Peripheral Zone Research Articles

LITHIUM IN THE SUBSOIL OF UKRAINE Part 5. Mineralogy of lithium-bearing objects: lithium minerals

The fifth part of the publication "Lithium in the depths of Ukraine" is devoted to the mineralogy of lithium — silicates and phosphates, but without lithium micas, which, together with other micas, are described in Part 4. Here, the following lithium minerals are characterized in varying detail (the Li2O content of the mineral (mas. %) is given in parentheses after the formula): eucryptite — LiAl[SiO4] (11.80), elbaite Na(Al,Li)3Al6(BO3)3(F,OH)4[Si6O18] (1.1—1.4); spodumene — LiAl[Si2O6] (5.9—7.6); holmquistite Li3Mg3Al2(OH)2[Si8O22] (2.1—3.5); petalite — Li[AlSi4O10] (2.0—4.1); margarite — CaAl2(OH)2[Si2Al2O10]-(Li,Be) (1.82); donbasite — Al2[(Si3Al)O10](OH)2·Al2.33(OH)6 (0.1—3.0); cukeite (Al,Li)3Al2[(Si,,Al)4O10](OH)8 (0.8—4.3); triphillite — Li(Fe2+,Mn2+)[PO4] (5.51—8.62); lithiophyllite — Li(Mn2+,Fe2+)[PO4] (5.50—8.60); amblygonite LiAl(F)[PO4] (6.4—9.0); montebrasite — LiAl(OH)[PO4] (10.7—11.1); simferite — Li(Mg,Fe3+,Mn3+)2.0[PO4] (5.35—5.45). The description of these minerals is supplemented by a summary table of the mineral composition of rare metal pegmatites, selected according to the quantitative ratio of the main ore minerals — spodumene and petalite. The latter are not the first phases of crystallization of the pegmatite melt, so their distribution in space is close to the following pattern: the highest content of ore minerals is concentrated between the peripheral zones and cores of pegmatites. Spodumene and petalite of Ukrainian pegmatites, in comparison with similar minerals of large global lithium deposits, differ in the following features: 1) smaller sizes of mineral individuals; 2) greater xenomorphism of mineral individuals; 3) a weaker manifestation of isomorphic substitutions of atoms.

КУЛЬТУРНОЕ ПРОСТРАНСТВО СОВРЕМЕННОГО ГОРОДА КАК ОБЪЕКТ ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ

The paper examines the phenomenon of urban identity within the context of an individual’s sense of belonging to the urban cultural space. The urban cultural milieu represents a significant factor in shaping an individual’s attachment to their place of residence and an emotional connection with the city. This is an essential aspect of the subjective well-being of the residents. The objective of this study is to provide theoretical justification for the concept of “urban cultural space” and to empirically examine the respondents’ perceptions of urban cultural space. The research methods employed were an associative experiment and a prototypical analysis, as proposed by P. Vergès. The empirical base of the study comprised 354 respondents permanently residing in Krasnodar. The concept of the “cultural space of the city” as a semantic sphere embodied in the urban landscape is substantiated from the perspective of the subjective approach. The core of social ideas of Krasnodar residents about urban culture and the culture of their city is characterized by consistency. This is evidenced by common elements, including city cultural institutions, parks, city customs and traditions, and the culture of everyday. The social representations of urban culture are distinguished by an expanded core, encompassing both material cultural objects and the activity aspect of urban culture. The peripheral zone of social perceptions (SP) of Krasnodar residents about urban culture includes categories that distinguish the urban environment from the rural one (specifically in terms of the visible signs of urbanization.). The same zone of SP about Krasnodar culture encompasses specific urban locations, urban cultural practices, distinctive behaviors, and the everyday culture of citizens. The common element of the peripheral zone of SP is the category “city residents” (“Krasnodar residents”). The social perceptions of a given city, such as Krasnodar, imbue these elements with a specific content that is determined by the specifics of the urban environment.

African urban peripheries and informal development: A review of challenges and sustainable approaches to inclusive cities

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between African urban peripheries and informal development that also aligns with the broader goal of creating inclusive and sustainable urban environments. The authors employed a literature review approach and examined the complexities of informal settlements. In the presentation of their findings, the authors focus on conceptualizing of informality beyond slum areas, unravelling urbanization complexities in African urban peripheries, analysing the emergence of informal development in urban peripheral zones, and addressing informal settlements in the context of SDG 11. The findings reveal the embeddedness of informal practices in African urban peripheries, and the emphasis on adaptability, hybridity, and the role of informal entities in shaping complex urban fabrics. Additionally, inclusivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability are emphasized within the context of SDG 11. The authors conclude that a holistic and collaborative approach is important for shaping inclusive and sustainable urban futures in African urban peripheries. Additionally, they propose strategies for upgrading and formalizing informal settlements, the provision of essential social services, creation of economic opportunities, enhancement of safety, and to foster resilience through adaptive strategies.

Means of Representing the Concept of “Travel” as a Concept in Russian, English and Chinese Linguocultures

The article is devoted to the features of the use of means of representing the concept of “travel” as a concept in Russian, English and Chinese linguistic cultures. The empirical basis for the analysis were the texts of literary works of Russian, English and Chinese authors of the 18th century. The choice of this period was made due to the absence of intensive globalization in that time, including linguistics, which allows one to speak about the minimal impact of the external environment on the formation of the same concept and the maximum level of reflection in it of the national specifics of the represented linguistic cultures. Fundamentally different linguistic cultures were chosen as the basis for the study: Russian, English and Chinese. The study reveals the need to use an interdisciplinary approach in linguistics, the possibilities of which can be realized through the study of verbal representatives of the concept in question in languages of different structure. The research is using methods of content analysis, comparative analysis, synthesis, and modeling. A comprehensive analysis consisting of three stages was carried out. At the first stage, the categories of the concept were described, denoting journey, end points, means of transportation, units of measurement, which made it possible to identify the semantic volume of the concept, i. e. its core zone. At the second stage, a contextual analysis of additional features of this concept was carried out, which are determined by the peculiarities of the geographical location and social structure of the three countries. At the third stage, the peripheral zone of the concept under consideration was explored, revealing its representation using expressive means. At the end of the study, it was proven that national linguocultural features determine the specificity of the means of representing the concept of “travel” in the works “Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow” by Alexander N. Radishchev, “Journey to the West” by Wu Cheng’en and “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe.

The category of emotivity in modern Russian literature

The article discusses issues related to the qualifying modus category of emotivity and the ways of its expression in contemporary Russian literature of the second and third decades of the 21st century. The category of emotivity closely interacts with the categories of modality and evaluation, while explicating the qualifying subject, which makes it possible to analyze the degree of emotionality and the level of emotive evaluation. A decrease in emotionality and a shift towards a negative assessment of emotives is noted in modern literary texts as well as the predominance of primary, sensual emotions over cultured ones. Examples are given of the texts written by the most readable modern authors. In some stories, the category of emotivity is analyzed in dynamics, that is, a decrease or increase in the emotionality of the characters can be traced. In other works, emotionality is considered either in connection with the author’s attitude to what is being reported, or in interaction with life values, which form the emotional state of the characters. It was important to focus on what family and moral values are expressed through emotions. As a means of expressing emotionality, we highlight the vocabulary of emotions with nuclear and central emotive meanings, as well as syntactic and artistic means of their expression, which are often characterized by a peripheral zone of emotivity.

Additions to the composition of the ural beryls and inclusions of syngenetic minerals in them

In addition to the data of predecessors, the chemical composition of zoned or zoned-sectorial beryl crystals from pegmatites of the Mariinsky and Kvartalny deposits of the Urals emerald mines in the Central Urals, granitic pegmatite of mine no. 242 of the Ilmeny State Reserve and Svetlinsky pegmatite quarry in the South Urals is characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive analysis. The light peripheral zones of prism and pinacoid in crystal sections differ in variations in Al, Fe and Mg contents from the inner zones or areas. The presence of fractures and regenerated fragments of early beryl indicates synmineralization tectonics. In beryl from the Mariinsky deposit, the previously unknown syntactic ingrowths of bavenite and zones of parallel columnar aggregates of co-crystallization of beryl and bavenite, as well as late pyrite, fuorite, gismondine-Ca and tobermorite, are identifed. Beryls from mine no. 242 of the Ilmeny State Reserve are yellowish-greenish and bluish with a peripheral white zone and syntactic microingrowths of annite and syngenetic inclusions of columbite and Ta-Nb rutile. Muddy bluish-white beryl regenerated by colorless beryl from the Svetlinsky quarry hosts numerous syntactic inclusions of muscovite, gahnite, calcite, quartz and quartz-muscovite microaggregates with pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, siderite, calcite, and micropores. The syntaxy of mica, quartz and gahnite with beryl is revealed for the frst time.

Single-cell characterization of human GBM reveals regional differences in tumor-infiltrating leukocyte activation.

Glioblastoma (GBM) harbors a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) which influences glioma growth. Major efforts have been undertaken to describe the TME on a single-cell level. However, human data on regional differences within the TME remain scarce. Here, we performed high-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) on paired biopsies from the tumor center, peripheral infiltration zone and blood of five primary GBM patients. Through analysis of >45,000 cells, we revealed a regionally distinct transcription profile of microglia (MG) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MdMs) and an impaired activation signature in the tumor-peripheral cytotoxic-cell compartment. Comparing tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells with circulating cells identified CX3CR1high and CX3CR1int CD8+ T cells with effector and memory phenotype, respectively, enriched in blood but absent in the TME. Tumor CD8+ T cells displayed a tissue-resident memory phenotype with dysfunctional features. Our analysis provides a regionally resolved mapping of transcriptional states in GBM-associated leukocytes, serving as an additional asset in the effort towards novel therapeutic strategies to combat this fatal disease.

Single-cell characterization of human GBM reveals regional differences in tumor-infiltrating leukocyte activation

Glioblastoma (GBM) harbors a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) which influences glioma growth. Major efforts have been undertaken to describe the TME on a single-cell level. However, human data on regional differences within the TME remain scarce. Here, we performed high-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) on paired biopsies from the tumor center, peripheral infiltration zone and blood of five primary GBM patients. Through analysis of >45,000 cells, we revealed a regionally distinct transcription profile of microglia (MG) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MdMs) and an impaired activation signature in the tumor-peripheral cytotoxic-cell compartment. Comparing tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells with circulating cells identified CX3CR1high and CX3CR1int CD8+ T cells with effector and memory phenotype, respectively, enriched in blood but absent in the TME. Tumor CD8+ T cells displayed a tissue-resident memory phenotype with dysfunctional features. Our analysis provides a regionally resolved mapping of transcriptional states in GBM-associated leukocytes, serving as an additional asset in the effort towards novel therapeutic strategies to combat this fatal disease.

Predictors of prostate cancer detection in MRI PI-RADS 3 lesions - Reality of a tertiary center.

The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score reports the likelihood of a clinically significant prostate cancer (CsPCa) based on various multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) characteristics. The PI-RADS category 3 is an intermediate status, with an equivocal risk of malignancy. The PSA density (PSAD) has been proposed as a tool to facilitate biopsy decisions on PI-RADS category 3 lesions. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of CsPCa, assess the diagnostic value of targeted biopsy and identify clinical predictors to improve the CsPCa detection rate in PI-RADS category 3 lesions. Between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2022, a total of 1661 men underwent a prostate biopsy at our institution. Clinical and mpMRI data of men with PI-RADS 3 lesions was reviewed. The study population was divided into two groups: target group, including those submitted to systematic plus targeted biopsy versus non-target group when only systematic or saturation biopsy were performed. Patients with PI-RADS 3 lesions were divided into three categories based on pathological biopsy results: benign, clinically insignificant disease (score Gleason = 6 or International Society of Urologic Pathologic (ISUP) 1) and clinically significant cancer (score Gleason ≥ 7 (3+4) or ISUP ≥ 2) according to target and non-target group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinical predictors to improve the CsPCa detection rate in PI-RADS category 3 lesions. A total of 130 men with PIRADS 3 index lesions were identified. Pathologic results were benign in 77 lesions (59.2%), 19 (14.6%) were clinically insignificant (Gleason score 6) and 34 (26.2%) were clinically significant (Gleason score 7 or higher). Eighty-seven of the patients were included in the target group (66.9%) and 43 in the non-target group (33.1%). The CsPCa detection was higher in the non-target group (32.6%, n = 14 vs 23.0%, n = 20 respectively). When systematic and target biopsies were jointly performed, if the results of systematic biopsies are not considered and only the results of target biopsies are taken into account, a CsPCa diagnosis would be missed on 9 patients. The differences of insignificant cancer and CsPCa rates among the target or non-target group were not statistically significant (p = 0.50 and p = 0.24, respectively). on multivariate analysis, the abnormal DRE and lesions localized in Peripheral zone (PZ) were significantly associated with a presence of CsPCa in PI-RADS 3 lesions (oR = 3.61, 95% CI [1.22,10.72], p = 0.02 and oR = 3.31, 95% CI [1.35, 8.11], p = 0.01, respectively). A higher median PSAD significantly predisposed for CsPCa on univariate analyses (p = 0.05), however, was not significant in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.76). In our population, using 0.10 ng/ml/ml as a cut-off to perform biopsy, 41 patients would have avoided biopsy (31.5%), but 5 cases of CsPCa would not have been detected (3.4%). We could not identify any statistical significance between other clinical and imagiological variables and CsPCa detection. PI-RADS 3 lesions were associated with a low likelihood of CsPCa detection. A systematic biopsy associated or not with target biopsy is essential in PI-RADS 3 lesions, and targeted biopsy did not demonstrate to be superior in the detection of CsPCa. The presence of abnormal DRE and lesions localized in PZ potentially predict the presence of CsPCa in biopsied PI-RADS 3 lesions.

Mechanical epilation exerts complex biological effects on human hair follicles and perifollicular skin: An exvivo study approach.

Electrical epilation of unwanted hair is a widely used hair removal method, but it is largely unknown how this affects the biology of human hair follicles (HF) and perifollicular skin. Here, we have begun to explore how mechanical epilation changes selected key biological read-out parameters exvivo within and around the pilosebaceous unit. Human full-thickness scalp skin samples were epilated exvivo using an electro-mechanical device, organ-cultured for up to 6 days in serum-free, supplemented medium, and assessed at different time points by quantitative (immuno-)histomorphometry for selected relevant read-out parameters in epilated and sham-epilated control samples. Epilation removed most of the hair shafts, often together with fragments of the outer and inner root sheath and hair matrix. This was associated with persistent focal thinning of the HF basal membrane, decreased melanin content of the residual HF epithelium, and increased HF keratinocyte apoptosis, including in the bulge, yet without affecting the number of cytokeratin 15+ HF epithelial stem cells. Sebocyte apoptosis in the peripheral zone was increased, albeit without visibly altering sebum production. Epilation transiently perturbed HF immune privilege, and increased the expression of ICAM-1 in the bulge and bulb mesenchyme, and the number of perifollicular MHC class II+ cells as well as mast cells around the distal epithelium and promoted mast cell degranulation around the suprabulbar and bulbar area. Moreover, compared to controls, several key players of neurogenic skin inflammation, itch, and/or thermosensation (TRPV1, TRPA1, NGF, and NKR1) were differentially expressed in post-epilation skin. These data generated in denervated, organ-cultured human scalp skin demonstrate that epilation-induced mechanical HF trauma elicits surprisingly complex biological responses. These may contribute to the delayed re-growth of thinner and lighter hair shafts post-epilation and temporary post-epilation discomfort. Our findings also provide pointers regarding the development of topically applicable agents that minimize undesirable sequelae of epilation.

Radiomics from multisite MRI and clinical data to predict clinically significant prostate cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). MRI-derived radiomics may support the diagnosis of csPCa. To investigate whether adding radiomics from biparametric MRI to predictive models based on clinical and MRI parameters improves the prediction of csPCa in a multisite-multivendor setting. Clinical information (PSA, PSA density, prostate volume, and age), MRI reviews (PI-RADS 2.1), and radiomics (histogram and texture features) were retrieved from prospectively included patients examined at different radiology departments and with different MRI systems, followed by MRI-ultrasound fusion guided biopsies of lesions PI-RADS 3-5. Predictive logistic regression models of csPCa (Gleason score ≥7) for the peripheral (PZ) and transition zone (TZ), including clinical data and PI-RADS only, and combined with radiomics, were built and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In total, 456 lesions in 350 patients were analyzed. In PZ and TZ, PI-RADS 4-5 and PSA density, and age in PZ, were independent predictors of csPCa in models without radiomics. In models including radiomics, PI-RADS 4-5, PSA density, age, and ADC energy were independent predictors in PZ, and PI-RADS 5, PSA density and ADC mean in TZ. Comparison of areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for the models without radiomics (PZ: AUC = 0.82, TZ: AUC = 0.80) versus with radiomics (PZ: AUC = 0.82, TZ: AUC = 0.82) showed no significant differences (PZ: P = 0.366; TZ: P = 0.171). PSA density and PI-RADS are potent predictors of csPCa. Radiomics do not add significant information to our multisite-multivendor dataset.

Speculations on the Paleozoic legacy of Gondwana amalgamation

Using Gondwana as an example, we show how the geological record can be interrogated to detect significant changes in mantle convection patterns at critical junctures in Earth’s evolution. Evidence of major changes in mantle circulation in the aftermath of late Neoproterozoic-early Paleozoic Gondwana assembly is provided by widespread (i) plume-related magmatism around Gondwana’s periphery, (ii) ironstone deposits related to mantle plume-ocean ridge interaction and enhanced hydrothermal activity, and (iii) super-mature clastic deposits that reflect epeirogenic uplift triggered by mantle upwelling beneath Gondwana combined with deep tropical weathering.In our model, Gondwana assembled above a region of mantle downwelling in which subducted slabs between the converging Gondwanan continents descended to the core-mantle boundary. Renewed subduction along Gondwana’s periphery yielded early arc magmas. But as downwelling beneath Gondwana evolved into upwelling as a result of the ponding of subducted slabs at the base of the mantle, mantle plumes rose from the margins of the nascent upwelling to interact with the edges of Gondwana, where they penetrated the peripheral subduction zones via slab windows, tears and transform faults to generate voluminous calc-alkalic crustal melts in hydrated arc regions and A-type magmas in dry back-arc regions. The plumes also underplated oceanic lithosphere and interacted with adjacent ocean ridges, thereby enhancing hydrothermal activity and the flux of bioessential nutrients, leading to the recurrence of marine iron-rich sedimentary rocks in the geological record. At the same time, upwelling beneath a tropical to equatorial Gondwana led to epeirogenic uplift, deep weathering and erosion, resulting in the production of widespread super-mature clastic deposits. We contend that major changes in mantle convection patterns were encoded into the geological record of Gondwana assembly, influenced global-scale mantle convection patterns, and should be incorporated into geodynamic models for the assembly of Pangea.

Role of non-contrast CT component of prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT scan in the detection of peripheral zone prostate cancer.

The aim of this study was to look for feasibility of non-contrast CT (NCCT) in detecting peripheral zone prostate cancer (PCa). A retrospective analysis included 50 biopsy-proven PCa patients between April 2019 and March 2022 who underwent staging whole body prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)/CT prior to treatment. The control subjects were 50 randomly selected adult male patients who underwent PET/CT for non-prostate malignancy during the same time period. Two readers independently calculated the Hounsfield unit (HU) of normal peripheral zone, central zone, and corresponding PSMA avid focus in cases. No significant difference was seen in the mean HU value of normal peripheral zone between cases and controls. Significant difference in the mean HU was seen between the PSMA avid focus in cases (40.1 ± 6.2) and normal peripheral zone of cases (28.2 ± 7.0) and controls (27.7 ± 5.8). No significant difference was found between the mean HU values of high-grade PCa and non-high-grade PCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a mean HU cut-off of ≥35 for detecting PCa with a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 90%, respectively, between cases and controls (AUC 0.88). Detection of clinically significant PCa is possible on routinely performed NCCT scans. Radiologists should routinely look for and convey these findings to facilitate further work-up and early detection of PCa. Our study adds to the knowledge that NCCT scans performed for unrelated indications can serve as a screening tool for clinically significant PCa.

How ASEAN and Western media covers China’s Belt and Road Initiative: a case study of representation of the Laos-China railway under international news flows framework

The research uses the coverage of the Laos-China railway as a case to compare how media in ASEAN versus Western countries represents China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Under the framework of international news flows, through investigating the agenda-setting, news source distribution and frames of 137 stories by 42 news outlets in seven ASEAN and seven Western countries, the study finds that the long-existing imbalances in volume, direction and content of information in international news flows have seen continuities and changes. On the one hand, the international news flows remain unidirectional from the center toward semi-peripheral and peripheral zones in the world system, rather than the other way around. On the other hand, the dominance of Western media in the flows as major news suppliers providing the master narratives of most international events has been disrupted due to the emergence of counter-narratives offered by alternative news providers such as China’s Xinhua and Asian News Network. Such continuities and changes in international communication flows exemplified by the media coverage of a China’s BRI project serve as both empirical evidence of a broader global power shift and a thermometer measuring the Global North’s and Global South’s reactions to such a shift.

Diagnostic accuracy of the different pulse sequences of multi-parametric prostate MRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in the peripheral and transitional zones

BackgroundOne of the most prevalent malignancies among males is prostate carcinoma (PCa). For the diagnosis of PCa, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) constitutes by far the most accurate imaging technique. The PI-RADS v2.1 indications for dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) sequence include identifying PI-RADS score 3 lesions, as clinically significant prostate carcinoma, aiding evaluation of examinations having poor quality of T2 as well as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and helping readers having relatively reduced expertise. Most articles don't provide outcomes pertaining to these indications, which weakens their conclusions. All MRI scans, even those with low quality T2 or DWI, were included in our study. Additionally, special emphasis on assessing peripheral zone lesions was made. Our objective was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the various mpMRI pulse sequences, including the T2 sequence, diffusion and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) sequences, both T2 and diffusion sequences (biparametric (bp) MRI), DCE sequence, and the entire examination (mpMRI), in the diagnosis of PCa in the peripheral as well as the transitional zone using PI-RADS version 2.1 scoring system, once when malignant lesions are considered as those having PI-RADS scores 4 and 5 and once when PI-RADS categories 3, 4 and 5 were regarded as malignant.ResultsIn the assessment of peripheral zone lesions, when PI-RADS categories 3, 4, and 5 were considered malignant, both bpMRI and mpMRI showed similar sensitivity (94.29%) and diagnostic accuracy (77.78%) while when considering scores 4 and 5 malignant, mpMRI demonstrated increased diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity but lower specificity (sensitivity was 82.86%/60%, specificity was 80%/100%, and diagnostic accuracy was 82.22%/68.89% for mpMRI/bpMRI test comparaison). Both bpMRI and mpMRI had similar sensitivity (95.83%) and diagnostic accuracy (71.05%) when PI-RADS categories 3, 4, and 5 were regarded as malignant; however, mpMRI demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity considering scores 4 and 5 malignant (sensitivity was 77.08% for mpMRI compared to 60.42% for bpMRI and diagnostic accuracy was 82.89% for mpMRI compared to 75% for bpMRI).ConclusionsBoth bpMRI and mpMRI demonstrated similar diagnostic accuracy when PI-RADS categories 3, 4, and 5 were taken into account as malignant while mpMRI had higher diagnostic accuracy considering categories 4 and 5 malignant.

Celecoxib treatment alleviates cerebral injury in a rat model of post-traumatic epilepsy

Background An important factor contributing to the development and occurrence of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The effects of celecoxib include inhibiting inflammatory reactions and antioxidant stress and reducing seizures, making it a potential epilepsy treatment solution. Objective To observe the effect of celecoxib on early epilepsy in post-traumatic epilepsy rats. Methods: Twenty-four adult healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham-operated, PTE, and celecoxib. A rat model of PTE was established by injecting ferrous chloride into the right frontal cortex. Afterward, the behavior of rats was observed and recorded. 3.0T superconducting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to describe the changes in ADC values of the brain. HE and Nissl staining were also used to detect the damage to frontal lobe neurons. Furthermore, the expression of COX-2 protein in the right frontal lobe was detected by Western blot. Moreover, the contents of IL-1 and TNF-α in the right frontal lobe were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Compared with the PTE group, the degree of seizures in rats treated with celecoxib declined dramatically (P < 0.05). Celecoxib-treated rats had significant decreases in tissue structural damage and cell death in the brain. The results of the MRI showed that celecoxib reduced the peripheral edema zone and ADC value of the cortex around the damaged area of the right frontal lobe in the celecoxib-treatment group, which was significantly decreased compared with the PTE group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, celecoxib decreased the expression of COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α in brain tissue (P < 0.05). Conclusions In PTE rats, celecoxib significantly reduced brain damage and effectively reduced seizures. As a result of celecoxib’s ability to inhibit inflammation, it can reduce the edema caused by injury in rat brain tissue.

Quantitative Analysis of Prostate MRI: Correlation between Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Parameters.

This research aimed to assess the relationship between contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) values and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI parameters including (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and iAUC). To evaluate the correlation between the MRF-derived values (T1 and T2 values, CE T1 and T2 values, T1 and T2 change) and DCE-MRI parameters and the differences in the parameters between prostate cancer and noncancer lesions in 68 patients, two radiologists independently drew regions-of-interest (ROIs) at the focal prostate lesions. Prostate cancer was identified in 75% (51/68) of patients. The CE T2 value was significantly lower in prostate cancer than in noncancer lesions in the peripheral zone and transition zone. Ktrans, Kep, and iAUC were significantly higher in prostate cancer than noncancer lesions in the peripheral zone (p < 0.05), but not in the transition zone. The CE T1 value was significantly correlated with Ktrans, Ve, and iAUC in prostate cancer, and the CE T2 value was correlated to Ve in noncancer. Some CE MRF values are different between prostate cancer and noncancer tissues and correlate with DCE-MRI parameters. Prostate cancer and noncancer tissues may have different characteristics regarding contrast enhancement.

Surgical Management of Traumatic Meniscus Injuries.

The menisci increase the contact area of load bearing in the knee and thus disperse the mechanical stress via their circumferential tensile fibers. Traumatic meniscus injuries cause mechanical symptoms in the knee, and are more prevalent amongst younger, more active patients, compared to degenerative tears amongst the elderly population. Traumatic meniscus tears typically result from the load-and-shear mechanism in the knee joint. The treatment depends on the size, location, and pattern of the tear. For non-repairable tears, partial or total meniscal resection decreases its tensile stress and increases joint contact stress, thus potentiating the risk of arthritis. A longitudinal vertical tear pattern at the peripheral third red-red zone leads to higher healing potential after repair. The postoperative rehabilitation protocols after repair range from immediate weight-bearing with no range of motion restrictions to non-weight bearing and delayed mobilization for weeks. Pediatric and adolescent patients may require special considerations due to their activity levels, or distinct pathologies such as a discoid meniscus. Further biomechanical and biologic evidence is needed to guide surgical management, postoperative rehabilitation protocols, and future technology applications for traumatic meniscus injuries.

Comparative carpology of Cyclospatheae and Ceroxyleae (Arecaceae - Ceroxyloideae)

At present, the fruits of the representatives of Arecaceae remain insufficiently studied, therefore, studies of comparative carpology of palms are relevant. We investigated fruit morphology and anatomy of all 4 genus of tribes Cyclospatheae and Ceroxyleae of subfamily Ceroxylonideae (Arecaceae). The fruits of studied species (Pseudophoenix sargentii, Ceroxylon alpinum, C. vogelianum, C. utile, Juania australis, Oraniopsis appendiculata, Ravenea hildebrandtii, R. robustior) were revealed as pyrenarium of Ilex type. We can consider that the original fruit type within the subfamily are lobate trimerous fruits of Pseudophoenix, with the pericarp differentiated into parenchymatous mesocarp, scattered brachysclereids in the peripheral zone of the mesocarp and palisade sclerified endocarp. Fruits of Ceroxyleae are derived types of fruits, which had morphogenetic transformation in different zones of pericarp. Transformations of mesocarp had different ways: differentiation of mesocarp subzones (Ceroxylon), formation of belt of brachysclereids in the peripheral zone of the mesocarp (Ceroxylon, Juania), or formation of sclereids with different shapes (Ravenea hildebrandtii), or almost complete absence of sclereids (Oraniopsis, Ravenea robustior). Transformations of endocarp followed the path of reduction of the length of the palisade sclerified cells (Ceroxylon, Juania, Ravenea, Oraniopsis) and its filling with phlobaphenes (Ravenea, Oraniopsis).

Local auxin biosynthesis promotes shoot patterning and stem cell differentiation in Arabidopsis shoot apex.

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) of higher plants comprises distinct functional zones. The central zone (CZ) is located at the meristem summit and harbors pluripotent stem cells. Stem cells undergo cell division within the CZ and give rise to descendants, which enter the peripheral zone (PZ) and become recruited into lateral organs. Stem cell daughters that are pushed underneath the CZ form rib meristem (RM). To unravel the mechanism of meristem development, it is essential to know how stem cells adopt distinct cell fates in the SAM. Here, we show that meristem patterning and floral organ primordia formation, besides auxin transport, are regulated by auxin biosynthesis mediated by two closely related genes of the TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE family. In Arabidopsis SAM, TAA1 and TAR2 played a role in maintaining auxin responses and the identity of PZ cell types. In the absence of auxin biosynthesis and transport, the expression pattern of the marker genes linked to the patterning of the SAM is perturbed. Our results prove that local auxin biosynthesis, in concert with transport, controls the patterning of the SAM into the CZ, PZ and RM.