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The article discusses the comparison between surgery and biologics for treating nasal polyposis in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Biologics like dupilumab, mepolizumab, and omalizumab have emerged as effective treatments, with dupilumab showing strong performance in various endpoints compared to surgery. While surgery may improve certain symptoms like nasal congestion and polyp size, biologics offer benefits in terms of symptom relief and objective outcomes. Cost-effectiveness and long-term safety considerations suggest that surgery may still play a crucial role in treating nasal polyposis, with individual patient needs guiding treatment decisions. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Fibrinolytic agents (FA) activate the fibrinolytic system, converting plasminogen into plasmin to break down fibrin. Their use for irrigation of abdominal abscesses is debated, and this meta‐analysis evaluates their efficacy. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing FA and saline in percutaneous drainage of abdominal abscesses. Outcomes included length of hospitalization, duration of drainage, and drainage volume. We pooled mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random‐effects model. We also performed a trial sequential analysis (TSA). Results: We included six RCTs encompassing 299 patients. In the overall analysis, FA increased drainage volume (MD 104.25 mL; 95% CI 35.72–172.77 mL; p = 0.003; I2 = 0%). In children, saline reduced hospitalization duration (MD −1.26 days; 95% CI −1.98 to −0.55 days; p = 0.0006; I2 = 0%), whereas FA increased drainage volume (MD 84.66 mL; 95% CI 5.77–153.54 mL; p = 0.04; I2 = 0%). In adults, FA significantly reduced hospitalization duration (MD −11.12 days; 95% CI −15.16 to −7.08 days; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) and duration of drainage (MD −6.53 days; 95% CI −9.25 to −3.81 days; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) while increasing drainage volume (MD 164.47 mL; 95% CI 26.16–302.78 mL; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%). On TSA, the required information size was achieved only for the adult subgroup's hospitalization and drainage duration. Conclusion: In adults, FA reduce hospitalization and drainage duration and increase drainage volume. In children, saline seems more effective in reducing hospitalization duration, while FA increase drainage volume. These findings underscore the need for age‐specific treatments and further research, especially in the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have attracted attention; they emphasize on avoiding intraoperative hypothermia while performing lumbar fusion surgery. However, none of the studies have reported the protocol for determining the temperature of saline irrigation during biportal endoscopic spine surgery (BESS) procedure. This study evaluated the effectiveness of warm saline irrigation during BESS in acute postoperative pain and inflammatory reactions. Materials and methods: Fifty-five patients who underwent BESS procedure were retrospectively analyzed for the incidence of perioperative hypothermia (< 36oC), postoperative inflammatory factors (white blood cells (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum amyloid A (SAA)), and clinical outcomes (back visual analog scale (VAS) score, postoperative shivering). The patients were divided into the warm and cold saline irrigation groups. Results: Hemoglobin, WBC, ESR, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-muscle brain levels did not significantly differ between the warm and cold saline groups. The mean CRP, IL-6, and SAA levels were significantly higher in the cold saline group than in the warm saline group (p = 0.0058, 0.0028, and 0.0246, respectively); back VAS scores were also higher with a statistically significant difference until two days postoperatively (p < 0.001). During the entire procedure, the body temperature was significantly lower in the cold saline irrigation group, but the hypothermia incidence rate significantly differed 30 min after the operation was started. Conclusions: Using warm saline irrigation during BESS is beneficial for early recovery after surgery, as it is associated with reduced postoperative pain and complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice growth and yield response to salinity can be influenced by the duration and the timing of salt stress. The present study tested the effects of saline water irrigation from vegetative growth to maturity on rice growth and yield and ion concentrations in the straw and root and related them to changes in soil salinity and soil solute potential. The treatments consisted of five levels of saline water irrigation (electrical conductivity ~0.25 (control), 4, 6, 8, and 10 dS m-1) with two rice cultivars (BRRI dhan67 and BRRI dhan99) grown in pots in a rain shelter. Grain weight per pot, dry straw weight, and root weight were significantly reduced with increasing water salinity, but BRRI dhan99 was less affected. With prolonged saline water irrigation, salt concentration increased in the soil and lowered the soil solute potential. Increased saline water induced higher concentrations of Na+ in the straw (527–1200 mmol kg-1 at 4–10 dS m-1) relative to the root. By contrast, higher Cl- concentrations accumulated in the root than in the straw. The decrease of K+ in the straw and root for increasing salinity was inconsistent, but the Na+/K+ ratio sharply increased in the straw with higher water salinity. The increased Na+/K+ explained most grain weight loss due to higher salinity (R2 = 0.93) followed by Na+ (R2 = 0.87) and Cl-1 (R2 = 0.53). We conclude that the prolonged saline water irrigation has a cumulative effect on root zone salinity and solute potential that depresses grain yield in rice by increasing the Na+/K+ ratio in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Materials and Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate the relationship between renal pelvis pressure and infection after ureteroscopy, using a live swine model.In anaesthetised pigs, a 1‐h ureteroscopy was performed using a pressure‐sensing guidewire, with renal pelvis pressure maintained at either 37 mmHg or 75 mmHg for the entire procedure and infusion with saline alone or with a standardised concentration of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain CFT073 (1.5 × 107 colony‐forming units [CFU]/mL). Venous blood sampling was performed during and after the procedure. Vital signs, inflammatory biomarkers, and renal tissue and blood cultures were assessed.In 21 pig kidneys, study groups were: 37 mmHg with saline irrigation (n = 3); 75 mmHg with saline irrigation (n = 4); 37 mmHg with saline irrigation with 1.5 × 107 CFU/mL E. coli (n = 7); and 75 mmHg with saline irrigation with 1.5 × 107 CFU/mL E. coli (n = 7). Statistically significant changes in inflammatory biomarkers were most pronounced in the group with 75 mmHg saline irrigation + E. coli and were significantly elevated compared with the control group and the group receiving E. coli irrigation at 37 mmHg. Positive blood cultures were noted in 5/7 animals treated with E. coli at 75 mmHg; no others developed bacteraemia.In this swine model of ureteroscopy, irrigation with saline + E. coli at a renal pelvis pressure of 75 mmHg resulted in bacteraemia and inflammatory biomarker elevations significantly greater than both E. coli irrigation with renal pelvis pressure maintained at 37 mmHg and the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aims Study Design Results Conclusions Relevance to Clinical Practice Evidence suggests that 8%–10% of ICU patients receive renal replacement therapy. However, there is a high rate of unplanned CRRT interruption, ranging between 17% and 74%. Studies on unplanned interruption of CRRT mainly focused on the retrospective investigation of related risk factors and conclusions have been diverse.This article aims to clarify the main influencing factors related to unplanned interruption of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in adult patients in intensive care units (ICUs).A literature review and meta‐analysis were undertaken. Following the application of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS), a total of 15 articles were included in a total of 2132 patients who underwent 3690 CRRT procedures and 2181 unplanned interruption times. The methodological guideline of a scoping review was applied for the evidence synthesis while applying the meta‐analysis quantitative methodological guideline to identify and clarify main influencing factors related to unplanned interruption of CRRT. The reporting Prisma Protocol was followed.Longer filter life and prothrombin activation time, higher red blood cell count, greater transmembrane pressure, faster blood flow rate, intermittent saline irrigation, lower creatinine level, low prothrombin activity and pre‐dilution are factors identified to potentially affect unplanned CRRT in ICU patients.Available evidence suggests four clinical challenges associated with unplanned CRRT interruption, namely: (a) effects of red blood cell count, filter life, cross‐mode pressure, blood flow velocity, prothrombin activity and activated partial thrombin time on unplanned interruption; (b) influence of dilution mode on unplanned interruption; (c) influence of intermittent saline irrigation on unplanned interruption; (d) influence of Scr level on unplanned interruption.The potential to increase the ability to better manage unplanned CRRT in ICUs has been identified in this article and constitutes a relevant potential health care management contribution that can be implemented by nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the advantageous effects of using magnetic and electromagnetic treatment (ET) of brackish and saline waters on soil salinity reduction in the root zone were largely reported, more studies are needed to answer questions about the soil salt leaching efficiency and the effect of the duration of the exposure to ET. For this aim, pot experiments were conducted using an Aqua-4DR physical water treatment device. The first experiment included two trials. The first trial considered five concentrations: C0:1.0; C1:4.5; C2:9; C3:13.5; and C4:18 dS m−1. The results revealed that the volume and the salt concentrations of the drained waters were significantly higher under irrigation with ET saline waters than those provided by untreated waters. The drained fraction of water varied from 20 to 26% under irrigation with untreated water and increased from 33 to 56% under irrigation with electro-magnetized water, indicating an improvement in the salt leaching. The second trial was carried out with different irrigation doses. The results showed that the higher the dose, the more obvious and significant the ET effect. The different treatment durations of water exposure revealed that the volume and salinity of drained water significantly increase as the ET duration increases. An increase in the ET duration also induces an increase in the soil water content of around 2.5%. Based on the experimental findings, we may conclude that the ET of saline water can reduce the adverse effect of salinity on the top soil, but these leached salts are carried away in depth and there is no concentration limit of water to the effect of the ET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis (XO) is a rare disease characterized radiologically by an osteolytic lesion with cortical expansion or disruption. Differentiating this condition from other osteolytic diseases such as primary or metastatic bone neoplasms is imperative. Several case reports have been published on XO, with previous reports predominantly identifying bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus as causative organisms. However, fungal infection-induced XO has not yet been reported. Case presentation: We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with a tumor-like osteolytic lesion in the pubic bone. The patient had experienced pelvic pain and intermittent febrile episodes for 2 months. Plain radiography revealed an osteolytic lesion in the right pubic tubercle. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a cystic bone tumor or tubercular infection. Surgical intervention included curettage of the lesion and irrigation with normal saline. Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed abundant foamy histiocytes with inflammatory infiltrates consistent with XO. Culture of the osteolytic lesion confirmed an Aspergillus species infection and antifungal treatment was initiated. At 1-year follow-up, no evidence of local recurrence was observed. Conclusions: Although rare, XO requires differentiation from similar conditions and is treated with surgical intervention and targeted medical therapy based on the identified organisms. Clinicians should be mindful that XO can also be induced by fungal infections and that combination antifungal treatments may be beneficial in such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating population growth has spurred a demand for increased oilseed production, necessitating urgent attention. However, the expansion of saline‐affected regions posed a significant obstacle to maintain peanut productivity in these areas. Thus, to tackle the productivity decline in saline‐affected regions, we investigated whether substituting polythene mulch with straw mulch, as part of an agronomic management strategy, could mitigate the rapid decrease in peanut productivity. Three mulching methods (control, polythene mulch and straw mulch) were employed to cultivate the crop (cv. TG 37A) under salinity levels of 0.5, 2, 4 and 6 dS m−1. As salinity levels increased, there was a notable decrease in germination percentage, growth, yield and biochemical characteristics, including pod and haulm yields were reported. Despite salinity reduced free amino acids and oil content, it exhibited significant increase in protein and sugar content. Saline irrigation water led to a reduction in pod yield, haulm yield and oil content by 24.67%, 23.84% and 5.07%, respectively, at a salinity level of 6.0 dS m−1 compared to the control with 0.5 dS m−1 salinity. Moreover, straw mulching resulted in a boost in pod yield, haulm yield and oil content by 30.09%, 4.83% and 1.75%, respectively, compared to the control. The reduction in pod yield and oil content under the interaction of mulching and salinity was 46.44% and 6.87% at M0S6, 21.42% and 4.44% at M1S6, and 7.55% and 3.87% at M2S6 compared to M0S0, M1S0 and M2S0, respectively. A similar trend was also observed in 100‐pod weight, 100‐kernel weight and shelling percentage. Accordingly, it was concluded that the declining trend in all attributes under straw mulching at various salinity levels surpassed polythene mulching, ensuring superior peanut production under salinity stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the recovery of alveolar bone after surgical removal of the mandibular third molars. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched from the inception to February 2023 for relevant studies on the application of PRF after the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars, with the language limited to English. Literature screening was conducted by two independent researchers. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was adopted for quality evaluation, and Stata 15.0 was used for statistical analysis. A total of 33 randomized controlled trials were included in the present study. Following surgical removal of the mandibular third molars, 1139 tooth sockets were filled with PRF, while 1138 sockets were sutured after conventional saline irrigation. The meta-analyses showed that PRF can relieve pain [(RR 0.454; 95% CI 0.23, 0.891); (SMD −0.74; 95% CI −0.97, 0.52)], improve swelling (SMD −1.48; 95% CI −1.90, −1.06), alleviate trismus (SMD −0.35; 95% CI −0.51, −0.19), reduce dry socket (SMD −0.18; 95% CI −030, −0.05), and promote bone tissue healing (SMD 2.34; 95% CI 0.18, 4.51). The current study confirms that PRF can reduce some postoperative complications. Local application of PRF after lower third molar extraction is a viable method for relieving pain and swelling, reducing the incidence of dry socket and trismus, and increasing bone density. However, whether it can promote soft tissue healing remains unclear. For patients undergoing complicated surgical extraction, local application of PRF into the sockets might be a good option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crops' water requirement is generally higher than the annual average precipitation in arid environments characterized by scarce freshwater resources. While using saline water for irrigation can help sustain agriculture in water-stressed regions, several challenges arises concerning productivity and soil salinization. However, adoption of efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation, irrigation scheduling, and deficit irrigation can help optimize water productivity and mitigate salinity problems in irrigated agriculture. In southern Tunisia, potato is considered among the main cultivated horticultural crops due to its high economic value while it is considered as a crop sensitive to salinity. This crop (cv. Spunta) was the subject of long-term studies (2002-2020) conducted during the fall period in the arid region of Médenine. The crop response to full and deficit irrigation with saline water was assessed for several seasons under contrasting climatic conditions. Scheduling using the soil water balance (SWB) method consisted of the total and/or partial replacement of accumulated crop evapotranspiration (ETc), as derived from climatic data and crop coefficients. The impact of decreasing amounts of irrigation waters on crop yield and soil salinity with waters having a salinity ranging between 3 and 7 dS m-1 was evaluated. Results showed improvements in yield (30% to 37%) obtained with the SWB strategy under actual farming conditions, supporting the use of this strategy for irrigation. Appropriate scheduling also seems to be a key element in saving water (15%-22%) and in reducing risks of soil salinization. In the dry environment of southern Tunisia, optimum supply seems to correspond to a replacement of 100% to approximately 70%-80% of ETc. Applying such irrigation levels resulted in a lower salinity buildup in the root zone and higher crop water productivity. Natural salt leaching seems to be more effective under a more humid soil profile. Yield decreases and soil salinity increases almost linearly (r² = 0.60) with decreasing irrigation water amounts. Future work should focus on the integration of management practices when using saline water. Investigating the relationship and interaction between irrigation amounts, cultivar, fertilizer supply, and salt leaching will help in resolving productivity and environmental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing soil and water salinity threatens global agriculture, particularly affecting rice. This study investigated the residual effects of microbial biochar and nitrogen fertilizer in mitigating salt stress in paddy soil and regulating the biochemical characteristics of rice plants. Two rice varieties, Shuang Liang You 138 (SLY138), a salt-tolerant, and Jing Liang You 534 (JLY534), a salt-sensitive, were grown under 0.4 ds/m EC (S0) and 6.84 ds/m EC (S1) in a glass house under controlled conditions. Three types of biochar—rice straw biochar (BC), fungal biochar (BF), and bacterial biochar (BB)—were applied alongside two nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates (60 kg ha−1 and 120 kg ha−1) in a previous study. The required salinity levels were maintained in respective pots through the application of saline irrigation water. Results showed that residual effects of microbial biochars (BF and BB) had higher salt mitigation efficiency than sole BC. The combination of BB and N fertilizer (BB + N120) significantly decreased soil pH by 23.45% and Na+ levels by 46.85%, creating a more conducive environment for rice growth by enhancing beneficial microbial abundance and decreasing pathogenic fungi in saline soil. Microbial biochars (BF and BB) positively improved soil properties (physicochemical) and biochemical and physiological properties of plants, ultimately rice growth. SLY138 significantly had a less severe response to salt stress compared to JLY534. The mitigation effects of BB + N120 kg ha−1 were particularly favorable for SLY138. In summary, the combined residual effect of BF and BB with N120 kg ha−1, especially bacterial biochar (BB), played a positive role in alleviating salt stress on rice growth, suggesting its potential utility for enhancing rice yield in paddy fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to investigate the optimal use of high-salt water for alfalfa fodder growth and quality in Aridisol. The experiment included five treatments and was performed using a completely randomized design (CRD) as factorial design with three replications. We used a leaching fraction technique (LF), which is a mitigating technique (MT). The five treatments were T1 = MT1 as normal irrigation (control), T2 = MT2 as a leaching fraction (LF) of 15% with the same quality of water, T3 = MT3 as a LF of 30% with the same quality of water, T4 = MT4 as a LF of 15% with good-quality water (as percentage of total water), in the form of 2–3 irrigations every 3 months, and T5 = MT5 as a LF of 30% with good-quality water (as percentage of total water), in the form of 2–3 irrigations every 3 months. The duration of the experiment was three years and normal soil (non-saline, non-sodic) was used in the current study. Results showed that saline water irrigation negatively affected the growth traits, but the application of the LF technique with same-quality or good-quality water mitigated such negative effects. The fodder quality traits such as crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF) and ashes were also affected in a negative way with the use of saline irrigation water. This negative impact was more intensified in the third year as the concentration of salts increased in saline water during the three years of the current investigation. A LF with canal water at 15 or 30% reduced the negative effects of salt stress and improved fodder biomass production and quality traits. For examples, using a LF with canal water at 30% increased the biomass production to 33.30 g and 15.87 g when plants were irrigated with W1 and W5, respectively. In addition, it improved quality traits such as crude protein content (5.54% and 3.73%) and crude fiber content (14.55% and 12.75%) when plants were irrigated with W1 and W5, respectively. It was concluded that the LF technique can be recommended for practice in the case of saline water irrigation for the optimized growth and quality of alfalfa fodder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: The combination of the effects of drought stress and soil salinity causes a severe limitation in the production of agricultural crops. Irrigation with saline water has caused the expansion of more saline lands. Salt tolerant genotypes are very important in the development of agricultural systems suitable for saline lands. Soil salinity through soil amendment and or the cultivation of tolerant crops can be adjusted. Of course, soil amendment is a costly process and the cultivation of tolerant species and varieties is the most practical solution in conditions where soil salinity is low. It is clear that the genotypes show a significant difference in response to salinity stress. One of the ways to deal with salinity is to select and find salinity-tolerant cultivars through the use of breeding methods. It is also possible to select and modify salinity-tolerant species in some fodder plants of temperate regions. This research was modified, with the aim of evaluation of selected barley genotypes from past years' experiments, under salinity stress conditions and identification and introduction of tolerant genotypes and direct and indirect use of them in breeding programs. Materials and methods: In this experiment, the genotypes were evaluated during two crop years in the form of a rectangular lattice design with three replications at the research station of South Khorasan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center, Birjand. The experiment was conducted under normal conditions and salt stress separately. In order to compare these genotypes with modified cultivars, six cultivated barley cultivars, including two salinity-tolerant controls, including Mehr and Khatam cultivars and the semisensitive Yusuf control, were also included in the experiments (Table 1). In addition to evaluating the phenological traits of days to flowering and days to maturity, the traits of plant height, seed yield, and 1,000-seed weight were recorded. Stress indices including stress tolerance index (STI) were calculated based on grain yield in barley genotypes. Results and discussion: The combined analysis of phenological, morphological and agronomic traits in the evaluated genotypes in two cropping years and two normal conditions and salinity stress showed that the interaction effect of year, salinity stress and genotype on the traits is significant. This showed that the reaction of genotypes was different in different years and different salinity conditions, so the results in different years were analyzed separately. In the salt research station in the first year of the experiment, genotypes number 31 (TN4006), 30 (TN3947), 50 (TN5008) and 28 (TN3646) along with Yusuf, Nusrat and Gohran cultivars, in terms of agronomic traits and stress indices were superior. While in the second year, the top genotypes were genotypes No. 44 (TN4904), 25 (TN3477), 23 (TN3470) and 32 (TN4104) along with Nimroz and Mehr cultivars. Conclusion: The information related to the trend of temperature changes and rainfall in different months in Birjand showed that the amount of rainfall was significantly higher in the first year of the experiment. In addition to reducing the salinity of the soil by adjusting the temperature, it reduces the amount of evaporation and transpiration and the intensity of the salinity stress. Therefore, it seems that the level of salinity stress was milder in the first year and more intense in the second year, and this was also observed in the stress intensity index. Based on this, the difference in the results in the two years of the experiment can be justified, in other words, in the first year, tolerant genotypes were introduced in mild stress and in the second year, tolerant genotypes were introduced in severe stress. Overall, these results showed that climate changes in different years have a great impact on the response of genotypes to salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Summary With global weather patterns becoming more extreme and unpredictable, sourcing reliable irrigation water is vital for improving food security and conserving drinking water in drought‐prone areas. Emerging desalination technologies, which are still in the development phase, could potentially provide large quantities of slightly saline water for irrigation. However, we must first ensure that any benefits of alleviating drought using this water outweigh the negative impacts of salt stress. We examine the viability of such a system, using Tonga as a case study, with the aim of advocating for future use of emerging desalination technologies for irrigation in low‐ and middle‐income countries.Emerging desalination technologies have the potential to be a cheap and energy‐efficient source of irrigation water that could be used to alleviate short‐term droughts in low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, the water produced is unlikely to be completely salt‐free, potentially increasing the risk of salt stress in crops. In this review, we give an overview of the various emerging desalination technologies. We then use Tonga as a case study for assessing the viability of temporarily irrigating crops with moderately saline water (≤100 mM salt) and assess whether the benefits of alleviating drought outweigh the negative impacts of salt stress. We conclude that, in Tonga, important food security crops are likely to have higher survival and growth rates if they are provided with moderately saline water during drought, including taro, pumpkin and yam. Water derived using the new technologies would not be prohibitively expensive to produce. Moreover, it would minimise the need to divert a diminishing supply of water away from drinking to irrigation. The continued improvement of emerging desalination technologies, together with field trials, will help to optimise the use of moderately saline water for irrigation. This is likely to be especially beneficial for achieving and maintaining food security in low‐ and middle‐income countries in increasingly capricious conditions for agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although peroral cholangioscopy has improved the endoscopic treatment of difficult stones, the treatment of intrahepatic stones remains challenging. The incidence of cholangitis is high when peroral cholangioscopy is used to treat intrahepatic stones. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment with peroral cholangioscopy for intrahepatic and common bile duct stones. Methods: Patients aged ≥20 years, who underwent endoscopic treatment with peroral cholangioscopy for intrahepatic or common bile duct stones at Tottori University Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022, were retrospectively evaluated to determine the efficacy and safety of the treatment. Results: Overall, 70 patients were included in this study: 22 in the intrahepatic stone group and 48 in the common bile duct stone group. Stones were smaller (8 vs. 17.5 mm, p < 0.001) and more numerous (p = 0.016) in the intrahepatic stone group than in the common bile duct stone group. Although the common bile duct stone group exhibited a higher rate of complete stone clearance in the first session, no significant differences were observed in the final results. The intrahepatic stone group had a higher incidence of cholangitis (36% vs. 8%, p = 0.007); however, all cases were mild. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment with peroral cholangioscopy for intrahepatic stones may be associated with a higher incidence of cholangitis than that for common bile duct stones. Since saline irrigation may contribute to the development of cholangitis, it is important to be aware of intraductal bile duct pressure when performing peroral cholangioscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afforestation with native trees can enhance the conversion of degraded saline lands into productive landscapes with considerable economic and environmental benefits. To identify the native salt‐resistant species for restoration, we investigated how salinity affects the growth and water status of sapling from two Neltuma species from the Monte region. We produced Neltuma flexuosa and Neltuma chilensis saplings using seeds harvested from native forests with multiple provenances (Fiambalá, Chilecito, Mogna, Pipanaco, Talampaya, and Andalgalá). We conducted a greenhouse trial in which 810 saplings of different species/provenance combination received one of three saline irrigations, that is, sodium chloride solutions of 0.01 (no stress), 0.10 (moderate stress), and 0.25 M (severe stress). We found that Neltuma saplings exhibited varying degrees of reduction in their growth (plant height and aboveground biomass) and water status (e.g., stomatal conductance and leaf water potential) traits with increasing salt stress. N. flexuosa‐Fiambalá and N. flexuosa‐Chilecito were the most tolerant and sensitive, respectively, while all provenances of N. chilensis showed intermediate tolerance to salinity. These results suggest that N. flexuosa displays highly variable plasticity to salt stress compared to N. chilensis, emphasizing the need to select appropriate provenances for afforestation in saline‐degraded areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a major problem, impeding soil productivity, agricultural sustainability, and food security, particularly in dry regions. This study integrates quinoa, a facultative halophyte, into a pomegranate-based agroforestry with saline irrigation in northeast Morocco. We aim to explore this agroforestry model's potential in mitigating salinity's effects on quinoa's agronomic and biochemical traits and evaluate the land equivalent ratio (LER). Field experiments in 2020 and 2021 used a randomized block design with three replicates, including monocropping and agroforestry systems, two salinity levels (1.12 and 10.5 dS m−1), four quinoa genotypes (Titicaca, Puno, ICBA-Q4, ICBA-Q5), and a pomegranate control. Salinity significantly decreased total dry matter (40.5%), root dry matter (50.7%), leaf dry matter (39.2%), and root-to-shoot ratio (7.7%). The impact was more severe in monoculture than in agroforestry, reducing dry matter (47.6% vs. 30.7%), grain yield (46.3% vs. 26.1%), water productivity (47.5% vs. 23.9%), and total sugar (19.2% vs. 5.6%). LER averaged 1.86 to 2.21, indicating 86–121% higher productivity in agroforestry. LER averaged 1.85 at 1.12 dS m−1 and 2.18 at 10.5 dS m−1, reaching 2.21 with pomegranate-ICBA-Q5 combination. Quinoa–pomegranate agroforestry emerges as an innovative strategy, leveraging quinoa's salt resistance and agroforestry's potential to mitigate salinity impacts while enhancing land use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The World Health Organization declared an end to the global emergency status of COVID-19 in May of 2023. However, the impact of COVID-19 is far from over. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to experience physiological, psychological, or cognitive symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and loss of smell or taste, known as long COVID. This review aims to describe the clinical characteristics of the upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) caused by SARS-CoV-2, and provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection by using nasal irrigation. COVID-19 and nasal irrigation: Nasal irrigation presents a promising adjunct to standard COVID-19 prevention and treatment protocols. This practice is theorized to diminish viral presence in the upper respiratory tract, a region identified as a primary site for SARS-CoV-2 replication and shedding. By facilitating the removal of viral particles and enhancing mucociliary clearance, nasal irrigation could potentially lessen the severity of URTI symptoms and slow transmission rates. The review consolidates current evidence of the efficacy and safety of this approach across various populations, underscoring its practicality in both preventive and therapeutic contexts. Conclusions: We recommend that saline nasal irrigation is an effective, safe and convenient strategy to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and alleviate the symptoms of URTI across various age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicylic acid (SA) and melatonin (MEL) are affordable and effective phytohormones that help mitigate environmental stress. However, the combined benefits of SA and MEL in managing salt and drought stress in lettuce have not been evaluated. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar spraying with 1.0 mM SA and 100 µM MEL, either alone or in combination, to enhance lettuce yield, growth, photosynthetic pigments, mineral status, quality, and antioxidant response under four different irrigation regimes. The irrigation practices used were: full irrigation (FI, irrigated with 0.18 dS m −1 at 100 % field capacity [FC]), deficit irrigation (DI, irrigated with 0.18 dS m −1 at 75 % FC), saline irrigation (SW, irrigated with 2.5 dS m −1 at 100 % FC), and deficit saline irrigation (DSW, irrigated with 2.5 dS m −1 at 75 % FC). Additionally, a control treatment (CK) was carried out with foliar application of distilled water and irrigation at 0.18 dS m −1. Compared to the CK, the application of SA, MEL, and SA+MEL increased evapotranspiration by 4.3 %, 8.6 %, and 15.1 %, and yield by 10.2 %, 16.4 %, and 23.8 %, respectively, under FI conditions. Furthermore, the joint application of SA and MEL at FI showed 25.3 % and 20.2 % higher K +/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios, respectively, compared to the CK. Additionally, the co-application of SA+MEL improved chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid levels by 19.2 %, 17.2 %, and 20.4 %, respectively, under FI conditions, compared to the CK. Exogenous application of SA, MEL, and SA+MEL also improved total soluble solids by 17.3 %, 18.5 %, and 11.1 % and reduced nitrate content by 9.7 %, 10.4 %, and 13.5 % in lettuce under FI conditions, compared to the CK. The application of SA+MEL together resulted in a more pronounced increase in vitamin C content compared to supplying SA and MEL individually. Moreover, under DSW conditions, exogenous application of SA, MEL, and SA+MEL decreased the membrane stability index by 13.7 %, 9.4 %, and 6.3 %, increased malondialdehyde by 65.4 %, 40.8 %, and 36.6 %, and increased proline content by 68.4 %, 65.4 %, and 96.4 %, respectively, compared to the CK. Moreover, exogenous SA+MEL significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase enzymes under both SW and DSW conditions compared to the SA or MEL. Conversely, the activity of ascorbate peroxidase enzyme showed a gradual decrease in DI, SW, and DSW conditions, relative to the FI conditions. In conclusion, the integrated application of SA+MEL is an optimal strategy to enhance yield, morpho-physiological traits, nutrient homeostasis, antioxidant capacity, and quality in lettuce and mitigate the adverse effects of drought, salinity, and drought-salinity stress. [Display omitted] • Deficit saline irrigation has the most adverse effect on lettuce yield. • SA and MEL enhanced lettuce tolerance to drought and salinity stress. • Joint use of SA (1.0 mM) and MEL (100 µM) more effectively alleviates stress in lettuce. • SA+MEL improved the nutrient homeostasis and antioxidant capacity of lettuce. • SA+MEL combination increased vitamin C and decreased the nitrate content of lettuce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancient wheats are valuable genetic resources, though knowledge on their response to micronutrients in the presence of saline irrigation water is scanty. Two studies were conducted to unravel the behavior of ancient emmer and spelt wheats upon exposure to saline (75 and 150 mM NaCl) water and foliar-applied Zn (4 g L− 1) under pot and field conditions. Two weeks after implementing the salt treatment, Zn treatment was implemented twice with one week interval and the plants were exposed to the prolonged salt stress until physiological maturity. Then, an array of physiological processes underlying differential grain yield and quality responses of the ancient and standard wheats to these treatments were scrutinized. Salinity suppressed chlorophyll, relative water content, root volume, stubble yield, and grain yield of emmer and spelt and standard durum and bread wheats. Though, it increased the proline concentration, and Na+/K+ in all wheat genotypes. Emmer wheats indicated smaller salt-induced suppressions in stubble yield and grain yield, despite indicating a greater Na+/K+. Ancient emmer and spelt wheats indicated smaller grain yield components, but out-ranked the standard durum and bread wheats in terms of root volume, grain Zn, and protein concentrations. Zn's effect on the grain yield attributes and grain yield was moderate but it enhanced the grain Zn, particularly in emmer wheats. Novel findings of this study suggest that emmer wheats supplied with foliar-applied Zn are superior to standard durum and bread wheats in terms of grain protein and Zn, root volume, and tolerance to saline water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress significantly reduces rice yield and quality and is a global challenge, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with limited freshwater resources. The present study was therefore conducted to examine the potential of silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) in mitigating the adverse effects of saline irrigation water in salt-tolerant rice. Two salt-tolerant rice varieties, i.e., Y liangyou 957 (YLY957) and Jingliangyou 534 (JLY534), were irrigated with 0.6% salt solution to simulate high-salt stress and two SiO2 NPs were applied, i.e., control (CK) and SiO2 NPs (15 kg hm−2). The results demonstrated that the application of SiO2 NPs increased, by 33.3% and 23.3%, the yield of YLY957 and JLY534, respectively, compared with CK, which was primarily attributed to an increase in the number of grains per panicle and the grain-filling rate. Furthermore, the application of SiO2 NPs resulted in a notable enhancement in the chlorophyll content, leaf area index, and dry matter accumulation, accompanied by a pronounced stimulation of root system growth and development. Additionally, the SiO2 NPs also improved the antioxidant enzyme activities, i.e., superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activity and reduced the malondialdehyde content. The SiO2 NPs treatment effectively improved the processing quality, appearance quality, and taste quality of the rice. Furthermore, the SiO2 NPs resulted in improvements to the rapid viscosity analyzer (RVA) pasting profile, including an increase in peak viscosity and breakdown values and a reduction in setback viscosity. The application of SiO2 NPs also resulted in a reduction in crystallinity and pasting temperature owing to a reduction in the proportion of B2 + B3 amylopectin chains. Overall, the application of silica nanoparticles improved the quality of rice yield under high-salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants use a variety of physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms to mitigate salt stress impacts. Many techniques, including the application of nanoparticles (NPs), are being used to increase plant stress tolerance. To assess the growth and productivity of Vigna unguiculata L. (cowpea) plants exposed to salt stress, cowpea has been cultivated using different saline water levels and subjected to green synthesized zinc NPs (ZnNPs) and iron NPs (FeNPs) applied via foliar spraying. The cowpea plants that grew under the lowest saline water level showed the best leaf traits, leaf water content per area (LWCA), pods, and seed yields, but when salinity levels increased, the plants' growth and productivity slightly declined. ZnNP and FeNP treatments slow down the degradation of photosynthetic pigments and greatly mitigate the negative effects of salt stress. In both stressed and unstressed plants, ZnNP treatments produced the highest osmoprotectant concentrations (proline, protein, and total carbohydrates). As a result of salt stress, cowpea seeds showed a marked decrease in dry matter and protein content, but ZnNP and FeNP treatments increased it. Conclusively, the results obtained indicated that ZnNPs and FeNPs foliar application to cowpea plants stimulated leaf pigment and polyphenol production, which in turn increased seed dry matter, seed yield, protein content, and the plants' ability to withstand saline stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taurolidine, known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and low toxicity, has shown promise in reducing infections in various surgical settings. However, it has not been extensively evaluated in orthopedic surgery. This study assessed the efficacy of taurolidine irrigation in reducing surgical site infections in patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery. A retrospective review was conducted for patients >20 years old who underwent ankle fracture surgery between March 2016 and March 2023, with follow-ups exceeding 6 months. Patients were classified into the following two groups: those who underwent normal saline (NS) irrigation and those who underwent taurolidine irrigation. Minor infections were defined as requiring additional oral antibiotics postoperatively, while major infections were characterized by hospitalization or reoperation due to infection within 3 months. Of 844 patients, 688 were included. The taurolidine group (n = 328) had a significant reduction in minor infections (7.3% vs. 22.5%, odds ratio = 0.410, p = 0.028) compared to the NS group (n = 360). Major infections were fewer in the NS group (1.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.051), but the number of cases was too small for reliable analysis. Taurolidine irrigation significantly reduces the occurrence of minor infections in ankle fracture surgeries when compared to normal saline irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The frequency of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions (ACLR) has risen in recent years and is projected to continue increasing. Knee-joint infections consequent to this procedure, although rare, present a significant concern due to their potential severity. Hence, comprehending the progression of this complication and its detrimental effects if not promptly addressed is crucial. The impact of infection on the joint can vary depending on the duration between onset, diagnosis, and initiation of appropriate treatment. In some cases, the infection may have minimal consequences for the joint, while in others, it could lead to compromised viability of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) graft, damage to the articular cartilage, or even premature onset of osteoarthritis. In the present case, a 42-year-old male had presented to the Orthopaedics Outpatient Department (OPD) six weeks postoperatively following an ACL reconstruction with clinical and laboratory findings pointing towards a septic knee. Lab findings suggested a raised ESR-71 mm/hr, CRP-127 mg/dL, and TLC-10,200/microL. The decision for immediate arthroscopic debridement with synovectomy was taken to achieve decompression all the while preserving the graft. This was followed by antibiotic saline irrigation for two days with strict antibiotic coverage following it.

Biostimulants are a broad group of numerous compounds that stimulate plant growth and increase plant resistance to environmental stresses. Pansies are in great demand, so new sustainability strategies for their production are still being sought. This study evaluated the effectiveness of partially hydrolyzed gellan gum (HGG) as a natural biostimulant for the production of high-quality pansy plants. In Experiment 1, the effects of drench concentrations of HGG (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg · dm–3) on morphological and physiological parameters of two pansy cultivars were investigated. In Experiment 2, the objective of study was to determine the effect of HGG on growth, flowering and leaf physiology of pansy grown under increasing sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations (50 and 200 mM). Our results showed in both cultivars growth-promoting effects of HGG, and 100 mg · dm–3 of HGG was the most effective concentration. The increasing salinity imposed as NaCl negatively affected the growth, flowering, visual appearance, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) of plants. However, HGG pretreatment alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress mainly by reducing the decrease of SPAD, Fv/Fm, flower number and biomass in salt-stressed plants at 200 mM NaCl. Overall results indicated that eco-friendly HGG at the proper dose could be used as a tool to enhance growth, flowering and salt stress tolerance in pansy plants.

Degenerative lumbar spine disease is the leading cause of disability and work absenteeism worldwide. Lumbar microdiscectomy became the standard treatment for herniated discs and stenotic disease. With the evolution of different techniques, endoscopic spinal surgery emerged to minimize the surgical footprint while providing at least non-inferior results. Currently, two different types of endoscopic spine procedures are dominating the surgical scenario: "Full-Endoscopic" (FE) and Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic" (UBE) Spine Surgery. The aim of this study is to describe and analyze their indications, their technical characteristicswithitsadvantagesanddisadvantagesofbothtechniquesandtheirfuture trends. We performed a narrative review of the most relevant articles published up to August 2023 through a Pub Med search. The search terms " FE Spine Surgery" and " UBE Spine Surgery" were used. The articles selected, were independently reviewed by 3 authors and 55 full text articles were reviewed. The FE and UBE Spine Surgery techniques were described. The FE technique is performed with a monoportal access under constant saline irrigation. The FE comprises the transforaminal and the interlaminar approaches, and the indication depends from the pathology to treat, and still remains controversial. UBE can approach also the spine from a posterior, postero lateral,and para spinal route. It uses two different ports addressed to a target with continuous irrigation. The process of establishing these two portals is called triangulation. FE and UBE spine surgery have demonstrated outcomes comparable to open surgery, minimizing complications and surgical footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate information regarding crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and its components is essential for proper water management. Salinity has become increasingly serious in many parts of the world, affecting the use of saline water in irrigation for various biochemical processes, hence the importance of understanding the effects of soil and water salinity on ETc. This study aimed to determine the transpiration (Tr) and soil evaporation (Es) components that constitute ETc in tomatoes irrigated by drip irrigation and to investigate the effects of irrigation water salinity levels on ETc and its components, as well as on the crop coefficient (Kc) used to determine ETc. In addition, the reference evapotranspiration (ETo) values determined by the measurements obtained with the lysimeter system were compared with the ETo values calculated using the Almeria (ETo_Alm), FAO Radiation (ETo_FAO-Rad), and Hargreaves (ETo_Harg) models. During the spring growing period of 2022, tomatoes were cultivated under four different irrigation water salinity levels: S0 = 0.7 (control), S1 = 2.5 (low), S2 = 5.0 (medium), and S3 = 7.5 (high) dS m−1. The Tr values in S0, S1, and S2 treatments were measured by the sap flow method. Radiation-based ETo prediction models had strong relationships with lysimeter-measured ETo values (R2 > 0.977 and RMSE < 0.53 mm). The results indicated that increasing salinity levels led to a decrease in both Tr and ETc while causing an increase in Es. In the S0, S1, and S2 treatments, Es accounted for 16.3, 45.0, and 36.2%, respectively. Actual Kc values also decreased with increasing salinity. The results indicate that different actual Kc values can be used when calculating evapotranspiration in decision-making processes in greenhouse tomato production in Antalya and when irrigation water with different salinity levels is used. Additionally, actual ETc responses of tomatoes to salinity can be used to manage saline water in irrigation scheduling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic rhinosinusitis(CRS) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lining of nose and sinuses lasting for 12 weeks or more. CRS with nasal polyp nasal polyp(CRSwNP) is seen in 0.5–4% of the population and is present in about 20% of patients with CRS. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery aids in restoring the ventilation and drainage of paranasal sinuses. Postoperatively, various solutions are used to irrigate the sinus cavity for pharmaceutical and mechanical lavage. Hence, it is imperative to compare different solutions to choose the best to give a favorable outcome. A total of 24 postoperative CRSwNP patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received routine post-FESS medication as per the institute guidelines. Group B received budesonide nasal irrigation in addition to regular care. Both groups were evaluated endoscopically at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the surgery. Pre and postoperative quality of life were compared. Endoscopic Lund–Kennedy scoring (objective measurement) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 score were used to compare the two groups. The mean preoperative Sino Nasal Outcomes Test 22 score(SNOT-22) was 46.58 ± 6.18 in group A and 50.5 ± 5.7 in group B. It was reduced to 15.00 ± 2.00 and 9.75 ± 1.95 postoperatively in both groups respectively at the end of 3 months. Postoperatively, the mean endoscopic score was 2.36 ± 0.80 in group A and 1.18 ± 0.40 in group B at the end of 3 months. In conclusion, saline plus budesonide nasal irrigation is a better option when compared to saline only irrigation in terms of efficacy and therapeutic effect in patients undergoing FESS for CRSwNP, hence, it should be advocated in regular clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasal irrigation is crucial following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), especially for managing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study assessed the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) irrigation during the post-ESS period of patients with CRS without nasal polyposis. In this prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial, 49 patients (NAC, n = 24; saline, n = 25) undergoing ESS were assigned to receive either NAC or saline irrigations twice daily for a month. The preoperative and postoperative assessments conducted included Lund–Macka (LM) and Lund–Kennedy (LK) endoscopic scores, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20). At 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after the operation, endoscopic findings and symptoms were evaluated. Both groups showed no differences in age, sex, LM and LK scores, NOSE scale, and SNOT-20 preoperatively. In terms of the endoscopic findings regarding the sinonasal mucosa after ESS, the NAC group had slightly lower scores 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after the operation, but this difference was not statistically significant. The NAC group showed significant improvement in VAS scores, namely, postnasal drip (1.0, p = 0.041), smell dysfunction (0.8, p = 0.003), and crust (1.5, p = 0.034), compared to the control group's scores of 2.6, 4.7, and 3.6, respectively, 2 weeks after the operation, although no significant differences were observed in VAS scores for any symptoms 1 and 3 months after the operation. NAC was well tolerated, and no adverse events were reported. NAC irrigation showed benefits over saline irrigation in terms of improving postnasal drip, smell dysfunction, and crust after ESS for CRS without nasal polyposis in the immediate postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment for empyema thoracis has been evolving over the years, including the usage of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT), for example, alteplase with intrapleural deoxyribonuclease (DNase) to enhance the drainage of pleural effusion. Here, we report two cases of thoracic empyema that were successfully treated with intrapleural saline irrigation and intrapleural tyloxapol apart from parenteral antibiotics as the pillar of the treatment. Both patients averted surgical procedure (decortication) and were discharged well. Upon follow‐up, both cases showed clinical cure, biochemical recovery, and radiological improvement, indicating a good treatment outcome. This is the first reported cases on combination of saline irrigation with tyloxapol as alternative treatment for pleural infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains common and problematic. We hypothesized that using a bioceramic that provided rapid release of the antibiotics (vancomycin [VAN] or VAN and tobramycin [VAN and TOB]) from a polyvinyl-alcohol-composite (PVA) combined with a delayed and sustained antibiotic release from polymeric-dicalcium-phosphate-dihydrate (PDCPD) ceramic would inhibit S. aureus- associated implant infections. A total of 50 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups—I: negative control; II: bacteria only; III: bacteria + saline wash; IV: bacteria + PVA-VAN-PDCPD, and V: bacteria + PVA-VAN-TOB-PDCPD. A porous titanium (Ti) implant was press-fit into the rat knee. S. aureus- containing broth was added into the joint space creating a PJI. After 1 week, the joints from groups III to V were washed with saline and the fluid collected for bacterial quantification. This was followed by saline irrigation treatment (groups III to V) and application of the antibiotic-loaded PVA-PDCPD bioceramic (groups IV and V). On day 21, joint fluid was collected, and the implants harvested for bacterial quantification. No bacteria were isolated from the negative control (group I). The positive control (group II) was positive on both days 7 and 21. Bacteria were still present on day 21 in the fluid and implant in group III. Groups (IV and V) showed a decrease in the bacterial burden in the fluid and implant on day 21. There were significant differences in bacteria levels in the collected wash fluid and on the implant at day 21 between the saline wash (group III) and treatment groups (IV and V). In this animal model of acute periprosthetic infection, treatment with PVA-VAN-PDCPD and PVA-VAN/TOB-PDCPD reduced bacterial load in the infected joint and the infected Ti implant. Application of PVA-VAN-PDCPD and/or PVA-VAN/TOB-PDCPD after saline irrigation could be used as an addition to the treatment of PJI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Spine Research is the property of Japanese Society for Spine Surgery & Related Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chronic maxillary sinusitis accompanied by severe thickening of the sinus mucosa, blockage of the ostium, and patient-reported symptoms requires preoperative assessment and treatment by an otolaryngologist before maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). Prescription of antibiotics and nasal saline irrigation are the first choice of treatment; however, endoscopic sinus surgery is considered when the treatment's effect is limited and drug resistance is observed. Nevertheless, MSFA performed in the presence of sinus pathologies have been reported to have favorable results when the lesions are managed properly. This report presents cases of two patients who required MSFA but were diagnosed with chronic maxillary sinusitis (case 1 with nasal sinusitis and case 2 with dental sinusitis). After 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy, endoscopic surgery was recommended due to minimal changes in the size of the sinus lesion; however, the patients refused because of improved self-reported symptoms. Therefore, intraoral surgical drainage was planned as an alternative treatment. A large bony window was prepared at the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus, and a long intentional incision was made to improve access for the suction tip in various directions and depths into the sinus cavity. Thorough suction of the purulent exudate and saline irrigation were performed through this access. The size of the perforated area was reduced along with the elevation of the Schneiderian membrane from the sinus floor, and simultaneous bone grafting with implant placement was performed. Prosthesis was delivered after 6–8 months. At 1-year follow-up after loading, favorable outcomes of implant survival and maintenance of augmented bone height were observed, with no recurrence of postoperative sinusitis. Within the limitations of the present case report, thorough sinus drainage and saline irrigation during maxillary sinus floor augmentation resolved sinus infection in patients with chronic maxillary sinusitis with short-term clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity of freshwater resources resulting in a significant yield loss presents a pressing challenge in agriculture. To address this issue, utilizing abundantly available saline water could offer a smart solution. In this study, we demonstrate that the genome sequence rhizosphere bacterium Tritonibacter mobilis AK171, a halophilic marine bacterium recognized for its ability to thrive in saline and waterlogged environments, isolated from mangroves, has the remarkable ability to enable plant growth using saline irrigation. AK171 is characterized as rod-shaped cells, displays agile movement in free-living conditions, and adopts a rosette arrangement in static media. Moreover, The qualitative evaluation of PGP traits showed that AK171 could produce siderophores and IAA but could not solubilize phosphate nor produce hydrolytic enzymes it exhibits a remarkable tolerance to high temperatures and salinity. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome sequence analysis of T. mobilis AK171 to unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying its plant growth-promoting abilities in such challenging conditions. Our analysis revealed diverse genes and pathways involved in the bacterium's adaptation to salinity and waterlogging stress. Notably, T. mobilis AK171 exhibited a high level of tolerance to salinity and waterlogging through the activation of stress-responsive genes and the production of specific enzymes and metabolites. Additionally, we identified genes associated with biofilm formation, indicating its potential role in establishing symbiotic relationships with host plants. Furthermore, our analysis unveiled the presence of genes responsible for synthesizing antimicrobial compounds, including tropodithietic acid (TDA), which can effectively control phytopathogens. This genomic insight into T. mobilis AK171 provides valuable information for understanding the molecular basis of plant-microbial interactions in saline and waterlogged environments. It offers potential applications for sustainable agriculture in challenging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of green manure planting on the spectroscopic properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in saline–alkali soil under freshwater leaching conditions at different soil depths. The UV254, UV253/UV203, α300, α355, SUVA254, SUVA260, and SR ultraviolet parameters indicated reductions in the content of large molecular substances, benzene ring substitution degree, colored dissolved organic matter, aromaticity, and hydrophobic components in the soil leachate DOM with an increasing soil depth. Compared with the non-green manure treatment control, green manure planting mitigated the leaching of dissolved organic matter in soil during saline irrigation, with rape green manure demonstrating superior effectiveness. Utilizing three-dimensional fluorescence combined with parallel factor analysis, this study analyzed three fluorescent components of soil leachate DOM: C1 (visible-light fulvic acid), C2 (humic acid), and C3 (tyrosine-like protein). The combined contribution of the two humic substance components (C1 + C2) was approximately 70%, indicating the dominance of humic substances in leachate DOM. The fluorescence parameters of soil leachate DOM included an average of the fluorescence index (FI) values between 1.4 and 1.9, low humification index (HIX) values consistently below 4, and biological index (BIX) values ranging from 0.8 to 1.0, suggesting a mixed source, low humification degree, poor stability, and moderate self-source characteristics. Compared with the non-green manure treatment control, both the green manure treatments exhibited a relatively higher proportion of biogenic sources and humification degree in soil leachate DOM. This suggests that planting green manure can reduce the relative DOM content under freshwater leaching conditions, increase the proportion of biogenic sources in soil leachate DOM, and enhance soil humification. Planting rapeseed green manure can diminish the leaching of DOM from land sources and augment soil humification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting high-yielding tomato varieties onto stress-tolerant rootstocks can mitigate the adverse effects of saline water irrigation on plant tomato productivity in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. This study investigates the efficacy of grafting tomatoes onto both novel and commercial rootstocks to enhance salinity tolerance and its impact on growth, physiological parameters, and yield in a soilless culture system. The experiment involved two water quality levels, 2 (S1) and 4 (S2) dS m−1, two growth media types, volcanic rock (M1) and sand (M2), and six grafting treatments: Tone Guitar F1 non-grafted (G1) (commercial scion), grafted onto itself (G2), Tone Guitar F1* Maxifort F1 (G3) (commercial rootstock), and grafting the scion onto three novel rootstocks, X-218 (G4), X-238 (G5), and Alawamiya365 (G6). Growth, physiology, photosynthetic pigments, and yield improved with lower salinity (2 dS m−1) in volcanic rock and with the grafting treatments (G2–G6) compared to the non-grafted treatment (G1). The best results were achieved with the S1M1G5 treatment, where yield increased by 53% compared to the lowest yield in non-grafted plants grown in sand under higher salinity (S2M2G1). All studied traits were adversely affected under high salinity (S2) in sandy media, with the G1 treatment resulting in the lowest values for these traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drip irrigation with saline water is frequently adopted to realize the sustainable utilization of saline–sodic soil with high water tables, and soil enzyme activities can be used to indicate changes in soil quality. In the current study, spatiotemporal changes in soil urease enzyme (URE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and invertase (INV) activities were investigated during consecutive growing seasons. Soil in beds was sampled before planting (0 y) and one, two, three and four years after the growing season (1 y, 2 y, 3 y, 4 y), and these samples were distributed at four horizontal distances from the drip line (0, 10, 20 and 30 cm) and four vertical soil depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–40 cm). The results showed that a distribution pattern of URE and ALP activities formed during the first growing season, while the distribution of INV activity formed until the third growing season. All three soil enzyme activities in the upper soil layers and positions close to the drip line were more greatly affected by planting year. The average URE activity of the soil profile decreased slightly during the first year and increased by about 220% and decreased by 20% after reclamation for two and three years, and finally, it increased to 4.9 μg NH4+·g−1·h−1 at the end of the fourth growing season. ALP activity remained stable during the first two years and rapidly increased in the following years; in particular, in the fourth year, it reached 32.7 μg ph(OH)·g−1·h−1. INV activity increased continually with the number of years after planting and reached 1009.0 μg glu·g−1·h−1 at the fourth season's end. An analysis of variance indicated that URE, ALP and INV activities varied insignificantly among the time points of 0 y, 1 y, 2 y and 3 y (p < 0.05), while they were significantly higher for 4 y than for 0 y and 1 y. In addition, all three enzyme activities of the soil profile had an exponentially increasing trend with the number of years after planting. These results indicated the soil quality in saline–sodic soils could be improved with time under drip irrigation with local saline groundwater, especially around the drip line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid and semiarid regions, salinity may affect alfalfa (Medicago sativa) productivity and survival due to either cultivation on salt‐affected soils or the use of salinized irrigation water. Exploiting germplasm evolved under salt‐stress conditions offers opportunities for crop tolerance improvement. In the first phase of the current study, four reportedly salt‐tolerant landraces originated from stress‐prone areas of West Asia or North Africa and two reference commercial cultivars underwent three evaluation trials according to different methods, namely, seed germination in saline water, in vitro testing of young plants, and greenhouse evaluation of adult plants in Cone‐tainers. Experimental populations obtained by intercrossing landrace genotypes selected according to each evaluation method were subsequently evaluated under stressful field conditions in two regions featuring different salt stress type, namely, southern Tunisia (irrigation with saline water) and northwestern Argentina (rainfed cropping in saline soil). Landrace ranking for salt tolerance differed somewhat depending on the evaluation method, and the proportion of selected plants per landrace depended accordingly on the method. In each field experiment, there were two evaluation phases, and the second phase corresponded in both cases to harsher conditions. The in vitro evaluation and selection resulted in potentially more useful selected germplasm than the other evaluation methods. The field experiments highlighted the large specific adaptation effects that affected the response of salt‐tolerant germplasm across the two regions. Core Ideas: Cultivation on salt‐affected soils or the use of salinized irrigation water affects alfalfa productivity and survival.Landraces evolved in stress‐affected areas are valuable genetic resources for salt tolerance improvement.Selections for salt tolerance from different methods in controlled conditions differ for field‐based tolerance.In vitro evaluation and selection provided potentially more useful selected germplasm than other methods.Specific adaptation affected the field response of salt‐tolerant germplasm across different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of budesonide nasal irrigation and saline irrigation in patients undergoing surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: One hundred patients scheduled for functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, China were enrolled. The patients were divided into study and control groups comprising 50 cases each. The study group received postoperative budesonide irrigation while control group received normal saline irrigation after surgery. Post-operative symptoms, signs, and adverse reactions of the patients were compared. Results: Five weeks post-operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of nasal congestion, nasal discharge, nasal itching, sneezing, nasal pain, and the score of nasal endoscopy one week and 4-weeks after operation were significantly lower compared to control (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in nasal bleeding when the packing was removed between the two groups (p > 0.05) after surgery. Within the first week after surgery, there was no significant difference in occurrence of nasal malodor (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Application of budesonide nasal irrigation alleviates post-operative symptoms, reduces inflammation and improves treatment outcomes. Further studies will be required to comprehensively investigate the dose effect of budesonide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disease that affects patients' quality of life (QoL). We aim to explore which symptoms bothered the patient most. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of CRS patients 2 years after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The main observation indicators were SNOT-22 and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. The patients were grouped according to clinical control standard of EPOS 2020. Patients' symptom scores and postoperative medication were used for analysis. Results: A total of 276 patients were included, among them, uncontrolled patients accounted for 23.9%, sense of taste/smell, fatigue, lacking of a good night's sleep, reduced concentration and reduced productivity were the most serious symptoms that troubled them. VAS and SNOT-22 scores were significantly different among all groups (P = 0.000), and had clinical significance for the diagnosis of clinical uncontrolled patients (both P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the duration of corticosteroids use and nasal saline irrigation in uncontrolled patients was significantly longer than that in other patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There are significant differences in the QoL of CRS patients with different clinical control, sleep and psychological disorders are main symptoms that affect the QoL of CRS patients, and more targeted management of sleep/psychological issues may be needed especially for uncontrolled patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an important crop cultivated in arid and semi-arid climates. To quantify the tolerance of garlic to drought and salinity stresses in terms of parameter values of the stress response function, we conducted pot experiments in a greenhouse for two years. Nine 1/5000a Wagner pots were used for three treatments, namely drought-treated, salinity-treated, and control pots, for estimating the relative transpiration. Daily transpiration rates were observed by weighing pots, and the soil surface of each pot was covered. The soil water contents were measured hourly using two soil moisture probes for drought-treated pots, and two salinity probes for both soil water content and bulk electrical conductivity were monitored for salinity-treated pots. When the ratio of actual to potential transpiration fell below 50%, the root length distributions were obtained by dismantling the pots. The parameter values for both drought-stress and salinity-stress functions were estimated using inverse-analysis and bulk-analysis methods. The parameter values of drought-stress and salinity-stress functions obtained by the simpler and cheaper bulk method gave similar results to the inverse method when the root length distributions were relatively uniform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on the use of syringe pressure irrigation with and without povidone iodine in preventing surgical site infections (SSI). SSI is a common complication of surgery that can have negative impacts on patients. The study found that pressure irrigation may be more effective in preventing SSI compared to surgical incision irrigation. However, the differences between the two methods were not statistically significant. Other studies have also shown that alternative methods, such as using clean gloves and tap water, can be just as effective in preventing infection. The findings suggest that syringe pressure irrigation with normal saline alone is a cost-effective alternative to using povidone iodine. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Blackgram is one of the important grain legumes in India. Pulses are the important source of protein for the vegetarian people. To meet out the current demand of pulses, there is a crucial need to increase the blackgram production. Mostly this crop is cultivated in marginal lands where the abiotic stresses like drought and salinity are predominant. The area under salinity in India is 6.73 million hectares and in blackgram no variety was identified as suitable for saline areas. Methods: This experiment was carried out to study the salinity tolerance levels of balckgram genotypes at vegetative and reproductive stages during Rabi season of 2018-20. A total of six blackgram genotypes were used to screen its performance under saline environment at vegetative and reproductive stage. All the genotypes were raised in pot with the size of 20 cm height and 15 cm width with four replications and salinity were stimulated artificially viz., 4.0 EC, 11.0 EC and 16.0 EC ds/m, its growth habits were observed. Conclusion: Salinity impact adversely affects blackgram genotypes under study. The number of days to survival of the plant and plant height were decreased by increasing salinity level and number of irrigation with saline water and it was reduced to ½ at 16 EC ds/m as compared to control. Days to 50% flowering, chlorophyll content and single plant yield were severally affected by increasing salt concentration. Increasing salt concentration was found directly proportionate to increasing number of days taken for flower initiation and at high level of salinity (16.0 EC ds/m) the plants dried before flowering. The plant yield was much affected by slight increase in salt concentration. At 4.0 EC ds/m level the yield was reduced to ? as compared to control. The 100 grain weight was not much affected by increasing salt concentration; Chlorophyll content also reduced 2/3 by increasing salt concentration after 15 DAS. The genotypes VBG-14-016 performed better under 4.0 EC ds/m level and survived for more number of days followed by the variety VBN 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The present paper aimed to further clarify the metabolic mechanism of applying biochar to soil under long-term saline irrigation, and to explore and analyze the differences in the composition of metabolic markers in biochar applied soil. 【Method】The experiment was set with two irrigation water salinities, fresh water （FW） and saline water （SW）, and biochar was applied at each water salinity, represented by FWBC and SWBC. The metabolomics method of gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry （GC-TOF-MS） was used to study the composition of metabolites in cotton field soil.【Result】Under freshwater irrigation conditions, the application of biochar significantly increased the soil moisture content, electrical conductivity, pH, total carbon, available potassium, and available phosphorus by 30.4%, 14.3%, 1.4%, 22.8%, 39.9% and 18.7% compared to the treatment without biochar; Under saline irrigation conditions, the application of biochar significantly increased the content of total carbon, total nitrogen, available potassium, and available phosphorus in the soil by 9.8%, 4.8%, 33.7% and 48.7% compared to the treatment without biochar, but the soil conductivity significantly decreased by 14.5%. Under freshwater irrigation, biochar was applied and a total of 5 metabolites with significant differences （P＜0.05） were selected, all of which showed downregulation; Under saline water irrigation, 22 metabolites with significant differences （P＜0.05） were screened by applying biochar, all of which showed upregulation. The classification of soil metabolites mainly included lipid and lipid molecules, organic acids and their derivatives, organic oxygen compounds, benzene ring compounds, organic heterocyclic compounds, phenylpropanoids, and polyketone metabolites. Among them, furoic acid and niacin screened under saline irrigation conditions belong to the organic heterocyclic compounds, lactulose and 2-aminophenol belong to the organic oxygen compounds, and 3-hydroxy-2-aminobenzoic acid belongs to the benzene ring compounds.【Conclusion】The application of biochar can improve soil physical and chemical properties, increase the types and abundance of metabolites in saline irrigated soil, effectively alleviate the harm caused by long-term saline irrigation, and provide certain ideas for the rational development and utilization of saline water resources in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarcity and quality of irrigation water restrict sustainability of wheat production in arid and semi-arid regions. Deficit saline irrigation up to 65% of full water requirement can reduce the salt load along with water saving. Plant bioregulators (PBRs) are phytohormones that regulate physiological and biochemical reactions in plants and respond to variety of abiotic stresses. But the field scale quantification of mitigating effect of PBRs application at representative sites having multiple stresses (deficit water and salinity) is rare. Present study was carried out for two successive years from 2016–17 to 2017–18 at ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Institute (ICAR-CSSRI) research farm, Nain, Panipat, Haryana, India, to assess the effectiveness of two PBRs, i.e., salicylic acid (SA) and thiourea (TU). In a triple replicated, split–split design experiment, two PBRs applied as seed priming and foliar sprays at booting and milking (critical stages) stages in alleviation of adverse effects of deficit (60, 80 and 100% of crop evapo-transpiration) and saline (ECiw; 2, 4, 8, 12 dS m−1) irrigation on wheat variety KRL 210. The grain yield reduction under 8 and 12 dS m−1 were 7.68 and 32.93%, respectively. Higher irrigation amount using highest salinity water (100% ETc + 12 dS m−1) caused maximum reduction in grain yield. Application of SA and TU increased grain yield by 12.90 and 17.36%, respectively. Water and salinity (≥ 8 dS m−1) adversely affected the spikes and grains number (m−2), relative water content (RWC), proline, membrane injury (MI), Fv/Fm, chlorophyll content (Chl) and Na/K ratio. Positive response of PBRs increased with increasing intensity of both the stresses. At mild salinity (4 dS m−1), SA performed better than TU, but at severe salinity (12 dS m−1), TU performed better than SA. The study concluded that the application of SA and TU effectively ameliorated the salinity and drought stress in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid and semi-arid regions like Tunisia, irrigation water is typically saline, posing a risk of soil and crop salinization and yield reduction. This research aims to study the combined effects of soil matric and osmotic potential stresses on tomato root water uptake. Plants were grown in pot and field experiments in loamy-clay soils and were irrigated with three different irrigation water qualities: 0, 3.5, and 7 dS/m. The Hydrus-1D model was used to simulate the combined dynamics of subsurface soil water and salts. Successful calibration and validation of the model against measured water and salt profiles enabled the examination of the combined effects of osmotic and matric potential stresses on root water uptake. Relative yields, indirectly estimated from actual and potential transpiration, indicated that the multiplicative stress response model effectively simulated the measured yields and the impact of saline water irrigation on crop yields. The experimental and modeling results provide information to aid in determining the salinity levels conducive to optimal crop growth. The findings indicate that the selected salinity levels affect tomato growth to varying degrees. Specifically, the salinity levels conducive to optimal tomato growth were between 0 and 3.5 dS/m, with a significant growth reduction above this salinity level. The gradual salinization of the root zone further evidenced this effect. The scenario considering a temperature increase of 2 °C had no significant impact on crop yields in the pot and field experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]