Physiological Disorders Research Articles

A comprehensive study from the micro- to the nanometric scale: Evaluation of chilling injury in tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum)

Tomato fruit is susceptible to chilling injury (CI) during its postharvest handling at low temperature. The symptoms caused by this physiological disorder have been commonly evaluated by visual inspection at a macro-observation scale on fruit surface; however, the structure at deeper scales is also affected by CI. This work aimed to propose a descriptive model of the CI development in tomato tissue under the micro-scale, micro-nano-scale and nano-scale approaches using fractal analysis. For that, quality and fractal parameters were determined. In this sense, light microscopy, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were applied to analyse micro-, micro-nano- and nano-scales, respectively. Results showed that the morphology of tomato tissue at the micro-scale level was properly described by the multifractal behaviour. Also, generalised fractal dimension (Dq=0) and texture fractal dimension (FD) of CI-damaged pericarp and cuticle were higher (1.659, 1.601 and 1.746, respectively) in comparison to non-chilled samples (1.606, 1.578 and 1.644, respectively); however, FD was unsuitable to detect morphological changes at the nano-scale. On the other hand, lacunarity represented an appropriate fractal parameter to detect CI symptoms at the nano-scale due to differences observed between damaged and regular ripe tissue (0.044 and 0.025, respectively). The proposed multi-scale approach could improve the understanding of CI as a complex disorder to the development of novel techniques to avoid this postharvest issue at different observation scales.

Influence of a Preharvest Melatonin Application on Postharvest Chilling Injury in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Abstract Postharvest chilling injury is a physiological disorder detrimental to produce quality and shelf-life. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is susceptible to postharvest chilling injury at temperatures below 12 °C, manifesting as leaf lesions and discoloration. Melatonin, a growth regulator, has reduced postharvest chilling injury severity in produce, but its effect on basil is unknown. Here, we evaluated the impact of an exogenous preharvest melatonin application at 400 μM on basil leaves stored at 3.5 °C for 12 days. Visual parameters, including objective color descriptors, chilling injury index, and damaged surface area, as well as biochemical (total soluble solids, malondialdehyde, and total polyphenol content) and physiological (electrolyte leakage and fresh weight loss) markers for cold stress, were assessed. Melatonin-treated leaves showed reduced symptoms (15–22%) relative to the untreated control after cold storage. The biochemical and physiological parameters displayed subtle changes between treatments after storage. However, melatonin induced alterations before storage (70–90%), suggesting it acted as a stressor.

Nocturia and Blood Pressure Elevation in Adolescents.

Nocturia has been increasingly recognized as a manifestation of various non-urological conditions including hypertension. In adults, blood pressure (BP) elevation has been identified as a robust correlate of nocturia, but such a relationship has not been studied in pediatric populations where nocturia is often attributed to hormonal, sleep, physiological or psychological disorders. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the relationship between nocturia and BP elevation in adolescents. We prospectively studied 100 patients, aged 10-18 years, recruited from pediatric clinics at our institution. Nocturia (defined as ≥ 1 voids on voiding diary analysis) was present in 45% of the study sample (range: 1-4 voids/night). 37% of subjects self-reported awakening to urinate, and 34% of subjects had BP elevation according to age-dependent thresholds from current Pediatrics guidelines. On multivariate analyses, BP elevation was strongly associated with nocturia determined by both voiding diary (OR 26.2, 95% CI: 6.5, 106.0) and self-report. Conversely, nocturia was associated with increased odds of elevated BP by diary (26.3, 95% CI: 6.5, 106.4) and self-report (OR 8.1, 95% CI: 3.2, 20.5). In conclusion, nocturia appears to be common and is strongly associated with BP elevation in adolescents. These findings suggest that eliciting a history of nocturia holds promise as a simple method of identifying adolescents at risk for hypertension.

W-CeO2 nanospheres gas sensor array for accurate and selective H2S detection in exhaled breath

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gas intricately linked with various physiological disorders, carries paramount importance for medical diagnostics. Despite its significance, rapid and precise H2S detection in the complex atmosphere of exhaled breath remains a formidable challenge. In this study, W-CeO2 core@shell nanospheres were synthesized employing a facile one-step hydrothermal method. Particularly, the 7 % W-CeO2 composite showcased exceptional gas sensing capabilities, characterized by a response of 18.4 and an effective detection threshold of 50 ppb at 225 °C with 80 % RH. The underlying gas-sensing mechanism was meticulously expounded. To enhance the discrimination of sensor responses towards diverse gases, a sensor array encompassing four distinct W-CeO2 sensors was meticulously devised. By synergizing this sensor array with an algorithmic approach, the discrimination accuracy for qualitative (100 %) and quantitative (89 %) classification of H2S, ethanol, and their mixtures within a high humidity range. Furthermore, the proposed sensor array's utility was extended to the design of an electronic nose system tailored for H2S detection in exhaled breath. This platform effectively evaluated its diagnostic efficacy for halitosis, evidencing its capability to discern exhaled breath samples from healthy exhaled samples and simulated halitosis exhaled samples accurately.

Postharvest Storage Differentially Modulates the Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant System of the Exocarp and Mesocarp of Hass Avocado: Implications for Disorders

The present study evaluated the performance of some enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems against oxidative stress for 10 to 30 d of refrigeration (R) and 15 to 50 d in controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions in both exocarp and mesocarp of Hass avocados from early and late harvests and at shelf life (SL) or consumption maturity. The possible relationship of the antioxidant systems with the occurrence of physiological disorders is also evaluated. The results indicate that the enzymatic system—superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO)—as well as the non-enzymatic system—such as phenolic compounds (PC)—showed different responses to the stress generated during storage and shelf life. In general, SOD, CAT, PAL and PPO did not significantly vary in storage (R or CA). At consumption maturity, SOD, POD and PAL activities decreased in the mesocarp (RSL and CASL), while CAT increased in the exocarp for CASL15-50d. PC instead decreased in the exocarp as the harvest period progressed while it increased in the mesocarp. Physiological disorders (dark spots) showed only in refrigeration on the exocarp at R30d and in mesocarp at RSL30d coincident with low SOD and low SOD and POD activity values, as well as low PC contents (p-coumaric and its derivatives and caffeic acid derivatives), respectively. The results support the use of CA as a postharvest technology to prevent the development of physiological disorders through the joint action of antioxidative defenses during avocado transport to distant markets until consumption maturity is reached.

The neutral CB1 antagonist AM6527 reduces ethanol seeking, binge-like consumption, reinforcing, and withdrawal effects in male and female mice.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a debilitating physiological and psychiatric disorder which affects individuals globally. The current pharmacological interventions to treat AUD are limited, and hence there is an urgent need for a novel pharmacological therapy which can be effective and safe across the population. We aimed to investigate a novel neutral cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1R) antagonist, AM6527, in several preclinical models of ethanol consumption using male and female C57BL6/J mice. Independent groups of male and female mice were subjected to repeated cycles of drinking in the dark (DID), or intermittent access to alcohol (IAA) procedures. Twenty minutes prior to ethanol access in each procedure, animals were treated with intraperitoneal injections of either 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg of AM6527 or its respective vehicle. Acamprosate (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) or its respective vehicle was used as a positive control. Separate groups of male mice were subjected to a chain schedule of ethanol reinforcement to gain access to ethanol wherein completion of a fixed interval (FI; 5 min) schedule (link 1: "Seeking") was reinforced with continuous access to ethanol (fixed ratio; FR1) for up to 1.8 g/kg (link 2: "consumption"). All the animals were treated with 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg of AM6527 or its respective vehicle 20 mins prior to the start of the FI chain of the procedure. Separately, AM6527 was also evaluated in male and female mice undergoing acute ethanol withdrawal following 8 weeks of intermittent or continuous access to 20% ethanol drinking. In both DID and IAA procedures, AM6527 reduced ethanol consumption in a dose-related manner in both male and female mice. AM6527 produced no tolerance in the DID procedure; mice treated with 3 mg/kg of AM6527 for 3 weeks continuously drank significantly smaller amounts of ethanol as compared to vehicle-treated mice over a period of three DID cycles. Moreover, in the IAA procedure, AM6527 caused an increase in water intake over the 24-h period. Acamprosate transiently reduced ethanol intake in male mice in both the DID and the IAA procedures but failed to produce any significant effect in female mice. AM6527 also produced a decrease in the FI responding ("ethanol seeking") in animals trained to self-administer ethanol. Lastly, AM6527 mitigated neurological withdrawal signs, i.e., handling induced convulsions(HIC) in mice undergoing acute ethanol withdrawal. Current findings support previous studies with CB1R neutral antagonist in reducing voluntary ethanol intake and seeking behavior. Based on results shown in this work, AM6527 can be developed as a first in class CB1R neutral antagonist to treat AUD in both males and females.

Supplementation of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) diets with spices as a functional strategy to control excess adiposity through lipid, cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, and to induce an immunomodulatory intestinal regulation

Reductions in fish oil content in aquafeeds can generate physiological and immunological disorders in farmed fish, associated to low dietary levels of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs) and increased levels of n-6 PUFAs. Based on mammalian literature, spices could potentially counteract some of these negative effects. To explore this hypothesis, this work intended to offer a holistic insight on the effect of supplementing a diet (44% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 21.4 MJ kg−1 gross energy) containing low (3%) fish oil and poultry fat as the main oil source (43% of added oils) with 0.2% of an encapsulated combination of spice oleoresins (SO) including turmeric, capsicum, black pepper, and ginger in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata, 44.1 ± 4.1 g). At the end of the trial (90 days), fish fed with the SO diet displayed lower levels of perivisceral and hepatic fat, as well as reduced accumulation of lipid deposits, assessed histologically, in liver and intestine. These findings were consistent with an increased activity of bile salt-activated lipase in the anterior intestine and the regulation of gene expression (qPCR) of several biomarkers related to lipid metabolism, including several key metabolic sensors and nuclear factors (hnf4a and srebp2 at 2 h after feeding and lxrα, fxr, pparγ, pparβ, sirt1 in 48 h-fasted fish) that coordinate the expression of a network of genes (many of them significantly affected herein) regulating lipid, cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis. Moreover, the combination of SO had an immunomodulatory effect in the intestine which reached its climax in 48 h fasted-fish with the down-regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tnf-α, il-12β, il-15, il-34 and cell markers cd4–1, cd8b, and ccr11, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory response. No major effects were noted on fish growth and feed performance, on the oxidative status of the fish (although there were some subtle indications of reduced hepatic ROS levels). When assessing the gut microbial communities of gilthead seabream (16S rRNA gene sequencing on Illumina MiSeq) there were no differences in alpha and beta diversity between both experimental diets in the anterior and posterior intestines, except for an increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Desulfovibrio, Candidatus Arthromitus, and Ralstonia. In conclusion, supplementation of diets with the tested combination of SO may be an effective strategy to prevent lipid accumulation and inflammation in fish fed diets containing reduced fish oil levels.

Study on Effect of Lycopene Rich Tomato Puree Supplementation on Wellbeing/Healthiness in Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats

Background: The red-colored tomatoes are characterised as a mine of lycopene to manufacture food grade ingredient and projected its placement in a specialty class where nutrient with pharmaceutical value justifies dietary status. Tomato lycopene has justified its status as a potential antioxidant compensating with nutraceutical importance and provided an option for endorsing specialty nutrition. The diversity epidemiological experiments recorded noteworthy modulations in lipid profile and projected risk reduction potential of lycopene against non-communicable diseases. The progressive research efforts to monitor haematological parameters to justify efficacy of tomato lycopene against adverse effects on wellbeing of human body is required for precision governance. The present research work aims to assess the potential of lycopene rich tomato puree in monitoring the haematological parameters in hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats (Healthy control, high fat diet fed, HFD-Stain treated and HFD-tomato puree treated) were examined for physiological, haematological and blood biochemical parameters on 0, 14 and 28th day of experiment to assess effect of tomato puree administration on wellbeing of rats against healthy, hyperlipidemic and standard drug status. Result: The increased haemoglobin and total erythrocyte count on 14th and 28th day of experiment justifies the erythropoiesis stimulatory effect of tomato puree lycopene. Moreover, increased total leukocyte count in high fat diet-tomato puree fed rats on 14th and 28th day validates the positive effect of tomato puree lycopene to monitor healthiness in Wistar rats. The regulatory mechanism based on haematological specialty features that monitors the risk of physiological disorders and diseases outlined through animal study experimental data provided a logistic option to confirm the efficacy of tomato puree lycopene to protect wellbeing/healthiness of live entity (Wistar rats).

Pre-storage calcium chloride and aloe vera gel coatings mitigate internal browning and senescence scald in ‘Conference’ pears

Physiological disorders pose significant challenges to the quality and shelf life of ‘conference’ pears. This study investigates the efficacy of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and aloe vera (AV) gel treatments in reducing internal browning and senescence scald in ‘Conference’ pears. Four groups were evaluated: a control, individual 2 % CaCl2, 15 % AV gel treatments, and a combined CaCl2 and AV gel treatment. Pears having following maturity indices (TSS 12 %, ho 90, and Firmness 67 N) were then stored at 2 ± 1 °C, 85±5 % RH for 180 d The fruits were removed from cold storage to room temperature and kept at 20±3 °C and 65±5 % RH followed by physicochemical and sensory analyses. The combined treatment proved most effective in preserving quality and reducing internal browning and senescence scald. Treated pears displayed reduced respiration rates, ethylene production, internal browning, senescence scald, and weight loss. Moreover, the combined treatment resulted in higher TA and lower TSS compared to the control after 180 d of storage. The reduction in internal browning and senescence scald can be attributed to enzyme activity modulation. The combined treatment increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reducing oxidative stress. This, in turn, minimized oxidative reactions leading to internal browning. Furthermore, the treatment inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity, enzymes responsible for browning reactions. Lower PPO and POD activity contributed to reduced internal browning and senescence scald. The combined actions of enhanced antioxidant enzymes and decreased browning-related enzymes synergistically reduced internal browning. In conclusion, the combined CaCl2 and AV gel treatment effectively mitigated internal browning and senescence scald in pears and also received the highest score in sensory analysis. Enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT and SOD) and reduced PPO and POD activity collectively contributed to this reduction. This eco-friendly approach presents a sustainable strategy for extending shelf life and enhancing pear quality, providing an alternative to traditional chemical interventions for managing physiological disorders.

Ethnopharmacology of Assamese Fermented Foods: Traditional Wisdom, Therapeutic Potential, and Evolutionary Insights

The migration patterns of humans from various regions over extended periods form the ancestors of the present-day ethnic communities in Assam, a region located in Northeast India. Throughout the process of assimilation, the people of this area developed the skill of fermenting different types of perishable and inedible raw agricultural products into tasty, preserved, and superior foods and drinks pleasing to the senses. Fermented foods have played a crucial role in the cultural and dietary practices of diverse ethnic communities worldwide since ancient times. Particularly in developing countries, their inclusion holds significant importance as it provides a cost-effective method of preserving food while enhancing its nutritional and sensory attributes. The native population of Northeast India, particularly in Assam, has a long-standing tradition of preparing and consuming various smoked, sun-dried, fermented, and salted fish products. This practice, which originated from the astute observations of our ancestors, has resulted in a wide range of fermented food items and beverages that are unique to this region. Among these, Judima, Rice beer, Apong, Jou, Sujen, Khorisa, Kahudi, Napham, Kharoli, Xaj-pani, Chokot, Shidol, and traditional fermented fish products like karati, bordia, and lashim hold significant prominence. These ethnic fermented foods not only influence the local healthcare system but also possess potential therapeutic benefits for disease prevention and managing physiological disorders. The phytochemical constituents present in these fermented foods, individually or in combination, exhibit noteworthy therapeutic potential. The objective of this review is to provide an in-depth understanding of the diverse range of ethnic fermented foods in Northeast India, specifically Assam, their impact on health, and the evolutionary development of their preparation techniques.

Identification and classification of chill‐damaged versus sound kiwifruit using Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics

AbstractThe early detection of fruit disorders is crucial to maintaining a consistent, high‐quality kiwifruit product. Chilling injury is a physiological disorder found in kiwifruit that can be challenging to identify until it reaches a severe stage or the fruit is cut and opened. Considering this, Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was investigated for sound and chill‐damaged ‘Zesy002’ kiwifruit. We carried out spectral analysis on fruit harvested in 2018 and 2019. Damaged and sound fruit samples were separated based on spectral signatures from phenyl propanoids and sugars. Furthermore, the 2018 fruit sample set was used to construct, validate, and test models using support vector machine, principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis, and partial least squares–discriminant analysis. Additionally, the robustness of the model was assessed using the 2019 fruit sample set considering test set accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Support vector machine models were developed and resulted in a 93% accuracy, 85% sensitivity, and 100% specificity to differentiate the test set fruit (2018 season). Principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis models and partial least squares–discriminant analysis model built with the same data set gave >83% and 93% test accuracy, respectively. Models showed robustness with samples from the 2019 season. This study provides insights into the potential of using Raman spectroscopy for identifying chilling injury in kiwifruit.

HEALTH EDUCATION ON FRACTURES EMERGENCIES TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE AMONG SMK KESEHATAN LETRIS INDONESIA 1 STUDENTS

Fractures are fractures usually caused by trauma or physical exertion, accidents, both work accidents and traffic accidents Fractures are a potential or actual threat to a person's integrity, so they will experience physiological and psychological disorders that can cause a response in the form of pain. , Indonesia is the country that experiences the most fracture events 1.3 million per year from its population, which is around 238 million, and the most results are found at the age in the late adolescent category 17-25 (28.6%) because age is the productive age in carrying out activities, male sex (63.5%) the location of the Os fracture. Humerus (27.0%) location on bone 1\3 distal (50.8%) type of closed fracture (68.8%) and the cause of the fracture trauma (96.8%) However, the majority of adolescents do not understand well how to handle early fracture injuries. Incorrect initial handling can have an impact on complications for fracture sufferers Objective: This community service activity aims to increase the knowledge and understanding of adolescents in the early handling of fracture injuries Especially Students of SMK Kesehatan Letris Indonesia 1.

An enhanced affective computing-based framework using machine learning & medical IoT for the efficient pre-emptive decision-making of mental health problems

Globally, the two main causes of young people dying are mental health issues and suicide. A mental health issue is a condition of physiological disorder that inhibits with the vital process of the brain. The amount of individuals with psychiatric illnesses has considerably increased during the past several years. The majority of individuals with mental disorders reside in India. The mental illness can have an impact on a person’s health, thoughts, behaviour, or feelings. The capacity of controlling one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviour might help an individual to deal with challenging circumstances, build relationships with others, and navigate life’s problems. With a primary focus on the healthcare domain and human-computer interaction, the capacity to recognize human emotions via physiological and facial expressions opens up important research ideas as well as application-oriented potential. Affective computing has recently become one of the areas of study that has received the greatest interest from professionals and academics in a variety of sectors. Nevertheless, despite the rise in articles published, the reviews of a particular aspect of affective computing in mental health still are limited and have certain inadequacies. As a result, a literature survey on the use of affective computing in India to make decisions about mental health issues is discussed. As a result, the paper focuses on how traditional techniques used to monitor and assess physiological data from humans by utilizing deep learning and machine learning approaches for humans’ affect recognition (AR) using Affective computing (AfC) which is a combination of computer science, AI, and cognitive science subjects (such as psychology and psychosocial).

A case study on the management of Garbhini Chardi w.s.r. to Emesis Gravidarum

Pregnancy is regarded as the most delicate time in a women life. Maternal physiology is under continuous adaption throughout the pregnancy. One such bothersome side effect of such physiological changes occurring during pregnancy is Emesis Gravidarum which has significant impact on pregnant women life, including everyday functioning and general wellbeing. As Chardi is considered a Vyakta Garbha Lakshana it is not associated with much harm to growing fetus or mother and is therefore considered a physiological disorder; however, when it occurs frequently it develops into Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a pathological condition that require early intervention to prevent symptoms such as extreme dehydration, exhaustion weight loss, congenital problems in fetus and early labor etc. that could harm the developing fetus. In this study effort have been undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Eladi Choorna in Garbhini Chardi.

UHPLC-MS metabolomic profile and in silico pharmacokinetic approach of Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier aqueous extracts

Throughout humanity’s development, the medicinal use of plants has evolved as an observational and empirical matter; Yorubá culture uses Kalanchoe sp. as universal antidotes. They are believed to be “ewé òdúndún” or plants of goodness and are traditionally and religiously used in preparations to treat diseases and physiological disorders. Our main goals were to determine the comparative phytochemical composition panel of two Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet & H. Perrier aqueous extracts through UHPLC-MS metabolomic approaches and highlight the drug-likeness properties of the most abundant compounds in the complex mixture prepared according to its traditional uses. K. daigremontiana leaf aqueous extracts were prepared by cold water maceration (Kd1) or decoction (Kd2). The metabolomics analysis of the extracts was performed through UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS acquisition in positive and negative modes. An in-house database was built with molecules found in plants from the Crassulaceae family and was applied to the annotation step. Our analysis identified 132 compounds, showcasing variations between negative (ESI(−)) and positive (ESI(+)) ionization modes. Notably, flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, known for their potent antioxidant properties, were abundant in both extracts. Additionally, bufadienolides, associated with diverse biological activities, were present. Both extracts presented similar phytochemical compositions in terms of the number of compounds. Differential analysis revealed significantly higher intensities for specific molecules in both Kd1 and Kd2 extracts. Considering the relative abundance, Kd1 showed a significant amount of Fatty Acids and Steroids concerning Kd2. Additionally, the 15 most abundant compounds were analyzed using in silico pharmacokinetic and toxicity algorithms (SwissADME, pkCSM, and LAZAR) to predict their drug-likeness profile. The fifteen most abundant molecules (Corchorifatty acid F; 9,12,13-TriHOME; Acetylsagittatin A; Apiin; Kaempferol; L-Malic acid; 19-Oxodesacetylcinobufagin; Lucyoside Q; (12 S,13 S)-Epoxylinolenic acid; Isocitric acid; 4''-O-Acetylafzelin; Hellebrigenin; Senedigitalene; Blumenol C and Sativoside R2) had their ADMET in silico profiles predicted using computational tools. Importantly, our in silico assessments pinpointed six promising compounds with favorable absorption, pharmacokinetics, and drug-likeness properties, suggesting their potential as bioactive agents. This finding underscores the significance of these traditional aqueous extracts in folk medicine. In conclusion, our study not only supports the traditional use of Kalanchoe spp. but also sheds light on the safety and pharmacological potential of these extracts. By exploring different extraction methods and employing metabolomics, we have gained valuable insights into the bioactivity and safety of plant extracts, which can guide future research in this field.

On the Development of Machine Learning Based Real-Time Stress Monitoring : A Pilot Study

During specific environmental changes, the human body regulates itself through emotional, physical or mental responses. One such response is stress. The psychological and physical stability of an individual may be affected by recurrent occurrences of acute stress. This often leads to anxiety disorder, other psychological illnesses, hypertension, and other physiological disorders. The work performance of the individual is also negatively affected due to long-term stress. Across various age groups, the global population is primarily influenced by anxiety, depression and psychological stress. The long-term adverse effects of stress can be mitigated by effectively monitoring and managing stress through a cost-efficient and reliable stress detection system. This paper mainly focuses on stress detection using a machine-learning approach. Wearable sensor data from electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) are considered during exposure to stress and the level of stress undergone by the participant is further analyzed. This approach helps in stress detection, analysis and mitigation, which in turn improves the quality life of people. Machining Learning technique k-means clustering algorithm is used after removal of artifacts to obtain case-specific clusters that segregate features pointing to non-stress and stress periods. The results of the proposed K-means clustering algorithm are compared to state-of-the-art techniques such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). From the results, it was concluded that the proposed algorithm outperformed the other with an accuracy of 96% in the overall analysis.

Foliar application of Zinc and Boron improved physiological traits, productivity and shelf life of onion

Micronutrients play a crucial role in enabling crops and vegetables to achieve optimum productivity, improve storage quality, and overcome physiological disorders. The present study focuses on evaluating the effects of the foliar application of Zinc, Borax, and their combined application in enhancing onion yield and shelf life of Allium cepa L. (cultivars Red coral and Liberty). An experimental study was conducted for two years at Agriculture Research Unit, DIHAR Leh (34.1383˚N, 77.5725˚E) to assess the impact of different doses of ZnSO4, Borax, and their combination on onion yield and shelf-life improvement. Four treatments of ZnSO4 and Borax (T1: 0.5% ZnSO4; T2: 0.25% Borax; T3: 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.25% Borax and T4: control) were applied twice, once at 30 DAT and again after 45 DAT. Among four treatments, T3 showed a significant impact on growth parameters, yield, and onion shelf-life followed by T1 and T2 compared to the control T4 treatment. Foliar sprays of ZnSO4 and Borax, rather than only ZnSO4 or Borax application, significantly improved plant height, leaves number, leaf area index, chlorophyll content, and onion yield. The storage examination revealed an important correlation between the concurrent application of ZnSO4 and Borax on onion, demonstrating a significant reduction in weight loss, an increase in Total Soluble Solids (T.S.S), and an extension of the onions’ shelf life. These findings hold the potential for significant implications in elucidating the optimal utilization of micronutrients for improving onion cultivation and preservation practices in cold desert regions of Ladakh.

Applications of 1-methylcyclopropene concentrations and timing in relation to sunlight-related core browning in ‘Bartlett’ pears after extending regular-air storage

Core browning (CB) is a crucial physiological disorder that occurs in ‘Bartlett’ pears after excessive storage. Furthermore, environmental factors such as sunlight exposure cause serious related disorders during storage. 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) positively delays the development of disorders, but results in poor eating quality at retail. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sunlight exposure impacts the development of CB in ‘Bartlett’ pears and to develop optimal postharvest 1-MCP strategies for the pear industry to extend the fruit’s lifespan and deliver desirable eating quality to consumers that prefer melting texture. Over the course of a three-year evaluation, sunlight-exposed (SE) pears consistently displayed a higher CB index than the control and non-exposed (NE) pears after 150 d of regular-air (RA) storage at − 1.1 ± 0.5 °C plus 5 d at 20 ± 0.5 °C. The rapid development of CB was facilitated by decreases in ethylene production rate (EPR), peel chlorophyll content (PCC), and titratable acidity associated with increases in malondialdehyde and soluble o-quinones. Applying 0.15 and 0.3 μL L−1 1-MCP after 15 d of harvest completely protected the fruit from CB for up to 150 d of RA storage. However, these treated pears did not ripen. Lowering the 1-MCP concentration to 0.075 μL L−1 and postponing treatment to 60 d after harvest could control the CB index in the 1.53–2.33 range with a normal ripening process. For SE pears, the use of 0.15 μL L−1 1-MCP applied after 60 d of harvest reduced the CB index to 1.63 without impairing ripening capacity. It was difficult for the pear industry to monitor the EPR of 1-MCP-treated pears over the entire storage period. However, when the PCC of the treated pears fell to 0.4–0.5 IAD after 5 d of ripening, these pears could recover their ethylene generation capacity and softening behavior. Overall, the 0.15–0.075 μL L−1 1-MCP applied after 60 d of harvest provided great benefits in delaying CB development, improving storability, and retaining ripening capacity in SE ‘Bartlett’ pears following the prolonged RA storage.

Integrated Action of Rhizobacteria with Aloe vera and Moringa Leaf Extracts Improves Defense Mechanisms in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Cultivated in Saline Soil.

Osmotic stress is a serious physiological disorder that affects water movement within the cell membranes. Osmotic stress adversely affects agricultural production and sustainability and is largely caused by soil salinity and water stress. An integrated nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) soil amendment and an exogenous foliar application of Aloe vera leaf extract (ALE), and moringa leaf extract (MLE) were evaluated on roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) growth, calyx yield, secondary metabolites, and tolerance to osmotic stress in salt-affected soil. The osmotic stress markedly decreased above- and below-ground development of the roselle plant, but integrated NFB soil amendment with ALE or MLE foliar application significantly alleviated its negative impacts. Broadly, an improvement was observed in chlorophyll, carbohydrates, and protein levels following NFB and extracts foliar application, as well as a significant enhancement in antioxidant production (total phenols, ascorbic acid, and FRAP), which decreased peroxide production and increased stress tolerance in plants. Under osmotic stress, the roselle calyx revealed the highest anthocyanin levels, which declined following NFB soil amendment and foliar extract application. Additionally, an enhancement in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents and the K/Na ratio, along with a depression in sodium (Na) content, was noticed. The integrated application of Azospirillum lipoferum × ALE exhibited the best results in terms of enhancing above- and below-ground growth, calyx yield, secondary metabolites, and tolerance to osmotic stress of the roselle plants cultivated in the salt-affected soil.

Exploring Prognostically Significant Factors in COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Fibrosis after Adaptive Lung Ventilation.

Research data on hospitalized coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) survivors indicate the persistence of symptoms, radiological abnormalities, and physiological disorders months after the initial infection. Given the scale of the ongoing pandemic, a substantial number of patients with severe residual pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and oxygen dependence are anticipated. Currently, the search for risk factors associated with the development of fibrotic radiological abnormalities after moderate to severe COVID-19 is underway. Furthermore, the extent to which computed tomography (CT) data correlate with postdischarge symptoms and physical functions remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize patients experiencing persistent pulmonary consequences after hospital discharge. We examined clinical, radiological, and laboratory predictors of pulmonary fibrosis after COVID-19 infection. We retrospectively evaluated fibrosis-like lung changes and their prognostic factors in COVID-19 survivors. Our study included 77 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who received inpatient treatment at City Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Almaty between November and December 2020. We assessed patients during the acute phase of the disease and again 6 to 8 months after discharge using high-resolution computed tomography (CT). Patients were classified into 2 cohorts based on semi-quantitative analysis of subsequently added tomograms-those with radiological fibrosis-like abnormalities (main group) and those who had recovered (control group). Parenchymal cords, irregular interfaces, reticulation, and traction bronchiectasis were common CT findings among all COVID-19 patients. Our study focused on patients who developed pulmonary fibrosis within 1 month after the onset of the disease. After 6 to 8 months, fibrosis-like lung changes persisted in 49.35% of patients (leading group), while 50.65% showed disease resolution (control group). Age, body mass index, high interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, low IO levels, and the need for mechanical ventilation were identified as prognostic indicators for the persistence of pulmonary fibrosis. Our study revealed that pulmonary function can return to normal in over half of COVID-19 patients 8 months after infection onset. Despite advancements in COVID-19 treatment, there remains a significant knowledge gap in managing long-term effects, especially pulmonary fibrosis. Continued clinical trials and research on post COVID-19 fibrosis are essential to prevent early mortality due to the long-term impacts on these patients.