Time Applications Research Articles

Dual-loaded nano pesticide system based on industrial grade scaleable carrier materials with combinatory efficacy and improved safety

Repeated and widespread use of single chemical pesticides raises concerns about efficiency and safety, developing multi-component synergistic pesticides provides a new route for efficient control of diseases. Most commercial compound formulations are open systems with non-adjustable released rates, resulting in a high frequency of applications. Meanwhile, although nano pesticide delivery systems constructed with different carrier materials have been extensively studied, realizing their actual scale-up production still has important practical significance due to the large-scale field application. In this study, a boscalid and pyraclostrobin dual-loaded nano pesticide system (BPDN) was constructed with industrial-grade carrier materials to facilitate the realization of large-scale production. The optimal industrial-scale preparation mechanism of BPDN was studied with surfactants as key factors. When agricultural emulsifier No.600 and polycarboxylate are used as the ratio of 1:2 in the preparation process, the BPDN has a spherical structure with an average size of 270 nm and exhibits superior physical stability. Compared with commercial formulation, BPDN maintains rate-stabilized release up to 5 times longer, exhibits better dispersion and spreading performance on foliar, has more than 20% higher deposition amounts, and reduces loss. A single application of BPDN could efficiently control tomato gray mold during the growing period of tomatoes due to extended duration and combinatory effectiveness, reducing two application times and labor costs. Toxicology tests on various objects systematically demonstrated that BPDN has improved safety for HepG2 cells, and nontarget organism earthworms. This research provides insight into creating safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly pesticide production to reduce manual operation times and labor costs. Accompanied by production strategies that can be easily scaled up industrially, this contributes to the efficient use of resources for sustainable agriculture.

Mechanical leaf removal for improved Botrytis bunch rot control in Vitis vinifera 'Pinot gris' and 'Pinot noir' grapevines in the northeastern U.S.

Late-season bunch rot can cause substantial yield loss in grapevines grown in humid regions. Fruit zone leaf removal has been widely used to reduce bunch rot and pesticide applications through improvements in canopy microclimate and grape cluster morphology. In this study, we evaluated if mechanical leaf removal can be a valid alternative to a labor-intensive manual application by comparing pre-bloom manual (PB-MA) and mechanical (PB-ME) leaf removal. We also evaluated the effects of the timing of mechanical application, pre-bloom (PB-ME) versus fruit set (FS-ME), on fruit traits and bunch rot, caused by Botrytis cinerea. Our trials were conducted on two Vitis vinifera 'Pinot noir' and 'Pinot gris' vineyards in the northeastern US over two seasons (2017-2018). Major findings were overall consistent between cultivars and years. Leaf removal provided reductions in fruit-zone canopy density regardless of method or timing. In general, PB-ME provided similar shifts in cluster morphological traits to PB-MA, including lower number of berries per cluster, cluster compactness, and cluster weight compared to control (no leaf removal) vines. At harvest, both pre-bloom leaf removal methods equally reduced Botrytis bunch rot severity, while Botrytis bunch rot incidence in Pinot noir was lowest for PB-ME in one year and PB-MA in the next year. When comparing timing of mechanical leaf removal, FS-ME provided Botrytis bunch rot reductions similar to PB-ME, without effects on cluster weight. Thus, under our growing conditions, FS-ME was considered the best mechanical leaf removal option to help manage Botrytis bunch rot without causing undesirable yield reductions.

NURS-02. THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SKINCARE TREATMENT PLANS AND PRODUCT KITS FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS RECEIVING TARGETED THERAPIES THAT CAUSE SKIN TOXICITY

Abstract BACKGROUND Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors are incorporated into the treatment regimens for several pediatric cancers. However, they commonly trigger dermatologic side effects, which can be challenging to manage and may have a significant impact on the quality of life. METHODS We previously performed a prospective study looking at the satisfaction and utilization of skincare kits and patient education regarding basic skincare practices. Based on these data, we developed revised skincare product kits and treatment plans that can be individualized for patients who are at risk of developing dermatologic side effects from targeted therapies. RESULTS Based on our prior study, 77% of patients thought the skincare kits and instructions were helpful. Seventy-seven percent of patients also recommended that they be distributed at the initiation of therapy. Through this study, we discovered that the patient reported medical history questions were inconsistent when compared with medical chart reviews. The most common discrepancies included information regarding patient’s diagnosis, prescribed medications, skin-related problems, and past medical history. From this data, we have developed a new skincare product kit and patient skincare plans which we distribute to every patient prior to starting their targeted therapy. The skincare kits consist of a cleanser, emollient, oral care products, sunscreen, pyrithione zinc containing shampoo, and facial moisturizers for adolescent patients. Our patient skincare plans consist of patient-specific information including diagnosis, medications, and their targeted agent. The plan provides details on how and when to use each product, application time, and order in which to apply products and topical medications. CONCLUSION Our project has highlighted the importance of patient education regarding dermatologic side effects in those starting targeted therapies. We have successfully implemented this by providing our patients with both skincare products and patient-specific care plans.

Investigation of Nickel and Chromium Ion Release from Simulated Fixed Orthodontic Appliances in Artificial Saliva Containing Fluoride

Fluoride is found in many oral hygiene products due to its anti-cariogenic effect. However, fluoride has a corrosive effect that begins at the time of application and continues with the fluoride remaining in the residual saliva. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different fluoride concentrations on the release of nickel and chromium ions from simulated fixed orthodontic appliances made of copper-nickel-titanium (Cu-NiTi), nickel-titanium (NiTi) and stainless steel (SS) archwires. Simulated orthodontic appliances in the experimental groups were immersed in Klimek artificial saliva containing 125, 500, or 900 ppm fluoride (NaF) for one hour and 0.1 ppm fluoride for eleven hours. The process was repeated in subsequent periods. Control groups were exposed to only Klimek artificial saliva. The amounts of nickel and chromium ions released into Klimek artificial saliva were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The morphological characteristics of the archwires were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average roughness value of SS archwires before and after immersion was lower than that of Cu-NiTi or NiTi archwires (p<0.05). Simulated orthodontic appliances with SS archwires released more chromium ions than simulated orthodontic appliances with Cu-NiTi and NiTi archwires in experimental groups with 125 ppm fluoride (p<0.05). Simulated fixed orthodontic appliances with SS archwires released fewer nickel ions than simulated fixed orthodontic appliances with Cu-NiTi archwires in both control and experimental groups (p<0.05). Additionally, simulated fixed orthodontic appliances with SS archwires released fewer nickel ions than those with NiTi archwires in control and experimental groups with 500 ppm fluoride (p<0.05).

Optimizing Agriculture: A Review of Chemical Priming in Crop Production

Agricultural productivity faces increasing challenges due to climate change, soil degradation, and the need for sustainable practices. Chemical priming, a technique involving the pre-treatment of seeds or plants with specific compounds, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance crop resilience, productivity, and stress tolerance. This review synthesizes current literature on the application of chemical priming in crop production, focusing on its mechanisms, effects on plant physiology, and its potential to optimize agricultural practices. Chemical priming operates through diverse mechanisms, including the induction of stress-responsive genes, enhancement of antioxidant activity, and modulation of hormone signaling pathways. These mechanisms result in improved germination rates, accelerated seedling growth, increased nutrient uptake, and enhanced tolerance to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Moreover, chemical priming has been shown to promote crop yield and quality under adverse environmental conditions, making it a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture. The effectiveness of chemical priming depends on various factors, such as the type of priming agent, concentration, timing of application, and the specific crop species. Furthermore, interactions with other agricultural practices, such as irrigation regimes and fertilization strategies, can influence its outcomes. Therefore, optimizing chemical priming protocols requires a comprehensive understanding of crop-specific responses and environmental factors. Despite its potential benefits, the widespread adoption of chemical priming in agriculture faces challenges related to cost-effectiveness, regulatory approval, and potential ecological impacts. Addressing these challenges requires further research to refine priming protocols, assess long-term effects on soil health and ecosystem functioning, and develop sustainable approaches for large-scale implementation.

A framework for evaluating the value of agricultural pest management decision support systems

AbstractDisease management decision support systems (DSS) are typically prediction algorithms that help farmers assess the risk of an epidemic, to guide whether, and to what extent, fungicide treatment is needed. However, there is frequently little information presented to quantify the value of using the DSS, i.e. the likely increased profit or reduced impact to the environment, and the risks of failing to control the pest. Validation of DSS is often limited to a small number of sites and seasons, as extensive field testing is prohibitively expensive. It would therefore be beneficial to have a method to estimate the value of a DSS using existing data sets gathered for other purposes.We present a theoretical framework for evaluating the value of DSS, and then describe how this can be applied in practice using four case studies of contrasting DSS under different data constraints. The four case studies include DSS that guide (i) the total dose of pesticide applied; (ii) the number of sprays required; (iii) the timing of the first fungicide application in a spray programme; and (iv) infection risk alerts. We demonstrate how our theoretical framework can be used to evaluate DSS, using existing field and literature data to infer the benefits and risks associated with their use. The limitations of using existing data are explored.

Agricultural waste-based modified biochars differentially affected the soil properties, growth, and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) plants

Biochar (BC) is an organic compound formed by the pyrolysis of organic wastes. Application of BCs as soil amendments has many benefits including carbon sequestration, enhanced soil fertility and sustainable agriculture production. In the present study, we acidified the different BCs prepared from rice straw, rice husk, wheat straw, cotton stalk, poultry manure, sugarcane press mud and vegetable waste; following which, we applied them in a series of pot experiments. Comparisons were made between acidified and non- acidified BCs for their effects on seed germination, soil properties (EC, pH) nutrient contents (P, K, Na) and organic matter. The treatments comprised of a control, and all above-described BCs (acidified as well as non-acidified) applied to soil at the rate of 1% (w/w). The maize crop was selected as a test crop. The results showed that acidified poultry manure BC significantly improved germination percentage, shoot length, and biomass of maize seedlings as compared to other BCs and their respective control plants. However, acidified BCs caused a significant decrease in nutrient contents (P, K, Na) of soil,maize seedlings, and the soil organic matter contents as compared to non- acidified BCs. But when compared with control treatments, all BCs treatments (acidified and non-acidified) delivered higher levels of nutrients and organic matter contents. It was concluded that none of the BCs (acidified and non-acidified) had caused negative effect on soil conditions and growth of maize. In addition, the acidification of BC prior to its application to alkaline soils might had altered soil chemistry and delivered better maize growth. Moving forward, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of modified BCs on nutrient dynamics in different soils. In addition, the possible effects of BC application timings, application rates, particle size, and crop species have to be evaluated systemtically.

Grain yield and quality responses to nitrogen application rate and timing in dry direct broadcast seeded rice under different weather conditions

AbstractIn rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, dry direct seeding is one of the most essential technologies to reduce labor input and to increase net income. Field experiments were conducted in southwestern Japan in 2019 and 2020 to determine the effects of nitrogen (N) application rate and timing on grain yield, lodging, grain appearance, and protein content in dry direct broadcast seeded rice under different weather conditions. In 2019, plants had larger source ability using the normal solar radiation at the tillering stage, regardless of N application timings. Plants with applied N at the reproductive stage produced the highest grain yield and the highest percentage of undamaged grains under high air temperature condition during the early ripening stage. In 2020, plants did not have larger source ability due to the lower solar radiation at the tillering stage. Plants with applied N at the reproductive stage produced the highest grain yield but produced the highest percentage of green immature grains. These results mean that solar radiation at the tillering stage may be important for increasing grain yield and quality in dry direct broadcast seeded rice. Therefore, since plants grown under normal solar radiation condition at the tillering stage may have large source ability, more N application at the reproductive stage may be recommended to increase grain yield. In contrast, since plants grown under low solar radiation condition at the tillering stage may have small source ability, less N application at the reproductive stage may be recommended to decrease the occurrence of green immature grains.

The Application Timing of a Cytokinin B-Mo-based Product Affects the Characteristics of Rooted Cuttings and Nonstructural Carbohydrates of Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides cv. Wild Lime) during Adventitious Root Development

A large group of horticulture species are propagated vegetatively through shoot-tip cuttings harvested from stock plants and planted to form adventitious roots. Adventitious rooting leads to establishing a carbohydrate sink in the region of root regeneration that is highly dependent on energy and carbon skeletons. We hypothesized that the timing of exogenous applications of cytokinin (CK) and boron (B)–molybdenum (Mo)-based products during adventitious root development can affect the flow of sugars from leaves to sinks, carbon allocation to the adventitious roots, and the quality of rooted cuttings. During this project, we aimed to determine if the application time of a CK/B-Mo-based product during the adventitious root development of unrooted cuttings would impact the source-to-sink relationship and, hence, affect plug growth and quality. A sink-strengthening commercial product based on cytokinin, B, and Mo was applied at four plug development stages plus a negative control as follows: T1, plants without product (control); T2, sticking stage (starting 24 hours after the sticking); T3, callus formation stage; T4, root development stage; and T5, toning stage. The root and shoot lengths and dry matter, number of leaves, leaf chlorophyll content, root-to-shoot ratio (based on dry matter), and nonstructural carbohydrate contents were measured. The timing of the application of the product impacted the root development, quality of the cuttings, and nonstructural carbohydrate content. Product application during the adventitious root dedifferentiation and induction phases (T2) resulted in the shortest root and shoot lengths, lowest dry matter accumulation, lowest nonstructural carbohydrate contents, and some phytotoxicity. Application during the initiation phase (T3) resulted in greater root length, total dry matter, and total soluble sugar contents compared with the control. Application during the expression phase (T4) resulted in the largest root length and mass and the highest sucrose contents. Applying the product when the roots had grown and reached all the edges of the growing media (T5) did not have any benefits compared with the control. This study provides new insights into the application timing of exogenous CKs, B, and Mo to generate a well-toned rooted coleus cutting and potential explanations in relation to nonstructural carbohydrate metabolism.

Reaching back to enhance the future: the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pipeline Program

ObjectivesThere are significant disparities in the surgical workforce in comparison with medical student demographics. Pipeline programs have shown to be effective in addressing gaps. The American Association for the Surgery...

A single-arm, prospective study on the efficacy and safety of TACE-HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

e16143 Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the common tumors in China. In recent years, innovative drugs such as molecular targeted drugs and immune preparations have begun to be used clinically and have achieved good results. Interventional therapy combined with targeted immunotherapy has become a hot topic in HCC treatment research. However, the matching mode, application timing, efficacy and safety of various combination treatment options are still unclear. Therefore, a study of TACE-HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma is conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety. Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were included, all of whom received TACE-HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab. The mRECIST criteria is used to evaluate the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR).The CTCAE version 5.0 is used to grade treatment-related adverse events of TACE-HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab. Results: Among the 15 patients included in the study, 14 are male and 1 is female. All patients were treated with TACE-HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab as planned, and the treatment was well tolerated. The total number of patients for optimal efficacy evaluation is 15, including 5 patients with CR, 8 patients with PR, and 2 patients with SD. The ORR is 86.7%, and DCR is 100% in best efficacy. In the safety analysis set (n = 15), none TEAEs is ≥ grade 3. In the treatment-related adverse events, abdominal pain(8/15, 53.3%), fever(4/15, 26.7%), vomiting(4/15, 26.7%), weight loss(4/15, 26.7%), nausea(2/15, 13.3%), neutropenia(2/15, 13.3%) and liver function damage(1/15, 6.7%) are all ≤ grade 2. Conclusions: TACE-HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab has definite efficacy in the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, with high objective response rate, good treatment tolerance, and controllable treatment-related adverse events. This therapy may be a treatment option for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2300067362. [Table: see text]

A survey of the treatment and management of ingrown toenails by UK podiatrists: A cross-sectional survey.

Ingrown toenails are a common pathology. Although a range of conservative and surgical measures are widely used for this condition, little is known about their use in practice. This study explored current practice relating to the treatment or management of ingrown toenails by podiatrists in the UK. A cross-sectional online survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA) conducted between March to June 2020 was distributed to practicing podiatrists treating or managing ingrown toenails in the UK. A total of 396 practicing podiatrists responded (60.1% based in the private sector). The majority (88.6%) performed nail surgery most commonly (54.3%) less than five a month. Nearly all (95%) only performed nail avulsion with or without chemical matrixectomy, universally using phenol (97.2%). Application time and number of applications varied but was most commonly applied three times (61.5%) for a total of 3minutes (75%). Aftercare varied considerably between public and private sectors, with public sectors offering fewer follow-up appointments. Although there is a variation in clinical practice throughout the treatment pathway, almost all respondents offered nail avulsion with phenol matrixectomy, whereas very few provided incisional nail surgery. This data provides the most comprehensive description of how UK podiatrists conduct nail surgery for onychocryptosis.

A comparative study of double track anastomosis and tubular esophagogastric anastomosis in laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy for upper gastric carcinoma.

e16117 Background: For the upper gastric cancer, especially adenocarcinoma at the esophagogastric junction, the optimal surgical method is still controversial. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and clinical effect of double track (DT) anastomosis in laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy (LRPG). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 243 patients who underwent LRPG in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from Jan. 2017 to Dec. 2020. Patients were divided into tubular esophagogastric (TG) anastomosis group and double track (DT) anastomosis group, according to the digestive tract reconstruction. Their intraoperative conditions, perioperative recovery and postoperative follow-up were compared. Patients were divided into ≥60 and < 60 groups according to age, to analysis the pros and cons of the two surgical methods in different age groups. According to whether or not indocyanine green (ICG) tracer technology was used during the operation, DT group was also divided into ICG group and non-ICG group. Results: Compared with the TG group, the DT group had less volume of gastric tube drainage, shorter gastric tube drainage time and proton pump inhibitors application time, and lower reuse rate of proton pump inhibitors. However, the DT group had more total operation time and lymph node dissection time. The median follow-up time of the patients was 36.0 months. At the end of study, the 1-year OS rate and DFS rate were 94.2% and 92.6% in the TG group and 95.8% and 93.7% in the DT group. The 3-year OS rate and DFS rate were 90.2% and 85.2% in the TG group and 91.9% and 87.7% in the DT group. And there was no significant difference in survival outcomes between the two groups. The DT group had a lower anastomotic stenosis at 3rd month after surgery. Moreover, the incidence of reflux esophagitis and Gerd Q score in the DT group were lower compared with the TG group at 3rd month, 1st year and 3rd year after surgery. In addition, elderly patients had a higher incidence of short-term complications in DT group compared with TG group. In the ICG analysis, the ICG DT group had significantly shorter total operation time and lymph node dissection time, less intraoperative blood loss and more lymph nodes obtained compared with the non-ICG DT group. Conclusions: DT anastomosis is a safe and effective way in LRPG for upper gastric carcinoma. Although the operation time of it is longer than that of TG anastomosis, it has a better anti-reflux effect and reduces the incidence of dysphagia and anastomotic stenosis. In elderly patients, it is important to minimize operative time and better to use TG anastomosis. The application of ICG tracer technique in LRPG has positive significance.

Efficacy and safety of bronchial arterial chemoembolization (BACE) in combination with tislelizumab for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A phase II study.

8609 Background: Bronchial artery chemoembolization (BACE) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are important therapy for NSCLC. The short-term benefit from BACE is considerable while the long-term survival benefits from ICIs is remarkable. This trial is designed to determine the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy with tislelizumab in addition to BACE in stage III-Ⅳ NSCLC patients (pts) who failed, refused or ineligible to receive standard treatments. Methods: In a single-arm, phase II study (NCT05058560), stage III-IV NSCLC patients who refused or were ineligible to receive standard treatments were enrolled. Patients received BACE followed by 200 mg tislelizumab every 3 weeks until disease progression, intolerable toxicities, or discontinuation determined by the investigators. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), safety, and quality of life (QoL). Results: Thirty patients were enrolled in this study between December 2021 and August 2022. The median follow-up was 12 (range, 1.5-12) months. At the data cutoff (August 31, 2023), the median PFS was 10.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.8-13.2) months and the median OS was not reached. The 3 -, 6 -, and 12-month ORR were 63.3% (95%CI, 43.9%-80.1%), 56.7% (95%CI, 37.4%-74.5%), and 30.4% (95%CI, 13.2%-52.9%), respectively. The DCR at 3 months was 80% (95%CI, 61.4%-92.3%), at 6 months was 76.7% (95%CI, 57.7%-90.1%), and at 12 months was 47.8% (95%CI, 26.8%-69.4%). The expression rate of PD-L1, tumor feeding arteries, and the application times of tislelizumab were prognostic factors for PFS. No grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred. Common grade 2 TRAEs were nausea, fever, and cough. QoL improved significantly after 1 cycle of treatment compared with baseline, including global quality of life, physical functioning, and emotional functioning. Conclusions: The study demonstrated promising efficacy and manageable safety profiles of BACE plus tislelizumab for advanced NSCLC patients, indicating a potential and effective treatment option for this population. Clinical trial information: NCT05058560 .

Delivery of dental pulp stem cells by an injectable ROS-responsive hydrogel promotes temporomandibular joint cartilage repair via enhancing anti-apoptosis and regulating microenvironment

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage repair poses a considerable clinical challenge, and tissue engineering has emerged as a promising solution. In this study, we developed an injectable reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive multifunctional hydrogel (RDGel) to encapsulate dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs/RDGel in short) for the targeted repair of condylar cartilage defect. The DPSCs/RDGel composite exhibited a synergistic effect in the elimination of TMJ OA (osteoarthritis) inflammation via the interaction between the hydrogel component and the DPSCs. We first demonstrated the applicability and biocompatibility of RDGel. RDGel encapsulation could enhance the anti-apoptotic ability of DPSCs by inhibiting P38/P53 mitochondrial apoptotic signal in vitro. We also proved that the utilization of DPSCs/RDGel composite effectively enhanced the expression of TMJOA cartilage matrix and promoted subchondral bone structure in vivo. Subsequently, we observed the synergistic improvement of DPSCs/RDGel composite on the oxidative stress microenvironment of TMJOA and its regulation and promotion of M2 polarization, thereby confirmed that M2 macrophages further promoted the condylar cartilage repair of DPSCs. This is the first time application of DPSCs/RDGel composite for the targeted repair of TMJOA condylar cartilage defects, presenting a novel and promising avenue for cell-based therapy.

Description of the Behavior of Chilli Farmers in the Use of Pesticides in Nagari Andiang, Suliki District Fifty City District

The problem that is often faced in the use of pesticides in the field is the incorrect amount, time, and type of application as a result of the user's lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the correct application of pesticides. From the initial service carried out by researchers, it was seen that several farmers were still not implementing appropriate pesticide applications, such as not wearing personal protective equipment in the form of masks, gloves, and so on. This research aims to describe the behavior of vegetable farmers in pesticide application. This type of research is descriptive and quantitative with a population of 2,361 people and a sample of 48 people. Data was collected from January – March 2024. Data was collected by conducting an initial survey and questionnaire measuring tools. Based on the research conducted, it was discovered that as many as 26 people with a percentage of 54.17% of the sampled chili farmers had low knowledge of pesticide application. As many as 21 people with a percentage of 43.75% of chili farmers had a negative attitude towards pesticide application and as many as 19 people with a percentage of 39.58% had unfavorable attitudes towards pesticide application. It is recommended that the Head of Nagari Wali coordinate with PPL (Field Agricultural Officers) to socialize appropriate and correct pesticide application, so that vegetable farmers maintain their attitude during this time, such as getting used to showering after spraying pesticides and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during pesticide application.

COMBAT-C: COntrol of Major Bleeding by Application of Tourniquets over Clothing

IntroductionExternal bleeding is the leading cause of preventable trauma-related death. In certain circumstances, tourniquet application over clothing may be necessary. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of tourniquets over different clothing setups.MethodsThree windlass tourniquets (CAT, SAMXT, SOFTT-W) were applied over nine different clothing setups and without clothing on the Hapmed™ Tourniquet Trainer. We compared each tourniquet in each clothing setup to the tourniquet trainer that was not dressed, and we compared the three tourniquets within each clothing setup concerning blood loss, applied pressure and application time. Regression analysis of the effect of thickness, mean weight, mean deformation, application time, and applied pressure on blood loss was performed.ResultsAlthough blood loss was significantly greater in the CAT and SAMXT tourniquets when they were applied over leather motorcycle trousers, the overall findings showed that the clothing setups significantly reduced or did not affect blood loss. The mean blood loss was the lowest with CAT and the highest with SOFTT-W. The measured mean pressures were lower than 180 mmHg in four out of nine clothing setups with SOFTT-W, but CAT and SAMXT always exceeded this threshold. CAT had the fastest application time. Blood loss was significantly influenced by applied pressure and application time but was influenced to a far lesser degree by clothing parameters.ConclusionThe effects of the clothing setups were of little clinical relevance, except for leather motorcycle trousers. The effects of rugged protective equipment, e.g., hazard suits, are conceivable and need to be tested for specific garments with the tourniquet intended for use. No clothing parameter for predicting tourniquet effectiveness could be identified.

Correlation among post-surgery recurrence of CRSwNP and TCM syndromes and tissue inflammatory cell infiltration type: a study protocol

BackgroundFunctional endoscopic sinus surgery is a principal option for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) after medication failures. Unfortunately, some patients still have unsatisfactory postoperative recovery. The type of inflammatory cell infiltration in nasal polyp tissue has been reported available for recurrence prediction. As it is invasive and time-consuming, this technique is hard to promote clinically under the existing technical conditions. And during the course of clinical treatment, we have noted that differences in the postoperative recurrence rate of patients present among different traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types.Methods and analysisThis is a non-randomized, single-center, and prospective cohort study started in Chengdu Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China, in January 2021. A total of 200 participants will be recruited from patients who are diagnosed with CRSwNP and prepared for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. We collect preoperative data which includes general information, medical history, TCM syndromes, visual analogue scale (VAS) of subjective symptoms, Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score, and Lund-Mackay score of computed tomography (CT) scanning of sinuses. We acquire the VAS score and Lund-Kennedy score of subjective symptoms through multiple planned follow-up after surgery. After 1 year of follow-up, the recurrence rate will be calculated, and the curative effect will be assessed. Meanwhile, the patients’ pathological sections will be sorted out, and inflammatory cell infiltration will be analyzed. Statistical analysis will be carried out to evaluate the correlation among CRSwNP recurrence and TCM syndrome types and tissue inflammatory cell infiltration types. Then we will establish a predictive model for CRSwNP recurrence. Analyses of survey data include descriptive and inferential statistical approaches.DiscussionThis is the first prospective cohort study on investigating the correlation of CRSwNP recurrence with TCM syndrome types and tissue inflammatory cell infiltration types. Through this study, we hope to discover a new and simple, effective, and noninvasive way to predict the recurrence rate rapidly after CRSwNP and provide reference for the intervention timing of traditional Chinese medicine application, thereby achieving customized diagnosis and treatment, minimizing risks of surgical events, and delaying postoperative recurrence of CRSwNP.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO ChiCTR2100041646.

Safety of carfentrazone‐ethyl following application of bensulide to creeping bentgrass putting greens

AbstractGolf course superintendents may use bensulide to control annual grassy weeds and carfentrazone‐ethyl (CE) to control silvery‐thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) in creeping bentgrass putting greens. Creeping bentgrass injury has been reported if CE is applied soon after treatment with bensulide and the safe application interval varies as much as 68 days. Our goal was to improve the precision of recommendations for safe application of CE following bensulide, considering both CE rate and timing. We used a factorial treatment structure that included (1) bensulide or no bensulide, (2) three rates of CE, and (3) nine CE application timings in 2018 and 2019 at locations in Nebraska and Ohio. Because of limited effects in 2018, different CE rates and application timings were used in 2019. Significant creeping bentgrass injury was only observed at 6.7 or 13.4 fl oz acre−1 rates of CE that were applied within 3 days of applying bensulide. Even the 13.4 fl oz acre−1 rate (a 2× rate) of CE did not injure creeping bentgrass when applied at least 7 days after applying bensulide. The 2.0 fl oz acre−1 rate of CE never injured creeping bentgrass, even when applied the same day as bensulide. Cultivar, management, and environmental differences may influence whether subsequent application of bensulide and CE injures creeping bentgrass. Based on the environmental/cultural conditions and cultivars used in this research, golf course superintendents should expect little to no injury when CE is applied at least 1 week after applying bensulide.

The NOMAD mini-apps: A suite of kernels from ab initio electronic structure codes enabling co-design in high-performance computing.

This article introduces a suite of mini-applications (mini-apps) designed to optimise computational kernels in ab initio electronic structure codes. The suite is developed from flagship applications participating in the NOMAD Center of Excellence, such as the ELPA eigensolver library and the GW implementations of the exciting, Abinit, and FHI-aims codes. The mini-apps were identified by targeting functions that significantly contribute to the total execution time in the parent applications. This strategic selection allows for concentrated optimisation efforts. The suite is designed for easy deployment on various High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, supported by an integrated CMake build system for straightforward compilation and execution. The aim is to harness the capabilities of emerging (post)exascale systems, which necessitate concurrent hardware and software development - a concept known as co-design. The mini-app suite serves as a tool for profiling and benchmarking, providing insights that can guide both software optimisation and hardware design. Ultimately, these developments will enable more accurate and efficient simulations of novel materials, leveraging the full potential of exascale computing in material science research.