A deep multi-task learning approach to identifying mummy berry infection sites, the disease stage, and severity.

Introduction: Mummy berry is a serious disease that may result in up to 70 percent of yield loss for lowbush blueberries. Practical mummy berry disease detection, stage classification and severity estimation remain great challenges for computer vision-based approaches because images taken in lowbush blueberry fields are usually a mixture of different plant parts (leaves, bud, flowers and fruits) with a very complex background. Specifically, typical problems hindering this effort included data scarcity due to high manual labelling cost, tiny and low contrast disease features interfered and occluded by healthy plant parts, and over-complicated deep neural networks which made deployment of a predictive system difficult. Methods: Using real and raw blueberry field images, this research proposed a deep multi-task learning (MTL) approach to simultaneously accomplish three disease detection tasks: identification of infection sites, classification of disease stage, and severity estimation. By further incorporating novel superimposed attention mechanism modules and grouped convolutions to the deep neural network, enabled disease feature extraction from both channel and spatial perspectives, achieving better detection performance in open and complex environments, while having lower computational cost and faster convergence rate. Results: Experimental results demonstrated that our approach achieved higher detection efficiency compared with the state-of-the-art deep learning models in terms of detection accuracy, while having three main advantages: 1) field images mixed with various types of lowbush blueberry plant organs under a complex background can be used for disease detection; 2) parameter sharing among different tasks greatly reduced the size of training samples and saved 60% training time than when the three tasks (data preparation, model development and exploration) were trained separately; and 3) only one-sixth of the network parameter size (23.98M vs. 138.36M) and one-fifteenth of the computational cost (1.13G vs. 15.48G FLOPs) were used when compared with the most popular Convolutional Neural Network VGG16. Discussion: These features make our solution very promising for future mobile deployment such as a drone carried task unit for real-time field surveillance. As an automatic approach to fast disease diagnosis, it can be a useful technical tool to provide growers real time disease information that can prevent further disease transmission and more severe effects on yield due to fruit mummification.

CT analysis of skull contents in naturally mummified human corpses, a multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess skull contents, brain appearance, and density on postmortem computed tomography in naturally mummified corpses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, a retrospective multicentric study, including mummified corpses from two French centers (Brest and Nantes) and from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database (USA), was performed by analyzing postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) focused on the head and neck of partially or fully mummified corpses discovered between 2011 and 2022. The PMCT analysis provided data on the CT appearance of brains, allowing them to be classified into four different categories (desiccation, liquefaction, dura mater only (DMO), and absence), and to measure densities (HU) of the brain remains. In addition, data on postmortem intervals (PMI) from Nantes and Brest centers were collected and analyzed to test the link between brain densities and PMIs. RESULTS: 54 cases of naturally mummified corpses were included. The brains were classified as liquefied (56%), desiccated (17 %), DMO (20 %), and absent (7 %) based on their CT appearance. Dehydrated brains were significantly (p < 0.004) denser (median 102 HU, interquartile range (IQR) 41) than either liquefied brains (median 39.5 HU, IQR 9) or brains with DMO (median -25 HU, IQR 57). However, the density of brain remains was not significantly affected by where the bodies were found (p = 0,41). Analysis of PMI and brain densities was performed on 22 cases. The results showed that brain remains were significantly (p = 0.039) denser when they were found after a PMI of more than six months. CONCLUSION: Brain desiccation was the aspect with the highest densities on PMCT, and for which we were able to highlight great preservation of anatomical structures observable in living organisms.

3D facial approximation and endocast analysis of the Mummy of Minirdis (Ancient Egypt, ca. 2,300 Before Present).

The present article offers the facial approximation of the mummy of the ancient Egyptian adolescent named Minirdis (ca. 2300 years BP) by means of anatomical analysis of video-images and through a facial approximation protocol implemented on more historical personages. An evaluation of the mummy's endocast is also offered. A potential diagnosis of Sotos syndrome is cautiously considered but its inherent limitations are detailed. Finally, the methodology is presented as a valuable tool both for bio-historical research and for further studies on normal and pathologic morphologies of the cranio-facial district.

Genetic Predisposition of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Ancient Human Remains.

Background: Several computed tomographic studies have shown the presence of atherosclerosis in ancient human remains. However, while it is important to understand the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), genetic data concerning the prevalence of the disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in our ancestors are scarce. Objective: For a better understanding of the role of genetics in the evolution of ASCVD, we applied an enrichment capture sequencing approach to mummified human remains from different geographic regions and time periods. Methods: Twenty-two mummified individuals were analyzed for their genetic predisposition of ASCVD. Next-generation sequencing methods were applied to ancient DNA (aDNA) samples, including a novel enrichment approach specifically designed to capture SNPs associated with ASCVD in genome-wide association studies of modern humans. Findings: Five out of 22 ancient individuals passed all filter steps for calculating a weighted polygenic risk score (PRS) based on 87 SNPs in 56 genes. PRSs were correlated to scores obtained from contemporary people from around the world and cover their complete range. The genetic results of the ancient individuals reflect their phenotypic results, given that the only two mummies showing calcified atherosclerotic arterial plaques on computed tomography scans are the ones exhibiting the highest calculated PRSs. Conclusions: These data show that alleles associated with ASCVD have been widespread for at least 5,000 years. Despite some limitations due to the nature of aDNA, our approach has the potential to lead to a better understanding of the interaction between environmental and genetic influences on the development of ASCVD.

Extensive Pyoderma gangrenosum following breast reduction and abdominoplasty: a challenging case.

Post-surgical pyoderma gangrenosum (P SP G) is a subtype of pyoderma gangrenosum in which non-infectious, painful, inflammatory ulcerative nodules develop in incision sites. Delayed diagnosis and surgical interventions of P SP G often contribute to worsened morbidity. We present a case of a 55-year-old female diagnosed with severe P SP G after breast augmentation and abdominoplasty.

Probable fatal mastoiditis by the around 2300 year old Heidelberg's Egyptian mummy Djed-Hor.

The universal use of computed tomography (CT) has opened up new possibilities in the noninvasive examination of human mummies, and particularly the detailed study of the fine structures of the temporal bone. The aim of this study was to describe the morphological changes, as seen on CT, found in the right temporal bone of Djed-Hor, an around 2300 year old Heidelberg's Egyptian mummy, and to discuss their possible causal relation to his death. Here we showed the presence of a compress on the auricle, and of probable pus in the mastoid, middle ear, and external ear with erosion of the tegmen tympani probably related to a fatal acute mastoiditis. These typical morphological changes of such a disease were demonstrated in the same way as in living patients of today. This would be the first depiction of a compress on an auricle associated with pus in the ear of an Egyptian mummy.

High-coverage genome of the Tyrolean Iceman reveals unusually high Anatolian farmer ancestry.

The Tyrolean Iceman is known as one of the oldest human glacier mummies, directly dated to 3350-3120 calibrated BCE. A previously published low-coverage genome provided novel insights into European prehistory, despite high present-day DNA contamination. Here, we generate a high-coverage genome with low contamination (15.3×) to gain further insights into the genetic history and phenotype of this individual. Contrary to previous studies, we found no detectable Steppe-related ancestry in the Iceman. Instead, he retained the highest Anatolian-farmer-related ancestry among contemporaneous European populations, indicating a rather isolated Alpine population with limited gene flow from hunter-gatherer-ancestry-related populations. Phenotypic analysis revealed that the Iceman likely had darker skin than present-day Europeans and carried risk alleles associated with male-pattern baldness, type 2 diabetes, and obesity-related metabolic syndrome. These results corroborate phenotypic observations of the preserved mummified body, such as high pigmentation of his skin and the absence of hair on his head.

HEAD LOUSE PALEOEPIDEMIOLOGY IN THE OSMORE RIVER VALLEY, SOUTHERN PERU.

Recent studies of louse ectoparasites from mummies have developed robust data sets that allow a true epidemiological approach to the prehistory of louse parasitism. One epidemiological principle is that the binomial of overdispersion is normally negative, meaning that in a host population, parasites are aggregated in a few individuals. We demonstrate the overdispersion of lice in 3 different prehistoric communities that differ along 3 axes or variables: environmental setting, socioeconomic status, and cultural affiliation. Distinct cultural practices could have been involved in different patterns of louse infestation. Prevalence, intensity, and abundance of infestations exhibit statistically significant differences between the communities. We also find differences in prevalence between subadults and adults that contrasted by cultural affiliation and suggest conditions different from those seen today. We show that overall prevalence was affected primarily by ecological setting, not socioeconomic status nor cultural affiliation. These findings demonstrate that statistical analysis of archaeological data can reveal the states of infestation in past populations with lifestyles not seen in modern people. Our approach paves the way for future comparisons of subpopulations within archaeological communities.

Updates on parasite infection prevalence in the Joseon period based on parasitological studies of human coprolites isolated from archaeological sites in the cities of Euijeongbu, Gumi, and Wonju.

Parasite infection rates estimated by examining ancient coprolites can provide insights into parasitism in Joseon society. Using newly discovered Joseon period cases is essential to regularly update the parasite infection rates and reinforce the reliability of our previous estimations. In the present study, we investigated parasite infections in Joseon coprolites newly isolated from the cities of Euijeongbu, Gumi, and Wonju. We then updated the overall parasite infection rates of Joseon period samples (n= 30) as follows: 86.7% (26/30) for Trichuris trichiura, 56.7% (17/30) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 30.0% (9/30) for Clonorchis sinensis, and 30.0% (9/30) for Paragonimus westermani. The parasite infection rates in the Joseon society, estimated through coprolite examination, were very similar to those determined previously despite the addition of new cases to the existing data pool.

A nontuberculous mycobacterium could solve the mystery of the lady from the Franciscan church in Basel, Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: In 1975, the mummified body of a female has been found in the Franciscan church in Basel, Switzerland. Molecular and genealogic analyses unveiled her identity as Anna Catharina Bischoff (ACB), a member of the upper class of post-reformed Basel, who died at the age of 68 years, in 1787. The reason behind her death is still a mystery, especially that toxicological analyses revealed high levels of mercury, a common treatment against infections at that time, in different body organs. The computed tomography (CT) and histological analysis showed bone lesions in the femurs, the rib cage, and the skull, which refers to a potential syphilis case. RESULTS: Although we could not detect any molecular signs of the syphilis-causing pathogen Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, we realized high prevalence of a nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) species in brain tissue sample. The genome analysis of this NTM displayed richness of virulence genes and toxins, and similarity to other infectious NTM, known to infect immunocompromised patients. In addition, it displayed potential resistance to mercury compounds, which might indicate a selective advantage against the applied treatment. This suggests that ACB might have suffered from an atypical mycobacteriosis during her life, which could explain the mummy's bone lesion and high mercury concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The study of this mummy exemplifies the importance of employing differential diagnostic approaches in paleopathological analysis, by combining classical anthropological, radiological, histological, and toxicological observations with molecular analysis. It represents a proof-of-concept for the discovery of not-yet-described ancient pathogens in well-preserved specimens, using de novo metagenomic assembly.

Novel eco-friendly [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives efficiency against fungal deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage, Egypt.

Fungal deterioration is one of the major factors that significantly contribute to mummy cartonnage damage. Isolation and molecular identification of thirteen fungal species contributing to the deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage located in El-Lahun regions, Fayoum government, Egypt was performed. The most dominant deteriorated fungal species are Aspergillus flavus (25.70%), Aspergillus terreus (16.76%), followed by A. niger (13.97%). A newly synthesized series of tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal activities in vitro against the isolated deteriorated fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, Athelia bombacina, Aureobasidium iranianum, Byssochlamys spectabilis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. ramotenellum, Penicillium crustosum, P. polonicum, Talaromyces atroroseus, T. minioluteus and T. purpureogenus). The most efficient chalcone derivatives are new chalcone derivative numbers 9 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1 to 3 mg/mL followed by chalcone derivatives number 5 with MIC ranging from 1 to 4 mg/mL.

Toxicological Analysis of Drugs in Human Mummified Bodies and Proposed Guidelines.

From palaeopathology to forensic taphonomy, mummified human bodies constitute biological archives of paramount importance. Toxicology analysis of endobiotics and xenobiotics has already shown value to archaeological mummies research with detecting heavy metals, sedative-hypnotic drugs, and stimulants. Thanks to the large window of drug detection in hair and nails, the information from such studies has increased the scientific community's knowledge regarding past populations' lifestyles. Still, few bibliographic references exist regarding toxicology reports in mummified bodies from forensic settings. Here, the authors aim to draw attention to the valuable contribution of toxicology analysis, taking into account previously conducted studies and their findings. Given that sample collection on mummified bodies from forensic scenarios may not always happen in laboratories or autopsy rooms, the authors also suggest guidelines for in situ sampling of forensic mummies. It is expected that the present technical note will encourage experts to perform toxicology analysis in mummified bodies and publish their case reports more often.

Environmental implications of Ptolemaic Period rodents and shrews from the Sacred Falcon Necropolis at Quesna, Egypt (Mammalia: Muridae and Soricidae).

BACKGROUND: Assemblages of mummified and preserved animals in necropoleis of Ptolemaic Period Egypt (ca. 332-30 BC) document some aspects of the ceremonial and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians, but study of these animal remains can also provide insight into the local environments in which the animals and humans lived. RESULTS: Excavations of the Sacred Falcon Necropolis at Quesna in the Nile Delta have yielded many thousands of animal remains, mostly of raptors, but also of a lesser number of small, wild mammals. Among the latter, we identified four species of murid rodents (Rodentia: Muridae) and five species of shrews (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae). The soricids are of particular interest because they represent a more diverse assemblage of species than occurs in the delta today. They include one species, Crocidura gueldenstaedtii (Pallas, 1811), that no longer occurs in the delta and another, C. fulvastra (Sundevall, 1843), that is now extirpated from Egypt. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of this diverse small mammal community suggests that a greater availability and variety of mesic habitats were present during the Ptolemaic Period than occur there now. The local mammal faunas recovered at Quesna and other well-studied ancient Egyptian sites together provide evidence of a richer, more complex regional environment along the Nile Valley. They also provide important insight regarding the biogeography of the individual species comprising the faunas and about the extent of faunal turnover since the Ptolemaic Period.

Computer tomography and magnetic resonance for multimodal imaging of fossils and mummies.

The study of fossils and mummies has largely benefited from the use of modern noninvasive and nondestructive imaging technologies and represents a fast developing area. In this review, we describe the emerging role of imaging based on Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Computer Tomography (CT) employed for the study of ancient remains and mummies. For each methodology, the state of the art in paleoradiology applications is described, by emphasizing new technologies developed in the field of both CT, such as micro- and nano-CT, dual-energy and multi-energy CT, and MR, with the description of novel dedicated sequences, radiofrequency coils and gradients. The complementarity of CT and MR in paleoradiology is also discussed, by pointing out what MR provides in addition to CT, with an overview on the state of the art of emerging strategies in the use of CT/MR combination for the study of a sample following a multimodal integrated approach.

Effects of Helicopter Parenting on Tutoring Engagement and Continued Attendance at Cram Schools.

Attending cram school has long been a trend in ethnic Chinese culture areas, including Taiwan. Despite the fact that school reform policies have been implemented in Taiwan, cram schools have continued to prosper. Therefore, in this educational culture, how to achieve a good educational effect is also a topic worthy of discussion. However, whether students really engage in those tutoring programs provided by cram schools has seldom been studied. To address this gap, this study explored how parents' hovering attitude toward life and coursework influences their children's engagement in cram schools. This study targeted those students who attend English cram schools to test the correlates between two types of helicopter parenting, tutoring engagement and continued attendance at cram schools. A total of 320 questionnaires were sent out, and 300 were returned, giving an overall response rate of 93.75%. Excluding seven incomplete or invalid questionnaires, 293 valid questionnaires were received. The results of this study show that hovering behavior awareness is negatively related to cram school engagement, whereas cram school engagement is positively related to the intention to continue attending cram school. Moreover, the results imply that parents should alleviate their helicoptering behavior to enhance their children's engagement in cram school tutoring programs.

Augmenting sanitation with insecticides to improve control of navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in California tree nuts.

BACKGROUND: Sanitation, consisting of eliminating unharvested nuts (mummies) that serve as both harborage and food source for navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), is the foundation for control in almonds and pistachios. Sometimes sanitation is ineffective and needs to be augmented. Trials in almonds and pistachios were conducted early October 2005-2006 to determine if insecticides applied postharvest could augment sanitation, and in almonds late March to early May 2016-2020 to establish their duration of control. RESULTS: Early October sprays reduced adult emergence by as much as 81.5% in pistachios, but reduction was only 32.4% in almonds. Trapping before almond hull split revealed that 55% of adult emergence occurred between 15 April and 1 June, indicating that an insecticide with a six week duration of control could reduce successful oviposition and neonate establishment. Five insecticides applied from late March to early May belonging to four Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) groups decreased survival for at least six weeks, and some lasted as long as 10 weeks. By contrast, the duration of control in contact bioassays was far shorter. CONCLUSION: Insecticides applied from late March to early May successfully reduced the survival of A. transitella in almond mummies for as long as 10 weeks postapplication, and there was a positive relationship between reduction in survival and kernel damage. If these insecticides are applied during mid- to late April, postbloom and before hull split, they can substantially eliminate almond mummies as a resource for 55% of the spring flight of A. transitella.

GENETIC ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT CLONORCHIS SINENSIS EGGS ATTAINED FROM GORYEONG MUMMY OF JOSEON DYNASTY PERIOD.

Although Clonorchis sinensis is a parasite that still infects many people in East Asia, its genetics remain largely unknown. We conducted ancient DNA analysis of C. sinensis eggs obtained from a Joseon period mummy newly discovered in South Korea. Clonorchis sinensis DNA was amplified for internal transcribed spacer 1, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and 5 genes. The results of BLAST/NCBI showed that the consensus sequences were 98.24 to 100% identical to the modern and ancient C. sinensis sequences reported from Korea, China, Japan, and other Asian countries. Our report helps to fill in the genetic profile of ancient C. sinensis strains that infected East Asian people hundreds of years ago.

A New TaqMan Real-Time PCR Assay for Detecting the Blueberry Pathogen Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi.

Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi (Mvc) is an important fungal pathogen of blueberry, causing mummy berry disease. While the symptoms of the advanced stages of the disease can be obvious, diagnosing its early stages can be challenging. To facilitate fast and sensitive screening of asymptomatic or latently infected plant material for Mvc, we developed a specific TaqMan real-time PCR assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The assay was shown to be specific to Mvc and did not cross react with any of the other tested Monilinia species or other blueberry pathogens. Using the multicopy ITS region ensured high analytical sensitivity, enabling very low concentrations of Mvc DNA (0.1 pg) to be detected both in water and host DNA matrix. Comparable results were obtained in interlaboratory testing, showing that the assay is robust, and can be effectively used in other laboratories. Assay sensitivity was also confirmed on infected plant tissue, showing that it is effective in detecting the pathogen in infected asymptomatic stem tissue, as well as infected tissue that was mixed with healthy tissue at a ratio of 1:10 by weight. The assay was duplexed with a plant internal control (cytochrome oxidase gene) for simultaneous amplification of the pathogen and plant internal control in a single reaction. This new diagnostic tool can be used for sensitive and rapid screening of blueberry plants for the presence of Mvc in many different settings, e.g., for breeding programs, research, or biosecurity diagnostics.

Scanning and three-dimensional-printing using computed tomography of the "Golden Boy" mummy.

Ancient Egyptian mummies represent an opportunity to learn more about the health, beliefs, and skills of humans in antiquity. A fully wrapped mummy, from a Late Ptolemaic cemetery (c.332-30 BC) in Edfu, Egypt, has been stored, unexamined, at the Cairo Egyptian Museum since 1916. We hypothesized that scanning and 3D-printing the mummy using Computed Tomography (CT) could help in documenting and promoting its public display. CT enabled non-invasive digital unwrapping and revealed a well-preserved mummy. Biological sex could be determined from the presence of male genitalia; epiphyseal fusion and tooth eruption indicated an approximate age at death of 14-15 years. The deceased had healthy teeth and bones without evidence of poor nutrition or disease. CT detected a high-quality mummification process that included brain removal through an iatrogenic defect of the cribriform plate and viscera removal via a left lower-abdominal incision. The heart remained in the chest as a spiritual symbol. Resin was poured into the emptied cranial and torso cavities, and linen packs were placed inside the torso. The Mummy's external ornamentation includes a gilded head mask, a pectoral cartonnage, and a pair of sandals. CT identified 49 amulets inside the mummy and between the wrappings, arranged in three columns. The amulets have 21 different shapes, including Udjat, scarabs, Ajet, Djed-pillar, Tyt, Placenta, Double-Plume, and Right-angle. CT densities indicated that 30 (61%) amulets were metal (likely gold), and the other amulets were made of faience, stones, or fired clay. The embalmers placed amulets to protect and provide vitality for the body for the afterlife. A gold tongue amulet was placed inside the mouth to ensure the deceased could speak in the afterlife. A Two-finger amulet was placed beside the penis to protect the embalming incision. 3D-printing enabled the tactile and visual study of a heart scarab found inside the thoracic cavity. Findings from this study suggest that ancient Egyptians valued their children and provided them with ritual treatment. State-of-the-art techniques such as CT and 3D printing provided valuable insights and supported the museum display of the mummy, nicknamed "The Golden Boy."