bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Draper-mediated glial refinement of neuropil architecture and synapse number in the Drosophila antennal lobe
Authors: Jindal Darren A. , Leier Hans C. , Salazar Gabriela , Foden Alexander J. , Seitz Elizabeth A. , Wilkov Abigail J. , Coutinho-Budd Jaeda C. , Broihier Heather T.
Published: June 2023

Glial phagocytic activity refines connectivity, though molecular mechanisms regulating this exquisitely sensitive process are incompletely defined. We developed the Drosophila antennal lobe as a model for identifying molecular mechanisms underlying glial refinement of neural circuits in the absence of injury. Antennal lobe organization is stereotyped and characterized by individual glomeruli comprised of unique olfactory receptor neuronal (ORN) populations. The antennal lobe interacts extensively with two glial subtypes: ensheathing glia wrap individual glomeruli, while astrocytes ramify considerably within them. Phagocytic roles for glia in the uninjured antennal lobe are largely unknown. Thus, we tested whether Draper regulates ORN terminal arbor size, shape, or presynaptic content in two representative glomeruli: VC1 and VM7. We find that glial Draper limits the size of individual glomeruli and restrains their presynaptic content. Moreover, glial refinement is apparent in young adults, a period of rapid terminal arbor and synapse growth, indicating that synapse addition and elimination occur simultaneously. Draper has been shown to be expressed in ensheathing glia; unexpectedly, we find it expressed at high levels in late pupal antennal lobe astrocytes. Surprisingly, Draper plays differential roles in ensheathing glia and astrocytes in VC1 and VM7. In VC1, ensheathing glial Draper plays a more significant role in shaping glomerular size and presynaptic content; while in VM7, astrocytic Draper plays the larger role. Together, these data indicate that astrocytes and ensheathing glia employ Draper to refine circuitry in the antennal lobe before the terminal arbors reach their mature form and argue for local heterogeneity of neuron-glia interactions.
Homeostatic regulation of neuronal function: importance of degeneracy and pleiotropy
Authors: Yang Jane , Prescott Steven A.
Published: June 2023

Neurons maintain their average firing rate and other properties within narrow bounds despite changing conditions. This homeostatic regulation is achieved using negative feedback to adjust ion channel expression levels. To understand how homeostatic regulation of excitability normally works and how it goes awry, one must consider the various ion channels involved as well as the other regulated properties impacted by adjusting those channels when regulating excitability. This raises issues of degeneracy and pleiotropy. Degeneracy refers to disparate solutions conveying equivalent function (e.g., different channel combinations yielding equivalent excitability). This many-to-one mapping contrasts the one-to-many mapping described by pleiotropy (e.g., one channel affecting multiple properties). Degeneracy facilitates homeostatic regulation by enabling a disturbance to be offset by compensatory changes in any one of several different channels or combinations thereof. Pleiotropy complicates homeostatic regulation because compensatory changes intended to regulate one property may inadvertently disrupt other properties. Co-regulating multiple properties by adjusting pleiotropic channels requires greater degeneracy than regulating one property in isolation and, by extension, can fail for additional reasons such as solutions for each property being incompatible with one another. Problems also arise if a perturbation is too strong and/or negative feedback is too weak, or because the set point is disturbed. Delineating feedback loops and their interactions provides valuable insight into how homeostatic regulation might fail. Insofar as different failure modes require distinct interventions to restore homeostasis, deeper understanding of homeostatic regulation and its pathological disruption may reveal more effective treatments for chronic neurological disorders like neuropathic pain and epilepsy.
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic biomarker in Guillain-Barre syndrome: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Cabanillas-Lazo Miguel , Quispe-Vicuña Carlos , Cruzalegui-Bazán Claudia , Pascual-Guevara Milagros , Mori-Quispe Nicanor , Alva-Diaz Carlos
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated neuropathy. This has raised the possibility that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be a biomarker of its activity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence of NLR as a potential biomarker for GBS.

Methods

We systematically searched databases (PubMed, Ovid-Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO Citation Index, LILACS, and Google Scholar) until October 2021 for studies evaluating pre-treatment NLR values in GBS patients. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model to estimate pooled effects was realized for each outcome and a narrative synthesis when this was not possible. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were realized. GRADE criteria were used to identify the certainty of evidence for each result.

Results

Ten studies from 745 originally included were selected. Regarding GBS patients versus healthy controls, a meta-analysis of six studies (968 patients) demonstrated a significant increase in NLR values in GBS patients (MD: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.24; I2 = 86%) with moderate certainty due to heterogeneity of GBS diagnosis criteria used. Regarding GBS prognosis, assessed by Hughes Score ≥ 3, NLR had a sensitivity between 67.3 and 81.5 and a specificity between 67.3 and 87.5 with low certainty due to imprecision, and heterogeneity. In relation to respiratory failure, NLR had a sensitivity of 86.5 and specificity of 68.2 with high and moderate certainty, respectively.

Discussion

With moderate certainty, mean NLR is higher in GBS patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we found that NLR could be a prognostic factor for disability and respiratory failure with low and moderate certainty, respectively. These results may prove useful for NLR in GBS patients; however, further research is needed.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021285212.
Neuropsychological profile of CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Rush Beth K. , Tipton Philip W. , Strongosky Audrey , Wszolek Zbigniew K.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The neuropsychological profile of CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy (CRL) is undefined. This study defines the profile, contrasts it with that of other dementia syndromes, and highlights measures sensitive to cognitive impairment.

Methods

We administered a standardized battery of neuropsychological tests to five consecutive CRL cases.

Results

The neuropsychological profile of CRL reflects impaired general cognitive function, processing speed, executive function, speeded visual problem solving, verbal fluency, and self-reported depression and anxiety. Confrontation naming and memory are preserved. Within cognitive domains, certain measures more frequently identified impairment than others.

Discussion

CRL impairs general cognitive function, processing speed, executive function. Language and visual problem solving may be impaired if processing speed is required. Confrontation naming and memory are uniquely preserved, contrasting CRL to other dementia syndromes. Cognitive screens excluding processing speed and executive function may not detect CRL cognitive manifestations. Findings sharply define cognitive impairment of CRL and inform cognitive test selection.
A preliminary investigation into the impact of shock wave therapy and sonotherapy on postural control of stepping tasks in patients with Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Stania Magdalena , Pawłowski Michał , Marszałek Wojciech , Juras Grzegorz , Słomka Kajetan Jacek , Król Piotr
Published: June 2023

Objective

The outcomes of physical therapy are commonly assessed with subjective scales and questionnaires. Hence, a continuous search to identify diagnostic tests that would facilitate objective assessment of symptom reduction in those patients with Achilles tendinopathy who undergo mechanotherapy. The main aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of shock wave and ultrasound treatments, using objective posturographic assessment during step-up and step-down initiation.

Materials and methods

The patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy and pain lasting for more than 3 months were randomly assigned to one of the experimental groups, i.e., radial shock wave therapy (RSWT), ultrasound therapy, or placebo ultrasound. All groups also received deep friction massage as the primary therapy. The transitional locomotor task was performed with the affected and unaffected limb in random order, on two force platforms under two conditions (step-up and step-down). The recording of center of foot pressure displacements was divided into three phases: quiet standing before step-up/step-down, transit, and quiet standing until measurement completion. Pre-intervention measurements were performed and then short-term follow-ups at weeks 1 and 6 post-therapy.

Results

The three-way repeated measures ANOVA showed few statistically significant two-factor interactions between therapy type, time point of measurement and the type of the locomotor task. Significant increases in postural sway were observed in the entire study population throughout the follow-up period. Three-way ANOVAs revealed a group effect (shock wave vs. ultrasound) on almost all variables of the quiet standing phase prior to step-up/step-down initiation. Overall, postural stability before the step-up and step-down tasks appeared to be more efficient in patients who had undergone RSWT compared to the ultrasound group.

Conclusion

Objective posturographic assessment during step-up and step-down initiation did not demonstrate therapeutic superiority of any of the three therapeutic interventions used in patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Clinical Trial Registration: The trial was prospectively registered in the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (no. ACTRN12617000860369; registration date: 9.06.2017).
Video elicited physiological signal dataset considering indoor temperature factors
Authors: Wang Kunxia , Zhao Zihao , Shen Xueting , Yamauchi Takashi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Human emotions vary with temperature factors. However, most studies on emotion recognition based on physiological signals overlook the influence of temperature factors. This article proposes a video induced physiological signal dataset (VEPT) that considers indoor temperature factors to explore the impact of different indoor temperature factors on emotions.

Methods

This database contains skin current response (GSR) data obtained from 25 subjects at three different indoor temperatures. We selected 25 video clips and 3 temperatures (hot, comfortable, and cold) as motivational materials. Using SVM, LSTM, and ACRNN classification methods, sentiment classification is performed on data under three indoor temperatures to analyze the impact of different temperatures on sentiment.

Results

The recognition rate of emotion classification under three different indoor temperatures showed that anger and fear had the best recognition effect among the five emotions under hot temperatures, while joy had the worst recognition effect. At a comfortable temperature, joy and calmness have the best recognition effect among the five emotions, while fear and sadness have the worst recognition effect. In cold temperatures, sadness and fear have the best recognition effect among the five emotions, while anger and joy have the worst recognition effect.

Discussion

This article uses classification to recognize emotions from physiological signals under the three temperatures mentioned above. By comparing the recognition rates of different emotions at three different temperatures, it was found that positive emotions are enhanced at comfortable temperatures, while negative emotions are enhanced at hot and cold temperatures. The experimental results indicate that there is a certain correlation between indoor temperature and physiological emotions.
Alterations in learning-related cortical activation and functional connectivity by high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation after stroke: an fNIRS study
Authors: Kim Heegoo , Lee Gihyoun , Lee Jungsoo , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Motor learning is a key component of stroke neurorehabilitation. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) was recently developed as a tDCS technique that increases the accuracy of current delivery to the brain using arrays of small electrodes. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether HD-tDCS alters learning-related cortical activation and functional connectivity in stroke patients using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Methods

Using a sham-controlled crossover study design, 16 chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to one of two intervention conditions. Both groups performed the sequential finger tapping task (SFTT) on five consecutive days, either with (a) real HD-tDCS or (b) with sham HD-tDCS. HD-tDCS (1 mA for 20 min, 4 × 1) was administered to C3 or C4 (according to lesion side). fNIRS signals were measured during the SFTT with the affected hand before (baseline) and after each intervention using fNIRS measurement system. Cortical activation and functional connectivity of NIRS signals were analyzed using a statistical parametric mapping open-source software package (NIRS-SPM),OptoNetII®.

Results

In the real HD-tDCS condition, oxyHb concentration increased significantly in the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1). Connectivity between the ipsilesional M1 and the premotor cortex (PM) was noticeably strengthened after real HD-tDCS compared with baseline. Motor performance also significantly improved, as shown in response time during the SFTT. In the sham HD-tDCS condition, functional connectivity between contralesional M1 and sensory cortex was enhanced compared with baseline. There was tendency toward improvement in SFTT response time, but without significance.

Discussion

The results of this study indicated that HD-tDCS could modulate learning-related cortical activity and functional connectivity within motor networks to enhance motor learning performance. HD-tDCS can be used as an additional tool for enhancing motor learning during hand rehabilitation for chronic stroke patients.
A distinct Golgi-targeting mechanism of dGM130 in Drosophila neurons
Authors: Cheng Guo , Chang Jin , Gong Hui , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2023

GM130 is a matrix protein that is conserved in metazoans and involved in the architecture of the Golgi apparatus. In neurons, Golgi apparatus and dendritic Golgi outposts (GOs) have different compartmental organizations, and GM130 localization is present in both, indicating that GM130 has a unique Golgi-targeting mechanism. Here, we investigated the Golgi-targeting mechanism of the GM130 homologue, dGM130, using in vivo imaging of Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons. The results showed that two independent Golgi-targeting domains (GTDs) with different Golgi localization characteristics in dGM130, together determined the precise localization of dGM130 in both the soma and dendrites. GTD1, covering the first coiled-coil region, preferentially targeted to somal Golgi rather than GOs; whereas GTD2, containing the second coiled-coil region and C-terminus, dynamically targeted to Golgi in both soma and dendrites. These findings suggest that there are two distinct mechanisms by which dGM130 targets to the Golgi apparatus and GOs, underlying the structural differences between them, and further provides new insights into the formation of neuronal polarity.
CNN-based automatic segmentations and radiomics feature reliability on contrast-enhanced ultrasound images for renal tumors
Authors: Yang Yin , Chen Fei , Liang Hongmei , Bai Yun , Wang Zhen , Zhao Lei , Ma Sai , Niu Qinghua , Li Fan , Xie Tianwu , Cai Yingyu
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and efficiency of automatic segmentation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images in renal tumors by convolutional neural network (CNN) based models and their further application in radiomic analysis.

Materials and methods

From 94 pathologically confirmed renal tumor cases, 3355 CEUS images were extracted and randomly divided into training set (3020 images) and test set (335 images). According to the histological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma, the test set was further split into clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) set (225 images), renal angiomyolipoma (AML) set (77 images) and set of other subtypes (33 images). Manual segmentation was the gold standard and serves as ground truth. Seven CNN-based models including DeepLabV3+, UNet, UNet++, UNet3+, SegNet, MultilResUNet and Attention UNet were used for automatic segmentation. Python 3.7.0 and Pyradiomics package 3.0.1 were used for radiomic feature extraction. Performance of all approaches was evaluated by the metrics of mean intersection over union (mIOU), dice similarity coefficient (DSC), precision, and recall. Reliability and reproducibility of radiomics features were evaluated by the Pearson coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

All seven CNN-based models achieved good performance with the mIOU, DSC, precision and recall ranging between 81.97%-93.04%, 78.67%-92.70%, 93.92%-97.56%, and 85.29%-95.17%, respectively. The average Pearson coefficients ranged from 0.81 to 0.95, and the average ICCs ranged from 0.77 to 0.92. The UNet++ model showed the best performance with the mIOU, DSC, precision and recall of 93.04%, 92.70%, 97.43% and 95.17%, respectively. For ccRCC, AML and other subtypes, the reliability and reproducibility of radiomic analysis derived from automatically segmented CEUS images were excellent, with the average Pearson coefficients of 0.95, 0.96 and 0.96, and the average ICCs for different subtypes were 0.91, 0.93 and 0.94, respectively.

Conclusion

This retrospective single-center study showed that the CNN-based models had good performance on automatic segmentation of CEUS images for renal tumors, especially the UNet++ model. The radiomics features extracted from automatically segmented CEUS images were feasible and reliable, and further validation by multi-center research is necessary.
A multi-class deep learning model for early lung cancer and chronic kidney disease detection using computed tomography images
Authors: Bhattacharjee Ananya , Rabea Sameh , Bhattacharjee Abhishek , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Murugan R. , Selim Heba Mohammed Refat M. , Sahu Ram Kumar , Shazly Gamal A. , Salem Bekhit Mounir M.
Published: June 2023

Lung cancer is a fatal disease caused by an abnormal proliferation of cells in the lungs. Similarly, chronic kidney disorders affect people worldwide and can lead to renal failure and impaired kidney function. Cyst development, kidney stones, and tumors are frequent diseases impairing kidney function. Since these conditions are generally asymptomatic, early, and accurate identification of lung cancer and renal conditions is necessary to prevent serious complications. Artificial Intelligence plays a vital role in the early detection of lethal diseases. In this paper, we proposed a modified Xception deep neural network-based computer-aided diagnosis model, consisting of transfer learning based image net weights of Xception model and a fine-tuned network for automatic lung and kidney computed tomography multi-class image classification. The proposed model obtained 99.39% accuracy, 99.33% precision, 98% recall, and 98.67% F1-score for lung cancer multi-class classification. Whereas, it attained 100% accuracy, F1 score, recall and precision for kidney disease multi-class classification. Also, the proposed modified Xception model outperformed the original Xception model and the existing methods. Hence, it can serve as a support tool to the radiologists and nephrologists for early detection of lung cancer and chronic kidney disease, respectively.
Role of palliative care in fetal neurological consultations: Guiding through uncertainty and hope
Authors: Cortezzo DonnaMaria E. , Vawter-Lee Marissa , Shoaib Abdullah , Venkatesan Charu
Published: June 2023

Fetal neurology is a rapidly evolving and expanding field. Discussions about diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and goals of care often begin in the antenatal period. However, there are inherent challenges to fetal counseling of neurological diagnoses due to limitations of fetal imaging, prognostic uncertainty, and variability in neurodevelopmental outcomes. In the midst of uncertainty, families are challenged with preparing a care plan for their baby while simultaneously experiencing profound grief. The paradigms of perinatal palliative care can assist with the grieving process and help frame diagnostic testing and complex decision-making within the context of a family's spiritual, cultural, and social belief system. This ultimately leads to a shared decision-making process and value driven medical care. While perinatal palliative care programs have expanded, many families faced with such diagnoses never meet with a palliative care team prior to delivery. Moreover, there is significant variability in the availability of palliative care services throughout the country. Using an illustrative vignette of a patient with a prenatally diagnosed encephalocele, this review aims to provide a basic framework of perinatal palliative care for fetal neurology diagnoses that emphasizes 1) importance of clear, consistent, and transparent communication among all subspecialists and families, 2) creation of a palliative care birth plan, 3) importance of consistent care providers and longitudinal points of contact prenatally and post-delivery, 4) close communication between the prenatal and post-natal providers to allow for optimal continuity of care, and 5) recognize that information, care plans, and goals of care often evolve over time.
Efficacy and safety of Gushen Antai Pills combined with dydrogesterone in the treatment of threatened miscarriage: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Kai , Liu Xiaoxia , Meng Xianhua , Li Hui , Yang Chenchen , Wang Xiaohong
Published: June 2023

Background: Despite some progress has been made in the pathogenesis and treatment of threatened miscarriage (TM), conventional treatment remains suboptimal. Thus, complementary medicine gradually become a new treatment option for treating threatened miscarriage. Gushen Antai Pills (GAP), a classic prescription of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has became a popular complementary therapy to conventional western medicine (dydrogesterone) in treating threatened miscarriage in recent years. However, a systematic summary and analysis for its therapeutic effects is lacking. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Gushen Antai Pills combined with dydrogesterone in the treatment of threatened miscarriage.

Methods: A systematic search across seven electronic databases was conducted from inception to 17 September 2022. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of integrating Gushen Antai Pills and dydrogesterone in patients with threatened miscarriage, and reported the outcomes of interest. All statistical analyses were conducted using the Revman5.3 and Stata 13 software. The GRADE system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results: Ten eligible randomized controlled trials involving 950 participants were contained in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that Gushen Antai Pills combined with dydrogesterone can significantly reduce the incidence of early pregnancy loss (RR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.19–0.42; p < 0.00001) and alleviate clinical symptoms (RR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.22–1.59; p < 0.00001), compared with treatment of dydrogesterone alone. Also, meta-analysis indicated that integrating Gushen Antai Pills and dydrogesterone is more effective than using dydrogesterone alone in improving hormone levels (serum levels of progesterone, β-HCG and estradiol) for women with threatened miscarriage (all p < 0.00001). Meanwhile, the combined effects with significant heterogeneity also showed favorable consistency in the sensitivity analyses, indicating a good stability of present results. Moreover, no significant differences between Gushen Antai Pills combined with dydrogesterone and control group on adverse events was identified. The overall GRADE qualities were low to moderate.

Conclusion: The overall available evidence suggested that Gushen Antai Pills combined with dydrogesterone had significant effects in improving pregnancy success rate, clinical symptoms and hormone levels for women with threatened miscarriage, with considerable safety and reliability. However, due to the partial heterogeneity, suboptimal quality and high risk of bias of some included studies, further rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are required.

Systematic Review Registration: identifier https://INPLASY2022120035, https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-12-0035/.
Elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor in patients with cystic fibrosis ineligible for clinical trials: a 24-week observational study
Authors: Fila Libor , Grandcourtova Alzbeta , Bilkova Alena , Drevinek Pavel
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Seminal clinical trials with the triple combination of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) demonstrated clinical efficacy in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) who carry at least one F508del mutation. However, due to exclusion criteria of these clinical trials, the effect of ETI was not studied in a substantial number of pwCF. Thus, we ran a single center trial to evaluate a clinical efficacy of ETI treatment in adult pwCF who were ineligible for enrollment in registration studies.

Methods: PwCF on ETI with prior lumacaftor-ivacaftor therapy, severe airway obstruction, well-preserved lung function, or with airway infection with pathogens at risk of more rapid decline in lung function formed the study group, while all the others on ETI formed the control group. Lung function, nutritional status and sweat chloride concentration were assessed before and after initialization of ETI therapy over a 6-month period.

Results: Approximately a half of the ETI-treated pwCF at the adult Prague CF center (49 of 96) were assigned to the study group. Their mean changes in body mass index ( + 1.04 kg/m2) and in sweat chloride concentration (−48.4 mmol/L) were similar to the control group ( + 1.02 kg/m2; −49.7 mmol/L), while the mean change in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV1; + 10.3 points) was significantly lower than in the control group ( + 15.8 points) (p = 0.0015). In the subgroup analysis, pwCF with severe airway obstruction (ppFEV1 <40) and pwCF with well-preserved lung function (ppFEV1 >90) showed a less potential for improvement in lung function during the ETI treatment than controls (median change in ppFEV1 + 4.9 points and + 9.5 points, respectively).

Conclusion: PwCF not eligible for inclusion in clinical trials demonstrated improvement in lung function and nutritional status following the initiation of treatment with the ETI combination. Moderate increase in ppFEV1 was observed in those with severe airway obstruction or well-preserved lung function.
Acoustic scattering of a pair of rigid spheroids based on the T-matrix method
Authors: Yang Yuzheng , Gui Qiang , Zhang Yang , Chai Yingbin , Li Wei
Published: June 2023

In this study, the T-matrix method combined with the addition theorems of spherical basis functions is applied to semi-analytically compute the underwater far-field acoustic scattering of a pair of rigid spheroids with arbitrary incident angles. The involvement of the addition theorems renders the multiple scattering fields of each spheroid to be translated into an identical origin. The accuracy and convergence property of the proposed method are verified and validated. The interference of specular reflection wave and Franz wave can be spotted from the oscillations of the form function. Furthermore, the propagation paths of specular reflection and Franz waves are quantitatively analyzed in the time domain with conclusions that the Franz waves reach the observation point subsequent to specular reflection waves and the time interval between these two wave series is equal to the time cost of the Franz waves traveling along the sphere surfaces. Finally, the effects of separation distances, aspect ratios (the ratio of the polar radius to equatorial radius), non-dimensional frequencies, and incidence angles of the plane wave on the far-field acoustic scattering of a pair of rigid spheroids are studied by the T-matrix method.
Homotopy perturbation method-based soliton solutions of the time-fractional (2+1)-dimensional Wu–Zhang system describing long dispersive gravity water waves in the ocean
Authors: Qayyum Mubashir , Ahmad Efaza , Tauseef Saeed Syed , Ahmad Hijaz , Askar Sameh
Published: June 2023

Physical phenomena and natural disasters, such as tsunamis and floods, are caused due to dispersive water waves and shallow waves caused by earthquakes. In order to analyze and minimize damaging effects of such situations, mathematical models are presented by different researchers. The Wu–Zhang (WZ) system is one such model that describes long dispersive waves. In this regard, the current study focuses on a non-linear (2 + 1)-dimensional time-fractional Wu–Zhang (WZ) system due to its importance in capturing long dispersive gravity water waves in the ocean. A Caputo fractional derivative in the WZ system is considered in this study. For solution purposes, modification of the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) along with the Laplace transform is used to provide improved results in terms of accuracy. For validity and convergence, obtained results are compared with the fractional differential transform method (FDTM), modified variational iteration method (mVIM), and modified Adomian decomposition method (mADM). Analysis of results indicates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Furthermore, the effect of fractional parameters on the given model is analyzed numerically and graphically at both integral and fractional orders. Moreover, Caputo, Caputo–Fabrizio, and Atangana–Baleanu approaches of fractional derivatives are applied and compared graphically in the current study. Analysis affirms that the proposed algorithm is a reliable tool and can be used in higher dimensional fractional systems in science and engineering.
A geostationary orbit microwave multi-channel radiometer
Authors: Zhou Weilai , Lv Rongchuan , Li Hao , Li Yinan , Dou Haofeng , He Zheng , Shen Shangyu , Gao Wenyu , Ren He , Zhang Long , Jin Liang
Published: June 2023

The geostationary orbit microwave multi-channel radiometer has the advantages of high real-time performance and large coverage, which plays an important role in typhoon, strong precipitation detection, and medium-to-short-term meteorological/oceanic forecasting. However, due to the difficulty in engineering development of the payload, its application on-orbit has not yet been achieved at present. To satisfy the requirements of fine and quantitative application of satellite observation data, a geostationary orbit microwave multi-channel radiometer with a 10-m-caliber is developed, in which the spatial resolution at horizontal polarization is better than 24 km at 54 GHz. In geostationary orbit microwave multi-channel radiometer, a quasi-optical feed network covering nearly 28 frequency octave bands and ranging from 23.8 to 664 GHz is proposed to solve the technical problem of multi-frequency sharing in the system. Meanwhile, a high-precision reflector preparation method and a high-precision unfolding scheme are proposed, which are considered as a solution for the large-diameter reflector with a high maintaining surface accuracy. A high-precision antenna prototype with 0.54-m is developed, and the tests are performed to verify the key technologies, such as the preparation of high-precision grating reflectors at the micron level, high surface accuracy detection, and sub-millimeter wave antenna electrical performance testing. The results indicate that measured main beam efficiency of the 664 GHz antenna is better than 95.5%. In addition, the system sensitivity is greater than 1.5 K, and the calibration accuracy is better than 1.8 K, according to the results of an analysis of the multi-channel radiometer’s essential parameters and calibration errors.
Potential use of saline resources for biofuel production using halophytes and marine algae: prospects and pitfalls
Authors: Abideen Zainul , Ansari Raziuddin , Hasnain Maria , Flowers Timothy J. , Koyro Hans-Werner , El-Keblawy Ali , Abouleish Mohamed , Khan Muhammed Ajmal
Published: June 2023

There exists a global challenge of feeding the growing human population of the world and supplying its energy needs without exhausting global resources. This challenge includes the competition for biomass between food and fuel production. The aim of this paper is to review to what extent the biomass of plants growing under hostile conditions and on marginal lands could ease that competition. Biomass from salt-tolerant algae and halophytes has shown potential for bioenergy production on salt-affected soils. Halophytes and algae could provide a bio-based source for lignoceelusic biomass and fatty acids or an alternative for edible biomass currently produced using fresh water and agricultural lands. The present paper provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the development of alternative fuels from halophytes and algae. Halophytes grown on marginal and degraded lands using saline water offer an additional material for commercial-scale biofuel production, especially bioethanol. At the same time, suitable strains of microalgae cultured under saline conditions can be a particularly good source of biodiesel, although the efficiency of their mass-scale biomass production is still a concern in relation to environmental protection. This review summaries the pitfalls and precautions for producing biomass in a way that limits environmental hazards and harms for coastal ecosystems. Some new algal and halophytic species with great potential as sources of bioenergy are highlighted.
Effects of AMF inoculation on the eco-physiological characteristics of Imperata cylindrica under differing soil nitrogen conditions
Authors: Jia Tong , Zhang Yue , Yao Yushan , Wang Yu , Liang Xueli , Zheng Mengyao , Zhao Lijuan , Chai Baofeng
Published: June 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a key role in terrestrial ecosystems, while the ecological restoration application of AMF in mining areas has been progressively gaining attention. This study simulated a low nitrogen (N) environment in copper tailings mining soil to explore inoculative effects of four AMF species on the eco-physiological characteristics of Imperata cylindrica, and provided plant-microbial symbiote with excellent resistance to copper tailings. Results show that N, soil type, AMF species, and associated interactions significantly affected ammonium (NH4  +), nitrate nitrogen (NO3  −), and total nitrogen (TN) content and photosynthetic characteristics of I. cylindrica. Additionally, interactions between soil type and AMF species significantly affected the biomass, plant height, and tiller number of I. cylindrica. Rhizophagus irregularis and Glomus claroideun significantly increased TN and NH4  + content in the belowground components I. cylindrica in non-mineralized sand. Moreover, the inoculation of these two fungi species significantly increased belowground NH4  + content in mineralized sand. The net photosynthetic rate positively correlated to aboveground total carbon (TC) and TN content under the high N and non-mineralized sand treatment. Moreover, Glomus claroideun and Glomus etunicatum inoculation significantly increased both net photosynthetic and water utilization rates, while F. mosseae inoculation significantly increased the transpiration rate under the low N treatment. Additionally, aboveground total sulfur (TS) content positively correlated to the intercellular carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, stomatal conductance, and the transpiration rate under the low N sand treatment. Furthermore, G. claroideun, G. etunicatum, and F. mosseae inoculation significantly increased aboveground NH4  + and belowground TC content of I. cylindrica, while G. etunicatum significantly increased belowground NH4  + content. Average membership function values of all physiological and ecological I. cylindrica indexes infected with AMF species were higher compared to the control group, while corresponding values of I. cylindrica inoculated with G. claroideun were highest overall. Finally, comprehensive evaluation coefficients were highest under both the low N and high N mineralized sand treatments. This study provides information on microbial resources and plant-microbe symbionts in a copper tailings area, while aiming to improve current nutrient-poor soil conditions and ecological restoration efficiency in copper tailings areas.
Machine learning assisted remote forestry health assessment: a comprehensive state of the art review
Authors: Estrada Juan Sebastián , Fuentes Andrés , Reszka Pedro , Auat Cheein Fernando
Published: June 2023

Forests are suffering water stress due to climate change; in some parts of the globe, forests are being exposed to the highest temperatures historically recorded. Machine learning techniques combined with robotic platforms and artificial vision systems have been used to provide remote monitoring of the health of the forest, including moisture content, chlorophyll, and nitrogen estimation, forest canopy, and forest degradation, among others. However, artificial intelligence techniques evolve fast associated with the computational resources; data acquisition, and processing change accordingly. This article is aimed at gathering the latest developments in remote monitoring of the health of the forests, with special emphasis on the most important vegetation parameters (structural and morphological), using machine learning techniques. The analysis presented here gathered 108 articles from the last 5 years, and we conclude by showing the newest developments in AI tools that might be used in the near future.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals the gene regulatory networks involved in leaf and root response to osmotic stress in tomato
Authors: Pirona Raul , Frugis Giovanna , Locatelli Franca , Mattana Monica , Genga Annamaria , Baldoni Elena
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a major horticultural crop that is cultivated worldwide and is characteristic of the Mediterranean agricultural system. It represents a key component of the diet of billion people and an important source of vitamins and carotenoids. Tomato cultivation in open field often experiences drought episodes, leading to severe yield losses, since most modern cultivars are sensitive to water deficit. Water stress leads to changes in the expression of stress-responsive genes in different plant tissues, and transcriptomics can support the identification of genes and pathways regulating this response.

Methods

Here, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of two tomato genotypes, M82 and Tondo, in response to a PEG-mediated osmotic treatment. The analysis was conducted separately on leaves and roots to characterize the specific response of these two organs.

Results

A total of 6,267 differentially expressed transcripts related to stress response was detected. The construction of gene co-expression networks defined the molecular pathways of the common and specific responses of leaf and root. The common response was characterized by ABA-dependent and ABA-independent signaling pathways, and by the interconnection between ABA and JA signaling. The root-specific response concerned genes involved in cell wall metabolism and remodeling, whereas the leaf-specific response was principally related to leaf senescence and ethylene signaling. The transcription factors representing the hubs of these regulatory networks were identified. Some of them have not yet been characterized and can represent novel candidates for tolerance.

Discussion

This work shed new light on the regulatory networks occurring in tomato leaf and root under osmotic stress and set the base for an in-depth characterization of novel stress-related genes that may represent potential candidates for improving tolerance to abiotic stress in tomato.
Genome-wide identification of nitrate-responsive microRNAs by small RNA sequencing in the rice restorer cultivar Nanhui 511
Authors: Qin Xiaojian , Li Xiaowei , Li Cuiping , Li Yuntong , Wu Qian , Wen Huan , Jiang Dan , Tang Tingting , Nan Wenbin , Liang Yongshu , Zhang Hanma
Published: June 2023

Rice productivity relies heavily on nitrogen fertilization, and improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is important for hybrid rice breeding. Reducing nitrogen inputs is the key to achieving sustainable rice production and reducing environmental problems. Here, we analyzed the genome-wide transcriptomic changes in microRNAs (miRNAs) in the indica rice restorer cultivar Nanhui 511 (NH511) under high (HN) and low nitrogen (LN) conditions. The results showed that NH511 is sensitive to nitrogen supplies and HN conditions promoted the growth its lateral roots at the seedling stage. Furthermore, we identified 483 known miRNAs and 128 novel miRNAs by small RNA sequencing in response to nitrogen in NH511. We also detected 100 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 75 upregulated and 25 downregulated DEGs, under HN conditions. Among these DEGs, 43 miRNAs that exhibited a 2-fold change in their expression were identified in response to HN conditions, including 28 upregulated and 15 downregulated genes. Additionally, some differentially expressed miRNAs were further validated by qPCR analysis, which showed that miR443, miR1861b, and miR166k-3p were upregulated, whereas miR395v and miR444b.1 were downregulated under HN conditions. Moreover, the degradomes of possible target genes for miR166k-3p and miR444b.1 and expression variations were analyzed by qPCR at different time points under HN conditions. Our findings revealed comprehensive expression profiles of miRNAs responsive to HN treatments in an indica rice restorer cultivar, which advances our understanding of the regulation of nitrogen signaling mediated by miRNAs and provides novel data for high-NUE hybrid rice cultivation.
The effects of nature-based interventions on individuals’ environmental behaviors: protocol for a systematic review of controlled trials
Authors: Šorytė Dovilė , Rosa Claudio D. , Collado Silvia , Pakalniškienė Vilmantė
Published: June 2023

Background

The paper presents the rationale and methods of the planned systematic review to understand the effects of nature-based interventions on individuals’ environmental behaviors. There is ample evidence that experiences in nature not only enhance human well-being but also help promote people’s pro-environmentalism. Nevertheless, synthesized evidence regarding the effects of nature-based interventions on individuals’ environmental behaviors is lacking.

Methods

This protocol follows the Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The planned literature search will be conducted by using APA PsycInfo, APA PsyArticles, PubMed, ERIC, Education Source, GreenFILE, OpenDissertations, Scopus, and WEB of Science. In the protocol, we present search strategies for each specific database. Data items that we will seek to obtain from the selected publications are described in detail and cover general information about included studies, information about studies’ methodology and participants, outcomes of the studies, and nature-based and comparative interventions. The outcomes will be behavioral, including aggregated and specific types of environmental behaviors, as well as reported and observed behaviors. Furthermore, the protocol provides a description of the prospective assessment of the risk of bias in both randomized and non-randomized studies. If studies appear sufficiently homogeneous, we will conduct a meta-analysis using the inverse-variance method. Details of the data synthesis are likewise provided in the paper.

Results

Dissemination of the results of the planned review will be carried out via a peer-reviewed open-access journal publication.

Implications

Given the great need to address current environmental issues, understanding what encourages people to act pro-environmentally is critical. It is expected that the findings of the planned review will provide valuable insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers who are involved in understanding and promoting human environmental behaviors.
After the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions, experiences, and effects on well-being in Italian people
Authors: Covelli Venusia , Camisasca Elena , Manzoni Gian Mauro , Crescenzo Pietro , Marelli Alessandra , Visco Marina Angela , Cafagna Dario , Marsicovetere Vincenzo , Pesce Mario , Cantoia Manuela
Published: June 2023

Background

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent measures of containment, multiple studies have been conducted aimed at assessing the impacts on people’s psychophysical well-being; however, few studies have investigated the general population’s perceptions, experiences, and effects by adopting a mixed-method approach.

Methods

A total of 855 Italian participants completed an online survey, conducted in the period following the first lockdown in Italy. Psychological well-being, perceived stress and COVID-19-related fears were assessed by standardized questionnaires (Psychological General Well-Being Index-Short version, Perceived Stress Scale 10, and Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19-Related Fears). The process of sense-making of the experience during the lockdown period was also evaluated by means of an open-ended question.

Results

Participants reported a lower level of general well-being, and a higher level of both perceived stress and COVID-19-related fear during the lockdown period compared to the time of the survey (1 month after the resumption of activities). The thematic analysis of responses to the open-ended question revealed two factors and five clusters, which explain the thematic variance among the narratives: the first factor refers to the type of experience (emotional states and feelings vs. objective descriptions of daily activities), while the second concerns positive or negative connotations of the experiences reported.

Conclusions

This study explored the psychological impact of the first lockdown on people’s well-being, and described the process of making sense of the experience during the lockdown 1 month after going back to previous habits. Results highlighted the effectiveness of the mixed-method approach for an in-depth and exhaustive investigation of people’s psychological condition during and after the first lockdown.
Case report: Treatment-resistant depression with acute psychosis in an adolescent girl with Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Yin Xiaowen , Chen Song , Ju Xuan , Hu Xiwen
Published: June 2023

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare disease with multiple somatic signs and a high prevalence of co-occurring depression. However, the characteristics of depression secondary to CS and the differences from major depression have not been described in detail. In this case, we report a 17-year-old girl with treatment-resistant depression with a series of atypical features and acute psychotic episodes, which is a rare condition secondary to CS. This case showed a more detailed profile of depression secondary to CS and highlighted the differences with major depression in clinical features, and it will improve insight into the differential diagnosis especially when the symptoms are not typical.