Nitrogen level impact on the production of double row fodder of maize

Maize is the most important crop in Mexico, being central to the diets of consumers, particularly smallholders, and an undetermined amount is allocated as straw, green fodder, and, to a lesser extent, as silage for animal feed. Nitrogen fertilizer is considered one of the most important factors affecting growth, grain yield, and maize biomass production. In this context, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on maize production. A randomized complete block experimental design consisted of three treatments of nitrogen (180, 160, and 80 kg/ha) with three replications and morphological (plant height, stem thickness, and rate of growth), yield, and yield components (cob weight, length, thickness, number of rows per cob, and plant biomass) variables were used. The results suggest that the increase in nitrogen levels increases all the parameters of maize production. However, at 160 kg/ha, the greatest production of fodder was recorded with 5.99 tons/ha, superior to the one reported at 180 kg/ha, which was 5.47 tons/ha. We conclude that the maize fodder production can be optimized with the use of 160 kg/ha in the conditions of the altiplano of San Luis Potosí (Mexico).

Clinical Comparative Study on the Treatment of Inferior Pole Fractures of Patella by Double-row Anchor Suture Bridge Technique Combined with Kirschner Wire Tension Band Internal Fixation

Objective: To investigate the method, technique and clinical efficacy of double-row anchor suture bridge technique in the treatment of inferior pole fractures of patella, and to compare it with traditional Kirschner wire tension band internal fixation. Methods: General information A total of 62 patients were enrolled in this study, including 35 males and 27 females, aged 31-80 years old, with an average of (53.2±4) years old. All the patients were divided into two groups by a random double-blind method: Group A (double-row anchor suture bridge technique group) and Group B (Kirschner wire tension band internal fixation group), with 32 cases and 30 cases in each group, respectively. The two techniques were performed by the same group of doctors to fix the fracture respectively, and the intraoperative bleeding, operation time, incidence of postoperative complications, knee function score, etc., were compared between the two techniques. Results: Group A (double-row anchor suture bridge technique group): operation time 56-80min, with an average of (60±10) min; intraoperative blood loss 30-56ml, with an average of (43±10) ml. All incisions healed in one stage and stitches were removed after 2 weeks. No complications such as incision infection, flap necrosis and nerve injury occurred. The average healing time of the fracture was 12 weeks. At the last follow-up, the Bostman score was (28.5±3.3), and the excellent rate was 93.7%. Group B (Kirschner wire tension band internal fixation group): operation time 54-76min, with an average of (56±10) min; intraoperative blood loss 31-50ml, with an average of (43±80) ml. One patient developed delayed incision healing postoperatively. Four patients experienced Kirschner wire withdrawal, one of which was accompanied by infection. Two patients were found to have mild separation of distal fracture fragments, despite the fracture being fine. The average healing time of the fracture was 13 weeks. At the last follow-up, the Bostman score was (23.5±3.3), and the excellent rate was 86.7%. Conclusion: Double-row anchor suture bridge technique is applied to inferior pole fractures of patella by virtue of its various effects, such as the complete preservation of the inferior pole fragments during the operation, satisfactory fracture reduction, firm fixation, and meeting patients’ requirements for early postoperative ambulation. This technology is superior to traditional Kirschner wire tension band internal fixation owing to its advantages of no need to take out the internal fixation, firm fixation, no need to worry about Kirschner wire withdrawal and fewer complications, and its clinical efficacy satisfaction rate is also better than traditional surgical methods. In short, double-row anchor suture bridge technique is an ideal surgical procedure for the treatment of the inferior pole fracture of patella with safety, reliability and high satisfaction.

Improved biomechanics in experimental chronic rotator cuff repair after shockwaves is not reflected by bone microarchitecture

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on bone microstructure as well as the bone-tendon-interface and the musculo-tendinous transition zone to explain the previously shown improved biomechanics in a degenerative rotator cuff tear animal model. This study hypothesized that biomechanical improvements related to ESWT are a result of improved bone microstructure and muscle tendon properties. Methods In this controlled laboratory study unilateral supraspinatus (SSP) tendon detachment was performed in 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats. After a degeneration period of three weeks, SSP tendon was reconstructed transosseously. Rats were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 16 per group): control (noSW); intraoperative shockwave treatment (IntraSW); intra- and postoperative shockwave treatment (IntraPostSW). Eight weeks after SSP repair, all rats were sacrificed and underwent bone microstructure analysis as well as histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results With exception of cortical porosity at the tendon area, bone microstructure analyses revealed no significant differences between the three study groups regarding cortical and trabecular bone parameters. Cortical Porosity at the Tendon Area was lowest in the IntraPostSW (p≤0.05) group. Histological analyses showed well-regenerated muscle and tendon structures in all groups. Immunohistochemistry detected augmented angiogenesis at the musculo-tendinous transition zone in both shockwave groups indicated by CD31 positive stained blood vessels. Conclusion In conclusion, bone microarchitecture changes are not responsible for previously described improved biomechanical results after shockwave treatment in rotator cuff repair in rodents. Immunohistochemical analysis showed neovascularization at the musculo-tendinous transition zone within ESWT-treated animals. Further studies focusing on neovascularization at the musculo-tendinous transition zone are necessary to explain the enhanced biomechanical and functional properties observed previously. Clinical relevance In patients treated with a double-row SSP tendon repair, an improvement in healing through ESWT, especially in this area, could prevent a failure of the medial row, which is considered a constantly observed tear pattern.

Distal Triceps Tendon Injury

Background: Triceps tendon ruptures typically result from a forceful elbow eccentric contraction. The goal of a distal triceps tendon repair is to reattach the torn tendon back to the olecranon. Surgery is indicated for patients with complete rupture of the triceps tendon or symptomatic partial tears with failed conservative management. The complication rate occurs in 22% of patients postoperatively; however, only 0% to 4% of patients suffer a re-rupture of the tendon. Indications: We present a case of a highly active 38-year-old right-hand dominant man with acute onset of left posterior elbow pain following 1-handed pushup resulting in a complete distal triceps avulsion with 1.5 cm retraction. Technique: The distal triceps avulsion was repaired in a double row fashion using 2 double-loaded all-suture anchors in the medial row and anchor in the lateral row through a posterior approach. Results: Full anatomic footprint coverage was able to be achieved intraoperatively, and gentle range of motion from 0 to 90 degrees of flexion did not result in gap formation. Discussion/Conclusion: Successful outcomes with full anatomic footprint coverage of the distal triceps tendon can be achieved through a double row repair configuration.

Yield of cocoa under different agroforestry systems in a dry tropical forest in western Colombia

The expansion and modernization of the cocoa area under new strategies, such as the use of adapted genetic material and the establishment of Agroforestry Systems with cocoa, under criteria of competitiveness and sustainability, require selecting sites with adequate biophysical conditions, which facilitate the optimization of resources for production. In this sense, we conducted a study in the Estación Agraria Cotové, of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, located in a tropical dry forest life zone (TDF), at 540 meters of elevation, with an average temperature of 27 ºC, average annual precipitation annual of 1,031 mm and relative humidity less than 70 %. The yield components and productive potential of four cocoa clones, ICS 95, TSH565, CCN 51, and ICS 60, were evaluated. The cocoa clones were planted under two controlled sunlight habitats, generated by the timber species Gmelina arborea Roxb. (single-row and double-row arrangement), and two different canopy management of the cocoa plants (plagiotropic and orthotropic growth stimulus). The clones TSH 565 and CCN 51 showed the highest yields in the two harvest years. ICS 95 showed the lowest bean index. Regarding the pod index, no differences were observed between the cocoa clones. Clones TSH 565 and CCN 51 stood out as the earliest and most productive clones.

The Addition of a Krackow Rip Stop Suture Augment After Achilles Tendon Debridement for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Biomechanical Study

Background In the operative treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy, the Achilles tendon is often released from its insertion to allow for adequate debridement of pathologic tissue. The use of a double row suture anchor construct has become increasingly favorable among surgeons after Achilles tendon debridement. This study hypothesized that the addition of a Krackow rip stop suture augment to the double row suture anchor construct would increase the repair’s maximum load to failure. A biomechanically stronger repair would potentially decrease the risk of catastrophic failure with early weight-bearing or accidental forced dorsiflexion after operative management for insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Methods Fourteen cadaveric specimens were used to compare the 2 repair techniques. Achilles tendons were debrided and repaired using either a double row suture anchor with and without the additional Krackow rip stop suture augment. The 2 repair techniques were compared using an axial-torsion testing system to measure average load to failure. Results The average load to failure for the double row suture anchor repair alone was 152.00 N. The average load to failure for the tendons with the double row suture anchor with the Krackow rip stop augment was 383.08 N. An independent-samples Mann-Whitney U-test was conducted and the suture anchor plus Krackow augment group had a significantly higher load to failure ( P = .011, Mann-Whitney U = 5.00, n1 = n2 = 7, P < .05, 2-tailed). Conclusion This study confirmed that the addition of a Krakow rip stop augment to the double row suture anchor is able to increase the maximum load to failure when compared to the double row suture anchor alone. These results suggest the potential of this added technique to decrease the risk of catastrophic failure.

Colonic invagination anastomosis in surgery of complicated forms of diverticular disease

AIM: to evaluate the prospects of using a colorectal invaginated anastomosis in patients with complicated diverticular disease (CDD).PATIENTS AND METHODS: during the period from 2014 to 2020, colorectal invaginated anastomosis, was used in 42 patients: 18 patients with CDD and 20 patients with colorectal cancer for stoma closure after Hartmann’s procedure. The comparison group consisted of 24 patients with CDD and 20 patients with colorectal cancer for stoma closure after Hartmann’s procedure: colorectal anastomosis was created here using traditional double-row handsewn technique. All patients underwent surgery with open access, while the primary anastomosis was performed in 20 (47.6%) patients, and in 22 (52.4%) patients of the group underwent stoma takedown.RESULTS: no anastomosis leakage developed in the main group. Moreover, the presence of single small diverticula with a diameter of 2–3 mm near the area of the anastomosis was not an indication to extend the resection borders. In the control group, in 13 (54.2%) patients, small diverticula were detected in the anastomosis are as well and required to expand the proximal border of resection. In this group, anastomosis leakage occurred in 2 (6.8%) patients with diverticular disease and required Hartmann’s procedure.CONCLUSION: the colorectal invaginated anastomosis is justified for patients with CDD during stoma takedown because it minimizes the risk of anastomosis leakage.