Greater Number Of Days Research Articles

Optimizing growth conditions and biostimulant application for enhanced growth, yield and quality in Butter bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) cultivar KKL 1

Butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are prized for their significant nutraceutical benefits, which are crucial in addressing malnutrition in developing countries. Given their nutritional advantages, global cultivation demand is increasing. This study aims to boost production and improve crop quality through effective agronomic practices. To minimize dependence on synthetic chemicals, the study investigates the use of biostimulants as an alternative, offering a promising method for enhancing crop growth and performance. The experiment took place under 2 different conditions: polyhouse (G1) and open field condition (G2) at Horticultural and Forestry Research Station, Kodaikanal, from December 2023 to June 2024. Various biostimulants were applied in foliar parts in different doses: control (B1) seaweed extract at 3 % (B2) and 5 % (B3), panchagavya at 3 % (B4) and 5 % (B5), vermiwash at 5 % (B6) and 10 % (B7) and fulvic acid at 6 g/L (B8) and 9 g/L (B9), each replicated 3 times. Among the treatment combinations, G1B3 (seaweed extract 5 % under polyhouse condition) was most effective in all growth, yield and quality parameters including days to first flower emergence (48.50 days), number of pods per plant (96.33), pod yield (4.98 t/ha), highest soluble protein (37.36 %) than G2B1 (control group under open field condition). It resulted in a greater number of days for flower emergence (57.85 days), lowest values in number of pods per plant (69.91), pod yield (2.96 t/ha) and soluble protein (24.69 %). These findings suggest that seaweed extract has great potential as a sustainable agricultural input, enhancing productivity and crop performance in butter bean cultivation. The main goals were to investigate how different biostimulants and growing conditions affect the growth and yield of butter beans and to identify effective organic growth promoters that could improve the yield and quality of butter bean crops in various growing environments. The results of this study are discussed in the following sections.

The relationship between youth's exposure to unhealthy digital food marketing and their dietary intake in Canada.

There is limited evidence on how exposure to digital marketing of unhealthy foods affects youth's dietary behaviours. This study therefore aimed to examine the association between youth's self-reported digital food marketing exposure and dietary intakes, and explore predictors of frequent unhealthy food consumption. A survey was conducted among 1075 youth in Canada (aged 10-17 years) in April 2023. Proportional odds models examined associations between frequency of exposure to digital marketing of unhealthy foods and frequency of consumption of those foods, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and digital device usage. Compared with participants reporting no exposure to digital fast-food marketing in the past week, those exposed ≥4 times per week were more likely to consume fast food more frequently. Youth exposed to digital marketing of sugary drinks and salty/savoury snacks ≥1 time(s) in the previous week were more likely to consume these foods on a greater number of days, compared with those reporting no exposure to this marketing in the past week. Reporting exposure to digital marketing of desserts/sweet treats every day or more than once a day was associated with more frequent consumption of desserts/sweet treats. Province of residence (Ontario/Quebec) and total daily time spent online predicted more frequent consumption of fast-food, sugary drinks, salty/savoury snacks and desserts/sweet treats. Overall, more frequent self-reported exposure to digital marketing of unhealthy foods is associated with more frequent consumption of these foods by Canadian youth. Regulations are needed to help protect youth from digital food marketing, which may help reduce their unhealthy food consumption.

Mobility Levels of Critically Ill Adult Patients and Extubation Success: A Cohort Study.

Background: The reduced mobility in critically ill patients is still a reality in many intensive care units. This study aims to investigate if mobility level is associated with extubation outcome in adult patients.Methods: Prospective cohort study which comprised adults who had undergone initial invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours and were independently mobile before hospitalization. Patient progress was monitored from ICU admission to discharge. Data were collected daily from medical records and multidisciplinary teams, considering variables such as age, sex, BMI, SAPS III score, type of ICU admission, comorbidities, sedation, usage of vasoactive drugs, neuromuscular blockers, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU mobility scale (IMS). The primary outcome was the success of extubation.Results: IMS values did not directly associate with extubation outcome. Older patients demonstrated a reduced tendency for high IMS values, as did those on prolonged usage of vasoactive drugs or mechanical ventilation. Patients with higher IMS values achieved successful extubation earlier, suggesting a link between mobility and faster extubation success.Conclusion: The level of mobility assessed 24 hours after extubation was not associated with extubation success. The following characteristics were associated with a lower propensity to present high IMS: older age, greater number of days of use of vasoactive drugs and mechanical ventilation. Patients with higher levels of mobility had a successful extubation event earlier in the ICU. Studies that assess mobility on a continuous basis would be more precise in identifying this association.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals who required hospitalization for COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Currently, the physical and functional consequences on individuals who have recovered from the severe form of the Covid-19 and are experiencing traumatic stress remain unknown. Objective: To assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals post-hospital discharge following COVID-19 and investigate its relationship with sociodemographic variables, quality of life, muscle strength and functional capacity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including individuals of both genders aged between 31 and 79 years, who had recovered from COVID-19 and required hospitalization. Participants underwent evaluations for PTSD, physical activity level, mobility and balance (Timed Up and Go test – TUG), the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Srvey -SF-36). Results: Out of 153 eligible individuals, 60 successfully completed the assessments. The age range was 31 to 77 years, and 63.3% were female. PTSD was identified in 48.3%, with 38.7% exhibiting partial symptoms. Furthermore, 65.5% of individuals with PTSD were obese, and 62.1% were hypertensive. This group demonstrated a higher degree of sedentary behavior (p=0.009), increased frequency of intensive care unit hospitalization, and a greater number of days hospitalized, respectively (p<0.001 and p=0.010). They exhibited longer times in the TUG (p=0.014), shorter distances than predicted in the 6MWT (p=0.001), and a reduction in all domains of the SF-36. Conclusion: Given the findings of this study, the follow-up of these individuals needs to be continued in order to verify the permanence of these symptoms and functional manifestations.

Relationships of self-reported opioid and benzodiazepine use with health-related quality of life among adults with spinal cord injury

BackgroundThere is limited understanding of the relationships between prescription opioid and benzodiazepine use and indices of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among those with spinal cord injuries (SCI). ObjectiveTo identify the relationships between self-reported prescription opioid and benzodiazepine use and two indicators of HRQOL, number of days in poor physical health and poor mental health in the past 30 days among adults with SCI. MethodsA cross-sectional cohort study of 918 adults with chronic (>1 year), traumatic SCI living in the Southeastern United States was conducted. Participants completed a self-report assessment (SRA). ResultsIn the preliminary model, both opioid and benzodiazepine use were associated with a greater number of days in poor physical health and poor mental health in the past month. After controlling for health conditions (pain intensity, spasticity, anxiety and perceived sleep insufficiency), opioid use was associated with 2.04 (CI = 0.69; 3.39) additional poor physical health days in the past 30 days, and benzodiazepine use was associated with 2.18 (CI = 0.70; 3.64) additional days of poor mental health. Age was associated with greater number of poor physical health days and fewer poor mental health days. Lower income was associated with poor mental health days. Most of the health conditions were significantly related to the number of past month poor physical and mental health days. ConclusionsOpioid and benzodiazepine use are associated with poor physical and mental HRQOL, even after controlling for health conditions. Treatment strategies should consider potential unanticipated negative consequences of pharmacological interventions.

Reliable Examination Management System

Abstract: Faculty and staff members must perform invigilation duties as a prerequisite for conducting examinations, such as exams in universities. The preparation of an invigilation duty list is a laborious task in educational organizations, exam authorities, etc. It becomes more complex when more invigilators are involved for examinations scheduled daily in two or more shifts for a greater number of days. Here, we have discussed the development of a system that can generate an invigilation duty list for any type of examination. This automated system will take some required data, like staff lists, exam dates, and the number of invigilators on the days, as input and produce an invigilation duty list based on fed data. It can be useful with this approach, one may cut down on the time wasted creating the invigilation duty list by hand in any organization, including universities and institutes where exams are held.

Examining Acute Symptoms After Sport-Related Concussion in Collegiate Athletes With Preinjury Migraines.

To examine whether a personal history of migraines is associated with worse acute symptom burden after sport-related concussion (SRC). Retrospective cohort study. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III collegiate programs. Collegiate athletes from a prospective concussion surveillance system between 09, 2014, and 01, 2023. Preinjury migraines (yes/no) were self-reported by athletes. Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) were collected within 3 days postinjury. Mann-Whitney U tests compared total PCSS scores and individual symptom scores between athletes with and without preinjury migraines. Chi-squared tests were used to compare proportions of athletes endorsing individual symptoms (ie, item score ≥1) between 2 groups. Multivariable regression analyzed potential predictors of PCSS scores. Of 1190 athletes with SRC, 93 (7.8%) reported a preinjury history of migraines. No significant difference in total PCSS scores was found between athletes with and without preinjury migraines (22.0 ± 16.4 vs 20.5 ± 15.8, U = 48 719.0, P = 0.471). Athletes with preinjury migraines reported greater severity of "sensitivity to light" (1.59 ± 1.59 vs 1.23 ± 1.41, P = 0.040) and "feeling more emotional" (0.91 ± 1.27 vs 0.70 ± 1.30; P = 0.008) and were more likely to endorse "feeling more emotional" (45.2% vs 29.5%, P = 0.002). No differences were found across all other symptoms, including headaches (migraine = 87.1% vs no migraine = 86.3%, P = 0.835). In a multivariable model, a history of migraine was not a significant predictor of acute PCSS scores, but those with a history of psychological disorders (β = 0.12, P <0 .001) and greater number of days to symptom evaluation (β = 0.08, P = 0.005) had higher PCSS scores. Collegiate athletes with a pre-existing history of migraines did not have higher acute symptom burden after SRC.

The impact of COVID-19 on police officer wellness

ABSTRACT Disaster policing requires considerably more effort than working under normal conditions, thereby exacerbating existing threats to employee wellness. Research suggests that such working conditions may be harmful to physical and mental health outcomes, including increasing absenteeism. This study relies on personnel records from 3,398 police officers across 12 police services to determine the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacted police officer work attendance and absenteeism, controlling for officer – and community-level characteristics. Results indicate that compared to the previous time-period, work attendance decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and absenteeism increased. Data shows that a greater proportion of officers worked fewer days during the pandemic compared to the time-period before, and a smaller proportion worked a greater number of days. Multilevel mixed effects models indicate that COVID-19 largely contributed to decreasing attendance and increasing absenteeism beyond the effects of community conditions and officer demographics.

Wellness Beyond Campus Walls: How Walking Worldwide Brought One Institution Together

Background: Investment in campus recreation has well-documented benefits, and the need for improved health and wellness also extends beyond students. Creating a campus culture that values health and well-being can be transformative for the health of the overall community.Aim: This study aimed to understand the impact of an institution-wide, 42-day virtual fitness initiative that included faculty, staff, students, and graduates. Methods: Participants were invited to complete two surveys (pre-and-post) consisting of questions about physical fitness, goal setting, and connection to the college community. Throughout the duration of the program, participants logged their physical activity (e.g., step counts) through a web-based platform.Results: Survey respondents reported exercising a greater number of days each week during the program and were more likely to set and achieve their fitness goals. The leading unexpected benefit of participation in the program, especially among our graduates, was developing social connections with other participants. Conclusions: Institution-wide fitness programs can promote health awareness and motivate faculty, staff, students, and graduates to improve fitness and connect socially.

Age-Specific Association of Co-Morbidity With Home-Time After Acute Stroke.

To examine the association of co-morbidity with home-time after acute stroke and whether the association is influenced by age. We conducted a province-wide study using linked administrative databases to identify all admissions for first acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage between 2007 and 2018 in Alberta, Canada. We used ischemic stroke-weighted Charlson Co-morbidity Index of 3 or more to identify those with severe co-morbidity. We used zero-inflated negative binomial models to determine the association of severe co-morbidity with 90-day and 1-year home-time, and logistic models for achieving ≥ 80 out of 90 days of home-time, assessing for effect modification by age and adjusting for sex, stroke type, comprehensive stroke center care, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, year of study, and separately adjusting for estimated stroke severity. We also evaluated individual co-morbidities. Among 28,672 patients in our final cohort, severe co-morbidity was present in 27.7% and was associated with lower home-time, with a greater number of days lost at younger age (-13 days at age < 60 compared to -7 days at age 80+ years for 90-day home-time; -69 days at age < 60 compared to -51 days at age 80+ years for 1-year home-time). The reduction in probability of achieving ≥ 80 days of home-time was also greater at younger age (-22.7% at age < 60 years compared to -9.0% at age 80+ years). Results were attenuated but remained significant after adjusting for estimated stroke severity and excluding those who died. Myocardial infarction, diabetes, and cancer/metastases had a greater association with lower home-time at younger age, and those with dementia had the greatest reduction in home time. Severe co-morbidity in acute stroke is associated with lower home-time, more strongly at younger age.

Opioid prescription patterns among commercially insured children with and without cerebral palsy.

This study aimed to describe opioid prescription patterns for children with vs. without cerebral palsy (CP). This cohort study used commercial claims from 01/01/2015-12/31/2016 and included children aged 2-18 years old with and without CP. Opioid prescription patterns (proportion exposed, number of days supplied) were described. A zero-inflated generalized linear model compared the proportion exposed to opioids in the follow-up year (2016) and, among those exposed, the number of days supplied opioids between cohorts before and after adjusting for age, gender, race, U.S. region of residence, and the number of co-occurring neurological/neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs). A higher proportion of children with (n = 1,966) vs. without (n = 1,219,399) CP were exposed to opioids (12.1% vs. 5.3%), even among the youngest age group (2-4 years: 9.6% vs. 1.8%), and had a greater number of days supplied (median [interquartile range], 8 [5-13] vs. 6 [4-9] days; P < 0.05). Comparing children with opioid exposure with vs. without CP, a greater number of days supplied was identified for older age, Asian race/ethnicity, and without co-occurring NDDs, and a lower number of days supplied was observed for Black race/ethnicity and with ≥1 co-occurring NDDs. Children with CP are more likely to be exposed to opioids and have a higher number of days supplied.

Comparison of Indicators of Dependence for Vaping and Smoking: Trends Between 2017 and 2022 Among Youth in Canada, England, and the United States.

The current study sought to examine trends in indicators of dependence for youth vaping and smoking during a period of rapid evolution in the e-cigarette market. Data are from repeat cross-sectional online surveys conducted between 2017 and 2022 among youth aged 16-19 in Canada, England, and the United States (US). Participants were 23 145 respondents who vaped and/or smoked in the past 30 days. Four dependence indicators were assessed for smoking and vaping (perceived addiction, frequent strong urges, time to first use after waking, days used in past month) and two for vaping only (use events per day, e-cigarette dependence scale). Regression models examined differences by survey wave and country, adjusting for sex, age, race, and exclusive/dual use. All six indicators of dependence increased between 2017 and 2022 among youth who vaped in the past 30 days (p < .001 for all). For example, more youth reported strong urges to vape at least most days in 2022 than in 2017 (Canada: 26.5% to 53.4%; England: 25.5% to 45.4%; US: 31.6% to 50.3%). In 2017, indicators of vaping dependence were substantially lower than for smoking; however, by 2022, youth vaping was associated with a greater number of days used in the past month (Canada, US), shorter time to first use (all countries), and a higher likelihood of frequent strong urges (Canada, US) compared to youth smoking. From 2017 to 2022, indicators of vaping dependence increased substantially. By 2022, vaping dependence indices were comparable to those of smoking. Indicators of vaping dependence among youth have increased substantially since 2017 to levels that are comparable to cigarette dependence among youth who smoke. Future research should examine factors underlying the increase in dependence among youth who vape, including changes to the nicotine profile and design of e-cigarette products.

Effect of Sowing Dates and Seed Priming on Agrometeorological Indices and Soil Moisture Regimes of Chickpea in North Central Plateau Zone NCPZ of Odisha

Background: field experiment entitled “Effect of sowing dates and seed priming on agrometeorological indices and soil moisture regimes of Chickpea in NCPZ of Odisha” was conducted at RRTTS, Keonjhar, Odisha, during the Rabi season for two consecutive years i.e., 2021-22 and 2022-23. Method: The field experiment was laid out in factorial RBD design with three replications and two factors. There were 3 dates of sowing in Factor A (D1-25 November, D2-5 December, D3- 15 December) and 5 moisture conservation practices in Factor B (M1- Control, M2- Seed priming with water for 8 hours, M3- Osmopriming (Seed priming with CaCl2 solution @0.5% for 8 hours), M4- Straw mulch@ 5t/ha and M5- Straw mulch@ 5t/ha +Seed priming with CaCl2 solution @0.5% for 8 hours). Seed priming controls the hydration of seeds that helps in the pre germinative metabolic activity of the seeds. So even if the soil has less moisture that will not affect the uniform and proper germination of the seeds. All together there were 15 treatment combinations. The test crop variety taken was JAKI-9218. Among the three dates of sowing, D2 (5th Dec) sowing recorded the tallest plants (41.47 cm). but were recorded in D1 (25 Nov) sowing. Early sowing on 25th November recorded the maximum number of primary and secondary branches and required a greater number of days to 50% flowering (41.8 days) and days to physiological maturity (101.1 days). Results: Among the moisture conservation practices, M5 (Straw mulch@ 5 t/ha+Seed priming with CaCl2 solution @ 0.5% for 8 hours) recorded the tallest plants, maximum number of primary and secondary branches, maximum number of days taken to 50% flowering (40.7 days) and days taken to physiological maturity (100.1 days), maximum number of pods per plant (44) and number of seeds per pod (3.62), grain yield (1812 kg/ha) and straw yield (218 kg/ha). This treatment recorded the minimum consumptive use of water (203.5 mm) and rate of moisture use (1.36 mm/day) but the moisture use efficiency was maximum (12.34 kg/ha-mm). Treatment M5 recorded the maximum growing degree days (2182°C day), heliothermal unit (15077°C day hrs), photothermal unit (22595°C day hrs) and heat use efficiency (0.94 kg/ha/°C) to reach maturity. Chickpea when combined with suitable date of sowing and moisture conservation practices for proper utilization of carry-over residual soil moisture in the rice fallows gives higher yield.

Less concentrated precipitation and more extreme events over the Three River Headwaters region of the Tibetan Plateau in a warming climate

Widely known as the “China Water Tower”, changes in precipitation concentration and insufficient rainfall days over the Three River Headwaters region (TRH) may threaten food and water security in TRH and downstream areas. However, current research on rainfall occurrences in TRH lacks a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal variations in precipitation concentration, the seasonal distribution of rainy days across different rainfall categories, and their correlations with global warming. In this study, we utilize the CN05.1 gridded daily rainfall dataset to address these gaps. Our analysis reveals a decreasing trend in both the precipitation concentration index (PCI) and precipitation concentration degree (PCD), accompanied by an earlier onset of the precipitation concentration period (PCP) in TRH over the past six decades. The distribution of monthly rainfall becomes more uniform throughout the year, with precipitation spreading across a greater number of days annually. Notably, the reduction in both the number of rainy days and the proportion of rainfall during the summer, along with the decrease in the frequency of light and moderate rainfall days and the increase in the frequency of moderately heavy and heavier rainfall days, will lead to a more extreme distribution of summer precipitation in TRH. The increase in the number of rainy days across all intensity categories and the proportion of precipitation during winter, has favorable implications for the sustainable development and water security in TRH. Additionally, the relative increase in the occurrence of heavy and extremely heavy rainfall days in spring demonstrates the most pronounced change, with a notable rise of 12.74% to 28.24% per decade. This provides a certain degree of alleviation for spring drought in TRH. Furthermore, we find that for every 1-degree Celsius increase in global temperature, both PCI and PCD decrease by 9.82% and 8.5%, and PCP advances by 6.41 days. With the 50th percentile of precipitation serving as a dividing line, stronger precipitation events beyond this threshold exhibit a higher positive response to global warming. Conversely, weaker precipitation events falling below the 50th percentile show a higher negative response to global warming. Light rainy days decrease by 16.2% per degree Celsius of warming, while very heavy and extremely heavy rainy days increase by 26.4% and 27.5%, respectively. These findings have important implications for mitigating droughts and floods, as well as for developing a comprehensive framework for the management of water resources and agricultural irrigation in TRH.

Extreme snowfalls and atmospheric circulation patterns in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain)

This research examines the atmospheric patterns associated with damages caused by extreme snowfalls during a 115-year period, using newspapers as the source to document the events and performing then a synthetic damage index. Between 1900 and 2015 there was 180 days with personal and material damages due to snowfalls (without considering associated hazards as snow avalanches or landslides): Apart from the numerous material damages recorded, 60 people were killed and 254 injured. Advections from the north represented a 30% of damaging days (followed by cyclonic and northeastern) accumulating the greatest number of days in the highest deciles of damage, although cyclonic days were the most damaging ones on average. The analysis of data from five weather stations in the area, allowed to relate weather types with temperature and precipitation extremes, showing that northern and cyclonic types led to the lowest temperature and the highest precipitation. Both the number of events and the damage index decreased throughout the study period, with the most serious events (those that caused deaths and injuries) highly concentrated in the first half of the 20th century. This decrease trend is parallel to that observed in the frequency of two of the most damaging advections, northern and northeastern (responsible for a 46.7% of damage), which have gone from representing 7.3% of days before 1930 to 5.8% after 1990. Futhermore, the relationship between the NAO phases and the days of damage has been examined, noting that damages are less frequent and les intense during the NAO's positive phase. Finally, non-atmospheric drivers such as land-use intensity decline in rural areas and Spanish regulations on roof snow loads standards (initiated in the 1960s and refined subsequently, thus mitigating roof collapses and associated casualties), could have partially contributed to the decline in snowfall damage in the area.

Effect of the AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors Framework on Diabetes Education Management in a Shared Care Model.

Diabetes self-management education (DSME) provides diabetic patients with knowledge of diabetes, requires attention and recording of dietary habits, and increases the frequency and accuracy of blood glucose monitoring. DSME also achieves better blood glucose control, thus benefiting diabetic patients and reducing the risk of diabetes complications. However, few studies have systematically examined whether DSME follows AADE 7 Self-Care Behaviors (AADE7™). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the control effect of AADE7™-based management on laboratory test indicators of diabetic patients. The patients with diabetes who received shared care management in our hospital between June 2014 and April 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the process of outpatient consultation, each patient received health education provided by diabetes education nurses and dietitians after consultation. Health education was a process from assessment to health guidance. The basic information of all patients was recorded, and AADE7™ behavior assessment and health education session were conducted through interviews. A total of 13,650 were given shared care management, requiring more than 6 follow-up visits per year, as well as health education. It was reassessed annually according to AADE standards. The impact of the patients' behavior change after the AADE7™-based management on the relevant test indicators was observed. After eight years of intervention, a total of 8319 samples were obtained after excluding the outliers. Stepwise regression analysis was performed, and the results showed that, with other conditions held constant, a greater number of days per week to follow a healthy diet, to take hypoglycemic medication as prescribed, to monitor blood glucose, and to exercise and higher education level were associated with lower levels of glycosylated hemoglobin. The change from drinking to nondrinking was associated with lower triglycerides. If low blood glucose was monitored, patients who reviewed and took immediate action showed lower levels of low-density lipoprotein, urine microalbumin, and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio compared with those without review and immediate action. Significance tests for each term showed P value <0.05. The AADE7™ framework is a tool supporting patient-centered self-management and education. In the AADE7™ standards, successful self-management is considered as a key outcome in the care of patients with diabetes and related diseases. This tool can effectively improve patient compliance and increase the rate of blood glucose compliance rates in patients with diabetes and therefore is worthy of clinical promotion.

Effect of traditional roughage-based or limit-fed, high-energy diets on growth performance and digestion in newly received growing cattle and subsequent implications on feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics.

The objective was to determine the effects of ad libitum-fed roughage-based diets or limit-fed high-energy diets on growth performance, behavior, health, and digestion in newly received growing cattle and subsequent implications on feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics. In experiment 1, 409 crossbred heifers (initial body weight [BW] = 279 ± 24kg) in 32 pens were used in a randomized block design. Heifers were fed one of two dietary treatments: a total mixed ration with 0.99 Mcal net energy for gain (NEg)/kg dry matter (DM) fed ad libitum (0.99AL) or 1.32 Mcal NEg/kg DM limit-fed at 85% of intake of heifers fed 0.99AL (1.32LF85%). Both diets contained 40% DM as a branded wet corn gluten feed. In experiment 2, 370 crossbred heifers (initial BW = 225 ± 20kg) were used in a randomized block design and were fed a diet formulated to contain 0.99 Mcal of NEg/kg DM for ad libitum intake or a diet formulated to contain 1.32 Mcal of NEg/kg DM and fed at 2.2% of BW daily (DM basis; 1.32LF2.2). For experiments 1 and 2, treatment integrity was maintained through the finishing phase where cattle were fed a common diet. Cattle were sorted by BW into heavy and light groups prior to finishing, with light cattle fed longer than heavy cattle to reach similar harvest BW. In experiment 3, eight ruminally cannulated heifers (average BW = 305 ± 23kg) were used in a 2-period cross-over design and fed treatments from experiment 1 to assess digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics. Gain:feed was 47% and 35% greater (P < 0.01) in experiments 1 and 2, respectively, for limit-fed heifers compared with 0.99AL heifers. Rumination time was greater (P < 0.01) for 0.99AL compared with limit-fed treatments in experiments 1 and 2. Activity was greater (P < 0.01) for 1.32LF2.2 than for 0.99AL in experiment 2. In experiment 1, more (P = 0.03) carcasses from light-sort heifers than carcasses from heavy-sort heifers had livers with large, active abscesses. In experiment 2, finishing phase morbidity was greater (P < 0.01) for 1.32LF2.2 than for 0.99AL. Light-sort groups had fewer (P < 0.01) edible livers than heavy-sort groups, suggesting that greater number of days on feed may increase the risk of liver abscess prevalence and condemnation. In experiment 3, apparent total-tract DM and organic matter digestibilities were greater (P < 0.01) for 1.32LF85% than for 0.99AL. Overall, dietary treatments during the growing phase had little carryover effect on feedlot growth performance, carcass characteristics, or liver abscesses prevalence at harvest.

Effect of Different Dates of Pinching on Growth and Yield Attributes of Chilli Pepper (Variety- Marshal) in Chitwan, Nepal

Low yield and increased use of chemical fertilizers are major problems for chilli growers in Chitwan, Nepal. An experiment to determine the effect of pinching on the vegetative and reproductive attributes of Chilli was conducted in the farmer's field to study its effect on height, branching system, and yield attributes of the plant. Seven treatments in total that were pinching at 15th, 30th, 45th, 15th &amp; 30th,15th &amp; 45th, 30th &amp; 45th DAT and control with three replications were laid out in randomized complete block design in an area of 5.4 m2. A significant reduction in height by 32.70% was observed in the double-pinched plot than in the un-pinched plot. Similarly, an increase in the number of primary, secondary, and tertiary flowering branches was recorded in pinched plants as compared to controlled conditions. Pinching after the 15th &amp; 45th DAT recorded a greater number of days to 1st flowering and 50% flowering while double pinching takes a maximum of days to flower followed by single pinching. Notably, double pinching at 15th &amp; 30th DAT resulted in a substantial increase in the number of fruits per plant by 77.56%, average fruit weight by 27.57%, fruit length by 18.04%, and overall fruit yield by 118.65% compared to the control. While single pinching at the 15th, 30th, and 45th DAT yielded comparable results, the control treatment displayed inferior outcomes. These findings underscore the efficacy of pinching at 15th &amp; 30th DAT as a beneficial approach to enhance the growth and yield traits of Chilli plants in Chitwan, Nepal.

A Retrospective Analysis of Admission Trends and Outcomes in a Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Costa Rica.

The evaluation of data regarding rehabilitation practices provides reference values for comparison purposes among different rehabilitation centers to critically review protocols and efficiently improve each center. The aim of the present work was to present the main causes of admission to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center for each taxonomic group, to determine the admission factors that influenced the release and mortality, and to determine the predictive factors of release and mortality of wildlife. To this end, a retrospective study was carried out based on 5785 admissions registered in the database of Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica in 2020 and 2021. Statistical analysis consisted of sample characterization via the analysis of several categorical variables: species, order, class, age group, cause of admission, outcome, clinical classification and days in the hospital, and respective association with the mortality or release rate. Most of the rescue animals were birds (59.3%), then mammals (20.7%), reptiles (17.4%), and finally 'others' (2.6%). The main causes of admission were 'captivity' (34.9%), 'found' (23.3%), and 'trauma' (19.3%). Animals rescued due to 'captivity' and the classes 'birds' and 'reptiles' had the highest release rates. The causes of admission 'trauma' and 'orphanhood' and the class 'birds' had the highest mortality rates. In general, a greater number of days spent in the hospital and membership in the classes 'reptiles', 'juveniles', in need of 'basic care', or 'clinically healthy' were predictors of survival. In contrast, the age groups 'infant' and 'nestling' were predictors of mortality. These results demonstrate the value of maintaining, improving, and studying databases from wildlife rehabilitation centers, as they can provide useful information that can be used to enhance the allocation of economic resources, treatment methods, disease surveillance, public education, and regulatory decision-making, leading to a better understanding of threats to wildlife and subsequent implementation of conservation actions.

Biopsychosocial Factors Influencing Mortality and Functional Recovery in COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Prone Positioning: A Prospective Observational Study

To identify social, health, and hospital factors associated with mortality and functional recovery in activities of daily living (ADL) in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 who were in the prone position. We conducted a prospective observational study between June 2021 and March 2022 at the San José Clinical Hospital. The study included people 18 years of age or older admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 who were in the prone position. Using logistic regression, we searched for factors associated with the risk of in-hospital mortality. Using linear regression, we also analyzed factors associated with functional recovery in ADL at discharge and post-discharge. In 85 patients included, being men, older age, history of mental health, cardiorespiratory disease, and living in a commune of high social priority were associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. A greater number of days of hospitalization was associated with less functional recovery at discharge and post-discharge. In contrast, more cycles in prone position during hospitalization and higher education level were associated with greater post-discharge functional recovery. The survival and functional prognosis of patients with severe COVID-19 can be predicted early through a biopsychosocial evaluation of their characteristics. Intrahospital actions could improve functional recovery in ADL in the short term in critically ill patients surviving COVID-19.