-
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Targeted herbicide application refers to precise application of herbicides in weed-infested areas according to the location and density of farmland weeds. At present,...
INTRODUCTION
Targeted herbicide application refers to precise application of herbicides in weed-infested areas according to the location and density of farmland weeds. At present, targeted herbicide application in wheat fields generally faces problems including the low herbicide adhesion rate, leading to omission and excessive loss of herbicides.
METHODS
To solve these problems, changes in the impact force of herbicide and the weed leaves in the operation process of a spraying system were studied from the interaction between weeds and herbicides applied. A dynamic model of weed leaves was established. On this basis, the research indicated that the herbicide adhesion rate is highest under spraying pressure of 0.4 MPa and flow rate of 0.011 kg/s when the spray height is 300 mm. To study the dynamic deformation of weed leaves and the distribution of liquid herbicides in the external flow field under weed-herbicide interaction, a dynamic simulation model of herbicide application was built using the finite element method.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results show that when the spray height is 300 mm, the maximum weed leaf deformation index (LDI) is 0.43 and the velocity in the external flow field is 0 m/s under spraying pressure of 0.4 MPa and flow rate of 0.011 kg/s. This finding indicates that the herbicide is not splashed elsewhere and the turbulence intensity in the weed area is 2%, implying steady flow of the herbicide, most of which can be retained on weed leaves. Field test results of application quality of the herbicide show that the maximum LDI is 0.41 and the coverage of the herbicide in the sheltered area below the leaves is 19.02% when the spraying pressure is 0.4 MPa, flow rate is 0.011 kg/s, and spray height is 300 mm. This solves the problem of a low rate of utilization of herbicides because the herbicide passes through weed plants, and achieves the precision herbicide application in wheat fields.
PubMed: 38947943
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1420649 -
Frontiers in Robotics and AI 2024Electrohydraulic soft actuators are a promising soft actuation technology for constructing bio-inspired underwater robots owing to the features of this technology such...
Electrohydraulic soft actuators are a promising soft actuation technology for constructing bio-inspired underwater robots owing to the features of this technology such as large deformations and forces, fast responses, and high electromechanical efficiencies. However, this actuation technology requires high voltages, thereby limiting the use of these actuators in water and hindering the development of underwater robots. This paper describes a method for creating bio-inspired underwater robots using silicone-layered electrohydraulic soft actuators. The silicone layer functions as an insulator, enabling the application of high voltages underwater. Moreover, bending and linear actuation can be achieved by applying the silicone layers on one or both sides of the actuator. As a proof of concept, bending and linear actuators with planar dimensions of 20 mm × 40 mm (length × width) are fabricated and characterized. Underwater actuation is observed in both types of actuators. The bending actuators exhibit a bending angle and blocked force of 39.0° and 9.6 mN, respectively, at an applied voltage of 10 kV. Further, the linear actuators show a contraction strain and blocked force of 6.6% and 956.1 mN, respectively, at an applied voltage of 10 kV. These actuators are tested at a depth near the surface of water. This ensured that they can operate at least at that depth. The actuators are subsequently used to implement various soft robotic devices such as a ray robot, a fish robot, a water-surface sliding robot, and a gripper. All of the robots exhibit movements as expected; up to 31.2 mm/s (0.91 body length/s) of locomotion speed is achieved by the swimming robots and a retrieve and place task is performed by the gripper. The results obtained in this study indicate the successful implementation of the actuator concept and its high potential for constructing bio-inspired underwater robots and soft robotics applications.
PubMed: 38947862
DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2024.1298624 -
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and... Jun 2024The treated clubfoot children are often evaluated clinically during follow-up. However, patient reported outcomes (PROM) are seldom analysed for these children. We...
OBJECTIVE
The treated clubfoot children are often evaluated clinically during follow-up. However, patient reported outcomes (PROM) are seldom analysed for these children. We investigated 87 idiopathic clubfoot children (140 feet) treated by the Ponseti method and followed minimum 5 years to study their clinical outcomes and PROM.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study, based on evaluating treated clubfoot children clinically (Pirani score) and PROM (Oxford Ankle and Foot Questionnaire - Parent Version) and comparing them with the age-matched healthy controls (n = 60). The questionnaire has four main domains related to the child's physical, school and play, emotional and footwear profile. The children having persistent deformity (residual/relapse) were specifically studied for their PROM scores.
RESULTS
The mean child age at initial treatment was 2.3 months and the mean follow-up duration was 6.9 years. The PROM score of clubfoot children was statistically lower than the healthy controls (p < 0.001). Of the individual domains, the physical domain was the most affected. On calculating the Pirani scores, 10 out of 140 feet (7 %) had some form of persistent deformity. The children with persistent deformity had lower Oxford scores than healthy children or those with corrected feet. The physical domain followed by the emotional domain scored low when persistent deformity was present.
CONCLUSIONS
Most children (98 %) had a plantigrade foot following Ponseti treatment at follow-up. However, PROM score of the clubfoot children did not correspond to the clinical outcome. Persistent deformity, even minor, was a cause of parental concern and resulted in a low PROM score.
PubMed: 38947857
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2024.102432 -
Cureus May 2024Kyphoscoliosis is a well-known spinal deformity. The abnormal curvature in both the coronal and sagittal planes presents unique challenges during pregnancy. This...
Kyphoscoliosis is a well-known spinal deformity. The abnormal curvature in both the coronal and sagittal planes presents unique challenges during pregnancy. This case discusses the management of a 27-year-old primigravida with thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis, who underwent an emergency cesarean section at 39.3 weeks of gestation. An interdisciplinary team consisting of an obstetrician, pulmonologist, orthopedic surgeon, anesthesiologist, and physiotherapist collaborated in her care. In such cases, successful outcomes require a tailored approach that prioritizes maternal-fetal well-being and minimizes potential complications associated with complex spinal deformity during pregnancy and childbirth.
PubMed: 38947712
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61269 -
Cureus May 2024Premature aging syndrome is a rare condition characterized by premature aging and death. The exact pathogenic mechanisms underlying most premature aging syndromes are...
Premature aging syndrome is a rare condition characterized by premature aging and death. The exact pathogenic mechanisms underlying most premature aging syndromes are poorly understood. Here, we describe two sibling cases of premature aging syndrome of unknown etiology, with no identified significant genetic mutation, with the primary symptom of a prematurely aged appearance, and a chief complaint of marked short stature. The first patient was an eight-year-old Cambodian boy born to a third-degree consanguineous marriage. He visited our hospital with the chief complaint of short stature. His development was originally normal until he developed pneumonia when he was three years old. Neither of his parents had any symptoms or family history of similar abnormalities, except for his five-year-old sister, who also has a markedly short stature of 80.4 cm and a low body weight of 8.7 kg. Her face showed distinct macrognathia and relative macrocephaly. The brother's low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was high (198 mg/dl), and brain magnetic resonance angiography and carotid ultrasound revealed severe atherosclerotic changes. Whole-exome sequencing results were insignificant for both patients. This case report aims to elucidate the pathogenesis and treatment of progeria. This report indicates the possibility of an unidentified type of premature aging syndrome.
PubMed: 38947695
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61300 -
Cureus May 2024Turner syndrome (TS), one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in females, often results in adult cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Information on...
INTRODUCTION
Turner syndrome (TS), one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in females, often results in adult cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Information on pediatric age is scarce. This study aimed to compare the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors in children with TS and healthy controls.
METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study comparing patients with TS to age-matched healthy controls, regarding cardiometabolic risk factors including lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, body composition, body mass index, blood pressure, and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT).
RESULTS
We included nine TS patients and nine controls with a median age of 13 years (9-14 years). Three TS patients and three controls were prepubertal. All TS patients received growth hormone treatment (GHT), median treatment of six years (3-10 years); four patients underwent treatment with estradiol. No statistically significant differences were detected between TS patients and controls regarding body mass index (BMI), cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. cIMT indexed to body surface area showed no significant differences between TS patients and controls (0.37 vs 0.35 mm/m, respectively, p=0.605). TS patients had lower body fat levels (7.2% vs 34.9%, p=0.004). On the other hand, TS patients had higher levels of systolic (z-score 1.04 vs -0.08, p=0.001) and diastolic (z-score 1.08 vs 0.33, p=0.031) blood pressure (BP) and aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferase levels (26 vs 20 U/L, p=0.008 and 19 vs 14 U/L, p=0.004, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Patients with TS, all submitted to GHT, had lower body fat levels compared with controls, despite similar BMI. Although we found no differences in cIMT between the two groups, young girls with TS had higher BP and transaminase levels. Early anthropometric, cardiovascular, and analytical monitoring of patients with TS is essential to detect abnormalities and prevent further complications.
PubMed: 38947673
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61439 -
Cureus May 2024A 59-year-old woman, who previously underwent surgery on her left long finger A1 pulley and left small finger distal interphalangeal joint for triggering and mallet...
A 59-year-old woman, who previously underwent surgery on her left long finger A1 pulley and left small finger distal interphalangeal joint for triggering and mallet deformity at another medical facility in March 2021, sought evaluation at an Orthopedics Hand clinic. She presented with limited finger movement, a flexion contracture, and difficulty extending her left long finger. Examination revealed an A2 pulley injury with extensive scar tissue. Subsequently, she underwent surgery to remove the scar tissue and reconstruct the A2 pulley using suture tape anchors. This case highlights the negative outcome following A1 pulley release due to an unintended A2 injury, resulting in significant scarring and an intrinsic plus digit posture. Additionally, it underscores the potential effectiveness of using non-absorbable synthetic sutures to minimize scarring and promote an early range of motion in cases where healing leads to excessive scarring around the flexor tendon sheath.
PubMed: 38947663
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61250 -
Cureus May 2024Leprosy is a chronic infection of the skin, eyes, and peripheral nerves due to the slow-growing, acid-fast bacillus . Devastating complications include Charcot...
Leprosy is a chronic infection of the skin, eyes, and peripheral nerves due to the slow-growing, acid-fast bacillus . Devastating complications include Charcot neuroarthropathy and insensate hands and feet. We present the case of an 81-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis and 50 years of polar lepromatous leprosy who suffered from bilateral collapsed arches, flat feet, and bone deformities of Charcot feet.
PubMed: 38947585
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61362 -
Clinical Case Reports Jul 2024Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by brain accumulation of a misfolded form of the cellular prion protein, whose diagnosis is challenging,...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by brain accumulation of a misfolded form of the cellular prion protein, whose diagnosis is challenging, particularly in early stages, due to the variability and nonspecificity of the clinical and radiological features. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emitted tomography has the potential to be considered a crucial investigation in these patients, revealing metabolic abnormalities earlier than the conventional neuroimaging analysis.
ABSTRACT
A 59-year-old man, the military officer, was referred to our Units for the onset of neurological symptoms rapidly evolving within a month, characterized by akinetic mutism, constructional apraxia, and disorders of spatial orientation. Brain 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron-emitted tomography (PET)/CT depicted an asymmetric hypometabolism in the left fronto-temporo-parietal cortex, as well as in the left thalamus and the right cerebellar hemisphere, while the glucose metabolism appears to be preserved in the somatosensory cortex and the basal ganglia. Laboratory routine analyses, cerebrospinal fluid routine, infective tests, electroencephalography (EEG), and brain magnetic resonance (MR) were all unremarkable. A positive RT-QuIC result on cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) was subsequently shown, without any pathogenic gene mutations and, therefore, the result was consistent with a diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeld-Jacob disease. The clinical evolution was quickly unfavorable, and the patient died about 4 months after hospital admission. FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) has the potential to be considered a crucial investigation in these patients, documenting metabolic changes long time before other diagnostic investigations such as CSF, EEG, brain CT, and brain MR, thus suggesting a greater sensitivity of glucose metabolic evaluation in the early stage of the disease in question.
PubMed: 38947537
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8974 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Colchicine is a common therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions such as gout, yet its narrow therapeutic range frequently results in cases of overdose and...
BACKGROUND
Colchicine is a common therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions such as gout, yet its narrow therapeutic range frequently results in cases of overdose and subsequent poisoning. Acute colchicine poisoning can be difficult to identify due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations, posing a diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians without a clear history of colchicine ingestion.
CASE PRESENTATION
This report describes a tragic case of acute colchicine poisoning that resulted in three familial homicides. The patients presented with fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which rapidly escalated to shock during their emergency department visits. Laboratory tests revealed a marked leukocytosis, mild elevation in procalcitonin (PCT), significantly elevated creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB levels, and liver function abnormalities. Despite treatment with carbapenem antibiotics and aggressive fluid resuscitation, the patients' condition deteriorated, marked by a progressive decline in leukocytes and neutrophils. Initially misdiagnosed as septic shock, the ineffectiveness of the standard treatment protocols led to a fatal outcome for all three individuals.
CONCLUSION
Emergency physicians should consider acute colchicine poisoning as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with shock and the following clinical indicators: (1) pronounced increase in peripheral leukocytes with a disproportionate rise in neutrophils; (2) discordance between the level of serum procalcitonin and the severity of presumed septic shock; (3) early increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB; (4) poor response to antibiotics and resuscitative efforts, accompanied by a continuous decrease in white blood cells and neutrophils. This case underscores the critical need for awareness of colchicine toxicity in the emergency setting, particularly when the clinical presentation mimics septic shock but fails to respond to standard treatments.
PubMed: 38947441
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32407