Tailoring 3D modelling techniques for epigraphic texts restitution. Case studies in deteriorated roman inscriptions

Digital Image Modelling is becoming a standard approach in epigraphic studies, mostly expressed in the diffusion practice of research groups which want their materials being publicly accessible. However, there is an important lack of works which seek for the use of 3D tools to improve the epigraphic analysis and text reading. Therefore, this paper attempts to show the application of Photogrammetry Structure from Motion and Digital Image Modelling to 3D record and analyse inscriptions that are in poor state of preservation, aiming to resolve some text-restitution problems and contribute towards the definition of new methodologies in Roman epigraphy

A FRAP model to investigate reaction-diffusion of proteins within a bounded domain: a theoretical approach

Temporally and spatially resolved measurements of protein transport inside cells provide important clues to the functional architecture and dynamics of biological systems. Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) technique has been used over the past three decades to measure the mobility of macromolecules and protein transport and interaction with immobile structures inside the cell nucleus. A theoretical model is presented that aims to describe protein transport inside the nucleus, a process which is influenced by the presence of a boundary (i.e. membrane). A set of reaction-diffusion equations is employed to model both the diffusion of proteins and their interaction with immobile binding sites. The proposed model has been designed to be applied to biological samples with a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) equipped with the feature to bleach regions characterised by a scanning beam that has a radially Gaussian distributed profile. The proposed model leads to FRAP curves that depend on the on- and off-rates. Semi-analytical expressions are used to define the boundaries of on- (off-) rate parameter space in simplified cases when molecules move within a bounded domain. The theoretical model can be used in conjunction to experimental data acquired by CLSM to investigate the biophysical properties of proteins in living cells.Comment: 25 pages. Abstracts Proceedings, The American Society for Cell Biology, 46th Annual Meeting, December 9-13, 2006, San Dieg

Coilin interacts with Ku proteins and inhibits in vitro non-homologous DNA end joining

AbstractCoilin is a nuclear protein that plays a role in Cajal body formation. The function of nucleoplasmic coilin is unknown. Here we report that coilin interacts with Ku70 and Ku80, which are major players in the DNA repair process. Ku proteins compete with SMN and SmB′ proteins for coilin interaction sites. The binding domain on coilin for Ku proteins cannot be localized to one discrete region, and only full-length coilin is capable of inhibiting in vitro non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ). Since Ku proteins do not accumulate in CBs, these findings suggest that nucleoplasmic coilin participates in the regulation of DNA repair.Structured summaryMINT-8052983:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) physically interacts (MI:0915) with SmB′ (uniprotkb:P14678) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-8052941:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ku70 (uniprotkb:P12956) by competition binding (MI:0405)MINT-8052765:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ku80 (uniprotkb:P13010) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-8052971:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) physically interacts (MI:0915) with SMN (uniprotkb:Q16637) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-8052957:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ku80 (uniprotkb:P13010) by competition binding (MI:0405)MINT-8052894, MINT-8052908:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) binds (MI:0407) to Ku80 (uniprotkb:P13010) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-8052804:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ku80 (uniprotkb:P13010) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT-8052925:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) binds (MI:0407) to Ku70 (uniprotkb:P12956) by pull down (MI:0096)MINT-8052786:Ku80 (uniprotkb:P13010) physically interacts (MI:0914) with coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) and Ku70 (uniprotkb:P12956) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT-8052776:coilin (uniprotkb:P38432) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Ku70 (uniprotkb:P12956) by pull down (MI:0096

Medical Nutritional Therapy for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease not on Dialysis: The Low Protein Diet as a Medication

The 2020 Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in chronic kidney disease (CKD) recommends protein restriction to patients affected by CKD in stages 3 to 5 (not on dialysis), provided that they are metabolically stable, with the goal to delay kidney failure (graded as evidence level 1A) and improve quality of life (graded as evidence level 2C). Despite these strong statements, low protein diets (LPDs) are not prescribed by many nephrologists worldwide. In this review, we challenge the view of protein restriction as an "option" in the management of patients with CKD, and defend it as a core element of care. We argue that LPDs need to be tailored and patient-centered to ensure adherence, efficacy, and safety. Nephrologists, aligned with renal dietitians, may approach the implementation of LPDs similarly to a drug prescription, considering its indications, contra-indications, mechanism of action, dosages, unwanted side effects, and special warnings. Following this framework, we discuss herein the benefits and potential harms of LPDs as a cornerstone in CKD management

Morphological, molecular and pathogenic characterization of Phytophthora palmivora isolates causing black pod rot of cacao in Colombia

Aim of study: To characterize isolates of Phytophthora sp. causing black pod rot (BPR) of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.).Area of study: Eight cocoa-growing regions in Colombia.Material and methods: Sixty isolates of Phytophthora sp. were obtained from tissues of cacao pods showing symptoms of BPR. Isolates were characterized using the morphology of sporangia and chlamydospores, molecular sequencing of regions of nuclear DNA (rDNA-ITS) and mitochondrial (COX) and virulence in different genotypes of cocoa pods.Main results: A high phenotypic variability between the isolates was determined, being the pedicel length and the length/width ratio (L/W) the most stable characters for species identification. Short pedicels with an average of 3.13 μm ± 0.28 and a length/width ratio of sporangia (L/W) with an average of 1.55 μm ± 0.11 were established as the most consistent morphological characteristics within palmivora species.Research highlights: Phytophthora pamivora was the only species associated to BPR, identified using morphology together with sequence analyses

Diversidad de mariposas (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) y su relación con el paisaje de alta montaña en los Andes nororientales de Colombia

Diversitat de papallones (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) i la seva relació amb el paisatge d’alta muntanya als Andes nord-orientals de Colòmbia La regió andina es caracteritza per acollir una gran varietat d’ecosistemes entre els quals es compten les característiques zones d’alta muntanya, que mostren processos de transformació del sòl accelerats que han convertit els boscos natius en zones agrícoles i ramaderes, la qual cosa ha ocasionant un declivi de la diversitat biològica regional. L’ús d’indicadors de diversitat és adequat per avaluar els canvis en els paisatges d’alta muntanya i les papallones són un dels grups més importants per determinar els canvis que es produeixen en els diferents tipus d’ambients. A l’àrea d’estudi es van establir dotze punts de mostreig als complexos d’erms d’Almorzadero, Santurbán i Tamá de la regió nord-oriental de Colòmbia. Durant la fase de mostreig es van practicar captures d’individus adults de papallones en transsectes de 100 x 4 m en un gradient altitudinal de 500 m. Es van registrar 69 espècies, pertanyents a cinc famílies. Els valors de diversitat de la comunitat de papallones diürnes van variar a les diferents cobertures vegetals associades a cada transsecte. Així, les àrees amb cobertura vegetal conservada (per exemple, bosc dens, arbustos i matolls i erm i suberm) van presentar els valors més alts de diversitat, mentre que les zones amb cobertura alterada (per exemple, bosc fragmentat, pastures i àrees agrícoles) van presentar els valors de diversitat més baixos. Les anàlisis d’estructura de comunitats evidencien que les espècies de papallones endèmiques estan associades a àrees fragmentades a les zones d’alta muntanya. Aquest estudi és el primer del seu tipus que estableix canvis en la diversitat de les papallones en zones d’alta muntanya del nord-est de Colòmbia i s’ha fet amb el propòsit de generar estratègies de conservació en llocs que presenten un alt grau d’endemisme i diversitat.Diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) and their relationship with the highlands’ landscape in the northeastern Andes of Colombia The Andean region harbors a great variety of ecosystems, including the characteristic high mountain zones. The biological diversity in these zones, however, is declining as the result of changes in land use, particularly the introduction of agriculture and cattle ranching. Changes in the high mountain landscape can be appropriately monitored using diversity indicators such as butterflies, one of the most important indicator species. We chose twelve sampling points in the paramo (high altitude moor) complexes Almorzadero, Santurbán and El Tamá, located in the northeastern region of Colombia to collect adult butterflies within transects of 100 x 4 m, along an altitudinal gradient of 500 m. We recorded 69 species, from five families. Diversity values of the diurnal butterfly communities varied among  the different areas of vegetation coverage associated with each transect. Conserved vegetation coverage (i.e. dense forest, scrublands and scrublands, and paramo and subparamo) showed the highest values of diversity, while  perturbed coverage (i.e. fragmented forests, pastures and agriculture areas) presented the lowest values of diversity. Analysis of the community structure showed that endemic butterfly species were associated with fragmented areas in the high mountains. Findings from this study, the first of its kind to determine changes in butterfly diversity in highlands in northeastern Colombia, may help to generate conservation strategies in places where there is high endemism and diversityLa región andina se caracteriza por albergar una gran variedad de ecosistemas entre los que se cuentan las características zonas de alta montaña, que muestran acelerados procesos de transformación del suelo que han convertido los bosques nativos en zonas agrícolas y ganaderas ocasionando un declive de la diversidad biológica regional. El empleo de indicadores de diversidad es adecuado para evaluar los cambios en los paisajes de alta montaña, siendo las mariposas uno de los grupos más importantes para determinar los cambios que se producen en los diferentes tipos de ambientes. En el área de estudio se establecieron doce puntos de muestreo en los complejos de páramos del Almorzadero, Santurbán y Tamá de la región nororiental de Colombia. Durante la fase de muestreo se realizaron capturas de individuos adultos de mariposas en transectos de 100 x 4 m en un gradiente altitudinal de 500 m. Se registraron 69 especies, pertenecientes a cinco familias. Los valores de diversidad de la comunidad de mariposas diurnas variaron en las diferentes coberturas vegetales asociadas a cada transecto. Así, las áreas con cobertura vegetal conservada (por ejemplo, bosque denso, arbustos y matorrales y páramo y subpáramo) presentaron los valores más altos de diversidad, mientras que las zonas con cobertura alterada (por ejemplo, bosque fragmentado, pastos y áreas agrícolas) presentaron los valores de diversidad más bajos. Los análisis de estructura de comunidades evidencian que las especies de mariposas endémicas están asociadas a áreas fragmentadas en las zonas de alta montaña. Este estudio es el primero de su tipo que establece cambios en la diversidad de las mariposas en zonas de alta montaña del nordeste de Colombia y se ha realizado con el propósito de generar estrategias de conservación en lugares que presentan un alto grado de endemismo y diversidad

Cardiovascular disease risk assessment in patients with familial Mediterranean fever related renal amyloidosis

Chronic inflammation and proteinuria is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney diseases and rheumatologic disorders. Our aim was to investigate the CVD events (CVDEs) and survival between the patients with FMF-related AA amyloidosis and glomerulonephropathies (GN) to define possible predictors for CVDEs. A prospective follow-up study with FMF-amyloidosis and glomerulonephropathy (GN) was performed and patients were followed for CVDEs. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), FGF-23, serum lipid, hsCRP levels, BMI and HOMA were assessed. A Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for CVDEs. There were 107 patients in the FMF-amyloidosis group and 126 patients with GN group. Forty-seven CVDEs were observed during the 4.2-years follow up; all 28 patients in the FMF-amyloidosis group and 14/19 patients with GN developed CVDEs before the age of 40 (p = 0.002). CVD mortality was 2.8 times higher (95% CI 1.02–7.76) in patients with FMF-amyloidosis. Across both groups, FMD and FGF23 (p < 0.001) levels were independently associated with the risk of CVDEs. Patients with FMF-amyloidosis are at increased risk of early CVDEs with premature mortality age. FGF 23, FMD and hsCRP can stratify the risk of early CVD in patients with FMF-related AA amyloidosis

Clinical Management of Hyperkalemia

© 2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte abnormality with potentially life-threatening consequences. Despite various guidelines, no universally accepted consensus exists on best practices for hyperkalemia monitoring, with variations in precise potassium (K+) concentration thresholds or for the management of acute or chronic hyperkalemia. Based on the available evidence, this review identifies several critical issues and unmet needs with regard to the management of hyperkalemia. Real-world studies are needed for a better understanding of the prevalence of hyperkalemia outside the clinical trial setting. There is a need to improve effective management of hyperkalemia, including classification and K+ monitoring, when to reinitiate previously discontinued renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) therapy, and when to use oral K+-binding agents. Monitoring serum K+ should be individualized; however, increased frequency of monitoring should be considered for patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, or a history of hyperkalemia and for those receiving RAASi therapy. Recent clinical studies suggest that the newer K+ binders (patiromer sorbitex calcium and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) may facilitate optimization of RAASi therapy. Enhancing the knowledge of primary care physicians and internists with respect to the safety profiles of these newer K+ binders may increase confidence in managing patients with hyperkalemia. Lastly, the availability of newer K+-binding agents requires further study to establish whether stringent dietary K+ restrictions are needed in patients receiving K+-binder therapy. Individualized monitoring of serum K+ among patients with an increased risk of hyperkalemia and the use of newer K+-binding agents may allow for optimization of RAASi therapy and more effective management of hyperkalemia

Is socioeconomic status associated with biological aging as measured by telomere length?

It has been hypothesized that one way in which lower socioeconomic status (SES) affects health is by increasing the rate of biological aging. A widely used marker of biological aging is telomere length. Telomeres are structures at the ends of chromosomes that erode with increasing cell proliferation and genetic damage. We aimed to identify, through systematic review and meta-analysis, whether lower SES (greater deprivation) is associated with shorter telomeres. Thirty-one articles, including 29 study populations, were identified. We conducted 3 meta-analyses to compare the telomere lengths of persons of high and low SES with regard to contemporaneous SES (12 study populations from 10 individual articles), education (15 study populations from 14 articles), and childhood SES (2 study populations from 2 articles). For education, there was a significant difference in telomere length between persons of high and low SES in a random-effects model (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.060, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.002, 0.118; P = 0.042), although a range of sensitivity analyses weakened this association. There was no evidence for an association between telomere length and contemporaneous SES (SMD = 0.104, 95% CI: −0.027, 0.236; P = 0.119) or childhood SES (SMD = −0.037, 95% CI: −0.143, 0.069; P = 0.491). These results suggest weak evidence for an association between SES (as measured by education) and biological aging (as measured by telomere length), although there was a lack of consistent findings across the SES measures investigated here

Coilin levels modulate cell cycle progression and γH2AX levels in etoposide treated U2OS cells

AbstractCoilin is considered the Cajal body (CB) marker protein. In this report, we investigated the role of coilin in the DNA damage response and found that coilin reduction correlated with significantly increased levels of soluble γH2AX in etoposide treated U2OS cells. Additionally, coilin levels influenced the proliferation rate and cell cycle distribution of cells exposed to etoposide. Moreover, coilin overexpression inhibited nucleolar localization of endogenous coilin in etoposide treated U2OS cells. Collectively, these data provide additional evidence for coilin and CBs in the DNA damage response