bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Philippine Mental Health Act: just an act? A call to look into the bi-directionality of mental health and economy
Authors: Maravilla Nicholle Mae Amor , Tan Myles Joshua
Published: May 2021

This article calls for an investigation into the potential bi-directionality between mental health and economics, particularly in the Philippines. Here, we talk about the three themes that contribute to misbeliefs about mental health in Philippine culture and the current state of mental health in the Philippines, including established mental and public health legislations and the lack of resources needed to address mental health concerns in the country. We also compare the Philippines with Northwestern European countries, nine of which are among the 10 happiest countries in the world. In these countries, collaboration between governments and their citizens strengthens research, monitoring, and the evaluation framework of policymaking for mental health — areas in which the Philippines must improve. Finally, we call for Filipinos to view mental health issues in a different light and to impel government and public sectors to prioritize them and to set the Philippine Mental Health Act into motion.
Inter-cropped perennial legumes in commercial eucalyptus spp. plantations enhance soil quality
Authors: Beyhaut Elena , Caraballo Pablo , Illarze Gabriela , Sicardi Margarita
Published: May 2021

Area planted with Eucalyptus spp. in Uruguay has largely increased in the last ﬁ fteen years, mainly through afforestation of grasslands. Such changes in land use are known to affect soil properties, including increased soil acidity and exchangeable aluminum, decreased organic carbon content and water retention capacity, as well as changes in soil enzyme activities. The low mineralization rate of tree litter due to its high C:N ratio is suggested to be in the base of changes in soil properties. Our assumption was that the 2-year period between Eucalyptus grandis plantation and tree canopy closure allows the commercial forest to beneﬁ t from the inclusion of an inter-cropped perennial legume. The aim of this research was to test if inter-cropping an adapted (native) legume can supply nitrogen from the atmosphere to the system, contributing to soil conservation through enhanced soil microbial activity and nutrient cycling, while improving tree growth. A ﬁ eld experiment was carried out in a commercial forest area to assess the effects of perennial Desmanthus species (virgatus, illinoensis and bicornutus) intercropped between tree rows on soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities (soil quality indicators); legume shoot dry matter and total nitrogen content; and tree diameter at breast height. Enhanced soil microbial biomass, soil respiration and hydrogenase activities were associated to legume inclusion. Both D. illinoensis and D. virgatus contributed comparable amounts of nitrogen to the system when inoculated with effective rhizobia. Tree diameter 12 months after planting was 6.5 cm in average when Desmanthus spp. were intercropped and 5.6 cm when trees grew without the legume. The results indicate a direct and positive effect of intercropped legumes in Eucalyptus plantations on soil quality and early tree growth. An increase in soil microbial activities may lead to enhanced nutrient biogeochemical cycles, increased soil fertility and improved agroecosystem sustainability.
Changes in soil phosphorus in different forest residue management
Authors: Lupi Ana M. , Quintero Cesar , Boca Teresa , Díaz Diana , Boschetti Graciela , Aparicio Jorge , Ingaramo Luciana
Published: May 2021

We analyze the short term effect of the harvest residues management on the Phosphorus (P) fractions of the soil. Four trials were installed in Northeast Argentina on Vertisols (S1), Mollisols (S2) and Entisols (S3 and S4). In S1 and S2 harvest residues and forest fl oor were either (1) removed (R), (2) retained (RR), 3) burnt (BR), or (4) retained at double the normal quantity (DR). In S3 and S4 harvest residues where (1) removed (WTH), 2) retained (RR) or 3) burnt (BR). Soil samples were obtained at 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm depth layers at 18 (S1), 22(S2, S3) and 10 (S4) months after burnt treatments. P fractions were determined according to Hedley et al. (1982) methods. Soil orders showed different total P: in Mollisols P concentration (S2: 314,3 mg kg-1) tripled those in Entisols (S3 y S4: 118,4 mg P kg-1). Differences were even higher for Organic P (Po): the highest concentration was found in Mollisols (171,4 mg Po kg-1) related to its higher organic matter, and the lowest concentration was in Entisols (44,0 mg Po kg-1). Available P was between 14 mg kg-1 and 25 mg kg-1, enough to satisfy annual demands of forest plantations (Eucalyptus and Pinus). RR and DR did not show changes in the P fractions, although an increase in the P reserves (Po y Pt) could be expected for the middle term, due to the decomposition of the retained/added residues. R or WTH did not affect neither inorganic nor organic P fractions. The most important change was found in BR, where the available P and other mean and highly stable inorganic P fractions increased, due to the ashes; the Po was not modified. The fi re was an instant mechanism to transfer the nutrients from the biomass to the soil.
Response of wheat to tillage and row spacing in maizewheat cropping system in semi-arid region of Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Ibni Zamir , Ahma Azraf-Ul-Haq , Javeed H. M. Rashad
Published: May 2021

A field study was conducted to determine the effect of tillage and row spacing on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during winter 2005-2006 and 2006-07. The treatments comprised two tillage practices viz. zero tillage and conventional tillage and four row spacings i.e. 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm. The experimental results revealed that zero tillage signifi cantly enhanced the plant height, tillers m-2, spike length, 1000 kernel weight and yield and yield components of wheat plants as compared to conventional tillage. Sowing of wheat in 15 cm apart rows resulted in signifi cantly higher grain yield due to higher number of tillers. So, zero tillage and narrow row spacing (15 cm) proved to be involved in higher wheat yield for the wheat-maize cropping system in semi-arid region of Pakistan.
Soil organic carbon dynamics under conservation agricultural systems
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J.
Published: May 2021

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key element in the valuation of natural resources and the evaluation of how management affects soil quality and ecosystem services derived from soil. This paper describes a summary of some recent research aimed at understanding how SOC contributes to (a) various soil properties and processes, (b) global cycling of carbon, and (c) support of various ecosystem services. Stratiﬁed SOC with depth under conservation agricultural approaches helps soil function to an optimum. Conservation management approaches focusing on minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing soil cover, and stimulating biological activity can be achieved with different cropping choices and production goals in different environments all around the world. In the southeastern USA, SOC sequestration was 0.30 + 0.05 Mg ha-1 yr-1 in no-tillage systems without cover crop and 0.55 + 0.06 Mg ha-1 yr-1 in no-tillage systems with cover crop, suggesting that greater C input with increasing cropping system complexity of no-tillage systems will be beneﬁcial to SOC storage. The key to success for adoption of conservation agriculture will be to consider the agronomic, ecological, environmental, and economic constraints within a particular farm setting. On-going research continues to support the key contributions that enhanced SOC with conservation agricultural approaches can give to farmers and society.
Impact of soil tillage and land use on soil organic carbon decline under mediterranean conditions
Authors: Basch Gottlieb , Calado José , Barros José , Carvalho Mário
Published: May 2021

Soils under Mediterranean climate conditions frequently have low to very low levels of soil organic matter (SOM), as a result of low biomass production under the predominantly rainfed conditions and the intensive tillage operations commonly practiced. In order to assess both short and long-term impacts of soil tillage and land use on soil organic carbon, two sets of experiments were performed. One consisted in the identification and soil analysis of 3 pairs of sites under different soil types and land use over 5 to 30 years; in the second experiment a long-term fallow area was repeatedly submitted to different types of soil tillage management (mouldboard plough + disc harrow; non-inversion tine cultivation; no-till) over 3 years. Soil texture, bulk density and SOM were analysed along the whole soil profile in the first experiment, whereas bulk density and SOM to a depth of 30 cm was measured before the first tillage operations and at the end of the observation period in the second experiment. The results clearly indicate that tillage based land use, irrespective of the type of land use, caused a considerable decline in SOM content in the tilled soil layer. Very small and inconsistent differences in SOM between paired soil profiles were observed in the lower part of the profiles. In the second experiment with three types of tillage systems, SOM content decreased with tillage intensity. Avoidance of soil disturbance is an important step towards halting SOM decline under Mediterranean climate conditions.
Long term effect of tillage system and crop residue management on soil carbon content of a luvisol under rainfed Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Carvalho M. , Basch G. , Calado J. M. G. , Barros J. F. C.
Published: May 2021

Under Mediterranean conditions, soils under conventional tillage farming usually have very low contents of organic matter. This situation is due to intensive soil tillage, low biomass production under rainfed conditions, and removal of cereal straw for alternative use off the field. In order to study strategies to improve soil organic matter content (SOM), a long term experiment (11 years) was established in 1995 to evaluate the effect of four different tillage systems (conventional tillage (CT) based on moldboard plough (25 cm) + disc harrow with removal of cereal straw; reduced tillage (RT) based on non-inversion tine cultivation with removal of cereal straw; no-till (NT) with removal of cereal straw; and no-till with cereal straw retained (NT+S). The crop rotation was lupine – wheat – forage oat – barley. Soil organic carbon (SOC) (0-30 cm) and crop yields (grain and straw) were measured every year. In addition, yield response of the wheat crop to nitrogen fertilization was studied, in order to evaluate the interactions with SOC accumulation. Under CT and RT, SOC remained almost unchanged over the experimental period. NT improved SOC by 18% in relation to CT and NT+S increased SOC by 62%. There were no significant differences between CT and NT in the amount of residues left in the field over the experimental period, but NT+S significantly increased the amount of residues retained in relation to the other treatments. The results indicate that NT reduced SOM mineralization, but that maximum increase of SOC can only be achieved if crop residues are retained on the field. Nitrogen use efficiency was significantly improved with greater SOC contents, i.e. from 19.1 kg of wheat per kg of applied N at 0.58% SOC to 104 kg of wheat per kg of applied N at 1.74% SOC.
Priming effects on soil organic carbon decomposition induced by high C:N crop inputs
Authors: Mazzilli Sebastián , Piñeiro Gervasio , Kemanian Armen
Published: May 2021

Carbon budgets in soils can be computed by a simple equation in which inputs are accounted by the humification of residues added to the soil, and outputs are estimated by the respiration of soil organic carbon (CS). It is generally accepted that physical protection in soil aggregates and chemical recalcitrance limit the rate of CS decomposition. We propose that soybean-based crop sequences will have lower steady state CS stocks than those based on corn, because of lower C inputs and enhanced soil respiration of CS due the so-called priming effect. To address this hypothesis, we studied CS turnover from δ13C natural abundance changes in no-till corn and soybean crops. Soybean and corn crops were sown with a complete randomized design with three replicates on an old pasture with an intermediate soil δ13C signal of -16.34. Soils were sampled at the beginning and after two years of continuous no till cropping. Aboveground and belowground C inputs were measured each year for corn and soybean crops. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for C, nitrogen and 13C/12C ratio. Corn C inputs where significantly higher than soybean (10.7 and 7.0 Mg ha-1), but no significant changes in CS where observed among treatments (68 Mg ha-1 in the first 0.3 m). However, the Cs turnover and humification rates under corn (0.015 and 0.18 y-1) were higher than under soybean (0.006 and 0.11 y-1). Contrary to our predictions high C:N corn residues enhanced CS decomposition, but also the stabilization of fresh residues into CS, suggesting that soil microbes mine the soil organic matter while feeding on high C:N crop residues. Possible explanations for such result are discussed.
Impact of minimum tillage, oat straw management, and chicken manure on soil water content, runoff, erosion and tomato production
Authors: Alliaume F. , Jorge G. , Dogliotti S.
Published: May 2021

Sustainability of vegetable farms in south Uruguay depends on development of farming systems that can arrest soil deterioration. In a context where major constraints exist for irrigation, and rainfall is highly spatial and temporally variable, one of the main causes of yield reduction in deteriorated soils might be the reduction in soil moisture supply capacity. We established an experiment to determine the effect of different tillage systems on soil water content, runoff and erosion at high rainfall intensity, and on processing tomato (Solanum esculentum) yield. We report the results of the first year of the experiment set up in march 2010 at a finesilty Pachic Argiudoll, with four treatments: Minimum Tillage with Cover Crop, planting oat (Avena byzantina) in basins and leaving it as mulch (MTCC); Conventional tillage with Green manure, same than previous treatment but oat biomass is incorporated to the soil through conventional tillage (CTGM); Conventional Tillage with Chicken Manure (CTChM); and Conventional Tillage (CT). Except CT, all other treatments incorporated chicken litter (7.0 Mg ha-1). Soil moisture was measured at 20 cm depth with time domain reflectrometry and at 100 cm depth with a neutron probe. Runoff and sediment loss were measured with a rainfall simulator at 6 mm/min rainfall intensity. Soil water content at 20 cm depth was the highest in the MTCC and lowest in CTGM and CTChM, yielding up to 10% more volume water content. Runoff and soil erosion was less at both treatments with oat, MTCC and CTGM. However, crop yield was the lowest at the MTCC, pointing out the need for extra attention to the fertilization scheme, because plants showed symptoms of N deficit at the beginning of the growth period. Minimum tillage with mulching contributed to conserve soil water, and to reduce soil runoff and soil erosion.
Wepp as a tool for enabling a more comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts of soil erosion
Authors: Jorge Gabriella , Pérez Bidegain Mario , Terra José , Sawchik Jorge
Published: May 2021

Cropland area in Uruguay, mostly soybeans, increased 300% during the last decade due to expansion to new areas. Although no-tillage practices are generalized among farmers, soil erosion is still a major environmental and economic issue. A predictive tool as the Water Erosion Prediction Model Project (WEPP), based on soil processes, has never been used in Uruguay. The objective of this research was to evaluate the soil erosion impact of various managements of intensive agriculture on Mollisols of Uruguay, applying the WEPP erosion model. The model was first adjusted and validated for annual erosion estimates of an Abruptic Argiudoll (Nash Sutcliffe (NS)= 0.81 and R2 = 0.89) and a Vertic Argiudoll (NS= 0.86 and R2= 0.90), and later applied to evaluate three Mollisols and one Vertisol with different soil managements. Treatments combined no tillage (NT) and reduced tillage (RT) with different crop rotations. Crop rotations were: continuous soybean (CS), soybean-wheat (SW), soybean-winter cover crop (S-Cover crop), cornsoybean- wheat-3/4 yr pasture (CSW-PPP/PPPP), and corn-soybean-wheat-soybean-wheat-3/4 yr pasture (CSWSWPPP/ PPPP). Soil erosion under RT system or CS was always above 7Mg.ha-1 (T value). Pastures inclusion under NT showed values below 7 Mg.ha-1.WEPP simulated an average erosion rate below T for SW rotation with NT (100m; 3% slope) in three of the four soils studied. However, by varying the slope and the length of the hillslope, the range for which the average annual erosion remains below this level is limited (only 3% - 4%). Moreover, for those hillslopes whose average annual erosion does not exceed the T value, there is still approximately a 25% probability that this may occur any given year. Our work highlights the potential of using WEPP in the development of criteria for assessing sustainability of soil management, alternative to T value of average annual erosion units, including risk analysis.
Improvement of the soil carbon sink using cover crops in rainfed olive orchards in semiarid climates
Authors: Márquez F. , Ordóñez R. , González-Sánchez E. , Gil-Ribes J. A.
Published: May 2021

Andalusia, located in the south of Spain, is the main olive producer in this country, with the 60.2% of the total area cultivated with this tree. This region produces the 39% of the world olive oil and 24% of the table olive. However, this kind of production based on the tillage of the soil produces many environmental problems. Especially related to the soil and carbon dioxide losses associated not only to the sediment dragged, but also to the combustion of gasoil and oxidation of the organic matter (OM) of the ground. Conservation agriculture systems in woody crop, cover crops (CC), significantly reduce soil losses. Also decrease the emission of CO2 to the atmosphere by two ways: less fuel consumption, due to the suppression of the tillage, and increase of the soil carbon sink, by enhancing its structure and providing large amount of plant debris. The objective of this work is to quantify the efficiency of the CC as a method to improve the soil carbon sink capacity in rainfed olive groves in semiarid climates. The study was carried out during 4 seasons in 5 experimental fields distributed in different olive-growing regions. In two different soils management systems, conventional tillage (CT) and CC, were measured diverse parameters as: OM associated to sediments and temporal evolution of the amount of OM in the ground. After 4 year of experimentation, we observed that the CC promoted an average reduction of the losses of the OM associated to sediments of 67.7%. Respect to the improvement of carbon sink in the soil, both management systems provide positive results, by increasing the carbon stock. However, these values were significantly higher in CC, 15.88 Mg ha-1y-1, respect to the 3.57 Mg ha-1y-1 of the CT.
Impact of winter cover crops on soil properties under soybean cropping systems
Authors: Sawchik Jorge , Pérez-Bidegain Mario , García Claudio
Published: May 2021

Agricultural systems in Uruguay exhibit a high frequency of soybean in crop rotations. This could adversely affect soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in the long term. The introduction of winter annual cover crops (CC) in these systems may improve SOC balance as well as reduce the impact of rainfall on soil erosion rates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the inclusion of CC on SOC storage and soil physical properties under continuous soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr) cropping systems. A field experiment was established in 2003 in a vertic Argiudoll. A split plot design was used with CC and non CC as whole plot arranged in four randomized complete blocks. Cover crops were: oats (Avena sativa L)., annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.). Two termination dates comprised split plots: 60 or 30 days before soybean planting. Mean annual forage production over eight years was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in oats compared to annual ryegrass for both termination dates. The inclusion of CC increased SOC concentration at the 0-7.5 cm depth, and at the 7.5-15 cm depth in the annual ryegrass treatment. Oats and annual ryegrass had 60 and 80 % more particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations at the 0-7.5 cm, respectively than no cover crop treatment. No significant differences among treatments were observed for mineral associated organic C-MAOM at any depth. Nitrogen mineralization potential under ryegrass had a three-fold increase compared to the no cover crop treatment. Both CC treatments showed a higher (P ≤ 0.05) percentage of macropores compared to the no cover crop treatment. In most of the years soybean grain yield was not affected by cover crops treatments. However, late termination dates often reduced soybean yields. The inclusion of CC in high frequency soybean cropping systems may enhance soil C storage, and improve related soil physical properties.
Effect of legume or grass cover crops and nitrogen application rate on soil properties and corn productivity
Authors: Siri Prieto G. , Ernst O.
Published: May 2021

Winter Cover Crops (WCC) into continuous agriculture in Uruguay could improve water erosion control, soil organic carbon, and crop productivity. On the other hand, could reduced soil water and nutrients interfering with cash crops. We conducted a four years field study on a clay loam (Typic Argiudol) in Uruguay to evaluate the effects of WCC on soil chemical properties, water content, soil N-nitrate with nitrogen variable rate at V6 on corn productivity. The six treatments consisted of Common Oat (Avena sativa L.), Annual Ryegrass (Lolium mutiflorum L.), Triticale (× Triticosecale wittmack), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), Pea (Pisum sativum L.), and no WCC. The highest corn yields were observed with no WCC (6.47 Mg ha-1), followed by legumes WCC (5.97 Mg ha-1) and grasses WCC (4.52 Mg ha-1). These differences were probably due to more soil water content at corn planting (35%) and soil NO3-N at corn planting and V6 (44 and 36%, respectively) in no WCC than overall WCC. The N yield response in V6 corn was highest in grass WCC (31%), followed by legume WCC (23%) and no WCC (7%). No soil organic carbon different were detected among treatments after four years with low risk of soil erosion. This result could be explained by similar carbon inputs (shoot and roots residue adding corn + cover crops) since the beginning of the experiment (averaged over treatments: 46.5 Mg ha-1). Farmers, who adopt use of WCC, could take disadvantage on low corn yield, therefore could increase cost by adding more N in corn.
Characterization and functioning of the strawberry innovation system in Salto
Authors: Varela Pessolano Pablo Nicolás , De Hegedüs Pedro , Gómez Miller Raúl , Vicente Esteban
Published: May 2021

In this study, the Strawberry Innovation System in Salto (SIS) is analyzed, characterizing its main actors, according to their role and level of involvement. Technological innovations in the sector took place through a process that integrated the information generated by public research with the traditional culture of the region's producers, giving rise to alternative technologies that allowed the sustainable intensification of production. The methodology used in the research was the case study, which belongs to the qualitative paradigm; data collection was based on the conduction of eight semi-structured interviews with qualified informants of different types. Based on the results, it can be pointed out that in Salto, Uruguay, there has been a sis working for decades, whose actors are: the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA by its Spanish acronym), the Agronomy College, the General Directorate of the Farm (DIGEGRA), a group of nurserymen, businesses selling supplies and services, the “Salto Hortícola” producer organization, the producers themselves and technical advisers. The synergic functioning of the system is explained by the role of research, which produces knowledge; its interaction with the strawberry nurserymen (primary dialogue network) to validate technologies, and the exchange developed with the rest of the actors to address production problems. It was found that there is a broader dialogue network, in which producers exchange technological proposals, contributing to the sustainability of cultivation in the region.
Duraznero: situación actual en Uruguay, Brasil y Argentina
Authors: Dini Maximiliano , Raseira Maria do Carmo Bassols , Valentini Gabriel H. , Zoppolo Roberto
Published: May 2021

El duraznero es un cultivo de gran importancia económica y social dentro de los países del Cono Sur de Sudamérica. La evolución de este frutal se ha visto condicionada tanto por las particularidades edafoclimáticas, como por las culturales y las económicas de cada país. Sintetizar en un solo documento la situación actual y los distintos aspectos que caracterizan al cultivo de durazneros en Uruguay, Brasil y Argentina fue el objetivo en este trabajo. La incorporación de tecnología en todos los sentidos ha permitido una mejora en los rendimientos, por lo que la producción se ha mantenido a pesar de la reducción del área de plantación. Últimamente se ha dado un proceso de crecimiento en escala y concentración de la producción, aunque las características del cultivo lo siguen haciendo muy apto para el pequeño productor. Grandes esfuerzos de investigación canalizados a través de universidades e institutos especializados han permitido generar información local y regional de alto valor e impacto. La importancia del material genético para el éxito del sistema productivo es clave y la estrategia de generar cultivares con adaptación local ha sido tomada por la región, siendo creciente la disponibilidad de nuevos cultivares generados por los programas de mejoramiento locales. El enfoque de producción integrada ha tomado gran impulso y son cada vez más las alternativas productivas que se desarrollan buscando prescindir de los agroquímicos, principalmente en lo que respecta al control de plagas y enfermedades. La densidad de plantación se ha ido incrementando y los sistemas de conducción y poda están evolucionando hacia formas más simples y pasibles de ser mecanizadas. Numerosos son los desafíos que hay por delante, pero a su vez es grande la convicción, entre los equipos de investigación, de poder seguir aportando para una mayor y mejor disponibilidad de frutos de Prunus en las mesas de los consumidores.
Treatment with 1-MCP: an alternative to extend storage in plums harvested with advanced maturity
Authors: Candan Ana Paula , Calvo Gabriela
Published: May 2021

Maturity at harvest is a determining factor in fruit storage potential, especially in such perishable species as plums (Prunus salicina L.). However, harvest´s logistics is very complex, and a large percentage of fruits are harvested at a more advanced stage of maturity than the optimum recommended for long storage. Treatment with 1-MCP has shown to be effective in reducing the post-harvest deterioration rate of Japanese plums, but the effectiveness of this treatment may be reduced in late harvested fruit. The aim of this trial was to determine the efficiency of treatment with 0.4 µL L-1 of 1-MCP in Larry Ann plums harvested at 4 different maturity stages. The results showed that the treatment was effective in reducing the ripening rate of the fruit at all harvest timings. The duration of this effect and the number of parameters affected decreased as harvest was delayed. In maturity stage 1 (M1, ~62 N) and maturity stage 2 (M2, ~58 N), 1-MCP delayed ethylene production rate during shelf life after 30, 40, and 50 days of storage at 0 ºC and reduced loss of flesh firmness, and acidity. At the maturity stage 3 (M3, ~50N) 1-MCP delayed ethylene production rate during shelf life after 30 and 40 days of storage at 0 ºC and maintained higher flesh firmness values. In fruit harvested at the maturity 4 (M4, ~35 N), 1-MCP did not affect ethylene production rate, but reduced loss of flesh firmness during shelf life, supporting the hypothesis that the treatment has a direct inhibitory effect on softening enzymes, independent of ethylene.
Improvement of pest control in stone fruits within an areawide strategy
Authors: Mujica Valentina , Zoppolo Roberto
Published: May 2021

Stone fruit trees are affected by different pests that belong to different orders, being Grapholita molesta towards which most of the control interventions in these crops are directed. Management entirely based on insecticides has shown that it is not always effective. The need to use more specific active ingredients requires to be more aware of the biology of the pests that we want to control, especially when they have very narrow application windows to be effective and the products need to be as well less toxic for non-target and beneficial species. The possibility of controlling insects using their own biology opens doors to a new type of highly specific control with minimal environmental impact, as is the case of sexual pheromones. These compounds can be used under different modalities: monitoring, sexual confusion, mass trapping or "attract and kill". When pheromone population management is carried out over large areas, the technique expresses its full potential and its benefits are more stable and durable over time. In Uruguay, this type of management has been formally implemented since 2012 with successful results. The next step for an improvement in monitoring and control would be the incorporation of kairomones into this equation, which would substantially increase its efficiency.
Incontinencia urinaria
Authors: Loaiza Quirós Kevin Vinicio , Parada Peña Karen
Published: May 2021

La incontinencia urinaria es un padecimiento con una gran prevalencia, especialmente en la población femenina cuyo riesgo aumenta con la edad, sin embargo también se asocia al periodo perinatal, obesidad y deterioro cognitivo. Debido a la carga social y psicológica que conlleva para las pacientes, muchas veces no es documentada y no reciben tratamiento, por lo que se cree que la prevalencia es mayor a la estimada. El tratamiento debe personalizarse, dependiendo del tipo de incontinencia y gravedad de los  síntomas.
Otalgia en el adulto: diagnóstico diferencial en atención primaria de salud
Authors: Chaves De Simone Mariana
Published: May 2021

La otalgia es un síntoma frecuente que puede ser causado por patología propia del oído (otalgia primaria) o por patología de otros sitios anatómicos que refieren el dolor al oído (otalgia secundaria). Al realizar el diagnóstico diferencial en atención primaria, resulta útil conocer que las causas más frecuentes de otalgia primaria son la otitis media y otitis externa, y en su defecto se deben considerar en primera instancia otras causas frecuentes como la disfunción de la trompa de Eustaquio o el barotrauma. Por otro lado, la otalgia secundaria, se debe con mayor frecuencia a causas odontológicas, faringitis o amigdalitis, trastornos de la articulación temporomandibular y neuralgias. Como etiologías de otalgia que ameritan referencia urgente se encuentra la arteritis temporal, complicaciones infecciosas e incluso infarto agudo al miocardio. También se deben considerar siempre factores de riesgo de cáncer, y consultar a un especialista en caso de sospecha o en caso de persistencia de los síntomas sin una etiología clara.
Delirio: una visión global
Authors: Ramírez Solano Mariam , Umaña Venegas Alice
Published: May 2021

El delirio es un estado de disfunción mental, de corta duración, habitualmente reversible que afecta la atención y las funciones cognitivas.

Puede desencadenarse a partir de múltiples condiciones en los diferentes servicios de asistencia sanitaria, desde la atención domiciliar, internamientos, post quirúrgicos y servicios de cuidados paliativos.

Existen estrategias de prevención y medidas tanto farmacológicas como no farmacológicas para el manejo del delirio que varían dependiendo del origen del mismo.
Trombosis de los senos venosos
Authors: Montoya Alan Priscilla , Murillo Alvarado Katherine , Morales Fallas Mariel
Published: May 2021

Los senos venosos son los encargados de drenar la sangre cerebral hacia la vena yugular interna.

La trombosis de estos senos es poco común y ocurre mayormente en mujeres de edad fértil o en estado de embarazo. La sintomatología que se produce en este cuadro clínico se debe al aumento de la presión intracraneal por lo cual lo más común son cefalea, papiledema y déficit motor. Entre las causas más comunes que producen esta patología están los estados protrombóticos y los cuadros infecciosos. El diagnostico se realiza mediante imagenología entre las cuales están la resonancia magnética y la tomografía axial computarizada. El tratamiento dependerá de la causa, si es un trastorno de coagulación, se darán anticoagulantes y si es por un cuadro infeccioso se cubrirá con antibióticos.
Leishmaniasis cutánea
Authors: Hidalgo Solís María Jesús , Víquez Redondo Karla Francini , Barrantes Valverde Sthephani Melissa
Published: May 2021

La leishmaniasis es una enfermedad cutánea causado por un parásito del género leishmania. En la mayoría de los casos se trata de una zoonosis transmitida por la picadura de un vector. Los reservorios son animales peri domésticos o salvajes.

Constituye un problema de salud pública en Costa Rica y es considerada una enfermedad del estrato social bajo.

Presenta 3 formas clínicas: la visceral, mucocutánea y cutánea; esta última siendo la más común y en la que se basa este artículo.

El diagnóstico requiere la sospecha clínica y la identificación del parasito, la microscopía de tejidos con el fin de visualizar el parasito es la técnica diagnostica más usada en el mundo y en Costa Rica.

El tratamiento de primera línea son los antimonios pentavalentes, sin embargo, existen otras alternativas tanto como tratamientos locales y sistémicos.
Endocarditis infecciosa: una visión actualizada
Authors: Padilla Elizondo Daniela Sofía , Acuña Núñez Irene María , Rojas Zúñiga Ana Guiselle
Published: May 2021

La endocarditis infecciosa es una infección poco frecuente, que posee altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad, por lo que una adecuada detección, manejo y tratamiento es vital. Actualmente se han evidenciado cambios importantes en su epidemiología, como es el caso del incremento en las endocarditis infecciosas de origen nosocomial. Por este motivo, el reto médico de la actualidad es identificar la selección correcta de terapia antibiótica y su duración, con el fin de obtener una buena respuesta y evolución clínica. Este artículo pretende recabar información actualizada y necesaria que le sea de ayuda al personal médico a la hora de enfrentarse a dicha patología.
Endometriosis
Authors: Montero Fonseca Jazmín , Campos Sánchez Sergio , Herrera Pérez Juan Carlos
Published: May 2021

La endometriosis hace referencia a la presencia de tejido endometrial fuera de la cavidad uterina. Afecta a 1 de cada 10 mujeres en edad reproductiva a nivel mundial y se encuentra relacionada con la presencia de dismenorrea, dolor pélvico e infertilidad, aunque las manifestaciones clínicas son muy variadas. Múltiples teorías explican su fisiopatología, la menstruación retrógrada, la metaplasia celómica, la alteración de la respuesta inmune, la metástasis vasculolinfática y el estrés oxidativo son las principales con las que se cuenta actualmente. Existen diferentes sistemas de clasificación de endometriosis, pero ninguno es universal. El diagnóstico de endometriosis es complejo y usualmente pasan varios años desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta el diagnóstico. El “gold standard” es la visualización directa de las lesiones mediante laparoscopía con remoción y confirmación histológica. El tratamiento puede ser tanto médico como quirúrgico, reservándose este último para los casos refractarios al tratamiento médico. El tratamiento médico consiste en hormonoterapia con anticonceptivos orales combinados o con sólo progestágenos. También se han utilizado agonistas de GnRH e inhibidores de aromatasa en algunos casos. Además, se recomienda la analgesia con acetaminofén y AINES
Recurrent Hemorrhagic Transformation of Cardioembolic Stroke in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yu Wengui
Published: May 2021

Proper therapy for secondary stroke prevention is crucial in the management of cardioembolic stroke. Although oral anticoagulants were the superior strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke per current evidence, many patients with cardioembolic stroke were prescribed with antiplatelet therapy due to concern for the risk of bleeding from anticoagulation therapy. We presented a case of an 84-years-old male patient who had sudden-onset left hemiparesis from cardioembolic stroke. Past medical history was significant for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes. Severe white matter hyperintensity (WMH) was identified with the brain imaging. The local hospital initiated antiplatelet therapy with Aspirin 100 mg daily for secondary stroke prevention. Subsequently he was found to have recurrent asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation involving each of the infarctions. The case report highlighted that severe WMH and possible cerebral amyloid angiopathy could be a risk factor of hemorrhagic transformation and antiplatelet therapy should be used prudently in such condition.
Quality Management System for Clinical Nutrition: On the processing of the Artificial Intelligence into Quality Assessment
Authors: Pan Chen , Wang Jin , Ma Xianghua
Published: May 2021

Objective: To critically evaluate the Quality Management System (QMS) for Clinical Nutrition (CN) in Jiangsu. Monitor its performance in quality assessment as well as human resource management from nutrition aspect. Investigate the appliance and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical quality control. Subjects: The study source of this research was all the staffs of 70 Clinical Nutrition Department (CND) of the tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China. These departments are all members of the Quality Management System of Clinical Nutrition in Jiangsu (QMSNJ). Methods: An online survey was conducted on all 341 employees within all these CNDs based on the staff information from the surveyed medical institutions. The questionnaire contains 5 aspects, while data analysis and AI evaluation were focused on human resource information. Results: 330 questionnaires were collected with the respondent rate of 96.77%. The QMS for CN has been build up for CNDs in Jiangsu, which achieved its target in human resource improvements, especially among dietitians. The increasing number of participated departments (42.8%) and the significant growth of dietitians (p=0.02, t=-0.42) are all expressions of the advancements of QMSNJ. Conclusion: As the first innovation of an online platform for QM in Jiangsu, JPCNMP has been successfully implemented among QMS from this research. This multidimensional electronic system can help QMSNJ and CND achieve quality assessment from various aspects, so as to realize the continuous improvement of clinical nutrition. The instrument of online platform, as well as AI technology for quality assessment is worth to be recommended and promoted in the future.
Review On: Progress In Wheat Bread Improvement: Emphasis on Ingredient Functionality
Authors: Abebaw Gashaw , Duguma Solomon
Published: May 2021

Bread is one of the oldest functional foods which its health effects have been investigated in many studies. The current communication presents a review of the in recent years on the topic and looks at possible future trends in the improved nutritional and health qualities which have been applied in the bakery industry, directing it further to the formulation design and production of functional pieces of bread. The results show that many beneficial ingredients such as dietary fibers, phenolic antioxidants, marine ingredients, and n-3 fatty acids can be used in the bread industry to increase its functionality and result in healthy products, low in calories, cholesterol, and celiac disease. Moreover, the use of psyllium seed, amaranth seed, chestnut flour, and prebiotics in gluten-free bread (GFB) baking may be the promising frontier to improve the overall appearance, quality, sensory properties, and shelf-life of gluten-free bread. To improve the quality of life of these patients from a dietary standpoint, food-processing researchers have been seeking to develop high-quality gluten-free bread. As the quality of wheat pieces of bread depends largely on the viscoelastic properties of gluten, various ingredients have been employed to simulate its effects, such as hydrocolloids, transglutaminase, and proteases.
Effect of Drying Method and Storage Days on Essential Oil Yield and Quality of Rue (Ruta Chalepensis) leaves
Authors: Befa Abdela , Fikadu Desta , Mieso Beriso , Aman Mamud
Published: May 2021

The genus Rue (Ruta chalepensis) is an aromatic medicinal plant used in the folk as an herbal remedy medicine for the treatment of a variety of disorders in Ethiopia. Information about the effects of drying methods and storage days on essential oil physical properties is limited. The fresh leaf of rue was collected from the Wondo Genet Agriculture research center and was subjected to sun and shade drying methods and four storage days (0,5,10, and 15) days for each day's moisture content and essential oil extraction using hydro distillation. The obtained essential oils were analyzed for physical properties (specific gravity and refractive index). The highest value of moisture content in percent was recorded at 0-day storage days with the value of 73.533 and the lowest one was recorded at 15-day sundry with the value of 8.400. The highest and lowest value of essential oil content in volume by weight in percent was 0.673 and 0.174 at 0 day and 10-day sun, respectively. The highest and lowest value of essential oil content weight by weight in percent was 0.996 and 0.287 at 0 day and 15-day sun, respectively. The results showed that the rue dried under shade had a higher level of moisture content, essential oil content, volume by weight and weight by weight, specific gravity, and refractive index compared to the rue leaf dried under sun-drying methods. In the case of storage days in all parameters except refractive index and specific gravity, the rue fresh leaf (0 days) was higher in moisture content and essential oil contents compared to others storage days. This study provides evidence that drying herbs for different storage days and different drying methods affect the essential oil content and physical properties of essential oil.
Role of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Skin Grafting
Authors: Chittoria Ravi
Published: May 2021

Surgical site infection (SSI) results in substantial morbidity and costs. Various guidelines are there to reduce the incidence of SSI. Recently application of negative pressure to a surgically closed wound has also emerged as a way of preventing this complication. The commercially available devises for this are usually too costly and preclude its uses in developing countries. In this article we share our experience of using NPWT in cost effective manner in case of skin graft donor site.
Self-Medication -An Intensifying Global Concern
Authors: Khan Nida
Published: May 2021

As being one of the most available forms of health care, self-medication competes the need for valuable and sometimes important functions for the sole person and healthcare system. From the last two decades the practice of self-medication has been constantly increased. Self-medication has now become an important element of self-care and is practiced everywhere across the globe People are more prone to self-medication because they want immediate solution of every problem. Self-medication makes us rely on medicines without any proper prescription. It may offer some aid for a short period of time, but it always ends up with dangerous consequences.
Urinary Schistosomiasis in an Elderly Patient: The Ultrasonographic Findings and Case Report
Authors: MB Sule
Published: May 2021

Urinary schistosomiasis (US) causes chronic ill health and caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium. This disease is endemic in Africa and eastern Mediterranean countries, and has a predilection for the male gender. This is a 64-year-old farmer (swampy farming and fishing) for more than forty years, that was referred from a peripheral health care centre for abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography on account of abdominal pain and discomfort, bilateral loin pain, dysuria, and terminal hematuria for close to a year duration of onset. The ultrasonography demonstrated bladder wall thickening, mucosal thickening and polypoid proliferation in to the bladder lumen, irregular echogenic crust in the bladder base, suspended mobile echoes in urine most likely from hematoma and/or cystitis, there is associated mild-moderate biliterate dilatation of the pelvi-calyceal systems and ureters(hydroureteronephrosis). The remaining abdominal and pelvic organs appeared normal. Urinary parasitology demonstrated the ova of Schistosoma haematobium confirming the diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis. We report the ultrasonographic features of urinary schistosomiasis because of its peculiar presentation and to emphasize importance of ultrasound in its assessment.
Instant Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Osmotic Polymeric Film to Treat Sore Throat in Children
Authors: Shrivastava Ravi
Published: May 2021

Background: Pharyngitis, a common viral throat infection in children, involving inflammation, widespread local bacterial contamination and tissue destruction. When clinical signs appear, the disease already became multifactorial. In the absence of any multitarget treatment, we conceived a new generation of topical, osmotic, anti-inflammatory, throat surface cleaning polymeric film, capable of detaching and draining throat surface contaminants nearly instantly. Material and methods: A glycerol and polymer containing osmotic film was prepared. Osmotic film attracts hypotonic liquid from the throat tissue, which detach and drain throat surface contaminants and create a favorable environment for cell growth and healing. Specific pro-inflammatory cytokine and virus glycoprotein binding polymers were incorporated in the film to suppress the inflammation. An observational, randomized, placebo-controlled study was performed after the approval of ethical committee on 30 children aged between (3-15), presenting symptoms of acute pharyngitis. After randomization, test product (n=20) and saline control (n=10) solutions were applied as 3-4 throat sprays 4-5 times / day for 15-days. Change in all the key pharyngitis symptom (difficulty swallowing, throat inflammation, irritation, redness, and bacterial deposit) were evaluated employing two-tailed Student’s test for followed by the post hoc Bonferroni’s test for comparisons of multiple groups Results: Only a few specific polymers were able to bind with viral proteins and/or cytokines in adequate filmogen concentrations. Throat surface cleaning and cytokine neutralization strongly decrease all the pharyngitis symptoms and need for antibiotic therapy compared to controls (p<0.05 from day 3 onwards). No adverse effects were noted in any of the groups. Conclusion: Clinical results showed excellent efficacy and safety of osmotically active polymeric film. Polymeric drugs may represent an excellent multitarget treatment approach to minimize the use of antibiotics and chemical drugs in the future.