Selection In Populations Research Articles

Pre-chewing of infant food - expectations towards an old, traditional feeding habit for potential allergy prevention.

Premastication is a traditional feeding method whereby solids are pre-chewed by the mother or sometimes by other relatives and then given to the infant along with the oral microbiota. The aim of this study was to assess if premastication is known or performed among the German population as well as to evaluate the expectations regarding this feeding method, particularly in the context of allergy prevention. Two surveys about premastication were conducted. For the survey of the "general population (GP)" 10,000 participants (18 to 65 years old) were randomly selected from the official population register of Berlin. The survey of the "selected population (SP)" was conducted by the patient organization German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB). 526 people from the GP and 220 participants from the SP completed the questionnaire. 15.3% (n=114) of all respondents had previously heard of premastication, 1.5% (n=7/455) of the people with children reported that they have performed premastication for their child. 42.8% (n=225) of the GP as well as 36.4% (n=80) of the SP could imagine performing premastication for their future child or grandchild. 59.3% (n=312) of the GP stated that they at least partially think premastication may help to prevent the development of allergies.Premastication appears to be barely known and practiced among the German population. However, a considerable proportion of participants would consider giving pre-chewed food to their infant. A high rate of respondents, especially among the GP, believed that premastication may have a positive impact on the prevention of allergies.

Modeling the Mutation and Competition of Certain Nutrient-Producing Protocells by Means of Specific Turing Machines

Abstract It is very important to model the behavior of protocells as basic lifelike artificial organisms more and more accurately from the level of genomes to the level of populations. A better understanding of basic protocell communities may help us in describing more complex ecological systems accurately. In this article, we propose a new comprehensive, bilevel mathematical model of a community of three protocell species (one generalist and two specialists). The aim is to achieve a model that is as basic/fundamental as possible while already displaying mutation, selection, and complex population dynamics phenomena (like competitive exclusion and keystone species). At the microlevel of genetic codes, the protocells and their mutations are modeled with Turing machines (TMs). The specialists arise from the generalist by means of mutation. Then the species are put into a common habitat, where, at the macrolevel of populations, they have to compete for the available nutrients, a part of which they themselves can produce. Because of different kinds of mutations, the running times of the species as TMs (algorithms) are different. This feature is passed on to the macrolevel as different reproduction times. At the macrolevel, a discrete-time dynamic model describes the competition. The model displays complex lifelike behavior known from population ecology, including the so-called competitive exclusion principle and the effect of keystone species. In future works, the bilevel model will have a good chance of serving as a simple and useful tool for studying more lifelike phenomena (like evolution) in their pure/abstract form.

Awake, endoscopic lumbar interbody spinal fusion: 10 years of experience with the first 400 cases.

Awake, endoscopic spinal fusion has been utilized as an ultra-minimally invasive surgery technique to accomplish the goals of spinal fixation, fusion, and disc height restoration. While many techniques exist for this approach, this series represents a single institution's experience with a large cohort and the evolution of this method. The medical records of a consecutive series of 400 patients treated over a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Endoscopic decompression, expandable intervertebral spacer deployment, and percutaneous screws were combined with liposomal bupivacaine to allow for the surgery to be performed without general endotracheal anesthesia (GETA) in the vast majority of cases. Clinical and radiographic postoperative results were reviewed with special attention to surgical complications, in particular dorsal root ganglion (DRG) irritation. All patients underwent surgery successfully without conversion to an open operation. Their mean age was 69.1 ± 10.4 years, and 42% of the patients were male. A total of 509 levels were fused, with the most common indication being spondylolisthesis (67.5%). The mean operative time was 84.6 ± 31.4 minutes, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 98 ± 63 ml, and the mean hospital length of stay was 1.93 ± 1.1 nights. Overall, 4.3% of the patients underwent planned GETA due to comorbidities, and 2% were converted to GETA intraoperatively. Eighty percent of the patients experienced > 75% improvement in leg pain, and 52% experienced > 75% improvement in axial back pain. Complications included transient DRG irritation (23%), adjacent-level disease requiring reoperation (3.5%), inadequate decompression (2.3%), and nonunion (1.8%). This large case series demonstrates that awake, endoscopic spinal fusion is a viable option with acceptable clinical and radiographic results in a select patient population. Meticulous attention to detail is required to limit the rate of DRG irritation, achieve interbody height restoration, and mitigate nonunions.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty With Multiple Sclerosis Demonstrate Similar Functional Outcome Measures: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) may negatively influence the patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) when undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, functional outcomes in this select population remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and rate of achieving Minimal Clinically Important Difference for Improvement (MCID-I) and Minimal Clinically Important Difference for Worsening (MCID-W) between MS and non-MS TKAs. Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of 61 TKAs in MS patients performed between 2015 and 2022 and it was propensity matched in a 3:1 ratio with 123 non-MS patients. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health Mental and Physical, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function short form 10-a (PF-10a), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short-form scores. Patients were categorized based on achieving MCID-I, MCID-W, or showing “no change” after TKA. Results: A total of 244 TKAs (61 MS and 183 matched non-MS) were analyzed. MS TKAs had similar length of stay but lower rate of home discharges (73.8% vs. 90.2%, P = 0.003) compared with non-MS patients. Notably, both cohorts had similar rates of achieving MCID-I and MCID-W among all four PROM scores. However, MS patients had a notable higher rate of 90-day postoperative complications (26.2% vs. 12.6%, P < 0.001), revision surgeries (11.5% vs. 4.4%, P = .045), and revisions (6.6% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.004). Conclusion: Using MCID methodology, this study found that MS patients have similar rates of achieving MCID-I and MCID-W but have higher rate of postoperative complications, revision surgeries, and revisions when compared with non-MS patients. These findings highlight that despite the elevated risks of complications, MS patients can achieve similar improvements to their non-MS counterparts. Further investigations into the long-term outcomes of MS patients are warranted to the determine the effectiveness of this intervention.

Genetic Diversity and Structure of Higher-Resin Trees of Pinus oocarpa Schiede in Mexico: Implications for Genetic Improvement

Pinus oocarpa Schiede is the most widely distributed conifer in the Americas. In Mexico, it inhabits diverse environments and is the primary pine species utilized for resin production, prompting the establishment of a genetic improvement program (GIP). Preserving a broad genetic diversity is fundamental to the success of the GIP. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and structure of trees selected for their high resin yield. A total of 146 trees from 15 provenances within three populations (MX-MIC, MX-MEX, and MX-OAX) constituting the selection population of the GIP were evaluated. Five SSR microsatellite markers (PtTX3013, NZPR1078, PtTX2146, PtTX3107, and PtTX3034) were used to determine key indicators of genetic diversity and structure. All three populations exhibited high genetic diversity; however, the heterozygosity observed was lower than the expected heterozygosity. Genetic structure analysis revealed the presence of two distinct genetic groups: the Transverse Volcanic Axis (MX-MIC and MX-MEX) and the Sierra Madre del Sur (MX-OAX). Most of the genetic diversity (87.42%) was found within provenances. Gene flow was high among provenances within the same genetic group but limited between provenances from different groups. The findings suggest that GIPs should be tailored to each genetic region, with a focus on within-provenance selection to maintain genetic diversity.

Identification of Three POMCa Genotypes in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Their Differential Physiological Responses to Feed Domestication.

Diverse feeding habits in teleosts involve a wide range of appetite-regulating factors. As an appetite-suppressing gene, the polymorphisms of POMCa in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were validated via sequencing and high-resolution melting (HRM). The frequency distribution of different POMCa genotypes were analyzed in two populations, and physiological responses of different POMCa genotypes to feed domestication were investigated. The indel of an 18 bp AU-rich element (ARE) in the 3' UTR and four interlocked SNP loci in the ORF of 1828 bp of POMCa cDNA sequence were identified in largemouth bass and constituted three genotypes of POMC-A I, II, and III, respectively. POMC-A I and Allele I had increased frequencies in the selection population than in the non-selection population (p < 0.01), 63.55% vs. 43.33% and 0.7850 vs. 0.6778, respectively. POMC-A I possessed the lowest value of POMCa mRNA during fasting (p < 0.05) and exhibited growth and physiological advantages under food deprivation and refeeding according to the levels of body mass and four physiological indicators, i.e., cortisol (Cor), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and glucose (Glu). The identification of three POMCa genotypes, alongside their varying physiological responses during feed domestication, suggests a selective advantage that could be leveraged in molecular marker-assisted breeding of largemouth bass that are adapted to feeding on formula diet.

Hemodynamic Management with Vasopressin for Cardiovascular Surgery.

Background and Objectives: Vasopressin increases blood pressure through aquaporin-2-mediated water retention and is useful for managing hemodynamics after surgery. However, even after decades of study, clear clinical guidelines on doses and ideal use cases after cardiovascular surgery remain unclear. Here, the existing literature is synthesized on vasopressin use for cardiac surgeries and coupled with real-world clinical experience to outline a clearer clinical path for vasopressin use. Materials and Methods: Literature from 1966 to the present was searched, and information on surgical outcomes for cardiovascular surgery was extracted. Clinicians from the University of Tsukuba with extensive vasopressin experience in pediatric cardiovascular patients were consulted for general use guidelines. Results: Vasopressin response after cardiovascular surgery is multifaceted, and low-power trials, plus conflicting study reports, generally render it as a secondary choice behind norepinephrine. Clinical experience indicates that low doses of 0.2-0.3 mU/kg/min with constant blood pressure and oxygen monitoring for response are required. Although sole use is not recommended, vasopressin may aid in controlling hemodynamics when given with other volemic or osmolal drugs. Conclusions: Vasopressin may work in a select population of first-line non-responders, but relevant response factors remain unanalyzed and clear guidelines for use remain unestablished. Future, large-scale studies are needed to delineate temporal and demographic characteristics that affect response to vasopressin for the purpose of managing post-surgical capillary leakage and hemodynamics.

Robust multistate quantum control with minimal additional coupling

Abstract The multistate stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) is an efficient technique to achieve a selective and accurate population transfer in a chainwise-linked system. However, their efficiency is imperfect due to the nonadiabatic losses from the long runtime of the adiabatic evolution. Here, we focus on realizing a perfect and robust coherent control of the quantum states with optimal shortcut to adiabaticity in a realistic five-state hybrid quantum system. In particular, the optimal shortcut field requires minimal additional coupling (only one coupling strength) to accelerate the adiabatic evolution in this five-state system. Compared to the original STIRAP, the optimal shortcut shows the ultra-high fidelity of quantum state manipulations even though the control parameters of the Hamiltonians are changed in different ways. Furthermore, we study the efficiency of the optimal shortcut field technique in the presence of various experimental errors, such as systematic error, Rabi frequency error, and coupling strength error, and it features a broad range of high efficiencies above 99.9%, showing its robustness against the above errors. The results might shed insight on the further applications of shortcuts to adiabaticity on robust quantum information processing in multi-level quantum systems.

Characteristics of wild hazelnut populations in Northeast China and selection of superior provenances.

China possesses a copious and geographically diverse reservoir of hazel (Corylus spp.) resources, albeit scholarly endeavors focusing on the selection and domestication of indigenous wild hazelnut strains remain scant. To develop and utilize high-quality wild hazelnut resources, this study selected eight populations of wild hazelnuts from seven different provenances in Heilongjiang Province, China. Natural hybrid seeds of eight populations were sown in the Chohai Forest Farm in Longjiang County, Heilongjiang Province, in 2018. In April 2020, two-year-old seedlings were used to establish a provenance trial forest, thereby initiating the provenance trial. Growth parameters were measured using electronic calipers, and pollen characteristics were observed under an electron microscope. The trials meticulously explored the trees' flowering biology, growth parameters, and the economic attributes of the produced nuts. Principal component analysis was employed to comprehensively assess differences among the wild hazelnut populations from various provenances, aiming to identify superior wild hazelnut provenances. The results unveiled significant geographical variations among the tested provenances across several facets: the flowering period of male blossoms extended from April 2nd to April 19th, while female flowering occurred within the timeframe of April 2nd to April 22nd. Moreover, pollen grain morphology demonstrated variability, with the polar axis ranging from 14.02 to 17.09 micrometers, the equatorial axis spanning 16.02 to 18.75 micrometers, and the ratio of polar to equatorial axes fluctuating between 0.88 and 0.92. Through correlation analyses, nut length emerged as a pivotal determinant significantly influencing both kernel weight and the hundred-grain weight. A principal component analysis (PCA) further consolidated these findings, selecting the Nehe-originated variegated Corylus heterophylla as the superior provenance based on a comprehensive evaluation of its combined traits. This study constitutes a seminal contribution to the hazelnut breeding endeavor in China, establishing a robust foundation for informed cultivation strategies geared towards optimizing both the yield and the quality of hazelnut resources, thereby advancing the understanding and exploitation of China's wild hazelnut biodiversity.

Individual Choices of Wintering Areas Drive Adult Survival Heterogeneity in a Long-Lived Seabird.

Seasonal migration has evolved as an adaptation for exploiting peaks of resource abundance and avoiding unfavourable climatic conditions. Differential migratory strategies and choices of wintering areas by long-distance migratory species may impose varying selective pressures and mortality risks with fitness consequences. Recently developed tracking technologies allow wintering movements of migratory species to be studied. However, these technologies typically involve a limited number of tracked individuals, which gives low statistical power for any robust estimate of survival probabilities. Additionally, when utilising geolocators, data become accessible only upon individual recapture, presenting a potential source of bias. We used multievent modelling to include information of 147 identified wintering tracks in the analysis of 1104 long-term individual capture histories (2000-2022) of migratory seabird Calonectris diomedea and then test if individual preferences for wintering areas may drive heterogeneity in adult survival. We also examined individual fidelity to wintering areas and tested if climatic and oceanographic conditions, as represented by the wNAO and SOI climatic indices, influenced survival and fidelity. The probability of fidelity to a wintering area was ca. 0.79. Annual changes between areas were influenced by environmental variability driven by the wNAO. Survival probability was influenced by the SOI and differed between wintering areas; these differences coupled with high wintering site fidelity, generated individual heterogeneity in adult survival. Our study reveals that, over the last two decades, some individuals wintered in less suitable areas, with nonnegligible consequences on adult survival, the parameter to which the population growth rate is most sensitive in long-lived species. Winter oceanographic conditions such as stormy weather or the proximity to upwellings probably play a relevant role in driving survival heterogeneity. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of how the interlinked effects of climate, local selective pressures and individual condition shape population dynamics in migratory species.

Impact of same-day sleeve gastrectomy surgery on postoperative emergency department visits: analysis from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative.

Same-day discharge after sleeve gastrectomy (SDDSG) is being performed in select patient populations with increased regularity since2020. To evaluate the impact of SDDSG on emergency department (ED) visits. Academic and private practice bariatric surgery programs participating in a statewide quality improvement collaborative. Using a statewide bariatric specific data registry, all patients undergoing SDDSG between 2020 and 2023 were identified (n = 984). Rates of 30-day ED visits and complications were compared between SDDSG and a 2:1 propensity-matched cohort with a 1-2-day hospital length of stay (n = 1968). The mean age and body mass index of SDDSG patients were 41.7 years and 45.9, respectively. When compared to the matched cohort, SDDSG patients had higher rates of ED visits (9.2% versus 6.2%, P = .0029), were more likely to present to ED earlier (10.3 days versus 12.9 days, P = .0118), and were less likely to require hospital admission (87.8% versus 71.1%, P < .0037), even though the overall complication rates were similar (4.7% versus 3.7%, P = .2087). The most common reason for an ED visit after SDDSG was nausea, vomiting, and dehydration (58.9% versus 66.9%, P = .2294), and the most common day to present to the ED was Friday (20.0% versus 20.7%, P = .9061), which was similar between groups. Despite having similar complication rates, patients undergoing SDDSG were more likely to present to the ED after surgery when compared to a matched cohort of patients with a 1-2-day hospital stay.

Nonsedating anxiolytics.

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric pathology with substantial cost to society, but the existing treatments are often inadequate. This has rekindled the interest in the GABAA-receptor (GABAAR) positive allosteric modulator (PAM) compounds, which have a long history in treatment of anxiety beginning with diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, and alprazolam. While the GABAAR PAMs possess remarkable anxiolytic efficacy, they have fallen out of favor due to a host of adverse effects including sedation, motor impairment, addictive potential and tolerance development. A substantial effort was thus devoted to the design of GABAAR PAMs as anxiolytics with reduced sedative liabilities. Several non-benzodiazepine (BZD) GABAAPAMs progressed to clinical trials (bretazenil, abecarnil, alpidem, and ocinaplon) with alpidem obtaining regulatory approval as anxiolytic, but later withdrawn from market due to hepatotoxicity. Advances in molecular biology gave birth to a host of subtype selective GABAAR-PAMs which suffered from signs of sedation and motor impairment and only three compounds progressed to proof-of-concept studies (TPA-023, AZD7325 and PF-06372865). TPA-023 was terminated due to toxicity in preclinical species while AZD7325 and PF-06372865 did not achieve efficacy endpoints in patients. We highlight a new compound, KRM-II-81, that is an imidazodiazepine selective for GABAAR containing α2/3 and β3 proteins. In preclinical studies KRM-II-81 produced anxiolytic-like effects but with minimal sedation, respiratory depression, and abuse liability. Thus, KRM-II-81 is a newly discovered, non- BZD anxiolytic compound, which targets a selective population of GABAAR for improved therapeutic gain and reduced side effects.

Increasing stability of northern Austrian Lepidoptera populations over three decades

Abstract Agricultural intensification has led to landscape homogenisation across major parts of Europe and to reduced diversity in flora and fauna. In Central Europe, the species composition of major insect groups is increasingly dominated by a few ecologically generalist and mobile species. So far, however, the degree of stability of population sizes in today's anthropogenic landscapes in comparison to the pre‐Anthropocene has hardly been analysed. Here, we studied large museum records of Lepidoptera from northern Austria spanning the years 1990–2022 to infer trends in the stability of population sizes. On average, population dynamics decreased and stability increased significantly over time. This trend was most pronounced in lowland regions, where agricultural intensification transformed the former heterogeneous landscapes into intensively managed grasslands and fields. Community structures are now dominated by ubiquitous species. Habitat specialist species existing in isolated patches particularly decreased over time. A metapopulation structure appeared to have a stabilising effect on population dynamics. We conclude that reduced diversity and altered community composition might not only stem from selective population decline but also from altered patterns of population stochasticity. Higher population stability was associated with faunal homogenisation. Precise butterfly sensitivity analyses require long‐term data on average population sizes and on community composition.

Anaesthetic management of an infant with MEGD(H)EL syndrome undergoing cochlear implant

BackgroundThe syndrome has these features: 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (MEG), deafness(D), encephalopathy (E), Leigh-like syndrome (L). This disorder is caused by biallelic mutations in serine active site-containing protein 1 (SERAC1) gene. When these patients experience hepatopathy (H) in addition to the above manifestations, the syndrome is referred to as MEGD(H)EL. The pathology of this syndrome shares features with diverse types of inborn errors of metabolism.Case presentationWe discussed the anaesthetic management of an infant 2-year-old suffering from MEGD(H)EL syndrome undergoing cochlear implant. We discuss the pathology, genetics and significant aspects of this sporadic disease which is important for anaesthesiologist.ConclusionsThe usage of dexmedetomidine as the main anaesthetic drug might have the benefit of a non-triggering anaesthetic agent in patients with a mitochondrial disease. Mixture of dexmedetomidine and ketamine provide an effective combination for procedural sedation, predominantly in select populations who are at a high risk of perioperative complications due to underlying co-morbid conditions.

Combining Multi-kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoints Blockade in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pharmacotherapeutic Approach

Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), represents a significant global health burden with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. This article provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacotherapy for liver cancer, focusing on both established and emerging drugs. Current standard-of-care treatments, including sorafenib and lenvatinib, target key pathways involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis. However, their efficacy is often limited, prompting ongoing research into novel therapeutic approaches. Emerging immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, have shown promise in clinical trials, offering new avenues for personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, targeted therapies aimed at specific genetic alterations, such as FGFR inhibitors for FGFR-altered HCC, demonstrate potential for improved outcomes in select patient populations. These abstract highlights the evolving landscape of pharmacotherapy for liver cancer and underscores the need for further research to optimize treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Keywords Multi­kinase Inhibitors, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), Sorafenib

Concurrent Hospice in a Veteran's Affairs Dialysis Unit: A Single Center Experience and Lessons Learned over 4 Years.

End stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients until recently have been effectively excluded from receiving hospice benefits unless they withdraw from renal replacement therapy. Policy change has allowed select populations to receive concurrent hospice and hemodialysis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all deaths occurring from 2019 to 2022 among outpatient hemodialysis patients at our VA medical center. We compared clinical data and resource utilization between patients that were enrolled in concurrent hospice vs patients that were not enrolled in hospice. Our data suggests that among the hemodialysis population, enrollment in concurrent hospice services was not associated with increased healthcare resource utilization. This information may help increase enrollment in hospice among dialysis patients and promote optimal end of life care.

The Genomic SSR Millets Database (GSMDB): enhancing genetic resources for sustainable agriculture.

The global population surge demands increased food production and nutrient-rich options to combat rising food insecurity. Climate-resilient crops are vital, with millets emerging as superfoods due to nutritional richness and stress tolerance. Given limited genomic information, a comprehensive genetic resource is crucial to advance millet research. Whole-genome sequencing provides an unprecedented opportunity, and molecular genetic methodologies, particularly simple sequence repeats (SSRs), play a pivotal role in DNA fingerprinting, constructing linkage maps, and conducting population genetic studies. SSRs are composed of repetitive DNA sequences where one to six nucleotides are repeated in tandem and distributed throughout the genome. Different millet species exhibit genomic variations attributed to the presence of SSRs. While SSRs have been identified in a few millet species, the existing information only covers some of the sequenced genomes. Moreover, there is an absence of complete gene annotation and visualization features for SSRs. Addressing this disparity and leveraging the de-novo millet genome assembly available from the NCBI, we have developed the Genomic SSR Millets Database (GSMDB; https://bioinfo.icgeb.res.in/gsmdb/). This open-access repository provides a web-based tool offering search functionalities and comprehensive details on 6.747645 million SSRs mined from the genomic sequences of seven millet species. The database, featuring unrestricted public access and JBrowse visualization, is a pioneering resource for the research community dedicated to advancing millet cultivars and related species. GSMDB holds immense potential to support myriad studies, including genetic diversity assessments, genetic mapping, marker-assisted selection, and comparative population investigations aiming to facilitate the millet breeding programs geared toward ensuring global food security. Database URL: https://bioinfo.icgeb.res.in/gsmdb/.

Safety concerns associated with the use of benzodiazepines during MRI.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. This article examines the challenges associated with MRI, particularly focusing on patient anxiety and claustrophobic reactions that can lead to aborted scans. It discusses the use of anxiolytics, especially benzodiazepines, to manage these issues, while highlighting the potential risks of respiratory depression and other adverse outcomes in select patient populations.

PSATdb 2.0: a database of organellar common, polymorphic, and unique microsatellites.

Microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs), are repetitive DNA sequences typically composed of 1-6 nucleotides. These repetitive sequences are found in almost all genomes, including chloroplasts and mitochondria, and are widely distributed throughout the genomes. Microsatellites are highly polymorphic, and their length may differ from species to species. Consequently, microsatellites are widely used as molecular markers and play pivotal roles in various biological research. However, comprehensive information about the length variation of microsatellites in various organellar genome sequences is not available. Therefore, to provide mined information and explore the variability in the length of microsatellites across species, we developed a comprehensive resource named pSATdb 2.0 (polymorphic microSATellites database; https://bioinfo.icgeb.res.in/psatdb/ ). This upgraded version of its predecessor pSATdb provides comprehensive information on the frequency and distribution of 348,894 microsatellites identified in organellar genome sequences. These sequences originate from 15,681 organisms spanning 3252 genera within Metazoa and Viridiplantae. Remarkably, pSATdb 2.0 is the only database that offers information on common and polymorphic microsatellites detected between organisms, along with unique microsatellites specific to each genus. Furthermore, this database features unrestricted access and includes pioneer functionalities such as Advanced Search, BLAST, and JBrowse, which facilitate user-specific microsatellite search and its visualization within the database. The pSATdb holds immense potential for the research community to support diverse studies, including genetic diversity, genetic mapping, marker-assisted selection, and comparative population investigations.

Variations of the ulnar nerve within the ulnar tunnel and palm in a select South African population

BackgroundUlnar tunnel syndrome (UTS) is a rare peripheral neuropathy associated with the entrapment of the distal portion of the ulnar nerve (UN) in its course through the fibro-osseous ulnar tunnel (eponymously known as Guyon's canal) at the wrist. The UN within the ulnar tunnel is prone to injury or compression resulting in an UTS. Therefore, it is of clinical importance to know the anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the UN within the ulnar tunnel. UTS is characterised by sensory deficits and muscular weakness, impaired sensation of the volar fingertips, and weakness in grasping with intrinsic hand muscles. This study aimed to examine the anatomical variations of the UN in the palm of the hand within a select South African cadaveric population. MethodsThe variations in the branching patterns of the UN were examined in 81 cadavers (n = 162) and described according to the classification system of Murata et al. (2004) [10]. Communicating branches were classified according to their description in previous literature. The length of the ulnar tunnel was measured from the level of the pisiform bone to the level of the hook of hamate. ResultsThe branching pattern was found as Type 1 (52.9 %), Type 2 (34 %), Type 3 (2.7), Type 4 (6.5 %), Type 5 (3.9 %). Berrettini, Riche-Cannieu and Kaplan anastomoses were found in 51.6 %, 2 % and 3.3 % of specimens, respectively. ConclusionIt is important for surgeons to be aware of these anatomical variations as they may lead to misdiagnosis and complications during surgical procedures during the treatment of UTS.