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Process-based ecosystem models are increasingly important for predicting forest dynamics under future environmental conditions, which may encompass non-analogous climate coupled with unprecedented disturbance regimes. However, challenges persist due to the extensive number of model parameters, scarce calibration data, and trade-offs between the local precision and the applicability of the model over a wide range of environmental conditions. In this paper, we describe a protocol that allows a modeller to collect transferable ecosystem properties based on ecosystem characteristic criteria and to compile the parameters that need to be described in the field. We applied the procedure to develop a new parameterisation for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) for the Biome-BGCMuSo model, the most advanced member of the Biome-BGC family. For model calibration and testing, we utilised multiyear forest carbon data from 87 plots distributed across five European countries. The initial values of 48 new ecophysiological parameters were defined based on a literature review. The final values of six calibrated parameters were optimised for single sites as well as for multiple sites using generalised likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) and model output conditioning that ensured plausible simulations based on user-defined ranges of carbon stock output variables (carbon stock in aboveground wood biomass, soil, and litter) and finding the intersections of site-specific plausible parameter hyperspaces. To support the model use, we tested the model performance by simulating aboveground tree wood, soil, and litter carbon across a large geographical gradient of central Europe and evaluated the trade-offs between parameters tailored to single plots and parameters estimated using multiple sites. Our findings indicated that parameter sets derived from single sites provided an improved local accuracy of simulations of aboveground wood, soil, and litter carbon stocks by 35 %, 55 %, and 11 % in comparison to the a priori parameter set. However, their broader applicability was very limited. A multi-site optimised parameter set, on the other hand, performed satisfactorily across the entire geographical domain studied here, including on sites not involved in the parameter estimation, but the errors were, on average, 26 %, 35 % and 9 % greater for the aboveground wood, soil, and litter carbon stocks than those obtained with the site-specific parameter sets. Importantly, model simulations demonstrated plausible responses across large-scale environmental gradients, featuring a clear production optimum of beech that aligns with empirical studies. These findings suggest that the model is capable of accurately simulating the dynamics of European beech across its range and can be used for more comprehensive experimentations.

This study developed a new method for experimentally measuring and estimating multilayer soil thermo-physical properties. It also tested how multi-layered soil influences an earth-air heat exchanger (EAHE) system in Gödöllő, Hungary. Thus, this research has introduced these combination characteristics that increase EAHE system performance by properly estimating soil multi-layer properties and thermal gradients and their thermal performance effects. New laboratory and theoretical methods can evaluate multilayer soil thermal and physical properties depending on moisture content and density. The first layer had the lowest soil moisture content (6.10 %), the fifth layer had the highest (12.8 %), and the mixed layer had the middle value (9.12 %). The densities of these soil types ranged from 930.49 to 1184.03 kg/m3. When installing the EAHE system, the second layer is better for cooling purposes. Third-layer soil pipe air is 3.74 % hotter than second-layer air. Mixed soil heats and cools moderately. It is 1.74 % hotter and 2 % colder than the second and third layers of soil, respectively.

Ian Donald Inter-University School of Ultrasound is a living tribute to Ian Donald, the visionary physician who pioneered ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology. The School is dedicated to the improvement of all aspects of perinatal and gynecologic care. The discovery of ultrasound has enabled us to see and care for the fetus as a patient as well as visualize pelvic organs noninvasively—and has therefore brought obstetric and gynecologic diagnosis out of the dark ages. The School has evolved to almost 140 international Chapters or Branches which permits the spread of knowledge throughout the world. With the rapid development of information and communication technologies, industrial nations are transforming into societies in which knowledge, although intangible, is the most valuable commodity. The traditional choreography of learning, with its long, rigidly defined school, job, and university educational periods, is already obsolete. The most important factors which have influenced the changes occurring in education have been the installation and development of the Internet, electronic multimedia techniques and artificial intelligence. Donald Schools have to reinvent themselves in order to remain relevant to the current generation. The distance learning campaign (which extensively developed in the last three years of the COVID-19 pandemic) aims to establish a distinct visual identity for Ian Donald School and to unify all its various branches and entities into a single voice.

Abstract Key message Seven European beech provenances differing largely in growth performance were grown at two common garden sites in Germany and Slovakia. The intra-specific variability of most traits was explained more by phenotypic plasticity than inter-provenance variability, and efficiency-related traits showed a higher phenotypic plasticity than safety-related traits. Context To maintain climate-resilient future forests, replicated common-garden experiments are suited for developing assisted migration strategies for key tree species. Aims We analysed the magnitude of inter-provenance variability and phenotypic plasticity for 12 functional traits of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and analysed whether the climate at the place of origin left an imprint. Moreover, we asked whether growth is unrelated to xylem safety and to what extent the foliar, xylem and growth-related traits are coordinated. Methods Terminal branches were collected from 19-year-old and 22-year-old trees of seven European beech provenances planted at two common garden sites in Germany and Slovakia, respectively. Three hydraulic, three wood anatomical and four foliar traits were measured and related to two growth-related variables. Results At the two sites, the same pair of provenances showed the highest and lowest growth. Nevertheless, a high degree of phenotypic plasticity was observed, as all traits differed significantly between sites after accounting for provenance effects, with hydraulic safety-related traits showing the lowest and efficiency-related traits the highest plasticity. There was no evidence for inter-provenance variability in xylem embolism resistance (P 50) or the foliar carbon isotope signature (δ13C), a proxy for intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), and both were unrelated to growth. P 50 was positively correlated with the lumen-to-sapwood area ratio and vessel density. Conclusions Because of the lacking trade-off between embolism resistance and growth, highly productive provenances can be selected without reducing the drought tolerance of the branch xylem. However, as xylem safety is only one element of a trees’ drought response, it may be beneficial to select provenances with other more conservative drought adaptations such as smaller vessel lumen areas for increasing xylem safety and small supported total leaf areas for reduction of total transpiration.

Phytotoxicity of trace elements (commonly misunderstood as ‘heavy metals’) includes impairment of functional groups of enzymes, photo-assembly, redox homeostasis, and nutrient status in higher plants. Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) can ameliorate trace element toxicity. We discuss SiNPs response against several essential (such as Cu, Ni, Mn, Mo, and Zn) and non-essential (including Cd, Pb, Hg, Al, Cr, Sb, Se, and As) trace elements. SiNPs hinder root uptake and transport of trace elements as the first line of defence. SiNPs charge plant antioxidant defence against trace elements-induced oxidative stress. The enrolment of SiNPs in gene expressions was also noticed on many occasions. These genes are associated with several anatomical and physiological phenomena, such as cell wall composition, photosynthesis, and metal uptake and transport. On this note, we dedicate the later sections of this review to support an enhanced understanding of SiNPs influence on the metabolomic, proteomic, and genomic profile of plants under trace elements toxicity.

Norway spruce is expected to suffer from drought stress and other manifestations of climate change. This study relies on a manipulative experiment with drought-stressed and well-watered (control) seedlings, comprising five provenances of Norway spruce distributed along a steep elevational transect from 550 to 1,280 m a.s.l. within the natural range. Seedlings were subjected to measurement of physiological traits (content of phytohormones and monoterpenes, slow and fast chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics, gas exchange, hyperspectral indices), and genotyping at 8 nuclear microsatellite loci. Comparison of the coefficient of differentiation at neutral loci (FST) vs. differentiation at phenotypic traits (PST) was used to identify traits underlying divergent selection. In total, 18 traits exhibited a significant PST – FST difference. However, the consistency in differentiation patterns between drought-stressed and control plants was limited, only three traits exhibited signals of selection under both treatments. This outcome indicates that the identified differentiation patterns can only be interpreted in the context of environmental setup of the experiment, and highlights the importance of common gardens in adaptation research, as they allow both elimination of environment-induced phenotypic variation and studying genotype-by-environment interaction in physiological responses to environmental stresses.

The impact of climate change on the physiological processes of Norway spruce in Central Europe is a significant concern. The increased temperature and evaporative demand associated with climate change may negatively affect its photosynthesis and carbon-water balance. This study tests the combined effect of branch position, temperature (T) and water vapour pressure deficit (VPD) on net photosynthetic rate (PN), water vapour stomatal conductance (gs), and intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi) of Norway spruce. More than 11 000 gas-exchange measurements during the summer of 2018 revealed that branch position significantly affects gas exchange and WUEi of juvenile Norway spruce trees. Northern branches showed on average 21% increased PN, 35% higher gs, and 8% lower WUEi compared to the southern branches (across T and VPD conditions). The PN and gs differences between the branches were temperature- and VPD-dependent. We observed the negative impact of raising temperature on gas exchange and WUEi for both treatments, with a 40°C threshold causing a rapid decline in WUEi. Variability of the southern branches' WUEi at 42°C was abruptly increased due to the decoupling of PN and gs (low PN, high gs). Surprisingly, raising VPD showed no significant impact on WUEi of Norway spruce. The results of this study provide necessary information for upscaling and process-based modelling of whole-crown gas exchange. Moreover, experimental studies of gas exchange should take into consideration the branch position effect to prevent possible bias errors.

Abstract Plant susceptibility to salt depends on several factors from its genetic makeup to modifiable physiological and biochemical status. We used lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) plants as a relevant medicinal and aromatic cash crop to assess the potential benefits of chitosan oligomers (COS) on plant growth and essential oil productivity during salinity stress (160 and 240 mM NaCl). Five foliar sprays of 120 mg L−1 of COS were applied weekly. Several aspects of photosynthesis, gas exchange, cellular defence, and essential oil productivity of lemongrass were traced. The obtained data indicated that 120 mg L−1 COS alleviated photosynthetic constraints and raised the enzymatic antioxidant defence including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) activities that minimised salt-induced oxidative damage. Further, stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic CO2 assimilation (A) were improved to support overall plant development. The same treatment increased geraniol dehydrogenase (GeDH) activity and lemongrass essential oil production. COS-induced salt resilience suggests that COS could become a useful biotechnological tool in reclaiming saline soil for improved crop productivity, especially when such soil is unfit for leading food crops. Considering its additional economic value in the essential oil industry, we propose COS-treated lemongrass as an excellent alternative crop for saline lands.

This paper presents a MATLAB/Simulink model to design and assess Solar Chimney Power Plants (SCPPs) in any location worldwide, offering a simple and efficient approach that saves time and costs, while maintaining the flexibility of the design process. The model evaluates the physical and engineering specifications, pressure loss, power production, and characteristics of SCPPs. The model is applied to evaluate an SCPP in Kufa, Iraq, where no previous study has been conducted to evaluate such renewable energy sources. The proposed model's reliability is demonstrated by comparing the results to those from previous literature. The study concludes that the SCPP's power production built with a glazed roof radius of 50 m, a chimney radius of 5 m, a roof height of 2 m, and the chimney height of 50 m was highest during the summer months due to high solar radiation and temperatures, with the highest average production occurring in July at 537.87 kW, 12% greater than the least productive month of January. The SCPP's annual average power production is 6,122.3 kW, indicating high efficiency for renewable energy in these regions. The study also found that ambient temperature has a greater impact on energy production than solar radiation within a certain range. Otherwise, solar radiation has the greatest impact. The paper highlights the significance of temperature in regions such as Kufa, where the temperature can reach as high as 42.3 °C, and the impact of temperature and radiation on power production. This study provides a reliable model that can aid in designing and evaluating SCPPs in various locations.

Several polysaccharides augment plant growth and productivity and galvanise defence against pathogens. Such elicitors have ecological superiority over traditional growth regulators, considering their amplified biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioactivity, non-toxicity, ubiquity, and inexpensiveness. Chitosan is a chitin-derived polysaccharide that has recently been spotlighted among plant scientists. Chitosan supports plant growth and development and protects against microbial entities such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and insects. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of chitosan’s antimicrobial and insecticidal potential with recent updates. These effects are further explored with the possibilities of chitosan’s active correspondence with phytohormones such as jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and gibberellic acid (GA). The stress-induced redox shift in cellular organelles could be substantiated by the intricate participation of chitosan with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant metabolism, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). Furthermore, we propose how chitosan could be intertwined with cellular signalling through Ca2+, ROS, nitric oxide (NO), transcription factors (TFs), and defensive gene activation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology in the field of healthcare, offering significant advancements in various medical disciplines, including obstetrics. The integration of artificial intelligence into 3D/4D ultrasound analysis of fetal facial profiles presents numerous benefits. By leveraging machine learning and deep learning algorithms, AI can assist in the accurate and efficient interpretation of complex 3D/4D ultrasound data, enabling healthcare providers to make more informed decisions and deliver better prenatal care. One such innovation that has significantly improved the analysis of fetal facial profiles is the integration of AI in 3D/4D ultrasound imaging. In conclusion, the integration of artificial intelligence in the analysis of 3D/4D ultrasound data for fetal facial profiles offers numerous benefits, including improved accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in prenatal diagnosis and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ian Donald International School of Ultrasound bears testament to globalization in its most successful and worthwhile form. The school was founded in Dubrovnik in 1981. Since then, the growth has been meteoric and now consists of 126 branches throughout the world. The reason for this success has been the tireless and selfless efforts of the world’s leading authorities in ultrasound who are willing to dedicate their valuable time without reimbursement to teach sonologists and sonographers throughout the world. The teachers put national, religious, political, and other parochial considerations aside as they strive to improve the care of all women and fetal patients. Our politicians in all of the myriad countries represented in the school have much to learn from the purity of spirit that exists throughout the international family of Ian Donald schools. We believe that Ian Donald is smiling down from heaven at the School that bears his name. It is not overstating the fact to say that Donald’s innovation has changed the thinking of our age. The magnitude of this step alone is incalculable. Indeed, diagnostic ultrasound, more than any other modern technique, has made manifest that the fetus is an individual virtually from conception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process-based ecosystem models are increasingly important for predicting forest dynamics under future environmental conditions, which may encompass non-analogous climate coupled with unprecedented disturbance regimes. However, challenges persist due to the extensive number of model parameters, scarce calibration data, and trade-offs between the local precision and the applicability of the model over a wide range of environmental conditions. In this paper, we describe a protocol that allows a modeller to collect transferable ecosystem properties based on ecosystem characteristic criteria and to compile the parameters that need to be described in the field. We applied the procedure to develop a new parameterisation for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) for the Biome-BGCMuSo model, the most advanced member of the Biome-BGC family. For model calibration and testing, we utilised multiyear forest carbon data from 87 plots distributed across five European countries. The initial values of 48 new ecophysiological parameters were defined based on a literature review. The final values of six calibrated parameters were optimised for single sites as well as for multiple sites using generalised likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) and model output conditioning that ensured plausible simulations based on user-defined ranges of carbon stock output variables (carbon stock in aboveground wood biomass, soil, and litter) and finding the intersections of site-specific plausible parameter hyperspaces. To support the model use, we tested the model performance by simulating aboveground tree wood, soil, and litter carbon across a large geographical gradient of central Europe and evaluated the trade-offs between parameters tailored to single plots and parameters estimated using multiple sites. Our findings indicated that parameter sets derived from single sites provided an improved local accuracy of simulations of aboveground wood, soil, and litter carbon stocks by 35 %, 55 %, and 11 % in comparison to the a priori parameter set. However, their broader applicability was very limited. A multi-site optimised parameter set, on the other hand, performed satisfactorily across the entire geographical domain studied here, including on sites not involved in the parameter estimation, but the errors were, on average, 26 %, 35 % and 9 % greater for the aboveground wood, soil, and litter carbon stocks than those obtained with the site-specific parameter sets. Importantly, model simulations demonstrated plausible responses across large-scale environmental gradients, featuring a clear production optimum of beech that aligns with empirical studies. These findings suggest that the model is capable of accurately simulating the dynamics of European beech across its range and can be used for more comprehensive experimentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine a possible correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and altered fetal behavior. Kurjak's antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) was applied from 28 to 40 weeks in 38 gestations (group A) diagnosed with COVID-19 infection during the first week and 43 non-COVID pregnant women (group B). No statistically significant differences considering maternal age (33±3.9 years for group A vs. 31±4.1 years for group B) and gestational age (33±1.6 weeks for group A compared to 33±2.1 weeks for group B) were observed. KANET scores were not different between the two groups. Fetal behavior differences are not altered in women diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the third trimester of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To discuss the increasing visibility of non-binary individuals and inclusive policies and practices in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Comparison between traditional ART approach designed for binary genders and propose approach in non-binary individuals. Traditional ART services, designed for binary genders, must adapt to address the unique fertility needs of non-binary patients. This includes using gender-neutral language, providing comprehensive fertility assessments, and offering hormone therapy and fertility preservation options. Children of non-binary parents benefit from open communication about gender diversity, enhancing psychological well-being. Positive societal attitudes and inclusive environments in schools are crucial for preventing discrimination and promoting mental health. A systemic approach is required to make ART inclusive. This involves training staff, adjusting facilities, updating documentation, and advocating for supportive legislation. Addressing the reproductive needs of non-binary individuals ensures equitable access to care and supports their family-building goals. Ensuring the well-being of children in non-binary families requires psychological support, inclusive healthcare, legal recognition, social support, and comprehensive education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) has great relevance considering the substantial commercial potential of its essential oil. Nevertheless, the increasing soil salinity poses an imminent threat to lemongrass cultivation given its moderate salt-sensitivity. For this, we used silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) to stimulate salt tolerance in lemongrass considering SiNPs special relevance to stress settings. Five foliar sprays of SiNPs 150 mg L-1 were applied weekly to NaCl 160 and 240 mM-stressed plants. The data indicated that SiNPs minimised oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, H2O2 content) while triggering a general activation of growth, photosynthetic performance, enzymatic antioxidant system including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), and osmolyte proline (PRO). SiNPs amplified stomatal conductance and photosynthetic CO2 assimilation rate by about 24% and 21% in NaCl 160 mM-stressed plants. Associated benefits contributed to pronounced plant phenotype over their stressed counterparts, as we found. Foliar SiNPs sprays assuaged plant height by 30% and 64%, dry weight by 31% and 59%, and leaf area by 31% and 50% under NaCl 160 and 240 mM concentrations, respectively. SiNPs relieved enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, POD) and osmolyte (PRO) in lemongrass plants stressed with NaCl 160 mM (9%, 11%, 9%, and 12%, respectively) and NaCl 240 mM (13%, 18%, 15%, and 23%, respectively). The same treatment supported the oil biosynthesis improving essential oil content by 22% and 44% during 160 and 240 mM salt stress, respectively. We found SiNPs can completely overcome NaCl 160 mM stress while significantly palliating NaCl 240 mM stress. Thus, we propose that SiNPs can be a useful biotechnological tool to palliate salinity stress in lemongrass and related crops.

Intra-seasonal growth responses of co-occurring European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) to weather variability in montane forests can provide useful information on their future growth trends. To improve growth predictions, we aimed to identify (i) the main seasonal windows during which weather variability influences tree-ring growth, (ii) species-specific differences in the response to weather fluctuations, and (iii) teleconnections to remote sites in the Western Carpathians. We monitored intra-seasonal growth dynamics based on proxies extracted growth signals detected by high-resolution dendrometers in the transition zone between the beech and spruce altitudinal belt. Over 12 consecutive seasons in the natural montane forest (1350 m a.s.l.), the main part of spruce (68% to 10 July) and beech (95% to 26 August) annual increment was under the prevailing influence of temperature. After this, precipitation pattern (regarding spruce) and day length became the most influential variables during deceleration and cessation of growth. In addition, synchronous patterns with remote sites in the Western Carpathians were found. The results emphasize the importance of studying the influence of shorter-term weather fluctuations during the season. Our findings suggest that montane spruce tends to be less temperature-demanding and more drought-sensitive than beech, which may favor beech over the spruce under the future climate. Key words: European beech, Norway spruce, intra-seasonal growth, weather response, high altitude. Les reactions de la croissance intra saisonniere du hetre commun (Fagus sylvatica L.) et de l'epicea commun (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), deux especes cooccurrentes, a la variabilite des conditions meteorologiques dans les forets alpestres peuvent fournir des informations utiles concernant les tendances de leur croissance future. Afin d'ameliorer les predictions de la croissance, nous avions pour objectif d'identifier : (i) les principales fenetres saisonnieres durant lesquelles la variabilite des conditions meteorologiques influence la croissance des cernes annuels; (ii) les differences propres a chaque espece dans leur reaction aux fluctuations des conditions meteorologiques; et (iii) les teleconnections avec des stations eloignees dans les Carpates occidentales. Nous avons suivi la dynamique de la croissance intra saisonniere sur la base des signaux de croissance extraits de substituts detectes par les dendrometres haute resolution dans la zone de transition entre la ceinture altitudinale du hetre et de l'epicea. Au cours de 12 saisons consecutives dans la foret naturelle alpestre (1350 m a.s.l.), la principale portion de l'accroissement annuel de l'epicea (68 % jusqu'au 10 juillet) et du hetre (95 % jusqu'au 26 aout) etait sous l'influence preponderante de la temperature. Apres cela, le patron de precipitation (dans le cas de l'epicea) et la duree du jour sont devenus les variables les plus influentes durant le ralentissement et l'arret de la croissance. De plus, des patrons synchrones avec des stations eloignees dans les Carpates occidentales ont ete detectes. Les resultats mettent en evidence l'importance d'etudier l'influence des fluctuations des conditions meteorologiques a court terme durant la saison de croissance. Nos resultats indiquent que l'epicea alpestre tend a etre moins exigeant pour la temperature et plus sensible a la secheresse que le hetre, ce qui peut avantager le hetre plutot que l'epicea dans le contexte des conditions climatiques a venir. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : hetre commun, epicea commun, croissance intra saisonniere, reaction aux conditions meteorologiques, haute altitude., Introduction High-altitude montane forests provide important ecosystem services and are sensitive to the changing climate, which probably seriously influences their functioning (Lindner et al. 2010; Treml et al. 2012), as [...]

The Kurjak antenatal neurodevelopment test (KANET) is a pioneering prenatal diagnostic tool designed to evaluate fetal neurodevelopment using high-resolution ultrasonography and detailed neuroimaging analysis. This review provides an in-depth analysis of KANET's methodology, clinical applications, and its significant role in enhancing prenatal care. By integrating advanced imaging techniques with precise neurodevelopmental assessments, KANET enables early detection and intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders, potentially improving long-term outcomes. The review also discusses KANET's validation across diverse populations, its comparative effectiveness with traditional diagnostic methods, and the future potential for incorporating emerging technologies to further refine prenatal diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although trophoblastic diseases were frequent in East Asia in the past, choriocarcinoma is rare at present after the introduction of effective chemotherapy and postmolar management in Japan. Molar pregnancy has also decreased, possibly due to ultrasound diagnosis and termination in early pregnancy. The outcome of the disease has greatly improved by ultrasound diagnosis, including real-time B-mode, color/power Doppler flow images, and pulsed Doppler tumor blood flow studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal, fetal, and placental factors are involved in the growth, development, and metabolism of the fetus. This paper presents the development of the placenta and its functions, fetal growth and metabolism, the structural and functional development of the fetal organ systems, and fetal stress and its prenatal and postnatal consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Assessing fetal behavior in utero is challenging and of great value for perinatal screening, but the evolution of ultrasonography has led to a better comprehension of fetal pathology. Antenatal screening for early detection of fetal neurological well-being has provided valuable information. The aim of this study is to determine a possible correlation between hypothyroidism in pregnancy and altered fetal behavior. Materials and methods: Kurjak antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) was applied from 28 weeks to 38 weeks in 85 gestations (group A) with hypothyroidism and 87 euthyroid pregnant women (group B). Results: No statistically significant differences were observed considering maternal age (29.2 ± 4.9 years for group A vs 29.7 ± 3.3 years for group B) and gestational age (GA) (33 ± 1.6 weeks for hypothyroidic compared to 33 ± 2.1 weeks for euthyroidic group). The control group reported higher KANET scores than group A. Conclusion: It appears that fetal behavior differences are observed in women with hypothyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) crop is dominated by its medicinal, food preservative, and cosmetic demands. The growing economy of the lemongrass market suggests the immense commercial potential of lemongrass and its essential oil. Nevertheless, the continuous increase of the saline regime threatens the growth and productivity of most of the plant life worldwide. In this regard, the present experiment explores the salt sensitiveness of the lemongrass crop against five different levels of salt stress. Metabolomic analyses suggest that lemongrass plants can effectively tolerate a salt concentration of up to 80 mM and retain most of their growth and productivity. However, extreme NaCl concentrations (≥160 mM) inflicted significant (α = 0.05) damage to the plant physiology and exhausted the lemongrass antioxidative defence system. Therefore, the highest NaCl concentration (240 mM) minimised plant height, chlorophyll fluorescence, and essential oil production by up to 50, 27, and 45%. The overall data along with the salt implications on photosynthetic machinery and ROS metabolism suggest that lemongrass can be considered a moderately sensitive crop to salt stress. The study, sensu lato, can be used in reclaiming moderately saline lands with lemongrass cultivation converting such lands from economic liability to economic asset.

The performance of PSII photochemistry in five Central European provenances of silver fir differing in the altitude of origin (250-1,300 m a.s.l.) were studied using the chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters derived from the JIP-test. Measurements were performed on two dates in 2016: at the start and at the peak of growing season. Within this period, mild water stress was recorded, allowing us to monitor changes in photochemistry under drought conditions. Our results confirmed that silver fir is generally resistant to water deficit at the PSII level. However, the differences in photochemistry between provenances originating from different climatic conditions were observed. The high-altitude provenances (from wetter and colder localities) achieved higher PSII efficiency, which was also supported by clear trends along the climatic and geographic gradients of the provenance origins. After the drought, comparable PSII efficiency for low-altitude provenances and even higher for these originating in higher altitudes was observed.