Difference In Days Research Articles

Habitat use by nomadic ibis and spoonbills post-dispersal from breeding sites

Abstract Context Nomadic waterbirds are highly mobile across a range of spatial and temporal scales, which makes it difficult to monitor, quantify, and predict their habitat use with traditional methods, especially between breeding events when individuals and flocks can move over vast areas. Objectives This study aimed to provide accurate information on habitat use to improve strategic conservation management of these species, particularly the provisioning of environmental water. Methods To overcome the challenges of distance and remoteness, we analysed a 7-year GPS satellite telemetry dataset from 141 individuals. We quantified habitat selection post-dispersal from breeding sites, and predicted habitat preference for two wading waterbird species of the Threskiornithidae family that frequently nest together at the same sites: straw-necked ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis) and royal spoonbill (Platalea regia). Results Both long-term and short-term landscape-scale habitat associations differed between species. Royal spoonbills used fewer and more restricted habitat types than straw-necked ibis. Spoonbills displayed strong preferences for reservoirs, marshes and permanent wetlands, while ibis used both aquatic and terrestrial habitat, including areas of intensive animal production, modified pasture, and woodlands. Analysis of nocturnal versus diurnal space use showed that roosting and foraging habitat requirements for both species are distinct. Conclusions Analysing over 1 million telemetry points revealed species-level variability in habitat use, informing resource allocation for environmental water management. Royal spoonbills are more vulnerable to habitat change due to water regime alterations, highlighting the need for focused conservation management. Differences in day and night habitat use indicate the necessity of considering roosting habitats alongside foraging habitats for effective conservation. This comprehensive understanding of waterbirds' spatiotemporal interactions with their environment is crucial for long-term management aimed at increasing waterbird numbers and maintaining diversity.

Effect of exercise referral schemes and self-management strategies on healthcare service utilisation among community-dwelling older adults: secondary analyses of two randomised controlled trials.

The objective of this study is to explore whether offering an integrated self-management strategy and exercise referral scheme intervention (ERS+SMS) or a stand-alone ERS intervention is more effective in reducing healthcare service utilisation among community-dwelling older adults over time compared with a stand-alone SMS/control intervention. Secondary analyses of two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with linkage to Danish national health registries. Three Danish municipalities: Esbjerg, Slagelse and Odense. Danish community-dwelling older adults, aged 65 years or older, were included in the study. Participants originated from two completed RCTs: the Welfare Innovation in Primary Prevention (WIPP, n=115) and the SITLESS project (SITLESS, n=333). Participants in the two trials were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups: ERS in combination with SMS (ERS+SMS), ERS alone or an SMS/control intervention. Annual number of days with contact to general practice (GP) and days hospitalised for all causes. No statistically significant between-group difference was observed in the annual number of days with contact with GP between participants randomised to ERS+SMS (p=0.759) or ERS only (p=0.156) compared with those randomised to the SMS/control group. In addition, no statistically significant between-group differences in days hospitalised were observed when comparing the ERS+SMS (p=0.222) or ERS only (p=0.060) group to the SMS/control group. Neither the integrated intervention (ERS+SMS) nor the ERS alone intervention was more effective in reducing healthcare service utilisation during a 2-year follow-up period compared with a stand-alone SMS/control intervention. A potential stabilising effect of ERS and/or SMS interventions on the general age-related increase in healthcare service utilisation cannot be ruled out but needs further exploration in future studies along with the exploration of the effects of long-term interventions. NCT04531852 : and : NCT02629666 : .

Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Anisopus mannii Leaves on Blood Glucose and Organ Weights of Wistar Rats with Alloxan Induced-Diabetes

This study looked at the impact of Anisopus mannii methanolic leaf extract on Wistar rats’ organ weights and alloxan-induced diabetes. For this investigation, a total of 20 male Wistar (albino) rats weighing between 80 and 150 g were used. Four groups of rats were randomly assigned. 1: Normal control; 2: Negative control; 3: Positive control (treated alloxan induced-diabetic with 5 mg/kg metformin); 4: alloxan induced-diabetic treated with 200 mg/kg of methanolic A. mannii leaf extract. The findings of the study show there was a significant difference in the blood glucose levels between the diabetic rats treated with metformin and the diabetic rats treated with A. mannii methanolic leaves extract on days 7 and no significant difference in day 14. The fasting blood glucose level in the diabetic rats treated with A. mannii on day 7 reduced from 167.00±19.76 mg/dL to 88.08±11.78 mg/dL on day 14. the liver weights (3.69±0.21 g) of the diabetic rats treated with the extract were significantly lower than those of the diabetic rats treated with metformin (4.86±0.16 g), and it was also within the weight for normal control which were non-diabetic (3.93±0.29 g). The kidney weights of the diabetic rats treated with the extract (1.13±0.18 g) were significantly higher than those of the diabetic rats treated with metformin (0.96±0.03 g). This work unequivocally shows that, in rats given alloxan to produce diabetes, A. mannii extract was able to substantially lower fasting blood glucose levels and shield the kidneys and liver from harm in just two weeks..

Genetic Studies on Yield and Its Components in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.)

A field trial was carried out at the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, Hyderabad during Kharif, 2023-24, with the aim of studying genetic parameters for yield and its components among pigeonpea genotypes which provides in developing an apt selection index to be included in the breeding programs. This research was conducted on 200 genotypes of Indian pigeon pea on seven traits. Data were analysed to calculate analysis of variance (ANOVA), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), broad sense heritability (h2bs) and estimated genetic progression as percentage mean using R software v 4.3.1. The results of the analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference for days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant among the genotypes. The genotypic coefficient of variance was lower than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all the traits under selection. Higher extent of genotypic coefficient of variation is manifested by days to 50% flowering, plant height, seeds per pod, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with genetic advance as per cent mean was observed in seed yield per plant, number of days to 50% flowering and plant height. The results concluded that seed yield per plant, number of days to flowering up to 50%, and plant height are the traits that should be emphasized as selection indicator in Indian pigeon pea breeding programs.

Determinants of failure to progress within 2 weeks of delivery: results of a multivariable analysis approach

ObjectiveThe incidence of cesarean section (CS) for failure to progress (FP) has progressively increased; thus, knowing the factors that increase this incidence has become of crucial importance. This study aimed to find the true determinants of CS for FP within 2 weeks of delivery, proposing strategies to reduce its incidence. Material and MethodsA group of 957 term and late preterm (≥34 weeks) singleton pregnancies with a complete gestational follow-up and an ultrasound examination within 2 weeks of delivery were included in a retrospective observational study. Epidemiological, sonographic, and perinatal data were recorded, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to create models to predict the importance of different variables in the explanation of FP. ResultsInduction of labor was by far the most important modifiable factor, followed by smoking and maternal weight, while parity was the most important nonmodifiable factor, followed by maternal age and estimated fetal weight. The difference in days from the actual due date exerted no influence. ConclusionsTo reduce the incidence of CS for FP, inductions of labor should be performed only under evidence-based medicine indications and kept to a minimum. In addition, maternal overweight reduction and maternal smoking cessation should be promoted before the initiation of gestation.

Enhancing timeliness of port placement for new treatment patients: A quality improvement initiative.

335 Background: Timely port placement is crucial for patients beginning new treatments, yet delays can impede care and satisfaction. This initiative aimed to address these delays and improve port placement efficiency for new treatment patients. Methods: A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted between July 2022 and December 2023. Data was collected to assess the time from port order to port placement. Interventions included concurrent scheduling of consult and port placement visits in coordination with interventional radiology (IR) and workflow redesign to enhance oncology navigator involvement by directing port orders to an oncology navigation pool for expedited processing and scheduling. The primary endpoint was to compare the mean difference in days between IR consult order and port placement among pre- and post-intervention groups. Results: The study included 144 patients: 102 in the pre-intervention group (July 2022-June 2023) and 42 in the post-intervention group (July 2023-December 2023). The post-intervention group showed a 26.35% improvement in time to port placement from appointment, compared to pre-intervention intervals. The combined quarterly mean indicated a 14.37% reduction in time to port placement from order. The mean interval between IR consult order and port placement was 15.59 days pre-intervention and 13.35 days post-intervention, with a mean difference of 2.24 days (CI -0.92 to 5.4; p = 0.08). Conclusions: This quality improvement initiative demonstrated substantial progress in reducing delays in port placement for new treatment patients. Optimizing workflow processes and increasing navigator involvement significantly improved timeliness and the overall patient experience. Continued monitoring and refinement of these interventions are essential for sustaining these improvements over time. Mean interval between IR consult order and port placement. Timeframe of Pre-intervention Group Mean of Pre-Intervention Group* Mean of Post-Intervention Group* (July 2023-Dec 2023) Mean Difference Between Pre and Post Intervention Group* Standard Error Confidence Interval p-value July 2022-Dec 2022 16.12 13.35 2.76 1.91 -1.04 to 6.57 0.07 Jan 2023-Jun 2023 14.93 13.35 1.58 1.59 -1.59 to 4.74 0.16 July 2022-Jun 2023 (overall) 15.59 13.35 2.24 1.60 -0.92 to 5.40 0.08 *Mean expressed in days.

Temazepam or Melatonin Versus Placebo for the Treatment of Insomnia in Advanced Cancer: A Three-Arm, Double-Blind, Phase III, Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Sleep disturbance has a prevalence of 30-78% in patients with advanced cancer. While pharmacotherapy is common, randomized controlled studies (RCTs) investigating available agents are limited. This study examines the efficacy and safety of temazepam or melatonin versus placebo for sleep in advanced cancer. Methods: This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of temazepam, melatonin prolonged release (PR) or placebo for insomnia in patients with advanced cancer, and an insomnia severity index (ISI) score of >11. Results: Twenty-one participants were randomized: nine to temazepam, eight to melatonin, and four to placebo. Baseline characteristics between groups were similar. The adjusted mean difference in day 8 ISI score versus placebo was -9.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] -17.5, 0.7, p = 0.04) for temazepam and -9.6 (95% CI -18,-1.2, p = 0.03) for melatonin PR. There was no improvement in global quality of life. Both agents were well tolerated. Conclusion: Temazepam and melatonin PR were associated with a clinically significant improvement in patient-reported insomnia severity compared with placebo. Findings need confirmation with larger patient numbers.

Robust and persistent B-cell responses following SARS-CoV-2 vaccine determine protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A clear immune correlate of protection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has not been defined. We explored antibody, B-cell, and T-cell responses to the third-dose vaccine and relationship to incident SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adults in a prospective cohort provided blood samples at day 0, day 14, and 10 months after the third-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Participants self-reported incident SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and spike-subunit-1 and spike-subunit-2 antibodies were measured. A sub-study assessed SARS-CoV-2-specific plasma and memory B-cell and memory T-cell responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by enzyme-linked immunospot. Comparative analysis between participants who developed incident infection and uninfected participants utilised non-parametric t-tests, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazard ratios. Of the 132 participants, 47 (36%) reported incident SARS-CoV-2 infection at a median 16.5 (16.25-21) weeks after the third-dose vaccination. RBD titres and B-cell responses, but not T-cell responses, increased after the third-dose vaccine. Whereas no significant difference in day 14 antibody titres or T-cell responses was observed between participants with and without incident SARS-CoV-2 infection, RBD memory B-cell frequencies were significantly higher in those who did not develop infection [10.0% (4.5%-16.0%) versus 4.9% (1.6%-9.3%), p = 0.01]. RBD titres and memory B-cell frequencies remained significantly higher at 10 months than day 0 levels (p < 0.01). Robust antibody and B-cell responses persisted at 10 months following the third-dose vaccination. Higher memory B-cell frequencies, rather than antibody titres or T-cell responses, predicted protection from subsequent infection, identifying memory B cells as a correlate of protection.

Invasive and conservative management of elderly patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and adjusted observational studies

BackgroundElderly patients are often under-represented in studies about coronary revascularization in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and undertreated in clinical practice. We sought to evaluate differences in outcomes between an initial invasive or conservative strategy in this subset of patients, MethodsThe analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and adjusted observational studies comparing an invasive and conservative strategy in old patients with ACS were systematically identified. Random or fixed effect model was used accordingly to heterogeneity testing results. Short-term mortality was the primary outcome. 30-day and longer-term re-infarction, MACE and all-cause mortality were secondary endpoints. Sensitivity analysis including RCTs only were performed for the primary endpoint and 1 year mortality and another analysis, stratifying NSTEMI and STEMI studies, was performed for short-term mortality. ResultsInvasive management was associated with lower short and long-term mortality (30 days OR 0.64, 95 % CI 0.54–0.76, p < 0.001; 1 year HR 0.60, 95 % CI 0.52–0.78, p < 0.001; Long-term HR 0.62, 95 % CI 0.55–0.71, p < 0.001) compared to a conservative strategy. In the short-term follow-up, the benefit was preserved when differentiating for NSTEMI or STEMI studies but not when considering only RCTs. Major bleedings were more frequent in the invasive group (30 days OR 1.61, 95 % CI 1.39–1.87, p < 0.001). The mean difference in length of stay was not significantly different between the two strategies (mean difference in days 0.14, 95 % CI -0.79 to 1.06, p = 0.77). ConclusionAn initial invasive strategy might lead to reduced short and long-term mortality in elderly patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome but it is associated with increased bleeding events rate. No difference in hospital stay length was observed. Results were mainly driven by non-randomized studies.

Agronomic Evaluation of Common Bean and Tef (Eragrostis tef) Varieties in Double Cropping System

Double-cropping cereals with legumes is a usual practice by smallholder farmers in southern Ethiopia. However, crop compatibility and sequencing are the major problems for their soil fertility and profitability. Thus, it was useful to conduct experiments on double cropping systems that enable the farmers more profitable on small land to reduce crop failure with current climate change. Thus, an experiment was done to evaluate the effects of the common bean as double cropping on the productivity of tef and to evaluate the economic and technical compatibility of common bean-tef in a double cropping combination to improve production at Wondo Genete district during the cropping season of 2021 using RCBD design. The experiment consisting of twelve treatments including three common bean and three tef varieties was sowed as the preceding and succeeding crop respectively and three sole tef variety to see the compatibility of common bean and tef varieties. The preceding crops showed a non-significant difference in days to maturity, seed per pod, and hundred seed weight, but the biomass and grain yield of Remeda were significantly higher than Awash-2 however, it had no significant yield difference with Hawassa Dume. The variance analysis showed that all the growth and yield parameters of tef were significant such as days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, number of tillers per plant, tiller number, and grain yield (p&amp;lt;0.05). However, the yield parameters like dry biomass, straw yield, and toughened seed weight for tef had no significant difference.

Valuation of the growth response of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom on partially composted sesame stalk with different blends of wheat straw

Aside from being a significant source of highly nutritious and medicinally valuable mushrooms, mushroom cultivation is an important means of environmental remediation. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a versatile mushroom that can be grown in various environmental conditions and non-composted lignocellulosic wastes. The present study was conducted to assess the growth response of oyster mushroom on sesame stalk. Spawn was prepared from a mycelium culture grown on potato dextrose agar. The spawn was inoculated onto sesame stalk and wheat straw substrates and incubated at room temperature in the dark for 21 days. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used with five treatments, including the control (100% wheat straw), which were triplicated. Data was analyzed using Minitab version 19. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in days taken for mycelial colonization, primordial appearance, maturity and yield was observed between the substrate formulations. 100% SS (100% sesame stalk) was fastest (19.00 days) in mycelial colonization period but statistically parity with 75% SS + 25% WS (75% sesame stalk + 25% wheat straw). 75% SS + 25% WS (75% sesame stalk + 25% wheat straw) was faster (3.33 days) for primordial appearance while 100% SS(100% sesame stalk) was faster (6.67 days) in maturity. The highest yield (1850 g) and biological efficiency (185%) was recorded by 100% SS (100% sesame stalk). Pearson’s correlation showed that cap diameter and stipe length directly correlate yield and biological efficiency and faster substrate colonization leads to quicker maturation. The current study suggests that sesame stalk can be an alternative substrate for cultivation of oyster mushrooms.

Spironolactone Reduces the Risk of Death in Veterans With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex syndrome increasing in prevalence and affecting millions worldwide but with limited evidence-based therapies. Results from explanatory clinical trials suggest that spironolactone may help to improve outcomes in patients with HFpEF. We sought to investigate the effectiveness of spironolactone in reducing death and hospitalization outcomes for patients with HFpEF in a real-world setting. We used electronic health records from the US Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system between 2002 and 2012 to identify patients with HFpEF who were followed longitudinally through 2014 using a validated algorithm. Among our HFpEF cohort that is 96% men, 85% White individuals, and aged 74±11 years, 3690 spironolactone users and 49 191 nonusers were identified and followed for a median of 2.9 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.5-2.4) and 3.3 (IQR, 1.6-5.9) years, respectively. We evaluated the effect of spironolactone use on all-cause death and number of days hospitalized per year for heart failure or for any cause by fitting generalized estimating equation-based Poisson and negative binomial models. Crude rates of 10.3 versus 13.5 deaths and 394.0 versus 485.9 days hospitalized were observed per 100 person-years for spironolactone users versus nonusers, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, there was a 21% reduction (95% CI, 13-29; P<0.0001) in rate of all-cause death among spironolactone users compared with nonusers and no statistically significant difference in days hospitalized for all causes or heart failure. In a real-world national cohort of patients with HFpEF, spironolactone use reduced all-cause death and demonstrated a favorable trend in reducing the burden of hospitalizations.

Poster 148: Similar Outcomes Despite Differing Costs for Long-head Biceps Brachii Tendon Treatment: Open Tenodesis vs. Arthroscopic Tenodesis vs. Tenotomy

Objectives: Rotator Cuff Repair (RCR) is frequently associated with treatment of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon. This is because the biceps tendon is a common pain generator of the shoulder, and it is commonly diseased concurrently with the rotator cuff. Biceps tendinopathy is commonly treated with tenodesis (open or arthroscopic) or tenotomy. Previous studies have shown no differences in complication rates and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at 2-year follow-up between arthroscopic tenodesis or open tenodesis. Other literature has shown open biceps tenodesis (OBT) to have similar costs and operative time compared to arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (ABT); however, time-driven activity-based costing was not used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for differences in day of surgery (DOS) costs at one-year for OBT, ABT, and biceps tenotomy in the context of RCR. We hypothesized that cost would be similar between OBT and ABT and would be less for tenotomy. The primary outcome was DOS cost as measured by time-driven activity-based costing. Secondary aims included assessing PROs with the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, as well as operative time, symptomatic retear rate, and reoperation rate at one year. Methods: A prospectively collected PRO database was retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent surgical treatment of their biceps tendon in the setting of primary RCR between 2018 and 2022. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent supraspinatus or supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon repair, as well as biceps tenodesis (arthroscopic or open) or tenotomy and had full PRO data at preoperative baseline and at one-year follow up. Patients were excluded if they were missing PRO data, missing cost and implant data, had a prior history of shoulder surgery, underwent revision rotator cuff repair, or had their subscapularis, teres minor, or isolated infraspinatus tendon repaired. A total of 266 patients met criteria. PROs collected included SANE and ASES scores at baseline and one-year follow-up. Patient demographics, injury and surgical characteristics, operative time, retear and reoperation rates, and day of surgery cost were evaluated. Time-driven activity-based costing was used to determine DOS costs. Statistical analyses conducted included descriptive statistics, Fisher exact tests, and analysis of variance. Results: Of the 266 patients that met criteria, approximately half were female (n = 131, 49.3%). Mean patient age at time of surgery was 60.4 years old and mean body mass index was 30.15. Chronic tears were present in 55.6% of patients. 113 patients underwent OBT, 75 underwent ABT, and 78 underwent biceps tenotomy. The average values for ASES and SANE scores at baseline versus 1-year follow-up were 46.9 versus 84.3 and 40.2 versus 84.0, respectively. The age of patients who underwent tenotomy (64.2 years old) was significantly older than the ABT (58.7 years old) and OBT (58.8 years old) groups (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, more women underwent biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis compared to men (37.4% of women vs. 21.5% of men). Mean operative time was significantly different between the groups with tenotomy being the fastest (ABT 128.0 minutes, OBT 139.9 minutes, tenotomy 121.6 minutes, p &lt; 0.001). DOS costs as well as biceps tendon fixation costs were highest for OBT compared to ABT and biceps tenotomy (DOS $3,963.64 vs. $3,426.67 vs. $3,095.34, p &lt; 0.001, respectively; Biceps fixation $505.25 vs. $237.94 vs. $5.15, p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Additionally, overall implant costs (including RCR) were highest for OBT, despite the number of anchors used not differing between the groups (p = 0.132). There was no difference in the number of tendons repaired by bicep treatment type (p = 0.203). Changes in 1-year ASES and SANE scores were not different between the group (p = 0.221 and p = 0.159, respectively). There were also no differences between groups in rotator cuff symptomatic retears or reoperations (p = 0.731 and p = 0.391, respectively). Conclusions: This study found DOS costs were lowest for biceps tenotomy and highest for OBT with a difference of more than $850. Operative time from shortest for biceps tenotomy, while OBT was associated with an 18 minute longer operative time. Despite the differences in cost and operative time, there were no differences in PROs, symptomatic rotator cuff retear rates, or reoperation rates at one-year follow-up. These results may indicate that all three treatment types can provide patients with similar outcomes; however, lower operative times and costs can be provided by tenotomy or ABT compared to OBT. Surgeons can use these results to help guide technique selection when treating patients with biceps pathology. [Figure: see text]

Quality Improvement Initiative to Optimize Management of Pregnancy of Unknown Location

Introduction: Gynecology often gets consulted for patients with pregnancy of unknown location (PUL). Management is often delayed until a definitive diagnosis is made, despite the life-threatening nature of a missed or delayed diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. A patient may undergo multiple blood draws and ultrasounds and wait days prior to diagnosis and treatment. In collaboration with the emergency department, a protocol was created to standardize the management of patients with PUL. The goal was to decrease the time to final diagnosis of pregnancy location, the time to resolution of management, and the total healthcare costs. Methods: This was an IRB approved (#15137) QI initiative that involved retrospective analysis of patients prior to and after implementation of the protocol. The protocol centered around offering management options after trending 3 β-HCG values. Provider education was implemented via presentation at Grand Rounds and periodic emails. Chi-square, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Kaplan Meier estimation tests were used for analysis. Results: Compared to preimplementation there was a decrease in the number of days to diagnosis from 9 days to 6 days (p=0.008). The distribution of ultrasounds (as presented from 25th to 75th percentile) performed prior to resolution changed from [1,3] preimplementation to [1,2] postimplementation (p=0.044). There was no significant difference in days to resolution (p=0.984) or number of blood draws performed prior to diagnosis and resolution (p= 0.150 and p=0.711). Conclusion: The implementation of a protocol standardizing management of PUL resulted in decreased time to final diagnosis and the number of ultrasounds patients required prior to diagnosis. This protocol highlights the benefits of cost-conscious patient-centered care in a common area of gynecologic practice.

Percutaneous Kyphoplasty via Transverse Process-Rib-Pedicle Approach for Upper and Middle Thoracic Osteoporosis Fracture with Pedicle Stenosis

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty via Process-Rib-Pedicle approach for upper and middle thoracic osteoporosis fracture with Pedicle Stenosis. MethodsThis study is a retrospective observational study. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 62 patients with upper thoracic vertebral bone loss compression fracture (OVCF) treated via the Process-Rib-Pedicle pathway PKP at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2020 to December 2022. The patients were divided into group A(Unilateral PKP, 38 cases) and group B(Bilateral PKP, 24 cases) . The aspects of surgical safety, clinical efficacy and radio-logical outcome were investigated. ResultsAll 62 patients successfully completed the surgery without any spinal cord, nerve, or vascular injury, and there were no complications such as infection and vascular embolism. The differences in VAS scores（P<0.05）, ODI functional index（P<0.05）, and Cobb angle（P<0.05） were significant when comparing preoperative and postoperative periods, and the differences were not significant when comparing the postoperative periods (P>0.05); There were no statistically significant differences in days of hospital stay(P=0.653), and the rate of bone cement leakage (P=0.537 )between the two groups. ConclusionFor upper middle osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures with pedicle stenosis, puncture via the Process-Rib-Pedicle path is a safe and reliable puncture route, and more than 2.5 ml of cement can achieve good clinical outcomes, regardless of bilateral or unilateral PKP.

Evaluation of Newly Bred Zinc and Iron Enriched Rice Genotypes for Cultivation Under Aerobic Condition Using Genetic Parameters: Implication on Drought Management

This research focused on the evaluation of twelve newly bred rice genotypes with diverse morphological traits under aerobic cultivation to develop strategies for water conservation while maintaining grain productivity and quality. The experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2016, employing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with wetland cultivation as a control. For analysis, various vegetative and reproductive traits namely, Plant height, Number of Tillers, Shoot Weight, Days to 50% flowering, Days to Maturity, Number of Productive Tillers, Panicle Length, Grain Weight, Length of the seed, Breadth of the seed, Ratio of Length and Breadth of the Seed, and Test weight of 100 seeds were recorded. Data on analysis of variance revealed the significant difference for days to flowering, maturity, plant height, panicle length, test weight, and grain yield under aerobic and wetland cultivation methods during the summer season, 2016, suggesting these traits are under high genetic control. Genetic parameters such as percentage of GCV, PCV, Heritability, and GAM were estimated across 13 parameters comprising vegetative and reproductive characters. The findings suggest a considerable amount of genetic variability for most traits, providing a foundation for the potential implementation of an effective selection procedure in breeding new rice varieties within the selected genotypes.

Reducing the gender gap in parental leave through economic incentives? – Evidence from the gender equality bonus in Sweden

Using a regression discontinuity design, I evaluate an internationally unique policy in Sweden that rewarded equal division of parental leave with a cash bonus. The policy caused a small but significant reduction in the difference in days of leave between the parents. But since parent couples responded in different directions depending on the gender of the person with the lower uptake, the average effect on the mother-father difference in uptake was insignificant. Expectedly, given this result, the bonus did not affect average gender differences in earnings or indicators of later childcare responsibility. However, mothers who lowered their uptake of parental leave in response to the bonus displayed positive point estimates with regard to earnings while mothers who increased their uptake displayed negative estimates. This indicates that we cannot rule out a potential link between the length of parental leave and later allocation of time between home and market production. While the bonus did not affect average gender differences in parental leave and earnings, a key finding is that parents’ division of parental leave can be affected by economic incentives, suggesting that better calibrated bonus programs have potential to be useful policy tools.

Circulating vaccine derived polio virus type 2 outbreak and response in Yemen, 2021–2022, a retrospective descriptive analysis

BackgroundThe outbreaks of circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Viruses (cVDPVs) have emerged as a major challenge for the final stage of polio eradication. In Yemen, an explosive outbreak of cVDPV2 was reported from August 2021 to December 2022. This study aims to compare the patterns of cVDPV2 outbreak, response measures taken by health authorities, and impacts in southern and northern governorates.MethodA retrospective descriptive study of confirmed cases of VDPV2 was performed. The data related to cVDPV2 as well as stool specimens and environmental samples that were shipped to WHO-accredited labs were collected by staff of surveillance. Frequencies and percentages were used to characterize and compare the confirmed cases from the southern and northern governorates. The average delayed time as a difference in days between the date of sample collection and lab confirmation was calculated.ResultsThe cVDPV2 was isolated from 227 AFP cases reported from 19/23 Yemeni governorates and from 83% (39/47) of environmental samples with an average of 7 months delayed from sample collection. However, the non-polio AFP (NPAFP) and adequate stool specimen rates in the north were 6.7 and 87% compared to 6.4 and 87% in the south, 86% (195) and 14%(32) out of the total 227 confirmed cases were detected from northern and southern governorates, respectively. The first and second cases of genetically linked isolates experienced paralysis onset on 30 August and 1st September 2021. They respectively were from Taiz and Marib governorates ruled by southern authorities that started vaccination campaigns as a response in February 2022. Thus, in contrast to 2021, the detected cases in 2022 from the total cases detected in the south were lower accounting for 22% (7 of 32) of compared to 79% (155 of 195) of the total cases the north.ConclusionA new emerging cVDPV2 was confirmed in Yemen. The result of this study highlighted the impact of vaccination campaigns in containing the cVDPV2 outbreak. Maintaining a high level of immunization coverage and switching to nOPV2 instead of tOPV and mOPV2 in campaigns are recommended and environmental surveillance should be expanded in such a risky country.

Lost in translation: the association of international status and native language on concussion in collegiate athletes in the United States

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize the associations of international student status and native language on time (in days) with the date of injury to (i) diagnosis, (ii) symptom resolution, and (iii) return to sport. Methods Utilizing data from a cross-sectional cohort of 1,044 concussion cases from LIMBIC MATARS member institutions (n = 11) in the US, we conducted two, matched case–control designs. Cases were divided into two groups: (i) international (n = 32) or domestic students (n = 32) and (ii) English as an Additional Language (EAL) speakers (n = 18) or Native English language speakers (n = 18). Both groups were individually matched to their respective controls based on gender, age, sport, and preexisting health conditions. Results There were no significant differences in days from injury to diagnosis (p = 0.94), symptom resolution (p = 0.64), or return to sport (p = 0.15) between international and domestic athletes. EAL speakers experienced symptom resolution approximately 7.5 days sooner (Md = 4.50; IQR = 4.00, 8.00) than Native English language speakers (Md = 12.00; IQR = 7.00, 21.00, p = 0.01). Conclusions Our findings suggest that native language is associated with symptom resolution in collegiate athletes. Healthcare professionals should consider barriers related to native language that may impact symptom reporting and the overall injury experience of diverse collegiate athletes.

Phenological Variation in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties through Foliar Application of Cytokinin Analogs and Nutrients under Water Deficit Stress

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a rainfed crop predominantly grown in temperate and subtropical climates, faces significant challenges in production due to terminal drought stress impacting various phenological stages. This study addresses the challenges posed by terminal drought stress on the phenological stage of chickpea varieties viz., JG 36 and JG 14. The experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 at the Experimental Research Farm, Seed Technology Research Unit, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P), using a split-split plot design with three replications. This research also investigates the impact of foliar applications of cytokinin analogs viz., Thiourea, Thidiazuron, and Benzyladenine and nutrients viz., ZnSO4 and KCl on chickpea under water deficit stress conditions. The results revealed significant differences in days to pod formation, seed formation, physiological maturity, and harvest maturity among the irrigation levels, varieties, and foliar spray of plant growth regulators and nutrients. Under different irrigation levels, D1 (Irrigation at 30 DAS and flower initiation) exhibited delayed phenological stages of the crop, while D2 (Drought stress at flowering up to physiological maturity) showed an early onset of all the phenological stages. Under water deficit conditions, JG 14 exhibited accelerated maturity beyond its typical early maturation in comparison to well-watered conditions, highlighting the impact of environmental stress on varietal responses. With respect to the application of plant growth regulators and nutrients, treatment T12 (TDZ @ 10 ppm + 1% KCl) significantly delayed pod and seed formation, as well as physiological and harvest maturity as compared to untreated control (T1). Foliar application of TDZ @ 10 ppm + 1% KCl (T12) enhanced seed filling duration by 2.59 days compared to the untreated control. Further investigations are needed to identify the impact of Thidiazuron and KCl in enhancing seed yield and seed weight of chickpea under optimal and sub-optimal soil water conditions, to provide recommendations for chickpea growers.