Optimal Application Time Research Articles

603 Timing of autologous spray cell suspension: better early than late

IntroductionAutologous spray cell suspension is associated with multiple beneficial outcomes, however, the optimal timing of use has not been determined. We examined the timing of spay cell application, and hypothesize that early (< 72 hr) use is associated with faster definitive wound coverage, impacting multiple clinical outcomes compared to late ( >72 hr) use of spray cells.MethodsA retrospective review of 28 patients with spray cell application from March 2020 -- May 2021 was conducted. Pediatric patients < 16 yrs (n=1) as well as deaths (n=2--including 1 withdrawal) were excluded, leaving 25 patients. Those that received spray cells early (< 72 hrs, n=14) were compared to late ( >72 hrs, n=11). Time to index operation, time to spray cell application, rate of complete wound coverage, number of OR trips required for wound closure, wound infection rates, LOS / %TBSA, and overall hospital LOS were examined.ResultsThere was no difference in demographics or % TBSA burn (21.4% vs. 23/5%), between early and late spray cell groups. The early group had a significantly faster time to index operation (1.2 dys vs. 2.5 dys P= .05), and faster time to spray cell application (1.6 dys vs. 18.1 dys P=.036) (Table 1). The early group had a greater wound coverage rate at index operation —64.2% complete coverage vs. 18.1% in the late group (p< .03). The total number of OR trips needed for wound coverage was less in the early group (1.5 trips / pt) vs. the late (7.0 trips / pt) P=0.03. The early group had less wound infections, a shorter LOS / % TBSA burn ( 0.83 dys vs. 1.85 dys P=0.005), and shorter overall LOS (16.5 dys vs. 46.9 dys P=0.03).ConclusionsAutologous spray cell use has multiple beneficial outcomes, however, the optimal timing of application has not been determined. We report that early (< 72 hr) application of spray cells is associated with greater rate of complete wound coverage at index operation, decreased total number of operations needed for wound coverage, less wound infections, shorter LOS / %TBSA, and shorter overall LOS. This is likely related to earlier definitive wound coverage and closure, which is afforded by the large expansion ratio of spray cells.

Effect of application time of 38% silver diamine fluoride solution on arresting early childhood caries in preschool children: a randomised double-blinded controlled trial protocol

BackgroundTo study the caries lesion activity response to topical 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) therapy with increasing treatment application time.Methods/designThe design is a stratified-randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with nine treatment arms. The trial will involve recruiting at least 414 3- to 5-year-old kindergarten children with caries, who will receive approximately 0.004 mL of 38% SDF (the typical amount applied per the manufacturer’s instructions) to treat each caries lesion. The children will be stratified by caries status, randomised by blocks, and allocated to nine groups of SDF application times: 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, and 180 s. The outcome measure is caries lesion activity (active/arrest) at the tooth-surface level at 6 months post-initial treatment. A calibrated dentist will conduct the blinded clinical examinations at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up. In addition, the parents will be surveyed to examine the effects of the moderating variables, such as oral hygiene, on caries lesion activity. The hypothesis is that a monotonically increasing trend can be found between the SDF application time and the proportion of caries lesions that are arrested. The Cochran-Armitage test for trends in proportions, corrected for clustering within children, will be used to determine the relationship between the exposure to SDF (the SDF application time) and the response (proportion of lesions arrested) in children, taking into consideration the effect of the moderating variables as well as the nesting of multiple caries lesions within an individual child. An EC 80 analysis (an 80% maximal concentration) will be used to determine the exposure (the SDF application time) for 80% caries lesion arrest. Bootstrap methods will be used for clustered data and will be resampled by clustering to determine the 95% confidence interval.DiscussionThis study will help with determining the optimal application time for SDF treatment. It will provide an evidence-based protocol for the use of SDF to arrest tooth decay in the primary teeth of young children. The results will inform an evidence-based SDF protocol to arrest caries, which affects 573 million children with tooth decay worldwide.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04655430. Registered on 7th December 2020.

Impact of monitoring surface temperature during pulmonary vein isolation in a second-generation hot balloon system.

BackgroundA surface temperature sensor can be used to visualize the effect of hot balloon (HB) catheters. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a second-generation HB system with surface temperature monitoring in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsTwenty patients (age: 69.6 ± 9.7 years, 11 male participants) who underwent first-time pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using a second-generation HB were included. For each pulmonary vein (PV), the acute isolation rate and effective therapeutic range of surface temperature were investigated.ResultsEighty-three PVs (including three right middle PVs) were isolated in 20 patients using an HB with a surface temperature sensor. Sixty-eight PVs were isolated using the first application. Fifteen PVs (left superior PV [LSPV], n = 7 [35%]; left inferior PV, n = 2 [10%]; right superior PV, n = 3 [15%]; right inferior PV, n = 3 [15%]) showed early intraoperative reconduction and required second applications. One LSPV required radiofrequency touch-up at the carina. The optimal balloon surface temperature and application time were evaluated, and a median value of 58 °C and integral value of 1000 °C·s were identified from the receiver operating characteristic curve to be useful effective indicators. However, for LSPV, the PV potential of carina or ridge likely often remained and needed to be independently considered. There was no periprocedural complication including severe pulmonary vein stenosis. During the observation period (median: 280 days, interquartile range: 261–318 days), 17 patients (85%) achieved and maintained sinus rhythm.ConclusionsSecond-generation HBs with a surface temperature sensor are expected to provide favorable outcomes in AF ablation treatment.

Maximizing seedhead suppression of Poa annua L. in Michigan through use of growing degree‐days to predict optimum application timing for ethephon and ethephon plus trinexapac‐ethyl

AbstractResearch was conducted from 2002 to 2006 to determine optimum application timings for the chemical seedhead suppression of annual bluegrass (AB) [Poa annua L. var. reptans (Hauskins) Timm.] by single applications of the plant growth regulators ethephon (EP) (2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid) or EP plus trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) [4‐(cyclopropyl‐alpha‐hydroxymethylene)‐3, 5‐dioxo‐cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester]. The objectives were to evaluate AB seedhead suppression from single applications of EP and EP plus TE, and to evaluate the simple average‐calculated growing degree‐days (GDD) and Baskerville–Emin GDD models for their reliability to predict best application timing dates from year to year. Plots were established on a 10‐ to 15‐yr‐old AB fairway maintained at 1.5 cm and receiving 0.5 to 0.6 cm daily automatic irrigation throughout the growing season and 120 kg N ha–1 yr–1 from 2002 to 2006. The soil type is a Marlette sandy loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic Oxyaquic Glossudalf). Plant growth regulators were applied at 3.74 and 0.08 kg a.i. ha–1 for EP and TE, respectively, between 24 March and 13 May. Ethephon interacted with application timing in 2002 and 2003. Ethephon plus TE interacted with application timing in 2004, but not 2005 or 2006. Ethephon and EP plus TE did not provide less than 10% seedhead cover in 2003 or 2006, respectively. For EP and EP plus TE, application timing affected seedhead control in 3 of 5 yr.

Evaluating the timing of insecticide application to manage barley yellow dwarf virus and yield in winter barley

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is an important viral disease of grain crops worldwide and a major cause of yield loss. The risk periods for BYDV infection coincide with milder temperature that prolongs aphid flight and facilitates viral transmission through primary and secondary aphid movement in the crop. Secondary aphid movement is associated with greater BYDV spread in winter cereals. A critical component of BYDV management is therefore delaying sowing of winter cereals and correctly timing insecticide application to maximise crop protection. Previous research in Ireland considered insecticide timing in early (September) and late (October onwards) sown cereals. Early research did not consider action thresholds around temperature, aphid flight and risk of secondary spread. This research set out to understand the optimal timing of insecticide application in October sown winter barley to reduce BYDV infection and yield impact. A critical temperature of 3°C was used as a threshold for aphid development that leads to movement and BYDV spread, and insecticide treatments were applied to the crop at predictable intervals in relation to temperature. Results show that BYDV symptoms and yield are affected by spray time, location and year, although only significant with regard to the reduction of BYDV symptoms. For both BYDV symptoms and yield, there was a significant difference between untreated (control) plots and “early” and “late” applications of insecticide, again more notable for BYDV symptoms than yield. This work indicates the value of optimising a single insecticide spray for control of October sown cereals and supports decision-making in the management of cereal crops.

TACS phase-specifically biases brightness perception of flickering light

BackgroundVisual phenomena like brightness illusions impressively demonstrate the highly constructive nature of perception. In addition to physical illumination, the subjective experience of brightness is related to temporal neural dynamics in visual cortex. ObjectiveHere, we asked whether biasing the temporal pattern of neural excitability in visual cortex by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) modulates brightness perception of concurrent rhythmic visual stimuli. MethodsParticipants performed a brightness discrimination task of two flickering lights, one of which was targeted by same-frequency electrical stimulation at varying phase shifts. tACS was applied with an occipital and a periorbital active control montage, based on simulations of electrical currents using finite element head models. ResultsExperimental results reveal that flicker brightness perception is modulated dependent on the phase shift between sensory and electrical stimulation, solely under occipital tACS. Phase-specific modulatory effects by tACS were dependent on flicker-evoked neural phase stability at the tACS-targeted frequency, recorded prior to electrical stimulation. Further, the optimal timing of tACS application leading to enhanced brightness perception was correlated with the neural phase delay of the cortical flicker response. ConclusionsOur results corroborate the role of temporally coordinated neural activity in visual cortex for brightness perception of rhythmic visual input in humans. Phase-specific behavioral modulations by tACS emphasize its efficacy to transfer perceptually relevant temporal information to the cortex. These findings provide an important step towards understanding the basis of visual perception and further confirm electrical stimulation as a tool for advancing controlled modulations of neural activity and related behavior.

Fuzzy logic based prediction of micronutrients demand for harumanis mango growth cycles

Harumanis is a famous green eating mango cultivar that has been commercially cultivated in Malaysia’s state of Perlis. A variety of nutrients are found in soil, all of which are necessary for plant growth. Micronutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are essential for Harumanis mango (Mangifera Indica) to growth. The importance of soil fertility in achieving high plant productivity and quality cannot be overstated. It should be used in a moderate amount and in a balanced manner. Predicting appropriate nutrients and the right timing to satisfy the tree’s demands is critical. The aim of this study is to create for Harumanis mango a fuzzy logic-based system to analyse the results of soil tests for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the Harumanis mango orchard. The interpreted data are used to estimate N-P-K nutrient levels and indicate the optimal fertilizer solution and application timing for each Harumanis growth stages. The system utilizes Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) to predict the nutrients demand for Harumanis mango growth. Results shows the system able to calculate and predict values of required N-P-K fertilizer for optimal growth. Thus, assist farmers in predicting the proper amount of N-P-K to apply to Harumanis mango soil.

INTEGRATED DISEASE MANAGEMENT OF EARLY BLIGHT (ALTERNARIA SOLANI) OF POTATO

This review is to reviewed with an objective of reviewing the overall aspect of early blight of potato crop along with its management options. Potato is the most important vegetable crop in terms of quantities produced and consumed worldwide. It is the fast-growing major crop in the world with important economic impact on many resource-poor farming families. However, its production is currently disturbed by a number of biotic and abiotic constraints. Epidemics of early blight caused by Alternaria spp. can cause significant economic damage to potato production if not timely controlled. It is prevalent worldwide wherever potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are grown. The disease can damage both potato foliage and tubers and can causes yield losses of 5-50%. Early blight is a poly cyclic disease that can cause more than one disease epidemics within a single cropping season. It is difficult to control because of its capacity to produce huge amounts of secondary inoculum. Since the disease is very important in causing economic losses of yields on potato crop, developing and using effective and appropriate management options is necessary. Using good cultural practices and applying chemical fungicides are important in reducing as well as managing of early blight disease of potato. Even though there is no well-developed biological control of early blight, it is very important to develop such management strategies. Because biological control measures are specific, efficient and environmentally safe. In order to control early blight in potato, studies were conducted to identify the optimal fungicide strategy and, if possible, to reduce the number of fungicide applications per growing season. Therefore, a disease-threshold-based framework was tested to define the optimal timing of fungicide application. The initiation and subsequent applications of fungicides were based on increases in disease incidence or severity.

Optimal timing of big data application in a two-period decision model with new product sales

We study a firm's strategy in adopting big data technology to motivate consumer demand over two periods. In the first period, the firm designs a product to sell to the market and determines whether to apply big data to attract more consumers. In the second period, the firm designs a new product and determines whether to sell the old product and the new product simultaneously, where big data can also be applied in this period to stimulate more demands. We formulate this problem into four models considering whether the firm adopts big data in the first period and/or the second period, and whether the firm only sells the new product or sells both the old and new products in the second period. We find that the firm prefers to apply big data over both periods when the cost is low, only over the second period when the cost is median and will not apply big data when the cost is high. Interestingly, only applying big data over the first period also may bring the most profits with heterogeneous big data coefficients. Furthermore, applying big data in the second period is the better choice for the social welfare.

Effect of pydiflumetofen onGibberella ear rot andFusarium mycotoxin accumulation in maize grain

In Ontario, Canada,Fusarium graminearum Schwabe causesGibberella ear rot (GER) in maize, resulting in the accumulation of mycotoxins, mainly deoxynivalenol (DON), DON-3-glucoside (DON-3G) and zearalenone (ZEN) in infected kernels. Fungicides can be an important tool for managing GER and DON and otherFusarium mycotoxins in maize. Until recently, all fungicides available to growers were triazoles, thus no resistance management strategy through fungicide use was possible. In this study, a novel carboxamide fungicide active ingredient (pydiflumetofen) was evaluated against conventional triazole fungicides and mixtures for: (1) effectiveness on mycotoxins (2) optimal application timing; and (3) efficacy of application, with and without an insecticide, under natural and inoculated-misted conditions. The best timing for fungicide application was at full silk, resulting in the highest reduction of GER symptoms and lowest accumulation ofF. graminearum mycotoxins in harvested grain. DON and DON-3G concentrations were reduced by at least 50% with a fungicide application at full silk. Fungicide treatments did not affect fumonisin concentrations in grain. Pydiflumetofen (94 g active ingredients (AI)/ha) and fungicides containing pydiflumetofen (75-94 g AI/ha) were similar to standard triazole fungicides (prothioconazole at 200 g AI/ha and metconazole at 90 g AI/ha) for reducing GER andF. graminearum mycotoxins under misted-inoculated plots and commercial field conditions; as a result, we expect pydiflumetofen to be competitive with triazole-only chemistries in the marketplace, which should delay the onset of fungicide resistance.

Levosimendan for Treatment of Primary Graft Dysfunction After Heart Transplantation: Optimal Timing of Application.

Primary graft dysfunction remains a serious problem after heart transplant. Pharmacological treatment with the calcium sensitizer levosimendan may be an additive treatment for primary graft dysfunction. Patients undergoing heart transplant between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and divided depending on postoperative treatment with (n = 41) or without (n = 109) levosimendan. Recipients who received levosi mendan were further divided with regard to timing of levosimendan application (early group: started ≤48 hours posttransplant [n = 23]; late group: started >48 hours posttransplant [n = 18]). Patients who received levosimendan treatment displayed a remarkable incidence (87.8%) of postoperative primary graft dysfunction with need for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and therefore often presented with perioperative morbidity. Patient with early application of levosimendan showed significantly decreased duration of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (5.1 ± 3.5 days vs 12.6 ± 9.3 days in those with late application; P < .01) and decreased mortality during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (0.0% vs 33.3% in early vs late group; P < .01). In addition, compared with patients with late levosimendan application, patients with early application needed fewer blood transfusions (P < .05), had shorter ventilation times (279 ± 235 vs 428 ± 293 h; P = .03), and showed a trend of reduced incidence of postoperative renal failure (69.6% vs 94.4%; P = .06). Moreover, survival analyses indicated an increased survival for patients with early start of levosimendan therapy within the first 48 hours after heart transplant (P = .09). Pharmacotherapy with levosimendan may be a promising additive in the treatment of primary graft dysfunction after heart transplant. With administration of levosimendan within the first 48 hours posttransplant, rates of successful weaning from venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and outcomes after heart transplant were shown to increase.

Use of Model-Based Compartmental Analysis and Theoretical Data to Further Explore Choice of Sampling Time for Assessing Vitamin A Status in Groups and Individual Human Subjects by the Retinol Isotope Dilution Method.

ABSTRACTBackgroundAn optimal blood sampling time for application of the retinol isotope dilution (RID) method for predicting vitamin A total body stores (TBS) (i.e., vitamin A status) has not been established.ObjectivesObjectives were to identify sampling times that provide accurate estimates of TBS by RID in groups and individuals by applying compartmental modeling to data for theoretical adults and children.MethodsWe selected previously generated hypothetical adults and children (20 per group) that had a wide range of assigned values for TBS and vitamin A kinetic parameters. We used the Simulation, Analysis and Modeling software to simulate individual kinetic responses; then we calculated geometric mean values for the RID equation coefficients and each individual's plasma retinol specific activity at various times, using those values to predict group mean and individual subject TBS. Predicted values for TBS were compared with assigned values.ResultsAccurate estimates of group mean TBS were obtained at all sampling times from 1 to 30 d in both adults and children. For individuals, correlations between RID-predicted TBS and assigned values increased with time in the adults (R2 = 0.80 at day 14, 0.96 at day 21, and 0.99 at day 28); a similar trend was observed for the children, with R2 = 0.82 at day 7 and increasing to 0.97 at days 21 and 28 (P < 0.001 for all comparisons).ConclusionsAlthough no single, unique time provided the most accurate prediction of TBS for all individuals within these groups, applying the RID method at 21 or 28 d yielded predictions that were within 25% of assigned values for 90% or 95% of adults, respectively; corresponding values for children were 80% from 10 to 20 d, and 85% at 21 and 28 d. For most subjects, early times (<14 d for adults and <10 d for children) provided less accurate predictions.

Effect of dose and plant growth regulator application time on agronomic traits and yield components of Lamuru maize

The climate change of dry months for growth and production of corn, demanding the use of growth regulators. Atonic are generally known to increase metabolism and plant growth regulators. However, the optimal application time and dosage according to the location of planting in maize are unknown. This study determines the dosage and optimal time of atonic spray application to increase yield components. The study was conducted in Latosol soil in the dry land of Installation for Research and Assessment of Agricultural Technology (IP2TP) Bacan South Halmahera, North Maluku, from March to July 2019. The study was arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The first factor consists of the dose of atonic spray consisting of 4 levels, namely: 0.25cc/l, 0.50cc/l, 0.75cc/l and 1.00cc/l. The second factor is the atonic spraying time which consists of 3 levels, namely: 28 days after planting (dap), 49 dap, and 77 dap. The results showed that atonic spraying with a dose of 50cc/l at 28 dap produced the highest weight per 1000 corn seeds significantly different from spraying at 49 and 77 dap at various atonic doses. Spraying carried out at age 77 dap requires a higher atonic dose of 1cc/l to produce a weight per 1000 corn and it was correlated with leaf area at 49 dap (r=0.682) and with air temperature in July (r=0.35). High humidity (87.4%) in July was negatively correlated with plant height (r=-0.41) and weight of filled corncob (r=-0.37).

Immunocastration in Gilts: A Preliminary Study of the Effect of the Second Dose Administration Time on Growth, Reproductive Tract Development, and Carcass and Meat Quality.

Simple SummaryNowadays, a significant proportion of pig carcasses destined to high-quality dry-cured ham elaboration are declared unsuitable for this purpose. The main reason is the lack of backfat thickness, affecting females in particular because males are castrated. Moreover, the estrus in gilts is undesirable because it carries out productive losses. Immunocastration could resolve these problems. The protocol of immunocastration in white-breed gilts is not well established, especially in terms of the second injection. Therefore, the objective of the current trial was to evaluate the impact of immunocastration and to determine the optimum time for the second dose application in gilts intended for dry-cured ham production. In this trial, we concluded that gilt immunocastration is positive, increasing carcass fatness and decreasing reproductive tract development. Moreover, the optimum time to administer the second dose of immunocastration for this type of gilt seems to be between 9 and 12 weeks before sacrifice.Increasing fatness and avoiding puberty are desirable in gilts intended for high-quality dry-cured ham production. A total of 48 Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) females of 26.5 ± 3.70 kg body weight (BW) were used to evaluate the impact of immunocastration and to find the optimum application time of the second dose for immunocastration on growth; sex hormones; reproductive tract development; and carcass, meat, and fat quality. Gilts were allocated to four experimental treatments (n = 12): control (entire gilts, EG) and immunocastrated gilts (IG), providing the second dose at 12, 9, or 7 weeks before slaughter (with approximately 60, 75, or 90 kg BW, respectively). Mean slaughter BW was 125 kg. Immunocastrated gilts had lighter reproductive tracts and greater fat thickness than EG. Fat from IG was more saturated and less polyunsaturated than that from EG. Numerically, gilts immunocastrated 9 and 12 weeks before slaughter presented higher fatness than those immunocastrated 7 weeks before slaughter. In conclusion, immunocastration is a good strategy to improve the fatness of gilts destined to dry-cured ham elaboration, with the optimum time for the second dose application seemingly between 9 and 12 weeks before slaughter.

A greedy approach to improve pesticide application for precision agriculture using model predictive control

Pests may lead to low crop productivity and profitability. Pesticides are commonly used to protect crops from pests. However, too much pesticide is not only associated with harmful effects to the environment but may also lead to sub-optimal pest management. The existing works focus on the vehicle routing problem for pesticide management without giving due consideration to finding the optimal time, amount, and area for pesticide application. To solve this issue, this paper takes an active stance and introduces demand management for pesticide using an active mass-spring suspension system. Moreover, using a controller based on model predictive control that uses the active demand management model, this paper efficiently solves the problem of finding the right time, amount and place for pesticide application in an agricultural field. A greedy algorithm is then proposed to solve the vehicle routing problem after identifying the optimal time, and place for pesticide application. The proposed solution minimizes the risk of pest infestation by considering pest risk prediction models. The simulation results show that the proposed technique can maximize the protection for crops against pests. Moreover, a performance analysis of the proposed technique shows that it has significantly lower computational complexity and can converge to the optimal solution at least 78% faster than existing techniques.

Awareness of nutrient loss among Illinois corn farmers

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer runoff in the Mississippi River Basin contributes to a hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Through efforts such as the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, farmers are being challenged to voluntarily change production practices to limit the amount of N lost from their fields through runoff. Best management practices currently recommended to reduce nutrient loss include cover crops, optimal application timing, bioreactors, wetlands, and buffers. However, the adoption of new or unfamiliar farming practices such as these best management practices is inherently risky for farmers. In order to gain a more detailed understanding of how farmers perceive nutrient loss, and their willingness to voluntarily comply with nutrient loss reduction goals, a survey was designed and administered to approximately 3,850 members of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. The survey was designed in consultation with nutrient loss experts at the Illinois Corn Growers Association, whose membership was chosen because they would be most affected by regulation limiting N application timing or rates. Questions addressed farmers’ demographics, nutrient loss concerns, and production practices related to reducing nutrient loss. Key findings from the 762 completed surveys include the importance placed on conservation practices in respondents’ farming operations, a high level of concern about nutrient loss, and operational changes already made in response to those concerns. By providing insights on how farmers perceive and are responding to nutrient runoff, this study can contribute to efforts encouraging voluntary compliance with the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

Evaluation of fungicide application timing on soybean yield, quality, and economic return

AbstractThe need for profitable soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production practices grows as input costs rise and profit margins decline. In the mid‐southern United States, a prophylactic fungicide application at the initiation of pod development (R3 growth stage) is a common practice to protect yield potential in soybean. Experiments were conducted during 2017 and 2018 to determine optimal fungicide application timing in the absence of disease, while assessing multiple fungicide options and the resulting impact on soybean yield, quality, and partial return. Fungicide treatments included azoxystrobin as Quadris (Syngenta Crop Protection), azoxystrobin + difenoconazole as Quadris Top SBX (Syngenta Crop Protection), and the combination of fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin as Priaxor (BASF) and tetraconazole as Domark 230ME (Gowan). Fungicides were applied in single applications at R3 (three‐sixteenth‐inch long pod development), R4 (three‐fourth inch long pod development), R5 (beginning seed), or R6 (completely developed seed) growth stages or as two applications applied at R3 and again at R5. Based on results, soybean treated with Quadris Top SBX or Priaxor + Domark 230ME produced greater yield than non‐treated soybean. The growth stage when fungicides were applied did not influence soybean yield, confirming the value of current management strategies while also allowing flexibility in the application timing in situations that warrant application during later growth stages. These data suggest an application of Quadris Top SBX to soybean can protect yield while resulting in partial return at a market price of at least US$8.00 bu−1. Adoption of prophylactic, multiplemode of action fungicide applications during fruiting development may sustain yields and improve net returns.

Trinexapac‐ethyl rate and timing impact on malt barley production in Virginia

AbstractIncreased demand for local malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) for breweries and distilleries creates an opportunity for Virginia farmers. Lodging may decrease grain yield, reduce quality, and cause harvesting difficulties. Trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) is a plant growth regulator that reduces cell elongation and creates a shorter, sturdier stem. Field studies were initiated in 2017 and 2018 to test TE effects on ‘Flavia’ and ‘Violetta’ two‐rowed winter barleys at Blackstone and Holland, VA. Treatments consisted of: no TE; 7.2 fl oz TE acre−1 and 14.4 fl oz TE acre−1 at Zadoks growth stage (GS) 29; 7.2 fl oz TE acre−1 and 14.4 fl oz TE acre−1 at GS32; and 14.4 fl oz TE acre−1 equally split between GS29 and GS32 in a randomized complete block with four replications. Plant height, lodging incidence, and grain yield were measured. The effect of TE rate and timing varied, but all applications at GS32 resulted in significantly shorter plants. Plant lodging was decreased in 2019 at Blackstone by all TE applications compared to untreated. Plant height was decreased by as much as 42% in 2019 and plant injury was observed. Grain yield was decreased by all TE applications in Blackstone and GS32 and split applications in Holland in 2019, presumably due to stress preceding and following TE application. Plant growth at the time of application, forecasted weather, and cultivar susceptibility to lodging should all be considered when determining the optimal TE application rate and timing to reduce plant height without negatively impacting grain yield.

Optimal Time of Thermotherapy for Reducing Pain, Anxiety, and Side Effects in Arteriovenous Fistula Puncture Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis complain of moderate pain from repeated punctures of the arteriovenous fistula. This study examined the optimal application time of thermotherapy for reducing pain, anxiety, and side effects during arteriovenous fistula puncture. This study was conducted as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The participants were arteriovenous fistula puncture patients with chronic renal failure who were divided into two thermotherapy groups and one control group. This study was approved by the institutional review board and registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0003768). Differences between groups regarding pain, anxiety, and side effects were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, the χ2 test, and the Scheffé test. A significant difference was observed between the 10-min and 20-min thermotherapy groups and the control group in terms of the pain they experienced. Additionally, more side effects were encountered in the 20-min thermotherapy group than in the 10-min group. The 10-min application of thermotherapy for an arteriovenous fistula puncture showed the same pain-reducing effect as the conventional 20-min application. The study confirmed a 10-min application of thermotherapy to be an effective nursing intervention for pain relief without side effects.

Hypertrophic Scar Improvement by Early Intervention With Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment.

Ablative fractional laser treatment has been used to improve the color and texture of hypertrophic scars with safe and effective results. However, no consensus on the optimal time to initiate fractional laser treatment is available. The effect on early-stage scars remains controversial. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser treatments for hypertrophic burn scars and to analyze the efficacy and safety in the early period within 3 months after injury. We performed a retrospective study of 221 hypertrophic scar patients. According to the time of the first laser treatment after injury, patients were divided into five subgroups, including less than 1 month, 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and more than 12 months postinjury. One month after the last laser treatment, the scars were assessed by photography, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), durometry, and spectrocolorimetry. The patients included 118 males and 103 females. The average age was 33.6 years. Fire/flame was the primary injury source. Thirty-six percent of the patients underwent at least one fractional CO2 laser treatment. All the included patients, including those treated within 1 month after injury, had significantly decreased VSS scores after laser treatment. We also noted that hardness and redness scores were decreased after treatment for both scars treated within 3 months and those treated more than 12 months after injury. Seepage (17.6%), bleeding (22.2%), and swelling (9.0%) were the main adverse events after laser treatment. This study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment applied to early-stage burn scars. The optimal time for laser application for burn patients can be within 1 month after injury. Durometry and spectrocolorimetry were effective for assessing scars as objective modalities. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.