Applied Sciences

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty is an essential procedure to restore cranial integrity, protect neural structures, and improve cosmetic outcomes. However, commercially available implants are often costly, limiting their accessibility in public healthcare systems. Three dimensional (3D) printing offers a low cost alternative for producing patient-specific solutions. METHODS: A retrospective case series of eight patients undergoing cranioplasty using customized polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) implants fabricated with 3D printed molds was conducted. Computed tomography (CT) scans were used for segmentation and digital modeling. Patient specific molds were designed and printed preoperatively. Variables analyzed included design time, printing time, intraoperative workflow, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Design time ranged from approximately 1 hour for small defects to 3 hours for larger defects. Printing time ranged from 2 3 hours for smaller defects and up to 8 10 hours for larger reconstructions. Satisfactory aesthetic outcomes were achieved in 7 of 8 patients (87.5%). No major implant related complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Low cost 3D printing for PMMA cranioplasty is a feasible, accessible, and effective technique for cranial reconstruction, particularly in resource limited settings. Keywords: Cranioplasty; 3D printing; Cranial defect reconstruction; Low cost surgery; Patient specific implants; Polymethylmethacrylate; Skull reconstruction

Background Inflammatory markers play an important role in the pathophysiology of Lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This study presents a comprehensive multi-assessment of the inflammatory landscape by combining serum inflammatory cytokines quantification, their diagnostic performance, associations with radiological features, and integrating the experimental findings into an in-silico protein-protein interaction network. Methods A multifaceted study design was utilized to quantify and compare the distribution of selected inflammatory cytokines in patients with LDH and control subjects. The diagnostic ability of these cytokines was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The cytokines values were correlated with selected radiological findings including disc herniation subtypes (protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration), and further categorized as contained and non-contained in patients using a Spearmans rank correlation test. Additionally, computational analysis was performed to identify the central hubs and functionally enriched pathways. Results In patients with LDH, IL-6 and IL-1{beta} showed statistically significant (IL-6: p < 0.001; IL-1{beta}: p = 0.001) rise, but IL-6 showed high diagnostic and discriminative power (AUC = 0.99; cut-off: 19.99 pg/mL). Further IL-1{beta} exhibited a positive correlation with non-contained disc herniation (extrusion and sequestration), while displaying a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation with protrusion. In silico analysis identified IL-1{beta}, IL-8, TNF-, IL-6, IL-1, CSF2, CSF3, and IL-10 as central hubs, with IL-1{beta} being the top ranked hub in determining functionally enriched cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Conclusions Study confirmed IL-6 as a powerful diagnostic marker for LDH, while IL-1{beta} aids in determining contained and non-contained disc herniation. Further, IL-1{beta} was identified as the central hub, triggering functionally enriched pathways in the pathogenesis of LDH.

Infrared (IR) imaging systems are used on vessels, platforms, and drones to detect cetaceans several kilometers away, helping to mitigate harm from maritime activities like vessel strikes and pile driving. To ensure operational effectiveness, the reliable detection range (RDR) --the distance at which 100% detection probability is achieved--is a critical metric. This study presents a radiometric model for calculating RDR across a wide range of environmental conditions and system parameters, which enables the evaluation of IR system performance without extensive at-sea data collection.

This paper investigates the way in which mitochondria distribute and align inside HeLa cells observed with serial block-face scanning electron microscopy. Four models of alignment were considered: (1) mitochondria exhibiting no discernible alignment pattern, (2) mitochondria aligned pointing towards the nucleus of the cell, (3) mitochondria aligned all in one direction when viewed from above, (4) mitochondria aligned tangent to the surface of the nucleus. These models were named (1) unaligned, (2) petals, (3) racecars, and (4) clouds. The mitochondria, nucleus and plasma membrane of 25 individual cells were segmented. A total of 12,299 mitochondria were identified and analysed. Alignment of the major axis of each mitochondrion was calculated in two ways: relative to a ray that joins it to the centroid of the nucleus, and relative to a ray that joins it to the nucleus surface. Results indicate that mitochondria tend to align tangentially to the nucleus surface, i.e., a clouds model. In addition, differences in the spatial distributions of the mitochondria were found and quantified with clearly defined metrics. The methodology here presented can be extended to other acquisition settings where the distribution and alignment of cells could be important, for instance, histopathology.

Conductive hearing loss (CHL) with a normal otoscopic exam can be difficult to diagnose because routine clinical measures such as audiometric air-bone gaps (ABGs) can identify a conductive component but often cannot distinguish among specific underlying mechanical pathologies (e.g., stapes fixation versus superior canal dehiscence, which may produce similar audiograms). Wideband tympanometry (WBT) is a fast, noninvasive test that can provide additional mechanical information across a broad range of frequencies (200 Hz to 8 kHz). However, WBT metrics are influenced by variations in ear canal geometry and probe placement and can be challenging to interpret clinically. In this study, we extend prior WBT absorbance-based classification work by estimating the middle ear input impedance at the tympanic membrane (ZME), a WBT-derived metric intended to reduce ear canal effects. To estimate ZME, we fit an analog circuit model of the ear canal, middle ear, and inner ear to raw WBT data collected at tympanometric peak pressure (TPP). Data from 27 normal ears, 32 ears with superior canal dehiscence, and 38 ears with stapes fixation were analyzed. A multinomial logistic regression classifier was trained using principal component analysis (retaining 90% variance) and stratified 5-fold cross-validation with regularization. We compared feature sets based on ABGs alone, ABGs combined with absorbance, and ABGs combined with the magnitude of ZME. The combination of ABGs and the magnitude of ZME produced the best performance, achieving an overall accuracy of 85.6% compared to 80.4% for ABGs alone and 78.4% for ABGs combined with absorbance. These results suggest that incorporating model-derived middle ear impedance features with standard audiometric measures (ABGs) can improve automated pathology classification for stapes fixation and superior canal dehiscence.

Disruptions in large-scale electroencephalography dynamics are a hallmark of Alzheimers disease. However, conventional microstate analyses rely primarily on amplitude-based features and may overlook phase-related alterations in network organization. This study examined whether integrating instantaneous frequency and instantaneous amplitude into a unified microstate framework could better characterize AD-related EEG dynamics. Resting-state electroencephalography data were recorded from 16 patients with Alzheimers disease and 18 healthy controls using 16 scalp electrodes. Instantaneous frequency and instantaneous amplitude were derived via the Hilbert transformation in the theta to alpha band, ranging from 4 to 13 Hz, spatially normalized, and jointly clustered using the k-means algorithm with k equal to 4 to define the integrated frequency and amplitude microstates. Temporal properties, including dwell time, fractional occurrence, and transition probabilities, were compared between groups. The analysis identified recurrent instantaneous frequency and instantaneous amplitude microstates. Patients with Alzheimers disease showed a reduced occurrence of the occipital-leading state with frontal amplitude enhancement and an increased occurrence of the frontal-leading, frontal-amplified state, while transition probabilities did not differ significantly. These findings suggest that impairments related to Alzheimers disease are reflected in the altered prevalence of integrated phase and amplitude brain states, supporting integrated instantaneous frequency and instantaneous amplitude microstates as a complementary approach based on electroencephalography for probing neurodegenerative network dysfunction.

The in vitro study aimed to evaluate linear dimensional shifts in intraoral photographs of the esthetic zone captured using two smartphone cameras--the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra--compared to a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, which is regarded as the gold standard for dental photography. Imaging was performed under controlled conditions using a custom-designed stand and stabilizer to maintain a consistent distance and angle between the dental model and the photographic devices. Standardized frontal and occlusal images of the anterior maxillary region were acquired, and point-to-point linear measurements between specified dental landmarks were performed using calibrated digital imaging software. Each measurement was conducted triple and then averaged across various samples per image to guarantee precision and dependability. Friedmans test with Bonferroni correction was applied for statistical analysis to evaluate differences among the imaging devices. The results indicated no statistically significant variations in linear measures between the DSLR and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (p > 0.05), however minor inconsistencies were noted between the DSLR and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It is important to acknowledge that all images were obtained utilizing the stabilization system, which contrasts with the conventional handheld approach applied in clinical environments and could impact the external validity of the results. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, in telephoto mode, demonstrated measurement precision similar to that of a DSLR camera, potentially serving as a reliable choice for clinical intraoral photography. The iPhone 15 Pro Max demonstrated potential, although minor measurement discrepancies.

The production of petroleum-based plastics used for packaging has led to significant environmental challenges in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Consequently, there is a growing need to explore viable alternatives to the usage of these conventional plastics. This study investigates the utilization of cellulose powder for producing of biodegradable plastics as a more sustainable substitute for petroleum-based materials. Bioplastic films were formulated with varying glycerol contents ranging from 0.5ml - 2.0ml. The glycerol served as a plasticizer to improve the mechanical properties of the films, which were subsequently subjected to biodegradability and tensile strength tests. Biodegradability was evaluated through soil burial tests, which revealed that higher glycerol concentrations accelerated rate of weight loss, with the 2.0 ml formulation exhibiting the fastest degradation rate. Tensile strength increased with glycerol content up to 1.5 ml, where a maximum strength of 7.23 N/mm2 was recorded, but declined at 2.0 ml. The findings indicate that a glycerol concentration of 1.5 ml yields the most optimal bioplastic formulation for short-term packaging applications.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess the quality, empathy, and readability of large language model (LLM) responses regarding otologic questions from patients as they compare to verified physician responses in other patient-driven forums. This study aims to predict the potential utility of LLMs in patient-centered communication. Study DesignComparative study SettingsInternet MethodsA sample of 49 otology-related questions posted on Reddit r/AskDocs1 between January 2020 and June 2025 were selected using search terms including "hearing loss," "ear infection," "tinnitus," "ear pain," and "vertigo." Posts were retrieved using Reddits "Top" filter. Each question was answered by a verified doctor on Reddit and three AI LLMs (ChatGPT-4o, ClaudeAI, Google Gemini). Responses were scored by five evaluators. ResultsCommon otologic concerns posed in patient questions were otalgia (38.7%), vertigo (28.6%), tinnitus (24.5%), hearing loss (22.4%), and aural fullness (20.4%). LLM responses were longer than physician responses (mean 145 vs 67 words; p < .05) and rated higher in quality (10.95 vs 9.58), empathy (7.26 vs 5.18), and readability (4.00 vs 3.73); (all p < .05). Evaluators correctly identified AI versus physician responses in 89.4% of cases with higher sensitivity for detecting physician responses (93.5%). By Flesch-Kincaid grade level, ChatGPT produced the most readable content (mean 7.25), while ClaudeAI responses were more complex (11.86; p < .05). ConclusionLLM responses received higher ratings in quality, empathy, and readability than those of physicians in response to a variety of otologic concerns. When appropriately implemented, such systems may enhance access to understandable otologic information and complement clinician-delivered care.

ObjectiveOnly preliminary investigations on the use of the 445 nanometer wavelength blue light laser (BLL) for various laryngeal pathologies have been described. Currently, no standard exists for reporting treatment technique and tissue effect with this modality. Here, we aim to establish and validate a classification system to describe laser-induced tissue effects. Study DesignRetrospective video-based study for classification development and reliability validation. MethodsVideo recordings from procedures performed with the BLL by multiple academic laryngologists were retrospectively reviewed. A preliminary 6-point classification (BLL 1-6) was developed based on expert consensus. Thirteen additional procedural clips were independently rated utilizing the classification schema to assess perceived tissue effect, and measure inter- and intra-rate reliability. ResultsThe final 5-point classification system (BLL 1-5) included angiolysis, blanching, tissue vaporization, ablation with mechanical tissue removal, and cutting. The consensus of the combined reviewers in rating all cases was 89% (58 of 65). Complete consensus was not achieved in 11% (7/65) of cases. Of those incorrect, 57% (4/7) were of clips illustrating the BLL-2 classification. Intra-rater reliability amongst the reviewers was 100%. ConclusionTissue effect of the 445 nm blue light laser can reliably be standardized with this proposed classification system. This rating system can be used to facilitate future systematic study of outcomes and effective communication between laryngologists and trainees.

The human auditory system decomposes complex sounds into distinct components via a collection of processing steps. Knowing whether Spiral Ganglion Cells (SGCs) play an active role in the decoding of complex sounds can facilitate the development of Cochlear Implant (CI) coding strategies and clinical assessment tools. Early animal studies reported SGCs being similar across different characteristic frequencies (CFs). In this study, human electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAPs) were analysed to probe the relationship between the reciprocal of CF and the duration of the eCAP. A significant relationship could indicate that SGCs may not simply be passive cables. eCAP datasets from 6 published studies (175 CI users, 1243 recordings) were analysed and their peaks were automatically labelled. The n1p2 latency was derived for each recording as a proxy of the action potential duration. The CF of each recording was estimated by mapping the average insertion angle of the electrode to the human SGC map. A weak but statistically significant relationship was observed between the n1p2 latency and the reciprocal of CF (random-effects model with random intercepts for subject, r = 0.09, p = 0.024, n= 450) supporting the hypothesis that lower CF is associated with slower repolarisation (longer n1p2 latency) in human spiral ganglion cells.

PurposeTo evaluate the predictive value of the thoracic spine-clavicle angle (TSCA) and the thoracic cage-clavicle angle (TCCA) for immediate postoperative shoulder balance. MethodsA total of 154 Lenke type 1 and 2 AIS patients who underwent corrective surgery in our hospital were included. The degree of clavicle angle (CA), thoracic spine tilt angle (TSTA), thoracic cage tilt angle (TCTA), proximal thoracic curve (PTC) Cobb angle, and main thoracic curve (MTC) Cobb angle were measured on standing full-length posteroanterior spine radiographs before and after surgery. Five parameters, TSCA, TCCA, correction rate of PTC, correction rate of MTC, relative PT/MT residual Cobb angle (RRCA), were calculated. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to determine the risk factors of PSB. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsFor TCCA, in group R (vs group B), pre-op right high (vs pre-op left high) (OR=8.102, 95%CI [1.650, 39.786], p=0.01) and RRCA (OR=1.015, 95%CI [1.004, 1.026], p=0.009) are risk factors. Pre-op left high (vs pre-op right high) (OR=0.123, 95%CI [0.025, 0.606], p=0.01) and correction rate of MTC (OR=0.886, 95%CI [0.809, 0.971], p=0.009) are protective factors. Correction rate of PTC shows no significant effect. In group L (vs group B), pre-op left high (vs pre-op right high) (OR=2.648, 95%CI [1.084, 6.469], p=0.033) is a risk factor. Pre-op right high (vs pre-op left high) (OR=0. 378, 95%CI [0. 155, 0.922], p=0. 033) is a protective factor. Correction rate of PTC, correction rate of MTC, and RRCA show no significant effect. ConclusionPreoperative shoulder balance, as defined by the TCCA, serves as an independent risk factor for PSB. Using postoperative balanced shoulders as the reference group, preoperative left shoulder high (vs right high) significantly increased the risk of postoperative left shoulder high, while significantly reducing the risk of postoperative right shoulder high. Preoperative right shoulder high (vs left high) significantly increased the risk of postoperative right shoulder high, while significantly reducing the risk of postoperative left shoulder high. The correction rate of MTC was an independent protective factor against postoperative right shoulder high, whereas RRCA was an independent risk factor for postoperative right shoulder high.

OBJECTIVES: Compare results of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) in children ages 2-18 years with cerebral palsy (CP) across all severity levels of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) with children in the General Population, confirming discriminant validity as a performance assessment tool and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure. METHODS: Cross-sectional study: single response PODCI proxy survey databases of 5238 children ages 2-18 years in GP and 2470 in the Population with CP were analyzed. Statistical methods included Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Linear Trend Test, and Standard Error Assessment. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference exists between PODCI subscales in General Population and Population with CP across age groups and GMFCS levels. Motor scales and Global Functioning increase with age in both populations and are inversely proportional to GMFCS level in the Population with CP. HRQOL measures decrease with age in both populations with Happiness decreasing more in the General Population than those with CP as age increases. CONCLUSIONS: PODCI demonstrates a statistically significant difference in motor performance and HRQOL in children ages 2-18, between the General Population and the population with CP. PODCI is a valid performance assessment tool for use in CP ages 2-18 across all GMFCS levels. KEYWORDS: Cerebral Palsy, General Population, PODCI, ICF, Performance

Objective: This analysis assessed the acceptability and recruitment implications of a high-throughput, community-based biomechanics protocol among individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design: During the Shared Strides Study, high-throughput markerless biomechanics assessment was conducted at community sites to help facilitate research engagement in the OA population. In this cross-sectional study, biomechanics data during a set of activities of daily living (ADLs) and questionnaire data were collected. Adults aged 40 years or older with knee OA participated at one of four sites across Gainesville, FL--two on-campus and two community-based. Eligible individuals were either screened over the phone and scheduled for a specific date and time or screened on site for potential same-day participation. Participant acceptability of the community-based biomechanics data collection approach was assessed using a 15-item custom questionnaire. Recruitment characteristics and participant preferences were compared across sites. Results: The high-throughput community-based data collection approach was well received. Compared with on-campus sites, community-based sites had higher engagement from walk-in participants and new research participants (40% of the sample). Familiarity with, and distance to, a data collection site were important factors in research engagement in this population. No differences in demographic characteristics existed between sites (p > 0.05), but recruitment resulted in a large sample size (n = 85) likely representative of the communities surrounding the selected sites. Conclusions: Integrating markerless motion capture with a community-based research approach may enhance the participant experience and facilitate larger, more heterogeneous sample sizes, ultimately reducing bias and homogeneity in current OA biomechanics research.

Background: Oral health remains inadequately integrated within the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), particularly in terms of structured risk assessment and its linkage to insurance-based decision-making. There is a growing need for scalable models that can connect clinical oral health data with digital health systems and support future artificial intelligence (AI)-driven applications. Aim: To develop and pilot test the ABHA-O-SHINE framework for oral health risk prediction and insurance prioritization, with a future scope for AI integration within the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ecosystem. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among 126 participants attending the outpatient department of Swargiya Dadasaheb Kalmegh Smruti Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur. Participants were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection included a structured questionnaire and clinical examination using the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2013). A composite risk score (0 to 14) was developed incorporating behavioral and clinical parameters. Participants were categorized into low, moderate, and high-risk groups, and corresponding insurance priority levels were assigned. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression. Results: The majority of participants were categorized under moderate to high-risk groups. Tobacco use showed a statistically significant association with higher risk levels (p less than 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between total risk score and clinical indicators such as DMFT and CPI. Logistic regression analysis identified tobacco use and clinical scores as significant predictors of high-risk categorization. Conclusion: The ABHA-O-SHINE framework demonstrates feasibility in integrating oral health risk assessment with an insurance prioritization model. The framework is designed to be AI-compatible, enabling future automation through machine learning and image-based analysis within the ABDM ecosystem. Keywords: ABHA, ABDM, Oral Health, Risk Assessment, Insurance, Artificial Intelligence.

IntroductionTraditional bone-setting remains a culturally significant healthcare practice in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in regions like Sudan where modern orthopedic services are often inaccessible or unaffordable .This study examines the role of traditional healing practices in orthopedic care in White Nile State, Sudan, assessing patient perceptions, treatment effectiveness, and sociocultural factors influencing healthcare choices. MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 147 patients, 7 traditional healers, and 4 orthopedic practitioners in urban and rural areas of White Nile State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews, focusing on treatment preferences, perceived effectiveness, and barriers to integration. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses from healers and practitioners. ResultsFractures (45.6%) and arthritis (23.1%) were the most common orthopedic conditions. 30.6% of patients initially sought traditional treatment, all eventually utilized modern care (medication 71.4%, surgery 42.9%). Traditional healing was perceived as somewhat effective by 40% of users, whereas 59.9% rated modern care as very effective. Key factors influencing treatment choices included cultural beliefs (29.9%), accessibility (18.4%), and cost (16.3%). No significant demographic associations were found with treatment preference or effectiveness (p > 0.05). Traditional healers predominantly treated dislocations (100%) and fractures (71.4%) using manual techniques, with 57.1% referring complex cases to modern practitioners. Barriers to collaboration included lack of communication (85.7% of healers) and differing treatment philosophies (50% of practitioners). ConclusionThis study highlights the persistent dual reliance on traditional and modern orthopedic care in Sudan, with modern treatments perceived as more effective yet traditional methods remaining culturally entrenched especially in rural areas. The path forward requires bridging these systems through mutual respect, shared protocols, and community engagement to ensure safe, equitable, and effective musculoskeletal care for all Sudanese patients.

BackgroundArthroscopic release for elbow stiffness is considered a minimally invasive and effective treatment. However, the extent to which each intraoperative step contributes to improvement in range of motion (ROM) has not been well investigated. PurposeTo sequentially evaluate the relationship between intraoperative surgical steps and changes in elbow ROM during arthroscopic release for severe elbow stiffness, and to identify the key procedural stage contributing most significantly to ROM improvement. MethodsFive elbows in five patients with severe elbow stiffness following fracture or dislocation were retrospectively reviewed. Arthroscopic release was performed using a stepwise posterior-based approach, starting from the posterior soft-spot portal, followed by exposure of the olecranon fossa and progression into the posteromedial compartment. Changes in elbow ROM were assessed at each intraoperative step, and ROM at final follow-up was also evaluated. ResultsAll patients demonstrated improvement in elbow ROM at final follow-up. Intraoperative ROM improvement did not occur in a continuous manner but rather in a stepwise fashion. Gradual improvement was observed with establishment of the posterior and posteromedial working spaces, followed by the most substantial increase in ROM immediately after release of the soft tissue attached to the posterior aspect of the humeral medial epicondyle. Although the maximum ROM achieved intraoperatively was not fully maintained at final follow-up, no patient experienced deterioration to preoperative ROM levels. ConclusionsIn arthroscopic release for severe elbow stiffness, improvement in elbow ROM occurs in a stepwise rather than continuous pattern. Release of the posteromedial structures attached to the posterior aspect of the humeral medial epicondyle may represent a critical turning point contributing significantly to ROM improvement.

Saccadic eye movements are established biomarkers in neuroscience and clinical neurology, where video-oculography (VOG) remains the gold standard. However, VOG's high cost, bulky equipment, and poor portability restrict its clinical utility. Electrooculography (EOG) offers a promising alternative by detecting cornea-retinal potential changes during eye movements. To enable quantitative saccadic analysis using EOG as a VOG alternative, this study develops and validates a mathematical transformation model converting EOG data into VOG-equivalent values. A prospective observational study was conducted on 4 healthy adults without neurological or sleep disorders. Horizontal saccades were recorded simultaneously using EOG and VOG during controlled gaze shifts. EOG peak saccadic velocity was derived from voltage change rate, whereas VOG was calculated from angular displacement over time. A derivation dataset of fixed horizontal saccades ({+/-}20{degrees}) formulated the transformation model, achieving a strong correlation coefficient (r = 0.95 rightward, r = 0.93 leftward, p < 0.0001). Multiple filter settings were evaluated, and 0.3 Hz high-pass and 35 Hz low-pass filtering were identified as optimal. The fixed horizontal saccades derived model was applied to a validation dataset of random horizontal saccades, confirming robustness across saccades without significant differences from VOG measurements. These findings establish EOG's feasibility for quantitative analysis of horizontal saccades and provide a validated transformation model. By systematically optimizing filtering parameters, this approach enables EOG as a cost-effective VOG alternative while maintaining high-precision measurement accuracy.

Agriculture has modified the soil structure due to the influence of external factors and processes that affect microbial biodiversity. Metagenomics is a fundamental tool for the study of soil microbial diversity because it provides information about the ecosystem diversity, including both the microorganisms that cannot be isolated in culture media and those that are no longer viable in the analyzed sample. In this work, six soil samples obtained from agroecosystems of central and northern Argentina were subjected to a preliminary 16S metagenomic analysis. Copiotrophic bacteria (Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria) were dominant and one of the samples had a dominance of an oligotrophic Phylum (Acidobacteria). Our findings support previous evidence from traditionally managed agroecosystems and provide new insights into the diversity of soil microbiomes in Argentine regions outside the Pampas. Finally, we analyzed the most common genera with relevant species to agronomy, both beneficial and pathogenic, and their abundance and diversity in the sequenced samples.

Goal-oriented semantic communication has recently emerged in wireless sensor-actuator networks, emphasizing the meaning and relevance of information over raw data delivery, thereby enabling resource-efficient telecommunication. This paradigm offers significant benefits for intra-body or implantable sensor-actuator networks, including dramatic reductions in bandwidth requirements, latency, and power consumption. In this paper, we address a patch-based energy-efficient anomaly detection method for smart capsule endoscopy. We propose a deep learningbased algorithm that employs the similarity between features extracted from measured images and a reference (normal) image as the detection metric. The algorithm is evaluated using a clinical dataset of capsule-captured images, combined with a simulated intra-body channel model. The results demonstrate that even with only 60% of the transmission power (relative to a standard link design for QPSK modulation) and 65% of the light intensity, the probability of anomaly detection remains above 85%, and it gradually improves as power and illumination levels increase. This improvement translates into a potential battery life extension of over 43%. The findings highlight the potential of semanticaware, energy-efficient intra-body devices for more sustainable and effective medical interventions.