Modelling plant yield and quality response of fresh-market spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) to mineral nitrogen availability in the root zone

Spinach is one of the most important green-leafy vegetables, consumed worldwide, and its intake is beneficial for human beings. In this crop, produce yield and quality are closely related to plant nitrogen (N) nutrition. A precise supply of N is also essential for high environmental and economic sustainability. Main aims of the work were: i) to establish relationships between produce yield or quality and mineral N availability in the root zone; and ii) to define an optimal mineral N level to be maintained in the root zone for spinach. Eight experiments were carried out during a four-year-long period under typical Mediterranean climate conditions. Different amounts of N fertilisers were supplied leading to twenty different levels of mineral N in the root zone. Experimental measurements included climate parameters, plant growth, tissue and soil analyses, produce yield and quality indicators. A segmented linear model significantly represented the relationship between crop yield (1.7 to 21.7 t ha–1) and soil mineral N concentration (7.6 to 41.0 mg kg–1). Basing on this model, an optimal mineral N threshold was fixed at 23.4 mg kg–1. Above this threshold, crop yield did not show any significant variations as well as tissue characteristics and produce quality. Plants grown under suboptimal N levels showed reduction in growth, tissue mineral (nutrients) content, and SPAD index. The proposed models could be implemented in fertilisation protocols for the optimization of N supply and the estimation of spinach growth and yield

Prediction of 2-[18F]FDG PET-CT SUVmax for Adrenal Mass Characterization: A CT Radiomics Feasibility Study

Simple Summary Adrenal masses represent a common incidental finding at imaging exams such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging performed for unrelated reasons. Encompassing both benign and malignant entities, these lesions can prove challenging to classify. 2-[F-18]FDG PET-CT is a recognized imaging modality for the characterization of indeterminate adrenal masses, but it is an expensive imaging modality and involves radiation exposure. To reduce the number of required scans and identify a less invasive potential alternative, we investigated whether CT radiomics could be used to predict the diagnostic parameter obtained using 2-[F-18]FDG PET-CT (namely SUVmax). However, in our retrospective cohort of 179 adrenal masses and 150 PET-CT scans (of which 66 without iodine contrast injection), no correlation was found between the radiomics synthetic value (RadSV) and 2-[F-18]FDG PET-CT SUVmax. This preliminary finding suggests that it might not be possible to use CT radiomics to reduce 2-[F-18]FDG PET-CT referrals, confirming the role as problem solving tool of this imaging modality. Background: Indeterminate adrenal masses (AM) pose a diagnostic challenge, and 2-[F-18]FDG PET-CT serves as a problem-solving tool. Aim of this study was to investigate whether CT radiomics features could be used to predict the 2-[F-18]FDG SUVmax of AM. Methods: Patients with AM on 2-[F-18]FDG PET-CT scan were grouped based on iodine contrast injection as CT contrast-enhanced (CE) or CT unenhanced (NCE). Two-dimensional segmentations of AM were manually obtained by multiple operators on CT images. Image resampling and discretization (bin number = 16) were performed. 919 features were calculated using PyRadiomics. After scaling, unstable, redundant, and low variance features were discarded. Using linear regression and the Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection technique, a CT radiomics synthetic value (RadSV) was obtained. The correlation between CT RadSV and 2-[F-18]FDG SUVmax was assessed with Pearson test. Results: A total of 725 patients underwent PET-CT from April 2020 to April 2021. In 150 (21%) patients, a total of 179 AM (29 bilateral) were detected. Group CE consisted of 84 patients with 108 AM (size = 18.1 & PLUSMN; 4.9 mm) and Group NCE of 66 patients with 71 AM (size = 18.5 & PLUSMN; 3.8 mm). In both groups, 39 features were selected. No statisticallyf significant correlation between CT RadSV and 2-[F-18]FDG SUVmax was found (Group CE, r = 0.18 and p = 0.058; Group NCE, r = 0.13 and p = 0.27). Conclusions: It might not be feasible to predict 2-[F-18]FDG SUVmax of AM using CT RadSV. Its role as a problem-solving tool for indeterminate AM remains fundamental

Stress Echocardiography in Italian Echocardiographic Laboratories: A Survey of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging

Background: The Italian Society of Echography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to understand the volumes of activity, modalities and stressors used during stress echocardiography (SE) in Italy. Methods: We analyzed echocardiography laboratory activities over a month (November 2022). Data were retrieved through an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire, uploaded on the SIECVI website. Results: Data were obtained from 228 echocardiographic laboratories, and SE examinations were performed in 179 centers (80.6%): 87 centers (47.5%) were in the northern regions of Italy, 33 centers (18.4%) were in the central regions, and 61 (34.1%) in the southern regions. We annotated a total of 4057 SE. We divided the SE centers into three groups, according to the numbers of SE performed: <10 SE (low-volume activity, 40 centers), between 10 and 39 SE (moderate volume activity, 102 centers) and >= 40 SE (high volume activity, 37 centers). Dipyridamole was used in 139 centers (77.6%); exercise in 120 centers (67.0%); dobutamine in 153 centers (85.4%); pacing in 37 centers (21.1%); and adenosine in 7 centers (4.0%). We found a significant difference between the stressors used and volume of activity of the centers, with a progressive increase in the prevalence of number of stressors from low to high volume activity (P = 0.033). The traditional evaluation of regional wall motion of the left ventricle was performed in all centers, with combined assessment of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) in 90 centers (50.3%): there was a significant difference in the centers with different volume of SE activity: the incidence of analysis of CFVR was significantly higher in high volume centers compared to low - moderate - volume (32.5%, 41.0% and 73.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). The lung ultrasound (LUS) was assessed in 67 centers (37.4%). Furthermore for LUS, we found a significant difference in the centers with different volume of SE activity: significantly higher in high volume centers compared to low - moderate - volume (25.0%, 35.3% and 56.8%, respectively, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This nationwide survey demonstrated that SE was significantly widespread and practiced throughout Italy. In addition to the traditional indication to coronary artery disease based on regional wall motion analysis, other indications are emerging with an increase in the use of LUS and CFVR, especially in high-volume centers