Long-term Studies Research Articles

Integrated organic and mineral fertilizer strategies for achieving sustainable maize yield and soil quality in dry sub-humid inceptisols

Maize is one of the important cereal crops grown in rainfed regions of northwestern Himalayas, however, persistent use of chemical fertilizers coupled with poor soil nutrients and water holding capacity due to coarse textured soils poses serious threat to sustaining maize yield and soil health. To address these bottlenecks, a long-term experiment with application of organic manures and mineral fertilizer provides insights to quantify changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), crop yield and rain water use efficiency (RWUE) in rainfed area having low water use efficiency. A twelve years field experiment was conducted under dry sub-humid Inceptisols in northern India to study the potential impacts of organic and mineral fertilization on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, water use efficiency and soil quality. Ten treatments were assessed, involving different nitrogen levels (20, 30, and 40 kg N ha⁻¹) combined with 10 tha⁻¹ year⁻¹ of farmyard manure (FYM), in-situ green manure from sunhemp, and the incorporation of Leucaena leucocephala leaves at 5 tha⁻¹ year⁻¹, including an unfertilized control. Maize yield increased linearly with increasing nitrogen application rates. The combination of FYM @ 10t ha−1 and 40 kg N ha−1(T4) yielded the highest maize production. Manure addition improved soil organic carbon (SOC) and major soil nutrients (N, P and K) while unfertilized control showed decline in soil nutrients compared to their initial values. Compared with control, incorporation of 10 t ha−1 FYM increased SOC by 1.3, 1.41, 1.44 times at application rate of 20, 30, 40 kg N ha−1, respectively. Application of N@40 kg ha−1 + 10t FYM ha−1 showed highest rain water use efficiency (RWUE) and relative production efficiency index (RPEI) (2.74 kg ha−1 mm−1 and 82, respectively) and the lowest rank sum of 6. Highly significant positive relationship existed between RPEI and RWUE, RPEI and sustainability yield index (SYI), RWUE and SYI indicated the superiority of FYM in combination with mineral fertilizer. Regression models, correlating yield with monthly rainfall and crop growing periods, indicated that the integration of FYM (10 tha⁻¹) with 40 kg N ha⁻¹ was most effective in achieving the highest relative soil quality index (RSQI) of 76 and the greatest sustainability yield index (SYI) of 49.3%. Based on results, we recommend balanced fertilization (N@40 kg ha−1 +10t FYM ha−1) which is easily manageable by farmers as the optimal strategy for improving soil quality and achieving sustainable maize productivity in nutrient depleted Inceptisols of northern India.

Diet Composition and Reproductive Performance in Central Europe's Last Gull-Billed Tern Population – a Long-Term Study

Diet Composition and Reproductive Performance in Central Europe's Last Gull-Billed Tern Population – a Long-Term Study

Metal and arsenic contamination of a terrestrial top-predator, the black kite (Milvus migrans), after the Aznalcóllar mine spill (southwestern Spain): Temporal trends and fitness consequences

Top-predators serve as sentinels of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental contamination. However, our understanding on how contaminants affect individual fitness is still scarce, especially for long-lived species. Here, we measured blood concentrations of 4 metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) and one metalloid (As) in black kite (Milvus migrans) adults from Doñana National Park (SW Spain) following a major mine spill. Besides temporal variation (1998–2001) in metal and As concentrations, we tested how metal and As profiles changed across individuals in relation to their sex, age or breeding status, and examined whether metal and As concentrations affected individuals' fitness (breeding success and mortality). We found that, overall, blood concentrations of Pb, Cd and As increased throughout the study period in black kites, mirroring the progressive increase previously reported for their main prey. Both sex (Cu and Zn) and breeding status (Zn and Pb) affected element concentrations. Non-breeding (floater) females had higher levels of Zn than their breeding counterparts. The same pattern of higher contamination in floaters was observed for Pb, which might be related to differences in diet and foraging activity between breeders and floaters. The percentage of the individuals with Pb concentrations that exceeded toxicity thresholds (> 200 μg/L) was relatively high (15.4 %). Moreover, Pb concentrations were negatively correlated to males' breeding success. We found no clear evidence to support metal and As effects on survival or life expectancy after accounting for environmental and individual sources of variation. Our results highlight the importance of long-term studies of marked individuals in wild populations; detailed knowledge of ecological processes relevant to these populations, combined with measures of contaminant exposure at individual level, provides opportunities to enhance our understanding of its fitness effects and potential demographic consequences.

A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Serum NFATc3 Levels in Pediatric Patients with Bronchial Asthma: A Prospective Observational Case-Control Investigation.

The early and precise diagnosis of asthma significantly impacts the long-term health outcomes of pediatric patients. The sensitivity and specificity of current biomarkers, however, are frequently limited. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 3 (NFATc3), in pediatric bronchial asthma, focusing on its diagnostic and prognostic value for disease severity and recurrence. This observational, prospective case-control study involved 200 pediatric patients with bronchial asthma and 200 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, from January 2020 to January 2023. Follow-up varied from 1 to 3 years. We measured levels of NFATc3 and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and TNF-α via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NFATc3 and IL-1β levels at enrollment were markedly higher in patients with acute exacerbations and those classified as severe, compared with their less severe counterparts. Throughout the study, NFATc3, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels significantly increased in severe or acutely exacerbating cases. The diagnostic value of NFATc3 was assessed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, which showed its potential in diagnosing bronchial asthma and identifying severe cases. Spearman's analysis confirmed positive associations between peak NFATc3 and cytokine levels. Importantly, disease type, NFATc3 values at enrollment, as well as peak IL-6 levels were identified as independent risk factors for severe bronchial asthma. Elevated NFATc3 is linked with the severity of pediatric bronchial asthma and serves as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and severity prediction, emphasizing its role in guiding treatment strategies.

Evidence-based practices on nanotechnology in wound treatment

Nanotechnology has revolutionized wound treatment by offering innovative solutions that accelerate healing, reduce infections, and promote tissue regeneration. This article reviews evidence-based practices regarding the use of nanotechnology in wound care, with a focus on antimicrobial nanoparticles, smart dressings, and regenerative scaffolds. Studies reviewed between 2010 and 2024 indicate that silver, zinc oxide, and gold nanoparticles are effective in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), thereby preventing infections in chronic and acute wounds. Additionally, smart dressings equipped with embedded sensors have demonstrated the ability to monitor the wound environment, detecting signs of infection or inflammation and delivering drugs in a controlled manner. Another aspect addressed is the use of nanomaterial-based scaffolds, which mimic the extracellular matrix and promote cell proliferation, facilitating tissue regeneration in hard-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and severe burns. Although the results are promising, the article highlights the need for more large-scale clinical trials and long-term studies to assess the safety and efficacy of these technologies across diverse populations. Moreover, the high cost of some nanotechnological products remains a challenge for widespread implementation, particularly in resource-limited healthcare systems. The conclusion is that nanotechnology holds great potential to transform wound care, but its broad adoption will depend on further studies, improved accessibility, and greater awareness among healthcare professionals and patients.

Systematic Review: The Impact of Traditional Medicine Combined with Standard Diabetes Management versus Standard Management Alone on HbA1c Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

The management of Type 2 diabetes requires a multifaceted approach to achieve optimal glycemic control. This systematic review examines the impact of combining traditional medicine practices, such as herbal remedies, dietary supplements, traditional Chinese exercises, and plant-based diets, with standard diabetes management on HbA1c levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. A total of 10 studies, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, were analyzed. The findings indicate that most traditional medicine interventions, when combined with standard care, resulted in significant reductions in HbA1c levels, suggesting enhanced glycemic control. The most effective interventions included the Mediterranean diet, traditional Chinese exercises, and specific herbal remedies like cinnamon and ginseng. However, one study utilizing the chronic care model showed no significant improvement. This review highlights the potential of integrating traditional medicine practices into conventional diabetes management protocols for improved outcomes. Further large-scale, long-term studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying the observed benefits.

Extensive genomic characterization, pre-clinical probiotic evaluation, and safety analysis of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 isolated from infant feces

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and probiotic properties of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 isolated from infant feces for use as a commercial probiotic strain. MethodsWhole-genome sequencing; physiological and biochemical assessments; enzymatic assays; metabolite, antibiotic sensitivity, cell adhesion and cytotoxicity, and tolerance tests; and a 14-day oral toxicity study were conducted. ResultsBL21 exhibited genetic integrity, and its genome lacked genes related to antibiotic resistance or virulence. It was found to be non-pathogenic, had efficient carbohydrate metabolism and mucin degradation ability, and was free from biogenic amines. It also showed susceptibility to antibiotics, strong cell adhesion, and resilience to adverse conditions. The aforementioned results confirm that BL21 is a functional probiotic strain with genetic stability, enzymatic capabilities, and non-pathogenic properties that mean it is safe for oral consumption, demonstrating that it is a promising candidate for probiotic applications. ConclusionThe study demonstrates that BL21 is a genetically stable, non-pathogenic probiotic strain with metabolic potential. The strain lacks virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, and its resilience to gastrointestinal conditions, as well as the results of the 14-day oral toxicity study, suggest that BL21 is safe for oral consumption. However, further long-term studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy for therapeutic use.

Effects of long-term neural adaptation to habitual sspherical aberration on through-focus visual acuity in adults

We investigated how long-term visual experience with habitual spherical aberration (SA) influences subjective depth of focus (DoF). Nine healthy cycloplegic eyes with habitual SAs of different signs and magnitudes were enrolled. An adaptive optics (AO) visual simulator was used to measure through-focus high-contrast visual acuity after correcting all monochromatic aberrations and imposing + 0.5 μm and − 0.5 μm SAs for a 6-mm pupil. The positive (n = 6) and negative (n = 3) habitual SA groups ranged from 0.17 to 0.8 μm and from − 1.2 to – 0.12 μm for a 6-mm pupil, respectively. Although all optical conditions were identical, and the subjective DoFs were expected to be the same for all participants, the DoFs of individuals differed between the positive and negative habitual SA groups. For the positive habitual SA group, the mean DoF with positive AO-induced SA (2.14 D) was larger than that with negative AO-induced SA (1.88 D); for the negative habitual SA group, a smaller DoF was measured with positive AO-induced SA (1.94 D) than that with negative AO-induced SA (2.14 D). Subjective DoF tended to be larger when the induced SA in terms of sign and magnitude was closer to the participant’s habitual SA. Our findings suggest that neural adaptation to habitual SA compensated for optical blur at multiple object distances, perceptually expanding DoF. As a result, the outcomes of optical treatments for presbyopia may differ due to the neural compensation mechanism influenced by an individual’s visual experience with their habitual optics.

Performance of Molasses Waste as a Cement Replacement to Study Concrete Compressive Strength

To reduce the negative environmental impact of cement production and preserve natural resources, an experimental investigation was conducted to study the performance of concrete specimens at different curing ages and to determine the compressive strength of these specimens by replacing cement with molasses. Experimentation was carried out on the concrete specimens at a temperature range of 25 °C to 30 °C; six specimens were cast for each replacement ratio, except for 0.75% wt. of cement (86.55 g) and 1% wt. of cement (113.6 g), where five samples were considered for each ratio. The average 28-day compressive strength of the conventional concrete specimens came out to be 29 MPa, but increased to 40 MPa with the addition of 0.25% wt. of cement molasses (28.85 g). It was observed that as the percentage of molasses waste in the concrete mix was further increased by replacing the cement, the compressive strength of the concrete specimens increased gradually and then significantly decreased. The findings shed light on the prospect of using molasses waste instead of cement in the concrete mix. Also, it is worth mentioning that about 30% of the cost–benefit was obtained with reference to that of conventional admixtures available in the market for the production of concrete. However, it is notable that a long-term durability study needs to be conducted before making it viable. This work not only addresses a sustainable and innovative method of waste management (SDG12), but also contributes to low carbon emissions (SDG13). The novelty of this work lies in the fact that no such kind of study has been conducted in Pakistan so far, in addition to the very limited international literature available, and, in particular, no evidence on the compressive strength results at higher molasses dosages, i.e., 1% wt. of cement (113.6 g) and 2% wt. of cement (230.8 g).

Energy Flexibility in Aluminium Smelting: A Long-Term Feasibility Study Based on the Prospects of Electricity Load and Photovoltaic Production

This paper investigates the economic feasibility of utilising energy flexibility in aluminium production as a viable solution to leverage electricity surpluses arising from the increasing number of photovoltaic (PV) system installations. Future trends suggest that the generation capacity of PV systems will soon surpass consumption, leading to significant electricity surpluses, particularly during the summer. This surplus electricity, which is anticipated to be available at low prices, offers a unique opportunity to evaluate different investment and utilisation scenarios for aluminium production while simultaneously decreasing its environmental impact. The results demonstrate that, despite their high initial investment cost, large-scale PV power plants can potentially deliver maximum economic gains over a ten-year period. Conversely, the direct utilisation of surpluses without substantial investment can yield savings of up to EUR 17 million within the same time frame for Slovenia’s case with an aluminium smelter, which has a maximum power usage of 60 MW. The findings of this study have significant implications in terms of shaping future energy strategies and policies, emphasizing the value of integrating renewable energy sources and industrial processes for enhanced economic and environmental outcomes.

Addressing mental health challenges in college students: A biomechanical approach to mitigating stress and cognitive load through physical intervention strategies

The main objective of this investigation is to find out how biomechanical actions, such as physical activity programs, balanced adjustments, and mindfulness-based posture correction, are successful at reducing Cognitive Load (CL) and levels of stress among college students. Mechanical adjustments decreased stress, physical activity reduced CL, and mindfulness-based posture correction improved Mental Health (MH), according to a long-term experiment with 28 students from four distinct educational fields. Investigators examined students’ stress, CL, and BH levels monthly. The outcome results dealt with all three predictions. A student’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score dropped from 24.66 to 18.10 (mean difference = 6.56, t = 4.82, p = 0.0001) after experiencing practical changes, demonstrating a significant decrease in stress levels. Following the exercise support, CL, as determined by the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), dropped from 65.38 to 54.23 (mean difference = 11.15, t = 5.29, p = 0.00005). Ratings for BH increased significantly after exercising mindfulness-based posture correction (from 78.63 to 85.13; mean difference = −6.50, t = −4.92, p = 0.00007). The median variation in PF (VO2 Max) went from 40.46 to 45.11 (t = −3.78, p = 0.0012), and the difference in value was −4.65.

Dynamics of damage by the buddle mite (<i>Cecidophyes ribes</i> West.) to collection varieties of black currant

The aim of research is to evaluate collectible black currant material according to resistance to bud mite in conditions of Kirov region, to study the dynamics of damage accumulation by a pest and to distinguish the varieties which have been showing the resistance for a long time. The evaluation of varieties had been held on the collectible plantations of fruit and berry crops of laboratory of FSBSI FARC of the North-East (Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Federal Agricultural Research Centre”) (Kirov) which is situated in a central agro-climatic zone of Kirov region in 2014–2021. 36 black currant varieties of 2013 planting year were included in the research. The check variety is Vologda. The scheme of planting is 3.0 × 1.0 m, 5 plants on an every accounting plot. The repetition is single. As a result of a long-term study of the dynamics of bud mite damage accumulation, the varieties, which remain free from the pest longer than others were distinguished: Alexandrina (the features of the pest had not been noticed during the whole research); Dobriy Jinn (Kind Genie) and Gulliver (5.6% of the number of the studied) which showed the first damage on the 7th and 8th year after planting. Chishma, Yadrenaya, Mila, Vasilisa, Sputnick, Nezhdanchick (16.7%) showed the first features of damage on the 5th year of planting. The varieties with the resistance to a bud mite (47.2%) are promising as a basic material for bringing in a selection process and recommended for the production. The varieties with middle and low resistance to the pest can be recommended for amateur and commercial horticulture but as a basic material on resistance to a phytophage in selection, they are unsuitable. The analysis of a link between a degree of pest damage of studied varieties and productiveness showed an average negative relationship between these features (r = –0.62).

Changes in soil mechanical and hydraulic properties through regenerative cultivation measures in long-term and farm experiments in Germany

Regenerative agriculture has been associated with improved soil structure and soil fertility. However, conclusive evidence of its efficacy has remained elusive owing to a lack of long-term experimental studies. In this study, we assessed the impact of diverse regenerative agricultural measures on soil mechanical and hydraulic properties and indicators. Tested treatment factors included reduced tillage versus plowing, along with different levels of compost, mulch, and the application of ferments and compost tea. We measured in situ soil strength via soil penetration (from 0 to 0.8 m depth) and shear resistance (at 0.08 and 0.23 m depth) and assessed field-saturated hydraulic conductivity and ex situ soil aggregate stability (at 0.07 and 0.23 m depth). The experiments were conducted at five sites in Hesse, Germany, including one organic long-term experiment (LTE, since 2010) in Neu-Eichenberg and three organic and one conventional on-farm experiments to cover different soil types, weather conditions, and field practices. The soil types are classified as Luvisol and Vertic Cambisols, and the soil texture ranges from silt loam to silty clay loam. In the LTE, significant differences in aggregate stability and shear resistance were noted between treatments, with a higher geometric mean aggregate diameter at 0.07 m depth in 2021 and 2022 and a higher shear resistance at 0.19 m and 0.23 m in 2020 and in 2021, respectively, in the reduced tillage systems. However, no significant differences were observed among treatments for field-saturated hydraulic conductivity, which was overall very high, showing that reduced tillage did not negatively influence saturated infiltration, albeit bulk density is higher than in the conventionally plowed system. The soil penetration resistance was generally higher for the reduced tillage treatments across depths of 0.0–0.30 m, albeit not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Significantly higher water-stable aggregates and geometric mean diameters were observed for regenerative agricultural treatments in three of the on-farm experiments at a depth of 0.07 m. The shear resistance was significantly higher in regenerative agriculture units in specific years and depths. Although the outcomes are encouraging, the variability of the effects of reduced tillage and organic amendments in affecting soil properties highlights the need for further long-term research including farm trials. This is essential to fully understand the effects of regenerative practices on soil physical quality.

Spectral EEG and heart rate changes associated with leg movements during the suggested immobilization test in patients with restless legs syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome is usually associated with periodic limb movements during sleep, which are defined as repetitive, stereotyped movements in sleep. Changes in spectral analysis of electroencephalography and heart rate were shown to be associated with periodic limb movements during sleep and non-periodic leg movements in sleep. Considering the circadian distribution of symptoms of restless legs syndrome, we investigated spectral electroencephalography and heart rate accompanying periodic limb movements, isolated leg movements and short-interval leg movements during suggested immobilization test. The mean age of 53 patients was 51.9 ± 13 years, 54.7% were females. Prominent increases in electroencephalography activation were associated with periodic limb movements, isolated leg movements and short-interval leg movements during the suggested immobilization test, which were significant in all spectral bands (p < 0.001). An increase in all electroencephalography bands started ~10 s before periodic limb movements, isolated leg movements and short-interval leg movements; increases in delta and theta band activities ended ~10 s after the movements, while increases in alpha and beta band activities lasted for about ~20 s. Maximum increases in delta, theta, alpha and beta bands were all observed after periodic limb movements and short-interval leg movements, but before isolated leg movements in theta and alpha bands, and after isolated leg movements in delta and beta bands. A notably longer increase in alpha and beta bands was evident for periodic limb movements and short-interval leg movements. An increase in heart rate was prominent at 4-12 s after movement onset in short-interval leg movements, being significantly higher than those associated with periodic limb movements and isolated leg movements. Our study shows that, in patients with restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements, isolated leg movements and short-interval leg movements during suggested immobilization test are associated with prominent cortical and cardiac activation, which warrants confirmation in larger restless legs syndrome cohorts and requires long-term follow-up studies to delineate its possible clinical consequences.

Utilizing Multiple Triboelectric Nanogenerator Sensors and Signal Processing Technology for Monitoring Periodic Leg Movements of Sleep

High-quality sleep is essential for both physiological and cognitive functions. However, periodic leg movements of sleep (PLMS), an involuntary phenomenon during sleep, affects millions of people worldwide, contributing to sleep fragmentation and functional impairments. The accurate monitoring of PLMS is important for identifying and addressing these issues. Traditional methods, such as polysomnography (PSG), which monitor the bare tibialis muscle movements in clinical environments, may not adequately reflect the natural sleep patterns at home. They are costly and unsuitable for long-term studies. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using flexible sensors for sleep monitoring. Previous studies have applied triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as flexible sensors to detect muscle movements during sleep. However, distinguishing true PLMS from false signals caused by external factors, such as blankets, remains a challenge. This study proposes a method using three TENG sensors placed on the dorsum, ankle, and tibialis, respectively, along with signal processing techniques to enhance the accuracy of PLMS detection. This study provides a cost-effective, comfortable method for PLMS monitoring, with the potential for widespread use in home-based sleep studies and long-term care in the future.

The influence of suturing and or gluing of perforated Schneiderian membrane during sinuslift procedure on the outcome: a retrospective study

The sinus lift procedure has become the most common method for maxillary bone augmentation. The most frequently observed intraoperative complication is the perforation of the Schneiderian membrane. Various treatment options have been proposed for managing these perforations, including the use of resorbable membranes, centrifugated blood products as PRF, or PRGF, suturing, and fibrin glue application. While long-term studies exist for the use of resorbable membranes to close perforations, there is limited data on the long-term outcomes of suturing or gluing the perforated sinus membrane. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of suturing and/or applying fibrin glue to repair perforated sinus mucosa during sinus floor elevation procedures. Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 692 patients underwent 923 sinus lift surgeries, and Schneiderian membrane perforation occurred in 202 sinus floor elevations (21.98%) across 168 patients. The main documented causes of perforations, which ranged from 2 to 10 mm in diameter, were the presence of septa, followed by thin and adherent membranes. Of the perforations, 100 (49.5%) were treated with microsurgical suturing combined with fibrin glue, 78 (38.6%) were treated with fibrin glue alone, and 24 (11.9%) were treated exclusively with suturing. Sinus grafting was performed using autogenous bone in combination with a biomaterial, following the layering technique. All surgeries resulted in primary healing without complications, enabling all patients to undergo restoration as planned. The long term clinical and radiological evaluations of 44 randomly selected patients who followed the recall program up to 10 years post operative confirmed the effectiveness of this treatment approach.

Worker co-operatives in Australia 1833–2024

While there are qualitative discussions of the history of worker co-operatives in Australia, there have been no substantial quantitative long-term studies of their development. The development of the Visual Historical Atlas of Australian Co-operatives allows long-term analysis to be undertaken of Australian worker co-operatives. This paper will examine the definitional and theoretical issues surrounding worker co-operatives before proceeding to a discussion of the development of the Atlas and the general insights it provides into the history of worker co-operatives in Australia. The paper will then examine in more detail specific periods of Australian co-operative history to provide a more detailed explanation of the fluctuating fortunes of worker co-operatives in Australia. It notes that recent development of the Earthworker co-operative in Victoria provides a pathway for the future of worker co-operatives in Australia.

Influence of the deviated center of rotation on facet joint degeneration after cervical disc replacement – an in vivo study with a minimum of 10-year follow-up

BackgroundShort term results of the change of center of rotation (COR) after Bryan cervical disc replacement (CDR) have been reported. However, there is a lack of long-term studies focusing on the COR and its influences on facet joint degeneration.ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic results of Bryan CDR, and to explore the influence of deviated COR on facet joint degeneration at index level.MethodsIt is a retrospective follow up study conducted in China. Eighty-three consecutive patients who received single-level Bryan CDR were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical evaluation included Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Odom’s scale. Radiographic evaluation underwent before surgery, at early follow-up (3 months) and last follow-up (10 years). The radiographic parameters included range of motion (ROM), location of COR presented by the coordinates (COR-x, COR-y), and facet joint degeneration score. Correlation analysis was conducted between changes of COR and facet joint degeneration score.ResultsFifty-nine patients were included, with an average age of 44.6 ± 7.4 years. The mean follow-up time was 135.7 ± 12.4 (120–155) months. JOA score, NDI and Odom’s scale showed significant improvements at last follow-up. The ROM was well preserved through follow-up. 33 patients (55.9%) showed deterioration of facet joint degeneration at index level. The increment of facet joint degeneration score at index level was strongly correlated with the change of COR-x (r = 0.758, P < 0.001), and weakly correlated with the change of COR-y (r=-0.473, P < 0.001). The deviation of COR was significantly greater in Group Degeneration than that in Group Non-degeneration (14.8 ± 10.5% vs. -2.6 ± 8.1% for COR-x, and − 6.4 ± 7.5% vs. 0.8 ± 8.3% for COR-y).ConclusionsBryan CDR with minimum of 10-year follow-up achieved favorable clinical outcome and good maintenance of ROM. Deviated COR could be an important risk factor for facet joint degeneration.

Sugarcane bagasse derived biochar potential to improve soil structure and water availability in texturally different soils

Low organic matter content is one of the main constraints in arid and semiarid regions. This constraint and its negative influences on soils and plant growth may be alleviated by biochar (BC). Furthermore, improving soil physical and hydraulic attributes by application of biochar has received increased attention. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar on the structural stability, water availability, and pore-size distribution (PSD) of three texturally different calcareous soils collected from different agro-climatologically regions were examined during a long-term experiment. Low and high-temperature biochars, produced in a muffle furnace by the traditional slow pyrolysis method at 300 °C (BC300) and 600 °C (BC600) were evaluated. Pots (15 kg) were filled with three different silty-clay Inceptisols (SCInc), silty-clay-loam Alfisols (SCLAlf), and loam Aridisols (LArid) soils mixed with 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3 w/w% of BC300 and BC600 during 540 days of incubation. The high energy moisture characteristic (HEMC) data was modeled using a modified van Genuchten function to quantify aggregate stability through stability ratio (SR) and structural stability index (SSI). The plant available water (PAW), least limiting water range (LLWR), and integral water capacity (IWC) were calculated with two matric suctions (h) of 330 cm for field capacity (FC) and 15,000 cm for permanent wilting point (PWP). Then the integral energy (EI) values were calculated (EIIWC). Results indicated that the incorporation of 3 w/w% biochar significantly (p < 0.01) increased SR (35 to 100%) and SSI (21 to 28%) indices in all three soils. Biochar significantly increased modal suction (MS) in LArid soils (5 to 158%); whereas, decreased MS of the other soils (3 to 43%). MS, SR, and SSI of BC300 and BC600-treated soils were not significantly different. PAW, LLWR, and IWC significantly decreased in the SCInc (18 to 61%, 8 to 44%, and 6 to 35%) and SCLAlf (8 to 44%, 18 to 35%, and 20 to 47%) soils and increased in LArid (4 to 54%, 3 to 61%, and 24 to 111%) soil with increasing biochar doses. There were no changes in EIIWC in biochar-treated LArid soil where PAW, LLWR, and IWC increased. Biochar increased EIIWC across the studied soil from 1% to 3.38 folds, thereby increasing the gradient of water potential to absorb the available water. Soil and soil-biochar mixtures exhibited heterogeneous and multimodal pore-size distribution (PSD). Biochar promoted the PSD peaks related to water-transmitting pores in SCInc and SCLAlf soils while decreased in LArid soil. In conclusion, results indicated that among the applied levels of biochar, the application of 3 w/w% biochar is suggested as a suitable way to improve soil physical behavior and structural stability.

Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification framework for decentralized systems: Long-term study utilizing rope-type biofilm media under field conditions

This research introduces a novel approach to achieve simultaneous nitrification-denitrification (SND) under dynamic load conditions using a cost-effective rope-type biofilm technology. The approach represents a significant advancement in wastewater treatment, particularly beneficial for remote and decentralized communities. The biofilm-based SND process was developed using a pilot-scale flow-through reactor by implementing upstream carbon management with constant-timer-based aeration control versus dynamic-sensor-based aeration control strategies. The findings indicate that adding an upstream anaerobic pretreatment process to handle excess carbon plays a substantial role in achieving a sustainable SND process under a dynamic load environment using simple aeration on-off control. The most optimal nitrification performance of 0.32 g NH3-N/m2/d (89 % removal) was achieved under a 1-hour ON/30-minute OFF aeration. The process sustained an average bulk liquid DO of 5.16 mg/L and 3.80 mg/L during the aeration ON and OFF periods, respectively, facilitating a 0.13 g N/m2/d (41 %) total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal, notably, implementing advanced aeration strategies driven by DO, NH3, and NO3 sensors enhanced TIN removal efficiency to 72 %. The nitrification performance remained comparable (89 % removal), resulting in 3 and 10 mg N/L effluent ammonia and TIN concentration, respectively. Additionally, utilizing two multivariate approaches accounting for 82 % and 64 % of the variance, this study discerned patterns in monitored variables and performance. Additionally, the analysis underscored the difference of bulk liquid DO levels in the biofilm versus suspended systems inhibiting the SND process. Distinct bacterial communities were established in biofilms under aerobic, anaerobic, and SND conditions, with the SND reactor showing a hierarchy of functional group and enzymes, enriched sequentially from heterotrophs to denitrifiers, nitrifiers, and anammox bacteria. These innovations underline the potential of tailored control strategies to enhance a passive biofilm-based SND process efficiency under dynamic conditions, providing scalable solutions for diverse target water quality demands in remote communities and decentralized systems.