Models for predicting coffee yield from chemical characteristics of soil and leaves using machine learning

BACKGROUND

Coffee farming constitutes a substantial economic resource, representing a source of income for several countries due to the high consumption of coffee worldwide. Precise management of coffee crops involves collecting crop attributes (characteristics of the soil and the plant), mapping, and applying inputs according to the plants' needs. This differentiated management is precision coffee growing and it stands out for its increased yield and sustainability.

RESULTS

This research aimed to predict yield in coffee plantations by applying machine learning methodologies to soil and plant attributes. The data were obtained in a field of 54.6 ha during two consecutive seasons, applying varied fertilization rates in accordance with the recommendations of soil attribute maps. Leaf analysis maps also were monitored with the aim of establishing a correlation between input parameters and yield prediction. The machine-learning models obtained from these data predicted coffee yield efficiently. The best model demonstrated predictive fit results with a Pearson correlation of 0.86. Soil chemical attributes did not interfere with the prediction models, indicating that this analysis can be dispensed with when applying these models.

CONCLUSION

These findings have important implications for optimizing coffee management and cultivation, providing valuable insights for producers and researchers interested in maximizing yield using precision agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mycorrhized wheat and bean plants tolerate bismuth contaminated soil via improved metal detoxification and antioxidant defense systems

Contamination of agricultural fields with bismuth (Bi) reduces crop yield and quality. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to enhance plant growth and crop production, even under stressful conditions such as soil contamination with heavy metals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of AMF on the mitigation of Bi-phytotoxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the physiological and biochemical basis for the growth and development of AMF-induced plants under Bi stress conditions. Wheat and bean were treated by Bi and AMF individually and in combination. Then the physiological and biochemical responses in the shoot and roots of the two crop species were studied. Evident retardations in plant growth and key photosynthesis-related parameters and accumulation of MDA, H2O2, as markers of oxidative stress, were observed in plants subjected to Bi. AMF colonization reduced the uptake and translocation of Bi in the plant organs by enhancing the exudation of polyphenols and organic acids into the rhizospheric soil. Mycorrhized wheat and bean plants were able to attenuate the effects of Bi by improving metal detoxification (phytochelatins, metallothionein, total glutathione, and glutathione-S-transferase activity) and antioxidant defense systems (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic) and maintaining C assimilation and nutrient status. The current results suggest the manipulation of AMF as a powerful approach to alleviate the phytotoxicity of Bi in legumes and grasses.

Selection of Newly Identified Growth-Promoting Archaea Haloferax Species With a Potential Action on Cobalt Resistance in Maize Plants

Soil contamination with cobalt (Co) negatively impacts plant growth and production. To combat Co toxicity, plant growth-promoting microorganisms for improving plant growth are effectively applied. To this end, unclassified haloarchaeal species strain NRS_31 (OL912833), belonging to Haloferax genus, was isolated, identified for the first time, and applied to mitigate the Co phytotoxic effects on maize plants. This study found that high Co levels in soil lead to Co accumulation in maize leaves. Co accumulation in the leaves inhibited maize growth and photosynthetic efficiency, inducing oxidative damage in the tissue. Interestingly, pre-inoculation with haloarchaeal species significantly reduced Co uptake and mitigated the Co toxicity. Induced photosynthesis improved sugar metabolism, allocating more carbon to defend against Co stress. Concomitantly, the biosynthetic key enzymes involved in sucrose (sucrose-P-synthase and invertases) and proline (pyrroline-5- carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR)) biosynthesis significantly increased to maintain plant osmotic potential. In addition to their osmoregulation potential, soluble sugars and proline can contribute to maintaining ROS hemostasis. Maize leaves managed their oxidative homeostasis by increasing the production of antioxidant metabolites (such as phenolics and tocopherols) and increasing the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes (such as POX, CAT, SOD, and enzymes involved in the AsA/GSH cycle). Inside the plant tissue, to overcome heavy Co toxicity, maize plants increased the synthesis of heavy metal-binding ligands (metallothionein, phytochelatins) and the metal detoxifying enzymes (glutathione S transferase). Overall, the improved ROS homeostasis, osmoregulation, and Co detoxification systems were the basis underlying Co oxidative stress, mitigating haloarchaeal treatment's impact.

Innovating the Synergistic Assets of β-Amino Butyric Acid (BABA) and Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) in Improving the Growth, Nitrogen Metabolism, Biological Activities, and Nutritive Value of Medicago interexta Sprouts

In view of the wide traditional uses of legume sprouts, several strategies have been approved to improve their growth, bioactivity, and nutritive values. In this regard, the present study aimed at investigating how priming with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs, 25 mg L^-1) enhanced the effects of β-amino butyric acid (BABA, 30 mM) on the growth, physiology, nitrogen metabolism, and bioactive metabolites of Medicago interexta sprouts. The results have shown that the growth and photosynthesis of M. interexta sprouts were enhanced by the treatment with BABA or SeNPs, being higher under combined treatment. Increased photosynthesis provided the precursors for the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites. In this regard, the combined treatment had a more pronounced effect on the bioactive primary metabolites (essential amino acids), secondary metabolites (phenolics, GSH, and ASC), and mineral profiles of the investigated sprouts than that of sole treatments. Increased amino acids were accompanied by increased nitrogen metabolism, i.e., nitrate reductase, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), glutamine synthase (GS), cysteine synthesis serine acetyltransferase, arginase, threonine synthase, and methionine synthase. Further, the antioxidant capacity (FRAP), the anti-diabetic activities (i.e., α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities), and the glycemic index of the tested sprouts were more significantly improved by the combined treatment with BABA and SeNPs than by individual treatment. Overall, the combined effect of BABA and SeNPs could be preferable to their individual effects on plant growth and bioactive metabolites.

HPLC-DAD Based Polyphenolic Profiling and Evaluation of Pharmacological Attributes of Putranjiva roxburghii Wall

The current study was intended to explore the phytochemical profiling and therapeutic activities of Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. Crude extracts of different plant parts were subjected to the determination of antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and protein kinase inhibitory potential by using solvents of varying polarity ranges. Maximum phenolic content was notified in distilled water extracts of the stem (DW-S) and leaf (DW-L) while the highest flavonoid content was obtained in ethyl acetate leaf (EA-L) extract. HPLC-DAD analysis confirmed the presence of various polyphenols, quantified in the range of 0.02 ± 0.36 to 2.05 ± 0.18 μg/mg extract. Maximum DPPH scavenging activity was expressed by methanolic extract of the stem (MeOH-S). The highest antioxidant capacity and reducing power was shown by MeOH-S and leaf methanolic extract (MeOH-L), respectively. Proficient antibacterial activity was shown by EA-L extract against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Remarkable α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition potential was expressed by ethyl acetate fruit (EA-F) and n-Hexane leaf (nH-L) extracts, respectively. In case of brine shrimp lethality assay, 41.67% of the extracts (LC₅₀ < 50 µg/mL) were considered as extremely cytotoxic. The test extracts also showed mild antifungal and protein kinase inhibition activities. The present study explores the therapeutic potential of P. roxburghii and calls for subsequent studies to isolate new bioactive leads through bioactivity-guided isolation.

Withaferin A: From Ancient Remedy to Potential Drug Candidate

Withaferin A (WA) is a pivotal withanolide that has conquered a conspicuous place in research, owning to its multidimensional biological properties. It is an abundant constituent in Withania somnifera Dunal. (Ashwagandha, WS) that is one of the prehistoric pivotal remedies in Ayurveda. This article reviews the literature about the pharmacological profile of WA with special emphasis on its anticancer aspect. We reviewed research publications concerning WA through four databases and provided a descriptive analysis of literature without statistical or qualitative analysis. WA has been found as an effective remedy with multifaceted mechanisms and a broad spectrum of pharmacological profiles. It has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiherpetic, antifibrotic, antiplatelet, profibrinolytic, immunosuppressive, antipigmentation, antileishmanial, and healing potentials. Evidence for wide pharmacological actions of WA has been established by both in vivo and in vitro studies. Further, the scientific literature accentuates the role of WA harboring a variable therapeutic spectrum for integrative cancer chemoprevention and cure. WA is a modern drug from traditional medicine that is necessary to be advanced to clinical trials for advocating its utility as a commercial drug.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain as an indicator of myocardial injury in non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors

Introduction

The incidence of acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients is frequently subclinical and can be identified by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) provides an accurate validated method for early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction. So far, long-term cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 are undetermined therefore several validated methods should be used for early diagnosis and intervention in those patients.

Purpose

The aim of this work was to describe GLS as an indicator of myocardial injury in a case series of non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients complaining of persistent dyspnea after resolution of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

A total number of 18 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and were not indicated for hospital admission due to mild symptoms presenting with residual persistent dyspnea following COVID-19 infection resolution. Through clinical examination and standard 2D transthoracic echocardiography with STE emphasizing on LV-GLS was performed using Philips Epic - Qlab 10 software.

Results

The mean age of the included patients was 37.44±6.33 years, the mean time from COVID-19 diagnosis was 48.1±15.45 days, all patients (100%) had persistent dyspnea grade II. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 62.9±3.46% while the mean LV-GLS was −15.55±2.16%. Clinical and echocardiographic data is presented in Table 1.

Conclusion

In a case series of non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors who complained of persistent dyspnea, GLS was low in comparison to the normally reported values of LV-GLS although they had normal LVEF indicating the persistence of myocardial injury even in mild cases of COVID-19 long after infection resolution. Further close follow-up of even mild and moderate COVID-19 survivors is certainly required to detect long-term cardiovascular sequelae. 2D STE with LV-GLS can be used as a readily available validated technique to detect early or persistent myocardial dysfunction succeeding COVID-19 infection.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Mercury exposure in relation to foraging ecology and its impact on the oxidative status of an endangered seabird

Mercury is a natural element extensively found in the Earth's crust, released to the atmosphere and waters by natural processes. Since the industrial revolution, atmospheric deposition of Hg showed a three-to-five-fold enrichment due to human activities. Marine top predators such as seabirds are recognized valuable bioindicators of ocean health and sensitive victims of Hg toxic effects. Hg negatively affects almost any aspect of avian physiology; thus, birds prove valuable to study the effect of Hg exposure in vertebrates. The Black-vented Shearwater is endemic to the North-Eastern Pacific Ocean, where it forages along the Baja California Peninsula during the breeding period. The area has no industrial settlement and is in the southern portion of the California Current System (CCS). After observing possible contamination effects in eggshells, we decided to quantify the exposure of breeding birds to Hg and test for possible effects on oxidative status of the species. The concentration of Hg in erythrocytes averaged 1.84 μg/g dw and varied from 1.41 to 2.40 μg/g dw. Males and females had similar Hg concentrations. The individual trophic level (reflected by δ¹⁵N) did not explain Hg exposure. In contrast, individuals foraging inshore had higher Hg concentrations than those foraging more offshore (reflected by δ¹³C). Shearwaters having higher concentrations of Hg had lower activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase and showed lower non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity. Levels of plasma oxidative damage, superoxide dismutase and catalase were not associated with Hg. Our results indicate that (i) the foraging habitat is the factor explaining Hg exposure and (ii) there is some evidence for potential harmful effects of Hg exposure to this seabird species of conservation concern. CAPSULE: The foraging habitat is the factor explaining Hg exposure in seabirds and we observed potential harmful effects of Hg exposure in a seabird species of conservation concern.

Redox homeostasis in the growth zone of the rice leaf plays a key role in cold tolerance

We analysed the cellular and molecular changes in the leaf growth zone of tolerant and sensitive rice varieties in response to suboptimal temperatures. Cold reduced the final leaf length by 35% and 51% in tolerant and sensitive varieties, respectively. Tolerant lines exhibited a smaller reduction of the leaf elongation rate and greater compensation by an increased duration of leaf growth. Kinematic analysis showed that cold reduced cell production in the meristem and the expansion rate in the elongation zone, but the latter was compensated for by a doubling of the duration of cell expansion. We performed iTRAQ proteome analysis on proliferating and expanding parts of the leaf growth zone. We identified 559 and 542 proteins, of which 163 and 210 were differentially expressed between zones, and 96 and 68 between treatments, in the tolerant and sensitive lines, respectively. The categories protein biosynthesis and redox homeostasis were significantly overrepresented in the up-regulated proteins. We therefore measured redox metabolites and enzyme activities in the leaf growth zone, demonstrating that tolerance of rice lines to suboptimal temperatures correlates with the ability to up-regulate enzymatic antioxidants in the meristem and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the elongation zone.

P178 Dissecting ventricular septal hematoma; a rare complication of acute myocardial infarction

Case presentation

A 57 year old male patient presented to the emergency room complaining of acute stabbing retrosternal chest pain radiating to both shoulders associated with nausea and vomiting that started 2 hours before presentation. He was known to be smoker and diabetic and had uncontrolled hypertension.

Vital signs were stable and physical examination was unremarkable . Electrocardiography (ECG) revealed normal sinus rhythm at 80 bpm, 5 mm ST elevation in leads I, aVL, V1-V6, reciprocal ST depression in leads II, III,aVF. The patient received thrombolytic therapy within 15 minutes of presentation and it was uneventful. Follow up electrocardiography was done showing failed thrombolytic therapy. The patient was managed conservatively using dual antiplatelets, high dose atorvastatin, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors. The patient remained hemodynamically stable for 5 days after which he developed respiratory distress , heart rate was 110 bpm, blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg. Physical examination revealed clear chest ,S3 gallop. 2D/ 3D transthoracic echocardiography revealed akinesis of the apical segments and mid segment of the anterior septum. There was a dissecting hematoma seen starting at mid anterior septum and extending to the apical segment.Severe mitral valve regurgitation was seen.

Conclusion

Dissecting interventricular hematoma(DIH) is a rare yet underrecognized mechanical complication following STEMI. Transthoracic echocardiography is considered to be an important imaging modality for the bedside diagnosis.

Treatment depends upon the rate of expansion of hematoma. Accordingly, stable patients with hematoma regressing gradually does not require any intervention .However, cases with rapidly expanding hematoma with hemodynamic instability will require urgent surgical intervention.

Abstract P178 Figure. Dissecting interventricular hematoma

P696 The role of three dimensional echocardiography in a case of recurrent infundibular pulmonary stenosis in a surgically corrected tetralogy of fallot

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) represents approximately 7%-10% of congenital heart diseases (CHDs), and it is the most common cyanotic CHD, with 0.23-0.63 cases per 1,000 births. In our case report we are reviewing the added value of three dimensional echocardiography in the assessment of degree of infundibular and valvular stenosis in tetralogy of Fallot.

Case report

A 29-year-old female patient with history of congenital heart disease (Fallot’s tetrology) and history of total surgical correction at the age of 10 presented to our facility by dyspnea grade III that started 1 month before presentation .On examination; an ejection systolic murmur was heard over the pulmonary area with palpable thrill. Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed normal sinus rhythm with a heart rate of 75bpm with right axis deviation and right ventricular hypertrophy voltage criteria.

Transthoracic two dimensional echocardiography revealed increased thickness of the right ventricle (RV) free wall , and aliasing of the color Doppler flow across the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) with a peak systolic gradient across the RVOT 69mmHg .

By performing three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography we were able to demonstrate the RVOT narrowing in RVOT enface view and by using specific software we were able to demonstrate the morphology of the pulmonary valve and the pulmonary valve orifice area and we found that the pulmonary valve is a bicuspid valve as shown and the pulmonary valve orifice area was 3.8cm2 signifying the absence of significant valvular stenosis.

Conclusion

3D echocardiography in adult congenital heart disease provides unique projections from the living complex anatomy (such as en face views) and true volumetric quantification without geometric assumptions

Abstract P696 Figure. Infundibular stenosis

P5581In patients with aortic valve regurgitation, left ventricular geometry and strain, more than pulmonary artery systolic pressure, affect right ventricular function

Background

Left ventricular (LV) overload due to aortic valve (AR) regurgitation may affect right ventricular (RV) function. Elevation of pulmonary artery pressures secondary to isolated AR is not common. Thus, the effects of chronic LV overload due to AR on RV function remains to be clarified.

Purpose

To assess the determinants of RV dysfunction in chronic AR.

Methods

We studied 36 patients with moderate or severe AR (53±18 years, 81% were men). We used 3D echocardiography to acquire multi-beat, full-volume data sets of LV and RV and to measure volumes and EF. RV fractional area change (FAC) was calculated. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV peak longitudinal strain (RVLS) were assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography.

Results

RV EF and RV FAC were 40±6% and 34±9%. LV GLS and peak RVLS were reduced (Table). LV EDVi showed negative correlations with RV function (RV EF: r=−0.545, p<0.001; RV FAC: r=−0.816, p<0.001). LV sphericity index showed negative correlations with RV function (RVFAC: r=−0.608, P=0.001; RV EF: r=−0.469, P=0.004). Moreover, LV GLS and RVLS correlated positively with RV function (FAC: for GLS: r=0.475, p=0.003 and for RVLS: r=0.389, p=0.019) (RV EF: for GLS: r=0.526, p=0.001 and for RVLS: r=0.475, p=0.003). On multivariable linear regression analysis, LV EDVi, LV sphericity index, LV GLS and peak RVLS were found to be the only independent predictors of RV EF and FAC.

Left and right ventricular volumes and function in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation AR (n=36) Control (n=25) p value LV end-diastolic volume (ml/m2) 106±36 56±8 <0.001 LV end-systolic volume (ml/m2) 50±28 22±4 <0.001 LV ejection fraction (%) 54±10 60±4 <0.001 LV sphericity index 0.53±0.11 0.38±0.08 <0.001 Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (mm Hg) 27±8 RV end-diastolic volume (ml/m2) 59±12 35±7 <0.001 RV end-systolic volume (ml/m2) 31±9 17±3 <0.001 RV ejection fraction (%) 40±6 50±4 <0.001 RV fractional area change (%) 34±9 44±6 <0.001 LV GLS (%) −18±3 21±1 <0.001 Peak RVLS (%) −26±5 −31±3 <0.001

Conclusions

RV remodeling in chronic LV overload due to AR occurs independent on PASP values. LV size, shape and strain are the only independent predictors of RV function.

Molecular response of Sargassum vulgare to acidification at volcanic CO2 vents: insights from de novo transcriptomic analysis

Ocean acidification is an emerging problem that is expected to impact ocean species to varying degrees. Currently, little is known about its effect on molecular mechanisms induced in fleshy macroalgae. To elucidate genome wide responses to acidification, a transcriptome analysis was carried out on Sargassum vulgare populations growing under acidified conditions at volcanic CO2 vents and compared with populations in a control site. Several transcripts involved in a wide range of cellular and metabolic processes were differentially expressed. No drastic changes were observed in the carbon acquisition processes and RuBisCO level. Moreover, relatively few stress genes, including those for antioxidant enzymes and heat-shock proteins, were affected. Instead, increased expression of transcripts involved in energy metabolism, photosynthetic processes and ion homeostasis suggested that algae increased energy production to maintain ion homeostasis and other cellular processes. Also, an increased allocation of carbon to cell wall and carbon storage was observed. A number of genes encoding proteins involved in cellular signalling, information storage and processing and transposition were differentially expressed between the two conditions. The transcriptional changes of key enzymes were largely confirmed by enzymatic activity measurements. Altogether, the changes induced by acidification indicate an adaptation of growth and development of S. vulgare at the volcanic CO2 vents, suggesting that this fleshy alga exhibits a high plasticity to low pH and can adopt molecular strategies to grow also in future more acidified waters.