Search Results (455)

This study compared the effects of two C3 forages (Italian ryegrass [RG], Timothy grass [TG]) and two C4 forages (Klein grass [KG], Bermuda grass [BG]) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen (N) balance in Korean crossbred black goats to evaluate C4 warm-season forages as alternatives under changing climate conditions. Sixteen castrated goats (10 months old) were allocated to four treatments using a randomized complete block design. Diets contained 40% treatment-specific forage and 60% commercial concentrate. After adaptation periods, a 5-day metabolism trial measured performance and digestibility parameters. No significant differences occurred among treatments for growth performance or digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, ash, and non-fiber carbohydrate. C4 grasses showed significantly lower acid detergent fiber and ether extract digestibility than C3 grasses, with KG having the lowest ether extract digestibility. The KG group had higher N intake and absorption than the TG group, while BG showed lower urinary and total N excretion than KG. No differences existed in retained N, utilization efficiency, or biological value among groups. Both C3 and C4 forages supported comparable goat growth performance, providing a reference for utilizing different photosynthetic pathway forages under changing climatic conditions. Full article

A new negative-strand RNA virus was identified in grapevines from a 38-year-old ‘Chardonnay’ block in Idaho through high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of total RNA. This virus was tentatively named grapevine-associated cogu-like Idaho virus (GaCLIdV). GaCLIdV has three negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome segments of ca. 7 kb, 1.9 kb, and 1.3 kb, encoding L protein (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, RdRP), a movement protein (MP), and a nucleocapsid protein (NC), respectively, identified based on pair-wise comparisons with other cogu- and cogu-like viruses. In phylogenetic analysis based on the RdRP, GaCLIdV grouped within the family Phenuiviridae and was placed in a lineage of plant-infecting phenuiviruses as a sister clade of the genus Laulavirus, clustering most closely with switchgrass phenui-like virus 1 (SgPLV-1) and more distantly related to grapevine-associated cogu-like viruses from the Laulavirus and Coguvirus clades. Both GaCLIdV and SgPhLV-1 are proposed to form a new genus, Switvirus, within the family Phenuiviridae. The presence of GaCLIdV in the original ‘Chardonnay’ samples was confirmed by RT-PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. This new virus was found in five wine grape cultivars and in six vineyards sampled in Idaho and in Oregon during the 2020–2024 seasons. GaCLIdV may have contributed to the decline observed in the old ‘Chardonnay’ block, although the role of the virus in symptom development awaits further investigation. Full article

Background: Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce cardiac arrhythmias associated with viral myocarditis, which typically disappear in the convalescent phase after healing of the myocardial inflammation. Methods: We report the case of a 37-year-old woman with a childhood history of atrial septal defect repair and stable normofrequent atrial rhythm, who presented two months post-COVID-19 with palpitations and dizziness. Diagnostic evaluation included cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), 24 h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, and laboratory assessments over a 3-year period. Results: CMR suggested subacute myocarditis, and Holter ECG revealed multiple discernible complex cardiac arrhythmias including atrial bradycardia, intermittent junctional rhythm (JR), atrial fibrillation (AF), and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Laboratory results showed a moderate but transient increase in lactate dehydrogenase, persistently mildly elevated N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and immunoglobulin A (IgA), with all other cardiac, inflammatory, immunologic, and organ function parameters remaining normal. In spite of chaotic cardiac rhythm with alternating JR, AF, and atrial normofrequent rhythm with frequent blocked supraventricular beats and increasing atrioventricular conduction time, no therapeutic intervention was necessary during follow-up, and a conservative treatment approach was agreed with the patient. Two years post-COVID-19 infection, the patient returned to a normofrequent atrial rhythm with a markedly prolonged PQ time (500 ms) and a different P wave morphology compared to pre-COVID, without other rhythm disturbances. Conclusions: This case demonstrates a rare pattern of post-viral arrhythmias first emerging in the convalescent phase and resolving spontaneously after two years. It underscores the need for long-term rhythm surveillance following COVID-19, even in patients with prior structural heart disease and a stable baseline rhythm. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist, creating a complex clinical interplay that exacerbates morbidity and mortality. AF can directly precipitate or worsen HFrEF through mechanisms such as tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, loss of atrial contribution to ventricular filling, and irregular ventricular response. The use of evidence-based therapies improves clinical outcomes in patients with HFrEF. Case Presentation: We present a clinical case of a 58-year-old man with left bundle branch block (LBBB), tachysystolic AF, and the aforementioned induced HFrEF. The patient’s medical treatment was optimized according to recent guidelines. Subsequent to the improvements in HF treatment, the patient’s echocardiographic data showed a higher left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF); however, it remained below 35%. Moreover, tachysystolia persisted and was not sufficiently controlled with medications. Therefore, an upgrade of the pacemaker to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) following the destruction of the AV node was performed to control tachysystolic AF and worsening of HF. After the treatment adjustments, the patient’s symptoms regressed, and echocardiography showed improved LVEF up to 41%. Conclusions: This case highlights the successful identification and timely application of intensive heart rate control management and heart failure induced by AF treatment. Full article

Pinus taeda plantations have been facing declining productivity in South America, especially due to competition for natural resources such as light, water, and nutrients. Competition with spontaneous vegetation in the early years is one of the main constraints on growth and biomass allocation in trees. However, the best method and timing for weed control and its impact on the productivity of Pinus taeda plantations are unknown. This study aims to evaluate whether weed control increases the growth and above-ground biomass production of Pinus taeda plantations in southern Brazil. This study was conducted at two sites with five-year-old Pinus taeda plantations in southern Brazil, with each being submitted to different weed control methods. This study was conducted in randomized blocks, with nine treatments: (i) NC—no weed control, i.e., weeds always present; (ii) PC—physical weed control; (iii) CC–T—chemical weed control in the total area; (iv) CC–R—chemical weed control in rows (1.2 m wide); (v) C6m, (vi) C12m, (vii) C18m, and (viii) C24m—weed control up to 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after planting; and (ix) COC—company operational weed control. The following parameters were evaluated: the floristic composition and weed biomass, height, diameter, stem volume, needle biomass, branches, bark, and stemwood of Pinus taeda. Control of the weed competition, especially by physical means (PC), and chemical control over the entire area (CC–T) promoted significant gains in the growth and above–ground biomass production of Pinus taeda at five years of age, particularly at the Caçador site. The results reinforce the importance of using appropriate strategies for managing weed control to maximize productivity, especially before canopy closure. In addition, the strong correlation between growth variables and the total biomass and stemwood indicates the possibility of obtaining indirect estimates through dendrometric measurements. The results contribute to the improvement of silvicultural management in subtropical regions of southern Brazil. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare inherited cardiac channelopathy, often associated with SCN5A loss-of-function mutations. Clinical presentations range from asymptomatic to malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Physiological and pharmacological stressors affecting sodium channel function—such as pyrexia, certain medications, and possibly pregnancy—may unmask or exacerbate arrhythmic risk. However, there is limited information regarding pregnancy and obstetric outcomes. Obstetric management remains largely informed by isolated case reports and small case series. A literature review was conducted using OVID Medline and Embase, identifying case reports, case series, and one retrospective cohort study reporting clinical presentation, obstetric management, and outcomes in maternal BrS. A case is presented detailing coordinated multidisciplinary input, antenatal surveillance, and intrapartum and postpartum care to contribute to the growing evidence base guiding obstetric care in this complex setting. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old G2P0 woman with asymptomatic BrS (SCN5A-positive) was referred at 31 + 5 weeks’ gestation for multidisciplinary antenatal care. Regular review and collaborative planning involving cardiology, anaesthetics, maternal–fetal medicine, and obstetrics guided a plan for vaginal delivery with continuous cardiac and fetal monitoring. At 38 + 0 weeks, the woman presented with spontaneous rupture of membranes and underwent induction of labour. A normal vaginal delivery was achieved without arrhythmic events. Epidural block with ropivacaine and local anaesthesia with lignocaine were well tolerated, and 24 h postpartum monitoring revealed no abnormalities. Conclusions: This case adds to the limited but growing literature suggesting that with individualised planning and multidisciplinary care, pregnancies in women with BrS can proceed safely and without complication. Ongoing case reporting is essential to inform future guidelines and optimise maternal and fetal outcomes. Full article

Background and Clinical significance: Single-shot spinal anesthesia for intrapartum Cesarean section has recently been incriminated in carrying a high risk of high neuraxial block (HNB) occurrence in parturients receiving labor epidural analgesia. The so-called volume effect of the epidurally injected solution causes a contraction of the dural sack and unexpected HNB. Case presentation: We present two cases of HNB in parturients receiving epidural analgesia. The first case describes the 36-year-old patient G3P2, who was administered a repeated rescue analgesia single-shot spinal injection with low-dose local anesthetic (levobupivacaine, 3 mg) following non-functional combined spinal–epidural analgesia. The second case describes the 28-year-old parturient G1P0, who experienced HNB after single-shot spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine (7.5 mg) following labor epidural analgesia. Conclusions: Intrathecal administration of local anesthetic for the purpose of spinal analgesia or anesthesia in a parturient with epidural analgesia can cause unexpected HNB and could occur even at low doses of intrathecally administered medications. The interplay of numerous variables and circumstances in the specific case can result in the occurrence of HNB. We assume that in our first case, the volume effect and repeated dural puncture, and in the second case, the low height of the parturient coupled with the volume effect, played significant role in the occurrence of HNB. Full article

There is growing interest in the use of herbicide for the silvicultural practice of tree thinning (i.e., chemical thinning or e-thinning) in New Zealand. Potential benefits of this approach include improved stability of the standing crop in high winds, and safer and lower-cost operations, particularly in steep or remote terrain. As uptake grows, tools for monitoring treatment effectiveness, particularly during the early stages of stress, will become increasingly important. This study evaluated the use of UAV-based multispectral and hyperspectral imagery to detect early herbicide-induced stress in a nine-year-old radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) plantation, based on temporal changes in crown spectral signatures following treatment with metsulfuron-methyl. A staggered-treatment design was used, in which herbicide was applied to a subset of trees in six blocks over several weeks. This staggered design allowed a single UAV acquisition to capture imagery of trees at varying stages of herbicide response, with treated trees ranging from 13 to 47 days after treatment (DAT). Visual canopy assessments were carried out to validate the onset of visible symptoms. Spectral changes either preceded or coincided with the development of significant visible canopy symptoms, which started at 25 DAT. Classification models developed using narrow band hyperspectral indices (NBHI) allowed robust discrimination of treated and non-treated trees as early as 13 DAT (F1 score = 0.73), with stronger results observed at 18 DAT (F1 score = 0.78). Models that used multispectral indices were able to classify treatments with a similar accuracy from 18 DAT (F1 score = 0.78). Across both sensors, pigment-sensitive indices, particularly variants of the Photochemical Reflectance Index, consistently featured among the top predictors at all time points. These findings address a key knowledge gap by demonstrating practical, remote sensing-based solutions for monitoring and characterising herbicide-induced stress in field-grown radiata pine. The 13-to-18 DAT early detection window provides an operational baseline and a target for future research seeking to refine UAV-based detection of chemical thinning. Full article

From 2016 to 2021, a field experiment was conducted in the North China Plain to study the long-term effects of drip irrigation and nitrogen coupling on the growth, biomass allocation, and irrigation water and fertilizer use efficiency of short-rotation triploid Populus tomentosa plantations. The experiment adopted a completely randomized block design, with one control (CK) and six water–nitrogen coupling treatments (IF, two irrigation levels × three nitrogen application levels). Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA, regression models, Spearman’s correlation analysis, and path analysis. The results showed that the effects of water and nitrogen treatments on the annual increment of diameter at breast height (ΔDBH), annual increment of tree height (ΔH), basal area of the stand (BA_S), stand volume (V_S), and annual forest productivity (AFP) in short-rotation forestry exhibited a significant stand age effect. The coupling of water and nitrogen significantly promoted the DBH growth of 2-year-old trees (p < 0.05), but after 3 years of age, the promoting effect of water and nitrogen coupling gradually diminished. In the 6th year, the above-ground biomass of Populus tomentosa was 5.16 to 6.62 times the under-ground biomass under different treatments. Compared to the I45 treatment (irrigation at soil water potential of −45 kPa), the irrigation water use efficiency of the I20 treatment (−20 kPa) decreased by 88.79%. PFP showed a downward trend with the increase in fertilization amount, dropping by 130.95% and 132.86% under the I20 and I45 irrigation levels. Path analysis indicated that irrigation had a significant effect on the BA_S, V_S, AFP, and TGB of 6-year-old Populus tomentosa (p < 0.05), with the universality of irrigation being higher than that of fertilization. It is recommended to implement phased water and fertilizer management for Populus tomentosa plantations in the North China Plain. During 1–3 years of tree age, adequate irrigation should be ensured and nitrogen fertilizer application increased. Between the ages of 4 and 6, irrigation and fertilization should be ceased to reduce resource wastage. This work provides scientific guidance for water and fertilizer management in short-rotation plantations. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: To describe the effectiveness of alveolar ridge preservation under the radiological and histological analysis of a customized resorbable scaffold three-dimensionally printed with polycaprolactone (PCL) reinforced with a coating of a copolymer of polycaprolactone-block-polyethylene glycol (PCL–PEG) by electrospray. Case Presentation: A 62-year-old male with vertical root fractures of teeth #14 and #15. From the cone beam CT (CBCT) image, the scaffold root replicas were designed with the shape of the roots and printed with PCL coated with PCL–PEG by electrospray. The scaffold was inserted into the alveolar bone and maintained with a tension-free flap closure. After six months, a CBCT of the surgical site and histological analysis of a bone sample at the dental implant installation site were performed. After 6 months, the wound in tooth #14 was closed, clinically proving no adverse reaction or complications. The histological analysis of the bone sample showed new bone formation with lamellar structure, Haversian canal structure, and osteocyte spaces. However, the scaffold in tooth #15 was exposed and not osseointegrated, and it was covered with membranous tissue. Histologically, the sample showed tissue compatible with lax connective tissue with mixed inflammatory infiltrate. In tooth #14, the dental implant presented an insertion torque >35 Ncm and was rehabilitated three months after its installation. Conclusions: Three-dimensional printed PCL scaffolds showed the ability to regenerate vital and functional bone with osseointegration capability for maxillary bone regeneration and oral rehabilitation based on dental implants. A case of inadequate scaffold osseointegration accompanied by lax connective tissue formation is shown. Full article

The nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions were commonly used to improve plantation quality. However, the balance between nutrient uptake in the underground part and nutrient utilization in the aboveground part of Pinus elliottii (Slash pine) plantation in subtropical regions after N and P addition is still unclear. We conducted the experiment using a randomized complete block design with four treatments: N (50 kg N ha⁻² yr⁻¹, P (100 kg P ha⁻² yr⁻¹), NP (N + P), and a control (CK). Nutrient transport dynamics of underground (rhizosphere soil and roots) and aboveground (twigs and needles) parts of a 10-year-old Pinus elliottii plantations were evaluated. The trial was maintained for three consecutive growing seasons. The results showed that N and P additions significantly increased the N, P, and potassium (K) contents of soils and plant tissues in subtropical slash pine plantation forests, and showed a significant and gradual increase in interannual variations over the observation period (except for TN in soils, which increased first and then decreased). In terms of nutrient transport and reabsorption efficiency, N addition promoted the transport of elemental P from the translocating root system to the twigs, whereas P addition inhibited this process. P addition significantly increased the nitrogen reabsorption efficiency (NRE) of the needles, but decreased the phosphorus reabsorption efficiency (PRE), showing an element-specific response to the nutrient reabsorption process. Structural equation modeling further revealed that N or P addition had direct positive effects on soil N, P, and K content (path coefficients r: 0.54, 0.71, 0.41). N addition indirectly negatively affected N resorption efficiency (NRE) and K resorption efficiency (KRE) (r: −0.62, −0.51) but positively affected PRE (r: 0.44). Conversely, P addition had an indirect negative effect on PRE (r: −0.59). These results reveal that in subtropical regions, slash pine plantations adapt to N or/and P addition by adjusting nutrient absorption, transport, and resorption efficiency. This provided new insights into nutrient transport and distribution strategies in underground and aboveground parts of plants under N or/and P additions. Full article

The Cenozoic Nankang Basin in China records a complex series of tectonic, magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary events associated with the surrounding Shiwanshan, Liuwanshan, and Yunkaishan orogenic systems. The Nankang Basin is a critical location for studying the Cenozoic tectono–sedimentary evolution and strategic mineral resources of the southern Cathaysia Block. We used core samples from multiple boreholes and regional geological survey data to analyze the rock assemblages, sediment types, and sedimentary facies of the Nankang Basin. In addition, we analyzed the detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology, sandstone detrital compositions, heavy mineral assemblages, and major element geochemistry. The detrital zircon grains from Cenozoic sandstones in the Nankang Basin have age peaks at 2500–2000, 1100–900, 500–400, and 300–200 Ma, with most grains having ages of 500–400 or 300–200 Ma. The provenance analysis indicates that the 300–200 Ma zircon grains originated mainly from the Liuwanshan pluton; the 500–400 Ma zircon grains originated from the Ningtan pluton; and the 2500–2000 and 1100–900 Ma zircon grains originated from the Lower Silurian Liantan Formation and Middle Devonian Xindu Formation. This indicates that the provenance of Cenozoic sandstones in the Nankang Basin primarily originates from Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic igneous in the surrounding area, while the regional old sedimentary rocks possibly serve as intermediate sedimentary reservoirs. The detrital compositions of the sandstones and heavy mineral assemblages indicate a change in the tectonic setting during the deposition of the Nankang and Zhanjiang Formations, with a change in the source of the sediments due to the uplift of the Shizishan. During the deposition of the Nankang Formation, the sediment transport direction was to the NNW, whereas during the deposition of the Zhanjiang Formation, it was to the NNE. The uplift of the Shizishan most probably occurred during the late Neogene and early Quaternary, separating the Hepu and Nankang Basins. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Scimitar Syndrome is a rare congenital cardiopulmonary anomaly characterized by partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, often requiring early surgical correction. It may coexist with other congenital or acquired cardiovascular anomalies, including valvular diseases such as mitral regurgitation. When surgical correction of Scimitar Syndrome is combined with mitral valve annuloplasty, the proximity to the atrioventricular node may potentially predispose patients to late-onset conduction disturbances, although causality remains speculative. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 53-year-old male who developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and intermittent second-degree AV block decades after undergoing surgical correction of Scimitar Syndrome with concomitant mitral annuloplasty. Multimodal echocardiographic evaluation revealed preserved left atrial volume, normal intra-atrial conduction time, mildly reduced strain, and maintained atrial synchrony. The patient was treated with direct oral anticoagulants and beta-blockers and underwent the implantation of a ventricular leadless pacemaker. Conclusions: This case highlights the supportive role of atrial function imaging in assessing atrial health and informing rhythm management and procedural choices in surgically corrected congenital heart disease. Full article

Background: Aortic valve stenosis remains the most prevalent valvular pathology in Western countries. Rapid deployment bioprosthesis (RD) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional valves for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), particularly in elderly and high-risk patients. This study reports the short- and long-term outcomes of RD in patients with isolated aortic stenosis. Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted on 382 patients who underwent RD-AVR between 2014 and 2020. Data were collected from clinical files and national electronic databases. Primary outcomes included cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cross-clamping (XC) times, postoperative complications, and long-term survival. Results: The mean age was 75.6 ± 5.9 years, with 29.8% of patients over 80 years old and a mean EuroSCORE II of 2.3 ± 1.5%. CPB and XC times were 36.7 ± 10.8 and 27.4 ± 8.1 min, respectively. Postoperative complications included acute kidney injury (AKI, 53.4%), de novo atrial fibrillation (31.9%), and high-grade/complete atrioventricular block with permanent pacemaker implantation (9.8%). In-hospital and 30-day mortality was 1.02% and 2.3%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 77%. At 6 months postoperatively, the mean transvalvular gradient was 11.1 ± 4.7 mmHg. At a median follow-up of 6.7 years, no cases of structural valve deterioration and only one case of endocarditis were reported. Conclusion: In this single-center study, RD in isolated AVR demonstrated favorable short- and long-term outcomes, including no structural valve deterioration at mid-term follow-up. These devices offer a safe and effective alternative to conventional SAVR, particularly in high-risk populations. Full article

Background: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves responsible for the motor and sensory innervation of the upper limb. Variations in the formation and course of the brachial plexus are well documented, though combinations of multiple unilateral abnormalities are rare. The complex pathology of this structure nerve may result in clinical consequences. We present a unique set of brachial plexus abnormalities involving the C4–C6 nerve roots, superior and middle trunks, additional communicating branches, and delayed median nerve union. Case Presentation: During the routine dissection of a 70-year-old female cadaver, several unique variations in the brachial plexus anatomy were identified. The C4 root contributed to C5 before the superior trunk formed, resulting in a superior trunk composed of C4–C6. The C5 root was located anterior to the anterior scalene muscle, whereas C6 maintained its usual posterior position. Additionally, an anterior communicating branch from the middle trunk to the posterior cord was observed. A communicating branch between the lateral and medial cords split into two terminal branches: one merged with the ulnar nerve, and the other joined the medial contribution of the median nerve. The median nerve contributions from the lateral and medial cords merged approximately two inches above the elbow. Conclusions: This rare combination of brachial plexus anomalies has not been previously described in the literature and is of significant clinical relevance. The additional anterior communicating branch from the middle trunk may suggest potential flexor muscle innervation by the posterior cord, which typically innervates extensor muscles. Additionally, the delayed convergence of the median nerve may provide a protective mechanism in cases of midshaft humeral fracture. Awareness of these peripheral nerve abnormalities is important for diagnostic imaging, surgery, or peripheral nerve blocks. Knowledge of such variations is critical for clinicians managing upper limb pathologies. Full article