bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnomedicinal uses of plants by traditional healers in Ajaygarh, district Panna (MP)
India
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Singh Mayank
Published: June 2023

Medicinal plants are important in traditional healthcare practices, providing clues to new areas of research for human welfare. This study was an effort to document the indigenous knowledge of traditional healers about traditional uses of medicinal plants for curing different human diseases. Janpad panchayat Ajaygarh, a tehsil of district Panna of Madhya Pradesh state is rich in diversity of medicinal plants.Data of traditional uses of medicinal plants have been collected from December 2021 to November 2022 by survey and interviews method with local villagers and Vaidya. Structured questionnaires, interviews and participatory observation were used to collect data of ethnomedicinal uses of plants in study area. 20 sampling villages of Janpad panchayat Ajaygarh were selected for study purpose and 60 informants including 40 men and 20 women, 3 from each sampling stations were selected and interviewed during the one year journey of data collection.55 medicinal plant species belonging to 53 genera of 33 families were identified. It shows that there is high potential available in the form of diversity of medicinal plants for treatment purpose of human beings in any system of medicine like as Folk medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, Allopathy and others.
A survey report on ethnomedicinal plants of Shakambhari hills of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Soni Saloni , Khan Akhatar , Pareek Aparna
Published: June 2023

Due to increasing crisis of drug resistant microorganisms, it is required to explore natural sources for developing new drugs. Plant based medicines are utilized from ancient times. Tribal community used crude form of plant parts to cure diseases. Although many industries promote the natural ingredients of plants for formulation of drugs but still more exploration is required to fight with newly discovered diseases and drug resistant microorganisms. Apart from this, the point for survey of ethnomedicinal plants are also important to conserve the nearly extinct and endangered species. The primary motto of this research is to explore the ethnomedicinal plants of Shakambhari hills of Shekhawati region. So that valuable and endangered species can be conserved. Important ingredients of these ethnomedicinal plants can be studied further to design new drugs against drug resistant microorganisms. In present research total 35 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 22 families are mentioned from the Shakambhari region.
Azimuthal differences of quenched jets
Authors:   , Keijdener Darius Laurens David
Published: June 2023

The study of high-energy partons in heavy ion collisions and proton collisions can provide us with an insight into the strong interaction. These products of hard collisions fragment and hadronize in a parton shower, so-called jets. In heavy ion collision the parton shower is modified in a process called quenching, wherein the parton and its products are interacting with a Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP). Intuitively one would expect the quenching effects to scale with the path length in the medium. A possible observable of the path length dependence uses the naturally occurring azimuthal differences in non-central heavy ion collisions. The elliptic flow observed in these events is linked to the second order event plane. Whether jets are in the direction of this event plane or perpendicular to it might influence the amount of quenching. In this work the difference between jets was studied depending on their angle to the event plane for three different equally large bins. This was done with the study of di-hadron correlation. The combitorinal background is subtracted with a model that connects the background in three plane-bins. Special attention was paid to the roll of the correlations between event planes. This model was tested in a Toy Monte Carlo model.

Then the same background model was used in an analysis of the 2011 ALICE data of Lead-Lead collisions. Here several signs are present that the plane dependent trigger background fit (PDF) model does not perform as well as expected on basis of the Toy Monte Carlo Model, especially at lower transverse momenta of the associated particle (pT,a). Several cross checks have been performed to see whether this difference could be explained within the confines of the PDF model. But results for the near-side jet peak are not consistent with the more reliable method of large ∆η (LDE) subtraction, except for pT,a > 3 GeV/c on the near-side and pT,a > 4 GeV/c on the away side. Since an analysis of the away-side is not possible with the LDE model, and the PDF model is not suitable for the high momentum range where statistics is low, a model based on a Fourier analysis of the near-side range is introduced. This reproduces different results as well in the low momentum region. For all these models the Iplane parameters are introduced, a fraction of the associated particle yield from a angle-restricted trigger through a associated particle yield from an aselect trigger. A near-identical analysis is performed in a AMPT Monte Carlo model, where the same inconsistencies are present for the lower pT,a. For both the AMPT Monte Carlo and the ALICE data we can conclude that the LDE results are mostly in between the Fourier and the PDF results. At high pT,a no difference could be found within the current experimental and theoretical constraints. The expected effect of the path length dependence in the AMPT model is not distinguishable within current uncertainties. At lower pT,a the differences between background models are too large to draw conclusion.
SISTEM PAKAR KEBUTUHAN NUTRISI IBU HAMIL STUDI KASUS RUMAH SAKIT ALIYAH 1 KENDARI
Authors: Andi Tenriawaru  , Wa Ode Irmayadani  , Jumadil Nangi
Published: June 2023

Kesehatan adalah bagian terpenting dalam hidup manusia, terutama bagi ibu yang sedang hamil. Namun masih jarang ibu hamil yang peduli dengan kesehatannya sendiri. Salah satu cara menjaga Kesehatan adalah dengan mengatur pola makan yang baik. Mengatur pola makan paling sering diabaikan oleh banyak orang, padahal makanan yang dimakan bisa menjadi tempat masuk berbagai penyakit. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menghasilkan sistem pakar kebutuhan nutrisi ibu hamil menggunakan logika fuzzy Tsukamoto. Metode yang akan diterapkan pada penelitian ini adalah logika Fuzzy Tsukamoto yang mana output penelitian ini adalah apakah ibu hamil termaksud dalam kategori penyakit anemia sedang, anemia berat, anemia ringgan atau penyakit hipertensi sedang, hipertensi berat, hipertensi ringgan atau kategori kondisi keadaan normal. Aplikasi sistem pakar ini sudah melalui beberapa pengujian yaitu pengujian black-box testing, pengujian efektivitas dan user acceptance testing pada ahli gizi rumah sakit Aliyah 1 kendari. Pada pengujian black-box testing memberikan hasil bahwa fungsionalitas aplikasi sistem pakar sudah berjalan dengan baik dan pada pengujian efektivitas didapat hasil yang cocok dengan perhitungan sistem sebesar 80 %. Pada user acceptance testing didapatkan kesimpulan bahwa sistem telah sesuai dengan realisasi sebesar 87,5 %.
Novo Olhar Artístico
Authors: De Oliveira da Silva Bruno , Torres Tricárico Luciano , Cesário Pereira Yára Christina
Published: June 2023

Durante a primeira década do século XXI o Brasil passou a fazer parte de importantes decisões geopolíticas globais, sendo eleito em 2009 o país-sede da XXXI Olimpíada da Era Moderna. À vista disso, este estudo objetivou elucidar o olhar artístico da equipe criativa durante o processo de concepção da Cerimônia de Abertura dos Jogos Olímpicos Rio 2016, perante uma abordagem qualitativa, de alcances exploratório e descritivo com base bibliográfica e documental. As constatações apontam que o evento pode ser compreendido como um novo ciclo de afirmação artístico-identitária devido ao seu planejamento conceitual, dimensão de apresentação dos resultados e consecutiva divulgação, inserindo novos elementos da cultural brasileira por meio da mixagem de variadas formas de arte tradicionais, modernas e contemporâneas
Os Objetos Provocativos de Hans Bellmer:
Authors: Silva Lucas Henrique , Volobuef Karin
Published: June 2023

Pretendeu-se apresentar considerações sobre a categoria do objeto e suas dimensões na obra de Hans Bellmer (1902-1975), artista alemão ligado ao surrealismo francês. Através da leitura de textos como “A Boneca”, “Os jogos da Boneca” e Anatomia da Imagem (1957), propôs-se analisar a ideia de “objeto” presente nas obras ou projetos visuais Die Puppe e Diana von Ephesus, ambos compostos por pinturas, fotografias e esculturas produzidas ao longo das décadas de 1930 e 1950. Tais trabalhos constituem exemplos da postura do artista de transformar objetos familiares, como o pião, por exemplo, em reflexos da anatomia, a fim de representar as qualidades estranhas, subversivas, dos objetos disponíveis. Dessa atitude, surge o que se pode reconhecer como “objeto provocativo”, categoria do objeto surrealista a partir de Paul Éluard sobre a obra Die Puppe.
"Ruptura do Invisível":
Authors: Gunlanda Orlando Afonso Camutue , Zanella Andréa Vieira
Published: June 2023

Este artigo analisa a intervenção artística “Ruptura do Invisível”, fotoperformance do artista Sérgio Adriano H realizada em espaço urbano. É nosso objetivo compreender a potência dessa obra para o tensionamento das relações étnico-raciais na sociedade brasileira. As discussões são realizadas em diálogo com as contribuições de Nicolas Bourriaud, Mikhail Bakhtin, Achille Mbembe entre outros autores. Como resultados, vimos que a obra investe na produção de aproximações e vivências coletivas que problematizam o racismo nos contextos urbanos. Configura-se assim como dispositivo que, ao provocar afecções em pessoas que com a obra de arte se relacionam, contribui para visibilizar e tensionar os regimes que sustentam as desigualdades étnico-raciais na sociedade brasileira.
Rios de Valdir Sarubbi:
Authors: Smith Francisco , Athayde Bordallo da Silva Mariana Tereza
Published: June 2023

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar um estudo das memórias amazônicas em algumas obras do artista plástico Valdir Sarubbi. Para isso, explorar-se-á os dados de suas produções, lembranças do artista no período em que ele ainda vivia nas cidades de Bragança e Belém do Pará, desde sua infância até sua fase mais adulta. Para este estudo foram utilizados os estudos de Halbwachs (2004), Loureiro (2007) e os depoimentos do próprio artista que aparecem no livro de Rosana Bitar (2002); e, a carta escrita pelo artista a seus primos.
Effectiveness and safety of integrase strand transfer inhibitors in Spain: a prospective real-world study
Authors: Santos José Ramón , Casadellà Maria , Noguera-Julian Marc , Micán-Rivera Rafael , Domingo Pere , Antela Antonio , Portilla Joaquin , Sanz Jesús , Montero-Alonso Marta , Navarro Jordi , Masiá Mar , Valcarce-Pardeiro Nieves , Ocampo Antonio , Pérez-Martínez Laura , García-Vallecillos Coral , Vivancos María Jesús , Imaz Arkaitz , Iribarren José Antonio , Hernández-Quero José , Villar-García Judit , Barrufet Pilar , Paredes Roger ,   INSTINCT study group
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are preferred treatment options worldwide, and dolutegravir (DTG) is the treatment of choice in resource-limited settings. Nevertheless, in some resource-limited settings, these drugs are not always available. An analysis of the experience with the use of INSTIs in unselected adults living with HIV may be of help to make therapeutic decisions when second-generation INSTIs are not available. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life effectiveness and safety of dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir/cobicistat (EVG/c), and raltegravir (RAL) in a large Spanish cohort of HIV-1-infected patients.

Methods

Real-world study of adults living with HIV who initiated integrase INSTIs DTG, EVG/c, and RAL-based regimens in three settings (ART-naïve patients, ART-switching, and ART-salvage patients). The primary endpoint was the median time to treatment discontinuation after INSTI-based regimen initiation. Proportion of patients experiencing virological failure (VF) (defined as two consecutive viral loads (VL) ≥200 copies/mL at 24 weeks or as a single determination of VL ≥1,000 copies/mL while receiving DTG, EVG/c or RAL, and at least 3 months after INSTI initiation) and time to VF were also evaluated.

Results

Virological effectiveness of EVG/c- and RAL-based regimens was similar to that of DTG when given as first-line and salvage therapy. Treatment switching for reasons other than virological failure was more frequent in subjects receiving EVG/c and, in particular, RAL. Naïve patients with CD4+ nadir <100 cells/μL were more likely to develop VF, particularly if they initiated RAL or EVG/c. In the ART switching population, initiation of RAL and EVG/c was associated with both VF and INSTI discontinuation. There were no differences in the time to VF and INSTI discontinuation between DTG, EVG/c and RAL. Immunological parameters improved in the three groups and for the three drugs assessed. Safety and tolerability were consistent with expected safety profiles.

Discussion

Whereas second-generation INSTIs are preferred treatment options worldwide, and DTG is one of the treatment of choices in resource-limited settings, first-generation INSTIs may still provide high virological and immunological effectiveness when DTG is not available.
Characterization of ultrasound and postnatal pathology in fetuses with heterotaxy syndrome
Authors: Wu Qiumei , Guo Shan , Huang Biying , Ling Wen , Peng Longzhuang , Ma Hong , Chen Fa , Lyu Guorong , Liu Min , Qiu Xiuqing , Weng Zongjie
Published: June 2023

Background

To explore the diagnostic clues and abnormality spectrum of heterotaxy syndrome by prenatal ultrasonography and postnatal verification.

Methods

The prenatal ultrasonic data of 88 heterotaxy syndrome fetuses were analyzed retrospectively as left isomerism (LI) and right isomerism (RI). Prenatal ultrasound compared with the anatomical casting of the fetal body after labor induction, and the confirmatory postnatal diagnosis after delivery.

Results

Fetal LI showed typical malformations of gastric vesicles on different sides from the heart, absence of hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC), abdominal aorta (AO) parallel with the azygos vein (AV), bilateral left bronchus, bilateral left atrial appendages, and polysplenia; intracardiac malformations of AV septal defects (AVSD), single atrium (SA), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), and double-outlet right ventricle (DORV); and cardiac conduction abnormalities of sinus bradycardia and AV blockage. Fetal RI reported typical malformations of gastric vesicles on different sides from the heart, juxtaposition of the IVC with AO, anomalous pulmonary venous connection (APVC), asplenia, and bilateral right atrial appendages; intracardiac malformations of AVSD, SA, single ventricle, pulmonary atresia and stenosis, and DORV. The postnatal verification revealed 3 malformations misdiagnoses and 4 malformations missed diagnoses in LI fetuses and 10 misdiagnoses and 8 missed diagnoses in RI fetuses.

Conclusions

The proposed five-step prenatal ultrasonography has an important diagnostic value for the identification and classification of heterotaxy syndrome. The different sides of gastric vesicles and cardiac apex are important diagnostic clues for heterotaxy syndrome, featuring disconnected or hypoplastic IVC, typical complex cardiac malformation, and atrioventricular block in fetal LI, and shown APVC, juxtaposition of IVC and AO, and intracardiac malformations such as AVSD, DORV, and LVOTO in fetal RI.
IPSO-ELM intelligent prediction of landslide displacement in complex and unstable area of karst landform
Authors: Qiao Junwei , Zhang Yu , Li Weibo , Tan Jieqing
Published: June 2023

In southern China, the karst landform areas possess a complex geological and topographic environment, a fragile ecosystem, poor surface stability, and frequent occurrences of landslides and other geological disasters. To effectively monitor and predict such events, it is crucial to process landslide monitoring data and establish reliable prediction models. This paper presents an IPSO-ELM displacement prediction model that integrates the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (IPSO) and extreme learning machine (ELM). The proposed coupling model predicts decomposed displacement subsequences individually, which are then reconstructed to obtain the total displacement prediction value. In this study, displacement monitoring data from a typical landslide in the karst landform area between 2007 and 2012 were selected. Various prediction and verification scenarios were established to validate the accuracy and stability of the prediction model. The MAPE of the IPSO-ELM model is 0.18%, which outperforms the ELM and BPNN models with MAPEs of 0.56% and 0.65%, respectively, in predicting landslide displacement in karst landform areas. This study provides a solid theoretical foundation and practical value for landslide displacement prediction.
Small molecule allosteric modulation of the adenosine A1 receptor
Authors: Nguyen Anh T. N. , Tran Quan L. , Baltos Jo-Anne , McNeill Samantha M. , Nguyen Diep T. N. , May Lauren T.
Published: June 2023

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the target for approximately a third of FDA-approved small molecule drugs. The adenosine A1 receptor (A1R), one of four adenosine GPCR subtypes, has important (patho)physiological roles in humans. A1R has well-established roles in the regulation of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, where it has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for a number of conditions, including cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, cognition, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. A1R small molecule drugs, typically orthosteric ligands, have undergone clinical trials. To date, none have progressed into the clinic, predominantly due to dose-limiting unwanted effects. The development of A1R allosteric modulators that target a topographically distinct binding site represent a promising approach to overcome current limitations. Pharmacological parameters of allosteric ligands, including affinity, efficacy and cooperativity, can be optimized to regulate A1R activity with high subtype, spatial and temporal selectivity. This review aims to offer insights into the A1R as a potential therapeutic target and highlight recent advances in the structural understanding of A1R allosteric modulation.
Sarcopenia prevalence and association with nutritional status in cohort of elderly patients affected by musculoskeletal concerns: a real-life analysis
Authors: Maccarone Maria Chiara , Coraci Daniele , Bernini Andrea , Sarandria Nicola , Valente Marta Rossella , Frigo Anna Chiara , Dionyssiotis Yannis , Masiero Stefano
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function that frequently occurs as people get older is referred to as sarcopenia. Elderly musculoskeletal aging, sarcopenia, and obesity are all intimately connected. Our study’s aim is to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in a real cohort of patients over 65 with musculoskeletal conditions referring to a Rehabilitation Unit. The secondary aim of our study is to investigate associations between sarcopenia and alterations in nutritional status and Body Mass Index (BMI). Finally, quality of life and global health has been investigated in our population.

Materials and methods

From January 2019 to January 2021, 247 patients over 65 years old with musculoskeletal concerns were enrolled and participated in an observational study. As outcome measures, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale Severity Index (CIRS-SI) were used. Additionally, measurements of total skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and appendicular muscle mass (ASMM) using bioelectrical impedance analysis, as well as a hand grip strength test of the non-dominant hand were taken. The Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and the Calf Circumference (CC) were measured and recorded as further indications of possible sarcopenia.

Results

A percentage of 46.1% of subjects with overt sarcopenia was found and 10.1% showed a severe sarcopenia. Patients with severe sarcopenia showed significantly lower values of BMI and MNA. Additionally, sarcopenic patients showed significantly lower values in MNA when compared to non-sarcopenic patients. Considering SF-12, only the physical score revealed slight significant differences. In particular, patients affected by probable or severe sarcopenia presented a lower value than non-sarcopenic patients. Concerning MUAC and CC, severe sarcopenic patients showed significant lower values for both the body parts.

Conclusion

Our study considers a cohort of real-life elderly subjects with musculoskeletal concerns and shows that these subjects are highly susceptible to sarcopenia. Therefore, rehabilitation for elderly patients with musculoskeletal concerns requires to be customized and multidisciplinary. Future research should further investigate these aspects in order to enable the early identification of sarcopenia and the formulation of customized rehabilitative programs.
Topological encounters in biodiversity conservation: Making and contesting maps in the Colombian high Andean páramos
Authors: Castillo-Estupiñan Camilo
Published: June 2023

Páramos are one of the flagship ecosystems in the Northern Andes; the provision of water for millions of people in this region depends on these unique high mountains located at above 3,500 m of altitude. Besides, they are also the refuge of a rich biodiversity that is unique in the world, the conservation of which has become important in recent years. Human communities, such as campesino communities, have also inhabited some páramos. For example, in the Sumapaz region of central Colombia, campesino communities sought refuge in the páramos during the 20th century due to political violence. Since 2010, the Colombian government, following previous legislation and court sentences, has declared páramos “strategic ecosystems,” making their conservation a vital part of the environmental policy in the country. This was advanced through mapmaking as the tool to define clear-cut limits for human use, prohibiting mining, agriculture, and livestock in spaces demarcated as páramos. However, this made the conservation of the policy incompatible with the presence of campesinos living in páramos. Since then, their conservation in the Sumapaz region has been a contentious matter about what kind of páramos and biodiversity should be allowed and enacted in Colombia. As part of a two-year multi-sited ethnography with geographers and campesino communities in Sumapaz páramo, I developed a topological approach to study mapmaking practices in the context of biodiversity conservation. I argue that this can be a way to understand the diverse relations between humans and nature as partial space configurations that shape conservation practice and its forms of politics. With this social sciences contribution, I extend the mapmaking discussions in conservation that seek to open taken-for-granted notions of space that limit conservation possibilities for socioenvironmental change.
Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 regulates innate inflammation via modulation of alternative splicing
Authors: Mann Morgan W. , Fu Yao , Gearhart Robert L. , Xu Xiaofang , Roberts David S. , Li Yi , Zhou Jia , Ge Ying , Brasier Allan R.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a transcriptional regulator which coordinates gene expression programs controlling cancer biology, inflammation, and fibrosis. In the context of airway viral infection, BRD4-specific inhibitors (BRD4i) block the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevent downstream epithelial plasticity. Although the chromatin modifying functions of BRD4 in inducible gene expression have been extensively investigated, its roles in post-transcriptional regulation are not well understood. Given BRD4's interaction with the transcriptional elongation complex and spliceosome, we hypothesize that BRD4 is a functional regulator of mRNA processing.

Methods

To address this question, we combine data-independent analysis - parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (diaPASEF) with RNA-sequencing to achieve deep and integrated coverage of the proteomic and transcriptomic landscapes of human small airway epithelial cells exposed to viral challenge and treated with BRD4i.

Results

We discover that BRD4 regulates alternative splicing of key genes, including Interferon-related Developmental Regulator 1 (IFRD1) and X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1), related to the innate immune response and the unfolded protein response (UPR). We identify requirement of BRD4 for expression of serine-arginine splicing factors, splicosome components and the Inositol-Requiring Enzyme 1 IREα affecting immediate early innate response and the UPR.

Discussion

These findings extend the transcriptional elongation-facilitating actions of BRD4 in control of post-transcriptional RNA processing via modulating splicing factor expression in virus-induced innate signaling.
Sex differences in the evaluation of proteinuria using the urine dipstick test
Authors: Kojima Chiari , Umemura Hiroshi , Shimosawa Tatsuo , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: June 2023

Background

The urine protein dipstick test is widely used, but false-positive and false-negative results may occur. This study aimed to compare the urine protein dipstick test with a urine protein quantification method.

Methods

The data were extracted using the Abbott Diagnostic Support System, which analyzes the inspection results using multiple parameters. This study included 41,058 specimens tested using the urine dipstick test and protein creatinine ratio from patients aged ≥18 years. The proteinuria creatinine ratio was classified according to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines.

Results

Urine protein on the dipstick test was negative in 15,548 samples (37.9%), trace in 6,422 samples (15.6%), and ≥1+ in 19,088 samples (46.5%). Among the trace proteinuria samples, A1 (<0.15 g/gCr), A2 (0.15–0.49 g/gCr), and A3 (≥0.5 g/gCr) category proteinuria accounted for 31.2, 44.8, and 24.0% of samples, respectively. All trace proteinuria specimens with a specific gravity of <1.010 were classified as A2 and A3 category proteinuria. In the trace proteinuria cases, women had a lower specific gravity and a higher percentage of A2 or A3 category proteinuria than men. The sensitivity in the “dipstick proteinuria” ≥ trace” group was higher than that in the “dipstick proteinuria ≥ 1+” group within the lower specific gravity group. The sensitivity in the “dipstick proteinuria ≥ 1+” group was higher for men than for women, and the sensitivity in the “dipstick proteinuria ≥ trace” group was higher than that in the “dipstick proteinuria ≥ 1+” group for women.

Conclusion

Pathological proteinuria assessment requires caution; this study suggests that evaluating the specific gravity of urine specimens with trace proteinuria is essential. Particularly for women, the sensitivity of the urine dipstick test is low, and caution is needed even with trace specimens.
Interplay between chromosomal architecture and termination of DNA replication in bacteria
Authors: Goodall Daniel J. , Warecka Dominika , Hawkins Michelle , Rudolph Christian J.
Published: June 2023

Faithful transmission of the genome from one generation to the next is key to life in all cellular organisms. In the majority of bacteria, the genome is comprised of a single circular chromosome that is normally replicated from a single origin, though additional genetic information may be encoded within much smaller extrachromosomal elements called plasmids. By contrast, the genome of a eukaryote is distributed across multiple linear chromosomes, each of which is replicated from multiple origins. The genomes of archaeal species are circular, but are predominantly replicated from multiple origins. In all three cases, replication is bidirectional and terminates when converging replication fork complexes merge and ‘fuse’ as replication of the chromosomal DNA is completed. While the mechanics of replication initiation are quite well understood, exactly what happens during termination is far from clear, although studies in bacterial and eukaryotic models over recent years have started to provide some insight. Bacterial models with a circular chromosome and a single bidirectional origin offer the distinct advantage that there is normally just one fusion event between two replication fork complexes as synthesis terminates. Moreover, whereas termination of replication appears to happen in many bacteria wherever forks happen to meet, termination in some bacterial species, including the well-studied bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, is more restrictive and confined to a ‘replication fork trap’ region, making termination even more tractable. This region is defined by multiple genomic terminator (ter) sites, which, if bound by specific terminator proteins, form unidirectional fork barriers. In this review we discuss a range of experimental results highlighting how the fork fusion process can trigger significant pathologies that interfere with the successful conclusion of DNA replication, how these pathologies might be resolved in bacteria without a fork trap system and how the acquisition of a fork trap might have provided an alternative and cleaner solution, thus explaining why in bacterial species that have acquired a fork trap system, this system is remarkably well maintained. Finally, we consider how eukaryotic cells can cope with a much-increased number of termination events.
Dual consistent pseudo label generation for multi-source domain adaptation without source data for medical image segmentation
Authors: Cai Binke , Ma Liyan , Sun Yan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) aims to adapt a model learned from the source domain to the target domain. Thus, the model can obtain transferable knowledge even in target domain that does not have ground truth in this way. In medical image segmentation scenarios, there exist diverse data distributions caused by intensity in homogeneities and shape variabilities. But multi source data may not be freely accessible, especially medical images with patient identity information.

Methods

To tackle this issue, we propose a new multi-source and source-free (MSSF) application scenario and a novel domain adaptation framework where in the training stage, we only get access to the well-trained source domain segmentation models without source data. First, we propose a new dual consistency constraint which uses domain-intra and domain-inter consistency to filter those predictions agreed by each individual domain expert and all domain experts. It can serve as a high-quality pseudo label generation method and produce correct supervised signals for target domain supervised learning. Next, we design a progressive entropy loss minimization method to minimize the class-inter distance of features, which is beneficial to enhance domain-intra and domain-inter consistency in turn.

Results

Extensive experiments are performed for retinal vessel segmentation under MSSF condition and our approach produces impressive performance. The sensitivity metric of our approach is highest and it surpasses other methods with a large margin.

Discussion

It is the first attempt to conduct researches on the retinal vessel segmentation task under multi-source and source-free scenarios. In medical applications, such adaptation method can avoid the privacy issue. Furthermore, how to balance the high sensitivity and high accuracy need to be further considered.
The identification of protein and RNA interactors of the splicing factor Caper in the adult Drosophila nervous system
Authors: Titus M. Brandon , Chang Adeline W. , Popitsch Niko , Ebmeier Christopher C. , Bono Jeremy M. , Olesnicky Eugenia C.
Published: June 2023

Post-transcriptional gene regulation is a fundamental mechanism that helps regulate the development and healthy aging of the nervous system. Mutations that disrupt the function of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which regulate post-transcriptional gene regulation, have increasingly been implicated in neurological disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Fragile X Syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy. Interestingly, although the majority of RBPs are expressed widely within diverse tissue types, the nervous system is often particularly sensitive to their dysfunction. It is therefore critical to elucidate how aberrant RNA regulation that results from the dysfunction of ubiquitously expressed RBPs leads to tissue specific pathologies that underlie neurological diseases. The highly conserved RBP and alternative splicing factor Caper is widely expressed throughout development and is required for the development of Drosophila sensory and motor neurons. Furthermore, caper dysfunction results in larval and adult locomotor deficits. Nonetheless, little is known about which proteins interact with Caper, and which RNAs are regulated by Caper. Here we identify proteins that interact with Caper in both neural and muscle tissue, along with neural specific Caper target RNAs. Furthermore, we show that a subset of these Caper-interacting proteins and RNAs genetically interact with caper to regulate Drosophila gravitaxis behavior.
Protective mechanisms of a microbial oil against hypercholesterolemia: evidence from a zebrafish model
Authors: Gora Adnan H. , Rehman Saima , Dias Jorge , Fernandes Jorge M. O. , Olsvik Pål A. , Sørensen Mette , Kiron Viswanath
Published: June 2023

A Western diet elevates the circulating lipoprotein and triglyceride levels which are the major risk factors in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can stall the disease progression. Although these fatty acids can significantly impact the intestine under a hypercholesterolemic condition, the associated changes have not been studied in detail. Therefore, we investigated the alterations in the intestinal transcriptome along with the deviations in the plasma lipids and liver histomorphology of zebrafish offered DHA- and EPA-rich oil. Fish were allocated to 4 dietary treatments: a control group, a high cholesterol group and microbial oil groups with low (3.3%) and high (6.6%) inclusion levels. We quantified the total cholesterol, lipoprotein and triglyceride levels in the plasma. In addition, we assessed the liver histology, intestinal transcriptome and plasma lipidomic profiles of the study groups. The results suggested that higher levels of dietary microbial oil could control the CVD risk factor indices in zebrafish plasma. Furthermore, microbial oil-fed fish had fewer liver vacuoles and higher mRNA levels of genes involved in β-oxidation and HDL maturation. Analyses of the intestine transcriptome revealed that microbial oil supplementation could influence the expression of genes altered by a hypercholesterolemic diet. The plasma lipidomic profiles revealed that the higher level of microbial oil tested could elevate the long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acid content of triglyceride species and lower the concentration of several lysophosphatidylcholine and diacylglycerol molecules. Our study provides insights into the effectiveness of microbial oil against dyslipidemia in zebrafish.
Lipid levels in the Jiarong Tibetan’s diet at high altitudes: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Xiaoyue Tang , Qichuan Qiao , Jing Guo , Pengcuo Sanlang , Yu Huang , Tingxin Li
Published: June 2023

Despite the ongoing debate on the inconsistent and controversial effects of Tibetan diet on blood lipid levels at high altitude, this cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the relationship between dietary practices and blood lipid levels among Jiarong Tibetan population. A total of 476 Jiarong Tibetan residents were included, in which basic demographic data, physical activity records, simplified food frequency questionnaire, and biochemical data were collected. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the potential associations between the variables were examined, and it was found that fat energy supply ratio increased with the elevation of altitude, while the lipid level showed an inverted U-shaped variation. However, the findings suggested that a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids might balance the effects of the Tibetan diet on the risk of lipid metabolism disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to concentrate on the fat composition rather than the amount of fat E% intake on the plateau. The results highlighted the importance of investigating the interaction between environment and genes in lipid levels among plateau Tibetan population. However, further large-scale prospective studies are required for better understanding of the complexities involved in dietary practices and their influences on blood lipid levels.
Trading mental and physical health in vestibular schwannoma treatment decision
Authors: Machetanz Kathrin , Lee Larissa , Wang Sophie S. , Tatagiba Marcos , Naros Georgios
Published: June 2023

Objective

Observation, radiotherapy and surgery are treatment options in vestibular schwannomas (VS). Decision making differs between centers and is usually based on tumor characteristics (e.g., size) and the expected physical health (PH) outcome (i.e., hearing and facial function). However, mental health (MH) is often under-reported. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the impact of VS treatment on PH and MH.

Methods

PH and MH were assessed in a prospective cross-sectional study including 226 patients with unilateral sporadic VS before and after surgical removal (SURG). Quality-of-life (QoL) was estimated by self-rating questionnaires: general Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality-of-Life Scale (PANQOL), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and Facial Disability Index (FDI). QoL changes over time as well as predictive factors were accessed by multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA).

Results

In total, 173 preoperative and 80 postoperative questionnaires were analyzed. There was a significant PH deterioration related to facial function (FDI, PANQOL-face) after surgery. In line with facial rehabilitation, however, FDI improved within the first five years after surgery and did not differ compared to the preoperative patient cohort, eventually. In contrast, MH (i.e., PANQOL-anxiety) and general health (i.e., PANQOL-GH) improved with surgery and correlated with the extent-of-resection.

Conclusion

Physical and mental health is significantly influenced by VS surgery. While PH might decrease after surgery, MH potentially increases when patient is cured. Practitioners should take MH into account before advising an incompletely VS treatment (e.g., subtotal resection, observation or radiosurgery).
Perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes after ablation or partial nephrectomy for solitary renal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials
Authors: Wen Zhi , Wang Li , Huang Jing , Liu Yang , Chen Cai-xia , Wang Chong-jian , Chen Lin-lin , Yang Xue-song
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of patients with solitary small renal tumors (SRMs) treated with ablation (AT) or partial nephrectomy (PN) remain controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of these two surgical techniques.

Methods

In April 2023, we conducted a literature search in several widely used databases worldwide, including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Review Manager was used to compare various parameters. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022377157).

Results

Our final meta-analysis included 13 cohort studies with a total of 2,107 patients. Compared to partial nephrectomy (PN), ablation (AT) had shorter hospital stays (WMD -2.37 days, 95% CI -3.05 to -1.69; p < 0.00001), shorter operating times (WMD -57.06 min, 95% CI -88.92 to -25.19; p = 0.0004), less postoperative creatinine increases (WMD -0.17 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.05; p = 0.006), less postoperative glomerular filtration rate decreases (WMD -9.84 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI -14.25 to -5.44; p < 0.0001), less postoperative new-onset chronic kidney disease (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.71; p = 0.005), and less intraoperative blood loss (WMD -285.92 ml, 95% CI -428.44 to -143.40; p < 0.0001). The transfusion rate was lower in the ablation group (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.51; p = 0.001). The risk of local recurrence was higher in the ablation group (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.27 to 6.89; p = 0.01), while the risk of distant metastasis was higher in the partial nephrectomy group (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.28 to 6.18; p = 0.01). The intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were lower in the ablation group (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.62; p = 0.004 and OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.38; p < 0.00001, respectively). However, overall survival, postoperative dialysis rate, and tumor-specific survival were not different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that ablation and partial nephrectomy are equally safe and effective in the treatment of small solitary kidney tumors and are better options for patients with poor preoperative physical condition or poor renal function.
Case Report: Retropancreatic fascia hernia protruding into the thoracic cavity through a Bochdalek hernia
Authors: Nakagawa Yoichi , Maeda Takuya , Uchida Hiroo , Takada Shunya , Hinoki Akinari , Shirota Chiyoe , Tainaka Takahisa , Sumida Wataru , Makita Satoshi , Amano Hizuru , Takimoto Aitaro , Gohda Yousuke
Published: June 2023

Retropancreatic fascia hernia is a novel internal hernia originating from the retropancreatic fascial defect, which subsequently expands toward the dorsal aspect of the pancreatic body and migrates into the retroperitoneal space. We encountered a rare case of concomitant retropancreatic fascia and Bochdalek hernias. Here, we describe the imaging characteristics of this hernia type and its surgical strategies.
Diastolic ventricular function in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Authors: Le Duc Kévin , Rakza Thameur , Baudelet Jean Benoit , Boukhris Mohamed Riadh , Mur Sébastien , Houeijeh Ali , Storme Laurent
Published: June 2023

Background

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is usually considered a consequence of impaired pulmonary circulation. However, little is known regarding the role of cardiac dysfunction in PPHN. In this study, we hypothesized that the tolerance for pulmonary hypertension in newborn infants depends on the biventricular function. The aim of this study is to evaluate biventricular cardiac performance by using Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) in an healthy newborn infants with asymptomatic pulmonary hypertension and in newborn infants with PPHN.

Methods

Right and left cardiac function were investigated using conventional imaging and TDI in 10 newborn infants with PPHN (“PPHN”) and 10 asymptomatic healthy newborn infants (“asymptomatic PH”).

Results

Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) as assessed by TDI and the mean systolic velocity of the right ventricular (RV) free wall were similar in both groups. The isovolumic relaxation time of the right ventricle at the tricuspid annulus was significantly longer in the “PPHN” than in the “asymptomatic PH” group (53 ± 14 ms vs. 14 ± 4 ms, respectively; p < 0.05). Left ventricular (LV) function was normal in both groups with a systolic velocity (S'LV) at the LV free wall groups (6 ± 0.5 cm/s vs. 8.3 ± 5.7 cm/s, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The present results suggest that high PAP with or without respiratory failure is not associated with altered right systolic ventricular function and does not affect LV function in newborn infants. PPHN is characterized by a marked right diastolic ventricular dysfunction. These data suggest that the hypoxic respiratory failure in PPHN results, at least in part, from diastolic RV dysfunction and right to left shunting across the foramen ovale. We propose that the severity of the respiratory failure is more related to the RV diastolic dysfunction than the pulmonary artery pressure.
Serum soluble triggering receptor levels expressed on myeloid cells2 identify early acute kidney injury in infants and young children after pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Sun Mingwei , Yang Lijun , Zong Qing , Ying Liyang , Liu Xiwang , Lin Ru
Published: June 2023

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a potential complication after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) of pediatric cardiac surgery and contributes to a certain amount of perioperative mortality. Serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells2 (sTREM2) is an inflammation-associated cytokine in circulation. Alterations of sTREM2 level have been reported in Alzheimer's disease, sepsis, and some other pathologic conditions. This study aimed to investigate the role of sTREM2 as a forecasting factor for AKI in infants and young children and other factors associated with early renal injury after pediatric CPB.

Methods

A prospective cohort study with consecutive infants and young children ≤ 3 years old undergoing CPB from September 2021 to August 2022 was conducted in an affiliated university children's hospital. These patients were divided into an AKI group (n = 10) and a non-AKI group (n = 60). Children′s characteristics and clinical data were measured. Perioperative sTREM2 levels were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

In children developing AKI, the sTREM2 levels significantly decreased at the beginning of CPB compared to the non-AKI group. Based on binary logistic regression analysis and multivariable regression analysis, risk-adjusted classification for congenital heart surgery (RACHS-1), operation time, and the s-TREM2 level at the beginning of CPB (AUC = 0.839, p = 0.001, optimal cut-off value: 716.0 pg/ml) had predictive value for post-CPB AKI. When combining the sTREM2 level at the beginning of CPB and other indicators together, the area under the ROC curve enlarged.

Conclusions

Operation time, RACHS-1 score, and sTREM2 level at the beginning of CPB were independent prognosis factors of post-CPB AKI in infants and young children ≤ 3 years old. Decreased sTREM2 identified post-CPB AKI, and ultimately hampered the outcomes. Our findings indicated that sTREM2 may be a protective factor for AKI after CPB in infants and young children ≤ 3 years old.
Perinatal palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa: recommendations for practice, future research, and guideline development
Authors: Abayneh Mahlet , Rent Sharla , Ubuane Peter Odion , Carter Brian S. , Deribessa Solomie Jebessa , Kassa Betelehem B. , Tekleab Atnafu Mekonnen , Kukora Stephanie K.
Published: June 2023

Worldwide, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest burden of global neonatal mortality (43%) and neonatal mortality rate (NMR): 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. The WHO recognizes palliative care (PC) as an integral, yet underutilized, component of perinatal care for pregnancies at risk of stillbirth or early neonatal death, and for neonates with severe prematurity, birth trauma or congenital anomalies. Despite bearing a disproportionate burden of neonatal mortality, many strategies to care for dying newborns and support their families employed in high-income countries (HICs) are not available in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Many institutions and professional societies in LMICs lack guidelines or recommendations to standardize care, and existing guidelines may have limited adherence due to lack of space, equipment, supplies, trained professionals, and high patient load. In this narrative review, we compare perinatal/neonatal PC in HICs and LMICs in sub-Saharan Africa to identify key areas for future, research-informed, interventions that might be tailored to the local sociocultural contexts and propose actionable recommendations for these resource-deprived environments that may support clinical care and inform future professional guideline development.