla Costa, Edmund Mach Foundation, Italy Malgorzata Pietrowska-Borek, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Milana Trifunovic-Momcilov, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, Serbia Mohamed Ahmed El-Esawi, Tanta University, Egypt Slawomir Borek, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland Tomoo misawa, Donan Agricultural Experiment Station, Hokkaido Research Organization, Japan Vijayasankar Raman, University of Mississippi, United States Xiaomin Wu, Loyola University Chicago, United States

INTRODUCTION The Physician Enhancement Program (PEP) is an in-practice monitoring program for physicians with potential dyscompetency issues. One component of PEP is a monthly chart audit. The purpose of our study was to determine if physicians' charting skills improve through their participation in PEP. METHODS The sample included physicians who participated in PEP for at least 6 months regardless of specialization, age, or gender (n = 77). PEP chart audits evaluate seven different aspects of chart and care quality, including legibility, organization, history, assessment/formulation, treatment, physical examination, and overall chart quality. Each aspect of charting is scored on a Likert-type scale from a score of 1 to 9. We conducted pair-matched t tests of the mean item scores for the 1st versus 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th month in PEP for all chart elements except legibility. We also compared the size of the paired differences by month 1 scores for overall chart quality mean score to determine if the magnitude of change varied by starting point. RESULTS There was significant improvement (P < .002) across the 6 chart quality elements per physician at months 6, 12, 18, and 24. Physicians who started below Q1 for overall chart quality mean showed most improvement, whereas those who started above Q3 had insignificant change as they had little room to improve. DISCUSSION PEP participants demonstrated improved charting skills for each chart quality element evaluated. PEP is an effective form of physician education resulting in physician behavior changes, especially for those physicians who need it the most.

Paracrine signals produced from stem cells influence tissue regeneration by inducing the differentiation of endogenous stem or progenitor cells. However, many recent studies that have investigated paracrine signaling of stem cells have relied on either two-dimensional transwell systems or conditioned medium culture, neither of which provide optimal culture microenvironments for elucidating the effects of paracrine signals in vivo. In this study, we recapitulated in vivo-like paracrine signaling of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to enhance functional neuronal differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) in three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices (ECMs) within a microfluidic array platform. In order to amplify paracrine signaling, hMSCs were genetically engineered using cationic polymer nanoparticles to overexpress glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). hNSCs were cultured in 3D ECM hydrogel used to fill central channels of the microfluidic device, while GDNF-overexpressing hMSCs (GDNF-hMSCs) were cultured in channels located on both sides of the central channel. This setup allowed for mimicking of paracrine signaling between genetically engineered hMSCs and endogenous hNSCs in the brain. Co-culture of hNSCs with GDNF-hMSCs in the 3D microfluidic system yielded reduced glial differentiation of hNSCs while significantly enhancing differentiation into neuronal cells including dopaminergic neurons. Neuronal cells produced from hNSCs differentiating in the presence of GDNF-hMSCs exhibited functional neuron-like electrophysiological features. The enhanced paracrine ability of GDNF-hMSCs was finally confirmed using an animal model of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. This study demonstrates the presented 3D microfluidic array device can provide an efficient co-culture platform and provide an environment for paracrine signals from transplanted stem cells to control endogenous neuronal behaviors in vivo.

Heart failure (HF) affects >5 million people in the United States, approximately one-half of whom have normal systolic left ventricular function (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]) [(1)][1]. HF incidence increases with age, and multiple comorbidities contribute to its

We investigate the question of dynamic allocation across a diversified range of alternative risk premia. By using a set of point-in-time indicators across macro, sentiment and valuation dimensions, we find that a majority of indicators deliver a positive information ratio for a majority of alternative risk premia over the period 2005-2020. In our empirical simulations, the macro dimension seems to have worked well, notably during recession periods. Sentiment (based on market stress and momentum) struggled during recovery periods, but added value elsewhere. Valuation has worked well from 2005 to 2013 and lost part of its appeal since then. The combination of indicators allows to deliver a higher information ratio thanks to the low correlation among them. Our research also finds that point-in-time macroeconomic variables (“nowcasters”) can add value over traditional indicators, while this improvement is not significant in the case of the market stress indicator. Forthcoming in Journal of Systematic Investing.

OBJECTIVE Cleared blood glucose monitors (BGMs) for personal use may not always deliver levels of accuracy currently specified by international and U.S. regulatory bodies. This study’s objective was to assess the accuracy of 18 such systems cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration representing approximately 90% of commercially available systems used from 2013 to 2015. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 1,035 subjects were recruited to have a capillary blood glucose (BG) level measured on six different systems and a reference capillary sample prepared for plasma testing at a reference laboratory. Products were obtained from consumer outlets and tested in three triple-blinded studies. Each of the three participating clinical sites tested a different set of six systems for each of the three studies in a round-robin. In each study, on average, a BGM was tested on 115 subjects. A compliant BG result was defined as within 15% of a reference plasma value (for BG ≥100 mg/dL [5.55 mmol/L]) or within 15 mg/dL (0.83 mmol/L) (for BG 20%; modified Bland-Altman analysis including average bias, coefficient of variation, and 95% limits of agreement; and proportion of readings with no clinical risk as determined by the Surveillance Error Grid. RESULTS The different accuracy metrics produced almost identical BGM rankings. Six of the 18 systems met the predetermined accuracy standard in all three studies, 5 systems met it in two studies, and 3 met it in one study. Four BGMs did not meet the accuracy standard in any of the three studies. CONCLUSIONS Cleared BGMs do not always meet the level of analytical accuracy currently required for regulatory clearance. This information could assist patients, professionals, and payers in choosing products and regulators in evaluating postclearance performance.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an uncommon complication of pregnancy. Early case reports identified overlap between familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and PPCM, although the degree of overlap is largely unknown. Other evidence supporting a contribution from gene mutations in PPCM includes familial occurrence, genome-wide association studies, variable prevalence among different regions and ethnicities, and more recent investigations of panels of genes for mutations among women with PPCM. Murine models implicate the role of altered metabolism and increased free radical stress to the heart during pregnancy, which seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. Although the true incidence of genetic cardiomyopathy is not yet known among women with PPCM, there is substantial evidence demonstrating that at least 10–15% of affected women have a clear genetic contribution to their condition. With this in mind, family counseling, cascade phenotypic screening, and clinical genetic testing should be considered among women with PPCM.

Amyloidosis is a group of conditions characterized by the accumulation of amyloid deposits in various tissues. Among these disorders, ATTR amyloidosis occurs either with or without a TTR pathogenic variant. Treatment for amyloidosis depends on the subtype, which is often identified through a tissue biopsy followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Genetic testing may be done to confirm these results for patients with ATTR amyloidosis; however, the necessity of genetic testing after LC-MS/MS has not been evaluated. A retrospective review identified 153 patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven ATTR amyloidosis, and 56 of these patients underwent both genetic testing and LC-MS/MS. LC-MS/MS and proteomics correctly reported the mutant peptide and heterozygosity in 47/56 (84%) cases. It failed to identify two individuals who were homozygous for the ATTRV122I mutation and failed to detect the following mutations in six other individuals: ATTRA19D, ATTRF44L, ATTRT60A, ATTRI68L and ATTRV122I. Therefore, LC-MS/MS is not sufficient to rule out a pathogenic mutation in cases of ATTR amyloid, and genetic testing should be performed in most cases of ATTR amyloidosis. Correct recognition of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis is important for estimating prognosis, proper familial counselling and guiding use of therapies, such as liver transplantation.

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 1 Ahmed Elamrani, Université Mohamed Premier, Morocco Anchal Dass, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), India Bed Mani Dahal, Kathmandu University, Nepal Dietrich Darr, Hochschule Rhein-Waal, Germany Gema Parra, Universidad de Jaén, Spain Gunnar Bengtsson, Sweden Inder Pal Singh, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University(GADVASU), India Kassim Adekunle Akanni, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Khaled Sassi, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Tunisia Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Marcelo Augusto Gonçalves Bardi, Universidade Sao Francisco, Brazil Murtazain Raza, Subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich, Pakistan Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Ram Swaroop Jat, ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, India Subhash Chand, Central Agricultural Research Institute CARI Port Blair, India Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia Vishwambhar Prasad Sati, Government KRG Post Graduate College, India

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/sar/editor/recruitment and e-mail the completed application form to sar@ccsenet.org. Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 4 Abha Mishra, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima, University of Dschang, Cameroon Darwin Pangaribuan, Lampung University, Indonesia Inder Pal Singh, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, India Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Marcelo Augusto Gonçalves Bardi, Universidade Sao Francisco, Brazil Mohsan Khudri, University of Memphis, USA Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon Raghuveer Sripathi, Advanta US, Inc., USA Shardendu K Singh, University of Maryland, USA Tenaw Workayehu, Hawassa Research Center, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Ethiopia

Journal of Plant Studies wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Journal of Plant Studies is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please find the application form and details at http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jps/editor/recruitment and e-mail the completed application form to jps@ccsenet.org. Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2 Bingcheng Xu, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, China Dariusz Kulus, University of Technology and Life Sciences, Poland Guzel R. Kudoyarova, Institute of Biology, Ufa Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia Joanna Helena Kud, University of Idaho, USA Milana Trifunovic-Momcilov, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, Serbia Montaser Fawzy Abdel-Monaim, Plant Pathology Res. Instatute, Agric. Res. Center, Egypt Rajnish Sharma, Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, India Said Laarabi, University Mohammed V/Ministry of National Education, Morocco Samuel G Obae, Stevenson University, USA Sarwan Kumar, Punjab Agricultural University, India Slawomir Borek, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland Ya-Yi Huang, Institution of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taiwan