bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading charts in logarithmic scale
Authors: Torres Rodrigo M. , Rivero Juan S. , Daponte Pablo
Published: October 2024

Seeing clearly from a distance close to our nose, to the end of our outstretched arms, is relevant during a large part of a human being’s day. Being able to read is a frequent activity for most people. Assessing near vision is part of the daily work of an ophthalmologist. Knowing what is the maximum performance of a patient’s near visual capacity allows us not only to detect ocular pathologies, but also aspects related to neurodegenerative processes. Nowadays, the correct measurement of near vision requires the use of charts developed on a logarithmic scale, which are standardized at international level. In this paper some historical aspects will be reviewed and the current characteristics of logarithmic scale reading charts will be described, with the aim of stimulating their use in the daily clinical practice, also explaining the existing differences between the use of the Jaeger test and the new Byromat reading char.
Terapia génica en la Argentina, ¿es posible?
Authors: Mancini Jorge E. , Saravia Mario
Published: October 2024

Realidad o mitoLa terapia génica o genoterapia para el tratamiento de enfermedades raras es una realidad en la medicina en general1 y también en la terapéutica ocular2...
Complication of device insertion of dexamethasone intravitreal implant
Authors: Unzalu Lerma Ekhiñe , Pérez-Salvador García Eduardo
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To report a non-pharmacological complication occurred with the applicator of the dexamethasone intravitreal implant.
Case report: Report a case of a 76-year-old pseudophakic women treated with dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex™, Abbvie) because of cystoid macular edema in the left eye. During the procedure a malfunction related to the mandrel during the injection procedure occurred. The mandrel of the device came out of the pen, becoming embedded in the sclera. As soon as the bar was visualized in the sclera, it was removed with the help of Adson forceps. No complications occurred in the retina.
Conclusion: The mandrel of the device could be more damaging than the micronized dexamethasone rod and can be propelled out with sufficient force and speed if it impacts on the contralateral retina. This can occur —as it did in this case— because the mandrel is attached by a plastic portion of only 0.1 mm to the rest of the piece.
Artaud y la revolución del cuerpo
Authors: Segovia Carlos A.
Published: October 2024

Este ensayo examina varios textos redactados por Artaud en 1947–1948 esenciales para comprender su noción de un “cuerpo sin órganos” (CsO) e interpreta el CsO Artaudiano en tanto que superficie polivalente de sensaciones y afectos y máquina de guerra revolucionaria cuya activación vendría a prefigurar la posibilidad misma de una «erótica transcendental» opuesta a toda onto(teo)logía, así como la exploración de lo Real frente a su captura imaginaria y simbólica.
Antonin Artaud nos entremeios da invenção
Authors: Baldin Talita , Viana Vidal Paulo Eduardo
Published: October 2024

Esse estudo se debruça sobre a produção artística e a vida de Antonin Artaud, retratando seu encontro com a loucura e a psiquiatria e a paixão por Cécile Schramme, além de algumas análises sobre a escrita e a glossolalia como forma de subversão da linguagem. Se por um lado Artaud e tantos outros são subjugados e enclausurados sob o título de loucos, por outro, apontam formas diversas de se colocar no mundo. No caso de Artaud, sua arte é representativa da lucidez com que esses mesmos ‘loucos’ se colocam na existência e na cultura. Assim, concluímos que, para Artaud, a subversão que este faz no uso da linguagem demarca a sobrevivência de sua subjetividade.
Deleuze e Artaud
Authors: Petronilio Correia Paulo , Peixoto Barbara Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

Propõe-se pensar a relação existente entre o pensador francês Gilles Deleuze e o dramaturgo Antonin Artaud. Ao emergir o Teatro da crueldade e a potência dos corpos sem órgãos, Deleuze extraiu de Artaud os fluxos de desejo para quem arte e vida formam uma dança inseparável. É essa potência da crueldade que faz tanto da Filosofia quanto do Teatro uma verdadeira efervescência dionisíaca, trágica e cruel e de pura afirmação da vida.
A cartografia do corpo-sem-órgãos
Authors: Vittori Silva Ceres , Mafort Gomes Paleari Gabriel
Published: October 2024

A investigação aqui realizada se propõe a discutir a possibilidade de que o Corpo-Sem-Órgãos, conceito fundamental da obra tardia de Antonin Artaud (1948), pudesse já se mostrar de algum modo presente em sua obra desde o início, ainda que de modo subjacente. Para tanto, discutir-se-á três recortes temporais distintos: a entrada de Antonin Artaud no Movimento Surrealista, seu encontro com os índios Tarahumaras no México e, por fim, seu internamento no hospital de Rodez. Momentos que, se não dialogam diretamente entre si, servem para que se mapeie o movimento do desejo em direção ao Corpo-sem-orgãos: as escolhas de Artaud, suas veredas e trajetórias em direção à formação de sua concepção de corpo-vida.
A abordagem do princípio somático-performativo Flâneur Cego com mães de pessoas com deficiência na APAE de Senhor do Bonfim -BA
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2024

Pretende-se com este artigo, abordar a prática do princípio somático-performativo Flâneur Cego, realizado com mães, cujos filhos e filhas são pessoas com deficiência. A proposta de escrita emerge dos resultados do Projeto de Pesquisa A encenação somático-performativa e seu desdobramento político e social na vida urbana pela perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva, iniciado em 2019, na Universidade do Estado da Bahia, em Senhor do Bonfim. As referências deste texto surgem através de entrevistas com mães que possuem filhos e filhas com deficiência, que buscam através de uma experiência com a prática somático-performativa expurgar todas as insatisfações recorrentes da falta de inclusão e de acessibilidade com o sujeito com deficiência.
Fissuras pós-abissais em espaços demarcados pela bipedia compulsória na dança
Authors: Oliveira do Carmo Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2024

Este artigo reflete sobre a formação e a profissionalização de artistas com deficiência, no Brasil. Busca-se identificar aspectos que dificultam a inserção dessas pessoas no campo da Dança, apresentando a “bipedia compulsória”, conceito em desenvolvimento pelo autor, como fator de exclusão e manutenção das relações de poder sobre esses corpos. Procura-se, ainda, compreender o pensamento pós-abissal (SANTOS, 2010) como alternativa para borrar as fronteiras impostas pelo pensamento hegemônico na Dança.
Entrevista com Anderson Leão
Authors: Leão Anderson , De Paiva Cavalcante Alex Beigui
Published: October 2024

Entrevista com Anderson Leão - Cia Giradança, por Alex Beigui de Paiva Cavalcante
Corpografar (Re) Existências nos territórios negros de Porto Alegre
Authors: Gonçalves Mariana , Dos Reis Carolina
Published: October 2024

Este artigo objetiva reafirmar a presença de territórios negros no centro da cidade de Porto Alegre por meio da arte e cultura negra. Para tanto, buscamos corpografar as práticas de (re)existência diante das lógicas excludentes e segregacionista que expulsam os corpos negros do centro para as margens da cidade. Analisamos, assim, esses processos de higienização e evidenciamos a formação de territórios negros da capital gaúcha.
Atos da Transfiguração
Authors: Severo dos Santos Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

Este texto tem como propósito acionar memórias e narrativas da população negra na formação da identidade nacional brasileira a partir da performance Atos da Transfiguração: desaparição ou receita para fazer um santo (2015), do artista Antonio Obá. Para análise da performance, parto de categorias como branqueamento, identidade nacional, mestiçagem, eugenia, narrativas bíblicas e candomblé. A performance nos leva a refletir sobre o que é “ser brasileiro” na formação da identidade nacional.
Palavras-chave: Performance; Antonio Obá; Mestiçagem; Branqueamento; Memórias.
Arquivos fabulosos, arquivos fantasmagóricos
Authors: Do Carmo Anderson Luiz , Miranda Maria Brígida
Published: October 2024

Este artigo debate aspectos da arte drag popularizados em plataformas virtuais em 2016 por meio de problemáticas do arquivo e por questões de gênero. Paul Beatriz Preciado, Victoria Perez Royo, Susan Buck-Morss, Diana Taylor, Jack Halberstam, Jose Estebán Muñoz e Walter Benjamin são referenciais para habitar a encruzilhada na qual desobediência de gênero, políticas do arquivo e cibercultura se encontram.
A aula-espetáculo como autobiografia cômica de Ariano Suassuna
Authors: Torres Orleni , Ferraz de Andrade Elza Maria
Published: October 2024

Este artigo propõe discutir as chamadas “aulas-espetáculo” de Ariano Suassuna como objeto possível da pesquisa em Artes Cênicas. Estes eventos são compostos por exposições orais sobre Filosofia da Arte e Cultura Popular brasileira, ilustrados ou não por apresentações artísticas, tendo como preletor e criador o referido artista. A partir da pesquisa de três apresentações ocorridas entre 2011 e 2013 foi possível identificar a criação de um ambiente teatral evidenciado pela concepção de um personagem e adoção de discurso cômico baseado em histórias autobiográficas: Suassuna atua como um Professor-performer e traz para suas aulas características do teatro contemporâneo.
Clarice Lispector e a dança Butoh
Authors: Farias Saile Moura Moura , Mancini Bianca Scliar Cabral
Published: October 2024

Este presente trabalho visa construir concepções que se esboçam a partir de Clarice Lispector e a dança Butoh. Busca-se âmbitos relacionais entre a palavra de Lispector e o movimento desmistificando acepções previsíveis que se instaurariam intuindo o dito clariceano como sendo dispositivo da dança. Faz-se assim a redistribuição do caráter técnico no Butoh, concebendo caminhos em que o movimento está entremeado à palavra.
Dramaturgias da ausência
Authors: Vázquez Rodolfo García , De Oliveira Aline
Published: October 2024

O presente texto pretende apresentar em linhas gerais o debate sobre as denominadas Dramaturgias em Ausência, abarcando questões do teatro ciborgue e a telecopresença, tendo como foco a trajetória do Grupo Satyros, em suas produções relacionadas às questões geradas pela produção de novas formas de encenação e dramaturgias produzidas em ambientes virtuais, no ano de 2020, motivadas pela pandemia de COVID-19. Retrata parte da mesa redonda promovida pelo VII Seminário de Pesquisa do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Artes Cênicas da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, realizado em 2020.
O Poder Provedor
Authors: Martins Dias Ana Cristina , Roberto Siqueira Adilson , Alves Mota Drummond Juliana , Rocco Marcelo , Deusamar Barbosa Pereira Regilan , Monteiro Juliana
Published: October 2024

O presente ensaio pretende promover uma análise teórica acerca das noções de Transmídia e Presença nas artes da Cena. A fundamentação teórica busca uma aproximação entre o conceito de performatividade (FÉRAL, 2015) e as noções de virtualidade (LEVY, 2007). Nosso propósito é discutir a capacidade de manipulação do tempo-espaço, considerando diferentes perspectivas sobre a virtualidade encontrada na cena. Após o início da pandemia causada pelo vírus SARS-COV-2, ampliou-se o processo de discussão acerca do ambiente virtual que levou à transformação do corpo presente na cena a partir de diversos elementos, alterando, em parte, a sua estrutura. Isto difere do que é comumente concebido como arte ao vivo, criando outras leituras para o movimento.
EXPLORING EFFECTIVE FACTORS OF ENHANCING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITIES IN MOGADISHU, SOMALIA
Authors: Haji Mohamed Zahra Abdullahi
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that contribute to the enhancement of English language skills among undergraduate students at universities in Somalia. Proficiency in English is crucial for academic success and future career prospects in this field. In order to bridge this gap, descriptive and ANOVA statistics were utilized using SPSS software. The study involved a randomly selected sample of undergraduate students from five universities in Mogadishu. The findings demonstrated that English language programs significantly improved students' proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as well as their vocabulary and grammar. The availability of diverse learning materials and the use of technology were identified as vital elements for promoting language development. Furthermore, the acquisition of language skills greatly relies on a well-designed curriculum delivered by experienced instructors
Development of LA-ICP-MS and Associated Techniques Towards Analysis of Crop Enhancement Products
Authors:   , Ready Joseph David
Published: October 2024

Wheat is the most significant crop grown globally for human consumption, contributing around 20 % of the total dietary calories and protein consumed worldwide. It is also the most widely grown crop in the world, cultivated on 217 million hectares of agricultural land. Zinc is an essential micronutrient which plays a vital role in healthy plant growth and development. Zinc is the only metal to be present in all six classes of enzymes found in plants and is a cofactor in more than 300 proteins. It has been shown that zinc is the most important micronutrient when it comes to crop yields and a deficiency of zinc has the greatest impact on yield of any micronutrient deficiency. Zinc deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency globally, with over 50 % of agricultural land classified as zinc deficient. Seed applied treatments are commonplace in agriculture, with some being used as a method to deliver micronutrients to plants during the early stages of development. Seed treatment is an environmentally approach to nutrient delivery to plants due to the targeted nature of the application and the smaller amounts of active ingredients used compared to crop spraying. Adjuvants are materials added to formulations, designed to increase the efficacy of active ingredients. This thesis outlines novel methods and results investigating the effect of adjuvant inclusion in a ZnO-containing seed coating on the uptake and effects of Zn, using winter wheat as a model crop. Analysis methods include ICP-MS, and LA-ICP-MS, both of which are widely established in life sciences, but have never been applied to study the effects of seed-applied adjuvant on nutrient uptake. The thesis also includes supporting data using micro-CT and SEM to image seed-applied Zn for the first time. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of adjuvants on the uptake of zinc from seed film coatings, to determine the effect of adjuvant on zinc uptake, localisation and concentration in winter wheat, and to determine the extent to which adjuvant inclusion may negate the drawbacks of using ZnO as the Zn source for the film coatings.
Student-led evaluation of a practitioner research project on linguistic diversity and inclusion in higher education
Authors: Bulut Al baba Melike
Published: October 2024

This report offers insights into the research methodology developed to incorporate student-led evaluation into a practitioner research project titled "Enhancing Learning for Multilingual Learners in Higher Education”. This was a funded Research and Enhancement project in the College of Social Sciences and Arts at Sheffield Hallam University. While the primary findings related to the exploration and utilization of students' linguistic diversity will be discussed in a separate document, this report focuses on the rationale behind recruiting students for evaluation, the process of their recruitment, and reflections on their participation and engagement throughout the project.
TRPML1 gating modulation by allosteric mutations and lipids
Authors: Gan Ninghai , Han Yan , Zeng Weizhong , Jiang Youxing
Published: October 2024

Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) is a lysosomal cation channel whose loss-of-function mutations directly cause the lysosomal storage disorder mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV). TRPML1 can be allosterically regulated by various ligands including natural lipids and small synthetic molecules and the channel undergoes a global movement propagated from ligand-induced local conformational changes upon activation. In this study, we identified a functionally critical residue, Tyr404, at the C-terminus of the S4 helix, whose mutations to tryptophan and alanine yield gain- and loss-of-function channels, respectively. These allosteric mutations mimic the ligand activation or inhibition of the TRPML1 channel without interfering with ligand binding and both mutant channels are susceptible to agonist or antagonist modulation, making them better targets for screening potent TRPML1 activators and inhibitors. We also determined the high-resolution structure of TRPML1 in complex with the PI(4,5)P2 inhibitor, revealing the structural basis underlying this lipid inhibition. In addition, an endogenous phospholipid likely from sphingomyelin is identified in the PI(4,5)P2-bound TRPML1 structure at the same hotspot for agonists and antagonists, providing a plausible structural explanation for the inhibitory effect of sphingomyelin on agonist activation.
C-C chemokine receptor 4 deficiency exacerbates early atherosclerosis in mice
Authors: Tanaka Toru , Sasaki Naoto , Krisnanda Aga , Amin Hilman Zulkifli , Ito Ken , Horibe Sayo , Matsuo Kazuhiko , Hirata Ken-ichi , Nakayama Takashi , Rikitake Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2024

Chronic inflammation via dysregulation of T cell immune responses is critically involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Improving the balance between proinflammatory T cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Tregs) may be an attractive approach for treating atherosclerosis. Although C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) has been shown to mediate the recruitment of T cells to inflamed tissues, its role in atherosclerosis is unclear. Here, we show that genetic deletion of CCR4 in hypercholesterolemic mice accelerates the development of early atherosclerotic lesions characterized by an inflammatory plaque phenotype. This was associated with proinflammatory T helper type 1 (Th1) cell-skewed responses in peripheral lymphoid tissues, para-aortic lymph nodes, and atherosclerotic aorta. Mechanistically, CCR4 deficiency in Tregs impaired their suppressive function and migration to the atherosclerotic aorta and augmented Th1 cell-mediated immune responses through defective regulation of dendritic cell function, which accelerated aortic inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion development. Thus, we revealed a previously unrecognized role for CCR4 in controlling the early stage of atherosclerosis via Treg-dependent regulation of proinflammatory T cell responses. Our data suggest that CCR4 is an important negative regulator of atherosclerosis.
Multi-level processing of emotions in life motion signals revealed through pupil responses
Authors: Yuan Tian , Wang Li , Jiang Yi
Published: October 2024

Perceiving emotions from the movements of other biological entities is critical for human survival and interpersonal interactions. Here, we report that emotional information conveyed by point-light biological motion (BM) triggered automatic physiological responses as reflected in pupil size. Specifically, happy BM evoked larger pupil size than neutral and sad BM, while sad BM induced a smaller pupil response than neutral BM. Moreover, this happy over sad pupil dilation effect is negatively correlated with individual autistic traits. Notably, emotional BM with only local motion features retained could also exert modulations on pupils. Compared with intact BM, both happy and sad local BM evoked stronger pupil responses than neutral local BM starting from an earlier time point, with no difference between the happy and sad conditions. These results revealed a fine-grained pupil-related emotional modulation induced by intact BM and a coarse but rapid modulation by local BM, demonstrating multi-level processing of emotions in life motion signals. Taken together, our findings shed new light on BM emotion processing, and highlight the potential of utilizing the emotion-modulated pupil response to facilitate the diagnosis of social cognitive disorders.
Delivery of a Jagged1-PEG-MAL hydrogel with pediatric human bone cells regenerates critically sized craniofacial bone defects
Authors: Kamalakar Archana , Tobin Brendan , Kaimari Sundus , Robinson M Hope , Toma Afra I , Cha Timothy , Chihab Samir , Moriarity Irica , Gautam Surabhi , Bhattaram Pallavi , Abramowicz Shelly , Drissi Hicham , Garcia Andres , Wood Levi , Goudy Steven L
Published: October 2024

Current treatments for congenital and acquired craniofacial (CF) bone abnormalities are limited and costly. Conventional methods involve surgical correction, short-term stabilization, and long-term bone grafting, which may include problematic allografts and limited autografts. While bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been used for bone regeneration, it can cause bone overgrowth and life-threatening inflammation. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapies, though promising, are not Food and Drug Administration approved and are resource intensive. Thus, there is a need for effective, affordable, and less side-effect-prone bone regenerative therapies. Previous research demonstrated that JAGGED1 induces osteoblast commitment in murine cranial neural crest cells through a NOTCH-dependent non-canonical pathway involving JAK2–STAT5. We hypothesize that delivery of JAGGED1 and induction of its downstream NOTCH non-canonical signaling in pediatric human osteoblasts constitutes an effective bone regenerative treatment. Delivering pediatric human bone-derived osteoblast-like cells to an in vivo murine bone loss model of a critically sized cranial defect, we identified that JAGGED1 promotes human pediatric osteoblast commitment and bone formation through p70 S6K phosphorylation. This approach highlights the potential of JAGGED1 and its downstream activators as innovative treatments for pediatric CF bone loss.
Root-specific theanine metabolism and regulation at the single-cell level in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Lin Shijia , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Shupei , Wei Yijie , Han Mengxue , Deng Yamei , Guo Jiayi , Zhu Biying , Yang Tianyuan , Xia Enhua , Wan Xiaochun , Lucas William J , Zhang Zhaoliang
Published: October 2024

Root-synthesized secondary metabolites are critical quality-conferring compounds of foods, plant-derived medicines, and beverages. However, information at a single-cell level on root-specific secondary metabolism remains largely unexplored. L-Theanine, an important quality component of tea, is primarily synthesized in roots, from which it is then transported to new shoots of tea plant. In this study, we present a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)-derived map for the tea plant root, which enabled cell-type-specific analysis of glutamate and ethylamine (two precursors of theanine biosynthesis) metabolism, and theanine biosynthesis, storage, and transport. Our findings support a model in which the theanine biosynthesis pathway occurs via multicellular compartmentation and does not require high co-expression levels of transcription factors and their target genes within the same cell cluster. This study provides novel insights into theanine metabolism and regulation, at the single-cell level, and offers an example for studying root-specific secondary metabolism in other plant systems.
Gliogenesis from the subventricular zone modulates the extracellular matrix at the glial scar after brain ischemia
Authors: Ardaya Maria , Tiveron Marie-Catherine , Cremer Harold , Dehay Benjamin , Pérez-Cerdá Fernando , Matute Carlos , Soria Federico N , Cavaliere Fabio
Published: October 2024

Activation of the subventricular zone (SVZ) following cerebral ischemia is one of the brain’s early responses to counteract neuron loss and minimize tissue damage. Impaired brain regions communicate with the SVZ through various chemotactic signals that promote cell migration and differentiation, primarily involving neural stem cells (NSC), neuroblasts, or glioblasts. However, the activation of gliogenesis and the role of newly formed astrocytes in the post-ischemic scenario remain subjects of debate. We have previously demonstrated that adenosine release after brain ischemia prompts the SVZ to generate new astrocytes. Here, we used transient brain ischemia in mice to identify the cellular origin of these astrocytes within the SVZ neurogenic niche and to investigate their role in the pathological process. By combining immunofluorescence, BrdU-tracing, and genetic cell labeling, we tracked the migration of newborn astrocytes, positive for the proteoglycan marker Thbs4, from the dorsal and medial SVZ to the perilesional barrier surrounding the ischemic core, known as the “glial scar”. We found that these Thbs4-positive astrocytes modulate the dense extracellular matrix at the lesion border by both synthesizing and degrading hyaluronan. We also show that while the accumulation of this polymer at the lesion site is sufficient to recruit newborn astrocytes, its degradation at the SVZ correlates with gliogenesis. These findings suggest that newborn astrocytes could be a promising pharmacological target for modulating the glial scar after brain ischemia and facilitate tissue regeneration.
The neural dynamics of positive and negative expectations of pain
Authors: Wittkamp Christoph A , Wolf Maren-Isabel , Rose Michael
Published: October 2024

Pain is heavily modulated by expectations. Whereas the integration of expectations with sensory information has been examined in some detail, little is known about how positive and negative expectations are generated and their neural dynamics from generation over anticipation to the integration with sensory information. The present preregistered study employed a novel paradigm to induce positive and negative expectations on a trial-by-trial basis and examined the neural mechanisms using combined EEG-fMRI measurements (n=50). We observed substantially different neural representations between the anticipatory and the actual pain period. In the anticipation phase i.e., before the nociceptive input, the insular cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) showed increased activity for directed expectations regardless of their valence. Interestingly, a differentiation between positive and negative expectations within the majority of areas only occurred after the arrival of nociceptive information. FMRI-informed EEG analyses could reliably track the temporal sequence of processing showing an early effect in the DLPFC, followed by the anterior insula and late effects in the ACC. The observed effects indicate the involvement of different expectation-related subprocesses, including the transformation of visual information into a value signal that is maintained and differentiated according to its valence only during stimulus processing.
Mechano-regulation of GLP-1 production by Piezo1 in intestinal L cells
Authors: Huang Yanling , Mo Haocong , Yang Jie , Gao Luyang , Tao Tian , Shu Qing , Guo Wenying , Zhao Yawen , Lyu Jingya , Wang Qimeng , Guo Jinghui , Zhai Hening , Zhu Linyan , Chen Hui , Xu Geyang
Published: October 2024

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a gut-derived hormone secreted by intestinal L cells and vital for postprandial glycemic control. As open-type enteroendocrine cells, whether L cells can sense mechanical stimuli caused by chyme and thus regulate GLP-1 synthesis and secretion is unexplored. Our study showed expression of Piezo1 in intestinal L cells. Its level varied in different energy status and correlates with blood glucose and GLP-1 levels. Mice with L cell-specific loss of Piezo1 (

IntL-Piezo1
-/-

) exhibited impaired glucose tolerance, increased body weight, reduced GLP-1 production and decreased CaMKKβ/CaMKIV-mTORC1 signaling pathway under normal chow diet or high fed diet. Activation of the intestinal Piezo1 by its agonist Yoda1 or intestinal bead implantation increased the synthesis and secretion of GLP-1, thus alleviated glucose intolerance in diet-induced-diabetic mice. Overexpression of Piezo1, Yoda1 treatment or stretching stimulated GLP-1 production and CaMKKβ/CaMKIV-mTORC1 signaling pathway, which could be abolished by knockdown or blockage of Piezo1 in primary cultured mouse L cells and STC-1 cells. These findings suggest a previously undiscovered mechano-regulation of GLP-1 production in L cells, which may shed new light on the treatments of diabetes.
Maternal behavior influences vocal practice and learning processes in the greater sac-winged bat
Authors: Fernandez Ahana A , Serve Nora , Fabian Sarah-Cecil , Knörnschild Mirjam
Published: October 2024

Learning, particularly vocal learning, is often a social process. In human infants, it is well-established that social interactions influence speech acquisition and are hypothesized to modulate attentiveness and sensory processes, thereby affecting the speech-learning process. However, our understanding of how social interactions shape vocal ontogenetic processes in non-human mammals, particularly those which vocally learn, remains limited. In the bat
Saccopteryx bilineata
, pups acquire the adult vocal repertoire through a distinctive babbling behavior that shows interesting similarities to human infant babbling. While babbling encompasses many different syllable types, it is particularly noteworthy that pups learn song syllables by imitating adult singing males. The pups’ social environment involves frequent interactions with their mothers, whereas adult males mainly serve as the primary source of acoustic input. We monitored the vocal ontogeny of wild pups, investigating whether their social environment influenced three aspects of babbling: the amount of vocal practice, the pupś final syllable repertoire size and the production of the syllable types acquired through vocal learning. The results demonstrate that maternal behavioral displays significantly influence the amount of vocal practice, the presence and versatility of song syllable types in babbling and the percentage of mature song syllables. Our findings show that maternal feedback plays a significant role in the vocal ontogeny and learning processes of
S. bilineata
, thus enhancing our understanding of the relationship between social feedback and vocal development in mammalian vocal learners.
New insights into the Devonian sea spiders of the Hunsrück Slate (Arthropoda: Pycnogonida)
Authors: Sabroux Romain , Garwood Russell J. , Pisani Davide , Donoghue Philip C. J. , Edgecombe Gregory D.
Published: October 2024

Background

The sea spiders (Pycnogonida Latreille, 1810) of the Hunsrück Slate (Lower Devonian, ~400 million years ago) are iconic in their abundance, exquisite pyritic preservation, and in their distinctive body plan compared to extant sea spiders (Pantopoda Gerstäcker, 1863). Consequently, the Hunsrück sea spiders are important in understanding the deep evolutionary history of Pycnogonida, yet they remain poorly characterised, impacting upon attempts to establish a time-calibrated phylogeny of sea spiders.

Methods

Here, we investigated previously described and new material representing four of the five Hunsrück pycnogonids: Flagellopantopus blocki Poschmann & Dunlop, 2006; Palaeoisopus problematicus Broili, 1928; Palaeopantopus maucheri Broili, 1929; and Pentapantopus vogteli Kühl, Poschmann & Rust, 2013; as well as a few unidentified specimens. Using X-ray microtomography and Reflectance Transformation Imaging, we describe new fossils, provide evidence for newly revealed anatomical features, and interpret these data in comparison to extant species. We also reinterpret the previously published illustration of the (probably lost) holotype of Palaeothea devonica Bergström, Stürmer & Winter, 1980.

Results

We provide the first detailed description of the cephalic appendages of Palaeoisopus problematicus and revise the interpretation of the organisation of its ocular tubercle. Furthermore, we provide new insights into the structure of the legs and the proboscis of Palaeopantopus maucheri, the first description of the body of Flagellopantopus blocki and describe a new specimen of Pentapantopus vogteli, demonstrating that it had eight legs, in contrast to previous interpretations. We argue that, contrary to previous suggestions, Palaeothea devonica probably had a different body plan from extant pantopods. We discuss the ecological traits of the Hunsrück pycnogonids based on their morphological adaptations, and conclude that there is no compelling evidence of Pantopoda in the Devonian. Through comparative interpretation of the legs as well as general morphology, we can divide the Hunsrück pycnogonids into two morphological groups, while Pantopoda constitutes a third morphological group.
Effects of different ratios of nitrogen base fertilizer to topdressing on soil nitrogen form and enzyme activity in sugar beet under shallow drip irrigation
Authors: Li Zhi , Jian Caiyuan , Guo Xiaoxia , Tian Lu , Han Kang , Li Yinghao , Zhang Peng , Kong Dejuan , Ren Huimin , Jiaerdemulati Alehesi , Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Huiyu , Huang Chunyan , Su Wenbin
Published: October 2024

Sugar beets account for 30% of global sugar production each year, and their byproducts are an important source of bioethanol and animal feed. Sugar beet is an important cash crop in Inner Mongolia, China. To achieve high yields and sugar content, it is essential to supply nitrogen fertilizer in accordance with the growth characteristics of sugar beet, thereby enhancing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer utilization. A two-year experiment was carried out in the experimental field of the Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences. The impact of varying ratios of nitrogen-based fertilizer to topdressing on nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen levels in the 20–60 cm soil layer, as well as the activities of protease, urease, catalase, and sucrose in the 20–40 cm soil layer were investigated during the rapid leaf growth period and root and sugar growth period. Results indicated that different ratios of nitrogen-based fertilizer to topdressing significantly influenced the levels of nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen, and the activities of protease and urease in the 0–20 cm soil layer, with these effects diminishing as soil depth increased. The activities of catalase and sucrose were minimally impacted. Nitrogen was applied at 150 kg/ha during the growth period of sugar beet, according to the growth characteristics of sugar beet to maximize nitrogen utilization efficiency. Topdressing was completed with irrigation at the rapid growth stage. The nitrogen-based fertilizer to topdressing ratio of 6:4 resulted in optimal crop yield and sugar yield of sugar beet under shallow drip irrigation. Additionally, the activities of protease and urease in different soil treatments were significantly different, and the activities of protease and urease in the 0–40 cm soil layer were identified as useful soil physiological indicators for nitrogen utilization in sugar beet.
Association of serum Metrnl levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Chenxia , Zeng Juli , Gao Xiangyu , Chen Da , Zhu Qiugen , Feng Bo , Song Jun
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Meteorin-like (Metrnl) is a novel adipokine which is highly expressed in adipose tissue and has a beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is well recognized to be inversely associated with cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between serum Metrnl levels and HDL-C in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the association of serum Metrnl with HDL-C levels in T2DM.

Materials and Methods

Eighty participants with T2DM were included in this cross-sectional study. They were divided into two groups according to HDL-C levels: Group1 (lower HDL-C group): HDL-C < 1.04 mmol/L; Group2 (higher HDL-C group): HDL-C ≥ 1.04 mmol/L. Serum Metrnl levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

As compared with lower HDL-C levels groups, serum Metrnl levels were significantly higher in the group with higher HDL-C. Binary logistic regression analysis showed serum Metrnl levels were positively associated with HDL-C group after adjustment with sex, age, body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), fasting blood glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG). Furthermore, serum Metrnl levels were inversely correlated with insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). HDL-C levels were lowest in the group with the lowest Metrnl levels group and remained positively associated with Metrnl after adjustment for sex, age, BMI, TG, and HOMA-IR by using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Serum Metrnl levels were positively associated with HDL-C levels in patients with T2DM.This suggests that increasing serum Metrnl levels maybe a candidate for improving lipid metabolism and preventing cardiovascular events in T2DM.

Registry and the Registration No. of the Study/Trial

The study was registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR- 2100047148).
Classical Radiological Signs and Appearances of Surgical Importance with Corresponding Operative Pictures: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Balar Ravikumar Kalyanbhai , Nanda Natasha , Joshi Abhijit Sharadchandra
Published: October 2024

The advent of various new-age radiological modalities over the years has brought about paradigm shifts in diagnostics for clinicians all over the world. These advancements have refined medical practice immeasurably. Accurate diagnosis have, in turn, enabled surgeons to administer appropriate and timely surgical therapy to their patients. The timeline of path-breaking radiological inventions from X-rays to Ultrasonics, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and beyond, bears living testimony to the role that preoperative imaging plays in a surgeon’s daily life. The present review paper nostalgically remembers and acknowledges the pioneers of this remarkable journey. Additionally, it shares the authors’ experiences with classical radiological signs and appearances correlated with their corresponding surgical ‘first look’ pictures from some of the rare and interesting cases the authors have encountered over the years. The present cases exhibit diverse presentations, clinical signs, radiological findings and diagnosis. The crucial role played by radiology in clinicians’ daily lives, particularly in accurately diagnosing rare conditions, underscores the need to report these diverse cases.
Primary Extranodal Lymphomas: A Case Series
Authors: Basu Tista , Mondal Madhumita , Das Kausik , Rana Samir , Chatterjee Uttara
Published: October 2024

Primary Extra-Nodal Lymphomas (pENLs) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders. pENLs are mostly Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL), although infrequent case reports of extra-nodal Hodgkin lymphomas (HL) have emerged. The most common sites for pENLs are the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT), Central Nervous System (CNS), and head and neck region. pENLs pose a significant diagnostic challenge due to their unusual locations, a variety of confounding symptoms, and limited data available regarding their progression. Here, we present a case series of five patients of pENL: splenic HL in a 10-year-old boy, splenic NHL in a 65-year-old woman, primary ovarian lymphoma, possibly Burkitt’s lymphoma, in a 22-year-old female, Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL), likely Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), in a 67-year-old male, and a 53-year-old woman diagnosed with Primary Thyroid Lymphoma (PTL). These cases were all encountered in our tertiary care centre, and this series represents one of the first in our population. Thus, a population-specific understanding of pENLs will aid in better comprehending the disease in cases of unusual sites.
Anatomical Variations in Arrangement of Renal Hilar Structures and its Applied Importance: A Cadaveric Cross-sectional Study among North East Population of India
Authors: Saikia Mousumee , Roy Rajat Dutta , Thakuria Santona
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The hilum of the kidney leads into a central renal sinus filled with the renal pelvis and renal vessels. The classical arrangement of the structures present is the renal vein, renal artery, and renal pelvis, from anterior to posterior. Previous studies have shown many variations in the arrangement of the structures in the renal hilum; however, there is a lack of literature on this topic in the North-east region of India, where many communities and tribes reside. Aim: To evaluate both the classical and anatomical variations in the arrangement of the renal hilar structures in human cadavers. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cadaveric cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Anatomy at Assam Medical College, Assam, India, involving 160 specimens from 80 cadavers, both adult and foetal (≥36 weeks), from July 2013 to June 2014. Among these, 15 were adult cadavers and 65 were perinatal cadavers (11 male and 4 female adults; 28 male and 37 female perinates). The relations of the structures, i.e., renal artery, renal vein, and renal pelvis present in the renal hilum, were studied in an anterior-posterior manner after meticulous dissection. Results: In the present study, the majority of specimens exhibited hilar structures arranged in a VAP pattern (67 kidneys, 41.88%), with a higher occurrence on the left-side (37 kidneys, 23.1%) compared to the right-side (30 kidneys, 18.7%). This was followed by a VAPA pattern (28 kidneys, 17.5%). Variations in the arrangement of hilar structures other than the classical arrangement were observed in more than 59% (93 kidneys) of the specimens. It was noted that the anterior and posterior divisions of the renal artery and the anterior and posterior tributaries of the renal vein occupied the pre-hilar and hilar regions rather than the main trunks. Conclusion: It was observed that the arrangement of the structures present in the renal hilum exhibits a wide spectrum of variations. Knowledge of these variations may be beneficial not only for anatomists but also for urologists and radiologists, as it may help prevent or at least minimise the incidence of intraoperative injuries and post-operative complications. Urological procedures such as nephrectomy and renal transplant operations require careful dissection and separate ligation of the renal vessels present in the renal hilum to prevent arteriovenous fistula and massive haemorrhage. Prior knowledge of unusual arrangements of the hilar structures may assist surgeons in avoiding inadequate ligation of vessels and minimising complications.
Estimation of Genetic Variability for Yield and Its Component Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Himanshu  , Syed Mousmi , Singh Mahipat , Praveen  , Yadav Mahaveer Prasad , Yadav Rakesh , Yadav Yogendra
Published: October 2024

The present investigation was conducted with 12 chickpea genotypes, raised in randomized block design with three replications during the Rabi season 2023-2024 at at Organic Research Farm, Karguanji, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.). The experiment was laid-out in randomized block design with three replications of the plant geometry was maintained at 30 cm x 10 cm. The present experimental material showed a wide range of phenotypic variation for number of seed per pod, number of primary branches per plant, biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and harvest index whereas, low phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for plant height, 100-seed weight, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity as revealed by high values of Coefficient of Range. The estimates of high heritability coupled with high genetic advance expressed as a per cent of mean were observed for biological yield per plant, seed yield per plant and number of pods per plant manifesting the preponderance of additive gene action on the expression of these traits. In the investigation, genotypes viz., RSG-44 and Aruna were superior not only for seed yield per plant but also related traits like 100-seed weight, biological yield per plant, number of pods per plant and number of primary branches per plant.
A Review on Recent One Pot Multi-Component Synthesis and Biological Properties of a Class of New Class of Chromenes, Coumarines, Chromeno-Pyrimidines, Pyrido-Pyrimidine and Quinazoline Heterocycles
Authors: Dey Sourav , Chakraborty Koushik , Ghosh Pranab
Published: October 2024

The chromenes, coumarines, pyrido-pyrimidine and quinazoline cores possesses a vast number of biological activities such as anticancer, anti-malarial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-tubercular activities and the conventional classical synthetic methods have harsh conditions having multistep process. Currently, researchers are in search of new methodology to eliminate the use of chemicals, solvents and catalysts, which are hazardous to human health as well as to environment. This review provides a concise overview of new dimensions of one pot multi-component synthetic approaches in designing chromenes, coumarines, pyrido-pyrimidine and quinazoline scaffolds. This review will give more scientific ideas to synthesis a variety of heterocyclic moieties in a new synthetic way following the one-pot multi-component method.
HPLC Profile of Bioactives and Antioxidant Potential in Acalypha indica Extract
Authors: Sisein Eboh Abraham , Owaba Azibanasamesa D. C. , Faith Robert Owabhel
Published: October 2024

Acalypha indica is a plant found in many parts of Africa and Asia. The plant is used for the treatment of many respiratory diseases, management of cancers, diabetes and other diseases. The leaves of Acalypha indica were harvested, washed and shade dried. They were later extracted with methanol. The methanolic extract of Acalypha indica was subjected to DPPH radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant and HPLC quantification of phenols and flavonoids. The result showed a percentage yield of 5.72 %. Also the antioxidant capacity of Acalypha indicia based on the phosphomolybdenum method showed 13.60 ± 0.21 mg AAE/g extract. The DPPH radical scavenging potential of Acalypha indica showed that at 100 – 1000 µg/ml, the extract of Acalypha indica inhibited 7.2 ± 0.35 – 65.13 ± 1.53 % of DPPH radical as compared with standard gallic acid. The phenolics and flavonoids detected through HPLC are shown in Table 3. The phenolics and polyphenols with higher quantity in Extract of Acalypha indica are naringenin (169.91 mg/100 g), gallic acid (131.51 mg/100 g), rutin (76.72 mg/100 g), syringic acid (35.75 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (30.10 mg/100 g) and quercetin (11.36 mg/100 g). The results showed that Acalypha indica possesses antiradical, total antioxidant properties including a wide range of phenols and polyphenols. Therefore the extract can be a source of dietary supplement. This plant extract is a source of medicine if further research is applied.