bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary symbiotic performance of indigenous soybean (Glycine max)-nodulating rhizobia from agricultural soils of Tanzania
Authors: Nakei Monica D. , Venkataramana Pavithravani B. , Ndakidemi Patrick A.
Published: January 2023

Globally, the increase in human population continues to threaten the sustainability of agricultural systems. Despite the fast-growing population in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the efforts in improving the productivity of crops, the increase in the yield of crops per unit area is still not promising. The productivity of crops is primarily constrained by inadequate levels of soil nutrients to support optimum crop growth and development. However, smallholder farmers occasionally use fertilizers, and the amount applied is usually small and does not meet plant requirements. This is due to the unaffordability of the cost of fertilizers, which is enough to suffice the crop requirement. Therefore, there is a need for alternative affordable and effective fertilization methods for sustainable intensification and improvement of the smallholder farming system's productivity. This study was designed to evaluate the symbiotic performance of indigenous soybean nodulating rhizobia in selected agricultural soils of Tanzania. In total, 217 rhizobia isolates were obtained from three agroecological zones, i.e., eastern, northern, and southern highlands. The isolates collected were screened for N2 fixing abilities under in vitro (nitrogen-free medium) and screen house conditions. The results showed varying capabilities of isolates in nitrogen-fixing both under in vitro and screen house conditions. Under in vitro experiment, 22% of soybean rhizobia isolates were identified to have a nitrogen-fixing capability on an N-free medium, with the highest N2-fixing diameter of 1.87 cm. In the screen house pot experiment, results showed that soybean rhizobia isolate significantly (P < 0.001) influenced different plant growth and yield components, where the average shoot dry weight ranged from 2.49 to 10.98 g, shoot length from 41 to 125.27 cm whilst the number of leaves per plant ranged from 20 to 66. Furthermore, rhizobia isolates significantly (P = 0.038) increased root dry weight from 0.574 to 2.17 g. In the case of symbiotic parameters per plant, the number of nodules was in the range of 0.33–22, nodules dry weight (0.001–0.137 g), shoot nitrogen (2.37–4.97%), total nitrogen (53.59–6.72 g), and fixed nitrogen (46.878–0.15 g) per plant. In addition, the results indicated that 51.39% of the tested bacterial isolates in this study were ranked as highly effective in symbiosis, suggesting that they are promising as potential alternative biofertilizers for soybean production in agricultural soils of Tanzania to increase productivity per unit area while reducing production cost.
Implementing the nature's contributions framework: A case study based on farm typologies in small-scale agroecosystems from the Mexico highlands
Authors: Rodríguez-Bustos Laura , Galicia Leopoldo , Benítez Mariana , Palacios-Rojas Natalia , Ramos Irene
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Integrating the heterogeneity of small-scale agriculture with the regulation, material, and non-material contributions is key to complementing the rural-support policy instruments. The objectives of the present study were to analyze the diversity of agricultural types of management in small-scale maize agroecosystems and discuss their implications for nature's contributions in the region of Valles Altos, México.

Methods

The methodology was conducted by constructing an agricultural management typology with multivariate statistical analysis for 112 small plots interviews. The operationalization of regulation, material, and non-material nature's contributions was based on the definition and counting of cultural elements from agronomic management for each class of contribution.

Results

The results indicate three different types of agricultural management defined mainly by the type of seed, the destination of harvest, and the type of tillage. This management diversity is guided by farmers' motivation to achieve food self-sufficiency or generate income from grain sales. Each management type has a unique provision of regulation, material, and no material contributions defined by the use of the native seed, use of stover, and management diversification.

Discussion

The integration of farm typology methods and nature's contributions framework reveals that it is critical to establish new incentives that include the biological and cultural diversity of agroecosystems and the individual motivations of farmers. This may help conserve the natural and cultural values of agriculture and design appropriate incentives for small-scale agriculture.
Development of nomograms predictive of anastomotic leakage in patients before minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy
Authors: Chen Jianqing , Xu Jinxin , He Jianbing , Hu Chao , Yan Chun , Wu Zhaohui , Li Zhe , Duan Hongbing , Ke Sunkui
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to identify factors related to anastomotic leakage before esophagectomy and to construct a prediction model.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 285 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). An absolute shrinkage and selection operator was applied to screen the variables, and predictive models were developed using binary logistic regression.

Results

A total of 28 variables were collected in this study. LASSO regression analysis, combined with previous literature and clinical experience, finally screened out four variables, including aortic calcification, heart disease, BMI, and FEV1. A binary logistic regression was conducted on the four predictors, and a prediction model was established. The prediction model showed good discrimination and calibration, with a C-statistic of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.593–0.743), a calibration curve fitting a 45° slope, and a Brier score of 0.179. The DCA demonstrated that the prediction nomogram was clinically useful. In the internal validation, the C-statistic still reaches 0.66, and the calibration curve has a good effect.

Conclusions

When patients have aortic calcification, heart disease, obesity, and a low FEV1, the risk of anastomotic leakage is higher, and relevant surgical techniques can be used to prevent it. Therefore, the clinical prediction model is a practical tool to guide surgeons in the primary prevention of anastomotic leakage.
Perioperative safety assessment of patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral hip replacements
Authors: Zhou Zhenzhong , Cai Gaorui , Yuan Shanyou , Song Lixia , Qian Ping , Wang Xueming , Ning Xianjia , Wang Jinghua , Jiang Wenxue
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Due to the aging of the world population and the increase of obesity rate, it is expected that the number of joint replacement surgery will continue to increase in the next few years. This study evaluated the safety differences between unilateral and bilateral hip replacement surgeries.

Methods

The data for patients who underwent hip arthroplasty in 2021 and 2022 were examined. The data set included 68 patients who were grouped according to the type of hip replacement needed, sex, age, and body mass index. Total blood loss and operative time were the safety-related indicators used to compare the groups.

Results

Regardless of whether the unilateral replacement group was compared with the overall bilateral replacement group or separately with the staged and simultaneous bilateral replacement groups, simultaneous bilateral replacement surgeries were equally safe as the other types of hip replacements. The total blood loss and operative time for the simultaneous bilateral replacement group were not significantly different from those in the unilateral and staged bilateral replacement groups. For overweight patients, the operative time for simultaneous bilateral replacements was significantly shorter than that for unilateral replacements.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that for patients requiring bilateral hip replacements, the blood loss risk for patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral hip replacements was similar to that for patients undergoing either unilateral or staged bilateral hip replacements. Thus, simultaneous bilateral total hip replacement (THR) are safe and should be considered for candidate patients.
A pilot study for a non-invasive system for detection of malignancy in canine subcutaneous and cutaneous masses using machine learning
Authors: Dank Gillian , Buber Tali , Polliack Gabriel , Aviram Gal , Rice Anna , Yehudayoff Amir , Kent Michael S.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Early diagnosis of cancer enhances treatment planning and improves prognosis. Many masses presenting to veterinary clinics are difficult to diagnose without using invasive, time-consuming, and costly tests. Our objective was to perform a preliminary proof-of-concept for the HT Vista device, a novel artificial intelligence-based thermal imaging system, developed and designed to differentiate benign from malignant, cutaneous and subcutaneous masses in dogs.

Methods

Forty-five dogs with a total of 69 masses were recruited. Each mass was clipped and heated by the HT Vista device. The heat emitted by the mass and its adjacent healthy tissue was automatically recorded using a built-in thermal camera. The thermal data from both areas were subsequently analyzed using an Artificial Intelligence algorithm. Cytology and/or biopsy results were later compared to the results obtained from the HT Vista system and used to train the algorithm. Validation was done using a “Leave One Out” cross-validation to determine the algorithm's performance.

Results

The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the system were 90%, 93%, 88%, 83%, and 95%, respectively for all masses.

Conclusion

We propose that this novel system, with further development, could be used to provide a decision-support tool enabling clinicians to differentiate between benign lesions and those requiring additional diagnostics. Our study also provides a proof-of-concept for ongoing prospective trials for cancer diagnosis using advanced thermodynamics and machine learning procedures in companion dogs.
Case report: Abdominal hernia repair using a surgical wire and an autologous omental graft in a Japanese Black calf
Authors: Sato Reiichiro , Kim Sueun , Okada Shoichi , Ikedo Tomonobu , Satoh Hiroyuki , Steiner Adrian
Published: January 2023

Background

Hernia formation is a well-known abdominal wall disorder in calves and most often occurs in the umbilical region. In addition, it occurs in the abdominal wall outside the umbilical region. It has been reported to involve acquired factors, such as external force to the lower or lateral abdominal wall, trauma, muscle weakness, and, although rare, congenital or hereditary factors. Although there have been reports on the repair of abdominal wall hernias caused by abnormal muscle formation, there have been no reports on the treatment of abdominal wall hernias caused by abnormal vertebral and rib formation in cattle or other ruminants. In this study, for the first time, we describe a case of successful closure of a hernia in the left flank caused by malformation of the vertebrae and ribs. The repair was performed by narrowing the ribs using a surgical wire and covering the defect with a free omental graft.

Case presentation

A male Japanese Black calf showed a mild bulge of the left abdominal wall and abnormal morphology of the left ribs immediately after birth. At 3 months of age, computed tomography revealed fusion of the 9th, 10th, and 11th thoracic vertebrae and missing formation of the 10th and 11th left ribs at the thoracic vertebral fusion site. Additionally, a 15.2 × 24.4 cm abdominal hernia had formed in the abdominal wall. During surgery, the ribs forming the hernia were narrowed with a surgical wire, and the hernia was covered with a large autologous free omental graft to prevent intra-abdominal organ prolapse. At the monthly follow-up (11 months after surgery), the calf had developed similarly to other calves of the same age on the farm, and no complications were noted.

Conclusions

The current case shows that a combination of rib correction using a surgical wire combined with transplantation of a free autologous greater omentum graft was shown to be a possible treatment option for surgical repair of large abdominal wall hernias caused by rib malformation.
A novel multiplex qPCR assay for clinical diagnosis of non-human malaria parasites-Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi
Authors: Das Ram , Vashisht Kapil , Pandey Kailash C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The imminent risk of zoonoses of non-human malaria parasites is not far from reality in India, as has been observed in the case of Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk), and so is possible with P. cynomolgi (Pc), already reported from South East Asian countries. Therefore, a novel multiplex qPCR assay was developed and evaluated for detection of non-human malaria parasites- Pk and Pc in populations at risk.

Methods

The qPCR primers were designed in-house with fluorescence labeled probes (HEX for Pk and FAM for Pc). DNA samples of Pk and Pc were used as templates and further the qPCR assay was evaluated in 250 symptomatic and asymptomatic suspected human blood samples from malaria endemic areas of North Eastern states of India.

Results

The qPCR assay successfully amplified the target 18S rRNA gene segment from Pk and Pc and was highly specific for Pk and Pc parasites only, as no cross reactivity was observed with P. falciparum (Pf), P. vivax (Pv), P. malariae (Pm), and P. ovale (Po). Standard curves were generated to estimate the limit of detection (LOD) of Pk and Pc parasites DNA (0.00275 & 0.075 ng/μl, respectively). Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation during 2020–21, the sample accessibility was difficult, however, we managed to collect 250 samples. The samples were tested for Pf and Pv using conventional PCR- 14 Pf and 11 Pv infections were observed, but no Pk and Pc infections were detected. For Pk infections, previously reported conventional PCR was also performed, but no Pk infection was detected.

Discussion

The multiplex qPCR assay was observed to be robust, quick, cost-effective and highly sensitive as compared to the currently available conventional PCR methods. Further validation of the multiplex qPCR assay in field setting is desirable, especially from the high-risk populations. We anticipate that the multiplex qPCR assay would prove to be a useful tool in mass screening and surveillance programs for detection of non-human malaria parasites toward the control and elimination of malaria from India by 2030.
Survival Analysis of the Green Lacewing, Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) Exposed to Neem-Based Products
Authors: Martins Filho Sebastião , Duarte Marciel Lelis , Venzon Madelaine
Published: January 2023

Brazil is the country which has produced the most coffee for over 150 years, and to achieve high productivity, pesticides are the most common control measure for pests. Due to the need to adopt less impactful control practices, natural enemies or insecticides of botanical origin have been studied as alternatives to synthetic insecticides. However, botanical pesticides can negatively affect some natural enemies, and the effect depends on the formulation and concentration. The objective of this study was to estimate the survival of green lacewing larvae, Chrysoperla externa (Hagen), exposed to different doses of neem-based products, whose active ingredient is azadirachtin (Azamax®: 0 (control treatment with distilled water), 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, and 108 mg a.i. L−1; Organic neem®: 0, 3.3, 6.6, 9.9, 13.2, 16.5, 19.8, 23.1, and 26.4 mg a.i. L−1; Natuneem®: 0, 3.8, 7.5, 10.5, 15.0, 18.8, 22.5, 26.3, 30.0, and 33.8 mg a.i. L−1), using a parametric approach. Predator larvae were exposed to neem-based insecticides and evaluated for 20 days. Survival curves estimated by the models—Log-logistic for Azamax®, Weibull for Organic neem®, and Log-normal for Natuneem®—demonstrated an inverse relationship between increasing doses and survival time. These concluded that the application dose should be less than 84 mg a.i. L−1 for Azamax®, 19.8 mg a.i. L−1 for Organic neem®, and 26.3 mg a.i. L−1 for Natuneem® to keep 50% of the green lacewings alive for 13 days, which is the average time for the larval cycle of C. externa.
An Accurate, Affordable, and Precise Resazurin-Based Digital Imaging Colorimetric Assay for the Assessment of Fungicide Sensitivity Status of Fungal Populations
Authors: Silva Tatiane Carla , Moreira Silvino Intra , Assis Fabio Gomes , Vicentini Samara Nunes Campos , Silva Abimael Gomes , Oliveira Tamiris Yoshie Kitayama , Christiano Félix Sebastião , Custódio Adriano Augusto Paiva , Leite Rui Pereira , Gasparoto Maria Cândida Godoy , de Jesus Waldir Cintra , Ceresini Paulo Cezar
Published: January 2023

This study aimed at the development and validation of an accurate, more affordable, and precise digital imaging resazurin-based fungicide sensitivity colorimetric assay (COL-assay) for fungal plant pathogens from the genera Mycosphaerella and Pyricularia. This proposed digital imaging assay was based on colorimetric estimates of resazurin reduction, which was used as a metabolic indicator of fungal respiration activity on microplate cultures. As fungal model systems, we used the yellow and black Sigatoka pathogens [Mycosphaerella musicola (Mm) and M. fijiensis (Mf), respectively] and the wheat blast pathogen, Pyricularia oryzae Triticum lineage (PoTl), which were previously characterized for QoI, DMI, and SDHI fungicide sensitivity. We then compared the classical spectrophotometry detection assay (SPEC-assay) with the proposed COL-assay based on the analyses of digital images of the microplates’ cultures captured with mobile phone cameras on a handmade trans-illuminator built for poorly equipped labs. Qualitatively, in terms of accuracy, there was full correspondence between the SPEC-assay and the COL-assay according to the fungal EC50 or the relative growth classes on QoI, SDHI, and DMI fungicides for both Mycosphaerella and Pyricularia pathogens. We also observed a strong to very strong correlation coefficient between the COL-assay and the SPEC-assay fungicide sensitivity values for the QoI azoxystrobin, the SDHI fluxapyroxad, and the DMI tebuconazole. Our conclusion was that the COL-assay had a similar accuracy as the SPEC-assay (i.e., resulted in similar fungicide-sensitivity categories for both resistant or sensitive fungal isolates) and high precision. By openly sharing here the COL-assay’s full methodology, and the blueprints of the handmade trans-illuminator, we foresee its adoption by poorly equipped labs throughout the country as an affordable venue for monitoring the fungicide resistance status of populations of important fungal plant pathogens such as M. fijiensis, M. musicola, and P. oryzae Triticum and Oryza lineages.
Root Location and Root Diameter Estimation of Trees Based on Deep Learning and Ground-Penetrating Radar
Authors: Sun Daozong , Jiang Fangyong , Wu Haohou , Liu Shuoling , Luo Peiwen , Zhao Zuoxi
Published: January 2023

A full understanding of the growth and distribution of tree roots is conducive to guiding precision irrigation, fertilization, and other agricultural work during agricultural production. Detecting tree roots with a ground-penetrating radar is a repeatable detection method that does no harm to the earth surface and tree roots. In this research, a rapid and accurate automatic detection was conducted on hyperbolic waveforms formed by root targets in B-scan images based on YOLOv5s. Following this, the regions of interest containing target hyperbolas were generated. Three or more coordinate points on the hyperbola were selected according to the three-point fixed circle (TPFC) method to locate the root system and estimate the root diameter. The results show that the accuracy of hyperbola detection using YOLOv5s was 96.7%, the recall rate was 86.6%, and the detection time of a single image was only 13 ms. In the simulation image, the TPFC method was used to locate the root system and estimate the root diameter through three different frequency antennas (500 MHz, 750 MHz, and 1000 MHz). A more accurate result was obtained when the antenna frequency was 1000 MHz, with the average distance error of root system positioning being 3.17 cm, and the slope and R2 of the linear fitting result between the estimated root diameter and the actual one being 1.029 and 0.987, respectively. Verified by the pre-buried root test and wilderness field test, both root localization and root diameter estimation in our research were proved to gain good results and conform to the rules found in simulation experiments. Therefore, we believe that this method can quickly and accurately detect the root system, locate and estimate the root diameter, and provide a new perspective for the non-destructive detection of the root system and the three-dimensional reconstruction of the root system.
Evaluation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Responses on Yield, Quality and Economic Advantage of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) under Four Different Agro-Climatic Zones in Afghanistan
Authors: Soofizada Qudratullah , Pescatore Antonio , Atefi Rahmatullah , Grassi Chiara , Orlandini Simone , Napoli Marco
Published: January 2023

The response of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to the application of different rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on different agro-climatic zones (ACZs) has not been well studied in Afghanistan. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the impact of soil and climate on the responses of wheat to N and P fertilization, (2) quantify the specific N and P response of winter wheat for different ACZs, and (3) determine the economical application rates of N and P for farmers for each considered ACZs. This paper evaluates the effects of nitrogen levels (NL) at 35.28, 65, 95, and 120 kg N ha−1 and phosphorus levels (PL) at 0, 50, 70, and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1, respectively, in four locations (L) for two growing seasons (GS), on both yield and quality characteristics of winter wheat. Soil pH was the main environmental parameter affecting straw yield (SY), grain yield (GY), protein content (PC), and protein yield (PY). Winter wheat SY, GY, PC, and PY increased significantly (p < 0.05) with PL rates up to 50 kg P2O5 ha−1 and with NL rates up to 120 kg N ha−1. NL was the most important parameter in determining PC, thus showing potential for further improvement in N management. The highest marginal rate of return was used as an index for the farmers to accept site-specific N and P fertilizer recommendations.
Evaluation of a Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitoring System (VCM Vet®) and Its Correlation with Thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) in Diseased and Healthy Dogs
Authors: Hennink Imke , Peters Laureen , van Geest Geert , Adamik Katja-Nicole
Published: January 2023

Thromboelastometry provides a real-time assessment of global coagulation in whole blood. A novel bed-side viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM) has been developed for use in small animals. The aims of the study were to determine inter-device agreement of two VCM devices, to evaluate the correlation between VCM and rotational thromboelastometry as a reference method (ROTEM), and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of VCM to diagnose hypo-, normo-, and hypercoagulability. ROTEM (extrinsic and intrinsic activation) analysis was performed using citrated blood and VCM analysis using native blood. Twenty healthy and forty diseased dogs with and without coagulopathies were enrolled. The VCM inter-device agreement was moderate to strong for most of the parameters, depending on the grading scale. Correlation between VCM and ROTEM was moderate to strong for parameters of clotting time and clot strength. The VCM most likely detects true hypocoagulability and reliably rules out hypocoagulability. The VCM has a high sensitivity in diagnosing normocoagulability, but incorrectly classified dogs with abnormal coagulation as normocoagulable. The VCM was not able to detect hypercoagulability. ROTEM and VCM cannot be used interchangeably.
More Than Just Kibbles: Keeper Familiarity and Food Can Affect Bonobo Behavior
Authors: Caselli Marta , Russo Emilio , Guéry Jean-Pascal , Demuru Elisa , Norscia Ivan
Published: January 2023

The welfare of captive animals relies on numerous factors. Keepers can affect animals’ welfare and this could especially apply to emotionally and cognitively complex species, such as great apes. We collected video data over three months on 17 bonobos (La Vallée des Singes, France) and extracted five behaviours (play, aggression, anxiety, gestures, sociosexual interactions) —during two-minute slots—under three conditions: keeper-present/food-unavailable; keeper-present/food-available; keeper-absent/food-unavailable. We ran generalized linear models to investigate whether behavioral frequencies were affected by food presence/quality and keeper familiarity. Anxiety-related behaviors increased when the keeper was present and in absence of food, due to food expectation. Sociosexual interactions increased in presence of more familiar keepers and in absence of food, maybe to decrease the tension around food. Gestures increased in presence of more familiar keepers and with low-quality food, which was provided in large ‘catchable‘ pieces. Aggression levels increased with high-quality food with no effect of keeper. Play behavior was not affected by any variable. Hence, bonobos were affected not just by food but also by keeper features. Considering multiple variables in the ‘welfare equation’ can improve captive management and increase the well-being of bonobos, a species that is much closer to humans than to other non-human animals.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of Hindering Phage Therapy: The Phage Tolerance vs. Phage Resistance of Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Abedon Stephen T.
Published: January 2023

As with antibiotics, we can differentiate various acquired mechanisms of bacteria-mediated inhibition of the action of bacterial viruses (phages or bacteriophages) into ones of tolerance vs. resistance. These also, respectively, may be distinguished as physiological insensitivities (or protections) vs. resistance mutations, phenotypic resistance vs. genotypic resistance, temporary vs. more permanent mechanisms, and ecologically vs. also near-term evolutionarily motivated functions. These phenomena can result from multiple distinct molecular mechanisms, many of which for bacterial tolerance of phages are associated with bacterial biofilms (as is also the case for the bacterial tolerance of antibiotics). The resulting inhibitions are relevant from an applied perspective because of their potential to thwart phage-based treatments of bacterial infections, i.e., phage therapies, as well as their potential to interfere more generally with approaches to the phage-based biological control of bacterial biofilms. In other words, given the generally low toxicity of properly chosen therapeutic phages, it is a combination of phage tolerance and phage resistance, as displayed by targeted bacteria, that seems to represent the greatest impediments to phage therapy’s success. Here I explore general concepts of bacterial tolerance of vs. bacterial resistance to phages, particularly as they may be considered in association with bacterial biofilms.
New Ionic Liquid Microemulsion-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Skin Bacterial Infection Treatments
Authors: Althobaiti Fayez , Abu Ali Ola A. , Kamal Islam , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Shati Ali A. , Fayad Eman , Elbehairi Serag Eldin I. , Elshaarawy Reda F. M. , El-Fattah W. Abd
Published: January 2023

This work reports a new approach for the synthesis of extremely small monodispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (2.9–1.5) by reduction of silver nitrate in a new series of benzyl alkyl imidazolium ionic liquids (BAIILs)-based microemulsions (3a–f) as media and stabilizing agents. Interestingly, AgNPs isolated from the IILMEs bearing the bulkiest substituents (tert-butyl and n-butyl) (3f) displayed almost no nanoparticle agglomeration. In an in vitro antibacterial test against ESKAPE pathogens, all AgNPs-BAIILs had potent antibiotic activity, as reflected by antibacterial efficiency indices. Furthermore, when compared to other nanoparticles, these were the most effective in preventing biofilm formation by the tested bacterial strains. Moreover, the MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of novel AgNPs-BAIILs on healthy human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell lines. The MTT assay revealed that novel AgNPs-BAIILs showed no significant toxic effects on the healthy cells. Thus, the novel AgNPs-BAIILs microemulsions could be used as safe antibiotics for skin bacterial infection treatments. AgNPs isolated from BAIIL (3c) was found to be the most effective antibiotic of the nanoparticles examined.
Targeting the Impossible: A Review of New Strategies against Endospores
Authors: Romero-Rodríguez Alba , Ruiz-Villafán Beatriz , Martínez-de la Peña Claudia Fabiola , Sánchez Sergio
Published: January 2023

Endospore-forming bacteria are ubiquitous, and their endospores can be present in food, in domestic animals, and on contaminated surfaces. Many spore-forming bacteria have been used in biotechnological applications, while others are human pathogens responsible for a wide range of critical clinical infections. Due to their resistant properties, it is challenging to eliminate spores and avoid the reactivation of latent spores that may lead to active infections. Furthermore, endospores play an essential role in the survival, transmission, and pathogenesis of some harmful strains that put human and animal health at risk. Thus, different methods have been applied for their eradication. Nevertheless, natural products are still a significant source for discovering and developing new antibiotics. Moreover, targeting the spore for clinical pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile is essential to disease prevention and therapeutics. These strategies could directly aim at the structural components of the spore or their germination process. This work summarizes the current advances in upcoming strategies and the development of natural products against endospores. This review also intends to highlight future perspectives in research and applications.
Polyphenol-Rich Beverages and Mental Health Outcomes
Authors: Micek Agnieszka , Jurek Joanna , Owczarek Marcin , Guerrera Ida , Torrisi Sebastiano Alfio , Castellano Sabrina , Grosso Giuseppe , Alshatwi Ali A. , Godos Justyna
Published: January 2023

Emerging evidence suggests that diets rich in plant-based foods and beverages may exert plausible effects on human health tackling the risk of chronic diseases. Although the data are promising for numerous outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases, the data on mental health are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between individual polyphenol-rich beverages intake and mental health outcomes, such as perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality, among adult individuals living in the Mediterranean area. The demographic and dietary characteristics of a sample of 1572 adults living in southern Italy were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, controlling for confounding factors, were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between individual polyphenol-rich and alcoholic beverages containing polyphenols and mental health outcomes. The multivariate model adjusted for background covariates and the Mediterranean diet showed that individuals with a moderate intake (up to 1 cup/glass per day) of coffee and tea were less likely to have high perceived stress (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.45–0.84) and depressive symptoms (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39–0.80), respectively. Furthermore, regular coffee and moderate/regular red wine drinkers were less likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54–0.95 and OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.54–0.99, respectively). No significant associations were retrieved for the intake of polyphenol-rich and alcoholic beverages and sleep quality. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that polyphenol-rich beverages may be associated with mental health, in terms of depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Nonetheless, further research exploring how the polyphenol-rich beverages impact brain health and what the optimal patterns of consumption are for different populations are warranted.
Mechanism Optimization of the Clamping and Cutting Arrangement Device for Solanaceae Scion and Stock Seedlings
Authors: Chang Chin-Yuan , Hung Yu-Chen , Chen Wei-Ling , Huang Yu-I
Published: January 2023

Grafting is one of the main techniques used in intensive tomato cultivation to address abnormal weather, diseases, insect pests, and continuous cropping problems. In recent years, due to agricultural labor constraints, the industry has needed to make use of more machinery. In this study, a clamping and cutting arrangement device for Solanaceae scion and stock seedlings was developed; it included a UR5 robotic arm to realize the automatic clamping and cutting of multiple seedlings, to facilitate the mechanized grafting of seedlings. The clamping success rate of eggplant and tomato seedlings using this device was 99%. When working with four seedlings in a single operation, the oblique-cutting success rates for eggplant and tomato seedlings were 97.76% and 94.55%, respectively. Moreover, 404 eggplant seedlings and 384 tomato seedlings could be worked with in 1 h. After the splicing and grafting process had been completed, the survival rate of the grafted seedlings was 85%. The simple device structure could be used by the industry to assist operators in clipping and cutting seedlings, reduce the complexity of grafting operations, shorten training times, address the problem of labor constraints in Taiwan’s agricultural industry, and improve product quality and efficiency.
Characterization and Development of Gelatin from Cow Bones: Investigation of the Effect of Solvents Used for Soaking Beef Bones
Authors: Fatimah Siti , Sarto Sarto , Fahrurrozi Moh , Budhijanto Budhijanto
Published: January 2023

Beef bones contain a gelatin component that can be further extracted. This extraction process requires the right solvent to produce good yield and quality. Gelatin has multifunctional properties, namely biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic. This is because it is a natural ingredient that contains high amino acids. The most dominant amino acid content as a parameter for determining the quality of gelatin is proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of the solvent used as a medium for soaking cow bones to be converted into gelatin. The solvent variations used include NaOH, HCl, H2SO4, CH3COOH, and NaHCO2. The concentration variations are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (%). This research method includes the preparation of cow bone samples, fat removal, mineral removal, soaking for 7 days, and extraction. The extraction process was carried out with variations times of 4 h and 6 h. The results of the study showed that the highest yield value was with 5% HCl solvent with 4 h extraction time of 26.5% with 8.67% water content, 0.9% ash content, pH 4.64, and viscosity 3.19 cP (p < 0.05). A good isoelectric point is produced when using an acidic solvent, which is between 5.3–5.8. The cross-linking of gelatin with chitosan, glutaraldehyde, and glucose was successfully carried out with the FTIR absorption indicator at a wavelength of 3200 cm−1, which indicates the presence of hydrogen bonds, 1022 cm−1, which indicates the breakdown of aldehyde bonds in glutaraldehyde compounds into C-O bonds. According to the microbial test, when gelatin is combined with chitosan, there will be an increase in the microbial inhibition zone. This shows that the development of gelatin materials is very prospective and promising.
The Impact Assessment of Water Supply DMA Formation on the Monitoring System Sensitivity
Authors: Kowalski Dariusz , Suchorab Paweł
Published: January 2023

One of the main tasks that water companies face is limiting water losses through the distribution network. This issue is becoming more and more relevant because of progressive climate changes and rising water resource deficiencies. The first step to reducing water losses is the proper detection of leakages, including their location and size. A common approach, called active leakage control, is to divide the water network into District Metered Areas (DMAs) to detect unreported leaks in the water distribution system (WDS). The operating flow meter device at the border of the DMA allows the determination of the number of water losses by balancing water inflows into the zone and billed water consumption. However, to precisely locate a water leak it is necessary to equip the DMA with an adequate number of pressure sensors. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of water supply DMA formation on the sensitivity of the monitoring system in accordance with the number and location of the pressure sensors and the geometric structure of the water pipes in the DMA in order to successfully detect water leakage. The research was conducted on a model grid network with a constant node number but a differential pipe structure. Subsequently, results were verified in the conditions of a real water supply network. The obtained tests showed no clear relationship between the effectiveness of leak detection and the network complexity but confirmed a significant improvement in leak detection after equipping the monitoring system with an additional pressure gauge.
Model Test Study of the Synergistic Interaction between New and Existing Components of Sheet Pile Walls
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Wu Xiaomin , Ma Xuening
Published: January 2023

New and existing components of retaining structures are often combined in the width section. When combining the design and use requirements of the existing and new structures, the synergistic interactions between the existing and new structures and the design and working conditions require clarification. In conjunction with an actual project, a sheet pile wall consisting of existing and new components is proposed to retain an embankment. Indoor model tests were carried out to simulate the excavation and compaction and investigate changes in earth pressure, pile bending moment, shear force, and load-sharing ratio of the new and existing sheet pile walls at different stages. The results show that the earth pressure of the cantilever section of the existing and new piles increases with an increase in the fill volume or the upper uniform load. An inflection point is observed in the earth pressure curve halfway between the pile top and the ground due to sudden changes in the pile and soil stiffness. The bending moment of the new and existing piles increases and decreases with the distance from the top of the pile under different working conditions, and the maximum bending moment occurred at 0.485 and 0.9 m from the bottom of the existing pile and the bottom of the new pile, respectively. The lateral displacement of the new and existing piles decreases with the distance from the top of the pile. Due to the adjustment of the structural force in the cantilever section and the soil reaction force in front of the pile, the displacement curves of the new and existing piles are similar in the cantilever section. The displacement in the anchored section is initially larger for the existing pile than for the new pile but then becomes similar for both piles. In working condition 5, the top displacement of the existing pile was 6.531 mm, exceeding the control value (5.6 mm). The earth-pressure-sharing ratio of the existing pile decreases with an increase in the width of the filling material or the load. When the load was applied, the earth-pressure-sharing ratio of the existing pile was 0.451, indicating that the structural design of the combined sheet pile wall is reasonable.
Periodontal Health Parameters in Adults: The Role of the Vestibular Fornix Depth
Authors: Sbricoli Luca , Casarin Martina , Veronese Anna , Cavallin Francesco , Stellini Edoardo
Published: January 2023

Little is known about whether the depth of the vestibular fornix influences people’s ability to access their teeth to remove plaque during oral hygiene measures at home. This study aimed to investigate the association between vestibular fornix depth and periodontal health. The study included 100 adults in good periodontal health, with a plaque index (PI) ≤15%, bleeding on probing (BOP) ≤10%, and a pocket probing depth (PPD) ≤3 mm. Using a periodontal probe and a digital caliper, we measured PI, BOP, PPD, gum phenotype, gum recession, the width of keratinized gingiva, and the vestibular fornix depth. Adjustment for multiple testing was performed using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Results: Vestibular fornix depth was associated with width of keratinized gingiva (ρ 0.60, p < 0.0001). Median BOP was 1.39% in participants with a vestibular fornix depth ≥7 mm, and 0.00% in those with a vestibular fornix depth <7 mm (p = 0.62). Vestibular fornix depth and the width of keratinized gingiva did not seem to be associated with the level of periodontal health. Participants with a shallower vestibular fornix depth should be given advice on how best to ensure good oral hygiene at home.
Delirium Prediction Using Machine Learning Interpretation Method and Its Incorporation into a Clinical Workflow
Authors: Matsumoto Koutarou , Nohara Yasunobu , Sakaguchi Mikako , Takayama Yohei , Fukushige Shota , Soejima Hidehisa , Nakashima Naoki
Published: January 2023

Delirium in hospitalized patients is a worldwide problem, causing a burden on healthcare professionals and impacting patient prognosis. A machine learning interpretation method (ML interpretation method) presents the results of machine learning predictions and promotes guided decisions. This study focuses on visualizing the predictors of delirium using a ML interpretation method and implementing the analysis results in clinical practice. Retrospective data of 55,389 patients hospitalized in a single acute care center in Japan between December 2017 and February 2022 were collected. Patients were categorized into three analysis populations, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, to develop delirium prediction models. The predictors were then visualized using Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) and fed back to clinical practice. The machine learning-based prediction of delirium in each population exhibited excellent predictive performance. SHAP was used to visualize the body mass index and albumin levels as critical contributors to delirium prediction. In addition, the cutoff value for age, which was previously unknown, was visualized, and the risk threshold for age was raised. By using the SHAP method, we demonstrated that data-driven decision support is possible using electronic medical record data.
Special Issue on Mobile Robots Navigation II
Authors: Payá Luis , Reinoso Oscar
Published: January 2023

Navigation is one of the fundamental abilities that mobile robots must be endowed with, so that they can carry out high-level tasks autonomously in any a priori unknown environment [...]
How AlphaFold2 Predicts Conditionally Folding Regions Annotated in an Intrinsically Disordered Protein Database, IDEAL
Authors: Anbo Hiroto , Sakuma Koya , Fukuchi Satoshi , Ota Motonori
Published: January 2023

AlphaFold2 (AF2) is a protein structure prediction program which provides accurate models. In addition to predicting structural domains, AF2 assigns intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) by identifying regions with low prediction reliability (pLDDT). Some regions in IDRs undergo disorder-to-order transition upon binding the interaction partner. Here we assessed model structures of AF2 based on the annotations in IDEAL, in which segments with disorder-to-order transition have been collected as Protean Segments (ProSs). We non-redundantly selected ProSs from IDEAL and classified them based on the root mean square deviation to the corresponding region of AF2 models. Statistical analysis identified 11 structural and sequential features, possibly contributing toward the prediction of ProS structures. These features were categorized into two groups: one that contained pLDDT and the other that contained normalized radius of gyration. The typical ProS structures in the former group comprise a long α helix or a whole or part of the structural domain and those in the latter group comprise a short α helix with terminal loops.
Shallow-Water Bryozoan Communities in a Glacier Fjord of West Svalbard, Norway: Species Composition and Effects of Environmental Factors
Authors: Evseeva Olga Yu. , Dvoretsky Alexander G.
Published: January 2023

Despite significant research efforts focused on benthic assemblages in West Spitsbergen, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the shallow water bryozoan communities in Grønfjorden, a glacier fjord belonging to the Isfjorden system, Norway. Here, we studied species composition, richness, distribution, and biomass of bryozoans in the intertidal and upper subtidal zones of Grønfjorden in summer. We found 62 bryozoan species, among which Celleporella hyalina (Linnaeus, 1767), Harmeria scutulata (Busk, 1855), and Tegella arctica (d’Orbigny, 1853) were most prevalent while the highest contributions to the total biomass were registered for Eucratea loricata (d’Orbigny, 1853), Tricellaria gracilis (Van Beneden, 1848), Turbicellepora incrassata (Lamarck, 1816), and Tricellaria ternata (Ellis and Solander, 1786). Alpha-diversity varied from 1 to 50 averaging 15.1 ± 2.6 species. Bryozoan biomass ranged from 0.008 to 10.758 g m−2 with a mean value of 2.67 g m−2 being lower than in the central and northern parts of the Barents Sea. For the first time, we registered the presence of the circumpolar bryozoan Amathia arctica in Svalbard waters probably as a result of stronger advection of Atlantic water into the fjord. Cluster analysis revealed two groups, mainly composed of stations in colder and warmer waters. A relatively high proportion of outlying stations reflected habitat heterogeneity in Grønfjorden. Redundancy analysis indicated that bryozoan diversity and biomass were strongly negatively associated with temperature. A positive relationship was found between bryozoan biomass and the proportional contribution of macrophytes to a pool of substrates. Our study provides a reference point for further monitoring of changing marine ecosystems at high latitudes.
Ultramicronized N-Palmitoylethanolamine Regulates Mast Cell-Astrocyte Crosstalk: A New Potential Mechanism Underlying the Inhibition of Morphine Tolerance
Authors: Toti Alessandra , Micheli Laura , Lucarini Elena , Ferrara Valentina , Ciampi Clara , Margiotta Francesco , Failli Paola , Gomiero Chiara , Pallecchi Marco , Bartolucci Gianluca , Ghelardini Carla , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

Persistent pain can be managed with opioids, but their use is limited by the onset of tolerance. Ultramicronized N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) in vivo delays morphine tolerance with mechanisms that are still unclear. Since glial cells are involved in opioid tolerance and mast cells (MCs) are pivotal targets of PEA, we hypothesized that a potential mechanism by which PEA delays opioid tolerance might depend on the control of the crosstalk between these cells. Morphine treatment (30 μM, 30 min) significantly increased MC degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells, which was prevented by pre-treatment with PEA (100 μM, 18 h), as evaluated by β-hexosaminidase assay and histamine quantification. The impact of RBL-2H3 secretome on glial cells was studied. Six-hour incubation of astrocytes with control RBL-2H3-conditioned medium, and even more so co-incubation with morphine, enhanced CCL2, IL-1β, IL-6, Serpina3n, EAAT2 and GFAP mRNA levels. The response was significantly prevented by the secretome from PEA pre-treated RBL-2H3, except for GFAP, which was further upregulated, suggesting a selective modulation of glial signaling. In conclusion, ultramicronized PEA down-modulated both morphine-induced MC degranulation and the expression of inflammatory and pain-related genes from astrocytes challenged with RBL-2H3 medium, suggesting that PEA may delay morphine tolerance, regulating MC-astrocyte crosstalk.