Making sense of chromosome polymorphisms in two leptysmine grasshoppers.

The touchstone of the 'New Synthesis' was population cytogenetics -rather than genetics - due to the abundant polymorphic inversions in the genus Drosophila. Grasshoppers were not a material of choice because of their conservative karyotypes. However, nowadays seven species of Acrididae were described for polymorphic centric fusions, five of them in South-America. Leptysma argentina and the likely biocontrol of water-hyacinth Cornops aquaticum are semiaquatic Leptysminae (Acrididae: Orthoptera), polymorphic for centric fusions, supernumerary segments and a B-chromosome. We sought to demonstrate the operation of natural selection on them, by detecting: (I) latitudinal clines; (II) regression on environmental variables; (III) deviation from null models, such as linkage equilibrium; (IV) seasonal variation; (V) comparison between age classes and (VI) selection component analyses. All of them were confirmed in L. argentina, just (I) and (II) in C. aquaticum. Furthermore, the relationship between karyotype, phenotype and recombination was confirmed in both species. Karyotype-phenotype relationship may be due to the body enlargement the fusions are associated with, along with a latitudinal transition in voltinism. Karyotype-related recombination reduction in both species may help explain all fusion clines, although there is probably more than one factor at work. No effects were noticed for a supernumerary segment in L. argentina, but it is ubiquitous and certainly non-neutral. C. aquaticum is poised for introduction in South-Africa as a biocontrol of water-hyacinths; the recent discovery of four more segment polymorphisms may imply more chromosomal markers to make sense of its genetic system.

Enhancing Surgical Outcomes: Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding for Unilateral Cleft Lip, Alveolus, and Palate in Infants-A Progressive Clinical Report.

This case report describes the successful application of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) in the treatment of a neonate with Veau's class III cleft lip and palate of the left side. PNAM, a noninvasive method, effectively reduced the cleft deformity (from 10 mm pretreatment to 1 mm post-NAM), improved nasal esthetics, and minimized the need for extensive surgical interventions and better surgical outcomes. The treatment involved precise impression procedures, custom-made appliances, and weekly modifications to achieve optimal results. The comprehensive approach resulted in favorable esthetic outcomes, reduced scar formation, and improved lip symmetry, demonstrating the potential of PNAM as a valuable adjunctive therapy in cleft lip and palate management. How to cite this article: Yadav L, Mattu N, Yadav N, et al. Enhancing Surgical Outcomes: Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding for Unilateral Cleft Lip, Alveolus, and Palate in Infants-A Progressive Clinical Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):951-954.

Polyurethanes Synthesized with Blends of Polyester and Polycarbonate Polyols-New Evidence Supporting the Dynamic Non-Covalent Exchange Mechanism of Intrinsic Self-Healing at 20 °C.

Polyurethanes (PUs) synthesized with blends of polycarbonate and polyester polyols (CD+PEs) showed intrinsic self-healing at 20 °C. The decrease in the polycarbonate soft segments content increased the self-healing time and reduced the kinetics of self-healing of the PUs. The percentage of C-O species decreased and the ones of C-N and C=O species increased by increasing the polyester soft segments in the PUs, due to higher micro-phase separation. All PUs synthetized with CD+PE blends exhibited free carbonate species and interactions between the polycarbonate and polyester soft segments to a somewhat similar extent in all PUs. By increasing the polyester soft segments content, the storage moduli of the PUs decreased and the tan delta values increased, which resulted in favored polycarbonate soft segments interactions, and this was related to slower kinetics of self-healing at 20 °C. Although the PU made with a mixture of 20 wt.% CD and 80 wt.% PE showed cold crystallization and important crystallinity of the soft segments, as well as high storage moduli, the intercalation of a small amount of polycarbonate soft segments disturbed the interactions between the polyester soft segments, so it exhibited self-healing at 20 °C. The self-healing of the PUs was attributed to the physical interactions between polycarbonate soft segments themselves and with polyester soft segments, and, to a minor extent, to the mobility of the polymeric chains. Finally, the PUs made with 40 wt.% or more polyester polyol showed acceptable mechanical properties.

Unbounded Regions of High-Order Voronoi Diagrams of Lines and Line Segments in Higher Dimensions.

We study the behavior at infinity of the farthest and the higher-order Voronoi diagram of n line segments or lines in a d-dimensional Euclidean space. The unbounded parts of these diagrams can be encoded by a Gaussian map on the sphere of directions  S d - 1 . We show that the combinatorial complexity of the Gaussian map for the order-k Voronoi diagram of n line segments and lines is O ( min { k , n - k } n d - 1 ) , which is tight for n - k = O ( 1 ) . This exactly reflects the combinatorial complexity of the unbounded features of these diagrams. All the d-dimensional cells of the farthest Voronoi diagram are unbounded, its ( d - 1 ) -skeleton is connected, and it does not have tunnels. A d-cell of the Voronoi diagram is called a tunnel if the set of its unbounded directions, represented as points on its Gaussian map, is not connected. In a three-dimensional space, the farthest Voronoi diagram of   n ≥ 2 lines in general position has exactly n ( n - 1 ) three-dimensional cells. The Gaussian map of the farthest Voronoi diagram of line segments and lines can be constructed in O ( n d - 1 α ( n ) ) time, for d ≥ 4 , while if d = 3 , the time drops to worst-case optimal  Θ ( n 2 ) . We extend the obtained results to bounded polyhedra and clusters of points as sites.

Intestinal Region-Dependent Impact of NFκB-Nrf Crosstalk in Myenteric Neurons and Adjacent Muscle Cells in Type 1 Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Type 1 diabetes affects cytokines as potential inducers of NFκB signalling involved in inflammation and neuronal survival. Our goal was to assess the expression of NFκB p65 and its negative regulator, Nrf2, in myenteric neurons and adjacent smooth muscle of different gut segments after chronic hyperglycaemia and immediate insulin treatment. METHODS: After ten weeks of hyperglycaemia, intestinal samples of control, streptozotocin-induced diabetic and insulin-treated diabetic rats were prepared for fluorescent immunohistochemistry, immunogold electron microscopy, ELISA and qPCR. RESULTS: In the diabetic rats, the proportion of NFκB p65-immunoreactive myenteric neurons decreased significantly in the duodenum and increased in the ileum. The density of NFκB p65-labelling gold particles increased in the ileal but remained unchanged in the duodenal ganglia. Meanwhile, both total and nuclear Nrf2 density increased in the myenteric neurons of the diabetic duodenum. In smooth muscle, NFκB p65 and Nrf2 density increased in the small intestine of diabetic rats. While on the mRNA level, NFκB p65 and Nrf2 were induced, on the protein level, NFκB p65 increased and Nrf2 decreased in muscle/myenteric plexus homogenates. Insulin treatment had protective effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal a segment-specific NFκB and Nrf expression in myenteric neurons and ganglionic muscular environments, which may contribute to regional neuronal survival and motility disturbances in diabetes.

Distinct Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Protein Segments on Structural Stability, Amyloidogenic Potential, and α-Synuclein Aggregation.

Amyloidosis is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of misfolded proteins, called amyloid fibrils, leading to diverse clinical manifestations. Recent studies on the amyloidogenesis of SARS-CoV­2 protein segments have raised concerns on their potential link to post-infection neurodegeneration, however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the structure, stability, and amyloidogenic propensity of a nine-residue segment (SK9) of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein and their impact on neuronal protein α-synuclein (αSyn) aggregation. Specifically, the amino acid sequence of the SK9 wildtype has been modified from a basic and positively charged peptide (SFYVYSRVK), to a nearly neutral and more hydrophobic peptide (SAAVASAVK, labelled as SK9 var1), and to an acidic and positively charged peptide (SFYVYSRVK, labelled as SK9 var2). Our findings reveal that the SK9 wildtype exhibited a pronounced amyloidogenic propensity due to its disordered and unstable nature, while the SK9 variants possessed more ordered and stable structures preventing the amyloid formation. Significantly, the SK9 wildtype demonstrated distinct effect on αSyn aggregation kinetics and aggregate morphology to facilitate the formation of αSyn aggregates with enhanced resistance against enzymatic degradation. This study highlights the potential of modifying short peptide sequences to fine-tune their properties, providing insights into understanding and regulating viral-induced amyloid aggregations.

Effects and safety of combined corneal collagen crosslinking and intrastromal corneal ring segment treatment in patients with keratoconus: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of different time-point combinations of intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation using femtosecond technology) and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe keratoconus (KCC). METHODS: This study included 69 eyes of 69 patients with keratoconus who underwent ICRS and CXL treatment at an Eye Hospital between March 2020 and March 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 33 eyes of 33 patients), which received ICRS and CXL treatment in one session, and Group 2 (n = 36 eyes of 36 patients), which included treatment with ICRS for at least 6 months following CXL application. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included visual acuity, autorefractometer refraction, corneal tomographic measurements using the Sirius (CSO) Scheimpflug camera and the TONOREF™ III device, and documentation of observed complications. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected spectacle visual acuity (BCVA) were measured in each eye individually, and visual acuity was assessed using the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). RESULTS: In Group 1, mean UCVA improved from 0.81 ± 0.34 to 0.45 ± 0.25 (p < 0.01), and mean BCVA improved from 0.76 ± 0.35 to 0.38 ± 0.20 (p < 0.01). In Group 2, mean UCVA improved from 0.71 ± 0.32 to 0.43 ± 0.30 (p < 0.01), and mean BCVA improved from 0.65 ± 0.25 to 0.31 ± 0.23 (p < 0.01). Both groups showed significant reductions in manifest spherical and cylindrical refraction (p < 0.01). Group 1 exhibited greater reductions in maximum keratometry (Kmax), flat keratometry (K1), steep keratometry (K2) (p < 0.05), and astigmatic aberration compared with group 2 (p < 0.01). The use of simultaneous or separate CXL and ICRS does not significantly increase the incidence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Both combined and separate CXL and ICRS treatments resulted in significant improvement in UCVA and BCVA and reduced manifest refraction. Although improvements were observed in groups 1 and 2 in terms of K1, K2, and Kmax at 6 months, the improvements were more pronounced in Group 1. These results highlight the potential benefits of simultaneous ICRS + CXL treatment and underscore the importance of optimising the timing of CXL treatment to achieve the best visual outcomes.

Corneal higher-order aberrations in different types of irregular cornea.

OBJETIVE: To assess differences in corneal higher-order aberrations (i.e., HOAs) between six different types of irregular corneas (i.e, keratoconus (KC), keratoglobus (KG), pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD), laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), penetrating keratoplasty (PK), and intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS)). METHODS: Corneal aberration data from the 3rd and 4th order together with secondary vertical and horizontal coma, and secondary spherical aberration were retrospectively retrieved from a corneal tomographer and compared between irregular cornea types and for 3-, 5-, and 7-mm pupil diameters. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in vertical coma, oblique trefoil, secondary oblique astigmatism, primary spherical, and secondary spherical between irregular cornea types across all three pupil sizes (all p≤0.025). Vertical coma consistently exhibited the greatest magnitude of HOA across all irregular cornea types and pupil diameters. For the larger pupil diameters (5 and 7 mm), the 3rd order aberrations (mainly coma-like), the 4th order aberrations (mainly spherical-like), and total HOA RMS were significantly lower in the LASIK group compared to all other irregular cornea types (all p≤0.003). Additionally, at pupil sizes of 5 and 7 mm, the 3rd, 4th, coma-like, spherical-like, and total HOA RMS were significantly lower in KC compared to the ICRS and PK groups (all p≤0.01). Furthermore, the 4th, spherical-like, and total HOA RMS were significantly lower in KC compared to KG at pupil diameters of 3 and 7 mm, 5 and 7 mm, and 7 mm, respectively (all p≤0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Vertical coma was the most elevated HOA across all irregular cornea types and pupil diameters. Corneal aberrations were lower in LASIK and KC, and higher in KG and PK.

River-estuary continuum highlighted by variabilities in carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of the catadromous eel Anguilla japonica.

Estuaries exhibit high physicochemical variability and the properties of estuaries and the constituent segments are not yet systematically understood. This study aims to reveal the spatial heterogeneity of predominant organic sources using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N, respectively) of Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica), one of the ideal natural samplers. In the Miyakoda River, Japan, our study site, the effectiveness of eel δ13C and δ15N values as standard indices of predominant organic sources was tested by employing the River Continuum Concept. This study then extended the application of these indices to the estuary, i.e., the Hamana Lake system, into which the Miyakoda River flows. Once in the upper estuary, eel δ13C and δ15N values became high, with the latter peaking in this river-estuary continuum, indicating that artificial labile subsidies (nutrients and organic matter) with high δ15N values were rapidly assimilated into the food web. Eel δ15N values decreased again in the middle estuary. Nevertheless, the influence of terrestrial organic subsidies extended into this segment, as evidenced by the low δ13C values of eels. These results suggest that refractory organic matter with low δ15N values, such as plant-derived ones, is slowly assimilated into the food web in the downstream estuarine segments. The higher δ13C values in the lower estuary suggested that the contribution of eelgrass or macroalgae occurred in addition to benthic microalgae. Thus, our results emphasize the need to consider the multiple energy flows to understand the estuary as a continuum.

Outcome of the entomological monitoring for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in the western and southern regions of Kazakhstan in 2021-2022.

The natural foci of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Kazakhstan are geographically located in the southern regions of the country (Kyzylorda, Turkestan and Zhambyl regions), where the infection of ticks with the CCHF virus predominantly reside, tick species composition and the number of vectors are monitored annually. The objective of our research was to investigate the genetic variants of the CCHF virus in the southern endemic regions, as well as to monitor the spread of the CCHF virus in the western regions of the country (Aktobe, Atyrau and Mangystau regions). In total, 974 (216 pools) ticks from the western regions and 3527 (583 pools) ticks from the southern regions collected during 2021-2022 were investigated. The presence of CCHF virus was detected by real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT- PCR) in 1 pool out of 799 pools (0.12%) with Hyalomma scupense ticks captured in the CCHF-endemic Kyzylorda region. In the western regions, CCHF virus was not detected in ticks. The sequencing of incomplete fragments of the S, M and L segments of the CCHF virus in the detected virus was identified as genotype Asia - I. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate obtained in this study is grouped with the isolate from a patient with CCHF, which we reported in 2015 (KX129738 Genbank). Our findings highlight the importance of including sequencing in the annual monitoring system for better understanding the evolution of the CCHF virus in the study areas of our country.

Shipment of Glycerolized RBC Segments for Red Cell Concentrate Compatibility Testing.

Background: Red cell concentrate (RCC) cryopreservation allows for long-term storage of RCCs with rare phenotypes. Currently, tubing segments are not produced for these frozen units. Pre-transfusion compatibility testing therefore requires thawing and deglycerolization of the whole unit. A study was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of using segments for compatibility testing, including circumstances where segments would require shipment to a reference laboratory. Study Design and Methods: RCCs produced using the red cell filtration method from citrate-phosphate-dextrose whole blood collections were glycerolized (40%) at day 21 post-collection and segments were generated prior to freezing. Room temperature (RT, 18°C-20°C) or water bath (WB, 37°C) thawing of segments was performed prior to storage at RT or at refrigerated temperatures (cold, 1°C -6°C) for 0, 24, 48, or 72 hours followed by deglycerolization and hemolysis testing. Additional segments were thawed and shipped in temperature-controlled containers at either RT or 1°C -10°C for antibody screening. Results: Hemolysis and RBC recovery results did not show significant differences over the storage period or between thawing and storage conditions. RBC recovery ranged from 46% to 64%. Hemoglobin (Hb) recovery ranged from 56% to 96%; for RT-thawed segments, recovery was significantly higher at 24 hours and lower at 72 hours for RT storage compared with cold storage. WB-thawed, cold-stored segments had higher Hb recoveries at 48 hours. Phenotype assessment was successful for all segments regardless of thawing method or shipping condition. Discussion: The shipment of thawed segments containing glycerolized red cells is feasible for the purpose of conducting pretransfusion phenotype evaluations or pretransfusion compatibility checks.

Age-related driver injury occurrence from crashes at curve-grade combined segments.

OBJECTIVES: Due to their relatively complex roadway characteristics, horizontal and vertical curve segments are associated with decreased visibility and a higher risk of rollovers. Multiple studies have identified the associated risk of young and older drivers separately in such complicated driving environments. This study investigated the relationship between driver age and injury occurrence from crashes occurring along curve-grade combined segments. METHODS: Crash data recorded in Ohio State between 2012 and 2017 were used in this study. Driver age was categorized into 3 groups: teen (age <20 years), adult (age 20-64), and older adult (age >64). Descriptive statistics were summarized using random forest, gradient boosting, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) to estimate the probability of a driver incurring an injury in case of a crash at curve-grade combined segments. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was used to select the best performing model. Partial dependence plots (PDPs) were used to interpret the model results. RESULTS: The probability of injury occurrence is different for older drivers compared to teen and adult drivers. Although teen and adult drivers showed a higher probability of sustaining injuries in crashes with an increase in the degree of curvature, older drivers were more likely to sustain injuries in roadways with higher annual average daily traffic (AADT), steeper grades, and more occupants in the vehicle. Older drivers were observed to have a higher probability of sustaining injuries during peak hours and when unrestrained compared to teen and adult drivers. CONCLUSIONS: The results emphasize the significance of tailored education and outreach countermeasures, particularly for teen and older drivers, aimed at decreasing the likelihood of injuries in such driving environments. This research adds to the expanding body of knowledge concerning the age-related occurrence of driver injuries resulting from crashes at curve-grade combined segments. The study findings provide insights into the potential over- or underrepresentation of certain age groups in analyzing crash injury occurrence. The insights gained from the machine learning analysis could also assist policymakers, transportation agencies, and traffic safety experts in developing targeted strategies to enhance road safety and protect vulnerable age groups.

Effectiveness of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments in Slowing Myopia Progression in Pediatric Patients as a Function of Age: Three-Year Follow-Up.

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMSs) in slowing myopia progression in pediatric patients as a function of age. Methods: This was a non-randomized experimenter-masked retrospective controlled observational study of European individuals aged 6-16 years with progressive myopia but no ocular pathology. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of the participants allocated to receive DIMS spectacles (Hoya® MiyoSmart®) or single-vision spectacle lenses (control group). Cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) and axial length (AL) were measured at baseline and at 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-ups. The results were stratified by age into four groups: patients wearing DIMS spectacles older or younger than 10 years of age (group A, 20 patients mean age 13.6 ± 2.2, and group C, 20 patients mean age 9.0 ± 1.2) and age-matched control groups (group B, 18 patients mean age 13.2 ± 2.5, and group D, 22 patients mean age 8.5 ± 0.9). Results: At 36 months, SE and AL increase were significantly reduced in groups A and C, respectively, compared to groups B and D (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between patient age and myopia progression for SE in groups A and C, but only in group A for AL. Groups B and D did not show any significant correlation (p > 0.05). Conclusions: DIMS spectacles seem to slow myopia progression in pediatric patients; however, their effectiveness shows the greatest results in children older than 10 years of age. Moreover, our findings suggest that AL may be the more reliable parameter for evaluating myopia progression.

Effect of defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses on myopia progression in children: a retrospective analysis in a German real-life clinical setting.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective analysis evaluates the treatment success of "Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments" (DIMS) spectacle lenses in a real-life clinical setting in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Axial length (AL) and objective refraction of 166 eyes treated with DIMS at baseline and 12-month follow-up were analyzed. Annual AL growth rate within the range of physiological growth rate was considered a successful treatment. Myopia progression of ≥ -0.5 D/yr accounted as treatment success. Differences in percentages of treatment success of subgroups depending on baseline AL and age against treatment success of the total population were investigated. RESULTS: Considering all eyes, treatment success regarding AL growth and myopia progression was achieved in 46% and 65%, respectively. Male eyes with moderate AL showed treatment success in a higher proportion (73%, p < 0.01; 89%, p < 0.01); eyes with high AL showed treatment success in a lower proportion (25%, p < 0.01; 51%, n.s.). Female eyes showed the same trend but without statistical significance (moderate AL: 49%; 68%; high AL: 40%; 62%). Younger children showed treatment success in a lower proportion (male: 11%, p < 0.01; 38%, p < 0.05; female: 25%, p < 0.01; 42%, p < 0.01). Older children showed treatment success in a higher proportion (male: 60%, p < 0.05; 78% p < 0.05; female: 53%, n.s.; 77% p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with moderate baseline AL and of older children showed treatment success after 12 months of DIMS treatment. Eyes with a high baseline AL and of younger children showed treatment success in a smaller proportion, therefore combination treatment should be considered. In future studies, males and females should be assessed separately.

Evaluation of the efficacy of posterior hemivertebrectomy combined with two or more segments fusion.

BACKGROUND: Although early hemivertebra (HV) resection and short fusion (within 4 segments) have been successful in treating congenital HV, there is limited research comparing the outcomes of the shortest-segment fusion (2 segments) versus 3 or 4 segments, particularly in young children. To evaluate the efficacy of posterior hemivertebrectomy combined with two or more segments fusion in children under the age of 10 years with a solitary simple lower thoracic or lumbar HV (T8-L5). METHODS: This retrospective study included patients under the age of 10 with lower thoracic or lumbar solitary simple HV who underwent hemivertebra resection (HVR) and transpedicular short fusion and were divided into HV ± 1 group (2 segment fusion) and HV ± 2 group (3 or 4-segment fusion). The study recorded preoperative, postoperative (1 week), and the latest follow-up radiographic parameters and complications. The results of the coronal and sagittal planes were analyzed, and the main curve, segmental scoliosis curve, compensatory scoliosis curve, segmental kyphosis curve, and trunk shift were compared. RESULTS: The study included 35 patients (15 in the HV ± 1 group and 20 in the HV ± 2 group) with a mean age of 5.26 ± 2.31 years and a mean follow-up of 22.54 months (12-68). The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 32.66° ± 7.339° (HV ± 1) and 29.31°±6.642° (HV ± 2). The final Cobb angle was 10.99°± 7.837° (HV ± 1) and 8.22° ± 4.295° (HV ± 2). The main curve corrected by 72% (HV ± 1), 75% (HV ± 2) postoperatively and 67% (HV ± 1), 72% (HV ± 2) at the final follow-up (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the correction of the segmental scoliosis curve, compensatory scoliosis curve, segmental kyphosis curve, and trunk shift between the HV ± 1 and HV ± 2 groups (P > 0.05). The unplanned reoperation rate for HV in the thoracolumbar region (T11-L2) is significantly higher (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: In the context of solitary simple lower thoracic or lumbar HV (T8-L5), HV ± 1 segment fusion suffices and yields comparable correction outcomes in the midterm period when compared to HV ± 2. The reoperation rate exhibited a statistically significant increase in the thoracolumbar region.

Evaluation of fetal cardiac morphology and function by fetal heart quantification technique in the normal second and third trimesters.

Background: The study of fetal heart is receiving increasing attention. Fetal heart quantification (Fetal HQ) technology is a new speckle tracking technology that can analyze the 24-segment morphology and function of fetal ventricles. This study aims to use Fetal HQ to assess the changes in the structure and function of the fetal heart in normal mid to late pregnancy, providing a foundation for the clinical application of fetal cardiac speckle tracking technology. Methods: The heart size, global sphericity index (GSI), left ventricular [stroke volume (SV)], cardiac output (CO), ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), fractional area change (FAC), 24-segment end-diastolic diameter (EDD), sphericity index (SI) and fractional shortening (FS) of the two ventricles of 500 normal pregnant fetuses were evaluated by Fetal HQ. The subjects were divided into 5 groups according to gestational weeks (GA), and the changes of fetal heart morphology and function were observed. P<0.05 indicated the statistically significant difference. Results: The fetal heart rate decreased gradually with the increase of GA (P<0.05). The size parameters of the fetal heart and two ventricles gradually increased with increasing GA (P<0.05). The 24 segments EDD of both ventricles increased with increasing GA (P<0.05), while the EDD increased first and then decreased from the ventricle base to the apex. The GSI and the 24 segments SI of two ventricles were basically not significantly different among the groups (P>0.05). The EF, GLS, FAC of the left ventricle and the GLS, FAC of the right ventricle decreased with the increase of GA (P<0.05), and SV and CO increased with increasing GA (P<0.05). The 24 segments FS of the left ventricle showed a downward trend with the increase of GA and gradually increased from the base to the apex. The FS of most segments of the right ventricle decreased with the increase of the GA and increased first and then decreased from the base to the apex. Conclusions: The whole and segmental size parameters of fetal heart can quantitatively evaluate the growth and development of fetal heart; the GSI and segmental SI are reliable morphological indexes for evaluating fetal heart; fetal ventricular function parameters EF, FAC, GLS and segmental FS can evaluate fetal cardiac function. The Fetal HQ technique can help us to evaluate the heart growth and development of normal fetuses in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

Global warming communicative actions of publics in Türkiye: Utilizing fuzzy rule based system.

The effectiveness of government policies and environmental initiatives to mitigate global warming relies heavily on public support, which is closely tied to public perception and awareness. Despite the scientific evidence communicated, the public remains reluctant to take preventive measures against global warming. The aim of the paper is to investigate the communicative actions of publics proposed as in the situational theory of problem solving to understand publics' communicative actions towards global warming. The paper utilizes a fuzzy rule-based system approach to analyze the communicative actions of publics to reveal non-linear relationships; whereas previous studies mostly used linear statistical analysis. The paper provides a deeper understanding into the interplay between problem recognition, constraint recognition, and involvement in shaping information behavior. The results show that the communicative actions of the publics are at a low-to-moderate level. The paper's interesting finding is the nonlinear effects of constraint recognition on communicative action about global warming. Contrary to the current literature, it was found out that the dominant factor that may convince public to start taking action towards global warming seems to be recognizing being constrained at a moderate level. Based on the results, it is suggested for policy makers and communication strategists to mitigate the negative outcomes of global warming by integrating environmental issues into education at all levels and collaborating with non-governmental organizations for national awareness campaigns which focus on increasing public problem recognition and involvement.

Anterior segment parameters after trabeculectomy in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma versus primary open-angle glaucoma.

Background: The effects of trabeculectomy on anterior segment parameters have been widely investigated. However, the stabilization time for various glaucoma types after trabeculectomy remains debatable. We investigated the effect of mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy on ocular anterior segment parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) during short-term follow-up using the Pentacam HR. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, consecutive patients diagnosed with medically uncontrolled POAG or PXG who underwent MMC-augmented trabeculectomy were recruited. All individuals underwent detailed ocular examinations. All trabeculectomies were performed by a single surgeon using the same technique. Anterior segment parameters, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured using the Pentacam HR, along with intraocular pressure (IOP) using a Goldmann applanation tonometer, pre-operatively and at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month post-operative visits. Results: We included 80 patients with a median (range) age of 58.0 (41.0-86.0) years having a nearly similar sex ratio. The study groups were matched according to sex and age (both P > 0.05). The group-by-time interaction was significant for CCT and ACV (both P < 0.05) but not for IOP, ACD, and ACA (all P > 0.05). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) IOP, ACD, and ACA were comparable between groups (all P > 0.05) during the 3-month period; however, they changed significantly over time in both groups (all P < 0.001). The mean CCT and ACV were comparable between groups at each time point (all P > 0.05), except at the 1-month post-operative visit, at which the mean (SD) ACV was significantly lower in the PXG group (P < 0.05). We found a comparable mean (SD) CCT between paired visits in each group (all P > 0.05), except for the mean (SD) CCT at 3 months, which was significantly lower than that at the 1-month post-operative visit in the PXG group (P < 0.05). We found a comparable mean (SD) ACV between paired visits in each group (all P > 0.05); however, it was significantly lower at the 1-month post-operative versus the baseline visit in both groups and resumed a significantly higher value at the 1-month versus the 1-week visit and at the 3-month versus the 1-month visit in the PXG group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: We observed significant changes in IOP, ACD, and ACA over 3 months after post-augmented trabeculectomy in eyes with POAG and PXG; however, the majority of anterior segment parameters were comparable between the two groups. Further large-scale studies with longer follow-up periods should be conducted to verify the post-operative fluctuations in these parameters in POAG and PXG.

Reduction of Ribosomal Expansion Segments in Yeast Species of the Magnusiomyces/Saprochaete Clade.

Ribosomes are ribonucleoprotein complexes highly conserved across all domains of life. The size differences of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) can be mainly attributed to variable regions termed expansion segments (ESs) protruding out from the ribosomal surface. The ESs were found to be involved in a range of processes including ribosome biogenesis and maturation, translation, and co-translational protein modification. Here, we analyze the rRNAs of the yeasts from the Magnusiomyces/Saprochaete clade belonging to the basal lineages of the subphylum Saccharomycotina. We find that these yeasts are missing more than 400 nt from the 25S rRNA and 150 nt from the 18S rRNAs when compared to their canonical counterparts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The missing regions mostly map to ESs, thus representing a shift toward a minimal rRNA structure. Despite the structural changes in rRNAs, we did not identify dramatic alterations in the ribosomal protein inventories. We also show that the size-reduced rRNAs are not limited to the species of the Magnusiomyces/Saprochaete clade, indicating that the shortening of ESs happened independently in several other lineages of the subphylum Saccharomycotina.

The Formation and Renewal of Photoreceptor Outer Segments.

The visual system is essential for humans to perceive the environment. In the retina, rod and cone photoreceptor neurons are the initial sites where vision forms. The apical region of both cone and rod photoreceptors contains a light-sensing organelle known as the outer segment (OS), which houses tens of thousands of light-sensitive opsins. The OSs of photoreceptors are not static; they require rhythmic renewal to maintain normal physiological functions. Disruptions in OS renewal can lead to various genetic disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Understanding the patterns and molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor OS renewal remains one of the most intriguing topics in visual biology. This review aims to elucidate the structure of photoreceptor OSs, the molecular mechanisms underlying photoreceptor OS renewal, and the retinal diseases resulting from defects in this renewal process. Additionally, we will explore retinal diseases related to photoreceptor OS renewal and potential therapeutic strategies, concluding with a discussion on future research directions for OS renewal.