Search Results (113)

Mineral nutrition management in sweet cherry orchards remains a critical challenge due to the lack of site-specific fertilization guidelines, particularly in Greece, a significant cherry-producing country. This study aimed to develop a predictive framework for total nutrient losses in sweet cherry orchards by proposing simplified estimations using fresh fruit yield as the sole input variable. Field experiments were conducted in two orchards with distinct rootstocks (MxM 14 and CAB-6P), analyzing soil properties, leaf nutrient status, and uptake patterns on different plant components. Results indicated that despite differences in soil texture and pH, nutrient availability was generally sufficient, with only Fe and Zn marginally below optimal levels in leaf tissue. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct nutrient distribution patterns, with N evenly distributed across fruits, peduncles, and prunings, while K was concentrated in fruits and peduncles, and Ca and Mg predominantly in fallen leaves. Notably, K was redistributed from leaves to fruits under high yields, evidenced by negative correlations between leaf biomass and K uptake. Strong relationships (r² > 0.8) were found between fresh fruit yield and uptake of N, P, K, Mg, B, and Cu, enabling reliable predictions of total nutrient losses. Estimated annual nutrient removals were 85.6 kg ha⁻¹ N, 8.94 kg ha⁻¹ P, 42.7 kg ha⁻¹ K, and 12.0 kg ha⁻¹ Mg, with significant fractions retained in prunings and fallen leaves (e.g., 51.8 kg ha⁻¹ N, 6.2 kg ha⁻¹ P). The developed yield-based models provide a practical tool for optimizing fertilization strategies, while our findings highlight the potential for nutrient recycling through sustainable residue management. Full article

Health and welfare are fundamental to goat production; however, their impact on milk yield in goats reared under different farming systems remains insufficiently studied. The objective was to examine the frequency of various health issues in dairy goats reared under two different farming systems and to assess their effects on daily milk yield (DMY). A total of 286 Skopelos goats from an intensive (N_A = 153) and an extensive (N_B = 133) farm, all with the same genetic background, were prospectively monitored for two consecutive lactation periods. Each goat was clinically examined for animal-based health indicators every 50 days, while individual DMY was also recorded. Morbidity frequency measures (cumulative incidence, point, and period prevalence) were calculated for each one of the studied health issues, and mixed linear regression models were developed to assess the effect of each one of the studied health issues on DMY. The results indicated that overgrown hooves were more common in intensively reared goats, while anemia and nasal discharge prevailed in extensively reared goats. Udder asymmetry, udder fibrosis, body abscesses, poor hair coat quality, and swollen lymph nodes were common in both farms, albeit more prevalent in extensively reared goats, except for udder asymmetry. Among the studied health issues, lameness (18.5%, p < 0.05), mouth lesions (14.1%, p < 0.05), udder asymmetry (6.6%, p < 0.001), and udder fibrosis (9.5%, p < 0.001), were significantly associated with reductions in DMY. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing herd health management practices in dairy goats based on evidence and farming system requirements. Full article

This study introduces a novel methodology for predicting cotton yield by integrating machine learning (ML) with mechanistic soil modeling. This hybrid approach enhances yield prediction by combining data-driven ML techniques with soil process modeling. Using the developed yield model, yield curves for various nitrogen (N) levels can be constructed to identify the optimal N dose that maximizes yield. Estimating cotton N requirements is crucial, as growers often apply excessive N, exceeding the amount needed for maximum yield. By comparing the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) between predicted and observed cotton yield values across three ML algorithms, i.e., Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and LightGBM, the RF model achieved the lowest error (422.6 kg/ha), outperforming XGBoost (446 kg/ha) and LightGBM (449 kg/ha). Additionally, the RF model exhibited high sensitivity to N fertilization, ranking N as the most influential variable in feature importance analysis. Furthermore, phosphorus (P) availability in the soil model was found to be a significant factor influencing the RF yield model, highlighting P’s crucial role in cotton growth and productivity. Full article

Post-surgical central nervous system infections (PCNSIs) are a major cause of morbidity, poor functional outcomes and mortality in neurosurgical patients. These infections complicate operations of the CNS or are related to the use of neurosurgical devices or drainage catheters. Gram-negative bacteria, with multiple resistance patterns, are often isolated and these infections are difficult to treat, due to suboptimal antibiotic therapeutic levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is a retrospective study of PCNSIs between 2014 and 2024 in a single center of a tertiary hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece. Out of 2401 neurosurgical procedures, forty-one were complicated by PCNSIs, yielding a total PCNSI prevalence of 1.7%. Thirty-five involved cases with positive CSF culture. The most common interventions were craniotomies for the resection of tumors or other lesions (30.1%). Most cases referred to an EVD infection. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most commonly isolated pathogen (34.1%), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (22%) and Pseudomonas spp. (14.6%). Colistin and tigecycline were the most prescribed combination regimens. The median time to the first positive CSF culture postoperatively was 11 days (IQR 18 days). Empirical antibiotic treatment was adequate in 26 (63.4%) cases. The mortality rate among these patients was 65.7%. Survivors were significantly younger than non-survivors (p < 0.01) and had a shorter ICU length of stay (p < 0.01). The type of infection, time to infection onset, isolated pathogen, susceptibility to the empirical treatment and Charlson Comorbidity Index did not differ between the two groups. The mortality rate remains high in patients with PCNSIs. An integrated approach including surgical source control, supportive care, combination antimicrobial therapy and subsequent rehabilitation are mandatory to achieve treatment success and neurological convalescence. Full article

The formation of flower color is closely related to anthocyanin synthesis. In this study, flowers of Bletilla striata (Orchidaceae) exhibiting distinct color morphs were collected and analyzed. The HPLC results showed significantly higher total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents in purple flowers compared to pink counterparts, with increases of 2.20-fold (p < 0.01) and 15.22-fold (p < 0.01), respectively. Cyanidin was the predominant anthocyanin in B. striata. Resequencing analyses highlighted SNP as the primary variation associated with color divergence. A comprehensive screen identified 61 genes encoding enzymes critical to the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways in B. striata. Among these, 16 flower-specific genes exhibited high expression levels and harbored SNP variations. Notably, a premature stop codon was identified in a gene encoding dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), leading to truncated protein synthesis and potential disruption of anthocyanin production. Further, the heterologous overexpression of BsDFR4 in Phalaenopsis aphrodite changed petal color from white to yellow-green, demonstrating that it indeed played a regulatory role in the formation of flower color. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that transcription factors BsMYB36 and BsMYB51 could directly bind to the BsDFR4 promoter, suggesting their synergistic regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. These results provided a conceptual basis for insights into the formation of different flower colors in Orchidaceae. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes a pressing and intensifying global health crisis, significantly exacerbated by the inappropriate utilization and excessive application of antibiotics in livestock agriculture. The excessive use of antibiotics, including prophylactic and metaphylactic administration as well as growth-promotion applications, exacerbates selective pressures, fostering the proliferation of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. Pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus can be transmitted to humans through direct contact, contaminated food, and environmental pathways, establishing a clear link between livestock farming and human AMR outbreaks. These challenges are particularly pronounced in regions with limited veterinary oversight and weak regulatory frameworks. Addressing these issues requires the implementation of sustainable practices, enhanced antibiotic stewardship, and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration. This review underscores the critical need for a One Health approach to mitigate AMR, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in safeguarding global public health. Full article

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-associated morbidity in men. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a cornerstone of intervention for organ-confined diseases and offers a potentially curative outcome. In recent decades, RP has undergone transformative changes, moving from open surgery, with significant morbidity, to minimally invasive and robot-assisted techniques. These advances have improved surgical precision, reduced blood loss, and accelerated functional recovery. Key enhancements, such as the “Veil of Aphrodite”, hood-sparing, and Retzius-sparing approaches, aim to preserve neurovascular structures vital for continence and sexual function, addressing the persistent challenge of balancing oncological control with quality-of-life outcomes. Single-port (SP) robotic platforms represent the latest frontier, offering various access routes, including extraperitoneal, transvesical, transperitoneal, and transperineal routes, to further reduce incisional morbidity. Early experiences with SP robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP) suggest favorable continence rates and short hospital stays, although concerns remain regarding the technical complexity and potential margin status of the advanced disease. Comparisons across these techniques revealed broadly similar long-term oncological outcomes, underscoring the importance of patient selection, tumor staging, and surgeon expertise. Ongoing innovations in robotic systems, augmented imaging modalities, and personalized surgical planning are likely to refine prostate cancer care and enhance both survival and post-treatment quality of life. Full article

Speech and language deficits often occur in preschool children, and empirical studies have indicated an association between language impairments and challenges in different cognitive domains. The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate the associations between speech and language deficits, executive function (EF) impairments, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and aspects of giftedness in Greek preschoolers based on assessments from their teachers. Investigating the associations between aspects of EFs, ADHD, and giftedness was another objective of the current study. Finally, we examined on a sample of Greek preschool children the convergent validity of the LAMP screening test in relation to the following questionnaires: the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI), the ADHD-IV Questionnaire, the Gifted Rating Scales-Preschool/Kindergarten Form (GRS-P), and the Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students (SRBCSS). For the purpose of the present study, 20 kindergarten teachers and 71 Greek preschoolers (41 boys and 30 girls) were included in the sample. Data analysis revealed that according to teachers’ estimations, speech and language deficits are positively associated to a statistically significant degree with ADHD and with deficits in working memory (WM) and inhibition. On the other hand, aspects of preschool-aged creativity and giftedness were significantly correlated negatively with speech and language deficits. Additionally, the findings demonstrated a negative correlation between aspects of giftedness and ADHD symptoms as well as poor achievement on working memory (WM) and inhibition assessment tests. Furthermore, there was no association between hyperactivity/inhibition deficit and creativity, which is an aspect of giftedness. The moderate positive associations of the LAMP screening test with the psychometric tools of measurement of ADHD and executive function (EF) deficits, and the negative associations with the scales of giftedness showed the good convergent and distinct validity of the LAMP assessment test. Full article

The present work aspires to contribute to the discussion on the relationship between macroscopic measurements and microstructure, helping establish a methodology that will allow the quantitative assessment of the effect of strain on magnetic properties in the plastic deformation regime. In particular, we study the effect of strain on the magnetization process as a result of varying the anisotropy profile at the grain level. Results on micromagnetic calculations of hysteresis loops for various configurations of magnetic anisotropy are shown and discussed against the interplay between the energy terms involved in the calculations, namely anisotropy, demagnetizing, and exchange. The results are in line with previously obtained results using vector Preisach modeling with the Stoner–Wohlfarth model acting both as a switching and rotation mechanism. The hysteresis loop phenomenology is consistent with the emergence of a hard phase in the form of a boundary around soft grains which is assumed to be the result of the onset of compressive stresses in the plastic region. Future research will be oriented toward the study of the effect of the secondary peak in differential permeability, which is observed experimentally in the plastic deformation region, and its dependence on the angle of misalignment between the hard boundary and the soft grain. Full article

Danxiaorchis yangii is a fully mycoheterotrophic orchid that lacks both leaves and roots, belonging to the genus Danxiaorchis in the subtribe Calypsoinae. In this study, we assembled and annotated its mitochondrial genome (397,867 bp, GC content: 42.70%), identifying 55 genes, including 37 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 16 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs, and conducted analyses of relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), repeat sequences, horizontal gene transfers (HGTs), and gene selective pressure (dN/dS). Additionally, we sequenced and assembled its plastome, which has a reduced size of 110,364 bp (GC content: 36.60%), comprising 48 PCGs, 26 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. We identified 64 potential chloroplast DNA fragments transferred to the mitogenome. Phylogenomic analysis focusing on 33 mitogenomes, with Vitis vinifera as the outgroup, indicated that D. yangii is grouped as follows: D. yangii + ((Dendrobium wilsonii + Dendrobium wilsonii henanense) + Phalaenopsis aphrodite). Phylogenetic analysis based on 83 plastid PCGs from these species showed that D. yangii is grouped as follows: (D. yangii + Pha. aphrodite) + (Den. wilsonii + Den. henanense). Gene selective pressure analysis revealed that most mitochondrial and plastid genes in D. yangii are under purifying selection, ensuring functional stability, and certain genes may have undergone positive selection or adaptive evolution, reflecting the species’ adaptation to specific ecological environments. Our study provides valuable data on the plastomes and mitogenomes of D. yangii and lays the groundwork for future research on genetic variation, evolutionary relationships, and the breeding of orchids. Full article

Cardiac surgery procedures are among the main treatments for people with cardiovascular disease, with physiotherapy playing a vital part. Respiratory complications are common and associated with prolonged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital stay, as well as increased mortality. Inspiratory muscle training has been found to be beneficial in improving respiratory muscle function in critically ill patients and patients with heart failure. The purpose of this review is to present the results of implementing inspiratory muscle training (IMT) programs in patients before and/or after cardiac surgery. The PubMed, Embase and Science Direct databases were searched from January 2012 to August 2023. In the present review, randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies conducted in adult patients pre and/or post cardiac surgery were included. Fifteen studies were considered eligible for inclusion in the review. The results revealed that the IMT programs varied in intensity, repetitions, and duration in all included studies. Most studies implemented the IMT after the surgery. Statistical significance between groups was noted in Maximal Inspiratory Pressure and the 6-Minute Walk Distance Test. Preoperative and postoperative programs could improve inspiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, and functional capacity as well as decrease the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. No clear evidence emerged favoring low or higher IMT intensities. The combination of IMT with other forms of exercise might be beneficial in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, further RCTs are required to provide confirming evidence. Full article

The development of high-precision, long-term, hourly-scale precipitation data is essential for understanding extreme precipitation events. Reanalysis systems are particularly promising for this type of research due to their long-term observations and wide spatial coverage. This study aims to construct a more robust precipitation dataset by integrating three widely-used reanalysis precipitation estimates: Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA2), Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 (ERA5). A novel integration method based on the generalized three-cornered hat (TCH) approach is employed to quantify uncertainties in these products. To enhance accuracy, the high-density daily precipitation data from the Asian Precipitation-Highly-Resolved Observation Data Integration Towards Evaluation (APHRODITE) dataset is used for correction. Results show that the TCH method effectively identifies seasonal and spatial uncertainties across the products. The TCH-weighted product (TW), calculated using signal-to-noise ratio weighting, outperforms the original reanalysis datasets across various watersheds and seasons. After correction with APHRODITE data, the enhanced integrated product (ATW) significantly improves accuracy, making it more suitable for extreme precipitation event analysis. Quantile mapping was applied to assess the ability of TW and ATW to represent extreme precipitation. Both products showed improved accuracy in regional average precipitation, with ATW demonstrating superior improvement. This integration method provides a robust approach for refining reanalysis precipitation datasets, contributing to more reliable hydrological and climate studies. Full article

Sarcopenia is characterised by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, which leads to a high risk of increased morbidity and mortality. Maternal malnutrition has been linked to impaired development of skeletal muscle of the offspring; however, there are limited studies that report the long-term effect of a maternal low-protein diet during lactation on the ageing of skeletal muscles. This study aimed to examine how a maternal low-protein diet (LPD) during lactation affects skeletal muscle ageing in the offspring. Pups born from control mothers were lactated by mothers fed with an LPD. Post-weaning, mice were either maintained on an LPD or switched to a control, normal-protein diet (NPD). In males, an LPD mainly affected the size of the myofibres without a major effect on fibre number and led to reduced grip strength in ageing mice (24 months). Female mice from mothers on an LPD had a lower body and muscle weight at weaning but caught up with control mice at 3 months. During ageing, the muscle weight, myofibre number and survival rate of female pups were significantly affected. These findings highlight the effect of an LPD during lactation on skeletal muscle ageing, the lifespan of offspring and the importance of sexual dimorphism in response to dietary challenges. Full article

Low temperatures are the most significant abiotic stressor for the conservation and production of Phalaenopsis in non-tropical areas. CBF/DREB1 transcription factors play an important role in the plant abiotic stress response. In this study, 31 DREB family members were identified in the Phalaenopsis genome. Expression pattern analysis showed that the expression of different PaDREB members varied among tissue sites. PaDREB1D was isolated from Phalaenopsis aphrodite, and multiple sequence alignment showed that PaDREB1D belonged to the A1 subgroup of the DREB family and was localized in the nucleus. PaDREB1D overexpression in protocorm-like bodies of Phalaenopsis reduced cell damage during low-temperature stress, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and enhanced the low-temperature tolerance of protocorm-like bodies. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for breeding for cold resistance and investigating the molecular mechanisms related to low-temperature responses in Phalaenopsis. Full article

The TIFY gene family (formerly known as the zinc finger proteins expressed in inflorescence meristem (ZIM) family) not only functions in plant defense responses but also are widely involved in regulating plant growth and development. However, the identification and functional analysis of TIFY proteins remain unexplored in Orchidaceae. Here, we identified 19 putative TIFY genes in the Phalaenopsis aphrodite genome. The phylogenetic tree classified them into four subfamilies: 14 members from JAZ, 3 members from ZML, and 1 each from PPD and TIFY. Sequence analysis revealed that all Phalaenopsis TIFY proteins contained a TIFY domain. Exon–intron analysis showed that the intron number and length of Phalaenopsis TIFY genes varied, whereas the same subfamily and subgroup genes had similar exon or intron numbers and distributions. The most abundant cis-elements in the promoter regions of the 19 TIFY genes were associated with light responsiveness, followed by MeJA and ABA, indicating their potential regulation by light and phytohormones. The 13 candidate TIFY genes screened from the transcriptome data exhibited two types of expression trends, suggesting their different roles in cell proliferation and cell expansion of floral organ growth during Phalaenopsis flower opening. Overall, this study serves as a background for investigating the underlying roles of TIFY genes in floral organ growth in Phalaenopsis. Full article