By carrying out a laboratory experiment, the influence of priming methods, including ZnSO4, BSN, and hydropriming was evaluated on the seed germination of hybrid AS71 corn. Then, the main and interaction effects of the priming methods, planting dates, and weed interference levels were surveyed on the vegetative growth traits, yield, and yield components of corn in a field experiment. Based on the lab experiment, although the maximum germination percentage (100%) was observed in the treated plots by hydropriming 22 h after treatment (HAT), the greatest seedling vigor index (122.99) was recorded with treated seeds by ZnSO4 (0.03 mg L–1) at 8 HAT. The greatest emergence index was observed in the treated plots by hydropriming on both planting dates of June 1 and 11. The interaction of planting dates and weed interference levels revealed that the highest emergence index (14%–17%) occurred in the weed-free plots on both planting dates. BSN recorded the greatest corn 1000-grain weight that was significantly higher than the control plots by 28%. Furthermore, BSN enhanced the corn grain yield compared with the control plots by 63% and 24.9% on the planting dates of June 1 and 11, respectively. BSN, as a nutri-priming approach, by displaying the highest positive effects in boosting the corn grain yield in both weedy and weed-free plots as well as both planting dates, could be a recommendable option for growers to improve the crop yield production.

Homosexuality, as a sexual orientation, encompasses individuals who experience love and sexual desire exclusively towards individuals of the same sex. Those who identify with this sexual orientation are referred to as homosexuals. Recognizing that various sexual orientations are equally valid, it is important to understand that homosexuality is a complex phenomenon. This paper aims to shed light on the current state of homosexuality in China. It holds universal significance not only for promoting cultural diversity, protecting human rights, strengthening the legal framework, and advancing society, but also for the well-being and livelihood of this vulnerable group.

Cardiovascular imaging analysis is a useful tool for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases. Imaging techniques allow non-invasive quantitative assessment of cardiac function, providing morphological, functional and dynamic information. Recent technological advances in ultrasound have made it possible to improve the quality of patient treatment, thanks to the use of modern image processing and analysis techniques. However, the acquisition of these dynamic three-dimensional (3D) images leads to the production of large volumes of data to process, from which cardiac structures must be extracted and analyzed during the cardiac cycle. Extraction, three-dimensional visualization, and qualification tools are currently used within the clinical routine, but unfortunately require significant interaction with the physician. These elements justify the development of new efficient and robust algorithms for structure extraction and cardiac motion estimation from three-dimensional images. As a result, making available to clinicians new means to accurately assess cardiac anatomy and function from three-dimensional images represents a definite advance in the investigation of a complete description of the heart from a single examination. The aim of this article is to show what advances have been made in 3D cardiac imaging by ultrasound and additionally to observe which areas have been studied under this imaging modality.

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) has been widely used and studied in blunt and penetrating trauma for the past 3 decades. Prior to FAST, invasive procedures such as diagnostic peritoneal lavage and exploratory laparotomy were commonly used to diagnose intra-abdominal injuries. Today, the FAST examination has evolved into a more comprehensive study of the abdomen, heart, thorax, inferior vena cava, among others, with many variations in technique, protocols and interpretation. Trauma management strategies such as laparotomy, endoscopy, computed tomography angiography, angiographic intervention, serial imaging and clinical observation have also changed over the years. This technique, at times, has managed to replace computed tomography and peritoneal lavage diagnosis, without producing delays in the surgical procedure. As such, the relationship between the patient’s clinical information and the results of the exam should be guided to guide therapeutic approaches in difficult to access settings such as intensive care units in war zones, rural or remote locations where other imaging methods are not available. This review will discuss the evolution of the FAST exam to its current status and evaluate its evolving role in the acute management of the trauma patient.