Fruit and Leaf Sensing for Continuous Detection of Nectarine Water Status

Continuous assessment of plant water status indicators might provide the most precise information for irrigation management and automation, as plants represent an interface between soil and atmosphere. This study investigates the relationship of plant water status to continuous fruit diameter (FD) and inverse leaf turgor pressure rates (pp) in nectarine trees [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] throughout fruit development. The influence of deficit irrigation treatments on stem (Ψstem) and leaf water potential, leaf relative water content, leaf hydraulic conductance and fruit growth was studied across the stages of double-sigmoidal fruit development in 'September Bright' nectarines. Fruit relative growth rate (RGR) and leaf pressure change rate (RPCR) were derived from FD and pp to represent rates of water in- and outflows in the organs, respectively. Continuous RGR and RPCR dynamics were independently and combinedly related to plant water status and environmental variables. The independent use of RGR and RPCR yielded significant associations with midday Ψstem, the most representative index of tree water status in anisohydric species. However, the combined use of nocturnal fruit and leaf parameters unveiled an even more significant relationship with Ψstem, suggesting a different fruit-to-leaf water balance in response to pronounced water deficit. In conclusion, we highlight the suitability of a multi-organ sensing approach for improved prediction of tree water status

Translingual neurostimulation combined with physical therapy to improve walking and balance in multiple sclerosis (NeuroMSTraLS): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: Physical rehabilitation restores lost function and promotes brain plasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Research groups worldwide are testing the therapeutic effects of combining non-invasive neuromodulation with physical therapy (PT) to further improve functional outcomes in neurological disorders but with mixed results. Whether such devices enhance function is not clear. We present the rationale and study design for a randomized controlled trial evaluating if there is additional benefit to the synergistic pairing of translingual neurostimulation (TLNS) with PT to improve walking and balance in MS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A parallel group [PT + TLNS or PT + Sham], quadruple-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Participants (N = 52) with gait and balance deficits due to relapsing-remitting or progressive MS, who are between 18 and 70 years of age, will be recruited through patient registries in Newfoundland & Labrador and Saskatchewan, Canada. All participants will receive 14 weeks of PT while wearing either a TLNS or sham device. Dynamic Gait Index is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include fast walking speed, subjective ratings of fatigue, MS impact, and quality of life. Outcomes are assessed at baseline (Pre), after 14 weeks of therapy (Post), and 26 weeks (Follow Up). We employ multiple methods to ensure treatment fidelity including activity and device use monitoring. Primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed using linear mixed-effect models. We will control for baseline score and site to test the effects of Time (Post vs. Follow-Up), Group and the Group x Time interaction as fixed effects. A random intercept of participant will account for the repeated measures in the Time variable. Participants must complete the Post testing to be included in the analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Human Research Ethics Boards in Newfoundland & Labrador (HREB#2021.085) & Saskatchewan (HREB Bio 2578) approved the protocol. Dissemination avenues include peer-reviewed journals, conferences and patient-oriented communications

Passing to the Limit in a Wasserstein Gradient Flow: From Diffusion to Reaction

We study a singular-limit problem arising in the modelling of chemical reactions. At finite {\epsilon} > 0, the system is described by a Fokker-Planck convection-diffusion equation with a double-well convection potential. This potential is scaled by 1/{\epsilon}, and in the limit {\epsilon} -> 0, the solution concentrates onto the two wells, resulting into a limiting system that is a pair of ordinary differential equations for the density at the two wells. This convergence has been proved in Peletier, Savar\'e, and Veneroni, SIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis, 42(4):1805-1825, 2010, using the linear structure of the equation. In this paper we re-prove the result by using solely the Wasserstein gradient-flow structure of the system. In particular we make no use of the linearity, nor of the fact that it is a second-order system. The first key step in this approach is a reformulation of the equation as the minimization of an action functional that captures the property of being a curve of maximal slope in an integrated form. The second important step is a rescaling of space. Using only the Wasserstein gradient-flow structure, we prove that the sequence of rescaled solutions is pre-compact in an appropriate topology. We then prove a Gamma-convergence result for the functional in this topology, and we identify the limiting functional and the differential equation that it represents. A consequence of these results is that solutions of the {\epsilon}-problem converge to a solution of the limiting problem.Comment: Added two sections, corrected minor typos, updated reference

Intradural extramedullary capillary hemangioma of the cauda equina: case report of a rare spinal tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Intradural extramedullary capillary hemangiomas of the cauda equina are exceedingly rare, with only 20 previous cases reported. In the adult population, these tumors are rare and can arise in the central and peripheral nervous systems from the dura or spinal nerve roots. Intradural capillary hemangiomas of the cauda equina can yield symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, pain, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. The clinical symptomology and surgical management of this rare spinal lesion are reviewed in this case report. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old male presented with progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness for 2 years, with recent bladder and bowel dysfunction. On physical exam, strength was symmetrically impaired in both lower extremities. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine demonstrated a gadolinium-enhanced intradural lesion at the L4 level. Laminectomy was performed and the lesion was resected. Histopathological analysis determined that the tumor demonstrated features consistent with a capillary hemangioma. DISCUSSION: Clinically, patients with capillary hemangiomas of the cauda equina present with space-occupying compressive deficits, including progressive low back and lower extremity pain, motor deficits, paresthesias, sensory loss, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Acute presentation can transpire following a hemorrhagic episode, although this is more associated with cavernous rather than capillary hemangiomas. Our patient demonstrated non-acute, progressive weakness, and late-onset bladder and bowel dysfunction. This report demonstrates that this rare lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis of cauda equina lesions

Deriving effective models for multiscale systems via evolutionary GammaGamma-convergence

We discuss possible extensions of the recently established theory of evolutionary Gamma convergence for gradient systems to nonlinear dynamical systems obtained by perturbation of a gradient systems. Thus, it is possible to derive effective equations for pattern forming systems with multiple scales. Our applications include homogenization of reaction-diffusion systems, the justification of amplitude equations for Turing instabilities, and the limit from pure diffusion to reaction-diffusion. This is achieved by generalizing the Gamma-limit approaches based on the energy-dissipation principle or the evolutionary variational estimate

Geographical and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 clades in the WHO European Region, January to June 2020

We show the distribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) genetic clades over time and between countries and outline potential genomic surveillance objectives. We applied three genomic nomenclature systems to all sequence data from the World Health Organization European Region available until 10 July 2020. We highlight the importance of real-time sequencing and data dissemination in a pandemic situation, compare the nomenclatures and lay a foundation for future European genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

The Liberation Procedure Decision-Making Experience for People With Multiple Sclerosis

Despite the absence of scientific evidence demonstrating the efficacy of the “liberation procedure” in treating multiple sclerosis (MS), thousands of MS patients worldwide have undergone the procedure. The study objective was to explore the experience of liberation procedure decision making for individuals with MS. Fifteen adults in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, each participated in an in-depth interview. The data analysis revealed three groups of people: “waiters,” “early embracers,” and “late embracers.” Using van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach, we identified three themes each in the stories of the early and late embracers and four themes in the waiters’ stories. A characteristic of the late embracers and waiters was skepticism, whereas desperation set the embracers apart from the waiters. With a deeper understanding of the experience, nurses can be more attuned to the perspectives of MS patients while helping them make informed decisions about undergoing the liberation procedure