bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of atypical sleep microarchitecture biomarkers in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Martinez Caroline , Chen Zhe Sage
Published: April 2023

Importance

Sleep disorders are one of the most frequent comorbidities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the link between neurodevelopmental effects in ASD children with their underlying sleep microarchitecture is not well understood. An improved understanding of etiology of sleep difficulties and identification of sleep-associated biomarkers for children with ASD can improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis.

Objectives

To investigate whether machine learning models can identify biomarkers for children with ASD based on sleep EEG recordings.

Design, setting, and participants

Sleep polysomnogram data were obtained from the Nationwide Children’ Health (NCH) Sleep DataBank. Children (ages: 8–16 yrs) with 149 autism and 197 age-matched controls without neurodevelopmental diagnosis were selected for analysis. An additional independent age-matched control group (n = 79) selected from the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT) was also used to validate the models. Furthermore, an independent smaller NCH cohort of younger infants and toddlers (age: 0.5–3 yr.; 38 autism and 75 controls) was used for additional validation.

Main outcomes and measures

We computed periodic and non-periodic characteristics from sleep EEG recordings: sleep stages, spectral power, sleep spindle characteristics, and aperiodic signals. Machine learning models including the Logistic Regression (LR) classifier, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) model were trained using these features. We determined the autism class based on the prediction score of the classifier. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to evaluate the model performance.

Results

In the NCH study, RF outperformed two other models with a 10-fold cross-validated median AUC of 0.95 (interquartile range [IQR], [0.93, 0.98]). The LR and SVM models performed comparably across multiple metrics, with median AUC 0.80 [0.78, 0.85] and 0.83 [0.79, 0.87], respectively. In the CHAT study, three tested models have comparable AUC results: LR: 0.83 [0.76, 0.92], SVM: 0.87 [0.75, 1.00], and RF: 0.85 [0.75, 1.00]. Sleep spindle density, amplitude, spindle-slow oscillation (SSO) coupling, aperiodic signal’s spectral slope and intercept, as well as the percentage of REM sleep were found to be key discriminative features in the predictive models.

Conclusion and relevance

Our results suggest that integration of EEG feature engineering and machine learning can identify sleep-based biomarkers for ASD children and produce good generalization in independent validation datasets. Microstructural EEG alterations may help reveal underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of autism that alter sleep quality and behaviors. Machine learning analysis may reveal new insight into the etiology and treatment of sleep difficulties in autism.
The efficacy of homestyle rehabilitation on negative symptoms in chronic schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chai Jiabao , Liu Fuquan , Liu Lin , Hu Na , Huang Wenqian , Wang Hong , Cui Yonghua , Liu Hongyan , Li Xiaojun , Li Ying
Published: April 2023

Objective

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder with a high disability rate that is characterized by negative symptoms such as apathy, hyperactivity, and anhedonia that can make daily life challenging and impair social functioning. In this study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of homestyle rehabilitation in mitigating these negative symptoms and associated factors.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of hospital rehabilitation and homestyle rehabilitation for negative symptoms in 100 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The participants were divided randomly into two groups, each persisting for 3 months. The primary outcome measures were the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). The secondary outcome measures included the Positive Symptom Assessment Scale (SAPS), Calgary Schizophrenia Depression Scale (CDSS), Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS), and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). The trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two rehabilitation methods.

Results

Homestyle rehabilitation for negative symptoms was found to be more effective than hospital rehabilitation, according to the changes in SANS (T = 2.07, p = 0.04). Further analysis using multiple regression indicated that improvements in depressive symptoms (T = 6.88, p < 0.001) and involuntary motor symptoms (T = 2.75, p = 0.007) were associated with a reduction in negative symptoms.

Conclusion

Homestyle rehabilitation may have greater potential than hospital rehabilitation in improving negative symptoms, making it an effective rehabilitation model. Further research is necessary to investigate factors such as depressive symptoms and involuntary motor symptoms, which may be associated with the improvement of negative symptoms. Additionally, more attention should be given to addressing secondary negative symptoms in rehabilitation interventions.
Interpersonal problems and recognition of facial emotions in healthy individuals
Authors: Suslow Thomas , Lemster Alexander , Koelkebeck Katja , Kersting Anette
Published: April 2023

Background

Recognition of emotions in faces is important for successful social interaction. Results from previous research based on clinical samples suggest that difficulties in identifying threat-related or negative emotions can go along with interpersonal problems. The present study examined whether associations between interpersonal difficulties and emotion decoding ability can be found in healthy individuals. Our analysis was focused on two main dimensions of interpersonal problems: agency (social dominance) and communion (social closeness).

Materials and methods

We constructed an emotion recognition task with facial expressions depicting six basic emotions (happiness, surprise, anger, disgust, sadness, and fear) in frontal and profile view, which was administered to 190 healthy adults (95 women) with a mean age of 23.9 years (SD = 3.8) along with the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems, measures of negative affect and verbal intelligence. The majority of participants were university students (80%). Emotion recognition accuracy was assessed using unbiased hit rates.

Results

Negative correlations were observed between interpersonal agency and recognition of facial anger and disgust that were independent of participants’ gender and negative affect. Interpersonal communion was not related to recognition of facial emotions.

Discussion

Poor identification of other people’s facial signals of anger and disgust might be a factor contributing to interpersonal problems with social dominance and intrusiveness. Anger expressions signal goal obstruction and proneness to engage in conflict whereas facial disgust indicates a request to increase social distance. The interpersonal problem dimension of communion appears not to be linked to the ability to recognize emotions from facial expressions.
Development of an integrated cardiac rehabilitation program to improve the adaptation level of patients after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Xiyi , Xu Li , Lee Geraldine , Song Antai , Shao Jing , Chen Dandan , Zhang Hui , Chen Hanfen
Published: April 2023

Background

Individual’s adaptation following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and low attendance of whole-course cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are significant issues. For optimal health post AMI, an integrated CR program aiming at individual’s adaptive behaviors is imperative for improving the CR efficiency and patients’ outcomes. This study aims to develop theory-guided interventions to increase CR attendance and adaptation level of patients post-AMI.

Methods

This study was conducted in a tertiary hospital from July 2021 to September 2022 in Shanghai China. Guided by the theory of adaptation to chronic illness (ACI theory), the study followed the Intervention mapping (IM) framework to develop the interventions for CR program. Four phases included: (1) needs assessment of patients and facilitators using a cross-sectional study and semi-structured, in-depth interviews, (2) identification of implementation outcomes and performance objectives, (3) selection of theoretical methods to explain the mechanism of patients’ adaptive behaviors and to use for behavior change, and (4) development of implementation protocol from the results of the previous phases.

Results

A total of 226 AMI patient-caregivers paired samples were eligible for the data analysis, 30 AMI patients participated in the qualitative inquiry, 16 experts in the CR field evaluated the implementation protocol, and 8 AMI patients commented on the practical interventions. Following the IM framework, an integrated cardiac rehabilitation program using mHealth strategies was developed for AMI patients to facilitate CR attendance and completion, to improve their adaptation level and health outcomes.

Conclusion

Using the IM framework and ACI theory, an integrated CR program was developed to help guide the behavior change and improve adaptation among AMI patients. The preliminary findings suggest that further intervention in enhancing the combination of three-stage CR is required. A feasibility study will be conducted to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of this generated CR intervention.
Are changes in physical activity during COVID-19 associated with mental health among Danish university students?
Authors: Petersen Christina Bjørk , Krüger Christina , Guldager Julie Dalgaard , Algren Maria Holst , Jervelund Signe Smith , Berg-Beckhoff Gabriele
Published: April 2023

Aims

The benefits associated with being physical active on mental health is well-established, but little is known on how rapid changes in physical activity are associated with mental health. This study investigated the association between changes in physical activity and mental health among Danish university students during the first COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods

Online survey data were collected among 2,280 university students at the University of Southern Denmark and University of Copenhagen in May–June 2020 as part the “COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study.” Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze associations between changes in physical activity and mental health (depression and stress scores) adjusted for potential socio-economic confounders.

Results

During the first COVID-19 lockdown, 40% decreased their moderate and 44% their vigorous physical activity, while 16% increased their moderate and 13% their vigorous physical activity. Overall, students with a stable physical activity level had the lowest mean depressive and stress scores. Adjusted analyses showed that a decrease in vigorous and moderate physical activity level was significantly associated with a higher depression score (mean difference (vigorous): 1.36, p < 0.001 and mean difference (moderate): 1.55, p < 0.001). A decrease in vigorous physical activity and an increase in moderate physical activity was associated with a 1-point increase in the PSS-4 stress score (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of students changed their physical activity level during lockdown. Our findings emphasize the importance of staying physically active during COVID-19 lockdown. This knowledge might be important for relevant health authorities to bridle post-pandemic mental health challenges.
Development and validation of a patient-specific model to predict postoperative SIRS in older patients: A two-center study
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Lu Yaxin , Chen Chaojin , Luo Tongsen , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Qi , Zhou Shaoli , Hei Ziqing , Liu Zifeng
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is common in surgical patients especially in older patients, and the geriatric population with SIRS is more susceptible to sepsis, MODS, and even death. We aimed to develop and validate a model for predicting postoperative SIRS in older patients.

Methods

Patients aged ≥65 years who underwent general anesthesia in two centers of Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2015 to September 2020 were included. The cohort was divided into training and validation cohorts. A simple nomogram was developed to predict the postoperative SIRS in the training cohort using two logistic regression models and the brute force algorithm. The discriminative performance of this model was determined by area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). The external validity of the nomogram was assessed in the validation cohort.

Results

A total of 5,904 patients spanning from January 2015 to December 2019 were enrolled in the training cohort and 1,105 patients from January 2020 to September 2020 comprised the temporal validation cohort, in which incidence rates of postoperative SIRS were 24.6 and 20.2%, respectively. Six feature variables were identified as valuable predictors to construct the nomogram, with high AUCs (0.800 [0.787, 0.813] and 0.822 [0.790, 0.854]) and relatively balanced sensitivity (0.718 and 0.739) as well as specificity (0.718 and 0.729) in both training and validation cohorts. An online risk calculator was established for clinical application.

Conclusion

We developed a patient-specific model that may assist in predicting postoperative SIRS among the aged patients.
A first look into radiomics application in testicular imaging: A systematic review
Authors: Fanni Salvatore C. , Febi Maria , Colligiani Leonardo , Volpi Federica , Ambrosini Ilaria , Tumminello Lorenzo , Aghakhanyan Gayane , Aringhieri Giacomo , Cioni Dania , Neri Emanuele
Published: April 2023

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the state of the art of radiomics in testicular imaging by assessing the quality of radiomic workflow using the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). A systematic literature search was performed to find potentially relevant articles on the applications of radiomics in testicular imaging, and 6 final articles were extracted. The mean RQS was 11,33 ± 3,88 resulting in a percentage of 31,48% ± 10,78%. Regarding QUADAS-2 criteria, no relevant biases were found in the included papers in the patient selection, index test, reference standard criteria and flow-and-timing domain. In conclusion, despite the publication of promising studies, radiomic research on testicular imaging is in its very beginning and still hindered by methodological limitations, and the potential applications of radiomics for this field are still largely unexplored.
Facilitating facilitators to facilitate—Some general comments on a strategy for knowledge implementation in health services
Authors: Eldh Ann Catrine , Hälleberg-Nyman Maria , Joelsson-Alm Eva , Wallin Lars
Published: April 2023

Numerous endeavours to ensure that day-to-day healthcare is both evidence-based and person-centred have generated extensive, although partial, comprehension of what guarantees quality improvement. To address quality issues, researchers and clinicians have developed several strategies as well as implementation theories, models, and frameworks. However, more progress is needed regarding how to facilitate guideline and policy implementation that guarantees effective changes take place in a timely and safe manner. This paper considers experiences of engaging and supporting local facilitators in knowledge implementation. Drawing on several interventions, considering both training and support, this general commentary discusses whom to engage and the length, content, quantity, and type of support along with expected outcomes of facilitators’ activities. In addition, this paper suggests that patient facilitators could help produce evidence-based and person-centred care. We conclude that research about the roles and functions of facilitators needs to include more structured follow-ups and also improvement projects. This can increase the speed of learning with respect to what works, for whom, in what context, why (or why not), and with what outcomes when it comes to facilitator support and tasks.
Overview of the hypnodensity approach to scoring sleep for polysomnography and home sleep testing
Authors: Anderer Peter , Ross Marco , Cerny Andreas , Vasko Ray , Shaw Edmund , Fonseca Pedro
Published: April 2023

Human experts scoring sleep according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) rules are forced to select, for every 30-second epoch, one out of five stages, even if the characteristics of the neurological signals are ambiguous, a very common occurrence in clinical studies. Moreover, experts cannot score sleep in studies where these signals have not been recorded, such as in home sleep apnea testing (HSAT). In this topic review we describe how artificial intelligence can provide consistent and reliable scoring of sleep stages based on neurological signals recorded in polysomnography (PSG) and on cardiorespiratory signals recorded in HSAT. We also show how estimates of sleep stage probabilities, usually displayed as hypnodensity graph, can be used to quantify sleep stage ambiguity and stability. As an example of the application of hypnodensity in the characterization of sleep disordered breathing (SDB), we compared 49 patients with sleep apnea to healthy controls and revealed a severity-depending increase in ambiguity and decrease in stability during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Moreover, using autoscoring of cardiorespiratory signals, we show how HSAT-derived apnea-hypopnea index and hypoxic burden are well correlated with the PSG indices in 80 patients, showing how using this technology can truly enable HSATs as alternatives to PSG to diagnose SDB.
The Shoot Apical Meristem: A Tree’s Best Bud
Authors: Higgins Isabella , Huang Karen , Rozza Isabella , Thompson Beth , Bartlett Madelaine
Published: April 2023

Every spring, something seemingly miraculous happens in the woods in certain parts of the world—thousands of leaves burst from buds on bare tree branches, transforming the landscape from the browns and grays of winter to the bright greens of spring and summer. Although this process is most obvious in regions with drastic seasonal changes, seed plants all over the world regularly produce and lose leaves as they grow. How does this happen? Where do these leaves come from? The cells that make up these leaves are produced by a tiny cluster of cells called the shoot apical meristem. The cells in the shoot apical meristem have the potential to develop into various kinds of cells. Through cell division, meristem cells eventually produce all the above-ground parts of a plant, including leaves. In this article, we explain how meristems function and highlight how these tiny clusters of cells impact our day-to-day lives. We will also provide suggestions for observing meristems at work.
Effects of stochastic resonance whole-body vibration on sensorimotor function in elderly individuals—A systematic review
Authors: Rogan Slavko , Taeymans Jan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Due to demographic changes, falls are increasingly becoming a focus of health care. It is known that within six months after a fall, two thirds of fallers will fall again. Therefore, therapeutic procedures to improve balance that are simple and can be performed in a short time are needed. Stochastic resonance whole-body vibration (SR-WBV) may be such a procedure.

Method

An electronic search to assess the effectiveness of SR-WBV on balance in the elderly was conducted using databases that included CINAHL Cochrane, PEDro, and PubMed. Included studies were assessed using the Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool by two independent reviewers.

Results

Nine studies showing moderate methodological quality were included. Treatment parameters were heterogeneous. Vibration frequency ranged from 1 to 12 Hz. Six studies found statistically significant improvements of balance from baseline to post measurement after SR-WBV interventions. One article found clinical relevance of the improvement in total time of the “Expanded Time to Get Up and Go Test”.

Discussion

Physiological adaptations after balance training are specific and may explain some of the observed heterogeneity. Two out of nine studies assessed reactive balance and both indicated statistically significant improvements after SR-WBV. Therefore, SR-WBV represents a reactive balance training.
Quantifying and correcting for speed and stride frequency effects on running mechanics in fatiguing outdoor running
Authors: Zandbergen Marit A. , Buurke Jaap H. , Veltink Peter H. , Reenalda Jasper
Published: April 2023

Measuring impact-related quantities in running is of interest to improve the running technique. Many quantities are typically measured in a controlled laboratory setting, even though most runners run in uncontrolled outdoor environments. While monitoring running mechanics in an uncontrolled environment, a decrease in speed or stride frequency can mask fatigue-related changes in running mechanics. Hence, this study aimed to quantify and correct the subject-specific effects of running speed and stride frequency on changes in impact-related running mechanics during a fatiguing outdoor run. Seven runners ran a competitive marathon while peak tibial acceleration and knee angles were measured with inertial measurement units. Running speed was measured through sports watches. Median values over segments of 25 strides throughout the marathon were computed and used to create subject-specific multiple linear regression models. These models predicted peak tibial acceleration, knee angles at initial contact, and maximum stance phase knee flexion based on running speed and stride frequency. Data were corrected for individual speed and stride frequency effects during the marathon. The speed and stride frequency corrected and uncorrected data were divided into ten stages to investigate the effect of marathon stage on mechanical quantities. This study showed that running speed and stride frequency explained, on average, 20%–30% of the variance in peak tibial acceleration, knee angles at initial contact, and maximum stance phase knee angles while running in an uncontrolled setting. Regression coefficients for speed and stride frequency varied strongly between subjects. Speed and stride frequency corrected peak tibial acceleration, and maximum stance phase knee flexion increased throughout the marathon. At the same time, uncorrected maximum stance phase knee angles showed no significant differences between marathon stages due to a decrease in running speed. Hence, subject-specific effects of changes in speed and stride frequency influence the interpretation of running mechanics and are relevant when monitoring, or comparing the gait pattern between runs in uncontrolled environments.
Inoculation with rhizobacterial consortia alleviates combined water and phosphorus deficit stress in intercropped faba bean and wheat
Authors: Cheto Said , Oukaltouma Khawla , Chamkhi Imane , Ibn Yasser Ammar , Benmrid Bouchra , Qaddoury Ahmed , Kouisni Lamfeddal , Geistlinger Joerg , Zeroual Youssef , Bargaz Adnane , Ghoulam Cherki
Published: April 2023

Our study aimed to assess the role of inoculation of faba bean/wheat intercrops with selected rhizobacterial consortia (composed of one rhizobium and two P solubilizing bacteria “PSB”) to alleviate the effects of combined water deficit and P limitation on faba bean/wheat intercropping vs. monocropping under greenhouse conditions. One Vicia faba L (Aguadulce) and one Triticum durum L. variety (Karim) were grown as a sole crop or were intercropped in pots containing a sterilized substrate (sand:peat 4:1 v/v) with either rock phosphate (RP) (unavailable P) or KH2PO4 in the nutrient solution (available P). Plant inoculation was performed using the rhizobacterial consortia C1 (Rhizobium laguerreae, Kocuria sp., and Pseudomonas sp.) and C2 (R. laguerreae, Rahnella sp., and Kocuria sp.). Two weeks after inoculation, the plants were subjected to water deficit with 40% substrate water holding capacity (WHC) vs. 80% WHC for the well-watered plants. The trial was assessed at the flowering stage, and the results showed that inoculation with both consortia (C1 and C2) improved faba bean biomass in terms of shoot, root, and nodules dry weight compared to inoculation with rhizobia alone. C2 improved these parameters by 19.03, 78.99, and 72.73%, respectively. The relative leaf water content decreased under combined stress, especially in response to C1 conferring significant improvement of this parameter in wheat intercrops. In faba bean under P limitation, inoculation with C2 increased stomatal conductance (gs), phosphatase, and phytase activity by 35.73, 166.94, and 26.16%, respectively, compared to plants inoculated with rhizobia alone. Furthermore, C2 also improved membrane stability under P deficit by 44.33 vs. 16.16% for C1 as compared to inoculation with rhizobia alone. In sole-cropped faba bean, inoculation with both consortia improved N accumulation compared to single inoculation with an increase of 70.75% under P limitation. Moreover, under combined stress, inoculation with C2 improved biomass and N content (112.98%) in intercropped wheat compared to the sole crop. Our findings revealed that consortium C2 might offer an agronomic advantage under water and P deficit and could serve as a useful inoculum for enhancing faba bean and wheat production in monocropping and intercropping systems.
Curative efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against white grubs in honeysuckle fields
Authors: Li Xia , Men Xingyuan , Wang Jianhua , Lv Suhong , Li Lili , Cui Hongying , Song Yingying , Fang Xinsheng , Song Zhenqiao , Guo Wenxiu , Yu Yi
Published: April 2023

Root-feeding white grubs are one of the most serious pests of honeysuckle trees (Lonicera japonica) in China, directly damaging their roots and facilitating infection by soil pathogens. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are considered as potential control agents against soil-dwelling insect pests. This study aimed to identify effective EPN species against white grubs through bioassay and field experiments. Among the EPN species screened against Holotrichia oblita under laboratory conditions, Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis indica had low virulence, while S. longicaudum, S. glaseri, and H. bacteriophora applied at a rate of 400 IJs/larva caused a higher corrected mortality (80.00 ± 5.77%), which screened them as good candidates for future applications. The field experiments showed that both S. longicaudum and H. bacteriophora were approximately as effective in reducing white grubs as the insecticide phoxim, whereas S. glaseri caused a significantly lower reduction compared with these two EPNs and phoxim. Plant mortalities obtained from S. longicaudum, H. bacteriophora and the insecticide treatment plots were significantly lower than those observed in the water-treated control plots. All EPNs examined could establish well in the treated honeysuckle fields for 42 d, confirmed by Tenebrio molitar larvae baiting technique. Our findings suggest that EPNs could provide curative efficacy against white grubs and significantly reduce plant death in honeysuckle fields.
Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic surgery (PTES) compared with MIS-TLIF for surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative disease in elderly patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Tianle , Zhou Tianyao , Gu Yutong , Zhang Liang , Che Wu , Wang Yichao
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PTES for surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative disease (LDD) including lumbar disc herniation, lateral recess stenosis, intervertebral foraminal stenosis and central spinal canal stenosis in elderly patients compared with MIS-TLIF.

Methods

From November 2016 to December 2018, 84 elderly patients (>70 years old) of single-level LDD with neurologic symptoms underwent the surgical treatment. 45 patients were treated using PTES under local anesthesia in group 1 and 39 patients treated using MIS-TLIF in group 2. Preoperative, postoperative back and leg pain were evaluated using Visual analog scale (VAS) and the results were determined with Oswestry disability index (ODI) at 2-year follow-up. All complications were recorded.

Results

PTES group shows significantly less operation time (55.6 ± 9.7 min vs. 97.2 ± 14.3 min, P < 0.001), less blood loss [11(2–32) ml vs. 70(35–300) ml, P < 0.001], shorter incision length (8.4 ± 1.4 mm vs. 40.6 ± 2.7 mm, P < 0.001), less fluoroscopy frequency [5(5–10) times vs. 7(6–11) times, P < 0.001] and shorter hospital stay[3(2–4) days vs. 7(5–18) days, P < 0.001] than MIS-TLIF group does. Although there was no statistical difference of leg VAS scores between two groups, back VAS scores in PTES group were significantly lower than those in MIS-TLIF group during follow-ups after surgery (P < 0.001). ODI of PTES group was also significantly lower than that of MIS-TLIF group at 2-year follow-up (12.3 ± 3.6% vs. 15.7 ± 4.8%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both PTES and MIS-TLIF show favorable clinical outcomes for LDD in elderly patients. Compared with MIS-TLIF, PTES has the advantages including less damage of paraspinal muscle and bone, less blood loss, faster recovery, lower complication rate, which can be performed under local anesthesia.
The progressive control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Successes and challenges
Authors: Sultanov Akhmetzhan A. , Tyulegenov Samat , Yessembekova Gulzhan N. , Berdikulov Maksat A. , Mukhanbetkaliyev Yersyn , Akhmetzhanova Amina , Perez Andres M. , Abdrakhmanov Sarsenbay K.
Published: April 2023

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has historically caused far-reaching economic losses to many regions worldwide. FMD control has been problematic, and the disease is still prevalent in many West and Central Asia countries. Here, we review the progress made by Kazakhstan in achieving freedom from FMD and discuss some of the challenges associated with maintaining the FMD-free status, as evidenced by the occurrence of an outbreak in 2022. A combination of zoning, movement control, vaccination, and surveillance strategies led to eliminating the disease in the country. However, the circulation of the FMD virus in the region still imposes a risk for Kazakhstan, and coordinated strategies are ultimately needed to support disease elimination. The results presented here may help design effective pathways to progressively eliminate the disease in West and Central Asia while promoting the design and implementation of regional actions to support FMD control.
Error Analysis of a Coordinate Measuring Machine with a 6-DOF Industrial Robot Holding the Probe
Authors: Sun Yaowei , Lu Lei , Wu Fengzhou , Xiao Songlu , Sha Junjie , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2023

A complex surface measurement is important for quality control and manufacturing processes. Articulated arm coordinate measuring machines (AACMMs) are widely used in measuring the complex surface. However, the AACMMs that are currently used always require manual operation, which reduces efficiency and introduces operator errors. This study presents a measuring device with a 6−DOF industrial robot holding a contact probe, which realizes the automation measurement of a complex surface and eliminates operator errors compared with the traditional measurement process of an AACMM. In order to explore the source of the measuring errors of the device, the influence of three measurement parameters (approaching velocity, contact angle, and measurement position) on the measurement error of the device is analyzed in this paper. A calibration ball measurement experiment is conducted for each parameter. The results show that the optimal approaching velocity of the measuring device is around 2 mm/s, the probe should be as perpendicular as possible to the surface being measured during the measurement, and the maximum measurement error at different positions is 0.1979 mm, with a maximum repeatability error of 0.0219 mm. This study will help improve the automation measuring errors of the AACMM by utilizing an industrial robot to hold the probe, pushing for a wider application of the AACMM.
YOLOv5s-T: A Lightweight Small Object Detection Method for Wheat Spikelet Counting
Authors: Shi Lei , Sun Jiayue , Dang Yuanbo , Zhang Shaoqi , Sun Xiaoyun , Xi Lei , Wang Jian
Published: April 2023

Utilizing image data for yield estimation is a key topic in modern agriculture. This paper addresses the difficulty of counting wheat spikelets using images, to improve yield estimation in wheat fields. A wheat spikelet image dataset was constructed with images obtained by a smartphone, including wheat ears in the flowering, filling, and mature stages of reproduction. Furthermore, a modified lightweight object detection method, YOLOv5s-T, was incorporated. The experimental results show that the coefficient of determination (R2) between the predicted and true values of wheat spikelets was 0.97 for the flowering stage, 0.85 for the grain filling stage, and 0.78 for the mature stage. The R2 in all three fertility stages was 0.87, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.70. Compared with the original YOLOv5s algorithm, the spikelet detection counting effect of YOLOv5s-T was not reduced. Meanwhile, the model size was reduced by 36.8% (only 9.1 M), the GPU memory usage during the training process was reduced by 0.82 GB, the inference time was reduced by 2.3 ms, the processing time was reduced by 10 ms, and the calculation amount was also reduced. The proposed YOLOv5s-T algorithm significantly reduces the model size and hardware resource requirements while guaranteeing high detection and counting accuracy, which indicates the potential for wheat spikelet counting in highly responsive wheat yield estimation.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): A Review Focused on Occurrence and Incidence in Animal Feed and Cow Milk
Authors: Matei Mădălina , Zaharia Roxana , Petrescu Silvia-Ioana , Radu-Rusu Cristina Gabriela , Simeanu Daniel , Mierliță Daniel , Pop Ioan Mircea
Published: April 2023

Persistent organic pollutants have particular ecotoxicological importance and they are amongst the most harmful groups of persistent pollutants. The complexity of persistent organic pollutants highlights the different sources of pollution from which they came and, depending on which, their profile could be characterized. In the first part of this review, the main characteristics of persistent organic pollutants were described, focusing on their complexity and toxic potential in relation to environmental elements. The second part of the review includes data related to the occurrence and incidence of persistent organic pollutants in different types of feed and cow’s milk, focusing on the characteristic profile of pollutants as an indicator of the sources of pollution. Moreover, a description regarding the timing and duration of the contamination of feed and milk was carried out, evaluating the distribution of pollutants within the analyzed samples and highlighting those whose presence is predominant or whose residues persist in the environment for long periods. The review concludes that the identification of pollution sources associated with different proportions of organic pollutants found in different samples could represent a suitable solution for biomonitoring the potential contamination in a geographical area.
Assessment of Resistance of Different Varieties of Winter Wheat to Leaf Fungal Diseases in Organic Farming
Authors: Radzikowski Paweł , Jończyk Krzysztof , Feledyn-Szewczyk Beata , Jóźwicki Tomasz
Published: April 2023

A change in agricultural policy in the European Union aims, among other things, to halve the use of pesticides and increase the share of organic farming to 25% by 2030. One of the challenges associated with this target will be the control of plant fungal diseases. The key methods in organic farming include the selection of less susceptible crop varieties. In order to test this method, a long-term trial of organic farming in Eastern Poland was established. In total, 41 different winter wheat varieties were grown from 2018 to 2022 and their resistance to fungal leaf diseases was monitored. Brown rust was found to be the disease causing the highest infestation towards the end of vegetation, often exceeding 80% of the flag leaf area. However, yield reductions were mainly related to the severe occurrence of leaf Septoria. Other leaf diseases such as tan spot, yellow rust, powdery mildew, and fusariosis were of little importance and only occurred at low infestations of Septoria and brown rust. The course of the weather was found to have a significant effect on disease incidence. Drought occurring in May and June significantly increased the incidence of brown rust and Septoria, while prolonged rains increased tan spot and Fusarium infestation. Greater overall infestation occurred in years with high average temperatures. Ten varieties with high resistance to foliar fungal diseases were selected and can be recommended for organic farming.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Water Jet Cutting Parameters on Maize Stalks
Authors: Cui Dandan , Li Hongwen , He Jin , Wang Qingjie , Lu Caiyun , Gao Zhen , Tong Zhenwei , Zhong Guangyuan
Published: April 2023

Cutting maize stalks using water jet cutting technology is a new method of stalk management before no-tillage sowing. Aiming to cut off the maize stalks (stems and stem nodes), we conducted an all-factor cutting experiment on stems and single-factor cutting experiments on stem nodes under different cutting parameters. The results showed that the cutoff ratio of the stems and stem nodes increased with water jet pressure and decreased with target distance and traverse speed. For cutting off the stems with a maximum traverse speed, the parameters were 120 MPa water jet pressure, 10 mm target distance, and 1371 mm/min traverse speed. When the target distance was 30 mm, the traverse speed was 4000 mm/min, and the water jet pressure was greater than or equal to 160 MPa, the cutoff ratio of stem nodes was 100%. Therefore, the water jet pressure ≥ 160 MPa, the target distance ≤ 10 mm, and the traverse speed ≤ 1371 mm/min were needed to cut off both. Moreover, bottom burrs, surface stripes, and cutting residue might appear due to the divergent and lagging characteristics of water jets. The results could provide basic data and technical support for cutting maize stalks with water jets.
Design and Test of an Automatic Navigation Fruit-Picking Platform
Authors: Huang Shaojiong , Pan Kaoxin , Wang Sibo , Zhu Ying , Zhang Qing , Su Xin , Yu Hongjun
Published: April 2023

With the development in agricultural mechanization and information technology, orchard agricultural machinery is also constantly pursuing the goal of intelligence and efficiency. Fruit picking is the most labor-intensive part of the orchard harvesting process. In order to resolve the problems of high labor intensity, low picking efficiency, and labor shortage when harvesting dwarf high-density orchards, an automatic navigation fruit-picking platform with voice control was developed in the present study. First, the platform utilized a voice-controlled high-level extendable working platform and a fruit-box-lifting device to adapt to varying orchard planting row spacing and enable convenient fruit box loading and unloading. Second, an automatic navigation system, which employed China’s Beidou navigation satellite system to acquire positional data and the Stanley algorithm for path-tracking control, was implemented. Third, the fruit-picking platform with automatic navigation system was fabricated and assembled, its outer wheel steering was measured to have a maximum angle of 30.3° and an average minimum turning radius of 4.5 m, meeting the turning radius requirements under orchard conditions. Finally, automatic navigation tests of the developed platform were performed in the orchard conditions. The results indicated that the platform could maintain a straight-line path with a maximum lateral deviation of 101.5 mm and a maximum absolute average deviation of 44.1 mm at 0.4 m/s. Under the U-shaped paths, the measured maximum lateral deviation was 148.6 mm and the maximum absolute average deviation was 57.2 mm. The navigation accuracy was sufficient to meet the requirements for the harvesting platform’s routine operation in the orchards.
Irrigation Zone Delineation and Management with a Field-Scale Variable Rate Irrigation System in Winter Wheat
Authors: Flint Elisa A. , Hopkins Bryan G. , Svedin Jeffery D. , Kerry Ruth , Heaton Matthew J. , Jensen Ryan R. , Campbell Colin S. , Yost Matt A. , Hansen Neil C.
Published: April 2023

Understanding spatial and temporal dynamics of soil water within fields is critical for effective variable rate irrigation (VRI) management. The objectives of this study were to develop VRI zones, manage irrigation rates within VRI zones, and examine temporal differences in soil volumetric water content (VWC) from irrigation events via soil sensors across zones. Five irrigation zones were delineated after two years (2016 and 2017) of yield and evapotranspiration (ET) data collection. Soil sensors were placed within each zone to give real time data of VWC values and assist in irrigation decisions within a 23 ha field of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘UI Magic’) near Grace, Idaho, USA (2019). Cumulative irrigation rates among zones ranged from 236 to 298 mm. Although a statistical comparison could not be made, the irrigation rates were 0.6 to 21% less than an estimated uniform grower standard practice (GSP) irrigation approach. Based on soil sensor data, crop water stress was avoided with VRI management in all but Zone 3. Thus, this simple approach to VRI zone delineation and VWC monitoring has the potential to reduce irrigation, such as this study, on average by 12% and should be evaluated in other site-years to assess its viability.
Effects of Sodic Water Irrigation and Neutralizing Amendments on Physiological, Biochemical, and Nutritional Quality Traits of Fodder Sorghum
Authors: Makarana Govind , Yadav Rajender Kumar , Sheoran Parvender , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Ashwani , Ram Hardev , Yadav Malu Ram , Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Saurabh , Minkina Tatiana , Movsesyan Hasmik S. , Mandzhieva Saglara S. , Rajput Vishnu D.
Published: April 2023

This study was conducted at two farmers’ fields to assess the production potential and quality of summer fodder sorghum intervened between the rice-wheat cropping sequences (RWCS) on high residual alkalinity, i.e., residual sodium carbonate (RSC) water irrigation-induced sodic soil. The treatments were comprised of two field sites having different residual alkalinity [RSC ~5 me L−1 (RSC-1) and ~7 me L−1 (RSC-2) water irrigation in main plots, four neutralization strategies, i.e., control/unamended condition (N0), gypsum @ 7.5 t ha−1 (N1), pressmud @ 10 t ha−1 (N2) and gypsum @ 3.75 t ha−1 + pressmud @ 5 t ha−1 (N3) in sub plots and two varietal sequences of RWCS, i.e., salt tolerant varieties (CSR 30 basmati fb KRL 210) and traditionally grown varieties (PB 1121 fb HD 2967) of rice and wheat as sub–sub plots. Sorghum cv. Sugargraze (Advanta Company) was grown after the harvesting of wheat and cut for green fodder before transplanting rice during both years. Sorghum physiological and biochemical traits [relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gS), transpiration rate (E), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), photon quantum yield [Y (II)] and K/Na ratio]; fodder quality traits [Crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE)] and productivity [green fodder yield (GFY), dry matter yield, CP yield, EE yield and ash yield) and profitability (gross returns, net returns, benefit–cost ratio) significantly decreased with the increase in irrigation water RSC from 5 to 7 me L−1. Proline, total soluble sugar (TSS), total soluble protein (TSP), dry matter (DM), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent insoluble CP (NDICP) and acid detergent insoluble CP (ADICP) decreased with increasing RSC of irrigation water. Sodicity neutralization considerably improved sorghum physiological adaptation mechanisms, fodder quality, productivity and profitability. The introduction of summer fodder sorghum between RWCS resulted in additional net returns (NR) (INR 13.64 to 20.79 × 103 ha−1). Our results indicate that pressmud proved a feasible alternative to replace and/or reduce the quantity of gypsum required for neutralization of RSC water irrigation. Growing summer fodder sorghum between RWCS along with neutralization of RSC water irrigation can increase the availability of quality green fodder during lean period and also increase the profitability of the rice-wheat cropping system in high residual alkalinity water irrigation conditions.
Wheat Response and Weed-Suppressive Ability in the Field Application of a Nanoencapsulated Disulfide (DiS-NH2) Bioherbicide Mimic
Authors: Scavo Aurelio , Mejías Francisco J. R. , Chinchilla Nuria , Molinillo José M. G. , Schwaiger Stefan , Lombardo Sara , Macías Francisco A. , Mauromicale Giovanni
Published: April 2023

Improving the efficacy of bioherbicides to overcome weed resistance phenomena is one of the main challenges within agriculture. Organic encapsulation is attracting attention as an alternative and eco-friendly tool, mainly in organic farming. In this research, for the first time, across three different wheat field trials, we tested the weed-suppressive ability (WSA) and crop response of a nanoparticle formulation of DiS-NH2 (2,2′-disulfanediyldianiline) applied as post-emergence foliar herbicide, both at standard (T1, 0.75 g m−2) and double dosages (T2, 1.5 g m−2), compared to no weeding (NC) and chemical weed control (PC). Averaged over locations, T2 showed the highest WSA (51.3%), followed by T1 (40.9%) and PC (33.5%). T2 induced also a wheat grain yield and a plant height comparable to PC (3185 kg ha−1 and 67.7 cm vs. 3153 kg ha−1 and 67.7 cm, respectively). Moreover, compared to NC, T2 increased the number of spikes m−2 (+19%) and the number of kernel spikes−1 (+26%). Similar results were observed for T1, which caused also a significant reduction in non-vitreous kernels (‒40%). These promising results suggest that the nanoencapsulated DiS-NH2 could be a good candidate as a post-emergence bioherbicide in wheat crop production.