Residual Effects Of Treatments Research Articles

PWHT influence on welding residual stress in 45 mm bridge steel butt-welded joint

To investigate the spatial distribution of welding residual stress (WRS) and effect of post welding heat treatment (PWHT) on WRS relaxation in the welded components of steel bridges, a 45 mm-thick Q345qD butt-welded specimen was manufactured. Experimental measurement and numerical simulation methods were employed to examine specimen surface and internal WRSs. The simulated results exhibited good agreement with the measured ones, confirming the rationality of the numerical simulation process. Subsequently, through the PWHT simulation in ABAQUS, the evolution of WRS during PWHT was comprehensively analyzed and the effect of PWHT parameters on the stress relaxation was studied. The measured and simulated results show that the longitudinal welding residual stresses (LWRSs) are tensile in the weld region and compressive away from the weld. High-value stresses are mainly concentrated on specimen surfaces and the mid-thickness. Transverse welding residual stresses (TWRSs) present multi-layered distribution, alternating between tension and compression within the weld region. WRS reduction mainly occurs during the heating stage of PWHT, with slight decrease during the holding stage and an increase during the cooling stage. Optimizing PWHT parameters, including temperature, and holding time, heating/cooling rates, proved effective in achieving substantial WRS relaxation.

Residual effect of INM on mungbean (Vigna radiata) growth, yield uptake and nutrient balance

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2019–20 and summer season of 2020–21 at Byrasandra village, Karnataka to study the residual effects of integrated nitrogen management (INM) in maize (Zea mays L.) on succeeding mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] growth, yield, and soil properties. The residual effect of treatment involving 75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 50% recommended dose of farmyard manure (RD FYM) +25% RDN through vermicompost to kharif maize resulted in significant (P<0.05) taller mungbean plants (25.4 cm), more leaves (16.0), increased pod count (21.7), longer pods (9.7 cm), higher test weight (4.4 g), seed yield (880.4 kg/ha) and haulm yield (1815.8 kg/ha) at harvest compared to the control group. After mungbean harvest, plots treated with 75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 50% recommended dose of farmyard manure (RD FYM) + M 25% RDN through vermicompost showed significantly higher uptake of total N, total P, and total K (50.8, 9.3, and 49.1 kg/ha, respectively) compared to the control, improving soil nutrient balance and achieving the highest benefit-cost ratio in Alfisols.

Residual Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management to Preceding Maize on Yield of Succeeding Groundnut under Maize-groundnut Cropping Sequence

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Anand Agricultural University, Dahod during the years 2020-21 and 2021-22 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in maize-groundnut cropping sequence. The residual effect of INM treatment applied to preceding rabi maize crop was beneficial for increasing growth and yield attributing characters of succeeding summer groundnut crop viz., plant height and number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod yield and haulm yield per hectare as influenced by different treatments. The residual effect of combination of organic and inorganic to preceding rabi maize crop, application of 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 25% RDN through vermicompost + Bio NPK consortium (M5) produced significantly higher pod and haulm yields which was at par with 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 25% RDN through FYM + Bio NPK consortium in two years of pooled data. Among the levels of RDF, directly applied to summer groundnut, significantly higher yield attribute, pod and haulm yield was recorded with the application of 100% RDF (G1) which was at par with 75% RDF + Bio NP consortium (G2) in two years of pooled experiment data.

Residual Effect of Organic Manures on Rice Fallow Summerblackgram (Vigna Mungo L.)

Field experiments were undertaken to ascertain the residual effect of organic manures on black gram crop in a rice-blackgram cropping sequence during summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 at Thoppur, Thirupparankundram, Madurai. Twelve treatments comprising various sources of nutrients (green manure, neem cake, enriched FYM, Panchagavya, tamarind seed powder) in a randomized block design with three replications laid out for rice were used to study the residual effect by growing blackgram in sequence. Basal incorporation of green manure @ 6.25 t/ha along with split application of vermicompost in four equal splits @ 4 t/ha as basal, at active tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stages + Panchagavya @ 3 per cent as foliar spray twice at active tillering and panicle initiation stages recorded the highest plant height, leaf area, dry matter production and grain yield. Increase in grain yield of 42.8 and 47.7 % was observed, respectively, during summer 2017 and summer 2018 over absolute control due to the residual effect of same treatment. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 235-241, 2023 (June)

Effect of Nutrient Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Economics of Vegetable Indian Bean and its Residual Effects on Fodder Pearl Millet under Vegetable Indian Bean–Fodder Pearl Millet Cropping System

A field experiment was conducted in vegetable Indian bean (Dolichus lablab L.)–Fodder Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) cropping sequence under integrated nutrient management at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India during the rabi seasons (November to February) of 2019–20 and 2020–21 and summer seasons (March to May) of 2020 and 2021. It consisted of six INM treatments applied to vegetable Indian bean during rabi season as main plot treatments replicated four times in randomized block design and during summer season each main plot treatment was splited into three sub-plot treatments with three levels of RDF to fodder pearl millet resulting in eighteen treatment combinations replicated four times in split plot design. The experiment was conducted on the same site without changing the randomization of the treatments for the successive year to assess the residual effects. On the basis of two year pooled results, almost all the growth attributes, yield attributes and yield, net returns and B:C ratio were found significantly superior with the treatment T1 (100% RDN through chemical fertilizer+5 t ha-1 of FYM) in vegetable Indian bean. Similarly, during summer season, the residual effect of INM treatments applied to preceding vegetable Indian bean, the treatment T1 (100% RDN through biocompost) recorded significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield, net returns and B:C ratio in fodder pearl millet but it remained on par with the treatments T6 and T5. Whereas, direct application of fertilizer levels applied to fodder pearl millet in summer season, the treatment consisting of 100% RDF (F3) recorded significantly higher values of growth, yield, net returns and B:C ratio.

Effect of gypsum and potassium on corn yield and on the exchangeable bases of an acid soil in La Frailesca, Chiapas

Objective: To evaluate the residual effect of gypsum in corn crops (2 years after its application in a previously limed soil), as well as the result of a new addition of gypsum combined with potassium in La Frailesca, Chiapas, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: We used a composite factorial design. The initial arrangement (2017) consisted of four levels of gypsum (0, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 t ha-1) and four levels of potassium (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg K2O ha-1). In 2019, the gypsum-treated plots were divided in half: the same amount of gypsum applied in 2017 was added to the first half and the other half was used to assess the residual effect of the initial treatment. The potassium doses were the same as the original. Corn grain yield, pH, exchangeable bases, and aluminum saturation percentage were measured at 0 to 7 and 7 to 14 cm below ground level. Results: The greatest effect on yield was obtained with 2.5 t ha-1 of gypsum applied in 2017; no significant increases were recorded with higher gypsum doses. The exchangeable calcium content and pH level increased, while magnesium, potassium, and aluminum in the soil decreased. Study Limitations/Implications: Suspected presence of Tar Spot Complex was diagnosed. Findings/Conclusions: An excessive application of gypsum generates an imbalance in exchangeable potassium and magnesium in the soil; therefore, producers must exercise caution in the use of these products as part of their fertilization plan.

Delineation of biomarkers and molecular pathways of residual effects of fluoxetine treatment in juvenile rhesus monkeys by proteomic profiling.

Fluoxetine (Prozac™) is the only antidepressant approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in children. Despite its considerable efficacy as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, the possible long-term effects of fluoxetine on brain development in children are poorly understood. In the current study, we aimed to delineate molecular mechanisms and protein biomarkers in the brains of juvenile rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) one year after the discontinuation of fluoxetine treatment using proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling. We identified several differences in protein expression and phosphorylation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and cingulate cortex (CC) that correlated with impulsivity in animals, suggesting that the GABAergic synapse pathway may be affected by fluoxetine treatment. Biomarkers in combination with the identified pathways contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the chronic effects of fluoxetine after discontinuation in children.

Nanoheterojunction-Mediated Thermoelectric Strategy for Cancer Surgical Adjuvant Treatment and β-Elemene Combination Therapy.

As an indispensable strategy for tumor treatment, surgery may cause two major challenges: tumor recurrence and wound infection. Here, a thermoelectric therapeutic strategy is provided as either an independent cancer therapy or surgical adjuvant treatment. Bi0.5 Sb1.5 Te3 (BST) and Bi2 Te2.8 Se0.2 (BTS) nanoplates composed of Z-scheme thermoelectric heterojunction (BST/BTS) are fabricated via a two-step hydrothermal processes. The contact between BST and BTS constructs an interfacial electric field due to Fermi energy level rearrangement, guiding electrons in the conductive band (CB) of BTS combine with the holes in the valance band (VB) of BST, leaving stronger reduction/oxidation potentials of electrons and holes in the CB of BST and the VB of BTS. Moreover, under a mild temperature gradient, another self-built-in electric field is formed facilitating the migration of electrons and holes to their surfaces. Based on the PEGylated BST/BTS heterojunction, a novel thermoelectric therapy platform is developed through intravenous injection of BST/BTS and external cooling of the tumors. This thermoelectric strategy is also proved effective for combination cancer therapy with β-elemene. Moreover, the combination of heterojunction and hydrogel is administrated on the wound after surgery, achieving efficient residual tumor treatment and antibacterial effects.

Residual effects of intra-articular betamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide in an equine acute synovitis model.

Intra-articular (IA) corticosteroids are regularly used in equine athletes for the control of joint inflammation. The goal of this study was to use an acute synovitis inflammation model to determine the residual effects of IA betamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide on various inflammatory parameters and lameness. Crossover randomised trial. Five mixed-breed, 2-year-old horses were randomly allocated to an IA treatment of the radiocarpal joint with 9mg of either betamethasone or triamcinolone acetonide. Two weeks following treatment, horses were injected with 1μg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) diluted in 1ml of saline. Following LPS injection, horses were crossed-over and both sets of injections were repeated after a washout period. Blood samples were collected at multiple time points for mRNA analysis, as well as serum amyloid A (SAA) and cortisol determination. At each time point, lameness was also subjectively scored. Additional injections with saline-only or LPS-only (twice) were conducted as negative and positive controls, respectively. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyse all data. Corticosteroid-only treatments result in significant mRNA expression differences, as well as significant and prolonged cortisol suppression. Following LPS injection, there was a residual treatment effect with triamcinolone evidenced by a significant treatment effect on IL-6 and PTGS1 (cyclooxygenase-1), lameness, SAA and cortisol concentrations, while only IL-6 expression was affected by betamethasone. The acute synovitis model used here results in significant inflammation and is not representative of the low-grade inflammation seen with typical joint disease and residual anti-inflammatory effects may be more profound in naturally occurring joint disease. Current regulatory guidelines may be insufficient if the concern is residual anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, intra-articular corticosteroid administration is not without risk, as evidenced by a significant suppression of serum cortisol concentration and, as such, the benefits of their administration should be weighed against those risks.

Effect of crop stand establishment and nutrient management on growth and yield of rice fallow Ragi

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2017 -18 and 2018-19) at the Agricultural College Farm, Naira. During rabi significant increase in growth and yield attributes of rice fallow crop ragi was remained with the treatment, which received 50% RDF + 25% RDF through FYM + 25% RDF through green manure crop (S4 ), which was however at par with 75% RDF+ 25% RDF through FYM (S2 ) during both the years of study. The residual effect of INM treatments imposed in kharif rice on succeeding rice fallow crops, resulted in recording higher net return and higher return rupee-1 investment with 50% RDF along with 25% RDF through FYM + 25% RDF through green manure crop which was at par with 75% RDF + 25% RDF through FYM during both the years of study.

Diversity in the Rice–Wheat System with Genetically Modified Zinc and Iron-Enriched Varieties to Achieve Nutritional Security

The rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system (RWCS) feeds more than 6 billion people in South Asia and across the world. In developing countries, almost 2 billion individuals are suffering from Zn and Fe micronutrient deficiency. This study aimed to adopt genetically enriched varieties of rice and wheat to manage the Zn and Fe deficiency with organic and inorganic fertilization in the food system. The experiment was designed for two years (2018–2019) under the split-plot design and was replicated three times. The results of the study indicate that the highest grain yield of wheat and rice was increased by 67.09 and 58.41 and 44.10 and 33.21% more NPKFeZn in the applied treatments compared to the control treatment during both years, respectively. The treatment carpet waste and Trichoderma viride was performed for higher yields (grain, straw, and biological) as compared to the rest of the treatment. In the main-plot, with application of NPKFeZn, higher Fe and Zn ranges of 54.27 and 52.91 and 35.71 and 34.29 parts per million (ppm), respectively, were recorded during both years. Similarly, the residual effects of NPKFeZn treatment in rice Fe and Zn concentration were recorded at 44.17 and 41.22 and 27.55 and 24.19 ppm during both years, respectively. It was found that there was 49.18 and 42.12 and 25.28 and 19.94% more Fe and Zn content, respectively, in grain as compared to the traditional varieties range of 33 and 14 ppm for Fe and Zn, respectively. Ina sub-plot, for the wheat in carpet waste and Trichoderma viride treatment, the Fe and Zn contents were recorded as 55.21 and 54.62 and 37.05 and 35.53 ppm for the two years, respectively. In the traditional varieties of wheat, the range of Fe and Zn contents was 30 and 32 ppm, respectively. In the sub-plot of succeeding rice in carpet waste and Trichoderma viride treatment contents of Fe and Zn of 43.27 and 40.43 and 26.67 and 23.37 ppm were recorded during both years, respectively. On the basis of the interaction effect, the maximum total Fe and Zn uptake by wheat of 0.84 and 0.50 kg ha−1, respectively, were recorded in the N3 × B1C3 treatments. Likewise, the maximum total Fe and Zn uptakes by rice of 0.62 and 0.39 kg ha−1, respectively, were recorded with the interaction effect of N3 × B1C3 treatments. The hypothesis of the experiment was to manage malnutrition in society by diversifying genetically modified rice–wheat varieties in the RWCS. This research might assist in increasing nutritional security.

Drones for Area-Wide Larval Source Management of Malaria Mosquitoes

Given the stagnating progress in the fight against malaria, there is an urgent need for area-wide integrated vector management strategies to complement existing intra-domiciliary tools, i.e., insecticide-treated bednets and indoor residual spraying. In this study, we describe a pilot trial using drones for aerial application of Aquatain Mosquito Formulation (AMF), a monomolecular surface film with larvicidal activity, against the African malaria mosquito Anopheles arabiensis in an irrigated rice agro-ecosystem in Unguja island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Nine rice paddies were randomly assigned to three treatments: (a) control (drone spraying with water only), (b) drone spraying with 1 mL/m2, or (c) drone spraying with 5 mL/m2 of AMF. Compared to control paddies, AMF treatments resulted in highly significant (p < 0.001) reductions in the number of larvae and pupae and >90% fewer emerging adults. The residual effect of AMF treatment lasted for a minimum of 5 weeks post-treatment, with reductions in larval densities reaching 94.7% in week 5 and 99.4% in week 4 for the 1 and 5 mL/m2 AMF treatments, respectively. These results merit a review of the WHO policy regarding larval source management (LSM), which primarily recommends its use in urban environments with ‘few, fixed, and findable’ breeding sites. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can rapidly treat many permanent, temporary, or transient mosquito breeding sites over large areas at low cost, thereby significantly enhancing the role of LSM in contemporary malaria control and elimination efforts.

Comparative Adverse Kidney Outcomes in Women Receiving Raloxifene and Denosumab in a Real-World Setting.

Both osteoporosis and kidney diseases are common and intercorrelate to increase morbidity and mortality in elderly women. This study aimed to compare adverse kidney outcome between women initiated with denosumab and a matched group of raloxifene initiators using propensity score matching methods in a large healthcare delivery system in Taiwan. The risks of adverse kidney outcomes were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression and the change in kidney function over time was analyzed using the linear mixed model. A total of 9444 (4722 in each group) women were identified who matched the inclusion criteria between January 2003 and December, 2018. Denosumab use was significantly associated with higher risk of eGFR decline ≥ 30% from baseline than raloxifene use (aHR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.16–1.36, p < 0.0001). The mean change in eGFR over time was 1.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year in the denosumab group and 0.45 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year in the raloxifene group (p = 0.0004). However, the risks of acute kidney injury (10.53%) and chronic dialysis (0.66%) in this study cohort were not significantly different for the two anti-osteoporosis treatments. Close monitoring of the residual kidney function and treatment effect is needed in those with denosumab.

Residual Effect of Irrigation Levels and Maize Genotypes on Performance of Succeeding Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) in Maize-blackgram Sequence Cropping

Background: Maize is the third most important food crop in India. Conventionally it is a furrow irrigated crop and hence, it calls for an effective on-farm management of water in field through micro irrigation. Intensive agriculture practice like continuous monocropping without following the principles of crop rotation and sequence have resulted in several ecological complications. Hence, blackgram was introduced as a succeeding crop after drip irrigated maize. The aim of the study was to examine the residual effect of drip irrigation levels and maize genotypes and their interaction on succeeding crop i.e. blackgram. Methods: During summer 2018 and 2019, maize experiment was conducted with four irrigation levels (drip irrigation at 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 ETc and furrow irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio) and four maize genotypes (NK-6240, Pinnacle, CP-818 and RCRMH-2). After maize, succeeding blackgram was taken up under rainfed condition of Dharwad during kharif 2018 and 2019. Result: Performance of blackgram was superior under residual effect of drip irrigation treatments over furrow irrigation method. Among the interactions, significantly higher yield, RWUE and net returns were recorded with residual effect of I1G4 treatment combination. However, it was on par with I1G2, I1G3, I1G1, I2G1, I2G2, I2G4, I3G2 and I3G3 treatment combinations.

Metabolome Profiling of Heat Priming Effects, Senescence, and Acclimation of Bread Wheat Induced by High Temperatures at Different Growth Stages.

Our previous study described stage-specific responses of ‘Norin 61’ bread wheat to high temperatures from seedling to tillering (GS1), tillering to flowering (GS2), flowering to full maturity stage (GS3), and seedling to full maturity stage (GS1–3). The grain development phase lengthened in GS1 plants; source tissue decreased in GS2 plants; rapid senescence occurred in GS3 plants; all these effects occurred in GS1–3 plants. The present study quantified 69 flag leaf metabolites during early grain development to reveal the effects of stage-specific high-temperature stress and identify markers that predict grain weight. Heat stresses during GS2 and GS3 showed the largest shifts in metabolite contents compared with the control, followed by GS1–3 and GS1. The GS3 plants accumulated nucleosides related to the nucleotide salvage pathway, beta-alanine, and serotonin. Accumulation of these compounds in GS1 plants was significantly lower than in the control, suggesting that the reduction related to the high-temperature priming effect observed in the phenotype (i.e., inhibition of senescence). The GS2 plants accumulated a large quantity of free amino acids, indicating residual effects of the previous high-temperature treatment and recovery from stress. However, levels in GS1–3 plants tended to be close to those in the control, indicating an acclimation response. Beta-alanine, serotonin, tryptophan, proline, and putrescine are potential molecular markers that predict grain weight due to their correlation with agronomic traits.

Effects of tannins supplementation to sheep diets on their performance, carcass parameters and meat fatty acid profile: A meta-analysis study

This study was carried to evaluate the effects of tannins supplementation to sheep diets on their performance, carcass parameters and meat fatty acid profile through meta-analysis. Seventy-four peer-reviewed publications with 183 treatment means were included in the data set. The effects of tannins as an additive in sheep diets were evaluated by examining the weighted mean difference (WMD) between tannins treatment (diets with tannins inclusion) and control treatment (diets with no tannins). Heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression and subgroup analysis performed for: genetic group; animal age; tannins supplementation period, experimental design; amount of condensed tannins and concentrate in diet. Based on our results, tannins should not be fed to lamb younger than 3 months of age due to their negative effect on carcass weight. Enteric methane emissions (CH4 g/kg DMI) reduced by 17.5 % with tannins supplementation. Tannins supplementation also altered N metabolism by increasing N intake (2.10 %), retained N (5.44 %) and fecal N excretion (2.99 %) and reducing urinary N excretion (9.7 %). Nevertheless, the effects of tannins feeding on N metabolism varied according to the experimental design used (rotative vs. continuos). Therefore, the use of rotative experimental design in studies carried to evaluate the response of sheep to tannins can result in responses with confounded error due to the possibility of having residual effects of treatments. Increased meat concentrations of fatty acid with human health benefits were reported with tannins supplementation. Concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA C20:5 ω-3; 26.63 %), docosapentaenoic (DPA C22:5 ω-3; 12.08 %), docosahexaenoic (DHA C22:6 ω-3; 10.59 %) and total omega-3 (14.01 %) were all higher in meat from sheep fed tannins compared to those fed control diet (diets with no tannins). Additionally, condensed tannins inclusion to sheep diets in amounts ranging from 20.0 to 25.0 g/kg of DM increased meat concentrations of arachidonic acid, EPA C20:5 ω-3, DPA C22:5 ω-3, DHA C22:6 ω-3, total PUFA, total omega-3 and total omega-6.

Effect of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) green manuring on weed dynamics in puddle transplanted rice-based systems

Effects of Crotalaria juncea green manure on weed dynamics in transplanted rice-based systems were investigated in a field study conducted over two cropping seasons, 2016 and 2017, at Ludhiana, India. The major weed species in the field, during the green manuring phase, included Cyperus rotundus, Digitaria ciliaris and Eleusine indica. The use of cover/green manure crops and their residues to suppress weeds has shown potential to manage weeds. In this context, green manuring/cover cropping has great potential and is feasible in a rice-wheat system in northern India as there is a 45 to 60 days’ fallow period between wheat harvest and transplanting of rice. C. juncea with 50 and 100 kg seed ha-1 recorded significantly lower density and biomass of aerobics weeds and weed density as compared to without green manure in both years; GM with 100 kg seed ha-1 had a more suppressing effect on weeds than green manuring with 50 kg seed ha-1. The residual effects of weed control treatments, applied during 2016 to succeeding transplanted rice crops, did not have any specific trend on weed density in 2017. The major weeds in green manuring crop were C. rotundus, D. ciliaris and E. indica. But in transplanted rice, Echinochloa colona, E. crus-galli and Leptochloa chinensis were major weeds

Physical function measurement in older long-term cancer survivors.

Objective:To establish reliability, validity, and minimal detectable change in measures of function in older long-term cancer survivors.Methods:Older cancer survivors were recruited to perform functional measures; 5 Times Sit-to-Stand (5xSTS), 30-second Timed Chair Rise (30sTCR), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Physical Performance Test-7 (PPT-7). Two testing sessions were completed two weeks apart. Test-retest reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), convergent and discriminant validity using Spearman’s rho and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC95) was calculated.Results:Forty-seven older long-term cancer survivors participated. Test-retest reliability was good for 5xSTS (ICC2,1=0.86), 30sTCR (ICC2,1=0.89), and SPPB (ICC2,1=0.85) and poor for PPT-7 (ICC2,1=0.48). Both convergent and discriminant validity was established.Conclusions:SPPB, 5xSTS, and 30sTCR are reliable and valid tools to measure function in older long-term cancer survivors. MDC95 values were larger than those reported in geriatrics and should be interpreted with caution. Residual effects of cancer treatment, comorbidity, and physical inactivity may contribute to decreased physical function in older long-term cancer survivors, therefore valid and reliable measures like SPPB and the timed chair rise tests should be used objectively measure function throughout the survivorship spectrum.

Effect of Withdrawing Chronic Topical Immune Modulating Treatment on Schirmer Tear Test Values in Dogs with Dry Eye Disease: Relevance to Dry Eye Studies.

Purpose: To determine the effect of discontinuing chronic topical immune modulating (IM) treatment on Schirmer tear test (STT) values in dogs with dry eye disease (DED). Methods: Serial measurements of STTs from 14 dogs (16 eyes) previously diagnosed with DED were obtained before and after discontinuation of topical IM agents. Dogs with moderate to severe DED that had been well controlled with a topical IM treatment were included. After initial assessment topical IM treatment was discontinued, but topical lubricant was continued, and STT values were obtained sequentially. A mixed-effects regression model was used to evaluate the effects of age, gender, breed, clinical score, frequency of treatment, baseline STT value, and drug type on final STT values after IM withdrawal. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: During the follow-up period after the IM treatment had been discontinued (136 ± 29 days), 50% of the eyes (n = 8) exhibited STT values that never decreased to <10 mm/min. In the other 50% (n = 8), STT values decreased from 15.9 ± 4.7 mm/min to 6.1 ± 0.9 mm/min. In this group, the time it took to decrease the STT to <10 mm/min was 21.1 ± 9.5 days. Severe clinical signs of DED and low baseline STT pre-IM treatment significantly affected STT post-IM treatment withdrawal (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The duration that a residual effect of topical IM treatment persists needs to be taken into consideration when studies are designed utilizing dogs with previous IM treatment for DED.

Municipal organic waste compost replaces mineral fertilization in the horticultural cropping systems, reducing the pollution risk

Municipal waste compost was evaluated under open field conditions for replacing synthetic fertilizers in a vegetable three-year succession. Three compost rates, 45 t ha–1, 30 t ha–1 and 15 t ha–1 (dry matter), and compost at 15 t ha–1 combined with 25%, and 50% of the full synthetic nitrogen rate, were compared to full and none synthetic nitrogen fertilizations. Crop succession was: tomato followed by endive in the first year; eggplant and, then, broccoli in the second year; tomato and, then, endive/broccoli, in the third year. The application of compost at a dose of at least 30 t ha–1 or at 15 t ha–1 with the addition of 25% of the full synthetic nitrogen rate, in Spring-Summer cycle, sustained growth and yield at levels comparable with those of synthetic nitrogen fertilization. However, only a very poor residual effect of the compost soil treatment on the yield of Autumn-Winter crops, was observed. Monitoring of nitrate content into the soil during cropping seasons, a reduction of the risk of groundwater pollution was displayed due to nitrates released by compost, respect to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. The cumulative effects of compost application on soil properties were detected at the end of the field trials, registering changes in chemical parameters analysed, except for phosphorus and boron.&#x0D; Highlights&#x0D; - Municipal solid organic waste compost (MSWC) integrated with N fertilizers can sustain vegetable production. - MSWC (at least 30 t ha–1 d.w.) replaced synthetic fertilizers for tomato and eggplant productions. - N fertilizer integration to the compost residual effect is necessary to sustain endive and broccoli productions. - MSWC (at 15 t ha–1 d.w.) needs 25% of N integration to reduce the gap with plant only fertilized with N fertilizer. - MSWC preserved soil quality and avoided accumulation of undesired metals, such as Cu and Zn.