Search Results (38)

Mangrove forests are intertidal ecosystems that harbor diverse microbial communities essential for biogeochemical cycles and energy flow. This study investigated the seasonal and spatial patterns of bacterial communities in the artificially introduced mangrove sediments of the Ao River estuary using 16S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing. Alpha diversity analyses indicated that the bacterial community diversity in the mangrove sediments of the Ao River estuary was similar to those of natural-formed mangroves, with the Shannon index ranging from 5.16 to 6.54, which was significantly higher in winter compared to other seasons. The dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria (43.65%), Actinobacteria (11.55%), Desulfobacterota (11.16%), and Bacteroidetes (5.52%), while beta diversity analysis revealed substantial differences in bacterial community structure across different seasons and regions. For instance, the relative abundance of Woeseiaceae and Bacteroidota during the summer was significantly higher than that observed in other seasons. And the relative abundance of Bacillaceae in autumn and winter increased by one order of magnitude compared to spring and summer. Woeseiaceae, Desulfobulbaceae, Thermoanaerobaculaceae, and Sva1033 (family of Desulfobacterota) exhibited significantly higher relative abundance in the unvegetated area, whereas Bacillaceae and S085 (family of Chloroflexi) demonstrated greater abundance in the mangrove area. Seasonal variations in bacterial community structure are primarily attributed to changes in environmental factors, including temperature and salinity. Regional differences in bacterial community structure are primarily associated with environmental stressors, such as wave action, fluctuations in salinity, and organic matter content, which are further complicated by seasonal changes. This study is significant for understanding the microbial diversity and seasonal dynamics of estuarine mangrove wetlands, and it contributes to the assessment of mangrove wetland restoration efforts in Zhejiang Province, providing important guidance for the development of strategies to maintain the health of mangrove ecosystems in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Guided imagery techniques, which include mentally picturing motions or activities to help motor recovery, are an important part of neuroplasticity-based motor therapy in stroke patients. Motor imagery (MI) is a kind of guided imagery in neurorehabilitation that focuses on mentally rehearsing certain motor actions in order to improve performance. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence on guided imagery techniques and identify their therapeutic potential in stroke motor rehabilitation. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the English language were identified from an online search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCOhost, and Scopus databases without a specific search time frame. The inclusion criteria take into account guided imagery interventions and evaluate their impact on motor recovery through validated clinical, neurophysiological, or functional assessments. This review has been registered on Open OSF with the following number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/3D7MF. Results: This review synthesized 41 RCTs on MI in stroke rehabilitation, with 996 participants in the intervention group and 757 in the control group (average age 50–70, 35% female). MI showed advantages for gait, balance, and upper limb function; however, the RoB 2 evaluation revealed ‘some concerns’ related to allocation concealment, blinding, and selective reporting issues. Integrating MI with gait training or action observation (AO) seems to improve motor recovery, especially in balance and walking. Technological methods like brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) and hybrid models that combine MI with circuit training hold potential for enhancing functional mobility and motor results. Conclusions: Guided imagery shows promise as a beneficial adjunct in stroke rehabilitation, with the potential to improve motor recovery across several domains such as gait, upper limb function, and balance. Full article

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and has a high mortality rate. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic, proapoptotic, and anti-invasive effects of the synthetic indole phytoalexin MB-653. The antiproliferative effect was determined using an MTT assay, showing IC₅₀ values of 5.8 ± 0.3 μmol/L for HCT116 cells and 6.1 ± 2.1 μmol/L for Caco2 cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis were employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cytotoxicity, proapoptotic action, and anti-invasion effects. The proapoptotic activity was evidenced by the activation of caspases 3 and 7, mitochondrial dysfunction, and an increased number of apoptotic cells, confirmed by annexin V/PI and AO/PI staining. Additionally, MB-653 induces dose-dependent G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, the cause of which could be cyclin B1/CDC2 complex dysfunction and/or a decrease in α-tubulin protein expression. Another important observation was that MB-653 modulated several signalling pathways associated with various cellular activities, including survival, proliferation, tumour invasiveness, metastasis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). We further demonstrated its safety for topical and parenteral application. To sum up, our results indicate the real potential of MB-653 in treating colorectal cancer. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of observing actions at different speeds on the speed of motor task performance in subsequent actions. Methods: Sixty individuals, divided equally between those with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) and asymptomatic subjects, were enrolled. Participants were further split into subgroups to observe lumbar flexion and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test actions at either a slow or fast pace, following a randomized assignment. For post-video observation, participants replicated the observed actions three times without specific performance instructions, allowing for the assessment of their execution speed. Results: The analysis revealed that individuals observing actions at a faster pace executed the subsequent motor tasks significantly quicker than their counterparts who viewed the same actions at a slower speed. This was consistent across both NSCLBP sufferers and asymptomatic subjects, indicating that the action observation (AO) speed directly influenced the execution speeds of lumbar flexion and TUG test movements. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that AO speed significantly affects the pace of motor execution, irrespective of NSCLBP presence. This underscores the potential of utilizing varied AO speeds as a strategic component in clinical practice, particularly for enhancing motor planning and execution in physical therapy settings. The study highlights the importance of incorporating AO speed variations into therapeutic interventions for improving patient outcomes in motor task performance. Full article

Lung diseases have profound effects on the aging population. We aimed to hypothesize and investigate the effect of remote pulmonary telerehabilitation and motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) methods on the clinical status of elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Twenty-six patients were randomly assigned to pulmonary telerehabilitation (PtR) or cognitive telerehabilitation (CtR) groups. The programs were carried out 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The 6-min walk test (6MWT), modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score, blood lactate level (BLL), measurement of peripheral muscle strength (PMS), and electromyography activation levels of accessory respiratory muscles were the main outcomes. There was a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in both groups in the 6MWT distance and in secondary results, except for BLL. Generally, in the mean muscle activity obtained from the electromyography measurement after the program, there were statistically significant increases in the PtR group and decreases in the CtR group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in PMS in both groups. An active muscle-strengthening program has the same benefits as applying the muscle-strengthening program to the patient as MI and AO. CtR can be a powerful alternative rehabilitation method in respiratory patients who cannot tolerate active exercise programs. Full article

First-person VR- and MR-based Action Observation research has thus far yielded both positive and negative findings in studies observing such tools’ potential to teach motor skills. Teaching drumming, particularly polyrhythms, is a challenging motor skill to learn and has remained largely unexplored in the field of Action Observation. In this contribution, a multimodal tool designed to teach rudimental and polyrhythmic drumming was developed and tested in a 20-subject study. The tool presented subjects with a first-person MR perspective via a head-mounted display to provide users with visual exposure to both virtual content and their physical surroundings simultaneously. When compared against a control group practicing via video demonstrations, results showed increased rhythmic accuracy across four exercises. Specifically, a difference of 239 ms (z-ratio = 3.520, p < 0.001) was found between the timing errors of subjects who practiced with our multimodal mixed reality development compared to subjects who practiced with video, demonstrating the potential of such affordances. This research contributes to ongoing work in the fields of Action Observation and Mixed Reality, providing evidence that Action Observation techniques can be an effective practice method for drumming. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Rehabilitation utilizing mirror neurons leverages the brain’s capacity for action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) to enhance motor function. This approach involves patients imitating movements observed in therapists or videos, aiming to improve gait, coordination, and overall quality of life. Mirror neuron activation facilitates motor learning and may decelerate disease progression, thus enhancing patient mobility and independence. Methods: This scoping review aimed to map current evidence on PD therapies employing mirror neuron-based rehabilitation. Databases searched included PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that examined the effects of AO and MI in PD rehabilitation. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing various rehabilitation techniques focusing on AO and MI. These studies consistently demonstrated positive outcomes, such as reduced disease severity and improved quality of life, gait, and balance in PD patients. The activation of mirror neurons through AO and MI was shown to facilitate motor learning and contribute to improved functional mobility. Conclusions: Although the included studies support the beneficial impact of AO and MI techniques in PD rehabilitation, numerous questions remain unresolved. Further research is necessary to evaluate the potential integration of these techniques into standard physiotherapy routines for PD patients. This review highlights the promise of AO and MI in enhancing motor rehabilitation for PD, suggesting the need for more comprehensive studies to validate and refine these therapeutic approaches. Full article

This paper assesses evidence-based applications of Remote Sensing for Sustainable and Precision Agriculture in the Northern Savanna Regions of Ghana for three decades (1990–2023). During this period, there have been several government policy intervention schemes and pragmatic support actions from development agencies towards improving agriculture in this area with differing level of success. Over the same period, there have been dramatic advances in remote sensing (RS) technologies with tailored applications to sustainable agriculture globally. However, the extent to which intervention schemes have harnessed the incipient potential of RS for achieving sustainable agriculture in the study area is unknown. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the synergy between agriculture policy interventions and applications of RS towards optimizing results. Thus, this study used systematic literature review and desk analysis to identify previous and current projects and studies that have applied RS tools and techniques to all aspects of agriculture in the study area. Databases searched include Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, AoJ, and PubMed. To consolidate the gaps identified in the literature, ground-truthing was carried out. From the 26 focused publications found on the subject, only 13 (54%) were found employing RS in various aspects of agriculture observations in the study area. Out of the 13, 5 studies focused on mapping the extents of irrigation areas; 2 mapped the size of crop and pasturelands; 1 focused on soil water and nutrient retention; 1 study focused on crop health monitoring; and another focused on weeds/pest infestations and yield estimation in the study area. On the type of data, only 1 (7%) study used MODIS, 2 (15%) used ASTER image, 1 used Sentinel-2 data, 1 used Planetscope, 1 used IKONOS, 5 used Landsat images, 1 used Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and another 1 used RADAR for mapping and monitoring agriculture activities in the study area. There is no evidence of the use of LiDAR data in the area. These results validate the hypothesis that failing agriculture in the study area is due to a paucity of high-quality spatial data and monitoring to support informed farm decision-making. Full article

Acquired Brain Injuries are one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. One of the most frequent sequelae is motor impairment of the upper limbs, which affects people’s functionality and quality of life. Following the discovery of mirror neurons, new techniques were developed based on the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity, such as motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO). We propose a protocol using electromyographic recordings of forearm muscles in people who have suffered a stroke during an MI task and an AO task. Three different experimental conditions will be studied during the electromyographic recordings: control recording, recording during MI, and recording during AO. Understanding the muscle activation in each technique will allow us to develop future protocols and intervention plans, improving the quality of care for people who have suffered a stroke. Full article

Complex motor skills can be acquired while observing a model without physical practice. Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) also facilitates motor learning. However, the effectiveness of observational practice for bimanual coordination skills is debated. We compared the behavioural and brain causal connectivity patterns following three interventions: primary motor cortex stimulation (M1-tDCS), action-observation (AO) and a combined group (AO+M1-tDCS) when acquiring a bimanual, two-ball juggling skill. Thirty healthy young adults with no juggling experience were randomly assigned to either video observation of a skilled juggler, anodal M1-tDCS or video observation combined with M1-tDCS. Thirty trials of juggling were performed and scored after the intervention. Resting-state EEG data were collected before and after the intervention. Information flow rate was applied to EEG source data to measure causal connectivity. The two observation groups were more accurate than the tDCS alone group. In the AO condition, there was strong information exchange from (L) parietal to (R) parietal regions, strong bidirectional information exchange between (R) parietal and (R) occipital regions and an extensive network of activity that was (L) lateralized. The M1-tDCS condition was characterized by bilateral long-range connections with the strongest information exchange from the (R) occipital region to the (R) temporal and (L) occipital regions. AO+M1-tDCS induced strong bidirectional information exchange in occipital and temporal regions in both hemispheres. Uniquely, it was the only condition that was characterized by information exchange between the (R) frontal and central regions. This study provides new results about the distinct network dynamics of stimulating the brain for skill acquisition, providing insights for motor rehabilitation. Full article

Virtual Co-embodiment (vc) is a relatively new field of VR, enabling a user to share control of an avatar with other users or entities. According to a recent study, vc was shown to have the highest motor skill learning efficiency out of three VR-based methods. This contribution expands on these findings, as well as previous work relating to Action Observation (ao) and drumming, to realize a new concept to teach drumming. Users “duet” with an exemplar half in a virtual scene with concurrent feedback to learn rudiments and polyrhythms. We call this puppet avatar controlled by both a user and separate processes a “halvatar”. The development is based on body-part-segmented vc techniques and uses programmed animation, electromechanical drum strike detection, and optical bimanual hand-tracking informed by head-tracking. A pilot study was conducted with primarily non-musicians showing the potential effectiveness of this tool and approach. Full article

Cationic antimicrobial peptides are molecules with potential applications for treating infections due to their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this work was to explore the antimicrobial activity and mechanisms of action of a porcine neutrophil cathelicidin mixture (MPPN). Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and experiments of both time–kill kinetics and effects on growth curves were performed. Planar black lipid bilayer conductance was measured to analyze the interaction of MPPN with lipid bilayers. Visualization of bacterial surfaces and membrane alterations was achieved using atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effects on the activity of efflux pumps (EPs) were studied with an intracellular accumulation of acridine orange (AO) assay. In E. coli, MPPN behaves as a bactericide at high concentrations and as a bacteriostatic at lower concentrations. The bacteriostatic effect was also observed for slightly shorter periods in S. enterica. The mixture was not active on S. aureus. The increase in AO accumulation in the presence of MPPN indicates that, at least in E. coli, the mixture causes inhibition of the EP function. Observed and detected variable conductance events demonstrate a strong MPPN effect on lipid bilayers. Damage to the structure of treated E. coli indicates that MPPN induces alterations in the bacterial surface. The use of AMPs capable of inhibiting EP can be seen as a good tool to combat antimicrobial resistance since they could be used alone or in combination with other conventional antibiotics to which bacteria have become resistant. Full article

Polyamine (PA) catabolism mediated by amine oxidases is an important process involved in fine-tuning PA homeostasis and related mechanisms during salt stress. The significance of these amine oxidases in short-term responses to salt stress is, however, not well understood. In the present study, the effects of L-aminoguanidine (AG) on tomato roots treated with short-term salt stress induced by NaCl were studied. AG is usually used as a copper amine oxidase (CuAO or DAO) inhibitor. In our study, other alterations of PA catabolism, such as reduced polyamine oxidase (PAO), were also observed in AG-treated plants. Salt stress led to an increase in the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in tomato root apices, evidenced by in situ fluorescent staining and an increase in free PA levels. Such alterations were alleviated by AG treatment, showing the possible antioxidant effect of AG in tomato roots exposed to salt stress. PA catabolic enzyme activities decreased, while the imbalance of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) concentrations displayed a dependence on stress intensity. These changes suggest that AG-mediated inhibition could dramatically rearrange PA catabolism and related reactive species backgrounds, especially the NO-related mechanisms. More studies are, however, needed to decipher the precise mode of action of AG in plants exposed to stress treatments. Full article

Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) techniques are two movement representation strategies that are widely used in multiple fields of study. MI is defined as the cognitive skill that involves the representation of an action, internally, without actual motor execution. AO training evokes internally, and in real time, a simulation of the actual motor gestures that the observer is visually perceiving. Both cognitive processes cause an activation of the brain areas related to the planning, adjustment, and automation of voluntary movement in a similar way as when the action is carried out in a real way. Movement representation strategies have shown that they can be a very useful complement to physical practice to improve some particularly relevant aspects in neurological and musculoskeletal patients. In this narrative review, we discuss the effect that the implementation of these motion representation strategies might have on patients with cardiovascular disease. At the cardiovascular level, MI and AO training should be considered as interventional tools for the management of these patients. With these clinical tools, we could try to improve the generation of cardiopulmonary adaptations, improve exercise tolerability, and also increase functionality. However, more research is needed in this field where these clinical tools are combined with cardiac rehabilitation programs to see if the clinical effect is greater than cardiac rehabilitation programs in isolation. Full article

This article challenges the narrow definition of informal settlements as solely lacking a formal framework, which overlooks the dynamic city-making and urban design processes within these areas. Communities’ self-building processes and areas’ constant growth are indeed informal settlements’ most salient morphological features. The study builds upon the informal development stages (IDS) framework and explores how it applies globally. The research follows a sample of fifty informal settlements with a high change coefficient from the Atlas of Informality (AoI) across five world regions to explore how change and urban densification across IDS can be mapped in such areas using human visual interpretation of Earth observation (EO). The research finds evidence of IDS framework fitment across regions, with critical morphological differences. Additionally, the study finds that settlements can pass through all IDS phases faster than anticipated. The study identifies IDS as a guiding principle for urban design, presenting opportunities for policy and action. The study suggests that integrating IDS with predictive morphological tools can create valuable data to refine identification models further. Finally, the article concludes that an IDS approach can anticipate development and integrate into an urban design evolutionary process that adapts to the deprived areas’ current and future needs. Full article