Grape Cluster Detection Using UAV Photogrammetric Point Clouds as a Low-Cost Tool for Yield Forecasting in Vineyards.

Yield prediction is crucial for the management of harvest and scheduling wine production operations. Traditional yield prediction methods rely on manual sampling and are time-consuming, making it difficult to handle the intrinsic spatial variability of vineyards. There have been significant advances in automatic yield estimation in vineyards from on-ground imagery, but terrestrial platforms have some limitations since they can cause soil compaction and have problems on sloping and ploughed land. The analysis of photogrammetric point clouds generated with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) imagery has shown its potential in the characterization of woody crops, and the point color analysis has been used for the detection of flowers in almond trees. For these reasons, the main objective of this work was to develop an unsupervised and automated workflow for detection of grape clusters in red grapevine varieties using UAV photogrammetric point clouds and color indices. As leaf occlusion is recognized as a major challenge in fruit detection, the influence of partial leaf removal in the accuracy of the workflow was assessed. UAV flights were performed over two commercial vineyards with different grape varieties in 2019 and 2020, and the photogrammetric point clouds generated from these flights were analyzed using an automatic and unsupervised algorithm developed using free software. The proposed methodology achieved R2 values higher than 0.75 between the harvest weight and the projected area of the points classified as grapes in vines when partial two-sided removal treatment, and an R2 of 0.82 was achieved in one of the datasets for vines with untouched full canopy. The accuracy achieved in grape detection opens the door to yield prediction in red grape vineyards. This would allow the creation of yield estimation maps that will ease the implementation of precision viticulture practices. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that UAV photogrammetric point clouds have been used for grape clusters detection.

Efficacy and safety of a hexanic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon® ) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH): systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies.

OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of the hexanic extract of Serenoa repens (HESr, Permixon® ; Pierre Fabre Médicament, Castres, France), at a dose of 320 mg daily, as monotherapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies in patients with LUTS/BPH identified through searches in Medline, Web of Knowledge (Institute for Scientific Information), Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and bibliographic references up to March 2017. Articles studying S. repens extracts other than Permixon were excluded. Data were collected on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax ), nocturia, quality of life, prostate volume, sexual function, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Data obtained from RCTs and observational studies were analysed jointly and separately using a random effects model. A sub-group analysis was performed of studies that included patients on longer-term treatment (≥1 year). RESULTS: Data from 27 studies (15 RCTs and 12 observational studies) were included for meta-analysis (total N = 5 800). Compared with placebo, the HESr was associated with 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.98 to -0.31) fewer voids/night (P < 0.001) and an additional mean increase in Qmax of 2.75 mL/s (95% CI 0.57 to 4.93; P = 0.01). When compared with α-blockers, the HESr showed similar improvements on IPSS (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.57, 95% CI -0.27 to 1.42; P = 0.18) and a comparable increase in Qmax to tamsulosin (WMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.71 to 0.66; P = 0.95). Efficacy assessed using the IPSS was similar after 6 months of treatment between the HESr and 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs). Analysis of all available published data for the HESr showed a mean improvement in IPSS from baseline of -5.73 points (95% CI -6.91 to -4.54; P < 0.001). HESr did not negatively affect sexual function and no clinically relevant effect was observed on prostate-specific antigen. Prostate volume decreased slightly. Similar efficacy results were seen in patients treated for ≥1 year (n = 447). The HESr had a favourable safety profile, with gastrointestinal disorders being the most frequent ADR (mean incidence of 3.8%). CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis, which includes all available RCTs and observational studies, shows that the HESr (Permixon) reduced nocturia and improved Qmax compared with placebo and had a similar efficacy to tamsulosin and short-term 5-ARI in relieving LUTS. HESr (Permixon) appears to be an efficacious and well-tolerated therapeutic option for the long-term medical treatment of LUTS/BPH.

[Association between abdominal obesity and seminal oxidative damage in adults with metabolic syndrome]. / Asociación entre obesidad abdominal y daño oxidativo seminal en pacientes con síndrome metabólico.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and oxidative stress may impair seminal quality leading to derangements in fertility. AIM: To identify an association between abdominal obesity and markers of seminal oxidative damage in adults with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy males aged 25 to 40 years, with MS according to ATP-III criteria volunteered for this cross-sectional study. The control group included 70 healthy and normal weight adults. Semen analysis included volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: Sperm concentration and the percentage of sperms with normal motility and morphology were significantly lower in adults with MS, when compared to their healthy normal weight counterparts. Seminal levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were significantly higher among participants with MS. Significant correlations were found between WC and seminal markers of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with MS had an impaired seminal quality that may be explained, at least in part, by increased seminal oxidative damage.

Botánicas Function as Health Care Safety Nets Among Hispanic American Immigrants: A Brief Report.

As the U.S. population becomes more racially/ethnically diverse, the Hispanic American immigrant population has slowly grown in recent years. In the face of anti-immigrant policies, limited access to care, fear of deportation, discrimination, stigmatization, poverty, and other stressors, Hispanic American immigrants seek services from botánicas for religious, spiritual, medical, and psychosocial health reasons, including the accessibility and affordability of services from folk practitioners in these herbal dispensaries. Hispanics are the primary consumers of herbal remedies and complementary and alternative medicines in the United States. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the critical role of botánicas in the health and wellness of Hispanic American immigrants. Recommendations for health professionals are provided in the care of Hispanic Americans who utilize folk, traditional, and herbal medicines for health and healing.

Call for Inclusive and Diverse Suicide Prevention Strategies Among Cuban Americans: A Brief Report.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in Hispanics globally and nationally. Intentional death rates were higher in Cuba than Mexico in 2016. In the United States (US), suicide mortality rates were greater among Hispanics in rural than urban areas from 2001 to 2015. Although the US lacks suicide research in undocumented Hispanics, few studies have reported increased risk in immigrants. Limited research also indicates higher intentional death rates in Cuban Americans compared with other Hispanic American subgroups. However, suicide prevention strategies for at-risk Cuban Americans are lacking due to a scarcity of research among diverse Hispanics. Researchers could collaborate with health care providers to develop effective suicide prevention methods for Cuban Americans with suicidal problems. This report provides an overview of suicidal behavior in Hispanic Americans with a focus on Cuban Americans. Gaps related to the research topic, as well as recommendations for practice, research, and health policy, are provided in this report.

Holistic Psychosocial Approaches in the Care of Hispanic Victims of Trauma: An Overview.

The collapse of the Champlain Towers South (CTS), a condominium in Miami, Florida, left a diverse group of survivors and healthcare clinicians tasked with finding ways of coping with the disaster. Within seconds, the CTS collapse became a global tragedy due to the coastal neighborhood's rich international mix of residents. Although this tragedy impacted communities across globe, a large population of Hispanic victims lived in CTS that were deeply affected. Culturally adaptive interventions and holistic healthcare for Hispanic individuals are highly relevant because Hispanic Americans represent one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States. To reach, engage, and address the needs of Hispanic victims, this article provides an overview of psychosocial factors that influence Hispanic victims with trauma and discusses holistic psychotherapeutic approaches in nursing care that can be applied to improve victims' well-being. Culture is an important consideration in health; therefore, this article highlights and operationalizes culturally tailored holistic nursing care that draws from the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health and well-being that can be used in clinical settings with Hispanic clients who have experienced trauma.

Critical gaps in understanding firearm suicide in Hispanic communities: demographics, mental health, and access to care.

Suicide rates increased by 26.7% among Hispanics from 2015 to 2020, driven at least in part by highly lethal firearm suicide deaths. However, there are critical gaps in characterizing firearm suicide risks and prevention opportunities in Hispanic communities. We examined Hispanic adult firearm suicide decedents reported through the National Violent Death Reporting System from 2013-2019, focusing on demographic characteristics, firearm choices, suicidal thoughts/behaviors, mental health, and mental health treatment, compared with non-Hispanic adult firearm suicide decedents. Only 13.8% of Hispanic firearm suicide decedents were known to be undergoing treatment for a mental health or substance use problem prior to death, compared to 18.8% of non-Hispanic firearm suicide decedents. On average, Hispanic firearm suicide decedents were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic firearm suicide decedents known to have been treated for a mental health or substance use problem. These results may underscore the critical need for public health agencies and policymakers to promote initiatives integrating mental health screening into medical care, reducing mental health stigma among Hispanics, and expanding mental health treatment capacity in Hispanic communities.

We examined Hispanic adult firearm suicide decedents reported through the National Violent Death Reporting System from 2013­2019, focusing on demographic characteristics, firearm choices, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, mental health, and mental health treatment, compared with non-Hispanic adult firearm suicide decedents. We found key differences in demographic characteristics, firearm choices, and known history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, mental ill health, and mental health treatment between Hispanic and non-Hispanic adult firearm suicide decedents. One key finding from this study was that Hispanic adult firearm suicide decedents were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic adult firearm suicide decedents known to be undergoing treatment for mental health or substance use problems prior to death. Additionally, compared with non-Hispanic decedents, Hispanic decedents were more likely to have a known history of suicidal thoughts/plans and suicide attempts. Handguns were used in three-fourths (74.9%) of non-Hispanic firearm suicide deaths but more than 8 in 10 (81.9%) Hispanic firearm suicide deaths. These results may indicate opportunities for public health agencies and policymakers to promote initiatives integrating mental health screening into primary medical care, reducing mental health stigma among Hispanics, and expanding mental health treatment capacity in Hispanic communities.

Hispanic Suicides in Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2008-2018.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in Hispanic Americans. Although this population is growing rapidly, particularly in geographic areas such as Miami-Dade County, Florida, few studies have examined suicide in Hispanics. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine associations between suicide and demographic characteristics among Hispanics in Miami-Dade County, Florida, between 2008 and 2018. A total of 1,601 Hispanics died from suicide. Cubans (n = 1,145) represented nearly three quarters of the suicides, while Central or South Americans (n = 119), Puerto Ricans (n = 59), and Mexicans (n = 29) accounted for lower intentional deaths. Furthermore, although no correlation between suicide and age was found, significantly more than half of the suicides were men, X2 (1, N = 1,600) = 361.894, p < .001 (p = .000). Hispanic male suicides were 4.52 more frequent than Hispanic female firearm suicides. Men were more likely to use firearms, while women were more likely to choose drugs, substances, or some other form of method. Intentional deaths were unequal across locations, Χ2 (3, N = 1,601) = 603.764, p < .001 (p = .000), with increased incidence occurring at the Hispanic's home. The second most common suicide location was health care facilities for drugs. Researchers should collaborate with health care providers to increase suicide research and eliminate disparities in at-risk Hispanic Americans.

Hispanics, Mental Health, and the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide: Brief Report.

Suicide is a public health concern in the United States, particularly among Hispanics. Research indicates a number of social factors negatively contribute to the problem, including stigma of psychiatric illness in the Hispanic culture. A paucity of research in this area exists, and if not addressed, then suicide rates could continue to increase among Hispanics. The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide could be used by clinicians and researchers to explore the phenomenon of suicide among Hispanics. Such research could potentially meet national suicide prevention goals and guide clinicians in creating culturally sensitive suicide outreach programs for at-risk Hispanics. Multicultural strategies aimed to serve minority, underserved, and vulnerable populations could also reduce mental health disparities. Recommendations for clinical practice, research, and health care policy are included in this report.

Cultural and Practical Implications for Psychiatric Telehealth Services: A Response to COVID-19.

In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth or the remote delivery of mental health services via videoconferencing technology is experiencing exponential growth in utilization. Telehealth services provide mental healthcare providers the ability to deliver timely assessments, facilitate and leverage scarce resources, and maintain client connections in a time where social distancing is endorsed. The delivery of culturally appropriate psychiatric telehealth services is particularly relevant for diverse ethnic populations along with best practices to promote client-provider engagement and client satisfaction. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of psychiatric telehealth services and its functions and deliver insights into culturally appropriate practice strategies.

Impact of Probiotics on the Performance of Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Probiotic supplements contain different strains of living microorganisms that promote the health of the host. These dietary supplements are increasingly being used by athletes to improve different aspects such as athletic performance, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), the immune system, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, etc. This study aimed to identify the current evidence on the management of probiotics in endurance athletes and their relationship with sports performance. METHODS: A systematic review of the last five years was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Sportdiscus and Embase databases. RESULTS: Nine articles met the quality criteria. Of these, three reported direct benefits on sports performance. The remaining six articles found improvements in the reduction of oxidative stress, increased immune response and decreased incidence of URTIs. There is little scientific evidence on the direct relationship between the administration of probiotics in endurance athletes and sports performance. CONCLUSIONS: Benefits were found that probiotics could indirectly influence sports performance by improving other parameters such as the immune system, response to URTIs and decreased oxidative stress, as well as the monitoring of scheduled workouts.

Effects of Resistance Training in Muscle Mass and Markers of Muscle Damage in Adults with Down Syndrome.

Recent studies have emphasized that regular exercise should be encouraged as a key part of care and support for people with Down syndrome (DS). However, muscle hypotonia has traditionally been considered a major barrier to resistance training (RT) in people with DS. The main objective of this study was to analyze the impact of circuit RT on markers of muscle damage. The secondary objective was to assess the influence of a RT program on body composition and work task performance. Thirty-six men with DS were recruited and randomly assigned to perform a circuit RT program with six stations 3 days/week for 12 weeks (n = 18) or to a control group (n = 18). Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Serum markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase, myoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase) were determined at baseline and at the end of training weeks 1, 6, and 12. Work task performance was assessed using the weighted pail-carry test. RT did not induce significant changes in markers of muscle damage during the intervention. Furthermore, muscle mass and work task performance were significantly improved in the exercise group. These findings suggest that circuit RT can be used safely to increase muscle mass and work task performance in young adults with DS. Muscle hypotonia should not be considered a major barrier to exercise in people with DS, provided that qualified staff design and supervise all training sessions.

Hispanics, Addictions, and the Opioid Epidemic: Brief Report.

Opioid addiction is a public health concern. Opioid overdose death rates account for one third to a half of all global substance-related deaths. Opioid mortality rates increased nearly fivefold in the United States between 1999 and 2016. Recent research has found health care disparities in the United States among minority populations with opioid use disorder, particularly Hispanics. Current literature also suggests that a number of social and cultural factors, including the stigma linked to mental illness and treatment in the Hispanic culture, may further negatively contribute to the problem. This brief report pays close attention to the opioid epidemic in the United States and addresses issues related to the crisis among Hispanics. Recommendations for clinical practice, research, and health care policy are also discussed.

Listening to the patient: a flexible approach to the use of antimuscarinic agents in overactive bladder syndrome.

Several studies with modern antimuscarinics have used a flexible-dosing strategy. We reviewed data from several studies with solifenacin, darifenacin and oxybutynin extended-release that evaluated the impact of dose flexibility on clinical management. A strategy based on patient-requested dose increases was found to be consistently effective in improving the symptoms of overactive bladder. Patients requesting a dose increase often had more severe symptoms at baseline than those who did not request a dose increase, and these patients derived most benefit from the increased dose. Specialists and family doctors should encourage open discussion with their patients about requesting dose titration so as to meet patients' individual needs.

Hispanics, Mental Health, and Discriminating Policies: Brief Report.

Hispanics, the largest minority group in the United States, are a heterogeneous group that contains a large portion of immigrants from Latin America. Recently, anti-immigrant policies and anti-Hispanic discriminatory practices have heightened at state and national levels. These policies and practices serve to endanger the mental health of Hispanics and play a major role in health care disparities. Positive correlations have been found between chronic discrimination and depression as well as other comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and substance use, and physical disorders. This report provides an overview of the changes in law/policy in recent history that negatively affect the well-being of Hispanics. Recommendations for health care professionals, educators, and researchers are presented.

Hispanics, Mental Health, and Suicide: Brief Report.

A global health crisis exists surrounding suicide. In the United States, suicide rates have increased by nearly 30% in most states since 1999. Although the suicide rate among Hispanic Americans is significantly lower than non-Hispanic Whites, reasons for the lower rate are unclear. Current literature suggests that the lower rate may be due to underreporting, a lack of suicide screening and a number of complex social issues, including the stigma surrounding suicide in Hispanic culture. Health care provider attitudes toward suicidal individuals may also negatively affect mental health outcomes. This brief report focuses on suicide as a public health concern, addresses key issues arising from the phenomenon, and provides a perspective on health care providers' attitudes toward suicide. Recommendations for future research, as well as implications for clinical practice and policy, are suggested.

An efficient RGB-UAV-based platform for field almond tree phenotyping: 3-D architecture and flowering traits.

BACKGROUND: Almond is an emerging crop due to the health benefits of almond consumption including nutritional, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolaemia properties. Traditional almond producers were concentrated in California, Australia, and Mediterranean countries. However, almond is currently present in more than 50 countries due to breeding programs have modernized almond orchards by developing new varieties with improved traits related to late flowering (to reduce the risk of damage caused by late frosts) and tree architecture. Almond tree architecture and flowering are acquired and evaluated through intensive field labour for breeders. Flowering detection has traditionally been a very challenging objective. To our knowledge, there is no published information about monitoring of the tree flowering dynamics of a crop at the field scale by using color information from photogrammetric 3D point clouds and OBIA. As an alternative, a procedure based on the generation of colored photogrammetric point clouds using a low cost (RGB) camera on-board an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and an semi-automatic object based image analysis (OBIA) algorithm was created for monitoring the flower density and flowering period of every almond tree in the framework of two almond phenotypic trials with different planting dates. RESULTS: Our method was useful for detecting the phenotypic variability of every almond variety by mapping and quantifying every tree height and volume as well as the flowering dynamics and flower density. There was a high level of agreement among the tree height, flower density, and blooming calendar derived from our procedure on both fields with the ones created from on-ground measured data. Some of the almond varieties showed a significant linear fit between its crown volume and their yield. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could help breeders and researchers to reduce the gap between phenomics and genomics by generating accurate almond tree information in an efficient, non-destructive, and inexpensive way. The method described is also useful for data mining to select the most promising accessions, making it possible to assess specific multi-criteria ranking varieties, which are one of the main tools for breeders.

High-Throughput System for the Early Quantification of Major Architectural Traits in Olive Breeding Trials Using UAV Images and OBIA Techniques.

The need for the olive farm modernization have encouraged the research of more efficient crop management strategies through cross-breeding programs to release new olive cultivars more suitable for mechanization and use in intensive orchards, with high quality production and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The advancement of breeding programs are hampered by the lack of efficient phenotyping methods to quickly and accurately acquire crop traits such as morphological attributes (tree vigor and vegetative growth habits), which are key to identify desirable genotypes as early as possible. In this context, an UAV-based high-throughput system for olive breeding program applications was developed to extract tree traits in large-scale phenotyping studies under field conditions. The system consisted of UAV-flight configurations, in terms of flight altitude and image overlaps, and a novel, automatic, and accurate object-based image analysis (OBIA) algorithm based on point clouds, which was evaluated in two experimental trials in the framework of a table olive breeding program, with the aim to determine the earliest date for suitable quantifying of tree architectural traits. Two training systems (intensive and hedgerow) were evaluated at two very early stages of tree growth: 15 and 27 months after planting. Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) were automatically and accurately generated by the algorithm as well as every olive tree identified, independently of the training system and tree age. The architectural traits, specially tree height and crown area, were estimated with high accuracy in the second flight campaign, i.e. 27 months after planting. Differences in the quality of 3D crown reconstruction were found for the growth patterns derived from each training system. These key phenotyping traits could be used in several olive breeding programs, as well as to address some agronomical goals. In addition, this system is cost and time optimized, so that requested architectural traits could be provided in the same day as UAV flights. This high-throughput system may solve the actual bottleneck of plant phenotyping of "linking genotype and phenotype," considered a major challenge for crop research in the 21st century, and bring forward the crucial time of decision making for breeders.