Research progress on mitochondria regulating anti-tumor immunity / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Tumor cells adaptively reforge their metabolism to meet the demands of energy and biosynthesis. Mitochondria, pivotal organelles in the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, contribute to tumorigenesis and cancer progression significantly through various dysfunctions in both tumor and immune cells. Alterations in mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic signaling pathways exert crucial regulatory influence on the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of immune cells. The tumor microenvironment orchestrates the activation and functionality of tumor-infiltrating immune cells by reprogramming mitochondrial metabolism and inducing shifts in mitochondrial dynamics, thereby facilitating the establishment of a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Stress-induced leakage of mitochondrial DNA contributes multifaceted regulatory effects on anti-tumor immune responses and the immunosuppressive microenvironment by activating multiple natural immune signals, including cGAS-STING, TLR9, and NLRP3. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA-mediated immunogenic cell death emerges as a promising avenue for anti-tumor immunotherapy. Additionally, mtROS, a crucial factor in tumorigenesis, drives the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment by changing the composition of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the intrinsic relationship between mitochondrial biology and anti-tumor immune responses from multiple angles. We expect to explore the core role of mitochondria in the dynamic interplay between the tumor and the host, in order to facilitate the development of targeted mitochondrial strategies for anti-tumor immunotherapy.

Treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Based on Mitochondrial Quality Control： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy（DPN） is a neurodegenerative disease of diabetes mellitus involving peripheral nervous system damage， which is characterized by axonal degenerative necrosis， Schwann cell apoptosis and demyelination of nerve myelin sheath as the main pathological features， this disease is highly prevalent and is a major cause of disability in diabetic patients. Currently， the pathogenesis of DPN may be related to oxidative stress， inflammatory response， metabolic abnormality， and microcirculation disorder. The treatment of DPN in modern medicine mainly starts from controlling blood glucose， nourishing nerves and improving microcirculation， which can only alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients， and it is difficult to fundamentally improve the pathological damage of peripheral nerves. Mitochondrial quality control refers to the physiological mechanisms that can maintain the morphology and functional homeostasis of mitochondria， including mitochondrial biogenesis， mitochondrial dynamics， mitochondrial oxidative stress and mitochondrial autophagy， and abnormal changes of which may cause damage to peripheral nerves. After reviewing the literature， it was found that traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） can improve the low level of mitochondrial biogenesis in DPN， maintain the balance of mitochondrial dynamics， inhibit mitochondrial oxidative stress and mitochondrial autophagy， and delay apoptosis of Schwann cells and neural axon damage， which has obvious effects on the treatment of DPN. With the deepening of research， mitochondrial quality control may become one of the potential targets for the research of new anti-DPN drugs， therefore， this paper summarized the research progress of TCM in treating DPN based on four aspects of mitochondrial quality control， with the aim of providing a theoretical research basis for the discovery of new drugs.

Research progress on cardiovascular hemodynamic assessment based on computational fluid dynamics / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Hemodynamics plays a vital role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, and is closely associated with changes in morphology and function. Reliable detection of hemodynamic changes is essential to improve treatment strategies and enhance patient prognosis. The combination of computational fluid dynamics with cardiovascular imaging technology has extended the accessibility of hemodynamics. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent developments in the application of computational fluid dynamics for cardiovascular hemodynamic assessment and a succinct discussion for potential future development.

Research progress of Parkin protein regulating mitochondrial homeostasis through ubiquitination in cardiovascular diseases / 中国药理学通报

In addition to providing energy for cells, mitochondria also participate in calcium homeostasis, cell information transfer, cell apoptosis, cell growth and differentiation. Therefore, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is very crucial for the body to carry out normal life activities. Ubiquitination, a post-translational modification of proteins, is involved in various physiological and pathological processes of cells by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. However, the mechanism by which ubiquitination regulates mitochondrial homeostasis has not been summarized, especially the effect of Parkin protein on cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, the specific mechanism of mitochondrial homeostasis regulated by ubiquitination of Parkin protein is discussed, and the influence of mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance on cardiovascular diseases is reviewed, with a view to providing potential therapeutic strategies for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Yixintai on Mitochondrial Fission Proteins Fis1 and Mff in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Yixintai on mitochondrial fission proteins in the rat model of chronic heart failure. MethodTen of 60 SD rats were randomly selected as the sham operation group， and the remaining 50 rats were subjected to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for the modeling of heart failure post myocardial infarction. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model， low-， medium-， and high-dose （1.4， 2.8， and 5.6 g·kg-1， respectively） Yixintai， and trimetazidine （10 mg·kg-1） groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding doses of drugs by gavage， and the rats in the model group and sham operation group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 28 consecutive days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was then employed to measure the levels of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-pro BNP）， B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP）， and adenosine triphosphate （ATP） in the serum. Color Doppler ultrasound imaging was conducted to examine the cardiac function indicators. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were conducted to observe the pathological changes in the heart， and Image J was used to calculate collagen volume fraction （CVF）. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of myocardial cells. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling （TUNEL） was employed to measure the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of mitochondrial fission protein 1 （Fis1） and mitochondrial fission factor （Mff） in the outer mitochondrial membrane of the myocardial tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed elevated levels of NT-pro BNP and BNP in the serum， decreased ATP content， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， and left ventricular fraction shortening （LVFS）， increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVIDd） and left ventricular end-systolic diameter （LVIDs）， disarrangement of myocardial cells， inflammatory cell infiltration， increased collagen fibers and CVF， damaged myocardium and mitochondria， and increased apoptosis rate of myocardial cells， and up-regulated expression of Fis1 and Mff in the cardiac tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， different doses of Yixintai and trimetazidine lowered the serum levels of NT-pro BNP and BNP （P<0.05）， increased the ATP content （P<0.05）， increased LVEF and LVFS （P<0.01）， decreased LVIDd and LVIDs （P<0.01）. Moreover， the drugs alleviated the myocardial inflammatory damage and fibrosis， reduced CVF （P<0.01）， repaired the myocardial mitochondrial structure， and decreased the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells （P<0.01）. Medium- and high-dose Yixintai and trimetazidine down-regulated the expression of Fis1 and Mff in the myocardial tissue （P<0.05）. ConclusionYixintai can improve mitochondrial structure， reduce myocardial cell apoptosis， and improve cardiac function by inhibiting the expression of Fis1 and Mff in the myocardial tissue.

Coabitação durante a pandemia de covid-19: a experiência de casais jovens adultos / Cohabitation during the COVID-19 pandemic: the experience of young adult couples / La cohabitación en el transcurso de la pandemia del covid-19: la experiencia de parejas jóvenes adultas / Cohabitation pendant la pandemie de COVID-19: l'expérience de jeunes couples adultes

Resumo Este estudo qualitativo visou compreender a experiência de oito casais de adultos jovens em coabitação durante a pandemia de covid-19 e as repercussões do período na vida conjugal. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, seis presenciais e duas online, com casais heterossexuais, sem filhos, que coabitavam há menos de três anos. A análise temática reflexiva gerou três temas: desafios e dificuldades na pandemia; aproximação entre o casal; ganhos e aprendizados. Níveis aumentados de estresse, insegurança e ansiedade, sensação de sobrecarga e de privação devido às medidas de distanciamento social, dificuldades na delimitação dos espaços individuais dentro de casa e aumento nos conflitos conjugais foram os principais desafios relatados. Apesar disso, o enfrentamento colaborativo resultou em maior intimidade e no fortalecimento do vínculo conjugal, aumentando o compromisso com a relação. Tais resultados ilustram como um contexto pandêmico pode impactar relacionamentos durante o início da coabitação.

Abstract This qualitative study investigated the cohabitation experience of eight young adult couples during in the pandemic and its repercussions on marital life. Semi structured interviews were conducted, six in-person and two online, with childfree heterosexual couples living together for less than three years. The reflexive thematic analysis generated three themes: pandemic-related challenges and difficulties, couple bonding, gains and learnings. Increased levels of stress, insecurity and anxiety, a sense of of overload and deprivation due to social distancing measures, difficulties in delimiting individual spaces within the home and an increase in marital conflicts were the main challenges reported. Conversely, the ability to collaboratively cope with these challenges resulted in more intimacy and strengthened the marital bond, generating greater couple commitment. These findings illustrate how pandemics can impact relationships during the beginning of cohabitation.

Resumen Este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo comprender las experiencias de ocho parejas de adultos jóvenes en cohabitación en el transcurso de la pandemia del covid-19 y sus repercusiones en la vida conyugal. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, seis presenciales y dos en línea, con parejas heterosexuales, sin hijos, que vivían en cohabitación hace menos de tres años. El análisis temático reflexivo generó tres temas: desafíos y dificultades en la pandemia, acercamiento entre la pareja, conquistas y aprendizajes. El aumento de los niveles de estrés, inseguridad y ansiedad, los sentimientos de sobrecarga y privación por las medidas de distanciamiento social, las dificultades para delimitar los espacios individuales dentro del hogar y el aumento de los conflictos conyugales fueron los principales desafíos informados. Además, afrontar estos desafíos de forma colaborativa redundó en mayor intimidad y en el fortalecimiento del vínculo conyugal, repercutiendo en el aumento del compromiso con la relación. Estos resultados muestran cómo el contexto pandémico puede impactar el comienzo de la convivencia de las relaciones de pareja.

Résumé Cette étude qualitative a examiné l'expérience de cohabitation de huit jeunes couples adultes pendant la pandémie et ses répercussions sur la vie conjugale. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été réalisés, six face-à-face et deux en ligne, auprès de couples hétérosexuels sans enfants vivant ensemble depuis moins de trois ans. L'analyse thématique réflexive a dégagé trois thèmes: les défis et difficultés liés à la pandémie, le lien du couple, les acquis et les enseignements. Des niveaux accrus de stress, d'insécurité et d'anxiété, des sentiments de surcharge et de privation dus aux mesures de distanciation sociale, des difficultés à délimiter les espaces individuels chez eux et une augmentation des conflits conjugaux sont les principaux défis signalés. Cependant, la capacité à faire face ensemble à ces défis a permis d'accroître l'intimité et de renforcer le lien conjugal, générant ainsi un plus grand engagement du couple. Ces résultats illustrent l'impact que les pandémies peuvent avoir sur les relations au début de la cohabitation.

Metodología para perfeccionar la dinámica participativa en la gestión de la actividad física comunitaria. Resultados de su experimentación

Los Combinados Deportivos son instituciones de base del Sistema Deportivo Cubano. Su ubicación se corresponde con la demarcación territorial de los Consejos Populares. Como parte de su encargo social, deben contribuir a la calidad de vida de la población. El objetivo de este artículo consistió en diseñar una metodología que se sustente en una concepción teórica caracterizada por un enfoque transformador, para el perfeccionamiento de la dinámica participativa en la gestión del subsistema de Actividad Física Comunitaria (AFC) en el combinado deportivo. Su importancia radica en la aplicación de una metodología para perfeccionar la dinámica participativa en esta área, validada a partir de la experimentación en el combinado deportivo, como estructura básica del sistema deportivo del Instituto Nacional de Deportes, Educación Física y Recreación (Inder). Se emplearon métodos empíricos como: la revisión de documentos, recolección de datos, encuesta, entrevista, observación participante, taller de sensibilización y el preexperimento. Para su aplicación, se emplearon dos unidades de análisis: una destinada a evaluar el proceso de gestión con dos dimensiones y otra para evaluar la dinámica participativa con dos dimensiones, todas ellas con sus indicadores e instrumentos de medición. Los resultados obtenidos muestran fisuras e insuficiencias en la gestión de la dinámica participativa del subsistema de AFC, no obstante, la implementación de la metodología, aporta instrumentos diagnósticos para la labor de directivos y profesores, con vistas a evaluar la gestión de manera integral en el combinado. La fuerza técnica y la estructura de dirección del combinado consideran pertinentes los instrumentos que permiten diagnosticar la dinámica participativa en el subsistema de referencia, que develan las esencias de la participación comunitaria, las causas que limitan este proceso, sus resultados y los criterios relacionados con los temas, las formas y los involucrados en la participación comunitaria, en función de la gestión del combinado.

As Combinações Esportivas são instituições base do Sistema Desportivo Cubano. A sua localização corresponde à demarcação territorial dos Conselhos Populares. Como parte da sua responsabilidade social, devem contribuir para a qualidade de vida da população. O objetivo deste artigo foi desenhar uma metodologia baseada em uma concepção teórica caracterizada por uma abordagem transformadora, para a melhoria das dinâmicas participativas na gestão do subsistema de Atividade Física Comunitária (AFC) na equipe esportiva. Sua importância reside na aplicação de uma metodologia para aperfeiçoar a dinâmica participativa nesta área, validada a partir da experimentação na equipe esportiva, como estrutura básica do sistema esportivo do Instituto Nacional de Esporte, Educação Física e Recreação (Inder). Foram utilizados métodos empíricos como: revisão documental, coleta de dados, levantamento, entrevista, observação participante, oficina de sensibilização e pré-experimento. Para sua aplicação foram utilizadas duas unidades de análise: uma destinada a avaliar o processo de gestão com duas dimensões e outra para avaliar a dinâmica participativa com duas dimensões, todas elas com seus indicadores e instrumentos de medição. Os resultados obtidos mostram fissuras e insuficiências na gestão da dinâmica participativa do subsistema AFC, porém, a implementação da metodologia fornece instrumentos de diagnóstico para o trabalho de diretores e professores, com vistas a avaliar a gestão de forma abrangente no conjunto. A força técnica e a estrutura de gestão da equipa consideram relevantes os instrumentos que permitem diagnosticar a dinâmica participativa no subsistema de referência, que revelam as essências da participação comunitária, as causas que limitam este processo, os seus resultados e os critérios relativos aos temas, formas e dos envolvidos na participação comunitária, dependendo da gestão da equipe.

The Sports Complexes are base institutions of the Cuban Sports System. Its location corresponds to the territorial demarcation of the Popular Councils. As part of their social responsibility, they must contribute to the quality of life of the population. The objective of this article was to design a methodology that is based on a theoretical conception characterized by a transformative approach, for the improvement of the participatory dynamics in the management of the Community Physical Activity (AFC in Spanish) subsystem in the sports complexes. Its importance lies in the application of a methodology to improve the participatory dynamics in this area, validated from experimentation in the sports complex, as a basic structure of the sports system of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER). Empirical methods were used such as: document review, data collection, survey, interview, participant observation, awareness workshop and pre-experiment. For its application, two units of analysis were used: one intended to evaluate the management process with two dimensions and another to evaluate the participatory dynamics with two dimensions, all of them with their indicators and measurement instruments. The results obtained show fissures and insufficiencies in the management of the participatory dynamics of the AFC subsystem, however, the implementation of the methodology provides diagnostic instruments for the work of managers and teachers, with a view to evaluating the management in an integral way in the complex. The technical staff and the management structure of the sport complex consider the instruments are pertinent that allow diagnosing the participatory dynamics in the subsystem of reference, which reveal the essence of community participation, the causes that limit this process, its results and the criteria related to the results. themes, forms and those involved in community participation, depending on the management of the sport complex.

Binding interaction of laccases from Bacillus Subtilis after industrial dyes exposure: Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies

Dyes are becoming more widely used around the world wide, but there is no effective bioremediation approach for removing them completely from the environment. Several dyes are mentioned to be degraded through bacteria; however, it's still unknown how the particular enzymes act throughout the dye degradation. The behavior and function of these enzymes in the biodegradation of azo dyes (Textile dyes) had been investigated experimentally by the numbers of the researchers, however, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the interaction mechanisms of textile dye (methyl orange) with laccase from B. subtilis were explored through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, the three selected dyes (methyl orange, malachite green, and acid blue 62) that interact positively with laccase on the basis of their maximum binding energy, molecular docking results indicate that one of the three dyes is more stable as a target for degradation through Bacillus subtilis laccase. Therefore, subsequent research focused solely on one substrate: methyl orange. Molecular Dynamics simulation study was applied after the molecular docking to determine the interaction between laccases and methyl orange dyes. The trajectory was proved with root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation analysis. According to the molecular dynamics simulation results, laccase-methyl orange complexes remain stable during the catalytic reaction. So, this study demonstrates how laccase is involved in methyl orange bioremediation.

Dynamics and Energetics of a Bromodomain in complex with bromosporine from Leishmania donovani

Leishmaniasis continues to be a neglected tropical disease, affecting people and animals and causing significant economic losses. Therefore, there is interest in the study and evaluation of new drug targets. In fact, it has been shown that by interfering with lysine-reading proteins such as bromodomain (BMD) there is a decrease in parasite survival. In this study, we researched the dynamics and energetics of the Leishmania donovani BMD in complex with bromosporin, which is considered to be a pan-inhibitor of BMDs, with the aim of understanding the molecular recognition mechanism. Molecular dynamics (MD) and non-equilibrium free energy calculation guided by steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations showed that the BMD has three flexible amino acid regions and bromosporin exhibiting various recognition states during the interaction. These results corroborate the promiscuity of bromosporin for energetically favourable sites, with the possibility of expanding its inhibition to other bromodomains. Furthermore, these results suggest that Van der Waals interactions have more relevance for complex recognition and residues ASN-87 and TRP-93 are key in forming hydrophobic and H-bond interactions, respectively. This research provides new insights for understanding the recognition mechanism, dynamics and energetics of the complex for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

La leishmaniasis sigue siendo una enfermedad tropical desatendida, que afecta a personas y animales y causa importantes pérdidas económicas. De ahí el interés por estudiar y evaluar nuevas dianas farmacológicas. De hecho, se ha demostrado que al interferir con proteínas lectoras de lisina como el bromodominio ("bromodomain", BMD) se produce una disminución de la supervivencia del parásito. En este artículo estudiamos la dinámica y la energética del BMD de Leishmania donovani en complejo con bromosporina, que se considera un pan-inhibidor de BMD, con el objetivo de comprender el mecanismo de reconocimiento molecular. Las simulaciones de dinámica molecular (DM) y el cálculo de energía libre de no-equilibrio guiado por dinámica molecular de estiramiento (DMS) mostraron que BMD tiene tres regiones de aminoácidos flexibles y la bromosporina presenta varios estados de reconocimiento durante la interacción. Estos resultados corroboran la promiscuidad de la bromosporina por sitios energéticamente favorables, siendo posible expandir su inhibición a otros bromodominios. Además, los resultados sugieren que las interacciones de Van der Waals tienen más relevancia para el reconocimiento del complejo y los residuos ASN-87 y TRP-93 son clave en la formación de interacciones hidrofóbicas y de puentes de hidrógeno, respectivamente. Esta investigación proporciona nuevos conocimientos para comprender el mecanismo de reconocimiento molecular, la dinámica y la energética del complejo para el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias terapéuticas.

A leishmaniose continua a ser uma doença tropical negligenciada, que afeta os seres humanos e os animais e causa perdas econômicas significativas. Daí o interesse em estudar e avaliar novos alvos de medicamentos. De fato, a interferência com proteínas leitoras de lisina, como o bromo domínio ("bromodomain", BMD), tem demonstrado diminuir a sobrevivência do parasita. Neste trabalho, estudamos a dinâmica e a energética do BMD de Leish-mania donovani em complexo com a bro-mosporina, considerada um pan-inibidor da BMDs, com o objetivo de compreender o mecanismo de reconhecimento molecular. As simulações de dinâmica molecular (MD) e cálculo de energia livre de não-equilíbrio guiada por dinâmica molecular esticamento (MDS) mostraram que o BMD tem três regiões de aminoácidos flexíveis e que a bromosporina apresenta vários estados de reconhecimento durante a interação. Esses resultados corroboram a promiscuidade da bromosporina para locais energeticamente favoráveis, possibilitando a expansão de sua inibição para outros bromodomínios. Além disso, os resultados sugerem que as interações de Van der Waals são mais relevantes no momento do reconhecimento do complexo e os resíduos ASN-87 e TRP-93 são fundamentais na formação de interações hidrofóbicas e de ligações de hidrogênio, respectivamente. Essa pesquisa fornece novos insights para compreender o mecanismo de reconhecimento, a dinâmica e a energética do complexo para o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias terapêuticas.

Assessment of YME1L and mitofusin2 as a possible diagnostic and/or therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma

Mitochondrial dynamics are a contraversal issue in hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study tries to illustrate the role of mitochondrial dynamics proteins (mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and YME1L) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Five groups were used: the control group and three HCC groups (after 8, 16, and 24 weeks from DENA induction). The last group was treated with Sorafenib (SP) (10 mg/kg), via oral gavage for 4 weeks after cancer induction. This study revealed that Mfn-2 was downregulated and YME1l was overexpressed in different HCC groups. This dysregulation of mitochondrial dynamics proteins was associated with high hepatic levels of cyclin D1, MMP-9, and MDA and overexpression of ki67 as well as decreasing the hepatic expression of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (Timp-3) and Bax. To confirm the possible role of Mfn2 and YME1L in HCC, we assessed the effect of sorafenib on these parameters and its related HCC characteristics. Sorafenib corrected the level of Mfn2 and YME1L and decreased tumor cell proliferation as well. We also elucidated that mitochondrial dynamics proteins (Mfn2 and YME1L) could be a good therapeutic target for HCC.

Artroplastia de quadril em Minas Gerais: análise dos dados do Sistema Único de Saúde / Hip arthroplasty in Minas Gerais: analysis of data from the Unified Health System

Artroplastia de quadril em Minas Gerais: análise dos dados do Sistema Único de Saúde. 2023. 109 f. Dissertação (Mestrado Profissional em Gestão de Serviços em Saúde) ­ Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 2023. Introdução: o aumentando da longevidade está associado ao aumento de incidência e prevalência de doenças crônicas, como a artrose ou osteoartrite, além de ampliar a chance de ocorrência de fratura de colo do fêmur, mais frequente em indivíduos com idades avançadas, levando ao consequente aumento da necessidade de realização da cirurgia de artroplastia de quadril. Objetivo: analisar a incidência de artroplastias de quadril realizadas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde em Minas Gerais, no período de 2013 a 2022. Metodologia: este é um estudo ecológico em que as unidades de análise foram as Microrregiões de Saúde do estado de Minas Gerais. Foram descritas a frequência dos diferentes tipos de artroplastias de quadril, sua evolução temporal, a média de idade de realização relativa a cada um desses procedimentos (por tipo), além de estimadas as incidências anuais da cirurgia. Também foi realizada análise dos fatores associados à incidência da cirurgia nas diferentes Microrregiões. Como variável de desfecho foi considerada a taxa de incidência no ano de 2018. Os fatores investigados quanto à associação em relação à taxa da cirurgia por 100.000 habitantes foram: o Índice Mineiro de Responsabilidade Social (IMRS); proporção de habitantes do sexo feminino; porcentagem de habitantes maior que 50 anos; porcentagem de habitantes brancos; médicos especialistas da Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia (SBOT)/1.000 habitantes; e número de leitos por Macrorregião de Saúde. Para analisar a correlação entre a incidência de artroplastia e as demais variáveis do estudo foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Foi empregado modelo de regressão Binomial Negativa, simples e múltiplo, considerando a ocorrência de artroplastia em 2018 como o desfecho, e os demais indicadores do estudo como variáveis explicativas, incluindo os subíndices do IMRS Saúde. Ao selecionar as variáveis para inclusão no modelo múltiplo, considerou-se um valor-p inferior a 0,10 como critério. Permaneceram no modelo final as variáveis significativas ao nível de 5% de significância. Resultados: no período de janeiro de 2013 a dezembro de 2022, foram identificadas em Minas Gerais 34.273 internações para artroplastia de quadril o que representou uma taxa de 15,5 internações para a cirurgia por 100 mil habitantes. Os tipos mais frequentes foram: artroplastia total primaria do quadril não cimentada/híbrida (36,8%), artroplastia parcial de quadril (34,8%) e artroplastia total primária do quadril cimentada (17,3%), respectivamente. Quanto à evolução temporal, a mediana dos valores de incidência da cirurgia se manteve quase constante entre os anos de 2013 e 2018, com aumento em 2019. Em 2020 a mediana alcançou o menor valor do período estudado, aumentando em 2021 e alcançando o maior valor do recorte histórico estudado em 2022. Os resultados do modelo múltiplo revelaram que os fatores que permaneceram associados ao aumento da incidência das artroplastia foram maiores IMRS Educação e maior proporção de pessoas com 50 anos ou mais. Conclusão: pode-se concluir que em regiões com melhor situação da educação da população possivelmente há mais acesso à artroplastia do quadril e que populações mais envelhecidas apresentam maior necessidade da cirurgia.

Introduction: increased longevity is associated with an increase in the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, such as arthrosis or osteoarthritis, in addition to increasing the chance of femoral neck fractures, which are more common in older individuals, leading to a consequent increase in the need for of hip arthroplasty surgery. Objective: to analyze the incidence of hip arthroplasties performed by the Unified Health System in Minas Gerais, from 2013 to 2022. Methodology: this is an ecological study in which the units of analysis were the Health Microregions of the state of Minas Gerais. The frequency of different types of hip arthroplasties, their temporal evolution, the average age of completion for each of these procedures (by type) were described, in addition to estimating the annual incidence of surgery. An analysis of factors associated with the incidence of surgery in different microregions was also carried out. The incidence rate in 2018 was considered as an evolution variable. The factors investigated regarding the association in relation to the surgery rate per 100,000 inhabitants were: the Minas Gerais Social Responsibility Index (IMRS); proportion of female inhabitants; percentage of inhabitants over 50 years old; percentage of white inhabitants; specialist doctors from the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT)/1,000 inhabitants; and number of beds per Health Macroregion. To analyze the projection between the incidence of arthroplasty and the other study variables, the Spearman projection coefficient was used. A simple and multiple Negative Binomial regression model was used, considering the occurrence of arthroplasty in 2018 as the outcome, and the other study indicators as explanatory variables, including the IMRS Health sub-indices. When selecting the variables for inclusion in the multiple models, if a p-value less than 0.10 as selective. Significant variations at the 5% significance level remained in the final model. Results: from January 2013 to December 2022, 34,273 admissions for hip arthroplasty were identified in Minas Gerais, which represented a rate of 15.5 admissions for surgery per 100 thousand inhabitants. The most frequent types were: uncemented/hybrid primary total hip arthroplasty (36.8%), partial hip arthroplasty (34.8%) and cemented primary total hip arthroplasty (17.3%), respectively. Regarding temporal evolution, the median surgery incidence values remained almost constant between the years 2013 and 2018, with an increase in 2019. In 2020 the median reached the lowest value of the trained period, increasing in 2021 and reaching the highest value of the historical sample trained in 2022. The results of the multiple models revealed that the factors that occurred associated with the increase in the incidence of arthroplasty were higher IMRS Education and a higher proportion of people aged 50 or over. Conclusion: it can be concluded that in regions with a better population education situation there is possibly more access to hip arthroplasty and that older populations have a greater need for surgery.

Investigating the role of Prefrontal Neurons in cognitive tasks through Fiber Photometry and Adapted Barnes Maze Protocols

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is essential in the execution of cognitive tasks, however very little is known on how these neurons are modulated during specific tasks and which subtype of neurons are responsible for so. Therego, with the intention of addressing this issue, we recorded mPFC gabaergic and glutamatergic activation patterns through fiber photometry (FIP) in mice, while simultaneously performing the Barnes Maze (BM) cognitive task (4 day behavioral trial). In addition, an altered structural and procedural protocol for BM was validated in this study due to necessary modifications allowing FIP and BM to happen simultaneously. A successful protocol validation was followed by our preliminary results, which showed that both glutamatergic and gabaergic neurons presented significant change in activation intensity and number of events in specific contexts throughout the task days. In addition, when stratified and crossed with BM performance parameters, such as latency to complete tasks and adopted strategy, glutamatergic and gabaergic neurons presented a significant decline in both activation patterns and number of activation events throughout the days. This data suggest not only an important role of glutamatergic and gabaergic mPFC neurons in learning, memory and decision making, but also that activation patterns of each of these groups may serve as markers for cognitive progression and/or dysfunction. KEY-WORDS: Memory, Learning, Decision Making, Medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC), Fiber Photometry (FIP), Barnes Maze (BM), Glutamatergic, Gabaergic, Neuronal Activity, Neuronal Activation Patterns, Neuronal Dynamics.

O córtex pré-frontal medial (mPFC) é essencial na execução de tarefas cognitivas, no entanto, pouco se sabe sobre como esses neurônios são modulados durante tarefas específicas e qual subtipo de neurônios é responsável por isso. Portanto, com a intenção de abordar essa questão, registramos os padrões de ativação de neurônios gabaérgicos e glutamatérgicos do mPFC por meio de fotometria de fibra (FIP) em camundongos, enquanto realizávamos simultaneamente a tarefa cognitiva do Labirinto de Barnes (BM) (ensaio comportamental de 4 dias). Além disso, um protocolo estrutural e procedimental alterado para o BM foi validado neste estudo devido a modificações necessárias que permitiram a realização simultânea de FIP e BM. Uma validação bem-sucedida do protocolo foi seguida pelos nossos resultados preliminares, que mostraram que tanto os neurônios glutamatérgicos quanto os gabaérgicos apresentaram mudanças significativas na intensidade de ativação e no número de eventos em contextos específicos ao longo dos dias da tarefa. Além disso, quando estratificados e cruzados com parâmetros de desempenho do BM, como latência para completar as tarefas e estratégia adotada, os neurônios glutamatérgicos e gabaérgicos apresentaram uma diminuição significativa nos padrões de ativação e no número de eventos de ativação ao longo dos dias. Esses dados sugerem não apenas um papel importante dos neurônios glutamatérgicos e gabaérgicos do mPFC na aprendizagem, memória e tomada de decisões, mas também que os padrões de ativação de cada um desses grupos podem servir como marcadores de progressão e/ou disfunção cognitiva. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Memória, Aprendizagem, Tomada de Decisões, Córtex Pré-Frontal Medial (mPFC), Fotometria de Fibra (FIP), Labirinto de Barnes (BM), Glutamatérgico, Gabaérgico, Atividade Neuronal, Padrões de Ativação Neuronal, Dinâmica Neuronal.

A threefold approach including quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies to explore the natural compounds from Centaurea jacea as the potential inhibitors for COVID-19 / Uma abordagem tríplice incluindo química quântica, docking molecular e estudos dinâmicos moleculares para explorar os compostos naturais de Centaurea jacea como inibidores potenciais para Covid-19

In the current report, we studied the possible inhibitors of COVID-19 from bioactive constituents of Centaurea jacea using a threefold approach consisting of quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. Centaurea jacea is a perennial herb often used in folk medicines of dermatological complaints and fever. Moreover, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties of its bioactive compounds are also reported. The Mpro (Main proteases) was docked with different compounds of Centaurea jacea through molecular docking. All the studied compounds including apigenin, axillarin, Centaureidin, Cirsiliol, Eupatorin and Isokaempferide, show suitable binding affinities to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with their binding energies -6.7 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.8 kcal/mol, -6.2 kcal/mol and -6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Among all studied compounds, axillarin was found to have maximum inhibitor efficiency followed by Centaureidin, Isokaempferide, Apigenin, Eupatorin and Cirsiliol. Our results suggested that axillarin binds with the most crucial catalytic residues CYS145 and HIS41 of the Mpro, moreover axillarin shows 5 hydrogen bond interactions and 5 hydrophobic interactions with various residues of Mpro. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic calculations over 60 ns (6×106 femtosecond) time scale also shown significant insights into the binding effects of axillarin with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 by imitating protein like aqueous environment. From molecular dynamic calculations, the RMSD and RMSF computations indicate the stability and dynamics of the best docked complex in aqueous environment. The ADME properties and toxicity prediction analysis of axillarin also recommended it as safe drug candidate. Further, in vivo and in [...].

No presente relatório, estudamos os possíveis inibidores de Covid-19 de constituintes bioativos de Centaurea jacea usando uma abordagem tripla que consiste em técnicas de química quântica, docking molecular e dinâmica molecular. Centaurea jacea é uma erva perene frequentemente usada em remédios populares de doenças dermatológicas e febre. Além disso, as propriedades anticâncer, antioxidante, antibacteriana e antiviral de seus compostos bioativos também são relatadas. A Mpro (proteases principais) foi acoplada a diferentes compostos de Centaurea jacea por meio de docking molecular. Todos os compostos estudados, incluindo apigenina, axilarina, Centaureidina, Cirsiliol, Eupatorina e Isokaempferide, mostram afinidades de ligação adequadas ao sítio de ligação da protease principal SARS-CoV-2 com suas energias de ligação -6,7 kcal / mol, -7,4 kcal / mol, - 7,0 kcal / mol, -5,8 kcal / mol, -6,2 kcal / mol e -6,8 kcal / mol, respectivamente. Dentre todos os compostos estudados, a axilarina apresentou eficiência máxima de inibidor, seguida pela Centaureidina, Isokaempferida, Apigenina, Eupatorina e Cirsiliol. Nossos resultados sugeriram que a axilarina se liga aos resíduos catalíticos mais cruciais CYS145 e HIS41 do Mpro, além disso a axilarina mostra 5 interações de ligações de hidrogênio e 5 interações hidrofóbicas com vários resíduos de Mpro. Além disso, os cálculos de dinâmica molecular em uma escala de tempo de 60 ns (6 × 106 femtossegundos) também mostraram percepções significativas sobre os efeitos de ligação da axilarina com Mpro de SARS-CoV-2 por imitação de proteínas como o ambiente aquoso. A partir de cálculos de dinâmica molecular, os cálculos RMSD e RMSF indicam a estabilidade e dinâmica do melhor complexo ancorado em ambiente [...].

Study of human knowledge and attitude toward urban birds in Faisalabad city, Pakistan / Estudo do conhecimento humano e da atitude em relação às aves urbanas na cidade de Faisalabad, Paquistão

Birds are very valuable indicators of species richness and endemic patterns in a specified ecosystem, which eventually help the scientist to measure the environmental degradation. The aim of present study was to know human knowledge and attitude toward urban birds in Faisalabad city, Pakistan. The study conducted in four consecutive months: November 2019 to February 2020. Population of birds was noted from eight residential towns of Faisalabad city, data were collected through questionnaire. Faisalabad has a reasonably large population of birds and present data show that, there is a significant difference between favorite bird of residential areas and institutions. The pigeon received the most likeness in bird population among residential area residents, while the myna received the least. The most popular bird in Faisalabad institutions was the sparrow, while the least popular bird was the common myna. Bird adaptation percentage of residential areas and institutional areas of Faisalabad was the highest for parrot and sparrow respectively. People in residential areas and institutions, on the other hand, adapted least to common myna. It is concluded that people of the study area like birds and offered food and high population of birds are present in study area.

Os pássaros são indicadores muito valiosos da riqueza de espécies e padrões endêmicos em um determinado ecossistema, o que acaba ajudando o cientista a medir a degradação ambiental. O objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer o conhecimento humano e a atitude em relação às aves urbanas na cidade de Faisalabad, Paquistão. O estudo foi conduzido em quatro meses consecutivos: novembro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020. A população de pássaros foi observada em oito cidades residenciais da cidade de Faisalabad, os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário. Faisalabad tem uma população razoavelmente grande de pássaros, e os dados atuais mostram que há uma diferença significativa entre as aves favoritas de áreas residenciais e instituições. O pombo recebeu mais semelhanças na população de pássaros entre os residentes de áreas residenciais, enquanto o myna recebeu menos. A ave mais popular nas instituições de Faisalabad era o pardal, enquanto a ave menos popular era o myna comum. A porcentagem de adaptação de pássaros em áreas residenciais e institucionais de Faisalabad foi a mais alta para papagaios e pardais, respectivamente. As pessoas em áreas residenciais e instituições, por outro lado, se adaptaram menos ao myna comum. Conclui-se que pessoas da área de estudo como pássaros e alimentos oferecidos e alta população de pássaros estão presentes na área de estudo.

A threefold approach including quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies to explore the natural compounds from Centaurea jacea as the potential inhibitors for COVID-19

Abstract In the current report, we studied the possible inhibitors of COVID-19 from bioactive constituents of Centaurea jacea using a threefold approach consisting of quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. Centaurea jacea is a perennial herb often used in folk medicines of dermatological complaints and fever. Moreover, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties of its bioactive compounds are also reported. The Mpro (Main proteases) was docked with different compounds of Centaurea jacea through molecular docking. All the studied compounds including apigenin, axillarin, Centaureidin, Cirsiliol, Eupatorin and Isokaempferide, show suitable binding affinities to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with their binding energies -6.7 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.8 kcal/mol, -6.2 kcal/mol and -6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Among all studied compounds, axillarin was found to have maximum inhibitor efficiency followed by Centaureidin, Isokaempferide, Apigenin, Eupatorin and Cirsiliol. Our results suggested that axillarin binds with the most crucial catalytic residues CYS145 and HIS41 of the Mpro, moreover axillarin shows 5 hydrogen bond interactions and 5 hydrophobic interactions with various residues of Mpro. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic calculations over 60 ns (6×106 femtosecond) time scale also shown significant insights into the binding effects of axillarin with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 by imitating protein like aqueous environment. From molecular dynamic calculations, the RMSD and RMSF computations indicate the stability and dynamics of the best docked complex in aqueous environment. The ADME properties and toxicity prediction analysis of axillarin also recommended it as safe drug candidate. Further, in vivo and in vitro investigations are essential to ensure the anti SARS-CoV-2 activity of all bioactive compounds particularly axillarin to encourage preventive use of Centaurea jacea against COVID-19 infections.

Resumo No presente relatório, estudamos os possíveis inibidores de Covid-19 de constituintes bioativos de Centaurea jacea usando uma abordagem tripla que consiste em técnicas de química quântica, docking molecular e dinâmica molecular. Centaurea jacea é uma erva perene frequentemente usada em remédios populares de doenças dermatológicas e febre. Além disso, as propriedades anticâncer, antioxidante, antibacteriana e antiviral de seus compostos bioativos também são relatadas. A Mpro (proteases principais) foi acoplada a diferentes compostos de Centaurea jacea por meio de docking molecular. Todos os compostos estudados, incluindo apigenina, axilarina, Centaureidina, Cirsiliol, Eupatorina e Isokaempferide, mostram afinidades de ligação adequadas ao sítio de ligação da protease principal SARS-CoV-2 com suas energias de ligação -6,7 kcal / mol, -7,4 kcal / mol, - 7,0 kcal / mol, -5,8 kcal / mol, -6,2 kcal / mol e -6,8 kcal / mol, respectivamente. Dentre todos os compostos estudados, a axilarina apresentou eficiência máxima de inibidor, seguida pela Centaureidina, Isokaempferida, Apigenina, Eupatorina e Cirsiliol. Nossos resultados sugeriram que a axilarina se liga aos resíduos catalíticos mais cruciais CYS145 e HIS41 do Mpro, além disso a axilarina mostra 5 interações de ligações de hidrogênio e 5 interações hidrofóbicas com vários resíduos de Mpro. Além disso, os cálculos de dinâmica molecular em uma escala de tempo de 60 ns (6 × 106 femtossegundos) também mostraram percepções significativas sobre os efeitos de ligação da axilarina com Mpro de SARS-CoV-2 por imitação de proteínas como o ambiente aquoso. A partir de cálculos de dinâmica molecular, os cálculos RMSD e RMSF indicam a estabilidade e dinâmica do melhor complexo ancorado em ambiente aquoso. As propriedades ADME e a análise de previsão de toxicidade da axilarina também a recomendaram como um candidato a medicamento seguro. Além disso, as investigações in vivo e in vitro são essenciais para garantir a atividade anti-SARS-CoV-2 de todos os compostos bioativos, particularmente a axilarina, para encorajar o uso preventivo de Centaurea jacea contra infecções por Covid-19.

Study of human knowledge and attitude toward urban birds in Faisalabad city, Pakistan

Abstract Birds are very valuable indicators of species richness and endemic patterns in a specified ecosystem, which eventually help the scientist to measure the environmental degradation. The aim of present study was to know human knowledge and attitude toward urban birds in Faisalabad city, Pakistan. The study conducted in four consecutive months: November 2019 to February 2020. Population of birds was noted from eight residential towns of Faisalabad city, data were collected through questionnaire. Faisalabad has a reasonably large population of birds and present data show that, there is a significant difference between favorite bird of residential areas and institutions. The pigeon received the most likeness in bird population among residential area residents, while the myna received the least. The most popular bird in Faisalabad institutions was the sparrow, while the least popular bird was the common myna. Bird adaptation percentage of residential areas and institutional areas of Faisalabad was the highest for parrot and sparrow respectively. People in residential areas and institutions, on the other hand, adapted least to common myna. It is concluded that people of the study area like birds and offered food and high population of birds are present in study area.

Resumo Os pássaros são indicadores muito valiosos da riqueza de espécies e padrões endêmicos em um determinado ecossistema, o que acaba ajudando o cientista a medir a degradação ambiental. O objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer o conhecimento humano e a atitude em relação às aves urbanas na cidade de Faisalabad, Paquistão. O estudo foi conduzido em quatro meses consecutivos: novembro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020. A população de pássaros foi observada em oito cidades residenciais da cidade de Faisalabad, os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário. Faisalabad tem uma população razoavelmente grande de pássaros, e os dados atuais mostram que há uma diferença significativa entre as aves favoritas de áreas residenciais e instituições. O pombo recebeu mais semelhanças na população de pássaros entre os residentes de áreas residenciais, enquanto o myna recebeu menos. A ave mais popular nas instituições de Faisalabad era o pardal, enquanto a ave menos popular era o myna comum. A porcentagem de adaptação de pássaros em áreas residenciais e institucionais de Faisalabad foi a mais alta para papagaios e pardais, respectivamente. As pessoas em áreas residenciais e instituições, por outro lado, se adaptaram menos ao myna comum. Conclui-se que pessoas da área de estudo como pássaros e alimentos oferecidos e alta população de pássaros estão presentes na área de estudo.

A threefold approach including quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies to explore the natural compounds from Centaurea jacea as the potential inhibitors for COVID-19 / Uma abordagem tríplice incluindo química quântica, docking molecular e estudos dinâmicos moleculares para explorar os compostos naturais de Centaurea jacea como inibidores potenciais para Covid-19

Abstract In the current report, we studied the possible inhibitors of COVID-19 from bioactive constituents of Centaurea jacea using a threefold approach consisting of quantum chemical, molecular docking and molecular dynamic techniques. Centaurea jacea is a perennial herb often used in folk medicines of dermatological complaints and fever. Moreover, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties of its bioactive compounds are also reported. The Mpro (Main proteases) was docked with different compounds of Centaurea jacea through molecular docking. All the studied compounds including apigenin, axillarin, Centaureidin, Cirsiliol, Eupatorin and Isokaempferide, show suitable binding affinities to the binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with their binding energies -6.7 kcal/mol, -7.4 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.8 kcal/mol, -6.2 kcal/mol and -6.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Among all studied compounds, axillarin was found to have maximum inhibitor efficiency followed by Centaureidin, Isokaempferide, Apigenin, Eupatorin and Cirsiliol. Our results suggested that axillarin binds with the most crucial catalytic residues CYS145 and HIS41 of the Mpro, moreover axillarin shows 5 hydrogen bond interactions and 5 hydrophobic interactions with various residues of Mpro. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic calculations over 60 ns (6×106 femtosecond) time scale also shown significant insights into the binding effects of axillarin with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 by imitating protein like aqueous environment. From molecular dynamic calculations, the RMSD and RMSF computations indicate the stability and dynamics of the best docked complex in aqueous environment. The ADME properties and toxicity prediction analysis of axillarin also recommended it as safe drug candidate. Further, in vivo and in vitro investigations are essential to ensure the anti SARS-CoV-2 activity of all bioactive compounds particularly axillarin to encourage preventive use of Centaurea jacea against COVID-19 infections.

Resumo No presente relatório, estudamos os possíveis inibidores de Covid-19 de constituintes bioativos de Centaurea jacea usando uma abordagem tripla que consiste em técnicas de química quântica, docking molecular e dinâmica molecular. Centaurea jacea é uma erva perene frequentemente usada em remédios populares de doenças dermatológicas e febre. Além disso, as propriedades anticâncer, antioxidante, antibacteriana e antiviral de seus compostos bioativos também são relatadas. A Mpro (proteases principais) foi acoplada a diferentes compostos de Centaurea jacea por meio de docking molecular. Todos os compostos estudados, incluindo apigenina, axilarina, Centaureidina, Cirsiliol, Eupatorina e Isokaempferide, mostram afinidades de ligação adequadas ao sítio de ligação da protease principal SARS-CoV-2 com suas energias de ligação -6,7 kcal / mol, -7,4 kcal / mol, - 7,0 kcal / mol, -5,8 kcal / mol, -6,2 kcal / mol e -6,8 kcal / mol, respectivamente. Dentre todos os compostos estudados, a axilarina apresentou eficiência máxima de inibidor, seguida pela Centaureidina, Isokaempferida, Apigenina, Eupatorina e Cirsiliol. Nossos resultados sugeriram que a axilarina se liga aos resíduos catalíticos mais cruciais CYS145 e HIS41 do Mpro, além disso a axilarina mostra 5 interações de ligações de hidrogênio e 5 interações hidrofóbicas com vários resíduos de Mpro. Além disso, os cálculos de dinâmica molecular em uma escala de tempo de 60 ns (6 × 106 femtossegundos) também mostraram percepções significativas sobre os efeitos de ligação da axilarina com Mpro de SARS-CoV-2 por imitação de proteínas como o ambiente aquoso. A partir de cálculos de dinâmica molecular, os cálculos RMSD e RMSF indicam a estabilidade e dinâmica do melhor complexo ancorado em ambiente aquoso. As propriedades ADME e a análise de previsão de toxicidade da axilarina também a recomendaram como um candidato a medicamento seguro. Além disso, as investigações in vivo e in vitro são essenciais para garantir a atividade anti-SARS-CoV-2 de todos os compostos bioativos, particularmente a axilarina, para encorajar o uso preventivo de Centaurea jacea contra infecções por Covid-19.

Study of human knowledge and attitude toward urban birds in Faisalabad city, Pakistan / Estudo do conhecimento humano e da atitude em relação às aves urbanas na cidade de Faisalabad, Paquistão

Abstract Birds are very valuable indicators of species richness and endemic patterns in a specified ecosystem, which eventually help the scientist to measure the environmental degradation. The aim of present study was to know human knowledge and attitude toward urban birds in Faisalabad city, Pakistan. The study conducted in four consecutive months: November 2019 to February 2020. Population of birds was noted from eight residential towns of Faisalabad city, data were collected through questionnaire. Faisalabad has a reasonably large population of birds and present data show that, there is a significant difference between favorite bird of residential areas and institutions. The pigeon received the most likeness in bird population among residential area residents, while the myna received the least. The most popular bird in Faisalabad institutions was the sparrow, while the least popular bird was the common myna. Bird adaptation percentage of residential areas and institutional areas of Faisalabad was the highest for parrot and sparrow respectively. People in residential areas and institutions, on the other hand, adapted least to common myna. It is concluded that people of the study area like birds and offered food and high population of birds are present in study area.

Resumo Os pássaros são indicadores muito valiosos da riqueza de espécies e padrões endêmicos em um determinado ecossistema, o que acaba ajudando o cientista a medir a degradação ambiental. O objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer o conhecimento humano e a atitude em relação às aves urbanas na cidade de Faisalabad, Paquistão. O estudo foi conduzido em quatro meses consecutivos: novembro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020. A população de pássaros foi observada em oito cidades residenciais da cidade de Faisalabad, os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário. Faisalabad tem uma população razoavelmente grande de pássaros, e os dados atuais mostram que há uma diferença significativa entre as aves favoritas de áreas residenciais e instituições. O pombo recebeu mais semelhanças na população de pássaros entre os residentes de áreas residenciais, enquanto o myna recebeu menos. A ave mais popular nas instituições de Faisalabad era o pardal, enquanto a ave menos popular era o myna comum. A porcentagem de adaptação de pássaros em áreas residenciais e institucionais de Faisalabad foi a mais alta para papagaios e pardais, respectivamente. As pessoas em áreas residenciais e instituições, por outro lado, se adaptaram menos ao myna comum. Conclui-se que pessoas da área de estudo como pássaros e alimentos oferecidos e alta população de pássaros estão presentes na área de estudo.

Application of brain functional connectivity and nonlinear dynamic analysis in brain function assessment for infants with controlled infantile spasm / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the role of brain functional connectivity and nonlinear dynamic analysis in brain function assessment for infants with controlled infantile spasm (IS).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 14 children with controlled IS (IS group) who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, from January 2019 to January 2023. Twelve healthy children, matched for sex and age, were enrolled as the control group. Electroencephalogram (EEG) data were analyzed for both groups to compare the features of brain network, and nonlinear dynamic indicators were calculated, including approximate entropy, sample entropy, permutation entropy, and permutation Lempel-Ziv complexity.@*RESULTS@#Brain functional connectivity showed that compared with the control group, the IS group had an increase in the strength of functional connectivity, and there was a significant difference between the two groups in the connection strength between the Fp2 and F8 channels (P<0.05). The network stability analysis showed that the IS group had a significantly higher network stability than the control group at different time windows (P<0.05). The nonlinear dynamic analysis showed that compared with the control group, the IS group had a significantly lower sample entropy of Fz electrode (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Abnormalities in brain network and sample entropy may be observed in some children with controlled IS, and it is suggested that quantitative EEG analysis parameters can serve as neurological biomarkers for evaluating brain function in children with IS.

Design and validation of a novel knee biomechanical test method / 生物医学工程学杂志

A novel structural dynamics test method and device were designed to test the biomechanical effects of dynamic axial loading on knee cartilage and meniscus. Firstly, the maximum acceleration signal-to-noise ratio of the experimental device was calculated by applying axial dynamic load to the experimental device under unloaded condition with different force hammers. Then the experimental samples were divided into non-specimen group (no specimen loaded), sham specimen group (loaded with polypropylene samples) and bovine knee joint specimen group (loaded with bovine knee joint samples) for testing. The test results show that the experimental device and method can provide stable axial dynamic load, and the experimental results have good repeatability. The final results confirm that the dynamic characteristics of experimental samples can be distinguished effectively by this device. The experimental method proposed in this study provides a new way to further study the biomechanical mechanism of knee joint structural response under axial dynamic load.