Cm2 In Size Research Articles

Comparison study of WO3 thin film and nanorods for smart window applications

The WO3 thin films were deposited at oxygen partial pressure of 8x10-4 mbar. A template-free straightforward hydrothermal method is employed to produce vertical alignment hierarchical WO3 nano-architectures on clear conducting substrates (3x2.5 cm2 in size and slides resistance 4 O). After being deposited at ambient temperature, the samples were air annealed at 400 °C for 4 h. The optical, electrochromic, surface and structural morphology behavior of the deposited material after annealing were studied using XRD, Raman, FTIR, SEM, electrochemical analyzer and UV–Visible spectrometer characterization methods. After annealing at 400 °C for 4 h in air, every characteristic peak are matched to a monoclinic (crystalline) WO3 phase. The Nano flower array achieved a considerable coloration efficiency (24.09 cm2/s) and low cathodic peak current (−2.03 mA) compare to the Tungsten trioxide thin film produced by the DC magnetron sputtering method. The vertically oriented geometry and the porosity space between the Nano flower, which improve H+ diffusion and provide a considerable contact area for charge-transfer processes, are primarily responsible for the improved electrochromic properties.

Sexual dimorphism and bilateral difference of fingerprint sweat pore among Slovak population

Third level dermatoglyphic markers show a high level of individuality. Despite this fact, the occurrence of individual sweat pore types is still insufficiently studied due to their problematic extraction. The aim of our study was to evaluate the variability of sweat pore types on distal fingertips in the Slovak population and to establish the most uniform method for delineating the evaluated fingerprint area of 1 cm2 in size to avoid bias in the obtained data. In this study, the variability of seven sweat pore types (round, rhomboid, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal) on distal phalanges were investigated in a sample of 60 volunteers (30 females and 30 males) from the Slovak population. The evaluated area was 1 cm2. Since none of the previously used definition methods seems to be completely reliable, we developed our own method using individual types of dermatoglyphic patterns. This method allowed an uniform location of the studied fingerprint area. The results suggest that sweat pores, like other dermatoglyphic characteristics, have strong identification potential. Several statistically significant bilateral and intersexual differences were found in both male and female populations. Significant intersexual differences in all categories were found in rhomboid and rectangular sweat pore types. Their use could be applied to partial or otherwise unusable fingerprints. The results of this study could help to incorporate these prints into the identification process, allowing their full use.

First Report of Fusarium acuminatum Causing Leaf Blight on Garlic in China.

In June 2021, leaf blight symptoms were detected on garlic plants (Allium sativum) in southeastern Jiangsu (Nantong municipality; 120.61° E, 33.25° N) in China. Two-month-old garlic plants exhibited leaf tip die back and light brown lesions in new and old leaves (Figure 1). The symptoms were observed in 40% of the plants in a 60-square-meters commercial field surrounded by rice fields, and were similar to those reported for Botrytis porri, Septoria allii and Stemphylium eturmiunum causing leaf blight on garlic (Dumin et al. 2021; Park et al. 2013; Zhang et al. 2009). Six samples of symptomatic tissue collected in Nantong municipality, approximately 1 cm2 in size, were sterilized in 2% NaOCl for 15 min and washed twice with sterile ddH2O. The pathogen was isolated from all collected samples on PDA medium, containing 50 µg/mL chloramphenicol, at 26°C. Pink colonies with orange pigmentation were observed after 7 days. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS), elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) genes were amplified using ITS1/ITS4, EF1-728F/EF1-986R, RPB1-R8/RPB1-F5 and fRPB2-7CF/fRPB2-11aR primers, respectively. A total of 17 isolates were obtained, with nine of the isolates sharing the same sequences (strain NJC21), six of the isolates sharing the same sequences (strain NJC22), and the other two isolates showing different sequences (strains NJC23 and NJC24). The obtained sequences were submitted in GenBank under accession numbers OL655398-OL655401 (ITS), and OL741712-OL741723 (EF1-α, RPB1, RPB2). The obtained ITS sequences shared >99% homology to the ITS gene from F. acuminatum IBE000006 (EF531232), the EF1-α sequences shared 99% homology to the EF1-α gene from F. acuminatum F1514 (LC469785), the RPB1 sequences shared >99% homology to the RPB1 gene from F. acuminatum JW 289003 (MZ921675), and the RPB2 sequences shared 100% homology to the RPB2 gene from F. acuminatum NL19-077002 (MZ921813) or 100% homology to the RPB2 gene from F. acuminatum MD1 (MW164629). A phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA7 with related Fusarium strains (Figure 2). Microscope observations after incubation in potato-sucrose-agar (PSA) medium showed the presence of oval microconidia, fusiform macroconidia, septate mycelium and chlamydospores, and agree with the morphology of F. acuminatum (Marek et al. 2013). The pathogenicity was screened with two-week-old wounded and non-wounded garlic plants using a 1 × 106 spores/mL solution (20 µL). Sterile ddH2O was used in the control experiment. The inoculated plants were incubated at 26°C and 60% relative humidity for 3 days, detecting similar lesions compared to those observed in the field. The pathogen was recovered from 5 different lesions, from different plants, and its identity was confirmed by sequence analysis. Recently, F. acuminatum was reported to cause garlic bulb rot in Serbia (Ignjatov et al. 2017). Although F. acuminatum is well known as a causal agent of root rot (Li et al. 2021; Tang et al. 2021), F. acuminatum has also been found causing leaf blight on onion (Parkunan et al. 2013) and muskmelon (Yu et al. 2021). This is the first report of F. acuminatum causing leaf blight on garlic, demonstrating the host and tissue promiscuity of this pathogen. China is the largest producer of garlic in the world with nearly 20 million tons harvested in 2020. This report will help to better understand the pathogens that are affecting garlic production in China.

Redoxtrons – An experimental system to study redox processes within the capillary fringe

AbstractSpatiotemporal characterisation of the soil redox status within the capillary fringe (CF) is a challenging task. Air‐filled porosities (ε), oxygen concentration (O2) and soil redox potential (EH) are interrelated soil variables within active biogeochemical domains such as the CF. We investigated the impact of water table (WT) rise and drainage in an undisturbed topsoil and subsoil sample taken from a Calcaric Gleysol for a period of 46 days. We merged 1D (EH and matric potential) and 2D (O2) systems to monitor at high spatiotemporal resolution redox dynamics within self‐constructed redoxtron housings and complemented the data set by a 3D pore network characterization using X‐ray microtomography (X‐ray μCT). Depletion of O2 was faster in the organic matter‐ and clay‐rich aggregated topsoil and the CF extended >10 cm above the artificial WT. The homogeneous and less‐aggregated subsoil extended only 4 cm above the WT as indicated by ε–O2–EH data during saturation. After drainage, 2D O2 imaging revealed a fast aeration towards the lower depths of the topsoil, which agrees with the connected ε derived by X‐ray μCT (εCT_conn) of 14.9% of the total porosity. However, small‐scaled anoxic domains with O2 saturation <5% were apparent even after lowering the WT (down to 0.25 cm2 in size) for 23 days. These domains remained a nucleus for reducing soil conditions (EH < −100 mV), which made it challenging to characterise the soil redox status in the CF. In contrast, the subsoil aeration reached O2 saturation after 8 days for the complete soil volume. Values of εCT_conn around zero in the subsoil highlighted that soil aeration was independent of this parameter suggesting that other variables such as microbial activity must be considered when predicting the soil redox status from ε alone. The use of redoxtrons in combination with localised redox‐measurements and image based pore space analysis resulted in a better 2D/3D characterisation of the pore system and related O2 transport properties. This allowed us to analyse the distribution and activity of microbiological niches highly associated with the spatiotemporal variable redox dynamics in soil environments.Highlights The time needed to turn from reducing to oxidising (period where all platinum electrodes feature EH > 300 mV) condition differ for two samples with contrasting soil structure. The subsoil with presumably low O2 consumption rates aerated considerably faster than the topsoil and exclusively by O2 diffusion through medium‐ and fine‐sized pores. To derive the soil redox status based upon the triplet ε–O2–EH is challenging at present in heterogeneous soil domains and larger soil volumes than 250 cm3. Undisturbed soil sampling along with 2D/3D redox measurement systems (e.g., redoxtrons) improve our understanding of redox dynamics within the capillary fringe.

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma arising from Lichenoid Contact Reaction: A Case Report

Lichenoid contact reaction is a type of delayed hypersensitivity reaction to constituents derived from dental materials. It may occasionally transform into oral squamous cell carcinoma. A 62-year-male reported with the chief complaint of a wound in the inner aspect of right cheek for 2 weeks. On initial examination, a diffuse erythematous area with interspersed non- scrapable white striae was present on the right buccal mucosa and residual alveolar ridge with respect to 47 extending till gingivobuccal aspect of 45, roughly linear in shape, approximately 3x1 cm2 in size, with a rough overlying surface. Ointment triamcinolone 0.1% was prescribed for 1 week. The patient visited after 3 months. Clinical examination revealed an ulcer with peripheral induration of size approximately 2.5 mm on right buccal mucosa adjacent to 46. An incisional biopsy revealed oral squamous cell carcinoma. Long-term follow-up of patients with oral lichenoid reaction is mandatory for early detection of malignant transformation.

PM 3/66 (3) Guidelines for the management of plant health risks of biowaste of plant origin

<scp>PM</scp> 3/66 (3) Guidelines for the management of plant health risks of biowaste of plant origin

A cosmic muon test facility with the MRPC telescopes of the EEE Project

The Extreme Energy Events (EEE) ‘telescope’ is made by 3 Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPC), each with an active area of 158x82 cm2 in size. Each detector is part of a large network of about sixty telescopes spread over the Italian territory. Due to the good tracking capabilities (100 ps time resolution and cm2 spatial resolution) the EEE telescope can be used also as test station for large area detectors. The link between the EEE track and signals from the detector under test can be obtained by implementing a streaming DAQ with a common time reference between the two systems given by the GPS signal. The installation and first results of the cosmic muon test facility with the EEE MRPC telescope based on the low-cost, streaming-compatible 12 channels, 250MHz, 14 bits digitizer (INFN-WaveBoard or WB) developed by the JLAB12 Collaboration, is presented.

Skin wounds in a rural setting of Côte d'Ivoire: Population-based assessment of the burden and clinical epidemiology.

BackgroundData on the burden and clinical epidemiology of skin wounds in rural sub-Saharan Africa is scant. The scale of the problem including preventable progression to chronic wounds, disability and systemic complications is largely unaddressed.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study combining active (household-based survey) and passive case finding (health services-based survey) to determine the burden and clinical epidemiology of wounds within the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in rural Côte d’Ivoire. Patients identified with wounds received free care and were invited to participate in the wound management study simultaneously carried out in the survey area. The data were analysed for wound prevalence, stratified by wound and patient characteristics.Results3842 HDSS-registered persons were surveyed. Overall wound prevalence derived from combined active and passive case finding was 13.0%. 74.1% (403/544) of patients were below the age of 15 years. Most frequent aetiologies were mechanical trauma (85.3%), furuncles (5.1%), burns (2.9%) and Buruli ulcer (2.2%). Most wounds were acute and smaller than 5 cm2 in size. 22.0% (176/799) of wounds showed evidence of secondary bacterial infection. 35.5% (22/62) of chronic wounds had persisted entirely neglected for years. Buruli ulcer prevalence was 2.3 per 1000 individuals and considerably higher than expected from an annual incidence of 0.01 per 1000 individuals as reported by WHO for Côte d’Ivoire at the time of the study.ConclusionsSkin wounds are highly prevalent in rural West Africa, where they represent a widely neglected problem. The HDSS-based survey with combined active and passive case finding adopted in this study provides a better estimate than school- and health institution-based surveys which underestimate the frequency of skin wounds and, particularly, of neglected tropical diseases of the skin, such as Buruli ulcer and yaws. A comparison with country-specific WHO data suggests underreporting of Buruli ulcer cases.Trial registrationRegistration at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03957447.

Localized Surface Plasmons on Textiles for Non-Contact Vital Sign Sensing

Radio frequency technologies are capable of remotely sensing human vital signs for broad applications in healthcare. However, their use during daily life is hindered by challenges such as environmental interference, low sensitivity, and nonideal form factors. Here, we report a radio frequency sensor made from a conductive textile that provides sensitive noncontact monitoring of vital signs. The sensor (13 cm2 in size) comprises a radial pattern of grooves that support spoof localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes and a ground plane with a complementary window that controls the sensor’s interaction with the body. These spoof LSP modes provide a sharp resonant dip and a broadly tunable evanescent field that enables tracking of heartbeat and respiration via the <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$|S_{11}|$ </tex-math></inline-formula> spectrum measured in a connector-free manner. We establish the optimal operating mode of the sensor and show that it provides a resonant frequency shift of 250 MHz for respiration and 100 MHz for heartbeat motions. Experiments with a healthy human subject show that the measured heart rate (HR) and respiration rate (RR) are in close agreement with gold standard sensors and are robust to daily activities performed while sitting.

Efficacy of chitosan in the treatment of chronic skin lesions in a horse: A case report

Consultation was requested for a 7-year-old Gypsy Vanner male horse with a 2-year history of foreskin injury. Upon revision, an ulcer, 153 cm2 in size, with yellowish granules was observed; a RESVECH 2.0 evaluation revealed a score of 32/35 points. Medical history confirmed multiple failed deworming, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic treatments with different topical therapies and recurrence in summer. Laboratory results confirmed elevated total proteins (8.8 g/dL) and globulins (5.5 g/dL), negative bacterial and fungal cultures, as well as negative coproparasitoscopic findings, and finally, identification of stable fly larvae (Stomoxys calcitrans) in the feces. Microscopy showed disorganized collagen, thickened tissue, polymorphonuclear cells, and acanthosis without neoplastic tissue or parasite remains. Debridement was performed and systemic treatment with ivermectin, penicillin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) continued. In addition, 2% chitosan gel and films were applied to the entire surface of the lesion for 72 hours on 30 occasions; vector control with nets and insecticides was performed. On day 94, there was a 6 cm2 surface with involvement of the dermal and epidermal layers, moist epithelial tissue, and diffuse edges, with a RESVECH 2.0 evaluation of 6/35 points. Microscopy showed an intact basement membrane, presence of hair follicles, sweat glands, aligned collagen, and angiogenesis. It was concluded that chronic skin lesions in horses represent a diagnostic challenge, and topical chitosan is an adequate treatment due to its biocompatibility and efficacy, in addition to the functional and cosmetic results in dermal regeneration.

47. Development of Dried Allogeneic Human Cultured Epidermis As a Wound Dressing: Evaluation of Healing Acceleration in Murine and Porcine Skin Defects

Purpose: Cryopreserved allogeneic cultured epidermis (CE) has been used for treating second-degree burn wounds and diabetic foot ulcers; however, the need for cryopreservation limits its usability. We have previously reported that CE accelerates wound healing irrespective of its viability, and hypothesized that dried CEs act as an effective wound dressing. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of dried human cultured epidermis in accelerated wound healing using diabetic murine full-thickness skin defects and porcine split-thickness skin defects. Methods: CE was prepared from human donor skin using Green’s technique, with some modifications. Then, dried CE was prepared by drying fresh CE sheet under controlled temperature and humidity conditions until all water was completely removed. Cryopreserved CE was prepared at -80 °C with a cryopreservation medium containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide for more than 1 day. We investigated the morphology and physical properties of dried and cryopreserved CEs, including breaking strength, modulus of elasticity, water permeability, and levels of various active cytokines and chemokines (EGF, b-FGF, IFN-γ, IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-9, PDGF, TGF-α, TNF-α, and VEGF). Furthermore, the acceleration of wound healing by dried CE was elucidated in vivo. Two symmetrical full-thickness skin defects 8 mm in diameter, were created on both sides of the back of each diabetic mouse. Each wound was covered with the cryopreserved or dried CEs (1.5 × 1.5 cm2). The wound area and neo-epithelial length were compared on days 4, 7, and 14 after application. In the porcine experiment, a male Clawn miniature pig was used. Using an electric dermatome, split-thickness skin wounds (8 × 9 cm2 in size, 1.5 mm in depth) were made at four locations on the back. Dried and cryopreserved CEs were applied to the wound, and the epithelialization ratios at 4 and 7 days after implantation were evaluated. Results: Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunostaining for basement membrane, and electron microscopy showed that the morphologies of dried CE and cryopreserved CE were comparable (consisting of 4-5 layers of keratinocytes, including a monolayer of basal cells), and that the membrane structure was not damaged. The breaking strength, levels of various active cytokines and chemokines, and moisture permeability in dried CE were also comparable to those in cryopreserved CE. In the diabetic murine experiment, dried CE significantly reduced the wound area on days 4 and 7 (p<0.05) and increased the epithelium length on days 4 and 7 (p<0.01). Dried CE also significantly increased the epithelialization ratio in the porcine donor site model (on days 4: 15.0 ± 12.6% and 7: 88.0 ± 10.0%), similar to that observed for cryopreserved CE (on days 4: 29.7 ± 14.6% and 7: 67.9 ± 20.7%). Conclusion: Dried CE has similar morphology, physical properties, and wound-healing effects as cryopreserved CE and can be a physiological and versatile wound dressing that can be stored for a long time at room temperature and used immediately off the shelf.

Fluid-induced piezoelectric field enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction on g-C3N4/LiNbO3/PVDF membrane

Piezoelectric materials have been widely used in photocatalytic systems as it forms a built-in electric field to facilitate the migration of photo-induced charge-carriers. Herein, we report a three-dimensional (3D) porous g-C3N4/LiNbO3/PVDF membrane with an enhanced fluid-induced piezoelectric field for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The freezing phase inversion strategy is critical to the formation of piezoelectric sensitive β phase PVDF. The unique 3D porous membrane structure and the fluid-induced piezoelectric potential synergistically contribute to the HER efficiency under white light illumination. The as-prepared g-C3N4/LiNbO3/PVDF piezoelectric photocatalytic membrane (19.6875 cm2 in size) exhibited HER rate of 136.02 µmol h−1, which was even higher than that of the g-C3N4/LiNbO3 powder sample (111.8 µmol h−1) with the identical mass of catalyst particles. In-situ diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) demonstrates a better water affinity of the porous g-C3N4/LiNbO3/PVDF piezoelectric membrane prepared by the freezing phase inversion than other PVDF membranes prepared by traditional phase inversion and vacuum drying methods. Piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM), in-situ piezoelectric and piezoelectric current measurements further visualized the fluid-induced piezoelectric field on 3D g-C3N4/LiNbO3/PVDF membrane, by which boosting the HER efficiency.

First Report of Aspergillus flavus Causing Fruit Rot on Kiwifruit in China.

In October 2020, fruit rot symptoms were detected on kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa 'Xuxiang') in southwestern Shaanxi (Hanzhong municipality; 107.27° E, 33.23° N) in China. Mature kiwifruit, during the harvest period, exhibited soft rot and brown lesions. The symptoms were similar than those reported for Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum spp., Fusarium avenaceum and Rhizopus oryzae causing fruit rot on kiwifruit (Feng et al. 2019; Li et al. 2017; Kim et al. 2018; Zhao et al. 2020). The symptoms were observed in approximately 15% of the fruit in 6 kiwifruit orchards (31 ha in total). Ten samples of symptomatic tissue, approximately 1 cm2 in size, were sterilized in 2% NaOCl for 30 seconds and washed twice with sterilized water. The pathogen was isolated from all collected samples via culturing on PDA medium, containing 50 µg/mL chloramphenicol, at 28 ºC. Green powdery-like colonies were detected after 5 days (Figure 1). A total of 12 isolates were obtained via single spore isolation. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS), elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α) and RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2) genes were amplified using ITS5/ITS4, A_EF1_F/A_EF1_R and RPB2-5F/RPB2-7cR (NJC03), or RPB2-7cF/RPB2-11aR (NJC04), primers, respectively. Eleven isolates shared the same sequences (NJC03), MZ801787 (ITS), MZ701709 (EF1-α) and MZ701707 (RPB2), while one of the isolates provided different sequences (NJC04), OK618459 (ITS), OK634020 (EF1-α) and OL331017 (RPB2). The obtained ITS sequences shared >99% homology to the ITS gene from A. flavus KU20018.4 (MT487825), the EF1-α sequences shared 100% homology to the EF1-α gene from A. flavus clinical2342 (KP054370) and the RPB2 sequences shared >99% homology to the RPB2 genes from A. flavus PW3170 (LC000581) and A. flavus NRRL3357 (XM_041293948). Molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA7 with reference Aspergillus strains (Figure 2). Microscope observations of all isolates showed the presence of septate mycelium, circular unicellular conidia (2-4 µm diameter) and conidiophores, and agree with the morphology of A. flavus (Horn 2005). The pathogenicity of all isolates was screened using intact and wounded 'Xuxiang' kiwifruits (ten kiwifruits were used for each combination with 3 replicates), which were purchased from a local market. A 1 × 106 spores/mL (10 µL) solution of the isolates was used for the inoculation. Sterilized water was used in the control experiment. Inoculated kiwifruits were storage at 26 °C and 60% relative humidity for 10 days. Rot lesions in the wounded kiwifruits were totally covered by green mycelia, while the lesions on the intact kiwifruits were similar to the symptoms observed in the field. The pathogen was recovered and its identity was confirmed by sequence analysis of ITS, EF1-α and RPB2, fulfilling Koch's postulates. A. flavus is known to be an important fungal pathogen of corn, cotton and peanuts (Zhang et al. 2020). During recent years, A. flavus was reported to cause fruit rot on grapes (Ghuffar et al. 2020), and was identified on almond, fig, organic spelt and pistachio (Krulj et al. 2017; Ortega-Beltran et al. 2019). The presence of A. flavus in food products is an issue of global concern due to A. flavus is able to produce carcinogenic aflatoxin (Maxwell et al. 2021). As far as we know, this is the first report of A. flavus causing fruit rot on kiwifruit. This report will help to understand the distribution of A. flavus in crops and the food safety hazards that are present in China.

First Report of Fusarium avenaceum Causing Canker Disease on Kiwi Tree in China.

In May 2021, canker symptoms were detected on 'Xuxiang' kiwi trees in southwestern Shaanxi (Hanzhong municipality; 107.27° E, 33.23° N) in China. Seven-year-old trees exhibited black necrotic lesions and cracked areas in the trunk (Figure 1). The symptoms were observed in approximately 10% of the trees in 6 orchards (31 ha in total). Application of commercial fungicides did not control the advancement of the pathogen, and infected trees were removed to control the spread. Three samples, approximately 1 cm2 in size, of symptomatic tissue were collected and surface sterilized in 2% NaOCl for 1 min, and washed with sterile ddH2O. Four isolates showing white mycelium with yellow pigmentation were obtained after 4 days of incubation on PDA, containing chloramphenicol (50 µg/mL), at 28 ºC. The pathogen was isolated from all collected samples. ITS, EF1-α, TUB2, RPB1 and RPB2 genes were amplified using ITS1/ITS4, EF1-728F/EF1-986R, T1/T22, RPB1-5F/RPB1-8R and RPB2-5F/RPB2-7cR (strain NJC06), or RPB2-c7F/RPB2-11aR (strains NJC07 and NJC08), primers, respectively. Two isolates shared the same sequences (strain NJC08). Obtained sequences were submitted to GenBank under accession numbers MZ669205 and OL347898-OL347899 (ITS), OL439731-OL439733 (EF1-α), OL439734-OL439736 (TUB2), OL439737-OL439739 (RPB1), and OL439740-OL439742 (RPB2). The sequences shared >99% (ITS; F. avenaceum CBS 128538, MH864972), >99% (EF1-α; F. avenaceum 55-2, MN473124), 100% (TUB2; F. avenaceum SICAUCC 18-0001, MK253102), >98% (RPB1; F. avenaceum NRRL 26911, MG282372), and >98% (RPB2; F. avenaceum SICAUCC 18-0001, MK396098; or F. avenaceum FRC R-09495, CQ915486) homology to multiple F. avenaceum strains. Molecular phylogenetic tree (Figure 2) was constructed using MEGA7 with Fusarium strains found causing rot in various hosts (Wang et al. 2015), and other fungal species, such as Cadophora nalorum, Diaporthe ambigua, D. australafricana, and Neofusicoccum parvum, which were reported to cause cordon dieback on kiwi tree in Chile (Diaz et al. 2021). Microscope observations after cultivation of all isolates on barley-honey-tryptone medium (Song et al. 2020) showed the presence of septate mycelium, fusiform microconidia (8-15 µm in length, containing between 0 and 3 septa; n = 77) and chlamydospores (n = 21), and agree with the morphology of F. avenaceum (Zhao et al. 2020). To confirm pathogenicity, a sterilized spatula was used to make wounds (3 mm diameter, 1 mm depth) on the trunk of 3-months-old 'Xuxiang' kiwi trees. Solutions containing 1 × 106 spores/mL (20 µL) of the isolates were injected in the wounds. Sterile ddH2O was used for the control experiment. Inoculated plants were maintained in a growth chamber at 28 °C and 80% relative humidity for 4 days. The pathogen was recovered from the canker lesions, which were similar to those observed in the orchards, and its identity was confirmed by sequence analysis. The pathogen only infected wounded trees, and probably invaded the orchards during the pruning in February 2021. F. avenaceum was reported to cause canker on almond tree (Stack et al. 2020), stem rot on Anthoxanthum aristatum and Polygonatum cyrtonema (Pieczul et al. 2018; Xu et al. 2019), and root rot on carrot, Coptis chinensis and wheat (Le Moullec-Rieu et al. 2020; Mei et al. 2020; Ozer et al. 2020). Recently, F. avenaceum was found causing fruit blotch in kiwi fruit in Anhui (China) (Zhao et al. 2020). Here, F. avenaceum was found causing canker disease in kiwi tree, demonstrating the host and tissue promiscuity of this pathogen. Kiwi is an important crop in China with nearly 1.5 million tons produced in 2019. This report will help to better understand the pathogens reducing kiwi production in China.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Multicenter Clinical Trial Comparing Paste-Type Acellular Dermal Matrix to Standard Care for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds.

The treatment of chronic wounds remains challenging. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been shown to be effective for various types of wound healing. This study was designed to compare the wound size reduction rate after 12 weeks between patients receiving paste-type ADM and standard wound care. Patients over 19 years old with chronic wounds, deeper than full-thickness skin defects, more than 4 cm2 in size that did not heal over the 3 weeks before the study were included. After a screening period of 7 days, patients were randomized to receive either paste-type ADM or standard wound care. The wound status was evaluated at baseline, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. A total of 86 patients were enrolled in this study. The wounds continuously and constantly reduced in size from week 1, and the reduction rate was significantly greater in the study group from week 2 until the end (week 12). In the study group, wound healing was achieved in 29 of 38 wounds (76.3%). Paste-type ADM might be a useful option for wound healing and can be applied safely and efficiently for advanced wound care.

Damage to Residual Trees in Thinning of Broadleaf Stand by Mechanised Harvesting System

This research was conducted to determine the cause, intensity and location of damage (stem, butt end, root collar, root) and the extent of damage to standing trees during felling and processing by an harvester and timber extraction by a forwarder (cut-to-length system). The research was conducted in the central part of the Republic of Croatia in the Management Unit (MU) “Bjelovarska Bilogora” during the thinning of Subcompartment 14b, area of 18.28 ha, in the stand of hornbeam (Carpino betuli—Quercetum roboris fagetosum Rauš 1975), age 70, and of Subcompartment 14c, area of 9.07 ha, in a stand of common beech (Carici pilosae—Fagetum Oberdorfer 1957) aged 79 years. The thinning intensity was 12.13% in Subcompartment 14b and 13.72% in Subcompartment 14c. Field measurements were carried out on sample plots—the first time in 2017 to determine the intensity and characteristics of the damage to standing trees with regard to the cause of the damage (harvester or forwarder), and the second time in 2018 to determine the overall intensity and features of the damage to standing trees after finishing harvesting operations. For all trees remaining in the stand after the harvesting operations, the following were determined: tree species, diameter at breast height (DBH), the position of the tree in the stand depending on the forest traffic infrastructure, and—if damaged—cause of damage, type of damage, the position of damage on the tree, and dimensions of damage. The intensity of the damage was expressed by the ratio of damaged and undamaged trees, with a detailed analysis of bark damage (squeezed-bark damage and peeled-bark injuries). The results of the research indicate the highest prevalence of peeled-bark injuries. In relation to the total number of standing trees, trees with peeled-bark injuries were more represented in Subcompartment 14c (39%) than in Subcompartment 14b (33%). In Subcompartment 14b, the harvester and the forwarder damaged an equal number of trees, while in Subcompartment 14c, the harvester damaged 59% of the damaged trees. In both subcompartments, an average of 83% of (peeled bark) injuries were up to 1.3 m above the ground. In both subcompartments, the most common (67%) were injuries up to 100 cm2 in size, for which many authors claim the tree can heal by itself. Given the increasing use of harvester-forwarder systems in deciduous stands and research results that indicate possible damage to standing trees, it is necessary to pay attention to all phases of planning and execution of timber harvesting operations, thus minimising negative effects.

Phurcalit a uranofán-beta z Ruprechtic u Liberce (Česká republika)

A rare uranium supergene minerals, phurcalite and uranophane-beta, were found in association with metaautunite at fissures of granitoid rocks in the active Wagner quarry in Ruprechtice near Liberec (northern Bohemia, Czech Republic). Phurcalite occurs there as bright to deep yellow coatings with an area up to 10 × 3 mm in size composed of acicular to columnar crystals up to 0.5 mm in length. It is orthorhombic, space group Pbca, the unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are: a 17.3973(18), b 16.0161(15), c 13.5693(19) Å, V 3780.9(5) Å3. Chemical analyses of phurcalite correspond to the empirical formula Ca2.20(UO2)3.06(PO4)1.96(AsO4)0.04O2.26·7H2O. Uranophane-beta forms a relatively abundant pale yellow coatings of up to 2 × 2 cm in size composed of translucent to transparent acicular crystals with a vitreous lustre and a length of up to 0.2 mm. It is monoclinic, space group P21/a, the unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are: a 13.959(2), b 15.5420(16), c 6.6227(9) Å, β 91.43(1)o and V 1436.3(2) Å3. Chemical analyses of uranophane-beta correspond to the empirical formula Ca1.09(UO2)1.99[(SiO3OH)1.68 (PO4)0.29(AsO4)0.03]Σ2.00·5H2O. Metaautunite occurs there as abundant light yellow aggregates with an area up to some cm2 in size composed of tiny (up to 0.5 mm) tabular crystals or rarely as well-developed individual tabular crystals up to several mm in size. It clearly differs from other minerals in the association by very strong yellow-green luminescence in both short- and long-wave UV radiation. It is tetragonal, space group P4/nmm, the unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are: a 7.006(2), c 16.899(4) Å and V 829.4(6) (5) Å3. Chemical analyses of metaautunite correspond to the empirical formula Ca1.03(UO2)2.09(PO4)1.96(AsO4)0.04·6H2O.

First Report of Epicoccum sorghinum Causing Leaf Sheath and Leaf Spot on Maize in China.

In November 2020, leaf sheath on maize (Zea mays) was detected in southeastern Jiangsu (Nantong municipality; 120.54° E, 31.58° N) in China. Physiologically mature plants, 13 weeks of cultivation (at the harvest stage), exhibited red-brown lesions in stem and leaves, and dried-up stem (Figure 1). The symptoms were observed on approximately 95% of the maize plants in a 0.8 ha maize field surrounded by old sorghum fields and the crop yield was decreased by 70-85% with respect previous years, when no disease symptoms were detected. Small pieces, approximately 0.3 cm2 in size, of symptomatic tissue were surface sterilized in 1.5% NaOCl for 1 min, and washed twice with sterile ddH2O. The pathogen was isolated (one isolate was obtained) and cultured on PDA medium, containing chloramphenicol (50 µg/mL), under darkness at 26 ºC for 3 days. Amplification of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU), actin (ACT) and β-tubulin (TUB2) genes was performed using ITS1/ITS4, LR0R/LR7, ACT512F/ACT783R and T1/Bt2b primers, respectively (Ma et al. 2021). Sequences were submitted to GenBank under accession numbers MW800180 (ITS), MW800361 (LSU), MW845677 (ACT) and MW892439 (TUB2). Blast search revealed that the ITS sequence had 100% (492/492 bp) homology with E. sorghinum LY-D-1-1, MT604999, LSU had 98% (1075/1091 bp) homology with E. sorghinum GZDS2018BXT010, MK516207, ACT had 96% (214/222 bp) homology with E. sorghinum M3, MK044832, and TUB2 had 99% (498/499 bp) homology with E. sorghinum BJ-F1, MF987525. Molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA7 to confirm the identity of the pathogen. The evolutionary history was inferred by using the Maximum Likelihood method based on the Tamura 3-parameter model, and the tree with the highest likelihood (-1774.9882) is shown in Figure 2. Bipolaris, Curvularia and Fusarium spp. found causing leaf spot on maize were included in the phylogenetic tree (Liu et al. 2021; Reyes Gaige et al. 2020; Chang et al. 2016). To confirm pathogenicity, a sterilized spatula was used to make wounds (3 mm diameter, 1 mm depth) on the stem and leaves of 2-week old maize plants. A solution containing 1 × 108 spores/mL (20 µL) was injected in the wound, whereas sterilized ddH2O was used in the control experiment. Inoculated plants were maintained in a growth chamber at 28 °C and 60% relative humidity for 3 days, observing fast-growing necrotic lesions in both stem and leaves. The pathogen was recovered from the infected plants and its identity was confirmed by morphological and sequence analyses. Microscope observations indicated the presence of chlamydospores, oval conidia (3 × 5 µm) and round pycnidia (60-100 µm diameter), and agree with those previously reported for the morphology of E. sorghinum (Bao et al. 2019). During last 2 years, E. sorghinum was reported to cause leaf spot on a number of relevant agricultural crops in China, including taro, Brassica parachinensis, tea, rice and wheat (Du et al. 2020; Li et al. 2020; Liu et al. 2020a, 2020b), confirming the expansion and host promiscuity of this pathogen. The pathogen was also reported to cause leaf spot on maize in Brazil in 2004 (Do Amaral et al. 2004); however, this is the first report of E. sorghinum causing leaf sheath and leaf spot on maize in China. Maize an important agricultural crop in China with more than 168 million tons produced in 2019. The observed yield loss and disease incidence of the isolated strain suggest that E. sorghinum may be a threat to maize production in China.

Bio-3D printing iPSC-derived human chondrocytes for articular cartilage regeneration

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of pain and joint immobility, the incidence of which is increasing worldwide. Currently, total joint replacement is the only treatment for end-stage disease. Scaffold-based tissue engineering is a promising alternative approach for joint repair but is subject to limitations such as poor cytocompatibility and degradation-associated toxicity. To overcome these limitations, a completely scaffold-free Kenzan method for bio-3D printing was used to fabricate cartilage constructs feasible for repairing large chondral defects. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural crest cells with high potential to undergo chondrogenesis through mesenchymal stem cell differentiation were used to fabricate the cartilage. Unified, self-sufficient, and functional cartilaginous constructs up to 6 cm2 in size were assembled by optimizing fabrication time during chondrogenic induction. Maturation for 3 weeks facilitated the self-organisation of the cells, which improved the construct’s mechanical strength (compressive and tensile properties) and induced changes in glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen expression, resulting in improved tissue function. The compressive modulus of the construct reached the native cartilage range of 0.88 MPa in the 5th week of maturation. This paper reports the fabrication of anatomically sized and shaped cartilage constructs, achieved by combining novel iPSCs and bio-3D printers using a Kenzan needle array technology, which may facilitate chondral resurfacing of articular cartilage defects.

B-PO04-109 IMPACT OF VOLUME OF ETHANOL INJECTED INTO THE VEIN OF MARSHALL ON LEFT ATRIAL INFARCT SIZE

Injection of ethanol into the Vein of Marshall (VOM) has been employed to facilitate placement of a lateral mitral isthmus ablation line. The optimal dosage and delivery technique into the VOM remains undetermined. To characterize the relationship between the volume of ethanol injected into the VOM on left atrial infarct size. A retrospective review was performed of chart data, angiography, and electroanatomical mapping (EAM) of all patients who underwent ethanol injection into the VOM between 10/2016-9/2020. After PVI, patients underwent VOM cannulation (typically with a 1.5-2.5 mm over-the-wire balloon placed proximally in the vein). High density EAM (fill threshold ≤ 5 mm) was performed with a multielectrode array catheter pre- and post- each dose of ethanol. Pre-and post-injection voltage maps were available for review in 70 patients. A mean of 2.8 ± 1.2 cc of ethanol were injected, forming infarcts 5.9 ± 3.6 cm2 in size. Overall, amount of ethanol infused did not correlate with scar size (R2=0.0036). In 10 patients, a second dose of ethanol was given after EAM demonstrated insufficient infarct. In this group, the initial volume of ethanol injected was 1.9 ± 0.9 cc and total volume injected reached 4.1 ± 1.7 cc. Mean infarct size after first injection was 3.8 ± 2.7 cm2, vs 7.1 ± 4.1 cm2 after second injection (p<0.01). Improved extension of the scar area into the posterior wall was also seen. In this retrospective analysis, there did not appear to be a dose-dependent relationship between ethanol volume and infarct size. However, a second injection did lead to greater infarct area of the left atrium.