Predominant Group Research Articles

Isolation of biocrust cyanobacteria and evaluation of Cu, Pb, and Zn immobilisation potential for soil restoration and sustainable agriculture

Soil contamination by heavy metals represents an important environmental and public health problem of global concern. Biocrust-forming cyanobacteria offer promise for heavy metal immobilisation in contaminated soils due to their unique characteristics, including their ability to grow in contaminated soils and produce exopolysaccharides (EPS). However, limited research has analysed the representativeness of cyanobacteria in metal-contaminated soils. Additionally, there is a lack of studies examining how cyanobacteria adaptation to specific environments can impact their metal-binding capacity. To address this research gap, we conducted a study analysing the bacterial communities of cyanobacteria-dominated biocrusts in a contaminated area from South Sardinia (Italy). Additionally, by using two distinct approaches, we isolated three Nostoc commune strains from cyanobacteria-dominated biocrust and we also evaluated their potential to immobilise heavy metals. The first isolation method involved acclimatizing biocrust samples in liquid medium while, in the second method, biocrust samples were directly seeded onto agar plates. The microbial community analysis revealed Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria as the predominant groups, with cyanobacteria representing between 13.3 % and 26.0 % of the total community. Despite belonging to the same species, these strains exhibited different growth rates (1.1–2.2 g L−1 of biomass) and capacities for EPS production (400–1786 mg L−1). The three strains demonstrated a notable ability for metal immobilisation, removing up to 88.9 % of Cu, 86.2 % of Pb, and 45.3 % of Zn from liquid medium. Cyanobacteria EPS production showed a strong correlation with the removal of Cu, indicating its role in facilitating metal immobilisation. Furthermore, differences in Pb immobilisation (40–86.2 %) suggest possible environmental adaptation mechanisms of the strains. This study highlights the promising application of N. commune strains for metal immobilisation in soils, offering a potential bioremediation tool to combat the adverse effects of soil contamination and promote environmental sustainability.

Mint-Scented Species in Lamiaceae: An Abundant and Varied Reservoir of Phenolic and Volatile Compounds.

This investigation aimed to identify the most favorable cultivar based on plant metabolites for potential targeted cultivation in the pharmaceutical industry. The analysis revealed the presence of 19 individual phenolics and 80 individual volatiles across the cultivars, a breadth of data not previously explored to such an extent. Flavones emerged as the predominant phenolic group in all mint-scented cultivars, except for peppermint, where hydroxycinnamic acids dominated. Peppermint exhibited high concentrations of phenolic acids, particularly caffeic acid derivatives and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Luteolin-rich concentrations were found in several mint varieties, known for their antioxidative, antitumor, and cardio-protective properties. Swiss mint and spearmint stood out with elevated levels of flavanones, particularly eriocitrin, akin to citrus fruits. Monoterpene volatiles, including menthol, camphor, limonene, and carvone, were identified across all cultivars, with Swiss mint and spearmint exhibiting the highest amounts. The study underscores the potential for targeted cultivation to enhance volatile yields and reduce agricultural land use. Notably, chocolate mint demonstrated promise for volatile content, while apple mint excelled in phenolics, suggesting their potential for broader agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food industry production.

Effects of different organic substrate compositions on the decontamination of aged PAH-polluted soils through outdoor co-composting

The effects of different organic substrate compositions on the efficiency of outdoor co-composting as a bioremediation technology for decontaminating soil polluted by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated. Four different substrate mixtures and two different aged PAH-contaminated soils were used in a semi-pilot-scale experiment that lasted nearly 700 days. The two soils (A and B) differed concerning both the initial concentrations of the Ʃ16 US EPA PAHs (5926 vs. 369 mg kg−1, respectively) and the type of predominant PAH group by molecular weight.The experiments revealed that while the composition of the organic substrate had an impact on the rate of PAH degradation, it did not significantly influence the final extent of PAH degradation. Notably, the organic substrate consisting of green waste and wood chips (GW) was found to facilitate the most rapid rate of PAH degradation (first-order rate constant k = 0.033 ± 0.000 d−1 with soil A over the initial 42 days of the experiment and k = 0.036 ± 0.000 d−1 with soil B over the initial 56 days). Despite the differences in organic substrate compositions and types of soil being treated, PAH degradation levels exceeded at least 95% in all the treatments after more than 680 days of co-composting.Regardless of the composition, the removal of low- and medium- molecular-weight (2-4 rings) PAHs was nearly complete by the end of the experiment. Furthermore, high-molecular-weight PAHs (5 rings and more) were significantly degraded during co-composting, with reductions ranging from 54% to 79% in soil A and from 59% to 68% in soil B. All composts were dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, with significant differences in abundance between soils. Genera with PAH degradation potentials were detected in all samples. The results of a battery of toxicity tests showed that there was almost no toxicity associated with the final composts.

Effects of Fly Ash on the Efficiency and Bacterial Community Structure of Urban Multi-source Organic Solid Waste

To achieve efficient resource utilization of fly ash and multi-source organic waste, a composting experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of fly ash on co-aerobic composting using kitchens, chicken manure, and sawdust (15:5:2). The effects of different application doses (5 % and 10 %, calculated in total wet weight of organic solid waste) of fly ash on physical and chemical properties, nutrient elements, and bacterial community structure during co-composting were evaluated. The results showed that the addition dose of 5 % and 10 % fly ash significantly increased the highest temperature (56.6 ℃ and 56.9 ℃) and extended the thermophilic period to nine days. Compared with that in the control, the total nutrient content of compost products in the treatments of 5 % FA and 10 % FA was increased by 4.09 % and 13.55 %, respectively. The bacterial community structure changed greatly throughout the composting, and the bacterial diversity of all treatments increased obviously. In the initial stage of composting, Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum of bacteria, with a relative abundance ranging from 35.26 % to 39.40 %. In the thermophilic period, Firmicutes dominated; its relative abundance peaked at 52.46 % in the 5 % FA treatment and 67.72 % in the 10 % FA treatment. Bacillus and Thermobifida were the predominant groups in the thermophilic period of composting. The relative abundance of Bacillus and Thermobifida in the 5 % FA and 10 % FA treatments were 33.41 % and 62.89 %(Bacillus) and 33.06 % and 12.23 %(Thermobifida), respectively. The results of the redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that different physicochemical indicators had varying degrees of influence on bacteria, with organic matter, pH, available phosphorus, and available potassium being the main environmental factors influencing bacterial community structure. In summary, the addition of fly ash promoted the harmlessness and maturation of co- aerobic composting of urban multi-source organic waste, while optimizing microbial community structure and improving the quality and efficiency of composting.

Volatile compounds of Croatian cheese in a lamb skin sack prepared from a mixture of goat's and cow's milk

Volatile aroma compounds are one of the main parameters in consumer choice and acceptance of cheese. The traditional way of making cheese, still preserved in Croatia, is the anaerobic ripening of curds in a lamb or goat sack. Cheeses produced in such a way have a specific aroma. The objective of this study was to determine the volatile compounds of Croatian cheese in a lamb skin sack prepared from a mixture of goat's and cow's milk and relate them with the aroma of this traditional cheese. The cheese extracts were obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). HS-SPME was performed at different temperatures (40, 50 and 60°C) using 2 fibres, divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fibre and carboxen/ polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS) fibre. Increasing the extraction temperature resulted in higher sorption of fatty acids on both fibres. A total of 28 volatile compounds were identified in the cheese samples including 13 acids, 10 esters, 2 alcohols, 2 hydrocarbons and 1 ketone. Results revealed that fatty acids were the predominant group of volatile compounds in all samples. In samples obtained by HS-SPME, the most abundant were hexanoic, octanoic, butanoic, acetic and decanoic acid while (Z)-octadec-9-enoic, hexadecanoic, decanoic and tetradecanoic acid were the most abundant in the sample obtained by USE.

Central pathological review and molecular classification of medulloblastoma in countries with limited resources: A commitment to equitable access.

10062 Background: Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, exhibits molecular heterogeneity influencing prognosis and treatment decisions. This study focuses on feasibility the pathological review and molecular classification with cost-effective methods. Methods: From December 2018 to November 2023, we analysed samples of patients referred to our laboratory. Data were collected on patient demographics (age, gender, origin), pathological review and specific medulloblastoma subtypes identified. The study was performed without costs for parents or institutions. Results: During the study period, 146 patients were included. The predominant age groups being 0 to 4 years (20.1%) and 5 to 9 years (36.1%) The mean age was 10.2 years. 55.6% of patients were female and 43.8% were male. Ninety-three patients were from Brazil and 7% from Latin America. Of the 117 samples that could be analyzed, 43% was classified as group 4, 37% were sonic hedgehog (SHH) group, 10% were group 3 and 4% were WNT group. Five percent of the samples had inconclusive results, with two patients had diagnoses other than medulloblastoma. Seventy percent of samples had a turnaround time for molecular classification results around 30 days. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of central review pathology and molecular classification in medulloblastoma management. Our results emphasize the feasibility of centralized pathology review and molecular classification in countries with limited resources and provide equity for all patients. Based on this experience, we have expanded for other brain and pediatric tumors. Our effort contributes to ensuring that every patient benefits from the advancements in personalized medicine and this represents a real step to offer the same chances of cure for everyone.

Thiourea‐Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as Electrochemical Biosensor for Ultra‐Precise Detection of Dopamine

AbstractFunctionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have enticed remarkable attention in the field of electrochemical sensing applications. Dopamine (DA) is a monoamine neurotransmitter released in the brain acting as a chemical messenger that communicates messages between nerve cells and rest of the body. Therefore, there is a significant technological urge for the development of electrochemical sensors for DA in body fluids. In this context, nitrogen‐functionalized MWCNTs (TM‐CNT600) were fabricated by thermal annealing of carboxylic acid functionalized MWCNTs with thiourea at 600 °C under N2 atmosphere. The XPS spectrum reveals the presence of nitrogen‐containing functionalities in the as‐prepared TM‐CNT600. FTIR results show the presence of −OH, C−N and C−S functional groups. XPS further corroborates the FTIR results and quantifies the predominant functional groups in as‐prepared material. The material was investigated as a potential electrochemical sensor for the detection of dopamine (DA). In the case of TM‐CNT600/GCE, a linear relationship for DA concentration was observed in the range of 10.7–24.2 μM with the limit of detection (LOD) of 1.42 μM using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). These results highlight the potential of TM‐CNT600 modified GCE as an efficient sensor for the electrochemical detection of DA in body fluids.

Exploring Alashan Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus alashanicus) Diversity: Metagenomic and Transcriptomic Datasets from the Helan Mountains

This study investigates the adaptive strategies of the Alashan Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus alashanicus) in response to habitat changes, as rodents are sensitive indicators of ecosystem changes. Despite its ecological importance, the genome and microbiome of this species have not been thoroughly studied. This research fills this gap by presenting the first comprehensive metagenomic and transcriptomic datasets of the species. Transcriptomic data was collected from five tissue types, including heart, liver, cecum, muscle, and blood, resulting in the assembly of 72,156 unigenes. Metagenomic sequencing identified predominant bacterial groups such as Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Urovircota, and Proteobacteria. Our workflow involved RNA and DNA extraction, library preparation, assembly, and annotation, yielding valuable insights into gene discovery, microbial composition, and further genome and microbial function studies. In conclusion, our findings have significant implications for understanding the adaptive mechanisms of this species in response to environmental changes.

Analysis of the intestinal microbiota and profiles of blood amino acids and acylcarnitines in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to discuss the distinctive features of the intestinal microbiota in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia and to comprehensively analyse the composition of the intestinal microbiota as well as the levels of free amino acids and acylcarnitines in the peripheral blood of neonates experiencing hyperbilirubinemia.ResultsAt the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Chloroflexi were the five predominant microbial groups identified in both the hyperbilirubinemia and control groups. Alpha diversity analysis, encompassing seven indices, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, Beta diversity analysis revealed a significant difference in intestinal microbiota structure between the groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) indicated a significant reduction in the abundance of Gammaproteobacteria and Enterobacteriaceae within the hyperbilirubinemia group compared to that in the control group. The heatmap revealed that the control group exhibited increased abundances of Escherichia and Bifidobacterium, while the hyperbilirubinemia group exhibited increased levels of Enterococcus and Streptococcus. Regarding blood amino acids and acylcarnitines, there were greater concentrations of citrulline (Cit), arginine (Arg), ornithine (Orn), and valine (Val) in the hyperbilirubinemia group than in the control group. The hyperbilirubinemia group also exhibited significant increases in medium-chain fatty acids (C6, C8), long-chain fatty acids (C18), and free carnitine (C0).ConclusionBy comparing neonates with hyperbilirubinemia to those without, a significant disparity in the community structure of the intestinal microbiota was observed. The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the bilirubin metabolism process. The intestinal microbiota of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia exhibited a certain degree of dysbiosis. The abundances of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium were negatively correlated with the bilirubin concentration. Therefore, the fact that neonates with hyperbilirubinemia exhibit some variations in blood amino acid and acylcarnitine levels may provide, to a certain degree, a theoretical basis for clinical treatment and diagnosis.

Arsenic bioaccumulation and biotransformation in the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus under chronic dietborne and waterborne exposure

Arsenic (As) can be transferred along the food chain, while little is known about the toxic effects of dietborne As on marine copepods. In this study, we investigated the short-term and long-term effects of waterborne and dietborne As exposure on the bioaccumulation and biotransformation, as well as developmental toxicity of Tigriopus japonicus. Under acute As exposure, As bioaccumulation increased and reached a plateau with increasing exposure concentration. Moreover, As accumulation at dietborne exposure was 4.3 and 5.7 times greater than that at control group for AsIII and AsV, respectively. At chronic As exposure, As accumulation increased continuously with exposure time, with a 2.8-day extension of development time and a 45% reduction in 10-d fecundity under dietborne exposure compared to control, whereas 2.3-day extension of development time and a 20% reduction in 10-d fecundity were observed under waterborne exposure. Among As species, inorganic As had the highest concentrations, but the proportion of inorganic As decreased from 89% to 63% during 4 to 21 d of exposure, suggesting the conversion of inorganic As to organic As. The organic As was dominated by arsenobetaine (AsB, 13–25%), followed by monomethylarsenic (MMA, 8–25%). These results suggest that dietborne exposure has more pronounced toxic effects on T. japonicus, but the toxicity of As could be reduced through biotransformation under chronic exposure. Therefore, the arsenic species should be considered when assessing As toxicity.

Adsorption of the rare earth elements cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium onto ZSM-5 zeolite: A statistical physics approach

The recovery of rare earth elements (REE) is essential to meet the growing demand for these resources and promote the reuse of available resources. This study investigated the potential of ZSM-5 zeolite in the recovery of trivalent ions of cerium, lanthanum and neodymium under conditions of pH 6 and temperatures between 298 and 328 K. REE equilibrium isotherms were analyzed using five statistical physics models. The results indicate that removing all REE occurs predominantly in monolayers, as these models showed better prediction performance (coefficient of determination > 0.97 and mean squared error < 18.0). The best model determined that lanthanum and neodymium have one adsorption energy, while cerium has two adsorption energies involved in the process. The predominant functional groups are those containing silicon. Increasing temperature causes an increase in the number of REE ions captured per functional group, which reduces the adsorption space available on the surface. The model parameters indicate that the adsorption of these ions implies a multi-ionic mechanism (number of ions adsorbed per site greater than 1) and is an exothermic process. Based on the calculated adsorption capacities at saturation, the order of preference in adsorption can be established: neodymium > cerium > lanthanum. The adsorption energies indicate that the process occurred mainly due to physical forces since all energy values are below 40 kJ mol−1. The study’s results led to the proposal of a mechanism for the adsorption of REE on ZSM-5 zeolite, which highlights the predominance of electrostatic interactions and complex formation, which result in the formation of a monolayer on the adsorbent’s surface.

Ecological Groups of Coleoptera (Insecta) as Indicators of Habitat Transformation on Drained and Rewetted Peatlands: A Baseline Study from a Carbon Supersite, Kaliningrad, Russia.

A total of 281 coleopteran species from 41 families were recorded from different sites of an abandoned cut-over peatland designated as the Carbon Measurement Supersite in Kaliningrad Oblast. This beetle assemblage is considered a baseline (pre-impact) faunal assemblage for further investigations during the 'before-after' (BA) or 'before-after control-impact' (BACI) study on a peatland that is planned to be rewetted. The spontaneously revegetated peatland has a less specialised beetle assemblage than at an intact raised bog. Tyrphobiontic species are completely absent from the peatland, while some tyrphophiles (5.3% of the total beetle fauna) are still found as remnants of the former raised bog communities. The predominant coenotic coleopteran group is tyrphoneutral generalists from various non-bog habitats (72.9%). The species composition is associated with the vegetation structure of the disturbed peatland (fragmentary Sphagnum cover, lack of open habitats, and widespread birch coppice or tree stand), which does not correspond to that of a typical European raised bog. The sampled coleopteran assemblage is divided into several relative ecological groups, whose composition and peculiarities are discussed separately. Possible responses to the rewetting measurements in different coleopteran groups are predicted and briefly discussed. A complex assemblage of stenotopic peatland-specialised tyrphophiles (15 spp.) and the most abundant tyrphoneutral generalists (31 spp.) were assigned as indicators for the environmental monitoring of peatland development.

Clinicopathological characteristics of mucinous carcinoma of the breast.

Objective: To highlight clinicopathological differences between Pure Mucinous Carcinoma (PMC) and Mixed Mucinous Carcinoma (MMC) of the breast. Study Design: Descriptive Retrospective study. Setting: Private Lab in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Period: January 2017 to December 2022. Methods: FNAC smears diagnosed with Mucinous Carcinoma fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were carefully examined for features such as cellularity, extracellular mucin (ECM), nuclear pleomorphism, plasmacytoid cells, macrophages, and myxovascular fragments (MVFs). The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and were characterized in to PMC and MMC. Immunohistochemistry slides were evaluated according to established protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (p &lt; 0.05). Results: The study analyzed 16 FNAC cytological samples with subsequent histopathological confirmation. These cases were derived from a pool of 712 female breast carcinoma cytology cases over a five-year duration. The predominant age group was 40 to 50 years, with the left breast and upper outer quadrant being the most common site. Distinct cytological characteristics, particularly the significant presence of extracellular mucin in PMC, were observed. Tumor grade and lymph node involvement emerged as crucial prognostic factors. MMC exhibited a high Ki-67 index, indicating increased cellular proliferation. Conclusion: Pure mucinous carcinomas (PMCs) are uncommon breast tumors with distinguished cytologic features. It is clinically and genetically distinct from mixed mucinous carcinoma (MMC) and other types of breast cancer. An important prognostic factor is lymph node involvement, and PMCs often have a low proliferation rate and a more favorable long-term prognosis. Therefore, the identification of PMC through FNAC holds significant diagnostic and clinical importance.

Exertional heat stress promotes the presence of bacterial DNA in plasma: A counterbalanced randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesThe primary aim was to explore the impact of exertional-heat stress (EHS) promoted exercise-associated bacteraemia. A secondary aim was to examine if an amino acid beverage (AAB) intervention may mitigate exercise-associated bacteraemia. DesignCounterbalanced randomised control trial. MethodsTwenty endurance trained male participants completed two randomised EHS trials. On one occasion, participants consumed a 237 mL AAB twice daily for 7 days prior, immediately before and every 20 min during EHS (2 h running at 60 % V̇O2max in 35 °C). On the other occasion, a water volume control (CON) equivalent was consumed. Whole blood samples were collected pre- and immediately post-EHS, and were analysed for plasma DNA concentration by fluorometer quantification after microbial extraction, and bacterial relative abundance by next generation 16s rRNA gene sequencing. ResultsIncreased concentration of microbial DNA in plasma pre- to post-EHS was observed on CON (pre-EHS 0.014 ng/μL, post-EHS 0.039 ng/μL) (p < 0.001) and AAB (pre-EHS 0.015 ng/μL, post-EHS 0.031 ng/μL) (p < 0.001). The magnitude of change from pre- to post-exercise on AAB was 40 % lower, but no significant difference was observed versus CON (p = 0.455). Predominant bacterial groups identified included: phyla-Proteobacteria (88.0 %), family-Burkholderiaceae (59.1 %), and genus-Curvibacter (58.6 %). No significant variation in absolute and relative change in α-diversity and relative abundance for phyla, family, and genus bacterial groups was observed in AAB versus CON. ConclusionsThe increased presence of microbial-bacterial DNA in systemic circulation in response to EHS appears positive in all participants. An amino acid beverage supplementation period prior to and consumption during EHS did not provide significant attenuation of EHS-associated bacteraemia.

Simultaneous detection of phylogroups and ESBL genes in E. coli using Multiplex PCR

Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains harbor various allelic versions of beta lactamase genes and their identification using conventional phenotypic tests is a tedious and time consuming task. In the present study, multiplex PCR is performed for the simulatanoues detection of E. coli phylogroups and extended-spectrum β-lactamase- (ESBL) genes.Methods: A total of 128 E. coli isolates from urine samples were screened for antibiotic resistance and expression of ESBL activity using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Uniplex and multiplex PCRs were used to detect E. coli phylogroup detrminants and blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1 and TEM1 genes. Chi Square test of independence was employed for evaluating significant levels at P value &lt; 0.05. Results: Phylogroup B2 was detected as the predominant group (36%) followed by group D (30%), A (25%) and B1 (9%). The highest resistance was seen against nalidixic acid (100%) and the lowest against amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (55%). Significant P values were observed for resistance against cefotaxime and cefepime in the phylogroup B2 while resistance against cefoxitin, sulfamethoxazole and fosfomycin was significantly associated with group D. Combination disc diffusion test (CDDT) showed ESBL activity in 42% E. coli isolates. A significant association of blaCTX-M-15 gene was observed for phylogroup B2 (P = 0.007). Moreover, a combination genotype of blaCTX-M-15 and TEM1 was also found statistically prevalent in phylogroup B2 (P = 0.006).Conclusion: The study highlights the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance and delineates B2 a predominant phylogoup with a high prevalence of blaCTX-M-15 and TEM1 genes in urinary E. coli isolates.Keywords: UTI; E. Coli; Phylogenetic groups; ESBL genes; Multiplex PCR

Determination and Correlation of Finger Print Pattern and Blood Grouping in Diabetes Mellitus: An Analytical Study

BACKGROUND: To Determine and correlate between fingerprint patterns and blood group in type II diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: One hundred individuals with type II diabetes mellitus and One hundred normal individuals as controls were selected for study. Fingerprints were obtained by dactyloscopy. Various fingerprint patterns like arches, whorls, loops were studied and correlated with the respective blood group based on ABO system among the volunteer controls and diabetics. After obtaining results, the analysis was made using Chi square test and One way ANOVA which showed, the most predominant fingerprint pattern among the 100 diabetic volunteers is “Arch pattern” and the most predominant blood group was “O” positive among the diabetic volunteers. Also correlating both finger print and blood group “Whorl pattern” with “B” blood group showed higher predominance among the healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study correlating finger print pattern with blood grouping in subjects of Diabetes mellitus. Our study findings showed that O positive blood group with arch pattern type of finger print was the most common findings among diabetes. Thus correlating fingerprint pattern and blood grouping act as a early predictor tool for diagnosing Type II Diabetes mellitus.

Study of Pattern of Injuries in Homicidal Deaths Autopsied at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi: A Prospective Study

Homicide means the killing of one human being as a result of conduct of another. Homicidal deaths are seenin every part of the world but the toll varies from place to place. As per National Crime Records Bureau andStatistics, in 1953 the number of homicidal deaths were 9082 which has exponentially increased to the extent of29,272 in 2021.Such being the disturbing data and Belagavi being the biggest district of Karnataka state, a detailedstudy was undertaken on the pattern of injuries in homicidal deaths.Materials and Methods: A Prospective study was conducted on all cases of homicidal deaths registered underSec 302 IPC autopsied at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences from January 1st 2016 to June 30th 2017 formed thestudy material. Information on various factors such as age, sex, weapon used, injury pattern were noted for eachcase in a separate proforma.Results: Among 1265 cases autopsied during the study period, 54 cases were homicidal deaths. Among 54 cases,head injuries were present in 15 cases (27.78%), stab injury involving neck, thorax and abdomen were present in14 cases (25.93%), injuries caused by asphyxia were seen in 14 cases (25.93%), majority of the victims were males(64.81%) and the predominant age group was 20 to 39 years (48.15%).Conclusion: The homicide being the preventable cause of death, its incidence and prevalence can be reduced bystrict implementation of law. The long term, wide-ranging policies are required to eradicate this heinous crime

First evidence of scavenging behaviour in Ichthyosaura alpestris (Laurenti, 1768)

The alpine newt is an opportunistic predator whose diet consists predominantly of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates with Crustacea, Plecoptera, Collembola, Diptera, Isopoda and Gastropoda being the predominant prey groups. Consumption of amphibian eggs and larvae are another common food source. Here, we report the first documented case of adult Ichthyosaura alpestris feeding on a rodent carcass, thus adding to its menu a prey item that belongs to the Class Mammalia, while showcasing the previously unknown scavenging behaviour. This finding suggests that rodent carcasses can serve as an important resource for nutrients in remote, high-altitude populations of the alpine newt.

Leaf carbon chemistry effectively manipulated soil microbial profiles and induced metabolic adjustments under different revegetation types in the loess Plateau, China

Microorganisms are essential components of underground life systems and drive elemental cycling between plants and soil. Yet, in the ecologically fragile Loess Plateau, scant attention has been paid to the response of microbial communities to organic carbon (C) chemistry of both leaves and soils under different revegetation conditions, as well as subsequent alternation in their C metabolic functions. Here, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS, and temporal incubation with Biolog-Eco 96 plates were combined to explore the vegetative heterogeneity of microbial community properties and metabolic functions, as well as their regulatory mechanisms in three typical revegetation types including Robinia pseudoacacia L. (RF), Caragana korshinskii KOM. (SL), and abandoned grassland (AG). We observed higher bacterial-to-fungal ratios (B: F = 270.18) and richer copiotrophic bacteria (Proteobacteria = 33.08%) in RF soil than those in AG soil, suggesting that microbes were dominated by r-strategists in soil under RF treatment, which is mainly related to long-term priming of highly bioavailable leaf C (higher proportion of aromatic and hydrophilic functional groups and lower hydrophobicity). Conversely, microbial taxa in AG soil, which was characterized by higher leaf organic C hydrophobicity (1.39), were dominated by relatively more abundant fungi (lower B: F ratio = 149.49) and oligotrophic bacteria (Actinobacteria = 29.30%). The co-occurrence network analysis showed that microbial interactive associations in RF and AG soil were more complex and connective than in SL soil. Furthermore, Biolog-Eco plate experiments revealed that microorganisms tended to utilize labile C compounds (carbohydrates and amino acids) in RF soil and resistant C compounds (polymers) in AG soil, which were consistent with the substrate adaptation strategies of predominant microbial trophic groups in different revegetation environments. Meanwhile, we observed greater microbial metabolic activity and diversity advantages in RF vegetation. Collectively, we suggest that besides the nutrient variables in the leaf-soil system, the long-term regulation of the microbial community by the C chemistry of the leaf sequentially alters the microbial metabolic profiles in a domino-like manner. RF afforestation is more conducive to restoring soil microbial fertility (including microbial abundance, diversity, interactive association, and metabolic capacity). Our study potentially paves the way for achieving well-managed soil health and accurate prediction of C pool dynamics in areas undergoing ecological restoration of the Loess Plateau.

Comparative analysis between PUMA and CAPTURE questionnaires for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening in smokers.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents a significant global challenge, impacting health systems, economies, and societies. Its prevalence is anticipated to rise owing to an aging demographic. Although the PUMA and CAPTURE questionnaires are available for COPD screening, their comparative effectiveness has not been studied in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PUMA and CAPTURE questionnaires as screening tools for COPD among smokers. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital and H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, from December 2022 to February 2023. Smokers aged over 40 or above with a history of smoking more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and no previous COPD diagnosis were included in the study. To collect the responses to PUMA and CAPTURE questionnaire, face-to-face interviews were conducted, followed by a spirometry test. A total of 76 smokers were included in the study; the predominant age group was 51-60 years (36.8%), with the majority being male (81.6%). Most participants began smoking at ages 15-20 years (65.8%) and had been smoking for 20-30 years (36.8%) at a moderate intensity (44.8%). Spirometry tests indicated obstructive patterns in 50 participants, with 17 classified as severe obstruction. At a cut-off score of ≥6, the PUMA questionnaire yielded a sensitivity of 72.55% and a specificity of 84%. In contrast, the CAPTURE questionnaire, with a cut-off score of ≥4, exhibited a sensitivity of 70.83% and a specificity of 64.29%. These results imply that the PUMA questionnaire could be more efficient in COPD screening compared to the CAPTURE questionnaire.