Browse Our Biology and Life Sciences Journals
Biology is a study of living objects and their life processes. It examines all aspects of living organisms such as their occurrence, classification, internal and external structure, nutrition, reproduction, inheritance, etc. The term “biology” is commonly replaced by the terms “life sciences” and “biological sciences.” There are dozens of branches of biology. Some of the major ones include:
Biology and Life Sciences
Abstract
Using efficient and safe preservation technologies to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables is always an important research topic. Among numerous preservation technologies, ultrasound is one of the most available and pollution-free methods that improve the storage quality of fruits and vegetables. The paper summarises the application of ultrasound and its combined treatment in fruit and vegetable storage in recent years, including the cleaning effect, passivation of enzymes, sterilisation, and the impact on quality indicators. In addition, the limitations of ultrasound technology in fruit and vegetable preservation are also detailed. Only under the appropriate conditions can ultrasound treatment extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. However, ultrasound combined with other technologies usually can get better preservation effects, providing a broader application prospect for ultrasound technology.
Abstract
Bio-waste (51.54% of total weight) was obtained from the head and shell of giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea), and comparison with the fatty acid profiles of shrimp meat revealed a higher total polyunsaturated fatty acids content in bio-waste. The study then investigated the effect of six solvents of different polarities (hexane, acetone, chloroform, methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol) on astaxanthin yield, antioxidant activity, and colour a* values (redness) of the bio-waste using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). As a result, hexane showed the highest astaxanthin yield with a linear correlation observed between astaxanthin yield, antioxidant activity, and colour a* values. In contrast, methanol, ethanol, and acetone exhibited the lowest quality values. These findings underline the effectiveness of low polarity solvents in achieving maximum astaxanthin yield.
Abstract
Barbershops are important venues for men to get their hair and beards done and hence, play an important role in men's social life. But barbershops can also be a source of infections. The barber's profession brings the barber into direct contact with customers who may carry pathogens, and contaminated instruments or skin-to-skin contacts might transmit infectious agents. Since barbers work with non-sterile and reusable sharp objects, a simple nick might facilitate blood-borne infections. In our review article we summarize current knowledge regarding barbershop-acquired infections including transmission routes and preventive measures. In fact, shaving in barbershops, particularly when reusing non-disinfected razor blades increases the transmission risk for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B or C viruses. Furthermore, distinct bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, fungi (in particular dermatophytic Trichophyton species) as well as ectoparasitic lice could be identified upon screening of the barbers' equipment and working places. However, knowledge regarding and compliance in hygiene practices varied considerably among barbers. Notably, since in certain countries barbershops are venues to contact sex workers, sexually transmitted diseases might also be acquired in barbershops. In conclusion, improving hygiene standards including disinfection of reusable equipment, and surveillance of the preventive measures would reduce the risk for barbershop-acquired infections.
Abstract
Nowadays, drone imagery is a common way to quickly obtain information on the state of vegetation, as well as a method for taking orthophotos and terrain models. For terrain modelling, aerial photographs are required to have at least 60% overlap between adjacent images. Typically, the inadequate overlap is only discovered later, during post-processing. In our previous work we have presented a method we developed to determine on the spot, whether the in-flight images are suitable for producing the terrain model or whether it is necessary to re-render a part of the area, which can be done under the same conditions (weather, ionosphere, satellite geometry). Our proposed method for calculating the overlap is different from the usual procedure. Using VBA-based calculations, we computed the overlap between the images based on the position of the centre of the images, the altitude of the flight and the rotation angle of the images. The method was tested in practice, but we felt it necessary to verify our calculations. During the verification, we checked the VBA-based calculations using a Python script. The test showed that the results obtained with a previous midpoint calculation method were 92.2 percent identical to the calculations performed with Python. The Python program is accurate and fast; therefore, the use is recommended on the field.
Abstract
The rice bran waxes have a very interesting alcoholic moiety, a mixture of long-chain aliphatic fatty alcohols, collectively known as policosanol. This study aimed to investigate rice bran policosanol extract's effect on testosterone secretion in vitro and in vivo and explore the primary composition ratio. The proliferation of cells and the levels of testosterone in cultured rat Leydig cells were examined, while male sexual behaviour and serum testosterone levels were detected in hydrocortisone-induced mice. It was found that testosterone secretion in primary Leydig cells could be significantly stimulated by a policosanol extract featuring an octacosanol/triacontanol ratio of 3–5/1, with a ratio of 5/1 being the most optimal. A policosanol extract containing 68.72% octacosanol and 13.65% triacontanol was capable of reversing hydrocortisone-induced Kidney-Yang Deficiency syndrome by enhancing sexual behaviour and the weight of reproductive organs, as well as increasing testosterone levels. Consequently, the rice bran policosanol extract with an octacosanol/triacontanol ratio of 3–5/1 could stimulate the secretion of testosterone.
Abstract
Actinomycetoma, a neglected tropical disease affecting the skin and soft tissues, is primarily caused by filamentous bacteria including Nocardia species. Here, we report a healthy 56-year-old man who has a one-year history of nodular lesions with seropurulent discharge on his right knee. Despite negative initial tissue culture, the sulfur granules that were partially acid-fast and Gram-positive branching filamentous rods were revealed in the tissue section. Repeated investigation identified the rare pathogen Nocardia wallacei, using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing. The patient was successfully treated with a six-month course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
This report describes a rare case of actinomycetoma due to N. wallacei, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and the importance of accurate pathogen identification for the successful management of infection. The current literature regarding the causative agent will also be discussed.
Abstract
In this study, changes in the odour of apple slices throughout the drying process were monitored and documented using electronic nose sensors, while moisture levels were measured and recorded using an electronic hygrometer. The initial and final moisture contents of apple slices were determined as 86.81 ± 0.05% and 4.92 ± 0.01%, respectively. During drying, apple slices were monitored with six odour sensors powered by an Arduino microprocessor. As the moisture value of the apple slices decreased during the drying process, the electronic nose data also decreased. In addition, the image changes in the apple slices according to the drying level were taught to the Teachable Machine. In this study, it was observed that the machine was able to detect the drying level of apples with 85%–100% accuracy. When 900 apple samples were used in the test phase, machine learning was able to predict the drying level of apples with 100% accuracy based on the confusion matrix data. PCA analysis highlighted different patterns in the sensor data during drying; PLS analysis showed that the sensor data can accurately predict the colour (L*, a*, b*), diameter, and thickness of apple slices with high correlation coefficients (rCV and rPre > 0.9).
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of storage temperature on the antimicrobial activity of essential oil emulsions of Thymus vulgaris L. (TEOE) and Laurus nobilis (LEOE) at 0.6% against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579), and Listeria innocua (ATCC 33090) inoculated onto cooked chicken breast to simulate post-cooking contamination. Samples stored under: T3 (regular storage at 3 ± 0.5 °C), T8 (inadequate storage 8 ± 1 °C), and T3A (refrigerated storage with simulated temperature abuse at 25 ± 1 °C). Microbial analysis and sensory evaluations were carried out at 0, 24, 36, 72, and 120 h of storage. The GC-MS analysis showed that carvacrol 31.97% and eucalyptol 41.16% were the main components in TEO and LEO, respectively. Storage temperature influenced the antibacterial effect of EOE. TEOE exhibited greater effectiveness at T8 compared to T3, reducing microbial counts to 1 log CFU g−1. Conversely, LEOE demonstrated superior efficacy under T3 in most instances and received a higher acceptability score. Additionally, at T3A, both emulsions demonstrated comparable effectiveness against all bacterial strains, although a slight reduction in antimicrobial proprieties were noted after simulated temperature abuse at 24 h. Therefore, the optimal combination for preserving cooked chicken meat is TEOE under T8 or LEOE under T3; assuming post-cooking contamination.
Abstract
Prescottella (Rhodococcus) soli is a soil-dwelling organism not previously thought to be pathogenic in humans. We discuss the case of a 78-year-old male renal transplant recipient presenting with respiratory symptoms and multiple pulmonary nodules, found to be pulmonary malakoplakia secondary to infection with Prescottella (Rhodococcus) soli. Treatment was commenced with vancomycin, meropenem and azithromycin for an induction period of two weeks and continued with indefinite oral moxifloxacin and azithromycin with significant clinical improvement. Although rare, Prescottella species, including Prescottella soli, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, particularly in immunocompromised patients. More data is required to inform optimal treatment.
Abstract
Lotus root is a popular vegetable known for its nutritional value and unique taste. However, it can be susceptible to heavy metal contamination, which has raised concerns about its safety for consumption. This study aimed to analyse the extent of heavy metal contamination in lotus roots and assess the potential health risks associated with their consumption. The results showed that all measured heavy metal concentrations were below the maximum allowable limits, with contamination indices for all metals across nine provinces remaining below 1.0, classifying the lotus roots as “safe” for consumption. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment using the THQ showed values below 1.0 for all heavy metals in both adults and children, indicating negligible health risks. The HI was calculated as 0.107 for adults and 0.126 for children, with arsenic contributing significantly to these values at 47.76% for adults and 39.55% for children. The carcinogenic risk assessment revealed Carcinogenic Risk (CR) values of 8.37 × 10−8 for Pb, 2.04 × 10−5 for Cr, and 2.30 × 10−5 for As in adults, and 9.86 × 10−8 for Pb, 2.40 × 10−5 for Cr, and 2.71 × 10−5 for As in children. All CR values were within the acceptable range, indicating no apparent carcinogenic effects from lotus root consumption at current intake levels. However, it was noted that increased consumption could elevate risks associated with As, with limits of 174 and 93 g for adults and children, respectively, to maintain safety.
