Search Results (47)

Hemodynamics significantly impact the biology of endothelial cells (ECs) lining the blood vessels. ECs are exposed to various hemodynamic forces, particularly frictional shear stress from flowing blood. While physiological flows are critical for the normal functioning of ECs, abnormal flow dynamics, known as disturbed flows, may trigger endothelial dysfunction leading to atherosclerosis and other vascular conditions. Such flows can occur due to sudden geometrical variations and vascular abnormalities in the cardiovascular system. In the current study, a microfluidic system was used to investigate the impact of different flow conditions (i.e, normal vs. disturbed) on ECs in vitro. We particularly explored the relationship between specific flow patterns and cellular pathways linked to oxidative stress and inflammation related to atherosclerosis. Here, we utilized a 2D cell culture perfusion system featuring an immortalized human vascular endothelial cell line (EA.hy926) connected to a modified peristaltic pump system to generate either steady laminar flows, representing healthy conditions, or disturbed oscillatory flows, representing diseased conditions. EA.hy926 were exposed to an oscillatory flow shear stress of 0.5 dynes/cm² or a laminar flow shear stress of 2 dynes/cm² up to 24 h. Following flow exposure, cells were harvested from the perfusion chamber for quantitative PCR analysis of gene expression. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under various shear stress conditions was also measured using DCFDA/H2DCFDA fluorescent assays. Under oscillatory shear stress flow conditions (0.5 dynes/cm²), EA.hy926 ECs showed a 3.5-fold increase in the transcription factor nuclear factor (NFκ-B) and a remarkable 28.6-fold increase in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression, which are both proinflammatory markers, compared to static culture. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) mRNA expression was downregulated in oscillatory and laminar flow conditions compared to the static culture. Apoptosis marker transcription factor Jun (C-Jun) mRNA expression increased in both flow conditions. Apoptosis marker C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) mRNA levels increased significantly in oscillatory flow, with no difference in laminar flow. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression was significantly decreased in cells exposed to oscillatory flow, whereas there was no change in laminar flow. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) mRNA expression levels dropped significantly by 0.5- and 0.8-fold in cells exposed to oscillatory and laminar flow, respectively. ECs subjected to oscillatory flow exhibited a significant increase in ROS at both 4 and 24 h compared to the control and laminar flow. Laminar flow-treated cells exhibited a ROS generation pattern similar to that of static culture, but at a significantly lower level. Overall, by exposing ECs to disturbed and normal flows with varying shear stresses, significant changes in gene expression related to inflammation, endothelial function, and oxidative stress were observed. In this study, we present a practical, optimized system as an in vitro model that can be employed to investigate flow-associated diseases, such as atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm, thereby supporting the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Full article

The control of infectious diseases plays a critical role in safeguarding the health of species and ecosystems. In this study, we investigate the combined effects of prey refuge and harvesting as mechanisms to limit the spread of disease within predator populations. A deterministic model is developed to examine the system dynamics through local stability analysis of equilibria, and the framework is further extended to an uncertain setting via a fuzzified model. The analysis shows that for small refuge values, the system reaches a stable state where infected predators move toward extinction, while prey and susceptible predators exhibit strong oscillations. As the refuge increases, the system undergoes a Hopf bifurcation, transitioning from periodic oscillations to a stable interior equilibrium. Beyond a critical threshold, oscillations disappear entirely. Harvesting of susceptible predators reveals that moderate harvesting induces oscillatory behavior in both prey and susceptible predator populations, whereas excessive harvesting can drive both predator classes to extinction. Harvesting of infected predators, by contrast, consistently drives their extinction regardless of harvesting intensity, with the other populations maintaining oscillatory patterns. These results indicate that an appropriate combination of prey refuge and harvesting can serve as an effective strategy for disease control in predator populations. Full article

Ligurian viticulture is characterized by a fragmented landscape and diverse microclimatic conditions, presenting both challenges and opportunities for grape production under climate change. This study investigates the perceived impacts of climate change on viticulture in Eastern (Levante) and Western (Ponente) Liguria, with a focus on vine growth dynamics, productivity, and the adaptation strategies adopted by local winegrowers. Semi-structured interviews with 48 winemakers revealed significant shifts in grape maturation (p < 0.001), earlier harvest dates, and increased vulnerability to fungal diseases (p < 0.01), primarily driven by rising temperatures and altered precipitation regimes. A notable rise in extreme temperature events (p < 0.01) was reported, with all respondents (100%) observing irregular seasonal temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, climate change was linked to changes in local fauna, particularly the expansion of ungulate populations (p < 0.001), leading to increased vineyard damage. In response, growers have adopted a range of adaptive measures, including drought-resistant rootstocks (e.g., M-series), traditional training systems (Guyot, Alberello), and local innovations such as the low pergola in Cinque Terre. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed region-specific adaptation profiles, underscoring the influence of environmental and agronomic variability on viticultural resilience. Logistic regression identified temperature variability, disease incidence, and precipitation shifts as key predictors of perceived climate impact. The results underscore the urgency of developing regionally tailored adaptation strategies to sustain viticulture in Liguria’s complex and changing landscape. Full article

In this paper, we propose a diffusion-type predator–prey interaction model with harvest and disease in prey, and conduct stability analysis and pattern formation analysis on the model. For the temporal model, the asymptotic stability of each equilibrium is analyzed using the linear stability method, and the conditions for Hopf bifurcation to occur near the positive equilibrium are investigated. The simulation results indicate that an increase in infection force might disrupt the stability of the model, while an increase in harvesting intensity would make the model stable. For the spatiotemporal model, a priori estimate for the positive steady state is obtained for the non-existence of the non-constant positive solution using maximum principle and Harnack inequality. The Leray–Schauder degree theory is used to study the sufficient conditions for the existence of non-constant positive steady states of the model, and pattern formation are achieved through numerical simulations. This indicates that the movement of prey and predators plays an important role in pattern formation, and different diffusions of these species may play essentially different effects. Full article

The date palm industry is a vital pillar of agricultural economies in arid and semi-arid regions; however, it remains vulnerable to challenges such as pest infestations, post-harvest diseases, and limited access to real-time monitoring tools. This study applied the baseline YOLOv11 model and its optimized variant, YOLOv11-Opt, to automate the detection, classification, and monitoring of date fruit varieties and disease-related defects. The models were trained on a curated dataset of real-world images collected in Saudi Arabia and enhanced through advanced data augmentation techniques, dynamic label assignment (SimOTA++), and extensive hyperparameter optimization. The experimental results demonstrated that YOLOv11-Opt significantly outperformed the baseline YOLOv11, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 99.04% for date types and 99.69% for disease detection, with ROC-AUC scores exceeding 99% in most cases. The optimized model effectively distinguished visually complex diseases, such as scale insert and dry date skin, across multiple date types, enabling high-resolution, real-time inference. Furthermore, a visual analytics dashboard was developed to support strategic decision-making by providing insights into production trends, disease prevalence, and varietal distribution. These findings underscore the value of integrating optimized deep learning architectures and visual analytics for intelligent, scalable, and sustainable precision agriculture. Full article

The Ross procedure introduced a new technique for aortic valve replacement by utilizing a pulmonary autograft to replace the diseased aortic valve. This approach provides a living, dynamic valve substitute capable of growth and adaptation to systemic pressures while addressing the limitations of mechanical valves, which require lifelong anticoagulation, and bioprosthetic valves, which lack durability and growth potential. The Ross procedure offers superior hemodynamic performance and freedom from anticoagulation. While initially popular, utilization declined due to its technical complexity and concerns regarding the potential for the failure of two valves, requiring additional operations. Advances in surgical techniques, such as reinforced autografts, improved myocardial protection, and better homograft preservation, coupled with evidence of favorable long-term outcomes, have renewed interest in the procedure. Preoperative imaging with echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography angiography ensures optimal patient selection and preparation. Intraoperatively, precise autograft harvesting, accurate implantation, and meticulous right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction are critical for success. Blood conservation techniques, such as acute normovolemic hemodilution and retrograde autologous priming, are employed to minimize transfusion-related complications. The anesthesiologist plays a critical role, including meticulous monitoring of myocardial function and hemodynamics, with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography being essential for assessing valve integrity and ventricular function. Recent studies suggest that the Ross procedure can restore life expectancy in appropriately selected patients, reinforcing its value as a surgical option for managing aortic valve disease. Full article

The rising global demand for medicinal cannabis necessitates the optimization of cultivation, harvesting, and extraction techniques to maximize cannabinoid yield and purity. This study investigates the Foi Thong Phu Pha Yon strain under controlled environmental conditions, evaluating the effects of temperature, humidity, CO₂ concentration, and light exposure on plant growth and cannabinoid biosynthesis. A total of 170 seeds were germinated, with an 85% germination success rate, and various growth strategies, including soil composition, nutrient application, and irrigation methods, were tested to determine the most effective approach. The research findings indicate that vegetative growth was optimal at 27 °C, 70% humidity, and 1200 ppm CO₂ while flowering required a reduced temperature (22 °C), lower humidity (50%), and elevated CO₂ levels (1900 ppm) to enhance cannabinoid production and prevent disease. Furthermore, harvest timing significantly influenced CBD yield, with peak cannabinoid content observed when 80% of trichomes were cloudy white. Over two growing cycles, this study produced 43,200 g of fresh buds, resulting in 7560 g of dried cannabis buds. The extraction process, utilizing dynamic maceration with 95% ethanol, followed by winterization and chromatography, yielded 2343.60 g of cannabis extract, including 589.68 g of CBD, with an average purity of 86.599%. Advanced techniques such as flash chromatography and distillation further refined the CBD isolate, ensuring pharmaceutical-grade quality. These findings highlight the effectiveness of precise environmental control, strategic harvesting, and advanced extraction methodologies in optimizing cannabis production. This research provides valuable insights for agricultural researchers, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry, supporting sustainable cultivation practices and improved product quality in the expanding medicinal cannabis market. Full article

Coronary heart disease, a leading global cause of mortality, has witnessed significant advancement through robotic coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with the internal mammary artery (IMA) emerging as the preferred “golden conduit” for its exceptional long-term patency. Despite these advances, robotic-assisted IMA harvesting remains challenging due to the absence of force feedback, complex surgical maneuvers, and proximity to the beating heart. This study introduces a novel virtual simulation platform for robotic IMA harvesting that integrates dynamic anatomical modeling and real-time haptic feedback. By incorporating a dynamic cardiac model into the surgical scene, our system precisely simulates the impact of cardiac pulsation on thoracic cavity operations. The platform features high-fidelity representations of thoracic anatomy and soft tissue deformation, underpinned by a comprehensive biomechanical framework encompassing fascia, adipose tissue, and vascular structures. Our key innovations include a topology-preserving cutting algorithm, a bidirectional tissue coupling mechanism, and dual-channel haptic feedback for electrocautery simulation. Quantitative assessment using our newly proposed Spatial Asymmetry Index (SAI) demonstrated significant behavioral adaptations to cardiac motion, with dynamic scenarios yielding superior SAI values compared to static conditions. These results validate the platform’s potential as an anatomically accurate, interactive, and computationally efficient solution for enhancing surgical skill acquisition in complex cardiac procedures. Full article

Grapevine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most destructive vineyard diseases worldwide, with the potential to devastate up to 90% of harvests under adverse conditions. Traditional chemical-based control strategies are increasingly restricted due to environmental concerns and the development of resistant pathogen strains, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the efficacy of two yeast-based biostimulants (YE1, an experimental formulation, and YE2, Romeo, a commercial preparation containing Cerevisane^®) in mitigating P. viticola infections in Vitis vinifera cv Cabernet Sauvignon under open field conditions. Field trials were designed to monitor the effects of these bioproducts on grapevine metabolism, with a focus on the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds linked to plant defense responses. Both biostimulants demonstrated significant efficacy against downy mildew, achieving protection levels above 93% during critical growth stages. Metabolic analyses of leaves revealed distinct impacts of YE1 and YE2 on secondary metabolite dynamics. YE1 primarily promoted the accumulation of flavonols, such as quercetin glycosides and kaempferol glucosides, which are known to contribute to pathogen resistance through antimicrobial activity and ROS detoxification. Compared to the untreated sample, quercetin glycosides levels in YE1 leaves were approximately 700 µg/g higher (+9.6%), in comparison to control conditions, on a dry weight basis after the first treatment in 2019 and about 900 µg/g higher (+13.7%) after the final treatment in 2020. A similar trend was observed for kaempferol concentrations, which were 70 µg/g (+98.7%) and 100 µg/g higher (+24.6%) on the same dates. In contrast, YE2 enhanced the biosynthesis of caftaric and coutaric acids, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These compounds were induced by YE2 over time and, after the last treatment, in 2019 caftaric acid levels were approximately 345 µg/g higher (+25.9%), than control condition, while coutaric acid levels were 30 µg/g higher (+33.8%). The stilbene piceid was also induced at early stages by treatments, indicating its role in enhancing plant defenses. In 2019, after the first treatment, both YE1 and YE2 applications induced an increase in piceid concentration, compared to the control, of approximately 2.5 µg/g (+104.8%) for YE1 and 1.3 µg/g for Y2 (+55.0%). In contrast, in 2020, the effect was more pronounced for YE2, with concentrations exceeding the control by 2 µg/g (+46.2%). The results suggest that these yeast-based bioproducts act as elicitors, effectively enhancing grapevine immunity and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. This study provides novel insights into the metabolic mechanisms underlying the efficacy of yeast-based biostimulants against downy mildew and offers practical guidance for their strategic application. Full article

In this paper, a fractional-order eco-epidemiological model with two disease strains in the predator population incorporating harvesting is formulated and analyzed. The model assumes that the population is divided into a prey population, a susceptible predator population, a predator population infected by the first disease, and a predator population infected by the second disease. A mathematical analysis and numerical simulations are performed to explain the dynamics and properties of the proposed fractional-order eco-epidemiological model. The positivity, boundedness, existence, and uniqueness of the solutions are examined. The basic reproduction number and some sufficient conditions for the existence of four equilibrium points are obtained. In addition, some sufficient conditions are proposed to ensure the local and global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium points. Theoretical results are illustrated through numerical simulations, which also highlight the effect of the fractional order. Full article

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an endemic disease affecting the swine industry. The disease is caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV). Despite extensive biosecurity and control measures, the persistence and seasonality of the virus have raised questions about the virus’s environmental dynamics during the fall season when the yearly epidemic onset begins and when crop harvesting and manure incorporation into the field occur. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential for PRRSV to percolate through different soil types, simulating conditions that could lead to groundwater contamination which could represent a risk of herd introduction. An experimental soil column model was used to mimic field conditions. Three PRRSV-2 strains were tested across thirteen Minnesota soils with different physical and chemical characteristics. The findings revealed that PRRSV can percolate through all soil types and that the amount of virus percolated decreases with increased amounts of soil. These results suggest that PRRSV can percolate through different soil types. Further investigations should be undertaken to determine the associated implications for swine health and biosecurity measures. Full article

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widely distributed mycotoxin and potent carcinogen produced by several fungal genera, but mainly by Aspergillus carbonarius. Grape contamination occurs in vineyards during the period between veraison and pre-harvest, and it is the main cause of OTA’s presence in wine. The aim of the current study was the evaluation of 6 chemical and 11 biological plant protection products (PPPs) and biocontrol agents in commercial vineyards of the two important Greek white wine varieties cv. Malagousia and cv. Savatiano. The PPPs were applied in a 4-year vineyard study as single treatments or/and in combinations as part of IPM systems. Subsequently, nine strains of Aspergillus carbonarius were investigated for their sensitivity against seven active compounds of synthetic fungicides. During the multi-year field trials, various novel management systems, including consortia of biocontrol agents, were revealed to be effective against Aspergillus sour rot and OTA production. However, expected variability was observed in the experimental results, indicating the dynamic character of biological systems and highlighting the possible inconsistency of PPPs’ efficacy in a changing environment. Furthermore, the IPM systems developed effectuated an optimized control of A. carbonarius, leading to 100% inhibition of OTA contamination, showing the importance of using both chemical and biological PPPs for disease management and prevention of fungal fungicide resistance. Finally, the majority of A. carbonarius tested strains were found to be sensitive against the pure active compounds used (fludioxonil, azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, tebuconazole, cyprodinil, pyrimethanil and boscalid), with only a few exceptions of developed resistance towards boscalid. Full article

Hippeastrum papilio (Ravena) van Sheepen is a bulbous evergreen species and considered a potential new source of galanthamine. This natural compound approved by the FDA is used for the cognitive treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. To optimize the galanthamine yield from this species, it is necessary to study the effects of plant age and fertilization on the alkaloid content, as well as alkaloid and biomass accumulation dynamics in plant organs. H. papilio plants of different ages, which were ex vitro acclimatized (age 0) and previously grown for one (age 1) and two (age 2) vegetation seasons, were cultivated in a flood and drain hydroponic system with different fertilizer solutions for six months. Samples from the roots, bulbs, and leaves were gathered at the end of the vegetation, and the fresh and dry biomasses were measured and then analyzed by GC–MS to establish their alkaloid content. Depending on the age and fertilizer, the galanthamine content varied from 4.5 ± 1.8 to 11.2 ± 2.8 mg/g DW in the roots, from 3.4 ± 0.5 to 5.8 ± 1.3 mg/g DW in the bulbs, and from 3.2 ± 0.3 to 5.7 ± 0.6 mg/g DW in the leaves. The main part (53–61%) of galanthamine was accumulated in the bulbs, while the leaves and roots stored 25–30% and 13–19%, respectively. Higher amounts of N, K, and Ca in the fertilizer did not positively influence the alkaloid yield in plants of ages 1 and 2. Despite the lower biomass accumulation per individual, the plants grown for two seasons (age 1) showed a comparable galanthamine yield (per square meter) at the end of vegetation to those grown for three seasons (age 2) due to their higher density of cultivation. The dynamics of alkaloid and biomass accumulation, studied in plants from age 1 during the vegetation season, showed that the highest galanthamine content in the plant organs is at the beginning of vegetation. Still, the end of vegetation is the best time to harvest the plant biomass for galanthamine extraction. Hydroponic cultivation of H. papilio is an interesting alternative for the production of galanthamine. Full article

Brazil has been one of the largest soybean producers in recent years. The soybean is a legume commonly found in family meals. Among the diseases affecting the grains, Asian soybean rust is one of the most concerning. The fungus causing the disease is spread by the wind, making it difficult to control. Although it has been researched since its first records, not much data are available regarding the macro propagation behavior of spores. Therefore, this research aimed to model its dispersion based on a partial differential equation, the diffusion–advection equation, used by researchers to model the behavior of any pollutant. The terms of this equation were developed from real data, processed by fuzzy logic, and the simulation results were compared with disease records throughout a harvest. By using this approach to model the spatiotemporal dynamics of this fungus, it was possible to simulate its spread satisfactorily. Additionally, its results were used as input variables for a fuzzy system that estimates the susceptibility of a given location to disease development. Full article

The study focused on the hunting practices and potentially pathogenic bacterial species among European fallow deer (Dama dama). Within a five-year period, three hunting grounds from Western Romania were examined. During this period, a total of 1881 deer were hunted, and 240 samples were collected by rectal and nasal swabbing from 120 carcasses. Bacterial strains were identified utilizing bacteriological assays and the Vitek^® 2 Compact system. Notably, the Socodor hunting ground exhibited a significant difference in harvesting quotas between the bucks (Group M) and does/yearlings (Group F), favoring the latter. In the Chișineu Criș–Sălișteanca hunting ground, a likely correlation in harvesting quotas between the two groups was observed. The identified potentially pathogenic bacteria were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecium. These results highlight the importance of effectively managing the deer population and recognize the potential for Dama dama to spread zoonotic pathogens, emphasizing the necessity of adopting a One Health approach and maintaining ongoing surveillance of this game species’ population dynamics. Full article