Illuminating protein space with a programmable generative model.

Three billion years of evolution has produced a tremendous diversity of protein molecules1, but the full potential of proteins is likely to be much greater. Accessing this potential has been challenging for both computation and experiments because the space of possible protein molecules is much larger than the space of those likely to have functions. Here we introduce Chroma, a generative model for proteins and protein complexes that can directly sample novel protein structures and sequences, and that can be conditioned to steer the generative process towards desired properties and functions. To enable this, we introduce a diffusion process that respects the conformational statistics of polymer ensembles, an efficient neural architecture for molecular systems that enables long-range reasoning with sub-quadratic scaling, layers for efficiently synthesizing three-dimensional structures of proteins from predicted inter-residue geometries and a general low-temperature sampling algorithm for diffusion models. Chroma achieves protein design as Bayesian inference under external constraints, which can involve symmetries, substructure, shape, semantics and even natural-language prompts. The experimental characterization of 310 proteins shows that sampling from Chroma results in proteins that are highly expressed, fold and have favourable biophysical properties. The crystal structures of two designed proteins exhibit atomistic agreement with Chroma samples (a backbone root-mean-square deviation of around 1.0 Å). With this unified approach to protein design, we hope to accelerate the programming of protein matter to benefit human health, materials science and synthetic biology.

Altered distribution and loss of ACE2 into the urine in acute kidney injury.

There are diverse pathophysiological mechanisms involved in acute kidney injury (AKI). Among them, overactivity of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) has been described. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a tissue RAS enzyme expressed in the apical border of proximal tubules. Given the important role of ACE2 in the metabolism of Angiotensin II this study was aimed to characterize kidney and urinary ACE2 in amouse model of AKI. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) was induced in C57BL/6 mice by clamping of the left renal artery followed by removal of the right kidney. In kidneys harvested 48 hours after IRI, immunostaining revealed a striking maldistribution of ACE2 including spillage into the tubular lumen and presence of ACE2 positive luminal casts in the medulla. In cortical membranes ACE2 protein and enzymatic activity were both markedly reduced (37±4 vs. 100±6 ACE2/ß-Actin, P=0.0004 and 96±14 vs. 152±6 RFU/µg protein/h P=0.006). In urine, the full-length membrane bound ACE2 protein (100kD) was markedly increased (1120±405 vs. 100±46 ACE2/µg Crea, P=0.04) and casts stained for ACE2 were recovered in the urine sediment. In AKI caused by IRI there is a marked loss of ACE2 from the apical tubular border with deposition of ACE2 positive material in the medulla and increased urinary excretion of the full length-membrane bound ACE2 protein. The deficiency of tubular ACE2 in AKI suggests that provision of this enzyme could have therapeutic applications and that its excretion in the urine may also serve as a diagnostic marker of severe proximal tubular injury.

A new method to measure aquaporin-facilitated membrane diffusion of hydrogen peroxide and cations in plant suspension cells.

Plant aquaporins (AQPs) facilitate the membrane diffusion of water and small solutes, including hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and, possibly, cations, essential signalling molecules in many physiological processes. While the determination of the channel activity generally depends on heterologous expression of AQPs in Xenopus oocytes or yeast cells, we established a genetic tool to determine whether they facilitate the diffusion of H2 O2 through the plasma membrane in living plant cells. We designed genetic constructs to co-express the fluorescent H2 O2 sensor HyPer and AQPs, with expression controlled by a heat shock-inducible promoter in Nicotiana tabacum BY-2 suspension cells. After induction of ZmPIP2;5 AQP expression, a HyPer signal was recorded when the cells were incubated with H2 O2 , suggesting that ZmPIP2;5 facilitates H2 O2 transmembrane diffusion; in contrast, the ZmPIP2;5W85A mutated protein was inactive as a water or H2 O2 channel. ZmPIP2;1, ZmPIP2;4 and AtPIP2;1 also facilitated H2 O2 diffusion. Incubation with abscisic acid and the elicitor flg22 peptide induced the intracellular H2 O2 accumulation in BY-2 cells expressing ZmPIP2;5. We also monitored cation channel activity of ZmPIP2;5 using a novel fluorescent photo-switchable Li+ sensor in BY-2 cells. BY-2 suspension cells engineered for inducible expression of AQPs as well as HyPer expression and the use of Li+ sensors constitute a powerful toolkit for evaluating the transport activity and the molecular determinants of PIPs in living plant cells.

Enhanced intramolecular charge transfer and near-infrared fluorescence in 4-dimethylamino-chalcone analogues through extended conjugation: synthesis, photophysical properties, and theoretical modelling.

The distinctive characteristics of near-infrared fluorescent organic molecules render them indispensable across diverse applications, from energy harvesting to bioimaging and sensing technologies. In this work, we continue our investigation on the chalcone derivative, 4-dimethylamino-2'-hydroxychalcone (nDHC, n = 1; where n is the number of olefinic bonds), by expanding the number of central double bonds (n = 2 (2DHC) and n = 3 (3DHC)). Additionally, we also synthesized the structurally related chalcones lacking the OH group (DC, 2DC, 3DC) in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of their effects on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The results show remarkable bathochromic shifts in absorption and fluorescence peaks in solution as n increases. These shifts, 20 nm and 35 nm for absorption and 100 nm and 200 nm for fluorescence in 2DHC and 3DHC, respectively, signify enhanced ICT and a significant increase in the excited state's dipole moment. The presence of OH groups notably amplifies these shifts due to additional electron donation, influencing solute-solvent interactions in solution. Femtosecond fluorescence upconversion and transient absoprtion techniques unraveled distinct dynamics in these derivatives, exhibiting the dominance of vibrational cooling, solvation, and intramolecular motions, particularly in the larger conjugated systems 3DHC and 3DC. The observed changes in the femtosecond transinet absorption spectra suggest the existence of new active states in extended conjugation systems, indicating diverse intramolecular conformational states contributing to their relaxation dynamics. The results of this study provide invaluable insights into excited-state spectroscopy, offering a roadmap for tailoring chalcone derivatives for specific applications.

Normal cardiac dimensions by magnetic resonance imaging and topographic anatomy of the adult arabian one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

BACKGROUND: Dromedaries' normal heart architecture and size have not been adequately examined utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and topographic anatomy. RESULT: we aimed to investigate the regular appearance of the heart and its dimensions, using MRI and cross-sectional anatomy, in mature Arabian one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius). We also analyzed hematological and cardiac biochemical markers. MRI scans were conducted on twelve camel heart cadavers using a closed 1.5-Tesla magnet with fast spin echo (FSE) weighted sequences. Subsequently, the hearts were cross-sectionally sliced. Additionally, hematobiochemical studies were conducted on ten mature live camels. The study analyzed standard cardiac dimensions including HL, BW, RA, LA, RV, LV, IVS, LAD, RAD, RVD, AoD, TCVD, and MVD. The results showed a strong positive correlation between the cardiac dimensions obtained from both gross analysis and MR images, with no significant difference between them. On both gross and MRI images, the usual structures of the heart were identified and labeled. Along with the cardiac markers (creatine kinase and troponin), the average hematological values and standard biochemical parameters were also described. CONCLUSION: According to what we know, this investigation demonstrates, for the first time the typical heart structures and dimensions of the heart in dromedaries, and it could serve as a basis for diagnosing cardiac disorders in these animals.

The Effect of Superficial Venous Incompetence Treatment on Combined Segmental Deep Venous Reflux.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the role of treatment of superficial venous reflux (SVR) in patients with combined deep segmental venous reflux as regards clinical symptoms as well as reflux improvement of the deep veins. METHODS: We reviewed 80 patients, retrospectively selected on the inclusion criteria and having combined SVR and segmental deep venous reflux who underwent SVR ablation. The contralateral limb of 44 patients was used as a control group, asked to wear compression stockings for 3 months during day time with no surgical intervention. Duplex ultrasounds follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Clinical severity of venous disease was graded from C1 to C6 according to the CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) classification. Duplex ultrasound was done in both supine and standing positions with non-weight-bearing of the examined limb. The venous reflux time, the venous flow volume and the peak venous flow velocity were registered. Removal of SVR was performed using either conventional surgery or radiofrequency ablation. The patient was required to wear compression stockings during the day time for the following weeks. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, all patients were improved clinically as regards pain, edema, and ulcer healing. All patients included in this study had no signs of residual SVR. Corrected deep venous segment reflux was in 36 (45%). Similar data at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively after SVR removal. The popliteal vein reflux responded less than the femoral vein reflux did. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of the SVR eliminates segmental deep venous reflux in a good percentage of patients regardless of the treatment modality. Also, symptoms improvement and ulcer healing were documented, and hence, more studies are recommended to evaluate this role.

Impact of Blood Sampling Methods on Blood Loss and Transfusion After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess the impact of the closed-loop sampling method on blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in pediatric patients following cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: A single tertiary center. PARTICIPANTS: All pediatric patients younger than 4 years old who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) after cardiac surgery were enrolled. The study included 100 pediatric patients in the conservative (postimplementation) group and 43 pediatric patients in the nonconservative group (preimplementation). INTERVENTIONS: Observational. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the volume of blood loss during the PICU follow-up period. The secondary outcomes were the requirement for blood transfusion in each group, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, and mortality. MAIN RESULTS: In the conservative (postimplementation) group, blood loss during the follow-up period was 0.67 (0.33-1.16) mL/kg/d, while it was 0.95 (0.50-2.30) mL/kg/d in the nonconservative (preimplementation) group, demonstrating a significant reduction in blood loss in the conservative group (p = 0.012). The groups showed no significant differences in terms of the required blood transfusion volume postoperatively during the first 24 hours, first 48 hours, or after 48 hours (p = 0.061, 0.536, 0.442, respectively). The frequency of blood transfusion was comparable between the groups during the first 24 hours, first 48 hours, or after 48 hours postoperatively (p = 0.277, 0.639, 0.075, respectively). In addition, the groups did not show significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The closed-loop sampling method can be efficient in decreasing blood loss during postoperative PICU follow-up for pediatric patients after cardiac surgeries. However, its application did not reduce the frequency or the volume of blood transfusion in these patients.

Effect of thermomechanical ageing on force transmission by orthodontic aligners made of different thermoformed materials: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: Investigating the impact of thermal and mechanical loading on the force generation of orthodontic aligners made from various thermoplastic materials and different compositions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five distinct materials were utilized including, three multi-layer (Zendura FLX, Zendura VIVA, CA Pro) and two single-layer (Zendura A and Duran). A total of 50 thermoformed aligners (n = 10) underwent a 48-hour ageing protocol, which involved mechanical loading resulting from a 0.2 mm facial malalignment of the upper right central incisor (Tooth 11) and thermal ageing through storage in warm distilled water at 37°C. The force exerted on Tooth 11 of a resin model was measured both before and after ageing using pressure-sensitive films and a biomechanical setup. RESULTS: Before ageing, pressure-sensitive films recorded normal contact forces ranging from 83.1 to 149.7 N, while the biomechanical setup measured resultant forces ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 N, with lingual forces exceeding facial forces. Multi-layer materials exhibited lower force magnitudes compared to single-layer materials. After ageing, a significant reduction in force was observed, with some materials experiencing up to a 50% decrease. Notably, multi-layer materials, especially Zendura VIVA, exhibited lower force decay. CONCLUSIONS: The force generated by aligners is influenced by both the aligner material and the direction of movement. Multi-layer materials exhibit superior performance compared to single-layer materials, primarily because of their lower initial force, which enhances patient comfort, and their capability to maintain consistent force application even after undergoing ageing.

Effect of material composition and thickness of orthodontic aligners on the transmission and distribution of forces: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of material type and thickness on force generation and distribution by aligners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty aligners were divided into six groups (n = 10): one group with a thickness of 0.89 mm using Zendura Viva (Multi-layer), four groups with a thickness of 0.75 mm using Zendura FLX (Multi-layer), CA Pro (Multi-layer), Zendura (Single-layer), and Duran (Single-layer) sheets, and one group with a thickness of 0.50 mm using Duran sheets. Force measurements were conducted using Fuji® pressure-sensitive films. RESULTS: The lowest force values, both active and passive, were recorded for the multi-layered sheets: CA Pro (83.1 N, 50.5 N), Zendura FLX (88.9 N, 60.7 N), and Zendura Viva (92.5 N, 68.5 N). Conversely, the highest values were recorded for the single-layered sheets: Duran (131.9 N, 71.8 N) and Zendura (149.7 N, 89.8 N). The highest force was recorded at the middle third of the aligner, followed by the incisal third, and then the cervical third. The net force between the incisal and cervical thirds (FI-FC) showed insignificant difference across different materials. However, when comparing the incisal and middle thirds, the net force (FI-FM) was higher with single-layered materials. Both overall force and net force (FI-FM) were significantly higher with 0.75 mm compared to those with a thickness of 0.50 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-layered aligner materials exert lower forces compared to their single-layered counterparts. Additionally, increased thickness in aligners results in enhanced retention and greater force generation. For effective bodily tooth movement, thicker and single-layered rigid materials are preferred. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This research provides valuable insights into the biomechanics of orthodontic aligners, which could have significant clinical implications for orthodontists. Orthodontists might use this information to more effectively tailor aligner treatments, considering the specific tooth movement required for each individual patient. In light of these findings, an exchangeable protocol for aligner treatment is suggested, which however needs to be proven clinically. This protocol proposes alternating between multi-layered and single-layered materials within the same treatment phase. This strategy is suggested to optimize treatment outcomes, particularly when planning for a bodily tooth movement.

Effect of brimonidine on vascular density and imagej-derived flow index of optic nerve head and macula in primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of brimonidine on vascular density and flow index of optic nerve head (ONH) and macula in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Twenty-three brimonidine-naïve POAG patients were started on brimonidine. They underwent OCTA ONH and macula before commencing brimonidine and one month thereafter. Systemic arterial blood pressure (SABP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured at each visit to calculate mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP). The OCT angiograms were analyzed using ImageJ software to calculate ONH and macular flow indices. RESULTS: Thirty-seven eyes (23 patients) with a mean age of 56.7 ± 12.49 years were included of whom 60.8% were males. Brimonidine was associated with an increase in the superficial flow index (SFI) (P-value = 0.02) and optic nerve head flow index (ONHFI) (P-value = 0.01). Also, superficial vascular density (SVD) for whole image, superior-hemi and fovea increased (P-value = 0.03, 0.02, 0.03 respectively). ONH inferior-hemi vascular density decreased (P-value = 0.01) despite an increase in inferior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) (P-value = 0.03). There was no statistically significant correlation between flow indices and MOPP at baseline and follow-up. A moderate negative correlation was found between SVD and DVD at the fovea and MOPP at baseline and follow-up (P-value = 0.03, 0.05) (P-value = 0.02, 0.01) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Brimonidine was associated with an increase in SFI, ONHFI and SVD indicating improved GCC and RNFL perfusion in POAG. Despite the increase in inferior quadrant RNFLT, the concomitant decrease in inferior-hemi ONHVD precluded a conclusion of hemodynamically-mediated improvement of RNFLT.

Progressing nanotechnology to improve targeted cancer treatment: overcoming hurdles in its clinical implementation.

The use of nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the detection and treatment of cancer. Developments in protein engineering and materials science have led to the emergence of new nanoscale targeting techniques, which offer renewed hope for cancer patients. While several nanocarriers for medicinal purposes have been approved for human trials, only a few have been authorized for clinical use in targeting cancer cells. In this review, we analyze some of the authorized formulations and discuss the challenges of translating findings from the lab to the clinic. This study highlights the various nanocarriers and compounds that can be used for selective tumor targeting and the inherent difficulties in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology provides a promising platform for improving cancer detection and treatment in the future, but further research is needed to overcome the current limitations in clinical translation.

Synergistic Functionality of Dopants and Defects in Co-Phthalocyanine/B-CN Z-Scheme Photocatalysts for Promoting Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Reactions.

The realization of solar-light-driven CO2  reduction reactions (CO2 RR) is essential for the commercial development of renewable energy modules and the reduction of global CO2 emissions. Combining experimental measurements and theoretical calculations, to introduce boron dopants and nitrogen defects in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ), sodium borohydride is simply calcined with the mixture of g-C3 N4 (CN), followed by the introduction of ultrathin Co phthalocyanine through phosphate groups. By strengthening H-bonding interactions, the resultant CoPc/P-BNDCN nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity, releasing 197.76 and 130.32 µmol h-1  g-1 CO and CH4 , respectively, and conveying an unprecedented 10-26-time improvement under visible-light irradiation. The substantial tuning is performed towards the conduction and valance band locations by B-dopants and N-defects to modulate the band structure for significantly accelerated CO2 RR. Through the use of ultrathin metal phthalocyanine assemblies that have a lot of single-atom sites, this work demonstrates a sustainable approach for achieving effective photocatalytic CO2 activation. More importantly, the excellent photoactivity is attributed to the fast charge separation via Z-scheme transfer mechanism formed by the universally facile strategy of dimension-matched ultrathin (≈4 nm) metal phthalocyanine-assisted nanocomposites.

miRNAs as cornerstones in diabetic microvascular complications.

Diabetes mellitus is usually accompanied by nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy as microvascular complications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can affect the kidney, retina, and peripheral neurons through their implication in pathways involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis, as well as fibrosis within these tissues and hence, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of microvascular complications. In this review, the updated knowledge of the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvascular complications was summarized. PubMed Central was searched extensively to retrieve data from a wide range of reputable biomedical reports/articles published after the year 2000 to systematically collect and present a review of the key molecular pathways mediating the hyperglycemia-induced adverse effects on vascular tissues, particularly in persons with T2DM. In the present review, miR-126, miR-29b, and miR-125a are implicated in diabetes-induced microvascular complications, while miR-146a is found to be connected to all these complications. Also, vascular endothelial growth factors are noted to be the most impacted targets by miRNAs in all diabetic microvascular problems.

Mesenchymal stem cells: A promising antimicrobial therapy in veterinary medicine.

Growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to human and animal populations citing the limited available options. Alternative antimicrobial options or functional enhancement of currently available antimicrobials remains only options. One of the potential options seems stem cells especially the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that show antimicrobial properties. These cells additionally have pro-healing effects that may plausibly improve healing outcomes. MSCs antimicrobial actions are mediated either through direct cell-cell contact or their secretome that enhances innate immune mediated antimicrobial activities. These cells synergistically enhance efficacy of currently available antimicrobials especially against the biofilms. Reciprocal action from antimicrobials on the MSCs functionality remains poorly understood. Currently, the main limitation with MSCs based therapy is their limited efficacy. This demands further understanding and can be enhanced through biotechnological interventions. One of the interventional options is the 'priming' to enhance MSCs resistance and specific expression potential. The available literature shows potential antimicrobial actions of MSCs both ex vivo as well as in vivo. The studies on veterinary species are very promising although limited by number and extensiveness in details for their utility as standard therapeutic agents. The current review aims to discuss the role of animals in AMR and the potential antimicrobial actions of MSCs in veterinary medicine. The review also discusses the limitations in their utilization as standard therapeutics.

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 among the migrant workers in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exists on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) infections in migrant populations. This study investigated HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalences and associations among craft and manual workers (CMWs) in Qatar who constitute 60% of Qatar's population. METHODS: A national population-based cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted on the CMW population, all men, between July 26 and September 9, 2020. 2,612 sera were tested for anti-HSV-1 IgG antibodies using HerpeSelect 1 ELISA IgG kits and for anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies using HerpeSelect 2 ELISA IgG kits (Focus Diagnostics, USA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associations with HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. RESULTS: Serological testing identified 2,171 sera as positive, 403 as negative, and 38 as equivocal for HSV-1 antibodies, and 300 sera as positive, 2,250 as negative, and 62 as equivocal for HSV-2 antibodies. HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalences among CMWs were estimated at 84.2% (95% CI 82.8-85.6%) and 11.4% (95% CI 10.1-12.6%), respectively. HSV-1 infection was associated with nationality, educational attainment, and occupation. HSV-2 infection was associated with age, nationality, and educational attainment. CONCLUSIONS: Over 80% of CMWs are infected with HSV-1 and over 10% are infected with HSV-2. The findings highlight the need for sexual health programs to tackle sexually transmitted infections among the CMW population.

Engineering of oxygen vacancy defect in CeO2 through Mn doping for toluene catalytic oxidation at low temperature.

Catalytic oxidation is considered a highly effective method for the elimination of volatile organic compounds. Oxygen vacancy defect engineering in a catalyst is considered an effective approach for high-performance catalysts. Herein, a series of doped MnxCe1-xO2 catalysts (x = 0.05-0.2) with oxygen vacancy defects were synthesized by doping low-valent Mn in a CeO2 lattice. Different characterization techniques were utilized to inspect the effect of doping on oxygen vacancy defect generation. The characterization results revealed that the Mn0.15Ce0.85O2 catalyst has the maximum oxygen vacancy concentration, leading to increased active oxygen species and enhanced oxygen mobility. Thus, Mn0.15Ce0.85O2 catalyst showed an excellent toluene oxidation activity with 90% toluene conversion temperature (T90) of 197 °C at a weight hourly space velocity of 40,000 mL g-1 h-1 as compared to undoped CeO2 (T90 = 225 °C) and Ce based oxides in previous reports. In addition, the Mn0.15Ce0.85O2 catalyst displayed strong recyclability, water resistant ability and long-time stability. The in situ DRIFT results showed that the Mn0.15Ce0.85O2 catalyst has a robust oxidation capability as toluene is quickly adsorbed and actuated as compared to CeO2. Thus, the present work lays the foundation for designing a highly active catalyst for toluene elimination from the environment.

Morphological, radiographic, three-dimensional computed tomographic, and histological features of the primary upstroke and downstroke muscles and bones in the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis, Linnaeus, 1758), reflecting the evolutionary transition towards the irreversible flightlessness.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore whether domestication could lead to evolutionary changes towards flightlessness in the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) compared to the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) as a nonflying and flying biological model, respectively. Bones of the pectoral girdle (scapula, clavicle, and coracoid) and the foramen triosseum were comparatively assessed using anatomical, radiographic, and 3D computed tomographic (CT) studies. Additionally, the muscles pectoralis and the supracoracoideus were histologically and immunohistochemically assessed. RESULTS: Among the differences observed, radiographically, the distance between the paired clavicles was significantly wider (p < 0.05) in the domestic duck (mean ± SD 1.43 ± 0.23 cm) compared with the cattle egret (0.96 ± 0.13 cm). Unlike cattle egrets, there was no connection between the sternum and the hypocladium of furcula in domestic ducks. The scapula, clavicle, coracoid, sternum, and humerus were considerably longer in domestic ducks than in cattle egrets. The foramen triosseum appeared significantly (p < 0.01) wider in domestic ducks (0.7 ± 1.17 cm) compared to cattle egrets (0.49 ± 0.03 cm). Histologically, compared to cattle egrets, the muscle fibers in domestic ducks were loosely connected and contained fewer nuclei and perimysial/endomysial spaces. A higher myoglobin expression was evident in cattle egrets compared with domestic ducks. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that the bones and muscles of the pectoral girdle generally show specific morphological and structural changes reflective of the loss of prerequisites associated with flight behavior in domestic ducks due to domestication effects compared to cattle egrets.

Validity of a novel optical coherence tomography angiography flow index in a cohort of primary open angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Vascular mechanisms are implicated in many ocular diseases. Therefore, different vascular imaging modalities are used in management of such conditions. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has high spatial resolution and segmentable 3D volumetric sampling enabling isolation of retinal and peripapillary vascular beds. However, OCTA only indirectly derives quantitative flow data i.e. velocimetry through methods and algorithms liable to limitations like signal saturation. This study introduces and validates novel mathematical OCTA flow indices that may compensate for some OCTA velocimetric limitations. METHODS: Thirty-seven eyes of 23 POAG patients were included. Each underwent baseline and follow-up assessment one month thereafter. Assessment comprised full ophthalmological examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), systemic arterial blood pressure (SABP) and OCTA macula and ONH. Angiograms were processed using ImageJ to calculate OCTA intensity-based flow indices (FIOs), for superficial vascular plexus (SVP), deep vascular plexus (DVP) and optic nerve head vascular plexus (ONH-RPC), i.e. SFIO, DFIO and ONHFIO respectively. Mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) was calculated using IOP and SABP. OCTA vascular densities (VD) and MOPP were used to calculate three respective mathematical flow indices (FIMs) for SVP, DVP and ONH-RPC, based on Hagen-Poiseuille law, i.e. SFIM, DFIM, ONHFIM respectively. Pearson test was used for correlation between the two sets of indices. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was tested for baseline and follow-up values for each index. RESULTS: There was positive correlation between the three FIMs and their respective FIOs at baseline and follow-up ranging between high and moderate. Correlation coefficients (CCs) were 0.773 and 0.609 for SFIM and SFIO P-value < 0.001, 0.829 and 0.624 for DFIM and DFIO P-value < 0.001 and 0.516 and 0.737 for ONHFIM P-value = 0.001 for baseline and follow-up respectively. ICCs were 0.772 P-value < 0.001, 0.328 P-value = 0.022 and 0.888 P-value < 0.001 for SFIM, DFIM and ONHFIM respectively. For SFIO, DFIO and ONHFIO, ICCs were 0.420 P-value = 0.004, 0.079 P-value = 0.320 and 0.833 P-value < 0.001 respectively. CONCLUSION: The novel FIMs are reliable alternatives to FIOs and may compensate for OCTA signal saturation in extremes of MOPP. SFIM and ONHFIM showed high ICCs with excellent reliability. While DFIM demonstrated low ICC indicating poor reliability, it still performed better than its corresponding DFIO.

Purtscher-like retinopathy following coronary artery bypass grafting in an antiphospholipid syndrome patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Purtscher retinopathy is a rare occlusive microangiopathy comprising a constellation of retinal signs including cotton wool spots, retinal hemorrhages and Purtscher flecken. While classical Purtscher must be antedated by a traumatic incident, Purtscher-like retinopathy is used to refer to the same clinical syndrome in the absence of trauma. Various non-traumatic conditions have been associated with Purtscher-like retinopathy e.g. acute pancreatitis, preeclampsia, parturition, renal failure and multiple connective tissue disorders. In this case study, we report the occurrence of Purtscher-like retinopathy following coronary artery bypass grafting in a female patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with a complaint of acute painless diminution of vision in the left eye (OS) that occurred approximately two months earlier. Clinical history revealed that the patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) two months earlier and that visual symptoms started 4 days thereafter. Furthermore, the patient reported undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) one year before for another myocardial ischemic event. Ophthalmological examination revealed multiple yellowish-white superficial retinal lesions i.e. cotton-wool spots, exclusively in the posterior pole and predominantly macular within the temporal vascular arcades only OS. Fundus examination of the right eye (OD) was normal and the anterior segment examination of both eyes (OU) was unremarkable. A diagnosis of Purtscher-like retinopathy was made based on clinical signs, suggestive history and consolidated by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of macula, optic nerve head (ONH) according to the diagnostic guidelines of Miguel. The patient was referred to a rheumatologist to identify the underlying systemic cause and was diagnosed with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of Purtscher-like retinopathy complicating primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) following coronary artery bypass grafting. This conveys a message to clinicians that patients presenting with Purtscher-like retinopathy should undergo meticulous systemic work-up in order to identify potentially life-threatening underlying systemic diseases.

Seedlessness Trait and Genome Editing-A Review.

Parthenocarpy and stenospermocarpy are the two mechanisms underlying the seedless fruit set program. Seedless fruit occurs naturally and can be produced using hormone application, crossbreeding, or ploidy breeding. However, the two types of breeding are time-consuming and sometimes ineffective due to interspecies hybridization barriers or the absence of appropriate parental genotypes to use in the breeding process. The genetic engineering approach provides a better prospect, which can be explored based on an understanding of the genetic causes underlying the seedlessness trait. For instance, CRISPR/Cas is a comprehensive and precise technology. The prerequisite for using the strategy to induce seedlessness is identifying the crucial master gene or transcription factor liable for seed formation/development. In this review, we primarily explored the seedlessness mechanisms and identified the potential candidate genes underlying seed development. We also discussed the CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing approaches and their improvements.