Types Of Biological Agents Research Articles

Evaluation of Soldiers' Knowledge and Sense of Threats Regarding Exposure to Biological Risk Factors at the Place of Service.

Exposure to harmful biological agents and the level of knowledge about specific risk factors are extremely important topics, especially among military personnel. This study evaluates the knowledge and perceptions of soldiers regarding exposure to biological risk factors during their service. This research was conducted using an online survey distributed through the WBBS research panel, in which 1331 soldiers from various demographic groups and ranks participated. The survey assessed awareness of biological threats, the level of knowledge about preventive measures, and the perceived adequacy of occupational health and safety training. The findings reveal that over 80% of respondents possess some level of knowledge about the types of biological agents they may encounter, yet significant gaps remain, particularly in training related to region-specific infectious diseases, with more than 75% of participants having not received such training. Additionally, approximately 5% of respondents reported high exposure, and around 4% reported very high exposure to harmful biological agents, highlighting the need for enhanced educational programs and preventive measures in military contexts. The study underscores the importance of continuous education and training to mitigate risks associated with biological hazards in military environments.

Efficacy of type A botulinum toxin treatment for androgenetic alopecia using ultrasound combined with trichoscopy.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of type A botulinum toxin treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using a combination of ultrasound and trichoscopy. Ninety patients with AGA who visited the Department of Dermatology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September 2021 to December 2022 were prospectively selected. These patients met the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. The alopecia severity in the male patients ranged between grades 2 and 4 on the Norwood-Hamilton Scale. The patients were randomly assigned to receive injections of the same type of biological agent in a double-blind manner, with injection sites being the vertex or bilateral temporal-frontal hairline. In this study, the botulinum toxin group comprised 72 patients who received a biological agent with 100 units of type A botulinum toxin. The control group included 18 patients, and the biological agent administered to them contained 0 units of type A botulinum toxin. The patients were observed using 22-MHz ultrasound and trichoscopy before treatment, and 1 month and 3 months after treatment to compare the differences in various parameters at the injection sites. The ultrasound parameters included average follicle width, length, and count. The trichoscopy parameters were the number of hairs within a 1-cm2 area on the counting scale. No artificial interventions were performed at the injection sites, and all examination conditions were consistent. The patients in the botulinum toxin group had wider and longer average follicle width and length at the vertex 1 month and 3 months after treatment (p<0.05), and wider and longer average follicle width and length in the left frontal area 3 months after treatment (p<0.05) compared with those in the control group. The average follicle width and length gradually increased after treatment in the botulinum toxin group (p<0.05), but no statistically significant differences were found in the control group (p>0.05). The patients in the botulinum toxin group exhibited greater average follicle lengths after treatment at the vertex compared with the left frontal area (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in follicle count (p>0.05) or hair count (p>0.05) between the botulinum toxin and control groups after injection treatment. The follicle width and length are effective parameters for evaluating the efficacy of type A botulinum toxin treatment for AGA. Ultrasound revealed that the changes in follicles at the vertex occurred earlier than those in the left frontal area following treatment. Additionally, the changes in follicles were detected earlier than the changes in hair count using ultrasound. Ultrasound combined with trichoscopy provided more parameters for evaluating the efficacy of type A botulinum toxin treatment for AGA, resulting in a more comprehensive evaluation.

P831 Acute infusion reactions due to different biologic agents in a large cohort of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background The therapeutic armamentarium for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes several biological agents: infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADA), vedolizumab (VED) and ustekinumab (UST). Persistence in therapy with these drugs is not satisfactory, not only due to the loss of clinical response over time but also due to adverse events. Acute infusion reactions (AIRs) occur during or within 24 hours of the infusion. The intensity of AIRs ranges from mild (flushing, dizziness, headache, itching, rash) to severe (anaphylactic). The primary aim of this study was to compare the prevalence rates of AIRs due to the different biological agents in a large cohort of patients with IBD and to assess risk factors for AIRs. Methods All reports of AIRs occurring from January 2021 to October 2023 in IBD patients treated with different biological agents (IFX, ADA, VED and UST) in a tertiary IBD center were retrospectively reviewed. The electronic records of the identified patients were checked for the type of IBD, whether Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), type of biological agent, route of administration (intravenous or subcutaneous), concomitant immunosuppressive therapies, atopic status. Furthermore, the type of treatment for the AIRs and the subsequent therapy undertaken for IBD were also recorded. Results 22 AIRs were recorded out of 1911 patients (1.1%). Of these, 16/550 in patients on IFX biosimilars (2.9 %), 4/590 (0.7%) in patients on ADA biosimilars, 2/318 (0.6%) in patients on VED and 0/453 (0%) in patients on UST (Table 1). The difference in the prevalence of AIR rates observed with the different biological agents was statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0.01). 7 of 16 post-IFX AIRs were moderate-severe, with two episodes of anaphylaxis occurring in patients with CD. The two patients treated with VED experienced only mild symptoms, and no anti-reactive treatment has been used; two mild and two moderate AIRs, respectively, have been reported among patients on ADA. 12 of 22 AIRs occurred during the induction period (from the first to the third administration). 7 of 22 patients had previous allergic reactions. Conclusion Our real-world data on a large population of IBD patients treated with biologic agents confirm that AIRs are rare and occur mainly in patients treated with IFX biosimilars. Most patients who experienced AIRs were atopic. Almost all patients after AIRs changed biological agents within or out of the same biological class. Further studies are necessary to confirm our results and better characterise the profile of patients at greater risk of AIRs.

Effects of Biologics on Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Psoriasis: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in Chinese Population

Objective:Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease that severely impacts patients’ quality of life (QoL) and psychological health. While biologics have been shown to be effective in treating psoriatic lesions, thus improving QoL, real-life data regarding such effects remain scant. We administered a repeated cross-sectional survey to assess the effects of 8 weeks of biologics treatment on the QoL and mental health status of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.Methods:From March to May 2022, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were enrolled and treated with biologics in the outpatient clinic at the Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University. Assessments were performed before treatment and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment with biologics. Psoriasis severity, QoL, and mental health status were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), 36-Item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis was used to account for repeated measures and to determine the effects of treatment duration and type of biological agent on relevant indicators.Results:Among the 78 enrolled patients, the ranges of pretreatment scores were 4.6 to 46.8 for the PASI, 1 to 30 for the DLQI, 31.5 to 100.0 for the physical component score (PCS) of the SF-36, 16.6 to 100.0 for the mental component score (MCS) of the SF-36, 0 to 15 for the HADS-A, and 0 to 17 for the HADS-D. After 8 weeks of biologics treatment, 98.7% (77/78) of patients had obtained PASI 75. All assessed scores changed over time (GEE,P&lt; 0.001). Moreover, there were group-by-time interaction effects for the DLQI score (GEE,P= 0.023) and PCS (GEE,P= 0.029). The HADS-A and HADS-D scores were both decreased at week 8 compared with pretreatment values. Correlation analyses revealed that higher DLQI scores were associated with lower levels of QoL and higher levels of anxiety or depression.Conclusion:Biologics are not only effective in the treatment of skin lesions but also exert beneficial effects upon the QoL and mental health of patients with psoriasis as determined in the short-term assessments conducted in this study.

Preparation and spectral studies of boronate ester modified magnetite iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4@APTES-B) as a new type of biological agents

We have designed two novel magnetite targeting biological agents (Fe3O4@APTES-B(1,2)) with a core of Fe3O4 and a shell made of boronate esters (APTES-B) to improve the biological effectiveness of magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNPs). Initially, two boronate esters (B1) and (B2) have been prepared by 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and phenylboronic acid and/or butylboronic acid using a Dean-Stark apparatus to remove the water formed during the esterification reactions. Then, the APTES-B1,2 compounds have been synthesized via boronate esters and APTES in the presence of 1–2 drops of formic acid as catalyst. Finally, magnetite Fe3O4 NPs were added to APTES-B1,2 compounds to afford boronate ester modified magnetite iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4@APTES-B1,2) at ambient temperature, respectively. The boronate esters (B1) and (B2), APTES-B1,2 compounds, and boronate ester modified magnetite iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4@APTES-B1,2) were characterized using a combination of NMR (1H, 13C, and 11B), FT-IR, UV–Vis, LC-MS/MS, elemental analysis (CHN), XRD, SEM-EDX, EDX mapping, BET, and TG-DTA). Then, the antioxidant, antimicrobial and DNA binding activities of newly synthesized target compounds were tested. These results suggest that all compounds are also one of the propitious drug candidates and are worthy of further investigation.

SELF-HEALING OF MORTAR CRACKS: THE ROLE OF HUMAN PATHOLOGICAL BACTERIA

The characteristics of self-healing related to N-type cement mortars, the addition of human pathological bacteria to enhance mortar durability, and compressive strength thus reducing maintenance cost and manpower after crack initiation. Bacteria have been examined by using two types of biological agents: Proteus mirabilis and E. Coli bacteria. Mortars are formed from a combination of Portland cement and ordinary sand, treated by Proteus mirabilis and E. Coli bacteria with different concentrations. The mechanical properties of the treated mortars are measured and the mortars were characterized by means of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). This study shows that Proteus mirabilis and E. Coli assist the formation of calcium carbonate inside the mortar micro-pores leading to enhancement of the compressive strength and hardness of the mortar specimen. This emphasizes the possibility of activating the self-healing characteristic of the cement mortar and its utilization for cracks treatment and repair

Effectiveness of Indigenous Rhizobacteria Formulations in Increasing the Growth and Yield of Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.)

The use of beneficial microbes in increasing plant growth and yield is a very appropriate choice to reduce synthetic chemicals that can cause negative impacts on the environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of post-save formulations of Wakatobi indigenous rhizobacteria in increasing the growth and yield of shallots. The study was conducted in Jati Bali Village, Konawe Selatan District, using a Randomized Block Design, consisting of 10 rhizobacterial formulation treatments, a combination of three types of biological agents, namely Pseudomonas sp. LP03, Pseudomonas sp. TWB02 and Pseudomonas sp. TWB11, and three types of formulation materials: ground brick powder, ground burned rice husk powder, and bentonite; one control using NaCl 0.85%. The experiment was repeated three times so that there were 360 treatment units. The results showed that of the three types of rhizobacteria tested, only Pseudomonas sp. TWB02 and Pseudomonas sp. LP03 can display better performance in increasing the growth and yield of shallots. These rhizobacteria are more compatible using the ground burned rice-husk powder formulation. Increased shallot yield (tuber fresh weight) in seed treatment using Pseudomonas sp. TWB02 and Pseudomonas sp. LP03 in the formulation of ground burned rice-husk powder reached 121% and 117% compared to controls. Further research needs to be done on a broader scale and different environmental conditions to see the stability of these biological agents' effects on the growth and yield of shallots.

Synthetic Biology – Friend or Foe? What Kind of Threats Should We Expect?

Synthetic biology is a newly emerging branch of dual-use technology. It is a combination of biology and different branches of engineering. The aim of this article is to show the main technological methods of synthetic biology and to give specific examples of its use to create new types of biological agents and methods of biological warfare, previously unthinkable and presented only in science fiction. Basic tools and techniques of synthetic biology are: DNA synthesis and DNA sequencing; «chassis», i.e. host system harboring the genetic toolbox for expression of the desired genes, delivered by suitable vectors, of the engineered biological pathway; engineering of transcription systems that do not deplete the resources of the cell (synthetic promotors and transcription factors); genome modification tools (CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease, zinc finger nucleases, TALE nucleases, meganucleases); computer-aided tools (involved in basic structural design and synthesis; in network design; in prediction of behavior/function/response). Synthetic biology has already demonstrared its capabilities in re-creating known pathogenic viruses and pathogenic bacteria; in making existing pathogenic bacteria and viruses more dangerous for humans; in creating new pathogens; in manufacturing toxic chemicals or biochemicals by exploiting natural and artificial metabolic pathways; in making toxic chemicals and biochemicals via in situ synthesis; in modifying the human microbiome; in modifying the human immune system; in modifying the human genome (through addition, deletion, or modification of genes or through epigenetic changes that modify gene expression and can pass from parent to child during reproduction and thus spread a genetic change through the population over time). The article discusses in detail the possibilities of synthetic biology for the development of new means of biological warfare. The author believes that it is necessary not only to constantly monitor these new dual-use biotechnologies, but also to improve traditional and scientific methods of their monitoring.

Evaluation of Bone Densitometry in Rheumatoid Arthritis Case Control Study

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes joint deformity, including erosion of bone, and narrowing of the joint space. Osteoporosis is more prevalent among rheumatoid arthritis patients than in the general population. Objective: To determine changes in the bone mineral density in rheumatoid arthritis patients and to evaluate factors were associated with bone mineral density. Patients and Methods: In this study, 70 cases with rheumatoid arthritis were included and 70 healthy subjects on the other hand as a control group. The data were collected including socio-demographic information of all patients’age, gender, medical histories included systemic diseases, types of biological agents, use of supplements, duration of the disease, smoking, and regular exercise. Bone mineral density was evaluated by using bone densitometry in two areas including Lumber 1 to lumber 4 and neck of the left femur. Statistical analyses were performed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22; Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test Student’s t-test of two independent samples was used to comparing two means. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the rheumatoid arthritis group according to T-spine scores the prevalence of osteoporosis was 22.9%, osteopenia was 42.9% and normal bone mineral density was 34.4% compared with the control group 4.3%,42.9%,52.9% successively which were statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.003). According to femur neck T-scores in the rheumatoid arthritis group, 17.1% had osteoporosis, 34.3% had osteopenia and 48.6% had normal bone mineral density compared with the control group 2.9%,24.3%,72.9 respectively which were statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.003). lumber spine was the commonest site affected by osteoporosis (16 cases,22.9 %)and the second most common site was the femur neck (12 cases ,6.6%). The cases of 50 years and older were most commonly affected by osteoporosis (p-value = 0.0001). No significant association was detected between bone mineral density (as assessed with spine T-scores and femur T-scores) with gender, duration of the disease, BMI, exercise, supplement, systemic disease, and diabetes. Conclusion: Osteoporosis and osteopenia were considered as common complications in rheumatoid arthritis, the age of the patient also considered as a risk factor for reduced bone mineral density. Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis; Bone Mineral Density; Osteoporosis; Osteopenia

Biological Agent’s Effectiveness For Control Of Diamondback Moth Larvae (Plutella xylostella Linn) With Different Population Levels On Lettuce

Tritip caterpillars (Plutella xylostella) are pests that cause damage and reduce lettuce production. Control of P. xylostella pests can be done using biological agents or synthetic insecticides. Synthetic chemical pesticides in the long term can be used for resistance and resurgence of pests. Biological agents of B. bassiana, Metarhizium sp., and Trichoderma sp. can be used as an alternative solution to controlling P. xylostella. Research to examine the use of biological agents using B. bassiana, Metarhizium sp. and Trichoderma sp. to control P. xylostella attacks at different levels of pest participation. The study was conducted from 19 September to 9 November 2018 in Sidomukti, Bandungan, Semarang. The study used a completely randomized 5x3 split-plot pattern design with 3 replications. The main plot is the type of biological agents: A1: B. bassiana, A2: Metarhizium sp., A3: Trichoderma sp., A4: Insecticide and A5: control. The subplot is the pest population level: B1 = 1 larvae/plant, B2 = 2 larvae/plant, and B3 = 3 larvae/plant. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that biological agents and insecticides increased pest mortality, the percentage of healthy leaves, decreased the percentage of damaged leaves, the level of pest defense, and reduced the yield of lettuce.

P680 Biological treatment and potential risk of adverse postoperative outcome in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: An open-source expert panel review of the current literature and perspectives

Abstract Background There is widespread concern that treatment with biologics agents may be associated with sub-optimal postoperative outcome after surgery for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We aimed to search and analyse the literature regarding the potential association of biologic treatment on adverse postoperative outcome in patients with IBD. We used the subject as a case in point for surgical research. The aim was not to conduct a new systematic review. Methods This is an updated narrative review written in a collaborative method by authors invited through Twitter via the following hashtags (#OpenSourceResearch and #SoMe4Surgery). The manuscript was presented as slides on Twitter to allow discussion of each section of the paper sequentially. A Google document was created which was shared across social media and comments and edits were verified by the primary author to ensure accuracy and consistency. Results Forty-one collaborators responded to the invitation, and a total of 106 studies were identified that investigated the potential association of pre-operative biological treatment on postoperative outcome in patients with IBD. Most of these studies were retrospective observational cohorts, 3 were prospective, 4 experimental and 3 population-based studies. These studies were previously analyzed in 10 systematic/narrative reviews and 14 meta-analyses. Type of biologic agents, dose, drug concentration, anti-drug antibodies, interval between last dose and types of surgery varied widely among the studies. Adjustment for confounders and bias control ranged from good to very poor. Only 10 studies reported postoperative outcome according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Conclusion Although a large number of studies investigated the potential effect of biological treatment on postoperative outcomes, many reported divergent results. There is a need for randomised controlled trials. Future studies should focus on avoiding the weakness of prior studies we identified. Seeking collaborators and sharing information via Twitter was integral to widening the contributors/authors and peer review for this paper, and was an effective method of collaboration.

Biological Treatment and the Potential Risk of Adverse Postoperative Outcome in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Open-Source Expert Panel Review of the Current Literature and Future Perspectives

AbstractBackgroundThere is widespread concern that treatment with biologic agents may be associated with suboptimal postoperative outcome after surgery for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).AimWe aimed to search and analyze the literature regarding the potential association of biologic treatment on adverse postoperative outcome in patients with IBD. We used the subject as a case in point for surgical research. The aim was not to conduct a new systematic review.MethodThis is an updated narrative review written in a collaborative method by authors invited through Twitter via the following hashtags (#OpenSourceResearch and #SoMe4Surgery). The manuscript was presented as slides on Twitter to allow discussion of each section of the paper sequentially. A Google document was created, which was shared across social media, and comments and edits were verified by the primary author to ensure accuracy and consistency.ResultsForty-one collaborators responded to the invitation, and a total of 106 studies were identified that investigated the potential association of preoperative biological treatment on postoperative outcome in patients with IBD. Most of these studies were retrospective observational cohorts: 3 were prospective, 4 experimental, and 3 population-based studies. These studies were previously analyzed in 10 systematic/narrative reviews and 14 meta-analyses. Type of biologic agents, dose, drug concentration, antidrug antibodies, interval between last dose, and types of surgery varied widely among the studies. Adjustment for confounders and bias control ranged from good to very poor. Only 10 studies reported postoperative outcome according to Clavien–Dindo classification.ConclusionAlthough a large number of studies investigated the potential effect of biological treatment on postoperative outcomes, many reported divergent results. There is a need for randomized controlled trials. Future studies should focus on the avoiding the weakness of prior studies we identified. Seeking collaborators and sharing information via Twitter was integral to widening the contributors/authors and peer review for this article and was an effective method of collaboration.

A Preliminary Study on the Sustainability of Mosquito-killing Effect of &lt;i&gt;Pythium guiyangense&lt;/i&gt; Su

To study the sustainability of mosquito-killing effect of Pythium guiyangense Su, so as to develop new types of biological agents for mosquito control. Lab experiments and outdoor artificial simulate mosquito breeding water trials were carried out to observe how long the fungus can survive in water and maintain its capability to control mosquito larvae. Besides, a field experiment was made to test its mosquito control effect in real situation. The infection rate of the fungus increased along with the time of the experiments. In outdoor artificial mosquito breeding water, the observed fungal longest sustaining time was 273 days. In field trail, a 122-day of mosquito control was obtained. P. guiyangense can be used as a tool for long-term biological control of mosquitoes, and when combined with relative microbes we can develop new types of agents with high efficiency and sustainability.

Analyzing chemical changes in verdigris pictorial specimens upon bacteria and fungi biodeterioration using voltammetry of microparticles

It is reported the application of the voltammetry of microparticles (VMP), complemented with attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques, to monitor the deterioration of verdigris pictorial specimens under the action of different biological agents. This methodology would be of application for identifying the type of biological agent causing deterioration of paintings, which is an important problem affecting cultural heritage. The analysis of biodeterioration processes is complicated by the fact that the action of microorganisms can affect both pigment and binding media. The deterioration of pictorial specimens combining verdigris with egg and egg–linseed oil binders by Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger, Acremonium chrysogenum, Trychoderma pseudokoningi and Mucor rouxii fungi and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Arthrobacter oxydans and Streptomyces cellulofans bacteria were tested using sample-modified graphite electrodes immersed into aqueous electrolytes. A model is presented to describe the involved electrochemistry resulting in specific voltammetric features for the electrochemical reduction of verdigris associated to the proteinaceous and lipidic fractions of the binders. The experimental results and model proposed have been discussed and compared with those previously obtained for cadmium yellow reconstructed paint film specimens.Graphical abstractCyclic voltammogram for an un-inoculated verdigris egg–oil emulsion paint film in contact with aqueous acetate buffer at pH 4.75. Potential scan raye 50 mV s−1.

OHP-034 Estimation of the Adherence to Biological Treatment in Patients with Psoriasis

BackgroundBiological agents have changed the treatment of psoriasis, and are used for long-term treatment. For this reason adherence to the treatment is a marker of success.Purpose To quantify the adherence...

Vermiremediation and Mycoremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil and Sewage Sludge Mixture: A Comparative Study

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-contaminated soil and sewage sludge mixtures in microcosms were tested separately in triplicate with two types of biological agents, namely earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) and spent fungal mycelia of Pleurotus sajor-caju (SPC) for 60 days. The results indicated that vermiremediation (VMR) and mycoremediation (MYC) showed degradation result of 99.99% PAHs i.e. Anth, Phen and BaP removal. Ten earthworms and 750 g of SPC depicted optimum results in nutrient element content among respective treatments. Treatment of MYC resulted a consistence increment of soil macronutrients except for TP and TKN (500 g treatment) compared to VMR. Hence, sixty days incubation of spent fungal mycelia of Pleurotus sajor-caju compost (SPC) is potential to degrade 99.99% of Anth, Phen and BaP but at the same time enrich the soil macronutrients i.e. TOC, TKN and TK.

Efikasi Cendawan Mikoparasit Lecanicillium lecanii terhadap Penyakit Karat (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) Kedelai (Glycine max L. Merril)

The obstacle of efforts to increase the production of soybean is rust disease caused by obligate the parasite fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi . One type of biological agent used to control rust disease is a mycoparasite fungus Lecanicillium lecanii . The aim of this study was to determine the effective density of conidia L . lecanii fungus for rust disease control and its impact on soybean yields. The study using complete randomized block design, three replication. The treatment was the density of conidia L . lecanii i.e 10 4 /mL, 10 5 /mL, 10 6 /mL, 10 7 /mL, 10 8 /mL and control. Isolates of the fungus L . lecanii was propagated on potato dextrose medium agar (PDA) in petri dishes. At the age of 21 days after inoculation conidia was taken one gram, then it was diluted with 10 ml sterile water and counted with a haemocytometer to obtain conidia density appropriate with the treatment. Furthermore, any suspension of conidia L . lecanii was applied to soybean at age 49-70 days after planting that was attacked by rust disease. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with SPSS 16.0 for windows . The analysis showed that treatment with a density of conidia 10 8 /ml have better efficacy, as shown by the low intensity of the attacks by 15.9% compared to controls reached 27.15%. These results are also followed by a high number of fill-pods on the treatment 10 8 /mL as much as 54.4 pods, dry seed weight of 9.85 grams, dry weight of 100 seeds 8.73 grams. Therefore that L . lecanii fungus with density of conidia 10 8 /mL can suppress the development of rust disease, can be used as a biological agent for substitute of chemical fungicides.

Use of the Semiconductor Nanotechnologies &amp;#x201C;Quantum Dots&amp;#x201D; for in vivo Cancer Imaging

Non-invasive in vivo imaging offers great potential to facilitate translational drug development research at the animal testing phase. The emerging luminescent nanoparticles or quantum dots provide a new type of biological agents that can improve these applications. The advantages of luminescent nanoparticles for biological applications include their high quantum yield, color availability, good photo-stability, large surface-to-volume ratio, surface functionality, and small size. These properties could improve the sensitivity of biological detection and imaging by at least 10- to 100-fold and make them an exceptional tool for live-cell imaging. In this review patents on applications of semiconductor quantum dots for in vivo imaging are discussed.

Special issue on architectures and techniques for real-time processing of remotely sensed images

Advances in sensor technology are revolutionizing the way remotely sensed images are collected, managed and processed. The incorporation of latest generation sensors to airborne and satellite platforms is currently producing a nearly continual stream of high-dimensional image data [6], and this explosion in the amount of collected information has rapidly created new processing challenges [4]. In particular, many current and future applications of remote sensing in Earth science, space science, and soon in planetary exploration science, require real or near realtime processing capabilities. Relevant examples include monitoring of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, military applications, tracking of man-induced hazards, such as wild land and forest fires, oil spills and other types of biological agents. Most of these applications require timely responses for swift decisions, which depend on realtime performance of algorithm analysis. Owing to the diversity and large dimensionality of the image data sets provided by observation instruments in Earth and planetary applications, there are no commonly accepted real-time image processing architectures and techniques in the context of remote sensing missions. In future years, remote sensing imaging spectrometers [2] such as hyperspectraland ultraspectral imagers [1] will continue increasing their spatial and spectral resolutions (imagers with thousands of narrow spectral bands are currently under development), thus producing a nearly continual stream of high-dimensional image data [5] and increasing the possibility of exploitation of the data with regards to multi-spectral imagers [3]. Such technological advances are not only expected in optical remote sensing instruments, but also in radar and other types of remote sensing systems. Such explosion in the amount, size and dimensionality of the information collected on a daily basis presents new challenges for real-time processing in certain remote sensing applications, which demand for quick response in practical exploitation. This special issue on ‘‘Architectures and techniques for real-time processing of remotely sensed images’’ is intended to present the state of the art and the most recent developments in the incorporation of (near) real-time image processing techniques and specialized architectures in the context of remote sensing applications. This special issue covers different techniques and architectures for (near) real-time image processing in remote sensing. The techniques addressed in the special issue deal with relevant problems in Earth observation, such as damage mapping in case of earthquakes, flood monitoring, target and anomaly detection for military applications, cloud cover assessment or precision agriculture. The set of implementation strategies discussed in the special issue is also extensive, including parallel and distributed platforms, grid computing and multi-core environments, and specialized architectures for real-time on-board processing such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or commodity graphics processing units (GPUs). Combined these topics are expected to provide an excellent snapshot of the state of the art in those areas, and to offer a thoughtful perspective of the potential and emerging challenges of applying real-time image processing architectures and algorithms to realistic remote sensing problems. The special issue comprises eight articles contributed by authors with extensive experience in the field of efficient A. J. Plaza (&) Department Technology of Computers and Communications, Escuela Politecnica, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10071 Caceres, Spain e-mail: aplaza@unex.es URL: http://www.umbc.edu/rssipl/people/aplaza

Preparedness strategies against bioterrorism – an Indian scenario

Recently, in the wake of 9/11 and subsequent frequent terrorist attacks, the medical fraternity is concerned about some biological agents being used as weapons in future. Globally over the years the weapons used have shifted from swords to bullets and bombs and are now heading towards biological weapons. The considerable ease of production along with the immense capacity to create panic has attracted the so-called terrorists towards the use of biological agents as future weapons. If such weapons are used in densely populated areas, the risk of massive destruction in the form of life is too high. To combat these bio-threats, conventional principals of outbreak investigation supported with efficient laboratory systems are required to fall in place. Globally various agencies are working hard to curb such problems in future. In India recently, after the formation of a national disaster management authority and the establishment of the apex trauma centre, gradually the awareness, preparedness and mitigation of these threats are being discussed frequently for tackling them. We are presenting the problem of bioterrorism with suggested remedial measures for this emerging threat through this poster presentation highlighting (1) modern bioterrorist incidences, (2) types of biological agents, (3) bio-surveillance strategies, (4) public health infrastructures, (5) risk communication, (6) public private partnership and (7) medico-legal issues.