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Plant ecologists and molecular biologists have long considered the hypothesis of a trade-off between plant growth and defence separately. In particular, how genes thought to control the growth–defence trade-off at the molecular level relate to trait-based frameworks in functional ecology, such as the slow–fast plant economics spectrum, is unknown. We grew 49 phenotypically diverse rice genotypes in pots under optimal conditions and measured growth-related functional traits and the constitutive expression of 11 genes involved in plant defence. We also quantified the concentration of silicon (Si) in leaves to estimate silica-based defences. Rice genotypes were aligned along a slow–fast continuum, with slow-growing, late-flowering genotypes versus fast-growing, early-flowering genotypes. Leaf dry matter content and leaf Si concentrations were not aligned with this axis and negatively correlated with each other. Live-fast genotypes exhibited greater expression of OsNPR1, a regulator of the salicylic acid pathway that promotes plant defence while suppressing plant growth. These genotypes also exhibited greater expression of SPL7 and GH3.2, which are also involved in both stress resistance and growth. Our results do not support the hypothesis of a growth–defence trade-off when leaf Si and leaf dry matter content are considered, but they do when hormonal pathway genes are considered. We demonstrate the benefits of combining ecological and molecular approaches to elucidate the growth–defence trade-off, opening new avenues for plant breeding and crop science.

Parallax is poorly understood and can mislead surgeons using intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF) to guide cup placement during anterior approach (AA) total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to examine how changes in fluoroscopic beam positioning in relation to the hip and pelvis affects the projected acetabular image.An acetabular component was positioned in an anatomic pelvis model in 45° and 20° of abduction and anteversion, respectively using a computer assisted cup targeting system. Fluoroscopic images were taken at various caudal and cranially directed angles with the fluoroscopic beam centered over the hip then pelvis. In each position, four independent observers measured the abduction and anteversion angles of the projected cup image using the same computer targeting system.Cup abduction and anteversion measured 43.5° and 19.5° when IF was centered over the hip and 40.5 and 27.5° when centered over the pelvis in the neutral position. Increasing the caudal direction of the beam 20° increased the projected abduction/anteversion angles by approximately 7°/12° and 9°/16° when centered over the hip and pelvis respectively. Increasing the cranial direction of the beam 20° decreased the measured abduction/anteversion angles by roughly 4°/20° and 4°/24° when centered over the hip and pelvis, respectively.The projected image of the acetabular component can change dramatically depending on fluoroscopic beam position relative to the hip and pelvis. Recognizing the approximate direction and magnitude of change with differing fluoroscopy positions may help surgeons avoid cup malpositioning.

Heparin is an essential anticoagulant used for treating and preventing thrombosis. However, the complexity of heparin has hindered the development of a recombinant source, making its supply dependent on a vulnerable animal population. In nature, heparin is produced exclusively in mast cells, which are not suitable for commercial production, but mastocytoma cells are readily grown in culture and make heparan sulfate, a closely related glycosaminoglycan that lacks anticoagulant activity. Using gene expression profiling of mast cells as a guide, a multiplex genome engineering strategy was devised to produce heparan sulfate with high anticoagulant potency and to eliminate contaminating chondroitin sulfate from mastocytoma cells. The heparan sulfate purified from engineered cells grown in chemically defined medium has anticoagulant potency that exceeds porcine-derived heparin and confers anticoagulant activity to the blood of healthy mice. This work demonstrates the feasibility of producing recombinant heparin from mammalian cell culture as an alternative to animal sources.

1. Estimating plasticity of leaf silicon (Si) in response to abiotic and biotic factors underpins our comprehension of plant defences and stress resistance in natural and agroecosystems. However, how nitrogen (N) addition and intraspecific plant–plant interactions affect Si concentration remains unclear.\ud \ud 2. We grew 19 durum wheat genotypes (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) in pots, either alone or in intra- or intergenotypic cultures of two individuals, and with or without N. Above-ground biomass, plant height and leaf [Si] were quantified at the beginning of the flowering stage.\ud \ud 3. Nitrogen addition decreased leaf [Si] for most genotypes, proportionally to the biomass increase. Si plasticity to plant–plant interactions varied significantly among genotypes, with both increases and decreases in leaf [Si] when mixed with a neighbour, regardless of the mixture type (intra-/intergenotype). Besides, increased leaf [Si] in response to plant–plant interactions was associated with increased plant height.\ud \ud 4. Our results suggest the occurrence of both facilitation and competition for Si uptake from the rhizosphere in wheat mixtures. Future research should identify which leaf and root traits characterise facilitating neighbours for Si acquisition. We also show that Si could be involved in height gain in response to intraspecific competition, possibly for increasing light capture. This important finding opens up new research directions on Si and plant–plant interactions in both natural ecosystems and agroecosystems. More generally, our results stress the need to explore leaf Si plasticity in responses to both abiotic and biotic factors to understand plant stress resistance.

Intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF) may increase accuracy of component placement when performing direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA), however, unguided IF continues to produce inconsistent results. Supplementation of IF, with a digital grid (Grid) system or digital overlay (Overlay), may increase component placement accuracy. The purpose of this study was to compare component placement accuracy following THA when IF was supplemented with the Grid or Overlay technique. Acetabular abduction and anteversion, with leg length discrepancy (LLD) and global hip offset (GHO) were retrospectively evaluated for unilateral and bilateral THA patients from 6-week post-operative radiographs. Target component placement were GHO and LLD

Like many areas of the United States, Hawai'i and its rural communities are suffering from a significant physician shortage. The University of Hawai'i (UH) John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) developed the Hawai'i Rural Health Program (HRHP) in 2011 to help provide early and substantial rural training experiences for its medical students in hopes of generating more rural health care providers. Thus far, 20.6% of the students who participated in this program and have since graduated from residency are now practicing in rural communities. Final exam grades of students who participated in the program were not statistically different from those who did not participate, suggesting a similar quality of training between both the rural and traditional cohorts of students. Reflections from students who completed the program demonstrate the large and lasting impact that this immersive experience has on their medical education and desire to help rural communities.

While child sexual abuse (CSA) victimization is linked to adverse mental and behavioral health outcomes, few studies have examined the association between CSA and socioeconomic attainment in adulthood, particularly for men. This study assesses the impacts of CSA victimization on socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood, separately for men and women.Analyses are based on the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health restricted use dataset. Adolescent to Adult Health is a nationally representative cohort of teenagers in grades 7-12 (1994-1995; N = 20,000) followed to ages 33-44 (2016-2018; N = 12,300). These analyses were based on N = 10,119 participants. We used propensity score weighting to equate on observed confounders of those who experienced CSA victimization with those who had not. All analyses were conducted in the R statistical software.In this analytical sample, 25.2% of women and 9.8% of men reported of having been sexually abused as a child. Results from propensity score weighted models showed that by their late 30s, men and women who experienced CSA had lower educational attainment, lower odds of being financially stable, and a decrease in household income compared to their peers. CSA was associated with lower odds of being employed among women only.Findings from this study suggest that men and women who survive CSA, experience socioeconomic disadvantages in adulthood relative to peers who did not experience CSA. Preventive programs and treatment and other services for survivors of CSA could positively impact individuals' economic productivity over the life course, reducing the individual and societal costs associated with CSA victimization.

Silicon (Si) fertiliser can improve rice (Oryza sativa) tolerance to salinity. The rate of Si uptake and its associated benefits are known to differ between plant genotypes, but, to date, little research has been done on how the benefits, and hence the economic feasibility, of Si fertilisation varies between cultivars. In this study, a range of rice cultivars was grown both hydroponically and in soil, at different levels of Si and NaCl, to determine cultivar variation in the response to Si. There was significant variation in the effect of Si, such that Si alleviated salt-induced growth inhibition in some cultivars, while others were unaffected, or even negatively impacted. Thus, when assessing the benefits of Si supplementation in alleviating salt stress, it is essential to collect cultivar-specific data, including yield, since changes in biomass were not always correlated with those seen for yield. Root Si content was found to be more important than shoot Si in protecting rice against salinity stress, with a root Si level of 0.5–0.9% determined as having maximum stress alleviation by Si. A cost–benefit analysis indicated that Si fertilisation is beneficial in mild stress, high-yield conditions but is not cost-effective in low-yield production systems.

To tackle the problem of soil erosion and moisture stress, the government of Ethiopia introduced a yearly mass campaign where communities get together and implement various soil and water conservation (SWC) and water harvesting (WH) practices. Although the interventions are believed to have reduced soil erosion/sediment yield and enhanced surface and ground water, quantitative information on the impacts of various options at different scales is scarce. The objective of this study was to assess the impacts different land uses, SWC and WH interventions on water and suspended sediment yield (SSY) at plot and watershed scales in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Standard erosion plot experiments and hydrological stations were used to monitor the daily water and SSY during 2014 to 2017. The results show differences between treatments both at plot and watershed scales. Runoff and soil loss were reduced by an average 27 and 37%, respectively due to SWC practices at the plot level. Overall, SWC practices implemented at the watershed level reduced sediment yield by about 74% (in the year 2014), although the magnitude of sediment reduction due to the SWC interventions reduced over time. At both scales it was observed that as the number of years since SWC measures have been in place increased, their effectiveness declined due to the lack of maintenance. This study also revealed that extrapolating of plot data to watershed scale causes over or under estimation of net erosion.

Improving fertilizer use efficiency has remained a challenge, particularly for small-scale farming in undulating ‘abnormal’ landscapes of East Africa. Milne's 1930s concept on ‘Catena’ was considered as a breakthrough in understanding soil variability and its implication on productivity in East African highlands. However, there is limited information on how the ‘Catena’ features could be used for fine tuning fertilizer recommendations. We initiated multiple on-farm replicated experiments in three wheat-growing districts (Endamohoni, Lemo and Worreilu) in the Ethiopian highlands in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to assess landscape positions affecting crop-nutrient responses, identify yield limiting nutrients across the ‘Catena’ (N, P, K, S and Zn) and quantify effects of landscape positions on resources use efficiency. We clustered farmlands across the ‘Catena’ (Hillslopes, Midslopes and Footslopes) based on land scape positions in the respective locations. Wheat yield was more strongly and significantly affected by landscape positions (P < 0.001) than by nutrient sources or rates. The crop response to fertilizers was 50 to 300% higher in foot slopes than in hillslopes, depending on locations and inputs levels. With increasing slope, there was a decrease in a crop fertilizer response due to a significant decrease in soil organic carbon, clay content and soil water content, with r2 of 0.95, 0.86 and 0.96, respectively. The difference in the crop response between landscape positions was significantly higher (P < 0.05) with higher rates of nutrient applications (>N92 P46) while differences between landscape positions diminish at lower rates. Yield benefits due to application of K was significant only in the dry years (P < 0.05), while there was hardly any yield benefit from the application of zinc and sulfur. The crop nitrogen recovery fraction and crop water productivity decreased with an increasing slope regardless of nutrient combinations. The results indicated that the landscape position could be considered as a proxy indicator for targeted fertilizer application, particularly in farms with undulating topographic features. Hillslopes are better served by the application of organic fertilizers along with conservation measures as applying higher rates of mineral fertilizer in hillslopes would rather increase the risk of downstream nutrient movement.

Drought stress reduces annual global wheat yields by 20%. Silicon (Si) fertilisation has been proposed to improve plant drought stress tolerance. However, it is currently unknown if and how Si affects different wheat landraces, especially with respect to their innate Si accumulation properties. In this study, significant and consistent differences in Si accumulation between landraces were identified, allowing for the classification of high Si accumulators and low Si accumulators. Landraces from the two accumulation groups were then used to investigate the effect of Si during osmotic and drought stress. Si was found to improve growth marginally in high Si accumulators during osmotic stress. However, no significant effect of Si on growth during drought stress was found. It was further found that osmotic stress decreased Si accumulation for all landraces whereas drought increased it. Overall, these results suggest that the beneficial effect of Si commonly reported in similar studies is not universal and that the application of Si fertiliser as a solution to agricultural drought stress requires detailed understanding of genotype-specific responses to Si.

Magnetic Johnson-Nyquist noise (JNN) originating from metal electrodes, used to create a static electric field in neutron electric-dipole-moment (nEDM) experiments, may limit the sensitivity of measurements. We present here the first dedicated study on JNN applied to a large-scale long-measurement-time experiment with the implementation of a co-magnetometry. In this study, we derive surface- and volume-averaged root-mean-square normal noise amplitudes at a certain frequency bandwidth for a cylindrical geometry. In addition, we model the source of noise as a finite number of current dipoles and demonstrate a method to simulate temporal and three-dimensional spatial dependencies of JNN. The calculations are applied to estimate the impact of JNN on measurements with the new apparatus, n2EDM, at the Paul Scherrer Institute. We demonstrate that the performances of the optically pumped $^{133}$Cs magnetometers and $^{199}$Hg co-magnetometers, which will be used in the apparatus, are not limited by JNN. Further, we find that in measurements deploying a co-magnetometer system, the impact of JNN is negligible for nEDM searches down to a sensitivity of $4\,\times\,10^{-28}\,e\cdot{\rm cm}$ in a single measurement; therefore, the use of economically and mechanically favored solid aluminum electrodes is possible.

While some species thrive in urban areas, many are absent from such environments. Those that are successful often have high behavioural flexibility that allows them to exploit new niches in a human-modified landscape. Northern myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) is an endangered bat species rarely identified in urban areas, though it is unclear whether this is due to absence or difficulties in surveying. We investigated the ecology of a population of northern myotis within Canada’s largest conurbation, including reproductive status, roosting preference, and movements. Using capture surveys, we confirmed the presence of reproductive females and healthy juveniles over two seasons. Using radio telemetry and acoustic surveys, we identified a cluster of tree roosts in the centre of the forest, and foraging areas concentrated around waterways within the bounds of the forest. These observations suggest the roosting and movement ecology of this population is similar to that observed for this species in rural environments, despite the urban surroundings. Our results suggest that northern myotis is not a synurbic species but can occur within urbanized environments when suitable habitat is available. We suggest that large forest patches with mature, interior forest cover are likely to be an important resource for northern myotis, and they will be vulnerable to the loss or fragmentation of these features in rapidly urbanizing landscapes. These findings are highly relevant to the ecology and preservation of northern myotis and present a case for greater consideration of this species in urban forests.

Salinity affects around 20% of all arable land while an even larger area suffers from recurrent drought. Together these stresses suppress global crop production by as much as 50% and their impacts are predicted to be exacerbated by climate change. Infrastructure and management practices can mitigate these detrimental impacts, but are costly. Crop breeding for improved tolerance has had some success but is progressing slowly and is not keeping pace with climate change. In contrast, Silicon (Si) is known to improve plant tolerance to a range of stresses and could provide a sustainable, rapid and cost-effective mitigation method. The exact mechanisms are still under debate but it appears Si can relieve salt stress via accumulation in the root apoplast where it reduces “bypass flow of ions to the shoot. Si-dependent drought relief has been linked to lowered root hydraulic conductance and reduction of water loss through transpiration. However, many alternative mechanisms may play a role such as altered gene expression and increased accumulation of compatible solutes. Oxidative damage that occurs under stress conditions can be reduced by Si through increased antioxidative enzymes while Si-improved photosynthesis has also been reported. Si fertilizer can be produced relatively cheaply and to assess its economic viability to improve crop stress tolerance we present a cost-benefit analysis. It suggests that Si fertilization may be beneficial in many agronomic settings but may be beyond the means of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Si application may also have disadvantages, such as increased soil pH, less efficient conversion of crops into biofuel and reduced digestibility of animal fodder. These issues may hamper uptake of Si fertilization as a routine agronomic practice. Here, we critically evaluate recent literature, quantifying the most significant physiological changes associated with Si in plants under drought and salinity stress. Analyses show that metrics associated with photosynthesis, water balance and oxidative stress all improve when Si is present during plant exposure to salinity and drought. We further conclude that most of these changes can be explained by apoplastic roles of Si while there is as yet little evidence to support biochemical roles of this element.

There has been an increase in the number of units providing anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging and the strength of magnetic resonance scanners, as well as the number of interventions and operations performed within the magnetic resonance environment. More devices and implants are now magnetic resonance imaging conditional, allowing scans to be undertaken in patients for whom this was previously not possible. There has also been a revision in terminology relating to magnetic resonance safety of devices. These guidelines have been put together by organisations who are involved in the pathways for patients needing magnetic resonance imaging. They reinforce the safety aspects of providing anaesthesia in the magnetic resonance environment, from the multidisciplinary decision making process, the seniority of anaesthetist accompanying the patient, to training in the recognition of hazards of anaesthesia in the magnetic resonance environment. For many anaesthetists this is an unfamiliar site to give anaesthesia, often in a remote site. Hospitals should develop and audit governance procedures to ensure that anaesthetists of all grades are competent to deliver anaesthesia safely in this area.

Intraoperative fluoroscopy is beneficial when performing total hip arthroplasty (THA) via the direct anterior approach; however, image distortion may influence component placement. A manual gridding system (MGS) and a digital gridding system (DGS) are commercially available, aimed at visually representing or correcting image distortion. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare component placement accuracy following direct anterior approach THA when intraoperative fluoroscopy was supplemented with MGS or DGS.A retrospective evaluation of acetabular cup abduction (ABD), leg length discrepancy (LLD) and global hip offset difference (GHO) was completed for consecutive patients from 6 week post-THA weight-bearing radiographs. The predefined target LLD and GHO was10 mm and ABD target was 45° ± 10°. Differences between MGS and DGS were determined by independent t-tests.The MGS (250 patients, 315 hips) and DGS (183 patients, 218 hips) achieved targeted ABD in 98.7% and 96.8% of cases, respectively, and ABD was significantly lower in the MGS group (45.14 ± 4.03° and 47.01 ± 4.39°, respectively) (P.001). Compared to MGS, the DGS group averaged significantly higher GHO (3.64 ± 2.44 and 4.45 ± 2.73 mm, respectively, P = .002) but was not significantly different regarding LLD (2.92 ± 2.55 and 3.19 ± 2.46 mm, respectively, P = .275). No significant group difference was noted for percentage within the targeted LLD and GHO; however, 93.5% of DGS and 97.6% of MGS achieved all three (P = .031).The use of both the MGS and DGS resulted in consistent component placement within the predefined target zone. Although the MGS appeared to be slightly more consistent, these differences are unlikely to be clinically significant.

Empowering women farmers to participate in agricultural research is a key strategy for sustainable agricultural development. Women empowerment has the potential to improve their roles in agricultur...

Introduction Ethiopia has made efforts to tackle the challenges of low crop and livestock productivity and degradation of land resources through various rural development strategies. However, increasing demands for food, animal feed, fuel, and income-generating activities are putting pressure on the land. In this paper, we describe the production pressure and competition between crop and livestock production, quantify rates of land-use/cover (LULC) changes, and examine driving forces and consequences of land conversion. Methods The study was conducted in Gudo Beret watershed, North Shewa Zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia. It used a combination of methods including remote sensing, household interviews, field observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Supervised and unsupervised image classification methods were employed to map LULC classes for 31 years (1984–2016). Results The results of satellite remote sensing revealed that 51% of the land in the study area was subject to accelerated land conversions. The household survey results indicated that feed resources and grain production pressures were 1.43 and 1.34 t ha−1 respectively. The observed annual changes in plantation and settlement areas were 2.6% and 2.9%. This was mainly at the expense of bushland and grazing land systems. Cropland increased (0.4% year−1) while grazing land reduced (3.5% year−1) under contrasting dynamics and competitive changes. An increase in human and livestock populations and farm expansion were major drivers of land conversion that adversely affected household livelihoods and the natural ecosystem. The consequences of these pressures resulted in a lack of animal feed, low crop-livestock productivity, and a reduction in natural vegetation coverage. Conclusions We suggest that sustainable land resource management, more integrated crop-livestock production, and the use of productivity-enhancing technologies could play a role in managing competition for land resources.

The central Ethiopian highlands where most human and livestock populations concentrated have experienced a drastic change in land use and land cover (LULC) of the landscapes. This study was aimed to define the rate and pattern of LULC changes in Dendi-Jeldu hilly-mountainous areas in the central Ethiopia. Aerial photographs of years 1957 and 1995, and Landsat images taken at 1995 and 2014 were used to analyze the historical land use and land cover (LULC) changes. The study covered an area of about 438 km2. The analysis extracted from these remote sensing data revealed that, in 1957, the dominant LULCs were pastureland, cultivated land (cropland) and forestland covering 49, 25 and 20% of the total area, respectively. Remarkable LULC change dominated by cultivated land expansion (now covering 68% of the total area), however, claimed vast areas under pastureland (main), forestland and woodland. Deforestation in particular, would have been greater if Chilimo forest (remnant afro-montane forest) was not under state control. Plantation forestry exclusively dominated by eucalyptus species also showed substantial expansion into pastureland in the period between 1957 and 1995, and cultivated land between 1995 and 2014. In the period 1957 to 2014 cultivated land, plantation land and settlement were increased by 170%, 13,674% and 172% respectively, while pastureland, forestland and woodland declined by 67%, 73% and 100%, respectively. Change from natural habitat (pastureland, forestland and woodland) to other land uses (cultivated, plantation and settlement lands) is likely to have a large impact on biodiversity, land degradation and beyond.

CONTEXT Sustainable intensification is one approach to increasing food production without undermining sustainability goals. In recent years new tools and indicators have been developed for broad-based assessment of sustainable intensification. However, most of these tools have been applied at field level and assessing individual technologies, while integrated assessments of multiple novel practices at farm-to-village level are lacking. OBJECTIVE In this study we develop and apply a data collection, analysis, and interpretation approach that results in a replicable and rapid method for a multi-variate assessment of sustainable intensification. METHODS Drawing on a survey of 779 participant farmers, and using the Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework, we quantified 27 indicators grouped into five domains: agricultural production, economics, environment, human welfare, and social. We applied an expert-led threshold setting exercise to re-scale indicators, permitting aggregated and dis-aggregated visualisation onto a common axis. We developed a graphic evaluation approach to communicate the multiple domain and indicator scores and applied this approach to quantify trade-offs and synergies related to agricultural productivity in four contrasting sites in Ethiopia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In each site there was a notable and significant gradient of production intensity, although average crop and livestock productivity remained well below attainable levels. Higher levels of productivity were correlated with higher scores in the economic, social and agricultural domains, and in some sites they were also positively correlated with the human welfare and environmental domains. In no case was increased production intensity correlated with lower scores in any of the sustainability domains, indicating that in these relatively low-intensity systems increases in productivity will go hand-in-hand with improvements in most other sustainability domains. Synergies can overrule trade-offs in these smallholder systems in Ethiopia, if managed well. SIGNIFICANCE This is one of very few studies of multiple sustainable intensification technologies implemented concurrently at the household to community level. Most studies focus on individual technologies or practices within specific niches of the farming system. The method could be developed further for efficient application to various large-scale development or intensification projects, and could potentially make use of existing smallholder information databases.

In 2012, Africa RISING conducted participatory community analysis (PCA) as the first phase of a participatory development approach in the Ethiopian highlands. The PCA identified trends, constraints...

An enormous effort is underway in Ethiopia to address soil erosion and restore overall land productivity. Modelling and participatory approaches can be used to delineate erosion hotspots, plan site- and context-specific interventions and assess their impacts. In this study, we employed a modelling interface developed based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation adjusted by the sediment delivery ratio to map the spatial distribution of net soil loss and identify priority areas of intervention. Using the modelling interface, we also simulated the potential impacts of different soil and water conservation measures in reducing net soil loss. Model predictions showed that net soil loss in the study area ranges between 0.4 and 88 t ha− 1 yr− 1 with an average of 12 t ha− 1 yr− 1. The dominant soil erosion hotspots were associated with steep slopes, gullies, communal grazing and cultivated areas. The average soil loss observed in this study is higher than the tolerable soil loss rate estimated for the highland of Ethiopia. The scenario analysis results showed that targeting hotspot areas where soil loss exceeds 10 t ha− 1 yr− 1 could reduce net soil loss to the tolerable limit (

Chemotherapy response and surgical margins have been shown to be associated with the risk of local recurrence in patients with osteosarcoma. However, existing surgical staging systems fail to reflect the response to chemotherapy or define an appropriate safe metric distance from the tumor that will allow complete excision and closely predict the chance of disease recurrence. We therefore sought to review a group of patients with primary high-grade osteosarcoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection and analyzed margins and chemotherapy response in terms of local recurrence.(1) What predictor or combination of predictors available to the clinician can be assessed that more reliably predict the likelihood of local recurrence? (2) Can we determine a better predictor of local recurrence-free survival than the currently applied system of surgical margins? (3) Can we determine a better predictor of overall survival than the currently applied system of surgical margins?This retrospective study included all patients with high-grade conventional osteosarcomas without metastasis at diagnosis treated at one center between 1997 and 2012 with preoperative chemotherapy followed by resection or amputation of the primary tumor who were younger than age 50 years with minimum 24-month followup for those still alive. A total of 389 participants matched the inclusion criteria. Univariate log-rank test and multivariate Cox analyses were undertaken to identify predictors of local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). The Birmingham classification was devised on the basis of two stems: the response to chemotherapy (good response = ≥ 90% necrosis; poor response =90% necrosis) and margins (2 mm or ≥ 2 mm). The 5-year overall survival rate was 67% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61%-71%) and 47 patients developed local recurrence (12%).Intralesional margins (hazard ratio [HR], 9.9; 95% CI, 1.2-82; p = 0.03 versus radical margin HR, 1) and a poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7-8.4; p = 0.001 versus good response HR, 1) were independent risk factors for local recurrence (LR). The best predictor of LR, however, was a combination of margins ≤ 2 mm and a less than 90% necrosis response to chemotherapy (Birmingham 2b HR, 19.6; 95% CI, 2.6-144; p = 0.003 versus Birmingham 1a; margin2 mm and more than 90% necrosis HR, 1). Two-stage Cox regression model and higher Harrell's C statistic demonstrate that the Birmingham classification was superior to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) margin classification for predicting LR (Harrell's C statistic Birmingham classification 0.68, MSTS criteria 0.59). A difference in overall survival was seen between groups of the Birmingham classification (log-rank test p0.0001), whereas the MSTS margin system was not discriminatory (log-rank test p = 0.14).Based on these observations, we believe that a combination of the recording of surgical margins in millimeters and the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy can more accurately predict the risk of local recurrence than the current MSTS system. A multicenter collaboration study initiated by the International Society of Limb Salvage is recommended to test the validity of the proposed classification and if these findings are confirmed, this classification system might be considered the standard practice in oncology centers treating patients with osteosarcomas and allow more effective communication of margin status for research.Level IV, prognostic study.

Resection of pelvic and sacral tumors can cause severe blood loss, complications, and even postoperative death. Hypotensive epidural anesthesia has been used to mitigate blood loss after elective arthroplasty, but to our knowledge, it has not been studied as an approach that might make resection of pelvic and sacral tumors safer. The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the blood loss and blood product use for patients undergoing pelvic and sacral tumor surgery under standard anesthesia or hypotensive epidural anesthesia; (2) to assess the frequency of end-organ damage with the two techniques; and (3) to compare 90-day mortality between the two techniques. Between 2000 and 2014, 285 major pelvic and sacral resections were performed at one center. A total of 174 (61%) had complete data sets for analysis of blood loss, transfusion use, complications, and mortality at 90 days. Of those, 102 (59%) underwent hypotensive epidural anesthesia, whereas the remainder received standard anesthetic care. The anesthetic approach was determined by the anesthetists in charge of the case with hypotensive epidural anesthesia exclusively performed by one of two subspecialty trained anesthetists as their routine for major pelvic or sacral surgery. The groups were comparable in terms of potential confounding variables such as age, gender, tumor volume, and operation performed. Hypotensive epidural anesthesia was defined as a technique using an extensive epidural block up to T2-3 dermatome, peripherally administered low-concentration intravenous adrenaline infusion, and using unimpeded spontaneous respiration to achieve controlled hypotension, precise rate control of the heart, and enhanced velocity of venous return, all aggregated thus to minimize blood loss during pelvic surgery while preserving vital perfusion. The groups were assessed for perioperative blood loss calculated from pre- and postsurgery hemoglobin and transfusion use as well as postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality at 90 days. There was less mean blood loss in the hypotensive epidural anesthesia group (1457 mL, SD 1721, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1114–1801 versus 2421 mL, SD 2297, 95% CI, 1877–2965; p = 0.003). Patients in the hypotensive epidural anesthesia group on average received fewer packed red cell transfusions (2.7 units, SD 2.9, 95% CI, 2.1–3.2 versus 3.9 units, SD 4.4, 95% CI, 2.9–5.0; p = 0.03). There were no differences in the proportions of patients experiencing end-organ injury (7%, n = seven of 102 versus 6%, n = four of 72; p = 0.72). With the numbers available, there was no difference in 90-day mortality rate between groups (1.9%, n = two of 102 versus 1.3%, n = one of 72; p = 0.77). We found that hypotensive epidural anesthesia resulted in less blood loss, fewer transfusions, and no apparent increase in serious complications in pelvic and sacral tumor surgery performed in the setting of a high-volume tertiary sarcoma referral hospital. We recommend that further collaborative studies be undertaken to confirm our results with hypotensive epidural anesthesia in surgery for pelvic tumors. Level III, therapeutic study.

Sustainable intensification (SI) is at the forefront of food security discussions as a means to meet the growing demand for agricultural production while conserving land and other resources. A broader definition of SI is emerging that takes into account the human condition, nutrition and social equity. Next steps require identification of indicators and associated metrics, to track progress, assess tradeoffs and identify synergies. Through a systematic, qualitative review of the literature we identified SI indicators, with a primary focus on African smallholder farming systems. We assessed indicators and metrics for which there is consensus, and those that remain contested. We conclude that, while numerous metrics for evaluating SI systems exist, many often-cited indicators lack strong sets of associated metrics.

The Rural Household Multiple Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) is a standardized farm household survey approach which collects information on 758 variables covering household demographics, farm area, crops grown and their production, livestock holdings and their production, agricultural product use and variables underlying standard socio-economic and food security indicators such as the Probability of Poverty Index, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, and household dietary diversity. These variables are used to quantify more than 40 different indicators on farm and household characteristics, welfare, productivity, and economic performance. Between 2015 and the beginning of 2018, the survey instrument was applied in 21 countries in Central America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The data presented here include the raw survey response data, the indicator calculation code, and the resulting indicator values. These data can be used to quantify on- and off-farm pathways to food security, diverse diets, and changes in poverty for rural smallholder farm households., Measurement(s)Demographics • cultivated environment • Household Environment • economic performanceTechnology Type(s)SurveyFactor Type(s)country • yearSample Characteristic - OrganismHomo sapiensSample Characteristic - EnvironmentfarmSample Characteristic - LocationCentral America • Sub-Saharan Africa • Asia Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11637786

Non-technical summary Until the past half-century, all agriculture and land management was framed by local institutions strong in social capital. But neoliberal forms of development came to undermine existing structures, thus reducing sustainability and equity. The past 20 years, though, have seen the deliberate establishment of more than 8 million new social groups across the world. This restructuring and growth of rural social capital within specific territories is leading to increased productivity of agricultural and land management systems, with particular benefits for those previously excluded. Further growth would occur with more national and regional policy support. Technical summary For agriculture and land management to improve natural capital over whole landscapes, social cooperation has long been required. The political economy of the later twentieth and early twenty-first centuries prioritized unfettered individual action over the collective, and many rural institutions were harmed or destroyed. Since then, a wide range of social movements, networks and federations have emerged to support transitions towards sustainability and equity. Here, we focus on social capital manifested as intentionally formed collaborative groups within specific geographic territories. These groups focus on: (1) integrated pest management; (2) forests; (3) land; (4) water; (5) pastures; (6) support services; (7) innovation platforms; and (8) small-scale systems. We show across 122 initiatives in 55 countries that the number of groups has grown from 0.50 million (in 2000) to 8.54 million (in 2020). The area of land transformed by the 170–255 million group members is 300 Mha, mostly in less-developed countries (98% groups; 94% area). Farmers and land managers working with scientists and extensionists in these groups have improved both environmental outcomes and agricultural productivity. In some cases, changes to national or regional policy supported this growth in groups. Together with other movements, these social groups could now support further transitions towards policies and behaviours for global sustainability. Social media summary Millions of geographically based new social groups are leading to more sustainable agriculture and forestry worldwide.

Soil fertility depletion is a major constraint of smallholder farming in sub-Saharan Africa. We tested the aftereffects of green manures, namely vetch (Vicia sativa L.), lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus L.), and lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) incorporated into the soil compared to three fertilizer levels (0/0, 23/0, and 78/20 kg N/P ha−1) and evaluated their effect on soil fertility status and wheat yield in acidic Nitisols of southern Ethiopia, for three consecutive years (2017–2019). The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In 2017 and 2018, green manures were sown in March and April, respectively, using short rains and incorporated into the soil during late flowering stage, either (i) the whole shoot and root biomass were plowed under, (ii) shoot biomass was transferred to non-treated plots or (iii) only the below ground root biomass was used. Wheat was sown during long rains during the same growing season a month after the incorporation of green manures. In 2019, wheat was grown on the residual plots with the application of an additional 64/20 kg N/P ha−1. Results revealed that in 2017 and 2018 the application of vetch and lupin green manure resulted in grain yield advantages of 49 and 32 % and 34 and 19 %, respectively, over 0/0 and 23/0 kg N/P ha−1, though it produced less grain yield compared to higher fertilizer rates. In 2019, the addition of vetch and lupin whole biomass treatments gave significantly higher wheat yield over fertilizer treatments, with yield advantages of 18–26 %. Similarly, root biomass only also produced a significantly higher yield than fertilized plots. The yield benefits from green manures were due to improved soil water content, improved P-availability, significantly increased exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg, and increased pH by about 0.5 units. The residual effect of green manures could compensate for up to 33 % of the recommended rate of 78 N kg ha−1. We conclude that niche-based integration of green manures could improve yield, enhance soil carbon sequestration and sustain crop-livestock systems, whereby the above ground biomass could serve as quality livestock feed without compromising soil fertility benefits.

Scaling is a ubiquitous concept in agricultural research in the global south as donors require their research grantees to prove that their results can be scaled to impact upon the livelihoods of a large number of beneficiaries. Recent studies on scaling have brought critical perspectives to the rather technocratic tendencies in the agricultural innovations scaling literature. Drawing on theoretical debates on spatial strategies and practical experience of agricultural innovation scaling in Ethiopia, this paper adds to the current debate on what constitutes scaling and how to overcome critical scaling constraints. The data for the paper came from a qualitative assessment using focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and document analysis on scaling work done in Ethiopia by a USAID-funded research for development project. The paper concludes with four broad lessons for the current understating of agricultural innovation scaling. First, scaling of agricultural innovations requires a balanced focus on technical requirements and associated social dynamics surrounding scaling targets, actors involved and their social relations. Second, appreciating the social dynamics of scaling emphasizes the fact that scaling is more complex than a linear rolling out of innovations towards diffusion. Third, scaling may not be strictly planned; instead, it might be an extension of the innovation generation process that relies heavily on both new and long-term relationships with key partners, trust, and continuous reflection and learning. Fourth, the overall implication of the above three conclusions is that scaling strategies need to be flexible, stepwise, and reflective. Despite the promises of flourishing scaling frameworks, scaling strategies it would appear from the Africa RISING experience that, if real impact is to be achieved, approaches will be required to be flexible enough to manage the social, processual and emergent nature of the practice of scaling.

The performance, expansion and contribution of tree lucerne has not reached to its full potential due to a number of factors. An action on-farm research was conducted with men and women farm households to (a) compare survival and growth of tree lucerne across contrasting sites and growing niches, and (b) identify the key determinants of tree lucerne survival and growth on farms in the crop-livestock systems. The research was conducted in eight research kebeles (the smallest administrative unit in the country) of the four Africa RISING (Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation) project sites. Eight farmer research groups (FRGs) were formed in consultation with the group members. Each FRG consisted of 25–30 men and women farmers representing a range of social groups. Each farmer participating in the research received on average 50 seedlings. A total of 253 farmers participated in the research. After planting, data on survival, growth, root collar diameter and management were collected at 9 months using simple field monitoring tools. A total of ten sample plants were selected from the field of each farmer who planted tree lucerne, and these were labelled for continuous growth measurements. The on-farm research measurement was supplemented by cross-sectional survey data collected from a sample of FRG member households in the eight research kebeles. A combination of descriptive statistics, multivariate statistical techniques and econometric models were used for data analysis. The results of the study show that percentage survival on-farm were significantly higher for tree lucerne planted in backyards than those planted in outfields and for middle-resource class households. Household size, access to reliable water supply, and management factors—including fencing and watering planted-seedlings, mulching during dry periods, clean spot weeding and applying organic fertilizers—significantly enhanced survival and growth of tree lucerne in the planting sites.

Researchers have proposed that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized, at least in part, by executive function (EF) difficulties associated with the integrity of the frontal lobe. Given the paucity of research regarding EFs in young adults with high functioning ASD (HF-ASD), this research involves an examination of various indices of EF related to inhibition, planning, and generativity. Results indicate that although young adults with HF-ASD as a group met normative expectations on all measures of EF, they also exhibited considerable individual variability relative to their age- and sex-matched typically developing peers. These findings have important research and clinical implications, including the need to carefully consider the impact of the research comparison group, and to recognize individual variability in executive functioning among young adults with HF-ASD.

The sustainable intensification of agricultural systems offers synergistic opportunities for the co-production of agricultural and natural capital outcomes. Efficiency and substitution are steps towards sustainable intensification, but system redesign is essential to deliver optimum outcomes as ecological and economic conditions change. We show global progress towards sustainable intensification by farms and hectares, using seven sustainable intensification sub-types: integrated pest management, conservation agriculture, integrated crop and biodiversity, pasture and forage, trees, irrigation management and small or patch systems. From 47 sustainable intensification initiatives at scale (each >104 farms or hectares), we estimate 163 million farms (29% of all worldwide) have crossed a redesign threshold, practising forms of sustainable intensification on 453 Mha of agricultural land (9% of worldwide total). Key challenges include investment to integrate more forms of sustainable intensification in farming systems, creating agricultural knowledge economies and establishing policy measures to scale sustainable intensification further. We conclude that sustainable intensification may be approaching a tipping point where it could be transformative.