Molecular Diversity and Combining Ability in Newly Developed Maize Inbred Lines under Low-Nitrogen Conditions.

Nitrogen is an essential element for maize growth, but excessive application can lead to various environmental and ecological issues, including water pollution, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. Hence, developing maize hybrids resilient to low-N conditions is vital for sustainable agriculture, particularly in nitrogen-deficient soils. Combining ability and genetic relationships among parental lines is crucial for breeding superior hybrids under diverse nitrogen levels.

Interaction Effects of Nitrogen Source and Irrigation Regime on Tuber Quality, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency of L.

Two field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of three drip irrigation regimes (G: 120% crop evapotranspiration (ETc), G: 100% ETc, and G: 80% ETc) and four nitrogen (N) source treatments (S: non-fertilized; S: urea, S: ammonium nitrate, and S: ammonium sulfate on water consumption use, water utilization efficiency, chlorophyll, yield and tubers quality of potato ( L.; cv Diamond) under a drip irrigation system during two successive winter seasons (2015/16 and 2016/17)). Nitrogen fertilization was applied at 380 kg ha as standard application for potato in the investigated area.

Effect of Electromyographic Biofeedback Training on Pain, Quadriceps Muscle Strength, and Functional Ability in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: To investigate the effects of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback training on pain, quadriceps strength, and functional ability in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

Design: This is a randomized controlled study; 36 children (11 boys and 25 girls) with polyarticular JRA, with ages ranging from 8 to 13 years, were selected and assigned randomly, using computer-generated random numbers, into 2 groups. The control group (n = 18) received the conventional physical therapy program, whereas the study group (n = 18) received the same program as the control group in addition to EMG biofeedback-guided isometric exercises for 3 days a week for 12 weeks.

Screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in Hong Kong.

Purpose: To review records of children referred to our hospital for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and evaluate the effectiveness of hip screening in Hong Kong.

Methods: Records of children suspected of DDH and referred to our hospital between 1 January 2005 and 31 March 2010 were reviewed. The diagnosis was based on static and dynamic ultrasonography of the hips and/or radiographic features of hip subluxation, dislocation, and pelvic dysplasia.

Minimally invasive, no hardware subtalar arthrodesis with autogenous posterior iliac bone graft.

Sixteen patients underwent minimally invasive subtalar arthrodesis through a mini-invasive approach with posterior iliac graft between 2004 and 2006. No hardware was used to transfix the arthrodesis and partial weight bearing was allowed immediately. The primary indication for surgery was the squeal of fracture os calcis in terms of subtalar joint arthritis, loss of heel height, malalignment of the hindfoot, and pain with weight bearing.