3-day Intervals Research Articles

Retrieval of sea ice drift in the Fram Strait based on data from Chinese satellite HaiYang (HY-1D)

Abstract. Melting of sea ice in the Arctic has accelerated due to global warming. The Fram Strait (FS) serves as a crucial pathway for sea ice export from the Arctic to the North Atlantic Ocean. Monitoring sea ice drift (SID) in the FS provides insight into how Arctic sea ice responds to the climate change. The SID has been retrieved from Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR), Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E), and further exploration is needed for the retrieval of SID using optical imagery. In this paper, we retrieve SID in the FS using the Chinese HaiYang1-D (HY-1D) satellite equipped with the Coastal Zone Imager (CZI). A multi-template matching technique is employed to calculate the cross-correlation, and subpixel estimation is used to locate displacement vectors from the cross-correlation matrix. The dataset covering March to May 2021 was divided into hourly and daily intervals for analysis, and validation was performed using Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) SAR-based product and International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP) buoy. A comparison with the CMEMS SID product revealed a high correlation with the daily interval dataset; however, due to the spatial and temporal variability in the sea ice motion, differences are observed with the hourly interval dataset. Additionally, validation with the IABP buoys yielded a velocity bias of −0.005 m s−1 and RMSE of 0.031 m s−1 for the daily interval dataset, along with a flow direction bias of 0.002 rad and RMSE of 0.009 rad, respectively. For the hourly interval dataset, the velocity bias was negligible (0 m s−1), with a RMSE of 0.036 m s−1, while the flow direction bias was 0.003 rad, with a RMSE of 0.010 rad. In addition, during the validation with buoys, we found that the accuracy of retrieving the SID flow direction is distinctly interrelated with the sea ice displacement.

Spectral Analysis of Pink Mealy Bug Damaged Mulberry Plants Using Hyperspectral Radiometry

Mulberry (Morus spp.) foliage forms a sole food to silkworms, Bombyx mori L. Its quality plays a pivotal role in superior silk fiber production. Like any other plants, mulberry is susceptible to detrimental diseases and infested by insect pests. Many sucking pests cause damage to mulberry among which, pink mealybug causes severe damage leading to significant loss in mulberry leaf yield (12-25 %). Conventional approaches to assess and manage damage caused by pink mealybugs demand substantial manpower and expertise, resulting in time-consuming and inefficient processes. However, leveraging modern tools and technologies like remote sensing has emerged as a remarkably effective strategy for crop protection and management.Specifically, hyperspectral remote sensing proves invaluable by furnishing insights into the biophysical and biochemical traits of crops. This is achieved through the recording of narrow wave bands that reflect specific plant characteristics. The main objectives were to understand the spectral reflectance characteristics of healthy and pink mealy bug damaged mulberry crops, to identify the optimal spectral bands and vegetative indices for detecting pink mealy bug damage in mulberry and to explore the feasibility of estimating pest damage levels based on the spectral properties of mulberry crops. Top of FormAt the mulberry garden of the Department of Sericulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, studies were conducted on spectral analysis of pink mealy bug damaged mulberry plants using hyperspectral radiometry during 2018. In this trial, at 15-day intervals during the active damage stage, the percentage damage was observed in plots infested with pink mealy bugs and those that were healthy. Measurements of spectral reflectance across various wavelengths and vegetation indices (VIs) were taken using a hyperspectral radiometer. The analysis included evaluating the sensitivity of different spectral bands and VIs to pink mealybug damage, along with employing correlation and regression analyses between the extent of pest damage and the VIs. The findings revealed distinct differences in the spectral reflectance profiles of mulberry plants compared to their healthy counterparts. Typically, affected plants exhibited increased reflectance in the red (620–680 nm) and green (520–590 nm) bands and reduced near-infrared (NIR) reflectance (770–860 nm). The average values of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Green Red Vegetation Index (GRVI), and Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI) were significantly lower in the pink mealybug-damaged plants across all measurements. Notably, red reflectance demonstrated the greatest sensitivity to pink mealybug-induced damage. The study highlighted the Simple Ratio (SR) index as particularly effective for identifying pest damage. Damage estimation by pink mealybugs was refined using linear regression models based on spectral indices, specifically NDVI, RVI, and GRVI. The correlation intensity analysis pinpointed the green region at 516.73 nm as showing the most significant negative correlation (r = -0.02), whereas the highest positive correlation with pink mealybug damage was observed in the NIR region (r = 0.77), underscoring the precise wavelengths and indices most indicative of pest impact. Thus, using hyperspectral radiometry identification of damage caused by pink mealy bug possible, through analysis of spectral bands and indices.

Potential Effects of Live and Nutrient-Enhanced Food on Growth Performance and Biochemical Composition of Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher)

Fish food and feeding play an important role in understanding the rate of growth, development and reproduction in ornamental fish culture. The current study evaluated the impact of different types of food on the growth of Ornamental fish, Andinoacara pulcher. A comparative analysis of live, prepared, and commercial food was conducted in three feeding groups A, B and C, respectively. For live feed, Artemia larvae were cultured from Artemia seeds, and fed. The growth in terms of weight and body length was measured at 15-day intervals throughout the experimental period of 60 days. In addition, the protein, lipid, ash, and moisture composition of fish were estimated and analyzed. From the results, the fish fed with live artemia feed attained maximum growth when compared to other prepared feed and commercial feed. The specific growth rate (SGR) was found to be maximum in group A (1.46%), followed by group B (1.15%) and group C (0.71%). There is a well-defined relationship between the rate of growth and the type of food consumed. The protein, carbohydrate, and fat content of fish revealed a higher biochemical composition. In conclusion, the growth and biochemical study in the present investigation indicated that the live feed contains good constituents of vital nutrient substances that promote the growth and protein content of ornamental fish, Blue Acara.

Efficacy of thankuni and grapes in arsenicosis-affected rat

This study was undertaken to observe the effects of Thankuni and grapes on hematological and biochemical parameters against arsenicosis in Long Evans rats. Sixty male rats were selected to perform the study. The experimental rats were randomly divided into five different groups, with n = 12 in each group. Animals in group T0 were given normal feed and water and kept as control. Rats of group T1 were given arsenic trioxide @ 100 mg/L of drinking water orally. Rats of group T2 were given arsenic trioxide @ 100 mg/L drinking water and Thankuni @ 1gm/kg feed. Group T3 was given arsenic trioxide @ 100 mg/L drinking water with grapes @ 10 mg /kg body weight thrown DW. Group T4 was given arsenic trioxide, Thankuni, and grapes with the same dose for up to 45 days, respectively. Four randomly selected rats from each group (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4) were sacrificed at 15-day intervals to determine body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters. At the end of the experiment, the result showed that the minimum weight gain group was T1 whereas the maximum weight gain was found in the T3 and T4 groups. The weight gain of the T2 group is better than T1. Reduction of TEC and Hb values were significant (P < 0.01) in the T1 group. Whereas in the rest of the groups, the reduction of TEC and Hb was less than in arsenic-treated groups. In conclusion, Thankuni and grapes have a significant effect on body weight and hematological and biochemical parameters.

The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of Preschool Hearing Environments and Reflection on Quality of Life Questionnaire.

The purpose of this study was to assess preschool children's hearing-related quality of life and to introduce the scale, originally titled "Preschool Hearing Environments and Reflections on Quality of Life Questionnaire" (Preschool HEAR-QL), to the literature through Turkish adaption, validity, and reliability analyses. Our study included 210 children aged 2-6 years: 110 with hearing loss (56 cochlear implant users and 54 hearing aid users) and 100 with normal hearing. Demographic data were collected and then the Preschool HEAR-QL, which was translated into Turkish, was administered twice at 15-day intervals. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine whether the factor structure found in the original scale development study was confirmed in our sample (construct validity). Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation scores, and the test-retest method were used to assess the scale's reliability as the findings were analyzed using paired samples t tests. The children with hearing loss had lower scores than their normal-hearing peers, and the difference was significant in the subdomains of behavior and attention, hearing environments, and communication. The subscale of the Preschool Period Listening Environments and their Reflections on Quality of Life Scale consists of 23 items, and Cronbach's alpha value was found as 0.922 in the first application and 0.926 in the second application (high reliability). In the model established for validity analysis, χ2/df = 2.156, root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.074, standard root-mean-square residual = 0.078, goodness-of-fit index = 0.830, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.789, comparative fit index = 0.895, and Tucker-Lewis index = 0.881 (good model fit). In terms of test-retest reliability, the correlation between the two measurements was 0.837, and there was no statistical difference between the test-retest scores (p = .15). The Turkish version of the Preschool HEAR-QL scale was proven to be a valid and reliable scale for assessing the hearing-related quality of life of children aged 2-6 years. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25236949.

‘Let’s talk! What will you say to me … ?’: comparing spontaneous dyad-focused maternal speech to singleton and dizygotic twin infants at home

ABSTRACT We compared dyad-focused maternal speech (protoconversations and maternal speech describing the dyad) in interactions of mothers with their twin and singleton infants. Nine twins and nine singletons, coming from urban areas of Crete (Greece), were video-recorded at home in spontaneous face-to-face interactions with their mothers, from the 2nd to the 6th month at 30-day intervals. Continuous micro-analysis revealed that the following: (a) variations in proto-conversations favoured singleton compared to twin infants; (b) twin and singleton mothers addressed different, but possibly of equivalent communicative significance, verbal comments to their infants within protoconversations; (c) both twin and singleton mothers showed age-variant efforts for conversation with their young infants. Though we showed quantitative variations of maternal dyad-focused speech between mother-singleton infant and mother-twin infant dyads, both singleton and twin mothers used devices of equivalent communicative significance and age-variant attempts to respond sensitively to their infants’ expressive behaviours according to the latter’s age-related motives for communication.

Marine particle microbiomes during a spring diatom bloom contain active sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Phytoplankton blooms fuel marine food webs with labile dissolved carbon and also lead to the formation of particulate organic matter composed of living and dead algal cells. These particles contribute to carbon sequestration and are sites of intense algal-bacterial interactions, providing diverse niches for microbes to thrive. We analyzed 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequences obtained from 51 time points and metaproteomes from 3 time points during a spring phytoplankton bloom in a shallow location (6-10m depth) in the North Sea. Particulate fractions larger than 10µm diameter were collected at near daily intervals between early March and late May in 2018. Network analysis identified two major modules representing bacteria co-occurring with diatoms and with dinoflagellates, respectively. The diatom network module included known sulfate-reducing Desulfobacterota as well as potentially sulfur-oxidizing Ectothiorhodospiraceae. Metaproteome analyses confirmed presence of key enzymes involved in dissimilatory sulfate reduction, a process known to occur in sinking particles at greater depths and in sediments. Our results indicate the presence of sufficiently anoxic niches in the particle fraction of an active phytoplankton bloom to sustain sulfate reduction, and an important role of benthic-pelagic coupling for microbiomes in shallow environments. Our findings may have implications for the understanding of algal-bacterial interactions and carbon export during blooms in shallow-water coastal areas.

RhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c combination promotes an immune-stimulatory tumor microenvironment that improves antitumor efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors

BackgroundRecombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-7-hyFc (efineptakin alfa; NT-I7) is a potent T-cell amplifier, with two IL-7 molecules fused to IgD/IgG4 elements. rhIL-7-hyFc promotes extensive infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the...

Local Low-dose Anti-PD-L1 Antibodies Improve Antitumor Effects in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are highly effective for treating recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancers. However, they require systemic administration and are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Reducing therapeutic antibody doses to prevent irAEs is challenging. Mouse buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma cells (Sq-1979) were transplanted into the backs of mice to induce tumors. The antitumor efficacy and tumor immunohistological environment in tumor-bearing mice were compared after administering a standard dose of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies systemically (200 mg/body) or 1/10th of the standard dose (20 mg/body) directly to tumors. Mice received four doses of antibody administered in 3-day intervals. Tumor reduction rates and antitumor efficacies were evaluated 21 days after initiating treatment. CD8+T cell counts and PD-L1, PD-1, perforin, and granzyme B levels; CD25 and Foxp3 expression levels; and tumor Tregs were assessed in the resected subcutaneous tumors. The antitumor efficacies in the local low-dose and systemic standard-dose groups were compared with that of the control group. The efficacies of the two treatment groups were similar, and both treatment groups revealed significant antitumor effects compared to the control group. Perforin and granzyme B levels were higher in the local low-dose group (p<0.05). Local low-dose administration of anti-PD-L1 antibodies exhibits antitumor efficacy similar to systemic standard-dose administration suggesting that local low-dose administration is useful for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Перебіг поствакцинального періоду після застосування комбінованих вакцин різних виробників протягом одного вакцинального циклу

Purpose - to evaluate the postvaccination period when using 6-valent vaccines against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B and infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b from different manufacturers within the same vaccine cycle. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of a private health care facility that provides outpatient admission, management, monitoring, and vaccination of children and adults. For the period from January 2020 to October 2023, we analyzed the records in the preventive vaccination registers, which were recorded the next day during routine monitoring of the child's condition after immunization. For the analysis, 343 children were selected and divided into 5 groups depending on the combination of doses of different hexavalent vaccines during the vaccine cycle (3 doses at 28-day intervals) and the first revaccination (one dose at 12-month intervals from the third dose). Results. In all groups of subjects, most children had no complaints during the postvaccination period. The combination of 6-valent vaccines from different manufacturers was not accompanied by an increase in postvaccination reactions, on the contrary, a tendency to their decrease was noted. Some differences were observed when comparing post-vaccination reactions when using all 4 doses of the 3-component pertussis vaccine and the 2-component pertussis vaccine. Thus, vaccination with a 3-component pertussis component, in 32% was accompanied by a fever up to 38.5C, and in only 15.38% in vaccine with a 2-component pertussis component, differences were not significant (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions. In heterologous immunization against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B and infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b with vaccines from different manufacturers with a 2- and 3-component pertussis component, the spectrum and percentage of post-vaccination reactions practically do not differ. Thus, the use of combinations of doses of different 6-valent vaccines is justified, which is especially relevant in the conditions of interruptions in the supply of vaccines and vaccination of children in various medical institutions during migration in war conditions, when there is a risk of delay in the introduction of the next dose of the vaccine and violation of the intervals between vaccinations. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Enhancing cotton sustainability: Multi-factorial intercropping, irrigation, and weed effects on productivity, quality and physiology

Drought stress and weed infestation are significant factors that significantly decrease cotton yield. Increasing the variety of plants within a cotton field ecosystem can strengthen its stability and protect it from susceptibility to both biotic and abiotic pressures. In this two-year experiment (2021 and 2022), the effects of intercropping systems (four growth conditions including mono- and inter-cropped cotton varieties Golestan and Hekmat with Nepeta crispa and dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica)), irrigation (three intervals of 3, 6, and 9 days), and weed competition (weed-free and weedy plots) on the agronomic performance, physiological characteristics, and seed quality of cotton in a semi-arid region of Iran were studied. In 2021, the volume of irrigation water applied was 9873, 6100, and 4650 m3 ha−1 for irrigation intervals of 3, 6, and 9 days, respectively. In 2022, the volumes were 9071, 5605, and 4272 m3 ha−1 for the corresponding irrigation intervals. Over two years, Xanthium strumarium, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Portulaca oleracea were the dominant weed species. Weeds had the most significant impact on total dry weight; weed control increased plant vigor and growth, ranging from 1.4 to 2.3 times, while weed impact on cottonseed yield ranged from 18% to 96% reduction. Increasing irrigation intervals resulted in reductions in various parameters, with decreases of 39%–80% in total dry weight, 34%–57% in cottonseed yield, and 48%–72% in lint yield. The harvest indices for seed cotton, cottonseed, and lint ranged from 35.3% to 56.5%, 18.3%–35.0%, and 15.4%–20.5%, respectively. Weeds were responsible for a 17% decrease in the 1000-seed weight. As the irrigation intervals increased from 3 days to 6 days and 9 days, the number of bolls per plant decreased by 19%–85%. Extending the irrigation interval from 3 days to 6 days and 9 days resulted in a substantial decrease in the photosynthetic rate, ranging from 42% to 92%. Mono-cropped Golestan performed well under unstressed conditions such as 3-day interval irrigation and weed-free conditions. On the other hand, intercropped Hekmat demonstrated better resilience to both moisture and weed stresses. The LER (Land equivalent ratio) indices of both intercropping systems were generally favorable, indicating higher productivity compared to sole cropping. The intercropping systems consistently showed the highest LER indices under weedy conditions, highlighting the significance of intercropping as a valuable method in integrated weed management.

Characterization of placentome vascular perfusion in relation to pregnancy associated glycoproteins throughout gestation in pregnant beef heifers

During pregnancy, blood flow to the uterus changes to support fetal demand. Placentomes serve as vascular attachment sites on the placenta for exchange of gases, nutrients, and metabolic products. Non-invasive methods of ultrasonography and biomarkers have been described to assess placental health and fetal viability. Pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are produced by the ruminant placenta and are detected in maternal circulation. In cattle, changes in circulating PAG concentrations are associated with embryonic and fetal outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the association between placentome blood perfusion and circulating PAG concentrations as they relate to the health of the developing fetus. We hypothesized that placentome perfusion and PAG concentration will be positively correlated and associated with neonatal outcome. A prospective, observational study was designed using 26 pregnant, nulliparous, Angus heifers in which PAG concentration and placentome blood perfusion were assessed throughout gestation, with assessment of calving characteristics following parturition. Placentome blood perfusion was visualized at 30-day intervals via transrectal Doppler ultrasonography with power flow function. Ultrasound images were analyzed using ImageJ software to determine the percent area of perfusion and integrated pixel densities. Venous blood was collected and PAG concentrations were determined via serum PAG enzyme-linked immunoassay. Mean placentome blood perfusion increased as gestation advanced. PAG concentrations demonstrated the expected temporal trend, increasing with gestation length, and were positively linearly correlated with placentome perfusion (P < 0.0001). The relationship identified between circulating PAG concentration and placentome blood perfusion suggests the use of transrectal power flow Doppler ultrasonography as a noninvasive technique to determine placental blood flow morphometrics to assess conceptus wellbeing throughout pregnancy.

Repeated hospital admission for intentional poisonings among older adults - a Swedish national register-based study

BackgroundPoisoning injuries is an increasing concern among older people, and so is the repetition of intentional poisonings. To date, few studies have documented the pattern and individual risk factors for repeated poisonings. This national study aims to shed light on the burden, pattern, and health-related risk factors of repeated intentional poisoning leading to hospitalization or death among older Swedish adults (50 years and older), with a focus on the year following a first event.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide register-based cohort study of people aged 50–100, hospitalized for intentional poisoning (ICD10: X60-69) during 2006–2016 (n = 15,219) and re-hospitalized by poisoning of any intent within a year (n = 1710), i.e., up to the end of 2017. We considered in turn, the distribution of the second poisoning in 30-day intervals stratified by intent; poisoning lethality within a month and a year; and the sex-specific association between health conditions and being re-hospitalized for intentional poisoning within one year as compared to being hospitalized only once using logistic regression (odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI)).ResultsFollowing an intentional poisoning, re-hospitalization within a year was predominantly for a new intentional poisoning (89.7%) and occurred most typically within a month (median 4 days). Death within 30 days occurred in similar proportion for the first and second poisoning (2.3% vs. 2.1% respectively). Among both men and women, comorbidity of psychiatric illness was strongly associated with re-hospitalization for intentional poisoning (adjusted ORs = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.45–2.01 and 1.89 (95% CI = 1.60–2.19) respectively).ConclusionMost re-hospitalizations within a year after intentional poisoning are also for intentional poisoning and occur most typically within days. Re-hospitalization is associated with several conditions that are characteristic of poor mental health and there are more similarities than differences between men and women in that respect.

Comparative study of tissue culture and sensitivity versus swab culture and sensitivity of microorganisms in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers

This prospective observational study, conducted at the Department of General Surgery, SRM Medical College and Hospital, aimed to assess the effectiveness of tissue culture and sensitivity compared to swab culture and sensitivity in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers through antibiotic sensitivity of microorganisms. Between May 2016 and August 2017, 160 subjects with diabetic foot ulcers were randomly assigned treatment based on either swab or tissue culture findings. Patients were followed at 15-day intervals for up to 60 days. Results showed positive swab cultures in 76.88% and positive tissue cultures in 92.50% of the study population. The most prevalent organism in swab cultures was Proteus (14.38%), while Pseudomonas (16.88%) dominated in tissue cultures. The cumulative proportion of subjects developing granulation tissue was faster in the tissue culture group, reaching 57.50% at 15 to 30 days and 99% at 31 to 45 days. The swab culture group exhibited proportions of 48.80%, 75%, and 93.80% at the same intervals. In conclusion, diabetic foot ulcer treatment based on tissue culture showed slightly faster healing rates compared to swab culture. However, both groups achieved good ulcer healing within the 60-day follow-up period. These findings emphasize the importance of choosing an appropriate culture method for effective management of diabetic foot ulcers.

Deep Learning Model Effectiveness in Forecasting Limited-Size Aboveground Vegetation Biomass Time Series: Kenyan Grasslands Case Study

Timely forecasting of aboveground vegetation biomass is crucial for effective management and ensuring food security. However, research on predicting aboveground biomass remains scarce. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods could bridge this research gap and provide early warning to planners and stakeholders. This study evaluates the effectiveness of deep learning (DL) algorithms in predicting aboveground vegetation biomass with limited-size data. It employs an iterative forecasting procedure for four target horizons, comparing the performance of DL models—multi-layer perceptron (MLP), long short-term memory (LSTM), gated recurrent unit (GRU), convolutional neural network (CNN), and CNN-LSTM—against the traditional seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model, serving as a benchmark. Five limited-size vegetation biomass time series from Kenyan grasslands with values at 15-day intervals over a 20-year period were chosen for this purpose. Comparing the outcomes of these models revealed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05); however, none of the models proved superior among the five time series and the four horizons evaluated. The SARIMA, CNN, and CNN-LSTM models performed best, with the statistical model slightly outperforming the other two. Additionally, the accuracy of all five models varied significantly according to the prediction horizon (p &lt; 0.05). As expected, the accuracy of the models decreased as the prediction horizon increased, although this relationship was not strictly monotonic. Finally, this study indicated that, in limited-size aboveground vegetation biomass time series, there is no guarantee that deep learning methods will outperform traditional statistical methods.

Quality attributes and shelf-life of freshly cut beef coated with waste feather keratin-ginger starch composite enriched with avocado peel polyphenolic-rich extract

The utilization of coatings composed of bio-based materials in the processing and preservation of meat presents an environmentally conscious, secure, cost-effective, and superior method for prolonging the storage life of meat while also preserving its nutritional value. In this study, changes in physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of freshly cut beef coated with distilled water (control) and keratin-starch composites (K-S) functionalized with 0.0-, 0.2-, 0.6-, and 1.0-mL avocado peel polyphenolic-rich extract (APPPE) kept at 4°C for 12 days were evaluated periodically at 3-day interval using standard techniques. Keratin was extracted from waste feathers, while starch was obtained from ginger rhizomes. Following a 12-day storage period, beef coated with APPPE-enriched K-S composites exhibited a significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement in shelf life by minimizing deteriorative changes in pH and color (as determined by metmyoglobin level) in addition to inhibiting oxidative changes in lipids (as determined by TBARS level) and proteins (protein carbonyl level) in comparison to control and K-S composite without APPPE. Furthermore, microbial growth was significantly (p&lt;0.05) suppressed in meat coated with K-S composite functionalized with APE at 0.6 and 1.0 mL compared to the control. The study suggested that APPPE-enriched K-S composite could offer an eco-friendly and safe food preservation technique for fresh meat.

Assessment of Toxicity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticle-coated Titanium Mini-implants with Uncoated Mini-implants: Comparison in an Animal Model Study.

To assess the potential for systemic toxicity when silver nanoparticle-coated mini-implants were implanted in Wistar albino rats conducted as a comparative study in the animal model by assessing the blood biochemistry, liver and kidney function, and histology of the implanted site. The surface of the mini-implant was coated with a green-mediated silver nanoparticle. Uncoated mini-implants were placed in two groups of eight Wistar albino rats, and silver nanoparticle-coated mini-implants were placed in another eight rats. The bone's general conditions, blood biochemistry assessing for ALT, AST, GPT, GOT, and histological sections using H and E stain and Masson's Trichrome stain were examined at 7, 14, and 28-day intervals. The creatinine, urea, ALP, and ALT showed no signs of systemic toxicity during the 28-day follow-up period in the Wistar rats both in the test and control groups. The histological evaluation, which was conducted using HE and MTS stain, revealed osteogenesis and adequate healing of the insertion site in the group where coated mini-implant was placed. The bone sample revealed no abnormalities in the control group with uncoated mini-implants. Green synthesized silver nanoparticle-coated mini-implant does not cause systemic toxicity as indicated by no abnormalities in the levels of creatinine, urea, ALT, ALP, GPT, and GOT. The bone histology indicates that the coated mini-implants placed in animal bone healed with adequate osteogenesis. Silver nanoparticles have potential for antimicrobial activity. Mini-implants placed as temporary anchorage devices in orthodontics often fail due to inflammation and plaque. Silver nanoparticle-coated mini-implants would reduce the risk of mini-implant failure as it would have antimicrobial potential and eliminate this cause for failure of mini-implants. How to cite this article: Sreenivasagan S, Subramanian AK, Mohanraj KG, et al. Assessment of Toxicity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticle-coated Titanium Mini-implants with Uncoated Mini-implants: Comparison in an Animal Model Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):944-950.

Quality evaluation of Braided Cheese (Gibna mudaffara) made from raw milk with the addition of starter culture during the ripening period

The purpose of this study was to see what effect adding starter culture to raw milk had on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of braided cheese (Gibna mudaffara). The raw milk was warmed to 45°C before adding 2% w/v starter culture to the first treatment (T1) and no starter culture to the second treatment (T2). Both treatments contained sodium chloride (2% w/w) and rennet powder (1.3 gm/50 L milk). After manufacturing, the cheese was kept in the whey at 4°C for 45 days. At 1, 15, 30, and 45-day intervals, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics were assessed. Results revealed that protein (18.21%), total solids (50.27%), ash (7.29%), and titratable acidity (0.65%) were found to be high in T1 cheese, while fat (19.66%) and moisture (48.97%) were found to be high in T2. The ripening period had a significant (P&lt;0.001) effect on all physicochemical characteristics except fat. T2 cheese had high counts of total viable bacteria [TVB] (log10 6.60 cfu/g), Staphylococcus aureus (log10 2.35 cfu/g), Escherichia coli (log10 2.01 cfu/g), and yeasts and moulds (log10 5.91 cfu/g). In T1 cheese, all microbes under study decreased significantly as the ripening period progressed, whereas in T2 cheese, all microbes decreased during ripening except TVBC. T2 cheese scored higher on colour, flavour, and overall acceptability, while T1 cheese scored higher on taste and body. All sensory properties of both cheeses were significantly affected by the ripening period. This study concluded that heat treatment and adding the starter culture is required for the production of safe and high-quality braided cheese.

Evaluation of Cryopreserved Ram Sperm with Nano-Ozone Solution and Post-Thaw Life Span by Flow Cytometric Analysis.

Ozone has been used as a therapy tool in medical science for conditions such as ulcers, peritonitis, wounds, and mostly joint problems. Ozone therapy strengthens the resistance to infections by kick-starting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulation systems. Ozone creates a defensive response against oxidative stress in membranes and protects metabolism against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sperm membranes are one of ROS's main targets; therefore, the cells' cryopreservation process requires more defensive elements for better results. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of nano-ozone solution (NOS) on ram sperm cryopreservation and the influence of the process on various sperm parameters for post-thaw (0 hour) and postincubation (6 hours) time points. Samples were collected from six Merino rams in the breeding season by electroejaculation five times at 3-day intervals. The study was conducted by cryopreservation of the samples using a tris citric acid-egg yolk-based extender. The samples were subjected to freezing in control and NOS (0.5, 1, and 2 μg/mL nano-ozone supplemented). Post-thaw motility, hypo-osmotic swelling test, acrosome (fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin [PSA-FITC]), and DNA integrities (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL]) were evaluated with a phase-contrast microscope. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) assessments were conducted by JC1-PI dual staining with a flow cytometer. Malondialdehyde and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured by a spectrophotometer. Sperm kinematics were investigated by a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) at the post-thaw time point. Compared with the control, relatively low doses of NOS (0.5 and 1 μg/mL) yielded better results in many parameters (motility, membrane and acrosomal integrities, MMP, various sperm kinematics, and GSH levels) (p < 0.05). The addition of low ozone doses to cryopreservation extenders improved the results compared with the control group at post-thaw and postincubation time points. Despite the valuable potential of nano-ozone supplementation in ram sperm cryopreservation, this subject requires further investigations with fertility trials soon.

A Permutation Entropy analysis to determine significant daily intervals to improve risk stratification tasks from COVID patients.

SARS-CoV-2 infection has a wide range of clinical manifestations making its diagnosis difficult, which is an important problem to solve. We evaluated heart rate data extracted from the Stanford University database. The data set considers heart rate and step records of 118 patients, where 90 correspond to healthy individuals and 28 patients with COVID. Each daily record was divided into 5-minute segments, providing 288 data per patient. The date of symptom onset was considered as a reference point to extract subsets of data whose variability was considerable, such as 30 days before the date and 30 days after it. Each of the 60 segments of 288 data per patient was treated using Permutation Entropy, Approximate Entropy, Spectral Entropy and Singular Value Decomposition Entropy. The average of the data from each group was used to construct the circadian profiles which were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test, determining the most relevant 5-minute segments, whose p-value was less than 0.05. In this way, the Spectral Entropy was discarded as it did not show any significantly different segment. The efficiency of the method was reflected in the performance of a logistic model for binary classification proposed in this work, which reflected an accuracy of 94.12% in the PE case, 88% in the ApEn case and 94% in the SVDE case. The proposed analysis turns out to be highly efficient when detecting significant segments that allow improving the classification tasks carried out by Machine Learning models, which provides a basis for the study of statistics such as entropy to delimit databases and improve the performance of classifier models.