Search Results (107)

Potatoes, as the world’s fourth-largest staple crop, are vital for global food security. Efficient methods for assessing yield and quality are essential for policy-making and optimizing production. Traditional yield assessment techniques remain destructive, labor-intensive, and unsuitable for large-scale monitoring. While remote sensing has offered a promising alternative, current approaches largely depend on empirical correlations rather than physiological mechanisms. This limitation arises because potato tubers grow underground, rendering their traits invisible to aboveground sensors. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying hyperspectral remote sensing for assessing belowground yield traits in potatoes. Field experiments with four cultivars and five nitrogen treatments were conducted to collect foliar biochemistries (chlorophyll, nitrogen, and water and dry matter content), yield traits (tuber yield, fresh/dry weight, starch, protein, and water content), and leaf spectra. Two approaches were developed for predicting belowground yield traits: (1) a direct method linking leaf spectra to yield via statistical models and (2) an indirect method using structural equation modeling (SEM) to link foliar biochemistry to yield. The SEM analysis revealed that foliar nitrogen exhibited negative effects on tuber fresh weight (path coefficient b = −0.57), yield (−0.37), and starch content (−0.30). Similarly, leaf water content negatively influenced tuber water content (0.52), protein (−0.27), and dry weight (−0.42). Conversely, chlorophyll content showed positive associations with both tuber protein (0.59) and dry weight (0.56). Direct models (PLSR, SVR, and RFR) achieved higher accuracy for yield (R² = 0.58–0.84) than indirect approaches (R² = 0.16–0.45), though the latter provided physiological insights. The reduced accuracy in indirect methods primarily stemmed from error propagation within the SEM framework. Future research should scale these leaf-level mechanisms to canopy observations and integrate crop growth models to improve robustness across environments. This work advances precision agriculture by clarifying spectral–yield linkages in potato systems, offering a framework for hyperspectral-based yield prediction. Full article

Background/Objectives: The emergence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR A. baumannii) as a leading cause of fatal hospital-acquired infections underscores the urgent need for effective vaccines. While oral vaccines using live Bacillus subtilis spores expressing A. baumannii TonB-dependent receptor (TBDR) show promise, biosafety concerns regarding recombinant spore persistence necessitate alternative strategies. Here, we evaluated chemically inactivated B. subtilis spores displaying TBDR as a safer yet immunogenic vaccine candidate. Methods: Recombinant spores were inactivated using iron-ethanol sporicidal solution and administered to BALB/c mice (8–12 weeks old) to assess safety and immunogenicity. Toxicity was evaluated through clinical monitoring, serum biochemistry, and histopathology. Immune responses were characterized by T/B cell activation, IgG/IgA titers, and mucosal sIgA levels. Protective efficacy was determined by challenging immunized mice with MDR A. baumannii Ab35 and quantifying bacterial loads and examining tissue pathology. Results: The inactivated spores exhibited an excellent safety profile, with no adverse effects on clinical parameters, organ function, or tissue integrity. Immunization induced robust systemic and mucosal immunity, evidenced by elevated CD4+/CD8+ T cells, B cells, and antigen-specific IgG/IgA in serum and mucosal secretions. Following the challenge, vaccinated mice showed significantly reduced pulmonary bacterial burdens (>90% reduction), and preserved lung and spleen architecture compared to controls, which developed severe inflammation and tissue damage. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that inactivated B. subtilis spores expressing TBDR are a safe, orally administrable vaccine platform that elicits protective immunity against MDR A. baumannii. By addressing biosafety concerns associated with live spores while maintaining efficacy, this approach represents a critical advance toward preventing high-risk nosocomial infections. Full article

This study provides a set of designs, simulations and experiments for developing an actuating method for manual pipettes. The goal is to enable robotic manipulation and automatic pipetting, while using manual pipetting devices. This automation is designed to be used as a flexible alternative tool in small and medium-sized biochemistry laboratories that do not possess proper automated pipetting technology, in order to relieve the lab technicians from the tedious, repetitive and error-prone process of manual pipetting needed for the preparation of biological samples. The selected approach is to use a set of pressure-controlled pneumatic cylinders in order to control the actuation and force of the pipettes’ manual buttons. This paper presents a mechanical design, analysis, pneumatic simulation and functional robotic simulation of the developed device, and a comparison of possible pneumatic solutions is presented to explain the selected actuation method. Remote pneumatic pressure sensing is employed in order to avoid electrical sensors, connectors and wires in the area of the actuators, thus expanding the possibility of working in some electromagnetic-compatible environments and to simplify the connecting and cleaning process of the entire device. A functional simulation is conducted using a combination of software packages: Fluidsim for pneumatic simulation, URSim for robot programming and CoppeliaSim for application integration and visualization. Experimental validation is conducted using off-the-shelf pneumatic components, assembled with 3D-printed parts and mounted onto an existing pneumatic gripper. This complete assembly is attached to an industrial collaborative robot, as an end effector, and a program is written to test and validate the functions of the complete device. The in-process actuators’ working pressure is recorded and analyzed to determine the suitability of the proposed method and pipetting ability. Supplemental digital data are provided in the form of pneumatic circuit diagrams, a robot program, simulation scene and recorded values, to facilitate experimental replication and further development. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of tea residue combined with complex enzymes on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, meat quality, and intestinal microbiota of Xiangling fattening pigs. A total of 120 healthy Xiangling fattening pigs, with an average weight of 47.93 kg (±15.28 kg), were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each comprising four replicates of six pigs. The control group (CON) received a basal diet; the experimental groups received a diet containing 5.8% fermented tea residue as an alternative energy and protein source (dry matter basis) and mixed additional 0 (CZ), 200 (M200), 400 (M400), and 800 (M800) complex enzymes. The trial lasted for 83 days. The results showed that tea residue and complex enzymes failed to affect growth performance (p > 0.05). Tea residue reduced the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities (p < 0.01), and complex enzyme supplementation lowered the total cholesterol levels and reduced the alanine aminotransferase activity (p < 0.05). Additionally, tea residue decreased the pH_24h and b*_1h values (p < 0.05), and complex enzyme supplementation increased the L*_24h value and pork shear force (p < 0.05). In terms of amino acid content, tea residue significantly elevated aspartic acid and inosine monophosphate (p < 0.05), and complex enzyme addition increased the glutamic acid, lysine, alanine, valine, tyrosine, isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine levels (p < 0.05). The 800 mg/kg complex enzyme group exhibited a reduction in the C10:0, C15:0, and C17:0 contents (p < 0.05). Microbial analysis showed that tea residue promoted the abundance of Oribacterium and Butyricicoccus, while enzyme supplementation enriched Eggerthellaceae, Oscillospirales, and Peptococcaceae. Overall, the combination of tea residue and complex enzymes improved the pork quality, enhanced metabolic health markers, and modulated the gut microbiota composition, with the 400 mg/kg enzyme dose (M400) achieving the most pronounced benefits. These findings suggest a potential feeding strategy for improving pork quality without compromising growth performance. Full article

The objective was to determine whether dairy cows may activate traditional and alternative inflammatory pathways by consuming a combination of a phytogenic diet (essential oil and pepper resin). Twenty pregnant Jersey cows in the final (third) lactation phase (260 days in milk) were divided into two groups: control, with no additive consumption, and test, with the addition of the phytogenic to the concentrate portion of the diet (150 mg/day/kg dry matter). Blood samples were collected on experimental days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 by coccygeal vein puncture to assess the complete blood count, serum biochemistry of levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin, as well as carbohydrate metabolism (glucose), lipid metabolism (cholesterol and triglycerides), protein metabolism (urea), activities of hepatic enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), cytokine levels (interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), antioxidant response [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), total thiol (PSH), and non-protein thiol (NPSH), and glutathione S(GST)], cholinergic system [total cholinesterase (ChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)], purinergic signaling [NTPDase, 5′ectonucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA)], and energetic metabolism enzymes [creatine kinase (CK), pyruvate kinase (PK), and adenylate kinase (AK)]. Productive performance was assessed through feed intake and milk production. The results revealed that the use of phytogenic compounds significantly influenced the cholinergic system and purinergic signaling associated with immunology. The reduction in cholinesterase (ChE) activity and the increase in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in lymphocytes suggest the modulation of the cholinergic system, enhancing the immune response. Furthermore, the elevated activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) in lymphocytes and platelets, together with increased ATP and ADP hydrolysis in platelets, indicates the beneficial regulation of purinergic signaling, potentially contributing to inflammatory modulation. These effects were accompanied by a lower production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) and a higher production of IL-10, reinforcing an anti-inflammatory profile. The reduced leukocyte and lymphocyte counts may reflect a lower inflammatory demand, while the increased levels of NPSH and GST antioxidants suggest cellular protection. Despite these physiological changes, productive performance and milk quality remained unaffected. In summary and practical terms, including this additive in the cows’ diet benefits the cow’s health in the final third of gestation when the animal already has a reduced immune response due to advanced gestation. Full article

The residual black wolfberry fruit (RBWF), rich in nutrients and active substances, has the potential to serve as an antibiotic alternative. This study evaluated the concentration-dependent effects of RBWF on serum biochemistry, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality of fattening sheep. Forty 3-month-old sheep were randomly assigned into four groups with 10 replicates in each group and fed experimental RBWF-supplemented diets (0%, 2%, 5%, and 8%). The results showed that RBWF supplementation significantly increased the serum levels of TP, BUN, ALT, AST, IgA, IgM, T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px in sheep (p < 0.05), while significantly decreasing the levels of LDH, TG, LDL-c, IgG, and MDA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary RBWF significantly increased the VB1 and IMP levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle of sheep (p < 0.05) and significantly decreased the contents of fat and cholesterol (p < 0.05). Finally, RBWF increased the contents of C20:4 and Glu (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with RBWF can improve the immune and antioxidant capacity of sheep and has a certain effect on improving the flavor of meat, of which 5% is the best. Full article

Bibliometric analyses are increasingly used to evaluate scientific domains, revealing research trends, productivity, and impact. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of microbiome-related research conducted by Greek scientists. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database, using the keyword “microbiome” (English) for publications until December 2024. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer and the bibliometrix package in R. Our findings indicate that research output has increased exponentially since 2018, with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki leading microbiome research in Greece. Medicine, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, immunology, and microbiology are the predominant research fields. The keyword analysis highlights “microbiome”, “microbiota”, “probiotics”, “prebiotics”, “intestinal flora”, and “16S rRNA” as central topics. Additionally, we acknowledge the role played by alternative microbial markers, including 18S rRNA/ITS sequencing, for fungal diversity studies. This bibliometric study demonstrates a dynamic and evolving research landscape in Greece and highlights the international relevance of Greek contributions to microbiome science. Full article

The MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 proteins are essential for the sexual reproduction of Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Although Hirsutella sinensis has been postulated to be the sole anamorph of O. sinensis and to undergo self-fertilization under homothallism or pseudohomothallism, little is known about the three-dimensional (3D) structures of the mating proteins in the natural Cordyceps sinensis insect–fungal complex, which is a valuable therapeutic agent in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the alternative splicing and differential occurrence and translation of the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes have been revealed in H. sinensis, negating the self-fertilization hypothesis but rather suggesting the occurrence of self-sterility under heterothallic or hybrid outcrossing. In this study, the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 proteins in 173 H. sinensis strains and wild-type C. sinensis isolates were clustered into six and five clades in the Bayesian clustering trees and belonged to 24 and 21 diverse AlphaFold-predicted 3D structural morphs, respectively. Over three-quarters of the strains/isolates contained either MAT1-1-1 or MAT1-2-1 proteins but not both. The diversity of the heteromorphic 3D structures of the mating proteins suggested functional alterations of the proteins and provided additional evidence supporting the self-sterility hypothesis under heterothallism and hybridization for H. sinensis, Genotype #1 of the 17 genome-independent O. sinensis genotypes. The heteromorphic stereostructures and mutations of the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 proteins in the wild-type C. sinensis isolates and natural C. sinensis insect–fungi complex suggest that there are various sources of the mating proteins produced by two or more cooccurring heterospecific fungal species in natural C. sinensis that have been discovered in mycobiotic, molecular, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic studies, which may inspire future studies on the biochemistry of mating and pheromone receptor proteins and the reproductive physiology of O. sinensis. Full article

Heavy metal contamination of soil and water is a growing environmental concern, especially mercury, lead, and cadmium. Therefore, fast and reliable methodologies to assess contamination in the field are in demand. However, many methodologies require laborious, expensive, and cumbersome equipment that is not convenient for rapid field analysis. Mobile phone technology coupled with bioluminescent assays provides accessible hands-on alternatives that has already been shown to be feasible. Previously, we demonstrated that firefly luciferases can be harnessed as luminescence color-tuning sensors for toxic metals. An assay based on such a principle was already successfully applied for teaching biochemistry laboratory lessons, which demonstrates the effect of cadmium on enzyme function based on bioluminescence color change. For analytical detection of cadmium in water, here, we developed a novel bioluminescence assay using the cadmium-sensitive Amydetes vivianii firefly luciferase coupled with a cell phone provided with a program to quantify cadmium concentration based on luminescence color discrimination. The application has proven to be efficient with high precision between 0.10 and 2 mM of cadmium, being appliable to diluted water samples (0.1–2 µM) upon concentration and relying on reference cadmium standards values. The light emitted by the reference standards and samples in a dark box is captured by the smartphone’s camera, which, using computer vision, automatically quantifies cadmium according to the RGB color. CadmiLume is a simple and easy luminescent enzymatic biosensor for cadmium contamination in water samples, which instantaneously can provide results with the convenience of a smartphone in the palm of one’s hands. Full article

Biocontrol has emerged as an effective strategy for managing plant pathogens and pests. The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as biocontrol agents offers a sustainable alternative, enhancing plant morphology, biochemistry, physiology, and secondary metabolism. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis and systematic review of PGPR-based biocontrol research from 2019 to 2023, using the Web of Science (WoS) database. A total of 2823 publications were identified, with a significant increase in scientific output since 2019. Original research articles dominated the field, with India, China, the USA, and Pakistan leading in publication volume. Key contributors included Babalola (North-West University, South Africa), Kloepper (Auburn University, USA), and Shen (Nanjing Agricultural University, China), each with at least 25 publications. Co-authorship analysis revealed four major research networks centered in India, China, Brazil, and Canada. Bacillus and Pseudomonas were the most studied PGPR genera, recognized for their roles as bioinoculants, bioremediators, and biostimulants, mitigating the negative impacts of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This analysis underscores the growing global focus on PGPR-based biocontrol and its potential for sustainable agriculture. Strengthening international collaboration and accelerating applied research on PGPR formulations will be critical for optimizing their efficacy and scalability in real-world agricultural systems. Full article

Coffee cherry pulp (CCP) is a by-product of coffee bean production. CCP contains amounts of phenolic compounds that are beneficial for animals. This study evaluated the impact of coffee cherry pulp extract (CCPE) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, carcass characteristics, serum biochemistry, cecum microbial population, intestinal morphology, and immune and antioxidant responses of broilers. Five hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to five groups: a basal diet control, a basal diet with antibiotic growth promoters at 0.25 g/kg, and groups supplemented with CCPE at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg diet over 35 days. The results showed that throughout the experimental period, the groups supplemented with CCPE improved their final weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). CCPE at 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg diet reduced the average daily feed intake (p < 0.05). In addition, CCPE at 0.5 g/kg reduced levels of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05). Triglyceride levels were the lowest in CCPE 2.0 (p < 0.05). In the group supplemented with CCPE at all levels, the high-density lipoprotein levels significantly increased (p < 0.05). Drip loss in the breast at 24 and 48 h decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, live weight, defeathered weight, and carcass weight significantly increased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, CCPE improved intestinal morphology, especially villus height and the villus height per crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05). CCPE supplementation also reduced pathogenic bacteria, increased Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05), and increased the expression of immune-related genes and antioxidant activity in the liver and intestines (p < 0.05). Therefore, the use of CCPE as an alternative to antibiotics in broiler feed improved growth performance and health parameters in broilers. It provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for supplementary feed, contributing to more efficient poultry nutrition management. Full article

This research investigated the effects of cassava residue meal (CRM) and fermented CRM (FCRM) on the growth performance, serum lipid indicators, carcass traits, and meat quality of Huanjiang mini-pigs. One hundred twenty Huanjiang mini-pigs with similar BW (body weight, 8.85 ± 0.64 kg) were divided into three dietary treatment groups: the CON group with a basal diet; the CRM group with a diet containing 5% CRM; and the FCRM group with a diet containing 5% FCRM. The feeding trial was conducted for 30 days. The findings revealed that dietary CRM and FCRM did not influence the growth performance and diarrhea rate of Huanjiang mini-pigs (p > 0.05). Dietary FCRM supplementation increased serum total cholesterol level compared to the CON group while decreasing serum cholinesterase level compared to the CON and CRM groups (p < 0.05). The level of serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was higher (p < 0.05) in the CRM and FCRM groups in regard to the CON group. In addition, CRM and FCRM supplementation reduced (p < 0.05) the backfat thickness and carcass yield of Huanjiang mini-pigs. The meat quality analysis showed that dietary CRM and FCRM improved the meat quality by increasing the intramuscular fat content and redness (a*) value and decreasing the lightness (L*) value. Moreover, the MyHC-IIx expression in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle was upregulated (p < 0.05) in the CRM group, while MYHC-IIb expression displayed an increasing trend (p = 0.076) in the FCRM group relative to the CON group. The fatty acid composition in the LT muscle also revealed that the C20:0 level was lower in the CRM and FCRM groups, while the ∑SFA and ∑SFA/∑UFA were reduced (p < 0.05) in the FCRM group relative to the CON group. In summary, dietary CRM and FCRM supplementation improved the meat quality of Huanjiang mini-pigs without affecting growth performance and diarrhea rate. Notably, FCRM exhibited better effects on meat quality than CRM. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat, driving the search for alternative treatments to conventional antibiotics. In this study, the antibacterial properties of honeybee venom (BV) and fungal Monascus purpureus red dye (RD) were evaluated against three multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Extracts of BV and RD exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity against the three tested bacteria, with their strongest effectiveness against S. aureus (minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC] = 3.18 and 6.315 μg·mL⁻¹, respectively). Although the three bacterial strains were resistant to the antibiotic ampicillin-sulbactam (10/10 µg), both extracts exhibited superior antibacterial activity against the three bacterial strains compared to five standard antibiotics, especially RD extract, which produced the largest inhibition zone (20 ± 0.20 mm) against S. aureus. The larger inhibition zones against S. aureus suggest its high sensitivity, whereas E. coli and E. faecalis exhibited smaller inhibition zones, indicating less sensitivity to BV and RD extracts. Differences in the inhibition zones suggest the variations in antimicrobial activity between the two extracts and their strain-specific effectiveness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that BV and RD extracts disrupted the bacterial plasma membrane, suggesting that the bioactive compounds penetrate the bacterial cell wall and alter its integrity. Furthermore, GC–MS-based analysis revealed that the chemical composition of BV and RD extracts exhibited highly diverse structures, including complex polycyclic systems, porphyrins, steroids, and esters. For instance, 42 metabolites were identified in the BV extract, which mainly were organic and metal–organic compounds; however, only 23 molecules were identified in RD extract, which mainly were fatty acids and their derivatives. The diversity in the chemical compositions of both extracts highlights their potential applications in pharmaceuticals, materials, and biochemistry fields. Collectively, these findings indicate that honeybee venom and the red dye from M. purpureus have promising antibacterial properties and warrant further investigation as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Further multi-ligand docking-based virtual screening studies are required to identify the most promising detected metabolite(s) within both BV and RD extracts. Full article

Background: Ceramic may be an alternative bearing surface that could be used to deal with the negative sequalae associated with the use of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing implants, keeping the benefits of hip resurfacing without the risks. The aim of this study is to evaluate the additional financial and logistical implications that MoM hip resurfacing has, in comparison to its ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) counterpart. Methods: Two different follow up protocols were analysed, according to current practice guidance, on how to follow up with hip resurfacing procedures. Reference costs were identified using the latest national cost collection data and data from the local biochemistry department. The results incorporated the number of hip resurfacings performed nationally. Results: The non-MoM protocol yielded a per operation lifetime follow up cost of £802.50, whereas the MoM protocol yielded a cost of £2132.83 at 25 years. Nationally, according to the 2023 data, this amounted to £561,750 versus £1,492,981 per year, respectively. MoM hip resurfacing is 2.6 times more expensive to be followed up with when compared to the standard protocol. Conclusion: The cost of the follow up of MoM bearings far exceeds that of non-MoM bearings. If CoC hip resurfacing is as clinically effective as MoM hip resurfacing, then the economics favour CoC bearing for resurfacing. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary garlic powder and fermented garlic powder supplementation at 1% and 2% levels on growth performance, digestive tract efficacy, blood biochemistry, immunity, and antioxidant status of Liza ramada (n = 225 fish; 86.00 ± 0.42 g) over a 60-day period. Fish fed diets supplemented with both forms of garlic at both levels exhibited significantly improved final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase, and protease) were significantly enhanced in all supplemented groups. Blood biochemical analysis revealed reduced glucose levels and increased total protein in garlic-supplemented groups, with no adverse effects on liver or kidney function markers. Immune parameters, including lysozyme activity, bactericidal activity against Streptococcus agalactiae, alternative complement pathway (ACP), and respiratory burst (NBT), were significantly enhanced in garlic-supplemented groups, with fermented garlic showing more pronounced effects. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx) were also significantly increased in all supplemented groups, particularly in those fed fermented garlic. No significant differences in survival rates were observed among treatments. The results suggest that both garlic powder and fermented garlic powder supplementation, especially at the 2% level, can effectively improve growth, feed utilization, immune function, and antioxidant status in L. ramada. Fermented garlic generally demonstrated superior effects, indicating its potential as a beneficial feed additive in aquaculture. Based on these findings, it is recommended to incorporate fermented garlic powder at a 2% level in L. ramada diets to optimize growth performance and health status. Further research is warranted to investigate the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of this supplementation strategy in commercial aquaculture settings. Full article