Multivariate analysis and GIS approaches for modeling and mapping soil quality and land suitability in arid zones.

Assessing soil quality marks the initial step in precision farming and agricultural management. Developing countries like Egypt face numerous hurdles in ensuring food security due to increasing populations and limited agricultural resources. A geographic information system (GIS) and multivariate analysis were utilized in the current work to evaluate and map a soil quality index (SQI). Moreover, the land suitability of the land for two plantations of the tree's oak (Quercus robur), and pine (Pinus silvestris), respectively was assessed using a parametric approach. A total of 82 soil profiles were selected to fulfill the objectives of the study. Based on the samples' PC scores, and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC, the data was divided into two clusters: Cluster I and Cluster II, which collectively account for approximately 57% and 43% of the total data, respectively.. . The findings indicated that land suitability for planting Q. robur planted identified 2.14% of the research area as highly suitable (S1), 37.98% as moderately suitable (S2), and 59.89% as not suitable (N). Furthermore, the assessment of suitability for P. silvestris indicated that 50.88% of the investigated area was classified into: S1, 48.73% as S2, and 0.39% as N, which means it is not suitable for conservation activities. The research identified that soil depth beside excessive salinity and calcium carbonate as the primary soil constraints in the area in both clusters. The average soil depth, ECd and CaCO3 were 113.62 ± 12.41, 17.27 ± 10.23, 16.83 ± 6.57 in Cluster 1 and 45.43 ± 15.21, 22.42 ± 12.43, 21.55 ± 5.63 in Cluster II. The study demonstrates that integrating multivariate analysis with GIS enables a precise and streamlined assessment of the Soil Quality Index (SQI). Soil suitability modelling underscores the importance of implementing efficient management practices to attain agricultural sustainability in arid regions, particularly amidst intensive land utilization pressures.

Enhancing Maize Yield and Soil Health through the Residual Impact of Nanomaterials in Contaminated Soils to Sustain Food.

Studying the impact of residual soil nanomaterials is a promising challenge for sustainable agricultural development to improve soil health and crop productivity. The objective of this study is to assess the long-term impacts of 50, 100, and 250 mg kg-1 soil of nanobiochar (nB) and nano-water treatment residues (nWTR) on the fertility, biological activity, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) growing in heavy metal-contaminated soils. The results showed that when nB and nWTR were added in larger quantities, the concentrations of lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co) extracted with DTPA decreased. With the addition of nB or nWTR, it also showed a significant increase in exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil fertility, soil organic matter (OM), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and a decrease in soil salinity and sodicity. Catalase and dehydrogenase activities rose as nB addition increased, while they decreased when nWTR addition increased. In comparison to the control, the addition of nB and nWTR greatly boosted maize yield by 54.5-61.4% and 61.9-71.4%, respectively. These findings suggest that the researched nanomaterials' residual effect provides an eco-friendly farming method to enhance the qualities of damaged soils and boost maize production. Our research suggested that adding recycling waste in the form of nanoparticles could immobilize heavy metals, improve soil characteristics, and increase the soil's capacity for productivity.

A case study of a real-time internet of things system for site-specific potato crop management in El-Salhia Area-Egypt.

The site-specific management is the technology that considers the natural variability within the same field of factors related to crop growth to improve its management practices such that the agricultural treatments are varied for field's small production zones saving resources and environment, and improving crop quality and size. Since site-specific decisions are not far from the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the concept of processes automation, this work addresses improving the process of spatial variability analysis and thus supporting management decisions by developing a system-entitled EGYPADS-based on the Internet of Things and its enabling technologies. EGYPADS automates data collection, zones delineation according to their land suitability evaluation, and maps generation. The paper addresses a case study of potato crop in a specific area in Egypt, El-Salhia, in which eighty-five sites were chosen as main dataset for the modeling process during different stages of crop growth. Three management zones were recognized of the selected field based on the differentiation in their land suitability characteristics, representing about 5%, 65%, and 30% of the total area, respectively. The structure, screens, and services of EGYPADS are described in this paper. EGYPADS offered services include: management zones delineation using absolute and virtual coordinates, Land Suitability Assessment (LSA), data entry from field in real-time as well as from excel sheets, saving maps in suitable format for variable rate application, real-time and historical data processing, centralized management, and flexible formulation of events and related actions. The implementation of EGYPADS was verified. The system dynamically produces non-contiguous isobands, each representing a specific range of parameter values, and can be properly exported for use by other programs or smart machinery. It was proven that EGYPADS supports more than one land with different geometry, area, location, and number of nodes. EGYPADS was compared with the traditional LSA method, and was found to produce similar management zones.

Emotional intelligence, alexithymia and suicidal ideation among depressive patients.

BACKGROUND: Depression is more than just sentiment sad or passing a rough patch. It is a serious psychological wellbeing disorder that needs curative care and maintenance. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a comprehensive personality construct denoting the capability to perceive and control affects within the self. Alexithymia is another personality construct that refers to the difficulty of recognizing and expressing feelings, with an outside oriented thinking style. Suicidal ideation is defined as thinking of appealing in conduct intentional to end one's life. AIM: The current study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence, alexithymia and suicidal ideation among depressive patients. DESIGN: A descriptive correlation design was utilized. SETTING: This study was conducted at the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic in El Ahrar Hospital, Alsharkia Governorate, Egypt. SUBJECTS: A purposeful sample of 65 depressed patients was recruited for this study. TOOLS: Data were collected by using four tools: Socio-demographic Data Sheet, Emotional Intelligence Scales, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and Suicidal Ideation Scale. RESULTS: The majority of depressed patients were having alexithymia and having low emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence was statistically significantly negatively correlated with alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Nevertheless, alexithymia was statistically significantly positively correlated with suicidal ideation. It was statistically significantly positively predictor of suicidal ideation and alexithymia, while it was statistically significantly negatively predictor of suicidal ideation and emotional intelligence. CONCLUSION: Lower emotional intelligence led to higher suicidal ideation in depressive patients. Increasing alexithymia in patients with depressive disorders caused an increase in their suicidal ideation. Therefore, it is recommended implementing a training program such as mindfulness and emotional intelligence skills for patients to enhance their emotional intelligence.

Salmon allergen exposure, occupational asthma, and respiratory symptoms among salmon processing workers.

BACKGROUND: This investigation was triggered by three cases of asthma-about 10% of the workforce-occurring in a salmon processing plant over a short period of time. The aim of the investigation was to characterize the work exposure of inhalable organic particles with personal measurements. Respiratory symptoms at work among workers were also assessed. METHODS: Exposures to airborne salmon allergen, airborne mold spores, and endotoxin in water and air were measured during work. To assess the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) Sal s 1 allergen exposure a polyclonal sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed. Current workers (n = 26) answered questionnaires and underwent allergy and lung function tests. RESULTS: Using the sensitive ELISA method (0.05 ng/ml), we found that workers were exposed to high levels of salmon major allergen at the filleting machine and at the filleting table. Airborne endotoxin levels were low, and mold levels were elevated. Only the three initial asthma cases had IgE to salmon. Of the other workers, 65% reported respiratory symptoms at work. These had lower pulmonary function than workers without such symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a sensitive method to measure salmon antigen in air and found that filleting workers were most exposed. It is important to reduce aerosols by improving the ventilation system, machines and organization of work since respiratory symptoms at work among workers were common.

Formation of potential titanium antigens based on protein binding to titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

Degradation products of titanium implants include free ions, organo-metallic complexes, and particles, ranging from nano to macro sizes. The biological effects, especially of nanoparticles, is yet unknown. The main objective of this study was to develop Ti-protein antigens in physiological solutions that can be used in testing of cellular responses. For this purpose, 0.1% TiO2 nanoparticles less than 100 nm were mixed with human serum albumin (HSA), 0.1% and 1%, in cell culture medium (DMEM, pH 7.2). The Ti concentrations in the resulting solutions were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The stability of the nanoparticles in suspension was analyzed by UV-vis spectrophotometer and Dynamic Light Scattering. The concentration of Ti in suspension was dependent on the presence and concentration of HSA. Albumin prevented high aggregation rate of TiO2 nanoparticles in cell culture medium. It is shown that nano TiO2-protein stable aggregates can be produced under physiological conditions at high concentrations, and are candidates for use in cellular tests.

Allergy to fish parvalbumins: studies on the cross-reactivity of allergens from 9 commonly consumed fish.

BACKGROUND: Fish-hypersensitive patients can probably tolerate some fish species while being allergic to others. OBJECTIVE: To determine the allergenic cross-reactivity between 9 commonly edible fish: cod, salmon, pollack, mackerel, tuna, herring, wolffish, halibut, and flounder. METHODS: Sera from 10 patients allergic to fish and rabbit antisera against 3 parvalbumins (Gad c 1, Sal s 1, and The c 1) were used. Cross-reactivity was investigated by SDS/PAGE and IgE immunoblotting, IgG ELISA, IgE ELISA inhibition, and skin prick test (SPT). RESULTS: Cod (Gad c 1), salmon (Sal s 1), pollack (The c 1), herring, and wolffish share antigenic and allergenic determinants as shown by immunoblots and IgE ELISA, whereas halibut, flounder, tuna, and mackerel displayed lowest cross-reactivities. The highest mean IgE ELISA inhibition percent of 10 sera was obtained by Gad c 1, followed by The c 1, herring, Sal s 1, wolffish, halibut, flounder, tuna, and mackerel with the least inhibition. Nine of the 10 patients showed positive SPT to cod, salmon, and pollack; 8 patients reacted to recombinant (r) Sal s 1. Positive SPTs to rGad c 1 and rThe c 1 were demonstrated in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Gad c 1, Sal s 1, The c 1, herring, and wolffish contained the most potent cross-reacting allergens, whereas halibut, flounder, tuna, and mackerel were the least allergenic in the current study. The latter could probably be tolerated by some of the tested patients.

Characterization of parvalbumin, the major allergen in Alaska pollack, and comparison with codfish Allergen M.

Increased fish consumption has led to frequent reporting of fish allergy and adverse reactions. Alaska pollack (Theragra chalcogramma) is a globally important commercial fish species, belonging to the Gadidae family. This family of fish also includes cod whose parvalbumin, Allergen M (Gad c 1), has been thoroughly studied and considered as a reference to sensitization in fish allergy. In the present study, parvalbumin from Alaska pollack, designated The c 1, was purified by use of anion exchange chromatography. To demonstrate the homogeneity of the purified protein, reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography was performed and showed two distinct fractions which had similar IgG and IgE binding capacities. Accordingly, cDNA cloning revealed two isotypic parvalbumin transcripts in pollack muscle. Recombinant parvalbumins of pollack exhibited low IgG and IgE binding capacities, in contrast to the native counterparts, which were almost as potent as cod Gad c 1. The allergenicity of The c 1 was assayed by ELISA inhibition, and compared to cod, the concentration required for obtaining 50% ELISA inhibition (C 50%) was only 18% higher for The c 1.

The major allergen (parvalbumin) of codfish is encoded by at least two isotypic genes: cDNA cloning, expression and antibody binding of the recombinant allergens.

The major allergen (parvalbumin) from cod, designated Allergen M Gad c 1, has been intensively studied both from the structural and immunological sides. In the present study, transcripts of two isotypic parvalbumin genes in Atlantic cod were identified and characterized. Subsequently, subfragments were inserted into the expression vector pET-19b, generating plasmids with coding capacity for complete parvalbumin polypeptides fused to an N-terminal his(10) tag. Most of the recombinant products were found in the soluble fraction of the expression host Escherichia coli. The target proteins showed to react with polyclonal antibodies raised against Allergen M and demonstrated binding to specific IgE from 12 sera of patients allergic to cod in ELISA inhibition experiments. Sera with classes 4 and 5 CAP FEIA exhibited also strong binding to recombinant parvalbumins in immunoblots.

Self-reported skin and respiratory symptoms related to latex exposure among 5,087 hospital employees in Norway.

BACKGROUND: Latex allergy has become prevalent among health care workers. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of self-reported symptoms related to latex exposure among hospital personnel. METHODS: Questionnaires addressing symptoms and risk factors for latex allergy were distributed to all employees (n = 5,087) at Haukeland University Hospital. RESULTS: Symptoms associated with latex exposure were reported by 23.8% of the participants. Skin symptoms were most frequently reported - flushing/itching/hives: 21.0%, hand eczema: 11.8% - while systemic and respiratory symptoms were reported by 1.4 and 1.2%, respectively. Approximately twice as many women than men reported symptoms (odds ratio 2.55, confidence interval 2.04-3.18). Symptoms were reported by 33.7% of those with atopy and by 20.0% of those without. The occurrence of symptoms increased significantly with the frequency of use of latex gloves but was unrelated to age, years of exposure or number of surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of self-reported symptoms was associated with the frequent use of latex gloves, atopy and female gender.

Cow's milk allergy in infancy.

Cow's milk allergy affects approximately 2% of infants under 2 years of age. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding its pathophysiology and immunological mechanisms. Apart from IgE-mediated atopic manifestations, T cell-mediated reactions have been demonstrated in infants with cow's milk allergy. The clinical spectrum ranges from immediate-type reactions, presenting with urticaria and angioedema to intermediate and late-onset reactions, including atopic dermatitis, infantile colic, gastro-oesophageal reflux, oesophagitis, infantile proctocolitis, food-associated enterocolitis and constipation. The exact mechanisms of these disorders are still poorly understood. Double-blind, placebo controlled food challenge, the definitive diagnostic test for cow's milk allergy, is increasingly being replaced by the measurement of food-specific antibodies, in combination with skin-prick or atopy patch testing. The treatment of cow's milk allergy relies on allergen avoidance and hypoallergenic formulae, or maternal elimination diets in breast-fed infants.

Food allergy and intolerance: response to intestinal provocation monitored by endosonography.

OBJECTIVE: Objective assessment of adverse reactions to food is a long-felt want. We report our preliminary experience with a new endosonographic allergen provocation test. METHODS: Twenty patients were examined, seven patients having food allergy and 13 having food intolerance. The duodenal mucosa was challenged with allergen extracts via a nasoduodenal tube. The responses were recorded using a miniprobe for endosonography through the tube. Thereafter, intestinal lavage was performed by giving 2 l PEG solution containing micro Ci (51)CrEDTA. The gut lavage fluid and urine for 5 h were collected. RESULTS: Increased mucosal thickness in response to provocation was recorded in 11 patients, but not more often or pronounced in the allergic than in the intolerance group. Interestingly, increased mucosal thickness associated with a new echogenic layer was seen in two patients and a sustained duodenal contraction, lasting 15-20 min associated with pain, in another two. Intestinal permeability and inflammatory mediators were not significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with self-reported adverse reactions to food abnormal responses to duodenal provocation may be recognised by endosonography. However, neither endosonography nor intestinal permeability or faecal calprotectin responses were able to distinguish between food allergy and intolerance. Sustained duodenal contractions in response to food might be a cause of abdominal pain.