Rational drug repurposing for alzheimer's treatment using in-silico ligand and structure-based approaches

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. New AD treatments are essential, and drug repositioning is a promising approach. In this study, we combined ligand-based and structure-based approaches to identify potential candidates among FDA-approved drugs for AD treatment. We used the human acetylcholinesterase receptor structure (PDB ID: 4EY7) and applied Rapid Overlay of Chemical Structures and Swiss Similarity for ligand-based screening.Computational shape-based screening revealed 20 out of 760 FDA approved drugs with promising structural similarity to Donepezil, an AD treatment AChE inhibitor and query molecule. The screened hits were further analyzed using docking analysis with Autodock Vina and Schrodinger glide. Predicted binding affinities of hits to AChE receptor guided prioritization of potential drug candidates. Doxazosin, Oxypertine, Cyclopenthiazide, Mestranol, and Terazosin exhibited favorable properties in shape similarity, docking energy, and molecular dynamics stability.Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the complexes over 100 ns. Binding free energy analysis using MM-GBSA indicated favourable binding energies for the selected drugs. ADME, formulation studies offered insights into therapeutic applications and predicted toxicity.This comprehensive computational approach identified potential FDA-approved drugs (especially Doxazosin) as candidates for repurposing in AD treatment, warranting further investigation and clinical assessment.

Design thinking como metodologia na elaboração de uma proposta de matriz curricular / Design thinking as a methodology in the elaboration of a curricular structure proposal

Resumo Introdução: A matriz curricular do curso de Medicina pode variar de acordo com o projeto pedagógico de curso (PPC) de cada instituição de ensino superior (IES). Nem sempre a visão da coordenação e do corpo docente do curso de Medicina está alinhada às opiniões dos alunos. Assim, a utilização de uma metodologia para identificar a visão do corpo discente seria fundamental. O design thinking (DT) é um processo que propõe a busca, de forma empática, colaborativa e criativa, de soluções para problemas complexos. Objetivo: Este estudo apresenta o DT como uma metodologia para identificar como os alunos do internato acreditam que deva ser a matriz curricular do primeiro ao quarto ano de um curso de Medicina no estado de São Paulo, e, para tanto, coletaram-se sugestões e pontos que exigiram a reavaliação na matriz original. Método: Realizou-se uma avaliação qualitativa com base no modelo do DT. Os alunos foram divididos em três grupos de cinco alunos, e cada grupo dedicou-se a discutir livremente sobre suas ideias acerca da matriz curricular. Posteriormente, apresentou-se um painel para cada grupo com a separação dos semestres correspondentes - do primeiro ao quarto ano - com post-it representando a matriz curricular vigente do curso de Medicina, e cada grupo teve uma hora para remontar a matriz curricular da maneira que julgasse mais adequado. Resultado: Após a fase de discussão, cada grupo montou sua matriz curricular, e propuseram-se algumas mudanças do ano em que a disciplina era ministrada e a inclusão de algumas matérias. A maioria das sugestões foi julgada procedente e incorporada na matriz curricular. Conclusão: A metodologia do DT contribuiu para a identificação de várias demandas acerca da matriz curricular de uma forma ordenada, empática e colaborativa, levando em consideração a opinião do estudante, sendo, portanto, uma estratégia de planejamento capaz de evidenciar fragilidades e fortalezas do currículo que talvez não fossem percebidas por outras estratégias.

Abstract Introduction: The medical school curricular structure may vary according to the educational planning of each higher education institution (HEI). The viewpoint of the coordination and the medical school faculty is not always aligned with the students' opinions. Thus, using a methodology to identify the students' point of view would be essential. Design thinking (DT) is a process that proposes a search, in an empathetic, collaborative, and creative way, for solutions to complex problems. Objectives: To present DT as a methodology to identify how clinical internship students believe the curricular structure from the 1st to the 4th year of a São Paulo state medical school should be, by collecting suggestions and points that require a re-evaluation process of the current curricular structure. Methods: This is a qualitative assessment, which will use the DT model. Students were divided into three groups of five, and each group was committed to having a free discussion on its ideas concerning the curricular structure. Then, a panel was presented to each group, dividing the semesters from the 1st to the 4th year with post-it notes representing the current curricular structure of the medical school, and each group had one hour to reassemble the curricular structure as they deemed appropriate. Results: After the discussion stage, each group assembled its curricular structure. Some changes concerning the year in which the discipline was provided were proposed, and the inclusion of others. Most of the suggestions were considered valid and were incorporated into the curriculum. Conclusions: The DT methodology contributed to the identification of several demands regarding the curricular structure in an orderly, empathetic, and collaborative way, taking into account the students' opinions. It is, therefore, a planning strategy able to evidence weaknesses and strengths of the curriculum that might not have been noticed by the use of other strategies.

Isolation and structural identification of a potassium ion channel Kv4.1 inhibitor SsTx-P2 from centipede venom / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVES@#To isolate potassium ion channel Kv4.1 inhibitor from centipede venom, and to determine its primary and spatial structure.@*METHODS@#Ion-exchange chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography were performed to separate and purify peptide components of centipede venom, and their inhibiting effect on Kv4.1 channel was determined by whole-cell patch clamp recording. The molecular weight of isolated peptide Kv4.1 channel inhibitor was identified with MALDI-TOF, its primary sequence was determined by Edman degradation sequencing and two-dimensional mass spectrometry, its patial structure was established based on iterative thread assembly refinement online analysis.@*RESULTS@#A peptide SsTx-P2 was separated from centipede venom with the molecular weight of 6122.8, and its primary sequence consists of 53 amino acid residues, showed as NH2-ELTWDFVRTCCKLFPDKSECTKACATEFTGGDESRLKDVWPRKLRSGDSRLKD-OH. Peptide SsTx-P2 potently inhibited the current of Kv4.1 channel transiently transfected in HEK293 cell, with 1.0 μmol/L SsTx-P2 suppressing 95% current of Kv4.1 channel. Its spatial structure showed that SsTx-P2 shared a conserved helical structure.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The study has isolated a novel peptide SsTx-P2 from centipede venom, which can potently inhibit the potassium ion channel Kv4.1, and its spatial structure displays a certain degree of conservation.

Analysis of cerebral gray matter structure in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica / 解剖学报

Objective The volume and cortical thickness of gray matter in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) were compared and analyzed by voxel⁃based morphometry (VBM) and surface⁃based morphometry (SBM), and the differences in the structural changes of gray matter in the two diseases were discussed. Methods A total of 21 MS patients, 16 NMO patients and 19 healthy controls were scanned by routine MRI sequence. The data were processed and analyzed by VBM and SBM method based on the statistical parameter tool SPM12 of Matlab2014a platform and the small tool CAT12 under SPM12. Results Compared with the normal control group (NC), after Gaussian random field (GRF) correction, the gray matter volume in MS group was significantly reduced in left superior occipital, left cuneus, left calcarine, left precuneus, left postcentral, left central paracentral lobule, right cuneus, left middle frontal, left superior frontal and left superior medial frontal (P<0. 05). After family wise error (FWE) correction, the thickness of left paracentral, left superiorfrontal and left precuneus cortex in MS group was significantly reduced (P<0. 05). Compared with the NC group, after GRF correction, the gray matter volume in the left postcentral, left precentral, left inferior parietal, right precentral and right middle frontal in NMO group was significantly increased (P<0. 05). In NMO group, the volume of gray matter in left middle occipital, left superior occipital, left inferior temporal, right middle occipital, left superior frontal orbital, right middle cingulum, left anterior cingulum, right angular and left precuneus were significantly decreased (P<0. 05). Brain regions showed no significant differences in cortical thickness between NMO groups after FWE correction. Compared with the NMO group, after GRF correction, the gray matter volume in the right fusiform and right middle frontal in MS group was increased significantly(P<0. 05). In MS group, the gray matter volume of left thalamus, left pallidum, left precentral, left middle frontal, left middle temporal, right pallidum, left inferior parietal and right superior parietal were significantly decreased (P<0. 05). After FWE correction, the thickness of left inferiorparietal, left superiorparietal, left supramarginal, left paracentral, left superiorfrontal and left precuneus cortex in MS group decreased significantly (P<0. 05). Conclusion The atrophy of brain gray matter structure in MS patients mainly involves the left parietal region, while NMO patients are not sensitive to the change of brain gray matter structure. The significant difference in brain gray matter volume between MS patients and NMO patients is mainly located in the deep cerebral nucleus mass.

Effects of sodium pyruvate on the morphology, structure and function of erythrocytes stored in vitro in type 2 diabetes rats / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To observe the effect of RBC preservation solution with sodium pyruvate on the morphology, structure and function of RBC stored in vitro in type 2 diabetes rats. METHODS: Thirty SPF male SD rats, were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10): non-T2DM conventional RBC preservation solution (group A), T2DM conventional RBC preservation solution (group B) and T2DM sodium pyruvate RBC preservation solution (group C). The leukoreduced RBC from the tail vein and stored for 0 d (T0), 7 d (T1), 14 d (T2), 21 d (T3) and 28 d (T4) to detect the morphology, structure and the contents of 2, 3-DPG, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactic acid (LA) of RBC in group A, B and C. The RBC stored for 14 days in vitro were labeled with PKH26, and its survival rate were tested in vivo at 1, 4, 10 and 16 hours after intravenous infusion. RESULTS: At T0, the RBC morphology of group A was intact, which was better than that of group B and group C. With the extension of storage time, the morphology of RBC in each group gradually transformed into a spindle-spherical shape. Compared with group A, the incidence of acanthocytes in group B and group C was higher, and the incidence of acanthocytes in group C was lower than that in group B. Compared with group A, the content of 2, 3-DPG in group B and group C decreased, while ROS and MDA increased at different time points (P<0.05). The content of 2,3-DPG in group C was higher than that in group B (P<0.05), and the contents of ROS and MDA were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). LA content in group B was higher than that in group A and group C (P<0.05). At T2-T4, the LA content in group C was lower than that in group A (P<0.05). The survival rate of RBC in group A was higher than that in group B and C, and the survival rate of RBC in group B was lower than that in group C (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sodium pyruvate added RBC preservation solution has a certain protective effect on RBC stored in vitro in type 2 diabetic rats, and its mechanism may be related to its antioxidant effect.

Study on Syndrome Research of Ischemic Stroke Combined with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-hypopnea Syndrome Based on Implicit Structure Method / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the common syndrome elements of cerebral ischemic stroke （CIS） complicated with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS）， reveal the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes of the disease， clarify the syndrome differentiation and syndrome types， provide evidence for clinical syndrome differentiation， and provide reference for establishing the TCM syndrome type standards of CIS complicated with OSAHS. MethodThe clinical information form of CIS complicated with OSAHS formulated by the research group was used for syndrome survey， and the four-examination information of 300 patients with CIS complicated with OSAHS was collected. The four-examination information of patients was analyzed by latent structure method and comprehensive cluster analysis， and the common syndrome elements of CIS complicated with OSAHS were extracted by combining the TCM basic theory and clinical experience. On this basis， the characteristics of TCM syndromes and the syndrome types in line with reality were summarized. ResultThe top five syndrome elements in patients with CIS and OSAHS are sleep snoring， open mouth breathing， physical obesity， night awakening and dizziness. The top five tongue and pulse manifestations are enlarged tongue， slippery pulse， slippery coating， thick and white coating and purple tongue. The disease locations are the lung， spleen， stomach， kidney， liver and brain. The nature of disease includes deficiency， depression， blood stasis， phlegm， dampness and fire. The clinical syndrome types include the syndrome of stagnation of phlegm and dampness， syndrome of phlegm-dampness blocking the mind， syndrome of spleen deficiency with dampness， syndrome of Yin deficiency leading to fire hyperactivity， syndrome of Qi depression blocking collaterals， syndrome of liver depression and blood stasis， syndrome of Qi deficiency with dampness， and syndrome of Yang deficiency induced water retention. ConclusionIn addition to the common phlegm-， dampness- and blood stasis-related syndromes in patients with CIS and OSAHS， there are also depression- and deficiency-related syndromes. The main etiology and pathogenesis is the disturbance of Qi movement. In clinical practice， attention should be paid to the specific situation of individual patients to differentiate between deficiency and excess， and the treatment should be performed by the method of soothing and reinforcing， or unblocking and clearing， or both.

Structure-based development of potent and selective type-II kinase inhibitors of RIPK1

Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) functions as a key regulator in inflammation and cell death and is involved in mediating a variety of inflammatory or degenerative diseases. A number of allosteric RIPK1 inhibitors (RIPK1i) have been developed, and some of them have already advanced into clinical evaluation. Recently, selective RIPK1i that interact with both the allosteric pocket and the ATP-binding site of RIPK1 have started to emerge. Here, we report the rational development of a new series of type-II RIPK1i based on the rediscovery of a reported but mechanistically atypical RIPK3i. We also describe the structure-guided lead optimization of a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable RIPK1i, 62, which exhibits extraordinary efficacies in mouse models of acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. Collectively, 62 provides a useful tool for evaluating RIPK1 in animal disease models and a promising lead for further drug development.

Artemisia argyi extract subfraction exerts an antifungal effect against dermatophytes by disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function / 中国天然药物

Artemisia argyi (A. argyi), a plant with a longstanding history as a raw material for traditional medicine and functional diets in Asia, has been used traditionally to bathe and soak feet for its disinfectant and itch-relieving properties. Despite its widespread use, scientific evidence validating the antifungal efficacy of A. argyi water extract (AAWE) against dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, remains limited. This study aimed to substantiate the scientific basis of the folkloric use of A. argyi by evaluating the antifungal effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of its active subfraction against dermatophytes. The results indicated that AAWE exhibited excellent antifungal effects against the three aforementioned dermatophyte species. The subfraction AAWE6, isolated using D101 macroporous resin, emerged as the most potent subfraction. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of AAWE6 against T. rubrum, M. gypseum, and T. mentagrophytes were 312.5, 312.5, and 625 μg·mL-1, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results and assays of enzymes linked to cell wall integrity and cell membrane function indicated that AAWE6 could penetrate the external protective barrier of T. rubrum, creating breaches ("small holes"), and disrupt the internal mitochondrial structure ("granary"). Furthermore, transcriptome data, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and biochemical assays corroborated the severe disruption of mitochondrial function, evidenced by inhibited tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and energy metabolism. Additionally, chemical characterization and molecular docking analyses identified flavonoids, primarily eupatilin (131.16 ± 4.52 mg·g-1) and jaceosidin (4.17 ± 0.18 mg·g-1), as the active components of AAWE6. In conclusion, the subfraction AAWE6 from A. argyi exerts antifungal effects against dermatophytes by disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function. This research validates the traditional use of A. argyi and provides scientific support for its anti-dermatophytic applications, as recognized in the Chinese patent (No. ZL202111161301.9).

Genome-wide association analysis of agronomic traits related to eggplant fruits: a review / 生物工程学报

Eggplant is an important horticultural crop and one of the most widely grown vegetables in the Solanaceae family. Eggplant fruit-related agronomic traits are complex quantitative traits with low efficiency and long cycle time for traditional breeding selection. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools, genome-wide association study (GWAS) has shown great application potential in analyzing the genetic rules of complex agronomic traits related to eggplant fruits. This paper first reviews the progress of genome-wide association analysis in eggplant fruit shape, fruit color and other fruit-related agronomic traits. Subsequently, aiming at the problem of missing heritability, which is common in the genetic studies of eggplant quantitative traits, this paper puts forward the development strategies of eggplant GWAS in the future based on the hot spots of application of four GWAS strategies in the research of agronomics traits related to eggplant fruits. Lastly, the application of GWAS strategy in the field of eggplant molecular breeding is expected to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the future use of GWAS to analyze the genetic basis of various eggplant fruit-related traits and to select fruit materials that meet consumer needs.

Structural stability of Hib capsular polysaccharide in vaccine manufacturing / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the stability of polyribosylribitol phosphate(PRP),the basic structure of capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib),in the preparation of Hib conjugate vaccine.Methods The structures of the prepared Hib polysaccharides,polysaccharide derivatives and protein-conjugated polysaccharides were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(NMR).Results The detection results of the prepared Hib polysaccharides,polysaccharide derivatives and protein-conjugated polysaccharides all met the requirements of relevant standards of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(VolumeⅢ,2020 edition),and the NMR spectra showed no significant change.Conclusion The basic structure PRP of the main carbohydrate antigen of Hib conjugate vaccine had no change during the vaccine manufacturing.

Effect of electrochemically dealloying Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the effects of electrochemically dealloying of Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and to provide experimental evidence for surface modification of implant abutments.@*Methods@#The samples were divided into an NC group (negative control, no other treatment on a smooth surface), an NM-1 group (nanomesh-1, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 1 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage), and an NM-2 group (nanomesh-2, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 5 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage). The surface morphologies of the samples and the adhesion of HGFs on the sample surfaces were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hydrophilicities of the samples were measured with a contact angle measuring instrument. The proliferation of HGFs on the different samples were evaluated with CCK-8, and the expression of adhesion-related genes, including collagen Ⅰ (COL1A1), collagen Ⅲ (COL3A1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vinculin (VCL), integrin α2 (ITGA2), and integrin β1 (ITGB1), on the different samples was measured with qRT-PCR. The expression of vinculin on the surfaces of HGFs was observed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) after immunofluorescent staining. Collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs from different samples were evaluated via Sirius red staining.@*Results@#SEM revealed the formation of ordered and uniform three-dimensional mesh structures on the surfaces of the NM-1 and NM-2 groups, with grid diameters of approximately 30 nm for the NM-1 group and approximately 150 nm for the NM-2 group. Compared with that of the NC group, the water contact angles of the NM-1 group and NM-2 groups were significantly lower (P<0.000 1). Cell proliferation in the NM-1 group was significantly greater than that in the NC group (P<0.01). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the water contact angles or cell proliferation between the NM-1 group and the NM-2 group. SEM revealed that HGFs were adhered well to the surfaces of all samples, while the HGFs in the NM-1 and NM-2 groups showed more extended areas, longer morphologies, and more developed pseudopodia than did those in the NC group after 24 h. qRT-PCR revealed that the expression levels of the adhesion-related genes COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, FAK and VCL in the NM-1 group were significantly greater than those in the NC and NM-2 groups (P<0.01). The expression of vinculin protein in the NM-1 group was the highest, and the number of focal adhesions was greatest in the NM-1 group (P<0.01). The results of Sirius red staining showed that the NM-1 group had the highest secretion and syntheses of collagen fibers (P<0.000 1).@*Conclusion@#The three-dimensional nanomechanical structure of Ti6Al4V modified by electrochemical dealloying promoted the adhesion, proliferation, collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs, and electrochemical dealloying of Ti6Al4V with a grid diameter of approximately 30 nm obviously promoted HGF formation.

Research progress on herpes simplex virus membrane fusion protein interactions / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Herpes simplex virus(HSV)is a ubiquitous enveloped virus containing double-stranded DNA. HSV-1 infection can cause inflammation of the lips,conjunctivitis and encephalitis,HSV-2 infection can cause genital herpes at many ages,and both viruses can establish lifelong latent infection in the body. Membrane fusion triggered by the interaction of various HSV membrane proteins is an important way for viruses to enter host cells. This review introduced the conserved core fusion mechanism of HSV composed of four viral glycoproteins gD,gH,gL and gB by analyzing the structure of glycoproteins and their interaction modes. Since there is currently no HSV vaccine approved for marketing in the world,it is of great significance to study the mode of action of HSV and host cells for the development of vaccines

Development and prospects of predicting drug polymorphs technology / 药学学报

Most chemical medicines have polymorphs. The difference of medicine polymorphs in physicochemical properties directly affects the stability, efficacy, and safety of solid medicine products. Polymorphs is incomparably important to pharmaceutical chemistry, manufacturing, and control. Meantime polymorphs is a key factor for the quality of high-end drug and formulations. Polymorph prediction technology can effectively guide screening of trial experiments, and reduce the risk of missing stable crystal form in the traditional experiment. Polymorph prediction technology was firstly based on theoretical calculations such as quantum mechanics and computational chemistry, and then was developed by the key technology of machine learning using the artificial intelligence. Nowadays, the popular trend is to combine the advantages of theoretical calculation and machine learning to jointly predict crystal structure. Recently, predicting medicine polymorphs has still been a challenging problem. It is expected to learn from and integrate existing technologies to predict medicine polymorphs more accurately and efficiently.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan / Predição do banco de sementes do solo do piemonte e ambientes aluviais de Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Paquistão

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis ​​apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Variabilidad de comunidades de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en charcas temporales del norte de Colombia

Introducción: Las charcas temporales son ecosistemas acuáticos variables en su estructura física y biótica, efímeros en el paisaje e importantes en el flujo de materia y energía. Los macroinvertebrados acuáticos constituyen el grupo más abundante y diverso en estos ecosistemas y requieren mayor estudio, particularmente en los trópicos. Objetivo: Evaluar la diversidad alfa y beta de las comunidades de macroinvertebrados acuáticos de seis charcas temporales durante dos épocas climáticas en el norte de Colombia. Métodos: En Magdalena, Colombia, hicimos seis arrastres aleatorios con redes manuales en la zona litoral, y seis arrastres en zigzag con redes tipo D en la zona lacustre; recolectamos macrofauna en tres lances con una draga Ekman; y muestreamos cada charca durante la alta precipitación (noviembre, 2020) y la baja precipitación (febrero, 2021). Resultados: Identificamos 3 358 individuos (13 órdenes, 39 familias y 68 géneros). La mayor abundancia y diversidad (N= 485, 0D= 32) durante la época de lluvia se presentó en Los Campanos, mientras que la charca Villa Leidy tuvo el mayor número de taxones comunes (18) y dominantes (14). En la época de sequía, la charca Los Trillizos presentó la mayor abundancia (533) y diversidad (43); mientras que Villa Leidy y El Miquito el mayor número de taxones dominantes (16). Las charcas tienen composiciones particulares (sin agrupamientos espaciales o temporales); el recambio de taxones es alto, y la correspondencia canónica se agrupa por temporada. Conclusiones: la composición de las comunidades de macroinvertebrados acuáticos de las charcas temporales son muy diversas, presentando alto recambio tanto espacial como temporal, reflejando altos valores de remplazo de taxones entre épocas climáticas. La zona litoral mantuvo una composición similar durante las dos temporadas.

Introduction: Temporary ponds are variable aquatic ecosystems in their physical and biotic structure, ephemeral in the landscape and important in the flow of matter and energy. Aquatic macroinvertebrates constitute the most abundant and diverse group in these ecosystems and need further study, particularly in the tropics. Objective: To evaluate the alpha and beta diversity of the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities of six temporary pools during two climatic seasons in Northern Colombia. Methods: In Magdalena, Colombia, we did six random trawls with hand nets in the coastal zone, and six zig zag trawls with D nets in the lacustrine zone; we collected macrofauna in three random hauls with an Ekman dredge; and sampled each pond in high rainfall (November 2020) and low rainfall (February 2021). Results: We identified 3 358 individuals (13 orders, 39 families and 68 genera). The highest rainy season abundance and diversity (N= 485, 0D= 32) were in Los Campanos, while Villa Leidy Pond had the highest number of common (18) and dominant (14) taxa. During the dry season, Los Trillizos Pond had the highest abundance (533) and diversity (43); while Villa Leidy and El Miquito had the largest number of dominant taxa (16). The pools have a particular composition (no spatial or temporal grouping); taxa turnover is high, and the canonical correspondence clustered by season. Conclusions: The aquatic macroinvertebrate communities of the temporary ponds are diverse and have high turnover in space and time, reflecting high replacement of taxa between climatic periods. The littoral zone had a similar composition in the two seasons.

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ): An update of the literature and instrumental study with schoolchildren

Introduction: Considering the current controversy regarding the factorial structure of the SDQ, this paper aimed to analyse the dimensionality and reliability of the parents' version for children from 4 to 16 years of age, and to present descriptive data according to sociodemographic variables. Method: The factor structure of the original five- and three-factor models, and the reliability of the SDQ were examined among a sample of 621 parents of Uruguayan children between 7 and 12 years of age (52% girls) from different socioeconomic levels. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses did not provide support for the five- and three-factor models. Data adjusted to three factors (prosociality, externalising symptoms, internalising symptoms) in an exploratory analysis with adequate reliability indices. Conclusions: The results of this study show the relevance of continued investigation of the SDQ internal structure, and further analysis of the behaviour of several of its items.

Introducción: Considerando la controversia vigente respecto a la estructura factorial del SDQ, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo analizar la validez de constructo y fiabilidad de la versión para padres de niños de 4 a 16 años y presentar datos descriptivos según variables sociodemográficas. Método: Se examinó la estructura factorial de los modelos originales de cinco y tres factores y la fiabilidad del SDQ en una muestra de 621 padres de niños uruguayos entre 7 y 12 años (52 % niñas) de distintos niveles socioeconómicos. Resultados: Los análisis factoriales confirmatorios no pudieron dar apoyo a los modelos de cinco y tres factores. Los datos se ajustaron a tres factores (prosocialidad, síntomas externalizantes y síntomas internalizantes) en un análisis exploratorio con adecuados índices de fiabilidad. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio muestran la pertinencia de continuar investigando la estructura interna del SDQ y analizar con mayor profundidad el comportamiento de algunos de sus ítems.

The best of two worlds: Combining the DSM-5 and ICD-11 clusters of symptoms for posttraumatic stress disorder in a single screening scale

Objectives: The most recent DSM-5 (2013) and ICD-11 (2018) diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) encompass 20 and six symptoms, respectively, organized in different structures. This study aimed to investigate the dimensions of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 5 (PCL-5) according to the DSM-5's broader definition of PTSD and the ICD-11's narrower approach, as well as to explore an alternative restricted model that retains the core symptoms explicitly related to traumatic experiences. Methods: Data were gathered from Brazilian employees (n=1,101) who had directly experienced traumatic life events or had been exposed to them because of their work activities. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) were used to evaluate the configural and metric structures of the models. Results: We estimated seven models of the latent structure of PTSD including the four-factor DSM-5 and three-factor ICD-11 PTSD models. Given the lack of evidence of their validity, an alternative 10-symptom model was tested. The final seven-item PTSD model considerably improved estimation of the PTSD construct. This solution showed reliable items with non-redundant content, acceptable fit indices, and satisfactory configural and metric properties. Conclusion: The more parsimonious one-dimensional model comprising the core PTSD symptoms has the potential to improve assessment of PTSD.

Aspectos estruturais para a Diabetes Mellitus nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde em capitais brasileiras / Structural aspects for Diabetes Mellitus in Basic Health Units in Brazilian capitals

RESUMO Objetivou-se, neste artigo, analisar as condições estruturais de unidades de saúde e as diretrizes, os objetivos e as metas da gestão municipal relacionados com a qualidade desses serviços nas capitais segundo regiões brasileiras, tendo em vista a atenção às pessoas com Diabetes Mellitus. Para tanto, foram elaborados um modelo lógico e subdimensões/variáveis para direcionar a busca de dados no banco do Programa de Melhoria de Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Primária à Saúde, do 3º ciclo. Análises descritivas foram realizadas das capitais por região do Brasil. Para análise documental, utilizaram-se os planos de saúde daqueles municípios que apresentaram percentual de inadequação maior que 50% para, no mínimo, quatro dimensões entre as sete analisadas neste estudo. O estudo revelou necessidade de adequação das condições estruturais das Unidades Básicas de Saúde para a maioria das capitais brasileiras em alguns dos aspectos analisados, com piores resultados para estrutura física e equipamentos. A partir da análise dos planos municipais de saúde, evidenciaram-se particularidades, potencialidades e fragilidades que merecem ser consideradas para definição da agenda e direcionamento das ações pela gestão em saúde. As condições de inadequação apontadas podem trazer impactos negativos na qualidade da atenção às pessoas com diabetes na Atenção Primária à Saúde.

ABSTRACT The objective of this article is to analyze the structural conditions of health units and the guidelines, objectives/goals of municipal management related to the quality of those services in the capitals according to Brazilian regions, aimed at caring for persons suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. For that, a logical model and sub-dimensions/variables were developed to direct the search for data in the 3rd cycle of the Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Health Care. Descriptive analyzes of the capitals were performed by region of Brazil. For document analysis, we used the Health Plans of municipalities that presented a percentage of inadequacy greater than 50% for at least four dimensions among the seven analyzed in this study. The study revealed the need to adapt the structural conditions of Basic Health Units for most Brazilian capitals in some of the aspects analyzed, with worse results for physical structure and equipment. Based on the analysis of municipal health plans, particularities, strengths, and weaknesses were evidenced that deserve to be considered for defining the agenda and directing actions by health management. The identified conditions of inadequacy can have a negative impact on the quality of care for persons suffering from diabetes in Primary Health Care.

Intervención educativa grupal para incrementar el ejercicio físico en personal de salud y la prescripción de este en sus pacientes / Group educational intervention to increase physical exercise in healthcare personnel and promote its prescription for their patients / Intervenção educativa em grupo para aumentar o exercício físico em profissionais de saúde e sua prescrição em seus pacientes

Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el impacto de una intervención educativa grupal en el personal de salud para mejorar su práctica de ejercicio físico y la prescripción de esta a sus pacientes. Metodología: diseño preexperimental con medidas repetidas en un solo grupo, compuesto por personal de la salud (n = 17). Resultados: en el personal de salud se encontró un incremento en la motivación hacia la práctica de ejercicio físico (Likert, pre: 56 vs. 3 meses: 61). La principal motivación fue mantener un buen estado de salud, con un incremento del 18 % a los 6 meses con respecto del inicio. Sin embargo, también se identificó una reducción en el tiempo de práctica semanal de ejercicio físico, en la intensidad moderada (mediana, pre 120 minutos [75 - 210], tres meses 105 minutos [45 - 180], seis meses 60 minutos [50 - 135]) y en la vigorosa (mediana, pre 300 minutos [121,5 - 360], tres meses 60 minutos [30 - 120], seis meses 30 minutos [30 - 60]). La prescripción de ejercicio físico mejoró en frecuencia (pre 23 %, tres meses 36 %, seis meses 30 %) y componentes, además se acompañó de una reducción de los minutos/semana que el paciente la practicaba. Conclusiones: una intervención educativa grupal para el personal de salud puede influenciar de manera positiva algunos componentes actitudinales a favor de su práctica de ejercicio físico y la prescripción de este en sus pacientes, pero afecta negativamente su práctica en ambos grupos.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a group-based educational intervention on healthcare professionals' engagement in physical exercise and their ability to prescribe it to their patients. Methodology: This study employed a pre-experimental design with repeated measures within a single group, comprising healthcare professionals (n = 17). Results: Among healthcare professionals, an increase in motivation towards engaging in physical exercise was observed (Likert scale, pre: 56 vs. 3 months: 61). The main motivation reported was maintaining good health, which showed an 18 % increase at the 6-month mark compared to the start of the study. However, a reduction was also identified in the weekly duration of moderate-intensity exercise (median, pre: 120 minutes [75-210], three months: 105 minutes [45-180], six months: 60 minutes [50-135]), as well as vigorous-intensity exercise (median, pre: 300 minutes [121.5-360], three months: 60 minutes [30-120], six months: 30 minutes [30-60]). The prescription of physical exercise improved in terms of frequency (pre: 23 %, three months: 36 %, six months: 30 %) and components, accompanied by a reduction in the number of minutes per week that patients engaged in exercise. Conclusions: A group-based educational intervention for healthcare professionals can positively influence certain attitudinal components in favor of their engaging in physical exercise and prescribing it to their patients. However, it negatively affects their actual exercise practice in both groups.

Objetivo: o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o impacto de uma intervenção educativa em grupo no pessoal de saúde para melhorar sua prática de exercício físico e sua prescrição para seus pacientes. Metodologia: delineamento pré-experimental com medidas repetidas em grupo único, composto por profissionais de saúde (n = 17). Resultados: verificou-seum aumento da motivação para a prática de exercício físico nos profissionais de saúde (Likert, pré: 56 vs. 3 meses: 61). A principal motivação foi manter um bom estado de saúde, com aumento de 18 % aos 6 meses em relação ao início. No entanto, também foi identificada uma redução no tempo de prática semanal de exercício físico, em intensidade moderada (mediana, pré 120 minutos [75 - 210], três meses 105 minutos [45 - 180], seis meses 60 minutos [50 - 135] ) e vigoroso (mediana, pré 300 minutos [121,5 - 360], três meses 60 minutos [30 - 120], seis meses 30 minutos [30 - 60]). A prescrição de exercício físico melhorou na frequência (pré 23 %, três meses 36 %, seis meses 30 %) e componentes, também foi acompanhada por uma redução dos minutos/semana que o paciente o praticava. Conclusões: uma intervenção educativa em grupo para profissionais de saúde pode influenciar positivamente alguns componentes atitudinais a favor da prática de exercício físico e sua prescrição em seus pacientes, mas afeta negativamente sua prática em ambos os grupos.